SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

. HIGH WATER-Thlg afternoon, 7 .24; to-morrow Qaornmg, 7 43 SUN SEr-Thls evening, [7.17 SUN ElSE—To (Caorruw morning, 4.48 MOON'S AQiS— New moon 23th, 6 43 s m

ARRIVALS.

-w,j or Melbourne, s s, Brown, from Sydney ■Jessie, schooner, from Russell [Wellington, ss. from the South Julia Price, schooner, from Norfolk Island ▲a JBoToir, schooner, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

City oi Melbourne, ss, Browa, for San Francisco via Kandav-n Wellington, b.s., for the South B&tx CA Germany, ship, for Newcastle

PROJECTED DEPARTURES

SFor Sydney—Mikado, ss, early; Hero, ss, early s*or Newcastle—Star of Germany, ship. "For London—Columbus, barque, 4th January ; City of Auckland, shio, early Tor New York-Florence and Lizzie Fox. baroues Nearly JV>r Tongatabu—Lajtitia, schooner, early For Xievuka—Ocean Wave, schooner, early

The s s Hero was to leave Sydney on the 22nd inst., land is consequently now due. She is advertised to aail again for Sydney and Melbourne three days after, arrival.

The ship Countess of Kintore from Lyttelton arrived in .Gondon on the 25th October.

The new steamer Zcalandia, for the, Pacific Mail Service sailed for Sydney direct, towards the end of October.

c The s.s. Mikado left San Fr- ancisco for thisportand Sydney on the 9th December. She is due about the 4th January nest.

The schooner Gold' jn i s i ec i ea red to-day in ballast for Russell

Theschooner favourite brings 31,000 feet timber »v i. • Sum from Wangaroa. The schooner r ub7j5nor <ss 39»000 fee* timber and 80,000 shingles fro™ tb'j same place. _Thp. cutter Ness brings 25,000 feet timber from "•f.nedy's Bay. fhe cutter Leo brings 50 tons coal and some sun wies from Russell.

The schooner Jessie brings 50 tons manganese from EussselL

The following is the passenger list of the s.s. Wel lington, which leaves for the South this afternoon :— For Taranahi—Mr and Mrs Henry WVston. For Nelson—Mrs Prime, Miss Lamb, Miss Btent. For 1?,1 eton—Mr Rummer. For Wellington—Mis Emsley and child, Messrs John S. Keid, Foyden, Naden, Baika, Opone Bapika. For Lyttelton—Mr Hazelden, Miss Norman, Messrs Keed and Paley. For Dunedin —Me and Mrs Stannus Jones, Mrs G-reig, Messrs t Mfakelly. A. Cotter, and 9 in the steerage.

The schooner Queen from Hokianpa has 18 bales wool, 65 bags gum, 22 hides, and a quantity -wooden piles.

The schoonpr Julia Price ariived from Norfolk Island yesterday mornintr. Captain Keane reports leaving Auckland on the 30th ultimo, and arriving at the Island on the 11th instant, after a moderate weather passage. A gale, from the north wa3 ex perienced on the 9th. After arrival discharged a portion of the cargo. On the evening of the 12th it blew hard from the E.S E., and the captain was obliged ta ship the two anchors and run away to sea. again on the 16tb, finished discharging, and sailed again for New Zealand. Arrived as above after experiencing light easterly weather. Passenger- Captain Quinn.

The schooner An Eevoir has just armed from Sydney as we go to press. Captain Savory and Captain Norris have purchased the schooner Ebenezer, 25 tons. She is a most useful little vessel and well suited for the Kawakawa coal trade, in which she is to be employed. Captain Xiorris, who is well known in the trade, is to take command

Captain Keane, of the schooner Julia Price reports Sighting a school of sperm whales off the Three .Kings on the 24th Instant. There were about 50 in the school and they were all large fish. The ship Star of Germany left thi3 morning for Newcastle.

The London barque Columbus will haul away from the wharf on Thursday next. The barque Florence has completed her loading for New York. She will sail about Thursday next.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MAns will Close as follows:— For Thames to-morrow at£K2oam. and 5.30 pm For Coromandel on Thursday at 11,30 a m For Wangarei, Wangaroa, Mongonui, and Kussell, per lona, this day at 4 p m For Russell, per Gem, tomorrow at 9 a m For Great Barrier, per Wanderer, to-morrow at 3 p m For R&i-otonga and Mangaia, per Blanche, to-morrow at 11 a m For Wangarei, per Sovereign of tho Seas, to-morrow at 4.30pm For Waiwera and Warkworth, per Minnie Casey, on Thursday at 10 am For Whitiangi, Talma, Tauranga, and OpoMki, per Rowena. on Friday cext, at 4 pin For Napier and Southern provinces, per City of San Francisco, six hours after arrival For Australian Colonies, per Mikado, six hours after her arrival N.B.- Saturday's mails will this week be closed on on Friday, at 7 p.m.

S. B. BISB, Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

MoEWIN—CHAPPELL-On the 25th instant, at the residence of the bride's mother, by the Rev. David Bruce, Peter McEwin to Jane Chappell, both of Auckland.

DEATH.

.HOWELL—On the 27th instant, Cyprin Henry, second son of tho late John Howell, Thames. Tho funeral will leave his uncle's residence, Newton Koad, at 3 pm. to-morrow. Friends will please oocopt this intimation.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1875.

For the cause that b.cks assistance, For the wromj tliat needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the j;ooj that we can do.

In order to bring up arrears of local news accumulated during the last three days, we are compelled to exclude leading articles, a number of letters, a large portion of our Sydney correspondent's letter and other matter. We must>lso apologise to our cor respondents for the continued neglect of their letters.

