SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS. YESTERDAY.

DEPARTURES. ,„• , LAST EVENING. ■/■:.: ■ . Rowena, s.s., Sellars. for Tauranga Hinemoa, G.G. s.s., Fairchild, for Kawau TO-DAi'. , ..''.,

IMPORTS. EXPORTS.

Per Wanaka. for the South: 27 gunnies and 314 mats sugar, 25 4-chests and 25 boxes tea, 1 bnndle moulding, 250 drain pipes, 107 sacks potatoes, 18 pkg3 onions, 22 boxes soap, 72 pkgs sundries. :-.. ■ Outwards Coastwise. —Blsinore, schooner, for Russell, in ballast;. Golden Isle, schooner, for Russell, in ballast; Three Brothers, cutter, for Tryphena, in ballast. i ■ jßThe Customs offices will be closed to-morrow (New Year's Day). ■ - r ■_ ■: > The s.g, lona will leave for Russell and Northern ports on Thursday next. , The barque Lebu has almost completed her loading for London, and she will probably clear at the Customs towards the latter part lot this The's.s Southern Cros9 left Nap'er f6r this port at seven o'clock last night, and she may, therefore, be expected here on Thursday morn ing. ; The brig Moa has almost completed' the dis charge of her inward cargo. Immediately it is out. she will proceed to Wangaroa, and there load timber for Dunedin. ■ Tenders for discharging the barque GaaJys ■will be received by Messrs L. D. Nathan & Co. up to noon of Friday next. Consignees per barque Gaalys are requested, to pay freight, pass entries, and take delivery of consignments. A sight entry to clear the vessel will be passed at noon on Friday next. During the quarter ending December olst, 1878, 50 vessels, representing a tonnage of 27,<190 tons, bound from ports outside New Zealand, entered in at the Auckland Customs. The total number of vessels which cleared during the quarter was 43, representing a total of 21,276 i^The folio wins: are the entries for the Champion Sailing Kace at Lyttelton, to be sailed oq Ist January :—Croydon Lass. Jessie Niccol, Alert, Ovvake, Herald.tand Torea.

ONEHUNGA SHIPPING.

ARRIVALS.I Taiatoa, s.s., Petersen, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Hannah Mokau, s.s., McCarthy, for Waitara

EXPORTS.

Per Hannah Mokau, for Waitara and Raglan: 31 sacks flour, 5 bags do, 5 mats sugar, 1 set harrows. 1 bicycle, 29 pieces timber, 9 arums, 2 cases oil, and 60 pkgs sundries. The s.s. Taiaroa]arrived!in the Manukau from the South at a late hour this afternoon. Her passenger list had not come to hand when we WThe Mokau sailed from the Manukau to-day for Waitara. She will call at Raglan on her way down. Captain McCarthy .take 3 command this trip.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Napier, this day. The s.s. Southern Cross sailed frem the Spit for Auckland at seven o'clock last night. . Gisborne, this day. Tho s.s. Pretty Jane arrived from Auckland at six o'clock last night. . : Tattranga, this day. . The s.s. Wanaka arrived from Auckland at 6.25 a.m. to-day. _,

Only those reject the acknowledged: theories of wisdom who receive instruction from no Boarces. Your real iconoclast destroys not only inanimate figures and images, but the forms of living principles and ideas. Nihilism,is. as its name implies, a belief in nothing. This absence of all faith is subversive of social order, and is rank communism. Fortunately for' Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps we live in an age of belief. The majority of mankind is trustful/ not scoffera and mockers. They know thY .virtues of this sovereign cordial, and they appr^ ciate its value.

BIRTH.

FULLER.—On the 27th instant, the w^e of George Fuller, of Mannkau Kqad, Parcel!, of a daughter. /

DEATH.

STEVENSON.—On the 30th December, at New Plymouth, James Alexander Haldaie Steven son, youngest son of Mr. David SWvenson, of this city, aged 22 years. Deeply jegretted by all who knew him.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1878

—♦-> : ■ |:' •'• For the cause that' acks assistance, For the wrong thpt needs resistance, For the future in'the distance, And the good that we can do. <■.■•,•..; -

,THE Mayor's salary was increased yesterday from £150 ,per/-annum to £250. Hardly., anyone will grudge the increase. • The salary attached to the mayoralty has long been utterly inadequate to the;,office, having regard to its obligations and duties. la Wellington, Chriatchurch, and Dunedin' the Mayoral salaries hare ranged from £300 to £400 a year, and in some1 Boroughs

of far less importance than Auckland, and with fewer'Jpopulation, the annual payment to the mayors has been considerably higher than here. The only wonder is that the augmentation was not made years ago. Exception is also taken, ia some quarters, to the manner in f which the increase was made. Though the matter was all fair and aboveboard, and W reasonable objection can be raised against' it, it would be better in all such instances that the utmost publicity should be given, so as to commend them to that section of the public which is always jealous of municipal expenditure.

THE great New Guinea expedition fitted out from Wellington some time ago has come to grief. Telegrams received from our own correspondent to-day show that the company has been victimised by a cute Yankee skipper, and the expedition has produced only loss, hardshipj and disap pointment.

News of another great shipping disaster reaches us by telegram. The Mecca, freighted with a batch of 350 Chinese coolies for the A.S.N. Company has gone to smash on a veef, and 350 Chinamen have narrowly escaped becoming food for fishes, which the Seaman's Union and their friends would probably have regarded as retributive jus tice. The Ocean, by which the ship wrecked crew and passengers were rescued, ran ashore in Torres Straits, butjwas towed off.

