SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OP AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 6.40. HIGH WATER : Tlvia afternoon. 5.14.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES.

Enterprise, 7 o'clock tins evening.

ARRIVALS.

Maud, cutter, Bennett, from Tairua. Heather Bell, cutter, Dam, from Mahurangi. Mahurangi, cutter, O'Neil from Mahurangi. Three Sisters, cutter, Lang, from Barrier.

EXPORTS.

Per s.s Star of the South,^for Napier: IS cases, 2 hhds, 2 boxes, 1 cask, 20 kegs, sundry goods, 38 bundles wire, L. D. Nathan and Co. ; 4 cases J. S. Macfarlane; 1 case, Cruickshank, Smart and Co. ; 1 parcel. Levy ; 5 cases glass, ex Hero ; 1 bale Kemp thorne; 2 parcels, Upton; 5 crates, 1 case books, Lusk ; 1 case, Lewis Bros. ; 1 parcel, Wayte; 1 buggy, (*eo. Potter ;11 packages, ex Caduceus : 2 cases acid, H. S. Meyers and Co.—J. S. Macfarlane, agent.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Sydney and Melbourne: Hero, noon to-morrow

and City of Melbourne, 26th inst. For Tahiti: Queen, schooner, to-morrow. For London : Caduceus, ship, early. Vw Honolulu: Nevada, 22nd instant. For New York: Ferndale, barque, early; Queensland,

barque, early. For Southern ports; Keera and Phcebe, early. For Wangaaui; St. Kilda, s.s., to-morrow. For Napier : Star of the South, s.s., to-day. For Tauranga : Dauntless and Tauranga, schooners, to-day.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Keera, s.s., from Napier. Magellan Cloud, schoor>er, from Chatham Islands Naomi, ship, from London, sailed 16th November. Macquarie, schooner, from Melbourne Wild Duck, ship, from London, sailed 10th December Phoebe, s.s., from Southern Ports. Kalahome, barque, from Adelaide Moa, brig, from Melbourne. (Sailed Feb. 4.) City of Melbourne, s.s., from Sydney. Kevada, mail steamer, from the South Helenslee, ship,, from London Frowning Beauty, barque, from Newcastle. Bella Mary, barque, from Hobart Town. Coronet, schooner, from Tahiti Nebraska, mail steamer, from Honolulu, due 27th instant Cyrene, barque, from Lyttelton Whynot, ketch, from Napier

The p.S. Duke of Edinburgh will leave for Russell calling at Wangarci, to-morrow, at twelve noon.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Wednesday afternoon. Mr. G. W. Binney held to-day, at his Corn Exchange, an extensive sale of groceries, New Zealand produce, &c. The following are quotations :— Bell and Black's vestas, 6s. 7d. per gross; do. round wood vestas, Cs. lOd. per gross ; pint pickles, 10s. Sd. per dozen ; quarts vinegar, Bs. ljd.per dozen ; claret, ex Hero, 12s. 9d. per doz.,in bond; 2 tons bacon and hams, 33d. per pound ; peas, Id. per pound ; cabin bread, 2d. per pound ; fancy biscuits, Cid. per pound ; Peacock's jams, Cs. Cd. per dozen; do.; jars, sid. per pound; Hawkins' jams, 6s. 10id. per dozen.

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

Pride of Tokatea, Company's office, Queen street, Auckland, 3 p.m. February 22 Masonic, Coromandel, February 23 Cock-aDoodle-doo, 49 Queen street, Auckland, 4 p.m. February 23 Lowland Lass, Grahamstown, February 24 Margaretta^.33, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. February*24. Argoj-Coromandel, February 24. Nebraska,. Grahamstown, February 26 tilaremont, Grahamstown, February 27 South Lead, Grahamstown, March 1. Crown Prince, Queensferry Hotel, Auckland, 2 p.m. March 7

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 Tauranga and Opotiki, per Dauntless, this day,

at 4 p.m. For Sydney and Australian Colonies, per s.s. Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne, will be received till 11.30 a. m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m.' for Tahiti, per Queen, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. For Kapanga, etc., per Royal Alfred to-morrow, at

