SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

».iSF? H.yATEE—Thia aftsmoon, 0.15; to-morrow ■turning, y 23 SpT.BBr-Tlils waning, 718 SUN RISB-To- 4.50 MQQvr-a AGE-First Quarter

ARRIVALS.

■ Southern Cross, ss, (ASP Co) from Napier iS^°' CU«6T. from Bafflan Wild Du<fc, feetch, from the Waitara

DEPARTURES.

Jtt*gellan, Cloud, whaler. Cranch, lor Russell •f&Deaeser. schooner, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For an Excursion—Hero, ss, to-morrow, 10 am JTor the South, via Napier—City of San Francisco. early Tor Hok'anga—Queen, schooner, early Pot Wairoa (Eaipara) - Tor«a, schooner, early Itorthe South—Hawea, Monday ; Ladybird, Wednes day for Bydney—Mikado, ss, early; Hero, ss, Monday .For London- Colambus, barque, 4th January ; City of Auckland, shit), early For New York-Florence and Lizzie Fox, barques «arly

VESSELS EXPECTED.

jo. w.s. JJarracouta, from Fiji, early JJik*do,ss, from San Francisco abiutlst January fiuwea. s s , from the South to-morrow Brodiek Castle, ship, from London Carnatic, ship from London ; sailed 20th Sept ■T'atik Pendleton, ship, from Gelfe, Sweden; sailed 13th August "Vision, brig, from Samoa, early (Jlanlora, ship, fn m London; sailed 25th Oetqt&r Ardvar, ship, from Glasgow, sailed 25th OcVJbei Benvenuo, ship, from London, sailed IS^ a October Gabarfeidh, barque from Noumea, &' lt w Jewlca. barque, from New Yo>*.- aailed 2nd Juno Marathon, b*rqne from New v ork . Ra n e d October 12 Jane, brig from Hcb«t T own . sai \ ed 16t h Byno, brigantine, f*. om IslandSf ear i y

IMPORTS.

Per H«> ro __i3 p ac ij a g e3 da i r y f ed bacon—T. H, J*»U Co.

TThe R,M s,s. Mikado may be expected to-morrow •Jnr the next day from aan Francisco. She brings the Inelish Mail.

The barque Florence has cleared f rr New York with a cargo of 340 tons of kauri cum shipped by H. D. Eolph an«l Co, and valued at £lu,ooo. The Union Company's s s. Htwea is due in the Manukau tomorrow morning. She has the Taranaki cricketers on board.

The schooner Blanch is at anchor in the stream ready to sail for Earatonga. The s.s City of Francisco one of the new Pacific Mail is advertised by the agents as due from San Francisco She is to leave for the South vlr Nap'.er 6 hours after arrival. The new a'teamer Annie Milbank has been towed into the Mechanics Bay intake and placed under the shears a>, Messrs Friser and Tinne's allotment where ahe U fco receive her engines.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr "R. Aithur reports to-day :—Adelaide flour, JG14103; maize 4sto4j 3d ; o»tk 3s 4d ; provincial bacon, 7d to Bid ; cheese, 6.1 to 6><d ; ham*, cloth, Is Id ; jams, 7s ; potatoes, <fs to 6s"l0d; onions, Id • There was a large attendance at Mr Sibbin's sale of groceries today at the corner mart, and fair prices were obtained. Baton, lOd; hams, 10J4; mutton hams, 4d; ten 2s'sl—box»g, 203: wheat, 4j 10^d to ss; sugar, 4^3 to 4^d ; cheese, 4d to 9d ; onions Id ; pearl barley, 2J: maiza, Ss 6d to 4s 6d; oats, 3a.

AUCKLAND CATTLE SALES.

Mr Alfred Bwck^and's Weekly Kkport.— Horses- At the Havravket, on Vrid«y last, horse stock offered in usual numbers. Draught stock were dull of sale, and all of this description passed, but Tiding horses were in hotter request, and many sold at piir.es varying from £T to JSIS each. Bags of wool and sheepskins were offered in larger quantities than usual. Gnod competition was obtained throughout the sale, and prices equal to the larger wool sale. Hides were in less than average numbers, and at late values. Cattle and Sheep—*t Eemuera, on Thurs day, dairy cows were in request, vatid better worth Few store cattle offered Fat cattle in usual supply ; 126 head penned, of variable quality : price? without change from last week. Store sheep in moderate numbers. Fat sheep in usual supply, and dull of ■ale. Lambs plentiful, and of choice quality, but lower in price than last week, Is to 2s each. Figs in moderate supply, and better worth.

MARRIAGE.

SKTNNEK—SAVOBY—On the 30th instant, at the Pitt-street Chapel, by the Rev. A. Reid, John Skinner to Kate Savory, both of Auckland.

BERTRAM-FENTON—On Dewmbar 27tb, at the residence of the bride's parents, Prosppct llousp, Hobson-street, Amice John Beitram (Waikato) to Maria, second daughter of Francis Fenton, of this city.

DEATH.

JORBON—On Deo. 31, at the Provincial Hospital, William Oordon, native of Downpatrick, aged 30 years.-

The funeral will leave the Provincial Hospita to-morrow (Saturday), at 9 30 a.m.

