SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET: This evening, 7.8 SUM-EISE: To morrow morning, £>.§7 rtoh water ; Thig afternoon, 3.21 ; to-morrow morning, 3.53.

ARRIVALS.

Nil.

DEPARTURE. Clematis, ketch, Bendall, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Napier: Esther, schooner, to-morrow For Levuka: Charybdis, schooner, to-morrow For Honolulu and San Francisco: Nebraska, mail

steamer, 20th inst. For Boston, Mass. : Ayr, barque, early For Cork : Polar Star, ship, early . For Northern ports: Rowena, 5.3., Monday next For London: Glenhuntly, barque, about early For Sydney and Melbourne: Wonga Wonga, s.s., early ; Hero, s.s., about 28th inst.

VESSELS EXPECTED.

"Warwick, ship, from London. Sailed 31st October Durham, ship, from London. Sailed 29th November Edinbiirgh Castle, ship, from London. , Loading Parsee, ship, from London. Loading.. Langa, barque, from Liverpool. Loading East Lothian, barque, from New York. Sailed 20th

December Thames, barque, from New York, via Sydney, loading Briton, barque, from Newcastle Sea Gull, schooneT, from Lev4ka Southern Cross, schooner, from Sydney Prosperity, schooner, from Melbourne . • : ■ Rita, brig, from Sydney.- Sailed 29th Jannry Wonga Wonga, s.s., from Sydney Harriet Armytage, barque, from Dunedin Paterson, p.a., from Sydney Success, schooner, from Levuka Albion, brig, from Newcastle

We observe by our Sydney telegram that the brig Eita left on the 29th January for this port. The ketch Clematis, Capt, Bendall, left yesterday for Napier. j The new s.s. Lily will make a trip to the Kawau and Matakana to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock. The schooner Charybdis will leave to morrow for Russell. The p.s. Lady Bowenwill leave to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock for Mahnrangi and the Hot Springs. . ? , The schooner Esther is loading timber at the Breakwater for Napier. She will leave to-morrow. Shipping business on the wharf to-day has been at a standstill owing to the boisterous weather.

The iron clipper ship Star of Persia, 1,227 tons, one of Messrs Corry's '' Star line of Calcutta packets," "has just completed the voyage from the Downs to Calcutta and back in 6 months and 12 daysl The outward passage occupied 77 days. The run from the Cape to Calcutta, a distance of over 6,000 miles,, was performed in 22i days, being the fastest ever made from the Cape by either sailing or steam ship. The Star of Persia's previous voyage occupied G months and 25 days, ■ I

COMMERCIAL.

MINING. The following are the current calls and dividends payable in the companies named below :— . £, s. d.

MEETINGS. Green Harp, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 3,p.m., 10th February j. . New' Golden Pa, Mr R. Home's office, Shortland street, Auckland, noon 12th February Bon'shaw, Mr Baber's office, Insurance Buildings, Auckland. 2 p.m., 13th February Coromandel Excelsior. Mr Browne's office, Wyndham street, 13th February Masonic, Coromandel, 15th February Tokatea. Coromandel, 21st February South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company's office, Auckland, 3 p.m., 24th March. Shotover, Insurance Buildings, Auckland, 2 p.m. 17th February Bismarck and French Republic, Insurance 'Buildings

Auckland, 2pm., 21st Febraary Tokntea, Coromaudel, 21st February Watchman. Grahamstown, 21st February Central Italy, Grahamstown, 27th February South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Company's office, Queen street, Auckland, 3 p.m., 24th March . ■ • ; : .

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undeb:— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-morrow, at 10.30 a.m. '-..,.' For Mahurangi and Matakana, per Lady Bowen, on to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Southern Cross, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. : n For Kussell, "VVangaroa, Mongonui, &c, per Eowena, on Monday, 10th inst., at 3 p.m. For the undermentioned places, per s.s. Nebraska, on Thursday, 20th inst., as under :— For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British and Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 12.30 p m. For United Kingdon via San Francisco, at 12.30 p.m. Late letters for the United States of America and United Kingdom, bearing a late fee of 6d in addition to the postage will be received, at this office until 1 p.m., and by the mail agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. (Signed) ' S. B.Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Cttmmino.—At the Rojal Hotel, Hamilton, on the 31st tilt., the wife of Cafet. W. Gamming, of a son.

DEATH.

Thomson.—On February 3,lst Otago Cottage, Wel lington-street, Ba#HTthe beloved son of John B. and Annie ThomsitfrT, aged 12 months.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1873.

