SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TTT _, T ~- . , rT^., < This Afternoon, o.S HTGiI WATEII—- ( 'j.v,-uu>rrnw Morning:, 5.32 SUN SK.T.-This K'veiiing, 7.9. SUN WISK—To-morrow Mornin~, 1.11. MOON'S AGE.— New Moon, lOt.h, 5.33 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Ive.nihvortli, schoo:iei\ from Lyttclton Minuchahu., schooner, from Lyttcllon

DEPARTURES.

Knropa, barque. Modley. for Cork Emu, :>;>\-iii iry screw barquenline, Martin, for Lrviika Charybdis, schooner, Lovorock, for Caroline .Islands Jane Douglas, s.s., Frasor, for Gisborno and Napier Golclen Isle, schooner. Cor Russeli

The s.s. 00-ahca:Vs departure has been post- : poned till Monday at -1 p.m. The barque Europa, having been detained quite a week longer than expected owing to the diiiL-ulty oxpcrieneod in crofting a crew, took her departure from the North Head yesterday a^tTnoon with a favourable southerly breeze, and resumed her voyage to Cork "for orders. Three of her refractory sailors, who ]iruj V.een imprisoned, wove taken down to the vessel at thelnst moment and put on board. The schooner Charybdia left yesterday evening fjr tho Caroline Islands in charge of Captain Livcrock. She has a cargo of trade- Messrs. Stone Btos. have received a telegram announcing the safp arrival of the barftno Bella Mary in Hobart Town. The message adds that tho ■■'Bella "is likely to leave for Auckland on or about the 22nd irist. The s.s. Taranaki, which leaves for the South on Monday next, will inaugurate the cheap return fares advertised by the Union Steamship Company for the Christmas holidays. '1 he tickets are issued up to the 31st January, and are available till the 23th February. The s.s. Wellington which left, Oneliunga for the South yesterday afternoon, took the follow ing passengers:— Mr and ?>lrs Osborne, -Mr and Mrs Meek, Mrs Martin, Mrs Buttle., Mrs Sop with, Revs. Calder, Douglas, Shimffs, Elmshe, Patereon, McCrae, Messrs. Garde, Levy, Bro fleld, Hawhes, Andrews, Harris, Hussny, .Jannc son, Craig, Coats, McLean, and nine steerage. The s.s. Jane Douglas left for Gisborne and Napier yesterday afternoon with the following passengers :— Mrs Smith and family (5), Captain Chrispr Messrs. Ballin and Lloyd. The auxiliary screw barqnentino Emu sailed forFiii yesterday evening with a cargo of sheep and general merchandise, and the following passengers :—Messrs. Eriggand Scot Is (I). The schooners Minnehaha and Belle Bran don, now in port, will after discharging, load at once for Lyttclton. They will endeavour to get down in time to take part in the regatta at that port, on the Ist of January. The schooner, Minehaha, arrived from Lyttcl ton this morning, with 500 sacks wheat, and 70 sacks bone dust. She left on the 2nd. The schooner Gem and the cutter Champion has cleared for Russell in ballast. She sails this afternoon. The brigantine TJyno has cnterocl out for x>ew Guinea, and the Star Queen for Sydney. The ketch Adah brings 12,000 ft. timber and sundries from the Thames. The ketch Fanny Kelly brings 25.000 ft. timber. 12,000 shingles, and sundries from Whangaroa,

COMMERCIAL.

At B. Tonka & Cos. sale of land in the Wai kato andKaipara there was a good attendance, and the following prices were realised:—Lot fr'3 Xsaruawahia, with store and dwelling house, £400: lot 77, Alexandra, West County, 1 acre, £12 10s: lot 75, do., do., £15 : lot 3. Parish of Panaron, Kaipara County, 42 acres, i™? per acre-lot 10 Parish of Horotiu, on the Wai pa River nfl acres, £'200: lot GOO, Tsyarunwahia, £303: "lots 620 and 602, R^aruawahia, with four houses. £-275: lot 601, Ngaruawahia, with one house £60. At the sule of Fiji sugars there was alar c attendance of buyers. The cargo of the Aur-u-fa, consisting of 2,f>00 bags, was quitted from £2110s to £27 5s in bond. _ Mr J! Vrthuv held a clearance auction sale at. Mr Havbut/s fancy warehonsa, Shortlanrl-street. The attendance was only fair, and the bids were not very encouraging Backhand's sale of Poverty Bay horses to-nay was well attended ; the bidding was spirited, and the various lots fetched capital prices, varying from £5 to £27 10s. 70 lots were offered, and ever}- one was quit ted.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m., and to-nior

row, at 11.30 a.m. For Coromandcl, per Lalla Rookh, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m., and per Argylc, on Iriday next, at 2.30 p.m. For Russell, per Champion, tins day, at 8 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, JTatakana, and Te Ami per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Whitiansra. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Konxna, o:i Friday next, at 1 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, on Saturday next, at 1.15 p.m. . For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at Ba.m. . , Per Zoalandia, on Monday, 18th instant, as " For Kandavu, Sandwich Islands. United States 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, ana newspapers, at '0 a.m. , , Late letters bearing an extra fee of (>u in addition ro Hie postage, will be received by the. Mail A?e-nt on board up to time of sailing. S. B. BIS 3, Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

FIELDSKND—HARDING.—On November 20, at Wellington, by the Rev. J. Patterson, Albert Ficldsend, of Market Basin, Lincolnshire, England, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mrs. Harding, Howe-street, Newton, Auckland.— Home papers please copy.

DEATH.

