SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening. 7.3 HTftH WA.TER: This evening, 10,20; to-morrow, morning 10.46 . -■■■■■ ■'

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

This evening, Lady liowen, elevun o'clock; to morrow morning, Golden Crown, at eleven o'clock

ARRIVALS

Prince Rupert, schooner, Kenecke, from Wangaroa Mary Ellen, schooner, Eawlings, from Mercury. Bay Cambria, schooner, McKenzie, from Wangarei

DEPARTURES.

"Wellington, s.s., Carey, for Southern ports Hero, cutter, Wataon, for Kaipara Keera, s.s., Andrews, for Sydney Golden Isle, schooner,- Matzen, for ltussell Forest Queen, ketch, Dam, for Russell

EXPORTS

Per s.s. "Wellington : 5 cases old tom, Lewis Bros. ; 3 qr. -casks, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 2 pkgs, Barnes ; 3 grates, 1 pkg, 1 case, Morrin ; 1 case machinery, A. and G, Price; 1 pkg, Gittos ; 2 ditto, Masefield ; 1 case, Stewart & Co. ; 1 pkg, Brown, Camp bell & Co. : 1 truss, Clark & Son ; 2 pkgs, T. Veale ; 1 parcel, Levy ; 1 chest, Cousins and Atkins; 3 cases, Kempthorne & Co. ; 5 pkgs, Lewis Bros. ;j 2 cases, D. Stephenson and Co. ; 21 cases, J. Cosgrave & Co. ; 2 hhds, Hancock; 1 bale, Buckland ; 18 bags, bark, Ireland Bros. ; G. 504 feet timber, E. Gibbons & Co. ; 2 cases, A. and G. Price ; 9 balespaper, R. Lusk • 8 cases, Kempthorne and Co\ ; 7 pgs,j Sash and Poor Company_; 4 cases Solomon ; (i sacks potatoes, L. W. Eaton j 60 sockets pipes, G. Boyd; 8 blocks, G. Boyd ; X6G pieces timber, Morrin ; 1 flax machine and 1 box, . Gibbons & Co ; 3 bales paper, 1 case, Pi.. Lusk ; I case, 1 pkg, Levyfe Co ; 200 kits oysters, Light; 1 case, Sargood ; 2 \MM, K. and G. Price ; 1 case, J. Eeed; 1 bale flax, Buckland ; 2 cases, B. Tanks &Co ; 1 case, Walker &Co ; 1 case, "Williams & Co; 1 case, Warnock; 1 case, Ellingham ; 1 parcel, Kohn, 9 cases, 1 jar, Kempthorne & Co ; 2 cases, Olson ; 1 reap ing machine, Wallace ; 13 bags coffee,- D. Stephenson & Co ; 1 parcel, South British Ins. Co. ; 22 empty casks, Williams, 1 case, McArthur ; 100 sheep, Buckland. , . ;. Per Merlin, schooner, for Levuka—l oc tave sherry, 5 casks bottled beer, 1 bale sails, 1 coil rope, 1 pg rigging, J. S. Macfarlane and Co; 1 bale cotton, 2 cases drapery, Ido hats and haberdashery, 1 do apparel, McAr thur, Shera and Co ; 20,000 feet timber, 20,000 shingles, 2 pgs sashes and doors, 1 box glass, 20 bags salt, 20 cases biscuit, 6 barrels beer, 6 cases sauce, 3 barrels beer, M. Niccol,'; 20 bags potatoes, 2 cases bacon, 5 kegs butter, J. W. Eaton ; 1 box books, Col. Kenny; 2 kegs butter, 2 cases cheese, 1 box fowls, Bailie ;.5 cases oysters, 2 cases' cheese, H. B. -Morton ; 10 cases fish, J. Eoberton and Co.—rM. Niccol, agent.

The s.s. Wellington, Capt. Carey, sailed from the Manukau this aftei'noon at 1 o'clock, with a full cargo and the following pas sengers :—Saloon : Italian Opera Troupe (thirty-five), Mr and Mrs Blundell, Mr and Mrs Forsham, Mr and Mrs Jones, Mrs Holt, Mrs Barry, Mrs Laird and child, Mrs Jan pere, Miss Townley, Miss Colls, Messrs Johns, Graham, Walter, Clinton, Cross, Lowisson (2). Capt. Crouch, Mr Seed, Miss Shailand, Eev. J. Mackey, Messrs Cooper, Nalder, Walker, Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Douglass, Mr Wheeler, Eev. D. Bruce, Messi-s Somerville, Shera, Hengel, Edwardes, Lenabury, Shortt, and sixty-three in the steerage.. The new steamer Dakota is announced to leave Auckland for Honolulu and San Fran cisco with the next English and American mails on Thursday, 26th inst. The Customs authorities will take possession of their new premises, in the Insurance buildings on Saturday next. The passengers by the Norham Castle have presented Capt. Marshall with a very flattering testimonial, both concerning the interest'he has taken in their welfare, and his careful seamanship during the voyage. The schooner Golden Isle and ketch "Forest Queen left last night for Russell. The schooner Janet Grey is loading for Hokianga, and will sail on Saturday. The s.s. Keera left for Sydney in ballast yesterday j evening with the following pas sengers : —Mr and Mrs J. Malachi and two children, Mr A. W. Gillies. The s.s. Wonga Wonga is due from Syd ney. She will sail again three days after arrival.

