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Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1201, 28 November 1873, Page 2

We hear that the re-election of Mr O'ltorke ■to the speakcrship of the Auckland Provincial Council ia likely to be opposed. Mr b). Ihuniin, M.!'.(..'. for Waiuku, is said to be a candidate for the odiee. This gentleman, although he cannot boast of Mr OMlorke's experience, has acted as chairman of committees occasionally, and performed his duties satisfactorily. Whether he has suflioont weight and mlluenco to outvote Mr O'ltorke, however, is very problematical. Is ia rumoured also that Mr Carleton may bo put up if there is a contest, ami Mr W. .). Hurst is known to havo cast longing eyes on that chair.

It is stated that legal proceedings will positively bo taken by thu defeated caiididales to upset the late election at llamaraiui.

A very interesting pastime for boys or girls, and one that might Ijo mado to yield prolifc as well as ploasnro, is that afforded by hitUworms. We have boon shown by Masters Harry and Samuel Keesing tliuir little colony of tlic.se ugly but beauty-producing insects. They have between 3000 and 400 fJ of them, and exhibit some beautiful skeins of white and amber silk, including one of last month's spinning, the lirst, we are informed, of the season. The great diiliculty encountered is keeping up a supply of mulberry trees, the worms eating an immense quantity of leaves. Silk worms are easily managed, attention to their feeding and keeping the place clean being all that is required. In their various stages of development they afford interesting employment for young people, and the silk when wound into beautiful skeins rewards their industry And attention. Jvlr ]£dward Isaacs, who, we are informed, brought over the lirst .silk worms introduced into Auckland, has many splendid skeins, obtained from worms attended to by his three little giils under the age of seven years. At present these children have 4000 worms under their charge, :jOO of which are at present spinning. Masters Koesing have left at our oilice boxes of worms in various stages of development, mvi the skein of silk referred to, all of which may be inspected by persons interested. Sericulture with a view to export has never been found to pay in the colonies ; but it certainly furnishes nice employment for yiung people, and where carried on extensively might be made to supply them with pocket money.

To the Editor : Sir, —For the "wrong that needs resistance" I know that your columns are ever open and ready to do battle. On the part of those whose cause I advocate resistance is out of the question, and therefore I seek your powerful aid. I have the misfortune to live adjoining the residence of a certain medical—l wasgoing to say gentleman —practitioner who is frequently in the habit of brutally ill-treating his wife and children. Their cries, to those who have any merciful feelings, are very painful to hear, and the sound of the scourging rope on their backs and shoulders, coupled with tho tyrant's voice, obscenely cursing and shouting " I will be master in my own house" are enough to make the blood curdle and rouse tho feelings of tho most apathetic. At other times, by way of changing the_ amusement, he will tie up his little dog midway between two posts, and flagellate the poor animal till it can hardly stand. If this man expects to obtain mercy hereafter at the hands of the Supreme Being, it would be wise in him to "extend mercy to others. J He surely must have formerly resided in Russia, and under that paternal government have- become intimately acquainted with the taste of a little rubefacient instrument called the knout, and uovv he deems it incumbent on him for tho comfort and domestic happiness of his wife fco illustrato practically on her shoulders (poor lady) its benelicial effects. But let him beware. If over I find that same little dog treated to another such cordate inlliction I shall inform' against him under the Cruelty to Animals" Act, and should the sound of that horrid scourging of his poor wife (heaven help her), or her delicate children (little girls, too—Oh ! shame) ever again salute my ears or come to my knowledge I shall do myself tho honour to publish his name and address in all the twinkling stars, ►in order that all kind hearted ladies who can feel for the humiliation and suffering of one of their own sex, and all true hearted men Avho can feel indignation at the antics of such a ferocious gorilla ! may avoid having their door-steps polluted with the tread of this callous-hearted wretch. Does he call himself a man? IMiaw I Does ho call himself a gontloman ? Out upon tho cowardly caitiff, who is neither the one or the .other. A Latin author says that to have studied the liberal art, " emotlil, mores nee. sinil »iseferos," but hero we have an instance of one whom the study actually seems to have made ferocious, and who writos "Dr." before before his namo. Perhaps he is mad, if so :the Whau, tonics, and straight waistcoats. [I fear, Mr Editor, . I am trespassing on your columns, as well as your patience,' but, sir, my indignation f calls forth all my dormant scribbling talent. I trust that by our united efforts we shall be able to administer such a sedative to this medical gontloman as will make him as cowed and abject as his poor little dog under the knout.—l remain, Sir, Yours, Castration.

