SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

POET OF AUCKLAND

SUNSET—This evening, 7.15. HIGH WATER—This evening, 12.14.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Lady Bowen, 12 o'clock midnight

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES.

Taranaki s s for Southern Poria

VESSELS EXPECTED. City of Adelaide, s s, from Sydney Albion, s s, from Sydney Napier, s s, from Napier Caduceus, ship, from London, sailed Uct I« Lima, ps, from Southern ports Ferndalc, barque, from Liverpool (sailed Sept Mary Miller, barque, from Adelaide Prinia Donna, schooner, from Sydney Galatea, schooner, from Sydney Bella Mary barque from Hobart Town Merlin, schooner, from Fiji Edith, schooner, from Tahiti. Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Tahiti. Magellan Cloud, schooner from Chatham Isn lands. Celestia barque from Newcastle. Lady Franlin barque from Newcastle. Phoebe s s from Southern Ports

The fine ship City of Auckland came alongside the wharf this morning, and will commence discharging to-morrow. The s?. Star of the South was launched from the slip, North Shore, this morning. She will 1( arc for Napier on Friday. Tho s ?. Taranaki took her departure for the South this afternoon with a large number of passengers.

J CA.TER (Me Ceokbie's), ROYAT c PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY.Queen- Btreet, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friendp and the public generally that he ha 3 purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crombie ; and having secured tho services of Mr Crorabie's lite Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civilty and attention, as well as first-cla3s and artistic portraits at his bands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J. C. also -wishes to inform the Ladio3 that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children.

NOTICE. -jT> J YATES begs to inform the residents _&Ai« of Parnell and the public generally, that aft<?r the Ist day of January, 1872, the business now being carrried on by Me Thomas Watebs will be taken by him, when he trusts that by striot attention to business, keeping goods of tho very best quality, and selling at a reasonable profit, to merit the 'same support as hi 3 predecessor. IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many years, the undersigned begs to return his sincere thank 3to all those who have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same liberal support will be given to his successor (Mr B J Yates), whose long experience in the G-rocery trade will enable him to give tho fullest satisfaction to all who may become customers of his. THOMAS WATERS.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening, News and The Morning News.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1871

It is a singular thing that the name of this journal is so frequently in the mouths of angry people, although they profess so much disregard for our strictures. We were yesterday honored with a large share of the proceedings of the City Council, wherein friends and foes seem to have vied with one another in abusing the Evening Stab. It is to be regretted, however, that certain members, such as Messrs Mac ready and George, cannot discuss questions without showing anger and giving a personal turn to criticism that does not help argument and exposes irritation. What profit in the question of personal beauty as raised by Mr Macready ? We claim that we ex hibit a magnanimous self-denial in refraining from retort. Mr G-eorge has apparently but one string to his Karp, and the music of "reverend scribbler " has become rather mono tonous. If he could introduce a little variety it would conduce to greater effectiveness. However, our protests against the reproduction of the abuses of former days are not prompted by anything in the remotest degree re sembling personal feeling. Mr Mac