Free passes on the railways will be limited in number from to-morrew. The limitation does not come a moment too soon. The system was grossly abused. Every civil servant and dependant of the Government, to the remotest degree of con sanguinity, had come to regard a free pass on the railways of the colony as his peculiar privilege, and. the number of ''deadheads" had grown to be legion. There was one case where an M.H.R., who' was also a "Commercial," travelled free throughout the colony for a whole year, charging his employers with the fares; and another, where a discharged Civil Servant, who still retained his magic "pass," travelled about the colony for months asj agent for some kind, of "show." It was] only when a high railway official in the South, travelling incog., found himself in a railway carriage with. fifteen other " dead-heads," that lie determined that the; line must be drawn somewhere, and where that has been drawn will be seen from.a Wellington telegram in another column.

The Royal Colonial Institute recently discussed the subject of the defence of the Australasian Colonies from external attack. Mr Thomas Brassey, in/a lecture on "Colonial Naval Volunteer Forces," advo-. cated the view that the Imperial Govern ment sl'ould unite v/ith the Governments of these Colonies, feu- the organisation aud maintenance of mi efficient system of naval defence. He thought tlie initiative should bo taken by the Imperial Govern ment, which shonld appoint a Royal Com mission composed not only of naval officers of acknowledged ability, but including also qualified representatives of the Colonies. His plan, in brief, contemplates the organisa tion and maintenance of Naval Reserves in each colony, in readiness to man sea-gojug cruisers stationed in the principal harbours, and kept constantly fit for service, each colony contributing pro. rata towards a general fund for mutual defence against hostile cruisers. In this way Mr"Brassey believes that the nucleus of .a powerful colonial navy would be formed, and, in Biip2>ort of his argument that the time is ripe for the initiation of such a tseheme, bo reminds us that the total tonnage of the Mercantile Navy of the British Empire in 8,133,837 tons, the tonnage of tlie United Kingdom being 6,336,360 tons; the difference, which is 1,500,000 tons, repre senting a total tonnage for the colonies of very little less than that of the French and German Empires together.

SECULAR education has found influential approval from a quarter whence it was least expected. Most people are tolerably familiar with the arguments that have been used against it. Chief amongst these is the oft-reiterated assertion that it is a godless system ; and that being such, it is un deserving the countenance of those who are entiusted with the cure of souls. In New South Wales a secular sytem of education has been in operation for many years past. When it was initiated it was condemned by the clergy of various denominations in no measured terms; but time, which "is the nurse and breeder of all good," has worked a great change in the public mind. At the recent meeting of the Church of England Synod of New South Wales, a debate took place on the subject of religious education, and the conviction generally expressed was that, to quote the " Sydney Morning Herald," " the present SclK>ols Act is » reasonable one, and any clange that might be effected in its provisions Avould be more likely to be a change for/he worse than for the better." The Deav of Sydney spoke at considerable length upon the satisfac tory working of t)te Act, aud con cluded by moving a resolution, which M-as adopted, urging clergymen to avail themselves of the clause which provides " that a portion of each day, not less than one hour, may be,4et apart for the religious instruction of chpren of any one religious persuasion by tie clergyman of such per suasion." During the discussion at the Synod, the clergymen who had availed themselves of the privilege of imparting religious instruction in the schools bore testimony tJ the fact that they found no difficulty ii the way of exercising their privileges under the Act. But the most re markablefact disclosed in the State reports on education in New South Wales is that com paratively few clergymen visit the schools, notwithstanding an intimation by the Coun cil of Education that they were willing to grant, not only ah hour each day, but an hourand-a-half for separate religious teach ing. The official returns showed that about 80 pi the 400 Public Schools were visited by clergymen forthe purposes named, and that oit of 500 clergymen about 100 visited public Schools. And more striking still is the fact that about 80 of that 100 belonged to the < hurchof England, the remainder being chiefly Presbyterians, Wesleyans, and Roman Catholics, the latter forming a com paratively small per centage of the whole.

AusteALlan wines imported into the colony from and: after to-morrow will be chargeable with the reduced rate of duty of 2s per gallon. Hitherto the duty has been 4s per gallon, but the reduction dating from to-morrow will be made upon all Austra lian wines containing not more than 35 degrees of alcohol, in respect to which a declaration has been made before the Collec tor of Customs at the port of export; and we understand that Mr Hill, Collector at the Port of Auckland, has already supplied forms of declaration to all mer chants. The first advocate of a reduced duty on Australian wines was Sir Julius Vogel, who sent memoranda to the Secre tary of State urging the right of our Legis lature to establish differential duties on ar ticles, the products of the Australian colo nies. In 1873 the Imperial Parliament passed the Australian Colonies Duties Act, which enabled any or all of the Australian colonies to establish with each other and with' New Zealand differential duties applic able'to their natural productions. No ac tiphv'hpwever, was taken in this colony, until last session, "when the hbu. the Colonial Treasurer introduced, the matter in his Financial Statement, and the pro posal' <w.,as; .endorsed .by the House :of , J^epresentatives. '.', Thequantity of; Austra lian wine imported into the colony 5a 1877"" .wa's^l^O?^ gallons. It is hoped that the reduction, on.this import mil tend to pro mote! a of reciprocity j in' the sister cblonies'towarfeNew Zealand, and that from the cheapness of the wines 'they,' will come largely into consumption amongst the

working classes as a substitute for spirits, and thereby promotefhabits of temperance.

