SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 7.0. HIGH WATER : This evening, 8.15 p.m.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES.

Golden Crown, to-morrow morning, at 10 o clock.

DEPARTURES.

Sea Gull, schooner, Jones, for Russell. Herald, schooner, McKenzie, for Hokianga. Comerang, p.s., Chris]), for Russell. Duke of Edinburgh, p.s., Farquhar, for Russell. Clyde, schooner, Anderson, for Wangarei. Ivanhoe, schooner, McGregor, for Mongonui. Aurora, schooner, Gardiner, for Kaipara. Phoebe, s.s., Worsp, for Southern ports.

CLEARED OUTWARD.

Alice Cameron, barque, Carter, for Sydney. Dauntless, schooner, for Tauranga.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, about the 19th inst. For Tahiti: Queen, schooner, early. For Sydney : Amateur, schooner, early; Alice Cameron,

to-day. For Tauranga : Dauntless, schooner, to-day For London : Caduceus, ship, early. For Honolulu : Nevada, 22nd instant.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Hero, s.s., from Sydney. Keera, s.s., for Napier. Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands Naomi, ship, from London, sailed lGth November. Macquarie, schooner, from Melbourne Rita, brig, from Melbourne. Albion, s.s., from Southern ports Wild Duck, ship, from London, sailed 10th December

The Hero may be expected to arrive in Auckland on the 15th inst.

The Alice Cameron, barque, wili leave for Sydney this afternoon with cargo transhipped from the Nevada, and the following passengers :—Mr. and Mrs. AVatson, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Rumsey and two children, Miss Rumsey, and Mr. John Murphy.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Saturday afternoon,

Mr. R. Arthur reports that the following prices were realised at his market day auction sale yesterday :— Fowls, Is. 3d. to 2s. Sd. each ; Spanish, 3s. to 6s. each ; young birds, lOd. to Is. Id. ; ducks, Is. sd. to Is. 9d. ; peacocks, Gs. Gd. ; young cock canaries and cages, ISs. each ; potatoes, 3s. 3d. to ss. Gd. per cwt. ; onions, ljd. to lfd. per pound ; Auckland apples,2^d. to 2_d. ; Sydney, 2id. ; bacon and hams, job lots, 3d. to "d. ; butter, 4_d. to 7d. ; cheese, lid. to 4d. ; jams, Pea cock's, 4s. Sd. per dozen ; tea, in half-chests, assorted, Is. to Is. 2_d. per pound ; Auckland oatmeal, ljd. per pound. Household furniture and effects at moderate prices. An average amount of business was dona, although the attendance was not large.

MINING.

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

MEETINGS TO COME.

Crown Prince, Queen's Ferry Hotel, Auckland, February 12 Bank of Tokatea, Mechanics, Auckland, 4 p.m. Feb ruary 13. Queen's Ferry, 49, Queen street, Auckland, 4 p.m February 13 Red, White, and Blue, Grahamstown, February 14 Golden Pah, Coromandel, February 15. Smiling Beauty, Grahamstown, February IG. Flagship, Golden Anchor, Grahamstown, February 21. Pride of Tokatea, Company's office, Queen street,

Auckland, 3 p.m. February 22 Masonic, Coromandel, February 23 Lowland Lass, Grahamstown, February 24 Margaretta, 33, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m.

February 24. Argo, Coromandel, February 24. Nebraska, Grahamstown, February 20 South Lead, Grahamstown, March 1.

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Mails will Close as Under

For Thames, on Monday, 12th instant, at 10.30 a.m. For Kapanga, etc., per Royal Alfred, on Monday,

at noon. For Kawau, Wangarei, etc., per Duke of Edinburgh,

on Monday, at 5 p.m. For Whananaki, per Blanche, on Monday, at 5 p.m. Per p.s. Nevada, on Thursday, 22 inst., as follows— For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of A.merica, 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. S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

COWIE.—On the 10th February, at Bishop's Court, Auckland, the wife of the Bishop of Auckland, of a son.

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."

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1872.

