SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

rrrriir w \ Txnr? J This Afternoon, 8.13 Hlorri. WAI Jilt— i To-morrow Morning, 8.30 SUN fiKT.—This Evening. 6.36. SUN" RISE.—To-morrow Morning, 5.50 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter. 7th, 9.10 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Oxford, ship. Vaux. from London Jane iJouglas, s.s.. Fraser, from East Coast Rovvena, s.s., from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Minnie Hare, schooner, for Wangarei lCover,schooner, for Wangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Oxford, ship, from London :— 80 cases I lenderson and jMaefarlane. 6 bales paper—H. Br*tt. 556 bars iron, (»l bundles do, 100 plates do., D eases.—^tonc Bros. 25 boxes. 10 kiijrs. "I oases, -JS bundles, 1 cask, SJ pkgs.—E.andH. Isaacs. 3 cases, 1 bale.—Wilson's and ITorton. ■21 bales. 110 ca«s, 25 bundles, 2cusks, 2 hbds., S crates, 1 trusa samples.—Owen and Graham. 3(5 cases. '.) hhds., 2S casks,2 tierces, 8 fire arms, S forge backs. 1 package, 1G bars, 116 plates, 1 box.—E. Porter and Co. Per ship Oxford from London : C cases ladies and gents saddles, lease bridles, 1 cask saddlers" nails, 1 cask Flemish tacks, 13 casks York heels, 3 casks iron rivets, 1 cask steel bills, 1 cask whipcord, 2 cases shoepinchcrs, 2 cases boot boot elastic web, 2 casks shoe rasps, 2 barrels shoe, knives, 1 case machino silk, 1 cask waist irons, wheels, and tacks, 3 cases upper leather, 1 case heel shaves, 2 cases twine, 6 casks wax, & cases French calf,, '2 caoes Wellington fronts, 2 pkgs c.s. uppers, 1 cask boot-trees, 2 casks black dyo, 5 cases lampblack, 0 bales woolpack, 5 hhds plough-chains, 8 hhds men's lasts.—lreland Eros.

Per Oxford .from London :—SS drums, 1030 cases, 10 coils, 1G coiis rope, 91 kegs, GOG casks, lot) bales, 164 packages, 381 bundles, 10 lever stands. -10 crossings, 2202 rails, 7 parcels patterns, SG(S bars iron, 100 plates iron, 12 tons pig iron, S tanks malt, 1740 boxes, 1 chest, 7 anchors and stocks, 25 trunks, 1050 sash weights, J pairs wheels, 10 springs, 6 pairs bars, 1000 bags, 170 plates, 1 hamper, 128 barrels, 12 hhds., 8 crates, 1 parcel. 1 truss, 2 tierces, 8 lire irons, 8 forge backs, 25S bars iron, .110 plates, 32 tanks.—New Zealand Shipping Company Co., agents.

The steamer Express is sunk in Rivertqn harbour, but will probably be raised. Captain Russell having gone down from Dunedin to watch the interests of the owners. The rocks at the mouth of the- river at Gis borne are to be removed by blasting, which will greatly improve the navigation. A Sydney telegram reports the arrival of the s.s. Hero, yesterday. The topsail schooner Hally Bayley is to leave Ilobart Town to-day, for this port direct. The Bella Mary has arrived in Hobarfc Town, and Avill sail for this port in about a fortnight. Dr. Wright has sold the schooner Marniion to Captain James Short. The schooner Jessie Henderson having dis charged her cargo of Fiiian produce was placed on the gridiron this morning to have her bottom seen to.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and on to-morrow, at i p.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Kina, to-morrow' at 1.30 p.m., and per Argyle, at 2.30 p.m. For Tryphena, per Three Brothers, this day, at ■1 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Jane Douglas this day, at 5.30 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, anp Australian. Colonies, per Taupo, to-morrow, at 8 a.m. For newspapers, at 7 a.m. For money orders and registered letters, this day, at 4 p.m. Late letters for Southern provinces and Melbourne will be received till 8.20 a.m. For Tairua, per Atalanta, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga. and Opotiki, per Rowcna, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. Per Wellington, on Tuesday next, as follows :— For India, China. Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces. Aus tralian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially ad dressed), at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Bnndisi. and late letters for Southern Provinces and Melbourne, will be received till 11.15 p.m. For money orders and registered letters, previous evening, at i p.m. For newspapers, at 9.30 a.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

DEATH.

PEACE.—On the 28th February, at Newton, Matilda Peace, the infant daughter of George and Ann Peace, aged 1) months.

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1877.

f-,r tlm (■■■■ »c that lacks assistance, F,.r the -.-. i...:vj tli.it :im:ls ■ :.,..,;;iii:e, /■or lii ■ Ciiurt .-. tiw iht.u.a-.,

The efforts of County Councils to work out a high destiny are producing some most original results, and the action of tho Council of Eden last night, in relation to its Banking Account, is perhaps the most original thing in local self-government that has ever come under our observation. Fail ing in a first attempt to impose on a mem ber of the Council certain pledged which the other members chose to dictate, the majority actually proceeded to form a committee with the express object of keeping informa tion relating to the public business of the County from that member ; four of the Councillors passed a resolution in secret, and then brought it up to the open meeting for confirmation, without all the members of the Council who were asked to vote being made acquainted with the nature" of the proposition. And it was carried in that way despite the protests of the excluded member. A more grossly absurd and illegal transaction was, we venture to say, never perpetrated by a representative assembly, and we are astonished that a body including two members deeply versed in legal lore could have so far com mitted itself. If such a proceedure were possible in this instance, might not any form of jobbery and corruption be perpetrated under cover of the same process ? If eight members may legally keep the business of the Council from the ninth unless he enters into certain pledges unrecognised by law, what is there to pre vent live Councillors from imposing similar conditions on the remaining four to further corrupt objects ? It is not necessary to enter into the question whether publicity to the arrangements made by the Coun cil with its bankers is a desirable thing or not. We believe the law insists that this, with all other accounts, shall be open, not only to a Councillor but to any ratepayer who demands to see them. The full text of the arrangements entered into by the Colonial Government with its banker is submitted to parliament perfectly open to public inspection, and we cannot see any sound reason why a county bank tender should differ from any other public tender in this respect. But the wisdom of the stipulation which, in this case is said to have kept the tender secret, is altogether beside the ques tion. The proceedure of tho Council strikes at a deeper, a broader, and more important principle—it aims at the very foundation on which representative institutions rest. If a Councillor may, at the will of a majority, he denied information affecting the public business of the Council, no matter how trivial, unless he chooses to give promises which the law does not specifically impose on all, then government by free representa tion is a sham. The position is perfectly preposterous, and cannot for a moment be maintained. Coming, however, from the abstract bearings of the case under notice to it" legality "in relation to the express1 provisions of the Comities " Act,

