SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OP AUCKLAND.

SUNSET : This evening, 7. IS. HIGH WATER : This afternoon, 6.17.

STEAMER FOR THE THAMES.

Lady Bowen, 7 o'clock this,»- Effort, 9 o'clock this evp»~* s"

ARRIVALS.

„, , jf, Anderson, from Wangarei. Clyde, scho<" ' '__ ,

DEPARTURE.

,-,oraska, s.s., Harding, for Sydney and Melbourne. Wellington, s.s., Kennedy, for Southern ports. Phoebe, s.s., Worsp, for Southern ports. St. Hilda, s.s., Flowerday, for Wanganui.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Tor Sydney and Melboiirne: Hero, s.s., about the ISth inst. : and City of Adelaide, 18th inst. For London : City of Auckland, ship, January 18. For Hobart Town : Bella Mary, barque, this day. For Kaipara: Colonist, this evening. For Tauranga, Napier, and Southern ports: Keera,

s.s., 11th instant. For Honolulu : Nebraska, mail steamer, 25th inst. For Napier: Star of the South, s.s., to-morrow.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

H.M.S. Blanche, from Wellington Napier, s.s., from Napier ~,,-_.. ,„ Caduceus, ship from London, sailed October IS Lady Franklin, barque, from Newcastle Ferndale, barque, from Liverpool, sailed September 15 Edith, schooner, from Tahiti Celeitia, barque, from Newcastle Magellan Cloud, schooner, from Chatham Islands Amateur, schooner, from Lyttelton St. Mary, U.S. man-of-war, from Sydney Hero, s.s., from Sydney Naomi, ship, from London Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney

The p.s. Comerang, Captain Chrisp, will leave for the Bay of Islands to-morrow afternoon, at 4 o'clock.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Tuesday afternoon. Mr R. Arthur reports that he sold at his mart. Queen street, on Monday last, by order of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, an hotel and store, with stock sale yards, at Ohaupo, Waikato, together with 67 acres of land, fenced and laid down, for the sum of L 405 By order of the mortgagee, 80 acres land near Hamilton, Waikato, at 13s. per acre ; and a cottage and allotment in alane off High street for L3O. The allot ment in North street, Newton, fetched Ll9(33ft.x 100 ft.) 52 allotments at Warkworth, Mahurangi, brought from 2s to 10s. each ; about 30 acres of land adjoining for L 7. The allotments at the North Shore and the 320 acres land were withdrawn.

MINING.

The following are the ourrent calls and dividends payable in the companies ramed below ; — calls Queen of the May ... 0 0 4 Jan 10 New Caledonia ... 0 1 O Jan 11 Pickwick 0 0 3 Jan 11 Occidental 0 16 Jan 13 Key of Tokatea ... 0 0 3 Jan 18 Golden Calf ' 0 10 Jan 20 Murphy's Hill ... 0 0 3 Jan 20 Nolan's Candlelight ... 0 1 0 Jan 21 Vulcan 0 5 0 Jan 24 Central Italy ... ... 02 0 Jan 24 Sailor Prince ... ... 0 1 0 Jan 25 Shotover 0 2 0 Feb 1

MEETINGS TO COMB, Quebec, Company's office, January 10 Vulcan, Governorßowen Hotel.Grahamstown,

January 10 Corinthian, Governor Bowen Hotel, Grahams-

town, January 11 Conquering Hero G.M.C., 12, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, January 11 Bank of Tokatea Gold Mining Company, Metropolitan Hotel, Auckland, January 13 Hazolbank, company', office, Auckland,

January 15 South Lead, Grahamstown, January 15 Keptune Gold Mining Company, Coromandel,

15th instant. Overland Route, Grahamstown, January 16 St Lawrence, Grahamstown, January 16 Belmont, Grahamstown, January 18 Durham Ox, Grahamstown, January 18 Crown P-ince G.M.0., Queen's Ferry Hotel

Auckland, January 18 . Ifatawai, Company's »ffice, Auckland, Janu^

Morning Light G.M. Co., Grahamstown,

19th inst. Californian, Governor Bowen Hotel, Gra hamstown, January 19 Tirginia City G.M.0., Grahamstown, Jam

uarv 22 Nil Desperandum G.M.C., Coromandel, Jan-

ua.y 21. „ , Morning Star G.M.C., Grahamstown, Janu-

ary 23 , _ . Red Queen G.M.C., Mechanic* Institute,

January 23 Lowland Lass Goldmming Company, Jan. 24 lohinoor G.M.C., Coromandel, January 24 Argo G.M.C., Coromandel, January J5 Una Quartz-crushing and Goldmining Com. pany, Shortland, January 26 City of Boston G.M.C., Grahamstown, Jan uary 26 .

POST OFFICE, SHORTLAND-STREET.

Hails wiix Closh as TJkdbb :

For Thames, this day, at 5-30 p.m.; and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. . For Whitiangi, per Mary Ellen, this day, at i p.m. For Giaborne, per Meteor, this day, at 4 p.m. Foi Kapanga, etc., per Royal Alfred, to-morrow, at ForNapierj per Star of the South, to-morrow, at Late letters and telegrams for transmission from the Napier Station will be received here till 2.30 p.m. _ . For Wangarei Heads, etc., per Clyde, to-morrow, at For Taiiranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Canter bury, and Otago, per Keera, on Thursday, 11th inst. at 1 p.m. ... Late letters and telegrams for transmission from the Tauranga station will be received here tiU 1.30 p.m. For RusseU, Kawa Kawa, etc., per Duke of Edin burgh, on Thursday, 11th inst., at 3 p.m. S. B. Biss, Postmaster.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DECEMBER, 1871.

ATMOSPnEBic Pbessube. — The barometric column for December has been comparatively steady, the mean for the month being 30.10 inches. Highest readings occurred on the 18th 19th, 30th, 31st. The maximum for the month was on the 31st, when the height of the column read 30.39 inches. Tho mini* mum for the month occurred on the evening of the 9th, when it read 29.80 inches. With this exception, the daily range has been 4.5, ' but on the above date the range was 28. Tempebatube OB THE Aib.—The maximum temperature for the month was 73.38, and the minimum 55.45, with the exception of the 20th, when the maximum for the day was 81 °. The temperature, like the barometer, has been pretty steady, though the average rauge, 18°, was perhaps greater than past months. The greatest daily range was on the 15th—range on that day being 24 °. Mean temperature of solar radiator thermometer (black bulb in vac) was 142 ° . Rbi-ative Humidity.—The past month was remarkably dry, mean humidity being 673, complete saturation being 1.000. The days when the aqueous vapour was smallest were 2nd, 4th, 10th, 17th, and only on the * 27th did it'approach anything near saturation. Daily average of a cubic foot of vapour, 5.257 | grains, ft Rain. —Rain fell on nine days. 'On the I 12th 0.01 fell, the smallest quantity for the ■ month.' On the 27th, 0.64, the greatest for ■ the month. Totnl being 1.31 inches. I Wind.—-The" quantity for the month has c been much less than past months,. the total 1 number of miles blown over being 8,016, at I *n average daily rate of J?58.5 miles. The

largest -mount registered was on the 30th,and fop smallest on the 31st. During the past tour months the amount of wind blown over from the various paints is as follows :— From N., 3,339 miles From S., 12,763 miles From W., 12,152 miles Making a total of 27,254. These quantities have been calculated from forces which have been parallel, and will serve as a triangle, from which may be computed the point of the compass, from which a con stant wind for this period has been waving. Nekton Obsebvatoby—lßsft. above Bea level. ; January 9, 1872.

BIRTH.

LYSNAR : On the Bth January, at Wakefield street, the wife of Mr. W. D. Lysnar, of a son.

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

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1872.

While we have heard so much and oft of the necessity for a People's Park in the Albert Barracks, it is a most remarkable thing that no agitation has hitherto taken place to give a breathing place to the large population located in the western parts of the city. Ear be it from us to express a word of envy, respecting the privileges enjoyed by those who have fixed their habita tions to the east of Queen-street. The Domain is really a noble place for promenade, with its thoroughly sylvan scenery and umbrageous retreats — delightful trysting place of lovers, and rendezvous for family parties, when Sundays and kolidays afford an oppor tunity of enjoying its shady, meander ing walks and purling brooks. Happy people of Parnell! who have such a pleasure ground at your very doors. But it is needless to say that to the dwellers beyond^Hobson street, and the regions round abput Ereeman's Bay, the Domain might as well be forbidden ground. The projected Park in the Barrack green will be something better in this respect; but for the large population in the west of the city, and the western suburbs, there is absolutely no provision of the kind, nor has public attention been directed to the subject, quite as if that most populous part of Auckland was undeserving of attention to its health and pleasure. And this has not occurred from any want of available ground for the purpose. There are large reserves, the property of the city, adjoining Ponsonby Road, that for picturesqueness of situation and salubrity cannot be surpassed, if actuallyequalled,inthe city. Command ing a magnificent view of sea and moun tain, overlooking the Erith of the Thames and the Pacific, the situation for a public park would be beautiful in the extreme ; while from the eleva tion of the ground it could not fail to be of the utmost benefit, for the health and recreation of all the residents in the western parts of the city. This is a work that eminently belongs to the City Council. It is true that at pre sent the predominance of power in the Council is on the side of Parnell and the eastern district; but we mistake the spirit of what is called jocularly the " Parnell clique," if they would allow such considerations to impede a great public good. There is not in or around the city so desirable a site for a large and beautiful park, and we trust the suggestion will not be allowed to die. „

A good notion of the manner in which business is done in Auckland might have been formed j. by J those who were present at the meeting of the so-called " Colonists' Pr otection League." The meeting was called for 2 p.m., but it was much nearer 3 when the few 'members assembled, who thought the grievance of farmers of sufficient magnitude to 'warrant them in leaving their private business to attend a meeting, having for its object the promotion of agricultural pursuits in the province. After all only five attended, and the business done was ia point of fact absolutely! nothing. The farmers do not appear to support the League, and the balance is on the wrong side of the ledger. We hear tliat Mr. Wm. Reynolds, junior, of Cambridge, has met with his death by a fall" from his horse. Notice is given that Mr J. Cater will in future keep his photographic studio open until 6 o'clock on Saturday evenings. j The transfer books of the Pride of Tokatea, \ Gold Mining Company, will be closed from j Thursday the 11th inst., until the following Monday, when a dividend will be payable. There is some liklihood of a telegraphic communication between Coromansl and the Thames. Mr. A. Sheath, Telegraph Inspector, left yesterday for the latter place for thr. pur pose of marking ontthe line of route to lay tho wires. At the Police Court yesterday, William and Bridget Lestrange were sentenced to 14 cays' hard labor, for stealing two hand-saws, valued at 65., the property of Charles Porter, store- : keeper of Barrack-street. A .charge against j John O'Connor for robbing Christian Lawson of 305., at the Oriental Hotel, was dismissed. An old man was brought up from the Old Men'sJßefuge, charged withbeiDg a lunatic. On the evidence of Drs. Hooper and Lee, he was not committed to the Asylum, as he was not pronounced insane.

An entertainment of a novel kind was given last evening, at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, by Mrs. Colclough, comprising a lecture by this well-knowd lady on " Strong Drink and its Victims," and a concert. fcho arrival of the mail prevented the attendance of the Orpheus Glee Singers, but several ladies gave their assistance, and executed pieces of music, vocal and instrumental, very creditably. The lec ture comprised a number of very vivid pictures of -the wretchedness and misery caused by drunkenness. The animated narrative was most effective, and she was repeatedly aps plauded. On the motion of Mr. Osmund Lewis a vote of thanks was given to Mrs- Col* clough by acclamation.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

THE CALEDONIAN.—MINE MANAGER'S REPORT.

The following is a copy of a telegram received from the Mine Manager:— " Jan. 9, 10,13 a.m. " I can see gold in the edge of specimen run. " Reef very large in bottom level. " No other change.

" S. E. Richards."

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

ACCIDENT BY DROWNING.

Grahamstown, 3 p.m.

George Ricketts, a youth aged 16 years, was drowned while bathing in the Kauaeranga Creek this morning. There is no mining news to-day.

THE SHARE MARKET.

j m lennox's bepoet.

The Bnaremarket continu.s quiet. Cale donians and Thames shares have a downward tendency. My sales comprise—Caledonians, £57 10s and £51; Thames, £14 17s 6d and £14 10s ; Pride of Tokatea, 6» 6d. Tookoy» were sold at £18 ; Nonpareil, £4 ss. Buyers Caledonian, £60 ; Thames, £14 ; Tookey, £18. Sellers—Caledonian, £51 ; Thames, £U 15b j Tookey, £19.

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.-YESTER DAY, (Continued).

Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Chief

Justice.

BOBBERY PEOM THE PEESON.

' Additional evidence having been taken in the case of Patrick Shine, and John Stevens, indicted for stealing £7 10s from Richard Briggs; the jury found aver ' diet of " Guilty," and his Honor sentenced Stevens to three, and Shine to four years' penal servitude.

THIS DAY.

STEALING FEOM A CTJTTEB

William King, sailor, 29, was indicted for having, on the 16th September last, stolen 500 lbs of flour, 1 lb butter, 1 lb candles, and one clock, tho property of Frederick Oliver, from the cutter Gleaner.

Prisoner applied to have his trial post poned until next sessions, as he had not been furnished with copies of the depo sitions;

The Crown Prosecutor stated that prisoner had been supplied with all re quisite information; and His Honor said that he could see no reason for putting off the case. It must, therefore, be proceeded with.

Frederick Oliver, master of the Gleaner, deposed that on the 16th September the cutter was lying off the end of the fire wood wharf. The cargo consisted princi pally of flour. [Witness was here severely rebuked by His Honor for not making himself audible. His Honor remarked that it was a singular thing that the master of a vessel could not make himself heard all over the Court. If he would not speak up, His Honor would disallow the whole of his expenses.] There were other articles on board as ship's stores; and when witness lext at 6 p.m. all was safe. On returning between 9 and 10, he found one of the hatches stove in, and the

articles enumerated in the indictment weremissing. Witness could not positively identify the clock produced ds that which had been stolen ; he had not seen prisoner near the vessel at the time the things were lost. John Sullivan, owner of the cutter, swore positively to the clock produced as being his property. Detective Jeffery deposed that he had obtained the clock from the house of a man named Goodwin. On charging prisoner with stealing the missing articles, he at first denied all knowledge of the affair; but he afterwards put some questions regarding the clock, and taxed witness with trying to keep him in gaol all his Louisa Smith recognised the clock as having been brought to her house by prisoner; he said he had bought it from a man for ss. She afterwards removed it to the house of a person named Good win, by direction of prisoner. After a retirement of about half-an hour, the jury found prisoner guilty. Sentence was deferred in order to afford him an opportunity of obtaining evidence as to character.

UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING-. James Saunders Gibbons was arraigned for having on 30th October inflicted cer tain grievous injuries on the body of one Munu Hori Grey. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr. Cooper. This was a case arising out of the war fare between Mr. Craig, and Mohi Maugakahia in regard to the removal of timber at Whangapoua. Munu Hori Grey, being examined through the medium of an interpreter, deposed that on the 30th October he was working at Mr. Harris' raft at Whanga poua. He was taking it from the Waitikuri to Harris' saw-mill. There were in all 21 on the raft, both Maori and European. On approach ing the mill, Gibbon's raft was also being "poled down the river towards Craig's mill. Gibbons was in a boat tow ing the raft. All the boats of Gibbons' party rowed towards the raft on which witness was, with the intention of taking possession of it. Mr Harris called to them to go back, but they would not. A dispute ensued and Gibbons' boat pushed off four times, but the rowers kept pulling it towards the raft. When witness was in the act of pushing the boat off, Gibbons struck him below the shoulder blade with the iron-shod end of his pole inflicting a severe wound.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY.

Before H. H. Turton, Esq., and— Hok Esq., Justices of the Peace. DETTNKENNESS. Two persons were dealt with as the law directs for the offence of intoxication. VAGBANCY.

James Kelly, alias John Jones, alias John Smith, was charged with tho offence of beg ging in a public street, to wit Queen street. The charge was proved by a person who had been importuned by the prisoner for money, and his character was deposed to by the police. Five previous convictions were scored against the prisoner, but he asserted strongly that he was never iv gaol in his life which he could prove by calling Mr Dunn, the Governor of tho gaol, if he was allowed. A witness called by the prisoner deposed to to his being a coal lumper and constantly in employment on board the different steamers. Sergeant Pardy reopened the case for the prosecution, and called another witness who deposed to his begging propensities. The Court sentenced him to seven days imprisonmen with hard labor. PUEIOU3 BIDIKG. Richard Nichalas ai)d Joseph Osborno pleaded guilty to furiously riding horses in Queen street, on the evening of the 29th ult. Fined 10s and costs. QUABBLLINO OVEB THE "WALL. James Mahoney pleaded not guilty to assaulting David Elliott, by striking him in the face with his clenched fist, on the 2nd inst, in Parncll. Mr. J. B. Russell appeared for the com plainant; Mr. Joy, L.L.8., for defendant. David Elliott, builder, tho proprietor of several houses in Parnell, deposed to defendant Striking him withou any provocation whatever. The complainant had caused his well to be cleaned out, and while ho was surveying the work the defendant cam* to him and asked for a jug of cold water, which was not refused, but conceded in a neighborly manner, upon which the defendant most unaccountably told him that he had as much right to the water from the well as he had, and even divested himself of his coat and assumed a threatening attitude. Complainant told him to leave his premises, or he would give him in oharge of a policeman. Complainant walked away to avoid any unpleasantness ; but, on returning, was assaulted by the defendant. He now fears bodily harm unless tho said defendant is restrained.

To Mr. Joy : No tenant was in possession of the houses to which the well belongs. He told defendant the day previously that he could not allow his tenants to go elsewhere for water whilo defendant, who was not a tonant, took water from tho well. One of his houses was let to a Mrs. Jones. If that party had given defendant any right to use the well, she had no authority to do so. -Margaret Roberts, a tenant of complainant's, ovorheard the defendant complain at Mr. Elliott refusing his daughtor a bucket of water the previous d*y. The defendant throw his jug down, and broke it, and took his waiscoat off, but she saw no blow struck. She had given Mrs. Mahoney leave to take water from tho well, but the woll was not in her yard, and she had no authority to do so. She was positive there was no striking. Barbara Sargent, also a tenant, saw the threatening attitude of the defendant, but did not witness the assault. She went away as she did not wish to be mixed up with any quarrelling. John McConnell, a neighbour, corroborated the foregoing. The evidence of these three witnesses ap peared to take the oounsel for the complainant by surprise. The Bench dismissed the case, and ordered each party to pay their own costs, and the defendant was advised for the future "to let the well alone." LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE NEIGHBOBS. John Pratt was charged with having unlawfully assaulted Mercy Ooyle at Mount Eden Road, on the same day as the previous assault occurred.

Mr. Joy, LL.B., for complainant; Mr. Boveridge for defendant. Another charge preferred by the daughter of the defendant against the complainant was also made.

From the evidence it appeared that the children of the parties concerned had been quarrelling, and it was taken up by the parents. Each of them now went in fear of grievious bodily harm being done by the other j

as a preventative to which the Court sentenced Pratt to pay a fine of ten shillings and costs, and ordered both parties to be bound over in £20, with two sureties of £10 each, to keep the peace for six months, each party paying their own costs in the second case.

This concluded the business,

OUR BIRTHDAY.

As intimated in our last issue, the Even ing! Stae yesterday entered on the third year of its existence. On a journal's birthday it is usual to take note of passing time, and we feel that there are special reasons why in the present case the custom should not be waived. It is said that at Seirra Leone, where death is the rule and the continuance of life the exception, sur vivors on anniversaries look on themselves as a species of curiosity ,and wonder how on earth it is that they are alive. We have some such feeling to-day as we look back at the past and reflect on the mor tality of journalism, The climate of Auck land is evidently an unhealthy one for literary effort, but thank goodness we enjoy rare health. We hare assisted in this city at the obsequies of the Auckland and Thames Leader ; the Morning Adver tiser the elder ; its offspring, the Morning Advertiser the younger ; its twin brother, tho News of the Day ; the Tomahawk and Motley, which died of laughing ; the father of the evening press of Auckland, the Evening News ; and its ambitious offspring the Morning News. We have also heard the bells to'l!ing for the departure of the Thames Times and the Coromandel Argus. All these have lived and died during the short period of two years, which has made up the term of our existence hitherto; being on an average almost one paper de funct for each two months: This is cer tainly a remarkable state of things, and we arc warranted to-day in congratulating ourselves that we have not fallen with the rest of them. During almost all this time we have been in troubled waters, with storms raging around us; and we have been threatened so often with de struction, that the prospect of annihilation at the hands of angry people has become familiar to us. The boisterous weather appears, however, to have acted on us as storms do on the oak; and we flatter ourselves that our interests have become all the more deeply rooted in the kindly feelings of our fellow-citizens, from the rough buffetings we have encountered. Every paper professes to be an " indepen dent journal"; but we think we have established a right to the title, if wo have not as some think, too much established tho right. We have not spared an abuse by whomsoever cherished ; and onejvory sub ject we have spoken with great plainness of speech. In this way we have offended many who would otherwise have been friends, but we have endeavored to pormit the claims neither of friendship nor of party to influence, when a cause required assistance, or a wrong demanded re sistance. We sincerely like to have friends, but wo want no friends, if by friendship we are supposed to close our eyes to folly or condone abuse. We wish to do injury to none, and no one ever suffers from our attack |who does not throw himself in the way when our lanco is levelled at abuse.

We desire to tender our very sincero thanks to our friends for the liberal and generous support we have received; and by continuing to pursue an unfettered and fearless course, wo shall endeavor to pre sent to citizens, what is often boasted of, but seldom attained, a journal thoroughly independent of clique and party.

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

Major Gordon has issued a notice to Volunteers, recommending the Company Representatives for the General Govern ment Prize Firing, to avail themselves of the opportunities to practise at the Rifle Range, for the match to be fired at the end of the month. The regulations referring to the match will be found in pages 8 and 9 of the General Government Prize Firing Regulations, 1872. The remaining stages of tho Rifle Match for the Silver Cup of His Worship's the Mayor, will be fired to-morrow morning, commencing at 6 o'clock. j

NONPAREIL GOLD MINING COMPANY.

Thi half-yearly general meeting of the shareholders in this company was held this afternoon at the Mechanics' Institute, Mr Wormall. chairman of Directors in the chair. There was a large attendance of share holders. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed, and the Mine Manager's Keport, when the Directors' Report and Balance Sheet were read as follows :— DIBEOTOBS' BBPOBT 808 THB KALE-VEABI/V GBNEBAB MEETING OB SHABEHOLDEBS. Your directors have muoh pleasure in sub mitting the prosent report to the shareholders, as the results of tho half-year have been satis factory, and the prospects for tho immediate future aro most encouraging. Rightly to estimate the present position'df the company, it is necessary carefully to re view the past five months. Tho present manager, on taking charge in August last, found tho work of the company being carriod on under considerable disadvantage, as the communications with the lower workings was so exceedingly inconvenient as greatly to im pede tho work, and involved several more hands being employed than would otherwise have been required. It was, therefore, decided in accordance with tha reeomondation of the manager, to cut a chamber and sink a winze at the junction of tho main tunnel and cross-cut, so as to raise the quartz from the lower workings more' expeditiously, and continue tho main tunnel direct to the Queen of Spain shaft, also, to sink the shaft one hundred feet below the adit level, so that tho operations of the company might be carried on systematically and economically. The Directors were en couraged to this action from tho expressed opinion of the Manager, confirming their own conviction, that the mine, so far from being nearly exhausted was in fact only commencing to develop its resources ; and that, if worked to the best advantage, it would certainly yield most satisfactory results. These works havo been pushed forward simultaneously with opening up and stoping out from the lower level. Although a large saving might havo been effected by stopping the work in this level until communication with tho shaft was established, yet it was deemed advisable, even with these disadvantages, to do the utmost to keep up the return of gold ; and tho statement circulated as to the original plan of workings, as designed by the present Board, having been since altered is quito incorrect.

Thus, since August, or in four months, besides the production of a large quantity of gold, a considerable amount of dead work has been done, comprising a chamber and winze to the lower workings (which is now being con tinued down to connect with the drive to be put in from the bottom of the shaft) ; a tunnel, 110 feet long, six feet x four feet in the clear, well and strongly timbered, and laid with iron rails i also, a chamber iv the shaft, twelve feet x eight feet. The shaft has been sunk one hundred feet; dimensions — eight feet X three and a-half feet, in three compartments, for pumping and winding; the whole securely timbered. During this time 2,237 tons of quartz have been raised and crushed, yielding 3,843 ozs. 14 dwts. 12 grs. of melted gold ; the addition to this of 612 ozs. 15 dwts., which was the gold iv hand mentioned at the last General Meeting, makes the total yield for the half-year 4,456 ozs. 9 dwts. 12 grs , which has realised £12 520 Is. lid. Three dividends have been paid, viz, Bs., 10a., 45., amounting to £6,270. Tli9 balance in hand at present is £1,552 9s. 2d. A contract has been entered into with Messrs. Masefield and Co. for con struction of machinery, consisting^ of a fourteen-horse power horizontal engine and Cornish boiler, together with the necessary winding-gear, at a cost of £635, the whole to ba delivered in two months from date of agreement. Tenders will be called for firing and erecting the plant on the Company • ground, which it is estimated will cost £500 ; tne whole is expected to be in working order by the end of March. Meanwhile, to avoid delay, a whip is in course of erection, which will enable the Manager to raise quartz from the lower block, which is rendered available by the sinking of the shaft. "The returns for the half-pear, viz., £12,520, must be highly satisfactory to the shareholders, especially as the arrangements now being made will enable the work to proceed without hin drance or unnecessary expense for the future. There are now known to be two well-defined payable reefs, beside a number of rich leaders distributed over the ground, which in the block now being opened up, will give a plenti ful supply of quartz, with tho probability of regular dividends, so that the Company's stock will compare favorably with any in the market for real value. With these remarks tho Directors submit their report to the share holders. RECEIPTS. §* I S H ° P ° L s. d. August 4 .. -. 612 15 0 1,727 12 6. September 2 .. 370 940 10 0 2,643 2 0 29 .. 529 1,403 10 0 3,952 19 10 October 27 .. CS2 853 0 0 2,381 510 November 27 .. 444 477 3 12 1,336 1 8 December 22 .. 212 109 11 0 478 19 7 2,237 4,450 9 12 12,520 111 Contractor's Deposits .. .. 15 0 0 Tailings „ Sundries from late Manager .. 1 10 0 L 12.547 11 10 EXPENDITURE. L S. d. Mine Account .. .. •• 783 3 7 £S ng " .7 .7 .7 isfo 'I 8° Advertising .. .. • • f* " o Dividends 6,20 » » Deposits Returned .. .. • • 10 0 0 Bank Overdraft from last Balance Sheet, paid 46 12 7 Balance carried forward .. .. l,ow » L 12.547 11 10 Audited and found correct, R. HoitNE, I Auditors H. Kirkwood, ) Auaitors- Mr E Macdonald Scott proceeded to criticise the balance-sheet, pointing out various amounts which he considered should be accompanied by some explana tion from the Directors, prior to its adoption by the meeting, when he was called to order by the Chairman. The motion for the adoption of the re port was then made and seconded, and Mr Scott continued his remarks at the same timo reading to the meeting his let ter to the same effect, which had appeared in the Cross. He thought that they should have some change in the management and complained of the present high rate of salary paid to the manager, namely, 81. A question was put to the chairman by one of the shareholders, as to who had raised the manager's salary from £6 per week. The chairman replied that the directors had done so after mature con sideration:

Several other questions were put to the chairman, but were declared out of order, and Mr Scott proceeded with his remarks, as he claimed to have possession of the chair.

The meeting was assuming a stormy character as we went to press.

THE MARKET DAY.

To the Editor of the Evening Stab.

Sib, —I hope the gentlemen who travelled arouud on Saturday will publish tho success, if any that attended their efforts to change the market day. By what I can learn they are inclined to let matters remain as they are,. as they rebuke they received from the respectable merchants and dealers of this city should bo a sufficient dose^of indignation to purge them of any remaining intention of meddling with or trying to undo what has bsen done by the voice of the people of Auckland, and rigidly upheld by the farmers of this part of the pro vince. Shame upon men who to accomplish their own miserly and comtemptable views go about canvassing for assistance in this niggardly work. What in the name of common reason do these men want ? Is it the happi ness and comfort of the farmers they study, or is it because thei* philantrophy is so great they like to See their fellow business men drive a paying trade on Saturday evening. Sir, it is nothing of the kind. They know that a half holiday i 3 almost universally established, and that they might lose the sale of a cigar or a yard of ribbon if the people turned out on Satnrday afternoon to enjoy themselves for a few hours before entering upon the duties of tho Lord's Day.

Sir, I hope the auctioneers will treat tho miserably signod potition with that contempt which it richely deserves, and not allow them selvas to be made tho dupes and tools of a few craven hearted individuals who would break throudh all laws justly established to satisfy their grubbing inclinations.

Justice,

COLONISTS' PROTECTION LEAGUE.

The monthly general meeting of this soceity was held yesterday afternoon at the British Empire Hotel, at half-past two o'clock. Present : —Messrs Albyn Mar tin (Chairman), E Maclean, Major Walms ley, S Kempthorne, and II S Andrews, Esq., Secretary. Mr Kompthorno, the treasurer, said there was a balance in hand of £2 12s 6d, but the Serald's account of upwards of L 3, was as yet unpaid. Various corres pondence was then read, among which was one from Mr John Wallace, expres sing his wish of retiring from the Agricul tural League. He thought mistakes had

been made, and the loud cry of " protec tion" was raised before the Society was a sufficiently influential position to sup port it. Mr Andrews alluded to a .motion made in the House by Mr. Ham bin with A\ie view of preventing the introductiojn of of disease among sheep and cattle,f expressed his astonishment that se of their members should have been ii, v House and not recorded their vote. V . Maclean explained that on the first reading of the motion, Mr. |Hamlin was unavoid ably absent. Afterwards it had been again placed on the paper, but the Go vernment appeared te be against it, and it was always put far down on the list. The members present had given up the idea of its possibly coming on the night it did. They were consequently not pre pared, and were out of the way when it came on. Mr. Andrews considered they ought to have been present, and that as they had been elected to represent the country they were merely shirking their duty, and the electors ought'to know it. _ After some desultory conversation in regard to the subject of some of the letters which advocated protection, to the state of the funds, and the action of the com mittee as to the preparation of a pro gramme, which it appeared had been interfered with by the intervention of the Christmas holidays, Mr Andrews observed that he had expected that they would have required suchanaccession of strength in the beginning of 1872 as really to have warranted them in publishing a newspaper to represent the agricultural interests. The local papers seemed to be merely trying to achieve a commercial success. The country correspondents were badly selected, and almost every one of their reports was followed by letters complaining of their inaccuracy. He thought that much of the agricultural depression arose from this.- Mr Maclean said he quite agreed with Mr Andrews. The various suggestions made by some of the papers in regard to the alteration of tactics on the part of the farmers were then commented on unfavourably. Mr Andrews thought that a small weekly periodical might be printed at the office of one of the existing Auckland news papers. He thought it would be a good. thing to call a large meeting for the purpose of discussing the question of what was really meant by the mythical terms " Free Trade " and " Protection. The meeting then lapsed for want of a quorum.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE

Last night one of the best comedies that has been played in Auckland for a very long while was produced at this theatre. Miss Surtees made her debut before an Auckland audience in the character of Lottie Grant, in thesparkling comedy of the " Two Hoses." She sustained her part in a most admirable manner, and is really a very charming and entertaining artiste. Her acting exceeds anything we have yet seen in Auckland. Mr Mor ton Tavares appeared as Mr Digby Grant, a gentleman. It was a splendid pourtrayal. Mr Joyce appeared well as an attorney named Farnival, Mrs Walter Hill, Mr and Mrs H. N. Jones, Mr South, and Mrs Keogh sustained their parts ad mirably.- The piece is excellently mounted and. the manner in which it is placed upon the stage, reflects great credit on the management.

BABY AMY.

By Lancelot Booth.

Baby Amy's calmly sleeping In her basket cradle there j Loving mother watch is keeping O'er her darling baby fair j Sunny smiling, joyous weeping ! Sure the angels bright above, With that mother, watch are keeping O'or her pledge of wedded love. Little Amy's sweetly dreaming, In her infant, baby way, That with cherubs brightly beaming She's sngaged in angel's play : Flying, sweeping, speediug, soaring Through rare dreamland's magic space; <md her tiny throat is pouring Baby songs with childish grace. Baby Amy, tired of playing With the angels in her sleep, Opes her blue eye 9, as tho' saying, " At mamma I'll havo a peep." Laughing, crowing, tossing, throwing Chubby arms in happy glee ; Chuckling, suckling, ail so knowing ; " Who would not a baby be." Baby Amy, little creature! Tiny fashioned living toy ! Innocence in every feature — Father's pride and mother's joy. She no trouble knows, nor Borrow ; May they ever strangers be : Bright to-day and bright to-morrow — May her life all brightness be. Baby Amy ! dream on, slumber : Childhood is the sweetest life— Hours ol pleasure without number ! Be thou happy, maid or wife. And, as now , thou'rt calmly sleeping, May the angels bright above Round thee always watch be keeping-— Loving, loved, naught else but love. Sunny smiling, joyous weeping! Sure the angels bright above Will with mother watch be keeping O'er her pledge of wedded life.

The JSruec Standard, speaks of a farmer who refused to pay for his admission to the Agricultural Show at Tokomaiairo in the following terms :—" We had the mis fortune, on the day of the Show, to notice an instance of narrow-mindedness and illiberality on the part of a farmer who occupies and owns land not a hundred miles from Milton, which surprised and disgusted us ; and we can only hope such, a spirit does not exist to any extent a-1 mongst this class of the community. Iffr it did, we should altogether despair of* the futuro progress of agriculture in this | locality. This would be-farmer—will it j be believed P objected and refused to pay the single shilling at the gate, on the ground that the Committee of the Show could not legally compel him to pay, the Kecreation Ground being for the free use of the public. Without in any solitary instance contributing a farthing to support these shows, this person, whom, we pre sume, entitles himself a farmer, would yet, on a mere quibble, take advantage of the energy and liberality of others by witness ing the result of their efforts for nothing.

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY., JANUARY 9, 1872

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NOTICE. RJ YATES begs to inform the residents '• of Parnell and the public generally, that after the Ist day of January, 1872, the business now being carrried on by Me Thomas Waters will be taken by him, when he trusts that by strict attention to business, keeping goods of the very best quality, and selling at a reasonable profit, to merit the same support as his predecessor. IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many year?, the undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to all those who have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same liberal support will be given to his successor (Me B J Yates), whose long experience in the Grocery trade will enable him to give the fullest satisfaction to all who may become customers of his. THOMAS WATERS. HANDSOMELY ~ BOUND BOOKS POE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, AT E.WAT T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, 100, Queen street. A liberal discount to the trade and schools. J CATER (late Ceombie's), ROYAL • PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public generally that he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crornbie; and having secured the services of Mr Crombie's late Manager, he feels warranted in stating that they will receive every civilty and attention, as well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J. C. also wishes to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children. IMPORTANT NOTICE. THE most inveterate case of Diarrhcea, Dysentery, English and Asiatic Cholera, may be speedily cured by using De. Copfin's botanic remedy, the Anti> choleea Powdees, as prepared and sold by H. BRITTAIN, Chemist and Medical Herbalist, 65, Victoria f street, corner of Chapel street, Auckland.