SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET—This evening, 7.10. HIGH WATER—This evening, 9 25.

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Enterprise 10 o'clock

DEPARTURES.

Rosxmend, ketch, Q-undry, forLevuta.

EXPORTS.

Per Rosamond, ketch, for Levuka, Fiji: 1 crate poultry 1 bundle drapery 1 box tea 2 boxes sundries 2 do jams 1 bale sacks 1 box cheese 1 case drapery 1 drum oil 1 anchor 1 case boat fiittings 1000 feet timber Turner—3 tierces bee f 1 case spico 1 do "Breavly—M Niccol agents.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

jTjji—Lffititia, gchooner, to-morrow Sydney—City of Adelaide, sB, 23rd inst Southern ports—Taranaki, 19th inst

CLEARED OUTWARDS.

Tofcatea, barque Jones for Sydney. Waverley brig Castle for Newcastle.

VESSELS EXPECTED. City of Adelaide, 8 a,' from Sydney Albion, s s, from Sydney Napier, s s, from Napier City of Auckland, ship, from London, sailed September 12 Caduceus, ship, from London, sailed Ocfc 18 Hercules, schooner, from Newcastle W C Wentworth, barque, from Newcastle Eleanor, barque, from Newcastle Luna, ps, from Southern ports Taranaki, s s, from the South ITerndale, barque, from Liverpool Mary Miller, barque, from Adelaide Prima Donna, schooner, from Sydney Galatea, schooner, from Sydney Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastlo

The following is a corrected list of the oaasengers per Hero for Sydney and Mel bourne on Thursday, the 14th inst: Sydney, saloon : Messrs T E Willis, T M Thomas, O Scholes, Mrs Deloitte, Mrs Whitlaw, Mrs Gray and child. Melbourne, saloon : Messrs Gardiner, Slatter, J Buckland, Miss Brown. Sydney, steerage : F W Cullen, Mr and Mrs Chrisp, J Holman,. WWard, JABurnes, J Harris, F Thomas, M Moises, C Harris, W House, J Mitchell, J Thomas, F Weeks, B Green. Melbourne, steerage . J Mack, JET Campbell, Mrs Smith, Mrs Ensor. The ps Lady Bowen -will leave the wharf to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock for Mahu rangi and tho Hot Bprings A barque, supposed to bo the Frowning Beauty or Eleanor from Newcastle, is signalled as we go to press. The ketch Rosamond for Levuka takes three passengers —Messrs Gundry, J Oaks, and W Turner.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs E and H Isaacs' sale of boots and shoes and Melbourne made clothing was well attended and spirited bidding shown througb out. Over £1,600 worth of goods were quitted at prices showing a great improvement on recent sales. This advance in price is owing to the la<e rise in all woollen and leather materials in the home market. The sale on the whole must be considered fairly Batisfac* toryi

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET. Mails—

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow at 9 a.m. For Mahurangi, &c, per Lady Bo\ren, to morrow, at 10 a m. For Fiji, per Lsetitia, to-psorrow, at 11 am. For Kapanga, &c, ; tfer Lalla Rookh, to morrow, at 12 30 £ m. For Wangarei, Kas^au, &c, per Duke of Ednr burgh, on Monday, 18th instant, at 5 p m. For Taranaki arid Southern provinces, per s 9 Taranaki, on Tuesday, 19th instant, at 10 am. Late letters and telegrams, for trans mission from the Nelson station will be received here till 10 30 a m., and at One*, hunga till 11 30 a m. S B Biss, Postmaster.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARR INCORPORATED The Evening News and The Morning News.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1871.

For tne cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do."

"We are very much pleased to see the spirit of sense and self help displayed by the members of the Provincial Council. When these gentlemen give their services to the country it is only reasonable that the country should recipi'ocate the compliment by recog nising those services in some tangible and intelligible form. Honorable members having in their hands the purse strings are quite warranted in interpreting the generous wishes of the public, and takjng for granted that they are those whom the country delighteth to honor.

