LATE TELEGRAMS.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent.) The weekly mining re , a Thisday «>y important Ss P °l* tS d° not dlsclose Lithofracfcurc in „.„. / . 1 „ P , coming into eerier . , °_, Bun Powder is it being much r ** US<i touting purposes, *ban^npoh-- ae J r 10re Pavverfu-1 and economical

NELSON.

Uer Press Telegram Agency.)

tt •-. Tnis day. •nouse Burned.-Insurance £2,000. _ A r eJ4 > 80licit0r'8 house was burnt; down sco-day. Being outside the boundary of water ■service nothing could be done fco stop the nm + 6u' by the exertions of those present %o n™- furnlfcm-e was saved. Insurance, .*_,ooo in the New Zealand office. Representative Firing. xne colonial represent ative firing by city :riries: Grossman, 99 and 100; Barnes, 88 and 90 ; C. Buro.^ 91 and S3.

CHRISTCHURCH.

{Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day The Waimate Steeplechase is fixed for the 3rd of May.

The following are the highest scorerg in the preliminary comoetition for infantry representatives :— Manning, S8 ; Parsons, S2 ; Beathe, 77 ; Marshall, 75 ; Piercey, 75. In is intended to carry out the regatta on the Heathcote estuary during February or March. Agitation against the recent appointment of Malet to the Registrarship of the Suprer- Court continvies. And it is reported " -*<j bf s resigned in consequence. ' -Malefc

WANGANUI.

(^er _-ress Telegram Agency.) w This day. .Representative Firing, hive members of the Wanganui Volunteers who qualified in the first stage for represen tatives firing, completed their firing to-day, ano: all passed the minimum. Total scores : Ari?strong» 176 ; J. Parnell, 174 ; Lord, lj3 ; Churton, 169 j G. H. Armstrong 165.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) *t_ tt tt This day. J £ Pper Futfc section of the Wellington and Masterto Q line wiu be taken over from the co_trar. toa in a few d lt j. to be opened r n the lst Febmarv<

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

BIOH W*TER—Thin aftornoon, 8.21; to-morrow morning, 8 37

BTJN Mr-Thin evening, 7.9 BTJN RISE—To morrow morning. 5 17 MOON'S AGE—First Quarter, 3rd Feb, 1 32 p m

ARRIVALS.

Wellington, s s, Carey, from the South

DEPARTURES.

IMPORTS,

Per s s. Wellington from the South : 1 truss. 2 cases, 37 rases, 1 piano, S7 bale* wool.—R. F. Wheeler, agent-.

TRIAL TRIP OF THE DURHAM.

The trial trip of the neat little screw steamer Durham jnst built by Messrs Bo'mes Bros, at the North Shore, came off in harbour yesterday and resulted satisfactorily. The Durham has to a certain extent been constrncted out of the ruins of the old Challenger, the paddle-steamer which came to grief in the gale of February 7th, 1874. What ■was sound in the hull of that vessel has heen added to and built upon till the result is seen in an entirely new steamer 100 ft by 12ft Sin broad, and 7ft 9in deep, with a registei ed tonnage of about 50. Sho has been built with due regard to f legance and speed. Per engines have been built by Messrs Price Brothers, of Grahamstown. and are on the high pressure principle, the bieh and low pressure cylinders being 13J and 22 inches in diameter respectively. The nower is nominally 46 horse power. The boiler, which has been constructed by Mr R. H". Yeomans, is multitubular and will sustain a much ■greater pressure than it will be subjected to. A notable feature about the new- steamer is her good cabin accommodation. The salcon is amidships and measures 24 feet in length indenendent of a pantry ■which adjoins it. The fittings are in an elegaut style ; the seats have swing backs The ladies' cabin is 1G fee', long and the steerage catin 14 feet long. Tbis is ample space on deck for the comfort of passengers and good quarters for thn crew. Altogether sh* is one ol the most complete little beats we have had fitted out in Auckland and will make a valuable addition to Messrs. Holmes Bro'hers' fleet. The tiio yesterday was a very agreeable sne, and the machinery working well, a speed pf nine knots wan developed, but even this it is anticipated by lha owners will be improved upon considerably. Cantain Alex Farquhar will take command, with Mr William Holmes as engineer The Du'ham takes tit> the Thames trade at once in the placa of the HiuraM. She will also make periodical visits to the Ffot Springe, starting from Grahamstown each Saturday morning, calling at Auckland, and proceeding thence to Waiwera, re turning by the same route on Monday morning.

