SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 7.15. HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 1.53.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES.

Enterprise No. 2, 5 o'clock afternoon.

ARRIVALS.

Star of the South, s.s., from Napier Prima Donna, schooner, from Russell, Speedwell, ketch, from Wangaroa.

DEPARTURES.

Duke of Edinburgh, p.s., for Wangarei.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney and Melbourne: City of Adelaide, February 5. For Southern ports: Go-ahead, early. For Honolulu : Nebraska, mail steamer, 25th Inst. For Levuka : Lsetitia, schooner, to-morrow. For Tahiti: Selina, schooner, to-morrow; Queen, schooner, shortly. "» For Sydney : Mary Ann Chrishna, scliodder, to-day. For "Wangarei: Clyde, schooner, to-day. For Samoa, via Tonga : Kenilworth, schooner, 23rd inst.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Adelaide, s.s., from Sydney Napier, s.s., from Napier Caduceus, ship from London, sailed October 18 Femdale, barque, from Liverpool, sailed September 15 Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands Amateur, schooner, from Lyttelton St. Mary, U.S. man-of-war, from Sydney Naomi, ship, from London Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Grace Darling, schooner, from Melboxirne Queensland, barque, from Newcastle

COMMERCIAL.

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

MEETINGS TO COKE. Union Steam Saw Mills, F. A. White's office, Auck land, noon January 20 Virginia City, Grahamstown, January 22 Nil Desperandiim, Coromandel, January 22 Morning Star, Grahamstown, January 23 Bed Queen, Mechanics', Auckland, 2 p.m. January 23 Lowland Lass, Grahamstown, January 24 Kohinoor, Coromandel, January 24 Argo, Coromandel, January 25 Cyclops. Grahamstown, January 25 Una, Shortland, January 26 City of Boston, Grahamstqwn, January 26 Thames View, Mechanics', Auckland, at 3 p.m. Janu ary 30 Tiki, Coromandel, January 30 Sailor Prince, Company's office, Fort street, Auck land, 4 p.m. January 30 Red, White, and Blue, Grahamstown, January 30 Lion. Grahamstown, January 30 Emily, Coromandel, January 31 American Eagle, Grahamstown, January 31 Golden Calf, Grahamstown, January 31 New Rakaia, Coromandel, February 2 Nebraska, Grahamstown, February 5 Venus, Coromandel, February 6 Conquering Hero, 12, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 4 p.m. February 8

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Maixs will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 4.30 p.m.; and to-morrow,

at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Tahiti, per Selina, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. For Mahurangi, Warkworth, Matakana, etc., per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Kapanga, etc., per Royal Alfred, to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. : and per Challenger, at noon. For Fiji, per Lsetitia, to-morrow, at 11 a. m. For Russell, per Onward, to-morrow, at 5 p.m. For Kawau, Wangarei Heads, etc., per Duke of Edinburgh, on Monday, 22nd instant, at 1 p.m. Per p.s. Nebraska, on Thursday, 25th instant, as

follow: For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British, Central, and South America, British and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe, via London, at 10.30 a.m. For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at 10.30 a.m.; money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 9 a.m.

Late letters for United States of America and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of sixpence in addition to the postage, will be" received at this office till 11a.m., and by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing.

S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

LULBROOK—On January 17, at Mount Hobson, Mrs. S. B. Ludbrook, of a son.

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

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

And the good that we can do."

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 1872.

We believe ifc -will afford general satisfaction to find that there is no indifferenco on the part of our civic authorities to the urgent cry for water. We have made enquiry respecting the steps that have been taken in connection ■with the subject, and find that whatever may be the result no dilatoriness is likely to characterise the efforts made. On the arrival of Mr. Carruthers, the Mayor placed himself in communication with the Chief Engineer with reference to a water supply for the city, and the duty of examining and reporting was at once undertaken by Mr. Carruthers, the Minister of Works approving. But as the people of the city are more interested at the present moment in something more immediate in its results that the report on the best per manent supply, the Mayor has placed him self in communication with Mr. Seicombe, re specting the proposal for drawing water from the brewery wells. At the same time Mr- Philips has been in communication with the Superintendent, and instructions have been given by Hi 3 Honor for the Binking of a tube well in the Domain near the reservoirs, for the purpose of sounding for water. This work has been proceeding since yesterday, and it is intended that if water is found, the "Black Elephant" will be brought from his stable and made to do something for his keep. As there is every likelihood of a spring or subterranean reservoir being tapped by tho tube well, it is expected that a supply not much inferior to that at the brewery may be found in close proximity to the reservoir. From what we have learned we believe that every eflort that may be most likely to be attended with success, is being put forth in order to remove the inconvenience occasioned in the city by the drought.

