SHILLING INTELLIGENCE.

POET OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening. 5 16 HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 10.2

STEAM TO THE THAMES THIS EVENING, Enterprise No 2, 11 o'clock

ARRIVALS.

Taranaki, s s , Doile, from Southern ports Tauranga, schooner, Mann, from Tauranga Jessie, schooner, from Bay of Islands Alexandra, steamer, Grainger, from Sydney- Grace Darling, schooner, from Lyttclton

DEPARTURES. Nil.

IMPORTS.

Per s s Taranaki, from Southern ports :— 6 cwt shot, 1 cask, Cruickshank and Co ; 3 cases, 2 casks, 2 drums Keinpthorne, Prosscr, and Co; 1 case, Price ; 1 do, Oascoine ; I do, McLauglan ; 1 do, Aitken ; 1 truss, order ; 2 cases, Montague ; 1 do, Smallfleld; 2 do, Allan ; 70 ba?s oatmeal, Eoterton and Co ; 3 cases tobacco, Craig; 13 casks cheese, Close Bros ; 1 box gold dust, Bank of New Zealand ; 5 bags iron, A and G Price ; 2 pk«s, Henderson and Macfarlane ; C kegs butter, R M Clarke. -Combes md Daldy, aaents.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Lovuka, Prima Donna, schooner, and Jessie Niccol, schooner, to-morrow For Wangarei: Clyde, schooner, to-day For East Coast: Colonist, schooner, to-morrow For Grafton River, Clarence : Lucy and Adelaide, schooner, to-day .For Southern Ports: Taranaki, steamer, on arrival of

Nevada ; Phoebe, steamer, early l\>r Sydney and Melbourne: Alexandra, steamer,

on arrival of the Nevada ; Hero, steamer, early For Dunedin : Strathnaver, schooner, early For Newcastle : Joliba, barque, early For New York: Thames, barque, 14th inst; Mennhir, 20th inst; Mary Nelson, Coronilla, and Win Prowse, barques, early For Honolulu : Nebraska, mail steamer, 10th inst. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki: Southern Cross, steamer, 12th instant For Russell and the North : Comerang, ps, to-day For Newcastle : Helenslec, barque, on Tuesday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Bulwark, ship, from London. Sailed March 2 Countess of Kintore, ship, from London. Sailed May 22 City of Auckland, ship, from London. Sailed May 31 Edith, schooner, from the South Seas Hero, steamor, from Sydney Maid of Judah, ship, from Sydney Nevada, mail steamer, from Honolulu. Due 12th inst Ocean Wave, schooner, from Dunedin Amateur, schooner, from Lyttelton Mary Miller, barque, from Newcastle Sea Gull, schooner, from Levuka Hercules, schooner, from Newcastle- Briton, barcpie, from Nowcastle Queen, schooner, from Rorotonga Julia Price, schooner, from Levuka Mennhir, barque from Newcastle H.M.S. Dido, from Sydney Mary Nelson, barque, from Newcastle Pakeha, brig, from Dunedin Exonia, brigantine, from Adelaide Kenilworth, schooner, from South Sea Islands Kalahome, barque, from Sydney William Prowse, barque, from Nelson Hector, brig, from Warrnambool. Sailed July 24

ARRIVAL OF THE TARANAKI.

BfeThe NZ S S Company's s s Taranaki arrived 'in the Manukau this morning with the lollowing passengers : —Mrs Milnes, Miss Brown, Mr and Miss Qrey and servant, Mr and Miss Lawrence, Messrs Hood, Fulton, Higginson, Webster, E Dowe, Shrimpson, Black and six in the steerage.

HMS Dido sailed from Sydney 'for "Wellington on the 2nd instant to relieve the Rosario.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :—

MEETINGS TO COME.

Golden Pah, Insurance Buildings, 2pm, 13th instant Guildhall, Grahamstown, 14th inst Waikovomiko, Coromandcl, 10th instant Green Harp, Insurance Buildings, '2 p.m., 10th instan Emily, Mechanics' Institute, Auckland, 10 a.m., 20th instant

POST-OFFICE, SHORTLAND STREET.

Mails will Close as Under

For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at

10.30 a m For Mahurangi, Matakana, and Mangawai, etc, per

Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 am Per p.s. Nebraska, on Saturday, 10th August, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British, Central, and South America, British and Foreign West Indies and Continent of Europe, via England, at 10.30 a.m.

For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a. m

For money orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 9 a.m. Late letters for United States of America and United Kingdom, bearing a_ late fee of sixpence in addition to the postage will be received at this office till 11 a.m., and mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing.

