SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVEIHNG. Norval, schooner, McKenzie from Tonga Helena, brigantine, Campbell, from Lyttelton Kriemhilda, schooner, Bathurst, from Whan- RarOa to-day. Rowena s s.. Sellars, from Tauranga HiSemoa, 5!3., JFairchiia, from the Thames

DEPARTURES.

Hinemoa, s.s., Fairehild, for Kawau

IMPORTS.

Per Clan Fergusson, from London: 1 bale feathers, i cases toilet glasses, 2 cases brass work and ironmongery, 1 case perambu lators, 3 casts furniture. 1 case hair-seating.— T. and H. Cooke. _ , ; 1 bale carpets, 1 case fancy reps Brocne Utreckt velvet and trimmings.— w inks and. H 3 UTrams fire proof saf-s, 1 box Waltham watches. 2 cases plumb levels, 30 cases axes, o0 bai-relj whiting, 60 cases harmoniums, 12.> keKS wi-e nails. 100 capes T.I>.K.Z. geneva, 100 ea-e* Eucor.i whisky, 100 cases Banngher, 1 C"se per u!nbiiiutor3.2 cases tatle cute -y. 2 cases cross cT.t kws 2 casea furniture. 20 barrels crnehed Bliear, 20' su>;ar, 50 bosrs candles, 2 rases juinbes. 2 cases gelatine lozenges. 10 barrels,paint oil, 10 casks putty. 2.i casks split D=fls 3 hales corka, 50 A- chests tea, 6 cases V eat iirac;s past powder, 2 bales clothe* lines, i cases tore 2 c*so3 brashes, 2 cases E.P. ware, 2 cases drapery 1 case spectables. 2 casss J.R. comb ware 1 case briar pipea, 20 cases clocks, 1 case clo'k material, 2') cases Fairbanks union scales, 3 '•ases Clierrv's hammers. 20 cases-boys axes, 2 balea printing paper, 6 ba'es wrapping paper, 25 boxes Jin plates.—tt. and A. Issac3. Importers. 1 case honeycomb quilts and toilet covers, 1 ca^fa shirts, scarfs, buttons, aid fringes.—J. M. McLacbl9,n. Per Zealandia, from San Francisco: 120 boxes apples.—C. Major. Prr Ada C. Owen, irom Dunedin: 200 sack 3 pollard. 50 sacks barley dust, 80 sacks bran.—T. H Hall and Co.

EXPORTS.

Per Norval, from Tonga: 1U tons copra, au tuva °a§er Helena, from Lyttelton: 300 sacks oats, 1 200 sacks flour, 5 cases hams and bacon, 100 s'Coks malt, 50 sacks, 200 bags (100's), 200 bags (50's) fioiir, SO sac vs wheat.

THE CLAN FERGUSSON.

The arrival <v tne r.arqua uiau «'S"=™". Captain J>:ck, from London, appeared in our last ev"ni- sS i«aue, but, owing to the late hour at which slie anchored off the Heads, we were comneiled to hold over the report ot hor passage untilto-day. She left the Downs on September 20th, and encountered a north-west gale across the Bay of Biscay. Passed Madeira on the 28th, and secured the north-east trades in 30 North. They wroved moderate, and continued toll reacn ins 14* North. The equator w crossed in long -27 West on October 19th, and the menaian of the Capo of Good Hope crossed on November lOtti. Sighted Tasmania, on the oth inst.. and made the Three KiDg3 on the 14th. Lignt easterly winds down the coast. The following is a correct Ust of the saloon and steerage pas sengers ;-Saloon: Messrs L. O'Brien, Jamej and John Ansenne, A. A. Whiteborne. Second Cabin: Messrs R. T. Bailey, Louis Hudson, T. G Brooks J T. Pinfold, Wm. Coulbourn. Steerace: 'Mr' and Mrs Skeiton and family (6), Si- and Mrs John Bradford and 2 children, Mr John Hopkins. The Clan Fergusson is a fine newiron barqueof 800 tons, and was built in 18/6 at Glasgow by Messrs John Reid and Co.

The island trading schooner Norval arrived from Tonga last night, after an absence of about eleven weeks. She left Auckland on Septem ber 22nd, and arrived at J»ive on October 10th. Traded through the Group, and. left Sunday Island for Auckland on the 11th mat., and ex perienced light easterly winds till making the Great Barrier on Monday, and head wind| thence to port. The Norv»l brings a cargo of copra and candlenuts, and three passengers :— Messrs Porritt, Simpson, and Reeve. The brigantine Helena arrived from Lyttelton last evening, after a passage of 10 uays. with a cargo of breadstuff*, &c. she left on Sunday, the Bfch inst.. and experienced light variable winds and calms till rounding tbe East Cape on Sunday last. Fine weather and westerly winds across the Bay of Plenty and till arrival. Tbe s.s. Pretty Jane arrived at GisDorne from this port yesterday afternoon. The three-masted schooner Sea Belle has anchored in the stream on the western side of the wharf, where she will remain until after The brigantine Active had not arrived at Tonga from Samoa on the 15th ultimo. The brigantine Meg Merriliea is advertised to .proceed to Lavuka (Fiji), on Saturday next, if sufficient inducement should offer.

ONEHUNGA SHIPPING.

ARRIVALS.

Hannah Mokau, s.s., Holmes, from Mokau

KAIPARA SHIPPING. . Arataou.— Loading, barque Sunbeam; Sonne, brig; do. Prince Arthur; Clematis, ketch; Kopuru?—Loading, Enterprise and Dunedin, and Nelson at the Heads. Loading at the Maharau.—Barques Speedwell, Stag, and Prospector. , , Kang Oscar, barque, in the Oraawharo, ready f°Tnree vessels entering as the Minnie Casey left yesterday.

BIRTH.