think we can most unmis* takeablv &QV that, however much the public welfare might bo wrvml by secrecy in the matter of (Jounty accounts, the ■Council has no, power to give .effect to such

penalties in making the attempt. Clause l'S'S provides : —

'' Any Councillor or ratepayer, or the Clerk, or any person holding any security charged upon the property of the comity, may inspect the accounts of the Treasurer, and take copies from any part thereof, at all reasonable times ; and any person refusing or obstructing such inspection or copying of any account in his custody or control, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding live pounds for every such offence."

That the Banking Account is actually included in this condition is also placed beyond dispute by clause 127, which stipu lates that the Treasurer shall keep that account, and (subsection 4) shall make spe cial Interest Accounts with the amount of interest payable on each loan. This, we have no doubt, was part of the arrangement for which secrecy was desired yesterday. All that Dr. Wallis, or any other ratepayer wbo is curious in the matter, has to do, is to demand permission to see these accounts, and if refused or obstructed, to sue for the penalty.

THE seal of the Eden County Council has formed the topic of current conversation in Queen-street to-day. The sen! bears marks of extraordinary inventive ingenuity, and ought to be placed on exhibition as a sample of what Auckland can produce in the shape of new and classic designs. No wonder Dr. Wallis denounced it as "an anachronism." It is supposed to represent a scene in the garden of Eden, familiar to the minds of Bible students, only that tbe artist has in this particular instance slightly drawn upon his imagination. There is an object which looks like a fern tree, round which is en twined a serpent in folds as regular as the stripesonabarber'spole. (Jverheadtheroisa wonderful canopy of apples, and vis a vis with the serpent is a female in a state of nudity arising out of a flax bush, and engaged in flagrante delicto in stealing some of the forbidden fruit. The; designer appears to have lavished all the resources of bis art upon the figure of the woman, but from the contour and other peculiarities, avc can hardly suppose that it depicts Eve in that state of innocence with which she is popularly credited before the fall. Should the seal be finally adopted, the Eden County Council will certainly achieve notoriety. In fact, as soon as the Corporation seal is affixed to any public document, the Chairman and Secretary may laid themselves appearing as defendants in the Police Court, to answer a chargo by Sub-Inspector Pardy, of circulating an obscene publication.

Mr DeLias seems to have taken a sudden fancy for negro minstrelsy an natural and cultivated. The other day he telegraphed passages for the Georgias to an amount over £500 ; and now we learn he has secured the Chicago Minstrels to open in the Theatre Royal in about three weeks. The Chicago's are newly organised, but by tho Southern papers we sec that they have been deservedly highly successful wherever they have played.

A correspondent wants a translation of an old Norman French proverb, " Pas de lieu, Rhone <jue nous."

Mr Perkins has added to his portrait gallery, at the Occidental Hotel, ;i line photograph of Mace, the English pugilist. The champion is taken in lighting attitude, and is mule from the belt upwards, ho that his magnificent pro portions are well brought out. The picture is so life-like that ,;a look at it is almost as good as an interview with the man himself.

There is one matter connected with the pilot service of Auckland that appears to demand prompt attention at the hands of the Harbour authorities. The signal-man at the North Shore is supposed to give timely notice of the approach of vessels, and iii order to do this efficiently ought to be furnished with as good a telescope as may be had for a reasonable sum. Instead of this, however, lie is provided with a very indifferent, glass, which is practically useless in '.hick weather, The signal master's house is so constructed as not to command a good view of the oiling, so' that a rest must be found for the glass on the verandah post. Thus in wet weather the telescope, having no shade, is (paddy covered with rain, and the view obscured. The glass itself is old and of low power. We believe also that some vessels do not put up their flags until close to the reef, so that they cannot always be promptly dis tinguished. Residents in Remuera, fur nished with a powerful telescope, are able to make out the Hags long before the signal man can do so. A thoroughly good glass would cost a comparatively small sum, and it is to be hoped that the Harbour authorities will provide one.

Active means are being taken for the duo observance of St. Patrick's Day, 17th March. A meeting of the Celebration Committee of the H. A. C.U.S. was held last evening, when a letter was read giving the use of the Domain for the day, and the tender of the Hobson Band to provide the music was accepted. A sports committee, with powers to collect subscriptions, ha,s been'appointed, and we believe that nothing Avill be left undone to make ■ the day a complete success. Mr.Woolfield has made arrangements for two steamers to convey passengers from the (Jiieen-street wharf to the Taraaki races, Avhich come off on St. Patrick's Day, on Mr Buckland's farm, Tamaki Heads. As the anniversary falls on a Saturday, townspeople will have a good opportunity of attending the races without incon venience. We hear that some Waikato horses will compete.

The action, Wright v. the Harbour Board, was resumed this afternoon, a.t the Supreme Court, before the Sheriff (Col. Haultain) and a special fury. The majority of the witnesses have yet to be examined, and it is exppcted that the evidence will be con cluded by to-morrow evening. A select dancing class will be opened this evening in the Catholic Institute, Welling ton-street, under the superintendence of Mr Wilson.