Tor Wangarei, "Wan^arei Heads, and Mangapai, per

Sovereign of the Seas, to-morrow, at 11 a m For Norfolk Island, per Prima Donna, to-morrow, at

3pm For Gisborne, per Tawera, to-morrow, at 3 prn ¥or WMtianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, on Monday, 12th inst, at 3 p m S. B. Biss. Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

AxDEitsox-PncH.—On August S, at St. Mary's Clmrch Parnell, by the Yen Archdeacon Maunsell, L L D.,.John Anderson, Esq. Auckland College and Grammar School, to Jane, younger daughter of Charles Pike, Esq, Parnell.

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 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.

The QavltQn Academy, in Ifobson street, is fast becoming tho " Western Market" of Auckland, and revives old Victorian memories of " citizens indignant." There is nothing better than the ventilation of public questions in indignation meetings ; but some care should be takcu by those desirous of attaining practical results that these things should be conducted by men whose presence will not deter any class from assisting. Of course, if an end is to be attained, it does not materially signify what are the means made use of, but such a meeting as that of last night will have a tendency to reaction. That it in any way represented the ratepayers of the city will hardly be pretended. We are somewhat surprised that Messrs Hampton and Isaacs, City Councillors, attended and submitted themselves to a rigid cross-examination as to their stewardship and the general conduct of tho Council. Of course they anticipated that this would gainthem a little popularity.and stand them in good stead, perhaps, on a future occasion ; but we think wo are safe in saying that they have lost as much as they gained. It is possible that the petition emanating from the meeting may express the opinion prevalent in the city, but every one must have anticipated that the meeting would not include those who will determine the question. Had Messrs Isaacs and Hampton acted as judiciously as their brother councillors, and stayed away from the meeting, they would not have occupied such a very foolish position, and would have avoided lending an im portance to the meeting which it would not otherwise have possessed.

In addition to the list of Auckland medical practitioners published in another column we should add that in the " Medical Directory," 1872, under the heading "Practitioners Abroad, possessing British Qualifications," we also find the name of J3r. Hartman ; thus, " Hartman, Franz A., Auckland, New Zealand, M.D., Leipzic, 1847."

A correspondent in another column re fers to a paragraph in to-day's Cross respecting rumours said to bo current yesterday. With respect to Mr Hurst's mayoralty in the future we have nothing to^ay; but that any sane man except in furi. ever spoke of the possibility of Dr J. E. Nicholson being elected Superinten dent of Auckland we do not believe. There is not a more unpopular man in the province than the Doctor, and from his well-known views as to the goldQelds having ruined the province, and similar liberal and expanded opinions, coupled with a peevishness of manner that would damn any public man, we do not hesitate to say that we would pledgo ourselves to carry the election of George Staines over Dr J. R. Nicholson. If the local in the Cross was put forth as a " feeler" we trust that the tentacula will be at once withdrawn into the shell fear of rougher treatment. Provincialsm has gone far enough, but it has not yet come to that.

Under tlie heading "Major's Regalia," " Beadle " suggests the presentation of a gold chain to the Mayor, and is otherwise funny in a general way, but the letter not telling tho real name of tlie writer in con fidence ha 3 dropped into our basket. "Vent Wire's" letter respecting tho "All Nations G.M. Co." reached ua too late for the meeting of shareholders, and has also dropped into the basket. We have great difficulty in deciphering a letter, the signature of which has totally baffled us. The writer appears to urge that the City Council is a sham, and asserts that if the foreman of works in Glasgow was to propose works like some proceeding in the city he would bo " sent to the Lunatic Asylum" or "General Assembly," we can not find out which. He goes on to tell how the crossings should be laid, that certain streets are hunchbacks, that Queen street should be swopt in dry weather, criticises the salaries of the officers, and concludes with vanitas vanitatum. His suggestion would bo more ap propriately addressed to tho Couu cil. The letter is in the basket, "Very Sceptical" asks if tho Cross is speaking truth in saying that scoria footpaths cost 20s a year; We don't know. Better ask himself. He is to be found at home at corner of Queen street and Vulcan Lane, and of O'Connell and Chancery streets. " Very Sceptical1' is in tho basket. "Enquirer" asks from what rote or fund will tho Mayor's expenses in Wellington be paid. Don't know. Ask Mr Brodie. Another angry man wants to drive at the Inspector of Nuisances. Ho is ashamed of his name, and only calls himself " Echo." We have put " Echo" into the basket. " A Looker On" will excuse us for nofc publishing his very long letter. The letters of "Delta," another "Enquirer," and an "Observer" we believe, can pass into the basket without the world Buffering any wrong; and accordingly into the basket they have gone. It is painful to look at the basketful of still-born literary babies, each one yearned over once doubt less with parental fondness and ambition. But wo have, at the same time, a sense of relief and satisfaction as we gaze on tho grave of the innocents. The Choral Society's new hall was opened last night with an " At Home " of its members. There was a largo and brilliant assembly. Dancing was kept up until an early hour. Tho arrangements woro excellent. '

The anniversary entertainment in aid of the funds of the Catholic Literary Institute will take place on Monday evening, the 19th instant.