As will be seen from tho noti.es that have appeared, the annual election of office-bearers in the Mechanics' Insti tute is at hand ■ Monday being the last day .for the nomination of candi dates. It is not our desire or intention to spealc of this institution with severity, but we do put it to the good feeling of those interested in its affairs, whether it is not a duty to try and make the. Institute worthy of the in telligence, and- population and preten sions of the city. That it has hitherto fulfilled none of the purposes for which a Mechanics' Institute should exist will not be denied by any one con versant with the working of such insti tutions; and when we consider the large number of persons in the city that should be found taking an active interest in such an institution, it is really deplorable that this state of lethargy should have so long continued. We do not pretend to explain why it is that our Mechanics' Institute, for inefficiency, should differ from all others in the colonies, or almost any where else ; but we think that there is much force in the general impression, that it is because it is a species of close preserve, in which a party managing to retain the power and control in their hands, make the Institute impervious to attack. At the last election of office-bearers a procedure was allowed that cannot be regarded as other than a discreditable ruse. It was success ful, and has made the Institute to con tinue during the past year in the same condition of apathy as during all pre ceding years. We sincerely trust that no such procedure will be repeated. An earnest desire has been expressed that a total change of management should be effected in this election ; and we are informed that a considerable number of names will be proposed, so that those who still retain the power of election will have a power of selec tion.. "We were astonished, on

looking over the list of members to see how very limited the num ber of those who can take part in the coming election. By the man ner in which the Institute has been conducted, and by the exceeding un pleasantness to which persons have been subjected in the library and news room, a multitude of former members are no longer connected with the Institute, and in reality with few ex ceptions, only those who are of a par ticular way of thinking, and inclined to support a particular regime retain their connection and the power, of voting. In such circumstances we believe that the present management could again succeed in having its members reappointed in defiance of public opinion, but we plead with them, by a sense of public duty to not perpetrato such a wrong. We understand that Mr. Whitaker does not intend to stand for re-election as President. It was not to be expected that Mr. Whitaker could have afforded that attention requisite for the duties of the office; and deservedly respected as Mr. Whitaker is by the whole community, and deserving of any honor that his fellow citizens could confer on him, we are confident th^t Mr Whitaker himself feels that honorary appointments are not what the Mechanics' Institute requires in its present state. Mr. Philips will not, we think, suspect us of any unkindly feeling towards him when we say that, for the sake of infusing a thorough change of blood into the Institution, he should not allow himself to be nominated again for the Vice Presi dency. We have given evidence of our appreciation of the Mayor as an earnest, active public man, but his connection with the Mechanics' Insti tute, and its continuance in a state of absolute good-for-nothingness while under his Vice Presidency, does not place a feather in his cap, and we ask him to not tarnish his fair fame by placing himself in the way of a thorough reform. More than this, we ask Mr. Philips to show in this matter the same public spiritednessthat generally characterises his conduct, and take a lead in trying to effect a complete change in the management, and giving an oppor tunity to an entirely new lot of men, to show if the Mechanics'lnstitute could

be lifted out of the slough of useless ness, or if there is really something in the atmosphere of Auckland fatal to progress and improvement. With Mr. George, the other vice-president, we have sometimes dealt rather hardly, but it was not from any want of appre ciation of his experience and the good practical sensible services that he has rendered, and continues to render, in public affairs ; and we trust that he will not misunderstand us when we ask him, in company with Mr. Philips, to not stand for re-election to the vice presidency of the Mechanics' Institute ; but retiring for a term, to give an opportunity for testing the value of the oft repeated cry that it is change of blood in the management that is alone necessary to give fresh life and vigor to the Institute. In the committee of management there are several members whom we should desire to see in the new committee, and who have striven though hitherto in vain to over come the chronic lethargy of the Insti tute. But for the sake of uniformity they should not stand for re-election. So much and so strong feeling has been expressed respecting the past manage ment of the Institute, that there should not remain the least particle of leaven as an excuse for those who, on the possible failure of the new regime might say it was this that leavened the whole lump. Under a new management we believe that the secretary, whose peculiar disposition and manner are blamed for a good deal, might become a valuable and useful officer; aud we do not hesitate to express our belief that our local Insti tute might be raised to a position of usefulness and prosperity second to none in the colony.