The inquest on the body of Thomas Brown was concluded last evening after the STAR went to press. The evidence of the widow and son showed that deceased was of sound mind at the time of his commit ting the rash act, although slightly under the influence of drink. The evidence of Mrs Brown has already appeared. John, the son, corroborated, it in most of the particulars. The remaining witnesses were Sergeant Jackson, Mr James Sharland, chemist, at whose shop Brown, in the presence of a witness, purchased the arsenic, Dr Wright, who examined the stomach, and Captain Dower, The jury took a long time to consider their verdict, and at last only 12 out of the 15 could agree, and their belief was that deceased took the poison being at the time of sound mind and understanding. The verdict was framed accordingly. The remains of the unfortunate man were conveyed to the cemetery in a neat hearse, followed by about twenty of his relatives and friends.

" Late Imperial Artillery " writes attri buting the want of efficiency in drill among volunteers corps to the bad selection of non-commissioned officers. He says :" On asking some of the men how it was, they answered the petty-officers are hardly ever at drill,and they are never made to come to the front to drill us or prove the company. T actually saw a Sergeant-Major or a Quartermaster fesergt. of one corps shown how to hold, his carbine when out as marker, It is to be hoped that Major Liwk will look into this, as 1 see several menhn the ranks who have been in the Imperial service, and had they been chosen instead of r.v-v rccruu-i $$ j^u'tt would, have hgfifl VWJf W*TOV'

A.Sydney telegram states that Calamia is coming into favour for the Australian Cup.

""Subscriptions to the Macandrew testimo nial at Dunedin, are coming in rapidly. Mr Proudfoot the contractor has headed the list with 100 guineas, and his brother follows with £50, besides several subscrip tions of £25 and lesser sums.

The wheat threshed out this season at Gis borne, has shewn a yield of 40 bushels to the acre.

We have received from an occasional correspondent at Papakura, an account of a case heard at the Papakura Court, in -which a retired Colonel was concerned. As the report is evidently written in a partizan and biassed spirit, and relates to the pro ceedings in a Court of Justice, we cannot accept it.

A correspondent wishes to know the age of Mace the pugilist. Forty-three years.

This being St David's day, a public enter tainment will be given this evening in the Newmarket Primitive Methodist church, to consist of readings from a life, said to be as remarkable as that of the Baron Munchau son, or Moore Carew. The singular incidents in the life of " Jack's Lad,"' will be associated with music by the choir. ■' A collection in aid of the church fund will be made at the close of the reading.

The shareholders of the Hibernian Band, have engaged the steamer Takapuna, for a moonlight excursion on the silver waters of the Waitcmata on the evening of Saturday, March 17th that being St Patrick's Day. Fire works, dancing, music, and a number of amusements will interest excursionists.

On reaching Helensvillc yesterday after noon, the Railway Commissioners were met 'by a number of settlers, who had ridden in from Kaukapakapa and surrounding dis tricts to give evidence. Mr MoLood com plained that the increase of the charge for timber, from Is Id to la 6'djpor 100 feet, had acted virtually as a prohibition to the trade and to stop ' contracts. Sloeperfi which carried in the ordinary way, would cost only lid. were now charged 3s, and besides this, the settlers were obliged to load and unload trucks. He considered that lOd would be a reasonable charge for timber, including wharfage, and that the train should leave Riverhead at 5 o'clock instead of 4, which would give settlers more time to attend to business in town. He advocated piles being sent by weight instead of by measurement, and sheep ought to be charged at per head. Some surprise was created when Mr McLeod stated that he had sent 50,000 feet of timber by sea, as being cheaper than by rail. Several other com plaints were made as to the high charge for tiles. Captain Casey complained that settlers were often put to great inconveni ence, by the train leaving just a3 the steamer was coming up, instead of their waiting a few minutes. Mr John Lamb drew the attention of the Commissioners to several anomalies in the charges, particu larly in the carriage of timber. Mr Walker, of the Kopuru Saw Mills, also considered the high charge for the conveyance of tim ber, a great hardship. The Commissioners after taking evidence, returned to Auckland in the Lily.

Mr A. Burn, formerly of Auckland, has been appointed hourfc-stcward of the t)uu ediu Hospital in the room of Mr M. Hume, who recently resigned.

The programme selected tor Hen1 Schott's second concert, which is announced to take place in the Choral Hall, on the Bth inst., is of a particularly reehorehe description, and will doubtless command success. We notice that Hcrr Schott will receive pupils on and after Monday next at the music warehouse of Messrs Brown and Son, and at the residence of Mr Woolfield opposite Sfc Matthew's church.

The annual cricket match between the Auckland and North Shore Rowing Clubs will take place on Saturday afternoon next when respective teams will be selected from the following : —Auckland : Aitkc-n, Caver hill, Clark, J. Dacre, Ewen, Heather, Hen derson. Haiiltain, MaclFarlane, Marshall, Mason, Sliera, W. Tonks. North Shore : Burgess (3), Cochrane, Robert Dudcr, McUechie, AY. Niccol, Sims, Sibbin, Tre varthen, Wells (2). The United Free Methodists have opened their branch church in the Temperance Hall, and last evening the. opening soiree was held, and largely attended. 'Die tea and accompaniments were of the choicest description, and served with true feminine taste by the ladies. Mr James Coup land occupied the chair, and, in a speech marked by right, foelinar and common sense, stated tlie two-told object of the meeting, wluch was to celebrate the opening services, and welcome the new ministers. It had often been apparent that a place of. worship nearer tho city and water was very desirable for sailors and oth"rs, who did not a' tend places of worship. Mr Cole spoke on the personal qualifications of the new minis ters, Itevs. R. Taylor, and Caygill, and gave those gontlemen a hearty welcome. ; These gen tlemen made suitable replies. Mr George llcmus also delivered a pleasing address in his usual style. A number of popiuar hymns were sung, and Miss Carr, with much ability presided at the piano. At the close of the meeting of tho Eden County Council last evening, Councillor Wriglcy gave notice that he would move at noxt sitting " That a committee be appointed to draw up bye-laws, and to regulate the feea pay able by persons slaughtering both in tho public and private slaughter-houses within the county, with the view of equaliziing the same."

