SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 5 17 HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 10.34

ARRIVALS.

Keera, s s, Andrews, from Southern ports Mary Ellen, schooner, from Mercury Bay Eagle, ketch, from Russell Columbia, schooner, from the Thames Ariel, schooner, from Russell Ivanhoe, schooner, McGregor, from Mongonui

DEPARTURES.

Nebraska, mail steamer, Harding, for Honolulu, Clyde, schooner, for Wangavei Oomerang, ps, Chrisp, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Lev-uka: Jessie Niccol, schooner, on Tuesday For East Coast: Colonist, schooner, to-day For Grafton River, Clarence : Lucy and Adelaide, schooner, to-day For Southern Ports: Taranaki, steamer, on arrival of

Nevada ; Phoebe, steamer, early For Sydney and Melbourne: Alexandra, steamer, oil arrival of the Nevada; Hero, steamer, early For Dunedin : Strathnaver, schooner, early For New York: Thames, barque, 14th inst ; Mennhir, 20th inst; Mary Nelson, Coronilla, and Wm Prowse, barques, early For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki: Southern

Cross, steamer, 12th instant For Newcastle: Rita, to-day; Helonsleo, barque, on Tuesday ; Joliba, barque, early For Napier and Southern ports : Keera, steamer, on Tuesday ForKaJpara: Tauranga, schooner, 15th instant

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Bulwark, ship, from London. Sailed March 2 Countess of Kintore, ship, from London. Sailed May 22 City of Auckland, ship, from London. Sailed May 81 Edith, schooner, from the South Seas Hero, steamer, from Sydney Maid of Judah, ship, from Sydney Nevada, mail steamer, from Honolulu. Due 12th inst Ocean AVave. schooner, from Dunedin Amateur, schooner, from Lyttelton Mary Miller, barque, from Newcastle Sea Gull, schooner, from Levuka Hercules, schooner, from Newcastle

IMPORTS.

Per ss Keera from Southern ports:-400 sheep, Buckland ; 3 cases, Collector of Customs; 1 qr-cask, agents; 35 telegraph poles, Telegraph ;71 hides, Ireland Bros. —Combes and Daldy, agents.

EXPORTS.

Per Nebraska, for Honolulu: 135 packages for Sydney, transhipped ex Alexandra; 11 bales wool, shipped at Dunedin ; 1 case cottons, 1 ditto, slop, 1 ditto apparel, 1 bale cottons, 15 cases wine, 50 ba^s oats, 1 case drapery, Owen and Graham ; 50 empty barrels, W S Green ; 7 casks tallow, J Roberton and Co ; 5 bundles sheepskins, 1 box seeds, 1 ditto hard ware, 1 ditto, curios, Henderson and Macfarlaue.— Agents, Henderson and Macfarlane.

The s s Keera, Captain Andrews, left Wellington 4 pm, 3rd; arrived Napier 9 pm, 4th ; sailed 7 "am, Oth; arrived at Poverty Bay same day ; sailed at 3 p m 7th ; arrived at Tauranga 7 am, 7th; sailed, same day, and arrived in harbour aa above at 7 o'clock this morning. Experienced fine weather throughout the passage. — Passengers — Mrs Browne and two children, and Mr Smith. We have to thank Mr Keeble, purser, for flies.

The Ivanhoe schooner has entered at the Customs for Mongonui with 16$ ton gum, 4000 feet timber, 1J tons flax. One passenger, Mr Jarris. The schooner Mahuranga has cleared outward for Mahuranga. The schooner Cambria has cleared outward for "VVaipu. The schooner Golden Isle has cleared outward for Russell.

The schooner Colonist has cleared outward for Mercury Bay with a general cargo. The mail steamship Nebraska took her depar ture for Honolulu with the English mails this after noon. She takes twenty-six passengers from Melbourne ; fourteen from Sydney ; six from Auckland, namely, Mr and Mrs Schmidt, Messrs Fulton, C. Firrie, C. Moore and S. Moore, and nine from other ports in New Zealand ; in all, fifty-five souls.

COMMERCIAL.

The following is the Customs revenue for the week ending 10th August:—Duties, £3576 6s 2d j light dues, £14 18» 10a; arms fees, £2 18s ; merchant and shipping fees, £4 03 9d ; gold duties, £457 19s 8d ; pilotage and port charges, £24 3s ; total, £4080 7a sd. The return for the three days in the first week in August are :—Duties, £1638 3s 7d ; light dues, £21 17s Id; arms fees, 19a ; merchant shipping fees, £3 9s 6d ; pilotage and port charges, £32 4s ; total, £169613s 2d.

MINING.

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

MEETINGS TO COME.

