SHIPPING.

PORT OP AUCKLAND

StJNSET.—This evening, S. HIGH WATER.—This evening, 8.38.

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Royal Alfred, 5 o'clock. Lady Bowen, 9 o'clock.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London.—Wild Duck and Alexandrina,

early. Honolulu —Nebraska, August 10. Soothers Pobt3—TaYanaki, early, Stdney—James Paterson, early. Natieb —Nebraska, early.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Nebraska, p.s,, from Honolulu James Faterson, s.s , from Sydney. Counsels of Kintore, ship, from London. East Lothian, barque, from New York via

Sydney. Alice, barque, from London. Kate, barque, from Sydney Go-aheud, s.s., from Taranaki. Napier, i.s., from Napier. ■Novelty, barque, from Sydney. Saucy Lass, schooner, from Lyttelton. Fairy, schooner, from Kniapoi. Colonist, schooner, from Kaipara. Lord Ashley, s.s., from Napior.

VESSELS IN HARBOUR.

Keora, s s., laid-up. Samson, p.s., kid-up. Alexandrina, ship, from London, L. D

Nathan b Co., agents. Excelsior, ship, from London.—Brown,

Campbell & Co , agents. Wild Duck, ship, from Timaru, Henderson

and Macfarlane, agents. Albion, barque, from Rustell, L. D. Nathan

and Co, agents. Briton, barque, from Newcastle. —Hendor-

•on and Macfarlane, agents. Eicelsior, schooner, trom Samoa, Combes

and Daldy, agents. Na Ifoba, schoonor, from Fijis.—J. S. Mac-

farlane, agent. Frowning Beauty, barque, from Novrcastle. Henderscn & Macfarlane, agents. Moa, brig, from Sydney. J. S. Macfarlano,

agent. • - Taweru, schoonsr, from Poverty Bay.—J.

S. Macfarlano, agent. Meteor, schooner, from Napier.—M. Niccol,

ag«nt. Comeiangi p.s., from Russell. —W. J. Hurst, agent.

There was no appearance of the mail steamer Nebraska when we went to prea*.

The •.«. St. Kilda, for Wanganui, has been detained till nine o'clock to-morrow.

The ship Wild Duck weighed anchor this morning and dropped down harbonr. She will probably sail for London this evening.

COMMERCIAL.

Eyhiuno Stab Office, Thursday nfteruoon.

Mr. S. Jones held a Bale of lea, groceries, &c, at his mart to-day. There wua a good attendance, bidding spirited, and fair prices resitted.

Messrs. E. and H. Isaacs held a sale of fancy goods, consisting of brushware, sta tionery, gilt jswellery, &c., at their stores, to day. There was a good attendance, and fair prices Were realised.

CALLS AND DIVIDENDS LIST.

Thk following are the current calls and divi dends payable iv the companies named be low:— OAIiLS. & B. d. DATE. Lord Cardigan ... 0 0 3 ... July 21 Mary Ann 0 0 3 ... July 21 laon ... 0 0 6 ... July 22 Kebraska 0. 0 3 ... Aug. 1 Be«hiv» 0 0 6 ... July 22 Gealong 0 10 ... July 2 a Golden Calf ... 1 0 ... July 19 Just in Time ... 0 3 ... July 25 Sxcelsior (Corouiandcl) 0 6 ... July -li Bright Smile ... 0 0 6 ... .Aug. il DIVIDENDS. Caledonian 3 0 0 ... July 26 th»me»- ... ... 0 1C» 0 ... July 26

THE MAILS.

Mails will close as under :— For Thames, this tUy, at 4.30 ami 5.80 p.m., and to-morrow, 10.30 a.m., *.3O and 5.30 p.m. jT»r Russell, etc., per C'omerang, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per s.s. Tara naki, immediately after arrival of p.s. Nebraska from Honolulu. ■■'.... , For Napier and Southern Provinces, per p.s. Nebraska, . six hours after her arrival from Honolulu.

ITom.—Pott-offices at Warkworth and Opotiki, are now Money Order and Saving Bank offices. A. Post-o«ee hag been opened at Dodwood. Mails leave [chief offloa at 9 a.m., and arrive at Sp.m daily

S. B. I'.iss. Chief Postmaster.

The Evening Star.

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 1871.

