SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 4.46. HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 3.39.

STEAM TO THE THAMES THIS EVENING. Duke of Edinburgh, 6 o'clock.

ARRIVALS.

Phcebe, s.s., Worsp, from Southern ports. Coronet, schooner, Robinson, from Otago.

DEPARTURES.

Star of the South, Holmes, s.s., for Napier. Comerang, p. s, Chrisp, for Northern ports. Dauntless, schooner, Moller, for Tauranga. Amherst, brig, for Newcastle. City of Adelaide, s.s., Walker, for Sydney.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For "Southern ports: Phoebe, Juno 4 ; Taranaki, early For Honolulu : Nebraska, mail steamer, June 13. For Ahipara and Hokianga : Mary Eliza, cutter, this afternoon For Napier : Rangatira, S.S., Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

jxevaaa, man steamer (true June 17; Cleopatra, schooner, from Lyttelton Alpha, schooner, from Newcastle Amphitrite, schooner, from Sydney Tyrol, barque, from Nelson Nebraska, mail steamer, from the South Coronilla, ship, from London. Sailed March 22 Rita, brig, from Melbourne City of Melbourne, s.s., from Sydney Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastle Briton, barque, from Newcastle Charybdis, schooner, from Lyttelton Sea Gvll, schooner, from Levuka Prima Donna, schooner, from Levuka Lapwing, 'cutter, from Lyttelton P.C.E., barque, from Newcastle Bulwark, ship, from London. Sailed March 2 East Lothian, barque, from Adelaide Selenslee, ship, from London (sailed Jan. 11).

IMPORTS.

Per Coronet, from Otago : IS cases whiting, 39 do cheese, 2 sacks and 1 bag pearl barley, 3 bags do, 5 sacks do, SO boxes soap, 107 bags oats, 2 cases vestas, 50 bags oats, 100 kegs blasting powder, 203 bags oats, SO sacks and 80 qr-sacks flour, 35 sacks oatmeal, 80 qr-sacks and 60 half-sacks flour, 40 sacks, 10 half-sacks, 20 qr-sacks oatmeal, 25 sacks, 25 half-sacks, 50 qr-sacks flour, 5 sacks oatmea!, 100 do flour, 20 do oatmeal, 100 do flour, 200 bags oats, order ; 100 bags oatmeal, S Jones. — G W Binney, agent.

EXPORTS.

Per City of Adelaide : "For Sydney—l qr-cask wine, Brown, Campbell and Co ; 1 pkg leather, J Rout; 77 bales flax, J Roberts ; 10 bags sacks, J Coupland ; 1 pkg ferns, Owen and Graham; 1 parcel papers, Buchanan. For Melbourne —3 boies wool, Brown and Campbell; 20 bales skins, 12 casks hides, A Dornwell; 106 bars steel, Must and Co ; 1 case plants, Combes and Daldy ; 1 case gratings, J Morton ; 1 parcel books, Upton and Co.—H M Jeryis, agent.

DEPARTURE OF THE CITY OF ADELAIDE.

The s.s. City of Adelaide, Captain Walker, took her departure for Sydney and Melbourne at two o'clock this afternoon. In addition to the cargo, which will be found, under the heading of exports, she takes the followingpassengers for Sydney :—Saloon —Messrs T and Henderson, Dalgleish, A Gavin, Hood, J S Reid, Mr and Mrs Stephens, Miss Walker. Steerage —Mrs Union and three children, Mrs Sommervilie, Messrs. Jarvey, Barnsdale, Williams, Harris, Thomas, J. Eaber, Eaton.

The barque Celestia has cleared outwards in ballast for Newcastle.

The schooner Opotiki, from Opotiki, entered at the Customs this morning with 160 bags wheat, and 160 mnize, consigned to J SMacfarlane ; 79 pigs, order ;4 cases, C Sutton.

The schooneor Coronet arrived in harbour this morning from Dunedln. She left Duuedin on the 24th instant, and experienced light winds and variables during the p&ssage. She has undergone a thorough repair, rendered necessary owing to her collision off Oamaru. She hr,s anchored at the powder ground awaiting the discharge of 100 barrels powder,consigned to Messrs.Stone Erothera.

The clipper brig Drover having just landed a cargo of grain in excellent condition, is now open to freight or charter to Sydney oJt Newcastle.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Saturday afternoon,

B Arthur sold at- the following rates on Friday, market day's sale :—Fowls, Is Id to 2s 6d each ; Malay fowls, 5s 6d'each ; turkeys, 3s to 5s 3d ; ducks, Is 9d to 2s 2d ; guinea fowls, 2s 7d; pigeons, Is; tumbler pigeons, 5s each ; potatoes, 5s 9d to 6s Cd per cwt ; onions, Jd to Id per lb ; Canterbury bacon, 8d to 9d per 1b ;7 Auckland bacon, 8d ; hams, 9d per lb ; butter, 9d per lb ; Canterbury flour ; 13 per cwt; apples, 2Jd to 3Jd per lb; cheese (Wairoa), 5d per lb. Sundry groceries and household furniture sold at fair prices.