At the Supreme Court yesterday an application by Mr Rees to strike off a proof of debt against Craig's oitato to Patrick Dilloi', of £20 4s 9d, was refused,

The managers of the Prince of Wales Theatre announce that they will take their benefit to-morrow (Satin-day) evening previous to leaving this part 'of the colony. We understand that an unusually good bill of fare will be provided for the occasion calculated to please every taste. The managers have done their best to amuse the people of this cit\, and in return the people shoultl heartily respond to the final call of the managers.

Tn another column will be seen the timetable for the new steam ferry service between Stokes' Point and Auckland, to bo inaugurated on Monday next. Wo are given to understand that it is considered very convenient to the residents on the other side ; but if found desirable to modify it, the timetable will bo regarded as provisional by the Harbour Board, and can be altered. It will be noticed also that Stokes' Point is to be known in the ferry service as " Woodside." This also is at the request of the residents, as ifc is thought to sound more " aristoscratchit" than "Stokes' Point. It is only just, however, to say that this mine was long ago given to the place, on the liicuk a non htcenclo principle, there being no "wood" at all there; and by this name ■were the township allotments sold. Jlowover this may be it will be decidedly vulgar in future to say "Stokes' Point,"'and "we hereby warn all manner of men to accept and adopt the more arisfcoscratcliifc term " Wooilside." We would also advise all the residents of East and West Devonport that on and after Monday next there will be an additional morning boat from Victoria Wharf to Auckland, to wit at a quarter to eight. This will bo convenient for auctioneers and others who noAv feel it a painful deprivation of proper rest to be obliged to got up for the seven o'clock morning boat. We would further note that there is an additional night-boat making three night trips instead of. two between the Devonporta and .Auckland.

"Punch is again in the city trotting round with his weekly budget of fun to the great delight of the inhabitants, and with words of consolation for rejected candidates. On his front he hears his new "provincial alphabet, or staves np the ladder of fame." The New Chum's electioneering report is graphic and true. The spirit of Ad.dison's old Sir linger discourses pleasantly and most opportunely on manners, a muohnoedesd discourse, which may in subsequent issues be of service to precocious city youths. Many little tiLbits are dished np and garnished appropriately for the drawing-room table; aild placed in the corners ; the Lady's diary and the sensational story of the " Hunted 'Husband" are continued. J'ltiic/t is now six weeks old, and is increasing ill strength and beauty.

To the Editor: Sir, —I suppose Mr Macready was only jesting in his remarks made at the City West nomination about the Mayor. On the occasiou he alludes to (the passing of the Harbour Debts Repeal Act) Mr Philips was at the Council buildings from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m , but being very unwell, which he had been for Horn ; diys previous, he ascertained that some eighteen members as against five or six opponents to the measure promised to stop before lie ventured to leave, which they did. The attendance rolls of the Provincial Council will, I think, show that Mr Philips was rarely or ever absent.— Yours .to., Ex-M.P.C.

Monday next will 1 o observed as a holiday by the banks in honor of St. Andrew's Day.

