SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SHKi^D i This Evening, 3.1G • -x ____.i-j To-morrow Morning 1.1 SlCT.—Thin Evening, 7.1S I'M RISK!.—To-Morrow Morning, 4.57 ..«.>ON'tf AGE.—Last Quarter, Bth, C.27 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY ..garei Anne Milbanlc, p.s , Anderuon, fMrar,aru" Marmion, schooner Johnston. itr--' h Glcnelur, s.s., Farquhar, from "' ,_ E S.

DEPARTURES.

L'J-O-DAY. .ilng, for Mercury Bay Venus kntthoonor, Donovan, for Russell 3iicpi'o"w, s.s.. Chatfleld, for tho South ftMs Mildred, barque, Brown, forNewcn3tlo

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbourne, via South,—Rotoraa. Thursday New York—Aberdeen, loadinir London -A. azi (loading) and Fernglon to follow Tauranga—Glenelg, Wednesday For Now Plymouth and Southern Ports —

Wcllincton, Tuesday •■ For Russell—lona.iMonday; Penguin, Friday For Tnuranga and Southern Ports — Penjuiin, Monday Wliangarei—Argylo, Tuesdays and Fridays : Anno Milbanlc, Mondays and Thursdays. VESSELS EXPECTED.

Australia, P.M. s.s., from San Francisco and

Honolulu; Tuesday Earl Granville, ship, from London; sailed De-

comber Agate, barque, from Now York; sailed Septem-

ber 23rd British Empire, ship, from London; sailed Sth

November Bismarck, H.T.G.M.8., from Samoa Ben Nevi3 (J.C.V.M.), ship, from London; sailed

October 2 Elinor Vernon, barque, from New York; sailed 10_h November Locli Urr, barque (W.Q.L.K.), from London;

sailed October 23rd Stracathro, ship, from London; loading Trevolyan, ship (V.N.H.S.), from London

loading Agnes Donald, schooner, from Levuka Knergy, schooner, from Levuka Edith, schooaor, from Rarotonga Fulcon, barquontine, from tho islands Fiery Cross, schooner, from Oamaru Flirt, brigatitiue, from Huon Island Gael, schooner (d.R.G.8.) from Samba Mary Andorson, schooner, from Samoa Pirate, schooner, from the Islands Pearl, keich. from Rarotonga Syren, brig, from Sydney; loading Tubal Cain, schooner, from Levuka Minnehaha, schooner, from Rarotonga Midfcc, schooner, from Samoa and Tonga .vlercia. barque, from London, loading Island Lily, origantine, from Chatham Islands

IMPORTS.

Per Ringarooma: 1 ton hams and bacon, 50 kegs butter. 210 sacks bark.—T. H. Hall & Co. Per Marmion, from Tiraaru—l,l6o sacks wheat, 5 tons bonej.

EXPORTS.

Per Ringarooma : For Napier—3s bags cocoa nuts, 1 package. Wellington—B2 sacks pota toes. Dunedin—Bo sacks potatoes.

Inwards Coastwise.—Three Brothers, from Great Barrier, with 18 tons firewood.

Outwards Coastwise.—Lee, for Thames, with 20 tons coal; Three Brothers, for Try phena.

Tho s.s. Argyle will arrive to-night from Whangarei and Mangnpai. She leaves again for the samo ports to-morrow afternoon.

The topsail schooner Jessie is loading upjwith breadstuff's at Oaniaru for this port.

The brig Syren arrived at Sydney from Kai p»ra with a cargo of timber on the 26th ult. She is now on the berth at Sydney for this port.

The s.s. Albion, having taken in her supply of coal at Rusßell, left that port for Sydney last evening.

The Auckland Steamship Company's s.s. Southern Cross was floated out of the Dock yesterday afternoon, aft«r having beon re painted. She is advertised to leave to-night for Gisborne, and Southern ports.

The schooner Queen is advertised to leave for Hokianga on Saturday next.

The s.s. Penguin may be expected to arrive from Tauranga, East Coast, and Southern ports shortly before nine o'clock to-night. She loaves again for Kusaoll to-morrow afternoon, return ing on Sunday morning, and sailing South on Monday afternoon.

A cablegram was received by Messrs. Cruick shank and Co. to-day, stating that tho s.s. Hero, which left this port at 12.30 p.m. on Friday last, reached Newcastle last night. The run over, was therefore, a smart one, occupying a little over flvo days.

The barques Adamant and Inglewood, from London, are both turning out their cargoes rapidly alongside tho Queon-strcct wharf.

Tho barquo Mary Mildred sailed to day for Newcastle, in ballast. Sho took .as passengers, Mrs Brown and threo children.

CLThe schooner Venture, for Samoa, had not Bailed when we wont to press, Sho loaves this o vening.

The s.s. Glcnolg. which arrivod at noon to-day from Tauranga and Mercury Bay, was docked this afternoon. She will have her bottom cleaned and re-painted, and her machinery will be overhauled.

Tho schooner Nerval arrived at Tauranga from East Coast on Saturday last, with a cargo of fencing. It wiU be remembored that the Norval. which is a vessel of 56 tons register, went ashore at Tckopuni in May of last year. The hull was subjequently sold by the Insurance Companies, and purohaaed by the pre»ent owners Messrs. Trimmer and Berry. They spent a considerable Bum of money in attempts to raise her, and finally, on the 29th ult. their persevering efforts were crowned with success ana the schooner floated. She was then loaded with tho same rails which sho had been des patched to bring at the time of her wreck. '

Tho topsail schoonor Marmion arrived this forenoon from Timaru with a cargo of wheat and bone 3 She left on December 23, with light north-west winds. Experienced northerly und north-eagerly winds till tho 30th, Banks' Pen insula being passed on the 27th. Anchored in Pigeon Bay, wind-bound, three days. Light south-easterly winds till off Cape Tumagain on the Ist instant; and north-easterly winds till reaching Poverty Bay on the sth. Passed East Capo tno same night, and had strong south easterly wind-, till off Cnvler Island. Thence till arrival, light and variable winds, and thick foggy weather with heavy rain.

DEPARTURE OF THE RINGAROOMA.

Tho Union Company's s.s. Ringarooma sailed this forenoon for Melbourne, via .East Coast and Southern ports, tho took a quantity ot cargo, several racehorses, and the following pas sengers :—For Gisborne: Maberly. For Napier: Gilonson, Clarke, Miss A. Wells. For Welling ton : Mrs Bruce and maid, Col Scratchley, Ju ■ ge Smith, H. Clarke, Stephenson, Dean, Dyer, Uray, Mrs Hill, MiS3es Hill (2), Miss Swinner.on, "Val lance, Ray, Nolan, Morrison, Davis, Fits.herbcrt, cutting, Clarke, Blythe, Mrs Nelson. For Lytt-ilton : Miss Ring, Mrs Utting and son. Air and Mrs Freeman, H. S. Clipman, O'Korke, Rev. W. B, Mulgan. Hakes, Hill. For Dnnedin : Snyder, Johnson, Mrs Bremer, Misses Bremer (2), McDermott. For HobartTcwn: T. Leholes.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Wallabi, s.s., Lees, from Wanganui Coomerang. p.s., Dale, from Waitara Gleaner, schooner, from Gieymouth

s DEPARTURES' Lslla Rookh, p.s. for Raglan.

The s.s. Rowena is advertised to leavo for "VY aitara on Saturday next.

The schooner Sissy cleared at the Customs for Kaipara. where she is expected to load with timber for a southern port.

The s.s. Waitaki, which sailed south yesterday afternoon, took the following passengers :—For New Plymouth—Mrs surman, Messrs H. Kohn, M. Dixon, Roy. Greenboltz, J. Sargent, Nichol son. For Lyttelton—Messrs S. Wheeler, and A. McCarra.

The paddle steamer Coomerang arrived this afternoon from Waitara with a cargo of live stock.

Tho s.s. Rangatira is advertised to leave for New Plymouth, angamii, anil Wellington on Monday next. Return fares, available until February 28th, will he issued during tbe present month.

The schooner Amaranth left Lyttelton for Onehunga yesterday with a cargo of grain, etc.

