SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET—Tbis ovening, 7 9. HIGH WATER—This evening, 7.45.

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Enterprise, 8 o'clock.

ARRIVALS.

Eagle, ketoh, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Wellington, aB, Kennedy, for Southern ports.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Southern Ports —Taranafci, s.s., early. Sydney—Hero, Thursday.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Adelaide, s s, from Sydney Albion, s s, from Sydney Napier, s s, from Napier City of Auckland, ship, from London Ferndale, barque, from Liverpool ~ Mary Miller, barque, from Adelaide Prima Donna, schooner, from Sydney Galatea, schooner, from Sydney Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastle

DEPARTURE OF THE WELLING TON.

The 8.8. Wellington took her departure this morning with the following passengers : —Saloon—Mr and Mrs Elliott, Mr Turton, Mrs Connell, Mrs Martin, Mr Luca?, Mr Hoby, Master Turton, Mr Paul, Mr Coote, Captain Andrew, Mr Connell, Mr Pole, Rey W Crimps; Mr H Webster, Miss Hooker Miss Clulman, Messrs Pownall, W Pole, H Webster, and Graham. Steerage—Mr Martin, Mrs Morris, Mr McLery, Miss O'Donnell, Mr Pennington, and Mr Morris,

COMMEECIAL.

mh. bttcklaitd's wool saie. Mr. A, Buckland submitted to public com petition, at hi 3 bazaar to-day, 801 baleß, and 17 bags of wool. The sale was proceeding as we went to press. The demand for wool was greatly increased since last sale, and good prices being obtained. Greasy sold at 13£ d, and washed 19£ d per lb.

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET

Mails— For Thames, this , day, at 5.30 p.m.; and to morrow: at 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Tauranga, per Tauranga, tins day, at 5 pm For Kapanga, &c, per Lalla Eooth, t • morrow, at 11 30 am...- , ... For BuHsell, Kawakawa, &c, per Duke of Edinburgh, tomorrow, at 3 p.m. For Fiji, per Rosamond, to morrow, at 3 pm. Mails for the undermentioned places, per as Hero, will close at this office, on Thursday, 14th mat, as under • — , For India, China, Mauritius, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom, via Suez and Scmtharnp» ton, 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 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney, and United Kingdom, via Southampton, bearing 3d and 6d in addition ti the postage, will be received till 11.30 a.m. S B Bias, Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1871.

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

Labt night's debate on the Licensing Act Amendment Bill was of no ordinary importance. After keen dis cussion, it was determined that woman has a right to raise her voice in pre venting her home being turned into a hell upon earth, and herself and her children being at the' mercy of a man made beast at the hands of an unscru pulous vendor of ardent spirits. It would bo interesting if we could analyse the real motives thai; influenced

the action of the noblo eleven who asserted that wives and daughters and mothers should have no voice in staying the flood of ruin that is poured forth on a district from the doors of a disreputable taproom. Had their desires been gratified it would indeed be carrying the negation of " Woman's Eights" to an extent that should gratify the will of the veriest household tyrant. As to the plausible arguments advanced, that such, matters avoulc! pollute the pure minds of the gentler sex, that women would neglect their household "duties and loave their husbands without their dinners, that it would be the cause of household brawls if women should have the right to vote in vetoing the establishment of a drinking hell in their neighbour hood, these were, of course, mere flimsy disguises to real views and feelings, and we are really astonished that full grown men, arrived at the years of discretion, should have the. impertinence to insult the sober reason of sensible people with, such maudlin cant. Far more mauly to say that woman being dependent on man for her daily bread has no right to in terfere with his daily drink ; and if under its influence he becomes play ful in his cups, and smashes furniture aad beats and terrifies his wife and children, woman should bear with it in return, for the food he gives, and should notdaretointerferewith the jolly landlord who supplies his tipple. We would then respect the mauly. honesty of honorable members whatever we might ithink of their brutality. ■ But where hypocrisy and heartlessness are combined they deserve no respect; and the eleven members who used their efforts to take away from the women, of Auckland the right of saying whether or not a public house was re quired in their several neighbourhoods, should have won for themselves an un enviable notorety. The pure feelings of woman about which some cf these members were so sensitive, have pro bably sometimes to encounter some what ruder collision in lelatioii to intoxicating drinks than mere deliberations as to the signing of a petition. . If ever there was a question on which woman's mouth should not be shut it is the traffic in drink. From the domestic' misery which it entails there is for her no escape ; and when we see the heartlessness of some publi cans, the cool deliberate indifference to consequences with which some of them day after day sell poison to the hope less inebriate, within hearing of the wail of broken-hearted misery that 1 proceeds from the home made desolate, we cannot but rejoice that there was ■goodness and wisdom enough in the Council io place in woman's hand the ! power of bringing down the terrors of the law on the head of the unprincipled trader whom no other pica or power can move.

