SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVAL.

TO-DAY lona, s.s., Farquhar, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. TO-D&Y. J. L. Griffiths, barque, for Melbourne

IMPORTS.

Per Clan Fergusson, from London: 3 Tann's fire proof safes, 1 box Waltham watches, 2 cases plumb levels, 30 oases axes, 50 barrels whiting, 60 cases harmoniums, 120 kega wire nails, 100 cases J.D.K.Z. geneva, 100 cases Encore whisky, 100 cases Banagher, 1 case per ambulators, 2 cases table cutlery, 2 cases cross cut saws, 2 cases furniture, 20 barrels crushed sugar. 20 Jf-barrels sugar, 50 boxes candles, 2 cases juiubes, 2 cases gelatine lozenges, lObarrels paint oil, 10 casks putty, 20 cases split peas, 3 bales corks, 50 i-chests tea, 6 cases Yeatman's yeast powder, 2 bales clothes lines, i cases toys, 2 cases brushes, 2 cases E.P. ware, 2 cases drapery, 1 case spectacles, 2 case 3 J.R. comb ware, 1 case briar pipes, 20 cases clocks, 1 case clock material, 20 cases Fairbanks union scales, 3 cases Cheney's hammers, 20 cases boys axes, 2 bales printing paper, 6 bales wrapping paper, 25 boxes tin plates.—E. and A.lsaacs. , . ,

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close ah Underi- For Thames, on Monday next, at 11 a,m., and 5.30 p.m. -'■: " ' '■ '•■ For Waiheke and > Coromandel, per Argyle, on Monday next, at 11.30 a.m.. For Tauranga, Giaborne, Napier, and Southern; Provinces, and Australian Colonies, per; Hawea. on Monday next, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawa Kawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per lona, on Monday next, at 4j p.m. For Waiwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana,; per Annie Milbank, on Tuesday next, at 10 a.m.- ■ i <:■.:':,>.£•'.< ",■■ i For Wangarei Heads. Waipn, Wangarei, and; Mangapai, per Argyle, on Tuesday next, at 4 p.m. j For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per; Wellington, on Tuesday next, at 4.20 p.m. For Napier and Southern Provinces, per Roto-; rua, on Tuesday next at 7 p.m. -.: Per s.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 Foreignj West Indies, at Ip.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of! Europe, at I p.m. j For money orders, registered letters, and> newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bear-j ing an extra fee. of 6d in- addition to thei postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on j board the steamer up to the time of sailing, f 8. B. B(gg, Chief Postmaster.

How to ferret but Jthe..perpetration of a trick, in substitutip'g' any other Schnapps for that of Udolpho Wolfe's Schledam^Aromßtic Schnapps, will require! ,veiyVUttle mliuitiohc 'Just let one try the genuine myigorani;;:,and,, familiar with its taste, they'<will "sodn'dis'coverthe difference. It is impossible to give to the. common gin that delicate ameli; that fragrant'touoh, that aroma tic, soft, and velvety itaste,. ithat constitute the chief elements of this;pfreat tonio-cordial.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

GfiifGiouMouM-GRAYrrir,—Your jetter'is n6tof sufficient public interest- to j ufiti Eypubhoaiion.

BIRTH.

WILCOCKf^-On the 21st December, Mrs. T. L. 1 Wilcock, Ponsonby* of a son, still-born. '■ SCHISCHICA.—On the 18th December, at Upper • street,-the wife of JohnSchischka of a son.

MARRIAGE.

WHTTKsiDK-LYNC ff.-^-On the 9th December, at the Keetistrar's Offlqe* JFlenry; eldest son of Mr. John whiteside, ,to .Fanny, youngest daughter of Mr. Thorioas Lync>i, Parnell.

DEATH.

BILKEY.—On the 20th December, at her parents' residence, Onehunga,' Mabel Rose, infant daughter of Harry and Kosa Bilkey, aged 5 weeks. , . HILU—On the , ;21st i December, 1878, at his parents' residence, Arßyle-street, Great North Road, Francis John, youngpst eon of. James and Frances Hill, lat,i of Norwood, Surrey, aged 14 months. .

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 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.

THE Ministerial crisis in New South Wales recalls a parallel in the political history of New Zealand. There was a period in the history of this colony when Mr Stafford and Mr W. Fox alternately held the reins of Government with the regularity of the swing of a pendulum or the undulations of a see-, saw, the public interests and the popular will forming; the fulcrum in the middle. The : weights were so nicely balanced that. the • mutual endeavours..to,,upset the.gentleman at the other end, after the manner of playful juveniles, only resulted in elevating one for a certain period, until the weight of Ministerial cares, dissatisfied hangers-on, and broken pledges, bore him down, and simultaneously raised the other. This went on.for many years. 'The first Fox Ministry went into office on, the 20th May, 1556. On the 2nd June in the same year the Stafford •end of the plank went tip, and Mr Fox's end -went; down. Things con tinued in this position until July 12, 1861, when Mr Fox got another innings, keeping the game alive until 18G2, when Mr Domett got.hold of the see-saw, but on the 30th; October in the following year Was put off by Mr Whitaker, who was in turn displaced by Mr Weldon the 24th Novem ber, 18G4. But' E. W. Stafford was up agaiu on October 16, 18G5, and continued until June 28th, 1869 ; when the vigilant William Fox, with the assistance of the astute Julius Vogel, turned the tables on his hereditary political opponent, and was again top-sawyer. But Mr Stafford was back again in . his old place in 1872, with the " Superintendental Ministry," which expired after a brief but eventful existence of 29 days and a few hours. Then for five months Mr Waterhouse held the Premier's portfolio, but came to loggerheads with the Governor, and resigned in disgust, and the inevitable Fox, always " willm'," like Barkis, stepped into his "shoes. Finally on the Sth of April, Mr Fox resigned, solemnly vowing to eschew politics for evermore ; and Sir Julius Vogel, who was equal to any emergency, at once undertook the sole control of no fewer thai) five departments. Thereafter Mr Fox and Mr Stafford sank in comparative obscurity. The first merged his political principles in the advocacy of abortive Permissive Bills, while the second found active employment in upholding the land monopoly of the Canterbury Land Ring, and devoted his ex perience in Parliamentary tactics to log-roll ing, and snatching catch divisions, in order to defeat the colonialisation of the Land Fund, and to confirm the runholders' title in perpetuity. Had it not been for these two providential hobbiesythe colouy might still have been saddled with the alternating burden, of Fox and Stafford—Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Mr Stafford's projects came to grief in consequence of Sir George Grey taking a hand in the political game, and when superior, skill made that hand a winning one Mr Stafford retired to his Irish estates to reflect on the mutability of earthly things. Mr Fox is still absorbed in his tee-total programme. With what chances of ultimate success the future only can show. , . ~