Tho schooner Gleaner arrived to-day from Qreymouth with a cargo of coal.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Kussels, this day. Arrivals'. Golden Isle and coal barge! Albion. Sailed : Midnight fir Sydney. ZH2 Nrew Ply moutit, this day. The s.s. Waitaki arrived trorn Onehunga at 7.30 a.m. to-day. Tauranga, this day. The s.s. Penguin left for Auckland at 9,30 a.m. today. Waitara, this day. The p.s. Coomerang loft for Onehunga at i 25 p.m. yesterday. Hokianoa, this day. The s.s. Rowena arrived from tho Manukau yesterday morniDg. Timaiw, this day. The barquontino George Noblo Bailed for Newcastle yesterday. Lyttfltow, this day. The schooner Amaranth sailed for Onehunga yesterday. Port Chalmers, this day. Arrived, yes'erday: Rotomahana, s.b., from Lyttelton ; Marlborough, ship, from Glasgow. Sailed yesterday: Rotorua, s.s.; forthe North. Passengers for Auckland: Mr and Mrs West, Mcsdaines Read and Waters.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under:— This Day. For Wangaroi Heads, and Wangaroi, por Annie Milbank, at 1 p.m. For Tryphona, por Three Brothors, at i p.m. Friday. 9th instant. For Wangnnui, Wellington, and South, per Wallubl.at 8 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 9.30 a.m. For Waihoke and Coromandcl, per Coromandol at 2.30 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawn, por Penguin, at 3 p.m. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glonolg, at i p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 9.30 a.m. For Whangaroi Heads, and Wangaroi, por Argvlo, at 4 p.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. . Saturday, loth Instant. ForWalwera, Muhurangl, Matakana, Manga wai, Watpu, and Mangapai, per Rose Casey at 10 a.m. For Now Plymouth, via Waitara, per Rowena, at 1 p.m. Monday, 12th instant. For Gisborne, Napior, Southorn and Provinces, per Penguin, at 3 p.m. For Australian Colonies, por s.s. Australia, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu! Supplementary Mails for India, China.Continent of Europe, and Unitod Kingdom, via Soez. for letters specially bo addressed, per s.s. Aus tralia, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu

8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

LEAHY. — On January 8, at her residence, Wellesley-street, Mrs Geo, Leahy of a a son.

MARRIAGE.

BOLDERO-HKNDERBON.-0n January 1, at Epiphany Church, Auckland, by the Rev John Haselden, Alexander f amuel Boldero, of To Aral, son of John Boldero, Ksq, Suffolk, Eng land, to Jane, eldest daughter of Mr Adam Henderson, Shipbuilder, of this city,—Homo papers please copy.

DEATHS.

CAMERON.—On the Bth instant, at her resi dence, North Shore, Margaret, the beloved wife of Kichard Cameron.

SCEATS —On Wednesday, January 7, at his residence, Vincent-street. Joon Sceats (for merly of the British Hotel), aged -16 years, alt-r a long and painful illness. The funeral will leave his late residence at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Friday).—Home papers please copy.

SKINNR-R,—On January 8, at Dunedin, David Skinner, elaest sou of the late Thomas Skinner, Baker, Glasgow; aged 18 years.

TOWN EDITION. PUBLISHED AT 4.30. The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News, and The Echo.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong tha needs resistance For the future in the distance, And tha food that we can do.

Nero fiddled while Rome was burning, and the Harbour Board sleeps while the port is being ruined. If the Board in its combined wisdom had evolved the ordinary common sense pf " the man in the street" it would long ago. have compelled the Government to protect the earth-work which was being carried out by contract to their order. But the Board moved not. A vast pile of loose earth has-been emptied into the tide, and left to wash away with every ebb and flow, but still the Board sleeps. The Chief Harbour Master has reported strongly on the matter, and shewn that where he once could bring vessels he can bring them no longer; the Board heeds him not. This astounding torpidity is the com mon tonic among persons interested in shipping; but possessing a consti tution insusceptible to public opinion, this extraordinary body renjains dull, callous, and unmoved, while everyone condemns. Can nothing be t done to arouse it to tho discharge

of its functions 1 If the Board will not send a strong remonstrance to the Government on tbo subject, the Mayor and Council in the interests of the oity should do so. The summer is rapidly passing away, and unless the contract is resumed and the earthwork protected before winter, thousands of tons of stuff will he swept into the harbour. Auck land has put up with a good deal of red tape, but this is too serious a matter to stand any shillyshallying about. The work must be re-let at once, and iv a way that will protect the harbour from the destruction which the mode of carrying on the reclamation in the past lias exposed it to, and it is the duty of the Harbour Board to make immediate and vigorous representa tions to the Government for the purpose of securing both objects. Another project that is being quietly shunted is the erection of a lighthouse on the Hen aud Chickens as a leading light for tbe Hauraki Gulf. The work would have been begun long ago ouMoko Hinau,but because a better site was indicated, the assumed difference of opinion has afforded an excuse for delaying the erection or abandoning it altogether. What is the Board about that it remains apparently indifferent to this question which is of the utmost im portance to our port 1

What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and we learn by cable to-day that Irish householders have come to the conclusion that if times are so bad that there should be a reduction in the rents of country properties, town rents ought to go down also. Perhaps they ought, but if so they will very soon tumble down without agitation. Nothing in more susceptible to the influence of hard times thau house rent. A man who finds he cannot pay £20 a year rents a house at £10, and if none is to be got at that price he joins someone ' else in occupying a houso within their joint means. The want of demand regulates the price, aud tho charges aud means to pay them are brought together by a law unerring and absolute though quiet in its operation. General agitation for Buch a purpose is a proof of the infectionof bad example. A man may think he has a kind of vested interest in the particular soil ou which he has been born, hut by no stretch of tho imagination • can he suppose that he has a right to occupy a house built with someone else's money or in-

dustry If he and his landlord cannot agree, therefore, the proper solution of the difficulty is not to agitate, but to part.

We hope our Hamilton correspondent is mistaken when he says that Messrs Grant aud Foster, the delegates of Lincolnshire farmers, have been so prejudiced against tho districts North of Auckland that they will not even visit them. Wo can assure those gentlemen that anyono who has led them to believe that there are not thousands of acres of good and easily accessible land suitable for settle ment in the North, lias either been blinded by self-interest or totally ignorant of the subject upon which he has Htlemptcd to instruct our visitors. The question, how ever, may lie easily detcrmiueu to the entire satisfaction of the Lincolnshire representa tives, as the journey up the Kaipara and across to Whangarei will not ontnil any delay that should prevent them from becoming personally acquainted with those magnificent fields for settlement. An extension of their trip to Hokiimga and Mongonui, where the Government own hundreds of thousands of acres of iino laud, will also he amply repaid to themselves and the people who look to tlieni for a faithful account of the country and its resources.

COLONEL SCRATCHLBJr proceeded to Wei, lingtou by the Ringarooma to-day, to confer with the Government on the subject of the harbour defences of the colony. The necessity for some general scheme of dc« fence against external attack has frequently been pointed out by competent military and naval authorities, but up to the present little or nothing has been dono beyond procuring armament and amimitioh from tho Home Government. At a time when the re lations between Great Britain and Russia were critical, and apprehensions were expres' sed of tho danger of a sudden descent upon our coasts by Russian cruisers from Petro pavlovsk there was a general demand for defensive measures, but When the danger had paased|away, the guns and ammunition which had been brought out were suffered to lie in store, and no steps were taken to fortify tho ports. It was found, as Colonel Whitmore explained iv his speech in the Legislative Council on November 14, that the cost of carrying out the scheme of fortification that had been drawn up, would be ten times the amount set down for the purpose, £20,000. Col. Scratchley has accordingly been invited to come over and examine the plans in order to decide whether any modification of the original proposal is possible, and his report will bo laid before Parliament. Colonel 'Scratchley will derive much valuable informa tion for his guidance from the ex haustive report on the defences of tho colony drawn up by Colonel Jervois during the Russo-Turkish war, which report to gether with his recommendations were ap proved by the Commission which sat in London at that time. Colonel Scratchley has the reputation of a skilful and experi enced officer, and the satisfaction he has given in the neighbouring colonies is a guarantee that the defences of this colony will receive proper attention.

