SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evoning. 6.51 HIGH WATER : This evening, 0.20 ; to-morrow, 0.53

ARRIVALS.

Hercules, schooner, Black, from Newcastle Opotiki, schooner, Baker, from Opotiki

DEPARTURES. Lady Bowen, s.s., for Mahurangi Star of the South, s.s., Uolmes, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For New Caledonia : Ivanhoe, schooner, this eveningf For Southern ports : Phoebe, s s., 28th inst. For Wanganui, via Waikato Heads : St. Kilda, s.s.,

to-morrow For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., Monday !For Ban Francisco : Nebraska, mail steamer, 2Stli inst For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga:

Southern Cross, s.s., to-day For London : City of Auckland, ship, early in Dec.

Queen Bee, ship, in December For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga Wonga, s.s.,

6th December ; Hero, s.s., 19th December For New York : Coronilla, barque, early For Southern ports, via Napier: Dacotah, mail steamer, about Ist prox

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Gladiateur, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed sth

August Polar Star, ship, from New York, via Melbourne,

Sailed 10th July July Norham Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 22nd

AugTLSt Dacotah, mail steamer, from Honolulu Agnes Muir, ship, from London. Sailed 4th Sept. Harvest Home, ship, from London. Loading Caduceus, 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 Success, schooner, from Levuka Merlin, schooner,:fronx Levuka Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastle Effie Meikle, schooner, from Lyttelton

EXPORTS.

Per Ivanhoe, schooner, for New Cale donian, via Norfolk Island—so mats sugar, 13 bags bread, 18 casks cement, 42,000 feet timber, GO posts, 60 sacks flour, Cruickshank and Co ; I case glass, 1 cask oil, 20 tins paint, W. Phillips and Son ; 5 cases fish, 4 ditto meat, S. Thorn and Co. ; 3 parcels, Shirly W. Hill.—Cruickshank and Co., agents. ... .-

Notice is given that the p.s. Golden Crown will lay up for painting and cleaning after Monday next, and her place will be taken by the Royal Alfred. She will resume her trips this day week. The s.s. Rowena will leave for the North on Monday afternoon next. The s.s. Phcebe is announced to leave the Manukau for Southern ports ou Thursday next.

The ship Robert Henderson will proceed South in a few days.

The date of sailing of the ship City of Auckland has been fixed for the morning of Saturday, the 7th December. Captain Ashby, who commands her, intends to re tire on his arrival home, and the " City " will be disposed of. Captain Ashby has traded many years to this port, during which time he has brought out a large number of passengers, who have become scattered over the' colony. He has been a very popular man, and Iris retirement from sea life will be regretted by many.

The ship Helen Denny, from Glasgow, hauled alongside the wharf yesterday, and has commenced to discharge her cargo.

The schooner Hercules arrived this morning from Newcastle with 240 tons coal for Henderson and Macfarlane.

The schooner Opotiki arrived last night from Opotiki with 108 bags maize, 27 casks nil, l oaolr pork, 7 pigs, 4 hides and 12 empties for Lewis Bros. Passengers : Messrs W. Kelly, R. Ring, and a Maori. She has duly reported at the Customs.

The schooner Ivanhoe has cleared out wards for Norfolk Island and New Caledonia, and will leave this evening, weather per mitting.

The s.s. Star of the South cleared at the Customs this morning with a large general cargo and the following paasengers. Messrs Bedell, Coates, Pole, Green, Mrs Winsor and five natives. She took her departure this afternoon.

The cutter Flora McDonald entered inwards at Onehunga this morning from Raglan with a cargo of wool," flax, tow, &c.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING.

MEETINGS.

golden Point, Company's office, Wyndham street, Auckland, noon, 25th November Lion, Grahamstown, 25th November Lucky Diggers, Mr Leers' office, 74, Queen street, 3 p.m., 25th inst Kooringa, Grahamstown, 26th November _$il Desperandum, Mr K. 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 Gcden Pah, Company's oflice, Queen street Auckland, 2 p.m., 27th November ,■ ~ _ #.;,,, Kingston, Governor Browne Hotel, Auckland, 3 p.m., 28th November Preece's Point, Governor Browne Hotel, Auckland, 8 p.m., 28th November ' Ji Eavenstock, Company's office, Vaile's Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m., 29th November ~j ; 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 Ghristehurch, Grahamstown, 2nd December Thames Gas, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 9th December, 2 p.m. Golden Eagle, Star Hotel, Newton, 3 p.m., 10th Dec. Pauls Creek, Company's office, 44, Queen street, 3 p.m., 10th 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.

POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND. Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, on Monday, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. . For Coromandel, on Monday, at 10.30 a.m. For Wanganui, per St. Kilda, this day, at 5 p.m. Forsßussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Kowena, on Monday next, at 3 p.m. Per p.s. Nebraska, on Thursday, 28thinst., asunder— For Sandwich Islands. British Columbia, United States of America, British Central, and South America, British and Foreign West Indies, aHd ■a n,enfc of Europe via England, 10.30 at a.m. Dor United Kingdom, via, San Francisco, at 10.30 ».m. '.'..■■ .■ . npwa««rioney _. orders and registered letters and newspapers, at oa.m. and *ttiu?S for United States of America addition t n + |ln^om, bearing a late fee of Gd in oflUStmii $8 9W&> will be received at this Iw9te%fffi3r has been removed land-strelt; MlS&^f Chemist, Short letters, etc., may be nested wtw Cross offlce > where ments are made for the l P nm«il,P«rmanent arrange ment. tne accommodation of the depart (^ned) S,B,Bi Ss . chief p 9Btma9tey

BIRTH.

Rees.—On the 22nd inst., at Riverside, Shelly Beach, the wife of William J. Rees of a daughter.

DEATH.

Wardell. —On Nov. 23, Emma, infant, daughter of George and Ellen Wardell, aged 5 i months.

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1872.

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

T_H_#recent fire is rapidly passing from tho public mind, and it will soon prove to have been but a nine days' wonder. We scarcely venture to hope that any practical action will result from the disgraceful scene enacted in the streets of Auckland on Wednesday morning, but the circumstances should not be allowed to pass into oblivion without leaving their imprint on the public memory. We have net any desire to speak severely of any one—not half so severely as current common remark. At the same time we have no desire to speak in namby-pamby fashion of proceedings that could riot be paralleled in any other part of the world, outside of New Zealand, and which may be repeated with equal and even greater disaster. It is difficult to say whether the painful or the grotesque most characterised the scene in Fort-street, but it was one that should be laid to heart by all admirers of constitutionalism. Mr Matthews, who represented the In surance Companies, was at work according to his way of thinking, when Mr. Asher, as representing municipal authority, cut off his water. Mr. Kitchen, who held in his hand the authority of the Provincial Government to control the water, declared for Mr Matthews, and de manded that the water should flow. Mr Philips, as Mayor, and holding in his hand the Municipal authority, braved the representative of the Provincial Government, and .standing by Mr Asher prohibited any inter ference. Then there was an appeal to the police, as representing the General Government, to interpose between the conflicting Provincial and '

Municipal authority, who proceeded to: make arrests in an indis criminate way, alternately 'bullied and defied And thus the three authorities engaged in fierce fight wbiile the flames raged overhead re gardless of the complications of our magnificent forms of constitutional government, or the intricate questions that were being solved in the street below. ' And "all this will pass away with but a sentimental expression of pity that it should have occurred so inopportunely, and that it should have resulted in so great calamity. And the partizans of the several combatants will take their several sides, and every- : thing 'will seem arranged if it can be ; shown that neither side was to blame, j Will there be no one to stand boldly ; forth and speak an honest word, and I despite the claims of friendship demand : that the public interest shall be the first consideration ? ~No one will deny j that the present relations of the fire brigades, and the total arrangements | for the suppression of fires in the city are a source of public danger, and in such circumstances the man is a traitor to the public interest that would speak with honeyed words on the subject. Mr Asher has been for some sixteen years connected with tbe suppression of fires in the city, and this, in the eyes of many constitutes a vested right in the office. It signi fies not whether he is fitted or unfitted to command men, and to direct with courtesy, and coolness, and firmness, the operations at a fire. This is not the ground of consideration in his re tention in the command, but merely that he has been sixteen years in coin maud, and that his Worship the Mayor is his friend and protector. His services were dispensed with by the Insurance Companies because they had not confidence in him ; but whether this is to the praise or dispraise of Mr Asher re mains an open question. It is very evident from Mr Pierces letter in our issue of yesterday, aud from the con duct of the Insurance Brigade on Tuesday night, that the town may go to blazes, and all the men, women and children in it, with all their belongings, be turned to cinders, provided that the property of the Insurance Companies is saved. This being the professed policy of the Insurance Brigade it may be to the credit of Mr Asher that he had not the confidence of the companies, and it is possible that his desire to save property simply without being swayed by the question of ownership may have made him unpopular with his employers. If this is so his loss of favour with the com panies should gain him favour with the public. But the impolicy of placing him in a position which gave him the command of the mau appointed to fill his place might have suggested itself to anyone of ordinary intelligence. Mr Matthews may be very well fitted for his position for anything we know to the contrary, but he has given no evidence any more than Mr Asher that the suppression of fires in the city can be safely placed in his hands ; and it is needless to say that as his business is only to look after the pro perty of the Insurance Companies, and to save other property only when he has nothing else to do, no confidence whatever can be placed in his services, and he and his brigade ; should be made to occupy a very subordinate position, if indeed their interference should be tolerated at a fire at all. To neither the water nor anything else belonging to the public should they be regarded as having any right whatever unless they use these privileges for the common advan tage. Nothing could be more unsatisfactory than the present confused arrangements. They are a heritage from the old abuses of the City Board, and we call on the City Council as gentlemen of intelli gence and public spirit to boldly grapple with this difficulty, and no longer leave the city prostrate before this devouring element. It was once proposed to form a " Hook and Ladder Company," the only institution really suited to our circumstances. We urged its formation with all the persuasion we could command. A person thoroughly accustomed to the drill and operations of such a com pany was prepared to organise it, but he must be under the command of Mr Asher. Such was the condition, and he declined it. Mr Asher " had been sixteen years " in command, and must be in command till the end of the chapter. The principle of old-fogeyism, that whatever has been is best, has ever been the curse of Auckland, and it has burned the Post-office. We are very far from saying that Mr. Asher may not be thoroughly fitted for the position which he holds ; but as we have said' it is not for this that he holds that position, but because "he has been sixteen years" in command, and he has a party that sticks to him, and will keep him. in command. And there is no necessity for re moving him. But over both him and the Insurance Companies' Superintendent there should be some one appointed who has really had ex perience in the suppression of fires, and to whom it would be economy to -pay a good salary. The experience of Mr Asher as of other citizens in Auck land has been not as to how fires are suppressed, but as to how they bui-n. Let us obtain an ex perienced chief, whether called In spector, Superintendent, or whatever