POOLEY—On the 30th instant, at her parents' re sidence, Newton Road, Ruth, >oungest daughter of William and Jane Pooley, aged 15 moHths. The fnneral will take place on, Sunday next, at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED "The Evening News", "The Morning News," and "The Echo."

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1875

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needi resistance, For the future" in the distance. And the good that we can do.

The result of City East Election affords a convincing proof of the strong feeling exist ing in the city in favour of Sir George Grey. It is admitted on all sides that no man in Auckland could have been brought out for that constituency more likely to receive a wide support and prove a formidable oppo nent than Mr J. M. Clark. Personally very popular, connected with City East by many special ties, admittedly a shrewd business man of unquestioned integrity, and coming forward for a commercial constituency, sup ported by all the Government votes and influence, and yet nofc holding such extreme views as to absolutely alienate from him personal friends who were also supporters of the Grey party, we know of no one whose chances against Mr Rees could for one moment be compared with those of Mr Clark. Had we placed out of view the political creed of the two candidates and compared them purely in relation to their claims upon City East, we should have been led to regard Mr Rees's chances of election as ex ceedingly small. Posses3iu ,' none of the business connections and personal associa tions of Mr Clark, Mr Rees has also, by hi 3 keen, outspoken attacks created many bitter foes among those whose monetary influence ia by no means inconsiderable, while Mr Clark has probably not a single enemy either among his political supporters or opponents. Moreover, Mr Clark's party were influential, well-organised, and worked with extraordi nary energy. On the morning of the polling we were assured by the Crpss that Mr - Clark's active committee numbered "forty steady and influential citi zens," " all reliant men," whose final compari son of notes and examination of the roll and " returns produced shewed that Mr Clark's election was safe by a large majority." With out looking at the subject through the Cross's magnifying glass, it is unquestionable that a large proportion of Mr. Clark's best sup porters were active workers ; there were also included among the number many firm be lievers in the policy of Sir George Grey, thus partly dividing that party, and, in short, his canvass and election work were conducted with such energy and system that we firmly believe not twenty votes which would have been recorded in his favour, remained un polled. We are thus driven to the conclusion —an opinion which was repeatedly statedfby adepts in these matters—that if Mr Rees had possessed an equal number of good workers and a like vigour and system in carrying, on election operations, he might have polled another hundred votes out of the unrecorded balance on the roll. The result, striking as it is, only fulfils our anticipations. Mr Clark, we' have throughout maintained, was badly advised in coming out for Oity East, in view of the challenge thrown down by Mr Reea and many times repeated, to the late member. He was likewise placed in an un favourable light with the public owing to the

~nown connection of many ol Lid leading supporters with the Government party, but, above all, his very qualified declaration of support to Sir George Grey and his tolera tion of a Ministry, notoriously corrupt, arbitrary in its dealings, and unjust to Auckland beyond all the Ministries that have ruled "N6w Zealand, were extremely dis tasteful to the popular mind. The struggle is over, and Mr Clark is defeated, but we are certain that if the people of -Auckland glory in the'triumnh of that cause which they love and see embodied in Mr Rees, th;;y will think none the less of the candid and straightfor ward, though ill-advised, contest carried on by Mr Clark, and they will hail with plea sure the day—and come it assuredly shall— when Mr Clark's natural instincts and good judgment bring his whole heart into the popular cause.

The Auckland Fire Brigade are an ill-used lot of men. In most other citiea firemen work on the volunteer principle ; but of that no matter, they are -wretched slaves, our men are true Britons; those misguided beings go with a rush at a fire and swab it out ; ours operate on true scientific principles and slip round in their pretty red jackets with pieces of burst hose to the delight of the citizens generally. So that comparisons with other places don't apply, and if they did, com parisons are at all times odoriferous. We repeat, therefore, that our Fire Brigade are an ill-used body of men, and if the ratepayers and insurance agents who paid £800 for their maintenance last yeardon't seeit,we will soon show them why. Putting on one side, then the insignificant fact that the brigade got jolly well paid whenever they are in active service, we begin with the crusade of the Council against their cheese and beer on practice nights; fortunately the unanimous re solution of these patriotic Britons to resign unless "refreshments" were allowed, brought the Council to its senses and " refreshments " were restored, To enumerate all the similar persecutions of these public benefactors would fill our columns and arouse the indig nation of the public to such an extent that we should fear the result. Suffice it to say, that after the rejection of manifold applica tions the members of the brigade yesterday modestly applied for insurance on their lives. "The petition," so says our report, " was received," but if any simple-hearted philan thropist supposes that thereupon the brigade will " receive" their insurance, never was he more mistaken. This is one of those mild delusions which public bodies practice, and which ought to be put down with the strong hand of the law. To "receive" in the Council means just the same as to " consign to the waste-basket" in a newspaper office; "move the previous question" in a Legislative As sembly," or to " put it up the spout" in the vulgar vocabulary of common life. More over, we are informed that this kind of reception was accompanied by derisive remarks from Councillors about giving the brigade gold watches and new boots. And why, we would ask, shouldn't they have gold watches and new boots ; and for the matter of that, at this festive season, would it have been anything but a gracious act for the Council to include roast goose and plum pudding, a summer muslin for the wife with hat and chignon to match, cricket bat and stumps for the youthß who might be left orphans, and a kite and marbles for the younger branches, not forgetting a coral mouthpiece and silver bells for little Tutsy Wutsy. It's outrageous, the treatment the brigade is receiving, and wo would advise the men to resign and let the Council try the volunteer principle—and then they'll find out.