There is to be seen in Mr Upton's window a group of portraits of FijT celebrities from King Thakambau to the Fiji Ministry, among which are several familiar faces. There are also views of Levuka and of tho House of Assembly. The whole forms an interesting group, j

The Provincial Council assembled yes terday afternoon. A petition was pre sented by Mr Brookfiold from certain residents of Howiok, praying for a modi fication of the 35th. clause of the Licensing Act. He then gave notice of his intention to move the insertion of a clause to amend the section complained of when the Bill came on again for consideration. Amongst the numerous questions put to the Execu tive was one by Mr Ellis, " whethor it was the intention of the Government to pro pose an arrangement with the Harbour Board authorities on tho subject of the payment of the £25,000, with a view to making the payment by instalments ex tending beyDnd the present year." Mr Lusk replied in the affirmative, and that the best terms possible would bo obtained from the Harbour Board. The new Edu cation Bill sent down by His Honor was read a first time, and the second reading fixed for to-morrow. The estimates were further considered, and various items agreed to. The Volunteers item, £300, was postponed, in order that the discussion should be taken upon Mr Hamlin's motion to apportion sums equitable among the districts. The vaccination item of £50 was also postponed. A debate ensued on the item of £1000 to tho Auckland Insti tute and Museum. An amendment re ducing the amount to £100 was put and carried on a division ; for the roduction, 18 ; against, 13, A discussion, then took place whether the item as amended should be voted, and, on being put, was negatived. The Licensing Act Amendment Bill was further considered in committee, and the discussion upon the right of women to sign the petition was resumed. Tho question was carried upon a division by a majority of eight in support of the woman's right clause. Other business of a formal character was disposed of. The Council adjourned at a little before 12 o'clock.

It has been suggested, that as the Volunteers have been enrolled for the protection of the citizens and their pro perty ; there can be no reason why they should not be instructed to " fall in," when the alarm of fire is given, and march to the seeno of action. Whenever regular troops are garrisoned in a town, they are called on to render their services in this manner. How much more then should the Volunteers, who are for the most part men having somo stake in tho welfare of the city., take active measures in its pre servation. There should be instructions issued to the various companies, to as semble at the scene of the fire, immediately the bell rings. If they could bo of no absolute service vrithoufc training to arrest the progress of the flames, they would be of incalcuable use in protecting and saving property. The police lorce is utterly in adequate to prevent pilfering, or even wholesale robbery, when goods are thrown out in a mass from twenty houses at once, and it really seems to us, that the citizens themselves who are enrolled as Volunteers, should be asked to assist in the prevention of mischief within the boundaries. More loss has on many occasions, been sustained by downright robbery of goods deposited on the streets in a hurry by half frantic people, than the ilames themselves have caused ; and the placing of a cordon of Volunteers, with fixed bayonets, if needs be, around the ejocted goods, and the location of the fire, would do much in the casue of order and honesty.