else--; under hitn let us place, the I two brigades, aud their commanders, with power to enforce their implicit obedience, or to accept their resigna tions. And above all things let there bo formed a " Hook and Ladder Brigade/ trained to run like eats up a wall and over a roof to sweep away the cinders; to cut away what is on fire, or to throw a bucket of water'where a bucket of water may suppress the beginnings of a confla gration. The three brigades placed once under a man of experience, not chosen because of his belonging to this clique or that, or being a dependent of some little great man, but from his ! genuine experience, and we should . soon see these fires more amen- ' able to control. It is the merest chance that half of the city is not now iri ashes. The burning of the Government buildings is a dis grace that should make the twC fire ' superintendents and their men hang their heads in very shame, and should ' make the City Council deal out scant i courtesy in the treatment of them. | And yet we expect, that Mr Asher hay- I ing his party, and Mr Matthews having his friends, and every one being "■ afraid ' of giving offence," tho crime of the burning the Government buildings will be condoned. Is there not one iv j ihe City Council, is there not one in ' the Provincial Council, with manliness j enough to take this matter in hands, and, scattering to the winds all con- | siderations of friendship or imaginary I vested interests, deal with it honestly? j Efforts will be made to hush up the [ burning of the Custom-house; and I efforts will be made to perpetuate tho present unsatisfactory arrangoments for trifling with fires. Will those efforts be successful? Will clique and friend ship prevail? And shall we fold our selves up again in imaginary security, and leave our citizens to be roasted in their beds, and the city to be wasted with fire ?

With reference to a letter in yesterday's issue, asking that the name of tlie member of tlie Hobson Company who displayed so much courage in mounting to the roof of Coalmine's buildings on the night of the fire should lie publicly made known, we have to statu that the gentleman who acted so heroi cally —Mr F. C. Partington—is not a mem ber of the Hobson Company, but an honorary member of the Thames Scottish Volunteers. Mr Partington's name is already well known in connection with excellence in rifle shoot ing, and his conduct on this occasion, in taking the very post of danger, shows that his is the stud of which soldiers should be made. This gentleman might have saved the Custom-house had water been given to him. Standing exposed to the terrible heat he called for water till he w*as hoarse, and was merely ordered to come down.

jst-la our telegrams it will be seen that Mr Mackay's interview witli the King is denied by a native. We are in a position to vouch for it that that natives lies.