Golden Pah, Insurance Buildings, 2pm, 13th instant Guildhall, Grahamstown, 14th inst Waikoromiko, Coromandel, 10th instant Green Harp, Insurance Buildings, 2 p.m., 19th instant Emily, Mechanics' Institute, 10 a.m., 20th instant. Scotty's Hill, Coromandel, 28th inst Pacific, 44, Queen street, 2 pm, 2Gth instant

POST-OFFICE, SHORTHAND STREET.

Mails "will Close as Under . . For Thames, on Monday, at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm For Gisbome, per Tawera, on Monday, at 3 p m ■ : For Fiji Islands, per Jessie Niccol, on Wednesday, at 11 am For Whitianga and Tauranga, per Southern Cross, on Monday, at 3 p m For Napier, "Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, per Keera, on Tuesday, at 1 p m For Russell, per Golden Isle, this day, at 5 p m For Sydney and Australian Colonies, six hours after arrival of Nevada from Honolulu For Taranaki and Southern provinces of New Zealand, per Taranaki, immediately after arrival of the Nevada from Honolulu For Napier and Southern provinces, per ps Nevada, six hours after her arrival from Honolulu S. B. Bias. Postmaster.

DEATH.

Law.—On March 22, 1872, at Naples, of malignant diphtheria, Emily, daughter of Captain Thomas Law, formerly of Parnell

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1872.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Wo would draw attention to a letter in another column respecting the claim of the Shotover No. 1 Gold Mining Company. It is not often we find an excess of gener osity and amiability among gold-mining people, but the directors of the Shotover have redeemed the character of gold mining from the charge of being solely influenced by commercial and interested considerations. That neigh bouring claims should beneighbourly is often wise and mutually bene ficial, but for a company to hand over valuable machinery, plant, workings, claim and all to another company^ for a long period, without any consideration or hope of consideration, evidences an amount of amiability that we should re gard as verdancy did we not know that the proposal is that of those with <vhom verdancy is not usually to be looked for. What may have been the motives or con siderations it is not for us to even guess at, but we think that if we were the share holders in the Shotover we should " en quire within," and discover the " reason why." There have been so many little dodges, and big dodges too, in connection with gold-mining that human nature is bad-hearted enough to be very suspicious, and if mystery rests on anything in con nection with mining there is an irresist ible impulse to draw aside the veil. But the shareholders of the Shotover are a good-hearted lot of people, and not inclined to doubt or question, and seem unwilling to disturb the little arrangements of the directors. That, of course, is their busi ness, not ours. On the contrary, we feel refreshed in these sceptical and suspicious times to see one company at least pos sessed of unquestioning faith. And it affords us much pleasure, in the midst of a wicked and quarelsome generation, to point to the Shoi.over lambs as models of meekness and gentlsness, and simple, childlike docility.

We have seen learned pigs, eight-legged sheep, hairless horses, talking fish, and a variety of other wonders and freaks of nature, but we never until this forenoon beheld a one-eyed fish. We have spoken with an Hindoo, two Chinamen, and three Honoluluians, and they all confirm our statement, for they have never seen a fish with only one eye. We are told of the double - headed calf, and tho dancing shark, but in our. estimation they do not come up in point of singularity to a one eyed gold-fish. This fish is in the pos session of Mr Sceats, at the British hotel, and was brought out to him from Honolulu by the Nebraska. There is no deception,-no delusion, no assistance of Mrs Yandle's art to make the fish a wonder. He is to be seen swimming about the aquarium in company with his brethren and sistren minus an eye. It does not appear to have lost itd eye in battle, nor does it look a3 if it had been deprived of its near side optic by a parasitical or — shall we say—cannibalistic member of the finny tribe. It appears naturally devoid of half its visionary power, and was evi dently blind of one eye from its birth. It has a melancholy cast of countenance, as if it deplores, not the loss, but the non existence of an eye.

A series of attractive entertainments will be given next week at the City Hall, commencing on Monday evening. Miss Aitken, the highly-gifted elocutionist, will give a number of readings, for which she has already obtained great popularity. Madame Mitchell is announced to sing. Mr Hill's services as a tenor have also been obtained ;in addition to these Mr and Madame Winter, the talented voca lists and instrumentalists will also appear. A first-class entertainment may be ex pected, and we recommend all lovers of music and elocution to avail thomselves of the opportunity of enjoying a treat.