OGILVIB.—On the 18th December, 1878, at her residence, Kawakawa, Bay of Islands, the wife of A. N. Ogilvie of a son.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

MAILS WII.I. ULOBE AR UNDER!— For Thames, to-morrow, at 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Waiheke and Coromandel, per Rotoma hana, on Sathrday next, at 7 a.m. For Kussell and Kawakawa, per Hawea, to morrow, at 3 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 4 p.m. For.Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Waipu, Wangarei, and Manga Anne Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern and Australian Colonies, per Hawea, on Monday next, at 3 n.m. For Ruasell, Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa, and gMongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4

p.m. For Napier and Southern Provinces, per Roto rua, on Tuesday next at 7 p.m. For TaranaM and Southern Provinces, per "Wellington, on Friday next, at 4.20 p.m. Per H.s. City of New York, on Tuesday, January 7, as follow :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at lp.ni. , . ■- For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at I p.m. : \ ; For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, -at 11.30 a.m. Late letters 'bear ing: an oxtra fee of 6d in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agenton board the steamer up to the time of sailing. S. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1878.

For the cause that acks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

Russian designs in Asia form the text of numerous leadiug articles and letters iv English journals. A long and warm con troversy has been carrred 'on in print between distinguished diplomatists and high military authorities on the question whether or not Russia's policy iv Asia is aggressive. Arrayed on one side are such men as Sir James Lawrence, Sir James Stephen, and Mr Gladstone, while on the other are Major-General Sir John Aclye, Major-General Hamley, and a host of others. To the impartial reader of the numerous arguments adduced, one conclusion is strikingly apparent : that from first to last British policy with regard to Afghanistan has been a painful series of blunders. Sir Bartle Frere points out that there has not been one Afghan policy, but many policies by turns, each of which was worse than its ■ predecessor. Says the " Times :" " We have been guilty of a long series of blunders such as no nation conld committ with impunity, aud we now staud face to face Avith the conse quences. We have made our difficulties for ourselves, and our first business now is to undo our past work, before we can pro ceed next (.0 substitute something better for it." Practically the future policy of Great Britain with regard to Afghanistan must be guided according to the ascertained position and designs of Russia, aud what these are we propose to shew in the present article And first as to Russia's position. On the vast territory she has conquered iv Central Asia she has as yet no sure hold, but she has power of pursuing her traditional policy of foment ing mischief by cunning diplomacy, and of diverting the attention and the forces of Great Britain from the points at which she intends to strike. Thus it was feared that the predominance of Russian influence at Cabul would paralyse India, and would force England not only to withhold her Sepoy troops from operations in Turkey or Asia Minor, but compel her to detach regiments from the home and colonial service to ensure quiet in India and to re press turbulence on that frontier. As n contrast to the Russian policy take that of thelndian Government which made apresent to the Ameer on one occasion of 5,000 Sniders and 10,000 Enfield rifles, just as in New Zealand, in*the early days, sguus and powder were indiscriminately exchanged for land, and were afterwards used to shoot down the settlers. In fact there is one case at least on record where a settler was killed with one of the very guns which, he had supplied to the Maoris. Russia at preseut holds in subjection in India the three great principalities of Khiva, Bokhara, and Khokand. Her frontier towards Afghanistan, as marked on the most recent maps, runs southward across the old bed of the Oxus, near Aikchta; takes an easterly course just southward of the intersection of lat. 40 long. 65, and thence runs westward to the frontier of Bokhara and northward to Petynak. The corner of territory thus bounded forms a re entering angle towards the quadrilateral formed by Merv, Herat, and Balkh. But the forces which Russia could control in the three principalities of Khiva, Bokhara, and Khokaud, are described by Major- General Sir John Aydeasmererabble, and the country through which a Russian attacking army would have to advance on Cabul as defi cient of food water, fuel, forage, and roadf. The rivers are difficult of navigation, and the transport is almost entirely carried on by means of camels. The nearest railway station is at Orenburg, north of the Aral Sea, and more than 1,200 miles from Merv, the first point of importance of any Russian advance on Afghanistan. The country between the Caspian aud Bokhara is des cribed as for the most part a hopeless desert.

The "Times" and other leading journals appear to be remarkably well informed as to the military resources and strategy of Russia in Asia. Towards the end of November General Todleben was expected in St. Petersburg to take part in a Council of War, convened for deliberation on Russian interests in Central Asia. Meantime a strong army of obser vation was got ready to march from Russian Turkestan to Merv, and the Ameer of Bok hara wasinformedthathis territory would be crossed by Russian troops. The main force left Tashkend, marching by the main road on Samarcand to Djam and Serikuloii on the Bokhara frontier. General Lamakine also set out with a strong expedition from the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea in the direction of Merv, intending to march through Khorassan by consent of Persia. Should this expedition reach the Murghab Basin, in which Merv is situated, it would encamp in an exceedingly fertile country, where the basis of a.powerful aimy operat ing against Herat might be established. The distance between the two places by a good road through the Heri Rud Valley is only 225 miles. Other accounts report the drilling of Afghan troops by the Russian General Stolieteff, who is famous as an organiser of raw levies. He distinguished himself in the expedition of 1572 against Khiva, in 1875 against Khokaud, and during the Russo-Turkish; war he achieved considerable success in raising and drilling a Bulgarian Legion. At the close of that war he was sent to Tashkend in Central Asia. He visited Cabul, and examined the whole of the country about Balkh, Istaliff, and the Hindoo Koosh. Looking at all these facts there is no room for doubt that Russia's designs in Central Asia have been of the most formidable character.

