SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH TV ATE R : This evening 7.10 ; to morrow morntug. 7.34 SUN SET : This erening, 7.16 ; SUN RISE : to morrow moraine. 4-45 MOON S-aGJS : mil Moon, 23rd, 4.35 pm

ARRIVALS.

Clyde, schooner, from Wangarei

DEPARTURES.

Wonga Wonga, s s Dime 1, f r Sydney William Gifford, barque, Bishop, for Lyttelton Memento, barque, Ruwald, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

ForLytteUon - Waitanei, ship, early ; Albion, nng shortly ; Mary King, schooner, and Flirt, bngan tine, e*rly For th« South— Taranabi ss, Thursday For Karot n t a-Blanche, scho-nor. e*ily For San Fraucisc->—Condorxn, ship 23th lnsta^it ; Cyphrenes, RM s s,, 2*sth December (English For London—City of Auckland, ship, early For a ('raise—Southern Cross, Missionary barquentine early

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Cily of Melbourne, ss, or Cyphrenes, s.s, from Sydney. 2Sth instant Hero, s.s , from Sydney, about sth January next tar of the South, s.s, from Levuka, due Mac;regor, ss, from San Francisco ; sailed 10th Dec Ciemati9, ketch, from Napier Papua, schooner, from Rarotonga, early Assaye ship, frem London : sailed September 3 Cospatrick, ship, from London ; sailed Bth September aienlora, ship, from London : sailed September 26 Dilharee, barque, fr im London ; sailed October 2 Inverene, ship, from London ; sailed October Warwick, ship, from London; sailed October 11 Rapido, barque, f?om New York,via Adelaide, loading Edith Rose, barque, from New York ; sailed Sept. 18 Chanticleer, brig, from Hobart Town, early Vision, brig, from DnnediD, early Belle Brandon, schooner, from Levuka Hdiih, schooner, from Bonth Sea Islands, early Dauntless, (2), schooners, from New Caledonia JCuropa, barque, from Sydney, early Kenilworth, schooner, from Samoa, early Otago, barque, from Melbourne, via Dunedin, early

EXPORTS.

Per Wonga Wonga, for Sydney: 1 port manteau, H, M. Jems; 12 cases oil, J. W. Hoare ; 14 do, Henderson an! Macfarlane ; 8,000 slates, Cumming; 116 bales phormium, 53 do tow, J. R. Roberts; 1 box affects, Waikato S.N. Co ; 45 doors, 232 pieces skirtfngs, 246 do architraves, Union Sash and Door Co, ; 5 bales clothes lines, J. Arm stead ; 1 parcel almanacks, S.B. Insurance Company; 3 boxes gold, Bank of N.Z. For Melbourne : 46 bales phormium, J. S. McFarlane ; 7 packages hides, A. Dornwel 1. —H. M. Jervis, agent.

The s.s. Wonga Wonga left to-day, soon after 1 o'clock for Sydney. She takes a few tons of cargo and the following passengers : Mrs Elizabeth Ruble. Mr Daniel Wilkins, Miss Catherine Thurbarn, Mr Fred Kent, Robert H. Kattray, Mrs John Tucker, Miss Kate Durrell, and 12 in the steerage. The barque William Gifford took her depar ture for Lyttelton last evening. The schooner Mary King was brought alongside the Queea-straet wharf yesterday evening for the purpose of discharging her cargo of Greymouth coal. The p.s. St. Kilda is due to-day in the Manukau. She left Wanganui yesterday evening. The ship Assaye, mw looked for from London with immigrants, is making an unexpectedly long passage. She is 112 days out today. The Ccspatrick, also with immigrants, is 106 days out, and the Glenlora 88 days out. The ballasting of the barque Memento was completed yesterday, and the vessel moved off into the stream this morning prepaiatory to sailing for Newcastle. She left with a good breeze at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The brig Ben Nevis anchored in the stream thi3 morning. She has taken in all her ballast and is ready to sail for Newcastle. The cutter Maud brings 39 tons coals from the Bay of Islands

The Ocean, schooner, from Mercury Bay, brings 22,800 feet sawn timber for Messrs. Schapp and Ansenne. The cutter Nancy brings 15,715 feet tim ber from Waikawau.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

(From our own Correspondent.) Port Chalmers, this day. The barqnentine Falcon sailed for Mel bourne on the 22nd inst.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

Entered Inwards (Dec. 22). —Amaranth, schooner, Grundy, from Kaipara, with 38,000 feet timber, Sash and Door Company.—J. W. Waller, agent.

Vessels Loading.—Taranaki, s.s., for the South; Tawera, schooner, for Hokianga; Hero, cutter, for Kaipara ; Merlin, schooner, for Waitara ; Mercnry, cutter, for Raglan;

The schooner Florence, with a cargo for Lyttelton, is detained by contrary winds.

COMMERCIAL.

