SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening. C.57 HIGH WATER: This evening, 6. PC ; to-morrow,

STEAM TO THE THAMES.

This evening, Enterprise Ko 2, at eight o clocK to-mcrrow morning, Golden Crown, at ten o'cleck

ARRIVAL.

Herald, schooner. McKenzie, from Jiay 01 lsianus.

DEPARTURE.

Elfie Meikle, schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland : Keera, s.s.,

on Monday next For Southern ports : Wellington, s.s., on Tuesday next For Southern ports, via Mercury Bay : Rangatira, s.s.,

■ on Monday next For Levuka : Merlin, schooner, Tuesday next For Northern ports : Rowena, s.s., on Monday For Whitianga, Mercury Bay, and Tauranga Southern Cross, s.s., 2nd December

The p.s. Royal Alfred will make a special trip to the Hot Springs to-morrow afternoon at three o'clock, returning from them on Monday morning at five o'clock. The p.s. Golden Crown having been put in a thorough state of repair for the summer months, will resume her daily trips to Tararu to-morrow morning, starting at ten o'clock. The s.s. Keera is announced to leave on Monday afternoon next for Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland. She has received » thorough overhaul, and has been fresh painted inside and out. The s. s. "Wellington will leave the Manukau harbour on Tuesday next for Taranaki and Southern ports. The p.s. Lady Bowen will leave at eleven o'clock to-mcrrow morning as usual for Mahurangi and the Hot Springs. The well-known p.s. Enterprise, No. 2, will be offered by Messrs B. Tonks and Co. at public auction in Auckland, at noon on Tuesday next, in consequence of the disso lution of partnership of her owners. The Merlin schooner has been laid on the berth for Levuka, and will sail on Tuesday next.

Thes.s. Bangatira, Captain Hepburn, will Bail for Southern ports, via Poverty Bay and Ifapier, on Monday next, at three p.m. There is one saloon berth vacant on board the City of Auckland, ship, for London. She will sail punctually to her advertised time.

Thes.s. Wonga Wonga may be expected to arrive from Sydney on Monday next. The schooner Opotiki has cleared outwards for Opotiki with a large general cargo. The fine iron barque Coronilla has nearly completed her loading for New York, and "will sail in the course of a few days. She has good accommodation for a limited num ber of passengers. The favourite trader City of Auckland is rapidly filling up with her outward cargo for liondon. In consequence of arrangements being made for the convenience of passengers that have booked by her, there is still one saloon cabin vacant, which will, no doubt, be taken up in the course of a day or so. There is also room for four intermediate passengers. The City, on her homeward bound voyage, will carry an experienced surgeon. She will sail punctually on the 7th' proximo. We observe that Captain Astridge, well ltnowiv at this port, lias accepted the post of chief officer. The s.s Southern Cross left Tauranga, for Auckland, yesterday afternoon at four 'clock.

COMMERCIAL.

MINING.

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

MEETINGS.

West Coast, Grahamstown, 2nd December Christehurch, Grahamstown, 2nd December Mutual Mining Investment Company, Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, 8 p.m., sth December Pride of Tiki, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3 p.m., 9th December Thames Gas, Company's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 9th December, 2 p.m. Golden Eagle, Star Hotel,; Newton, 3 p.m., 10th Dec. Paul's Creek, Company's office, 44, Queen street, 8 p.m., 10th December City of Dunedin, Grahamstown, 11th December Mary Ann, Grahamstown, 12th December j Auckland Permanent' Co-operative Building Society, Society's office, Wyndham street, 7.30 p.m., 17th December

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails win Ct.ose as Undbb ;—

For Thames, this day, at 5.15 p.m., and to-morrow,

at 9.15 a.m. For Mahurangi/Matakana.. Mahgawai, &c, per Lady

Bowen, to-morrow, at 9.45 a.m. For Gisborne, Napier, and Southern piovinccs, per Ttangatira, on Monday, December 2, at 1.45 p.m. For Whitiangi and Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on HMouday, December 2, at 3 p.m. For Sydney and Australian Colonies, per Kegra, on

Monday, 2nd December, at 2.30 p.m. ! For ftussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Uowena,

on Monday, December 2, at 3 p.m. For Tarariaki and Southern provinces, per' Wellington, immediately after ariival os p.s. Dakotah, from

Honolulu. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Dakotah, six hours after her arrival, N.B.— The Chief Post-office has been removed temporarily to-Fort Britomart. Posting-boxes for the receipt of letters and papers have, been erected at Mr. Sharland's, Chemist, Short land-street ; and at;th'e Southern Cross office, where letters, etc., may be posted until permanent arrange ments are made, for the accommodation of the depart ment. : (Signed) S. B. Biss. Chief Postmaster.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 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 "rendering of an account of his stewardship " last night performed by Mr Reader Wood before his constituents at Parnell is the most remarkable on record. Mr Wood merely gives a peep behind the scenes, revealing the inner workings of that system of log rolling by which laws are made. But his comments are not those of one who has taken a part in the proceedings, but rather those of a philosopher sitting aloft with folded arms, viewing the heated. com batants with supremely regal compassion; aiid with a sapience beyond what falls to the lot of man indicating — but with sub lime indifference withal—the course which events should have taken. The only moment at which Mr Wood appears to rouse himself from philosophical abstraction is when his eye rests on the. form of Mr Gisborne. At him he flings a stone, for the name of Mr Gisborne is'not unfamiliar in the speculations of the electors of Parnell. Of course Mr Wood received a vote of confidene.

