SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIOH WATEB—Thto afternoon, 4.28, to-morrow morning, 4 51 BUSr«SBT-Thli waning, 715 BUN BlSE—To morrow morning, 4.48 MOON'S AGJS-New moon 28th, 6 43 a m

ARRIVALS.

VESSELS BXFEOTXIX 8.V.8. Barracouta, from Fiji, early Mikado, as, from San Francisco, about Ist January Hero, fom Sydney, about 31st Brodick Castle, ship, from London C arnatic, ship from London ; Bailed 20th Sepl Glenlora, ship, from London ; sailed Stank Pendleton, ship, from Golfe, Sweden; nailed 18th lugust Ardvar, ship, from Glasgow, early Benvenue. ship, from London, early Cabarfeidh, barque from Noumea, early Jenica. barque, from new Yo< k ; sailed 2nd June Marathon, barque, from New York ; sailed October 12 Coronet, schooner, from the Islands, «arly Agnes, schooner, from Chatham Islands, early »yao, brigantlne, from Islands, early

IMPORTS.

Per Trelevan Family—6oo sacki, 500 halves and 600 Quarter nact«i flour, 450 sacks bran, T. fl. Hall & Go

The ship Star of Germany dropped down to the Heads this morning. The ship Ocean Mall hauled off into the stream early this morning, she has cleared out for Guam.

COMMERCIAL.

According to previous announcement, Messrs B. Tonka and Cc sold by auction yesterday the riight to sell refreshments, liquors, etc., at the Elleralie Gardens on the occmioh of the Christmas sports. The cricket-house was bought by W. Drew for £16 1« s; grand stand bar. O ; Burton, £18; booth No 1, Gal braith, £5 ; right to sell fruit, Mrs Vere, £6. The same auctioneers also disposed of the right to sell liquors, etc , at the Grand Stand bar and booths on the Ellerslie Racecourse at the summer race meeting onlstandSrd January next. The following are the prices realised :—Grand Stand bar, Mr Lynch, £50; booth No 1, Adams and Harker, £26; booth No 8, Oleeson, £14 : booth No 3, Bullen, £10: booth No 4, Brierly £6; right to sell fruit, Greea,*£B 16s ; cards, Adams, £50.

WSSloh's Wmard OHi and Maoio Pills.—Have cured more wonderful cases of Ehewmatim.. Gout, Neuralgia. Aches, Pains, Swellings, Caked Breasts, Scalds, and SaU-Bkewni, upon the human frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world began. These Great American Medicines are com posed of vegetable oils healing gums, roots and herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Half-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, Proßser and Co.

A Skull Trephined with a Pickaxe cannot be mended, but the head-splitting headaches provoked by a disordered stomach can be permanently oured by soothing the great sympathetic nerve whioh connects the gastric organ with the brain. Materia Medica affords no corrective of disturbances and weakness in the abdominal region, no eradie»nt of any of the causes productive of brain and nerve excitement more reliable than Udolpho WoiiFK's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps.

MARRIAGE.

• D. Pi

LEECH WALL—On December 20, at the residence of the bridegroom's father, Auckland, by the Key. W. J. Williams, Mr. Alfred I^ech to Mrs, Alice Scott Wall, of Auckland,

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1875.

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

Once again revolving time has brought us to the genial Christmas-tide. Commemorative of the proclamation of peace on earth and good-will toward men, it is associated with sunny memories of happy reunions, of festive enjoyments, and in this our Southern home, of happy excursions over hill and dale and sparkling waves, where all was merriment and sunshine. But to many an Auckland home this Christmas-eve will ceme laden with memories of grief and sadness. For many a year has passed away since a year was known that caused so much domestic bereavement; and the sable habiliments of woe that everywhere appear in our streets and thoroughfares tell us how many a hearth has been saddened and how many a vacant chair there is in the homes of Auckland. Many a heart will turn sadly away this Christmas eve and recall some merry-making a year ago in which some bright and sunny face may have been the merriest perhaps of all, a face that is now laid in silence beneath the green grass waving in the graveyard, and there is many a Rachel this day in Auckland weep ing for her children, refusing to be comforted because they are not. Many an aged pilgrim has closed his journeyings in the year past and laid him down where the weary are at rest; and many a sunny curl and sparkling eye associated with undying memories of winsome ways, and clinging love and child ish prattle have blended with kindred dust. And many a bud of promise has been crushed, and many an idol has been shattered, and in many a heart the year has left an aching void that time will never fill. There is many a one this day in Auckland to whom this Christmas-tide will not be a season of merri ment. For these the eky may be as sunny and the air as fresh and balmy ; but there is one dark cloud that casts its shadow over all, and though everything around may be in harmony with the spirit of the season, the heart in its own silent communings sighs, Oh for one touch of the vanished hand, one sound of the voice that is still. And yet even to such as these the season which brings merriment and joy to others Bhould bring the balm of consolation. For what sages and philosophers and scientists but guessed at, dimly groping through the dark ness, he whose advent is commemorated brought to light, and in the life and immor tality which he bought snd taught, has pre sented to tearful eyes and bowed and breaking hearts, the] prospect of gladder, happier reunions than ever gladdened any Christmas tide, reunions where the burning fever can not enter, nor bronchitis waste the frame; and where the angel of death can never close the eye or still the pulse or cast the dark shadow of his wings over the domestic hearth. To one and all, therefore, the Christmas-tide should come a time of joy ; and though to some of our readers who have bowed their heads beneath the heavy hand of affliction, it wonld saem like mockery to bid a Merry Christmas, may it be to them a season of mellowed, hallowed gladness. And to one and all our readers we cordially present the compliments of the season, and wish them many a return of the Happy New Year.