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

Am. publications are liable to typo graphical errors, but if the whole spirit of a newspaper manifests a strong bias, and Errors iv quotations are persistently made, tending in the direction of this same bias, the con fiction is irrewitible that the errors are intentional. .We have repeatedly drawn attention ;ip the malicious ', and false statements of our little con i temporary, the Evening Newt, in it»i

attempts at manipulating the share market. But the intention in the quotations in this morning's issue of that paper, of the sale of. Bhares yes terday, held by Mr. Cochrane, is unquestionable, as to demand special notice. It is known to our contem porary it appears, for it is stated by him that this system of sale by auction " is much complained of, the dread in the minds of many being lest it should prove, as it was two years ago, the harbinger of woe." The opportunity of improving the occasion was too good for the dismal soul of our con temporary, and, accordingly, not con tent with allowing the sale to appear " as a harbinger of woe," he must en deavour to carry out his spite againßt somebody, or his misanthropical spleen against society iv general, by untruth fully misrepresenting the prices brought. Somebody that is either too happy when he should be miserable, or has in some way crossed the path of our gloomy contemporary, has got All Nations, Nonpareils, Junctions, Prince Imperials, Long Drives, Bel fasts, or Eureka Hills. Our contem porary has seized the opportunity of endeavouring to depreciate these pro perties, and has given a list of false quotations, every " error" in which represents the Bhares as of lower value than that at which they sold. Had this occurred in the ordinary share lists of the brokers, no evil might be anticipated ; but as auction Bales are not judged by ordinary rules, and strange results are often shown, the public—if there are people, who take our contemporary as their guide in share business- —would naturally suppose that these extraordinary prices are the real value of the pro perties, and that the sharcbrokors are in league to mislead. According to the Morning News Nonpareils sold yesterday as low as 335., when the lowest price actually obtained was £3 17s. Junctions are slated tp have been sold at £1, when the lowest price obtained was £1 11s. All Nations are qoted at 195., when the lowest price obtained was £3 19s. Prince Imperials are sot down as sole for 255., when they were sold for 455. Long Drives are noted at £9, when the lowest was £9 10s. Kureka Hills are quoted at £1. Gil , when the lowest sale" was 325. (Jd.; and Belfasts, which are stated to have been sold at ss. each, were actually sold at twenty times that amount. Having done his utmost to frighten small holders of Ualedonian. and Thames shares, our contemporary now ■ socks to create a general panic ill the share market, and produce tint general misery ap parently ho congenial to his dismal spirit. Even with Caledonians our contemporary has not yet done, and in the samu issue thus delivers him self in enigmas. " Caledonian holders should bo careful. Some people who sold ala loss wish to buy at a much lower- figure. Reports not to be trusted.'' With the latter telegram we wholly agree, and we think there are few indeed who will' feel inclined to trust such reports, as those to wbii:h we have referred as conveyed for evidently malicious purposes by our doleful but vicious little contem-

[jonuy,

"We are excedingly gratified to see our new arrival, the Thomson Eoad Traction Engine, showing all the qua lities indicating a most valuable colo nist. The "official trial," whatever that may mean, has not yet taken place; but it will be admitted that the undress rehearsals of the part which it is to play have been satisfactory in the exlretue.'Thejointsofthethingarenatu rally stiff after the long sea voyage, and even though it should have shown a certain amount of uufitness for work, we believe it would have been excused on these grounds and from the generous instincts of the people of Auckland. But evideutly it requires neither sympathy nor forbearance, and making a small allowance for this stiff ness in the joints, it has proved itself thoroughly up to its work. It yester day brought in from Onehunga a huge boiler without showing the slightest'! symptoms of straining or fatigue;! and standing as it has been this fore noon quietly reposing beside its load in Custom-house-street, it appears wholly unconscious of having done anything extraordinary, or of the admiring looks of the spectators. The machine is some what uncouth to look at, but its useful properties are unquestionable ; in fact, it is impossible to over-estimate its future as a colonising a«ency. What ever failures may have ,elsewhere occurred with these engines, the "Auckland," for thus ifc is named, is no failure ; but an excellent colonist; in itself, it will unquestionably be the precursor of many of its kind. To day the Auckland has btou going up and down the streets, ac customing itself to the sight of horses, or them to the sight of it; and though the first impression conveyed is-that it is broken-wiuded, a little observation shows that this is its natural manner of breathing, and that there is not an indication of its ever being weak or weary.

As vill be seen from another, column there will be held to-morrow, nt tho Mechanics' Institute, the annual mooting of ratepayers "f the Grafton Road Highway DUlriot, and im mediately thereafter, a special meeting to consider the subject of lighting.

The monthly general meeting of the Auck land Chamber of Commerce is being held at the office at Captain Dald/i, a* ire go to pre«.

The usual meeting of the Union Literary Society will'/ take place this evening, in the rooms, Wellesley-street, when a discussion will take place on the following question : — " Ought suicide, or attempted suicide,- to be treated as an offence against the State ? .

