The Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 110, 17 May 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star. TUESDA Y, MAY 17, 1870.

As will be seen from our Wellington telegrams, Mr. Collie, accompanied by Messrs. Pharazyn and Rhodes, have sailed for Melbourne. The intention is to meet with the Chamber of Commerce there, to advocate the cause ofthe new mail line projected by Mr. Webb, of which Mr. Collie is the itinerant representative. Whatever may be the result of this deputation, the people of Wellington deserve credit for the zeal which they have manifested in this matter; and though, nature and geography fight for us it is really a pity that no counter-demon-stration has yet been made by the citizens of Auckland. We cannot conceal that there are many claims which a more southern port of call would have on the commercial men of Melbourne, their trade being with the southern portions of our islands; and if the deputation can convince the Chamber of Commerce that a San I'rancisco mail route would serve them better than the Suez line with which their interests are now so bound up, and that Wellington rather than Auckland will serve the purpo.es of Melbourne's commercial supremacy, the dictum of that chamber will have a powerful effect in Victoria. Self interest has at all times characterised the intercolonial policy of Melbourne; and its Chamber of Commerce, as custodian of its commercial interests, has always been listened to with respect, and influenced legislation. "We think we can confidently look forward to the final result of this struggle as to the port of call, but it is foil}- to close our eyes to the movements of our Southern rival.

In the Police Court to-day two drunkards paid the usual fee. A man was sent to gaol for a week, for foul language and general violence of demeanour ; and another charged with the same offence, was remanded till to-morrow, as it was patent to everyone that he should make a sojourn at the Whau. His incoherent tale was quite that of a lunatic, or one under the influence oi delirium tremens. A. man, well known as a gaol bird, got another month of rest and feeding at Mount Eden, for stealing a pair of boots. It really does not appear as if our Magistrates desired to repress petty larceny. There are persons known as confirmed rogues, passing in continuous round from Court to Gaol, and instead of receiving the maximum of penalty allowed, they have given to them what is not regarded as a punishment, but simply one of the little vicissitudes in their existence. We think the life of such men is to them an enjoyable one; with just sufficient excitement to keep their faculties awake and give a zest to life. The only other case was a pitiful one. A poor young girl of fifteen years, having left her mis ress, and so put her to inconvenience, was brought up on warrant charged with having stolen some articles of clothing so valueless as to cause laughter throughout the Court. One article, originally sworn to as stolen, was proved to have been given to the girl; and all had been at once handed to the police with the statement by the girl that they had been similarly given by her mistress, of the truth of which there appears no doubt. It was evidently a heartless and vindictive prosecution, and though there was no legal evidence to show that the other rags had been bestowed, the Bench very properly dismissed the case.

We would again draw attention to the fact that Mrs. W. H. Newton takes a benefit at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Leicester Buckingham's comedy, "A Silver Lining," as at present being played by Charles Matthews in Melbourne, is the play selected for the occasion ; and we have no doubt that not alone the intrinsic merits of this first-class comedy, but the circumstances of the benefit, and the kindly feelings entertained in Auck land for the fair beneficiare, and a desire to pay to her a deserved tribute of respect, will produce a full house in tbe Prince of Wales

CtTV Hall.—This building wascrowded to overflowing last night, showing a marked improvement even on the first exhibition. It is needless for us to say more ol this beautiful Diorama; but we strongly urivisc ihai arrangements should lie.nui'le by t c proprietors for admitting | VmAekMrm att-em ing tin: S»f'b^a;h schools' da Auckland -■■:. ■ . fij.y -the in*_>si oxe».-Ti*nt ; Bcni>mra! ■iilusi.rfii.ii.ms that «'c haft* .-,:,. [ for >\ lft.'>g thru*-". '*-Ao hour -could b-r selected during tlie clay, and by excluding the externa! light the pictures would lose (none of their effect. >.-*....■ i

We are pleased to learn that the sum of £60 has been collected by Captain Guilding and the members of the IS aval Volunteer,corps for the family of the late Charles Puxdey. The amount has been placed in* the hands Of Lieutenant Le Roy and Paymastor Whitson, for disposal. The fact reflects credit on the kindheartedness of the Volunteers, and is a fitting tribute to the memory of their late brother-in-arms.

A singular accident occurred this morning at the Queen-street Wharf. Two; men were engaged painting the outside of the ship Inflexible, when the ropes suspending the stage gave way, precipitating the structure with its freight into the water. The men retaining their position on the extemporised raft floated out into the current, when by some means the stageing capsized. One of the men retained his hold on the planks, the other struck out for shore. They were immediately observed, and about a dozen boats were at once underweigh for their rescue. The boat of thp Ivanhoe was the first on the scene, and the two men were picked up and landed, looking " as jolly as sand boys."

Thebb was a very fair attendance at the Prince of Wales Theatre last night, although we expected to see better, but suppose the suspension of the free list made a difference at least in the appearance of the dress circle. A pretty little operatic comedy entitled " My Daughter's Debut" was produced, and passed off vtry well, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Ryan, and Mr. Musgrave being especially good. Mr. Barry O'Neil made his first appearance, and was very warmly received. Durirfg the evening he sang several well known sensational songs. We are sure the management must feel satisfied with the reception given Mr. O'jNeil last night. To-night, Mrs. Newton takes her benefit, when we hope to see a bumper house.

It is notified elsewhere that the Governor's annual levee in honor of the Queen's Birthday will be held at two o'clock on the 24th instant, in the Supreme Court House. Gentlemen attending the levee will wear official dress, uniform, or eveningcostume ; and will bring two cards with their uames printed or written thereon; one to be left at the main entrance, and the other to be given to the aide-de-camp in waiting. The entree circle and members of botli Houses of New Zealand Parliament will assemble in the Judge's Chambers, and the general public in the principal entrance hall.

Revision Courts will be held at the Registration Office as under: — For Franklin, 6th June; for Kaglan, 7th June ; for Onehunga aud the Pensioner Settlements, 11th June ; and for Mongonui, 20th June. Notice is given that application has been made to his Excellency the Governor by Fredrick William Wright and George Charles Herrich, of Auckland, for the grant to them of letters patent for the exclusive use, advantage, and enjoyment of an improved self-acting clamp mountain wire tramway. And notice is further given, that all objections to the granting of such letters patent, must be lodged with John Boyle Bennett, Esq., Registrar-General, Wellington, within four calendar months, with the proper name and address of the person so objecting. The transfer books of the All Nations Gold Mining Company will be closed tomorrow, until Thursday, at noon, when a dividend of 6s. per share will be payable. A meeting of the Vale of Avoca Gold Mining Company is advertised for he 3rd June.

The following persons have become insolvent :—Charles Mclntyre, Alexander Hamilton Hunter, and Jackson B.eddell. A meeting of the creditors of Robert I'yason is advertised for the 23rd instant. Thomas Macfarlane, Esq., has become trustee in the estate of P. Sampson Place and Samuel Harvey.

The second day of the exhibition of butter, cheese, aud bacon, at Messrs. Goldsborough and Co.'s stores, proved more attractive than the first, nearly double the number of visitors attending. The prize cheese has vanished entirely before enthusiastic tasters, and a second one has had to be cut. As the owner, however, gains over £30, besides his challenge cup, he can well afford the loss. The New Zealand cheese attracted most ofthe attention of visitors, however, who freely expressed their opinion that it was entitled to at least a third prize. Specimens of fat were exhibited from the casks ofthe Melbourne, lichuca, and VVarnambool meat preserving companies; the two former samples being very remarkable for their sweetness and flavour. To-day the various exhibits will be disposed of by auction, by Messrs. M'Oaw and Co.. at their rooms.— Melbourne Telegraph, 27th ult.

A ntjmebooslt attended meeting in connection with the Wesley an Band of Hope was held last evening, in the Highstreet schoolroom. Instructive and interesting addresses were given by the Rev. (J.H. Harper, Messrs. H.Cornford, S. Parker, and Le Hoy. A reading was given by Mr. R. Wallis, and recitations by Messrs. Gr. Hhodes and H. Bond.

Pbovincial Hospital.—Return of sick treated during the week ending Saturday, May 14:—hema'ined last return (May 7), 74; admitted since, 3; discharged 5; died. 1; rem. ining, 71 - males, .60 ; fomales, 11. rrantrement of dit-oases : —

Fever, 2, (of whom two are con valesceni); syphilis,4; cancer 1; phthisis, 10; rheumatism, 8; epilepsy, 2; chorea. 1 ; pnrali sis, 9 ; bronchitis, 2 ; dyspepsitr, 1 ; 1 V* r disease, 1 ; albuminuria. 1 ; joint

..lis Ms( ,Z ; cataract 1; stricture, 1; uterine disease, 2 ; cutaneous, 1 ; hus•"-: -s and ulcer, (5 ; wounds and m •kttisioiis, 3; hfa.cti.ircs, 6 ; caries 2; debility, 4. Ihe fatal case, was one of lumbar abscess. 'The following donations are acknowledged with thanks, a family

Bible, (giver unknown) ; newspapers, Lady Bowen ; old linen, Mr. Leaning ; newspapers, Mrs. P. A. Philips.