SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND

SUNSET—This erening, 7.14. HIGrH WATER—Thi3 afternoon, 1.12,

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Enterprise No 2, 5 o'clock

ARRIVALS.

Keera s s from Wellington via Napier. Wanganui s s from Wanganui. Flora Macdonald cutter, from Raglan,

DEPARTURES.

Tauranga schooner for Tauranga, Willie Winkie cutter for Eaglan.

IMPORTS.

Per b s Keera from Southern ports—2o sacks malt 1 case claret Bucholz —1 box 8e11—250 sacks barley Order—l package D and A Brown — 200 sheep Buckland. Left at Tauranga and Katikati —23 tons telegraph wire and 200 telegraph posts for conneoting Auckland with the South direct.

EXPORTS.

Par 8 s Taranaki for Southern Portß. For Taranaki—l caßfl 1 half chest tea D Stephen son—2 cases Boylan—l case Me Arthur, Sbera an( j Qo 1 bale 2 trusses Clark and Son—l trunk 2 cases A Barnes—l roll leather 1 can- Tas package Ireland Brothors. For Nelson— i quarter cask brandy Crown Distillery—l case New Zealand Insuranoe Company—3 case T Murch. For Picton—l case A and Q- Price —1 case New Zealand Insurance Company. For Wellington—l case A Barnes—l parcel New Zealand Insurance Company—l box A Barnes—l case R B Lusk—l trunk Sargood. For Lyttelton—l parcel Bank of New Zealand —1 case New Zealand Insurance Company— 1 case 1 bale R B Lusk—9 bales empty sacks Binney. For Port Chalmers —1 parcel and 1 case Now Zealand Insurance Company—l case B B Lusk—2 trunks Sargood—l2 pieces timber Cruickshank, Smart and Co;

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Southern ports—Keera, s s, Friday Sydney—City of Adelaide, ss, 23rd insfc For Honolulu—Nevada 28th instant Wangarei (excursion)— Duke of Edinburgh, ps 26th Napier—Star of the South, s a 21st inst Kaipara—Aurora schooner to-morrow London—City of Auckland, January Napier—Star of the South, Friday The as Wanganui, Captain Linklater, ar rived in the Manukau yesterday evening from Wanganui, which place she left on Monday morning. She brought 16 passengers. Cargo -4A head cattle and 300 sheep, A Buckland.— Barnes, agent. The ss. Kee?a arrived in harbour from Wellington, Napier, and Tauranga, last CTening, bringing a cargo of sheep, Ac, and a number of passengers. We are indebted to Mr Keeble, the purser, for the delivery of our files and for other favours. Passengers—Mr McLeod, M H R., Mr S George, Mr Harris, Mr Levy, Miss B>lloway, Mr and Mrs McDonald, Mr Floyd, Mr Isaacs. MrTait, Bishop of Waiapu, Mrs Groy, Mr Ferguson, Mr Hearn. —Combes and Daldy, agents. The steamer Taranaki left laßt evening for southern port 3. Pasengers—Mrs C Tester, Eev P Eiordaa, Mr Whitcomb, Miss A Hunt, Opera Troupe (36 adults), Messrs Lowther, Charles Harper, Thomas Bateman, Mrs Bnsden, Mies Penny, Miss Dave, Mr G Lande»", Mrs Mynott, Mr Smith, J Gossolany and wife, Messrs A F McKay, "R Bleazard, J Evans, W H George, Mrs Webb and servant, MissForde, MessrsW Kennedy, Nugent, D Brown, Humphries, Goodeuough, MiBS Hut ehinson, Messrs Menlove, Butler, Perry, Sharp, Condon, Miss Adman, and Mrs Hewitt<

COMMERCIAL.

Wednesday afternoon. Messrs S Cochrane and Son sold to day, at their rooms,- Forfc street, 6 cottages (lease hold), Bituated in Grey street, for the Bum of £145. The library brought first class prices. Mr G- W Binney held to day an extensive sale of boots and shoes at his mart- The competition was good, and almost all the goods were quitted at good prices.