Last evening the usual monthly inspection of the Volunteer Artillery and Engineers was held at the Drill-shed, Princes-street. There were about 40 members of the Engineers present, under the command of Captain Dargaville, and nearly an equal number of Artillery, under the command of Lieutenant Isaacs (in the absence of Captain Fcaton, through ill ness). A large number of Cadets were present, and the Band mustered in full force, and discoursed a number of favourite airsiu really excellent style. The men were inspected in the usual manner by Major G-ordon. After the parade was dismissed the members of the Artillery Corps held a meeting at the Belfast Hotel, but the business transacted was of no public interest, merely relating to the pay ment of the capitation allowanca, &c.

In consequence of the severity of the weather, and several of the performers suffer ing from severe colds, the concert of Mr. Walter Stubbing, fixed to take place at the City Sail this evening, has been postponed.

The bazaar, in aid of the funds of fcho Auck land Choral Society, Trill bo opened on Satur day, the 29th instant, nfc noon, and on Iho following Monday and Tuesday. During the continuance of the bazaar, music will be per formed by the bands of the Artillery and Choral Society.

We yesterday^ inspected the workshop of Mr. Herbert Smith, High-street, the ingenious inventor and manufacturer of the stoves bear ing his name. He has for some time been making cooking stoves, at a very low figure, and the latest thing in the way of improve ment is a patent kitchen cooking range made of wrought iron, which is certainly a great im provement on the imported stoves, which aro raa-le of cast iron, and are consequently liable to crack. The prices, too, are exceedingly moderate, ranging from £6 10a to £8 10s, and all p.rsons who wish well lo thoir adopted country should encourage by ryery means in their power our local industries, and none nro more dosorving than these ovens of Mr. Smith. We notice, too, that he lias made considerable improTomont on the thirty shilling ovens, with which ho started, and which may now bo obtained at different prices, ranging from thirty to fifty shillings, thus placing them within the reach of all. They aro incomparably superior to the miserable camp ovens generally used in humble families, where the meat is neither boiled nor baked. We have triod the cheap oven of Mr. Smith, and can conscientiously recommend it to all housewives whose means will not afford a cooking range, and even for those wo recom mend an inspection of tho now cooking range, of which we have spoken above. — Herald.

The proprietor of the Occidental Hotel wishes to inform the public that there aro a few moro opportunities left for any person to add thoir name to the charitable Dime and Pin List, prior to tho exhibition of that great curiosity—tho two headed calf with two tails. —[Advt.] ;.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES

We permitted the individual who has charge of our editorial spirit cupboard to visit the office of the Crown Distillery and report on ths quality of tlte local manufacture. Wo can confidently rely on his judgment from past experience, as our very best bottles of editorial presents have, somehow, always mysteriously dis appeared under his discriminating care., and, therefore, with good authority, we are able to state that the whiskey is really excellent, of a greatly improved character (from the time which it has now been stored in the vaults of the distillery), and from the low price at which it is offered for sale, we presume that it mast enjoy a monopoly in the market, to the exclusion of the imported article, 'ihe brandy and rum is also unquestionably good, while the superior style in which the liquor is bottled, deserves the highest commendation. We trust that the per severance and energy which has brought 10 perfection so costly an undertaking, surmounted the difficulties which neces sarily attend the establishment of a dis tillery, and expended'so large an amount of capital and labor, will meet with the support which it deserves.

CONCERT IN THE CITY HALL.

We would, direct the attentibn of the lovers of music to the fact that Mr. Walter Stubbing's concert, at the City Hall, is postponed, till Monday evening. This has been considered necessary from the inclemency of the weather and the bronchial disarrangements of the intend ing performers.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATER.

Last night there was not such a good at tendance as usual, doubtless in conse quence of the inclemency of .the weather. The comedy of "The Contested Elec tion" was performed, and passed 'off very successfully. It will be repeated this evening, for ttye last time, and we recom mend all lovers of the legitimate drama not to miss the opportunity of seeing it.

THE CIRCUS.

There was no performance last night in the circus, owing to the great inclemency of the weather. The pavilion is however to be opened to-night, when a splendid programme is submitted. We are glad to see, as urged by as, that a mid-day performance is to take place on Satur day, and as it is to be under the patronage and in tho presence of the Vice-regal family, we have no doubt there will be a crowded house and a very successful performance.

POLICE COURT.—Thursday.

[Before Thomas Beckham, B.M.]

DEXTXKAitDS. —Alexander Lynch was fined ten shillings and costs, or forfcf'-eight hours for the above offence —B. Waltor Colson, for a second offenco, was ordered to pay twenty shillings, or be imprisoned for forty-eight hours.

Deserteti3. —Homy Bird and Alexander Ross wcr* charged with being deserters from Her Majesty's Naval service. Thei'o boing no evidence to.prove that they! were deserters the men were discharged. Municipal Poliok Act.—Hugh Sfcudholme was lined twenty shillings and costs, or ordered to bo imprisoned forty-eight hours for a breach of the above Act.—For the same offence, Robert Miller and Terence Brady were mulcted in the same amount. Thin wai all the buiiuen before the Court.

