SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

iTTrrT w..Ti?i. f This Afternoon, 9.13 HIGH VVAIER-| To . morrow Morning) r) >32 SUN SET.—This Evening, 7.13. SUN RISK.—To-morrow Morning, 1.43. MOON'S AGE.—First Quarter, 21ih, 11.20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

Sapphire, 11. M.S., Murray, from TV elhngton, Hinemoa, schooner, from Lyttelton Mendoza, barque, from London Rowena, s.s., Sellars, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

Kcniiworth, schooner, for Wangapoua Thomas Brown, barque, for Launceston via Wangaroa

IMPORTS.

Per Jessie Osborne from London :—l5O bars iron, HO bundles do, 250 do fencing wire, 23 cases galvanised iron, 5 casks chain. 5 do cart traces, 1 case table cutlery, Ido brushes,9 casks and cases hardware.—X. Porter and Co. 0 bales canvas, 2do twine.—A. B. Donald, sailmakcr 100 cases Hennessey's brandy, 50 do 2-star do, 25 do 3-star do, 5 pkges. glassware, 2do oil paint ings, 1 do toys, 3 cases jujubes, 30 kegs white lead, S do zinc paint, 3 casks putty, 8 do Brazil nuts, 1 case fishhooks, 1 do fishing lines, 2 do sowing machines, 1 do masks, 1 do jewellery, 1 do Brazilian mole trousers, E. and It. Isaacs. 30 cases W. starch, 100 boxes Belmont sperms, 2 cases shop twine, 20 do ' sardines, 20 do _ do, 2 do cigars, Barnett and Levy. Per Mendoza from London :—59 bundles backets, f> cases chandeliers, 28 axle arms, 5 casks bolts and nuts. 2 cases saddles, 2 kegs 831'ews, 15 casks and cases hardware.—E. Porter and Co. Per Mendoza from London:—s bales wool packs, 6 casks valonia, 5 bales curled horse hair, 30 casks grindery. Ii cases French calf leather, 1 cas s Knglish call' leather, 3 cases E.I. kip, 3 hhds. lasts, 6 bales wrapping paper, 1 cases twine, 1 case, stationery, 2 cases machine silk and thread, i cases French chalk, 1 case heel nails, &c.,2 cases enamelled and japanned hides, -I eases saddles, 3 cases whip*, 10 eases 2 casks saddler's ironmongery, 6 cask., plough and trace chains, 1 cask sponge, 3 casks plough and cart hames, 1 cask American coach haiiies, I case saddle cloths, 2 cases horse, clothing, 2 cases saddle trees, 1 case machine knives, 2 cases brush ware.—lreland Bros. 2 bales hessians, 3 do curled hair, 1 cases per ambulators, 10 do iron bedsteads, 1 do furniture linings, 1 bale carpets, Winks and Hall. - 15 cases 250's vestas, 15 do Swiss milk, 1 do fancy goods, 8 do glassware, E. and 11. Isaacs. 5 bales, Ireland Bros. 120 pkges, 20 case, Henderson and Macfarlane 462 pkges, 30 biles, 200 boxes. Stone. Bros. 200 .-barrels, 118 pkges, E. Porter and Co. 8 bales paper, H. Brett. 309 pkges., 200 cases, 28 pkges., Owen and Graham.

THE JESSIE OSBORNE.

This fine Vessel beat up the harbour last even ing and anchored at seven o'clock oil" the wharf. The emigrants were landed this morning and provided with temporary quarters at the Depot. The ship comes into port ma beautifully clean condition. The immigrants quarters are roomy and well ventilated, and their cleanliness does infinite credit both to the authorities of the ves sel and the immigrants themselves. The voyage appears to have been an exceedingly pleasant one, good weather and good humour having gone hand in hand. An affray between two of ihe sailors, in which one named Hughes inflicted a nasty wound on the other with a knife, formed the subject of a charge at the Police Court this morning. Dr Alnutt, who is well-known in this port, comes as Surgeon-Superintendent. He will be remembered in the same capacity on board the Queen of Nations. Miss White is the matron over the single girls. These arc a hearty and strong-looking class, and will find situations without difficulty. A notice to consignees of the vessel appears elsewhere.

ARRIVAL OF THE MENDOZA.

The line iron bai'que Mendoza arrived from I_~>mlon last iiiirht. after a passage of : O.S days. .She was signalled outside Tiri at mid-day yesterday, and was spoken by tne Ilowcna and the schooner liincmoa, but, she vva-i not able to make tho powder ground till an early hour this morning. She brings a general cargo valued at £16,030, and comes consigned to Messrs. Cruick shank and Co.

The s.s. Taranaki was not able to cross the Manukau bar yesterday, so she returned to the, Onehunga wharf in the afternoon and landed those of her passengers who wished to have a run ashore. She started again this morning. The topsail schooner Hinemoa arrived last evening from Lyttclton.with grain and produce. She left on the 10th inst., and had strong S.E. weather to ' the Poverty Kay. Thence light winds for three days. Passed East Cape at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and the IMereurics 21 hours later. Thence strong S.W. weather into port. The Go A-head has been further postponed until Friday, 22nd inst., at noon. H.M.S. Sapphire arrived from Wellington this afternoon. The ship Orari has been moved away from the wharf into the stream, where she will lie for a few days before sailing for London.

COMMERCIAL.

E. and H. Isaacs report on tlvir sale to-day o unclaimed goods by various ships, and genera hardware, that extremely unsatisfactory price; were realised.

Messrs Cochrane and :Son held a land and property sale at the Fort-street Mart to-day. The six-roomed cottage in ' incoln-street, Pon sonby, sold for £225; 17 lots at Itiverhead, in the estate of Thomas Shove, realised 2s Gd per lot, and the 77 acres at Wangarei 2s Id per acre.

The sale of the lease of sheds on the Queen street Wharf, was postponed until Friday.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— For Thames, this da]-, at 5.30 p.m., and to-mor row, at 1.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Lnlla Rookh, to-morrow, at 1.30 p.m.. and per Argyle, on Friday noxt, at 2.30 p.m. For Whitianga. Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, this day, at i p.m. For Taranaki, Southern Provinces, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Hawea, on Friday next, at 10.15 a.m. For Tairua, per Mann, on to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Gisborne and Napier, per Go-Ahead, to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, and Tc Aral, per Annie Milbank, to-morrow, at 10 a.m. For Tonga, per Loch Lee, on Saturday next, at 3 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster.

