SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Phoebe as, from the South A-gixiti, hrigamine, fr, m Lyttelton lona. ss, Farqulur, Lorn 'he >orth Southern Cro-s. ss, Homes, from Napier ©olden Isle, s Jiooner, from Rusiell

DEPARTURES.

Islsinore, schooner, for Bus ell .'Rowet.a, s s. Sellars, for Tauranga ffawn, cutter, for T:mvaDga

IMPORTS.

Per August*, brigantine frvim Lyttelton— 675 hags wheat, 5 cases bacon, 12 casks wheat

The departure of the St Ktldv has been delayed till WJ-'moirow morning at 11 o c ock. Aaub«:ritM>, win sings 'aimpelf N.JZ., advertises a JKob For canoe and oadd t e for sale in pood cot ditim. Holiday seekers at Christmas time should examine Jthe concessions advertised in th-ir favour both by tlie :New Ze 5a >d ste»m shipping Co and by the Union S-Steain Shippin? Co.

The brigantine Augusta arrived from Lyttelton last HBveairg a'ter a passage of ten days, during which variable win ._ were experienced, including a gale of ■4$ hours 'Juration off Hawkes Bay. She brings a •cargo of '^raia &c The cirque Bel'a Mary got clear away last evening "wßli a S. W. breeze, which would carry her well up "the coast.

The *. «. P. Go's s.s. Southern Cross arrived frim at 10 p.m. yesterday having left port on "Wednesday. Sighted s-veral vessels on the way up Passengers: cahin—Mr Wheito, Mr and Mrs Hicks and 3 children Mi s Mi-K-ie, v es s rs Henderson, Ellis and 16 immigrants ex Inverness.

From te'grams received fr.im P rt Cii'lmets. it will we seen that the barqu. s Floret cc ai.d Lifczle Fox are both on their way to this port with, pirt cargoes The ts. star of tho houih »,i>r<Ved at Hussell ai S o'clock t eaterday at ruoon. (She will take in co*ls and return to Auckland, ana next week will leave for ' fvuka.

The ss lon* arrived fr-, m the Bay of Islands this mor .ing at S o'clock Passengers—Messrs S Yates, LuNathin. Montague, Dyson, J Bowman. r Bowmin, J G Shp^erd, Reyburn JKetnp H Carl ton, Davis, .T C'll^han, Clark, Kerr, and Mc T cod ; Mr and Mrs Colwell and 2 chi dr-n, Mr a d Mrs Boasr, Mrs '.latthews and children, Misi Southwell, Miss ay/kins, Mrs "WMiams. Ms Meredith. Miss Beyno'd... Mrs O C ok Mr and Mrs Fr wn, Mis H G Shepherd, Mrs R Campbell, Blisses McLeod (2). Mr H (A Sh' pt err*, and four stee^ge —Cirgo : —836 cases &—._ 180 s»cks gum 4S baits, 13 sacks and I pge wool S srars 16 casts oil. —A. .v. acgre^rr. agent

The new schooier Toiigatabu is at anchor off the "m\i\ o'-" ar eround. She procei us to sea en route lor Sarr-oi. a on ■*.

The at m compaitmeat of the Star of Ge-many has baeu empt ed of cargo. As she lie* at the whmf at present, she pre ents a raih-r ungainly s.-ectacle, drawing as f-he docs 21ft fo'»ard aLid luff, aft

Dv i y. the last week et quries have betn held be fore tbe Collecror ot Cv toma into the colii»i >n »f the ship OcbhD M*ila"d the itilian ha que Pimento i" the Channel, and also in refVrence to the loss ot tin apprentice fr m on board ihe s- in Star of Germany The results of \h° enquiries h»ve been forwarded as Hsnal to Wellington,

The c itter Fawn takes 7000 bricks and 400Jft timber ■to Taurangn. The sch ioner Waiwera cleared to-d»y for Ducedin Via T<drua. with a cargo of timber

The ers INvour te »nd Elizab th Conway and the cutter s. Carolina le*ve this afternoon fjr VVang aro* in bal'sst.

The schooner Golden Isle brings 102 tons coal from Russell

Th-ire ws no sign of the English mail steamer Micgragoi or of the Cyphre. ee3, up to the time we want to pr=ss

COMMERCIAL.

Mr Geo Binney tooj.y sol1 at auction the well innwn schnomr Keni'worth, Tne h ddings reached JEI6OO at wh:ch price Mr C. A. Harris purchased her.

DEATH.

PEARCE—On the 3rd instant, at his late residence, Bankp-etrcet, off Princes-street, Auckland, simon Joues Ptarce. from Honington, Devonshire!, and late of the 65th Kegiment, aged 45 years.—Home papers p cafe copy.

The funeral will take place at 3.30 p.m. to-morrow. Friends arc invited to attend.

BIRTH.

WAYMOTJTH—On the 4th Instant, at Scarborough Terrace, Parnell, Mrs. Kbtnezer Waymouth of a son.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows:— For Thames on Monday nt 5.30 p m ForKspanga on noonday at 10.3') am For Wanganui, per St Kilda, this day at 5 pm ForTarnn.ki and Southern provinces per Phoebe, this day at 5 pm; and per Taupo on Mondnj' at 10.45 p*rn For EusFell, Wangaroa. and MoDgonui, per lon>'l|t>n Monday »», 4pm Por_/Vapi<Vs!^r PoutJhern Cross, en Monday at 3 p m For Ausws.'cJd colonies, per Macgregor, six hours after arrival (ronSHonolulu For Napier, Wellington, and Southern provinces, per Cyphrenes, six^hours afterarrival from Kandavu For Samoa, per Tongitabu. on Monday at 3 p m For Kawau and Matakana, per Minnie Casey, ron Tuesday next at 10 a m Per C> pnrenes. on Saturday, 18th inst, as under:— For Fiji, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies at 8 p m - For the United Kingdom bjisw Continent of Europe, at 8 p m Jgf For m- n»y orders and regisi^pl letters, at 5 pm For newspapers, at 8 pm^^r Late let'ers bearing an exTrafee of 6d In addition to the postage, will be received on board by the Mail Agent up to time of sailing. S. B. liim. Chief Postmaster.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1875

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the timire in the distance, And the good that we can do.