ready is respected by a large section of the community, and we have no doubt ia deserving of respect. But in debate in the Council yesterday he made ad missions that serve to confirm us in the desire that neither lie nor his clique should control tho distribution of the present loan as they did the past. It is not reported in the morn ing papers, but it is nevertheless true, that Mr Macready yesterday made capital of his public-spiritedness in those old days in having personally advanced inonoy to the contractors under the City Board. He appealed to Mr G-eorge to bear him out in his statement that they had both signed and rneeted promissory notes'to pay large sums of money to carry on the public works. Ear be it from us to question the purely disinterested char acter of these generous acts. It _is known that in those days the City Board did its chief business in the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, and we have no doubt the quiet little social arrangements of commissioners, money lenders, secretaries, contractors and workmen at wages time, have embalmed the bar-parlours of tho Duke of Marl borough with fragrant remembrance. Wo have not the slightest doubt that every thing was honorable and straightforward in tho extreme, although people must think it strange that tho City Board should have so miscalculated their resources as not to have retained enough in tho coffers, or made arrangements for an overdraft at the Bank, or pledged the city rates, or done one or another of a thousand things, instead of trespassing on the kindness of Mess-s Macready, George & Co. in the matter of these bar-parlour promissory notes. And it is because we should deeply regret the possibility of tho City Council revert ing to a similar style of doing business that we have brought our guns to bear on tho present election. It is not from any. personal feeling against either Mr Macready, Mr George, or any other ; or in favor of Mr Philips, or any of his supporters. Personally, both he and they aro to us of utter indifference. Our strife is for a prin ciple, not a person, measures not men. It so happens that ho and they are identified with that principle in the public mind, which is but an accidental circumstance; and in other circum stances we shall find as much pleasure in attacking Mr Philips as wo have experienced in defending his candi dature. Indeed, he seems himself to have been under the impression tkat our advocacy was of a personal character, and he was yesterday at some pains in Council to disclaim con nection with the articles in the Star. This is an idle conceit on the part of Mr Philips. He stated truly that he has had nothing to do with our mo op lportunity"oF once*knowing what his views are respecting the election, and to those views and to his personal wishes, whatever they may be, we are alike indifferent. But we have pro tested, and we shall, coute qul eoute, again protest against tho faintest at tempt at re-introducing to the control of this city a clique that has made tho administration of the city in days past to stink in the nostrils of the whole colony.

Our remarks on the behaviour of the youths who frequent the rock baths, on Sundays, were not uncalled for, as their conduct last Sabbath morning clearly showed. Neither the Police are blame less. One of the proprietors informs us that on that day, which ought to be de voted to peace and quiet, a horde of un mannerly, godless cubs, completely took the place by storm, and held possession in spite of all the endeavours of the custo dian. Their noise might have been heard at the other side of the Waitemata. The bath-keeper had no alternative but to hoist the signal for police assistance, which was kept flying till 6 p.m., without being in the slightest degree attended to by the conservators of the public peace. One would have thought that the noise alone j-would have brought them to the spot.

A short time ago we pointed out the peculiar merits of the various kinds of paving, and gave the preference to asphalt. A circumstance has come under our observation within the last few days which has confirmed us in our impression of its vast superiority over flagstones—at all events in one respect. Anyone passing by the Exchange while the fierce rays of the sun were beating on the white stone, must have noticed the effect of the re flected beams on the eyes of the share brokers. They were all blinking like a lot of sick owls. One person with weak optics remarked that if this kind of glare continued much longer he feared losing his sight, and indeed should pavement of the same kind be continued all along the unshaded side of the street, there really would appear to be some danger of what is known in the hot interior of Australia as " sandy blight."

The Provincial Council, in order to expedite the business of the session, sat yesterday. Some formal business was disposed of. A large portion of the time was taken up with a debate on the police estimates- The item was eventually carried. A motion " that a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent requesting him to ter minate the present arrangement with reference to the police force in' this province, and to resume the management and control of the police force," was after considerable discussion carried. The Licensing Act Amendment Bill and the Highway Act Amendment Bill were both read a third time and passed. Motions to recommit the Bills for the purpose of inserting clauses were both. lost. The Council adjourned at 11 o'clock.

The programme of the Newmarket Athletic Sports, on Boxing Day, appear in our advertising columns,

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS

(prom our own correspondent.) aEAIIAMSTOWN. 3 p.m. The Red Queen have crushed 7 tons , with a few specimens, and the result is 21 ounces of gold. The Kuranui have lodged 59 ounces partly from old plates. Dixon's have lodged 70 oxs. melted gold the result of a week's crushing. The Bright Smile have come across more gold in the shaft. The Otago have taken out more gold from the winze. The Coliban have declared a dividend of £100 per share. Caledonian. —The stope betwoentho winze and Tookey's reef is contracting. Gold is making in tho specimen leader towards the Otago.

SHAREMARKET.

Tuesday, Decembor 19. MB J X LENKOX's EEPOIU1. There was not much business done in the sharemarket this morning. Tookey shares were sold at £24 ; Thames, £16 103 ; Cale donian, £70. There- are very tew buyors.