MINING.

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

JIEETINSS TO COMI. "Virginia City, Grahamstown, June 3 Burra Burra, G. S. O'Halloran's office, Insurance Buildings; Auckland, <5 p m., June 3 Ouildhall, Grahamstown, June 4 Occidental, 44, Queen street, Auckland, 4 p.m. June 5 Mutual Mining investment Company, V.M.C.A. Booms, Auckland, 8 o'clock, June 6 Conquering Hero, Insurance Buildings, Auckland

June 7 Foster's, Coromandel, June 7 Pride of Moanataiari, Grahamstown, June 8 Golden Spur, Company's office, "West Queen street, 3

p m June 10 " Number One, Grahamstown, June 10 Taumatawahine, Company's office, Queen street,4p.m,

June 10 New JEtakaia, Coromandel, June 11 Tookey Quartz, Ballarat, June 14 Specimen, Waverley Hotel, Auckland, 3 p.m. June 15 ."■'-. ,« Queen of May, Grahamstown, June 17. , Carnatic, Coromandel, June 18 Christchurch, Grahamstown, June 18 Harbour View, Coromandel, June 20 Golden Pah, at Mackay*s office, at 4 o clock June 20 Wood's Point, Coromandel, June 21

PORT OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Matls -wti/l Clqsb as Under For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p m ; and on Monday,

3rd instant, at 5:30 p m For Kapanga, per Challenger, on Monday, 3rd instant,

at 0.30 a.m. . „_.. . For Newcastle N.S.W., per Hercules, on Monday, 3rd

instant, at 11 am For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, ana boutnern Provinces per Rangatira, on Monday, 3rd instant, at Ip.m. Late letters will be received till 1.30p m For Taranaki and Southern Province, per Phoebe, on

Monday, 3rd instant, at 5 p m ' • Per ps Nebraska, on Thursday, 13th instant, as 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 am For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at 10.30 am For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9 am. ' . '--■-' Late letters for the United States or America and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d. in addition to the postage, will be received at the office till 11 am, and by the mail agent onboard thesteamerup tototfn-o^igg

BIRTH.

Stevens. —On the 17th May, at the Willows, Tina kori road, Wellington, the wife of Walter Stevens, Esq., of a son.

DEATH.

Hardie.—On the 31st May, at Mount Albert, Jane, youngt daughter of Mr Henry Hardic ; aged 20 years.— Ayrshire papers pler.se copy. The funerr.l will arrive at Mount Eden Toll-gate at 3p m to-morrow (Sunday). Friends will please accept this Invitation.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 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 meeting last night at the Mechanics' Institute serves to show what can be done by combination in a good cause. The monopoly in the management of that institution has now been completely destroyed,, and the " ticket" of the reformers, with merely verbal alterations to which they consented, has been carried in its entirety. The quibble about over riding the laws of the Institute is simple bunkum, and the last straw clutched at by a drowning party. The meeting was specially called to alter the laws of the Institute. The notice had been duly given in accord ance with rule, and the laws which had been made by a general meeting were altered by a general meeting. The resolution carried for the removal of the Directors was the same as an amending act, "which of course is to be read concurrently with, and modi fying the original Act. The success has been the greatest that has attended any public agitation for a long time in Auckland, and the battle having been fought solely to admit the public into what ought to be a public insti tution, the mere carrying of the reso lution enlarging the constituency of voters fourfold is of itself a guarantee that there will be no retrogression.

An entertainment in aid of the funds of the Orphan Home will be given at the Parnell Hall by the amateurs of H.M.B. Rosario on Tuesday evening next.

A working men's aid society was formed last night at a meeting held in the Presbyterian school-room, Parnell. The objects of the society were explained by Mr 0-. Hayter as boing to render mutual assistance in time of sickness, and also to form a burying fund. The sub scriptions to the society are at present to be two shillings per month. The profits after the discharge of all liabilities are to be divided annually. Notice is given that the directors of the Siege of Paris goldmining company have agreed to the terms of the Bisrrarck and French Republic for the purchase of the ground. We are requested to state that the rules arid regulations of the Aucklani Working Men's Friendly Aid Society are now published, and may be obtained from Mr Wayte, Queen street. • The City Hall was again well attended last evening, and an excellent evening's entertain ment provided. The programme announced for to-night appears equally entertaining. The monthly meeting of the New Zealand Agricultural Society will be held at the (Criterion hotel, Otahu.hu, on Tuesday after noon, at four o'clock. Notwithstanding the counter attractions last night the Prince of Wales Theatre was well attended, there being a benefit ten dered to Mies Aitken. The performance consisted of the drama of Faust; and Mar guerite, which was exceedingly well per formed. This was followed by some readings from Miss Aitken in her usual style, the Charge of the Light Brigade being a magni ficent triumph of reading The performance concluded with a laughable farce, in which Mrs Walter Hill sustained the chief character. The same programme will be repeated this evening. The monthly meeting of the Colonists Protection League will take place at the Criterion hotel, Otahuhu, on Tuesday next J at four p.m, r

William Maxwell, Esq., of Parnell, has been elected a member of the Provincial Council for the electoral district of Mongonui in the room of Thomas Ball, Esq., resigned. Mr Hunt opposed Mr Maxwell for the above seat, but was defeated by 14 votes. W. B. White, Esq., K.M., acted as returning officer.