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Maim— . **■ For Thames, this day, at 430 pm. j and to morrow, at 10.30 am. and 4.30 p m. For Kus»ell, Kawakawa, &c, per Duko of Edinburgh, to-morrow, at 3 p m. For Kapanga, per Lalla Bookh, to-morrow, at 10 am. For Mongonui, per Ivanhoe, to-morrow, at 11 am. for Tauranga, Gisbohie, Napier, and Southern provinces, per Keera, on Friday, at noon jfor Tairua^pec Swallow, this day, at 5 pm. J'or Napier, per Siar of the South, on Friday, at 3 p m. " Late letters and telegrams, for trans-s mission from the Napiej; statiou, will bo received till 3.30 p m. Mails for the undermentioned places per p 3 Nevada, will close at this office on Thurs day, 28tli instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British, Central, and South America, British and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 10 30 am. ! For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at 10 30 am. For money orders, registered letters, and i newspapers, at 9 a m. Late letters for United States of America and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received here till 11 a m, and by the mail agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. Per s a. City of Adelaide, on Saturday, 23rd instant, as under :— India, China, Mauritius, Mediterranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a m. Australian Colonies, at 11 a m. United Kingdom, via Suez and Southampton (for letters so addressed), at 11 am. United Kingdom, via Brindisi, at 11.30 a m. Money orders, registered letters, and news' papers, at 10 a m. Late letters for Sydney and United King dom via Southampton, bearing 3d in addition to the postage will bo received till 1130 am. J BISS, Postmaster.

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

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."

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1871

Possibly it is not the province of a journalist to interfere in the private affairs of a religious community, but there are times when rigid rules must be dispensed with in view of an evil impending. If there is any -religious denomination that in the past has fairly won a title to the watchword " Never Retreat" it is the "Wesleyan, but the pall of apathy seems to have fallen on Wesleyanism in Auckland aud if things continue as they promise, " Ichabod" may soon be written over our Wesleyan temples. A. few months ago the Wesleyans retreated from North Shore, shut up their chapel and sold it for a school. Now they are re treating from High-street, and are trying to sell it for a scientific insti tute. ° This is the way in which wealth and success in the gold-fields seem to be affecting our Wesleyan friends. When the Israelites were coming in sight of the land of promise they were warned that when they would get wealth in the land of milk aud honey they would forget the author of their wealth, and "bow down to other gods. The Wesleyans in the land of milk and honey weem to have fallen before the Grolden. Calf, and are selling their chapels as no longer needed. We wonder what the spirit of John Wesley would say if he could look down and see what they are doing that call themselves by his name. This craven hearted retrogression is certainly widely different from the • onward spirit that animated the Apostle of religious reform ; and those who hold it would act more consistently in !abandoning the name of Wesley. The fine old chapel in High street is we suppose not respectable enough ; for with prosperity naturally come forth all the instincts of aristo cratic feeling. Poor old Wesleyanism itself will by and by be voted un respectable, and its members will ally themselves to other communions more given to the pomps and vanities. Such is life. Times change and we change with them, and possibly Wesleyanism is not the religion of prosperity. Far be the thought that it is improper to sell a chapel and erect another and a better one. In Melbourne, some years ago, the same denomination sold a little chapel erected on the corner of Collins street and Queen street, a site unsuitable for a place of worship, but enormously valuable for commercial purposes. With portion of the pro ceeds the same congregation had erected for them " Wesley Church." in Lonsdale street, one of the finest ecclesiastical edifices in the southern colonies, and with the balance were enabled to build and endow chapels all over the" colony. But in the pro posed sale of the High street Church, the " pieces of silver" would not suffice to erect a building of similar size and capacity to the one sur rendered ; nor, so far as we know, is it intended to supply its place tem porarily or permanently by another building. To the attendants on services in this church it will be the rending of ties that should not be rudely and arbitrarily severed ; and to them and to the children in the schools it will be a dispersion that may have results that should not be contemplated with indifference. It is so unliko tho old spirit of Wesleyanism to abandon a field once occupied that wo wondor

the proposal has been for a moment entertained; and with the sincerest good wishes for the Auckland Institute, we trust that the Wesleyans, who constitute such a large and respected section of the community, will pause before committing themselves to a course that cannot be regarded as other than a retreat, and an abandon ment for worldly ends of & means and sphere of usefulness, — a course of conduct which does so much violence to old memories of "Wesleyan enter prise.