During gales of wind from the westward the houses built on piles on the Harbour Endowment allotments along the jetty are in continual dauger of utter annihilation by the battering of a number of largo spars, which aro frequently insecurely moored in the angle between the wharf and tho rock baths. Tho other night, when it was blowing hard, a whole raft of them broke adrift, .nd dashed against the foundations of some of tho houses with such violence as to cause great alarm to many of the inmates, who were obliged to turn out and sheer them off with, poles. There is another source of danger, in the manner in which small craft waiting their turn for repair ing anchor in the same corner. Their ground tackle is frequently of the worst description, and on more than one occasion have they parted their cables during heavy weather, and done damage to the houses. As this cause of mischief likewise threateas danger to the wharf itself, the piles of which are not in the very best condition, as everyone knows, it is surely a matter for consideration of the Harbor Board whether some steps could not be taken to make it compulsory to anchor these vessels and logs in a bettor manner, or whether they should not themselves lay down proper moorings. The matter ought to be speedily looked to by some one, for tho period of the year is fast approaching when we may expect heavy gales from the W. &od S.W.

The Rev. Mr. Macniccol, of St. James- Church, accompanied by his family, started this morning, by tho p.s. Lady Eowen, on a trip to Mahurangi, &c, for the benefit of his health. Mr. Macniccol purposes remaining for a fortnight or three weeks, arrangements having been made to have his pulpit supplied during hi 3 absence. The morning service at St. James' to-morrow, will be conducted by Rev D. Hamilton, son of tho late Rev D. Hamilton, of York street, Belfast, whose name is so honored by all Presbyterians from the north of Ireland. Mr. Hamilton has recently arrived by tho Caducous. Rev Mr. Bruce will preach in St: James' in the evening.

Our readers must have been horror stricken yesterday to read in our meteorological report of the late gale that it " blew 400 miles below the level of the soa on the 7th, and 840 on the Bth." We have been requested from the New ton Observatory to correct this and state that it should road " of this quantity 400 miles blew on the 7th, and 840 miles on the Bth.'» How this misreading occurred we cannot say, unless the compositor was afllicted with a re markable obfuscation of vision and saw double, The. manuscript is clear enough.

Those who hail f-om the land of the Gae

will be interested to see in another column a notice of a Gaelic service to be hold in the Newton School room, opposite the Newton Hall to-morrow forenoon. It will be con ducted by Mr Mcßae, who accompanied the Rev. Mr. Bruce in the Caducous from Scotland. Mr. Mcßae is, we understand, about to receive his license as a Minister of the Presby terian Church, and has finished his preparatory

studies,

In a oase tried at Annapolis last month, Dr. Warren was examined as to the exact cause of death. While the subject was under consideration, Attorney-General Lyter re marked to witness : "A doctor ought to be able to give an opinion of a disease with out making mistakes. Witness—" They are as capable as a lawyer." Attorney-General— " Doctor's mistakes are buried six feet under ground; a lawyer's are not." Witness— "But they are sometimes hung to a tree.'' Strange to say the deceased's name was Ketchum. Perhaps the name suggested the joke.

The Governor has kindly placed Govern ment House at the disposal of the stewards for the proposed complimentary ball to be given to the naval officers at present in port. The captain of the U.S.S. St. Mary has delayed tho departure of his- vessel to enable his officers to be present.

Last evening the fire bell at the foot of Grey street was rung for a considerable time by some boys, but the only cause of alarm con sisted of some rubbish being burnt on the Railway Works in Mechanics' Bay, which, as the shades of evening drew on, reflected a slight glare. An incident occurred which shows the danger arising from unnecessary alarms. Immediately the bell rang, a cabman, whose duty it is to supply the horses for the fire engine, dashed with his cab across the footpath on to the reserve by the Thistle Hotel on his way to the engine shed, causing great consternation amongst the foot passengers, and nearly running over some women and children who were passing at the time.

