SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKE—This afUrnoon, 7.E9 ; to-morrow ttwufng, 8 21 BTTN SET-TM* evening, 7.17 BUN BIBE—To- IBorrow morning, 5 MOON'S AGB-List Quarter, 18th, 8.28 pia

ARRIVALS.

I*ii_a, cntter, from Fiji Jessie, scfcooner. from Bus^ll Phcebe, as, Woisp, f rJ m the Soath

DEPARTURES.

PKOJRTPB D>fPAIIi'TTEB3 H-i-wea Tuesdiy next £or the Sou h—Phoßb? 13th irlt For San Kr^coiscn via K.i mtu-City of San Fran cigro or Mikido abont 17th Jao For Kewcastl'—Fi-sncenLpwer. R&r'y Tor Carolicalslandg—Walte- Glendinine, early •Cyphrenes, as. Woods, for Svcney at S o'clock this evening For London— City of Auckland, ship, about Feb. 4

VESSELS EXPECTED.

■amnem. schooner, from Sidney E. W. Trccker, ec> ooner. from Melbourne Cabarfeidh, bisque, frm Meihonrne, early Her >, as. from Syc'ney aNmt 9lh Feb Loch I cc, acboor.er, from the Islands, early Dauntless, schooner, from Fiji H.M.S. Barracont*. from F ji, early Brrdiok Castle. ch;p, from London Carnatic, ship, HJS .D i», from London ; sailed 26th Sept Glenlora, »hip, "WGPT. firm Londori ; sailed 25th Oct Ardvar, shin, from GU'gow, silled 26th October Benvenne. ship, HPS!'Q. from' London sailed ?3th Oct Jewira. biTqne, from >>w Yoik ; sailed 2nd jDne Marathon, birqne from >"ew"Vork ; ' ailed October 12 Glimpse. bM-qne. f'om Newcastle, early Vision, brg- from Samoa early Coron«=t. srho->De', from 'be ]sland«. early Byno, bri£antiD9, from Js'ands. early

EXPORTS.

Per Cyph-PTiPs for Sydney : POO "bags miize, 25 bales wool, 43 casks lime juice.—Owen and Gratum, agents,

The ketch Cl«m%tU res c'eared for Napier with 60 Of 0 fee- of timber and EO,O 0 shingles. The schooner au Revoir clearei out to day for Mel bourne vii W^ngaroa with 100 t 00 feet timber. The s s. Lleweilyn eate ed out to-day for Levnka.

Ths Cyph-en-s leaves for J=ylQ-y atßo'c'oct this evenlnp. sbe ts.keg the following p&'sengerg mm An^kUnd Si'oia-W. M. M-r t "'er. Mr and Mrs Sam Poole, child and servant. Steerage: John Bey wood

Per 'Cyphrene3 for SydEey, 22 bales wool.—H. B

The cnt'fr L«e]la, 54 tons, arrived y^ste'diy even ing frrm Fji with a ca^po of m*ite. She lefi Nanrtl CXn tbe 2t- Ti'timo, a-d Sam'» on The 25th. She experienced light va'isWe wind* io Jnnuary S, when fresh breeze 3 from the ES?. set in. These develooed Into a heavy e&le. dnrine the conti'ninc? of which the cv ter was ho^e to nn<!er close reefs and b»linced mainsail. Bad the bodstay ■n'l pirt cf tha bulwarks earri?d awiy. Siehted the |Nonh Cape on the Sti Instant. *r.d ha-1 i*lr weather thence to arrival.

The followioir is the list of passengers who went Souta hf the Taui'O vtsurdny —F rNe'uon: Mrs Bam. Mrs Gorrie, H "Wrisht, Mrs Jacobs. Mrs Biker, Mr Bcp, W T. P-lm r For Weliicum: B Williams, d Sanrders. Thames Nsv-1 Ctpw an-1 two boats Mr Myers an<l Fam-tr, Mr and MrsE. T. Jones. Miss Walfhew, F. H. Jageer. For Lyttrlton : xrs Satna-sriss, Mrs Brown Bey Mr Lick woo*. 51 r and Mk C. D*cre and family. Miss Haw. For Taranski: Taranaki Cricket Teim Mr and Mis J C Davies. For OUgo : R B-ett. J M Baird T A White, J Kycrcft, T Shaw, G W flinines, Mr. Mrs. and Master Sieven- Bon, BLev W Tinsley, Mr and Mrs W H Neale.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Tfaames to-morrow at 10 30 am and 5 30 p m For Corom&T>del 10-m rrow at 1130 am For Wnngaroa, per Belle Brandon, this <Jay at 5 p m For "Wanffiroi, per Au Revoir, to-morrow at 10 a m For Taranaki and Sou!he-n provinces, per Phoebe, on Tharslay at 1 am.—Late letters at Rls am For >'at)ier aiid GUborne, per Southern Cros3, on Saturday next at 11 a m For Levuks (Fiji) per Llewellyn, on Saturday next at 5 pm Per Ci.'ty of San Francisco on Mondiy. 17th instant as follows:— Foe Kandavu Sandwich Island TTnited St»tes of Americ*, C«n»da. British Colamb'a, -'entral sn i fonth America, and British a-d Foreign We3t Indi-s. at Ham For Money rd=rs, Eegistered Lettera. and STews paper, at 10 am Late letters, b <*ring- »n extra fee • ■/ <M in ad^i'ioa to ihe pos'ate, will he r crived by the nuii agent up to the time ■ f sailing. S. B EiHS, Chl*f Postmaster

Westok's Wizard Oil axd Magic Pills.—Bay cured more wcnderfnl cafes of hhcurrmiism. Gout Neuralgia, Aches, Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and Sait-Eheum, upon the human frame, tlian all the pretended remedre3 have siccc the world began. Tbeee Great American Medicines arc com posed, of vegetable oils fcealing gums, roots a;id herbs; and act liSe a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, ProEser and Co. A Muddy Brain is the usual concomitant of a disordtr-d stomach. Life's cares ara quite enough for the srreat tbickingl organs to bear wituout V-eing plagued by the demons besolten of indiges-tion, constipation, aid kindred ailments. But don't imagine you can drive a*ay these plagues by violent pnrga'.ion. rlhe one thing need'ul is an alterative thit uill restore the regular ac:ion of the internal roachi eerr> r without irritating or Wf-akeiiing it. Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps •will do tuU.

a quarter past seven. Admission free.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1876

For the ca^se that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, Fcr the future i^ the distance. And the gipod that we a^i do.

