SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

For Sydney and Melbourne : City of Melbourne, on

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 6.1. HIGH WATER: This afternoon, 7.55 p.m.

STEAMER TO THE THAMES.

Lady Bowen, 8 o'clock evening.

ARRIVAL.

Mary Ellen, schooner, Rawlings, from Mercury Bay

DEPARTURE.

Star of the South, s.s., Holmes, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

arrival of Nevada. For Tahiti: Edith, schooner, early. For London : Caduceus, ship, early ; Ka Moi, barque, early. For Kaipara: Aurora, schooner, to-day. For Levuka : Julia Price, schooner, to-day. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mangonni : Comerang, p.s., to-day. For Napier and the South : Nevada, p.s., 27th inst. For Southern ports : Phcebe, s.s., on arrival of Nevada. For Norfolk Island : Southern Cross, April 10. For Newcastle : Moa, brig, to-day. For New Bedford : Naomi, ship, early. For Honolulu : Nevada, mail steamer, April IS.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Nevada, mail steamer, from Honolulu. Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands Wild Duck, ship, from London, sailed 10th December Helenslee, ship, from London (sailed Jan. 11). Maggie, brig, from Adelaide. Amherst, schooner, from Sydney. Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney. Cleopatra, schooner, from Lyttelton Alpha, schooner, from Newcastle Belle, schooner, from Newcastle W. C. Wentworth, barque, from Newcastle Stranger, schooner, from Newcastle H.M.S. Rosario, from Sydney Stanley, schooner, from Melbourne Amphitrite, schooner, from Sydney Australia, brig, from Sydney Ayr, barque, from Adelaide Ph_.be, s.s., from Southern ports Taranaki, s.s., from Southern ports Briton, barque, from Newcastle

To-morrow the O olden Crown will leave for the Thames at 9.30 in the morning, returning from (Irahamstown at 9 p.m. The brig Ella Oladstone cleared outwards at the Customs this morning for Newcastle. She is now alongside the fine barque Kaimoi taking in ballast. The schooner Mary Ann arrived this morning from Mercury Bay with 15,000 feet timber and 7 tons gum. The schooner Prima Donna cleared this morning for Russell in ballast. The brig Moa cleared for Newcastle with 7,000 feet timber. She will be haul in the stream and will take her departure this evening. The Caduceus is loading fast for London, and will sail early next month. She has still accommodation for a few passengers. The vessel has undergone a thorough overhaul, cleaning up and fresh painting, and presents quite a smart appearance. We observe that the ship Naomi has been taken off the berth for London, and has commenced loading tor New Bedford, North America. The Frowning Beauty is discharging her cargo into one of the coal hulks in harbour. The tenders of Messrs. Jervis and Brown have been accepted for repairs to the hull of the whaling barque Adventurer, and Mr. Thos. Boyd's tender for repairs to the sail* and rigging has also been accepted. She is now being dismantled preparatory to being re-fitted.

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Mails wrr.i. Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Tairua, per Janet Grey, this day, at i p.m. For Whitangi, per Mary Ellen, this day, at 5 p.m. For Kapanga, per Royal Alfred, to-morrow, at noon, and per Challenger, at 0.30 p.m. For Taranaki and the Southern Provinces, per Phcebe, immediately after arrival of p. s. Nevada. For Sydney and Australian Colonies, per City of Mel bourne, immediately after arrival of p.s. Nevada. For Napier and the" Southern Provinces, per p.s. Nevada, six hours after her arrival from Honolulu. S. B. Eiss, Postmaster.

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1872.

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."

