SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 5.57 SUN-RISE: To morrow morning, 6.1C HIGH WATER: This evening, 7.11; to-morrow morning, 7.31

ARRIVALS.

Columbia,, schooner, McLeod, from Poverty Bay Corido. barque, from Newcastle Merlin, schooner, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

Go-ahead, s.s., McGillivray, for Wellington Don, cutter, for Mercury Bay Excelsior, schooner, for Wangapoa and Dunedin Lalla Rookh, p.s.. for Ohinemuri Clyde, schooner, or Wangarei

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Wellington: Luna, Government steamer, to- P morrow For Southern ports : Taranaki, s.s., Monday/-.. For Napier : Esther, schooner, to-morrow For Honolulu and San Francisco Nebras)^, mail steamer, 17th April For Northern ports: Rowena, s.s., Tuesday next For Sydney and Melbourne: /<Vonga. Wonga, s.s., early .- For Hobart Town : Bella Mary, barque, Monday next For Cork : Moss Glen, barque, early For Newcastle : Briton, barque, to-morrow For Monte Video : H.I.M.S. Vettor Pisani, 4th April

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Edinburgh Castle, ship, from London. Sailed 29th •December Parsee, ship, from London. Sailed 12th January Agra, ship, from London. Sailed Zanga, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed Dauntless, schooner, from South Sea Islands Satellite, cutter, from Levuka Ladybird, s.s., from Sydney (in the Mannkau) W. C. Wentworth, barque, from Sydney Wonga Wonga, s.s., Brown, from Sydney Velocidade, barque, from Lyttelton. Sailed 24th March Thames, barque, from New York,'via Sydney. Loading Alice Cameron, barque, from Sydney Mariner, schooner, from Lyttelton, Sailed SOth March Moss Glen, barque, from Nelson, Sailed 20th March Nebraska, mail steamer, from Honolulu East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th December '

The connecting steamer left San Francisco for Honolulu with the mails for New Zea land on the sth inst. The Nebraska having sailed from here on the 20th ult., would be waiting her arrival at Honolulu. Supposing the Nebraska to have left again on the 14th inst., she may be looked for here to-morrow .or Sunday. She will leave again for Napier and the South shortly after arrival. The schooner Clyde left this afternoon for Wangarei. . The Vice-Admiralty suit, in which Mr F. Dunn, lately master of the steamer Albion, claimed a lien on the vessel for wages and disbursements, and which has been before the Court for nearly two years, turned up again yesterday. Mr Dunn was' master of the vessel when she was owned by Mr J. C. . Hoyt, who carried on a business in China and Japan. One Sunday morning, when. Mr Dunn was at church at Yokohama, the vessel was taken out of the harbor and brought to New Zealand. There was then a large sum due to the captain for wages and for advances to the owner, and in order to recover the money he came to Melbourne in search of the steamer. He arrived here on the 11th Feb : ruary, 1871, but the Albion had been regis tered in New Zealand as belonging to MrH. Hoyt, brother of the owner, who claimed under a mortgage for a large sum. The Albion came here in May, 1871, and she was immediately seized by the Marshall of the Vice Admiralty Court, at the instance of Mr Dunn. Then followed a commission to Japan to examine witnesses, and the cause did not come on for decree till September, when an order was made referring it to the registrar to take an account of the wages and disburse ments due to the captain. The registrar re ported that there was a large sum owing, but on appeal to the judge, Sir William Stalwell, the amount was reduced to £440. On the taxation of costs that followed the decree the ,-. promoter asked for £1971 costs. The master disallowed £781 of the claim, and against his decision both the promoter and the respond ent appealed. The latter contended that a Hum given to the captain for compensation and expenses since 1871 was uncalled for, as the promoter was not a necessary witness ; he was not bound to come from Japan, nor was he bound to stay here. The amount allowed for compensation, 250 dollars (about £56) per month, was excessive. For the pronioter it 'was contended that he was obliged to follow the steamer so as to obtain payment of his debt ; that he was obliged to stop here till the suit was heard, so as to give evidence ; »nd that the rate allowed him was only what he was receiving when the vessel Was taken from him. He also contended that the •taxing-master had improperly deducted about £700 from his costs— being the passage money te had paid from Japan, and his claim for; compensation while waiting for the ship-to come to Melbourne. Sir William Stawell re served his decision.—Melbourne Argus, 28th ■ultimo. '.■ _'. ■ ■ ■■ ..-■,, The schooner Opotiki will leave on Mon day for Opotiki. ■ , ■ The Italian corvette Vettor Pisani is re ceiving her coal from the hulks by-means of lighters. She will leave for Monte Video on the 3rd proximo. -~',- • v rhes.s. Southern Cross arrived at Tauranga attwo o'clock this morning from Auckland. The favourite trader Bella t. Mary is finotfriced to leave for Hobart Town on Jonday next. .. .. 1 The Government steamer Luna left yester- ' lay morning for the Manakau. The barque Corrido arrived in harbour this afternoon from Newcastle with 36»2,t0ns of coals after a tedious passage of one month. The steamer Lalla Bookh left this morning with the hon. Defence Minister, 'Mr Mackay, and several native chiefs on a visit to Ohine muri.