In another column will bo found a letter from North Shore, signed " Decency," com. plaining of the annoyance given to ladios by gentlemen bathing on the open shore. We should be very unwilling to say a word in de fence of anything savoring of indecency, and believe that gentlemen should take every reasonable care to avoid giving annoyance to the sensitive feelings of tho gentler sex. But with all due respect to the ladies, and we have great reverence for them, we venture to say that ladies are sometimes a very great nuisance ; and tho manner in which our foro shore is in many casfl3 tabooed to bathers, because forsooth, our fair sisters might be offended, is getting a little bit intolerable ; and if the ladies do not desire to provoke us to rebellion, and stand up for " man's rights," we think they had better be a little bit milder in their interference with our comfort. The ladies have not the slightest hesitation in going themselves into the briney wave at any time and any place, never once giving a thought to our sensitive feelings. They cannot form the slightest idea of what our feelings are when we turn away from our pleasant promenade, as they disport themselves like mermaids in their native element. But then we suppressooru r emotion, and don't get a champion to write for ub to the papers. This weather is sufficient to impel mankind to rush frantically into tho waves. But then in this place he can't bathe, and in that place the police will be set on him; and in the other place tho newspapers will get him; and unless ho pays for a dip in the public baths, to which he may have to walk so far that all the benefit is lost, all the enjoyment of our seashores is denied him. We hold that the salt water should be as free as the air we breathe, and .that when the impulse is on a man he should be allowed to bathe when and where he pleases. If there was only originality or independence of thought sufficient among our authorities to compel the wearing of drawers in bathing, the difficulty could be got over. A Frenchman in his calegons bathes freely among the ladies j and the population, in becoming and appropriate bathing apparel, mingle as freely in the waves as they do in the public streets. Of course we are shocked at such an idea ; we are so very proper. But we do not hesitate to say that if the authcrities would only insist that gentlemen bathers should invariably clothe themselves in "calegons," the whole foreshores on both sides of the water should be thrown freely open to bathers, and any ladies who objected to the arrangements might jußt go into their houses, and shut their doors and windows, so that they might not be offended. It makes one savage this hot weather to think that any one should interfere with bathing; and we feel angry, even with the ladies. There now.

Mr. Ellis, of the Seafield Road, says that he is prepared to sink to the ordinary depth of a well in little more than an hour, and to place a pump over the shaft, at little more than the present price of a 400 gallon tank. Ho will have one in action to»morrow, and invites in spection. If successful his invention deserves credit, and will be a great boon.

A meeting of the parishioners of St. Mat* thew's will be held this evening at half»past seven o'clock in the schoolroom adjoining the Church, for the purpose of receiving the re. port of the vestry for the past twelve months and to elect vestrymen and churchwardens for the ensuing year. There should be a full at* tendance.

We are very glad to see that the advice •which we gave with reference to the institution of water carts has been taken up. It is really astonishing that this matter has been neglected so long, Mr. Craig, whose advertisement will be found in another column, has made arrangements to get supplies from Mr. Sutton'e wells in Eden Crescent which are known to yield the most delicious water in the city, and he proposes to draw it in tanks to citizens, at a cost that is really exceedingly moderate. We look on Mr Craig as a deserving man. He has been the first to come forward and make the experiment of supplying a pressing want. If he succeeds, there will be plenty to follow in hi 3 wake, and try to obtain a share of his trade. This ia specially characteristic of Auckland. But we do not hesitate to say that bo long as Mr. Craig is able to supply his wares at a reasonable cost, the people of the city should make it a point of duty to employ him in preference to any other. Mr. Craig's office is in Fort street.