" Alas for the free and independent electors of Oity West! Ichabod! their glory is departing, and they are about to be made ' chattels.' Bought and sold, transferred and cajoled—handed over ' like dumb, driven cattle/ they cannot be heroes in the fight." Such is the twaddle which constitutes the openipg sentence of an article in the Cross yesterday, written with the view of stirring up a feeling against Sir George Grey in City West for consenting to the Thames candidature. Our contemporary goes on to say that had this intention been known there would assuredly have been opposition for City Weat, and after a good deal more in the same strain about foisting candidates on unwilling electors, undue liberties with a constituency, and so forth Bays: —"The feeling is spreading among the electors of Oity West that they will not tolerate being made handles of in the manner proposed." Now, what are the facts ? Some time ago previous to the nomination for City West, a very influential requisition from the Thames electors was presented to Sir George Grey, which he did not accept, preferring to remain with his first constituency. Thereupon, every effort was made by his Central Com mittee to secure a local candidate having the full confidence of the Thames people, and Mr Carpenter, was specially selected; but business engagements prevented the candidature of that gentleman. Meanwhile, there was every prospect of Billy Rows, who had discarded Phane and sworn to become a good boy, obtaining the seat, in conjunction with some other Government nominee, solely for want of good men to oppose them. It then leaked out that the Government, taking advantage of this state of things, had resolved to smuggle in Sir Julius Vogel, whose prospects are regarded as somewhat precarious. Under these circumstances, a deputation proceeded expressly to the Kawau for the purpose of asking Sir George Grey to stand, as upon that condition only could another good sup porter be obtained to contest the seat. Fipm whom, we would ask, was the sacrifice demanded here? Already se cure of his seat in the House, fa tigued and ill through his recent exertions, conscious of the prejudice which this unusual step might create against him both in the constituency which has twice honored him and the electorate which he must contest at great pecuniary and physical cost against many other candidates, Sic George Grey was once more persuaded to sacrifice his time and his means, and returning to town with the deputation, he proceeded the following morning to the Thames, to undergo all the worry of a contested election. Icha bod, fiddlesticks ! Those who desire to con test City West will have ample opportunity

when Sir George Grey resigns his seat. So far from being a slight to that constituency the action of their membor is more expressive of confidence in the sound common sense and gcod feeling of the electors than a thousand assurances ; and this self-EaorifM^g con<i3ssion to the wish of his supporters is bound to place the member for City West still higher in the estimation of his present constituency and of every man in the province who can appreciate a noble act of self-sacrifice in a public cause. If the Cross can shew one unworthy motive or anything antagonistic to true patriotism in an action of this kind, let it produce fact and argument, but its "Ichabods" and "glory departing," are better adapted for the Methodist Meeting house than the political arena.'

We have been requested to stir up [the intake, but decline, partly because the delicacy of its flavour requires no stirring just now to be appreciated, and partly because we are in favour of a law making that ceremony a preliminary condition to entrance into the City Council and Harbour Board. WV hope some member of those bodies will' J "Lie hint and introduce by. lawa to that effacb, vrhich, we opine, are far more necessary cfmu half the by-laws in force. The stench from these horrible fever breeding lagoons in this hot moist weather is shocking, and we are quite prepared to subscribe towards any fund for the purpose of taking legal proceedings under the Public Health Act against whoever may be found responsible. What is the Inspector of Nui sances about ? If a little dirt in a back yard is found creating a trifling perfume, woe unto the owner thereof; and quite right ; but here in the front of the city, with its pesti lential, foul odours driven on every breeze into business premises and crowded hotels, with all its ugly conglomeration of rotting filth as unsightly to the eye as it is un savoury to the nose, not a sound is heard from the authorities. Here is work for our new Mayor, who is charged with the health and good Government of the city. Go for that, your Worship, and we vow that your memory shall be embalmed in the hearts of a grateful people when you and ourselves have taken a back seat and are watching our youngsters on the box holding the reins.

The Saturday's Supplement of tho Star will appear to-morrow, and will contain several original stories and sketches, which will be enjoyed after the recent City East contest between the two candidates, Clark and Rees, like a cooling draught under summer trees. The leading story or romance is the " Colonel's Wife" and her vicissitudes in connection with a marching regiment, which will be found especially interesting. Another paper, written by a gentleman of Auckland, contains an account of his journey or flight from Sydney to Queensland; another story is pleasantly told by a old author of the way, in which he got his fortune told, and how beautifully true it was. "The Bell of St. John's" and its wonderful founder is as remarkable aa it is true, and will be read with interest. A bachelor's story of " Five and-a-half—Patched" shews the truth of the Shakesperian aphorism about things in heaven and things on earth which are beyond our dreams. This story will quicken the pulsations of thoso widows hearts who keep nice young men lodgers. An Auckland man's attempt at ventriloquism and its results is more than a fiction, and wins as it proceeds. There will appear, also, a variety of pithy bits and humorous extracts, funny, thought ful, and fanciful ; also, two readable poems (original) on the New Year.

