SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

jasmu s.s. (auxiliary), G'Connell, ffomLevuka Canterbury, srhooner, from Napier ■Advance, schooner, fio<t. the Coait <Gem, schooner, from Rns ell

DEPARTURES.

lona, 8 a, Farqu-ar, for tha North

IMPORTS.

Per barque Flo*ence from Dunedln : 550 sacks flour 284 sar-v- *»•»«, 15 sacks pearl barley, 30 sacks oat meal, T. H. Ha 1! »,« i o

Per J_ji_J.t..n from Oamaru : 100 sacks flour. T H Hsll and <". n ' '

Per Lizzi Fox from Now York : 31 cases blooks 1 do li_dia-;ubb pjp.s V and H Isaacs ' fcPer Lizzie Fox Lorn New York- S9 c a «<_ B chairs 20 cases p.inki) er, 20e0 case) ker<- jsene 10v) boxes clothes peps, Owen »t d G j_ham. Per Emu, from Fiji: I^ o it g kt ma i ze .-Stone Bim_j.Gr, agents.

The fißeshio Waijjate, 1120 tons register, belonging 5? I* A™ Zeß-'*nd Shipping Company, and com aaanded by our old friend Captain Peek, has arrived at rort Chalmers after a fine run of 89 days from £2 ,? n wi, th. 35° Government immigrants, all well. The Commissioners passed very high compliments on the state >; n w nich the vessel arrived in port. The P^ en_f'is were landed the day after arrival, and, wUb 'ihe captain surgeon, and officers of the ship, J**.ii with an enthusiastic reception. The Waimato *'b a maepificent vessel, having splendid saloon accom modation, and being superbly fitted in all respects. Intending passengers home are advised to select their cabins as soon as possible.

The trial trip of the new steamer built by Mr T. Niceol for the North ahore BVrry Company came off tc-day in the harbour. We may mention that steam was sot up last evening, and in a rough open against. the Takapuna the new boat showed herself decidedly the faster. We have already given a description of the beat and her engines. The result of this dajs trip had not reached us when we went to press. The barque Florence has nearly completed the dis charge of her Southern cargo. She is, taking in her cargo of gum as fa tas room can be made for it. She likely to sail by the end of the week.

The auxiliary screw st- amer Emu arrived yester day evening frem the Fijis with a cargo of maize and other Fijian proiuce. Shs eailel from Taviuni .n the 10th, at_d from the >2r.d to the 19th lmd v ry ligh wind 3 and calms. Made the Poor Knights at 10 p m on the 19i.h. Passengers : Mesus O. B. Stone, R. (j. Pulton, R. Galloway, and J. Duval. J. The schooner Lretitia entered out to-day for Ton gatabu.

The s.s. Pretty Jane leaves at 4 o'clock this after noon She takes a full cargo and several passengers. The schooner Kate McGregtor left this afternoon for Dunedin.

H M c. Sappho has been coaling today from the hulkßell* nrina

RTfiesclcone* Blsinore cliared ti-day for Russell with 2 oca iijur, 4 cases oilman's stores and 2 cas.ks earthenware.

The schooner Gem brings 52 tons coal from Russell

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

BLTJH'ti'. This Day. The s.s. Arawata It ft for Port Caalmers .at 940 a.m. yesterday with th- nez mail

COMMERCIAL.

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Business done this day : Bank of New Zealand—Buyers, 73s ; sel lers 745.

Colonial Bank (35s paid up)— Sellers 31s 6d.

South British Insurance, 51s 6d; buyers', 51s 6d. Caledonian (double issue) —Sellers, 655. Cure—Buyers, lis 6d ; sellers, lis 6d. Queen of May —Buyers, Ss 6d. Union Beach—Sellers, 755. Royal Oak—Sellers, 83. Pride of Tokatea—Sellers, 2s 6d. Tokatea - Sellers, 14s 6d.

Messrs Cochrane and Son held a sale of freehold allotments to-day at their Fort street mart with the following results : Lot 46, £18 10 per acre; 45, Is 6d per foot. Lots 41, 44 65. 66, 67, and 68, 2s per foot. Lots 61, 62, 63, and 64, 2s 3d per foot; and lots 1, 2, and 3, Is per foot. These allotments are situated at Stokes' Point, within five minutes walk of the ferry. The properties at Grahamstown, Napier-street, and Newton were withdrawn.

Mr G. W. Binney's sale to-day was but thinly attended. The white sugar from the Yarraville refinery, realised £43 to £43 10s, duty paid. Mr L. Eaton held a fruit sale to-day. Green bananas fetched 2fd to 3d, dried do. sd, apples 2|, and pines 7s 9d to Bs. I Messrs Grant and Morton sold a few parcels* of land to-day, but the majority of the p opertiea were withdrawn.

Weston's Wizard Oil and Maoic Pills. —Have cured more wonderful eases of Rheumatism. Gout. Neuralgia. Aches Pains, Swellings, Caked, Breasts. Scalds, and Salt-Rheum, upon thp human frame, than all the pretended remedies have since the world* began. These Great American Medicinesarn com posed of vegetable oils healing gums, roots anc. herbs; and act like a charm upon pain and inflam mation Price: Hnlf-a-crown. Sole Agents: Kemp thorn c, Prosser and Co.

BIRTH.

ADAIR—On November 29. at Gisborne, Poverty Bay, the wife of Mr. W. Adair of a daughter.

