SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Reynard, lI.M. gunboat, Lieut.-Commander Pugh, from Sydney. Hawea, s.s., from the South Josephine, schooner, Jackson, from New Cale donian and Norfolk Island

DEPARTURES.

■J aranaki, s.s., lor the South. Minnehaha, schooner, Smith, for Lyttelton. Onward, schooner, Rountree, for Russell. Keni! worth, schooner, McDonald, for Wanga poa. Rowena, s.s., Sellars, for Tauranga.

IMPORTS.

Per Hawea, from the South :—lO cases new Canterbury cheese, T. 11. Hall and Co. Per Josephine from Noumea :—3O tons maize, 10 ions nickel ore, 14 tuns whale oil, 2 tons sweet potatoes, CO hides.—Ward and Co., agents.

THE UNION STEAMSHIP CO.

Telegrams from the South announce the arrival at Port Chalmers of the Union Steamship Co's new steamer, the Rotorua, after a passage of GO days. The Rotorua is a fine iron screw boat of 650 tons, and will be a handsome and valuable addition to the company's fleet. The s.s. Wan aka, another vessel built to the Company's order, lias arrived at Hobart Town, where she will coal before leaving for Port Chalmers. This is a smaller ship, being 250 tons register. The Union Company appear to be intent on securing the whole of the New Zealand coastal trade, and it will be seen by a telegram receive! to day, that they intend opening up fresh lines of traffic bet ween the other colonies and New Zea land. The Rotorua is announced to leave on tho 30th instant for Sydney via Lyttelton, Wel lington, Nelson, Taran.iki", and Manukau, and to run permanently in thai line. This additional steam communication with Sydney will be very important to Auckland. Onchu'nga being the last port of departure. Whether it will also be the first port of arrival, does not appear, but even if not the increased facilities for shipping cargo to Australia will be highly appreciated by Auckland merchants, while the crowded condition of the Hero's passenger ac comodation during the last few months plainly indicates plenty of room for competition in this department. The following- -well-appointed vessels are comprised in the Company's fleet: Hawea. 4152 tons : Taupo 4(jl, Phoebe 416, Maori US, Beautiful Star 146, Ladybird 281), Tarannki 299, Wellington 279, Samson 121, Taiaroa 228, Rotorua 650, Wanaka 250, Whakatipu 1759.

ATJII VL OF TtiK JOSEPHINE. The scl ooner Jcsepliine an ived from New Caledonia an . Xorfoik I,land. S..e left Norfolk Isl >.nd on tHe 14th, and experienced heavy S.W. and S.H. r. -wiles all the way. She brings a full cargo. Passenger—Mr J. Christian.

HThe s.f. Ilawea, Capta'n Wheeler, arrived alongside the Onehunga wharf, about noon, to day. Left Port Chalmers at 6.-15 p.m.. 14th. Ex perienced light easterly weather to Wellington, from thence, S.W. breeze. Passengers : Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson child and surran, Mr. and Mrs. Wyse, Mr. and Mrs. Steggall, ivlr. and Mrs. Whcelan and 4 children, Air. and Mrs. McCauley. Mesdames Hayes and child, Holt, Conwell, Tiernoy, Me Hill, White, Billman and child, KTobb, and Kington. Misses E. Davy, Smart, Lawrence, Hudson, Haultain, Stuart, Sinclair, Bueholz, and Williams. Messrs. R. Stewart, Holt, Bilcher, L. A. Levy, Kohn, Weymouth, Fidlcr, Walker (2), Bennett, Johnston, Bodlc, Johns, Sherriff, Yule, Skinner (2), Lumsden, Donnelly, Lambert, Macfarlane, White, Power, Taylor, O'Connor, Hay, Leighton (2), Shera, Wheeler, and Hudson (2), and 23 steerage. The departure of the s.s. Hawea for the South is delayed until Saturday at 1 p.m. Intending passengers can go out to Onehunga by the mid day train.

The commodious screw steamer lona is to make an excursion trip to Motutapu and other islands on Christmas Day.

The s.s. Taranaki, after being delayed two days by the. heavy westerly weather, which made the Manukau Bar Impassable, got out yesterday, and proceeded on her voyage to the South,

The Sapphire is likely to remain in harbour about six weeks.

H.M.S. Pearl is to leave Sydney shortly, and proceed home via this port. H.M.S. Wolverine is to take her place as flagship on the Australian station.

lI.M. gunboat, • Reynard, ran into harbour last evening at 5 o'clock, after a voyage of nine days from Sydney. She brings some super numeries for H.M.S. Sapphire. She is to await orders. Lieutenant Pugh is in command. The s.s Arsryle is to make an excursion to the Hot Springs on Christmas Day.

The schooner Minnehaha left yesterday after noon for Lyttolton. The. captain will try his best to be in time for the Regatta on the Ist January,

The steam launch brought from the islands by the Loch Lee, has been purchased by Messrs Coupland and Co., for a party at the Thames, to open up a trade on the Wailiou River, between Ohinemuri and Turanga-moana. She is to be placed in charge of Captain Tizard, late of the Effort,

AUCKLAND STOCK AND MINING REPORT.

Bank of N.Z.—Buyers, £19 2s 6d; sellers, £19 5s National Bank—Buyers, 655. South/British Insurance—Buyers, 695. Union Sash and Door Co. (new)—6os; Buyers, 60;. Red Queen—Sellers, Is Id. Moanatairi—Buyers, 13s ; sellers, 16s. Crown Princess—Sellers, 4s Gd. Union Beach—£ss (ex div.); sellers, 665. Tokatca—Sellers, 10s 3d. Kuranui Hill—Buyers, 3s; sellers, Is. Alburnia—Buyers, ss. . JOSEPH NEWMAN. Chairman

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, tomorrow, at 2.30 p.m., and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argyle, to-morrow,at 2.30 p.m. For Gi-borne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, to morrow, at 11 a.m. For New York (direct), per E. J. Spence, to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Waivvera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, &c, per Annie Milbank, on Satur day next, at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Hawea, on Saturday next, at 11.15 a.m. Late letters will bo re ceived till 11.25 a.m. For Tonya, per Loch Lee, on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowens, on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. N.B.—Monday, the 25th instant, being a Post t office holiday, the mails usually made up on that day, will be closed on Saturday, 23rd instant, at 7 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY. DECEMBER 21, 1876.

for t!ic c.ivse that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, l-'or the future in the distance, And the j.'oud that we can do.