The services in the various churches on Christmas Day were well attended, and the usual Christmas decorations exhibited much taste iv their arrangement. Through the forethought of Sir George Grey and the Provincial Secretary, the inmates of our charitable institutions were provided with a Christmas fare which would doubtless remind many of them of better days.

A fire was discovered about one o'clock on Sunday morning in Mr Heslop'a work shop, ' burning fiercely in a box of rubbish under the staircase. Through the exertions of Detective Jeffrey and Sergeant O'Connor, whose attention was drawn to the tire by a man named Boyd, the flames were ex tinguished, after burning a hole in the wall and ceiling.

It will no doubt be a satisfaction to the members of the Catholic Church in Auckland to hear that the Vicar-General, the Very Rev. Father Fynes, telegraphed lp.se we ek to the authorities at Rome -frith reference to the state of the diooese. So long a period has elapsed sine* the time at which Bishop Oroke promised to return, and for which father- Fynes took office, that the Vicar general considers himself justified in appeal ing to the Propaganda for information and instructions. He has, we believe, fully represented (for a telegraphic communica tion) the wants and the condition of the Church, bo that the members may shortly expect a successor to their late bishop, and such other requirements as are at present so much desired.

The coroner, Dr. Philson, decided that an inquest was unnecessary on the body of Williams, who died at the Greyhound Hotel on Friday evening, as it was clearly ascer tained that the man died from the effects of a paralytic stroke.

Yesterday morning nine drunkards were leniently deals with at the Police Court, and five forfeited their bail.

In Mr W. L. Eees letter on Saturday, £80,000 was misprinted £8,000,000 and £62,000 was made to appear £6,200,000.

The Newmarket agency of the [Star has been removed to the shop next Mr Hoggs.

An inquest was held yesterday at the Lunatic Asylum before Dr. Goldsbro' on the body of Kamaka. a Maori, aged 30. The evi dence showed that Kamaka was admitted to the Asylum on the 4th inst, when he took to his bed, and gradually sank and died on the 26th insb. Dr Aicken examined the body, and stated that death was the result of paralysis, verdict accordingly.

Owing to the inclemency of the weather yesterday, the Caledonian Sports, announced to be held at Ellerslie Gardens, did not come off. The proprietor of the gardens however, kindly gave £6 to be run for in a quarter-mile race, to recompense the disappointed pedes trians who had come out to run. Ten men entered for this, and the race was won by George Saunders who started from scratch. J. J. Grimes (14 yards) was second, and E. Sewell 10 yards third. Elsewhere will be found a notice that the sports will come off on Saturday, commencing at ten o'clock sharp.

We notice that the Star Hotel, Albert street, has passed into the possession of Mr Gorman, late of the Alexandra Hotel, Parnell. Mr Gorman solicits the suffrageo of the citizens in an advertisement to be found elsewhere, in which the splendid accommodation of the Star Hotel and its general recommendations are referred to at length. From Mr Gorman's well-known courtesy to his patrons as maite d'Aotel, we may take it en trußt that the Star Hotel will be well conducted, and will sustain its reputation as tbe best in Auckland.

The musical bee for a five-guinea sewing machine will be played for in the hall of the V.M.C.A. on Thursday evening by twelve young ladies under the age of 16, and who have not hitherto won a prize, and that the entertainment may be all the more enjoyable it is suggested that short pieces for the pianoforte of six or seven pages or so be played. There is still room on the list for the names of two or three more young ladies. The first part of the evening will be a grand exhibition by Mr. Dennes of fifty dissolving views of some very beautiful Irish scenery just arrived, and during this festive season a rich treat is in store for both young and old.

The inclement weather of yesterday frus trated the proposed cricket match between the Auckland and Ponsonby clubs. A few of each team appeared on the ground, bub waited in vain for the clouds to break, so re turned to towi by the two o'clock train. The match is postponed till Saturday next, the Ist January. On' Monday, the 3rd, the Auckland team will play the Taranaki, which areftexpeoted by the Hawea on the 30th|inetant,

A cricket'team from Taranaki is expected to arrive here on Friday by the Taupo They will be captained by Mr J. C. Daviesj an old Auckland player, who has been in strumental in getting up the expedition. On the day after their arrival it is fixed that the i visitors will play the United Cricket Club, in the Domain. The original arrangement was that they were' to have played the Auckland Club on tbat day, but owing to the wet of yester day it is now settled that the Cup Match between Auckland and Ponsonby, which was to have been played then, will take place on Saturday at Ellerslie. We might suggest to the proprietors of our places of amusement, that it is usual on the occasion of such visits for the theatres, &c, to be opened to visitors free of charge.

We have been requested to thank Mr Gledhill, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. P. Gleeson] Mrs. ,T. Gleeson, and others for Christmas supplies to Sfc, Mary's Orphanage, Pon sonby.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF MEL BOURSE.

In the present muddled state of our Pacific mail service, one cannot be surprised at any thing, and it wa3 therefore with perfectly undisturbed serenity that our citizens, on Sunday morning, saw the mail steamer, City of Melbourne, enter the harbour. She left Sydney on the 20lh inst. and had a moderate passage. Captain Brown informed us that the "City" was chartered by the New South Wales Government entirely independently of the Pacific mail Co 's agent, Mr H. H. Hall, who was unable to carry out the terms of the contract. She brought the Australian mail for England which ought to have beeo. taken by the Colima, and a large mail for Auckland. She was Eent via Auckland instead of via Kan davu. because the. Sydney people were under the impression that the Ivew Zealand Gov ernment had objected to the Cyphrenes taking away this month's mail. Upon hia arrival Captain Brown communicated with the postal authorities as to whether he should call at Kandavu or go straight on to San Francisco. He received instructions to call at Kandavu to take on tho mails and passengers of the Cyphrenes. The City of Melbourne left at one o'clock yesterday with a supplementary English mail from Auck land.