A trade meeting of printers will be held to-morrow evening at the British hotel.

Mademoiselle Therese and Monsieur Schmidt appeared at the Prince of Wales Theatre for the last time yesterday even ing—the occasion was a benefit tendered to the premier danseuse. There was a very good attendance. The performance commenced with the amusing burlesque of "Jttumtifoozle," in which Masters Willie and Edward Ryan appeared, and ably sustained their parts. La Maja di Saville, a charactaristic dance by Mr and Madame Schmidt followed, after which the Can Can was danced. The humorous farce of Hough .Diamond concluded the performance. Mr James South appeared in this as Cousin Joe, and supported the character in his usual humorous style. He was greeted with much applause. We observe that Mr W. Hoskius and Miss Florence Colvillo will appear at this theatre on Monday evening next for a twclvo nights' engagement only.

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.

As some discussion has arisen respecting tho pi'actico of medicine in the city, and tho titles and qualifications of medical practitioners. We publish the following list of " medical practitioners in Auckland possessing British qualification." It is taken from " Tho Medical Directory for 1872": —

Thomas Moore Phibon, Auckland, New Zealand, M.D. (Doctor Medicine), Edin., 1839; L.R.C.S. (Licentiate Itoyal College of Surgeons), Ediu., 1839.

Richard Day, Auckland, New Zjaland, M.D., Edin., 1836 ; L.R.C.S., Edin, 1831 (T. 0., Dub.; and Univ., Edin.)

Thomas B. Kenderdine, Auckland, New Zealand, M.R.C.S. (.Member of tho Eoyal Collage of Surgeons), England, 1819 ; L.S.A. (Liuenfciace of Society of Apothecaries), 1819 (King's College).

Charles F. G-oldsbro', Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand, L.R.CP. (Licentiate Royal College of Physicians), Edin., 1800 ; M.R.C.S., Eng.; and L.S. A., 1856. John 11. Hooper, Auckland, New Zealand, M.R.C.S.. 1858; L.S.A., 1856.

Mark E. B. Nicholson, Auckland, New Zealand, M.R.C.S., Eng., 1850; L.S.A., 185G (University College).

Francis T. Bayntun, Auckland, New Zea land, M.R.C.S., Eng., 1878.

Ja,ines 11. Ilomo, Auckland, New Zealand, L.S.A., 1830.

Alder Fisher, Reinuera, Auckland, Now Zealand, M.R.C.S. Eng., 1828; L.S.A. 1827.

William Stockwell, Auckland, New Zea land, L.R.C.S., Edin. 1853.

Hugh Kennedy, Auckland, New Zoaland, M.D. Glasgow (Quiver.) 1836j F.F.P.B.G. (Fellow of Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow) 18G7; L. (Licentiate of Faculty), 1835,

Eclmond H. Marshall, Auckland, New Zealand, M.D. St. And., 18U2 ; M.R C.S. Eng., 1858; L.M. (Licentiate of Midwifery), 1859.

John E. Nicholson, Auckland, Now Zealand, M.D. Edin.; L.R.C.S. 1852 (Edin. Sell.)

Frederick W. E. Dawson, Auckland, New Zealand, L.E.C.P. Edin. 18G9; M.R.C.S. Eog. 1869; L.M. 18G9.

CORRESPONDENCE

[We are not responsible fur the opinions expressed by our correspondents. 1

"CROSS" REPORTS.

To the Editor of Evening Stab,

Sir, —The " Southern Cross" is an amusing and eccentric luminary in journalism. It has brilliant conceptions periodically, occasioned, no doubt, by lunar and sub-lunar influence. A short time since its discoveries were in medical science, and the public were amused by a mischovious statement about small-pox, which was subsequently proved to be false. Now, this.eminent engine of the Fourth Estate nominates a superintendent for us, and at tho same time discovers a mayor's nest for Mr Hurst. Your contemporary says—"Report names Dr J R Nicholson as the Superintendent to succeed Mr Gillies, &c; "whereas, if they had said that ' our reporter names,' &c, &c," it would havo been nearor the truth, as there are not a dozen persons in the community who believe in the fitness of tho gentleman name;!. Perhaps I am too hasty, and misunderstood tho meaning of the article referred to, and I should t.ike it that a good joke wii3 intended. No doubt the writer thought a littlo of the ludicrous would go down well in dull times, as certainly the Unt part of the report is too absurd to be thought of otherwise than mirthfully. Let us hope for the credit of our adopted country that there is some standard for.public morality, if there is not for political honesty. Really, Mr Editor, after nature reflection and strict enquiry |1 have come to the conclusion that this "Cross" nomination for the Superin tendency is tho Btill-born [conception of some political pedlar, and calculated to create an immoderate amount of laughter at the expense of tho victim he would honour. —I am, &o. JtTNItJS.