telegram was received from G M O'Bourke, Esq, last evening, addressed to the Highway Board, Onehunga, stating that the Mangarei bridge is to be pro ceeded with without delay. Papers with further information will be forwarded per first steamer. Fears having been entertained for the safety of the mission schooner Southern Cross, the Prima Donna schooner has been chartered to proceed in search of her and her passengers. The Prima Donno will leave for Norfolk Island this evening, and will take as passenger the Rev. Mr Dudley. The Choral Society will hold a practice of its members on Monday evening next at half-past seven o'clock. An entertainment was given last evening at the Catholic Institute by the Featic Troupe, assisted by Ward's Minstrels, in aid oi'theCatliolieorphans. The attendance was large, and the performance a great success. Thanks are tendered to Ward's Minstrels for thoir kind and able assist ance The Green Harp enquiry was resumed yesterday, and Mr Dn Moulin, share broker, put under examination. The case was again adjourned until this morning. The first of a series of lectures was given last evening at the Mechanics' In stitute, under tho auspices of the new committee. The lecture was delivered by G. F. Moss, Esq., one of the vice-presi dents of the Institute, the subject being " Tho Constitution of New Zealand." A discussion ensued upon the close of the lecture, a synopsis of which wo are obliged to hold over tilL Monday. This evening a performance will be given at the Prince of Wales Theatre, consisting of " The Englishman in Paris" (a comic drama), a laughable farce enti tled " Nan, the Grood for Nothing," and the amusing burlesque of " Ilumti foozle." Daring tho interludes Master Eyan will give a variety of comic singing. An amusing evening's entertainment may be expected.

A meeting of parishioners of St Paul's was held last evening at the school-room of St Paul's Church, for the purpose of taking steps towards the renovation of tho church ; the Rev C. M. Nelson presided. The cost of the proposed improvements and alterations was estimated at £GOO. It was agreed to authorise the vestry to borrow a sum not exceeding £500 for the purpose, and a subscription was agreed to be opened. A motion was carried, " That, in the opinion of th» meeting, the word ' parishioner* should include members of the congregation who may bo seat-renters, although not residents in tho parish." The resolution will be presonted at the meeting of the Synod for consideration.

By the Provincial Government Gazette published yesterday we observe that there are seventy - eight publican*' licensed houses that close at twelve o'clock at night, and one hundred and eighty-five houses closing at ten o'clock, The new sun-light for gas is gradually coming into general use. Wo observe that Levy's clothing emporium, next door but one to the late Theatre Royal, in Queen street, is lighted up at night by this method. It is a great improvement to his establishment. Mr Levy appears to have a largo stock of ready-mado clothing for purchasers' selection. We are requested to state that the man Fletcher who was charged this morning with furious driving, assaulting the police, and other charges arising from drunkenness, is not Mr Abel Fletcher, the city con tractor. We have just seen a requisition to Mr Cucksey, music-seller of Queen street, inviting him to contest the election with Mr Cosgrave. We are told that Mr Cucksey wiil accept the requisition. We are obliged to hold over till Monday certain correspondence which has passed between G. P. Pierce. Esq., and Dr M. E. B. Nicholson, and which .reached us only as we go to press.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

(Jiefore Thomas Beckham, Esq, E.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Four persons wero charged with this offence, and fined ton shillings and costs, and one person for being an habitual drunkard was fined twenty shillings and costs. A NUMBEB OP CHAHGES, John Fletcher pleaded guilty to being drunk in Abercrombie street ; to furious driving in the same street; assaulting Constable Limmer by biting him on the thigh, and to another charge of destroying the constable's torusers, valued at £1 15s. For furious driving he was fined twenty shillings and costs, or in default seven days' imprisonment; for drunkenness, ten shillings or twenty-four hours' imprison ment ; for biting the constable he was fined £5 and costs, or one month's im prisonment ; and for destroying tho con stable's trousers the prisoner was ordered to pay a fine of ss, and to pay the price of tho property destroyed, or to go to gaol for fourteen days' with hard labour. INSULTING LANGUAGE. James Savage was charged with having used insulting language to Louisa Kelly on the 9th inst. The prisoner pleaded guilty, Ifined 20a, or in default of payment, to go to gaol for seven days with hard labour. THE GEEEN HABP CASE. The eight defendants took their ac customed seats in the Court this morning, to see this almost interminable case|through another* stage' and some more evidence was adduced on behalf of the prosecu tion, On this occasion Frank Levoi, a commission a^ent, was examined, and deposed to having purchased shares in the Green Harp upon the represen tations of some of the defendants. He also detailed various conversations that had taken place in relation to the mine ; its prospects, and the value of the shares. His evidence was of the ordinary class, and simply proved that, to use his own terms, he had been " had." This acknowledgment caused amusement in Court, and was enjoyed by the defendants. Mr Moran was examined at length, after which the case was adjourned until Thursday next,

NOTES ON PARLIAMENT.

[From our Special Reporter.]] WELLINGTON.

July 31. You will, no doubt, have been placed in possession by the telegraph of the various canards that have been circulated during the past day or two, regarding the meeting of Superintendents to consider matters connected with the administration of the public works and immigration policy. Up to to-day, however, very little reliance was to bo placed on any of the rumours that were being industriously circulated; I happen to be aware that the Government toadies and whips have been manufacturing and spreading canards with the object of fostering dissensions in the ranks of their opponents, and that the " ingenious bar naclo and political jackal!," as he has been indifferently called, the pseudo Gold fields' Coramisioner, has been very hard at work in tho general button holing, cajoling and corrupting line, in which he is known to be an adept. How the country can afford to pay this man as a Government whip in Wellington is a puzzle to me.