We cannot say that we are surprised at the extraordinary telegram from our Napier correspondent published in another column. Five thousand pounds are to be expended by the Napier Land Ring on some Auckland electorate. Five thousand pounds are to be spent in whatever manner is found most judicious and effective for keeping Mr John Sheehan out of the General Assf-mbly. And why? Because this young lawyer, in his professional capacity had the daring to brave the wrath of the banditti of Hawke's Bay, by taking up tke cause of the weak and the helpless and successfully defending them against the villainous organization. No particular metit of disinterestedness or generosity may have attached to such advocacy. Mr Sheehan took up the case, as any lawyer would, for fee ; but not even this is an excuse in the eye of those who hold the keys of the robber stronghold. It appears that it is in contemplation, during next session, to have an Act passed protecting all those who by grog have debauched, and by mortgages robbed the natives in that Arcadia of land marks, and that tbe measure should validate the titles of those who have acquired lands in whatever way, however dishonestly, from the natives. When we see that in last session honorable members passed an Act to protect themselves from the consequences of having taken bribes in various forms, or engaged in illegal and corrupt bargainings with the Go vernment, we cannot wonder that such an Act as that contemplated by the Napier Land Ring is regarded by them as feasible. Mr Sheehan, however, is looked on as likely to let in too much light into this dark business, and bis exclusion at five thousand pounds is regarded as not too dear at the price. Fortunate constituency, wherever it may be, that is destined to benefit so largely from the kind intentions of the shepherd Kings. Complimentary opinion indeed the Ring must have of the electoral purity of Auckland electors. We hope that the little contretemps of our having obtained the tip, will not alter the benevolent intentions of our friends of Hawke's Bay, and we can assure them it will afford us the utmost pleasure to assist them in every way we can by giving full publicity to their proceedings, and to the movements of their agents, as far as we can trace them, so that those pre pared to accept a share of the five thousand, and the dispensers of the bounty may, with as little difficulty as possible be brought into amicable relations.

Our correspondent " Snake in the grass" needs not to inform us of the indentity of " Scrutator" whose letter appears in a con temporary. The undermining policy on which the writer has entered is quite com prehensible ; but we can hardly believe the insinuation that he is in the secret pay of the enemy, although we admit a man who abuses his positioa of trust to carry out secretly cherished opinions in an insidious way may be regarded as amenable to even such influences. The attempt to sap the ad mitted strength of tbe public feeling of personal loyalty to the leader of the opposi tion is of the cunning tactics of the enemy. If our correspondent, however, desires to know the reason why we do not take up the gauntlet, we merely say we have our reasons. The insidious course pursued is contempt ible in the extreme. But bide a wee, "Sciutator" had to clear out of Auckland before for abusing his position and out raging public feeling. Wait a wee. We'll put a kettle to his tail.

We understand that a special meeting of the City Council was held yesterday even ing to make arrangements in connection with the election to the Mayoralty. It was arranged that Mr Tonks should be induced to withdraw from the candidature ; Mr Prime consenting also to retire in favour of Mr Hutst. In pursuance of this arrange ment Mr Tonka was this morning waited on and requested to retire, but expressed his unwillingness, when he was informed that in case of his election, the honorarium or salary of the office would be reduced to ten pounds by the Council, and that it had been so resolved. We believe Mr Tonks expressed his readiness to serve even on those terms if it was thought by his fellow citizens that he could benefit their interests. The negotiations having been unsuccessful, it is understood that another meeting of the Council will be held to see what arrange ment can be made in the circumstances.

The Ngatipouf* natives, headed by Te Hotene (a chief bom without legs, and who is carried about in a dish), intend after the settling of the Native Lands Court at Short land to proceed to Taupo, an old native settlement near the Sandspit, Thames, for the purpose of exhuming the bones of their people buried at that place. The land was purchased by Charles Baron de Thierry for Mr B. Keane, and the natives now intend to convey the remains of their people from the old burying place to the caves at Whaka tiwai, where a large settlement is being formed near tho^Miraada redoubt.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Otahuhu Mutual Improvement Association, was held on Monday evening the 290h ult. when an interesting discussion took place on the question "Are we in the present day superior to the ancients?' The Rev E. Gould opened the debate on the affirmative side, and Mr Luke replied on the negative side, in favor of the ancients. Great interest was taken in the debate which was contin ued till 11 o'clock. The adjournment for the summer vacation takes place after the next meeting, December 6 th. Tbe next session commencing the first Monday in March 1876. This association, established on a broad and unsectarian basis, has been most successful, and, although small and unpretentious in its beginning it has fostered kindly feelings amoDg its members, and given some impetus tfflfe intellectual growth of the community. hope its next session will be more successful than its present one. From 'Mutual Improvement Associations one is led by the law of association of ideas, to the consideration of the state of Public Libraries in country districts. The withdrawal this year of the Government grant of books has been a great loss to all thinly populated and scattered districts. It is to be hoped, that now Provincialism is virtually abolished, the General Government will help these public libraries, or else establish free libraries in communities like Otahuhu ; or if even some of our members that are to be, would follow the example set them by at least one of the southern members, and devote a little of their honoraria to such a laudable object as assist ing public libraries aud museums in country districts. The money would be well spent aud their constituents would lemember them.