CITY EAST ELECTION.

To the Editor of the Star,

Sir,—Since I have been before the public as a candidate for the suffrages of the electors of City Kast, it has again and again been advanced by my opponents that I am a supporter of the present Govern ment, that I am the Government candidate, and that I am opposed to Sir George Grey and his party. These statements I have distinctly denied, and still they are re peated ; their refutation is to be found in my epeeches, but as many of the electors have not time to go back on long speeches, will you be kind enough to give a little of your space while I state our relative position as briefly as possible ? For some time back it has appeared to me that, with tho exception of Separation, there was no practical difference between the policy which Sir George Grey would advo cate, between the measures which he would introduce and what I would be prepared to support j and now thpfc Separation has almost been left out of the question, we are agreed upon every important point. Sir George Grey, in his speech in the Choral Hall, merely spoke of Separation as something to be thought of, and Mr Reader Wood considers it altogether impracticable. I have expressed myself prepared to support an Opposition with the view of turning out the present Ministry on the ground, even if there wero no other, of their main taining the localisation of the land revenue, thus perpetuating that gross injustice from which Auckland has suffered so much ; also, on account of their reckless expenditure re gardless of the votes of the House, and of the corruptness and obstructiveness of cer tain portions of their administration. I shall be glad to have an opportunity to enrol my self under Sir George Grey's banner to fight for the formation of a new Ministry, with the following as the main features of their policy : —The unity of the colony, and one purse, not in name only, but in reality ; the land fund of the colony to be made colonial revenue ; railway extension to be con tinued until the main centres of population in the North Island are con nected ; education to be made a colonial question, and to be provided for out of colonial revenue ; the incidence of our tax ation to be readjusted to make it fall on the people in proportion to means, and the endeavour to carry out reform in adminis tration and retrenchment in expenditure. That is something like what I believe the great majority in the North Island and a portion of the South Island want, and it is what Sir George Grey and the bulk of his party, always excepting those from Otago and Canterbury, really mean. Some for their own purposes have raised the cry, Separation and Sir George Grey, but Sir George Grey does not join in the cry for Separation, and if that word is left out, we may be said to be at once. To bring the question now to the election of a member to represent City East, Mr Rees says that he approves of the policy of Sir George Grey, and will support him, but not unthinkingly, not ser vilely; and leaving oat Separation, admitted now not to be a practical question ; that is precisely what I say; the issue is therefore narrowed to one of personal fitness for the position, and that issue I leave to the judg ment of the electors. I take this opportu nity of correcting a misapprehension under which Mr Wood labours. In his address to the electors of Parnell, be said that I snubbed Mr Eees for having stated that the defi ciency for the quarter ending 30fch September last between estimated and actual revenue was £80,000, whereas it is only £62,000. It was not so : I did not know that Mr Rees had made a mistake. I accepted his figures, but made them do duty in supporting my argument that Separation would be disas trous to the .North Island, and this they do, whether the deficiency is £80,000 or £62,000. —lam, etc.,

J. M. Clark. Kemuera, December 25,, 1875.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sir, —I was much surprised by a| letter which, appears in this morning's Herald, purporting to be signed by Mr J. M. Clark. The meaning of the letter is clear, and is indeed summed up in the last few lines of the leading article in the Herald :—" We cannot but feel that there is under all this a strong bitter necessity for obtaining as perfect union as possible among Auckland members, and are glad to find from Mr Clark's letter that whether the electors see fit to put in him or Mr Eees, they have a promise of loyal action under the only possible leader, Sir George Grey." I suppose after this that if the election were only postponed another week, that my opponent would be the closest and warmest supporter that Sir George Grey has in the province. Personally, lam much gratified at the change in Mr Clark's opinion so lately made, as it shows the strength of the argu ments used by myself and others, at a time when to support Sir George was not likely to gain a seat in Parliament. It is said that everything is fair in love and war and politics, but I did not think that Mr Clark would so easily adopt the tactics of scheming politicians. The public of Auckland and the electors of City East, however, are not ignorant of the fact that the individ uals who ' obtained signatures to Mr Clark's requisition and brought Mr Clark out were Mr. J. M. Dargaville, Mr. William Buokland,gMr. Samuel Jackson, Mr. James Russell, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Thomas Morrin,

Mr. E. H. Stevenson, the secretary to the Auckland Improvement Commissioners, and Mr. Peacock, who, when he was proposing Mr. Clark at the nomination, asked, if I mistake not, what Sir George Grey had done for us. The people know also that theae and a few others like-minded are Mr Clark's committee. la there, I should like to know, a single true-hearted supporter of Sir George Grey among them all ? I would ask Mr. Clark whether he did not take so strong a stand very lately in favour of the Govern ment and against the Opposition that he aud Mr. Dilworth agreed not to talk about