A grand amateur performance will bo given by the members of tho Auckland flowing Club, in aid of the Christchurch Crew Fund, tc-morrow evening, at ihe Prince of Wales Theatre. The piece selected is the Honeymoon, a five-:tct comedy by Tobin. To Mr A. E Isaacs is apportioned the part of the Duko Aranza; Mr H. W. Henderson is to be the Mock Duke Jacques, while Mr Arthur Nathan will act Count Montalban. Signor Itolando will be represented by Mr Hoskins, and Juliana by Miss F. Colville, supported by other members of the Prince of Wales Theatre Company. The Comical Countess will conclude tho evening's amusement. There is no doubt that the house will be well patronised on the occasion. The burning of the Choral Hall has thrown our musical people into a kind of panic in regard to the difficulty of finding a suitable place for practice and occasional re-unions. The advantages of one^hall seem to have hitherto been overlooked. That lately built by the Odd Fellows, at the corner of Cook and Grey-streets, has great advantages, and, indeed, was specially built with the view of holding concerts in it. It has been beautifully fitted up, is in every respect convenient, and its acoustic properties are good. The usual monthly meeting of the Central Board of Education, lapsed yes terday afternoon for want of a quorum, the members being unable to spare their time from the Provincial Council. Tho1 secretary has notified by advertisement: that a special meeting will take place next Monday at half-past two o'clock at the Provincial Gorernmerit offices. We observe that the splendid illuminated1 model of the United States steamship Nevada will be exhibited on Saturday next and following nights during the week at the premises lately occupied by Mr W Eattray, draper, Shortland-street. " Persons wishing to be present at the performance of:the Oratorio "Mossiah" at the Thames, will be enabled to take an: excursion return ticket, extending from Thursday to Saturday, for the sum of six shilling's. The following are tho names of thel eleven members of Council who last nights endeavored to deprive the women of Auckland of the power to object to public houses being established in their several .districts.- — Messrs Buckland (teller), Beveridge, Boylan, Lundon, Mackay/ Brookfield, Cadman, Hurst, Shanaghan, Dignan, and O'Borkev We confess we are surprised to see some of the names on the list. Artillery Company No 1, meet this evening, with their cadets, for practise; and after parade it is expected they will " march out," headed by the band.

As considerable interest attaches to the position of Mr Councilor Atkin in consequence of his having tendered and subsequently withdrawn his re signation, it may be advisable to refer to usage in such cases. In fact, the very wording of the Corporations' Act refers to that which guides the pro? ceedings of all public bodies—Parlia mentary usage. The first clause of Part xi. of the Act says: "In all cases not herein provided for, resort shall be had to the rales, forms, and usages of Parliament, which shall be followed so far as the same are appli cable to the proceedings of the Coun cil." And how the established usagG of the whole British. Empire works is apparent from proceedings which we see reported in one of the latest papers from home, Lloyd's Weekly Neiospapen of the 22nd October last. The para graph refers "to1 the; tendered resigna tion of Alderman "Waterlow. Air a meeting of the' London Court of Aldermen on Tuesday a letter from Sir Sydney-Wtaerlow- was read, resigning hisj office of alderman of the city of London, on' account of long continued illness in his family: and the consequent necessity of his goingabroad? for some time. The Court passed a resolution: postponing the acceptance of Sir Sydney's! ' resignation until they had an opportunity oft ' urging him to reconsider., his determination.- Sir Sydney stands next in order of rotation; ■ for the Lord Mayoralty after the Lord Mayor; 1 elect, Mr. Alderman Gibbons. I, It ,is admitted by all. reasonable! 'people that rules and" regulations arej made to facilitate public business, not; to interpose obstacles in the way of its progress. And it must be self-evident' that it never could have entered into; the heads of legislators, when legisla ting in this spirit, to have made a cast-! iron rule precluding the possibility of a man recalling his letter tendering, his resignation. Such a practice asi withdrawing resignations has been so } long* ODserved^ $hat ?fr illegal, a^arge part of the proceedings of our civic! authorities must be invalid, and per-; sons have sat and voted who had no; legal/right to; dot sol ! Nay more, isomej of the present Council must be holding! their seats contrary to law. But! passing this, we had : really thought we; had heard the last of the dirty tricks; of the City Board; and yet it would i appear that the popular conviction was; right, that business will never proceed; satisfactorily! till we have a clean sweep of the old leaven from Canada Build-' ings.

SHAREMARKET.

Wednesday, Doceinber 13. ; ■ MB J M I/ENHOX'S BEPOBi.'. Tho share market is quieb. Caledonians are again receding. My sales comprise :— Caledonian, £72 10s; Thames, £17 10a j Tookey, £25. Closing sellers—Caledonian, ( £G7 10s; Thames, £17 LOsj Tqqiey, £25.

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM THE THAMES. THE CALEDONIAN.—BEEF IN LOW LEVEL. QUEEN OF BEAUTY CRUSHING - GOLDEN CALF SHAFT.