OUR SPECIAL WIRE.

The special wire granted by the Govern ment at the close of Jast session commenced to-day. . According to this new arrange ment the Telegraph offices in all the prin cipal centres of New Zealand will be open for the transmission of Press messages up to 1 o'clock in the morning, special wires being exclusively set apart for that purpose. The idea of engaging a special wire, was, as our leaders who followed the events of last session must be aware, first mooted with the object of securing a monopoly for a few powerful journals. The attempt failed because there were other journals equally enterprising, equally anxious to secure the advantages of a special, wire, and equally determined to insist upon their rights. We were amongst that num ber. The use of a special wire throughout the year will necessarily involve large expenditure, but that will not be grudged if the advantages are at all commensurate with the outlay. Judging, however, by the first effects of the system wejjare not deeply enamoured of it. The special wire has transmitted to us a large amount of matter, which, under ordinary circumstances, would not be deemed worthy of paste and scissors. Now this is an age in which people think and read fast. Consequently it has been our aim to place before our readers each day, not "padding," which no one reads, but the cream of the day's news throughout the colony, aud, a3 far as possible, the world. Following out this practice the first result of the new special wire system has been to largely swell the contents of that editorial limbo—the waste paper basket. Nor was this altogether- un expected. Naturally the first impulse swaying tlie news telegraphists will be toj| " wire " everything that they > can lay hands on with the object ot making a great display, aud we shall not be sur prised to find some of our contemporaries, in their new-born zeal, filling tbeir columns with-the very matter which now lies in our waste paper basket. '': ■ ,':'\' ' -■'''■■ . "■' '' , .C■. ■' >'.', ' '•'I'"*':1 '"*': $&Ji-'»-'-.?& '■'. :**•■ ■,-•'■■■'■ ■i-' 7'":- 'J.i\l'!' ;S?l .-":■.: - •' '. ■ ' :•' ■ '•■■%r~, 'i-S'T- .'■■,■■'■,:':■ ■ ■'■■■■■■ -l-..:;^ -,-'.-.:: ?K?%3&m " ■ ■'■;; . :/,. ■" ■. ;■. • :.■-,,_ v of a-murder at the New Hebrides appear on. the fourth page of this issue. The usual weekly meeting of the Excelsior Lodge of Good Templars will be held to-morrow evening in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Frauklyn Road. All good templars who desire to spend a quiet evening are invitod to be present on tlie occasion. ' ',": ■■.„■*'•■•_; The unfortunate man, Brown, whose death by drowning at Wairoa was recorded in the Star a few evenings since, was for several years a respectable, sober settler at the Thames, and it is only since he has taken to bush life, that Brown has fallen into intemperate habits. He leaves one son now in Auckland, a boy 7 years. Some live years ago, while residing at the Thames, his little daughter fell into a well on the premises, and Mrs Brown rushed forward in eagerness to save her child, and falling after her, both were drowned before assistance could arrive. ~ S. John's Day was celebrated with con siderable ceremony at Napier, four lodges being present at the banquet. At noon to-day, the only nomination for the vacancy in the City Council was Mr D. Goldie, who will be declared duly elected on tlie lGth insfc. . " The Bay of Plenty Times" thinks that "as a rule, the "New Zealand Herald's" leaders are more remarkable for length and prosiness than for suDstauce." This is cruel. Messrs Leonard and Co., wholesale and retail drapers, of Napier and Gisborne, have issued a novel form of almanac-adver tisement. It is a handsome coloured engraving of Mary Queen of Scots, with the date register outhe top, right, aud left hand corners. The members of the Grand Lodge Independent Order of Free Templars will meet at the railway station, Auckland and Newmarket, at 6.30 a.m. to-morrow, Wednesday (Ist.) and go by the train to Hamilton, Waikato, tor the purpose of holding their annual grand lodge session in that district. A Christmas entertainment was held last night in the Baptist school-room. Welles ley-street by the members of the Baptist Young Men's Association. There were but few persons in attendance, as the entertain ment was not made known to |the public. Rev, Allan Webb presided, and opened the proceedings with prayer and a few remarks. The choir sang " Merry Christmas Bells," "Euanita," "Carol, sweetly carol," and " When the snow lies deep." The Chair, man gave two readings, Tennyson's ".Grand mother," and " Praying for Santa Claus." MrJudkinsread " The Old Squire"; and Mr Wilson gave an extract from Dickens "Christmas Carol." Mr H. Cooper also gave a brief reading. Mr Smith sang " Hearts of Oak" in a very effective manner. Miss Cooper sang " Sweet Home" in a pleas ing strain ; also Miss Jackson. Miss Hoyes presided at the harmonium, and Mr Blom field conducted the choir. Mr Andrew Fernandez, who conducted the Terminus Hotel for many years in a creditable manner, has become the pro prietor of the Britomart Hotel in Custom House-street. Mr Fernandez took posses sion yesterday, and we have little doubt of his success as a caterer for the public, and his companions of the sea. i Concerning the dangerous state of the footpaths in Wakefield-street, " Subscriber" writes : "Sir, —It has been a subject of great surprise that the attention of the authorities had not been before drawn to the dangerous state of the asphalt paths in W akefield-street on account2™of their slipperiness. The children of the; neigh bourhood have turned this to account by nsing it as a sliding ground, and it is chiefly m these spots where these youthful skaters have been disporting themselves that acci dents occur. It was only tke other evening that a lady,, while walking on this path, slipped and fell, hurting herseli severely. I could quote several instances where acei ri dents have happened, but it is unnecessary^ as the fact. of; the, danger,'is' only too apparent.. ~ I have,noticed,in.different parts of' the city, -i men; at1 ;work jjr&taring and sprinkling the 'asphalt paths, and; I would; suggestsimilar .'treatment for this nuisance. "., - A meeting of the Board of .Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School will he held on Friday- next 'atrS'p.mY'- v '

