SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

BirNSET: This evening, 6.54 HIGH "WATER: This evening, 3.20 ; to-morrow, 3.55

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

This evening, Lady Bowen, at six i o clock; to-mcrrow morning, Royal Alfred, at ten o'clock

ARRIVALS.

Nebraska, p.s., Harding, from Southern ports Colonist, schooner, Lewis, from the East Coast

DEPARTURE.

Rowena, s.s., McGregor, for Northern ports

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Southern ports : Phoebe, s s., 28th inst. For Northern ports : Comerang, p.s., Friday i For San Francisco : Nebraska, mail steamer, 28th inst For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga: Southern Cross, s.s., 2nd December -■ . For London: City of Auckland, ship, 7th Dec. ,

Queen Bee, ship, in December For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga Wonga, s.s., Gth i)eceinber ; Hero, s.s., 10th December Por New York: Coronilla, barque, early For Southern ports, via Napier: Dacotah, mail steamer, abeut Ist prox

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Gladiateur, barque, from -Liverpool. Sailed sth Pohu^Star, ship, from New York, via Melbourne, Sailed 10th July July ■ = ' . Norham Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 22nd August Dacotah, mail steamer, from Honolulu Agnes Muir, ship, from London. Sailed 4th Sept. Harvest Home, ship, from London. Loading Cadnceus, ship, from London. Loading Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne Amateur, barque, from Sydney Ayr, barque, from the Mauritius Julia Price, schooner, from Levuka Southern Cross, schooner, from Sydney Dauntless, schooner, from Tahiti

The s.s. Kowena took her departure last evening for Mongonui, &c, with a general cargo and a number of passengers. The s.s. Phoebe will leave the Wharf, One hunga, at 8 a.m. on Thursday, and will take her final departure from the Bluff at 3 p.m. for Southern ports. i Messrs Combes & Daldy notify that return tickets by the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company's steamers will be issued at single fares during the months of December and January next. . The mail steamer Nebraska arrived in hasbour this morning from Napier and Southern ports with the following cargo :—6 coal baskets, Henderson, Macfarlane ; 1 tin case, T. Kirk; 40 bags oats for Honolulu ; 25 kegs butter, 1 box seeds and 3 cases, for San Francisco. Passengers :Mr and Mrs Buckland and child, Miss McEae, Miss O'Neil, Miss Brown, Miss Williams, Messrs J. B. Way, McCormick, Higginson, Hesketh, Macfarlane, C O'Neill, Dees, R. Braithwaite, Captain Johnson, and ten for San Francisco. The schooner Colonist has entered at the Customs from the' East Coast arid Napier with the following cargo : 7 horses, 23 pigs, 88 sacks maize, Lewis Bros. ; 1 horse, 10 sacks maize, A. Buckland. j The.ship Robert Henderson has cleared outwards for Napier with 30 barrels cement, J. Pioberton and Co., and in ballast.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING.

The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below t— i": I :

MEETINGS.

Nil Desperandum, Mr E. Home's office. Queen street, Auckland, noon, 27th November Bird in Hand, Grahamstown, 27th November Oriana, Company's office, Queen street, 3 p.m., 28th November New Golden Pah, Company's office, Queen street . ■ Auckland, 2 p.m., 27th November '-" Ttingston, Governor Browne Hotel, Auckland, 3 p.m., 28th November Preece;s Point, Governor Browne Hotel, Auckland, 2 pirn.; 28th November Eavenstock, Company"s. office, Vaile's Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m., 29th November Van, Vaile's Buildings, Wyndham street, Auckland, 3 p.m., 29th November Turn of the Tide, Company's office, 44, Queen street, Queen street, 29th November Christehurch, Grahamstown; 2nd "December"" Thames Gas, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, • Auckland,: Qth December, 2p. mi ..'■ Golden Eagle, Star" Hotel, Newton, 3 p.m., 10th Dec. Paul's Creek, Company's office,. 44, Queen street, " 3 p.m., 10th December City of Dunedin, Grahamstown, 11th December Mary Ann, Grahamstown, 12th December Auckland Permanent Co-operative Building Society, Society's office, Wyndham street, 7.30 p.m., 17th December

