SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET.—This evening, 6..42. HIGH WATER.—This evening, 5.00.

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Lady Bowen, 8 o'clock. Enterprise, 9 o'clock. Comerang, 10 o'clock.

ARRIVALS.

Golden Isle, schooner, Matzen, fromPaisseU.

DEPARTURES.

Hero, s.s., 780 tons, Logan, for Sydney

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

LONDON.-Countess of Kintore, e*n>. NbwYobk.—Alice, early.. .--, .; TAHiTL-Covonet, to-day. . ' nvvav/ SoUTUERNPoBTS.-Taranaki,. to-morrow.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

g^K^SS from London. Chile, ''lip; from London. Novelty, barque, from Sydney. Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney. Lady Franklin, barque, from Sydney. Ferndale, barque, from Liverpool. Celestia, barque/from Newcastle. Kenil worth, schooner, from 1131s. Merlin, schooner,' from Fi]is ; Sea Gull, schooner, from Fijis.

EXPORTS.

Per s.s. Hero, for Sydney : 2 cases cigars, o. Barnett; 109 bales flax, StemrJßnJM 28 bales flax, J. S. Macfarlane ; 113 bales flax 5Q bales tow, J. R. Roberts ; 5 packages glass ware, W.AAForster;" 23 casks limejuice, 1 bag fungas, L. D: Nathan and Co.; T bullock, A G Pye 2 cases Poison's flonryF: Hewm fnd Cov^iei empty-cases, W. -Marshall.- Cruickshank, Smart and Co, agents. „ -. Per Coronet; for Tahiti:-7 bales -blankets, 6 quarter-tierces tobacco, 2 quarter-casks rum, 6 bales cotton, 70 boxes Boap, 40-drums oil.-SO casesgeneva, 16 bales cotton, 3 ditto bagging 97 bale salt, 2 dozen shovels, 16 drums oil, 60 bags potatoes, 4 kegs butter, 1 case bacon, 5 kels nailsr2soO pieces timber, 5 packages sundries, 10 ditto ditto, Owen and Graham. For Rorotonga-46- packages sundries, 100 comsacks, Owen and Graham (agents.) :

The schooner Coronet'will take her depar ture for Tahiti' this evening. Passenger : Mr. J. E. Brown. „ l ~ ; - The s.s. Hero took her departure this afternoon for Sydney and Melbourne Pas sengers : Saloon : Mr- J. 0-dWie, Mr. and Mrs°. A. Gillies, Mr. E. B. &£■■, Oaptam Horell, Miss A. Tease, Mr. A. Charlton Mi. R. Price/Miss A. Holmes, Messrs. R. Wilson, A. Richardson, I- Bartley, J. Harrison, R. Backhouse,'A; Backhouse, G. S. and a. Backhouse, J. B. Dunn. - .The schooner Flirt cleared at the Customs to-day for Lyttelton. She will sail tms evening. .. '-..'.: ~•' -• • At an early hour yesterday morning a launch of a new cutter, to the order ot Messrs.. Samuels and'.Jacobson, merchants, lauranga and'Opotiki, took,place from the yards, oi Messrs. Henderson:and Spraggan. lhe new boat is a very sightly vessel, and Wa.laujtcbed ready for sea.' A number of ladies and gen tlemen were present, and she. received; her name, «'Leah," from the hands oi to Isaacs, of Sydney. The following are her dimensions :-^34 feet keel, 12* feet beam, 40 feet overall; 26-tons builders' measurement. She is intended for the Tauranga and Opotiki trade.

COMMERCIAL.

Evbnikg Stab Office, • . Tuesday afternoon. Messrs. B. Tonks and "Co. sold to-day, at their stores, on account of whom it may con cern, the American barque Robert, for the sum of £1200. - "•; Mr. S. Jones-held to-day, at his auction mart, a eale-of saddlery, harness, &c. There Was a fair attendance. The following are the quotations :-Gents' saddles from 35s to 50s each j superior stock saddles, 77s 6d each ; ladies' side saddles from 70s to 110s each. Mr. K:Arthur iiel(g torday, at his mart, a Bale of city and suburban freehold pro perty There was a fair attendance, but not toueh'compeUritm. Mr.a Arthur's late resi dence^ wps withdrawn; .Tamaki farms Were bought by the mortgagee ; two dwellings auxl allbt'ipenVs," Pbnsonby Road, was knocked :dbwn-at *; 80 acres, in the Waikato, was sold at 12s 6d per acre. '■' : ' ' :' ';

THE MAILS.

: Maila will tfo33;as under :,,- ~,-.•■ ■■■''. For Thames,, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow at I' 10.30 aim', and r,:W p.m. ' _ ' :„,.,'.. For ■ K^wac, ,)\ .acgarei, eje,, per.Duie of Edinburgh, V kis day! at * p.m. ' I _-__.L. For Kapang,!, &c., perChaUenger, to-morrow rat 12.30 For "VVhitiangi, per "Mercury, to-morrow, at 2 p.m.. ForKussell, -Kawakawa; etc., per Comerang, on' Thur sday, 16th instant, at 3 p.m. -.'.'■•: Mails for the undermentioned places, per s.s. Hero, will close at this office on this day, 11th instant, as under:— _,_,',,, . For India, China, Mauritius, Mediterranean ports, and Continent of Europe, at noon. For Australian Colonies, at 1 p. m. For UriiJ.4 -Kingdom,' yia Suez and:Southji,nipton (for letters specially so addressed), at 1 p.m. For United. Kingdom via Brindisi, at 1.30 p.m. r , 'tar monerOrders; registered letters, and newspapers,

at 11 a.m. Late letters for Sydney,' -md^Cnited Kingdom, via Southampton, bearing 3d and 6d in addition to the postage, will be received till 1.30 p.m. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTHS.