Some anxiety has been evinced in town dmiog the last few days in consequence of a young gentleman, the son of one of our moirt influential citizens, having been missing since Tuesday last. It is now satisfactorily proved that the lad went away, in the schooner Julia Pryce, to Norfolk Island, having been induced to this foolish step by some youthful indiscretions which had in volved him in debt.

The road to the Otahuhu railway station, writes our correspondent, is still unmade; in this matter, the General Government have treated the district disgracefully. Months ago they promised to make the road, but have done nothing more. Either they repent of their promise, or else are trying to ascer tain the amount of patience possessed by the people living in this settlement. Oh !if we only had an O'Horke to represent us, then the interests of Otahuhu would be considered somewhat; and we should not look with such envioii3 eyes on our neighbour, One-

huog»

One of the pleasantest of rural walks in Auckland, if we except its unevenness, is Jermyn-street, and even its "uphillitication," as a famous local writer, W. E. S. would say, tends to healthful exercise. Apart however, fiom its ups and downs, illustrative of the path of life ; it must still be considered one of the pleasantest of our pleasant walks. The quietude of the locality and the numer ous trees on each side of the street, and the really beautiful gardens, beautiful because they receive continued attention, are full of plants, shrubs, and flowers, and in several instances, the door-porchrs are overrun with creeping plants crowned with a thousand blossoms. Again there is perpetual music in these flowery recesses caused by the birds and bees, and, it may be remarked, that there is never a row in Jermyn-street, and it is reported moreover, that the inhabitants invariably pay their butchers and bakers and, excepting in one or two instances the people never get drunk, with the resident magistrate's court at one end of the street, and the Judge's residence at the other, some deterring influences may be felt from these suggestive buildings The milk supplied by the dairy-woman of Jermyn-street 13 repjrted as very good, but then her cows will stray aud by natural instinct they are led to the clearest stream, and the freshest grass. This street is much frequented by young couples on moonlight nights, it is so silent, and sweet, and breezy. The young people however, on reaching tbe Britomarfi end of the street, have often felt weary in their struggle np tbe hill, and have been in tho habit of recruiting themselves by a rest upon the green grass. This fact becoming publicly known, a lovers' seat has been raised during the present week, capable of seating four couples, and last evening the seat was pos sessed by several interested young person who wtre mightily enjoying themselves in the quiet starlight, and expressing their gratitude in whispers and occasional bursts of merry laughter.

A curious case was heard yesterday in the Resident Magistrate's Court which created some amount of fun. Mrs Cooper, a smartly dressed, jolly-looking lady of forty summers, the wife of a native of South America, sued a young man, named Hurley, for the sum of 30 < for a pair of earrings, which the good lady, being giddy at the time with a pain in her head, entrusted, as she said, to her friend Hurley, who denied that he had taken them into his keeping. The lady's earrings were long and glittering, and upon returning home from an hotel, where she had only a few nobblers to ease the pain in her head, her husband immediately missed the dang ling jewels, and exe'a roed, "My dear, where are your earrings ?" She put her bands to her ears and missed them instantly, and, on a second thought, said, "all right," a friend has 'them in safe keeping. The sceptical bus-band thought his wife had lodged them with " uncle," and simply ejaculated, " Oh. my prophetic soul !" aod no more was said ab n 1; tbe earrings. The defendant, on being interrogated upon the matter, deaied all knowledge of the alleged circumstances beyond the one glaring fact, which was proved in Court, namely, that Mrs Cooper was too far gone to remember anything distinctly on that hazy evening, consequently the lady lost her earrings, a wedding present. His Worship's decision being in favor of defondant.

la the case between Mr. Cameron, an architect, and Mr. Bartlett, a watchmaker, of Auckland, heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, in which plaintiff sought to recover commission for preparing plans and specifications for a new house in Kyber Pass road, judgment was given for defendant, the plaintiff having entirely failed in making out his case.

Rev. W. Lockwood, of Christchurch, will occupy the pulpit of Rev. G. H. Turner, both morning and evening, to-morrow, and on Tuesday the annual soiree will be held, when speeches will be delivered by the chairman, and Rev. Messrs Cornford, Gittos, Lock wood, Mason, and Tinsley, also by Messrs Ooupland, Cole, and Hemus. This will be the last time the public may have the pleasure of hearing the Rev G. H. Turner, as he departs for England in a few weeks. We are sure on both these occasions a large audience will show the congregation's ap preciation of their late pastor's untiring zeal in their cause.

Tbe last meeting of the session of the Auckland Institute will be held on Monday evening next, in the Museum buildings.

We understand that Mr Peter McTavish has resigned his post of accountant at the Auckland Branch of the National Bank of New Zealand.

Our readers are referred to our third page for subjects of discourse and hours of divine gsrvice at tbe various city ohurches, to morrow (Sunday).

At the request of members of the congre gation of St. Paul's Church, the evening service will commence at seven o'clock until further notice.

A meeting of members of the Onehunga Lodge of Freemason's will be held on Mon day evening next, at Codlin's Hotel, for the purpose of handing over to the Manukau Lodge any property belonging to the old lodge, and for the consideration, of other business.

The travelling agent for the Government Insurance Department, Mr J G. Baker, accompanied by Mr S. Worms, the local agent for the Industrial Branch at Auckland, visited the Good Templars of Howick on Wednesday evening last, and delivered an address on the advantages of life insurance to the working classes, interspersing his remarks with interesting facts and auecdotes closely bearing on tbe subject. The address was listened to with tbe greatest attention by the audience, and at the close a goodly number of persons took the initiatory steps for effecting an insurance on their lives. Dr. Fitzgerald was in attendance at the bouse of Mr Wag staff, the local sub-agent for the district, and the proposers were duly examined. We believe Mr Baker intends visiting the district again on Friday next, and it is hoped that a large number will be found willing to make tbe trifling sacrifice required to place their wives and children beyond the reach of want in the event of death to the husbands or fathers.