At Mr E,. Arthur's sale of poultry and pro duce to-day. Fowls sold at 2s to 2s lOd ; turkeys, 3s 3d to 3a lOd; ducks, Is 6d to Is lid ; geese, 3s 9d to 53 ; potatoes, at Id to ljd ; onions, 2d ; Wairoa cheese, 4d to 7d (good quality); Canterbury bacon, 10^d ; do hams, Is 3d.

BIRTHS.

P*arce- On 22nd instant, at Hobson-atreot, the wife of W. H. Pearco, of a daughter Cbombib— On December 21, at Fr»nklln-«treet, the wife of James Crombie of a son.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thamei, this day, at 5.80 p m, and to-morrow, at

9 30 a m and 6 30 p m For Coromandel. this day, at 5 p m For Taranaki, Southern provincel?, and Australian

Colonies per Tanvnaki, tomorrow, at 8 am For Wolwf-r*and Warkworth, per lady Bowen, te morrow at 10 a in For Taurauga, per Vincent, ro-morrow. at 11 am For Wangavei, etc., per Clyde, on Monday next, at 4 pm For the undermentioned places per Cyphrenes, cn'Monday, 28th instant, as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United Stales 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 5 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

Mails for Australian Colonies and United Kinßdom via Bluff and Melbourne, close per Tararua, to morrow, at 9 a m

Keyised New Zealand Postal Guides can be ob tamed at this office. Price, 6d.

S, B. Bias, Chief Postmaster

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1874.

For th* cam'? tiiftt lack" assistance, For '.ho wni-is i; at :.i-'\'.k r'-'Li^act, ?>->r M)« fiture in tin- iltsfcuiee, i.vi tuJ ;?di that »» t:tn in

It is exceedingly gratifying to observe that Sir Donald McLean &ympathists with the system of special settlement as now recognised in the Waste Lands Act of this province. We may say it is gratifying because it is under stood that it does not meet the approval of every member of the General Govern ment, and as that Government still holds control of the greater portion of the richer class of the public lands in the province a very small amount cf cold-shouldering would effectually put a tt-jpper on this system—the very best hand maid of colonization. Sir Donald has been interviewed by a deputation of residents at the Thames, in relation to the project of a special settlement on the Piako, and while expressing himself favorably in relation to the particular object, stated he would help the Superintendent in every possible way to put him in possession of the land. It is really greatly to be regretted that the liberal pi ovisions of the new Act have not been more generally taken advantage of. We verily believe that a large proportion of our residents are still ignorant of the fact that any pet son can select and take up a farm without any payment save occupation and cultivation of the most limited extent, and that thi3 farm may be from 00 to 200 acres of the best land in the province, proportionate to the size of the family. Eut we are also aware that such settlement would probably have been far more general had the stniirnent3 now expressed by Sir Donald McLean been actec on earlier by the General Government ; and had the lauds held by that Government been more readily handed over to the province for disposal in terms of the new Act. There are members of the General Government who are strongly opposed to any treatment of the waste lands, but that which will bring immediate returns in the largest amount of coin current. We trust, however, that the sentiments expressed by the Native Minister will be reduced to practical results. It is known that special siettlements, and the settlement generally of the people on the land, constitute the thoughts by day and the dreams by night of the Superintendent, and if Sir Donald will really " help in every pos sible way," in the bringing of these lands within the sphere of the new Waste Lands Act, our province would in a very few yearn present a very different aspect among the provinces of New Zealand.

AT last the great barrier of prejudice has been broken down, and Ohinemuri is to be open to mining enterprise. The tantalising suspense that has attended every negotiation in relation to that district has made the men tion of Ohinemuri a weariness, but the last remnant of opposition has retired, and now we may expect to see the pictures of many a cherished hope realised, and the district overrun with miners. That the land of promise may prove as rich as ever it appeared to the eyes of dreamers, will be the fervent wish of eveiy one in the province. For it ia probable that without such a stimulus to trade, we would at the present hour be on the eve of a period of severe depression. The opening of Ohine muri will be a very Godsend to the province, and should the district prove even moder ately rich, the revival of business of every kind resulting, will be felt by every member of the community.

Whatever may be the views entertained of the Education Rate, no one can deny the tight of those objecting to it, to hold such a meeting as that of last night ; and Mr George Staines—for lie it waa that really got up the meeting—deserves credit for the persistence with which he has stood up in his resistance. Of course there waa some clap-trap talked, and we are astonished to see Dr Wallia making statements that, if he does not know them to be erroneous, a very little enquiry might have prevented him from making. He said, with reference to the conduct of the department of Education, that "one man working eight hours a-day, could do all the necessary work of the department." If the doctor would inquire, he would find that the mere correspondence necessitated by some one hundred and fifty cantankerous committees, and something over that num ber of testy, touchy, thin-skinned teachers would give him more than Jie could ever do in eight hours a day. And this eight houra-a-day-man must also visit all the schools and Bettle their squabbles, and he must collect in all the rates and cheek and

pay accounts, and entirely conduct the busi ness of the department. Really when such rot as this is spoken by gentlemen of position and education and character, we cannot wonder at the ignorant and unreasoning prejudices of the. ill-informed. As for the meeting it was respectably and creditably conducted, and we do not hesibate to say that where feelings of opposition to the tax are entertaiued, it is the duty of those so objecting to stand by Mr Staines, and not only give him their sympathy, but then pecuniary assistance, in fighting their cause at law. We have our own opinion as to what tho result must be ; but that in no way prevents us from saying that it will be cowardly in the extreme if the objectors stand aloof and leave the "People's Cham pion" to fight the battle alone.