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

For the c.ivse that lacks assistance, pnr the wrong that needs resistance, For die future in the distance, And the that wc can do.

WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 20, 1876

The retiring Mayor, to-day, tit the annual meeting of the Council, was able to present a very satisfactory statement of city works. Improvements progress so gradually that we are apt to forget the rapid strides which the canvas-town of thirty-five years ago "is milking towards municipal greatness. The summary laid before the citizens by his Worship, will serve, however, to remind ratepayers that Auckland is growing up around them into a city of no mean magni tude. There arc few passages in the report that call for particular comment. It will be observed that ihe Mayor .strongly urges a return to the original design for drawing the water for city supply straight from the wells, instead of allowing it to filter through a broad, shallow pond, exposed to the sun's rays, and liable to pollution by rank vegetable growths. The references to city accounts, and the object of reproducing the city auditors' cautiously-worded report, tire somewhat obscure. If it is intended, as would appear from Mr Prime's notice of motion founded thereon, to leave the question of city accounts in the present state, we venture to say that the ratepayers will not rest satisfied. Unless the broad charges which have been made by various accountants and brought directly under the notice of the Council in Mr J. P. King's letter, are examined and disproved, the Council officers will lie under a stigma which is neither just to them or satisfactory to the burgesses. As an index to the condition of the Corporation books, the report quoted by the Mayor is simply valueless, and if the members of Council wished for the opinion of one of those gentlemen who signed that report, they would find it expressed by Mr Way mouth a month or two ago in the words, " your books are kept on no system at all." We do not assume that this is the case ; we had hoped that the examination of the accountants appointed under resolution of the Council, would result in shewing that the statements which have been freely hazarded were greatly exaggerated. But it is intolerable that those statements, having mw , Maiiwet the ESQBU&e. .% vW«I. the

official reports on the subject have given them, should remain in the unsettled posi tion in which Mr. Prime's motion would leave them. The renewal of the Mayor's salary was carried nem. con. A rumour had gained currency that a practical joke of an unpleasant kind, was to be tried on the new occupant of the oflicc by the sudden reduction of the screw to £10, but the rumour proved groundless, and Ids Worship will retain the £150 enjoyed by his prede cessors for the due maintenance of the Mayoral dignity.

We learn that the Colonial Sectretary has restored Baron De Thierry's certilicate as an interpreter. Mails for the United Kingdon via Suez, and the Australian Colonies, will close at 11 a.m. to-morrow. After the meeting of the Council to-day, Councillor Prime gave notice of the follow ing motion:—"That this Council re-con sider the proposal to spend £30 in the examination of the Treasurers Books, the Auditors having certified that they have made a searching examination of the City Council's Books, and approve of the same." Wu understand that Mr Geo. Eraser lias refused to act in the proposed examination of the City Council's account books. The Union Beach transfer books close on Friday, the 22ml inst. to Friday, 24th, svliou a, dividend of ten shillings will be paid.

The want of provision for the superior education "1 girls in Ibis city lias long been kecnl.s recognised, and during (he past year or two it lias become more seriously ap parent, ft lias been felt that girls have laboured under serious disadvantages as compared with their male competitor:.. The announcement made at the meeting ol the Boardof Education yesterday as to the intended establishment of a Obis' Training and High School will be received with satis faction. The expenditure of £250 on the Wesleyan College, Upper Queen street, will render that building highly suitable for the proposed objects, and in Mrs Stodbart as Lady Principal, the Committee who have taken the matter in hand will have the services of a lady who is highly trained and gifted, and an enthusiast in the matter of education. The course of training Avill include history, natural science, elocution. modern languages, singing, drawing, calisthenics, and indus trial work. The terms as announced are

moderately reasonable, and pupils will have the option of attending one or more of the classes. One of the principal advantages of the establishment will be the training class for female teachers, Avhich will supply a want, which has been keenly felt. It is proposed to open this school about January 12th. The examination of the pupils at lending the Newton Grammar School, conducted by the Rev. Peter .Mason, 8.A., concluded yesterday. Examination papers were fur nished by Mr Ewington, Mr Grant, M.A., and Mr French, M.A., on history, geo graphy, grammar, and arithmetic. The prizes'will be distributed before resuming school duties, after the holidays, due notice of which will be given to the pupils, and their parents. Positive instructions have been given to the Town Clerk, by the I .nance Committee of the City Council, that all arrears of rules not paid by the Ist proximo are to bo legally recovered forthwith.

Wo have received from a correspondent two ears of wheat, thus labelled :--" Speci mens shewing the destructive habits of the house-sparrow, and the ornithological know ledge possessed by the members of the Ac climatisation Society." The ears, which are riddled by the attacks of some feathered robber, are on view al our ollicc. There will be a conceit in the Edwardcs street schoolroom to-night, to be suc ceeded by a sale of useful articles, the fruit of a magnificent Christmas tree. The articles, which have been taste fully arranged upon the boughs, are for the most part the work of the ladies connected with the church and school, who have been most indefatigable in their endeavors to make the allair a thorough success. The concert will commence at 7. 30. Sale of goods will be continued at the close. A. meeting of ratepayers of Ponsonby will be held this evening iii the Public Hall, to hear the views of the candidates for election for Newton Biding. In connect ion with

this, an anonymous circular has been issued, headed, "Ratepayers of Ponsonby, Beware," which calls the attention of the ratepayers to the necessity of electing men who will avoid the imposition of excessive taxation.

We have been requested to mention that the shop alluded to in a letter on .Monday evening in connection with a fictitious juice for plums, is not the one next door to Mr llardwick's, but is in another part of the street. At a meeting held at the Oratia Hotel on Saturday last if was resolved that the pro posed race meeting at Henderson's Mill be postponed to sonic future day, probably in March.

The examination of candidates for classi fication as teachers was continued to-day in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, in the various branches of educatson ; the majority of the candidates arc ladies. The examina tion, it is expected, will close to-morrow evening.