The Mayor, in accordance with a requisition sent to him, has called a meeting for Thursday next in the Mechanics' Institute at 8 o'clock p.m. The object of the meeting is to take steps to relieve the afflicted and starving people of Persia.

"The combat thickens on ye brave !" There is another eldest son of the late Mr. Edward Norman in the Mauritius, and proofs are already in the city of the deceased having spoken of Mm and regarded him in some quarters as his eldest, son. There is also, we are credibly informed, another " eldest son" of Mr. Norman's in California, and both himself and a large circle of friends of the deceased have been at all times led to believe that he was the real original "eldest son." In fact, •with such a number of -widows and " eldest sons" scattered all over the world, it is a question if Mr. Norman himself was fully certain where in his travels ho may have left his " eldest son."

The Rev. T. Davies, from South Australia, is announcpd to preach at the Albert street Congregational Church to-morrow evening.

The members of the Rifle Brigade and Cadets mustered for their usual weekly parade and drill last evening in the Drill-shed. There was a strong muster. The monthly inspection will take place on Friday evening next.

At the fourth annual meeting of the Baj of Islands Goal Company, held'yesterday after noon, the report wa3 adopted. It did not show any improvement in the company's financial position, nor did the directors hope for any payable results until the mine is connected by a line of railroad with the deep-water loading ground. The balance sheet showed a balance in baud of £3,191 17s 7d. Messrs. Firth and Wilson, the retiring directors, were re-elected, and Meisrs. Pierce and Boardman re-appointed auditors.

Mr. Frank Weston, the Wizard Oil Prince, greatly amused a Parnell audience last evening at the Parnell Hall with his extraordinary entertainment.

The Lalla' Eookh leaves the wharf for Coromandel this evening at five o'clock.

On Thursday evening last a meeting of the members of the Young Men's Mutual Im provement Society was held at the Victoria meeting-house, North Shore, at 7 p.m., Mr S. W. Oxenham in the chair, when some very interesting pieces were given by several members of the society, comprising readings, recitations, &c.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., E.M. DETJNKENNESS. Patrick Cavanagh, Mary Burke, Jered Peral, Albert White, and Henry Masen were dealt with for drunkenness. The last-named individual denied the charge ; but this not being the first time of his appearing before the Bench, and his promise to go to Mahurangi not being held trustworthy, he was ordered to gaol for seven days. INCOEEIGIBLE BOGUE. Mary Burke wai sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour for a breach of the Vagrant Act, no less than twenty-seven convictions having been booked against her within the last year or two. NO VISIBLE MEANS OF STJrPOET. Andrew and Henry Hughes— two brothers, and of tender years—were brought up, they being orphan lads and not able to make provision for themselves. Sergeant Pardy said that he had found places for these boys, a Mrs. Wilson, of Eaglan, being willing to take them. She had a large farm and flax mill where employment could be found for the lads, and might be the means of saving them from ruin. Ho would ask that they be kept in custody for a week, when they could be put on board a vessel for that place ; otherwise they might run away, ' George Lee, a lad who bad two or three days since been placed with the Rev. Gould, of Otahuhu, but had run away the next day, was placed in the dock. The Sergeant said the same lady was willing to take this boy with the others. The charge against the first two boy§ was adjourned till this day week; and that against the third till Monday. LARCENY. Thomas Long was charged with stealing a watch, value £3 10s., from Matthew Quinton, on the 30th May. He denied the charge. Matthew Quinton, who described him self as a miner from Coromandel, said that on Thursday last he arrived in town from that goldfield. He lost his watch he supposed whilst drunk, because he missed it after being lodged in the lock up. He had been in company with prisoner, and when he got out of the lock-up he asked prisoner what he had done with it. He had left a complaint at the watch-house before leaving it.

In answer to prisoner, witness said ho had known him for four or five years ; they had both come from Hokitika

together; ho had never known prisoner to be guilty of such acts before.

Detective Jeffrey gave evidence of finding the watch. The chain had been left by prosecutor in the hands of the barman at the Exchange hotel.

To prisoner: When I told you I was going to find the watch in the pawnshop you showed me where it was.

Henry .N"eumegan, pawnbroker, deposed to prisoner going to his place on the 30th ultimo and pawning a watch.