;' Muchthe same/kiiicl of political game has,been played in New South Wales be tween Sir. Henry' ; Parkes. and Sir John Robertson. For many years the defeat of Mr., Robertson meant 'the, elevation of Mr Parkes. Both are pronounced Liberals; both publicly protested against the late B'eacbnsneld congratulations ; but, as with all, Liberals, they were so r much divided in the; character of their' views'jas to attract two, distinct parties in the legislature. .Mr JHobertson distinguished himself chiefly by his uncompromising opposition to the land monopolists, and on one occasion when the Legislative Council threw out , v his Land Bill which - had '•> passed,■; -ithrough! ibher,: Lower ■ House b.e= t resigned r his seat, got ■ himself:'nominated: to the Legislative Council, and fought the squatters: on their own ground. Such vigorous .action, could not fail of success,, and to that the present liberal land law of New South Wales is due. The inevitable': consequence oil the Liberal division was that in process of time a Middle Party,; opposed to both leaders, grew up in the House, strong enough to upset either Robertson or Parkes, but not strong enough to hold office itself. Hence, during the, last three years, there have been constant! changes of Government; in one session—; if we remember aright—no fewer than five! gentlemen were sent for by His Excellency to form Governments, Sir John Robertson having been defeated and resigned twice and Sir xfenry Parkes once. The dissolu tion which followed did not improve matters, the first act of the new parliament being to turn out the Ministry. Their successors were soon beaten, and Sirj John Robertson having failed to get a workable Cabinet, his~old.opponent, Henry Parkes, has solved the problem by forming a coalition Ministry, with the two veterans at its head.,, The members of the Ministry, in accordance with the law of New South Wales, on accepting office have to go to i theirconstituents for re-election, and have resigned for ; that purpose. Meanwhile; Parliament has beea prorogued.

The/gltelieving Officer, begs to acknow- ■ ledge the receipt pf £5 15s,from "Mr Little, 1 on behalf of the Auckland Licensed' Victuallers^ for a Christmas -treaty for the i; inmates of the Qld Men and, Woman's I qßefugV:-- i;Ki:;i "'v*; 1 Iw^';"^ 1 jj* j ■'"Mr^A. Grant will sell onTVlbnday a large; number of- unredeemed pledges, 'to> r the i 6rlier'6f!Mr^e-u^egan; rv'"f' '■"■''■ •' '"' ";'':"

rf?9^l fiOWf

A mechanical exhibition, illustrative of the various occupations of the people of pre sent and past times, will be opened this evening at 7 o 'clock in Queen-street, next to Messrs, Hewin's grocery stores, and con tinue.! during the Christmas holidays. We have been favoured Avith a view of this,wondeiful clock-worlc machine in full play, and candidly confess that the "Little World," as it is aptlyidesi^nated, struck us with surprise and admiration. The "Little World" is the work of a self-taught genius, not a mechanic, but a man of letters, who until recently was the editor of a news paper. Some eight months ago, lie saw the " Blacksmith's Dream," and haying_dosel} inspected the work, thought he could do something of the same kind on a larger scale. He set studiously to work, and com pleted it within the space of six • months; The upper-part represents a city/park, in which appear cottages, a fair, a merryr go-round, and other- rural associations^ with a full-sail yrjudinill. in .the dis tance, and a painter in the act of painting a wall. In another part is a bicycle' race, and other sports in active motion; also, a Hansom cab and horse, perfectly modelled, in full|{trot. There are over (ifty different figures with perfectly natural movements, including ladies at the pianoforte and sewing machine; while others are employed in knitting, washing, and rocking- the cradle. There are also carpenters, blacksmiths, sawyers, wood choppers, turners, pile-drivers, the Star reporter, and labourers of every description engaged in physical exercise; also Train's London street tram-car, a steam-boat on a river, a light-house on a beach, peiambu lators and telegraph wires; forming a com plete miniature sketch of the various occupations of the people, all in motion at the same moment.

The Committee of tlie • Nelson-street Public School, with the assistance of several of the leading residents in the district, entertained the childron of the above school yesterday, prior to the dismissal for the ' hristmas holidays. After suitable in-door games, the children were provided with an ample supply of fruits and other refreshments. The children departed to their homes well .pleased with the efforts the Committee and teachers had made for their enjoyment. The annual performance of Handel's " Messiah," by the members of the ' horai Society, will take piaeo on Monday evening next, beginning at eight o'clock. The selections to be performed are taken from the first and second parts of the oratorio ending with the sublime " Hallelujah' chorus: We understand that the bass solos will be sung by Signor Kiccardi. There was a good muster at Ellerslie this morning. Ariel had a splendid gallop. Pungawcrewere, Lady Elizabeth, Gillie Callum, and the Don were also out. The •Southern horses are expected out in full force on Monday morning. Mr Seccombe, of Alexandra, forwarded several donations to Bishop Cowie for dis tribution at Christmas time for the benefit of the inmates of public charities. His Lordship disposed of the money as follows : —£4 for the Orphan Home, £3 for the Ladies' Benevolent Society, and £3 for the Old I'eople's Home.