THE Mayoral election lias conic and gone, and the approaching festivities and frater nal associations of Christinas come oppor tunely to smooth away all asperities, and to throw the pall of oblivion over the tem porary excitement evolved in the course of the struggle. Mr. Hurst's honours have

been fairly won, and, so far, have been borne with becoming modesty. We may be permitted to express a hope that the new Mayor's head will not be turned by this sudden and probably unexpected eleva tion, but that he will comport himself in the civic chair with that calm

dignity and composure which sit bo well upon the people's chief magistrate. If he will but faithfully endeavour

to wear his honours with modest dignity and fearless impartiality, an indulgent people will be ever ready to make allowance

for any slight display of that natural and irrepressible volatility and assertiveness which have in time past detracted from his

popularity, and left him amongst the rejected and disappointed. Mr Hurst has been'lifted up to honor on the top of a lucky wave of prosperity, of which, to do him mere justice, he shewed great readiness to take advantage. His election is mainly due to the thorough and effective working of an influential organization, while something no doubt is'due to party proclivities, and to the pluck which Mr Hurst exhibited throughout the contest, even at a time when his own most ardent supporters were most dubious of victory Whilst we are willing to accord to Mr Hurst and his supporters all the credit that is justly theirs, we must not conceal the fact that if the number of votes polled may be taken as a criterion, neither the victory"nor the defeat have been so decisive as to warrant any great amount of jubilation on the one hand, or of disappointment on the other. Probably not more than one third of the aggregate of votes of the city were polled, so that the side which had the most compact organization would be likely to come most .successfully out of the contest. It is no secret that Mr Hurst wag fortunate enough to have secured such potent aids, and that the machinery was skilfully worked v shewn by the result. Mr Hurst has fallen upon no bed of roses. Seriously speaking, we are somewhat in.

doubt as to whether ifc is the successful or the unsuccessful candidate we ought to congratulate. The salary of £150 a year cannot compensate for the sacrifice of time and inconvenience which the office entails, nor for that libe rality which a Mayor with Mr Hurst's well known phiianthrophic proclivities may be expected to practice. Wo may add just one word in conclusion : so long as Mr Hurst administers the duties of his ollice with becoming dignity, uprightness, im partially, and a conscientious regard for the public interests of the city, so long shall he have our loyal and unwavering support, but should lie unfortunately wander into any of those crooked by-ways, where civic corruption and underhand " tiddlywinkiug " luxuriate in rank abundance, then Mr Hurst may, to use a conventional phrase, " look out for squalls."

One of the speakers at the Ponsonby meet ing last evening', in opposing the introduc tion of the Borough system, adduced tho argument that in his opinion there wore not nine gentlemen in Ponsonby com petent to form a Coiuicil, The statement excited considerable comment at the time, on account of its boldness and its singular contradiction of the past history of this highly fashionable and influential suburb. What strange calamity can have befallen the erstwhile energetic and intelligent ratepayers of I'onsonby—-who have always exhibited a proper perception (if their own local interests, and a keen aptitude for local government—that if has been so .suddenly bereft of rulers and governors ? We know that the district has been rapidly in creasing in inhabitants, in wealth, in telligence, am I everything' that lends influence and importance, and we have a firm conviction that in one street alone in Ponsonby seven good men and true could be selected who would be capable not only of creditably filling the- lesser offices of Councillors, but would not disgrace Parlia ment itself, and there need be no appro heneions of any lack of thoroughly compe tent men in the district should occasion for their services arise.

Tiik centralizing proclivities of the Welling fconians are so elastic and accommodating, that while they fully appreciate the mani fold blessings arising from having the scat of Government, they arc not above accepting any trifles however small that are capable of bolstering up a fictitious metropolitan reputation, or administering to the selfish vanity of the people. The last scrap of luck that has befallen the Empire city is tho fact that in future announcements of the arrival of English vessels in New Zealand will be telegraphed from Wellington to Lloyd's. This was considered to be a ; matter of such supreme importance that Mr Hunter, who if we mistake not, is himself Lloyd's agent at Wellington, took occasion at the meeting of the local Chamber of Com merce yesterday, to congratulate! hai body on the fact of " Wellington being the focus for transmitting the news." We have not the slightest desire to deprive tho people of Wellington of cany gratification which th»*y may lie able to extract from this circum stance, but if it is to be understood that for the future Wellington is to be credited with the shipping records of the whole colony, then we take leave to say that she will be laying herself <>]>on to a reiteration of accusations which have been too often made against bur in the past, that she has reaped undeserved advan tages at tin; expense of the rcsl of the Colony. On the other hand, if the name of the New Zealand port of arrival or departure bu mentioned in caclt particular case, it will not make a jot of practical difference whether it bu telegraphed from Wellington or Newmarket. II any place were entitled to take credit to itself on being the "focus" for the transmission of such intelligence, it i.s "Cable Bay," or the nearest telegraphing centre, which is Nel-

There is a trite proverb, which never loses any of itstruthfiiliies.-<, " that all work and no play makes .lack a dull boy," and printers enjoy no special immunity from the penalties of over-exertion. In order to give our employes the full benefit of tho Christmas holidays, we shall not issue the STAR on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Christinas and Boxing Days. Advertise ments of events on Monday and Tuesday, should therefore appear not later than .Satur day.

An advertisement appears elsewhere in which Messrs Frascr and Tinnc signify their regret at the trial trip of the Rotomnhana having to be postponed. It appears that the tide last night was po bad th.it the vessel could not lie floated out <>f the int;iko. The tides tire making at present, and the (inn have no doubt of her (loal ingto-niorrow. Ho (hoy have decided to start from the Queen-street wharf at half-past ten to morrow morning. It will have be :n noticed that in mail} 7 Ridings in this province, there; have been no nominations. Various reasonable causes have been assigned for this, but without going into these probable causes, we may state that where such vacancies have occurred through failure to Dominate, the Return ing Officer will be instructed in regard to them.