The City West election last evening at the Young Men's rooms, Wollosley-Btreet, caused a groat deal of excitement and harmless banter amons; the hundreds outside who worn joosoly waiting for the reault of the voting. ft is not given to every man to eliafF successfully. M.mv a swell \v\\n fancier that if ho engages the funnioßt.man of a pleasure party in wordy warfare he could easily .silence his batteries, might find himself mistaken. Those wliu take a prominent share in empolitical contes's know well how smart and ready a follow may be who can barely write his name. It is one thing to writo a stinging epigram, or deliver a telling speech, and quite another to turn the langh to your side by a quick and appropriate rejoinder to a sudden attack. A chaffing match is like a duel with revolvers ; both sides blaze away as fast as they can, and some of the bullets arc pretty sure to find their billets unless one of the candidates is destitute of wit. While standing in the crowd last evening, outside the advanced Young Men's Christian Institute, the writer was attracted to the following piece of political criticism on the candidates: "What do you think on 'cm, Tom, they are a pretty lot ain't they?" " Well, Dick, I'll gio' yer my opinion. Igo in for Billy Swanson ; he is witty, and practical, and don't like humbug—he panders to nobody. Boylan may be all right, but his mind is not in the work—he is troubled with a short memory, and cannot remember which side ho took in an important debate. Tie is a smart looking man, but not retentive enough for City West. Dignan seems to evince a good deal of carelessness, and don't care much whether ho succeeds or not; but still, if elected, ho will be proud. We don't want proud men, Dick, we have too many of them strutting about the city already. Macready is a blunt sort of fellow, and generally to the point, round, and ready like, and goes in for economy. Then there's G oldie, who stands on his personal virtues and extraordinary common sense—a capital qualification that, Dick, much wanted in City West. Then there's Captain Burns, perhaps a descendant of the poet, and may be with a pension for long military services, though he don't exhibit his medals—keeps 'em at home, eh, specially for field days ? He's such a smart chap though, with independent notions, an officer who would not accept either place or pay, a man that would spurn a sinecure : that's grand in human nature, which is so fickle, you know. Well, the "Volunteers ought to be represented, and if the gallant captain can wield the sword of justice and shoot public abuses right in the heart, hurrah ! say I, for Burns. Mr James Coupland has coraic out in the intorests of farmers and gardeners, and such a man is wanted. You see he is a seedsman, and in a political sense may scatter Borne good political seed in the barren places of the Council, and hoe up some of the •weeds. Prime ia a prime follow, and no doubt in his unobtrusive way will make a prime legislator. But I wish Georgey had come out; he is fearless and outspoken, and honest enough to say that ho still sticks to broad and cheese and beer ; but Georgey won't come out this time, so the poor man will be still unrepresented. Billy Kirby, however, is on his logs. Billy's a fine fellow, a magnificent man, splendid talker, full of enthusiasm, he pays 20s in the £, don't go in for psalm singing, thinks the people should stick to " ofd Bob Ridley," and such pathetic effusions ; but lor how I laughed when Bill Baid he had the nightmare If Mr Quick or any other owner of horses said this the people would not have been surprised ; but of course, Billy dii'nt refer to animals at ■ill, but to the state of his stomach." At this moment there was a great noise, like to that of a mighty rushing wind, and the crowd pushed towards the Institute door, when the fact was announced that Messrs Swanson, Boylan, Dignan, Goldie, and Prime were the successful candidates. The crowd then (juiotly dispersed, and went home to tea.

We to-day inspected the boilers and patterns of the machinery in course of construction for Messrs Holmes Brothers new | iteamer now- being built nt the North Shore. | Mr Hawkoswood, of the Staffordshire Iron | Works, fifobson-street, has taken the contract for the machinery of this vessel, and it is progressing rapidly, thirty-five men being kept constantly employed on it. The vessel will have two boilers fourteen feet I six inches long, the shells of which are j made of half-inch iron, and the hole plates :?■ inches. The boiler will be double riveted, and capable of bearing a pressure of 75H)s-to the square inch. The engines will j be 00 horse power nominal. Already the j moulds for the cylinder and other parts of. I the machinery have been completed, and the casting will bo proceeded with as quick as possible, The boilers and engines will be of a very substantial character. "We understand that negotiations are proceeding with a Coromandol Company for the purchase of an interest in the vessel, so as to secure her permanently for that trade.

We beg to acknowledge with thanks a packet containing another medal—the twelfth—for the North Shore No. 2 team of cricketers ; also a large piece of blue ribbon, both of which we have forwarded to the proper quarter. The gift was accompanied by the following letter :—-

" Sir, —I have groat pleasure in forwarding another modal as a substitute for the ono devoured, and it is to ho hoped when Q. N. By, Esq.. playa cricket he will make such an excellent score that will entitle him to be ono of the next champion team." Enclosed you will also find the ribbon to suspend the medals with. I can assure you it affords me the greatest pleasure to reward such meritorious cricketers.—l have, &c, Jotrtf Gtkgkbbiikat),— P.S.—A suggestion: 1 think anyone devouring a medal of merit again, and not belonging to the said eleven, should bo liable to a fine of ss, which might go towards the Orphan Home.—J.G."

In Nelson-streot, midway between Cook and Wollosley-sfcroet, is a vacant allotment of about two acres which presents one of the loveliest natural pictures to the eye that we have seen in any part of the city, the lower part being covered with thousands of wild roses, not so fragrant as those of the English hedgerows, but still very beautiful.

