SHIPPING.

POUT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET.—This evening, 5.29. HIGH WATER.—This evening, 12.30.

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Challenger, 5 o'clock.

ARRIVALS.

St. Kilda, s.s., 91 tons, J. Flowerday, from AVan ganui. Duko of Edinburgh, p.s., Farquhar, from AVangaroi. Aurora, schooner, 52 tons, Brain, from Kaipara. Mary Ellen, schooner, 30 tons, Rowlings, from Mercury Bay, Onward, schooner, Stewart, from Russell.

DEPARTURES.

Amateur, schooner, 239 tons, Hughes, for Sydney. Bella, cutter, for Matata.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Southern Ports.—Wellington, s.s., 29th inst. Sydney.—James Paterson, s.s., early ; and Lord

Ashley, s.s. 16th. London.—Excelsior and Beth Shan, early. Wangasui.— AYanganui, s.s., to-day.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

•Tames Paterson, s.s., from Sydney. Lord A3hley, 3.3., from Southern Ports. Go-Ahead, s.s., from Taranaki. Hero, s.s., from Sydney Countess of Kintore, ship, from London. Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town, Our Hope, brig, from Melbourne.

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. St. Kilda: from Wanganui—3o head cattle, 380 sheep, 20 pigs, order.— Combes and Daldy, agents.

The Mary Ellen brings from Mercury Bay, 17 tons gum, and 5,000 feet timber. The p.s. Duke of Edinburgh arrived from Waugarei this morning, with settler's pro dnce.

The Nevada arrived at Napier at 10 p.m. on Saturday last, and left for Wellington at 10.30 p.m. The s.s. Taranaki left Picton for Wellington on Monday last. The s.s. Lord Ashley was to leave Welling ton for Napier and Auckland on Monday last. She may be looked for here to-morrow. The New Zealand Steam Shipping Com pany's s.s. Wellington, Captain A. Kennedy, arrived in the Manukau from Southern ports yesterday, and made fast to the wharf at 2.20 p.m. Passengers—Cabiu: Mr. and Mrs. Domett, Mrs. McCartney and child, Messrs. J. Williamson, Wallace, Cameron, Slater, Wegan, C. Sampson, Clark, George Tate. Steerage : W. Archer, I. Ibbotson, Hoani Teu.

ARRIVAL OF THE ST. KILDA.

The s.s. St. Kilda, Captain Flowerday, arrived in the Manaknu this morning. She left Wanganui on the 22nd, at 2 p.m.; crossed the Manakau Bar on the 23rd, at 6 p.m. arriving at 8 p.m. Fine weather. Passengers — Saloon: Messrs. Lethbridge, Frazer, Ewens. Brewer, Atkinson, McDonnell.

ARRIVAL OF THE AURORA.

The schooner Aurora arrived iv harbour tins morning, from Kaipara, with the follow ing cargo : —lO cases gum, 61 bags gum, 5 e.ises furniture, Stone Brothers; 33 bags gum, Must and Co.; 12 bsig* gum. G-. W. Owen ; 1 cask, Lusk j U caK'S gum, 68 bags gum, 1 cine tobacco, 8 cases gum, 332 bags gum, Must and Co.; 77 bags and 16 cases gum, 1 bale hides, Scarrol . —M. Nicnol, agent.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Thursday afternoon

Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co. held an extensive sale of American merchandise, ex East Lothian, from New York, at their stores, to-day. Thi-ie was an excellent attendance, and the following prices were realised : — Three-hooped pails, 14s 9d; tubs, in nests, 24s ; splint baskets, in nests, 3s 9d j clothes basket;), ditto, 20s; flour pails, ditto, 8a 3d ; churn?, assorted, 6s 6d to 8s 6d; pails, 8.8., in nests, 10s; clothes pins, 7s 3d per box j hurl brooms, 15s to 163 per dozen; fancy brooms, 15s 6d per dozen; whisk brushes, 103 per dozen ; axe-handles, No. 1, 14s to 14s 3d per dozen ; pick handles, 6s. Tobacco: A. B. Cooper's tens in half boxes, lljd; Oloroso tens, no offer; Try-it-alone, ilbs., ] 2£d per Ib. ; Kag lan's tens, withdrawn; cottage clocks (one day), 5s each 5 alarm ditto, 7s ; sharp got hie ditto, 8s 3d i ditto alarm ditto, 9s 6d; rose gilt ditto, 8s 9d; marine 6in , lls 9d ; marine ditto, 6in., strike, 14s 9J ; marine ditto, Bin., strike, 15s ; marine ditto, strike, 17s 6d ; round gothic, 353 3d; ditto strike, 15s 3d ; ditto eight-day, 20s; sharp "gothic strike, one day, 13s 9d ; ditto eight-day, 16s 3d ; column spring strike, one-day, 13s 61 ; ditto ditto, eight-day, 18b 3d; ditto favorite strike, 14s 6d ; dates, s£d per lb.; raißins, 5Jd; apples, in barrels, 6Jd; lobsters, withdrawn; oysters, 6s 9d; bathbricks, 3s per dozen ; pills, 75s per gross; nails, 1 cwt., 20s to 23s per keg; axle grease, 96s per case ; varnish, withdrawn. Mr. George Sibbin held a sale of produce, &c, at his mart, to-day. There was a good attendance, and fair prices realised.

