SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Fouthern Cross, ss, from Tauracga Pretty Jane, s s, from Gisborce

DEPASTURES.

Ben Nevis, brig, for I*ewca>tie Taranaki, s s, for the South (from the Manukauj

The schoouer-yacbt Blanche r has b9en taken alongside' the Breakwater to be slightly altered to fit her for her new line ot business. Her hatches are at present being enlarged. . The brig Albion is advertised to leave tor Lyttelton on or about the 24th inst. _ A.S.P.Co.'s Southern « ross arrived at the Thames yesterday, and is to sail tor Auckland at 6 o'clock this evening. The schooner Tauera cleared out at Onehunga to-day for Hokianga with eight passengers and a general cargo, comprising 611 packages frtm various shippers. Mr Barnes is agent The Dawn cutter from "Raglan, and the Dante, cutter from Waikato, entered inwards to-day. , i j / The schooner Merlin has loaded tor Lyttelton, and the Hero for Kaipara. The steamer Taranaki sailed from the Mamikau this morning with the following passengers:—Saloon : Dr. Antliffe ; Messrs Niccol, SherwiD, Osborne, Hunter, Barret, Miss Davi3, Steerage : Mrs Hayson, Mr Butterworth, Mrs Gregory, Garrett, Hood, Cookson, Donnell, Connor, Ford, Hoskin.

COMMERCIAL.

The freehold property in Hobson-street •was fold to-day, by Messrs. Cochrane and Son, for the sum of £295. Messrs. .Arthur's poultry sale was but thinly attended to-day. Fowls fetched Is 4d t0~23 lOd ; geese, Gs. A quantity of bacon realised B£d.

MARRIAGE.

Wilson—McCbj.sk 7—At the residence of the bride's father, by iho liev it. J? ftjaouiccoi, Flora, only daughter of .N. McCiilsky, Hobson-street, to James, fecoiid son of Wm. Wilaon, "Warkwortli, Mahu rangi.

Wvlib—-McAllister—On Decmber 22nd, by the Hey "Wftrlow Uuvies, M A, lltchsrd Wylie, to Hen rietta McAllister, at the residence of Mr Jones, Mount Lden ftoad.

BIRTH.

Jackson— At her reside nee, rymonds-street, tho wife of Lieut G-. J6. Oreslcy Jackson, K.N, of a son.

DEATH.

Niciioi.sow —On 23rd insr, at her residence Salisbury street, Paraell, Sarah, the beloved wife of James llvill >icholson; aged 30} ears

The funeral will take place at 6 p.m. this evening. LinstboM -On Dec.-mber 23, Mr U. A. Linstrom, of Onehunga ; aged 34 years.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News and the Morning News.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1874.

Par the cause that Incks SBsietance, J?er r.ht wrong1 iliat needs rt':iiiii.aae«i 2or >Js3 fa'.ure in tl« dlnt:ir.C4, iai t!i* good tiint we cau So.

Agaik we have come to the happy Christmas tide. The gladdest happiest tirao of all the year. Peace and good will was the burthen of its first advent song, and peace and good will and genial happiness itbrings to thousands apart from the blessings associated with the sacred mysteiy which it is primarily intended to commemorate. To some indeed it comes with its cup of sorrowful rnemoiies, and the. darkness of the hour is rendered darker by the associations of other and happier days. But to thousands and thousands it brings mirth and merriment, and infected by the influence of the season oxir hearts rebound like the hearts of school-boys panting for the holidays. And it is pleasant in this work-a-day world to have a time wlien every one is impelled to fling away dull care ; and when bright merry faces, aud buoyancy and fun and sunshine are in season, and when nobody feels that he is doing a wrong cither to himself or others in giving himself up to the unrestrained enjoymeut of existence. Whatever inconvenience may be found 3iu a three-.lay a holiday, there is a luxury in going into holiday-keeping whole sale. With a single holiday, one has the little cloud over the spirits, reminding one that to-morrow he must f^et up with the lark lin the morning. But here we have three | whole holidays, two for fun, and one to rest off the tiredness, and hi ing one quietly and by gradation back to work. So now, ...-00(1 people of Auckland, let us play. We wi«h you all the compliments of the season, |ml we're off. Off to the woods to muse by bosky dell aud purling brook. Off to theses ro bound over the waves and sniff the breezes Co climb the cra?,s, to plunge into copses, to tide, to drive, to swim, to dive, to go any where, everywhere, away from business and work. We're off! For three who'e days our luminary will refrain from shedding its effulgent rays on a beuighted popple. For three wholo days mint they search for them selves for th' 3 good, the beautiful, and the true. Good-bye! We're off. May you be blest ! A happy Christmas and a merry Now Year.

The summonses for education rates have, as will be seen by our I'oiiccCouit report, been settled without the intervention of the Magis trate, in accordance with the determination arrived a$ by the objectors at Tuesday's meeting le^-al advice was taken on the sub ject, aud Mr J. C. MacCormick, barrister, who was consulted, advised Mr Sfcainea that it would bs useless attempting to resist it in the Police Court, and that, even if Japplica tion were made to the Supreme Court, the question, having already been tented there, would doubtless be m;i'le a case for the Court of Appeal in Wellington, so that no effective resistance could be offered to the operation of the Act at a less cost than £400. Under these circumstances, and acting upon Mr MacCormick's advice, Mr Staiuts very wisely thought his best course was to pay the rate, and save a large and wholly futile expense. Mr Staines has resisted until resistance is useless, and he has shewn pood sense in knowing to what point opposition may with reason be carried, and where it becomes absolute foolishness. Others will do well, and wiil save themselves much annoyance and pecuniary loss, by following in his foo! ---steps.

An important proclamation, by the Super intendent, relative to the questions which collectors of the education rate may ask, appears in our advertising columns.

Mis Christian will give her first concert in Auckland on Boxing night.

We have much pleasure in announcing the publication of Reed and Brett's Auckland Almanac and Provincial Handbook for 1275. It wiil be found that this annual has grown in size as it has grown in years, the present issue beiDg greatly enlarged, and giving a much larger amount of information than was contained in the issue for 1874. As a Hand book of Provincial information, copious and reliable, we believe it will be found as perfect as such a work can be. Many wholly new features have been introduced, but prominent among them we may mention the views of Auckland taken by Mr R, H. Bartlett, photographer, by the heliotype process. We regret that the expense attending' these additions compels us to increase the price of the work to two shil lings, which" will barely cover the cost of production, but we feel convinced that the purchasers of the work will be satisfied that the higher cost is more than compensated for by the increased excellence of the book. One great object kept in view in its com pilation has been to adapt it" specially for home circulation, and the views of the city and leading public buildings are impor ant features in connection with this object. Copies may be obtained after to-day .at any news agents in the city, in time for despatch by the outgoing San Francisco mail on. Mon day.

At a special meeting of the Auckland Branch, No. 81, of the H.A.C.B. Society, held last eveniDg, Dr Ellis, of Parnell, was appointed the medical doctor for the current six months.

The Rev. Dr. Antliff delivered a very in teresting lecture last evening, in the Beres ford Congregational Church, on " Sources of Pleasure.' The Rev. Warlow Davies intro duced the lecturer to the audience, which was not so large as was anticipated, consider ing the character of the lecture and the well earned reputation of the lecturer. The discourse was full of sound advice, tinged with healthy humour, and interspersed with happy anecdotes.

We hear that the rifle range is secured for a special match on Saturday from 2 o'clock till 4 o'clock, when the Auckland representa tives for the colonial firing at the Thames, will exercise their skill.

The Treasurer of the Orphan Home acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £2 from Dr. Kenderdine towards a Christmas treat for the children. ssThe band of the 1 O.G.T. are reminded to meet at the Fire-bell, on Boxing Day, at 9 o'clock a.m.

The treasurer of the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children acknowledges, with thanks, the receipt of £2 from Dr. Ken derdino towards providing a Christmas treat for the childrea of the Home.

We learn to-day that the lad, James Wad hain, who fell over the cliff at Shelly Beach, is more seriously injured than was at first supposed. Both his wrists are broken and he lie's in a very precarious situation under, the care of Dr, Hooper. Theae accidents should act as a warning to youngsters who are too anxious to gather ftoweis near dangerous precipices.

Sheiidan's masterpiece of comedy, the "School for Scandal," was produced at the Prince of Wales last night by Howard-Collier Company. We were agreeably surprised at the way in which the difficulties of the piece were surmounted. It is highly creditable to the entei prise of the Company to attempt a play with the characters of which.so. many... illustrious names in. v,th«a/tpic^ rrecoi'dsf aj*,e * connected. The rolW'or "Sir Pater;and"'Lacly Teazle, of Charles an?d Joseph Surface, wuhr their wonderf u'JtJy de'licfte js%des <sf>x;plouring,' may well tax the talents of the cleverest actors, hut at the same time we do not agree with the Herald in thinking such a company as we now have in Auckland, guilty of presumption in soaring 80 high. The dialogue of the "School for Scandal" is so replete with wit that it is interesting if heard read in monotone. It is peculiarly entertaining when accompanied by intelligent acting on the part o£ at least the greater portion of the performeis, as it certainly was last night. At times the play dragged in consequence of a little shakiness in tke " book," evident now and then, but as a rule the parts were well conned. Lady Teazle, in the hands of M.ias May Howard, was ably sustained, and the points were recorded with praiseworthy accuracy. We might mention one exception which struck us. That was in the scene between Lady Teazle and Joseph Surface, where the former suggested the propiiety of Joseph leaving "honor out of the question." This speech was spoken by Miss Howard in an angry indignant tone. Should it not be rather taid in a quiet sarcastic tone ? The splendid quairel between the doting old Knight and his lady was hit off eplendidty, and Mr Holloway who performed the part of Sir Peter received a fair share of applause. • Mrs Chas. Jones, as Mrs Candour was ex tremely good. The characters of Sir Oliver by Mr Aveling, and of Chas. Surface by Mr Collier were handled in a skilful manner, and elicited plenty of approbation. Mias Maggie Knight acted Maria quietly and moder ately, but apparently had not been given time to study the words. Mr. Bootb, as Sir Benjamin Backbite, affected the cou ceittdgoing youny fop of the period in a very life-like character. Miss Lizzie Buscb played last night with more animation than we have yet seen her. But she had a difli cult tusk* in Ijiidy Sneerwell. The play was listened to with close attention, and tho I applause which followed Sheridan's sallies of j wit shewed that fun, in a legitimate form, is Hill popular, it is the performance of such pieces iv preference to the sensational playa of modern times that serves to keep up the standard of theatrical taste.

In order to avi.-iil mistakes, intending visitors to tho Kilerslio Gardens Sports are informed that they had butter remain iv the tr.-dn till they yet to the Ellerslie station. They will tave nothing by getting out at Ellerslie Course station.—ADVT.

The Rev. A. Reid will preach to-morrow Christmas) morning, at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, at 7 o'clock.

We are requested by Katber Walter McDonald, on behalf of tho Sisters of Mercy, to return thanks to the Licensed Victuallers' Society for their gift of ill 10d. towards St. Mary's Orphanage. Also, to Messrs. G. Leahy, Miuuetti, and others, for various seasonable presents, and to Mr Francis for a quantity of crockery w;vre.

The members and friends of St. Andrew's choir are reminded that tho s.s. Gemini will leave the Queen-street wharf for Molu Tapu at 8 a.m. sharp, to-morrow.

We are requested to state that the time of the choir practice at St. Paul's to-night, is 7.30 p.m.

One hundred men are required for the Kaipara Railway works.

Wo have to acknowledge receipt of another ten shillings forMru Irwia, anil have pleasure in stating that Mr Sutton, of St. Matthew's School, baa expressed his willingness to educate any of hur family of school ugo free of charge.

DEAD BODY FOUND ON RANGITOTO.

Ykstkkpay, about five o'clock in tho after noou, the master of the fishing smack Mary Ann, whi'e picking pohutuknwa flowers for Christmas, on the south side of Kangitoto, opposite BroAvn's Island, found the body of a man, apparently a native, lying on bis face on the rocks above high wator mark. The body had evidently been there, or in the water for some timo, as- the head was very much decomposed. On the back tattoo marks were plainly visible, aa well as the word " Taranaki," Wiitten across behind the shoulders. The corpse had only a pair of grey trousers and one heavy boot by way of clothing; The impression conveyed to the mind by the appearance of the body was that either the deceased had swam ashore, after being capsized from some boat, and managed to climb to bis present position, and had been too fatigued to get any further, and had lain down and died ; or that the body had been thrown up by the sea. The master of the cutter came on to Auckland early this morning and informed the police of the cir cumstances. They are now investigating them. The Water-police went down to the spot indicated this afternoon for the purpose of bringing back the corpse. It is generally supposed that the body is that of the Maori, whe either feil or jumped over from the p.s. Hauraki a few days back.

MR. W. L. REES ON THE LAND FUND AND TAXATION.

A lecture on the above subject in connec with the Reform League was delivered by Mr W. L. Rees last night in the Mechanics' Institute. As might have been expected, with the out-going mail and a broken week before business men, the attendance was not large. The members of the League, how ever, were undoubtedly blafneable for not putting in an appearance. Mr. Rees made allusion to this in his introductory remarks, and said the apathy of the people was not to be wondered afc when the Council of the League set the example. He pro ceeded to state that the great object which the League had in view was to educate the people in the great questions of the country and to arouse them from their indiffer ence. He was sorry to see that they took so little interest in great public questions unless they were spurred on by the pinch of additional taxation. The land-fund was very closely associated with taxation, for the revenue derived from that source had been equal to the whole ordinary revenue of the colony. He believed that if the members of the legislature, had to come before their con stituents every two years Mr Vogel could not have retained at his bid and call upon the hope of the award of some sinecure such a a following as he had. Mr E,ees then pro ceeded to shew how the land became the property of the Crown. He reviewed the history of the resolutions of 1856, and shewed that even* the slender agree ment then made was nullified by the introduction of Mr Vegel's Im migration and Public Works policy, under which the land was to be made security for the money borrowed. He shewed how the Government had broken its promises, espe cially with reference to the capitation allowance, and so compelled the provinces to fall back on direct taxation for necessary purposes. He made allusion to the non paying character of the Auckland and One hunga railway (a city line), and asked what would be the result with railways through sparsely settled districts. Mej condemned

the abolition of Provincialism in one island as being destructive of a national spirit, tending to direct and unequal taxation, and as depriving the North Island of the benefits which Mr Vogel had claimed as about to flow from the purchase of a landed estate. He asserted that the injustice inflicted on one part of the colony while the other was rolling ia wealth must lead to revolution. He contended that the Government depart ments were in confusion, taxation bearing unduly upon the poor section of the com munity, and contended that a property tax ehould be levied. Ou the motion of Mr Staines, c, vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer.

BOXING DAY'S RACE MEETING.

Visitors are crowding into town to witness our annual races and to join their fellow colonists in the Christmas festivities, and from the preparations being made i predict plenty of amusement and good *port for all. Our races commence at one o'clock p. m. on Saturday, and although we shall not have large fieldsonthe opening dayevery race will be well contested, and every backer of his fancy will have a run for his money. The first race is the Trial Stakes for which three horses are eng.iged, Parawhenua, Sri Charles and the Belle, we have all seen Parawhenua run here before and from his performances last year he ought to be dangerous ; Sir Charles is a Maiden and therefore has an allowance of 14 lbs which ought to pull him through if he is any good at all. The Belle won the Maiden Plato in Ghriatchurch last Novemtor beating Ngaro who bolted with his jockey inside the distance, and upset what was really looked upon as a certainty. For the Rail way Plate we have four hoises engaged, namely : The Belle, Medae, Ngaro and Never Miss, not knowing the intention of the Belle's owner, 1 cannot say whether they will start her for-both of her engagements, Medea is a nice eh. filly by Towton dam Symphony bied by Mr Stafford, and is own sister to that flyer Lacenfeed, Ngaro was beaten by the Belle in the Maiden Plate in Christ church, but on the following day won the Christchurch Plate 2 miles, carrying Gst 18lbs. beating Traitor Bsb. 2.bs. and Tambourini lOst. 7ibs. Miss has several times run here, and is a

very speedy animal for this distance, but being engaged in the Midsummer Handi cap, his owner may probably save him for this. For the Auckland Cup there are six horses still in—Templtton, Yatteiina, Toi, deeping Jenny, Kaugi, and Guy Fawkes. Templeton is the Southern crack of the year. He has beaten all the best horses down there ; is in splendid condition, and as well as his rider and trainer, Sam Haines, could wish to be. Yatterina is quartered at Papa kura, under French, which is a sufficient guarantee that she will come fit to the post, and wi h French in the saddle, will have plenty of backer?, and will be very dangerous. Toi is from Kohimaiama. This filly has not yet been Been in public ; ehe is sister to Kaka|,o, and comes with a great reputation Creeping Jenny i 3 reported amiss ; but I believe the followers of Owen McCee's sable, who are many in Auckland, will have a good run for their money. Uuy Fawke3 has nob yet arsived from the South, and Kangi, I am afraid, will not have sufficiently re covered from the bad cold she had upon land ing from her Southern tour. In the Milsummer Handicap, Tui, Fever Miss, and Kingfisher are engaged. Tui ran once in Wellington, and when he had got a hundred yards on hia journey pulled up very lame. Kingfisher (Mr Walters') won the Maiden Plate last year at Papakura, but when running on the Elleralie course last Christmas failed to make many friends. Never Miss, I believe, will be specially saved for this race.

In conclusion I shall sum up by giving my readers what I fancy will be the most likely winners on our opening day— Trial Stakks—The Belle. Railway Plate —Ngaro. Auckland Cup—Templeton.

Midsummer Handicap—Never Miss. Anil trusting we shall see good sport and a bumper mcetiug, and wishing my readers a merry Christmas, I subscribe myself Bl.uk Athol.

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Tin: .annual performance of the "Messiah," 1 -tat eveniDg, was attended by the largest audience that has ever yet thronged the Choral H ail. The chorus and orchestra num bered 170 performers, the former being strengthened by reinforcements from the Poneonby, Harmonic, and Onehunga Socie ties, and other amateurs. Mr Beale con ducted. A great improvement was effected by au enlargement of the platform, for the instrumentalists and soloists, which brought the performers more closely in view of the conductor's baton. The concert com menced at eight o'clock, and, nothwith stamliug several omissions from the oratorio, did not end until after eleven Undoubtedly the chief attraction was the execution of the contralto soloa by Mies Christian. This lady more than fully realised the anticipa tions which had been formed of her ability ; and we do not hesitate to say that her sing ing was the greatest treat of its kind that we have ever enjoyed in Auckland. The solos undertaken by her were "(5 Thou that ttllest," " Ho shall feed His flock," and " He was despised." The first was slightly marred by an indecision on the partof the instrumen talists, but the other two were perfect. Miss Christian posesses a rich and powerful voice, free from any harshness in her lower notes, and she is also gifted with a remarkable power of expression and clearness of enunci ation, —qualities which are indispensable to the proper rendering of oratorio music. Her pathos and tenderness in the solos referred to were fully appreciated by the audience. Of the other solos some were very fairly rendered, otherß were not. The ba»s solo "For behold darkness" would have been all the better for a little more expression, and the same may be said of the tenor recitatives " Thy rebuke." Both were accurately sung, but both lacked an infusion of spirit and vigour. The lady who sang the pastoral recitatives and "Eejoice," was formerly one of the most popular of amateur soloists in this place ; but her voice has lost its strength, and last night she sang indif ferently. We cannot commend the perform ance of either of the soprano airs, " How beautiful" and "He was cut off;" but the continuation of the air, "He shall feed His flock," by a soprano voice, was charmingly rendered. The lady, possessing a voice of 6ne quality, who undertook the difficult solo "I know that my .Redeemer liveth" was unequal to the sentiment of that sub lime piece, a result which greatly disappointed ns, as it is generally performed the best of all in the oratorio. The tenor solo "Thou shalt dash them," and the recitative, which preceded it, were dreadfully out of tune, and might, with advantage, have been omitted. On the other hand, the solos " Comfort ye " "Thus saitb. the Lord," and " Why do the nations" were each of them, but especially the last, successfully rendered. The choruses, on the whole, were well given. The altos were (for once) audible; but the sound emitted from the trebles was hardly commensurate with the number of voices. The first and last choruse3 were the best, and" next to these "Lift up your heads," and "All we like sheep." The audience observed the time-honored custom of standing during the performance of the majestic_ "Hallelujah" chorus, of which Handel id reported to have said, on being questioned as to his ideas and feelings when composing it, "I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself." Before concluding our notice, we ought to mention that the stewaids are deserving of thanks for their admirable arrangements for the comfort both of performers and audience, a very necessary adjunct to the thorough enjoyment of a concert. Sigma,

CHRISTMAS AND ITS ASSOCIA TIONS.

THE DAWN.

The merry season of Christmas is once more upon us, and not only aye the citizens' of Auckland, but the people of every civilized community, awaiting its holiday advent; not more on account of its sacred significance than for its cheer-inspiring; and friendly associations The eve of the annual festival has come, and the weather seems to promise a splendid opportunity both for young and old to share healthfully in the sports, excur sions, and picnic jollities of the hour. It is scarcely necessary to state that Christmas is commemorative of the nativity, or birth, of the Saviour of men ; but whether or not. the twenty-fifth of December iH the correct day, cannot now be satisfactorily stated. Still it is of small importance so long as one day is kept in honour of the historical event. Several learned commentators have contended that Christ could not have been born in De ceinVer, as it is not likely they maintain that the flocks should have been exposed to the wet and cold of the winter nights in the land of Judea, where, as Dr Shaw has shewn, the night's were damp and unwholesome. Other °emment writers have argued, with much show of reason, that Christ was born in the spring-time of the year ; others, again, have considered the month of September was the likeliest time, and with which opinion the story of the shepherd lying out in the fields all nigbt by moonlight seems to favour. There is little doubt but that the Pagan world kept holiday at thia season of the year long before the dawn of Christianity m con nection with the rites and ceremonies of their religion in like manner as they regarded the material aspects of nature through the rolling year, and their poetic mythologies may be but the endeavour of the human mind to realize the mysteries and interpret the visible and significant signs of the world around them. The Hercnlefl and his twelve labours, of the old Greeks repre sented the passage of the sun round the ear th _ hence the twelve Bigns of the Zodiac. The exploits of Thesius figured the fifty-two weeks of the year. The Goddess Minerva signified Wisdom springing full grown from Jupiter's brain ; for according to the Greek theory, wisdom had no childhood— no lime of infantile feebleness; and Apollo killing the beautiful boy, Hyacinth, personi fied the Sun, killing the spring in bis pro gress towards the summer. These festivals chiefly were thanksgivings for the various bounties of the changing seasons. The season has been variously kept by the people of Christian lands. In England, in the time of Henry VIII., and that of his daughter Elizabeth, it was a season of feasting and general rejoicing, and the plaaces of Rich mond, and other places, rang with mirth ; but in a subsequent time the stern old Puritans and Quakers set their faces against the adornments and festivities of Christmas, and the Puritans abolished its outer show altogether. The Stuarts, at the period of th« Ke3toration, restored Christmas festivi ties, with all it 3 mirth, kissing under the mistletoe, and fat living, and these features, more agreeable to the Anglo-Saxon race, have continued under more or les3 lively aspects to the present day. THE HOLIDAY. The opposite characteristics of the season in the opposite hemispheres, necessarily alters the modes of keeping Christma3 in England and the colonies. Short days, cold frosty nights, skating, snow-balling, and all sorts of games, by the roaring log-fire, are the home features of Christmas ; while here in Auckland we have the burning summer j sun, horse-racing aquatic and field-sports, arid lounging on grassy slopes, within bight of the sea. The gardens are full of flowers, and the little hills are earpetted with fresh I grass. The school children are " home for | the holidays," and teachers are away ruralis ! ing in sumiy sea-girt islands. The Voluuteers march forth headed by bands of music, the Bhops are closed, and the streets are com paratively empty. In the old land to many persons Christmas is a nuisance, because the season cannot be so thoroughly enjoyed for waut of means. We remember one such, who was troubled with a poetic temperament, and who had eat so much plum-pudding that in a heavy mood, he penned the following lyric to the season : —

" I love old Christmas and hla joy 3, His frost and rime, an' snow ; But I don't like the naughty boy*, AVho enow balU at me throw." " I welcorre t->o the glittering ice, And on its an; f.ice slide ; But, dush it all, it isn't nice, To tumble oq a slide." " I like a frosty Christmas day, I'd brave its cold with zest ; " 1 always get though, sad to say, A tightness on my chest. " I doat on dancing, but, &h me ! I suffer from the gout; I'm fond o' parties, but you sen, They never asks me out. " Who more delights tVan I can see In Christmas fare profuse);? I'd eat with pleasure, but with me, My liver plays the deuce. " I hail the Christmas waits with zest, The carol-singers song— Bat when t'.ev spoil my whole night's it st, That's coming it too ttrong So, summing up, I must dccl tre— Pray don't my fan.-y blame That for myself, I should not care, If Christmas never came." THE STREETS.

A walk up and down our principal streets this evening will do your heai't good. Thou sands of persons are out, ladies and gentlemen of all sizes and ages, looking and remarking upon the shop windows. The butchers and bakers, and boot and shoe-makers, and grocers and tailors, and lassies and sailors are on the tiptoe of expectations, some bent on business, and some on pleasure. The butcher shops have a fine display of beef and mutton and geese. The market is crowded with good and seasonable provision ; but we fail to hear as we pass the butcher stalls, ths old familiar cry of " buy ! buy ! buy !" Here and there is observable a holiday flag ; but of all the shops in Queen-street for elabo rate show and exquisite taste in window dressing, the drapers bear the palm, and with some of these we have been delighted, but without being individious, we must honestly confess that the windows of of Messrs Vaile Brothers, in exquisite taste and beauty, far surpass all the others. The scene reminds the spectator of Fairy land in the richness of the goods displayed, and the roses and emblamatic representations of Christmas. Several other of our drapers windows also are prettily adorned with ar tifical flowers, and feminine apparel which are attractive and highly creditable to the taste and judgment of the dresses. We noticed a rare supply of plumcakes and mince-pi^s at Woodward and Sons, of the genuine type, which must of necessity be in great demand, and for persons who are not strictly Templars the Devon shire cider at the United Service Hotel will be acceptable.

ROUND ABOUT. The numerous pleaaant retreats round about the city will no doubt be visited by water, rail and foot by thousands of happiness seekers, and ample opportunities will be afforded for lounging in the shades of Woodside, Takapuna Lake and the North shore, where the strawberries grow in cultivated abundance. Steamers will run to and fro during the holidays, as intimated in our advertisement columns. Those who have friends at the Thames will also have the privilege of a cheap trip to J3rahamstown, also to CoromandeJ, or if fond of racing and sports, they may take a cheap return ticket to Ellerslie, or Onehunga. Passengers how ever, musb attend to the regulations made for the comfort and convenience of travellers, and in order that no accidents shall occur. The Domain is a nearer resort w quietly disposed, middle-aged persons, t ho prefer a shady seat, and the singing of lie birds, and a dish of Brighton's straw

berries to the frolic and fun of snnrt.^ and lads. The various bdg c3 P° o f BqS Templarhood will turn out theTbrethern S sisters on Boxing day, and will- meet at £ Fire Bell, at^junction of Grey^ni Q^ streets, with blue and white rosettetS full regalia, ; and will march to Si Domain. This will be a very pleasing Christ mas procession. .B^mist-

AMUSEMENTS.

Under this head we notice the pntl^" entertainments. The Theatre will U opened on Boxing night, and the pie c ! introduced by the very clever company no £ performing will produce the famous prize drama, illustrative of life in South America entitled " The New York News Boy," w hi c^ is of a most interesting character beint» fjjjiS of incident and change of scene. °Laßfc ' evening Sheridan's well-known " School for * Scandal" was represented to an admiring audience; Miss Nlay Howard appearing as * "Lady Teazle" with consummate ability Thi3 evening being Christmas evening, th# company will perform for the last 'time " Camille."

MISS CHRISTIAN.

The great musical attraction of the holidays will be unquestionably the concerts of Miss Christian at the City Hall, which nraat command a large share of public attention. This talented lady nomes to Auckland under very auspicious circumstances, it being the very season of mu^ and rejoicing, when the_ ears of the • people are more susceptible of sweet sounds, and the genial voices of harmony than at any other time of the year. The' numbers who listened to this lady last even ing were not disappointed in the parts.she took in Handel's great work, the "Messiah,''' which seems to bs associated with the season of Christmas, but hailed with acclamations; of pleasure the advent of a new singer in the person of Miss Christian. To assist her in these holiday concerts the lady has been for- ■ tunate enough to secure the valuable ser vices of the vocalists and instrumentalist* selected by Madame Goddard to assist ather '.\ .New Zealand concerts. A MERRY CHRISTMAS. HaviDg expressed a few necessarily rude sentiments on Christmas and its associations, we say briefly adieu, but only for a season, we shall naeet again ! We join the manyoV* a holiday excursion in quest of sweet thought and pleasant faces, probably to dance with some pietty girl, clad in innocence and beauty, or perhaps to eDJoy a game at " Kiss\ in the ring," in a charmed circle in some far Iv away island. Meanwhile we say adieu, and wi3h everybody a Mebky Christmas and»■•'.. Happy Kew Yeak.

EXCURSIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The rail«ay holiday time-table appeaii id another column. , :> The smart steamer Pretty .Tane, Tinder charter, will make a cheap excursion trip to the Hot Springs and Kawau on Boxing Day, The Henderson's Mill races, which ue also to be held on Boxing Day, will no dontt form a centre of attraction to many. ' " An attraction of another kind is that: offered by Mr. P. M. Eiordan, of the Custom bouss Hotel, who announces a monster Christ mas pudding to be cut for the delecta- - tion of the million free of extra charge, csn taining very unusual ingredients in com pounds of that kind, viz , six gold rings. During Christmas Day and Boxing D»y the North Shore boats will ran to Wqpdside : every hour, commencing at 8 a.m. and to . Devonport every half hour.

POLICE COURT.— This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckh'am, Eso[., EM.) DRTJNKENKESS. * A trio of inebriates, with blackened eyes nnd grim faces, were brought up thismom- - ing, on charges of being drunk last night, -i Jarncs Robinson forfeited his bail, and Jame*..... Birch and Charles Cox were fined 10s each. AOB AND VICE, j William Wells, an old man, apparently on the edge of the grave, was charged with drunkenness and vagrancy _ The old man pleaded guilty to the charges, aod as he had been drunk many tiroes, the Court sentenced him to six months' im- __ GOLD AND SILVER. Giovanet Le Louche, a. native of Athens, was charged wi'h stealing a gold ring,from. Emmanuel Silver, value £4, on the 23rd Hmmanuel Silver, a foreigner ana trash- man, deposed that he came into town and on Tuesday night he lodged at Moyle's duung rooms. He rose in the morning early, and previous to washing himself he tools; off his gold ring fiom his finger and laid it on one side. When he had performed his ablution, and looked for the ring, it taa vanished, and no person had been neartbe spot but the prisoner, who was a total stranger to him. ~ , ■ Prisoner, through an interpreter, said ne y found the ring on the washstand, and doiy pocketed it. . ~ ■ Wm. Moyle remembered the parties at nis .. house. He objected to prisoner when M applied for lodging, but he pressed, repre-j sen ting himself as a seaman, and paid tor dm Detective Grace arrested the prisoner at the bar of the Q.O.E. hotel, Sborfcland-street and accused him of the offence. HeiOund the ring upon prisoner, who stated tnatiw ... found it on a wash-staud at Mr Moyle s, and intended to give it back to the owner jffnen he could find him. . j Four months' imprisonment with naw

A BRACE OF VAGRANTS. Mary Ann Kelly, an old woman; »J Eliza Simmonds, a young woman, wkb charged under the Vagrancy Affltwi.. having no lawful means of employment. ■ Prisoners pleaded guilty, and as / »*"*"... of convictions had been recorded aga"T ;;; them, thej were sent to Mount Eden for the term of six months.

THE MYSTERIOUS SADDLE. William Stone, a veneraßle looting man, 3 remar-ded from yesterday, again appeared™ suspicion of having stolen a saddle, value to, owner unknown. , < Mr Broham stated that he had telegrapnea to Tauranga respecting prisoner's statement, . but no reply had yet been received.- •' ' " ;i The prisoner was therefore remanded vi"v THE HOST AND HIS BARMAIDS. Michael Corcoran appeared in answer tea summons charging him with employing *^° - young women aa barmaids after the hour 0 . 11 o'clock on the night of the 11th of tne present month, at the Greyhound Hotel. , Mr Hesketh appeared for defendant. Constable Mulville deposed that on we night of the 14th of December, he paid • visit to defendant's house, and in the/owe bar he saw the barmaid with a bottle T^lg hand, and a number of men present. It w» about twenty minutes after eleven. • short time after he went uP-f airs fllpr the upper bar when he **w the. „. barmaid,, actually serving cnstom.f.t He asked her if she was aware -.w she was breaking the law, but she was aw and spoke not. He spoke to Mr upon the matter, and he said- be wouia deny it, and was perfectly willing thai case should go into Court. Josire' Mr Hesketh said that there was *° °~ n to evade the charge, but as it _ was QO!"».. ---over the town, Mr Corcoran wished to w in what position he stood.- .stable,' He then cross-questioned the ConstaJ^ who replied that he saw the young^ w . gg serving persons. There namj.^ f \A iUis, and Miss PickeriDfif. They aia serve him with liquor. _, rw- i Miss Emily Willis, barmaid at m v ted v ; coran's, stated that she was in no wayr to Mr Corcoran She remembered then^ of the 14th inst-, when Constable M came to the lower bar facing yueen^ She was engaged in the bar till within minutes to twelve.

TH^S ETEMNG STAB, THURSDAY, tffiOEirßEß 24, 10*.



■^Ss fill ?§s_ W^lHi. SSI A UCKLAND AND ONEHTJNGA RAILWA Y. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAH HOLI DAYS, 1574-7r>. On CHRISTMAS DAY the Trains will run as on Sundays. On BOXING- DAY, and on the Ist and 2nd January nest, the ordinary time-table will be suspended, and on those days trains will run as follows:— I LEAVING AUCKLAND At 7.30, 9, 9.30, 10, 10.30, 11, 11.30, 12, 12.30, 1, 1.30, 2, 2 30, 3, 4.38, 5 18, 5.f)8, 0.33, 7.10. LEAVING ELLERSLTE FOR AUCKLAND At 9,9.30,10, 10.30, 11,11.30, 12, 12 30,1,1.30, 2,2.30, 4.30, 5.10, 5.50, C.SO, 8.2. The first and last trains from Auckland will run I through to Onelmnga, and those at even hours from Auckland will connect at Ellerslf.e for Onelni' ga. Between ONEHUNGA and ELLERSLIE a train ■will ran, LEAVING ONEHUNGA At 8.55, 9.55, 10.55, 11.55,12.55, 1.55, 2.55, 5.45, 7 50. And from Ellew'ie connecting with those from Auckland as above. At Auckland carriages will be reserved for passen gers joining at Newmarket; and atEllerslie, on return trains, carriages will be reserved for passengers from .Racecourse platform. The doors of those carriage Will be locked, and passengers are respectfully re quested to observe this and the other regulations made for the comfort and good conduct of the public' 1 The By-laws will be strictly enforced. RETURN FARES (Including admission to Racecourse): I From Auckland to Ellerslie 2s Cd ;'; From any other Station to ditto .. .... 2s Od From any station to any station returns will be ' given at ordinary single fares, exclusive of admission I to course. ;: No arrangements having been made to include ad s' mission to the Ellerslie Gardens and Sports in the 1 price of the railway ticket, and as it has been found impossible to use the special Racecourse ticket for f that purpose tickets for the Racecourse will pass the holders into that of the Auckland Racing Club alone. SI Ticket? can be obtained at all stations. :! JAMES STEWART, ' Acting General Manager. December 23,1874. EDWIN HOLLO WAY AND J. TONSON GARLICK Beg to iniorm the inhabitants of A uckland i they have purchased the Stock and ■1 _ Premises known as I THE CITY HALL DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND CARPET ESTABLISHMENT, , ; TJPPER QUEEN-STREET, From Messrs Cosg«ave & Co., AT A LARGE DISCOUNT OFF ENGLISH COST. H A SALE OF THE GOODS :•■' Will be held When that New, Extensive, and recently-imported tock, purchased from the Manufacturers of England H FOR CASH, will be offered to the public at j|. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. Drapers and Storekeepers are invited to attend this great Sale, as it is the intention of the proprietors to W CLEAR OUT THE PRESENT STOCK, In order to make extensive alterations in th Building. A splendid opportunity for Country Settlers to i| purchase at LOW RATES. ; HOLLO WAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL. "N" ° T J ° E> ■ «*- » '"j The BANKS will be CLOSED on SATURDAY | 26th. instant, BOXING DAY I TCT EW CASTLE COAL. lH I^l ■ ■ 111 lJ»^ _ NOW LANDING, j Ex Dbkwent, j TOR SALE ALONGSIDE VESSEL, i In lots to suit buyers at || 34s PE R T OW, C A S H j1 JAMES W. WALLER, 4 OTJSTOM HOTTiE-STREEX.



PUB LI 0 N O T* I C E. It having been decided by various Houses of busings in this city to spoil the Christmas Holidayß by opening on Saturday night, we beg to announce onr intention of keeping open all day as usual. FORD, POTTER, & CO., The Pantheon. t>T~ O T■ ■ I 0 E. CITY HALL DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT "Will be OPJSN TED at six o'clock p.m. on SATUEDAY (Boxing Day). HOLLOWAY & GAULICK. TTNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837-3 PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000 RESERVE FOND £400,000 THE HIGHEST CTTKRENT RATE OF INTEREST ALLOWED OX FIXED DEPOSIT. J. B. BRATHWAITE. Manager. [JUarfraci from His " Provincial Government Gazette," No. ?>%., dated the 22nd December, 1874, page 271.] "QEGTJLATIOKS UNDER SECTION 12 SSj OF "THE EDUCATION ACT, 1872, AMENDMENT ACT, 1874." PUBLIC NOTIFICATION. By John Williamson, Esquire, Super intendent of the Province of Auckland. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the "Education Act, 1872, Amendment Act 1874," I do hereby make the following regu lations, for the purpose of regulating and facilitating the collection of all rates levied .under the provisions of the said Act, and of " The Education Act, 1872." Given under my hand at Auckland, this fouiteenth day of December, 1874. J. Williamson', Superintendent. 1. Every collector appointed under "The Education Act, 187"2, Amendment Act, 1874," is hereby authorised to pub any one or more of the questions hereunder specilied to any person whom he may have reason to consider liable to the payment of the annual rate specified in section 6 of the said Act. 1. Are you of the age of 21 yeaxs, or over that age ? 2. What is your Christian name and surname ? 3. Where do you reside ? 4. Were you a householder, occupying a dwelling house within the Province of Auckland at the date on which tho now current household rate became payable ? 5. Were you a resident in the pro vince of Auckland at the date on which the now current rate, leviable under the sixth section «>f the said "Education Act, 1872, Amendment Act, 1874," became payable ? G "Have you paid the whole or any part of either the current householder's rate, or of Ihe r;ite leviable under section 6 of " The Education Act, 1872, Amendment Act, 1874?" 2. Such questions shall be deemed and taken to be questions which any such collector is authorised to put under section 11 of the eatd last-named Act, and any person to whom any such collector is authorised to put such questions, who shall mnke a false statement iv reply to any one of them, shall be deemed and taken to have committed a breach of the said eleventh section, and to be liable to the payment of the penalty imposed thereby. 3. The information obtained by any col lector under these regulations, or under the provisions of " The Education Act, 1572," or " The Education Act., 1872, Amendment Act, 1864, shsll be used only for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the said Acts, for compelling payment of all rates leviable thereunder, and for such other purposes as may be enjoined or permitted thereby, and any collector who shall commit a breach of this regulation shall forthwith be deprived of his appointment. THE NATIONAL BANK NEW (ZEALAND), Limited. CAPITAL .. £2,000,000 SUBSCRIBED ... ■ ... £1,000,000 . RATES OF INTEREST ON DEPOSIT On Deposits fixed for 30 days', 5 % $ annnm On Deposits fixed for 3 months', 5J % $ annum On Deposits fixed for 6 months', 6 % $ annum DAVID HEAN, Manager. Auckland, 17th December, 1874. CHIEF POST-OfFICB, AUCKLAJSJD, Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, this day, at &. SO p m, and on Saturday next, at 6 30 p m For Wangarei, etc., per Clyde, oa Monday next, at 4 pm ForGisborne and Napier, per Pretty Jane, on Mon day next, at 3 p m For Bussell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Bowena, on Monday next at 4 pm For the undermentioned places per Cyphrenes, en Monday, 28th instant, as follows : — For Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 6 p m. Kor the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 6 p.m. For money- orders, registered letters, and news papers, at 4 p.m Late letters bearing an extra fee of 6d will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of . sailing Revised New Zealand Postal Guides can be ob tained at this office. Price, 6d. S, B. Bisb, Chief Postmaster