The following correspondence has been sent to us • for insertion. It goes to prove that there was no such thing as "pairing" known to Messrs Hurst, Hamlm, and. Hay. Whether what occurred, is to be known as tripleting in future we know not, but at least these three gentlemen were within the precincts of the Provincial buildings, and by some kind of animal magnetic influence upon them refrained from voting. Mr Hay's statement, it will be observed, is distinct and positive— he diit ntot " pair " with Mr Hurst ; but will he say that his absence from voting was in no way related to and / influenced by. Mr Hurst's absence ? Mr Hamlin is an ingenious writer. He starts with seeming bravely to intend confuting the assertion of his having paired with Mr Hurst ;• but he ends without doing anything of the sort, but merely saying that Mr Hurst is an honourable man, —ja fact which nobody gainsays. It is passing strange, however, that in open Council he stated tqat he A«^ .paired with Mr Hursi and that Mr Hay had done the same. While ac cepting with much pleasure the statements of our correspondents, believing them to beitrue, we'must Bay that it was very nicely managed indeed, and the nicest part of it is seeing our two,, correspondents coming forward so ■chivalrously and saying " Irs all right;; n all honor to Mr Hurst; we were confounded fools to be sure for ■ being so soft; :but that's1 no matter ; all's fair in love, politics, and war. Hurst had us this time; but it's all right; say no more about it." Here follow the thejepistles : — " To the Editor of the Evening Stak.—Sir, —Observing in a leading article published i» the Star this evening a statement to; the

effect that Mr Hurst had paired with me on [ \e police question, I feel that common justice demands that I should state that such was not the case. —I have the honor to be.^ sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM Hay. . "To the Editor of the Evening Star. — , Sir, —Observing an assertion in last evening's Star to the effect that Mr Hurst had paired ' with me on the police question, and other wise reflecting very seriously against that gentleman's honor in connection with the affair, permit me to say that with a full knowledge of all the circumstances I deem it an act of duty on my part to state that I see no grounds to reflect against that gentle man's honor. —1 am, &c, E. Hamlin."

The majority of cases on the list for hear ing before the Resilient Magistrate's Court this day were either struck out or withdrawn. Judgments for plaintiff's were recorded in the cases of Cawkwell and Co. v. Watts, claim £2 4s 3d ; Craig v. Kelly, claim £1 8s 6dj and Elley v. Featon, claim, £8 3s Id.

We have received the following letter, I signed "P.L.," with reference to Mr I Beader Wood before his constituents at 1 Parnell : —"As au elector of Parnell I was j delighted with the histrionic treat given us j last night by our member —Mr Wood. The j elegance of the language and perfection of j the style ; the curl of the lip, and the twist |' of the nose; the elevation of the eyebrow ; j the emphatic shake of the forefinger ; and j the graceful handling of the scarlet pocket- j handkerchief indicated the practised artist, j wanting only the arit eel are to please the ■ most fastidious taste. As a political speech, j I must, however, confess to great disappoint ment. While carefully disclosing the petty intriguing and the miserable jealousies which distract the Assembly, it gave ni no j information as to the position of the coloi >y, or of the province with relation to it. Ia tn quite sure that no one came from the meeting in the least degree wiser on these subjects through anything that fell from Mr Wood.. > Possibly this may have been intentional on I the part of that gentleman. He may -.have thought it judicious to keep himself un committed with an eye to a ministerial portfolio at the next session. In that case, the line taken is intelligible ; but it is sadly disappointing to those who look, ill meetings of this kind, for frank confidence between constituencies and those who are their political watchdogs, as well as agents and representatives. If, in this character, Mr Wood had let us into a little more of his own mind, and told us his view of Colonial and Provincial affairs in the present crisis we should have had much to thank him for, to which he can now lay no claim. Other members who are to address their constituents may profit by Mr Wood's failure, and give satisfaction by letting their opinions on weighty questions be unmis takably known. There is no dearth of these questions. The finances of the colony, the allocation of the loans, how the interest is to be apportioned among the provinces, what prospect there is of the General Government taking over the Provincial responsibilities, whether the increased taxation, which all parties admit to be inevitable, shall be direct or indirect ; whether the present constitution of the Houses of Parliament is satisfactory, either as to the number of members, the arrangement of constituencies, or the long period of five years for which the represen tatives are elected —these are a few of the subjects upon which any thoughtful member might with advantage open his miiid to constituents. Xor should the necessities of the province which lie represents be bene.ith his notice. He might tell us what prospect there is of benefit to it from the legislation or from the expenditure of the Assembly. He might say, for instance, whether it is right that Auckland should bu reduced to I its present penniless state through the Cus toms' revenue being charged with the whole expenditure of the country, while the Southern provinces are enjoying their land fund free of any share of such burdens. Pie might, in short, tell us .something that we can go home and think over, instead of con fining himself to the "condition of parties in the Assembly,"—to use a cant phrase—a sickening subject ai which most of us have heard quite enough, fltktwill gladly spare our representatives any furtfNw recital."