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

It is devoutly to be hoped that the several school districts will realise the importance of the duty at present devolving on them of selecting members of school committees. We may assume that the dispute respecting the wrongs of the Education Rate has been played out. At all events, whether this is so, or the matter deferred to a more con venient season, it is the duty of house holders, and especially of parents, to take good heed to the selection of proper men to supervise the education of their several districts. The selection of- noisy and obstreperous people will be productive of no good results. It will not be the place of the committees to. take any part either in resisting or in collecting the rate. If there is to be a battle over this, it is to be fought outside. That the rate will be collected there is no manner of doubt, but it is to be borne in mind that in this matter the district committees will have no voice one way or another. On them it will devolve to spend the iriohey placed at their disposal by the Board of Education ; to look after the school buildings and furnishings, to see that forms and maps and books are all right, to ap point the teacher and facilitate his usefulness, and generally to promote the education of the children of the. district, subject in all cases to the ap proval of the Board. It is needless for us to. tell parents that in selecting men for this work somewhat different qualifications are demanded, as compared with the qualifications that fit for the-making of streets and I controlling of sewage. We are sure that the sober part of our population will agree with us that respect should be mainly given to the educational qualities, as well as to the general character of candidates. On these committees it will be a dangerous thing to place men merely to " close their mouths," noisy troublesome people, whose mission into existence appears to have been "to object." It is equally clear that ignorant men who have received either no education themselves, or the barest outlines, and who in consequence can have no idea as to the right guidance of the educational ma chinery of the district, should have no place at such a board. These men , having no sympathy with an educated man are thorns in the side of a teacher, who being unable to conceal his contempt for their uncultivated tastes and limited ideas is made to pay the penalty of superiority. If our districts are to have education really in a satisfactory state, they should re gard this selection of committees as a matter of the very first import ance j and if the clamours of cliques or factions ays permitted to interfere with right selec-

tion, the parents in the several districts will have reason to deeply regret the result. This is a matter in which the parents should feel that they have a special interest; and any parent in a district neglecting to be present at the public meeting for selection of com mittee, and to use hia best efforts for the appointment of the best members that are available, should be regarded as guilty of a gross dereliction of duty.

"We have received a letter signed " Not a Shareholder " with reference to the projected 'Auckland Iron and Steel Company (Limited). He says that if, as stated, " they can supply the market with iron ready for use at £16 per ton it will be very profitable, but I very much doubt it." Ho then proceeds to show the cost of production of iron in England, and the difference in the price of coal in this country, but as his own figures show a margin of £4 per ton, it appears to us that he rather proves the accuracy of the figures in the prospectus than otherwise. We are not in a position to venture an opinion- upon such a purely technical question as that of the profits in the working of iron, but of one thing we ai'e sure, that the Creator never plaoed iron-sand all over our coast without intending that we should use it. And we are equally sure that from the ex treme purity of the ore, if ore it can be called, there must be a simple and a cheap method of separation and utilisation if it can be discovered. The present company profess to have the secret, aDd they have shown results that have satisfied those whose training gives them special knowledge on the subject, and the criticism of lay pens cannot materially affect the question. Tf the projected company can do what they profess to be able to do, and we see no reason to doiibt the state ment, there is not a project launched for many a day more deserving of genuine sympathy and practical support. Great success haa attended the experiments hither to, quite sufficient to give the very best prospeots of ultimate success to the company ; and when we consider the immense advan tages that must accrue to the province and to the colony from being able to produce the iron required for the colony's own consumption we cannot understand the feelings of any one in the jirovince -\ V ho will not wish most cordially the most complete and permanent prosperity to the Auckland Iron and Steel Company.

We have received a letter signed " A Victim," in which the writer complains with much bitterness of having been prevented from visiting a prisoner confined in Mount Eden Gaol. He states that on the monthly visiting day he applied for admission, but was refused by the chief warder without any reason given, and that this was the second time of this having occurred, and he perirates about the " legal rights of the people of Auckland." But we have little doubt that there has been some valid and satisfactory reason for this exclusion. We are not disposed to interfere with the discipline of the gaol, knowing the onerous and responsible work attaching to the control of the criminal classes there detained, and knowing at the same time that a Government officer's pen is tied so that he cannot reply or exculpate himself from a charge launched at him through the Press, however unfounded. If our correspondent lias been excluded without sufficient cause he has a more effectual remedy than "writing to the Star"; and from what we know of charges hitherto made against the gaol authorities, and of the efforts made by Captain Eyre and his staff to make the very best of the exceedingly de fective penal machinery placed at their dis posal, we feel an increasing unwillingness to feather the arrows shot against the gaol.

At a joint committee meeting of the City Council and Harbour Board members, held this day, at noon, at the Harbour Board offices (his Worship the Mayor in the chair), plans were finally adopted for the prevention of the nuisance arising from the deposits of the main sewer, which it is believed will be effectual. The plan proposed will enable the manure to be utilised. Tenders were ordered to be called for the work forthwith.

A severe gale broke over the harbour this afternoon, shortly before two o'clock. For some time previous a thick white foam was observed across the harbour, in the direction of the North Head, when suddenly the gale made itself felt off the town. The wind blew in strong gusts and with great violence from the eastward, accompanied by rain, and at the time of our going to press the gale had not abated. The sea made a clean breach over the wharf, especially in the neighbourhood of the sewer's outlet, and all the buildings ou the opposite side of the wharf were forced to close their doors. Shipping business was en tirely suspended and those who were thus prevented from pursuing their ordinary oc cupations assembled in a little crowd at the Queen-street end of the wharf to watch the cutters at anchor play at pitch and toss with the waves. Heavy clouds of spray were thrown across the wharf, and those whose business compelled them to go down the pier extemporised amateur running matches in the hope of avoiding a drenching, which in nine cases out of ten overtook them to the intense amusement of the spectators. The cutter Lee and the schooner Mavis appeared for some in great danger, the lattei from damage in contact with the wharf to which she was moored. The cutter was riding at anchor about two boats length from the wharf, and was tossed about like a cork. The Charybdis and Ivanhoe schooners, lying at the eastward side of the wharf, encoun tered the whole fury of the gale, and at each wave went crashing against the pile of the wharf. The vessels lying at the outer T received careful attention to prevent their dashing against the wharf. The brig Moa, to the westward of the wharf appeared, scarcely able to contend against the element, and her stern warps were let go, and she veered round and rode stern on to the wind, moored by her cable to the wharf. The ferry steamer Taka puna was brought round to the westward for shelter, where she rode out the gale. The Devonport steamed for the breakwater, and remained while the strong wind lasted. Top gallant masts were struck on board the man o'-war, and all made, snug, the operation occupying just seven minutes. Several small vessels were brought round to the westward for shelter. The ketch Speedwell was at anchor to the eastward of the break water, and in great danger. She was brought round under shelter, just clearing the en 4.

The hulks Marina and Ben Heape both dragged their anchors, and were some dis tance up the Waitemata. The new sea wall at Custom-house-street succumbed to the fury of the sea shortly before three o'clock, a large breach being then made in it, near Dillon and Carr's premises, through which tlie sea washed, carrying away the earth work.

The first of the proposed district meetings under the Education Act was held last even ing in Carlton'Academy, Hobson-street, City West, No 1, for the purpose of electing a school committee. Mr-JohnSheehan occupied the chair. The following gentlemen were nominated for the distriot school committee : —Messrs Bartley, Doonin, Dunningham, Carr, and Dignan,' sen. Mr Wrigg considered that it would be unfair to elect a committee at so small a nleeting of resident house holders. Mr Kirby asked if it was the inten tion of the Government to enforce the.'Act. The Chairman replied that Mr Kirby, not being a resident in the district, had no right to ask the question. The meeting was ad journed until Monday evening next, at half past six.

On Wednesday a house on the Karaka creek had a narrow escape from fire, but it was extinguished before any great harm was done.

During the past year it is estimated that 8300 soldiers have deserted from the British Army, and desertion is on the increase.

The Congregational Fair in Boston, says the New York Independent, is conducted on principles of strict business honesty : '' There shall be no raffling, grab-boxes, drummers, fictitious value on goods, and no auction at the close." ;.

. Commenting upon Tuesday's meeting, in the Mechanics' Institute, the Wailcaio Times says ! —"The resolution passed feally ineahS (although .they of course could not see it) that the people of Auckland prefer that ignorance should continue to be rampant in their midst. They have acted in such a manner that they will be pointed at from all parts of the colony as the least intelligent and least civilized community in the colony, as a people who are behind the age in which they live," as a people who do not continue of the same mind for three consecutive days \ in fact, as a people only worthy of the con tempt of every man possessed of the slightest power of reasoning. It now remains for the people in the country districts io show that they are not of the same opinion as those who have brought disgrace upon the province and colony. Let us have meetings, and support to the best of /our ability those members of the Provincial Council who had the courage to bring forward, and the ability to get passed, an Act which refloats credit on us as a people;"

The horse-cars of Edinburgh are lighted with gas.

Haystacks a quarter of a mile in length are a feature of Kansas scenery.

The Good Templars mustered strongly last evening at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, and added twenty-Jive brothers to the order.

The friends of the total .abstinence cause will give an entertainment this evening in the Union-street school-room, for the benefit of the Band of Hope connected with the place. Music, recitations, readings, tem perance dialogues, and brief speeches will be introduced. The chair will be taken by the Rev. (i. H. Turner.

Chicago proposes to send a rriodel slailgh ter-house to Vienna for the Exposition.

The Peabody dwellings in London are paying an annual dividend of five per cent.

The monthly inspection of the Rifle Brigade and Cadets, under the command of Major Gordon, took place last evening in the Albert Barracks. There was a poor attendance. The men were informed that those who won prizes last year, if they wished to compete for district prizes this year, would have to fire in the first sets.

An entertainment of a very amusing character took place last night at the Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, consisting of instrumental music and ballads, and Signor Ferrari's performing monkeys. The hall Was largely attended, and the several parts were executed with considerable skill and ability.

Mr William Solomon very properly objects to people calling him "Te ICooti." He now publicly threatens that aily one so forgetting themselves will be taken before His Worship Judge Beckham. This is Solomon's by-law, and people had better not infringe it.

There was a meeting of the shareholders of the Mutual Mining Investment Company at the Young Men's rooms last night, Mr George Green in the chair. The business of the meeting wfts the consideration of the articles of association and the advisability of winding-up the company. A great deal of discussion, ensued upon the latter point, when it was determined to w ait for a time and watch the share market.

"We understand," say the Coromandel Mail, "that as soon as the Whangamata goldfield is opened a change will be made in the stations of the Goldfield Wardens. Cap tain Fraser will be removed to Whangamata and Major Koddell Will occupy Captain Fraser's present position at the Thames, giving Coromandel, we suppose, a weekly or fortnightly visit for the performance of such duties as are beyond the jurisdiction of the resident Justice of Peace."

Vicksburg complains of a surplus of 15,000 dogs that eat' up food; enough to feed 15,000 people. I ■■;'■■' • ■

China manufactures twice the gunpowder of any other country, but uses more for fire works than for war

The Magnet Variety Troupe, now perform ing at the Prince of Wales Theatre, must be gratified to find that their untiring efforts to please meet with such wide-spread apprecia ■ tion. They have not had one bad house since their first appearance, and judging from their popularity they are not likely to have small houses even if they prolong their visit for another three weeks or month to come. The orchestra, under the leadership of Mr Herman, is one of the best we have had the pleasure of listening to for some time past. The programme last night consisted of three very beautifully rendered ballads by Miss Fanny Sara, all of which were loudly ap plauded ; several comic songs in character by Mr Fred Clifton, from his choice and I amusing repertoire —a great feature in the entertainment; Messrs Buckley and Holly in their inimitable nigger performances ; and the star gymnasts in new and astounding feats of daring, the whole comprising an enjoyable entertainment which for excellence and variety is not to be surpassed. This evening the performance will be'under the distinguished* patronage of the captain and officers of H.M.S. Blanche, now lying in port. A well-selected programme will be submitted.

At the annual meeting of the members of the Northern Club, yesterday, Sir George Arney was elected president, and Colonel Balneavis vice-president. The affairs of the club were shewn to be in a satisfactory state.

There was no case of special interest before the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, the majority of caseg on the list were settled out of Court.

?Tack Tar's late attempt to break out of the lock-up has caused attention to the dilapi dated state of the cells, the flooring ot which lias fairly rotted through. New floors are being substituted ; riot before' they were wanted, as the old ones were not fit to sleep upon, so we are informed by our reporter. Brandy and alcohol are now manufactured from liclien and mosses in St. Petersburg, and in the northern provinces of Russia generally this branch of industry has become .qtfite extensive.

The Police charge-sheet at the Court this morning contained two cases of drunkenness that where dealt with in the usual manner— an assault case which was settled out,of Court, and.a charge against a man for plying for hire as a porter without being duly licensed was not proceeded with, as the sitmmohs had not been served, The presiding magistrate was P. A. Philips, Esq., E,M,

The firing in the first set for district prizes should have taken place at Mount Eden Eange this morning. Owing to the in clemency of the weather, howeve r> it was postponed. As will be seen by a district order published in our advertising col'imns, the first set of prizes will be fired for on Monday and Tuesday next, and the second set on Thursday and Friday.

The colored pastor of a Baptist church at Olathe, Kansas, is not only a good barber, btit can block out whiskers, oye a goatee, preach, pray, and cook as good a dinner as any one in the business.

The Bishop of Salford, England, in a letter which ho has issued to his clergy, makes an appeal on behalf of the widow and children of the late J. F. McGuire, M.P. for Cork, who have been left destitute. This letter was read in all the Catholic churches and chapels in the diocese.

A Cape paper says that the surri of 50,000 dollars has been promised to the Church of South Africa to build a new cathedral, which is to have a tower and a complete peal of bells. It is said the new building is to enclose the old one, so as to retain the pre sent central site.

An indomitable Swedish woman, the Countess of Skenns, proposes to head in person an expedition in search of Dr. Livingstone.

A young lady of Terre Haute, aged 13, is six feet ona inch in height.

A woman has been condemned to death for setting fire to a jail in an English town.

The first Chinese -marriage in the Mount Ida District was solemnised at Naseby, on Saturday, and the Chronicle informs us that the Court-house was filled by an anxious crowd, who were attracted thither by the novelty of the proceeding. The happy bridegroom, with a desire to secure more firmly his treasure, was anxious that the certificate of man-iage should authorise him, when he felt so . inclined, to convey his newly-wedded wife to the Flowery Land.

The vvjiter-dririkers have a sad complaint. There is opposite the Waitetaata Hotel a stand-pipe, to which a cup was attached wherewith they have been in the habit of slaking their thirst. But a few days ago some one surreptitiously, wilfully, and, as they say, with rilaliee" aforethought, un fastened, took, removed, arid carried away the cup in question. The "aquarians" allege that this has been done to drive them into the pnblie-house for drink. They aver, however, that they will never be driven to taste ihe " aedilrsed thing," and if the cup is not replaced in its old platfe, namely* pliained to the stand-pipe, why, they will drink o'ilt of their hats.

A lunatic recently escaped from the Texas asylum by sliding, down the light ning rod.

A Chinese paper says that Sir Edmund and Lady Hornby have dined with the Japanese Prime Minister, Lady Hornby being the first European lady who has had that '' honor."

Ten thousand Yankee girla are receiving their physical and mental education at English schools.

An exchange says : —The inequality of con dition which has always niore or less charac terised the different provinces of New. Zea land is somewhat unusually marked at the present time. On the one hand Auckland is in deep water, Nelson reported to be on the high rdad to insolvency, and Westland declared to be in " Queer-street." On the other hand the money bags of Canterbury are full to bursting, and in Otago, according to Mr Macandrew, " affairs are not at pre sent more unsatisfactory than usual," an ex pression which is probably Aberdonian for '' satisfactory." Wellington is also unusually prosperous, her debts having'been paid by the colony, while the" little provinces of Marl borough, Hawke'a Bay, and. TWanaki are quiet, so that they may be regarded as between the two extremes of poverty. and plethora. It is this difference in financial condition, that renders the Aucklanxlera so desirous of getting hold of the Southern land fund. Poverty has blunted their perception of the distinction between meum and teum\ and developed Communistic principles among them.

The actual duration of a flash of lightning does not exceed the millionth part of a second, but the retina of the human eye retains the impression of the electrical | flash for much longer period.

A- curious calculation has been made by an eccentric individual well know^n in Paris for his antipathy to the fly. He collected 3,000 in a room measuring 70 cubic feet. On the fioor he spread a pounded loaf of sugar. At the end of four days he went to investigate the result of his experiment. There remained a teaspoonful of sugar. This statistician, therefore, calculates that, sugar being at the rate of thirteen cents a pound, a fly costs the country twenty cents from its birth Ho its demise—that is if fed on loaf sugar.

An old maid in Lockport, N. V., purchased one of the Egyptian mummies at the Niagara Falls Museum the other, day for a parlor ornament. She said it wonld seem better to have a man around, even if he was advanced in life and withered.

The judges in Otago seem to have tolerably easy times of it. The Otar/o Daily Times proposes the abolition of the District Court in that province, on the plea that there is nothing for Judge Ward to do ; and after di lating at 6.oine;length on this.subjeotitadds : — " Nothing would content the good folks at Lawrence but having the whole paraphernalia of the Supreme Court inarched into their jmidst, :so that they might hav.e their ; crimi bnjals tried and sentenced where , they were brought up, viz., at home. It,would be inconceivable if it were not true that pudge, bar, and all the etceteras of- the Su preme judiciary were taken some sixty miles up-country to gratify the natural ambition of a small village, and when they had got thei-e and had- routed up some three or four dozen jurors from their comfortable homes, they found one child, a girl of twelve, to try upon a charge of obtaining goods upon false pre-i tences. The little victim was acquitted and thereupon the Supreme Court marched back again, after exchanging.some courteous com pliments, and, it "is to be hoped; enlarging their minds by seeing the sights of the locality." ,:, . • • ■• . , p

The vice and guilts of Melbourne hid< themselves from the eye of the respectablt portion of the community in a net-work o! lanes and alleys branching off Little Bourke street, from Swanston-street to Spring-street and burrow like rabbits in nils de sac anci in rights-of-W£ty which strike out from a common centre,- Romeo lane, Juliet terrace Bilking square, and Brodgen lane, although situated in close proximity to the great thorouhfare of Bourke-street, are almost a terra incognita to the population of Melbourne, outside that portion who seek these localities to hide from the arm of the law, or who find these hot-beds of degraded vice the most fitting soil for their precarious vegetation. The presence of these sinks of iniquity in the midst of the city is at times, however, made forcibly manifest, either by the drunken shriek and demoniacal yell., or by the blasphemous imprecation of so-called man hood, and foul female invective, culminating in the dull echo of a blow, followed by the cry for meTcy or help, which are borne upon the evening air to the "unwilling ears of those who stroll through the well-lighted and neighbouring thoroughfare. And when the public journals, in giving the details ot a criminal prosecution or of an inquest, are forced to relate how the victim of the mur derer was found with battered skull m a reeking hovel ; or how a misshapen form, which years long of vice and intemperance and brutal crueJy have robbed of all that was once womanly, has been found dead in a den, the characteristics of which are dirt and infamy; or when the self-destruction of the ' poor wretch, who bereft of reason through the demon of drink has launched herself into eternity, is recorded ; or the burly villains are placed at the bar for a brutal assault, made for the sake of obtaining the contents of the pockets of their victims—these metro politan byways of guilt obtain a short-lived notoriety. The murderer meets his doom, the footpad retires to an enforced seclusion, and verdicts of alcoholic poisoning and selfr destruction while labouring under temporary insanity are formally given in the other cases ', and the obnoxious localities are for gotten until another crime committed within their limits again makes the public aware that such,plague-spots exiat. — Age.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE TRANS-PACIFIC MAIL SERVICE.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

gift.__ The Nebraska, for your port, was ad vertised to sail from here.on January Ist—it is now the Bth, and she ia not away yet, though she is expected to sail to-day. It has been alleged that the cause of the delay was the non-arrival of the English mails, but they have been here since the 6th. She 1 has been undergoing repairs. The outgoing mail conveys to yen intelligence in respect ;to the new organization Which has been formed to control the future of this Pacific service, the importance of which it is diffi cult to overrate, The announcement made in the News Letter is official ; I commend it to your attention. It may be implicitly re lied upon in every particular. By this mail the tender goes to New South Wales, and it is of siich a nature as niild seciire to Messrs Burnside, Scott and their associates the con tract-—if that colony really means business. ! The tenderers offer a 12-knot service, with .English iron propellers, and assume the re sponsibility of the mails acroas ( this conti nent, as well as on the Atlantic, for a sum not greater than that which New Zealand alone now pays for her present ineffective service. I presume New Zealand and New Strttth Wales will ultimately arrive at some compromise' on the subject by which for a small sum you will either have a branch line from Fiji, or else secure the calling of the steamers in Auckland. In either case you would get your letters within forty days at a cost that ought not to exceed twenty thousand pounds per annum. The tender would have left here last mouth but that the florrespondence on the subject was delayed tin the1 Atlantic by the breaking down of the Inman steamer City of Brooklyn. Wild statements have for effect been set afloat here in reference to Webb having " sold his line to the Pacific Mail Company, who will maintain the service." The truth is just this, and nothing more. The Pacific Mail Company have within the past three months been singularly unfortunate. They have lost four steamers —the America, Mis souri, Guateinata, and Sacramento—whilst two others have been seriously disabled. They have, »s you are aware, a subsidy of a million dollars per annum to run the China line with American A'essels. They are now short of steamers, and the only ones available are Webb's. These ships they offered to purchase, and an agreement has been arrived at to this effect, viz. : Webb is to have until the 4th of March next to endeavour to get his long hoped for subsidy from Congress. If he succeeds, the Pacific Mail Company take up the New Zealand contract and run the service, giving Webb §700,000 for his four boats, and three yeai's of the subsidy for his profit in inaugurating the line. If he does not succeed—as even they say he will not — then they take the boats, and put them on the China line. That this will really be the result you may rest assured. In reference to the subsidy question I have seen a very able docu ment addressed by General Burnside to the Postmaster-General at Washington, which reviews the whole subject, and says that the matter is not one for hasty ill-considered Congressional: action, but should be the occasion of friendly negotiations with the colonies ; and if necessary with England, and in any event $100,000 per annum will be a very liberal contribution for this country to make. The name of General Burnside is a power in America, and any recommendation of his would be sure to carry great weight, especially one fortified with such strong reasons as this is. I endeavoured to get a copy of the document for you ; but as it has not yet been given to the public I did not succeed. It will be presented next week to Congress, and will be published far and wide, and will be assuredly copied by English papers, dealing as it does with important international interests. It will doubtless reach you by next mail. These are the facts just as they are. Judging from the tone of certain of y our papers it seems to me that nothing; ,will ibe allowed to be believed in New Zealand that they don't want to have believed. In reference to these matters as well.as to other "time will prove all things." —-An Aucklander in San Francisco.

San Francisco, January S, 1573

• [Nothwithstanding our correspondent's expression of "opinion we believe Mr Webb will get the subsidy from Congress.—Ed. E. S.]

EDUCATION ACT.

(To the Editor of the Evening- Star.) Sir, —My attention, has been called to a notice in your journal convening a meeting of householders of Newton, at St. David's ; School, Symond-street," and as expected there | was no meeting,' a circumstance by no means surprising,' considering the vague notice. The Karangapape and Newton districts are not composed of the wealthy and influential, but for the most part of those limited in means and resources, in fact of those persons which it is contemplated to assist by the Edu cation Act. Much doubt exists as to whether the said notice had any reference to the Karangahape district, an 4it is to bo regretted.

that this district, comprising so large a portion if the bone and sinew, should be ignored. At all events the large population now centred here imperatively require two schools, one in Karangahape and one in Newton. Whilst; the city of Auckland can boast of her virtuous demagogues and scrupulous politicians, this district is blessed with a lot of old dame schools, certain of whom are not only defi cient in the regular simplest elements of beaching, but also wanting in that moral example which is far better than pre cept in the training of children. An inspector of schools that^ relied on his merits, and not on a batch of influence, would see that a building, say in Upper Queen street, Newton, could be got for a school in the centre of the Karangahape district an old inhabitant I can testify to th*»ln / £ of proper provision for education, ?-_ s< '1 4&e right-minded of the district t?>ll welcome the Act if carried out in its integrity.—lain,, &c, John C. Wilkes.

[It is the duty of the School Committee elected by the householders in a district to decide how many schools shall be established, and also to fix the sites for the schools. When householders neglect to exercise the powers vested in them by the Education Act they have only themselves to blame if the Act is not carried out in the way that would be most advantageous to the majority residing in their district Householders may rest assured that the tax can and will be enforced, 'it is, therefore, to their interest to secure its administration in Ihe way that wiU «mf« most benefit upon the ratepayers,— kd. E. ,S.J

LICENSED TRUCKMEN AND PORTERS.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sjr,—According to your police report yes terday a man was summoned for carrying luggage, lie not being a licensed porter. This matter concerns me. The hand-truck men wish for a monopoly of the carrying trade without its inconveniences. The licensed watermen are b&tind to keep one or two on the wharf all night. The licensed cabmen are obliged to turn out at all hours. This morning at 8.15 there was not » hand-track to be seen in Queen-street ; at 8.20 two put in an appearance ;at 8.45 another. To cut the matter short I will tell you what occurred the' other .morning. A well-known settler and farmer arrived by a steamer from the East CoastbeforesiX o'clock. A manbelonging to the vessel carried his ba£ as far as Fisher's shop; there he left him. . The gentleman stood there evidently in a fix. I knowing the gentleman, crossed the street towards him. I did not ask him, he asked me, at the same time telKng me what he would give me to carry his bag to his residence in a suburb. I accepted his offer. A s the same thing might happen any morning T should like to know what law I am breaking, or what injustice I am doing to the licensed truckmen, or whether for doing so I am to be dragged up to the Police Court. —lam, &c, James Gorman, Shoeblack.

I Onr correspondent has reason on his side. If persons are to bn deterred from employing a boy or man to carry a parcel for them when no truckman can be found considerable inconvenience Trill be caused to the public. We are getting so bound down with by-laws that it will soon be difficult to move through the city without risk of having to appear before the Police Coxirt next morning to answer fer some m fringment of the multitudinous city-laws--Ed. E.S.I

To,the Editor of the Evening Star. g TE) ._Will you find a corner ih your good little paper, for a poor widow ? Can you in form me if a man can be punished for allow ing his horses to run at large on the publle road every Sunday in the year and every night, even up to people's doors, to endanger the lives of their little ones ? On last Sun day two of my little children would have been killed by this man's horses but for two gentlemen who were passing at the time. This is the third escape my little ones have had from them. Sorely the police might find time to impound stray horses as well as taking goats and kids from onr doors ; and even the cow standing in the road waiting to be milked is whipb away to the pound. The man to whom I allude enjoys the ratter uncommon name of Smith ; he owns eight or ten of these playful steeds, and seems to re spect alike the law and the "bobbies."—l am, Sir, your humble servant, Mary Jane Jones, widow.

THE SLAUGHTER-HOUSE AGAIN.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —I wish to draw your attention to the scandalous state of the Newmarket slaughter house, the stench, from which is enough to cause an. epidemic. It is a disgrace to our Provincial authorities that there is not a better slaughter - house built long ago. When they derive such a large revenue from the tax upon meat they ought, not to have a slaughter-house which is a positive disgrace to the province and a nuisance to the neighbourhood. It is a pity that it is not wiffiin* the city boundary, so that the Inspector of Nuisances might have power to summons th* proprietors of this nuisance before the magis-' trate, as it -would not be tolerated for a. day if it interfered with the health of the citizens,* I have, &c, Health.

TELEGRAPHIC.

'FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

1,400 OZ. GOLD FROM THE BLACK

ANGEL

GRAHAMSTOWN.

This day.

Black Angel.—Cleaning-up took place to-day, and yielded S23oz. The amalgam i from the specimens is now being retorted, and a total yield of 1,4000z. is expected. Otago.—A trial crushing of 15 tons of stone has yielded 7oz. 6dwt. 12grs. of gold. Tweedside. Tribute.—The crushing of 12 ---tons of stone-has yielded 9oz. of.gold. |j Whau.—-Rich stone has been broken out '.' to-day. Harris and Elmsley were brought up to tlie Police Court, and charged with assaulting the police. Harris was sentenced to two j months' imprisonment. Elmsley was charged 1 with two offences, and sentenced to two j months' imprisonment for each. White and Blue. —A crushing of twenty-four tons of stone gave thirty-four ounces of gold. Ul

TAURANGA.

ness, from ■:>, The Southern Cross sailed"fof v-2CucllT(an fi at seven o'clock last night. Passengers: Messrs. Home (2), Brandean, McPherson, Murray, Ellis, Munday, Simpson, Captain Pye and|another.

BLUFF.

Thursday night. The Alhambra, Capt. Clarke, left Melbourne on the Ist February, and arrived at the Bluff at six p.m. on the Gth. She brings 45 saloon and 36 steerage passengers, and 407 tons merchandise for all ports. She sails for Dunedin to-day at four p.m.,

ME EVfiNMra SJAft, EMBAY, ißßtttgLftt-Ti, :1W»



Black Angel .. .. ' —■' OAXLS Christchurch,. .. 0 0- S . Central Italy .. 0 0 6 Mary Ann .. ... 0 0 6 Hope of Coromandel 0 0 6 White Bos« .. ..010 Flagship Golden Anchor 0 1 0 El Dcrado .. .. 0 10 Working Miners .. 0 0 6 Watchman .. .. 0 10 Crown Prince .. 0 0 6 Carnatic .. .. 0 0 3 Mnltum in Parvo .. 0 17 Golden Spur.. .. 0 0 6 Key of Tokatea .. 0 0 3 Buffalo .. .. 0 0 3 Twenty-third of June 0 0 6 Arge - 0 0 3 New Eakaia .. .. 0 0 3 Pride of Tokatea .. 0 10 Goldfinch .. ..0 0 2. Ballarat and Eising Sun 0 0 3 Young Queen .. 0 0 4 Sappho .. .. 0 0 6 Lincoln Castle .. 0 0 6 Van .. .. .. 0 0 6 Imperial Crown .. 10 0 Inverness .. .. 0 0 3 Eoyal Standard .. 0 0 0

Feb 13 . Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb .12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 14 Feb 17 Mrch 12 Mrch 12



A Chicago girl with her clothes all ablaze ■was skinned out of her outside | apparel so quickly by her lover tnat she was not singed. So much for keeping a spry young man about the house. . . , At Chicago recently a lady at church was seen to bow her head as if in pious thought. She suddently raised and leaned back against the seat, when an explosion occurred that shook the building. She had pressed too heavily on an air-cushion bustle. This is no romance, but the stern fact.! To gentlemen requiring first-class tobacco and cigars, if they would only visit Mrs Sharpe's neat little American Tobacco and Cigar Divan (next Bank New Zealand) they may, purchase the same cheaper than in any other house in the city. No inferior goods kept' in stock ; would not purchase such for the public at any price. . One trial is suffi cient to guarantee a continuance of custom. Give a call. —Advt. Dr. Bn ight's Piiosphodyne. —Multitudes of People are hopelessly suffering from Debility, Nervous and Liver Complaints, Depression of Spirits, Delusions, Unfitness for Business or Study, Failure of Hearing, Sight, and Memory, Lassitude, Want of Power, &c, whose cases admit of a permanent cure by the new remedy Phosphodyne (Oxonic Oxygen), which at once allays all irritation and excitement, imparts new energy and life to the enfeebled constitution, and rapidly cures every stage of these hitherto incurable ! and distressing maladies. Sold by all Chemists and I Storekeepers throughout the Colonies, from whom \ ! Pamphlets containing testimonials may be obtained;. tar Caution.—Be particular to ask for Dr. Bright'a Phosphodyne as Imitations are abroad; and avoid purchasing single bottles, the genuine article beirg i sold in cases only.



pANA M A H Affl PANAMA HATS jiJ^ Just Becejpped, 72 SUPERIOR REA& TANA^ HATS, Will be solijfat 16s 6d eajfl yy =H j<f:' Jp . SAMUEL COOM^BIS; Ql^m CLOTHING MART, /»o. 80, QUEEN STREET, CAN THE BEST MOLESKIN TROUSERS* IN NEW ZEALAND BE SOLD FOR (B? llr>.? NO! jf DRAPEES AND OTHERSUutside the Clothing Trade may offer such^oaits to the public, butas THE CLOTHIER OF THE3»ROVINCE, and the only one whose business is exclusively confined to the manufacture and sale of Men's Clothing, I maintain that it cannot be done. -fi'' I can, however, offer to the Wanting Men GENUINE BjTR GA4N S, being prepared to sell a pjiir of Mole&in Trousers, equal in every respect to,£ne 6s. lid. ajfjhcle, Foß#ss. lln/ And a pair of GENJJINE Crown Males, And the best int^few Zealand, g JT f /FOE Ba.:lfjf.jP SJmU E L CO OMB ES, .^MANUFACTURER & CLOTHIER, jr 80 & 180, Queen-street. M[ r' X . .f __ -■ ■ Jr T CO S£E AY E : C O.'S FEE, 1, The PubuVare requested to instp^the^Soda as the / Reductions are GfjsuiNE.