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

tlxtLß will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.15 p.m., and to-morrow, at 9.15 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. For CoromSndel, to-morrow, at 9.15' a.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Phoebe, on Thursday, 28th inst,, at 11 a.m. For Newcastle, per Glenhuntly, on Wednesday, 27th inst., at 11a.m. Per p.s. Nebraska, on Thursday, 28th inst., as under— 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, 10.30 at a.m. For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m. For money orders and registered letters and newspapers, at 9 a.m. ~ , *V Late letters for United States of America and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d in additien to the postage, will be received at this office till 11 a.m., and by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. N.B.— The Chief Post-office has been removed temporarily to Fort Britomart. Posting-boxes for the receipt of letters and papers are being erected at Mr. Sharland's, Chemist, Short land-street; and at the Southern Cross office, where letters, etc., may be posted until permanent arrange ments are made for the accommodation of the depart ment. (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1872.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Considerable interest will attach to the action taken in the Provincial Council to-morrow relative to the police. "We may accept it that the subject is intended to be but formally brought before the Council, for we can hardly -think that members will seriously entertain such a retrograde proposal as that for the localisation of the control of the police. Rarely if ever has there been in the province a question capable of discussion which has been pronounced upon with so much unanimity outside the walls of the Council, and though the Council itself has again and again pronounced in a different way, this course was pro bably taken in assertion of its inde pendence of Superintendental autho rity, and will not we trust be persisted in. It is perfectly true that the circumstance of the Auck land police being alone under central control does seem anomalous. But all the greater credit to Auckland. Events forced on the mind of our Superintendent and of the people a necessity which will by and by becqrae equally apparent to the other pro vinces. The Canterbury Council has unanimously requested that the police of that province should be similarly taken over. Surely Auckland will not retrograde at the very hour when the other provinces are waking up jto the necessity for union and uniformity in the police force of the colony. The present somewhat anomalous state of the question is no reason why we should revert to a worse condition as i in days gone by, On the contrary it ( should be an incentive to stand by i what we have got, and to seek to move the G-eneraJ Government and Legis

lature to make the police system thoroughly effective by the consoli dation of the whole of tne police of the colony. In this city unquestion ably all the respectable and decent classes desire the central control of the police, and none but the roughs and those who hope to walk over their backs to influence and power wish for a return of the days of corruption and abuse, such as attended and ever must attend a degraded and a flunkified police.

Wo are glad to notice that the insti tutions, the Parnell Orphan Home, the Old Woman's Refuge, the Ladies' Bene volent Society, and the Destitute Children's Asylum are in such a flourishing state that they do not require assistance. We have in our hands three guineas for each of them, the generous benefaction of the Messrs Isaacs, but as the authorities of these institutions do not appear to want the money, we shall hand it back to the Messrs Isaacs, for their bestowal on some other purpose more requiring assistance.

The rain of the last two days and nights has wonderfully improved the aspect of the fields and gardens in the neighbourhood, which are looking healthy and progressive, and promise an abundance of good things.

An entertainment is announced for St. Matthew's library on Monday next. The musical department Avill be under the direction of Mr Joseph Browne.

A meeting of the Auckland Seamen's Mutual Benefit and Protection Society will take place on Thursday evening at the Thames hotel, for the purpose of passing rules and placing the society on a satisfactory basis.

Mr Creighton will address the electors of Eden at the Newmarket School-room on Monday evening next.

Messrs Clark and Buckland have signified their intention of meeting the electors of Franklin in the Otahuhu Hall, on Saturday, the 30th inst.

Tenders for shingling, painting and re pairing St. Matthew's Church will be re ceived by the warders, Messrs Williams and Burt, until Friday, the 29th inst.

New Zealand medals are now lying in the Militia and Volunteer Office for the under named persons, who are requested to call between ten and four o'clock daily :—Com missariat Transport Service : Win. Dempsey, Auckland Militia ; Thomas Peel, Ist Waikato Regt.; A. H. Thompson, Auckland Militia ; Edward Lynch, Ist Waikato Regt.; L). Russell (Sergt.), 3rd do do ; Thomas Nanke ville, Ist do do ; George Worthington, 3rd do do ; William Smith, 2nd and 3rd do do ; George Knaggs, 2nd do do ; Andrew Hulme, 3rd do do ; Patrick Brennan, 3rd do do ; Joseph Pedan, 3rd do do ; Daniel Callaghan, 3rd do do ; William Malone, 2nd do do ; .John Campbell, 3rd do do ; Albert Loch, 3rd do do Colonial Service : David Oarnie, 3rd Waikato Regt.; Isaac Charles, Auckland Colonial Defence Force ; George Cooper, Mauku Volunteers ; C. F. Hendry, Forest Rangers ; Owen O. Irwin, 4th Waikato liegt.; Thomas R. Wooltield, Auckland Cavalry Volunteers ; William Denham, Engineer Volunteers ; H. F. Harrison, Armed Constabulary ; .John Arthurs, Colonial Defence Force; W. T. Ashcroft, Taranaki Settlers ; llobt. Chalmers, Auckland Rifle Volunteers ; John Copeland, Naval Volunteers.

