SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

~-r ,o ,u-A^BM-f J This Evening, 1.51 HI JH WATER-J To _ morr ow.Morninc:, 4.21 SUN3I-T.—This Evening, 7.16. SUNRISE.—To-Morrow Morning, 4.18 « ...DON'S AGF.-New Moon, Jan. list, 1.30 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

FRIDAY. Jessie, schooner, Doughty, from Russell SATURDAY. lbna, b.s., Stephenson, from Russell Glonolg, 8.8., Farquhar, from Tauranga Argylo, s.B„ Crawford, from Whangarei Waitaki, s S„ Edio, from Whangarei MONDAY. Rotomahana, s.s., Underwood, from South Calodonia, schooner, Dickson, from Tonga Sybil, schooner, Sinclair, from Cooks Islands TO-DAY. winefred, schooner. Gibbs, from lovuka Holona, brigantine, James, from Rarotonga

DEPARTURES.

FRIDAY. Orwell, brigantine. Robinson, for Raoul Wand YESTERDAY. Waitaki, s.s., Edle, for Tauranga TO-DAY. Rotomahana, s.s., Underwood, for Sydnoy Glenelg, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranga lona, s.s., Stephenson, for Russell Argyle. s.b., Crawford, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Rotomahana, from Australia :-0. cases wine. G boxes tea, 60 cases jam. From Coast. 75 cases ot tobacco, 50 sacics bonos, oO sacks malt, 50 cases, sarsparilla, 11 cases bacon, ii packages furniture, 170 bales wool, 300 Bhoop, 50 lambs, 95 packages sundrlo.. Por Rbtomahanu, from Sonth-0 cases bacon and hams.—T. H. Hall and Co.

Per Caledonia, from Tonga; 10 tons copra. 43 bales wool, ISO bushels maize, loOlbs dried bananas. Per Sybil, from Manaln'ki-83 tons copra, 20 packages arrowroot, 1 case vanilla, 29 casks limej uioe, 70 packages and bags coitee.

Per Helona, for Rarotonga-120 tons copra, 20 tons pearl shell. 5 tons boohc-de-mor, 20 bales cotton, 20 bags coffee, 2 casta lime, nice, J ton arrowroot, J ton maizo, and a quantity oi fruit.

Per Winifred, from Levuka-2313 1 mats sugar, 70 bags cotton seod. 110 bgs maize, t3 bags cocoanuts, 15 bags peanuis.

EXPORTS. Por Pirate for Penhyrn-10 [boxes soap, 15 pdgs sundries.

iNWAnDS Coastwisk.—Pcrsovoraiica, from Sandspit: Morcury, from Talma; Maua, from Talma, Jessie, from Russell, with 95 tons coal. Outwards Coastwise. — Perseverance, for Wniheke . Lee, for Waiheke; Opotiki, for Tairtl; Lizzie, for Whangapoua: Jessie, lor Thames; Ressy, for Kennody's Bay; Fanny Kelly for Whangaroa; Elaiuore for Tairua.

The schooner Pirate cleared at. tho Customs To-day for Penryhn island. The s.s. Albion is expected from Levuka on Thursday.

The brigantine Myrtle arrived at Tonga from this port on the Ith instant. The top-ail schooner Sybil left Atiu on the 2nd and experiencen light easterly winds for three weeks, and rough weather last wcok. Tho Caledonia sighted a largo vessel, sup posed to be a barque or ship, apparently Blear ing S.K. on Christmas Day.

Tho sohoonor Caledonia left Tonga on the 12th and itoa oil tbe 13th. -southerly and south-west erly winds wero experienced during the pas sago. Passengers:—Messrs F. Wright and A. Gilbert.

Captain W. Sommerville, one of tho most popular of our coasting .kippers, has been anpoltted to the command of tha p.B. City of Cork.

The Auckland aohooner Coronet left Penbyrn with the Sybil on November 28th, and was in company with hor on tha way to Manahiki on December Ist. The Coronet was nxpeck-d to proceed to Suwarrow and thenoa to Line Islands.

The schooner Winifred left Levuka on December 16th, and had light south-east winds till* the 26th, and thence westerly and north westerly winds till arrival.

'Theketch Pearl was being fitted out for a cruise to Tahiti when tho Helena left Raro tonga.

'The schooner Ovaliu left Rarotorga for a cruise on November Bth. She was expected to proceed on to Auckland.

The whaling barque Kmily Downing, Captain McGregor, of Hobart Town, was spoken on the 18th by the Helena. She wa3 nix months out. had one whale, and wlsoed to be reported all well.

The schooner Norval left Rarotonga for a cruise on the 10th November.

The s.B. Fotomahana left for Sydney, via Russell, this afternoon, with the.following pas sengers :—For Russell—Miss Harbntt, Mr vere ker-Blnndon. For Sydney—Mißß Howe3, Miss Hoberton, Mrs A, Hill. Messrs Smythe, Dun ning, Steward, McKay, Barkins, Kerr, Brown hih, Koberlon, Marshall Coup'and. Smith, Pierce, Thompson, Black (2). Wadley, Cun ningham, Harvvood, Fraser, S. A. McLaughlin, r. Walsh, Mr and Mrs Holden, Rose, W. (jlark. George McDonald. Miss Kastangh, G. Cum ml-g, Thomas Green. Bowler Green, Mrs Green, Mrs Keatley, John Ke&tlny, Thompson, H- N. Smith. C. S. Bmallfield, and four prisoners from Alacrity.

The brigantine Helena arrived from Raro tonga early this morning with a full cargo and one Jpasßenger:—Mr Arthur Brown. Captain James reports having left Auokiand on October 22nd. Made the run down in 10} days. Made a smart cruise all round the Islands in Cook's Group and back to Rarotonga in the remark ably fast time of fourteen days. Completed loading at Rarotonga, and left for Auckland on December 10th. Had E. and S.S. wind for six days till off Kermadec Islands. Thence strong S. and S.W. wind. Sighted White Island on 25th, and had strong gales coming up. Inside Rangitoto reef laßt night, and anchored in harbour this morning.

The s.s. Rotomahana arrived from Mel bourne and the South yesterday afternoon, She left Bluff on 20th. Pori Chalmers 22nd. I.ytteltoo 23id, Wellington 24th, Napier 25th, Gisborne2Bth, arri-ing .as above. Passengers: —Saloon—From Melbourne for Auckland—Mr and Mrs Afford, Miss Alford, Messrs T. Pym, J. Macfarlane, Thomas Steadman. YVadby, and 7in the steerage. From coast for Auckland- Mr Keilly, Miss Kinder, Miss Bi-ookfield, Miss Jones, Mr and Mrs Mine, Mr and Miss Howes, Mrs and Miss Carmichael, Miss Frame, Mrs Cameron and child, Missßiss, Messrs C. Smith, S, B. Btss, MoF»rlai>e, Mrs J. H. Grinley, Mr Holmore, Miss McClutchle, Messrs George Hat field, Vanttight, Day, MoDonald (M.H.R.), J- Nathan, David Mills, Fryor, George MoLean, (M.H.R.), Absalom, A. R. Lascelles, Prince,, Donne, K. S. Brookfield, Glenny, Gould, Ross, K. McDonald, Cameron, Gleyde, Sutherland, Judd, c. Bourke. H. 'M. White, Maloney. Wooding. Mr and Mrs Atobison and family (6), MrlandMrs Whitaker. Hon. A. Cadogan, Mrs Drake, Misses Breanan, Mann, Murray, Mrs Glenny, Mr and Miss Poole, Mr and Mrs McLcod and child, and 16 in the steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Wanaka, S.s., MoQilltvray, from South CJolonlst, schooner, Bailey, from Waitara

The sohooner Colonist, which arrived from Waitara on Friday, brought 199 sheep.

The s.s. Wanaka left Port Chalmers and Akaroa on 20th, Lyttelton 22nd, Wellington 21th, Pioton and Nelson on 25th, Now Plymouth 26th, and arrived yesterday. Passengers: Mr and Mrs O. P. Phillips, Messrs Jameson, Garland, Montgomery, Taylor, Meldren. McLean. Talt, Blick (2), Beaumont, Clarke, Barnett. Turner, Lawry, Mrs Ranson.Mr Horten.MissCrbucher, Messrs Alexander, Levinsohn, Clements, Dick, Lambert, Martin, Ryan, Bagg, Mr and Mrs Clarke. Mr Gailand, Misses Porter and Alexan der, and seven steerage.

PORT OF KAIPARA.