With extreme satisfaction we direct attention to the notice in another column signed by Dr. Wright. This gentleman has succeeded not only in heifer vaccination, but in communi cating the vaccine pox from the heifer to the human subject, and thoroughly developing the disease. Long and earnestly Dr. Stratford strove for this result, aud. it should be a ground of sincere congratulation that an oppor tunity is now afforded of coming in contact with the real original cow-pox, and so obtaining the virus without the faintest possibility of its being tainted with the germs of other diseases. De cry it as we may, there is a reasonable ness in the timidity which many people experience in having deliberately com municated to their helpless children the virus of a disease that has passed without interruption through a multitude of human bodies with all the possible latent im purities therewith intermingled ; and now when the opportunity is afforded of communicating small pox mellowed from having passed through a heifer, and without the possibility of otber loathsome diseases being at the same time communicated by accident or carelessness, we think there will be few who will not desire for their children, when attainable, vaccination direct. As very considerable trouble attends the taking of the virus from the heifer, both from the short time proper for the operation, the small quantity obtainable in the incipient stage of the animal's illness, and the decided objection which the animal feels to minister to the cause of science, we think that those who can offer vaccination thus direct would be warranted in charging a high fee for the privilege ; and more than this we believe that a very great number of people would be willing* to liberally pay for such absolute security to their infants. We do not think that any such higher fee is intended by Dr. Wright; but we do most strongly urge that this or some other means should be taken to form induce ments sufficient to keep direct animal vaccination within the reach of those whose apprehensions may tend to deter them from arm-to-arm vaccination. And even though all should not avail themselves of direct vaccination from the heifer, the transfusion of the virus through the systems of one or two healthy children of healthy parents will not have the effect of investing arm-to-arm vaccination with those apprehensions which seem inseparable from virus that has passed in un broken succession through uncounted numbers of unknown human systems. We understand that Dr. J. R. Nichol son, the Government vaccinator, has also succeeded in communicating the virus to two heifers, so that in a short time we may calculate on having abundance of the purest lymph, suffi cient to allay the scruples of the most fastidious. From such lymph, and from such alone, should all our vacci nators supply themselves, if for nothing else to at least, in the presence of threatened emall-pox, remove every ground of objection in the public mind in relation to the great prophylactic.

We should be sorry to usurp the functions of Inspector Goldie, or even to seem to attempt to control^his [movements. [But as the by laws relative to earth-closets, and all thereto pertaining have come in force, and the In pector in this city of evil stenches may be in a state of bewilderment as to where he should begin, we would direct his attention to Alten Road. There, we believe tho Gauius of horrid odours has his throne, and we are credibly informed that passers-by that way are contemplating the general use of American clothes clips on their noses. Mr. Inspector Goldie has been defeated before in that realm of smells. He is now armod with a new power. The overflow of reeking cess-pits may be legally untraceable to the filthy channel by the highway, however morally and nasally certain of the connection we may be. But the existence or the non-existenco of an earth closet is capable of demonstration to the most reluctant bench. Go Mr. Goldie, make an as.ault on our stenches like a good officer and a brave man ; and of all the abominations orying out from every portion of the city, .begin with Alten Road.

Wo perceive by advertisement that Mr. F. G. Ewington will deliver a lecture this evening, at half-past 7 o'clock, in the Mount Eden school-room. Subject: "Life and Times of John Huss, the Bohemian Martyr," A good lecture is anticipated.

