SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

man water} ™ o B^!SoX, j0.37 {■UNBET.—ThIs Evening, 7.13. 6UNRIBB.—To-Morrow Moraine:. i.U MOON'S AGB.-Last Quarter, 2oth, 0,23 a.m. ARRIVALS. TO-DAY. WaitaW, 8.8., Edie,<from Tauranga aflidge, schooner, Bobble, from LcvuKa.

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Venus, TaJteh, King, for Tauranga Hello BJandon, schooner, Hams, for HueseU Waltnld, 8.8., Bdle, for Russell

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

loading Tanranga—Glenelg, Thursday; Waltakl, Mon-

Melbourne, via South-Tararua, Thursday Whan<fareiandHusseil-WaiUfcl. Wednesday New Plymouth and aouth-Penguin, Tuesday , Whangarei-Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Friday

Tho schooner Orpheus arrived at Kapler from Whangaroi on the 12th inßtant. TheioriginTine Linda Weber left Napier for ■JEercury Hay on tho 13th. The schooner Minnie Haro arrivod at Poverty B»y from Auckland on Thursday last.

The schooner Josephine left Glsborne for Napier with a cargo of wool on Thursday. She comes on to this port from Napior,

Messrs Henderson and Spraggon have Eannched a punt 40 feet in lennth built to the order of JBT Tucker, Bay of Islands Coal Com pany,

Tho cutter Fannie is undergoing rspaira at Messrs Henderson and Spraggon'a yard.

The schooner Marion arrived at Lcvukalrom Norfolk Island on December 3.

*sThe Speedwell, for Norfolk Island, and Pirate, for Penhyru, entered out dt the Customs to day.

The schooner Midge ar-ived this morning from Levuka with a cargo of bananas and pine apples. She left at noon on December the Blh, And on tho 9th cleared Kadavu with strong E.S.E. breeie and squally. On December 13th, to lat. SOdega. S, and long. 177d0K8,, K. loßt the Trades and had a fresh gale from the South ward for 12 [hours; from thence experienced H.W. and Westerly winds. Sighted Whito Island on December 13 at 3_p.n.. from thence to port, strong S.W. winds. Tito Midge brought ithreo passengers, viz., Mr Atislow, Mr Lamb, sen., and Mr Lamb, jun.

IMPORTS.

Per Midge, frois. liovuka-500 benches bana noßrSO boxes pieeapplea.

TORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

'Seagull, brteantine, from tho South Hannah Moltan, s.s., McCarthy, from Waitera

DEPARTURES.

Rowena, a a., Amodeo, for Hokianga

Tho B.s. Kowena left for Hokianga yesterday afternoon with tho following passengers:— Messrs Marriner, Russell and Wallis, Mrs Cardno and family (1). Mrs Qnigley. Misses Marriner. Webster. Qulgley and Yon Stmrnor. Masters Yon Siurmer (2), Webster (;», and threo native boffa.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russbll, this day. Hailed: Mariner. Arrivad: Bingarooma. She sails at 4 p.rn, Bassengera:—Mrs Cook, and eight others. MKLBOtJRNK.December 21. Salleii: The Union Company's steamer Axawata, for tho Bluif

HOKiANaA. yesterday. Tho brig Clematis has arrived from Ly ttelton 'to load for Mobart Town.

Napiek, yesterday. Sailed r'.Waikato, ship, for London, the third vessel of the season, uhe takes 1,635 bales of wool, and 17 caßks of tallow. Ihe total value of the cargo is £87,677 5s 7d. Cleared at the Customs: Messrs thaw, Saville, and Co.'s barque Wave Queen, with 4.088 bales of wool. ■J otal value of cargo, £76,10916s lid.

THE WEATHER.

(1.) WIND ESTIMATED AS G—Calm F. Br.—Fresh Breeze li.—light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeze G.—Gale (2.) ANEROID BAROMETER. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Blue sky, be the at- O.—Overcast.the whole mosphere clear or sky covered with heavy thick clouds C. — Clouds, passing P.—Passing showers clouds Q.—Sqnally D.—Drizzling rain K. — Kain, oontinued F.—Foggy rain O-. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather ' T.—Thunder H.-Hail U.-Ugly, threatening L.—Lightning appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evesikg Star Cfficit, Wednesday. Mr R. C. Greenwood held a sale to-day of houses in Welleslny-street and Ponsonby. There was a good attendance. The house and allotment in Wellesley-street West was started at £100, and after much spirited bidding was knocked down to Mr S. Partridge for £205. The 3-roomed cottage in O'Neill-street, Ponsonby, was passed in at £150.

