SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

_*Tr>iT wiTFR _■ ri^"s Afternoon, 10.5S HIGH WATER-| T - mon , ow Morniug) IU9 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.11. SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning, i.U. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 24th, 11.20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. Gi-ahead, s.s., McGillivray, for Gisborne and Napier

EXPORTS.

Per Go-ahead:—l case furniture, 1 case bed- S ends, 2 cases toys.—E. and H. Issues.

The steam launch recently imported in the Licli Lee, is to run on the Upper Thames. Cap tain Tizard takes command.

The barque E. J. Spence has completed her loading for New York, and has taken up a position in the stream to be ready to avail her self of the first slant of wind.

The barque Mendoza having discharged her powder came up harbour last night, and comes alongside to-day.

The ship Jessie Osborne has taken the berth lately vacated by the Orari. She has commenced discharging.

I'wo excursions to Motutapu will bo made by each of the steamers Durham, Enterprise No. 2, and Lalla Rookh, on Boxing Day. There will b ■ music and several other good things to attract visitors.

The barque Mirzapore left Melbourne for this port on the 2nd instant.

The s.s. Lalla Rookh is advertised to leave for the Thames at three, o'clock to-morrow afternoon instead of six as previously notified. The brig Syren, bound for Sydney, is still de t lined in the Manukau.

An advertisement appears elsewhere remind ing the homeward bound passengers by the Orari, that a steamer will leave the wharf at i) a.m. on the 27'h, to convey them and their luggage to the ship. The p.s. Oregon, recently built by Mr M. H. Roc, and now running to and fro from Onehunga to Waiuku, is a fast and commodious vessel, elegantly titled up with every convenience for pissengcrs. She has a lofty and elegant cabin, and bridge deck, ottering opportunities at this festive season of seeing the beautiful and pic turesque scenery of the route, with the bays and headlands of the Manukau, the rolling bar, wide expanse of water, and other objects of special interest, "We notice by advertisement that the Oregon will take two Christmas trips of 10 or 50 miles at a reasonable charge. She may also be engaged for picnic part-es. The s.s. Go-ahead, Captain McGillivray, left for Gisborne and Napier at noon to-day, with a full general cargo and tho following passengers : Mrs McManus, Mrs and Miss McVey, Mrs Miller and son, Mr Hay, Miss Gee.

COMMERCIAL.

Mr. Greenwood held a Christmas sale of poultry and produce this clay. There was a very large attendance of country settlers and others. Over 150 Christmas geese were entered for sale, together with a number of ducks and fowl. Bidding was very spirited: geese, 3/9 to 4 19 each; turkeys, 6/8 to 8/6; fowls, 2/ to 3/1; chickens, 1/ to 1/6, ducks, 1/6 to 2/6; common pigeons, 1/ to 1/1. Produce; potatoes, 2/3 to _/ per cwt; onions, _? lb; cheese, 6id lb; other goods fetched fair prices. M. Jones and Co. held their market-day sale, to-day. There was a large number of geese, and other fowls, which brought high prices. Their furniture sale was not so brisk, but the prices offered were up to the mark. Samuel Cochrane and Son sold to-day at their mart, Fort-street, the household furniture of Mr. J. M, Hoare. The prices obtained were very satisfactory, and the attendance large.

{atMr. R. Arthur held a large sale of produce to-day. There was a fair attendance, and com petition good. Canterbury bacon and hams (in cloth) 10i lb ; Canterbury hams (in cloth), lOd to 1/, bacon, 9d: Auckland bacon. Id to (id; pota toes, 3/ to 6/ per cwt; pumpkins, 2/11 cwt; onions. Id to 111 lb; oats, 2/3 b-.rdiel; maize, 1.0 : baricv, 3/3; bran, 6/3 to 6/G per bag; cheese, od 7 Ad; butter in kegs, 2d to lid; oatmeal, 2d per lb; raisins, second quality, 3d per lb ; currants, do., 2111b. The two race-horses, Butcher Boy and Medora, were offered for sale at Messrs. Buckland's yard to-day, but were withdrawn on account of the low prices offered.

AUCKLAND CATTLE MARKET.

Mr. Alfred Buc .land's Weekly Report. —At Remuera, on Thursday, store cattle had a downward tendency—from 5s to 10s per head. Fit cattle in excess of requirements—fully GO h.ad withdrawn from the sale. Qualify of all sold was good. A few of extra quality brought from 30/ to -10/ the lOOlbs.: but the general price riling was from 25/ to 27/ the 100 lbs.; 135 head sold. Fat calves unusually numerous, and 5/ p-r head less value. Store sheep more plentiful than usual, and at late values. Fat sheep in full supply, aud dull of sale, but late values sus tained": prices obtained -were, from 2|d to 2Jd tie lb. Lambs ebmdant, with same results as i i cattle. Those of extra quality eagerly com peted for at full values whilst ordinary good stock were at lower prices 1/ to 2/ per head; best quality were from 12/ to 15/ ; good, 8/ to 10/ ; middling, from 5/G each.

Messrs. Hunter aoo Nolan's Weekly Report.—Horses: A lai\ge number ofFered for sale, but the demand has been a little slack, par ticularly at auction. Dairy cows still maintain their A-alues, and prices rule in favor of the seller, for both store and fat stock the demand is steady, and little alteration in A-alucs. We quote : Dairy cows, £8 to £10 10s ; store cows, £1 to £t '5s : two and three-year-old steers. £1 7s (id to £r>; working bullocks, £3 15s each; beef, 27/ to 30/ the lOOlbs; Sheep: There >vas a good muster for the butcher, and last Aveck's A'alues Avero maintained, and, as stocks are getting a little lower, av-s anticipate a slight improvement. Best wethers sold from 16/ to 18/; second best, 11/ to 13/6. Lambs were plentiful, and sold at from 10/ to 13/6; inferior, 5/3 to 11. Pigs: A limited number were yarded, but there Avas an improvement in the A*alue of best porkers.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

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

row. at 2.30 p.m.. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga-

v,*ai, Waipu, &c.,pcr Annie Milbank, to-nior

row at 10 a.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Hawea, to-morrow, at 11.15 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10.15 a.m. 1 Late letters will be received till 11.25 a.m. For Ton ;a. per Loch Lee, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitianga, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei and Mangapai, per Arg/le, on Wednesday next, at

1 p.m. For Russell, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per loiir., on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m.