The whole of the business of the Police Court this morning consisted in fining four drunkards ; by name Edward Wilson, R. Coulston, Geo. Marsh, and Luke Pond. (Joulston having added disorderly coudact to his drunkenness came in for a double penalty.

We are informed that all the drapers in town have signified their intention of clos ing their establishments to-morrow (Satur day), and Monday, the Ist and 3rd January, in order to give their assistants an oppor tunity of leaving town for a day or two if they wish.

The result of the provincial scholarship ex aminations has proved very creditable to the two pupils attending the Rev. Mr Mason's Academy, who were the only competitors. The eldest of these, Master Alexander Steven son, gained a scholarship with 600 points out of the maximum 1000 ; and John Coutts, the younger lad, not 12 yearß of age, made within twenty of the 500 marks which constitute the minimum requisite to qualify.

We learn that Master Alexander Stephen son, one of the Rev. Peter Mason's pupils, was the successful competitor for the open scholarship. The examiners were Rev. R. S. JETassard, of St. Matthew's, and Mr Sloman, one of the masters of tho Grammar school.

The ways of electioneering are devious and at the Thames they appear to be specially so It is understood that Mr Mackay, who, on the hustings, announced his intention of withdrawing, subsequently telegraphed to the Government offering to take £5000^ for the £12,000 difference of between uhem upon land-purchases, stating that it he could get his transactions closed up he would contest the seat with Sir George Grey. It is riot probable, however, that the Govern ment Will be in a position to do this, unless they can manage it otit of one of those lump aum votes. Another committee telegraphed to the Government, guaranteeing the election of Sir Julius Vogel if £150 were forwarded. Sir Donald McLean telegraphed back in* quiring whether the comttiitfcefe were trust worthy men, and could carry out their undertaking. Thus the matter stands, and it is uncertain whether either of these candidates will be run. It will be Been by our Thamen telegram that those employed to create a row at Sir George Grey's meeting last night went away completely converted.

The members of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers will meet tonight at eleven o'clock at the Grey-street fire-bell in full dress, with band, for the purpose of welcoming in the New Year. The Thames Naval Brigade will meet to-night at ten o'clock at the Drill shed for the purpose of seeing the old year out with the Naval Brigade of Auckland.

The weather last evening was not favor able to Mr Dennes's entertainment at the Young Men's Rooms, consequently the room was not so full as was expected. Mr Denues exhibited his lime-light views of the most beautiful parts of Ireland gratuitously to those present, but the general entertainment was postponed until Monday the 10th inst., when the musical contest will take place. The proceeds will be given to the Institute Library fund for new books.

The Auckland Whaling Association has turned over its interest in the Magellan Cloud whaling brigantine to a party of gentle men at the Bay of Islands, of whom Messrs. Ford and Hutchison are the principal. All the former officers and crew have been paid off, and another crew engaged to take her to Russell, whither she proceeded last night under the command of Captain Cranch, her old Captain. At that port she will be care fully manned and officered and sent on a whaling cruise off the coast. It is said that Captain Irving, a well-known whaling skipper at the Bay, will take command.

In justice to Messrs Angus and McColl of Newmarket as well as to Mr Rees we have much pleasure in contradicting most empha tically the following paragraph in this morning's Cross: "Election Trickery. Rees' party nominated Clark for Eden, but Clark checkmated the tricksters by having his withdrawal lodged with the Returning Officer." The nominator and seconder of Mr Olark at Newmarket both hail from the land o' cakes and are warm personal admirers of Mr Clark, determined to have him in parliament for some constituency. Their action yesterday was done from the besb of motives in all good faith, and savoured of keen North-country caution, which, as the event proved, would not have been mistaken in its object;.

At the Board of Education yesterday & letter was received from the Colonial Secre tary's office, stating that the Government could not grant the '£20,000 requested for school buildiDgs. An application from the Home for Neglected and Destitute Children, constituting the school in that institution a public school, was referred to the City West school committee.

We would direct attention to the letter from Mr Eobert Graham, calling attention to the circumstances under which the New Year fares on the railway were altered. There is no doubt Mr Graham has through out been treated most shamefully by the railway authorities.

Fifty- Beautiful Designs to Choose Fbom.

A LAKGE SHIPMENT OF CARPETS JUST UN PACKED, and now added to the very exten sive stock on view at the City Hall at prices to suit both rich and poor. Tapestry and Bru« sell, from 2s 9d to 7s; very handsome hearth rugs to match. Curtains of every description from 5s lid to 555. Extra Good Value in Sheetings and Quilts just to hand. Holloway and Garlick now supply all kinds of Bedding, Mattresses, Palliasses, and Pillows ; good Feather Pillows at 8s Gd. Carpets laid by a skilled band free of charge. Job Line in Passage Floor Cloth (4s 6d quality, slightly damaged) at 3a. Floor Cloths from 2to 24 feet wide cut and laid down Pay a visit to Holloway and Garlick's Furnishing Room, City Hall, and see the cheapest good in town.