The " Corner" is showing evident signs of once more assuming its pristine vigor judging from the large number of "bulls" and "bears" that have congregated thera-'during the past two days. No longer are the share brokers to be seen with lengthened visage and downcast mien pacing the deserted hall of the Exchange, "comparing" notes and deploring the good times that have passed ; but instead smiling faces and a bußtling air of business are to be met with, significant of "21-" and restored hopes of a neat, little villa in futuro. Holders of stock are again indulging in visions of wealth, and past losses are to be recouped in the " Green Harp" and " Golconda," despite the bitter experience of the past. The " Caledonia" is no longer the cynosure upon which all eyes are turned. The excitement yesterday for Bismarcks and Siege of Paris points to the two latter claims as the future el dorado of many of their hopes. j It is high time that th_ Police-Court bible ■ was superannuated ? Both covers are gone, and it is becoming dogs-oarod. Sonic wit nesses take hold of it with a look of astonish ment. Surely out of the enormous feos the Court are in receipt of tenpence might be spared for the purposo of obtaining a new and complete copy of the Scriptures for tbe. use of the Court. If this is effected before the agent of the Bible Society departs they may obtain a copy from him at a reduced price. An applicati<ln was made before the Chief Justice in Chambers for the discharge of a convalescent lunatic named R. T. Cohen, from the asylum. The proceedings, which had been taken at the iustanco of a member of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge of Oddfellows, was adjourned for the attendance of the In spectors of the A.jjluin, and the wife of the detained. Last evening as a son of Colonel Balneavis and a companion were rowing in the harbour, they observed a large fish fighting with a slingaree. The lads were provided with guns at the time, and a favorable opportunity occurring, they fired and killed the fish, vihich proved to be a largo yellow.ail over four feet in length. They secured their prize and took it ho_io. Such a largo fish of the kind has not been seen " within the memory of the oldest inhabitants." A ball in connection with the Good Intent Lodge, Odd Fellows, will take place on Easter Monday evening in their new hall, Cook street. We understand that only a limited num ber of tickets are issued. The periodical balls given by this lodga are always wall managed, and give general satisfaction to all. This ball will no doubt meet with the usual success. The ar.nivei.ary tea meeting of the Hope of Auckland Tent, No. 1, 1.0. R., S.U., will be held this evening at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. After the tea a meeting will be held, inter- \ spersed with songs and recitations. To those interested in the temperance cause a most en» joyable evening is in store. A cricket match will bo played to-morrow in the Albeit barracks between eleven of the country districts and eleven of the United Cricket Club. The following are the united eleven: —Messrs. Mumford, Bowen, F. Whitaker, Clifton, "Willis, Glceaon, Simpson, Carter, Yates, Swanson and Purchase. A well contested game is anticipated. Tenders are required by Mr. C. Hawkes wood, Albert street, for the erection of fitting shop, pattern shop, and smiths' shop in Hobson street. Tenders will be received till noon to morrow. The annu.i soiree in connection with the Papakura Presbyterian Church will take place on Thursday next, 28th inst., at six o'clock. The Rev. Mr. Codrington arrived by the City of Melbourne, and will sail in the mission scho.ner Southern Cross, Captain Jacob, for Norfolk Island on the 10th April next. C%pt. Tilley will accompany the mission party during the cruise. The yacht race case occupied the whole of the day at the District Court yosterday. The further hoaring was adjourned until next Court day. A meeting of the members of the Auckland Yacht Club will take place at 7.30 this evening at the Thames Hotel. A full meeting is re quested, the business to be transacted being of importance. The election of officers for the ensuing year will also take place. A reward of £10 is offered for the conviction of the " malicious fiend" who has repeatedly laid pqjson on the property of Edward J. King, of Panmure. An emergency meeting of the Lodge Ara, 348, 1.C., will be held this evoning at the Masonic Hotel. The sub-committee of the Auckland Alliance met last evening, when the form of petitions to the Justices and to the General Assembly were agreed upon. The charge of assault preferred against William Lundon, of the Harp of Erin Hotel, resulted yesterday afternoon in the defendant being fined the sum of five pounds. The Melbourne Age says.—The case of Maunsell v. Cassius, for breach of promise of marriage, which is likely to come on in the Melbourne Supreme Court this week, may be expected to prove of unusual interest. The plaintiff is a daughter of a well-known Melbourne solicitor, and the defendant a wealthy merchant and mining speculator of New Zealand. They met in that colony while Miss Maunsell was on a visit there. Mr. Cassius proposed, and was accepted. The date of the marriage was fixed, but it after wards stood postponed (by consent) for a little time. Mr. Cassius asked for another postponement of six months, on the ground of his ill-health, but tho other side would not consent this time. Hence tbe action. The defence, it is said, will be ill-health.

A man once went to a lawyer's office and told the legal gentleman that he had been insulted by a man, who told him to go to -, and desired to know what he should do. The lawyer suavely said, "I wouldn't advise you to go ; the law don't compel you."

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.

THIS DAY

Before His Worship the Mayor (Cbairraan), T. Cheeseman, Esq., and Dr. Kenderdine, Justices. DRUNKENNESS.

Two persons were fined five shillings each and costs for having been drunk the previous evening.

LAECSNY,

William Patrick Small and John McCarthy, two bojs, aged eleven and twelve respectively, were charged with stealing six bags, valued at six shillings, from tbe stable of Joseph Craig, Grey-street, on tho 20th inst. The police applied for a remand until three other boys were captured. Mr. Joy, L.LB., appeared for the boy Small, and objected to the remand. ' Sergeant Walker was placed in the box to depose to the arrest of the prisoners ; but Mr. Joy objected, as no information had been laid. The oase was therefore put back to enable this to bo done. BREACHES OF MUNICIPAL CORPOBATION ACT. Mary Evinson was charged with permitting the chimney of her house to take fire on the 18th instant. Fined 10s. and costs. Alfred Houghton, for a similar offence, was fined 20s. and costs. Patrick Long pleaded guilty to allowing three horses to stray in the public thorough fare. Fined 15s. and costs. Thomas Hallywood, charged with allowing two horses to at largo on Barrack hill, pleaded guilty, and was fined 10s. and costs. George Kitchen was charged with nothoving an excavation made by him in Abercrombie street sufficisntly lighted on tke night of the 19th inst., also on tho 20th, Mr. Sbeehan appeared for the defendant, an officer of the Provincial Government, and informed the Court that the light had been placed over the excavation but had been re moved by some person unknown. lie Court under the circumstancesinflctod tho mitigated penalty of 10s. and costs for each offence. THE CASE AGAINST THE TWO CITY ARABS. The information was sworn to, and Sergt. Walker deposed !o apprehending the prisoners, from information he had received. Five boys* had stolen the bugs and sold them to a seed merchant in Wyndham street. He had been fetched to Mr. Craig's house to arrest them Tho bags were not produced. To Mr. Joy : Was not prepared with the •videnco to-day. Did not see the boys steal the bags. Had been to Mr. Layers', and seen three bags, which were alleged to have been sold by the five b.>v». Sergeant P&rdy had instructed him to tako tbete proceedings. Samuel Mowbray, carter, in omploy of Joseph Craig, deposed that be had charge of the stable in Grey street, and that he missed the bags on Wednesday night from tke premises. Sergeant Pardy then applied for a remand, for the production of further evidence. Mr. Joy objected, and submitted that no evidence had been adduced criminating the the boy Small; he further urged that tinder the Justices of the Peace Act the Bench had the power to dismiss the case, considering that ' the bey was under 14 years of age, and the value of tho goods alleged to hare beon stolen were under 20s. in value. They bad already been in custody since 2 o'clock yesterday. The Court conferred together, and a previous conviction was pointed out to them against McCarthy, to which Mr. Joy strongly objected. The Court did not consider swQlcient evi dence bad been brought forward, and dis charged the prisoners, after administering a severe caution. FAMILY JABS. Cross summonses against relatives for ming insulting and abusive language towards each other were both withdrawn at the suggestion of counsel engaged, namely Mr. Sbeehan and Mr. Joy. The accused parties both entered into sureties to keep the peace towards one another. LUNACY. A male lunatic was, upon the testimony of Drs. Goldsbro' and M. E. B. Nicholson, sent to the Lun&iic Asylum to be medically trsated. This concluded tho business.