The City Council met yesterday after noon. A long discussion took place in respect to Councillor Atkins' resignation. Counsels' opinion was read on the subject, holding that the office became vacant by his tender of his resignation. Some members took occasion to take offence at remarks on the subject made in the Evening Stak- Amongst the corres pondence was a letter from Mr Hawkes wood, a sufferer by the late fire, request ing permission, to erect a temporary building of iron, in which to complete some contracts. This was granted. Other matters of detail were discussed. Tenders for earthworks in Symonds-street, a-ere opened, and that of Messrs Eugene Itiley and Co, for 1973/!., accepted.

A correspondent writes to say that hap pening to bo in the Police Court a day or two ago, lie was astonished to see an In spector, three detectives, two sergeants, and seven police constables present to take care of three or lour drunkards, and a turbulent vagrant. He says, that at the same time the town was almost wholly unprotected. Some one told him that these were the men who had been on night duty. Surely half a dozen at least might have been allowed to go to bed.

A friend says he has discovered a salt mine close by ; but on questioning him, it appears that he had only discovered an incrustation of about half an inch thick, on the surface of Queen-street, where it has been left by the evaporation of the sea water. The muriatic acid evolved from salt is well-known to be excessively injurious to articles dyed black, which it turns red, and inflicts considerable loss on those tradesmen who expose their wares to its action.

A correspondent sends us the follow ing .__" The Sea View claim, ICeraua Point, Coromandel, which has been worked under miners rights has been formed into . /-i «,„.,„ -n;-««r^~ c . nnrl lfioal ma-s«crf"* having been appointed. Wor* is to be pushed on vigorously, and a crushing may soon be expected ; about 4 tons of good stone being now ready, from which a re turn of at least 3 oz. is expected."

There is a post in the very centra of the foothpath of the principal street in Paruell, which is;exceedingly awkward to night travellers. It is in one of darkest parts of the town, and has been the cause of many an ugly bump. Being neither useful nor ornamental, but rather the re verse, the Board should have it removed.

Among other improvements which have been effected to the hall of the Supreme Court, is a kind of sounding board at the back, and over the witness box. Although hideous in design, and startling in the severity of its plaiuness, it will doubtless be a great comfort to jurymen, who may perhaps, hereafter be able to hear some portions of the evidence.

It is very seldom that the fields and open spaces around Auckland, present such a parched appearance they now show. An unusually wet and severe wintor has rendered the grass more tender then usual; and a remarkably hot summer succeeding, has already turned most of the grass into hay, of that brown tint familar to the eyes of Australians.

We observe that the Duke of Edin burgh will make an excursion trip to Wangarei on Boxing Day (26th inst), and return cither next day or on the 2nd January.

We would draw attention to the attrac tions at the strawberry gardens, Eosebank Nursery, North Shore. The strawberries are in "splendid condition. On Saturday evenings the gardens are illuminated with Chinese lanthorns, and a band of music is in attendance.

The City of Auckland, which arrived yesterday, was the bearer of 4 sparrows, 20 yellovy hammers, and 12 partridges, for the Acclimatisation Society.

Numbers of passengers arrived by the City of Auckland speak in glowing terms of the attention, courtesy, and kindness shown them by Captain Ashby on their voyage out.

The 22nd half-yearly meeting of tho New Zealand Insurance Company will be held to-morrow.

We notice that Cagli and Pompei's Italian Opera Company left this after noon by the ' Taranaki' for the South. We wish this talented and efficient com pany every success.

The interminable Hazlebank litigation appear not yet to be at an end. A notice has been issued by Mr Kees, warning persons not to deal with, or interfere with the claim ; as an action is now pending in the Supreme Court, in relation thereto.

The illuminated model of the steam ship ' Nevada/ was again on view last evening, and attracted a number of visitors. It gives great satisfaction. A notice appears in the morning papers that Mr James Farmer offers himself as a candidate for the City Council. We have since beard that Mr Farmer has with drawn, but wo trust that is not the case. A Directors' meeting, of Murphy's Hill G-.M.C, is to bo held at tho Metropolitan Hotel, at 4 p.m. to-morrow,

MAN IN COUNCIL.