At a recent meeting in Wellington, Capt. Williams, a large importer of coal, expressed his opinion that in threo years the West Coast coal mines will be able to supply nlj New Zealand. Now, without questioning Capt. Williams experience in matters per taining to coal, it is only right to point out that, as a Wellington man, his partiality for West Coast coal is not altogether dis interested. Some time ago a powerful com pany was formed iv Wellington, in which he was largely interested, with the object of establishing a great coal depot in Wel lington harbour, and it was believed by tho promoters that t. monopoly of the coal trade of the colony could be thus secured. The scheme broke down, as explained by Captain Williams before the Committee on Colonial Industries, in consequence of the unsafe ingress and egress of West Coatt harbours, and the excessive port charges. Moreover, the vend system at Newcastle, which Captain Williams believes produced enormous profits to the masters, and enabled them to rule the market, prevented the importing a sufficient supply from that quarter. Speaking from the experience of a life time, he considered tho Greymouth coal' unfit for household purposes, irom its great friableness and incapability to stand exposure to weather. Of all the West Coast coals he yielded the palm to the Ngakawau, but here again the difficulties of shipment at Westport owing to the bar and insecurity of ingress and egress are an almost insuper able obstacle to obtaining an adequate' supply. Captain Williams spoke iv the highest terms .of the Kamo and Taupiri coals, but appeared to be less acquainted with their qualities than with the New castle and West Coast fuel. Having regard to the relative advantages of Auckland collieries over those of the West Coast iv the matter of price and facility of shipment, they ought, with ordinary enterprise, to successfully compete with the West Coast. The Union Shipping Company, which has the reputation of being managed upon sound commercial principles, has long since recognised this, and other shipowners arc rapidly following their example. The fact, as stated by Captain Williams in his evi dence before the Committee, that his own colliers have often been prevented by bad weather from entering the West Coast liar bours for three weeks, and have also been delayed inside for as iong a period by the dangerous state of the bars, will militate against the fulfilment of his prediction as to the capabilities of the West Coast mines.

A DEPUTATION of settlers from Waiuku, Pukekohe, and neighbouring districts will wait upon the Hon, F. Whitaker to-morrow to urge the construction of a branch, line of railway from Pukekohe to Waiuku, When Mr Hamlin, ou December 9th, asked the Minister of Works whether the Goverii. ment would authorise a survey of the line, the Hon. Mr Oliver replied that the Govern ment would not authorise a survey unless they saw au immediate probability of the work being proceeded with. The mem ber for Franklin might have very properly retorted that the rate of progress of the work was a matter which entirely rested with the Government itself. Waiuku and Pukekohe are the centres of a prosperous and rapidly-extending farming'district, and a comparison of their area, population, and resources, with those of the many districts

i the Middle Island in which costly lines of r.ilway have been constructed is greatly in ivor of the former. It is to be hoped that Br Whitaker, whose desire to advance the rtlfare of Auckland has been so frequently paved, will see his way to meet the views cithe deputation.

tVe have :i very large amount ot corres pbdenee on the subject of Pastor Chiniquy's letures. To open up our columns to the dicussion of such a subject would involve uSn a long and acrimonious correspondence wich would do no good. Those who adjure Pastor Chiniquy and are anxious to her him can go to the halls where he lecures, and those who dissent from him cai stay away or take another hall and reiy to him. We do not consider that our colmns would be wisely used in fomenting angy feelings between members of a com nmity who have hitherto been living in amiy.

T.e disposal of three cases of drunkenness was he oniy business at the Po.ice Court to-dy, before Mr Barstow, R.M.

Tie name of John Connor, who was acqiitted on Monday at the Supreme Court on he charge of taking tobacco at Parnell, wasmisprinted John Coomer in our issue of Mnday evening.

A tumber of the vessels in harbour were gaily decorated with bunting to-day, in honor of the marriage of Mr. Sutherland, of thisc.ty, to a daughter of Captain Kenneth Mcl'enzie of the brigantine borealis.

Aiother example has been given of the irretievable injury done to Auckland by the constuction of the dock on the adopted dimemions. The captain of H.M. Cor morant last week applied to be taken into dock, but of course the application had to be refised ! And Auckland once plumed hersellupon being the future Naval station for the South Pacific ! Sic transit gloria mundi.

The Auckland Cricket Club will play the Standard on Saturday next, the North Shore on the following Saturday, and Otahuhu pobably on the 25th inst.

. In connection with an account in last night's issie, of Pastor Chiuiquy _ meeting at Otahuhi, we understand that the pres ence thereof Superintendent Thomson, Sub-luspedor Pardy and a body of police, was not caised solely by the rumours an intended '".toll up" from Howick,Panmure &c. ou tha; occasion, but was principally owing to tht receipt by the Superintendent of a written application from the Chiuiquy Committee For police protection, as it was apprehendet from information they had received, thtt unless necessary precautions were taken jy the police, an attack would be made by the opposite party at the' meeting in qiestion.

Mr John Sceats, for sovoral years pro prietor of tließritish Hotel, died yesterday, in his cottagein Vincent-street, iv the 46th year of his agf. Mr Sceats had been a con-, siderablc traveller iv his time, and had witnessed seems of warfare both in the Crimen and Waikato. His health had been foiling for seven! years, and it was hoped a voyage to England, which he undertook two years ago, vould prove of benefit to him, but it was leaved theEngliiiii winter ot 1878-9, which was unusually severe, had an injurious effect upon his constitution. Mr Sceats lcavjs a widow and young family.

A French statist htu como to the oon. elusion, utter a very laborious examination of tho number of deaths from railway acci deutß iv all purtt of the world, that if a person were to livo continually in a railway carriage mid spend all his time iv travel ling the chances in favour of his dying from railway accident would not occur until he was 960 years old.

"H.M.S. Pinafore" will shortly reach its 500 th representation at the Opera Comique, Loudon.

Mr Ballancc, the new organist of St,

Paul's Cathedral, announces by advertise ment that he will receive private pupils for singing, piano, harmonium, or organ. Mr Hiiiliiiico was fornicriy musical director of

Wellington College, and orgauist of St.

Mark's Church, Wellington, and in England underwent a thorough musical education, afterwards obtaining the appointment of organist to the South Hackney Church, near London. Abeady Mr Ballance's efforts as choir master at St. Paul's have met with marked appreciation. He has shewn himself to he a. thorough master of his profession,

Australian wines, from their purity, ought to be great favorites. Mr Davidson, of the Star Hotel, has a stock of old wines of tho best brand which are called, "All Round

the World" wines, from having been to Europe and back, and he is offering them at a great reduction.

A meeting of the ratepayers of New market district was held in the hall last eveuitig to consider tho question of fencing in the reserve, Mr Morgan presiding. This reserve is a valuable one, and was obtained mainly through the exertions of the member for _deu, MrTole. A majority of those present were of opiuiou that the fencing be jiroceedcd with, and which was accordingly resolved on, the cost not to exceed £-10. It wan intimated at the meet ing that Mr Tola had given a contribution of £7 towards this object. An amendment was proposed and seconded that the matter be postponed until the district had more money than they knew what to do witl', bit the good sense of the meeting thong] t otherwise. Mr Muson having promised to plant trees after it is fenced, a unanimous vote of thanks was passed to him, and also to the chairman, when the meeting closed. The Grand Lodge session of Good Tern lars was continued at tbe Thames yester day. A .number of subjects connected with the better working of the Order wcio discussed, aud the finances adjusted. It was resolved to have a. periodical for the Order iv the colony, and to support tem perance hotels. It was also resolved to raise an additional fund for the better re presentation at the Grand Lodge Session.

It is expected that the next session will bo held at Christchurch. The following officeis were appointed for the euauing year .:—G.W.C.T., W. Johuston (Welling ton)'; G.W.C., Jenkins (Newmarket); G.W.V.T., John Scott (Thames) ; G.W.S., Ellis (Auckland); G.W.Ch., Price (Wel lington).

The Ringarooma, which left for the south this morning, took away the following horses: —Vallance's Lara aud Pinfiro; Ray's Templeton, Maritaua, and Lone Hand.

The Melbourne Punch Almanac, to hand

from Mackay Bros., stationers, Grey-street, is a capital compilation, that would do no discredit to its London namesake.

While engaged in the work of raising tho steamer Hannah Moka*, at the mouth of Mokau River, Mr Holmes the bowsprit of 11.M.5. Orpheus embedded iv tho sand. The spar, which measured 34 feet, had floated nearly 100 miles down tho Coast.' It was cut up and used in raising the steamer; and one of the pieces will probably be presented to tho Auckland Museum; '•

It is no uncommon thing for the labouring classes to strike a light for their pipe on their tiouscrs, but this practice is fraught with great danger. A mau named Henry Wilson, of Shields, was returning by tho ferry to hid hortie at the close of his day's work, and he struck a match in tho way mentioned, when all of a moment he was enveloped in flames. In little more than a minute all tho clothing he had upon him was reduced to ashes and ho was dreadfully burnt. With the assistance of the other passengers he was dressed and taken to his lodgings, where he lies in a precarious state. His clothes seem to have become saturated with chemicals while following his employment.

