SHIPPING.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS.

If.M.S. Virago, Sandes, from Taurangt?. Lunii, p.s., ifairclriM, from East Coast. W. C. Wentworth, barque, 300 tons, from Bay of Islands.

Twilight, schooner, 55 tons, Meiklejohn, from Kai para. Mary Fliza, cutter, Sellars, from Tauranga.

DEPARTURE.

Samson, p.s., Munrlle, for Tauranga

The cutter Mary Eliza arrived irom Tau ranga at two o'clock this afternoon.

ARRIVAL OF THE LUNA.

The Colonial Government p.s. Luna, Cap tain Fairchild, returned from the East Coast this morning, with His Excellency the Go vernor, 11. R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and several others who have been on a visit to the East Coast.

ARRIVAL OF THE VIRAGO.

H.M. s.s Virago left Tauranga on Sunday last, at 1.30 p.m., and arrived in harbour this morning. She reports the departure of the Tauranga for Auckland. Passengers : —The Hon. Vivian (2), Mr. Edgcombe.

ARRIVAL OF THE TWILIGHT.

The schooner Twilight, Captain Meikle jolin, arrived in harbour this in or .ling, from Ivaipara. She left there on Friday hist, and experienced S.AV. winds throughout. Passed tho steamer City of Melbourne off the Poor Knights. The Twilight brings the following cari/o: — 160 boxes, 7 bags gum, 3 cases drapery, 1 case vestas, 14 kegs sugar, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 51. bugs gum, 183 biigs gum, £9 cases gum, Must, and Co. ; 7 jars, 4 bules wool, Searrott: 22 bags gum, Smith ; 129 bags gum, 2 hides, Gardner. —M. Niccol, a^ent.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office,

Messrs. Coehrane & Son held a snlo of wines and spirits at their auction-rooms, Fort street., iliis day. The following prices were realised: — clnret (pints), 8s per doz. ; brandy (Mnrtell's), in bond, 27?; Holland's «iY., 2 op., Ik to 17s fid; do., 0 0.p., 7s ; jialo golden sherry, 27s per doz. (duty paid.)

POLICE COURT.

Titts following is the rota Cor attendance of Magistrates nt llio Police Court for t.!ie wpcls ending Saturday. December 24. Wednesday, December 21.—Messrs. U. M. Jcrvis iu:il S. Kesnpthorne. r.lmi'sday, December 22.—Messrs. T. 33. Kcnderdine and J. S. Maefarlaiie. Friday, December 23. —Messrs. T. Macffarlane and J. May. Saturday, December 2J..—Messrs. G-. M. Mifc foru and IT. Morrow.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE.

Mails will dose as under : — For Sydney and Australian Colonies, per Alice Cameron, this day, at 5 p.m. For Thames, this day, at 5 p.m., and to-mor row, at 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Tarannki and the Southern provinces, per s.s. Phoebe, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. Late letters and telegrams for transmission from the Nelson Station will be received at this office till 1.30, and at Onebuoga till 2.30 p.m. For Mahurangi, per Mahurangi, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Buasell and Kawakawa, per Comerang on Friday, 23rd inst., at 3.30 p.m. Notice.—The mails for Olahuhu, Wbodaide, Papakurn, and Drury, dispatched hitherto from tbis*ofllce 0.-i ilondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 8 a.m., will on and after Monday next, Sth instant, be closed on the previous eroning, at 7.30 o'clock, and on Tuesday.'', Thursdays, nnd Saturdays, the mails for the above places will bo closed at 7 a.m. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Smith.—On December 10, at Edwardes-street, the wife of Mr. A. Smith, of a daughter.

DEATHS.

M.vcDONAf.D. —At Whauwhau, Wangarei, on tlie lath December, Mr. John Macdonald, farmer, after a lingering illnes.-. Ashby.—On December 10, Mary, relict of the late Mr. C. Ashby, aged s(j years. The funeral will leave the residence, Edwardes-atreet, this day, at f o'clock. Fl'ionds aye invited to attend.

The Evening Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1870.