Being called to account for the statement that a certain meeting was "a large and respectable one," when only one other person besides himself was present, a reporter insisted that what he had set down was Jiterally true; "for," said he, "I was large and the other man respectable." Mine Host: " Now, Jack, you'd better bank that money in both my name and yours, so that you can't be drawing cheque •' without my consent; it will prevent you throwing your money away on |those town pubs." Bushman: "All right, old man, Jet's go and bank it that way." A fact. Queensland " Punch."

CHEIF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Closb as Ukiikks—

TIH3 DAY.

For Wangarel Hwida, Wangarel. Mangapai, KusaoU, and Kawakawa, per Wiutakl, at ■i p.m.

For Thames, per Knterpriso, at 6.38 l^Hi»

Thursday, 2Srd Jttstaht. | FOi' Waiwcra, To Kapa, Craifciobutn, and I Wurkworth, per Hose Casey, at 8 a.m. ! For WVitaM, pet Latlft Rdo'kh, at!!) ft.m. ll For G's.-.omjo, Nupier, Southern ports, aijd Aus ' tralian Colonies, .per Kiri(jai'66tuK at 11 a.m.; For Nt3w Plymouth, V^augataui. Wollington, I and Southern pdrta, per Orcti, at 11 a.m. j For Waihoke iind Cftromande1!, per Coro mandol, at 2.30 p.ta. ( For Thtunes, #r. Hotomahana, at 'i p.m. For Whii!ißnl gt > ,Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki,; per'Gtotlelg, at 4 p.m. \

FKiday, ilih irista'ht.

For ."Wellington, Newcastle (N.fi.W.'), and Molbburno, jicr Herb, at 3 p.m

Monday, K'th Instant. ForWaiwera, Maaftranni, Matakana, Manga wai, Watpn, and Mangapai, per Koao Casoy, at 9 a>».

Tuesday, Ith Jannary, 18S1. Per s.s. 'City 6C Sydney as follows :—

For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Contral and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies,, Japan, an& China, inoluding Hongkong, at I n.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m.

For money orders, registered lottors, and Eofrspapers, at 11.30 a.m.

Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, In addition to the postage, will bo received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of Bailing.

Tnis mail will bo duo in London on Tuesday, February 15, 18S1.

N.B. -Saturday, 25th instant (Christmas Dart, will be observed as a oloao holiday in all branches of this Department.

ROBT. KAYE, Acting Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

December 32, ISSO. Theatre Royal—" Stolen Kisses." 8 pm. Choral Hall—Mr R. A. Proctor"? Astronomi cal Lecture, " Comets and Meteors." $ p.m.

Lorno-street Hall-Pitt street Sunday-school Industrial Exhibition, 7 p.n>. Albert Hall-Catholic Bazaar in aid of St. Patrick's Cathedral Cftnd, S p.m.

St. Matthew's jsunday-achooi—ChrisiraasTrco, 7.80 p.m. Newmarket Hall-Christmaß Tree, 7.30 p.m. St. Jamea'a Hall—Gospel Address by Mrs Hampaoa, 7.30 p.m. Newton and Archlilll Wdrking Men'a Ci"ub Meeting, Crawford-street, 8 p.m. H.A.U.B Pociety-Uall-yeMy ineotlng, St. Patrick's Hall, 8 p.m.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

O.T.—There are two Auckland yachto in Mel bourne- thoTaniwha and Secret. The name of the latter has not been changed. W J.C.—Mrs Langtry is a nativo of Jersey, Channel Islands. BurGbss (Hamilton).—Tho subject is not worth the epaca required for its discussion.

BIRTH.

WARNOCK.-0n December 16, at hor re«ldentt>, Ponsonby, Mrs Robert T. Warnoot, ota son-.

MARRIAGE.