The Saturday night programme at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, for this evening should prove highly satis factory to those who patronise it. We notice tbe names of Mrs Homer, and Powley, Misses Coleman, McAvby, ahd Spurgeon j Messr3 Carter, Chapman, Fry, Butchkow, Jones, and Dofan are down for various por tions thereof.

An amended railway time-table will come in force on Monday next, and will appear in our columns on that date. Under it the Mercer train leaves in the afternoon at half past three o'clock instead of four. Trains for Onehunga leave at 7.15 a.m, 0.35 a.m., 11.45 a.m., 2.30 p.m., 3.30 p m., and 5 15 n.m. Return trains, 7.34, 8 30, 10.44, 1 15. 3.50. and G.G. On Sundays there will b^ three tmins to and from Onehunga, leaving Auckland at 9 25 a.m., 2.30 p m., and 4.45 p.m. ; and Onehunga at 10.16 a.m., 3.30 p m , and 5 30 p m.

Our Otahuhu correspondent says: "The English Church here is now free from debt ; upwards of £85 has been collected during the last few months, and now for the first time these 12 years, churchmen of Otahuhu can worship in a eburch clear of debt. The dis trict school is making progress ; the number of scholars is steadily increasing ; and what is more the education rate has been willingly paid throughout this neighbourhood. It haR been the practice for somp. of our worthy politicians to sneer at our Provincial E luna tion Act, but if they know anything of the wants of country districts, they would know that the working of this abused Act has been admirable. The present rising generation will very soon find what lasting obligations they are under, to promoters of this efficient and workable act.

On Monday evening next at Lome-street Hall, a benefit concert will be given for the benefit of the widow Church whose husband met with a watery grave some weeks since. The programme includes sentimental songs and willbesungby Messrs Harding, Reed,and other gentlemen, also, the comic part will be sustained by such amusing singers as Messrs P, and W. Doran, Mettam, Bros O'Brien, Davy, O'Hare and Forbes. There will also bo. dancers, the sailor's hornpfpe by H. Gra d<»n. an acrobatic feat by the renowned Mc- Kewan, a recitation by Mr A. Smith, a comic song, (by desire) by Mr P. Doran, in his bobtail blue, also, a laughable farce, by members of "do 'embrown" order of ama teurs. It is expect pd moreover that' an original prologue will be given in prospect of coming events. Asa large number of tickets have been sold, a full house, in favor of widow Church and her children is expected.

A groan, long and deep, comes from the Whangarei Comet against the people of Marsden being called on to pay the interest on borrowed millions without receiving a fraction of benefit. It says : -"Our M.H.R. represents nearly eleven hundred electors, but during the whole existence of the now expiring parliament virtually the county has not benefitted by its inauguration. Not even a paltry £1000 has been spent in it by the General Government, directly or indirectly, under tho Immigration and Public Works policy ; but a few hundreds is denied us for opening up and settling the country, and is misappropriated to appease the cravings of those who show more rhyme than reason."

" A few healthy wll-behaved young girls would find excellent husbands here and good comfortable homes," writes the Whanea poua correspondent of the Coromandel Mail "The districts a rising one and while men can find ready employment, women who can wash and mend, milk and make butter, weed, clean the ground and make themselves generally useful have only to ask their own price and get it. The timber continues to bear a high character and the people live happy and content, when they steer clear of too much liquor, cards and late hours."

Mr. Abbott, of the City Club Hotel, requests that all persons interested in the Champion Pace will pay their subscriptions to the same this evening, or they will be too late.

TAIRUA GOLD-MINING COMPANY.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

g IR) —My attention having been called to a paragraph in your issue of yesterday, and in which it is stated you believe I have reported something as being wrong, for which Mr Beeche, manager, will probably be held respon sible, I beg to inform you that my instruc tions from the directors were to inspect and report on the present position and future prospects of their property. I have kept my self strictly to my instructions, —as my re port, if published, will prove —and made no reference in any way to the late manager. In justice to the directors, the late manager (Mr Beeche) and myßelf, I have to request you will give this' ( letter publicity.—Yours, &c, S. E. Richards.

AUCKLAND CITY EAST.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir,—Some time ago I attached my signa ture to a requisition to Mr W. L. Rees, soliciting that gentleman to come forward as a candidate for Auckland East to the General Assembly. As no response has been made by Mr Rees to that request, I presume be declines to become a candidate for that dis trict. As the writs will soon be issued it behoves|the electors to be early prepared with a second candidate, or otherwise they may be found at a disadvantage when the contest comes on.—lam, &c, A CityEastElector. [The announcement in another column will be accepted as answer by our correspondent. We think there are few acquainted with political matters who doubted this. Ever since Mr Rees challenged Mr Vogel to mortal combat on the hustings it was understood that the challenge held good ; and that if Mr Vogel feared the loss of prestige by defeat the General Government party would put forward some one to try to take the pucker out of Mr Rees.—Ed. A S.J

" OUR PREROGATIVES."

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —I was glad to see " Vindicator's" letter last evening. Quite right; always find fault, it keeps people spry, and is a great inducement to good men to take public office. Never mind if in or out of reason. Now, some papers and many people do say tarring the pavement is a very great relief to tbe eyes, when laid on it dries in a few hours, and that the smell is decidedly wholesome, and that it makes the stone wear better. But, of course, that is nothing to the point; it is all foolery, by-laws, &c. Look at the weather of late, and the business. Do you mean to say that if everybody was allowed to do whatever they pleased, regardless of the public convenience, we should have such weather or such times. And, as " Vindica tor" well says, study eoonomy/screwjtdown salaries, and leave officials to do as in the

past—help themselves and study the com forts of those who pay rates when they can no longer avoid paying. Above all, never leave off fault finding, cause or no cause. — Yours, etc., Vindex.

