SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 5.19. HIGH WATER: This afternoon, i.ob.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Enterprise No. 2, 9 o'clock.

DEPARTURE.

Nukulau, schooner, for Levuka.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Rangitira, s.s., from Wellington. Helens1 cc, ship, from London (sailed Jan. 11). Cleopatra, schoorc:-, from Lyttellon Alpha, schooner, from Newcastle H.M.S. Ro-ario, from Sydney Amphitrite, schooner, from Sydney Union, brig, from Newcastle. Bulwark, ship, from London Strathnaver, schooner, from Dunedin Coronet, schooner, from Dunedin Nebraska, mail steamer, from Honolulu Lastitia, schooner, from Lyttelton Taranaki, s.s., from the South The Jessie, cutter, Captain McKenzie, has entered outwards at the Customs for Rorotonga. The Nukulau cleared outwards at the Customs yes terday afternoon for Levuka with a cargo of provisions and took her departure this morning.

POST OFFICE. SHORTLAND-STREET.

Mails will Close as Under For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Royal Alfred, to-morrow, at 11.30 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per s.s. Wel lington, on Saturday, at 10 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, on Thursday, 25thinstant, at 11 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne will be re ceived here till 11.30 a.m. For Sydney and the Australian Colonies, per Wonga Wonga. immediately after the arrival of Nebraska from Honolulu. For Napier and Southern provinces, per s.s. Nebraska six hours after her arrival from Honolulu. S. B. Btss. Postmaster.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1872.

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

Efforts have been made by the police to have the unfortunate man Simpson removed from the gaol to the hospital to serve his three months' imprisonment for his rash act. We believe their efforts have been successful, and that his removal will take place. The man appeared very ill at the Police Court yesterday, and looked a subject more fit for an hospital than a gaol. The police in searching the box of a prisoner who was charged with larceny yesterday came acrosß a revolver, a Bling shot, and a " knuckle duster." These articles, the detective in formed the Ccurt, were used by housobreakers. This is news indeed. We were always nnder the impression that the stock-in-trade of a housebreaker consisted of a " two-foot jemmy and a three-inch bit, a dark lantern, a piece of pudding, with a bunch of skeleton keys thrown in. The weapons exhibited in Court we should imagine belonged to a gentle man of the garotting fraternity.