A meeting of persons interested in the early closiug movement will be held to morrow evening in the large [room of the Working Men's Club, chair to be taken at 7.30 o'clock.

The Oriental Exhibition in tho Albert Hall will continue open during the present week. We need scarcely reiterate that this beautifully carved collection of goods from the cedars of Lcbanon,*and olives of Jeru salem, are worthy of ihspectipn by all who take on interest in artistic work. The pro prietors give a present to every visitors as a memento of the exhibition.

On the 18th of March next tbe natives propose to hold a big day's sport at Huntly, when an extensive programme of war dances, hukas, canoe races, diving matches, &c, will be gone, through. The natives them selves will subscribe money for the prizes. They wish it to be known everywhere, that

here may be a large gatheringof people on be occasion.

An American has designed, especially for the use of Lenders, a "tea 'bns.." In this vehicle there .wijl be every accommodation for " live o'clock tea." It is expected that the 'bns will be a ■ great fayourito- with ladies, who will take advantage of it not merely for shopping purposes, but also as a pleasant way of spending the afternoon and having agreeable chats with each other over their teacups. A narrow table runs along;the middlq of the vehicle, aud behind

the seats there will be room for tbe con ductor to wait on tbe tea-drinkers, The tires of the wheels are to be indiarubber to prevent unpleasant jolting, and the springs of the carriage will be adjusted on an entirely new and improved principle en suring the complete ease, and comfort of its occupants. '. V : y\

A silver cup has been presented by the New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Regatta Club Committee, to be competed for at the next annual regatta. It is now on view at Messrs Upton's, Queen-street.

The records of the " Lost" and '• Found" columns contain some peculiar facts. Any one perusing a copy of the old English journals will come upon many very quaint and amusing advertisements A large number of which have been collected in a history of advertising by Henry Sampson. ]Now and then curiosities find their way into the advertising columns of Colonial journals, but in the matter of humour they are far inferior to those of our forefathers. The other day a lady advertised the loss of a gold watch and other articles, and yesterday, a man who had picked them up on Constitution Hill brought the lost property to ;his office. They were con tained in a capacious pocket which had apparently fallen off a woman's dress through its own weight. The man who could make an accurate catalogue of the articles in that pocket would have an extraordinaray faculty for details. There was a gold watch minus the face, portions of a silver watch, several watch keys, thimbles, buttons, thread*, pins, a purse, an Old bill, studs, sleeve-links, wax, string, needles, scraps of newspapers, a bracelet, and an omnium gatherum of other articles "too numerous to particularise." Truly the acquisitiveness of the female pocket is unbounded.

Mr P. Gordon, Cairnfield jFarm, Whan garei, has just purchased from Messrs T. aud S. Morrin a valuable bull and six heifers for his farm there. Mr Gordon takes a great interest in all things tor the good of both his farm and the district. The farm, which was ten mouths ago a wilderness, we hope to see soon well under grass.— [Advt.]

The simplicity which Maoris display in their interpretation of Court formula, and the amusing mistake'] which they make iv consequence, are - frequently manifested during the circuit sittings of the Supreme Court. One instance was given this morn ing. A middle-aged male aboriginal named Te Ropiha was placed upon his trial for the larceny of a horse, and Mr Brown the inter, prefer had just explained to him that he had a right to challenge aoy of the jurymen who might be called, when tbe native naively remarked that he pre ferred to be tried by His Honor alone. The impossibility of this course was set out, but the Maori was evi dently dissatisfied. The phrase "Twelve good and true men" confused him, and after some hesitation he exclaimed plain tively that he did not know who were the good men and who were .the bad ones, A farther explication was offered, aud then tho case was I proceeded with. When Ropiha was , asked after the verdict had been pronounced, if he had anything to say why the sentence should not be passed, he announced his willingness to pay half the cost of the stolen hi tides and to take the rest out iv imprisonment. His jaw fell in mute' as tonishment when he learnt that such a process of adjusting grievances could not do countenanced by tho Court. ,-.

A rery considerable number of persons visited the Theatre Royal last evening to witness the picturesque pantascope of Mr Batchelder, and share, if fortunate enough, iv the distribution of the valuable gifts, which are vefy influential on the mind of the people. The pictures exhibited arc cer tainly above the average value of dioramas which have been previously shown in this city, and being associated with the San Francisco mail route they are the more interesting. We have been informod by witnesses that the views are generally very accurate, and give faithful impressions. We learn that Saturday will be tbe last of Batchelder- Pantoscope in Auckland for three years to come, when a special parting performance will be given ns well as a gift to every child in atteudance. In the after noon a special performance will be given for the children of the Howe-street Home, Orphau Home, Parnell, and Roman Catholic Orphanage. Chalet, the sovereign ventriloquist, will perform new wonders this evening and to-morrow (Friday) will take his benefit, on which occasion a large bronze statue will be awarded for the best conundrum on ventriloquism and a prize for what may be deemed tbe worst.. A silver watcli will be among the prizes of this evening, and for the first time will bo exhibited the enchanted palace, silver lake, and the abode of tho fairies.

Mr Chapman is exhibiting a specimen of Eddison's marvellous phonograph in premises opposite the Bank of New Zealand,, Queen-street The phonograph has been so frequently described that it is unnecessary to describe it here. The construction is simplicity itself, and Mr Chapman in his explanation of it; scientific principles makes them intelligible to the meanest capacity. We examined the phonograph yesterday in company with tbe manager of a.! leading Insurance Company and seVeral 'business men. Tho exhibitor repeated a long sen tenoe into the mouth-piece, while a lady turned the handle, causing the cylinder to revolve and the vibrations of the voice to be registered on the tinfoil. Mr Chapman thou removed his month from the instrument, the cylinder was again turned and the sentence was repeated with remarkable accuracy. A song, and a solo on tho cornet were similarly reproduced to the astonishment of the gentlemen present. The Insurance Manager then uttered a long sentence through the mouth-piece which was repeated with extraordinary fidelity, evory modulation of tho voice being reproduced. An amateur ventriloquist tried an experiment, but tho reproduct ion was very faint and indistinct." Two airs wore registered over each other on the same part of the cylinder, and tbe phonograph repeated a perfect discord, in which only a stray note or two of each separate tune was recognisable. Those who have not seen this example of the marvel lous fertility of modern scientilic invention would do well to pay Mr Chapman a visit.

CABLE NEWS.

PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.

EUROPEAN.

LONDON. January 7. The Samoan Question. Princo Bismarck has sanctioned the sub vention of the Samoan hostile parties by the German naval authorities. LONDON. ■ January 7, The Irish Agitation. Tho Irish householders are following tho examplo of tho farmers, and havo com menced an agitation for a reduction of house rent. CAPETOWN. January 7. The Boer Difficulty. The secretary to the Boers' Committee, who has beeu very active iv circulating documents against British authority, has been arrested on a charge of treason by order of Sir Garnet Wolesley.

[RBUTKRS SPECIAL OABIiKGRAMS]

Insurrection in Bolivia..

LONDON.

January 7,

News has been received that an insur rection has broken out in Bolivia. The President h'ts been overthrown and has fled. The insurrection is attributable to tho ill success of Bolivia in the war with Chili,

The Transvaal Treason.

CAPETOWN

January 6, The Secretary of the People's Committee in Transvaal, recently arrested for treason, has boen committed for trial, and liberated on bail.

AUSTRALIAN.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Live Stock Eeturns. SYDNEY. January 8. The colony has recovered from the draught. The returns shew 25,000,250 sheep, an increase for the year of over 4,000,000. The number of cattle is 3,000,000, an increase of 25,000; horses, 336,000, an increase of 8,000. — - *» |REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS, I MELBOURNE. January 7. Good feeding New Zealand oats are sellipg at 2p lOd, and likely to advance.

"That shows the power of mind over matter," said the-editor, as he qoudenced a ten-verse poem to a couplet. "lama broken man," said a poet. "So I should think," was the answer, "for I have seen your pieces."

TELEGRAPHIC.