Letter from Professor Darwin.

HE HAS NO FAITH IN THE TAILED

MEN OF KALILI

We notice that our contemporary the " Herald," Avith its characteristic love of cheap notoriety, this morning, in making reference to the comments of the London press on the tailed men of Kalili, speaks of the information as having been drawn from the account in the " New Zealand Herald." The fact is that the story was gathered by the London and American press from the detailed account in the STAR. The 'San Francisco Newsletter" supports the Rev. Mr Brown's statement with an affida vit from a miner, who says he saw the tailed men during a visit to New Guinea and adjoining islands in 1862. We have received by mail from Professor Darwin, through his son, a gratifying acknowledg ment of the value of our report to science, and a proof of tho interest which the sub ject has excited ill England. As the letter contains an expression of the Pro fessor's opinion of the bearing which such a discovery would have upon. _ the doctrine of evolution, we give it publicity : —

" Down, Beckenham, Kent, " Railway Station, Orpington, S.E.E. "January 4, 1877.

"Dear Sir,— " My father directs me to thank you for your account of the alleged discovery in New Ireland. My father does not believe in the existence of the tailed men, but even if it should prove true it would (as a mere inherited monstrosity) have no important bearing on evolution. " Yours faithfully, " Francis Darwin/

THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr. Emmet gave his final representation of "Jan" last, evening to an Auckland audience. The house was crowded, and everything passed off pleasantly. In addition to the varied surroundings of our German Cousin, the " Fritz" prize of a silver cup tor the best imita tion of Mr. Emmet's songs, created quite a sensation. Four competitors successively entered the arena of contest, tor the coveted prize. Mr. Russell appeared in German sailor costume, Mr. Thomas in an Englishman's white frock, Mr. Winchcombo as the original bamo man, and Mr. Glover as the invincible nigger. These competitors were generally good, but a great mistake was made by an appeal to tho audience by Mr. Thornton to award the prize. The. result was confusion. One party roareci out "Thomas, Thomas," another Wmeh coinbo and Bones," another Russell s the winnor, Russell for over," while another voci ferated "Glover's the.man for the cup--he 11 ahoiit," Amid so much confusion, it was im. p.wsiblo 1.0 decide, and the competitors after all their trouble went away priceless. Mr. Jimniet

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before G. M. Mitford Esq., and G. S. Graham Esqs. J.P.s) DRUNK. Archibald Campbell, who appeared with one eye in mourning, was charged _ with having sacrificed too freely at tho shrine of the jolly god. The Bench,: What is the matter with your eye. . . Campbell : Well your Worship it was blowing yesterday, and I got sand in the eye ? Fined ss, aud costs. William Milton, for a similar offence was fined an equal sum.. . A QUARRELSOME PAIR. Ilichard Weston denied having wilfully damaged three dresses and several other articles, the property of Susan Duneen. Sergeant Pardy said the two had been cohabiting together, and this was the result.

Prosecutrix stated that a person called for his money, and that though prisoner had the money in his pocket he refused to pay. When 'she told him to pay he got into a rage and tore up two petticoats, and a pair of boots, and set a match under another article. She got a summons against him, and then he came homo aud beat her.

By prisoner : Didn't I give you the money to buy those tilings. Witness : No. I bought them myself. Prisoner : Didn't you drive me out of the house with an axe.

Witness : No that's nothing to do with

it. Prisoner said he had tried to support the woman and child and her mother, but when ever she got in liquor she would pawn his clothes, and attempt to assault him. The Bench : Have you any complaint against the house, Mr Pardy. Sub-Inspector Pardy : No your Worship. It's the usual result of living an immoral life. Whenever they get drinking they come here. The Bench asked if the prisoner would pay £3, the cost of the goods destroyed. Prisoner : I haven't got a farthing to bless myself. She took all my money. The Bench: Are you willing to leave the woman.

Prisoner : Yes, I'm willing to get a ship and go, but while I'm in Auckland, she won't leave me.

Ordered to pay a fine of Is, and £3, or to bo imprisoned for 7 days.

FAMILY JARS,

Robert Lamb was charged with assaulting Alice Lamb, the wife of his bosom, by strik ing her in the face with his hand, and turning her out of doors. Prosecutrix did not appear. The Bench said a warrant would issue to compel her attendance.

PETTY SESSIONS—ADJOURNED.

ASSAULT, ADJOURNED CASE. John Menzies appeared on a charge of having assaulted a boy named Edward Johnson.

Mr Beale for complainant, Mr Alexander for defendant.

Mr Bonle applied that the case might be heard do novo, to which Mr Alexander consented.

Mary McCarthy, housemaid at the Gov enor Browne Hotel, deposed that, Meuzies asked the boy to go and do his work, but tho latter Lay down and kicked, and re fused |to go. Defendant had no Htick ; saw no violence used.

Cross-examined : The hoy threw himself on the ground, and used bad language. Menzies used no more violence than was

necessary. Mr Dunningliam gave evideuoc to the effect that the boy was placed under Menzies' orders, and had no fixed hours.

Crsss-oxainined : The boy left his service of his own accord. I did tell the boy that he ought to be horsewhipped ; I told him if he did not go away 1 would "kick him of}'. That was after he had gone away of his own accord. For the complainant Mr Beale called Charles Walker, an employee at the Gov ernor Browne Hotel, who deposed that he did not see Menzies lay hands oh the boy. The boy refused to go down stairs. The Bench dismissed the case, with costs, £i 14s Gd.