AYe are gratified to find that the City Council have shown their good sense in the re-election of Mr Philips, as Mayor of the city ; and we look back upon our action in the matter with consider able satisfaction. A.s to whether the Mayor elect and the Council are pleased with the part vie have taken and the strong language we have used, we have the most perfect indifference. When a work is to be done we do it without the least regard to the opinions or feelings of those who may fancy themselves more immediately inter ested. In the recent case we crushed an incipient opposition, and by the force of hard hitting compelled one of the chief opponents, to come forward for his own credit and show his magnanimity in proposing the candi date. Mr Macready says the Star is a danger in the city. So it is; even worso than a danger: it is positive death—to abuse. So long as it con tinues to shine, it will pour light into dark places, and jobbery and corruption must fly before its beams. .Let Mr. Macready take a note of this. The Harbor Board assembled yester day afternoon. A letter from the chief Harbor-Master was read, calling attention to the very dilapidated -state, and unsafe condition of Queen-street wharf. It was considered that until the arrangements with the Provincial Government were completed, nothing material could be done in the matter. Some discussion took place in reference to a motion to extend Holmes' wharf. It was agreed to, con ditionally ; that if found practical, and the inhabitants pay half the cost of the same. Other matters of detail were dis cussed, and the meeting adjourned to the 28th inst., for the purpose of regulating the financial affairs of the Board, in con nection with the Provincial Govermat>nt. A company, entitled the " Coromandel Tunnel and Gold Mining Company," has been formed for the purpose of con structing a tunnel in the auriferous range which runs through the Cups Colvilie peninsula, in order to afford public com munication between Coromandel Harbour and Kennedy's Bay. It will also pierce the range in the immediate neighborhood of the richest mines in the district. ..,:... v; . - ..;... r < . fur farther forge : ' LONDON J ■ •■ tSCfiJ o- >-X

The first half-yearly meeting of the Cororaandel Excelsior gold mining com pany was held to-day at the Mechanics' Institute, Gr W Booker, Esq., in the chair. The Mining Managers report was read, which set forth the difficulties which had led to delaj in arriving at moro satisfac tory results. Of these causes peculiarly hard ground was the principle. He hold out hopes of speedily obtaining much moro Profitable stono, and the Chairman of lirectors, confirmed this from personal observation. The Director's report was then confirmed, and the meeting separated. From an advertisement it will be per ceived thatWlr R. J. Yates has taken the grocery store in Parnell, carried on for a long time by Mr Waters. Mr Yates is well known in the trade, having been for many years in one of the principal es tablishments in the city. He will doubt less meet with a fair share of patronage. We learn that the Choral Society havo it in contemplation to perform " The Mes siah," in St. Paul's Cathedral, on Friday evening next. The election of a member of the City Council, in room of Mr Atkin, resigned, will take place on 3rd January. Various allotments and wharres be longing to the Harbor Board, will bo leased by auction on Friday next. The Duke of Edinburgh, steamer, will call at the Hot Springs on her way to Vussel to-morrow.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. f Before G. M. Mitford and Edward Isaacs, Esqs., Justices. DRUNKENNESS. Eleven drunkards were punished in the usual manner. BHEACH OF MEECHANT SHIPPING ACT. Augusto Grandez and Win. Wellfare, articled seamen on the ship City of Auck land, were charged by James Millan, mate of that vessel, with wilful disobedi ence of lawful commands. Prosecutor failed to appear, and the men were discharged. BEEACH OF MUNICIPAL POLICE ACT. _ George Scorgie, charged with driving a vehicle on the wrong side of Queen street, pleaded guilty. Fined 2s 6d and costs. THREATENING LANGUAGE. Margaret McOann was charged by Anne Jane Nixon with threatening to take her life. Defendant said she had not e ren seen prosecutrix on'the day in question. Anne Jane STixon deposed that defen dant was intoxicated on that day,—went into a store where she was, and threatened three times over to stick a knife into her. Another witness corroborated the state ment. Bound over to keep the peace for three months, in two sureties for £10 each,—in default of which to bo imprisoned, for that period,

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(from our own correspondent.)