Some time ago the wrong done to honorable members in there being charged for the injury done to the pub lic roads by their horses' hoofs and the wheels of their buggies was the theme of declamation. Subsequently it was found that cold water had a de leterious effect on the mucous mem brane of houoiable gentlemen's stomachs; and hot coffee was found to be an indispensable requisite to efficient legislation. But on yesterday evening a far more honest attempt was made to contribute to the well being of our local legislators. It was moved that payment of a round sum per diem should be made to all mem bers, urban as well as rural alike. This was rejected by the Council, though on what grounds we fail to see. Judging from the growing tendency to provide the members with little comforts and to grant them immuni ties there cannot be a question that in a short time the total expenditure on members will amount to more than the proposed fifteen shillings a day; and a round sum being thus given to all alike, we should have grounds for pro testing against any further ministering to the comfort of members. The hot coffee, for example, which means coffee-royal, will be found to mount up to a nice little sum, for any arbi trary limits fixed will never stand in the way, when members themselves are the judges. And this coffee may be regarded as but the foretaste of other good things to come. If hot coffee, why not hot joints and plum pudding, for the principle once ad mitted, that honorable members should be sustained in their arduous duties, the amount of sustenance is but a question of detail. We by no means censure the tendency of the Provincial Council. It is human nature. All men feel the impulse to help them selves when they can, and the members of Council can, restrained only by the sense of decency. But now that the hot coffee has been voted, that limit of restraint has been already passed, and it is therefore that we regret the defeat of Mr Cadman's very sensible proposi tion.

Some of the local Highway Boards have awakened to a sense of duty, and the late fine weather has given them an oppor tunity of developing their energies in a satisfactory manner. The Dedwood Highway Board, of which Mr Stannus Jones is chairman, is specially deserving of commendation in this respect. For a long period the sea made encroachments in the causeway connecting the end of Drake street with the College Road, and numberless were the paragraphs writers in the daily papers without having the effect of inducing the then board to shake off their lethargy- These chasms were ex ceedingly dangerous, for they were situated at the apex of a kind of parabola the road describes at that particular spot, carriages were in constant danger of being dashed into them by the centrifugal force. The present board, however, has filled them up, and has also taken measures to widen the embankment. Besides this, the road leading to Dedwood, which is known as the College Road, is being vastly improved, and other works are going on in the Dedwood district, which will have the effect of rendering one of the most lovely suburbs approachable in any weather by night or day. Gas alone is now required.

We wish to call the attention of our readers to a notice which will be found in our advertiseing columns, of the Tokatea Gold Mining Company, declaring a divi dend of eight shillings per scrip. This mine commenced operations on the 30th September, 1869, and for the first year gave but little evidence of what it has since proved to be, one of the most valu able mines on this or any other goldfield in New Zealand, as during the year end ing 1870, it only declared a dividend of seven nonce halfpenny por scrip, and for six months afterwards but a comparatively small amount was issued in dividends, namely, £1,652, but since the beginning of July of the present year, upwards of twenty-eight thousand pounds has been paid in dividends to .the fortunate share holders. At present upwards of £500 is paid monthly. Two hundred and twenty one ounces of retorted gold was lodged in Bank of New Zealand this morning, These facts speak volumes in favor of this noble claim, and of the certainty of the continued prosperity of our field.— Coromandel Mail.

We would remind our readers that Dr. Macartney will again take up his subject on Fiji, in a lecture to-night at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. It is to be hoped there will be a better attendance than on last Tuesday.

Athletic sports will be held at New market on Boxing Day. The programme consists of thirteen events, and are likely to prove exciting affairs,

Mr Hawkeswood estimates his losses by the late fire as follows :—Wood-watterns -destroyed, £073 19s; Iron do, £24G 15s ; Machinery, £750; value of Buildings, £500 ; total, £2370 14s, against which he insured for £300 on the machinery and £200 on tlie buildings. We arc requested by Mr Lincoln, letter carrier, to say that on the night of the fire at the Choral Hall, some person assisting left his coat at Mr Lincoln's, and can obtain it on application. The annual examination of the Auck lhiud Blue School will be held on Monday and Tuesday next, and the prizes dis trihuted by the Eev E N Bree ou Wed nesday evening. There will also be a special parade of the Cadet Corps on Tuesday evening. The adjourned meeting of members of Court, City of Auckland, A.0.F., will be held at half-past seven o'clock this even ing. The members of the Rifle Brigade desirous of firing in the competitive match, in order to furnish company repre sentatives to fire for the General Govern ment prizes, are requested to assemble in uniform on the rifle range, Mount Eden, on Tuesday morning next at 9 o'clock. In the obituary notice of a lady the editor wrote : —" It is feared that her husband will not be able to bear her demise," which the careless compositor, with but a change of two letters, trans formed to, " It is feared that her husband will not be able to wear her chemise." The horror of the bereaved husband, and of the editor, and of the mourning rela tives may be imagined.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS

THE CALEDONIAN.—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

The following is a copy of a telegram received from the Manager : — " 9.55 a.m. Caledonian. —Q-old can be seen in No 2 block near head of No 3 winze. JN 0 change elsewhere. QUEEN OF BEAUTY CRUSHING. TOOKEY'S TItIBUTEItS.