The ball of the \ Scottish -^unteers will be held this eveifung in thlTeniperance Hall, Albert-streem. A paracli in>t|e Drill, shed will «c previously held at half-past seveu. As great! preparatior| haie been, made, and a lavge|nuniber of ti| sets issued a successful ball if 3 anticipated 1 .;. 1 ' At the City Council yesterdyfjsifter the STAE went to Jb'ress,.His. "V orship the Mayor introduce^ the subject of the loan which could not b;>e raised in th i, city, as no reply bad been /received in a fewer to the advertisement foi- tenders, still jlhe balance could be raised j through the bink, and it could be done' privately. 11 m Worship having entered /pretty fully infio the ques tion of tlie loan; Mr Hay thought the time most unfavourable for negotiating a loan. Mr Isaacs coincided, as the money market was most fluctuating at the present moment. It was finally determined to let the matter remain for a time in abeyance; md it was agreed " That the,matter be referred to the Finance Committee." 1 A New Caledonia letter ef November 23rd gives; the following particulars of the recent encounter with the rebels, information of which was contained in a special; cable to the .STAR:—" Information has been received of an encounter on the 21st with the rebels, in the rocks of &dio. They were attacked fay a few soldiers under Captain Merland, and about .200 natives of the fiiendly Houailon (East coast) tribes. The light was obstinate while it lasted ; but as usual the rebels were Worsted aud fled. Seven men and two women of them were killed, 18 women and children taken prisoners. On our side three soldiers slightly wounded with stones, 'and twelve friendly natives wounded." John McLaivn, of unsavoury memory, has made his appearance in Melbourne as a. lecturer, aud rival of ev-priest Chjniqiiy. He hired one of the principal theatnb, and an nounced hisintention of lectunngdntheques tion " Should Religion be Made p, Trade ?" Long before the appointed houria numer ous and angry crowd of Chiniijuists as sembled at the door of the buiying, and their demostration so dismayed lie lessee that he altered his intention,, an<s refused to give McLaren the key. The irrepressible agitator appeared in due time dre^ed in a ;;.faultless Chadbaud rig-out, wit\. black 1 swallow-tailed coat, bell-topper ! |O f the I orthodox pattern, and white cravat^ Fiud- I iiig he could not get admission to tlje stage, •i he took up his 'post in the street, and [! rigorously denounced the ex-priest and % eontrovemonalists generally. It is stated that McLaren, since his departure from . Duuediu, has b;?en in Melbourne, where lie : attempted to get up an unemployed agita | tion ; but his efforts were not approved of by the Government, and liis harangues were # I pub down by the police. In Sydney, so far/ f ho' has had a better reception. I 1 We hive received £1 for Mrs Keane from 1 aii unknown donor, who subscribes himself \ " One." ■ .1 * Mr John Cook, whose death at 3apier ;.; was announced in an obituary notice yester- Iday, •was well-known in Auckland! He •? was formerly one of the principal share /■bolde.rs in the Manukau Mine,.and prior to '/■that time was for many years', engagtd in 5 business in Onehunga. Latterly h^ has been in busmess iv Napier. Mr Cipk's ■ death will bo deeply regretted by a numfoms ;crele of friends. .;."' \\'"' '-;"■ We learn thiit the leading members olthe Roman Catfyolic denomination in.Auckknd \.jive taking jhip the question of educaion "ivvith vigor, aud that it is probable the itm - :W|tmed by the Rev. Father Hennebny woe the seperate maintenance ofschools &., ~^will he forthcoming. _ *| H Mr. Superinteudant Thomson haslrje >Jeived instructions from the Governmenjio / r ;|iend Thomas Rennell, charged with he ♦itnurder of Captain Moller, to Fiji for tql, ok>geiher with the necessary witnesses. | *|' Midnight, or New Year's Eve seryiife will be held to-night in.the churches of It. Sepulchre's, and others. St. Sepulchifs service commencing at .11. 30; ch(r practice at 9. p.m., and St. Paul's servicejt 11.15 p.m. , ' A novel scene was witnessed in frontf St. Paul's Church last Sunday. As te worshippers were passing into the building impressed doubtless with the soleni thoughts proper to the occasion, they wefi astonished by the spectacle of a chit of | girl standing without the porch, anil bearing in her arms a bundle enveloped ii| a copy of the Evening Stae, out of tht ends of which obtruded one of those nethei garments worn by persons of the male sexj vulgarly termed a shirt, a clean shirt. As' each gentleman passed, into the jsacred edifice the girl scrutinised him narrowly, exclaiming, "Please, sir, are you the gentleman my mother washes for ?" Most, of those thus appealed to were observed to quicken their pace and hastily enter the door, but at last a bright look of in telligence lighted up the little one's features, as she intercepted a gentle man who passed inside the gate. " Please, sir, mother was ill, and wasn't able to send your things yesterday, but here's your shirt, and she says she'll send the rest to-morrow." It boots not to iell what that man said in tones not loud, liut deep, as he rushed in> ide to pray, while ihe girl looked after him in mute astonishmeit. But we like that girl. There's real grit'in her. She has all the essentials of a smirt business woman if her early training be looked to, pluck, determination, and coa tenipt for the mere form and convention alities, to which some folks are such slave?.- Excellent opportunities for excursionists, who may desire to see some of the natural beauties of Cornwaliis, Awitu, Hiiia, South Head, and other parts of the island, will be afforded by the Manukau steam service in the course of the present week. We notice that the Lalla Rookh will leave Onehunga on an excursion trip to one or other of the above-mentioned places every day up to Saturday, as,stated in advertisement ; and on New Year's Day she will take a special trip to Cornwaliis and Manukau Heads, starting from Onehunga wharf at 10 o'clock in the morning. The proceeds of the New Year's Day excursion will; be given in aid of. the Onehunga ; Public Library Building fund, so that a large amount of patronage may be anticipated. The return tickets will be but half-a-brown' each, accompanied by music and refreshments. The drapers' assistants held a meeting last evening in the lecture and business room of the Working Men's Club, for the purpose of furthering the Saturday half holiday movement, when petitions for sig nature by the public, were passed to the assistants present. It was resolved to pub lish a list of assenting persons, it necessary j also to call a full meeting at a date to be fixed by advertisement. It is a singular fact that the drapers, who have always been foreJiost in the early closing movement in other parts of the world, should, in Auck land, allow the grocers to take the lead. Major Kemp, of Wanganui, accompanied by a number of influential chiefs have gone on a visit to Rewi, in anticipation ot Mr Sheehan's interview next month. Another narrow escape from destruction of _crops by sparks falling from a, passing railway engine is reported in our telegrams. The Hon. the Native Minister proceeded to the Kawaii yesterday, we. understand that a number of his friends and admirers, of the Thames propose to invite Mm to a banquet. In Ihe. Cricket Match between the Crispin a»rt Waverly C.C's., the former won by 4 runs and 5 wickets. The Crispin Club scored 36 aud 44 in their first and second innings respectively, and the Waverty 14 and 62. . ' : . A series of articles on the " New Zealand land system" have lately appeared iv the '' Sydney: Morning Herald." Apparently the .writer has-not a very high opinion of i the commercial importance and progressive ness of Nelsbhj -which he describes as *? a "fPPX> ?U,™l, . jam-making, hop%rowing 'locality, where, I-hqAVevier, noihoney is to be made, and .where^-Tif, n we are to believe the statement of a Nelson M member;, mafie^ during a recent .debate in the. Hb\ise~-in 1 spite, oS the fact .that the population of tho colony, has: almost j doubled, land ieiohes lower-priceato-day' than:it did in 1$:|»,"