The adjourned meeting of the shareholders of the.Working Miners' Company was held yesterday. We are obliged to hold over till Monday a lengthy account of the proceedings. The directors came up to answer for them selves, and each one assured the meeting that each of the others was an honest man. We cannot say what effect this mutual certifying to character may have had on the meeting, but it was unanimously resolved that the directors should be called on to resign. We observe that our action in urging tlie shareholders of this claim to look into their affaire has been resented by the directors, and they hold out a threat that "they are prepared and determined to prosecute any person or paper that should reflect on their proceedings." We are accustomed to this style of thing. The last threat we had was from the Green Harpers. We invited them to come on ; but where are those Harpers now ? Let the Working Miners' do well, and fear nothing. We are a terror only to evil-doers, but a praise to them that do well The letter of '' Veritas " will have insertion on Monday. A large number of other letters are unavoidably held over. Messrs. Samuel Cochrane and Son sold this day, at the rooms, Fort-street, the following salvage from the late fire in Fort-street fai th* following prices :—The salvage recover able from the site of Messrs Bucholz and and Co.'s store, realised £43. Salmon, lib tins, lis 9d per dozen ; candles, lOfd per lb ; oysters, 6s 7d per dozen ; prepared chocolate and milk, 10s 9d per dozen; pipes, 6s per box ; pickles, lis 3(1 per dozen ; salad oil, 0s lid per dozen, and a lot of sundries realised good prices. The yachts belonging to the Auckland Yacht Club went out for cruise this after noon. There was a fresh breeze blowing from the N.E., and the various vessels behaved excellent in beating out of harbour. Among the vessels were the Spray (carrying the vice-commodore's flag) Sabrina, Fleet wing. Energy, Zodiac, and others. The ruins of Webb's buildings, Fort-street, are still smouldering, and men have been busy among the debris throughout the morn ing, others arc removing thej remains of the Post-office. The Convent of Mount St. Mary yesterday was a scene of gaiety and animation in con nection with the children of the convent school. The Right Rev. Dr. Croke, presided, and Fachers Walter Mac donald, Paul, Joseph, and Norris took part in the proceedings. The chief object of the gathering was the distribution of prizes to the children, who were examined on the 14th inst., and the performance of the first act of "Joan of Arc." The dresses worn by the children who took part in the per formance were elegant, and the epilogue, spoken by Miss Gray, was delivered with great effect. Forty-two orphans are baarded and comfortably provided for in the estab lishment in addition to twenty-five pupils living in the Convent. The day was plea santly passed on the Mount, and every one appeared highly gratified with the day's pro ceedings. On Tuesday next a trial of mowing machines, in connection with the late Agri cultural Show, will take place on Mr Macky's I farm at Otahuhu. The Thames Star reports that a soiree was held in the Presbyterian Church, Tararu, on Thursday evening, to raise funds for paying off the debt on the building. The tables were presided over by ladies resident at Tararu and elsewhere, after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. James Hill, Rev. S. Wilson, Rev. J. Buller, and some very choice pieces of music were performed by a choir under the leadership of Mr Mitchell,

rWe have received the following suggestion j as to a means of checking the malversation of goMen specimens. We fear that with managers to whom such a check would be necessary, it would not prove effectual. If human ingenuity is set to work by human rascality, Diabolos'himself won't hold it : — "Sir,—lt is a plan that-I.think, if fairly, tried,, would be found-to improve the present system of dealing with specimens. There should be a box placed at the mouth of the drive, locked to a strong fixture, so that it could not be removed without the manager's key, and made so that specimens could be placed in it and hot to be got out without unlocking the box, which should have two locks—tlie mine manage!1 one key, the Bank the other. Iriside there should be a small box locked.and.fastened to one side. When they are taking down specimens, the manager, assisted by a man (not always thesame), should1 pick out tlie specimens, and at once weigh them and put them into I the box at the end of the: drive, enter them into a duplicate check-book, the manager to lieep the book, the check placed in the letter box, first signed by the man iv attendance. These checks shoukt licit be taken from the small box except at a directors' meeting. After the specimens are placed, in the box the mine manager should be held responsible until they are given over to the bank. —I am, etc., A Shareholder."

Our readers will have observed that Mr and Mrs B. N. Jones left our shores for Sydney by the Hero last evening. Mr Jones had been in Auckland nearly five years, and had won the good will of citizens generally. He was formerly manager of'the ' PrinrSie of Wales' Theatre first for Mr Bennett, and subsequently for Mr Hall.. He then became the lesse,e.of the Theatre,,which he held for two years ; during this period many choice dramatic pieces of undoubted merit were put upon the stage. Mi-' B. N. Jones has introduced many performers of acknowledged ability into our city among whom we may mention, Cagli's Opera Troupe, Professor Haselmayer, the burlesque actresses, Zavi^ towski Sisters, the Simonsen's ] Operatic Singers, and those excellent comedians —Mr Hoskins and Miss Colville, who held under Mr Jones' a successful nine month's engage ment. Mr Jones is a good actor, and throws life and energy into his characters. Mrs Jones also is an excellent actress in her particular line, especially as " Lady Creamly" in the " Serious Family." Mr Jones intends, we hear, to procure a Dramatic Company in Sydney ; and unless some event intei*venes we may expect him and Mrs Jones in this city in February. Mr Harry Kelly was also a passenger by the Hero to Sydney, where he intends organising a Minstrel Company, and will return shortly after Christmas. Mr and Mrs Walter Hill left for the South by the s.s. Taranaki on Wednesday last. Mrs Hill is a special favourite with the patrons of the drama ; and from her long residence in this city, and her graceful acting, she has earned a large share of public esteem.