This was all the business,

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.— This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M,) The usual ■weekly sitting of this Court, for the recovery of small debts, was held this morning, when the following cases were heard or ad journed: JUDGMENTS FOR PLAIXTIFKS. J. S. Mactarlano v. Isaac Wilson, claim £25, 10 casks ale. (Mr Alexander for plaintiff.) Mr T. J. Farrell proved the debt, but since the action had been brought, defendant had sent a cheque for £23. Judgment for £2, costs. £3 lis. John McLachlan v. Michael Grace, claim, £2 is sd, drapory goods, costs lls. Joha Hurley v. Margaret Hooper, claim, £i 7s (id, costs, 9s, 2s 6d per week. Daniel Allen v. John Mooney, or Mornie, claim, 16s Bd, goods. (JVLr Laiahley for plaintiff.) There was a dispute.in this case as to the proper name of defendant, ;who stated that his name was unknown. Plaintiff and his wife swore that defendant, wlmtever Ms name might be, was the person who had the goods. Judgment for the full amount, co^ts £1 Is (id.

Win. McKinstry v. Matthew Mooncy, claim £2 lls 9d; Mr Thorne for plaintiff. This was a claim for groceries, and the account extended over a course of years; defendant had paid a number of instalments. The bill occupied about six sheets of cap paper, which caused his Wor ship to remark upon the extraordinary trouble of making out such an elaborate statement. Mr McKinstry said that defendant asked par ticularly for details from the commencement of their dealings, or he would not pay; he took the trouble and obliged, and then he ceased to pay altogether. Judgment for plaintiff, costs £1 is 6d.

Thomas Horgan v. E. S.sHill, claim £i, wages. Mr George for plaintiff, Mr Laishley for defendant. Thomas Horgan deposed that he entered Mr Hill's employ in July last as a night porter at 12s per week, and found his salary was regularly increased up to a£l per week. On the 21st February ho had some words with Mr. Hill. He had been worried all the night by the mosquitor, and fell into a dose at the time of lighting the lamps. Defendant here spoke so low that it was impossible to hear, but he was understood to say that he was told to "clear out," aiidj]he did so. He now sued for liis week's wages. Kdvra/rd Swanson Hill deposed that he was proprietor of the Victoria Hotel, and that defendant had been in his employ as night porter, and he had got extremely indolent, had neglected to clean the boots and light the lamps; when he should have been about his work he was either absent or asleep. He told him this line of conduct would not do, and if he did not attend to his duties better, he would have to clear. The man left in a summary way without his knowledge; ho refused to pay the pound on principle. Edward Hill, jun., deposed that he had to do the man s work. Counsel on both sides having addressed the Court, his Worship considered that the error was on Horgan's side, and gave iudgment for defendant, costs £1 tid. R. Arthur v. Joseph Rogers, claim £14 6s sd. Defendant confessed judgment for £12 Us lid, costs £2.

Talbot v. Boyd, claim £20. Mr Kissling for plaintiff, Mr Laishley for defendant. The plain tiff in this case, Richard Thomas Talbot, is Secretary to the Mechanic's Institute, and the defendant, a cab proprietor. The claim was for damage done to plaintiffs garden, in Symqnds street, by the overfioyv of a water course from the premises of defendant and which, on the ith of February, caused a land slip, in consequence of which several tons of plaintiff's garden was brought down by the stream. The damage was caused, as was ascer tained, by Boyd's car passage obstructing the due course of t'ueJwater. Boyd acknowleged this to be the cause, out said the Highway Board, who allowed him to put up the obstruction was to blame, and refused to take any steps to remedy the evil, hence plaintiff was compelled to take the present action. Mr Laishley said that in order to have a clear conception of the matter, it was necessary that his Worship should see the premises, and aa Mr Boyd was prepared with a carriage; they could all take a pleasant drive to the premises, and as there were at least olevon witne.-ses to be examined, his Worship's knowledge of the situa tion of the gardens would materially assist his judgment and shorten the case. Ilia Worship, inoreo vor, could take luncheon by the way. His Worship consented to visit tho premises, Mv Uoyd ran for the carriage, and tlio hearing of tho case was &djq urncd until halt-pa^ t\yQ

Arrival of the With Immigrants.

THE splendid iron clipper ship Oxford 1200 tons register, Captain Vaux, arrived from London to-day with immigrants, after a very fast run of S3 days from Plymouth, and 94 from the Downs. It wiU be seen from the report of the passage that very heavy weather in the channel at starting, Which necessitated the vessel running into Plymouth for shelter. The weather the rest of the voyage has been unusually line. From the set of the winds on ap proaching New Zealand the captain determined to come south about. The vessel which was here two years ago conies to the agency of the New Zealand Shipping Co. During the voyage Captain Vaux Dr Akerman, the Surgeon Superin tendent and Mrs Augove, the matron over the single girls, have worked together very harmoniously, With the result that the passengers speak of the voyage as having been an exceedingly pleasant one without even any of the ordinary unpleasant nesses which are looked for on board ship One or two cases of fever of an ordinary description occurred in the early part of the voyage, but for the last six weeks the ship has been thoroughly healthy, a state of things which must be at any rate partly due to the excellent ven tilation of all the compartments, and the strict cleanliness insisted on by the authori ties It is no flattery to say that the' Oxford comes into port in splendid condition, and the compliments paid to the captain and doctor by the immigration officers were well de served These officers — namely Major Green, Dr. Philson, and Captain Burgess boarded the ship outside the North Head and by the time the anchorage was readied a thorough inspection had been made with the above satisfactory result. The immi grants are of the ordinary description, per haps a little above the average. The single men, of whom there are 82 on board, are a strong, merry-looking lot of fellows. The following character of one of them, sent by a confiding parent is unique in its way :— " My son Patrick Connell is a sober young man. I could not demonstrate his accom plishments witii regard to his good beha viour. " It is an extraordinary circumstance that not one death of a passenger took place during the voyage, and only two births. The captain and doctor both speak highly of tho assistance they have received from Mr Hogan, chief constable on board, in keeping order among the passengers. We are glad to give publicity to this compliment to Mr Hogan, more especially as we are informed that this gentleman, who was formerly a sergeant-major in the army, was awarded an ensign's commission for liis courageous conduct at the siege of Cawnporc, in the Indian Mutiny. He isold out some years ago. The immigrants are being landed as we go to press.

births.