The sensitive feelings of the Fire Brigade have been harrowed by the banter of the Councillor who wanted to provide them with gold watches and by "the scurrilous sub leader of the Stab." We have always un derstood the meaning of the word " scurri lous" to imply the U3e of low and indecently abusive language, but probably the proposer of the motion knows all about it, and, as we have said, the brigade has succumbed to the very mild " chaff" of a Councillor and the

Star, and has resigned in a body. We have no intention of weeping over the defuncfc,nor of bemoaning the plight of this doomed city, bat, as we are credited with their resignation, we may be permitted to make one or two Bnggeßtionß for supplying their place. In justice to some members of the brigade, we feel bonnd to say, that we fully sympathize with their acceptance of this, or any other excuse for severing a tie which has become exceedingly distasteful and irksome, owing to the constitution or the brigade and the elements that have grown up in it, and they, with some other members who have lately left in disgust, will readily form the nucleus of a new brigade on adifferent footing. It is somewhat galling that this last attempt to secure an efficient brigade should have proved a greater fiasco than any that has gone before it, but that cannot be helped now, and our plain course is to seek out the causes and apply the remedy. Naturally the question arises in what degree is Mr. Hughes the Superin tendent of the Brigade responsible for the failure ? Since his arrival in Auckland he can neither complain of a lack of support in the Council or without; no expense-has been spared and every reasonable request has been conceded, yet it is notorious that the want of organisation, the confusion and palpable absence of control in the late brigade has exceeded that of any other similar body that ha 3 existed in Auckland. Why is this? We are as yet unac quainted with the nature of the report which Mr. Hughes will present to the Council upon the proceedings of Monday, but that body will naturally look to him for Rome explanation and practical scheme for correcting past failures. It is due to Mr. Hughes that he be afforded this opportunity and that he should receive every consideration. So far we shall Bupport him. But should he prove unequal to the emergency we think the plan likely to commend itself to the ratepayers would be the issuing of an invitation by the Council for applications from any person pre pared to guarantee the organization of a Brigade on the Volunteer principle, and to take the control of the Brigade when formed under the direction of the Corporation at the salary now voted for the office of Superin tendent. The Council will, in this way, secure not only cheapness and efficiency, but a personal responsibility on the part of the Superintendent of the Brigade, which seems heretofore to have been absent. We have very little doubt that the stimulus to personal exertion thus given would be effective in accomplishing the sde JSS [noL The first business of the Coon-

cil, however, is to re-consider the question of municipal responsibility for the maintenance of a Brigade, which is chiefly beneficial to the Insurance Companies, and we think some defined limit, say an amount not exceeding £200 a year, should be fixed by the Council as its contribution towards this object. Residents in the suburbs have com plained of the refusal of the Brigade to pass beyond city boundaries, it would be advisable, therefore, to invite the presence of suburban chairmen at any conference on the subject of re-organisation. Next to the question of expense, the main things to be defined are the duties of the Brigade and their allowances, so that mem bers shall understand distinctly the condi tions of enrolment when they join, and the Council will not be subjected to the con tinual demands and repeated threats of resignation which have characterised, tie career of the present Brigade,

Sir, —Would yon, through the medium of your columns kindly inform me whether or

not the B.M. s.s City of San Francisco fired

a gun on her ariival in this port and oblige Yours &c—Gloves. [She did. Ed. E. S.]

Sir, —It must be a milk and water mdi

vidual indeed who wonld wish a community to shut tbeir ears from hearing, and their eyes from reading the most overwhelming and important facts of British and other History —facts which are the very foundation upon which our present social, moral, and political state of enjoyment rests. Ilather let every one read, mark, and learn the past which has produced the present, or if not. he or the

will be in the dark iadeed. And if books should prove too expensive then let all em brace any opportunity of listening to that for whish our forefathers so nobly Strove and suffered, and the good fruit of which we now enjoy. Shall we be £0 wretchedly ungrate ful and selfish as to hide it; from ourselves,

our children, and our children's children ? And that for the sske of a weak sentimental peace ! Ko; this kind and sort it is which

has already placed Auckland partly at the feet of the Southern provinces, and will always degrade either individual or nation To act upon the suggestion of your writer, our respected Queen-street booksellers would have by-and-bye to be requested to " please not import" or offer for sale any works for the future of historical fact, telling of the vital strusgles for civil or religious liberty of

any country in Europe.

Ur at no very dia

rant period (step by step) forbidding school masters to te&ch Eng'ish History of certain special periods. Madness and cowardice !

First pure tben peaceable is the Holy Scrip ture rnle. Is your writer aware that the

Jesuitism of the fifteenth century already lives in New Zealand, and is gaining root? And also that the same holds to be infallible ! —Yours, &o.) Truth.

