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Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2689, 29 September 1871, Page 2

Princess Theatre. —We beg to remind the public that the Colored Cpera Troupe will give a performance at the Theatre this evening, the whole proceeds of which will be given to the Benevolent Asylum : in so good a cause success should be certain. New Zealand Wool.—On looking over the wool catalogues wc notice that a decided advance is apparent, especially in ereasy wools. Of the finer qualities the Castlcrock brand realised the highest price for New Zealand fleece wool, reaching 27 i for the best parcels. The Pomahanka Accident. —The body of one of the Chinese drowned at Capt. Mackenzie’s crossing on August 31st, was found on the 17tb inst. A verdict of “ accidental drowning ” was returned by the coroner’s jury. On the person of the deceased Ll6 odd in money was found, and it transpired that he was interested in some mining property at the Teviot. Personnel. —As Mr Cavruthers, the

engineer in chief, has been selected by the Dock Trust to examine and report upon the Graving Dock, it may not be uninteresting to state that ho has had some experience in the construction of Harbour Works, having been sent out by Mr Hansbaw, chief engineer under Mr John Hughes, to construct a port at Damietta, at the mouth of the Nile. Education. —The adjourned debate of the various societies in and around Dunedin on the subject of Education, took place last night in the hall below the Afhcmeum. The attendance was good. Mr Beveridge, president of the Dunedin Society, occupied the chair. Several members spoke on the subject, and on the motion of Mr 1 ow, the debate was adjourned till next Thursday evening.

Inquest. —An inquest was held yesterday at the Maori kaik (lairoa Heads) by the coroner Hr o‘Donoghu on the exhumed body of the Maori “Karaka,” who died on the 23rd inst., and a verdict was returned “ That the deceased met his death from injuries received by burning, through having accidentally fallen into the tire, with a rider attaching blame to a Mr Parry, who, through mistaken 'kindness, bad continued to administer to the deceased when proper medical assistap.ee should have been obtained, and also to Hr C.oodsir, and the relatives of Karaka for neglect. The Law of Libel.—On the orderpaper of the House ,of Representatives there appears the following : “Mr Steward to move for leave to bring in a Bill for the better defining of the law of libel as affecting the newspaper press.” It is high time that newspaper proprietors and editors know definitely how far they may safely publish impartial statements and comment thereon. The Post informs us that the proposed Bill will provide for the protection of newspapers when publishing bona fide reports of meetings recognised by law, and when commenting thereon so long as the remarks are in accordance with the facts of the case. In the case of reports of and comments upon the proceedings of meetings other than those recognised by law actions are to be first brought against the writer if such can be found. In the event of the publisher being proceeded with he shall be held harmless if he prove that his reports or comments are fair and in the interests of the public.

Port Charmers. Last evening a popular entertainment was given in the School House, Sawyer’s Bay, the proceeds to be expended for prices for the children. The chair was occupied by Mr Wales. Several familiar songs were excellently rendered by the musical company— “ What are the wild waves saying,” and “ Let me kiss him for his mother,” being given with considerable effect. Mrs Dods presi led at the piano most efficiently. Mr Asher read with great appreciation “ The Battle of Dorking,” as well as “ Good advice.” Mr Wales also read with much spirit “ The magpie, or bad company.” Several gentlemen whose presence was expected, not showing up, the Chairman called upon the Rev Mr Smalley, who was present, to favor the audience with a reading or recitation. Mr Smalley responded by a recitation from “Othello.” The singing of the National Anthem closed the entertainment. Votes of thanks were then accorded to the singers, the lady who presided at the pian'', and the chairman. There was a crowded attendance ; and all expressed themselves highly pleased -with the evening’s amusement. The financial result was very satisfactory, This is the third entertainment of the sort which has been given at Sawyer’s Ray duping the last three months ; and we are glad to find the public showing by crowded audiences, their appreciation of the invaluable services of the painstaking schoolmaster (Mr Murray) and mistress (Mrs Murray.) A New Industry.— Whatever maybe said about the San Francisco Service there can be no doubt that it is gradually opening up what will ultimately be an extensive trade between tho < olonies and the United States. As our readers are aware American merchants are now in the Colony, negociatinir for lapge purchases of Wool. But our present notice Ijas only reference to an industry which has just been started in Auckland, and which owes its existence mainly to the Californian Service. A Mr Railey, of that city, ascertained in Honolulu there existed an annual demand for some 100,000 barrels, each capable of holding a cwt of sugar. Hitherto this want has been supplied from Boston, in the United States ; but as the voyage poupd Cape Horn is a long one, and consequently tlje trade must be c riled on at a considerable disadvantage, it occurred to Mr Railey that the requisite supply of barrels could he sent from Auckland, in successful competition with the Bostonians. He accordingly tried the market, and found that it would be t > his advantage to secure that trade. By the Nevada, which sailed on Thursday, a second consig ment of sugar barrels was made, and this time the number sent was 720. Mr Railey is now getting powerful macdiinspy fitted up for the purpose, so that the yrotUwtiyn of the barrels

will be as cheap as possible. This new industry will consume nearly 1,000,000 feet of timber annually. Mrs Townsend announces that her preparatory school is now open. The Rev. T. L. Stanley’s Preparatory School will commence on Monday next, October 2. The fourth quarter of the High School and Girls’ Provincial School commences on Monday, October 2. A juvenile dramatic performance will take place on Monday evening next. The entertainment will be under the patronage of his Worship the M.ayor, and an excellent programme has been provided. The members of the Garrick Club are requested to meet at the Pier Hotel this evening at eight o’clock A concert in connection with the Abstainer’s Union will be held to-morrow evening at eight o’clock in the Congregational Hall, Moray place.