Dec. 9th.—Mrs Moss, of a son. Dec. 15th,—Mrs Booth, of a son. DEATH.

Dec. 12th.—Robt. Huberts (A. B.) of inflammation of the lungs.

SPEAKING.

Dec. 27th. —Spoke ship Dhulcep Singh, from Kurrachee to London ; 92 days, lat. 5.4 N., and long. 26.20 W. We are indebted to Captain Vaux for the following report of the voyage:—Left the East India Dock on the 24th November, and at 4 p.m. embarked passengers at Gravesend. On Monday, 27th left Graves end. In the Downs on the 29th. The Channel pilot left the ship on the Ist December, barometer 2i). Experienced same day a hard gale from the south-west, and on the following day the wind split the mainsail. On Monday, the 4th, as it was still blowihg furiously, bore away for Plymouth. On Tuesday, sth, after arrival there, the barometer stood at 25.14. Windbouud for live days. Left again on the Bth. On the 12th, Roberts, an A.8., died from inflammation of the lungs. On the 13th, experienced another heavy gale, wuich blew away the new jib. After this, had very fine weather through out the voyage. Crossed the line on New Year's Day, in long. 27i W. Had very good trades. Sighted Martin V ass Rocks, and Trinidad on the Bth January. Splendid weather thence with wind drawing from S.E. into about W.N.W. Passed meridian of Greenwich on the 19th, and the meridian of the Cape on the 22nd. Ran down the eastings in lat. 49i S. In the Southern Ocean had remarkably fine weather with .strong W. N. W. winds. On several days, particularly on the Bth Feb ruary, the glass was very low—down at one time to 2S-75 —without any apparent cause. The Snares wre passed on Febniary- 15th, 69 days out from Plymouth.' ! From that time had very light winds. Made Gable End on the 2£th ulto., and rounded the East Cape on the 25th, Since then provoking light N.W. and S.W. winds have been experienced, keeping the ship away from port. Passed between the Barrier and the main land last night, and arrived in harbour at noon to-day, 94 days from the Downs, and only 83 from Ply mouth.

IMMIGRANTS PER OXFORD.

The following is a list of the immigrants ex pected per ship Oxford, which left London for Auckland on the 2Hth November, with 239 persons (equal to 207* statute adult s):—Black, Hugh, 31, Mary J., 32; Booth, John, 32, Mary, 3vf, and throe children; Collins, Henry 37, Sabina, 3G, and four children ; Foster, Joseph, 34, Mary A., 21; Fake, Isaiah, 35, Ellen 30, Isaiah, 13, and three children ; Harvey, James, 39, Maria, 35, Sarah, 15, Todora, 11, Christina, 12, and five children; Hall, William, 15, Anne. 42, William, 23, Jane. 21, Annie, 19, Rachel, 17, Sarah, 15, and three children ; McCoy, John, 31, Eliza A., 22, and one child ; McGuire, Robert, 32, Janet, 28; Magee, James, 22, Eliza, 24; Mcllw&in, George, 24, Mary, 20, and one child; O'Donnell, Thomas, 23, Mary, 25, and three children; Paul, John, 33, Mary, 31, and two children : Sutherland, William, 35, Mary. 27, and one child; Taylor, George, 40, Maria, 39, and two children. Addis, Thomas, 22 ; Agnew, Gordon. 21 ; Black, Matthew, 5(5; Bates, Saml., 32 ; Bacon, James 30; Clifford, John, 22 ; Golden, Bessie, 23, Mary, 19 ; Cain, William, 20 ; Creaquide, Charles, 21* Campbell, Henry, 18; Crotty, James. 23; Dea con, Abraham, 2i ; Deery,'Edward, 27; Da vies, Robert, 21; Finlay, Francis, 21; Fake, Ezekiel 27; Hosan, Goo. P., 41, Alice M., 14; House' William, 23; Hazlett, James, 22 ; Ireland, Wm. J., 23; Kane, Thomas. 21, Peter, 20; Miles Henry, 25, Morris, Ebenezer, 27; McMahon' Richd., 33 : McCammon, James, 18 ; Mcßride' Andrew, 19; Menedy, Hugh, 19 ; Morris, John' 24; O'Neill, Cornelius, 25; O'Leary, Jeremiah' 22; O Brien, Charles, 20; Patton, William 28 • Patterson, Thomas, 17 ; Reidy, James, 22 • Rich, John, 21; Ross, George, 22; Rockell,' Joseph, 21 ; Scott, William. 22; Sharrett, Wm H., 29: Suiter, .Tames, A., 23 : Spence, Samuel 32; Venables, John, 23; Wilcock Thomas "3 . Barret,t Thomas 21 ; McCarthy, Timothy,' 23 •' O'Donnell Echyd., 23 ; Nixon, Thomas, 20 • Angove, Philhppa (Matron), 44, Ellen, 16- Black, Eleanor, 20 ; Cusaok, Julia 18, Mary 20 '■ Campbell, Margaret. 16, Bridget 20, Mary A ' lb; Cole Jane E., 30; Dawson, Mary A., 20: Hanhn, Alice, 28, and three children • Hill' Louisa. 21, and one child; Huddart, Elizabeth' 23; Haynes, Margaret, 30; Hughes Anne 26 • Howard, Honora, 25 ; Johnson, Matilda 17 Annie, lo; King Matilda, 20; Lynch. Annie' 21; Luters, Caroline, 34, Louis 9- Menos^h Sarah^o; Meade Mary,' 22; Mavhe^ ml# %V I Mcl. vor- Catherine, 20; Sheeny. Mary 21 • Shoals, Anne, 20; West, Sarah, 34; FiaseV Archibald, 30 Fanny, 28 ; Hewlett, Samuel TO* Lomgan. John, 23; MuUen, Patrick SO-o'wii: loran, Thomas, 19; Palmer SA. °J? al mmM§

Dovine, William, 29; Guare, Owen mT^ 8 Sweoney, Patrick, 20. wen> Xi Me Saloon passenger, Mrs Ak«*rmjm t

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT OF A PASSENGER.