We .are requested to state that the Court of Petty Sessions, on Tuesday next, the 24th insfc,, fwill sit at 11 a.m. instead of 10. 30 a.m. , .

The executive committee of the Board of Education recommend the acceptance of the tender of Messrs. Smith aud Wooller, £325 for the erection of a school building at Mount Koskill; also, Mr. Henderson's tender, £185, for the erection of ;Pukete school; and the acceptance of Mr. D. Hendarson's tender, £339 for the erection of teacher's residence.

In our report of the presentation of prizes at the C-Jirls High .School on Thursday, we accidentally omitted to state that an extra prize, given by Mrs Heath for sewing in the lower school, was won by Miss Catharina Schnackenberg. She was pre sented with "Beeton's Book of Needle work."

An alarm of fire was raised yesterday in Chapel-street, which proved to be clothes on fire in a house occupied by a woman Avell-kuown to the police, named Ann Swift. A woman, named Keunett saw the flames through the back window, and, with the assistance of Constable Jones, extinguished the fire without serious damage. Madame Cora, accompanied by the celebrated Ventriloquist, Val Vose, lias reached Auckland, aud will commence their popular entertainment in Lome-street Hall on Boxing night. Those who remember this lady's performances will be glad of an opportunity of renewing their acquaintance ship with the favourite artiste. • :

The Tarauaki cricketing team will arrive here for the purpose of playing a series of matches with the various clubs. We observe; that the names of several . gnod players have been added to the team of last year and it therefore behoves our local clubs to practice regularly, if they really wish to maintain the honor of this province so far as our cricketing prowess is concerned.

The prizes are to be given out to the boys of the Ponsonby Grammar School on Mon day evening next in the Ponsouby Hall at 7.30 p.m. His Worship the Mayor has kindly consented to give them. It is ex pected that there will be a full attendance to show the appreciation of the district at this endeavour to establish a high class school in their midst.

The name of Thomas Renncll, the man who was committed to prison for shooting aud killing Captain Moller, Avas mis-spelt Bennett. !

The Ponsonby Christmas tree and concert ■will, as previously advertised, be held on Friday and Saturday next, the 27th and 28th inst. The Artillery Band "will per form, 'busses will leave the Union Bank and Hal) every half-hour, strawberries and cream will be plentiful, the prizes on the tree good, and if the residents of Ponsonby only act up to their previous performances, and pull together on this occasion, success must result. Many of the articles are suit able for Christmas and New Year preseuts, and we recommend Ponsonby parents not to buy their presents until they have seen what the committee of All Saints' Organ Fund will provide for them at the Hall.: Admission each day, one shilling; that charge including attendance in the after-.; noon, and for the concert at night.

The acceptances for the Wellington Gold! Cup were received last night :—Fishhook,' Maritana, Danebury, Lara, Laertes, Titania,i Longlands, Camballo, Pungawerewere, j Venus Transit, Pinfire, Rata, Mufti, Diver, j Morning Star, Lady Greyi King Quail,! Pohoneura, Sailor. j Notwithstanding the valuable coal re-' sources of the colony, tenders for £25^000 \ worth of Newcastle coal have been accepted for the Christchurch and Otago railways.

We learn with regret that the widow and four children of Captain Moller, who was j shot on an island in the North Pacific, are left in indigent circumstances and without* the necessary means of support. They; reside in Vincent-street, and are deserving! of practical sympathy.

A collision between a spring cart belong-' ing to Mr Maginn, cordial, manufacturer, and a dray belonging to Mr Butcher, at [ the bottom of Shortland-street, created, some excitement in that vicinity to-day. ' Neither vehicles was injured to any; extent.

When it was said "necessity is thei mother of invention" it was not dreamed to what extent the old dame would require to stretch her ingenuity. A paragraph ia the Star recently, reporting a case of poison ing by bad jams, led Mr Waite, of Fort street, to investigate the cause of this, and ; [he decided it. was in the mode of soldering the tin lids usually adopted. He has; obviated all difficulty, by his patent self-' fastening tops, wluch require no. soldering, j The eonstructioQ facilitates spe&d; ease, and j certaintyjof fitting the.lid'; and air is per- j fectly excluded. He ia making all sises, | from lib to ©lb, reaidy for the market. See I advertisement. '■~;.." , ; ..- !

To the Editor: Sir,—On Sunday last— " the better day the better deed"—we seem to have had a " chiel among us" at.the North Shore, taking notes, and he has printed them ; albeit, he must have been in a sad, bilious state. By-the-bye, Mr Editor^' it seems quite the fashion just now to run dowu our pleasant healthy suburb. As,,piie; of the public I feel deeply grateful tp your correspondent "E.W." of last evenilig for, the very self-sacrificing manner jEn which he! spends his Sundays "going about,";; as he. says, "for the good of the public generally;.*""! I was not aware before that we had such an ! active Nuisance Inspector in the district. In this• instance, however, his nose-has evTHenlfy~^islM~fiimr^Tr"doirF"l«i6w its length, but he is evidently not a member of that honourable body "The Anti-Poke- Your- Nose -Into- Other - Peoples-Business Society." If he had run his game down he would have found the: particular effluvia came, not from the butcher's premises^ but from the carcase of~ a dead dog lying on, the. beach, thrown up. by the tide, whicb ,was quickly removed by some of the neighbours. I merely mention this to prevent-injustice being done to a tradesman ,who lis' as painstaking and and attentive to keep flies away, premises sweet and clean, a& even ''E.W." himself; In dropping in at the Chapel ho seems to have been equally.' unfortunate iv having his liner feelings outraged by the minister going through the service with a hop, step, and jump; " the sermon being curtailed and skipped over, prayer short and curt, singing lopped, collection' hastily secured, with a general rush for the door at its conclusion, headed by the minister." I ani afraid the place must be in a very dark and benighted state ; and yet, sinuer-like, we have been hitherto quite satisfied with the length of the sermons and tlie arrangements of the Ferry Company on Sunday evenings; Later boats might tempt "E.W." to lengthen his going about doing good on these evenings, to the loss of his family at home. Parties attending churches in town find the 8.30 boat from Auckland a very convenient one.—l am, &c, Loppity Lop.