THE MAILS.

Mails will close as under :— For Thames, this day, at 4.30 p.m , and to-morrow at

7.30 am., and 5 p.m. For Kapanga, to-morrow, at 7 30 a.m.; and 10.30 a m. For Chathams, per itifieman, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Taraßaki and the Southern Provinces, per s.a.

Wellington, on Monday, 28th inst., at 5 p.m. Mails for the undermentioned places, per s.s.

James Paterson, will close on Saturday, 20tHinst.,

as under:— For India, China, Mauritius, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. Tor Australian Colonies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom via Suez and Southampton (for letters specially so addressed), at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom via Brindisi at 11.30 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9 a.m. late letters for Sydney, Melbourne, and United King dom, via Southampton, bearing an additional fee of 3d and 6d respectively, will be received at thi3 oflice till 11.30 a.m.

S. B. Bias, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Porter.—On the 23rd August, at her residence, Symonds-street, Auckland, the wife of Mr. Richard Porter of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

Hallett — Gormlav.—On August 23, Edward Michael Hallett, son of the late John Hallett, Esq., Burnham, Somerset, England, to Catherine, eldest daughter of James Gormlay, County Tyrone, Ireland. Home papers please copy. Eliott—Cakoill.—On the 10th August, at All Saints' Church, Dunedin, by the fiev. E. H. Grainger, assisted by the Rev. B. G. Edwards, George William second son Of George Eliott Eliott, Esq., Wellington^ to Louisa Catherine Smytham, fifth daughter of the late Tho3. A. Cargill, Esq., Kingston, Jamaica.

DEATH.

SMITH. —At Otahuhu, on the morning of the 23rd August, Henry Smith, aged 69 years.

The funeral will leave the residence of deceased's son-in-law, Mr. W. Pickard, at 3 p.m. to-morrow Friends will please accept this invitation.

The Evening Star.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1871

" For the cause Hint lacks assistance, For tho wrong that uecils resistance. For the future in tho distance, Ami the good that we can do."

We are glad to see that steps have been taken by Mr. Gillies for the removal of that blot upon the statute book of New Zealand — imprisonment for debt. It lins been well de scribed by him as a remnant of barbarism. It is painful enough to be poor, and most people use their most strenuous eiForts to re move themselves as far as possible from that condition ; but to treat poverty as a crime is a course of procedure that, has not been cre ditable to the enlightenment of New Zealand jurists. That there are crimes committed by poof people, just as there are crimes com mitted by rich people, is beyond questioning ; and where fraud or false pretence has been used for obtaining money, punishment should be inflicted. But that a man, for not. paying back mouey which he has not got, n>r any means of getting, should bo thrown intu gaol as a criminal, is so unreasonable, and t uel, purposeless, that the retention of such a principle in our civil-criminal code neom3 un accountable. One only purpose it does serve, and we do not hesitate to say that herein is the actual reason why men are found to desire the continuance of imprisonment for debt; that id, in the power which it gives to a man to wreak his pitiful spite and havo his re venge for losses in trade. It is the only modern way in which Shylock can have his pound of flesh.

I'ho liU3ine3s at the Polico Court this morning was unusually light, beiug confined to the p ■nishmont of v few persons who hud been piu^ed up bj the police while in a state of inebriety.

In the Legislative Council, on the 17th instant, the business was almost entirely for mal, the appointment of the sessional com mittees occupying most of tho time of the sitting. Mr. VVaterhouse gavo notice of the introduction of two bills—one an Act to Legalise the Marriage of a Man with the Sister of lib Deceased Wife.; the other, an Act to alter the Succession to Eeal Estate in cases of Intestacy.

We notice by advertisement that John Williamson, Esq., has offered himself for re-election as a, representative of fcho City West. The election will take place parly next month.

Creditors in the estate of George Strong are requested to prove their debts on or before September 2nd.

The next of the serieß of entertainments in connection with tit. Sepulchre's will take place at the Symonds-street Music Hall on Thursday evening next.

A. special practice of the Oratorio of " St. Paul," for the coming concert, will take placo at the Choral Hall on Friday, when perform ing members are particularly requested to attend.

PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

Br the Wellington we have a few days' later news from the seat of Government. The address to His Excellency's speech was moved by Mr. Pearce in a lengthened and telling speech, and it was seconded by Mr. E. Richardson. Mr. Stafford criticised the policy of the ministry, bat his tone was courteous, and did not ex hibit a hostile, and, least of all, a captious spirit. Mr. Fox replied, whom Mr. Gillies foliowr.l speaking in terms denun ciatory of everything connected with the doings of the Ministry, and, as usual, full of despondency. Mr. Gisborne replied. After various other speakers bad ex pressed their views, the address in reply was carried ncm. con.