The annual Watchnight Service will be held in the Pitt-street Wealeyan Church this evening, commencing at 10.45 ; conducted by Rovb. A. Reid and W. J. Williams.

MELBOURNE

(From our own Correspondent.) December 19. THE HERO AND MARQUIS OF NOR MANBY. The old Hero embroglio that commenced with the memorable voyage which a certain noble Marquis took in that vessel, has been revived not only by the letter Bent to the Argus by, it is thought, a certain party for whom Auckland, even in July, is too sultry, and signed " Pansenger," but by the prom ised intended action of the harbour author ities hero whose certificate the New Zealand Customs people and Parliament ignored so as, it in asserted, to please the irate and effete noblemen who breathed threats of " making it hot" for the gallant, but unobßequious Logan, in return for his refusal to recognize blue blood as any better than the good red vital fluid running in the veins of show folks. It is reported that the Harbour Board will insist upon their certificate being respected, and in case of a refusal they do Bay (on d'd) that the Cerberus and Nelson with the Victoria and several formid able flat boats will be sent down to bombard the Empire city, and reduce the place to subjection or ashes. Joking apart, some steps are to be taken and all right-minded people will agree, very properly. It seems monstrous that a man, simply because he happens to be a Marquis and a Governor, should ride rough-shod over honest folks, whose only sin is a refusal to make a score of people uncomfortable so as to coddle up and please helpless nobility. Emerson the essayist Hays " a great man is always willing to be little," but Logan could never have known how little a great man could be till he had dealings with your Governor. The whole thing is farcical, an inflated pompons old fellow wishing to turn a dying man oat of the Captain's cabin, and on being (very properly) refused, laying himself out to be disagreeable, declaring his objection to travel with actors and actresses, each of whom set him a splendid example in manners, a know ledge of which he did not seem to possess, grumbling at the Captain having shipped horses, though nine of his own noble steed, were on board ; finding out and crying over the fact that the'plebeiau "mummers" were paying less fare than his own illustrious Keif, though he occupied £36 worth of space for £11 of his sweet-savoured cash, and going ashore after a series of promises to injure the Captain, swearing vengeance as he went over the gangway. This is farcical enough in all conscience, but the subsequent proceedings, though justaspaltry, aremoreserious as show ing how much justicean ordinary individual can obtain when pitted against a live lord in a land of toadies and tuft-hunters. Does it not read like a romance—the Commissioner hap pening to take it into his head to measure the vessel on that identical occasion? Will anybody possessed of a grain of discrimina tion disassociate the furious fulminations of the enraged Marquis from the sudden desire for measuring the vessel that possessed the Commissioner ? Then comes the ronndy come roundy " rule of thumb " measurement, in which the ship got as much fair play as a rat amongst a lot of terriers, the miserable farce of a trial, and the consideration of the appeal by a Parliament who would have as soon thrown up their fat berths as give a case against a man whom they thought it an honor to kootoo, and bow, and scrape to, and dance attendance upon. Local authorities, the Courts, the highest powers in the country wera all so bewildered and bedevilled at the thought that a plain, simple shipmaster had dared to tell the dread representative of royalty that his ship could sail-and make a passage without having tho favOrof a scion of cheesemongering nobility, that all justice, all ideas of impartiality, all sense of justice, fair play, and manliness seemed to ily away, and the people of Aus tralia and Auckland especially were asked to believe that the most popular shipmaster in these waters, a man whose name and vessel are characteristic of all that is safe, comfort able, obliging, courteous, and skilful, was a rude boor, a bully and braggart, who most illegally risked the lives of his passengers and crew, and acted in a manner to entitle him to the reprobation of all honest men. The whole thing bore a lie on it's face, aDd Cap tain Logan's friends rose in a body to hurl back the palpable slander, though the New Zealand Courts and Legislature would have stamped a palpable lie as troth at the bid ding of an imperious, bilious, vindictive— but titled man. ; .

THE MAYOR AND DR. NEILD,

Dr. Neild, the dramatic critic for the Australasian, has had & fracas with Mr Gate house, the Mayor. Dr. Neild wrote an address to Ristori, which Gatehouse read very badly, because, he said, it was written so badly. The irate sci ibe put the bad delivery down to the Mayor's vinous condition, whereupon the man of the civic chair waited upon him in the dress circle of the Royal and called him a skunk a liar, a coward, and a few other French names before a mixed assemblage, who enjoyed the muss. Neild sought ven geance in the law courts, but the ques tion arose as to the theatre being a " pub lic place" within the meaning of the Act, and the prosecution was withdrawn.

The Elections.