Br Geoffrey Softsawdeb, Esq. Theme is nothing like " sleeping" over it. Our Provincial Councillors slept over the estimates at their last sitting, and voted £29,000 out of hand with praiseworthy unanimity. It had been well for the peo ple if the Councillors could sleep a little oftener with a like result. Perhaps if they would go to sleep altogether there would be no harm done. But it is scarcely possible that they should go to sleep altogether without some little bit of dis turbance. It would be curious to learn the effects of a nightmare upon the body politic of a Provincial Council. How would the imagination of Mr- John Gordon employ itself. He would appear in scarlet " cut-away" hunting cap taking a toll bar to perfection. We fancy Captain Freer would imagine that he was Colonial Secretary. What extraordinary level of public enlightenment must the consti tuency have reached that elected this gen tleman to be its representative. With what infinite grace he throws himself on the benches, and like the true member of an agricultural district, in fancy, drives his pigs to market. And then -the hon. Mr Hurst, does he never dream of champagne onracecourses,with Dukes and Earls, ladies with camellias, pigeon pasties and tongue sandwiches. Mr Mitchell, the hon. member for Ohinemuri, has the French orator Mirabeau before his im agination, seeing the ponderous solemnity of his oratory. Dr Nicholson has a logical mind. There is no doubt about that. We think he would make an efficient curator of Mr Waterhouso Hawkins' antedeluvians. How amiable tho doctor would look lecturing the mogatheriuni upon popu lation. And " His Worship the Mayor" docs ho not live in his own " castlo in tho air"—his own " mansion house." Does he never imagine himself addressing her Majesty's ministers, thanking them that " our foreign relations aro in a satisfactory state," that Mr George Stainos ceases to cause any un easiness to tho constitution; that he has sent for a cargo of domestics, who will in time make most delightful sweethearts and wives for the rising generation. What cheering groets his Worship when he " resumes" his seat. Pity his Worship had not been born in the kingdom of Fiji. There had been a sphere of usefulness worthy his eminent talents. Mr Sheehan rises to return thanks to tho Mayor for his palaver and hospitality. The genius of the Emerald Isle smiles benignantly. William Pitt was a very small person at the age of this successful politician. And Mr Lusk, tho midnight lamp, makes his eye lustreless; but then, there will bo holidays and travelling expenses at Candle mas. Do not these vagaries of the imagi nation, " when sleep knits up the ravelled^ sleeve of care," seem wonderful ? And if Mr Jerome Cadinan gave tho rein to his imagination when sleep overpowered him on Friday night, he surely must have looked upon himself as the last of the political economists and railway commis sioner. He must surely contemplate the Kailway Bridge in Mechanics Bay, and the forward state of the Auckland and Drury line as theperfection of engineering. What shape does fame assume in his imagination. Perhaps ho shall be like ouveuiy auutiiiiiii, prcsorvod fo» fnl-nnhy. not kept in spirits, but dressed even to his umbrella. And how do the members of the Council disport themselves in the in tervals of sleepiness. Mr Buckland flatters himself that ho has solved the riddle of the sphynx, and appears with a volume of ancient history and the last Hansard under each arm. Mr Dyer dreams of tho profits of sharebroking in Hades. Now, while all this sleeping is going on, there are a few members very wide awake, and are passing the estimates " like winking." Happy public ! see what wonderful pains your friends take to spend your money for you.

Tho new Education Bill was read a second time on Friday. It is a brilliant measure. Mr William Swanson will perhaps be the Chairman of the new Board. Captain Freer will be elected to the Board. His reading is so varied, his personal manners are so attractive ! his academical experience at the Cape fits him admirably for the post of guardian of the instruction of the people. Mr George Staines is not in the Council, and his place at the Board will be difficult to fill. Mr Ellis says it would be " invidz^ous " not to have a gentleman out of tho Coun cil on the Board. There are several political changes projected, but nothipg is certain, not even whether Mr Farnall will succeed in his attempt to restore spirits to Bellamy's.

It is said that the country members are indignant that the goldfields members caught them, according to tho member for Mowick, " on the hop," and threaten to re-commit the estimates for the purpose of reduction. They will make a great mistake if they do. They should have remained in their places, and kept their hold on the public purse strings the same as their more pushing opponents have been doing. But country members like to repose in the bosom of their families. If that is the case, they should be country folks, not country members. It is ex tremely probable they would do more good to their country digging* potatoes, than giving notices of motion they don't and won't move. I understand that it is seriously contemplated to give Mr Hurst a companionship of the Bath. His modesty makes him reluctant to accept the honour, lest the " water should bo too hot for him."