Lest you should be deceived by any absurd canards I would caution you to give little heed to unsubstantiated rumours. T have been at considerable pains to gather a reliable version of the resolutions agreed upon by the Superin tendents and other provincial functionaries, and I give you the following which I believe are substantially correct: —That in order to ensure the economical and efficient administration of the public works and immigration scheme it is essential that the details of the policy should be entrusted to the provinces, the General Government while availing itself of the provincial machinery, retaining its re sponsibility. It is argued that by adopt ing the proposed change more local know ledge, care and experience would be brought to bear upon the work. That there is ample room for sweeping reform in the present system of administration few but those who are determined to sup port the Government with blind obedience will deny, but it is a question whether a party will be found strong enough to carry the policy which has been determined upon by the Superintendents. No doubt there will bo many members in the House who, while they would be glad to oust the prosent Ministry, will not be disposed to give larger powers to the provinces than they already possess ; and it remains to be seen whether they will take an active part on either side. I think it highly probable that they will allow the Government and the Pro vincialists to fight it out, and will not attempt to save the Government from a defeat. I learn, on excellent authority, that the resolutions have been submitted to the Government, and that they have expressed a determination to resist them to tho utmost, and if necessary to appeal to the country. On tho other hand it is confidently asserted that Mr Vogel is favourable to the resolutions, and that there is a conflict of opinion amongst the Ministry on the subjeat. ■ It is also generally believed that the Governor will refuse to grant a dissolution, and that if Ministers are defeated' they will have to go out. A few days will set the matter at rest.

August 5, 9 p.m. The position of parties in the House is pretty much as it was when I last wrote.

To take the Ministry first, it is still numerically weak, and appears to be, Micawber-like, waiting to sco what will turn up, It is, however, neglecting no opportunity of creating disunion in the ranks of the enemy. The Government whips, a Mr McGlashan, an Otago member ; Mr Eeynolds, ditto, are busily engaged circulating canards and touting for the Ministry, and Mr Haughton, who receives a large salary from the country, and liberal travelling allowances, and who should be engaged in the performance of the duties (whatever they may be) ap pertaining to his office, may be seen con tinually touting for ministerial support in the very streets" of Wellington. This worthy has produced a report on the gold fields which, for all practical purposes, is worth just so much waste paper, though it stands for a tidy sum expended in printing and lithography, in addition to salary and travelling expenses. Mr McGlashan's broad Scotch may be heard in the lobbies, which is a kind of political auction-room, where votes are bought and sold ; and Mr Eeynolds stalks sturdily about as a sort of " party of observation" ready at any time to make a diversion. The game of the Govern ment appears to ba to start as many political schemes as possible, in the hope that the Opposition may be reduced to tho condition of a loose bundle of sticks. Half the schemes and canards that are attributed to the Opposition are floated by dependents of the Ministry either as feelers, or as so many wedges to create divisions. Wellington members are to be frightened by rumours of an intention on the part of tho Government to bring about the removal of the Seat of Government. Otago members are to conciliated with, the promise of lupporfc for the Otago Waste Lands' Bill; Auckland and Canter bury members with the prospect of insular separation with Auckland as the capital of the North Island and Christ church of the Middle Island; Napier and Taranaki are safe, all their representatives in the Lower House being either ministers or sworn supporters ; West Coast mem bers are being cajoled with the promised unification of the Wost Coast goldfields 5 and even the Maori members are to get something—native representation in tho "Upper House. Save the mark!

As to policy, the Ministry hare none, or if they have any they are afraid to announce it. Indeed they dare not take any decided stand, and appear to be wait ing for the Opposition to announce a policy, which they would immediately sieze and appropriate with a great flourish as their own.

As to tho Opposition they may be classed under four heads. Ist. The im mediate adherents of Mr Stafford ; 2nd, the TJultra Provincial Party; 3rd, the Inuular Separationists ; 4th, the New Bloods.