The action of the Government in preventing Messrs Brogden and Sons' from running ex cursion trains on the completed portion of an Ofcago railway in course of construction, is in keeping with the policy that has closed the Auckland and Waikato railway to Otahuhu, and subsequently to Papakura. Themotivefor it we cannot divine, unless it be a deep-rooted animus lingering in some official mind against the contractors. But that any such feeling should for so long have been permitted to set at defiance public feeling and public convenience in connection with works that are costing the colony millions of money is another proof of the utter indifference to the sentiments of the public manifested by a Government intoxicated with uncontrolled power. During tho mouths that Messrs Brogden and Sons worked the Auckland and Onehunga railway we heard no complaint regarding the mode of conducting it. The fares were lower, and the rate of wages paid to officials higher than those fixed by tho Govcrnmenb ; yet it was a well-known fact that the firm netted a handsome pi-ofit out of the business. On the other hand, with the most miserable cheeseparing system, it is plainly stated in defence of Mr Pass mote's railway management that the line is still worked at a loss. We hope the dissatisfaction recorded in our Duncdin tele grams will developc into such action as will re-act favourably on this portion of the colony. Otheiwise, we fear that the prospect of railway facilities before the farmers of Otahuhu, Papakura, and Drury will continue a distant one. Mr Keynoids, who was appealed to in Auckland, is now in Dunedin, and we would suggest that before the presen tation which it is proposed to make him is 1 handed over, he bu respectfully asked to ex plain the position which the Government has assumed in relation to this matter.

Three boxes of gold from the Bank of New Zealand were shipped on board the Wonga Wongi, for Syduoy, to-day. The weight was 3,951 ozi 11 dwta 8 grs, aud the value £ 10,399 Is SI. The du'y waa assessed at JL'."ii)s <ia Id, of which £bl 12s was paid in Invercargill.

In order that the employ <'s of the Star may enjoy tho Chriitinaa holidays, the paper will not be published on Friday or Saturday. To-morrow night will appear a Christmas story, written specially for the Christinas Eve edition of the STAR by a local novelist of some reputation. Advertisers will oblige by sending in their announcements as early as possible to-moirow.

The Clutha Leader recommends newly arrived female immgrants to pay a visit to Table Hill district, wbeie, in the neighbor hood of Mill's Cully, they would iind a pattern of a thoroughly competent, energetic, and industrious sutler's wife. The duties of the husband having called him from h me throughout the spring season, the good lady determined that their cst&to should uoL remaiu barren and. unfruitful. Accordingly sho yoked the bullocks, and has, tingle handed, ploughed, sown, aud harrowed up wards of thiity acres of oats and wheat, besides planting a number of acre 3of pota toes aud other crops. .Neither have her household duties been neglected during the period sho hai been engaged tit the out-door labours.

Heavy freshes at Weatport arc expected there during the Hummer, because of the very large accumulation of snow at the source of the river. Mr Walker, who has a cattle run at the head of the Bullor, and who hiH been a resident there for many years, lately reported that the snow lying on ranges there, is from thirty to thirty-live feot deeper than he has ever before known.

The sober inhabitants of the Strand, Mechanics' Bay, have been rouaed to a high degree of virtuous indignation during the last few days in consequence of a report being spread that Messrs Arehard and Brown intended opening a new public-house on an extensive ecale in that fashionabla thorough fare. On the other hand, the numerous thirsty souls who pass through the locality on their way to and from town, morning and evening, began to give vent to all manner of joyful expres sions, and to exult in their good fortune that they were now about to have a half-way house where the tedium of the journey might be broken. Colour was given to the rumour •by the fact that a new building was being run up on the spot. Two or three days ago the expectant watchers were rendered furious or triumphant, as the case might be, by see ing elevated over the main entrance two sign-boards, on which appeared in bold letters, the inscription "P. Darby. Thistle Hotel." It appeared Btrange that the well known Queen-street sign should be so exactly imitated; but beyond a passing remark nothing further was thought of the circumstance. We understand that the Good Templars of the district, headed by old Taylor, had already arranged an indignation meeting at the Parnell Hall ; while the young sparks had settled that the opening night should be duly honored, —when one and all were sur prised to hear that the whole story was void of foundation. The apparent mystery was explained, when it came to be known that Archard and Brown had bought the fittings of the old Thistle Hotel. The signs are now painted out.