ROBERTSON.—On the 12lh instant, at his re sidence, North Shore, William Robertson, blacksmith, in his .seventieth year. The funeral will leave his laic residence on Thursday, 11th December, ut 4 p.m. Friends please accept this invitation. O'NEIL.—On the 12th December, from injuries received at the Silt Basins, Queen-street Wharf, Auckland, John Archibald, finest son of John and Mary O'Ncil, a.vet 11 years. The funeral will leave Victoria Quadrant to-morrow, at 3 p.m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

MltS BEIUIY, Devonport. —The names you wave are not mentioncil in the "Next of Kin Gazette." Ml? JAMKS Dkmi'.skv. — The letter came too late for publication to-day. it, will appear to-morrow. "tihlP PAXJiL" and "D.S.C." are to hand.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1876.

?„r i'if c. . -,c that lacks assist.-, in,- ilic «rni.i_j t!i::t nccilb re.-is I-..: ;'•<: iiiiiiri: hi ;lie ill-lance, Aiid t._e .focil that we can

..'.nee, stance, 1 no.

The ratepayers of suburban districts, as might be 'anticipated, arc floundering dreadfully among the several cumbersome Acts thrown down among them by the General Government. Mr. Beetham expres sed the feeling of the majority of those who have attempted to form an intelligent judg ment when he declared that " the more he studied the Counties Act, the greater diili culty he found in arriving at a conclusion on the matter." The Act, however, provides one saving clause for the suburbs, in the pro vision that by forming Corporations the ratepayers may at any time withdraw their respective highway districts from the control of the County Council. The wealthincss of the County of Eden oilers a very strong temptation to the suburbs to give the Act a trial. The highway districts arc naturally reluctant to throw away all chance of participation in the £1000 or ±"5000 ex clusive revenue in the shape of subsidies, &■&, which must go to the County; and may fall back into the Colonial Treasury by a refusal to work the Act. Meanwhile, how ever, there is a pressing necessity to proceed with the election of County Councillors, and although the Government have not chosen to make widely known the fact, through the ordinary channels of advertising, we may inform elec tors in the various ridings, that the nomination of any candidate t'> repre sent a riding in a County Council must be made in wilting by two electors, and signed by the candidate'himself as a consenting party to the nomination, on forms which are supplied by the various returning officers, and sent in to the returning officers not later than the day preceding the day of nomination, which is the lGth. On the day of nomination the forms are posted up in some public place. These steps are provided for in the 11th clause of the Local Elections \;+ VI nominations for {he County Councils throughout the province mns*, next " We 11 b^ve^fi Ur^ceX^tiie ridings throughout the F<>vi»ce wUI fail to return members

through sheer ignorance of the law, the absence of publicity, and the inefficiency of the Returning Officers, whose duty it should have been to direct them. Ihe whole thing is hi terrible confusion; but the first business of the highway districts forming the various ridings is to elect the County Council, leaving lire future course very much dependent upon tho estimates of revenue and expenditure which the Council may be able to lay before them.

One alternative open to suburban districts which are at present deliberating on their future form of government, has not been fully ventilated, although some ratepayers appear favourably disposed towards the scheme. This is tho proposal to extend the city boundaries, lhc area comprised within tho existing borough limits is exceedingly small, and the oity is richly endowed. It might, therefore, under certain conditions, be advantageous for some ot our suburbs to seek incorporation into the city. These conditions, however, must involve, the exemption of newly-added districts from special rates which the borough has already expended, and from which the suburbs could not now derive the slightest benefit. But there appears to bo in tin; nesv Act no provision granting this exemption, a privilesovery distinctly conferred in the Municipal Corporations act, 18157. Under clause 110 the, Corporation is empowered to levy a "general" rale for tho nnexpired portion ol: the vcar current, when the adjoining district was absorbed, but we cannot discover any pro vision which places Hie assessment oi lhc added district 0 on any exceptional footing; subsequently. It may be inferred, therefore, that the new dis trict would become liable for flic whole general mid special assessments in the city amounting to "ti in the pound annual value, Itis not probable that any suburb will seek confederation on those terms, which mean the quadrupling <>t the present suburban taxation without anyassnranco of an equal local expenditure. The machinery for p-iving effect to an intended extension ot city boundaries is somewhat curious. The Governor is empowered to incorporate, by proclamation, any district, not forming any part of an existing borough into the borough adjoining it. Beiqro doing so, however, he must notify the in tention in the borough and adjacent district, and if within two months afterwards, a petition sifrncd by one third the householders in the district or borough affected is sent, the proclam ation shall not be issued. If is not provided, however, by what process the Governor may bo moved to take action in the matter. One halt the householders in any specified portion of the district proposed to be annexed, may also, by petition, secure the exemption of their neigh bourhood. The formation of small boroughs would in all probability, result in the ultimate amalgamation of all the outlying boroughs into one powerful city corporation, but at present we hardly think the suburbs would find it advan tageous to seek the suggested re-union.

His Honor Mr Justice Johnston is known to be a great stickler for the dignity and privileges of the Bench. At Timaru, says a telegram, His Honor was reduced to the necessity of holding a Court in the Mechanic's Institute, where he complained bitterly of the cold, and threatened to adjourn the Court unless the weather moderated. Luckily, Jupiter Piuvius com miserated his Honor's position, and the weather so far moderated as to permit the Court to sit.

The half yearly entertainment of the Pitt street Wesley;'" Young Men's Society, will be given on Friday evening next at 7 o'clock, in the Pitt-strcct school room. The enter tainment will he of a very choice character. There will be a grand vocal and instrumen tal performance, which always speaks for itself. There will he the readings, and efforts in elocution, from some eminent members of the Society. The pieces are very varied, the humorous, and the comic, the sublime—in opposition to the ridiculous. Some of the readers possess the power to make the literary part of the programme a "reat success. There will he the lavish distribution of refreshments -and the delicate fruits of the season, and when it is snid the charge is only Is, we may fairly conclude there will be an audience of hundreds on the occassion.

To the Editor : Sir, —Allow me to stale through your columns that the boy, Eugene Richard, who, wlicn he was examined at the Police Court yesterday, said that he is a scliolai of St. Paul's School, lias not been here since the third week in March last. —

Your,-!, etc, IIKNItY WoItTIIINUTON, City East School.