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) GKAHAMSTOWN, this day. Mr Robert Graham was elected a member of the Harbour Board to-day, to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of a member. SHAREMARKET. Alburnia.— Sales, 87s 6d ; buyers, do; sellers, 90?, Queeu of Beauty, 7s; buyers, 6s 9d. New North Devon, 4s : buyers, 3s 9d. HAMILTON, this day. THE LINCOLNSHIRE FARMERS AND NORTH AUCKLAND. Mr Aldertou interviewed the Lincolnshire delegates yesterday, and invited them to visit Captain Colbeck's Kaipara block, and the Whangarei and Hokianga lands.^ _Mr. Grant said they had no intention of visiting North Auckland, as they had been informed that the land there was very broken, and generally inferior, when Mr Alder ton told Mr Grant he could show him better.land in Kaipara than anything in Waikato. ' Mr Grant smiled a sickly smile of incredulity. The delegates have been prejudiced against North Auckland, though the very land they are in search of—viz., limestone—can only be found North of Auckland. The delegates do not like the shingle sub-soil ot Waikato. They want land with body aud plenty of sub-soil, and , whoever has prejudiced the delegates against North Auckland has done an in calculable injury to the province, because, from what I can hear, the delegates will not report favourably on the Waikato land, though they might on the Northern lime stone land. They will probably be induced to visit North Auckland, though Waikato influences are working against it. ACCIDENT. An accident happened yesterday to one of the Lincolnshire delegates, Mr Grant. The Attorney-General was driving a buggy and pair and lost hold of one of the reins. Mr Grant jumped down, and while en deavouring to right mntrers, the wheel of i the buggy went over him. NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. The boating season opened yesterday afternoon when the Waitara. Club. Star Club, Harbour Club, and Plymouth Club s No 1 and 2., had their boats out in the roadstead, and several matches vpere iin provisied, . • ■'.» ' ''•'" '•'• ,:| r '■'■'■' '■ PLUMBAGO:1'' 11 ■" j ' A large quantity of plumbago has been found aboi^t four miles from Inglewood which.is being tested. -.'"' NAPIER, Wednesday.;! ;,

The streets' of Napier will shortly be lighted by kerosene. The gas is not of the best quality, and the price is from for cash to 25s ou credit. Arthur Barnsley was to-day arrested at Wairoa on a charge of forging Mr R. D. Maney's name to a cheque.'., ,- A fellow named Russell wtis sentenced fo, six months' imprisonment by the Waipawa Bench for a brutal assault on his wife.

WELLINGTON, this day. GODDEFBOI'S COMPANY FLOAT SD ;

A German Company for the purpose of taking over Goddefroi's Sanioau business is established.

The Government steamers Stella and Hinemoa have been supplied with 250 rations and one week's provisions for the crew. The destination has not beeu made public. At the Bankruptcy Court yesterday the. Chief Justice pointed out that private individuals who become bankrupt, were liable to have their certificates suspended if no books had been kept. A meeting of the shareholders of the " New Zealand Times" Company was held this afternoon, when it was approved to sell the paper to Mr Chantroy Harris, aud it passed a resolution to wind up the company. The s.s, Hinemoa. with his Excellency and suite, arrived at 6 o'clock this evening. She was delayed owiug to a slight accident lo the machinery. Mr. Levin, M.H.8., on bohalf of a large number of friends, presented Mr Walter Knowles, accountant at the National Back, with a haudsome gold locket • and illumin ated-address, on the occasion of his leaving Wellington to assume the management of the National Bank Branch at Napier. .Mr., Green, manager of the National Bank here also presented Mr Knowles with a valuable diamond ring from the officers of the bank. WOOL REPORT. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report, under date London 6th inst: The wool market is firm. There has been1 a little private inquiry and there is a fair trade demand. Tallow : Stocks of all sorts arc 17.000 casks ; best mutton is worth 39s per cwt, and best beef 36s 6d. The wheat market is quiet, Adelaide is worth 60s, aud New Zealand 55s per 496 lbs. The leather market 13 firm, best hides are worth Is Id. , At the Supremo Court Denis McCormick, for unlawfully wouudl \g, was sentenced to six modths. The ca<-e of Joseph Bloom for false pretences, is proceeding. HOKITIIvA, this day. iTHE COUNTY CHAIRMANSHIP. At a special meeting appointed by the Governor in Council for the election of a Comity Chairman for the coming year, 1-0 d|to-day, two candidates were nominated. The tollowitig is the result:--Lang, Hokitika,'s votes ; Jack, Mayor, Hokitika, 4 votes. Lang was therefore declared duly elected. GREYMOUTB, Wednesday. The strike among the public work em ployers is over. Some returned to work yesterday, and remainder to-day. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. CHANCE FOR AUCKLAND VESSELS. At the distribution of prizes for the Lyttelton Regatta last evening Captain Morgan, of the schooner Annie Wilson sug gested that next year tho course of the Champion Raco should bo made a long one outside tho Heads. By doing this the Com mittee would ensure the presence of ten largo Auckland vessels. VOLUNTEER REVIEW. At a meeting last night of tho Volunteer Review Committee, Major Lean estimated the attendance of volunteers at Easter at 1900 men. A programme was sketched out as follows:—Friday, the arrival of the visiting corps ; Saturday morning, military dxerciscs, in part under their own officers ; evoning, a grand promenade concert iv the drill-shed enclosure ; Sunday, church parade; Monday, review and volunteer ball in the evening.

A labourer working at the Lyttelton graving dock had his aukle severely injured through a stone rolling off the top of the cliff, and striking him while at work.

A grass lire caused by sparks from a rail way engiue occurred yesterday. The Rangiora Fire Brigade turned out aud stopped the progress of the fire when iv close proximity to a large field of oats.

Supreme Court, J. J. Lowe formerly Station holder at EHcsmero, was charged with forgery, and sentenced to two years. F. H. Valpey is being tried for embezzling mimics belong to the Railway employee's

society.

Arrived at Lyttelton late last night— Rcmonstraitco, barque;, from Glasgow, 96 days out, with eight passengers and threo Clydcsdalo entires.

DUNEDIN, this day.

THE MAYORAL QUESTION,

At Fish's request tho presentation of an address to Mr Walters, calling ou him to resign tho Mayoralty, has boon abandoned. He says as Walters stated publicly bo will not resigu on any accouut.the requisitioners only lay themselves open to insult to pro ceed further. About £200 is already col lected towards Fish's expenses. Up to the present only four competitors have entered for the Nationai Association Meeting, Hutchinson, Richardson, and Millar, all of the North Dunedin rifles, and Captain Wilson of tho City Guards.

The "Lily of Kilpirney " drew a full house at the opera last night.

A fatal case of typhoid fever is reported to the authorities.

SUDDEN DEATH,

There was a very sudden death at Lower Kaikourai Valley yesterday. James Keat ing, a labourer, was found iv a fit, and ex pired before he could be brought to the hospital.

THE TELEGRAPHIST STRIKE.

The telegraph operators had a dinner last night to celebrate the termination of the strike. Dining the proceedings, it was stated that the department will in future practically allow the ' resumption of old hours.

REMOVAL OF fyIAORI PRISONERS. The Maori prisoners have been removed from here, 91 going to Dunedin in the Hinemoa, and 43 by the Stella to Hckitika, A guard of 30 A.O. left with the former and 20 with tbe latter. It is said the removal will not interfere with their triql on April 4th. . Both steamers left at 5 o'clock this roorniug.

Mr Krupp calls his big gun "I Love." be cause "Love levels all ranks,"—"Norn's town Herald."

SUPREME COURT.—CRIMINAL SIT TINGS.— Yesterday.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies),

LARCENY.

In the case of Chas Connor, charged with the larceny of three screwjacks at Hokianga, two witnesses were heard for the defence, viz : James Hampton Crai_r and Daniel O'Connell. . His Honor having summed up the juiy returned a verdict of " Not Guilty, and the prisoner was discharged.

THIS DAY. His Honor took his seat upon the Bench at 10 o'clock.