The members of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers are requested to attend parade +1--T, - — jiiiitt as lvnsiness of importance,™" 11 be introduced at the meeting alter parade.

On Saturday next a practical rifle match, open to all comers with medium rifles, wil be held at the Mount Eden Rifle liange oi: Saturday next, at two o'clock.

The first day of December is the last day on which exhibits will be received for the C'hristchurch exhibition.

The remains of James Stewart JBirdwood, who was killed last week at the United Pumping Association's works, were buried in the cemetery on Sunday. A large number of persons followed his corpse to the grave. He has left behind him a wife and five children. The Rev. James Buller, the Wes leyan minister of the Thames, preached an eloquent sermon on the occasion, and spoke of the deceased as a respectable hardworking citizen, cut off in the prime and vigour of manhood. Deceased was a son of William Bird wood, Esq., Judge of Madras.

The foundation stone of a new church in memory of John Knox, called the Knox Church, was laid at Dunedin yesterday after noon before a large assemblage of persons. The church will cost £7000.

Mr John Sheehan met with an accident yesterday while returning overland from Pahoi, where he had been to purchase land. On arriving at the mouth of the Waiwera river Mr Sheehan attempted to swim his horse across the stream, but as the stream was ebbing rapidly at the time the horse sank overpowered, and left its rider in the middle of the river, who with much difficulty at length reached the shore.

In the case of Wallace v. Pride of Tokatea Gold Mining Company, in the District Court, for the recovery of £50 damages for having removed the plaintiff's name from the re gister while (according to plaintiff's state ment) he was the owner of 125 shares, His Honor gave judgment for the plaintiff and would decide on the amount of damage by next Court day.

A special meeting of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers will be held this evening, after parade, in the Drill-shed. Every member is particularly requested to attend.

Mr Reader Wood will address the electors of Parnell in the Parnell Hall, by request, on Thursday evening.

An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Golden Point Gold Mining Company was held at the office in Auckland last evening, at which 7,767 shares, from a total of 9,500, were represented personally and by proxy. New rules were placed before the shareholders, and it was resolved to adopt them as read in lieu of the former rules of the Company. It was also resolved to in crease the capital of the Company to £5 per share. A committee was appointed to communicate with the manager of the Kapanga mine, and recommend to the next meeting of directors what steps they would advise for the permanent working of the Golden Point mine.

The Masons of Auckland have resolved upon a Masonic pic-nic on Saturday next for the purpose of celebrating St. Andrew's Day. The p.s. Devonport will leave the wharf at nine o'clock.

Tenders are required for certain repairs to the ship Helen Denny. Application to be made to Captain Elliott, or Messrs Owen and Graham. . :

A poor woman named Francis, who has been living in Willow-street, Freeman's Bay, was yesterday very properly taken to the lunatic asylum, and placed under medical treatment. For months past she has been in the habit of running about in a state almost of nudity, and on Friday, by some means or other, her house got on fire, and but for the neighbours, who extinguished the flame, several, bouses iniglit have been destroyed.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

l'africaine.