WOE UNTO YE, YE BLIND GUIDES.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sir,—The failure of the Harbour Board in the construction of the proposed dock will cause a burst of indignation far and near ; but what is most remarkable is that the Works Committee are to report on the best plan to improve the harbour. They are blind, in deed, if they have been working without a defined plan. I was born on the edge of a dock and reared in one, and fancy I know something about them and their workings, and believe if the charges are low it will pay interest the first year it is opened on its out lay, and the city benefit indirectly more than would appear on first thought. But what can all the money be wanted for. The graving dock should be a strong, rough affair —none of the stones need have any dressing, but what they get from the spawling hammer. Of what use will be their elaborate masonry with a bucket of pitch or paint capsized on it. If they want something to photograph or put in a glass case it is a different thing altogether. Full £10,000 would be wasted in useless labour. I saw one in the Isle of France, hewn out of the solid rock, that was rough enough, but just as efficient as if it had been dressed by stone-masons. Why, sir, our dock is half made by having a rock foundation. Mr Mac farlane says the dock is too big, and yet will not take the new mail steamer. If the entrance is wide enough, what would be tbe cost of a few feet in length. The chief expense would be the entrance and bottom, and nature sup plies the one. The dredge to keep the en trance clear is now being constructed, there fore one necessity ip provided. In conclusion I would ask the property-holders and rate payers of the city, rather than the large dock should be abandoned, to submit to a small rate to assist in its construction, and once constructed, I have no fear of its paying. The Haibour Board should be contented with a less expensive dock, and endeavour to make it as large at possible. If we can't get broad cloth we must be contented with fustian.— Yours, &c, Duke Humphrey.

Mysterious Occurrence in Otago.

Supposed Murder

DTJJNEDIN,

(From our own Correspondent.)

This day,

A mysterious occurrence ba3 arisen at Lake Ohohou, between Thursday and San day. Mr Lick, Manager of Lake Ohohou station, sent two men named Hugh Hanna and Matthew Cunningham with a boat across for a load of chaff. On Saturday night they had not returned, and fears were entertained for their safety. On the follow ing morning a search party was organised, and a thorough search round the Bhores of the Lake was instituted. The boat was found with the chaff, oars, etc., strewed along the Bhore. and inside the boat lying across the thwarts, face downwards, was the body of Hannah. There were two or three bruises on the bead notably, one on the left temple. Blood was flowing from the ears and mouth, and his neck on being examined was thought to bo dislocated. There was no evidence of a struggle in the boat. The deceased clothes were disarranged. It is supposed by people on the station that the man was murdered, and the surmise is that the deed was done by Cunningham of whom no traces have been found, although the Lake and its environs have been searched. What leads to the supposition that the man's neck is dislocated is the fact that it could be moved backwards and forwards an inch or two. An inquest was held on the spot, and the jury returned an open verdict. The neighbours buried the body The police at Oamaru are enquiring into the matter. The body is to be exhumed for a post mortem examination.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before E. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.)

DINGY BIRDS

Jem, Dan, and Jack, successively we sen. Brought forth and fined, just for a drunken spree.

James Smith was charged with being drunk, and fined and 10s costs ; John Mc- Connell was fined in the same amount; and Daniel Brett was fined 5a and costs. A WILD SEAMAN. Alfred Aldersou was again brought up on charges of drunkenness and disobeying of lawful commands on board the Star of Ger many, on the 3rd inst. The prisoner, who was let off easy the other day, pleaded guilty to both charges. Captain Wilson stated the circumstances ; the prisoner was cook, and the other day when acquitted, he went immediately and got drunk, and, depending upon Alderson's word, he thought he would have returned to his duties. As he did not do so, the men went without food, which created a great disturbance on board. His worship ordered him to prison for six weeks with hard labour, and to forfeit six weeks pay. HOT AND COLD. William McElwee was charged with steal ing a thermometer value £1 on the 4»h July last, the property of Mr McDonald of Parnell. The prisoner, represented as a loafer, pleaded guilty. It was found, upon examining the annals of the court, that the prisoner had been con victed on six diffeient times for larceny. Six months imprisonmmtwithhard labour. FANNY WILSON. This unfortunate woman was again brought up under the vagrant act, with having no visible lawful means of a livehood. Prisoner said that she had been suffering intensely in her mind though police inter ference ; she simply went to the station to see Sergeant Major Pardy, and while waiting to see him, a constable tapped her on the shoulder, and said Fanny come with me, she went; she went, not thinking any harm, when he led her into a cell, locked, her up and left her in the dark which was enough to disturb any female's mind.

Mr Broham read a note from Dr Philson to the effect that the accused was in a state of great excitement, caused by excessive drink ing ; she was not absolutely insane.

Prisoner said she was a most respectable woman, had been housekeeper to a gentleman in the Bay of Islands ; she hod also met with a gentleman, who was going to marry her next week.

Sergeant O'Connor said that the woman came to him in a state of great excitement, and begged him to shew her to a bed; he thought for her safety he had better lock her up.

His Worship said if she could shew that she had the means of getting a respectable living, he should be sorry to send her to prison.

Prisoner: Oh, Sir, let me send for my sweetheart, who has promised to marry me, before you commit me.

His Worship : What is the young man's name ? Can you send him to me ?

Prisoner: I don't know where to find him, and he would not like his name to appear in the newspapers, but will you see my solicitor.