The pupils of the;Girls';High School pre sented /Miss Mann, one of the teachers, with a handsome token of their esteem on her quitting the school for a better position. at Napier. The Baptist Church Wellesley street, will be opened onj Christmas-day for special service at 11 a. m. The occasion will be novel in Auckland, as it is intended to make this a Floral Service, the congregation coming with boquets of flowers which will be gathered at the close of the service and immediately after sent to the poor institu tions of the city for distribution. In each boquei will be attached a suitable memento of the season. There will also be a special collection in aid of the Church Aemshouse Fund., ....,..•_ ;

Messrs B. Tonks and Co. wjll sell on Monday, December 23rd, an invoice of American jewellery,comprising most charm^ ing Dovellies, new designs, and a select assortment exactly suited to the require ments of the season, , ,

" We understand that the great incon venience to which the inhabitants of One: hunga have been subjected to, throiigh there being no train running from A'uckj land to that town between the hours of 3.35 and 5.20 p.m., iis to be removed, by having a -train at, Penrose.to run to One hunga upon "the1 arrival at .the Pemose Junction of the 4.15 train .from Auckland to Waikato. The matter -was yesterday brought under' the consideration of the Minister of Public Wfttka by: Mr O'Rorkej the member for ; Onehunga, and directions given to Mr. A. V. Macdonald to give effect to this change at an early date.

Announcements of Sunday services will be found in the usual column. The evening service at the Theatre Koyal at eight o'clock. / The business meeting1 of the Auckland branch of the Hibe/nian Benefit Society was held last evening in St. Patrick's Hall, wheii the following members were elected to office for. tha. ensuing session:—Mr W. G. Connely, president; Mr P. Kearney, vice-president; Mr y. Cronin, secretary; Mr J. Gallagher, treasurer; Mr B. liough, warder ; Messrs McCormick and O'Sul livan, sick visitors; Messrs J. A. Tole and J. Dernpsey, auditors; Dr. Wine, medical.atten dant ; land Messrs Clifton, Cronin, and O'rfullivan juvenile committee. The balance-sheet showed a balance of £796 in favour of the Society. The social gathering in St. Matthew's school room on Monday evening next is likely to he a thorough treat to the young people. Mr Webb and other friends have spared no pains in the matter. The Christmas tree will bough down with seasonable presfnts, such as pretty clocks, cushions, and other dainty things., Tea will be on the table at 6.30, and music and ballads will form a part of the after-entertainment, free to all.

• A service of s^ng, the "Life of Samuel," was held Jast evening in St. Thomas's Mission Church, which was very well attended.* The descriptive passages were read by Key. Robert Burrows. The., pieces were sung with good effect by the Sunday-school choir. Miss Arch, a young lady who is of great assistance in St. Thomas's, accompanied the juvenile singers on the harmonium in a pleasing manner. .

Late Cablegrams.

, Cablegrams. ~ «; . " . ..;■ " " ... [SPECIAL TO STAR].

Terrible Marine Disaster. £3 150 Persons DrownedrH LONDON. December 21. 1 , ,A : French steamer has sunk; at Gallippoli, Turkey. A hundred and fifty persons on board vrere drowned.

Drowning of Mate of Rowena.

, r TAURANG"^, this clayv:, \ Keene, mate of the steamer Rowena fell overboard and was drowned whilst offCapd Colville, at 10 last night.

AUSTRALIAN CABLEGRAMS.

"tSHBCIALITOjTHB f'ST^R,^] i

{FSOMOUH OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

, -..j .;,- aY , V SYDNEY, Dec. 20. ; .;. - SYDNEY, this day. m The strike difficulty hcs been referred to two of our leading politicians. Commercial.—New Zealand wheat, 9s; 3d ; oats, 4s Sd ; case brandy, 33s 6d. The new Ministry is announced as follows .-—Sir Henry Parkes as Premier and j Colonial Secretai-y ; Sir J. Robertson, Vice-! President of the Executive Council, with a seat in the Legislative Council; Mr Watson, Treasurer j Mr Hoskins,. Minister of Lands ;'■ Mr Leckey, Minister of Works ; Mr Win- i deyer, Attorney-General ; Mr Sutton, '■, Minister of Justice and Public Instruction ; iVTr Baker, Minister of.Mines ;■ Hon. Saul! Samuel, Postmaster-General. ■.■. ■>, .. ; I

.:. " •' "' '.'■ SYD;NEy,;,Eriday,',-| iv The Exhibition Vote- has- beeno-with-1 drawn in the Assembly. . A temporaify! money supply has been granted-. 'J % ft ICJ Members of the new Ministry hav.e gonej for re-election. The Assembly adiourned j till the 24th January:,, ,;:;•• ■;i.,V,.,.. t t,,.,, : .J The sharehoiaers of the A. S.N. '•> Company | met and re-affirmed their confidence course taken by the directors of the company.;: : I

[PRESS AGENCY.!

Sir George Grey at the Thames.