The residents of Shortland arid Princes streets were thrown into a state of great excitement last evening about seven o'clock in consequence of a man riding on horse back and lashing the animal into full speed, and shouting at the top of his voice, "Go it, Waikato, yoT? are the "boss" for me." The sight was novel, and the people declared the rider must be mad, his arms and legs were outstretched to their fullest extent, his hat flew oQ, but of this he did not take the sligheat notice, but galloped on is fast as his horse could go. Women --ufhefi to the doors and children crouched m doorwai s, and one poor old lany, nearly ninety, fainted at the entrance of the Pro vincial offices. Several constables ran. iv various directions, and the man and hor3e were secured near the Government hou=e. The unfortunate man was William Lloyd, who bad been twice in the Whau Asylum. He was taken to the lock-up and charged with being drunk and disorderly. One hundred pounds were found in his possession, but it was conjectured that he should have had a much larger sum, as he has but recently had a fortune of £4,000 left him by a relative in England.

The Rev. Mr Mason is preparing to remove the Auckland Western Academy to a more open site than it now occupies at Pitt-street, Newton, and the school will in future be known by the name of the Newton Grammar School. The name is, we think, much more appropriate to the scope and reputation of the school, which is one of the most successful educational establishments in the city.

The Sunday school at Mount Eden is the only one in the district; it is carried on by a few earnest individuals, and is the means of doing a very large amount of good in the district by disseminating religious thought among a people who might otherwise "perish for lack of knowledge." An effort is being made to assist the building fund by a course of instructive lectures on historical and other subjects ; an<i, as will be seen in this even ing's St«r, Mr F. G. Ewineton will deliver the first of the course on Tuesday evening next (Mr C"rnford's lecture was not deli vered) on a most interesting subject —viz., " Phillip 11. of Spain," -which will be a miniature history of itself, as the lecture will include not only Philip's life and character, bnt the most; remarkable features of that age, and in which all thinking men are interested. Mr Ewington has studied his ' subject thoroughly and deeply from the best histor ians and writers, and has so condensed all the facts in connection with the life, character, and death of Phillip, the Spanish Inquisition (of which Marryat gave a vivid picture in his "Phantom Ship"), of the "Spanish Armada" (which Charles Kingeley has made glorious in " Westward Ho !"), and of all the remarkable and note-worthy events of Phillip's reign. Lectures of an historical nature are frequently dry, except to those who desire and can relish historical facts ; but we are sure that Mr Ewington's lecture will be a treat, and as entertaining as a thrilling romance. •

The steamer Manaia will rproceed to the Hot Springs on Saturday, leaving at four o'clock, and returning at 6ix o'clock on Mon day morning. Keturn fares, 10s. We are re quested to state that excursionists may sleep on board.

Sir, —I was amused to find in last night's Stak an attempt made by some writer to make out, from a phrenological formation, that my horse is troubled with temporary insanity. I would advise all owners of horses, to send them to that individual for examin ation. Had not his details been grossly untrue, and calculated to do me harm, I should not have troubled you with any remarks, bnt the facts are these the small boy alluded to is about (17 years of age), and wa3 not bruised or cut in any way by his fall. The horse is a very quiet one, and fell through the carelessness of its rider. I am inclined to' think that if the writer was sent to grass until he learned to detail truth, it would do him more good than the horse. —Yours, &c, It. Salmos".

We have received the following:—"ln reference to a complaint made by Mr Fordyce in your issue of last evening against the contractor for refusing to take rub bish, the contractor denies the statement, but, as the contract specifies shop-sweepings and other house refuse, as the Council may direct, he refuses filthy, rotten cleanings of yards, and cart-loads of shavings, which more properly is the work for scavengers. The gross abuse of the present system must lead to a fixed charge, as some persons place immense boxes and casks ontside their pre mises, which require two or three men to lift, often full of dreadful, stinking fish, and meat quite alive with vermin. This is work for night and nightmen. Anyway, if your correspondent has real cause for complaint, the right way is to make ifc in proper quarter, and let both sides of the story be heard." "

The tender of Messrs. Masefield and Co. has been accepted for the erection of the pumping machinery for the Auckland water works. The erection having been placed in the hands of that firm will ensure the satis factory completion of this portion of the works.

An. amnsing application was made the otber day. A gentlemen found a nice umbrella, and advertised id the Star for the owner. In a few days afterwards Madame , an old pens; oner's wife, from Ho wick, called. "You have, sir, an umbrella, you say?" "Yes," was the reDly. "Well, it's mine." "Where did you lose it?" " In Shortland-street, I fane}', sir." "Well, it was not found there. What is ib like ?"' At this part of the enquiry the floundered, and gave a poor description of the coverer. " I'm sure it'a mine," she said. " Will you give a receipt that you have got it, tbafe if tbe proper owner should call you might be fou^d V "I cannot do that/ says shZ, and off Bhe went. Soon after the worthy lady came in again and tbe obliging clerk showed her the umbrella, which was so far from her description of it, that she was non plussed and cried out, "that she was sure the top of it was her's but some one had changed the handle." At this point she quietly witndrew.

The adjourned entertainment; in the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association w-ill take place on Friday evening next. The Ist part will consist- of some very beautiful, coloured views of Irish. Feens'y, illustrated with Mr Dcnhss, new double lantern ; the 2nd part will be a miscellaneous concert by some of our leading amateurs, who kindly eive their services for the praiseworthy oV^joct of assisting the library by the pur chase of new books.

The Newmarket Hall Building Committee met last evening in the Reading Room to open the tenders for gasfitting. Eight were received. That of Mr Marks, being the lowest, was accepted. The secretary wa3 authorised to have the works at once pro ceeded with. Tbe amount of cash received towards the Hall Fund was shewn to be £lfiG. Amount of subscriptions promised £210, £21 being the further sum required to make Dp the contract price of the building. A number of geDtlemen -who have promised subscriptions have not yet named the amount of their intended gifts, so that these have yet to be added, and, when in, will not leave much of a balance to get.

