SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

HIOH WATER—This afternoon, — ; to-morrow morning, 0 5 BUN *KP~This evening, 716 SUN RlSE—To morrow morning 5 5 MOON'S AGE-Last Quarter, 18th, 8.28 pm

ARRIVALS.

Ladybird, ss, Andrew, frcm the South Yarra, schooner from Oamaru MiEado, RMss, Moore, from :-ydney Kate McOrepor, schooner, from Danedin lona, ss, from the Noitb. Adah, ketch, from the Thames

DEPARTURES.

Hawea. ss Wheeler, for the South lona, ss, for Russell Tore*, ss, for Kaipara (from the Manukau) Wellington, ss, for the South.

IMPORTS.

PerB.M.S.S. Mikado, from Sydney: lpkgegloves, 8 pkees merchan i;e, 13 dodo, 10 oases fruit, 37 do do, 1 parcel merohandife, 2do leather, 8 cases fruit, 8 do merchandise, 14 pkges drpefy, 4 do books, 13 do samples, extra lu?gage, 6 pkgea drapery, 18 do do, 1 case books and (-84 pieces merchandise in transitu for Honolulu snd Sau Frar cisco.

i Per s.s. Ladrhird from the South :—ll2 packages, 2000 81-428, 1 bals hops, 20 cases, 9 cases, 1 package, S cases, 1 bale.

EXPORTS.

Per Ladybird 3 bales of leather ; per Go-ahead, 2 biles leather; per Pretly Jane, 2 biles leather ; per Enterprise, 1 bale leather.—lreland Brothars.

ABRTV.L OF THK MIKADO.

The mail steamer Mikadn, now und«r thß Pacific Mail Como&ry's flag, arrived in our harbour this mornins?. at sevui o'cl ck. Captain Moore reports that he leftSyd^y at. 7 a m on Thursd *y last, fully anticipating, with his usual (rood fortune, to arrive here on Mor.day evsnirg, so as to have lef 4 with the mails within a'few h^urs of contract time; but the old ad^ge of the more haste the less speed h*s heen fu'ly verified in the pr^senr. instance, f.ur almost im mediately t>ftPr clearing Sydney Hea<is the wino cime In fr. m due ca-t, from which quarter it his continued with the greatest pordstorcy ever since, mostly blow ing fresh and at times incve isir.tr to a prale.^But it is not so much the w.nd which has retarded the vessel's progress as Ihe high sea, which causrd her to plunge heavily and ship Urge qunntici- s of water. Altogether the weather hss been decidedly hid and unfavourable, and in making Tapo Brett yesterday it was very thick, and has continued so from this until arrival he-e. Captain Moore vnrposes sailing thfs evening, and trusts to pull np l*>t time, bo as to p.rrive at San Francisco on dne date, viz., the lO.h of February The run tr- Sydney occupied exactly 4 da*s 12 hours. and the City of Pan. Francisco beat the Mikado by a little oyer two hours. Passings^: F'om Sydney—Rev Mr Henderson, Bey Mr Kendall, Mrs Smedley. Mr and Mm Carey child, and servant, Mrs Philpot, Messrs A. Bennett, E. Bennett. Solomon. Fnldi, Mrs Wood and twi children, Chevalier Blindin. Madame Bloudm, Miisap Elondin (2), Master Blondin, Mrs Samuel, Messrs Lyon Niat d. and 15 in the steerage. We arc in debted to Mr Robert Y. Grahame, purser, for report, flies, ard other favours.

The schooner Yarra, from Oamaru arrived at three o'clock, fhe brintrs a cargo of Southern produce The cntter Lselia h*u'cd away from the what to-day and authored In the stream, in readiness to proceed on her voyage to levuka The lona left for Russell at one o'clock to-uay with passengers'and cargo. . The cutter Mercury has cleared for the Thames with 40 tons coal. Tho schooner Julia Pryce cleared out to-nay for Enssell with 5 tons of wire rope. The ketch Wild Duck left Onehunga for Kaipara at seven o'cloi k this morning. The s,s Ladybird, Captain Andrew, arrived at Onehunga at G a.m this morning with the following passengers: Mr and Mrs Bennett, Mr and airs Early, Mrs Bennett, Mrs Dohb and family 13), Miss Sooner. Messrs J. Fewell, J. Nichol, Drake. Gnrrick, Patty, Biddle and 7 steerage. We are indebted to Mr Dougherty, purser, f r file« and report. The ss Hawea let ysterday afternoon for the South With the following passengers:—Miss C. Wallace, Mr and Mrs Holt, Eev J Galloway. Mrs Famley, Mi an d Mrs Winter, T Lamb, '•'•" Eokford, T Dodge, Mis Morrison, Mrs Kilgour. A G HortoE, Harper, Miss Edwards, C Sharlard, T King. T Davies, Mrs Balmer, Miss Mouanhan, Messrs A and T Rarlow, Joyce, Harris, Wing, Mr, Mrs, and Mis 3 Hooker, Mrs Butts, Messrs Hawkms, Grimes, Butler, Der maid (2) Brown. Furtwiek, Helford, Boyce, Deal, and 2 i steerage.—Henderson and Macfarlane, agents. Thess Howenahnd not arrived at Tauranga last night. She had probably been obliged to seek shelter on the coast. The ss lona arrived last evening from the Bay of Islands, whether Bhe went oft a special trip on Satur day evening to bring up Dr Ford who was ti be a Witness at the Supreme Court in the suit Butler and Lusk v. McGregor and others. The strong 3.E weather compelled her to put back on Sunday, and on Monday to seek shelter at Titutaka. Dr Ford was wo\u'd Monday, She passed HMS Sappho under canvas off Tutukaka. The schooner K°te McGregor arrived in harbour last evening from Dunedin, after a splendid passage of six days, including one days detention at Oamaru She left Dunedin en the llth inst, and Oamaru on the night of the 13th inst. She experienced fine weather to the Kidnappers, and thence strong S.E winds into port. Her cargo of wheat is consigned to Mr D. H. McKenzie.

AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING.

The ship Star of Germany arrived at Newcastle from this port on the 10th inst. The barquentine Falcon was on the 12th inst advertised to leave Sydney for Wanganui at an early date.' The ss Hero has been docked in Sydney, and it is said will not he ready to leave for Auckland before the 4th February. Tha brig Syren left Sydney for the Manukau on the Bth inst ~-.«,, The barque. William Gifford arrived at Sydney from Oamaru on the 9th inst. The es Hero arrived from Auckland on the Bth Inst. The fine stoamer SH Osyth arrived at Sydney on the 9th inßt. She made the trip from Plymouth to Port Phillips in 45 days, the fastest run on record. From Piymouth to Ihe line she occupied 11 days; crossed ihe meredian of the Cape 24 days out. Across the Southern Ocean she experienced very heavy weather, and sighted several ic»bergs. ■ The barque Harriet Armitage arrived at Newcastle from Kaipara on the 6th inst. The schooner Falrlie according to latest Sydney paners was to have quick despatch from there to Auckland. The schooner Frank Guy, Captain Boor, was nearly loaded for Auckland at Sydney when the Mikado left. She. was advertised, to sail within a The schooner Mary Webster was loading in Sydney for Napier and Taranaki on the 12th inst. She was to sail immediately after the Mikado. The City of San Francisco, on her i arrival last evening, was piloted up the eastern channel, but owing to a schooner being anchored in the fair way, and to avoid a collision, - unfortunately took the ground on the edge of the bank, but got off again, as it is presumed without any injury.— Sydney Morning Herald. .

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wshcmngtok, this day ; The ss Ringarooma arrived from Lyttelton with the Suez mail at 915 a m to-day. . New Plymouth, this day. The Ladybird left for Onehunga at noon yesterday.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold to day the four roomed house In Elliott-Street for the sum of £65 The handsome iron gates at the Generl Post office realised £10. Also, a quantity ot damaged wheat at 2s 9d per bushel; a quantity of wheatmeal, for fowl feed, 4s. Nelaon fresh and s?lt butter at 8d per lb. Mr B. Arthur held a clearing out kale of divers goods to-day, which realised fair prices.

F SyDNiT.—The Sydney Morning Herald of January 12 reports:— "■ The demand for flour is active, and unless immediate supplies come from Adelaide, it is expected that a further advance will have to be reported in a few days. Slates hrve increased in value, and there is an upward movement in cement, owing to the short shipments advised by mail. The non-arrival ot several shipments of new brew ale ex pected per St. Osyth, leaves the market still bare of that article, and enhances the value of the s>mill quantity in second hands. At auction, this morning, Messrs Bradley, Newton,'and Lamb disposed of a quantity of Honolulu and colonial ration sugars at from £24 10s to £29 53." _^

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails waa, Ci-obsi as rotnows: — Tot Thames this day,.at 430 pm, and to-morrow at 8.30 am. For Kussell per Julia Price this day at 4.30 p.m. Per Mibado, as follows :— For Kandavu. Sandwich Island, United States of America, Canada, British Colnmbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, this day, at 5 p m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe at 6pm ■ For Money Orders, Eegistered Letters, and News paper, at 6 pin "''.•'" ,' ' Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d In addition to the postage; will be received by the mall agent up to the time of sailing. For Waiwera, Warkworth, Matakana, etc, per Minnie Casey, to-morrow, at 10 a iri: For Taranaki, Southern' provinces, and Australian Colonies per Lady Bird to-morrow, at 1.16 pm. For Gi borne and Napier per Pretty Jane, to-morrow at 2p m. ,; 3_< | ■ ■ For li-voka, Fiji, per Emu. at 3 p m. For Woitianga, T«rua; Orottki. '<r d Napier via Tau ranga. per JBowena, on Friday Ltit, at 4 p m. For Norfolk Island and New Caledonia, per Canter bury, on Saturday next, at 11 a m. (Signed) S. B. BISB, Chief Postmaster,

DEATH.

CHRISTIE—On the 18th instant, at Wangarei, John Christie, Storekeeper, late of Glasgow, aged 35 years. CLEAVER—On the 6th inst.', at Tairua, accidentally drowned, Charlotte Eva, youngest daughter of Mr. "William Cleaver, late"Sergeant of the 68th Kegt., aged 2 years. Not gone from memory, not gone from love, But gone to that Heavenly Home above. WELBMAN—On the 18th inßtant, Harriett Lilian, infant daughter of Mr. J. S. Welsman.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1876

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

The election of Messrs Lusk and Hamlin for Franklin is the crowning triumph of Sir George Grey's policy in this province. We have beard it asserted very persistently that discontent with the present Government is confined to the city, and that it is merely the outgrowth of demagogue orations and stump oratory; j but from Franklin comes the voice of our chief country district, more pronounced and unmistakably adverse than any that has gone forth from a city electo rate. The Government cause was offered for the acceptance of the Franklin electors, under conditions peculiarly favourable. Mr Joseph May and Mr Goodfellow, are two of the oldest residents in the district, connected by ties of relationship and frienship with a largo number of the electors, and. free from any suspicion of being servile followers of any set of men, and we might reasonably have expected that their following would be very large and would include, as it no doubt did, many persons opposed to the present adminis tration. Their opponents, moreover, were men having no Bpecial claim on the considera tion of the electors. Mr Lusk, particularly, as a city man came before them labouring under 7 •,.-s&•■ .'■" idvantages. and vat, exolnding