11.30 a.m. For Russell, Kawa Kawa, Waimate, etc., per Comerang,

to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Gisborne, per Tawera, on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. Per p.s. Nevada, on Thursday, 22 inst., as follows— Ft>r Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British, Central and South America, British" and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 10.30 a.m. For United Kingdom via San Francisco,-at 10.30 a.m. For 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 6d. in addi tion to the postage, will be received at this office till 11 a.m., and by the mail agent on board the steamer up till time of sailing. Notk. —A post office will be opened at Kiri Kiriwa, near Hamilton, on Ist March next. Mails will be made up on same day as for Hamilton. S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

FORSTER.—-On the 9th inst., at Remuera, New ZeSj land, the wife of Mr. M. Forster, late of Melbourne,' of a son. Sydney and Melbourne papers please copy.

DIED.

KEMP.—At Mr. Lincoln's, Symonds street, Mr. James Kemp, senior, late of Keri Keri, Bay of Islands, in the 75th year oi his age.

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."

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1872.

On to-morrow evening according to announcement the annual meeting will be held in the Mechanics' Insti tute for the election of office-bearers for the ensuing year. As our readers are aware, one more eft'ort is about to be made to reform this institution, and adopt it more to the requirements of the city. Whether that effort will be successful or not cannot be guessed at by anticipation, as there is every diffi culty thrown in the way of any per son desirous of knowing the list of members and voters. It is the un happy fatality of this Institution, that any person evincing a desire to infuse life into it, is set down as being actuated by personal enmities. It is not supposed by some to be possible, that a man may have a desire to serve publicinterests; but any|effbrfcs of would be reformers are represented as being intended solely to give annoyance to the secretary and librarian of the In stute. We have already frequently said that that officer could be made a -useful and efficient servant, if kept under proper control by a good committee. As it is, from the injudicious action of his friends, he is made to regard the library as his kingdom, and the members availing themselves of its advantages, are re garded by him as doing so on sufferance; while every proposal to make the Institute do the work of a literary and scientific institution is at once sup pressed, mainly, and even at times admittedly, because ifc would entail additional work on the secretary. Now, we need not ask if this is the position in which our local Institute should be. We maintain that the salary given to the secretary and librarian is wholly insufficient, and we believe that the proper performance of the duties of a secretary would not be overpaid by twice the amount; and we would be of those to advocate not only the reten tion of the present secretary, if under proper direction and control, but to increase his salary from the miserable pittance which he receives, to an amount commensurate with the importance of the functions to be fulfilled. Nothing, however, should be allowed to stand in the- way of the usefulness of the Insti tution, and if the secretary is found in capable, he should at once be dismissed. There has been so much written on the subject, that it is needless to say what are the works in which our Institute, as a Mechanics' Institute, should have been engaged. So far as we have been enabled to discover, less than eighty are the members qualified to take part in the meeting to-morrow night. In Dunedin thejfostitute and Athenseuin has between seven and eight hundred members, and there have been some 36,000 issues of books during the year. There are there also classes weiTconducted on every subject; and altogether the comparison between our Institute and that, produces a ludicrous effect. It is not too much to say that not one of those that have had to do with its state of apathy should be allowed to have to do with it again. We observe, however, that though they have repeatedly professed that they did not desire to be re-elected most of them, several of these being those that have been most intimately con nected with the apathy of the past, are forward again for re-election. The fact of their so appearing when there are so many new men nominated, is a good commentary on their profes sions that they have been accustomed, to allow themselves to be nominated only to prevent the Institute from collapsing. However it is for the members, limited though they are, to say whether the Institute is going to be reformed, or to continue in the state of deadness as in the past. j ' We trust we shall not be charged with personal hostility, if we name some that