The schooner Columbia ; has' reported at the Customs from Poverty Bay withl6o sacks grass seed, 20 horses, and 10 hides, from Poverty Bay. " ' ' ' ' ' '"■,!'''. The schooner Merlin arrived this afternoon with a cargo of coal from Russell The cutter Vincent has cleared for Tauranga with a general cargo. , The schooner Fairy has cleared for Wan garoa with a small cargo. The coal hulk Cantero has been placed upon1 the beach off Custom House-street for the purpose of cleanirig her bottom and repairing her copper. s

COMMERCIAL.

In consequence of the wet the sales to-day were but thinly attended. Mr; Arthur sale of fowls realised from ls 4d to 2s 6d each ; ducks, Is 7d to 2s Id ; turkeys, 2s lOd to 3s Id ; potatoes, 3s 6d to 5s ; onions, Id Canter bury bacon, 9d.

MINING.

The following are the current call and dividends payable In the companies named .below :— £, a. eg ' . DIVIDEND, , '~.., Tokatea ~ ... — Mrch 28 , . OAU.B "'AY; Golden Eagle .. 00 2 April ' 9 "" Flagship & Golden Anchor 10 April 9 Golden Calf .. .. 0 16 April 9 Vulcan .... 010 April 9 El Dorado .... 010 A>ril 9 Aurora .. .. 010 April 9 Golden Spur.. .. 00 3 April 9 VonMoltke.. .. 00 3 April 9 Sappo. 0 0 1 April 9, Key of Tokatea .. 00 3 April 9 Van . .. ~ 00 6 April 12 Thames Gas.. ... 02 6 May 1 . MEETINGS. *>!» °°™to. °«cc, Auckland, 8 P.M., 81«t March.,

Golden Age, Company's office, Shortland street, Auckland, 2 p.m., 31st March Yon Voltke, Coromandel, 2nd April Lucky Diggers, Messrs Russell and Devore's office, Shortland street, Auckland, at 11 a.m., Sth April Moanatairi Union, Mr F. A. White's office, Shortland land street, Auckland, 3 p.m., Sth April Daughters of Freedom, Grahamstown, 14th April Bee, Grahamstown, 15th April Nolans Candlelight, No 1, 41, Insurance Buildings, Auokland, 3pm.. 21st April Margftretta, Mr A. A. Browne's office, Wyndham street, Auckland, 3 p.m., 23rd April Bank of New Zealand. Bank, noon. 24th April

CHIEF POST-OFFICE. AUCKLAND.

Man.a wim. Close as Under :■— For Thames, this day, at 6,30. For Mahurangi, Matakana, Waipu, &c, per Lady Bowen, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per s.s., Taranaki, on Monday next. 31st inst., at 9 a.m. For Napier and Southern provinces, per Nebraska, six hours after her arrival. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Rowena, on' Mo.uday, 3lst inst., at 3 p.m. I,c>r \<hitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, on Tuesday, Ist April, at 3 p.m. For Kawau, Wangarei, and Waipu, por Lady Bowen, on Tuesday, Ist April, at, 3 p.m. Notk. -A Post-office will be opened in Wangaroa Harbour on Ist proximo, to be named " Wangaroa." The office known hitherto as " Wangaroa " will in future be called " Kaio." The Ruato office will retain its present name. (Signed) S. B. Bias, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Salter.—At her residence, Baker street, Auckland, on the 25th March, the wife of Edmund James Salter, of a daughter.

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1873.

around

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance,

And the good that we can do

How many a possible industry is lying undeveloped in our midst it is quite unnecessary for us to say. But in what way it is possible to rouse up the dormant energies of those who could and ought to lead in such development we plead utterly unable to discover. The want of flagstones and of good building stone at the present time is a fresh if not a striking illustration in point. The City Council are actually ; unable to obtain a supply of stone for pavement from a province which has unlimited supplies of the finest of stone, not in , unknown and inaccessible districts, hut on gpots well known and almost literally by the water's edge. We are so repeatedly told that we are afflicted with a plethora of wealth that we are bound to believe it, however personal experiences and observation of what is proceeding around may prompt to doubt it. But if it is so it is really melancholy to note how enterprises that seem to promise good investment, and would beyond question give an impulse to progress and pro mote the general welfare are left in abeyance,' merely because capital will not/venture saye on paths known to be secure from having been trodden before. The demoralization that has been produced by the mining mania will probably be our bane for many a year, and capital that has had the prospect—often illusory enough—of a thousand per cent., turns scornfully away from an humble five or ten or twenty per cent., the chances of which are presented by legitimate and honest enterprise. Doubtless such returns, would be acceptable enough if any one could give that positive guarantee which it appears capital demands in this part of the jearth ■ before it will venture to trust itself out into this wicked world in quest of recuperative investment. It will go to any extent in the. path which has been well beaten, however chimerical and visionary the prospect of its lever again returning to the bosom of its owner, and if a bit of golden quartz is smelt afar it will rush like a flock of sheep, unreasoning and impetuous, into the pitfall. Of this tendency it appears to be some what cured, but the fright, instead of inducing it to turn in new directions, has merely made it snail-like gather itself into its own shell and go to j sleep. We have instanced the simple j case of our undeveloped stone quarries, ' but this is only one of many. One of the finest of quarries was found some time ago at the Thames,, and attracted