We have much treasure in acknowledging, on behalf of Mr John Brown, driver of the Wbau 'bus, tbe great kindnf^s of bis neigh- Hours during his recent affliction by the drowning of bis daughter in the Wbau Creek. A subscription was raised spontaneously to defray funeral expenses and to assist Mr Brown in his sad bereavement.

Mr Eobert Graham elsewhere announces a series of athletic sports to be held in the Ellerslie Garrlens on the 29th instant— Anniversary i)ay. It will be seen that the prizes are on the nsnal liberal scale. En tries are to be sent in by the 22nd instant bo that intending competitors must look sharp. The civil sittings will be commenced on Monday next at ten o'clock at the Supreme Court, for which the following are set down for hearing :— Q. S. Jackson v C. A. Harris, Wm, Vickery v Wm. Souter and James Mackay, jun , Cecilia Allen vDaily Southern Cross ; H. H. Lusk and Wm Butler v J. S. Maof*rl*ne. Alexander Macfarlane, and David B. Onickehank.

A very remarkable case came under tbe notice of tbe magistrate at the Police Court to-day. A man nsmrd William Lloyd was taken to the station last night in a sate of drunkenness, nrd on being searched in the usual way £100 in notes were discovered, and a chpque-book shewing operations on bis hank account in sums of £1000, £500, £300, £100, £50, and other sums, in one day. He slated yesterday, and still says, that he had £40 in sovereigns in a bag "besides the £100, and does not know what became of them. The inquiries of police shewed that Lloyd receives frequently large sums from home, and has just had four or five thousand pounds paid in to Mb credit. As usual, he proceeded to dissipate it as quickly as possible. The £1000 cheque was merely a transfer to another bank, but he bas got through a good deal of money dnring the past few days, all of which, however, except about £150, can be accounted for. The last remittance he received, of £1000, he disposed of in a single week in defraying amounts due for previous sprees and wild dissipations. When he has no money he keeps pretty sensible, but each stroke of good fortune is invariably followed by a wild debauch such as tbe one which resulted in his incarceration last night. His Worship to-day remanded him for a week.

An open meeting of the Pioneer Juvenile Temple, 1.0. G.T., will be held this evening, in the lodge room of the Young Men's Chris tian Association rooms, Wellesley-street,

PONSONBY HIGHWAY RATES.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Dear Sir, —With your usual love of fair play, aad defence of the defenceless, will you kindly publish my letter. My plaint is the highway rates this time, the which I have paid uncomplainingly since they were first levied up to the present time. My house is bounded by a gully at each outlet town wards, so that during the rainy season I am a complete prisoner. lam unable to attend my church, and even in the fine winter 1 weather dare not be out after dark. I was lame for seven weeks upon two occasions, and lost my boot, and completely spoiled my wardrobe upon another during the last winter. There has also been several acci dents ; the most serious perhaps occurred to a little child. A girl was carrying the child, when she slipped, dropped the child, and fell on it. The poot little thing was thought to be dead for some time. Had this child belonged to either of the members of the Road Board their would have been a great stir, and the ratepayers' money would hay» remedied the evil quickly, but, though I made the circumstance known to the Board, together with those touching myself, petitioning and pleading, personally and by letter, for a pass to be made over one or other of these gullies, still nothing is done, and I think road-board impertinence reached its height -when it raised my present rate, and added thertto_a lighting rate. Now, as I have no equivalent whatever for the lighting rate demanded, my conscience will certainly not allow me to pay it; and, until there is a pro per pass made across one or other of the?e gullies, I positively refuse to pay another penny towards highway rates. In addition to the regular rates, I have been at consider able expense, besides a great deal of trouble, in making a footway to enable me to get to town. This, however, is rather dishearten ing work for the herds of cows continually in the neighborhood, and when you remon strate you are impertinently told it is the road.—lam, etc., Edith F. G. Gratkger, lOfch January, 1876.

Death of the Bey. Father J. P. Hoyne.

At the Catholic Presbytery, Howick, at 8 o'clock this morning, the Rev. Paßtor of Howick and Panmure departed this life. The deceased gentleman had been Buffering from ill health for a considerable time. His mortal remains will be removed to Sfc. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, to-morrow ; and on Friday morning, after a solemn Requiem Mass, the funeral will take place.

TELEGRAPHIC.

WARKWORTH.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Mr Farnall has retired in favour of Mr Sheehan. The party will do well not to forget Mr FarEati's conduct at this crisis.

HAMILTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

The Waipa Election. The total result, including Raglan, is :— Cox, 198; Mciiinn, 177. Majority for Cox, 21.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day,

(From oar own Correspondent)

Scarlet Fever.—Death of a Child. Mr. Steedman's child died yesterday of scarlet fever. The disease was brought from Coromandel by a lady visitor. There is no news stirring in mining matters, which are dull.

TAURANGA.

(Krom our own Correspondent.) Tcis day.

Land Purchase. The Maketu correspondent of the Bay of Plenty Time* telegraphs from Te Puke, that arrangements are completed, and the survey will be commenced on the 24th instant. On the completion of the survey, a general meeting of the sections of tribes int-rested will take place, when the balance of consider ation money will be paid, after which Euro pean occupation may take place immediately.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

TOTARA.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) Toesday.

The poll for the election of a member to represent this place in the House of Repre sentatives, resulted as follows .-—Tribe (old member), 174 ; Comiskey, 47. All the re turns are not yet in, but the result will not be altered.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] Tuesday,

Templar Conference. The Good Templar deleaates arrived from Wellington and Auckland, and at once met, when some preliminary business wa3 gone through.

Central Prison.