A correspondent writes to us from One hunga, commending the system adopted of advertising the services in the churches on Sunday, together with the names of the preachers. He advocates the adoption of the same system at Onehunga, but, face tiously we presume, on grounds that do not hold in Auckland. He says :—" I never can endure a preacher that I have a row with. In Onehunga, they don't advertise for the five churches or chapels the people have there. They ought to do so, if it were only for the sake of my peace of mind (which is something) let alone my wife's and other peoples, of no con sequence. And what is the result: Igo to one place where the preaching generally is very good, and no sooner do I set down, and after a bit look up, when lo ! there* in the pulpit a minister with whom I had difference of opinion. I could not stand it; I ran out of the chapel as fleet as a roe. Well, then, I go into another chapel not far off, and as soon as I get in there, there was another minister—a layman—with whom I had a word or two. I could not stand that, and bo I was obliged to bolt off again, and just got in time to be a little too late for a third place, where I knowed I should have nothing to disturb my flow of pious thoughts and prayers. Now if they advertised in One hunga who it is that is going to preach on Sunday, would it not have saved me the scandal of appearing rude, and disturbing the peace of mind of other people who are not so sensible as I am.—Yours, &c, Tim Nonplus. P.S.—When is O'Kourke going to spout ? He ought to advertise whether he will or no."

A gentleman picked up several silver and copper coins this morning at the turning from Shortland-street into High street. The loser can have them .by calling at the Star Office and describing them. If not called for, they will be dropped into the Industrial Home box at the Police Court.

An accident occurred yesterday afternoon at Shelly Beach, to a lsd named James Wad ham, who, in endeavouring to gather Christ mas flowers, overreached himself, and fell over the embankment into the water, striking his head against a rock. Mr Upton saw the accident from his house, and immediately ran to the boy's assistance. Having rescued the lad from the water. Mr Upton to.ik him to his (Mr Upton's) house, and finding him much injured; sent for Dr Hooper, who paid every attention. He was afterwards re moved to his mother's house in Wellesley street, where he 1.e3 in a precarious condi tion.

At the meeting of the Presbyterian Church Assembly at Wellington, a few days ago, the Rev. P. Calder, of Nelson, gave a brief but scholarly address on religion and modern thought. He took as his stand-point that truth could never contradict truth —that "the linger of God could never contradict the tongue of God"—and as Christian?, that they welcomed the fullest investigation of all natural phenomena.

Thig evening will be the last of Raker's Hibernicon, as the company will proceed to the Thames to-morrow, in order to give the people of the gold field a ganuine treat. The City Hall was well filled last evening, and much enthusiasm manifested among the good-humoured audience. The scenes and songs were nearly tho same as those of the previous evening.

The lecture on "The Lind Fund and Taxation of the People" will be delivered this evening, in the Mechanics' Institute, by W. L. Keep, Esq.

I3r. AntliflV, wbo has already earned a name amongst the people of Auckland as a practical and original lecturer on subjects of home and domestic importance, will give a lecture this evening in Beresford-street Chapel on " Sources of Pleasure."

A meeting of the Co-operative Meat Sup ply Company was held last evening, at Mr Canning's coffee house, when the following provisional dirpct^rs were appointed: — Captain D. H. McKenzie, Messrs. Richard Taylor, Duncan McKay, Joseph Potter, and William Atkin, wi'h power to take the neces sary steps for carrying out the views of the Company.

The " Wandering Heir " was for the third time presented to the audience last evening, at the Prime of Wales Theatre, with eqnal success. This play was written by Charles Iteado, and presented to Mips May Howard, and in which she sustains the dual character of Philippa and Philip. The scenery is in oxact keeping with the dramatic situa tions, and creditable to the painter, Mr Kemp. The five acts are full of chnngo, and as interesting as one of Wilkie Collins' noveK Tho spectator get* views of Dublin, and the pleasant home of Jonas Hanway, the firfet rr.an that carried en umbre'la in England. This houre is situated in the small village of Colnbrook, known chiefly for its two old inns and numerous watercress brooks, small tributaries of the river Colne, whence it derives its name. Phillinpa Hies from Co'nbronk, and appears a3 Phillip in a plantation bordering on the larger * river of Delaware, and subsequently returns to the meadows by the Colne side ; arid after 3 number of pc<ine3 and vicissitudes, the drama ends, much happier than many a drama in actual life. The play is well represented by tho performers, and deserves well of the public We notice tbat Miss May Howard will take her benefit this evening, and will appear as Lndy Teazle in the clever comedy of " Tho School for Scandal," written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

A correspondent writes urging a specie* excursion trip to the Thames during the holidays at such time as will give visitors an opportunity for staying: a day or two there without interfering: with business. He is surprised that no such trip has been an-

nounced

Perhaps some amateur or professional gardener can satisfy the following inquiry : — " Sir, —Could yon, through your widely-read columns, tell me what is the reason of the ' double soarlet' geraniums decaying in the centre ? Not being a professional, I cannot account for it. I have succeeded in rearing a great many fine blooms, but the same defec f appears in them all.—Yours, &c, Amateur."