politics at all together, lest they should quarrel, Mr. Mworth being a staunch up holder of the Opposition ? I would ask was not Mr. Clark invited to join the Reception Committee to meet Sir George Grey and the other members, and invited in vain ? I would ask whether, only a few days ago, Mr Clark did not, on the hustings,' say that he would not repeal the scandalous Act which protects those members who illegally dealt with the Ministry, and whether he did not say that he would not support Sir George Grey in an endeavour to have an Act passed to compel the disgorging of all native lands purchased by the Government land-purchasing agents for themselves, their relatives and friends. I might continue these questions to a much greater extent, but I will close them with one which may well explain the altered front of Mr Clark : Was there not a meeting of Mr Clark's committee, compris ing Mr DargavilJe, Mr Kissling and many others, held on Friday evening at Messrs Jackson and Russell's office to devise means to counteract thepublic opinion that Mr Clark is opposed to Sir George Grey and the people of this province and was hot this letter of Mr Clark's written the next morning ? Con cluding this letter I must allude to the state ment made by my opponent that Sir George Grey does not join in the cry for Separation. Sir, I have before me the report of the great speech made by the Superintendent at the Choral Hall, and in it I find these words : "My heart yearns to see more advantages bestowed upGn it (i.e., the province of Auck land) as have been bestowed upon the Middle Island, and I believe thai the plan that I have laid before you now, which is the one which finds the greatest acceptance with MY FRIENDS—that of INSULAR SEPARATION — is the plan to which, upon the whole, you had better bend your minds." If the electors of City East are to be caught with chaff like this, they are bigger simpletons than I take them for.—l am, sir, yours etc., W. L. Rkkh. North Head, December 27, 1875.

ADDRESS BY G. M. O'RORKE.

Mr G. M. O'Eorke according to announce ment in the papers met his constituency in the Choral Hall, Onehunga, last night, and addressed them at considerable length on the political topics of the day. The hall was very well filled, and he was attentively listened, to throughout. Mr j. D. Jackson tho chairman of tho District Board occupied the chair. Mr O'JRorke who is the only candi date in the field up to the present time for Onehunga, is likely to have a walk over. A vote of entire confidence in him was moved by G. Codlhi, and seconded by Mr T. Arm strong, which was unanimously carried by tho meeting. The day of nomination for Onehunga is tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon, at the Court House.

Sydney.

(from our own correspondent)

Monday, December 20. THE TREEVE FORGERIES AND

SWINDLES. — CONTEMPT OF COURT.

At length we have heard the last of what is known a8 the Treeve forgeries. It will probably be recollected that the day after Treeve was found guilty of forging a pro missory note for £4950, the proprietor of the Evening News published an article headed "Tbe Treeve Forgeries and Swindles," in which the convicted man's past career was laid bare to the public with no delicate hand—and, indeed, there was ample material available for the historian and tho moralist; for if the whole of the crimes and frauds perpetrated by this pious rascal Treeve had only been brought home to him, he could be imprisoned for life if he had as many lives as lingers and toes. But when the article was published, there were still eight charges pending against the accused ; and the offending journalist (?) Mr Samuel Bennett, waa summoned before their Honors the Supremo Court judges for contempt of Court ; but their honors after reading a homily upon the terrible impropriety of attempting to inter fere with the due and proper flow of justice" came to the conclusion to discharge the rule on payment of costa, but it appeared there were no costs to pay, and there was an end of the matter.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN A NEWS

PAPER OFFICE,

If a Court of law could be, in any way, compared to a frying pan (and I don't see why it cannot, seeing that the majority of those who go there get, vulgarly speaking, •• cooked.") Mr S. Bennett might be said, literally as well as figuratively, to have got out of the frying pan into the fire. On the evening of the day on which the " contempt of court" case was disposed of (13th instant,) the office of the Evening Neios and Town and Country Journal caught fire, and narrowely escaped utter demolition. Thanks, however, to the services of the fire engines, the building was saved, but not till property to the amount of something like six or seven thousand pounds was destroyed, chiefly paper and printing material. Fortu nately the machines were untouched, other wise the whole business would have been brought to a standstill, perhaps for several months, and over a hundred people thrown out of employment. The new portion of the premises also escaped with very trifling damage, and as Mr Bennett had in stock a complete duplicate plant, the publication of his papers was not delayed for even a single day. The loss is fully covered by insurance THE TEAS DIVORCE CASE. It was generally believed in Sydney that the gay Lothario in the Teas divorce case, James Smithers, had levanted across the border, leaving the claim against him for damages, £2000, unliquidated. This is not the case. Smithers is moving for a new trial, with what success remains to be seen, as their honors have reserved their decision. THE LIEUT.-GOVERNORSHIP. The office of Lieut.-Governor of New South Wales has. been conferred upon Sir Alfred Stephen, the retired Chief Justice, who bf»s already once acted in the capacity of Admin istrator of the Government, during the absence of Lord Belmore and prior to the arrival of the present Governor, Sir Hercules Robinson. This is a cruel blow to the ambi tious hopes of the present Chief Justice, Sir James Martin, who however has only himself to thank for it, in respect of a certain angry correspondence between himself and Sir Hercules Robinson, a short while ago on the subject of the Gardiner liberation. In the event of the death or absence from the colony of both the Governor and his Lieu tenant, the office of Administrator, with its dignified title of "his Excellency," devolves upon the President of the Legislative Council. RETURN OP A LEVANTER, Sydney C. Burt, lately Attorney-General of Fiji, who. levanted from New Scuth Wales a few years ago, leaving behind a large circle of disconsolate friends, has re turned to the colonies and is now in Mcl-

bourne. - ■ GREAT DROUGHT IN SYDNEY. No parallel can be found in the past! his tory of the colony for the past four month ■

drought in Sydney. The country districts have not suffered so much, but still from nn merous quarters comes the cry : "We want rain." Vegetation in and around the metro polis has almost totally disappeared, and man and beast feel the want of rain as they probably never felt it hero before. For the months of August, Septeaiber, October, and November the total raioffil has only been 4156 inches, while the rainfall for the pre seut month is less than that of any preceding period ; there has been scarcely a drop.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TAURANGA.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

There was great excitement on Boxing Day. Over five hundred natives were at the sports, consisting of horse, boat, and foot racing. Captain Forster was assaulted by a native, who was arrested by Mr Grsnt.