some attention. The interest appears to have died out, and the quarry we be lieve has.'now gone a begging. The stone at Mangawai would also, we understand, soon enter into large consumption if capital would only come forward to develop it, aud reap all the advantages. While besides these known means of supplying the present want, there are countless other sources of supply that would immediately make themselves known if the : lerest prospect was attainable of their being taken up and turned to good account. What is true of stone is true of coal, the province seeming as if it were one vast coalfield; while the repeated dis coveries of oil springs within the legitimate range of Auckland capital, could not have been announced in any other part of the world without awakening deep interest and prompt ing vigorous efforts for their develop ment. With us, and we say it with regret, if such an enterprise were taken up it would be merely with the main object of drawing in shareholders and making dupes of them. If the enterprise succeeded, aud became pro fitable, well and good. But this would not be the source of profit looked to by the promoters. If an oil spring, or a coalfield, or a quarry, is placed before the public, it is not the oil, nor the coal, nor the stones that will be regarded as the golden egg, but it must be laid by^the affrighted and excited public when subjected to the bulling and the bearing of the stock market. Such is the legacy that we have inherited from our goldfield. Not only is the commercial conscience sered ay with a hot iron, but legitimate enter prise is damned. Whether or not the coming monetary war which is likely to arise among the banking corpora tions will have any effect in reviving legitimate enterprise remains to be seen. But if such result arises we should raise our hands and bless the new National Bank, for the impulse given would not, in it 3 good results, be confined to the new arrival, but would vivify and bless the old-established institutions,and shower blessings on the whole people. The craving after unhealthy excitement has long been baleful to our commer cial system, and the present pros tration of our gold mining interests, and the consequent depression of business may yet prove fraught with good in putting an end to the un natural and unhealthy craving for speculative investments, and compelling attention to the countless legitimate resources that are lying every where

It is greatly to be desired that the present negotiations opened between the committee of the Mechanics' Institute and the City Im-

provement Commissioners may lead to satis actory results. In order to carry out the contemplated improvements the site of the Mechanics' Institute would be very'desirable so as to open up a new street, while the same site is very far from being the most eligible for the purposes of the Mechanics' In stitute. Of course the Commissioners could do without the site of the Mechanics' Institute, bub not so well ; and the mem bers of the Institute could continue to hold their 'meetings and have their reading-room and library in the present situation, but certainly not with so great advantages as if the establishment were more centrally and suitably located. In such circumstances an arrangement of a friendly and fair character might be made if both parties bear in mind that their several objects are exactly identical, namely, the benefit of the public. Negotiations have been already opened which it is needless to say are only of a preliminary character, as the committee of the Institute will not presume to make any arrangement without the advice and concurrence of the members of the Institute. The suggestions, so far, are on the basis that neither party should have any advantage over the other, but that the Institute might be placed in similar circum stances, but in a different locality. That is to say that the Commissioners should give an equally good site else where, to be mutually agreed upon, and pay to the Institute a sum of money sufficient to erect similar buildings on the new site. In such suggestions it is not contemplated that similar buildings should be actually put up, but that the cash received should be made the nucleus of a fund to be increased by subscription to an amount sufficient to erect buildings worthy of the institution and of the city. If this idea is entertained by the Commissioners ib will be the duty of the committee to call a meeting of the subscribers to the Mechanics' Institute and obtain their views on the subject; whereupon, if favourable, an Act of Council sanctioning the disposal of the property with this object would require to be obtained. The idea is one that deserves success. The Improvement Commissioners would be assist ing in a legitimate way in the promotion of the erection of a building that would really be a " city improvement," and the change might be made the basis for instituting a '' Free Public Library," which is generally regarded as being one of the greatest desiderata of the city.

It is a matter of common remark with the outside public that all cases where persona are charged with any infringement of one or other of our City by-laws, which we presume are not infallable, are invariably brought under the special notice of His Worship the Mayor on the days that His Worship occu pies his >seat on the Bench, i do not say that this evident fact has aught to do with the justness or otherwise of His Worship's decisions in relation to straying cows and other pet animals who have a strange liking for liberty, and are not so obedient to the by laws as they ought to be ; but it is singular, people say, that in cases of imperfect spouting, extended grating, and what may be enumerated in the category of industrial offences, should come under the jurisdiction of His Worship the Mayor. It may be that His Worship is the best judge in such cases, and the most fitted to adjudicate in matters connected with the laws which he has had a hand in framing. I

A shocking accident occurred in the tunnel of the Christchurch and Lyttelton railway last evening. The night watchman feU asleep while on duty, and had his head cut off by one of the late trains passing through.