Not lone; ago an English mechanic, having vainly used all his ingenuity in endeavoring to get a wife, advertised for one in a fit of despair. He was profoundly in earnest, and so was the dame who responded. They met, but whether it was the color of her hair, or the shape of her nose, or her deposition, is not said -bub he didn't fall a captive to her charms. He advertised again, varying the form of his announcement, and when he had an answer went to see his correspondent with a heart beating high with hope I He found the equally persevering spinster again. A third time he wooed Fate with a yet dif ferently worded begnilement. He reached the appointed place of meeting—'twas she ! Crushed to the earth, and convinced like Mr Swiveller that destiny was lull of staggerers, he smiled, he conversed, and at last wedded the determined woman.

"The achievements of M. de Lesseps," observes the Pall Mall Gazette, "have em boldened other engineers to form projects which, if carried out, would rival in bold ness at least, the undertaking to which he owes his fame. One Frenchman has a scheme for letting the water of the Mediter ranean into the low lands south of the colony of Algeria ; another, Dr Blaudet, proposes to create a Bea in Palestine. The plan is curious enough to deserve notice and explanation. The ghor, or valley of the Jordan is, it is well known, one of the deepest depressions existing in the earth's surface. The level of Lake Houleh (the waters of Mirom), the first lake formed by Jordan, is about even witb that of the sea ; the next, the Sea of Tiberius, lies between 200 feet and 300 feet below the level of the sea, and the Dead Sea, into which the Jordan flows, is between 200 feet and 300 feet below that again. Dr Blaudet then proposes to cut a canal, the mouth of which should be near Kaifa, at the foot of Mount Carlem, through the plain of Esdrae lon, and thus convey the waters of the Mediterranean into the Ghor. That valley would then become a long sea, ending in the Dead Sea, from which Dr. Blaudet thinks it would then be possible to cut a canal through Wady-el-Arabig into the Red Sea, and thus connect the latter with the Mediterranean. An objection to this ingenions scheme lies in the fact that it is of little practical value, the Suez route being by far the shortest, and consequently the cheapest,"

The Rev. Dr. Antliffe will deliver a lecture nhis evening in the Beresford Hall on '• The Sources of Pleasure." The Rev. gentleman, during his brief stay has estab lished his reputation as a popular lecturer no less than as an earnest eloquent preacher, and we are sure he will make his subject to-night instructive and interesting.

Mr B. Tonk«'s sale of unredeemed pledges will take place to-morrow, instead of to-day, as at first advertised. The articles to be offered are varied and of a superior descrip tion.

A subscription, list in aid of the widow and family of the late Mr Edward Wilsoa, killed at Coromandel, has been left at our office. We shall be happy to receive and acknow ledge amounts from anyone desirous of con tributing, as we believe the object to be a moat deserving one, but; at the same time we cannot force it upon the attention of our readers in preference to the many local claims that are made upon their charitable instincts.

The penalty of £100, imposed on Conley, the waterman, to-day, for having in his possession 25 lbs of smuggled tobacco should act as a warning to those who indulge in the luxury of the weed that haa not been con taminated by the exciseman's touch not to leave it lying about. Ib was purely acci dental that this'2"plant" was dropped upon by Detective Jeffrey, that gentleman being at the time in search of game of a very different kind. The penalty imposrd in the present ease seems quite disproportionate to the magnitude of the offence, but in dealing with such oases, consideration is usually given, not merely to the magnitude of the offence brought to light but to the many that undoubtedly escape detection and the necessity of stopping the practice, and so the guilty one found out becomes to some extent the victim of the many guilty who escape scot free.

The entries for the Maiden Race, to be run at Kllerslie Gardens on Saturday, closed to day with the following :— (r. Jennings, JEtobt. Long, John Renwick, G. Atkinson, Thomas Tander, and Hugh. Bryan. The committee have decided to leave open the entries for the hammer, hop siep and jump, tilting in the ring, wrestling, dancing, and sack race, till the commencement of the competitions at eleven o'clock on .Saturday. The scale or admission for horses, carriages, &c, will be found advertised ia another column.

The first firing of No. 2 Company for the medal presented by ex-Lieutenant Robinsoa took place at the Mount Eden range at half past live o'clock this morning. There were about a dozen competitors, but the firing was very indifferent. The result was in favor of Volunteer Macdonald, with a score of 39 points, gained at 200 yards standing, and 500 yards and GOO yards any position. The medal, which is a very valuable one, is to be fired for monthly until won three times in succession, or live times alternately, by one member. "Onehunga" writes regarding the shockingly bad post-office arrangement at Onehunga. He says : —" I was in the office on Wednesday, 9.h December, waiting to receive letters for an hour at least, and then had to go without. After coming out I happened to tell some gentleman of the circumstance, and to my astonishment was informed that besides the postmaster, (Mr Taylor I believe) there is only a lad." He says the appointment of additional assistance is imperative.