The hon member for Ohinemuri has received a telegram from Mere JSluru requiring an estimate of the cost_ of tobacco," Venus" brand. She commissions the hon member to get a supply of cotton stockings, which are to be put down to the account of compensation for the land that estimable Maori woman is likely to open for the diggers. Te Hira wants a new pair of trowsers, but a special telegram has been sent to say that he must wait till Mr Donald McLean comes to Auckland. There are several other items of curious information straying about the Council. The police are considered arbitrary in in terfering with Friend's pagoda. They say " Mr Staines," with the lamp of wisdom in his hand, would look remarkably neat in the interior of it. At present it is use less,—" good for nothing." It is contem plated to engage a lcoturer upon experi mental philosophy to illustrate this new improvement fa th° fawn. It won't

matter in the least if he knows nothing at all about it; he will be liked all the better for that. Monday 19th. _ The consideration of the Police Esti mates, last evening, had the effect of causing some enlivenment in the Provin cial Council. The members aroused from their slumbers, with wonderful alacrity. His Worship the Mayor was himself ; Mr Macready was equally portentous; and Swanson exhibited his usual "down upon fine cloth and white gloves," for policeman's duty. It appears that the police will not look after nuisances, but leave these offences to look after them selves, and inform the nose of the In spector of Nuisances. Mr Mackay likes the police as they are, and drew a picture of the ', ancient citizens," being drafted into the police. Some members suggested that the Municipal Council might re appoint " the watch." What delightful nights they would be for the "Eollick ing Earns !" Fancy Mr Macready as Dogberry, or a Sergeant of the Force ! Mr Macready did not think he could run as fast as some hon members. He could not without much encumbrance run away, or run off, or run down. It was with great reluctance he should be " pur suer" in a court of justice. It was sug gested that a match might be " got up" between Mr Macready and Mr Gordon, between the toll bar at Newmarket and the toll bar at Kybev Pass—the com petitors to appear in national costume : Mr Gordon in hunting cap and top boots ; Mr Macready in " Highland fling." The matter was referred to the committee of Caledonian games, and will, it is said, come off bar accident."

Bat the police estimates the force may congratulate itself upon this test of a good character, viz, that while no member ap peared to like it, everybody gave it a good character. Whatever everybody says, I suppose, must be true. Mr Mackay told the Mayor that what was understood by city duty was, in one particular at least, carrying letters for officers and members of the Council. Fancy an armed con stabulary carrying love letters for the Secretary; bearing gooseberry tarts for the Under Secretary ; " humping" the rate book for Mr Diddams ; rolling the fifth wheel of a coach for Mr Atkins; taking home a suit of clothes for Mr Hampton; tasting cheeses for Mr Tonks ; or bottling picklos for Mr Smart! What poetic employment for leisure hours. Bat what the Council was most indignant at was the conduct of the Superintendent. They told him very plainly that he had put tho province in handcuffs; that he had put a peace-loving public in the clutches of a fighting force : that he had handed over the province bound hand and foot to the Government of the South, and when he was told that ho ought to be ashamed of himself he put up his " little boys telegraph," againstthe old fogies and told them they might go to Jee-roo-salem for him.

Hon members passed a resolution di recting the Government to give them back their old policeman. With pipe and bludgeon, That old curmudgeon, That walked up Queon street At the midnight hour. And heard the equaling, And the caterwauling Of cads and " careys," Tlut ne'er ÜBed his power. Having swallowed the Inspector at £150 a year, tho councillors thought it the least trouble to open their mouths a little wider and swallow the whole department, kepis, white gloves, boots, mackintoshes, and lanterns.

FREEMASONRY.