LECTURE AT THE MECHANICS.

We call the attention of our readers to an address to be doliverod this evening, at half past seven o'clock, at the Mechanics' Institute, by Mr Frederick J. Moss, on the " New Zea land Constitution." Tho notice is short, but sufficient we trust to ensure a largo attendance. The committee of the Institute being desirous to encourage the discussion of all public ques tion as they ariso hays decidod to give the free uae of their hall on such occasions, the conditions being that the meeting shall b» for discussion only, and that admission should be free. We commend them heartily for thus seeking to meet along felt want, and are sure that they will not suffer in revenue from this cause as it will not interfere with the use of tho hall for the public and other meetings, from which a revenue is alroady legitimately derived. In tho present case they are fortunate in hitting upon a subject so keenly occupying public attention as the New Zealand Constitution, with the cognate questions of Provincialism and Cen tralism, which are rapidly forcing themselves on the public mind, and claiming final settle ment. Mr Moss, who has come forward to open the series as a vice-president of the Institute, is^well known to Otago residents ' among us, having been during two of its busiest years the loader of the Provincial Council there, a position from which he retired in 18G6 because tlie Council refused to go entirely with him in determined resistance fo> tho aggressions of tho Central on tho Provincial authority, which he then considered should be boldly met. We presume, therefore, that the constitution will bo handled by him from a purely Provincialist view. It will, however, be open to any other gentleman holding opposite opinions afterwards to address tho meeting, f

INDIGNATION MEETING.

A meeting of ratepayers was held las* night at the Carlton icadetny, Hobson street, to protest against the passing of a Water Works Loan Bill for Auckland.

The meeting was advertised to take place at seven o'clock, but it was not unil a few minutes to eight that the business commenced. There were about fifty persona present. Mr Kirby, as chairman of the Katepayers' Association, read the notice convening the meeting, and stated its object. A number of gentlemen were then proposed as chairmen of the meeting, but all objected to be placed in so onerous a position. Mr Kirby was then voted to the chair, and stated that he had sent invitations to the members of the City Council to be prosent that evening. He had received an auswer from Mr Hobbs, stating that from certain reasons he was unable to attend ; but he was willing to bo guided by the voice of the meeting. He, the Chairman, had not received an answer from any other Councillor, nor did he see any present except Mr Isaacs. The Chairman then read the following resolution :—That this meeting, while admitt ing the desirability of being well supplied with good water, is of opinion that any scheme such as was contemplated by the City of Auck land Water Works' Loan Bill, about to be introduced into the General Assembly, is not only extravagant in itself but is considerably beyond the wants of the city for some years yet to come." This was not put in the form of a resolution, but merely read to the meeting, consequently there was no seconder.

Mr Qreenway spoke at considerable length of the evil effects of borrowing, and thought the people already sufficiently taxed. Mr Black l-egretted the meagreness of attend anso; but this he attributed in a great measure to the leading article which had appeared in the Stab of that evening. He thought the ratepayers were competent to judge for themselves as to whether the meet ing was necessary without any interference on the part of the Evening State. In regard to tho £1.50,000 loan to be raised he did not see what it was required for. There was not likely to be anothor summor as dry as the last ; and if a large reservoir were made to hold about six weeks' supply that was all required. If water works were to be started let it be done like the gasworks, viz., by a company. (Loud cheers.) Mr Petney made a long speech in reference to water works, &c. ; then rambled into a numbor of subjects on loans, railway works, &c, when he was interrupted by Councillor Isaacs, who said lie had been invited to attend the meeting for the purpose of listening to discussions on the water works supply, and not a long rambling speech on a variety of subjects. If that was to be continued ho would beg to be allowed to retire. Tho Chairman ruled that Mr Petnoy was quite in order ; that gentleman was therefore allowed to finish his speech without further interruption. The Chairman asked Mr Isaacs to stato his views in reference to the waterworks scheme. Mr Isaacs, in reply, Baid ho had como thore to'answor questions, and not to make speeches. He considered tho meeting had been called in to great a hurry ; in fact, half of those present did not understand anything about tho matter. They were defeating their own object by calling these premature meetings. He in formed the meeting that tho Mayor had not gone to Wellington on the water works scheme; thero were other matters to be attended to : for instance certain modifications were required in the Corporations' Act, besidos many other things whioh required the attention of tho Mayor. The expenses of this trip would only be about £20. Thero was no loan to be raised ; that had already been done by Mr Vogel. If any further loan were required ho could assure them that a public moeting would be called, and nothing would be dono till the public had said their yea or nay. He advised the meeting to adjourn till they saw what was to be done. Ho sympathised with the working classes ; but they must bear in mind that those who had the most, property paid the most rates. He trusted the meeting would do nothing in a hurry.