To the Editor : Sir, -"Will you allow me, through the medium of your pages, to say a word or two on a ca*c that was heard at the Police Court yesterday, and at the same time to aslc yoii why yon only published the evidence for the prosecution, and not one word of tin.1 defence, whereby the public must perforce believe in the guilt of the defendant? May! ask yon to please cause this to lie done. Now the rase is over, F may be allowed to say that without the " skipper's" evidence there is not a particle of evidence against the man, whom I believe to lie as innocent of the charge as I am myself. Is it nothing for the consideration of the Bench thai a man may for years lead an unblemished life in our midst? -And where so much doubt existed should he not have received the benefit of it? But on the won! of one man to be convicted., and sent for six weeks to herd with felons, and this man a straii"vr, whose word may be naught. And in the hurry and throng was it not fjuitc possible for even such a knowing head as the ".skipper's" to bo deceived? Sir, agrcat wrong has been done, and 1 hope an abler pen than mine may lake up poor Rosser'tf case. Could you have known him as long aw myself, and have seen his honest upright ways', I should have no trouble to enlist your sympathy on his behalf.—l am, etc., JOHN S. Weulkv, Duke-street, Newton.

Vv re learn from our Warkworth corres pondent that the tender for the supply of 300 telegraph poles for a line of telegraph between Warkworth and Wiiiwera has been obtained by Mr Snooks, a settler in the district, Mr C. Maling, Telegraph Sur veyor, has gone up to Warkworth to superintend the initiation of the work, which is expected to bo completed about the 16th January. The line will be a great boon to the residents in Warkworth and Waiwcra, and will undoubtedly add to the many other civilized comforts which tourists at the latter place enjoy.

The contract for taking coal out of the Bay of Islands Company's mine at Kawa kawa, and conveying the coals to the shoot, has boon .secured by Messrs John Konyon and John I toss. The Company still retain everything in their own bands as before, the contract being limited to getting out coal.

A meeting of ratepayers in the Karanga hape district was held in the Newton Con gregational school-room, Ediugbiirgh-street, last evening. Mr F. Cherry, who was voted to the chair, explained the principal features of the Counties Act, and statedtluithe consi dered the district had been badly treated in not beiii^- allowed to return a member to the County "Council. Mr. Duke condemned the Counties Act, and moved, " That the trustees of the Karangahape District take steps to form the district into a Munici pality."—Mr. Holdship, in seconding the motion, pointed out several difficulties in the working of the Counties Act._ He was in favour of a Borough, and believed that enoiHi public spirited gentlemen would be found to perform the public duties without pay. Dr. Wallis objected to the district being formed into a Borough. If the prin ciple were adopted, the riding in which Karangahapc was situated would have nine Mayors and 45 Councillors. Collision would occur in the powers of th; neighbouring boroughs. He adduced other arguments in favour of joining the Auckland Munici pality. By becoming part of the County Council they would receive the £2 subsidy for eaeli £1 raised. He moved as an amend ment, " That it is undesirable at the present time to adopt the Borough system, and after a discussion it was carried by 14 to 12. On the motion ot J)r. Pnrchas, a committee was appointed to consider what was best to be done in the interest of the district, and on the motion of Mr Holdship, the District Board, with Messrs. Wallis, Holdship, and Talbot, were appointed, a Committee,

Mr Martin of the Model Training School, Choral Hall, intends to give the scholars under his charge a day's outing, at the Ellerslio Gardens on Friday next. Ihe hue shade, and ample space afforded for recrea tion and sports, make the Gardens the most suitable place in Auckland for picnics and reunions of all kinds. A special tram will leave at 9.20 to convey the party out. Ihe catering will be under the management of Mr. Brown.

The New South Wales cricketers, it appears, were not beaten after all, but won the match against Lillywlnte's eleven, by 3 runs, and two wickets. The mistake in supposing the English team victorious, arose from the loose wording of the cablegram received on Monday last. That contained the words "Sydney men out tor 123." It was of course concluded from this that all the Sydney were out, and as it was known they required to get 147 to win the inevitable deduction was that they had boon beaten. It now turns out that all the Sydney men were not out when the stumps were drawn on Saturday. Ihe match was resumed on Monday morning, with the result above mentioned.

There is a man named Bosh at Napier who figures in the Police Court as an mu biia.tc.

The "Intelligent Vagrant," in the "New Zealand Times," says :— One of the up country townships in Otago has got a Mayor with a most appropriately festive name. He advertised in the local paper that the 9th of November would be kept as a public holiday, and signed himself David A. Jolly, Mayor. We have to acknowledge £1 from Dr. Kcndcrdino for widow Home, of Paniell.

We have received a souvenir of the Phil adelphia Exhibition in the form of a circular issued by Messrs Flomming and Co., pro prietors of tho Scottish Printing Ink Manu factory, of Edinburgh. In the circular to hand the virtues of their printing inks are set forth in about 80 languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, Hindostani, Persian, Hebrew, Gaelic, Welsh, Siamese, Turkish, Malayan, Irish, Telegraphic cypher, Pit man's phonography, Japanese, Chaldee, Russian, Choctane, Maori, Madagascar, &C.