YVaiuku and Mauku where Mr Hamlin's residence gave him an undoubted advantage apart from his political principles, we find that 957 votes were polled in condemnation of the Government against the 430 given for the candidates who, in some measure, stood forth as their supporters. This is sufficiently indicative of public opinion, but the position of Mr May at the bottom of the poll is still more significant, and will, we have no doubt, convey useful lessons to that gentlemen upon the relations which subsist between a representative and his con stituency. No member from this province, whether returned unopposed or not, can plead ignorance of the opinions held by the great body of the people. Unless Mr Wil liams secures his return for the Bay of Islands, not one of those members of the province, of Auckland who voted for the Ministry during last session will appear in the new Parliament. Men who, iv a leas intense state of public feeling, would have secured overwhelming majorities have been rejected for new and untried representatives, whose political creed conformed with that of the accepted leader of the Auckland party. This is less the result of any set of views propounded by Sir George Grey, than of public confidence iv his integrity of purpose and the universal feeling of indigna tion against the maladministration and cor ruption of the present Ministry. The loyalty of the people to Sir George Grey, and their recognition of the personal sacrifice he has made for the public good, should give him renewed spirit to fight still moro vigorously for that measure of justice which has so long been denied to this part of the olony.

===============

The publication of nearly all the Franklin election returns last night in little over an hour from the time of closing the poll was a journalistic feat which has never been ex celled in tho colonies. In order to secure success we had arranged that the work of our carrier pigeons should be supplemented, where a telegraph station was within ten milts of the polling-booth,, by a horseman leaving immediately the result of the polling became known. A reporter from this office on horseback was engaged two days in the district placing the pigeons and making all necessary preparations, and we arranged with tho telegraph department to keep sta tions open an hour beyond the ordinary time of closing. This, as may be supposed, waa not done without considerable expense, and we estimate our actual outlay at £10, in addition to the services of our reporter and the pigeons. A portion of this cost was recouped by the propietor of the Herald purchasing tbe right to use the returns, but we notice that this morning's Cross has actually pilfered the wholo of them without even a word of acknowledgement. In Victoria a newspaper proprietor would have a good action against any journal guilty of this kind of piracy, but in .New Zealand we can only appeal to public opinion, and this we shall do day by day until the Cross makes amends for its wrong-doing. Last Franklin election the returns which we yesterday obtained in an hour were several days in coming in. The rapidity of the pigeons ia shewn by the fact that the first result we received was that from Wairoa, by pigeon, beating by half-an-hour the tele graphic returns from Otahuhu. The Howick return seems to have been slow in makipg up, as the pigeon was not liberated till after five o'clock, and consequently came late. We were disappointed with the Mauku «.u<l Waiuku returns. The pigeons were forwarded by steamer, but do not seem to have reached their destination, as otherwise they must have come back ; the birds were well trained, and had previously this week travelled the distance in a few minutes. The s.s. Mikado will leave for San Francisco, via Kandavu and Honolulu, this evening, at six o'clock. The Auckland College will re-open on Mon day next. Mr. Taylor, who is weil known as a successful teacher, is about to try a new feature in connection with his High-school, at least, a new feature in Auckland, by con ducting it as a mixed school for both sexes. This system has been found to work well; the boys improving the girls, and the in fluence of girls softening the sterner nature of boys, when judiciously carried out, as we doubt not it will be here. We commend it to parents. The Grand Worthy Chief Templar from Taranaki, will attend this evening at the Excelsior Lodge, Sheridan-street, and will speak upon Templar progress in that district. Visiting brethren are requested to be present on this interesting occasion. We have been requested to publish the following : — "In the event of His Honour Sir George Grey resigning his office of a representative for City West district under the provisious of Section 49 of the Con stitution Act, Mr. Rochfort, late district judge of Hawke's Bay, will be a candidate for the vacant seat. Mr Rochfort's pro gramme of political reform is even in ad vance of that announced by Sir George." Captain Burgess, Chief Harbourmaster, left some days ago in the Revenue cutter Ringleader on a voyage of discovery to try and find a rock reported by the ship Flechero, as existing westward of Needles Point, Great Barrier. Captain Burgess was cruising about over the spot for two days without success, and as it then came on to blow hard he was compelled to discontinue the Bearch. He came up to town in the Minnie Casey, the Ringleader being detained windbound at Mahurangi. We notice that Mr J. G. Baker, travelling Agent for the Industrial branch of the Government Life Insurance Department, will deliver a lecture this evening in the Albert street Temperance Hall, to Good Templars, and the public in general. The lecture will treat of a most important subject, the prin ciples of which will be elaborately explained by Mr Baker in hia peculiarly interesting and lucid style; six ladies and six gentlemen will assist with their musical and vocal abilities in giving life and harmony to the entertain ment. The Rev. Samuel Edger B.A, has kindly promised to preside. The inquest on the body of Francis Mul grove, late a milkman of this city, which was held yesterday at the Provincial Hospital, before Dr. Goldsbro', resulted in a verdict of accidental death. "Vulcan" sends us the following notes : Sir, —I believe if your luminary were to shine every month in the shape of a summary your readers and the public would be able to send to England or elsewhere a straight stream of light on the right side of things in New Zea land. As it is, many of us send home aCi oss fire at ourselves. My opinion is that one reason why so much drink is sold in Queen street, is that it is watered with salt water, so that when dried the salt, with the dust, sticks in the throat. Thinking on the fact that things which revolve with a great velocity often get hot at their axis, it occurred to me to ask why the earth does not ? Is it the ice that keeps it cool ? [In the revolution of the earth there is no friction whatever to generate heat.—Ed. E.S.] The following is the rota for the 25fch instant : —Messrs J. Baber, A. Beetham, T. Cheeseman, J. Cosgrave, W. C. Daldy, J. M. Dargaville, J. Dilworth, P. Dignan, F. N. George, H. Gilfillan, G. S. Graham, C. F. Goldsbro'. The Pioneer Juvenile Templars will hold tbeir usual fortnightly business meeting this evening in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, Wellesley-street, at seven U UWHi . . _