UNOPPOSED RETURtf-OFMOEAHBR WOOI> FOR FASN£% *

The election of a member of the, Bouse at representatives to sit for Para?U tobk place to-day at noon in the Parnell Hall. I . Colonel Balneavis, the Returning Offlte?, opened the proceedings punctuallyf to tune by readiQgthe writ and the advertisement notif vinjithe event. He then calledupoa tbe electors, who were represented by only about twenty persons, to nommate their candidates. Mr BTTonks, in a few words, proposed Mr Ppader Gilson Wood as a fit and proper £er fon to represent Parnell in the General, seconded Mr Wood's nori^ iiiiili said the hctfoT wasincreased by the_fjolr£ at those which were yet to cotne, he wj* r£ ence felt in the Assembly. (Cheers.) W nea he looked at the Southern returns he was struck with one feature about them, which til tLTthe great solid mass of votog power which had always done as it was tolOy the Ministry in the last Parliament had diß anDeared : Either the members compnsingit had been afraid to come forwardjagain,-_or they had they had been Bent ta the rightabout (Cheers.) In the next Parlia ment he saw no reason why they should not succeed in getting a readjustment of the. burdens which had hitherto weighed so heavily on the province. (Cheers.) iie should be happy to answer Mr William Coleman said he hoped the! Returning Officer would allow him"tp-Stake] the opportunity to enter a protect against the* presumption of Mr. Barstow mrefasu.g .toj allow electors to question the candidates at; the nomination for Eden yesterday. 4 j Colonel Balneavis said the electors might ask a D y question, but could not be allowed toj make a speech. r . ~ r Mr. Coleman then asked Mr. Wood the following question :-" If any law should be found to exist which denies electors the right of asking questions of candidates at %he nomination, would you endeavour to get it repealed 'I '. ' . . \ Mr Wood said that there was no such law,,, and no such custom either in the colonies or in England. He disapproved of Mr Barstow c injunction as hindering free discussion. No other questions were asked, -and tn< proceedings concluded with the usual vote 0 thanks to the Keturning Officer.

FARES TO ELLERSLIE.

(To the Editor of the Star.) j Siß,__Throtigh your widely circulated pap^ I wish to set myself right with regard to a unintentional error I have led the publ into. For some days past I have been adv< tising that trains would run to Ellerslie 9(1 return ticket. I did go on the authori of Mr McDonald, general manager, who i formed me on Monday last that he b: received telegraphic Instructions from I Passmore to the effect that th* fares were be reduced to 9d on New Years Day. consequence, however, of their being no iss of the papers on Christmas and Boxing D the reduction was not advertised, although my own certain knowledge adv. tiaements notifying the same were giv to the papers. Subsequent to tl Mr McDonald, it would appear, receiv another telegram stating that no reduction w to be made. Hence, the false position 1 1 placed in. How to account for this acti of Mr Passmore I am at a loss, unless it am from my known antagnism to the Go?er : merit, or is the result of that imbecili which has characterised the conduct oi t| railway management under Mr Passnoij The moat singular part of the matter iS th] my application to Mr Passmore for a rjdui tion of the fares during the holidays; mj with a decided refusal, while I can on! assume that bis first intimation of redicif fares on New Year's Day (the" races) wi f compliance with a request from the af Committee, but afterwards rescinded h| he ascertained that I should benefit y \ through the postponement of the El sjj sports from Boxing Day. That my infei ic* are correct, I have only to 'state tha bis is the second occasion in which Mr Pas lob has gratified his spleen and malice at n ex pense, as holiday-seekers will doubtlt i member. I wonld like to ask the pu cif treatment such as this, and from sue in worfcby motives, is calculated to en r;e enterprise. I have spent thousac of pounds on the Ellerslie Gardens, and for tunately have not only had to c<eid against* the weather, but official hdiby and bungling, in proof of which I nee nly mention that the first fare charg to ■RUerslie was 2s 6d as against that of to Penrose, the next station. Unlersthe G srn ment afford me speedy protection and i "ess against the railway autocrat, I can sno alternative but to close the gardejand dispose of the property, as I am indbsed to cope with the antagonism of the Gfern ment, which is clearly shown in their Such of faith in placing the station on the bng side, to the inconvenience and imaent risk of the lives of passengers and the jsent absurd tariff of charges on the ocoasi of holidays or gala days. I am, &c.—Bert Graham.

TELEGRAPHIC.

GISBORNE. (From our own Correspondent.)! Thisy.

The Pretty Jane. i , The Pretty Jane left; at 8 a.m. foruck land with a full cargo of sheep.— Passefers : Sergeant Mills, Messrs Bolton, Brownjfoss, Mathews, Miss Eodgers, and Mrs She will call at Ohiwa to land Major It on a canvassing tour for Captain Reid. |

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

NAPIER,

(From our own Correspondent. ]>

This iy.

Sir Geo. Grey Elected Dicftor of the Affairs of the tai People.

A monster gathering of native phiefrom all parts of New Zealand is being Id at Pakowahia, numbering some six bu|red. Mr Sheehan submitted a grand seMe of Good Templarism to them, whicjwas cordially and unanimously agreed toljThe result is that a lodge has been startednder moat favourable auspices. The debates attended from Napier, and everythiijwas put in working order. The nativl are very pleased with Mr Sheehan's adp in this matter. Sir Geo. Grey was aisojani mously elected to fulfil the onerous pition of dictator and director of the affair* the Maori people. ,

WELLINGTON.