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.

So the Highway Boards have been at it again.: They W cefilffiiy a lively lot; and if only half takes place that Dick affirms, these Highway Trustees- must have a comfortable time of it. Says Dick, on Monday morning, " Give us half-a crown, dad; I want to be away to the Lake—tho annual meeting comes off at half-past two." I knew very well if I didn't give him the money to pay his boat fare he would have swam across the har bour : so I baaded the amount over to him, with instructions not to indulge too freely, nor to mix with any question able society. He returned safely in the evening, and gave me a long account of what had taken place. It seems there was a great row, through the interference of Allan O'Beill, who declared that the' money spent on the private road of one of the members of the Board ought to have gone to building the wharf on his (Mr. O'BeiU'a) own ground. - At the election of trustees, several Maoris pre sent were proposed, but declined to stand, unless the rates were oil handed over in advance, and they hod a carte blanche to spend the money in any way they de sired, strange to say they were not elected.

But the really funny meeting of the season —the meeting of the Dedirood ratepayers —came off" on Tuesday even ing, at the Suffolk Hotel. Dick told me the story with great glee. Says he, " You see, father, I knew there'd be some fun there, 'cos the chairman 's such a rum chap; and so I set off on my long walk, quite cheerful like. When I arrived at the hotel, I found the bar quite full of independent ratepayers, who were putting themselves outside of their favourite " touches" with great rapidity. The old trustees were standing by themselves in a corner, congratulating themselves on the improved state of the roads near their private residences sinco they had boen in office. Well, the meeting soon com menced, and after reading the balance sheets, the outgoing trustees hoped their successors would linish on the workswhich they had begun, and the chairman added that a few more drain • pipes wore ' re quired for his back garden, which he hoped the now Board would attend to. One of the chaps wanted to speak, but Bones wouldn't let bim, 'cos he said he had'nt paid his rates. Bones added that he knew what ho was doing, and he should try to act intelligently on this evening, if he didn't do so as a general rule. " Which," said one of the rate payers, "is a fact." Mr. Bay Cloud had'nt paid his footing, and if he opened his mouth, he should be adjudged to shout for all hands. (Loud cheers). Well, father, continued Dick, " Tho Cloudy one tried to speak, but tho Fiery little chap wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise, and so shut him up fora time. But then another fiery little chap, who was apt to got into a dreadful confusion of words and grammar generally, kicked up a bob bery about tho Board paying £10 fer a job which he said, could have been done in his office for twice the money." But as Dick's so long winded I'll finish the account of the meeting myself. All then tried to speak together, and did so very satisfactorily but unintelligibly. Mr. Use spoke on tho li-gal aspect of tho question, which then assumed quite an other phase, Mr. Use's well-known ora torical power convincing, if nobody elsr>, at least himself. On the whole this young gentleman mudu himself anything nut agreeable, but' said if they'd get all the work done in his office he'd *-.it down at once. When it came to tho election of trustees this Mr. Use said he had ninety-fire proxies, but the gallant Chair man at once came to the rescue with one hundred and twenty-four, and completely swamped them, Mr. Use retreating in confusion. By this .masterly bit of strategy, Mr. Bonos found him self once more in tho Board, with many of his old coadjutors. After another shindy abjut defaulting rate payers, whose names are to be published in this journal for the next month to come, unless they immediately stump up, a vote of thanks was given to the Chair man for his noble conduct in the chair. Mr. Bones replied in his usuil well known style. He said they might depend upon it that while they entrusted him and his gallant colleagues with the key of the treasury, they'd leave no stono un turned, to do their very best for the roads in the immediate vicinity of their own property ; so far as he was concerned he had ever done so, end he was sure they would believe him when he told them that ha ever meant to do so. (Loud cheers.) All hands then adjourned to tho refreshment ropin, and it being a cold night, it was unanimously resolved to have hot drinks all round, the same to be paid for out of the rates. Some very pleasing toasts and sentiments were then given, and the evening which had begun roughly, ended in harmony and—gin auu" water.