CALIBAN CRUSHING.

3 p.m. The Quccu of Beauty havo lodged •1 ounces, making the total HOozs from 100 tons. The Poverty crushing of 28 tous gave 27ozs. Tookey's tributers (Well's party) have obtained -ISozs. from 25 tons. The Flying Cloud have lodged 1G ounces, the result of a partial cleaning up. The Caliban (late Providence) havo lodged 102ozs from 70lbs.

SHAREMARKET.

Friday, Deceuibor 15. jib j M lennox's befoul There was considerable inquiry for O ago pharos this morning. My sales comprise: — Caledonians, £72 103; Thames, £17 ; Otago, £3 12a Gil. Closing sellers —Caledonian, £72 10s ; Thames £17 ; Tookey, £22 10j ; OUgo, £3 12s 6d. Closing buyers—Cdledoniau, £71 ; Thames, £16 15j ; Tookey, £21 ; Otago, £3 10s.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES COURT

THIS DAY. (Before Thomas Bockhana, Esq., R.M.) The usual weekly sitting for the re covery of smal debts, &c, was held this morning, when the following remarkable case was heard. FISHER V. LA.VEX. A FO(U)WL MURDER. This was an action to recover 6s, the value in money of some pretty ducks that were " destroyed" by the defendant who in replication complained of cocks and hens and geese and cats and other vagrant domestics which kept up an everlasting but inharmonious korero. The plaintiff had a pure well of water undefined, and seeing it became impure he knew it was a fowl bird that dirtied his spring.

Mr Beveridge appeared for the deceased, Mr J B Russell appeared to show cause. The defendant pleaded guilty to the fowl murder, but declared that he did no damage to anybody, for the brood waß a d am age to the neighbourhood. (A. learned gentleman interposed that the ducks looked "fishy.") There was con siderable difficulty in getting at the cir cumstances o£ the tragedy, which wa3 made more mysterious by the statement of the defendant that they " got into a mess by getting up the spout." The parties lived in Summer-street, Mount Eden; since they became neighbours they experienced the winter of discontent. The cause turned upon the efficiency of the fence, and whether the ducks were killed in defendant's garden. The com plainant said the wretched defendant killed her beautiful ducks in an unenclosed swamp. She saw him do it. The defen dant's wife was called, and described the nuisances. A good deal of argument ensued upon the construction of the Act, which was intituled the Protection of Gardens Act (Provincial Council), and enumerated various offencos that came within the Act, and the creatures included in it. A gentleman in Court said he was pre sent when the Act was passed, and had great experience of nuisances. He stated that a next door neighbor of his had a fowl-house built up against his bed-room, in which were housed five geese and twenty-five goslings, three cocks and six hens, with four broods of chickens,_ a house full of fantail pigeons, and a pig stye with three pigs in it. The result was a concert (with variorum notes) at five o'clock, which put his hair on end exactly at day-break. He sends the crea tures to perdition every morning, but un happily (for him) they would not go. He thought that people who sot such nui sances down beside their neighbours houses should live in the fowl-house and take the consequences,

The Worthy magistrate said there was great conflict in the evidence as well as between the parties. Were the ducks in the garden ; and then, was it a garden ; and then, were they killed in a swamp ; and further, were they killed on Sunday, when he should have boon at church, or on Monday, when ho should have been at work. It's very doubtful, and the Court couldn't say. The safest plan was to re cord a nonsuit. Complainant : Alas ! that will not re store the ducks to life. Defendant: Hang the ducks. Clerk to the Court: Tho costs are £1 10s 6d. Amount sued for six shillings. Precious ducks !