FORGINQ AND UTTERING,

Frederick Benjamin Duval was arraigned upon an indictment charging him with forg ingand uttering a cheque for £1 lis, pur porting to be drawn by one R. T. Bryant. Tie prisoner pleaded not guilty. _ Mr Brookfield, Crown Prosecutor, in stat ing the case said that it was one of a very simple nature. It would bo shown that on the 3rd December last tne prisoner entered the Eden Viue Hotel, and after calling for some drink asked the billiard marker if he could be obliged with a blank cheque on the Bank of New Zealand. He was supplied with such a blauk cheque, and then going into the tap room he re quested to be furnished with pen, ink, and paper. These were given him, and a few minutes afterwards he came out with a cheque which had been tilled in aud signed. The next thing that they would find was that ou the following day the prisoner went to the Naval Hotel and tendered ihe cheque in payment of some drinks. It was drawn in the name of one Bryant, and the land lord remarking that he did not know the signature, enquired where he got it. The prisoner answered that he was a doctor and that the cheque had been given him By one of his patients. The landlord then cashed the cheque, and subsequently paid it into his account at the National Bank. On being presented at the Bank of New Zealand it was dishonoured. The matter was reported to the police, and the prisoner was arrested by Detective Strathearn. Be expressed great surprise that the cheque had been dis honoured, and declared that it had been given him by a patient named Bryant for services rendered. This person, he alleged, dwelt in Abererombie-street, and with the detective he accordingly proceeded thither. He had said that he met the mania the Globe Hotel, and that on attending him success fully the patient was so pleased that in a fit of generosity he presented him with the cheque for 31s. The landlady of the house arid the barmaid.at:.the Globe, however, would be prepared to swear that they knew no. person of the name of Bryant.; There was, therefore, every reason for believing that the story had been concocted. The following witnesses were then ex* amined :—Francis O'Dowd, landlord of the Naval Hotel; Henry Mansell Darrel, ledger-keeper of the Bank of New Zealand ; Detective Strathearn j Sarah Parr* owner of the house in Abererombie-street; Ellen Cox, domestic servant at the Globe Hotel; and Thomas Turner, billiard-marker at the Eden Vine Hotel. The prisoner called upon John Abbott as a witnc-8 for the defence, but as no such person was present he proceeded to address the jury. He alleged that the cheque was given him by a man named Bryant, who represented himself as n, resident in the Waikato, asserted that he had been in no want of money as he was in constant receipt of remittances from England, and pointed to his neglect to make any effort to avoid detection, and the small amount of the cheque as presumptive evidence of his innocence. Had he been in want of money he could easily have obtained a loan from his friend Abbott instead of imperrilinghis liberty at a time, too, when his wife was just at her confinement. His Honor, having reviewed the case, the jury retired, and also immediately after wards they returned into Court with a verdict of "guilty." • The prisoner acknowledgd ten previous convictions. '.' ~ :

His Honor inflicted a sentence of three years'imprisonment.

UNLAWFULLY WOUSDINO,

Thomas Gufillan, a man of colour, was charged with having on the 27th December last unlawfully wounded Frederick Vernier, and also with having inflicted upon this, person grievous bodily injury. The prisoner said that he would admit admit having had a knife, but not to having used it. The man cut himself.

This was accepted as a plea of "not guilty." j The Crown Prosecutor briefly opened th^ J case, and then called , Frederick Vermier, ivho deposed that he was employed at Veath's boarding-house, in Victoria-street East. On the 26th of December (Boxing Day) the prisoner was stopping at tho same place. At half-past two o'clock on the morning of the 27th ult., while all were in bed, the prisoner called out to witness, enquiring the time. On being answered the prisoner arose, and after obtaining some matches from -witness, went downstairs. He then called out that a mess had boon committed and witness at once charged him with it. The prisoner began calling names and then cama up stairs. Wituess pushed him down, but after the lapse of a quarter of an hour he camo up again, and rushing at witness with a pooket'knifo stabbed him on the wrist. The wound prevented him from working for several days afterwards.

Max Yon Neumau, a lodger at the board ing-house, John Hanna, pantryman, and Constable MeGilp also gave evidence. The prisoner then addressed the jury. He said that he had been cutting tobacco on the stairs when the prosecutor began striking him, and that, forgetting be had the knife open, he put up his hand to defend himself, the result being that the prosecutor struck his wrist against the blade, thus wounding himself.

His Honor summed up in a few sentences and the jury without leaving the boxfound the prisoner " Guilty."

A sentence of six months' imprisonment was imposed.

LARCENY.

Te Ropihi, a middle-aged male Maori, was charged with the larceny of a saddle and bridle belonging to Henry Dickson Grant, the offence having been committed in June 1875,

He pleaded not guilty. The particulars of tho ease have already been stated in connection with the tlieft of a horso of which he has already been, con victed.

The evidence of John Sharp, William Beechcr, Baker, Georgo Twidlo, Henry Dickson Grant, Constable Limmer, and William Henry Porter was taken. The prisoner was then charged with, and pleaded guilty to feloniously stealing and leading away a marc belonging to Hem v Wilson Hill. J

Be was sentenced to two years' imprison ment for the three offences.

FORGING AND UTTERING,

Te Ngaronga, a young male aboriginal, pleaded guilty to a charge of forging and uttering a cheque or money order oi the 24th October, 1879, with intent to defraud, and also to a further oharge of altering and utteriug another cheque and money order with intent to defraud.

In consideration of tbe prisoner's jouth aud confession of guilt, His Honor imposed the moderate sentence of six mouths' im prisonment.

UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING.

John Lyons was arraigned upon an in-' dictment charging him with having unlaw fully aud maliciously wounded John Tuman on the 22nd October last.

The defendant pleaded not guilty. Mr E. Heakctli appeared tor the de fence.

Iv stating the case the Crown Prosecutor said that the complainant and defendant were farm labourers, and lived near each other at Tuhimatu. A little iil-hlood seemed to have existed between them tax some years past iv consequence of breakage offences, trespasses ot cattle, etij., things which proved so ftU.uoy.jog to couutry settlers. Qu the meriting of the day \\\ question tho com plainant was on bis way to the farm of Mr Sharp, where he was employed, when he saw the prisoner. Addressing Lyons; he inquired -if ho was engaged in turning his cattle out for the purposo of breaking people's fences. Some angry words fol lowed, and then Tuman went on bis way. When he was returning in the evening, Lyons came towards him- with two saplings in his hand, and throwing one towards him struck him with tho other as if desirous for a bout at siugle stick. Tuman declined the invitation, and then Lyons began beating him about the head and arms with his stick. He also 'threatened to beat him into a jelly and send him home in a bag, besides using similar foolish expressions. Tuman was knocked, and received a severe beating. Blood flowed from bis wounds. Eventually he picked himself up and went away. On looking back he saw that Lyons was eui. gaged in covering with du3t the places where blood had fallen. T\m the statement of th,e ca§e. The witnesses \yh<ji gave evidence wore John Airman (the prosecutor), "\YiUiam Jamos Comrio (a farmer residing at Pukekohe East), John Walker, auother farmer, and Constable McEmight ,

(Left bitting.)

Another Vesey Stewart Settlement.

leWm Our Own Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday The "Post" announces that Vesey Stewart is about completing arrangements with the Government tor the purchase of innti large block of land in Pthe Bay of pt dis tnct.for the formation of a new 5S_ settlement on the same principle as fi Katikatione. The exact area of the block is not yet settled, but it certainly will be less than 30,000 acres, and Mr Stewartis anxious it should be a good deal more Th. price will be settled by valuation, but v 52LS?- 1? SS thim £1 Per acre. M^ Stewart intends as soonas the land is pro. grlnte. Pr°Ceed t0 Irdand t0 «et^

Doings at Hamilton.

(FRDM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT),

HAMILTON, this day. The Hamilton handicap pigeon match wa_> won by an Auckland representative, in il« person of Mr Isaac Gwynne, of Epsom tor two years past Mr Henderson, of Wai kato, has been champion shot beatinp" Ancklard visitors as well as celebrated local sportsmen. At yesterday's match Gwynne and Kennedy Hill each killed their birds with the first barrctl, seorin.. 10 Grimes, 9; Dawson, 9; Wallnutt 8'- Hen demon, 8; Kelly, 8; Mclvor, 7; Campbell" 6; Macgregor, 6; Laing, 2. In firing the ties the following was the result ■ Isaac Gwynne, 1; Kennedy Hill, 2; Giimest 3. Henderson the crack shot, certainly lost his third bird, but he Wi dropped it with the first barrel) and on going to seize it the *__-__' flew away with a leg hanging. A L, bird match followed, resulting in a tie be' tweenHill, Henderson, and MacGreeor __. tlm absence of birds to fire offa tie? tin y divided. Isaac Gwynne was compliment^ on his good shooting. There was "a lar«e attendance of bookmakers and totalisatow on the ground.

MASONIC BALL AT PEAPvCE'S HOTEL.