Catherine Nasmyth was sent for on behalf of prisoner, but she denied a statement made by him that he had given her a watch to take care of. He had lodged three nights at her house, and might have put the watch in the clock, ■where lie was in the habit of putting papers. Prisoner denied all intention of stealing the article; he only intended to take care of it as he had often done before. The Court's question of why he pawned the watch proved too much for him ; and he was sentenced to three months' im prisonment with hard labour. PBOTECTION OBDEB. Mr. Tole made an application in favour of the wife of Kobert Gilmore, who claimed protection under the Act. Her husband had deserted her without reason able cause, and had not supported her since 9th March, 1869. He was now in gaol. The order was granted after the necessary evidence had bpen. sworn to.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(from otte own coebespondent.) All Nations—3s6 ozs. for Monti., Cure and Una Crushings. Caledonian —280 ozs, "West Coast Crushing Good. Grahamstown, June 1, 3 p.m. Three hundred and fifty-six ounces have been obtained in the All Nations for the month. The Cure has crushed 150 tons for 283 ounces. Una has yielded 162 ounces for the fortnight. The yield in the Caledonian is 280 ounces for the week. A splendid crushing is going on for the "West Coast. They have lodged 202 ounces h&rd amalgam. It is ex pected that the average yield will be eight ounces to the ton.

WAIPU.

OBDINATION OP THE EEV. WM. MCBAE. On Wednesday last a large and an inter esting gathering of the Presbyterians resident at Waipu assembled in the church, at 11 a.m., to witness the solemn and important ceremony of dedicating Mr. Mcßae to the ministry by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. The Rev. J. Wallace, of Whangarie, preached an impressive sermon on the occasion ; the Rev. D. Bruce addressed the young minister ; and the Rev. Mr. McKinney, of Mahurangi, addressed the people. We congratulate our Waipu friends on this harmonious settlement, and we hope the privilege they now enjoy of listening to the preaching of the gospel in their native tongue will be fully appreciated, and long enjoyed by them. We are glad to learn that the Eev. D. Bruce arrived in town early this morning from Waipu, whither he had gone, in conformity with a resolution of the Presbytery, to take part in the ordinaiion of the Rev. Mr. Mcßae. Mr. Bruce will officiate in St. Andrew's to-morrow as usual.

THEATRE MARIONETTE.

An afternoon performance was given this afternoon at the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, and was well patronised. The Lilliputians are exceedingly clever, and Wt) have no hesitation in recommending a visit. There will bo another performance this evening.

AN ODD BOY.

Thehe is a Digger boy employed on a sheep ranche in Monterey County, Cali fornia, who is a human curiosity. He herds about 800 sheep all by himself, and the overseer says he knows all of them by sight, and when he brings them in by night he will get on the corral fence and tell whether one of them is missing. He is about ]4, and has a face as round as the moon, and the brightest black eyes, which fairly sparkle with mischief. He turns more somersaults, and hangs head downwards from more trees, than any man can count readily, and seems hardly to be aware of the existence of the sheep during tha day, yet brings them all in at night. Like a tru« Indian, his motions are perfectly cat like, and he never calls to his sheep, but imitates the owl, the wildcat, or the coyote. When his employer calls him he never answers a syllable, but starts and runs towards him with all his might. A revolver was bought for him that he might shoot at the coyotei when they came to on his flocks, but he regarded this with aversion. At last they prevailed upon him to carry it two days in succession, and on the second day he saw a wild cat, crept upon it with true Indian stealth, lay flat on his face, and after sighting along the barrel, and then squinting at the cat alternately about a dozen times, at last he fired. The pistol knocked him in the ear, and after that he never could be induced to take it again. The Diggers are a timorous and gentle race, and do not take to firearms like the Apaches.— Sacramento Union.

THE TELEGRAPH

To the Editor of the Evening Stab. Sib, —Happening to-day (Thursday) to re quire urgently to communicate with Sydney I went to the Telegraph Office in the fora noon, intending for the purpose above-named to make use of the mail announcement in the Evening Star of Wednesday's issue, which stated that telegrams for Australia will be received at the Bluff till 4 p.m. to-morrow. But unfortunately I was doomed to be dis appointed in thinking that by sending via the Bluff to Sydney my message would be sent on per wire as soon as the steamer reached Melbourne. No suoh accommodation exists. Why, I should like to know ? Any gain to the Auckland public from a mail announce ment such as the one quoted only arises in the event of the s.s. Hero, or any of the A.S.N. Company's steamers not being about to leaves this port. I did not telegraph, as my communication will reach Sydney nearly as soon by the City of Adelaide leaving on Satur day, as assuming the shape of a common letter posted at the Bluff for Sydney via Melbourne. Has it never occurred to our commercial men what a convenience it would be could we telegraph from here all over the Australian colonies ? We can send letters any where ; why not telegrams ? Perhaps they are content to send to their agents in the different towns, getting them to attend to their telegraphic wants. It will come right some morning, and I presume on the strength of that expectation no one troubles himself. Again, see what the revenue loses on the cost of messages, stamps, etc, I trust that the hints I throw out to wards what I conceive to be a great public want will be taken up by you with that manly spirit you always display, and that you will see fit to back me up with a leading article on this topic, drawing the attention especially of our telegraph and postal au thorities to the inconvenience herein com plained of. I believe it is a departmental order to all the telegraph clerks in New Zealand to cut out and forward to Wellington all newspaper comments, &c, on the telegraph and its working, if so, this letter may not have been in vain.—l am, &c, Do TOT/ tbejj JT COMING OK ?