Captain Morris is the general favorite for the elections. He is on bis way to Poverty Bay.

WANGAREI.

(From our own Correspondent.) Thia day,

The Cornel recommends electors to vote for Sir Robert Douglas, who, it says mil work with Sit George Grey's party, and says " Auckland province has suffered in the past by the division of its members and the abameful trafficking in the provincial lands by the General Government, could never have occurred had the membcra been united and true to the interests of the province.

OMARU.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) Tina day,

The Nominations

At the nomination for the House of K,e presentatives —the show of hands was: Hislop, 35 ; Schrimaki, : },O JO'Meagherj 24 ; W. J. Steward, 22.

A Fatal Quarrel. A fatal occurrence took place at Kakanui. Several men were drinking at the hotel when a dispute arose. Mr Andrew Black attempted to prevent a quarrel between two men when one McEvoy struck BlacK He retailiated, striking McEvoy a heavy blow on the ribs and killing him instantly. Black bears the character of a quiet, inoffensive man.

WELLINGTON.

(Per Pres3 Telegram Agency.)' This day.

Destructive Fire.

Aplin's music shop, Lawtoo's quay was burned down about four o'clock this morning. The stock was insured for £400 in the Standard, and £400 in the Imperial. The building for £400 in the Standard. The value of the stock destroyed is said to be about £1800. The origin of the fire is unknown. When first seen the flames were issuing from a skylight in the roof of a house which was uninhabited.

Capture of a Murderer. Sapphire May, the murderer, waa caught in the bush yesterday after running half a mile. When discovered he gave in without resistance. Ho was brought up this morning but was at once sent off to the hospital to be identified by the dying men. The case stands adjourned.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) December 24.

The result of yesterday's election was owing entirely to the excellent organization of Messrs. Pearce and Hunter's party, and hard work on the part of the committee. Moorhouse's return for Chiistchurch has caused general satisfaction, with regret that he is not still Mayor of Wellington. A coach has just come through from Mana watu gorge, thus establishing communication for tho first time between the eastern and western divisions of Wellington province. ,

Tho annual performance of the " Messiah' by tne Choral Society last night was a great success. There were 150 performers and about 1000 persons persons present. The Election.

There was a big jollification last night by the victorious party at the result of the election. Everyone is very much pleased at the courteous way in which Travers con ducted the contest, and he has risen a great deal in public estimation in consequence. A good many would like to see him started for Wairarapa agaiust another, but it is doubtful whether he will stand for any place t all he is so disgusted at his defeat. Young Fitzherbert, the son of the Superintendent, pleaded his maiden case this morning, and conducted it with con siderable self-possession and average ability. There was a dense fog last night. The Arawata and another steamer started away from the wharf, but had to anchor inside the Heads.

The telegram boat Tue which usually crosses the strait in six hours was nineteen owing to the fog, the like of which has not been seen here for many years.

There was less display this Christmas amongst butchers and grocers in dressing their shops than has been the case for many

years. There is any quantity of cable here to mend ; several breaks and make up for weak places. It is said that about three hundred voters plumped for Travors. A great deal of incon venience is felt from the break in cable. Owing to imperfect arrangements or toother causes, telegrams do not come to hand as punctually as ought to be expected, but a better state of things is expected by a day or two. . .

THE AUCKLAND ALMANAC AND PROVINCIAL HANDBOOK.

We have .already announced in our columns the issue of Messrs. Reed and Brett's* Auck land Almanac and Provincial Handbook for 1876. The price of this handy book, one shilling, brings it within the reach of every one, and the amount and variety of information upon matters concerning our province, will, we believe render the work generally acceptable to strangers as well as to Auckland readers. Upon the principle that self-praise is no recommendation, we append in lieu of any criticism of our own, a portion of the impartial remarks of our morning contemporaries :—

FROM THE "SOUTHERN CROSS,"

This is the fourth year of publication of this annual. The present issue is by far the best which has yet appeared. There are 175 pages of closely printed matter, considerable portions of it in very small sized type, and thus contains a very large amount of reading matter. In the {present number appears a very complete though brief history of the colony, besides a special description of the Province of Auckland and the city. So far as we have had time to peruse the brief history of the colony, the various dates, &c, appear to be scrupulously correct —a matter of considerable importance, seeing that so many publishers of books in Britain err in this matter. The garden calendar has been compiled by Mr. Brewin, the well-known seedsman, and in it may therefore be found some fresh hints to those of horticultural or agricultural inclinations. The list of useful native trees, with their native and botanical names, compiled by Mr E. B. Dickson, is included. Mr Lambert, F.R.A.S., furnishes useful astronomical notes for the New Year for each month, calculated for the longtitude of Auckland. Altogether, the new issue of this almanac will be found to be a welcome companion in many a country home. FROM THE "HERALD." ' !!