A ball;n regalia came off last night undl the. auspices of the Masonic Lodge/. Four hundred invitations were issued. The ball committee consisted of the Lod«e otliccrs and pant masters, fit Hitherto tEe custom has been to hold an annual dinner The present ball was decided to'allow, ladies .toalme iu,;.the enjoyments. Mc'Coniiah .was.brought from Auckland with a band company to secure good .music. The Coin, mercial Hotel showed to great advantage Ihe efforts of Host Pearce were extremdy satisfactory. The. large dining-room was decorated with evergreens, while various other rooms on the ground floor were set apart for refreshment rooms. The: viands were prepared in a,style which the most fastidious could not fail to admire. The hams bore a variety of inscriptions, inclnd. ing "Lodge Beta," "PearpeVCommercial Hotel," etc., besides an elaborate spread of prepared dishes. There was abundance of fruit; the large company being much pleased with; the arrangements, i Hamilton last night was a blaze with .excitement opposite' the Hapiilfcdn Hotelj torches were-lit, and numerous itinerant sporting characters en deavoured to do a trade. The galvanic battery and other attractions drawing quite a crowd, while the Yankee -lecture:..drew a far bigger audience than the YRev. Mr Berry, though the latter had the Attorney. General in the chair, and two live Lincoln shire delegates' thrown into the bargain. Such is the eccentricity of the public mind. Last night a lad was thrown .off the Hamilton milk-cart, the wheel passing over his ancle. ': • • '

Literary, Theatrical, and Social Jottings.

[BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT !_.

LONDON.]

Lecocq's, new comic opera "La Petite Mademoiselle" promises to be the successof the autumn , season, and will, without doubt, find its way to the Antipodes before very long. Under these circumstances a brief resume of the' titbfy may not be amiss. First-and foremost;'.then, I must tell you that the scene is laid in Taris, at the time wien tjhe city was in;,the hands of Fronde and beleagiired by the Koyahst troops. The Countess Cameroni, for reasons of private enmity, determines to befriend the rebels, but before she can. enter tbe city she mußt pass the Royal lines,, and in order to do this she .assumes the name of a well known "flirty "La Petite Mademoi selle," and is introduced to the Marquis de Manicatns, an officer hold ing high rank in the King's army. He quickly becomes enamoured.and gives her a pass, through the camp. _ When he after, wards discovers that she is really tha Couutess in. disguise, he follows her to Paris, and is sheltered by one Madelon, the wife of Marmiton, a provision dealer, whose servant ho becomes in order to avoid detection by the rebels. . The Countess , who also had reasons tor preserving an incognito is actiug as servant to Tabour eau and his wife Jacqueline,the proprietors of the inn opposite Marmitons. They quickly meet, and penetrate each other's disguise, but both ansume that the recog. nition is not mutual. Soon the King's' troops are heard oannonading the city, and the Marquis hastens to rejoin them, whilst the Countess resuming her proper station urges the populace to resistance. It is however of no avail, the city is taken by the Kdyalists, and . thtj L:o\uites_s mads prisoner. Eventually lie\ve\ei her releasa . • is effected.by Ma l uicauip,wliom she promisor to marry.

The music is in the composer's beat vein, and many of the airs will become very popular. A trio of doctors in the third act, "Call the patieuf weak and sickly," is brim full of fun, and the Countess's rondo "Quakina shaking, pale with fear," will not iinprob< 1 ably rival the famous "Barras is King,"iv Madame Angot A ballad "Yes I wilt own the foible soft," is tender and graceful,and a "bowling" song, "If you play at bowls at all sir," well deserves the double encore it receives nightly.

Sadlers Wells' Theatre, almost entirely re-built and handsomely fitted, has been opened by Mrs Bateinan with a revival ot the Scotch musical drama " Kob Roy." As is, usual towards 'Xmas a number of new books by well-known authors are an nounced. Mrs Lynn Lyntdri publishes a masterly work' entitled " Under Which. Lord," showing the baneful nature of High Church influences on weak and easily excited women. The story has been running thro' (he "Gentleman's Magazine;" is also, I believe, the present serial in the "Ans« fl tralasian." Nearly all the reviewers unite in praising it, and those of your readers who care for a deeply interesting fiction, should ; make a point of procuring it from tha . libraries without delay. I can also recommend " Donna Quixote," by Justin McCarthy : " Howorths," by Mrs Burnett; "My Lords of Stroque," by Hon., L. Wingiieldj '*The Cloven Foot," by; Missßraddouj "Probation," by the author; of t\\e «Fijst Violin;" " Young Mis Jardine," by the author of " John Halifax." For the benefit of your musical readers, I may aswell also detail the songs at present nioatpopular infashiouahl&Londondrawing rooms :—'' Mickenfcam Ferry," by Marzials; "In the Gloaming," by Meta Urrid: "Darby and Joan," by Molloy; " Brown Eyes or Blue Eyes ;" " The Blue Alsatian Mountains .;" and " Olivia." The once popular and successful lovr comedian, John Baldwin Buckstone, died the other day in comparative poverty at a very advanced ag<?. Poor " Bucky," as his friends used to call him, was manager of the Havmarket Theatre for many long years, but" somehow could never do more than just pay Ms way. In other hands the h,o.use must havß proved a very valuable I property, for several of the most successful dramas of modern times were produced there. Bucks tono himself had a world-wido reDutation as a low comedian, and w_ always a great favourite with the publi- He possessed a strangely laughter-moving face, and could provoke the risible faculties of an audience,, without any apparent;■ effort whatever The pit began to giggle diwcMJ he oai&e upon the stage. _3e«ry Irving has made a great success a* Shylock in the " Mercb'ant of' Venice, which was produced at Vhe Lyceum on tne 30th, and seems likely to. have a long run. As usual, he discards all traditionsot W part, and introduces a reading of his own. His make-up resembles Cruickshank s wej tures o* Fagin in Dickens' »qiiver_iwißt. The reputation of the Gaiety Theatre, once the liveliest house iv London, is on w» wane. The last threo pieces brought ou*,,. have proved utter failures; »**» ™.: comedy now running, which bears thenamu, ~ of " Unlimited Cash," is currently WH as the " Unlimited Hash.

: " That smacks of familiarity, sir, s» the blushing girl, after being surprised || her lover's kiss. * A petrified woman has beert discorjj, ■ near Halifax. It is f^fj, *» n Y gave her §10 without asking to pet » « fall bonnet, and she was petnnect | | astonishment. ,■

THE AUCKLAND EVMOTG STAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880.



The newP.C.S eyßtem now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It hasbeen a great success in t-'ydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods aro marked low to ensure a rapid sale mnßt be a great gainer. G. and C, sell their drapery, millinery, and clothirg at such prices for cash as gives tho buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without tho risk of beiDg called upon to bear portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatis factory. G-. and C. will aim to retain the con fidence which t< c publio have hitherto shown them, and are determined to give tho pure cash system a fair trial; whether they gain or loso tho first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co operative price', just tbe same as though thoy made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedstead?, beading, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned oat at our own factory, will he marked at the lowest remunerative nrices, _and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed ■to those who pay at the time of purchase. Hav iing realised the entire value of the stock during ■the late cash sale, the present stock is new a«d weby cheaply dougut. An inspection is nvited.—Gablick and Cranwell, City Hell burnishing Arcade, Qucen-Btrect, Auckland. A lady writes to us:—"l am glad to hay been able to have proved, in tht. most satis'ac tory manner, th?,t by tho nsa of gas stoves tho cook's occupation'la deprived of its chief tor ment—thirst. The Ss-r^at anxiety and trouble of keeping up a fire, especially in the summer in this c imate, and of regulating the temperatui c of the various articles under treatment, is. by the use of gas stoves, entirely avoided. Soot, .ashes, and dust aro entirely done away with, , _and all culinary pots and pans are easily kept i bright. I would advise all young Indies to refuse I to name the doy except up. n the condition that j •till the cooking is to be done with gas,