At ;i meeting of the Scottish Volunteers, last evening, in the Drill-shed, Lieutenant McLennan and Sub-Lieutenant Codling were rc-cloctcd. We have received a draft prospectus of a proposed Washing and Laundry Company, capital £500, in .shares of £1 each. The objects of the company arc defined to be : The giving permanent and remunerative employment to a number of very deserving women, who arc now unable to obtain work, and who have been deserted or left destitute by misfortune. It is proposed to guarantee that the laundry work shall be efficiently performed, and that every security shall be given for tlie safe custody of property. It is proposed to lease or purchase a suitable site for the laundry and furnish the necessary appliances, to collect and distribute linen entrusted for washing, and to place" the establishment under the control of a well ([iialiiicd, experienced person, assisted by a committee of management, to be chosen by the shareholders. At Takapau lately a swagsman went into an hotel while the landlord was outside playing quoits, and attempted to rob the tillj which was lifted with an American Patent Alarum. As soon as the swagsman got hold of the handle an alarm was sounded, and when the IJoniface rushed in he found the would-be thief staring aghast with his hum] still on the till-handle. The landlord administered a severe thrashing and kicked hint out. A public meeting of ratepayers of the Eden Ten-ace district will be held this evening, in the Kdcn Nine Hotel. At the creditors mccl ing in the estate of (ieorge Cottis, tomato sauce manufacturer, l'arncll, held yesterday, the liabilities were set down at 1.C121 Is* assets nil. Mr T. Maellarlane was appointed trustee. The Treasurer of the Orphan Home acknowledges with thanks a donation of ten guineas from 1\ WoolldmsEscj. towards the purchase of cows for the Institution. At the Harbour Boaid meeting yesterday, Mr Oliver .Mays gave notice that he would move at the next meeting " That the Queen-street wharf be extended to the North Shore." The notice excited a con siderable amount of laughter. Two American hairdressers in England have been competing keenly with each other. One employed pretty young ladies as manipulators of the hair, and beards of his customers. The opposition immediately oll'ered a glass of beer to all comers. The result, was an unusual rush of business to both establishments. The usual quarterly meeting of the 11.A.C. H. Society will be held this evening in St. Patrick's Hall, for the nominating officers for the ensuing term. Mr. Hughes informs us that the Finan cial meeting of the Hope of Auckland Tent of Kechabites will be held on Monday evening next, the 18th inst, and not on the Kith inst, as previously stated. The chairman of the Harbour Board yestcr-

day referred to the arrival ofmailstcamersin

this city on Sundays, ami lie thought some alteration in the clay should ho made, in this rospect, as Sunday was not, a suitable day. Mr. Isaacs supported Captain Daldy's view, and in a brief, but sensible speech, .shewed pretty conclusively, that it was wrong both religiously and commercially, and Ins remarks met with general approval. It was finally decided that the matter should be referred to the Wharf Committee, and after its consideration by them, be submit ted to the notice of the General Govern ment.

Joseph T'axton, Esq., will deliver his lecture on " Psalmody" this evening, in the Choral Hall, according to advertisement. A gentleman rasidmurin Srniomls-strcet, found a lavtfo ban-- by the (ivebell in that locality on Monday eveningl, containing a tomahawk, articles of clothing, etc. The owner can obtain I hem by Riving a satisfactory description of. the

same to Detective Jcflfcry. . Key Mr. Corui'ord returned last ciTinng Ironi a visit to ;tho Thames, where he preached a farewell Bormon to tho Dicmbcra or the Baptist church of that neighbourhood. A parting soiree, was also held, in which the ministers of the several Thames churches took part, Tho pro ceedings were of the most cordial character, and Mr. Ooriiford expressed the pleasure lie felt in bcin" amongst them, and although he might nover personally bo in their midst again, he should always remember their kindliness ot dis position towards himin the same .spirit of warm hearted Christianity. He concluded by invoking a blessing upon their Christian cltorts at the Thames. __ , The pupils of St. Marys Institution, Ponsonby, were yesterday treated to a holiday, which was spent at the residence of Mr U. C. Greenwood, at Mount Albert. The children, accompanied by Fathers Macdonald and Grange, went by oinnibusses provided by Mr Crowther to the scene of enjoyment. The party numbered aoout 100, and the refreshments and conveniences pre pared by Mrs Greenwood were much praised. This lidy had resolved that tho preparations should be worthy tho occasion. In addition to the cakes and sweets of the feast, a gig-antic Christinas, or Prince Albert tree, was planted, hung with toys, and child's offerings, also, a lucky bag, which caused much amusement among the children. Several pianoforte selec tions were performed by the young visitors, and at the conclusion the children were marshalled forth Under command of Rev Father Macdonald for the purpose of wishing Miss Greenwood many happy returns of the day, it being the young lady's natal day. This compliment was heartily tendered, and to which Mr Greenwood replied on behalf of his daughter, expressing pleasure at being privileged to entertain them, and at the same time he paid a well-deserved compliment to the Sisters who had charge of the children, upon whose care and training their (general appearance and demeanour reflected so much

credit, \ little boy named Sydney Johnston, was drowned on thc7lh inst, at Ararimu Creek, by fall ing from the Bridge House, The boy was but two years old, and was amusing himself with his brothers outside the house, when the accident occurred. Mr Johnston ran, and lifted the body out of the water, but life was extinct. An inquest was held on the following day before Andrew lionar Esq., and a jury, and a verdict of" Accidental death by drowning "returned,

Heavy rains in the Selwyn and Ashburton rivers on Tuesday caused a stoppage of railway traffic, and seriously damaged portions or the line. At Timaru the train was delayed for three hours by floods five miles from the Kakea. Some parts of the plains were covered by sheets of water.

The trustees of the Highway Boards forming the Epsom Riding, held a meeting last evening In Cunningham's Hotel, Newmarket, Albert Bcetham Esq., in the chair. The chairman explained the obi ect of the meeting, and what lie had conceived to be the general effect of the Counties Act, should it come into full operation. They would have to elect a representative ot the Epsom Mining in the Cotinty Council, and it was a question for consideration whether they should instruct whoever might represent them to oppose certain permissive clauses in the Act, before some knowledge of the working of the Act was obtained. Mr Joseph May, considered there was no reason for delay, and the Counties Act should be at once allowed to come into force. Mr Shaw then moved, and Mr Probert seconded "That the representative of the Epsom Riding should be elected on the understanding that ho will not accept; the permissive clauses of the Act without consulting the ratepayers." Mr Thompson objected to tho resolution in that shape, and moved as an amendment, which was seconded and carried, " That in tho opinion of that meeting it should be an instruction^ from the ratepayers to the represent atlvo of tho Epsom Riding, that lie should record his vote against the adoption of the permissive clauses of Hie Counties Act; and should he be disposed to do otherwise, ho should consult the ratepayers before voting for such an extension of power. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting. We would draw special attention of persons about to furnish or re-fun ish, that the whole of now and handsome furniture in the estate ot: Mr. I'robert will be sold to-morrow by Messrs. Tonics and Co. Tho stock is good, and of course must he sold to realise.