On the arrival of the Dakota, now hourly expected, she will proceed South, calling at Tfapier and other ports to Port Chalmers. Return tickets, available until the 15th of January next, will be issued at single fares. The p.s. Comerang will leave at one o'clock to-morrow for Russell, Mongonui, and Wan-

garoa. The sh ip Norham Castle has reported at the Customs, and consignees are requested at once to pass their entries and pay freight. The p.s. Challenger will leave at six o'clock this evening for Wangarei, calling at the Kawau and Little Omaha.

On Saturday evening next the steamer Golden Crown will make a moonlight ex cursion on the Waitemata. The steamer will leave the wharf at eight o'clock, and return at ten.

The schooner Mary Ellen has reported at the Customs from Mercury Bay with 32 tons kauri gum for Rolph Sterrie and Co. The schooner Merlin has cleared outwards at the Customs for Levuka, with the follow ing passengers :—Mrs. Bailie and 3 children, Mrs Murray, Mr Hamilton. Steerage :— James Malloy, William Ah Tsai, A. Sloane. The schooner Prince Rupert, from Wan garoa, brings 4,600 feet timber. The schooner Cambria brings 20 head cattle, 6 bales wool, 20 boxes eggs, from Wangnrei. The Hero, Watson, master, cleared out from the Port of Onehunga, for Kaipara, this day, with two passengers and a cargo of merchandise.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND. Mails will Close ah Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5,30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 30 p.m. For Coromandel, to-morrow, at 2.30 p.m. For Rapea, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Comerang, to-morrow, at noon. For Whitianga, per Mary Ellen, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For Mahuraiigi,' Matakana, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, on Saturday, at 10 a.ni. For London, per City of Auokland, to-morrow, at 6 ■ p.m. For Taranaki and Southern provinces, per Wellington, Immediately after arrival of p.s. Dakota, from Honolulu. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Dakota, six hours after her arrival, N.B.— The Chief Post-office is now removed to Rattray's buildings, Shortland-street. The posting boxes at Sharland's and the Cross office will be closed from this date. (Signed) S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1872.

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

The proposal recently made by Mr John Copland to the Harbour Board respecting the Queen-street "Wharf embraces an idea that deserves at tentive consideration. How gentlemen of ordinary intelligence, entrusted with the care of our harbour interests, could have coolly contemplated the traffic on the wharf for years, the constant con cussion and vibration to which the frail fabric is subjected, the huge and never ceasing expenses of repairs, and the evident and inevitable decay of the whole thing, is one of those things which to a stranger are past finding out. One would think that none of our mer chants or guiding minds had ever been out of sight of Bangitoto, or ever heard or read of such a thing as a jetty tramway, or been capable by any flight of imagination of conceiving the possibility of hundreds of tons of mer chandise being rolled smoothly along to or from the shipping without any concussion, wasting of the plank ing, or confusion of traffic. And yet our merchants and business men are not dolts, they are not un travelled, and in their business under takings they are not void of perceptive and conceptive faculties. On the con trary tkey compare very favourably with merchants elsewhere. But ap parently for the mere discreditable reason that it is more convenient for their drays to go alongside the vessels, and thence to the doors of their stores and warehouses, they have deliberately allowed this wilful waste of public property. We ate quite aware that this proposal is unpopular, and that it will be said that the thing was tried before and failed, and that the tramway was ultimately removed; but in the name of all that is incompre hensible why in this respect should Auckland differ from other places ? Is any evil found in the Sandridge railway pier, or in the many other piers in the colonies from which drays are excluded, and on which cars rolling smoothly on rails are alone admis sible ? Nothing could be more simple and effective for saving the wharf from rapid ruin, and making it accommodate threefold the traffic with half the confusion, than lines of rails with sidelines, points, and switches, these lines branching off at the foot of Queen-street, and communicating with: stores and warehouses already existing, or to be built in connection with our mercantile eßtablishments. Jt is evident that for a long time the

Queen-street wharf must maintain I its tottering existence. The major part of the available funds will be spent on other classes of harbour works, and on works not propei'ly harbour works, but such as will benefit the private estate or private interests of members of the Harbour Board. It will be necessary then that an effort should be made to save the ancient and time-worn struc ture as much as possible. And beyond a question, unless its old joints are spared, no amount of patching and repairs will prolong its existence beyond a very limited span of years. The proposals of Mr. Copland may not perhaps be endorsed by the Board in their entirety; but in the public interest, and for the public convenience, we very cordmlly commend the sug gested means of a rail or tramway, as the most hopeful and effective means of giving a few years longer lease of life to the frail and shattered anatomy of the Queen-street wharf.