It is not generally known that information 8 against parties infringing the provisions of the Rural Police Act are of no effect if laid by private individuals. The proceedings must be taken through the intervention of a member of the Armed Constabulary. Anyone, there fore, who desires to have an offender panished under this act, should tell a constable, who will then take the requisite steps. His Wor ship the Eesident Magistrate remarked to the above effect during the trial of a case this morning for ill-treating a horse, and thought it would be well to draw public attention to the clause.

A meeting of property holders in the town ship of Wynyard, Coromandel, was held yesterday to decide upon some action to secure their rights against trespasses. The matter led to considerable discussion, and it was finally agreed to appoint a committee,consisting of Messrs. Koesing, P. A. Philips, Daldy, B. Levy, Wynyard, Nathan, and Copland, who would proceed to offer terms to the minors for the general advantage of the owners of Wynyardton.

A survey of the continuance of the railway line from Riverhead to Auckland has been commenced by Mr. J. O'Neill.

Mr. Carrow was elected secretary to the Central Board of Education at a meeting of the Board yesterday aftern.on.

Tenders are required lor the supply of rations to Mount Eden Gaol by parties willing to contract. They will be received by the Provincial Secretary up to the Ist March.

We observe by advertisements that Mr. It. W. Dyson, so long and favourably known in the drapery trade, is about to relinquish the business, and conse quent upon the expiration of his lease, will, for the remainder of term, hold an unusually cheap sale, and solicits an early call to secure bargains : [Ajdvx.]

To any one who will show a larger stock of Auck land-made Quartz, Greenstone, and Mosaic Jewellery, within six months, I will give a rewardof lifty pounds. 1 also challenge New Zealand for style and beauty. Two thousand pound worth of Colonial-made Jewellery always on hand.—F. H. Lewisson, Qneen street. -lADYT.]

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Caledonian lodged 907 ounces

All Nations lodged G73ozs.

G-RAIIAMSTOWN, 3 p.m. The Californian Tributers have lodged 232 ounces, the result of 320 tons of stuff crushed during the last fortnight.

The Star of the Thames have had a crushing of 34> tons, which yielded 17

ounces

Tho Missouri have obtained 33ozs from about 70 tons.

Tho Windsor Castlo have crushed 30 tons, yiolding 33 ounces.

The Golden Crown have obtained 35 ozs. 10 dwts. from the crushing of 100 tons of Btone.

Tho Caledonian have lodged 907 ounces for the fortnight. Thoy are through the specimen leader. At No. 2 reef in shaft, there is a little more water in the mine.

The All Nations have obtained 801b. specimens since yesterday. There is 1,550 ounces of amalgam on the lire, and more to come..

LATER.

All Nations havo lodged G73"ouncos of gold already and have over 200 more to come, being the result of a fort night's crushing.

THE SHARE MARKET.

j. newman's eepobt.

There has been a good demand for Cale donians at an advance to»day. All Nations and Pride of Tokatea have been selling freely. My sales comprise Caledonians, £16 55,, £16 10s. to £17; All Nations, £4 155., £4155. 6d. to £4 17s- 6d. j Pridoof Tokatea, 75., 7s. 6d., closing buyers, Bs. J, M, LENNOX*- EEPOBT. There was considerable enquiry during the day for Pride of Tokatea shares. My sales comprise Caledonian, £16, £17; Thames, £5, £5 55,; Pride of Tokatea, 7s. to 7s, 6d. Closing buyers: Caledonian, £16 10*.; Thames, £5 5 ; Pride of Tokatea, 7s. 9d.; All Nations, £4 17s. 6d. Sellers, Caledonian, £17 ss. j Thames, £5 7s, 6d ; All Nations, £5.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

The usual weekly parade of the Scottish Volunteers was held last evening in Fort Britomart. After the drill a meeting was held to elect an ensign, and Mr J. Mow bray was elected. The following promo tions were also made :■— Sorgeant Forlong to be color-sergeant; corporals Whitelaw and Macdonald to be lance-sergeants ; and privates J. Maclean and W. H. Fort to be lance-corporals

The members of the Engineer Corps who intend to compete for Capt Darga ville's money prizes are requested to classify themselves on or before Saturday next.

