The Evening Star.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 196, 25 August 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1870,

A case decided in the Supreme Court yesterday, in which the double convictions of Mr. Orford at Hokianga on a single information vrere reviewed and set aside, will, we trust, have a beneficial effect on the Benches of the colony ; and the costly results, whether from negligence or undue severity, will induce magistrates generally to be cautious in the exercise of those powers which have been placed in their hands. _ .

It is right that those who accept the position of justices of the peace and devote their time to the service of the public gratuitously should be largely protected from evils resulting to themselves from their decisions. If it were not so, very few would be found to accept the honor of the commission of the peacej with ito responsibilities, and the country would be under the necessity of availing itself of the services of paid magistrates alone. But with the weighty interests placed in their hands it is well that magistrates should know that there is a responsibility connected with the trust, and that gross negligence or palpable injustice may cause a review of decisions very costly to themselves. Every man is an autocrat at heart, and if it should happen that authority is vested in human nature in remote settlements away from the censorship of the press or the restraints of public opinion, human nature is only too apt to give the rein to impulse, and make that authority felt.

The directors of the Kuranui Grold Mining Company yesterday declared their usual monthly dividend, -which is payable to-day. The amount paid to shareholders in this splendid mine on the present occasion amounts to £3,175, or at the rate of five shillings per share. During the last few days thi3 Company have added another large boiler to their -works, made by Messrs. Fraser and Tinne, at a cost of between £400 and £500.

In the City Hall last night as we anticipated, the public paid the highest compliments to Mrs. WoodroSe in making her benefit a bumper. The attendance was an exceedingly large one, and the interest in the performance unabated. Numerous and beautiful prizes were as usual distributed. The price of admission to the Glass Blowing entertainment having been reduced, many more who have not yet visited the Woodroffers will be enabled to do so ; and theirs is really an enteEtainment that no one should fail to see.

We would again caution our readers to look after their boys, in relation to the birds of the Acclimatisation Society. The ravens are hopping quietly about in various parts of the outskirts, and it should be borne in mind that the birds are still the property of the Society, and that a watch is being kept over their movements. We would also ask all good citizens to interest themselves in this matter, and bring under the notice of the police or the Curator any attempt to injure the birds.

A deputation from eettlsrs in the Whangaroa District, Baglan, yesterday waited on the Provincial Secretary, praying that the district, containing 53,000 acres, might be divided into two. Dr. Nicholson, in reply, stated that he would consult with the Road Board of the district, and communicate with the members of the deputation in a fortnight.

The Auckland Educational Society has postponed its usual weekly meeting till Thursday, Ist September, in consequence of the Choral Society's concert taking place this evening, in the Music Hall.

The Essay and Discussion Class, V.M.C.A., meets this evening, at the Rooms, Wei Lesley - street, when a paper will ba read by one of the members.

The teachers _at the Wesleyan Sunday School, Mount Albert, give their scholars a magic lantern entertainment last evening. There was a good attendance of parents and scholars, who appeared to be immensely delighted.

We understand that the tender of Mr. Walter C. Crofton, for works at the Tiki, Coromandel, has been recommended for acceptation. The amount of the tender is £628 19s. Od., composed as follows: —Forming, metalling, and mitre drains, £329; 94 chains side-drains, £27 Os. 4d.; three chains channelling, 4 ft. by 3 ft., per chain lls.; 180 ft. box-draining, £9 ; 139 chains road, including cartiDg, £312 155.; one culvert, £5 ; 60 slabs (3-in.), £3. The other tenders were W. C. O'Neill, £671 4d. ; Mathew Edgar, £689155. 6d.; Charles Laurence, £659 Is. 6d.; Henry Truman, £901 17s. A meeting of No. 2 Company Auckland Rifle Volunteers will take place this evening, at the Drill-shed, Princes-street.