A letter has teen received by the Superin tendent re the Central Prison, and informing him that Mr C. W. Hursthouse had been in structed to proceed at once with the necessary surveys for the site of the prison.—The Ingle wood railway was commenced by Mr Hender son yesterday.

DUNEDIN.

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] Monday.

Medical College. By the mail, yesterday, Professor Cough trey received intimation from the authorities of Edinburgh University stating that they would recognise him as a lecturer in Dun edin, whose lectures would qualify for gradua tion in medicine in that University, under the S sottish Universities Commissioners Act, 1858.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Monday.

The Evening News started here on Satur day and created quite a furore. It seem* likely to revolutionise Dunedin slow coach journalism, and give people some fresh and tasty at the tea-table.

WANGANUI.

(Per Presa Telegram Agency) Tuesday.

Two Girls Drowned-

Two girls named Hackett and Aitkens got out of their depth while bathing near the heads, and were drowned. The bodies have been recovered.

RIVERTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) January 11th.

Jl Melancholy Story. The West Coast prospecting party re turned last night, bringing a shipwrecked seaman named McLean, belonging to the schooner Woolwich, which was capsized in a gale off Preservation Inlet, the man, who was picked up on the rocks, states that he and Captain Moody and another seaman after clinging to the bottom of tbe vessel for some time, were enabled to reach the Bhore. The other two started to walk through the bush immediately on landing, but as they had neither provisions, dog nor gun it is surmised they must have perished in the bush, McLean was picked up on the 10th December in a very weak and exhausted condition after subsisting nearly six weeks on salt fish. The vessel was on its way from Auckland to the Bluff. The party have not stated what their pros pects were, but it is thought they are not very encouraging.

WELLINGTON

[Per Press Telegram Agency.] This day.

Arrived : Ship Pleiades, from London, 104 days from the Downs, with 46 passengers and a general cargo. All the passengers are well.

PRESBYTERY OF AUCKLAND.

The ordinary quarterly meeting of the Pres bytery took place to-day at St Andrew's Church. The Rev R. I. McNicoll (modera tor) presided. Present : Clergy—Revs James Alacfey, G. Brown, (clerk) T. Nome, P. Maaon, W. Macrae, S. I. Neill; Elders — R. Somerville, A. Thomson, James Comrie, John Lamb. NEW ELDER. Mr James Comrie was appointed elder to Mr Nome's charge at Papakura. NEW MEMBER. Mr Campbell, of Napier, was formally re ceived into the meeting on the motion of Mr Sommerville. THE WHATT CALX,. The clerk made a statement in reference to this. It only remained for Mr Sommer ville to say whether he accepted it or not. Mr Somerville said he had given the matter much consideration and had reßolved to accept the call. Mr John Lamb spoke in very flattering [ terms of the esteem in which Mr Somer ville was held at the Whan, and of the pleasure which, would be felt at his accep tance of the call. It was ultimately arranged that there should be a meeting of the Presbytery at the Wbau, at three o'clock on the 9th February, for the purpose of conducting the necessary ceremonies. On the motion of the Rev. J. Macky, seconded by the Rev. W. Norrie, it was resolved that the moderator should preach on the occasion. The Rev. Mr Browne ordain and Mr D Bruce deliver the charge. The Rev. Mr Macnicoll was appointed to the edict on the 30th instant. CHARITABLE. Reports of collections for the Widow's and Orphan's Fund, the Home Mission Fund and Presbytery Expenses, were made from the various charges. REV. THOMAS SCOTT. The Rev, Mr Norrie read the report of the induction of the Rer. Thomas Scott, into the pastoral charge of Ngaruawahia, Tanpiri and Whatawbata on the 9th December last, at N/garoawahi*.

PROPOSED NEW CHABGB. The Rev G. Browne askeU the moderator if anything had been done as to forming the various districts at Tuakau into one charge. The Rev. Mr Norrie made a statement in reply. There was great need for a new charge, at the same time he thought they should see their way clearly before they did anything in the matter. His idea was that the districts of Mercer, Queen's Redoubt, Ramarama, Pokeno, Pukekohe East;, and Tuakau could be supplied by one Minister, who could attend to three each Sunday, so that they would have a fortnightly service. Mr Norrie save statistics of the congregations of the places named. Mr Ccmrie hopes that if any one was appointed to expound the Scriptures in his district be would be someone the people approved of. He objected to having a man in business apponted or one who was cheat ing or tippling all the week. The Rev- Mi James- fciacky thonght the people of the districts should take the initiative in tJie matter. ~ The Eev M. Noorie thought that v a student could be found to assist him they might do without a new minister. He was noc certain that if a new charge was made the remaining districts would raise the minimum stipend. . The Rev J. Macky moved that it ne referred to the Home Mission Committee to say whether they could assist Mr

RESIGNATION OF MR. CATHOART. The Clerk reported, in reference to this, that Mr. Cathcart bad not sent m a formal resignation. That, however, was an error in judgment, or perhaps an accidental omission, and it was for the Session to accept his resig nation. He was obliged to resign owing to the precarious state of Mre. Catncarts health. , . The medical certificates were read and it was resolved that 3lr. Catbcait's resignation be accepted and the usual certificate be^given to him. The sympathy of tbe Presbytery ■was also expressed for Mr. Cathcart. COMMITTEE FOR PROMOTING VITAL GODLINESS. Mr. P. Mason read the following report of the above-named committee :— " Your committee have to report that they have been unable to hold any more special meetings, bnt that they have succeeded m getting subscribers for 51 copies of the Times of Blessing in several of our congregations. They now recommend that the committee be diccharged. Peter Mason convener." The committee was accordiogly dis charged.

WILSON'S PALACE CIRCUS.

This celebrated cirius gave its Eecond performance l*st night to a crowded audience, who throughout expressed the mast lively satisfaction at th« wo ders in horsemanship and acrobatic still whica t?e:e presented for ihrilr delectation by the a< miraDie company. Ths en'ertainment commenced with a grand parade of the Hunting Brigade under the command of Mr Kmgsley, tbe aecom p.iabed riding master. In this eight ladies aiid gentlemen, on hLzhly-trained steeds, took part, and the evolution-, which consisted mainly of difficult cavalry manoeuvre?, rendered doubly difficult by the confined spice in which, they were ezectitea. were per formed accurately and gracefully. Mr Kirgaley's riding was tte subject of loud applause. 15 rtte simply perfection, horse and man apparently baring bot one will between them. Fi-llowiog this came a dispUy br the acrobat*, who caused mnch exciiement by their ttartlinfj iomtrs*nlts and lofty poisinzs, One of these effected the extremely arduous feat of stand ing on on- roan's shoulders and throwing a somersanlt on to the shoulders of » man behind Tne two. failures whica preceded the succ'tsful attemot only nerved to shew the extraordinary difficulty of the act. Mr Xii g=ley next introduced a magxificent white horse, which. w:<h its satin-like coat and glossy mane^ aore than deserved the epithet of " pretty creature,' wvh which the ladie« greeted it This animal went through a series of the most wonderful tric&s sbow iag a docility and ict-llifenee wnieh we have never ven■qml ed in a qaad.uped. - ter darc:ng CO tbe muse in Tiri ussules, he picked his way quicKly over a dO'-n bars of wo^d. p'af ed a spart. *tUI ke-pin«r time to the bac d. It *tod on a pivot, aod turned itself roand and rcued by a handle gra'pei in human fashion by one of its fore feet, it walked backwards and foiwirds oa its bind lees, and in fact dij rTeryihin/ it was tod, except talk *n ovation followed the exit of this equine wonder. Mr. Kintßlty exemplified the perfection to which ihe art of sticking to yonr horse may be can-mi by a persevering genius. He did more en the back of his steed whi.e it ws.s gcir^g at fnli gallop than ninety nueont of a hundred men con d do on terra firma. Mr. Kobert Johnson, the clowa, at each succseding in erral kept the spectators in roars of lauahter by hi* funny remarks and trick". Two trained horses next performed a pas dr deuii in an astorishing manner. With these Mr. Kingsley had some little trouble, as it was evident they were skittish after their long journey and necessitated period of in action, always showing himself master ri the situation. Mr. Kitgsley succeeded beautifully by patience and perseverance in coaxing them to their work, ail they went through their task at last amid a stcrm of sppliuse. 'ihe flyiDg leaps of Hacj Hamo and others of the troupe of gytuna^ts were sufficiently startling to excite terror amonz some of the audience, but alt were s&iely accomplished iocluding the " Leap for Life" by the dusky Hadj, tiamo. and another wotderful jump and double summersault by a g-mtleman whose mmc cid not strike us Mr KinsrsJey gave various other specimens of bis woDdrous powers of horse-training and riding The American summersault rider provoked loud acclama tions by his exciting equestrian performance A curious sight was afforded by the trick horse Napoleon who, without bit or bridle, ran a clobe round tte arena guiding it the while with its nose, a&d rolled a log of timber across the circle, propelling it with his feet This animal also did a littje amateur thootirgf on his own account and when the clown attempted to appropriate his game caused hearty laughter by pursurg him round the circus, Mr Morgan's Fe:,sat.ional bare backed riding was one of tne chief hits of the programme. How the man eseioes with his life while at -erupting i-ucb. desperate riding is a mystery to all The equestrian exhibition of Jocko, the niot-key, closed the evening's entertainmtnt which must be allowed to be a succession of wonders from beginning to end. TO-Dyr. The Company gave a matinee to-day at two o'clock for the b=n- fit of children »nd ladies. It was well attended *nd the tricks of the horses and wonderful feats of horsemanship, activity, and strengih elicited great applause from all The evening performance commences at 8 as usual. CITY H4LL. The entertainment last evening at the City Hall was weU patroni-ed. Miss Davies opened the proceedings with several familiar airs on the piano forte, which gave general satisfaction. Mr D»vies, as usn-1. w*B most successful with his astonishing feats of ventriloquism, and the dialogues and varied voices in song and conversation were perfect »nd amusing; the side-rUshes of wit and philosophy wer« caught and relished by the audience. The Dv Viile Brothers were unfailing in their horizontal bar at d trapeze performances. The " I/cap for Life " was the most daring feat perhaps that was j ever accomplished by any gymrasts ; it was moreover a very graceful act Mr and Mrs Empsom filled up the intermissions in a pleasant manner by singing several comic and sentimental songs. The water performances of Jfatator were ver/ extraordinary, and commanded the rapt attention of every beholder. Tne tank, a very neat contrivance, was carefully examiced before the entrance of >'at»tor and io..nd to contaio real warer; it was also satisfactorily proved that there was bo deception but that Jf*tator deserved all th*thas been said of him by the press. Ha leaped into the tank, irirsued and caught the smaller fry. eat, drank, smoked, and was perfect y at home in the watery world. HaviDg performed a variety of evo utions and feats in tbe water, be emerged and was greeted with the vociferous greet ings of the people. This entertainment deserves Wo.l of the public, and as the end is near we advise all our readers to take an early op ortunity of listening to the ventriloquistic colloquies of the happy pair under the supervision of Mr Davies, to the beautiful sorjgs of the Empson's, tbe marvellous activities of the brothers Da Vill», and the no less wonderful aquatic figures of the Man-fish.

Accident in Queen-street.