QTSARD-RTJ.SBEIjIi.-On Doeembor 21,1880, at the Auckland Registry Office, Georgo William Geard. second soa of Samuel Geard. to Jano Agnea. eldest daughter of D. Russell, both of Auckland.

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

WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 22, 1880.

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

Thf ruffian Thomas O'Connor richly deser-ed tho punishment inflicted by the Resident Magistrate this morning. We are only sorry that instead of seven days a sentence of as many months was not imposed. It is palpable from the evidence that the object of the pri soner and his confederates was to extort money from the complainant Nathaniel JNathan—by means of a disreputable conspiracy. There are not many men who possess the moral courage to face the publicity of a Police Court under such circumstances as those described in our report of the case. The majority of people would prefer to submit to insult and black mail rather than expose the reputation of a woman to the risk of being blackened by the trumped-up stories of such despicable creatures as this O'Connor and his confederate "Welsh. If the public were not protected against atrocious impositions of this sort the Domain would no longer be frequented as a place of recreation, but would be shunned by all respectable persons, and abandoned to footpads and ruffians. For these reasons it is to be regretted that a more severe example was not made in the case under notice, and that the other parties concerned in this disreputable proceeding should be permitted to get oif scot-free. Even taking the worst possible view of the affair—and we agree with His Worship that there is nothing in the evidence to fix a stigma on Mr Nathan or the lady —public morality is not to be protected by such means as that adopted by O'Connor and his accomplices, which would be nothing short of putting a premium upon vice. The defendant, by his own shewing, is a m-jan, des picable sneak, and it is a pity that he has no,t got his deserts.

Whem Edmund Burke argued that the English people, iv the Restoration of 16 GO, surrendered their sovoreigu rights fir all time, a famous political writer retorted that no generation could mortgage the rights of its posterity, but that if any {mau ever possessed that right he must have been Adam. The " Sydney Morning Herald'j has hit upon a new application of the argu ment in relation to the land question in New South Wales, which is remarkable for its originality. A candidate in a remote country district, during the recent general j elections, pointed out that while the population of that colony consists of over 700,000 souls, almost all the lauds are monopolised by 3,421 squatters. Commenting on this the "Herald" says that there ar« about 169,000,000 acres uualienated, and about 750,000 people awaitiug a distribution of the land, and the editor proceeds to argue that an equal appropriation of the land to the persona now living in the country would be a monopoly in a gigantic form, inasmuch as

it would ignore the claims of t'io millions who are to come after. The " Herald •' asks —" Is each soul to be planted iv tho midst of 225J acres? Is &n equal area to 'be allowed to es&h, 'or is the distribution to be governed by considerations of quality as well as quantity ? In either case there would be a dispersion of population rather than a distribution of , the land, unless the hundreds of . thousands of souls now located in the towns, and fpr that or othei> reasons unable to turn their respective > patches of soil to profit, we're ~p*'r&iHt&rl to, aell them to other p£o|>l6 wii'6 were able (which would .fcttip ftbont monopoly), or were nlrows& to let them1 on lease far simfttr purposes (which would be doing what is already being dove by tho Government). If the population Woro all dispersed, what would bocoms of the towns? But it it wi',vo not dispersed, and all sums rais&d by the sale or letting of the distributed territory passed into private hands instead of the public treasury whence, except from jpriv&tb pockets, would come tlrts feuds for makiug roads antl brfiSge's, constructing necessary work?, aud defraying the expenditure whioh hitherto thu Government, as steward (or the great public estate, han incurred in lift admi nistration and improveiHs^t? The Idea of distribution, moreover) .ivij^^tS tho idea of purchase ; distribttttou must bo by free gift, or it will be Impracticable. How can Jack Smith, the lumper, pet his, 225 acres if ho Ims to pay for it? And how can Jaok Smith's infant child? They must; both Wait for their respective shares until they can pay; and that ta what they art, doing at present. But then, again, If the; land is to bo distributed £rati>, a'tribngpt'the! 750,000 souls ¥iow iVi the Colony, was therej not a sttspfciovt ftf 'Injustice to the GOO.,000: wlio wei'O here a few yoard.ax,o ill postpon ing tho proce^s'for tl>c Ijenelitof tho £50,000 later arrivals'? If nqt,,aud if this later urri vals have just.as.ffood A right as their pre decessors had, can it bo just to anticipate and shut our, by a distribution now, tho rights ot"claims of the millions yet to come ?" Tlieeo arguments poMsess some interest for New Zealand colonists. During last sossiou Mr Ormoud propounded ft scheme for the realization of tho public estate in order to obviate the necessity for increased taxation, and tUo arguments used by (he Government were practically similar to those put forward by our Sydney CoVl- i temporary, it was contended that the ] true interests of the twlrttijr ltoiYipi'eventing! tho pieinatiWe dUtribntjon of the public ea-' tatc, iusteai t>f p'romot'i'nc ft, and tlja« any i endeavour 'to i'ris!i tile .Wistc lifida into the I market would 'result i\V A sacrifice of the' publicjpati'ini&riy, 'feftd in'lilti^iiiic .monopoly, Experience has demonstrated the fact that, any system of settlement to tin successful and couductvo to tho general welfare must be regulated by the , existing roquiremonts, \ that is by the aptuul existing demand. Any attempt to unduly forco settlement on tho lancl by artificial means must disorgan ize tho industrialequilibrium.burden thosoil with unsuitable and inexperienced popula tion,andproduccfailureaud disappointment. 'Die attempt to force settlement iv Now South Wales by a loose deferrod-paymctit system produced precisely those results. There was a, rush for land, but tho instal ments fell into serious arrears, and the Rolectors clamoured for legislative relief. Kven in Uiis colony tho deferred-payment system has not proved so successful as was anticipated.