N.B.— Monday, the 25th instant, being a Post office holiday, the mails usually made upon that day, Avill be closed on Saturday, 23rd instant, at 7 p.m.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Race Course.—The publication of your letter Avould servo no good purpose at this late period, since the matter is irrevocably settled. P.H.S.—Early morning rambles in suburban districts are not. tho style of things suitnbh* for our columns, unless they contain sonic incident of an unusual ora startling character. But do not be deterred because your firs attempt has been a failure. By no means They generally arc. Some fine morning you may run up against the dead body of a man hanging by the neck to a gooseberry bush, or a cow that has suicided into a ditch, or a dead cat or something. Anything spicy will be acceptable.

MARRIAGE.

RICHMOND—CROLL.—At Epsom, on the 21st instant, by the Rev. David Bruce, James Richmond to Jeannie, eldest daughter of the late John Croll, Devonport, North Shore.

DEATH.

DAVIDSON.—On the 21st instant, at his resi dence, Epsom, alter a short illness, John Davidson, late of Balmoral, Scotland, aged 57 years. The funeral will leave his late residence to morrow (Saturday), at 3 p.m. Friends arc respectfully invited.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1876.

For tl'.c envse that lacks assistance! l-or llic wrong tliat needs resistance, l-'or (lie future in the distance, And the x.oo<\ that wc can do.

The Hon. J. D. Ormond has lost no time in reforming one crying piece of official extravagance Avhich was rapidly assuming the dimensions of a grave public nuisance. In some of the General Government Depart ments a habit had sprung up of sending verbose official documents by wire, which, for all practical purposes, might be sent by post without the smallest detriment to the public service. Habits of this kind have a ten dency to .slide with fatal facility into fixed routine. Civil servants, from the nature «f their position, are apt to become creatures of imitation, and to model their own official conduct on theways of their superiors. Natu rally, therefore, when heads of departments rushed into telegraphy with utter reckless ness of consequences, the subordinate officers became addicted to the same species of extravagance, and the Telegraph operators were overwhelmed with piles of confused, complicated, and longwinded correspon dence which blocked up the wires, and delayed important press and mercantile messages until they were practically useless to senders and receivers. Various remedies were proposed. One of the most peculiar was to saddle the evening journals of .the colony with such a tariff as would have amounted practically to a prohibition. We raised our feeble protest; against tin's ridicu lous and monstrous proposal at the time, and pointed out the proper region for the pruning knife. And Mr Ormond lias descended upon the profligate telegraphers with an official extinguisher, which we j devoutly trust will restrain the oflicials from any further excesses in the direction of telegramania. lie condemns the practice I of making free use of the telegraph for ordi nary official correspondence " which could be conducted us well by post," and enjoins Government officials to confine the use of free telegrams to matters only of pressing importance, on pain of being surcharged with the expense of any unnecessary

messages. Mr Ormond has inaugurated his accession to the Ministry with one signally needful reform, and we trust he will go on and prosper. May his shadow never grow less.

Newspapers to hand by the Suez mail shew that the war fever was still raging in Russia. From the highest nobles down to the humblest of the peasantry, from St. Peters burgh to the Siberian steppes, there was a dull sullen roar of restrained rage, which could only be controlled with difficulty. The passions of the people were aroused by the strongest moving causes that could agitate a people—the tics of consanguinity, and the sympathies of a common creed. In such a mood the people would not be likely to pause to count the cost. An ignorant peasantry, only recently liberated from abso lute serfdom, and in many districts hardly accustomed to their new condition, would be able to form no conception of the gigantic power of that nation in which Holy Russia would lind licr chief obstacle to the successful accomplishment of her schemes. It may be after all true that the governing classes of Russia, are i'arsiglited _ enough to perceive the hopelessness of entering upon the struggle in the present state of Russia, and in the midst, of winter, but there is a power in the people which once aroused the Government may he unable to withstand. To shew what a height the popular excite ment-bad risen to, it is sufficient to quote the som: of tho Russian volunteers setting out for Servia :—

•• It is a passionate imprecation against Eng land. Tho author, Mr Touqucncf . represents Queen Victoria and her maids of honour playing croquet with heads of the victims of the Uujgar ian massacres. All at once, he exclaims, 'See the youngest of the Queen's daughters, a charm ing child, sends one of these heads further away from the others, and makesit reach her mother's feet. A child's head, with curly locks, its livid little mouth murmurs reproaches. The Queen utters a cry of horror; an indescribable terror veils her eyes, the Queen enters her palace ; she is alone and begins to drc.vm, her eyelids close— horror! the whole skirt of her dress is soiled with a bloody stain. Let it be taken away nn modiatelv, wash it out forme, rivers ot England. Never will tho Royal House of England be cleansed of that stain of innocent blood.'"

Those who have the welfare of Grafton [tiding .sincerely at heart will deeply regret the retirement' of Mr Swanson from his candidature for that district. This course has been deemed necessary in consequence of the existence of certain technical dilli culties which left the validity of Mr Swanson's election a matter of doubt, and Mr Swanson has voluntarily withdrawn from the candidature out of regard for the interests of the district, which might remain some time without representation were any hitch to crop up subsequent to his election in respect to its validity.

The special time tabic to he observed on the Kaipara railway for Christmas and Boxing Days, appear among our advertise ments. We have received a copy of "The Southern Provinces Almanac Directory, Diary, and Year-Book, for 1577," f the tweii'ty-foiirth year of its publication. This workfs issued from the oll'iee of th" " Lyttel ton Times," Cliiistcliiirch, and fully main tains the reputation which it has ac<jiiire<l fn former years. The Almanac consists of a neatly printed, and well arranged book of some 500 pages, more than half of which arc devoted to advertisements. The con tents of the first part comprise useful statistical information, tallies, summaries of Acts of I'arliam-nt, directories, memor-

iinda of referencr-, phenomena for the year, calandcr, guide for the farm and garden, time-tables, aud a largo amount of other valuable mat tor arranged with a view- to convenience of reference, and compiled specially for local requirement).. Mr William Donaldson is Gazetted Deputy Registrar of births, deaths, aud marriages at Mangapai. In the New Zealand Gazette of the 14th inst. appear., an order in Council for n re hearing in the case of the Hciiare Tc Moananui to land near Whangarei.

We have received from the publisher, Mi U. T. Wheeler, the " New Zealand Justice of the Peace" for December.

We arc indebted to the courtesy of the

Auckland manager of the Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company for a copy of their circular via Blind isi, of date October 27th.