DISTRICT COURT

YESTERDAY—Continued. Before Thomas Beckham, Eiq., Judge. Tbe case of Moller v. Casey and others was not concluded yesterday, though the sitting lasted until a quarter to five o'clock. Additional evidence was taken, and between two o'clock and tho rising of the Court counsel engaged in the suit addressed the Bench on the point raised in their previous argumont. The further hearing was then fixed for the next regular sitting.

THIS DAY.

KELLY V. EBBNANDEZ. Claim £30, for goods. Mr. Hesketh for plaintiff; Mr. Beveridgc for the defence. Objections were raised at the outset, counsel for plaintiff not being satisfied with tho de fence set up, alleging it to bo insufficient. He demanded also the production by defendant of any agreement that had passed between the t parties. The defence was a complete denial of any bargain as between plaintiff and de fendant. Wm. Kelly, living at Opotiki, depoaed that Andrew Fernandez was indebted to him in the sum of £30, for counter, shelves, gas fittings, <_c., sold on the 3rd March, 1870 : a document was drawn up to that effect after the sale was completed. Only one document passed between them, namely the one men tioned. Mr. Beveridge denied the possession by the defendant of any agreement for the sale of those articles. If such a document existed, and he believed it did, it was not in his hands. Mr. Hesketh made reply, and after some arguing the evidence was proceeded with. Witness: Saw defendant in possession of tho things mentioned in the particulars. Fernandez being examined utterly denied having come to an agreement as sworn to by plaintiff; a second witness was called in iup» port of defendant. Both witnesses were cross-examined ; and when counsel had addressed the Court, judgment passed for plaintiff with costs. SCIIBD-LBS.— PROOF POSITIVE GOLD ' MINING COMPANY. Mr. Rees for the Official Agent. The claim of the Bank of New South Wales was admitted ; Mr. MacCormick represented the Bank. Mr. Weston informed the Court that the claim of the Curator of Intestate Estates was not opposed. The coats incurred by Messrs. Browning and Scarrott were next considered, after which the schedule was ordered to be confirmed. [Left sitting.]

Maggie: Why is your hair so grey, mamma?— Mamma: Well, because you're such a naughty child sometimes.—Maggie : What a naughty child you must have been ; Poor grandma's hair ig quite -white.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(PROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Serious Accident.

Caledonian —2,260 ozs. for

Month.

GrKAIIAMSTOWN, March 26, 2 p.m

Two hundredweight of specimens were taken out last night, making nine hundredweight in hand. "Water in shaft about the same. The reef on the Otago drive is getting smaller. Moanatairi is getting good stone. 3.10 p.m. Stewart Miller has been severely wounded in the Waiotahi mine. A mass of stone fell from the roof, striking him on the back, inflicting a severe gash from temple to nose. His skull was also fractured. The wound has been sewed up. The Emily, Coromandel, has had 137 tons crushed, which have resulted in 51 ozs. melted gold. The Caledonian total for the month is 2,260 ozs. 11 dwt.. City of London has commenced crushing.

THE SHARE MARKET.

MR. J. M. LEX. OX'S BEI'OItT.