Mr J. B. Russell, in the tme of Nathan and Co. v. Alexandra, heard bet"<vr<* the Resi dent Magistrate's Court yesterday, on the part of the plaintiff, accepted a nonsuit.

The members of St. Paul's Church will doubtless be glad to learn that the organ of that church will be re-opened on Sunday next. During the last month the instrument has undergone a thorough cleaning and re pair by Mr Hewlett, of Mangapai, and the result is pronounced by some of the most competent judges in Auckland to be most satisfactory. To defray the expenses of this most necessary work special collections will be made at both services on Sunday next.

We have very great pleasure in giving insertion to the following letter, and strongly urging its plea on the attention of our legislators :—" To the Editor of the Evening Star.—Sir, —Allow me through the medium of your colums to bring under the notice of the public an omission in the Education Bill now under discussion, viz. : There is no provision made for. the higher education of girls. The Grammar School provides a superior education for -boys. There should also be a High School for girls ; the same staff to be made available for both. In the Education Bill discussed by the General Government last session, clause 41 provided for the higher education of girls. Hoping to see a similar clause introduced in the bill now before the Provincial Government, I am, yours &c, L. Rushbrook, Ladies' Collegiate School, Wellesley-street.".

Our attention has been called to ship ment of about four tons,,.of superior bananas which have just arrived by the Merlin from the Fijis: They are undoubtedly the. finest sample which has as yet been received in Auckland, and have been purchased by Messrs Messenger and Marshall.

The usual weekly parade of Nos. 1 and 3 Companies A.KB. will take place at the Drill-shed this evening. After parade No. 3 Company will hold a special meeting. All members are requested to attend.

The beautiful ■ paintings from art union plates now exhibiting in the shop of Mr Leech, of Shortland street, are worthy of in spectioii by lovers of art in this city. They belong to Mr Lewis, a gentleman who has recently arrived from England. The "Claude Duval," ."Ophelia," from Hamlet, a marine riew, and a winter scene of the robin at the cottage ..door,, called MRty," struck us as being remarkably fine and life-like.

I. The'iJlawke's Bay Herald sa^s : —"As regards Sir G. Bowen's successor, Sir J)imes Fergusson, all that we know of him is very decidedly in his favor. From his first arrival in< Adelaide /all! sections of the Australian Press have spoken of him with uniform esteem arid respect.: If general report is correct the office of Governor with him has been no sine cure. >Hia Ministers have found His advice so uniformly sound and sagacious that seldom or never has any important step been taken which has not received his full concurrence. Such time as he could spare from his special avocations has been devoted to the work of forwarding the interests of Adelaide in a variety of ways, in fostering new industries for instance, or in instituting enquiries with regard to other industries which it might seem desirable to introduce."

We have taken and eaten of the Tikouma oysters, and behold they are very good. Tikouma, it appears, is Coromandel, or there abouts, and Mr J. G. Linton gets his oysters thence. And then, apparently, he cooks them partially, and preserves them wholly, and, enclosing them in pretty little tins, he hermetically seals them in, and he sells the tins at six-and-sixpence per dozen, and Mr E. Ellingham is his agent. And we have opened one of them with a knife—not Mr Ellingham, nor Mr Linton, but the tin—and we liave eaten of the oysters, and they are indeed delicious. But we would not have any one take our word for it, but try for himself. Really in this we recognise a very promising little native industry and export, and we wish it most cordially complete success.

It is remarkable that not one word of praise has been publicly uttered respecting the conduct of the Post-office business after the late burning out. All credit to the tele graph officers : they did their work nobly and well. But Mr Biss and Ins staff had to fly with all their belongings, and yet, for not one day, for not one hour, was the public put to inconvenience. In the most untoward, circumstances, in Fort Britomart, Mr Biss has been seen in the midst of his little regi ment at all hours, and surrounded by the thousands of little missives, each on its nn erringway to an individual hand and eye—and yet neither confusion or inconvenience has for one hour been imposed on the public by the disaster in iShortland-street ; but even more courtesy and obliging frankness have been experienced than when all was going smoothly through the little peep-holes under the colonnade of the now ruined Post-office. The sudden bursting up, or rather the burn ing up, of the red tape has been a manifest advantage, and it would really be a desirable thing if all the Government officers would be burned out occasionally ; it would so tend to make them feel that they are subject to the vicissitudes of life just like other people, and one touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