DEATH.

ELDER—On the 20th instant, at her residence, Newton Road, Mrs Isabella Elder, aged 43 years.

The funeral will leave her late residence to morrow, at 3 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1875

For the cruise that Licks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance. And the i;ood that we can do.

Mr James M'Cosh Clark is opposed to Separation, and he declines to follow the lead of Sir George Grey. In the honest avowal of his sentiments Mr Clark has done himself honour and sustained the character for integrity and straightforwardneES which he has always held. But he has certainly damned his election. It is not our purpose at the present moment to discuss either the merits of Separation or of the union of Auck land members under cne acknowledged leader. We take it that the minds of the people are on these subjects made up. Auck land has suffered too much and too long by being a house divided against itself, and as now almost existence is at stake her repre sentatives must be one phalanx. An unscrupulous Government made a fatal mis take in selecting an honorable man like Mr Clark as its candidate. We feel confident that had he placed himself implicitly in the hands of the two gentlemen who presented the requisition to him and so brought him out, Mr W. Buckland and Mr J. M. Dargaville, they would have put him up to a wrinkle or two. As it is, the issue is now distinct, and _t is well that it should be. City East is the first battle field selected for a trial of strength between the Government party and the Opposition ; and we are content to abide by the result. At the same time we cannot but express our reprobation of the misrepre sentations made, not by Mr Clark, but by his agents in their canvass for signatures to his requisition. Not in direct words, but in, that " all right" sort of way, which is supposed to be non committing, they led the great bulk of the people applied to to believe that Mr. Clark would be a supporter of Sir George Grey and his policy. This double dealing now has brought its natural result in a feeling of con siderable indignation at having been duped. The intention, as repeatedly told in a semi confidential way by the agents, was to get up so large a requisition as would frighten Mr. Rees out of the field. Those indulging in such phantasies little recked of what manner of man Mr. Rees is, and were par ticularly soft in supposing that even had Mr. Rees been " frightened" the suicidal course would have been tolerated of allowing the Government to have a walk over, or that City East would have acted so childishly as to elect a member to neutralise one of the members of the City West. We share the sentiments of hundreds when we express our sincere regret at being compelled to give our strenuous opposition to ' the return of Mr Clark.: But as Auckland's safety lies only in a united phalanx of her members under one leader, we call on City East to be true to the popular cause, and return the candi date in whom Sir George Grey and his party repose their confidence and hopes, Mr W. L. Rees.

Our ministerial contemporary, the Cross, is hard up. for an argument in support of its unpopular cause, when it objects to the elector who was the medium of catechising the candidate last night as such a man ; and implies that none other could be found among "the men having even a moderate claim to be called men of standing." The caddishness of such a remark is characteristic. However, with respect to the individual in question, he is a professional agent, and as a professional agent he put the questions. And we tell our contemporary that the hand which writes these lines wrote every one of those "carefully concoted questions" save one—that relating to the sons of colonists — not to trap Mr Clark, but to elicit for the public good the clearest expres sion of his views. That hand might have taken another course. It might have in serted them in these columns in a manner not unusual, arid thus publicly asked for an answer. Had such course been taken, how ever, the crafty crew that have been putting i/Lr Clark forward would have prepared the"' answers. In the course taken, Mr Clark's . :.%088iW5LI .H .H

not the craft of his backers. It was there fore that the ctjforse waß taken of not trust ing to the irregular fusilade of queries shot indiscriminately, but "carefully concocted questions" were deliberately and openly presented by the hand of a professional agent. Is that plain enough for our con temporary ?

That the Cross has warmly taken upgjthe cause of Mr J. M. Clark is the last straw that breaks the camel's back. Dr. Pollen has stated to a gentleman active in the interest of the Grey party, "Oh, we shall get in Mr Allen Kerr Taylor and Mr James McCosh Clark and such as they, and .we shall be all right." But not even the endorsation of the Premier would be more damning to the position of a candidate before any of our popular constituencies than would the sup port of the Cross. The course which that journal has hitherto taken of hostility to Auckland and to popular interests, and of unswerving devotion to everything right or wrong done by the Vogel-cum-Pollen admin istration stamps the character of its praise of any candidate ; and we do not hesitate to say that it were quite enough to remove the flimsy veil of Greyism thrown over Mr Clark by his indiscreet agents, for the people of City East to merely see the Cross support him.

Dreadful collision in the tunnel, was very nearly being an announcement in our issue to-day. The train left OnehuDpa at forty minutes past ten and arrived at Newmarket. a minute behind the time. That minute we venture to say saved many liveß, and spared us a heart-rending paragraph. As the train was about starting to continue its course, an engine with a single truck came dashing out of the tunnel, and had the train been a minute's journey • further on, it is * positive certainty that the two engines would have crashed into one another in sub terranean darkness. Our informant with many others was sitting in the smoking carnage adjoining the engine, and they might no 1 hay« been aware of the peril escaped, had their attention not been arrested by a con versation overheard passing between the engine-driver and stoker. These two officers were fully aroused to a sense of the danger they had just escaped, and spoke of the_ cer tainty of a collision had they been up to time ; and, added the engiDe-driver, "this is the third time that that has occurred, and it is= time that it should be reported." Our in formant expressed to an officer of the train his intention of having it put in the papers, who replied,' " Oh, you need not do that, it will be reported in the proper quarter when we reach the station." We have no doubt, therefore, that the matter is known at head quarters, and some one will be censured, or probably, some poor devil dismissed for carrying out the duties, and it may be even the orders of a very loose regime. It is positively fearful to think of the risks the public undergo from the incompetence in the management of our railways. We see no help for it but the utter eradication of the system of nepotism, corruption and irrespon sibility which constitutes central Government as we know it.