What a complimentary sort of. adver tisement that is in this morning's paper, signed by our enterpn'sing follow towns man, Mr. Leynsson. It must be. very cheerful to th^ parties referred to. . The satire is keen indeed, and Messrs. B. and H. must shake in (heir shoes at the prospect of Mr. Lowisson's friends taking an early dinner off the turkey fattened by the grass springing from the graves of those two worthy citizens. I undor- Atand that Mr. L. is about to make his will at once, and that Mr. Lewisson is already sending round cards of invitation for the feast. The advertisement is, no doubt very funny, but iv my opinion it's not in the highest tasie, and there are people who. say that it's equivalent to a threat—that Mr. L. is going to live ior the next fifty years. The turkey will, no doubt, be succulent and juicy; but I hops I shan't bo included in the list, of guests, for I really couldn't stomach it. The Foreman of Works is advertising for a waller, whatever that may mean, and guarantees conston*. employment to one whose word may be relied upon. Ala 3! I fear that the Foreman must wait awhile, or search elsewhere, for such a man, for assuredly he is not to be found in Auckland. Dick says ho thinks he wants a man to build a wall or culvert, or something or other, and one Who won't swear that wet clay is superior mortar. May-be Dick is right, but I must confess that it passes my comprehension. "■■. '■ ' •',' • Dick went to the Circus the other night, and appeared to enjoy himself

highly. I lent him jdJ§'ticket upon the occasion, arid he pftroniaed the dress circles. He say's that two minutes after the performance commenced he heard a loud cry of "jnake., way for the Press," aid directly afterwards a young gentle man took his seat in the dress circles. He at once pulled out a large book, and, im pressed with the import :nce of his duties, took full notes of the performance from the commencement to the close of the entertainment. Ho was very particular in counting heads, and asked Dick to take one side while he took the other, for fear he should make a mistake in his enumera tion. Ho said that if he made a mistake of one he would be visited with condign punishment from his head employer. Dick asked him for what paper he appeared, and he answered with grand iloquence that he was the Chief He porter.on the 3£orninff_ News. Not a thing escaped him, and before leaving at the close of the performance, whichhe sat out most religiously, he had filled up his book. Next morning, to Dick's astonish ment, there were about four lines in the News, and Dick says he believes the fellow is a humbug, and didn't belong to the News at all. else that he's not yet up to bis work. Very like, Dick ; very like. After leaving the circus, Dick went to Gherkins' Oxhidental for refreshment, for, strange to say, his cold still hangs on him ; and there he heard a very remark able bet made. Old Soloshin from the Thames offered to bet Hellis, the well-known sharobroker, £10 to £1 that the Caledonian wouldn't pay a divi dend the noxt time it was declared. "Done," says Mr. Hellis, and the money was stakcl. Tho next morning Solonhin wiiit to Hcllis, nnd said what ho had meant was that tho Caledonian wouldn't p.-iy a dividend in the usual fortnight. 13ut Meliis diiu't see it in that light, and Mr. Soloshin lost his £1.

"What's all this bobbery about a Volun teer l>anl ? There's n good deal to be slid, on both sides, but more for the band than against it. Several persons have ondeavourod to defend the supiness of the officers iv this matter, and one well-known volunteer belonging No. 3 Company, and of a very Supine temperament, lells me tkat estimates are to be obtained from England at the earliest opportunity. Yes; and I suppose, in the course of two or three years, we may expect to see the instruments out, and in another year or two the band formed. Dick says he shall certainly leave if something isn't done soon, and I hear others say the same. Why not send over to Melbourne, and get the instruments at once ? Let the officers and men put their hands into their pockets—but especially the officers — and we shall soon hare an efficient band for the Rifles.

I'm not much up in gazette matters, or on the subject of deputations, but it appears to me that the action of the Pro vincial Government, or rather, of His Honor the Superintendent, is anything b\iC just in reference to the John O'G-roats Companj. Mr. Whitaker seems to havo pointed out pretty conclusively that certain information was obtained fraudulently. His Honor admits that it was obtained at least surreptitiously ; and yet, forsooth, tho lease will bo granted to tho party so obtaining the information, to the evident benefit of the man who, being in tho printing offices where the gazette was got up divulged the secrets of the Govern ment with the sole intention of putting money into his own pocket. Such a man merits the contempt of all,decent people, and is as much a roguo as if ho had directly swindled tho john O'Groats Gold Mining Company out of their just rights—which, in point of fact he has done —aud . His Honor forsooth ! the custo dian of the Thames, will not interfere to prevmt him benefiting thereby—thus hojding out a premium to roguery and rascality. It strikes me the members of the Early Closing Association are going rather too far. If oar citizens choose to close their places of business at six o'clock, well and good, but that thero should be any at tempt to shut them up by annoyance, threats, or coercion, is coming it rather too strong. There is a good deal to be said on both sides of the question. When I was a young man I could'nt get away homo at six o'clock in the evening, nor had I above finished half my day's work/ but things are changed now, and every body goes in for &s little work as possible, and as much pay as they can get—and quite right. But tho masters are entitled to a say on the subject too. I had intended to have referred to several other matters, but Dick has taken up so much room with his wretched-re ports of highway meetings that I have no space in this letter. Nathahiel Beeswing.

THE SHARE MARKET.