There has been a public meeting at Greymouth respecting the tramway to Kumara. It would appear that Mr Uonar, M.L.C., the agent ap pointed by the General Government, had placed obstacles in the way by refusing to grant pro tection to the proposed company. Great indig nation is expressed at this, and the following resolution has been passed :—" That this meeting regrets that one of the first administrat ions ot the Government in this part of New Zealand since the abolition of tho Provincial system oi Govern ment, should be an irresponsible and vexatious use of power, as exemplified m the present case. " That such would have been impossible had the Provincial Council of Wcstland still been m existence."

CABLEGRAMS.

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT OPENED.

Expected Satisfactory Settlement of the Mail Question.

SYDNEY, December 12th. Parliament was opened to-day. The speech mentioned the preparation of various measures, including bills on Electoral Re form, Public Debt Consolidation ; and mentioned the probability of the Pacific Service negotiations with New Zealand being satisfactorily concluded. The Englishmen at Newcastle have four wickets down for 34 runs.

THE CRICKET MATCH.

ALL ENGLAND v. NORTHERN DISTRICT. SYDNEY, this day. The former are all out for 96". The lattei ten wickets for 2'A runs. Dallarat Firemen leave for New Zcalam by the ltingarooina to-morrow. LONDON, December 9. The Pacific mail was received in Londoi on the .")tli inst. Wheat active. Further advanced n New Zealand from 51s to r>3s.

The Murderer Winiata.

I lIKAU that the murderer Winiata goes about in constant dread of being captured by the friendly natives and han<4ed over to the (iovcrnment. He is especially afraid of the Ngatiliaua people who have no sym pathy whatever with him, and have threatened to captured him if possible. During the day time Winiata sleeps and is watched by friends, but during the night ho is so afraid of being surprised that he goes constantly armed with two double barrelled guns, over bis back, two revolvers in his belt, and a revolver in his hand. He also carries three cartridge boxes. lie is said to be very restless, and is continually looking about'him. He is aware that the cupidity of some of his countrymen has been excited by the reward oll'ered by tlie ( iovcrnment.- -Correspondent.

Latest Native News.

[Specially Translated for 'jhik Evening Star.]

MAORI HOSTELRY, this day. WHAT THE KINUITES THINK 01

THE " STAR." My friends, the Europeans, salutations. 1 have been asked by the " Kai tuhi-tuhi " of the " Whotn " tn'give you the news of the day for his paper which goes through all this island, and shines out every even ing, so that it guides the mariner, and lightens the path of the weary traveller. 1 Avill lirst tell you what the Kingites think of the STAR. * That newspaper has been translated to Tawhiao by a half caste, who understands the pakeha language, and was brought up in a mission school. Finding that your paper conies out every evening like the .Star, the King has got agents at Ngaruawahia and Alexandra, who purchase copies of the Evening Star, and forward it to Te Kuiti by express. The Kingites like the EVENING STAB because they say that when their ancestors lirst landed in New Zealand, the great chief Tairaua, when lie got to Kawhiasaw the Star of the evening shining in the horizon, and lie followed it until it guided him to the flat and fertile land, where they began to culti vate. Thus, my friends, does the Star continue to act as a beacon of truth, enlight enment, and progress. PAUL OF ORAKEI AND THE SHARKS. Paora Tnhacre of Orakei, has returned from his shark-fishing station at Kauri Point. He and his people have taken 800 sharks, which Avill be prepared for ;i feast to take place at the Kaipnrn, TAWHIAO RESIGNS, IN DISGUST AT Silt DONALD MCLEAN'S RETIRE MENT. Tawhiao is very much annoyed at the resignation of Sir Donald McLean. He says that now that " Kua hinga te Maka rhii" (the McLean has fallen) lie (Tawhiao) has nothing to depend upon, and the mon archy is not worth an old song. He is thinking of sending in his resignation to Sir George Grey, and wishes to sell out and leave the country. This news was brought down on Saturday by Ngapuhi natives, who have come from Tanpo via Tauranga. SALE OF 30000 ACRES. The Kaipara natives have sold to Capt. Fitzgerald, formerly of Mercury Island, a block of land containing 30,000 acres. It is said he has already advanced a consider able sum upon the land. Captain Fitz gerald was one of the victims in the Rotoraa case, in which lands purchases by Baron De Thierry were thwarted by the Govern ment. [We are glad that Mr Fitzgerald has been enabled, notwithstanding the obstructive ness of the Native Department, to acquire a block of land on which he will be able to invest capital with benefit to the country.] THE KAIMAI BOGEY. The talk about the Hauhatis at Kaimai attacking the European prospectors is all nonsense. There arc only eleven people altogether, five women and six men of the Pirirakaus. They are called that from the words " piri" and " rakau," because they stick to the bush. The story of the oppo sition of these natives has been kept up by Commissioner Clarke to make him a great man amongst the Pakehas, and increase his raajtia. Heoi auo, until tQ.-m<mw»

INQUEST.