Messrs Lyster and Caghj must have been highly gratified last evening with the great success that attended the production of this splendid opera. Notwithstanding the very unfavorable state of the weather the Choral Hall was crowded with a large and brilliant assemblage, who testified their delight in the performance by hearty, genuine, and fre quent bursts of applause, such as are seldom accorded. The success of the opera proves the adaptability of the Choral Hall for such productions. The internal arrangements are excellent; there was no disorder, no crowding, and every person was comfortably seated. Notwithstanding the smallness of the stage, which is really the only defect to this mag nificent hall, the various scenes were very effective, amongst which may be especially mentioned the main deck of the Spanish frigate—the Mosque seene —and the beautiful final scene of the upas-tree, with the ocean and coral islands in the distance. All doubts as to whether elaborate scenery or stage effect could be produced was at once dispelled last night. On one or two occasions on the curtain rising an outburst of applause testified the satisfaction of the audience at the endeavours made to gratify their tastes. with regard to the cast: Selica found an able exponent in Signora Zenoni. The dreamy tenderness she infuses into the berceuse "In grembo a me," the true and genuine feeling of devotion shown in the love duet in the fourth act, and the intensity of despair in the last scene when, deserted by Vasco di Gama, Selica comes to the deadly mau canilla tree and welcomes death in the per fumed blossoms, are points in a performance that for a certain melancholy beauty and wonderful pathos has seldom been surpassed. This last scene, as a musical conception, if carried out in its enthety, is sufficient to im mortalize any composer. A more magnifi cent scene could scarcely be produced, and pictorial art certainly has its share in pro ducing an effect that is absolutely over whelming. Signor Coy was received enthu siastically in the character Vasco di Gama. Some of his arias were beautifully ren dered, anil loudly applauded. Signor Coliva was a tower of strength in the opera, his full, rich, powerful baritone voice appearing to immense advantage, especially in the " Averla tanto amcta," in which he was greeted with great applause. His superb voice also could not have|been better employed than in the weird and romantic song " Adamastor re dell'onde profonde." Signora Coy was the Domia Inez, which is equal to saying that the character was as well acted, and the music as well sung as could be Signor Tournerie made an excellent Don Diego, and sang and acted his part most creditably. Siqnor Dondi's fine bass voice was heard to great advantage in the double parts of Don Pedro and the Chief Brahmin. The remaining characters were effectually sustained, the chorus being powerful ami effective, and the orchestra very correct and attentive. The principal artistes were re called at the end of each act, and a genuine outburst of applause greeted them at the fall of the curtain. We are glad to see that this opera will be re-produced next Saturday evening. As we have observed, there was a largo and brilliant audience, and the opera gave univorKal satisfaction. Mr Avey's refreshment bar in the building is a great acquisition to the place, and is well patronised between the acts. Tlio performance last evening did not conclude until a few minutes before twelve o'clock. This evening, that favourite opera, " La Traviata," the production of Verdi, will be performed. The charming Si'Tiora Tio-sisio is cast for Violetta. To morrow, Belline's grand opera of " 1 Puri fcani" will be produced with Signora Coy for Elvira. Thursday evening is set apart for the production of the grand classical opera of "Saffo," in which Signora Zenoni will appeal1 as the heroine, ami Signora liiboldi as Climene. "La Somnambula " will be given on Friday, and " L' Africaine," repeated on Saturday. The season will close on Monday next, the final performance being given on that evening.

CORRESPONDENCE.

RETRENCHMENT.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Slit, —I perceive that some of our provincial legislators, moved doubtless by that spirit of economy so characteristic of persons occupy ing a certain status in society, and to whom the saving of a penny in household affairs is a matter of the gravest consideration, have in their wisdom thought fit to vote a re duction in the number of warders at the Mount Eden gaol. Without at all desiring to cavil or sneer at cottage economy when confined to its proper sphere, I trust I may be permitted to question the propriety of introducing the system into our public departments ; for the merest tyro in political matters muat be aware that an excessive desire for cheese-paring but too often results in a direct reversal of that ancient and dearly cherished kitchen aphorism, "a penny saved is a penny gained," for which these gentlemen appear to entertain such a fond regard. If it has occurred to our local political housewifes that a reduction in the provincial expenditure was absolutely neces sary, *. why in the name of Joe Hume or Alex. Soyer I would ask did they think fit to select the gaol as the proper place for an exhibition of their carrot-scraping propensities? Did it ever stike these Solons that there can be instances where a reduction in the numbers or salaries of officials cannot be safely carried out with out a corresponding impairment in the efficiency of the department ? and that that is what .sensible people call false economy. I suppose no true man will attempt to deny that the warders at Mount Eden are the hardest worked and worst paid public servants of any in New Zealand. The hours of labor at the present time average thirteen throughout the year; (Snnday's excepted), and for this they get the munificent remuneration of 5s lid per diem, Id less than the police—the reason for this I cannot understand. In character and habits a warder must be respectable, sober, trust worthy, and intelligent; a labourer need be none of these, yet he can command 6s and very often 7s for a day of nine hours' labour, with a certainty of having the Sabbath day to attend his church, or to enjoy that re laxation from labour which is the prerogative of the human species, and which we all look forward to with such emotions of anticipated pleasure. Sir, I presume it to be the earnest desire of every head of a public depart ment to maintain under his charge an efficient and intelligent staff of subor dinates, and I would ask how this can be done if our talented councillors in their blind zeal for retrenchment will persist in exacting an inordinate amount of labour for the smallest moiety of salary from an already overworked and underpaid class of men. Surely, sir, it is only natural to suppose that under the circumstances a warder's appointment can only have been accepted as a temporary resting place until something suitable offers, and that the ever recurring changes and other ill effects con sequent thereon must, in a gaol above all places, act most injuriously on the efficiency of the public service. Apologising for tres passing so much on youy space, I am, I So., * * *

