SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, G. 49. HIGH AVATER: This afternoon. 4.25.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES.

Lady Bowen, 7 o'clock this evening.

ARRIVALS.

Fortune, schooner, Parker, from Hicks's Bay and Bay of Plenty.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney and Melbourne : Hero, noon to-morrow ; and" City of Melbourne, 2Gth inst, For Tahiti: Queen, schooner, to-morrow. For London : Caduceus, ship, early. For Honolulu : Nevada, 22nd instant. For New York : Ferndale, barque, early ; Queensland,

barque, early. For Southern;, ports ; Keera and Phoebe, early. For AA rai:ganui": St. Kilda, s.s., to-morrow. For Napier : Star of the South, s.s., to-morrow For Taurangf,: Dauntless, schooner, to-morrow.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Keera, s.s., from Napier. Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands Naomi, ship, from London, sailed 16th November. Macquarie, schooner, from Melbo\irne Wild Duck, ship, from London, sailed 10th December Phrebe, s.s., from Southern Ports. Kalahome, barque, from Adelaide Moa, brig, from Melbourne. (Sailed Feb. 4.) City of Melbourne, s.s., from Sydney. Nevada, mail steamer, from the South Kelenslee, ship, from London Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastle. Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town. Coronet, schooner, from Tahiti Nebraska, mail steamer, from Honolulu, due 27th

instant Cyrene, birque, from Lyttelton Whynot, ketch, from Napier

P.The schooner Fortune arrived this morning from the Bay of Plenty. She brings SOO bushels maize and 12 pigs, consigned to J. S. Macfarlane. Owing to the gale, the departure of the Star of the South is postponed. The Comerang will sail for the Bay of Islands on Thursday evening next, instead of to-morrow, as ad vertised. ,_

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Tuesday afternoon

Messrs. Nathan and Co. sold to-day, at their rooms, a consignment of boots, etc. The attendance was fair, and prices obtained reasonable. Messrs. Tonks and Co. held an extensive trade sale of groceries, oilmen's stores, wines, spirits, etc. There was a good muster of the trade, and fair prices were realised.

MINING.

The following are the current calls and dividends ayable in the companies named below : — CALLS

Flagship, Golden Anchor, Grahamstown, February 21. Pride of Tokatea, Company's office, Queen street,

Auckland, 3 p.m. February 22 Masonic. ;Coromandel, February 23 Cock-aDoodle-doo, 49 Queen street, Auckland, 4 p.m.

February 23 Lowland Lass, Grahamstown, February 24 Margaretta, 33, Insurance Buildings, Aiickland, 2 p.m.

February 24. Argo, -Coromandel, February 24. Nebraska/Grahamstown, February 26 Claremont.rGrahamstown, February 27 South Lead, Grahamstown, March ],' Crown Prince, Queensferry Hotel, Auckland, 2 p.m. March 7

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Mails wjxl Close as Under : For Thames, to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Napier and Gisborne, per Star of the South, to morrow, at 11 a.m. For Kawau, AVangarei Heads, AVangarei, AVaipu, and Mangapai, per Duke of Edinburgh, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For AVanganui and Southern provinces, per s.s. St. Kilda, to-morrow, at 7.30 a.m. For Kap.inga, etc., per Royal Alfred to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. ; and per Challenger, at 0.30 p.m. For Tauvanga and Opotiki, per Dauntless, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Tairua, per Janet Grey, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Great Barrier, per Glance, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For AVhitiangi, per Mercury, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Tahiti, per Queen, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawa Kawa, etc., per Comerang, to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne, per Tawera, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Sydney and Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. Per p.s. Nevada, on Thursday, 22 inst., 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 newspapers, at 9 a.m. Late letters for United States of America, and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d. in addi tion to the postage, will be received at this office till 11 a.m., and by the mail agent on board the steamer up till time of sailing. Note. —The post office at Te Arai, Mangapai, and Pahi will be opened for the transaction of money order and savings bank business on and after the Ist March next. S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

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

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do."

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1872.