Cameron.—On Nor. 1., at Scotia Place, the wife of Mr. George D. Cameron of a daughter. HKAia.—On the 11th- instant, the wife of Theo philus"B.'Heath, ITewJtorth Road, of a^son.

DEATHS.

Cracjo.—On September 14, at his father's residence, Upper ;Queeij-strceJi, NeWton, Thomas, youngest son bf Tfioiaas Crago, aged 17- years. ■-' ■ f . Tie Mineral wffl"leave- at 3.30 p.m., to-morrow. Friends,ajre.respectfully invited to,a,ttend. , , ~ ,-. ---'" Sbkrrar».—On.'November' 13, .at his residence, -;fiepton^treei, Mir.'Henry Sherrard. :f''> VI The funeral will leave Hepburn-street, on Wednes day 15th instant, at 3 p.m. Friends will please accept

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &C.

Royal Italian Opei-a, 8^ "* Theatre RoyaL-B".iJ. illCr. ECCiKCd

The Evening Star.

"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."

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1871.

We have been<;to ihe pains of 'investigating

.the truth of a rumor, circulating yesterday at «the aJhaineiß. Ho- the effect-that the Thames Gold Mining Company have been selling out of the Cale&oriian. - Th-rei is not tho slightest

truth in the statement. Not one Caledonian .Jbyftß.fesSfi~P§?i'.ed .with, jior is there the least intention,, of selling..one." .TEe report is on a par with tW nf&ltitude of other canards and t'HMdi at'preient in operation to increase the • groundless panic in the share market, f '

In another column will be found a deeply | interesting memorandum respecting tbe Mela-, nesian Mission, and with special reference to I the "Labour-recruiting service among tie islands. It is from the pen of the late lamented Bishop Patteson, and must have been one of the last, if not the hat address that ho hap given to the world. His exposure of the nefarious practices is now invested with •' dc°p significance ; and the author having fallen a victim to the consequences of tlie traffic, his words will be listened to with pro bund attention. The memorandum was addressed to the recent meeting of the Angli can Synod, iuid is extracted from the Clmrc/i News".

We have been informed on reliable au thority,'that th;re is not any foundation /or tho report, published in a morning contem porary, to the effect, that the natives at Ohlnemufi are issuing licenses to prospectors.

The lovers of aquatic sports will be glad to "hear that" a'gig race will come off on Wednes day, the 22ud instant, between the two of the best crews in the Auckland Rowing Club. Messrs. Manning, Oxley, H. Henderson, and Fletcher are to man the Spitfire, and have a slight advantage in having the fastest boat ; but when we see the names of the Colonist a crew, viz.: Messrs. Hopkins, Kean, Clare, I. Henderson, and A. E. Isaacs (coxswain), we think the Spitfire's crow will have their work to do to be at the winning-post first. The race is not for honour of winning only, but for cap 3 for each of the crew.

-. There was a fair attendance at Mr. W. T .Wright's? lecture on "Phrenology," at the "North Shore, last evening, and marked atten tion was paid throughout while the lecturer spoke upon the various groups of organs, and their respective functions. The most interest ing portion of the lecture was the conclusion, when be.ins.anced a number of striking cases, proving that the head alters in configu ration as its several organs are cultivated or neg lected. Some craniums were manipulated by Mr. T. W. Wright, while blindfolded, with surprising accuracy at the close, and to the great amusement and satisfaction of all con cerned. Mr. T. W. Wright will lecture on Saturday next at the Onehunga Institute.

A meeting of the members of the Auckland Rowing Club was held at the club room, Thames Hotel, last evening, Mr. Nathan in the chair. The report of the sub-committee to. elect a crew, &0., for the Canterbury boat race, was.re-id and approved of. The gentle men selected are: Messrs. Hopkins, Kean, Goldsworthy, and Clare, with Fletcher as coxswain. The treasurer then slated that lip to the present only £50 had been collected towards the expense of sending the crew down. Subscription lists were then given to every member present to canvass the/town, and it is to be hoped the public will subscribe liberally. Tlie lists are to bo handed in again on, Tuesday next. A letter was then, read from the secretary of the Thames Rowing Club, - stating that the members would, be willing to compete with the Auckland club some time during next. year. Some further correspondence haying been read, the meeting adjourned. Another, race will come off on Saturday, in which three of the best crews in the club will take part.

•A number of merchants and others intimate by advertisment their intention of closing their places of business at noon to-morrow, on the occasion of the Agricultural Show.

THE OPERA.

As we anticipated, one of the largest houses of the season, last night witnessed the favourite and affecting opera of " Norma," at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The opera was exceedingly well rendered, and received the warmest ex pressions of admiration. To night another most popular opera will be submitted —"La Somnambula," the plot of tho story of which "we subjoin.