A Voice : How was it that £20,000 was borrowed a short time ago without the public being asked in the matter ? Mr Isaacs said that if the Council could not borrow small sums -without calling a public meeting they were of little use. (Groans).

Dr Leo said if the bill in question wore passnd it would entail a taxation to the amount of £9,000 a jear. Ho wished to know what power the Council hid to direct the Mayor to raise the loan.

Mr Isaacs : The Mayor irent to enable the Council to borrow it.

A Voice : Why could not our city repre sentatives do this without the Mayor ?

Mr Isaacs said they had requested the Mayor to go down to Wellington. Mr Black said he had heard from a City Councillor that tho expenses of the Mayor's trip would be £100. (Cries of "Name, name !") Mr Black refused to give the name of his in formant.

Mr Staines would like to know why a meeting had not been called to got the opinion of the ratepayers on tho matter. (No answer was givon.)

Mr Isaacs, in answer to a question put to him by Mr Black, Baid the rate tho Council had power to levy would be far from sufficient to supply the demand. Ho did not think anything like £150,000 would be required for waterworks ; and if it were, an Act would be passed whereby the suburban district! would hare to pay a share. Dr Lee said that was twaddle. (Laughter.) Tho suburban districts would not pay any thing.

Mi* Staines said the meeting had nob been conducted in a proper manner ; thero was nothing before the chair to speak upon. The chairman had certainly read something from a piece paper, but nothing had been put to the meeting or seconded. (Great laughter.)

The Chairman said the motioa had been put and seconded. After a good deal of debate, and many other questions put and answered, Dr. Lee moved, and Mr Staines seconded, and it was agreed to, to adopt the following form of petition to the General Assembly :—

" The Honourable the Speaker and the members of the House of .Representatives, Wellington, in Parliament assomblod.

The petition of the undersigned humbly showeth :

1. That your petitioners are ratepayers in the borough of the city of Auckland.

2. That they have learned with much surprise that a bill is to be introduced into your honourable House to enable the City Council to raise by way of loan the sum of £150,000 for tho purpose of bringing a supply of water into the city of Auckland.

3. That your petitioners believe the passing of such an Act would be highly injurious to a large portion of the ratepayers and to the city, entailing on tho city heavy responsibili ties and heavy rates without any correspond ing bonefifc from the outlay.

4 That the want of water in this city is not of so pressing a nature as the want of good roads, and your petitioners are of opinion that until the levels of the various streets are fixed and the streets formed it is premature to inciu* any very large expense for the ia troduotion of water.

5. Your petitioners would further point out to your honourable House that except in the case of a very dry season there has altvays been a plentiful supply of water in this city save in a few localities, and therefore it is manifestly unjust, without having first con sulted the wishes of a large section of rate payers, to incur so large a liability for only so parLial a benefit. 6. That if your honourable House pass the proposed bill the whole of the rates both general and special raised within the borough will be absorbed in paying the interest and sinking fund on the proposed loan, and, notwithstanding additional heavy special rates will be required, no money will be left; to maintain and keep even the present indif ferent roadways in a passable state. There fore your petitioners pray your honourable House not to pass the City of Auckland Waterworks Loan Bill, 1872 ; and as in duty bound your petitionora will evor pray." The petition was then largely signed by those present, and the meeting separated.

AUSTRALIA.

ARRIVAL OF THE ALEXANDRA.

The Hero still in Quarantine.

Great Decrease in Telegraphic

Returns.

The California!! Mail Contract

Seamen's Strike.

Fires in Melbourne.

The A.S.F. Co.'s steamship Alexandra left Sydney at eight o'clock on Saturday morning, the 3rd instant. She brings a large general cargo and a number of pas sengers.

SYDNEY.

[FHO3I OUE OWN COEEESrONBENT.]