We havo, sesmingly in vain, repeatedly urged on our correspondents tlie necessity of shortening their lotters. It affords us much pleasure to give to the public an opportunity of ventilating their opinions on every subject of general interest, out the number and the bulk of letters have reached that point at which we are compelled to interfere. As we are every day obliged to shut out columns of good paying advertisements our correspondents will admit that we aro warranted in putting some restrictions on tho copiousness of their effusions if we are to rosorve any space for the expressions of our own opinions aud for general news. We have therefore rcsalved that no letter received after this date will be inserted in the Star, save as an advertisement, if ex ceeding thirty lines in length. By averaging eight words to a line intonding correspondents c:>n calculate for themselves. As we shall adhere invariably to this rule ti v. further notice, those cending letters of greater length wiU te charged for the insertion of the surplus as advertisements, or the letters must be declined. If the subject matter requires further elucidation the writer can enlighten the Editor in a private communication, when, if the subject is worthy of it, we shall give it special notice. The Choral Society gave a. concert in the Drill shed last evening before a good audience. Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise," and a short hymn, " Nazareth," by Gounod, wero the works performed ; tho latter was greatly admired. The "Hymn of Praise" also merits recognition. We have nothing but praise to award to this concert, and must compliment Mr. Bonnington especially upon his success as conductor. The accommoda tion of the tfoom was wretched, no other hall boing in a condition fit for the Socioly to perform in. We shall be glad to see them onco more iv their new hall, the erection of which is being rapidly jrashed forward. His Worship the Mayor contradicted a statement made in the Police Court yesterday that he had given a defendant authority to brc_ik the law. The paper handed in was simply a statement that the defendant was not aware he was offending, and suggested leniency. The defendant informed Sergeant Pardy that it was an authority from the Mayor, and that officer handed tho paper up to the Bench without perusing its contents. It was not read aloud in Court, but a remark from the Bench that they were not aware the Mayor had power to give such authority lead to the report that it was an authority. By a Provincial Government Gazette published this day we see that pheasant shooting will be permitted during the months of May, June, and July; the Oruawharo public ferry at Port Albert is declared under the control of the Albertland South District Board; the Impounding Act has been brought into operation in the town of Mangonui; Mr. Bichard Onyon has been appointed wharfinger at Shortland wharf ; the election of a member of the Harbour Board, vice Captain H. P. Anderson, has been fixed for the 6fch May ; Mr. John Glasson has obtained permission to construct a dam across Whangamaire Creek, JKJaraka; and the following applications to to reg:ster gold mining companies, situate at Coromandel: Lady Bowen, Provincial, Canadian, Lucky Digger, Paul's Creek, Pride of Caledonia, and tho "vv ynyard. There was a good attendance at tbe Prince of Wales Theatre kit night. '' Valet do Sham" was again performed, the concert followed, and Madame Simonsen appeared in the songs set down to her part to even better advantage than on the preceding evening. Verdi's scena and aria from the opera of La Traviata we**e the introductory pieces. They were splendidly rendered in tone, unerring in accuracy, and fault less in style. Not less agreeable was her singing of " Coming through tho rye," both of which delighted her audience greatly and called forth enthusiastic applause. Mr. Simonsen witb his violencello did wonders. The fantasia "II Trovatore" was capitally rendored, and the variations afterwards given proved this musi» cian a thorough master of hi 3 instrument. His music is perfect, and it is a great treat to listen to his performance. The immense ap» plause which followed fully testified to this fact. The remaining items on the programme were received with an enthusiasm wo have rarely seen surpassed. The very amusing and laughable farce of " Whitebait at Greenwich" concluded the performance. Last evening, whilst Erank Barry was per forming on the tight rope, the wire gave way near the ground. Barry was about the centre of the rope at the time, and was thrown violently to the ground. He was picked up, and although very much shaken no bones were found to be broken. A cab was procured and he was conveyed to his home, where he now lies very much bruised, although not in danger. A bricklayer's labourer, while engaged in hoisting some bricks for the chimney shaft o{ the United Pumping Association's machinery yesterday at the Thames, was severely injured by a brick falling on him from a height of 50 feet. He was conveyed to the hospital, where he now lies. The man's name is Bernard Donnelly, and he is father of a large family who are dependent upon him for support. The annual soiree in connection with the Albert-street Congregational Church was held last evening. There was a very large attend ance. Several gentlemen addressed the meeting, and the choir sang some choice selec. tions of sacred music. A meeting of the electors qualified to vote under the Auckland Harbour Board Act,lß7l, will be held on Monday, May 6, at noon, in the boll of the Mechanics' Institute, for the purpose of electing a member of the Harbour Board in the room of Captain Anderson, resigned. The Luna, with his Excellency the Governor on board, arrived at Grahamstown from Ohinemuri at 6 o'clock last evening. His Excellency intended visiting the principal mines to-day, and would leave for Auckland this evening. , Miss Stothard will deliver a lecture to ladies on "Botany" to-morrow afternoon, at the Provincial Council Chambers.

The Bay of Islands Company give notice that the price of tha unscreened coal | delivered at the loading ground will be altered I on the Ist May nest to 12s. per ton, and slack coal Bs. per ton. ' Mrs. James Mackay, jun., fell from her horse yesterday at the Thames, owing to the saddle girths being insecurely fastened, by which she sustained a compound fracture of the arm. The Bent and Carroll troupe of Ethiopian singers will finish tbeir engagement at the Thames on Saturday next. They will then open for a short season at the City Hall. The Ethiopian concert at the City Hall announced for to-night has been postponed.

TELEGRAPHIC.

SPECIAL TO THE STAR.

i (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) E/ise in Caledonians. New Pincl in &.Ibumia. Tempestuous Weatlior. Grahamstown, 24th April, 3 p.m. The market lias been excited here to-day in consequence of an impor tant find in the Young American claim. Anew leader was struck, in which gold was visible. The leader is about nine inches in thickness. Cale donians rose to £27 Alburjiia shares reached £o in consequence of gold having been found iv a new reef cut in tbe main level. The weather is very bad. Heavy rains, accompanied with thunder, all the morning. The Governor has been unable in consequence to visit the mines, as proposed: A levee was held this afternoon, which was well attended despite the wet.

WELLINGTON.

Tuesday. Parliament is further prorogued until tho 29th May. Mr. Buckley is a candidate for Karori district in the Provincial Council. A tender of £ 101G for the erection of a now Lunatic Asylum has been accepted. "Wednesday. The s.s. Phoobe arrived from the Manukau this morning,

INVERCARGILL.

luesuay. Mr. Dr'llon Bell, addressing- his constituents, justified his acceptance of the Speakership ; said tho main question of the coming session would be, could the country carry out the policy inaugurated by tho Ministry. He shadowed forth further borrowing for public works ; said that the "cost of collecting the present revenue was excessive. The colony was drifting towards the abolition of Provincial G-ovornrnents.

NAPIER.

"Wednesday. The "Rangatira left at P3O p.m. yesterday for Tauranga and Auc ldand.

DISTRICT COURT.

