SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TTfWHT tp" a w^r \ This livening, 1.53 HISH WATKrf] Tomorrow Morning 520 BUN SRT.—This Kveniinß, 7.11 BJN RISE.—To-Morrow Morning. 5.13 MOON'S AGK.-Full Moon, 27th, 9.51 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-OAY. Tona, s.i, Stcpttcnßon. from Russell Columbia, echooncr, Collings, from Bussoll Fairy, schooner, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Glonolg, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Melbourne, via South,—Tararua, Thursday London - Fernglea (loading). Tauranga—Glonelg, Wednesday For Now Plymouth and Southern Port 3 — Waitald, Wednesday For Russell—lona, Monday ; Tararua, Monday For TiHiranga and Southern Ports — Hawea, Monday Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays ; Anne -Milbank, Mondays and Thursdays, Lovuka—Meg Merriltcs, Tuesday evening

VESSELS EXPECTED. Rismarck, H.1.G.M.5., from Samoa Hero, b s., from Sydney and Melbourne, 30th City of Sydnoy, from Sydney, February 3rd Earl Granvillo, ship, from London; 'sailed No vember 29 Agate, barque, from New York; sailed Septem ber 23rd British Empire, ship, from London ; sailed Bth November Elinor Vernon, barque, from New York; sailed 10ih November Loch Urr, barque (W.Q.LK.), from London; sailod October 23rd Stracathro, ship, from London; sailed Nov. 27 Trcvelyan, ship (V.N.H.S.), from London loading City of Quebec, barque, from London. Elmiranda, barque, from Naw York l»oongaL.a, barque, from Hobart Town Herein barque, from London, loading Ada (!. Owen, brlgantino, from Dunedin. Camille, brig, from Now York Sybil, schoorcr, from Kairara Agnes Donald, schooner, from Levnko Knorgy, schooner, from Levuka Edith, schooner, from Karotonga Ifulcon, barqu^ntino, from the islands Fiery Cross, schooner, from Oamaru Rjren, brig, from Sydney; loading Tubal Cain, schooner, from Levuka Minnchaha, schooner, from Karotonga Island Lily, brigautine, from Chatham Islands .flot've, bri^aDtine, frc-m Sydney Wniwera, echooaor, from Austral Islands Stag, barque, from Adclaido Ovalau, schooner, from Samoa Ivlvrtle, brigiintine, from Tongi Griffin, schooner, from New Caledonia O.imarn, briiiantine, from Dunedin Kthcl, brigaiitinc, from Dunedin Ryno, brisjan'ine, from the Islands Pirate, schooner, from Tahiti Coronet, schoonsr, from Marshall Group Hsllo Brandon, Echo 3ncr from Linw Islands Gael, schooner, from Levuka Pearl, ketch, from Karotonga Jessie, schooner, from Oamaru

r Inwards Coastwise.—Lake Superior, from Pokiri, wilh 30,000 feet baulk timber, 30,300 shingles, 2.000 foot totara piles; Mercury, from Tairua, with 22,121 feet timber, 7 Backs kauri gum ; Rangatira, from Barrier, with 11 tons fire wood, J ton kanri mm; Morning Light, from Cabbsgo Bay. with 50J feet ship's timber and 17 tons firewood.

Outwarpb Coastwise.—Mana, for Tairua Morning Light, for Cabbage Bay.

The schooner Transit was etill at Russell on Thursday last. !-ho was to load with coal, and was expected to toave for Auckland to-day.

The s.B. lona arrived today from Russell, with 202 sacks kauri &urn, 1 bags fungus, 200 sheep. 2 baskets fish, 2 sacks hides and 7 bales of wool. She returns on Monday noxt.

Tho brisantine Meg. Merrille3, is expected to leave for Lsvukanexc Tuesday eveniDg.

Tho schooner Caledonia was taken out of the Dock lust evening. Sho entered out at the Ciis:oms to-day for Tonga,

THE FALCON ON THE COAST.

The s.s. lona which arrived from Russell this morning, epoke the barqnentine Falcon on the coast, and took on board two of her passengers Tix. Messrs T. F. Knight and H. W. Henderson. The FalcoD has betn absent on an Island ornlse about flvo months, and sho has now on board a cargo of copra, consisting of about ICO tons. She left Kotumah for this port on Wednesday, January 7th and experienced light fair windd till making the coast on Tuesday last. She may bo expected Ia harbour to-night.

WRECK OF THE PROGRESS.

INSURANCES £1,000. News has been received here of the wreck of the brigantine Progress at Palliser, Bay, noar Wellington, yesterday. She went ashore yes terday morning durinsr a heavy fog, and] as thero wr.s a heavy s?a running on to tho beach she soon commenced to break up. The Progress was a lino now brigantine, and was owned by Mossrs G. W. Owen and Co., of thii port. She wa3 built for that, ilrm at Prince Edward's Island., and arrived here about six months ago At tbo time of her wreck, the brigantine was on her way from Duncdin to Kaipara for a cargo of timber, under command of Captain Hyno. She was Insured by her ownors for £1,600, £1,500 being in the South British Com pany, and £100 in tho Globe.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russsll, this aay, PASSENGERS PER HAWEA.

The Transit sailed last nieht, to compote at the Auckland Tteptatta. Arrivals: Hawea. The Hawea sails at i p.ra. Passengers for Gisborno: Mi 93 Johnson. For Auckland: Mr, Mrs and Miss LaybournP, Mr3 Fro-t and Family, Messrs Dixon, Driver, II Williams, J. Williams, Wright Davis, Judge Stake, Mr and Mra Watkins, Hill, and 3 others.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Saturday,

Mr R. Arthur reports of his weekly sale as under: Fowls, la Oi to 2a 10; dacka, la 8d to 2s Id; geese, 2a lid to 3s 6d; turkeys, 2s id to 4s 10: email piga, 9s 6d to 12a : pigeons, Is Id ; lambs, is 6d to 5s 9d; French beans, 6id to lOd per peck; potatoes, 2a 61 to is; onions, Jd to lj-'; peas/lsidporpeck; peaches, Id toljdperlb, and l:|dtoto3Jdperdoz.; apples, 13d to2Jd; plums 2Jd to id ; damsons, ljd to 2Jd ; pears. Id to 2P, lemons, (id to 7d per dozen ; cheeso, 5Jd to 7d ; batter, GJd to lOil; bacon, 7d to 8d; flour,£lilo3; bran, £7 13e; oats, 33; maizo, 3s 3d to 3s id ; atarch, lid: mustard, Oi ; rice, 2d ; sugar, id to 4Jd: dates, 2Jd; white load, iid; oatmea), IJd ; tea (box), 255; blue, Gd.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Maim will Closb as Undrh :— This Day. Nil. Monday, 26th Instant. For Thames, per Kototrmhana, at 10.30 o.in. For Coromandel, per Coroomndel, at 11.30 a.m. For Wanganui, per Wallabl, at 1 p.m. For Taurunga, Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Provinces, per Hawea, at 3 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Ruby, at 3 p.m. For Russell, Kavrakawa, Wuigaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, at I p.m. For Levuka, per Meg Merrl'les, at ip.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarei, per Anne Mllbank, at i p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. ig™2 Tuesday, 27th instant. For Waiworo, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 11.30 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, Waipu, Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Argylo, at 1 p.m For Waipu and Mangawal, per Klna, at S p.m. Wednesday, 28th instsnt. For Taranakl and Southern Provinces, per Waita.i, at 8 a.m. TOKSDAY. 3rd February, Per s.b. City of Sydney as follows :— For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. Foi United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money ordors, and registered letters, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence. In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to tho lime of sailing. S. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster.

DEATHS.

BARRIB ALL.—On January 23, athia rosldonco Eden Hill, Wainku, Mr Oharloa Barriball, In ills rath year. His end was peaco. Tho funeral will loavo his lato rosidonce to morrow (Sunday), at 3 o'clock p.m. TURNER.—On Sunday January 18, at Walroa South. Mr William Henry Tumor, Solicitor, in his Slat year.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1880.