The clipper schooner Albatross has arrived at Wangapoa after a capital run of 4 days from Napier. - The Sappho man-of-war arrived in the Manukau yesterday. Since heaving Aucklaud shells visited nearly all the Northern ports, both on the East and "West Coast She is the first of Her Majesty's ships which has crossed tbe Manukau bar since tbe ivreck of the ill-fated Orpheus with loss of all hands. The Sappho will remain at Onehunga for some weeks. The barque Moneynick arrived in Melbourne on on the 12th after a passage of fourteen days. " The s.s Wellington arrived in the Manukau to-day. Passengers—Mrs Mowbray, Mrs Lloyd; Messrs Rosk rnge, Owen. J. Reid. Paris ; Revs. Lawry, Montgomery Summer; Misses Kate Davy, Cleghorn and four in tha steerage.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mb Alfmd Buckland's Weekly Repobt.— Sheep fair: At the sheep fair held on Monday, at Remuera. the numher penned, about 10,000, was above the average. Lambs were not so numerous as last year, but there was a much larger number of two and four-tooth ewes of a pood class. The attendance ■was not so full as on previous years, and bidding was comparatively dull. Yet the prices realised were hither than was expected by either buyer or seller. First-class ewes were lower in price, all others fully as high, and in many instances higher than last year's sale, and one pen only remained unsold of those catalogued The show of stock on Wednesday was a great improvement on last year's sale, there being a number of imported stock sold, and not so many infe»ior animals penned. With one exception, that, of Mr Thsmas Russell, whose sheep were sold in the Waikato' and brought from £3 to £21 14s Bd, averag ing £6 lis Cd—nil our principal ram breeders were represented. The rams in several of the flocks shewed a want of roominess and frame, which occa sioned their lower values ; and the marked improve ment in price when any superior animals were offered was very satisfactory. At bemuera, on Thursday, dairy cows were at higher values. Store cattle in limited numhws and steady demand. Pat cattl* in full supply , 150 head penned, last week's prices were obtained. Fat sheep in less than usual numbers; 300 sild; no alteration in values. Lambs plentiful, and lower in price than last week. Prices given were:— Hairy cows, at pr; fit, £9 to £12 ; dry cows. £3 l»s to £6 ; calves. 28s to 45s ; 18-months steers. £4 5" to £4 12s 6d each; fat cattle, 25s 6d to 32s 61 the 1001b; fat sheep, 2Jd to 3d the lb ; lambs 8s to 15s each.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thames this day at 53C p m For "Whitianga. Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, on "Monday at 4 pm For Waiwera, Mahurangi. Matakana, Mangawai, "Waipu, etc, per Minnie Casey, this day at 7 pm For Napier, Southern provinces, and Australian colonies, per City of San Francisco, five hours after arrival N.B. —The mails which are usually made up at this office on Saturday will this week be closed on Friday at 7 p m (Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News and The Echo.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1876

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tlie wromj that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the i:ood that wc eau do.

The failure of our marksmen to qualify the four men allowed the province under the con ditions regulating the colonial rifle tourna ment is attributable to causes altogether re moved from the question of their ability to compete upon equal terms with their compeers in the South or at the Thames. The system of fixing a high mini mum number of points necessary to qualify a representative has resulted in habitual swindling at the preliminary firings, which is demoralising to the men and des tructive of anything like fair play. It is notorious that the scores recorded in connec tion with many of these preliminary firings, outside of Auckland, were never legitimately made. The Govern ment require that a certain minimum number of points shall be reached, and matters are arranged by markers accordingly, so that at any rate the district shall qualifiy the full number of its representatives and spare men. We do not hesitate to say that no marksman in the colony could undertake to make the Government minimum twice running with the short snider rifle ; to ask men, therefore, to rest their claim to fire in the colonial competition upon their ability to make that number of points is not only unfair but is a direct inducement to the dod gery which actually takes place, and in which the Auckland men, who are kept under the strict eye of Major Gordon, come out second best. Why a minimum of this kind should be fixed at all we are at a loss to conceive. If Auckland, on the basis of the number of Volunteers, is entitled to four representa tives and a limited number of extra men, the four highest scorers should be accepted as the properly qualified men ; and the chances are that tbe best marksmen will, in most in stances, come uppermost. The result of yes terdays firing shews this, for four of the most reliable shots in the province have, beyond all question, come to the top. We might as well question the right of the All England eleven or of any member of it to claim a leading place in the cricketing world on the ground of low scores they have made in certain matches, as deny the claims of Messrs. Skinner, Kelly, and Leigh to rank as marksmen of the first-class. In shooting no less than in cricket the scoring, under special circumstances, is frecmently below the average. An instance of purely accidental misses occurred yester day in connection with the firing of the Colonial Champion, who twice failed to get on the target at the 400 yards range, a thing which would probably not occur with him once in twenty competitions. The qualifica tions for the Queen's prize at Wimbledon is not based on any minimum score, but the highest sixty scorers in previous matches are entitled to compete. We contend that tbe Government minimum is not merely useless

but is exceedingly mischievous in its work ing, and we farther maintain that in the present competition it has been an absolute barrier to even a reasonable chance of Auckland qualifying tho allotted num ber of representatives. The short snider is four inches shorter than the long rifles used in other pai ts of the colony, and is thus a very much inferior weapon, especially at the long, ranges. In the test made on the 9fch of November last between the relative merits of the 10. g Enfield formerly in use, and tbe abort snider, a difference of 93 points in tho match was sdiewn in favour of the Enfickl Yet the conditions of qualifying, already sufficiently difficult, were rendered more severe this year by compelling competitors to make the former minimum at two competitions in succession. Major Gordon was aware of the injustice of this months before tho firing took place^ and, wo are informed, urged the Government, without, avail, to reduce tho standard. It is his duty now to make a very strong protest against adherence to a policy so tr" those members of the V^ "*lj" have spent aT- . -unteer forCe who nre „, —"'g9 portion of their time in for the test of yesterday. Unless this is done and the rules are relaxed, the volunteer cause in Auckland will suffer very serious injury.

Communication through the Cook's Strait 3 Cable has .at length been restored, and we hope the business of tho telegraph depart ment will soon get into its wonted order agaio. The break has been a great source of inconvenience to business' men, who now carry on mercantile transactions very largely by wire instead of by the slow and cumber some mode of correspondence.

The verdicts at the inquests in the two cases of sudden death yesterday were nearly the same. In the case of James Wehley, Dr Hooper thought after a post mortem examination of the body, that Webley died of English choler;?,. The jury having briefly considered the evidence returned " died from natural causes." In the case of John Mackenzie, the seaman who dropped dead on board the Charybdis, Dr Dawson was of opinion that violent muscular exertion caused hemorrhage from rupture of tbe left auricle. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony that •' death resulted from rupture of tho heart."