The attempt to burke the Industrial School Bill in the Provincial Council is disgraceful in the extreme. If there is one institution among us that before all others deserves the sympathy and support of all good men, it is that institution which has for its object the training up to morality, industry, and good citizenship the waifs and strays of society. It is perfectly idle for any one of those opposing the movement in Council for the benefit of this object to try to conceal their motives. We know them in each case as well as if we could see through them. The bill may be legal or illegal, the Grammar school may have or have not a vested interest in the property, and " the state of the House" may or may not h_avc been such as to preclude right discussion of the subject, but if there is any more dis honesty in this opposition we shall tear oft' the mask and show the mean and scrubby feelings that are working in disguise. With reference to any claims which the Grammar School may havetotheproperty,we think the Gram mar School should keep its mouth shut, It is itself the greatest abuse of pub lic trust that nestles under the protecting wing of provincialism in Auckland, and none but its enemies, or a fool of a friend will obtrude any of Us claims on attention just now. Besides, in the buildiug in question, it was but a tenant at will, and if being such it sank its money in improvements it must simply abide by the law of landlord and tenant in such case made and provided. The subject is to be resumed to-day, and it will really be dis creditable to members if either count outs or any other form of indifference or obstruction will be applied to a measure so much for the universal interest of the province. We know that the Council is legislating under the shadow of impending'dissolution, and squaring its votes with the hustings; but it will be folly to suppose that either the indifference manifested in a count-out or obstruction offered to such an object as the Industrial School will commend any one to electors. As for the causes why some should feeldis liketothe Destitute Children's Asylum weare perfectly cognizant. Probably we shall feel justified in stating them without equivocation ; still, we hope that there will be enough generous public spirit in the Council to do'this act of justice and wisdom for the benefit of the neglected waifs of our social system.

Some interest has been excited in the newly instituted "Seamen's Mutual Benefit and Protection Society." It has been re presented as being a purely friendly and benefit society, and, from a perusal of the

rules now before us, we observe that such forms a leading feature in the description of objects. But we alao observe a scale of wages appended, and the intimation " That no member ' ship ' for lower rate of wages than those fixed by the society from time to time.'1 Are we to understand then that this is a league to fix the rate of seamen's wages at this port, -which must be compulsorily observed ? We are led to think so from the remark made by a seaman to-day to an employer that he "would be killed if he shipped at a lower rate." We ask the promoters of this institution, Are we correct in our surmise ? If so, then the society will be burst up. We say so as a friend to all legitimate schemes for co-operation

and mutual help. This port is not to be damned in the eyes of all shippers and to be shunned as a ship trap. Sincerely wishing well to the {jromoters of this and every other scheme for the amelioration of the con dition of a too much-neglected class, we ad vise "Navigating Lieutenant George B. Gresley Jackson, R.N., Secretary," that he should have thip rule, ten, expunged, or he will originate a counter combination under which he and his friends will be crushed. Excepting this 10th rule, fixing wages by compulsion, the rules and objects of the society are such as would create great an,j general sympathy in Auckland, and probably lead to practical and valuable results. With this tenth rule—if retained and attempted to be enforced —the society is unquestionably doomed. We trust a word in seaaon will bo kindly taken.

A new oyster company is about to com mence operations at Barry's Bay, under the management of Mr Latter.

The shareholders of the Mutual Mining Investment Company will hold a meeting this evening at the Young Men's Booms, Wellesley-street.

In the Provincial Council yesterday it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Shanaghan, "That this Council is of opinion that a cenetaph should be erected as a tribute, on behalf of the province, to the memory of those who lost their livea in the war of 1845 ---46, and that a respectful address be pre sented to his Honor the Superintendent re questing him to place on the supplementary estimates a sufficient sum of money to carry the above resolution into effect, "i.