Walker accepts Christie's

Challenge,

Pride of Tokatea, 7601bs Spe-

cimens.

Red Queen, 651bs Specimens.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

3 p.m. Walker las accepted the challenge of Christie, of Dunedin, to fire for £1,000, only stipulating that the match is to be fired in Auckland, or at the Thames.

The Grand Stand and Booths for the Caledonian Games at Tararu, were sold this morning for £138.

The Manager of the Pride of Toka tea reports having 760 lbs. of specimens on hand. Eleven tons of general stuff crushed yielded 4300z5. The speci mens will be crushed this week.

The Eed Queen have taken out G5 lbs. good specimens this morning from the winze.

The Golden Age, Tributers have ob tained 43ozs. from 30 tons.

THE SOUTH.

Postponement of the Christ church Boat Race.

The Trial of Kereopa

Ropata at Whakatane.

(special to the star.)

"WELLINGTON (Via TAURANaA), December IG, 1871.

The p.s. Luna leaves here on Mon day for Auckland, via Napier. Mr and Mrs Vogel are passengers for Auckland, and the Attorney-General and Mr Travers for Napier, in order to attend the trial of the murderer Kereopa, which is to take place on the 21 st instant, at Napier.

CHRISTCHURCH.

December IG, 7.35 p.m. The Inter-provincial rowing match has been postponed till the 19th of February.

NAPIER (Via Tauuranga),

December IG, 7.35 p.in Messrs Steel and Howard's troupe is drawing crowded houses. Kopata. on his return from Napier, held a meeting with the Uriwcras, and they undertook to be responsible to the Government for the good conduct of* the people within their district, and in the event of finding Te Kooti of surrendering him. At the present lime they had no knowledge of To Kooti'n hiding place. Eopata is at Whakatane awaiting the arrival of the Luna to take him home.

AUCKLAND COLLEGE SPORTS.

Toe remainder of the races yesterday afornoon were as follows:— Captain Williams's silver cup for Cadets in uni form, won by A Whitaker. Boysunder 14 years (.silver cup): Hurdle Race, by J Wynyard. All ages : Walking Match, (silver cup), G Grey. Boys under 10 years i Consolation Stakes, R Finlay. Boys under 14 years : Flat race, A Saun ders. All ages : Hop, Step, and Jump, E Dickey. Champion Cup, E H Reily. All ages: Running Long Jump, X Dickey. Boys under 12 years (silver cup): Handi cap Flat race, R Finlay. All ages : Vault ing with Pole, G Grey. AH ages : Siamese race, Whito and J Charlton. All ages, (silver cup : Handicap Hurdle race, E Dickey. All ages : Consolation Stakes, A Haywood. Water-pail race, J Duthie. Flat race : For Members of the Auckland Rowing Club only, B Provo.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

This place of amusement was better attended than usual last evening, when Boucicault's drama of " Elfie" was re produced. This is one of that talented author's very best productions, and deserves a better fate than has hitherto attended it. It abounds in sensational positions, and is of a high moral tone throughout. Last night the actors best deserving of mention were Mr Joyce, as the usurious miser, a character which he sustained inimitably, Mr Hill as the benevolent physician, and Mr Hoskins as the itinerant exhibitor of wax-works. Miss Colville, as Elfie, the honest and true-hearted drudge of the inn, which she managed with her usual great ability, was above all praise ;' and Mrs Hill ) quite looked the " belle of the village," and acted with her usual grace. All, however, acted their parts well, and the scenery was remarkably good. The piece will be repeated to-night.

THEATRE ROYAL.

Don Cezae de Bazan was repeated last evening, together with Ixion, for the last time. Both were as usual exceedingly well performed. This evening the pro gramme will consist of Josephine, or the Child of the Regiment, and Ixion, which will be again performed Ly special request.