Tho following are the magistrates on the rota to occupy the Bench on 22nd and 23rd January : —22nd mat., Messrs. Gillies and Mitford j 23rd inst., Petty Sessions, Messrs. Joseph May (chairman), Owen, Pierce, Porter, Kitohie, A. X Taylor, Turfcon, and Wood.

Tho Auckland Artillery Volunteer Band will perform in the Albert. Barracks to-morrow (Saturday) from 4 till 6 o'clock. Programme : 1. Quick March, le Polonais, Brepsant; 2. Grand March, la Boseo, E. Migette j 3. Quadrilles, Echoes of the Opera, Pearson; 4. Selections, Maritana, Vincent Wallace ; 5. Waltz, la Voltige, Brepsant; 6. Scottischei Bibetti, Weiproght; 7. Galop, Neufohatel, Messon. God save the Queen.

" Noun Verrons " has not furnished uh with his name in confidence, and by our invariable rule his letter cannot be inserted. To corres pondents generally, we desire to Btate that having a large number of their communications on hand, wo shall give insertion to them as space will allow.

A man namod Thomas Vernon has been drowned in the Waikato River at Cambridge. He wa3 the driver of Quick's coach between Ngaruawahia and Cambridge, and waa taking his horse down to the river to water, when ha went out of his depth, having got upon Kome quicksand, and, after floundering about for some time, both man and horsa were drowned. The body was afterwards re covered. A deputation, consisting of Mr. C. O'Neil, M.1L8., and Mr. Warmoll, J.P., waited on tho Publio Works Minister (Mr. Ormond), yesterday, in reference to the water supply at the Thames. Mr. Ormond intimated that he would proceed to Grahamstown to-day accom panied by Mr. Carruthers to see what steps could be taken to inorease the water supply. These gentlemen left by the Golden Crown this morning, in accordance with Mr. Ormond's promise. The following are the names of the civil cases for trial at the Supreme Court, with those of tho solicitors :—Daniel and another v. Cartwright; for plaintiffs, Weston ; defend* ant, Sheehan. Kelly v. Brown j plaintiff, Dignan 5 defendant, Hughes. Creagh v. Maungaroa j plaintiff, Richmond; defendant, Macdonald. Hull v. Bayson; plaintiff, Richmond j defendant, Tyler. Williams y. Messenger. Special jury—Gow and another v. Frazer; plaintiff, Rees; defendant, Weston. The civil cause list will in oil pro bability commence on Monday next.

In the tobacconist's shop next door to the Theatre Boyal is now to be seen a marvellous specimen of what can be done with pen and ink by a skilful artist. It is a drawing repre senting a piece of thorough English scenery ; and in clearnese of detail, aDd fineness of deli neation, rivals the best specimens of steel engravings. Judgment upon D. G. Smale and A. G. Power, convicted last sessions of forgery, has been deferred until the July sessions of the Supreme Court.

We beg to call the attention of the Auckland trades men and others to the Saturday's weekly sale of produce, groceries, furniture, and sundries, by Mr. Geo. Sibbin, to be held from 11 to 12 o'clock. Goods must be removed before 2 o'clock, the closing time on Saturday.—t Advt.]

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

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

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Sheeidan Knowles' splendid five-act play of " The Hunchback" was pro duced last night. Mr Morton Tavares sustained the part of Master Walter in a masterly manner. It was a splendid im personation. Mr Hoskins with his usual ability sustained the character of Sir Thomas Clifford. Miss Colville played Julia in a highly creditable manner. The whole piece was capitally performed throughout, and it is a pity such a small audience assembled to witness so fine a play. To-night" Still Waters Run Deep" will be produced. Mr Tavares ia sure to excel in John Mildmay, The programme will include the combination cast.

A CRY FROM DEVONPORT.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab. Sib, —Could you inform us why men are allowed to bathe close to the wharros while the steamers are running P Why are strawberry gardens allowed to sell on Sun day ? Why are public houses allowed to sell to all comers every day ? Are we be yond the pale of the law ? If not will the police see into this matter? Only this morning the « was standing on the beach naked, but a stone's throw from the steamer, to the annoyance of some half a dozen lady passengers. I am, &c, Decency. Devonport, January 17.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

DREADFUL FIRE AT COROMANDEL.