Among the business of general interest, Mr. Gillies Las introduced a bill for enabling suits to be brought against the Government; and a bill for abolishing imprisonment *'or debt. The Auckland Gas Bill was, on the motion of Mr. O'iforke, referred to a select committee. In reply to a question from Mr. Creigh toD, the information was elicited that the formation of telegraph, lines to the Bay of Islands, Manukau Heads, and Coromandel, would soon be undertaken. A portentous notice of motion was tabled by Mr. Macandrew, Laving as its object the consolidation of the Middle Island into a single province. Bills for the granting of mining leases, and the regulation of the Auckland ceme teries, were introduced by Mr. Gillies. Permission was given for the introduction by Mr. Pox, on Tuesday last, of the Education Bill; and a number of petitions and notices of motion of minor import ance were introduced.

DEPONPOET DISTEICT SCHOOL A public meeting was L elcl last night at the old school-room, Devonport, in ac cordance with au advertisement published by Mr. S. (Joehrtuic, inviting the heads of' families and residents generally to assemble for the purpose of " taking into consideration the extraordinary action taken by the newly-composed District School Committee." There was a crowded attendance, and Mr. Thomas Seaman was chosen to preside. The minutes of the last public inec^ag held were read, from which, and subsequent proceedings, it appeared that the committee then elected had been desirous of obtaining the Wesleyau Chapel, on the side of the Flagstaff Hill, for the purpose of a public school. In order to facilitate these view?, Mr. Crombie, who is Chair man of the Committee, had succeeded on his own responsibility in purchasing the building, to hold it for the committee until they should be in a position, by sub scription or otherwise, to pay the amount of purchase money, and so acquire the property if desired. A notice of change of proprietor had been given by the Wes leyan Trustees to Mr. i'hillips, who was occupying the building as a private schoolroom, and after some negotia tion the key had been given up to Mr. Crombie, and an appojjfanent made between Mr. Crombie* SnF Mr. Philips to meet at the building at a certain hour, for the removal of the desks, &c. At this hour Mr.* Philips was not present, and the articJes were lifted out side the building. # The meeting was a very stormy one, personalities and recriminations being freely bandied throughout the entire pro ceedings, the course of which was rather difficult to follow from the warmth of leeliug indulged, and tha consequent con tusion.

The Chaikiian having read the adver tisement convening the meeting, called on Mr. Cochrane to submit the views he entertained on the question which they were brought together to consider, and begged the meeting to give a calm and dispassionate hearing to any gentleman who might address them. Mr. l'ochkan'e offered some lengthened remarks on the proceedings of the com mittee in reference to Mr. Phillips, who had been conducting a private school in the building recently purchased by Mr. Crom'nie for a district school.

Mr. Oliveb Mays replied at consider able length, defending the action of the committee.

Mr. Philips explained what be had done in the matter, and it was ultimately resolved, " That this meeting have nothing to do with the private affairs of Mr. Phillips and Mr. Urombie." It was next proposed by Mr. (Jocii kank, after tendering his resignation as a member of the committee, and seconded by Mr. Jervis, " That this meeting here by express its unqualified disapprobation of the actions of the so-called local com mittee of education for this district; and, further, that this meeting desires to ex press its belief that the educational wauts of the district are adequately sus tained by the present system, as the teacher has always been willing to con form to any scale oi fees that shall render education open to all." As an amendment, it was proposed by Mr. Leek, and seconded by Mr. J. Holmes, " That a gentleman be appointed to act on the committee in Jicu of Mr. Cochnuie, who has re signed, and that the committee be re quested to continue their course of action in the establishment of a district school."

This amendment was adopted by a very considerable majority, 37 voters being re corded in its favor, and nine against.

On the suggestion of Mr. Mays, that the committee bo increased to nine, the maximum number allowed by the Com mon Schools Act, the following gentlemen were unanimously voted members there of : Messrs. H. J^iccol, John Holmes, VV. l[. Brown, H. Pitts, and Captain Rattray, who with Messrs. J.iN r. (Jroinbio (chairman), O. Mays (secretary), U. jiank-i, and J. Wyles, now constitute the committee.

After a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated.

THE EXCELSIOR MINSTRELS.