, T,iirjxia^the First Sod. ''"'' JBY TELEGRAPH.] I ; (Fromidfo'own Correspondent.) this day The Hinemoais off Tarara. The V I steamer, has;gpne to receive visitor yJ bring-.therp-on ' shore. The laKj take place at 12, when about 25i Si U will convey visitors and local bodies; W* place-for .turning the ikst sod, half- J! I 6 tw,een Shetland and Grahamsto 1 vy P ,be' high water marlc; where a platform « J ad.libitum, and every convenient * the ceremony, is In readiness^r" to the.massive silver spade and handsnl, mottled kauri wheelbarrow for Sir Geor > manipulation on this auspicious occasion® Five hundred children are assembled ni, stage near to sing^the local anthem '"to* own New Zealand home," and after tl cereropny the banquet will be held in lv Thefollowing were invited to be mgLi at the ceremony, and luncheon •—H; \Vorship.,the Mayor and Councillors of tli Boroughs of Auckland, Hamilton On P huuga, and Parnell ; the Chairmen ami Councillors of the County Councils of Wai -kato, Coromamlel and Piako j Chairman and members of the Cambridge Highway District Board; His Honor Judge Gillies ann Jacjy, H Brett (ex-Mayor) of Auckland and ladf \ A' MtS °n- x"May°r of Pameii) and lady, T. Moinn and lady, D. L Muv doch and lady, G. M. O'Rorke and lady John Murray and lady, W". Swanson J s' Macfarlane and lady, PL H. Lusk andla'dv" Patrick pignan and lady, F. Whitaker and lady, J C. Firth and lady, A. G. Horton and lady W. Jerome Cadmau (Coromandel), Blackmoie (Corornandel) Lynch (Coromandel). '

The toasts at the banquet are, the "Queen,"- from the chair (Dr. Kilgour Chairman of Railway Committee); "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and all the rest of the Royal Family"; "His Excellency the Governor," by his Worship the Mayor • " The Army and Navy, and Volunteers, and the County Chairman" by Mr A. Brodie • " The hon. the Premier, and our Representa tives" from the chair; "Onr own Visitors " from the vice-chair (J. Brown, Esq. j • ' f'The Mining, Commercial and Agricui' tural interest," by Capt. Souter. In the evening Sir George will address his constituents at the Theatre Royal after which the party return to town. ■■ '

TURNING THE SOD.

[FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTEB.J

The Hinemoa mode a capital passage of four hours. Passengers from Auckland— Sir George Grey, .Mr Mitchell, Captain Wilson, late Harbormaster of the.Cape now enjoying Cape Government pension, and travelling in New Zealand with a son, with a view of settling here; a very old friend of Sir George Grey's. Mr Peacock (Mayor), Auckland, P. A/ Philips, Town Clerk; Melton, ex-Mayor, Parnell; Coun cillors Waddel and Fleming.' On arrival off Tararu, the Ruby, paddle steamer, came off with McCollough, Mayor; Brodie, ; County Chairman; Davis, Chair man of Harbour Board; Carpenter,'Para wai Highway Board. On arrival at the Government goods' wharf, Sir George Grey and party were enthusiastically welcomed by a large concourse of residents, amongst whom were Messrs Kowe, M.H.R., R. Graham; Borough Councillors. Porter, Speight, Deeble ; and County Councillors Spencer, Ragnall, J^ Brown (Ohinemuri), ard F. C. Cawtown, clerk.

.Sir George Grey on landing was warmly cheered. _ The procession moved up the wharf, headed by the Thames Scottish Volunteers' Band, playing. The wharf, flagstaff, principal buildings and dwelling houses were gaily decorated with bunting. The Artillery fired a salute in good time, "n. arrival at Mary -street Dr Kilgour presented an address as follows : " "To Sir. George Grey, E.C.B. :—Sir, —This committee, in asking you to turn the first sod of the Thames Valley rail way, desire to express to you the great satisfaction which they, in common with every inhabitant of the dis trict, feels on the present occasion, which is the happy termination of a long and arduous agitation, commenced more than six years ago, and carried on without much encouragement. "Notwith standing the wantjof success which attended their efforts to obtain favourable cdnsider ation of this question for many years/ the committee never lost sight of, the object they had in view, but took every oppor tunity of pressing .it upon the attention of the Goverment of the day, but all without result, until you, sir, appeared upon the scene, and announced to the people of the Thames that you considered the scheme not only practicable, but reasonable, and _a project .deserving the. attention .of the legislature of the colony, and of capitalists seeking profitable in vestments. From that time until the last session of Parliament, the prospects of the Thames Valley Railway commenced 'steadily to improve, when your Govern- ment took the decided step of placing it on the schedule of the railway works/to be undertaken by the new colony of New Zealand. This recognition of; the scheme, no less useful than necessary, redounds much to the credit of your Government for jnstice, impartiality, and foresight;land vow we have to invite you thus to crown an undertaking which already owes so much, to your advocacy by making a fbrmal commencement of the work; vr

" For the Thames Valley Eailway Com mittee, " [; •'••':;,.. " Jas. Kjlgouk, Chairman*1 "Thames, December 21st." Sir George replied :—Dr Kilgour and gen tlemen, I will only say, that it is with great delight that I find the inhabitants ot, the Thames assembled here, to witness the opening of this railway, and it is with the 'greatest satisfaction and- pleasure that^L render-you my assistance in opening ; ;it. ' About two thousand assembled at thefcecep tion ground. Sir: George.then turned the socl in- the orthodox manner, the band playing a spirited air. Addressing the assem lage, he said : " I trust that the railway which is inaugurated may proye a blessing and convenience to the inhabitants ,of the Thames, and may be the means of turning a large commerce from the interior of the countryto what I believe will be one of the great ports of New Zealand. I thank, you all for having allowed" me the oppor tunity of assisting at the commencement of: so great and noble art undertaking. ; Mr Peacock (Mayor of Auckland) said lie felt much gratified at being present on such an auspicious occasion. l Had the" day and circumstances been more favourable there would have been a much larger atten dance of citizens from Auckland. It was unnecessary for him to dilate on the im portance of such an undertaking faciliating communication throughout tbe district of Auckland. It was with general satisfaction the people of Auckland regarded its>in auguration, and if contractors showed as much energy as those<who got up the'pro ceedings the work would be completed in good time. , •■/•: ,The Mayor'.,of Parnell supported the re marks, andJMr McMinn, M.H.R., Waikato, on behalf pf<>Waikate, expressed a hope that a similar work would soon be com menced in his district. He apologised for being the only representative from that locality,, by stating- the*harvest season was a busy time. J "' ' ' -"V;:^ Y,',<l Dr. Kilgourj the pitairraan, read a'letter of apology from'Mr Brett (ex-Mayor), ex pressing regret at his unavoidable absence, and offering congratulations on the com mencement of so important a.TYOrk.? "■-■■■. The school eMhfren sang a spirited auv "My Owri'Nfcw Zealand Home," after which, Sir George expressed his thanks tojgggk