Several Stores Burnt Down.

Women and Children seeking

Refuge in the Mines.

(FBOM OT7B OWN COBBESPOKDEHT.)

Q-RAHAMSTOWKT, 2 p.tQ

A disastrous fire has occurred at Coromandel. The flames have driven women and children to seek refuge in the various drives. Several whares are totally destroyed and their con tents.

The stores of Lucks, Ratgen ; Halli gan, and Murray's butcher shop, are all burned down.

The tramway is also destroyed. The fire was raging furiously at 9 o'clock last night.

THE CALEDONIAN.—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

The following is a copy of a telegram received from the Mine Manager:—

" Jan. 19, 10.55 a.m. " I have now thirty hundredweight of specimens on hand. Run looks well, same as yesterday. Reef six feet thick at bottom level.

« S. E. EICHAEDS." 3 p.m. The Inverness Company are retort ing.

The Tramway for this Company from Kuranui Hill tunnel to Alfred Battery is in progress.

Tho Bright Smile Company are crushing at tho Alfred Battery. It is looking like If ozs. to the ton.

The Plying Cloud Company are crushing their specimens at the Manakau battery this morning. It is expected to run about 2 oza. LATEST. 3.20 p.m. The Otago have crushed 10 tons; the lowest yield is 3ozs. lGdwts. to the ton.

Tookey's (Lowe's tribute) have obtained 35ozs. from 611bs. of speci mena.

Tho Prince Imperial have put 11 tons through tho battery; the return is 13oza.

SUPREME COURT.

THIS DAY. Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arnoy, Chief

Justice.

PEEJUBY.

Andrew McGeoch was arraigned on a charge, that on the 23rd October 1871, he committed wilful and corrupt perjury in a case tried before the Resident Magis trate at Papakura. This was a case arising out of the charge brought against C. Anderton, for having committed, perjury in the same trial, in which Anderton was found guilty. The evidence was to the same offect as that taken in the former case, and was likely to occupy the whole day. Several of the jury were challenged by the Crown Prosecutor, but before ad mitting the validity of the challenges, his Honor took the pains to hear evidence in each case. It appeared that in some of them the challenged parties, who had been in waiting in the vestibule of the Court, had been conference with the wife of the prisoner, who appeared to have been doing her best to bias their minds in favor of her her husband. In these cases the challenges were allowed.

As, after these jurymen had been de barred from taking their seats, the panel was exhausted before a sufficient number had been obtained, the Sheriff received instructions to nominate others, from whom one might be selected. This having been done, the trial proceeded. Mr Shoehan appeared for the prosecu tion, and Mr MacCormick for the defence.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

THIS DAY.

Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., E.M. JUDGMENTS FOB PLAINTIFFS.

Hale v Chignell, Copland v Coyle, Partridge v Benstead, Craig v Beaton. ADJOURNMENTS. Williamson v Barnett and Levy, a fortnight; Mullally v Sandall, a fortnight; Jervis v. Costa, threo weeks. DEFENDED CASES. Dalton Beothebs v Fbasi.—lt was held that the parties were partners, and in consequence a nonsuit was accepted. —Costs, £8. Knox v Paekee—Claim for damages to a boat said to have been let to defend ant. —Defendant pleaded that the boat was his property for the time, and that con sequently he was not responsible for damage at the time.—Verdict for plaintiff £1 10s. Costs, £3 13s. 6d.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. Before Ei Isaacs and G. S. Graham,

Esquires, J.P.s DBITNKEXNESS Three men were fined 5 s and costs for getting intoxicated. BBEACH OF MUNICIPAL COEPOBATION ACT. David Berridge pleaded guilty to leav ing his cart unattened in Queen itreet, without a chain being attached to the wheel thereof. Fined 5s and costs. Thomas Geary, for driving two horses on the public footpath in Havelock street, was fined 5s and costs. W. Johnson Parker charged with not keeping a light burning at night upon or near an excavation in Wellesley street. Defendant said that the candle was constantly being stolen at night. Fined 10a and costs.