The reduction in the charge for admission to the back seats of the City Hall had the desired effect last evening, and that portion of the house was crowded. The first ranks were also well filled with a highly respectable audience, who testified their delight by repeated rounds of applause The first part consisted of the purely " nigger" portion of the enter tainment, and after this followed a variety of songs, dances, and comicalities. Per haps the best performances of the even ing were Mr. Aniery's song, "When time has bereft thee," which was rendered in a thorougly effective manner by that master of baritone; a violin solo by Mr. Herman ; and the comic dances by Kelly and o'Brian, which were carried out in a marvellous style of looseness of- limb, grotesquencss of posture, and accuracy of time, which must be seen to be believed. This evening there will be an entire change of programme.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

This theatre was again well patronised last night, the dress-circle being, in parti cular, well filled. The much applauded and much-abused play of " Formosa" was produced once more, with success equal to what it had gained on its former repre sentations ; and Miss Colville as the heroine, and Mr. lloskings as Major Jorum, added to iho laurels already achieved by them during their stay in Auckland. To-morrow it, is proposed to repeat the "School for Scandal," and on Saturday, Boucicault's sensational play of the " Octoroon" will bo performed, with the fifth act, as performed in London, being, as we ai-e told : highly sensational. An objection being raised iv London to the ending of the picoe by the death, of the Octoroon, the pivsont fifth act was introduced, and was very successful.

POLICE COURT.—Thursday.

[Before J. Baber, Esq., J. P.]

Dhunkennesj. — Four drunkards were punished in the customury manner for first offences, and two for second infringements of the law.

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.

No. XXIV.

Why doesn't somebody step in and try and stop the extravagance of the Borough JounoilP for, positively, the notions this institution lias got into iis head are quite beyond its station. While the City Board, it was quite content to have one large room uncarpeted, wheiv Chairman, Councillors, clerks, and all were hail fellows well met. Bat no sooner was there a Mayor than that Mayor and the Town Clerk must have their private room, and to furnish, this and put'dßfew pieces of matting on the Board-roomifloor, an expenditure of £30 was gone to. I don't wonder at the " people's champion" on the last day of meeting asking where was the £30 worth of furniture, and being answered on this point, he wanted to know further why the washing stand and basin had been removed from the Board-room—where it had been used by the different officers of the Board—to the Mayor's room. Why should not the unfortunate officers of the Board be allowed to wash their hands as well as their betters ?—their work was very much dirtier. One of the members of the Board very much doubted this. But the Mayor settled the matter by telling the clerks that, as they wero all in the same boat, they could all wash their hands together. Mr. Staines was heard to say he'd wash his hands of them altogether if they didn't look out. The accounts were then passed, and the next grumble took place on a motion of Mr. Smart's, that £30 should be expended in the Albert Barracks for scats, stand for band, &v. To this piece of unmitigated extravagance Mr. Makre'ady at onco took objection. He said they had far better spend the money on the streets, say in front of the Star Jloto), which was often very fuggy of a night time. Several hon. members supported the motion, and said that the Council was as much justified in looking after the souls of the people as after the soles of their shoes, and therefore a lew pounds judiciously expended in music would do much towards that end. The mi>t ion was carried, I am glad to say, for although, no doubt £30 would do some little good in the matter of repairing the roads, I am not among the number who think that the public pleasures and tastes should altogether bo ignored.

What a dreadfully sensitive man Mr. Waymoutli must be to be sure, and how particular about the feelings of his youthiul son. This latter gave certain parties in custody for stealing some tim ber ; which certain parties the Court discharged with a caution. Waymoutli, senior, the next morning went to our worthy magistrate to complain of a para* graph which hid appeared in one of the morning papers, and which he thought censured his dear boy, whose feelings had since been so overcome that he had not been able to eat more than eight eggs for breakfast that morning. He applied to the Court for redress. The magistrate said ho pitied the lad, and was surprised at the lather, but there was no doubt they had both acted to the best of their judgment, aud as no harm was meant by the papers, no harm could have accrued. J3ut the matter was now beyond the jurisdiction of the Uourt, and he resom inended him to apply to the Clerkinweil Sessions for redress, for he would surely get none there. Mr. Waymouth then left the- Court with tears in his eyes. What a pleasant thing it must be to be the contractor of a dock. How I should like to gut the job ior the Auckland one ! I see that the contractor for the dock at Dunedin has been served with n writ for the sum of something like £'2u,000. This must be highly exhilirating. But what could be expected all the piece through when they took to such extensive and such expensive works in such a wretched little hole as Duuedin. If it had been Auckland now, I should not so much havo wondered —but Dunedin ! Faugh ! However, if they try that little game on here, the probability is that, if any writs are served at all, they will be for much larger amounts—and that'll be some comfort. J3ut at present they are busy making out the writs for the railway con tractors ; the writ for the dock contractors will follow by-and-bye, when the Harbour Board get their loan.

I observe from an ably written article in one of the daily morning journals, that a company is to be started lor the manu facture of pickled onions, which, it is said, will grow as large as cabbages in this province, if allowed to hang long enough, and properly treated, before being pulled. The capital of the company will bo £100,000, in £100 shares, and every housewife in the province is ear nestly besouehfc to take at least one share, for the sake of encouraging local indus try. The onions are warranted to be hot and strong, and in every way suitable for affecting situations, whero forced tears are required at the shortest notice. I also see, by the same influential journal, that there is immense excitement in town on the subject of local industries gene rally, andthat already we have manufac tories of the following articles—among others going on in our midst:—wind,, rain, and mud, law, courts, and crime, scrip, speculation, insolvency, and lunacy, to say nothing of pettifogging, perjuring and swindling generally, to which even the manufacture of pickled onions must give way, for the others are far more profitable, so that I think for the present X will no f j take more than six shares in that company.

