The Evening Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 1871.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 501, 18 August 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 1871.

" For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For thu future in the distance,,. And the good that we can do."

In another column will be found the proceedings which took place at the opening of Parliament, together -with His Excellency's speech. It will be in the recollection of our readers that on Monday last—the day on which Parliament opened—we published tho speech brought by "Pigeon Express," and we protest that ours was a better one than that published to-day. We indicated a magnificent policy, while it must be admitted that the speech now submitted is exceedingly meagre in comparison, and does not display that bold, progressive spirit on which we pride ourselves. The performances of our pigeons on the occasion were the theme of genuine admiration on the part of a considerable number of people, who called to congratulate us on having taken the wind out of the sails of the two morning papers, and to express their conviction that such spirited enterprise as ours must find its reward. We have heard the performances of our pigeons discussed in sober earnestness, and though the flight of a bird from Wellington to Auckland in something under an hour, would have excited the incredulity of most people, it was received by many with unquestioning faith.

To-morrow night, at tho cirous pavilion, will be exhibited an exceedingly beautiful animal, said by some to bu a seal, but as strenuously denied by others. It is that recently caught ot the Manukau Heads, and it is really worth a visit.

A number of very elegant silver cups are now on view at the establishment of Mr. Beck, the jeweller, in Queen-street. 'They are of a variety of p itterns, and of all values from £2 15s to £20, and are admirably adapted for prizes at reguttas, races, and rifio contests. This gentleman has an immense stock of bijouterie of the most elegant description on hand, and it would be well worth anyone's While to visit his establishment, if only for the purpose of feasting the eye on tlie pleasing variety of jewellery exposed to view.

The works at the Supreme Court-house are being pushed on with vigour by Mr. Burtley, the contractor, and it is anticipated that the removal of the ill-adapted lantern and the adoption of a different system of lighting the Court-room will have the effect of rendering it something less a shower-bath iv raiay weather than it has hitherto been.

The wind veered round a few points further south yesterday afternoon, and in conseauence tho weather has at length become fine and bracing. A few days' clear weather was much needed; for during the last four months of incessant squalls, the thoroughfares had become in many places almost i for the city authorities to do anything towards repairing them. The cloudless sky has infused new life into everyone, and people are going about their business again with spirit and energy. %