We presume that during the happy Christ mas time the din of politics must be hushed. But we cannot avoid a little reference to the bumper house and the cordial confidence that greeted another Opposition chief, Mr Reader Wood, last night at Parnell. Hia address is full of thought and clenching in argument. It is the fashion to taunt Mr Wood with shifting his greund, but we un hesitatingly assert that the position which he now holds is entirely consistent, and in accordance with principles with which he has been long identified. The separation of the islands is his old love, revived under happier and more promising omens. Mr Reader Wood or any other unbiased man must fail to see the true abolition of our dreams in the bastard measure of last session, with its mongrel progeny of '* Districts;" and in his noble stand in the Assembly against a pretence at abolition, and against the torcing such a mess of incongruous and indigestible legislative stuff down the people's throats, he has earned the lasting gratitude of the people. One of [the ablest and most eloquent men in the Assembly, he has been a faithful ally to Sir George Grey, and the enthusiastic reception of last night was doubtless as much a tribute to puch faithful aid, as to his own unquestioned ability, and the eloquent and exhaustive speech with which he delighted his auditors.

We perceive! by advertisement the members of the Hibernia Society are requested to assemble in regalia at St. Patrick's Hall, at 8 30, to-morrow (Christmas) morning. The scholars of the Model Training School, Symonds-street, had an excursion to the North Shore and a picnic in its glades, on Wednesday, upder the superintendence of Mr Martin and the Rev Mr Browne. About one hundred of the boys shared the treat. Rewards were given to those of the hoys who had made the greater progress during the past year, and certificates of encouragement to ihoae who bad shewn aptitude and atten tion to their various studies. The boys greatly amuked themselves in racing and other physical sports.

aa&C

If promising will get Mr Hugh Carleton into Parliament he will not be found Wanting. To him, as to every candidate for political honors, the Good Templar Committee has forwarded the well-known printed list of questions, and he has answered them like a bird—everyone of them. He does not make two bites of a cherry : he swallows them holus bolus lumpus. We like to see a man entire. He has swallowed the Grey platform at a gulp ! Anything more, gentlemen, to swallow. Licensed Victuallers, have you no creed to submit. Bring it up like men. Present it. It will be all right. The ancient Moa is galvanised into preternatural life. Go it old hoss ! Hop, step, and a jump ! Here's at you Slap !—Bang : Here we are again ! Who's afraid ? I love it, I love it, and who shall dare to chide me for loving that old arm chair.

George and Margaret Strong were com mitted for trial yesterday by Mr Barstow on a charge of arson in Short-street; and to the surprise of every person acquainted with the remote and meagre circumstantial evidence in the case, the Court refused bail, a proceed ing unprecedented in the annals of the Auck land Police Court in any similar matter.

A pleasant meeting was held last evening in Sheridan-street chapel in aid of the Sun day-school fund. The Key. W. Tinsley occupied the chair, and introduced the sub ject of the evening in a practical and telling speech. Mr Smith, superintendent of the school, read the passages of a Christmas ser vice of song, illustrative of the life of Christ. The intervening hymns, by the chapel choir, were rendered with efficiency and effect, and a very harmonious and agreeable evening ■was passed by the audience.

Mr Browa, fruiterer, of Queen-street, has a large stock of Christmas cakes, which are not only reasonable in price but delicious in flavor, and suited for children and families. They are really excellent, and of various sizes. Mr Brown's Gipsy Queen fortune teller is quite a curiosity, and well worthy the attention of mothers and aunts.

Our enterprising townsman Mr I. Alex ander, jeweller, haa just opened up a splendid addition to his magnificent stock, prominent among the glittering novelties are ladies Bets, bracelets, brooches, etc., an in spection of which Mr Alexander solicits. These articles are eminently adapted for Christmas presents, and those gentlemen who moved by the tender passion, wish to ingrati ate themselves yet more in the eyes of their beloved ones cannot do better than pay a visit to this establishment.

A little boy residing with his parents in Shortland-street picked up a cheque yester day) near the post-office for the sum of £31 17s Gd, on taking it home, his mother discovered that it was drawn by the head of a respectable house in the same street. The lad was at once despatched with the cheque to the owner who received it with a rough exclamation, and did not even thank the honest lad for his trouble.