A new danger seems to have made itself known, which interests, if it does not threaten, all who make usoof tinned moat. It was discovered under tho following circumstances:—On the 4th of October last an inquest was held at a public house in Poplar, London, on the body of a child iigcd ten years. It appears that on the previous Friday the deceased and uu enter sister were scut to buy a suwll quantity ,of American corned bcof, which they. procured, and of which the whole family, ftvfe in number, partook. All,of them befcame indisposed after the meal, thd deceased experiencing the severest effects. She suffered greatly from pains in the stomach and head. On Sunday a medical man was called in, but the child died about half an - hour after his arrival. Ho was of opinion that slio was suffering from the eliects of some irritant poison, but did not venture on giving h certificate of death before making a post-mortem examination. This he did, and by the appearance of the body waft confirmed in his diagnosis. The brain was much congested and the stomach inflamed. He also examined the corned beef (from which the portion eaten by the family,including deceased, had been taken; and arrived ut these conclusions. be believed that a portion of the tin had be come absorbed by the moat, and that a deadly compound, hydro-chloride of zinc, had been formed. The active agent in the formation of the poiaon in question would j not, of course, bn the meat itself, but the spirits of salts or hydrochloric acid which is almost invariably usod in Soldering tin cases. If tho surmises of this medical man are correct, aftd there seems a show of ■evidence in support of them, a question of vital importance to a large number ot persons is opened up. Tinned meats are principally used during voyages, when of necessity they form the staple food supply; and unless the ri?k which appears to exist is shown to be either fallacious or avoidable, great hesitancy will naturally be felt ou the part of voyagers to use provisions preserved in tins. This hesitancy must cause untold discomfort to travellers, not to speak of tUe injury that would ensue to nu important branch of iudustry, in Which the colonies are largely interested. There io therefore sufficient reason why the subject of the construction of tins for preserving should ho investigated. If there really be a danger that tho spirits of salts Used in soldering may combine with the solder and form the fatal compound known as chloride of zinc, then it should be enquired whether soldering cannot be eilected without the aid of spirits of salts. If it cannot, it seems as i£ soiiie other material than tin should be used for making preserving vessels. At any rate the doubt and uncar tainty hanging over tho wholo matter are amply suflicient to warrant careful enquiry. It must be said, however, that the fact of tinned meats being used to such an incal culable extent without any evil consequences might perhaps bo taken as almost conclusive proof that tho poisou in the corned meat referred to was due to some exceptional cause

Tho Choral Society will givo a free per formance of selections from tho " Messiah " at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Proctor will give his last lecture but ouo in the Choral Hall this evening, and there is not the slightest chance of the eminent astronomer's stay in Auckland being prolonged, The subject tor to-night is " Comets and Meteors, the Largest aud Least of Heavenly Bodies."