Business on the Exchange continues active. Caledonian shares ad vane.d to£27, but receded to £24, and closed with buyors at £24. My sales comprise—Caledonian, £26 10s, £27, £25, £24, £23 10*, £24; Tbames, £6, £5 12s 6d ; Pride of Tokatea, 6s Gd ; John Bull, 3s. Sellers : C_.odonian, £24 10s ; Tbames, £6. Buyers ; Caledonian, £24 : '1 hatues, £5 12s Gd ; John Bull, 3s; Moanatairi,£3.

COROMANDEL.

(fEOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

March 25, 1872. _ I have ju3t returned from my first visit to the claims on Court-house Creek, and my whole morning has been spent in pro secuting my researches in this direction. The track is up the bod of the creek, and is the very worst I have as yet met with. Forster and party have had a good pro spect from the upper and lower level, and have got some rich specimens from both ; not enough to blow about, but quite suffi cient to give them encouragement and to show that the gold is there and only wants working to become payable.

Moore's lease is higher '„p on the same creek, and has been worked for upwards of six mouths. Rich gold was found in the upper workings, and a small leaf of stuff loft in the paddock shows the colour freely throughout. A tunnel at a low level is now being pushed forward through very hard country, and will be persevered with until the leader is cv t 'jg Another lease has be' p*'obtained for ground on the opposite side of the creek to Poster's, and active operations com menced this morning .

This locality will, I think, be a success, but to make it so a machine must be erected is the vicinity of the claims.

THE CONVICT ROBINSON.

The pursuit of this prison-breaker is still being prosecuted with vigour, and some traces of him were found last night in the Waitakerei district. We are given to understand that late yesterday even ing a member of the detective force who had been in pursuit of the absconder returned, bringing with him a pair of boots belonging to Robinson, as well as a bag of provisions which he had purchased from one of the settlers, and for which he tendered half-a«sovereign,receiving the change. It seems that the barter had beeneffectedthrouh the intervention of alate ''chum" of Robinson's. The " swag " was found concealed in the scrub hard by. The fugitive is supposed by the Police not to have been scon since Detective Jefferey fired at him across a gully, but we are given to understand that some one very like him was seen on Sunday night,| on horseback on the Mount Eden Boad (west), where he was seen on that thoroughfare near tha Three Kings, and turned off abruptly towards One hunga on being confronted. However the matter may stand it is quite certain that if Robinson is still in the Waitakerei district his capture will be very difficult. The region is one of interlacing creeks, steep and slippery hills, and tangled scrub ; and withal we hear that illicit distillation is going on in sly corners. The police will therefore have their work to do before they can catch him.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

*_

The Cadets in the first and second sets will fire for the Mayor's prize on Saturday morn ing next, at the Range. The members, of No. 6 Company, A.R.8., and Cadets, will meet for company drill at half-past seven o'clock this evening, in the Drill shed. The Artillery Volunteers will meet for field gun drill this evening, at Fort Britomart, at half-past seven o'clock. The Cadets will also meet at tho same hour and place for company drill. The monthly inspection of the Auckland and Prince Alfred Troops of R.C.V., will be held to-morrow afternoon, at 4 o'clock, in the Albert barracks. The monthly inspection of tho Grammar School Cadets will take place to-morrow in the Albert barracks. The Auckland representatives for the Colonial prize firing tor 1872 left by the steamer Wellington for the Sjuth on Satur day. The firing by the Cadets who were unable to compete last week for the Champion belt of the colony took place on Saturday last. The flring was good.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

The well .written drama of "The Serpent on the Hearth" was again performed last evening to a tolerably good audience, and was well carried through. This evening Mrs. Walter Hill is to have a benefit. Her name has been so long and favourably known to the public that we cannot be wrong in predicting for her a bumper benefit. The piece de resistance for the occasion will be "Esther; or the Unequal Match," with an amusing afterpiec.. We miss Mr. Souths familiar face from th» boards of this theatre.

CORRESPONDENCE

/tffWe do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

MORE STILL ABOUT LIQUOR

To the Editor of the EvhniNO Star.