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY,

Before Captain Thomas. DRUNKENNESS. Four drunkards were punished in the usual manner. BREACHES OF VAGRANT ACT. Patrick Lynch was sent to gaol for seven days and six months as a rogue and vagabond; and John Leonard, an old offender, was also ordered to expiate his offence at Mount Eden by breaking stones for six months. BREACH OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATION ACT. 11 C Taylor, for leaving his cart un attended without having a chain affixed to the wheel in such manner as to prevent its rotation, pleaded extenuating circum stances, and was allowed to depart on payment of costs. BREACH OF HARBOUR- REGULATIONS. The charge against Peter Matsen for breach of Habour Regulations at 1868, was called on at 12 o'clock, and was further adjournod by Captain Daldy (who sat on tho Bench) for 14 days, as no reply had been received from tho Attorney- General.

GREAT FIRE AT ONEHUNGA.

Once more the city has been startled by the doleful sound of tho fire-bells rolling out on the night air, though on this occasion the scene of destruction was a little farther a-field. About a quarter to one this morning a glare was seen in the direction of Onehunga, and in a short time the city was in the commotion usually caused by tho ringing out of all the fire bells, and there was hurrying in hot haste in the directiouof Wakcfieldand Symonds streets, but the excitement soon subsided when it was found that the fire was beyond the reach of sightseers. It turned out that the burning was taking place in Onehunga, and it proved to be tho most extensive ever known in that district. We have been furnished with particulars by the attention of our agents at Onehunga, from which, and other information, we compile the following particulars : —

The fire was first seen iv an empty shop belonging to the estate of General Taylor. It is supposed to have been caused by loafers sleeping on the premises, or through wilful incendiasm. This building which is one of two unoccupied buildings adjoins the house formerly occupied as branch Bank of New Zealand, The wind was blowing at the time from W.S.W., and the flames speedily caught the Cnstom House nearly opposite. The flames were so fierce tLiat it was impossi ble to get at the bonded store which con tained 13 largo cases containing the materials and stores for the Lighthouse so long contemplated as about to bo erected at tae Manakau Pleads. There were also some cases of old stores, Custom House boat gear, &c, all of which wero con sumed. With great courage and prompt ness, Mr James McPike, late Custom House boatman, broke open the office door, and got out the iron safes, books, seal, and a quantity of papers; a portion of very little value being destroyed. The promptness of Mr McPike, as really deserves of recognition, and we trust it will not go unforgotten, Had it not been for him wo are told all the papers and books, many of great importance, would have been destroyed,

The destruction of tho lanterns and stores. for the Lighthouse is really a disgrace to the Government. For o» era year these articles remained idly at Wellington after being imported from England, and now for eight months they had been lying at Onehucga, when they were consumed. Notwithstanding tho efforts made to arrest the fire, the flames spread rapidly, and the houses of the following persons followed one another in rapid succession under tho devouring element: —Mrs Codlin, Exchange Hotel, insured at £100 ; Mr Wilson, grocer and ship chandler, partly insured ; Mr Craw ford, grocer ; Mrs Morrow ; Mr Willis, grocer; Mr Furley's property was partly insured. All the buildings destroyed vrore of two storeys, and some of them very valuable property. The greatest exertions) had to be used to prevent the fire from spreading, owing to the dry weather and material, Mrs Hartnett's and Mr Hutchin son's in Church-street having actually caught fire, which was soon extinguished. The fire was of a most extensive character, and adds another to our list of recont casualities.

Since writing the above, we havo ob tained the following information relating to the insurances : — Block of buildings, comprising Ex change Hotel and out-buildings, belonging to Mr S. Purley, insured in the Eoyal for £600, aud in the Liverpool, London and Globe for £300. Shop and cottage at rear, occupied by Mr Crawford as a grocery, insured in tho Liverpool, London and Globe for £200. ■Stock of Mr Wilson, ship chandler, in sured in tho New Zealand for £200. Stock and furniture of Mr G. Codlin, of Exchange Hotel, insured in New Zea land for £100. House belonging to Mr C Pike, of Par nell, and occupied by Mr Willis, grocer, insured in the Norwich for £300.

ROTA.

Monday, December 18—MessrsS Kempthorne and Kenderdino Tuesday, December 19—Messrs J May and H D Morpeth Wednesday, December 20—Messrs Mifcford 'and Isaacs Thursday, December 21 —Messrs LD Nathan and P A PhiJip3 Friday, December 22—Messrs Owen and Q- E Pierce

MRS. GEORGE'S ANNUAL BALL.