RELINQUISHING- THE BUSINESS.— CURLS' SUMMER JACKETS, at Hal* Pbice. Also, a lot of Knickerbocker Suits, at "clearing out" prices,—R Hodb3, Upper Queen and Wakefield stroets.

The landlord of the hotel at the foot of Ben Nevis tells a story of an Englishman stumbling into a bog between the moun tain and the inn, and sinking up to his arm-pits. In danger of his life, he called out to a tall Highlander who was passing by, " How can I get out of this P" to which the Scotchman replied, " I dinna think ye can," and coolly walked on.

MAN ABOUT TOWN.

That young Dick is a scheming young rascal, lie wanted to know yesterday if 1 knew a respectable attorney who would bring an action for him for costs out of pocket. Of course I did not, my expe rience of lawyers is limited, the only lawyer I ever employed was a proctor, a decent man withal, but capable of mak ing out a bill of costs as long as your arm. I asked the youth why he required a lawyer, his answer was that he wanted to issue process against the Captain to JSTaval Brigade. " Why" I asked, " because he replied" he causes to be made and makes loud, heavy, jarring, agitating, and batter ing sounds and noises, and I can't stand it—that is, unless lam paid for it. These guns at Fort Britmart startle my nerve and if it is to continue they must come down handsome and square me. I have have just discovered that I can put the screw on him, and I mean to do it. Others are on the same game and I mean to join in the swim." "Dick" I-said " you're no son of mine, I disown you, if those are your sentiments." " Them's my sentiments father and I sticks to them, he answered." " Then" I "replied go and find a solicitor yourself to do your dirty work, and I hope he will make you pay through the nose for your folly. But Dick is a headstrong youth and fancies he is clever.

He went to the monster meeting and was thoroughly disgusted at the way poor old Staines was treated, he says he be haved himself so gentlemanly and spoke so feelingly of his Jewish friends who had helped him through life, that Dick thought him to be an illused man when they poked fun at him, and when they asked him if he had paid his washing it looked like adding insult to injury, when everybody knew that his last washerwoman died drunk, and the Coroner sent him home only last Saturday twenty six pawntickots of his clothes in a large clothesbasket covered over with a clean white cloth. Why Dick says that even the white waistcoat and frill shirt both had to be taken out of lumber from Morris Marks, and got up for the occasion, and con sidoring the trouble and expense he was at, he ought to have received better treat ment at the hands of those he had fought for. And then after he had taken back theempty pint pots backto thepublic house it was disgraceful to see the young rascally boys run after him and pull his bobtail and tell him he was drunk.

Dick came home the other evening and nearly died of laughing. He said he had just been going up Pitt street when he saw two charming young ladies standing at the corner of the Karangahape Iload engaged in confidential talk, they both wore the long ribbons hanging behind, which he described as " follow me lads." When to use his own expression, the weather freshening a bit the long pendant of the weather side craft became en tangled in the head gear of her leeward companion and made fast thereto, when on their taking leave a comical scene fol lowed. Neither could reach the parts en tangled and there they stood locked back to back. A milk girl passing dropped her can and flew to the fair one'a rescue, and speedily disengaged them, but while they were profusely making their ac knowledgements to the milk maid, a wan dering goat sprang across the road to avoid capture by a policeman who was in full chc.se. Over goes the milk can with the dairymaid's stock-in-trade. " Lack a daisy," said the poor girl," I had a dread ful foreboding that something would happen when I saw my mistress this morning milking the cow with the ironpail into that very can, and this now is a judgement upon her." Dick says that he consoled the poor girl with a kiss, when she told him that while she was en gaged unlashing the topsail halyards of the two fair belles she was sure she noticed about two pounds weight of hair on one of them that bore a different color to the rest and did not match. But what had that to do with her, or Dick, I should like to know ?

