SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKR- l hw Evening, 2.10 .„„ ' To-morrow Morning 3.1G SUN SKT.-Thia Kvening, 7.15 SUN RISK.—To-Morrow Morning, 5.11 MOON'S AGE.—Full Mood, 27th, 9.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Argvlo, 6.8., Crawford, froni whringarei Hawea, s.s., Kennedy, from tho South Kina. s.s. McKenzle, from Waipu,,

DEPARTURES.

tAST EVENING. Annie Miibank, p.s., Anderson, for Whangarci

TO-DAY. Hawca, 8.5., Kennedy, for Kussell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. Melbourne, via South,-Tararua, Thursday Jxindon-Fernglen (loading). Tauranga— Gloncig, Friday For Now Plymouth and Southern Ports - Waitaki, Wednesday For Russell-lona, Monday; Tararua, Monday For Touranga and Southern Ports —Hawea Monday Whangarei— Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays; Anno Miloank, Mondays and Thursdays. Lovuka—Meg Morrilies, Saturday

VESSELS EXPECTED. Bismarck. H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa Hero, s s., from Sydnoy and Melbourne, 30th City of Sydney, from Sydney, February 3rd Karl Granville, ship, from J-ondon: sailed No vember 29 Agate, barque, from New York; sailed Septem ber 23rd British Empire, ship, from London; sailed Bth November Elinor Vornon, barque, from New York; sailed 10th November Loch Urr, barque (W.Q.L.K.), from London; Bailed October 23rd Srracathro, ship, from London; sailed Nov. 27 TrevcJyan, ship (V.Iv.H.S.), from London loading City oE Quebec barquo, from London. Klmiranda, barquo, from New York JLoongar-a, barquo. from Hobart Town Mercia. barque, from London, loading Ada <;. Owen, brigantine, from Dunedin. «'ami lie, bi-ig, from Now York Progress, brigantine, from Dunedin Sybil, schooner, from Kaiuara Agnes Donald, schooner, from Levuka Energy, schooner, from Levuka Edith, schooner, from Karotonga Falcon, barquentine, from tho islands S> icry Cross, schooner, from Oamaru Syren, brig, from Sydney; loading Tnbnl Cain, schooner, from Levuka Minnehaha, schooner, from Rarotonga Island Lily, brigantine, from Chatham Islands Activo, brigantine, from Sydney Waiwern, schconer, from Australian Islands

IMPORTS.

Per Hawea, from Southern ports—2oo sacks flour, (i casks beef, 10 cases cheeso, 8 cases bacon, 51) sacks malt, 130 bars iron, 25 cases meats, 23 cases drugs, 3 cases acids, 14 cases and packages sundries. Pers,s. Uawoa from tho South—3 cases bacon and hams, 14 cases cheese—T. H. Hal & Co.

Inwards Coastwisb. — Mahurangi, from Ohoro, with 200 sacks kauri gum. 4 bags wool 2 bundles skin 3; Mana, from Tairua, with 21500 feet titnbar and 13 sacks gum • Janet, lrom Whacgarei Heads, with 25 tons lime stone.

Outwards Coastwise. -Pol'coman, for Rus sell; Hawca, for Kussell.

The s.s. Jona will arrive ta-morrow morning from Kup/soll and Northern ports.

The. schooner Caledonia has been chartered for a. trip to Tonga and Samoa. She will not sail until after tho Regatta.

The barquo G'impse, which was signalled ycaterduy, did not make the harbour until early tlus mornng. Sue left Timara sixteen days ago, and had strong north-east gales and subse quently light head winds and calms. She was making Wutor on the pa?saj{e up, owing to the bumping she received in tho recent gales at iioiaru. Tho vessel does not bring any cargo.

Tho s.s. arrived this morning from Whangarei and Mangapai with 102 sacks of kauri gum, GO boxes fiuit. 19 boxes eggs, 4 hides, 6 kegs butter, 6 ba'es wool, and 4 tons sundries. Passengers: Mr and Mrs Burgess, Mrs and Mif s Rcyburn. Mrs Hendry. Misses Hendry (2), Mesdames Bowen and Wright, Misses Dobson (2), Taylor and Smith, Messrs Bsam, Wright, .iohn Blackmore, Regbe, Dalton, Woisnip, Meredith, Paterson, Whitelaw and Reid. She leaves again for the same por s to-night.

The s s. Hawea, Captain Kennedy, from the South, arrived in harbour this morning. We are indebted to Mr Dalgleish, purser, for flies and tho following report:—Left Port Chalmers on Friday at 5 p.m.; arrived at Lyttelton on Saturday at 11 a.m.; l?ft Lyitelton same day at. 0 p.m.; arrived at Wellington on Sunday at 3 p.m.; left Wellington on Monday at 1 p.m.; ar rived ot Napier on Tuesday at 10 a.m.; le/t same day at6p.:n.; arrived at Gitborno on Wednes day at i a.m.; left same day at 1 p.m.; arrivod at .lamvinga on Thursday at 11 a.m.; left same day at p.ni.; arriving in Auckland as above. lubht variable winds throughout. Passengers: —Sir W. Manning, Lady Manning and daughter, Mr and Mrs Nicholson, Mr and Mrs Reeves; Mpsdamas Laird and child. Cook, Wrigley; Misses Seaman, Cooper, Homo,Bcndall; Master Jonca; Chccvca and Kennedy Minstrel Troupe (15); Messrs Dowhurst, White, Brett, Lodder, Stevens, Allison, stcele, McKonzie, Sinclair, Craig, Fylo, Johnston, Hazard, Clarke (2), Cook, Bodoll, Mcljonald. Harding;, Morpeth, Johnston, South, Groatoiso, Phillips, Menzies, bindlay.

Tha s.s. Kina arrived early this morning from Waipu and Mangapai with 20 sacks gum, 22 boxes egga, 3 cases choose, and a quantity o£ sundries. Passengers : —From Waipu—Mrs Waller and family, Mrß;Jeffries,|Misli McMillan, Messrs Munro and Lacy, From Mangawai— Mr and Mrs Wilson and child, Mr and Mrs Bow man, Miss Judd, Miss fcstowart, Messrs Hull, Stowart, McMillan (2), and 12 others.

The a.s. Hawea lefttlm afcernoon for Russell. She will return on Snnda-' morning, and sails South on Monday afternoon.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Rowena, s.s, Amodeo, from Hokianga

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING,

Rdssell, this day.S

PASSENGERS PER lONA

Sailod: Columbia, Sea Breeze, and lona. Passongers from Rnessll—Messrs' W. McLeod, Chatfleld, Mason, Clarke, Campbell, Mrs Fife. Dunedin, this day. Arrivod; Comadoro from London, no pas sengers.

Timaru, this day. Tho barquentino Annie Bow arrived from Newcastle with a cargo of timber yesterday.

:Nklson, this day. Tho s.s, Taiaroa arrivod from Mew Plymouth at 4 a.m. tu-day.

Lyttelton, this day. Sailed, yesterday: Tararua for the North; Wellington for the South. The ship Huranui sailed t i-day for London with passengers and the following cargo : 3,877 bales wool, and skins, 1,879 sacks wheat, 7 casks tallon, and 16 bags bones.

wailed ; N.Z, Company's ship Hurunui for London with eleven saloon, aod one steerage passenger.

Port Ciialmbks, this day. The s.s. Rotorua t-ailed yesterday for Mel bourne, via the Bluff and Hobart Town.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office, Friday.

ME ALFRED BUCKLAND'S WEBKLY EBPORT.

At the Haymßrket, on Friday last, fodder brought from 2s 9d to Is 3d tho cwt; damaged bran, Is 6d the sack; oats, 2s id and 2s Cd ; maize, 3a 9d the bushel. Inferior horses, from £3 to £5 ; medium draught, £26; riding horses, from £9 to £18 eaco. Those advertised from Poverty Bay did not arrive in lime for the sale. The Hereford bu11.£36, and the shorthorn heifers, sSI2G, £78 15, and £63 respo stive, y. At the hide and skin sale, on Tuesday, hides were slightly better worth. Sound hides brought from3id to4d the lb ; calfskins, 3d; good tallow, 278 ; slush, 16s Ca the cwt; lambßkins. lOd : Eheepskius, from Is 8d to 2s lUd each. Wool maintained its advanced price. Wool in grease brought from 4id to 8d; washed, BJd to IOJd the lb. The yards at Drury were fairly filled with store cattle, ana there was a good demand throughout. Cows brought from £6 10s to £9; two to throe-year-old steers, £5 to £6 16s; yearlings, £3 5a to £i; calves, 37s 6d to £3 each, iloggetis, 10s ; ewes 7s 3d to 'Js each. At Kemuera, on Thursday, d«iry cattle were at late values—those sold varied from £'i to £9 103 each. Store cattle were in good|inqulry; fat cattle in full numbers—l7o head yarded; last week's prices Larely sustained, prices ranged from 22s to 27s the lOOlbs. for good average quality, 253 was thft ruling price. Fat sheep of i;ood quality were in lull supply: pi ices steady at 2d ttio lb for best quality. Lambs numerous, but in low condition, and sold at from is to 8s each. MKSSBSUDNTEB AND NOLAN'S WEEKLY REPORT. Horses,—There ha 3 boon continuous improve ment in tho market, both as to bupply and de mand. On Friday abovo an averaxo number wore submitted by auction. Competition was good throughout tho sale, ana nsarly all entered were disposi d of by auction; and those for which reserves coula not bs reached were after wards disposer! of privately. We quote hacks from £0 to £10; ii«lit harness horses, from £11 to £.'0; draught, £35. Cattle—The supply has been good, and prices for ddi-y and store stock have an up ward tendency: but beasts in the butchei s pens, insutttciently up in condition, were com jiivatively neglected, while really well-fattened animals maintained iheir value. We quote dairy cows from £7 10s to £12; calves, from 35s to £2 17« 6il; yearlings, £3 3s to £3 15s; grown steers, £ilos to£Gsa. Sheep.—The Newmarket yards were com plete y crammed with sheep on Tuesday, and prices had a downward tendency. Inferior stores (ewes) sold at 2a Gd to ss; store wethers, 7s3il; fat wethers, lsOd. per 81bs.; owes, Is 4d. Pigs aro in demand at good pricoß, but very few yardea.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under :— This Day. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotikl, per Glenelg. at 4/p.m. For Whangarei Heads, and Wangarel, per Argvlo, at 4 p.m. For 'J hames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. For Ngunguru, per Magic, ac 5 p.m. Saturday, 21th instant. For Tairua, per Mana, at 10 a.m. For Waiwera, Mahuranni, Matakana, Manga wai, Watpu, and Mangapai, per Rose Casey; at 10 a.m. For London direct, per Anazi, at 11 a.m. For Waiwera, por lona, at 1 p.m. For Taranaki, via Waitara, per Rowena, at 1 p.m. Monday, 26th instant. ForXtoromandol, por Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Tauranga, Gisbome, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wuiigaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, at 4 p.m. Wkdnksday, 28th instant. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per HWaitasi, at 8 a.m. Tuesday, 3rd February. Per B.S. City of Sydney as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States oC America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British ana Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, iuoluding Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, and registered letters, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, in addition to the postage, will bo received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. 8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

As civilisation advancos, and enlightenment extends, men entertain stronger convictions and become firmer in their beliefs. Liberal educa tion strengthens individual convictions. Among the strongest sentiments of the age, is the faith that attaches to Uaolpbo Wolfos Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, and this faith Is confirmed, not only by the opinions of sanitarians, but by the facts that it is used in hosptals and infirm aries with singular efficacy.

BIRTH.

WAIT.—On January 14. at her residence, Albeit- Btreet, tho jwife of Mr Jamas Wait of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

LOWE—TRAIL.-On January 12,1880. at Man gawhare, Wairoa, Abraham Lowe, of Waiiou, to Harriet Frances Trail, of Auckland. MKICALfE-GUibKLLBE.-On January 19, at Trinity Church, Tauranga, N.Z., by the Rev. Charles Jordan, 8.A., Bromley Motcalfe to Mary Gillellee.

DEATH.

TURNER.-On Sunday. Junuary 18, at Wairoa South, Mr William Henry Turner, Solicitor; in hia 81st year.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1880.

For the cams that lacks assistance, for tha wrong iha needs resistance, For tho future in the distance,

And tho good ttuugwa can do,

The Patents Act Amendment Act passed last session is likely to hare a very beneficial effect in stimulating in vention in the colony, and developing local industries. The exorbitant fees chargeable under the Act of 1870, the circumlocutory forms and processes whioh had j]to be adhered to in obedience to that traditional red-tape in the Patents Office which the immortal Dickens so trenchantly satirised, as well as the great waste of time,rendered the statute almost prohibitory in the case of in ventors of limited means. All this is reformed under the amending Act, which simplifies the forms, and reduces the fees to a minimum. We take some credit to ourselves for this result, as having been the first journal in the Colony to call prominent attention to the defects of the Patents Act, and our remarks were republished in the Wellington press. At the instance of a number of intelligent citizens in that city Mr Hutchison, MHR., who has taken an active interest in the welfare of the work ing classes, drew the attention of the Government on November 4th to the obstructive character of the Act, and the cheapness of letters patent in America, which drew from tho Premier a promise that an amendment Act should be introduced. The Act passed on the 19th December, in fulfilment of this promise, simplifies the form of application for a • patent, limits the publication of the notice in tho "Gazette," and newspapers to once only instead of thrice as formerly, and considerably shortens the period within which the forms may be completed. For the information of readers who may not be able to obtain copies of the Act, we append the new scale of fees : —

" Depositing speculation, £2 ; on ob taining letters patent, £2 ; at, or before the expiration of the third year, £10 ; on lodging particulars of objection, £2; on presenting petition for extention, £2 ; every search and inspection, Is ; entry of assignment or license, 10s; certificate of assignment or license, 10s; filing of memorandum of alteration or disclaimer, £2 10s ; entering any coveat, £2 10s ; copy or extract of any writing

per common law folio, 6d. The cost of obtaining a patent is thus reduced, about one half. i\

We congratulate Mr Lamb upon having moved the Chamber of Commerce to a strong expression of opinion respecting the <lis graceful manner in~which the railwtty re clamation has been carried on in the past, and has since been left to wash a way" into our harbour. Facts are stubborn things, and when Mr Lamb says that his' steamer gets aground at her berth at the railway wharf, where she floated before in 4| feet of water, he demonstrates by the strongest logic that a very serious injury is being done to our port through the gross negligence and dilatoriness of the Government. Proofs, equally striking, might be multiplied shew ing the damage already caused to both bur principal wharves, but if what has been ad duccd on the subject' is without avail, noth ing that can be said will move the Govern ment, and it is the duty of the Harbour Board to consider other methods of obtain ing redress and saving our harbour.

Now that the Commissioners appointed by the Governor to inquire into the West Coast Lands claims are about to commence their duties, it will not be out of place to give a short digest of the Act from which they derive their appointment and powers. The "Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Act, which was passed on the 19th December, empowers the Governor to appoint three Commissioners under the Seal of the Colony to , enquire into " all promises that have been made, or are alleged to have been made by or on be half of the Government of the Colony to, or with, any person or persons" in respect to certain lands on the West Coast of the North Island, part of which have been disposed of, and part remain in possession of the Govern ment, and in respect to territory situated between the White Clills and the river Waitotara. The Commissioners are in vested with the usual powers conferred in such cases, they will receive remuneration and travelling allowance as well as the wit nesses and clerks, and are to report within four months from the date of their appoint ment. The Act also gives power to His Excellency the Governor to fix the date of trial of the nativesnow incustody, todeclare what number shall be tried atany one sitting of the Court, and to vary the order as occasion may require. He may also alter the place of trial, and the Judge at any new place of trial so fixed will have the same jurisdiction as if the native had been originally com mitted within that district. The Act expires at the end of sixty days from the next session of Parliament.

On Monday next the householders of the city and districts will exercise their privi lege in the election of school committees at the places notified.

It is expected that Sir George Grey and Mr Shcehan will hold a joint meeting of their Thames constituents early next month.

Our local artists have missed a rare grouping for a striking picture illustrative of the progress of civilisation and tho ameliorating influences of Anglo-Saxon domination. The posing was executed in voluntarilyyesterdaymorning iv front of tho Museum, and tho effect was admiringly remarked upon by tho passers by. Two athletic Kanakas in the full bloom of adoles cence had just emerged from the tailor's clad in bran new suits modelled upon the man-o'"war sailors' fashion, and after purchasing some peaches sauntered over to tho shady side of Priuccs-strcet, and sat down upon tho pillars which guard the entrance to the Museum. They sat facing each other with the peaches placed mid way between them, and in easy abandon ment they sucked the luscious fruit undis turbed by the cluster of young urcbics, who, from afar off, looked on with undisguised envy. As our eye took in tho scene we vainly sighed for pallet' and easel or photo graphic apparatus in order to transfer it to canvas or cardboard, and preserve for the delectation of posterity such an instructive glimpse of the lives and manners of the antique Aucklandcra. We reluctantly passed on our way, however, and on return ing an hour afterwards, perceived that the advancing rays of sunshine hud hastoued the departure of the dusky seneschals of our museum to some more secluded spot.

The performances of tho Fun and Frolic Troupe last night were better attended than on Wednesday evening, and mauy new features were introduced, especially in the vocal section and farco. The Thumb farco wa« lively throughout, and created much amusement. " Ettie " performed a number of new teats on tho flying trapeze, which were truly astonishing, and true as the pendulum of a clock. The performances throughout were clever. A few changes will be made iv the programme of this evening.

To the Editor : Sir, —Allow me to correct a statement which appeared in your last issue respecting the l'onsonby llowing Club. Under the heading of " Kegatta Notes " you state that the Club will only send ono crew to compete in the forth coming Regatta. 1 beg to inform you that the report is incorrect, as the committee intend entering a crew for each of the amateur events. The club, from the beginning, has always been represented in both races, and in some cases as many as two crews hare contested in one eveut. By inserting the above you will greatly oblige— Yours, &c, T. D. Halstbad, Hon. Sec. Ponsonby Rowing Club.

At this morning's sitting of the United Methodist F;ee Church District Meeting, it was reported that the Auxiliary Mis sionary Society had raised during the year the sum of £200. The following were appointed the officers of that Society for the ensuing year : —Treasurer, Rev. B. Fisher ; Secretary, Mr Aulesbrook; Committee, Revs. S. Macfarlane, J. White, E. O. Perry, Messrs Flesher, Cutler, Watßon and John son, a satisfactory report of tho Examina tion Committee was given, and ordered to be printed in the Society's Magiizine. The following were elected as an Examination Committee for the ensuing year:—Keys. S. Macfarlane, J. White, E. O. Perry. A very interesting conversation was held on the Sunday-schools, after which the meeting adjourned until 2 o'clock this afternoon.

Challenges were recently sent by Captain Muir, of the Battery, Dunodin, N.Z., to all the other batteries to fire a carbine match. The highest individual score was that of Captain Muir, of tno Dunedin Battery, with 72 points; the lowest is Gunner Joyce,) of the Invercargill, with 6 points, and to him the nsual wooden spoon will probably be sent. The following are the total scores: —B. (Dunedin) Battery, 617; E. (t'hrisl church), 598; H. (Nelson), 593; D. (Wellington), 590; A. (Auckland), 576; I. (Oamaru), 563; G. (Invercargill), 234; K. (Invercargill), 455; L. (Port Chalmers), 384. The M (Queenstown) did not com pete.

We arc requested to remind runners that 10 o'clock on Saturday night is the latest time for receiving entries for the sports on the cricket ground in connection with the United Friendly Benefit Societies' Demon stration, to be held on Regatta Day. The programme of the different events will be found in last Tuesday's STAR, and they are open to all comers and Friendly Societies' members. The trophies for the different races have been ticketed by the secretary, and can be seen in Mr Cobley's window, Queen-street. As the proceeds are to be divided amongst the different charitablo institutions, it is to be hoped there will be ajlarge number of entries for each event. A large amount of public patronage is also anticipated for so worthy an object.

A meeting of shareholders in the Old Whau Gold Mining Company, whose shares have been forfeited, was to have been held to-day, but owing to the small attendance, it was postponed.

To the Editor : Sir, —He the midsummer holidays, I think it is very strange there has been no complaints about the vacation of five weeka in former years—not six weeks as you erroneously state in your remarks in " Fair Play's " letter. If I am not mis taken "Anti-Holiday" has an orchard, the stripping of which naturally enough seems to trouble him, and owing to the exception ally early fruit season we are having this year the scholars are getting something to do in this line. If lam right in my conjec tures it is very hard jthat our Education Board should be blamed for an early season. —I am, &c, Motive,

The members of the A Battery Artillery underwent their monthly inspection last evening in the Drill-shed, under command of Capt. Payne, Lieut. Norrie, and Major Withers, Inspecting Officer. The attend ance was good, and considerable interest was manifested in the voting for the election of a Sub-Lieut, in the place of Sub-Lieut. Hyde, removed to Wellington. Only two candidates were nominated, viz : Guuner Peace and Serjeant Birnie. The scrutineers were : Dr. Tcnnant, Serjeant Major Ansell, and Gunner Titchener. The result of the voting was 34 for Peace, and 26" for Birnie. The former was therefore declared to be duly elected to the post. Major Burns intimated to the battery that Colonel Whitmore had been appointed Hon. Colonel of the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery,

A. deputation will wait on the Hon. Mr Oliver, Minister of Works, dnriug his visift to urge him to sanction thef a portion of the vote ~foi*!" work* notth wjjM^iickland for the improve-'' irieritjof'^irajMtVoad between the,Nbrth Shord, m Waiti&aW Puhoi, so as icrcom pletecof|ttnni<iffi|ji with, ths North;';'' v,.\ We uS||tstait^|fflat Mr and Mrs* (J. :"0i I Williamso£j intigjmi/to visit New' Zdaland next Marcli, company. 'I}v. j :•; The Orakei Parliament will hold^'another' Session pfjor'.to the Hikurangi meeting4n March, when representatives of all the Northern tribes are expected to attend;

Pastor Chiniquy lectured at Cambridge to a Crowded hotise on the 19th instant.

A meeting of the friends of the Early Closing Was held^ast evening in tfre^vYjbrk iug Men's Club/ Mr Mace presided.' A. good deal of'buisnefcs of a1 rbutine'chlSracter was gone through, aud several now mem bers were added to the list. The next meeting will be held on the 27th inst., at the same time and place.

The Commercial Hotel, Te Awrfmutu, is kept in excellent style by Host Devfn, and offers a comfortable resort for travellers. Te Awamutu is soon to be the terminus of the Waikato Railway, This country round is at the present time well worth inspection. Crops are unusually, good,, feed is most abundant, and the cattle look remarkably well. At the Commercial Hotel saddle horses for ladies and geutlemcli, and traps can be hired, enabling tourists to visit Rangiaowhia, Kihikihi, and other renowned districts in the vicinity. : ! ' '■<■

The Auckland and Otahuhu Cricket match will be played to-morrow afternoon in the Domain ; the Auckland team com prising:—Messrs Beale, Bindon, Browning, Burtt, Cameron, Cotton, Maling, McMurdo, W. Pbilson, Smith,,and Woodhead.

We understand that Colonel Whitmore of the New Zealand Militia has been gazetted Colonel of the N. Z. Regiment of Artillery, and not honorary rank. ~

A correspondent requests to be furnished with the Christian names in full of Mr Layard, British Consul, at Noumea.

Pastor Chiniquy has netted over £33, the proceeds of his, recent addresses at the Thames.

The members aDd friends of the United Methodist Free Church, celebrated the district meeting by a soiree in the school room adjoining the chnpel, Pitt-street, la.st evening, when nearly 200 ladies and gentle men sat down to tea. After the tea a pub lic meeting was held, Mr J. Coupland iv the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. J. Jebson, on the usefulness of women as members of the church. Rev. Mr Red stoue on "The permanency and stability of Christianity;" Rev Mr White, "The Polity of the Church to which wo belong j" and ilev S. Macfarlane, on " The Human Voice." These addresses were very inter esting, and the speakers were at iuterrals relieved by selections of music by the choir, under the skilful leadership^ Mr Gee. Mr Carlaw presiding at the harmonium witli liia usual taste. On the motion of Rev Mr Taylor, seconded by Mr Cole, a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies, chairman, speakers, and choir, and the meeting separated.

To the Editor : Sir,—The chief Sydney newspaper this day to hand, reports pro ceedings concerning tho out country robbers and murderers. A large meeting, headed by a parson, Bentiuieutally spoke out and petitioned for the reprieve of Scott and Kogau, so-called. Oh, oh ! Sydney leadorH, sir, are evidently able men. Tho scamp that shot the Prince was hanged you know ; and, then afterwards was popularly judged. That style is, sir, I asseit, just axactly how properly to do it. Always hang the scoundrels first, say I, and then fanatically

and sentimentally with up-turned eyes judge them in some most enthusiastic roaring meeting. Sydney leaders are evidentally and clearly clever, astute, iu tilligcnt men. Smirking at the petition they hanged the rascals; and we have fanatics in Auckland. But ,novv, sir, to the main point, we could not now possibly do the storekecping or tho banting, if miles out in tho country, unless these dovila do get once fur all a perfect quietness.—l am, &c, W. K. Sadlkk.

The return match between the Auckland United, and North Shore Cricket clubs will take place In the Domain to-morrow after noon. Wickets will l|e pitched at,2 ofclock, and all players' are requested to be punctual. North Shore will be represented by the following :—Burgess (2), Webster, Water house, Swanson, Wynyard (2), Sims, Sibbin (2), and McGechie.

In the October number of the "Popular Science Review," appears an article on the Hot Lakes, entitled "The Geysers, Hot Springs, and Terraces of New Zealand," from the pen of Mr Joshua Martin, of this city, a scholar, who has earned a good re puation by his popular lectures on science. Mr Martin has recently returned from a visit to his native London, and whilst sojourning in the great metropolis, contri buted the excellent scries of sketches of the Hot Lakes to the review in question. Mr Martin has furnished two original maps to tho paper, the lirat showing the active vol canic area of tho North island, and tho second, the sinter terraces, geysers, furua roles, and hot springs on tho eastern shore of Lake Rotomahana. There aro also two accurate photographic views of tho pink and white terraces, with nn analysis, by Profes sor Skey, of the mineral waters of these interesting localities. The paper was written from notes made by actual observation. The article is accurate in description, plea santly'penned, and received the favourable notice of the "Times " newspaper. ( Whilo in London, Mr Martin passed the profes sora' examination, and was elected a Fel low of the Pological Society, and for his efforts in the cause of scientific or practical education, a Fellow of the Society of Arts.

The Parnell and Epsom Cricket Clubs are to play a match to-morrow, should the weather prove favourable. The eleven of the Parnell Club are :—Brook (2), Nairn (2), Colemar, White, George, Brown.^adler, Cromwell, and Whitfiside. A, close game is anticipated. \ t §, "

An important meeting was held in Syd ney on January 14th, for the encourage ment of local indptrios, ■ A Mr Mason, who moVed the' first 'resolution said :—" It was well known that liquors and some other things were taxed beyoud all dealing with, and the consequence would be adul teration, smuggling or less drinking. The next thing was tobacco. It was an indus try, and why should it be taxed, seeing that it required a great deal of skill and time to manufacture, and that the tax would only benefit the foreigner. He could not sco why the smoker or the drinker should boar the whole taxes of the country," A Mr Luscombe, the next speaker, re marked that the men from whom they should squeeze the taxes they required, should be those who were making enormous profits in the country—absentees who drew their forty or lifty thousand a year from the colony, and the owners of hundreds of thousands of acres. Some time ago, too, Mr Olerenshaw had started the manufac ture of a kiud of quilt hats, and employed 40 or 50 young women to make them. What was the result? The merchants imported thousands of hats of the same pattern, and Mr Vicars had to shut up. They would then have sugar plantations, and confectionery and rope manufactured in the colony, and these things would be imported to the detriment of the people. Were they not aware that America was able to manufacture for some 50,000,000 of people, and also send £2,000,000 Worth of manufactured articles to England. [A voice : And three quarters of a million to New South Wales]. Suppose all that money had been spent amongst themselves in wages, what good would it have done? Would it not have added greatly to our prosperity ? He read an abstract from one of tho newspapers, which showed that there were now 1,900 men in America working night and day manufacturing locomotives for the New South Wales Government, and that a factory could turn out at tho rate of eight a woek. Those should have been made here. Mr Dalvern pointed out that New South Wales tin was " sr.nt to England in blocks, and returned to tho colony in sheets, the cost of the labour of that operation being taken out of the colony. So with our wool; it was sent homo and returned to the colony in tho_ shape of shoddy blankets, whilst we were in a position, if the Government would do what was right and just, to supply tho whole of England with that article of good quality. There was no part of Great Britain in whjcbwecould land our goods without pay ing,atariff. 'fallow wndwool wore wanted at homo; arid' they paid for them. But our wines, when they went into itngland, were taxed at 2s a gallon, whilst France was able to send hers there at a tariff of lSi The silver of the country was used everywhere, and we had artisans equal to any in the world." . ~,!.,, .'■■ ~

The return match between Itlic: West End 2nd eleven and the Carleton C,C. ; takes place in the Domain grounds to-morrow afternoon. The secretaries have looked up their best men in hopes of scoring a win. The following' names will represent the respective clubs:—West End: Messrs Waymouth, Isaac, Banna, Cotter, Spry, Anderson, Woods, Burke, T,aylor, Buttle, and Bennett; emergency,' . yooper ' and Baker. Carlton: Messrs Cdbjk, McCor mack, Hill, Mogienie, Done, Gatland, Ellis (2), Mears, Ripley, and Holdship; emergency, Stone,, ~,(,.. S;jV , JV ■ , ...^ _

Mr McDonald, Mr J. C. Williamson's attorney and agent in New Zealand, arrived by the Hflwea this morning, for the purpose ;of taking legal action to assert the right of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan and J. C. Wil liamson, to the sole production of H. M. Pinafore in the colonies. Mr McDonald succeeded in Dunedin in obtaining an in junction from the Supreme Court restrain ing the performance of the Opera. An injunction was also granted in Sydney against Messrs Kelly and Leon, who sub sequently paid £500 and costs to settle the claim for damages. Mr Williamson has no objection to the performance of the Opera, if permission is first obtained and authors' fees paid. We learn that an injunction will be applied for immediately in Auckland.

Professor Fraser will repeat his lecture, with diagrams and illustrations, on the "Living Temple" this eveniug in the Masonic Hall, Onehunga.

ThS Oriental Exhibition is announced to open at Cambridge on January 31st for three nights.

A public temperance meeting will be held this evening in the school-room of the United Methodist community, at 7.30. Ad dresses by Keys. Messrs Macfarlane, Ked stone, and Hodgson. Musical selections by the choir.

THEATRE ROYAL.

" H.M.S. Pinafoke" was repeated at uhe Theatre last night to an excellent house. The singing, as a whole, was admirably executed, and the frolicsome1 spirit of the libretto was entered into con amors, Miss Hunter, Mr Love, and Mr Leopold, were particularly good in their acting and by play, while Miss Leaf, Mios Heath, and Messrs Grain, Harding, and Eiccardi carried off the honours in the interpretation of the delightful music. The work has never bcfoie been so effectively and ade quately presented in Auckland, and all lovers of the lyiic drama should therefoic not miss the opportunity of seeing _ it. It has been carefully rehearsed, and is now produced with an attention to detail that should command the public patronage. The programme will be repeated to-night.

THE MAMMOTH MINSTRELS.

These deservedly popular Minstrels will commence their merry season this evening in the Lome-street Hall. The Minstrels ore not strangers to the public of Auckland, their abilities are known to us, and their voices have often charmed the senses of hundreds in our public halls. Hence a lengthened preliminary notice is unneces sary in respect of the Mammoth Minstrels, who have achieved a high colonial reputa tion. The programme for this evening pro mises a series of sentimental and comic ballads, new specialities, solos and quar tettes, darkie sketches, and several novel ties of a laughable and exhilarating nature.

St. Sepulchre's.

Thk annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Sepulchre's Episcopalian was held last evening in the Sunday-school room beneath the Church, the Rev B. T. Dudley in the chair. Tho annual leport showed that the ordinary revenue of the church had largely increased, and that all engagements had been met; the bonded debt of the church being reduced to £281 17s. On the whole revenue of the church there had been a decrease of nearly £GOO. The total cost of the site for the new church at Kyber Pass was £1,305 14s 4d paid out of the Church Extension Fund, and the cost of the new church would be £2,500. The balance in possession of tho building fund was JE253 1h (id, and £315 more was promised. In addition to this four persons had guaranteed £150, payable when the building began, .on the uiulcrstundiug that at least £1,500 is pre mised bcforeaeomnienceinentif) made. ThL' meant that £782 more must be guaranteed. In conclusion the vestry appealed to the parishioners to make united and self sacrificing efforts to build a central church tor tho parish. Mr Garlick tuen read the statement of accounts, which showed a balance of £9 to the credit of the Parish Church Fund, with a debit balance of £249 of liabilities, a balance of £253 at the credit of the new building fund ; school building fund, a balance of £143; Sunday-school fund, credit balance, £14; parish alms receipts, £15 6s Id; country districts account, credit balance, £9 15s 7d; Epiphauy Mission Church receipts, £153 7s i)d ; balance in Treasurer's hands, 9s; the St. Luke's Church receipts, £90 12s Gil ; balance iv Treasurer's hands, £3 7s 7ci ; St. Barnabas's receipts, £991Gs sd; liabili ties, £16111s Id ; expenditure was £85756 d; Whau church receipts, £48 6s 3d, deficit £8 lb'sSd. Mr Garland moved,and Mr E.B. Dick son seconded the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which whs agreed to. Mr U. Harper was nominated minister's church warden, Mr H. E. Williams elected people's churchwarden, and the following veatry ap pointed : Messrs Batger, G. P. Pierce, All wright, Garland, Hales, C. S. George. F. G. Kwington, E. B. Dickson, Cooper, and Adlutn. Messrs H. White and Durrieu wero re-elected auditors. On tho motion of Mr George it was agreed that additions should be made to the Sunday-school build in;,'. Attention was called to the miscon duct of boys at the church door. It was nr rnnged that a canvas should be made for subscriptions towards the new building fund. Votes of thanks to tho retiring oHico-bcarcrs and the Chairman, terminated the mooting.

TRINITY SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

Tub annual Sunday-school festival took place yesterday on the Lake Takapuna Shore. It was the intention of the teachers that they nhould proceed to Tamaki, but the weather and wind being favourable, they changed their minds and selected tho shady nooks of fair Takapuna. About 300 people, including teachers and Sunday school children, went by tbep.s, Takapuna (Capt. Clark), which was chartered for the 'occasion. Many also went by pulling and sailing boats, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the trip down. Tho steamer left the North Shore at 10 minutes past 9 a.m., and arrived at the Lake at 10. The tirlo being favourable, the steamer was brought close up to the rock, and the people landed by stage. D urinjj the day the children amnsod themselves with foot races, scrambles, cricket, rounders, boating, bathing, swings, and various other games. The provisions were provided by Messrs Duder and Mays, besides a great many ladies, who gratu itously helped to distribute the various re freshments to tho wants of the childreu. The Bey Joseph Bates took a very-active part in the proceedings in joining tho children in their various games- To tho teachers also great credit is duo for the manner in which they took care of their pupils. Not a single accident occurred durirjg the day. 'iho steamer left at 7 o'clock, and arrived at the North Shore at 8 p.m. Singing was kept up during the homeward trip with spirit, and the parents and children seemed highly pleased with their day's enjoyment.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

The ordinary weekly meeting of the Board of Education was held this afternoon, there being present—Messrs J. M. Clark (chair man), F. L. Prime, J. May, S. Luke, W. P. Moat, J. M. Dargaviile, and Colonel Haultain. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The report of this committee contained two recommendations, viz. :—(1) That tho Board should authorise the erection of a new school building conditionally upon a site of three acres being obtained and vested in the Board. (21 That tho committee having carefully considered the question of a now scale of teachers' salaries recommend for adoption the draft scale marked A. The necessary premises to the Girls' High School had been authorised.

The Chairman in presenting scale Ato the Board, said that it increased the amount of teachcra'salaries by £3025 which, taking the pross income and expenditure of tho Board would cause an annual deficit of of £1105. Tho avarage attcudance, how ever, might be expected to increase con siderably—certainly not less than 200, and probably more. The estimate of average attendance altered by 200 would add £750 more to_ the ordinary revenue without augmenting the expense?, thus having a permanent deficit of £755, to meet which the Board would have a sum of £2000, viz., £1000 balance now, and something like £1000 which would be available in con nection with the Training Classes. The scale was adopted along with the Com mittee.'s report. NIGHT SCHOOLS. The secretary laid on the table a report prepared at the request of the Minister for Education and giving statistical information with regard to night schools. WAITAKEKEI. An application for the erection of a school building in this district was deferred for further consideration. THE NEAV BOARD. The sth of March was fixed as the date upon which the new Board should be elected.

All Spanish officers are to contribute one clay's pay to the relief of the sufferers by floods in Murcia.

CABLE NEWS.

PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.

EUROPEAN.

The Wool Sales. LONDON. January 22. At the forthcoming wool sales at least 250,000 bales will be offered. German Polynesian Scheme. LONDON. January 22. The shares in the new Polynesian Company, to take up the business of Goddefroy and Sons, are being eage-rly taken up in Germany, but in Hamburg speculators hold aloof. The "Wool Market. LONDON. January 22. The wool Bales commence on the 17th February. Arrived to date, 46,099 bales. Irish Belief Fund- NEW YOfLK. January 21. A resolution to vote the Irish dis tress half a million of dollars by Con gress has been referred to a committee. Cardinal McCloskey's enthusiastic support of Parnell gives umbrage at the Vatican. TkQ Tuxkestaa War. LONDON. January 21. The " Standard " states that the cap ture of Chikishlar by the Turcomans is confirmed. The Afghan "War. 20,000 Ghilzais Advancing on Cabtd. ■ LONDON. January 22. The situation in Afghanistan is still critical. A body of twenty thousand Ghilzais, the hill tribes, is advancing on Cabul. Hostility is also spreading in other parts of Afghanistan. Disraeli Suffering From Bronchitis. LONDON. January 22. The Earl of Beaconsfield is suffering from an attack of bronchitis. Terrible Explosion at Hanley.

150 Miners Killed. LONDON.

January 22. A terrible explosion has occurred at the Hanley coal pita, Newcastle-under- Lyme, Staffordshire. One hundred and fifty miners were killed. German Penal Colony. LONDON. January 21. A " Times " Berlin tolegram states that the Minister of State has been informed that the Saxon Chambers of the Federal Council are discussing a project to found a convict colony in the Pacific, but that it is still undecided. The telegram adds that Bismarck supports the Polynesia Company no further than this. The Postal Bates. LONDON. January 21. The Agents-General have petitioned the British Government to consent to a sixpenny Brindisi rate. Mr Russell Lowell, tho American Minister at tho British Court, refuses to grant special postal rates for the Orient Company. ■ ♦- ■

LONDON.

IKEUTKE'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS. I

January as. The Home Bulers. A large meeting of Home rulers has been held, at which on the motion of Donoghuc, a vote of sympathy was passed with the Irish peasantry in their distress and their resistance to the landlords. Their Attitude in Parlia ment. A resolution was adopted at the snmc meeting binding the Home Rulers to main tain an independent attitude in Parliament Affghsns again Threatening Cabul. LONDON. January 22. The " Daily News " to-day publishes a telegram from Afghanistan stating that Mahomed Jan has gathered a large force and is now threatening tho British position in and around Cabul. Colliery Explosion. LONDON. January 21. A terrible explosion occurred to-day at Leycett colliery, Staffordshire; 79 miners were killed. Money Market. LONDON. January 21. Five per cent. Now Zealand 101 40 Loan is quoted at 1021. The new Loan is lO3|. . The 3 per cent consols are quoted at 975. Commercial. Adelaide wheat, 58a 6d; Adelaide flour, unchanged. Australian tallows show a further decline. Best beef has been sold at 35s 6d; mutton, at 395. The metal market is strong. The "Wool Sales. LONDON. January 21. Tho next series of wool auction sales is fixed for the 17th February. Tho arrivals to date arcount to 50,000 bales. The total probable quantity to be offered, including that left over from tho last auctions is 250,000 bales. The quantity of new arrivals to be included in the sales has been re stricted by the importers' committee to 250,000 bales. I ♦

AUSTRALIAN.

[KEUTEK'S SPECIAL CABLE GRAMS.J MELBOURNE. Friday. Disgraceful Scene in the Victorian Assembly. There was an unexampled scene in the Assembly last night, when strangers were again excluded, and during that time a violent personal assault was made by Mr Fergueson on Mr Mcfntyre. MELBOURNE. January 22. Parliament met on Tuesday, and there was a scene of continuous excitement in the Assembly last night. Strangers were again excluded. KING GEORGE'S SOUND. January 22. Arrived: The P. and O. Company's steamship Assam, with inward (December) Suez mails. SYDNEY. January 22, A meeting will be held at Newcastle to morrow to consider means of alleviating the distress existing amongst the miners in the district. BusJiranging- An attempt was made to-day by a mounted man to bail up some Chinese Jiving near Gundagai. The matter was reported to the police, who are now ia pursuit of the supposed bushranger. Arrived : Ringarooma, from New Zea land.

Lack of money in the San Francisco school fund compels teachers to discount their pay warrants. Mr. Knoch Arden, mariner, must have been afflicted with catarrh when he moaned on the desert isle, "Nose ail from day to day."

The Humours of War in Europe.

[By an Ex-officer of the German Army.]

More and more threatening the spectre of a European war appears to rise on the politi cal horizon, nearer and nearer approach the dark clouds announcing the thunderstorm, and already the alarmists triumph who prophesied since 1871 that without a new devastating war no peace would be estab lished in Europe. Already the telegraph announces the concentration of strong Rus sian forces near the German-Austrian frontiers; already we receive communica tions about French preparations for war, about arming the German fortresses, in creasing the strength of the German artil lery ; and for timid minds the war, with its train of misery and distress, seems already to be inevitable. "We would advi«e that all alarming news should be received with reservation, or at any rate, the evilconse quences not considered as unavoidable. In trying to show the news in the most favourable light, we leave readers to approve or not of our opinion. At the outset we do not believe that France is already arming. A power really intending to surprise its neighbour will never make the preparations so openly that the newspapers can announce tliem_ to the whole world. Moreover, the continental powers do not require any preparations for war, all their military arrangements being calculated so perfectly that in the shortest time millions of soldiers will stand in the field. Further, such preliminary steps cannot be taken without the per mission of the Legislatures, aimply be cause they are very expensive. Therefore, we do not as yet believe in the rumour of French or Austrian preparations for war. The fact that Russia, as it is said, has 350,000 men in Poland is not necessarily a demonstration against Austria. It can be explained by the fact that Russia, being compelled by the terms of the Berlin Treaty to withdraw all her troops from Roumelia and Bulgaria within the last few months, has sent a great portion of them to Poland, in order to repress the rebellious agitations of the Poles and the Nihilistic disturbances, the dangerous tendency ot which is shown of late in attempts; on the Emperor's life. Besides, these 350,000 men are most {probably not cencentrated in one spot, but distributed over the whole country, which already before wa3 gar risoned by more than 200,000 men. The increase of strength of the German Artil lery was commenced three years ago, and the means for the perfection of the fortresses on the eastern frontier were granted in 1874. Such expensive and important alterations cannot be improvised a few days before the outbreak of a war. Likewise what is said about French military prepara tions is nothing but the natural consequence of the re-organization of the French army, which has been going on now for more than six years.

Moreover, a real pretext for a war is want ing at present, for the Austrian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovinia took place a long time ago, with the approval of Russia, and the determination of Austria to have a strategic railway with regard to Servia does not seem to us to be a likely reason for a war. We resist, as long as .possible, the thought that a Sovereign or a nation should be so blinded as to load itself with the re sponsibility of the dreadful confequences tbat would follow in the train of such a European war. We must remember that the Emperor of Germany is an old man of 83 years, whose health is severely shaken by lato trials; that the Emperor of Russia is a Prince tired of his life and given to melancholy; that the Emperor of Austria is also no young man, and besides cautioned by former ill-success in war, and that finally, France, in consequence of her interior unsettled relations, ought ODly to wish for peace. It certainly is true, that such considerations cannot be trusted too much, for history shows numerous instances of Jmore unlikely wars, and the policy of the Governments, the wishes and inclinations of the nations, are incalculable, and do nos always follow wise and quiet reflections. We can only give expression to our wish, that, Providence may lead the sovereigns and nations of Europe to the right road, for if now the spark should fall into the pow der-barrel, and the grand powers of Europe should go to war, then our age shall wit ness such a formidable fight as the world has never seen before. Our iron age has changed the nations of Europe into gigantic armies, has brought the engines for the de struction of human life to au incredible per fection, and has exhausted all skill of the human mind, all powers of science, to in vent new weapons for the pitiless demon of war ; so that millions may yet be added to the hundreds of thousands who fell victims to fahe perceptions of national interests. But, although wishing to deny the pro bability, not being able to gainsay the possibility of an impending war, we shall now try to coLsider, how, in human judging, lie the chances of the parties concerned ; what means are at their disposal ; what hopes of success they may have; and how the events will happen. Let us think our selves in the study of Count Moltke, or suppose ourselves to be present at a council of war held by the Duke of Cambridge, and let us try to relate how professional meu judge the situation of Europe. If the peace should be disturbed Russia only will disturb it, because she finds her conquests in Turkey endangered by Austrian and English demands; she hates Germany, see ing that this power supports them, and she hopes to divert by a war—her internal revolutionary troubles. Russia's ally, if the war is opened against Germany, will be France; Germany's ally, according" to recent treaties, Austria, eventually England. So we have on the one side Germany, Austria, and perhaps England; on the other Russia and France. Let us compare their strength : — ,

The German army counts, after the lists for 1579 ---652,000 men, active, 551,000 men, reserve. 1,233,000 men, of which are 114,000 men cavalry, and 2,560 guns, 33 fortresses protect her frontier, . . her navy contains 36 vessels, among which 12 first-class iron clads. The Austro-Hungarian army counts— SOO.OOO men, active, 405,000 menj reserve. 1,205,000 men, among which are 84,000 men cavalry, aud 2,280 guns ; her fleet has 41 shipn, among which 14 ironclads. France can place in the held— 750,000 men, amide active, 500,000 men. reserve, 732,000 men a disposition. 1,591,000 men, among which 122,000 men r cavalry, and 3,100 guns. Sho has 58 fortresses, 50 fortified places, and her navy comprises 101 vessels of war, of which about 21 arc ironclads. Russia has— 950.000 men, active 620,000 mot), regular reserves 400,000 men, irregular reserves 2,000,000 men, with innumerable cavalry and about 2,500 guns. Her navy is numerous, but mostly old-fashioned.

England we compute to be able to place on a European battle-field about SO.OOO men, but her most powertul and numerous navy restores the balance.

Therefore, in the commencement of a war, there would stand against each other— 2,475,000 Germans and Austro-Hungarians (eventually 80,000 men more) against 3,591,000 Russians and Frenchmen.

The meqnality of this account will be equalised by the fact that the military pre ponderance and experience lies undoubtedly on the first mentioned side. Whilst the figures mentioned for Kussia show a great number of men, how about their training and maintenance, and whence the officers, guns ammunition, and—the money ? These are impor taut questions. Also the 732,000 men "a disposition^mentionedunder the strength of the French army, are quite untrained aud have never carried a rifle, whilst the German and Austrian armies place only highly trained men into the field. Till now we have not alloted to England a decided part, as she herself has not decided yet, but there cannot be a doubt, England will never side with Kussia, as all her interests lie on the German-Austrian side, and therefore, an alliance of these three powers has been already talked about. To remain neutral in such a war would be impossible for Eng land, as the guarantees, she entered into in lurkey and Asia Minor, will form a main object of the war, it it should break out. Having now reviewed the probable com batants and their relative strength, I shall in anothei article discuss the course such a war, if begun, would probably take. Miles.

The bale of cotton donated for the benefit or the orphans of Gen. Hood was sold and S5 S ™ S^ Vu elal -times at H°uston, realizing $1,000. Then it was shipped to Waco. Minister Kasson will soon go to Bucharest to formally recognize the independence of Koumama and establish diplomatic relations between that country and the United States.

TELEGRAPHIC.

UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION

HAMILTON, this day ROTOKUA ROAD.

Yesterday Captain Dawson (Mayor o f Hamilton), J. B. Whyte (member for Wai kafco), and James Stewart (Dise-ict Engineer) proceeded to the Rotorua K oa d Mr Whyte will pnint out to Mr Stewrrt the desired route of the next section to be con structed. DISTRIBUTION OF FISH. J. C. Firth passed thronsrh Hamilton on his returnitoin the great fish distribution expedition. The Acclimatisation Society should forward fish to be liberated in the numerous Ohaupo lakes, where they would ultimately afford good sport for the Auck land and Waikato public. THAMES, Thursday. It is expected that £150 will be subscribed here towards the Irish Relief Fund. The Native Assessor, W. H. Taipari, bag been reduced from £250 per annum to £100 and several assessors and native policemc-r' have been dismissed from pay. >. o altera'. tions have been made in the Land Depart! ment yet, but they are expected. WELLINGTON, this day. A large sperm whale was washed in the harbour this morning. GAMBLING. A young man named Fredk. Buckley was sentenced to four weeks imprisonm'eut for playing under and over in a public place and several others are detained in custody on suspicion of having false dice etc. in their possession. WELLINGTON REGATTA. Wellington beat Wanganui m the in rigged race by four lengths. In the outrigger race, rowed to-day Wellington and Wanganui started, The former won by thirty lengths. The Volunteer Whale Boat Race this morning was a most exciting one, tlio Wauganui Fire Brigade haviDg a lead of about half a length of Wellington Nava Brigade which they maintained throughout. It was the most interesting race witnessed here.

CHRiSTCHURCH, Thureday. Captain Craig, of the (Jhristchurch Artil. | lery, has potted a challenge to all the batterieß in New Zealand who competed in * the recent contest, to lire a match duriji" v the first week in February. Leur's s;iw-mil! at Oxford, with maclii. . nery, and 80,000 feet of timber were burnt this morning. The fire is supposed to have ' been caused by a spark getting into (lie ' sawdust and smouldering during the night. The loss is £850. It is insured for £400 in . the South British. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. In the Ashley district, reaping is in full 1 swing, and with good weather the end of the week will see a large proportion of the v crops cut.

There was an interview between a de putation of the Anglers Society, and the Acclimitization Council yesterday, with ro-« • ference to cross dining and illegal fishing, , now carried on in the Avon, which resulted in a sub-committee from each body being appointed to draw draft regulations foj 9 river fishings, which the Council recommends .! the Government to proclaim. O.a there commendation of Dr. Hector, the whitefisa fry are to be kept iv races at. the Acclimiti. zation Society's grounds for some weeks ■; before being forwarded to Lake Coleridge. *

TIMARU, Thirsday. The ratepayers of Timaru borough have decided to-day, by 304 to 61, to raise the £60,000 loan for the waterworks. - -

: . ______ 5 ...',.:■ DUNKDIN, Thursday, i The Bible-reading in Schools Committee has been re-appointed. The Rev. Dr ' Stuart has been appointed Commissioner to ( the Presbyterian Council, to be held at I Philadelphia in July next. The Revs. J. K. Cley, W. A. Grei<?, and M. A. Keiae are to represent the Synod at the next -i meeting of the General assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Auckland, and the Revs. W. Bannetman and "\V. Will are to attend the_ Presbyterian Conference at Melbourne in November next. A case of an unusual nature occurred at to-day's sitting of the District Court. The jury serving on it positively declined to bring > ia v verdict in accoidance with the Judge's ruling. The case was Maurice Saundell v. the New. Zealaud Insurauce Company, claim T £200, on a policy of insurance. Tho Judge ', directed the jury to find for the defendant, ■' . but they found for the plaintiff for tho | amount claimed. This day. BANKRUPTCIES. M Six insolvencies were filed this -week * including Simeon Isaacs, publican, DunediD, ; liabilities, £3162; assets; £2440. '~ Captain Penrice, of the Comrade, died on the passage, ,• ■ ■ • <; RAILWAY HEADQUARTERS. The papers are authorised to state tbat the question of the railway headquarters ... has been decided by the Government. Mr Conyers will come back to Dunediu. Otago .: railway work will be executed at Hillside ' workshops, which are to be repaired, and ; refitted for that purpose. The Addingtoa ' workshops are to be fitted, and the work for the Christc'flurch section will be done there. The Government intend to make- ; the Dunediu station as complete and as convenient as the Christchurch one is at present. MISSING MEN T. A skeleton hns been found at the bead of Bau nock burn Creek, and from the papers found in the clothes was identified as tbat oE McKcuwn, miner, who whs missed during the suow storm three .year* ago, Hugh Bell, au old resident of B nn>'ckburD, is missing, and is supposed to have been drowned in crossing the river to his fans. There is a good deal of speculation to Macetown reels. Shares in the Tipperaiy and Gladstone scrip are changing hands lit £25 to £30 & share. UNSE A WORTHY VESSEL. Captain Russell of the Underwritera' Association, surveyors, says the Speedwell is the worst case of unseaworthiness1 thai ever came under his notice.. The Marine Department casts the entire responsibility n the Government officers.

PORT CHALMERS, this day

ARRIVAL OF AN ENGLISH SHIP.

Arrived: Comrade, phip.ffrom London, after a passage of 75 day^froai land to laud. She encountered a te^^o hurricane oil January 15th, when a terrible sea broke on board, filled the decks, smashed Dotu cutters, and struck the foresail and tore it to ribbons. Captain Genetid died from chronic bronchitis. The body was preserved in lead and is still on board for conveyance to England. 1

Regatta Notes.

In the event of the amateur rowing races not taking place, the Auckland Bowing : Club have arranged to compete on Hegatta, t, Day for various club prizes. The races will be started in heats at the bonrs tod on the programme i for the Kowing Club gig contests. This'will doubtless prevent any disappointment on the part of the public if thejjother rowing races should fall through. x-i The cutter Paku, now on her way to Tairua, is expected back in harbour before the 29th, and should she get here in time, she will be entered for the cutter race. The schooner Caledonia is now in tw j Graving Dock, where her bottom is being cleaned and copper repaired. She is being prepared to compete in the first race. ', It is not definitely known whether or not > ! the Naval Brigade pinnace will be entered in the race for yachts—from six to fifteen tons. The matter will be discussed at a nieetirjg of the Naval Brigade to-night, ana as the boat has hitherto been looked op°tt as a certain competitor, it is to be nope" that she will not be kept out of the race; this year. >' . I It is just possible that the Thames Naval Brigade boat will be entered for the larger yacht race. , ■' A large half-decked boat arrived to-d^n; from Tauranga, via Miranda. She was built by Mr Savage, is owned by sevf" natives, and called the No Name, one aw won several races at Tauranga, and "ysS the intention of the owners to enter her » one of the yacht races. , m An open boat named the Little Nell, txom Coromandel, and owned by Mr Lowden, » now in harbour. If a race is made for ssu ing boats under 20ft, she will competeu""

Spain is to dispatch additional reinforce ments to Cuba immediately. _, . Jacob Abbot, the autber. died at iarmm. ton, Me., aged 76 years. l.imed General Salomon has been proclaim ■ President of the Bepublic of Hay U. , An epidemic typhoid fever and mess* prevails at Cape Clear, Ireland. t : A Railroad is to be built between 68°' Bardara and Newhall, 80 miles. An old mining town, hitherto unknm to the white?, has been discovered in **.-j Z°The French Government will n°*^S"?jj Methodist minis^ to preach to fbeßOicu ,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1880.



~\/jT ILN is & pHOYCE Have now on view a Complete Assortment of tho most beautiful SPRING GOODS of every description, from the best Homo maiKets. MILLINKRY, in Paris and English STRAW GOOJM, FLOWISRS, FKATHERS VISITKS and MANTLES, in Silk and Cash mere JACKETS, ia Coloured Summer Cloth OLIVIAS, in Cashmere, Silk, &,o. CHILDREN'S HUH , in Cotton, Lisle, and Silk LAWNS' liO^E, in Cotton, Lisle, and Siltc I'ARACHUTWS, UMBRELLAS, RIBBONS KID GLOVK^, Black, White, and Coloured, 1,2,1, and 6 button UNDKKSSED KID GLOVES, 2 and 4 button. An Immense Stock ot DRKSSGOODS.in all the newest and most tashiontiblo styles and texjaros, all marked exceedingly moderato. BABY LINKN, CUILUKEN'3 AND LADIES' UNDERCLOTHING, in great variety. boys' [Knickerbockers, hosiery, hats, collaks, etc. A Complete Assortment of Calicos, Flannels, Linens, &c. dkkssJand mantle-making on the premises, F vo per Cent, Discount allowed for Cash. MILNE & CIIOY CE, UUEAI'^IDE HOUSE.



Special Advertisements. g T 6 C K^_T_A K-I^-N G. -[BARGAINS!}- ~') ■y^TILLIAM "DATTRAY, '//\ In preparation for Stock-taking, has REDUCED the PRICES of his Large Stock of SUMMER COSTUMES, SILK JACKETS, SUMMER SKIRTS, & PINAFORES, which he is now offering at such prices aa must effect a Speedy Clearance. SILK JACKETS, _, Reduced from 573 61 to 35s Ditto Reduced from £5 108 to £4 4s Ditto Reduced from £1010s to £7 SUMMER CO3TUMES, Reduced from 17s Gd to 10s Od Ditto Reduced from 27s Cd to 19s 6d Ditto Reduced from 42-i to 30s Ditto Reduced from £5 to £3 7s 6d SUMMER SKIRTS. Reduced f/om 7s 6d to 3s Ditto Reduced from 9s 6d to 6s 6d Ditto Reduced from 12s 6d to 8s 6d PINAFORES, Reduced from 7a 6d to Is 6d AT W. RATTRAY'S COSTUME, MANTLE, MILLINERY, AND General Drapery Establishment, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 66, Queen Street, Auckland (Opposite the Bank of New Zealand). RiO- OPERATIVE PRICES FOR CASH. CO-OPERATIVE PRICES AND QUICK SALE. CO-OPERATIVE PRICES A PUBLIC BENEFIT. We are.Selling the Cheapest DRESS GOODS We are Selling PRINTS and CALICOS at a Small Advance on Cost. MANCHE3TEB GOODS MILLINERY UNDERCLOTHING Men's and Boys' Clothing At Co-operative Prices. FOR CASH ONLY. ILLUSTRATIVE LINES OF PRICES SHOWING Advantages Gained by Supporting THE PURE CASH SYSTEM. GARLICK & CrInWELL Are Selling Two, three, and four-button Kid Gloves at 2s 6d, 2s 9d, 3s. "Silver Bell" Glove Fitting Corsets, at 2s 6d Wool Damaaks, 3s 6d and 3s 9d per yard Silk Umbrellas (Paragon Frame), 6s 6d Fast-Colour Prints, GJd per yard Brown Hollands, from 5d upwards Cambric Handkerchiefs, 4a per dozen Silk Embroidered Scarfs, 9d, lOd, and la 3d Blu9 Diagonal Coats, 12a 6d (half-price) Lace Curtains, 3s 6d, 4s lid, Gs lid, upwards. ]?• C-* S« We have adopted the Pure Cash System for the following reasons:— I.—lt is fairest to both bnyer and seller, be caase, by avoiding bad debts, our Cash Customers will not have to make good the losses occasioned by defaulters, and the Quick Cash Returns will enable us, as Sellers, to buy more extensively, and take full advantage of cash discounts, in which gain our cuetomors will parti cipate. 2. The increased business which mnst follow consequent on selling eoods at a small advance on cost, will give our customers tho same advantago as though they wero shareholders In a Co-operative Society. 3. Our patrons will always have a large, fresh, and well-assorted Stock to select from. BUY YOUR DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FROM GrARLICK & CrANWELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, QUEKN STREET AND LORNE STREET. OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND FACTOEY. CLOTHING Established for the Manufacture and Sale of Colonial-made CLOTHING, situate two doors below Messrs. B. Tonka and Co.'a Auction Mart, Queen street. J. B. ROBINSON,' In connection with the above, respectfully an nounces the arrival of his second shipment of Geelong and MosgieliTWEhDS and Melbourne made CLOTHING, comprising all tho latest Styles and Shapes in MEN'S, YOUTHS' and BOYS" CLOTHING, suitable for tho summer season. These goods ho will guaranteo of the most superior quality and workmanship, being made from the purest Colonial Wools, and manufactured to his own special contract. J. B. R~O BIN SO N Notifies with satisfaction tho unqualified success of his TAILORING DEPARTMENT which, he is glad to say, has exceeded his most stnguine expectations, and, with a view of fos tering and encouraging New Zealand Industries as much as lies in his power, he has engaged an additional staff of bands for the cole manufao ture of MOSGIEL TWEEDS, and with the continued 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. ROBINS3ON Invites special attention to the following GOODS:— 250 pairs Men's Geelong Tweed Trousers and Vests at 21s: the bast value in the country 140 Boys' and Youths' Fancy Check Geelong Tweed Suits: extra quality 100 Men's Black and Blue Worsted Paetet Coats and Vests to match; very superior Also, 3 cases of Boys' Knicker Suits, with Plaited Tunic and Belts; beautiful goods and very cheap 5 cases China Silk Helmets, of tho best Quality, Now being sold at 4s 6d Also, A parcel of Hoys', Youths' and Men's Alpaca Jackets, from as 6d. J. B. ROBINSON Thanks his Friends and tho Public for the generous and liberal patronage accorded to him since opening the Auckland Clothing Factory, and, as it will always bo his prinoiplo in Busi ness to Sell the BKST GOODB at the smallest POBBIBLK HEMONERATIVE PRICES, hOPOS to retain tho confidence of his friends and the inhabitants of the Provincial District of Auck land in general. f~ Pleask Note the Address— A UCKLAND /CLOTHING IXjiACTORY. (Next Messrs. Tonks & Co.'s Auction Mart), QUEEN-STRKKT. Auckland. A FEW GOOD REASONS FOR MAKING YOUR PURCHASES AT THB ■pj-EW QLOTHING TjiACTORY. The Materials are manufactured In Now Zealand. The Garments ara made in New Zealand. The Money js expended in New Zealand. The Stock to eelert from is the largest in Nnw Zealand. Tho Cut and Trimmings are equal to bespoke. The^ricgSy^^corisidoring tho quality and finish, are lower than those of any other house in New Zealand. And notwithstanding the extra tariff just imposed in New Zealand, there is t3T NO ADVANCE IN PRICES! You can still purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICK FROM THE IS ew Zealand Clothing i 1 ACTORY. Auckland Retail Bhancii : Q U E X N - S T R■ E |E T. Opposite.Theatre RoyaL <



Special Advertisements*. QU R WllE AT O ALE OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, AND SHIRTS, IcOMMENCES THIS EVENING. ——— All the New Shipments recently received will be sold at SALE t> RICES. ALB XRICES. J. COSGRAtE & CO. "ESTABLISHED 185 5. xn CHEAPEST BEST HOUSE £! QUALITY © IN M;AC|HINES THE] TRADE. g ONLY' !zi W WTX QHAKESPEAR&I^O,, • XX* K5 Vj 246, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. established 1865. |^ X A N A Z I. JUST OPENED BY J^ JjINABURY & QO. 1 Case French' MILLINERY, BONNETS, 1 Csuperb Roods, to be sold cheap 1 Case Ladles' TRIMMED HAT 3 1 Case Children's PIN AFORKS, DRESIKS, and BLOUSES, the Largest and Choicest Stock in tho City 1 Case Ladies' Galatea, Stripe, and Cold Lustre COSTUMES 1 Case Ladies' Cambrio and Print Mourn ing Wrappers, from Ss 6d each—6o uer cent cheaper than ever sold in Auckland before 3lCases FANCY GOODS, comprising all the Novelties of the Season. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. A. LI N A BUR V & CO., 204 AND 206. QUKKN-STREET.