BBEACH OF MUNICIPAL POLICE ACT. James MeG-rath pleaded guilty to allow ing his horse and cart to remain on the public footpath in Symonds street. Fined 2s 6d and costs. Michael Grace, for the some offence, was similarly fined. BEOTHEL KEEPING. Michael Burke was charged, under the Vagrancy Act, with being the occupier of a house in Mills' Lane, which is the resort of prostitutes and persons of no visible lawful means of support. Sergeant-major Pardy proved arresting the prisoner at the house named, and deposed to the bad character of the house. It was the resort of thieves and prostitutes.

Cross-examined: Have never been in defendant's house before, but have seen prostitutes go in three days ago- On arresting the man, one of the girls was reclining on the sofa, with her boots on. Considered she was in an indecent position. "Was not aware that prisoner held a boarding-house license from the Town Clerk. He said the girli were lodging in the house ; he had a perfect right to lodge them. The house bore a bad name, but did not know how long the prisoner had occupied it. ~-,,. Constable Brennan corroborated his sergeant's evidence. Cross-examined: The prisoner had lived at the house about three weeks. Sergeant Walker swore that the prisoner had occupied the house close on three months. It was the resort of per sons who have been convicted at this Court for drunkenness and other offenc9S. Cross-examined: Will swear positively that he has lived in the house eight weeks, and was there on New Year's Day. There are two houses attached, and both of them are brothels. Prisoner keeps both. On the 10th December he saw a woman lying in prisoner's house naked, in presence of three men. The keeper of the house was convicted on that occasion for keeping a brothel.

Detective Jeffrey proved cautioning prisoner several times about keeping this house as a brothel. Believed he held a licence.

The license was put in as evidence. Margeret Hurley deposed to the house being a resort of bad character. The Bench considered the case proved and sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment with hard labour, and trusted the City authorities would ba made accquainted with the character of the house for which they had granted a licence: " BILKING " THE TOLL.

Mr W. A. Thompson was charged by Wm. Galbraith, -with unlawfully, with a certain horse, going off a certain turnpike road called Newmarket Eoad Turnpike, through certain land near thereto, with with intent to evade the payment of the toll,—to wit, 3d—on the 10th and 11th instant.

Mr Rees appeared for complainant; Mr Beveride for defendant.

Mr Rees explained that Mr Galbraith was the lessee of the toll-bar in question, and that the defendant having made an offer to complainant to pay a weekly sum in lieu of toll to pass through his bar, which wag refused. Ho had since gone a round-about way, over private property, and so evaded payment of the toll. He urged that Mr Galbraith, having paid a certain a sum to government for the right to collect the tolls, and having complied with the Acts, was perfectly justified in bringing the present suit. He put in as evidence the Turnpike Act, and produced evidence of a formal nature to legalize the proceedings ; also tendered the authority from the Provincial Government to the complainant to levy the tolls and rates for the road.

William Galbraith proved being in possession, since the first of the month, of the toll-bar in question, and had complied with the Act by exhibiting his name and scale of tolls. He deposed that defendant rode through on the Saturday previous to the 10th instant, and refused to pay toll. Defendant told him that he was a low, mean mean man, and if he would not take the toll by the week ho would not pay at all, but would break through the gate and evade payment, and would advise others to follow his example. Complainant was lessee.

Mr Beveridge denied the lesseeship, and right to levy tolls. A long argument be tween counsel ensued.

The bond was put in, and objected toby defendant's counsel, as the attesting wit ness had not been produced. The Bench decided that the attesting witness' evidence was not requisite, and Mr Beveridge begged to reserve the question tc the Supreme Court. Evidence continued:—Saw Mr Thomp son start from his own house with his horse on the 10th instant, (plans produced and ;objected to) and passed over some allotments at the rear of complainant's toll bar, and afterwas joined the high road in Symond's street.

To Mr Beveridge: Was positive he passed over private land and did not go round certain roads (pointed out to wit ness on the plan. The Government have agreed to put a chain bar across any road he may require, if it should be found practical to evade the toll by these routes- James Robertson corroborated the evi dence relating to the " bilking" the toll, Mr Beveridge submitted that his client had travelled by a public road and not over private property, his conduct was simply, that failing to come to an amicable arrangement with complainant ho had gone by a roundabout way, which he was per fectly justified to do. If people chose to go a long way round to escape the toll, they had a right to do so. He would call the defendant to prove the route he had taken.