An inquest was hold this afternoon at the Auckland Hotel, before Dr Philson, coroner, and a jury, on the body of John Ncal, who met with bis death yesterday at the wharf. Mr Wm. Adams foreman. The iury having viewed the body and the scene ot the accident, the following par ticulars were stated : — «.,.-, George Winstonc deposed that he was contractor for emptying the silt basins at the wharf for the Harbour Board. He erected a pair of shears for that purpose ; the poles were 18 or 20 feet high and 6 feet in diameter, collected together at the top, fastened by strong rope, and spreading out at the foot. Prom the top there is a block and tackle. Five men were employed where the accident occurred, next the wharf, at the time. While the men were employed the lad was sitting on a 12ft, fence, between the basin and the wharf. He had several times warned boys of the danger of sitting there. He observed, as the men were hoisting stuff, one of the guys slacken. He ordered one of the men top to tighten it. He went for that purpose, but let go the rope and the shears came down, which was the cause of the accident. He should have retained it by a half hitch. One of the poles struck the lad ; he saw the accident and stepped back to save himself. The' lad was struck across the head and shoulders, and knocked him down. He went immediately to the spot, and found he was dead. He went for Dr Kendcrdine, who attended at once. The shears were properly constructed, and the accident would not have happened but for the mistake of the man in letting the rope go. He should think it was want of judg ment or carelessness on the part of the man. He believed the man was sober. He never knew a similar accident to occur before. To the foreman : He heard that the man had bGen drinking on Monday, and was sent off the works, but was not aware of it until after the accident. He considered the shears were perfectly safe. Dr Kenderdine deposed tLat he was sent up by the last witness at half-past ten o'clock to sec deceased, by the wharf. He found him lying in a pool of blood. He was perfectly dead. Dr Kenderdine then described the wounds on the head. Death must have been instantaneous.

Jeremiah Regan, James Carlaw, engineer of Vincent-street, Peter Rogers, labourer, and James Kennedy were examined. Sergt.-Major Mason considered that Ken nedy had been drinking. Kennedy said the horse had started and dragged the rope through his hands. William Dowick deposed that he was a labourer employed at the silt basin, under Mr. Winstonc. He was present at the time of the accident. He was driving the horse attached to the whip for lifting the stuff; the horse was at a stand st ill at the moment. The shear-less drop ped down from some cause unknown to him : he saw deceased lyingacrosa some timber; he cailed out to him. He cautioned deceased and several other boys to keep away, but they did not heed his warning. In half a minute from his calling the boy was struck, He never spoke but seemed to be dead at once. He considered the shears were in a safe state and could lift 20 tons it re quired. He saw Kennedy on the works ;he was To "the foreman: He considered the shears substantial, and had never known one come down before. , A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

THE WOOL SALE.

Messrs Hunter and Nolan held their second wool sale to-day. About 250 bales were sold, and prices ruled about the same as at the lasi sale. Locks fetched from 2Ad to 4d ; Longwool, in grease, brought Sd to ll:,'d ; Longwool, washed 9d to Is 3.|d. Messrs Browning. Ireland, Gittos, Osbornc, Sutherland were the principal buyers.

Arrival of the S.S. Arawata AT THE BLUFF with the SUEZ MAIL.

BLUFF, this day. The Arawata left Hobsons Hay on the morn ing of the eighth, and anchored at the heads uiitil the arrival of H.M.S, Assam, when the mails and passengers were transhipped. She had a line weather passage. PASSENGERS FOR AUCKLAND. Passengers for Aucklard : Saloon—Mrs White, Mrs Stevenson, and live steerage,

Latest Australian Telegrams.

Negotiations for the purchass of Hokson Bay Railway Stopped. MELBOURNE, Dec. 8. All the negotiations for the purchase of the Hobsons Bay Railway by the Government, are at an end. owing to the House declining to give the price settled by the Government. This will probably determine the Government in their raihvay'polioy, and bring the session to an early close. GROCERS' LICENSES. An immense number of petitions have been re ceived from all parts infavourof grocers* licences, has caused the assembly considerable embarrass ment. A clause has been re-inserted, and a second attempt to expunge it was made last night, defeated by a majority of two. Frightful Bail-way Accident- In a railway accident on the line being con structed between Arrarat and Hamilton, four men were lulled, and several wounded. FREE TRADE. Henry Taylor, the working man's delegate, has met with little success from his own class, on account of his free trade views, but has been lionised by the Free Trade League. WIFE MURDER AND SUICIDE. There has been a murder and suicide at Emerald Hill. A man named Carrington cut his wife's throat and then his own. They were only married six months. The Tararua re-places the Otago in the New Zealand trade. Business is very brisk in sugars, brandies, rum, Geneva, kerosene, soda, and cornsacks. all of which have risen in price considerably. ANOTHER ALL ENGLAND MATCH. Probably eighteen of Melbourne cricketers will play the English team on boxing day. Great, preparations are being made for the match.

Wreck of the Barque William Ackers.

Seven of tlis Crew Xtoportsd Drowned,

[PRESS AGENCY.]

INVEIICARGIL, this day. Information has been received here that the barque William Ackers, which left the Bluti" on Monday for Lyttelton with a cargo of 185,000 feet of sawn timber, struck a reef oft" Waipapa Point. She drifted on to the beach, and is a total wreck. Seven of the crew arc said to be drowned, includ ing the captain. Three men saved. An other report rays that the crew are supposed to be saved. So far as can be ascertained the cargo is uninsured.

BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOLAR SHIPS.

The examinations of candidates for the Board of Education Grammar School Scholarships, open to pupils of District Schools, were commenced this morning at tie Temperance Hall, Albert-street, under the superintendence of Mr R. J. O'Sullivan, Inspector of Schools. In addition to the Scholarships, the Board at the examinations awards certificates of proficiency to can didates obtaining at least 50 per cent of the total number of marks, and competing for certificates of proficiency, and eleven of whom are pupils of the district schools. There are four scholarships, each entitling the owner to £30 a year and free tuition at the Grammar School for two years, Arithmetic and geography are the subjects attended to to-day. The examinations will be continued to-morrow and Friday, the other subjects being English Language, History, Primary Laws of Health, Wrjfcwgj ajld, Reading,

PONSONBY MEETING TO-NIGHT.