The scene of this Opera is laid in a village inJSwitzerland, and the drama opens with the rejoicings of the inhabitants in honour of the nuptials of Amina (Signora Tambarini Coy), an orphan, and Elvino (Signor Landro Coy), a young and wealthy landowner. The festivities displease Liza (-ignora Augusta Cortesi), the proprietress of the village hostelry, who aspires to a union with Elvino. She gives vent to expressions of jealousy, and receives with coldness and disdain the atten tions- of Alessio (Signor Luigi : Favas), a "iinple-hearte i peasant, who excites her anger by organizing the demons!ratio-i in honour Of the approaching wedding. This demonstra tion awakens Amina. from btr slumbers, and she quits her d welling with Theresa (Signor Luigia Touruerie), to return thanks to her neighbours for their goos-l wishes. The time for the marriage ceremony arrives, and the contract is being signed, when the village is startled by the crack of whips and the rumble of wheels, indicating the arrival ofsomeim porlant personage. " This proves to be the, Count Rodolpho (Signor Enrico Dondi), wljo evinces an interest in. the scene around him, and pays such marked attention to tho bride elect, that Elvino becomes jealous of him. The night darkens, and Theresa warns the villagers to proceed to their homes, as tho place is said to be haunted. The stranger, hoover/treats" the superstition with.ridicule, and Retires into ."the. inn. Alt' presjsnt wend their way homeward, with the exception of Elvina and Amina, who slightly upbraid each other, and finally agree to mutual concessions The scene now changes to the Count's sleeping apartment; whither he is conducted by Liza. Tempted by her coquettish manner, he con verses familiarly with her, when he is inter rupted by a noise without. Liza conceals herself in a closet, dropping her handkerchief as she flies thither, and tho Count perceives a graceful figure in white standing on the balcony outside his casement. He recognises Amina, walking in her sleep; she enters the room, and he determines not to disturb her, but leave her, as he supposes, alone. Liza then flies from her concealment, and runs to apprise Elvino. After a short time the villagers present themselves, and are surprised to find Amina in the Count's apartment. Lizi then enters with Elvino. Amina awakes, and becohies for the first time aware of her.posi tion. She is spurned by lover and friends, who disbelieve all assurances of her innocence, and Elvino quits her, overcome by disappoint ment and regret. Some days afterwards whife Amina is walking with Theresa, Elvino appears, and she agaip implores her.to believe her" innocent. ' He, however, is inexorable, and is subsequently prevailed upon by Liza to accept her hand. As Elvino and Liza are repairing to tho church i hey are mot by tlie Count, who endeavours to explain tlie mystery, but Elvino remains incredulous, when from, tho window of a neighbouring mill Amina is seen to emerge in a Plate of somnambulism. She crosses a plank bridge, and descending a flight of insecure step?, appears suddenly amongst, her neighbours, and utters expressions in her sleep which prove her attachment to Elvino, who is now persuaded ot her innocei.o-, and" restores to her finger a rin|, snatched thence in the first transport of his anger. Tlie story is then brought to a con clusion by tho returning consciousness of Amina, the 'acclamations of Iho villagers, and the..,restoration of. all pa&hs ! ;0 happiness, except Liza', who is overcome by 'shame at tho revelation of-the fact that her handkerchief , has been discovered in tbe Counts room.

THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.

Feeling as I do for the honor of Auck land, I am glad that these opera people have been taught a lesson sinj^their arrival. After knocking about. JpirqUgh Yankee land they thought, I that we are a lot of greenhorns, but mm know now that we h-.ive our weather-e^e open. Everybody, I suppose, haslieard of Mao* bill to Cagli. On the arrival of, the Nevada Mac took a whaleboaVahd put off to tbe steamer, with his- pocket full of cards. On -arriving alongside, a powerful rope was thrown over the side, and being fixed to a huge steam crane, our respected townsman was raised from the whaleboat. The Nevada bent to her work nobly, swaying over till her bul warks almost touched the water; and trembled from stem to stern as the un usual burden was deposited on deck. To find the steward's quarters Was the work of a moment, and drawing a handful of cards from his capacious pouch, Mac handed them to the steward with a knowing wink, and a whisper about "making it wort his while." _ "Waal, yaas, sirrec, I calklate some," said the Yankee, and the great man retired. In due lime the cards were spread before the Italians, and eloquent wore the praises of the steward in behalf of the " finest hotel, sirs, in the Australian colonies." In an hour a cab drove up. to the hotel door, and the Signor, Signora, and the servant were re ceived by the portly .Boniface. "Fine 'commadation, sir ; no ' doubt heard of my Ootel, sir, in Hittaly. Well known in Hingland, sir; fam'us in"the States, sir. Beeni.n Hittaly myself, Speak 11 Italian,— Grran'do cotintree magnifico Ilaliano," &c: Having thus launched on an unknown tongue, Boniface informed' his guests in similar correct Italian that he had been brought up to the Bar, tbat: he was the principal member of the Borough Coun cil, and in a- few months would till the Mayoral chair, that he had been for vcars a distinguished member of the Provincial Council, and that he feared the people would call on him shortly to take the place of Vogel to conduct the destinies of the country. " Walk up, sir." Springing like a lark, Boniface led the way up stairs, wliilo Signor, Signora, and servant followed, panting and blowing at the unwonted rapidity of exertion. Exhausted, but delighted with the affability of their host, they came at length to anchor, and Signor ventured to ask the terms per week for boa d and lodging. " Very moderate, sir, very. Would not mention terms to a person of your distinction. Having your own servant, sir. the usual charge, which is very moderate, will not be made." Feeling that the matter should be properly left to a person sinking under such a load of honors, the Signor, Signora, and servant, were soon installed in their apartments. At the end of the week iLM^nor, thinking that money might not bo displeasing even to the greatest burgess in Auckland, ventured to ask for his bill, which being rendered, read thus:— "'Signor Cagli,'dK to Mac—To board and lodging for one week, for Signor and Signora Cagli and servant, £24, exclusive of wines." Need wo tell how the hot blood of the Italian coursed through his veins, or the forcible thoughts that rolled in an unknown tongue through the apart ments ; nor yet the thunderous, sounds that issued from the "cavernous depths as Boniface replied- The bill was paid, and the Signor, as rapidly as lie could, got away from beneath the shadow of so much honour.