We learn that Captain Brackenbury has resigned his seat in the Parnell Council. Mr P. A. Philips, Town Clerk,»was yes terday presented with a valuable gold watch by the retiring Mayor. The following letter accompanied the presentation :— "Dear Mr Philips,—Before leaving office I trust you will accept the accompanying little souvenir of my year's administration of the City Government. 1 have noticed with much pleasure your zealous efforts to discharge your many responsible duties faithfully and impartially. Wishing you long life and prosperity.—l am, &c. (signed) H. Brett, Mayor.—December 17, 1878." The watch beara the following inscription : —P. A. Philips, Esq., from H.Brett, Mayor of Auckland, December 17, 1878." Mr Philips acknowledged the present in the following terms : "To His Worship the ] Mayor, H. Brett, Esq. : Dear Sir,—l hasten ' to acknowledge with many giateful thanks your very handsome and unexpected pre sent, and to thank you very much for the kindly sentiments contained in your accompanying note. Allow me also to take the present opportunity, on behalf of my self and the officers of the Council, to thank you for the courteous treatment we ] have at all times received during your term of office. Reciprocating your good wishes, —I am, &c, P. A. Philips, Town Clerk. —Auckland,, December 18, 1878." The remarkable of the Auck land telegraph office has frequently been noticed in these columns, but on Tuesday night Mr Lusher and his able staff of opera tors eclipsed all their former achievements. It! will be seen from a Pi ess Agency message) inj another column- that between .Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as much as 108,000 words of press news was transmitted from the Auckland station to the various jOurnalsjpf the colony. This reflects equal credit on Mr Sheath, and the department generally.

\^ c have been shown a sample of earthen ware pans, crocks, &c, manufactured by Mr Exier, of the Arch Hill Pottery Works. The articles, which are on view at Mr Boy lan's store, Queen-street, are well-finished and glazed, and are considered superior to those of English make. The sale of booths, bars, cards, etc., by Messrs B. Tonks and Co., yesterday, at their mart, was largely attended, and created much excitement among com petitors in anticipation of a profitable business at the race-course on Boxing Day, and at the dawn of the new year. The re sult of the sale was as follows :—Grand Staud bars, bidding started at £50, bought by Mr' Edwards, of the Waitemata Hotel, at £90 ; No. 1 booth, started at £20, bought by Mr J. Codling, Royal Mail Hotel, at £45 ; No. 2 booth, started at £20, bought by Mr Brophy, Star Hotel, Newton, for £37; No. 3 booth, started at £20, bought by Mr I. Duanc, Crown Hotel, for £27 10s ; No. 4 booth, started at £20, bought by Mr M. Corcoran, Metropolitan Hotel, for £22 10s; cards (club supplying 2,500), started at £50, bought by Mr Adams, at £S9, stabling, bought by Mr Adams, at £7 jOs ; fruit-stalls, bought by Mr Hart at £11. No gaming tables were sold. It was left with those desirous of erecting them to arrange with, the .secretary. The total pro ceeds of yesterday's sale are £329 10s. Two cases of leprosy having been found in Dunediu, the City Council there have ap plied to the Government to proclaim a leper hospital. The share list of the Kempthorue, Prosser aud Go's Drug Company finally closes on the 21st inst.

The iuterest in the approaching Auckland Summer Race Meeting is increasing. There is a good turn-out usually at the morning gallops. The following are the weights for the Handicap Hurdle Kace :—Agent, 12st; Perfume, list lOlbs; Whitefoot, list 51bs ; Eversley, lOst 51bs; Jonathan Wild, 9st lOlbs ; Tom Finn, 9st lOlbs.

Messrs Wilson and florton, lithographers, have just produced some very fine speci mens of card and book almanacs, which have been executed in the highest style of art. These almanacs have been prepared for the New Zealand and South British Insurance Com panies, and are in a very convenient form. The date registers are exceedingly handy, and will doubtless be of great service in com mercial offices. The style of decoration and. illumination is most creditable to Messrs Wilson and Horton's lithographic depart ment.

After a searching investigation into the cause of the late fire in Mr iloag's shop, in the theatre buildings, before Dr. Philson, the jury returned a verdict: " That there was not sufficient evidence to show how the fire originated."

To The Editor : Sir,—On Sunday I visited the North Shore, and as I travel for the good of the public generally, I wish to bring to the notice of responsible parties, one or two things, and firstly : I was surprised at the awful effluvia coming from the butcher's premises over there; one could almost cut squares out of it. Now, this is quite unnecessary, and the sooner it is attended to the better. lam told that it is annoying to passengers on the steamers going up and down the North foreshore. And secondly : I went to Church, the Wesleyau I think, a nice neat building too, but the the service was spoiled. The singing which was pleasant to hear, was lopped, the sermon curtailed and skipped over, the prayers short and curt. In fact it was with great haste they managed to have a collection *at all, and why was this ? Well, the Amen pronounced, a rush was made for the door, and I found, that many of the audience, also ,the minister, had to catch the last boat, 8 o'clock. I said too early, but I supposed the reason that others who returned at § past B,would be waiting. I kept my eye open on reaching the Ujueen-street wharf,and I found no one waiting ; so I concluded that if the boat started from Devonport at half \ past 8, and returned at 9, all would be better suited. I beg to commend the above to the powers that be.—l am, &c, E.W.

Mr Hoag, in his evidence at the inquest on the ;late fire, stated to the jury that he was insured in the Manchester Insurance Company for £200. He was reluctant in the matter, and should not have insured, but it was forced upon him by an agent, a dark man, whose name he did not know. We state this injustice to Mr Randersou,the accredited agent of the Company, who did not effect the iusurance.

The scholarship examination was con tinued at the Wellesley-street school to day.

To the Editor : Sir, —Allow me to con tradict the statement in the "Herald" in respect to the match last Thursday between Venus and the Sledmere colt. The other horses that run were allowed to run with them, but the match was not for £10 each, as stated by the "Herald." I thiux; it a pity that the reporter did not make himself acquainted with facts before trying to enlighten the public a week after the event, when the news was stale.—l am, &c, NIMJROD.

The annual meeting ot the H.A.C.B. Society will be held in St. Patrick's Hall to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock.

An alarm of lire was given from, the Albert-street firebeil this afternoon, cavsing considerable excitement. The alarm was caused through a chimuey taking fire in Chapel-street.

A General Government "Gazette" issued yesterday in Wellington contains regulations under the Land Tax Act. It provides for notice being given of the assessment and power to appeal to the Assessment Court appointed for that purpose.

• The services of Mr William Moginie, as a teacher in the Beresford-street Sunday school for the past five years, were recog nised by the presentation or a handsome writing desk and suitable address on behalf of the scholars, 'by Rev. J. Robertson.