MS. J. M. LENNOX'S BEPOBT,

There has beon great excitement in the share market this morning. Caledo nian and Thames stocks advauced rapidly in price, and are -still rising. My sales comprise—Caledonian, £114, £116, £116 10s, and £121 10s, now held for ; Thames, £23, £24, arid £2$ ; Nonpareil,' £4 10s. g II mb. /. Newman's bepoet. The share market has been excited to day, and Caledoniau ha* advanced. My sales comprise—Caledonian, £120 to £125, buyers, £125 ; and Thames, £25 ; Nonpareil sold at £4 10s,, sellers, £4 12s 6d j sellers, Kxcelsior, 16a.; Christinas Box, 8s ; Shotover, 10s. MB. J. T. GABLICk's BEPOBT. There has been a great improvement in the share market to-day. 1 have sold Caledonian at £115, .£l2O, £125, now held for £130 ; Nonpareil, £4 10s; Thames, buyers, £24. MB. I. PHILIPS' EEPOBT. Market opened with brisk demand for Caledonian and Thames, at advanced prices. Caledonian, £112 10d. to £120 ; , Thames, £23 10s. to £24; Nonpareil. £4 ss. to £4 7s. 6d. MB. BICHAKD GABLICK'b BEPOBT. I have sold to-day, Caledonian, £120, ,£122 10s, £125,, £130; Thames, £24, £25; Nonpareil, 90s j' Waitemata, 6s. Buyers, Tookcy, Calcdpnian, Thames, and Non pareil. . '

■I 'John"; Featon giv.efc Notice that he intend* to apply for the transfer of the licence of thie Royal Hotel from himielf to John George,

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS

'THIS DAT.

[FBOM OHK O-VfK COBBESPONDBNT.]

THE NONPAREIL—HALF TON

SPECIMENS.

AMLG-AMATION OF THE MARY

ELLEN AND LUCKY HIT.

SALE OF HAZELBANK-SHARES

Gbahamstoww, 3 p.m

The Nonpareil have taken out half a ton of specimens—liofc a ton and a-half, as erroneously stated.

Tno Lucky Hit and the Mary Ellen have amalgamated, and the new com pany will be called the Walter Scott.

At auction, this morning, Mr. O'Keeffe sold 450 Hazelbank shares for £90.

The case of Crawford versus Lady Bird and Hand of Friendship Com pany came on for hearing this morn ing. Judgment reserved.

All mining stock iv the vicinity of the Caledonian has improved to-day. Caledonians have sold at £125, and Thames at £25 ; Tookey £23 to £24.

Some good etone has been taken out of the Long Drive this morning.

NEWMARKET.