What's all this row about tho disquisi tion on beer, delivered 4 in a church ? I wasn't there, and can't tell exactly what tho minister said; but from what I hear it was nothing very dreadful. If there was anyone in the place of worship who ought to be ashamed of himself, it should be the man who, wrapped in his own egotism, fanaticism, and ;self-conceit, got up from iiis seat in seeming disgust and murched out of the chapel. A pretty cxamplc>, truly, for one of the elect to set. But tho preacher could well afford to spare such a bigoted tee totaller, who, before he attempts to t<ike the mole out of his neighbour's eye, should look to the one in his own. And for a man in the public position which he holds, 'I must say I think his conduct upon tho occasion in question mean and con temptible, though I have no doubt he thought it the proper thing. Pah! I am sick of thinking of such narrow-minded humbugs. That was rather a homothrust that Mr. Tonks gave to Major TisdaU the

other day in his place in the Borough Council. A letter was read from the gallant son of Mars saying that the rea son why the chain was kept across the Barrack gates was to keep horses and cows out, whereas it now appears—ac cording to the statement of Mr. Tonks — that the reason the chain was up was not to keep othor people's horses out, but to keep the Mnjor's own horses in. It was also stated that the barracks was a perfect milkyard, being full of goats, kept for the especial purpose of providing the police force with the milk of human kind ness. This may, perhaps, account for so few arrests having been made lately. A letter was received from Inspector Broliam, in which ho stated that hod put every goat into the pound before the morning, for the effect of the milk upon the men was anything but what he could wish and ho repeated that every goat should be clapped in chokee, und every constable be compelled to cut his goatee off. The letter concluded by stating that; the Government was negotiating for the purchase of a few she-wolves, whose milk, it was hoped, would have a better effect upon the police than that which they had been in tho habit of imbibing. In con clusion, Inspector Broharn recommended tiie Council to pay a special visit to the Albert Barracks on the first day tho she wolves were turned out, and, if possible, allow the band to be present also. If this were done, some pleasing diversioii m'"ht be exiipcted.

The meeting at the North Shore last night was a very lively affair. Dick was there in full force, but was not able to return to town till this morning, so that J had not time to enquire the lull parti culars of him, but from what I hear, it will be well worth recounting "in my next paper.

Nathaniel Beeswing

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

THIS DAY.

THE MOANATAIRI—ONE CWT.

SPECIMENS,

NONPAREIL.—SPECIMENS

GrKAUAMSTOWN, noon

The Moanatairi is looking splendid. No. 9 reef shows gold in all the stopes During the night one cwt. of speci mens wore taken out.

The Nonpareil have taken- out another SO lbs. specimens. They have 130 ozb. hard amalgam on hand for one day's run from IU head?.

The report of the Caledonian having struck another reef is correct, but at present no gold has been seqj).

The p.s. Golden Crown left fo» Auckland at 1.15 p.m.

SHARE MARKET.

MES3BB. SCOTT AND CO.'S EEPOBT,

A brisk market, though, not so lively as yesterday. Thames, £28 .10s; Caledo nian, £151 10s and £152 10a ; Central Italy, dOs ; Golden Calf, 605.; Otago, 82s 6J. Sellers of Evening Star ; Moa mitairi, 120s ; Central Italy, 40s ; Otago, 82s 6cl ; JNonpareil, 122s 6d : Thames, £29 ; Mary Anne, 3s

mh. j. m. Lennox's s»mE ilepoet

There is continued activity in 1 the share market to-day. Moanatairi are in great demand. Caledonian i:ud Thames stock have still a downward tendency. My sales comprise—lhames, £28; All .Nations, £4 3s; Moanatairi, £5 7s 6d to £5 15s ; Alburnia, £5 os ; Tdokey, £30. Closing sellers—Caledonian, £145 ; Thames, £28, Otago, £4 Mil, MABTIN SHOLI/s BEPOBT. Bank of New Zealand, £18 10s; Thames, £28 10s to £28; Shotover, 8s Gd to 9s ; Italian, lls . Tokatea, 85s ; Coro net, 6s 3d to 6s 6d ; Central Italy, 45s ; G-olden Calf, 60s; Moauatairi, £5 15s. But few transactions in the two leading stocks. Principal demand has been for tihotover, Coronet, Moanatairi, Tokatea, Central Italy, and Golden Calf. j MB. J. T. GABLICK's SHAEE EEPOBT. I have sold Caledonian at £145 and £140; Thames, £28 ; Moanatairi, £5 10s and £5 15s; Worth Devon, 12s 6d. Enquiry for Central Italy at low rates. Buyers of Golden Calf at 60s.