The boys in St. Stephen's native school were examined and rewarded yesterday by Bishop Cowie and Rev. Robert Burrows. Prizes were obtained by Mita Hamiora and Wm. Hamilton of the first class, Wm, Gard ner, and Albert Edward, second class ; and Nathaniel Roberts and .Richard Boyce, third class. Several prizes were also distributed by the master and teachers. The scholars were then regaled with cakes and summer drinks, and passed the remainder of the evening in running and other sports, and finally separated for a month's holiday.

Anew still fordistilling spirits of ammonia has just been fitted up by Mr Williams, of Albert-street, who has been engaged making spirits of ammonia for the last "two years, but with such small apparatus that 'it has not paid him. The still he has now will hold from 200 to 300 gallons. It is made of plate iron, and is really a good piece of workmanship. Itwas made at Mr NicholPs Plate and Bar Iron Works, Upper Queen street. It is to be hoped that Mr Williams will be rewarded for his outlay and enter prise.

The Infant Wonder Troupe was patron ised to a larger extent last night than on previous occasions, and the acrobatic and ballad performances were of a very attractive character ; the singing and dancing were especially note-worhtyr The entertainment of this evening will be for the benefit of James Elder, and for which a bumper programme has been prepared. The performers are doing their best to gratify their audiences, and we trust that there will be a full house to-night.

A telegraph station is now open at Takapau, County of Waipawa.

t&'A correspondent writes as follows:— Men and boys are in the habit of coming daily and all daylong to the Breakwater and Wynyard Pier to bathing, and, not merely contented with this, openly expose themselves, and that, too, to females • when .expostulated with, they use obscene language. Will you, Mr Editor, use your best endeavour to get this disgusting nuisance abated, and thus confer a great boon on the inhabitants of this locality

"We learn that a large number of people who were unable to attend the amateur perform ance at the North Shore on Tuesday even ing last would be glad if a repetition were possible. Probably those who so kindly and ably lent their help will yield to the solici tations, and give another evening's enter tainment.

We notice in tho window of Mr Partridge, tobacconist, of Queen-street, a full cricket set. including bat and ball, leg-guard", stumps, bails, aDd gloves, the gift of Mr Lewisson, jeweller, to be presented to the lucky cricketer who shall score the highest numbers in four matches of the season. The Rift is seasonable, of the best material, and worth a struggle by the Knights of the Willow.

The battery and band of the Artillery will parade for inspection this evening, in full uni form, r.nder command of Captain Burns. Mr W. F. Utting will deliver an address <his evening in the Devonnort Hall, in connection with the course of Evangelical Services being held in the Devonport Hall on Thursday even ings. |

We notice in the window of Pnlman's photo graphic establishment several finely-executed photographs of the new iron steamer Rose Casey, launched by Messrs Eraser and Tinne on Tuesday laat. The photographs, which were taken by Mr Steele, are remarkably distinct and wpil defined, and reflect great credit upon tha artisL'a ability.

CABLEGRAMS.

(SPECIAL TO THE "STAR.")

(FROM OUR SPECIAL LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) ■

British Occupation of Jellalafoad

LONDON, Dec. 17. The connected columns of General Stewart and General Biddulph are marching on Jellalabad.

LONDON, Dec. 18. It is reported that the Afghan garrison has retreated. The Brffcish have occupied Jellalabad. The House or Commons has decided that India pays the cost of the Afghan war.

(reuter's telegrams).

Cost of Afghanistan War.

Indian Secretary's Motion.

LONDON, December 18.

The Home Secretary in the House of Commons admitted the distress in the country, but said the reports were exaggerated.

The House of Commons have carried the motion of the Indian Under-Secretary relative to the cost of the Afghan War by 235 against 124. ThefjHouse. of Lords and House of Com mons have agreed to adjourn for the Christmas holidays to the 13th of February.

[PRESS AGENCY.!

THE AFGHAN WAR.

JUNCTION OF THE ADVANCING

COLUMNS,

BOMBAY, December 18.

Lieutenant - General Donald Stewart's force has joined General Biddulph's column at Khopek.

Some tribes in the Kurum Valley have shown a hostile disposition. Three men were killed, and two officers and thirteen men wounded in an attack yesterday on the baggage-train of General Roberts' column. The attacking party were defeated with heavy loss.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

GALLE, December 13. The s.s. Tanjore left for Australia to day.

WITHDRAWAL OF THE RUSSIAN MISSION.

LONDON, December 18. A " Standard " telegram from St. Peters burg states that the Russian mission at Cabulhas been officially recalled.

ITALIAN MINISTRY.

ROME, December 16.

Count Argostino Depretis is entrusted ■with the formation of a new Italian Minis try.

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

(SPECIAL TO.THE "STAR.")

{FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Defeat of Mr Farnell's Govern ment.

SYDNEY, this day. The Farnell Government has been pefeated by a majority of eleven. Mr Parkes has been entrusted with the formation of a new Ministry. Calamia is a favourite for the forthcoming races at 100 to 13.

Defeat of N.S.W. Ministry.

SYDNEY, this day.

[SPECIAI- TO PRESS AGENCY.]

The Assembly adopted a vote of want of confidence in the Ministry, on a division, by SO to 21.

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

The Government steamer Hinemoa arrived from the Thames this morning with Mr Macandrew, and left again, at noon for Kawau for the purpose of taking Sir George Grey on to the Thames.

The Hon. Mr Macandre-vv left for Wai kato by special train at 1.30 p.m. A banquet was given, to Mr Macandrew at the Thames last night at which about 200 gentlemen were present. The Mayor elect occupied the chair. Mr Macandrew, in replying to the toast of the Ministry, said he was much pleased at what he had seen of the Thames that day. The Thames volunteers hold their in spection on Saturday afternoon, when Sir George Grey is expected to be present with Majors "Withers and Murray.

A PLEA FOR JOHN CHINAMAN.

(To the Editor).