The adherents of Mr Stafford cannot coalesce with either of the other three. Mr Stafford is far too honest a politician to undermine his own reputation, and to become an apostate from his former political faith. As the founder of centra lism he cannot cast in his lot with an ultra*

provincial party ; lie cannot consent to become a nonentity with the New Bloods; and whether or not he will see his way to favor insular separation, for that is what the new proposal practically amounts to, remains to be seen, though I do not believe he will do so. As to the ITltra-provincialists, those who favor the resolution for vesting the ad ministration of the public works and im migration scheme in the hands of Superintendent and Provincial execu tives, I do not believe they can command sufficient strength to effect their object. It is known that they have held several meetings, which have been attended by the Superintendents ot Wellington, Otago, Auckland, Canter bury, and (I believe) Nelson ; and many attempts have been made to induce Mr Stafford and Sir David Munro to favour the proposals, but without success. The resolutions have been laid before tho Ministry, and Mr Vogel has, in a sort of Delphian-oracular style, expressed his approval of them, but the Cabinet have determined to resist the resolutions to the utmost, and have threatened a dissolution if defeated. This, of course, is mere idle bounce, and frightens nobody. Sir Geo. Bowen is too wary a governor, and too fond of dignified ease to endanger his gubernatorial promotion after his calm and unrufflod tenure of office by granting a dissolution, and thus bringing himself under the displeasure of Earl Kimberly, There has been a sort of political canard current for the past few days that the Ministry had definitely agreed to acquiesce in the resolutions, but this may be set down as a " feeler," or as an indication of the general belief that the Ministry is ready to adopt any policy and to join any party that will prolong its existence. The Insular Separationsts are believed to bo the strongest party of all. For many sessions past there has been a grow ing feeling that a constitutional change in the Government of the colony was urgently required, owing to many circum stances, but chiefly the different and in fact conflicting interests of the North as compared with the Middlelslaud provinces, notably the land fund, the large pastoral interests, and the native population. Last session, as you will remember, Mr Mac andrew moved his famous resolution for the constitution of two provinces, the one comprising the North, and the other tho Middle Island. I am convinced that these resolutions were brought forward on that occasion by Mr Macandrew, not on any sincere desire or expectation of carrying them, but simply to create a diversion in favour of the Ministry, and I have good reason to believe that Mr Reynolds is now playing the same deep game. It is believed that the Ministry will support these resolutions, and that by doing so they will gain over many who are now arrayed against them, and will thus be secure cf a working majority. I believe the secret of the existing dis union in the ranks of the Opposition is the growing distrust in provincialism. A feeling has been abroad, and is every day growing stronger, that the provinces as at present constituted are not adopted to tho circumstances of the colony ; that they have done their work, and are now becoming an encumbrance. On the other hand there is a general distrust of the General Government with its extrava gance ; its unprincipled exercise of patron age in the purchase of political support, and its pandering to provincial selfish ness. Under there circumstances the new proposal is likely to find favor with a majority of tho House, and if the Ministry adopt the scheme, and come down with a practicable measure to give effect to the resolutions, I feel convinced they are safo for this session at any rate, The matter will be tested on Wednesday, when Mr Gillies is to move a resolution to the effect that no legislation on purely local subjects be introduced into the House, but that extended powers be given to the provinces to deal with such subjects. On this Mr Reynolds will move an amendment to the following effect: — " Provided that, with the view of rendering provincial legislation moro efficient, the existing provinces be abolished, and two new pro vinces be constituted —the one comprising the provinces in the North Island, and the other the provinces in the Middle Is land ; and further, that the Government be requested to introduce a bill this ses sion to give effect to these resolutions."

The New Blood party, as I have dubbed them, are simply a few young and aspir ing politicians who profess to be able to furnish a ministry from their own ranks who will manage things better than their predecessors, whether of the Stafford or Fox party. No doubt the lapse of a few days will enable me to speak more definitely as to the precise weight of each party.

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We are not responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

LIFE ASSURANCE.

To the Editor of tho Evening- Stab.

Sib, —What has come over the City of Auck land; and how do you account for the apathy shown by the people ? Recent telegrams from the Empire city inform us that amongst other monstrous measures brought forward by Mr. Vogel he contemplates bringing in a bill to make Life Assurance Companies deposit £20,000 each with the Government as security that their losses will be met. How kind of him to bo Bure. Has he not <ot a pet Life Assurance scheme of his own ? bad to a degree as it is, though the people will not see it, the security of which is the revenue of the colony ; anyone of us -who is not insured may have to pay an insurance on another life. The Cross informs us that the object of this Bill is to protect insurances with these companies. This is untrue. There are two objects ; one is to drive the foreign companies out of the field, the other to bag the money which, no doubt, if all one hears is true, would be very useful to Mr Vogel's Govern ment. I understand, too, that we are going to have a public trusteo to look after private, trusts. Oh dear, where will all this end ? This is another case of bagging all we can, and is, no doubt, a very clever idea as far as the getting the money iB concerned ; but what I aic surprised at is the public do not seem to care what happens. The Government will now insure your life and your title to your land, for a consideration, shortly. If Mr Vogel remains in power we1 shall have a Government fire insurance office ; in fact it is hard to tell when Government once goes into trade will end ; indeed a Government grocery, butcher's and baker's store would oot surprise yours, SIEBEY Hollow.