I was informed by Dick the other clay that he looked upon the new truck regu lations as down-right tyranny. A man must not leave his truck farther than two yards, either to deliver his goods, or ask for his money. He says they had better chain him to the truck to prevent a man from exceeding the limits. He says, too, that while the city authorities are very fast in pulling people up for not putting a light up on any scaffolding erected in a well lighted street, they allow a pile driver, or, as he calls it, a " monkey," to be stuck on the wharf with ropes stretch ing from it half way across the wharf to keep it steady, and no light put up to warn people of their danger at night. Ho himself tripped over it on Sunday eveningl when he went to meet the Thames steamer, and pitched right into the water. But for the man on board the " Benjamin Heape" seeing him swim about, he might have been drowned before his action against Captain Le Hoy came off. Acting on Dick's advice, I intend open ing at Hamilton, in the Waikato, a loan and discount office for the accommodation of members of the armed constabulary. They obtain their pay so irregularly that I am told they would willingly pay two shillings in the pound per month (and that is" double shixty per shent) to be able to get ready money. It shows a rotten state of tilings, but Dick says that's nothing to do with us ; that's Mr Eed Tape's busi ness, while I should become a public benefactor. On that principle I will go, not for the sake of gain, and in no instance will I charge more than the interest stated, (beyond an inquiry fee, which will be regulated according to circumstances.) Dick had a ride on the traction engine a few nights ago, and says that if she was put to work to brin^ ballast from Mount Eden to the vessels at the wharf she would pay her cost in no time; biit if they would not put her to any work, why not sell her ? He knows a sausage maker who would give £600 for her to drive his sausage machine. This might be worth the consideration of the Executive.

Wasn't Joe May awfully sold yesterday. Some cove was giving evidence at the little go, and incautiously admitted that he and another actually had the depravity to indulge in potations of extract of malt on a Sunday afternoon in a certain house unnamed. Now thinks the horror struck Joe in his zeal on behalf of the U.K.A., " here's a splendid chance to punish a wicked publican and sinner for desocrat ing the Snnday, and at the same time

increasing the revenue." So down he came, like a thousand of bricks, and pounced on the devoted head of the Sab bath-breaker " like a hawk on a June bug." "What public house was that you were drinking in ?" Imagine the revul sion of feeling the beak must have suffered when the witness meekly replied, " Oh, it was a private house, your Worship." Poor Joseph's chops fell, and the audience sniggered. This morning old Staines called for Dick to go.the Council, to see the election of Mayor; they were very near being to late, as they called at every public-house on the way. The Mayor was re-elected on the motion of Mr George, seconded by Mr Hampton. They were both in a delightful humor ; old George was quite playful, and even proposed that the salary should be doubled. This was not agreed to, but the mover was quite satisfied. He said" lie liked a little opposition ; so one would have thought when he objected to the minutes. He would have a dray was not a cart, and the Town Clerk ought to know better. I wonder what next he will get into his head.

ELECTION OF MAYOR.

EETUBN OF MR. PHILIPS- The annual meeting of the City Council was held this morning at the Council Chambers. Present: P A Philips (Mayor); Coun cillors George, Hobbs, Smart, Macready, Hampton, Bugden, Isaac 3, and Tonks. The minutes of Council were read and confirmed. STATEMENT OP ACCOUNTS. The Balance Sheet was then read, shewing amounts received on account of rates £5669 9s, since May last, and from other sources £344 8s sd, leaving, after expending various amounts, a balance in hand of £2112 3s 4d. Councillor Hampton wished for infor mation as to the item of £13 5s for law expenses. This was afforded, and the Balance Sheet adopted on the motion of Councilor Macready. ELECTION OF MAYOR. The Mayor vacated the chair and with drew.

The chair was then taken by Councillor Smart on the motion of Councillor Macready, and the Council proceeded to fix the salary of the Mayor For the ensu ing year. It was proposed that the salary be £250 per annum as heretofore. Councillor George moved as an amend ment, and Councillor Hampton seconded, that the salary be £200. This was lost, and the original motion for £250 was then carried.

The election of Mayor was then pro ceeded with. Councillor Macready con sidered that it would be more satisfactory to the ratepayers if the Mayor was elected from among the " outsiders." He believed that before the next twelve months had expired something would be done in the matter to bring that event about. How ever, in the meantime, considering that Mr Philips had filled the office satisfac torily, he would vote that he be re-elected Mayor. He objected very much to the article that appeared in the Star last evening, and took occasion to denounce the presumed writer in rather violent terms.