A numerously attended meeting of the Auckland Liceased Victuallers Association was held at noon to-day, ia the large room of the Britiih Hotel. Mr P. Gorman, Pre sident. The meetiDg was called for the purpose of disposing of a sum of money which had been subscribed, among the Licensed Victuallers for chari table institutions of the city. The money thus subsciibed amounted to £32 4s, and it was resolved to give it as follows : £10 to the Old Men and Women's Kefuge, for the purpose of buying books, drafc boards, and whatever else might conduce to the pleasure and comfort of the old people. £7 10a to the inmates of St. Mary's Orphanage ; and £7 10a to Sfc Stephen's Orphan Home for their special benefit ; and £7 4s a3 a sub scription towards purchasing a stove for the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, under the head of "Charity" as sup plementary to the Templais' cows, " Faith and Hope," thii3 representing the graces. A vote of thanks to the secretary and chairman closed the meeting. Mr H. Fuller specially requests us to insert the following acknowledgement :—"Sir : As one of the collectors of subscriptions from the Licensed Victuallers of Auckland, I have almost forgotten to mention that on calling on Mr Perkins, the well-known and very liberal host in Vulcan Lane, that gentleman promised to supplement our Christmas Box to the Auckland charities by a donation of £5 ss, and I have no doubs as a man of strict honour he will keep his word ; and I say, God bles3 his charity.—H. Fuller."

At the Supreme Court this morning a motion of Mr Kees for ihe dismissal of the action Longdill v. Webb, for want of prose cution, was to have been heard. When the case was called on Mr Kees did not appear, aud the Court, after waiting for half an hour, called Mr llichmond, who app?ared on behalf of the plaintiff. Mr Richmond con tended that Mr liees' motion was premature, and, after the counsel had cited some authorities, His Honor dismissed the applica tion, with costs.

Visitors to the Domain during the holidays may save themselves the trouble of carrying up baskets of provender by bearing in mind that Mr Brighton, of the Domain Gardens, supplies tea, sandwiches, strawberries and cream, ginger beer, lemonade, and similar refreshments. There is seat accommodation at the Gardens for 100 at a time, in cool evergreen houses, and the place is in every respect adapted for picnics.

The half-yearly meeting of the Cure Gold Mining Company, announced for to-day in Mr Home's offices, failed for want of a ouorum.

The claim of Mrs Eliza Meurant, widow and the representatives of the late Mr Edward Meurant to land at Kemuera, made under the Land Claims (Settlement Acts, 1856, and 185S, wilt be investigated at a sitting of the Native Lands Court before Mr F. D. Fenton, Chief Judge, on the 4th of January.

To the Editor : Sir, —I don't often rite to the papers, but I take the libaty of sending these few lines as you might like to hear of a most singler occurrence what happened to ma the other evening after going to Madame Arrerbeller Godard's concert. It was Thurs day night, and 1 had three bob's worth, and it was cheap at the money. She can play and no mistake at all about it. Well, I went straight home, barring a few natural exceptions, and went to bed just nice, and tired like. But do you think 1 could get to sleep ? No, that I couldn't for a long time. That blessed music kept a going in my hed, and all 1 could do I could not fall off no how. First I tried thinking of a lot of water coming out of my mouth, which I've heard of as a good way of indoosing slumber; then I tried countin' a thousand, but no go. Next thing I thought of was sayin' the catechism right through. Still I was as wide awake as ever. At last 1 hit on the idea of readin' Mr Lusk's speech about the provinces. That did the business, and I went off. Then I fell to dreamin' of music, and towards daylight—it wasn!t far off when I turned in, for I live a long way from the Choral Hall—l thought Madame Arrabeller ws.s playing a raagmticelt aonater in the room. There was the handantey and^the hali gories, the upsandthe downs—yereeelknow something of musical terms—the darkapos and the finarleys. Oh it was beautiful. Every now and then it would take a run right off.like, and then it would be slow and regular-like. Sometimes it would be loud, and then it would die away and you'd only hear it quite low and indistinct. Well, it all of a sudden come across me that I was'nt asleep at all, and that the music was really going on close to me. What on earth was up. It was'nt usual for me to be woke up by the strains of sweet melojy, it's oftener a tone of another kind, and I was considerably startled. At last I pulled myself together, and opened my eyes and looked about. My head somehow didn't feel right. There wasn't nothing there as far as I could see at first, but the music still kept at it fast and furious, and then just as I'd come to the conclusion that something was wrong somehow, I s.e a great blow-fly a knocking his head again the ciel ing at the rate of knots, trying seemingly to see how hard he could hit it without hurting hisself. I gave a groan and turned over. Now I think when a man's stuff turns a blow-fly's buzzin into a sonarter by Mosea Hart it deserves recommendin,—l am, sir, &c., Job Noddin.