We have heard nothing for some time past of the once lively drum and fife band which was wont to " discourse sweet music" along our streets at eventide, and began to consider that this fraternity of small mu sicians, like some of our volunteer corps, had grown languid and had retired from the summer light into the shadows of repose. We find now that the secret of its silence was a want of funds, which at any time may put fifes in tune and legs in motion; and we are glad to learn through M r Jeune that several gentlemen have set a liberal ex ample to their fellow citizens in this respect, and that a new season of sunshine is about to open upon the Auckland drum and fife band. Mr Harris's splendid collection of pictures are still oirView, consisting of oleographs, chromolithographs and paintings, all in durable gilt frames, and their distribution will take place on the 21st of the present month. We have [had • the privilege of in specting this gallery which is worthy the special attention of citizens whose taste lies in the direction of the fine arts. Our taste even' in the matter of pictures differs to some extent, and those which pleased us might not please others ; still we can affirm that Mr Harris in his collection will have no dif ficulty in this respect. The pictures which gave us the greater satisfaction were those pertaining to rural life and scenery. We noticed as especially remarkable a beautiful cottage scene, by Birket Foster, somewhere in Surrey, we presume, where the artist has long resided ; there was also a similar view, but less vividly placed upon the canvas, of a humble habitation by the River Wey, near Working Common ; other scenes by the Wye and the Tyne possess much merit ; and the birds nest, and flowers, and children fishing are excellent in their way. We would also notice the fine pastoral landscape drawing with the sheep at rest on the green sward ; also numerous portraits of animals, fruit, and birds.

The Thames Amateur Christy Minstrels have given successful concerts at Grahams town for the widows of the unfortunate men Waite and Birdwood, and the Miners' Acci dent Relief Fund. For the widows the minstrels realised £10 95., and for the Relief Fund they obtained £30. The minstrels of the Thames, therefore, like the minstrels of Auckland, are using their talents in the cause of the widow and the orphan.

On Wednesday evening a concert was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Coromandel, in connection with the Harmonic and Mutual Improvement Societies of that place. The proceedings were of a very interesting nature ; there was a good attendance, and some excellent music. The Rev. Mr Lewis, in the absence of Mr Williams, the respected' minister of the chapel, occupied the chair.

A number of ladies and gentlemen started from the wharf this morning at 10 a.m. on board the yacht Energy with the view-of enjoying a picnic among the wilds of the island of Waiheki.

A sum amounting to £128 has been collected in half-crown subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a stone in memory of the Poverty Bay martyrs. With this money a very handsome monolith, 16 feet high, has been erected by Mr Mr Buchanan, in Gis borne cemetery.

Mr. A. Macmillan, of the Thames, was arrested on Tuesday on a charge of forging the name of Mr. Edwin Binney to two promissory notes, one for £350 and the other for £50. He is further charged with forging and uttering an order for the payment of £9 Is.

A meeting of the Grahamstown Regatta Committee was held at the Pacific Hotel on Tuesday evening to consider the programme of the coming Thames regatta. The question of who were to be considered amateurs was discussed. It was decided that any persons who had won in an all-comers' race, or who earned their livelihood on the water, should not be considered amateurs. The rules of the last year's regatta, after some slight altera tions, were adopted as those to be in force for the forthcoming regatta. It was decided that at the next meeting the financial position of the committee should be considered, with a view to advertising the prizes as soon as possible after.

The monthly inspection of the Engineer Company and Cadets took place last evening in the Drill-shed. After the roll had been called, Major Gordon told the men that the firing for the company's prizes, amounting to £10, would take place on St. Thomas's Day, December 21. There was also a special parade of No. 1 Company of Navals at Fort Britomart at the same time, with the view chiefly of examining Lieuts. Chapman and Wells for confirmed rank. We understand by report that this company is progressing, and bids fair to become one of the leading companies of Auckland.

The Auckland Troop Royal Cavalry Volunteers went through their sword exer cise last evening very creditably. There was a fair muster of members, and Sergeant Wainhouse appeared satisfied with their per formance.

The Auckland United Cricket Club played a good match yesterday in the Albert Barrack ground. The match was between a nine and seventeen team, and was of a lively character. The bowling of Mr Buck land was greatly praised ; and the batting of Messrs Mumford, Yates and Johnson was generally admired, and reminded us of the old days at Kennington Oval. The nine (not the muses) crack cricketers of Auckland won the match with five wickets to spare.

Joseph Wallace, a bankrupt, will apply to the Supreme Court on the 17th inst. for his order of discharge.

In the course of evidence adduced relating to the lamented death of Mr. Didclanis, it was stated by Mr. Harrop, city treasurer, that he had known deceased for nine years, and when he saw him on Friday last ho ap peared to be in a depressed state of mind, owing to his thinking that he was to bo superseded in collecting tho rates outside tho office. Mr. Diddams was then perfectly sober, and there was no deficiency in his ac counts as far as he could toll. Mr. Waymouth, who examined them, had told cloceasod that they were all right. Dr. Goldsbro' stated that he had known tho unfortuimto gentleman during the last ten yeara, had attonded him professionally, alid his expressed opinion wan to the effect that Mr. DiddaniH had boon suffering of lato from groat mental depression, caused partly by busiiiOßß, and pavtfy by aa attack of delirium iromewi, and that a person in such a position could not I>o accounted responsible for hia actions. Tho jury very consistently, therefore, roturod a verdict of " Temporary Insanity."