FBOM OTTB OWN CO-RESPONDENT.

3 p.m. Caledonian.—ln the low level the reef has increased in size. The Queen of Beauty have lodged 54<0z8 for the week, making tke total for the fortnight 10G ounces melted. About 100 tons have been put through. The Red White and Blue have taken out some specimens. The Lion are sending a trial parcel to the machine. The Golden Calf shaft is 340 feet deep. The Central Italy reef is close at hand. About 30lbs specimens taken out of a new claim on the Hape Creek gave 15 ounces.

MAN ABOUT TOWN.

Did Dick go to the fires ? Of course he did, the young scamp, and a pretty mess he made of it at the last one. He must needs go prying and poking into every hole and corner trying to elucidate the mystery as to the origin of the fire, climbing over burning embers, red-hot iron, broken fences, and other debris, until at last a splash was heard, and my Dick was nowhere to be seen, until he was dragged out of a great holo on the premises of Mr Blood. Some structure over it had been destroyed, and nothing remaining to mark the spot poor Dick fell in. Neighbour Xarr was tho only one who lent a helping hand to my unlucky progeny ; not a soul would go near him. Dick sought consolation in a glass of P B from the Bricklayer's Arms, but mine host refused him admission ; so home he came, looking such a picture of woo. He told me ho had begged the firemen to play the hose to him, but Superintendent Gad refused to spare tho water to such a scapegrace, and said " it was only Dick," and would teach him a lesson to mind his own business in future, Tho worst of it was my olfactory nerves are so tender I could render him no assistance, and as the night was far advanced and Dick, I am sorry to say, had by tho time he reached home indulged in frequent libations, al though he refused to divulge where he procured them. There was no help for it but for Dick to sleep with the goat, but even her goatship refused to share her diminutive dwelling with him and left him sole possessor. Next morniug Dick was engaged washing his clothes. I had only suit bought him a now suit at Coombes to go to tho Athletic Sports in. It was "no misfit" and no mistake, and I am sure they are spoilt, but Dick says it don't matter; he means to get a new rig out when he gets the £1000 reward, and a bran new bell-toppor. He says he has made a discovery which will lead to the apprehension of the miscreant who set fire to the Choral Hall. He tells me on the quiet that he has found that among the rags, &c , soaked in kerosine left at the doors of the building was an Evening Stab, and before many hours he will have the ruffian in safe custody. This is his clue, but I do not believe that a reader of the Stab would be guilty of such an oat rage; perhaps he had bought it to see if his name was down amongst the list of drunkards the last time he was locked up. Bat let Dick alone, he is a sharp chap only, I wish he would keep proper hours and keep out of people's cesspools. His hours now are fully occupied what with this matter, and the training of a kangaroo that ho picked up last week at New market. The beast is getting quite a nuisance, as Dick has taught him to leap upon hia father's head while at breakfast. I wish he would try and find but the owner of the animal, and return it like an honest youth, but Dick says "finding's having," and keeps the brute in his bedroom.

Sraro " Polly Plum," henceforth, owing to your ingenious idea, the debtors are to be kept separate from a felon's gaol, and have a building to themselrea. What shall it be called?" I would suggest, "Molloy's Hotel." How beautifully cool they will feel in the vaults and cellars beneath the Supreme Court, —glorious idea. How thankful they ought to feel for the thought, and then think; of a racket court behind for their amusement- How fine, too, of a warm summer's afternoon to be able to sit in the yard and listen to the debates, in council, to hear Landon's denounciations: ; and Willy Swanson's elocution. They will then be able to lower a basket over their prison wall as mem-, bers go to Council and wail "please to pity tne poor debtors" as was done by their unfortunate fathers of old at the Fleet prison. And then the games of racket they will be able to play, without interfering with the good order and dis cipline of the gaol. The window of the Judge's Chamber must be protected by wire gauze, however, or we shall have his Lordship's nose assailed by a tennis ball, whilst listening to an application to hold to bail, or disposing of an intem prance case. When...the vaults., of the Supreme Court are set apart for debtors with a recreation ground behind, no longer will the insol vent trader avoid the service of that piece of paper, which is a copy of a parchment commencing with " Victoria by tne grace of God," or the concomitant issue of the " capias ad satisfaciendum," followed by the bewildering tap of the Sheriff's officer. No; all will be looked upon in the light, a pleasant sojourn, an amusing pastime, away from the care and toils of this dreary world, and an association with " happy go lucky fellows," who can make them deeper. adepts in the art of borrowing money and raising tho wind, than they are | at present aware of. Eeally, we must have a. debtor's prison within easy access of the town, where our friends can slip in and pass, a pleasant hour without dragging , up to Mount Eden, and must not forget , that this is " Polly Plum,V' idea. ;