In West Queen-street to-day one of the horses attached to a waggonette containing voters, feel down, and it was found that his hinder parts were paralysed, it is supposed that his back was broken. Crowds of persons have been gathering throughout the day at the windows of Mr Yandle's curiosity shop, in Queen -street, attracted by the figures of the Hon. Eliot Yorkc, and the daughter of Baron Roths child, as they appeared in their wedding garments. 'The representations are from life, and are entirely the work of Mrs Yandle, who has di played much taste in the execution. The adjourned inquest on the body of the infant found dead at the Thames Hotel, on the 11th instant, was concluded, after a lengthened investigation, last evening, and resulted in the following verdict:—"The child died by sullbcation, but there is no evidence to show by whom or how tho sullb cation was caused." The evidence appeared in' our last issue. We notice that the promoters of the Saturday Night entertainments will give the proceeds of their next Saturday's entertainment for the benefit of Mrs. Keating, whose husband is lying in a hopeless condition in the hospital. Airs. Keating has a family of small children, and she herself is in a very precarious state of health. The friends, Messrs Bettany, Carr. and Andrew, in connection with the committee, arc doing their best to get up an excellent programme for the occasion (admission charge sixpence) in order to get a practical response in favour of the poor woman, whose case is a most deserving one.

PROVIDENT SAVING CLUB.

A PLEASANT gathering of those interested in the Provident Saving Club, started by a number of ladies in Ihe Newton district for tho purpose of encouraging small savings of mothers as security against a rainy day, took place last night in the school-room of Mrs. Waite, Eden Terrace. There were about fifty present. Mrs. Wallis read the following report: The Provident Saving Club opened on the 7th February. There have been in all 2i5 depositors, and there arc now on the roll 16 depositor.. The whole amounts de posited since the commencement is £10 19s sd; now in hand, _3S Is lid; withdrawn, £3 lis (id. Each depositor has a book to cheek the with drawal or deposit of any sum. sof the deposit ors are children, and the youngest has al ready 9s. Tho members ot tho club have already felt the benefit of having even a few shillings laid up for a time of need, and the Committee would ur*o the attention of fathers and mothers to the great good arising from the habit of lying by a little (be it ever so small) weekly. The small sums arc not missed at the times, but it is quite surprising how they seem to grow when regularly addod to. In con nection with the Club there is a register kept of those who want work and of the kind of work TOUgfcA. wi. »W $ the m$HMK$i 9 .B twWy

how often and how well they have been helped from time to time in various ways.—E. \VALLis, Superintendent. Mrs Battley afterwards played a number of Moody and San key's hymns on the piano. Miss Waitc delivered some most success ful recitations, and addresses were given by ivir Atkin on " Mother's Influence, and Mr _. v. Ewingtonon "Smallßeginnings. Ihcmtciest ing proceedings terminated at an early hour.