Mr Thomas Jenkins, of Pitt-street, an old settler, died yesterday at his residence, at the age of three score and ten. Mr Jenkins was by profession an architect and surveyor, and had been for several years collector for the Ponsonby Highway Board. Mr Jenkins, previous to coming to this colony, had resided in Berkshire, in tho classical locality of Windsor. He was an active Mason, and had frequently assisted at the inauguration of lodges in this Island, and occasionally contributed information respecting them to the columns of this journal. He was a l'asl Master Mason, and Avill be buried with full Masonic honours.

The Rev Father Walter McDonald begs to acknowledge, with many thanks, the receipt of a-large case of pine-apple syrup, given by Messrs Ball in Bros., for the in mates of St. Mary's Orphanage, Ponsonby. Also a quantity of cups and saucers, &c, from Mr J. B. Francis, Queen-street, for the same worthy purpose.

We have received from A Boardman, Esq., manager of tho South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Auckland, a copy of the ornamental sheet almanac for the year 1877. The almanac is beautifully illuminated in red, white, and gold, and the design is one of the best avc have seen pro line-1 in Auckland. The usual calendar is very clearly printed, and below it there is a list of the Company's colonial and foreign agents, Sec. TSiis very handsome almanac was printed at the " New Zealand Herald" office, and reflects great, credit upon the skill and neat workmanship of that establish ment. In fact the sheet exhibits some of the best lithography avc have ever seen in Auckland. Mr A. Hutchinson is the litho-

grapher

The time of sailing of the Lalla Rookh for the Thames on Saturday has been changed from b' p.m. to 11 p.m. .

Mr Charles Burton's Christmas Gift Drawing took place last evening in the Mechanic's Insti tute. A committee of subscribers conducted the proceedings with satisfaction. The Institute was crowded with spectators. The six principal prizes were awarded as follows:—lst prize- Highly ornamented wedding cake, with Parisian vase and bouquet, £10, Mrs .1. 11. Ivcy ; 2nd prize—Wedding cake (iced and piped), £1, Mr P. Darby; 3rd prize-Wedding cake (iced), £2 10s, Mr j. S. Cousins; Ith prize—Currant pound cake (iced), £1 10s, Mr J. Battmann; sth prize- Currant pound cake, £1, Miss Kale Fisher ; 6th prize—Currant poundcake, lGs, Miss ..Walker. There were also 100 5s ones, in one of which there was a gold ring; also, 200 -Is cakes, in one of which was also a gold ring.

The Temperance Variety Troupe will tender their entertainment to-morrow (Saturday) even ing to one of their prominent members, Mr Chapman, avlio will leave these shores on Tues day next by the good ship Orari. The compli ment is well deserved, as during the two years of Mr Chapman's residence in Auckland he has been among the foremost of amateurs in pro moling and assisting at charitable entertain rnents, and in no single instance has he refuse c to come forward when his vocal and dramatig talents could be of service. Mr Chapman ha ? won many friends since his stay in Auckland who will long remember him when be may be sin-dug in his native Brighton, or Ira versing the breezy downs in the south of England.

The officers of St. Andrew's Lodge Avere installed last evening at the lodge meeting at the Star Hotel, Albert-street, and a pleasant livening was passed by the brethren. Past master M. Niccol invested the new ofheers, and receiA*ed congratulations for his past services. The following gentlemen were elected: R.W.M.. Walker; D.M., W. Graham; S.M., It. Barrett; W.S.W. Ellison ; J.W., Martin ; Treasurer, F. M. Hanson; Secretary, G. Payne; S>.D., Cook; J.D., James McEwen; 1.G., F. Street; 'lyler, C. Porter ; Chaplain, Rev, D. Bruce.

The people of Dunedin have forwarded £18 towards the Bulgarian Relief Fund. Dr Coughtrey, of the Otago University, has resigned the anatomical chair. We arc requested to draw the attention of our readers to tho manifold beauties of the grana Christnias Tree and tho novel entertainment at tho Methodist Free Church School-room, Vin cent-street, this evening, The doors will ne open at 0 p.m., and the entertainment win begin at 8 p.m. We have been requested to state that in the programme of the Dovonport Racos the proviso " Three horses to start <-r no race" refers to the whole of the races, and not to tho Consolation Race only, as advertised. After the usual drill of tho Artillery Volun teers in the Drill-shed last night, there was ] a meeting of the members present, Captain Burns in the chair, when it was decided to nave a picnic on New year's Day, at Motuhiln. Tho body of Captain Linsday of the wrecked ship William Ackers has been washed ashore. Tho Board of Inquiry into the cause of tlio wreck found that it was occasioned by the cap tain keeping the vessel too close to land, and the loss of life was caused by tho deck cargo broaic : ing adrift and destroying the boats. Messrs Phillips and Son of Queen-street, have just received cloven pairs of beautiful ana 'highly finished oil paintings, and a number ot water-colour landscape, and other sketches from the rising English artists who have been for some years pursuing their studies m War wickshire, chiefly on the banks of Shakcspcrcs Avon, the bright river which nature's bard has made classical for ever. The pictures represent views from nature in the counties of Warwick, Worcester, and Surrey. About six of the oil paintings represent views in different parts of Preston Park ; one picture a " Gem of art, gives a truthful view of Stratford meadows, with the spire of Stratford Church at eventide with the church spire above the elms on which the sunset rests. Tho old water-mill which Eliza Cook, tho po .ess, has sweetly distinguished, is a copy from the original. Several landscapes among the romantic mountains of Norlh Wales, are bold, natural, and well defined, and the cottages on that peculiarly silent and rugged style which arc peculiar to a mining district. A view near Hampton, Garrick's favorite village, and in the immediate neighbourhood of Moulscy Hurst, will b.. recognized by Surrey men for its faith fulness. The beech avenue is tinted, and shaded by an artist's hand, andfis creditable to the artist, IV.*. Brooks. The water-colour drawing arc by Mr Blackhan, another Warwick artist, and an; very delicate delineations of many of those beau tiful spots which abound in that part of England. Some of the pictures have been elegantly framed by Messrs Phillips, and in a style of workman ship which rebounds to the creditor their firm. Artists and art-lovers will do well to inspect these works of art. The Engineer and City Band wiil play in front of the Supreme Court this evening, commencing at seven o'clock. Programme: Quick March, •' Bremensis," (11. Millars): overture, " Fra Diavolo," (Auber) ; quadrilles "Rossini," ar ranged by Godfrey ; selection, " Martha, (Flotow); polka mazurka, " Evening Fairies. (Tollol); waltz, " Corisandc," (Coote) ; Galop, " Don the in a Hurry," (Geeks) ; "God Save the Queen."