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

DEFEAT OP THE OBSTRUCTIONISTS. A special general meeting of the members of the Mechanics' Institute was held last night in the large hall of the building. Tho pro ceedings from first to last were what aright be termed " animated." By some, they were designated " warm," and by not a few " hot." Dr. J. E. Nicholson as president, of the Institute, presided. Councillor George eat at the back of the Chairman on the platform. He had a " green and melancholy look." Coming events cast their shadows before. He felt himself a doomed man, and seeing there was no hope of a reprieve he determined to die hard. Three or four times during the evening he came forward, and raising his hat high above his head, he brought it suddenly down in front of him as if he was starting a foot race, exclaiming that everything was " bosh," and that "it wouldn't do at no price," and that "no one had a leg to stand on," and that those present came out as "adventurers." They were here to-day and gone next week. Mr. George was asked how be came out, and when and where he landed, and in what ship ; but Mr. George answered merely by starting another imaginary foot«race. Mr. George requited the Chairman's sheltering wing by dusting hie chair on each occasion when he rose to put a motion or amendment to the meeting. It was the same Beat the venerable councillor occupies when he takes chargo of the Reading-room, and chaffs new members should they suggest improvements to the working of the institution. It was the one thing Mr. George appeared to object to in Dr. Nicholson—that of occupying his library throne. It was something as nearly as possible approaching to blasphemy. The Chairman opened the proceedings by reading the advertisement convening the meeting, issued by the Secretary in accordance with a requisition signed by 23 duly qualified members. He hoped that during the progress of the meeting non-membors would refrain from interrupting the proceedings. Ho then called on the gentlemen at whose instigation the meeting had been convened to prooeed with the business.

Mr T. Cooper, in moving the first resolution, reviewed the constitution of the Institute, which ho described as in a wretched con dition. He then moved, — " That clause 6, of section 11, be amended, so as to read as follows : —' The subscription to the library shall be 10s per annum, and to the reading room 10s per annum, to be paid in advance by quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly payments, dating from the first of the current month ; all such subscribers being regarded as mem bers of the Mechanics' Institute.' "

The Chairman wished to know in what part of the clause Mr. Cooper desired his amend ment to come. He then read the clause, and suggested an alteration in the wording of the motion — that the word " rescinded" be inserted for " amended."

Mr. Cooper agreed to the suggestion of the chairman.

Mr. W. G. Harrison cordially seconded the resolution.

Mr. Field rose to propose an amendment, alleging as his reason that the motion would make the rule inequitable, as he considered that it would give the same privileges to a 10s. member as a £1 member. What he would propose would be that two votes should be allowed to a £1 member, and one vote to a 103. member.—The amendment, as pro proposed by Mr. Field, * stood as follows : " That subscribers both to the reading-room and library shall be entitled to two votes at meetings of the Institute ; and that subscribers to the reading-room or library alone be entitled to one vote." He then read a statis tical statement of the revenue received from 10s. and £1 members respectively.

Mr. Harrison asked Mr. Field on what authority he quoted the statistics.

Mr. Field said on the authority of the Secretary.

Mr. Moss enquired whether the statistics included tho subscriptions received since last meeting.

Mr. Field replied that they referred to the last annual report.

The number of persons subscribing to the reading-room, and those to the library was considered by Mr Field and Mr Edwards as a most opportune and appropriate occasion to pay several high compliments to the Stab. Its articles were most contemptible and scur rilous. It refused to let the old members of the committee have their own way. Mr Edwards moved an amendment to the effect that the people of Auckland did not want a public library, when the chairman, having revised the grammar, and corrected the spelling, put it to the meeting, which instantly negatived it.

Mr. Field (who appeared pale, and was •vidently suffering from an attack of bile) coa sidered the Stab was a disgrace to the 3,000 subicribers who took it in, some of whom had become so far demoralised as actually to read it. These two speakers having delivered themselves, by which they did not appear to obtain much relief, Mr. P. McTavish rose and wished an ex planation from Mr Field with regard to his amendment.

This being afforded, Mr McDonald thought that, as a motion to revise all the rules was about to be proposed, the present motion was a complete farce. . • . ;

Mr G. M. Keod showed from the last annual report that the 103 members (327 in number) Bubsoribed £186 10s 5 and the 78 members at £1 subscribed only £78; a little more than one-third the amount, and pro* tested against the injustice of the 10a members having been debarred from having a voice in the control of the In»titute.

A proposal was mada to embody Mr Field's amendment in the original resolution. Mr Cooper objected to accept the addition.

Mr Carson thought that it was a great in justice that a large proportion of the supporters of the Institute should be debarred from haying a vote in its management. Mr F. J. Mobs wished to say, before they proceeded to vote, that he hoped the members would not look at it from a narrow point of view. They were on the horns of a dilemma. They could not ge»^ subscribers until they had; improved the Institute, and they could not improve the.lnstitute until they had obtained the subscribers.