Arrivals.—December 19: Chira.barquentlne, Morrison, from Melbourne, with 40 tons general cargo ; Hannah Barrit, schooner, Nelson, from Lyttelton. with small general cargo. Dec 22: Julius Vogel, schooner, Cullon, from Waitara, In ballast. I Loaded at Heads—Wave of Life, schooner, Herbert, for Lyttelton, with sawn timber. Loaded— Falcon, barqnentlne, Bnicke, for Melbourne, with sawn timber: Edith Eeid, sohooner, Mo Colville, for Dunedin, with sawn timber: Mary King, schooner, Rae, for Lyt telton, with sawn timber.

PORT OF WHANGAROA.

Arrivals :—December 22: Totara, Scow, Mc- Donald, from Akahua. with ship timbers. De cember 23: Linda Weber, brigantine, Camphile, from Napier, in ballast. Loading :—Agnes Jessie, schooner, with sawn timber. For Melbourne; Fire Fly, brig, with baulk and sawn timber, for Melbourne.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

ARRIVAL OF THE ROTORUA,

Russell, this day. Tho S.s, Botorua, capt.' James Tozor, arrived at Knssell at 10 a.m. to-day. Sho reports leaving Hydney ac 4.30 p.m. on the 23rd, cleared the Heads at 5p.m., arriving as above. Experienced fresh easterly winds throughout the passage. Passengers for Auckland:—Mrs Moffat, Rev, R. Bnrrow. Bey. D. Boss, Messrs N. Joseph, William Leorand, Burhury, and Bin the steer age. For Napier—Mr and Mrs Shaw. For Wellington—Mr and Mrs Harley, Mr, Pascoe, For Lyttelton - Mr Baker.

Picton, Monday. The s.s Eingarooma, with the excursionists, waaattemptingtoslew round from the wharf this afternoon when she ran into a mud bank forward, and will not bo aHe to get off till the morning tide

TAU-UNGA. this day. Arrived 1 Waitaki, from Auckland, at 9 a.m Melbourne, December 27.

Arrived, yesterday: Cattay. s.s., from Ade laide, with the inward Suez mails, dated London November 19

Bluff, Monday. Arrived: Arawata, from Melbourne, she sailed at 5 p.m. for Dunedin. Nelson, yesterday. Arrived: Anazl, barque, 122 days from Lon don

Lyttelton, yesterday. Arrived: British Sceptre and City of Lahore from Calcutta; Sailed: Lutterworth, for Lon- Wellington, Saturday. «Arrived: Northumberland, from London, 60 days out. There are six oases of measles on board, and she has been quarantined. Arrived i Hero, from Auckland, at 3.30 p.m. Port Chalmers, Saturday. M , Arrived: Vision.brig, from Newcastle; Kel son, brig, from Glasgow. Sailed: Moa, brig, for Kuipara,

London, December 23. Arrived—lnvorcargil), from Port Chalmers, sailed September 20; Bygdo, from Wellington, sailed September 25; Abernyts, from Lyttelton, sailed September 21.

COMMERCIAL.

EVj_»_s<_.St__r OIWiOB, Tuesday. 1 MRBNQKLANiyaWOO-j SALE. Mr Alfred Buckland's wool sale was well at tended to-day, consisting of 27 lots, 5(1 bags. Eongwciol averaged 73d to 10Jd; locks and .pieces, Bid to 6}d; In grease, 7,d; longwocl Washed. lOd to Is. Tho sale was small, but satisfactory. The buyers were Messrs Crui.k- Ihank, Ireland Co., Potter Co., Sutherland! , Osborne, and Wamock,

Dcereptitude requires somo sustaining power just as the maimed limb needs a reliable sup, port. Tho frosts ot age indicate the waning of that vital flame, that burns with intonser glow in earlier periods of life. It is to keep the spark inextinguished, that then becomes an imperative necessity, and this animal heat requires for it* sustenance some active and potent tonics Udolpho Wolfe's Sohiedam Aromatic Schnapp. is,as it were, the "Promethean .torch tbat can he light relume."

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails wiix Close as Under :— This Day. For Wangarol Heads, Waipn, Wangarel, and Manuapai, per Argyle, at 4 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 4 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, par lona, at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, 29th instant. For Tairua, per Mercury, at 11 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 10.30 a.m. For Wangaroa, per Fanny Kelly, at 9 a.m. For Kapangi, per Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For Levuka. per Midge, at 3 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, Manga pai, Russell, and Kawakawa, per Waitaki, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, 30th instant. For Glsborne, Napior, Southern ports, and Ana-

tralian Colonies, per Rotorua, at 9 a.m. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, and Warkwortb, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Tairua, per Mana, at 10 a.m,

Tuesday, 4th January, 1881.

Per b.s. City of Sydney as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, inducting Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. Tnia mailwiil bo dueln London on Tuesday, Bfebruary 15, 1881. ROBT. KAYE, Acting Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

December 28, 1880. Theatre Royal—"Our Friends," 8 p.m. Albert Hall-Catholic Bazaar in aid of St. Patrick's Cathedral Fund, 7 p.m. Choral Hall—Mr3 Hampson's Christian Ad dress, 7.30 pm.

BIRTH.

MACINDOE.—On 28th inst., at her residence, Hußsoll-Btreet, I'onsonby, Mrs Frank B. Mac indoe, of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

MILLER—ARNKIL.—On the 22nd December, at the residence of tho bride's father, by the Rev. R. f. Macnicol, David, eldest ton of Mr James Mtllor, ironmonger, to Jane KHz -beth, eldest daughter of Mr John Arneil, Auckland. BOYD—MILLER*—On the 22nd December, at the residence of the bride's father, ttymonds street, by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol, Alexander Boyd, of Hillsborough, to Martha, second daughter of Mr James Miller, ironmonger, Auckland.

SIMPSON-CHRISTIE.-On the 22nd Decem ber, at the residence of Mr J. Arneil, uncle of the bri-le, by the Rev. R. F. Macniool, Walter, eldest son o£ the late Mr W. Simpson, Whan garei, to Jane, daughter of the late Mr John Christie, of Glasgow.

DEATH.

FINLAYSON.—On December 27, at her resi dence, 81, Viotorla-etreet, Janet Stevenson, beloved wife of Matthew Finlayson, and mother of Thomas ifinlayson, of this city; aged 57. The funeral will leave the abovo address at 3 p.m. to-morrow, 29th instant. Friends please accept this invitation.

NOLAN.—On December 27th, at Ellerslio, John Nolan; aged 26 years. The funeral will leave the Elleralio Hotel, at 3 p.m., To-morrow (Wednesday), arriving at the Auckland Cemete-y, at 4 p.m. Friends are invited.

ROGKRS.—On 25th December, 18S0, at his son's residence, Lincoln-street, Ponsonby, Richard Rogers: aged 77 years. The funeral took place at 10 a.m. yesterday.

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

TUESDAY. DECEMBER 28, 1880.

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

THE Waste Lands Board's proposal, that the Government ehall levy an export tax on kauri gum, is a. gratuitous proposition for exceptional taxation on Auckland which very few people will appreciate. With Customs duties, property tax, highway rates, and other methods of raising revenue,' we have our full share of burdens, and it, will require better arguments than have been offered by the Hoard to reconcile the public to a tax upon one product which is confined to this part of the colony. The principal reason given by Mr Firth, who is the leading advocate of the tax, is a supposed monopoly exercised by storekeepers who lease Government gumtields when offered by auction, and the tax is submitted as a substitute for rental. Taking this view of it, the Government is I

coolly asked to levy a rental over all the gum" lauds which have already been dis posed of, or are hold by the natives. Both classifications include a very large propor tion of the profitable gumllclJs. ' There are many settlers in the north who have derived; a large share of their incomes from the kauri gjim on their lands. Now, assuming that they purchased these lands from the Crown, cither for tho gum, or in ignorance ot tho character of tho land, it would be perpetrating something like a fraud for the Government to clniiH a royalty in lieu of rent afterwards should the ' owner utilise the only piodttct that makes his land valuable. This is the position as it all'ects private owners. The consequences to the large bodies of gum-diggers arc more unjust and serious. Whatever extortion i 9 practiced on these men by storekeepers, the export tax would in no wiso'r.lieve them. Ou the contrary it is more likely, judged by every established rule of political economy, to produce greater monopoly. Theic are also seasons when the market price ot gum is so low that the diggers can hardly make a living. It would lie oppres sive to place this additional tax on the men, for there can be no doubt that th.y, aud not the buyer of gum, will-pay it. The pro posed tax is altogether bad iv principle, and would be worse in practice. Even iv tho case of tbe duty on gold the tendency of recent legislation has been to wipe it out as an exceptional burden placed on ouc class. If the Government extend the principle to gum they may look out for a demand for export duties on wool, stock, and other articles of produce; and quite as much may be said in favour of these, as the Board have oH'ered in justification of a tax on kauri gum. _________________

Quite a chapter of accidents seems to havo accompanied the races in various parts of tho colony yesterday, At Grey mouth a boy named Stewart was thrown from his horse, and his collar-bone dis located. At tlio Heat boot unices, Fleming, a local auctioneer was knocked down by a horse, rendered senseless, and body in jured. Addresses were delivered on Sunday eveiiitig in the Theatre Royal by Dr. Kenderdiue and Rev. ,f. Robinson. 'Tho collections ou tho previous Sunday amounted to £4 5s being more than double the collection of any previous Sunday during the year.