THE FIRE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —In your issue of Saturday a local ap pears, in which, after referring to a request made by a correspondent of the previous day, who asked that the name of the member of the Hobson Company should be published who mounted the roof of the Post office by a ladder from Cochrane's buildings, and endeavoured to save it from destruction, you say:—"We have to state that the gentleman who acted so heroically—Mr C. E. Partington—is not a member of the Hobson Company, but an honorary member of the Thames Scottish Volunteers." The statement concerning Mr Partington's having mounted the roof of the Post-office at this pai-ticular time is incorrect. I witnessed the whole proceeding from the time that Mr W. G. Conolly, who is, a member of the Hobson Company, and who really was the gentleman who did, at great risk, raise a ladder, which was handed to him through the skylight of Messrs Cochranes' verandah, and, having placed it on the parapet of their store, ascended to the roof of the Post-office by ci-ossing its parapet, on which he remained until ordered to come down, loudly calling for water. There were a large number of persons who witnessed this brave feat. Amongst those, who like myself were spectators, were Mr Dunningham, some of the police, as well as many by standers.—l am, &c, Eye-Witness.

TELEGRAPHIC

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day, 2.30 p.m

The yield of gold from Ist to 26th of November, from the Thames alone, is 8778 ounces from 6640 tons, which is 1033 ounces more than last month.

The Coromandel yield is 1036 ounces from 995 tons, being a total of 9914 ounces of gold against 8883 ounces last month.

The Golden Crown struck very rich gold to day, and have about oOlbs of specimens. Stuff as rich as ever from the mine is being taken out from the cross leader on the intermediate level. There is a splenclidshow of gold in the face of the lodge three feet thick. The Caledonian has some nice gold in the hanging wall leader, and rise in the Otago stopes. The Black Angel has obtained 501b. speci mens. The Whau has got some nice gold from the winze. The Windsor Castle has some good specimens from the stopes to-day. No change in the Cure mine. A new contract for stoping out has been let.

TAURANGA.

This day, 1.28 p.m

The case of Moffat, for obtaining money under false pretences, is proceeding. He will be committed for trial. The s.s. Southern Cross will sail for Auck land to-morrow.

ALARMING FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

NINE HOUSES BURNT TO THE GROUND. ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO PROPERTY £10,000. LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANIES £2,300. THE CHRISTCHURCH FIRE BRIGADE. (PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.) CHRISTCHURCH. Monday, 7.55 p.m. An alarming fire broke out shortly before seven o'clock in High-street, amidst a closely packed row of shops. It soon got ahead, fanned by a light N.E. breeze. The fire brigades were detained for want of hoses a short time, but were soon into play. The fire is supposed to have originated in Dunkerlys, hatter's shop. It spread thence: right and left. Several stores have caught, and the Bank of New Zealand, Wesleyan Chapel, and Harris, clothier, are in danger. Brigade now working splendidly.

LATER.

Tuesday, S a.m. The following is a list of the places destroyed by the fire last night:— Dunkerleys, hatter's shop. Moss, clothier. Fisher, grocer. Bonnington, book and music-seller. Holmes, confectioner. Percy, bootmaker. McCallum, jeweller. Raphael's Atlantic Bank Loan and Discount Office. Gardiner, pianoforte-maker. Several other adjoining in High-street were considerable losers by water and re moval of goods. • When the fire reached McCallum's it was stopped by the immense quantity of water poured on by the brigade. The flames at the back, however, spread through into the next street, communicating with Raphael's. The brigade worked splendidly, as shown by confining the fire to five houses in a closely packed row of shops, all built of wood. There was scarcely anything saved at any of the places except Percy's, bootmaker, hara moafa of the s.to qk was got out,

The fire was got under shortly after eight o'clock. A curious coincidence occurred. The signal of a false alarm for a trial of the engines was given by the guns going off simultaneously with the ringing of the bells. The damage is estimated at £10,000. The Wesleyan Chapel, Harris (clothier), and Prebble (barber) were in great danger. Had the chapel caught there would have been no possibility of saving the whole block on the other side, including the principal shops in Christchurch. The insurances, as far as at present known, ar e—New Zealand, £1000 ; South British, £400 ; Victoria, £100 ; Pacific, £100. It is believed there are other insurances to the 1 extent of about £700.

WELLINGTON.

This day, 11.53 a.m. The ship Halcione sailed for London. The dwelling-house of Mr Williamson was found on fire last night in three different places. An alarm was given and the Brigade turned out. The fire was extinguished with little damage.

NELSON.

An inquest was held to-day on the body O£ William Small. The deceased had swal lowed a quantity of bluestone. Verdict — temporary insanity. i

HOKITIKA.

Mr White, the member of the House, had a crowded meeting of his constituents last night. A ixnanimous vote of confidence was returned. \.

TIMARU.

This day

The adjourned inquest was held yesterday afternoon on the body of George Blackall .