y IB) —Ag the subject of licensing or liquor is now uppermost in the public mind we had better have it all out while about it, though it is getting tiresome. In your paper of to-day a correspondent comes forward under tho signature of "Anti-Humbug" to deny, if I understand him, that there is any such thing as the systematic and scientific adulteration of liquor practised any where. This gentleman tails us he is an "old pullican." If he be consc'ous that he is speaking the truth, why does ho not come manfully forward in his own name and have his say openly in presence of tho public. It is a noteworthy fact that during all the years that the Alliance agitation has been going on in this colony the publicans have never ventured to hold any public meeting in self-defence, nor has any one of their number ever appeared at any public meeting held by (he Alliance, and entered at length into any justification of their traffic in liquor. What inference can we draw from this except thal. they are conscious within their own breast that the liquor traffic is indefensible, and that they aro ashamed to speak in its favour openly ? Another point: the Auckland Alliance aro collecting subscriptions to canvass for votes against tbe issue of any more licenses. But money so spent would only be wasted ; it would only benefit the liquor dealers already in the field. Let us have Sir W. L-iwson's Permissive Bill and we will not require to spend a single sixpence in working it. All the efforts of the people ought to be now directed to obtain that bill, and not to shut up this or that house, or prevent a license being issued to this or that uci_on. For the present it matters not to the people though a license were issued to every person in town, provided only that the General Assembly in due time give us Sir W. Lawson's bill. With the power in their hand which that bill gives them, the people will be able to deal effe .tually with all public houses according to their pleasure. With very many apologies for the frequency of my communications, Yours, &<?., John Wood, Surgeon. Nelson-street, March 22, 1872. P.S. —A petition for Sir W. Lawso_'s Permissive Bill should bo sent up to the House of Representatives by every congrega tion in town. This would be an act of real Christian charity, and would cost no money, but only a little trouble. This bill has obtained I already the approval of a majority of the members of parliament of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales; and its passing the British Parliament is only a question of time. A copy of this bill is at your service if you will publish it. Brevity is one of its chief merits. J.W.

THE AUCKLAND ALLIANCE

To tho Editor of the Evening. Stab

Sih, —Throughout the great stir made by the advocates of temperance, but more particularly the members of tbe association styling them selves tho U.K.A.,every opportunity has been taken by them to brand the retailers of liquors, yclept publicans, as rogues and vagabonds of the deepest dye, wholesale manufacturers of drunkards, poisouers, &c. ; iv a word, no epithet is considered too bid for them. Why is this, Mr. Editor? Could not some of these choice specimens of Billingsgate be reserved for the distiller, the brewer, the importer, and last, though not least, the Government which sanctions, or nioi. properly speaking, encouiages aid derives the most benefit from the introduction of the same objectionable liquor ? Surely every one engaged in this abominable but tax-paying traffic is entitled to his or her full mead of either abuse or praise. The publican is the heaviest taxed member of the community. In the first place a license must be paid for per mission to sell, and, taken as you will, must act as a bond for his good behaviour, for his license can be taken away ; and who ever heard of a return of any portion of the fee charged. Recent events show plainly that even the license, as far as the Government is concerned, is anything but a security, they having the power to amend whenever they may be moved by personal influence or otherwise. The character of the publican is also in the hands of the Inspector of Police, who must m:ikc his report before either a transfer or ronewal can take place, and it is fortunate for the unfortunate publican that the Inspector is not a nominee of the Provincial Government, or small justice might be had from him. That some of the members of the U.K. A. are sincere may be fully understood from the language used at their meetings. Their last grand occasion at the Theatre Royal on Wed nesday evening was exceedingly warm. One of their speakers, whose ardent imagination was no doubt excited by the recent calamitous incendiary and other fire.*, was quitejubilant, and revelled in tho idea of the glorious extinction of the whole of the public houses by fire, and appeared to feel a great good would be gained if at one fell swoop they could all bo destroyed, even if the conflagration ended by decimating the other portion of thi« fair city, like all fiiiaties forgetting that the same interest would, phoenix like, arise from the ashes, and as your contemporary the Cross says, a thousandfold. Who will talk of com munism after such an admission made by a sober member of society. Had such a senti ment emanated from our respected late member of the City Board, who is proverbially fond of his be_*r, the meeting would have groaned itself or the speaker out. A "all is now made by these fanatics upon the public for a subscription to defray their working expenses. Before they can expect the public to come forward a list of the members' names and resides should be published. The wheat might then be sifted from the tares, and the respectablity of the body established. At present the abstemiousness of many of the leading members is not looked upon as being very striking, and from my own knowledge would not bear scrutiny. "S.t a thief to catch a thief " may be as good in practice as in theory, but the attempt to teach morality from the lips of a reformed rake, a roue, or a dobauchoe is not likely to meet with much success. Yours, &c, T.H.