The Saturday afternoon Recreation Club made an excursion on Christmas Day to Vauxhall Gardens, where archery, croquet, rounders, and a variety of other games were engaged in. Tho feature of the programme was an archery contest at 30, -10 and 50 yards. Mr aud Mrs Wells provided a profusion of creature comforts, and altogether a very agreeable holiday was spent.

Wc have to acknowledge receipt of a copy of the " (school Chrouiclo" for Decem ber. It is now duly registered as a school newspaper, and certainly the collection ol news to bo found within its four pages en titles it to rank under such a designation. Our juvenile contemporary, in hailing the holiday season, counsels its subscribers in the following pithy terms:—"Rough your holidays ; have plenty of play; get up muscle : and don't loaf your time away." The alvice thus given is so much in accord with boyish inclinations that there can be no doubt that it will be faithfully observed.

Colonel Nation was unable to attend as chairman of the Court cf Potty Sessions to day, iv consequence of severe indisposi tion.

We learn from a Hikurangi Chief who arrived in town last evening that the Kingites are engaged in cultivating and cleaning land between Kawhia and Hiku. rauci for further plantations. A laige settlement is b_iug established at Kawhia by the natives who have been living in that district. -Our itiformant states that the Kingites have not concerned themselves about the murder of Miss Dobic. They say it is no affair of theirs, and they desire to avoid any conueccion with West Coast matters. With regard lo the difficulty on tho block of land claimed by the Toles our informant says that Bewi placed them in possession ou his own responsibility without consulting the tribe, and that Hauauru represents the dissentients.

The Rev. Thomas Buddie preached a sermon last evening in Pitt-street on tbe death of Mrs Mark Sommervillo. Mr Buddie took his text from the book of ncclcsiastcs, c. 3, v. 2, " A Time to Die." The discourse throughout was exceedingly touching and appropriate. Mrs somtiler ville was a wife and mother of excellent character, nnd for many months site had been greatly afllicted, but her sufferings were borne with exemplary Christian patience, The preacher having elucidated his text gave a biographical sketch of the deceased lady, dwelling mor. particularly upon her spiritual pio^res-* aud personal virtues. The discourse was listened to with deep attention. Mrs Sommervillc was the only daughter of the late Mr W. C. Wilson, of the "Herald."

A cricket match was played on Christ mas Day on the Onehunga ground between the Otahnhu United C.C. (second eleven) and the Ouchunga United C.C. (second eleven), which resulted in an easy victory for Onehunga by one in nings aud 58 runs. The scores are:—Onehunga: J, Biennan, 14; A. Wall, 0; T. Patten, 10; J. Dorc, 2; t". Mahony, 0; J. Beovers, 0; J. Gallevy, 5 ; Leahy, 30 ; H, Huckstep, 7 ; T, Mahouev, 0; D. Brown, 11; extras, IS; total. 97. Otahuhu, first and second innings: D. \Vaters, 4; F. Bcvan, 12; G. Uyan, 1; J. Saxon, 0; Watson, 0; F. Water.-), 2; E. Whitmore, 0'; J. Ryau, 1; C. Whitmoro, 2; A. Wallace, 0; J. Kerr, 2 ; extras, 9 ; total, 39. Iv their first innings the Ota huhu men were all out for G runs.

Blunders occur in tne best regulated newspaper olliccs, as the following amus ing account must testify. A gentleman ou taking up a certain influential journal to read, had his attention first attracted to a criticising report of a new tenor who had made his appearance for the first time in public. Donning his spectacles" he procee ded to glance through it. The report dealt at length with the excellent qualities of the would-be popular singer, and was artisti cally sprinkled with -''Latin," and " French " quotations. It described the audience as being fairly taken by storm, delighted and eutranced, and so on ; but the reader, on coming to the end, fouud the following dreadful summing up -.—" He was sentenced to three year's imprisonment as a rogue and vagabond, so that society will, for some time at least, be freed from his infectious presence." The cause of this was due to the fact that part of a police case had been " lifted " and carefully placed at the bottom of the critique.—Gra.

On Thursday, December 23rd, prizes were distributed to the scholars of the One hunga public schools in presence of a large number of parents and friends. Mr Waller, Chairman of the School Committee, pre sided, and appropriate speeches were deli vered by him, as well as by Rev. Mr Mul gan, and Messrs Fleming and Blakcy. The singing was conducted by Mr Crau well, who kindly attended, though at great inconvenience to himself. Prizes for good conduct were awarded to Henry Jeffrey aud Katie Fleming ; for general excellence, to Archibald Somerville and*|Katc Grant. After the whole of the prizes, about 50 in number, had been awarded, the head teachers, Mr and Mrs Grant, were presented by the chairman, ou behalf of the scholars, with a music-stool and silver butter-cooler. The proceedings closed with the Nationel Anthem.

The annual examination of the children attending the Devonport public school took place on the 23rd inst. There was a con siderable attendance of parents and others, and the large room had been tastefully decorated by the pupils for tho occasion. Mr Mays, chairman of the Committee, read the report of the examiners (Rev. J. Bates and Mr 0. Mays) who had awarded prizes as follows:—Standard 4 :F. J. Hammond, H. P. Smith (equal), William Gilmer, Johu Kichmond, and Herbert Burnell.. Standard 3 : Henry Niccol, George Smith, and George Patterson. Standard 2 : Fred. Norris, Mary Mays, Alfred Cameron, Flora Burgess, Charles Davis and John McKtnzie. Standard 1 : Charles Williams, Hubert Oacre, Edith Harrison, Matthew Scott, Chas. Oxenham, Win. Mann, and Win. Jenkins. Junior class : Lucy Harrison, Alice Ball, Arthur Norris, Herbert Gerrard, Mary Bond, May Matheson, and Rebecca Oxenbam, Nearly all these had recently held by the Inspector, Mr Good win, so that the list might fairly claim to be one of pure merit. The prizes were then distributed, by Mr J. B. Russell, who entertained his audience for half an hour with an amusing speech, afterwards adding a few words to each of the pupils receiving prizes. The prizes consisted of some thirty volumes, mauy of them of considerable value, and the whole were the gift of Mr Bussell. After the presentation Mr Tanner i moved a vote of thanks jto the teachers for their exertions during the year. Mr Cameron seconded and the motion was carried. Mr Hardwick Smith (Head Tea cher) replied on behalf of the staff, thank ing those present for their attendance on the occasion. The children then, under the|leadership of Miss Fergusson, sang the National Anthem, and concluded with hearty cheers for the teachers and Mr Russell. The meetiug was one of the pleasantest and best conducted gatherings ever held in the district. l

To the Editor: Sir,—How do sweep on the course go on the Hurdle Race?— Yours &_., SPORT. [To Harry Mount.— Ed. E.S.]

In our obituary notices the death is an nounced of Mr Richard Kodgers, an Auck land settler of 23 years standing. The dr-cessed had been for that period iv business in Auckland as a furniture dealer. The cause of death was a lit of appoplexy. Deceased had been ailing for eight mouths past. He leaves a family of seven, all grown up.

Jurors and witnesses summoned for the Supremo Court on Monday arc informed that their attendance will not be wautcd until Tuesday, iv consequence of the holi day on Monday.

The South AucKtand Cattle Board (Waikato), at their last nieetiug resolved to confer with tho Auckland Board relative to ttie propriety of extending tho quarantine for Australian Cattle from 45 to 00 days,

A train on Friday night dashed through the gates at the two ends of Ngaruawahia Bridge, smashing them to fragments. The accident was caused through no lutitnation having been given to the station-master of an intention to send a special train that night. Fortunately no one was on the bridge at the time or a more serious disaster might have happened.

The race on Saturday between the open sailing boats Zip (Holmes) and Imp (Porrotl) was won by the former.

•To the Editor : Sir,—May I request that you will correct tho erroneous telegram of your Ohiiieiiiutii correspondent! which ap peared in your last issue. He states that the survey of the new township has been forcibly interrupted by ilie tiiboTtihourangi. The truth is that tho survey has not yet been commenced. Tho remainder of the telegram is equally misleading, doubtless unintentionally, but being of no public interest need not be corrected,—Yours, &c, F. D. F__NTuN.

Last Sunday evening tho pastor of St. Sepulchre's intimated to his congregation, at the conclusion of the ordinary service, that the choir would sing a number of carols. Many remained behind and ap peared much pleased with the musical treat allbrded them, particularly the "Bell Carol," which was admirably rendered.