EVENING STAR, SATURDAY. DECEMBER 21



Inwards Coastwise.—lsabel, cutter, from ; Wangaproa, with 10 bales wool, 20 sacks grass- > seed, 2 tons furniture. '"'".i Outwards Co istwise.—lsabel, cutter, for Matakana, -with sundries; Adah, ketoh for Thame3, with sundries. . ' , The steamer Geelong leaves Hoklanga to-day for the Mannkau; Tt'e Hokianga telegram in oar last evening's issue sunouncing her depar ture for Wellington was erroneous. The Oceania is leaving Hokianga for Mel bourne with 208,000 feet of baulk timber loaded by Mr G. W. Binney. The barque John Leslie Griffiths sailed this morning for Wangaroa, where she will load with 150,000 feet of timber for Melbourne. The s.s. lona arrived from Russell this morn- Ing with a number of passengers and the follow ing cargo :—6 bales wool, 9i sacks and 2 cases gum, 3 sacks fungu3. She is to leave again for Russell only on Monday next, returniug lata on Tuesday night. On Friday she will make the U3ual trip to Coromandel. in place of the The barque Clan Fergusson was brought alongside the end o£ the Queen-street wharf to- Tho barque Loch Fleet hauled out into the stream, where she will await the departure of the Lebu. She will then load up for London. The s s. Argyle, which is now undergoing an overhaul in the Dock, will leave for Coromandel on Tuesday instead of Monday. The trip to Whangarei will take place on Friday instead of Tuesday. The s s. Argyle is announced to proceed on an excursion to H«t Springs on Christmas Day, while the Jo-'awili make a trip to Kawau on Boxing Day Tae fires Iwve ben fixed at low rates, and thsiefore both steamers should be well patronised. , The s.s. Tararua is to make the next usual monthly trip from Auckland to Sydney in the pIaCen hJL RE°GR?PHIC SHIPPING. Russkll, this day. The s.s. lona arrived from Auckland at 5 o'clock this morning. THE HAYM AR X E T 105, QUEEN-STREET. CLOVER AND GRASS SEEDS. For Sale, of the Finest Quality, AS FOLLOWS :— White Clover Red Clover Cowgrass- Alskye Lucerne Rape Timothy . Trefoil Cocksfoot Otago Ryegrass Poverty Bay Ryegrass Pukekohe Ryegrass Italian Ryegrass Kentucky Blue Grass Red Top Ratstail : Crested Dog3taii Meadow Foxtail Meadow, Sheep, and other Fescues, &c. Also, BONEDUST, J-inch, 1-inch, and Sydney and American BONEFLOUR, GUANO, &c. PRESSED MEADOW and OATEN HAY. FENCING WIRE McDougaU'3 SHEEP DIP. ALFRED BUCKLAND. THE nVTEW 7E4LAND test- CLOTHING FACTORY "®» EMPLOYS UPWARDS OF 60 "WORKPEOPLE. BRANCHES FOR THE SALE OF OUR MANUFACTURES AT AUCKLAND napier WELLINGTON wanganui DUNEDIN oamaru TIMARU INVERCARGILL CHRISTCHURCH. The Proprietors have had to fight their way inch by inch in opposition to the interests of Importers and Shippers, but the desire on the part of the Public^ tor encourage New Zealand Industries ha=i been manifested by the great success which has attended all the Branches of ) he New Zeeland Clothing Factory, .!,.,"; SUMMER SEASON. 1878-1879. Now in receipt of MKN'S, BOYS', and YOUTHS' CLOTHING, kspecially j MANUFACTUKED FOR THK AUCKLAND ; Market, and Superior in Style.and Fit to the Imported Goods. A great portion is made,of the famous Mosgiel \ Tweeds, manufactured of pure New Zealand wools. A^SINGLE GARMENT SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. •Jhe Largestand Choicest Stock inNew Zealand of Hats, Caps. Hosiery, Port manteaux, Bags, and the latest \lNovel ties.in T^es, Scarfs, Collars, &c. A SINGLE ARTICLE SOLD AT WHOLESALE PRICE. AlllGoodsare marked in Plain F urea, for CASH ONLY. Any Article purchased and not appro- j ved of will be exchanged with the same ; courtesy with which it was sold, or, if desired, the monoy will be returned. J. B. ROBINSON, MANAGER AUCKLAND BRANCH. Agency in New Zealand for Wertheim's i . Celebrated Sewing Machines. . . ; s^ooo YAEDS o? p)RESS MATERIALS MT\T OB E SOLD CHE AP; 10,000 YARDS C¥ PLAIN LUSTRES j»ar TO BE SOLD CHEAP. ■ "' H./Atkins ! ' >:;J Invites Inspection ;of his NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS *MATERIALS. j r" ThelStock this Season is an immense one, of thr greatest variety, and the prices the lowest n the City. tt a has alsoju=t received ex 'Leon 1 to his /lira'order, a Very Large Stock of BLACK Imrcs same as always kept in Stock. These can be specially recommended. They always *™U well and give great satisfaction. Also,1 COLOURED SlliKS-a splendid assortment in allithe n w.Colore. ':. : ALSO, JUST OPENED, A romoleta ITSfcocl£ of Long Curtains, Quilt; Table Linen, Sheetings, Blankets. ;, CaUcoBT and Manchester Goods. TO^THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT! (A Very Heavy.. toflr),.; •■ r, I ESPLENDID VALUE oflNeW li'aits, rCoats, \ B|SSm and Vests, Trowsers, &c.. sHJwrTAI. LINES in Galatea aiad Paget Coats,' SPE in Blue" and Black -Cloth. Worsted Coatings, Diagonal Tweed, &c, &c., &c. | The STOCK of Boy's and Youth's Clothing is very large thiß Season, and of »»& value. { THE LARGEST STOCK OF TWEEDs! lf^' .IN I THE;;COLONY.,::';;^f!I^ ; ; rihoD 'CWBBD £or Boy's Wear, from Waia **" per;yard. 4 .5 : ;- ? \*j H. A T KIN S.