The sneial gathering yesterday at Mr Taylor's, Mount Albeit, in aid of the funds of St. Luke's Church, was very successful. The rustic building was decorated, with ferns and green boughs and bunting. About 200 persolts were ufeuent.. After a s'umptnoils tea the Ilev. Mr Dudley was voted to the chair. Mr Taylor read the report, which allowed the church to be in a prosperous condition. The remainder of the evening was passed with music and singing, consisting of duets, glees, and readings, Dr Maunscll addressed a few words of encouragement to the audience, and Mr Thomas Macffarlane w&s exceedingly humouro us.

Mr Brown, fruiterer of the Market and Queen-street, recommends bananas with cream and sugar, in the same way as strawberries, as most delicious eating. We have tried them as directed, and find them equal if not superior to the latter fruit.

A bazaar will be held at Coromandel on the rtfch December and two following days in aid of t lie local ho*p"t il. Tin's is a most useful institution, and deserves every encouraee-nn-iit. It is not very long ago when any one meeting with an aonidunt, requiring surgical aid, had to be sent up to Auckland or the Thames at the cost of much extra inconvenience, expense, and Buffering, whereas he can now (so far ay funds and accommodation permit) be well cared for on the spot. Wo hope to see the Coromandel Hospital bazaar well patronised.

The Royal Humane Society has issued the following notice, which wi: reprint for the benefit of our bathing community :—"Avoid bathing within two hours after a meal, or whan exhausted by fatigue or from any other eau.se, or when the body is cooling after perspiration, or altogether in the open air if after having been a short time in the water there is a sense of dullness, with numbness of the hands and feet ; but bathe when the body is warm provided no time is lost in getting into the water. Avoid chilling the body by sitting or standin" undressed on the banks or in boats after having been in the water. Avoid remaining too long in the water ; leavo the water imme° diately there is the slighest feeling of chiliness. The vigorous and strong may bathe early in the morning on an empty stomach. The young, and those who are weak, had better bathe two or three hours after a meal. The best time for such is from two to three hours after breakfast. Those who are subject to attacks of giddiness or faintness. and those who suffer from palpitation and other sense of discomfort at the heart, should not bathe without first consulting their medical adviser."

The Liceused Victuallers' ball held last OTening in the Choral Hall was a great success. Not less than 250 persons were present, and the proceedings were characterised by great spirit and cordiality. Mr A. Banacted as M.C. The guests sat down to supper at midnight, his Worship the Mayor occupying the chair, and Mr Macready the vice-chair. The usual toasts were drunk, and in responding to the toast—"The Auckland Liceused Vie-: tuallera Association," the President said : As President of this Association I render you my most sincere thanks for the kindly and prompt manner in which you responded to our call for subscriptions to this our second ball. And not alone for that, but for your very numerous attendance here to-night, which we highly value. Ladies and gentlemen, we thought our iirst ball a great success, but when wo find nearly double the number of guests, and those guests the elite of Auckland, we do sensibly feel that our institution is rising in the estimation of that portion of the public whj are not fanatic, and who will still stand by man's great prerogagative—the control of his own mind. Ladies and gentlemen I must inform you that this society's groat desideratum is to create a fund for the ultimate purpose of building a school for the education of our children, and as closely as possible to follow in the footsteps of our great pattern, the London L.V. Association. The engraving of their asylum I have caused to be placed in this beautiful hall, and it is a splendid example of what can be done by unity of purpose Thero, in that magnificent building, are permanently located one hundred and sixty men and women, and the total amount expended weekly by the Society is in the aggregate £101 17s. Our noble Queen patromzes the Society, as also the aristocracy and gentry of England, and there in that palace these decayed members of that institution pass away the remainder of their brief span, and I trust with all their surroundings fcliey are happy. Such, ladies and gentlemen is our object, and I believe you will say it is good. And we also endeavour to the best ot our ability to secure the good wishes of ail men and further to promote the social stanclmg and. respectability of the A.L. V. A Again thanking you ladies and gentlemen i beg to drink in the name of our Society's Health, a happiness and prosperity to you all, and I sincerely hope we shall meet even more numerous a.t our next annual ball."