ARRIVAL OF THE 'ST. KILDA.'

SEARCH FOR TE KOOTI

The s.s.- St. Kilda arrived in the Manukau this morning from Wanganui, bringing papers to tho 22ud iust. Wo clip tho following :— NAPIER. August 21.—T0 Kooti's trail lost. Prooco, Mair,' Porter, and Ropata soouring the bush between Waikaremoana and Popuro.

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Wo are not responsible for our Correspondents' opinions;] < . ■

To tho Editor of the Evening Stae.

Sib, —I think Mr. Tonks stated that the G-as Company could pay 40 per cent, profit. Like many others, I was rather surprised at the assertion, and must say that I did not bolievo Mr. Tonks. He adduced no figures to provo what he said. 1 have had the curiosity to examine the last year's balance-sheet of tho company. The gross receipts for gas (less interest) was £9,986 ; tho expenditure to earu this money, including £66 bad debts, was £5,861; leaving a net profit cf £4,125. ; £ lt requires £4,275 to pay 15 per cent., this i 8 £159 more than the not profit. Consequently the company did not make a profit on tho manufacture of gas last year, of 15 per cent., by £150. Will Mr. Tonks show that he is right aud I am wrong ? 1 respectfully request him to make tho trial, or con'ess his ignorance, or his wilfully stating that which was not true, in order to create a false impression.—I am,&o., ~ JTiaußESi August 24,1871. , .

MARION'S MA;

OK, LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES, Maeion Mobtimee is the late soubrette of the Phoenix. The Phoenix, as I need not inform my readers, is one of the leading theatres. Its company is composed of the highest class, none of whom can be induced to play Secondary parts. This is according to the prevailing principle of theatriel man agement. In the Phoenix, therefore, you see a few favourites from time to time, and many who are not favourites. If Miss De Vere, who is one leading lady, plays Julia in " the Hunchback," Miss Bfc. Maur, who is the other leading lady, cannot be induced to play Helen. In the same way, when " Love's Sacrifice " is put up for next week, and Miss St. Maur appears as Margaret Helmore, Miss De Vere is heard calmly to remark that she should like to see any body mako her play Hormine de Vaud mont; meaning that she should not like to see anybody make her play the part alluded to. This state of affairs,fthough vexatious to the manager and disappointing to the public, is beneficial to the soubrette, who is not only left in possession of the impos sibly pert chambermaids, and boys with curly hair and feminine contours (two clnsses of characters, I may here remark, found only on the stage and never in nature), but at times s has a chance fto sparkle through the light comedy parts dis dained by the De Veres and St. Maurs of our theatres. So Marion Mortimer took all she could get from the manager in the way of business, and she could got from the public in the way of applause and bouquets. Heartsease and Hobb, florists, whose shop is in profitable proximity to the theatre, have so realised the blessing that Miss Mortimer has been to them in the way of business that, on her last annual benefit, they presented her with all the unsold bouquets in their front window, making twenty-seven in all, that the vic torious Marionreceived on that memorable occasion, which number was five more than Miss St. Maur received on her bene fit, and eight more than were bestowed upon Missive Vere when that worthy and deserving arlist was a beneficiary. " Miss St. Maur," said Miss Mortimer, " took occasion to say in her spiteful way to me, that, since my benefit came later in the season than hers, flowers were cheaper, which might account for my having more bouquets than she did; but my only answer to this outburst of spleen was a con temptuous smile, which I am sure she felt." ]N row Marion Mortimer had one serious drawback as an actress. She can sing, she can dance, she is not troubled with djffidence. She has versatility.■■- When you hear her declare, on Thursday night, that' she is-a poor orphan with: no protec tor but Heaven, you aie so moved with her ingenuousness, by the plaintive tone of her voice, by the graceful way in which her long brown hair flows over her shoulders, that you cannot realise that she is the boy in stylish coat and trowsers who smoked a cigar, and talked the hitest slang.and winked in a fascinating manner, during1 the progress of the rattling farcu of WednosTO}'. With all these qualities of a successful actress, which can bo the deficiency of Marion Mortimer? My answer is brief but telling. She has no mother. Here, I pause, for tho purpose of allow ing the kind-hearted to say, " Poor girl!: The stage is indeed a terrible place to be in, or on, without a mother's sympathy, influence, and protection." The kind-hearted people who say this are right. Bat it is not so much on ac count of these things, as in a business pcint of view, that Marion's lack of a mother is to bo regretted. Miss Caven dish, the walking lady, has a mother. Even the ladies of the ballot are accom panied from the theatre by dingy-looking females, whom they are heard to address as "Ma!" The use of a mother to a popular actress is obvious. Who cau so urgently and indefatigably besiege a man ager with applications for the privileges and perquisites which every actress de sires? Who can so well guard the tender flowers from too close observation ? Who cau so well watch iv the dressing-room while the performer is on the stage ? And who can so well discourse on the artistic merits and general popularity of an actress as the ma of that actress ? The first time I went behind the 'scenes at the Phoenix was in tho morning. Unused^ to the place I stopped at the door of tho green-room, wondering if that was where the rehearsal was,.and if there I should find the manager, with whom I had business to transact. Four ladies, elderly, dingy, and of severe aspect, were wildly gesticulating. I supposed it fl'as a scene from the new piece, and stood observing them. "How impressive," thought I," is this devotion to art! These women, absorbed in their characters, for get the existence of the outside world, and do not notice my presence, absorbed as they are in the ideal." It was at this moment that the door keeper touched me, and said:—" The man ager is this way, at rehearsal, sir." " Why," said I, iv some surprise," isn't this rehearsal ?" ' "No,sir," said the doorkeeper, with a smile. " Who arc these ladies ?" I asked;, "I thought surely they M rere acting ; they seemed so earnest." The doorkeeper grinned. " Them," said he, " is mas of different ladies in the company, and they're going on about their, daughters. They almost always does when they gets together." It was then, for tho first time, that 1 realised how much a mother was to a dramatic performer. The life of the stage is terribly full of temptation, and quite as likely to destroy feminine modesty and reserve as a course of fashionable society flirtations. Marion Mortimer was ashrowd, sensible, and energetic girl. She enjoyed her pro fession and workedhardat it.' She was, how ever, a woman, and alone in tho world —a disadvantageous position, which she fully appreciated. Sho felt that she must have a protectoress at least; and on one night, when Miss St. Maur made somo spiteful remark about girls who had no one to look after them—no pa, no ma—being de serving of pity rather than blame, Marion,, ragiug inwardly, replied— _ " I quite agree, with you.Miss St. Maur. Pro thought so all this season ; and I wrote to ma last week, telling her she must come and stay with mo." Iv dismayed astonishment, Miss St. Maur stared at Marion.' ««» f ... •