should not be re-elected. "We have had in times past and gone, some passages of arms with Mr. George on j a great variet} r of matters, which makes more delicate our allusion to his candi dature as vice-president. But so far from having the least unkindly feelings towards Mr. George, we cordially ap preciate the common sense and the practical experience, which he brings to bear on public affairs, and if he retires from the candidature, we promise that we shall on another occasion cordially and sincerely give him what support we can. But Mr. George will pardon us for saying that the Institute will not be benefitted by his re-election as vice-president. We believe it is from his own good heartedness, but he has been the worst enemy of the secretary, by desiring too much to be his friend. The secretary would have been long since taught his proper position, and we believe have been a useful officer, but for the unwise de fender whom he has found in Mr. George. This defence has led the secretary to set the members at defiance, and encouraged him in taking a ferocious stand inside the precincts of the library, like a bear with a sore head. With all due respect for Mr. George, and wo do respect him, we believe that to his unwise kindness more than to anything else, may be attributed the present and past inefficiency of the Institute. And, though we have not the least idea that the secretary will allow him to with draw from the candidature, but on the contrary, will use every effort to ensure Mr. George's return as vice-president, we take this opportunity of recording our conviction, a conviction shared in by a very large number, that if Mr. George is returned as vice-president; he will be a very great barrier in the way of effecting those reforms which arc necessary to the complete efficiency of the Institute.

It is needless for us to say that Mr. Whitaker, the respected president of of the Institute, has not wittingly lent himself to a similar course ; and we believe no one would be more surprised than Mr. Whitaker himself, if he was aware of the extent to which his name has been used in opposing everything teiiding to reform and improvement of tha institution. Mr. Whitaker says this, and Mr. Whitaker says that; and I have the authority of Mr. Whitaker for saying that such cannot be done ; and I will consult Mr. Whitaker, and I am sure he will not sanction it, and so on, and so on, have the changes been rung on the name of Mr Whit aker, until with all the respect enter tained for that gentleman, people have been disposed to say, "Bother Mr. Whitaker;" and even at the present hour, although this gentleman is un derstood as most gladly relinquishing the position of President, we are in formed that at the meeting to-morrow night he is $o execute a coup d'etat, which is to ensure the rejection of all the would-be reformers, and ensure the continuance of the regirno of the past for another year. We have not the least idea that Mr. Whitaker will do anything of the kind, or that he will exercise his powers just before resign ing them, to perpetuate a state of things which he knows to be in direct antagonism to the feelings and desires of the public, and so to defer a reform which will come sooner or later, in spite of any intrigue. The general impres sion is that the Secretary has been stuffing the head of Mr. Whitaker with all sorts of things, from the au thority with which the Secretary speaks so glibly of Mr. Whitaker's opinions. But we do not hesitate to say that these statements are purely imaginary, and made to serve a temporary pur pose. It now remains for the few that constitute the membership of the Mechanics' Institute to say to-morrow night, whether they desire that our local institution shall continue for another year, as it has been, the most inefficient in all the Australasian colonies, or whether it will become like the Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute of Dunedin, a magnificent educational agency, and a'blessing to the whole people. As we have said, no idea can yet be formed as to the result of the election. The Secretary has refused to let the list of members be seen", and as that list is open to the eyes of those who are interested in keeping the Institute as it is, and as large numbers have left the Institute at various times in disgust, it .will be seen that- the candidates are very unequally weighted. We shall to-morrow take the names of the various candidates in order, and freely criticise their merits and de merits. We hold that we are as: much warranted in discussing the ', candidates in this election, as we are in an election of members of the Kouse of Bepresentatives, the Provincial or the City Council; nor shall we have the smallest delicacy in faithfully ful filling our duty to the public. In ac cordance with the principle on which the Mechanics' Institute has been hitherto conducted, we shall, of course, together with all those who think with us, be regarded as being actuated by personal feelings against the secretary, that officer being regarded as the Institute itself. We are perfectly willing to bear all this, and neither hostility nor cajolery, insinuation nor flattery, shall turn us from the course which we have determined upon, of agitating until our local Mechanics' Institute ceases to be a scandal to the intelligence of the city. We may fail now, but we shall hftye at it again. The abuse is

strongly intrenched; but we shallyet carry the ramparts of old fogeyism, and throw into the lurid darkness and crass stupidity of the Institute, a little of the enlightenment aad progressive spirit of the age.

