Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 601, 13 December 1871, Page 2

There is to be seen in Mr Upton's window a group of portraits of FijT celebrities from King Thakambau to the Fiji Ministry, among which are several familiar faces. There are also views of Levuka and of tho House of Assembly. The whole forms an interesting group, j

The Provincial Council assembled yesterday afternoon. A petition was presented by Mr Brookfiold from certain residents of Howiok, praying for a modification of the 35th. clause of the Licensing Act. He then gave notice of his intention to move the insertion of a clause to amend the section complained of when the Bill came on again for consideration. Amongst the numerous questions put to the Executive was one by Mr Ellis, " whethor it was the intention of the Government to propose an arrangement with the Harbour Board authorities on tho subject of the payment of the £25,000, with a view to making the payment by instalments extending beyDnd the present year." Mr Lusk replied in the affirmative, and that the best terms possible would bo obtained from the Harbour Board. The new Education Bill sent down by His Honor was read a first time, and the second reading fixed for to-morrow. The estimates were further considered, and various items agreed to. The Volunteers item, £300, was postponed, in order that the discussion should be taken upon Mr Hamlin's motion to apportion sums equitable among the districts. The vaccination item of £50 was also postponed. A debate ensued on the item of £1000 to tho Auckland Institute and Museum. An amendment reducing the amount to £100 was put and carried on a division ; for the roduction, 18 ; against, 13, A discussion, then took place whether the item as amended should be voted, and, on being put, was negatived. The Licensing Act Amendment Bill was further considered in committee, and the discussion upon the right of women to sign the petition was resumed. Tho question was carried upon a division by a majority of eight in support of the woman's right clause. Other business of a formal character was disposed of. The Council adjourned at a little before 12 o'clock.

It has been suggested, that as the Volunteers have been enrolled for the protection of the citizens and their property ; there can be no reason why they should not be instructed to " fall in," when the alarm of fire is given, and march to the seeno of action. Whenever regular troops are garrisoned in a town, they are called on to render their services in this manner. How much more then should the Volunteers, who are for the most part men having somo stake in tho welfare of the city., take active measures in its preservation. There should be instructions issued to the various companies, to assemble at the scene of the fire, immediately the bell rings. If they could bo of no absolute service vrithoufc training to arrest the progress of the flames, they would be of incalcuable use in protecting and saving property. The police lorce is utterly inadequate to prevent pilfering, or even wholesale robbery, when goods are thrown out in a mass from twenty houses at once, and it really seems to us, that the citizens themselves who are enrolled as Volunteers, should be asked to assist in the prevention of mischief within the boundaries. More loss has on many occasions, been sustained by downright robbery of goods deposited on the streets in a hurry by half frantic people, than the ilames themselves have caused ; and the placing of a cordon of Volunteers, with fixed bayonets, if needs be, around the ejocted goods, and the location of the fire, would do much in the casue of order and honesty.

A grand amateur performance will bo given by the members of tho Auckland flowing Club, in aid of the Christchurch Crew Fund, tc-morrow evening, at ihe Prince of Wales Theatre. The piece selected is the Honeymoon, a five-:tct comedy by Tobin. To Mr A. E Isaacs is apportioned the part of the Duko Aranza; Mr H. W. Henderson is to be the Mock Duke Jacques, while Mr Arthur Nathan will act Count Montalban. Signor Itolando will be represented by Mr Hoskins, and Juliana by Miss F. Colville, supported by other members of the Prince of Wales Theatre Company. The Comical Countess will conclude tho evening's amusement. There is no doubt that the house will be well patronised on the occasion. The burning of the Choral Hall has thrown our musical people into a kind of panic in regard to the difficulty of finding a suitable place for practice and occasional re-unions. The advantages of one^hall seem to have hitherto been overlooked. That lately built by the Odd Fellows, at the corner of Cook and Grey-streets, has great advantages, and, indeed, was specially built with the view of holding concerts in it. It has been beautifully fitted up, is in every respect convenient, and its acoustic properties are good. The usual monthly meeting of the Central Board of Education, lapsed yesterday afternoon for want of a quorum, the members being unable to spare their time from the Provincial Council. Tho1 secretary has notified by advertisement: that a special meeting will take place next Monday at half-past two o'clock at the Provincial Gorernmerit offices. We observe that the splendid illuminated1 model of the United States steamship Nevada will be exhibited on Saturday next and following nights during the week at the premises lately occupied by Mr W Eattray, draper, Shortland-street. " Persons wishing to be present at the performance of:the Oratorio "Mossiah" at the Thames, will be enabled to take an: excursion return ticket, extending from Thursday to Saturday, for the sum of six shilling's. The following are tho names of thel eleven members of Council who last nights endeavored to deprive the women of Auckland of the power to object to publichouses being established in their several .districts.- — Messrs Buckland (teller), Beveridge, Boylan, Lundon, Mackay/ Brookfield, Cadman, Hurst, Shanaghan, Dignan, and O'Borkev We confess we are surprised to see some of the names on the list. Artillery Company No 1, meet this evening, with their cadets, for practise; and after parade it is expected they will " march out," headed by the band.