TO_E-B--MUW Wjj._C______|_MMM ATI "t" Special _f- £~ S F U T g U Of. c N I N G OF THE BORLAND FACTORY. CLOTHING established for tho Manufacture and Sale of Colo-iial-mado CLOTHING, situate two doors below Messrs. B. Tonks and Co.'s Auction Mart, Queen street. J. B. ROBINSON, In connection with the above, respectfully an nounces tho arrival of his second shipment of Geelong and Mosgiel TWEEDS and Melbourne mado CLOTHING, comprising all the latest Styles and Shapes in MEN'S, YOUTHS' and BOYS' CLOTHING, suitable for tho summer season. These goods he will guarantee ot the most superior qualiiy and workmanship, being made from the purest Colonial Wools, and manufactured to his own special contract. J. B. ROBINSON Notifies with satisfaction the unqualified success of his TAILORING DEPARTMENT, which, he is glad to say, has exceeded his most sanguine expectations, and, with a view of fos tering and encouraging Now Zealand industries as much as lies in his power, he has engaged an additional staff of hands for tho sole manufao tnre of MOSGIEL TWEEDS, and with the continue d support and appreciation of the public, he trusts to be at least p rtly the means of eventually keeping out of this market the shoddy manufactures of foreigners. J. B. ROBINSON Invites special attention to the following GOODS: ---250 pairs Men's Geelong Tweed Trousers and Vests at 21s ; the bßst value in the country 110 Boys' and Youths' Fancy Check Geelong Tweed Suits: extra quality 100 Men's Black and Bluo Worsted Paget Coats and Vests to match; very superior Also, 3 oases of Boys' Knlckor Suits, with Plaited Tunic and Bolts; boautlful goods and very cheap 5 cases China Silk Helmet?, of tho best quality. Now being sold at is Gd Also, A parcel of Hoys', Youths' and Men's Alpaca Jackets, from 5s Gd. J. B. ROBINSON Thanks his Friends and tho Public for the generous and liberal patronage accorded to him since opening, tho Auckland Clothing Factory, and, as it will always ba his principle in Busi ness to Sell the BEST GOODS at the smallest POSSIBLE REMUNERATIVE PRICES, hopes to retain the confidence of his friends and the inhabitants of tho Provincial District of Auck land in general. W Please Note the Address— A UCKLAND /CLOTHING T_jIACTORY. (Next Messrs. Tonks & Co.'a Auction Mart), Q U E E N - S T R E E T. Auckland. pO-OPERATIVE PRICES FOR CASH. CO-OPERATIVE PRICES AND QUICK SALE. CO-OPERATIVE PRICES A PUBLIC BENEFIT. We aro Selling tho Cheapest DRESS GOODS Wo ara Selling PRINT- and CALICOS at a Small ___dvanco on Cost. MANCHESTEB GOODS MILLINERY UNDERCLOTHING Men's and Boys' Clothing At Co-oporativo Prices. FOR CASH ONLY. ILLUSTRATIVE LINES OF PRICES SHOWINO Advantages Gained by Supporting THE PURE CASH SYSTEM. GARLICK & CRANWELL Are Soiling Two, three, and four-button Kid Gloves at 2b Gd, 2s Md, 3s "Silver Boll" Glovo Fitting Corsets, at 2s 6d Wool Damasks, 3s Gd and 3s 9d per yard Silk Umbrellas (Paragon Framo), 6s Gd Fast-Colour Prints, 6}d per yard Brown Hollands, from 5d upwards Cambric Handkerchiofs, Is per dozon Silk Embroidered Scarfa. 9d, lOd, and Is 3d Bluo Diagonal Coats, 12s Gd (halt-price) Lace Curtains, 3s 6d, 4s lid, 6s lid, upwards. JL • \JO fe» 5Ve have adopted tho Pure Cash System for the following reasons :— L—lt is fairest to both buyer and seller, be canso, by avoiding bad debts, our Cash Customers will not have to make good tho losses occasioned by defaulters, and the Quick Cash Returns will enable us, as Sellers, to buy more extensively, ana take full advantage of cash discounts, in which gain our customers will parti cipate. 2. The increased business which must follow consequent on soiling goods at a small advance cm cost, will give our customers the same advantage as though they were shareholders in a (Jo-operativo Society. 3. Our patrons will always have a large, fresh, and well-assorted Stock to select from. 3UY YOUR DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FROM Gtarlick & Cranwell, city hall arcade, QUEEN STREET AND LORNE STREET. DACES! RACES!! RACES!!! CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS I Ladies' Bonnets and Hats Ladies' Costumes and Mantles Ladies' Silk Dust Coats Ladies' Scarfs, Ties, and Collarettes Ladies' Kid and Silk Gloves Ladies' and Children's Hosiery Gentlemen's Cork and Pith Helmets Gentlemen's Silk Dost Coats Gentlemen's Alpaca Coats Gentlemen's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing! Gentlemen's Scarfs, Ties and Braces Gentlemen's Summer Hosiery «_, Splendid Assortment of the above Goods is on view, at very Reasonable Prices, At WILLIAM RATTRAY'S JRAPERY, CLOTHING, MILLINERY, COS TUME, HOSIERY, & MEN'S MERCERY ESTABLISHMENT. .JEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 66, Queen Street, Auckland (Opposite the Bank of New Zealand). A FEW GOOD REASONS FOR MAKING YOUR PURCHASES at the ■JJ-EW r^EALAND /CLOTHING TjiACTORY. The Materials are manufactured In New Zealand. The Garments aro mado in New Zealand. Tho Money is expended in New Zealand. The Stock to select from is tho largest in New Zealand. Tho Cut and Trimmings are equal to bespoke. The Prices, considering the quality and finish, are lower than those of any other house in New Zealand. And notwithstanding the extra taritf. just imposed in New Zealand, thoro is <_*■ NO ADVANCK IN PRICES 1 You can still purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE FROM THE JN ew Zealand Clothing J- ACTORY. Auckland Retail Branch: QUEEN- STREET, Opposite Theatre Royal.



Soecial Advertisements. Xp X A N A Z I. JUST OPENED BY A, L INABURY & C o' 1 Case French MILLINERY. BONNETS, 1 Csuporb goods, to be Bold cheap 1 Caso Ladies' TRIMMED HATS 1 Case Children's PINAFORES, DRES^HS, and BLOUSES, the Largest and Choicest Stock in the City 1 Case Ladies' Galatea, Stripe, and Cold Lustre COSTUMES 1 Case ladies' Cambric and Print Modrn ino Wrappers, from 5s 6d each-50 per cent cheaper than ever sold in Auckland before 3 Cases FANCY GOODS, comprising all tho Novelties of the Seasou. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 AND 200, QUEEN-STREET. r\ N SALE, Koarsley'a Combined Reapers and Mowers Mangold and Turnip Drills Turnip Sllcers Oilcake Breakers Winnowing Machines lawa Mowers, i Also, TO ARRIVE, PER 'INGLEWOOD,' Coulter's Corn, Manßold, Turnip, and Manure Drills, combined And Ploughs.'noublo and single Harrows Rollers &C. &c. &c The above goods aro imported directed from manafacturors, and will bo sold cheap to ake om for further shipments. W. J. HURST & CO., 181,, Queen-street. AUK /^ R E A T O A L E OF . MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, AND SHIRTS, COMMENCES THIS EVENING. All the New Shipments recently received will he sold at SALE PRICES. ALE 1 RICES. J. COSORAVE & CO.



" Bissciiop" Gas Engine —Tho Gas Company have imported one of these novel motors of one man power, whioh can bo Been at the Ghs Works. Tho engine Is fixed to work a drilling machine. Tho advantages claimed for this engine are, first, the small space it occupies, being Bolf-containod, and requiring compara tively no fixing; seoonnly, that it works with out oil or groaso to lubricate tho piston; thirdly, it requires no water. It Is related that on one occasion ono of these engines run forty-sevon days and nijjhts without stoppage and without attention. It will do the work of a strong man at a cost of Ib per day. Further particulars on application to tho secretary.



Nobel s Patent Dynamite.—By repeated experiments, and long and extensive use in aU the Australasian Colonies, and all over tho world, J^obel's Patent has uncontrovertably proved itself to bs about twenty per cent, stronger than eTery other brand. This dyna mite is advantageously iipplied to mining and quarrying, basting in hard or soft, wet or dry, rooks construction of tunnels, clearing land of three roots and boulders, breaking up blocks of metal or stone, clearing away wrecks, quays, sunkenrocks, torpedos,Ktormingstrongholds,&c. Some of its advantages are—immense saving in labour, time and money. Safety In use, transit and storage, &c. Printed instructions with every five lb package. Buyers should in sist in getting '•Nobel's." Prices greatly re duced.—N.B.—The company's travelling in structor, now in Au kland, and will give aU information required.—Apply to E. Porter and Co Agents, Auckland.