The Annual Christmas Ball and presenta tion of prizes, to the young ladies attend ing Mrs Shayle George's educational establishment, Victoria Qudrant, took place last evening in the Drill Shed, Princess- street. It had been Mrs George's intention to have held the ball in the Choral Hall, but this arrangement had been altered in consequence of its de struction by fire last Sunday morning, and the Drill Shed had been kindly lent for the purpose. The principal room had been tastefully decorated with flags for the occasion, and had a plaseing effect The room was well lighted, and the ball room looked brilliant with fair ladies in ball-room costume, actended by partners in volunteer uniform. There was a large attendance of guests, although the hall was not inconviently crowded. The pre sentation ef the prizes awarded by Dr Kidd and Mr J. N. Flower.masteis of the Grammar School, was made by the Key CM, Nelson, shortly before nine o ( clock, in the unavoidable absence of Mr J. N. Flower. This was unfortunate, as we understand that Mr Flower would have been able to pass a high euloguim on the accomplishments of the young lady pupils, at the examinatiion conducted by that gentleman ; and Dr Kidd was more than satisfactory ; the maximum number of marks being obtained in one or two instances within a few units. The following is the list of prizes : — Miss E J Barstow, 1 ; Miss Craig, 2 ; Miss L Woodham, 3 ; Miss Kate Davey, 4 ; Miss Fenton, 5. Class Prizes : Fibst Division. —Miss E J Barstow, 1 ; Miss Kate Craig, Miss George, 2; Miss McNalty 3 ; Miss Jackman, 4; Miss Fenton, 5; Miss E Naughton, Miss E Henderson, 6. Deserv ing honorable mention: Miss Beckham, Mfss Ada "Warner, Miss S Nichol. * Class Phizes : Second Division. —Miss E Fenton, 1; Miss L Williams, 2; Miss Sanders, 3 ; Miss Ibbetson, 4 ; Miss A HofFmanS. Examination Prizes.—Miss E Fen ton, 1 ; Miss Helena George, Miss L Williams, 2 ; Miss Evelyn George, 3. Good Conduct Phizes. -^ Miss E J Barstow, Miss' Beckham, Miss S Johns ton, Miss B Coombes, Miss Edgeeombo, Miss A Davey. Miss McNalty, Miss Julia Hughes, Miss S Nicol, Miss Ada Beck ham, Miss E Naughton, Miss Moeller, MissE Fontqn, Miss L Williams, Miss Constable Miss E Ibbetson, >Miss A Sanders. French Prizes.—Miss E J Barstow, 1 ; Miss Beckhara, 2 ; Miss X Craig, 3 ; Miss Fenton, 4 ; Miss L Williams, Miss A Warner, 5. Honorable mention : Miss Williams. Monitebss Prizes. —Mis,s J McCon nel, Miss Beckham, Miss Julia. Hughes, Miss Jackman. Juniou Class Phizes.—Miss Annie Ponton, 1 ; Miss Harrison, 2; Miss Thomas, 3. The interesting ceremony over and supper disposed of, the dancing com menced and was kept up with unflagging spirit until an early hour. The dance music was excellent and the whole affair woll arranged. Nearly 150 couples joined in flitting away the happy hours, by engaging in tho various dances ; and, but for tho many having gone to be present at the Oratoria at the Thames, there would have beeu more ; as it was the elite of Auckland wore present. Mrs George may be congratulated in having achieved a grand success.

ANONYMOUS CORRESPONDENCE. We have received the following from a correspondent signed " Civis." " Can you explain why it io that the Southern Cross so persistently continues the attack on Mr Philips, through anonymous corres pondence. Would it not be more becoming in a journal occupying the position of inflaenee which the Cross does in the province to come out boldly and show what Mr Philips done wrong, instead of sheltering anonymous writers in this cowardly attack ?" We should not refer to this letter of our correspondent in any special way, only that he expresses an idea that really seems to possess the minds of people, that newspapers aro responsible for the views of their correspondents. We have ourselves been rated soundly at times on the same subject, and we confess to a fellow feeling, .under the^ charge brought by our correspondent.. These letters appear to have been inserted by the Cross without note or-comment, and under the explanatory motto, "We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our.correspondents." We are safe in saying that had the Cross re fused to insert those attacks on Mr Philips, there would have been an outcry raised that the Press was gagged ; and had they been so refused they would, we have no doubt, have been inserted in the Herald\ov if they had been brought to theofficeof this journal they would certainly have been inserted in the Stab, although we can scarcely be suspected of any very un friendly feeling towards Mr Philips' election.