For tha causs that lacks uslsUnc*, For tha wrong tha needs resistanc*, For the future in the distance,

And tha eood thaijwa can do,

At a time when the railway reclam ation is rapidly silting away into the harbour, when other much - needed works for which Parliament has voted money are at a standstill, and when the summer months are rapidly slip ping away, it must be peculiarly gratifying to the people of Auckland to be informed by telegrams from Dunedin that arrangements are being made on a grand scale for the erection of great railway workshops at Christchurch and Duuedin, and that Mr Oliver is keenly alive to the necessity of immediately improving the railway accommodation of the latter city, so that it may vie with the capacious dimensions and architectural splendours of the one at Christchurch. In a report by Mr Conyers presented to Parlia ment last session, the Commissi oner for the Middle Island waxed eloquent with professional pride on the rnagnificeneo, amplitude, and facilities for storage and transit of the Chiistchurch central station. Mr Con yers has achieved such a triumph in Canterbury in the way of railway reform that the Dunedinites now yearn for hia return to his old love; and hav ing succeeded in securing a worthy successor to the canny Macandrew, whose fixed idea was that Otago was the centre of the Universe, the fiat has gone forth, and Dunedin is to be well cared for. In fact there seems to exist a mutual understanding in these matters between Canterbury and Otago, and probably when Mr Conyers has succeeded in bringing the railway system of the latter up to the desired standard, his presence will be again urgently required at Christchurch to restore the balance. This amiable com petition between thetwo great Southern provinces in the matter of railways is a charming example of disinterested friendship. The process may be de scribed in one of those homely adages which are familiar to all Scotchmen as " You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours."

And after Auckland has been put to all sorts of shifts and compromises in order to obtain even tolerable accom modation for the sittings of the District and Eesident Magistrate's Courts, it will be equally consolatory to learn that a Supreme Court building is in course of erection in Wellington which is esti mated to cost £25,000, while a police station and Resident Magistrate's Court, which Mr Hall told a deputation a few days ago, " must be immediately pro ceeded with" will absorb another £14,000. Wellington had already got £45,000 out of the Consolidated Fund for its Hospital, £5,000 for a Lunatic Asylum, to which another wing is to be added at an additional cost of £5,000, a railway wharf which cost £35,000, and many other unconsidered trifles, but like Oliver Twist it " asks for more." It wants a new Post Office and Telegraph (Station—though the Premier told the deputation that there was more proportionate accommodation in those offices than in the St. Martin's-le- Grand, London; it wants a central railway station, and it wants—Heaven knows what besides. Mr Oliver,who has fellow feeling for people with large aspirations in the matter of railways, expressed his deep sympathy with the deputation, promised to give the ques tion of extending the Wellington railway to the wharf his earliest and most careful consideration, and then bowed out tho deputation with his visual high - bred courtesy. Let us hope, however, that ho will not exhaust all his sympathy, but will reserve a little for his visit to Auckland,

It would be well, however, for the various deputations which are awaitirjg him to take a few judicious strategical precautions, in order to ftvert similal disappointment to that which befel the good folks of Oamaru. There also representatives of the various local bodies and the magnates of the place were awaiting his arrival from Dunedin in order to make known their little local wants, when the special train bearing the honourable gentleman sped by northward, leaving behind only a cloud of smoke, fit emblem of the results of the deputations ; whereat the local " Mail" launches its thunderbolts upon the head of a Min ister who dared to neglect and insult " one of the most important towns in the colony," albeit he was " travelling at the ratepayers' expense." Perhaps Mr Oliver will not so easily dodge the deputations which are awaiting his arrival in Auckland. There is no grand trunk railroad to cany a Min ister to the next great city, and long suffering and patience under injustice have a tendency to make men desperate.

Mr Phillips was not far wrong when he said, at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the other day, that " the policy of America is to get all she can with as little expenditure as possible." An Ameri can humourist, who was not wont to gloze over the faults of his countrymen expressed the same idea when he said : —

" It ain't by princerplea, nor men My prudent course is steadied, I scents which pays the best, and then Goes intur it bald-headed "

Up to the present.Englandandher colonies have borne the whole expense of the San Francisco mail service, which has opened up and developed a channel ot commerce between Australia, New Zealand, and America,-while the United States, so far from contributing towards the line, have enforced their protective tariff against colon ial products, and taken the fullest advan tage of the comparatively low imposts upon their exports to the colonies. What the value of the exchange has been to America may be judged from the following extract from a Sau Francisco journal:— i

"In the year ending June 30, 1879, wo exported to Australia and New Zealand the value of §7,042,875 in domestic products of the United States ; in the same year our imports from those countries amounted to but 785,773d015., showing an excess of exports over imports of 6",257,102d015. The exports of domestic products to Australia exceeded the exports to China (iucluding Hong Kong) by 1,111,921d015., while the imports were less by 18,205,921d015., show ing a decided balance of trade in our favour. These few figures are convincing enough to establish the fact that our merchants and people generally have been very indifferent to a really valuable trade, while much ado has been made ovei our relations with au oriental nation that never will prove as good a customer as Australia." How long the colonies will bo content with this admittedly oue-sided^ bar gain remains to be seen. English merchants and manufacturers who nursed colonial commerce in the infancy of the colonies, aud who have often suffered heavily from colonial failures, English capitalists who have advanced, the loans which have developed our resources, and English taxpayers who yet bear a considerable burden fur our defence, and the maintenance of the connection with tho Empire aro already growing jealous of the rapidly extending trade with America, and the diversion of commcrco from the mother country at a time when depression in trade renders her colonial markets all tho moro valuable. It may be said, however, that the colonies have not done all that was posniblc to get the American markets open to their produce. An invitation came down from tho Sydney Chamber of Commerce asking our owu ','hamber to unite in a joint representation to the U.S. Government upon tho expediency of opening American ports to Australian and New Zealand wools and other products, Tho movement eman ated, we believe, from Americans who were desirous of ascertaining exactly where the commercial interest of the colonies could be served, and had the sympathy of Secertnry Evarts. Our Chamber of Commerce, how ever, sat upon the proposal by declining to cooperate. This was a mistake. It is well enough to magnify our owu importance, but it must not bo forgotten that the foreign relations of a great state like America are of such magnitude, and the official knowledge of Australasia so slight, that the colonies must depend, in a large measure, on their own exertions to make known their wants and secure a fav ourable consideration of their claims. A good American market for wool aud hides, etc., instead ot being wholly dependant on London, would do for those products what American competition has done for kauri gum. While we are bound therefore to condemn the one-sided nature of the Americans' commercial policy, we ought to ask ourselves whether we have done nil that could be done to get it altered, and to advaucc our own mercantile interests. This is a subject which tho Chamber of Commerce might profitably re-consider.

There are about 150,000 Mormons in Utah, of whom 4,500 are polygamists. President Hayes appears to be bent on converting theso 4,500 very much married men into monogamists, and is directing the whole machinery of the United States against them. But if we can credit the Mormon elders, the movement is more political than moral in its spirit and tendency, and is directed not so much against polygamy as against the administration of a democratic State. Congressman Youug has introduced a Bill providing that colhabitation.for two years shall be proof of polygamy, but to this it is objected that such a law would convict all the judges who had ever been sent to Utah, and would be very inconven ient as a law of general application. This forcibly reminds us of the stinging retort of the Turkish Pasha who was rallied at a public dinner over his harem. The pasha listened gravely to the banter of his accusers, and then quietly pleaded guilty to the soft impeachment of having taken unto himself four wives, but he added that he had been true to his marriage vows, .uid he asked the Benedicts present if they had observed the same virtuous rule. But the worst accusation against the Mormons is that they have been furnishing arms to the White Pine Indians, and instigating them to murder and rapine. A chief named Corolow has sworn positively that the Mormons assisted the Indians in tho war against the United States, and the Ameri cans believe that every Mormon who passes through the Elcusinian mysteries of the Endowment House takes a solemn oath to seek revenge upon tho United States for the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Very recently the " Salt Lake Tribune," a gentile journal, published the statement of a recalcitrant Mormon, who communicated the oath, which inculcates murder and such hideous crimes as the Mountain Meadows massacre as a religious duty, andholds out an eternal Paradise, like tho faith of Mahqmmed, to those who sacrifice their lives in making war agaiust the infidel Gentile. If such things exist tho United States Government will not long suffer the iniquity to live. It is perhaps, somewhat singular that while the United States Government is starting a political crusade against polygamy, the authorities of Paraguay have imposed a tax of $5 upon all bachelors between the ages of 25 and 50, the object being to fill the gaps in the population made by the loDg and terrible struggle between little Paraguay on the one side, and Brazil and the Argentine Confederation on the other. At the worst the Mormons might "trek out" for Paraguay if the Yankees mako Utah too hot for them.