Sir. Osmund Lewis, whoso name is known in connection with the Christian Young Men's Association, and the Good Samaritan Templars, is we regret to learn lying iv the Provincial Hospital, suffering from drousy.

We have much pleasure in commending the following moderato suggestion : — Sir, — as one employed in a shop nine hours daily for five days a week and fourteen hours on Saturdays, allow me on behalf of myself and fellow employes to remonstrate with. Mr Coombes on his present course of action, which will have the effect of breaking up all the established holidays and depriving us of any opportunity for healthful recreation. It is only during the sunny days of summer that we can enjoy this pleasure, which is absolutely necessary to maintain men in health and vi^or to enable them successfully to perform the duties of their Bedutary and tedious occupation ; and without wishing in any way to infringe on the rights and liberty of the subject, I would appeal to the manly sympatny of Mr Coombes (who has been in the same position himself) to assist us by co operating with all the other employers in agreeing to close their establishments on the undermentioned days, which would finally settle the mutter, as, viz. : Prince of Wales Birthday, Christmas and Boxing Day, New Year's Day and the day following, January _9 (Anniversary Day), Good Friday, and Queen's Birthday. It is only eight days in the year, aud if all agree to close, the public will be prepared for it, and one tradesman will not have any advantage over the other. —I remain, etc., EMPLOYEE.

The ordinary meeting of the members of the Education Board was held yesterday afternoon. Mr Prime in the chair, when a number of letters and: applications wereopened and heard. A letter was read from Mr Wortbington of City East, aakingfor £17 13s for expenses incurred, and fees remitted in connection with his training class, at the same time asking the Board to appoint him the training master for junior assistant teacher, and that £100 be granted to cover the expenses of such a school. The application was granted on certain conditions to be furnished by the Inspector of Schools. The committee of City West, No. 2, agi*eed to take over the school of the Industrial Home. An applica tion to have the building of the Grammar School whitewashed, at a cost of £10 10s, was agreed to. The report of the Building Committee was read and adopted.

Among the Australian telegrams we notice the death of a man named Hare, who was found dead at Adelaide with a loaded pistol beside him. The deceased is reported to be the nephew of the late Professor Maurice, consequently he was nephew to the celebrated brothers Hare, of Sussex, England, the authors of "Guesses at Truth," a remark able production and well worth reading.

The committee of the New Zealand Men Servant's Association will open offices in Queen-street in the course of next week as registry and general business offices.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging £1 for Mrs Mulgrove from Dr. Kenderdine.

We are glad to learn that Mr Moat has withdrawn his protest against the Puhoi votes in the Rodney election. We believed that mature consideration would "bring him to the conclusion that objection should have been raised against these votes when the roll was under revision, and not after an elec tion. Mr Moat has no occasion to take his defeat to heart. Rodney would have failed in its duty had it done otherwise. We are glad to find that the tender of Messrs. Masefield and Co. has been ac cepted for the construction of the large pipes required by the Thames Pumping Association at Grahamstown. It is a matter of congratulation that our local tradesmen during these slack times are enabled to keep their hands employed. In answer to an application made by His Worship the Mayor to the Colonial Treasurer respecting the subsidy promised to Corpora tions, a reply has been received that the returns having been made up, the amount will be remitted in two instalments—the first on tbe Ist of February, and the balance on-the Ist March. This will no doubt relieve the citizens from someextia rates on account of payments of interest in water supply, loan, &c. The annual meeting of Trinity Church, Otahuhu, was held on Monday in the school room, the Rev. F. Gould in the chair. The report shewed that tbe debt on the Church had been cleared ©ff during tbe year and £129 4s 7dpaid on the stipend account. The balance for the past year would be made up, but the deficit of £15 4s 9d from the previous year remained unprovided for. Tbe cost of repairing the parsonage would be £100. The Sunday-school under Mr Fairburn's superin tendence is prospering. It is intended to form a branch of the Church Temperance Association in connection with the congrega tion. Tbe total receipts for the year were £241 14s 9d. On the motion of Mr Johnston the reports were adopted. Mr C. H. Bowden was elected parish warden, and Mr Luke re nominated by the pastor. Messrs Taylor, Hall, -Fairburn, Plumley, Bush, Calvert, Johnston, and Wills were elected vestrymen, and Messrs. Hotham and Day auditors. Votes); of; thanks to committee, choir, and teachers concluded tbe business.

To the Editor : Sir, —Church meetings are probably more frequently rather prosy than humorous, so no doubt your informant had tha best intentions when forwarding to you the account of the "amusing scene at the annual meeting of the Congregation of Triait y Church, Davonporr. But it'v. ould be bett^ in future, fot- your correspmdent to adhere lees to romance and more to truth when dealing with such reports. —I am etc., Ben jamin Tanner.

A match at pigeon shooting between Capfc. Kennedy Hill, of Waikato, and Mr Middle ton of the Hamlcy Gun Club, took place today ;« Eilerslie Gardens' for £__ aside, iiie result had not reached its up to the time ot going to pres3.