Most visitors toAuckland ran... k^ the want of a public dinner prS?-* fel* evening, where the innermaneaS^ ■** ally refreshed during the .ffij»*** Clark, the enterprising host of the Jl' *• Navy Hotel, in addition to supplvSf* booth on the course with eataJK W°J ables, haadeteiminedto meet &■ providing a first class dinner at tS &X * seven o'clock. Tickets for theS Ufc be obtained at the Hotel or from Mr Pel* 4? secretary of the Racing Club,- and SH* applied for early. -<™ b$ The Vauxhall Gardens, North Shoro i> 1 ways occupy a prominent position!'^ f mmds of hohday-seekers deterxnbL o^ choice of a place of resort. For 2-1 rurabsing it cannot be excelled \J et summer houses, and shady v Ucm »k 8v there, with pleasant sea brUsS <Sff atmosphere, and bathing on the hi T Messrs. Wells and Sons provide 3T kfidJV refreshments. *u»QBof . The 11 o'clock night boat for the Nm+iJ Shore nrill be delayed 15 minute* to-nfoht? enable performers at the Choral Hall tol. for the rehearsal. m 7

TELEGRAPHIC.

G-RAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own Correspondent.) m ,' . This, day, The Opening of Ohinemuri. The Advertiser this morning gives a 1 history of the Ohinemuri negotiations anT? jubilant over the result. It says :«W not disposed to review the past in any lf^ of fault-finding, or to do anything else th compliment all who have been engaged the prolonged negotiations. The Nati^ Minister was long in coming into the field but since he has been here has shown in bi3 proceedings what may justly be called wisdom. He did nob rush down and suddenly rush away again. He knew that wag not the way of negociation with the natives bat came himself down as if a citadel wag to be blockaded, and waited his time. To-day for once we join with Sir Donald Melian'g heartiest admirer, and congratulate him right cordially on his first achievement as Knight. We believe also that no oneintk community will be disposed to grudge a high measure of praise to Mr Mackay We ourselves have differed from him time after time with regard to his proceedings ia the Upper Thames; but without recalling one word we have uttered, we can fu}]y acknowledge his determination and unceasing efforts, which, indeed, have brought mattera to the position which rendered inevitable the opening of the country. There are very fe» men who could have gone through the work achieved by Mr Mackay, and the community of ihe Thames and the country will not be slow to acknowledge his gerrices, The Advertiser also recommends that pros pectors should not go out until the proclama tion is issued, because they cannot secure their discoveries. It is reported to-day that all the natives who were favourable aremnch annoye.l at the great obstinacy of JTe.Bira and Moananui Those who are opposed are also annoyed, and threatened to retaliate t>y giving lands out of Te Hira's hands,and selling to the Government. On the death of a native, Moananui at once applied to Mr Mackay for goods to have a feast at the crying business. Mr McLean leaves to-morrow for the Bay of Islands.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent)

This day. The Mail has a valuable statistical article on the Coromandel goldQeld.

The Wilson relief-fund amounts to over £100.

The Plutus commenced work yesterday.

The yield from one ton from Saowdea'a claim, including the gold already obtained, which came from the same stone, i 5.55 czs.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) ' Thisday. The "Post" on Government Finance. The Post says it does not want to act the alarmist, but it mildly insinuates that we ire on the edge of a financial precipice. _ On Monday night it dished up the suspicioas garnishings of the £300,000, floated in Sydney, condemning the manner, more tnin. the thing, as being contrary to the precedent set by politicians and financiers, in dealing with previous New Zealand loans., Lm4 night it bases an article upon the slight spar ring match between the banks, over the rates cf interest to borrowers and depositors, and thinks it portentous of important finan cial changes. It finds fault with the Go vernment for keeping, when money is Bcaree, about a million tied up in a napkin m the Savings' Banks, and therefore comparatively unproductive.

Sales of the Fielding Block- At the sale of the Fielding land 7^^* the prices realized might be considered^ most preposterous, considering the poautt and prospects of the place. Several leading Wanoanui men, acquainted with the loctim came down especially to attend the sale, ana between them put chased the great bulKOi , the town sections. Mr Halcombe, the ageEt of the company, also purchased lots on behalf of other people. The rural .•£, suburban sections found fewer big: excepting for portions which had wea spotted before hand, ani these were ran up out of the reach of,the poor men not buying for speculative purpose. . -Jj'i- Sir James Fergusson bought a lot of rum land by proxy. A good deal more w» bought for other swells. The. land abuto upon the main line of railway between-vva, _ lmgton, Wanganui, and Napier, d.«°g 1000 people have already settled in tnea» trict. . Ucim People here interested in racing mawera are in a great fume because the Times nega ted to send home in the summary of news* account of local races.

Success of Mr and Mrs Bates- Mrs Bates haa made a hit here, having succeeded in tickling the theatrical taste oi Wellington, which it is not always e^^ do. The public and papers spßak in *BB highest terms of this clever little woman.