Don't



TCTORTH BRITISH AND MERCAN- J3I TILB 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 Promluma and Interest, 1877 - - 916,646 ,Pbksidknt: His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. »■ v iok-Presidents : Hiß Grace the Dnke of Sutherland, K.G.; His Grace the Duke of Abercorn, K.G. EXTRAORDINARY DIRECTORS : Right Hon. the Earl of Airlie, Right Hon. the Bar! of Strathmore, Right Hon. Sir James Fer jrasson, of Kilkerran. Bart., Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart., Right Hon. the Earl of Elgin, Right Hon. Lord Wolverton, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Maiorbanks, of Lees, Bart., Sir. Robert Hay, of Haystoun, Bart., David Mahony, Esq., Dublin. GENERAL 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 the Provincial District of Auckland at lowest BATES 8 Losses promptly and liberally dealt with. SHERA BROS., Agents, IQUEKN-STRKKT. NITED INSURANCE COMPANY, FIRE AND MARINE. THIDELITY AND ACCIDENT GUARANTY JC COMPANY OF NEW" ZEALAND. JOHN REID & CO., Agents for Auckland Province. 26, Queen-street. /GREATEST VARIETY of "BEDSTEADS \Jf 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. Hollow&JY&ftrliek Ss Oranwoll Have for Sale— OKA 3 E D S T E A D S, the Handsomest in OOU Auckland. Iron, Kauri. Cedar, Rimu, aud Mottled Kauri, Half Tester and French in a.H sizes. Stump and Stret chers, ""'•■• and Iron Cots, Folding and Roc, hi : i Cots. mROT T" of CARPICT to select fro m ' . »acis, Tapestry, Velvet Pile, Kid uo.iuinster, Felt, Duch, Jute, and Stair Carpets; Hearth Rugs; Mat tings, various kinds l / »CV V HHAI RS, comprising American, 1U w" X: English, Austrian Bent Wood, Italian, and Colonial, to suit all classes. Wholesale aud Retail. o(\(\ TOILICT GLASSES. Very handsome O\J\J one-) just opened; also, a large lot of Chimney Glasses, Walnut, Gilt, and Ebonized Frames. A(\ CHESTS DRAWERS in various woods and styles. X A WASHSTANDS & TOILET TABLES, "'■' various designs. Qf\ SETS TOILET WARE, some very OKJ choice.! BEDDING of all kinds BLANKETS, QUILTS, SHEETS, &c. an X PAIR WHITE CURTAINS, Lace Q£O Leno, Aplique, &c. MANCHESTER DRAPERY GOODS CLOTHING, &c. Book Catalosues sent Post Free. Holloway, Garlick and Cranwell, CITY HALL ATtCADW. QUEEN AND LORNB-STREETS, Auckland. IOANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES Established 1817. Paid-up Capital .. ... .. £1,000,000 Reserve Fund .. .. ... 460,000 This Bank is prepared to make special arrangements for Doposits lodged for fixed periods, and to transact all other Banking Business on terms to bo 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. mHE lANCHESTEE FIRE _B_ ASSURANCE COMPANY. Established 1821. . CAPITAL ONE MILLION STERLING. REVENUE. 1855 £19,762 1865 91,558 1875 190,720 1876 221,014 1877 265,993 FIRE RISKS on all Insnrable Property taken at Lowest Rates of Premium. N.B.—All Losses will be paid here with liber ality and despatch. -_~,_. Agent for the Provincial District and City of Auckland, JOHN R. RANDERSON, ; No; 5, Insurance Buildings, Queen-street. THE' PARTNERSHIP hitherto sub sisting between J. Cosgrave and W. G-HAHAMhas been dissolved by mutual consent. ■' ; /ov^L^ JOHN COSGR AYE. (Signed) , WM> GRAH AM. .■! In consequence of the • Dissolution, the WHOLE of the STOCK-IN-TRADE, BOOK DEBTS, &c., in Auckland and elsewhere, must be sold immediately, in order to realise. /The SALE OF./THE GOODS will take place in Queen-street on TO-MORROW (Thursday); when that Enormous and Valuable Stock must be Sold Regardless of Cost !! - ' J J«O OS GRAVE & Co. Wholesale and Retail \\ ■*;].: | . ; D RAPBR S : AND: CLOT HIE RS. Queen-street, Auckland. Tlip .MR. D AVID G O L.I). lE. We, the undersigned Ratepayers of the City of Auckland, request that iyouwill allow your self' to be put in nomination for the vacant seat in the Council, and we pledge ourselves to to do all in our power to secure your return. '• - rflO Messrs. Swansori, Hamilton, Mason, JL Brett, Wilson, Ofter, Wayte, Fisher, Buchanan, Kay, Cleal. Atkin, Rattray, Symon; Major, Holland and Butler, and the 423 other Ratepayers who have signed the requisition and promised their support. , . - Gentlemen^-I need scarcely inform you that I feel very much gratified by the large and in fluential requisition .which you have presented tome. ■ ifVm-. :du .■■•: ■■ .. It is to me an evidence that my efforts in the past, in connection with Municipal affairs, have met with your approval. 1 Although at ene time not intending to take any position in relation to Municipal affairs till after September next, still I feel that under existing circumstances I should be wanting in gratitude were I to refuse to accede to your re quest. I will, therefore, allow myself to be placed in nomination, and, if returned, it will be my earnest endeavour so to act as to merit a continuance of your respect and esteem, i . --■■-. STours Respectfully, D. GOLDIE. I COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY \J OF NEW ZEALAND. ,". *V; j FIRE AND MARINE. Capital .. .. ... •• £2,000,000 heajd^ office-wellington, ~; _.; , „. ~ notice to insurers,;l^ :' At the expiration o£ the first Financial Period lof the;.Company,:the <Directors will: offer /:to persons who have,insured with the Coinpanjn the right of taking up at par one of the unsiUoted shares for every. £lof premium paid by theml whether jEqrflre.or marine risks. , ; , • t ''. Q-EO. S. GRAHAM. '.'... General Manager