Sir,—l have read with a great deal of interest what has been in your paper about the Chinese, and had almost expected that some one who would, be more able than me to explain the thing, would have done so. But if they do not, if you will allow me, I will try to do so; and first I must ask you, who invited the English people to my country ? You know that you were not invited at all; and when you did come, what did you bring with you? Have you Knglish people forgot %— we Chinese have not: for there are few families in China but have suffered from your English-brought opium. And how did they bring it? .The first lot came in an Knghsh ship, and the authorities bought and destroyed it, and eaid, " don't bring us any more of this poison, for we will not have it " But you brought it again; and with it, your soldiers, and we were made to take it. Then you made peace, and said, "open your country to us, and you shall come to any part of our country." But very few Chinamen left until your people fitted ud large ships, and came to us and said-how we could pick up gold and S^ er in, .Cakfornla and Australia ; and a lotof other things, which were not true. So you came to us without invitation; but we came to you by your own invitation, Yom. could brine us nothing better than opium,- we brought yol nothing worse than tea. Did you ever I ft? n Chinese ship here or in Australia! No? so ft,™* »». the English who brought us here. What would you think if I stood at my door and invited- some friends in outof the street, and then called them all sorts of bad names ? I have been to your chapelsjand have petitioned the Governmont to stop the exporta m^wiJ «freduty was so great and the profit so muchthat it could not be done. If T su don^ want us, stop your ships from ooming to fetch wiliann do7 ery few co# d come any other way. I will not say anything about competition of labour now. or my letter way be too long to be printed.-Yours, respectfuUy, John Chaiman.

LODGE MANUKAU.

ANNUAL ISSTALL^iON ANDBAHQ Uw

The annual installation nf ««s Manukau, No. 58ti (S*cS took Cci? <* Lodsa in the.Lodge-room, Masonic Baifn^l* e^K considerable number of tbe brethren fhuD»a- I land were present, including■£?on' Auck &r»nd.Lodge, and. many leldmt £ ers o£tte subordinate L^es. The LodL e ? h me?lberß of opened in the first; decree 3 n hf T1"f( been ceiveri from the follow/^Who" ™gle3 Were ably absent :-Bro. F. WfttaW^? 1;? Bro. G. P. Pierce, P.G.M a c,?fc, P-G.M. (s!c ) ~ 318 (1.C.); Bro. Wildman/D °d £&■&**&&.* iTewer, P.M. 7710 (EC)- r^' i(E-°-);Bm United Service; Bro a v B£°- ? r°ck, ''y-ff: 1710 (E.G.): Bro. Health; b^o*?^-^. Nelson, 0.G.0.; Bro. LodderDrl^ 0' R *v Lodge Kemuera; and Bros rsii W" P-M Higgins and Codlin, of Lodi^ 80. Malcolm Niccoi, Rw m °?& c. Manntan elected for the third tern,^"jt&^fJ 3^^ declarhtion, sifter which thk r 11 c lile uana? were duly installedT^Br o W r^P* offlceri Bro. J. W. Waller, 8 M • V^H"'D-^ ordinary H flair, of life. Con"at?,lit? m tfae offw-fd on i>-lialf of Lodges Prii^nfTO 0, 8 wero undrew, jx.-muera, Ara, Sir WaTi^ «Wales> St. closed'in the wu,l mann^glfe^fKbeSL journed lo 8 Drexruen ad which had beea pier^area in a' n t , manner by Mr Vivian, Oo&m* ■ c-red!table Onehunga. The hall was tas^?n,, claJ Hotel, with banners, evergreens and fl7 dec °fated fifty of .he- brethren eat &«• About Nic Col in ths chair, ha v w^' v' 0' K-W.m R.VV.M. Walker, I'M fj? hl*tisht b*o Bro. Leers. D.tf., President ?P St-Andrw- Purposes, kol; Bro. W m n° ar<l of G^«ai 8.C.; and on bib left Bro S\V or Se, 1710 P.M. Wade, D.G.S in .* Waller,Bro G.Gould, Chaplain;-and Brow 10" Rev- Tl Designate. Lodge si^ Andrew-^p0"' t^ Dun^oodie, and Hro J W Sit Bro S-W. having been done to the Tianrlft'^ *v Justice cleared,, the following toa^TJ^ d tho table 3 from the chair: •■ Queen afdcTa^ P rOT?o£ed anthem; " H.R.hT the Prim. «lntttio»al (drunk in silence on account I, °{ lhe receilt said it was not from Tn T £ Scotland," the Grand Lodge of ScolUa tta t '?t eSpect to placed first. The lodges under that f 3 not had been somewhatrte™cted^ w J?Jlsdic«on Lodge of Scotland nntiT it came S!fd GraS d presidency of Sir Michael Shasta deJ the the scholarly Secretary, Munwl vi mi there was every Srospe'ct tha?thfend T would grow in favour in this ™u°°- Lodge Grand Lor'ge of "nsfand had hepnfe The ducted than that of Scotland or Bnghsh Lodge appeared to woJtuSj The better system to pay its secretaries weltt »a expect troru them thorough efflcienrv eU'gnii to sure that there was a warn feffi n ,? c w!! of Masons in the colonies tmraSas titer?"^ Lodges. He believed that the at^^ Gun^ made in New couth Wales to eatahnfh oe^ ntl? Lodae for the AustrJlaiian ™w> ■ a Grand prove abortive, because i? was pTmatar^ made, and a great number of «,« ?™l ttnre|y N.S. Wales were opposed to t),Mge? h Nevertheless he looketPforwlrd^to in every State, and in no pa rT of the wor^l M£h olV y fl, our;sa more than in thl States * The toast was auly hououred iaidres- Gmnd £SS?bS!? Pr°Po3ed iThe Pre™^ Rrn' ?en^ raS^?Wledßed the toast. difference between the Lodges would beTfonnd to be m name only. Hp hm htw ? iouna toast, coupled with the name of Bra S? ° The toast was duly honoured. - ■ Bro. Leers, in acknowledging the toast mm he was confident that Bro Graham Ttrff Si.J2KSfUE?&J2!Sg hshment of Pistrict Grand Lodges increased the harmonious working of the fodges remove! mconvemence,. and enabled thebrettaen to &Zry aCqUamled with current aftairs ta