The amendment was negatived. The re solution was then put and carried. I The next proposal was moved by Mr. Gh M. Reed, " That it is advisable that stept should be taken for the conversion of the Mechanics' Institute into a free public library, and that the committee of the Institute be instructed to take the necessary stops, and report from time to time to general meetings of members." It was not his intention at the present time to onlarge on the benefits likely to accrue by the establishment of a free public library at the Mechanics' Institute. He would rather abstain for the present from commenting on the resolution, but would simply move it. Mr. J. L. White seconded the motion, and hoped the meeting would carry it unanimously. He believed that if Auckland were polled the inhabitants would willingly rate themselves to support a free publio library. Mr. Edwards was very sorry that the mover and the seconder had advanced so little reason in support of their motion. He wanted to know how they intended to manage the property. He did not see his way clear to alter.,the present arrangement, and be bad

not much confidence in results. He would hare been " much more gladder" not to have seen the contemptible articles that had appeared in the press. (Laughter and hisses.) He must say that the contemptible manner in which the Mechanics' Institute had been treated by a portion of the press was most abominable. He would further say that if he had written half about that young man (pointing to the secretary) as had appeared in the newspapers he would have been ashamed to show his face in the city. (Loud and derisive laughter.) He was ashamed of the press of Auckland. (Laughter.) He had never in the whole course of bis life seen the press in any other part of the world so debased. (Great laughter and hisses.) Mr W. G. Harrison begged to call the speaker to order. (Cheers.) The Chairman thought that Mr Edwards was quite within order. (Groans and uproar.) Mr Edwards proceeded to say that he would not add much more to what he had already said. (Hear hear.) He'would be sorry to see the meeting carry the motion. He thought that if the people of Auckland did not speak 'up in public they would soon be in complete slavery. (Laughter, and the speaker called to order by the Chairman.) Mr George thought that the motion looked Hke a little more taxation,* and he considered they were already taxed enough. They would find that people would object to be taxed for the Mechanics' Institute.

Mr Browne wished to explain that the object of the mover of the resolution, and those who were with him in the matter, was to obtain an expression of feeling from the meeting as to the desirability of a public free library for Auckland. Every movement must have a beginning, and he wa3 not aware that the suggestion could emanate from any other body better than from the members of the Mechanics' Institute. (Cheers). If the resolu tion was passed that evening it did not say that there would be a publio free library the next morning. The Public Libraries' Act would require to be brought into operation before this were done. This would require that ten of the ratepayers should request the Mayor to call a public meeting of the citizens, who would decide whether they would have such an institution as he, with others, was agitating for. If they decided there should, then it was pro posed to engraft on the Mechanics' Institute ■o that both might be worked together to their mutual advantage without being in any way detrimental to either. He had tried to explain this to one of the vice-presidents of the Institution, who, he was happy to observe, was not yet quite defunct. He had told him (the venerable vice-president) that a public free library would be of great, use to all classes, and expressly to the rising generation ; but all the answer he got from that venerable, that learned, and that highly intelligent gentleman was that if some one—and he did not say who—were to drop him into a hogs head of rum he was not obliged to drink any of it. That was the answer he (the speaker) got, and he only found a solution to it in a dream. He dreamed that the venerable vice president meant in referring to himself as being immersed in a barrel of rum that if a public free library were opened no one would come to read the books. He had subsequently asked that vice-president, who he noticed was suffering from the over-heated state of the room, whether that was what he did mean, to which he replied in the affirmative, adding the words, "I am cock sure of it." Now he (the speaker) believed that the men of Auckland were sufficiently intelligent and alive to the value of such an institution as to desire its formation as soon, as it could be accomplished.

Mr Maopheraon and Mr Macdonald spoke against the motion. Mr. Reed explained that his motion did not imply that a free library should be estab lished immediately, nor did it imply the abolishment of the reading room. They did nob wish "to force this free library upon the members. In reply to questions he said he believed that the Provincial Council would give a very handsome grant, and the City Council would also give a subsidy.

Mr; Field asked Mr. Reed whether he pro posed a change of site-

Mr Reed believed there should he a change of site, though of course he could not say at present what would be done by the committee.

After further discussion Mr Edwards moved as an amendment " that this meeting regards the project of the establishment of a free public library as a very proper subject for the consideration of the citizens of Auckland."

Mr. Macdonald seconded the amendment,

Mr. Cooper asked if the amendment was to be considered by the meeting as antagonistic to the motion.

The Chairman replied that it was most decidedly so; he would take the opportunity of suggesting some slight verbal alterations in original motion.

This was agreed to by Mr. Reed, and the latter portion of the original motion then stood thus : " And that the committee of the Institute be instructed to inquire and report what would be the most advisable steps for the purpose of securing the objeot." Mr. Edwards's amendment was then put and lost, and the original motion carried. Mr J. F. Mobs then moved the next resolution, at the same time wished to remark that he did not mean to impute hostile motives towards the present committee ; he further went on to explain the object of his motion. He wished to know previous to putting it whether tlie committee were agreeable to retire, ' USA I

The Chairman, in replying for himself, said he was not.