Mr. Reos objected to defendant being sworn, on the ground that this was a criminal proceeding. The Bench convicted the defendant in a fine of one shilling and costs (£2 18s. 6d.).

A singular and ludicrous incident marked the proceeding of the last Shrews bury sessions. A girl was indicted for theft and the trial almost concluded— evidence heard,counsels' speech delivered, and the Recorder's charge commenced— when it was dicovered by the clerk that he had ommitted the all-important " No " in reading the return of the grand jury on the bill of indictment. The discovery of the blunder was received with much laughter, but the Recorder did not seem to apprectte the joke.

THE SOUTH.

ARRIVAL OF THE STAR OF THE SOUTH, AT THE THAMES.

Insolvency at Wellington.

The Builders' Strike.

Burglary at Wellington.

Uifle Matcli at Napier.

(From our own correspondent)

GrEAHAMSTOWN, 2 p.m.

The steamer Star of the Fouth, Capt. Holmes, arrived here this morning, and after discharging a portion of her cattle, left for the Tamaki.

The Star brings the following passengers from Napier:—Messrs Cashmere, Eoss, Samuels, Gibbs, Baker, and Clayton.

WELLINGTON.

January 16. The papers announce 14 cases of in solvency. Mr Pirham, a solicitor, has had his discharge suspended for objectionable practises. A Chinaman has been committed for trial for stabbing another. The Builders strike is over. A burglary has taken place at the Synagogue, and the silver stolen. A Taranaki man named Rattenburgh had his eye cut out, and has since died. The Hangatira is expected to leave Napier to-morrow for Auckland. A fire has occurred at a wool shed at Maungaharuru. Kereopa's body .after execution was carried from pa to pa by. the natives. A rifle match between Napier and Wanganui Volunteers has taken place. The latter won.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

The Te Awamatu Volunter Troop were inspected by Colonel Harington on the 11th instant, \*ho expressed himself pleased with the very good mount and turn out of the Troop, and also with the manner in which they went through their drill. The firing for representatives to go to Christchurch has taken place. The following are the fifteen highest scores at distances 150, 200, and 250 yards :— Points. Major Jackson ~. ... ... 44 Lieutenant Kay 38 Cornet Cowan ... ... ... 42 Trooper Moncrieff ... ... 40 Trooper Long ... ... ... 48 Trooper P. Bond 44 Trooper T. Bond 40 Trooper Maunder ... ... 37 Trooper R. Bruce ... ... 43 Trooper W. Bruce 40 Trooper D. Bruce ... ... 41 Trooper Weatherall 38 Trooper Steele ... ... ... 38 Trooper Patterson ... ... 42 Trooper Clare ... 43

AMATEUR CONCERT.

With the praiseworthy intention of assisting in providing funds in aid of the Sunday School treat proposed to be given on the 29th, a number of ladies and gentlemen possessed of musical talent, combined and gave a concert in the City Hall last evening. The result must have far surpassed their most sanguine ex pectation. The large hall was crowded to excess, and great numbers of people had to content themselves with remaining in the vestibule. The programme was well arranged, and for the most part the music was well performed, and under other circumstances a good many of the selections would have been encored, but, to their praise be it said, the committee had entirely set their face against it, and no repetitions were permitted. A3 this concert was strictly an amateur one it is not fair to criticise each individual performer, but we may be permitted to say that there was a tameness and want of spirit throughout which should never have been evinced in front of so brilliant an audience: How ever, the pianoforte selections were ex ecuted with consumate skill and taste, — some instrumental pieces were rendered in a most able and pleasing manner, al though in one of them the piano accom paniment at times quite smothered the leading instrument, —and on the whole the songs were well rendered. But in some instances the singers had attempted music for which the calibre of their voices was utterly unsuited. Take it altogether, however, the entertainment was a pleasing one, and the great end of raising funds for the pleasure day of the youngsters thoroughly well achieved.

BANK OF TOKATEA G.M.C.

An adjourned meeting of the shareholders in the Bank of Tokatea GMO, was held this afternoon at the Metropolitan Hotel, Dr Lee in the chair. The former meet ing had been adjourned in consequence of the non-attendance of Directors. The present meeting laboured under the same inconvenience. Ifc was said that the negligence of the Directors showed that they did not wish to be re-elected.