The news which arrived on Saturday last, by the City of Melbourne, is without doubt the most exciting that has yet been received siuce the breaking out of hostili ties between Prance and Prussia. Perhaps that which is really the most interesting .so far as we are concerned, is the expected rupture between England and Russia, on the Eastern question, and which if it once occurs will plunge the whole of Europe into one of the bloodiest wars ever known either in ancient or modern time?. The discussion of thn question we leave to a future occasion; our present purpose is to speak on the sub ject of the Franco-Prussian war. It had been thought in many quarters that the mail just arrived, would have'brought, intelligence of the termination of the struggle, by the capitulation of Paris, and the consequent treaty of peace. _ This was not, "we must confess our opinion, for we had great faith in the immense rallying resources, and the undying patriotism of the French people. And they have- now proved by their heroic efforts within the walls of Paris, and by the enthusiastic and determined manner in which they have risen up as one man, to repel the invader from the soil of France, that their reputation as the bravest and most chivalrous of the continental nations, has not been un deserved. Suffering from a rapid succes sion of reverses unparalleled in the history of the world ; with two large armies, each composed of the flower of the nation, prisoners of war within the enemy's country; beaten in detail at one place attar another wherever they had made a stand; their principal fortresses and most strategic points in the possession of the enemy; with their fair provinces' overun by the German hordes, and Paris the beautiful, and the centre of the civilised world, closely besieged by innumerable hosls, and in hourly expectation of bom bardment, the result of which humanity shudders to contemplate. —under all these crushing reverses, France has proved herself* fully worthy of her name, and her former brilliant position in the history of nations. She has made such a mighty effort to arouse herself again, and drive back the invader from her soil, that her present stand will ever hold a foremost place in the annals of heroism. That she began the war none can den}-; but from subsequent events it is evident that the King of Prussia was awaiting the lirst opportunity himself to pour his troops into France. When war was declared King William distinctly stated that it was not against France but against the Emperor that he was fighting, but how sincere lie was in tint declaration was proved by the advance of his army on Paris alter the Emperor's fall, and the cap ture of two entire armies. Jn the face of public opinion openly expressed through out the whole of Europe, he has continued fo march his legions into the country of the French people, who, crushed with defeat, and bitterly repenting them of the war, which was none of theirowumaking,almost supplicated for a peace on any terms short of dishonour. But flushed with success and wholly devoid of that feeling of magnanimity which sits so well upon a conqueror, King William refused to listen to their prayers on any terms other than tho.se of an arbitrary and cruel character, and which would have de prived France of a portion of her ter ritory. Franco was prepared to make abundant concession, and an entire indemnification for the coat of the | war; but Prussia demanded terms which France could not accept, and marched at once on Paris to lay that fair city in ashes. Then^ arose the indomitable spirit of the French. Paris was fortified, and fresh levies were made in all parts of France that yefc threaten to work destruction on the German hosis. But not a single gleam of hope came to their aid, and they worked and suffered in deep despair, look ing upon the Prussians as unconquerable, and prnjing for such a man to rise up amongst themselves, as would win them their first victory, which, once secured, they felt would be a turning point in the history of the war. 'J he man and the vic tory has at length come. 'J he decisive battle near Orleans, which lasted for two days, and in which the Prussians were utterly routed, with a loss often thousand men, has infused such a spirit into the French nation that troops are marching iv all directions to join General Do Pal ladine, who had at his disposal, at the time of the latest dates 120,000 fighting men, well armed and disciplined. iS'o wonder that this first French victory has sent a thrill of tumultuous joy through the heart of the French nation, for they felt ifc to be the turning point in their long up-hill struggle, the passing away of that black cloud which had so long hung over their arms. JJe Paladine proposed at once to march on Paris, to attempt to raise the siege; and that he may have been successful is our most earnest wish, for should Paris be effectually bombarded, or starved into submission, a picture of horror will be presented at which the world will stand aghast. And we think he had fair chances of success. Besides the troops in Paris (some half a million,) of whom 200,000 ought be relied upon as good fighting men, there were no less than four different French armies all ready to support him in his undertaking. Should he succeed in bringing up even 100,000 or 150,000 under the walls of Paris, and be there joined by General Troclm with 200,000 picked men from within Paris, such a battle Mould be fought as would either raise the siege, or prove utter ruin to the French aims, and load to the immediate capilula