The Wellington "Post,' 1 which baa since the advent of the Hall Administration to oflice aspired to the role of a Ministerial organ, gives what purports to be a semi official indication of the policy of the Go vernment in respect to the Waimatc plains. According to the " Post" the Ministry arrived at a linal decision on Wednesday as to the course to be pursued, which is to employ the Armed Constabulary, of whom there are now 800 in the vicinity of tho Waimate plains, in the formation of the main road from Hawea to New Plymouth, along the coast line, crossing the Waingon goro river, and passing Opunake, the contracts for metalling being let sub sequently. The Hon. Mr Bryce, accom panied by Civil Commissioner Brown, have proceeded to the scene to direct the work, and the force at Opunake has been further reinforced by a detachment of ninety men. The formal taking possession, and sale of tho Waimate Plains is wisely postponed, and the construction of the road is merely to facilitate future settlement. The. "Post" says:—"The Government have expressly instructed Major Brown to assure the natives that ample reserves will be made for them, and their wishes con

suited as to where these shall be situated, that the Royal Commission will investi gate all alleged Government promises brought before them by Maoris, who are to be urged to take advantage of probably the last opportunity they will have of rnising such questions, which will be dealt with fairly and impartially, and every sound claim equitably redressed. Major Brown is also instructed to take every possible opportunity of personally explaining these points to the natives (in cluding Te Whiti himself, who will be kept officially informed of all that is done), and to circulate Maori translations of the Act and proclamation, of which we published an abstract on Wednesday. By the time the road is made the Commission will have reported, and Government will be in a position to proceed with the survey and peaceful settlement of the Plains, after making due provision for all valid native claims."

Tub lessons ot history are not lost on tho French. The Chamber of Deputies, in their removal from Versailles to the Palais Bourbon in Paris, after an absence of nine years, two months, and twenty-three days, are in no mood to have their deliberations interrupted by the intrusion of the Sans cullotes. They do not desire to repeat the episode of October sth, 1795, when the Convention sat in fear and trembling, and the young commandant Napoleon sent, with his compliments, eight hundred muskets with ball cartridge,that honourable members might defend themselves in case of extremity. Neither do the Deputies desire to restore the days of the barricades. The Paris correspondent of the " Pall Mall Gazette" informs that journal that the stone paving of the streets round the Palais Bourbon is being replaced with asphalt, while the army of Paris, under the orders of General de Ladmirault, Mill itary Governor of the capital,musters 70,000 strong, and a special force, placed at the dis posal of the Presidents of the two Chambers, M. Martel and M. Gambetta, has been told off for the protection of Parliament.

We publish to-day a most amusing dcs" cription of Utah, and the domestic life of the polygamists, from the versatile pen of Mark Twain, tue great American satirist. The story of his interview with the " Des troying Angel," his description of the potency of " Valley tan," Johnson's inter view with the much-married Brigham Yuuug, and his review of the Book of Mormon will be read with interest, and some mirth, by those who desire to learn all about the peculiar people. It is infinite ly more entertaining than the solemn commonplaces and ungrammatical jargon with which elder Pcarce and his coadiutors have regaled the visitors to Albert Hall.

We learn that Mr Newton Fairs had nearly filled up his list of subscribers to his grand art union of pictures, consisting of valuable oil paintings, water-color drawings and oleographs ; nud that the drawing for the iame will take pluce at an early date.

'I he City East School, Wcllesley-street, will re-open ou Monday morning under Mr Worthington. Parents desirous of sendiug their children to this school must send them on Monday morning, otherwise there may not be room for them owing to tne present limited accommodation.

Mr 11. Hoag, who has secured the con tract for supplying refreshments at the Domain ou the occasion of the Friendly Sj-uetion' dcinonstratiou, lias made the necessary arrangements for providing an excellent cold collation at a moderate charge. Temperance beverages will also be on hand, and a plentiful supply of fruit.

A fancy dress ball is on the tapis and will shortly tuke place, probably in the Choral Hull. An advertisement in another column notilies that Mr J. 1). Steelc, the popular comedian, has a large assortment of costumcH ou hand, so that intending parti cipators in the ball will have the oppor tunity of making a satisfactory selection at a moderate charge.

On Mondiiy ovoniug next a meeting will take place in the Luke Tnknpuna dis trict school-room, as soon after the election of school committee u» possible, to take into consideration the advisibility of haviu<j; a male mule teacher,when it is to be hoped that all interested A'ill attend, as this want is much required. It is the wish of the conveners that the mothers and fjnardiens of children should nho attend.

A meeting of the metabors of the One hunga Fiec Public Library was held on Thursday evening. The Secretary brought isj) the report which shewed 70 subscribers. The Government subsidy, £13 10s, had been spent in new works. The number of readers increase. £141 hnd becu received on the building fund, including a £G0 loan from the District Loan Society. The oilicers of the past year were re-elected, viz., Mr J. W. Waller, President; Mr J. Glenny, .Secre tary; and Mr Murdock, Treasurer. A com mittee of nine residents were alao elected.

The membeis of the Fun and Frolic Troupe attracted a fair house laat night, in the Albert Hall. Several new features were introduced in tho ballad part of the pro grogrammc. A chauge will be made this evening, and a very attractive bill of fare presented, including a " darkie farce." The " Whitehall Review" says : —"I am tod that each time that the ' Woolwich Giant' is fired, every shot costs the Euglish taxpayer oh much money as would feed and house, clothe, and educate one or even two families of tho working class fora twelve month."

The " Cologne Gazette " saya that tho enormous strength of the Russian garrisons in Poland—altogether IS4 battalions of in fantry, 30 regiments of cavalry, and 212 field-guns—dates from the year 1875 ; and that " whoever looks without any prejudice, as in the game of war, at the map, cannot fail to remark that the masses of cavalry stationed at Kowno, Suwnlki, Grodno, Bialy stock, and Wloclawec, interrupt the mobi lization in our territoiies on the right bank of the Vistula, and can carry oft'from thence tho supply of horses, especially the depot at Trakchucn."

The Orient ll Exhibition will open at Hamilton for two nights on the 2Sth, Wed nesday next.

To the Editor : Sir,—l sec by the Star that the annual meetings of householders to elect school committees are .appointed ior Monday next, but up to tho present I have seen no public notification of the times aud places of the meetings. ' Is this another attempt to dispose of the school board elections in that hole-and-corner stylo which has characterised many of the proceedings of the Board of Education? Neither has there been any notification of the first meetings of tho committees, and conse quently people like myself are kept in the dark. How can it be expected, under such circumstances, that ratepayers can take an active interest in the educational matters of their districts ? You would greatly obligo the settlers of this district if you would publish the times and places of meetings.— I am, &c, PokENO Hill.—[We have made inquiries, and find that the meeting of housenolders is appointed for 4 p.m. ou Monday next, at the school; and the first meeting of the committee, at the same hour and place, on February 2.—Ed. E.S.] An assault case, from the North Shore, was heard last evening, at the police court, which was of a remarkable character. A resident, named John Jervis, summoned a lady, named Elizabeth Brooks, for an assault. The said lady being a person of fair, inoffensive looks, small in statue, with a mild countenance. Mr Jervis gave in formation in a very straight-forwarded manner. He was going for a buckot of water, when defendant desired him, in somewhat angry tones, to " keep his wife's tonguo still." A most unreasonable re quest to make of any husband. Mr Jervis told her to "go go" or " talk reasonably," when defendant, with her symetrical fist, gave him a '' tremendous blow," under the ear. He staggered and looked round, while Mrs Brooks walked oft' in triumph, singiog out, according to the evidence of two small boys, " I'll shako his g—ts out of him, next time. A good deal of couflicting evidence was adduced, and a number of jokes exchanged, which ended in favour of complainant. Mrs Brooks was fined 20s, and costs £5 Bs, or one mouth's impris onment.

Tho now gallery at St. Andrew's Presby terian Church, Lower Symouds-street, is fast approaching completion, aud their line organ is being removed from the fur cud of the church, and now in the course of erection in the gallery. Wo understand that when these improvements arc completed, which will bo during the next week, it is intended to have a grand organ recital in aid of the Gallery Fund.

The sheep which took the Mercantile and Loan Company's Cud at ithe Cambridge Show, for sheep showing wool beat calcu lated to improve the fleeces of the district, aud first honours and the Cambridge Cham pion Cup, and which were afterwards ex hibited at the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show, where they took first honours and Mr Lewison's Cup, have carried oil' high honours at the Sydney Exhibition. A portion of wool from these sheep was lately exhibited there, and again secured the highest honors among a great number of competitors. It will be remembered that at the Cambridge aud Auckland Shows the decision of the judges was questioned, but their award has been completely vindicated by the Sydney judges. We trust in future that the impartiality and skill of our local judges will be acknowledged and res pected.