» Why " said she, " I didn't kn ow ' had a mother. yOll "I trust," said Marion, » laon'tn ee( n carry my ma with me all tho time, as • n tificate of character." ' S a cci" And Miss St. Maur, crushed ami i fcatcd could only console herself by 11 thoughtthat she had now something,, hT way of news to tell her companions •fl i? before an hour had passed, the very'X of the dressing-rooms re-echoed With* words-« Marion Mortimer has got a J$- This conversation took place on SatC' night. The next fortnight was devotfr a piece in which Marion did not aiXi Taking advantage of this fact, Ma^\ secured a companion.in the shape orvt elderly lady, byname Bullington ■ TV** exact articles of confederation . betstep Marion and her ma have never beenm ? public; but they amounted to this Marion agreed to supply her nominal n? with board, lodging, a moderate weelrtv stipend. The ma agreed to supply Mario with apparent parental affection,. S U o J? to accompany her,as a rule, to thethfofoe! she was to decline invitations for Tier• *v was to aid her in the composition of dr'esse for the stage ; she was to gaze on herfondlv when they were together and to lifeloSain her praises when they were apart; and in short, was to fulfil all the duties that m». reasonably be expected from ..the, of an actress. . v -> I was fortunate enough to witness- the advent of Marion's ma. Standing at tie green-room door in conversation with ft. manager, I beheld Marion descending - the stairs from her dressing-room, arrayed in the jaunty costume of Susaih,^]^,^ maid, in the roaring farce of " Troitiop her out." Around the green-room were seated several ladies and gentlemen, some * studying others talking. " ~ [ " ihis," said Marion, addressing her ! comrades comprehensively, 'J.ianiymj/' ! " I am glad to see you," said Marion's ma, in a somewhat agitated tone of voice. She was a small woman, dressed in deen '? black, with a damp and tearful voice, f | think I never saw a woman who appeared if I niay be allowed the expressions, so crapy, so bombaziny.. As she stood gazing upon the crowd, which comprised a stage baron, who was a respectable sort villain-. his minion, who had a false hump on and was therefore plainly a low and degraded I ' villain ; and a faithful old family servant with a red nose—she appeared to besoms what alarmed. " Don't be alarmedftia," said Marion. Then,.turningiojjl^ com. pany, she explained that her mother had never beea in a theatre before, as sheiii only recently arrived from 'h^r^cjbtuitry home. ,:-..-. '~'., ~..' :l "'I *- ( A beam of delight simultaneously^illumi nated the features of the baron^is minion,'! and the faithful family servant; and, any one familiar with them might;'readily have perceived that they saw in: l^rion'B | ma material for future hoaxesi;i;.i ;!l It took a long time for Marion^ ma to accustom herself to the mysteries of the stage:-1 In the beginning she: was con tinually getting entangled in ■llie.rijpes.or sinking slowly through, what she" alluded to in a disgusting tone as " them traps," She could not be cleared off the stage at the commencement'";pf the act. As the curtain rose, her dress would be \ seen vanishing at the wings. ,On one occasion she was caught id ttif^curtam, and her venerable ankles were jkjevated some six feet before- the ~jpitised and convulsed audieno^, - Aftes. Jpp she. neye! went upon the stage' wifclWlt j carefully pining up her skirt, as though slie were about to cross a puddle in a thunder shower. The remonstrances of the mana ger and the directions of Marion pa dually improved . her behaviour, fihe would see the play, and would stand at the wings to do so. This''habit, al though* not. objectionable in itself, became somewhat annoying, as Marion's ma pat way easily to her feelings sometimes to v absurd extent. On the comic she gazed with a stony severity. f Tiiis wai not owing to any deficiency in'the appre^ ciation of humour, butmay fte'e'xplainedby • a remark that she addressed to ftlynders low comedian, one night after lie Lad ... finished his celebrated song, the " Boasted I Cat." ' ; ' *"*"; "I declare," said she, " it's too badthat them folks in front laugh so, and put you out! I want to laugh myself,; but lam happy to say I can restrain myself." Her po.rcer.,of self-control, howerei, utterly failed her when she saw .anything pathetic. On such occasions'sbS sobbed audibly. Kemohstrance causld';: her to define her position thus :— '" - "Emotion," said Marion's ma, "is not* thing that cau be repressed by a feeling | he"aft; and a feeliug heart is what I hays > always been known to have, therefore I j cannot repress it. Jiad I been-Gonstanee I should have cried dreadful. Not being Constance I cried dreadful all the same.' || Notwithstanding her slight eccentfl" gg oities Marion's ma soon bepame-a great m favourite with the conipany./Slie WM devoted- to Marion, who treated her in | the sweetest possible way. She was «| B great help in dressing and jawing, jßfl§ attending to the thousand little niceheJ and mysteries of a theatrical ward robe. Only once did she lose wr temper while s.ho ;was ; in; tke ; thegt?* - The good lady wore 'a' false W» and a cap. A clumsy scene-shitt« left a nail in the framework of a sere* ■ which caught. the cap and, .front, w ,'' pulled them off together, disown Marions-ma, in all her baldness to »• passing members of tho company- j words can describe the. look,of disg** "" wrath with which M arion's ma gM«d °J him as he stood there laughing, m said — . { a "Elijah was mocked at by WVI being bald; do you know what happen? to them boys P" " No," said the man, half-sullenly- ,#: " They were ate up by bears,":retutg Marion's ma, impressively; " and *et be a warning." ij She then burst into tears, and wWar' to Marion's dressing-room, where Blie \ mained the rest of the evening. */ * One night, the performance enaoyl • "Black-eyed Susan," Douglas Je|fL beautiful and touching little P^'fi; trial scene, when a low, smotherecjT/j audible only to those on the st»g*.jj heard ; and Marion's ma was seen ■.»» , * fainting at the wing. A crowd, ot BJ% ~f thetio friends gathered around her, as ■ was carried into-the green room, inquired the cause of Her fainting «v< | which she replied that it arose from sew«« I « lieaaify, Miss" Morfcimfer,"" said the Wjjj ager, li^vexed, to ,ssss " r