tion of Paris. Should victory, however, crown the French arms, botk the King of Prussia and Count Yon Bismarck will bitterly regret their ex travagant demands, for the German levies would probably be as much decimated by sword and disease before reaching their ovm country as was Napoleon's army on its retreat from Moscow. Besides the French armies in the rear, there would be the army of Garibaldi in the Vosges mountains., under the shadow of which the retreating Prussians must pass, and by whom they would be shob down by hun dreds, if not thousands. One victory would probably follow another, until the Ger mans themselves may have to_ sue for peace. This would be a just retaliation for their so mercilessly pressing on the war, when it could have been closed months ago with honor both to themselves and to the French. There are times in the history of nations when they put forth such a stupendous effort as almost nothing can withstand, —and that effort France seems to be putting forth now. We have not referred to the change which would in stantly take place in the position of affairs should Kngland be drawn into the conflict. Englishmen and French would then again, as natural allies, light side by side, and teach the domineering German that though Germania is consolidated and a great military power, she cannot and shall not ride rough-shod over a fallen nemy, and in defiance of the public opi nion of the world.

Ou the night of Saturday last, a robbery was perpetrated on board tho Southern Cross Mission Schooner, moored off Kohimarama. The Captain's cabin was broken into, and a quantity of clothing, books, charts and instru ments was stolen. The police arc on the scent of the plunder.

A meeting of the principal hotel-keepers of the town was held last night at the Thames Hotel. The 'New Licensing Bill was con siuered clause by clause, and subsequently steps taken for the formation of a " Licensed Victuallers' Association."

We learn by the arrival of the Virago that all was quiet at Tnumnga on Sunday. One of the Maoris injured during tho late melee is very ill, and not expected to recover. The Prince had gone on to liotorua Lake.

The grand Osaka Troupe gives •'"'''■ first performances in the City Hall, on .Thursday, b'riday, and Saturday. This Troupe we learn was organized especially for New Zealand mid the colonies. It brings with it the reputation of being the best Japanese Troupe which lias ever left Japan, and has among its members the famous boy <: All Right," who creited such a great sensation in America. We re commend everyone to see the wondrous per formances of thc;e interesting people, and accord to them a hearty welcome to our shores.

The half-year]y examination of Mr. E. J. Moressey's Preparatory School was held on Satimliy, Key. J). Jones presiding. A report was read of the hall year, and tl:e following prizes presented. First Glass—History, Henry Dunnefc ; geo graphy, John Buonet ; elocution, Thoinns 11. Shove; 2nd elocution prize W. A. Grifllths ; writing, F. E. Williams ; 2<.u\ writing prize, G-eorge Clark ; general improvement, Henry Clark Ist prize ; iionzcl Mason 2nd ditto ; James Morey 3rd ditto ; honorable mention, Henry Kei nedy. — Second Class—English prize, Edward ilill ; honorable mention, William O.innncl, Harold Griffiths, John Mason, and Joseph A. Shappore.

On Sunday afternoon after the closo of the duties of the Parnell Presbyterian Sab bath School, a very interesting circumstance took place, when Miss Sinclair was presented by her attached fellow-labourers of tiiat institution, with a beautiful family Bible. Hcv W. IV. Cosh and a large number of friends were present, and Mr. Allender, the superin tendent of the school, read a very feeling testimonial, accompanying the gift. Mr. T. Macflurlano replied for Miss Sinclair in appropriate terms.

We learn that Captain Freer has resolved on disposed on disposing of his property, the Q.CJO., in Shortland-sbit'ot, preparatory to dovoting himself more fully to public duty Further particulars regarding his intended sale of this valuable property will appear in our issue of to-morrow.

At a meeting of the directors of the Long Drive Gold Mining Company held yesterday, a dividend of £1 per share was declared. The transfer-books will be closed from 4 o'clock this afternoon until noon of Thursday, when the dividend will be payable at the company's office, Shortland-street. Louis A. Nathan, Esq., has been appointed a director in this company in place of A. Bectham, Esq., re signed.

Lewisson's diamond ring will be given away on Friday next. Mr. Lewisson will give a bullock away the day before Christmas. A certificate from any respectable person, taken to Mr. Jiarr by any poor persons, will entitle them to a joint for Christmas Day. The gift will, no doubt, be appreciated by tho3o who may be unable to afford a good Christmas dinner.

The p.s. Comeraug will leave Auckland, on an excursion trip to the Bay of Islands, on the 23rd and 30th instant, allowing excur sionists cither four or ten days to remain at the Bay. The price of return tickets is ex ceedingly moderate.

We understand that J. J. Symonds, Esq., has resigned the oflico of lleturning Officer for the Thames district. Wo are not c« rnve whether or not this involves the resignation of tho other offices held by Mr. Symonds. Mr. C. Durbridge yesterday went to the Thames as lleturning Olliccr for that district.

FREEMASONRY.

THE annual meeting of the Waitcmala Lodge of free and accepted Masons, held under the sanction of the Grand Lodge of England, took place last evening, for the installation of officers for tho ensuing year, when Brother Hay ward was installed vV.'vl.; Brother Wade, S.W. ; Brolher JUkin, J.VV. ; Brother Wh taker, S.D. j Brother Jfardic, J.I). ; Brother Hurroll, E.C. j Brolher Parker, T.; Brother Rose, Treasurer ; Brother Brougkton, Secretary; and Brother the Rev. E. Hay wood, Chaplain.

AUCKLAND G3IAMMAR SCHOOL. Ttjerd was im annual distribution of prizes to the boys of the Auckland Grammar School, yesterday. Rev. Dr. Kidd presided and de livered an address, and Mr. Sheehan gave away the prizes, and addressed the boys in suitable terms. Messrs. Lusk and Hurst, members of the Provincial Council, also assisted. The following is the list of prize holders: — Phizes.— First class : 11. Burgess. Second class : J. Nolan and A. Stichbury (equal), J. Abbott. Non Latin class : W. J. Baker, J. Smith. Third class : Ist division, B. Buttle and B. L. McKinntry (equal), B. Nolau ; 2nd division, E. Burton, E. Rule. Junior School: W. AUright, F. King. Prizes for German, given by Hen- Tripmater, were awarded to J. Leech, R. Dignan, and A. Stichbury. Phe.uiujis. — First class: R. Dignan (special), J. Leech. Second-class: S. Hera path, A. Moore, W. O'Sullivan, J. Warnock, J. Moginie, A. Duder. Non Latin Class :R. Carbine, JJ. Jones. Third class: A. Taylor, J. Thompson, A. B. Shaldcrs, Or. King, H. King, R. Rigg- Junior School: F. Dignan, W. Baker, W. Dignan, H. Fordor, M. O'Sul livan. Premiums were also given to five boys whose names were 0:1 the list fox last year, viz.: To W. Ridings, W. Moyle C. Barton, J. Robinson, and F. Beddoes.

ADJOURNED LICENSING MEET ING.

An adjourned meeting of Justices for the grunting transfers of Publicans' licenses was held in the I'olice Court to-day. Tho case of tho application of Mrs. Grace Chapman, for a transfer to her of the. license of the Clauri cardo Hotel was considered, and the consent of Mr. Dignan, the proprietor of the building, being obtained, the transfer was granted.

THAMES.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPS.

THIS DAY

SUDDEN" DEATH AT PUEIRT,

COltO M A.JSTOEL CHUSIIINGS

Bny View, Coromandcl —25 lons gave 52 ounces. The Moanatniri have taknn out some more rich specimens. John Moffott, laic of llio 90th Regiment, died suddenly at Puriri last evening. An inqucsc is being held to-day.

RETURN OF THE P.S. 'LUNA,' WITH H.R.H THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AND THE GOVERNOR.

NOTES OF THE PEINCE'S

VISIT

The p.s. Luna arrived in harbour this morning, with H.li.H. Prince Alfred, His Kxcelk-ucy liio Governor, and suite. Wo have been kindly furnished with the following particulars of the trip since leaving Tauranga : —

December It. — H.E.IL and party arrived at Maketu from Tauranga at 3 .a.m. on the 1 -Ith, ami landed nt 9 a.m. He was enthu siastically received by both Europeans and Maoris, who erected a triumphal arch, and gave every signs of being delighted. An escort of mounted men of the Armed Con stabulary, under Captain Hair, proceeded with the parly to Taheki, where the party lunehe.l, and then proceeded to Ohinemutu, wkero they arrived at 4.30. The camp was pitched here under a guard of the Native Contingent, under Captain Gaseoigne. The Maoris were enthusiastic everywhere.

December 15. —Siarted from Ohinemutu at 10 a.m. for Lake Taraweru, visiting the hot springs at Wknkuiewera en route; arrived at tf 10 Key. S. Spenser's at 430 p.m., where H.It.H. slept. To Kepa and other chiefs here presented him with tarahis and a mere. . December lGLh.—Party proceeded in canoes to Rotomahana ; coming on to blow, party look shelter in Hawaika Bay. Morning wind moderated, proceeded across Taranhera to Te Ariki; from here walked across to Kotomahana, visited terraces at Tc Terata, then visited the Geyser Ngatapu, also mud springs of Kotoka napu ; haka performed, party bathed. December 17. —Returned to Spencer's; rode back te Ohinemutu. December IS.—Divine Service. December 19. —Loft Ohinemutu, proceeded to Maketu, saw Chief To Waru and forty others, who recently surrendered. The Luna proceeded to sea, and reached Auckland to day. The Prince was much pleased. The Prince while in camp wore a shawl a la Maori.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

KING- REFUSES TO GIVE UP TODD'S

MURDERERS

EUROPEANS WARNED OFFPIRONGUA,

A i/exa^dea, Monday afternoon. Te Wheoro, Wi Pateno, and Kukutai, friendly chiefs,- who went to Tokaugamutu a few days ago to see the Waikato chiefs on tho subject of the reoontPirongia niurdor, returned yesterday. It is reported that the King and Mauuwhh i refuse to give up the murderers, and declare that they recognise no confiscation boundai'y, and that, their line is at Maungatawhiri. It is siiitl also that Kewi does not approve of tho work of the murderers, and has left for Wanganui, where lie now is. A friendly native going over from here to riauturn I he other day was told not to return there again. A hint lias been given by the Hauhaus that any Europeans fouuel on Pirongia wi'l be shot.

SUPREME COURT.—Civil Sittings.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20.

[Before His Honor Sir G. A. Arney, Knight, Chief Justice, and a Common Jury.]

His Honor took his seat on the Bench at 10 o'clock. Gold v. Wokioian. —St. George s Church, Shortland. —This was an action brought by Andrew Gold, contractor, against Ro the erection of this building, to bert Workman and other, trustees for recover damages for a breach of a building contract. The sum claimed to be received was £2500, which was made up of the remain der of the money due upon the contract, the value of some 80,000 feet of timber; and a claim of £500 for special damage occasioned to the plaintiff's credit, trade, and business, in consequence of the non - performance of the contract by the defendant.^ Mr. Hesketh was counsel for the plaintiff; Mr. Whitaker, with him Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Weston, appeared for the defendants. — The evidence was exceedingly voluminous, and the objections taken to the form and language of the contract were various and in genious. The facts of the case will be most succinctly obtained from the statement of the learned, counsel on either side, and the issues left before the jury to determine. The de claration set out that on or about the 19th of October, 1869, the defendants entered iuto a contract with the plaintiff in consideration of £2900, to be paid to the plaintiff at certain rates and times, for the erection of a building in Shortland, to be known as St. George's Church, Shortland. The plaintiff declared that he had carried out the work ac cording to the plai s and specifications annexed to the contract deed : It was provided by the conditions of the contract that the sum of £2,900 should be paid to the plaintiff at the rate of 80 per cent, on the value of the work actually done. The plaintiff on the 17th of March last became entitled to a certain sum of £200, which was certified by the architects (Messrs. Rumsey and Farrow) as due to the builder under the above arrange ment. It appeared, however, that the defen dants relied upon subscriptions to meet the demand, and it was discovered that they had no funds available for the purposes of the contract. The sum of £1216 ss. remained duo upon the contract. The value of 30,000 feet of timber, estimated at £800, £500 for labor, and other materials, all which formed the particulars of the claim. The defence put in was a general denial of all material allegations contained in the declaration.—The plaintiff further gave notice that he would offer evidence of special damage. The following were the issues left to the juryt—l. Wasitagrecd between the con tracting parties to erect the building for the sum mentioned ? (2.) Was it provided in the conditions that the rate and time of payment should be as in the declaration set out ? (3.) Did the plaintiff perform the woik, or so much of the work as that he became entitled to receive from tho defendant £200? (4.) Had the said amount been paid to the plaintiff? £ (5.) Was tho plaintiff ready and Billing" to carry out and complete the work ? (6.) Had the defendants, without sufficient reasons, discharged the plaintiff. (7.) Arc they indebted to him in the several amounts stated in tho declaration, or any of them ? (8 ) What sum, if any, is the plain tiff entitled to recover ?—Mr. Farrow, an architect, in partnership with Mr. Rumsey, examined by Mr. Hesketh, deposed to the circumstances under which the contract was signed. He identified the plan 3 and specifi cations. The work he said was done entirely to his satisfaction. Ho had signed four certi ficate? for the plaintiff previously to the one in March. The amount of these certifi cates was in the aggregate £900. In March, when ho gave the cer tificate for £200, there was more than that due to the plaintiff, but the witness had re ceived a letter from the lion, secretary to the effect that there were no funds to meet any further eertifioates. Received a letter from Gold to the effect that as he was not getting any money, he would not pro ceed further with tho work. On the 11th of February, there was on the ground 117,000 feet of timber, a large quantity of iron-work, prepared timber, blocks, shingles, and excava tions ; at £1 per cent., £1170 ; 49,329 feet of timber, at 10s. per thousand, £246 10s.; 27,200 feet fixed at Bs. ; blocks and excava tions, £109 ; 1400 lbs. of iron-work, at 6d. ; making a total of £1672 Gs. On account of this sum the plaintiff received £900 after deduction of timber charged to plaintiff, there is £347 due to Mr. Gold. The builders' profit on the whole contract for such a work as that should have been about £600, making together £947- —The witness was cross-ex amined at great length as to the number of names to the respective conditions of con tract, for some of the committee appeared to have objected to give the agreement, and did not. The question raised was whether an erasure of names from a contract deed, after signed did not vitiate the deed, showing as it did a greater responsibility on those remaining than they had contracted to bear. There was also a very long cross-examination having for its object to show that the plaintiff was not as alleged in the declaration, discharged from the work, but that he had discharged himself, and produced a number of re ceipts of payments made to Gold.

[Left sitting.)

POLICE COURT.—Tuesday.

(Before J. H. Home and T. Henderson, Esqs., Justices.) Drunkenness. —E. Eundell forfeited bail. J. Wood was fined 5s and costs, and, being further charged as an habitual drunkard, was cautioned and discharged. Merchant Shipping Act. —John Lute and John Barker pleaded guilty to desertion from the ship Countess of Kiutore, and were sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

SUDDEN DEATH.—INQUEST.

An inquest was held on Saturday last, before T. M. Philson, Esq., coroner, and a respect able jury, upon the body of Emma Ampan, a German woman, aged 3S years. The deceased lived with her husband and family at Shoal Bay, and on Thursday during the absonce of her husband she was taken very ill. On the return of the husbaucl he sent for medical advice, but the boy sent could not. find a medical man, and some Ilolloway's pills were consequently given to the deceased. This appeared to relieve the pain, and when the

husband went out on Friday Ws"»SS^ much better. On his return, h O w eTe T£ found her dead. The son, who was vmWf ! her death, stated that she died very caln l although she apparently suffered a goo? ,I*l of pain shortly before death. A post m'Ji examination was made on the body, whenM 01 medical man gave it as his opinion tli'ab th deceased died from aneurism of the b.earf° She was a woman of robust body. T ne ; u returned a verdict in accordance with \]l medical testimony.

AUCKLAND BAND OF HOPE UNION.

An entertainment in aid of the funds of th drum and fife band was given last evening in the Parnell Hall. Mr. Le Roy occupied tho chair. The band played, very creditably number of favorite airs. It now contains over a dozen fifes and five drums. The affair was quite enspiriiing, and drew together a consider able number of neighbours and other listeners" The entertainment, properly so-called, coin' prised an address from the chairman, several recitations, songs, and duets by the young members of the " Band of Hope'," and one or two suitable speeches from friends and sun porters. The affair passed off -with mueli enthusiasm, and the result cannot fail to be a substantial addition to the funds of the society

THE EVENING iTAE, DECEMBER 20, 1870.



GEORGE SIBBIN, AUCTIONEER AJTD COMMISSION AGENT, COItNEE. OF QUEEN & WTNDHAM-STEEETS. EVENING STAB PUBLISHING OFFICE, QUEEN-STREET, NEXT SIBBIN'S CORNER. Advertisements received till 3 p.m. BILLIARDS. TO SUIT THE TIMES. GO to MILLER'S EMPIRE HOTEL, Victovia-streofcjJor a quiet game of 15il liarda ;no charge for The table. Drinks, 0"d. Cheap Drinks. Tuesday, December 20.—Messrs. T. Hender son and J, H. Home.



WANTED —A "Respectable Youne Woman as GENERAL SERVANT one that can cook.—-Mrs. A. Griffith?' Prince of Wales llotel, Hobson-strcet. WANTED— A GENERAL SERVANT. —Apply at Cliff Ilouse, corner of Hobson and Moore-streets, or ab the Q.C.E. TTTANTED—A GIRL, about 16.—Ap \V ply to Mrs. Akdekson, Beresford street. WANTED— A MAN and his WIFE, on a small Farm, a short distance from Auckland; references will be required.— Enquire at the Evening- Stab Office. WANTED— By a respectable person aged 40, a SITUATION as HOUSE KEEPER ; country preferred.—Address, Mrs. Hoopee, Post Office, Onehunga. WANTED— A SERVANT in an hotel- Apply at the Delta, on Monday morn ing. WANTED— Several good hands for Sewing Machine work; also, four Apprentices; good wages. —Apply C. De L'kau's Shirt Manufactory, Mount-street. WANTED— A GOOD TAILOR for the country.—Apply to Mr. Hooaeth, at Messrs. A. Cr,AnKE and Son's. WANTED —The public to know that PRINTING of every description is executed at the Evening Star Office, with neatness and despatch. WANTED,— ONE THOUSAND PUR CHASERS of HERBERT H. SMITH'S PATENT PORTABLE SMOKE CONSUMING OVENS.—Note the Address: HIGII-STBEKT.TOF OF SaMeYaHD AS BeOWN and Basket's. N.j3 # —All kinds of Ovens Made and Re paired. Gas-fitting and Spouting Fixed, and Machinery Repaired. NOTICE TO PASSENGERS PER 'ALICE CAMERON.' PASSENGERS per above vessel must be ON BOARD by 5 o'clock THIS EVEN ING. HENDERSON & MACFARLArTE, i :. : _y-i- J -.-,- ; ;j-t* r qS. 'P II (E B E.1 A Special Omnibus will leave Ilardington'e To-morrow, at 1 o'clock, meeting passenger boat at Ouohunga wharf at 2 o'clock. CRUICKSHANK, SMART & CO., Agents. High.-sj.reet. THEATRE ROYAL. HEER AND MRS. BANDMANN Beg to announce to the public of Auckland that they will make their First Appearance on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, for Six Nights only, at the THEATRE ROYAL (Entirely renovated and cleaned), supported by MES. WALTER HILL, MISS MELVILLE, A nd a powerful Company. THE CITY HALL. THE GRAND*" OSAKA MONSTER TROUPE OF JAPANESE, Prestidigitateurs, Contortionists, Equilibrists, Slack Eope Walker?, Foot Performers, Acrobats, Jugglers, Slack Wire Walkers, Top Spinners, Gymnasts, &c, &c, &°" Will giro their thrilling and unrivalled sensa tional performances at the. above Man on THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATt?BDAYi the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th i»; •*■ GRAND MATINEE ON SATETBD IV. at 2 p.m. Admission —Front seats, 4s; sect not scats. 2s; children half-price. Doors open at 7.30, performance at 8« Carriages may be ordered at 10.30.