Mr Moss, in submitting his motion, would say that the only apology he would offer for it would be that there were now 337 members in the Institute who did not have a voice in the election of the present committee. He then moved, "That, notwithstanding any thing in the rules to the contrary, the present president, vice-president, members of the committee, treasurer, and auditors, resign, and this meeting proceed to nominate and elect members for the same offices for the remainder of the current year." Mr. Bent seconded the motion.

The Chairman considered thai the resolu tion woulld, if carried, have thr effect of overriding the law. He then went on .to say that, before the resolution couid be carried out, the law relating to the committee would have to be amended. He had no wish to stand in the way of the advancement of the Institute, but he did not think that he, who was supposed to direct the committee on the laws of the Institute should be the first to break them. He would throw out a sugges tion, that a committee should be elected from this meeting to prepare a revised code of rules, to be submitted at a future meeting.

j Mr Reed would feel reluctant to dispute the ruling of the chairman; bufc he had a distinct recollection of the opinion laid doirn by Mr. Whitaker,-whioh was entirely different from that of the chairman. He begged to draw the attention of the chairman to the wording of the resolution : " That notwith standing anything in the rules to tho contrary," &o. This, he considered, set aside the rule alluded to by the chairman, and they could legally proceed to move for the resignation of the present officers. The Chairman said that by the law ten days' notice was required before electing the offioers and committee.

Mr Beed intimated that he bad taken legal

advice, and it was entirely contrary to the ruling of the chairman.

Mr Browne had also taken advice. He had been told, aiad he could not be ignorant of tha fact, that if the members of an institution make and pass the laws which governed, they had equal power to alter, amend, and revise them. He should request the chairman to take the sense of the meeting on the subject. Mr Field deprecated undue haste.

Mr Burns and Mr Cranwell both spoke at the same tima againat the motion. The twe voices not harmonising well there was con siderable confusion.

Mr T. L. White alleged that it was uir**s._ stood at the last meeting that the oMclra^ elected should resign when called \fSffn.

The Chairman denied that he individually had made any such arrangement at the annual meeting, and intimated that he should look upon the motion, if pressed, as a direct insult to himself.

Mr White begged to call to the Chairman's mind the arrangement that was agreed upon at the annual meeting, whereby the officers pledged themselves to go out of office in three months.

Mr Browne, addressing the Chairman, »aid that there was not the most remote intention on the part of those who desired to reform, the Institution to pass any slight or insult on the Chairman. So far from this, th« reformers, if he might use that word, were anxious to retain Dr. Nicholson as their president. They would have to depend greatly on him for his advice, assistance, and co-operation. The Chairman, had he seen one of the circulars containing the names to be proposed as the officers and committee-men of the Institution, he would have found that he, and he only, hadgbeen nominated as the president. The advocates of a new regime would not know where to look for a mora able or experienced gentleman. What the reformers wanted was to oust those members who were positive obstructionists to all pro gress. He would ask the meeting what it could expect from a man like Councillor George. "Let me," continued the speaker, "tell you my experience of this ancient and I hope nearly defunct specimen of old fogyism. Ai a committee-man I once suggested to him that the reading-room should be supplied with some ea»y chairs; such as the cheap, American cane-bottomed arm chairs. What do you think was his answer ? Why, that if we made a parcel of fellows com fortable like that they wouldn't leave the reading-room till ten o'clock at night. This Councillor <3-eorge was the man who propounded the enigma in respect to the barrel of rum, which some one by a possibility might drop him into. This was the man who told me that the Institution had gone on thirty-five years splendidly, and didn't want improving. This was the man who said that he would like to see newspapers done away with j and I suppose upon the same principle he would not object to the abolition of railway! and telegraphs. This was the man who grossly insulted every member who suggested any improvement in the working of the Institution. Gentlemen, I am a candidate for the office as one of your committee; but I must request that any member who would vote for Coun cillor George having anything to do with the management of the Mechanics' Institute will be kind enough to erase my name from the list of candidates." (Loud cheers and pro longed applause as the speaker left the platform.) Mr Edwards rose to advise an adjournment (Cries of "No"). He said it was well understood that the officers were elected for twelve months (Loud cries of *JNo, no"). He would move an adjournment of the meeting (uproar). The motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

After some discussion Mr. Reed proposed as an amendment to the resolution that for the word " resign," the words "go out of office" be substituted. This was agreed to nem. con.

A member asked whether the minutes of the annual meeting did not state that the committee were elected subject to their going out of office for three months.

The Chairman referred to the minutes, and found that the stipulation had aot been recorded.

. The resolution was then put and carried by a large majority amidst great applause.

!Mr George and another rose simul taneously, the former at boiling heat, to demand a poll.

Mr Reed asked if the far thin g»a«day man would be allowed to vote ?

The I Chairman replied in effect to the negative. Mr Moss took objection to the ruling of the Chairman.

The Chairman referred the matter to the scrutineers about to be appointed.

After considerable discussion Messrs. Mois and Field were appointed scrutineers. The result of the poll was declared ia favour of the resoulution.