" John Peerybingle " writes as follows in the Melbourne Weekly Times .—"They must have happy times down in New Zealand. In a town of one street there's said to be eighty lawyers thriving ; and towards the South commercial travellers from Victoria are so thick that, as a sarcastic friend of i mine says, they outnumber the white popula- | tioii. Writs and slop toggery ought to be cheap in those parts. This is one of the consequences of the decay of cannibalism and the march of intellect. Alas, there was | a time when the native New Zealander wasn't too proud to eat a raw lawyer, or to take a scrap of baked 'legal adviser,' change and change about with wild pig ; but civili zation has spoilt the savage for those awful delicacies, and so the lawyers multiply.

We have much pleasure in Siv' nS insertion to the following letter with reference to the action of the Council respecting the Onehunga Cadets. "To the Editor of the Evening Star.—Sir,— Will you kindly allow your paper and pen to advocate the cause of the Cadets. By a report in this morning's Cross I see Mr Lundon has succeeded in passing his motion that the sum of £100 should be placed on the estimates (subject to the Superintendents approval) for the special benefit of the Onehunga Cadets. Now, sir, I fail to see why Mr Lundon and the Cadets at Onehunga should have their clothing paid for by the Provincial Government when the usual General Government allowance of twenty shillings per annum is paid to them as well as to the other Cadet companies, which re ceive no such douceur from the Provincial Government. Another act of the Provincial Government which appears to me very un just is this. Last year the sum of £200 was passed in the Council for the Cadets and Volunters. The Volunteers have received their share ; but the applications made on behalf of the Cadets have been refused. A member of the Council has represented the case privately to Mr Lusk, and I believe his reply was that the Government would not pay the money. We see, now, where the £100 is likely to go. Aware that no case of manifest wrong will escape your censures. I am, &c.,ACai>et." We certainly can offer no explanation of a satisfactory kind with reference to this seeming favouritism to the Onehunga Cadets ; and from what we have heard we question if any other person can do so. We believe it to be unfair, and that it is a sop thrown to Mr Lundon, who seems to wield an influence of his own. In common with all well-disposed people we have the most cordial good wishes for the Onehunga Cadets, but not more so than for any other Cadets ; hut we feel an exceeding and an irrepressible curiosity to know why ever was such an appropriation originally made ? And even if properly made then, now when the grant had lapsed why ever was it again sanctioned when all the money at the disposal of the Council is all too little far the requirements. We wait for light. If this is all right, well; but if this grant is the price of Mr Lundon's support either to the Government or to some others that have got a log to roll we shall certainly know more about it, and find from our re presentatives the cause why they so quietly allowed the appropriation to be asked for by resolution of Council.

The Te Teko races will take place this year on the 20th and 21st of December next, in order not to interfere with the Tauranga races. The first days amusement will consist entirely of horse racing, and the second of athletic sports, etc., or in theatrical parlance, " a variety of entertainments."

We had occasion a few days ago to refer to an omission of Captain Oakes in his report of passage of the Sea Gull, kindly furnished by him to the Herald. We now wish to point out an " addition" in the report of his homeward-bound passage. He states that he left Levuka on the 23rd November (the same day as the Success), and arrived at Russell on the 30fch. He brought no mail because the Success was considered the faster vessel of the two, (and rightly so.) He further adds that "it will now be seen that the Sea Gull is more than a match for the best of the Auckland clippers." He evidently does not know that the Success passed the Bay of Islands nearly twenty - four hours before he reached there, and arrived in Auck land on Monday." Her mail has consequently been delivered days before it would have been possible had it been forwarded by the Sea Gull.

Messrs Lyster and Cagli's Royal Italian Opera Company took their departure for Nelson this morning by the steamer Welling ton. They will perform for three nights at Nelson, and will afterwards open for an opera season at Wellington, where there has been a great demand for season tickets. We understand that the season in Auckland has not been a financial success.

The adjourned meeting of the Otahuhu Public Hall Company was held on Monday last, presided over by Mr Robertson. After the report had been discussed the officers for the ensuing year were duly elected, con sisting of Messrs Robertson, Sutherland, Luke, Gane, Hall, and Rogers, directors; Messrs James Wallis and James Gordon, auditors ; and Mr Bowden, treasurer. The company's financial position, according to the balance-sheet, is as follows :—Dr. : To 150 shares at 5/, 750/; to 18 months'interest, 15/ ; total, 765/, Cr. :By buildings, 650/ ; by loan, 100/; cash in treasurer's hands, and bank balance, 6/ 13s 7d ; total, 765/.

An exciting game of cricket between the Panmure and Onehunga Clubs was played at Onehunga on Saturday last. The fielding and batting on both side were ver ycreditable and deserving of praise. The following is the result: —Panmure (first innings), 13 ; (second innings), 42 ; total, 53. Onehunga (first innings), 26 ; (second innings), 30 ; total, 56. The Onehunga club were the winners by three runs, so that the two elevens were pretty evenly matched, as the result of the contest clearly shows.