W* man named Charles HM was brought to the police station this afternoon on a charge of forgery. He was arrested at New Plymouth, and will appear at the Police Court in the morning' to answer for the offence

THE MURDER AT EPSOM.

to i- te t ; me we write the Maori who murdered Packer is still at large. Yester day, in addition to the police, Mr John Kelly, Mr P. Wynyard, Mr T. Brown, Mr Gwynne and other gentlemen were busily occupied in the search, hut without effeot. Tho police were indefatigable. After their search at the farm, Sub-Inspector Pardy and his party having beard from Mr John Kelly that two persons had seen "Harry" going towards Orakei, started off for that settlement. Paul was not at home, or no doubt he would have rendered A'aluable asf-istance in the search. The other natives appeared rather unwilling to say anything. The party heard from the master of a cutter near the bridge that a Maori resembling Pakeha Harry had cro°sed that morning. A women also said positively that she had seen him. After beating Sellars' Hush for some hours, it was decided to £/ive it up for the nishfc- The settlers about the place were warned of the visitor who was supposed to be near them, and no doubt they would keep a good look out. The party returned to town at a late hour in the eveninc Wo should correct an important error which, owing to the haste with which our report had to be collated, crept into our account yesterday. Tho girl Sutton, at Mr Cleghorn's, heard the deceased call out to the murderer, " Hallo, Harry, where are you off to ?" and did not call it out herself, as erroneously stated by us. This is an important point, for it fixes to within a quarter of a hour the lime of tho perpetration of the deed, which must have been directly after this, say about a quarter pa<<t four, and also proves to a certainty that tbe grave in the lane must have been dug before the com mission of tbe erirno. The number of con flicting reports received by tho police is very great, and if credence were given to all of them, the murderer has been seen in at least half-a-dozen places at the same time. At two o'clock a report was circulated in town that tbe man was taken but at that time the police knew nothing about it at head quarters. THE INQUEST on t'-e body takes place at 4 p.m. to-day at the Prince Arthur Hotel, Epsom. It will be a purely formal affair, and is sure to be . adjourned after sufficient evidence has been taken to justify the burying of the body. SubTnspeetor Pardy started again for Orakei at three o'clock this morning, accompanied by Constables Clark and Gamble, with the intention of scouring the bnsh round about that quarter. No report has yet been re ceived from him.

The boy Vercoe was seen by Detective Jeffrey at his house, near Henderson's Mill, and reiterated his statement as to having seen a Maori resembling "Harry," the murderer, riding a bay horse post haste past the mill at Riverhead. His statement is corroborated by a servant girl at Mr Vercoe's. The boy described the dress of the Maori he saw, without hearing how the murrlererwas dressed. We learn that Detective Jeffrey believes the boy's story, and is confident that the murderer has passed in tbat direction. He is now busy hunting up the settlers to ascertain if any of them saw the man. At the hotel at Henderson's mill there were a a lot of people, but, strange to say, none of them saw anything of the fopittve. The settlers along the road at Furley's bridge have not seen anything of a Maori on horse back passing through, and it is concluded that he did not take that road. Constable Bnllen has mado all possible enquiries at Kiverbead and Kumea Flats, but could glean nothing of importance. Detective Grace has scoured Titirangißanpes,but with equnllybar renresult. Duringyesterday,Detective Jeffrey made his way to the West Coast, and des cribed the murderer and his diabolical crime to Maoris there. They promised to give their assistance towards his capture. The latest enquiries tend to confirm the supposi tion that Harry belorgs to the Taranaki tribe one side, and the Waikato on the other. If this is tbe case he would get very little sympathy from the Kaipara natives.

This afternoon the Government have tele graphed instructions to the head of the police here to advertise a reward of £100 for the apprehension of the murderer. This will no doubt act aa a useful incentive to the searchers.

STOPPAGE OF ROTORUA SURVEYS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir,—Having heard that Mr Edward O'Meara, surveyor, made certain state ments at Wellington, regarding the stoppage of the Rotorua surveys by Government, to the effect that he had been prevented from finishing the survey of the lands leased to Mr Fitzgerald, by the natives of Rotorua, " and not by the Government," I can certify tbat the natives never attempted to molest either Mr O'Meara or any of his party during the time he was engaged surveying the land leased by the natives to Mr Fitz gerald. Mr O'Meara openly confessed that he was prevented from completing the survey by a body of Armed Constabulary sent by Captain Bluett to stop his work. I was afterwards told by the natives that they were much struck by the action taken by Government in interrupting the surveys in the immediate vicinity of Rotorua. No native ever spoke to Mr O'Meara about giving up the survey. Some of the principle chiefs did their best to induce bim to go on with the survey of Mr Fitzgerald's lands, but Mr O'Meara left the ground. It is just this. Mr O'Meara received several sums of money from Mr Fitzgerald on account of these surveys, which I am led to believe he denies. I enclose copy of a telegram sent by Mr O'Meara to the Hon. D. Maclean, which I request you will publish in your next issue. It is tolerably well known to Govern ment that by the stoppage of the Rotorua surveys and taking away my license, they have deprived me from getting the money due to me by Mr Fitzgerald and others for negotiating the leases of the Rotorua lands, as well as preventing me from recovering any of tbe money I spent in carry ing out these leases with tbe natives, amounting to over three hundred pounds sterling.—l am, sir, yours truly,

Baroist C. de Thierry. High-street, 17th January, 1876. " Rotorua, September 3, 1873. "ToHonble. D. McLean, Wellington.

*' The Ngatiwhakane insist on my pushing the survey of the lands, according to agree ment leased to Mr Fitzgerald. They threaten to detain my provisions, instruments, etc., if I stop. I will offer no opposition to the wish of the Government, but will expect compen sation for heavy expenses incurred and loss of time, as I was employed by the natives and Mr Fitzgerald prior to the suspension of the act. Further particulars sent to Mr O'Rorke by post waiting a reply. " (Signed) Edward O'Meara."