A large and influential meeting of citizens was held this afternoon in the offices of Messrs Armstrong and Dignan for the purpose of considering the matter of welcoming the Auckland cricketers on their return from the South. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and explained the object of the meeting. The following gentlemen were appointed as a general committee, viz.—■ Messrs Swanson, Dargaville, E. Hosketh, IT. Lusk, Fenton, Whitaker, J. B. Russell, Stanmis Jones, T. Morrin, Jackson, Heather, L. D. Nathan, H. Tsaacs, W. S. Cochrane, J. C. Firth, Tonka, Graham, Aitken, Watt, (>. Henderson, MacCormick, Murdock, Kissling, O'Rorke, Williamson, Gillies, Fraser, McDonald, Jordon, Mahoney, Rowe, Sandes, and Hovell. The following gentlemen were appointed as the executive committee : — His Worship the Mayor, Messrs Sheehan, Brett, Hesketh, Binney, Isaacs, Clifton, and llees ; hon. treasurer, Mr Dignan. The followiug reso-

lution was passed:—"That the committee go out to Onehunga with a band to meet the cricketers on their return from the South." The meeting then adjourned until to-morrow at :5..'J0.

The magic lantern entertainment last evening at the All Saints' School-room, Ponsonby load, was crowded chiefly by the children of the school and their parents and friends. The scenes (especially the comic ones) created a fund of boisterous merriment. We are glad to learn that the Dedwood Sunday-school is increasing in numbers and usefulness.

Advantage is being taken of the fine weather to push on the work of forming and metalling the new street, intersecting the land over which the Improvement Commissioners have control. The keibing and chanelling of the main streets is nlso going a-head, and in short time access to and from Symoncls-streefc will be attainable in several additional directions.

The eleven of Parnell v. North Shore eleven will play a cricket match to morrow at Elleralie. 'Busses start from Thames Hotel to-morrow at 1 p.m., and from the Post-office at 1.15 p.m. sharp. North Shore —Rees, Tliorne, Geo. Dacre, Nolan, Ward, Watcrhouse, Fletcher, Leggett, Wynyard, Whitakcr, Brassey. l'aruell—Blundol, Bell, KisHliug, Mowbray, Newbury, Abraham, Ruddock, Brooks, Brooks, Mills, and Davis.

The drapers' assistants proceeded on their persuasive mission last evening with their rly-lcaves, and everything passed offquietly. We were glad to notice that Mr Poarse closed lils establishment at six o'clock "like a bird," as a gentleman expressed it. Mr Lev}'-, also, in respect to the movement brought his door to within a foot of the post, leaving it a little way open that the fresh air might bo admitted. We are glad to notice that these two tradesmen are gradually bonding to the wishes of the people. Wo are told, but we sincerely trust that it ia untrue, that another of the drapers hitherto an "Early Closer," was last night, unfaithful. We shall make further enquiry on the subject.

The bazaar in aid of the United Free Methodist Church was well attended yesterday, and the money taken at the different stalls a.nounted to L 97 (is 9il. The bazaar closed at ten o'clock, and will open to-day at the name hours.

The inhabitants of Remuera have established a literary institute in their midst, and hold periodical meetings for debate essay reading, and expression of opinion on social, political, and literary subjects.

The Eoyal Exhibition was well patronised again yesterday, and this evening, the last, it will be honoured by the presence of Capt. Morcsbv and the officers of the man-o'-war ship Basilisk, now in harbour, on which occasion, in addition to the usual objects of attraction, Mrs and Miss Gourlay will appear in their choice reperiorc of song and character representations. We would specially invite the attention of lovers of music and song to this part of the entertainment ; while to admirers of nature's wonders and the beautiful in art ample interest is afforded in tho curiosity, scientific, pictorial, and relic departments of Mr Gourky's remarkable exhibition.

Ther« will be a final and full practice (instrumental and vocal) at the Choral Hall this evening at half-past seven sharp of the members.