The Parua Cricket Club held a soiree on the 29th tilt;, when about seventy persons assembled under rather unfavourable circum stances, as the rain fell pretty steadily throughout the day. The soiree was kept up with considerable spirit despite the weather throughout the night; but it does not appear that any special business was done in connection with the Club, or that any match is contemplated.

The following are a few of the headlines given by the New York Herald to its accoxint of the discovery of Dr Livingstone by Mr Stanley:—"Universal Acknowledgment of the Grandeur of the Herald's Spocial Enter prise and Success." " Local Subjects Over shadowed by its importance, and Government Eclipsed by the American Effort." "The Reality More Important than the Thoories of Vasco do Gama, Robinson Crusoe, or Marco Polo." "Stanley's Command, His Louoly March, Persovoranco and Triumph." " Tho Moment of Mooting with Livingstone! —A Now Subject for root and Painter." "English Laughter at Transatlantic 'Big Things' Subsidod, and tho Jollity All on This Bido."

At a mooting of tho Liconsod Victuallers' Ball Committee, hold yoHtorday afternoon at SJoeate' Hotel, it; wan dually decided to hold their grand ball on tho 17th mutant, at tho City Hall.

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

THIS DAY

QUESTIONS. 1. Mr Swan to ask whether the Govern ment will be prepared to advise his Honor the Superintendent to consent to the erection of the towns of Shortland, Grahamstown, and Tararu into a municipality ? 2. Mr Lundon to ask the Provincial Secre tary whether the Old Women's Home, now under the management of the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society, is a local or public institution, and whether it is sup ported either wholly or in part out of Pro vincial funds ? ; . , 3. Mr Hamlin to ask the Provincial becre tary whether the Government intend to in vite this Council to consider the best mode of distributing the Road Board grant, re ceivable from the General Government this year ? NOTICES OF MOTION. 1. Mr Dyer to move, That a Select Com mittee be appointed to inquire into, and report upon, the present state of the Auck land College and Grammar School,—such Committee to consist of Mr Boylan, Mr Carleton, Mr Creighton, Mr Hamlin, Mr Taylor, and the mover, and to have power to call for persons and papers. 2. Mr Maxwell to move that a respectful address be presented to His Honor the Su perintendent, requesting him to place on the additional revenue the sum of one hundred pounds (LI 00) to form a pathway in the township of Wangaroa, extending above high-water mark from Onewhera to the Karaka Point.

3. Mr. Maxwell to move, that a respectful address be presented to his Honor the Super intendent, requesting him to place on the additional estimates the sum of one hundred pounds (L 100) to widen and repair the road above high-water mark at the township of Mongonui. 4. Mr Swan to move, That his Honor the Superintendent's Message No. 17, being an answer to a resolution of the Council, passed on November 28th, relative to the occupation and leasing of the foreshore at Grahamstown, be printed. 5. Mr Kelly to move, That this Council is of opinion that the immediate location of Immigrants on lands available in the Bay of Plenty, East Coast, for Immigration pur poses, is a matter of considerable political importance to the, future prosperity and welfare of this Province, and the Colony. That His Honor the Superintendent be requested to urge upon the General Govern ment the utility and advisability of at once locating a number of Immigrants in that district, and to offer the services of the Pro vincial Government in giving effect to this resolution. ORDERS OG THE DAY. 1. The Onehun^a School Endowment Act— second reading. 2. The Mangawai Harbour Improvement Act Repeal Act, 1872 —second reading. 3. Adjourned debate on the question, that a respectful address be forwarded to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to send down a bill, authorising the Corporation to bring into effect the Municipal Corpora tion Water Works Act, 1872. 4. representation Bill—to be further con sidered in Committee. 5. Education Bill—to be further considered in Committee. G. Hauraki District Fire Pi ate Act—to be considered in Committee. 7. Appropriation Bill—Estimates to be futher considered in Committee. 8. Adjourned Debate on the question— That the Industrial School Act, 1872, be now read a second time. NOTICE OF CONTINGENT MOTION. 1. Mr Shanaghan to move, in Committee, on the Education Bill, that, if any member of the Board shall, by writing addreased to the Chairman of the Board, resign his office of member of the Board, or die, or become of unsound mind, or accept any office of profit under the Board, or be adjudicated a bank rupt or insolvent, or execute any deed of composition or arrangement with his credi tors, or be absent from the Province for six months at one time, or be convicted of treason, felony, perjury, or any infamous crime, he shall immediately cease to be a member of the Board.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA

" Macbeth."