The scene is changed. In one of our main thoroughfares yesterday the two \ heroes of my story met. Boniface openod I the ball by assaulting the Signor. j Kuraour has it that he attempted to run i him down-by striking him with his stomach, but this is ah error. However, j the Italian, springing lo one side, so is to , get within reach of Mac's head, gave it to , him firmly on the ear, whereat Boniface j shivered throughout his whole anatomy. | It was a mercy, and speaks to tlie honor , of the Italian, that ho did not strike below I the belt, or we would probably have had ; a catastrophe surpassing in horrors the j denouement of the most tragic opera. 11l should add that I am told the bill has j been handed to; Mr.; Bartlett the photo- ' grapher," and every visitor to the opera1 j next week is to receive a copy, with a full I length portrait of the worthy Boniface on \ the back. ./ .. .'■. ': • -. ' ■' • j I am glad to hoar of. the success 01 (he early closing movement. I hear that; among other new members the Fire j Brigade,have been recently enrolled'; and will not in future attend fires which occur | after eight o'clock at night. Ido not see | why they should not as well as other . people enjoy-the privileges of recreation I and mental iinprovemerdv audi am quite sure that this movement, among the mem bers will hot have any practical evil effect on the suppression of fires, or that burn ings will be either more numerous or j destructive. T am informed that tho I "Press-gang" also purpose joining the movement; and it seems hard j to think of men ai two and threo j o'clock in the morning writing and; setting up eloquent appeals in behalf of j the poor drapers' assistants who are com- j pelted to work after six o'clock in the j evening. Mr. Christopher Greenway deserves a leather medal. I like to. see a man of , pluck, and -his resistance to the niiposi- j tions.of the City Council might have won for him a niche in' the' temple of fame, i That he should go to forty pounds ;and odd, in defending twenty pounds froni the voracious maw-: of the collector; wits calculated lo elevate him in the estimation of his fellow-citizens; and had he not knuckled down to-day in the # Poll do Coltrf, ; and blubbered " p.'.ccavi, Ifc might have been a hero among thoso in arras against' the'tax-gatherer. "A g(jod* joko is 'credited to one ot our most fashionable tailors. He was yester day urged by a-,friend to go and see the. opera. A dark shadow at once rested-on his face, as ho shook his head ma melancholy way. The advice was agahi urged, with a glowing account ot (he delicious music, magnificent acting, am the crowds of enraptured citizens, hut the shade, rested .deeper on thei court tenance, and the man of -broadcloth said, j " JMo, no! I would .be miserable, miser- ' able.'' Being pressed for the reason, he confessed," Well, I couldnot enjoy the music. I would be so unhappy when 1 looked; around mo and-saw the number ot coats I have made, and for which the wearers have never paid mo. ~.?

" Wanted the young man with the black moustache » who, purchases silk dresses." ,W ho4f hi*?: IffFte.. ia %? ■fetd^'oi' is- he bnly^fflicßd wjth .jEne. '$>mws_ti. weakness" of ihan's natureyand isfifers facrifieb at the shrine of ?beasfy ?, 4»a the '"bjackVmoustachc !y Is there; anything peculiar with it that it aloile should be singlecL-oUt as-his distinguish ing feature? A Nothing in his nose-?, his eye? his brow ? Nothing in the"colour of'his hair or-.the _ cut of., his. attire P, "Nothing in his manner, in his language, in his habits, or his gait, but that he wears a black moustache aud buys silk dresses ? Is it his sole mission in existence? Is this the only impress that his foot will make upon the sands of time ? He wears a black moustache, and purchases silk dresses. Is it by the power of his mous tache he fascinates, and by the potent gift,of silk dresses that he kills P I,know not that man ; I have not seen him—the man of silk dresses that wears a black moustache.

LADIES ROWING ASSOCIATION.

A MOVEMENT has beenset on foot by some of the young ladies who condescend to enlighten the suburbs of Parnell and its vicinity with the irradiance of their beauty, to inaugurate a rowing club of their own. They naturally feel aggrieved that the men who arc so far their interiors should draw all the honors, while- they themselves are compelled under existing arrangements to remain inactive spectators of tho struggles for victory. We hear that at least fifty young beauties are anxious lo join, and are, already impatient ot the delay which is necossnry in arranging pre liminaries. Although we hail the proposal with delight, as we do everything calculated to promote physical development, we would cau tion tho lovely aspirants to famo to take it easy, and not do too much at a time, other wise, instead of increasing their personal at tractions (which, however, they do not re quire) by a gentle course of calisthenics, they may find their hands become coarse, and their muscles indurated, and lose that beautiful rounded outline which excites the admiration of us hbtshly-dov eloped end rough-hewn angular mortals. Under proper precautions and restraints, rowing is a pastime in which ladies may engage with safoty and much benefit, and indeed we have seen an example of this ill, auother country not far distant, where some of tho members of a society similarly orangised, who had been pallid and sickly, very soon complolrly altered their physique, and showed a healthy bloom only to bo equalled by that of the ladies now aspiring to fume, or the far-finned beauties of Launce-ton. But then no violent exertions had been made, and the work done by the ladies was gentle, like their own natures. We have seen enough of "the triumphant results achieved by some of the ladies in this place to understand that they are fully able to accom plish whatever they undertake, and we do not doubt their ability to carry out their present, intention, any more than*we question their peculiar fitness and readiness to comfort and console us in our times of woe and adversity. The oarsmen of the Auckland Rowing Club hud better look to their laurels, for how would thpy bo able to contend- against their sweethearts? Besides, is it not on record that a crew of Englishwomen went over to Boulogne and won the victory over French men ? and although in that event sheer bodily strength and habit from childhood hud much to do with tho result, there is no knowing how much blood and determination may cll'ect. We cordially wish these fair ladies every success, and will do all in our power to assist them. ; ■

DISTRICT COURT.— Tuesday.

[Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., Dialitoi Judge.] I j Tun adjourned sitting of the Court, was held this morning

Nathan t. Lkßot.—This was a cause referred to the arbitration of Mr. James MoOosh Clark. The claim was for £88, arid the arbitrator brought up hii award for £87 12s. 10d., for which sum judgment was re corded for the plaintiff, with noits, £10 19< 61.

Scotchman's.United Gold Mining Com pany.- This was a claim by a Air. Mopney of £10 lOs.-r-Mr. Beveride opposed, 'upoirth:* ground that Mr. Mooney..was,not appointed by the company.—Mr. Lusk appeared for the Official Agent, who verifio I the schedule of contributors with the several contributions of each.— Mr. Moolisy was .called to prove his claim, but he did not answer. The Official Agent was called, and Baid he had sent notice to Mr. W. J. Mooney that- his claim was opposed, and would comp on.fo* hearing that day. Tho claim was struck out. Qui-en Victoria Gold Joining Company. —Mr. Rues appeared for I lie. Official Agent, who verified the' iscbedulo of contributors, with the respective amounts 3et against .oach name. There was.-,no opposition, and the schedule was confirmed. . , i, Loud Palmehston Gold Mining Com pany.—Mr. Bees appeared for the Official Agent, who, as in the previous cases, verified tlie schedule and the amount set against the name of each contributor. There was no opposition, and the list of contributors, wa« confirmed.

Great Eastern Gold Mining Company. —Mr. Boos for tho Official Agent, who proyed the winding up order, the schedule,' tc,c. There was no opposition, and the schedule was confirmed.

DritLß of It-NT Gold Mining Company. —Mr. Bennett for the Official Agent ; Mr. Beveridge for the objectors, Henri Czarwatika, William hose, and Francis Lipsey,who swore that they never were shareholders in the com pany. They remembered having had some thing to do with a claim called tho " Duke of Kent.". Ml.. Hose said ,ho pover knew any tlvng of the l)ul>e of Kent.: There were several "Roses" in Shorlhind a few months ago. The throe names were struck out with-costs, £18 9s'

Gukat Republican GO7.D Mining Com pany.— Mr..Liisk for the Official' Agont, who proved the eehedule "in the ordinary ' way. There was no op 'ositio.u,, ynd tho schedule was confirm,-d."' ''" '* SrAit 01? ICaraka..—Mr. Ret-s for the Official A'Tcnt. Mr. ■/. 3*l tftt-ing said tlie frtic de>ig nalion of f!i" company was the Starjjrf the Kar.ika It- tuuiied out .thai the wmUdig-up order sfaf issued lo ,lhe "ylur of Karaka/' and tlic-c'crfificiite driivyti up'for the " Star of the Kiii:a!fa."-- fihe caso was, at the suggestion of eouiif rl> wiViitlrawn. . '_ '_'~ , >La• "Vlata- Gor.r> Mining Company.— This C'l'se w.i.'' adjourned to the first Court-day ill Jlllll-il V, in .order to (iIVU U')UcO to tllO Official Liquidator of the r.ol cos of objections. Phoop Positive.—Mr. Bennett for .He- Official Agent; Mr. Roes for several obkctoik, some of whom hud iiot, received'the rcquisilo tw-.mty days' pb'tibe. The ehse. was adjourned i'ov a week.

Ohio Gold Mining Company (°0!«p Dum mies),—Mr. Bennett for the Official Agent; Mr. Rees for an objector named Keefe.~lt. appeared from the ev'iden'ea that tlie Shares in which ICeefiyvas made liable were transferred to hiinbyD-*.' Ciirl Fischer without considera tion', add for the purpose, it was alleged, of evading the liabilities consequent upon them.

Th«.uanf|fo#|Keefe was struck out of the list, andjt waft determined to give Dr. Fischer the UflJ&l twehtyVoufe.days' notice, and on proof apply {J^fttiegCourt for authority to Ifiut Drfl^schf&fis.nankin the schedule.

SPECOIAL TELEGRAMS.

THIS DAY.

BRIGHT! SMILE CRUSHING

THE TOKATEA CRUSHING-I2 IS

OZS.

Gbahamstown, 8 p.m. -The Bright Smile have resumed crushing. The stuff is showing well. The Tokatea have retorted. The month's crushing from the plates [is only 1218 ounces. There is one ton of specimens still on hand. The clean up for tho next dividend will take place in three weeks. The Masonic have crushed 50 tons, and the result is 32 ozs.

Tho Poverty and Charleston tn buters are crushing

Tho tailings from batteries have been withdrawn from sale.

THE CALEDONIAN—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

The following is a copy of a telegram received from themanager .:'■—?

" 10.11 a.m

" Tho- main'runlooking better than for some time past. No change in other parts of tho mine."

POLICE COURT.—Tuesday.

[Before His Worship the Mayor and L. L* * Nathan, Esq.", J.P.]

Drunk bnnrss. —Two parsons were punished in the usual manner for this offence.