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

Before J. Baber and T. Oheeseman, Esquires, Justioes. DRUNKENNESS. Five inebriates were dealt with as usual. THBEATENING LANGUAGE. John McQuatters was charged by Joseph Patterson with threatening to stab him with a knife. Mr Inspector Broham asked for an adjournment, which was granted. The case will be heard on Saturday.. LABCENY. Maria or Martha Gray pleaded guilty to a chargo of stealing from the dwelling, house of Ei'nesfc Bieber a number of articles of jewellery and other things to the value of £10. Mr Broham informed the Bench that prisoner had been con victed on three previous occasions of similar offenceß. Sentenced to six months' imprisonment. George Parker was brought up on warrant charged with stealing from James Camp haberdashery to the value of £4 17s. He pleaded guilty to stealing some of the articles. As he had been previously con victed, the Benoh gave him the highest sentence in their power, which was six months' imprisonment with hard labor.

PROVIDENCE G.M. CO.

At the Supreme Court to-day, his Honor Sir George Arney, sitting in Banco, gave judgment with reference to the caae of this company. He confirmed the decision of Warden Frazer, on the grounds that the applicants had no Miners' rights. With reference to the question as to whether the Warden should have decreed forfeiture, His Honor held that the Gold Field's Act loft to the Wai'den a discre tionary power.

PRESBYTERY OF AUCKLAND.

A pro re nata meeting of the Presbytery of Auckland was held this afternoon in St Andrew's Church.

Present: the Rev. T. Norrie (Moder ator), Revs. J. Cosh, P. P. MacKenzie and R. F. MacNicol, Mr. Smart, Elder. I

The Moderator stated that his reason for summoning the meeting was to con sider the application of the Bey Mr. Cosh for a Presbyterial certificate. On the motion of Mr. McKenzie, seconded by Mr. Smart, the court ap proved of the Moderator's act 'a calling the meeting. The Rev. Mr. Cosh then formally re quested tho Presbytery to grant a certi ficate that ho might forward the same to the Synod of Otago. On the motion of Mr. Smart, seconded by Mr. MacNicol, the request of Mr. Cosh was granted, and tho clerk was in structed to draw up a certificate and hand the same to Mr. Cosh.

This being all tho business before the Court, tho meeting was closed with prayer by the Moderator.

MELBOURNE HOUSE ACADEMY.

The interesting operation of breaking up for tho holidays took place yesterday at Mr and Madame Winter's Melbourne House Academy, Xarangahape Road. The celebration of the occasion consisted of a bazaar, athletic sports, an afternoon tea for the papils, the distribution of prizes, and all was wound up by a very successful ball, At 2 o'clock the bazaar was opened, and was largely patronised throughout the day and the night, the proceeds being appropriated to providing appliances for athletic exercises in con nection with the Academy and for prizes for the shorts.' There was a very beautiful collection of exhibits, and the greater portion was disposed of. The boys' athletic games commenced at three o'clock in the grounds at the rear of Melbourne House, and were watched by a large number of friends of the pupils and others. The proceedings were carried on with great spirit, Mr Winter having entered into the affair con amove. The following is the list of events and the prizes won: — Ist race: Once round the course, heats; prize, set of stumps and bales ; Frederick Jones. 2nd race : Ditto; prize, cricket bat; Lewis Jones. 3rd race : Ditto; prize, trap and ball; B Haines. 4th race : Hop, step, and jump, three trials ; prize, cricket bat; F Hanson. sthrace: Ditto; prize, cricket ball;" Lewis Jones. 6th race: Ditto; prize, box tools; W Vaile. 7th race: Bttnning high leap; prize, cricket ball; F Hanson. Bth race: Ditto; prize, trap and ball; Edgar Winter. 9th and last race : Ditto; prize, box tools; W Makin. After the conclusion of the sports, the children all sat down to a hearty tea, which they evidently enjoyed with a relish born of the active exercises in which they had been engaged. Thereafter Eev E. F. MacNicol, of St James' Presby terian Church, with appropriate remarks, distributed the prizes awarded to the pupils for the recent examinations. In Madame Winter's school the follow ing young ladies received prizes : — Ist Division—lst Class; —Phoabe Win ter, Ist prize; Emma Jones, ,2nd,ditto; Alice Mann, Writing and Arithmetic.