We most cordially endorse the sensible suggestion offered "in the following letter relative to the addresses of telegrams ; and we very respectfully commend it to the notice of the telegraph authorities now sitting in consultation. The charge for the address of a telegram is thoroughly illustrative of a penny wise and pound foolish way of doing business, and better charge fourfold for the signature and let the address go free. We thank our correspondent for his timely and sensible suggestion. —"Sir, — As the General Manager of the New Zealand Telegraph Department is now in Auckland I take this opportunity of offering, through your columns, a suggestion which, if acted on, will greatly expedite the delivery of private messages. ft is this : That the system of charging for the address of the receiver be done away with (as has been done in England and in the Australian colonies); and instead of charging for this most necessary part of the message every sender be requested to give the names and address of the receiver as fully as possible. This will obviate many an hour's delay, not only to those whose addresses are little known, but to the messengers, who are often wandering from street to street, seeking for the rightful owner of a message. I may mention that I know that this regulation had to be adopted _in England simply to get rid of the piles of messages which were accumulating in the offices. To further prove the truth of what I suggest I enclose a message received last week from a neighbouring province, which was exactly eighteen days delayed by the alteration of one letter in tlie address. For my part I would rather see the rate for ten words raised to ls 3d, and the address taken free of charge.—l am, etc., J."

A correspondent under the signature " Harmony" observing in our advertisement the announcement of "musical type" writes inquiring what kind of type that is, and what musical selections it is capable of playing. We have submitted "Harmony's" letter to the printer who 'set the announcement. He states in reply that the type in question has more music in it than all the Choral Societies and sacred harmonic societies in existence. Its performances are equally perfect in expressing the grand compositions of Handel and Bee thoven, the florid music of Verdi, or the simple ballads of England. " Champagne Charlie," and "Up a tree," come as natural to this musical phenomenon as " The Messiah "or "Judas Maccabeus." He in forms us that in its every movement this type expresses some note, with an accuracy unattainable by tlie most finely tuned instru ment. We were prepared to abuse the printer for his stupidity in transforming "music type " into " musical type," but his explana tion being ingenious, if not altogether satis factors, we leave him to "Harmony." !?-The window of the N.Z A. and CS. fruit depot, in Queen-street, has been quite an attraction to-day owing to the line display of prize fruit and vegetables from the late Horticultural Show.

Mr Alfred Anderson will, we believe, play the voluntaries at St. Paul's Cathedral on Sunday morning. The ferry steamer Takapuna having been laid up for the usual quarterly inspection by Mr Nancarrow, the Government Engineer in-Chief, the opportunity has been taken for overhauling her machinery, and making some small alterations and amendments. She will be on the service again by the first trip to-morrow morning; but this taking her off the service for a necessary purpose affords convincing proof of tlie absolute necessity for the second boat which the company is proceeding to build. Although the Takapuna is doing the largest share of the traffic, in opposition to two rivals, it is clear that she must have a sister boat to meet all the requirements of the trade. This she will have before the dead of the winter. The legal manager and shareholder of tlie past and present may with much propriety say with Byron, in his dissatisfied moments :

I —"A change came o'er the spirit of my dream." But perhaps the most melancholy of sharebroking associations is a gold mine meeting where there is no gold. Such a meeting, which once possessed imaginary charms, seems dwindling into the cobweb regions of antiquity. It is now quite a formal affair. A cluster of three, four, and sometimes live individuals meet in an office ; two sit opposite each other, separated by a narrow table strewn with essential docu ments. These are the legal manager and secretary, while the two gentlemen in white hats, leaning across the counter, are the lin gering directors. If a sufficient number of shai'es are represented by the solemn conclave, the directors' report and balance-sheet are read in an inaudible voice, and confirmed, but if otherwise the meeting lapses for want of a quorum. The meeting at most is not a wearisome business, ten or fifteen minutes and all is over. In the twinkling of an eye the office is left voiceless, the legal manager and directors are at one bound on the borders of busy life, and you listen to the sound of their footsteps with melancholy feelings as they die out of the solitudes of the Exchange, and are lost in the distance.