No. 3 company of the Auckland Rifle Brigade mustered for drill last evening. There was but a small attendance.

A meeting of volunteers will be held on Tuesday evening next in the drill shed to complete arrangements respecting the International rifle match.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M

DRUNKENNESS

Four drunkards were punished in the usual manner, and one Duncan, charged with being disorderly as well, forfeited his bail. PETTY LARCENY. Michael Selvey, a man of color, was charged by Edward, a Maori, with steal ing a coat valued at five shillings, about the month of October 1871. He said he took the coat because it was wet and cold. Prisoner was a Portuguese negro, and an interpreter was sworn in. Prisoner then retracted his confession, and said he brought the coat from America. Remanded till Monday- VAGRANCY. John Mann was charged with commit ting a bieach of the Vagrant Act, he having been found at night without lawful excuse in a certain enclosed area, to wit, Holdship & Co's saw mills. He said he was waiting for a mate, and having worked hard all day, sat down and fell asleep. His Worship severely admonished prisoner, and sentenced him to fourteen days' imprisonment with hard labor. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. John Einneally was charged by George Lendrum with committing a breach of the Auckland Rural Police Act by abusing and ill-treating a horse. His Worship on referring to the Act, found that by the 10th section it was necessary that informations under the Act must be laid by members of the Armed Constabulary at the request of a house holder.

The information laid by Lendrum was thc-n withdrawn, and a fresh one laid by Detective Ternahan under which prisoner was again apprehended. As the witnesses were not in attendance, the hearing of the charge was deferred till Monday at the request of Sergeant Pardy. At this stage of the pjoceedings the witnesses arrived, and the case was gono on with.

James Woodward, a farmer at the Whau, deposed that last Thursday after noon he saw prisoner riding from the direction of Henderson's Mill at a furious rate. He was spurring the horse on, and was apparently intoxicated- The horse was sweating much, and in a very bad state. If witness had known it was not prisoner's horse he would have taken it from him.

Alexander Hope, a groom in the employ of Mr Lendrum, livery stable keeper, stated that he had lent the horse to prisoner, who had not returned it. He had got it back this morning, by advertising for it. Prisoner had returned yesterday morning, and said he had lost it. When the horse was returned it was in a very bad state, and bore heavy sweat marks. George Lendrum deposed to the state of the horse, and that when prisoner re turned he told a-cock-and-a-bull story about having been knocked off tho horse. Detective Ternahan described the steps ho had taken to ascertain the truth of the story. Prisoner said he had been drinking, and did not know what had occurred.

His Worship gave him some good ad vice as to h'.s habits of intemperance, and fined him 40s and costs, or to be im prisoned for 14 days with hard labor. The alternative was accepted.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT

Ax inquest was held on Thursday after noon before Dr. Philson, City Coroner, on the body of Mr. John Crosbie, who had recently been killed by a cab accident in Hobson street.

Mr. Beveridge attended to watch the proceedings for deceased's representatives. A respectable jury was empannelled, and the Coroner called on Thomas Doyle, who deposed : I am a carpenter residing in Drake street. Last Wednesday evening, shortly after 12 o'clock, as I was proceed ing up Victoria street from the theatre with a, Mr Brennan, I saw a cab at the corner. I knew the driver, and asked who was inside. Thomas Dalton was the driver. There were two horses attached to the cab, and it was standing opposite the Old House at Home Hotel, at the corner of Victoria and Hobson streets. He said Crombie, Harrison, and Messenger were inside. At that time Crosbie came out of the hotel, and said, " I want you." The driver said " Look sharp ; I've got an appointment at Mr Murdoch's, and must bo there in good time." Crosbie and another got into the cab. Harrison, myself, and another followed. The cabman asked if we were all right, and one of the party said "Yes." As the driver was getting on the box, the off horse started. The driver reached out his left hand to catch the reins, which I suppose were on the box. ' I do not know whether he succeeded in getting hold of them. One of the horses turned off down Hobson street and carried tho other one with him. They then commenced to run. I observed Dalton, the drirer, getting on to the polo between the horses. I fancy the near horse began to buck directly he put his hand on him. The horses then increased their paco, and when we arrived opposite the Governor Browne Dalton had stopped one, but in doing so, fell to the ground. He cried out as if in pain. Mes senger exclaimed that it was time to jump out, and he did so. Harrison next jumped out. Deceased then said, "Let me get out," and grasped me by the thigh. He then either threw himself out or jumped out.