It appears that on the same evening on which the Nevada came in with the English news, Mr Philips' letter was sent for insertion in the two morning papers ; it was inserted in the Cross and held over for a day in the Herald, as stated "in consequence of pressure on their space." This letter, which was the caesus belli, appearing thus first in the Cross, brought out a host of rejoinders, and it appears to be in consequence of this accidental cir cumstance that the Cross instead of tho Herald has been the field of battle re specting the Mayoralty. It is generally from such circumstances that any one newspaper seems to monopolise a particu lar controversy, and our only desire in referring to the matter is to protest against our being ourselves at any time identified with a controversy raging in our correspondence columns, while we are uncommitted by note or comment in our leading columns. We hold that tho correspondence columns should be the property of the public to write what they like on questions of public interest, so long as there is nothing libellous or out rageous conveyed; and we take this opportunity of protesting that we are never in any way connected with any thing contained 'in our correspondence columns, save when we accept and endorse it as our own. People talk a lot of cant about a " free press," which means for them a press that will shut out every thing but what agrees with their own particular views.

MAN IN COUNCIL.

By Geoffeey Soktsawdek, Esq.

There was a wonderful display of cheap patrfotism and bad English in the Council on Wednesday evening It was a bril- , liant display of political" pop-guns. Mi . Carleton led off the rhetorical fusillade , in a speech, in which the " simplicity of , the dove " " the wisdom of the serpent, f and the " cackling" of his own enormous egotism was hashed up. It was a repast for the veriest political groundlings. Mr , Creighton and Mr Buckland have become " gushingly Provincial of late." Mephis topheles declares that he saw the former , gentleman dance " many a time and oft to the centralist bag-pipes. Mr Buckland i is any thing and every thing. If Mr Creighton ; will hold the candle he will carry the snuffers. Of course the " child of Eden " is physically small; he is " coustution ally" great; a permissive cupid in a species of political burlesque. Mr Ellis is now a General Government supporter. : What a chameleon facility of change there is about local politicians. . They come out of their holes in charming colors when Job, the great sun of Bill-budget, shines. Mr Cadman has taken the office of^ keep- i ing the saurians on " yellow-belly " flies. The last gentleman is becoming the "funny." man of the Council,—" The : Coromandel nugget against the Howick potato," that's his motto. And how de lightful it wa3 to see Mr Sheehan fleshing his maiden speech right in the bowels of the old dragon of the Bay of Is lands. At the division, Mr Ellis was, as: usual with him, looking after No. 1, and discovered when he beheld the mirrors in the wash-house, the dragon was nowhere. He said his .say and ske daddled. Those who saw the dreadful creature go home said he was muttering audibly, " Sheehan's arrow was feathered truly." It was really a venture in this very young David to tell Carleton he was a greater public sinner than Pontius Pilate. What a dreadful excitement in the Stranger's Gallery. Dr Wood, Mr Lewis, and Dr Rayner, "the statues of the new waterworks ; their heads were drooping as though they had undergone a new baptism of spirits. That dreadful member for Rodney, to talk about re-opening that slough of the distillery—Bellamys. Would it not be as well to have hon. members searched when going to their legislative duties, so that no other medicine but those of the doctors should be found upon them. Physic to the dogs, cried the hon. member for Howick, I'll none of it. See how I have improved on P.B. (pen sioners' brandy); and there is Mr Lun don, he looks " pale beverage " indeed. How elegantly rings the voice of Howick, Whiskey! Whiskey! Whiskey for my Johnny! For whiskey is the life of man, To sup it up, " My Johnny." But its fie upon you Mr Farnall. Could you not appreciate the sighs of ladies who admire your good looks. And that classic beard, " Hyperion's to a Satyr's," or Mr Freor's. Fancy the revolution that you will cause in human understandings. They shall be in the air instead of on " the floor of the House." Christmas is com ing, and hon members will not do without brandy sauce if there is brandy to be had. Plum-pudding will never do with out ; and theu there are the &c, &c. — the tobacco pipes, the extravagant vestas which are rubbed-up against every post, breath as well as the oil of Nicotine. " Horrible, most horrible." But oh my readers, lend your gracious hearing to what lam going to unfold. The member of one of the city wards is going to give the members a Christmas treat. They are to come at middle day. They are to travel to the Hock Company's Baths and have a plunge to cool their heads. After which ha<n sandwiches and porter will.be served. Those who do not like the porter will have coffee and pipes. There is a very loud protest against water drinking in the halls of the Council. Members are petting loud in their declarations of " acting on the square." The number of square gin bottles in the vicinity of the 'building is certainly extraordinary. The teetotallers in the stranger's gallery say if ■ the resolution is passed they will be ob liged t9 ask Inspector Broham to tell off another constable for Bellamy's. But the Inspector should tell him also not to " get on" too much or there will be danger in the experiment, Fraternity between constables and legislators is not favorable to °iood government, and the pair of them would be for ever putting each other on the " additional estimates." It would be everlastingly " can you do another." It is seriously intended to have a series of grand balls at Christmas given by the Woman's Eights Committee of ladies to which all the members are invited. The bill of fare will be provided by the " one man in the gallery," and will comprise apple tarts and cray fish. It will be the most brilliant affair " out of season" that, has ever been known. Mr John Gordon is to be the master of the ceremonies. A famous implement broker of Flat Bush is to dance the Highland Fling without "harrowing" up any body's feeling. Mr ! Cadman and the goldfields members will sing " Spead the Plough. Mr Buckland will give a stave of " John Barleycorn," supported by Mr Maclean on Protection. A deputation from the reporters waited on the committee to inquire whether those balls were to be of a private character and they were told to go to the d (printers).