Cirr Rates.--Alexander McPherson failed to appear to answer tho complaint of Mr. J, W. Diddams, of not having paid rates due to tho City Corporation to the amount of CI 10s. Mr. J. B. Russell appeared for the plaintiff —The amount due was proved, as was also tho service of the summons and the due obser vance of all formalities, and judgment was given for plaintiff with nil costs. —Christopher Greenway appeared on summons to answer a similur charge. Mr. Greenway applied for aii adjournment on tho ground that his legal adviser was unnble to attend.—Mr. Russell, for tln> plaintiff, objected, as in August last ciisos had been heard against the sane de fendant and others, and had been adjourned at the request of defendants, who under took to pay the rates if costs were allowed. This, however, had not been done, and the present proceedings had, therefore, been taken.—The Bench decided lo hear the case. —The debt was proved in the usual manner by Mr. Dioklams.— Mr. Green way objected lo piy unless certain overcharges wero repaid to him.-—Mr. Russell undertook that a correct adjustmout shod d be made if Mr. Grcouwny would consent to pay the charge.—After much talk, Mr. Greeriway refused to meet tho City Board half way, and said he would appeal to the Suprome Court.—Judgment was then given for plaintiff with full costs;— Nine other charges of omission to pay rates to various amounts were then taken seriatim, and to each one Mr. Greenway raised objections, prihei pally. as to the "manner of rating the proper ties, to' the descriptions of the properties, and for other reasons, which the Bench considered utterly frivolous.' Each caso carried costs to the amount of £1 125.. 6d. After' passing judgment on! the tenth complaint, Mr. Green -way confessed"- judgment in eighteen others 'of "a similar character, and said he had now found sufficient grounds to carry the matter into the Supreme Court. The -amount' of costs in each caso was £1 12... 6d., amounting alto gether to "tin. stim of £45 10s.; wliilo tlje whole amount contended for was -only £2 15s. Cd. Defendant finally said'tho ground on which he intended to appeal was the value given to the property by the valuer. During the debate, the plaintiff's solicitor repeatedly said ho would not press for costs if defendant would confess 'judgment.' This, however,-1 lie would not do, and persisted iti arguing eveiy case. During the proceedings, it appeared that defendant, although now ; protesting • against payment of thet-e rates, had availed himself of the Appeal Court, n'nd in several of tlie case's - had had the ' rates reduced -I— After Mr. Russell had been again heard, and expressed himself willing to submit to a reduction of the edsts, theiy were reddced to £10 10s. * (i"l,: ..:''

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW.

The annual show of cattle, agricultural dm-' pleinents, tec, held by this Society, is to be open to the public to-morrow, at twelve o'clock, iv tho Albert Barracks ; and the Auckland Horticultural .Society have east; iv their lot with them, and intend to display their flowers and ■■vegetables at;the same-tine j and place, tip to two o'clock this aftornoon, however, very little display hud..been made-on the ground, although every now and then carts were arriving' with agricultural implements, which we i are sorry to say were for (ho most part of British, or Foreign . mould. A long row of. pens, has been-, erected, for sheep and pigs; and : a-, commo dious stockyard for cattle,— care being taken to preserve the cricket ground intact. Up to:that time there, were, no,symptoms of | the erection of marquees lor sheds, and the goods were lying exposed to the air. How- ; ever, the present fine weather is likely ty con tinue, and there will be plenty of time be tween this and noon of to-morrow to provide ail necessary accommodation, and; doubtless the affair will be a: great success. As, will he seen by advertisement, Mr. Copland and Mr. Hide have charge of the. refreshments, and wo have confidence, in saying that -..there will. bemo lack; both in variety aud quality*.in the viands and liquors provided. -,; y .

Tlie funeral of the late Rev. F. HviHey wood took place-at St.. Mark's churonyarHj Remuera, yesterday afternoon.: There,-was a •vi'rv largo attendance of people, who thus: I endeavored to show tho love and. respect: .in which: the deceased gentleman was lie hi. About two hundred persons joined Hfe^W procession. The pall-bearers were the Klght Kcv. Bishop Williams, the \ ensrable Arch deacon Maunsell,. Venerable Arehd,aeon Williams; the Revs. J. Kinder, D- Jones, A. N. Broe, and C. Nelson. The burial service :was read by the Right IW. Dr. U*», assisted by the Rev. Dr. Kidd. Amongst tlie processiom were, members -of the Moeonio fraternity, of which body V*. Heywood was.a ' incumber.

MELANESIAN MISSION.

The object of this memorandum is to in form the General Synod of the means fre quently adopted in the islands of the S. W. Pacific to procure labourers for the . Queensland and Fiji plantations. I am not now concerned with the treat ment of these islanders on the plantations, which I have neveis visited. My..duty is to state what has occuredirt the .islands, and to make known the character of th'fr trade as it is'camed on there.-,, A ,' Assuming "that the Government of Queensland andrll.M. Consul at Levuka, Fiji Islands, do all that lie in their power to guard this traffic from abuse, assuming that tliev succeed in affording some se curity to the islanders while on the plan tations, it is certain that they do not and cannot restrain lawless men from em ploying unjust mean 3to procure so-called labourers in the islands ; they cannot know what is done by the masters and crews of the numerous vessels ' engaged in the trade; they are absolutely without power to enforce any regulations as to the number of per sons: krpfc-on board, the. amount of .food given to-them, tho treatment.of the sick, and the general m&nagem-jnt 'of the whole transaction:-"" "'•' Whatever measures1 may be proposed.or adopted to serfrire humane and just treat ment of these, islanders while in Queens land or in.Fiji/'t-lie're is absolutely no check whatever uponlhe pi'oceedings of men en gaged in.procuring.these islanders for the labour markets of Queensland and Fiji. No regulations can -prevent '- men who are bound by no religious or moral restraint' from practising.de'ceptiou aud violence to entice or Convey natives on ; board their, vessels, or from detaiuing. them forcibly when on board.' •"""• '-1 Much is! said about engagements and contracts being made With these islanders. I do not believe that it is possible for any of these tradersto make a bona fide con tract with amy natiVqs'of thb Northern New Hebrides; and Banks, and Solomon. Islands. I doubt if any One; of these trad ers can speak' half-a-dozen words in any one of tho dialects of those islauds ; and I am sure that the very idea, of a contract cannot be made intelligible to a native of those islands without a very full power.of ; communicating readily with him. More than ten natives; of Aiota Island have been, absent now nearly three years. The trader made; a. contract with theui by holding,