A largo picnic party from Otahuhu and Woodside, under the care oi the Rev. Mr Gould, are now enjoying themselves at Eilerslie Gardens. Cricket and other games are freely indulged in. The swings and merry-go-round are crowded to excess, and add greatly to the enjoyment of the youngsters, who seem to take great delight in the amusements provided for them. Great enquiiies are made for the donkeys which are to run in the donkey race on regatta day. Thirteen pairs of eyes and ears are to be seen looking on at the childrens' games.

The meeting to elect the School Committee for the Mount Albert district, was held last evening. Considerable discussion took place as to the grievance of the district, in the school being so crowded and uncomfortable, that the health of the children was at stake. The new committee -was urged to bring this matter before the Board, and to remind them that the building was put up entirely at the expense of the district, aud an acre of land given for a site. This represented an outlay of at least £300 on the part of the settlers, and the least they could expect, would be the assistance they now asked, to enlarge the school. The following gentlemen were elected for 1876, Messrs. J. McElwain, J. Page, J. Walters. A. Gladding and T. McQuestion. Mr McElwain was subsequently elected Chairman of the Committee.

The Hobson Company of volunteers marched through the streets of the city last evening, headed'by their excellent band, and brought many heads to the windows and doors. Subsequently the men went through their martial exercises with precision and dispatch.

ARRIVAL OF THE MAIL STEAMER MIKADO.

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

LONDON,

January 11

The Times was premature in announcing that France adhered to the Austrian scheme for refoims in Turkey. Zicby informally an nounced the scheme to the Vizier, who ob jected to foreign mediation. A Cabinet crisis has occurred in France.

Obituary.—Viscount Amberley, son of Earl Russell.

THE MAIL VIA SAN FRANCISCO.

The Australian mail via San Francisco was delivered in London on the 10 th January.

Australian Telegrams.

MELBODRNE,

January 11

Elizabeth Bews, a married woman, com mitted suicide by cutting her throat, at Hot ham, while of unsound mind. Captain Fcimaner has returned from the Straits, and brings a portion of the wreck of the E?sie Black, found on Deal Island. _ A search was instituted for the crew, but with ont success. No signs of habitation were discovered, and it is feared thut all have per ished.

A child, two and a half years old, died, being poisoned from drinking iodine. A body has been found in the Bciub near Benalla ; foul play is suspected. Messrs. Boucaut and Griffith will shortly interview the Government on the question of intercolonial free trade.

The weather to-day was very warm. Several fires are reported from the country aiDbilvtro.

Considerable business has been done in Java sugar and teas at low prices. A cargo of red deals sold at 4fd.

ADELAIDE.

January 11.

The City Corporation rescinded tbeir re solution prohibiting the slaughtering of small cattle in the city.

The Government offer £5,0C0 for the first 500 tons of sugar grown in the Northern Territory.

Nominations for the Adelaide Cup : — Red Gauntlet, Lorenzo, Black Rock, Aquconra, Dodd's Richmond, Smuggler, Mermaid, Ignition, Sparton, Lady Fergusson, Loqua city, Emulation, Vibration, Impudence, Edith, Echo, Hook, Kellett, Calaba, Blszes, Poodle, Venus, Lelia, Intrepid,' Zerlenga, Stella, Folle Farnia, Vain Hope, Cleolite, Deer, Protomartyr, War Eagle, Canterbury, Bishoff. Ella, Calumny, and Lord Lytton.

Wheat is in fair demand, shipping lots sold at 4s 7^d ; dealers are offering for farmers' lots Id less ; sellers ask for new country flour £10 ss.

BRISBANE.

January 11

A fearful gale visited Gympie yssterday afternoon. The local Court-house and Varieties Theatre were levelled with the ground. Several other buildings were dam aged.

NEWCASTLE.

January 11

Captain Sowerby, of the barque Maitland, from New Zealand, died on the passage od the 3rd inst, shortly after leaving Foveaux Straits. He had been ailing for some time. The body was brought on here, and an in quest will be held to-day.

SYDNEY.