RUSSELL r. BEOKHAJVL To the Editor of the Evening- Stab. g IR) As a member of the legal profession in Auckland I beg tliafc you will allow mo space in your columns to remark upon a statement made by Mr Brook Seld in the Police Court on Thursday afternoon. I was not present when it is reported to have been made, and have waited to see some contradiction or explanation of itia to-day's papers. None, however has appeared, and I therefore suppose that Mr Brookfleld did actually make use of the words attributed to him. To say that lam astonished at the offer " to support Mr Beck ham in the investigation " is to give a very poor representation of my ideas upon the matter. Will Mr Brookfield kindly state what members of the profession authorized him thus unconditionally .to pledge their support to the Eesident Magistrate ? I will dare to affirm that not one in five of the legal practitioners in the city of Auckland did so. Indeed I challenge Mr Brookfield to show that he was authorised by one in ten. The profession, whether they believe Mr Beckham Or Mr Kussell to be in fault, will, when they are called upon by competent authority, give the evidence, of truth upon the matter, but I make bold to say that the lawyers of Auckland are not, as a body, servile enough to volunteer their ser vices so gratuitously in order to support a judge and magistrate in an enquiry made by the' House of Assembly at the instanceflof a member of the bar. I should have taken no notice of the kind offer of Mr Brookfield had it not been that at a distance people might really believe that he as Crown Prosecutor had been requested by his brother lawyers to take the remarkable course which he has adopted, especially as he so states it. And, under these circumatanoes, I beg to state that the legal profession did nothing so mean and degrading. If the case of Mr Beckham needs such aids as this it must be but weak, and I am surprised that that gen tleman did not rebuke Mr Brookfield for such an improper offer of assistance. Mr Brookfield, as Crown Prosecutor, must know that the Government have already stated that Mr Beckhacn's conduct to Mr Russeil on one occasion was not justified. He must £.lso know that the Committee of the House of Representatives have decided that an enquiry ought to take place, and as a professional mon he must know that he himself advised Mr Russell to take legal proceedings against Mr Beckham, the only question being as to whether Mr Beckham was to be made the object of a quasi-criminal information iv the Polic Court, or whether a Supreme Court action fo slander should be commenced by the lawye he now offers to oppose against the magistrate he now volunteers to support. Sir, it; is right that these faots should be made equally public with the very liberal offer made by Mr Brook fleld, especially when it is so evident that Mr Brookfield intended it to be in widely under stood to the New Zealand public that Mr. J. B. Russell stood alone and without a friend in the ranks of his brother professionals. Mr. Rusaell, however, is , not without friends who will fight for him if his cause be just without flinching, and who will givo him in such a cause more than mere frothy protestations of support, And I would ask you, Mr Editor, and the public to believe that there are members of the legal profession here who are not yet bo far descended as to promise their support to a cause without examining its merits, even although one party to it may be a judge; men who are not so far lost to noble and generous sentiments as to permit a wrong to be perpe trated if they can resist it; —men who have not forgotten altogether the greatest glory of their race that " Englishmen love fair play." Sir, I should not have intruded myself thus on the public, especially upon a matter like this " sub-judice," bub I feel that it is the duty of some member of the bar to rebut a statement calculated to disgrace us all in the eyes' of every honest man ; and I may also state that Mr Russell himself, having learned that I was about to write, requested me to hold my tongue and wy pen tiU the inquiry came off. But what I have done I have done. The cause between Mr Russell and Mr Beckham commenced, let it take its oourse. I will pledge myself that the profession, as a profession, will give the evidence of truth when they are asked, but in the meantime let us have no sycophanoy or cringing.—l am, &c, W. L. Rees.

To the Editor of the Evening Star.

3ie, —I am not a lawyer, nor do I know much of the merits of the dispute between Mr. Thomas Beckham and Mr J. B. Bussell. But I am a lover of manliness, and I resent as an affront to every person of manly feeling the lickspittle toadyism of Mr Bvookfield in ad dressing Mr Beckham «,he other day in the name of the profession, and offering him their supporL against Mr Eusaell. Sir, I am told that Mr Brookfield was quite unwarranted in thus Bpeaking for the profession—that, with it may be one or two exceptions, every lawyer in the city repudiates his representation. It is also a current subject of conversation that three months ago, Mr Brookfield himself advised Me Eussell to prosecute Mr Beokbam for defamatory language, and took counsel with Mr MacCormiok on the subject. Sir, as to whether Mr Beckham or Mr Russell is right, I do not enquire ; that will come before the proper tribunal, aud will not be settled by Mr Bvookfield's toadyism, but the profession should not be all banded against Mr Eussell when it is known that not so very long ago the bailiffs were kept from entering the house of one of them through the kindness of Mr Eussell in lending the requisite amount. In gratitudo is ooe of the deadly sins, and that lawyer at least should not sympathise with the views expressed in the name of the profession. But I happan to know that the profession is indignant at Mr Brook field's self-imposed tlunkeyism in professing to speak for his brethren. I had expected to see the Stab come out fearlessly on this "scene in Court," and I am half inclined to suspect that you are muzzled by fear of Mr Beokham. However, as you so much boast of your motto " For the cause that lacks assistance, aud the wrongs that need resistance," I shall expect that you will at least favour ma with the insertion of this protest from A Stban&eb in Ooujit. [In the dispute pending we do not feel that itis the duty of a journal to interfere or try to predjudice the case.—Ed. E.S.]