Our attention has been called to the absence of any report of the parades of the Cavalry Troop in last week's Volunteer Gazette, at one of -which a sword was presented to the Captain, and at the other a meeting was held to appoint a captain, vice Captain Sbera resigned. Many complaints are also made to us by Tolunteera that the Gazette does not fulfil its proposed mission. We are disposed however to let ifc die in peace. We understand that the Acclimatisation Society have liberated a number of goldfinches and other birds. It is to b« hoped that the little strangers will ba unmolested by mis chievous boys. As a caution, we would re mind them that any one wantonly injuring or taking any imported birds, or destroying their nests, will be liable to heavy penalties. The verandah regulations are now in force, and all persons about to erect verandahs must make the same in accordance with the plans and specifications deposited at the office of the city surveyor. The meeting of the member* of the City Band of Hope last evening, was in consequence of the inclemency of the weather postponed. We understand that R. B. Shalders has consented to act as honorary secretary to the Auckland Dispensary, and James Coupland as treasurer, in the room of Messrs. Buchanan and Ewen,Jresigned. We clip the following from the Coromandel Mail :—It is with more than ordinary gratifi cation that we have to chronicle the following important information for Coromandel. Vigorous and extensive operations will be commenced immediately on the- Kapanga Mine, as coon as the necessary materials can bo placed on the works. Fully £5,000 will be spent on that property during the next six months, in machinery and buildings alone- The opening of such an extensive mine will help to sustain the good reputation this district has of late sustained, and will of necessity throw a deal of spirit in all enter prises adjoining. Th's good news of having English capital spent hero if owing to the letter sent by Captain Thomas, of the New Zoaland Battery, to the Mining Journal, and republished fey us in our issue of 30th December last. We observe by the Thames Advertiser that the new Presbyterian church erecled at Tararu was opened on Sunday, when the Rev. D. Bruce, of Auckland, preached in the forenoo^ and the Rev. J. Hill in the evening. There was a large attendance at both services, and liberal collections weie made in aid of the building fund.

A meeting of the Harbour Board was hold yesterday afternoon. Captaia Daldy in the chair. A. letter from the Superintendent was read in reference to the matters in connection with the Protincial GoT«rnnienL The usual accounts were passed. It w»» resolved to purchase a diving dresi and apparatus from Mr. NcNeill, of Wanganui, that gentleman having offorod the same for the sum of £60.

The Returning Officer for the Waikato Electoral District, has given notice that the nomination for that district will take place at the Court-house, Hamilton, at noon on the Ist day of March next, and that the poll, if demanded, will bo taken on the 9th March. The anniversary tea meeting in connection with G-rafcon Road Wesleyan Church, announced to be held lait evening, was, on account of the severity of the weather, postponed nntil to-morrow.

Mr. Abel Fletcher advertises that he i* prepared to cart gravel, clean yards, empty cesspools, et hoc genus omne, on low terms- Mr. Fletcher is well-known to be a thoroughly efficient workman, and deserves to be well patronised.

The footpath of lowar Queen street, near the wharf, is having a layer of gravel deposited on it. This will be an immense advantage ; for hitherto, in bad weather the whole troltoir has been nothing but a chain of waterholes.

A vast improvement is being effected to the Army and Navy Hotel, by the substitution of a spacious colonnade extending the full width of the footpath, for the ricketty balcony on which the inmates were always afraid to trust themselves. *

We have been shown an oil painting by Mr. ¥. Heighway, a self-taught young gentle man, who promises, if he perseveres, to become a credit to the ranks of colonial artists. The painting is that of the full face of a obubby little girl. The colouring is undoubtedly good, and the lights and shadows distributed well and with artistic effect; but if we gave unqualified praise to the paint ing, wo should do the lad injustice, by leading him to the supposition that without a good deal more study he can take a high place in the limner's profession. A little friendly criticism generally leads to renewed exertion, and consequently to greater success- We may point out, as portion of the defects that the ears are too prominent, and badly foreshortened, and that the eyes are not of equal size. More attention is required to the drawing of the outlines.

We are glad tohoar that the condition of the unfortunate man Garfcon, whose leg was recently amputated in consequence of a wheel passing orer it, is very satisfactory. Since the operation, he has adrnnced rapidly to wards conraleacence, to which desirable re* salt, the skill of the Resident Surgeon, and the care and attention of Mr. Ooupland, Garton's late employer, hart done wonders.