CURE GOLD MINING COMPANY.

Till-: half-yearly general meeting of the shareholders in the above company was held at noon to-day in tha ollicc of Mr R. Home, Insurance 'Building, Mr George Williamson in the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Secret ray, and confirmed. The* chairman read the Directors half yearly report as follows : —The Directors again present to the shareholders the usual .statement of receipts aud expenditure, &(;., for the half-year just ended. Although the returns have not come up to expectation, the mine has 1 > .-ii well opened up, and its future prospect-* arc very encouraging ; full particulars concerning (he past linlf-.war's operations will be found detail -d in the Mine Manager's report herewith. Directors think that all forfeited shares should always be disposed of to the bed advantage whenever a favourable opportunity arriws; they, therefore ask this meeting to pass a resolu tion emjiowing them !o dispose of any such shares, at their discretion, at anytime to the highest public bid ler; Half th" usual honorarium, viz. £30, is recommended for next half-year. (ii-:o. Williamson, Chair man. Auckland Dee. 20th, 187«.

The mine manager's report was also read. The balance-sheet shewed: Itccupts, £•_,()•>"> 12s 6d; ovcrdratt at Hank, £~'2'o 13s lid ; nuprcscntcd"'choijUCß, t'~>77 is Sd : Total. £3,380 18s Id. Expenditure: Expense--, £2,030 ISs Gd ; by paid overdraft from last half-year, £922 Os 7d ; unrepresented cheques, £427 19«: Total, £3,380 18s Id. The dividend account shewed tl 7,(><)(>, representing dividends declared to date, of .__' 2s 6 1 per share. The capital account gave the amount of uncalled capital £8000. The rcn >rts and balance-sheet were adopted. The chairman proposed, and Mr Hugh's seconded, "That, the Directors lie outhor is--d to dispose of any forfeited shares at present on the books', for the benefit of the Company."—Carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chaiiiiiau, pro posed by Mr Hughes, closed the meeting.

COUNTY ELECTIONS.

As we go to press the elections for several Ridings which arc contested are proceeding. As the polls do not close until (> o'clock we arc unable to give the returns in this issue, but will do so in our next.

Curtin Lodged In Mount Eden.

Mahtin Crin'i.N, against Avhom a verdict of wilfulmurdcr was returned at the inquest yesterday, wa» brought in from Arariniu this morning, in charge of Detective Jeffrey. He Avas lodged in Mount Eden goal this afternoon, there to Avait his trial at the next Criminal Session of the Supreme Court, in January.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

The close of the examination of St. Francis do Sales School was followed by an entertainment of a very pleasing character, and the distribu tion of the prizes. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and numerous

exhibits of the children's work were inspected aud duly praised by visitors, as they deserved, for the various works were most praiseworthy, and creditable to the care exercised over the children by their thoughtful and painstaking teachers. Among the clergy and gentlemen present we noticed the Very Itov. Father Fyncs, V.G., It>v. Father Walter McDonald, ltev.

Father Paul, Itov. Father Grange, Rev. Father O'Dwyer, J)r. O'Connor, of 11.M.5. Sapphire, Mr Darby, and many others. A pretty dramatic eiilcrtaiment, in two acts, was produced by the young ladies, entitled " Florine." The prologue was read by Miss Scott in a clear and distinct manner. The charac ters of the drama were represented by the following ladies in a perfect manner:— Florence, Miss Burn ; Sweyn, King of Denmark,

Guy of Mascon, Miss A Scott; Baghi-Sian, Governor of Antioch, Miss Davy ; Ibraham, his lieutenant, Miss Gulpan; Fcrog, Emir of Bound Towers. Miss Loncrgan ; Alexander, Miss Craig-; Scliin. Miss Cavanagh ; Zara, Mis.. Scott; Lady

Gunilda, Miss A. Sheehan; Amine, Turkish captive, Miss Sibyl Croker ; Prince Bohcmund, Miss A Martin; Philip of Brefnoy, Miss E. Mills ; Hugh of Yord, Lonergan ; Pilgrim, Miss Jessie Naughton. In the intervals, several pianoforte .iblos, and songs Averc given "The English Immigrant," the other songs—"Free Chance," " Children's "Voices," " My Lodging is on the cold Ground," "The Wind and tho Harp," and "When the Swallows Homeward Fly,—

being sung by all tho young ladies. Misses Crgig, Burn, Chadwick, Martin, and Leahy presided alternately at the pianoforte. The distribution of prizes was as follows :— First Class: First prize, Miss Craig, drawing; composition, Miss Culpan ; good conduct, Miss Duggan : amiability, Miss Burn ; obedience, I Miss Kavanagh: arithmetic. Miss Davoy ; par . sing, Miss M. Hanson ; writing and exercises, Miss A. Craig ; study, Miss Scott; general im provement, Miss Julia Hanson; general intelli gence. Miss Anna Mary Scott; recitation, Miss J. Naught on. Second Class: First prize, Miss Clarke, work-box; catechism, Miss Walnutt, prayer-book; regular attendance, Miss Ansenne; music, Miss Leahy; history. Miss Martin, 2 vols, (choice); science, Miss McMahou; grammar, Mis. Quinn ; reading, Miss Butler; composition, Miss Phoebe Watson, recitation. Miss Lizzie Walnutt; order, Miss Gough; arithmetic, Miss Ramsay; recitation, Miss Sibil Croker; atten tion to study. Miss Walsh; recitation, Miss Nelson. Miss Watson, reading, spelling, tables, 1 recitation; Miss Thorogood, reading, spelling, tables, recitation, good conduct, punctual atten dance; Miss Lamer, improvement in reading, spelling, and.lessons; Miss Whitelaw, reading, spelling, tables, recitation ; Miss Lynch, reading, spelling; Miss Gregory, reading; Miss Reay, reading; Miss Stewart, writing; Miss Walsh, good conduct; Miss Danaher, neatness; Miss Smith,good temper; Miss Sullivan, recitation, musical instrument; Miss E. Walsh, recitation ; Miss J. Moyle, Miss N. Moyle. Miss Nolan, reading, spelling, tables, reoitation.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS.

THE FORESTERS FETE.