• «* V\ aller»ln Proposing "The Sitter Lodees in Auckland and Thames" acknowledged^ ■axd received from" Auckland in open&e and governmg Lod S e Slauukau, and thebroMy reeling evmced by Auckland Lodges towS Tisiticg brethren from Lodge Manukuu

Sea th 6 relatiOnS be*w^ea two behSS^aS o^^ toast on TtoshJ?2 Bhl F- is^ Proposed "Visitißg hfa id^nf wf Said tlle toast comprehended rp«l^«H^ ]Vl aso]lry: which was a practical brethren fact thafc aU m«n were

tw l Ma^ wa, 9 drni? k ' with musical honors. S« l?-~&£ Proudd(iy for the colonies. Before theauempfc was made in New South Wales aS W¥ nfVl"l^™ bee? consulted: SS. ; f iof Remuera he envied Lodge Manukau their possession of so fine a hall. wTi thßlOn he spoke of the desirability Of UklT&pS! 6110601 on occasions TWR?m, I v a T Cn^ 11 <May Queen) said he had visited Masonic Lodges im Europe, Asia, Africa, and a>« aTi,h^ was. surptised *at the Masons TTnVi Wa ,bad ? o.^ y,et erected a Masonic of Lodg^Ma&ulll^ tBmB °^ the efflcieacy fflv°.' the-Lodge, which was a sufficient proof of his efficiency and zeal. He also referred wWan^T 11? 611* Positions in connection with mi™ a£ d, LodgT§? Tfe lch Bro- Niccolhadheldfor manyv y ,i- ? IBi ßro- Wade's) knowledge of Sch'lnd fpHh exte"dedtrough the mark and NWnfh hfaf. ther. though not so far as Bro. S n ° ad/t^ ined- He had always found Bro. M n & to sist> and the matiier in which PnnSW lH various ceremonies was ffilW'w a, ud 6x,oeUed by none. In con femW^ 6 o£ the time and labor Znlt^SJ o *%^™* Oa ** Btady Hl-hfa^J !Was dr. un]K with. Macduff honor?, musical honors, and three times

kJ?,LKh« sal d J h *c brethren of Lodge Manu nf™££,? ubs°ri^ d to.» man for the purpose of presenting to Bro. Niccol a suitable memento or the high esteem in which he had for Sft?J/kn rS b,l enA eld Dy th& Loise. The Com- c t, hat]l ro- Niceol already possess-d an?S J l fw^aßhecould conveniently carry, mirt^l £ ad many souvenirs, and the Cora t^r« thi c^ efore. decided that the Present should m™ £• ™hap-e££ -a pur3e of sovereigns, so that fhi^Af i? 1! h£ inTest the money«« she might SmT £ rf d £ ro> N,iccol not been connected ce O ffldge l 4 would not have attained to its RThfv CZ\? OT wouW "have Possessed r™ i w^ CT^- fcher were now assembled. Mnrtn*3^"^ Nl£ col l .referred to the uniform kindness iO f the brethren, which had enabled hi^ m iOunfc all and to sacrifice his personal convenience in attending the the fact that.devotion to Masonry would some times make inroads upon the time which might otherwise be spent in the family circleTand some of the lodges in Auckland had experienced gieat difficulty m inducing someone to accept Jirf^/t0^ 11™!?*' £ proof o£ whicn fle men tioned the fact that Bro. Walker had filled the chair of Lodge St. Andrew for three years. After thanKing the brethren in a very cordial manner for tkeir good wishes and their handsome testi monial, the speaker referred at some length to improvements in the practical working of the Lodge.

Bro. Hewson proposed "Thenewly.jngtaiied offiers of the Lodge," which was drunk with Masonic honors.

Bros. Dunwoodie and Warren acknowledged the toast. ■

.Bro. Henry proposed the health of Bro. P.M> Walker, for the services he had rendered to the Lodge.

The toast wns drunk with Macduff honors. Lro. Walker, r.M., in reply, referred to the vitality shown by Lodge Manukau, which, if it continued its present rate of progress, would become one of the first Lodges in New Zealand. Bro. Neilson proposed Masons' wives and bairns, which was duly honored; and responded to by Bro. Marshall. t. -Bfp- P- M. Rees George, in proposing the health of Bra Heweon, E.W.M.' Designate, spokein high termß of his truly Masonic willing ness at all times to asaisE the craft, and to undertake any.office which would further its welfare.- ;: ■-■■ ■ ' ' ■ * : ■ '&}

Bro. Hewson returned thanks. Bro. P.- M. Wade, D.G.S., proposed " The Press,", coupled with the name Ot Bro. C. O. Montrose (Evening Star), Lodge Prince of Wales.

To-mowaw1.

EVENING SI -Ml. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19



50,000 YABDS or DRESS MATERIALS .jfTO'BB SOLD CHEAP. 10,000 YARDS OF PLAIN LUSTRES m- TO BE SOLD CHEAP. B EL A TEINS Invites Inspection [of his NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS MATKRIALS. The' Stock this Season is an immense one, of thr greatest variety, and the prices the lowest n the City. . • : H.A.has also just received ex ,'Lepu' to his own order, a Very Large Stock of BLACK SILKS, same as always kept in btock. inese can be specially recommended. always wear weU, and'tjive great satisfaction. COLOURKD SILKS—a splendid assortment in allithen wiColors. Also, JUST OPENED, A^rf'-ti SSock of Long Curtains, Quilt 'Table Linen, Sheetings, Blankets. Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT (A Very Heavy tof/"}; SPLENDID VALUE of Ne«rbaits, Coats, Trowaersand Tests, Trowsers, &o. SPECIAI. UNES in Galatea and Pagefe Coata, in Blue and Black Cloth, Worsted Coatings, Diagonal Tweed, \ &c, &c, &c. The STOCK of Boy's and Youth's Clothing ia very large this Season, and of good value. THE LARGEST STOCK OF TWEEDS IN THE COLONY. | Tailors Supplied at Wholesale Prices. , GOOD TWEED lor Boy's Wear, from la lid per ..yard. ; H. A T X I N S. ON S A L E AT THE Stoees of the Undersigned : 1 two-horse mowb!r and corn binder machine ■&t No. 2 TAUNTON HAY-MAKEE , 1 No.I27jHORSE-RAKE ;SBI N.S.D. CHAFF-CUTTER 1 FAN gMILL,sJfor| WinnowinglGnrinXand Seeds .; , ..- 5 :. ■ ii :' ■ 'I'" -'■ -:-' O The above Machines are well worth inspection. , W. J. HURST & CO., - 101. Queen-street.