THIS DAY. Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., District Court Judge. The third day's sitting for the settlement of District Court cases commenced this morning at half-past ten o'clock. ADJOUBNED Till KEXT COURT DAY. One case was yesterday adjourned to May 13, namely, Edward Brady v. John Mullally, an action for £90, damages. EDWABB WATTE T. J. C. MACCOBMICK. Claim £60. The evidence was throughout yesterday and part of the previous day surrounded by legal difficuties. To-day Mr. Mackechnie again went into the witness-box, and his examination was proceeded with. He deposed : I gave no express instructions to Mr. Cochrano to retain this money—the deposit. I understood Mr. Cochrane to say that he took the deposit partly to secure himself, not Cochrane and Son. I only know of one contract. To Mr. Eee3 : Mr. MacCormick read over the deeds now handed in to Mr. Wayte, and explained them. I never authorised any firm of which Mr. Samuel Cochrane was not a member to negotiate, or to sign any contract in relation to this property, —the mortgagee's interest. I cannot recollect authorising him to sign any contract. I authorised him to sell, obtaining £400 clear. To Mr. Hesketh :In authorising Mr. Coch rane to obtain the £400 clear I did not intend it in the sense of getting cash in his hand ; I simply instructed him to negotiate the sale. It did not occur to my mind at the time whether I was dealing with Mr. Cochrane only, o" with Mr. Cochrane acting as one of the firm. I knew before that that Mr. Cochrano was not one of the firm. I only recollected this when Mr. Cochrane was giving his evidence. After instructing Mr. Cochrane I saw an advertisement signed Samuel Cochrane and Son ; but whether that meant that the pro perty was being dealt with by tho firm, or by Mr. Samuel Cochrane only, I can't tell. Mr. Bees took objection that the advertise ment was not in any way connected with this contract. Mr. Hesketh answered that the advertise ment could not be excluded on any ground. The Court ruled that it might bo used in evidence so far as it went. The case continued, and Mr. Mackechine's cross-examination concluded. Plaintiff was then examined. He had seen the advertisement three or four days prior to January 11th ; in con sequence of this he went to inspect the pro perty ; afterwards ho sent in a tender, which was rejected. He went to Cochrane & Son's office, in Port street, and made another offer. He had no statement of the proporty offered except what he saw in the advertisement. When witness made tho second offer Mr. Samuel Cochrane and Mr. Manloy were present. Nothing was said except that the stock was worth £700, aud that it was a good bargain. Mr. Cochrane did not say anything which would lead him to suppose the proporty

to be different from that advertised. Witness J saw the offer the following day signed by Samuel Cochrano ; it was taken to him by a clerk from Cochrane's, who was paid a deposit of £50 by witness, for which a receipt was given. Mr. Eees objected to tho evidence of tho receipt going iv as it had been proved that Mr. Cochrano as agent had no authority to, receive the money. He cited Roscoe on Ni i Pri:is evidence. To this Mr. Hesketh answered that even where an auctioneer hai no power to> receive the purchaso money he had power to receive the deposit. He also quoted authorities and argued the point at considerable length. Mr. Eees replied. (Left sitting )

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. Before his Worship the Mayor and J. Holt' Esq.,J.P. DRUNKENNESS. One man was convicted of drunkenness. drunk and disorderly. Caroline Williams was charged with being druuk and disorderly. She was also charged with being an habitual drunkard. The Court fined her 20s. and costs, or 48 hours' imprisonment for the first offence ; and three months' hard labour for the second. A EROLICKSO3IE IOUTH. John Campbell was charged with maliciously destroying a quantity of crockery ware, valued at seven shillings, tho property of Alfred Houghton. He pleaded guilty, and the Court sontonced him to thirty days' imprisonment with hard labour. DESERTION IROM THE NAVY. James Smith Clarke was charged, on remand, with being a deserter from 11. M. s.s. Blanche. The prisoner admittod the charge, and was again remanded ponding the arrival of one of Her Majesty's cruisers. BAD LANGUAGE. Hugh and Elizabeth Colshow were charged with making use of obscene and indecent language off Mill's lane, within hearing of passei'3 by. The defendants did not appear, and the service of summons having been proved, warrants were granted for their apprehension. A DISREPUTABLE HOUSE. Sehna Miller and Eichard Sargent were both charged with being tho occupants of a house in Barrack street, which is frequented by per sons of bad character and tho:e who havo no lawful means of support. The defendants denied the charge. Sergeant Walker deposed to the house boing conducted in a riotous and improper manner. Detective Jeffery proved scenes of drunken ness to be of almost constant occurrence, es pecially on Sundays. In cross-ex'imination tho officer stated that ho had never seen Garry Owen there, and tho charge was not brought on account of the female defendant having given evidence against tho police in a case against Trimble. Detective Ternahan corroborated Jcffery, and said that on one occasion he saw three women in the house fighting over one man. The Court sentenced tho female defendant to three months' imprisonment with hard labor. The male defendant then blamed tho woman, and said he had often advised her to conduct the house properly. Ho denied that ho was theoccup'er, and called witnesses, one of whom assisted the prosecution by admitting that he had been drunk himself in the house. Captain Elliott was sent for, and depO3od to having often employed the prisoner on the wharf to do work for him. The Court dismissed the charge against the male defendant, but with a severo caution. It also said that the police had acted quite right in bringing the charge forward. A CORRECTION-. His Worship called Sergeant Purdy's atten tion to a report that appeared in the news papers of tho proceedings yesterday, in whish it was stated that a defendant had received a written authority from the Mayor to break the by-law. His Worship denied that ho had ever given him such authority. The paper alluded to was simply a note to the police, informing them that tho man was not aware he was breaking the law when he drove his cart across tho footpath. 1 This concluded the business.