His Worship : What is his name ? Prisoner : I forget ; myimemory is sadly failing through the police.J ] His Worship, you must! go to prison for one month.

Prisoner. Oh, dear, dear, and she burst into a loud scream, and, while in the act of falling, was caught by Constable Williams who, with the assistance of Sergeant O'Connor carried the prisoner into the guard room.

EISTS AND EA.CES. The cases between Henry Copeland and George Mavars, in connection with physical science, which was virtually a contest be tween " nose and eyes," was amicably settled this morning. , Mr Joy appeared for Henry Copeland, ana Mr Laishley for George';Mayars. Mr Laishley stated the case briefly, as a minute description of the several rounds, and the introduction of such vulgarisms as "peepers," "bread-basket," "snorter, "flow of the claret," "cracking the pump kin," " flattening the sneezer," and " polish ing' the ivory/ were unnecessary. It was mutually agreed that a small fine with costs should be inflicted on the aggressor, and the other case withdrawn. Mr Copeland was therefore fioed Is and costs, £4 17s 6d, and the case against Mr Mayars was withdrawn.

TELEGRAPHIC.

ALEXANDRA.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day,

Rewi and the Ngatimaniapoto natives start to-day from Koptta for the great meeting Hikurangi. Rewi brought fotir canoe loads of flour for the feast. The meeting is ex pected to commence to-morrow.

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent.) This Day. Sheehan to Tso Crushed, "by the Ring.

It is understood in well informed circles that large sums of money will be forthcoming here to prevent fcheehan having a seat in the new Parliament. I have heard five thousand stated as guaranteed if required, and that thi ough parties in Auckland, opposition to him will be started and sustained in any constituency for which be may stand. His success in winning the appeal case has aroused the fiercest rage among the Land Ring, and they have resolved to crush him. The property of Maclean, Ormond, and all the bigwigs is involved, and believed that if Sheehan gets into new Parliament he will tell so much as would prevent passing In demnity Act to protect tbose who have been concerned in illegal transactions in native land and hold bogus titles.

DUNEDIN.

(From our ovvn Correspondent.) This day. The Hon. Mr. Reynolds' Discom fiture.

The Times says it is plain, from Wednes day's meeting, that Mr Reynolds entirely miareprt sented the city during the latesession, but declines to hazard any prediction as to his chances of election. If the election were ruled by purely political considerations, it says, not a hundred electors would support him. The Guardian says the result of the meeting was only what might have been ex pected, seeing how much Mr Reynolds and the Government have been misrepresented by a Bection of the press.

PORT CHALMERS

(From our own Correspondent.) This day, The Lizzie Fox.—Arrival of the Waimate.

Sailed : Barque Lizzie Fox, for Auckland Arrived : Ship Waimate, Captain Peck, from London, arrived at the Heads last evening, 92 days from London. She has 300 immi grants. Arrived. : Carmarthenshire, ship, from London, 114 days. The Waimate is in Port. Her passengers, 300 in all, are well, and were landed to-day.

CHRISTCHURCH.

From our own Correspondent.) This day. Arrival of the Waimate-

The 3Sew Zealand Company's ship Wai mate arrived at Port Chalmers yesterday, eighty-seven days from Torbay, with 330 immigrants, all well.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day,

The New Elections

Parliament will be dissolved and the new writs issued on Monday morning. The writs run for 60 days.

"What the " Otago Times" Thinks of Sir George Grey's Speech.

[Special Telegram to the Star.]

BUNEDIN

(From our Own Correspondent.) This day,

Discussing Sir George Grey's speech, the Times says:—"Hia Honor's adherence to the policy of insular provinces is rather more direct and somewhat less hypothetical than we previously thought. Mr Macandrew was not merely telling his own mind the other day, but speaking for his party. Maturally and of course Sir George Grey looked at the future policy of the colony from a very Auckland point of view, when the Superin tendents of Otas;o and Auckland join in lamenting its vengeance of a central mother. When they describe the expenditure as wasteful, and administration more or less corrupt, we go with him heartily and en tirely re-echo their sentiments, but we can not quite endorse Sir George's arithmetical comparison between Provincial and Central expenses, nor go with them in the proposal to make those provinces separate corners getting a just share of colonial liabilities, Sir George Grey lays his fingers upon the true point of complaint when he says he can reduce departmental expenditure by £150,000 — that or some lesser sum is the amount of which we are really defrauded. We in the South are accustomed, and with much justice, to say we lose not only in the extra vagance of the Wellington administration, buc also in sums wasted upon the North Island. Is it then this latter expenditure Sir George Grey proposes to stop ? The Superintendent of Auckland was happier in the exposure he made of the bribery clause in the Abolition Bill, while the question resolved itself again and again into this : Can Bir George Grey really manage to save £150,000 per annnum ?"

Pigeon from the Thames.

The following is from to-day's Thames Advertiser: —

SIR GEORGE GREY,

Sir George Grey has consented to address the electors of the Thames to-night in his capacity of Superintendent of the province, upon the present political position of the colony. Sir George will be likely to touch upon those scandals connected with this district which he was instrumental in bring ing to light during the late session of the General Assembly. We can scarcely expect to hear much of the proposals for the future from the leader of the Opposition, because it is not usual in political warfare, and it is not advisable for the party of which Sir George Grey is the head, to show their cards until the Government have pledged them selves to some particular policy. The mem bers of the (Opposition are quite as astute, and can see as far into the future as the Government. MR ROBERT GRAHAM, It will be'seen from an advetisement else where that Mr Robert Graham has declined to accede to the request of a good number'

of burgesses to allow himself to he placed !» nomination for tbe cffice of Mayor "tw understand that Mr Macnab has also with* drawn from the list of candidates, and ha d signed the nomination paper of Mr Dav^A Unless some opponent is nominated __%_\ % 4 ;p.m. to-day, Mr Davieß will have a w&l|\ over. *' 1

OHINEMURI.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

CHARGE AGAINST LOUIS DIHARg.