The chairman, however, thought that they should have attended to give an account of their stewardship; and he con sidered that measures should be adopted to enforce a better plan of management in future.

Mr McTarish read the report, stating the works which had been done, and show ing that if those now in progress were continued, there wa3 a good prospect of profitable returns. A detailed account of forfeited shares and of unpaid calls was also read. The report showed that £43 9s 4d was due by the company, but that £46 6s 8d was due to them for unpaid calls.

The meeting then assumed a conversa tional turn, and was still in progress when we wont to press,

THE WHANGAREI CASE

Considerable interest attaches to the recent case tried in the Supreme Court, in which Mr Pratt, of "Whangarei, was charged with a breach of the Arms Act in selling arms to natives, It wijil be recollected that the informant and ose of the principal witnesses against Mr-iPratt was one Eiwi. We have this day rr t'iyed the following extraordinary cobs, inica tion, which he forwarded to us w jh the aboriginal form of delicate flattery jb the effect that he " heard that the > Stab was the paper with the strong arm." Owing to the prominent part which this native took in the prosecution, we feel it right to give insertion to his letter without vouching for the correctness of his asser tions. If the person whom he charges as being the instigator of the prosecution feels the charge to be unjust, it will afford us much pleasure to give him oppor tunity for rebutting it, through, our co lumns. If the charge is true we must hear more about it.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab. Akarana, Hanuere 16,1872. He whaka atu ra nga tenei naku kia koutou c nga pakeha i te take i poata tia ai a Parati mo te hoko pu. Ka hore aku kino kite na pakeha i mua no te taenga mai o Hone Keeti ki Wangarei, ka tahi ka tonoa kia au kia whaka atu ahau ia Paraati. Ka ki mai kia £300 maku te utu mo te whaki tanga ka ki mai taku mahi tena i te Temi he whaki pakeha kia raru ai na kia rongo mai koutou i ki mai a Hone Keeti kia matou kana ia c whakina he tangata ia mo te Kawanatanga. Na, c hoa, ma he aha te pai o tenei mahi whaono i a au i ngoa kino ai ahau i oku hoa pakeha o Wangarei o Akarana hoki ko tenei hooi to matou whaka ronejo. Kia ia kite na a whekaihe korero teka pati moni a to Kavranatanga hoi ano- Na to koutou hoa. Na Eiwi Taikana, 0 Wangarei.

[tbahsiation.]

Auckland, January 16, 1872,

I 'wish to make the following statement to the Europeans—the reason I laid the infor J3a-< tion against Pratt for selling guns. I was at all times friendly with that white man until John Gage came to "Wangarei, and urged me to turn informer against Pratt. He promised to pay me £300 for doing the work, and told me he had informed against some white men at the Tiiames and got them into trouble. John Gage made me promise not to mention his rname, because he belonged to the Govern* ment. O, friend, why did he draw me into this trouble, and injure mo in the eye 3of my white friends at Wangarei and Auckland. We will never listen to the talk of _ that lying half, caste again. He is only deceiving the Govern ment.

Sufficient. Prom your friend. (Signed) Erwi TjIEAXA

INJUSTICE TO WOMEN

To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sib,—l feel grateful to "Town Hall Mouse " for his kindly squeak.

Mr Broham deserves the thanks o£ all charitable and kindly people for being ready to give first offenders against the Vagrancy Act a chance of amending their ways. When we consider how unfairly this Act treats women, how harshly their sin is judged to what the sin of their paramour is, we can but groan in spirit and say, 11 How long, O Lord, shall the oppressor reign, and the weaker sex be trodden under foot ?

No one will venture to accuse me of thinking lightly of the sin of my poor, frail, fallen sisters.

I am ready enough to stretch out my hand and help to save them from the abyss of wretchedness into which they are falling If there were a Reformatory, I should be indeed glad to see the un happy girls forcibly restrained, because I believe it would be for their good; but unless they are drunken or disorderly, they should be left at large, as there is no suitable place of imprisonment for such offenders.