The footrace race between Messrs J. Tinning and Maker took place at the Domain on Saturday, and resulted in a victory for the latter. Maker won the 100 yards heat by a yard, and Tinning the 150 yards with 5 yards to spare. The final heat of 440 yards was won easily by Maker.

Tho Whangaroa and Knio Jockoy Club races on the 27th promise., to be a success. —(Correspondent).

The funeral of Miss Ann Williamson, which took place on Saturday, was woll attcmlod, the servico being conducted by Rev. 15. T. Dudley and Rev. T. Buddie. Hymns were sung at tho gravo by the choir of Pitt-street Weslcyan Church.

Tho meeting of the Cure Goldinining Company, which was convened for to-day, lapsed for want of a quorum. The Direc tor's report states that the niino is still being opened up, and that a good find may be come upon at any day. It is recom mended that the honorarium for the ensuing year be reduced to £30. Tho balance-sheet showed receipts _C9G3 12s 3d, and the expenditure a balancu to credit of £102 ISs 4d. Dividends amounting to £2 2s fid per share havo been paid to date. £800 ot capital is still not called up.

A fire broko out at Messrs Lane and Brown's shipbuilding yards, Whangaroa, ou the 22nd, in a boat-shed and store-room. It was first observed about noon or dinner hour, and with crcat difficulty the lire was confined to the. shed where it started. The place was burnt to tho around, and its contents consisting of paiuts, oils, ropes, and tools belongiug to some of the appren tices were destroyed along with a boat, tho property of J. D Hayes. Total loss about £50; uninsured,- (Correspondent),

The " Waikato Times " says ;—We have to acknowledge tho receipt, from the pub lisher of " Brett's Auckland Almanac and Strangers Vadc Mccum" for ISSI. The book like its many predecessors is exceedingly well got, up, and teoms with iutoriiiatiuii concerning the Provincial district, of a kiud calculated to prove ot interest aud prolit no le>s to colonists than to ttraugers. It is pleasing to note that this year no space has been wasted in giviug the portraits of Auckland fossils, the only illustration being some well executed woodcuts of New Zealand scenery.

The Catholic Bazaar was opened last evening anil was most liberally patrouiscd. The proceeds up to the present amount to £731, aud a groat number of goods still remain to be disposed of. The bazaar will be closed this evening. Wc noticed the Very Key. Father O'Sullivau, Father O'Gara, 0.5.8., the indefatigable Father Walter McDonald, and Father Golden, amongst the persons presont. The art union for suite of furniture, &c, at Mrs Greenwood's stall will come off at 8 o'clock this evening ; also a number of others immediately after.

Ihe St Andrew's Church picnic ou Christmas day was a great success. The festivities at the Tamaki were all that could please aud satisfy. Tho run home was splendid : they started for Auckland at 7 p.m., aud arrived about 9 o'clock. The only mishap was that of Mr J. Sims. As he was going from tho vessel's side, he slipped and fell into deep water. The splash was heard, and e'er a cry was raised, Mr ,1, Haslett made one plunge after the old gentleman into the water. He had sunk once, but the gallant rescuer seized him ami buoyed him safely till help arrived. It being dark it was almost a miraculous escape, aud a lite saved by a plucky passenger and friend.

Scintillations.

"Ho brief; fcr it is wtn words as with sun beams: tho mora thoy aro condensod, the deeper they burn."—Soothky.

Malietoa, the King of Samoa, is dead. War is still raging between the native tribes at Samoa. There were 247 inmates of the Lunatic Asylum on Saturday. Raudwick won the Hcathcotc Races yes terday, "Pinafore was an immense success at Dunedin last night. The Patea Light Cavalry has been disbanded. Tareha's funeral at Napier will cost £2000. The Chrislchurch firemen held a pyro technic display last night. Ketten had a miserable house at Christ church last night. A lad named Cresswell accidentally shot himself in the arm near Christchurch. The telephone has been successfully worked between Wellington and Napier. Mr J, Weymouth, of Napier-street, ex hibited ripe peaches on Christmas Eve. Ngaruawahia's chief Christmas sport was a monster picnic on tho ranges over the

river. The poll for the election of a Councillor for Onehunga Borough takes place on January Cth, Can the late abortive printers' strike at Christchurch be called a "typographical blunder ?" Mr P. Winskill, of Warrington, has almost ready for tho press a "Comprehen sive History of the Rise and PrGgrcss of the Temperance Reformation," from the earli est peiiod. Mr Arthur Sullivan will probably be knighted at the close of the Leeds Musical Festival A week at sea, says a recent writer, is for sanitary purposes, worth a month of ordinary rest or travel. A newly-married couple were sitting in a palace car, when she said, "George, ain't you glad ? We're relatives now." Two boys named Parnie and Wilkinson were drowned at Wanganui on Saturday by the upsetting of a boat. Robertson, alias Tellet, has heen re manded from Wellington to Sydney on a charge of larceny. The nomination of a Councillor for the Parnell Borough in room of Councillor Clark is iixed for January 4th. At the flokitika races the Trial Stakes were won by Brian Born, Handicap by Native, and Publicans' Purse by Mitre. The Kakanui races yesterday resulted as follows :—Maiden Plate, Emerald ; Handi cap, Play Boy; Novel Race, Scrip. In the cricket match between the second eleven West End C.C. v. Alpha C.C., the former scored a total of 68 runs and the latter 44. A four-roomed cottage at Avonside, Can terbury, was burnt down yesterday. The house was insured for £150 and furniture for £100 in New Zealand Insurance Com pany. At the Greymouth races yesterday the Omahu Handicap was won by /alconer, Midsummer Handicap by Hark, and the Hurdle Race by Johnny. Eaweatawon the Hurdles at Havelock yesterday, Mavis the Handicap, Primrose the Maiden, and Loch Lomond the Bailway Handicap. Tawhiab is farming a larce settlement at Kawhia, in order to connect it with Hiku rangi. Mr Coombes, of tha N.S.W. Legislature, notifies his inteution to ask the Government if it proposes to take steps to secure the lives and property ot citizens iv the Western Pacific.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[r;kut_.r's TEL HOI BAM S.J

THE TRANTVAAL DISASTER.

CAPETOWN, December 26th.

Further telegrams to hand regarding the disaster in Transvaal state that when the Boers attacked the detachment of the 94th Regiment, the men were engaged in rescuing a number of swamped waggons, and con sequently were without arms, and were completely crushed by the large numbers of Boets who swept down on them. MURDERS BY BOERS. News also has been received that the Boers at Fotchcfotroom murdered live Englishmen who were residing in the town, and as soon as information of the outrage reached head qu.rtersa battery of artillery was despatched aud shelled the place. '1 he enemy were completely driven out, and over 100 were killed by the guns. CAVALRY I'OK THE TRANSVAAL. LONDON, Decemberj27. In consequence of tho necessity for rein forcements ef cavalry iv the Transvaal, the Cth Dragoons have been ordered to Natal. DISTURBANCES IN IRELAND. LONDON, Docember 22. Tho dissatisfaction continues to spread throughout Ireland. In the county of Limerick, outrages have been so very numerous of late that the authorities have deemed it advisable to include it in the dis tricts proclaimed as disturbed. THE RAILWAY ACCIDENT. A disastrous railway collision took place yesternight between two trains on the Mid land and Leeds line. At tho time of the collision, ono train was full of passengers, and no less than 50 casualties are reported. REINFORCEMENTS FOR THE CAPE. A meeting of the Cabinet was held yesterday immediately after the receipt of intelligence from Capetown regarding the seizure) of Keildburg by Boors, It was ollicially decided that assistance should at ouce lie sent to the colonial troops at present in the Transvaal, and orders have been issued that a regiment should embark for Natal with the least possible delay.

COMMERCIAL PANIC IN CHICAGO,

NEW YORK, December 21,

Tho greatest excitement prevails m com mercial circles in Chicago with regard to the financial position of jit number of houses engaged in tho grain traffic trade. A large amount ol purely speculative busiuess in grain has been done durint; the last few months, und a number ot merchants now declaro themselves unable to meet their en gagements. A panic has consequently taken place in the grain exchange, and further failures are feared, as the price of wheat i 3 falling. AMERICAN SYMPATHY WITH IRE LAND. LONDON, December 20. Mr King has, with the approval of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States, drafted resolutions to bo submitted to Congress, expressing regret at the un happy position of Ireland, and that the British Government appears unable to fulfil its normal duties for the protection ot life and property; also that the Hon. Mr Kvarts, Foreign Secretary of State, be instructed to inform the Government of Great Britain, that it is thought to be expedient that there should bo immediate reforms in Irish affairs, and that pacification should be pro secuted with in a kindly aud considerate spirit. A telegram from America, stating that Congress is likely to adopt, these reso lutions, caused much excitement here.