.but as the jury was not satisfied with the medical testimony the body was ordered to be exhumed for examination by two medical men, and the inquest adjourned until to morrow.

PICTON.

This day. The body of a man supposed to be that of the cook of the City of Newcastle has been found near to the scene of the wreck of that ye ssel.

WESTPORT.

1.10 p.m. The Anderson's claim crushing of 335 tons gave 686 ounces of amalgam, US ounces o f retorted gold. The plates are yet uncleaned. Exhibits for Christchurch are in active preparation. Some -splendid specimens of coal have been -obtained.

DUNEDIN.

This day, 1.40 p.m.

The thirteenth meeting of the Rifle Associa tion will be held in December. £100 and several private amounts have been subscribed for prizes.

MASONRY AND ROMAN CATHOLICISM.

There is some pleasure in dealing with a correspondent like " Veritas." Calmly and rationally he states his case without closing his eyes to the fact that another may see the matter in a, different light without being necessarily bad. We have much pleasure in giving insertion to a second letter from our correspondent, to which we append our reply :—

"Sir, —I am so thoroughly convinced of the correctness of the view I have taken of the question lately raised in Auckland as to Masonry and the Church of Rome, that I would request your permission to still further elucidate my arguments by the following additional exposition of Roman Catholic doctrine bearing upon the subject. That Roman Catholics are bound to obedience to their church on the ground that she is in fallible is apparent from the following from Dr. Doyle's ' Abridgment of Christian Doc trine,' p. 24 :— Q, 'Is the church infalli ble ?'— A. 'She is, and therefore to be believed.' If the church condemns Masonry the Roman Catholic is bound to believe this condemnation is infallibly just, and he is bound to act upon it by rendering full obe dience to the condemnation which he must regard as a matter of faith (1). Until the church pronounces an authoritative de cision upon any question, Roman Catho lics may dispute upon that question, and hold opposing views as they did on the question of the infallibility of the Pope, on the question as to the propriety of the condemnation of the Jesuits (2) by a Pope, and on the question of the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And, being allowed to hold opposite views in such cases, it follows that they are allowed to r.ct on such views. Now the Church of Rome has never condemned Masonry, and not having condemned it, it follows that Roman Catholics are at liberty to believe it is a good order or not, just as they please, and are at liberty to act on their decisions. Masonry, it is true, was condemned by a Bull of Pope Pius IX., but the condemnation of a Bull is not the authoritative condemna tion of the church (3) which a Roman Catholic must believe because he holds it is infallible, and that this is so is proved in this way—Pope Clement XIV. condemned and suppressed the Jesuit order by a Bull in A.D. 1773, (4.) and Pope Pius VII. re-es tablished this order in A.D. 1814 by a Bull also (5.) The fact that a second Bull of an opposite character to that of Clement XIV. was issued shows that it is not held that these Bulls are infallible, and therefore of necessity to be believed and acted upon (6.) I again assert that the Church—the seat of authority to the Roman Catholic—has never condemned Masonry, and therefore the Roman Catholic is not bound to condemn it. You, sir, as a logician, know what ground I stand upon here. The onus to prove a negative does not rest with me, and I challenge any authority in Auckland to do what the laws of logic require in this case, viz, to prove the affirmative —to produce one solitary instance of the Church, the living, speaking, infallible Church, according to Roman Catholic belief on this head, that has ever condemned Masonry ; and until it has been shown that the Church has condemned Masonry—which h.a.B not been done in even

the Bull of Pius IX.—a Roman. Catholic may become a Mason (7). Again, as to confession being an impedi ment in the way of Masonry. In the space possible to obtain in a newspaper for the consideration of this subject I feel the best way I can deal with it is as follows :—I have now before me a book of great authority in the Church of Rome. It is entitled ' St. Liguori on the Commandments and Sacra ments, ' and bears the approving signature of D. Murray, the late Roman Catholic Arch bishop of Dublin. It was published by Duffy, Dublin, a.d. 1852. In p. 255 of this book a section commences headed, .^C&e Confessison must be entire.' ; This ion occupies more than nine pages, ar /ov/s how entire a, Roman. Catholic's concession must be. In this whole section there is not one word which shows that a Mason cannot go to confession and remain still a Mason (8.) In this case, also, I challenge any one in Auckland, or elsewhere, to produce affirma tive evidence on this point.; —Veritas."