"One who Knows" writes to us with reference to Mr Cadman's statement in the Provincial Council to the effect that '' only SO could be got to sign the petition for retaining the control of the police by the General Government," and adds :" I beg to" say that this is simply untrue, for out of those who were invited to sign not half a dozen refused." Such assurance is quite un necessary ; t.ny one glancing at the names .sees that quality, not quantity, was aimed at, and the list contains the largest number of the names of those who are recognised as leading merchants and public men, that has been appended to- any document in Auckland for many years. Wo really feel a sense of shame at seeing a petition bearing such names humbly suing a favour at the hands of such riff-raff iw constitute a section of the Provincial Council.—"Weather Eye Open " draws attention to the unprecedented number of "pairs" in the late division respecting the police, and proceeds to explain it. He says "more than myself have observed this unusual circumstance, and asked why should the police question more than any other have brought about the ' pairing season.' Sir, the reason is this. The ques tion is one of interest, as yon have said, to the roughs. There is a general election at hand ; most of those that paired did so in the hope of their names never appearing in the division list; and you, sir, have spoiled the game. They were afraid to face the roughs after voting in this question according to their consciences. Some perhaps, like Mr Tonka, were ashamed. He signed an address to the Chairman of the Harbour Board, protesting against the police being taken back by the province ; and on Wednesday night he paired in favour of it, thinking that his ratting would be concealed. But most of them that voted for localising the police, as well as those that tried to conceal their votes by secret pairing, did so in face of the coming election." Indeed, we believe our correspondent is just about right.—We receive occasional random shots still with reference to the late fire, but that is a stale subject now, and we may allow the interest to die out till another good blaze occurs. It will probably not be long. We hope, however, that the public will in future give their chief assistance in. connection with the uninsured and pubb'e buildings, and let the insured houses rip. The paid officers of the Companies and their company will look after them, and their motto being as admitted "attend only to the insured houses," the public and their i water should operate under the correspond ing principle "the uninsured alone." The letters of "L.5.D.," " Indifference," "Who shall be greatest?" "Spitfire," and "En quirer"—there is always an "Enquirer" on ' eveiy subject—arc rather out of date. " Matthew Barry" confirms the already pub lished account of the gallant conduct of Lance-Corporal Connolly, of the Hobson Company; and "Nunc.Nune" enquires if in the burning of the Custom House that '' building was neglected in consequence of the pecuniary rewards held out by certain firms, and thereby causing the disagreement between the rival fire brigades. A bucket of water would have saved £30,00 D ; who [is to blame?" We would inform our corres pondent that nobody is to blame. An in quest has been held with a respectable jury, and nobody is to blame. It was all done just as it should have been done, only people shouldn't walk about in stores at night with candles. People are to blame for that, but for burning the Custom House and Post office nobody is to blame. It was all right. The jury said nothing about any one being to blame, and they should know all about it. —"Vulcan" says: "Please tender my thanks to the gentleman who by the Cross offers so green -a -way to extinguish me. There must be some show of ' sap' in the dry old stick. I shall still belike Phoenix." We don't see it. "Vulcan" is enigmatical. What on earth is the black smith driving at T But we have a faint per ception that he refers to the now for ever famous pole with which "the richest man" performs his engineering legerdemain on the back establishments in Wakefield-street.— Another " Enquirer"—we wish the family of that name was extinct—enquires " if it is so that the Holmes Brothers have warned their employes that if they do business with Messrs Allison or Duder, of North Shore, they will at once be dismissed, these two being share holders in the new ferry company ? Also if it is true that Mr Cosgrave has been told by the Holmes that if he does not forfeit the shares which he holds in the new ferry com pany their trade in drapery to the extent of £50 a-year will bo taken from him, and that Mr Cosgrave has promised, according to their statement, to forfeit the shares under this pressure ?" Wo really do not know, but we don't believe it. They are not quite so insane as to originate a commercial league in favour of those they would desire to injure, which would certainly result from any such action if made known. "iSave mo from my friends !" should bo the prayer of any one or any firm intended to bo bonofitoct by such a foolish course of action. —Another "Enquirer" expresses curiosity respecting tho special duty of Constable O'Brien, and whether "it is to opon tho gates of tho Albert Barracks "and lot twelve or fourtoon. goats remain both day and night there." Wo really cannot toll, but we think the goats will do loss harm there than if they were driven outside. We do not exactly

know what our correspondent desires, and whether he thinks O'Brien should milk or water the animals also. If so, we do not think this should come within the sphere of a constable's duty —at least till the force is restored to the province.

The fanners of Christchurch are making efforts to establish a corn exchange in that town, and have formed themselves into a company for the carrying-out of their object.

According to report the neighbourhood of Christchurch bids fair to become the High Wycombe of the old country for the manu facture of chairs. Continued demands from all parts of the colony are pouring in for Christchurch chairs ; and the art of chair making promises to become a flourishing business.

The sparrows, which have increased and multiplied very considerably since they were brought to this country, are proving them selves to be the friends instead of the enemies of the gardener. These birds are now very busy among the rose-bushes and fruit-trees clearing them of blight.

An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Oriana Gold Mining Company was held yesterday afternoon, at the office of Mr K. Home, Queen-street. Shareholders of 8000 shares were represented personally and by proxy. The company's rules were amended, and the following gentlemen elected directors :— Messrs S. Ilapson, G. Bennett, Home, A. Kay, and J. B. Hannah. Mr Geo. Fraser was appointed auditor for the ensuing year. The mine manager's report was read at the meeting ; it stated that there were about 1(5 tons of general stuff in the paddock and over 301bs of specimens on hand. ~

A meeting of shareholders in the Preece's Point Gold Mining Company was held, yes terday afternoon at the Governor Browne Hotel, Hobson-street. The report was, on the whole, satisfactory. The two retiring directors were re-elected.