At the rogular monthly meeting of the Waitemata Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, held last evening at the Masonic Hotel, Princes street, Brother H. G. Wade was duly installed W.M. for the ensuing year by Brother Jenkins, P. M. 252, and P. P. G. D. C, Berks and Bucks, assisted by the W.M , Brother Hayward, in the presence of P.Ms. L. D. Nathan, Goldsbro', and Leers, and of Brother the Rev R. Xidd, D.D., W.M. of the Ara Lodge, and Brother Diethelm, W.M. of the Prince of Wales Lodge, who formed the Board of In stalled Masters, which was opened and closed with all the ancient ceremonies in due form. The newly installed W. M. invested Brother Hayward 1.P.M., and appointed and invested Brother the Rev M. Elkin S. W., Brother Whitaker J. W., Brother Broughton Sec, Brother Hurrell S.D., Brother Hardy J.D., and Brother Warren I. G-., Brother Heather was elected Treasurer, and Brother Porter Tyler. There was a numerous attendance of the brethren of tho Lodge and visitors. In the course of the evening three gentle men were initiated into the mysteries of the craft. The sum of £20 was voted towards the memorial to the memory of the late lamented Brother Heywood, Chaplain to the Lodge, and the subject of joining the members of the Auckland Instituto in the erection of their new building, so as to provido a proper Masonic Hall for the use of the craft in general, was mooted and favourably entertained. The brethren afterwards adjourned to refreshment, which was supplied by Brother Avey in his usual excellent style, and an hour or so of social enjoyment brought a pleasant evening to a close;

THEATRE ROYAL.

The performance at this theatre com menced with the well-known effective drama of "Don Ceosarde Bazan," in which Mr Burford as Don Csesar, and Miss Clara Stophenson as Maritana, played with considerable effect, and the remainder of the characters were well sustained. The laughable and amusing burlesque of Ixion was again performed, and as usual gave general satisfaction. This piece has had a most successful run, and will be re peated this evening for the lagt time, "Don Caesar " will also be performed.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Botjcicault's drama of " Elfie, or the Cherry Tree Inn," was repeated last even ing. The performance was a great suc cess. The same drama will be produced to-night,

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE

EIFLE PEIZE CUP. The well-known jeweller, Mr Beck, of Queen street, has with his accustomed liberality presented to the Eifle Volunteers the finest silver cup ever competed for by volunteers in this province. It is in the form of a vase, richly chased, and is valued at £25. It is to be fired for as a district prize, Presentations of this kind are of infinite service in keeping up a spirit of emulation among Volunteers, who always require stimulants, and does much towards keeping the martial spirit from nagging.

ARTILLERY RIFLE MATCH

A friendly match between eight mar ried, and eight single members of the Auckland Artillery Corps, took place this morning, at the Mount Eden range. The men fell in at five o'clock, but on ac count of some delay in obtaining am munition, the firing did not commence until after half-past. Further delay was caused during the match by the number of members of other corps, who were on the ground. In consequence of this, it wa3 arranged that firing at two ranges, should decide the victory. The match was decided in favor of the single men, by 9 points. The following is the score :—

MABBIED,

The cadets of No 1 company Naval Volunteers mustered in force last evening at the Drill Shed, and were put through their drill by Lieutenant Chapman in a very satisfactory manner. At the con clusion of the drill the following members of the corps were elected officers : George McKay first lieutenant, James McLeod sub-lieutenant, James Waite and John Mudford as first class petty officers, and M Moore and J Culbert second class petty officers. The usual weekly parade of the Auck land. Naval Volunteers was held this Inorning at Fort Britomart. Lieutenant Chapman was in command, and there was a fair attendance, although there was no firing, on account of the absence of Sergeant-major Broughton, who was on duty at the rifle butts with the Artillery. The Cadets attached, to No 3 Company, wore drilled this morning at 6 o'clock, by Lieut. McConnell. Their evolutions were satisfactorily performed. Mr J. Liandon has tabled a motion, requesting His Honor the Superinten dent to recommend for appropriation 7001. towards encouraging Volunteering; 5001. among Volunteers, and 2001. among boys learning drill at school. The Auckland Hifle Brigade mustered at 9 o'clock this morning at the Mount Eden rifle range to fire for choice of com pany representatives, this being the first step towards the selection of the competi tors for the colonial prize meeting of 1872. About 30 members were present, under the command of Major Gordon. At the first range, 200 yards, standing position, some very good, shooting was made. Volunteer McDonald, of No. 2 company, scoring 19 out of a possible 20; Sergeant Churton, of No. 3 company, 18 : while fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen were com mon. Just before commencing to fire at 300 yards, a slight accident occurred, which should act as a caution both to competitors and spectators. A volunteer intending to clear the breach of his rifle, fired a blank cartridge into the ground, and the explosion forced a shower of small gravel among the lookers-on, scratching the legs of a juvenile who was standing by, and also those of the volunteer whose rifle caused the damage. Volunteers at rifle practice cannot be too careful to observe the rules laid down to ensure safety in handling their weapons. We trust this incident will act as a caution, and thus prevent the occurrence of serious accidents at the range.