CITY COUNCIL.—THE ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the City Council was held to-day, at noon, to receive the annual statement of aftairs from his Wor ship the Mayor, and to adopt the annual statement of accounts. Present: His Wor ship the Mayor (B. Tonks, Esq.,), Council lors Isaacs, Brett, Yon dcr Ileyde, Goldie, , Masclield, Dickson, and Prime. After the minutes had been read and signed, the Mayor called upon tho Town Clerk to read the MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. I have now the pleasure of presenting tc: [ you the annual statement of accounts, duly [ audited, attached to which is an explanatory ! memo, by the Town Clark, and a com • putative .statement of the receipt oi licenses, &o. lam glad to bo enabled tc mention, alter the statements which have been so freely written about in the news papers, that the auditors give a very satisfactory statement of the accounts. J beg to give you a short resume of improve ments ami other matters which have taken place during the past year, and which may • be considered of interest to the Council and to the ratepayers. (1). P. bug Works and Improve- MI'.NTB.-—Drainage works. Among these may he enumerated sewers in Durham , street East, Fort-street, Ivarangahape Load, Elliott-street, and works now in progress in Custom-house-street and Albert-street. _ ivo thousand nine hundred and seventy seven (5777) superficial yards of asphalt pavement, ami five (5) asphalt street crossings have been laid down. Besides an exceptionally large outlay of £4,882 in the maintenance of streets, footpaths and roadways have been made in City Road, Albert-street, Breakwater Road, Custom house-street, Howe-street, Napier-street, Fort-street, and Bcrcsford-strcct acr being formed ; Upper Queen-street, Wellington street, and Jerniyu-strcet have been chan nelled ; and the levels of several leading .streets have been fixed during the past year. 2. Waterworks.—Satisfactory progress has been made, and early in the new year I trust the supply will be in the city. During the sitting of the past session power Mas ob tained to borrow an additional £25,000, which, after providing for paying the bal ance of tho purchase money of the Western Springs Estate, will enable mains to be laid in all parts of the city, and thus place the means of obtaining a good supply of water at the disposal of all ratepayers. I cannot close my remarks on this subject, without expressing an earnest hope that the Council Avill take measures to conduct the water as il rises at the springs direct to the pump-wells without allowing it lay stagnat ing in a pond. On .the completion of the present contra . this may he accomplished at a very small cost. I should have brought this iimlcr your notice earlier, but if is most desirable that no more alterations than are absolutely necessary should ho made before tho completion of the present contract. .'.. [Ruing the last session of Parliament a consolidated and amended .Municipal Corporation Act was passed, and will be come law on the Ist proximo. Very many important allocations and improvements have been eilVicfcd. Among the most im portant are those enabling the Council to reduce special rales, establish and purchase tramways, gas supplies, ike., increased sources of revenue, iK-'e. ■I. The only loan eU'eeled during the past year are. 56' Endowment Loan Debentures of £100 each. (">.) .d.-KKKT-Ilorsi. ItI.VI.NI'K. It will be observed that the, Market-houso rerenue is ,€71.», against £517 received during the preceding year, showing an increase of nearly £209. (t;.) Fiiti. iißirJAl.l. I.xi'i.Nnrrri.i.. -There has been a considerable decrease in the expenditure in the. Fire Brigade Depart men! during the past year, while tho efficiency has, I am glad to say, considerably increased. A re-organization of I lie force look place during the year, which has bacn found to work effectively. Doubtless when Ihe water supply is in town the present expense will be materially reduced. ('".) lti.inoTinN oi'' Sl'l-CIAI, II.VTK.- The in creased value of t'iiy assessment will, with I ho powers granted by the new Acl after January I, enable, the Council to reduce this rate atoncc by one-half. Application has been made for per misdon lo do so forthwith. (.".I A transfer of the Domain Water Supply to the City Council has been arranged by .Mr U. Wood and myself, which will place al the disposal of the eitv a large number of useful watcrmains and other material of a value not short of .4211)00. (fl.) With the exception of the Waterworks I Rye-Law.-, there have been no Hyc-Laws brought into operation during the year. (10.) Gas Sri'iu.v. A material reduction of los per lamp per annum made by the Gas Com pany has enabled the Council to place nearly twenty additional lamps in the city duringtlic past year. A further reduction will enable thorn to extend the advantages of having the streets well lighted. (11.) The following streets have been very sue cessfnlly planted with trees during the past year: Hepburn-street, Symonds-street, and VVcllesley-street JSast; and tho following .junc tions of streets enclosed and planted: corner of Short land-street and Emily Place, junction of Symonds-street and Waterloo Quadrant. (12.) I have great pleasure, in tcsti'ying to the zeal and etliciency of the City Council officials, whom I have always found to he most assiduous in tho various duties of their otllccs and in their desire to promote the welfare of the city. The energetic collection of the rates, for which we are mainly indebted lo tho Town Clerk, resulted in giving the electoral franchise to nearly fivo hundred additional voters at tho'compilation of the last Burgess roll. This is only one of the benefits resulting from having the rates wholly instead of partially collected. 13. The, following articles have been ordered during the year, to facilitate labour and other improvements:—Now street sweeper, found to answer very well : six Latham's chorcoal sewer ventilators, now being placed ; live hundred feet of leal her fire - hose, three iron street-closets, urinal, and lamps combined, not yet to hand; fifty lamp-posts and lamp-heads, made here very satisfactorily. 14. During the year some additional accom modation (very much required) has been given to the Council officials. I am, however, of opinion that looking at Ihe increase of duties and sources of revenue, it is very desirable that in the question of accommodation for the Coun cil, scourity for its property and convenience to the public should be considered as .ion as ex traneous sources of revenue place the Council in funds for such purposes. The work of the ofliee is now largely increased owing more particu larly to the. half-yearly collection of the general rate, and to the addition of the special water works rate (also collected half-yearly), besides which the new Act entails much more work, such as half-yearly audits, &c—and additional assistance will ere long be required. Xo real economy would be effected if the ordinary work is allowed to tall into arrear for confusion en sues from enforced neglect. 15. Government Suhsidy.— During the year Ihe sum of £2,1.7 Is. Id. has been received as Government subsidy, During the next year a I very large increase of revenue from this source, uid from the various hotel, auctioneer, and .thcr licenses may be expected. 16. Jn conclusion allow me to thank you for he courtesy and co-operation extended towards no during my term of oilic . and 1 trust with he material assistance from the Government iow payable to Municipalities, tho city will con inuc to advance in wealth and prosperity. B. Tonics, Mayor. THE ACCOUNTS. The Mayor said tho next business was lie approving of the statement of accounts. This appeared in print some days ago. In reference to tho two items disallowed, amely, £300 "on lixed deposit Bank of sew Zealand " and " Contribution to Mlice Expenses, £2rio," tho Mayor called ttention to tho fact that they wore the tine as the items disallowed last year.. Inder the old Act it had boon decidecf nit such items could not be charged. Tho cw Municipal Corporation Act made the ecessary provision authorising expendi ire for the expenses of collecting special ttcs. The following certificate was appended > the statement of accounts ;— " We have made a searching examination of c City Council's books and accounts, and have und that all the cash records are correct, and I o satisfied that all the moneys received are ■ counted for. The. expenditure is vouched. 'c have examine.. th« gewi. <?8 hsld 6)i Hie

Council and have found them correct. We are ofP oph ion that the small amount of arrears due on the Endowments Kent Roll and on the later rates is evidence of very creditablo aPPhca tion and attention to their duties on the pait of the Council's officers. Subject to the disaUow anccs wc approve of the accounts.—J. WA\ mout'h, Geo. Fkaser, Auditors. Tho Mayor moved, that the statement be adopted. Councillor Prime seconded. Councillor Masefield asked if the Corpora tion possessed any property in houses, <See, not mentioned in the accounts. The Mayor said everything of that kind would be found under the head of Endow ments. , . . . ~ Councillor Goldie asked for information on the following items : Miscellaneous and Sundries (in all) £330 ; paid to Mr. Steven son £200 ; printing £41G 19s 3d. As to the last mentioned item he should move at an early date for a committee to see whether the printing and advertising accounts, could not bo reduced. The Mayor said nothing had boon adver tised beyond what was necessary. Councillor Goldie thought a lot ot unnecessary matter, padding in fact, was put in tho advertisements. Councillor Isaacs said there was some truth in what Councillor Goldie. said. Councillor Brett: We can't cut down any timber accounts, can wo ? Councillor Goldie : 1 am above tendering for timber contracts, Councillor Brett. Councillor Dickson said he thought tho expenditure under schedule A might have boon reduced to less than one half, if the work had been tendered for. Tho Mayor after partially explaining some of the'items referred to, promised that full details should be laid upon the table at tho next mooting. The question of adopting the accounts was thou put and carried unanimously. MAYOR'S SALARY. On the motion of Councillor Isaacs, seconded by Councillor Goldie, the salary of the Mayor for the ensuing year was lixod at £150. This was all the business, and the meet ing broke up, after Mr Tonks had thanked the Councillors for their courtesy to him during his year of office.

POLICE COURT. —This Day.