Mr Reader Wood gave a long and full address last night to his Parnell constituents, and the meeting was well attended. At the close of his speech several questions, chiefly on the subject of education, were asked and respectively answered by the hon. mem ber, when Mr W. H. Kissling proposed, " That this meeting desires to express its satisfaction with Mr Wood's action in the late session of the General Assembly, and records its continued confidence in him." This was carried unanimously.

In the Provincial Council yesterday Mr Philips withdrew his motion respecting the £nO in aid of the funds of the Mechanics' Institute, at the instance of Mr Sheehan, who stated that it is intended to take steps towards the establishment of a free public library.

The seamen's meeting was held last night at the Thames Hotel, at which Mr James Dunn presided. He opened the business with a short explanatory paper, which ap peared to be satisfactory to the audience. Mr Jackson then read a code of rules which had been prepared by the committee, which were, with a few slight alterations, adopted. It was resolved that admission to member ship should be by an entrance fee of 2s (kl, a monthly contribution of (lil, and a written recommendation or authority of four of the committee. Mr J. Copland was elected president, Lieutenant Jackson, secretary, and Messrs Smith, Downes, Stephens, Mud ford, Donovan, Lane, De Traters, a\id Fer nandez were elected on the committee. A considerable number of names wore taken down, and about £10 paid in entrance fees.

g|g A meeting of shareholders in the Kingston Gold Alining Company was held yesterday afternoon at the Governor Browne hotel, Hobson-street. The financial statement was read ; and after a short discussion, the meeting, which was of a £c irmal character, adjourned.

The much-talked-of cricks: match, between the elevens of Coromandel avid the" Thames to-morrow is postponed to a* iutui-e day. The entertainment announced for Monday next, at St. Matthew's, in a;;.d of the school library, will take place oik Friday instead. The change has been made; to suit the con venience of the majority of the vocalists.!

At a meeting of the committee of the New Zealand Auxiliary of the U.K.A., re cently held, Wm. Kerr, Esq., president, in the chaii-, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: — That this meeting approves the Licensing Ad;, framed and pro mulgated by the Hon. Wm. Fox, and pub lished in the colmrins of !the Alliance News of a recent date, and pled.ges itself to aid in the passing of this measure into la^."

Members of the Amckland Quoit Club are informed that the first competition for Capt. Johnson's prize inedail will take place on Saturday next at the Albert Barracks.

The Taranaki Seralcl says : " New Zea land has hitherto been Itnown for her inter necine wars, but now tt'.at quiet has been restored, and industry .and peace prevail, that public works and peaceful avocations are being carried on tl iroughout the colony, it is necessary that we- should show to the world that we can send for exhibition things of greater utility than mere Maori curiosi ties. Let ua show tliat wool, Phormium tenax, and other materials of a fibrous na ture represent our staples, whilst the mineral wealth of the colony might be made to form a long list in the'catalogue. Then there are our woods, which are almost inex haustible in extent and variety. We. may. not at once be able to see the effect of send ing these things to an exhibition, but time, if we have a little patien.ee, will prove that it is a right movement, ,aiid one. that I will be. most beneficial to the colony in after years'

JUSTICES' JUSTICE.

To the Editor of the Evening :S.-rkR.

Sir, —May I ask through yoxir independent journal if it is consistent with the due ad ministration of justice for . a justice' of the peace, who may happen to-be';;conseeted in any. way with the friends of a person .charged Avith a serious criminal offence, that'1 jus tice to attend a court, which lie:is not!in the habit of attending, at the special invitation of the person charged, and at the investigation of the case under*, theclpak of a justice, but really as a sort'of advocate for his friend ? I ask the question.merely be 7 cause it is currently reported1 that an instance of this sort of judicial administration has recently occurred.-—Yours, etc., Justice.

[It certainly is not consistent with the due, adminis tration of justice. But'why does'bur correspondent mouth the thing ? Why not give us the name of the justice and the circumstances, arid let us rip them up ?—Ed. e.s.] . ~.•/;;;' .~• ,\ \

POLICE COURT.

.; .: thisday. ■>; ; i ~,;.■■ Before P. A. Philips, Esq.,lt.M. I ' DRTTNKENNJESS'..■':,■■ ■-■■.■ Vl | Two drunkards were fined 5a each. VAGRANCY. | ■ ' ' Dennis Boyle was charged with being poor. Case, was remanded to > enquire into the stato of his mind. WANDKRINQ CATTLE. Daniel Cleary was fined ono shilling for letting hia cow stray. The" Court rose at ft quarter to eleven, (

ART EXHIBITION.