LAND-LEAGUERs BURNT IN

EFFIGY.

LONDON. December 21

Tho Orangemen of Londonderry assembled at Colcraitie and burned in effigy Parnell and Biggar, the Land-League leaders.

The 2ud battalion of the Grenadier Guards, so rarely sent out of England, is ordered to proceed to Ireland, in conse quence of the disturbea slate of affairs in Ireland.

The Empress of Au.tria, who had ar ranged to go to Ireland again this winter for the hunting season, has abandoned that intention.

THE IRISH TROUBLE.

LONDON, December 16.

The Land Leaguers are canying matters with a high hand in the Cork district. They have issued directions that none of tho landlords resident in the district who have rendered themselves obnoxious shall be permitted to continue field sports, and the tenants aro instructed not to permit auy trespassers on their lands in pursuit of game.

DISTURBANCE IN DUBLIN.

LONDON, December 17.

Serious riots have taken place; in Irish town, a populous suburb of" Dublin, inhabited principally by the poorer classes. The police, while endeavouring to suppress the disturbance were attacked by the mob and roughly handled. In arresting the offenders the police wounded five persons, some seriously.

THE AMERICAN FENIANS.

LONDON, December 17.

Great attention is excited in America among the Irish population by recent proceedings in Ireland. The movement started to raise subscriptions for the defence of the Land Leaguers has been liberally responded to, and American sympathisers undertake to provide all the funds necessary to defray the co9t of the defence.

A battalion of the Guards despatched to Ireland have arrived in Dublin, aud will, for the present, bo established in that city.

LONDON, December 17,

The Court of Queen's Bench has given its decision in the case of Mr Callan, M.P. lor Louth, who was charged with publishing a false and defamatory libel concerning Mr Sullivan, M.P. for Meath, The Court lined Mr Callan £50.

THE ORANGEMAN'S LEAGUE.

LONDON, December 17.

Owing to the coutinuance of outrages in Ireland, and tho inactivity displayed by the Government in their action, the Orangemen in the North of Ireland have determined to combine for the purpose of protecting those threatened against attacks. In Ulster a monster meet ing has been held at Monaghan, 68 miles north of Dublin. There was an enormous attendance, and a most enthusiastic spirit prevailed. It was resolved to form an opposition League, in order to counteract the working of the land agitators. Evictions continue.

RITUALISTS.

LONDON, December 17.

The Rev. Mr Pelham Dale, rector of St. Vcdast Church, Cheapsidc, and the Rev. Mr Enright, incumbent of the Holy Trinity Church, Bloomsbury, who were committed to prison tor contempt of Court, in refusing to obey the decision of the Court of Arches, prohibiting illegal ritual istic practices, have decided to appeal to the Privy Council. Pending the result they have been released from prison.

LONDON, December 17.

The frozen meat despatched from Sydney by tho steamer Orient on the 29th October arrived in excellent condition.

THE NIHILISTS.

LONDON, December 17.

At tho University of Moscow serious riots occurred amongst the students, owing to the repressive action of the authorities. The Militia were called out to suppress the tumult. A number of ringleaders were ar rested.

LONDON, December 16.

A battalion of the Scots Guards, and also a battalion of the Rifle Brigade, are being held in readiness to proceed to Ireland. Army furloughs have been can celled amongst the troops serving in Ireland. GREEK FRONTIER QUESTION. LONDON, December 17. Greece has arranged to obtain a new loan iv Paris. The "Daily News" says that Frauce and England have a united policy with regard to the claims of Greece. The "Cologne Gazette" say 3 that the intended cession of Crete by the Porte to Germauy is made with a view to a transfer of the Island to Greece in 'exchange for the sur render of claims in Thessaly and Epirus. THE ORANGEMEN ARMING. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has announced its resolve to frustrate the Irish Land League. It is also intimated that in consequence of the numerous requests for arms the grand Lodge has arranged for a 1 supply from England to distribute in west and south Ireland.

MR JOHN BRIGHT ON IRELAND. LONDON, December 21.

Earl Carnarvon has written a letter to Mr John Bright, in which he denounces the latter's speech of November 16 as unfitting from a Cabinet Minister. His Lordship further deplores Mr Bright's attacks on Irish landlords, and his preference for theoretical reforms before taking steps to restore law and order in Ireland,

THE BOERS REVOLT. CAPE TOWN, December 23.

Telegrams received from Durban, in Natal, to-day state that a report has been received there from the Transvaal that the Roerß jiave inflicted a serious defeat on the British troops at Middleburg.

CAPE TOWN, December 24,

Telegrams from the Transvaal give the details of the attack by the Boers on the British position at Potihs strom. The fighting was severe, and lasted some time, but a strong defence was offered by the British troop i. News has been received from Natal that Kruger, the Boer president, has issued a proclamation which, while deprecating any war with the British, states that the Boers are determined to assert their indepeudance in Transvaal. DEATH OF " GEORGE ELIOT." LONDON, December 23. Tbe death of " George Eliot," the well kaown authoress, is announced to-day. ARMS FOR IRELAND. LONDON, December 23. A ship named the Juno, from America, with a cargo of arms, has been seized off the mouth of the river Shannon on the West Coast of Ireland, where, it is presumed, her cargo was to be landed. The capture was effected without difficulty, but the occur rence has cmsed great excitement iv the district around tho Shannon.

LONDON, December 24. Tho report circulated with regard to the resignation of the Marquis of Bipon of his position of Viceroy of India is now under stood to have been devoid of foundation.

ROME, December 24,

The Obscrvatore Komaua announces that the Pope has written a letter in which he counsels the Irish clergy and people to separate themselves entirely from revolu tionary acts.

THE BRITISH LOSSES,

LONDON, December 24.

Official telegrams from the Cape confirm the reported disaster to British troops in the Transvaal. News had been received from headquarters that a detachment of 250 men of the 94th Regiment, marching to PretoA-ia, were attacked by a large number of B'lcrs, aud almost crushed ; 50 officers aud 120 tiien •vcre killed or wounded, and the remaindor were taken prisoners. The colours of the regiment were, however, saved, The Commander of the British troops iv the Transvaal has urgently applied for rein forcements for cavalry.

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNEY, Tuesday. DEATH OF NORTON.

Mr Norton, who was shot by a woman at Dubbs last month, is dead. The post mortem examination showed that the bullet had become embedded in the brain, und caused an abscess.

THE MELBOURNE CHAMPION RACE.

MELBOURNE, December 24.

The following horses have been scratched for the Champion Stakes to be run on New Year's Day :—Columbus, First King, South Hamilton, Yardloy, Gloster, Heron, Lord Lisgar, Royal Cousort, Aiblins, Baron Yon Mueller, Constance, and Western Princess,

PEDESTRIAN MATCH,

MELBOURNE, December 27.

Swan, the Ncw-Zcalander, won the pedestrian match with 103 miles; Baker came in seven laps behind.

VICTORIA V. NEW SOUTH WALES,

MELBOURNE, December 27.

In the cricket match Victoria v. New South Wales, the former scored 20C. The latter team in their innings have lost 7 wickets for 61 runs. Allan took 5 wickets.

BRISBANE, December 24. The duke of Manchester purposes making a visit to the interior of Queensland.

LAUNCESI ON, December 24,

The Australian team won the cricket match in one inuings, and 112 runs to spare,

Fatal Fire at Napier.

[BY TELEGRAPH, OWN CORRESPONDENT.!

NAPIER, Monday. A FATAL fire occurred at Dennett's Albion Hotel early this morning. The hotel was discovered to be on lire, and it was supposed that all the inmates were rescued, though one was so drunk that he had to be lowered by ropes, being incapable of helping himself. The Fire Brigade got the lire under after about £800 worth of damage was done. One wing was gutted. The fireman on going through the rooms there found a man named Sraalley, a shepherd, who had just come to town. There was no knob on the handle ot the door inside his room, and thus he could not escape. He was very little burned,evidently dying from suffocation. The insurances on the ouild ing are £500 in the Standard, £800 in the New Zealand, and on the furniture £500 in the Union. The stock was not insured.

Suicide on Board the Rotorua.

(BY TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

RUSSELL, this day. At 9 -30 p.m. on the 25th, Christmas Day, the Honourable H. R. Beor, who was a passsengor from Sydney by the Rotorua, committed suicide by shooting himself. He is supposed to belong to the Upper House of the Parliament of Queensland.

Fatal Accident at the Races.