The following arc the starts for the Ellcrelie Gardens Boxing Day Handicaps, and the en ries for the Maiden Race. The last-named is likely to be an exceedingly interesting race. Two Hundred Yards Race Handicap (Open to Foresters oiily).-B. Ellis green and black), scratch ; Chas. Bndgfprd (blue), syds., Geo. Jennings (green and white), 5 yds., Win. Bridgford (blue and white), 7 yds. ; Ihmnas Parker (white and blue), 7 yds. ; J. Rhodes (black and white), 8 yds. . _ Half-Mile Handicap (Open).—lst prize, £8, and sweepstakes of 10s. each from acceptors , 2nd prize, £2.-Jas. Rycroft (green , scratch W- j! Grimes (black), scratch; B. Ellis (green and black), 15 yds.; H. Briiider (scarlet) 25 yds., Thos. Mclvor (white), 2a yds. ; R. Eagleton (blue and white), 25yds.: A. Pulleng (blue), 30 yds • A. G. Hughes (bluo and gold), 40 yds. Acceptances to be declared by noon on the day °f FmENDI,Y Societies Cci> (1-Mile Handicap). —B. Ellis (green and black), scratch; 1. bewe I (bluo and green), scratch ; Jno. McArthur (pink and white), 10yds. . m.,„..„.. Maiden Race, 150 yds. (Entries).—J. Taylor, E. McGinlov, B. Ellis, If. Lublin, S. White, .las. Jones, Robt. Woodcock. VV. Dickenson, A. (*• Hughes, 11. A. Keesing, T. Joughin,Jas. Martin, Alfred Webb, H. Davis.

The Murder at Ararimu.

YESTERDAY'S INQUEST CON-

TINUED

AFTER we went to press yesterday, the evidence of a number of other witnesses was taken. John Dunn, settler, deposed to the deceased coming to his place of residence on Saturday for his (deceased's) scythe. He left with the scythe as quickly as possible, saying he had a pig, and whs afraid of it getting into any person's garden. On Sunday, lie (witness) accompanied Mr Phelau in search of the scythe. They found it about 13 or 14 chains from where the body was lying. Just opposite it he noticed a mark on the fence, where de ceased had evidently got into prisoner's paddock. Joseph Powell, labourer, deposed to seeing the deceased looking for his pig on Saturday. He was afraid it might make its way into Ciirtin's garden. He after wards saw prisoner riding furiously towards Maketu. John McDonald, settler at Hunm, de posed that prisoner came to his house on Sunday morning, and said he and Shanag ban had a light with sticks, hut lie got the best of it, and had Shanaghan tied up until the police should take him away. He also said he had been to Captain Jackson for a warrant against Shanaghan, but Mr Jackson would not grunt it. When he (Curtin) went back, lie found Shanaghan dead. Witness advised prisoner to give himself up to justice, and he said he would do so as soon as he milked his cows.

Francis Thomas Bayntun, a duly quali fied medical practitioner, deposed : On Tuesday the 1. th instant, I in conjunction with Dr. Tanley made a post mortem exam ination of deceased's body. There was severe contusion of the right side of the head extending from the eye to the occiput. I found an incised wound dividing the peri cranium an ini'li ;i half in length at the union of the two parietal bones. A few inches to the right side of this there was ian incised wouudnbout four inches long. The scalp was here detached for about three inches, that is the lie:sh had been detached from 111 ■ skull. There was another wound 1 two inches in length incised above the ear or sounmous portion of the temporal bone. There was grunt extravasation of blood over the whole of this side of the head. On reflecting the pericranium, I discovered an irregular fracture extending from the right parietal bone nearly to the occipital bone through part of the temporal hone to tin* bane of the skull. The fracture extended for about Din. On removing the .skull-cap 1 found the vessels very much congested on tin-right hemisphere. ' Reflecting the ultra mater, 1 found the surface and substance of the brain i-iiigcsted. There, was no etc. in the base of the brain or in either of the ventricles. There was no smell of alcohol. The witness went on to describe tho healthy condition of the vital organs, and noticed a slight contusion on tin- left temple. He found tin? indentures of a rope on the body and marks us if the man had struggled. Deceased was a strong, healthy man with -no organic disease about hint. I think the wounds were not such as a stick wOnld make. It would be impossible with a stick to make an incised wound liketh::s... They might have been done with an iron. The axe produced might have produced them. They were clean Cuts, and must hove been done by some edged instrument. From the amount of hemmorhnge 1 consider that he was tied up before death. The wounds were sufficient to cause death. tie died from loss of blood and exposure. If the man were sensible during the time he was tied up, he would have been in great torture with such wounds, lie might have strug gled violently, but would have been power less to resist the prisoner. To the Coroner : I. think that for the second wound which I described the instrument must have slipped underneath the scalp. The shock to the nervous system might have killed him at once, or he might have lived for hours or days. No blunt instru would have lifted the scalp in the manner I found it. The deceased was probably stooping when he received the wound on the top of the head, unless the wound was inflicted with a long-handled instrument. I am under the impression that if the blow was made by a right-handed person it was made from behind. (The prisoner said : We had four sticks—a stick in each hand. - There was no iron used. lam a left-handed man.) Dr. Bayntun said that he had made inquiries, and learned that prisoner was a right-handed man. Either of the incised wounds might have caused insensibility— To the foreman : If medical assistance had been given in time the life of deceased might have been saved. The wounds might have been given while deceased was lying on the ground. Henry Tapley, legally qualified medical practitioner, residing at Drury, deposed that on Monday he had been called to examine the body of deceased, and on Tues day in conjunction with Dr. Bayntun had made a post mortem examination. He had heard Dr. Bayntun's evidence, and corrobo rated it in every particular. He was quite satisfied that the wounds inflicted upon deceased were sufficient to cause death. The wounds could not have been caused except by a sharp instrument. The scalp, the pericranium, and the outer table of the skull were penetrated. The blow of a stick could not have done that. The wound could have been caused by au instrument similar to the axe produced. The wounds on the top of the head must have been inflicted when the deceased was not in some erect position. That blow could have been struck from behind if the striker was a right-handed man. The hemorrhage would have set in immediately, and the prisoner must have left deceased to bleed to death. The temporal arteries were divided, and they would bleed very freely. Deceased would become insensible in less than ten minutes.

The evidence of Duncan McDonald avus merely corroborative of that given by his father.

Daniel Brisbane, a storekeeper, proved that the prisoner came to his shop on Saturday for the loan of a pound. He said he had had a great fight with Shanaghan. Mary Sherrin deposed that prisoner met her on horseback, and asked her if blood was visible on his face.

The evidence of Alexander Ross, James She r_ in, and Hugh Tookey, wont to sheAV thar Curtin had uttered threats against Shanaghan, saying he would kill him.