To the Editor : Sir, —In your last night's issue, in reply to my simple inquiry relative to the proposed distribution of the proceeds of tho forthcoming Harmonic Society's concert, Mr Theophilua Cooper, in not so much a charitable as in a religious strain, combats some imaginary sectarian insinuation which was not expressed much less contemplated by me. It is easy of course but is most unfair to give the matter that malicious turn and strive to make it a sectarian question by unnecessarily dragging in those detestable words "creed" and "sect." We all know as well as Mr Cooper what the aim and object of the Harmonic or any other public musical society should be—that whilst it strives to improve its members, consisting of various denominations, in the creditable production of the best compositions, it should freely and proportionately distribute its profits to all charitable institutions without making the religious teaching of any such institution the criterion fatal to its claim. Mr Cooper apparently admits this, but (as I take it) says that St. Mary's Orphanage or Industrial School is not to participate in the profits of the coming concert on Tuesday next. St Mary's Orphanage is an industrial school within the Act, subject to its provisions (as fully as the Howe-street institution), and is bound to receive and to educate all children who may by law be sent there. It is therefore" both public and charitable, and though it could not ask it nevertheless deserves amongst others consideration in the distribution "of the proceeds of entertainments devoted to charitable objects.—Yours, &c, Enquirer. Messrs E. Isaacs and D. B. Cruickshank have been appointed local directors of the National Insurance Company in Auckland. Tho Mayor of Christchurch has hitherto been an unpaid officer, and at a recont meeting of the Council it was proposed to pay him at the rate of £300 a year. An amendment was moved negativing tho payment of a salary, but providing that tho official expenditure of the Mayor be defrayed by the City Council to an amount not exceeding £300 per annum. The Mayor himself spoke against the granting of a salary, remarking that the Council had recently refused to incur any expenditure on account of drain-pipes in order to be economical, and the vote now proposed could not be regarded under the circumstances otherwise than as unnecessarily extravagant. Ultimately the amendment was earned on the casting vote of the Mayor that the official expenses of that officer be paid by the Council, the amount not to exceed £300. The moverof the amendment said: "It mi^ht happen that they would have a Mayor who would spond perhaps £50 a year and pocket the remaining L 250, not however that any member of the present Council would do this, but it was wise in his opinion to limit the expenditure to official expenses." The Garrick Club have tendered Miss Bessie Vivian a benefit, which will take pljise oil Wednesday next, December 3, at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

About three o'olock this afternoon a loaded dray drawn by two horses was drawn up m I I front of 1). Stophenson and Co.'a S L. P £& Wyndliain-strect. As the horses were b e in« "' T backed towards the pathway in order tofacf htate the delivery of the goods, the driver was seen to kick one of his horses in a brutal manner between the knee and fetlock with his heavily iron-heel boot, and to strike the animal heavily over the head with the butt end of Ins whip. Employers, we think, are not always aware how their servants' deal with their horses and property when away from the master's eye, and such very probably was the case to-day in the instance alluded to. Cruelty to animals is at all times a cowardly practice, and it is one that oimhtto be put a stop to.

We are glad to hear that Mr E. C. Mainwaring, native interpreter, etc., who some six weeks ago met with an accident in his garden by which his leg was broken, is able to walk about again, and partially to resume his business. Mr Cheeseman -will address the electors of Newton at the hall, Karangahape-road, this evening, at half-past seven o'clock. Messrs Shanaghan, 11. M. Shepherd, J. McElwaine' and Dr. J. R. Nicholson are also in the field' It is also probable that an effort will be made to return Mr Macready, so that this election promises to be keenly contested.

All persons in arrears of education rates in City West will be proceeded against according to law if they do not pay up ou or before the Oth December.

Tenders are invited up to Tuesday next for wharfage rates leviable on the Victoria and Devonport wharves, North Shore.

A correspondent, in an exchange, estimates that Sir George Bowen will have received £130,000 as salary for his services as Governor in the Australian colonies when his present term of office expires in Victoria. Not bad for one Excellency.

A correspondent of Land and Wales says ; —An interesting incident I will relate concerning sharks. In 1859 I visited the spot near K.awaihao, on Hawaii, one of the Sandwich Islands,.where the lava poured into the sea, after running (JO miles downthe mountain from the mouth of the volcanic crator. We went down in a whalcboat, and as we approached the spot in the night the effect of the great masses of red-hot lava flowing into the sea, busing, seething, and bubbling like a million of steam-engines blowing ofFsteiun was startliugaud most fearful. But something more fearful still met our gazo. It was a sight of—well I do not exaggerate in saying tens of thousands—of immense sharks as thick as they could swim, close in alongside the rocks, and seemingly comfortable and happy, and intent only on their own situation. Some of the wretches were neary twenty feet long, and there they went continually rolling over and mixing in with each other ; indeed, a horrible and disgusting mass. Suddenly ono of the ladies put our hand and found the water was very warm, and so we paddled off without stopping to investigate the shark question any further. It may have been the warmth of the water that attracted them, perhaps its sulphurous fumes. They were not there in search of food ; at all events, did not seem to be eating, only playing about and enjoying themselves. I hope never to see such a dreadful sight again. It seemed a fearful dream. To an old sailor the sight of a single shark is unpleasant, so just think of this horrid mass of sharks ! On our passage down we noticed the sea full of small dead fish floating upon tho surface, which we attributed to some sub-marine effect of the volcanic action which had broken out only a few days previously.