The suggestions of Mr. Councillor Toriks are generally of the most sensible that are made in the City Council, but Aye cannot see that much advantage would result from giving effect to his proposal that there should be a public meeting of the citizens to discuss the question of water supply. In the first instance, people are pretty much tired of water supply, and have a vague idea that the agitators on the subject have a mild attack of water on the brain. Perhaps we are wrongly judging other people from our own sensations ; but feeling impelled by a sense of public duty to keep the subject alive, by Avriting on it, Aye find it exceedingly difficult to call up the appropriate emotions. We implore of Ml*. Tonka to not extend the area of discussion. We have no doubt that there will be a section, and a very active section of the community, prepared to crowd the platform and discourse learnedly on all possible means of getting supplies from the heavens above, and the earth beneath, and the waters under the earth. Next to rats and cast oft' military men, this land is infested Avith civil engineers, and every other man one meets has in his~pocket a scheme for water supply, or fortifying tho har bour, or putting the city sewer to rights. The acceptance of Mr. Tonics' proposal would sound the tocsin, and we should have a gathering of all those Avhose monomania is water; and there they will throw gallons of water and tons of iron-piping at one another's heads, Avhile the general public will stand by bewildered and afraid to in terpose between the wild and belli gerent engineers. Nay, nay, Mr. Touks ; by your love for us, refrain ! Keep tae discussions within the walls of Canada buildings, or let the war fare be carried on at the long range necessitated by firing through the public press. But do not afford a platform on which the combatants can meet, or the demon of discord will be evoked, at which the City Council Avill stand aghast. The citizens have chosen the Councillors to look after their interests, and Aye have no doubt, have confidence enough in them to entrust to them the solu-

tion of this vexed question. But even if not, its solution will not be facilitated from extending the controversy by throwing down the scheme among the citizens, that like dogs they may Avorry it. Let the Council proceed. as they have begun. They have acted pru dently in yesterday making provision for a proper and independent survey. They have exhibited a disinterested spirit in the discussion of the various schemes. To their credit and their honour there has not been exhibited the faintest appearance of cliquism. Proposals have been discussed on tbeir merits, and so long as the same spirit is manifested, Councillors may rely that citizens jvill not raise an outgry respecting an undue assumption!? of powers.

We have very great pleasure in being able to contradict the rumour respecting careless treatment at the Lunatic Asylum, to which we made pointed reference yesterday. It appears that although the attendants wore ignorant of tho severe internal wounds, which had been inflicted, they wero aware of the wound in the arm, which had been carefully attended to on the recep? tion of Mrs. Witton into the Asylum, and subsequently. Wehavepleasui'eininserting the following letter on the subject, and wo are in>« formed that the greatest care was devoted to the unhappy patient till the hour of her death :—To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —The article in your paper of the 19th instant, reflecting on the management and treatment at the Lunatic Asylum, conveys an impression as false as it is unjust, and should certainly not have been inserted beforo authentic information had been obtained. The facts are that Mrs, Witten 16 days afto

her confinement, and when she had with a pair of scissors inflicted a wound upon her arm, and probably with the same instrument certain other injuries iD the womb, and con sequently unascertai ied till after death, was on the certificate of her medical attendant, aud another professional gentleman, admitted into the Asylum, when the wound in the arm was at once stitched by the medical officer there. She was placed in a seperate room, had two nurses attending her day and night, aud the proper nourishment (which she sadly needed) was administered every two hours by the medical offier personally till she expired. Where is there any neglect or want of skill shown here, perhaps you would kindly direct your reflections, as to whother tho Asylum was intended for such cases ? Whether it was prudent to move a patient 16 days after confinement, and very weak —or generous when all reasonable hope of recovery was at an end to place a death upon tho roll of an institution when possiblj it'should have been credited to the inattention or Incompetence of her medical adviser.—Geo. Aickin, OE.

Tho annual general meeting of the members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce will take place at 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon.

The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Grafton Road Wesley an Church will take placo this evening.

We understand that Mr. Thomas Ball, of Mongonui, intends to resign his seat in the Provincial Council for that district.

At the inquest held yesterday afternoon, on the body of Elward McGlone, who was drowned on Sunday while bathing, Mr. Wm. Chappell, — Driscoll, and a lad named Gillander were examined, a3 well as Sergean^ Carrigan of tho Water Police, and stated the circumstances under which {the unfortunate accident arose. Tho deceased was a sober steady man. A verdict of aecident-d death was returned. The body was afterwards removed to Panuu'rc by deceased's parents* for interment.