Mary Elizabeth McLennan, wife of Constable McLennan, and Wm. Shanaghan, clerk of the R.M. Court, gave evidence proving that prisoner applied for a warrant for the arrest of deceased, tied up m the bush. He gave an account of the light to the former witness. Constable McLennan deposed to the prisoner coining to his place for a warrant. (The remainder of this witness s evidence, and the account of the wounds on the body, and a description of the articles found in Curtain's house, has already appeared m the Star.) , • , Detective George Jeffrey deposed to certain admissions made by prisoner in the lock-up. They were of the same nature as those given to the previous witness. The' evidence was concluded shortly before eleven, and at 11 p.m. tho jury returned the following verdict: llic prisoner, Martin Curtin, wilfully, and with malice aforethought, murdered the deceased, Denis Shanaghan." DESCRIPTION OF THE PRISONER. Martin Curtin is a low set, agile, wiry looking man, of about 38 or 40 years of age. He is slightly under the medium height, and looks as if able to undergo a large amount of fatigue. His appearance is decidedly unprepossessing, and he keeps his eyes steadily downwards. His forehead is low set, and" narrow ; eyes weak blue, shaded by thick eyebrows ; hair light, with reddish beard; lips thin, with a cruel and sinister curl almost constantly on them. He appeared at the inquest dressed in his working clothes, his legs being encased in rough leather leggings, which reached above his Knees. His conduct during the course of the inquest showed a hard disposition, lie cross-examined the witnesses in a most impudent manner, frequently endeavouring to elicit answers to questions touching on their private character. He several times charged the clerk, Mr Shanaghan, with pre judice against him, and accused hi in of altering flic evidence. Mr. Pardy was the particular thorn in his side, and he more than once asked him to keep his tongue quiet, and mind his own business. Curtin sometimes seems absent-minded, but his conduct would not warrant any idea of insanity. The only occasion since the mur der, on which the"prisoner manifested :uiy emotion, was when the verdict was deli vered, and then it was slight and tempo rary.

Boy Falls Over a Cliff at Mount St. Mary's.

Yesterday afternoon a boy about eight years old fell over the cliff at Mount St. Mary's and sustained serious injuries ; indeed it is doubtful whether he will re cover. A gentleman who happened to be near the place carried the poor little fellow into a neighbouring house and despatched messengers in all directions to get a doctor. Nearly four hours elapsed, however, before one could be found, when Dr. Hooper, who had been at flu: North Shore, came and did what he could for the sufferer. It was sonic hours before it could be discovered where the boy lived, but having, to a certain ex tent, regained his consciousness he gave his name as Bunny Oliver, and said he lived in Wellesley-street. Later in the evening a litter was made and the boy was taken home. It appears he had been gathering Christmas (lowers, and had lost his footing, falling down about forty feet on to the hard rock.

EDWARDES-STREET SOIREE.

Tin: members of the Sir Henry liavclock Lodge held their anniversary soiree last evening in the school-room. An excellent tea was provided by the lady members, but it was no! numerously attended. The entertainment which followed was of a very pleasing character. The room was gracefully decorated with mottoes, flowers, and Christmas evergreens. Mr c;. Hemus occupied tlu? chair, and in a sensible and humourous speech referred to the state of the Lodge, which numbered 200 members, and was one of the Strongest in New Zealand, lie also spoke of Christ mas ns a season of general rejoicing and social greetings, comparing tho Christmas cus toms of the past with those of the present. An excellent programme was then introduced, in cluding pianoforte solos by Mr Butschkow, "The Cottage by the Sea," by Mrs Bettany. This lady was much applauded, and gave as an encore "The Heart that knows no Sorrow," and by particular request "The Swiss Toy Girl," in character, which kindled an elderly gentleman so much that he tossed a line bouquet of flowers into the singer's basket. Mrs and Miss Cottinu ham and Miss I fall also sang very acceptably. Mrs Cottinghams fine rendering of" The Blind Girl to her Harp," being much applauded. Miss _ roude gave, two temperance recitations, and Mr Young gave, a scene from the " Honeymoon," in good style. MrXeal sang the "Bay of Biscay," with power. Mr Blackmail gave an original reading, "Christmas Reflections in Englandand New Zealand." Mr Brown, of Parnell gave- the "Soldiers Story," in a pathetic manner. At tho close the secretary performed a comic sketch from the. "Squirrel," in which he ably repre sented tho unlicensed auctioneer. The evening was pleasantly passed, and concluded with the National Anthem.

NOTES FROM THE COURSE.

Since my last notes were written the various candidat.-s and tbeir trainers have been Aery active, [tumour has been busy with the name's of Aerolite and Middle*on. The former has gone slightly lame, and the latter is said to have jrot fever in the feet from standing on board ship. Certain it is that neither has had a gallop for two or three mornings. This morning there was quite a levee on the course. Donald Taylor ■"-as one of the first to show with Tui. whom he gave a slow sweating gallop of about four miles. The horse Avill bear to lose a lit He flesh, other wise, be is titter than he has ever been before. Sprig of Shillelagh only walked* Ray Avas Aery delicate with his string. On arriving at tho gate. a slight shower fell, and his horses were marched back to the paviUion till it was over. After- I wards Danebury, Fallacy, and TommvDodd did 1 a three quarter speed gallop of a mile and a half, but they went no groat pace. The fact is, they are very ripe, and do not want pushing along. Danebury is the prettiest colt seen here since Papapa. What a pity it is that we should have to look which way the stable money goes before backing him for a penny. Yet RoVe must, for it is no secret at all that all Bob Ray's team are to be engineered by a certain bookmaker. Verb Sap. Middlcton only walked. After their spin tho horses were not walked into the paddock but were rubbed down at the haystack by the distance post. Bob Thorpe had Shamrock and Islosman out, and they went a gallop twice round together, but the grey pulled over his companion all the way, the cocktail being evidently no match for him on the flat. Shamrock looks andgocs first-class. The Belle went a mile and a half in her usuai quiet style. She will never set the Thames on lire. Dick Wheeler had Gainsborough *n the course, and putting up a boy, sent him a rattler for a mile and a quarter. Darkie joining in, but tailing to keep pace with him up the straight. This was the fastest piece of work I have vet seen on the course, and the horse went as if lie liked it 1 he man in the street says Gainsborough has been 'busted" too much in his training, but be showed no signs of stalcness this morning, and ii he is allowed to take things comfortably between this and the day he Avill be a formid able candidate for the Railway Plate, and sell ing race. Rangi went twice "round in a lazy romping-.position. She has quite a style of her -OAvn, and her Avriggle when pulling up is not reassuring as to her soundness. Aerolite walked about, but did nothing beyond. Owen McGoo appeared about a quarter* to six, with Perfume May Morn, and Polly Plum, who each had a gallop separately. Perfume wont three times round in capital style finishing resolutely and Strong, the boy, being hardly able to pull her up at the finish. This mare is very Avell at present, and I should recommend no liberties m£ -vi' lkon w7 th her: J llc samo mfty be said of May Morn, who went three miles in free and dashing stylo. This little animal is a genuine bit ol stuff and may be heard of n n ?.} v' aT*V. l-?° in the Hurdle Rv.ce. 1 oily Plum did three times round on the ploughed gallop, and looks about the same old six and eigiitpenoe as of yore. Modora and Butcher Boy Avho arc to be offered for sale to-day did not show and the stigma of absenteeism also attaches to the names of Gladstone, Mystery and the Don I will give you my forebodings on the races on the 26th, to-morrow. Ihe match wWch was to come off to-morrow between Mr Hill's Gladstone and Mr Edgar's Don, has been declared off by mutual consent. e*u°r? wing nominations have been received for the Devonport Grand Handicap:- Devonport Handicap, sweepstakes of 1 sov.fwith 15 soys ft_T o_,;0 _,; f°°pnd ho-se to save his stakes: 14 miles vn M b,g Dicl .Mr. Duder's eh f Kate Mr. Colhns'sid. b Derby, Mr. Stevenson's bay Darine, Mr. Heath's b Caractacus. W> Hotspur,