Discussion took place relative to the legality of Dr; Nicholson vacating the chair. A motion! for an adjournment of the meeting for one week was then put. . Mr Brown moved as an amendment that the Chairman- do leave the chair, and Mr W. Gk Harrison do take the chair.

On being put, the meeting appeared divided, and a poll was demanded but not pressed. Mr Reed then moved, " That Dr J. R. Nioholson be re-elected president of the Institute." This was seconded by Mr T. L. White, and carried unanimously. Messrs. P. A. Philips and W. Q-. Harrison were then elected vice- . presidents. Mr G-eorge, who had retired; -returned and;' vehemently protested against the proceedings. He said that they " had not a leg to stand on," not even a wooden one. He was, in fact, " much agen it." He then left the platform, and his place was taken by Mr, Field, who wished to say something,, but could not "g«t it out." He held in his hand a book of rules and some memoranda, which he proceeded te read amidst great uproar ; he was also " much agen " the proceedings, and denounced them as illegal, and continued to read in an inaudible' voice from his book. ,

Mr Harrison left the chair, and threatened to have the obstruction removed. (Cries of " Send for the police.")

Mr. Field, holding his umbrella with tb.B nobby end towards the meeting, exclaimed, " Who's afraid? Let 'em come." He did not care for the Chairman. Who was the Chairman ? He did not care for him or_ any other man. He would stand there all night. Mr. Field here reversed his' umbrella, aQd presented it point foremost to the meeting. He would read rule 10. (Cries : "It has been, abolished, stupid head.") Mr. Field: Am I J' stupid head? I'll let you know that —The Chairman here said if- Mr. : Field did no* retire from the platform he should call fo* aooupleof volunteers to remove him—Mr.^ Field passed his umbrella to his left haaC_^ and presenting his right clenched fisfcj■> wished to know whether th* Volun, teers understood the meaning of thafc- It was then agreed "to allow Mr. Field to go on speaking while the meeting proceeded with the business of the evening as if he were not present. The following elections •; were then made, thelnominations being oarried unanimously:—Mr WJ Cawkwell, treasurer ; Messrs W Kirby and T Macffarlane, auditors. Messrs J Brawn, J H Jagger, John Eeid, Thornhill Cooper, F J Moss, Samuel Coombes, F J Farrell, T L White, Qt M Beed, J

ME EVENING STAB, SATURDAY, JTTNE 1, 1872.



DIVIDEND. Mutual Mining Invest- ment .. .. .. 0 10 0 Caledonian .. ..300 CALLS Sir Walter Scott ..010 Flagship.. .. .. 0 0 6 1 Golden Point .. ..006 Fern Root ..... 0 0 3 Celt .. ....010 Siege of Paris .. ..003 Coromandel Mint .. 0 0 6 Trig Hill.. .. ..006 TJnicorn .. ' .. .. 0 0 8 Sunbeam 0 10 Brunell .. .. ..002 Hand and Band ..006 Lucky Digger .. ..006 John Bull > .. ..006 Bmily 0 10 Pauline 0 0 6 Queen of May .. .. 0 0 4 Pride of Moanataiari ..006 fBobert Emmet .. .. 0 1 0 Thames Gas .. .. 0 3 0 Kussell Battery.. ..020 Van .-. .. ..006

i i

Due June 4 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 5 June 5 June 6 June 6 June 6 June 8 June10 June 15 Jnneld June 18 June19 June 22 July 1 June 27



COALS! COALS!! WANTED, Purchasers for Newcastle Coals, delivered in any part of the own, at lowest rates.-Apply to W. KlUdx, Goal Yard, Junction of Grey and Queen streets



NOW PUBLISHED The Mat number of the NEW ZEALAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE. To be had from E. Watte, Publisher, Queen street. QLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE The immense success attending the introduction 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-restoring and agreeable condiment. Sold everywhere in Bottles with the name of H. OLSON on wrapper and stamped on bottle and aper. Auckland, 10th February. 1872. "PINAL NOTICE BEIiINQUISHINa BUSINESS. R. HOB B S Has still on hand between SIX and SEVEN THOU SAND POUNDS' WORTH of the VERY PICK of the STOCK, consisting of FLANNELS, BLANKETS, FRENCH MERINOES, WINCEYS, Calicoes and Sheeting, Dimity and Toilet Quilts, Woollen Hosiery, Waterproof Jackets and Mantles for Ladies, Girls, and Children ; and other new Winter Goods, in great variety which are now being CLEARED OCJT AT VERY LOW PRICES. Ladies' and Children's New Black Straw Hats at about Half Value. The Stock MUST and WILL BE SOLD as R.H. has no intention whatever of remaining in the trade. Country customers, wholesale buyers, and small dealers, and buyers of job lots liberally dealt with. MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING of the newest description, and Belts, Braces, Collars, Shirts, and Under Flannels, and all kind of Hosiery and Felt Hats, and Men's and Boys' Caps at a great reduction from regular prices. N. B.—THE SALE WILL CONTINUE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER ONLY. E. HOBBS, JUNCTION DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, Upper Queen and Wakefikld streets,