While waiting for the share report in the Exchange in the Auckland Insurance Build ings, our reporter traced the following stanza on a wall, evidently written by a tremulous hand, perhaps by one of those sportive out siders who are not members o£ the inner circle : —

ThPi bell no longer tells the hour, That once was deeracl so sweet, When mining shares were i~> full flowor, And brokers loved to meet; Ye*, dear depirted, clierl«hed clays, Your golden drpams are o'er, Yonr morning light your evening rays, Will visit me no more Shade of Elia, with thy quiet wisdom and quaintness, could the writer but hold thy pen, what a prose essay might be written among these hollow offices undisturbed by busy speculators on the "light of other days." The Exchange seems to become quieter towards a holiday, and especially so on the eve of Christmas, the great festival of the year. There are. however, signs of life in this canvassed temple where gold-loving men were wont to congregate, although the young man whose special business it was to ring the Exchange bell at a quarter past three o'clock p.m. has deserted his post and gone away to get married, so it is whispered, but the report may not be true. We believe, without a close inspection, that half the offices are unoccupied for numerous bills on glass doors announce the ominous fact "to let" which we take to be well founded. A number of ladies are fre quently seen passing to and fro through the gateway during the day, and persons have wondered what business ladies can possibly have in such an apparently deserted building, until they discover that ladies invariably visit an office where rents are collected, and as their stay is" brief, it ia conjectured that they call there for an honest purpose. A few men, most of- short statnre, not bad looking, and seemingly not over-burthened with business, may frequently be seen in the Exchange with Bunlight upon their faces when it does not rain. These men are still open for a spec, and talk together encour agingly on things that were and things hoped for, now and then ope will spin a copper token in the air, while another will do an Irish jig, and if the repre sentative of a penny should fall upon the floor, its fall echoes through the almost silent building, like an echo in an^ unpeopled cathedral, which perchance disturba the solitary musings of the secretary of the Eacing Club who peeps over the rail of the upper gallery to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. The author desirous of writing a history of the colony might follow the steps of Lord Macaulay, and make the Exchange the " Abbany, wherein to chronicle the golden successes and disappointmenta of the citizens of Auckland.

A stupid hoax was perpetrated yesterday. About thirty letters were sent through the post to tradesmen in the city conveying the following invitation:—"His Worship the Mayor wishes to see Mr. at half-past two o'clock on Thursday, the 23rd instant", at the Mayor's room, Council Chamber." Many responded, but it is hardly necessary to add that his Worship knew nothing of the matter. A precisely similar piece of folly was perpetrated after the last Dunedin Mayoral election.

The fine new ferry-boat Tainui will be started running for the Ferry Co. on Christ mas Day. She Will make regular trips to the North Shore, during the day. This vessel is the first of her kind successfully built in New Zealand, and far exceeds in point of speed and comfort any other ferry steamer in the colony. A trip by her will therefore, of itself, be a novelty of a very enjoyable description.

The harbour presents quite a pleasant aspect from the multitude of 1 small craft now lying at anchor or alongside the quays. It is wonderful how the home-yearning pecu liar to Christmas operates on our rough but honest sailors, and seems even to lend wind to their sails that they may be in their family circle at this festive season.

Mr Wiseman is determined that no eques trian shall ride through our public thorough fares during the holidays with old and shabby accoutrements on the plea that there is not * good supply in the market. This tradesman's shop is piled up with new saddles, while erery available projection bristles with whips and the many articles required to make a jockey's turn-out complete. / AH those who require a really good turn-out should pay a visit to Mr Wiseman.

The third " Cup " match of the series will be played at the EUerslie Cricket ground on Monday (Boxing Day), between the Auck land CO., and the Ponsonby CO. The fol lowing are the selected players. Auckland : Connell, Garland, Cotton, Kent, Russell, Ryan, Coates. White, Blundin, Philson, Braithwaite. Ponsoaby : Linkham, Helps, Howard, "Kelly, Brace, Dignan, Recce, Maaefield, Brans tone. Began, Carder. Wickets win be pitched at ten o'clock.

at tin

■Tenders will be received up Jo Boon of Thursday next, by Mr. R. Barttey, Nelson street, for additions to a cottage in Sale* street.

■An error occurred in our police notice yes terday, where it was stated Kirby v. Bain, instead of Bain v. Kirby.

Drunkenness and its Results.

A sab prelude to the Christmas holidays was witnessed last evening in a house in Victoria street, a few doors from Mr Foley's at tha corner grocery-store. The reputed husband of a woman with a small family came home in a state of savage intoxication when his wife's tongue began abasing him at locomo tive speed. The husband, infuriated with drink, immediately turned upon her, and not only beat her with his iron fists, but kicked her in various parts of the body until she was nearly exhauted for she had only been confined on« week and had the week old baby at her breast. In a state of frenzy or madness, she smashed six squares of glass, and struggled to give the man his deserts as well as she could. He at once fled by way of the back door, and got away. The woman, fainted, and upon examination it was found that in getting through the window one of the veins of her arms was laid open that both she and the infant had received severe wounds, and it was feared that the woman would bleed to death. We could only ascertain that the man is a carpenter, and in the habit of coming home drunk every night. Dr Dawson was immediately sent for and rendered necessary assistance in bind ing up the wounds. The man will, no doubt, put in an appearance at the Police Court as soon aa his whereabouts is discovered.

The Elections.