THE DOCTORS AND THE MOTHERS.

"For the cause, &c." Theee has been a meeting of the doctors. We know no reason why doctors should not meet together, and converse on affain of their own peculiar interest without people seeing in it a conspiracy against tho lives of their fellow subjects. Wo do not sympathise with such groundless suspicions, but on the contrary should have felt the utmost satisfaction in contcniplaling this assemblage of tho disciples of Esculapius were it not for an unprovoked and unworthy attack made by them upon our sisters, the mothers of the babios of Auckland. Now wo do not assume the role of defending the ladies in general—they are quite able to defend themselves ; but impelled to action by the cause that lacks assistance, and the wrong that needs resistance.we must uplift our pen in defence of a class of our fair fellow cithens who have been wrongfully and unworthily assailed, and who for obvious reasons will shrink from coming forward as a class to repel the baso insinuation. We observe that these bone-setting people havo been deliberating as to the cause of the deaths of babies, and with impertinent interference with maternal duties, equalled only by their presumption in speaking on a subject of which they cannot possibly have any personal knowlodge, they proolaim thus ex cathedra: — " If mothers were to nurse infant children in the manner nature intended they should, tho deatl>rate would rapidly diminish," Now as we have said, wo do not set ourselves up as defenders of tho sex, and we entirely repudiate those of our fair sisters, whose plump and rounded bust at once gives beauty of form, and indicates the bountifulness of nature in enabling them to minister to the wants of infant manhood. If they neglect tho duty nature ha sso manifestly pointed out, in uniting thus in their captivating forms the utile cum dulci, they are entirely to be reprobated, and deserve the severest censure of the Doctors. But what shall wo say of our lovely sisters to whom nature, whatever other beauties she may have bestowed, has denied this charm of womanhood these luscious founts of lacteal nourishment, and who in default of Nature's bounteousness have been obliged to resort to pocket-handker chiefs, and towels, and underclothing, and other padding in order to produce a counter feit presentment of that soft and rounded plumpness so delicious to the face of babyhood, and no less so to the imagination of maturer years; To say that these with bosoms hard as the nether millstone, and juiceless as the sands of Sahara, "should I nurse their infant children in the manner I Nature intended," is sufficient to excite tho ' virtuous indignation of our sisters, and rouse i them to exclaim as with one voice " Did you 1 ever ? " " Well, I never ! " Curbing our sympathetic indignation, we ask in terms as mild as we can command, What do the doctors mean ? Do they mean to tantab'so the

'■ poor children by perpetually dangling cherries before their lips ? In the words of the immortal Mother Twanky, we cannot refrain from saying to the doctors "It's easy to Bee you never was a mother." We em phatically assert that the doctors should be made to try their own proscription, and each of them provided with a baby and with bared bosom should bo com; lied to pacify its frantic wa'hugs by soothing it to sleep in " nursing it in the manner nature intended." It is all very well for the doctors to talk about Nature's teaching; but we venture to say that everyone of them before an hour had elapsed would be calling out for Stedman's soothing powders, and Mather's feeding bottles, and all the other contrivances which humanity and civilization have devised to soothe the wailing* which had been only aggravated and embittered by the vain attempt to draw nourishment from their manly paps. We quite admit that the doctors have a right to speak about any thing they know, but until each one of them has had experience of the difficulty of calming a, little ■ specimen of squalling, sprawling, kicking humanity by the vain and tantalising effort to i "nurse it in the way nature intended," in behalfjof our lovely maligned and sapless sisters, we indignantly protest.

FRIENDLY CONCERT.

TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS OP WILLIE STEELE. The most remarkable entertainment cve 1' given in Auckland took place last night in the rooms of the Young Aien's Christian Associa i tion. The hall was crowded to excess, and we believe Willie Steele answered the fullest ex pectations of every one that was present. Any one reading our anticipatory remarks knew I exr.elly the kind of entertainment to be I provided, and the genial kindly manner in j which Willies efforts to please were accepted by tho audience spoke volumes for the goad heartedness of the people of Auckland. No belter chairman could havo been found in Auckland than Mr. Binney, who, from having ! long known Willie in lnvercargill, and being familiar with his eccentric but well-meaning character, was enabled to rdd zest to the whole proceedings by his appropriate remarks. There was nothing in all Willies songs to offend the most proper feelings, but the contrary, for all Irs sentiments were of j the most considerate kind ; and though a little jar was caused by a would-be assistant, who with good feeling but very bad tasto forced his talents on the audience, we must I clear Wilh'e from all complicity or knowlodge of his song, and wo believe the second appear ! ance of the binger was brought to pass only through the foolish cffort3 of a portion of the audience. The Temperance Band very kindly assisted, and we woro pleased to see I several clergymen, and an audience generally I one of the ino3t respectable we have seen assembled in the ci'oy. Thero was a gradual thinning of numbo.s from beginning to end, but this we may attribute to a desiro to not keep tho hall so oppressively hot as it was at the beginning, and so overtax poor Willies strength. Several bouquets were th:own at Willie at ono time, which was the occasion of a characteristic incident. Willie appealed to the mercy and forbearance of tho people when Mr. Binney drawing his attention to the flowers, remarked that he must have thought they were cabbages, when Willie stooping down and picking them up, with much feeling, replied, "Indeed that was just what I thocht." On another occasion Willies feelings nearly overcame him when looking at the crowded house and the friendly facis, he said, "This is the kindest place that ever I was in." It may be well for us to state that on principle Willie never repeats his concerts in the same place, so that those not present last night will have no other opportunity of hearing the " South land Songster..' Willie does not profess that this is his proper vocation, but having lost an humble Government office in which he worked long, and faithfully, and well, he has taken lo this as a means of supplying his little wants, and the wants of his littlo child ren far away in Southland.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

THE twenty-first half-yearly meeting was held at the bead office, Auckland, to*dav, Thomas Russell, Esq., the President occupying the chair. Tho Inspector read the adversisement con vening the meeting, also the minutes of the last meeting, and the following BEPOBT. The Directors congratulate shareholders on the continued success attending the Bank's operations.. The net profit at 31st March a'ter making provision for every depen dency known to be bad or doubtful, and for usual appropriations in reduc tion of bank premises and furniture accounts, amounts to .. .. .. £14,095 0 4 To which has to be added— Balance of undivided profit at 30th September, IS7I £7,004 13 8 Making a total available for division, of . 52,000 3 0 The following appropriation of which is now recommended : To payment of dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum .. .. £30,000 0 0 To bonus of 5s per share, equal to £5 per cent, per annum.. .. .. 15,000 0 0 To balance carried to profit and loss new account 7,000 3 0 £52,000 3 0 The dividend and bonus will bo payable at Head Oflice, Auckland, to-morrow, the 25th April, and at Branches on reoeipt of advice. For the Board of Directors, THOM4.S RUSSELT,, President. The Chairman, after a few remarks on the gonerally satisfactory condition of business in the colony, aud the position of the bank as shown on the statements now presented, moved tho adoption of the report. This was seconded by the Hon. Chas. John Taylor, and carried unanimously. The onlf other business was the election of a director in the room of Mr. J. T. Mackelvie, resigned. The Hon. James Williamson being the only proprietor who had given the neces sary notice, was declared duly elected. The proceedings were closed by a vote of thanks to the directors and officers of tho bank; moved by Mr. J. Logan Campbell, and seconded by Mr. P. Dignan.

HARBOUR BOARD.

A meeting of the Hai'bour Board-.was being held this afternoon as we went to press. Present: —Captaia Daldy (chairman), Messrs. Casey, Dargaville, Copland, Macready, S. Jones, and Philips. The minutes of the last meeting were read and oonfirmed, and the correspondence read and considered. The Chief Harbourmaster's report wa read in connection with the screws moor ings. They bave been taken up and examined ; they appear to have been driven down their extreme length, and have received no injury from being dragged up. Captain Burgess recommended either a larger flange, or an increase of at least ten fe«i in the length of tube. [Left sitting.]

PRESS CRITICISM.