Another squad commenced firing at 2 o'clock, and the thirteen members who score highest number of points will be company representatives of the Brigade.

AUCKLAND COLLEGE ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The second half yearly fete took place to day in the Albert Barrack square, and a great number of races and other athletic sports were contested for with spirit by the pupils of the College. J. McVey Baird, Esq., the Principal of the College acted as judge, and J Pittar, Esq., as the starter. A great number of the friends and relatives of the youths were on the ground, and the scene was a very gay and animated one. In all there were 27 events on the programme, but only ten had been concludeed when our reporter left the ground. The results are as follows : — Maiden Plate, (silver cup), flat race, ] 00 yards, Whitaker, first prize. Boys under 10 years, flat race, 100 yards, A Keesing, first prize. All ages, (silver cup), flat race, half mile, (handicap), Dickey, first prize, Boys under 12 years, flat race, 150 yards Henderson, first prize. Boys under 14 years, flat race, 220 yards, Wynyard, first prize. Boys under 12 years, Siamese race, 150 yards, Sceats and Keesing, first prize. College Challenge Cup, open to all lads under 17 years, attending any public school in Auckland, flat race, half mile, Stichbury, first prize, Boys under 10 years, flat race, 150 yards, (handicap), A Keesing, first prize.

Boys under 14 years, (silver cup) Wa i t ing match, half mile, Hare, first pri ze All ages, flat race, 150 yards, (handicap) Wlntaker, first pnze. W

THE SHAREBROKERS' ACT.

In another column will be found kc posed petition with reference Ifo It " Sharebrokers' Act," which rientl passed in the General Assembly. VTI}^ morning a deputation waited oi fr Honor the Superintendent asking mmf take steps in order to prevent" the Ac! being proclaimed in force in the province but his reply was to the effect that hi could not interfere. If the measure is considered likely to operate injuriously we would recommend that a nieetincr of sharcbrokers and all interested in°th buying and selling of stock should be held when the matter being fairly discussed' the united action of all concerned should be brought to bear on the "subject. The memorial contained in another column has been handed to us for insertion, and seems to fairly state the points of the measure and we have no doubt that either this or 'some similar memorial, if generally signed would have the effect of staying the action of His Excellency in proclaiming the Act in force. By the first section of the Act it is provided that "it shall only come into operation within such province or provinces in the Colony as the Governor may from time to time, by proclamation to be published in the New Zealand Gazette, direct, and as from a day to be fixed in and by such proclamation." Such a provision as this evidently contemplates that the Governor should be guided by the wishes of the residents or local authority in the various provinces, or why was it enacted ? Practically the measure is still as if it had not been enacted, and action now taken is not of the character of grumbling when it is too late.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY,

Before Joseph May, and P. A. Philips, Esqs., Justices.

DEUIsKENJTESS

Four persons were punished in the usual manner for first offences; and George McQuinne, for a third, was sent to gaol for seven days.

ASSAULT

Francis Simmons was brought up on warrant, charged with unlawfully assault ing one Ellen Mahoney, by striking her on the arm with a tomahawk.

Prisoner was defended by Mr Bennett, and Mr Joy appeared for the prosecutrix. Ellen Malioney deposed that she re sided in Edwardes street. Defendant came to her Louse on Sunday afternoon. The door was locked, and he broke the lock and went in. He took up a toma hawk and opened the window. He broke a looking glass and other things, and struck her with the tomahawk, knocking her down. Witness had never spoken to him before, and lie had no right in the house. He further threatened to burn the house, and said it was not the first thing of the kind he had done. She was afraid he would do her some harm if not restrained, and requested he might be bound over to keep the peace. Cross-examination failed to shake her testimony

Patrick Glasgow had heard a kick at the door and the breaking of glass.