Leek



-VrORTH BRITISH AND MEKCAN ±S TILK INSURANCE COMPANY. LONDON AND EDINBURGH. Established 1809. • Incorporated by Royal Charter. Capital .. .. - ~ ..£2,000,000 Reserve Fund,. .. 1,082,768 Income of the Fire Department, Net Premiums and Interest, 1877 - _ 916,616 President : V His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. ' v iok-Prksidents : His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, ICG.; His Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G. EXTRAORDINARY DIRECTORS: Right Hon. the Karl of Airlie, Right Hon. the Eari of Strathmore, Right Hon. Sir James Fer gusaon, of Kilkerran, Bart., Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart., Right Hon. the Karl of Elgin, Right Hon. Loid Wolverton, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Maiorbanks, of Lees, Bart., Sir Robert Hay, of Haystoun, Bart., David Mahony, Esq.., Dublin. GKNERAL COURT~OF DIRECTORS. Chairman : Right Hon. Lord Lawrence, G.C.8., G.C.S.I. and P.O. Fire Risks taken on buildings and property in tho Provincial District of Auckland at LOWEST KATKa.g Losses tirouTDtly and liberally dealt with. SHEKA BROS., AGENTS, IQUEEN-STRKET. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. SUMMSK MEETING. (Boxing Day) December 26th, 1S78; (New Year's Day), January Ist and 2nd, 1579. (Boxina Day (Thusd/^), December 26, IS7S. Railway Plate, of 50 soys the Auckland Cup (Handicap), of 300 soys Handicap Hurdle Race, of 50 soys Maiden Plate, of 80 soys htjkey scurry, of 10 soys New Year's Day (Wednesday), January 1,1879. Derby Stakes, of 100 fovs Publicans' Purjse, <*r «0 soys Selling Race, of" soya The Auckland Raojcng Club Handicap of 200 soys Hack H^ t>u& Race, of 10 soys Grand i. iand handicap, of 100 soys Thursday, January 2,1879. M-'Res' Froddce Stakes, of 100 soya aucic and Platf, of 100 soys Han'diu >p Steeplechase, of 150sova STt.WAi-.Ds' Handicap, of 100 soys Co^n solation Handicap, of 40 soys RULKS AND REGULATIONS {ttto Handbills.) TO. PfiRCTVAL, Secretary A.R.C. : TTNITED INSURANCE COMPANY, \J FIRE AND MARINE. FIDELITY & ACCIDENT GUARANTY COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND.! JOHN REID & CO., Agents for Auckland Province. 92, Qaeen-street. /GREATEST "VARIETY of BEDSTEADS V)T in Auckland. Greatest Variety of BEDROOM Furniture .Greatest Variety of Drawing-room Suitks Greatest Variety of Dining-room Suites Greatest Variety of CARPETS Greatest Variety of FLOORCLOTHS CITY HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. Holioway, Sariick & Cranwell Have for Sale 's Kfi 3EDSTKADS, the Handsomest in °OU Auckland. Iron, Kauri. Cedar, Rimu, and Mottled Kauri, Half Tester and French in all sizes. Stump and Stret chers, Wood and Iron Cots, Folding and Rocking Cots. m ROLLS of CARPET to select fro m Brussels, Tapestry, Velvet Pile, Kid derminster, Felt. Duch, Jute, and Stair Carpets; MeartH Rugs ; Mat tings, various kinds 1 nflffc CHAIRS, comprising American, J. V\J\J English, Austrian Bent Wood, Italian, and Colonial, to suit all classes. Wholesale and Retail. OAA TOILET GLASSES. Very handsome o\J\J ones just opened; also, a large lot of Chimney Glasses, Walnut, Gilt, and Ebonized •Frames.^ a a CHESTS DRAWERS in variouß woods ' and styles. KA WASHSTANDS&.TOILET TABLES, , ** " various designs. OA SETS TODLKT WARE, some very ou choice.! BEDDING of all kinds BLANKETS, QUILTS, SHEETS, &0. AOK PAIR WHITE CURTAINS, Lace v Leno, Aplique, &c. MANCHESTER DRAPBRY GOODS CLOTHING. &C. Book Catalogues sent Post Free. Holloway, Garlick and Oranwell, CITY HAlili ARCADB, QUEEN AND LORNE-STREETS, Auckland. •|>ANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES Established 1817. Paid-up Capital £1,000,000 Reserve Fund .. .. .. 460,000 This Bank is prepared to make Bpeclal arrangements for Deposits lodged for fixed periods, and to transact all other Banking Business on terms to be ascertained on appli cation. "■ London Exchange. Selling, 60 days, 1 per cent, premium. Buying, 60 days, I per cent, discount. Auckland Branch: T. H. IVEY. . Manager. HE MANCHESTER fTRE ASSURANCE COMPANY. Established 1821. CAPITA!. ONE MILLION STERLING. REVENUE. . 1855 .. .. .. .. £19,762 1865 .. .. .. .. 91,558 1875 196,720 1876 .. .. .. .. 224,014 1877 ..•-... - ~ 265,998 FIRE RISKS on all Insnrable Property taken at Lowest Rates ok Premium. N.B.—All Losses will he paid here with liber ality and despatch. Agent for the Provincial District and City of Auckland. JOHN R. KANDERBON, No. 5, Insurance Buildings, Queen-street. i^iHURCH OF ENGLAND GRAMMAR V' SCHOOL, PARNELL. The Annual Distribution of Prizes will take place in the School-room on Friday, 20th inst. •'< The Lord Bishop cf Auckland will take the chair at 3 p.m. mO T>ICNIC T>ARTIES. ASSORTED CASKS of Beer, Brandy, Chain pagne, Soda, Lemonade, Syrup, Claret, &c. packed with care, and. delivered on the SHORTEST NOTICE!. THISTLE BOTTLE DEPARTMENT. HE SETTLER'S GUIDE. PRICE, is. 6d. By J. C. SHARLAND, Auckland. This Book teaches how to preserve HEALTH and prevent DISEASE. It teaches sickly people how to become STRONG. It teaches how and what to BAT, to DRINK, and to AVOID; how to live and to become. healthyj happy, and to live and enjoy a long LIFE. It treats on DIGESTION, ifood,. and Drink, Clothing, and Bathing; the treatment of Common Ailments and n Cases of Einenrenoy, and where no other help is at hand. T: r» A Life may thus be S^ved. .;.. ];". Soldby all Booksellers, and SHARLAND AND I CO.. OPPOSITE THB! POST-OFFIOE. I