up three fingers. They thought that three : suns or three moons were signified. Pro-

hably ho was ' very willing that they should think so, buthe thought of at least three years.. Something has been said about the be nefit to the islanders by^ bringing them " into contact with civilization." What

kind of civilisation they may see on tlie plantations I do not know, for I hare njot visited them ; neither can Isay that I have seen many natives who ,haveeu returned1 to their homes,. front; whose conduct I might judge of the effects of Iheir " con tact with civilisation." Tho reason is sim ple. Out of 400 or 500 Banks Islanders who have been taken away, I have hot heard of, much less Seen, one-tenth of that number brought back: ■ -' But there is no instance that I can re member of any one.of these natives ex hibiting on his island any proof of his having received any benefit from his " con tact with civilisation." much less of his conferring any I 7) - -7' people. Tlie few that have been u.u.ugut back to the

Banks Island bear a bad character among their own people. But lam not now concerned with the treatment of these islanders on the plan-

tation, nor with the effect of intercourse with ,;white-men,•'or upon'-themselves .ov their people. |, r The African,slave trade was put down as a thing evil in itself; a'disgrace to \\u inanity and apratical repudiation of Chris fi an ity. People did not'stop to enquire further. It was enough that men were stolen away from their homes, and taken away by force. 7° There is ho check ait present upon the traders engaged in procuring "labourers" for Queensland! and Fiji. Many of these men, whether they are technically and legally slavers or not, act in the spirit of slavers. Sir WnV. Manning admitted 'iv' tho Daphne case that "this system of so called emigration; is likely fto degenerate; audnvobahW.'som; fimes has degenerated ;a-pprofiofi^ig a slave trade, and perhaps: aotuady .amounting to it." It is indeed a mockery to,§peak,pf it as' a system of emigration. ' _ _ j A most impartial-aiid' dispassionate, writer in ' Blackwood's Magazine, who had spent some time iu'sailing among r?the-e islands, and, had.twice visited Fiji,,speaks: of the " nefariov.3. nature of many'of'the transactions (of tho .piasters of the vessels sent to procure labourers for lhe.Q,ueens | land and Fiji plantations,) which have un doubtedly, in not a few instances,, been nothing less than kidnapping.-- h I leave, the statements of some of -qui* scholars to speak for themselves. But I know that [throughout, thoNorthern Sew- .Hebrides 'and the Banks Islands- deception ah I vio lence are frequently practised. I know the lawless character and the lawless con duct of persons now engaged in the ( . trade whose names lam not-at liberty to diHlgei. One persons writes to me mentioning by nameifour vessels carrying oiv," rough work" w rith tho? New ,> Hebrides _ natives, " You know," he says, '• that these men have no scruples of cohsceience, and so long as they make moiiey. are perfectly I dead to any code of laws.'humah or divine, j I tell you of this" (he adds) confidentially. as I have only had the ' infof*raat»<sn as! a friend, and "inform ' you' for your : protection, when amongst the,islands." | A captain of a whale ship writes, to I 'me :—'V.The natives o,f .these islauds would ' come off in former, years, bringing subh ! rrtieles of trade as' Hieir, iiUsss\ks\)i'A, i I for which, wo ,paid them with hatchets, j | tobacco, "fishhooks, te. They trusted us, ! ! and we trusted them: At times our decks !'WerMy.rowdecl. This, when slaying com-'. i meny.d, was all to tlie1 slaver's1 adruhtage, { j fo?:'"'"■>" natives were easily enticed below, :.' iches put on, and the 'vesssel was ■oil.. , -tow, no nativo comes on.board the... whai'v hip, and we, in our tin*.:,' dare not 1.nd.,,,^,,, w. used to B^le (rom..ie island to another, when .they wish it, and they would give us hogs and $>er articles. 1 his also.had been take, dvantage of, and the natives ear vied yto slavery instead.of home.., bhould jwe c wrecked, our lives must go for tiose that" have" been stolen; and the natives lwill .-be- -condemued, and