Friday At the Police Court to-day, before Captaia Fraser, Louis Dihars was charged (on __. mand) by James Kicholls, with stealing a black horse, the property of his wife. Mr MacdohaM for the accused. After hearing the evidence, his Worship said there was not the slightest foundation for a criminal charge. The plaintiff had his remedy in a civil action' and the accused was discharged. ' I visited yesterday the Main Lead claim— the new ground taken up by Acton and party —and found that they have a nice kindly-looking reef which carries gold, but was not so good as I had been led to expect. Good prospects can be crushed from the stone, and I believe the party have got a payable reef.

TAIRUA.

"*" Nevesville, Thursday. The reef in the A jax Company's low tunnel has been penetrated into a few feet since I last saw it, but no signs of the foot-wall are to hand, so that the exact size is unknown, but the shareholders can remain satisfied that it is an immense body of stone,' from 8 to 10 feet wide, of a pure quartz formation and flanked on either side by country that any golden reef could live in and prove rich. Of its quality the manager in forms me that a little gold has been seen in several pieced of stone, and the triais made in the mortar were very satisfactory. The developement of this low ievel will re main in statu quo until the battery is nearer completion. The contractors for the battery %are pushing ahead rapidly; yesterday they I succeeded in placing the first bed log in posi tion.

The Crown lease is the piece of ground that lays betwedn the Ajax and thd National Companies' mine, and is the property of a body of men, the principals of which have carried out on this field shepherding to per fection. They have rested on their oars, and slyly watched or stood be until tbe Ajax Com pany intersected the reef at a low level, which would be a guide to them in their future operations. Now that this has been done by the Ajax Company, and the gold bearing reef cut at within 100 feet of the Crown boundary, it is trusted that no more delay will ensue in proceeding with opera tions, for they have every inducement to prosecute vigorously the development of the

ground. The National Company have driven up wards of 300 feet with the tunnel, and met with no signs of the whereabouts of the Ajax reef. The position of the reef, as laid off by the survey made when it was cut in the Ajax low tunnel, brought it to a distance of about 280 feet inside the mouth of the Crown tunnel, and now that a considerable distance beyond that bas been driven, it is doubtful whether the lode will be met with at this level.

The Britannia Company are doing nothing of any moment beyond fossicking about the surface, and so far have met with little or no encouragement. It is reported that the hands will be paid off on Saturday, and that the manager, who sent in his resignation a short time ago, will also depart.

WAIWERA (Hot Springs).

[PER PIGEON EXPRESS.]

This day.

The windmill is just erected, and all are enjoying the sport. Games are to start this afternoon.

MR DENNES'S ELOCUTIONARY AND WASH ING BEE.

Mk Dennis, of Quefn street, following up the upMt of enterprif c which he has shswn since he has set up buf-inesa in Auckland, gave one of his novel and attrar tive competitive entertainnients last nieht at the hall of the Yourg Men's Christian Association. On this occasion Ihe tria's of skill were in the a>t of speaking and in the nsefnl accomplishment of wash ing The hall was only fairly filled, at which wo must confers surprise as the tournament was one which we should have Imagined would have collected a crowded audience. The prizes were, as usual, sewing machines of different values, Mr J. Burtt occnpied the chwir. The first division of the programme was a recitation competition open to sentlemen under 21. For this there were six speakers appeared on the p'atform. The first prize was awarded, both by tbe verdict of the public and the judges t»Mr Chambers, who recited Professor Aynim's "Edinburgh after Flodden " in clear and well-modula'ed tonesasd with appropriate action. Among the unsuccessful candi dates Mr Diddsm's ".Execution of Montrose" and. Mr Mcleod's "'Ye crags and peaks" wt re the best. The former ger.tlman, *ho appeared for the first time on a public stage, must have said to have acqnited himself very well. Part 2 was for readirg. Fortius there were three who disputfd tbe prize, namely Messrs Plunkett, GradweU and King The first named was successful The piece he selected was the well-known " Beautiful Snow" which he gave with clear and simple accuracy, but withsut much pathos. Mr Gradwell rendered the dialogue from Shakespeare between Wolsey and Cromwell. His pronunciation was excellent, and his style exhibited a thoiough comrehension o? the matter and metre. His faults were insufficient distinction b«t«een the characters, and awatof force in the concluding lament of Wolsey. Mr King did not appear to advantage. It was obvious that he was suffering from indisposition, exhibiting itself la hoarseness and nervousness. H« appealed to imP™™ towards the conclusion of Willis's fine poem, The Leper," »nd called forth loud applau»e by his vigor ous rendering of the healing touch in the last lines. Part 3 was for reciters over 21, and produced some excellent competition, the result of which was decided h> the jcd«es in favour of Mr Alexander Smith, who delivered Tenncson's '«Charge of the Light BiigMg. with auproprlite actio and plenty of power. Mr w. Read was decicedly next with "Kevenge," •Jng^ effective pice of recitation, displaying force without rant, and good intonation. The only humorous piece of the evening was ventured by Mr W. McPermot, who give ' The Spouting Club in a very laughable manner Messrs T. L. White a*d Worthington officiated as judges. The Washing Cempetltion came next and excited much interest as we 1 as amusement, the competitors were only two in number, by name M s Cotton and Mrs ( ox. The American machines with wbich|the lavatory process was to beexempimea, were placed in position en either side of the chalrmin, and a dozen sailed "things" being supplied to eacn of the competitors, who had taken their postsiwitn arms bared for the contest, at a given signal tne battle began The audience were wrapt in e»rne" attention as the candidates handled their macawes in oexterons style and whirled them between tne rollers. The machine is so constructed tbat W> rapid backward and forward motion tbe action oi tne unuckles can be imparted to the soaped articles witn a lihe cleansing effect. Mrs Cox was the favourite at starting She appeared to have the best machine, and went to her work in a smiling easy way, w™ betokened confidence in her powers. •«" cotton, on tha contrary, looked a"™?! and uneasy. At fi«st the machine would, not tike the linen between the rollers, and tnen when it did, it rolled them right round the upper ro ler and Ungled them. This was Peking, but there were the Iriends looking on, and what was more, the children at home; and as Mrs Cotton thought, or these, she buckled to and soon gave her opponenttue go by. Towels and cloths and other articles of dOUDt ful identity, which our reporter could not "ooga^ felt the whitening influence of the SWlindeM, »»« passed through the india-rubber ringers into w* basket, and in ten minutes her task vas done. . «• Cox took two minutes longer, and the judges, rather judgesses-Mrs Brinsden and Mrs Nettiesmp then retired to examine the purified articles^ a»u* » their absence, Mr Dennes gave an interest\°£° *7 e ht tion of the various uses to which the madUa* mign be put. AmoDg these, mention was »nadeoii capability of being us»d as a baby s bath. « « gl baby," gravely said the ctitairman, amidst umv laughter, which was increased when h« »»*» t Dennes if, after the baby was washed, it wWJ } ring it ouibetween the rollers. Mr Boftgow at », period gave some splendidly executed piecesi oni,^ piano. Mrs Cotton was pronounced the> *™= x , nd prize (a washing machine, price £6 10s),' "^"roughly applause. The entertainment, which «» "tanT enjoyable throughout, concluded at hail-pas" *° tj&

