The Evening Star. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 203, 2 September 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,1870.

The following is the amended resolution as passed by the House of Assembly regarding the San Francisco Mail Eoute : —" Seeing that neither of the Australian colonies has beeomo a party to the San Francisco steam contract, and that New Zealand has been left single handed to initiate this line, the committee is of opinion that in the future conduct of this service this colony should look to its own interests exclusively ; with which view it is expedient that the steamers arriving at Auckland from Honolulu should proceed to Port Chalmers, instead of to Sydney, calling a<*iin at Auckland on the return voyage to TToaolulu. The committee is further of opinion that the time to be allowed between Auckland and Port Chalmei's, inclusive of stoppages at "Wellington and Lyttelton shall not exceed 100 hours. That with a view to carry the foregoing proposal into effect, the Government be empowered to increase the present San Francisco Mail Subsidy to a sum not exceeding £40,000 a year."

In the Prince of Wales Theatre last night the counter atttaction at the City Hall had a depressing effect on the attendance. Nevei'theless "The Broken Heart" was played with true feeling, and was thoroughly appreciated. To-night, the favorite play, the " The Hunchback" and the " School for Scandal" are to be produced.

The concert given last night at the City Hal^ for the benefit of the funds of All Saints' Church, was, as might have been expected, an unqualified success. The Carandini Company, aided by Madame and Air. Winter, gave their services gratuitously, and the Hall having been given for the occasion by Mr. S. Jones, the proceeds must necessarily bring a handsome sum to the purpose intended. Every member of the Carandini family and suite, saug with unusual excellence, while Madame Winter's performances on the piano were themselves sufficiently delightful to constitute an evening's treat. Mr. Winter's singing also was exceedingly good, and altogether the highest satisfaction was afforded to the crowded house that assembled to aid in a deserving cause.

A meeting of the committee of the Mechanic's Institute was held last night, when among other business a very cordial vote of thanks was passed to those ladies and gentlemen who had assisted at the late entertainment in behalf of the funds of the Institute. It was resolved that two paid collectors should be appointed, on commission, to increase the list of subscribers and members, and a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Burgess for a " Gazetteer of Victoria," presented by him. A requisition was receiver!, froma large number, asking for a meeting of members, to consider the advisability of altering the hour of closing the reading room from 9 until 10 a.m. A public meeting was ordered by the committee accordingly.

The usual weekly parade of the Auckland Rifle Volunteers was held last evening at the Drill-shed, when the usual evolutions were gone through. We understand that the morning drills will commence in October nest, and that the prize-firing will take place at the end of that month. The monthly inspection of the force will take place nest Monday evening.

A marine monster wa3 caught off Tapu Creek yesterday, by the men on board the fishina-boat Absconder. It resembles the shark, but possesses a tail nearly five feet in length. It is altogether some eleven feet in length, and may be seen by the curious on application to the men of the Absconder.— Advertiser.

The first anniversary services in connection with the Mount Albert Wesleyan Sunday School will take place on Sunday next. A ten, and public meeting will be held on the following Tuesday.

A call of one shilling per share has been made in the Belfast G-old Mining Company.

Notice is given that Benjamin McKerras, of Auckland, has made a deed of arrangement with his creditors.

There was a special meeting of the members of the City Board of Commissioners yesterday afternoon, at their office, Canada Buildings, for the purpose of hearing objections to the la3fc (the fifteenth) assessment. There were altogether between 30 and 40 applications for abatement and objections against the present assessment; of this number about 40 were dealt with ; the remainder, being late applications, were adjourned. Abatement was allowed in between 20 and 30 cases, when a slight reduction was made. The remainder of the applications were not entertained a.il the assessment was ordered to stand as made. The late appeals will probably bo heard at the monthly meeting of the Board on Monday.