Those not behind the scenes often wonder at the criticisms that occasionally appear on entertainments in the city. Nor Bhould we have revealed the springs that sometimes move the machinery were it not that a challenge is deliberately thrown down to us to-day in the columns of our contemporary, the Herald,. And in this we distinctly wish to separate oar respected contemporary and its management, and especially its genial and kind hearted proprietor, who would be the last in this city to try to injure a poor help less wanderer like WiPie Steele. But we must take occasion to talk like a father to the under-strapper who, this morning through our contemporary's columns, essays to lecture us on our duty to the public, while raising a sledge hammer to crush a fly. Poor Willie, who has a heart as big as this writer's whole body, has this morning sent away £10 to his wife and children in Southland, the proceeds of a meeting, of which he speaks with tears coming down his checks, as the offering of " the kindest place he ever was in." As an indication of the spirit in which this reporter went to the meeting last night, wc may state that another reporter of kindly dis i positions having been detailed for the duty, he obtained an interchange, openly expressing his intention of " slating" (a favourite ex pression of his) —of "slating Willie Steele." Poor Willie had not propitiated his greatness by toadying to his conceit, or offering him a present after the manner of oilier entertainers, aud hence the resolution to " slato him." Prom Mr. Hoskins this reporter received a present, aid the readers of the Herald are aware how all opposition to Mr. Hoskins was mercilessly " slated" ; and how that able actor Tavares, in an especial manner, wa3 described as a failure in every thing connected with him from his clothing to his noblestimj orsonations. To this day the writer in question appears nightly in the theatre with a white opera glass, the gift of Miss Colville, and the price of his prostituted pen ; and £»s he lounges back in his place in the the itre, raising complacently the disgraceful instrument to his eye, he is not only unconscious of the shame of the j: but he persists in insolently obtruding on the ears of those around him the criticisms which are delivered ns the important utter ances o" a morning paper. The writer in que-tion asks, with an air of hauteur that sits on him very ludicrously, " Who is Willie Steele ?" aud we ask who is this reporter that pro-.titutes the influence and dignity of a respcted journal to le\y black mail on those who, in the pursuit of an honourable means of earning a livelihood, occupy the platforms and stages of our halls and theatre-;, and who doubtless to their in tense disgust must bow down and toady to the representative of a morning journal to escape being "slated." This is the kind of thing that has lowered the influence of the press in Auckland, and made its criticisms a iaugbing stock. And then when such a writer insolently taking in his mouth the " we" that should carry with it the whole power and dignity of the journal says, " We are only doing our duty as journalists to speak the truth, and the truth we intjnd to speak without fear or favor," and in assumed oblivion of white binocular leases and full-length portraits, and tho eases of wine that assisted in the struggle some time since between the two rival theatres, essays to " slate" poor Willie Steele, we feel our indignation and contempt struggling for tho mastery. Wi'lio is stated to be tradiug on tee'- Ulism. Better that than to trade on cases of wine in the purchase of journalastic praise and "slating." The writer wants to know what is Willies " special fitness for this ,4ae of business." We admit that he is indeed too ar:les3 and simple minded to be aware that systematic bribery and contemptible toadyism are elements in the succe:s ot a professional entertainer, and probably if he travels a littlo longer and gets into the hands of other "advisers" than those whom he has mot in Auckland, ha will acquire this "special fitness." We are glad to see, however, that this reporter his learned one thing, that neither bribery nor toadying are necessary to suc3e:>3, if there is a candid appeal to the generous and kindly feelings of the people of Auckland. He says "We have now learned that if ho be no singer at all, he is taken by the hand and liberally patronised." We are proud to have 1 iken poor Willie by the hand, and we are doubly proud to see that thero is so much genuine good feeling in Auckland that he has been "liberally patron ised despite the " stating" that is avertable or purchaseable by white opera glasses and cases of wine. In conclusion, as the reporter in question has sneeringly spoken ot Willies "advisers" as being to blame, we would re commend him to be cautious iv future on whose toes he treads, and we hereby warn him to never again appear once in the theatre with that disgraceful opera glass in his hand, or if he does we shall tell tho whole story of the struggle between the rival theatres.

CORRESPONDENCE.

* fISTWe do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

To tho Editor of the Evening Star. Sib, —In your issue of yesterday thero ap peared a letter signed "A-JK. UT.," in which the person makes a most foid, malicious, and false statement. When individuals of the class I take "A.JKJ.U." to belong rush into print they should be eai'eful in stating facts. Your columns being free to all, you have allowed this most pernicious effusion to appear ; butj I think from your own know ledge of the manner in which I have conducted the theatre for the last fifteen months, you Sir must know how utterly false is the statement of " 4..JKJ.H." The only free list during my management of this theatre has simply extended to the Press, and, in many instances, I have refused some of them. Not having the acquaintance of all who visit my theatre I don't take the liberty of asking to see the marriage certificate of all who pay their money at the doors ; and so long as people conduct themselves with propriety I cannot, as a public caterer, see my right to refuse admittance to any one paying at the doors unless I desire to play for honor and glory, " which I don't." In all probability I " A.K. U." has misbehaved herself, and j having met with a rebuke takes this 'method of Btabbing in the dark. I I am, Sir, JB. N. Jones. [We are quite aware that no such free admissions have ever been given under Mr. Jones' management. Ed. E.S.] * I

ANOTHER SQUEAK FROM THE MOUNT EDEN MOUSE.