MEETING OF RATEPAYERS AT THE CARLTON ACADEMY.

To the Editor of the Evening- Stab. Sic, —I see by the report in your paper of la9t evening that my name is mentioned as having written to the chairman stating " that I was willing to be guided by the voice of the meeting." As Ido not wish to be misunder stood in this matter I now give yon a copy of what I did write :—" I beg to "inform you I am prepared to be guided in my vote in Ibis matter by the vote of the ratepayers, taken as at our ordinary city eleotions. This appears to me to be the fairest and only way of arriving at a real expression of the views of the ratepayers on this important question." I am, &0., R. Hobbs.

WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE BY THE CITY COUNCIL.

To the Editor of the Evening- Stab. Sie,~ Allow me through your columns to oall the attention of the property.holders in Quedn

and Shortland streets to the following fig Qreg . In the footpaths of Queen street, from'Caatoau house sfcroet to Wakefield _ street, there are 9,240 superficial yards, and in Shortlaod street 4048=13,288 yards ; to pave this with atoae flagging will cost at 13s 6d per yard £8969 8a • while to do the same work in asphalt at 2s 6d per yard—-the price paid in Dunedin, where everything is dearer than in Auckland— would cost only £1661. Thus the proprietors of fchasa two streets are plundered of £7,303 Bs, &n i for whose benefit ? Those who cannot answer the question must be blind indeed.—l am, &o S.Vaixb. ''

SHOTOVER NO. 1.

To the Editor of the Evbning- Stab. Sib, —Having had many enquiries about the agreement between the Shotover and Kuranm Companies, for the information of all con. cerned I beg leave to state that the latter have got possession of mine and machinery for seven months free of charge with liberty to drive into the All Nations and Long Drive Company's ground At a meeting of directors held a few weeks ago, after read ing over mine manager's report urging a stoppage of all works unless the All Nation* and Long Drive Company's paid their share the same as the Kuranui, Mr Whittaker laid rather than allow them to do so ho would buy a barrel of powder and blow it up. All the directors then present coincided in his views. What has taken place in the Shotover Company's ground to alter their opinion lam at a loss to know I suppose this was a little by-play on Mr Whit taker's part to enable him to carry the election of directors and hoodwink the shareholders. I have heard of the Caledonian Company's books beiDg shut, but this iB the first time that I have heard of a Board of Directors handing over a property that cost from twelve to fifteen thousand pounds solely to benefit their neighbours, when, in all conscience, supposing they did pay their fair share they were getting a good bargain. But of course they do better when they get for nothing what has co3fc the Shot over so much. It is now for the shareholders to come forward and protest against the monstrous wrong they have received at their directors' hands ; they can yet show them the agreement is not worth the paper it is written upon.—One of your directors, John Leek.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Golden Calf Specimens.

Caledonian Returns.

GEAHAMSTOWN.

This: day. The Q-olden Calf has got out 50 lbs. specimens from the branch lode joining No. 2 reef. Caledonian has 769 ounces of gold for the week. Under the circum stances this is a splendid return. The Shamrock tributers have lodged 11 ounces. The G-olden Spur only obtained 7 ounces of gold from 18 tons of stuff. The Californian has had another crushing, which ran only half an ounce to the ton. 150 tons were crushed: this yielded 76 ounces. The Una has banked 126 ounces for the fortnight. The Vale of Avoca's crushing of 50 tons gave 48 ounces. The Junction tribute has obtained 103 ounces, which gave 98 ounces of melted gold. , . The Waiotahi tribute obtained five ounces from 16 tons. The Little Lizzie has banked 10 ounces. The Inverness has obtained 37 ounces from the blanketings. (SPECIAL TO THE STAB, PER GREVILLES TELEGRAM COMPANY.)

DUNEDIN.

3 p.m. There is not the faintest clue yet as to Plummer's whereabouts. Strong belief that he broke into the Cricket Clab pavilion and stole a suit of clothes. The police offered "a reward of £25. John Christie, whose overland ride from Southland to excited considerable attention, has escaped from the Invircargill gaol by scaling the wall.

WELLINGTON.

Saturday, 11.30 p.m. , The Dunedin and Clutha, Inver cargill and Matama railways are to be commenced immediately. Mr 0. Henderson proceeds to Auck land pev Phoebe to-day to commence the Auckland and Mercer railway. The first sod of the Hutt railway will be turned with great ceremony on Monday next.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Water-works Bill.