We observe from advertisement that the Society of Artists have determined to defer their exhibition until February 1873. We had almost forgotten that such an institution a3 the Society of Artists existed, but the announcement of their exhibition has directed our thought to the brothers of the palette and their works. That the finearts are of great national importance is generally admitted by most persons, and there the matter ends as far - as they are concerned ; but their high value and almost absolute necessity to civi lized man are a circumstance known only to the few cultivated minds who can appreciate them, not merely as clever mechanical imitations of men, animals, or other objects in marble or on canvas, as the case may be, but as reflections of the ideas, fashions and habits of the people at the various dates at which they were produced. Their presence marks the polished condition of society ; their absence proclaims the reign of barbarism and places mankind but a small degree above the denizens of the wilderness. Without their aid the architect could not build, the weaver would not pro duce his elegant fabrics; and to descend a trifle our japanned tea-trays would be but an vnstufferable black mass—nor could we form but an indistinct and feeble idea, of the greatness of- ancient Borne, or the high state of civilization and ele gance of ancient Greece. The artists them selves are unquestionably the favoured ones of nature, possessing within themselves the direct gifts of the Creator, viz, the power to observe and discriminate, and afterwards to reproduce with faithful exactness. By no amouiit of school drumming or conventional plodding can you make an artist; the power is inherent. How many and how various are the scenes in nature ! Yet the artist sees, catches the inspiration of the moment, and fixes the transient effect on his canvas, there to remain an indelible record of the past. It is not, however,, to be supposed that this fidelity of expression is obtainable without great laboar ; on the contrary, the ability to express his own ideus and convey them pictorially to others i& only to be arrived at by deep study and inyessant labour on the part of the airtist l the difference between him and his feUow men being that he possesses deep feel'mg and unflinching determination, which ci jables him to cultivate his talents to ultimata success, whereas they may have one withou .t the other, or they may possibly be destifr ite of both. With respect to ourselves we have ample evidence that the artistic spirit abounds amongst us, the exhibition of 187 L containing, as it did, more than one hundred drawings and paintings executed in chalks, water color, and oils by ladies and gentlemen living within our province proved its existence beyond dis pute. Moreover, the late Art -Exhibition held in Sydney has added confirmation to this fact—the works submitted by our fellow citizens constituting one-ninth of the exhi bition, having been all accepted and exhibited, and the encomiums bestowed by the judges and the local pi'ess proclaimed their merit. It was remarked by the Australian Press that our New Zealand artists were all landscape painters ; this is mainly true, and is un doubtedly due to the varied landscape and beautiful yet ever changing skies of our adopted home. Let us hope that the Society of Artistswill meet with a full attendance at their next exhibition ; for they, like other people, must have help and sympathy, and the small attendance of visitors at the last exhibition only covered the pecuniary ex penses.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

" SAFFO."

Pacini's opera " Saffo" was produced at the Choral Hall last evening. Like most of Pacini's compositions the music is essentially of a classic character in opposition to the romantic. It is exceedingly grand and majestic, but very melodious. The instra mentation is rich, and perhaps more ex pressive than the vocal score. In the first act there is a fine solo for Alcandro, a part which is taken by Signor Coliva, in which he relates his hatred for Saffo. : It is very descriptive, and full of rich weavings of harmony. His finest scene was, when in aii agony of remorse at having unwittingly betrayed his own daughter to death, he sang "Ah che im perfido." His whole,frame shook with emotion, and his grief appeared real. Loud applause followed the. execution of the aria. Signora Riboldi played the character Chimene well. The allegro' finale to tWe air in the second act, "M 7 heart seems burst ing," was very brilliant. It was succeeded by the most charming thing in,the opera—a duet for Saffo and 'Climene-i--' Quai dolci lagrime." In the last movement there is a great resemblance to the " Giorno d'orrore " of Semiramide. It was exceedingly well sung and vociferously encored. Signora Zenoni played Saflb. The character was evidently the result 'of careful study and great artistic ~skill. She certainly won fresh laurels by her acting and singing in this very difficult '■■part: The temple scene, where she overturns the altar, was very expressive; She was loudly applauded when she sang in joyous accents the nuptial hymn, " Tecp dell' aria." She also gave-very finely and with great expres sion, the aria, "Lama ognor."" Signor Rosnati's personation of Faone was also a I fine piece of acting. In the last scene his . remorse was finely delineated as he sang the aria, " Meste d' in certo," wherein he, la ments that in'his jealous folly he has thrown from him an angel, and has destroyed his own happiness. In some scenes, however, Signor Rosnati disappoints his hearers. He I has. some fine and rich tones in his voice, and just as one fancies one is going to hear some splendid effort of vocalization he ap pears to break off and to sing in so careless a. manner as to destroy all previous effect. The remaining characters were well sustained, the chorus being particularly good. iTlie scene representing the interior of the temple of Apollo at Leucadia was an artistic study; this and the last scene were loudly ap plauded. The music was very rich and con tained some fine and expressive, melodies. Between the third and fourth acts Mr Howell rendered a solo on the clarionette, which was enthusiastically (re-demanded. At., its . finish >( numerous bouquets were thrown to him in the orchestra by some of his lady hearers. The, at tendance was again large.' '' A rapturous recall was made at the end each act for; the principal 'artistes. This evening. Bellini's popular opera, "La Son nambula," will be produced with Signora Tamborim" Coy as Amina, apart in which she is eminently successful. We are glad to observe that the : management have listened to "our suggestions to substitute a more., ■popular opera than " L'Afficaine "Jfor to-'' morrow evening. An announcement is made that Verdi's grand and magnificent' operar of " II Tiovatore " will be produced in place of the one previously intended. A full house may be anticipated. We understand that should the Wellington- steamer be detained beyond Tuesday the Opera Company iwill give a farewell performance attnefPrinoe of Wales Theatre that evening, when "La Tniviata " will be repeated.