Mr Hobbs cordially seconded the mo tion.

Mr George liked a little opposition, and would move as an amendment that they don't elect a Mayor until the Council had its full complement of members. He thought the Mayor had over-stepped his duties, >nd not fit to fill the important position. Mr Hampton begged to second that motion, as he thought it a wise plan, and one with which he believed the chairman coincided.

The Chairman begged to repudiate the statement.

Mr Isaacs strongly objected to any postponement, or to any one outside the Council being elected, as he considered that if any of their body was not fit to be Mayor he was not fit to a member of the Council. Any adjournment of the matter he looked upon as mere child's play. Mr Macready, under the circumstances, hoped that Mr George would withdraw his amendment, as he did not think he would have a majority. Mr George refused to withdraw. The amendment was then put and lost, and the original motion carried, Messrs George and Hampton being the only dissentient voices. Mr P A Philips was then formally introduced to the Council and made the usual declaration of office, and begged to thank the Council for the honor conferred on him, and assured them that he would endeavour to carry out his duties honestly and to the best of his abilities. TEAM WAY. The parties to whom the contract was granted for earthwork in Symonds street applied to be allowed to lay down a tram way in Wakefield street, which was agreed to. . This concluded the business.

SKATING RINK

The skating rink is about to be estab lished among us, the proprietors Messrs Howell and Hazard having arrived yes terday from the Thames, where they have had a successful season, and contributed immensely to the innocent enjoyment of the Tamesians. The exercise of skating is peculiarly exhilarating and beneficial, and not only is it good for the actors, but by promoting laughter in the bystanders at the comical tumbles and awkward posi tions of new beginners, affords them aninnocent source of delight.and assists in preserving thir lungs in a healthy state. The falls, moreover, be it known, are generally harmless for the unfortunate posturer invariably comes down on a soft part, specially adapted for the reception of blows, and gets up laugh ing at his own awkwardness. Until a few years back skatiig was confined to the winter season in cold climates. Now, however, thanks to an ingenious Yankee, the healthful exercise can be enjoyed in all climes from the torrid to the frigid zone at all periods of the year, by the simple substitution of small rollers for the sliders. The motion and difficulty of keeping upright are identical with each appliance. We wish Messrs Howell and ,Hazzard every success.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

We hear from our corresponded < the Thames, that Walter accepts ChS ; •' challenge to fire for £1000, conditiS' that the match takes place in AnnU X' or at the Thames. Au<*laud, A full meeting of No 3 companv'A "d tt was held at the Belfast Hotel last even Lieutenant Harrison occupied thp t!^' The object of the meeting was to mT some expression of sympathy «>« klu i» of Captain Clark, who met with w 1 • dent with his horse some time hi r nfv' members unanimously agreed i[v ball to Captain Clark on his recc '• 6 j a committee was appointed toawJ/SA^ preliminaries. The chairman took th opportunity of thanking the members for the honor conferred upon him by appoint ing him their lieutenant. He theni p re " sented them with a massive gold ring as a prize to be fired for at an early date. A letter was received from Mr Henr Eissling, tendering his resignation as ensij-n of the company. The matter was referred to a committee.

There was a muster of over twenty members of the A.E.. Brigade at Mount Eden Kange this morning, under the com mand of Captain Batger. Class firing was on the whole good, it being a splendid morning and scarcely any wind.

The following gives the number of members of the Auckland Bine Brigade who have passed into the 2nd Class up to date :—No 2 Company, 9 members; ]STo 3 Company, 11 members; No 4 Company 3 members ; No 6 Company, 4 members! Every other member of the different Com panies should qualify themselves to pass into the 2nd Class as early as possible.

CRICKET.

A match will be played in the Albert Barracks to-morrow (Thursday) between eleven country players and eleven of the United Cricket Club; wickets to be pitched at 10 o'clock. The following are the United team : —Messrs Eees, Bowen, Simpson, Nicholson, F. A. Whitaker, E. Whitaker, Moss. George Carter, Gleeson, Witherford, Purchase, Sharpe. It is also in contemplation to play a match on New Year's Day at Coromandel, —Coromandel v. United Cricket Club, —if the necessary arrangements can be completed.