Nos. 1 and 3 Companies of the Rifle Brigade were drilled at the Princes-street Drill-shed last evening. The men, twentytfive in number, went through their coolutions, maching and counter-marching with tolerable ease.

A Provincial Government Gazette issued last night notifies that re-entry has been made by the lessor upon grounds demised by leases at Tararu and Coromandel; that a writ issued on the 24th ultimo for the election of a mem ber for the Northern Division has been returned certifying that H. B. Stoney has been duly elected ; that part of au allot ment at Onehunga is offered for a lease of one year to Messrs Cochrane ; that tenders will be received at the Superintendent's office until the 9th prox., for the lease of the Education Reserves f that several boundaries of the Tararu arid Waiotahi Highway Districts are altered and amended ; that Thomas R. Jones be chair man, and Alexander Mill a member of the Kauaeranga Highway Board ; that George Cantwell be a member of the Waikomiti Board ; and that Roderick McLean- be a member of the Waipu ; that Robert W. Martin be collector of rates for Rukeatua; and W. J. Mundy, of Chapel - street, Auckland, for Tauranga ; also, that by-law was passed by the City Council on the 4th instant to prevent the attaching or placing of sign-boards, goods, or other things to or upon verandahs over public footways ; also, an order authorising the construction of the Thames Tramway; a scale of charges for insertion of advertisements in the Gazette ; that Mr Staunus Jones has been appointed to act as a Commissioner under the " Auckland Improvement (Albert Barracks Reserves) Act" of the General Assembly, with other matters affecting public interest.

A meeting of persons interested in the Whau coal prospecting enterprise was held in the British hotel yesterday at two o'clock. Mr Buchanan took the chair and introduced the report of the manager, which showed that boring t" the depth of forty feet had been made, a thin strata of coal had been found, and that the prospects as far as they had gone were very encouraging. Mr Kees ing proposed " That a committee be appointed to examine the ground and report thereon within fourteen days." Mr Keesing inti mated that he was willing to risk capital upon prospecting the district. A gentleman present, whose name did not transpire, pro duced some specimens of coal obtained near his own land. Mr McCaul opposed the motion, and proposed as an amendment, "That subscriptions should be applied for from residents in the districts and others to enable the further prospecting of the Whau district," which was carried. On Wednesday next Mr Reyburn will move in the Provincial Council:—" That a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Superintendent requesting him to place on the additional estimates the sum of £200 for the encouragement of agricultural societies in this province." W re perceive that Mr F. W. Cullie, piano forte tuner, has commenced operations in our midst, and has lowered the price of tuning to the reasonable sum of 2s 6d. We have no doubt of the success of this gentleman's enterprise, and from his well-known abilities a large trade will be commanded. One of Mr Taylor's men, engaged upon the outer T of the wharf, met with a severe accident yesterday while working under the' wharf. His leg was so much injured that it was found necessary to remove him to his home, where he now lies unable to follow his employment. Mr Johnson, a shipping clerk on the wharf, who met with an accident some time ago through a bale of goods falling on him, met with a second accident yesterday while as sisting to load a dray. Some iron work fell upon the injured.Umb and snapped it be tween the foot and knee. He was at Once conveyed to his lodgings in Albert-street, where he received immediate attention,. but it is feared that he will be^nable to follow his employment for some weeks to come. A large and influential meeting was held on Monday at Panmure, for the purpose of establishing a school there, and a committee for the carrying out of the object was formed, consisting of Messrs Cawkwell, Gould, Ireland, Ryburn, and Wylie. We understand, that in consequence of pressing requests Mr Cass has consented to re-deliver his lecture oh " premillennar ianism." ' ..ii'l^!-''''/ "JIAA'; -'■•";/

To gentlemen requiring first-class tobacco and cigars, if'they, would only visit Mrs Sharpe's neat little American Tobacco and Cigar Divan (next Bank New Zealand) .they may purchase the same cheaper than in any lather house in the city. No inferior goods kept in stock ; would not purchase such for the-public at any price. One trial is suffi cient to guarantee j a continuance of custom. Give a-call.—A-OVTi

The entrance from Shortland-street to the temporary Telegraph-office in Custom-house Hotel, Fort-street, has been found a great convenience to persons using the same. We observe that Mr S, Brown has opened a capital reading-room on the spacious pre mises formerly known as the '* Club." The room is Well stocked with papers, and has many cdnverilenc.es. A very handsome bar has also been erected at the entrance. Among a number of curiosities here, Mr- Brown, jun., has a model Hour mill, -WOi-kefd. by a colony of white mice. They are an in dustrious set of millers, and do not restrict their labours to nine hours a day.