3?HE EVENING STAR, AUCKLAND, THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 1871.



AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &c. This Evening. American Excelsior Minstrels, City Hull, 8, Prince of Wales Theatre, 8.



WANTED— A Good COOK.—Apply at tlw Qbexbovxd Hoxei>, Queen etretf,



" Slap bang, here we are again!" — Wordsworth. IN a few days will be published another and greatly enlarged Bevies of Comicalities by the " Lunatics," entitled — HHYMES WITPIOUT EEASON. Words by tho Idiotic Poet, Pictures by the Insano Artist, and Yells of Laughter by the Hilarious Hauhan. Contents. — The Jovial Polywogs, a legend of the Domain ; The Carte de Visite, a muni cipal ditty; The Katipomaniac, a ballad of the primeval bush ; Who killed the Share holder? a nursery rhyme for baby brokers ; Ride a Cock Horse, a rhyme iii ti;ne ; Ode to Polly Plum ; Vice-regal Yorsea ; Do Lunatic-is luquisitio ; Locus Sigilli; Stanzas, in Strait waistcoats, &C, &o.| Illustrated excruciatingly and profusely. Pbioe One Shih.ing.T~ A TJCTION BUSIJtf ES S The subscriber, in addition to his usual Sales at the CORNER MART, QUEEN-STREET, Is now prepared to CONDUCT O:U:T;-,D OO R SALES of GENERAL MERCHANDISE, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, &c. Commission advantageous to Vendors, and prompt settlement. GEORGE STBBIN, Auctioneer. i\* Tji O B WANGANUI «S T. KILD A,' Captain J. Fiowekday, will leave the Wharf, One kunga, for AVanganui, on SATURDAY, 20th inst., at 2 p.m. For freight or passage apply to " ALFRED BUCKLAND, Auckland; Or, ALFRED BARNES, Onohunga, Agent.