We are requested to inform our readei s that the s.s. Lily tor Southern Wairoa, will start at 12 nooD, instead of 2 p.m., as ad vertised.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can you or any of your numerous readers of the STAR, inform me howto get cockroaches out of a house, and oblige.—Yours, etc., A Sufferer — [Perhaps some readei will give a recipe he can recommend, Ed. K.S.J In fairness to Constable H. Jones, of the Freeman's Bay station, it ia proper to state that he is not the Constable R> Jones who yesterday admitted having been drink ing with a defendant charged at the Police Court.

The first name on the list of officers ap pointed to the Order of the Bath is that of Col. F. S. Blyth who hasjust retired on half pay from the 40th Regt. He was promoted lieut-colonel for his services in the New Zea land War, and in the late campaign com manded the 4th Brigade of General Maude s division in the expedition to the Bazar Valley.

Mr Fort desires to contradict a rumour that the oats stolen from Mr Quick's stables by William Brooks were found on his pre mises. Mr Port says he was the first to give information to the police, and the oats were found in another building.

The following are the tenders for the con struction of the Waikato contract of the Waikato-Thames Railway :—Accepted : Heron and White, Auckland, |£9930. De clined : J'unus Coates, Hamilton, £10,519; J. B. Ross, Auckland, £10,58S; W. Lij>ht, Hamilton, £10,832; J. C. Smith, Ngarua wahia, £11,002; W. Foughey, Auckland, £11,423; John Heath and Co., Newton, £11,752; Kobert Farrell, Onehunga, £11,980 ; W Cameron, Auckland, £13,743; Briton and Glendinning, £12,250.

The several Sunday services are duly announced in the usual column. Dedica tion Festival Services at S. Paul's. Pastor Chiniquv will peach to-morrow afternoon in the Choral Hall. The evening service at the Theatre Royal at eight o'clock.

To-morrow evening Mr A. B. Maston will preach in the Christians Meeting House ou " The Harmonies of Heaven." The gentleman is announced to deliver his last discourse in Auckland on Monday evening.

The Free Methodist district meeting continued its sittings this morning. After devotional exercises the minutes of previous day's meeting v/cre read and confirmed. It was decided that the next district meeting (to be held in Christchurch) commence its sittings on Tuesday, January IStb, 1881. The address to the churches was read and adopted. The second reading of the stations was then taken. The following resolution respecting our Sunday-schools was uuani mounly passed :—Resolved that this meet ing does hereby express its gratitudo for the large increase in the number of scholars in our Sunday-schools. We would remind our Sunday-school workers of the increased responsibility now resting uvon them. Call ing attention to the tabular statement which shows that while we have 2,011 scholars in our Sunday-schools, we report only 42 as members of society, we would urge upon our teachers the desirability of connecting with our churches those who are the saved of the Lord, while we call upon all our members to unite with us daily in earnest prayer that our fellow-labourers in the Sun day-school may be led to abundant success in the year 1880. After this the meeting was adjourned till Monday morning at half past 9 o'clock.

CABLE NEWS.

EUROPEAN.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] LONDON. January 22nd. The Queensland Loan. It is stated that the Orient Company refuse to carry mails. The Queensland Loan is deferred, and it ia beliovcd it is intended to issue it in scribed. The Orient Mail Question. LONDON. January 23. The Orient Company has announced that henceforth it will not carry" mails. It is understood the Company will tender, and the captain will refuse, and the post-oilice will than prosecute, which is expected to lead to an expression of public opinion in favour of adequate payment.. «

LONDON.

IREUTER'S SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS. I

January 22. The Bank Reserve. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £15,937,500. LONDON. January 22. Tho Marchioness of Lome returns to Canada to-morrow. Odessa Undermined. ST. PETERSBURG. January 22. The"Golos" of to-day announces that the Russian Government has received authentic information that Odessa has been discovered1 to bo undermined to a great extent, and tho city is believed to ba in danger of destruction. The Panama Canal. LONDON. January 22. Work in connection with tho Panama canal schema has been commenced. The Orient Service. LONDON, January 22. Tho fortnightly service of tbo Orient Steamship Company to tho colonies com mences with the departure of the Chim bornzo on the 7th February. In future, the Orient Company's steamers will not carry mails either to or from Australian ports. Arrived : Steamship Sultan, from Aus tralia. The Affghan Insurrection. LONDON, January 22. General Roberts telegraphs that it is necessary to maintain a strong British force German Convict Station. LONDON, January 22. A German convict settlement, on one of the most southerly of the Navigators group of Islands, is contemplated. Germany Increasing Her Army. BERLIN. January 22. The Government has introduced a Bill in the German Parliament for the purpose of increasing the army by 60,000 men.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTERS SPECIAL CABLEGRAMS.] SYDNEY. Saturday. Bailway Changes. Carlisle, Railway Traffic Manager, who was recently censured and lined for con duct in connection with tho Paramatta railway collision ou Boxing day, has been ordered to exchange his position with Read, the Traffic Auditor, and Carlisle will receive £200 per annum less salary. Tragedy in High Life. SYDNEY. Friday. Tho wife of Mr Dicksou, ex-Colonial Treasurer, is dead from tetauus, having shot herself in the head with a rovolvor. The English Delegate. The English delegate oE fanners proceeds to New Zealand by th's Kingarooma. The Grain Market. New Zealand wheat, 4? Cd per bushel; New Zealand oats, 2s 6d per 401b5.; maize' 2s 3d to 2s (jd per (JOlbs. • Other lines are unchanged. Adelaide wheat, 5a to 5s 5d per bushel j Adelaide Hour, £12 to £13 10s per ton. Queensland National Bank. BRISBANE. Friday. The Queensland National Bank has declared a dividend of 10 per cent., placing £200,000 to the reserve fund, and carryin" forward £5,000. MELBOURNE. January 23. The s.s. Siam arrived this afternoon. Woolpacks have advanced half-a-crown in bond. The produce market is quiet. The Government contemplate large dis missals from the Land Survey Department. Mr Joseph Clarke is a passenger from England in the Siam. Great indignation is expressed that Mr Fergusson should escape punishment for an outrageous assault on Mr Mclntyre, in the Legislative Assembly.

Musical Notes.

" H.M.S. Pinafore."

This celebrated comic opera was produced at the Theatre Royal on Wednesday night, and each subsequent evening, by the Kic cardi Opera Company. The piece was well put on the stage, and was undoubtedly a great success. The make-up of the princi pal characters was very good, that of Sir Joseph . Porter, X.C.8., being especially woK" of notice. Mr Riccardi, m this part we think, shines more than in any other he has yet taken. For " I'm Monarch of the Sea," he nightly scores an encore. Miss Leaf as Josephine, rendered the trying music assigned her in a praiseworthy manner. Miss Heath improves gradually, and her rendering of Hebe was very good, especially in the pert manner in which she sin"s "And we are his sisters and Ins cousins and his aunts." . With careful prac tice and reading, she bids fair to become a star. Her music wants looking to a little, but with strict attention she will no doubt cram for herself a wide reputation. Miss Isabel Hunter as Little Buttercup wm very fair and her acting aud singing several times drew marked approbation from the assembled company. The duet betsveen herself and Captain Corcoran (Mr Charles Harding) was well sung. Mr Harding sang well, and after he had rendered, " For I m Captain of the Pinafore," he was loudly ap plauded. Mr John A. Cram wan labouring under the disadvantage of a severe cold, and we should advise him to recruit lin health before again appearing in the character of Ralph Rackstraw. The music entrusted him is of a very trying character, and when a singer is afflicted with an affec tion of the bronchial tubes, the effect is greatly marred. The choruses, though weak, were on the whole well sung, although that closing the first ace required more attention, In the trio be tween Captain Corcoran (Harding), Sir Joseph Porter (Riccardi), and Josephine (Miss Leat), the band were far to energetic, and Miss Leaf's portion was barely recognis able above the fortissimo strains of the ac companiment. Mr Leopold's Dick Dead eye was fair, his make up was good, but he rather overacted his part. The perform ance as a whole was a success, and we should advise everyone to go and see "Pinafore," as put on " the boards" by the Riccardi Opera Company.

" Trial by Jury," a short cantata by Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan, was produced at the Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday last, on each occasion being pre ceded by "The Sorcerer." Both represen tations clearly showed want of proper rehearsal, and the piece could not have been hurried through more, even if it had been played as a match against time.