THE SHARE MARKET.

J. M. LENNOX'S REPORT.

Business continues dull. My sales com prise—Caledonian, £15 10s, £15 ; Thames, £5 ; Cure, 31s 6d ;. Nonpareil, 375. _ Closing buyers — Caledonian, £14 10s; Thames, £4 15s; Cure,- 31s Gd. Sellers at a slight advance upon; these quotations. - _„ .! I

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL SESSION XXVIII.

I FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22. ; The Speaker took the chair at three o'clock-. Present: Messrs Hurst, Lusk, Hay, Douglas, Stoney, Lundon, McLeod, Hamlin, Maxwell, Swanson, Prime, Kerr, May, Shanaghan, Carleton, Taylor, ', Shepherd, Ellis, Bassett, Reyburn, Brookfield, Philips, Dignan, Swan, Macready, Beyeridge, Tonks, Boylan, Cad man8, Creighton, and Gordon. Mr Brookfield presented a petition from James McKerras, asking for compensation for losses sustained by a landslip on the railway line. Mr Lusk stated, in reply to a question from Mr, Shepherd, . that the Mangawai Hkrbodr Improvement Act had been pre pared. It was subsequently received by message from the Superintendent, and read for the first time, and to be read a second time on Wednesday next. The Industrial School Reserves Bill will also be read a second time on Wednesday next. The debate on the Point Russell claim was adjourned until Tuesday next. The Council then went into committee to con sider the estimates, a great number of which were passed. The report, on the motion of Mr McLeod, of Messrs' Barry and Nolan, on their expedition into the Taupo gold district, ■ was ordered to be printed. Mr Macready's motion on the water supply was agreed to. The Council adjourned at half-past ten.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

VS BALLO IN MASCHERA

Verdi's grand opera of " Uu. Ballo in Maschera was performed last night at the Prince of Wales Theatre with great success. The theatre was filled with a large and appreciative audience—a contrast to the scanty houses the company experienced at the Choral Hall. We were better pleased with this opera than any of the preceding Ones, and if we may judge by the rapturous applause that greeted the performance at each stage we were not alone in the belief. Signora Bosisio in her impersonation; Of the heroine (Adelia) showed the great facility she possesses of exhibiting rapid phases of character in the same impersona tion. Her horror at seeing what she consi dered the spectre of one who had been executed on the lonely heath on which she* stood was most startling. This was suc ceeded by passionate entreaty that Riccardo (for it was he) would, for the sake of her honour and fair fame, and also respect for her husband (his friend Renato), leave her. Another rapid transition took' place when yielding to the Earl's entreaties she confessed that she loved him. This was a splendid piece of acting. The next fine scene was when closeted with her husband, and threat ened by him with death instantly because he believes her faithless. She pi-otests her innocence and pleads to be allowed to kiss her child, ending with this touching appeal : I'd speak to him before I die, A mother's prayer thou'll not deny ? Ah I no, thy nobler, better part Will feel for my maternal heart, Will let his cherished, lips console i'»i C My trembling, fainting, fleeting soul; Will, as I sink to death's repoi.e, Let that dear hind mine eyelids cloce. Th' expiring light of life within, Its last faint gleam shall turn on him. '-; € Nothing could have been more pathetic. Signora Bosisio was in good voice, and her splendid acting fairly took the house by storm. Signor Coliva was exceedingly happy in his conception of the part of Renato. Tremendous applause greeted his aria—

Yes, 'tis he who robbed me of all I prized, __.. That my life might have sped in adoring. It was of course encored. Signora Coy was very pleasing and effective as Edgardo. Her sparkling aria, "Say what he's wearing?" was raptuously encored, and showers of, bouquets greeted the fair artiste at its finish. . Signor Rosnati gave a very truthful picture of the character of Riccardo, and his death song, "No, no, touch him not," was beautifully and pathetically given. Signor Dondi, as Samuello, one of the conspirators, sang " See flushed with anger " with much expression.. Signor Riboldi's was a fair representation of the part of Ulrica. The other characters were well sustained, The choi-uses were very effective. This evening Bellini's grand opera of'" Norma " will be given. TPhe cast is a strong one, and includes Signora Zenohi, as Norma ; Signora Coy, as Adalgisa ; Signor Rosnati, as Pollio; Signor Benso, Flavius ; Signor Dondi, Oroveso; and Signor Toumerie, Clotilde. This opera will be played in the Prince of Wales Theatre. After to-night, Signor Cagli intends again to return to the Choral Hall, where the renowned opera, L'Africaine will be produced on Mon day, r...■-,...: !i v

The Wanganui Herald says :— It is the intention of Sir George and Lady Bowen (says the Otago Daily Times) to make Fern Hill their residence for a few weeks before the end of the year. On the occasion of the Governor's visit to Dunedin His Excellency will be accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, who is desirous of making himself personally acquainted with this part of the Colony. This will be the first visit paid by. Lady Bowen to Dunedin. The JEvening Post says:—By the last mail from Kngland Bishop Moran, of Dunedin, received from Rome his brief, appointing him to administer the diocese of Wellington, and he may be expected to arrive from the south by the next steamer We learn that there is a probability of New Zealand being made a Roman Catho lic Archbishopric, in which case it is more than probable that Bishop. Moran would be created Archbishop. '

ESSAYS AND SKETCHES.