Dinner to Mr Bennett. «J a A few of the stewards and employes oi bw New Zealand Steam Shipping Company, W£ give to-night a farewell dinner to Mr Haw? Bennett, the late providore of the Compaq and will present him with a gold watcfi* 8* souvenier of their esteem.

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) The ' • Sunday Newsman Setose* The Athenseum committee have reW^ receive the " Sunday Newsman" and t>w»» publications. Drowning while three Persons looKj* At Swift Creek, near Tuapeka, w. mor, aged 25, was drowned while »*»"?%s A juror writes to the local PaP er'J£J, three persons were witnesses of the aro.- but could render no assistance, within a few feet of the deceased. . Mortgage over Waterworks^ of The Corporation rejected the propo^ I the Water Company \l should give the holders of the deo^ | which are to be issued as purchase «>0 f\ mortgage over the worka and pI«*JJ ftn i they are advised that they have no po^ jj consider the company as well secarea «» they had a mortgage.

EVENING STAB, WEDT^ESDAY^jgMUJBaB^,



VTEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS We have just opened a very choice lot of NEW SUMMER DRESS GOODS, Comprising— NEW PRINTED MUSLINS, IN GBEAT VAJRIETY. GRENADINES. PLAIN BLACK, BLACK STRIPED, and COLOURED STRIPED GRENADINES. >?"HITE SATIN, STRIPED MUSLINS, CHECK MUSLINS, Etc., Etc., Etc. i The above are NEW GOODS, just landed, and worthy of special attention. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, (LATE E. H0BB8,) Wholesale and Retail Drapers, Clothiers JUNCTION DBAPEEY WAKEHOUBE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen - street, Auckland. O E 8 A JU E by the TJndnrsigned :— Anderson^and Mowafg Oatmeal, in 25 and 60-lb D^^l^&3o^ Va Pearl Barley J. A&d T. Meek's Oatmea G^BO. W. BINNEY.



"PUBLIC NOTICE. It having been decided by various ' Houses of businets in this city to spoil the Christmas Holidays by opening on Saturday night, we beg to announce our intention of keeping open all day as usual. FORD, POTTER, & CO., The Pantheon". WE ARE NOW SHOWING OUR MAIL GOODS Received per s. s. Hero, Consisting of COSTUMES, PARIS BONNETS, TEIMMKD HATS, MATSTLTSS, FEATHERS, FLOWER 9, GLOVES, &c, &c, &c. ; Also, 72 CASES Per Zkaiandia, Comprising— PRINTS, DRESSES, and MANCHESTER GOOD 3 J. COSGRAVE & CO. TTT E HAVE OPENED Per Ship Hydaspes: 2 2 CASES „ OF MEN'S AND B-'Y'S CLOTHING, PANAMA HATS, FELT DO, in Men's and Youth's Sizes. J. COSGRAVE & CO., IMPOBTEBS. EDWIN HOLLOWAY AND J. TONSON GARLICK Beg to intorm the inhabitants of Auckland they have purchased the Stock and Premises known as THE CITY HALL DRAPERY, CLOTHING. AND CARPET ESTABLISHMENT, UPPER QTJEEN-STKBET, From Messrs Cosorave & Co., AT A LARSE DISCOUNT OFF ENGLISH COST.



A SALE OF THE GOODS Will be held When that Few, Extensive, and recently-imported tock. purchased from the Manufacturers of England FOE, CASH, will he offered to the public at IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. Drapers and Storekeepers are invited to attend this great Sale, as it is the intention of the proptietors to CLEAR OUT THE PRESENT STOCK, In order to make estf-n'ive alterations in th Tuildirg. A splend'd opportunity for Country Settlers to purchase at LOW BATK3. HOLLO WAY & GA.RLICK, CITY HALL. TVT O T I C E. The BANKS will be CLOSED on SATURDAY, 2Cth Instant, BOXING DAY T^r O T I C E. CITY HALL DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT Will be OPENED at six o'clock p.m on SATURDAY (3oxinci Day). HOLLOWAY & GAKLICK. TTNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND £400,000 THE HIGHEST CURRENT BATE OP INTEREST ALLOWED ON I3XED DEPOSIT. J. B. BRATHWAITE, Manager. "VT EWOASTLE COAL. NOW LANDING, Ex Derwent, FOR SALE ALONGSIDE VESSEL, In lots to suit buyers at 34s PER TON, CASH JAMES W. WALLER, CUSTOM HOTTSE-STREET. fTIHE NATIONAL BANK ob- 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', 51 % $ annnm On Deposits fixed for 6 months', 6 % ■? annum DAVID HEAN, Manager. Auckland, 17th December, 1874.



TO READERS & ADVERTISERS. Id order to give the Employe's of the Stab TWO FULL HOLIDAYS, the issue of this Journal will be SUSPENDED on CHRISTMAS DAY and Saturday, (BOXING DAY) Announcements intended for either of those days should ba sent in for publica cation TO-MORROW NIGHT, when a Christmas tale, written specially for the Stab, Supplement, will be published.