We learn that it was not a man in the employ of Mr. Coupland, who recently lost hia fingers by a cha&outtiug machine, but his little grandson, a child, of about 3 years of age, who, with th« prying propensities of in* fant man, thrust his hand |into the machine, and before it could be stopped had it terribly mutilated.

The cricket match, Marrioi r. Single, has been postponed for one week, in consequence of the unfavorable state of the weather.

Signor Donato has returned from the Thames. He states that he is willing to run any one-legged man in the province, for 100 yards, and give him 25 yards start.

Tenders are required by the Parnell High* way Board for building scoria and other retaining Avails, filling in ground, &c, at Parnell. Plans, &c, are to be seen at Mr. R. Koals's office.

We would call the attention of our readers to an advertisement respecting another curiosity to be seen at the Occidental Hotel., viz., a pig with 8 legs, 2 bodies, four ears, and two tails.

We have received a copy of a very valua ble Price Current and Trade Report printed and issued by Mr. Mason for the outgoing mail per Nevada. It centains a correct report of the markets, including the share market, al9o a price current of all imported aiticle and colonial produco, an analysis of bonded stock, accounts ofj shipping, rates of exchange, dis count, freights and insurance, with a list of imports and exports during the month of January, the whole being v cry carefully com piled. The above has been compiled to fill up a great want amongst the merchants of Auck land.

The search for the body of the seaman who was drowned from the cutter Lapwing was proceeded with to.day, but with fruitless results.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(prom our own correspondent.) The Damage by the Floods at the Thames. Caledonian Tailings Washed Away. Town Flooded. Serious Accident at the Wes lcyan School. All Rations Specimens. GrRAHAMSTOWN, 3.5 p.m.

The damage done by floods is esti mated at £200, with the tailings that have been washed away from the Cale donian' yard. The town is flooded. The flumes are broken in all the creeks. A young mau named Meacham, en gaged shingling the "VVesleyan School, fell off and broke his thigh. He has beon taken to the hospital. The North Star hare crushed 10 tons of stuff. The yield is lloz. The Coliban cleaning-up will aver 2oz. to the ton. The All Nations have taken out 200 lbs. specimens since Saturday.

THE CALEDONIAN.—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

" 21st February, 10.36 a.m. " NonTTt drive reef forming again two feet thick. No. 2 stope improving. Shall let to sink 70 feet below level, at £Li Os per fathom. Eeport per Crown to-day.

" S. B. BICHAItDS."

THE SHARE MARKET.

J. M. LENNOX'S BEPOBT,

TinraH was considerable activity in the share market this morning. Caledonian, Tookey, and Thames shares were in demand at slightly advanced rates. My sales comprise Cale donian, £15, £16, £16 10*. ; Thames, £5 5s ; Central Italy, £2 17s. 6d. ; Golden Calf, £2 12s. 6d.; Toakeys were sold at £10 to £10 10». Closing Buyers —Caledonian, £15 10s. ; Thames, £5 55.; Tookey, £10. Sellers- Caledonian, £16; Thames, £5 7s, 6d,; Tookey, £10 10s.; Golden Calf, £2125. 6d.

YACHT RACE.

The yacht race between the Energy and the Ripple, for £5 a side, came off this afternoon, the course being from off the wharf, round a buoy moored in Drunken Bay, and back. The yachts after some manoeuvring, took up their positions off the wharf, the Eipple being to windward. The signal was given by Captain Williams at 1224 p.m., by hauling down a flag from the mizen peak of the Ferndale, and a good start effected. The Energy gradually drew ahead of her opponent, and the distance was increased owing to the skipper of the Eipple ordering her jib to be taken in and a storm jib substituted. When off St. George's Bay the Energy appeared a good distance ahead, but the Eipple kept her position well to wind ward. The wind was blowing stiffly from the Worth, and both yachts had their mainsails reefed. The Energy came in the winner at about a quarter past 3, the Eipplo having given up the contest.

PROFESSOR HASELMAYER.