-:%|oo



SPECIAL NOTICE TO FARMERS. REAPERS AND BINDERS ON SALE BY THE UNDERSIGNED. Vessel Now Due. HARVESTER X I 'N G AHD ;. %\ MARSH HABVEST|fi, , 1 BY GAMMON AND DEERIN'G. These Celebrated MACHINES, now brought to the highest state of perfection, have, during the last season, been remarkably successful Ih -AmerlcaTand are found to surpass all others in ■ Lightness of draught, combined ■with strength - Simplicity of construction Freedom from breakage , Rapidity and excellence of work. The Binder is undoubtedly the most simple and efficient yet made, and the travelling bar's are a decided improvement on canvass or rubber bands. The Agents specially solicit the inspec tion of intending purchasers, and are prepared, to supply the most ample testimony in favor of *hese Machines. j E. PORTER & CO., i WHOLESALE & RETAIL IRONMONGERS, Auckland, AGENTS FOR NORTH ISLAND. i FURNITURE— For the Drawingroom Dining-room, Library, Be room, or Kitchen, on Sale at 1 &H. COOKK'S. CARPETS— Including Brussels, 1 ape^ try, Kidderminster, Stall- Felt, and Dutch, on Sale 1 & H. COOKK'S, lINOLEUM and Floorcloths, all v/idths, J Bath Mats, in Linoleu r and Floorcloth, on Sale at T &■ H. COOKE'S. HEARTH RUGS, Door Mats, plain and wool bordered, Matting, Wool Mats, Bed-side Rugs, on Sale at T. & H. COOKE'S. ; * EON BEDSTEADS. — French, Half J Tester, Stump and Foldinsr; Iron (Jots, all sizes. Wood Bedsteads and Wood Cota, on Sale at T. & H. COOKK'S. BEDDING.— Hair, Wool, Spring, Cocoa Fibre, and Flax Mattresses, Feather Beds, Bolsters and Pil lows, on Sale at T. & H. COOKSC'S. GLASSES.— Ghimney Glasses, in Gilt, Walnut, and Maple Frames, Toi let Glasses. Toiletware, Cane seated Chairs, in great variety, on Sale at T. Ec H. COOKE'S. PRICES.— As v/e import direct from the English Manufacturers, we are able to sell all imported goods as low as any house in town ; ana, employing stkam fowkr in our Factory, are enabled to offer articles of local manufacture at a very moderate rate. j . T. & H. Oooke'e FURNITURE AND UARPJtT WARKHOU X 67. QUKHJN-S'I'RKKT. :■.■■•„! 2 I 1! T O Gr RA IN Gr ROWE RS. ■ - •. •• j i REAPING AND BINDING MACHINES With Latest Improvements (1875).. j BINDING WIRE, ; ON SALE BY T. & S. MOIIR IN, ' Qukbn Stheet, Auckland. TXORNSBY'S STEAM THRASHING MACHINES ' -~-• j For Sale by the Undersigned. 14ft. 6in. PATENT COMBINED THRASHING and FINISHING DRESSING MACHINE, with Patent Screen and Shafts. 1 st. PATENT COMBINED THRASHING and FINISHING DRESSING MACHINE' with Patent Feeding Apparatus. 1 4ft. SINGLE BLOWING THRASHING MACHINE. Also, 1 tusher's straw elevator.. T. & S. M O R R I N, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. X UCRATIVE BUSINESS. AN OPPORTUNITY SELDOM MET WITH. AN OLD-ESTABLISHED BUSINESS FOX SALE. T. TURRELL, Bookseller, Stationer, News Agent, and Music Seller, j T.T. being about to leave the Colony, would bo glad to meet with a purchaser. Would be willing to give a few week's assistance should the baver require a knowledge of the business. Early application requested. (} Jtf ■ 8 A L E . AT THE Stores of the Undersigned : 1 TWO-HORSE MOWER [AND rcORN BINDER MACHINE 1 No. 2 TAUNTON HAY-MAKER , 1 No. 27 HORSE-RAKE 1 N.S.D. CHAFF-CUTTER j 1 FAN MILL, for Winnowing Grain and ■ , Seeds ■ ' ■-'.."-■, •• !• .... j . . . .. ■ The above' Machines are well worth inspection. '■"''■■ ' ' • .:' j W. J. HURST & CO., 101. Qneen-street.



Xl£ltC h«AM BTJHH



SUMMER SALINES AT "THE PHARMACY." Knob* Fkuit -Saet* Lamplough's Pyrktio Saline Bishop's,;Oi'tba.T|! of MaOnesiA' Cod|'Hß's J ;KFFB;RyKSOINQ'!LOZENGEB •p\. ' v- : #2,1 j gj, \jiv:j. ■-. ■; Aiokin'^-Persiaii Sherbet ■ ,- Aickin's Pure Sbidlitz^Apbrient 3 pt. and 5 pt. Sewzogenks, with Acid and Soi>i in wholesale quantities. AICKIN. -- f QUEEN-STBEET.



l:M?



Dampier's



Christmas ;!



'Mi&ains.' ••'"?***