"An almanac is in the same category as a dictionary, and we fancy the critics of l)r Johnson's era must have been somewhat puzzled to give an off-handed judgment o» the ftiagmm opus of the great lexicographer,

Fairly, an almanac can only be spoken of at the end of the year, when it haa had the test of almost daily reference, and has became familiar by constant use. . No pub lisher, however, would thank us for giving a notice of an old almanac. Messrs Reed and Brett, however, are in this position, that they can point to their last year's almanac, and say, if that was good, this is better, for we improved where that could be done, and supplied all that we found was wanting. The almanac is an " Auck land " almanac, and deals almost entirely with "our province," and with a aomewhat extensive knowledge of the subject, we have failed to detect an omission or error. The information given is brought up to date, and is minute and accurate."

ENGLISH TELEGRAMS.

(PER CITY OF MELBOURNE.)

LONDON.

December 16,

A great explosion took place at a wharf at Bremerhafen,' a seaportjat the mouth.of the Weser, by which 70 people were killed and 100 injured. The perpetrator has confessed that it was a plot to sink the steamer Mosel for the sake of getting the insurance. The Northern Powers have agreed to cer tain reforms in Turkey, but in the meantime the Sultan has taken the initiative and pro claimed the legal equality of his subjects. The tenders for the Queensland loan of £1,000,000, at 4 per cent, amounted to £1,250,000, chiefly at 91, the minimum price.

Australian Telegrams.

SYDNEY,

Dec. 20th,

' A telegram from Adelaide announces the arrival of the steamer Edinburgh with shore end of New Zealand cable;

t The Hero sails on Wednesday. A fire in the Evening News and Town ttnd Country Journal Office on the 13th, destroyed property value £5000 to £0000. There were policies over the whole buildings amounting to £9,250, including one of £2000 in the New Zealand Office. Lieutenant Le Patorrel had a quarrel with a brother officer in the New South Wales Artillery, when the other threw an empty bottle, wounding Lieutenant Le Patorrel severely on the head. The officer has had his commission cancelled.

MELBOURNE.

Dec. 27th,

Advices have been received o£ a firat-class cricket team from England which, will visit the colonies at the end of the year.

AMUSEMENTS.

MR E. D. DA VIES AT THE CITY HALL

Mr E. D. Davies, the premier ventriloqtrist of the world, has now given three of his popular entertain ments at the City Hall. Coming as he does with the highest testimonials from the Press of allthepric cipal cities of Great Britain and America, we were not surprised to find that Mr Davies la the greatest master of his art that has yet visited Auckland. Those who have not yet been to see him and hear hiai, in his remarkable ' illusionsry effects of sound have a tre&S in store, which the resonrces of our local amusements very seldom bfford. Last night there was Such a demonstration at the City Hall, as is very rarely witnessed. Long before the hour fixed for the com mencement of the performance the seats were all taken, and "nothing but standing room " was shouted out by the door-keepers within a few minutes of the clock striking eight. At least thrse hundred people had to go away unable to get in The programme opened with a piano overture by Miss Eva Korah D ivies which was V c \utifully executed Then followed aperfo-mance on the horizontal bar by the Brothers Dv Vnle. This was exceedingly clever, and called down a loud encore. Mrs T. Empson naxt came forward, and sang a song with exquisite intonation and finish She was encored and obligingly complied with the demand. Mr_T Empson finished this portion of the programme with some of his "Specialities," in which he sent, off some capital local hits under the guise of comic ditties. Mr E. D. Davies now came on the stage, and first introduced his friends Tommy and Joey, two figifres dressed up, Jwhom he makes to carry on a most amusing conversation on various subjects. The effect was so sublimely ludicotisj ihat although it was too not to smile, much less laugh, every was in roars. Mr Davies next carried on a conversation! with half a-dozen different people at once. From thp tone of the voices, his colloquists were some above him, some below him, and some outside the hall. By the differenca in the tones, it was evident that Mr Davies was intending the persons to be in motion while talking, and the illnsionn here was perfect. The conversa tion was replete with humour and some good local hits were made Another remarkably telling illusion was a pretended chat with a little child in a box, which child sang a song in the most natural way possible. The audience daring MrJ Davies's exhibi tion were in raptures, and repeatedly applauded him. He received an enthusiastic call at the conclusion. This over, Mr and Mrs .Empson, Miss Davies, and the Bros. Da Ville gave further illustrations of their varied capabilities and a most entertaining evening's amusement cloied nt half-past ten o'clock to the strains of "God Save the Queen." Mr Davies appears eyery night.

THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.

A Christmas pantomime at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and with some claim to originality, is a remarkable occurrence, and does not cause any sur prise on learning that it was in every respect com pletely successful. On no siDgle evening during the past year ha 3 the theatre been so largely patronised as on Boxing night of the year 1875 The house was full in every available part, and the pantomime generally was well conceived and well executed. The title might be old, for Bluebeard, the mythical savage, was admired by the children of De Foe's time, who was desirous of subverting the influence of such rubbish by the happier influence of Robinson Crusoe and his man Friday. The grand panto mime at tho Prince of Wales Theatre is called " Harlequin Bluebeard- and the Demon Larri kinos." also the "Good Fairy Maoriana," titles sufficiently distinct to indicate what may be expected. The brush of Mr Thornton, scenic artist, had been previously busy in preparing scenes worthy of the occasion, and that lie succeeded cannot be denied. The parts of the Fairy, 41phabeta. Fatima, and Selim, were taken by Miss Miily Collier, Lizzie Busche, Jonnie Nye, and Miss Patty Holt : while the male characters were exhibited by Messrs Poole, Burton, Searle, Sweeney, Alexander, and others. Mr C. Alexander as Harlequin, Miss Jennie Nye as Colum bine, Mr Charles Searle as Pantaloon, Mr Collier as Clown, and Mr Sweeney as Policeman X. The many local hits and touching songs are from the facile pen of Mr Charles Searle, who c»n hit hard or soft as the case may require. The music accompanying the Pantomime is entirely new, the composer being Professor Cope. The Pantomime is full of life and vivacity, and full of local interest, scarcely a thing Js_ missed even thß Auckland milkman comes in fora friendly nudge, hence there is a notice of the milk-trade, Queen-street sausages, (genuine), Sergeant Mulveal after a dog, Sir George the patriot, Education rate, about JTish, Snider, Good Templar summer drink, brandy and lemonade, with Joey and Patchy's suburban retreat in the paradisaical glades of Mount Eden. The panto mine really deserves great credit. Tne transformation scene was first-rate, considering toe space and means at hand. T.he painter was unanimously called for, ,-ts on the'previous occasion, and in acknowledgment of his services made his bjw to the audience. .