i; . {£ torn, our own cOTr^onfpjrtp *■-. |B m Country Election. * da *' ' IJI $rhe Ttmes comes out agamat Mr G!llr n i''M aMust Mr Bl^sdon for the repreMnUtfoi*t'"-i ffl ctfhntry diatricts. It; sneers at the-tstjiw ' B oi-bis pronsises, and tbe reading X'- r '] w|isch they M 0; made. ■ Mr.'GbiJoa v,)1 •■« moat likely jsnpport the Qoverament^iS Mr Hafchisoß. mcetr with, iifetle symnatw •!■ ia hia criishing^efeafc at the^Hatt, IKS 1 dulature bei^giegarcied aK>piwfW:iater^ 1 1 tiiisnce anf) p^sumptious. Tbo Pout t^'A \ I ,hfe was defeated because the Hut6J«fccl«i " '^1 fished to be reptesiented by asteitesaian Ws ll I 'political noodle.; , -'^ Jlt is frumotf red .that Kiotio'i^willi^tablJffi-tl xa the City Council to reduce the Mayorta^ 1 salary from £200 to one shilling per s^*||^"J It waa reported yesterday■ that Sir Trav^S fl tiad gone to coutest Collingwoo4* but idj^J •"■^l has beeft contradicted. . " : ~ , fThe Cable- -San Francisco SerVi<& 1 The Luna is Jik&ly to leave fe>-Morro# jS reprsir this Cook Strait cable, w y'^,~ ! Tlie Government has not thu slightest ia.- r formation aa to future arrangements re fl^ i ] service. |

NAPIER.

(Per Press Telegram Agency) |§! 1, The Election. There V'iv3 much niore excitement at the ejection. tt an- s i m y other previous election,' The result of the poll vas :-^-Njipiej: Lean, 213; Tinasell, 147 y Colenso, 3?,;gW 151 ; "and Gerard, 13. T'ba totalresoStoi t^ r | polling in town and couatry ffiveis j 330 ; Riißsel, 209 ; Stuart, 173; Coletso,3S; i' and Ferard, Xi vofes; 'Messrs McUaa m4'\" Bjissell were elected. ,'. • >

WELLINGTON.

[Per\Presß Telegram Agenc|||^ : A%tlllei7- Firing. '" &7'->j; The first firio^Lof the artillery, for choie* J , bl repre 3 entative%J«f tl1? Colonial CttW - rizu iook placoT^ momih|bm^ Tfe : WoCredie/sG* Then'S^fi rrign g for the. nma akes place on Thursday.^ The The Late Murder^fc fwr . Three of the men scynnirdercasly assm^'J ttthe Bntt still Ijflger 6n, but Leedle^A 'ard cacnot stmavs irach loDger, Thtir\ iraina nr'c oozirj out, an<i their fret are old and gettiug black. Young, who w« | at in the neck, stands some sJJghi^iaaffi

To-day and To-morrow.

,'VKareon the eve of another holiday and r Bother year, which we try.At will nrovp i ■■■-.■ s tappier and more propitioiia year ta lion- '| : audk than the year -which in a few hours < will be numbered among the thingt thai i] were. New "Sear's Eve was with our anceg. try a season of rejoicing, but now teifch many f.ersons it is a season of watchfulness an^ religious thought. Hence, we firuTin *tln« city night watches and prayer-meetings Will I be held in most of the places of worship in and about the city. At St. Paul's Church the Eve service will commence at half-past \ eleven ; at St. Matthew's and St. Sepulchre1! ; iat a quarter-past eleven. Midnight services i will also be held at Wellesley-street Baptist and other denominational chapels ot the' city. Among the various amusements of New Year's Eve, we notice that the FORESTERS Will hold a soiree and ball at the Choral HaD, for which entertainment more than 269, tickets have been sold. The Foresters of, two lodges will march from Cook-street in full uniform, accompanied by the stewards and officers of the lodges, headed by the exf cellent band of the Royal Engineers. Those;/ persons who have not had the pleasure of see ing the PANTOMIME

Should take the opportunity of paying a visit ' to the Prince of Wales Theatre this evening, when, in addition to the numerous poetic and artistic attractions of the newly-risen Bluebeard with his fairy wives upon whom the moneter performs certain surgical opera tions,they will see the ruing generation fore-| shadowed in the faces of hundreds of? juveniles, for whose special pleasure the pan-1 tomimic scenes will be repeated. Others again, who have witnessed the pantomime, may sjsnd a pleasant hour at the City Hall in company with Mr Davies, the world-re* ,. nowned

| VENTRILOQUIST

And hil company of singers, acrobatic per formersiand musicians. This is one of the best eufertainments that we have seen of the kind ; i| includes wit without coarseness, and plesure without dullness, which will prove e&acious in eradicating hypochondria and simlar disorders. To-morrow, should the morfing of the new year smile upon the city, the

HOLIDAY

Will be'agreeably experienced by those whose no unhappy lot in life is to toil for the brea| that perisheth; and especially welcome |)1 be the holiday to the children of the scßols in connection with the Auck land brana of the Sunday

\ SCHOOL UNION, Who willbold their annual New Year's festival as isual to-morrow in the quiet, sun sheltering gades of the sylvan Domain. The procession f these thousands of children headed by lose of Sfc Jamee's Presbyterian sohool foliated by the children of nine other schoolj -with banners and music, will bea sght whh would have gladdened the heart of Kolyt Raikes, of Gloucester, were he alive to ice to-morrow's dawn. «• learn also, tit OBTAIN LOGAN, Of the s.s. lero, will give a treat to the children of lr charitable institutions by conveying tan in the Hero to the sunny island of Moti^pu, accompanied by music and dancing orieck. Ladies and gentlemen who might boaclined to join the excursion may do so u|n paying a small fee, whioh will be divide&mong the several charities. The p.s. Hauki will also make an excur sion to the I