Dueing the last two evenings the severity of the weather has prevented many people from visiting the Prince of Wales Theatre to witness the wondrous feats of legerde main of Professor Hasclmayer. Of all that has been written of this gentleman, —and a gentleman he-is, in every sense of the word,—nothing has been exagger. ated. His various tricks are, without ex ception, the most wonderful that can be conceived ; feats that not a great many hundred years ago would have consigned the professor to a dreadful death, had he lived in those times and dared 'to perform, are now looked upon wifh wonder, aston ishment, and admiration. Everyone should go and see the goblin drum and judge for themselves; the trick is beyond our conception. Last night the professor was vigorously applauded throughout his varied and astonishing entertainment. A change*in programme takes place nightly, and the aeriel bell is announced to succeed the goblin drum, the performance on which will be more astonishing than ever.

AHIPARA.

(From our own correspondent.) Busby, the celebrated chief of the Rara was, and chief of the whole district north of the Bay of Islands, is very ill, and no hopes are entertained of his recovery. Within the last four days a large number of natives from all parts have come to pay him a farewell visit. On my going to see him, I found a lot of women crying in the neighborhood of his abode.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE. AUCKLAND NAVAL BRIGADE.

A meeting was held yesterday evening at the Thames Hotel.—Captain Copland in the chair. In spite of the severity of the weather, the room was filled. Cap tains Featon and Smith, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Snell, were present as re presentatives of the Volunteer staff. The Chairman suggested that it would be advisable to take in one-third landsmen, with the understanding that they should only be rated as ordinary seamen after examination. Everj'thing, however, de pended on whether the Government ac cepted their services. In connection with the brigade, it was proposed to es tablish a Mutual Benefit Society to which all seamen could belong. Rules -would shortly be drawn up The society, would not only provide for burial- and cases of sickness, but would probably soon be in a position to assist in paying for repairs to boats, &c. A fee should be charged on entrance, so as to start the fund. He trusted the seamen of the port would distinctly understand the nature of the proposed society, and would all come forward and join it. He thought it quite possible that by good management the funds might reach such a state as to warrant them in building a Sailors' Home. In regard to the existing companies, he realjy did not see what service they would be on the water in case of actual warfare, seeing the men were nearly all landsmen. He was a seaman, and intended to promote and further the interests of seamen in every way. No doubt, after a time, master mariners would join the brigade as honorary members, and the result of the present movement would be that the whole shipping interests of the port would be blended together and consolidated. Lieutenant Jackson, E.N., honorary secretary, then read the letter which it was proposed to send to the government tendering the services of the corps. The letter was addressed to Major Gordon, commanding the district, setting forth the basis on which the corps was proposed to be established, the objects for which it had been thought desirable to organise a new corps, the rules agreed upon by the members, and finally requesting that the services of the corps might be accepted on the same terms as those of the volunteer forces, in regard to capitation, &c. The names of those who signed the Roll at the last meeting were read over, and a number of those in the room ap pended their signatures, raising the num ber to 54.

The chairman observed, in regard to the Benefit Society, that he thought older seamen than he ought to have originated it years ago. A s they had not, he intended to do so con amove. It would be a great benefit to the whole maritime community of Auckland. Of course it would be necessary to register it under the Friendly Societies' Act. Probably a payment of Is. per week, would be sufficient for each to pay, and an entrance fee of £1 for officers, and 2s. 6d. for seamen. A general meet ing would be called as soon as a reply was received from the Government, when petty officers wonld be elected and other matters arranged. A considerable num ber of recruits would probably be obtained at the JSTorth Shore, and probably the Naval Shed might be obtained for their use. The Thames Navals intended to amalgamate with them. A very enthusiastic meeting then broke up with the customary formalities.

The head quarters of the cavalry in structor have this morning been removed from Auckland to Drury, that position being more central. Lieutenant Snell will visit Auckland four times in each month.

Notice is given to the members of the Auckland Rifle Association, that the trus tees of the Mount Eden Rifle Range have placed the range and marker at their service on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4i o'clock; and on Fridays, from 5 o'clock till sunset, till further orders.

A meeting of Volunteers interested in the challenge from the Thames Volun teers will be held to-morrow evening, in the Drill-shed.

No. 1 company Naval Volunteers and Cadets will meet for company drill this evening in Fort Britomart, at 7.30 p.m. The usual monthly Government in spection of the Auckland Rallo Brigade with Cadets will take place on Friday evening next at 7 o'clock in the Albert Barracks.