Giuseppe Verdi's celebrated opera, " Un Ballo in Maschera," has been recently pro duced at the Theatre Royal, Christchurch. Signora Tamburini Coy, to whom the part of Adela was assigned, showed by her careful rendering that the prestige she has earned has not diminished. Her singin? of the terzetto, "Delia citta all' occuso," in which she was assisted by Signora Venosta as Ulricha, and Signor Tamburini Coy as Riccardo, was well received. Signor Favas as Samuello, Mr Templeton as Tomaso, Mr Levison as Salvano, and Mr Johnson as II Guidice, completed the cast.

THE MAMMOTH MINSTRELS.

This Minstrel Troupe is well known as being the best in the Colonies—a reputation they have sustained wherever they have appeared. Numbering 18 strong, the troupe contains many excellent voices and instrumentalists, and both orchestra and chorus unite in ono common object—to sc ire success wherever they perform. With such vocalists as Beaumont licad, Amery, Campbell, Fredericks, and Professor Thompson as violinist, Mr Farrcll a? flautist, and Mr Stoncham as cornet player, together with other minor "stars," their success i 3 certain. The majority of Miustrcl troupes piy very little attnnti'n to musical effects, and make an absurd quantum of hackneyed jokes, the mainspring of the per formance. Ttic songs and choruses sung by the Mammoth Minstrels are produced with very rood musical results. The troupe, in the person of Mr Beaumont Read, possesses a voice which is rarely heard in any musical society. Mr Head has a clear ami pure alto voice, not falsetto, and his efforts are of great service in the rendering of the choruses, a3 they enable tho nlto harmony to swell the chords, which, in an orchestra of men, in usually confined to tenors and basses. The quartette last night, between Messrs Kcad, Fredericks, Campbell, aud Amcry, was an excellent musical produc tion. Mr Read sang "Maid of Athens" and was loudly applauded. The selections by the band were well rendered, and the whole performance was of a thoroughly satisfactory character. Mr Campbell sang "When the Moon with Glory brightens," for which he was rewarded in an unmistake able manner by the apprecative demonstra tions of his audience. He has a fine baritone voice, aud sings with good expression, aud in au easy style. Mr Amery with his deep bass voice shincd well in " True as the Stars." The banjo duet between Brown and Nowlauds.introducing well known airs, and the piccolo performance of the former (his selection being from SchulhofTs " Carnival do Venice,') were both excel lently played. A most enjoyable evening will bo spent by any who visit the popular Minstrel Troupe, now playing in the Lome street Mall.

COLONIAL NOTES.

On Christmas night, Sir Michael Costa's oratorio, famed for its celebrated "March of tho Israelites," was performed iv the Victoria Theatre by the Sydney Musical Union. It may not be generally known that this oratorio was written specially for the Birmingham Triennial Musical Festival —by far tho most important musical gathering in the Midland Counties of the old country. Tho object of these festivals was to raise mocey for the support of the Goneral Hospital, Summer Lane, Birming ham, which institution is very beneficial to the many poorly paid mechanics of the Midland metropolis, and to which many owe their recovery from accidents, which would have ended fatally but for the atten tion of the many qualified surgeons sup ported at public expense. Tho first festival iv aid of the Hospital took place at tho old theatre (which was burnt in 1793) in 1768, and sinc,e that time regular three-year musical festivals were held. Up to the present time considerably more than £120,000 has been handed over to the treasurer of the General Hospital, being the profits accruing from tho performances. The performance of "Eli" in Sydney was a great success, and although not so largely attended as the more well-known oratorios of Handel and Mendelssohn, Avas well patronised. Mr Moss conducted, and Mr Huenberbein accom panied. Mr Fairfax, Miss St. Clair, Mr Flynn, aud Miss Bessie Hanisou were the principal vocalists. Birmingham has known within the last century, Purcell, Atterbury, Dr Crotch, Costa, Neukouuu, Mendelssohn, Moschclcs, Thalberg, Rubin stein, Wagner, Liszt, Chopiu, and many other minor musical composers too numer ous to mention.

Madame Sunmicrhayes still continues to give her pianoforte recital?. The pro gramme included tho "Erl '* ing," a caprice by Stephen Heller ou Schubert's famous song. Heller is peculiarly happy iv his variations on the works of other composers, and his own composi tions, comprising " tarantelloe," "noc turcs," and " nuits blanches " aro too well known to uccd any comment. His sublime " Reveries aux bois " have long been coveted by the musical public. Siguor Giorza has agaiu come before the public with a new piece entitled, "Sym phony Marie Antoinette."

NEW YORK.

Mile. Marie Marimon the celebrated prima donna, has receutly made her debut in New York. She was engaged with Mr Maplcson's Company, at the Acadamy of Music and took part in the representation of Vincenzo Bellini's world renowned opera, "La Sonnambula." She made a great hit, aud is exceedingly popular. Although somewhat passe she still retains a great portion of her vocal abilities, and by slightly altering the score, she is enabled to bring out charming effects. Campanini took the part of Elvina.

" H.M.S. Pinafore" has been performed at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, under the personal supcrintendenca of the author and composer. The presence of Messrs Gilbert aud Sullivan do not attract the crowds ex pected—ou the contrary the business has fallen off. Referring to the conducting of the latter, " Gallery Boy," in the "New York Dramatic News," says :—" You aiut seen Sullivan conduck, hay yer? I don't s'pose so, 'cos thare's mity few as has. Wen I went thare the other nite, I s'pose thare wuz 'bout live an' twenty peple in der gallery, an I cud see more setes Dor peplo down-stares. Sullivan is about the wust konductor I ever see, an' if I 'adn't bin told so I'd a sed az it wuz a lie that he ever writ "Pinafore." He didn't seme fur to no his own moosic, an' the korns got away wid 'im all the time. Ef Sullivan, az they tell me, 'ad the cheek to ask §500 a nite fur to koDduck at Gillmore's, I pittv the feller wat waz ter pay it. The fack is", they ain't got much thnt we ain't got better ou the other side. Thare never waz no

wuss Pinafore nor Doyle McCarty's (that s his rele name), an' I guess they've ended it 'ere. If McCarty never did nnthin else but kill Pinafore, then Vs done a gud dele weortor feel thankful fur. But ef they don't do the new opera no better nor this, I guess Gilfeft and bullivan 1 wish they never struck the country. Mr Sullivan has a peculiarly mdiatiuct nwde of conducting, that would certainly justify " Gallery Boy" in saying what he does. The beat is not sufficiently marked and unless numerous rehearsals are held, the chorus does indeed " run away with him. Sunday evening concerts are now tlie great thing in America. They arc given in the Grand Opera House, Acadamy of Music, and Theatre. With such artistes as Valleria, Ambre, Lablachc, Com pinini, Runcio, Del Puente, and Behreus, these concerts are a success. ihe pro gramme consists of selections from Mendel ssohn's, "Elijah"; Handel's, "Messiah, Rossini's, " Mosd in Egitto," etc. We see no reason why sacred concerts ot this kind should not be introduced in Auck land. It would certainly be the means of drawing our attention to the solemn truths of Divinity, held out to us in Biblical His tory. , "Fatinitza," a new 'comic opera, has been produced with much success. ErsiLON.

Railway Employees Grand Annual Excursion.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

(From Our Special Reporter),

Patron, A. V. Macdonald, Esq. (General Manager); Committee, Messrs J. Taylor (Chairman), W. Elliott, J. Whitburn, JV. Firth, J. Stewart, R. Black, S. Moulden, C. Sprage, Mullinger, Pickctt, Dent, Luke, Wadnian, Brigham (Kaipara).