To the Editor of the Evening Stae, Sib, —Amongst the male prisoners up here there is just this much of classification. There is a tolerably largo and often quite empty debtors' gaol,, which it is a thousand pities that our Governor cannot use to obtain some classification amongst the women, of whom I shall have more to say by-and»bye; then there is a building devoted to untried male prisoners. The convicted male prisoners are in their eating and sleeping departments sub jectjjto somo classification. Thero are large

cells that will hold about s""':, apportioned to drunkards with a few days'_ sentence, and these cells are only provided with blankets and no other bedding. Then there are large cells holding about six that have bedding, and ava apportioned to men unde. going a first tin* fence from the Police Court. Then separate cells for old oiJ^nders, and a corridor con taining still more secure and dark cells for the penal servitude men. In the prison, too, the penal bevvituda and hard labour prisoners are divided, but in the quarry ill work together ; and if a drunkard of tw.'nty-four hour 3' sentence can manage to smuggUtobacco or information to a " lifer," there n, every opportunity offered by this defective grange ment, and of course a good deal or outside news and many messages must pass. The warders have quite enough to do, and almost more than they can do, in preventingeacape with out trying to prevent conversation. The staff is quite inadequate to such a task. So much for the male department, except I may add they have a comfortable hospital and a harmonium, which they use on Sundays. In the women's department there is no possibility of the least classifica tion. All, not only the old offender and the young girl, together with often half-a-dozen children, ranging from babyhood to about three years old, but even the innocent and the guilty, the tried and the untried, are all in one common yard ; all on the same food, all similarly treated. One woman against whom the charge of theft was made, and who must have been innocent, since the bill was thrown out by the Grand Jury, was in this hot-bed of vice for weeks before trial with her little child, and unless that she was not required to wear the prison dress was in no way to be distinguished from the oldest reprobate in gaol. There is no ade quate provision for the sick : babies are born in the depth of winter in one of the cells without a fire ; whilst male prisoners who are ill have a good hospital, with fire. To be sure veiy Bick women are taken to the Provincial Hospital. One poor girl dying with cancer in Hospital walked there from gaol with one of the warders when her illness proved to be fatal and incurable. lam afraid this poor girl his been a very naughty girl, but as her mother, brother, and sister are very well known to us up here she is perhaps more to bp pitied than blamed. Yet if report speaks true the wretched girl was taken to gaol for the common complaint, "no visible means of support," without any further charge of drunkenness or riotous conduct. Poor wretch, she is djing young, only a little over sixteen, an offering to the giant Molech, drunkenness, and debauchery. And nowju3t another squeak, and I will trouble you no more this time. Prisoners are not allowed to see their friends and relations whilst in gaol if those il. lends have ever been previously in gaol, not even through the grating and in presence of a warder or matron ; and this is what I heard a man say from my hole in the wall the other day: "I didn't pay my fine for drunkenness this time, Jack j not because I couldn't, but because I wanted to come up free and easy and get a talk with you and see if there is anything I can do for you, and you know the regulations give me no chance of seeing you except I come up as a prisoner." That is something for our Johns to meditate on from that little grey fellow, Mount Eden Mouse.

COROMANDEL.