IX.—Words about Roses,

The month of November in England has» character of its own in direct opposition to the November of these sunny islands. J a England this month is proverbial for fogg and suicides ; but here, in New Zealand it is associated with clustering carnations and masses of full-blown and budding roses, and Nature is fairer, if not quite so fragrant,' as at home in a May dress. The rose has alwayg in all ages, been a favourite flower— the em blem of maidenly beauty and untainted innocence. It has been reverenced and poetized as a memento of affection, regarded as a symbol of the brevity of humaj_ufpV and cherished as a sweet memory.of\/i parted worth. The rose isfrequently planted on the silent grave of friendship, and worn on the maiden-breast. The rose was promi nent, on the arms of the Princess of Lippe and tie Dukes of Saxony. The white rose of York, and tbe red rose of Lancaster, live in the pages of history. That sturdy, hrcti not fahltless, reformer Luther was partial to the rose, and had the image of one en graved oh his seal. The fourth Sun day in Lent was formerly known 4h ; Rome, ahd! blessed by the Holy Father as the Rose Sunday. On this par ticular Sunday the Pope consecrated tie? golden rose, which was forwarded to some . crowned head, or to some church, and was regarded by its recipients as a token of the Pope's favour (a gracious boon), and re cognition of certain religious or princely rights. Not only has" the rose been asso ciated with priestly and princely offices, and the writings of historians and poets, but scripture embalms the sovereign flower as a fragrant type of Him who was the "rose of Sharon;" and as an illustration of the ultimate triumph of Christianity and true civilisation when . the "wilderness shall blossom as the rose. We, of this city, are to have a show of roses in the course of next week. In every garden nearly around this city may now be witnessed roses ; and in the windows of seedsmen various .specimens are beautifully , arranged that all may see and admire the roses, and learn that the beautiful and useful exist as designed in harmony far, each other. In connection with these univer sally loved flowers we may be permitted to associate an interesting account of a man who bore the name of Rose, and who had a special attachment to Roses. Some five or six summers ago we were travelling through the suburban village of Barnes, which lies midway between Hyde Park and Richmond, and in the shadow of the rural church we observed several rose trees in full blossom, bending gracefully over a simple stone, erected in other years to the "Memory of Edward Rose, merchant and citizen of. Lbndoh, who departed this life July 13, 1653" — just two hundred and nineteen years ago. The tomb stone, however, with its flowery sins; roundings, were evidently the objects of seasonable care. The particulars of the life of Edward Rose are simple and natural as ' the |wild flowers ; and his story is but a repetition of .the stories of other successful lives. He was originally a poor lad of humble birth, who passed from the green fields into the thronged streets of the metropolis. He worked his way from the lowest to the highest position in a city ware house, by commercial prudence and activity, he gathered a sufficiency of wealth to enable him to build a cottage at Barnes, .. to which place he retired and lived peace. He did'hot-marry, ahd, so having no family roses of his own to train in the honourable paths of industry ahd! | virtue, he conceived a poetical attachment to his sweet summer namesakes, which lie X assiduously cultivated in his Bame's garden.- '. His love of roses, moreover, seems to have, been " strong in death," for when Edward Rose died he bequeathed the sum of twenty pounds to the parish to be laid out in the purchase of a piece of land for the benefit of the deserving poor of Barnes on the condition that a portion of the rent should be used in c planting and preserving half-a-dozen rose-; trees around his grave. Thus, for the sum of twentyTpounds, Edward Rose immortalized his name in the flowers which smile upon his iesting place. It was a singular bequest, and;; we looked with sonic degree of satisfaction/,. upon the citizen's useful roses, and could not _*. but think favorably of the old citizen/ Surely a niggardly cold-hearted man can have no deep-rooted love for flowers, a love which is associated with; the finest and mostsus=; 5 ceptible feelings of- humanity. In :tl»^ throbbing heart of busy London,amid the-*. hurry and bustle of. commercial enterprise, Edwardßose fora time may have forgotten the fields and wayside hedges, and the little home stead of his earliest years, but when he retired to Barnes, among the stillness of rural life, honeysiickles and roses, his memory reverted to old times,-until his eyes were filled with strange tears of tenderness and joy. Edward Rose possibly gathered hope and consolation from the roses in his simple enclosure, or his love of them might have arisen from a vain desire to perpetuate his name in rose-leaves, so that the roses in Barnes churchyard might breathe his epitaph on the night winds in odours sweeter than words. Whatever his motive, whether selfish or humane, it sß.'^ certain that he considered the poor of the neighbourhood, and his happy bequest has .. been the innocent means of feeding the hungry, and placing many a welcome loaf upon the tables of many poor families from the days of Charles the Second to the days of Queen Victoria. The rose-land, purchased with the citizens' money, is continually increasing in value, and consequently widen ing in usefulness. The rose-trees still look green upon his grave, and to all reasonable appearance it will be adorned with his poetical name-sakes for centuries to come. r _888.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS.