called bloodthirsty, &c. ; and vo"- ~i _ i-ii.i ii. •> > "Hat I will the natives have done ? ji f certainly right, but no more than what civilised people have done in many case I hear that they use your name to d'eco^ • natives from their islands, and lalsohe-^ from good authority that they enqm very particularly of the whereabouts of Uu. Southern Cross." We experience to som extent the evil effects of this traffic which has been described in this last extract T many islands v, here we were already more imtiinate terms with the people are now obliged to be very cautious. TJ n less we are so well known as to be tho" roughly trusted, we have to begin ngaaj to some extent, the task of disabusing their minds of the natural suspicion and distrust which these " nefarious practices" excite As for using our names and inventing any stories about us which m^y induce na° lives to go on board their vessels, that i. the common trick adopted, by some trach ers. There are some —I trust very few men sailing in those vessels who have taken a voyage in the Southern Cross, aud the fact that they have been on hoard the mission vessel gives a plai^ibility.to, their story. In several of these islands some of our scholars are living ; they speak a little English and communicate more or l eS3 readily with any white men.' Of course they use, their influence to dissuade their people from going in such v.es'sels. They know nothing about the Queensland and Fiji plantations, but they know quite enough of tlie character ofthese vessels to warn their people against going iv them. Many natives of Tanna, Vate, and of 'the Loyalty Islands are employed, by these "traders for the boating work. These men are amongst the most reckless and-mis. cbievous of the whole number of persons 'concerned in" the" trade, ""itatsilea^the Christian ciiief of Mare, has forbidden any native of that island to go on board'any one of these vessels^ It would be well if white men were to follow his example. In conclusion, I desire to protest by an ticipation against'any punishment being inflicted upon natives ofthese islands who may* cut off vessels or kill boats',- ci-few?, until it is clearly shown that these acts are not done in tlie way of retribution for outrages first committed by- -white men. Only a few days ago a report reached me that a boat's crew had been,killed...at .Fs '. pinto Santo. .Nothing is'mpre'hkllf. I expect to hear of such, things. . Itisyhe white man's fault, and it is unjust lei pun ish the coloured man fordomg what,;un-

der such circumstances, he,may naturally be expected to do. People say and write

inconsiderately about the -treaclycy of these islanders. I have experienced no instance of anything -of the kind during fourteen years' intercourse with them Vand I may fairly claim the right to be believed when I say that, if the Melanesian native

is treated kindly, he will reciprocate such treatment readily. The contact of many of these traders assures ail the worst sus picion's and passions of the wild* .untatglit man. It is not.difficult to find an answer to the question, Who is the savage, and who is tlie heathen man ? Imperial legislation is required to put an end-to:this ;miserable AStaite ,of thiug*. Stringent regulations ought to be made and enforced by heavy penalties, as to the size'.aud fittings v,of vessels licensed to convey nafcires.to._and from the south Sea Islands to, Queensland and Fiji. ..All details, should be' specified and vigilantly carried out as to' the number ,of natives that may.'rbe' put on board, their food, clothing, payment, term of labour, and

reconveyance to their homes. ......_._. y .r Two small men of-war .ought, to cruise coiistantly'iu the islands, and especially in the neighbourhood of-Q,ueenslaud ancfFiji,

to .intercept vessels bringing natives to those parts, and to examine into the observance or non-observance of the regulations, - It is manifestly to the planters'interest to discourage the lawless practices now goingon iti_. the islands. .If he. wishes to have a willing, good, humoured set of men on his plantation, it is evident that they mist come to him: willingly; and receive from him such treatment that they will work for him cheerfully, At.present many of these islanders are brought" to? the plantations "ip. an angry, sullen, revengeful state of mind. Whocau wonder atTfcP"' Tlie planter pays a \ie?.vj sum now—amounting, it is said, in some cases 7, to £10 or £12 per head—for tbe so-called " passage" given to these "im ported labourers." Ido not believe that the planters themselves justify or desire the eontinualnee of :theie proceedings iv tho islauds. It may be that only a few per ,^ens wopid--be/found -willing to coin's if their free consent was required, and that, compulsion is, necessary if labourer are :to be procuredVt:all. iln this case it is not too much to say that free labourers must, be sought ■ elsewhere,■ .among 7 the Chinese or other people who are able to protect themselves from injustice.: But my belief is.that there will be always some, no.t. many,islanders willing to leave their homes, for 'a' time,-if once", it is thoroughly known by experience .that they will' be treated, kindly and fairly,., and brought home, at the proper, time, Curiosity, excitement, the spirit of adyea ture, will always induce some men to yohipteer for any employment, that,is;not distasteful with people who treat thorn honestly and fairly. ... t . . . There i- aire'-some two; or three vessels honourably distinguished from the rest by f a i r and generous treatment of thenatiTes. rOne such vessel was "at anchor forborne we eks in Vanna Levu harbour. Id° not'know its name. ~ G-anevierogi (the Leper Island lad) {'speaks of a whaler, a three-masted vessel, w hich was visited by some of their people- It came on to blow, and the Leper Islander*rwje^gkjp|C*sn board all nigW| we \\ f e d,' and sent ashore, with preseats i?tUe next moaning. ' Hecould not'tell me the name of.-tht*»vessel•.Jh.ut she .w&. . a whaler^ahdi.suohitreatment^of natives" customary with such vessels. ..._••. q-| j, T-regret that I. am. unable to attejnj tjj. General Synod, aud that I losotheoppc|i? tuuity of. giving' further .explanatious |o! (he real character of this..traffic. ..;..; i , .-: ... J. 0. TaTTESu>'.

gggj y,.- .... , • ... . , W&tA ;,. '" , „,/,.„,,,,.,,!'( oridna'uig a o clock^f^JgJ«>£^ **? b ~ of tho jtfelanesian Mission, and fo* tb 'L reßs . ol yof bpiniob ou the labor trade of fc]j(? gouth Paciftc -i ßlAn a s . Tho Bishop <■> A^ck^U( i' willpi-e'side'/aui several, clergy u'r^ laymen will address the meeting, i A? m"' sionfree:. '■- -n. a- hitaavH. £-*-.

THE EVENING STAR, AUCKLAND, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER *14, 1871.