Confiscated Land Claims.

Abolition of Grand Juries.

WELLINGTON.

1 ■ This day. In the Lower House last night the Auckland Water-works Bill was read a first time, and the debate on the same was adjourned. The House went into committee on the Highway Boards Empowering Amendment Act. Mr. GKllies proposed an amendment to clause 6, by altering 5 per cent, to 12£ per cent., and 2s. 6d. in the £ to Is. He also proposed to substitute 3d. in the £to Id. The amendment was agreed to. Mr. Stafford then proposed an amendment to the Bill by giving the owners of land power to surrender their fee simple of their land to the Queeu in lieu of paying rates. After a debate on the question pro gress was reported. i The Maori member, Parata, moved the appointment of a commission, con sisting of Maoris and Europeans, to t investigate the claims for confiioatea

Ml EVININB BTA&, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, IS7I



Xi a, u,

DIVIDENDS Caledonian .. .. 2 0 0 Thames .. .. 0 7 6 Mutual Mininglnrst. Co. 0 10 0 CALLS Red Queen .. .. 0 0 6 Otago 0 10 Neptune .. .. 0 0 6 Cupid 0 0 6 North Devon.. .. 0 10 CoromandelTunnel.. 0 10 0

Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 10 Aug 12 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 27 Sept 2



Tji INA. L NOTICE Relinquishing Business. X, HOBBS' I-AST SHIPMENT OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING with the exception of 3 cases Horrocks' Long-cloth by the Celestial Queen) having arrived in the Helen slee are now being marked off At Clearing-out Prices. THE BLANKETS (slightly damaged, but no worse) are being sold at a sacrifice and are worthy of atten tion. The Choicest and Cheapest Assortment of Boys' and Youths' Clothing That wo have ever opened, from the celebrated house of K. & H. Parnall & Co., London. Also, Gents' and Boys' and Youths' Water prooi Cloth Overcoats and Pilot and Winter Coats, In all the Newest Shapes. S. HOBBS NEAL'B SAUCES, PICKLES CHUTNEY. -These preparations are highly recommended on account of their perfect freedom from adulteration, and the zest they impart to the appetite. They are most extensively consumed in the South, and a number of testimonials have been re ceived from Medical men and others testifying to their perfect' wholesomen ess. Neal's Oriental Pioklks , NEAT/8 ChUTNEY Neal's New Zeaxavd Sauce Purely local manufactures. t ReUil of all Grocers; Wholesale Agents, .. . T*. TONKS Si C.Q,



VTEW ZEALAND FEKNS Li at T. Cranweli/.s, Domain Eoad, Tarnell, where may be obtained some choice collections of the above, carefully fixed, and preserved to retain then natural form and colour. "For a drawing-room table no more tasteful orna ment could be found: Especially suited tor presents to English friends."— Southern, Cross, November Ist, 1871. ... "The mounting of the specimen of ferns is ex tremely careful and effective, and the book itself is exactly the kind of tiling to chose for a present. —Neio Zealand Herald, Novemberlst, 1.5.1. May be had also at the principal Stationers in town f\LSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. This Sauce has now been sufficiently long in the market to stand the test of public opinion, and it is eratifyin" to the manufacturer to be enabled to state that he is constantly receiving testimonials as to its worth It is an exoellent tonic, and for persons of delicate appetito a wineglass-full before meals is of immense benefit; and for children, when used in the place of sugar or jam, it is invaluable in many ways. ; Sold everywhere. Please observe that the maker s name is on label, and stamped on bottle and stopper. One shilling per dozen paid for returned bottles.



YOUNO ME'NS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION ROOMS, WELLESLEY ST. New Books Added to the Library. By the Mail— "Sermons in Stones (McCauslanu) " Tmerican Arctic Explorations " " Vhe Last Chronicles of Barset A. (Trollope) Recently Added— „ "Fragments of Science for Unscientific People "The Garden and the City" (Rev. E. McMillan) "Among the Huts in Egypt " (Miss Whateley) " Curious Facts of Oltl Colonial Days (Bomvick) " The Land of Desolation, or Travel in Greenland (Dr Hayes) " Daybreak in Spain'• (Dr. Wylie) " Hours of Exercise in the Alps ' (Tyndall) Just Pukchaskd — Miscellaneous (Standard Works), 40 vols. Library Catalogue (1,850 vols.), price Gd. Terms op Subscription :—Library and Reading Room, 2s. Gd. each per Quarter (open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)



J CATER (late Crombie's) ROYAL • FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in inform iag his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr. Crombie ; and having secured the services of an Experienced Operator, feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civility and attention, as weU as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfac tion. J. C. begs to announce that his arrangements for taking Instantaneous Portraits of Children are now complete