street.Hallla S t^eSn^^hJ ooßl ' Cof^ ■m *"& ; and H. J. Smith, F R a *$***»& was earned, and a Committee aW °lut°S 1 endeavour to get she whole of ffifPi* to tne Manchester Unity iv Auckt H^of: *m a grand demonstration "fNio join January 29, 1879. t0 , be ield ou :f The Water Works Loan Rno • .t' quires in terms of Act°£:?P ecial&fe r e Saif-yearly. collecEiot* t^^^cted S ' yearly notice from DecemW 6, 00^ half, being issued. Many. JSf , fe JJ. fact that this rate is col£ /- rerJoot 2 meW and are apt totf^ la tffo paS? paid the rate. P t0 IWa^e they £' Bpecting the inspec t f o^> e«of. the^fe* 6

Special Despatches TO THE STAR.

ANOTHER SHIPPING~DSSASr£fi, Mecca Totally Wreckei Vessel Smashed on a Reef. Tie CiSaaaiea S&vsL Sescuiag Ste^aiaa Ashore | SYNEY, tH 3 day '1 TheA.S.Co' s . Mecca, having on W: 330 Chinamen brought from HongKon* by the company for employment oil board their steamers, is a total wreck oa Goode ' Island. On the 24th inst. she struck a reef while I she was goiug at full speed. ... % j . Her bottom was smashed in, md she filled in three minute*. The crew and passengers/as wek as the Chinese were all safely landed onj Thurs day on the Island. ■ ■■ .■' :| Only ten tons of cargo were saved]- The Ocean steamer went: to Thursday > Island and rescued the shipwreck&jl party, but while on her way ran ashore in. Torres Straits. She was towed off again, and! is now bringing the Chinese on.

ALARMING FIRE AT GISBORNE.

The Towa ia Danger [PEESS AGENCY. 1 'h ', \ I I ,; .. GISBORNE, 2 p.m. The residences of Messrs Hubbies antt McLend close to the powder magazine, are njrw in flames. The amunitionjis being ; ranoved lest ,'an explosion should occur. There is no water available, and the Fire Brigade are powerless,. The insurances 1 aie not yet| known. Should the -wind chtnge. the town will be in.danger.

THE OLD AND THE NEW YEARS.