GRAHAMSTOWN

(Firom our own Correspondent.) Yesterday,

Mr St cphenson, Democratic candidate, addressed the electors at the American Theatre last night, and expresed himself in favour of the abolition of the provinces, and construe tion of Shire councils. He denounced the Native Office. On the education question he said the duty of the Government should be confined to schools in large centres for the education of thoF,e who through poverty are unable to provit&e education for their children, but those, able to pay should do so, and bring up the?'.r children in what faith they pleased. In answer to questions he was not in favour of special grants to sons of old colonists. He shoui Id contend for free selection and deferred payn tents. He wa3 in favour of the payment of m< smbers. About 150 people were present, M? Heron, Chairman. A vote of confidence ia t'ao candidate was carried.

NAPIER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) This day,

Nomination for Clive. The nomination for Clive yesterday was very lively. Mr. Buchanan proposed Mr. Ormond bo as to .speak laßt, to the great annoyance of the gentleman who had atten ded purposely. Mr. Ormond made a Jong speech, and criticised severely Vogel's ex penses and hia visit to Europe. He declared for an income-tax. He said as provincialism was now dead the real contest would be between Abolition and Separation. Mr. Buchanan caused a semsation by stating that he wa3 in possession of information which he defied Mr Ormond to deny, that at the last session some members of the Ministry sent a letter to Sir J. Vogel tel ling him not to come again to New Zea land, on account of his unpopularity. That anew party bad quietly come into existence under Mr Stafford, of which a portion of the Ministry and some members of the House formed part. They were montly large land I owners. Sir Julius Vogel treated the letter 1 with indifference, and said that when he | came out he would expose their little games. j Mr Ormond did not deny it. Mr Buchanan j twitted Mr Ormond that when in power he { attempted to obtain Chinese labour in the j, colony, and produced his despatches on the I subject. Mr Buchanan may poll well, bofe.' ■■ "will not succeed.

NEW PLYMOUTH.

(Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day.

At the nomination for Grey and Bell, the c snow of hands was—Carrington, 40 ; Can- ! n*ll, 0.

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

Intense interest was felt in the election, bnfr the contest was conducted without ani mus; on both Bides. The following is the re sult :—Pearce, GG2; Hunter, 648 ; Travers, 502 ; Moody, 43. These numbers are not tha official declaration, but are not likely to bet materially altered, All the cabs in the city but one were engaged. Travers, Pearce, and Hunter had an interchange of compliments from the Court House for the way they acted and spoke during the contest. There was do sign of fighting or drunkenness throughout. The front of 'the Court House was thronged with the large «t crowd of men and vehicles ever seen the re before. Many of those who voted for Travers cheered for Hunter and Pearce. when bhe declaration was made. We voted for Travers, but we are satisfied with Hunter and Pearce. It was reported, and generally believed the contest would be a good deal closer if the result was not entirely different, but Pearce and Hunter had an active and intelligent committee who were trell organised and worked most energetically. Tra'vers's committee were not bad, but they were composed of men mainly without position or personal influence of any kind.

Christmas Festivities.

'Che eve of another season of mirth and festivity, the merry season of Christmas, is upon us. Of all the old festivals Christmas awakenß the strongest and most heartfelt associations. There is a tone of sacred feeling that blends with our conviviality and lifts the spirit into a state of elevated enjoyment. The aspect of Auckland, of course, presents different aspects from those of the old land. Still the shops and various preparations visible everywhere remind us of the season which we cherished in other days amid the frost and snow of an English winter. Here all is sunshine, if not repose ; the butcher and grocer have done their best towards the Christmas dinner, and in the city we observe evergreens attistically woven in front of the butcher's shop, and the fruits and emblems of Christmas tastefully displayed in the storekeeper's window, and people are pre paring, in the truest sense, for a season of enjoyment. CHRISTMAS FETE AT ELLERSLIE GARDENS. The proprietor of Ellerslie Gardens is again to the fore in catering for the amusement of the public on Boxing Day. No other place will present suoh attraction as Ellerslie Gar dens to holiday-makers at this season of the year. The gardens themselves are invested in their brilliant summer attire. The roses and rare flowers with which the parterres abound are radiant with their variegated blossoms, and in the language of the poet " all nature laughs." To these natural beau ties fresh allurements are added for both young and old. Aireo, the world-renowned performer in mid-air, has been specially en gaged for the day, and will exhibit his start ling performances on the lawn, showing him self to be the most wonderful balancer in the world, not even excepting Blondin himself. Then there are the Caledonian Sports which will constitute even' a greater attraction. In these nearly £100 will be given away in

prizes, ana cue competitions wui uo sure uu wo well worth witnessing The sons of Cale donia, stem and wild, will assemble to exhibit their proficiency in the national games of the old country, and the appearance of these men of strength in their kilta will be not the smallest feature of the day. Running, jump ing, vaulting, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, dancing and other contests will take place, and in addition to these feats of strength and agility the stirring sounds of the competitors for bagpipe honors will remind us of those lines of Byron :— " But with the breath thaft fills Their mountain bo fill the mountaineers With the fierce native daring that instills The Btirrmg memory of a thousand years And Evan'e, Donald's fame, rings in each com rade's ears. For those for whom such music has no charms,, there will be th« kindlier and more peacefv A strains of the Hobaon Band under the ,ir gallant leader, McComish of renown. T lie dancing platfornas are near, and we cam v r*,\\ foresee that will be no restraining the "iV/jh ing feet" of tike young folks. With £ ne weather a really happy day i g in store f< n a u who choose to visit Ellersiie Gardens o» A j> ox _ ing Dayr The creature com lorts will be well looked after by the propriet ops of tb c booths, and there will be ample s iipplie Ao f straw berries and creana. Every \ »reca ,ation will be taken to secure order and •er.able everyone present to get a camf ortable , viww of the sporti.