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

At the Police Court to-day, before justices, Geo ge Waite, Thomas Leaby, William Cobb, and James Leahy were chargedwith assault ing John Howe in the riot which occurn d at tbe Occidental Hotel on Sunday morning. Leahy did not appear; and a warrant was ordered to issue. Cobb pleaded guilty, the others notl guilty. After hearing the evidence including that of the accused, the Bench fined Cobb 20s or 24 hours* and discharged the others, although Bowe disticcly swore that it was Waite who had kicked him in such a manner. A youth, 14 years old, named William Brown, a butcher boy, was1 dangerously kicked in the groin to-day while mounting his horse.

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This da

The Rowena has just left for Auckland. Much anxiety was felt here yesterday at the dalay on the coast, whither she had been cruising the last four days much to tbe chagrin of a gieat number of official and commercial passengers waiting to proceed to Auckland.

The weather appears to be taking up, but too late to save tho wheat crop. ---• Mr Kelly ex-member, proceeds to Auck land this morning for the purpose of taking proceedings on charge of bribery and corrup at Opotiki during the recent election against Captain Morris.

NAPIER.

(From our own Coirespondent.) This day,

Election of Karaitiana.

The Government party is greatly excited over the return of Karaitiana. Mr Locke, Beturning Officer, refused to declare the poll to-day until he communicates to the Govern ment; as to whether the election was illegal, owing to the Beturnine Offi<;er on the hast Coast not being able to cross the river to take votes. An attempt will be made to upset the election.

The fraternity of Wellington book-makers have arrived for the races.

PORT CHALMERS.

(From our own-correspondent.) This day, Oamaru from London.

Arrived : Albion Company's ship Oamaru fromjj London, S8 days out. Experienced in different winds throughout the pasiage. She brings 1,400 tons of general cargo, and 18 passengers. Ppoke the ship Hudson, bound for Napier, on 18th ; lat. 14rleg. N. and long. 22 W. Arrival from New York. The Ned White, brigantine, arrived from New York, 106 days, with very poor winds at the beginning and end of the passage, heavy easterly gales after. She is 551 tons register, and carries over 1,000 tons cargo. She has 900 tons on board now, two thirds for Dunedin, aud one-third for Wel lington.

DUNEDIN.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) Thursday,

The Colonial Bank

The third half-yearly meeting of the share holders of the Colonial Bank was held this afternoon. The report, which was unani mously adopted, shewed balance for last half-year £4.723, making a total sum for dis posal of £9,847, to be dealt with as follows : —To writing off in full the preliminary ex penses, £6,228 ; to balance carried forward to next half-year, £3,619. Amount of paid up captital, £254,812 The chairman said the gross profits for last half-year from the whole of the New Zealand offices were £18,975, tbe expenses were £13,170, and £500 had been wiped off doubtful debts. Oyster Catching. A fisherman was fined this morning £2 and costs for selling oysters during the close season. This Day. The prospectus of the ClutJta Times Com pany is published. The capital will be £2000, the paper to be bi-weekly. The names of the best men in the Clutba district are on the provisional directory. Mr Stout is one of the directors. It will advocate provincialist policy.

WELLINGTON.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] Thursday, Recovery of the Cable.

During tbe day the Luna picked up the White Bay end of the cable, and made a splice. They then began paying out, and by 5.30 was alongside the Egmont, which was riding to the other end. The Tui was detained for several hours by the Luna, and no Southern telesrams were received in town all day. At 6.30 p.m, got both ends of the cable on board the Luna, and commenced splicing. It is expected that the job will be completed by to-morrow morning early. The tests shew tbe cable to be in good order throughout.

THE HOLIDAY TO-MORROW.

A tjeversipied bill of fare has been prepared forthe benefit of those who are preparing to enjoy Anniversary Day. The Regatta, Eilerslie Sports, Papakura Races, School Pic nics, excursions to Kaipara and to Mercer, Engineer band and Templar water-parties, etc., give ample scope for making a day of it.

THE REGATTA.

The general entries for this important annual aquatic festival were received by the com mittee last night. We are happy to state that in spite of gloomy forebodings the entries compare more favourably with past years than was anticipated. Post entries will be received of craft not in the harbour at the time of general entry. If ihe weather permits, the first race will be started at nine o'clock to-morrow morning. A gun will be fired from the flag-ship at eight o'clock to indicate that the regatta will come off. Dur ing the day the Devonport will run between the flag-ship and the wharf to convey pas sengers.

fltTbe following are our selections for the principal races :—

Schooner race : Jessie Henderson. Larger cutter race : Mercury. Smaller cutter race : Undine or Avon. Yachts G to 10 tons: Energy or Good Templar if qualified.

Smaller yachts : Mystery, upen boats—very open race: Probably Pembroke or The Brothers.

Outriggers: North Shore crew. Senior amateurs; Auckland R.C. Junior amateurs : Magenta R.C or Auckland R.«C. The large Yacht Race and the Scullers' Race have fallen through,

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

In addition to the ordinary great attractions to be found at these delightful gardens to-morrow, an interesting series of sports will take place. An advertisement calling attention to the floral and other beauties to be seen in the gardens will be found else where It is hardly necessary to expatiate upon tha suitability of these lovely gardens for enabling ladies and children spending a happy day. The following is the programme of the sports: Anniversary Cup. First prize, £15 ; second prize, £5 ; third prize, £2. First Stage- 100 yds. Ist Heat at 1 p m 2nd Heat at 1.15 p m Geo Waite, scratch R. Brennan, IKyds E. Nolan, 3yds E. O'Hare, 3^yds J. Phillips 3&yds Jas Regan. 4yds G. M. Field, syds F. Gibson, 6yds Po_e Jumping at 1.30 p.m. First prise, £3; second prize, £l. Entries 2s 6d on tho ground. ' Final Heat 100 Yards, at 2.15 pm The first two In eao_ of the Trial Hmtt to run in this heat.