LIBELLER'S JOCKEY KILLED,

We regret to have to record the death of John Nolan, rider of Walters' horse Libeller in tho Cup yesterday, who was killed during the race through his horse tailing. At present various surmises are made as to the exact way iv which the accident came about; but as an inquest will be ho held, there will be a correct explana tion forthcoming. Nolan was well liked by his fraternity, who felt deeply his sudden death. He leaves a wife and two or three children. He was well known as a jockey in now Zealand and Australia. He won tho champion race on Pride of tbe Hills. Nolan served hia apprenticeship with Mr Filgate (Melbourne), and has been pur suing his vocation in New Zealand under engagement to Messrs Vallance and Mason, He rode Pinfire to Victory in several im portant races in Wangauui and Napier, and has landed Mr Walters' horses winners of races down South. He was a stendy,truat worthy man, much appreciated by his em ployers. Carringtou, the rider of Kiug Quail was also much shaken, but he appears likely to recover in a short time.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq,, R.M.) CHARGES AGAINST MR SAMUEL BROWN.

Samuel Brown surrendered his bail and appeared in answer to several charges of larceny.

Tho prisoner had been remanded for the purpose of being examined as to theatate of his mind by Dr. Goldsboro' and Dr. Ken derdine.

Mr Pardy appeared for the police. Mr Tyler watched the case on behall of the prisoner.

His Worship asked the medical gentle men for their reports, which were put in ana read.

Dr. Kenderdine reported tint he had known Mr Samuel Brown for a number of years. A few years ago, he was severely injured by a fall. He al.o suffered at times very acutely from a disease of the bladdei|; he had also been informed that his pecuniary affairs were not in a satisfactory condition. It was his opinion that these causes taken together were sufficient to cause derangement. He was not iv a con dition to conduct his own affairs. Dr. Goldsbro's report was of a similar nature. HehadknownMrßrownmanyyears and had attended him on several occasions. Mr Drown was, in the Doctor's opiuion, in a state of monomania, in which he would be likely to committ such offences as he had been guilty ot. It was clearly a • case of what is termed kleptomania. Dr. Golds boro then described the state of prisoner's rooms, which were plastered over with labels and all kinds of singular pictures and papers, not likely to be the work of a sane man. Prisoner was, moreover, afilictod with an acute diseas-., which, at his age—72, would have a disturbing effect upon his mental faculties. Ho was not absolutely insauo, but not fit to plead, and was quite incapacitated for ordinary business. His Worship said the medical report was not quite satisfactory. He must send the accused to gaol, and forward the medical certificate to the Colonial Secretary. Mr Tyler made some remarks, and asked for bail.

His Worship : f I cannot admit an in_ane man to bail.

It is stated that Michael Kush intends selling his store and proceeding Home to row for the championship.

Christmas and Boxing Day.

The morning of Christmas Day was not of the most cheerful character ;it was cloudy, with occasional showers during the day, and but comparatively few persons went abroad. The churches were mostly well filled, and there was a more general observance of Christmas Day than on previous years. The churches were suitably, and in some instances, elegantly ornamented with festoons of leaves and flowers, and sermons adapted to the festive season preached from numerous pulpits. BOXING DAY. The wharf presented a glad ap pearance at a comparatively early hour, and thousands of peisons were seen hastily wending their way to the water side and there patiently waiting their particular boat. The first that started at 9 a.m. was the Tongariro, bound for TAMAKI EAST. This boat contained about 200 persons, mostly members of the Wellesley-street Baptist congregation. The boat reached its destination at 10.30., and the minister and passengers spent a pleasant day among the quiet scenes of that locatity. A variety of games and amusements were introduced, and the party returned without accident. THE GARDENS. The Willow and Vauxhall Gardens were duly patronised, and swinging and other amusements were the order of the day. Vauxhall Gardens were considerably improved since last holiday and is just the place for a quiet walk with children who liud ample room for romping and dancing. We learn that Mr Wells intends to continue improving the gardens, so that ultimately it will become one of the favourite retreats of the Ciorth Shore. MOTATAPU. This pretty island was thickly dotted with excursionists, who thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Three steamers stopped at the island—the City of Cork, with about 70 persons and the members of tbe Hobson P-aud ; the Argyle landed about 30, and the Coraerang about 370. A number of the Artillery Band accompanied the Comerang, and played selections and waltzes to the delight of the excurnionists, Captain Craw ford and Mr Cairns (steward) deserve men tion for thoir courtesy and kindly attention to all on boaid. DOMAIN. The glades of the Domain were full of pleasure seekers, among whom were parents aud children in large numbers. The popu lar amusements were swings, merry-go rounds, and other lively games, which greatly exercised the limbs and lungs ol the rising generation. "THE MESSIAH." The recital of selections from the *' Messiah " by the Choral Society on Sun day afternoon attracted a very large con course of people tp the hall. In fact, the large building was crowded to its utmost limits. The muster of the choir and orchestra, although hardly so good as on the occasion of the week night performance, was still very satisfactory, and altogether the execution of the various numbers was most acceptable. The programme included, with the accompanying recitatives, the airs, "Every valley "(tenor), "But who may Abide" (bass), "But Thou Didst Not l-cave" (soprano), "He Shall Feed His Flock " (alto), " He was Despised " (alto), "Why do the Na.ions" (bass), and "I Know that my Redeemer Liveth " (soprano). It also comprised the overture, the pastoral symphony, tbe soprano recitative " There were Shepherds,' and the following choruses :—"And the Glory," "For Unto us a Child is Born," " Glory to God," "Be hold the Lamb of God," " Lift up Your Heads," and the Hallelujah chorus. Mr V. E. Rice conducted while the soloists were—Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Judson (sopranos), Mrs Glover (alto), Mr Forth (tenor), and Mr Gordon Gooch (bass). SACRED CONCERT. The concert given in the Theatre Royal on Christmas night under the conduct of Mr Luscombe Searell was but poorly attended, and in other respects also fell far short of success, the singing being especially open to censorious criticism, while some of the specimens of instrumentation were only of a mediocre character. Several selections were given with considerable ettect, but the majority were indifferently rendered. Our space is too crowded to-day to admit of particular criticism. KAWAU. Large numbers of holiday seekers went by the s.s. Rotomahana, the s.s. Waitaki, and the s.s.'Glenelgto the beautiful island home of Sir George Grey at the Kawau, wh-sre they had the privilege, ever courteously afforded to visitors, of walking among the flowers and shrubs of that classical retreat, as well as of inspeccing the varied collection of art treasures with which Sir George has beautified his secluded residence. The three steamers were in close company all the way down, and the musical performances of the Hobson Band under Bandmaster Sheehan on board the Waitaki, and of the Victoria Rand under Bandmaster McCormish on board the Rotomahana assisted materially to enliven the trip. Others not disposed for a lengthened excursion spent the day at the Lake in the enjoyment of sea-breezes and a picnic. Again the Rose Casey landed a considerable number of excursionists at the Waiwera Hot Springs, where Bports and good feeding were provided under the superintendence of Miss Graham. The Waitaki also did a similar duty to the public, and took down about 350 persons. The Artillery Band played merrily from the deck of the Rose Casey. CHELTENHAM BEACH. This pleasant resort was the rendezvous for some hundreds of families, who partook of a picnic and enjoyed the cool sea breeze. During the afternoon, a boy swam out into the channel to recover a toy-boat which was being carried out to sea. It was noticed that he became exhausted, and had sank once or twice, when a man named Roster, and another dashed in without divesting them selves of their clothes, and rescued the boy from death. As Cheltenham Beach is much in favour with holiday-seekers, we would suggest that the local Board or some of the residents would do a graceful act by plant ing a row of trees to afford shelter from the sun. In the absence of shade yesterday, the heat was very oppressive, LORNE-STREET HALL. The Victoria Company of Volunteers held their annual concert and ball, but owing probably to the numerous counter attractions, it was not so largely attended as some of the friends anticipated. We have not space for a critical notice of any length, but may state that the duet, some of the songs, and general performances were executed with creditable ability. The programme was as follows: — "Maid of Athens," Mr W. Ryland; '• Apart," Miss Thompson; comic song, "Muddle Puddle porter," Mr I. Dalheim ; duet, " What are the wild waves saying !" Misses Eastings aud Gee, very nicely ren dered ; "A Warrior bold." Mr H. Dean; vocal and terpsichorean act, "Pretty Roses, don't you tell," Messrs Bertie and Rice ; comic song, Mr H. I. Hargrave; " Let me like a Soldier fall," Mr J. Richards; " The lover and the bird," Miss May Hastings; banjo solo and song, Mr I. Dalheim; "Alice I Where art' thou ?" Mr W. Ryland ; comic song,. " Gold, gold, gold," Mr H Dean. The whole was very entertaining and praiseworthy. Mr Slator, of St. Mary's, accompanied the vocalists in the best possible manner. At the close ot the concert the ball was opened, and continued through the stilly hours of night. FORESTER'S RE-UNION. The annual soiree, concert and ball in in connection with the Court City of Auckland, A.0.F., took place in the Temperance Hall last night. Tea was partaken of by about one hundred members and friends. The meeting subsequently was presided over by Chief Ranger Fotherington. The annual report read by Mr Allen, secretary, gave the following information;— There are now on the roll 297 members of an age of 30-4-twelfth years; sick relieved during the year 62; sick pay, £226 6s 6d; deaths, 7; funeral money, £S0; net value of S. and F, fund, £3225 ; being an increase of £459 ; manage ment fund was £190 ; being a decrease of £25, attributable to disbursement ot £30 for a new banner and an increase of 2s 6d per member to the doctor's salary. The report stated that Courts had been opened at Newton, and Tauranga since last anniversary. Addresses were delivered by representatives of other Courts, and subsequently dancing was commenced and continued until an early hour tl is morning. EVANGELISTIC SERVICES. St. James' Hall having been found in adequate to accommodate the crowds of people which flock to Mrs Hampson's lectures, the Managing Committee have engaged the Choral Hall for a short season, aud in that building on Sunday night the lady evangelistic conducted one of the most largely attended services which have ever been held in Auckland. It was utilised to its utmost capacity, many having to stand, while each of the doorways was blocked up by. eager listeners; Mrs Hampson chose as her text the eighth verse of the 27th Psalm-" When Thou saidst, seek ye myflface, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek," and upon it ■ delivered a fervid appeal to the great con gregation to avail themselves at once of the