Officers commanding companies are re quested to send in to the orderly room on before the 29th inst., the names of those members of their companies and Cadets who intend to compete for the General Government district prizes in the early part of next month, other instructions must also be complied with. A very important notice is issued to officers commanding companies, referring them to circulars in their possession, directing every article of Government Stores to be exhibited for the inspection of the District Commanding Officer, on, or before the 31st March. Any stores not so examined, will be charged against the present year's capitation grant.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY. Before T. Beckham, Esq., R.M. DBUNKENNESS. Two persons were punished as usual for this offence; ASSAULT; Catherine Townsend, charged with striking at Michael Burke with a carving knife, failed to appear. Prosecutor also did not answer to his name arid the case ! was struck out of the list. ; BBEACH OP LICENSING ACT AMENDMENT ACT, 1871. Robert Haywood was charged with haying in and upon his licensed public

house, the Auckland Hotel, on the 11th January, 1872, more than one bar for the sale of alcoholic liquors. MrJßevoridge appeared for the defence. His' Worship said the allegations in the information were clear, and as we could see for ourselves that there were more than one bar, the defendant could not do A anything but admit the fact, and allow the ) \ point of law to be argued by counsel. I Mr. Haywood then admitted that he had more than one bar ; and Sergeant Pardy, for the police, admitted that a similar charge against defendant had been dismissed on a previous occasion. His Worship thought that the police should state their case, as it might be necessary to have the facts on record in case of an appeal to another Court. Sergeant Egan deposed : Defendant is proprietor of the Auckland Hotel. Ho has a bar facing Queen street and one facing High street. These bars were held in accordance with the first Licensing Act of 1871. Defendant sells alcoholic liquor in both.

By Mr Beveridge: The license was granted at the last annual meeting, to have effect from the Ist July to the 30th June of this year. Tho license was issued under the first Act of 1871. The Amend ment Act was passed after the granting of the license, and the decision in the pre vious case against the defendant. Mr Beveridge said there was no doubt the prosecution had been made in order to get an expression from the Bench as to the interpretation of the Act, and as to whether a party might have more than one bar. Whether Mr Haywood be right or not according to the Act, he contended that under the license he holds, he is entitled to have as many bars as he chooses up to the 30th June next. At the time the license was issued, undoubtedly he had, for he was brought up oil a similar charge, and His Worship held that he was justified in doing what he did. (Mr Beveridge quoted the Bth section of the Act.) The question now is, whether, since the passing of the new Act, Mr Haywood is entitled to pursue the same course. Undoubtedly there was a contract between him and the Govern ment under the first Act, to continue fora whole year, and Mr Haywood is not to be prevented from opening as many bars as he chooses during that period. Why should a subsequent Act effect the con tract ?. Suppose the Provincial Council in their wisdom, should see fit to pass an Act prohibiting the sale of alcoholic liquors altogether, should that affect Mr Haywood under the contract ? Certainly not. The contracting parties have no right to terminate the contract, unless both parties consent : Mr Hay wood certainly has not consented, and maintains his right to continue the contract up to 30th June. No alteration has been made by the passing of the new Act. The contract was for a twelvemonth, and one of the parties to it is not willing to terminate it till the ex piration of the period. Mr Rees, as amicus curioe, pointed out that before an Act can be made retrospect ive, it must be clearly shown that it was intended to be so. If retrospective legis lature were to hold good in this way, the matter would be a desperate one, for on three convictions, which might under such, circumstances readily be obtained, a pub lican would lose his. license.