Kebecea Culvert deposed to having seen prisoner lifting up the window. She saw a fight, and prisoner put his foot on the looking-glass. She also saw him put his heel against the door and force the lock. He burst the door open. He did not go in, but lifted the window. She saw him strike prosecutrix and knock her down, because she wanted to take her tomahawk from him.

For the defence, Mr Bennett called Alexander Connell, who said that he and prisoner were having a qniet drink in another house, when prosecutrix came down and some hot words passed. Pro secutrix was very aggravating, and scratched prisoner, who then knocked her down. A great deal of bad language passed, and prosecutrix took witness' hat away. Prisoner went to her house to get it, and witness followed ten minutes after. He saw a scuffle in the yard, and .Rebecca Culvert throw a tumbler at prisoner. He believed prisoner struck prosecutrix again at that time. For the assault the Bencli fined prisoner 20s and costs, and bound him over to keep the peace for three months in his own recognizances for £20.

LATEST FROM THE ENGLISH COMIC WEEKLIES.

SAUCK FOB THE GANDEB,

Newcastle wife : I say, Joe, dear, if you can't enjoy your supper now you have lost your grumble about nine hours —grumble for me, as .J've done fourteen and ain't finished yet.

THE FINISHING TOUCH. Farmer (who had been most obliging and taken great interest in the picture) : Good mormV, sir! But (aghast) I say, what are you doin' of, mister"( A p'intin1 all of them beastly poppies in nay corn ! ' A bit of color. ■ What 'ould my landlord say, d'you think f— and after I'd put off cuttin' cause you hadn t finished, to oblige yer? I didn't thin* you d a done it! You don't come a p'intin on my land any more !—[Exit, in great dudgeon. J WELL BROKCN: Customer (to horse dealer's boy)— Sent this horse to show me, eh? Where did your master get him ? Boy —Don't know, sir. Customer —Is he quiet in-harness ? Boy—Don't know, sir. Customer—Will your master warrant him sound ? Boy—Don't know, sir. ~, Customer—Confound it, boy! What did your master tell you to say to me alfcput tae horse ? i , „ Boy—He tolled me to say, "Donftjmo*' sir," to everything as you asked me. an\ PLATITUDE AND LONGITUDE. > \ Speech on education to social science througi Four columns in the Times, and a quarter, long! ■> One hour and twenty minutes did the wora» spout pour, What did anybody learn ho didn t know before ? A COINCIDDENTAL COGNOMEN, , Singleton Civilian, Esq., of her Majesty J State Salary Department—Now, boy, out or the way. . , - ,f Boy—Yere! who, a you a shovin oi, yei thinks yerself somebody, I suppose—yer—ye stick o >- salary! FBECOWOUa. , First Rural Innocent—Were'st git the bJa« eye, BUI?

THE EVENING STAB, TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 1871

2



to p-> O 1O r-H Q-unner Skinner 18 Sergeant Watsoa 16 Guuner Goudio 14 Gunner McPherson 14 Gunner Priestly 12 Corporal Prince 10 Q. M. Sergeant Featon... 7 Sergeanb Hatswell 11

CO T3 P~> O Q 1G 12 11 10 9 9 11 2

"o E-. 34 28 25 24 21 19 18 13

Total

182

SINGLE.

on ■n P-, o i-i G-unner Davies 17 Gunner H. Payne 15 Gunner Stuart 15 Gunner E. J. Clark 11 Lieutenant Isaacs 13 Gunner Watson 13 Corporal Geddes 13 Gunner Stevens 13

m l>> 15 14 10 12 10 9 G 5

"a 32 29 25 23 23 22 19 18

Total

191



T. ELLISON, BOOT-MAKER, 78 QtTEEN-STEEET. IS now selling Boots during the Christmas Holidays at less than Cost. Men's Elastic Side?, reduced 25 per cent lien's Wellingtons, reduced 25 per cent Ladies' Kid Boots, reduced 25 per cent: , Pnf-nfc St Crispin Shoes, reduced 25 per cent Girls' Coloured-Cashmere Boots, for parties at less than cost All other Goods sold low in proportion T. ELLISON, 78, Qtteex-stbeet.



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