"We are standing on the threshold of the t njw year, whilst the music of the^passing | , y«ar still rings in. the ear. The old year is rapidly receding into the dim pastj'and the I light of the new year is advancing)! Thou- * sands are ready on the tiptoe of expecta- 1 tpn, and arelooking.forhiscomingpverthe ,b|ie hills of time. The churches to-night, J Hill be filled with reverent listeners for the sfent tread of his dewy footsteps, aid other ;• thousands, instead of meeting hhs -with a sfeg of praise, and the subdued catence of i ajirayer, will greet his approach wit| sounds ; omui sic and revelry. The "old fear out •■: a& the new year in,"will be kept iimostof ■■ otr places of worship to-night ac'cofding to ..j c\stom from the days of John Wesley, and . oiier revivalists of by-gone time|; and. ' aniong the more thoughtful, the fine stlnzas of Tennyson will findainusical loigment in relation to the Christmas bells: I " King out the false, ring in the true" }J ~,, ■ ,EXCUESIONS.;, :V .:| '•' p?here are a number of excursions 1 amouncedfor to-morrow, and tho® desir- 1 o| of enjoying a pleasant trip to.one or , ofier of the numerous islands surrounding tl| harbour, will have ah opportiAity of cbjpsing from a number of excursion! The, s.lltotomahana will proceed to tawau,, ttfs.s. Argyle to Waiwera, Hot Springs,; thlksv loua to Motutapu, and .fie p.s. ; L^a Rookh from the Manukau icCorn-r ; wdis. The Artillery Company's' |flniial pioic takes place at Motutapu, andfexcur- sio^ts will be conveyed tMther by 4ie p.s." En&prise, which leavesthe wharf at 9 a.m. j shap. The North Shore Ferry Cqnuany'e ■ stemers will r run regularly to Woldside < andliforth Shore during the day. ; ; | LOKNE-STEEET HALL. 1,/ j| ■:"• MHame Cora's entertainment waa \n&0 * < the Principal centres of amusemenf last .-'■(. events. The dialogues and snatcles; of• 4 songietween Joe Trotter, and Mrs town | were'nost amusing. Several new feiures- ; wereibtrdduced last night by this wtrthy, ;, couplli A large distribution of prize iol- | loweolthe performances, • ment fill be repeated this and to-nnrrow | 1 6Veni?THE LITTLE WORLD. ; TheVoprietors and inventors oft the : f ; Little W-orld, with its repubHc of la\our, > under ihe presidency of Messrs Batow,. will bfopen to-night, to-morrow, ani toi ;lDW ing|eßin^ ■ . J | [ Ag# concert on New Yesir s m*t »• |' ; aßno Snid to take l^^^SM^^ the meitiers cf th* United Y«?^JS'' thepart&larsofwhachappe^intheS.Aß. ~: ■I NIGST MARCH. ;^ j | ; The rlmbem of the Victona.Gomiany. the old y|r into the new, Majm Dero^ in comm4^- ": . : .-.,,''. ■-. 1 I

RACING NOTES.

Ms' LaiJs handicapping *»*«!& ' hostile cr^cisim rfOW iv &^ contrary *withßtaßding,,«a» .^ lof this nam)M-««?, ?SShlen tipP*d Ith1 th " seven kas WTld*S«^d^

EVENING SI AH, TUESDA*. DECEMBER 31



COLONIAL INSURANCE COMPANY \j / OF NEW ZEALAND.' . , FIRE-AND MARINE. , ( Capxtal .. .. .. ■■ •■ £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 ™™g «| k* RAHAM , General Manager. mHOBNTON SMITH, AND FIRTH'S X PRICES CURRENT (WHoMBAiae) Subject to alteration without notice. Sacks. 100's. offfl car a mr: £s-i&a *& * % ..Tf^^^ 11 0 0 11 MO 12 00 Sliarps - J lO 0 .. .. Fowl Wheat ".' ".'. ia. 6d. per' bushel. " The above prices include sacks and bags; sacks and bags not returnable. Terms: Gash. Auckland. 25th November. 1878, rr^crrmM "it BERDEEN POLISHED GRANITE A. MONUMENTS, In Red and Blue, from A>, Free on board ship to any-part; of New Zeal akd Inscriptions Accurate Beautiful. Lists and Prices feke from JOHN LEGGB Sculptor, Aberdeen. Scotland. mOG RAIN-GROWERS. The New Zealand Insurance Company INSURE GRAIN, in stook and stack, against FIRE, at lowe3t current rates. GEORGE P. PIERCE. General Manager. 7)""" N S AJ..L E ATTHK . ~. j ■T]..:"."11 Stokes of the Undersigned : 1 two ■ horse \ mowbr (andiccorn bindbr machine '■'■-' Cl NO. 2 TAUNTON HAY-MAKER i C<"lsNo. 27 HORSE-RAKE ': ! 1 N.S.D. CHAFF-CUTTER ' ' 1 FAN MILL, for Winnowing Grain and Seeds ~;, :.■;,; _■■ —. : .3 V The above Machines are well worth Inspection. W. J. HURST & CO., ; J J 101. Queen-street. ' nnHE MEW yEALAUD «ar CLOTHING FACTORY "«* EMPLOYS UPWARDS OF 60 WORKPEOPLE. BRANCHES FOR THE SALE OF OUR MANUFACTURES Eat ..... •••»;g i AUCKLAND NAPIER WELLINGTON WANGANUI DUNEDIN O AMARU TIMARU INVERCARGILI. CHRISTCHURCH. The Proprietors have had to flght their , way inch by inch in opposition to .the interests of Importers and Shippers, but the desire on the part of the Pnbhc to encourage New Zealand Industries has been manifested -by the great success which baa attended all the Branches of he New Zealand Clothing Factory,: SUMMER SEASON, 1878-1879. >'.:.. Now in receipt of MKN'S, BOYS', and; ": YOUTHS' CLOTHIN G, especi ally k MANOFACTUKED FOX THK AUCKLAND Market, and Superior in Style and-.;, ~; Fit to the Imported Goods. A great portion is made of the famous Mosgiel Tweed's, manufactured of/ pure New Zealand wools. A SINGLE GARMENT -SOLD :AT WHOLESALE PRICE. ! 'XheLargestand Choicest Stock in New Zealand of Hats, Caps,' Hosiery,: Port manteaux, Bags, and the latest Novel ties in Ties, Scarfs, Collars, &c. '. ...._„: , . A SINGLE ARTICLSiSOLD rAT ' "-V - ■ ' v vWI^tESALE,:PRiqE^:w [ ~„.: ,All?Goodsare marked in PlafofF urea. /'.rh-.-itorCASH"ONLY.:!-.*} p/dmti* ! w*™o ■ Any Articlo.purchased ana' ndt appro- .. .: vedof -willbo exchanged with' the same.. .: ■< . ". oourtoay "with which-it was soldi or. if 'jjjß Aeaired, the monny will be returned. '■&• ; '""'■"■-'■ fc'.l j j J. B. ROBINSON, i . Manager Auckland BRiijoH^ r