Anniversary Cup.

Second Btage-Soovds, at 3 pm O. Waite, sdv-teh J Phillips, 0/6s R. Breunan. 3yds Jas i-ega->, l?yd9 E. ivolan, Ovds G. M. Field 12yds E. O'Hare, 9yds _\ Gib.-on, 15yds Tilting at the Ring, at 3 30 p.m. First prize, £3; sec >nd priz*, £U Entries 2s Od each on the ground. Anniversary Ccp. Third Stage-000 yards, at 4 pm Geo Waite, Fcrutcb. E O'Hare, 22yds H. Brennan. 6vds Ja* Re^-n. 25yds X Nolau, 12yds G. M Field 25yds J. Phillips, 18yds F. Gibsoj, 30yds Steeplechase - One Mtlb, with Water Jump, at 4 30 p.m. First prize, £5; second orize, £1 {In this race tbe com.etit .rs wHI be allowed to fret over or under the obstae'es the best w*y they oin. All flags marking; the course must be Kept on tae left hand Bide during the race). The Handicap. R. H. Duder, scratch A. Good, 80yds James Kycroft, scratch A. Kelly, 80yds R Rodgerg, SOyds Donkey Races, at 5 p.m. For Handsome Prizes. Entries 5s on the ground. Ivß.— Donkeys provided.

PAPAKURA RACES.

The Papakura races commence at one o'clock, and special tiains run to suit at hours named in our advertising columns. Tbe entries this year, which have already appeared in our columns, are very good. HUi blk Rack.-Stranger, Middy, Ashore, Saun terer, Gladstone. Paddy, the Arrow, Black Monitor, B:>b, Mount and Mystery. Pap kuha Handicap.- Perfume, Kirgfisher. The B lie. Pakuranga, Belle of the Isles, Isaac Walton and Tni.

Lv_i*'h Purss.-Skylark, Eclipse, The Belle, Perfume and Isaac Walton.

Railway Stakks.—Skylark. Pakur*np:a, Perfume, Tui, Belle of the Isles, Shaughraun, Kingfisher and Isaac Walton.

TIPS We shall tip for flr.'t place the following : — lli'rilb Rao*.— iSaunterer. P-»pakuka Hanpicap -Perfume. LAritS Puksjb-Isaac Walton.

EXCURSION TO KAIPARA AND BACK.

A splendid opportunity for crossing tho Kaipara railway and seeing the He'ensville district wilt be Kfforded by the excursion provided by Captain Casey. The Gemini leaves Auckland at ten o'clock, meeting the train at Biverhead at no n. The excursionists will hive two or three hours at H-ilensville, and be bark in time to connect with ihe Gemini at River htal a*, five o clock, arriving in town before dark.

EVENING AMUSEMENTS.

In the evening there will no Dion Boncicau't's popular drama of the " Shaughraun." and at the ( ity Hill the farawe'l performance of the Hremier Ven triloquist and the Man-Ash under the patronage of the Chevalier Blondin.

EXCURSIONS TO MOTUIHI AND KOHI MARAMA.

The Friendly Societies proceed to Kohi marainn to ppeud the day by Messrs. Holmes Brothers' .steamers, which will run every hour during the day, from nine o'clock. A programme of sports have been arranged. The Good Templar ahd Victoria Company's band, and members of the Victoria Company go to Motuihi by the Hauraki at nine o'clock.

To-morrow during the day special trains will run at single fairs and at hours that will enable country visitors to witness Blon din's performance. In tho evening, also, a special train will leave Onehunga at seven o'clock, returning at 11.15, for the benefit of those desirous of seeing Mr Wheitleigh in tbe "Shaughraun.1' The North Shore boat also makes a special trip, leaving Devonport at 7.15 and Auckland at 11.15 p.m.

A MANILLA SAILOR'S TERRIBLE EX PERIENCE.

TWENTY-FIVE DAYS IN AN OPEN

BOAT.

[From the New York Herald, November 12.] Information was received at the Herald office late yesterday that the brig Centaur, from Greytown, Nicaragua, which had just arrived, picked up a man in the Gulf sixteen days ago. He was in an open boat, and said he was cast away twenty-six days before from the bark Toronto of Glasgow. The castaway is a swarthy Manilla sailor, who gives the name of Antonio Maxima, and is about twenty-four years old. He had told his pitiful story to the crew of tha Centaur through the cook, who is himself a Spaniard, in his own way, having abous a fortnight to convey all the particulars of the disaster which almost proved fatal to him, as it did to the rest of his shipmates—thirteen in all. The second mate of the Centaur first told the story of the discovery of Antonia,. "About fourteen days after leaving Greytown," he said, " the lookout on the Centaur saw what he and his shipmates supposed to bean aban doned boat. 2\b the boat was approached there was noticed rolled up in the stern what appeared to be a bundle. Then it was decided to approach closer. As the Centaur neared the boat the ' bundle ' showed feeble