It would be a great improvement if the dust carts were to cairy bells. Householders would then bo made aware of their proximity and could thoa carry out their boxes of rubbish. At present intolerable nuisance is caused by the whirling of dust, pieces of paper, arid other miscellaneous articles out of the boxes, wnich sometimes lie exposed to the wind for a coupe of hours. A meeting oi the members of the City Band of Hope will lake place this evening at the lecture room, Young Men's Christian Association. An accident happened yesterday to another of Mr. Couplaud's employees. The lad was engaged in chaff-cutting, when his hand somehow came under the rotary knives, and became dreadfully lacerated;* Di\_. Kender dine and Nicholson amputated the injured fingers, the patient being put under chloro form. The lad is progrosstfig favorably. The services of six ir.effipesident in the city are requi 'ed to completely Fire Brigade.

Tenders "arc required for tho supply of a quantify of scoria ash for the Par Jell highway district.

Tenders are required by Mr. o>ven Jones for excavating three or mere test drives in Fort Britomart Point, on the east side, above high water mark.

Tenders are required for certain work to b a done in the Mount Eoskill highway district.

The sale of tobaccos and cigars, as advertised by Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co., is post poned till Thursday, on account of the goods not being landed from the Hero.

Tho return match, Married v. Single, of the United Cricket Club, will be played in the Albert Barracks, to»morrow ; wickets to be pitched at 10 o'clock. Should tho weather prove fine, some good play may bo expected, judging from the names of the appended elevens : —Married : Messrs. Bees, Buckland, Mumford, Masefield, Miller, Gatland, Nichol son, Lankham, Fleming, Sharpe, and Horan. Single: Messrs. Bowen, Pocock, Clifton Gleeson, Whitaker, E. Whitaker, A. Whitaker. Willis, Purchase, Geo. Carter, and Swanson.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Grahamstoavn, 2.30 p.m.

The month's crushing at the bat teries is returned at 7-169 tons ; the yield is 13,778 ounces.

The ZavistoAvski Sisters have met with a great success. A crowded house greeted them, although raining hard.

The George Stephenson Claim Avas sold by auction this morning. Mr. Borthwick, of the Nonpareil, was the purchaser for £500.

The Moanatairi Union crushing of 65 tons gave a result of 69 ounces, making a total, Avith specimens, of 100

ounces

It has been raining all the morning.

THE CALEDONIAN.—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

" 20th February, 10.50 a.m,

" North drive, quartz containing reef turning eastward. Reef smaller nr No. 1 and larger in No.; 2 block. "S. E. Eichabds."

THE SHARE MARKET.

J. m. Lennox's report,

The share market continues inactive. Cale donian and Thames shaie are held firmly. My saks comprise—Caledonians, £15 ; Thames, £5 ss; Moanatairi, £2 lis, £2 lis 6d; Golden Calf, £2 10s. Closing sellers —Cale- donians, £15 j Thames, £5 7s 6d ; Golden Calf, £2 15s. Buyers of Caledonians, £14 10s; also, Thames, Moanatairi, Golden Calf, and Bank of New Zealand shares,,

THE WEATHER.

II EA V V GALE

The usual result when the wind blows persistently for a few days from the N.E., has taken place, and the gradually in creasing breeze brought vapours up from the ocean, which have since early yester day morning been precipitated as moderate rain of the kind so long and ardently desired. The wind, however, kept on increasing until about daybreak this morn ing, when it blew a furious gale, causing apprehension Aof damage to the small craft in harbour. Nothing serious, how ever, occurred, and the mischief has been confined to the swamping of a few boats, except the loss of the yacht Calypso, re ferred to elsewhere. The weather has been such that none of the coasting steamers have started to-day, excepting the Gemini for Riverhead, which left at her usual time, the wind being in her favor. The Golden Crown, the Duke of Edinburgh, Enterprise, and the Chal lenger, are anchored to leeward of the 'wharf. Of course, the proposed yacht race did not take place, for the &ea was running very high in the channel, and even the brigs and schooners anchored there showed the effects of it. Equally of course, there has been no further search for the body of the unfortunate man Storey, who was drowned yesterday. Although the wind is still coming up in heavy squalls from the same quarter, it is very probable that it will shortly chop round to the west ward, for tho barometer has gone down to 20SS, which is quite unusual for an easterly wind. A report was current this morning, to the effect that the Comerang had come to grief. First it was said that she was stuck on tho spit near the lighthouse. Next that she,had been blown upon the North Head ; and lastly, that she had got i stuck on Rangitoto Reef, —though what she was doing in that latitude nobody seemed to know, seeing that she was bound for the Thames with cattle. We have every reason to know that there is no foundation for the report, which ap pears to have originated in the fact of the pilot cutter having suddenly put in an appearance in harbour this morning, some genius immediately supposed some thing must be wrong; and as no vessel had left; since yesterday afternoon except the Comerang, other sapient iu dividua's jumped to the conclusion that she must have succumbed to the forco of the gale and drifted on to the North Head.

The Caduceus, ship, Ferndale and Queensland, barques, all being in a posi tion to feci the force of the gale, were hauled a few yards from the wharf and made secure, to prevent any damage. The Hero also had hawsers stretched across the wharf, to keep her secure ; she has been discharging her cargo throughout the clay, notwithstanding tho boisterous weather. The Triad, cutter, lias carried away her bowsprit, from collision with another craft. The Janet Grey, cutter, damaged her bulwarks from contact with the wharf, but was afterwards hauled away to prevent further damage. The Tauranga and Dauntless, schooners, although on the east side of the wharf, from the way they were moored, appeared all snug. The Bessy, cutter, arrived last night from Messrs Combes and Daldy's Saw Mills, and came alongside the wood quay during the gale, she has consequently stove in her starboard bulwarks, and damaged her side ; the rudder has also been unshipped by the gale,"and rendered useless. The cutter has made a deal of water, and was with difficulty hauled away from a position where she had been grinding heavily. The yacht Calypso, belonging to Mr Bayley, has, owing to the fury of the gale, become a total wreck on the North Shore. Captain Burgess's pilot cutter, anchored last night round the North Head, had to slip her anchor and cable to avoid the gale, and was this morning provided with a new chain.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

The firing for the prizes presented by Lieut. Thompson, Sergeant Warren, and Vfr Howden to No. 5 Company Rifle Volunteers, yesterday morning, was post poned on account of the inclemency of the weather.

A meeting of members cf the new Naval Brigade will be held this evening, at the Thames Hotel. All seamen belonging to the port, snd boatmen desirous of joining, are requested to attend.

PROFESSOR HASELMAYER.

From what we had read of this gentle man, we went last night to the Prince of Wa,les Theatre prepared to see something good, but did not expect to be so thoroughly astonished at his wonderful feats. The performance commenced with some really clever tricks with a pack of cards, not performed on the stage, but J amongst tho audience, and the neatness and adroitness with which they are ac complished is almost beyond description. His performing birds and mice must bo seen to be appreciated, how little Affright takes a nap on a couch, how Fanny runs up and down a ladder, and Tom and John take a • swing with Napoleon, are all wonders that lead one to ask the question how they can be brought to such a state of obedience and discipline. The magic paper mill is a trick well worth seeing, and is enough to make bank directors open their eyes. The Professor after borrowing several bank notes from the audience, burns them before their eyes, but afterwards mysteriously manufactures fresh "paper" for them, this may appear clear to some, but when one note is pro duced of the size of a greenback, being the same number, and a fac-simile to the owner's note, and is afterwards increased to enormous dimensions is to the audience perfectly unaccountable. This trick elicited, and indeed all of them elicited, loud and continued applause. The stylo carfe is next produced, it is an instrument' composed of wood and india-rubber, not unlike the harmonicon, but when per formed on by the Professor gives forth most delightful music. The Professor to his many talents can add that of j a skilful musician. The performance was loudly encored last evening. The goblin drum was by far the most clever trick of the evening: a small drum, hung upon a tripod stand in the centre of the audience, j gives answers to various questions, and i

such answers that it is impossible for even the professor to know, such as the number written on a prvper by one of the audience and retained in his possession, which is correctly told by tho drum; again, the drum raps not only the number of two dice thrown, but also tells the number beforehand that will be thrown by a spectator on each die. This is the best thing of the kind wre have ever seen. The performances concluded with the in exhaustible hat, whereby a number of things, too numerous to mention, are taken from a gentleman's hat, amongst which we noted a set of baby linen and a crinoline. A trick, not set down in the programme, consisted of a candle being short in the candelabra, and the attendant not being sprightly enough for the pro fessor, he forthwith abstracted one from under the collar of a gentleman's coat ; great laughter was provoked at the idea of a candle being carried secreted down one's back. The audience were highly gratified with the change of entertainment. A change of programme is announced to take place nightly.

THEATRE ROYAL

An amateur performance was given last evening at the Theatre Royal by the Garrick Dramatic Club, in aid of funds for the purchase of scenery, &c, for the Lunatic Asylum entertainments. There was a good attendance, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather. The performance commenced with a drama entitled " The Emigrant's Daugh ter," which was well acted throughout by members of the Club, kindly and ably assisted by Mrs Joyce. After the drama, Mr Whitelaw, the champion dancer at the Caledonian games, danced a sword dance in Highland costume, and was loudly applauded. The whole concluded with the lively and amusing farce of " A Blighted Being," which was capitally acted. The performances were most creditable, and we arc glad to hear that they will be repeated shortly.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY

Before Captain Holt and vv A Graham,

Esquires, Justices drunkenness.

Three drunkards were punished as usual.

habitual drunkenness

William Shiels, having brought himself under the operations of the Vagrant Act, by being an habitual drunkard, was sent to gaol for three months, to work off the effects of the drink.

Peter Drwd was broiii-ht up on remand charged by Ellen Dowd, his wife, with threatening to burn the house down. She further said that she feared he would do her some bodily harm if not restrained, and she was afraid to return home. She stated that he had been in a state of chronic drunkenness during the last three months. She had done all in her power to restrain him, but without success.

Prisoner said that if she would give him another chance he would turn over a new leaf, but as it appeared that he had broken similar promises before, tho Bench ordered him to be bound over to keep the peace for six months, himself in £20 and two sureties in £10 each.

This concluded the business

DEATHS BY DROWNING.

The number of cases in which death occurs by the mysterious drowning of stalwart and apparently healthy persons, and good swimmers Avithal, demands scientific in vestigation. A man, like the poor fellow who met with his death yesterday, swims out into deep water... All on a sudden his arms are jerked up over his head, and down he goe3. No matter how strong or how free from attacks of cramp he may havo been during his previous existence, there seems Lo be no remedy for the extra ordinary complaint, whatever it may be, and we do not recollect ore single case out of many hundreds which have come within our observation, in which the victim was saved. This cannot be com mon cramp of the muscles. Most strong swimmers can keep themselves above water even when seized with this com plaint in its worst form; but in these cases the drowned man sinks instan taneously, and frequently without a cry for help. It not improbable that the unusual description of exertion and the great strain on the lungs in this kind of exercise, may suddenly develope some latent disease of the heart, or produce congestion of the lungs. This would ac count for tho suddenness of the the catas trophe and the inability of the victim in many cases to call out for assistance. However, this may be, the common cry of " cramp " is by no means satisfactory, and the subject seems to callfor..enquiry. A casual inspection of the integuments of the body, does not seem sufficient; and it would be well if an occasional ex amination of the vital organs were made in cases of this description.

CORRESPONDENCE.

tfSTAVe do not hold ourselves responsible for tho opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE VOLUNTEER GAZETTE.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sib, —Would you kindly determine a rule of grammar. In the Volunteer Gazette of Saturday last, it is stated " that the'subscriptions-to the paper is so much per month P" Is the schoolmaster at fault again ?

Yours, &c, ■ A.;-. .-<A'; Cadet.

To the Editor of tho Evening Stab. Sib, —A "Volunteer" is surprised that their special organ should give a quid pro quo to procure advertisements, and states that it has failed in its mission. Most true, and why ? Simply because the body it assumes to represent is ashamel of its mediocrity. Puerile twaddle on Volun teer matter, coarse selections on " Sport ing " items, and wretched English, have caused the journal to lack that support at our hands which is necessary to its existence, hence the dernier ressort.

I am. &c, ; ( '■ -•••'■' Yqlunteer Np, 2.

To the Editor of the Evening Star.

Sir,—Please inform me through your valuable columns, if the city authorities can prevent my giving away 5,000 pieces of music to patrons of my establishment ? I make this enquiry as perhaps this ar rangement might interfere with the music seller, and someone might be led.to lay a complaint against it. I am, <£_c, F. H.Lewis son.