THE NORTH SHO RE SPORTS.

The North Shore Raw ing Club hare come out well with their sj ilendid programme of sports for Boxing :Da y, and there is little doubt that they will. v jceive a large share of the public patrona^ ;o on the holiday. The money given away i n prizes for the competi tions is Jarge, and t! la competitions are bound to be close and int lei -eating. The principal events are the Dec >v nport Cup a three-fold event, of which the winner will be the hero of the <? Ijiy. Who it will be, is shrouded in dou' bfc, thanks to the success of the handicapping ;, and the issue will be therefore invested with double interest. Besides this there is ithe Rowing Club's Capj which will be co attested by members of Rowing Clubs onl. f; and wo can well imagine that many sisters &r A & fair friends of the competitors w ill be present to see their brothers and sweetht sr.rts sh'jw their prowess in manly sports. Hi wdle races, boys' races, etc., will complete fci.e programme. The North Shore Ferry 'Company have made capital arrangement a f or conveying visitors from town during t * c day, and there will be plenty of return b oa t s a t n jght. The new ferry boat Tainm - ,jh be used on this occa sion.

THE THEATRE.

The lessee ai i<? t manager of the theatre have dertermi1 je d no |; to be behind time in providing am 1 is^ments for the people ; hence they will pVw&uce a Christmas pantomime which will \n> almost entirely local in its character. The title will be Harlequin Blue Baaj-d, op the good fairy Maoriana and the denr ion Larrikins.| The very title is suggestive of the nature of the pantomime, which is t he joint production of the company, and which it ib intended shall touch the peculi ari tiea ■oi every seotion of Aucklaud society fr*jm the Mayor to the player and poet. "W c :oeed only refer our readers to the elabor ate bill of fare which provides for every pf ilate.

E. D. DAVIES, VENTRILOQUIST.

jyir. jbj. v. jjavies, the celebrated ventnlo tqnist, will commence a series of entertain ; ments this evening, in the City Hall. Mr IDavies will be assisted by Miss Davies, his 'talented daughter, Mrs Erapson, vocalist, Les Freres De Ville, gymnast, and Mr EmpsoD, the eccentric comedian. The •whole of the entertainment therefore will be Kit a varied and interesting character. The performances will be continued during the holidays. Seats may be reserved at Upton's.

CEMETERY IMPROVEMENT.

OitySail

We have not taken opportunity for some tima of again directing attention to the move ment proceeding for the improvement of the cemetery. The wall of the Presbyterian Cemetery is rapidly approaching completion, and a most substantial and becoming struc ture it is, while the laying off the paths and the general progress of the work is satis factory in the extreme. The committee charged with the improvement of the Wes leyan Cemetery, in which all the noncon formist churches are interested, are also pro ceeding energetically with their work, but we regret to learn that they have yet a great deal to do, before attaining that point in the matter of finance which will enable them to amdertake the most important part of their undertaking. A long stretch, of stone wall requires to be erected, and it should not be of * class inferior to that on the opposite side of the road; a large portion of simpler and less substantial fencing along the northern and eastern sides of the cemetery must also b© constructed ; in addition to which the proper laying off of pathways, to say nothing of the contemplated planting, will all absorb a very large amount of money, and1, the response to the appeal has not by any means been worthy of the cause. Suroly those connected with this cemetery are :aot going to leave the main burthen of paying on the shoulders of those willing men who have earnestly undertaken the work, and ate giving their time and anxious pains to place the cemetery in a condition alike becoming its solemn and sacred character, and the affectionate memories that circle around those mounds of earth. The hard headed and close-fisted Scotchman—for so they ar9 regarded by some—have shown a noble generosity in sustaining the efforts of those undertaking the improvement of the Presbyterian Cemetery. Surely we are not to suppose that the Wesleyans, Independents, Baptists and others are either less mindful of what is due to beloved friends gone away, or less generous in restoring their cemetery to a condition of decency. We earnestly hope that those who should contribute to this purpose and have not yet done so, will do what they ought to do, and do it quickly. Trustees have now been gazetted in charge of the cemetery, clearing of gorse and scrub has been effected, pathways are in progress, but the great work of all, the build ing of the wall and fencing, is still to some extent in abeyance. Plans and speci fications are in preparation, and if people who we believe intend contributing would only pay up promptly, the trustees would, daring the course of next week or the week after, be able to accept a tender for the work. We can tell those who feel an interest in this good work, that thin is a movement not to be trifled with. If the promoters get dis pirited by apathy without, and this move ment Buffers collapse, it would probably take many years before it will be undertaken again; and we earnestly urge in these genial Christmas times, when people are generally inclined to kindly thoughts, to think a little of our beloved relatives who once united with us in celebration of the holiday season, but are now silent and still in their last and lasting home ; and to consider what is due to them and to their memory and to the City of the Dead, * of which they are now the silent inhabitants. Mr Jones, of the Royal Insurance office in Shortland-street, is the indefatigable honorary secretary to the pro moters of this movement, and from him all information may be obtained, and to him, or any trustee or member of committee, subscriptions may be paid. We earnestly urge our readers, «o many as should have an interest in this movement, to place them selves in communication with Mr Jones, and remember that "he gires twice that aim quickly."