Miss Carrie Emanuel and Mr Alfred An derson, pianist to H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, have been tendered a grand complimentary benefit on Saturday, underthe patronage of his Excellency Sir G. A. Arney, :the Hon Colonial Treasurer, II Conte iGuiseppe di Lovera Maria, commandant ; .Marquis La Via, second in command ; and ( the officers of H.I.M.S. Vettor Pisani ; Captain Challis and the officers of H.M.S. Ilosario, and His Worship the Mayor. The concert will take place in the Choral Hall. Miss Emanuel and Mr Anderson will be assisted on the occasion by Madame and Mr Winter, and Mons de. Lias,. violinist. This is announced as positively the last occasion on which Miss Emanuel and Mr Anderson will appear in Auckland, so that those who have not yet heard these talented artistes should not miss the oppor tunity. An excellent and varied programme has been prepared for the occasion.

We have received the following letter signed " Non Liber " with reference to the proposed road off Symonds-street:—To the Editor of the "Evening Star.— -"Sir, in refer ence to the action of the Auckland Improve ment Commissioners in continuing the present street known as Domain - street to Symonds-street I learn they, are likely to be frustrated by the action of the Superinten dent who has, in carrying out a resolution of ,the Provincial Council to set aside two acres for a Grammar School, laid out a street opposite Abercroinbie-street siitysix feet wide, adjoining the propery known as Sinclair's. As this street (if street it is to be) will be a very costly one to make, and also very" steep, the public ought to know why it is laid out in this position regardless of the wishes of the Commissioners or of any body but those likely to be very well affected thereby."—[We do not doubt that this sub ject will be the better of ventilation, and we therefore willingly give the foregoing inser tion, and shaD be happy to invite a state ment of pros and cons on the subject.]

A Hokitika paper lepras " that those parts of Reefton which were formerly among the busiest of the thoroughfares, are now be coming deserted, and that to use the words of a correspondent,—' The place is like a city of the dead.'" This does not say much for the reefing country that was to dim the fame of the Thames.

There are many scenes happening after ! dark in Queen-street which home-loving, suburban people can take no cognizance of— scenes which are only of service in filling up a picture for the study of the moralist and the pen of some colonial Dickens. One of these scenes occurred last night between the hours of eight and nine o'clock, in front of the fancy emporium of Mr Shortt, hair dresser, which attracted a large number of gaping, unsympathising people. The shop of our perfumer has the advantage of many other shops in having several magnificent lamps in his window, which throw a bright light upon the pavement and far out into the road, consequently it frequently happens that persons linger in the light of the bar ber's shop for the purpose of dealing out a little scandal, reading love-letters, looking at notes, and seeing each other's, faces. On this very spot at the time before-mentioned, ' stood Mr S., who had lost his wife for some | days, and who was wondering, poor man, if j he would ever meet that faithless face again. | While thus musing, up comes Mrs S. with | the formidable rival, "Adelaide Jack," of pugilistic notoriety, by her side. Mrs S. had been visiting a garden, and had brought with her a bouquet of autumn flowers which she held in her hand. i She looked rather winning in the light !of the hair-dresser's shop, under the i small, fashionable hat and dubious feather. j s } the jilted husband, started at the ! sound of the once-loved voice with the glow of forgiveness upon his wan countenance, when that strange, unloveable conglomera tion of the elements of morally-deformed manhood dealt out upon the person of poor S a ferocious and unwarrantable foot dig behind, and to the surprise of the crowd who witnessed the assault Mrs S clung closer to the aggressor. She then waved her bouquet in the damp air at what she conceived to be a triumph worthy of a wife's special re cognition, walked off at a brisk pace, hang ing on Jack's arm, and left her prostrate and astonished husband to the care of a police constable, the inclemency of the weather, and the rays of the perfumer's shop.

The total number of shares in the National Bank of New Zealand that have been applied for in this colony is 41,750, and the number of applicants is 876. In Wellington, 140 persons have applied for 4,500 shares. The applications are considerably in excess of the number which it was decided to issue in the colonies, and are indicative of the confidence which the monied portion of the public have in the undertaking. Allotment letters are in preparations, and will be out in a few days. Tlie issue reserved for the colonies is one-third of tlie 100,000, two-thirds being issued in London.—Wellington Post-

An amateur etheopian concert was given last evening at the Devonport Hall, by the Devonport Minstrels, aud notwithstanding tlie miserable weather there was a full house. We were pleased to notice a great improve ment in the singing and music rendered by the members of this troupe, the sentimental songs and choruses in the first part being very well sung, especially "Mother kissed me in my dream," by Mr W. Bond. The bones and tambourine (Messrs Marks and Wynyard) caused a great deal of laughter and applause by their jokes and conundrums. In the second part a concertina solo by Mr Matthews was encored, as was also a dance by MrHanken ; and a comic song (" She was just about the age)," by Mr Heath. The farce of "Talent let Loose" concluded the second part. The third part commenced with the ballad, "Take me back home," by Mr Bond, which was very well received, as was also a local sons by Mr H. Nicol, and a comic song by Mr Wynyard. The song and dance " Kell the Belle," by Mr Marks, was loudly applauded and encored ; the whole conclud ing with the laughable farce of " The Echo," which brought a very pleasant evening's amusement to a close. Mr Cullimore was pianist and conductor, and greatly con tributed to the success of the entertainment.