"We would remind the Ponsonby ratepayer! of the meeting to be held to-night to discuss the new form of local government.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before A. Beetham and G. Yon der Hcyde, Esqs., Justices of the Peace.) HENRY SWAN. A man named Swan was found last night, By P'liceman Burke in sorry plight; In fact Burke swore that Swan was tight. All in the twilight dim, Swan could not really swim. The Bench, for bis impropriety, fined him 55., costs Is. 6d. A SMASHER. He took a "nip," his neighbour could not pass, Without his breaking two largo panes of glass. John Smith Avas charged with maliciously breaking two panes of glass, value 205., tlie property of Edward McNulty, on the 12th instant. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the offence was committed at a lonely hotel at Waikomiti. The prisoner called for lodgings, and com mitted the offence with an axe. If the Bench Avould kindly remand the case until Friday he should be able to get the facts of the case. Remanded accordingly. PAT AND BOOKS. Poor Pat gave one of his peculiar looks, But would not say where he had got the books. Patrick Murphy, a son of the green isle, was charged with stealing four books, on the 12th inst. Prisoner said he did not know anything about the books ; they were under his arm', bxit he did not know who put them there. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the prisoner was an old offender, and was met by Con stable Graham carrying the books, and, knowing him to be a suspicious character, he asked him where he got them. The books were school-books, and it was supposed that they had been dropped by a scholar. Murphy said he did not know how lie came to have the books in his possession. '(It was one of those mysteries that no 'fellah' could understand. He was as inno cent as a sucking pig." Remanded until to-morrow. This was all the business.

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the City Council was held at 2.30 o'clock to-day, his Worship the Mayor in the chair. Present—Council lors Goldie, Waddell, Prime, Dickson, Isaacs, Yon der Heyde, Masefield, and Brett. ADDITIONAL WATERWORKS I.OAK. Bank of New Zealand, Auckland, Dec. Ist, 1876. —Sir, I have been favoured with your letter of yesterday's date in which you request me to forward a message to our London office in reply to its telegraph com munication respecting the additional Water works Loan of £25,000. Before transmit ting this message I beg that I may he per mitted to point out to you that it is quite clear that the issue of this Loan under the circumstances, would be regarded as a breach of faith, and, such being the case, that it would be most damaging to the credit of the Corporation, and that altogether it would be most inexpedient to attempt a sale of it. This Bank's extensive and suc cessful experience in placing such Loans in London, and its position as agent for the Corporation for the Loan in cmestion, will, I trust, be considered to warrant my advising the Council to with hold it from sale, pending application to the Legislature next session for an amended Act. In the meantime, in order to obviate any financial inconvenience attending this clause, the Bank will, if desired, be prepared to make temporary advances against the debentures. Pending your reply, I defer forwarding the telegram. —I have &c, J. W. Kisslixg, Manager.— The Town Clerk City of Auckland. The Mayor said in looking at the matter in the light of the letter, he thought it would be unadvisable to press the loan of £25,000, as not more than £5,000 to £7,500 would be required. He would move that the letter be received, and that the Council concur in the Bank's view of the matter. Councillor Prime seconded the motion, and coincided with the Bank's views. Councillor Isaacs would be glad to sup port the motion, providing there was no pledging of tht debentures. —Motion agreed to. ASPHALTING. Letter from Messrs H. Ashei" and Son asking on behalf of Mr H. Chamberlin if the Council would asphalt the footpath iit front of his property in Eden Crescent. Mr. Chamberlin paying half the cost. After a discussion, Councillor Goldie moved, and Councillor Isaacs seconded, that the rcqiiest be granted. Agreed to. APPLICATION TO ERECT A SXGX BOARD. Letter from Mr G. llhodes, stating that lie was requested by Mr 11. French,, grocer,, Victoria, street, new Theatre Buildings, fo» ask permission|to erect a sign board upon the verandah. Councillor Prime moved that permission be granted, subject to supervision of City Surveyor. Seconded by Councillor Isaacs and agreed to. FROM T. AND S. MOEEIN Letters from Messrs T. and S. Morrrm acknowledging with thanks the extension; of time granted them for the completion of their water works contract. On the motion of the Mayor the letter was received. THE BLASTING. Letter from C. A. Harris request that » surveyor be sent to see the effect of the blasting now going on at Port Britomart a piece of stone having come through the iron roof of his shed. The writer stated that several accidents had occured, he con sidered that steps should be taken to pre vent blasting as now carried on. The Mayor said the matter was being looked after, and Mr. Dempsey had been warned that if there were any further com plaints, permission to blast would be with drawn. Letter received. CONTRIBUTION TO DKAIX. Letter from F. Cherry, chairman of tlie Karangahape District Board, stating that Mr Morrison had applied to the Board to contribute a portion of the expense he had incurred in repairing and extending a drain through his property adjacent to the Rising Sun Hotel, based on the assertion that some drains from the suburban side <of the road connect with the drain through life property, and some of the water from the city side flowed through the property to the suburban side. Mr Cherry went on to> state that if the Board were liable to eon trilmte to the cost, the City Council would also have to pay its share. Mr Cherry concluded by inviting the views of the: Council on the matter. On the motion of the Mayor the letter was received. RECLAMATION WORKS. Letter from Mr. Dempsey asking mem bers of City Council to confer with the Harbor Board, and relax the conditions making it necessary that all material mvs 4" come from Britomart for the reclaiii^i . works, and that if such were done he www be in a position to carry out the proposed levels of Hobson-street from Cook-street free of expenee. The City Surveyor thought the Council would save £300 by the arrangement, and if the Council could get permission from the Harbor Board to take the material from the upper part of Hobson-street it would be advantageous. Councillor Cosgrave : Will the Harbor Board accept the matter ? Councillor Prime thought there was an arrangement with the Harbor Board by $6 Council. Rejfersed to Streets Committee^