MR CLARK ON THE FINANCE OF SEPARATION.

Tn Mr J. M. Clark's statement of the finance of Separation, a basis of calculation was adopted, the fallacy of which must have been seen at once by thoae in the meeting who followed him in his calculations. If any object at all is to be gained by Separa tion it is the cheapening of the present extravagant system of Government and the securing of the administration of our own large customs revenue. But instead of placing before the electors of City East clearly and unmistakably what amount would be available for the Government of the North Island after its legitimate share of the public debt is provided for, Mr Clark confused the amounts in the minds of his hearers by introducing the cost of Govern ment as it now exists in the colony. Accept ing Mr Clark's own figures as correct, and quoting them in all cases, providing, as would doubtless be insisted upon by the Northern members and readily agreed to by the South that the original debt of four millions should be charged against the South Island as a set-off against thp native liability, the financial position of the North Island would be this—■

Revnnne

£74fi.281 246,370

Liability for interest and sinking fund

Clear available balance

£498 01

In addition to this there would be the pro vincial revenues, which have hitherto been charged with hospitals, gaols, public works etc. We do not believe that the cheap and inexpensive form of government proposed for the North Island would cost more than the present four Provincial Governments, and after paying a fair contribution to the Federal Government, there would be a balance avail able for purposes of the ordinary adminis tration of Government, public works and immigration, a sum of something like £450,000. Why Mr Clark should have brought out such a different total is not diffi cult to perceive, when the items charged by him against the North Island revenue are examined ; two very questionable items of expenditure alone—constabulary, £91.000,, and , native, £35,693, absorb £ 126,693 of the whole. But even assuming that the present General Government departments: are the, most economical that could be devised, and that the native department and constabulary would still cost £63,346, the North Islandwould have for edu cation, and public works, and immigration, Mr Clark calculates, £211,674, while all that it now receives towards those objects from the consolidated fund is £55,345. We cannot but believe that.Mr Clark's own calculations have misled him; he finds the South Island in such a very much better position than the North, owing to its land fund, that he can not bring himself to think it possible we could benefit by parting from so wealthy a neighbour. But if we cannot get the whole loaf are We to reject the half that is within our reach, and continue in penury? Mr Clark is', confident that we can secure the land fund; statesmen who are more ex perienced, and have tried, think differently ; nor are we sure that even Wellington with its £74,634 land revenue last year ; Hawke's Bay with its £22,658 ; and Nelson with its £13,830, would be disposed to help Auckland whose land fund for the same period •ouly^ amounted, to £801, in such an effort. Mr Clark's estimates of the revenue of Separation, which we have shewn to be exceedingly favourable _as compared with' the existing state'of ! things, place the Auckland tfand fupd at £801 j but with the valuable conr fiscated lands available, \ the 490,784 acres purchased and 391,601 acres leased in this province by June last, together with the 1 618 868 acres at present under negotiation for purchase,^ and the" 1,214,667 acres for lease. , much of it pastoral lands, a very different'revenue may fairly 7 be cal culated upon.And, in.yiew'of 'tfaffcet that the twelve millions of acres of.landß in this province, now in the hands of the natives, will unquestionably berpurchased froni'time to time.at a,sbilling;to tw.o shillings per acre;; we believe a, careful administration,'together: with the control of our own large revenues,, would place the North. Island a few years hence in a position's good,; or; even betteri; than the,Sputh. V.Thw. however, we hate no b, would the"^altitoh^l_tli*N<tetolwftnd,

as the revenues are now appropriated, be im proved by Separation, or if the land revenues of the colony are, as proposed in the Govern ment proposals, to be made permanent en dowments, would the North still benefit by a division of the colonial revenue, and Mr Clark has shown clearly that it would most mate rially, not only by his figures referred to above, but also by his remarks upon the unjust system of charging all expenses of Government against the Consolidated Fund.

The old woman, Biddy Lestrange, who was committed to prison for nine months yester day on charges of larceny, has a daughter undergoing a year, a son three months, and a husband nine months' imprisonment for various offences. Hence the old woman was left; out in the cold. ~he declared she, too, would do something worthy of Mount Eden prison, for why should the law separate those whom Heaven hath joined together, " and so," muttered Biddy, " I stole the breeches."

The members of the Independent Order of Free Gardeners will meet this evening, in their lodge-room, Wellesley-street, at 7.30 p.m.

A grand Masonic installation in connection with the Waitemata Lodge, took place last evening, in the lodge room at the Masonic Hotel. After two gentlemen had been duly initiated by Brother Wade, P.M., he invited Brother Jenkins, P.M., of 252, E.C., and 348, 1.C.. to take the chair, when Brother Lodder, S.W., was duly presented as Worshipful Master elect. Aboard of In stalled Masters was then opened in ancient form, and Brother Lodder regularly installed W.M. for the ensuing year by Past Master Jenkins, with the assistance of P.M.'s Brothers Asher, Sloane, Robinson, and Wade, and in the presence of a numerous assemblage of Past Masters. Brother Lod der then appointed Bro. J. Warren, S.W. ; Bro. Cole, J.W. ; Bro. Wade, treasurer ; Bro. Vance, secretary ; Bro. Hatswell, S.D. ; Bro. Hudson, J.D. ; Bro. Porter, Tyler. The work of the lodge being finished, the Brethren adjourned to a supper supplied by Brother Avey in his usuel style, when the Royal and Masonic toasts were drunk.