[No one can prevent Mr. Lewieson from giving' away his whole stock of watches, clocks, jewellery, music and all, should he lee disposed. — 7E. S. ]

TOO MUCH WATER.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —The question of a water supply for Auckland seems at>.present the chief topic of discussion in our newspapers and the City Council. The many schemes pro pounded and suggested all seem to cry out about an unlimited supply being wanted immediately? Now, Mr Editor, can you inform one what it is wanted for ? Are we going to have an increase of half a million immigrants? or are we going to set fire to all parts of the city and turn all tli6 taps on to see whether we have got a sufficient supply to put out the fire in case of being shelled by war steamers or having a general conflagration by way of illumination ? If either of these proposi tions are true, I will say no more on the subject, but being perfectly ignorant of either being the case, I cannot, myself see why the cry should be raised for an unlimited supply. The population of Auckland, I believe, is not more than 20,000 all told, and up to the present time I believe 100,000 gallons have sufficed for their wants. This could be supplied to the city for a comparatively small sum, which by a little extra labour and expense could be doub'ed if required. This would not come heavy as a tax upon any householder, and would be sufficient in case of fire, &c, and as years roll on, the supply could be increased as required, and at a minimum of the cost of the present day. The question the Council are now con sidering seems to be either a joke or chimera surpassing the invention of " Ar cadia." What do we want with 1,000,000 gallons a day when we only use 100,000 gallons ? or what can we do with it ? Shall we deepen the mud-pools of Queen street, and make public fresh w^ater baths for the population ? or shall we lay an import duty on every gallon imported or carried on board of any vessel coming into our harbour ? or shall we make laws and enforce everbody to use our patent Avater closets, and flood our harbour with the refuse that has just caused an expense to our Harbour Board Commissioners to cleanse ? No, we cannot do this, for an action would easily be gained by them, and costs granted against our Council, which they would have to pay individu ally, as they would have no power to pay it out of the rates. No, Mr Editor, we don't want 1,000,000 gallons per day, and if our Council fix to ha\*e it, they will have such a white elephant to manage and deal with, that they will feel to be an in cubus worse than the many times botched Queen-street, and a feeling legacy for future generations, that their names, who were the means of fathering it upon them, will be held up to their children's children as chimerists, lunatics, or jobbers of the public money. Why, Mr Editor, will not our council lors use a little far-sighted economy, create a full supply, but no waste. I do not advise a narrow-sighted policy. But enough, for we know the old adage, " Enough is as good as a feast." I am, &c.,

OUR LEGAL LUMINARIES.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —Your correspondent "Cabby," in criticising the City Council Bye-laws, Regulations, &c, overlooked the fact that all the particulars he fancies omitted will be found in the Act itself; and in in terpreting, both the Act and the Regula lations must be read as one. Let me advise your readers not to be misled by this " Sea Lawyer," who should bear in mind the City Council had nothing what ever to do with framing the 13th schedule of the Act in which the A rarious definitions are made which he considers so objection able. If there is one thing more than another we want in Auckland it is a few more lawyers ! " Cabby " should throw up the stand, and take to the—delivei*! The various fares will no doubt require amending; as they are at present, cabbies have no reason to complain. I presume the City Council don't profess to be perfection, by a considerable chalk. Yours, &c,

C. C

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

:Td tho Editor of the Evening StAr. Sir, —I have read the letter insetted in your journal of Saturday, the 17th instant, respect ing the Mechanics' Institute ; and as that -letter is evidently written by an interested parity,,-you will confer a public favoir* by giving publication to both sides of the ques tion. Your correspondent enquires what right have subscribers to demand lectures readings, classes, &c. I ask, Mr. Editor is it not painful to find out that we have such men among us as your correspondent. But there is nothing surprising, nothing wonder ful, in the vagaries that emanate from sonio men's brains. Had he kept his contracted evade and undigested ideas of literature confined to himself, he had every right in .doing so, seeing they Avere fabricated in the narrow cells of his own brain. But when he rushes into print in order to sustain his own hobby, I assure you then they become very "disagreeable to your readers. I maintain the subscribers have a right to demand' that a series of lectures be given either by themselves or by out:ide lecturers, and' that debating classes be established in order to their becoming conversant with tho leading questions of the day. In the first place they wouli be an acquisition to our members in tho line of mental improvement; and secondly, by each member joining the class paying 23. 6d. per quarter extra, it would materially conduce to the financial position of the institute. lam confident that a great number of the members would desire to see these classes established It is possible that there may be a few of jour writer's stamp, who neither desire to improve themselves, nor the financial position of the 1 institute. None, unless those wallowing in

the very depths of ignorance, but must confess that a "lecture given by a man on a subject which is actnal'y his trade or calling, must naturally convey a great amount of informa tion, for he brings to bear on it all his own practical knowledge and experience ; and, if the members are allowed to _ criticised its merits or demerits, as they feel inclined, th ?; soon become conversant with it in all .tf different bearings. I have now been for some years a member of the Mechanics' Institute, and always advocated the establishment of classes of this kind, and I now tell our future committee of management, unless they take steps to at once inaugurate them, there will soon be a reduc tion of subscribers. But this it appears i 3 tho desire of your correspondent, who states that nothing can be farther from the views of the present committee than to increase the num» ber of subscribers from the lowar ranks of tho community. O temporal 0 mores I what next. The working artisans of Auckland to be posted up as moving in the lower ranks of life. By what process of legerdemain he can state the views of the committee I know not; but one thing lam certain o p, that wi*h very fewexceptions they have ullrisen from the ranks of working men, and dare not offer any such in sult to the working men of Auckland, as to place any barrier to their admittance as members of the Mechanics' Institute. Your correspondent fears that tho reading-room would be filled from morning to night with a crowd of street loaders and greasy artisans, and thit the Institute would be deserted entirely by the better class. Oh, what senti merits, what Christian charity is here dis played. S"ir, I unhesitatingly state, that the man who could thus give expression to his ideas should be expelled from any community. The fact of a man paying his subscription and becoming a member is in itself a positive proof that he wants to acquire mental^ know ledge and improve his social position in life. Your aristocratic swell objecting to inhale the same atmosphere and sit in the sama room with the greasy artisan. I have only to tell him that the sooner he dandles his gold cant*, his kid gloves, and white belßopper in some other locality tho purer will be the atmosphere of the Mechanics' Institute ; and to tell him also, that the greasy artisan contributes more to the revenue of the country by his productive labor than fifty of his equals ; for, as a rule, your puffed up self-opinionated aristocratic swdl lives on the taxes levied on toil, labour, and industry. Seeing that be already knows the views and desires of the committee, perhaps he can best explain why the same men have, with one or two exceptions, been appointed year after year; for at once their names are posted up on the day required, then, whether we desire it or 'not, there is no alternative, they must be elected ; and instead of electing our mem bers at the general meeting, we are only called on to confirm the election of members who, in reality, have been already elected. But this year, owing to your very able agita« tion, we have some new names pasted up.

But your correspondent tells ua^bat tho present committee preserve the institute in its prcse.it state of efficiency and comfort to him, and that it would be ungrateful indeed to turn any of then out at the meeting next week, for the purpose of getting what you term new blood. How considerate! how kind 1 how respectful the language to the committee, in contrast to his invective dec!a« mation against the working men and greasy artisans. O self, self! Itsti'ites me you are in some way identified with the grand actor behind the scenes, and in fact the party who has already pre-arranged who are to be tho future office-bearers of the institute.

In my opinion the prosperity and financial stability of the institute would be placed on a sounder basis if membei3 were returned year after year in rotation at the general meeting, doing away with the posting up part of the business. I trust also, the absurd regulation of preventing subscribers going into tho library wir '** away with,

for at present non. leers of the institute are allc \ /** CA-lge. You must stand outsit \ >ook you want, you are tolci>> N. _ v ask for another, and you ar^ HP j you ask again, but now tly^y - r'u' ;s on the glasses, takes stocL fcf^-^-^-P.ws you from stem to stern, and a coi^VT"p thrilling sensation pervades your systv. f jd spell bound by the lurid glare of those livid orbs, you begin to feel very uncomfortable, and wish to be some where else, and feel glad to be allowed to make your exit, little caring for books. But the writer of Saturday's article states, if the librarian deters persons joining tho Institute he only carries out the policy of the committee, and deserves thanks, not censure. Now if, Cerberus like, he is employed to guard the portals of the Institute, and prevent iu roads being mad* to it by the working men, then the sooner the door is nailed up the better, and its name effaced ; for it is no longer an institution for the promotion of useful and entertaining knowledge among the working men. Mr Editor, you honestly deserve tho thauks of the public for letting the light of day into the foul abuses that exist in the Mechanics' Institute, and your manly, inde pendent jouriaal should be patronised* by all, for it commands great influence in correcting abuses, advocating progress, and disseminating wholesome truths. There is no queslionjif the affairs of the Institute be conducted 'as

heretofore, it must and will of its own accord die a natural death. There has been allusion made in his letter to want of room in the Institute. He forgot to tell us about the large room now entirely devoted to electioneering agents and insolvent companies.

I now beg to apologise for intruding sj far on your valuable columns.

I am, sir, Audi nihil nisi VEriTATSM.

To the Editor of the Evening Star; Sir.t—Would your correspondent " Nemo," or any officer of the present Naval Volunteers inform me, as I only an amateur, where I am to rig the Captain' tooth-brush in a gale of wind ?

Yours. &c., Sej. Weed,

FIRE BRIGADE.

To the Editor of tho Evening!* Star.

Sir, —Can you inform mo howtk ifc is that Messrs. Pierce, Jones, and Co. are yideavour ing to oust Mr.. Asher from his as Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and to elect in his place a man without- the slightest experience. For thirteen years Mr. Asher ha 3 acted to the best of his ability ; all that time being unpaid. If he. is to be shelved now, let it be for some thoroughly experienced hand; and, if the above-named gentlemen are so desirous of a change, let them procure from London a thoroughly competent fireman. By dealing fairly, and thus acting, they will give more confidence to the people of Auck« land, and more conscientiously fulfil the trust reposed in them by tho companies whom they represent.

I am, &c, Fair Play.

P.S. ->J am informed that the man of inexperience is to recoive double tlie salary of that voted to Mr. Asher,

THE EVENING STXR, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1872.

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Crown Prince .. .. 0 0 C Golden Pa .. ..010 Middle Star .. .. 0 10 0 Siege of Paris .. ..000 Matawai 0 0 3 City of Aberdeen ..003 Otago 0 10 Conquering Hero .. 0 10 Guildhall .. ..003 American Eagle .. 0 0 C Coromandel Excelsior.. 0 0 0 Moraine Light .. ..003 Sir AValter Scott ..010 Bank of Tokatea .. 0 0 3 Felix 0 0 G Hope of Coromandel ..002 Unicorn 0 0 3 Thames Gas .. ..026 Christ-church .. ..003 Coronet .. ..010 Geelong .. ..010

due Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 22 Feb 53 Feb 23 Feb 20 Feb 20 Feb 20 Feb 20 Mar 1 Mar 1 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 7



T. COSGRAVE &. C 0 .'S O MONSTER SALE of DRAPERY and CLOTHING is now on. They have a tremendous lot of Bargains to offer to the public. The Largest Stock in New Zealand to choose from. i^^OO WOETH of MUSIC and SONGS set to MUSIC to be given away by F. H. Lewisson, JeAvcller, Queen street. For each £1 worth of Jewellery purchased at Establishment, the same amount of Songs or Music given in.—F. H. Lewisson, Queen - ■ '•*#>. :i. v'! streel. up "V ;- OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. THE immense Success attending the intro duction of this new local industry will alone testify to the high estimation in which it is held. During the last year the proprietor was scarcely able to supply the large demand, and | has in consequence made extensive alterations and additions to his Factory, so as to be enabled to keep the market well supplied. No one who values health and appetite should be without a supply of this really health-restor ing and agreeable condiment. Sold every* here in Bottles with the name of H. OLSON on wrapper and stamped on bottle and stopper. Auckland, 10th February, 1872. J CATER (late Crombie's), ROYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC G ALLERY. Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crombie • and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every cirilty and. attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J C. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking astantaneous Portraite of Children.



OK AAA WORTH of GROCERIES d^0 S \J\JU and PROVISIONS to be sold at Cost Peiob, previous to ouv Removal (o our New Central Premises, next to the Southern Cross oGice, Queen street, Families, Storekeepers, and Coarters, are invited to call at their old establishment, THE RED HOUSE, next to the Theatre Royal. RELINQUISHING BUSINESS. f§§p° FINAL NOTICE. R. HOBBS TYJTLL oiler for the next Eight Weeks, ?V (unless disposed of during that time), the Whole of his very large Stock of Genera and Household Drapery and Men's and Boys Clothing, at very low prices. February 12, 1872. _Jg9 "PUBLISHED THIS DAY, TnE EEBRCART NUMBER OE THE NEW ZEALAND " PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE," E. Waytf, Publisher, Queen-street.