Verdi's grand opera of " Macbeth" was pro duced as the farewell performance previous to the departure of the Italian Opera Com pany for the South. The opera was a great success, the singing magnificent, acting superb, music grand, and scenery fine. The cast included Signor Coliva as Macbeth; Signor Coy, Macduff ; Signor Dondi, Banquo; Signora Zenoni, Lady Macbeth, &c. This masterpiece of Verdi's was placed upon the stage in a highly creditable manner. Signor Coliva, as the guilty hero, ably sustained his part. He was greatly applauded in the dagger scene, and again in the banquet scene. At the end of the fourth act he responded to a rapturous call before the curtain, when he was showered with bouquets. His air in the last act, "Pieta rispetto Amore," was given with extraoi'dinary expression. His en ergetic acting told very forcibly in the many strong situations incidental to the character. Signora Zenoni proved by her assumption of the part of Lady Mac beth that she possessed histrionic talent of no mean order. Her scene with Macbeth in the castle, after the murder of the king, was a splendid piece of acting, and the duet which followed was a marked success. Her clear and penetrating tones were again most effec tive in the superb aria "Si colmi il calice," -- a piece of dramatic music quite enough ibo immortalize any composer. Signor Dondi's Banquo wan excellent. His " Come dal ciel precipita " was one of the best points in the whole performance. Signor Coy did not find much scope for his abilities as Macduff, but such as he had to do was done affectively. The choruses were powerfully rendered, es pecially the one at the close of the second act. " The witches' chorus was also good. A word of praise is due to Signor Zelman and his band for the very able manner in which the very difficult music was rendered. A storm of en thusiastic applause greeted the performers at the finale. The Opera Company leave for the South, by the steamer Wellington, to day. During their stay here they have produced the following operas :—" Lucia di Laminermoor," '' Lucrezia Borgia," '' Faust," "Un Ballo in Maschera," "Norma," "La Africaine," "La Traviata," "I Puritani," 11 Saffo," " La Sonnambula," " IlTrovatore" and "Macbeth."

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

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

DRUNKENNESS.

Three men were fined 10s and costs or the alternative of forty-eight hours' hard labour. One of these only came out of gaol yesterday morning, having undergone twelve months' imprisonment for habitual drunkenness.

THE SEAMEN'S PROTECTION KOCIETV.

Andrew .Yorkeltli, a seaman on board the ship City of Auckland, was charged with wilful disobedience of the lawful commands of the captain. Captain Ashby proved that the prisoner signed articles at Green's Sailors' Home last May as an able-bodied seamen. He had drawn money since he had been in port, and bad lately refused to work. He had, therefore, given him into custody. He gave the prisoner a Vftiy good character, but said that he had wished to leave the ship, having been induced to do so by a Seamen's Protection Society, which took upon itself to dictate that seamen's wages for the home ward-bound voyage shall be 10/ a month. The prisoner had signed articles for the run out and home at 3/ per month. The prisoner urged that he asked the captain for money to buy boots, but he refused give him any, offering to pay for the boots if he liked to order any.

His "Worship said that the captain was not bound to pay any money until the voyage was completed ; it was only an act of grace. With regard to this Seaman's Protection Society, a, prospectus of which was before him, his Worship was surprised to see the name of Lieut. Jackson, R.N., affixed to such a document. He was doing the port a great deal of harm by such actions as to dictate what rates of wages seamen shall charge. It was likely to destroy the mercan tile marine. This Lieut. Jackson would be much better employed on board one of Her Majesty's ships. Capt. Ashby said he had traded for fourteen years with this port, and had n«ver had to make a complaint against one of his seamen until this Seaman's Seeil&tf came into His Worship asked if Capt. Ashby vras willing to take the man back. Capt. Ashby said he would pay any reasonable amount on the man's behalf and take him back. The prisoner required cash down, but was sent to Mount Eden gaol for four weeks, to be kept to hard labour instead. ALLEGED THEFf. A respectably-dressed woman named Eliza Murray was placed in the dock, charged with stealing a sum of £3, the property of Adam Orr, of Hobson-street, on the 3rd instant. Mr Hesketh prosecuted. Mr Joy defended, and pleaded " Not guilty." . *. Annie Orr, wife of the prosecutor, proved that prisoner resided at her house. On Tuesday morning last she -left in the pocket of her dress a leather bag containing the money in question, consisting of a Bank of New Zealand note and two sovereigns. On returning after breakfast to the room she missed the cash. No one had been near the room but prisoner. Later in the day she ac cused her of taking the money. , The prisoner denied, that she hart taken it, and produeed^Apme silver and a one pound note on \jhe Bank of New Zealand. She said that she had cashed a cheque for £10 at the Bank of Australasia. This note formed one of the notes, and that she had no gold in her possession. To Mr Joy : Missed the money on Tues day, and gave her in charge yesterday when she came to demand her boxes.

The prisoner was given in charge by wit ness' husband.

Thomas Hollywood was charged with res cuing and taking out of the custody of Chas. Maddox, the poundkeeper at Dedwood, six horses.