Witness, after some further examina tion, went on to say, that shortly after wards he returned and found deceased without motion. He was frothing at the mouth, and did not answer when spoken o. Witness then went a short distance and found Harrison lying motionless, with his face covered with blood. A little further he found the cabman Dalton lying on the road, severely cut about the face. His voice was barely perceptible, and he asked for water. Witness dragged him across the road and sat him up. A man came up and helped him home. A cabman came up and asked Messenger to help him, which he did, and while they were away with the horses, witness went back to deceased and found him still motionless. Harrison was then just com mencing to move. Others arrived and assisted witness in taking deceased into the Old House at Home, and Mr Morri son, the landlord, sent for medical assist ance, The party were all perfectly sober;

and witness, who had known Dalton for six years, considered him a good and careful driver. W. H, Messenger and Mr Morrison gave corroborative evidence. _ Dr Hooper stated his conviction that deceased's life was lost in consequence ot a fracture of the base of the skull. The jury then proceeded to the resi dence of Dalton, who was lying danger ously hurt, who said that as he was mounting the box the reins slipped down, and, while he was endeavouring to recover them, one of the horses kicked him, and he fell between them. After a short consultation, the jury, re turned a verdict of " Acidental death, but attached a rider imputing blame to Dalton for not having hold of the reins before mounting the box.

FUNERAL.

The funeral of Mr John Crosbie yesterday afternoon was attended by a large number of sorrowing friends, who attended tor the sole purpose of testifying their respect for the deceased, who had lost his lite so suddenly, the greater number of them being members of the ancient craft of Free and Accepted Masons, headed by the D.P.G.M. under the Scotch Constitu tion, Brother Beveridge, and the officers of the Lodge of St. Andrew, of which he was a member. The funeral took place in the Presbyterian cemetery, and the funeral service was performed by Brother the Rev. D. Bruce, Chap lain of the Lodge, after which a Masonic funeral oration, adapted to the occasion, was delivered by Brother Beveridge to the congregation assembled, in a very impressive and effective style. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Brother Hay ward, of Queen street, in a very praiseworthy manner.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —I've heard it said that there was never an Act of Parliament but what you could drive a coach and four through, now, I only drive a cab, and as these dry days have left one a good deal of leisure I have occupied myself while waiting for a fare, in studying the city regulations for carriages, cares, hawkers, and pedlars, as published in the Provincial Govern ment Gazette, of sth December.

I don't know who drew up these won derful regulations, but I have come to the conclusion that it must have been done by some suckling lawyer. I didn't pretend to any knowledge of law, but as I once looked after a lawyer's horse I felt bound to give a little study to the profession. In the first place there is No. 1 clause, which says that the sum to be paid for a hackney carriage shall be one pound, and for a stage carriage two pounds but it docs not say whom it is to be paid to nor for how long ; whether it is for a month, for a year, or whether it is for the natural life of a carriage; the same remark applies to the license for driver and con ductor which is 55., but it leaves us in doubt as to whether it means os. each or 2s. 6d. each.

No. 3 clause says carriages may ply for hire at all hours, Sunday's excepted. I always reckoned Sunday to be a day and not an hour.