THE TEMPLAR CONCERT.

The first concert under the auspices of the Satur day-night Entertainment Committee was largely attended ast evening, and something over £35 was taken at the doors of the Lome-street Hall. This must, therefore, be considered the most successful of the conoerta in connection with Templary. On looking round the assemblage, we missed many of the leaders of Templary in this city, and observed many fresh faces among those who took an active part in the entertainment. The programme was honestly performed with one exception, namely— thatof Mr B. O'Hare, who was to have given a song and dance, but had danced away to BUerslie. Mr "Wright's string band and the Templar Band performed several overtures and musical selections with much credit. Songs were sung by Messrs Chapman, Carter, Miss Coleman, Miss Woods, Mrs Homer, Messrs Keesing, Marsden. EOlzinger, .Gatland. Red fern, Fry, Davey, and W. Doran tin a satisfactory manner, At the close of the concert the young people made ready for the dance, which was kept up with much spirit through the night.

VAUXHALL GARDENS.

The weather yesterday was so unfavourable that the Good Templar picnic, announced so take place in the Vauxhall Gardens, North Shore, was post poned until the New Year. Willow Gardens were well attended, and strawberries and cream were had in abundance. These gardens and adjacent grounds are in beautiful condition, and form a very pleasant xetreat for summer visitors to Devonport.

NAVAL BRIGADE TROUPE.

The entertainment last evening by the members of the Naval Brigade Variety Troupe was well attended. The moat attractive part of the performance! W&a a double trapege by Messrs Beake and Fulljamen, A duadriUe party was fenaed ftt &« oiftw, *Q<T Mpt Up until dkjrbrenb,

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS. This Day.

(Before Messrs. Robert Graham (chairman), A. K. Taylor, and P. A. Philip, Justices of the Peace.) BOXING DAY. Tho list of Boxing Night drunkards was bufc small this niorniug, there being only four charges of diunkeaness, who were dealt with accordingly. GOOD FOR A ROW. James Limbert was brought up on a charge • of assaulting Bridget Boyle on the 26th instant. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Thomas Boyle, labourer, of Princes-street, deposed that he invited Lambert to his house on Christmas Day to dinner. The dinner being over, consisting of a goose and plum pudding, the prisoner took a few nips of brandy, after which he swore he was good for a row.- His wife said she would have no row in her house. Prisoner persisted and he tried to put him out, when he aimed a tre mendous blow at hia head, which unfortu nately struck his wife's eye and knocked her down like a door.

Bridget Boyle, with a terrible black eye, gave evidence in a similar strain, prisoner was a friend, and consequently was invited to take dinner. They did have a few nobblers, and prisoners head became visibly affected. He flew about the room, and said he would fight somebody, he squared at the door post and then aimed a blow at her husband's head, she jumped, between them and received the blow in her eye. Prisoner expressed his regret, the brandy took hold of him and rendered him irrespon, sible for bis actions. The Court lined him 40s or four days im prisonment with hard labour. LARCENY AS A BAILEE,.

A respectable - looking woman named Harriet Jane Stewart, or Smith, was charged with stealing a quantity of clothing—namely, flannel petticoats,, chemise?, stockings, and other articles of underclothing, value £10, the property of Kate McLoy, of Auckland. Tbe prisoner said it was not true, she had not stolen the things. Mr Brohatn asked for a remand m order to bring witnesses to substantiate the charge. The case was] therefore remanded until Thursday. LADS OP THE LIZZIE FOX. "William Robins, a seaman on board the barque Lizze Fox, was charged with assault ing William McLaughlin, chief officer on Christmas day. ' This case was "also remanded until Thurs« day. LUNACY. Edward^Kennedy of Mahurangi, charged with lunacy, was remanded until to-morrow for the purpose of undergoing a medical ex amination. BREACH OF M. V. ACT. _ William Bullen, was charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act by driving a horse and cart on the footpath in Park-road on Christmas Day, and fined 5s and costs. Andrew Kirkwood, was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act, clause 60, 1871, by being violently drunk at Parnell yester day. Fined 5s and costs. Charles Lyon, for the same offence at the same time and place, was fined 5s and costs. - VIOLENT ASSAULT ON A WIFE. George Crummer appeared in answer to a summons charging him with committing a violent attack upon Mary Crammer, his wife. Defendant appeared and hung down his head, but said nothing in answer to the charge. , "-• Mr Kissling appeared for the husband, and Mr Laishley for the wife. The charge stated that Crummer had beaten and pulled tbe hair out of the woman's head, and threatened personal violence. Mr Laishley referred to the character of the assault, as alaiming, but rather than disclosures should be made, he would ask for a remand, in order that some arrangement might be come to mutually between the man and his wife. Mr Kissling agreed with the proposal, and the case was allowed to stand over.

This was all the business,

NORTH SHORE ROWING CLUB SPORTS.