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Last evening a largo audience assembled to see the grand amateur-professional performance at this Theatre in aid of the Christchurch crew fund. We should, however, liked to have seen tlie house fuller. The members of the Bowing Club who took part in the performance are cer tainly to be congratulated upon the won derful progress they have made in dra matic matters. The piece de resistance consisted of Tobin's excellent comedy, " The Honeymoon," and was performed without exception in the most praise worthy manner. In this piece there are two leading male characters, namely, that of Rolando and the Duke Aranza ; the first, the woman hater, ultimately turned by his female page, and brought to her feet; the latter, a man of iron nerve, who having won a vain, frivolous wife, but i having .also good points, succeeds in 1 making her a submissive wife, and a

better and wiser woman. Miss Colvill personated Juliana; the various P U. of this character she interpreted with finished and accomplished skill, wlvLi! really charmed her audience. The appW which greeted her was immense u7 Walter Hill sustained the part of Volant 'admirably. Mrs Keogh interpret'? Zamora with intelligence, skill, and pa siderable effect. Mr A. E. Isaacs imr sonated a difficult role in a most comDlef* and finished manner. Mr Hoskins p y his part in most effective style. Mt JJ t^ Henderson had a very good a f Jacques, the mock Duke, and receded fair share of applause. The V OUTI j! Montalban of Mr A. Nathan, the *W of Mr J. South, the Lampedo of foJv « Dunnet, were all creditably performed and the hostess of Mrs B. N. Jones -was' as is usual with this lady's impersonations very good. The comedy was followed by Brough's celebrated farce of " A Comical Countess," in which Mr Alfred E. Isaacs as the Chevalier de Vilbrac (in disguise)' astonished his audience; His acting was really superb, and took his friends quite by surprise, although well aware of his powers as an amateur- Miss Colville, as the Countess de Lespelier, appeared to perfection, and Mr Joyce, as the old Baron de Bergonce, also acted with his usual ability. The piece was provocative of roars of laughter throughout, and we do not remember to have seen the characters in a farce so ably sustained, or a piece so successfully performed. "London As surance" will be produced this evening, to be followed by "The Tailor of Tarn worth."

THEATRE ROYAL.

The " Idiot Witness" and " Ixion" were performed last night, the latter piece for its fifth time. It does not appear to lose any of its freshness, and continues to attract good audiences.

PARNELL DISTRICT BOARD.

We understand that a schedule is being prepared of the names of those of the ratepayers of the district upon whom the demand has been made for payment of the rate, but who have not yet complied with the same.