No. 5 clause seems to mean that pro vided a carriage be enclosed with wood, smoking is allowed inside and out of it- No. 0 says the lamp inside a borough chaise carriage shall be placed at the extreme end, but does not tell us which ; one of my mates says it is the door end that the ladies may sec the steps, another argues that it is the other end so that the conductor can see all the pretty feet, but it does'nt matter much as the regulations don't require the lamp to be lighted. Fares for two horse vehicles from any part of the city to the end of the wharf are to be 3s. Gd., but it dobs'nt say which end, and Bill Linchpin who is a sort of a sealawyer vows it means the south end, and that he means to charge extra for going half way to tho North Shore. The last clause of this 1 can't make head or tail of; it isn't Dutch, it isn't English. I have read it before dinner, and after three glasses of grog, and I can't make sense of it. You read it, " Half fare to be charged for return journey when occupied when not engaged by time." No 4. Onlookingagainatthis,lunderstand that the passengers allowed to be carried are to be placed in some conspicuous place outside of such carriage, distinctly and legibly painted ; but we are puzzled to know whether the painting refers to the passengers or the carriage. My ink has dried up. I'll do the same and overhaul the Regulations for Carts and Hawkers another time.

Yours, &c, Cabby.

THE PROVINCIAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sib, —Like yourself, I feel that it is useless fulminating against a Provincial Reserve of the nature of that so ably criticised in your leader of last evening, but on. the principle that constant dripping wears atvay a stone, I take tho liberty of adding a word to your almost exhaustive remarks on the Provincial Grammar School.

There can be little doubt that in the present state of education throughout the province, the amount of money expended on the Provincial Grammar School, if not misapplied, is not wisely spent. When it is considered that there are schools in Auckland maintained by private enterprise at a less average quarterly fee than is chargedat the Provincial Grammar School, and that parents have this guarantee of getting _ their __moneys worth at such shools, in the fact that this healthy rivalry existing among them keeps the conductors of these schools up to tho mark in their educational standard. I cannot but think that the Provincial Grammar School is an unnecessary institution for the class of pupils attending such shools. The Provincial Grammar School as at present constituted, is simply educating a number of boys, by the very teachers, who, a short time ago, in a private capacity, offerhd the same education at the same rate of fees consequently the country derives no benefit from the expenditure of the £1,300 a year, nor does the parent receive the slightest extra consideration thereof. If I am correct in this conclusion, it follows that the fwds apparently so misapplied,

or at all events for which there is no appreciable return at present, might be much more profitably devoted to the csuse of education throughout the province. You have referred to the claims of country schools and the teachers con nected with them upon Government support. Allow me to sugg£jj* |iat, even if the trustees of this fund __| -Van-anted in administering it, in the manner they are now doing, it should be one paramount duty of theirs to select periodically from the commonschoolsof the province a certain number of deserving pupils whose educa tion shall be continued at "the Grammar School free of charge. I would go further than this, and suggest that a training school be established in Auckland on the model of the JSTew South Wales training schools —a school that would afford at a cheap rate a thorough and suitable educa tion to the lower stratum of the middle class, and at the same time turn out thoroughly trained teachers to supply the schools thatmay be established throughout the province. I am writing in ignorance of the con ditions of the Trust, and I believe the public generally are in the same position, but it would give general satisfaction to to know for what purpose so large a a portion of the provincial estate has been vested in these Grammar School Com missioners, and whether or not they are justified in expending a large sum of money in the manner in which they at present do. In any case- such a disposal of the funds as I have suggested would be recognised as a boon throughout the length and breadth of the province, and would reflect more than credit on the administrators of the Trust.

Yours, &c, Scrutator

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir,—l see by a notice in your paper this evening, that the election or rather nomina tion (which as the elections have hitherto been conducted amounts to the same thing) of members of the committee of the Mechanics' Institution takes place on Monday night. If the subscribers to the institution really wish to infuse new life and blood into the managing body, so that some more interest and energy may be displayed in rendering the Institution what it should be, may I be permitted to urge them to take the advice of your corespondent " Crossbow," and nominate some good men aud true, who will really endeavour to adapt the Institutioa to the wants and wishes of the community among which we live. I have now before me the report of a similar Institution "at home," its meetings are held half-yearly, it commences with a short preamble from the committee itself, making reference to their labors during the past half year. Then there is the finance report, with a balance sheet showing the receipts and ex penditure during that period. After which is an account of tho number of members showing an " increase," as I am glad to perceive in the half-year. Then reports of the " lectures," " readings," and other " entertainments" for the benefit of the subscribers, none of which, I regret to say, require any report from our commit tee for the very cogent reason that none have been given. The report concludes with tho election by ballot of a certain number of committee men, a portion of whom go out every half-year, not once a year. The President is elected once a year, and it speaks well for him as well as for the Institution, that the same gentle man has been unanimously re-elected more than thirty times. I could write much more, but even a newspaper has limits, as well as tho patience of your readers. Hoping, there fore, to sse a little more life, and a great deal more interest taken in the Insti tution of which I am a very humble mem ber, I remain,