In spite of the wet weather yesterday the promoters of the North Shore Rowing Club sports decided to work off their programme, and did bo in spite of the deterrent effect of" a most wretched day. During the day. about 400 persons paid for admission to the ground, a number which will be sure to leave a debit balance after the prizes have been paid. We are sorry for this, as the Club "deserves great credit for its enterprise in the venture. . The following are the different events which were decided :— Devojtport Cut.—First prize £15, second prize £5. Frst stage 150 yards handicap, R. W. Duder 3 yds ... ... 1 E, T. Atkin scratch ... ... 2 E. Nolan 3 yds 3 ' Also ran : Hugh Bryan, 5 yds; A. Good, 6 yds ; F. Gibson, 5 yds. Duder, who was very quick at the start, took the lead half way and maintained it to the finish. Atkin came up well at the last but was beaten by 2 feet. Boys Race.—3oo yds handicap, first prize £1 10s, second prize 10s. Sibbin 9 yds, and Eyre 8 yds, ran a dead heat for this and divided. Thirte en ran. Maided Race. J.Nolan ... ... ... 1 G. Stewart ... 2 E. W. Burgess, A. Good, F. Gibson, E. T. Thomas, and H. Fox also ran. This was an easy win for Nolan, who jumped off with the lead. Burgess would have pressed him closely if it had not been for his getting a bad start. Dbvonport Cup.—Second stage, 300 yards, R. W. Duder, 5 yards ... ... 1 E. Nolan, 4 yards ... ... 2 - E. T. Atkin, scratoh 3 Bryan, 10 yards., and F. Gibson, 10 yards, also ran. By this time the ground had got into a fearful state of slush, and the runners with difficulty kept their feet. Duder gradually hauled on [the long start men," and won with a bit in hand by three yards. Bryan fell. Nolan entered a protest against Duder for this race for an alleged foul. The stewards disallowed the protest. Boys' Race, under 12. First prize, £110s ; second prize, 10s. Whiteside 1 Keesing ... ... ... ... 2 Twelve ran. Rowing Club Cup.—3oo yard 9 handicap. First prize, cup value £7 ; second prize, cup value £3. J. Nolan, 5 yards ... ... 1 E. T. Atkin, scratch 2 ' Waterhouse, 10 yards, and Burgess, 5 yards, also started. The winner and the scratch man quickly disposed of their opponents, and ran home' at an interval of three yards. Djsvonport Ctrp.—Third stage, half- R. W. Duder, 15 yards 1 E. Nolan, 25 yarda ... ... 2 F. Gibson, 35 yards ... ... 3 E. T. Atkin, 25.yards ... ... 0 After the course had been rounded twice, Atkin' went to the fore and maintained a lead till within 200 yards from home, when he retired gracefully, having had enough. Duder came full of running ac the finish, and won easily by five yards. . Hurdle Racb, % mile. First prize, £5; second prize, £1. J.Nolan, 4 yards . ... ... 1 Hugh Bryan, 10 yards ... ... 2 Waterhouse, 15 yards ... , kJ 3 E. W. Duder, ecr&toh; A. Good, 4 yards. X, W, Burgeas, 4> yards,aho JfftS. Xfcfc WdS ■ A terrible *ff»uv The ground jbiul* sensing

ttBBG imsamra stab, ttjesbait, tmmm&m 28, mi



J^OTICE. j^OTICE. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double - width Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, Blue Diagonal, &c, specially adapted Eorvßoys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &&, Bought at Auction at con siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 38 9d per dozen—l2o dozen; Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 5s 6d per doz. TJpwardt of 50 6 ozen Men's Cotton Shirts, 5 cyJean, Napier, the ne'wF Shirt, etc. . .. ' ■ Abysinnian Cord Tr sees. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines at much below usual price. INSPECTION INVITED. ETJS|H|BROOK & BE IDG MAN, [Late E. Hobbs], UNOTIWN DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army ana Navy Hotel, tjppek qttken-stbbet, Auckland T COSGRA YE & CO. will hold their Annual Sale previous to the Christmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DAY, ( TVednesday), the Bt7i December, and will continue until the end of the year. The entire stock will be offered at Cost Price. T\UM NG CHRISTMAS NOLIDAYS, A. LINABURY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer tlieir Large and Valuable Stock of STRAW GOODS, O-EJSrUBAL DRAPjERT, AND CLOTHING, REGARDLESS OF COST. Every Article Marked at Bottom , Prices! Come -Early, as the Entire StocTc must be cleared. TTOTJ CAN BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and a GOOD FIT, AT XHE #3- CITY HALL, -©a . •SiL. Dust Costs 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suite, 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/. . _ .. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK Can Skmi You the Cheapest .Dress in AuckiiAnd. Plain Lustres, at /6% Special Line- Good Grey Lustre, 30 inches wide, PIK', worth 1/6 ■■•■'- All-wool Carmalite, \%% Immense Variety of Prints, from Z% Striped and Fancy Brilliants, from 18% White Tucked and Coloured Skirts,- from 3/11 The "City Hall" is iraw Noted for its Cheap Millinery, of which tbckre is a Large Assortment ; , " On View! V«3T" BUT YOUR BTJMMBB HATS HOL L 0 TVIAfY & GA R L I^C X CITX^HALIi, i Qnten-strect," Aucjlana.



[f E A D E NOTICE, The undorsfgned call the attention of the trade to their NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Geejiany, tho same having boon Carefully seleoted by our English and Continental Buyers, and suitable for the present season. . M. LBTY & C 0., 23, Queen-street.