Thk annual meeting of tho ratepayers of this district was held last evening, at the Caplaiu Cook Hotel, Kyber Pass' Road, H. 11. Lusk, Esq., Chairman of the Board, pre siding. Tho minutes of tho last meeting were road and confirmed. Mr. Jamea Wrigfor read tho statement of receipts and expenditure, from which it appeaved that tho assessment amounted to £129 13s 7d,.0f which £107 17s 6£d had been collected: tho sum received from the Provincial Treasurer, £05 10s, being part of tho amount receivable fro-n the Q-oneral Government. Beceivod from dog collars, £8. This money had been expended under three general heads :—Forming roads, £G6 16s 6d; metalling and channelling, £50 2s •'7d; bridges nnd culverts, £12 0s Id; commission for collocting rates, £5 15a s id; salaries and ront, £14 18s ; printing and advertising, £2 9s lid ; commission for col lecting dog tax, JGll2s. The accounts wore referrod to the auditors—Messrs. Clayton anclßarr, who declared them duly audited, Mr. Osborne said ho refused to pay the rate, because he folt that, ho was grossly over charged. He had lived in tho neighbourhood for thirty years, and paid his just ddbts. | Ue ; proposed, " That tho rato be altered, and placed upon tho basis of general income from tho'property." His rate amounted to 3s 6 1 in tho pound, from the: property taxed. '.It was grazing land, and for £100 he was raieu to the extent of £17. He thought the inodo ho suggested, a simpler one than that adopted. The Chairman said that Mr. Osborne would be at liberty to suggest an alteration at the proper time ; and it would be for tho meeting to say upori what basis the rate should be struck. The meeting, however, had no power to reduce the last rate. The accounts were audited, and tho report of the trustees adopted unanimously. The meeting next proceeded to strike the rate for the ensuing year. Mr. Firth Wrigley prop sod, seconded by Mr. Hunter, " That tho rate be based upon the Talue to fell." This proposition was dis cussed at considerable length, and with much animation. Mr. George May considered the rating by value to sell wns most unjust. He proposed a half-penny in the pound. Mr. Witheford thought this mode of rating ob jectionable. Ho thought a better way would be to base the rate upon the value to let. Mr. James Wrigley was 'not aware that the rental had beon adopted. It had been found that the estimated value to sell was the most acceptable. Mr. Dennison thought the value to sell the best mode. Mr. Mullolly disagreed with Mr. Dennison. He thought it hard that people who improved their propoi ty should have to pay ifor a lot of slovenly fellows who allowed their lands toliowastc. Mr. Hunter, said that Mr. Mullnlly's was an exceedingly pretty place. Mr. O, J. Stone supported the original motion. The amendment, that the rato be upon the miuuhl value to let, was put and lost. Mr. Firth Wrigley's motion was put and carried. The meeting next proceeded to consider what the rate should be. Mr. Dennison proposed, and it was seconded, that the rato be a halfpenny in the pound. Mr. Hunter moved that it be a penny in the pound. The motion was duly seconded.' Mr. Firth ( Wrigley proposed three-halfpence in the pound. The last motion was not seconded. The Chairman, in reply to a question how the property had been valued last year; said the valuation was by the trustees, but that was no rule for what might be done this year. If the meeting chose to goto the expense of paying a valuer, they were at liberty to do so. The matter was entirely in the hands of the meeting. Mr. B. B. Turner found fault with the roods mntl#. He had a road "up to his knees." Mr. James Wrigley spoke in favor of the higher rate proposed. Ho thought that a less sum than a penny would produce insufficient for any good. The Chairman said that a halfpenny rate would not leave more than £30 for road purposes after the .expense of collecting, &c. He believed that the sum of money available : from tho G-overuniont grant next year would be less. But the more liberally they rated themselves, the more of it they would get. If: they didtoot .rate them-* selves, they would get nothing, bu£ other di3f tricts who rated themselves and improvod their properties would get the greater proportion of it. Mr. B. E. Turner would agree to a penny rate if the trustees would .ibe trustees "no more." Mr. James Wrigley said, there was at present about £20 in hand. The contract had been*nccepted for making the road re ferred to by Mr. Turner 5 Mr. Whisker was the contractor. The amendment in favor of a penny rate' waV carried by a large majority na., 47 for a penny as compared with 27 for a halfpenny rate. The following geutlemen were proposed as trustees for tho ensuing year : Messrs. Buokland, Lisle, Osborne, Hancock, Dennison, Burr, Turner, Wrielev (James), Saad.ll, Beooombe (senior), Clayton; Lusk (H H.), Stono, Hunter, of whom the following five wore elected : Messrs. A. Buck land, 42 ; 0. J. Stone, 40"; H. H Lusk ■39 • J. ■ ©-borne,39 ,J. Wrigley, 35. Mess*,! Clayton and, Birr were elected auditors for the enaing year. This coaoluded the bW

A COMEDY OF BLUNDERS

A. HAPPY EXCHANGE OP BBIDES, AND NO

BOBBBBT. The first time I found out I was in love with my cousin Edie, was the morning fixed for my wedding with another young lady. The discovery came rather awk wardly ; for there was my bride, Miss Euphemia Garlick, getting ready for the ceremony ; and there, at her father's house, was the wedding breakfast all prepared. The discovery happened in this wise : I had *>een very nervous over the opera tion of dressing. In the first place, I had never been married before; secondly, I did not care profoundly for my bride. She was my senior by some seven years, and tall and bony for her age. She could not be described as youthful, or as graceful, or as sportive. There was little of the lamb nature about her —except her associ ations with the Mint. For Miss Euphemia was rich, and I was poor and overwhelmed with debt; wherefore I had pressed my suit with the heiress, and had found both herself acd her father, an in fatuated old noodle, with an amateur taste for chemistry, propitiated by the sacrifice. On. the morning of my wedding I had, out of sheer "nervousness, rumpled most of my clown shirts and ruined most of my clean collars, in agitated attempts to dress myself. As a crowning piece of ill luck, I burst the neck button-hole of my last shirt. There was no time to send out for •a new one ; the marriage hour was close at hand. I bethought myself of cousin Edie, then arraying herself in the house— cousin Edie with whom I had grown tip and whom I regarded as a gentle sister. Edie would of course repair the slit but ton-hole. Accordingly Edie came with work-box nnd needle and thread; and I knelt liclore her is she sat; and Edie's fingers were busy about my throat; and a1 curious wpcculntjvc discovery came upon me thai E<Ho wa< young and pretty, aud plump , and gentle, and in all respects dissimilar to ,VJ iss {'"uphemia Garlick.

" Have you ever done this sort ofthiDg before ?"