A Greymouth telegram reports three men named Daniel Braniif, W. Woods, and J. Woods, were charged at the Police Court with keeping an illicit still in their posses sion, the case being adjourned. Mr Peter White, of the Commercial Hotel, Greymouth, shot himself yesterday over the grave of his children, ' domestic discord being assigned as the cause.

The okl troubles between the native owners of scabby sheep on the East Coast, and the adjacent European settlers arc not yet an end, though it was generally given out that the General Government had arranged for th'J purchase and boiling dowir of the infected animals. It now appears that a hitch bus occurred in carrying out the arrangements*.

The Government are determined to push on the negociations for the completion of the purchase of laud at Maketu on the East Coast. Mr. C. A. Calvert, one of the candidates for the Otahuhu riding, has issued an address to the ratepayers, which is pub lished iv our advertising columns. Mr Calvert appears to have grasped the main points of tho popular policy of the day,

particularly in that portion of lii.s address which deprecates the exercise of the exces sive powers of taxation available under the

ncAV local legislation. He is also highly popular in the district, and will doubtless meet Avith an extensive and generous re sponse to his address.

The following was the result of the Mayoral election at the Thames :—Mr. Macdouald 454, Dr. Kilgour 107, majority for the formei-, 317.

Seven persons have been injured at Pal merston by the capsizing of a coach.

A Dunedin telegram states: —"It is understood that in consequence of Mr. Macandrew having forwarded the Home Agent's letter to Wellington, and which resulted in preventing the remittance asked for b?ing sent home by the outgoing mail, the Hon. George McLean has ordered Mr. Macandrew's box at the Post-oJlice to be closed." The box referred to must be a public one, as we do not see what power the Government can have to close a private post-office box. Mr. Macandrew by .sending all documents to Wellington, appeal's to interpret the .spirit of the new Constitution with a grim kind of literaliiess which is far from pleasing to the General Government.

Tho regular monthly meeting of Lodge St. Andrew will be held in the Lodge-room this evening, at the usual hour. The ratepayers of the Otahuhn district will meet this evening in the Public Hall. Mr. John Buchanan will address the electors of the Whau district this evening, on those portions of the Counties Act which will affect their interests. The final part of the contest of the Infantry Representation Firing, under the Bupcriutendcncy of Major Gordon, was brought to a close yesterday, with the following results : —J. Leigh, Victoria, 155 ; J. Dore, No. 3, 154 ; A. A. Yates, No 3, 141) ; E. R. Partington, No. 3, 143; Hay, No. 3, 142 ; Haslett, Victoria, 141 ; Robin son, No. 3, 141 ; White, Engineer Cadets, 140 ; L. Eady, Victoria, 139 ; McCarthy, Hobson, 13S ; A. Henderson, Victoria, 135; ]»owden, Victoria, 135 ; Whitehead, En-

gineers, 13,4; Soall, 1.M., No 3,134; Morrow, No. 3, 132 ; A. Payne, Victoria, 132; Skinner, Victoria, 132; Alderton, No. 3, 130 ; Elliott, Hobson, 128 ; J. W. Leigh, Victoria, 128 ; C. Cooper, Victoria, 127 ; Cameron, No. 3, 124 ; McEvoy, Engineers, 11G.

The treasurer of the Orphan Home thankfully acknowledges a donation of £2 from Di" Kenderdinc towards a Christinas treat for the children. Mr Benjamin Harris lias been appointed County Councillor for Pukekohe. John Weston was charged yesterday at the Otahuhn Resident Magistrates Court with assaulting Constable Graham while in the execution of his duty, and subjected to a line, damage, and costs, amounting to £2 7s fid.

The entries for the Devonport Handicap dose this evening at 8 o'clock, at the Flag staff Hotel, North Shore. The "Spectator" in an article on the Eastern question, thus refers to Constanti nople : —"We do not deny that Russia ■would gain by such a possession, more especially in prestige in the East, and in her ability to intervene directly in the polities of the Mediterranean, but we do deny that she would gain so much as to make it too dangerous for us even to do onr duty in face of such a risk. With a little more audacity and philanthropic spirit in our statesmen, Constantinople -would be transferred not to Russia, but to a Slav Confederation, assisted it might be, by an Italian army; but even if by persistently throwing the South Slavs on Russia for protection, we ultimately enabled her to seize the ' Imperial City,' our position would only be affected to the extent of a new reason for the occupation of Egypt—one reason added to the hundred which states men of all parties have already perceived. There may be other reasons behind for pro tecting Constantinople, and on all such matters experts are entitled to a hearing; but if there are, they are reasons for occupy ing Constantinople ourselves, or securing masters for it whom we can trust— such, for instance, as the Italians—not For defend ing a wretched Power which desolates what it pretends to govern, y.'.t could not without our aid protect the ' fmperial City ' for an j iiiur."

To the Editor : Sir, —I observe a small paragraph in your yesterday's issue from Mr (J. \V. Hardwick, of Sliortlaud-strcct, in reference b> which I he;.; t<> say thai I am not the storekeeper alluded, to, and as I deal in plums or any other fruit, and reside in the same struct, some persons may suppose 1 am the one alluded to. In conclusion, J should ndvi.se Mr Ilardwirk to be a little more cautious how he words his letters when corresponding •with tin; press, so as to avoid unpleasantness between those who deal in the same articles as himself, and not allow the public to put the load on I lie wron^ shoulders. — J .tun, KICIIAKD W.VLKKK, Shortland-slreel. The I'arnell Templars intend taking a triji to the shady island of Motutapu on Boxing Day, and holding a picnic under the trees. The tickets art; issued at a reasonable price, ami may be had of tlie committee, as per advertisement. While we believe the present dull times in .Auckland are much exaggerated, and

thai the causes may be ascribed to other than tho.se usually pntTorward, we are yet iiwurc that in some branches of industry serious stagnation exists, and that too ninny able and willing hands arc idle. Our attention was forcibly drawn fo this fact to-day, when an Auckland politician, ;mi! a gentleman ■who is ever foremost in acts of benevolence and public utility, pointed out an able-bodied .'irtiza.ii who find l)ct¥n fourteen days unsucccfsfully socking work, and whose family was placed in .serious straits by his inability to obtain employment. Mr Barton Freland addressed the electors of Tanmki Riding at the Panmure Hotel last night. He expressed an unfavourable opinion of tlie Counties Act, and promised if elected to strenuously oppose the Per missive clauses. He considered that, no institutions had benefited New Zealand like the Road Hoards, and he should endeavour to keep them intact. Mr "William limes Taylor, the other candidate, spoke, and ex pressed opposite views. He was in favour of bringing the Act into force. He could not see the reason for apprehending so nnich taxation in the county. The revenues from licenses, tolls, andslaiighter-houscswouldbe fully sufficient to meet expenditure. On the motion of Mr Jno. Connors, seconded by Mr A. S. ETempson, a vote of conlidence in Mr Barton Ireland was unanimously accorded, and a committee was funned to ensure his return. Christmas prospects are getting' lively. Seventy gum diggers arrived from River head by the Lily yesterday evening. A branch of the Bank of New Zealand has1 been opened at MangaAvhare. Mr. G. 8. Kissling who went up fur the purpose came back yesterday. Air. Andrews is to take the management of the new agency. The following is the rota of attendance at the Court of Petty Sessions for Tuesday the 26th iust, Messrs'.;.!]. Owen, I. A Phillips, G. P. Pierce, It. F. Porter, J. ('. Sharland, F. E. Stewart, A. K. Taylor, T). I). Thomson, W. E. Thomas, W." St. (lair Tisdall, J. J,. Tole, ■). Wilson, J. Williamson, ij. (I. Wood, W. Young; Gfeorgc Manners Mitford, Chairman. At the final meeting of creditors in the estate JiJonathanMumfoixl.yesterday.MrMaeifarhuiG nforincd the creditors that the requirements of lie act had been met. The creditors recom nended the discharge of the bankrupt. A fancy bazaar was held yesterday in the *1 wards-street Primitive Methodist church, for lie purpose of reducing the debt on the church. V loaded Christmas tree was also raised, and a iroincnadc concert was ftivon. Several srood oiiks were sung by Mrs. Bcttany and Mrs. /Ottinfrham, Miss TiKlehopc, and Miss Woods. Ay. Urown and Miss Fronde gave recitations.

The third anniversary of the Sir Henry Have lock's Lodge, will be sustained this ovening at the Edvvardes-street School-room. Tea will be on the table at half-past six o'clock, and sub sequently a musical and literary entertainment ■will be held.

I ho Engineers performed their parade last evening in the Drill-shed, and went thromrli their exercise:-! with marked success. The men then marched over Barrack Hill, and through the (own, headed by their line band which played a number of lively tunes?, und attracted much attention. Rev. W. Tinsloy preached the annual sermon to teachers of the Sunday-school Union last evening in the Wellesley-stroot Youns? Men's Rooms. About fifty teachers were present, and miT *jnocn Wood presided at the harmonium 1 he rev. gentleman selected his text from 1 Cor. S i\X "For wo are labourers tog-ether with Cod. The text was elucidated in a practical «na earnest manner, and listened to with bccnni- Jiwattention. The choir sangsoveral appropriate nymns during the eveninc,-, and Messrs Wood and Shaklcrs assisted in the devotional part of the. service.

rhe meeting of Kingitcs at Hikuratißi lias dis persed an usual in almost barren results. Jawhiao ordered the restoration to their owner atltatiKiawhiaof 25 head of oatilo, which had Strayed across the confiscated boundary.

Some informations laid at the Police Court this morning threw a curious light on life on board ship. The first we shall mention is a very common one : it is a charge of disobedience to lawful commands, laid by the captain of the American schooner Panola against one of his crew, named Richard Avery, who by the way is an Englishman. The captain says Avery was told to go and tar down the maintop gallant backstay, and that he refused. The other two are counter charges laid by the man, one against the chief officer for presenting a loaded revolver at his head and threatening to blow his brains out, and another against the second officer for tying an inch and-a-half rope round his leg, and "heaving" him out of the forecastle on to the main-deck by means of tiie windlass. The man's story is that lie was unable to do the work lie was told to do without a " boatswain's chair" or some tackle for working himself up, and that when he told the officers this, he was abused, put in irons and finally threatened, and treated in the manner described. The whole of the events toolc place on Monday and Tuesday last, since the vessel lias been in port.

Although the result of yesterday's meet ing at Ponsonby leaves the unopposed election of Messrs Maselield and Thorne as County Councillors for the Riding of Newton a certainty, the ratepayers must bear in mind that the poll will still be ne cessary, for according to the absurd wording of the Act this cannot be dispensed with unless the Returning Officer has two clear days' notice of the withdrawal of the super abundant candidates. In this case the notices have not been received.

It will be seen by advertisement in another column, that the Saturday Night entertainment committee intend holding their annual concert and ball in the Temperance Hall on New Year's night. Tho programme will be published shortly ■when, doubtless, judging from their former entertainments, a. good evening's amusement will be afforded, and a properly conducted qua drille assembly will inaugurate a new, and we hope, a happier year to all.

INJUSTICE TO KARANGAHAPE.

To the Editor : Sir.—ln the distribution of power under the now institutions, the basis of population .appears to have been quito ignored, and some arbitrary and obscure plan (or no plan at all) adopted. Otherwise how could the rightful claims of the suburb of Newton have been so disregarded as shewn. Thus, by the official Government returns, Newton proper (Karangahapo Highway District), has a popula tion of 2,508, and lias not been deemed entitled to return one member to tho County Council ; while Pousonby, with a population of 1,300 has been awarded virtually double representation ; for the districts of Arch Hill and Richmond (Newton Highway District), with population 10!) and 143 respectively, being annexed to Pon sonby, and two members assigned to the united district, virtually gives Ponsonby undisputed power, which will bo used to return the two members, without consulting the less influential annexed districts. The population of the three thus combined is l,sr>3, returning two members, while Karangahapc with its 2,600 is not allowed one member, except combined with Grafton, population 1,000 and Eden Terrace, estimated population, 150; t0ta13,950. Thus the ratio of representatives to population is inverted : 3,050, one member; 1,853 elect two members! It is evident that Ponsonby is the fancy district, when its people are awarded four-fold representation an compared with the less aristo cratic sister suburb, Newton proper. If the revenues of the Count* arc divided in a.similar ratio, l'()iisc)jil>y will obtain the lion's share, and Hi' crumbs falling to the share of plcbiau Newton will be beautifully .small. -Yours, I<\C. Newton, liith December, lS7i>.

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

i,\ our second edition yesterday we gave the result of this election. The votes re corded were: For .Mr W. J. Hurst, 1,026; for Mr .1. Cos^rave, fi'Ki : majority for ilurst, ."{:;(). The result, when announced by the Returning Officer hi the hall of t lie Mechanics' Institute, -was received with immense cheering. The newly elected .Mayor briefly returned thanks, and Mr Cos»ravc also thanked his supporters. A vote of thanks to the ex-Mayor, Mr Tonics, lor his able administration of city affairs during his year of oflice, and for' his im partial conduct in the chair, was proposed by the new .Mayor, seconded by .Mr Cos ;;rave. and carried with acclamation. The meeting then separuted.

RATEPAYERS MEETING AT PON SONBY.

I in: ratepayers of the Newton Riding, mem determined to thoroughly ransack the new CounticH Act. Meeting after meeting lias been held, and the Act has been dis cussed nd nauseam with the result up to the present, that an unfavorable opinion of it lias been produced. Last night was advertised as the occasion on which the candidates for the representation of (ho Riding in the County Council would be invited to air their opinions on the merits of the Act, and the best course to be adopted by the ratepayers.—Mr. J. A. Tole the chairman of the District Board, took the chair, and after the usual formalities an nounced the retirement of Messrs Holdshif and Morton from the candidature, and also read a letter from Mr. Mascfield, apologising for his enforced absence,' and intimating, that if elected he would consult the Road Board as to the proposed line of action, and if necessary meet the ratepayers in a public mooting. He also engaged to resign liis scat if at any time requested to do so by one-fourth of the rate payers, and authorised the chairman, if he thought Jit to withdraw his name.—Mr. Alexander Black was the. first candidate ■who came forward. He owned himself fairly puzzled by the Counties Act which he _ advised the ratepayers to have as little to do with as possible. Mr Thorne was the next speaker. He 'objected to joining the city in view of the increase of taxation, which would follow. As to form ing a borough, he did not believe twelve men could be found who had the time and ability for the duties of Councillors. He did not think they could do better than remain under the Road Boards, who had been of more benefit to them than all the Governments in the world. If elected, he should decidedly vote against the permissive clauses. Mr Lloyd, who came next, pledged himself to be guided by the committee appointed at the last meeting as to the course he should adopt. Mr Swanson, M.H.R., who was in the room, was called up to address the meeting. He said he did so reluctantly, for though he bad a hand in passing the bill, he really knew little about it. It was no improvement that lie was sure of, and he strongly advised his friends there to liano up the Counties Act, and have as little to do with it as possible. Mr Holdship on being called upon made a short speech and after explaining that his object in with drawing was to render a contest unneces sary wont on to endorse the remarks made by Mr Swanson. Mr Mclnstray suggested that the host way would be to return nobody fit all. Mr P. Maguire seconded that. (Laughter). Mr Boardman pointed out to the meeting that the four candidates had all committed themselves to the same course • the best way would be for two to retire so W to avoid the expense of a contested election. Mr Black said lie was willing to withdraw his name. Mr Simpson proposed a motion, but afterwards withdrew it as it was considered that the resolution agreed to at the last meeting was a better one. Mr Lloyd announced his inten tion to withdraw from the candidature Mr. Boardman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Swauson for his valuable services in the House of Representatives, and coupled witliit a vote of thanks to Mr. Tole, for his efforts m the chair Both gentlemen re turned thanks and the meeting broke up — M«3 n Been 1 tV"!! 1 the *h°™ that Mess Vs. Mascf eld aud Thome are likely to be owosif USi y CQUUcillors without

BRETT'S ALMANAC.

This almanac may now bo obtained from all the principal stationers, and from all agents and runners of the STAR throughout the Auckland Provincial District. The "New Zealand Herald," in noticing the publication, says : — "Every feature is improved, and informa tion found to be necessary lias been sup plied. In the present volume are four illustrations —of Sir George Grey, K.C.B. ; Mr. Justice Gillies ; the Ex-Mayor of Auck land, Mr. Tonks; and of the Khvi, the characteristic bird of New Zealand. The pictu es are excellent likenesses, and with each there is a brief letter-press notice. The calender i« neatly printed (as indeed is the whole book), with a page for memoranda. Then we have the "Farm and Garden Calendar," by Mr. R. Brewin and "Old Practical," followed by a history of " The War in New Zealand." Next comes a description of the province of Auckland, in which arc set forth its "Area, Popula tion, and Exports," "Roadsand Railways," etc., with an abstract of Hockstetter's description of its geology. The city of Auckland is then minutely described, and the different suburbs noticed in detail, and then f-How detailed notices of the country settlements. A most useful feature of this year's Almanac is a scries of abridgments of the most important Acts recently passed — the Counties Act, the Financial Arrange ments Act, the Rating Act, the Public "Works Act, the Regulation of Local Elec tions Act, the Waste Lands Administration Act. The Statistics, the description and history of the Goldfield.s, the Directories, information as to Railways, Steam Services, the Mails, &c, are all extended and im proved. Auckland could hardly, under any circumstances, expect a more carefully complied Almanac. For every almanac the motto should be " Usefuhies," and it is evident that tin's lias been kept in view in the present instance." The "Southern Cross" says : " The compilation isvery com plete, so far as this province is concerned. Tlie present number is illustrated with por traits of Sir George Grey, Judge Gillies, and our Mayor (Mr. Tonks), together with an illustration of the Kiwi. By using small type throughout, a large amount of information lias been packed into a small space. The publication is well got up, and has a very presentable appear ance."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. M. Dargaville and K. Isaacs Esqs., Justices.) DOUBTFUL OX THE MATTKR.

Alexander Drummond was charged with being drunk and disorderly. A sergeant and a constable proved the offence, which the prisoner was doubtful about. A fine of 20s and costs was inflicted as a gentle reminder. A DIRTY BEAST. Denis Ryan was brought up charged with behaving in a scandalous manner to a little girl named Lily Mann, aged 7 years, on the 20th inst. When asked if lie were guilty, the prisoner replied, " I assaulted the girl, but did'nt harm her." Inspector Brohani said the prosecntrix was a little girl whose mother lived in Wil liams-street. Yesterday morning the little one was going to Mr. McCrae's, in Welling ton-street, to get some lollies, when the prisoner stopped her, took her by the hand, and indecently exposed himself. He also behaved in other respects in an abominable manner. Fortunately he was observed by. two respectable persons, Messrs Sanders and Hughes, who immediately ran up and secured him. lie had been informed that when on board ship the prisoner had shown signs of a w*,;ak intellect. He hail examined him and found that ho was rather daft, but not stupid enough to bu unaware of what he was doing.

The Hunch, after consulting, inflicted a sentence of six months' imprisonment with hard labour, at the end of the time the pri soner to find two .sureties of £25 each, and be bound over in hi* own recognisance of £.">0 to keep tlie peace for a further period of six months. Their Worships told tho prisoner he had had a narrow escape from a a much heavier penalty. THE KXIFK. John B, Hughes, a .seaman belonging 1o the .ship Jessie Osborne, was charged with having committed an aggravated assault on a follow seaman named William Regan, on the 19th inst, Prisoner pica-led guilty. Inspector Brohambriefly recapil nlatod the circumstance*, but as their Worship* wished to hear them mure fully, Dr Allnutt,the sur geon of the ship, was called, and described the injuries which the man had received. He had an incised wound on the back of his hand, U inches long, and penetrating to : the bone. It must have been inflicted with I a very sharp instrument, probably ail open i knife. I

William Regan, the injured man, who appeared in the dock with his hand in n sling, said on the morning of the 19th, about threo o'clock, he was lying on his elbow in the forecastle, when the prisoner called to him to conic and coil some ropes. Directly afterwards Hughes came into the forecastle and began calling him names for not coining sooner. They had some words, and went outside to fight, when he received two blows from prisoner's knife. The iirst blow was on the back of the head, and was given by the prisoner by swinging his knife on the end of the lanyard. Tlie next he tried to war 4 oil" with his hand, and received a severe cut. He was quite sure the knife was open. There ay.-is plenty of time be tween the blows for the prisoner to open the Jus knife.

The .Bench fined the prisoner £5, and costs or in default one month imprisonment. 1 his was all the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. This Day.

(Before It. C. Barstow. Esq., U.M.) chum Sa 12s Kkl; (Mr Uccs for plaintiff). J udir n«ntfor*Alsß id costs £1 llj.-.i. McLachlan ViV *«- n! i\ ndez,i, clitim — 13a lOd; coats Us— John Walsh y. Townshond Bros.; claim £6 2s od. balance o_l account: (Mr Hesketh for ftlain tiff) costs £2 os. Henry Gillillan v, T. Fernandez claim £5 l(Js. costs £1 19a ;Mr Brock l\n plaintift niVi™ i ]Vr ilKt'?" i Vl • Uoberfc Rowley ; claim 15s vlfoWPhn? chairs costs 14s. J. Kin-and Co. \. itobei t Chalmers ; claim Us, pills and miv- Ahv Ui i;>T'V 01110,1 osts lls- Jolm McNeil! v TP •ai APJOORNISD CASES. I'ianc'iS bhophcrd v. T. G Walknr plnlm £110s lOd. (Mr. Beale for plaintiff!) ' Uim> inomas Fanldor v. James Grace, claim £33 Ts wi' ™3- cist>har«ed frolll bankmptcy, and S?C°" 1U1" t0 ln'iao"- Tll° «"" »™«bediS Jif*? 'endant did not appear, and as a juds £fi^?o« n R F- oa^, v> Thomas Rlobarda, claim to Us bd. Mr. Thorno for plnintitt' Mr All.> tfUftsriftt s. bb°; n S hSJ bS

discussion on the matter the case was allowed to stand over for a month.

John Lomey v. John Brown and Co., claim £1 4s. Mr. Thornc for plaintiff, Mr. Recs for defendant. This claim arose out of a disputes between a cluster of fish hawkers. The plaintifr" it appeared, had been in the habit of receivi;* fish, from the Kaipara, and the defendants Jok' Brown, Charles Lucy, and six oth.ra, were in tin habit of selling them. John Lomey jravp evidence that the boxes were taken by defend ants on the 21th November, but the defendants refused to pay more than 2s a box, the nriep being 4s. f«vc Nicholas Scott, of the oyster saloon, Shortland street, sent one of his men for his boxes of fkh when the steamer came in. Mr. Thorne • Whrt was a fair price for the fish 1 Scott: 6d 'each tn a lawyer (laughter.) Mr. Rees: Are you sum that the .fish were your's? Scott: Yes Mr Recs : How do you know ? Scott: Because thtv were in my boxes. y

Peter Hartz, and Hermann Babb gave evident in connection with the case. The evidence was very conflicting in this case, and the whnio affair very confused. The court had some dim culty in deciding this case, and the plaintiff w 9 j recalled. His Worship thought thatthe baL^ot of evidence was in favour of plaintiff Mr ?«« said if that was his Worship's view of the ea^o ho would call witnesses for the'defence AbnnV' fifteen fish hawkers were present in court and a great deal of interest was evident unnn tht faces of the fraternity. Charles Lucy deposed that fish on that day did not average 2s a dozen there was a full market. His Worship said them was no necessity for calling further evidenrp and gave iudgment for defendant. Costs £o i~' Win. llitchic v. J. Johnstone. Claim £5 7g *?' rent. Mr Robibson for plaintiff, Mr Hesketh for defendant. In this claim the sum of £1 is \\a and 18s Cd costs bad been paid intocourt Tnrl^ ment for plaintiff £i, costs £3 9s. ' g"

Jas. Flynn v. George Pilkington. Claim £1 2<? Gd. Mr Armstrong for plaintiff. This was a claim for rent, and had stood over for the ap pearance of defendant, but as he did not annear judgment was given for plaintiff, costs £2, John It. Maclean vMary Lumsden. Claim £5 The defendant, a good-looking young lady had been detained at court two hours, as plaintiff Mr. McLean, had promised to be present, but as he failed to appear, the several witnesses were not examined, and iudgment was given for rip. fendant. Costs, £2 17s. c

GRAFTON HIDING.

Ratepayers in the Karangahapo District need to bear in mind that Mr. F. Cherry has convened a public meeting to be held at the Newton Academy, this evening at half-past seven o'clock to give the candidates. Dr. Walks, Mr. Swaiison' and himself, an opportunity of stating their views on questions connected with the Counties Act. The election for the Grafton Riding takes place to-morrow, all the ratepayers of Karanera liape, Eden Terrace, and Grafton Highway Dis tricts being entitled to vote. All the candidates possess special claims upon the notice of the ratepayers, but in Mr. Swanson, the latter have an old and tried representative, whose fidelity to the public interest has always been above a breath of suspicion, and whose shrewd practical knowledge and experience will be of incalcula ble advantage in initiating and working out the new system of local government in the manner best calculated to benefit the people.

MR REES' MEETING.

We would remind the electors of City East that Mr Rees, M.H.K., will address the electors of City East to-morrow evening at half-past seven, in the Mechanics' Institute. We nave reason to believe that Mr Rees "\riil glance, in his usual clear and perspicuous style, at the leading features of the session, drawing attention to the objects souglit so lie secured by the Opposition, and wil?place in a clear li.irht before his constituents the present position of the colony under t/ie new local Government .system.

THE ENGLISH MAILS.

TflE Australia, with the inward San Fran ciso mail-, left San Francisco on the 7th instant. The City of New York, with the Novem ber outward mails, readied San Francisco on the 12th instant, two days under contract time.

A DISCLAIMER.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your last night's report of t!i" previous nights proceeding* at the Mechanics' Institute, you state that under the p'.ea of asking questions, that I denounced Mr l'hilips arid his £100 a year. I bag to give such statement a direct contradiction, and I chal lenge .you or any one else who may have been present at that meeting to prove that I ever spoke one single word that did convey or was intended to convey anything at all against Mr Philips, for I always speak of a -i an as I find him, and in my dealings with him since lie took the oflice of Town Clerk, T liaye ever found him to be most civU and obliging, courteous and gentlemanly in his bearing towards mo and always ready to afford me every information I sought for, and who always gave all the assist ance, m his power to accomplish the object sought toba attained by ins, which was never any thing but what every other citizen might have aaked, and had a right to know. Therefore, you will see that lean have no personal-feelings m the matter whatever, and my questions had no other object than to elicit such answers as should.shew the back parlour manner in which the Council had acted in making the changes they did. and in increasing the salary by £100a year without first advertising the o.ii'ee vacant, and asking for anpiieatiom to b?. sentjp for the o.Hceof Town Clerk, and giving thtfsamcto tha applicant, who in every respectf should be c wsidered the most suitable for a faithful and efficient discharge of the duties of such office, whether tho same should bs JIY Philips or any oae else. For such, a course, which is the only proper one, would leave no ground of complaint against the action of the Council, tp correct which my questions wer« aitnsd, and not aarainst any person whatever.—l am, etc., A. Buttany. [Ourreporter simply stated that Mrßettany attacked "Mr Phillips and his £100 a year," not that ho attacked cither the one or tho other separately ; indeed it is not easy to soe how salary could be attacked without reference to t tio recipient The question put by Mr Batfcany, and taken down at the time, was as follows :— If Mr Phillips can't bring up his family on £100— how can a working man "bring up his on less than £100 ?'—Ed. E.S.]

MR. SWANSON AND THE GRAFTON RIDING.

j (To the Editor of the Evening Star.) I Sir,—l am curious to he informed upon what I proper legal construction of the Act has Mr hwansonbf.cn permitted to be put in uomina | uon, even on the authority of Mr Whituker. for i the ofhoo of Councillor for the Grafton Riding. j Itis a well-known fact that Mr Swansqn is not a ratepayer of that district, is not on tho rate | hook, and consequently ineligible on these ; grounds for election. And further, though on I the roll of electors for a representative of the I district in the General Assembly, ho is not en titled to vote in that Hiding election, because Micro is no " outlying" district within the Riding in question—the only case in which such last mentioned franchise is capable of beingexcreiscd. lliis is* the law as set out in Section 51 <X tlie Counties Act and that -being so. Mr Swanson is surely clearly ineligible under section (il of tlie same Act for a seat in the County Council in respect of the Grafton Hiding. Let me b > understood: I have no objection whatever to Mr Swanson; on tho contrary, I think Grafton has reason to regard it as an honour that so worthy a representative man should have consented to stand; but at the same- time, I am an advocate for the strict con struction of the law in these elective matters, any unequal or loose interpretation of which may lead to error and injustice in other parts of the country. lam sure Mr Swanson would not knowingly leave himself open to two serious consequences—first, depriving a more enable (in law only) candidate of offering himself for a public representative oiiice, and secondly, rendering himself liable to a penalty under the Regulation of local Electors Act; and it is with out the slightest intention of prejudicing Mr Swanson's candidature.but solely to see a public confirmation of my view (which I hold to be correct) of the spirit and meaning of the Act that I am prompted to make the above interrogatory.—l am, &c, Enquirer.

"THE ORPHANS."

The pathetic title of the romantic drama of The Orphans,"drew togethora largonumbcrof i persons in the Theatre Royal, who one and all expressed approval ot" the play. The drama is of a touching rat her than of a sensational character, and the details are vervpleasin?. Miss Dunning s representation of the poor blind trirl, Louise, was a splendid piece of actin-r. and throughout was conceived with exquisite skill. Mr Lingard was Pierre, the cripple, and it is needless to say that the impersonation was comparatively fault less, and elicited oorrlial greeting. Miss Maggie Knight represented Sister Genevieve, in a man ner which shows that this has considerably im proved since she was here last. Mrs Collier was tho Countess, Miss Lawrence Henrietta, Miss Wiseman Mary Ann, with much credit. , MSB?*,i\ Lawrence was very successful asthoChevaJiciK,nxl\ and was called before the curtain and favourefi"*^ 1-1 with soverjil bouquets. Mr. Holloway played a difficult part and played it well. Mr Power, as Picard, was also a good conception. The various scones—the snow, prison, and d"el—were much admired, and highly to the credit of the artißt, Mr Thornton. " Tno Orphans" will be repeated this evening and probably during the week, as it is a drama which will bear a number o| repetitions.

THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1876.



"YT O T T C E DRAPERY GOODS, JfEW AND CHEAP!! The undersigned have Purchased at Auctior a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, just landed ex City of Auckland, the whole of which having been bought at much *mder the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers at "Very Low Pricks. The Parcel coniprises :— Grey Calico, various qualities, from /3.Yd yard Strong White Calico at /i yard, or 3/10~doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., 80-in. & 00-in. Croydon Sheeting, 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, sood, /G each, 5/9 doz. White and Unbleached Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 9/4,10/4 & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rough Brown Holland, from /6 yam Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /lO} and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantine Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at /4J, /si, and /6, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /7J yard Fine Irish Linen, lot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/1 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. do., merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Merino Half-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not sellixg off, we are giving full value for MONEY. X3T One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. ani upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street,. Auckland. V COS GRAVE.& CO. Beg to announce they will bring forward on MONDAY NEXT, 27th NOVEMBER, A Fresh Lot of B A R G A I N S! ! ! __ Consisting of THEIR LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORARI, Purchased at Home at Job Prices, together with the whole SUMMER DRAPERY & CLOTHING, REDUCED IN PRICE TO SUIT THE TIMES! Several Bales of CALICO, damaged by sea ■»»._ ' water'"wm *» Sold under Invoice Price,



B B%7^SmT~^~ 1



LINOLEUM ! CARPETS! (Ex 'Tamaya') FURNITURE! LINOLEUM !—Unsurpassed for Durability; Soft and warm to the foet. LINOLEUM! —Best ever invented for Dining Rooms, Halls, Offices, and Billiam Rooms. LINOLEUM !—A large variety of Patterns at the City Hall Arcade. T INOLEUM!—Fitted to any size or shape -I—l room by Hollo way & Garlick. ARPETS!— Just landed, Velvet Pile, very handsome. CARPETS!— Beautiful Brussels, latest de signs, for Drawing' Rooms. CARPETS ! — Kidderminster, large variety. Tapestry from 2/11 to -1 (3. URNITURE !—lnlaid Walnut Centre Tables, Modern Drawingroom Suites FURNITURE !—Sittingroom Suites, Bedroom Furniture for all classes. F" URNITURE !—The best Show in Auckland. Show Rooms 166 ft. long. _____________ CASH PURCHASERS. BUY your FURNITURE, "DRAPERY, AND CLOTHING at-inr CITY HALL ARCADE. HOLLOWAY & GARLICK, PEOrRTETOKS. Wit A T T II A V' 8 9 GREAT fizr CLEARING SALE -_« Is being CONTINUED THIS (CHRISTMAS WEE X, when there will be— Great Reductions in Black Silks Great Reductions in Coloured Silks Great Reductions in Dress Skirts Great Reductions in Costumes Great Reductions in Underclothing Great Reductions in every Line in the Trade. Take not c: THIS IS A THOROUGHLY GENUINE SALE. W. RATTRAY, Queen-stxieet. TTIURNIIURE! FURNITURE! JD Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish arc respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of Dlt A WING 800 M, D INTNG -ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, In our New and Spacious Sliowrooms T. & H~ COOKE, 67. QUZES STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand. BA N X OF NEW ZEAL AN D. An AGENCY of this Bank has been opened at MANGAWIIARE. Wairoa North, under the charge of Mr. M. Andrews. G. S. KISSLING, Manager. 19tH December, 187 C. The Medical Piiokessioi* hare declared Steaxe's Superlative Aromatic Toxic Wink to be a necessity to all in search of health, and especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to all who arc in a measure compelled from the nature of their occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on tho system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Stcane's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and find it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 1(J per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, A rcgetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Bitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers. All Persons of Intelligence are aware, or should bo, in this century of enlightenment, that i > the best vehicle in diffusing the tonic properties ; of any medicinal preparation throughout the , system is a pure, wholesome spirit. The pro- j sencc of distilled spirit, in an invigorant, pro- ' vided it be pure, is considered by physicians to j greatly promote the operation of the remedial '( principles in combination with it. This is one ( reason why medical men so strongly recommend ' Udoj-pho Wolfe's Schiedam Axiomatic Sou- ' napps as a remedy for debility. i Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. — Tho s musical public and general readers arc cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic ( Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper —and be sure that th^ words " Nono Senumc without the Signature of the Proprietor, FRANK WESTON, Sydney, N.5.W.," arc engraven r thereon. Any other so-called preparations of ] nine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to , nislead the public—Signed, Frank Wcston. Sole Agents: Ivcmpthome, l'rosser and Co.— V ?ricc, Half-a-crown. '\



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