out



THE "IVT E W I7E4LAND tar CLOTHING FACTORY ~m EMPLOYS UPWARDS OF 60 WORKPEOPLE. BRANCHES If OR THS.SALK OF OUR MANUFACTURES . • ... AT AUCKLAND NAPIER WELLINGTON WANGANUI DUNEDIN oa'maru TIMARU . INVERCARGILL CHRISTCHURCH. The Proprietoro have had to fight their wav inch by inch in opposition to the interests of Importers and Shippers, but the desire on the part of th« Public to encourago New Zealand Industries ha^ been manifested1 by the great success which has attended all the Branches of he New Zealand Clothing Factory, SUMMKR SKASON. 1873-1579, Now in receipt of MKN'S, BOYS', and YOUTHS' CLOTHING, asPKCiALLY Manufactup.ed fob thk Auckland Market, and Superior in Style and Fit to the Imported Goods. A great portion is made of the famous Mosgiel Tweeds, niauufaciured of pure New Zealand wools. At SINGLE GARMENT SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. •Jhe Largestnnd Choicest Stock in New Zealand of Huts, Caps. Hosiery, Port manteaux, Bags, and the latest ':Novel ties.in Ties, Scarfs, Collars, &c. A SINGLE ARTICI.K SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. All Goodsare marked in Plain F urea, for CASH ONLY. Any Article purchased and not appro ved of will bo exchanged with the same courtesy with which it was sold, or, if desirod, the aiom'.y will be returned. J. B. ROBXNSOK, JMLANAUKK AUCKLAND BRANCH. Agency in New Zealand for Wcrtheim's Celebrated Sewing Machines. FUKNITUIIE— For the Drawintrroom Dining-room, Library, Be room, or Kitchen, oa Sale at 1 &H. COOKE'3. -OAKPETS—lncluding Brussels, lapes \_y try, Kidderminster, Stair Felt, and Dutch, on Sale 1 & H. COOKK'S. lINOLEUM and Floorcloths, all widths, i Bath Mats, in Linoleu r and Floorcloth, on Sale at T & H. COOKE'S. O EARTH RUGS, Door Mats, plain and fTj_ wool bordered. Matting, Wool Mats, Bed-side Rugs, on Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. P RON BEDSTEADS. — French, Half Jl_ Tester, Stump and FoldiiK ; Iron Cots, all sizes. Wood Bedsteads and Wood Cots, on Sale at T. & H. COOKK'S. BEDDING.— Hair, Wool, Spring, Cocoa ; Fibre, and Flax Mattresses, f' 'i, "Feather Beds, Bolsters and Pii ■• fit? lows, on Sale at T. & H. COOKK'S. /^LASSES.—Ghimney Glasses, ia Gilt, VJT Walnut, and Maple Frames, Toi let . Glasses- Toiletware, Cane eeated Chairs, in great variety, on -' Sale at T.« H. COOKE'S. "ORICES.— As we import direct from the _JL English Manufacturers, we are able to sell all imported goods as iovv aa any houoe in town: and, employing steam power in our Factory, aro enabled to offer articles of local manufacture at a very moderate rate. T. & S. Gooke's B-UKNITUKK and UARP&T WAREHOU E 07. QUBKN-STREKT. ■jy O T I C E. KEMPTHORNE, PROSSER AND CO. DRUG CO. (Limited). Applications for Shares must be lodged by SATURDAY, 21st, at the office of SIR. A. SAUNDERS, Insurance Buildings. SUMMER SALINES AT "THE PHARMACY." Enos' Fruit Salt Lamplough's Pykktio Saline Bishop's Citrate of Magnesia Cooper's Effervescing Lozenges Aiokin's Persian Sherbet Aickin's Pohe Seidlitz Aperient 3 pt. and 5 pt. Seltzggenes, with Acid and Soda in wholesale quantities. AICKIN, QUEEN-STREET. VTIXEY'S JtSLACK LE.Ai D " Cleanliness." W. G. Nixey"s Refined Black Lead ia the cheapest and best for polishing Stoves and all kinds of Ironwork equal to Burnished Steel, without waste or dust. In Id., 2d., and id. Blocks, and Is. Boxes. Caution.—There ar several imitations. Sold everywhere by all Shopkeepers. — Counting House : 12, Soho Square. London. COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY \y OF NEW ZEALAND. FIRE AND MARINE. Capital .. £2,000,000 HEAD OFFICE—WELLINGTON. NOTICE TO INSURERS. At the expiration of the first Financial Period of the Company the Directors will offer to persons who have insured with the Company the right of taking up at par one of the unalloted shares for every £1 of premium paid by them whether for fire or marine risks. GKO. S. GRAHAM. General Manager. The iniquity of counterfeiting lies not so much in the hurt done to the proprietors of the genuine article, for this can only be of a pecuniary character, but to the people on whom the im position is practiced. Doubtless, many have been led to disbelieve in the ivirtue and efficacy of "Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Sohnapps," from the fact that they have been ingeniously misled to believe thai; what they were using was the original. But a knowledge oj the article itself, would soon detect the fraud.



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