We again remind our readers of the meeting, ■of the Ratepayers' Association tp be held ' this evening at the Mechanics' Institute.

A SPOTTED DOG.

We have received most voluminous ' pondence with reference to the questio: l one spot constitute a " spotted dog,"» : it require two or more spots ? It ■? recollected that the question, on these of which bets to the extent of £10 fl, has been committed to the '..Star, and c decision the money will he paid. One "devils" suggested to us that if one c " betters" had sent us five p' u»ds, wit opinion on the subject, it **• 'xve i tated our arrival at a correcr^-* >elusion. repelled the base insmuatioii^-and discha that devil on the spot. But we have t; the opinions of a multitude of our reai and the balance of testimony and of reasoi . is in favour of the view which we forme ■ the first, and which will appear in the aeq A great many of our coi respondents have I , facetious ; and, from so many having sh< ;us that a dog may be " spotted"—by police —though his coat is " spotles ,we have come to the conclusion that thi funny ; and so we have laughed. In favi of the view that a dog with one spot onl] not a spotted dog there has not been mi argument of a convincing character. C correspondent says, "the gentleman w' says one spot constitutes a 'spotted dog' tak his stand on the word mark. A dog havi a mark is a marked dog; but P. Aust Nuttall, L.L.D., in his Standard Dictionar says ' spotted, marked with spots.' Accori ing to his authority one spot does not coi stitute a ' spotted dog.' Johnson's dictionai does not give the word." Another correi pondent signing " Butcher Boy," says " Dot one spot on a dog constitute a spotted dog No it is a ' one spot dog.' P.eason; itisth spot that decides the question, not the dog. Another correspondent, "ily, says: ---" How frequently we read of a dog having black spot or mark on the left eye, or ta spot on tail, as the case may be. i yentui to think a dog having only one spot con. not be called a spotted dog. Spotted sigt fies full of spots, and that would constate a spotted dog. If not, nearly-"* not au dogs would be spotted dogs, for it is a a occurrence to find one without some marko spot of a different colour, whereas sprtfe dogs, properly so-called, .*re Most of the other comapohdv ts tabg same view merely assert fh f v f®^ founded on common usage, wit1 * 1^ UL ing reasons. On the other sicA ""• < ment is very uniform, with the c x ce^ V| that of an "Old Identity," who s>«. v^ '. spot on any animal constitutes a spot> ;6$ several spots, a piebald." But the nei1" large number are besfexpressed in tho "W of one writer who signs himself '"'■ J i Chum," and whose letter we give entiA * '' In compliance with your request I &jj you ruy humble opinion pn the subject ml tioned in your paper of the. 19th. It is t. .'■ That although we generally understand cl term I spotted dog ' to imply a dog marke with several spots, strictly speaking til phrase may with equal propriety be applie> to a dog that has but one spot, and onethr has fifty, the adjective ' spotted ' having J1 reference to number—

One dot, and an ' i' is said to be 'dotted/ One blot, and a sheet is said to be ' blotted," And so may a dog with one spotbe termed' spo1 tt Or by this one hard knot 1 own lam knottc a - In speaking conciseness is off the best, yet i 'Tis not to be trusted in making a bet."

This is precisely our opinion. In inal the bet the gentlemen should have b definite in their language, and resoh whether 'the criterion was to be comic usage, or strict and literal interpretation language. If the former, then beyond question "a spotted dog" would be c«j monly regarded■■ "as meaning a dog covea with several spots. But in the strict inte; pretation of language a '' spotted dog " is 1 be looked at in the same light as' a " dotti i," a "blotted sheet," a " punctured finger,. a "torn coat," a "wounded man;" an« with a single spot upon his coat he would be i spotted dog. The decision, therefore, is de pendent on the criterion intended when the bet was made. If it was 'understood by both that common usage was to be the test, 4 then we adjudge the £10 to the person who-* held that two or more spots were requisite. If it was understood by both that strictness of interpretation was to be the test, then we adjudge the £10 to him that. held, that one spot on a dog made it a " spotted) dog." If, however, there was no clear mutual understanding as to what the betters understood by. "is" or "constitutes," and each, one had his own understanding of it, then the man who betted that a spotted dog commonly meant a dog with many spots, has won his bet; and so also has the man who betted that a single spot on a dog literally constituted a "spotted dog." If they were in this way betting about two distinct and separate things, which it appears to us they were, then we hold that such a wager could not be lost or won. Unless'therefore it can be shown that there was a distinct under standing at the time of. the bet, as to whether common usage or strict etymology was to be applied to the solution —we could indeed decide, _ but the. decision would be unfair; ami the' only correct course is for the stake holder to return to each his money, and then after the meaning of the term " is" or " con sititutes" is distinctly defined and understood, let. them if they :will, make the bet again.-; We "have spoken. ■ ■■•■■

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

YESTERDAY.