(fbom our own coeeespondent). Tuesday evening. There is no cessation in the pegging out of new claims, and the formation of companies is still the principal feature of the field. The bitter experience during the early days of the Thames seems to have had little or no effect upon speculators, and nearly the whole of the people are rolling on in the tide of excitement with utter recklessness. It is almost useless to raise a warning voice, for no one seems to heed ii, as each man believes that he at all events will be able to " clear out" just in time to avoid the inevitable crash. To-day all kinds of reports are abroad respecting two new rushes, but no reliable or definite information can be obtained. It is, however, pretty generally known that at an early hour the Mclsaacs' left in boats, accompanied by Maories, for some unkuown spot. Several others, accom panied by surveyors, also left town at an early hour for " the ranges," a rather in definite piece of information which may mean almost anywhere, but I believe they really went to" the Tiki, with a view to finding out the whereabouts of Mdsaac and his party. The Buffalo is taking out some nice looking stone and the reef is increasing in size This, it will be remembered, was the first claim up the Court-house Creek, a locality very high in the favor of miners here. The claim was originally known as Foster's. Another new claiai up this creek lias just been pegged out —the Consolation. It is peg and peg with the Ophir. Tho claim contains 5003 shares. The Dead Secret is another new claim, and is somewhere near the Golconda. A leader has been found on the surface, and a shaft is about to be put down. The company contains 3000 shares, and 1000 reserved. The Emily, at the Tiki lease, has been taking out some very fine stone during the last twenty-four hours, and the reef is said to be looking very well indeed, but I have not yet been able to visit it. The Tokatea, I hear, has nearly 2000 ounces of gold in hand, the accumulation of several crushings, which goes away by steamer to-night.' No doubt a good dividend will soon again be forthcoming., The Lynch's Flat battery is rapidly approaching completion, and will I think bo at work before the beach one. A meeting of gentlemen was held her# on Saturday evening for the purpose of instituting a race meeting on the Queens birthday. A committee was formed, and a sub-committee appointed to arrange pre liminaries. Mr. S. Lynch has offered the use of his paddock for a race-course. From the Coromandel Mail. j The Pride of Wynyardton mine manapf is actively carrying on tbe works of this yioo' having already driven some seventy feefc.-'SfnS; considering the short time operafcioni^Tft"' 0 been carried on, speaks well for the ene^y with which operations are conducted. He reports that he exoects to have to drive auother 100 feet to catch a good gold bearing leader met with on the surface, from whica capital results are expected. The ground is of a soft nature, and the reef is expected to be struck within a fortnight. This company s ground is bounded by the Q-olconda, and should stand well to catch its reef. Tho Green Flag has had a mining surveyor at work, and in consequence of his report aa» started a new shaft at a low level between tae No. 1 and 2 Golconda leaders. It *;?#& sunk 80 feet, and from this a T drive Will qe driven to cut both lodes, *

THE EVENING STAB, WEDNESDAY, APEIL 24, 1872.

2



TpiNAL HOT-ICE. EELINQUISHING- BtJSfNESS. R. HOBBS Having disposed of the greater part of his Summer Stock of Drapery and Clothing, will now, for a few weeks longer, offer the whole of his Large Stock of Winter Goods, consisting of Winceys, French Merinoes. Flannels, Blankets, Alloa and Fingering Yarns, Wool Scarfs, and Woollen Hosiery in great variety. WATERPROOF MANTLES And Jackets for Ladies and Girls, of the very newest shapes, at extraordinary low prices. BLACK FRENCH MERINOES And French Thibett Cloths, at very low pricos. BLACK COBUEGS And Alpacas, also under value. A VERY CHEAP LOT Of New Corsets. A SPLENDID STOCK Of Gent's Clothing of every description, far under regular prices JOB LOTS And Remnant1! cleared out at nominal prices. WHITE AND GREY CALICOES, Sheetings, Damask and Damask Cloths, Linens, and Furnishing Goods of tlie best description at clearing-out prices. THE STOCK Must and will be sold ; and as all kinds of Woollen and Cotton Goods are advancing considerably in England, Goods arriving in Auckland after this date will be much dearer. ALL THE NEW GOODS, Ex Wild Duck, will be marked-off at prices to ensure a ready sale, R. H. preferring to do this than selling them by auction. N.B.—A CASE OF Weir's Celebrated Hand-sewing Machines, with all the latest improvements, at reduced prices. A CASE OF Ladies', Children's, and Maids' New and Choice Black Hats at prices at which they will soon sell. Also a New and Choice lot 'of Boys Caps. A LARGE LOT OF Children's and Girls' Black Cloth and Velveteen Jackets for tlie Season, at Half-price. E. HOBBS, HOLESALE AND RETAIL, Uppeb Queen and Wakefield streets. QLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. The mmense success attending the introduction of this new local industiy will alone testify to the high estimation in which it is held. During the last year the proprietor was scarcely able to supply the large demand, and has in consequence made extensive alterations and additions to his Factory, so as to be enab'ed to keep the market well supplied. _No one who values health and appetite should be without a supply of this really health-restoring and agreeable condiment. Sold everywhere in Bottles with the name of H. OLSON on wrapper and stamped on bottle and per. Auckland, 10th February, 1872. _ T CATEK(Iate Crombie's)EOTAL O • FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in inform ing 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 M.. C.'s late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civility and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satis faction. J. C. begs to announce that his arrangements for taking Instantaneous Portraits of Children are now complete. WANTED KNOWN.—Just opened, ex Naomi, a Choice Selection of Gentle man's Undershirts in Merino, Silk, &o. ; also, New Hats.—S. Coombes' City Clothing Mart, 80, Queen street. T^" O"W PUBLISHED, THE APHIL NUMBER OE THE NEW ZEALAND " PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE." E. Watte, Publisher, Queen- steeet.