One drunkard was fined 10s and costs. "home, sweet home." Anthony E. Cowan, an old gaol-bird, Wf.A charged with loitering, yesterday zboy^Agf' public gaol at Mount Eden. The charge was proved by Laing, one of the warders of the gaol. The prisoner cross-examined the Warder., at length on matters of gaol discipline. Be informed the Court that he was there with his water-cresses, , ■'■'-. His Worship said that he was afraid they, were steeped with rum, and cautioned him against selling water-cresses in that locality. On this occasion, however, he would dis charge the prisoner. RUNNING AWAY WITH THE HARBOUR BOARD. Thomas Taylor was charged with robbmg the Harbour Board of a board, which was valued at Is, from the wharf. ' • '. Z A The prisoner said that when he took it lie • thought it was useless. , . * He was discharged with a severe caution. HUSBAND AND WIFE. James Hennessy was charged on a warrant with threatening the wife of his bosom. After hearing the evidence hia Worship ordered him to enter into a bond for £10, and find two sureties to keep the peace for three months. , < SUNDAY LIQUOR TRAFFIC. ' "' •■■ Robt. Gallagher, landlord of the Shake-

ran EYEKiya wm, SATtmftAty yovEimett M issl



line following are the current calls and dividem myable in the companies named below :— £ s. d.

DIVIDEND Cure .. ...... 0 8 0 Nov 26 CALLS Emily 0 10 Due Watchman ... .. 0 10 Nov-23 Ked Queen .. .. 0 0 6 NoV 26 Golden Eagle .. 0 0 8 Nov 26 Buby .. .. .. 0 1 0 Nov 27 Crown Prince .. 0 0 6 Nov 28 Coromandel Tunnel 0 10 0 Dec 2 Bird in Hand .. 0 10 Dec 2 Eajahmahal '.. .. 0 0 2 Dec 2 North Devon.. .. 0 0 6 Dec 2 Sea View \. .. 0 0 6 Dec 2 Flagship .. ,." 0 0 3 Dec 4 Hand and Band .. 0 0 6 Dec 9 Aurora.. .. .. 0 10 Dec 10 Thames Gas .. .. 0 5 0 Dec 14 Durham Ox .. ..006 Dec 30



T COSGRAVE & .00 . ' * Are now Selling- Good Stout Grey Calico, at 3id -Z;- Best Scarlet Flannel, lightly damaged, at ls 41 dozen Towels, at 4\d. each'--.. 72in/Grey Sheeting; at 10?»rt A'. 72in. White Sheeting', atls. Heavy Welsh Flannel, at is > Marl Grenadines, at Bkl Printed Delains, at 3kl White Toilet Quilts, from (is lid Linen Huck Towling, at Old 20 dozen Ladies' Stays, at Is 6d White Cotton Hose, from 8J& C White Marsella, 9Ad Long Lace Curtains, from 4s Od 50 dozen Parasols, from ls 3d each Musin Curtains, 0 yards, from 4s lid per pair. TO FARMERS. SETTLERS, BUTCHERS AND OTHERS. THE Undersigned are Cash Pur chasers of Hides, Sheepskins, Tallow, Wool, &c, ifcc, at highest markets rates. L. D. NATHAN & CO., SHORTLAND STREET (Opposite Post-office), Auckland. NEAL'S GENUINE TOMATO SAUCE, prepared from the finest ripe fruit only. 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. TONKS & CO. j WHOLESALE AGENTS. . TO TH E WO R X ING ME N O F AUCKLAND. rpHE BEST MOLE TROUSERS in New Zea'and can ;he bought at J. COSGRAVE AND CO.'S at 6s. lid. QPECIAL CIRCULAR. Last and Clearing'out Sale of DRAPERY and CLOTHING before the Final Clohinu 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 Wakefield-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, Under Vests, Socks, Braces, Ties, &c, at a Great Sacrifice. R. 110 BB S, WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPER, UPPER QUEEN STREET, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel.