SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATE3 : This evening, 1119 ; to morrow morning 31.41 SUN SET : This evening, 7.17 ; SUN RISE : to morrow mornin>» 4 48 MOON'S a (its : I ast Quarter, January 7,1875

ARRIVALS.

Belle B=anc*on, schooner, Ohlson.from Levulia EffleMeikle, schoocer, from Poverty Bay

DEPARTURES.

Pretty Jan?, ss, for Gisborne and N;»pier St Kilda, ss, for Wanganni (from ths Manukiu)

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For lyttelton— Waitanei, shin, early ; Ainion, prig shortly : Marf King, schooner, and Fiirt, brigan tine, early For iw.rot », a—Blanche, sohoc-ner. eaily For «<in Frar.cisc.i—Coutior»n, ship early Cyphrenes, RM.ss., 2i>th Dectmber (English Sfc.il) For London—City of Auckland, ship, early or r. Cruise—Southern Cross, Missionary barquentine early

VESSELS EXPECTED

vi;y o'ivieiormrne, ss, or uypnrenes, s.s, irom Sydney, 28th instant Pero. »,.», from Sylnev. about sth January next Mi c resror, s s, from San Francisco ; sailed 10ih Dec « iematK ketch, from Napier Papua, schooner/from Rarotonga, early

IMPORTS.

Per Belle Brandori, from Levuka: 100 bags maize, Fiji Banking Company ; 56 bags crpra, 17 bags peanuts, ' order ; 46 ba»s ma^ze, J. S. Maefarlane. —G. Holdship and Co., agents.

fhess Pretty Jane left yesterday even ing for Gisborne and Naoier, -with, a full cargo and Hie following passengers : —Mis = Back, Miss Backer, Messrs. Stebbirfg. Perries, BarchiH, and Hollywood.

The Jffie Meikle, from Poverty Bay, brings cue passenger—Mr Wallis, and as cargo 53 hales wool for Messrs. Owen aud Grali am.

The passTgPrs by tbe St. Kilda for Wan ganui yesterday, were Mr F. Ledbury, Mrs Slinahan and family (6)

Mr Daniel Pape well known in Ancklind as an experienced cat+r r. and fo-merly providore of the > r.Z.S.S Cr>.'s boats, has been appointed providora of the A S.P. Co.'s vessels, in the place cf Mr li'ordsn, whose contract with the company las terminated.

The Bcsfjrio is r<o<". fo lea'e aceordina to latest instructions till ihe r:rnval of the Mail

Steamer.

The schooner Belle B andon arrived in harbour from T evuka this morning at ten o'clock "with a heavy cargo of maize, &c., for Messrs G. Holdship k Co. Captain OWson reports leaving on tbe Cbh ir-st. He has experienced calms and li ht variable winds throuehout the pas-age. The Beile Brandon v;as brout'ht alongside the wharf to unload this afternoon.

The schooner Colden Isle, after lying during tbe Christmas' holidays above the vharf, soiled down this morning, and came alongside-the wha f :o discharge her coals.

The baiqne Otngo was brought alongside tbe -A S P. To. T thi^ morning for tbe pur pose of discharging her cargo of sugar. The nrssion barquentine Southern Cross smarted off this morning to Tiritiri and back. for a tri.^l t»ip und-r her new trim, aft r taking in her extra ballast We believe the principal object of the trial is to see how the vessels ac* s in s avp.

The ship City of Auckland is taking in the last of ber cargo. She will be quite full in a few days from this time, and will sail about tbe 12th January. All her saloon cabin accommodation is engaged. The schooner Albatross a-rived at Lyttel ton from Wbangapouaon Saturday last. She is expected to compete at the Lyttelton Regatta in the same race as tbe Peerless.

The brig Albion has nearly completed her loading. She is to sail for Lyttelton in a few days.

The schooner Pacific is off her charter to Messrs. Owen and Graham. Her next voyage will probably be to the coast for timher.

The cutter Morning Light has entered in with 14570 feet timber fiom Port Chalmers for Messrs Holdship and G?.

The ship As3aye entered to-day at the Customs. Our local Good TempJa'S may perhaps he interested to know that in her inventory of stores appears the item spiiits

—none.

'J he schooner Fortune cleaied to-day for Awanui wi»b a full general cariio.

The whaling barque Albion was spoken by the Belle Brandon on the 24rh November, in latitude 30 z 58', longitude 178 ° 12' E. She was standing to the eastward.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr G. W. Binnky this day disposed of almost the whole cargo of Melbourne refined Yarrowville sugars, and the following is a synopsis of the sale. The sugars we*-e tbe property of Messrs. Joshua Brothers, and although tbe prices were considered some what under market rates, the sale, under existing circumstances of a slight tightness in the money market, maybe considered a decided success. The attendance of mer chants, and the tr»de generally, wa« large, and the auctioneer r.-sponded to the biddings evincing a continence id every firm repre sented here, and putting to shame the croakers who have done, and always will do mis-chief in the event of a failure or so. Confidence was clearly unmistakeable, and therefore in this sale, after Christmas, it may be considered to be fully restored The following pries were rea'ised :—Be*t white large crystal, F 52, 50 mats, £37 15s in bond, all sold ; best white crystals, Th 51, 762 mats, £35 5a to £35 10s in bond, all so d ; best white crystals, F 41, 303 ma^.s, £35 10s, all sold ; best white crystals, M 51, 533 mas, £35 10s, all sold ; white crystals. F 53. 842 ma:s, pas:-ed ; white crjbtals, Th 53, 845 m*ts, £31 10s. all sold ;. white crystalf, YY 53, 841 mats^ £32 10-, 200 mats sold ; whbe crystals, S 53, 830 mats, passed ; white crystals, 8 33, 863 mats. £32 10s, all sold ; whbe crystals, T 43, 937 mas, £32 10s, all sold ; white crys-als, S 43, 806 mats, if 32 15s, 100 mats sod; cry.-tals, M 63, 809 mats, passed; equal to company's 1 C, F 54, 963 mats. £31 to £31 sa, all sold ; equal to company's 1.0.. ri h 54. 663 mats, £31 to £31 5», all .-old ; I.C , S 54. 568 mats, £31 to 132. ail s Id ; 20 casks Golden c-yrup withdrawn for £18per ton in bond. Terms : Over £50 approved bills at three months.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames, to-morrow, at 9 30 a m and 5 30 p m for Odibmandfil, ptr Mari>dii, to-morrow, at 4:30 pm E\ r TJnrrd K'BKd<,m, Continent of Europe, Sand wic i Island*, L'ni.ed states rf Arni.ri a, Canada., "Bri'.ish ' olumtdi. Central and South Americ;, and Brhlsh -nd Fortlgn West Indies, per Cyphrenes, Immediately oa h<nsSrriv<tl f,om .-ytlney Late letters hearing an eitta fee of 6d wiil be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing Kor i-.utsell, per E. wena, to-morrow, at 11 am ForWawcr* and Wdrfcworlli, per Lady Bowen, on Tiiurrday text, at 10 a m For T'lranaki, Southern province?, aud Australian Coli its, per Pnoebe, on Thuiadiy, 31 at in&Unt, at 5 p m MB.- Uolders of private boxes in this office arc requested to return their k-ys pending the recon struction of tho > oxes at the new buildi g. Letters will be delivered by Use c&rriers until the new boxes are ready for allotment S. B. Erss, Chief Postmaster

BIRTH.

Gillman—On December 24, >.t Coromaudel, the wife of Mr T. K. Gillmaa of a son.

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

Tuesday, December 29 1874.

F-jr ttu- wioiijr •■■■'&< r.c. ..* rr-.i.;t&*;:o, ¥or ths (*';-.<?& in tho dl.iuiv:«». . Axsl tactic J K'a»\ «c os'j d«

The elevation of Mr. T. B. Gillies to the bench of the Supreme Court will be received with general satisfaction. His admirers and friends will accept it as a just recognition of his ability and of eminence in his profession honorably won. His enemiesi will accept it with a profound sigh of relief as the removal of tbe most disagreeable opponent that Mr Vogel and his parasites have had to en counter. And those who, unswayed by the attachments and antipathies of party politics feel only a sincere desire for tbe public good, will see in the elevation of Mr. Gillies the selection of one of the best and fittest men for the position, within the range of choice in New Zealand. We believe that these will be the genuine feelings of the several classes of our colonists when the inti mation spreads of the appointment of Mr. Justice Gillies. But what possibly

be th«; purpose seivtd by the m inner o speech indu'ged in by our contemporary the Cross this morning? R;gl,t well does that journal luow the grounds on which the selection ba? teen actually made ; and right cordially docs it acquiesce in the prudence of the course taken by the Government. But why t-y to talk Ham on the subject? Mr GiJlies forsooth diJ nut anticipate the honor, Bays oor contempoiary. Oh dear, no !He not "at .naturally expected" tbat from the ranks of the Government sup-

porters, ihe selection of a person to fill hi 3 hi^h office would b3 made." Oh dear ! yes. He is very gteer:, is Mr T. 13. Giiiics. "Utility, however" s.tya our contemporary " was what it was tho bounden duty of a good Government to regard." To be sure it was. Aud the most practical piece fef utilitarianism performed by the Government during the past few years was tho removal from his place on the Speaker's left, half wry down the house with his back to the wall, of that man uith keen countenance and nervous restless department, whose piercing eye was ever livetted on ministers and brightened up at every lapse on the opposite sine. Yes "utility" was what the Govern ment was bound to regard and to this prin ciple, in tiuth, Mr Gillies is indebted for his elevation, as the country, for a good judge .And we do not say this in disparagement of Judge Gillies. Whether he had his eye on the judge's chair or cot during his political career we know not. It has been generally said he hrd, but at any rate our contempo rary's statement that it was unanticipated by him, while every one spoke of it is simply bunkum. But if it is so that he had his eye on the bench, then his conduct stands out in strung and honorable relief from that of the ordinary run of ofiice seekers. He has been no sycophant, but a fearless and unflinching opponent. We know that with this Government, as with roost, this is as go. d a route to the heaven of political ambition as any other. There are two classes of meu whom the Government delighteth to honor. Agency-generalship-: and judgeships, et hoc genus omne, are pre sented to those who, in the House, are hated and bared like the very devil ; while only the crumbs are swept oil' the tible to the crawlers who are ever fawning and licking about the feet of Ministers. Fojtune favors tbe brave in conferring the highest gifts on the political opponents of the Ministiy, while by those who obtrude tlr^ir meanness in sycophantic servility, as Ministers well know, tbe smallest contributions are thankfully re ceived We cordially congratulate Mr Gil lies on his elevation, and the country en thl sppointmeut; but of course we know, and everybody know?, that lie was appointed only to put him out of the way.

In our yesterday's telegrams from Welling ton it was said it was "rumoured that Si, George Grey will stand for City We-,t in tin room of Mr Gillies." It appears like send

ing coals to Newcastle, forwarding to A nek laud an intimation of ibis kind, hot it is not improbable that it is the confirm tion "in the well informed circles" of the capital of ;i general belief among us that Sir George would be willing to enter the areca of polities if fitting opportunity presented itself. None more fitting than that of the retirement of Mr Gillies could possibly be afforded; and most sincesely do we hope tint it Will be accepted as the mean'! of bringing Sir George from retirement, and inducing him to vivo to the colony the advantages .of bis learning, ability, and above all, his great experience of th'j arcana aud the practice of constitutional Govern ment. We may not agree in ail par ticulars with the views of the ex- Governor of New Zealand on C'jii stitutional reform. But there is no on< influenced by a genuine desire foi the wel fare of the colony who should not with to see a curb put on the wild and revolutionary procedure of Mr VI, so that from calmer and more sober counsels the very best and wisest form of government may be evolved. That Mr Vogtd requires a restraint is beyond a question, save among those who wait on him as the bountiful bestower of all good. Sir George Grey is just the man around whom a pr.rty will not be ashamed to enrol themselves, and now, if ever, is the moment in which the break should be put down on Mr Voget's chariot wheels. Although we can hardly think that anyone would come out to oppose Sir George Grey's return, we can readily fancy the tenor that his coming would inspire among ali the Government hacks, and how it would appe&r to them that the removal ol Mr Giilies, to make way for Sir George Grey, would be but a jump out of the frying pan into tbe fire. But with all who really wish wed to the country, and would like to draw breath in our headlong career, the election of the ex-Governor of New Zealand to a seat in the Assembly would be regarded as a political boon of the very first importance. That an effort will be made by the Government fugle men to lead off in prejudicing the public mind against him on the grounds of his strong Provincial views we have the fullest expectation. But while we, in common with many othei s may not wholly agree with those views, the possession of a man of such char acter, undoubted ability and influence, far outweighs any evils that might attend his pronounced views on particular constitutional theories. We sincerely hope that the consti tuents ofCityWestwill be moved by theirgood genius to take active steps towards inducing Sir George to abandon the learned leisure he has so long indulged, and prove himself a warrior iv the cause of the country which he has adopted as his own.

Owing to the number of "Auckland Almanacs and Provincial Handbooks'' necessary to supply the shipments which must be made by outgoing steamers, we have been unable to-day to furnish copies to some local applicants. A large number of copies will, however, be got resdy to-night, and an application at the Star office or to any of the k=ading stationers in the city will not meet with dissappointment. We may mention that the postage of the book to England, America, or the Southern provinces is one diiiling. For sending to fiiends in England, no more suitable book could be procured. We understand that a Coromandel team of cricketers is expected up on the 31st to play tbe North Shore Cricket Club. The return match -Auckland C.C. versus United CO— is to be played on Saturday next in the Domain.

To counsel delay in throwing open the loDg foibidden land of Ohinemuri is an act of moral courage. Yet this is the act _of a correspondent signing himself "Miners blight," whose letter we append. And yet if impatience could lend an ear to reason, there is reason in the arguments of our esteemed correspondent. There is, however, oj the ether side an old adage to the effect that " doiays are dangerous," and another which says " There's many a slip 'tween the cap and the lip ;" and although the bringing back of the thousands who have left our shores heartsick of delay and disappoint ment, would be a consummation very devoufcedly to be wished, and although the proposal of our correspondent would he the best calculated to that end, still we think tbe general feeling will be for having Ohine muri pr(claimed promptly. "Strike the iron while it's hot" is very threadbare, but very popular in ticklish circumstances, and Maori complications are ticklish things, and Maoris themselves are ticklish people. Howtver. wi'.hout prejudice, we submit the suggestion, which is certainly deserving of consideration, and let our correspondent speak for himself: — " Ohinemuri Goldmclbs. —To the Editor of the Kventno Star : Sir,—ln proclaiming the Ohinemuri district open as a goldfield, there is one mater I think the Government should keep in view. It is well known tbat many pioneers of the Thames gold fields waited and waited for Ohinemuri until they were wearied out, and had to visit other fields. I allude principally to miners, although no doubt storekeepers and others have suffered equal disappointment. !"o-v, would it not be advisable for the powers that he. when they have all properly arranged

with the Maories, to Gazette the field as to open say in four months from a certain date ? This would afford the Pi ess opportunity to ventilate the matter through the neighbour ing colonies, West Coast of New Zealand, and elsewhere ; and, in my opinion, recall or bring hundreds with means to prospect and develope the field, who are away and would not come if they thought they had not sufficient time to be amongst the first in the field. Anyway, I think the matter is worth, consideration. —Youis, &c, Mixer's Right."

The following letter was received some days since, but unfortunately was overlooked in the rush of the holidays : —' Sir : A letter aopears iv your issue of the 22nd inst., in whioi'i the writer complains of a nuisance which he asserts exists at my place in Drake-street. In reply thereto I have merely to state that the inspector of Nuisances is a more frequent visitor to my estab ishment than any resident of Drake stre-et, and tbat if the nui-ance complained of by the writer bad really existed .1 should have received notice thereof iv the ordinary course.—George Aiceks.

Many of our readers will be glad to bear about " Handsome Fwcd." We clip the following from the European Mail:— "Mr F. A. Cooper, foiinerly a member in tbe Legidaturc of New i-ou'h Wales, and who is equally well-known iv Queensland and New Zealand, hus been making a special study of our home and continental institutions He proceeds by the outgoing mail steamer to Queensland to renew his profession as a bar rister at Coc»ktown, where thc;e is no doubt ihi additional experience gained in travel will ptove of advantage to his constituents, and to the distiiet generally."

The iron piano used by Madame Arabella Goddard at her concerts in the colonic-', has been shipped on board the C.ty of Auckland for conveyance to London.

Lovers of the drama may anticipate a taeat within a week or two. arrangements having been made by Mr DeLias, lessee of r,;ie Piince of Wales Theatre, for a season .liven by Miss Amy Stone, who, judging from the notices which have appeared iv tho

me ican presf, appears to bo a perfect "Admirable Crichton." Her talents are of a most versatile character. It would appear from the notices we have seen that this lady is equally skilled in comedy and tragedy One cinoism speaks of her as perfect in the light and sensational national pieces pecu ji trio Ameiica, and adds : " S'ie is equally successful in the heavier walks of tie drama, and has earned a reputation .second to none in her delineations of the heroines of Shakespeare, Knowle.s, Sheridan, and tho best dramatists." A third critique, speaking of hor versatility in the incidental parts of a difficult character which she fcus taincd, says : "Her cornet solo was so ex cellent that the audience would not rest till she repeated it several times. She also favoured tho audience with^ a magnificent drum nolo, an original song, and broadsword

exercis?, which seemed a herculean ta^k for one s i frail as she " If Miss Stone can do, well, one half the things that is credited her by the journals before us. she should ha most successful in our city. However, we hope -oon to have an opportunity for judging of her merits from observations.

To the Editor : Sir, —In your telegraphic intelligence of Friday last your correspond ent of this xibice has thought lit to deny the renting au-angemeuts entered into by Captain Morris, M.P.C., through Mr Hopkins Gierke, of the Native Office, but that it was afterwards arranged and finally settled on the day of the telegram. JNow, sir, I was not aware until this morning of the nature of the telegram in the New Zealand Herald, which it is now sought to contradict ; but one thins» I do know, that Mr Hopkins Clarke has not settled the leasing of this land, nor is be likely to do it. The natives round about are surprised at Mr Hopkins Clarke's interference, and openly state that there is no probability of this hole and corner arrange ment being completed.- -I am, &c , Teuth ful.

Mr Wayte announces tbat his Art Union drawing will take place on Thursday after noon, at four o'clock, that being New Year's Eve.

In the following communication we have taken the liberty of eliminating names :— To the Editor : Sir, —As it seems that the police, under the present Licensing Act, are uoable to get a conviction, I beg to call the attention of the authorities to the disgrace ful proceedings which took place during Saturday night, and continued up to early dawn this morning * * * in Absr crombie-street. The language and conduct were a disgrace to civilization. Consider ing the fact that a few yards, off a lady wa3 lying on a bed of sickness, these demons would not keep quiet, I trust few will not consider me intrusive. Hoping that the police will interfere, as if they do not some bright night blood will be shed, or the whole neighbourhood will be inflames.— I am sir, yours, Mercatob.

The School Teachers' Association are to have a day's outing to-morrow, in the shape of a picnic to Ellerslie Gardens. The excur sion is an annual institution, and operates most beneficially in promoting a healthy and friendly feeling between the instructors of youth in our city. We understand that Bishop Cowie is to address tbe ladies and gentlemen composing the ! party in the Gardens, so that utility will be mingled with the sweets of the day's recreation. A sub stantial repast is to be laid out in the Rock House. The excursionists, who are expected to number about 50, go out by the 11 o'clock train.

The following is the return of sick treated at the Provincial Hospital for the week end ing Saturday, December 26, 1874: — Remained last., return, 74 ; admitted, 12 ; died, 2 ; remaining, 75 (males 62, females 13). Arrangement of cases : Zymotic, 11 ; constitutional, 11 ; local, 36 ; developmental, 6 ; violent, 11. Two deaths occured during the week—viz., Ist, S.C., aged 49 years, on the 24th inst , of Phthisis pulmonalis ; 2nd, J. C., aged 59 years, on 24th inst. of heart and liver disease. Thanks are returned to W.C K. for 20 quarts of strawberries on Boxing Day. N.B.—Old linen much needed.

We understand that in the impending alterations in the personnel and location of the Supreme Court Judges Mr Justice Gillies wiH have his sphere in Auckland and Nel son, with, possibly, Taranaki Judge Richmond is going home, and Hokitika will probably be included in the Christchurch circuit. Mr Justice Johnson goes to Christ church in place of Judge Gresson. Chief Justice Prendergast will be loca'ed in Wellington, and will probably hold Court at Napier as in the existing circuit;. As will be seen from our telegrams Justice Chapman contradicts the assertion as to his intended retirement. As Judge Richmond goes home only on temporary leave, although it is said he will never return, it appears that his posi tion will not be filled, air least in tlK.jjmean tirne, the circuit being distributed between the Auckland and Christchurch judges.

A meeting of creditors in the estate of Henry Smith, of Mercury Bay, store-keeper, was held to-day at the office of the Provisional Trustee, Supreme Court Building. ihe liabilities were set down at £300 13 7d, and the assets £223 13* lOd. Mr Thomas Macffarlane was appointed trustee, and two gentlemen were nominated to act as supervisors.

We do bope the reward of £25 offered by the Improvement Commissioner.--, as per advertisement in another column, will be claimed. It is really a disgrace^ to our com munity that every work calculated to im prove'the appearance of the city, everything artistic or tasteful, is subject to vandalism that would excite the indignation of the very street arabs in any continental city of Europe. The ten lime trees which have been deliberately and ruthlessly destroyed on the improvement Commissioners pro perty in Princes-stieet cannot be replaced. They were iive years old, grown for an avenue by Mr Wren, and there are none others in Auckland. Around the trees there is a guard which has not been injured shewing that tbe trees have been broken down deliberately, and with no motive whatever except a pure spirit of dtstruc tiveness.

f The anomalous condition of the railway scale of fares which caused tbe wonderment of ihe public on Boxing Day is likely to be altered for succeeding holidays. We le?rn that tbe local railway authorities have tele graphed to Wellington on the subject, and if Mr. Frank B. Passtnore's digestive apparatus is in tone he will probably permit such alteration as will prevent persons being charged double the fare for half the distance, as it was on Boxing Day.

An accident of a rather serious nature, we regret to learn, occurred at the Klleislie Garden Sports on Boxing Day. It appears that the riders of two horses were trying conclusions as to which was the best nag by racing, when one of the horses ran through tho wire fences which separated the specta tors from the cohrse, knocking four persons down. One young man named William Lodge got his collar bone broken, and another whose name we could not ascertain, had his jawbone dislocated.

It will be seen by the advertisement in another column, that Mr B. Graham his issued a very liberal programme of athletic sport-, to come off on New Year's Day, at Ellerslie Gardens. Several additions have been made to the advertised event 3, and another first-class day's sport may be antici pated. Entries are to be made for the different events by Thursday next at 10 a.m.

Pelative to the Good Templar picnic ; a correspondent writes :— " Sir, —hi your report of the Good Templars, picnic in yesterday's issue, there are one or two mis tikes, which I have no doubt with your usual couitsey you will correct. All the Anckland Lodges were not represented, two having enjoyed water excursions, and a number of members of other Lodges joined thim. so that although the gathering in 'be Domain was large, it was hardly a criterion of the number of Good Templars Auckland could shew, were they ail assembled together. With respect to regalia, you are in error iv stating none was worn. Tho officers of the various Lodges numbering nearly 200 wme the insignia of their oilice, although dis carded by nearly all on arrival at the Domain, and the biue-and- white rosette alone retained. A number of members also wore their own regalia, perhaps Bro. ilanua ford wag conspicuous by keeping his on, when others felt the weather too hot. It was also not the Temperance Band that headed the procession, and acquitted them selves so well dining the day in the Domain, but the Good Templars brass band, which lias only recently been formed, and bids fair to be on an equality with any other band in Auckland."

An entertainment was given at Onehunga on the evening of the 26th instant by the Sable Humourists. The hall was well rilled. When the curtain wa3 drawn, smiles were plainly visible on the faces of those who assembled, which betrayed a feeling of satis faction by all. The Humourists, as usual, were well up to their work. Mr Blakey's song "Come, Darling, rest your little head," was the gem of the first part of the pro gramme. Messrs Crew, Rafferty, and Bilkey's songs were well rendered. Mr 11. Bilkey's song and dance " Little Bunch of Roses" received the warmest applause. Mr R. Hucstep's song, "Volitile," was repeatedly encoied ; and the farce of the "Jerusalem Mountaiueeis," by Messrs Crew, Bafferty, and Bilkey, was all that could be desired. The evening's entertainment came to a close with a farce, entitled "The School," in which the full strength of the company took part. The entertainment was acknowledged by all to be a great success.

The school teachers of Auckland will hold their social gathering at Ellerslie Gardens to-morrow. The Bi^ht Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland will attend, and deliver an address on "The Training of Junior Teachers."

Mrs Morressy's concert will take place this cA rening in the Lome-street Hall, aud, according to the programme in another column, will be of a superior character. Besides Mrs Morressey, who is excellent as a pianist and vocalist, Mrs Mitchell, Madame Moller, Miss Leaf aud Mrs Kaynes will assist with their voices. Mrs Mitchell will sing the beautiful ballad, " Robin's return," and "The Forsaken " Miss Leaf will give " Thon art so n< ar" and yet so far," one of the sweetest ballads in the language. Madams Moller will sing "Longing;" Mrs Kaynes, " The Murmur of the Shell," sug gested to the authoress by a passage in Wordsworth's •* Excursion." A yonng lady bearing the happy name of Mendelssohn, will sing "In Slumber." Mr Austin will also assist. The other parts of the enter tainment will consist of duets, trios, and part songs. The programme is choice, and elevated in tone and character, and must attract a large audience.

Mr T. B. Hannaford, who seems to be seized with a mania for conundrums, sends the following :—\< Why is a bright thought occuring to the Cross Editor, like a claim at the Thames? Because it is a litckik hit." A correspondent says, apparently in allusion to this subject, that he saw a resident of High-street yesterday, with his shirt sleeves turned up to his elbows, in, what he vulgarly terms, a " great sweat," and apparentiy in a state of mental perturba tion. On enquiring into the cause of the excitement, the person addressed replied that he had just caught a happy thought in connection with the police force, and was vigorously working it out with grace. He next gave a jump, and in a state of esctady exclaimed, "By golly I've made a conundrum, Jeffrey's got it." The effect was so salutary in its influence that the author of that conundrum was not up in time for breakfast this morning. He slept all night. The conundrum has been received with the utmost satisfaction by every member of the police force,

On Christmas Eve 5s was received from a friend in aid of the Irwin family, which has not yet been acknowledged. We have much pleasure in returning thanks on behalf of Mrs Irwin for the gift.

TELEGRAPHIC

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Corre3p<ndent.) This day.

There is nothing doing in mining. A few mines, the Caledonian, Manukau, and Queen of Beauty started, but work generally will not resume till Monday.

NEWCASTLE.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) Yesterday, 4J3 p.m. Ihe Handicap Hurdle Race was won by __. B. Harm's Count, Mr. K. Ealph's Ake second. Won easiJy by half a distance.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

WELLINGTON

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. A Gang of Housebreakers. Wellington is at present honored wish tbe presence of a gang of thieves. Last week they attempted to break into a private house on tbe Terrace, and on Sunday night they broke into the premises of Mr Logan of Cuba-street, but only succeeded in stealing 153 in coppers out of the till. The Marchioness Receive s Ladies Daily. The Marchioness of x>oimanbv has signi fied her pleasure to leceive visitors daily from three o'clock to four. Ludy Fcrgusson only ieceived once a week, owing to ill-health. Excursion Trips.—Caledonian Sports. Excursionists for Queen Oharloote'a Sound and Picton were so numerous that in addition to the steameis Wellington and Taranaki the company have laid on the E^n^atira. In the mile race, at the Caledonian Sports, Morau spiked young Skeilie, who thereby lost the race. ' The Caledonian Society in tend to find some means to prevent a recur rence of spiking, so many like accidents having occurred before. Search, for Sullivan. Some idea was entertained ttiat Sullivan mi "lit have been a passenger per Albambra, bus the strictest search was made at Queens cliffe. It is expec ed he will be sent oyer in a sailing vessel, unless, which i 3 not likely, the sailors of a st-amer ara persuaded to smuggle him, as the company refuse to take him even if offered £50 for the job.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Mr. Justice Chapman's retirement Denied. The Times is authorised to state that there is no foundation for the reported retirement of Mr. Justice Chapman. It says that the paragraph which appeared in its issue of yesterday on the authority of a telegram froth its Wellington correspondent, that Mr. Justice Chapman refused to retire uutd tbe Government gave a pledge that Judge Ward should not have his seat, has no foundation in fact. No proposal was made to Mr. Justice Chapman to retire, so that there has been no occasion for refu-sal on any con dition, and uo such condition has been pro posed by the Judge, aud no pledge required from or made by the Government.

Goidfield Discovered. A goidfield has been discovered at Waiau> but the prospects are only such as would encourage a small population. Eight weeks ago five men left lliverton to prospect for gold in the line of country between Waiau aud tho South-west Cape. A sample of go d was brought back cuar&e and nuggetty, not much vvater-wo;n. The sample consists of some 2'l ounces, obtained iv four day's work ing. So much did they thiuk of the find that it is their intention to again visit the locality, to give it a six month's trial. Gold Returns. The Star of ihe East Christmas cake weighed 277 i ounces of gold from 200 tons of stone. Tbe weather being delightful, over SOO attended the Waihola regatta. The largest attendance ever seen in the Princess Theatre, greered the Opera Com pany, who took over £200. The pantomime was a failure. Fatal Accident on Christmas Day. A fatal accident occurred at Palmerston on Christmas Day, at Lawrence. Mr Cunning ham, Baddler, aged 25, was thrown from his horse while in the act of dismounting, and expired about fifteen minutes afterwards. The Press on Sullvan.

" Whatisito be done," the Guardian asks, " with Sullivan," and says : -" It i< not from auy regard for the cruel perpetrators of a national crime that we point out the illegibi lity of the reported proceedings of the Mel bourne bench. The Victorian Criminals Influx Prevention Act only authorised the return of criminals to the country from whence they came. Now unless some further deceit than we know of has been practised by the authorities here, Sullivan did nos arrive in Victoria from New Zealand, but from Eugland or New South Wales as asserted by himself. If, therefore, any Victorian friends export, him to New Zea land they will act in excess of the powers conferred by the statute. There is, how ever, a Criminals Influx Prevention Act in New Zealand with similar provision, so that in the event of Sullivan coming hither we shall be perfectly justified in sending him back to Victoria, aud so tbe trouble may be rolled from one colony to other. How he is finally to be got rid of save by death is quite another matter. Libel Case against J. L. Gillies. A libel case comes befoi'e the Supreme Court in which Mr Turnbull, Provincial Treasurer, is plaintiff, and Mr J. L. Gillies and Mr MacKay, proprietor of the Hruce Herald, defendants.

Holiday Sports. All the Boxing Day sports were well patronised. Fire at Well Park Brewery. A fire broke out in a malt kiln at Wilson's Well Park Brewery this afternoon, but was extinguished before much damage was done. The loss does not exceed a few hundred pounds, well covered by insurance.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co. refuse to convey Sullivan. Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co. have formally intimated to the Victorian Government that they will not give Sullivan a passage in one of their steamers. A Judgeship offered Dr. Higginbotham. A judgeship in New Zealand has been offered Dr. Higginbotham,.of Victoria; but it is not thought likely he will accept it. It is reported that the Customs authorities will proceed against the Steam Company for carrying too many excursionists yesterday.

MASTERTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. Child Poisoned. E. Chamberlain, a child three and a-half years old, was poisoned last night by a mistake. A inquest takes place to-day at three o'clock* '"■..•■

PORT CHALMERS.

V-errress Telegram Ag eac y o English SM pp ing _ New This d Arnved-ShipAr a by,n 2dayßfromw The US s . g watara f H Auckland Wands, states that £ >** party there obtained both ingress L^Ti and 120 photographs. m e gteK //

LYTTELTON.

<* Rom our own Correspondent.) . . , pipping News. ThUdiy' Arrived —Geraldine P ase t .V London, 100 days out. All well \M migrants were landed to-day tL - heim -3SO. Also, the barques By ren Sn^e t gonui, and Voq J, a 4 Vill/ a n d ? ¥0^ Transport, Wave, and Isabella-fiS J% castle, the schooner Albatross fromV 6* poa, and the Saucy Lass from Picto, 3n^ Sailed-John Kicholwn. ship * jJU barque ; and Jane, brig, for N e CstJ

DUNEDIN.

[1 er Press Telegram Agency.] Private Eailway Companies^7' v A private company has beinlgL* construct a line hve miles in length t ° nect the Kaitangati coaltielda with +k~ South line at Balclutha, ..Uker pffiS way companies ara being formed!

NEWS BY SUEZ MAIL.

BRIGAND OUTRAGE IN ITALY The Italian papers give particulars nf h, capture of Monsignor Theodoli, one o T Pope's chamberlains, by _brigands, tt staying at the Monastery of Tiisnlj; 6 *** after the custom of Roman prelates taking a walk after dinner in a ' through which a road had recently w' constnicfced, when five ruffians, am°dw>? guns, stopped him, saying, in the NeaJit dialect, " We've been waitingfer^SfJ last ten days ; now, then, follow tig" tr knew that any resistance would tansele and he followed the brigands to thetoDof' hill. The servants and the monks of ik abbey, who at the usual hour saw no Mo? signor return, became rather frightened and walked through the wood to see what had happened to the old prelate. Their f-igU soon changed into terror, when, meeting young lad, they received from himaEcrolfl paper on which Monsigaor Theodoli l in \__l own hand had written, " I am captnted hi the brigands, who demand 50,000 franca for my ransom Get the money at oaceaiidbe • prudent." The servant and the moakjran back to the abbey, mustered some 20000 francs, and carried them to. the top of a'hill where they found Monsignor Theodoli seated under a tiee, with his coat torn to pieces, and crying like a child. Poor old man) The brigands refused-the money, •sayingthat a Monsignor was not worth a farthing lea than fifty thousand francs, and refused to liberate the prelate. Monsignor Thebdoli followed by his servant, and, of coarse the brigands, was dragged, about for two davi and two nights from hill to hill, from forest to foivst, until at last the entiie sum de manded made its appearance. Tip he iris set . free. The famiiy and servants of Monsignor Theodoli. in order "not to compromise the life of the prisoner miJejio mention of the fact to the aathorifees until the captured p. elate had been set it iiberty. Now, troops aud policemen are* searching every hole and corner, and there ii. no doubt; that the ruffians will fall into the hands of the law. Aggressions of- this nature were once common, not only in the pro™ of Pome, but in Rome itself," under the Papal regime. They are not, however, com mon now. Hence the deep impression the news has created. — European Mail. FOtTE CHILDREN BUKNT TO DBATH.

A Mrs Robertson, living at Duck-street; Paisley, having occasion to go on m errand one morning, ief o her four children,'theelder of whom, is six years old, in bed, and it ia supposed th-it during her abseiicaone of them played with matches or lighted paper, ; ana set tbe bed on fire,, for on her .'return •; she discovered the room in a blaze^'and two j of her children burnt to death,; the other two dying shortly after. TUE FAMINE IN ASIA MIKOB. The Porte has determined to'.settd forth with 260,000 bushels of corn towM* reliev ing tbe famine iv Asia Minor, andtopros« 11,000 pair of oxen to enable the villagers to sow their fields. The Bheep and goattem Angoia has also been reduced for, apMioM six years. ■* I || ' DESTRUCTIVENESS BY CARUSTS. IV; A Valencian daily newspaper complains that the fury for destruction which at preset animates the horde of Carlists, is iucreasulg and becoming more formidable. By orderot the Carlist commander of arms at Tooa they have formed a special brigsde,*m posed of masons, bricklayers, sinithsi m sailors (under pain of death if theyrefeto. obey orders), for the purpose of- Miwy destroying the bridges between Alcalaantt i'lldecoDa. They commenced the said wort of destruction on the first of $» pre»i month at the bridge of Oervol, where-UJ . worked for three days, during which m they threw down two iron girders and ac tion of the masonry. They then proceed to the bridge of Benicarlo, which they serwj in the some manner, afterwards destroying the bridge of the Almas and the po#oiif» Cevera. According to the latest reporra, they are practising the same savage Jp-. turns upon the bridges across 4he men j Oenis and Galera.

MANUFACTURE OF PHORMIUM- (( "Anglo-Australian" writes.:-, -^ . Thorne, the gentleman who has^ m.. \ much interest in JS Tew Zealand flax, rs now a visit to Shanghae. lam sorry to hear n» Wellington, from New Plymouth, and W Canterouryof the closing of mills owing the losses sustained by the V TeS^f%i cause this was an industry, it was much promise. Mr Thorne has not W M in it, and he still feels confident -ttai-J could, not only resuscitate ' the _ tr^, make it pay. Of-course it would *5 r^ exporo the coarse fibre U3ed in ma km o- ' if It be true tbat the freight v^t^u amount to £10 per ton. Mr Tborne «.g^. that none but the very finest sbonlctw ported, and tbat the coarse fibre shou^ worked up on the spot. Fine fibre^„ a { say, to native dressed—would sell reatoy £30 per ton. " Mf ' WRECKS DURING THE RKCEtfTSTOHJ^ England has been visited hy^^g storm, causing the loss of several .; _^ laud and at sea. A lamentably ship took place off Ardrossan. 1S| ftg2off to screw steamer, bound from _ mM^ Shanghai, with coals, struck wrttttww « force upon a rock and parted anu^^ twelve or fourteen lives having.? .^y At Deal three boatmen lost their f^^. putting a man on board a ship There has been much damage •to su^^. the North Sea aud in tbe Tyne -^ land two men were blown were drowned. In London the en gale were in some respects f rlo£' aC oouotß many parts of the country there v. of the injury which has beendone.^^ GERMAN NAVAL OFFICER ™J'.^____.#* An engineer officer of the berw l • flf on a visit to England for the.* e^ studying our method of tramws.^j^. office!s for the Royal -Navy. * Naval Colleges at Greenwichi, r ■ I and other dockyards, have, by w tg , I the Admiralty, been thrown open

officer. „ a ' '' ■ ",C: miscellaneous. , eo i; D edJ ;;; Mr Gladstone ha-, it is statg Qr) 00 , proposal made to him JkJJideß C^ 8 , Onslowlfor an interview at H JJ. on the subject of the Tichbome <*»*

THIS EVENfITO S?A», TUESDAY, BECEMBI& 69, im.



"VTEWCASTLE COAL. NOW LANDING, , Ex Dwwwt, FOR SALE ALO GSrDE VESSEL, In lota to suit buyers at 34s PER TON, CASH JAMES W. WALLER, CUSTOM HOUSE-STREET. TTNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND £400,000 THE HIGHEST CURRENT RVTE^ OF INTEREST - ALLOWED ON FIXED DEPOSIT. J. B. BRATHWAITE, Manager,



Xjff'E ARE NOW SHOWING OUR MAIL GOODS Received per ss. Hero. Consisting of COSTUMES, Pi fc 13 BONNETS, .TRIMMED HATS, MA?3TLWS. _S-TEER% FLOWJSB3. GLOVE 3, <&c., &c, &c. ; Also, 72 CASES Per ZsiUKßii, • Comprising— PRINTS, DRESSES, and MANCHESTER GOOD 3 J. COSGBAVS & CO. ST7 13 HAVE OPENED Per Snip Hfdaspes: 9 2 CASES OF MEN'S AND B Y'S CLOTHING-, PANAMA. HATS, FELT DO, in Men's and Youth's Sizes. J. COSGRAVE & CO., IMPORTERS. VTKW SUMMER DxtESS GOODS We have just' pened a v-ry choice lot of NEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS, C mpn'sing— NEW PRINTED MUSLINS, in great Variety. GRENADINES. PLaIN BLACK, BLACK STRIPED, and COLOURED STRIPED GRENADINES. WHITE SATIN, STRIPED MUSLINS, CHECK MUSLINS, Etc., Etc., Etc. The above are NEW GOODS, just landed, and worthy of special attention. RTJ3HBROOK & BRiDGMAN, •*(LATS R. HOBI1S.) >\'m lesai.s am> EiF.iA.ii. Dkapxr-j.Olothixks JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Aimy aaid Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - street, Aocklakd. EDWIN HOLLOWAY AN D J. TONSON GARLICK Beg to inform tin: iriliil.itatits of / v kland they have purchased the Stock arid J'remues known ns THE CITY PALL DBAPJSRY, CLOTHING. AND C A RPET iST A BLISIIM BN '•', UPPER Q XT KEN- S T X E E T, ' From Messrs Cosorav* & Co., AT A LAR'iE DISCOUNT OFF ENGLISH COST. A SALE OF SHE OOODS "Will be held When that New, Extensive and recently-imported tock, purchased frcm the Manufacturers of England FOR CASH, wV.i be cfL-red to ihe public at IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. Drapers and Ptorekeerers are invited to attend this great tale, as it is tire intention cf the proprietors to CLEAR OUT THE PRESENT STOCK, f.n order to m>-ke eit<-n:ive alterations in th luilcliug. A splendid opportunity for Country Settlers to purchase at LOW UATSSS. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL.