SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

vnmr fxr \Tifp ' This Afternoon, 7.23 lUbrii WAiMt-1 To-morrow Morning, ' 7.11 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.11. SUN RISES.—To-morrow Morning, -1.!2. MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, 10th, 5.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Taraiiaki. s.s., Lloyd, from the South DEPARTURES. Southern Cross, s.s., Holmes, for Napier and Duncdin Augusta, brig-nntir.e, Pulman, for Fiji Kate McGregor, schooner, for Napier via Mer cury Bay Rowcna, s.s. Sellars, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

For Coromandel—Argyle, s.s., Mondays and Fridays For Waagurei—Argylc, every Tuesday For the North—lona, s.s., every Monday For Tanranga— Rqwcna, s.s., Wednesday next. For.London—Orari, ship,26th December"; City of Auckland, early ; Rapido, barque, early; Gionlora. barque, early For Danedin—Southern Cross, ■ mission vessel, early. For Now Caledonia—Tanna, schooner, early. - For the Islands—Loch Lee. schooner For Xew York —K. J, Spence, barque, early. For Gisuorne and Napier—Go-ahead, s.s., Wed nesday next

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Taraiiaki, from Mic South :—250 boxes candles.—ll. S. Meyers. Per s.s. Taivmaki, from the- South :--72 cases, 1 bag. 13-1 sacks, 7 kcs», 3 busses gold, 20 pkgs., 1 cask, I basket, J parcels. Per Kenil worth, fyoni LyLloltoii:—l cases lianio, i cased bacon. - ii. Arthur.

Tho s.s. Taraiiaki, 327 tons, Cap'ain Andrew, arrived at Onehmigti at 8.30 this morning- We arc indebted to Mr O. .J. Kdmiston, purser, for tho following1 report and tiles :—Left Dnncdin at 6.30 p.m. on 'Hii : arrive;! a l. Lyttelton ,°.t. o p.m. 10th: left, at (i p.m. i-Mi; arrived at Wellington at 9.30 a.m. 13th: loi'i at niidnijfht; arrived at Picton atsa.ni. 14th : left at !).;>() a.m. ; arrived at Nelson at t p.m.; left, at 8 p.m: arrived at Taraiiaki at K.iso a.m 151 h ; left at 5 p.m., arriving as above. From Diincdin (o Lyttclton ex perienced strong northerly wind with heavy head sea: thence to Wellington B. 10.; Welling- Ton to Xeison northerly weather; (lieuco to Onehunga light S.W. 1 'avsen^ers—Saloon: Judgp and Mrs (iiUies, Mr Cox. Mr A. Sayder, Mr Storey, Rishop Cowie, Mr Wright, Mr Andrews. Miss Harvey, Messrs Brobnificld, Boardman, Adolph, Hamlin, Denniston, Ivnapp, G&nett, Faweett, Lanigan, Montague. White, Buckland, Williams, Fisher. Leonard. Cameron, Rattray, Reid, and 15 in the steerage.

The s.s. Go-ahead has discharged her coastal cargo of wool, etc., into the ship City of Auck land, .^lio was taken over to the North Shore this morning at daybreak, to bo put on Messrs. Sims and Brown's slip for cleaning, her bottom having become rather foul. The brigantine Augusta left for Lcvuka last nighl. She carries a general cargo. AJ! t-lai'ma against the barrixie Thomas Brown are to be rendered i;v duplicate io Messrs Brown Campbell and Co. by 10 a.in. on Monday. She has entered out for Lannccstou via Wanjjaroa. The schooner Fairy lias arrived from Mata kana wirk 17 head of cattle. Tiic schooner Ruby from Russell brings Gi tons manganese. The s.s. Southern Cross leaves this afternoon for Napier and the South! Captain Holander goes in command for this trip. An Invercargil telegram states[that the William Ackers, Uie wreck ol: which was telegraphed on Thursday is completely broken ""up. The names of those saved are, Captain Joss (a passenger); C'anthey, mate; Ridley, seaman. None of the bodies of those drowned have been washed ashore yet. Nothing has been saved from the wreck. Part of the cargo is insured in the Standard for £500.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Undets:— For Thames.on Monday next, .'it 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Argylo, orijMouday next, sit 11.30 a.m. For Qisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, on Monday next, at 3.15 p.m. For Russell. Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 8 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipn, Wangarei and Mangapai, per Argjle, on Tuc day next, at 4 p.m. Per Zealandia, on Monday, ISth instant, as tinder:— For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands, United .Slates of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United "Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters hearing an extra fee of Gd in addition to the pestage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing. '' N.B. The mails for Waitemata Mills and all the offices in the Kaipara District will, on and after Monday next, ISth inst., close at this office at 1 p.m.. instead of 10 a.m. Return mails will arrive at 11 a.m. instead of 5 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

'CROWDED Out. —Mr .Stevenson's reply to Dr. Wallis's strictures, is unavoidably crowded out, but will appear on Monday.

BIRTH.

McKEEVER.—On the 13th instant, at her re sidence, Onekunga, the wife of Win. McKeever of a son. GRATTAN.—On the 10th December, the wife of J. H. Grattan of a son.

MARRIAGE.

FENTON—WOODS.—On the 13th instant, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Key. P. 11. Cornford, Charles Fenton to Annie Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. J. It. Woods, of this city.

DEATH.

BRINSDEN.—On the 15th instant, at her late residence, Wellesloy-strect, Florence Maria, the beloved wife of William Brinsiien, and eldest daughter of Mr. Dawson, builder.

The funeral will take place at 3.30 p.m. on Monday, ISt h instant.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1876.

?or the cavse {.lint lacks assistance, Iror l!io wrong that ivjcds resistance! For tiic future ill t!ie distance, And the i_'ood that we can do.

MR. Donald Reid,, once a shilling light in Opposition, has declared at the meet ing of his constituents, his complete defec tion from the old party. It was understood during the session that the pawky member for Taieri, notwithstanding lu'.s strong provincial proclivities which before now have been the means of buttering his bread, had perceived that the little represen tative parliaments were played out, and was beginning to discover new and previously hidden beauties in the Counties Act. About the same time rumour mentioned the name of Mr Reid in connection with the portfolio of Public Works, and with the General CJov ernment Agency in Otago. It was hardly necessary for that gentleman, however, in justifying his action, to have assumed the hectoring tone which distinguishes portions of his speech, published in another column. An examination of the facts would shew, that in several respects Mr lieid has sup posed a case to support a foregone conclu sion. We have no desire to quarrel with Mr lieid for his readiness to accept the inevitable, particularly if in doing so lie succeeds in picking up a few crumbs to compensate him for those he has lost; but we have an objection to those appeals to little jealousies upon which lie evidently relies to tickle the ears of the groundlings. Mr Reid endeavoured to play off .as his trump card the old cry that Auck land is bankrupt, and was actuated in ita support of Separation solely by selfish1 and unworthy motives. AYe know that in former times this cry never failed to call forth the plaudits of Otago mobs, but we hoped that more noble sentiments were now actuating Southern politicians. Mr Reid grew quite Avitty over Auckland's readiness to accept her own revenues and the mana gement of her own affairs. It im pressed him, he said, with the idea of a man with £500 a year subject to an annual charge of £550 for interest on mort gage, offering to take a share of his own income. Mr. Reid forgot to mention, how ever, in what way those iucumbranccs had arisen. He gives us the story without its key. The man, he should have mentioned, had been forced into partnership with a number of unscrupulous persons who com bined to seize the most profitable portions of the estate, and devote the revenue therefrom exclusively to their own uses : Who, not sat isfied with that, mortgaged the whole of the balance beyond its value, and spent the bulk of the money to increase the value of the estate they had previously filched. V, hen such a man conies forward, willing to forgive the past, and asking only for the right to enjoy his own in the future it is hardly fitting that those who have fattened on the spoil, should scoff it his claims Mi- Reid thinks the laud fund may become colo nial rcYenue_whcu a uniform price for laud

is established throughout the colony. A first step towards this would be the reduc tion of the land to a uniform quality, and we trust Mr Reid will introduce early next session a bill for the attainment of that most desirable object. Every year the local ex penditure of land fund in opening up roads and railways across the plains of Canterbury, or through the rich hack districts of Otago, is rendering more difficult the attainment of Mr Reid's dim vision of a possible colonial unity. We need hardly refer to the lamentations of the honorable member over the personalities of the House. His melancholy picture of deterioration was overdrawn, although there is probably room for improvement in tho manner of conducting debate. We are not aware, however,of any previous period since the grant ing of a Colonial Constitution, when Parliamentary debaters adopted the suaviter modo as their model. The attacks of Fitz herbert and Fox or the personalities of Vogel have not been exceeded in any debate of the last session, and if Mr Reid calls pleasantly to mind the latter days of political servitude, when expectant members were prepared to cringe and fawn at the heck of a Minister, we are not disposed to exchange the present regime for that which has won his admiration.

Mr Ricliard Dickson announces in another column his retirement from the Mayoralty contests. In compliance with a requisition f.-i.T'i a number of ratepayers the Mayor lias convened a public meeting for Tuesday next in the Mechanics Institute, to hear an ex position of tho m'cws of the other two candi date*.

His Honor Mr Justice Gillies, Mrs Gillies, ;ui;l Bishop Cowie were passengers by the s.s. Taraiiaki. which arrived in tho Manukuu this morning. A Rale of unredeemed plodges will be held at the marl, of Messrs Tonks & Co., under instructions from Mr Noumogen on Monday next, when a large stock of goods will be offered. Mr E. .J. .Moss has been appointed Treasurer to the Board of Education, and Mr V. I). Rice, Secretary. Tlie Poverty Day " Herald" is responsible for the statement that the result of the recent Royal Commission is that Judge Rogan has been exonerated, and that Mr j. A. Wilson ha.s been requested to resign. Mr Thornton, formerly of the firm of Thornton, Smith and Firth, and now a wealthy merchant in Russia, has sent £50 towards the cost of building a new Congre gational Church at the Thames. The Rev P. S. Hay, M.A., just arrived from Scotland, will officiate in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church to-morrow evening. The Installation Banquet of Lodge " Manukau" S.C. came off on Thursday evening in the Choral Hall, Onehunga. The interior of the building was decorated with a profusion of flags, evergreens, and flowers. There was a considerable number of visitors from Auckland, nine of them being either present or past masters of lodge.-i. ({race having been sung, the breUieren settled down to the business of the evening, and enjoyed the dinner and delicacies provided by the host, Bro. Bri crly. The toasts usually proposed by the W.M. and warders were drunk, and Bro. Eastwood addressed himself to the toast of tho evening, "Tho health of Bio. Niccol, the R.W.M." He then presented the salver and biscuit box to Bro. Niccol. The inscription thereon stated that they were given in recognition of Bro. Niccol's services as ft.W.M. for lS7fi of Lodge Manukau. Tho toast was received with all the honours. Bro. Niccol replied at some length, thanking the officers and brethcrn tor the expression of their esteem. Other toasts were proposed, and duly res ponded to, that of Bro. O'Callaglian, " The choir and musical brethcrn " were specially honored, and deservedly so. After every toast there was either a glee, anthem, or other appropriate music given. Bro. Reeves, P.M., presided at the harmonium and piano, and those who know Bios. Saxton and Skinner, Messrs I!lowden, Ryan, and others, have a guarantee that the music -was really excellent. .Songs were also given by Bros. Noilson, Schofield, &c. The Tyler's toast, followed by the National Antliem, closed the night's enjoyment shortly before 12 o'clock. The presentation plate was pur chased from Bro. Kohn Auckland, and was much admired. The selection of the salver and box, was made with the view of honor ing Bro. Niccol's worthy lady.

A dinner in connection with the Manukau Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 20, N.Z., is an nounced to take place in the lodge-room, Commercial Hotel, Onehunga, on Friday the 29th insi. Tickets- may be obtained from Mr S. Morrison, blacksmith, Quceu street.

We referred a few days ago to a proposal to establish a Laundry and Washing Com pany in Auckland. It will bo seen by reference to a- telegram from our own correspondent at Wellington, that Mr Bennett, formerly providorc in the New Zealand S.S. Company's boats, and more recently of the Union Company, lias es tablished a laundry in the Empire city, with every prospect of success. An important meeting respecting ihc route of the Kaipara railway is being arranged to conic oil'in a few days at the Newmarket Hall, of which duo liotice will given. The Juvenile Templars will take their picnic trip to Pakuranga on Monday next, starting from the Lodge-room in Wcllesly street at eight o'clock. Every preparation has been made to give the youngsters a pleasant holiday, and several lady officers of the lodge will accompany the children to take care of them. The Temperance Variety Troupe will give their usual weekly entertainment this evening in the Wellesley-street rooms. Previous to the departure of Mr Ward the local comic and caricaturist, for the •salubrious confines of Sydney, the leading amateurs of Auckland have resolved to give him a complimentary benefit concert, which is fixed for New Year's day, in the Lome-street Hall. The programme is in preparation, and will be duly announced in the Star. _ The subjects of services at the several city places of worship, are announced in our third page. The religious service for the people will also be held at the Welleslcy strect Young Men's liooms. The second of the series of opening services will be held to-morrow at the new Primitive church, Wellington-street. The St. Matthew's; Bazaar in.the Lome street Hall, was Avell attended yesterday, both in the afternoon and evening, and the total amount taken was £34. A large number of the articles were sold, and some still remain on hand. The choir of St. Matthew's, under their leader, performed several glees. The bazaar will be opened tliis evening for the last time. In our police report yesterday the name of Mr. Charles S. 'Shannon proprietor of the Whau hotel, was misprinted Shanaghan. The Treasurer of the Ladies' Benevolent Society returns thanks to F. Woollams, ssq., f,or a contribution of £5 5s to the funds of the Old Womens' Home. The Frauklyn-rood new Primitive Metho dist Church continues its opening services to-morrow. The sermons at] eleven, and evening at half-past six o'clock, will be preached by Hew W. Watkin. We need not say v word as to the popularity of this minister of the gospel. We hope that the friends will have a very large gathering to morrow of those who will give their practi cal sympathy and support. The tea-meeting comes oil" on Tuesday. This is expected to be a great affair, and is looked forward to with large expectations,

The committee of the Saturday Night conceits in the Temperance Hall, have issued a great programme for this evening. The gold ring will bo presented to the secretary, who in reply will relate a chapter of his experiences in connection with the movement. Among the singers of the eveningwe notice the names of Mrsßettany, Miss Woods, and Miss Hill. The comic, and sentimental parts of the programme, will be sustained by Messrs Cornish, Hodgson, Carter, Butschkow, Marter, Hoyle, and McKinnon. The "Tailor of Paris," is a very laughable exhibition, and will be given by special request. The following parcels "have been received during the week at the Old Men's Refuge:—A quantity of bananas from Mrs Sloano; sausages from Mr Dornwoll; 5 coats 8 vests, 2 pairs of trousers, and 2 hata from Mr Ching; and 50 cakes of tobacco from Mr. F, Woollams,of Coro mandel.

BREACH OF PROMISE OF MAR RIAGE CASE.—TRIAL BY JURY.

On Monday evening next a great treat will be afforded to citizens, at tho Choral Hall, by the introduction of Arthur Sullivan's original comic opera " Trial by Jury," in which every character pertaining to the celebrated breach of promise case will be represented in musical character, by more than forty voices and the Choral Society's orchestra, under the direction of Judge Fen ton. This most interesting opera will he followed by Offenbach's line operetta, the "Blind Beggars." "Trial by Jury" was iirst introduced at the New Royalty Theatre, in March of last year and was very successful. The words of the judge, coun sel, evidence, and court functionaries will be in the forms of music and song ; hence the novelty of the comic opera " Trial by Jury." In glancing over the words, wedded to music, a considerable amount of talent is discoverable, as, for example, tho opening chorus:— " [lark! tho hour of ton is sounding. Hearts with anxious fear are bounding, Hall of Justices crowds surrounding, Wreathing hope and foar. For to-day in this arena, Summoned by a stern subpoena, Edwin sued by Angelina— Shortly will appear." This quotation forms the key-note to the opera to follow, and is a fair sample of the style of composition throughout, much of which claims especial notice for ita literary merit. Every utterance of the opera, from tho Judge to tho Court usher, breathes of music and poetry, and cannot fail in being as successful in its issues, as pleasing in detail. The listener will not expect real court dryncss, from some Judge Grave, and Counsellor Dryasdust, but must consider the word " comic "in connection with this breach of marriage case, and not be disappointed to find it iiavored with a sprinkling of burlesque, as will be found in the retrospective chant of the Judge : " When I, good friends, wan called to the bar, J"d m appetite fresh and hearty. Hut J wns, as many young barristers arc, An impecunious party. I'd a swallow-tailed coat of a beautiful blue, A brief which 1 bought of a booby, A couple of shirts, and a collar or two : And a ring that looked like a ruby.'l The trial will be commenced precisely at ciglit o'clock, and the book of words which may be had in the hall, will furnish tlie readers with tho entire narrative of the opera for which we predict a gratifying success.

County Nominations.

NEWTON RIDING.

The following candidates were duly nomi nated to-day to till the ollices of County Councillors for the Newton Hiding, viz :— Messrs Mascfield, Iloldsbip, Thome, Alex ander Black, Noil Lloyd, and James Morton.

\\'(; observe by an advertisement appear ing elsewhere, that the Returning Olliccr, Mr Tolc, has very properly considered the convenience of ratepayers residing in tho densely populated part of this riding, by appointing the Ponsonby Hall one of the polling places for the election, which is to fake place on the 22nd instant. The Newton Hiding comprises 075 rate payers, distributed as follows : Ponsonby, 724; Arch Hill, 155; Newton, 90.

GRAFTON HIDING.

This riding returns one member to tho Council. Tho nominations were received to-day by T. J. Waters Esq., and were as follows :—J)r James Wallis, Francis Cherry, George floldship, William Swanson, William John Suitor.

TAKAPUNA.

The nomination was a very tamo affair. Only four persons were present besides the Returning Officer, Mr Seaman. Tho fol lowing gentlemen were nominated in due form :—John Do Conrcy Ireland, Robert Maekay, Oliver Mays. As only two Coun cillors are required for the Takapuna Riding a poll will be taken on Friday next, tho 22nd, at the Dcvonport Hall, and at the school-houses at the Lake and Stokes' Point. 11, is just possible, however, that Mr Ireland may retire before the polling day.

EPSOM.

The nominations for Eden were received by E. L. Green, Esq., at the Newmarket Flail, the following being tho result :Mr J.May, One Tree" Hill ; Mr Udy, Mount Eilon ;Mr Tothill, Epsom. A poll will be held on the 22nd.

TAMAKI RIDING.

The election of a member of the Council to represent Tamaki takes place at the Panmure Hall this day. The two candi dates to be proposed wern Messrs Barton Ireland and William limes Taylor.

PARNELL RIDING.

The nomination of two members of the County Council to represent the Hiding of Parneil took place at the Parnell Hall this afternoon. Mr R. C. Barstow officiated as Returning Officer. Very little interest appeared to be taken in the proceedings, and only a few persons were present. The chairman having declared the business, Mr James Wrigley was proposed as a candidate by Mr Thus. Morriu and seconded by Mr F. G. Clayton. Mr W. H. Kissling was proposed by Dr. Wright and seconded by Major-General Gossett.

There being no other candidates proposed, the Returning Olliccr declared Messrs Wrigley and Kissling duly elected to serve in the first County Council. Mr Kissiing moved and Mr Wrigley seconded a A-ote of thanks to the Returning Officer, which was carried amid cheers, and the meeting dis persed.

[By Tblegarph],

ONEHUNUA. John Dickon Jackson is duly elected councillor for the riding of Onehunga.

OTAHUHU RIDING.

Nominated :—Samuel Luke, John Gor don, C. A. Calvcrt ; Mangare, J. Itobcrson jun., Walter Paul; Papatoitoi, William McLaughlin.

RUSSELL RIDING.

The folloAving members were nominated at Russell: —Messrs Archer, J. 13. "Williams, Christy and Ford. At Kawakawa Messrs Williams, Agissiz, Simcox, Middleton, and Henry. Afpoll will therefore take place.

HASTINGS.

Three candidates were nominated for Hastings riding : Henry Muss Jacobs, Win. Lang Thorburn, and Richard Mills Hawks.

ALEXANDRA.

The, following were nominated; H, £J,

Brabant, Ngahinepouri; F. C. Germann, Paterangi; D. Hill, Alexandra; and W. Rutherford. A poll takes place on the 22nd inst.

WAIMA RIDING, HOKIANGA.

Candidates proposed : John Bryers, A. Spry Andrews, Kainara, Wharerau, and Mohi Wikitohi. No others being proposed, they are duly elected.

The Waihou returns will not bo here before 6 p.m.

COROMANDEL COUNTY.

The nominations received to-day for Haratanga riding are : Blackmore, Cadnian jnn., Carew, Colcbrook, Coupland, Harris jun., Home, liovell, Luks, Pearco, Wilson, and Woollams.

MAUNGATAWHIRI RIDING.

MERCER, this day.

Richard Hobbs and Robert Proud Esqs. nominated for the Moungatawhiri Riding. The election will take place on Friday next. Through the Government bungling the Mercer Highway District is disfranchised, being omitted in the description of bound aries of the riding. The Returning Officer sympathised, but is powerless. Great dis satisfaction is felt through the district.

THAMES COUNTY.

At the nominations for the County Council to-day C. S. Payne, James Smith, James Coutts, and A. Brodie were nominated for Waio-ahi riding, and Robert Scott, W. S. Greenville, L. J. Bagnall for Kauwaeranga; W. L. Thor burn, of Tararu, and Hawkcs, of Tapu, for Hastings Riding ; D. G. McDonnell, T. Spencer, for Parawai Riding. The nomina tions for Ohinemuri are not ascertained.

l)r Kilgour, candidate for the oilice of Mayor, addressed the burgesses at Short land last evening. Their was a small atten dance, and a vote that lie was a lit and proper person to be Mayor, was carried, less than half present voting.

DROWNING AT MONGONUI.

OUU Mongonui correspondent writes : —" A sad acci<leut happened on Sunday evening last, at lied Rock Valley—-a branch of Omni —during the great fresh, "whereby Frederick Harper, an Irishman —a very worthy, decent man—lost his life. Harper has left a wife and several children. He was a settler on liis own land, and had been in this colony several years. An inquest was held by W. B. White, Esq., Coroner, at Red Rock, on Monday, December 4th, on the body of deceased. Mary Ellen Harper, wife of the unfortunate man, detailed the facts as follows : Yesterday (Sunday), between 4 and 5 p.m., my husband said he would let a calf go. lie and the two boys went; they put the calf over the creek. Jle told the boys to drive it up into the paddock, and he remained to mend the gap in the fence, made to let the calf through. I thought lie was longer away than necessary, and as it commenced to rain, sent my eldest boy to see for his father. He could not see him. After some time— only a few minutes—i sent him again. He returned almost immediately, and said his father was in Hie creek. I ran down. The hoy was in the Mater, holding his father's head up ; the water was up to the boy's knees. Harper was dead. The fresh was rising, and by loaning against a fence-post 1 dragged him up the bank. I sent the boy for Mr Gardiner. It was nearly two hours before lie came. He could not get to mo, because of the fresh for some time. Tlio water rose about my neck whilst I held him. He was very subject, to fits, having them sometimes two or three a day. He had not had one for three weeks, and wan very well in health. His appearance about, the' face was exactly as during the fits. I believe he fell in the water in a iit. Ho once fell in the lire, and was severely burnt, in a lit. My children told me on my return from Mongnnni about three weeks ago thai he had a lit and fell ,in the same creek. He was insensible! a, long time. James W. Harper, son of deceased, and W. A. Gardener corroborated this evidence, and a verdict of " Accidentally drowned by | falling into the creek while in a fit," was returned.

THE COUNTIES ACT.

MOUNT EDKN DISTRICT.

Tun rate-payers of tho Mount Eden district held a meeting last evening in the Edon Vine Hotel for Hie purpose of considering the above. Mr T. Thompson presided. After some discussion on the Act Mr Shaw moved and Mr CofFny seconded

" That the ratepayers of the Mount Eden Dis trict resolve that they will only support a can didate for the Epsom riding wno will pledge. lumself to vote against the permissive clauses of the Counties Act corning into force until he con sults the ratepayers." Mr Hurst suggested the name of Mr Udy as their representative in the County Council, and made a motion accordingly, MrLavers seconded, and it was carried. DEVONPORT. Tho ratepayers of this district held a meeting last evening in tho Dcvonport Hall. ' Mr. P. A. Phillips in the chair. The speakers of the evening were the chairman, and Messrs Kecs, Mays, and Brown. Mr. Mays moved " That in the opinion of this meeting, it is not desirable to bring tho whole of the Counties Act into operation in this county, and the meeting pledges itself to support only such candidates for the ofticc of County Councillor as concur to this opinion." Mr. Brown seconded, and the motion was carried.

; MEETING OEREMUERA AND JSTEWMAR KET RATEPEAYARS. - FORMING A BOROUGH. A meeting' convened by the chairman of the ■ above Highway Boards was hold last night in the Newmarket Hall to consider the advisability of constituting the district a borough under the Municipal Corporations Act IS7(>. Mr Clayton was voted to the chair.—The Chairman stated that the conveners of the meeting desired a full expression of opinion from ratepayers of both districts. The Boards had already deliberated together, and had come to the decision that the two districts would act wisely in joining toge ther to form a borough. They would start with plenty of funds—sonic £2,500. without counting subsidies, a further £600. He would say in coi£ elusion that if a borough were formed ample I funds would be at their disposal for general requirements ; while if they formed part of the County Eden, the money could be drafted off to other remote districts. Mr Scarboro would have liked a separate meeting for Remucra.—Mr Wriglcy then came forward and explained the object of the meeting, which he was glad to sec fairly represented each district. Their proposed borough was the richest riding in the County of Edon. A district which had ever contributed in excess of others to the general revenue of the country, while on the other hand it had never had justice done it The people would do well to take advantage o the opportunity which oilercd of managing their own affairs. He explained the workings of a borough and moved, " That it is desirable to take the necessary steps for forming the dis tricts of Remuora and Newmarket into a borough, under the Municipal Corporations Act. IS7G." Mr. Joseph Osborne seconded the Reso lution—Mr. Speakman proposed an amendment seconded by Mr. Angus, to tho effect that the JMstrict remain under the operation of the Counties Act for a time. Mr. J. M. Lennox supported the amendment. He was afraid the Auckland community was goinif borough mad They were getting two many governors for the" population, and wanted a mayor for every street. lie thought their own particular district not large enough for a Mayor and Corporation and that it was a pity to see boroughs springing up all over tho country like mushroom *. I[6 re commended a fair trial of |the county system Mr McNeill spoke in the same strain. He considered the Road Boai-d under its present able management would look after their own roads and general intorp.s* s better than a Borough Council, at a tithe of the cost of the latter He warned tho meeting, and thought that .Mr Bishop had hit Mr Wriglcy on a vital spot when he touched on slaughterhouse revenue for the Borou-'h Mr Ryburn supported the amendment. Mr McCofl had studied the whole subject, and strongly advocated the Borough system for their own particular districts. Ho pointed out the fallacy Ol expecting much from Government subsidies \inder the existiug liabilities of the Colony. The ratepayers of the two districts would do*well to secure the expenditure of their own respectable revenues. He supported the resolution. Mr Babcr urged a trial of the Counties Act, to test its practicability and usefulness. Mr Hog"'co incided with the resolution- Human nature he contended, was the same all the world over The same in the County of Eden as it had been in the garden of Eden, and the Counties Act would not change that nature. If they formed a portion of a County they might see the rates they paid in Newmarket spent over at Muddy Creek. (Laughter.) His friend Mr McNeill had occupied tho position Qf,yh.ajriaan.Q.£ fas Board,

and had administered affairs in a just, im partial Solomon-like manner for two years (cheers), and had done it all gratis, and was quite able to fill tho .position of Mayor, and do that also gratis. (Cheers.) Mr McNoill made a spirited speech in favour of a trial for the county. Mr Ryburn also suppor ted the amendment. Mr Angus advocated the County system. The Chairman put the resolu tions—ll voted for amendment, 30 for resolu tions, Mr Wrigley's resolutions being carried, Mr Wren moved "That the two Highway Boards bo a committee to carry out resolution. Carried. A resolution was also carried: " That tho candi dates for the Parnoll Riding be requested to pledge themselves not to bring into force the rating clauses of the Counties Act."

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before John Cosgrave and James Baber, Esqs., Justices of the Peace). THE EFFECTS OF THE GLASS. Andrew Mcßride, Charles Dilly, and James Abcrnethy, were (severally charged with drunkenness, and subjected to the usual penalty. ELLEN. Ellen Brown, a middle-aged woman, was charged with being drunk lust night. Prisoner said she was not drunk. It was human infirmity; she fell down in tho wet. Constable Jackson deposed that he picked Mrs Brown up in High-street. She was quite drunk. He helped her to tho station. Sub-Inspector Pardy had no doubt about the woman being drank. Her tongue was a witness against her ; it went at locomotive sjieed. Fined 5s and costs. BREACH OF BY-LAW. Thomas Walters, was charged with com mitting a breach of the by-law, by leaving lii.s horse and cart unattended in Queen street, on the 29th ult. A constable proved the charge ;_ the cart was left without a necessary chain on the wheel, and the horse bolted down Queen street. Fined 5s and costs. CHARGE OF INFANTICIDE. Mary Ann Kane, a delicate looking young Avoinau, apparently about 22, was brought up on a charge of infanticide. Sub-Inspector Pardy asked for a remand in the case, until after the inquest, which would be held on Tuesday next. Remanded until Friday, the 22nd inst. This was all the business.

SWEETHEARTS

This winning and attractive title had the happy eitbet of drawing a good assemblage last even ing to the Theatre Royal, to witness one of the pleasantest comedies of the season. The comedy of " Sweethearts," in connection with the " Lin gard Sketches'" and little Toddlekins," gave variety and pleasure to the audience, who fre quently evinced their approbation in a way not to 'bo misunderstood. Jh the first comedy Miss Alice Dunning (Lingard) appeared to great advantage in the character of Jenny Northcott, which was rendered with that pcrfectability and keen conception of life for which this lady is remarkable. Mr Holloway assumed the char actor of Spreadbow in a masterly manner. We have referred to Mr Lingard's admirable sketches as a complete success, and sec no rcu son to alter our opinion on this head. "Little Toddlekins." in the petite comedy of Charles Matthews, represented Brownsmith with con- Bumnate skill, and produced roars of laughter. Tne bill of fare for this evening promises " Oiir Boys," and " Peter White," a burlesque.

My Weekly Dose.

(BY THE DOCTOR),

, " Laugh and grow fat."--New Motto. IN T THE SERE AND YELLOW LEAF. TnERE is no more melancholy spectacle, my ■ friend, than the decay of a mighty intellect. To , see a grand mind o'erthrown, a brilliant genius waning, is like gazing ut the ruins of some 1 ancient temple, or standing at midnight amidst the darkness and gloom of a public bar, when the inexorable landlord lias extinguished the ' gus, and is deaf to the entreaties or the faithful fewwho linger sadly on the erstwhile gay and festive scene. These solemn thoughts are oiig geatoti by what occur rod to bio tlie other day. A friend of mine, who is a great authority on mercantile matters and statistics, who can tell you in a moment how many buprs of flour have been consumed since the world began, and what is the annual consumption of false teeth, seized me by the button-hole, and with moist eyes dis coursed as follows:—"Now Doctor, why, why | don't you write in a style more contra grano. You haven't got any wit—l may say, so to speak, no, no wit, no wit at all. You're a what you-call-it idiot. Why don't you get me to do the what-you-call-it ' dose ' for you. I've got the what-you-call-it, wit, you know." And here he nourished a formidable walk ing-stick and laughed inwardly ut his own stupendous sagacity. I requested him to oblige with a specimen of his talents, and he went away chuckling. Three hours later ho returned, and with an impressive air laid the following, written inlong. angular letters on the table :—"During the preceding week the mercan tile atmosphere has resounded with the dctonant reverberations of premonitory aberrations. Cheese keeps moving oif, and salmon have jumped upwards; bottled ale is flat; starch is stiffening; there is considerable stimu lation in brandy, and considerable animation is observable in pork sausages. The what you call it is "' This was too much ; I read no more. THE COMING LORD MAYOR'S BANQUET. Through the kindness of one of the committee ' I have been permitted to inspect the programme ! for the proposed Lord Mayor's Show and Banquet which has been prepared in honor of the anticipated triumph of one of the candi dates. The proceedings will open with a grand pro cession of barges and boats from the North Shore to Quccn-streot wharf under the command of Admiral Strong. The Harbour Board dredge will be decorated as a State Barge, and a largo banner will be hung out over the stern with a design formed by two guano birds crouchant, and the motto in large letters : DJB MORTUIS NIL NISI BONE-DUST. After this, there will be a procession up Queen-street, headed by the successful can didate, the street being specially widened for the occasion. He will be attired in a lovely white vest, and his dicky will bo spotless. The carnation in his button-hole will be large and showy. His hat will be the •' Surwarrow " lately exhibited by Hill and Fcnton. His swallow - tail will bo faultless. Round his neck he will wear an immense alumi nium collar, and in his right hand he will bear thei bpeaker s mace formerly used in the Provin cial Council, and borrowed for the occasion On his right will march Mr Blowhard, on the left, Mr rimmerman, while immediately in rear Messrs. llomborg and Bunkum will be got ajsjsySrthS?^ uniform-as g °° and and imposing th° procccdin-s will gorgeous ,JuJ&% the successful candidate will make princely donations out of his private fortune to tho Lying-in-Hospital, and other worthy objects, including £50 to the Doctor for services rendered during the contest ,w aii C- "aiV, luc 1 t wm take Place in the even- >l luch ll al, l w^ 10 voted for the successful candidate will be invited. The room will 'bo tastefully decorated with flags and banners bearing suitable mottoes, such as "There is nothing like bones;' " Success to Button-hol ing, etc th'fefct^SMfa^ Timuic ™-> «* After tho banquet the toasts will be ' vr il)n e»8 Chairman will then propose the ; health of "our guest, his Worship the Mayor." -i He guest will then draw himself up to his full height swell out his chest, smile benignly "ou 1 tho table, concluding with a wink to the chair man on the le=t, and will proceed to deliver a ' fS:- Which th° followill« will be the 1 Gentlemen I asshaw you this is tho happiest ! day of my life (hear, hear). AYhen I wemembor j how [ came to this colony (cheers), and how I have since attained to the pwoud position, [ ] iin - in 01!', W- eally genttemen I asshaw yon not mn - could giye me greater plweasure than to ] ana'lUkE 5° T" lt M? awistocwatic? nians/on 'Uoi AvlsJ\ to do so in the charwacter oiex- I Mayors. Besides my fwend the Marquis of * fch^L^r disling^shod Semen- ttaye— ah— mvitod me, to ah—visit them T intend to go home in twelve months and it will bo a gweat thing, gwentleman, to go SboS V OwC" ly £', clativcs, tls cx-Mayoi* of Auckland! f: * r* • . U»o speaker will then wind up in his A hen I say most emphatically &c " se»uenaenrT£ AMENETIES OF INQUESTS. a Uono nf t^ 10Jn' S? nB. innocently imagine. !r, uono ot those held during the current wpnlc here were two or three incidents tlritrei^Vcd a he monotony of tho occasion. lathamidatof * i dead. when noUiioK was fcwd ft tile a

scratching of the coroner's pen as it glided over the deposition forma, there was a tremendous crash.and the startled jurymen thought there had been a shock of an earthquake. They recovered from their temporary alarm, when a respectaL>*% but exceedingly corpulent juryman was JtnJ covered sitting amidst the ruined fragment i~ffj a broken chair. The juryman was helped E"3f and things restored to the even tenor of ftFl- 1 way, but a few minutes later two othor "good men and true " subsided on to the floor, the back of one chair having become dislocated, while another suddenly fellinto a state of decomposition Everyone laughed except the coroner. Let me suggest that at each future inquest every iury man should be directed to bring his own chair. A HEARSE STORY. There was a funeral the ether day in one of the suburbs, and a hearse was hired for the occasion. Having performed the sad obsequies, the funeral party set out on their return, stopping at a wayside inn just to cheer their drooping spirits after the late depressing circumstances. The tipple was good, and it required more than one glass to restore them to their usual spirits. One of the party whose sorrow had been deep, and whose nerves grief had somewhat shaken was so overcome that his friends, in starting again for town placed him inside the hearse. On the way each one branched off to his home, leaving the driver, who was not aware that he had a live corpse inside the hearse The vehicle was put in its usual place, and the driver left. Nothing happened until midnight, when a half-drowsy groom lying in one of the stalls, imagined he heard groans proceeding from the inside of the hearse. He got up and listened. Sure enough there were groans which made hi 3 hair stand on end. He ran outsWe and yelled "murder! ghosts ! thieves !" alarming the neighbours, who threw up their windows and asked "Where's the fire T Then a tall policeman came along, and was informed of tho mysterious affair. He pulled out his hull's eye lantern, and having cautiously approached the hearse exclaimed "Ah, git along wid ye now, sure it's nothing at all at all," A terrific groan, followed by the noise of a struggle inside tho hearse caused the peeler to drop his lantern and to run out exclaiming "Ooli! bo de holyfhraust!" A posse of constables under Sergeant O'Connor arrived on the scene just at the moment when the man had managed to open the hearse-door and get out. SUCKING BARRISTERS. As there is already in Auckland one barrister and solicitor to every five inhabitants, I was under the impression that we had lawyera enough and to spare for a generation or so. But it seems I was mistaken. A Commissioner who lately inspected City East schools, has made a suggestion which ought to immortalize the name of Clarkson. He says, "I should recommend the boys to obtain the Education Act and amend ments and study them for themselves." What a splendid idea ! No doubt Mr. O'Sullivan will jump at it, and at once substitute Acts of Par liament for the common and uninteresting "Royal Readers." Might I suggest that the Counties, Financial Arrangements, Rating, Local Elections, and a few other Acts be added, just to provide a change of subjects whenever the boys grow weary of tho Education question. It would be so nice to have " our boys" taking the chair at meetings of ratepayers and explain ing the leading features of the local Government scheme, and as essays have been suggested, perhaps one of Mr. Worthington's youths would write a work in three volumes, entitled '*A Key to the Local Government Scheme." I see one of tho newspapers spells tho superintend ent's name as " Worington." If Mr. Clarkson'g suggestion bo carried out the name will be peculiarly appropriate.

TELEGRAPHIC.

[FEOM OUR OWX CORRESPONDENT.]

TAURANGA, this day. (From Our Own Correspondent).

MR BROOMHALL AT TAURANGA.

Mr Broomhall, yesterday evening, received a deputation of Good Templars and entertained them with an interesting account of the progress of the Good Templars in England and America. Later in tho evening ths Kaimal commitfee presented an elaborate memorandum of the pre sent position of the Te Puke block, and shewing the course to be adopted to remove effectually the Maori difficulty.

j\Tr Broomhall expressed himself much pleased at the ardent interest in the movement by the Tauranga settlers, and also v.'ith the capabilities of the district. The Maori difficulty alone %yas a great terror to the prosperity of the district. Mr Broomhall left this morning, via lakes, en route to Wellington.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day

Tho Piako Company, finding the block unpayable, discharged tlie hands working on those blocks, about 50, and stopped the battery. Operations are now confined to pushing ahead the main drive. Caledonian tribute, 11 tons 6S ozs; lieiival, 5 tons 38 ozs. Alburnia tribute (Allen), 7S tons 503 ozs 4 dwts.

Kuranui tribute (Mills), 30 tons 85 ozs 11 dwts.

Saturday night,. 40 lbs for IS ozs, Monday Morning, 12 lbs 12 ozs.

ALEXANDRA, this day. NATIVE MEETING AT HIKURANGI.

There is a large native meeting going on at Hikurangi from all parts. Major Tc Wheoro has gone up on behalf of the Government. Tawhiao, with the Kawhia, natives, returned there yesterday.

NAPIER, this day DEPARTURE OF ZEALANDIA. Sailed : At 2.30, Zealandia.

WELLINGTON, this day. MR BENNETT'S STEAM LAUNDRY.

Harry Bennett, who is well-known as for many years tlie providorc of the old New Zealand Steam Company's boats, and more recently of the Union, is now keeping a steam laundry here, and though he h:is been at work only a short time, lie is overwhelmed with work, though his appliances arc some thing superb. lie spent nearly £4000 ou the plant in the first place before an article was washed. He has got a seven years' contract for the Union Company's washing, and, generally speaking, is right for his pile. There is another laundry here, steam, so called, but it is not equal to Bennett's. PROSPEROUS NEWSPAPERS.

The "Argus" Company have held their annual meeting, and are perfectly satisfied with the position and prospects of the paper. The " Times," too, is said to be progressing favourably.

Mr. Reid's Speech.

DUNEDIN, this day.

Tho following were the references to Auckland matters made by Mr Reid yester day in addressing his constituents at Mosgiel :—" I may explain that Mr Wiiitaker was represented a.s being a very clever, talented 'man, that would bring one lor two additional votes with him, audit ! was hinted lie would be made the leader of the party, as lie understood more of the management of the House, and altogether he was looked upon as a great acquisition^ the party. Yon will judge of my surprise later on when he had joined the Govern ment I found from the same persons that Mr Whitaker was a land jobber, and anything but a desirable man, and those who represented him as being such an ac quisition now considered him a despicable man. I was reminded very much of Dog berry iv his advice to the Watch. My feel ing was that we had risen to thank Heaven we were rid of a knave judging from the remarks of the same men' who before that thought highly of Mr Whitaker. Was that the style of conducting political war fare you desire? When a gentleman is voting with me I can see his defects and his good qualities just tho same as when he is voting-opposite to me. I can give credit to men for good motives when "they vota against me, and I say if it conies to that, that men's private characters are to be attacked, and they are to be traduced be cause they are upon opposite sides of poli tics, then, the sooner we retire from politics; the better for ourselves. THE AUCKLAND-OTAGO ALLIANCE. It had been alleged the North Avas with us in supporting Provincialism, but ha would quote from a speech deliveredjn^ir. Ue«uleL' j Wood to show surhwnsj^l^m^- '^f / North had oi^^l iws*/ ■Wi^^paid^Pil^^^^fiK' XortlrfPPdetic.ifc for the six months ending the 30th June last amounted to £60,338, and the oiler which they made about accepting their customs revenue, seemed very much like a man with an income of £500 a year, who was to pay £050 interest on mortgage, offering to takQ a Sjlifwe of his own income.