MODEL OF NEVADA.

This beautiful work of art was visited by immense numbers of people yesterday evening. All expressed themselves de lighted. There are other attractions in the room as well, such as a large model of a schooner, which is exceedingly well finished, and some drawings which faith fully represent well known vessels. The exhibition will be open again this evening.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY.

. TWENTY-SECOND HAXF-YEA.BLY MEETING. The usual half-yearly meeting of share holders in the N.Z. Insurance Company was held this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, in the Board room, Thomas Bussell, Esq., in the chair. The minutes of the preceding meeting having been read and confirmed., the Secretary read the directors' report as follows: —

" The directors, in presenting to the proprietors the balance sheet of the com pany for the half-year ending the 30th November, have the satisfaction to report that, after paying all losses actually ascer tained, and making provision for most of those since heard of, they are able to de clare the usual dividend of ten per cent., amounting to the sum of £3,750. The accounts annexed will shew that the balance carried forward to the next half year is £2,860 9s Id, as against a sum of £4,186 10s Id brought forward at the last half yearly meeting. The balance now brought forward has been reduced to its present amount by the losses which have come upon the company within the last few weeks.

" In accordance with clause 68 of the articles of association, Messrs Owen and Wilson retire from the directorship, hut, being eligible, offer themselves for re election.

" The dividend will be payable at the head office to-morrow, and at the branches on receipt of advice. " For the Board of Directors, " Samuel Beownik<j, ■. " Deputy Chairman." The report was confirmed, and Messrs Owen and Wilson, the retiring directors, were re-elected.

THE LATE TIRE IN CHAPEL STREET.

An inquest is being held at the Aurora Hotel, Victoria street, before Dr Phdson. Coroner, to inquire into the cause ot the late fire, whereby Mr Hawkskood s foun dry and several buildings were destroyed on the night of Monday, the 11th inst. A jury was eoipanneUed consisting of the following geatlemen :—Messrs W Loggie (foreman), W Eyre, M Sheehef, D Kelly, J Arnel.. J Playfart, J Duncan, W Furlong, W King, M. Foley, J Menzies, C Smith. _ , ]f Mr Joy watched the enquiry on be&au of the Insurance Companies ; Mr Brow field and Mr Thome appeared on bensii of Mr C Hawkswood. The jury viewed the scene ot tne w» iteration, after which the evidence was proceeded with. _

THE EVENING STAB, WEDNESDAY,, DECEMBER 20. 1871.

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HANDSOMELY BOUND BOOKS JOB CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, AT E.WAT T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, 100, Quedft Btreet. A liberal discount to the trade and schools.



T. ELLISON", BOOT-MAKER, 78 Queen-street. XS now selling Boots during the Christmas Holidays at less than CosU Men's Elastic Sides, reduced 25 per cent Men's Wellingtons, reduced 25 per cent Ladies' Kid Boots, reduced 25 per cent: Patent 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, Qtjeen-stbeet.



T CATER (late Ceombte's), ROYAL O • PHOTOGRAPHIC 6 ALLERY, Queen streefc, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crombie; and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civil ty and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J. C. also wishes to inform the Ladios that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children.



NOTICE. RJ YATBS begs to inform the residents • of Parnell and the public generally, that after the Ist clay of January, 1872, the business now being carrried on by Mr Thomas Watees 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. IN retiring from the business which lie has carried on successfully for so many year?, the undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to all those who have honored him with thoir patronage, and hopes that the same liberal support will be given to his successor (Mb P< 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.



WANTED, a Billiard Marker; or to »^ j Two Rooms and Tablei.-AncHantt Hotel, Queen street. WANTE D, a General Servant in a p«* 8*8 family-Apply OR, offlcj of «»■ PaPor- ', - WANTED, a good Dressmaker■; »MJ or two assistanta.-Applj \~-*» Haynea, oppoaite City Halj^QueeHrtreet^ WANTED, a firsUclass Cook--Apply oft * board the Star of theSoutb^_____ , street.