August 3,

The steamer Hero still remains in quarantine, and from latest advices re ceived is likely to remain so for the next six days. . A great decrease has occurred in tue telegraphic returns during the last ten years, which, to say the least, is wholly unexplained. The business has increased, more lines have been opened, and yet the decrease remains. I believe lam justi fied in saying that the department will undergo a strict legislative enquiry. The whaling barque Mary Hamilton, after undergoing a thorough outfit, has left Melbourne for the Bay of Islands. The report that Sir G. Bowen, the pre sent Governor of New Zealand, is to succeed the Marquis of Canterbury—the present Governor at Melbourne—is con tradicted by the Acjeo? the 29th ultimo. The seamen of Sydney have struck for higher wages, and not to be discharged at the option of the captain, which is at pre sent the case. They have gained the latter point.

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

(fUOK SYDNEY PAI'EES.)

MELBOURNE

August 2

The Government have under considera tion a proposition from the Queensland Government to erect a special building for Australian exhibits at the ensuing In ternational Exhibition at London.

All the maize to hand by steamer was cleared at 3s Id to 3s 2d per bushel. Sugars are going tnoro freely. Sales of soft white hare been made at £41 per ton; finest white crystals, £43 10s. Scott has been sentenced to penal ser vitude for ten years. lie strongly as serted his innocence of the robbery. 100 to 4 is wantod on Little Dick for the Melbourne Cup. 100 to 6 offered. His position is weaker for the Metro politan. A private letter from Mr Childers to Mr Duffy announces that the Imperial Government will subsidise the American mail contract by paying American post ages and giving Victoria and New Zea land £10,000 each. Mr McCulloch writes from home, strongly advocating steam communication by way of the Cape. The public are looking anxiously for the reply of the jNTcw South Wales Govern ment to a telegram forwarded by Mr Francis to Mr Pavkes yesterday, asking for the removal of the border quarantine. Tho Mining on Private Property Bill has passed the second reading by a large majority. The charges against the Rev. Duncan Fraser, of Ballarat, for solemnizing an illegal marriage, is referred to the Mel bourne Presbytery. A. fire occurred this morning at Glas sock's horse bazaar, and the damage done amounts to about £200. The premises were insured in the Alliance Office.

In the action of Dr Lloyd against the Medical Journal for libel a verdict has been given for the defendant. Toothpicker and Kingfisher are most backed for the Metropolitan, and Argus Scandal for the Derby. The Canary and Pigeon show was very successful.

A communication has been received from the Agent-General, stating that the Imperial Government approved of the Californian mail contract, and would grant a subsidy of £20,000. Flour is a shade firmer ; medium Ade laide wheat, 63 8d; quicksilver, 4s 6d ; — holders are asking 5s ; Raven brand to bacco, Is 7M to Is 8d; maize, 3s l|d to to 3s 2d. There is a brisk demand for salt, at an extreme figure. The finer qualities of sugar are enquired for, Teas command attention:

ADELAIDE.

August 2

1200 bags Bourbon sugar sold at last quoted rates. Good wheat is wanted at 3s 9d. Flour steady at old rates.

We sire desired to correct an error in our report of yesterday of Mr Gillman's evidence on tho Green Harp case, tho fifteen shares having been purchased of Mr Brooking, and not from Hague Smith and Walker-; and the twenty shares were sold to Ferguson, and not to Hague Smith and Walker.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

GRAHAMSTOWN.

Friday, 2.3 p.m. The West Coast is breaking down stone to-day. There is a show of gold in both levels. The engine of the Caledonian Com pany has been repaired, and started again to work. No change whatever in the mine. Twenty pounds of rich specimens have been got out of a new leader in the Nonpareil. The Cure will break down specimens this afternoon. The shot of gold is extending- A good haul expected.

The Nebraska's Quarantine.

The Convict Plummer.

Fruitless Search,

DUNEDIN

August 9, noon. At the public meeting held at Port Chalmers a resolution was adopted in favour of the immediate extension of a trunk line from Moeraki to Port Chalmers.

A passenger by the Nebraska, in writing to the Times, says that there was no cause to have quarantined the vessel at Wellington, as there was no sickness whatever on board. The action that the Board of Health had taken was only done to get credit to themselves for having exhibited energy in the matter, and also to put Webb's line to additional expense.

The convict Plummer, or as he is called here, the Auckland house breaker, formed part of a gang of prisoners work on the hill side yesterday. He obtained leave from the |warder to go to a place of convenience, and then managed to jump a fence unobserved, and getting a good start before he was seen found his way into the dense bush between Mornington and Caver sham. A number of warders and several of the Armed Constabulary have started in pursuit, and the country is being scoured around, but up to the present time he has eluded capture. A vigilant searck is con tinued.

NAPIER.