(From our own Correspondent.) January 11. THE GOVERNOR AND CHIEF JUSTICE,

Some little time ago the two leading personages ia New South Wales—the Gov ernor and the Chief Justice, had a rather warm quarrel—on paper, I mean ; and the burly Chief Justice decidedly got the worst of it, if the almost unanimous expression of public opinion goes for anything. The matter is now a twice told tale, the whole of the correspondence, together with correspon dence on the subject between the Governor and the Secretary of State for the colonies, having been laid before Parliament. This is how t.he quarrel originated : When Sir Hercules Robinson sanctioned the liberation of the notorious bushranger Gardiner, he quoted the substance of a conversation he had had upon the subject with Sir James Martin (the Chief Justice). Sir James ob jected to this, and accused the Governor of breach of confidence. Sir Hercules denied the soft impeachment, and, as the lawyers say, "on these pleas the issue was joined." Valiantly they fought, those belted Knights, he of the wig and gown leading the attack, his opponent acting on the defensive till the proper moment arrived, when, seizing his opportunity, like a skilled fencer, sent in a homethrust with his polished blade (or rather his goose-quill), that knocked his antagonist out of time. But, not content with his victory, Sir Hercules gave his adversary a further " drubbing," in what now appears to be a rather unfair way. His Excellency dispatched the whole of the correspondence to the Secretary of State, accompanying it with such a stinging rebuke of the conduct of Sir James Martin as would lead one to suppose thut the representative of her Majesty had lost his temper. The commence ment of Sir Hercules Robinson's dispatch savours of that sort of feeling which a peevish school-boy exhibits when assailed by the bully of the school. " I regret," says he, " that I have to bring under your Lordship's notice the conduct of Sir James Martin, the Chief Justice of the colony." (That "bad boy, James," will always be doing something wrong.) Then Sir Hercules goes on to say that certain events that had occurred hadmada tha hmrl _m_Sa_ae_ «*o™ for m nra. ,

text for assailing him. This was doubtless an allusion to the refusal of the Executive to swear in Sir James Martin as the Admin istrator of the Government during the absence of the Governor in Fiji, and for this the bad boy James is supposed to "have had it in for him." " There can be no doubt, his Excellency continues," "that if such an outrage had been committed in a Crown colony, Sir James Martin would have been at once suspended, and, I believe, eventually dismissed ; but here the tenure upon which the Chief Justice holds office enables him to act as he has done with comparative impunity." This allusion to a "Crown colony" was most unfortunate, and sent Sir Hercules down to zero in public estimation ; but as he is a "jolly good fellow" (pardon the familiarity) and attends all our race meetings, he is bound to come to the surface again

PARLIAMENTARY,

Who can tell what a day may bring forth ? Up to within twenty-four hours of the ad journment of Parliament for the Christmas recess (which took place on the 22nd Dec), things went on swimmingly with the Robert son Ministry. On the very day the House adjourned, however, the leader of the Oppo sition, Mr Parkes,swooped down upon them, like an eagle on a nest of doves, with a vote of censure. Then there was such a flutter ing of wings, a ruffling of feathers, a cackling, crowing, and a gathering together of chickens under the maternal wing, ss one seldom sees in the political farm-yard. Many of the Government fierlglingß had repaired to their homes for the Christmas holidays, and t>'is made confusion worse confounded in the Government roost However, there was no cause for alarm on that score, for the opposition hawks had no desire to take the Government pigeons by eurpriss, and mag nanimously allowed the debate to stand oyer till after the Christmas recets. The substance of the vote of censure may be thus given : That the House, while disapproving of other measures - (this, by the way, is rather vague)—of the Government, is of opinion that the provision made for the promotion of immigration — £50,000 for 1876—is entirely inadequate to meet the -wants of the colony, and disapproves of the proposal to expend upwards of £1,100,000 upon the construction of railways from Sydney to Wollongong and from Junee to Nanandera. It was rather unkind to say the least of it, in Mr Parltes to attempt to spoil the Ministerial Christmas dinner by hanging a vote of censure over their heads Why not wait till after the Christmas recess ? But, there, Mr. Parker is not an epicure himself, and has no consideration for the stomachs of others.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER ABROAD.

Everyone knows that our Colonial Treasurer, the Hon. W. Forster, has gone to England, but everyone doesn't know what is the^ object of his mission. Candidly, I for one don't pretend to have been enlightened upon the subject, and I have heard a good deal about the affair, from one source and another, and it is doubtful whether there are many outside the ministerial circle who could give a satisfactory explanation of this "move." Of thi?, however, we have been over and over again assured by ministers, that it is not to accept the position of Agent- General in England. Yet in the face of these assurances—and the Hon. William himself gave the rumour a flat and unqualified denial before leaving—there are sceptics who presume to doubt the good faith of ministers ; in fact one hon. gentleman—the Boanerges of the House— assumes that Mr. Forster has already been virtuilly appointed ; and, during the debate on tbe motion of censure, he ridiculed the appointment in these terms: " Why, when the Agent-General (meaning Mr. Forster) is announced to the Earl of Carnarvon, a dirty-faced individual would present himself.in a Crimean ■lhirt, a dirty collar, » uuu'iescript co»t, and his trousers reaching to the top of his un polished bluchers. If he was not in the meantime taken up under tlie Vagrant Act the Secretary of State would immediately hand him over to the police." Of course the picture was overdrawn —very much over drawn ; for Mr Forster, although not a Ches terfield or a Disraeli in the way of dress, is still a gentleman. The house laughed hear tily at Mr. Buchanan's description of the absent Treasurer, but the more seriously inclined entered a protest against the terms in which he had been spoken of. The death of Sir Charles Cowper renders it more than probable that the" appointment of Agent- General will be conferred on and accepted by Mr. Forster, the Ministerial protestations to the contrary notwithstanding.