This morning, at about eleven o'clock, Mr. Harris, milkman, of Remnera, was driving leisurely past the wharf mills ; his norse, a young unbroken animal, took fright and bolted. As his driver began pulling in the reins the animal began to kick, and sent first one then another milk-c»n out of the cart until all were lying in the street—and his driver seemed about to be kicked there next, when Mr. William Swanson, member for Newton, ran to the horse's head, and by main force held him—while the crowd gathered round and removed or cut away the rem nants of harness, which had not already gone. It was thought that the milkman would have been killed but for Mr Swanson's prompt and courageous assistance. Several carters near by who had observed the whole occurrence remarked that they would not have held on as he did. This shows that political life does not degenerate man physi cally—it also affords a glimpse of the style in which the Newton member sticks to his principles and holds on to the heads of the kicking horses attached to the Government milk-cut.

ROBBERY.

(To the Editor of the|STAE.)

Sir, —When the Stamp Bill was before the Assembly, I wrote to several of the members pointing out the monstrocity of the same, but it suited them better to talk twaddle over the Abolition of Provinces Bill, and allow the people to be plundered. This morning I had occasion to make a simple declaration at the Custom-botipe. when I found that tbe document had to b sent it> the stamp office and pay 2s Gd. Kaif an hour afterwards I had to givs instructions to solicitors to send subpoenas for witnesses vith. Then I fouund a stamp of os had to be affixed to subpoenas. Both these robberies are under the late Act which came in force on the Ist January. Need- any more be said as to the utter negligence of our representatives.—Yours, &C..J ZIZZ'TL Mbrcatob.H

OTAHUHU EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT

The annual meeting of the electore of the above district, for the purpose of electing % School Committee for 1876, wa? held in the Public ball. Otahubu, en Monday, January 10, at 7.30 pm. Mr A. M. Shepherd -was el< cted chairman of the meeting Mr Lute read the annual report. Proposed by Mr Joha Gordon, seconded by Mr George Whitmore, that the report be adopted. Carried Pro posed by Mr Edward Plumley, seconded by Mr John Hall, that the old committee, viz., Messrs Bowden, Fairbnrn, Ualvert, Luke, and Markham be re-elected. Carried. The report shewed that the number of committee meetings held during the year was 13. Last year (1574) there •were boys on the roll. 45. This year (1575), boys on tbe roll, 75. Last year girls on the roll, 35. This year girls on the roll, 45. Total number of scholars on the roll last year, SO ; to*aJ number of scholars on the roll this year, 120. The average attend ance last year was boys. 32; girls, 20. The Average attendance this year has been boya, 55; eirls, 33 Total, 8& Thb average includes the quarter end ing Jane 30tb, when the measJes prevented so many from attending school. This con tinued success ib mainly doe to tbe efficient xnaDner the school is conducted by the teachers. The head teacber.Mr Wacnop, haa the interest of tbe school thoroughly at heart, and devotes his whole time to the ad vancement and improvement of bis pupils. The assistant teacher. Miss Ella Gould, ia also tery assiduous in her duties, and gives entire satisfaction to Mr Wannop and the committee. Daring the year there have been tnree examinations of the pupils.

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

(Before His Honor Mr. Jnßtice Gillies.) YESTERDAY.— Coxcxtjtced.

LAECEUY AS A BAILEE.

In this case, in -which Mr Hesketh ap peared for prisoner, ie appeared that Shearer, a very old man, was employed by Messrs Jacob? and Levy as master of their schooner, the Boyd, and while engaged with conveying a cargo of goods the vessel was cast away and wrecked at Wainn, and_ that the prisoner after some time sold portions of the cargo for Ihe pnrpoße, as prisoner silked, to pay im mediate PXDenses. The defence was that prisoner had sold certain goods belonging to the own're, trat had not sold more than, necessary. Sobert Boori, & Mexican sailor, gave corroborative eTideuce ; Fdward Webb, native policeman, and severa] natives deposed tc purchasing rum and dothing for which it appeared they gave fair prices After a great deal of evidence bad been adduced counsel addressed the Conrt, and the jury, retiring, returned a verdict of mot guilty, and the prisoner was discharged.

THIS DAY.

His Honor took his seat at ten o'clock.

FOBGIKG AND TJTTKErKG.

Amelia Thornally, aged 33, native of Eng land, was arraigned upon an indictment charging her with uttering a forged docu ment at the Thames in 1572. Mr Hesketh appeared for the prisoner and Mr. Brookfield stated the case for the prose cation.

D. W. Grace, licensed interpreter, de posed to the cijcnmstances of the case in relation fco the original document He.knew the prisoner and saw the deed (produced) sigDed by the native owner, on the 11th of December, conveying a piece or paicel of land sitnate in the Hauraki, to George Bap?, of the Waikato, on which a deposit of £22 103. was paid by Mrs. Thorn&lly. The land was subsequently, in 1874, re-conveyed to Mr Dodd, in the interval the accused frequently called at his office, she said that B&gg was now at the Thames, and either she or Mr Dodd could now get the deed signed, he did not know Dodd.

To Mr Hesketh: Mrs Tbornally's husband is a carpenter, and at work in the day ; he did not know him ; prisoner negotiated ; there was dealing with Vickery after the original deed had been signed.

John Henry Dodd, solicitor, deposed that in 1874, he acted as solicitor for the accused, remembered the deed marked A. Mrs Thornally was not present at the transaction, be was instructed to make the deed by Mr Vickery ; he was instructed to draw the deed marked B. by Mrs Thornally or her husband, subsequently had an interview with Mr Brassey and Mr Grace on the sub ject. Mrs Thornally took the deed, and returned it in its present state. He was then instructed by Mrs Thornally to hand over all .papers to Mr Bagg, whom he did not personally know ; ceased to do business with the Thornally's. She called at his house some time after, and informed him. that she had got Bagg to sign it, but said that it had cost her a pretty sum. * To Mr Hesketh : No one represented Bagg at the time of re conveyance. The original deed came to him through a man named Holdsworth, a friend of Vickery, and was stamped ; had no control over the deed. Made the second deed for the pur pose of securing the title to the Thornallys, both of whom were present.