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1876



IN the matter of the Debtors and Credi tors Ad, IB7G, and in the mat !cr of George Bennett, of Auckland, in the Provincial District of Auckland, in the Colony of New Zealand, settler, a Bankrupt. It is hcreby'notiftcd that at .'a first meeting of Creditors of'the said George Bennett,, held m the Supremo Court Buildings, on (lie 18th day of December. 1876, Thomas MaoflEarlane, of Auck land' wo- elect oil Trustee in the above estate. Dated this 13th day of December, 1876. EDWARD S. WILLOOOKS, Registrar. _____ _ - T A £ jT jr HAY (in Stacks} may bo Insured mi LIBE RAL TERMS by the Agents of the NowZcaland Insurance Company. TO TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO WAII-ATO AND THE LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AMD SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intendm? to go through to the Lakes provided with first-class animals by B. EDWARDS (Late oiT Gobb & Co.), LIVERY STABLE KEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, WAIKAEO. Readers who need a fashionable coat. Or fancy vest and trousers, plense to note. H" L. P OSS ENIS XI E, liftliankin-,' his patrons and the general pxiblic 'for past favours, begs to intimate that he has «. REMOVED REMOVED •___ TO MORE CENTRAL PREMISES (First Shop in Shortland-steeet), AND HAS n^wr :^ A KEW AND CHOICE l'"mnFrTli)V OF TWEEDS. FANCY SE COATINGi AND VESTINGS, &c, &c- &c' j C O SGit AY E & CO. Beg to announce they will bring forward on MONDAY NEXT, 27TH NOVEMBER, A Fresh Lot of B A R GAIN SMI Consisting of: THEIB LATE SHIPMENT BY THE ORABI, TH Parchase.l at Homo at Job Pnecs. together with the whole of their SUMMEB DBAPEEY & CLOTHING,



-fcX O T I C E. In addition to their NEW SEASON'S STOCK j , of SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY | , GOODS, the undersigned are now offering a • number of SPECIAL LINES, at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES :— Strong White Calico, at 3/10 per doz. Grey Calico, /3J per yard Crcwdson's Best White Culicos, an overstock, offering Cheap, to reduce Splendid Value in Winceys, from /J per yard Superior 30 in. wide ditto, /O.V yard, worth I/a Good 1 Hue Dungaree, ,'S per yard . 36 in. Derry. brown and grey, /!», best, quality New Japaiic.se Silk, 1/ and 1/(5 per yard Plain Blue Cloth, GO in. wide, 1/(3 per yard, halt price , Blue Diagonal Cloth, double width, 5/per yard, half-prlco Melton Cloth, double width, 3/6 per yard Waterproof Tweed, double width, 3/6 per yard Strong Tweed for Boys' Clothing, 1/11 yard White Blankets. 13/ per pair Blue Blankets, 13/ „ Grey Blankets, 9/6 „ White Turkish Towels, /ll Job lot Children's Brown and Grey Cotton Socks, from /3 per pair. Other Goods equally Cheap. Inspection Invitisd. II USHBIt OO X & BRIDG MA N, (Late H. Hobbs), JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite Army and Navy Hotel), Upper Queen-strskt. Auckland. TTWRXITUME! FURNJTUR E ! Undies and Gen<ieincn iboitt to F-irnUh <ira respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stack of DR A fPTHTQ R > '■) M O[.VF VV- «0 ) M BIHDR O -I M. AN D GENK RA L U O USE HOLD FUR A7 'PURE, In ow iVew and Spaclms Shoivrooms T. & fL COO/iE, 67 QU'iEV Sl'liUßV Adjaininti Rank of Sew Zealand ] nriHORNTON, SMIT IT AN D FIEIT H'S JL PRICES CURRENT (WHOLESALE):— Sacks. 1001 bs. oOlbs. £ s. d. £ s. d. & s. d. %^t^- n- IFIO- U: 17 0 0 17 10 0 13 0 0 MourU^T"- 16 0 0 16 10 0 17 0 0 Seconds ditto ditto - 13 0 0 Sharps, ditto - - - 810 0 Bran, ditto -- - - 7J 0 0 .. Fowl Wheat, per bushel, os. to ss. Od. The above prices include sacks ana Dago. Sacks and bags not returnable. Terms—Cash. Auckland. Bth November. 1876. Tiif Medical Profession have declared Steane's Superlative akomatic Toxic \v ink to be a necessity to all in search of health, ana especially to those suffering either from Incipient or Chronic Indigestion, Dyspepsia and the dis orders arising therefrom. This 'lonic is also particularly recommended to all who arc in a measure compelled from the nature of then occupation to take stimulants, and at the same time are desirous of studying health by taking that which will act most beneficially on the system. Mr. Win. Johnson, Government Analy tical Chemist, report: — " I have examined Steane's Superlative Aromatic lonic Wine, and find it to bo remarkably pleasant in flavour, con taining about 16 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 Bitter a vary superior article."—Sold by all Storekeepers and llotel-



As Ally of Nature.—All attempts to force nature react injuriously upon the system. Morti eal treatment to be successful, should be auxil iary and not compulsory. The cures of nervous ness debility, indi-est ion, hypochondria, uterine disorders, kidney and bladder difflulties rheu matism and of" all affections of the sensitive organs wrought by UDOLPnoWoLKis'sScuiBUAM rVROMATXC ScilN API'S arcatt.ributable to the tact that it is a potent ally, but never a violent coin peller of nature. Mark Twain on Bad Musicians.— Iho musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Wcston's Wizard Oil and Mafic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that the words None Genuine without the Signat uve of the Proprietor, Frank VVbstox, Sydney, N.5.W.," are engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine arc unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kcmpthorno, Prosser and Co.— Price, lialf-a-crown.