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., R.M.) SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT. fS. John Butter and George Craig, the latter an old man just out of Mount Eden, were charged with drunkenness, confessed, and were finod 5s each THE BAN OF VAGRANCY, Benjamin West and John Leonard werft charged under the Vagrancy Act with beine habitual drunkards and with having no visible means of support. West, against whom a number of convictions were recorded, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment. Leonard, who had been convicted 55 times of drunkenness and vagrancy, was committed for six months with hard labour. A NOTORIOUS CHARACTER. James Ingham, a resident of Chancery Lane | was introduced on three charges—(l) -with' -vagrancy, (2) with violently assaulting Henry Brenan, and (3) with stealing J n £ Heath's shoes, value 8s 6d. a uu Prisoner pleaded guilty to being drunk and to stealing Mr Heath's shoes, but he did not attack the constable. Mr Broham explained the offences. His Worship said that prisoner was eridentl-r an habitual thief. cuuy Prisoner said it was all owing to his wife whn urged him to do wrong. Six months' imprisonment with hardHabour DISOBEDIENT. William Avery, was charged with a breach of the Foreign Seaman's Act, with disobeying lawful commands of board the barque ' Panola* The case was remanded until to-morrow at the request of Mr Broham. ON THE SPREE. John-Sinnon, a seaman, was charged with absenting himself without leave from the Jessie Osborne, on the 21st inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The captain explained the circumstances prisoner left the ship yesterday without leave and returned at midnight in a state of drunken ness. Seven days imprisonment with hard labonr and to pay Gs Gd costs. THE ARTIST AND INSPECTOR. Mr Neville Thornton was charged with a breach of the By-law by allowing his closet to overflow on the 18th inst. Defendant admitted the charge, but wished to say a word with reference to the charge. Mr Tyler appeared for the Inspector, and des cribed the circumstances. Mr Thornton said the landlady had a contract for emptying the closet, but owing to'the heavy rains it had overflowed iust before the night of emptying. Mrs Thornton spoke to Mr Goldie on tho matter, but he said he did not wish to listen to her, as he intended to make it "hot for Thornton', for what he had said on a previous occasion, His Worship ruled that it was the business of the tenant and not the landlady to see that closets were kept in order. Fined 10s, costs £2 103 including witnesses expenses. ANOTHER CASE. Jerry Regan, was charged with a similar offence, on his premises in Victoria-street. Mr. Tyler said that a mere nominal penalty would meet this case; as it was not of so serious a nature as the last. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2/6, ' costs, 17/ G. BREACH OF CUSTOMS REGULATIONS. Mr. Richard Badham was charged with com mitting a breach of Customs Regulations. Mr. Brook, eld said that he had arranged with Mr. Ilesketh for mi adiournment of the case if - the Court would permit. Adjourned until tho lGth January of next year. ALLEGED INFANTICIDE. . Hilary Ann Kane was [brought in on a charge of feloniously and wilfully killing and murder ing her female infant child on the 10th inst. Mr Broham conducted the case on the part of the police, and Mr llcskelh watched on the part of the prisoner. Mr Broham asked 'that the case might be 1 heard with closed doors, which was granted.

The prisoner, who appeared pale and ill, was allowed to sit during the examination.

It will be unnecessary to repeat the evidence, as the evidence at the inquest was given in the Star.

Susan Grattan, landlady of the Thames Hotel, repeated her evidence. By Air Hesketh : The next room was occupied by three men. There is a window in the dividing wall between the two rooms. She believed the window war, open all that night for the purpose of ventilation.

Jane Carter, nursemaid at the Thames Hotel, gave evidence, and was cross-examined by Mr. Hesketh.

Detective dcflvry stated that he arrested prisoner on the 10th inst., as she wa« too ill to be removed before.

llr Dawson and Dr Wright gave evidence as to the condition of the prisoner and the result of the post mortem examination of the body of the infant, which was evidently born alive. The deposition? were re id over to the prisoner, and his Worship i autiuned her in the usual way. Mr Hesketh submitted that his 'Worsiiip should not commit the prisoner for trial on the charge of murder, because the medical evidence did not shew that the child ever had any separate, independet existence as a child apart from its mother, and although the evidence showed that the child did breathe, the evidence did not shew that it ever breathed after it was completely disconnected from its mother, His Worship said that must be a point for the jury, and committed the prisoner for trial at tho "next Criminal Sittings for the crime of wilful murder. THE EDUCATION KATE. A list of over 70 cases where persons had not paid their Educatioh Bate was introduced by the solicitor. Mr Bcale. HThc following res dents of Onehunga, William Little dale, Geo. C&dham, and John Baylies were ordered to pay the rate due, with £1 12s costs each. The others were settled. The following residents of Hamilton were ad judged to pay'the rate : Jnnics Laurc-y, Sam Bright, Faederick J. Lawrence, Kohert Hill, Edwin Stewart, Joshua T. Johns, Richard Mills, George Uothcay, and William Lockley ; costs, each £2 l(!s. Ahout thirty were settled. This was all the business.

Trial Trip of the Rotomahana.

THE trial trip of Messrs Fraser and Tinne's ucav iron screw steamer Rotomahaua. took place this morning, the boat starting from the wharf at half-pa-4 ten o'clock. The programme included the usual run over the measured mile, and a trip to the Hot Springs and back. A large number of persons Avere invited by the firm to take part in the pro ceedings,* and the greater number acceded to the invitation making a very pleasant party. We have already more than once alluded to the importance attaching to the success of this vessel as being the first iron steamer built in Auckland. If her appear ance which has been fully described in a former issue of the STAR, led ns to anticipate a success, her performance to-day Ims fully borne out our prediction. A sub stantial roomy, convenient, scaAvorfliy, and fast iron steamer has been produced by an Auckland firm, not at an extravagantpnee, and certainly very expeditiously, it 1S particularly noticeable in regard to the Rotomahaua, that every bit of Avbrfc about her has been carried "out by the builders themselves, who have employed no outside talent at all. When this fact is considered, together Avith the perfection of tie fittings and machinery, surely great credit will be given to the" Auckland firm who have accomplished such a vast stride in the progress of our marine architecture.

(PER "STAR" CARRIER PIGEON).

Since Aye last commented ou the A-essel, she has of course undergone a great metam orphosis, having been fitted out in the most complete manner. The saloon is a very beautiful and commodious apartment, 4UH long x 17ft broad, and 7ft lrn high f- ie polished Avood is very noticeable ; nwa-nva and cedar arc the two principal woods employed, and the effect is exceedingly good. * We are surprised that the riAva-mya is not used oftencr for this purpose, me painting and decorating are the work or Mr. J. Henderson, and have been tasteiiiliy executed. The ceiling is divided into panels by the deck beam, and is picket out in green and gold, and bordered with a freize of fretwork with green curtains lor privacy at night. The table is hanked by horsehair benches, (two of which also extend the full length of the, cabin on either side), Avith swing hacks. The upholstering, which is very *-<«». has been attended to by Mr. UiimveU«»| on behalf of Messrs Holloway and GarlicTr* 7- * and the French polishing by Mr. Diu*^ water, on behalf of Messrs Winks and Hall. Roth the saloon and ladies cabin, (which is fitted like the saloon) are furnished with a patent linoleum iloor-cloth or corK carpet. A handsome mirror, and sideboard sot oft' the apartment. On the starboard side, aft of the saloon, is the Captains cabin, which is a very smug little box, . wi every convenience. Further aft still m

THE EVENING STAR. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1876.



JjiURNITURE! FUIWITUBE I Ladies and Gentlemen about to Furnish arc respect fully requested to inspect the Large Stock of DltA WING ■ ROOM, DINING - ROOM BEDROOM, AND GENERAL ROUSE HOLD FURNITURE, In our New and SxiacionsShowrooms. T. & TLITCOOKTE, 67, QUSENSI'IIEET Adjoining Bank of New Zealand. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. TT L. POSSEN ISK lE, In thanking his patrons and the general public for past favours, bogs to intimate that lie has U3L REMOVED REMOVED TEH TO MORE CENTRAL PREMISES (First Shop in Siiohtl.ynd-sti.eet), AND HAS UST OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OE TWEEDS. FANCY COATINGS AND VESTINGS, &c, &c., &c- THO TOURISTS AND VISITOBS TO _!_ WAIKATO AND THE LAKES. BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE CHARGES. Parties intending to go through to the Lakes provided with first-class animals by B. EDWARDS (Late of Cobb & Co.), LIVERY STABLEKEEPER, Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, Waikaeo. T> AN X O E NE W ZEALAND. An AGENCY of this Bank has been opened at MANGAWHARE, Wairoa North, under the charge of Mr. M. Andrews. G. S. KISSLING, Manager. 19th December, 187 G. JJ" 0 T I C E. The Banks will bo CLOSED on MONDAY and TUESDAY, the 25th and 2Gth December, being Christmas and Boxing Days. irTIRSTTiU ALLT V LAMB fou C 5 RiST. fU MAS from Is. Gd. per quarter.—G. llulme. Butcher, Queen-street. An Enabling Tonic—A medicated stimulant that enables those who use it to resist disease, the influences of exposure, sudden changes o temperature, and to perform an extra amount of intellectual and mechanical labour, may be called an enabling tonic. These enabling pro perl ies are possessed, in a wonderful degree by that strength-creating and health perpetuating ally of nature, Uuonpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Sohnapp3. ~„ Mark Twain on Bad Musicians. —T ho musical public and general readers are cautioned not to purchase Weston's Wizard Oil and Magic Pills without carefully examining the outside wrapper—and be sure that tho words -None Genuine without the Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston, Sydney, N.5.W.." arc engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations ol mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthornc, Prosser and Co.— Price, Half-a-crown.



~yr o t i c c. DKAPEBY GOODS, MEW AND CHEAP 1!! The undersigned have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, just landed ex City of Auckland, the whole Of which hiving been bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates, they can afford to offer to their Customers at Very Loav Prices. The Parcel comprises :—■ Grcv Calico, various qualities, from /.'.ld yard Strong White Calico at /I yard, or 3/10 doz. 72-in. Grcv Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., 80-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 9/1,10/1 &11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Bough Brown Holland, from /6 yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /10i and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantinc Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at /IJ, /s_-, and /0, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, fi\ yard Fine Irish Linen, lot of Remnants, a bargain, from 1/1 yard Gents' Br. Cotton Half-hose do. do., merino feet Grey and Fancy Striped Merino Half-hose, and other goods too numerous to mention. All Purchasers of Drapery and Clothing should inspect our Stock, and prove that although not SELLING off, Aye are giving full value for money. B&T One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBUOOK & BRIDGMAN, Up .er Queen-street, Auckland. %Xf ir —A~"T T ft A Y'S YV « GREAT Or CLEARING SALE °®9 Is being CONTINUE!) THIS (CHRISTMAS WEEK, Avhen there will be— Great Reductions in Black Silks Great Reductions in Coloured Silks j Great Reductions in Dress Skirts j Great Reductions in Costumes I Great Reductions in Underclothing Great Reductions in every Line in the Trade. Take note: THIS IS A THOROUGHLY GENUINE SALE. W. RATTRAY, Queen- stjrket.



Buy you* 1 ~ Ctoistros ' Gl_.fei.gfes ftlt MV.Bittn^ ( aj_Uo ~%% v i~ "' . .J?e» Q»V