Hay's Estate, Hunua, this day. The Railway Employees' Annual Excursion is now regarded as one of the great holiday events of the year, and it is each year be coming more popular. The requests for tickets by outsiders becoming so numerous it has been found impossible to satisfy the demand. The greatest interest has been evinced in this excursion, not only by Auck land people who are friends of the employees, but by Waikato settlers, many of whom came to Hunua to-day in the special train from Waikato, which was the first to start this morning with the happy excursionists, Driver Richard Baxter starting hia engine at 5.45 from Ohaupo, Guard Such being in charge of the train. The Obaupo station was very nicely decorated under the super intendence of Messrs Black (station-master) and Mills. Mr Baxter's engine looked " a thing of beauty " as it emerged from the engine-shed, with a gorgeous "Prince of Wales's " feather in front of the fuunel. In the centre of the feather was a highly coloured picture of a maiden, emblematic of the purity and innoconce of the Prince of Wales. As the train swept through, the country, the army .ot gum-diggerrs in Washer's Swamp paused in their early labours, waved aloft their gum spears, and gave " Hurrah " for the happy crowd of excursionists. At Huntley very elaborate floral devices were seen, the swamps and gullies having been robbed of their choicest gifts by Mr Robertshaw and his start of men. Pokeno station exhibited the refined taste of Mr Hamlin, the popular station-master. At Pukekohe station Old Jack was immortal ised in times (rone by ; here the Pukekohe flowers " thrilled their petals to the passing breeze," aud were deservedly admired by the excursionists. Messrs Robinson, (station-master) aud Spicer (telegraphist), having shewn much skill in arrangement. The neighbouring forest had been made to contribute its bigee^t " bungas" or fern trees, which were planted in all their grace ful majesty in a Hue with the station, fouling a miniature avenue. This station wins first prize for its decoratious. The Waikato train arrived amid loud cheers.

A twenty-six carriage train, drawn by three engines, left Auckland at 8 o'clock this morning. The whole of the train was grandly adorned with flowers, evergreens, and flags. The leadirig engine was The Ada, Mr William Mason, driver; the second engine was the old Farlie, which was not rubbedout by the TaupiricollisioD.thoughit was extinguished for about.a year, to-day it puffed out its volumes of smoke from its double funnel. It was well handled by Mr Cook.the driver. The single Fairlie engine (Mr J. Flynn, driver), was in the centre to divide the weight of the train. The several departments of the service were represented as follows :—Mr A. V. McDonald, (General Manager) ; Mr Statham Lowe (Traffic Manager); Mr W. Elliott (Locomotive De partment and Workshops); M r J, Taylor (Carriage Department); Mr N. Firth (Fit ting Shops); Mr J. Wither (Painting Shop); Mr W. Dent (Permanent Way). A carriage was reserved for the Hon. F. Whitaker, Attorney-General. Messrs J. Smith, J. Stewart, and J. Muir had charge of train.

DRURY, 10.30 a.m,

Impey's celebrated band occupied one of our local Pulman's cars, and played in their usual perfect manner. As the train crossed Mechanics Bay crowds of juveniles cheered the ponderous array of carriages. The Ota huhu station was the only one decorated between Auckland and Huniia, and deserves great praise. Papatoitoi and Papa kuru stations did not display the decorators art, probably the worthy station-mastcis thought they were sufficient ornaments in themselves, an did not require extraneos embellishments. The Mercer train (driver Clarke) was splendidly adorned. Drivers Cook ans Flynn had the following mottos on their engines : '" Iron the slave of man's strong will, vt hen fashioned by his skill is power," while Masons leading engine had only " Scnakoe," and "Welcome." Host Little has a great show of marquees, and a splendid supply of refreshments.

DRURY, 12 o'clock.

THE SPOKTS.

First Race, 150 yds.— Patterson, Ist ; Watts, 2nd ; Jackson. 3rd.

Second Race, 200yds.—Firth, Ist ; Jones, 2nd ; Walmsley, 3rd- Five ran.

Third Race.— 440" yards, open to all employe's : Laurie, Ist; Campbell, 2nd; Burke, 3rd. Thirteen ran. This important event caused great excitement. Fourth Race : Sons of employees.— Lynas, 1 ; Kenaaley, 2; Konady 3. This race brought out thirty-one youngsters. Fifth Kace.— Taylor, 1; Hackett, 2 ; Donaldson, 3. Five competed.

Hurdle RACE.— J. Byre, 1; J. Burke, 2; P. Macffarlane, 3. Eleven ran. Norman Wright led nearly the whole distance, but fell at the last hurdle. This raco caused much excitement.

Seventh Race: Boy?.-Otway, 1; Frecnly, 2 ; Moore, 3. Twenty-five ran. Throwing the Hammer.—Wadman, 1; Thomson, 2 ; Hargreaves, 3. Five com peted.

The children's sports are under the management of Messrs Firth, Sprag, and Simpson.

Tho drawing of prizes takes place at 2 o'clock—all prizes and uo blanks. The prizes were given by Messrs Aickcn, Hill, Mason Bros., niid John Hall, of Utahuhu, and vary in value from 15s to a bar of soap. Tlioro arc four cases of lollies yet to be dis tributed among the children The attendance is remarkably good. All appear enjoying their day's sport, and express t.heir indebted ness to Mr Hay for his kindness in giving the use of his splendid ground. Luncheon is being served up. Host Little has a sur prising good spread iv the big marquee, aud is much complimented.

2.45 p.m

THE LUNCHEON.

The luncheon passed off very satisfac torily C. B. Hankey, Fsq. (assistant manager) filled the chair, The following was the order of the toasts :—By the chair, man, the \isual loyal and patriotic toasts.— Mr Clarke, of Mercer, proposed " Mr J. B. Hay," thanking him, on behalf of the rail way department.for his kindness.—Mr Hay, responding, said he hoped to have seen them permanently located by this time at Papa kura. However, ho was pleased to see them enjoying themselves, and welcomed them in future. (Cheers.)—Mr W. Elliott proposed the contractors, coupled with the name of Mr Fallou.—The latter responded in a brief speech. He hoped as the country prospered works of greater magnitude would be undertaken.—Mr Taylor proposed the the host Mr J. Little.

3.15 p.m.

ACCIDENT.

Wright, who fell in the Hurdle Race, was jumped on by a competitor with spiked boots, and his right foot is split open. Wadmau also cut his foot. He went to a creek to wash the wound, stepped ova floating log, and was capsized into the water.

Fire in Grafton Road.

The singularly primitive character of the local arrangements for ascertaining the whereabotlts of a fire after the alarm has been sounded was displayed this morning ' in a manner tbat must have proved highly entertaining to the unconcerned spectator As soon as the bells began their iuriou» clangour, tradesmen, artisans, labourers' and a mighty host of the rising generation made for Queeu-street, as uau<U, from all quarters of the city. The greatest incerti tude prevailed for a while, and then a nuh was made up Victoria-street towards the Fire Brigade station, in older that the route takeu by the firemen might be ' observed. In a few moments a contingent of the Brigade drove up with the hose-reel and dashed madly down Victoria-street* hotly followed by an express containing the Salvage Corps, under Captain Butler, and a two-wheeled vetiicle bearing the hook and ladder apparatus. The rising generation. o {. . j which there was a remarkably ftton. muster, brought up the rear in mn,t admired disorder. The procession held an its way past Queen-street, and t?ith slackened pace proceeded to clin b the ascent in Victoria-street East, whi( h g'.ves access to Bowen-slreet. The corveymce containing the firemen and hoa>reel mounted it successfully, but it proved a veritable Hill of Difficulty to the express. Wten the vehicle was half way up it, the wheels began to institute a retrogressive movement. Seeing this a gallant salva^r, in order to arrest the descent, jumped otf his seat and endeavoured to tnrn the horses round, but the manoeuvre was attempud too precipitately, and the shaftconsequently snapped in twain. The men of the Corjs cheerfully accepted the situation and dB. mounted. Up Bowen-street the stratgli ig line of people meandered, and on gaining ' the top a few assembled youngsters gave Superintendent Hughes some information, which had the effect of dispatching him and the following legions along Water oo Qaai'i rant at an accellcratcJ pace. Thence they debouched into Symonds-sireer, and even tually halted at the coruer of Grafton Road. At this stage on the route the gratifying in. telli^ence was received f.om a butcher boy that the only occasion for the : alatm had been a burning chimney • in Grafton P.oad, and that the fiie hadloDg since been quenched by the ncis>h bours. Superintendent Hughes, the Fiie Brigade, the Salvage Corp?, and the general public at once beat a retreat, but Superin tendent Thomson, Mr Sheehan, and Cap. tain Butler determined to sec for themselves, aud accordingly pursued the even tmor of their way. the fire was found to have broken out in one of the chimneys of a large double dwelling- I houee known as Somerset Place, and situ ated on the eastern side of Grafton-road. '/ It is in rea'ity two houses, each one being three storeys high, and having two rooms 1 on each of the Hoots. One of the houses 1 is occupied by a family named Scott, and the other by two families, viz., that of John Boys (a painter) and that of Elijah Astloy. It was ia the chimney attached to the residence of Messrs Astley and Boys that the outbreak occurred. The alarm quickly spread through the locality, and the neighbours promptly responded to the ■ appeal for help. Bricks were removed from the side of the chimney by people in the third storey, and water poured down upon the flames, and the supply being I kept up every vestige of fire was quickly extinguished. The damage dune the house is inconsiderable, but Jue household goods of the occupants may have been damaged more seriously by the water. The buildings are the pnpeity of Mr S. Y. Collins, late Returning Officer. The delay that took place before the locale of this fire became known in town, and the • wild goose chase which had to be under taken before the information was obtained, should show the necessity t hat exiita for in stituting some better means ot communicat ing the news of such outbreaks to the proper M quarters. The subject has been mooted | again and again and Mr Superintended I Hughes has made excellent recommenda tions with regard to it, apparently all to no purpose. Auckland I in this respect is calmly allowed to lemain in a position far iuferior to that of any other New Zealand town, and her B fire alarms must be productive of intense .! amusement to visitors. Verily, as a com- . rnunity, we are determinedly averse to reform. At any rate, our rulew are earning such an undesirable reputation for us.