To-night,

General Election.

MR BF^adjjr WO OD AT PARNELL.

Mr Ri? Adir G. Wood addressed the electors of Paj ,a e i[ i n the na n o t tnat district last \ night , f ne room was f a ii of persons anxious !to he tft ]j/£ v "Wood's expression of his opinions on t a, d p reßen fc state of public affairs, and his ■ ™'Ws on the future. Mr B. Tonks, the was voted to the chair and intro duced the speaker. Mr Wood said he had a two-fold duty to perform that evening, to give an account of his work in the last session and to 'solicit their suffrages in the next Parliament. If he might judge from what he heard he n.ighfc rely upon receiving from them similar support to that which was accorded him in the past. (Cheers). Mr Wood, in the first portion of his speech, occupied himself with shewing that the intentions of the Opposition had been grossly misstated by the Soutliern Cross paper and by members of the ministry and their partisans especially Mr May. They might see from the utterances of Sir George Grey, Mr O'Rorke, Mr Swanson and other so-called Provincialists that there was no desire to bring back the old system of Provincialism. Sir George Grey's words on the subject were very decided. They were these : " I beg, therefore, to take the present opportunity of stating that an Opposition has been formed which intends to act on this basis:—First, to enquire strictly into the general financial condition of the colony : and second, to oppose the passing of the bill for the abolition/ of the provinces until the people have had an opportunity of expressing their views on that measure, and on any alternative proposal that may be offered for the amend ment of the Constitution." Here they had the true basis of the Opposition. The speaker next reviewed the principles of the Abolition Bill, and showed how that measure did not really abolish the provinces but simply altered their name to ci districts." which, in stead of being under Superintendents as now, would be under Government delegates. And moreover, notwithstanding Mr May's cry that the Government policy was a " United colony and a common purse," the bill would tie up the land ftmd. (Cheers.) The Go vernment had made up their minds to have the bill, the whole bill, and npthing but the bill, and in being in such a hurry over it had lost it. (Hear,'hear.) When he addressed them last year, he was under the impression that the proposed bill to be formed from the three resolutions would contain a provision that in the place of the provinces a form of local self-government should be given them, with substantial endowments of land revenue. He believed then that the bill would be the first step towards the generalisation of the land fund. When he found that this was not so, he had moved an amendment in the House to the effect " that the land fund should be appropriated by Parliament an nually for such purposes as it thought fit." But it was not carried. "When the compact of 1850 waa made, there was an arrangement made that five-eigths of the Customs duties should be Provincial Revenue, and that the expenses of the General Government should not be more than £50,000 a year. These had both been broken. Mr Wood farther illustrated the fact that it was owing to the bad faith of the General Government that the provinces of the North Island had been reduced to their present position. He made allusion to the stoppage of the capitation money a few days ago on account of the railway not payiDg. How could they pay when the General Govern ment, who had the management of them, acted in the way they did with regard to the public convenience. How long would any of them get on in business if his rival managed for him and he had to pay whatever that rival told him to pay ? Yet that was their case with the railways. And if things went on as they were going they would pay much less in a short time. Mr. Wood next gave an interesting account of the fight against the bill in the House. He spoke of the encouragement which the vote of con fidence passed in his absence in that hall just at the crisis of affairs had been to him. It was worth more than any ovation. When the news of the various meetings which had pronounced against the bill in the Auckland and elsewhere arrived at Welling ton, it had given hope and confidence to the little band of seventeen, who stood out against the phalanx of the ministry. Mr Wood's words here are worth quoting. 'So your note was heard in the city. It came fresh from the neighbouring suburbs—it ex tended throughout the whole of the province, and in due time reached Wellington ; thence travelling to Dunedin, telling us that we were backed by the people, and having that knowledge enabled us to go in for the fight. Then we determined that we would talk against time. Happen what might, we re solved this bill should not become law There were only fifteen at first who were determined to stick shoulder to shoulder. We told ourselves off in watches of eight hours each, and we could have kept it up, if it was necessary, from that time until now. There ia no doubt whatever about that (Loud cheers.) When we first began it, I thought it would be a very tough thing to do but really it became quite easy after a while. Wo had eight hours in a watch, and after that we might go where we liked for the remainder of the day. I was captain of a watch at from. 12 o'clock at night to S o'clock in the morning. The fellows who were kept up for the night watches were generally the strongest and the staunches* men, who were able to endure fatigue. Now, gentlemen, I have read to you, in the first instance, when I began, what the object of the Opposition was, and II aek you whether or not we succeeded." (Loud cheers.) Mr Wood proceeded to give a rapid review of the other Acts of the session. He referred to the Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, which had secured the citizens the right of electing their own Mayor, and a happy first choice they had made (cheers) —the Qualifi cation of Electors Bill and the Representa tion Bill. He advocated the substitution of triennial for quin quiennial Parliaments. He next referred to the finances of the colony. What were they to think of statesmen who persistently mis-stated figures, like Dr Pol | len, for instance (uproar). In 1873, tbe debt of the colony had been discussed in the Upper House, and it was Btated that, when the various contracts were completed, the colony would owe £17,000,000. Dr Pollen absolutely denied this, and said that the debt was £9,622,000, and that, when 706 miles of railway were completed, it would •mount to £13,761,604. That was, two years ago, and now let them look at the words of the present Colonial Treasurer last session. Major Atkinson had told them in his financial statement that the debt on the 30th June, 1875, was £17,671,000, and that j only 277 miles ,of railway were completed (oh, oh). Perhaps 100 miles in addition had sinca been opened, but the result was still that the debt was more than £4,000,000 ovar the estimate, and the number of miles of railway about one half. Mr Wood com pared the apathy with which this huge dis crepancy was passed over by the Government journals, especially the Cross, and the indig nation with which the Harbour Board mess had been taken up. Referring to Mr Clark's contradiction of Mr Rees about the falling off of the revenue from Customs, Mr Wood placed the real diminution at £62,000 last quarter. He reprobated charging working expenses such as travelling, advertising, &c, to loans. Mr Waterhouse had just returned from London, and had told them at Welling ton how sadly their credit was impaired. The speaker concluded his address, which occupied two hours in delivery, with advo cating re-adjustment of the public revenue. The principle antagonistic to ministerial centralism was the diffusing of political power

S. S*7i«o

among the people, -who should lave distinct direct control m the m anagement of their own affairs. He again offered hunßelf for their support. (Loud chi wsrs.) Mr Wood replied to sevt wal questions, and afterwards enjoyed the ho, aor of receiving a vote of confidence. A vote of thanks -was giv en to the chair- The meeting concluded WiTt& three cheers for Sir George Grey and M-n 1&» «er Wood.

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Therb was a very large attend* ace laat night at the Choral Society's ana. «al per formance of the " Messiah." This * oratorio ia bo happily associated with Christma. '> that we trust never to see the one separated from the other. If we may judge from thentu "nber and calibre of the performers last night, we should say that such an" event is not likv 'ly to happen for many yeiws to come. T^e chorus numbered 40 trebles, 20 altoß, &1) tenors, and .30 basses ; tota.l (in round num* bers) 110. Among the b,»nd, which was unusually strong, we were glad to notices the familiar face of Mr. Bonnington (first, violin) and Messrs. Harker and Carleton (violas) once more in the Society's orchestra. Mr. Browne conducted, Colossi Balneavis leading the instrumentalists. Notwithstand ing the omission of a great many pieces, the concert was unusually long, lasting three hours. We s^all not attempt to fo.llow the programme in d*?tail> but will briefly notice the leading feature 8 only. The first chorus-, was the best; next in order of merit were "The Lord cave the Word," "Their sound is gone out, " and the "" Hallelujah." The favourite choros, "Lift »p your heads," would have been more effecv^e if the first part had been sung by a semi-chorus and mezzo-forte. Mr. Edward Hark<a" sang the recitative, " Comfort ye, " ai.uA the air, "Behold and see," with great t& Bte; but his other solos lacked energy. i^lr. H. Brett, who undertook the baas sole % showed signs of improvement as ra - gards the articulation of his words', but the air " The people that walked in dark ness," wanted more rehearsal. In " Why do the Nations," however, Mr Brett ac quitted himself exceedingly well as on the last occasion. The recitative, commencing "There were Shepherds," was exquisitely sung by Mrs Mitchell, in spite of the annual (?) mistake on the part of the violins in be ginning "And Suddenly" a bar too soon. The difficult air " Rejoice Greatly" was allotted to Madam Moller, who executed the runs with brilliant finish. The favorite solo " He ahall feed His Flock," was undertakisa in turn, by Miss Maunsell and Mrs Mitchell,, and was very sweetly sung. We must con fess a feeling of disappointment at Miss Leafs rendering of "He was Despised" There was an unsteadiness about it, which we hope may be wanting on another occasion, for her voice is admirably to the music, and we are sure she can do it justice. The air " I know that my Redeemer livetb," sung by Mrs Mitchell, was perhaps deficient in power though not in sweetness. The^bther solos re quire no comment, except^'that they were most of them below the average. The baud was the chief success last^ight, and the additional wind accompaniments being played with greater steadiness than usual contri buted largely to the brilliancy and complete ness of the music.

Stgma,

SCHOOLS.

CABLTON ACAPEMY.