2nd Division—2nd Class.—LillianEams bottom, Ist prize; Louisa Jones, 2nd ditto; Jane Laurie, Examination Prize. 3rd Class. —Elsie Stretton, Ist prize.

4th ; Glass. —Polly Laurie, Ist prize.. > In ;; Mr Winter's school the following lads reoeived prizes :— , ;: Ist Class—lst prize, F. Hanson; 2nd ditto, E. Winter; >; > 2nd Class—lst prize, H. Wheele*; 2nd ditto, Wm. Wheeler. 3rd Class—lst prize,'B. HaiHes; 2nd. ditto, W. Vaile, 4th Class—lst prize, J. B. Beed. Punctuality and Conduct Prize—B. Norman.

At the conclusion of the distribution of prizes, a very interesting event took place, Mr MacNicol being called on to present a very beautiful ring, the spon taneous offering of the children of both schools, to Miss Winter, as a token of their affectionate feelings towards that young lady. The ring which is an ex pensive one, was made by Mr Kohn, jeweller, and exhibits his usual taste-. Mr Winter replied for his daughter, and warmly thanked the pupils, for their kjnd ness, -iU-(

| At nine o'clock besides Madame Win ter's elder music pupils, a large party of friends assembled to " trip it on the light fantastic toe," which pleasant and exciting operation was kept up till this morning's sun began to show symptoms of making his appearance. There were fully one hundred ladies and gentlemen present; the schoolrooms were festooned and de corated as ballrooms ; asumptuous sup per was spread and the utmost happiness reigned, as was to be expected when " youth and beauty meet to chase the glowing hours with flying feet." This popular academy, considering its recent establishment, is fast establishing a posi tion for itself, and under the able conduct of Mr and Madame Winter we anticipate for Melbourne House an increasing and permanent success. j

THE CHORAL HALL FIRE.

The inquiry into the cause of the late fire at the Choral Society's Hall in Symonds street, was held yesterday afternoon !at the Masonic Hotel, Princes streot, before Dr Philson, Coroner. Inspector Broham conducted the inquiry, and Mr J. P. Pierce was present on behalf of the New Zealand Insurance Company. Mr Broham opened the matter by laying the facts briefly before the jury, and explained that although fires were very difficult to trace, their origin. In this individual case it was clear that the building had been wilfully set on fire, as a quantity of rags and paper saturated with kerosene was dis covered burning, and removed from the spot where they had been placed; they lay scattered over two pieces of hoop iron bent spirally in a triangular fashion, and enclosing a space. These had been preserved, and were produced before the jury. He then called as witnesses, Messrs E. S. Lincoln, P. E. Cheal, Jas. Eussell, James Impey, Detective JefFery, and G. P. Pierce. They all deposed to facts previously made public, and which left no doubt that the building had been wilfully fired. Mr Pierce said that the building was insured for £2000 in the New Zealand Insurance Company. It had been completed about three months- The former Music Hall, standing in the same place, was burnt down in January last. That was insured for £1500. The origin of the fire had never been satisfactorily accounted for. The kerosine store in Stanley-street was destroyed on the pre vious day, and it had never been ascer tained how that originated. The ship City of Auckland was on fire also about the same time in an unaccountable way. Mr Fenton complained that the police force was inadequate, and there was no security for life or property at night in Auckland. Inspector Broham said that the total number of constables available for duty was thirteen, and only three or four were employed at night, and then only in Queen-street and Hobson-street. He would recommend that the police force should be augmented by the addition of six men.