KAWAUIND HOT SPRINGS, starting from t? wharf at, ten o'clock, in order that the jblic may enjoy the advan tages of the purtir and medicinal waters of the sparkling Wwera, and the Gemini for Riverhead. Aple opportunities will be afforded to persol who may be disposed to taste the full floured

STRf^BERRIES. of the North Shoiby tripping to and fro by steamers ; while fsonsof a sportivetumof mind will have heir lively propensities gratified by the C^ionian Bpqrts and games at

ED^RSLIE according to the Ixing Day programme, while the beautifulWdens and their floral attractions will aid milder interest to others. SELECTIONS IE THE SPORTS.

Yule Handicap. George Saunders. Boxing Day Ccrp.f. Sewell or J. Grimes. Maidbn Race.—ikrtermame or Qnin lan. High Jump.— JoaJradley. Httkdle Race.—EDonovin. ' VOLTJNTE| PICNIC. The Artillery and|ngine«rs will hold their annual picnic (1 permission) on the Island of Motuihi. % members of these scientific corps and theiriends will assemble, at the Grey-street )nno|a*toimorrow ««■*

Wtt IVSStm® STAIR, FBIPAfr, DEO

«HBi% 31 Wti



Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills.—Have cured more ■wonderful cases of Eheumatism. Gout, Neuralgia, Aches Pains, Swettmgs, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and SaU-Rheum, upon the humaD frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great A merican Medicines are com posed of vegetable oils healing gums, roots and herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, Prosser and Co.



JTOTICE. JTOTICE. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double-width Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, ' Blue Diagonal, *c, specially adapted fur, Boys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c, Bought at Auction at con siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 3s 9d per dozen —120 dozen; Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 5s 6d per doz. Upwards of 50 <3 ozen Men's Cotton Shirts, I 0 Jean, Napier, the new F Shirt,, etc. Abybeojian Cord Tr sbrs. Men's Tweed "Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines at much below usual price. INSPECTION INVITED. fiUSHBEOOK & BEIDGMAN, [Late K. Hobbs], UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Qtteen-street, Auckland IFIjOSGBA YE & CO. will hold their Annual Sale previous to the Cliristmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DA V; ( Wednesday), the Bth December, and will continue until the end qf the year, Tlie entire stock ivill be offered at Cost Price. "yOTJ CAN BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and A GOOD FIT, AT THE 33- CITY HALL. "^K SiU Dust Coata 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suits, 6/11 Boys' Knickerbocker do, from 12/6 Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ Boys' and Youths' Tweed Suites, 25/ Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers and Vests, 22/6 Regatta Shirts, 2/11 Felt and Straw Hats, from 1/. 11. •••• ••••c HOLLOWAY & GARLICK Can Seiili You the Cheapest Dress in Auckland. Plain Lustres, at /6J£ Special Line — Good Grey Lustre, 30 inches wide, filyi', worth 1/6 All-wool Carmalite. /9><r Immense Variety of Prints, from Z% Striped and Fancy Brilliants, from /8% White Tucked and Coloured Skirts, from 3/11 The ~" Crnr Hall" is now Noted for its Cheap Millinery, of which there is A Large Assortment On View ! t3T BUY YOUR SUMMEIt HATS FBOM HO LI, (WAY & GAELICS CITY HALL, Onewwrtreet, AncUanfl. \



J\UB ITG CIIR IST MA 8 JLf NOLIDAYS, A. LINABURY & ' CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their Large and Valuable Stoclc of STEA W GOODS, QENJEHAL DRAPERY, AND CLOTHING, REGA&DLESS OF COST. Every Article Marked at Bottom Prices ! Come Early, as the Entire Stock must ie cleared. *J\ RADE NOTICE The undersigned call the attention of the trade to their ' NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab op Gebmany, the same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, and suitable for tUo present season, M. LEV Y~ & CO., 23, Queen-street. THHE SOUTH BRITISH fIIRE A.ITO MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY o? NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £750,000. UNLIMITED LIABILITY. The large and steady increase of the business of this Company, as shewn by its reports, affords the best proof of the confidence of the public in the institu tion, and of its popularity among insurers. It is conducted on sound principles, and is widely nown for liberality and promptness in the settle ment of claims. Losses can be paid at any Agency, at option o insured. A. BOAKDMAN, Manager



A Vitalizing Elixir.—Nervous, weakly persons frequently dose themselves for imaßinary diseases, when all theyreguire is wholpfome invigorn tion. Thousands have recovered robust health by substituting for unwholesome dnißs a pure sml agreeable Vitalizing Elixir which kolsiccb tlie nenes, overcomes dinwtivo and other functional weakness or disorders, and is pr^seribud by four thousand in telligent physicians. Wo allude to UDOLrao Wolfe's ScniKDAM Aromatic Schnapps.



-SStTT —^"iiil I M^t" 1.. .. January -I. •* ■ I «■■* '