United Friendly Societies' Demonstration.

Tub last meeting of delegates from the various societies was held last evening ia 1 the V.M.C. A. Rooms at 8 o'clock Mr T. J Cole took the chair. The secretary stated the Court Pride of Onehunga A.0.F., and Howick Lodges of Oddfellows and Good Templars were coming into town to take part in the procession. The procession Committee brought up their final report. It contained the 01 der of the vari us socie- ; ties in the procession ranking according,to I seniority, aud recommended the wcaring,of 1 b.idges by thedifl'erentconimitteesasfollows: The general committee to wear a plait of I t'iree colours, red white and blue, round the left arm. The sub-committee to wear i i addition to the plait a rosette,1 the ;, colours to be as follows : -Procession ;:' Committee, red ; Sporls Committee, blu" ; Ball Committee, white. The mar shalls of each society to wear a piece of red ribbon on left breast. It a'so recom- ji mended the appointment of Mr C. Little as |j Grand Marshal. The different societies are to assemble wherever they think best, | and march to the appointed starting point ;, —the foot of Grey-street, where the pioces- f Avill move from, accompanied by the §1 Artillery and Hobson Bands. The report i was adopted. The Sports Corumiltec read their !»ii'g ramii)c of spoits us tidviT.'Lsvd ia -.-Ij Tuesday's Star. It. was re o vidtiatjthe races advercised for juvenile members only : should be open tobjys under 12 and 16 respec tively, who are sons of members. Itwasalso ; agreed to add a mile running race to the programme, open to a'l comers ; entries.to close at 8 o'clock ou Monday night. The tender for refreshments (on Good Templary principles) at sports, had been let to Mr i Henry Hoag. On the cricket ground will \"-i also be the steam circus, tiie phonograph, and the electric battery, besides dancing, swings, and other multidiuous amuse- : incuts. The scale of admission was fixed as follows:-Outside public, adults Is; : children 6d. Family tickets for meraOers of Friendly Societies 2s each. Superinten dent Thomson has also promised to send a posse of policemen up to keep the running, ground clear while the sports are going on | Further subscriptions haa been received ■ towards the sport funds, viz. £1 from William Swausou Esq ,M. H.R., and £1 Is from Mr T. Mcfcwiu of the City Buffet. The concert and ball committee reported everything goiug on very favour ably towards success. The followingladics and gentlemen had kindly consented to ■; assist at the concert:—Mrs Revit f, Miss | Herat, Miss Gribble, Misses Barton, Mrs Masters, and the Edger family, Messrs C. Hill, H. Dean. L. Papons, Reid, Kinr, Nel sod, and Masters. The dance music wouldbe provided by Wright's slnng bund, of six in struments, and the hall would be dc- | coratcd with tlie bankers of the v.uiou-i s societies and the members would appear in regalia His Worship the Mayor and City . Couucilliiis hail signified tbiic iutcntioo to" .j^ be preseut. It will thus bo seen that should ; next Thursday prove line the demonstration will be one of the graudest sights of its kind ever seen hero; besides which it is also hoped that it will induce many outsiders to | ■join one of the different societies, and bo i provide for themselves aud families in cases , of sickness or death. A large amount oi , public patronage is looked for at the Bpotw and concert and ball, as the proceeds oH|j c whole affair, after paying expenses, will M decided amonest the different charitable in stitutions. Eutries for the sports close at ten p.m. to-night at Mr Cobluy's Queen street (except the mile running race aid juvenile racis, which will remain open to S o'clock on Monday night.

Tftft AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY. JANUARY 24, 1880.



M, MUKCHIE'S, SHOKTLAND STKEET, rgeat and best selected Stock of CLOTHS AND TWEEDS Ever shown in thi3 Market, consisting of English and French Coatings and Fancy Tbouskbings English and Fronch Bluo and Blnok Serges Kugliah and Scotch Tweeds, direct from the manufactories at home Bannockburn and Islo of Skyo Tweeds, a specialty. ALL THE ABOVE OOOD3 ABE OF THE VBBY LATEST STYLE AND FINISH. And, in addition ta the above attractions, M. MUKCHIE Has boon so fortunate as to secure the services of a First-class Cutter, which onables him moie fully to merit a continuance of that liberal patronajro which has bsen extended to him in the past. THE GREAT MACHINE IMPORTJCR, IS NOBODY'S AGBNT ! mportb Direct tub following Machines Sinner, Genuine Arm and Platform Frister & Rossman PrinceßS of Wales Wertheim ■ Home Companion, the New Vv heeler & Wilson Home Shuttle Co's New Grover & Baker latest and best Domestic Howo—A., B, and C. And Other Good Makers, All of which are for Sale on Weekly Payments of 2/6. One Month's Free Trial, with option o: changing without loss. Unlimited instruction at purchaser's house b the beat Machinist in the Colony. Machines kept in order twelve months free of charge. These are some of tho advantages of Pur chasing at the GEEAT DEPOT, QUHKN-STRKKT. mHE NEW ZEALAND MAGAZINE. JL Containing Popular and Standard Songs and Pieces, Etc. CON T X NTS O F NO. 1— 1. Tom Rowling (Favourite Soa Kong), Dibdcn 2. Grandfather's Clock, 11. C. Work '6. Brown Kyes close tho Window, Rosabel i. Kathleen of Kilkenay, Milliard 0. Somohorty'n Coming when the Dewdrops Fall. Ma-jy 0. Johnny Morgan (Popular Comic Song), Fit ch oi t 7. The " Times" (Polka), F. Band S. Grandfather's Home (Companion BODg to Grandfather's Clock), F. West a. We aro Two Roving Minslreln (Dnet), Pairy 10. Mc^orley's Twins (Comic), Phillips 11. Still I Lovo Thee, Lockwood 12. Mary of Argyle, Nelson CONTKNTS OF No. 2 1. Tho Fairy Wedding (Waltz), J. W. Turner 2. Mountain Ball (■ chottische), Kinkel 3. Blue Danuba (Waltz), Strauss 1. Still Thine Own, J. H. Thomas 5. When the Oreon Leaves Como Again, Sir H. Bishop 6. Blumonliefl, Lange 7. Waiting H. Milliard 8. Gipsy's Warning, C'oard 9. Won't you Buy my Pretty Flowers, Pers ley ■. 10. Queen of tho Night, T«omas 11. Ah I Never deem uiy lovo can change, J. R. 1 homaa. 12. Little Snowwhito Bloseoms, C. A. Whito SOLE AGENCY— AUCKLAND TVTUSIC -vyARKHOUSB, Qubbn Street and Vulcan Lank Jo notion. GO TO BATH to Roth's Pulilio Bot, Cold, and Shower Baths. Victoria - struct East. Charge, ONE SHILLING. Open all week daya from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., aad Sunday Mornings from 6 till 10 a.m. The Bath-rooms are all private, and sup plied with overy convenience, Turkish towels, wsh and hair brujhus, combs, respirators, soap, & o Select bath-rooms (private) for Ladies every day, at all hours, with female attendance, Onb Shilling. Please note tho address:—Victorla- Btreet East, above tho Groyhound Hotel, and next tho Cheap Bedding nnd Furniture Mart, Anokland The Hon. Mm. Wellesley, whose husband, Col. Aithur WdlcsJey, has disgraced himself by running away with a gaudy actress Kate Vanghnn, leaves immediately, if she has not left already, to join her father, Lord Augustus Loftus, at Sydney. Great sym pathy isjfelt for the excellent lady in London society.