The Speaker took the chair at three o'clock. The report' of. the Petition and Private Grievance Committee on'""the part of J. S. Talbot was brought forward by Mr Carleton ;■ also a report SonSthe petition of John Woolgar .to the effect that he had no grounds for claiming compensation. On the motion of Mr Maxwell, on the il Mangdnui roads and bridges," it was ordered that a return of all the money spent on roads and bridges from Mangonui to I Oruru and be laid on the table. Mr Swan obtained leave tTjL ~X3 bill to amend the Grahamstown Fflfct^^jy^lyliich ; was read for the first time. *^ ; , The. following . motions were agreed to : — That there be laid on the table a list of companies or private individuals who have applied for allotments on the fore-shore at Grahamstown and Shortland, with amount of rent to be paid by each; also list of what companies or private individuals have taken i possession of said allotments, and leases or Crown grants have been* issued to ' such parties, by Mr Swan; on the establish ment of a settlement of immigrants in the ■ Victoria valley, at Monganui, by Mi' Lundon; on the siim of £50 being -added to the esti mates to assist the eastern Mahurangi High way Board in placing a punt at the mouth of the nver, by Major Stoney ; also,| on the i establishment and maintenance of a;, steam service between Auckland and . Stokes 1 .Point,by Major Stoney ; also, on the erection * of a public wharf at Russell, by Mr Carleton. . After a few other matters relating to local in stitutions and cemeteries had been discussed, The House went into committee for*°? purpose of considering the Education Bill, when Mr Hamlin took the chair. Several clauses were passed and progress reported. : ..<■:,>

*SB ifiviftiSG stab,, Friday, noyembeb 29, im



£ s. d.

CALLS Coromandel Tunnel Bird in Hand Kajahmah.il .. .. North Devon Sea View Flagship Hand and Band Aurora.. Morning Star Coronet Thames Gas .. Lucky Diggers' Durham Ox ..

0 30 0 0 10 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 G 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 10 0 0 6 0 16 0 5 0 0 10 0 0 6

Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 2 Dec 4 - Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec H Dec 15 Dec 30



|MJ TO FARMERS; SETTLERS, BUTCHERS AND OTHERS. THE TJndorh'gned are Cash: Pu rchasers of Hides, Sheepskins, Tallow, Wool, fee., &c., at highest markets rates. L. D. NATHAN & CO., SHORTLAND STREET (Opposite Post-office), Auckland. NE lit'S. GENUINE TOMjATQ. SAUCE, prepared from the finest ripe fruit NEAL's' ORIENTAL PICKLE, a delicious com pound of Sweets and Sours it >' ■■ ■ ; NEAL'S NEW ZEALAND SAUCE, equal to Worcester Sauce NEAL'S CHUTNEY, a most agreeable condiment supersedes Mustard and more wholesome. B. TONES & CO. WHOLESALE AGENT sj j •. h. ■:<■■■.■ ■■ ' ■''■ : \ SO THE W ORKING ; MEN JOF AUCKLAND, ! y<\> r . . . .- ! .*/".:• AM «':/.:'fflO.(l7;A'-T?vM»nK'lffV/AHT^i '„:; rpHE BE^T MOLE TEOUSEES (X &.%*•*• Z*'l*^ jean bo bought at ,J. CO^aRAVE .% :44n>)fX>^M^4M14. i> v. I«si a a ~ ,', :' / t .OO A V&H!tMM .a ,J : '^09-sie iitty.li-iatlt,



T cOSaB'AVB'4 CO. *^ • Are now Selling- Good Stout Grey Calico, at 3Jd Best Scarlet Flannel, lightly damaged, at Is 43 dozen Towels, »t 4kl each i T2in. Grey SlieetlDK* *& SOjd 72in. White Sheeting, ni 1» Heavy Welsh Flannel, at Is M?rl Grenadines, at BJd Printed Delains, at 3M White Toilet Quilts, from Gs lid Linen Hack Towling, &i Oil 20 dozen Ladies' Stays, at Is C(i ; White Cotton Hose, from i'^d White Marsolla, 9jd Long Lace Curtains, from 4s Od I 50 dozen Parasols, from Is 3d each Musin Curtains, C yards from 4s lid per pair. OPECIAL CIEOULAR. ' Last_and_Clearing-oi~Sale of DRAPERY and CLOTHING before the Final Closino of our Premises, will continue during the month of November. A Large and Well-assorted Stock to choose from, and the whole will be offered at an Immense reduction from formal- prices. N.B.—The Stock has been PtEMOVED from the Wakefleld-street Shop into the Queen-street Shop for convenience of sale. White and Grey Calicoes, Flannels, hite Cotton Hose, and a very large assortment of Children's Socks. Boys' and Men's Clothing, White Shirts, Under Vests, Socks, Braces, Ties, &c, at a Great Sacrifice. E. HOBBS, WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPER, UPPER QUEEN STREET, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel. CALYAGE FROM THE LATE FIRE. SAMUEL COO MBES has purchased some bargains and will have them ready for Sale TO-MORROW. No. 180, QUEEN-STREET OPPOSITE DARBY'S THISTLE HOTEL). CHEAP CLO T H I N G, Very Ltttle Damaged. TN To-morrow's issue will appear "A MEMORIAL OF AN OLD MAID." 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. TO suit the convenience of the public the Banks will be CLOSED on MONDAY, the 2nd December, instead of on SATURDAY, St. Andrew's Day.



The quarterly meeting the Grand Black. ' Chapter of Ireland; Preceptory, IM, will be > held this evening, at the encampment, : Newton, at sight o'vlock,