4 Boat



TTNITED INSURANCE COMPANY JU 8188 AND MARINE. FIDKLITY~AND~ACCIDKNT GUARANTY COMPANY OFNBWZKaMND. JOHN REID & CO., Agents for Auckland Province. 26, Queen-street. THE PARTNERSHIP hitherto sub sisting between J. Cosi; rave and W. GBAHAMhaa been disaolved by mutual consent. ~ JOHN COSSRAVE. (Signed) WM# GRAHAM. 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 !! Jo COS GRAVE & Co. Wholesale and Retail DRAPERS -AND CLOTHIERS. QtfKKN-STBEET, AUCKLAND. FURNITURE— For the Drawmgroom Dining-room, Library, Be room, or Kitchen, on Sale at 1 &H. COOKE'S. /TV ARPETS— Including Brussels, lapes- I i try, Kidderminster, Stair Felt, and Dutch, on Sale 1 & H. COOKK'S. lINOLEUM and Floorcloths, all widths, 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. COOKK'S. iRON BEDSTEADS. — French, Half Tester, Stump and Folding; 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, Feather Beds, Bolsters and Pil lows, on Sale at T. & H. COOKIC'S. /T$ LASSES.—Chimney Glasses, in Gilt, Xjfr • Walnut, and Maple Frames, Toi . let Glasses. Toiletware, Cane eeated Chairs, in great variety, on Sale at T. « 11. COOKK'S. PRICES. —As we import direct from the Bncjliah Manufacturers, we are able to soil all imported goods as •■■.'.: low as any house in town; and, employing btkam powkß in our Factory., are enabled to offer . articles of local manufacture at a ~ ■■ „ , very moderate rate. B-DHNITUHB! AND UARPKT WARBHOU E • ~ BT. QUEKN-STKKKT. 50,0©©" V A.X D S O F - DRESS MATERIALS ta-JT O B E SO LD C HEAP. 10,000 YARDS OF PLAIN: LUSTRES aar TO BE SOLD CHEAP. 298 H» Atkins Invites Inspection of his NEW SPRING AND SUMMER DRESS MATERIALS. . Stock this Season is an immense one, of thr greatest variety, and the prices the lowest n the City. EH.A. has alaojnet received ex 'Leon' to hie own order, a Very Large Stock of BLACK SILKS, same as always kept in Stock. These can be specially recommended. They always wear well, and erive great satisfaction. Also. COLOURED SILKS—a splendid assortment in all then w.Colors. Also, JUST OPENED, A "Complete '"Stock of Long Curtains, Quilt . .--.-, Table Linen, Sheetings, Blankets, Calicos, and Manchester Goods. IN THE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT (A Very Heavy twlr) ; gSPLENDn) VALUE oflNoW&'aits.'.CoatsT"""" Trowsera and Vests, Trowsers, &c. SPECIAL LINES in Galatea and Paget Coats, in Blue and Black Cloth, Worsted boatings, Diagonal Tweed, &c., &c, &c The STOCK of Boy's and Youth's Clothing is very large this Season, and of good value. THE LARGEST STOCK OF TWEEDS IN THE COLONY. Supplied at Wholesale Prices. GOOD TWBBD for Boy's Wear, from la lid per yard. H. A T X INS. piEA.T "O EDUCTIONS •;. , IN EVERY DEPARTMENT, 'tsar FOR THE NEXT TEN DAYS ! ■■-.-; V.- AT •„ \ T INABURY & /^O'S CHEAP : ' , .. : , DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT,! 204 & 206, Queen Stkeet. t> c ad rr\ h i s. NOW PUBLISHED-a Series of Views1 of Auckland Scenery, beautifully printed in three colours, and enclosed in a, characteristic and ornamental cover, forming a most suitable anc elegant Christmas or New Year's Rift. Parts 1 and 2, price 2s fid each, now ready at all the Booksellers. Postage to Great Britain, via San Francisco, 2d each part by book post. OPECIAL NOTICE TO FARMERS. REAPERS AND BINDERS . ON SALE BY THE UNDERSIGNED. Vessel Now Due. H A R V E S T E R KIN G AMD MAESH HARVESTER, BY GAMMON AND DEERING. These Celebrated MACHINES, now brought to the highest state of perfection, have/during the last season, been remarkably successful in America, and are found to surpass all others in i Lightness of draught, combined with strength Simplicity of construction Freedom from breakage Kapidity and excellence of work. , The Binder is undoubtedly., the.most simple and efficient yet made, and the'trayelling bars are a^decided improvement on canvass jor rubber 'bands.OtThe Agents specially solicit the inspec tion of intending purchasers, and arelprepared .'to fl'npplj the .most ample .testimony in favor of Machines;' "' ' , C : le.-porter & co;;"j %HpIiESAEE&; RKTAIL IRONMONGBRS; • AGENTS FOtf NORTH ISLAND.-