The Bight Hon. Benjamin Disraeli was born on the 21st December, 1805, consequent he is seventy years of age to-day.

Dr Lac, one of the candidates for Waite mata, addressed the electors of the Whau on the various questions of the day and ex pounded his views, which generally sup ported Sir George Grey. Mr McCall pro posed a vote of confidence, which was seconded by Mr Sinclair, but subsequently withdrawn upon Mr Henderson pointing out that other candidates should receive a hearing. A vote of thanks was then unani mously accorded.

The Choral Society meet for rehearsal to night. The concert takes place on Thursday.

A respectable-looking young man named Frank Smith w_?s locked up in the Police Station this afternoon on a charge of indecent exposure in Lome-street. The unfortunate fellow, who was quite drunk, on discovering where be had got to, burst into a flood of tears.

The breaking-up party in connection with Mrs Mason's seminary, Mount Albert, took place last night, and was most successful. A handsome, well-laden Christmas tree had been prepared, which afforded immense fun and satisfaction to the children ; white the grown up visitors, who numbered about seventy, spent a very enjoyable night, which formed a fitting prelude to the Christmas enjoyment. The progress made by the pupils, and the healthful situation of the school, formed themes of general commendation.

The cases which come bsfore the Police Court, where counsel ia necessary, seem to be monopolised by a few favoured solicitors, and in consequence cases are unnecessarily adjourned from day to diy. Mr Barstow very justly remarked that he did not see why cases should be continually postponed to suit the convenience of counsel to the incon venience of the Court, and he did not think that counsel should almost invariably be considered before the court. He preferred dealing with cases as they appeared when it was possible to do so, and thus prevent an accumulation of court business and un necessary delay. Now, there are a number of budding lawyers in this city, who are literally pining for work, who would be glad now and then for an opportunity of display ing their talents in court, and shewing what they are made of, inatoad of " wasting their knowledge in the desert air." It seems a pity therefore that older hands, instead of monopolising all the . business, should not occasionally hand over a case to a younger brother of the bar, instead of requesting postponements.

Messrs Tonks & Co. will sell, on Thursday next, the right to retail liquors at EUerslie during the Christmas holidays in the Market house, grand-stand bar, and No 1 booth ; also the right to erect a marquee for the Bale of tea, coffee, lemonade and other simple cordials, in the stone fhouse near the front gate. ''

MR SWANSON TO-NIGHT.

Mr W. SwAnson will address the electors of Newton this evening at eight o'clock in the Newton Hall.

City West Nomination.

Need we inform our readers that the nomi nation of candidates for City West will take place to-morrow at the Young Men's Chris tian Association rooms at noon.

A NEW BENEVOLENCE-A WORK MAN'S FLOWER SHOW.

ONEofthemosfc-indlyintentioned movements we have recorded for many a day is, as the reporters say, on the tapis. We refer to the intention of getting up a floral and horticul tural show in the city, among aad for the benefit of (those who are popularly described ais the working classes. The heading of the prospectus says, " With a view to the culti vation of a taste for the improvement of working men's houses and gardens, it is pro posed to hold a Horticultural exhibition in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, on Wednes day, the 16th of February, 1876." Among the rules we find that the prizes are open to all competitors complying with the following :— Exhibitors for competition must be mechanics or artisans whose hours of daily labour com mence at 8 a.m. and close not earlier than 5 p.m. All plants must have been grown in pots, and have' been in the exhibitors pos session at least one month previous to the day of exhibition, and special prizes will be given for pot plants, vegetables, &c, exhibited by destitute children of any Home or Naval School. To give greater interest arid success to the proceedings, gardeners and others will be invited to exhibit,-but to these no prizes will be awarded. _ Among other prizes, three rather valuable ones will be given, first, second, and third " for the best kept vege table garden in which the Vegetables are grown for the consumption of the family living, .upon the, premises-where grown.: To the details and objects we shall refer fur ther as the movement .proceeds; but we Coi;dia|lly endorse it as one of the most thoughtful: and kindly enterprises we have heard of. The life of many of the class re ferred tblis dull and monotonous enough, and any attempt to .bring the poetry of flowers into city cottage homes, and to infuse a de sire for beautifying the surroundings of our humbler residences^ -and increasing their comfort, will have, not merely material but moral results,''while promotihg' the in nocent' enjoyments and /happiness ____ of ihe lVpe6ple_ " 'Mr. L. H.J Gre«n,,. gar dener, has_ devoted his earnest, .service to thfißcaiisej and 'the (downright practical char-Y aoter of the projeot,"as, well a^ its genuine" unassuming kindliness, are guaranteed in the l ao;lL*fe^#lvPWßotor|i are Mr William Swaneon Aad Mr David GoldtoJ l May-,-M) haw the »msm isa kiadly objaotii desire. '

Arrival of the S.S. 'Arawata' WITH THE SUEZ MAIL.

DESTRUCTIVE STORMS IN ENGLAND.

PURCHASE OP SUEZ CANAL

DEFEAT OF TURKISH TROOPS

BLUFF. (Per Press Telegram Agency.) This day. There has been an extraordinary rainfall. The storms have|flooded,vast tracts of country in England, causing much damage on the coast. There have been many wrecks. The floods are now partially subsiding. The ironclad Iron Duke narrowly escaped foundering in the Channel, through the sluice-valve being accidentally left open and flooding the engine-room. The Admiralty state that the accident has been exaggerated.

The English Government has bought in from the Khedive of Egypt all his Suez Canal shares for £4,000,000 cash down. The Khedive held 177,000 out of a total of 400,000 shares in the Canal Company. The journals unanimously approve of the pur chase of shares. It has caused much agita tion in political and financial circles. 30,000 Dundee mill-workers have struck against a notice for a reduction in the rate o wages. All the rumours respecting the Eastern question are unfounded, but an ugly feeling respecting the attitude of Russia continues. It is believed, however, that the alliance of the three Northern Powers has prevented the probability of insolated action. A tranquili sation article in the Russian official Gazette, refused to acknowledge the apprehensions of the foreign Press, aud says that a good understanding between the Great Powers renders a disturbance of peace impossible. The Russian Press is pacific. The English newspapers are generally indifferent to the fi»te of Turkey, but they insist on the neces sity of preserving communication with Egypt, and maintaining the nationality of Persia and Afghanistan. The insurgents of Herzegovina have defeated the Turks near Gotschko ; 800 Turks were killed and GOO wounded. The rimes recommends, and the Austrian Press opposes, Austrian occupation of Bosnia and the Herzegovina. The Austrian forces on the Turkish frontier have been reinforced.

Montenegro despatches an Envoy to the Northern Powers to explain to them the difficulty of preserving neutrality. The Spanish reply to the American note of the 2nd of November concedes the legal privileges to American citizens in Cuba, and this amicably settles the Hispano-American difficulty. It is proposed to prosecute the Count Yon Arnim for treason. The Government intend sending a special Commissioner to Cairo to examine into the Egyptian finances and to advise the Khedive. The French Press, though regretting the check given to French influence in Egypt, approve the decisive action of England, and consider it unlikely to lead to political com plications. The German and Austrian Press approve of England's action in the matter. The Prince of Wales left Bombay after visiting Baroda, but he has not visited Ceylon. Obituary.—Cardinal Rouscher, Archbishop of Vienna ; the Grand Dnke of Modena; Henry Wilson, Vice-President of the United States. Mr Demp is his successor. f-ONDOX, November 26.

The opening rates at the wool sales were w.ell maintained. Australian maintain the closing rates of laßt series. Capes, Id to ljd lower. The Australian proportion is 50,000 bales. Kight hundred bales New Zealand hemp sold at £19 per ton.

Australian Telegrams.

Deaths from Scarlet Fever

Application to Arrest Captain Chapman- R.IT.

New f Australian Explorations

MELBOURNE.

December 15

A division is certain to be taken this week. The Opposition still maintain they will enforce dissolution. Tbe Penang and Madras Cable still con tinues interrupted, but messages are received in some fashion by steamers arriving at irregular intervals at Penang and Singapore. The scarlet fever epidemic is not abated. Daily fresh cases are reported, some of the victims only suffering a few days illness. Mr DeCourcy Ireland applied for a capias to arrest Captain Chapman of H.M.s. Dido in connection with the action now pending, and as security for costs and damages, but Judge Barry refused to sanction the arrest of the captain of one of Her Majesty's ships of war. Hupfcon, Shaw and Co's firm, which evaded payment of duty on their imported jewellery, have had to pay the Customs £2500 in fines and duty.

SYDNEY.

December 15.

The Budget is very satisfactory. The revenue is in a prosperous condition an in crease being shown on all items except gold, and mint receipts having a large surplus at the end of the year. It is proposed to remit duties on a number of articles leaving only thirty-five articles on the tariff, which it was hoped would be still further reduced next year.

ADELAIDE.

December 15.

Ernest Gilles, the explorer, reached Western Australia from Adelaide with 10 men and 16 camels. The expedition has been successful. The country, for more than a thousand miles in a straight|line,was simply an undulating bed of dense scrub, where water holes are few and far between. On one occasion they travelled at a stretch of desert 325 miles without water. They were once attacked by natives but drove them off. The naturalist collected nearly 800 botanical and geological specimens. Many of the former quite new.

POLICE COURT.—This Day. (Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) " education rate defaulters. A roll of thirty-five education rate default ersljwas called this morning to answer for non-payment of the rate, but as they did appear, thei cases were adjourned until the 13th of January next year. ■ WAIESOE THE SEA. Robert Taite and, Duncan I Carrick were. charged wish a breach of the Foreign Seamen Act of 1860 by absenting themselves without leave from the American barque Florence on the 20th instant. i , Prisoners said they merely went ashore to get a drink of beer. : ( Captain Smith said the men left'the ship yesterday morning, and returned quite drunk he did not give them leave ; he was willing to take them back if they would promise to behave themselves. ( i Robert W. Allen, mate, deposed to the circumstances. Mr Broham said the prisoner Carrick had threatened to 6ill the captain. ; Carrick said he had no recollection of such a threat, and if it was said, he must have been foggy at the time. BHis Worship said, he would sentence each yt them'W. aYmpntH'a imprisonment; they might go back to the ship and if they con ducted themselves with proiJriet JV the' '#&•'■ teaoe-weuld'apt1 bo c»r_ri4a'|^ti>'©_C.e>Wertl.«J Jux I DSflehrtrgedest p*ywen.t of «wti, m. '■-<-■-

STEALING FROM THE PERSON. Tom, a Kanaka, was charged with ateal ing the sum of £9 from the person of Jack, a Kanaka, on the 20th instant. Prisoner said he took the money, but nobody saw him take it, he did not therefore consider that he was guilty. Detective Grace deposed to the circum stances, he was informed of the robbery which was committed in a disreputable house in Edwards-street. He took prisoner into custody, when he denied the charge. afterwards confessed and took witness into Custom House-street where he found the money among some scoria in a place pointed out by prisoner. The Court sentenced prisoner with two month's imprisonment with hard labour as this was prisoner's second offence. The money was ordered to be given up to the other native called Jack.

THE ERRATIC MCMANUS.

John McManus, again appeared charged with a breach of the Vagrant Act, by using abominable language in Wakefield-street on Sunday last. Henry Connor deposed that on Sunday evening he heard a great noise, and on going out he saw the prisoner, who was fighting and swearing in an awful manner ; he had been creating a disturbance more or less through the afternoon and evening. The language was heard by numbers of persons in Wakefield-streeet.

Patrick Moran, a tailor, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness; the lan guage was shocking. William Webb, a painter, also heard the language. To prisoner : You were used very badly by last witness. He knocked you over four times with a billet of wood, assisted to wash your face of the blood, believed that Moran visited Mrs Roach.

Prisoner addressed the court and said that he was driven nearly mad through the loss of the wife of his bosom who had decamped with a young fellow, and left him in lonely wretchedness ; he did create a disturbance, but it was done under great provocation. His Worship said that he had no right to create a noise because of his domestic troubles, but as he appeared to have been irritated, he should only impose a fine of 20s and costs.

ANOTHER CASE.

James McGuinness appeared in answer to a summons charging him with using obscene language on the 14th inst in William-street. Mr Broham described the circumstances Sergeant Mulville tried to pacify him, but his persuasive eloquence was ineffectual. Prisoner said he was a hard-working man, but some years ago he received a sunstroke, and when he took a drop, his head spun rounp ; he was very sorry and hoped the courl would think of his afflictions in judg ing of the case. His Worship persuaded prisoner not to drink, and ordered a fine of 20s and costs.

BREACH OF MUNICIPAL POLICE ACT,

Simon Peter Westlake was charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act by driving a dray without the name and address of the owner legibly written thereon. Defendant said he was aware that the name was not on the dray, but as he was duly registered and numbered, he did not think the name necessary. A good deal of discussion ensued upon the matter, and it was finally decided that defen dant was not liable under the Municipal Police Act. Within the limits of the city persons were not bound to have their names on drays, but immediately they went outside the city boundaries tbey were liable under the Municipal Police Act

Defendant was discharged

TELEGRAPHIC.

GRAHAMSTOWN.

(From our own correspondent.) This day. The sale of the Ajax forfeited shares to day realised Is 6d and Is 7d. At the sale of the Old Whau Battery to day no bid was made for the entire lot. It was therefore put up separately. The engine fetched L 285 ; battery, L 75 ; berdans, L 46 ; right to clean up site, L 2 2; sundries at fair prices. The Little Lizzie have 40 lbs specimens to crush this week

The Golden Age tribute trial crushing of 6 tons yielded 3 ozs 2 dwts.

COROMANDEL.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day. Terrific Weather —Kapanga.

The weather is terrific.—No communi cation from the out-districts. It has rained oontinnally, nearly forty-eight i hours at present, it looks as if it would rain for forty eight years. The Kapanga mine men have knocked off work. Whether'Jon account of Christmas holidays, want of money, or whatever else is not known.

WARKWORTH.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day,

Mr Farnall addressed the electors yester day. There was a fair attendance. The weather was miserable.

WHANGAREI.

(From our Own Correspondent.)

This day,

Marsden Election. The Marsden nomination takes place on the 6th, and the po on the 12th.

LATEST SOUTHERN TELEGRAMS.

DTTNEDIIT POLLING

The Hon- Mr. Reynolds De feated-

DTJNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Monday night,

Messrs Macandrew, Stout, and Larnach, on the opposition ticket, were returned two to one, Mr Reynolds in a poor minority.

WANGANUI.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

The nomination for Wanganui is fixed for January 3; polling the 7th inst. Unani mous vote of confidence to Atkinson at Wanutahi was passed last night.

NAPIER.

(From our own Correspondent.) This day.

The Nomination.

The nomination to-day was very tame in comparison with other times. Mr Buchanan has announced his intention of opposing Mr Ormond for Clive. He has withdrew from Napier electoral district. He has no chance against Mr Ormond. With difficulty Mr Colenso found a seconder. He was only put up by the iGovernment to split the town votes with Mr Stuart. Sir Donald McLean will probably now head the poll. The fight ing will be between Mr. Stuart and Captain Russell. The latter has grown popular, being an able man and fluent speaker. Mr Stuart would have had the largest show of hands but numbers, in a spirit of fun, held up for Colenso. The show of hands was :— Sir Donald McLean, 79; Colenso r 59; Stuart, 53; Russell (W. R.), 40; Ferars, 11; Buchanan, withdrew. The poll is on the 30th inst, Y'IYYY — V IL\ Melanpbly EitfUT A son of Wethterspoon, the great Xooden fieafeetiooflr» irMlfoßri(i:d?owned yMteydsy

at the Breakwater. He had been drinkim* heavily. 8

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) , f This da- ■ The "Wellington Nomination! ? At the nomination yesterday Mr. Th re]f g had the largest show of hands. His chances are improving daily, partly owing to his telling speeches and partly through the re» action caused by the persistent mistfepregen. tation and falsehood of the New Zealand Times. Mr. Moody collapsed totally on the hustings ; he almost shed tears as a disturb ing element in the election. He is wiped out. Opposition to Mr. Fitzherhert. At the Hutt Mr. Hutchison is working hard, supported by three quondam friends, but at present opponents of Mr. Fitzherhert who, however, is deemed quite safe. The chances of the country districts., are".fal tered. Messrs. Bunny and Andrew are still considered safe for Wairarapa. £250 were offered and refused to-day for the racing mare Flora Mac Donald.

NELSON.

(From our own Correspondent) Thi/. day; Mr E. D. Davies, the ventriloquist, and company, left for Auckland to-day in the Taupo, after a most successful season here.

The General Election.

MR. J. M. CLAEK AT THE ME-

CHANICS' INSTITUTE.

The hall of the Mechanics' Institute was crowded on Monday to hear Mr. J. McCosh Clark, who is a candidate for the honour of representing the constituency in the next Parliament, express his opinions on the current politics! questions of the day. Among the gentlemen who were accommo dated on the platform were Messrs. T. Motrin, J. S. Macfarlane, Stevenson, McMillan, G. Yon cler Heyde, D. M. Luckie, M.H.R., and many others.' Mr. W. Rattray proposed that Captain Daldy should take the chair. Mr. Staines : Better put it to the meeting • it is the usual course.

Mr. R. J. Feltus seconded the motion that Captain Daldy take the chair. .' ~ Captain Daldv : I put it to the meeting myself. | Captain Daldy having been unanimously voted to the chair, said : Gentlemen, I shall not waste your time in reading any adver tisement, or anything of that sort. Mr. . Clark has called the meeting to-night; I have been asked to preside at it, and, as an elector of City East I have been very happy to do so. " lam totally unaware as to what Mr. Clark's political views, are, but.;that ji makes no difference to me. lam only'too glad at any time to see a gentleman iin the j life coming forward and placing his talents at the service of the country. I need not, under these circumstances, ask you to give a fair and impartial I hearing, because in all the elec- I tions that have taken place in- City | East that has always been done. (Cheers.) 1 But, perhaps, you will permit me to make one or two remarks upon the political posi- j tion at the present time. I wish to draw j your attention to what strikes me as being some of the most important points at the present juncture. It is now nearly 20 years since such an important point has been pre sented as at the present time—a total change in the constitution of the colony. The ques tion now presents itself to us, what form of constitution are we to live under for the • future ? I must say that, though during 30 years' residence in Auckland I have seen only two fogs, I have never seen a stronger political fog than exists in New Zealand at the present time. I think that you will endorse what I say when I state that we do not understand our position. I honestly say that I do not understand our position. Oh the one hand we ha ye the Parliament of the country passing a law which remains in abeyance until the end of next session for the abolition of the provinces. We have heard about shires and other divisidhs, but we have not heard of a political platform such as the Ministry of England would have given if they were proposing important changes such as those now before the country. On the other hand, we have the leaders of tber Op position enunciating certain things which are by no means definite. Ministers lave speken in one or two places. There its-might have been expected that they would lay down the leading points which they intend to propose in the forthcoming session of Parliament. Now, in regard to what may be termed -the Opposition, many of the leaders have spoken, but I must say I have been unable to deter mine in a precise form what they mean. (Cheers.) I have heard of the proposed division of the Islands into two provinces, four provinces, and a variety of other things, but I have not heard a political platform that we can act upon. What we want at the present time is some one who will give us .a definite political platform. We want this from the Government and from the leaders of the Opposition. We want them to initiate a policy for the guidance of the people. We want information as to the Constitution under which we are to live in future. We want to know what is to be the precise system of representation in this country, and that has never been laid down yet. We want to know what is to be the system of education in the future. These are the great prominent questions upon which information is required at the present time. (Cheers.) Now I ask you to give Mr. Clark a fair and impartial hearing, and lam sure he will give you all the: infor- r~ t mation that lies in his power. (Cheers.) » Mr. Clark, who was received with loud cheers, came forward and said : Mr Chair man and gentlemen, electors of the City of - Auckland East,—lt is usual for a candidate for the honour of representing a constituency in any legislative assembly to make some declaration of his political views, particularly when he cannot allude to past actions in the same arena to speak;':;;.for him — when he is, like me, a com paratively ■' untried man. Had there been no important issue before the country, I might have refrained from addressing you at any length, although that would ; have been contrary to the usual custom. I might have trusted to my long residence amongst you, or that the identity of my interests with yours would have' been sufficient to have induced you to have chosen me as one of your representatives, believing! that;Jt should give my best attention to eveiy question brought before the House affecting the interests of the North Island, and in opposing or supporting such T_: would be acting';, "from the conscientious- belief that I was furthering^ your interests^, and the;interests of the colony as af whole'-. At the present time the issues before you are ; so momentous; that I must spea£, out,~> and* for the same reason, instead of addressing you through the Press, Ihave called you together to confer with me upon this matter this even ing. The question what is to be done in the future, is always more, important, practi cally speaking, jthan what has • been done in the past, which/may* be taken as a guide^ and as relating to what-should be done in the future. Before entering oh the questions of the day,' I will, therefore/ nbriefly!toU6ho upon a few of rthe measures* of -the previous session. The first .to; which I will allude is the Abolition of Provinces Act of; last ses-^r sioh. A radical change had become. necesM sary in our ProvincM;institutipiis, i ,so|ne of^ the Provinces 'from insufficient" irand_ bad become unable to-"discharge" their duties. The revenues of these "pro vinceshad^eep^e insufficient, •o% at all ey'ehtsj"scarcely.'Jjww&t than* miffiiieht" to x' meek: we •_ .depaEtitt-hta^ ohargo3,andprQvidofor police, gaols, hospijftnwm arid s«oh inatitutioli^iad^eftT^^^^ fo* #HbJ.id mA nothing to* edu^js*

*_t! Bt__rt_?G, SfA», TUESDAY. Dt-i-t-M fll_ W6



JTOTICE. JJOTICE. JUST TO BAND— A Large Parcel of Double-width "Waterproof Tweed, Meiton Cloth, B'ue Diagonal, &c , specially adapted :..- ■. • :-..-■ f ur|Boys' Clothing, Ladies' wear, &c., Bought »t Auction at con ' V siderably less than English Invoice Price, and to be sold very cheap. Also, Lawn Handkerchiefs from 3s 9d per dozen —120 dozen; Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs, from 5a 6d per doz. Upwards of 50 <?ozen Men's Cotton Shirts, B J Jean, Napier, the new F. Shirt, etc ABTSINNIAN COKD Tr S-HS. Men's Tweed Waistcoats, and a num ber of other Special Lines at much below usual price. , j; ,.-.. INSPECTION INVITED. ;rtjsh;brook & bridgman, '■__WI [Late R. Hobbs], HfNOTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, Biror. Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel, Upper Queen-street, Auckland TTkURING CHR MAS N OLID AYS, A. LINABURY -d CO„ ■ '.''. 224 and 226, Queen-street, Will offer their LargQ and Valuable •: Stock of STRAW GOODS, GENERAL D RAREBY, AND CLOTHING, REGARDLESS OF COST. Every Article Marked at Bottom Brices ! ~.; Come Early, as the Entire Stock must "be cleared. "''":" ■YOU CAN BUY CHEAP CLOTHING, and a GOOD PIT, AT THE jgST CITY HALL. "Wl Silk Dust Costs 12/6 Boys' Holland Tunic Suits, 6/11 Boys' Knickerbocker do, from 12/6 — , . Men's Tweed Suits, 35/ Boys* and Youths' Tweed Suites, 25/ Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers and Vests, 22/6 Eegatta Shirts, 2/11 Felt and Straw H-ts, from 1/. HOLLOW AY & GAELICK Can Sell You the Cheapest Deess in AuckiiAnd. y Plain Lustres, at /6% Special Line- Good Grey Lustre, 30 inches wide, [11%', worth 1/6 ■ All-wool Oartnalite, 19% Immense Variety of IMnts. from 3% otrrped and Fancy Brilliants, from 18% White Tucked and Coloured Skirts, from 3/11 TH?C,,,? ITIr HAIjL" ™'*<™ note» *or its Cheap Milunery, oe which ;there. A lj^lOß Assortment'"'! On View ! . B ' u%WT BUY YOUR SUMMER HA.TS"" "' ■ HOLLOWAY & GARLICK ■ ca~, haxl,. _ iao-( 'Am. -tgj



—— j— ■ ■ —— ■ fRADEN 0 T I 0 E. The undersigned call the attention of the trade to their NEW GOODS, NOW LANDING, Ex Stab of Gebmany, the same having been Carefully selected by our English and Continental Buyers, and suitable for the present season, M. LEVY & C 0., 23, Queen-street. ~~ CHIEF POST-OFFICE. A TTOKLAND. I\Tatt,s writf. Clostt *b tot/lows:— For Wsnginui ppr Pt Kilda. to-morrow at 1045 am Fn* T PVa )j a (Fiji) per Llewellyn on Friday next at' 3pm For Tongatnbu per Isetitia on Friday next at 4 pm Note.—The mails which nsually cloee at this offic. on Saturday will close this week and next on Friday next at 7 p m ' S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. THORNTON, SMITH & FIRTH'S PRICES CURRENT (Wholt_sat.e):— Sacks. lOOlbs. 501bs. "Crown Brand" Flour, £ s. d. £ s. d. _G 8. d. per ton 15 0 0 15 10 0 15 17 6 T 8 F. Canterbury Flou,-. do 12 10 0 13 0 0 13 7 6 Seconds Flour, do 11 0 0 " .. Sharps do 6 17 6 Bran, do 6 5 0.. Fowl Wheat, per bushel. 4s 3d to 4s 6d. The above prices include sacks and bags. Sacks and boers not returnable —Terms Cash. Auckland. November 22, 1875.