AUCKLAND. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) July 25.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 344, 28 July 1874, Page 2

AUCKLAND. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) July 25.

It lias often been a matter of rumination with me in looking down the long list of entries annually made for the " Derby " event, and the few that really contest the honor of winning it, what the motives can be that induce the nomination of so many " forlorn hopes ; " and so it is in matters political. Whether it is a race for the Superintendecy, a contest for a seat in the General Assembly, or the right to legislate for the weal or woe of the province in tho Provincial Council, a number of aspirants enter the list only to be " scratched," or whose chance of success is as " Lombard street to a China orange." This train of reflection is suggested by the present Waitemata election, for which four candidates were entered, but if, is now narrowed to a du.il contest, Membra Eees and SLonoy toning re-

J tired. This .step has not taken any one by surprise because it was pretty generally felt that the " runI ning " lay between Mr Macfarlane and Mr Yon der ' Heyde, the result of which, of course, the ballotbox next Tuesday will decide. Notwithstanding ; the severe " slating " Mr Macfarlane received at the hands of Mr Rees, and' which undoubtedly will ; prejudice his chance, it is thought that his long residence and influence will pull him through ; and j although not the favorite odds are freely taken by his backers. ! " The cry is still they come." Another, and still ! another shipload of immigrants. The " Miltiades," which arrived in harbor on Friday last, has brought 365 souls. Auckland, so far, has been fortunate in the class of immigrants that have arrived, and the present importation is equal to former shipments. A difficulty that is much felt by you is soon likely to be realized with us — that of house accommodation. It is next to impossible to procure cottages in the suburbs, and in many cases properties that were doorless and roofless since the exodus to the Thames at their starting, have now been rehabilitated and are readily let. The want has been recognised by the Government, who have invited tenders for the construction of suitable buildings, A rather laughable incident in connection with the " Miltiades" has been a preposterous claim advanced by Mr Casey of £12,000 |for salvage services. The " Miltiades " in beating up the horbour got on a sand bank, and the Captain sought the services of the Lady Bowen to convey an anchor into deep water, to enable him to float the vessel. Hence the claim, and consequent amusement at the amount. The rival newspapers and their editors so graphically described by Dickens find their counterpart in the Coromandel Mail and News. For months past they have been indulging in personal amenities to the exclusion of current news, and in language the reverse of classic. The palm for musical criticism has been conceded toAuckland, with what justice I doubt. Certainly it isnot for the support it accords vocal and instrumental talent as represented by the Opera Company at present performing at the Prince of Wales. Although the manager, Mr Allen, has produced almost nightly a new opera, including « Satanella," "Maritana," " Lily of Killarney," " Fra Diavolo," and others the attendance except on special occasions has been meagre. It is certainly very disheartening to the efforts of the company, and a poor recognition of the undoubted talent of Miss Alice May, the prima donna. Whether this arises from that hypercritical judgment awarded to Auckland by the South, and which can appreciate nothing but Italian Opera, I know not ; jjut the verdict of the musical public of Auckland, viewed from the standpoint of patronage, reverses the reputation that preceded the company, and which was marked by the presentation to Miss Alice in Wellington of jewellery to the value of £200. The Distillery Bill introduced into the General Assembly is the last straw that will break the backa of local manufacturers, and is a breach of faith on the part of the Government. Virtually, the proposed impost of one shilling per gallon is the profit that capitalists who embarked in the speculation looked forward to making. The Bill, however, will not pass without sturdy opposition, representatives of firms having gone to Wellington to watch itsprogress. Great dissatisfaction is cxpreesed at the action of the City Council last week in their appointment of an applicant from Dunedin to the office of Superintendent of Fire Brigade. There were ten applicant* for the office, chief of which was Mr Ai>her, whose recommendation to the Gffa'ce was signed by over 600 citizens, and who has been connected with city brigades for the last sixteen yeais, but failed in hiselection in consequence of the opposition of the Insurance companies. — I may here mention that thecivic collar has been transferred to the neck of Mr Henry Isaacs. Prior to <he election it was a study to see Councillor Hurst pioceed slowly and majestically along Queen street, towards the Council Chambers, his coat thrown back with an air of abandon, and a beautiful camelia in his buttonhole. When he re-appeared, however, his gait somewhat hurried, his coat closely buttoned over the spotless shirt front, and the camelra gone. It was whispered that the worthy gentleman fully expected his brother magnates would have placed the bays on Ms brows. In his disappointment he was overheard to mutter to himself that he wished that Isaacs had gone to rest with his fathers.