(Before A. Beetham and G. P. Pierce Es«|s., Justices.) AS USUAT., PETER. Peter Salmon pleaded guilty to being intoxicated last night, and philosophically .submit ted to 5s and costs. UNDER Till. VAGRANT ACT. John Boss, the wealthy digger, who was liberated yesterday on promise of amend ment, was brought up under tho Vagrant Act, the said John Boss having been drunk three times in the course of throe weeks. Prisoner said bo would not deny the charge of being drunk, but bo bad boon busy all day packing up his " traps," ready to stail on his voyage to his estate in British America. Being weary, he took a drop, and could not stand it, and so he laid down. Sergeant-Major Mason said the man was a continual source of annoyance to the police, lie was continually drinking, with large sums of money in his possession. Prisoner said he was going to pay bis passage to-day, and implored the leniency of the Bench. The Bench said they would allow the prisoner the opportunity of getting away by only imposing a penalty of 10s and costs. liISOIiKDIKNCI.. doe, a Kanaka, was charged with disobe dience of orders on board the schooner Kenihvorth, on the 19th inst. Prisoner pleaded guilty, but did not seem to understand the meaning of the term. On being interrogated be said his articles would terminate cm the .'list of December, and he wanted his discharge, but the cap tain would not lot him go. Mr C. A. Harris deposed that he was the owner of the Kenihvorth, and the prisoner, who was an articled seaman on board, refused yesterday to obey orders ; he appeared to have been drinking. Mr. Harris said he was willing to send prisoner on to the schooner, and of course at the expiration of his term he would be at liberty. Prisoner objected to go. Mr. Harris said he should not like to take him unless he Mas willing to go. There was ■'£.I ]:_. 10d. due to prisoner, which he would receive at once. Prisoner said Ik; would return, and was ordered to bo scut back to tho schooner. CRIMPING. John Sufelide was charged with know ingly conniving at Hie escape of John Holland and Charles Olson, seamen, from tho American barque Europa, on the 17th instant. Prisoner, an elderly man, pleaded guilty to sheltering the men, but he was not aware that they had run away from the barque. Mr 11. P. Barber, American Consul, de posed that tho two men deserted from the barque, in consequence of which the Cap tain had been put to much inconvenience and nearly a £100 expense, through the desertion of these men and eight others, as he found it difficult to got men to Jill their place.

Prisoner said the men came to his house and left their clothes, but he did not know that the men' were deserters. He had been in Auckland since 1547, and had boon a householder for twenty-seven years. He charged them nothing for lodging, and, as they wore strangers, and the night, was stormy, he took them in. Sergeant-Major Mason said he was in structed that the man did know that the men were deserters, and that he advised the men to bide in the bush until the ship had

gone. The Bench said that prisoner had pleaded guilty, and, as a warning to him, he must pay a fine of 40s and costs. TONGUES AND FINGERS. Oh woman, in our hours of case, Uncertain coy, and hard to please. But when two women have a row, Their fingers mark each other's brow. —Adaptation from Scott. May O Keefewas charged with violently assaulting Edith Pearson, by threatening ts punish her on the pimple, and otherwise assaulting her on the 18th inst. Mr Brock appeared for the defence, but on complainant being vigorously called by the Court orderly, it was found that Edith had changed her mind, and gone home to get her husband's dinner ready. The case was accordingly dismissed.

DR. WALLIS'S REPLY.

To the Editor ; Sir,—Allow mc to reply to Mr Stevenson's letter in your Monday issue. At the meeting ho refers to, I said that sometimes the chairman of Iload Boards _.c, who were not paid, managed to pay themselves indirect. I made at the time a special exception of the Karangaliape , Road Board, so that Mr Stevenson as a member of that Board has no just ground of complaint. I was not alluding to pecuniary misappropriations at all, or even hintiim that one farthing of hard cash had ever boon given to or accepted by any member of that or any other Road Board. My words neither conveyed, nor were intended to convey any impression of that sort. I was speak'in<>- of indirect payment—of unpaid members of Road and other Boards occasionally doiim more Jo improve the roads, &c, connected with their own property than that of their remote neighbours. At the meeting I ex cepted the Karangahape Road Board" This exception I would not have made, if I had remembered at the time that the last chair man of that Board Board was deprived of his chairmanship through the prevailing opinion that he spent more of the Road funds m improving the streets and paths in

PRIMITIVE METHODIST OPENING SOIREE.

A large gathering of members and fiends of the Primitive Methodist connection took place last evening in the new Chapel, Franklin Road. The usual tea meeting was held at the com mpnrwnent and the tables were loaded with "ascs of f owe "s and provisions by the following ladies, Who were most attentive to the natural wants of the visitors :-Mesdamos Potter, Morgan, Whitcombe, Harris, Maynard, Booth, I Chambers, M. Chambers, Wesley,, Cook Warbu'-ton. Salt, and Rains. The entertainment commenced .with a hymn by the choir, given out by Mr Smith, the chairman, after which Rev Mr Hodgson offered the dedicatory prayer, Mr Smith then spoke upon their position and prospects, and expressed the gratitude of the Church for the generous help afforded. Key Walter Harris, the minister, then crave a woll-condcnsed sketch of the rise and completion of the new church. The narrative was full of interest, and tended to prove what exertion and continued perseverance may do, espec ally when tne adios enter the field of enterprise. The names of Dr Kendcrdine and Councillor Goldie were mentioned among the contributors with respect to their liberal donations. The total cost ot the building was £1,399, and towards this sum they had received £201) from the sale of the Sheridan street property, and £102 from collections, dona tions and ladies work, leaving an unliquidated balance of £735. Other sums were to come in, which would lessen the balance by about £iO. (Cheers). Speeches of a practical and interesting character were subsequently delivered by Key. T Hodgson and Rev. W. Tinsley. The choir sang a number of hymns and sacred selection.1, during the evening under the guidance of Mr Thomas Booth, Miss Hoy^s presiding at the harmonium.

THE MAYORALTY.

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING.

THE CANDIDATES ON SHEW.

Pints. ANT to an advertisement published by his Worship the Mayor in response to a requisition of citizens, a meeting of burgesses was hold in the Mechanic's Institute last night, for the purpose of hearing Messrs Cosgrave and Hurst ventilate their opinions as to city affairs generally. As it was popularly supposed that the gathering would be the occasion of some fun, the hall was quite full before the time appointed.— On the motion of Councillor Prime, bis Worship tho Mayor, B. Tonics, Esq., was voted to the chair.—A few minutes having boon cut to waste in dispute, Mr Coleman, solicitor, moved that Mr Hurst be hoard first. —MrW. J. Hurst on coming for ward was received with cheers ami hisses. Ho began by disclaiming all intention of disparaging bis opponent. In consequence of his recent defeat in the City Council election he had at first declined to come forward in the present contest, and bad only consented when requisitionised by an iuiluential body of citizens. He regretted to say that lie had been very vilely treated since coming out. Ho had received the most slanderous letters, (fortunately for the writers they wore anonymous,) and had been threatened that if he persisted in his can didature circumstances which occurred twelve or fourteen years ago would bo drugged up against him. In response to the cries of " Name, name," the speaker said he wished he knew the name, and ho would proceed against them in less than 21 hours. He promised if they elected him to exercise the most careful surveillance over the City accounts, ;uid to see that all the transactions were correctly recorded in the City books, and would givchis word tobringanv incompetent officer before the Council, and procure his dismissal. He believed it possible to reduce the special rate from Is to sixpence during the present year. In answer to questions, Mr. Hurst said he would not pledge him self to discharge Mr. Philips, and Mr. Brodie. The auditors had reported on the accounts, and there was nothing wrong discovered. He would see that City accounts were kept by competent officcis. In reply to another question Mr. Hurst said lie saw nothing unreasonable in having the Council office open three times a week until 7 o'clock, for the payment of rates. A cry was hero rais.d about the shilling special rate. Mr. Tonics said he admitted being the author of that. It was necessary to prevent the interest of the Waterworks Loan being paid out of the loan. He thought every intelligent ratepayer would coincide in this view of tho ease. He bogged to inform them that in no case could the rates be reduced to less than Is 3d in the pound. — Councillor Cosgrave was reccivct* with cheers. He thought Mr. Hurst should have produced the anony mous letters he had received. Referring to the Town Clerk, he said Mr. Philips had been offered the post with £.100 a year, but he would not accept it as *he had a largo family to provide for, and Mr Isaacs, the then Mayor, was a wealthy man, and had offered to allow £100 a year to betaken from his own and added to Mi- Phillips'. He considered Mr Philips knew more about City affairs than anybody in Auckland. Ho had effected a great im provement and saving in getting the rates paid in the office. Mr Hurst wa.\ very seldom to be found at Committee meetings ; it was his way to walk into the Council,' make his speech, put on his hat, and walk out ;."«*iin (Laughter.) However, as Mr Hurst°had shewn mercy to him he must not be un charitable. He could tell a little about their taxation. They were now paying altogether about V2_ per cent, and next year unless very great care was taken their burdens would amount, to 1!).', per cent He was hiniscif liable for very heavy taxes, and should promise to look after them well.' He altogether deprecated bringing religion into (be case. He know that he could not boast of the personal advantage., of his opponent • lie wtis not the glass of fashion or tho mould of form. (Cheers.) He did not, like Mr Hurst, give a tone to society. (Laughter.) Jt they elected hini he would strive forth" reduction of the rates and Hie relief of the ratepayers; (Cheers.)—Mr Bcttanv, under plea ot asking a question, made a speech denouncing .Air Philips and his £400 a year salary -Mr Cosgrave said at the time Mr Phillips wtis made Town Clerk, his Knowledge and experience saved the city several thousands.—After Mr Cosgrave had satisfactorily answered several other ques tions, Mr J. P. King moved : " That John fiW aV<.« qv !r aht alltl Pr°Per V^on to hi I the office ot Mayor, and that this meet ing pledges itself to support him in the election. —Mr Glceson seconded the resolu tion.—Air Lettany, amid much confusion ami shouting, moved : " That W. J. Hurst !isq.,lsa fit and proper person to fill the office of Mayor." The motion was not SttMr. Can- moved as an amend ment, 1 hat a vote of thanks be given to both candidates for their addresses?"—Mr i-ooro-o Staines seconded the amendment, jvhich, on being put to the meeting by the bainnau, was declared carried.—Air J p tlr.!!i.° XX this ruli»S-- A vote of thanks to the Mayor closed the proceed- All 'M

The Election of City Mayor.

Tine second election of Mayor by the rate payers took place in the Mechanics' Institute to-day. At an early hour, the two candi dates were on the scenes of action, and as the day advanced, the numbers of voters belnm VS m mCre^ e + d ' and u«> general bustle oecamo more intense and excitin . A great deal of zeal was displayed by' both caii-Hlates^uul a considerable numbeiof 11on P of XX ar itlVity; Rtill thor« none of that wordy opposition which is fluently called forth 'on such occasions? "■ Cosgrave appeared serene, now and then giving utterance to a sentence of dry humour; while on the other hand Mr. Hurst was bursting with «££' J he incidents worthy of note were few ™ d far between. Mr. Hannaford appeared on WQt. c., dQ«Jmig o«v reporter to behold hi.

first-born Among the most actwZT^ cessful of the agents of Mr. Hurst °" stout elegantly dressed gentleman, wh!f a fiuentlymadehiswaythrouglvtheciWdw' ing some voter to the hustings by the i 7- d' hole, while the perspiration w£ C%&> down his face, which caused the S? « Go it, Carr," to be heard from a >Jft months. Presently a venerable °' appeared with his fadeless flower forlT ep way an immediate opening was 'mad* some laughter followed the declwT and his political principles. « I'm Iff 011 of of all nations ; I goes in for Cos » "?* sently the clerk of the Police Con*. c" out and beckoned the two _and_ C. ac saying that two justices were w9s required on the Bench to take SI tC- y a special case. "What is if" *«?a i m "To decide who is to be Mayor." a °nC' many efforts were made to vary the nf 00^ tony of the scene as the vehicles ™n ? n?* and out of High-street, but nofi 2 special note. We shall publish the Z° f bers as soon as made known. m* RESULT OF THE POLL HURST ... " ■ COSGRAVE ... ;.. gJJ Majority ... ... ~^-

ADDRESS TO REV. WARLOW DAVIES.

We have noticed in the window of tw Ghamptaloup and Cooper, a beautifully ill B^' ated address, about to be presented fawtlrS™* J. T. Warlow Davles, M.A., by the dP»rL Rev' behalf of themselves and oamm»_tS_£ Son shipping in Beresford-street <^XhI 01. church, previous to the Rev. gentlSv?l parture for England and Wales Thlf- 6' work is of eight choice New Zealand,™ ? e made by Mr Hueffei . whose fe^wJoffl has commanded Kencral admiration ThrTui, mated address of which the annexed isS" was engrossed and tinished by Mr;«?• Morrow, of tins city. 3 r* Art ™*

ADDRESS. To the Rev. J. T. Warlow JUavics M A — Rev. and Dear Sir,—We, the beacons nf ft, Church, by request and resolution of the r_? gregational Church, worshipping in BerptfmS" street, Auckland, desire, before youMESS your return to England, to express their and our feelings in relation to your connection with us in the past, and hopes of your continued use. fulness in the future. For ten years we haw been privileged to listen to your exposition r,5 the truths of Revelation, to enjoy your fripm. ship, and to participate in your efforts for the welare of your people. During that period! looking back, we recognise with gratitude Hw! favours which the Head of the Churches has been graciously pleased to bestow upon us as a Church and people, the number of Church mem bcrsand congregation having doubled, burin? your m inistry we have been enabled to erect at a cost of some thousands of pounds, a permanent place of worship and a school-house; all the means of usefulness have greatly expanded and in every sense and every maimer prosperity has been granted by the Master's hand. To your ctForls, as the instrument of the Kin_ro' KW« much of the spiritual and temporaf prosperity the Church now enjoys is due. When you are gone to other fields of labour, we shall remem ber with loving gratitude your ministrations aiiiontcsl us. We pray that God will mercifully conduct you lo a suitable and profitable portion of His great vineyard, and that you and your loved wife and child may reap a bounteous harvest in any place to which you may be guided by the unerring wisdom of our Heavenly Father In pat-tin?, we recommend you t othe safe kec. i&gofliim who commands the winds and the waves, and wishing you a safe and pleasant voyage. — (Signed) Wjijjam Cm;sii Daldy S.\MU.r.J. Edmonds, Hon.mo Nelson War-' nku, Henry Haktok, Fuede rick "Willhm _ I.yttiij.ws, William llk.nryLyon, William Kadv, Deacons. Auckland, 31st Dec., 1876.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FKOM OUR OWN CORKESPOK&ENT),

GBAHAMSTOWN. this day. GO LDI-T ELDS.-VIOLENT ASSAULT. Tiie Pialco iinal cleaning up yesterday produced 139 o;_ gold. The Queen of Beauty cleaning up at the same mill produced 30' ozs in addition to Saturday's lodgment. At the Police Court yesterday, Daniel Mclnanney, for violently assaulting and causing actual bodily harm to William Seymour, was committed for trial. Bail was allowed to the accused in £200 and two sureties of £100 each. A fire broke out in the roof of a small cottage on the Beach at (1.30 last evening. It was .soon observed and extinguished, causing little damage. The election of Mayor is going on to-day. There is very little excitement. The result is looked upon as a certainty for Mac donald. Red Queen tribute from 27 loads got 44 ozs. Caledonian tribute from 3 loads got 26 ozs.' Monday Morning from 9 tons got 13 ozs,

TAURANGA, this day.

THE LAW'S DELAY.

Much disappointment and annoyance are felt at the long absence of Commis sioner Brabant from" Tauranga. The usual R.M. Court is sitting to-day, but dl the important cases were adjourned. Litigants from a distance are grumbling bitterly. COUNTY ELECTION.

There are eight candidates for Council, and a public meeting will be held to-night on the .subject.

This morning the Rev Warlow Da. es ieft Rotorua, after an enjoyable visit to the Lakes.

GISBORNE, this day DESTRUCTION OF CROPS.

Rains destroyed all crops. The losses are as bad as at the last January floods. Agriculture is now a thing of the past in Poverty Bay.

Great inconvenience was felt at no steamer coming from Auckland for ten da vs.

The County nominations are : causing but little stir. . , Mr Butt, of the Shamrock Hotel, died yesterday of inflammation of the brain-

WELLINGTON, this day;- WHARF EXTENSION. ■ Tenders will shortly be called for making the following additions to the wharf:-! 0 widen the main wharf to ihe extent of 23*. along its whole length ; to widen the inuulle T. by lift, on the east side, and lengthen it 60ft. at the north end, and 260 ft. at south end.

'•- NAPIER, this day. COUNTY CONFUSION. The Hon. Mr Ormond is expected liae overland to-morrow to spend the Christina 3 holidays. The' Comity elections are causing some little excitement. For the country districts among the candidates arc Colonel WtBMOT and the Hon. H. Russell. Great dissatis faction is expressed at the Government W sending definite instructions to Ketwrn^ OJHccrs as to whether the Road BMW ratepayers can use more than one yow. The " Telegraph" maintains that I. JW of votes can be exercised. Consequently tie Returning Officers are in a quandary. bom^ intend only allowing one, others take aw opposite view. _\. , „_ it has been requested to say EoJIW who lately committed suicide here, Wj£* connected with Robjohns and Co., »' chants.

[I'l.KsS AGENCY.]

TIMARU, tinsclafr^ ! SCARLET FEVER.-MR. WKI&g AJr POINTED CIVIL ENGINEER. Scarlet fever is prevalent here, bat iv mild form. _,„ _ orfl Crops are very forward. Facers ate -. somewhat alarmed by the prolonged rains, The weather now is cleared up. . , ; Mr Wrigg C.E., has been appoi tejl Engineer of the Timaru Borough Council, at a salary of £700 a year. There weie ele/cu candidates. "NAPIER, this day, MANSLAUGHTER OF A fwffiu At the.'Sin>wi«« Courts . ruQ^a^i *"**

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1876.



TO" • O T I " 0 E. DRAPERY GOODS, MEW AND CHEAP!!! The undersiened have Purchased at Auction a LARGE LOT of NEW DRAPERY GOODS, just landed ex City of Auckland, the whole of which having been bought at much under the usual Warehouse Rates? they can afford to offer to their Customers at V. hy Low Prices. The Parcel comprises : — Grcv Calico, various qualities, from /.'.'. d yard Strong White Calico at /•! yard, or 3/10 doz. 72-in. Grey Sheeting, 1/ yard, good quality 72-in. & 80-in. White Twill Sheeting 72-in., 80-in. Se 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/I,lo' t & 11/1 Alhambra Quilts, good qualities, 3/11 Rouzh Brown Holland, from /C yard Half-dressed ditto, superior quality, very cheap at /lo_. and 1/ Black Lustre, and superior quality Black Bril liantinc Lustres New Prints, good patterns, at /•_§, fo_, and 16, very cheap Harvard Shirting, good quality, /7_ 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 SBUIXG off, we are giving FULL value for MONEY. A_W One Shilling in the £ returned on all pur chases of 20s. and upwards. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Upper Queen-street, Auckland. Readers who need a fashionable coat, Or fancy vest and trousers, please to note. TJ L. POSSENISKIE, In thanking his patrons and the general public for past favours, begs to intimate that he has IJ2. REMOVED REMOVED *_% TO MORE CENTRAL PREMISES (Fiest Shop in Shoetland-steeet), AND HAS UST OPENED A NEW AND CHOICE SELECTION OF TWEEDS. FANCY , COATINGS AND VESTINGS, &c, &c, See. j 0 TOURISTS AND VISITORS TO j WAIKATO AND THE LAKES. j BUGGIES (DOUBLE AND SINGLE), AND t SADDLE HORSES, ALWAYS READY t FOR HIRE AT REASONABLE n CHARGES. Parties intending to go through to the Lakes provided with first-class animals by j B. EDWARDS 5 {Late of Cobb & Co.), jj LIVELY STABLEKEEPBB, £ Hamilton Hotel, Hara.ll#Q { w



f> ATE PAYERS OF PONSONBY, 17\) BEWARE! The Counties' election for the Newton Riding, which includes the Ponsonby district, will take place on Friday next, between the hours of 'J a.m. and 6 p.m., in tho Ponsonby Hall and in tho Newton Academy. At this election candidates may be returned "who will sanction the introduc tion of the whole of the Counties Act into the County of Eden. This will subject you, rate payers, to extra burdens to the extent of at least 3s in the pound on the annual value ; and this added to the highway rate which now be Is on the annual value, and the lighting rate of 3d, ■will make a total rating of Is 3d in the pound, therefore R A T E P A V E R SOFPONSO N B V BEWARE ! and return only men who will pledge themselves to keep the paid-officials clauses, the loans clauses. THE BATING CLAUSES, and tho other obnoxious clauses of the Counties Act out of operation. Let the candidates foryour suffrages meet you before the election and plainly state what they mean. The following references to tho Counties Act will clearly show how the mailer stands :— 107 th clause empowers the County Council to levy a " General Bate" of one shilling in the pound. 108 th clause empowers them to levy a " Sepa rate Rate of another shilling in the pound. Various clauses give large loan raising powers to the County Councils. 112 th and 113 th clauses empower the County Councils to levy, in addition to the above rates, a "Special Bate" to cover sinking fund and interest on these loans ; and Ibis would appear to be a very formidable rate, reaching at least another shilling in the pound, and probably ex ceeding Bus amount. 39th clause binds you to the payment of (he highway rates when the County system is mi reduced : and these rates in Ponsonby, under the new act, will be one shilling highway rate, and 3d lighting rale. Various clauses give power to tho County Councils to appoint various paid officials. If all liiis is introduced it will bo a groat bur den amounting to partial confiscation of country properly, and will keep back enterprise in the opening lip of country lands, and will re act injuriously on town business. If, Ratepayers, you only now BEWARE, you can avoid these, "evils by returning men who will pledge themselves to pass the resolution mentioned in the llih clause of the Counties Act, which is as follows ; 11. The Council may, at any time within three months after its first meeting, determine by resolution that such part of tnis Act as is men tioned in the third schedule shall not conic into force in the county : and the Chairman shall forthwith, send a copy of such resolution to the ('olonial Secretary. If the Council docs not pass such a resolution, the whole of this Act shall be deemed to have come into force in the county. The portions of the Act to be kept out of oper ation in this way are those called the '•Permis sive Clauses" and they give power to the County Councils to rate you as above, to raise loans, appoint paid officials, enter into contracts. Sec, Sec Therefore, if you return men pledged to pass this resolution you are safe, if not you are liable to burdens ruinous to your interests, therefore RATEPAYERS OF PONSONBY BEWARE ! WR A T T R A V 9 Will Sell Tins EVENING, and during CHRISTMAS WEEK, in his Great Sale :— Batiste Costumes at 12,(i Printed Cambric Costumes at 10 (J 39/ Pique. Costumes at 22/6 and 25/ Black Grenadine Tight-titling Sleeveless Jackets, with Tablicrs to match, at 12 0; good value for 35/ Black Grenadine Polonaise, slightly damaged, to hi cleared at 5/. These Goods arc nil very suit;, de for the ensuing holidays Irish Poplins, BlacK and Coloured Silks, Skirts, • and Underclothing, at a very large dis count. N.8.-Thc Half-a-crown (2/6) Tussoire Wash ing Silk is tho most sterling value ever offered in the Colonies. W. RATTRAY, Queen-stake.. "DANK OF NEW ZEALAND. An AGENCY of this Bank has been opened at MANGAWIIARE, Wairoa North, under tho charge of Mr. M. Andrews. G. S. KISSLING, Manager. 10th December, 1876.



All Persons of Intelligence are aware, or should be, in this century of enlightenment, that the best vehicle in diffusing the lonic properties of any medicinal preparation throughout Ihe system is a pun;, wholesome spirit. The pre sence of distilled spirit in an invigorant, pro vided it be pure, is considered by physicians to greatly promote the operation of the remedial principles ;n combination with it. This is one reason why medical men so strongly recommend Udolpiio Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Sch napps as a remedy for debility. Mark Twain* on Bad Musicians. — Tha 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 the words "None Genuine without the .Signature of the Proprietor, Frank Weston, Sydney, N.S. W.," arc engraven thereon. Any other so-called preparations of mine, are unauthorized by me, and calculated to mislead the public—Signed, Frank Weston. Sole Agents: Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.— Price, llalf-a-crown.