BRIBING CRICKETERS,

A great fuss is being made in Sydney just now over certain allegations about offers of bribes in connection with the late inter colonial cricket match between New South Wales and Victoria. By the way, lam placing the cart before the horse. I ought first to say that the inter-colonial match between the two colonies took place on the Melbourne cricket ground, commencing on Boxing Day, and that the New South Wales team won the match in one innings with one run to spare. This is the nineteenth match played by the representatives of these colonies. Victoria has won twelve and New South Wales seven. The dates of the next match are 25fch, 26th, and 2Sth February of the present year. And now about the alleged bribery, which has really aroused the virtuous indignation of the cricketing community. It is stated on very good authority that among the heaviest losers on the match just played is a certain prominent cricketer of New South Wales, who went over and backed Victoria to win, laying long odds against New South Wales winning in one innings. Towards the close of the game, it is said, he sent messages to the captain of the New South Wales' team, begging him to allow the Victorians to save a one-innings' defeat, and, it is also added, that after the match was over he reproached the Sydney men for not complying with his request. The affair has got into the papers, and all sorts of vengeance is promised to the offender. At a meeting of the New South Wales Cricket Association, held on the 4th instant, the subject was brought prominently forward by the President, and a committee was ap pointed to sift the whole matter. One thing is worthy of remark iv connec tion with this affair, because it goes a long way to confirm the allegations made, and that is that Mr Coates, the captain of the New South Wales team, was present at the meeting when the matter was brought so prominently forward, and said not a word in contradiction of the assertions, considering it, no doubt, prudent to reserve what he had to say until the proper time. When the Sydney team returned from Mel bourne they were cheered, toasted, and generally lionised on all sides.

HALF-A-CROWN FOR A ROASTED 1 SHEEP.

" A roasted sheep lor half-a-crown." That is the sort of heading I fancy I should like to put to a paragraph if I were employed as a reporter upon a daily newspaper. The reader will smile, perhaps incredulously, when I say that roast mutton has recently been sold in Sydney at the small sum of 2s 6d for the whole carcase. This is how it came about. There was afire the other day at Mort and Co.'s freezing-works, and frozen fish, flesh, and fowl were cooked in a way never con templated by the proprietors. Most of the frozen food was utterly destroyed, but the carcases of several sheep were preserved. These were retailed to the principal hotel keepers at half-a-crown-a-piece, and a good thing was done out of the investment by the bonifaces, who advertised special attractions at their tables d' hote_ and the dishes were pronounced excellent.

PACIFIC MAIL

The Pacific Mail Company's steamer Colima, which should have taken last month's San Francisco mail from Sydney but had not put in an appearance at the proper time,

arrived in Sydney harbour a few days ago, about a fortnight behind time, ihe cause of her detention was a broken shaft, which was defective at the out set. The Colima is a first-class ship. Early the other morning the new and elegant Theatre Royal built in Sydney by Mr Samuel Lazar had a narrow escape from sharing the fate of its predecessor. A hotel a couple of doors away took fire while a terrific storm was blowing, and was soon demolished, but prompt energies saved all adjoining property. The Theatre Royal is insured, but it seems the insurance companies insisted upon certain appliances and means of obtaining a water supply beiug provided. These appliances saved a disastrous con flagration.

THEATRICAL,

The Chevalier Blondin, hero of Niagara, has just concluded a reason in Sydney with out breaking his neck, and a most successful season it has been an average audience three thousand nightly. He concluded his performances by giving a benefit to the Sydney charities, which were benefitted to the extent of over £90. The Chevalier goee direct to Auokland. We have a plethora of amusement—three theatres in full swing besides the School of Arts. The Christmas festivities were upon a scale never before attempted here. There are two very fair pantomines at the Victoria and Royal Theatres, the chief feature in which are the gorgeous and dazzling splen dour of the transformation scenes, -with their magnificent lime-light effects. |Messrs Wilson I Kinchela and Ciiut are the artists at the Royal, and Messrs Setright, Renno and Burbury at ther> Victoria. The pantomines will run for another month at least. MARRIAGE OF MDLLE. ILMA DE ; MURSKA. Mdlle. lima de Murska, "the Hungarian nightingale," as she is called, was married the other evening to Mr Alfred Anderson, the accomplished pianist, by the Rev. Dr Fuller ton, Presbyterian Minister. This accom plished singer has been electrifying Sydney audiences lately with her wonderful vocal accomplishments, and no doubt the news that she is about to visit New Zealand will be hailed with pleasure by all lovers of good singing. De Murska is one of the three great cantatrices of the world, and takes rank only after Patti and Tiliens. By birth she is a Hungarian, and has a very prepossessing appearance on the stage. Mr Anderson is a native of Sydney, and was at one time private pianist to his Royal Highness the Duke of Kdinburgh, whom he accompanied to Eng land. '

UNFRIENDLINESS OF SOLOMON ISLANDERS.