Foster's sheep run, containing 9,000 acre 3 and 4,500 sheep, has been sold for £13,000. The sittings in banco, Supreme- Court, commence to-morrow.

NELSON.

1.25 p.m Sailed.—Wellington for tho North this morning.

There is great agitation here with reference to the delay of the Govern ment relative to the Foxhill railway. On receipt of a numerously signed re quisition the Deputy-Superintendent calls a public meeting for Tuesday next to strengthen the hands of the representatives.

CHRISTCHURCH.

Very little wheat offering. Prices range 4s. 9d: to 4s. lOd. Flour, good supply. Thirteen pounds oats from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4s. F. 0.8. Butter and cheese scarce at Is. and Ghd. respec tively. Potatoes wanted at £5.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The Mail Service Job.

Insular Separation.

A Stormy Debate Adjourned

Stafford Abuses the Govern.'

ment.

WELLINGTON.

August 9. In^the Upper House, yesterday, .the debate on the 'Frisco service con tinued.

Mr Holmes condemned the class of vessels.

Mr John Williamson defended the contract.

The Life Assurance Bill was read a second time.

In the Lower House Mr O'Neill moved that the constituency of the Thames shall return an additional member. The motion was carried on a division-by 41 to 21.

Mr Vogel was the only Auckland member who voted against the motion. The debate onTVtr Reynolds' motion in favor of insular separation, was re sumed.

Mr Stafford said that he would like to hear the opinion of the Government upon the question. Mr Fox replied that the Govern ment would, at present decline to express any opinion on the subject. He gave as an answer to one of the reasons that it was because thei'e was another proposal before the House to place the administration of public works into the hands of the Provincial Grovernmenta, and the Government desired to have the result on this question without drawing out matters connected with the other.

Mr. Stafford confessed to feeling some degree of humiliation, for the Premier had asked what course he would pursue under similar circum stances. The records of the House showed that when Mr. "Whitaker had advocated a similar change

he (the Premier), resisted it. He (the speaker) did not allow the opinions of the House to sway him about as if he was without any p r i u . ciples whatever. He did not and would not adopt any such course as that adopted by a miserable set of wretches as now occupied the Govern, nient Benches. (Cries of "Oh," and great laughter), during which the Speaker called Mr Stafford to order.' Mr Stafford then substituted other words for the ones he had just used.

Mr Grisborne said that the Govern ment must await the result of other motions. Messrs Eeid, Reader Wood and Gillies f.ondomned the attitude the Government had assumed. Messrs. Luckie and SfljjKtard op. posed the motion, after the debate was adjourned until Wednes day. Mr Stafford afterwards withdrew the objectionable words " miserable set of wretches."

ESCAPE OF THE CONVICT PLUMMER.