means ot grace so bounteously presented n> Her fluency of speech was as remarkable «» her earnestness, and the graphicness of C homely illustrations. A fair proportionTf hearers remained for the after meetine At 0.30 o'clock a prayer-meeting was h_l.l .« St. James' Hall. It was wellfattended CONVENT SCHOOLS. - ONEHUNGA This concert was crowned with s_.ee. _„ ■' the hall of St. Mary, Onehunga. NoS„ ° among the visitors were His Grace Arch bishop Steins, the Very Rev, Father K»-» V.G., Father Walter Maedonald «?„ Father Paul, pastor of the Oaehnnga district. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The programme was specially interesting, and closed with th National Anthem. His Grace delivered a brief address, and complimented the Convent pupils on thoir proficiency in their various studies, and which reflected great credit on the good sisters and their esteemed pastor Father Paul. '

TE AROHA GOLDFIELDS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDEKT.]

GRAHAMSTOWN, Monday. The Smile of Fortune Shareholders have cut the Morning Slar Reef in their low level with a good payable show of gold in the reef.

The erection of two Battteries will be commenced immediately after the holidays

THE SUEZ MAIL.

(Eeuter's Special Message,)

ALBANY, this day. The Cathay arrived this mornin? trim, Galle. g °m

THE IRISH QUESTION,

LONDON, November 19th,

Notwithstanding the disturbed state of the country tbe urgency of a thorough reform in tho Irish land tenure is not dis. puted, even by the chief Irish landlords" many of whom have written papers show! ing the necessity for legislation, a society has been formed and its committee ate drawing up the heads of a measure which they think equitable. 'Ihe "Standard" and "Daily News' are publishing a series of letters from the disturbed districts of Ireland, which pro. duce a great impression. They show that in some parts the rents of farmers urgently needed revision. The three great principles which modei'i-te Irish politicians demand English Liberals to concede are fixity of tenure, free sale, and fair rent. THE AGRAM EARTHQUAKE. ; The damage by the earthquake at Ag'ram is estimated at three million florins. Fearful havoc has been wrought in Agram and surrounding districts. Many families are homeless.

The Lord Mayor of London has opened a subscription for the relief of the sufferers,

A VETERAN REGIMENT.

BOMBAY, December 3.

ThejGGth Regiment, which was so terribly cut up at the battle of Maidan, arrived at Bombay on Sunday last. The Viceroy received them. Tho other troops on the next day afterwards visited the 66th. i

At a dinner given them by a few citizens of Bombay, he spoke a few words of encouiagement and sympathy.

EVACUATION OF KANDAHAR,

Under instructions from the Home Go. verament, Kandahar will be evacuated withl all convenient speed. Quetta will be the frontier head-quarters. Latest accounts show that Ayub Khan is unable to gi.e any trouble for some time to come. He' has only a very few regiments of troops, and no artillery worth mentioning. All is quiet at Kabul,,, ■,

Mining News.

The following are the gold returns for: December:—

o_.dwt, Royal Oak Company _. .. .. 33. 0 • ' Mayfleld Claim.. _. .. .. 24 5 '- Queen of foe North .. .. .. 61 IS ■' Burkes tribute '.. _. .. SlO- ! Main's tribute 29 2 ' Broughton'stribnta .-, .. 22( -<; Mint Claim .. .. „ .. : J-'fl Pride of Tokatea Company— Boyd's tribute 18 fl Kennedy's tribute .. .. 61 3 Wells'tribute .. .. .. 2414 Union Beach Company— Stflwart's tribute 2213 Sullivan's tribute .. „ 6218 Myhan's tribute .... ..1610 Harney's tribute .. ... .., j_t 7 Galetribute .. ... ..12 6 ■ Just in Time Claim .. .. ~ 11l , Stranger Claim.. ..■■""._-'■ ■'■''.■ 99 7 ' I'ntted Claim .. .. ~v ~ 918 Ness Side Claim .. _. ...32 6,„, , Bright Smile Company .. ..49 2 Harbour View ,310 Stevenson's tribute .. _. 1111 Na»h'_ tribute. ..'..■.. 017 Corby Co.—Me'.lsop's tribute • ~ W 3. , Tokatea Co.—Thodes' tribute ;: 130-16 ' " Boswell's Claim.. ~ _. -'■ '.. 3 5 Mtnlin's Claim .. .. _. .. 216 Eureka Claim '„ .. •__'■ .. 617 Sundries .. .. __ .. 7 0 Total '.*_' .. .. ... __015. ,

THEATRE ROYAL.-" OUR FRIENDS."

" ObrFeiend's," a new four-act comedy, was presented last night to a magnificent house at the Theatre Royal. The cast waa a judicious one, and with the exception nf several passages in wMch the prompter's interpositiongwas too (manifest, it world smoothly. The plot is rather attenuated, but notwithstanding this the yario«_ Bcenes ate invested with an interest whifcttievev lopes into excitement in the third act,» while the play is pleasantly rounded off by a very effective anti-climax in. the-Out--, act. The leading design of the writer ap pears to be the exhibition, in an exagge rated light, of corirse, of several types of the "friends" which a prosperous, good natured, and unsuspicious man may hare- He keeps " open house" in a delight ful country mansion, liberally, extends his -invitations, and. has soon a crowd' ot guests to provide for. They signalise their entrance .into the' establishment by assum ing airs of wonderful condescension. xTiren follow^disparaging remarks under, the'giiise of friendship'abpiit the host, his family concerns, his want of. taste, delicacy and breeding, his domestic arrangements and his wife. These are made behind his back and repeated with insufferable insolence, to. his, face. His easy nature is slow to take offence, and the friends rapidly become more and more arrogant in their behaviour and insulting in their;observations. One makes a Sanguinary raid upon the live stock for disturbing his repose, another busies himself in' contriving a*; duel between his friend and a hitherto peaceaMe neighbour, and a third is sedulously gaged in an attempt to seduce the youtgral wife under the shallow pretext of Platonic love. The would-be seducer is a young [man named Maurice (son of a deceased I friend) whom the hostess nurses through a severe illness. Everything is appearing to favour and foreshadow a successful liaison when a few of the friends covertly commu nicate their suspicions to the host. He in virtuously indignant at first at their insinu ations, butis ultimately prevailed upon to at tempt asurprisc upon his wife. He leaves his home ostensibly for London, but realty to return at midnight. The seducer taking .advantage ot his absence enters the wife's boudour, but at the last moment she per ceives how gravely she is compromising herself, resolves to preserve her marital virtue, repulses the intruder and by aelever ruse locks him out on the balcony just»,] her husband returns with the chuckling1 friends. He is delighted at this proof of her fidelity, the traces of a struggle about the room having been ingeniously * explained away by Dr. Thompson, a prospective son in-law, who acts throughout as " amicus i curiae." Suddenly a noise is heard, and the husband, rushes to " the balcony, where he spends the ' night In the, morning he seems, distracted, is seen rushing out with a box of pistols, and then an explosion is heard. He is thought to have discovered all and to have made away with himself in consequence, but the tension of sensational excitement is suddenly relieved by his return with a fox* head. He had simply been lying in wait for the ronber or his hen roost. An awkward state of things disappears as if by magic: the wife's * love is assured; the attempted, seducer is rendered contrite by the procural of a lucrativetappointment for him by his unsus picious friend:j the.Dbctor receives his meet reward ; and the disgusted "friends" troop away in deserved ignominy. The play»? » trifle too lont;, and it certainly drags during the first (act, otherwise it is iass excellent bill. Mrs Lingard gave a powerful and well-studied representation of Mrs DaWSO_ (tne wife), while Mr Overton's Mr Dawson (the husband) was a masterly portraiwe. Mr Lingard's Markham and Mr Craigs Maurice were also marked by much merit. The comedy will be repeated to night.

Frank Button, mate of tho brigantine Darcy Pratt, was killed at Helensville on Friday by being crushed under a log from beneath which the rollers had slipped. The eldest daughter, of the Rev;. iM Mc- Kinney sustained a -fracture of the collar bone a fow days ago by ftfall.fromahogc.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. TOESDAY. DECEMBER 28,



Special Advertisements. WHEN the Immortal Bard wrote, "Throw Physio to tho dogs," he had not heard of SHARLAND'S SARSAPARILLA, A pleasant and aromatio BLOOD-MAKING FLUID, Unsurpassed in the world in aroma, richness, and flavour; a bright golden fluid. Had Bhakspearo now lived, he would havo called three timos a day for Sharland'b SARSAPARILLA BITTERS, A Genuine Tonic and Appetiser, 'A LIVER STIMULANT, And Dispeller of the Megrims or Blues. Ask your Merchant, your Purveyor, your Hotel Proprietor, for Sharland's Sawaparilla and Sarsaparllla Bitters, and see that no other is substituted. Sold in Quart Bottles. milE MERIDEN BRITAN ! . MANUFACTURERS OB' THE HIGHEST GRADE OF SILVER PLATED WARE, OTn on NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Offices—lG, East Fourteenth street, Union Squaro, New York. Factories—West Merlden, Connecticut- Sole Agents orJ tho North Island, i- *■- S. MORRIN



JVMAS TTOLIDAYS, 1380. -njEW *YEAR' 3 TTOLIDAYS, 1881. TSEGATTA *C>XCURSIONS, 1881. A USTRALIAN -TjRICKETERS' Y islt > 1881 W'E aro Prepared to SUPPLY YOU with the MostSuitablelandFASJiloN-MiLi. Clothing Required for Holiday Gattu ing-i, Picnics, Water Excursions, Lawn Tenplß and Garden Parties. GARLICK & CRANWELL. SUNSH \DES, for Afternoon Uso -G. SUN3HAD_.B,forPionics,lsnpwards-_S. SUNSHADES, for Carriage Uso — C. POMPADOUR Dress GooJs, Now Pat. -G. SAT BEN, Now Lot, just opened — & NOVELTIBS in Dro_3 Goods con stantly arriving — C. CHILDREN'S Pompadour Dresses, Very Cheap — G, CHILDREN'S 2-Button Kid Gloves -& CHILDREN'S Hosiory-an Immense Variety — C. HATS, La.ies', Job Line,ls 3d worth 23 Gd- G. HATS and Bonnets Trimmed Cheap — & HATS for Children from Is upwards— 0. G7IRLiCK~& CRANWELL would remind the Public that they have SACRIFICED a Credit Trade for the sake of establish ing tho riaOPERATIVE pASH OYSTEM We Open no New Accounts for Dra pory. We LOSE Customers who ask for Credit ; all we ask in return is a Liberal Support by Cash Buyers, to enable us to continue what is a Publio Benefit. Our Goods are very Carefully Bought, and Marked at a Very Small Percentage over Cost, and we must do a Large Business to continue the System, and the Larger our "Turn Over'',the [more our Customers will Benefit by their Supports



LAWN TENNIS APRONS -G. RIDING GLOVES, 8111 c Gloves - & KIDGLOVIca, 1,2,3,1,6, & 8 Button—t:. FANCY BAGS and Boxes oTHandkerchlefs for Presents GOLD and CHENILLE Scarves and Collarettes — G. GOLD and SILVER Trimmings — & GOLD COLOURED Silk Fringes.&c.- C. QILKS, we have tho Cheapest — G. O SILK;-, Special Lines, 2s 9d, 4s 3d, Is 6d per yard — & SATINS and Fancy Goods for Trim ming — C. CRK TONNES, on immense Assortment - g7 CRKTONNES, backed with Lace, Curtain Pattern — & CRETONNES, New Styles, from 7d per yard — C. ARTICLE 3of Sew Designs too numerous to mention in Hosiery, Underclothing, Millinery, Ladles' Nick Nacks, and Fancy Goods. ANKRUPf STOCK of Men's and Boys Clothing and Mercery. Novv being SOLD at Robinson's Cost, and Manu facturers' Prices by GAI-IJOK & CRANWKLT,. VERY CHEAP TABLE DAMASKS, from Is 6d per yard. A pURE nABH OYSTEM. /p \ ALL DRAPERY & CLOTHING / C. S. \ AT \ - /CO-OPERATIVE CASH V' 0/ PRICES, \y AT THE riITY TTALI* ARCADE, GARLICK & CRANWELL, PROPRIETPR3.



OUK0 UK ANNUAL" CHPJSTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCE ON MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOOD 3 WILL BE OFFERED AT pOST BKICE! POR A FEW WEEKS ONLY I In Order to Clear Heavy Stocks T rf^OBGRAYE & rid., Importers of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, QUEEN-STREET, Auckland. N.78. — N0 Goods will be entered during the Sale.



"OAKING "pjOWDER. HOW TO TEST IT? Nearly allßakingPowders are adulterated with something that increases the bulk and lowers the cost. Such as "Flour," "Rice Flour," " Cheap Arrowroot," or "Potatoe Starch." These are found in various proportions, from 20% to even 75% in the low-priced article. TRY your Baking Powder by putting a tea spoonful in a tumbler of clear water—it it con tains farina tho water will be milky and thick; stand the glass for an hour in a sate place and it will deposit the farina; pour off the water; dry the powder on blotting paper, and its nature will he apparent. i HUDSON'S New Zealand Baking Powder Will STAND the TEST. Manufactured Solely by j HUDSON | (Late Hill and Hudson), CHEMIST, VICTORIA-STREET. Can be Bought of the Maker, and of any Qr cer in Is Gd and 2s 6d tins. •W INKS& jTALL, HAVE i REMOVED FROM SHORT_.AND-STI.EET TO



TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FORT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MAET, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL.REMAIN IN FORMTREET DURING THE RE-BUILDING OF THEIR WARE- I HOUSE .IN SH( BTLAND'BTBEET. i



Special Advertisements. Jf E W <J OOD .& TV-EW {"I OODS ! A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. We hold tho Largest and Best Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS, DRESS GOODS FLOWERS, FEATHERS, &o„ &C. Special Line of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard; worth 5s Gd. 5,000 Straw Hats, all now Bhapos. A Large Stock of Ladies' and Children's Undor clothing, Dree 3 and Mancle-making on tho premises Cosl umes mado in 21 hours'notice. A. LINABURY & C')„ 201 and 20G, Queen-street -V-EW pOOJ-SAND-pJOVELTIES KOR THE TTOLIDAY CKASON AT RUSHBROOK & BRID.GMAN'S, A Cno-Oic Lor op LADIES' NEW LACE AND SILK CAPES SILK SQUARES, ETC. L A O IS FICHUS, A .ion LINE vkry cheap. SON SHADES AND UMBRKLLAS. Ribbons, Gloves, &o. NEW AND SEASONABLE DRESS



MATERIALS In Very Great Variety. _sr some job lines very cheap, lai PRINTS, satkkNS, PO MPADOUR. GALATEA STRIPES, Etc. GENERAL AND FURNISHING DRAPERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Summer C l o i ring For Hoys' and Mkn's Wear. SILK DUST COATS, ALPACA and HOLLAND COATS. Pull Stocks of WHITE SHIRTS, OXFORD SHIRTS, TIES SCARVES, COLLARS, Sec. Straw. Leghorn and Rush Hats, of all kinds for Boys and Men. Is in the _. Discount allowod upon all Cash Purchases ot 20s and Upwards. "DTJSHBROOK & "ORIDGMAN JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE lOpposito tho Army and Navy Hotel], Upper Queen-street, [Auckland. IY/T ILNE & jpHOYCE HAVE NOW HKCBIVBD. PER STEAMER, NEW OATCAKE CLOTH NEW FIGURED SATTEHNS NEW PLAIN SATI'EENS NEW CHECKED SATTEEN



NEW-SPUN SILK HOSE NEW LISLE HOSE NEW COTTON HOSE NEW MILLINERY NEW HATS AND BONNETS NEW FANCY GOODS GENERALLY. 1%/riLNE & piIOYCE, Queen & Wbt.lesley streets.