TEETOTALISM.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sic, —Thore appeared in your Saturday evening's issue an epistle penned by a rhet >rical gentleman signed "J. Mason." After a few preliminaries and cynical remarks regarding the incorrect statements made in our Aucklsind journals touching the Auckland Alliance meet ing for tho suppression of the spirit traffic, in which he took a very active part, the root of the epistle is apparently dedicated to the water drinkers, and is replete with the most philosophical argumentations. In a word, Mr. Mason is a man possessing all those virtues essential to a man undertaking such a great mission as the regeneration of

the outlying world, or redemption of the fallen ones. But why Mr. Mason, after pag . sessing the nucleus of all that is good and great, should object to the proposed method of mitigating the present evils which _m* i a su'.*_^4 multitudinous form, resulting fn t^.\ Q prevalent use of intoxicating liquors, is! my comprehension. Why not act i A^. junction with those ladies and gentleme lb \ sacrifice their time and talent in endeavour |P_-ii suppress the spirit traffic ; it must bo pj; 6|. to every man of unprejudiced mind tha* 4&f present drinking custom is a monster evil V permeating almost the entire community; and v bringing about results fearful to contemplate. Is there nothing in this worthy of special re', gard ? Why we cannot name anything, ex. cept the salvation of our immortal souls, tha is of more importance than the attempt to lessen this gigantic evil. Habit alone exer cises this specific influence. The young must imitate the old in the pursuits of Bacchus with out ever enquiring if it leads to honour or fame j thus thousands aro victimised, and the seeds of intemperance are sown broadcast among our youthful community, from which we may expect an abundant harvest, devastating the fair face of our civilised world. Bat I fear very much that after all Mr. Mason has not at heart that love for hi 3 fellow creatures which he would lead us to believe. He has evidently no desire to associate with tha rabid fanatics.; he would rather retire to some secluded spot, or soar to some celestial height where he might bask in the sunshine of ethereal bliss, unc.ntaminated by the ferment of such erring mortals. But perhaps Mr. Mason has already foand out, if he will only admit of it, notwithstanding alibis speculative genius regarding the innate moral tendency to defend individual right or wrong, that he will never develope a drunkard into a sober man unless by the application of moral suasion conveyed to bis mind by the medium of his senses, or deprive him of intoxicating drinks. Then you have some chance of exercising a moral influeu.e upon the man, but one might as well attempt to develope morality out of a cat as to do so out of a drunken man with all his innate principles of right. In conclusion I must confess that temperance is a wood cause whatever Mr. Mason says to the contrary. I have seen its opposite effects, in almost every clime under the sun. It is no dishonour to become a teetotaller. Sign the pledge, both weak and strong, if it be a safeguard, for the greatest men the world hare produced have fallen, I am, &c, J, Duff. Auckland, March 25.

To the Editor of the Evening Star.

Sih, —The escape of the convict Robins.. demmds a full and impartial investigation, not only into the facts of the case itself, but of all matters connected with the Stockade. That something is radically wrong in the working and discipline of the establishment must be seen by all, and it se.ms as if th» subordinate officers alone, and not the governor and gioler, were amenable under the rulei and regulations promulgated for the govern ment and discipline of the prison. The ap« pointment of _n Inspec or of Prisons, who would make uncertain visits and proper en quiries into all matters, would perhaps have the effect of keeping the head of the depart ment within bound?, and counteract in some way the extreme power and authority whick have been invested in him by the head of the Provincial Government. Paragraph 5 of the Regulations for the Prison distinctly states that "No prisoner shall be taken from labour and employed in the capacity of cook or cleaner until he shall have completed at least one-third of his sen tence with good conduct." Thi3, on enquiry, will be found to be the exception, not the rule; and it seems as if these " billets" were a kind of sop given to long-sentenced, and in some cases badly-conducted men, to make them more contented with their lot, and induce them to remain quiet and orderly; This Robinson (who has twice before made his escape) was one of thaie. As the cleaner in th*". debtors' ward he has for the last tw« years enjoyed more indulgences and privileges than often falls to the lot of a man sentenced to sixteen years' penal servitude ; bow he has abused the confidence placed in him is now shown ; a desperate and determined ruffian 1 is now at large, armed with a deadily weapon, and it is to be feared that blood will be shed before he is recaptured, even if he is ever taken alive. The new division (of which the debtor's ward is a part) is so built that there is no proper fsnee towards the south, only a, rocky bant sloping down into the back yard, giving easy ingress or egress to the place. This division is often left in charge of one offioor, who is held l-sponsible by tho governor and gaoler for all that takes place. The whole of the warders are overworked, being on duty twelve, and every third day fourteen hours out of the twenty-four; Sun days and holidays are almost unknown words with them ; exposed to all weathers, some of their pists without sentry boxes, or any sort of shelter; no attempt made to render an irk some duty as light as possible, it is not to be wondered at as your contemporary, the Cross, of to-day states, " that they become reckless of the way in whicli they perform, their duty, and indifferent, whether they retain or lose their situations," more especially as for any aftaged* breach of rules or regulation thay are liable to be fined by tho visiting justices "or punished by the governor and gaoler with extra duties, or confinement of the station. During the last sir. month* no less than j eleven officers have been fined from two days to a week's pay each by order of the Visiting Justice. I must apologise for trespassing so largely on your valuable space, but ths insertion of this letter will I hope be the means of advocating the cause of an over worked and ill-paid body of man. I am, &c. VINDICATOE. March 22, 1872. yl ■ [We agree with our correspondent respect ing the folly of overworking the warders, as th«y unquestionably are overworked, and then expecting from them more than human nature can bear. Neither the discipline nor the governor of the gaol is responsible for tho escape of Robinson, but the fttk .J^ c parsimony that comp.ls watch!'? 5 ;'** nature faib. That under the./ 2^* stances no escape from our unfenc] __--<*sia insufficiently guarded prison shoijd have succeeded since thut of Plumuief. nearly three years ago, although some (fourteen attempts have beon made, is nothing less than a marvel, and sufficiently testifies lo tho discipline enforced by Captain Eyre. As for tho escapa of Robinson, with a total remission of his sentence being on the very eve of being made, it would hardly have been contrary to the usages of prison discipline all the ' world over if he had asked for and obtained permission to walk down ui^o the city ungimded and unwatched. Great !as is the satisfaction that we f<*el m ■ exposing tbe la_hes of public departmants, we i candidly own that in the case of this escape : the blame does not attach eitbar to the governor of the gaol or hi* efforts at making the most of his miserably insufficient »P* J pliamcos.—Ed, __.*_.]