(1.) Catholics hold that the Church is in fallible, not only in matters of Faith, but in Morals. They believe that a man is justified by faith and good works, and that consequently the Church has a commission to teach all things that pertain to both. Now, the.Church founding her decision against Masonry on the assumption that Masonry is based on an immoral principle, must be regarded there fore, according to her own principles, as legitimately condemning that institution. (2.) The Jesuits were not condemned. i The order was suppressed from expediency iby Clement XIV., but he pronounced no censure on the order itself. France, Portugal, Spain, and Austria asked for the suppression 1 of the order, on the grounds that the Jesuits were believed to be intriguing and mixing : themselves up in state affairs. The Pope believed this and acted accordingly, and by a \ '' Brief " —not a "Bull"—he suppressed them. A "Brief" is a personal pronouncement, and is not binding on successors. A "Bull" is an authoritative declaration, and, if invested j with certain surroundings, is irrevocable. (3.) This is simply incorrect. A Bull is the authoritative condemnation of anything by the Church, or, as the case may be, its authoritative approval. Our correspondent should not make baseless assertions.

(4.) He did not ; he suppressed them by a "Brief."

(5.) Time, he re-established them, but in this there was no conflict of ecclesiastical .authority. (6.) It is needless to point out how far our correspondent is at sea as to Bulls and Briefs—Condemnation and Suppression. (7.) 'We accept the challenge, and can fur nish, not "one solitary," but any number of instances required, in which " the Church, the living, speaking, infallible Church —ac- cording to Ptoman Catholic belief—has con demned Masonry." Clement XII., in 1738, condemned it in a Bull beginning with the word " Imminenti etc." Benedict XIV, in 1751, condemned it in a Bull beginning,

"Providas Bomanorum Pontificem." Pius VI., Pius VII., Leo XII., Pius VIII., Gregory XVI., and Pius IX have each and all authoritively condemned it ; and if " Veritas" desires the opinion of a Pope on the extent of this condemnation, we find it in the words of Benedict XIV., one of the greatest of Pontiffs. In his Bull of con demnation he says : " Praedecessor noster Clemens Papa XII. nonnullas societates vulgo dictas Liberi Muratori perpetuo dam navit atque prohibuit, etc." "Our prede cessor Pope Clement the twelfth forever condemned and prohibited certain societies commonly called Free Masons, warning all and singular the faithful of Christ under pain of excommunication, to be incurred in the act; from which no one can be absolved through any other save the Roman Pontiff for the time being, unless in articulo mortis, etc., etc., etc.

(8.) St. Liguori is an authority, but in the chapter in question he only speaks of the sin of concealing a sin in confession ; and of course does not specify what is to be told. If, as we have shown, Masonry, according to Catholic principles is a sin against faith and morals, in concealing his participation in the sin, he must be committing sin.

Enough has now been said on this subject. Masonry has been again and again authorita tively condemned by the Popes under pain of excommunication, from which, unless at the moment of death, no man can be absolved save by the Supreme Pontiff himself. If in face of this a Roman Catholic becomes a Freemason—then he must simply bear the consequences.

DISTRICT COURT.

THIS DAY

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., District Judge.) IN RE MONTROSE G.M.C.

This application, by Mr Rees on behalf of the official agent and a shareholder holding 1000 shares, was again postponed until the 10th of December in order that the name of Isabella Dilworth might be removed from the schedule of contributors, and that the shareholders and creditors might have an opportunity of opposing it.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.

I THIS DAY. (Before Joseph May, Esq. (Chairman), Messrs T. C. Cheeseman, S. B. Ludbrook, G. B. Owen, J.P's. DRUNKENNESS. ■ Three people were fined for intemperance. NEIGHBOURLY QUARRELS. Rosa Hutley was charged by neighbour Walker with using insulting and provoking language towards him. Mr Joy appeared for complainant, and merely asked that .the defendant be bound over to keep the peace. i Mr Sheehan, for the defendant, consented 'on condition that the complainant be also bound. Mr Joy was astonished at the boldness of the application, and proceeded to prove his case. T ""> By the evidence it appeared that the litw gants, although neighbours, were rival tradesmen. The charge was of a most frivo lous character, and the case dragged on in a most tedious manner all the morning. In addition to using the language complained of, the complainant deposed that the defendant ran at him with a clothes-prop. This clothes prop was the prop of the case. It was ap parent that the defendant had acted improp erly and with im-^rop-iety, while the com plainant had acted prop-&xly and had shown prop-ietj. The prop-er cause for the Magis trates appeared to be to prop-ortiou. the bonds between them without reference to prop-erty. The defendant's husband was examined, and he deposed jthat from the fact that his next door neighbour's name was Walker he had been considerable annoyed by his wife, aa she was jealous of a party at Melbourne of that name. She was always taunting and blackguarding him about the name, and his life had become a misery. She would say to him, " There's these people of the same' name as that woman been doing so and so.i" The name of " Walker" was constantly being brought before him, and he was heartily sick of it,

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CALLS Bed Queen .. Golden Eagle ;. Ituby-.. • ;. Crown Prince Coromandel Tunnel Bird in Hand Kajahmahal ;. North Devon.. -^faffifilfu Band •".- Aurora.. ' .. .. Morning Star Thames Gas .. Durham Ox ,

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TO FARMERS, SETTLERS, BUTCHERS AND OTHERS. THE Undersigned are Cash Pur-: chasers of Hides, Sheepskins, Tallow, Wool, &«., &c, at highest markets rates. L. D. NATHAN & CO., SHOETLAND STREET (Opposite Post-office), Auckland: ti | j NEAL'S G-ENUTNE TOMATO SAT7CE, prepared from the finest ripe fruit \ only. i NEAL'S ORIENTAL PICKLE, a delicious com-. pound of Sweets and Sours NEAL'S NEW ZEALAND SAUCE, equal to; Worcester Sauce NEAL'S CHUTNEY; a most agreeable condiment supersedes Mustard and more wholesome. B. TONES & CO. WHOLESALE AGENTS. T C A TEE (late Crombie's) EOTAL "T PINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, gM«»«toeet, Auckland, has much pleasure in inform wSiiSttJy?l?*llß blic generaUythat he ha •a^tt^r Buslneus so long carried "^^erieS^^'^d having secured the services of th*t Key wfflT e <2i Perator ' feels warranted in statinK every civility and attention; a! ; «M that no p»^ g 10 .Portraits at his hands, >



T COS &BA YE & CO. ** • Are now Selling- Good Stout Grey Calico, at 3jd Best Scarlet Flannel, lightly damaged, at Is 43 dozen Towels, at 4jd each ■ ;.•-. T2in. Grey Sheeting, at lOjd / ■ 72in. White Sheeting, at is •Heavy Welsh Flannel, at la Merl Grenadines, at Bjd Printed Delains, at 3jd . - White Toilet Quilts, from Cs lid Linen Huck Towling, at GJd 20 dozen Ladies' Stays, at Is Cd White Cotton Hose, from 3i}<l White Marsella, Okl Long Lace Curtains, from 4s 9d 50 dozen Parasols, from Is 3d each Musin Curtains, C yards, from 4s lid per pair. TO THE W0 E KING MEN OF AUCKLAND. rpHE BEST MOLE TROUSEKS in New Zealand can be bought at J. COSGRAVE AND CO.'S at Cs. lid. OPEGIAL CIECULAE. Last and Clearing-out Sale of DRAPERY and CLOTHING before the Final Closing of our Premises, will continue during the month of November. A Large and Well-assorted Stock to choose from, and the whole will be offered at an Immense reduction from former prices. N.B.—The Stock has been REMOVED from the Wakefleld-street Shop into the Queen-street Shop for convenience of sale. White and Grey Calicoes, Flannels, hite Cotton Hose, and a very large assortment of Children's Socks. . Boys' and Men's Clothing. White Shirts, TJnder Vests, Socks, Braces, Ties, &c, at a Great Sacrifice. E. HO BBS, WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPER, UPPER QUEEN STREET, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel. IN consequence of the late fire, SINGER'S SEWING MACHINE DEPOT, Shortland street, is about to be REMOVED, to make room fcrthe General Post-office. Previous to removal, the Stock will be offered at REDUCED PRICES for TWO WEEKS ONLY, and intending purchasers will find it to their advantage to make a. early call. A GASCOINE> Agent. Shortland street (late Rattray's), November 25, 1872. W nHOIiESALE PRICES CURRENT:— £ s d Fine Flour, Silk Dressed, "Crown Brand," per ton of 2,0001bs 19 0 0 Fine Flour, Silk Dressed, "TS&F Brand," per ton 16 0 0 Seconds, per ton ~1200 Sharps, per ton I. 710 0 Bran, per bushel of 201b 0 16 Oats, per bushel 0 3 6 Fowl Wheat per bushel .: .. .. 0 3 6 Wharf Mills, November 25, 1872. LOW AND MOTION'S PEICES CURRENT. "WHOLESALE. £ S. d. Superfine Flour, Silk-dressed, per ton of 2,000 1b 19 0 0 New Mills Brand, Silk-dressed, per ton 2,0001b 10 0 0 Wheat Meal, per ton of 2,000 lb .. 17 0 0 SecondsFlour,:per ton of 2,0001b ..10 0 0 Sharps, per ton of 2,000 lb .. .. 7 10 0 Bran, per bushel of 20 lb 0 10 Maize, per bushel of 601b 0 4 3 Oats, per bushel of4o lb 0 3 0