Edic confessed she had—for her father. I began to put silly questions to Edie— about levers and so forth. I was pri vileged to do so, as a cousin. She replied to me laughingly, but repudiated all soft charges, i lien 1 ventured to kiss Edie-r' also as a cousin. And then, as Kdie ran out of the room to get a pair of scissors,-I began to think she was really very plump, and had a velvety ski;i, and was as guileless in the world's ways as a chubby cherub by iieubens. ; .■ In this mood I lighted on the work-box she had left, and began to turn over'its contents. White bits of cotton, spotless as Edio's conscience! Black bits of cotton, sombre as my future! Thimble, hollow and empty as ray head when I overlooked Kdio as a possible wife ! But then. Edie was as poor ns myself, whereas Miss Gar lielc—hallo, what v.- ; <s tbis?

I came upon a letter in that wort-box— na open letter commencing, "Star of my hopeless destiny.!" A letter in a man's handwriting, and full of bad spelling. And. hisi shaniclrgs document went on to speak of love passaged in the past; of as aigoiiliohftj" u!hlim- conscious stars," as the wiit'i- phrased it; of kisses given and .exchanged. The iuuoeent-seemingcousin of mine was not so guileless as she ap peared. Sho had been guilty of philandering, and that with a fellow—as I saw by the si^n»turc--known to my bride's family. For this Augustus Maunders, whose writing it was, I knew as a moon ing booby in the army —a romantic milk sop with colorless hair, and so intimate with the Garlioks as even to bo invited to tho wedding. I was horribly indignant at Edio's du plici'y, and at her choosing such, a lover for her clandestine flirtations. When she came back with, tbe scissors I taxed her roundly with her fault and showed her the letter. She started, and seemed in clined to deny the charge.but immediately took refuge iv silence. I set off for church in a very bad humorj convinced that I had a rather perilous interest in Edie, and re solved to accommodate my conscience by " taking it out" of Mr. Maiiudersy even if by forcing him to declare his intentions, I precipitated his marraige with my too pretty cousin.

'1 ho party hut! not arrived at church, but Garlick's house was within a stone's throw of it. In my vexation I would not wiit, I iiitdo for the house and met them in tlie. lol.by, the carriages at tho door. There was the perfidious Augustus Maun? ders anvng them, ■ ■ ■ ; . -. I greeted not. my stalely bride; I stalked up to Lieutenant Maunders. " Sir !" 1 thundered, " I know all." ■ • > The lieutenant gazed at me feebly; Miss Gal-lick clapped her hands; her father, an habitualdotart, simply blinked bis eyes, as he dM under .all circumstances which passe.l. his comprehension: and as most worldly circumstances did pass his comprehension, always excepting the com bination of metals and gases, I payed little attention to Mm.

'' Don't attemx't to deny it, Mn Jfaun ders," I added sternlyV'rbavo'discover- ']M ed one^ l/I.yuUr notes in awork-bjyse" — ~*~ "" To^2Sa2sia«yrtfiißr©arlick gave a shriek and fell into a hall chair apparently | lifeless. JSo sooner did her idotic parent ;\.'. behold the spectacle, than 7ie, too, uttered a prolonged howl, and fell on the mat. " Oh, my pa! my pa!" cried Euphcmia, reviving suddenly. "He cannot Dear ex citement ';'■' it flies to his head! Help! help! save him <rom extinction!" Hushing to the old man's head (Imado a demoniacal desiro to sit down on it, as they do to horses), I called for water. A I servant brought a tumbler full. Mean- C while, I had found in his waistcoat jpooket | a phial of colorless liquid. 1 "A, tonic or stimulant," I thought, and' . J hurriedly emptying it into a glass of water,, « poured the whole down his throat. It :. had an awesome effect. The old man nearly started to his feet, struggled, kicked out, spluttered, foamed, and fell back, stiff and insensible. " What have I done P" I gasped. - ?-< i- < "You have poisoned-the old man,-sir," he remarked quietly. The label' says ' prussic acid.'" ' ■ ■ . i A cloudy horror seemed to close upon'; me. Everybody set up a shrieking. Miss prarlick went out of one fit of hysterics into another. A. vision of cousin Edie amonp; the flitting 'phantoms around me" % a vision of Maunders supporting my bride, and, hs it see mod to my .disordered fanoyi ■ kissing her; and I remember nothing more till I found myself in the hands of the polioe charged withnmrder. * >*,- %

THE EVENING STAB, AUCKLAND, JULY 20, 18,71.



AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &c. This ■EvßXisa. Prince of Wales Theatre, 8. Theatre Royal, 8. Circu»,,Qa«en-ltrost, 8/ i r%, , * / ■: AUCTlbjjf BUSINESS. <\ '_ The «nbscrib«r. In addition to his usual Sales at the ' CORNER MAJtT/QUEKtf-STEEET, ; > I» now prepared to CONDUCT OUT-DOOR SALES Of GENERAL MERCHANDISE, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, 40. Commission advantageous to Vendors, and tu«C t- -GEORGE SIBBIN, , A Auctioneer.