Tdo too late



I^TORTH BRITISH AND MERCAISr i3I TILE INSURANCE COMPANY. LONDON AND EDINBURGH. Established 1809. Incorporated by Royal Charter. PatiUal ~ .- £2,000,000 capital .... .. ... — •• i noQiea Reserve Fund -*.«*: I'oß1' 082'768 Income of the Fire Department, Net Premiums and Interest, 1877 - - 916,64b PRESIDENT! Hie Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, K.T. • v ick-Presidents : Hia Grace the Duke of Sutherland, K.G.; His Grace the Duke of Abercom, K.G. " EXTRAORDINARY DIRECTORS !" Right Hon. the Karl of Airlie, Right Hon. the Eari of Strathmore, Right Hot.. Sh'James Fer guaaon, of Kilkerran. Bart, Sir Matthew White Ridley Bart., Right Hon. the Mar of T Klgm, Right Hon. Lord Wolvertori, Sir Walter James, Bart., Sir John Maiorbanks, of Lees, Bart., Sir Robert Hay, of Haystoun, Bart., David Mahony, Baa., Dublin. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS. Chairman : i 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 lowkst batbs.l Losses promptly and liberally dealt with. SHERA J3KOS., Agknts, [QUEBN-BTIUCBT. HE MANCHESTER FIRE ASSURANCE COMPANY. ESTABLISHKD 1821. CAPITAL ONE MILLION STIRLING. REVENUE. 1855 £49,762 18G5 91,558 1875 196,720 1876 224,014 1877 265,998 FIRE RISKS on all Insurable Property taken at Lowest Rates of Premium. N.B.—AII 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. 1 (}A A PAIRS OF KID GLOVES . W. RATTRAY Has the IMMENSE STOCK of One Thousand Six Hundred (1,600) puira of KID GLOVES In Josephine, with One and Two Buttons, an FRENCH KID GLOVES With Two and Four Buttons, in White, Light Fancy, Drab, Dark Shades, and Black. INSPECTION IS INVITED. W. RATTRAY,' DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND OUTFITTER (Kstablished a.d. 1853.) NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, j 66, QUEEN-STREET, A OKI. AND, Opposite t'ho Bank of New Zealand. /OIKEATEST VARIETY of Bedsteads \3T 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. Holloway, ©arlick & Cranwell Have for Sale— QK n 3BDBTKADS, the Handsomest in OUVJ 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. mKOLLS of CARPET to select from Brussels, Tapestry, Velvet Pile, Kid derminster. Felt. Duch, Jute, and Stair Carpets; Hearth Rugs; Mat tings, various kinds 1 (\(\n CHAIRS, comprising American, i.\J\J\J Knglish, Austrian Hent Wood,ltalian, and Colonial, to suit all classes. Wholesale and Retail. a qAA TOILET GLASSES. Very handsome O\J\J ones just opened; also, a large lot of Chimney Glasses, Walnut, Gilt, and Kbonized Frames.l a 0 CHESTS DRAWERS in various woods *w ana styles. KA WASHSTANDS & TOILET TABLES, ** v various designs. QH SETS TOILET WARE, some very OV choice.! BEDDING of all kinds BLANKETS, QUILTS, SHEETS, &o. 49K PAIR WHITE CURTAINS, Lace Leno, Aplique, &c. MANCHESTER DRAPERY GOODS CLOTHING. &O. Book Catalogues sent Post Free. Holloway, Garlick and Oranwell, CITY HALL AKCADIC. QUEEN AND LOIINK-STKEETS, Auckland. SUMMER SALINES AT "THE PHARMACY." Bnos' Fruit Salt Lamplough's Pyretic) Saline Biuhop's Citrate of Magnesia Cooper's Effervescing Lozenges Aiokin's Persian Sherbet ■ Aickin's Pure Seidlitz Aperient 3 pt. and 5 pt. Seltzogenes, with Acid and Soda in wholesale quantities. AICKIN. QUEEN-S T R E E T.



for the



Lovely



New Year's



Bargains at



.:' '■■■.•■■■*'': I' :::;i .-:■■■'■■ '■ /' ! ■