His Worship said that if he found it within his jurisdiction, he should un doubtedly direct Mr Haywood to keep both his bars open. He knew that there were many places where there were more than one bar. Look for instance at Somerville's corner, where a bar might be opened on both streets. Surely in such a circumstance it could never be intended to close one of the doors, then why do so in the present instance ? The feelings of the Court are entirely with Mr Haywood, although probably it would have to give judgment against him. Under the first Act he is entitled to open any number of bars, although there must be only one in each public street. There is however some obscurity, but it really appears that if the house abutted on twenty streets, twenty bars might be opened. The con tract seems to be for a year, and clearly two bars were allowed at the time the license was granted. His Worship said, on looking at the information, he was inclined to think the police had made a blunder ; but a second Act wa3 brought under his notice. He thought the Act was intended to prevent publicans from having more than one bar, but it was inefficacious. In the seconl Act it was explicitly set forth that in future no public-houso should have more than one bar ; but still his Worship thought it could not be retrospective, and could not affect Mr Haywood's contract with the Government; but on reading the inter pretation clause, he found that the second Act was to be read as part of the first one. He would take time to consider the matter fully, and would give judgment on Satur day morning. He thought that he should bo doing Mr Haywood a gross injustice if compelled to give judgment against him. Perhaps defendant would accept a con viction, and appeal to a higher Court, on account of breach of contract. His Worship again repeated that he felt, if compelled to give an adverse judgment, he would be doing a great injustice to defendant, although carrying out the law. This concluded the business.

CORRESPONDENCE.

#SFWe do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE NAVAL BRIGADE.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab. Sib, —I had no idea when I addressed you on Friday last, upon the proposed new Naval Brigade, that I should have caused suct^a "storm in a teapot." Correspondents lja^j» cropped up in all directions. This provaji that the subject is interesting, and that they, or at least some of them are reallj interested. I am not surprised, as our defence from out ward attack is one of almost vital importance, and should command the -warmest support of every member of this community. I yield to none in my desire to see all our means of de fence utilized and made as perfect as circum* stances will admit. I will not descend, nor will thej public I apprehend expect me to notice the silly invective of every vulgar-minded simpleton who writes in a newspaper. I asked a plain question and made as plain a statement, the latter deduced from a printed paper open to every one, the former suggested by a common report emanating if I mistake not from a paid in.*

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1872

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CALLS Middle Star .. ., 0 10 0 Siegebf Paris .. ..000 Matawai 0 0 3 City of Aberdeen .. 0 0 3 Otago 0 10 Conquering Hero ..010 Guildhall .. ..003 American Eagle .. 0 0 0 Coromandel Excelsior.. 0 0 6 Morning Light .. ..003 Sir Walter Scott ..010 Bank of Tokatea .. 0 0 3' FeHx 0 0 G Hope of Coromandel ..002 Unicorn 0 0 3 Thames Ga3 .. ..026 Chmstclnirch .. ..003 Coronet .. ..010 Geelong .. ..010 MEETIKOS TO COME.

Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 22 Feb S3 Feb 23 Feb 20 Feb 20 Feb 29 Feb 29 Mar 1 Mar 1 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 6 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 7



J. COSGEAVB & CO.'S MONSTER SALE of DRAPERY and CLOTHING is now on. They have a tremendons lot of Bargains to offer to the public. The Largest Stock in New Zealand to choose from. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. THE immense Success attending the intro duction of this new local industry 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 enabled to keep the market well supplied. No one who values health and appetite should be without a supply of this really health-restor ing and agreeable condiment. Sold everywhere in Bottles with the name of H* OLSON" on wrapper and stamped on bottle and stopper. Auckland, 10th. February, 1872. J CATER (late Cbombie's), EOYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC Q ALLEBY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business s» long earned on fey Mr Crombie j and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every cirilty and attention, as well as firsUclass^ and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J O. also wishes to inform the Ladios that arrangements are being made for taking astaataneous Portraits of Children. '



jpp' 000 WORTH of GROCERIES disOs\J\J\J and PROVISIONS to be sold at Cost Phice, previous to our Removal to our New Central Premises, next to the Southern Cross office, Queen street. Families, Storekeepers, and Coasters, are invited to call at their old establishment, BARNETT AND LEVY'S NOTED RED HOUSE, next to the Theatre Royal. OKf\f) WORTH of MUSIC and SONGS set to MUSIC to be given away by F. H. Lewissok, Jeweller, Queen street. For each £1 worth of Jewellery purchased at Establishment, the same amount of Songs or Musio given in.—F, H. Lewisson, Queen street. RELINQUISHING BUSINESS. {ggT FINAL NOTICE. R. HOBBS WILL offer for the next Eight Weeks, (unless disposed of during that time), the Whole of his very large Stock of Q-enera and Household Drapery anc 1 Men's and Boys Clothing, at very low prices. . February 12, 1872. .^SJI