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1876.



TXT R A T T R A V ?V 9 Will Sell TPTIS EVENING, and during CHRISTMAS WEEK, in his Great Sale :— Batiste Costumes at 12/6 Printed Cambric Costumes at 10/6 39/ Pique Costumes at 22/G and 25/ Biack Grenadine Tight-fitting1 Sleeveless Jackets, with Tabliers to match, atl2/C: good value for 35/ Black Grenadine Polonaise, slightly damaged, to be cleared at 5/. These Goods arc all very suitable for tie ensuing holidays Irish Poplins, Blacs-r and Coloured Silks, Skirts, and Underclothing-, at a very large dis count. N.B.—-The Half-a-crown (2/6) Tussoirc Wash . ing Silk is the most sterling value ever offered in the Colonies. W. RATTJEtAY, Queen-street. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. HL. POSSENISKI E, o In thanking his patrons and the. general public for past favours, begs to intimate that he has k2l removed removed *m to more central premises (First Shop in Shoktland-street), AND HAS UST OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF TWEEDS, FANCY COATINGS AND VESTINGS, &c., &c, &c. T^T O T I C E. DRAPERY GOODS, NEW AND CHEAP!!! The undersigned having Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, just landed ex City of Auckland, the whole of which having buen bought at much under the usual Warehouse Kates, they can afford to oiler to their Customers at Veuy Low Pbiceb. The Parcel coin prises :— Grey Calico, various qualities, from /3'rJ yard Strong White Calico at /I yard, or 3/10~doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & SO-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., SO-in. & 90-in. Croydon Sheeting, 1/6 yard Huckaback Towels, good, /6 each, 5/9 doz. White and Unbleached Damask and Damask Table Cloths, from 2/6 0/1,10/1 & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Bough Brown Holland, from /6 yard Halfdrossed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /10} and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantiue Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at 11% /SJ, and /6, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /7$ yard Fine Irish Linen, lots of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/i yard Gents' Hr. Cotton Half-hose do. do., merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Merino Half-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of 1 >rapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not selling off, wo arc giving full value for MONEY. S3" One Shilling in the & returned on all pur chases of 20d. and upwards. ' RUSHBROOK & EEIDGMAN, Uppeb Queen-street, Auckland. (Pi RE AT REDUCTION ix CLOTHING. \JT . Merrs Drab Felt Hats at 10/6, reduced to 2/ Boys' Drab Felt Hats at 7.0, reduced to 1/ Linen-faced Dux Collars, .1 Boys' Drill Suits from -1/G to 8/ the full suit of Jacket, short Trousers, and Vest; Men's Tweed Suits, slightly damaged, from uOs., less than half-price. All Kinds of Men's Hosiery and Mercery at Sale Prices. Just Received : PITH HELMETS. W. KATTR W't!



X INOLEUM! JLJ CARPETS! (Ex '-Tamaya') FURNITURE! J INOLEUM!—Unsurpassed for Durability; JIJ Soft and warm to the feet. T INOLEUM!—Best ever" invented for Dining J-J Rooms, Halls, Ollices, and Billiam Rooms. INOLEUM!—A largo variety of Patterns at i_ the City Hall Arcade. T INOLEUM !—Fitted to any size or shape -B-J room by llolloway & Garlick. C ARPETS I—Just landed, Velvet Pilo, very handsome. /CARPETS!—Beautiful Brussels, latest do vy signs, for Drawing Rooms. CARPETS !— Kidderminster, large variety. Tapestry from 2/11 to -1/6. T7IURNITURE !—f ulaid Walnut Centre Tables, JL Modern Drawingroom Suites TpURNITURE ! —Sitting-room Suites, Bedroom jl Furniture for all classes. T^URNITURE !—The best Show in Auckland. JC Show Rooms lG6ft. long. HSERAL DISCOUNT to CASH PURCHASERS. BUY your FURNITURE, DRAPERY, AND CLOTHING at TMK CITY HALL ARCADE. lIOLLOWAY & GARLICK, PjiOrKIJCTOKS. J7? UII NIT UHE! FUR NJTUR B I Ladies and ffenlkttwm clout to F.imish are respect fully requested l.> inyeet On L-inja SL'ck of DRAWING RoOM. J)/::Vl .\ rfJ ■HO ) M BEDROOM, AND OBNKRAL HOUSEHOLD FLHtNI TURE, In our Hem and Spacious Showrooms T. & IL COOKE, 07, QU6BX STREET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand.



The MEDICAL !'K.>i''!.;ssi'.>N T have declared STIOAXIO'S SUPKIttiATIVJi! AIiOMATfC TOXIC WINK to be a iH'cessily to all in search of health, and especially to those enfforing1 either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, J)ys])i'psia, and the dis orders arising therefrom. This Tonic is also particularly recommended to ta 11 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 must beneficially on tin system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — "I have examined Steanc's Superlative Aromatic Tonic Wine, and tind it to be remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining" about 1(5 per cent, of a very pure alcohol, and holding in solution a clear wholesome, Vegetable Bitter, combined with a fruity spicy aroma. I consider this Hitter a very superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and Hotel keepers. The Little Cells imbedded in tho lining of the stomach exude an acid fluid essential to diges tion. When these cello become abnormally ex cited, they pour forth an excels of this fluid, producing acidity of the stomach and the sting mpr sensation called heartburn. This cause of indigestion, us well as its consequences—flatu lence and biliousness, is speedily obviated by t!iu tranquilising influence upon tho nerves of the stomach by Udolpho Wolfjs's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps. Mark Twain o.n Bad Musicians. — The musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Wcston's Wizard Oil and Ma^ic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be siu-c that the words "None Genuine without tho Signature of tho Proprietor, Faank Weston, Sydney, N.5.W.," arc enjjravcn thereon. Any other so-called preparations o£ mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price. I'lalf-a-crown.