The Coroner summed up the evidence, and after a short deliberation, the jury returned a verdict, that the fire by which the Music Hall was destroyed on the morning of December 10th was an act cif wilful incendiarism by some person or persons unknown ; and in order to prevent as far as possible the commission of simi lar crimes, the jury recommend that the present police force be increased to the extent recommended by the Inspector. Tho proceedings then terminated.

OHINEMDRI.

FBOM OUE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

GREAT TANGI OF THE NATIVES

It would be a good thing for the natives of Ohinemuri if a great chief died every week, for while the tangi lasts there is plenty to eat such as the Maori soul loves. The whole of last week waa devoted to feasting and crying with a vigour and energy that is beyond all praise. They began crying at six or seven in the morn ing, and the howling they kept up and the salt tears they shed sharpened up their appetites splendidly, and they were able to do " ample justice ! as they say of tea parties to the luxuries of the season. There was cow (beef), and hepe (sheep), and poaka (pork), and prowi (stinking or rotten maize), and rewi (potatoe) and kumera, kanui te kai, and after they had eaten and were full, they dropped into horse racing, and meetings. The talk at the meetings was all about the wire and the gold, and the pakeha having the country, but." they did end as they did begin," without any conclusion being come to, for they want to knew if they give up the country who is to pay them for it. They don't believe in miner's rights, be causo the Government claims half, and for the present they won't sell the freehold of the land, they want lease, and any proposal on any other bases they won t listen to. They want to be paid for the white man coming into the country, and they want so much a year besides. The liauraki natives left on Friday last, and all the Waihi and Taurangas are expected this week; but I am afraid there will be plenty of cry and very little kai for them, for it is all eaten up and carried away. A large presenta tion of eatables was made to TJnahi, but he presented it back again to the assembly, and they were so delighted with his generosity that they made a special effort to demolish every particle. Even the dogs look all the better for the bones and refuse. And talking of dogs and tangis naturally brings one's mind to reflect on fne tangi made by the Sub-Inspector of Police, in consequence of an M.P.C publicly remarking on his conduct as a public servant. I wonder at that M.P.C I really do. Nothing seems to be a warn ing to him. I would strongly advise that M.P.C. never to " get into the hands of ( the police," or the Sub-Inspector will make a shocking example of him. If persecution and the mental exercise it affords some people to invent spiteful and malicious tricks against him, then that M.P.C ought by this time to be suffi ciently warned, but he is not; and in spite of all the tries he has a trick of falling on his feet. Who is the Waio tahi Highway ? and who is Mr Antony? He must have what a friend of mine up here calls a " jen-teel turn." He takes up the Sub-Inspector's tangi, and speaks very severely of that M.P.C, in fact, calls jiim ugly names, ho being at the time at

a safe distance from that MP C TV all on account of his "ien-teel'tnt » though, for the Sub-Inspector > rL boarder, and a man must not quarrel *S his bread and butter, but he must speak well of it too, m season and out of seaW reason or none. Ctt&on, We are having the little steam la nn .i. Fairy twice a week up as far uftH She brings us an occasional pakeha W it is a mistake to suppose thereis'X prospecting going on, there is not. y

CHAPEL-STREET FIRE.

To the Editor of the EvbwiJu $*.- Sib,—The fire on Monday «\&cT ■attended with the usual amount ofreoH and unnecessary destruction of proi? on the part of the crowd, as waffiP* directed zeal by the brigade inT-' efforts to subdue the flames And • is on all and every occasion on whiS fire occurs in Auckland. Household a J every other kind of property is invamH taken out of dwellings and throw Q S the streets and broken, that might wif? absolute safety have been left uStouchS as far as the risk of fire is concerned Th fire-brigade, too, either from want of proper control, or inexperience, usually manage to expend their force of water in such a manner as to render their services in a great measure useless. In the face on Monday night of the most limited supply of the element the hose was chiefly directed on the main body of the flames instead of allowing the destruction of what was inevitable, and in the meantime have endeavored to destroy all chance of connection with the adjoining buildings by thoroughly saturating them with water • or what would have been much better' have created a gap by pulling down those buildings that were sure otherwise to become ignited. Instead of which some dozen men were seated on the roofs of houses like monkeys, distinguishing them selves by indulging in anything but fit and becoming language to those below who, by-the-by, were making fruitless endeavors to bring the hose to bear on the flames, and which might have been effected with promptness had a small line been attached to its nozzle. Leaving the question of an efficient supply of water out of the question altogether, the sooner a change is effected in the present fire brigade the better, unless we are to have a recurrence of Monday night's proceed ings. Yours, &c, ABOTSt [While endorsing the general views of our correspondent, it appears from the thanks conveyed in our advertising columns that on this occasion the owners of property have not suffered from that recklesseness which is certainly too com mon on the occurrence of fires in Auck land.—Ed.E.S.]