By telegrams received from Dunedin we learn that the notorious prison breaker, Frederick Plummer, has made his escape from custody while employed on the roads at that town. It will be remembered that this prisoner was sent down to Dunedin a few months ago for security, as lesser facilities for escape were offered at the new stone buiit gaol there than existed at Mount Eden ; but Plummer has been quite equal to the occasion, and has eluded the vigilance of his warders, and is at present at large. When we point out the various acts of which this daring and desperate criminal has been guilty, a record of which was forwarded with him to the gaol authorities at Dunedin, it does seem extraordinary that a man who for his repeated attempts at escape had been condemned in March last to wear irons during the remainder of his sentence should have been allowed to again break loose. With all the talk about the in security of our wooden built gaol we do not think that the Dunedin officers have much to boast of for vigilance. Our modern Jack Shepherd proves that " Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage." Plum mer came from a respectable family, his brother having at one time been a draper in Queen street, and is now a settler at Port Albert. Before his first conviction he lived at Newton, and was supposed to be in good circumstances ; his house was generally known as "Bachelors' Fall." Suspicion in some manner attaching to him, the police paid his house a visit early in 1867, where they found an enormous quantity of stolen property stored. Plum mer was apprehended, and charged with two acts of burglary, and committed for trial. It was then, while under committal, he made his first attempt at escape from the Stockade, and in which he succeeded. While at large he pillaged a number of settlers' houses, and made his way towards Albertland, stealing food where he did not succeed in begging it. He was at last seen riding a horse that he had stolen from a paddock ; refusing to surrender he was fired at and wounded in the leg, and his horse was shot dead under him. At his trial three fresh indictments were preferred against him in addition to the two charges of burglary, namely, for escape from custody, horse stealing and larceny. To all these charges he pleaded guilty; and for' the two bur glaries was sentenced to two terms of four years' penal servitude, to run consecutively; but no sentence was passed upon him for the other three offences, On the Bth or 9th July, 1869, he again made his escape from Mount Eden with another prisoner named Robert Martin. They made their way to the Wade, where they stole from the cutter Asp three or four blankets, a mackintosh, and others articles. They were captured together on the 20th July, and committed for trial for the two offences. They were tried at the Septem ber sessions, and Plummer was sentenced to two years' penal servitude for being illegally at large, and four years for stealing from the cutter Asp. To the latter charge he pleaded not guilty. These terms of imprisonment were ordered to commence at the expiration of the original sentences; The accumulated sen tences would thus not expire until March, 1881. In March, 1870, the prisoner made another attempt at escape, but was detected, and sentenced by the visiting justice to fourteen days' solitary confine ment with bread and water diet. On the 29th December, a prisoner in an adjoining cell was discovered cutting through the partition with a view to their making a joint escape. Plummer was also found to have cut partly through his irons. He was again ordered fourteen days' solitary confinement, when on the 11th January he was again brought before the Governor of the gaol charged with another attempt to cut through his irons. Plummer alleged that the incision had been made on the previous occasion, and had been since undetected by the warder. He was given the benefit of the doubt. The next attempt made was by cutting through the floor of his cell after being locked up for the night on the 15th August, 1871; for this he was severely punished. The love of liberty was so strong in this fellow that on the 30th March last he made another endeavour to get away. On this occasion he was working in the quarry, and had arranged with two other prisoners for all to start in different directions, so as to disconcert the warder. The others, how ever, were wanting in courage and Plummer ran fall butt on the muzzle of Warder Hughe's revolver, ! and under its mesmeric influence was conducted to his cell. He then pleaded sickness, and was removed to the hospital; from there he made his last ana final attempt at escape from the Stockade, and was condemned to wear irons during the remainder of his sentence. In ad dition to these acts, Plummer's name figures largely in the defaulters' books of the gaol for various offences against prison discipline, namely, for fighting with another prisoner, destroying his clothes, refusing to work on numerous occasions, idleness, assaulting a fellow prisoner, destroying gaol property, t breaking a sewing machine in the tailoring depart ment, smashing windows. Plummer was, with eight other prisoners, including

THE EVENftTO STAIt, FRIDAY, ATGTTST 9, 1872.



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DIVIDENDS Caledonian .. .. 2 0 0 Thames .. .. 0 7 G Mutual Mininglnvst. Co. 0 10 0 CALLS Black Angel .. .. 0 10 Von Tempsky .. 0 0 3 Keel Queen .. .. 0 0 G Otago 0 10 Neptune .. .. 0 0 C Cupid 0 0 C

Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 9 Aug 9 Aug 10 Aug 12 Aug 12 Aug 13



TpiNAL NOTICE Belinquishing Business. E. lIOBBB' LAST SHIPMENT OP DEAPERY & CLOTHING with the exception of 3 cases Horroeks' Long-cloth by the Celestial Queen) having arrived in the Helenslee are now being marked off At Clearing-out Prices. THE BLANKETS (slightly damaged, but no worse) are being sold at a sacrifice and are worthy of atten tion. The Choicest and Cheapest Assortment of Boys' and Youths' Clothing That we have ever opened, from the celebrated house of E. & 11. PaiinaXtL & Co., London. Also, 1 Gents' and Boys' and Youths' Water prooi Cloth Overcoats and Pilot and Winter Coats, In all the Newest Shapes. R. HOBBS1 NEAL'S SAUCES, PICKLES CHUTNEY.—These preparations are highly recommended on account of their perfect freedom from adulteration, and the zest they impart to the appetite. They are most extensively consumed in the Bauth, and a number of testimonials have been re- C3ived from Medical men and others testifying to their porfect wholesomeness. Neai/s Oriental Pickles Neat/h Chutney Nkal'h New Zealand Sauce Purely local manufactures. Retail of all Grocers; Wholesale Agents, "B. TONKS & CO. "VTEW ZEALAND TEENS iJN at T. Chanwkt.l's, Domain Eoad, Parnell, where may bo obtained some choice collections of the above, carefully fixed, and preserved to retain their Hitural form and colour. "For a drawing-room table no more tasteful orna ment could be found; Especially suited for presents to English friends."— Southern Cross, November let. 1871. " The mounting of the specimen of ferns is ex tremely careful and effective, and the book Itself is exactly the kind of thing to chose for a present." — New Zeal awl Herald, November Ist, 1871. May be had also at the principal Btationers la town,



T CATER (late Crombie's) ROYAL | tl « FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in inform iag 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 oi j an Experienced Operator, feels warranted in stating ; that they will receive every civility and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfac tion. JO. begs to announce that Ills arrangements tor taking Instantaneous Portraits of Children are now complete