SIGNS OF ANIMATION. And at last assumed the outlines of a human being. The brig put directly towards the boat, passing it at first very close. All bands then saw with horror a haggard, wild looking and skeleton-like man, contriving, by the greatest exertion possible to bim, to stand erect. Then the ship tacked, bringing up beside the boat, which was at once boarded by William Reading, the first mate of the Centaur. The man in the boat was unable to speak. A rope was tied about his body and he was lifted on board of the Cen-aur. Capt. L. G. Stanley, the master of the brig, picked up the wasted form in his arms and conveyed it to the cabin. There a bed was made on benches, and condensed milk and other light articles of food were administered until the unfortunate man's strength was partially restored. When picked up Antonio presented a shocking picture. His thighs, it was said, were no stouter than a man's wrist. His body was waated, and his head was swollen to a remarkable degree. The flesh on his nose waa raised so as to leave but a mere sugges tion of a nose, and it nearly hid altogether his sunken eyes. Scarcely any one then thought he could survive, but these traces of suffering have now totally disappeared, and the rescued sailor looks like a man. and a sturdy one, again. The boat in which he was found was also secured, and is now on board the Centaur. It it an ordinary British long-boat, about twenty-two feet in length. On its stern are moat of the letters contained in the name of the vessel to which it belonged and the pert to which she belonged—the Toronto of Glasgow. A day or more after the rescue Antonio made some feeble efforts to converse with his rescuers, but the voice would seem almost to choke him and to die in his throat. When he did find power to speak intelligibly, the first request he made was for a pipe and some tobacco. The un mistakable evidence of his recovery cansed general laughter.

Antonio's story,

The barque Toronto, which had left Green nock, about four months previously, was lying at Navassa or Navaza, a small guano island off the coast of Hayti, about the end of September. She had taken nearly half a cargo of guano on board when bad weather threatened, and at 8 o'clock on a Sunday morning, -probably the 3rd of October, con sidering it unsafe to remain longer near land, the captain ordered the barque to sea. Four hours afterward, Antonio says, a hur ricane set in, during the watch of Smith, the second mate/ After nightfall, the hurricane still increasing in violence, the mainmast of the vessel gave way and toppled over. An hour later the fore mast followed, the mizenmast alone remaining. Then Smith, seeing the fear ful condition into which the ship was put, and also observing that she was close to the precipitous shore of another island, rushed below and aroused the Captain. Antonio says this akipper was addicted to his cups. When the Captain reached the deck, he ordered all bands into the long boat. The bark was evidently breaking up. There were two other boats on board, but all the crew went into the same boat. They num bered fourteen persons. Of these, ten were English, including the Captain, the ant and second mates nnd the carpen*

ter. There were two Italians, one African and Antonio Maximo, the Manilla man whose life only was saved. The Captain hurried them all so rapidly into the boat that no effort was permitted to save any. thing or PROVIDE THEMSELVES WITH ANY l_o« viaoNs. Scarcely were tl ey in the boat than it was swamped, and tossed about on the crest of the waves like a straw. The sea in fierce agitation boiled around them, toesing them out of the boat and against each other until one by one they dropped into the deep, leaving Antonio alono perionsly clinging to the side of the boat. He finally elrew himself into the frail vessel. By morning the sea was compara tively calm, the storm had passed away and the lonely sailor found himself without oara or sail, food or shelter, drifting helplessly out to sea. With the instinct of a man bred to expedients—an instinct sharpened and intensified by the pangs of hunger and the privations of his terrible situation—Antonio at once set to work to modify the severity of his fate. He cut with an old broken knife, the the only implement left to him, strips of canvas from the boat's lining. A. part of this canvass be made into a sort of dipper with which he bailed out the water from his boat. Another portion he used as a covering at night. This covering was sadly needed, for the only clothing he had was a pair of drawers and an undershirt, and the rainy season had just set in. During his ex posure in the boat he estimates that it rained about half the time. This rain was a god send to him, for without it he should have died of thirst. With a scpiare piece of drift wood he constructed a four-pronged spear for catching fish. In each corner of this piece of wood be made a hole in which a pointed slip of bamboo was inserted, long and sharp pointed. On the reverse side, in the centie, through another hole cut with his old knife, was fastened a handle, and with this imple ment Antonio speared fish enough.

TO SUSTAIN LIFB For some time. At night little birds would alight on bis boat or in the water near it, and sometimes he succeeded in catching one. These birds we;e very tame and easily naught. Once he was reduced to the ex tremity of having to live for three days on the body of one of those little bird 3 dried in the sun. But it must not be supposed that these were his only privations. There were times when he had neither fish nor flesh to sustain him, and then, in order to keep hi 3 ebbing life from sinking away, he was driven to expedients that cannot be calmly contemplated. Part of the time he subsisted on the drifting "sea-grass," as he called it. All the implements of his ingenuity, saved with himself and the boat, are now in possession of Captain Stanley of the Centaur. The people on board the Centaur have been trying to determine the exact length of time Antonio was exposed. He is himself a little confused about the matter. He is positive, however, that he was in the long-boat "three Sundays," and no future experience through which he may pass, though he is still but 24 years old, can wipe out bitter recollections of those three dreadful Sabbaths.

GOOD TEMPLAR ANNIVERSARY.

The third anniversary of the introduction of Good Templary into Auckland will be celebrated by a soiree at the Lome-street Hall to-morrow night. The entertainment in connection with tne discussion of the good things of the tea table is of a diversified and pleasing character. Mr Speight, G.W.C.T for the province will occupy the chair. Addresses, songs and musical selections have been prepared for the occasion.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Dr. Home and Thomas Macffarlane Esquire, Justices.) A SCOTTISH LASS.

Catherine Douglas, a Scott, was observed last evening in Queen-street by Constable Gannon, to be in a state of intoxication.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and, aB it was her second offence within a short time, she' was fined 103 and costs.

THREATENING THE CITY CONTRACTOR,

Robert Carroll was charged with assault ing Mr Thomas Faulder, the city contractor, while in the execution of his duty on the 27th instant.