The Lady Darling, schooner, Captain Belbin, Government agent Mr de Bovis, has arrived at Mackay with fifty-six recruits, all from the Salomon Islands. The Mercury says that when at Malayta the captain and agent had a very narrow escape of losing their lives. At first the natives were very friendly, but on a sudden, as they were going away, the natives began to throw spears and shoot arrows at the boat. Captain Belbin had a spear-wound in his arm and some of the crew were also wounded, fortunately not very severely, and they managed to get back to the ship without further harm. It is evident that some of these natives are very treacher ous, and unless captains trading there are very cautious how they trust themselves with tho'islanders, we shall hear of more murders being committed by these savages. -Sydney Morning Herald.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before W. C. Daldy and Albert Beetham, Esqs., Justices of the Peace.) UVmBitiKCED. Poar Johnny was drunk and fell down in the street, An! by Constable Gannon was raised to his feet. Police Court Rhymes. John Crawford, a thin young man, of 23, with a grim countenance and melancholy eye, was charged with being drunk in the street, where he was found in a slumberous condi tion by Constable Gannon. Prisoner said he was drunk, but it was all owing to tbe wet. Fined 5s and costs. THE MAID OF KILKENNY. Mary Collins, formerly known as the " Maid of Kilkenny," was brought up under the Vagrant Act, charged with being an habitual drunkard, and with having no visible lawful means of employment. Piisoner said she was not guilty. Detective Jeffrey said the prisoner was making a great noise in Chancery lane ; she escaped into a water closet, where he subse quently found her fast asleep and snoring ; he took her into custody. Prisoner : Mr Jefferary, were you drunk or sober? Jeffrey : I was sober. Prisoner : I have an income from friends in Kilkenny. Sergeant O'Connor said the prisoner had money at one time, but she was no w in a miser able state, loafing about from public house te public house. Mary : Go it O'Connor. Detective Grace deposed to prisoner's bad character. Prisoner: Ah ! he will swear to any thing. The Bench decided to send prisoner to gaol for three months, with hard labour. Prisoner : Thanks to your Worships, but you should send the constable with me. Sergeant O'Connor: Now, go on with you. Prisoner : None o' yer nonsense now Ser geant. ASSATTLT. Thomas Fry, not over nice, Blackel the eye of David Bryce. Thomas Fry, was charged with assaulting David Bryce on the 19th inst, by striking him on the eye at an early hour this morn ing. Sub-Inspector Pardy iuformed the Bench that prisoner was a bad character, and kept a brothel in Liverpool-street, and. the row was of a very serious character, he would ask for a remand in order to get witnesses. The prisoner, whose looks would have frightened Professor Carr, was remanded until to-morrow. HAPLESS BESSIE. Elizabeth Melligan was charged under the Vagrant Act with having no visible, lawful means of support. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and as this case was in connection with the preced ing, it was also remanded until to-morrow. William Lloyd's freaks. William Lloyd, on remand, a man of wealth and sportive tendencies, was brought up on charges of drunkenness, disorderly conduct and furious riding. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was fined 30s and costs. ANTONIA ! ANTONIA ! Antonia Nicholson appeared to answer charges preferred against him under the Dog Nuisance Act, with allowing his doga to bite several little children in Hobson-street.

Antonia said he must plead guilty, and he hoped the Bench would deal leniently on offences which he could not help, he was at sea at the time on board the Gemini, and had since drowned the dogs. The mother of one of the children described the bite which was not of a serious character, bat the abuse she had received from Eliza beth Nicholson, of Chapel-street, was some thing wonderful.

The mother of the other child said she had dressed her' son's leg with oil, and applied a bread poultice, and it was now quite well, and she did not wish to press the charge against poor Antonia.

Fined 5s and costs. THE SON AGAINST THE FATHER. William Edgecombe, junior, was charged with assaulting his father, William Edge combe, senior, on the 12th instant.

Defendant said he was guilty, but was sorry for what he had done. The father, a respectable-looking man, said he was sorry to bring this case before the Bench, but was compelled to do so owing to his son's threats and misconduct. He had on several occasions attempted to Btrike him. The Bench said it was a most disgraceful case. . Defendant : Allow me to explain. The Bench, however, would admit of no explanation, and ordered defendant to find sureties, himself in £50, and two sureties of £25 each, to keep the peace for six months towards his father and all her Majesty's subjects. This was all the business.

Franklin Election.

In our town edition last night, through the instrumentality of our feathered littlo mes sengers, we were enabled to publish the returns of the Franklin polling, shewing beyond doubt that Messrs Lusk and Hamlin were elected by a large majority. The fol- Inwincr are the returns :—

Waiuku and Mauku, the only returns to come in, are certain to increase Messrs Hamlin and Lusks majority.

Rodney Election.

We have received by pigeon from Waiwera a return of the Puhoi polling, giving the result as- Sheehan, 39 ; Moat, 13 This places Mr Moat's number lower by two, and gives Mr Sheehan a clear majority of twenty.

Mail Service Items.

Captain Moore of the s.s. Mikado informs us that on the arrival of the Mikado and the City of San Francisco in Sydney at midnight on the 6th instant, it was at once understood that one leave on Wednesday, the 12th, via Auckland, and the other for Fiji on Friday, and at first it seemed almost impossible that the ships could be got ready. However, the City waa discharged on Friday, docked on Saturday, and out again on Monday morn-: ing, and at once commenced coaling. The Mikado, having over 600 tons of cargo on board, had to work night and day, and was docked on Monday and out again on Tuesday ; coaled, and left on Thursday. Independent of this, on account of the change of charterers of the Mikado, there was stock taking to do, and all hands to be paid off, discharged, and re-shipped, so that altogether it was a busy time with her during her short stay in Sydney. Captain Moore visited the City of San Francisco while in dock, and, all sorts of talk to the contrary, pronounced her a magnificently built ship, and one in every way a credit to her builders ; and with such ships as these, and the two coming out from the Clyde, there will be no fear for the regularity, efficiency, and comfort of the service when once the ships are fairly started. The fact is, the company started before they were ready, and their not being able to get the Mikado to open the service from Dunedin in November, completely upset their temporary arrangements, and the un fortunate break down of the Colima made matters as bad as could be. However, for the February service there will be the City of San Francisco from Port Chalmers, and either the Zealandia or Granada from Sydney, so that it is to be hoped that with this month the troubles of the Pacific Mail Company will end, and that the public will soon feel convinced that at last they bave a service worth calling one. The great efforts that have been made by the «Company on the present occasion ought to deserve the sympathy and approval of the public. The Mikado will remain in the Bervice until all the vessels are on their stations, when it is not improbable she will remain in Sydney as a spare ship in case of accident. The City of San Francisco would probably leave Sydney on the 14th instant and arrive at Kandavu on the 21st. She will send on her mails and pas sengers by the Mikado and receive the New Zealand mails and passengers from the Granada, which is the mail-boat from San Francisco this month. She left San Fran cisco on the 7th inst. with the English mail, and is therefore due at Kandavu on or about the 29th. From Kandavu she proceeds to Sydney and takes up the next month's service. Tbe City of San Francisco, on her return to this port, goes down the coast to Dunedin and starts from thence as the next through boat in February.