HE DESERTS HIS WIFE AVn FAMILY IN ENGLAND a§S BRINGS ANOTHER WOMAN Oil? AS HIS WIFE. . UUT Some weeks ago the Immigration Com misaioner, Major Green, received certain documents from England, proving beyond doubt that Jos. J. Foster, one of the irWi grants on board the Oxford, described in the passenger list as a married i»an eni j grating to New Zealand with his wife Wl left his real wife and family in England without any means of support. After the official inspection of the ship to-day thp reputed bigamist was called aft into thp saloon and was examined by the Immim-a tion Commissioner. He is a young man about 28, of sallow complexion and nnp re . possessing appearance, and bears a very bad character. on board. At first he 1 denied the charge, but on being shown the documents with full particulars of the com plaint lodged by his wife, the church where he was married, and how many children he had left behind, he came down a bit, and said it was all true, but he wasn't married • twice, for the woman he had with him was not his wife. The pseudo Mrs. Foster was then called in. This good lady was evidently quite prepared for what was to take place. When asked if s h e was married to Foster, she replied " No." She knew he had made a statement that she was his wife, but it was not so. Major Green here informed the man that if the law could not touch him in any other way, he would be prosecuted for signing a false statement. The woman said her proper name was Mary Ana Thoakston. She brazened it out fij^ but on the Commissioner administer^ 8 sound rebuke to both for their immoral conduct, and to the man for his cowardly and blackguardly behaviour to "both, his wife and his present companion, she commenced to sob and cry " Oh, Jos, Jos, what shall 1 do?" A part of the story Avhich closely aftects this colony is that among the documents received by Major Green is one that shews J. J. Foster to have served 21 days in goal in England as a vagrant. We trust that he is the only specimen of his class on board.

Port Albert Agricultural Show.

(PER STAR CARRIER PIGEON),

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

PORT ALBERT, this day. The Port Albert Show yesterday was a great success. The cattle only were in ferior. There was an immense display of produce, and visitors from Mahurangi were much surprised. Nearly 300 sat down to dinner, and Mr Curtis' generousjspread wasjliighly spoken of. PRIZES.—SHEEP. Best ram, Smith, Ist prize; Turner, 2nd; Lester, 3rd. SPECIAL PRIZE. Mr Clark. RAM LAMBS. Elliot, Ist prize ; Smith, 2nd. EWE LAMBS. Elliott, Ist prize ; Marcroft, 2nd. » TWO TOOTH EWES. Marcroft, 1 ; Brooks, 2nd. . OVER TWO TOOTH. Plummer, Ist and 2nd prizes^; Turner, 3rd. BULLS. . . ' Dibble, Ist prize; Judd, 2nd. BULL CALF. Worker, Ist prize ; Judd, 2nd. COW IN CALF. Dibble, Ist prize ; Turner, 2nd. UNDER TWO YEARS. Cutforth, Ist prize. HEIFER CALF. Emily Utting, Ist prize ; Gubb, 2nd. pigs (sow). Beecroft, Ist prize ; Dibble, 2nd. BOARS. Dibble, Ist and 2nd prizes. : STALLION. Dibble, Ist prize. AGRICULTURAL HORSES. Milligan, Ist prize ; Palmer, 2nd •; Elliott, 3rd. DRAUGHT FOAL. Palmer, Ist prize ; Mooney, '2nd. WAG FOALS. Turner, Ist prize ; Gubb, 2" ad. HACKS. Dibble, Ist prize; Tamr itiTupare, 2nd; Hefford, 3rd. In produce, there Avere 184 entries.

Kaipara Heads.

(PER STAR CArrier PIGEON.)

[FROM OUR &*\r N CORRESPONDENT.]

Thursday, 10 a.ra. The Reward, For Wanganiii; Nightin gale for Melbourne; Rhoderick Dim, Matchless, mv'l Warkworth, cleared the bar yesterday afternoon. The use of the telegraph frr, m the Outer Heads to Pilot Station is -shown in this instance. The vessels weve signalled from Pilot Station that the bea was smooth, and good working breeze bio wing from the southward. The barque Ansdell made another attempt, but had to return. She will probabjy succeed to-day. No arrivals.

Northern Wairoa.

ARATAPU. (From our own Correspondent.) A musical entertainment was given by ladies and gentlemen of the settlement on Monday evening, in aid of the Aratapu Library Fund. The arrangements were under the management of Mr W. Mowbray Higgs, -who achieved a great success, financially as well as otherwise. The following vessels are loading here : — Maude Graham, Owake, Sarah and Mary, and Prince Albert. The following vessels sailed during the week:—Jessie Niccol* Kate Brain, and Torea. TE KOPUKA. (From Our Own Correspondent). The timber business is very brisk fjifc the mills. One of them has performed itfj usual monthly miracle of cutting about 300,000 feet of timber, which it has expanded into a shipment of 900,000. The following vessels are loading here :— Enterprise, Aspasia, Hannah Broomfield, Annie Hill, Marion, Julia, T. Coruey, and Sarah Pile.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Ax adiourned meeting of the Chamber of Com merce was held in the Company's office, Queen street, this afternoon. Seven members were present; also, Messrs Young and D. Bridges, of Canada.