CITY HALL.

The performances of Mons o'Kiel's *■»«"»£s| and the panoramas of Mr H. P T°wle, drewwge^ a lull audience last evening in the JLMS ° t __ e ßi%_— proceedings commenced by the n0^»" s Mg { Lake city, with the well-known *%**£& (_f^\ descriptive lecture with "f*'£_\ m™J£ln f \ Brown) amused the people of London so m tfkß Egyptian tUll, PiccaCiliy. ot Mr Towle were worthy of *&« V?£!?jie did not § himself, Mid told well. Hei said tt« ""^ WM expect to make * fortunr la AuckU»«. ■"

THE EVMINO STAH, SATtJBPAY, PECBMBEB 4 W* - , , ? ' • ■ — —



TM[ A C H I N E R Y. W. VICKERY, In returning thanks to his nnmprous customers and friends for their liberal support during tbe last seven teen years begs to inform them that he has re-com menced business in his new premises, at the Corner of Victoria and Nelson-streets, AS MILLWRTGHT, ENGINEER, AND IRON AND BRASS FOUNDER, and trusts he will still continue to merit the con fidence hitherto accorded him. All orders will meet With his usual attention aod prompt despatch. Agricu'tnral Implements Renewed and Repaired. Quartz Crushing Machinery made to order. Tjmfcer Ja-ks as formeily. For sale, Horizontal ana Vertical Engine. «T OST TRIBES OE ISRAEL." In accordance with nnnvrous solicitations, Mr. SEES will re-deliver hts Lecture on the tubjeel, " Is the British Nation a portion ot the lost Ten Tribes of the House of Israel," on TUESD »V, 7th December, at half-past seven p.m.. in the Booms of the Young Men's Christian Association. Admission : ONE SHILLING. Proceeds for the Benefit of the Building Fund of the new Congregational Church, Berestord-ttreet. TJmS HAVE NuW OPENED 100 PACKAGES JOB GOODS. Purchased at the end of the Season, consisting of— LUBTKH.B AND DR^Ss* MATERIALS, STRAW HATS, MILLINERY LADIES' COtflUMtfS AND PARASOLS. ) t_T A QUANTITY OF PRINTS -__%. ( ) ( ) (Slightly Damaged), ( S And other Goods, too numerous to f ) mention. ( THEY MUST BE CLEARED REGARDLESS OF CO3T. J. COSGKAVE & CO. Y olcr GAN BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and A GOOD FIT, AT THB 'fjjST CITY HALL. ~m Silk Dust Costs 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suits, 6/11 B >ys' Knirkerhocker do, from 12/6 Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ B>ys' and Youths' Tweed Fuites, 25/ Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers and Vests, 22/6 Regatta Shirts, 2/11 Feit and Straw Hats, from 1/. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK Can Sell You the Cheapest Dress in Auckland. Plain Lustres, at /6% Special Line- Good Gray Lustre, 30 inches wide, fll_4; worth 1/6 All-wool Csrmalite. /9y Immense Variety of Pints. fßom Z% Striped and Faucy Brilliants, from )&% White Tucked and Coloured Skins, from 3/11 The " City Hall" is now Noted tor its Chbap Millinery, of which there is A Large Assortment On View ! »•■•••• "~ B-~ BUY YOUR SUMMER HATS FBOM HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, CITY HALL, Qneen-street. Auckland. JT O T I C E. J^ 0 T I 0 E. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double-width Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, Blue Diagonal, Ac , specially adapted for Beys' 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—l2o dozen; Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 6s 6d per doz. Upwards of 50 dozen M-in's Cotton Shirtß, Fancy Jean, Napier, the new Flax Shirt, etc Apxsinnian Cord Trousers. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a'num fcer of other Special Lines at much below usual price. INSPECTION INVITED. BUBHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late R. Hobbs], JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Tiv-XB. Queen-street, —-*«a»