Tlie following testimony to the excellence of the Nelson system of education is given by the Roman Catholic Bishop Moran:—"l desire publicly to acknowledge the liberality and the justice of the people of Nelson. Although the system is not one of which I entirely approve, still, looking to the fact that this is a mixed community, it is one I can work and co-operate with, because, con sidering tlie manner in which it is adminis tered, it is a fair and just compromise under existing circumstances. The Church can never approve of any system under whichfthe Catho lic children are entirely removed from the control of the clergy, but if the other provinces ol New Zealand will only deal as fairly and justly with the Catholics as the Nelson people have done, my voice will sel dom be heard on this subject."

The cricket match, Auckland v. Thames, resulted in a victory for the Thames men by forty-one runs. The weather was wretched, and the game cannot be accepted as fairly representing the capabilities of the players on the respective sides.

There is stationed about midway up Grey street on the left hand side a ladder painted red. It is about sixteen feet in length and contained once twenty-three spokes. It has now nearly half that number, although some of these are broken in two or rotten, the only sound ones being those adjacent to the four iron rods or bolts that keep the ladder to gether. In some parts of the ladder there are four spokes in succession deficient, leaving an almost insurmountably chasm. In addition to these trifling infirmities the ladder is slightly bent sideways with age, or with constantly hanging in one positioij and being unable t,o carry its owii weight. Upon making en quiries as to the duties this ancient and dilapidated specimen of the ladder tribe, was expected to fulfil, ; we were informed that it was intended to be used in cases of emergency for the preservation of life from fire. This is glorious news indeed, and should its services ever be brought into requisition we should have a lively illustration of the old proverb " but of the frying pan into the fire." Let that ladder be superannuated without delay, or in the cause of humanity we may be tempted to either set fire to it or cleave it in twain.

A musical concert will shortly be given in aid of the funds towards a school at Dedwood, in connection with the church of All Saints. This benevolent project has special claims on the sympathies of those who feel an interest in the spread of sound educational principles. Dedwood is daily rising in local importance, and promises to become one of the most populous of surburban districts, and very naturally its juvenile population extends in numbers. The All Saints' Sunday-school, in point of usefulness under the judicious management of Mr Hammond and a few helping friends, has been a success. The number of children in regular attendance average one hundred, and in order that its sphere of usefulness may be widened the friends feel the necessity of wider accommo dation. For some time past they have been making strenuous efforts towards the accom plishment of their design, and we trust by innocent and pleasurable means they may gather sufficient funds to realise their long contemplated Dedwood school-house.

The Good Templars opened a lodge last evening in the Freemasons' Hall, Cwen street, Grahamstown, by Brothers Chatwin and. Cole.

The cause list \t the District Court was disposed of within the space of half^m-hoßl'. Several of the cases were adjourned m con sequence of the absence of the litigants. Judgment was given against a number ot defaulting shareholders in gold mining companies in consequence of the non payment of their calls. A case in which great interest was taken was not gone into, the parties agreeing to settle the matter amicably between them. This case referred to the forcibly taking water from the stand pipes on the wharf for other than drinking purposes, and was settled by the defendant s solicitor conceding to pay damages and all costs of the action.

To people of statistical rather than a sentimental turn the mathematics of marriage in different countries may prove an attractive theme of meditation. It is found that young men from fifteen to twenty years of age marry young women averaging two or three years older than them selves, but if they delay marriage until they are twenty or twenty-five years old, their spouses average a year younger than them selves ; and henceforth this difference steadily increases, till in extreme old age on the bridegroom's part it is apt to be enormous. The inclination of octogenarians to wed misses in their teens is an every-day occurrence ; but it is amusing to find in the love-matches of boys that the statistics bear out the satires of Thackeray and Balzac. Again, the husbands of young women aged twenty and under average a little above twenty-five years, and the in equality of age diminishes thenceforth, till for women who have reached thirty the res pective ages are equal; after thirty years women, like men, marry those yunger than themselves, the disproportion in creasing with the age, till at fifty five it averages nine years. The greatest number of marriages for men take place between the ages of twenty and twenty five in England, "between twenty-five and thirty in France, and between thirty and thirty-five in Italy and Belgium. Finally, in Hungary the number of individuals who marry is 72 in a 1,000 in each year, in England it is 64 ; in Denmark, 5(5 ; in France, 57 ; the city ot Paris showing 63 ; in the Netherlands, 53 ; in Belgium, 43 ; in Norway, 38. Widowers indulge in second marriage three or four times as often as widows. For example, in England (land of Mrs Bardell) there are 60 marriages of widowers against 21 widows ; in Belgium there are 48 to 16 ; in France, 40 to twelve. Old Mr Weller's parting advice to '' beware of tlie widows," ought surely to be supple mented by a maxim to beware of widowers.

The writer of " Talk on 'Change" in the Australasian, says:—"Here is scrap of statistical information which illustrates the great wealth of the two principal Austra lasian Colonies. In New South Wales and Victoria, there are 13 banks of issue, six of the number carrying on business in both of these places. The average deposits in these 13 banks during the last quarter of 1872 amounted to more than 21 £ millions sterling. A further fact. The deposits held by one bank (the Bank of New South Wales) at all its places of business amount to more than £5,900,000, upon 3 \ millions of which no interest is paid. At the current rate of accumulation it would not be beyond the range of possibility to find foreign nations after a while endeavouring to borrow money in the Australian money market!"

A capital rifle match between memberu of the Artillery Corps has been arranged mainly through the exertions of Gunner Skinner. Several contributions of goods have been made by local tradesmen, and the competi tion for these is to be confined to the less skilful shots connected with the corns in order to give them a chance of carrying away prizes, which, in an unconditional match, would inevitably fall into the hands of one or two crack shots. In order to carry out the object in view it is determined that no member of the Rifle Club, which includes on its roll all the best shots, shall be allowed to compete. The match, weather permitting, will take place on Wednesday next, and will cause a good deal of amuse ment amongst the members of this spirited corps. A writer in the Melbourne Leader narrates a dilemma in which a friend of his found him self during his visit to Tasmania last year. The friend is said to have hired a buggy and pair for the purpose of driving to the salmon ponds at New Norfolk, and returned tlie following day, after a very pleasant trip. Not having what phrenologists would call the bump of locality at all strongly deve loped, he forgot the livery stables at which he hired the trap, and drove up to a rival establishment in another street. The groom touched his cap, took the horses, and pock eted the shilling. The whole transaction had quite faded from the friend's memory until some time afterwards. Just as he was leaving the town two documents were put in his hands—one for three weeks' hire of a buggy and pair, the other was for three weeks' keep of ditto.- By degrees the thought dawned upon him that he bad made a mistake and left the trap at the wrong place. There was nothing for it but to cash-up.

A French physician has published a long dissertation on the advantages of groaning and crying in general, and especially during operations. He contends that groaning and crying are two grand operations by which nature allays anguish ; that those patients who give way to their natural feelings more speedily recover from accident and operations than those who suppose it unworthy of a man to betray such symptoms of cowardice as either to moan or cry. He tells of a man who reduced his pulse from one hundred and twenty-six to sixty in the course of two hours, by giving full vent to his emotions. If people are at all unhappy about anything let them go into their rooms and comfort themselves with a loud boohoo, and they will feel a hundred per cent, better afterwards. In accordance with the above, the crying of children should not be too greatly discouraged. If it is systematically repressed the results may be St. Vitus's dance, epi leptic fits, or some other disease of the nervous system. What is natural is nearly always useful, and nothing is more natural than the crying of children when anything occurs to give them mental or physical pain. Probably most persons have experienced the effects of tears in relieving great sorrow. It is even curious how the feelings are allayed by the free indulgence in groans and signs. Then let parents and friends show more in dulgence to noisy bursts of grief on the part of children as well as other persons, and re gard the eyes and the mouth as safety. \;alves throug which nature discharges her surplus steam.

The business at th# ('Police Court this morning before his Worship the Mayor con sisted in the disposal of four drunkards. Samuel Brown and Robert Marley were fined 5s each. Mary Doran, a very old offeuder, without shoes, partly covered with mud, with an abundance of unkempt hair over her her shoulders, said " last night she had a little drop, and thought there was no harm in that." His Worship, however, fined Mary 10s. Annie Lewis, the last on the list, presented to the Court a sad picture of stolid misery, and as this was her third offence she was sent to Mount Eden for seven days.

GOLDEN CROWN GOLD MINING COMPANY.

The annual meeting of this coi?any was held si the office of Mr C. To#> ShorthwuJ streei, thia morning. Mr^- VVardrop occupied tike chair. The Direotors 5 report was ra^ follows:— "Your directors have vm pleasure in placing before you their repeji for the past year, since it compares most lourably with that of the previous year. "The receipts have been ,4m the mine and battery inclusive of $6 18s Cd; balance from last year, £12,2} 2s Bd. The expenditure, including £30^paid to the United Pumping Associate has beep £10,350 13s lOd, leaving a bpee in haiic,' of £1867 8s lOd.

On account of the large qua^y of water met with it is impossible to ;:?rk the mine iv depth without powerful;- 'umping ma chinery. An arrangement pS therefore entered into about two fears since with the Caledonian, ToolF and Im perial Crown Companies 'f sinking a shaft and erecting a suffieftt plant on joint account, and it W estimated that the necessary work could>e completed for some £12,000 or £14,000.As the wort, progressed, however, it becaitfpparent -that the cost would far exceed the (ftinal estimate. Your directors therefore deeal it advisable to compromise for payment ie their side of a fixed sum, which after mti negotiation was effected for £5000 in all tbe paid to the Pumping Association before.ny dividend should be paid to shareholder^ this com pany. £2000 of this sum JS paid during the previous year and the bailee during the past. "This company will still rat as a partner in profit that may accruefrom rates to be levied by the Pumping Aviation in the proportion that the £5,000 laid by them bears to the cost of the pumfeg works. At the same time, this company il have to pay for draining their mine suesrates as are fixed by the Drainage Act I the General Assembly. " At the time this arrauge^nt was being effected there seemed little pfoability of an early discovery of gold ; butf* most of the shareholders are aware, bier stone has again been found, and the (factors are led to believe from the mine maimer that a con tinuance of prosperity mayfe anticipated for some time to come. The siring director is W. 0. Wilson, Esq., whqs eligible for re-election

I " A. Winnop, ■■' Director."

The balance-sheet was readfnd showed :— Receipts, balance in the link of New Zealand, £926 15s lOd; preeda of gold, 2393 oz. lOdwt, £7370 1 lOd: from tributers, crushing, £927; frortributers gold £2107 5s 9d; from hauhj,*£34l 17s; tailings gold, £483 4s 3d ; pecimens sold, £61 ls. Total, £12,218 2s 8d Expenditure, on mine, £3,125 16s; on mine? 4234 17s lOd; balance, £1867 18s lOd. T0ta812,218 2s Bd. The mine manager's repc, which was read, detailed the works afche mine, and spoke favourably of the pispects of the Company. On the motion of the Chaman, seconded by Mr Dv Moulin, the repoi and balance sheet were adopted. Mr W. C. Wilson was re-eleted a director.

The Chairman thought th« should recog nise the services rendered ta Company by Mr Workman, under whosf direction the mine had almost entirely beer He moved a vote of thanks to that gentlean.- Mr T. Macffarlane secondl the motion, which was carried.

Mr Aitken said he wouldlike some ex pression of opinion from ti shareholders regarding the action of tl directors in offering £200 reward for thi conviction of the persons who had stoen specimens belonging to the Company Such cases might arise in connection iith any Com pany, and he thought the shareholders should intimate their detrmination to support the directors in anjmeasures they might take to protect the roperty of the Company, and punish the offaders Mr Dv Moulin thought the ought also to approve of the action of M Workman in dischai-ging the hands of the line. On the motion of Mr Macffrlane a resolu tion expressing approval of th action of the directors in these and othe] matters was adopted. A vote of thanks to the charman termina ted the proceedings.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

This Day. [-

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) The usual weekly sitting of this Court for the recovery of small debts was held this morning, and the following causes disposed of :— :»

Undefended Cases, ovens g.m.c. v. greenwood,

Claim £5, for overdue calls on 200 shares. In the absence of the defeidant judgment was given for the Company, the debt being proved by Mr Percival, the manager. CORONET GOLD. MINING COJCPANY V. BRAY.

Claim £13 6s Gd, for overdue calls.

Mr .Hesketh appeared for theiCompany, and tlie debt was proved by Mr Sievwright, the manager of the Company, the claim being calls on 100 shares at Is 6cl per share and interest. | Judgment was given for the plaintiff.'

BAVENSSTOCK GOLD MINING COMPANY V. I o'donnell. Claim £10, for calls. Mr W. 1 HiU appeared for the plaintiffs, and the debt was proved by Mr Sievwright in the usual way, tbe claim being for ; overdue calls on £200 shares. s^jme v. rnowden. Claim £5, foir overdue calls. This was a Similar case to the last, and judgment was giiven for the plaintiff. DeA,e>ded Causes. YOt^N4 V. ELLIOTT. Claim £3 8s Cd, , for wages, &c. a,. ■ :.-;'■'-> Mt Joy appeared, for the defendant, and applied fcjr an adjournment on the ground that Lis.client, Who was pvovidore on board the steamer Southern "Cross, was absent at Tauranga. He was Instructed that he had a good ground of defence. |^The plaintiff said that part of hia claim was for wrongful dismissal. In reply to the Court plaintiff stated that ho would be unwilling to compromise the matter. The case was adjourned until xk: .$■ fSfkcb day. ■-• ••■ ... LEWISSON V. PEGKH^m, .... ': Claim £15 ls, for cash paid. Mr Hesketh appeared for the plaintiff. Mr Mackeckhie, for the defendant, applied for an adjournment on account of the illness of his client. Adjourned accordingly until next Court <Jay. . OIWALKKU V. KBBS. Claim £3.9 ss. Mr Reesslpted that he had already sued the plaintiff Hi the District Court for amount of his claim, for costs incurred in the matter of the Evening Star G.M.C., and he would suggest that this case#be adjourned pending the settlement of his claim. Adjourned by consent until next Court day. NOBLE V. HARKNESS. Claim £5 9s 9d., for goods supplied. Adjourned until next Court day upon the

THE EVEN

NG STAR, FRIDAY^ MARCH 28,1878.



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