Mr Hesketh pleaded ignorance of the na ture of the charge on the part of the prisoner, in consequence of which his Worship said he must pay Is and costs. Mr W. :C. Arthur,, clerk, deposed that Hie had seen the prisoner in the rooms of Mr Arthur on the following day, when she paid a amall account of £1 Os 2d.

Mr John Smith, draper of Queen-street, stated that he saw the accused in his shop about eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning, when she purchased a few things and paid for them to the best of his belief with a sovereign. Detective Jeffrey deposed that he had a conversation with Mr Orr on Monday even ing in Queen-street, when he said he wished to give Mrs Murray into custody for stealing the £3 from Mrs Orr's bedroom. From what Mr Orr stated he did not think the evidence, sufficient to take the woman in charge.

His Honor said that the case before the Court was, it must be confessed,' of a very awkward nature ; there was a doubt, and that doubt must be in favour of the prisoner. He must therefore dismiss the case.

MUTUAL MINING INVESTMENT COMPANY.

As will be noticed in advertisement,- the half-yearly meeting of the Mutual Mining investment Society will be held this evening at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association. The business will be to receive reports and elect directors. It is not for us to advise any company as to its own busi ness, but Aye think that shareholders should consider whether it is not advisable that the affairs of this Company should be wound up by the selling of the shares held. Expenses attend its continuance, and as buying and selling have for some time been suspended owing to the state of the share market, as dividends are not likely to come in, and calls more likely to take their place in time, it might be prudent to gradually get quit of the stock as occasion serves. Whether such *. course is adopted or otherwise it is advisable that there should be a general attendance of shareholders on account of the importance of the business.

The Otago Acclimatisation Society being unable to contribute the LI 00 promised by it to aid in the introduction of salmon ova, Mr. Sewell, on the Bth inst., instructed the Agent-General that he would be now only able to depend upon a sum of L9OO, being the vote by the House of Representatives of LSOO, L3OO guaranteed by the Acclima tisation Society of Southland, and LIOO by the Acclimatisation Society of Canterbury. Mr. Youl, who is to have charge of the ex periments, writes hoping that proper pre parations have been made in the colony for the custody and hatching of the ova when received, but we have no information as to the steps that have been taken in accordance with this suggestion. Mr Youl further states that the wonderful success which at tended the hatching of the salmon and trout in Tasmania is to be attributed to the beautifully constructed ponds they had ready to receive them, a hint that the authorities in this colony will do well to pay some at tention to. If the next experiment results in failure the subject will probably be shelved for a considerable period,

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T CATEB (late Crombie's) EOTAL n * P*™ PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, R street Auckland, has much pleasure in inform ™r,.i«of??Sdaoun?the Public generally that he has oShv Mr £ c PJj.ot°eraPMc Business so long carried an SbS-^2? 1?? ; andhaving secured the services of



IT 0 TH E WOR KING MEN OF A IT 0 X L AND. I — ; — .■' HPHE BEST MOLE TROTJSEES I in Now Zealand can be bought at J. COSCVRAVE ANDCO.'SatGs.lld ——-— T COS&BAVE & CO. " * Are now Selling— Good Stout Grey Calico, at 3_d Best Scarlet Flannel, lightly damaged, at Is 43 dozen Towels, at 4.(1 each 72in. Grey Sheeting, at lOkl 7_in.~ White Sheeting, at Is Heavy Welsh Flannel, at Is Marl Grenadines, at BJd Printed Delains, at 3Jd White Toilet Quilts, from 6s lid Linen Huck Towling, at 6_d 20 dozen Ladies' Stays, at Is 6d White Cotton Hose, from 3?rt White Marsella, 9kl Long Lace Curtains, from 4s Od 50 dozen Parasols, from Is 3d each Musin Curtains, 6 yard 3, from 4a lid per pair. FOE THE NEXT 11 DATS! GREAT BARGAINS IN DRAPERY & CLOTHING, IN GREAT VARIETY, AT HOBBS', UPPER QUEEN STRE ET, (Opposite the Army & Navy Hotel). FO-tTHE NEXT 14 DAYS! IN consequence of the late fire, SINGER'S SEWING MACHINE DEPOT, Shortland street, is about to be REMOVED, to make room fcr the General Post-office. Previous to removal the Stock will be offered at REDUCED PRICES for TWO WEEKS ONLY, and intending purchasers will find it to their advantage to make an early call. A. GASCOINE, Agent. Shortland street (late Rattray's), November 25. 1872.



Tho returns of the sales of the different sowing machines, during the year 157.1, show the Singer, machine to be by far the most popular of all in the market, the number sold being 181,260, out of a total of 610,194 of twenty-five different patterns. It appears, too, that tho Chicago Relief Committee, which undertook to furnish sewing machines to persons needing them, supplied 2,427 Singer • machines against 517 of all other kinds. This preference for the Singer machine is due to ita intrinsic superiority, and seems likely to be maintained against all competition.— l?ew York Sun. [Advt.]