Mr Young, on rising to address the meetingi returned thanks for the opportunity thus afforded him of meeting them. He was at' present on his way to Sydney, having been-' appointed as agent at the Sydney Exhibition for Canada. The speaker thio on the1 existing commercial rel'l.Xjfey'between Cki£ ada and Australia, ar^"" stated thaS a* the present moment two vessels* th© trem and the Escort, wore m thejF way from Canada to Sydney, laden withexhibiSS for the Sydney Exhibition," to be held there on April loth. His present object in coming to two principal meeting was to impress upon the people the advisability O f appointing an agent to rcpro* seat this colony at that exhibition. They could w"s draw the two colonies more togotliei". »§<* establish a commercial trade, A plan of Caoac* was producod by the speaker, who explained; tnc course o« milwaya completed, and other points of inter-oat. ' ~,,„ v At. tins oQiiolusion,, a vote ef thanka tQ Ms

THE EVENIKG STAB, THUBSDAf, MABG3B; 1, JLBtt.



BOYS' AND MEN'S CLOTHING;, STRONG- TWEED FO R BOYS' WEAR FLANNEL, &c, &c. A LARGE PARCEL OF NEW GOODS JUST OPENED UP AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, Comprising— Men's Tweed Trousers, in variety, from 10/6 jjer pair Men's Strong Tweed Suits, at 30/ suit complete Men's Superior Quality Suits Paget Coals, .and 1 Soys' and Youths' Suits in variety Men's Moleskin Trousers, a really good quality, at 7/fi per pair Strong Cotton Working Shirts in variety All W 00l Crimean Shirts, good qualities, from 6/6 And, A Lot of STRONG TWEED, suitable for Boys, wear, from 1/11 per yard Also, 2 Bales ALL WOOL WELSH FLANNEL, from 1/2 per yard New Prints, Furnishing Goods, &c. Inspection will prove that the above Goods are really cheap, the whole parcel having been exceptionally well bought in an over stocked market. Bat One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Qdebn-strkkt, Auckland. pi R E T O NN E S!! Large Assortment of Beautiful Patterns in CRETONNES Just Opened. FURNISH your House economically from the CityHainircade. FURNISH your Drawing-room from Hollo way and Garlick's Choice Stock. FURNISH your Dining-room, Kitchen, and Bedroom with substantial and Cheap Furniture. EDDINGI—AII made on the Premises. BEDDING !—Guaranteed Genuine. BEDDING!— To fit all sizes Bedsteads and Cots. IYEDSTEADS !—Half-tester, French, and 13 Folding. BEDSTEADS !—Iron, Wood, all sizes and prices. BEDSTEAD Hangings made to order. LNOLEUM!—The best covering for Floors of Halls, Dining, and Billiard Rooms. Unsurpassed for durability^ T INOLEUM '.—Especially prepared for Stairs, XJ just opened ex Loch Urr. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ■wantin" Good and Cheap Furniture, Drapery, and Clothing, are invited to inspect Our Stock. Most Extensive Show-rooms in Auckland. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE, Queen-street and Lome-street. Auckland. "t c osgr ay c & co. 3 Bog to announce they will bring forward A Fresh Lot of BARGAIN S!!! Consisting of HEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with tho whole of their SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, " REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES | Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea' water, will be Sold under Tnvoioo Prine ladies and Gentlemen about to F4tftUh <is' 4 rested fully requested to inspect the Large Steth of PEA WING-ROOM, DINING ■ #OOtf BEDROOM, AND GENERAL aOTJSEHOLD FURNITURE, In ww New and' Spacious Showrooms. T. <& sTdOOKEt 67, QVBEN-STRBBT



*KT~O TICE OF REMOVAL. H. ~A™ BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE m- II A S It E M O V E D ! I ."©» TO THE Premises Next Door Below his Old Shop. H. ATKINS Begs to heartily thank his numerous Cus tomers for their very liberal patronage from his first commencing business up to the present time, and to assure them that although his trade has increased to that extent, that his REMOVAL to more Commodious Premises was a neces sity, the same principles of business will still be adhered to: viz., keeping a good, article, buying in the cheapest market, add selling at the smallest profit possible. His New Shop shall always be known as Tine Cheapest in Auckland. H.A. will be happy to sue all his old Customers, and as many new ones as may honour him with their patronage. A SPLENDID STOCK OF DRAPpRY AND CLOTHING Will always bo found, and the PPtICES THE LOWEST IN AUCKLAND ! H. ATKINS. T^T* O T I C E. J. W. PEARSE INTENDS HOLDING A CHEAP CLEARING OUT SALE OF HIS LARGE AND VALUABLE STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, READY-MADE CLOTHING, And FANCY GOODS, m" At a Very Great Reduction ! Sale to Commence on SATURDAY, 3rd March. No Credit Givex. Closed on Friday to Mark Down the Stock. A little prudence in purchasing will enable the buyer to defeat the aims of the rascals who sell spurious counterfeits of Udolpho Wolfe s Schiedam Aromati c Schnapps in bottles which formerly held the real article. See that the label bears the name and signature of the proprietor, observe its execution, and do not be imposed upon by plausible expln nations of any deficiency. li/TUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF iVJ. AUSTRALASIA. Incorporated by Act of Parliament. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Auckland. Local Director: George Bukgoyne Owen, Esq. (Messrs. Owen and Graham.) Principal Medical Officer: Charles Field Goldsbuo', Esq., M.D. General Agent for New Zealand : William T. J. Bell. With Sub-Agencies in all the Principal Towns. Every information on the subject of LIFE ASSURANCE ANNUITIES, and ENDOW MENTS FOR CHILDREN, afforded by J. A. Lowe, Travelling A^nt^the Action ; or General Agent. tea, Special Features.— Age admitted on Policies, which are uxchallangable from date of issue. Lowest Rates of Premiums, and no hamper ing conditions as to residence or occupation.