We understand, says the B.M. Herald, that a telegram was received yesterday, from San Francisco to the effect that two crank shafts for the Colima were being shipped by, the Granada, which vessel left on the 7th instant. In consequence of this information, the order to Messrs. Elder and Co. to make two new shafts was countermanded. A third shaft is also being constructed by Mort's Dock and Engineering Co. ; but this is being made in sections—a plan which requires less potent machinery to forge it.

AN INTERESTING RACE.

The race between the Mikado and City of San Francisco to Sydney, was,as might have been expected, a very close affair. The Mikado was timed by several gentlemen to disappear round the North Head exactly 27 minutes before the City of San Francisco. We learn from Captain Moore, that off Cape Brett, the nose of the City was level with the stern of the Mikado. The latter then got away again, and they rounded the North Cape together. The City then gradually forged ahead, gaining a mile or two each day, but coming back to the Mikado, when there was a strong head wind or sea. . The new boat arrived in Sydney at 11 p.m. on Thursday, the 6th inst, and the Mikado just two hours after at 1 a.m. on the 7th. The performance of the Mikado must be considered a capital one, when we recollect that there is not a great deal of difference in point of size, whereas, the City is fitted with engines of 600 horse power, and the Mikado's are only 400 horse power. Then again, the latter attains her full speed on a consumption of 34 tons of coal a day, while it takes 50 tons a day to keep the City of San Francisco up to the mark.

ARRIVAL OF M. BLONDIN.

Decidedly the most illustrious passenger who arrived here by the Mikado this morning was the celebrated M. Blondin, the hero of the Niagara. The feats of this wonderful performer in air are so incomparably superior to those of the few who call themselves his rivals that it is absurd to mention them in the same breath. M. Bolndin has gained himself an unpersishable fame by his extra ordinary exploits, the most wonderful of which was the feat from which he takes his soubriquet. Prom the late Emperor of the French he received the rare distinction of the Cross of the Legion of Honor ;he has also received innumerable other trophies and decorations from foreign protentates before whom he has exhibited his wondrous powers of skill and nerve. M. Blondin will give a series of performances in Auckland, beginning in about a week's time. For this purpose the field behind Government House has been engaged, ahd as soon as possible, tbe enormous pavillion which Blondin brings with him will be- set up, We may mention that this tent is several times larger than'that belonging to the Circus Company. The polea for supporting it have bean cut at

fffis liriiMW m aJu Wednesday, January iS iSfs



° Wood- Good- Lusk. Hamlin. May. ward, fellow, 'apakura ..37 42 40 7 45 Vairoa Sou'.h .. 16 29 22 21 25

laketu .. ..25 24 5 2 5 (tahuhu .. ..135 124 61 106 95 'okeno .. ..10 23 6 8 5

'ukekohe ..57 63 47 16 33

lombay 20 17 15 16 16 lowick .. ..41 27 11 85 9

347 340 197 261 238



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JJOTICE. -KTOTICE. JUST TO HAISID— A Large Parcel of Double-width Waterproof Tweed, Melton Oloth, Blue Diagonal, Ac, specially adapted f jrjioys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c, Bought at Auction at con siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 3s 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen. Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 5s Gd per doz. Upwards of 50 d ozen Mon's Cotton Shirts, a '■■ Jean, Napier, the new F Shirt, etc. ABTsrNNrAN Cord Tr skrs. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines at .much, below usual price. Ix\SPECTION INVITED. ttUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late R. Hobbs], VNOTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite'the"Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-stbekt, Auckland QPECIAL TO HOUSEKEEPERS. CALL AT THE CITY HALL, INSPECT THE POLLOWINO GOODS, WHICH ABE OF EXCELLENT QUALITY, AND VERY CHEAP : — White Sheeting, 2 yds wide 1/1 per yard* „ ~ Twilled, 2 yds-wide 1/6 ~ ~ Plain and Twilled, 2 T yds wide.. 1/9 ~ ~ 21- „ ..1/11 „ Good Waterproof Sheeting, at 3/9 ~ Colored Table Covers, 3/11; usual price, G/G ~ ~ ~ s/9 „ S/G Fancy Table Oil Cloih, Uyds wide, 1/3 per yard American Leather, li yds wide, 1/1 per yard Mahogany and Oak Table Oil Baize, 1/3 per yard. Cheap Summer Hats for Ladies and Children ~ Underclothing ~ „ „ Clothing for Men and Boys ~ Dress Goods, reduced prices 85 dozen White and Drab Stays, 2/3 and 2/11, a decided bargain. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL, Queen-street, Auckland. J\UB NG CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, A. LINABURY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their Large and Valuable Stoclc of STRA W GOODS, GENERAL DBAP EB T, AND CLOTHING, REGAB\DLESS OF COST. Every Article IfarJced at Bottom Prices ! Come Early, as tlie Entire"Stock must he cleared. J COSGRA YE & CO. will 99 a hold their Annual Sale previous to the CJiristmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DAY, ( Wednesday), the Bth December, and will continue until the end of the year. The entire stock'will be offered at Cost Price. NOTICE. The undersigned call the attention of the trade to their NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Gebjiany, the same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, ;>Ed suitable for the present season. M. LEVY & CO., 23, Queen-street.