CRITICS CRITICISED.

Tq the Editor of the Evening Stab. Sib, —Samuel Edger's apologist of Friday last (per morning paper) shows ignorance. He does not know, and should not have assumed that the editor of the Indepen dent (London) was the author of the able and incisive critique on Mr E's book of sermons to which he alludes and which appears as an exscript in the Auckland Christian Times.- Few editors write all their own " leaders ;" fewer write any reviews of books; and some-7-althouga I see no obligation to inform that loose writer of so muehr—seldom write any of either; their chief function is to examine, judge, select, accept, "reject; and they are responsible.^—Then as to the matter of his complaint! why does he not go to the simple facts ? why fly off at a tangent exclaiming, biassed by a busy-body;. = or, like his . neighbour, fiendish, : personal pique, &c, &c ? Must not every uncon cerned onlooker feel that all such stuff !is irrelevant? What are the facts? ih there ridiculous egotism in: preface/to that volume of sermons as reviewer affirms ? and what about the quotation of extraordinary matter in evidence from the preface? Then, again, what is the plain fact, ill feeling or good feeling notwith standing, in regard to Mr E's supposed mare's nest anent " sin-offering?" I repeat the question, what are the simple facts of the case ? Feelings, good, bad, or indifferent, are out of the question; and, as a separate question, are, though not unimportant, quite secondary. A strong controvertist, or great debater, may have the best feeling and rank among the greatest public benefactors. The Independent's critique is good,—out spoken, keen, fair, candid. Writer of yesterday morning, in igiiominiously imputing bias, &c, again evinces ignor ance. Mr E, was notoriously accustomed to criticise (I was about to say castigate) most of the particular men of Auckland; does he now believe in the give and taker " Fair play is a jewel." I am, &c, JQ W. 08. & Upper Parnell, Saturday. /

To the Editor of the Evening Stab., Sib,—ln last evening's issue you refer to the gutta-percha stamp, an American invention, which it is stated are sold'at one fourth the price of the usual brass stamp. Being rather interested in this peculiar line of business I beg to state that in my. recent sojourn in America \L made particular enquiries about this very composition, and the result was that tins invention has not proved a success in «» country of its birth. The substance itseit being soft and pliable, the ink used ad heres far more readily to it than on a metw stamp, and necessitates a more frequent cleaning. What heat will do to gutta percha, and whether it will stand the same amount of wear and tear every body » able to iudge. But finally, about the cose —india-rubber stamps cost from*!^ upwards, sent over from Melbourne ana Sydney, while brass stamps made in Auck land equal in finish and design only eon 30s. Why not, therefore, encourage " native industry" when the M*i^e ""jfcJgf is better, and in the long run *Cj ml than the imported. p I am, &0., -J» I. Alexander, . Jeweller and Engraver- Auckland, December 13,1871.

A lady sent from Chicago to BoehesW for interment revived, burst the na on ■ coffin, and telegraphed to Chicago that sn* , was coming back, f wwo

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER, 13. 1871.

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J CATER (late Cbombie's), ROYAL • 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 Cronabie; and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted instating that they will receive every civilfcy and attention, as wel] as first-class and artistic portraits at his bands, and that no pains will be Spared to give entire satisfaction. J. C. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking inatantaneoua Portraits of Children. ANDSOMELY BOUND BOOKS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, - " AT E. . W' A V T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, ! 100, Queen street. A liberal discount to the trade and schools. NOTICE. ~~ EJ YATES begs to inform tae residents • of Parnell and the public generally, thafe 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 best quality, and selling at ; a reasonable profit, to merit the same support as his predecessor. I : r— 1 ■ ■ . I IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many yearp, I the undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to all those wh:> have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same i liberal support 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.