Special Advertisements. Q T O C KjJTJV KING. -{BARGAINS!} -yyiLLIAM J^ATTRAY, In preparation for Stock-taking, has REDUCED tie PRICE 30l hiß Large Stock of SUMMER COSTUMES, SILK JACKETS, SUMMER SKIRTS, & PINAFORES, which lie is now offering at such prices as must effect a Speedy Clearance. SILK JACKETS, Reduced from 57s 6 i to 35s Ditto Reduced from £5103 to £4 4s Ditto Reduced from £1010s to £7 SUMMER CO3TUMKS, Reduced from 17s (id to 10a (id Ditto Reduced from 27a Gd to 19s 6d Ditto Reduced from 12a to 30a Ditto Reduced from £5 to £3 7s Gd SUMMER SKIRTS. Reduced from 7s 6d to 33 Ditto Re duced from 9s 6d to 6s Cd Ditto Reduced from 12s 6d to 8s 6d PINAFORES, Reduced froc 7s 6d to 4s 6d AT W. RATTRAY'S COSTUi?K, MANTLE, MILLINERY, AND General Drapery Establishment, NEW ZEALAND HOUSE, 66, Queen Steeet, Auckland (Opposite the Bank ol New Zealand). CUCCESSFUT OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND FACTORY. CLOTHING Established for the Manufacture and Sale of Colomal-mado CLOTHING, situata two doore below Mcssra. 13. Tonks and Co.'s Auction Mart, Queen street. J. B. ROBINSON, In connection with the above, respectfully an nounces tbe arrival of hm second shipment of Geelong and Mosgiel.TWEhDSand Melbourne made CLOTHING, comprising all the latest Styles and Shapes in MEN'?, YOUTHS' and BOYS' CLOTHING, suitable for the summer Benson. These goods he will guarantee of tha most superior quality and workmanship, being made from the purest Colonial Wools, and manufactured to his own special contract. J. B. ROBINSON Notifies with satisfaction tho unqualified sucoow of hia TAILORING DEPARTMENT which, he is glad to say, has exceeded his most sanguine expectations, aud, with a view of fos tering and encouraging New Zealand industries as much as lies in his power, ho has engaged an additional staff of bands for the sole manufao ture of MOSGTEL TWKEDS, and with tho continued support and appreciation of tha 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 tha following GOODS: ---250 pairs Men's Geelong Tweed Trousers and vesta at 21b : the bast value in tho country 110 Boys' and Youths' Fancy Chook Geelong Tweed Suits: extra quality 100 Men's Black and Blue Worsted Pat?et Coats and Vests to match; very superior Also, 3 cases of Boys' Knioker Suits, with Plaited Tunic and Bolts; beautiful goods and vary cheap 5 cases China Silk Helmet?, of tho best quality. Now being sold at 4s Gd Also, A parcel of Boys', Youths' and Men's Alpaca Jackets, from 5s Cd. J. B. RObFnSON Thanks his Friends and the Public for the generous and liberal patronage accorded to him since opening tho Auckland Clothing Factory, and, as it will always be his prinoiplo in Busi ness to Sell tho BKST GOODS at the SMALLEST POSSIBLE REMUNERATIVE PRICKS, hODCS to retain the confidence of his friends and the inhabitants of the Provincial District Of Auck land in general. tr Please Note the Addres3— A UCKLAND riLOTHING STjtACTORY. (Next Messrs. Tonks & Co.'s Auction Mart), queen-street, Auckland.



A FEW GOOD REASONS FOR MAKING YOUR PURCHASES AT THE NEW VEALAND /CLOTHING TjiACTORY. The Matcrialg arc manufactured in New Zealand. The Garments nro made In Now Zealand. The Money ia oxpended In New Zealand. The Slock to relo^t from is the largest in Now Zealand. Tho Cut and Trimmings are equal to bespoke. TJjio Prices, considering tho quality and finish, are lower than those of any other honse in Now Zealand. And notwithstanding tho extra tariffjust imposed in Now Zealand, there ia tW NO ADVANCE IN PRIOEBI You can still parchaso A SINGLB GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE FBOM TUB New aland Clothing -T ACTORY. Auckland Retail Branch: Q U B E N - S T RIE |E ,T, Opposite Theatre Royal. TpURNISH YOUR XT OUSE KKOM THE CITY^HALL FURNISHING ARCADE. FURNITURE .. 5 per ct. Discount for Cash OARPBTS .. „ 5 „ Ciscount „ LINOLEUM .. „ Discount „ OILCLOTHS .. 5 ~ Discount „ BEDDING .. .. 5 „ Discount „ BEDSTEAD 3 ..5 „ Discount „ TOILETWARE .. 5 „ Discount „ TOILET & PIER GLASSES- ..5 „ Discount „ FENDERS&IRONS 5 „ Discount „ You ake Invited to IN SVE C T GARLICKfcCRAN WELL'S Carpets GARLIOK & CRANWKLL'S Furniture GAULTOK & CRANWELL'B Iron Bedsteads GARLICK & CRANWELL'S Bedding GARLICK fc^CRANWKI.L'S Fioorolotha GJ^RLIC^&JjRANWELL'S^ToiIctware Gj^LTCKfe CRANWKLL'S Toilet Glaseeg GARLTCK fc CRANWELL'g Fenders & Irons GARLICK & CRANWELL'SSpringMattresaea GARLICK & CRANWELL'S Drawing Room ■■iiuyjiii ii.iium^S" GARLICK fe ORANWBLL's Cane Chairs. J3ook Catalogues Sent Fkib. ' DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES GIVEN. (TIAKLICK & f(IUJiWELL, or vy CITY HALL ARCADS, AUCKLAMD.



Special Advertisements. /~\UR nKEAT OALK OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, HATS, CAJ>S> AND SHIETS, COMMENCES THIS EVENING. All the New Shipments recently received will be sold at SALE BRICKS. ALK X BICES. J. COSGRAVE & CO. •p X A N A Z I. JUST OPENED BY JjINABURY & QO. 1 Case French MILLINERY. BONNETS, 1 Csupeib goods, to be sold cheap 1 Casa Ladies' TRIMMKD HATS 1 Case Children's PINAFORES, DRES3ES, ■ and BLOUSE*, the Largest and Choicest Stock in the City 1 Case Lidies' Galatea, Stripe, and Cold Luatre COSTUMES 1 Case I adies' Cambric and Print Mourn ing Wrappers, from 5s 6d each—so Der cent cheaper than ever aold in Auckland before 3 Cases FANCY GOODS, comprising all the Novelties of the Seasou. DRESSMAKING ON THE PREMISES. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 and 206. QUEEN-STREET.



A Woman who had muied four husbands was sacly contemplatiug their pictures. Your poor father is in heaven, I hope " she said to her little iive-year-old. " Which one mamma ?" inquired the little innocent. why, your own, own dear father," "And are the others all bnrned up ?" The mother aicin t answer the conundrum.



r.ulf ?,l?" n!sh y°u." said mamma to her little girl "you dou't suppose I do so forjtfy SforT^nZ-'' 111611^6^ L_ ' I .



The panorama of the Zulu war lias returned to Auckland trom the South, aud will be exhibited shortly at the Theatre - Royal. Efforts arc being made to render the entertainments as agreeable as possible. On Monday, uext, Mr K. C. Greenwood will sell by auction, by order of W Mortgagee, a new cottage in HackeUtrcec Ponsonby. Also, without reserve, a six roomed cottage and largo freehold allot incut 64 x 150 feet, situated iv St. Georges Bay Eoad, Parnell. And a very comfort able seven-roomed cotwge (let 15s a weeM together with three-quarters of an acre, volcanic land, laid out in garden, &* having 120 feet frontage to Mount toe" Koad. Owing to the present scarcity w house property we anticipate a ready sa • A young lady attending balls and . l>arfi'» sliouid have a female chaperon uutil slie able to call some other chap her owiiv y •'Bisschop" Gas Engine -The <*f*R.™f% '~: have imported ono of Ihesa novel ™oi°v^ Q t3 man cower, which can bo seen ac w»> „ .« Works. The engine is flad to work adril MS. mtchine. The advantages c aimed roi■ engine a-e, first, the small space it °C°US ji befng self-contained, and reqiuring ?o mp» . tivefy no fixing; seconoly that »fc-Xn-thirdJy, : out oil or grease to lubricate th 5 piston tmr e it requirel no water. It is relatod ttat i on occasion one or these ecgines run "r^jthout days and nißhta without Bt°l i 'PaK"8" t SLng man j attention. It will do the work of aiffiSj^onl ?• at a oust of is per day. Further parHou»« i application to the secretary