To the Editor of the Even-ing Stab. Sic, —With reference to a letter which appeared in your issue of last evening, where my name is most unwarrantably dragged before the public, by' some (at least to me) unknown pedlar or hawker. In would esteem it a favor if, through your issue of this evening, you will permit me to disclaim all knowledge of the transaction. I have no doubt it is a case of mistaken identity, in which the pedlar has " awakened the wrong man:" But, sir, I think that before you open your columns to attacks upon old and well known residents, especially when made by unknown person, such as the pedlar to. question, who is evidently crazy, you would do well to inform yourself of the merits of the case when practicable, as in the present instance. I am, &c, Chas. Canning. [We expressed our unbelief in the statement; but we think the columns of the press should be open to all complaints. —Ed. E.S.]

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC.

Prince of Wales Theatre, at pm. Theatre Eoyal, at 8 p m. Dr. McCartney's Lectures, at the Yoang Men's Christian Association Rooms, at 8 p m.

A MAN LIVES FIVE DAYS WITH A KNIFE-BLADE IN HIS BRAIN.

Wilson's case is equalled —not by a man with a knife in his heart, but in his brain. In Philadelphia, on the 2nd instant, ja mail named Thomas Buckley, 64 years of age, was admitted to the Alms House in a state of supposed intoxication, and placed in what is called the drunken ward. As he appeared to be suffering from some in jury, he was transferred to the surgical ;vard, and thence to the outward, and finally bark to the drunken ward again, without the nature of his hurt being as certained. During all this time he wag gradually sinking, and on the 7th he died. A post-mortem examination was made, when it was discovered that a knife blade, about two inches long, had been driven through his skull above and in front ot the ear, and was imbedded almost its enure length in the brain. The blade was not broken off, but appeared to have come from the handle by the loosening ot the rivets. It was covered over by the skin, and but a slight wound was left to show where it had entered. Nobody know how or when the injury was inflicted; but the really remarkable feature ot tw 3ase is that the man should have lived at least nearly a week with a knife penetrat ing his brain to such a depth.

The Record announces the death ofthe authoress ofthe well known hymns Just as I am without one plea," and "-MjWj my Father while I stray, Far from my home on life's rough way. She wa sister of the author of Hone Apocalyptic and of the Rev Henry Elhott, and was related on his mother's side to the uwea family.

ME EVENING STAR, FRIDAY DECEMBER 15, 18W.

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J CATER (late Cbombie'b), EOYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen - street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crombie ; and having secured the services of Mr Crombie'B late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civilty and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, arid that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. JVC. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children.



NOTICE.; RJ TATES begs to inform the residents • of Parnell and the public generally, that after the Ist day of January, 1872, the business now being carrried on by Mb Thomas Watebs will be taken by him, when he trusts that by strict attention to business, keeping goods of the very beat quality, and selling at a reasonable profit, to merit the same support as his predecessor.



IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many year?, the undersigned begs to retutn bis sincere thanks to all fcose who have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same liberal pupport will be given to his successor (Mb B J Yates), whose long experience in the Grocery trade will enable him to give the fullest satisfaction to all who may become customers of his. THOMAS WATERS.



HANDSOMELY BOUND BOOKS POB CH&ISTMAS PRESENTS, AT E.WAY T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, 100, Queen street. A liberal discount to the trade and schools.



The Provincial Council sat till half-past eleven last night, when the House was counted out after the Licensing Bill was brought up for a third reading ; the debate was consequently adjourned until to-day. A. motion put forward that members should receive fifteen shillings a day during the sitting of Council, was lost on a division. A quantity of other business was also discussed, and disposed of,



Tobacconißt, Queen-street. WANTED, a respectable Boy.-^* H Kohu, Watchmaker and Jeweue Queen street. __, WANTED to Purchase a few BoatJgj of Firewood.-Wm. Smith, *«« street. —-—' WANTED— Tailoresses and for machine.-N Campbell, T** w* Queen street. '/{!_>»■■ WANTED— a First.class Cookr-j^M, immediately on board the p %&¥ Alfred, ________ ———~" WANTED-a Youth forthe billiard too*. BoyalMail Hotel. ~ JAMES BIfTOHBR, . a •^AKTER. Contractor] fto, G°°ds 'test \j and delivered from ships ou the sn notice. /