Last evening, the distribution of prizes took place among the scholars of the Carl ton Academy under the tutorship of Mr C. B. Andrew. The prizes, consisting of valuable books, were awarded by Mr Ewington, accompanied with encouraging remarks to each of the prize-takers. George Thorogood, for dictation; writing, to John Shaw, 10 years of age; Thomas Danks, 11 years of age; Australasian geography, George Thorogood ; arithmetic, James Dempsey ; general proficiency and good conduct, Wm, Abraham, Sidney Crombie, Herbert Tre main, Walter Neumegen, Master Constable, "Wm. Aggers, and W. Trevena. A reading, competition between eight boys followed, with exercises in various kinds of literature ; Messrs Ewington and Blackmail being the ajudicators. A small lad named George Smith was the most successful reader, and took the prize. The boys, however, with the exception of two, read with precision and effect. The boys generally shewed that they had been subjected to a great deal of close training, and espe cially in arithmetic and writing, which studies are invaluable in every case. At the close of the examinations, Mr Ewington de livered an address to the boys on the impor tance of little things in relation to success. Mr Blackmail spoke on small failures as incentives rather than discouragements in the way of life. Mr Andrew also delivered an address in a similar strain, and the meeting closed with votes of thanks and

cheers.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) ATTICS TO LET. HcGuiness and Walker got drunk last night, And appeared this morn in a wretched plight. John Rus3ell was called, who got drank very slyly, And last on 'he list was Paddy O'Seilly. Thomas Walker, and James McGuineas were fined 5s and costs each, for being drunk last night. John O'Reilly was fined 10s, this being his second offence, and John Russell forfeited his bail. ASHORE. Thomas Rider was charged with being drunk and with, absenting himself without leave from the barque Lizzie Fox on the 23rd inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The Captain said he did not wish to press the charge, the prisoner was drunk. Fined 5s and costs for being drunk, and was discharged. The Captain paid the fine. BOLTING FROM MARY. Richard Niccol was brought up on warrant, charged with deserting his wife, Mary, leaving her behind at the Thames. Prisoner said he was guilty, but he left with the view of getting employment; he had written several times to Mary, but his letters were disregarded jj he thought he had a prospect of getting work in Auckland. Remanded to the Thames. BKEACH OF LICENSING ACT. Joseph Johnson, the reputed licensee of the Occidental Hotel, Vulcan Lane, was charged with a breach of clause 47. of the Licensing Act; by refusing to deliver up the said licence to the police, when requested to do so. SeJgeant Sanderson said he applied to defendant for his license, who informed him that it was not in his possession ; he then asked Mr Burton, who acknowledged to: holding it as there was a difference between him and Johnson which had not been settled.

Fined £2 and costs

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN. (From our own Correspondent) ' This day.

Crushiogs. The Prince Imperial crushed 1 ton for 2ozb | 17wte, Inverness. Messenger's, 3 tons for 2ozs. Catran's crushed 50 tons for lOloza. ~-^| The Kuranui tribute crushed 90 tons f<P|f 940z9 16dwts. The Abolition, 5 tons for 4oza 14dwts. The Beehive tribute crushed 10 tons for 10oz»6dwts.

Te-atgU'

TCT BTffiflWO BfAR, FRIDAf. DECEMBER 24 1875



T\VR KG CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, A, LINABURY & CO., 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their Large and Valuable Stock of STRA W GOODS, GENERAL DB APERY, AND CLOTHING, REGARDLESS OF COST. Mvery Article Marked at Bottom Prices ! Come Early, as the Entir^Stock musi he cleared. JJ"QTICE. JTOTICE. JUST TO HAND— A Large Parcel of Double -width "Waterproof Tweed, Melton Cloth, Blue Diagonal, he. , specially adapted forjßoys' Clothing, Ladles* wear, &c, Bought at Auction at con- Biderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, La-sn Handkerchiefs from 3a 9d per doE3ti —120 dozen; Linen Cambrio Handkerchiefs, from 5s 6d per doz. Upwards of 50 d ? en Men's Cotton Shirts, B "yJean, Napier, the new F Shirt, etc. Abysixnian Cord.Tr sers. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines at much below usual price. INSPECTION" INVITED. BUSIHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, [Late E. Hobbs], UNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Quee^'Street, Auckland TO" 0 T I C E. Th Banks will be CLOSED on MONDAY, 27th December, Boxing Day. rfIBADE NOTICE. Tho undersigned call the attention of the trade to their NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Gebmant, ti« same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, and suitable for the present season, M. LEVY & CO,, 23, Queen-street. . VOTT CfST BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and a GOOD FIT, AT THE as- CITY hall, -m SiU Dust Coats 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suits, 6/11 Boys' Knickerbocker do, from 12/6 Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ Boys' and Youths' Tweed Suites, 25/ Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers and Veßts, 22/6 Regatta Shirts, 2/11 Felt and Straw Hats, from 1/. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK Can Belt, You the Cheapest Dress in Auckland. Plain Lustres, at /6% Special Line- Good Grey Lustre, 30 inches wide, /llV; wor£h 1/6 All-wool Carmalite. /&% Immense Variety of Prints, from Z% Striped and Fancy Brilliants, from /8% White Tucked and Coloured Skirts, from 3/11 «•••«•••••» v •• * Thk " City Hall" is now Noted tor its Cheap Millinery, op which thkrb is a Large Assortment On View! BST BUY YOUR BUMMEB HATS FROM HOLLO WAY & GARLICK CITY HALL, Queen-street, Auckland. :J. COSGRAVE & CO. will Jiold their Annual Sale previous to the Christmas Holidays, com mencing THIS DAY, (Wednesday),the Bth December, tind will continue wntil the end I of the year. , Theentire stock willte offered at Cost Price.