Yours, &c

February 9, 1872

WATER SUPPLY.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab Sib, —We appear to be entering on a career of large and somewhat uncertain amount of expenditure in reference to this subject, which must be eventually paid out of the funds of the City Corporation. It is the opinion of many persons that what is termed the main spring (in boring for water) has been tapped at Mr Se combe's, in Kyber Pass Road, and at an elevation that may be probably carried to the Domain reservoir by a syphon arrange ment, or, if that is impossible, a proper pumping machine of sufficient power. To obtain this objeot a well would re quire to be sunk for the Corporation near enough to Mr Seccombe's to obtain the spring ; and the quantity of water flowing being ascertained, suitable arrangements for obtaining it could be made.

In all attempts to supply cities or towns with water, distance is one primary con sideration, and until the quantity of wateu flowing at this site is proved, we are not justified in going farther in our present financial position. If these remarks should be the means of drawing public attention to ascertain the intrinsic value of this source of sup ply, my objeot in this communication will be obtained, and a large water rate de ferred till we have a larger population to enable us to pay for obtaining a supply from some more distant site.

I am, &c„

REVIEW AT EPSOM.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab. Sib,—ln the Volunteer-Gf-^ie of this day, there is a description otShe Review held at Epsom, on Saturday ljist. In de scribing the 2nd Battalion, lie Gazette states that it was composed of the One hunga Rifles, the Victoria and Royal Companies, and the Auckland Scottish. Now, I am very certain that the Hobson Company formed a part of that Battalion on that day, and that they were No 2 Company in that Battalion, and as they mustered about three-fourths of their numerical strength, I do not think, va. justice to the Hobsons, that their presence should be ignored by a paper having the pretentions that the Volunteer Gazette has.

I am, &c, VOLUNTBEB.

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10, 1872

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Scandinavian .. Little Angel Whau Bird in Hand .. Multum-in-Parvo Stock Importation Lowland Lass .. Pacific Lincoln .. Golden Pah Middle Star ,. ieige of Paris ... Matawai City of Aberdeen Otago Conquering Hero Guildhall Thames Gas

.. 0 0 G .. 0 0 G ..050 ..010 ..010 ..100 ' .. 0 0 G .. 0 0 G ..002 ..010 .. 0 10 0 .. 0 0 G .. 0 0 3 ..003 ..010 ..010 ..003 .. 0 2 G

Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 15 Feb 19 Feb 19 Feb 19 Feb 20 Leb 20 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 22 Feb 23 Feb 23 Feb 2G Mar 0



J CATER (late Cbombie'b), ROYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, 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 Btating that they will receive every civilty and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no Jains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. C. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children.



RELINQUISHING. BUSINESS. FINAL NOTICE. R. HOBBS WILL offer for the next Eight Weeks, unless disposed of during that time, the Whole of his very largp Stock of General ftnd Household Drapery and Men's and Boys' PJothing, at very low prices. OHOBAL SOCIETY. mHE NEXT CONCERT will be given in the MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, ON TUESDAY EVENING*, 13th INST., At 8 o'Clock. STABAT MATER. GOUNOD'S MASS. 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 hia 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 everyw here in Bottles with the name of H. OLSON on wrapper and stamped on bottle and stopper. J Auckland, 10th February, 1872. '



A Western editor says that he will labour to put down the cause of drunkenness. As tho cause of drunkenness is generally supposed to be strong liquor, he will no doubt pnt it £qwu without the least trouble.