There is no system, there can be no system of reformation at Mount Eden, and to send the unhappy wretches there for asia in which they have male partners, or to leave these men at large with only a slight reprimand, is obvious tyrannical injustice. The women know it to be so, and thus Mr. Beckham's homilies fall on deaf or indignant ears. Yours truly, Maet A. Colclough.

VAGRANCY.

To the Editor of the .Evening Stab. Sib, —Your reporter of Saturday failed to do justice to a little episode that occurred in Court before his Honor Mr Beckham, viz., a charge of vagrancy against a young female rather better dressed than usual, and whose name singularly enough has not fortunately transpired. Mr Broham's bowels of compassion were moved on be half of this poor innocent, whom some of his gentle lambs had arrested, aud asked leave to withdraw the charge. Mr Beck ham thought Mr Broham had a soft spot as far as females were concerned. Mr Broham didn't think he had (?). However, the Bench kindly deferred to his wish. Mrs Colclough was there ready for the occasion, and triumphantly walked off with her prize, with a promise that she would place her in the bosom of a respect able kind-hearted family. The scene in the Court was truly affecting at this proof of Mr Broham's tender-heartedness;.not a dry eye could be seen, and few in that crowded Court left without feeling that a brand had been plucked from the burning. This morning appears in the Cross a letter from Mrs Colclough, complaining of the interference of the police. It appears that this very innocent-looking and w* spectable girl,—who, by the way, has been well known for the last thr?e years as a dashing nymph of the pay /^BS| with the basest ingratitude, made fflfftw a Herculean biped bound for the dfe^S 31 Mrs Colclough has reported the matter tjj Mr Broham, and hopes the constable *i" receive a salutary reprimand and warning- I hope so too. I am, Ac, a

To the Editor of the Evening Stab; Sic, —Your correspondent of yesterday. " The Town Hall Mouse," need not apologise for advocating the cause ■■° fallen women, but his criticism ot *»

THE EVENING STAR, FRIDAY JANUARY 19. 1872.

2



Pride of Tokatea ..016 Californian .. ..016 CALLS Key of Tokatea ..003 Golden Calf .. ..010 Murphy's Hill .. ..003 Nolan's Candlelight .. 0 10 Vulcan 0 5 0 Central Italy .. ..020 Sailor Prince .. ..010 Abraham Lincoln ..006 English 0 0 6 Red Queen .. ..006 Coronet .. ..010 Sunbeam .. ..006 John Bull .. ..003 Alburnia .. .. 0 13 6 West Coast 0 10 Shotover.. .. ..020 Highland Chief.. ..003 Ruby 0 0 3 Mary Ann 0 0 3 Golden Lion ..006 Bank of New Zealand.. 0 0 6

Jan 18 Jan 20 Jan 18 Jan 20 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 27 Jan 20 Jan 29 Jan 29 Jan SO Jan 30 Jan 30 Feb 1 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 5



NOTICE. EJ YATES begs to inform the residents • of Parnell and the public generally, that after the Ist day of January, 1872, the fcusiness now being carrried on by Mb Thomas Watebs will be taken by him, when he trusts that by strict attention to business, keeping goods of the very best quality, and selling at a reasonable profit, to merit the same support -as hio predecessor. IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many years, the undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to all those who have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same liberal support will be given to his successor (Mb B J Yates), whose long experience in the Grocery trade will enable him to give the fullest satisfaction to all who may become customers of his. THOMAS WATERS. TTANDSOMELY BOUND BOOKS JIL foe CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, AT E. "W A V T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, 100, Queen street. A liberal discount to the trade and schools. "VT O W READY, THE MEST MONTHLY NTTMBEB OP THE NEW ZEALAND f PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE," t;c<- Subscription: 6sper annum. Published by E. Wayte, QuEEN-STEBETt J CATER (late Cbombie's), ROYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY,Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Orombie; and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civilty and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J C. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking ggtfantfmeous Portrait* of Children.



IMPOETANT NOTICE. THE most inveterate case of Diarrhoea, Dysentery, English and Asiatic Cholera, may be speedily cured by using Db. Coffin's botanic remedy, the Anti-CHoLEBA POWDERS, as prepared and sold by H. BKJTTAIN, Chemistand Medical Herbalist, 65, Victoria street, corner of Chapel street, Auckland.