Mr Willoughby Brassey, solicitor, deposed that he knew the prisoner, and had been acting as her solicitor, and prepared the con veyance from Mr Bagg to MrThomally. He required a re-conveyance of the land back to the native. Saw Mrs Thornally several times, who continually urged him to push the matter on, because |she wanted to get a fresh conveyance signed in her favor.

To Mr Hesketh : He sued Vickery for a promissory note of £22 103 before these proceedings were instituted against Mrs TfaornalJy ; did not know Mr Bagg, nor where he resided.

George Bagg deposed that he was brother in-law to JBenry Vickery, and lived at the Thames six years ago; since lived in the Waikato; knew Mr. and Mrs. Thorually; were well acquainted ; was at the Thames in September 1872 ; about seven months ago I received a letter from Mrs. Thornally re specting possession of a piece of land at the Thames ; remembered Vickery buying a piece of land at the Thames of a native; the signature of George Bagg, to that docu ment, was not his ; he could not write, but he had authorised Vickery to sign his name but not in respect to the land ; he had not spoken to Mrs. Thornally for five years, nor had she ever paid any money to him on account of that land; he knew nothing of any such transaction.

To Mr. Hesketh : Never hadsany dealings with Mrs. Thornally j lodged with his sister, Mrs. Vickery, when afc the Thames ; did Hot know of the deed being signed in his name until Biz months ago, when he was in formed of it by the Vickery's; I lent the money to Mr. Vickery to bay the land until Yickery could repay him; knsw Wa,

*hi iEVEiintd mak, wspisricsDAf, January )g mt



fJ'EWMARKET PUBLIC HALL. TRUSTEE: His'Koxob. the ScPKBrsTESBiKT or ihi IVaovijccx THE CONCERT To celebrate the Opening of t^e above Hal', will take place on TUE3BAY, JAN OAKY 18rH, 1875, Conducted by Mr Joseph Browne. As the above Hall is near completion, it is neces «ary to have foods in band to pay the contractor Mr Witheford, the hoD. secretary, is authorised to receive subscriptions promised. JOSEPH 03B0RVE, Tfeasnrer. nnHE WAITEMATA ELECTION. The Executive Committee has decided not to take any active part in the above Election, as the four Candidates have signified their adhesion to the policy Of Sir George Grey. J. M. SHEEA, Chairman. Ancfana, J^Tiarv 11. 1876. JJ" O T I C E. "VT 0 T I 0 E. JUST TO HA"ND— A. Large Parcel of Double-width "Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, Blue Diagonal, *c . specially adapted for B<*ys' Clothine, Ladies' wear, ic., Bonsrtt at Auction at con pidfrably lesa than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchief from 33 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen Cambric- Handkerchiefs, from 5s 6d per doz. Upwards of 50 en Men's Cotton Shirta, 2 ; Jean, Napier, the new F Shirt, etc. Abysisniajj Cord Tk sers. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a nmn fcer of other Special Lines at much below usual pjice. INSPECTION INVITED. BUSHBEOOK & BEIDGMAN, [Late B. Hobbs]^ UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Oppo»'tejthe A may and Navy Hotel, Upper Queev-steeet, Auckland T\UR JSTG CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, A. LINABURY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their Large and Valuable Stock of STRAW GOODS, amrußAL drapery, AND CLOTHING, REGAR\DLE&S OF COST. Every Article Marked at Bottom Prices I Come Early, as the Entire Stoch'must he cleared. m R A D E NOTICE The tmders*gncdcall the atter.fon nf-Jh- tnieto ' NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, j Ex Stab of Gebmany, the same having been Carefully eeleoted by our English and Continental Buybes, ttd suitable for the present season. , M. LEVY <k CO., . 23, Queen-street.



Y OIJ CAS" BUY CHEAP CLOTHING', akd a GOOD FIT, 4.T THE 3*r CITY HALL. ~&k Sil Dnst Costs 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suite, 6/11 Boys' Knickerbocker do, frcru 12/6 Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ B\ts' and Youths* Tweea Pnites, 25/ Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers and Test?, 22'S Regatta Shir's, 2/11 Felt and Straw Eai3, from 1/. HOLLO WAY & GATS LICK Cas Sell You the Cheapest Dress in Auckland. Plain Lustres, at /6J£ Special Lin"— Good Gr°T Lustre, 30 inches wide, /UK; worth 1/6 All-wool Ormalife, f9J4 Immense Variety of Pi ints. from 3*£ S'riped and Fancy Brilliants, from /S*£ White Tucked and Coloured Skirts, from 3/11 The " City Hall" is now Noted tor its Cheap Mxlixkery, of which teqsrb is a Large AsportMlSUT Ox View! <^~ BUYiYOUR SUMMER HATS FBOM HO LX 0,-Wf A!Y & GAP/LICK CIT7 HALL, Queen-street, Auckland. JT COSGRAYE & CO. will hold their Annual Sale 'previous to the Cliristmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DAY, ( Wednesday), the Bth December, and will continue until the end of the year, Tlie entire stock will be offered at Cost Price. SPRING VILLA SEMINARY, PON SO.\ BY. Mr and Mn3 'ddfV's Pupils ■will resume thoir studies on V.>dnrsday. i2ih intt. Boarders maybe reef iv d en the 10th.



Photographic.—R.. H. Bartlett begs to inform those of his numerous cue tomers who have been previously taken at his establishment, bat whose Plates are not in his possession, that they can be re-taken in the very best style, at the price of extra copies 12s. per dozen.