Thomas Faulder deposed that defendant struck birr, in the face, near the market place, while speaking to Mr Greenwood ; he threatened to smash him ; prisoner was nearly drunk, and a stranger to him.

Prisoner said that he bought some of the circus timber, and asked Mr Faulder a question when he treated him with con tempt.

Constable Dews, being near the spot, saw* prisoner strike Mr. Faulder and run into the Anchor Hotel.

Prisoner said that Mr. Faulder had pre-, viously pulled his beard, which could not be allowed under any circumstances.

The Bench found prisoner guilty and im posed a fine of 20s. and costs.

THE SEQUEL.

James Henry Duckworth was charged with obstructing Constable Dews while in the execution of his duty.

Prisoner said that he was also connected with the timber purchase in the preceding case, and not liking to see his- friend Carroll locked up did try to prevent it. He was sorry if he had done wrong. Finod 20s. and costs. . -

DISOBEDIENT SAILORS. James McClelland, Thomas King, and Walter Lear, were charged with wilful dis obedience of orders on board the ship Car- - natic, now lying in the port of Auckland. | 1 Captain Chapman and tbe first mate de- , posed that prisoners had refused to clean a w certain part of the ship that had been deface by dirt. The men said they had always done their ■ duty, and they thought it very hard that they should have to clean after others.

The Bench : Do you wish to press the ! charge, captain? The captain : I wish them to be punished H to the fullest extent the law allows. Forty-eight hours' imprisonment each. ' the charge of lunacy. Francis O'Brien, a man in years, a cabinet mrker by trade, was brought into Court on a charge of being of uusound mind. Mr Broham stated that the unfortunate m man had been suffering in consequence of,: excessive drinking; he was in a 'terribly , t shattered state, but was slightly better this s. morning ; he would as for a remand in order g to give him time to recover. Remanded for a week.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R. M.) J

C ELLEY V. JOHN FISHER,

Mr Laishley for defendant. This was a claim for wages in which plaintiff deposed that he was engaged by Mr Fenton, foreman to Mr Fisher, a butcher, f of Queen-street, at a weekly salary of 50s a week. Shortly after he entered Mr Fisher's service, he was informed that he was to bfl , paid by the day, and in January 15th he was discharged ; he was also employed on - Sundays to go to the slaughter-house to bring. in Monday's meat; he was certain that he "I was engaged as a weekly servant. D. Fenton, manager to Mr Fisher, butcher, deposed that by consent of bis employer, he engaged plaintiff at 8s 6d per day; on the distinct understanding that when Smith, whose position he filled, got well, he was to ~; John Fisher, the defendant, deposed that <; on the 23rd December last, the plaintiff was , engaged in his .shop while he was -present, Ja and he was to understand that he was only to be engaged by the day, and the WMWf i wws to be 8a Gd por day* or 50» per w«# i

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T3Y PARTICULAR REQUEST. .....4. To Cab and Omnibus Proprietors and Drivers, Carters, and Grooms. A Meeting of the abovo will be held at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Cook-street, on TUESDAY Evening, February Ist, when M■ J (J. Baker, Travelling Agent for the Govermneni industrial Life Insurance Office, will explain how a man, in good health, may make an immediate and certain provision of £100 for his wife and children for about One Shilling a week. The chair will be taken at 8 for half-past 8 o'clock. A U OK LAND SEED DEPOT. CANARIES. Haying been successful in Breeding this season, I can now supply Birds of tne very best description at a low rate. ROBERT BREWIN.



JD ACES ! RACES! " RACES! PAP A X U B, A. ANNIVERSARY DAY. • SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 187 G. Special Traius. Retu> n I icket3 at Singlo Rates. From Auckland - 7 15 a m _Vo_ Msrcer—7l7 a m 11 am 11 ara 3 _> in 5 p in WM. PEEOIV^u Si cr, tary. HPHtt Premises of the undersigned JL will lie op'ii for business at (I o'clock p. m o:i "a^urday next, the iOUi instant. This is iv conse quence of the advertised and nthei-wifM expressed determination of :i number uf other Jiuuscs in the trado to op en, at that hour. S. * J. 11. V.VILTS, . J. CoSORAVE _ CO., W. "Rattkat, R. TV. Dysox. rr\ O B U I L D E R~S. Tenders will b» received uo to 19. o'clook on SATURDAY, the sth of Eebiu ly, for tlio Erection of a "Two-storey Budding in PrUicea'-street Plans, &c. at my oilice, Queen-streel. KDWARD MAHONEY, Architect. J COSGRA TE & CO. will hold their Annual Sale pre*>': uoOHS to the Christm^ r 7 . 7 ,^a Holidays, com mZicmg THIS DAY, ( Wednesday), the Sth December, and null continue until the end of the year. The entire stock will lie offered at Cost Price. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholwsalk) :— Sacks. lOOlbs. GOttis. "Crown Brand" Elour, £ s. d. _ s. d. £ s. d. per ton 15 0 0 15 10 0 15 17 6 T. S P. Canterbury FIOU--, do 32 10 0 13 0 0 13 7 6 Seconds Flour, d 0.... 11 0 0 Sharps do 6 17 6 Bran, do (! 5 0 Fowl Wheat, per bushel, 4a 3d to 4s Cd. The above prices include Backs and bags. Sacks and bHf;s not returnable.—Terms Cash. Auckland. January 2S. 1875. TVT O T I C ~~ E~. The BANKS will bo CLOSED on SATURDAY, 29th instant, Anniversary Day.



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