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MAUCH 26, 1872.

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RELINQUISHING BUSINESS. ggp 13 FINAL NOTICE. cjgll R. HOBBS TTTILL offer for the next EIGHT WEEKS * * (unless disposed of during that time), the whole of his very large Stock of GENE RAL and HOUSEHOLD DRAPERY, and MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING-, at very low prices. Also (now opening) ex ** NAOMI,' a Large Assortment of Ladies' and Girls' WATERPROOF TWEED JACKETS and MANTLES from the same House in London as those which R.H. had last season, and which gave such universal satisfaction. A Large ar.d Choice lot at 12s. 6d. each, and Girls ditto at low prices, as the whole must be cleared out within the next few weeks. French Meriuoes, Flannels, Blankets, and' all WINTER GOODS at clearing-out prices. Country orders promptly attended to. March 12, 1872. „^l J CATER (late Ckombie's), ROYAL • FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen 9treet, Auckland, has much pleasure in informing 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. C.'s late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civilty 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. begs to announce that his arrangements . for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children { are now complete. X^^nO WORTH of MUSI° and SONGS set to MUSIC to be given away by F. H. Lewisson, Jeweller, Queen street. For each £1 worth of Jewellery purchased at Establishment, the same amount of Songs or Music given in.—F. H. Lewisson, Queen street. NEW ZEALAND 3.EBNS, at T. CRANWELL'S, Domain Road, Parnell, where may be obtained some choice collections of the above, carefully fixed, and preserved to retain their natural form and colour. " For a drawing-room table no more tastefu ornament could be found. Especially suited for presents to English friends."— Southern Cross, November Ist, 1871. "The mounting of the specimens of ferns is ex tremely careful and effective, and the book itself is exactly the kind of thing to chose for a present."— New Zealand Herald, November Ist, 1871. May be had also at the principal Stationers in town OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. THE immense Success attending the intro duction of this new local industry will alone testify to the high estimation in which it is held. During the last year the proprietor was scarcely able to supply the large demand, and has in consequence made extensive alterations and additions to hi* Factory, so as to be enabled to keep the market well supplied. No one who values health and appetite should be without a supply of this really health-restor ing and agreeable condiment. ISold everyw here in Bottles with the name iH. OLSON on wrapper and stamped on Sh> bottle and stopper. mm Auckland, 10th February, 1872,



T. COSGBAVE & CO.'S el MONSTER SALE of DRAPERY and CLOTHING is now on. They have a tremendous lot of Bargains to offer to the public. The Largest Stock in New Zealand to choose from. \TJ ANTED KNOWN.—Just opened, ex VV Naomi, a Choice Selection of Gentle man's Undershirts in Merino, Silk, &c. ; also, New Hats.—S. Coombes' City Clothing Mart, 80, Queon street. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. TT 'is requested that all advertisements, i except those of only a few lines, will he sent in not later than 2.30 p.m., and short advertisements, " Wanteds," ${c., not later than 3 -p.m.