The North British aud Mercantile Insurance Company have issued the prettiest card-almanac that has yet come to hand. The design is very handiome, and it has been executed in Jirst-class London style. The card bears the name of the Auckland agents, Shera Bros.

Mr McDonald, engineer of the Harbour Board, is continuing the borings for the pro posed dock site at the North Shore. He is down 28 feet, and has found the ground solid, and of a very favourable character. From the nature of the ground, a consider able saving may bo expected in the con struction of the deck. Xho Board should now employ the funds'at their disposal in excavating for the dock, so that co time may be lost iv carrying out the- work,

To the Editor: Sir,—Would you kindly inform me whether the extract in last night's STAB, concerning some farewell sermons preached in the Mint Lane OJiapel (wherever that may be), by the Rev. George A. Brown, refers to the gentleman who, a few Sundays ago, (preached a sermon in the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, on " Pagan Doctrines in the Christian Church," on which occasion he condemned all clerical titles, including that of Rev., as relics of Paganism.—l am, &c, Consistency/.

At the half-yearly meeting of the Loyal United Brothers Lodge, Mo. 975 of the JJevv Zealand Order of 0.F., held in the Protestant Hall, Newton, the following Officers were installed by the P.G.M., liro. Roberts:—Bro. J. T. B. Dines, Grand Master ; Bro. W. T. Parker, Noble Grand ; Bro. Morris, Vice Grand; Uro. Brown, Permanent Secretary; Bro. Ililditch, Elective Secretary. The Lodge came to the conclusion to withdraw its delegates from the United Friendly Society's Demonstration Committee, on the grounds that the day decided upon for holding the Demonstration is not a public holiday. After a great amount of other business the Lodge closed at 10 '30.

The chief Tareha, whose death at Napier was recorded in our columns yesterday, was the first representative for the Kastern I Maori electoral district in the General Assembly. Tareha was in IS6O one of the largest landowners in the Hawke's Bay dis trict, but parted with his property by the peculiar mortgaging schemes t&en in practice, and which has made Hawko's Bay famous. Tareha is to be accorded a military funeral at the expense of the colony. There are many Hawke's Bay settlors, including members of the General Assembly, who have made fortunes out of the old chief's lands, who might decently bear tbeir portion o£ the burden.

Referring to the ascertained curative properties of the hot springs in the Pro viucial Districts of Auckland, Mr 'Joseph Newaian writes : Sir, —In confirmation of •the value of our &ulphur springs, I iriet a:. person at Te Aroha last week Whoa short,' tumeago could only walk with v the help of two>slicks. As proof of his Restoration by tliC| hot baths, at,,To Alroh'a, he- had walked thel dny«bqfqfs frera Shortland, a distance ofi ths.rty.f6ur miles. Hopirig this may be ofi ee'nvice to some pf your rijaderaj" We are ploasod to Hear that the Rev. A, flitcbt'ook has been successful in negotiating for the Organ formerly used in St. George's Church, Thames. It is to be opened on the evening of the Ephipany, January 5, with an Organ Itecital ([till particulars of which will btt. advertised), and it is hoped that the Lord Bishop of the Dtoctet} will deliver an address on the Ocrtlstoll. The following tenders were received by Mr Mahoncy and Son for the Victoria-st,vcet buildings :—Whitehead and Uelld, £1,459 ; Scott and Coombesy £1,480; W. G. Con neJlV) £ls*i jA. Watson, £1,2G0; Tnos. Kelly, £1,213; J. J. Holland, £1,197; 11, •llailer, £1,158; T. Constable, £1,135; C. 5. Wright, £1,123; James Morriß, £1,111; McConuaohie aud Flatt, £1,110 ; William Blewden, £1,070 ( Gfiorgo tthodeS) £1,058; Baildon alid Stephenson, £1,032. At tnvercai'gill yestshlay a young woman named Elizabeth Randall was drowned at the Ocean lieach through Slotting go her hold of the roj)o buoyed in the surf ro'r tho acconinVodation of ba'tljera, Another girl, uain'ed Louisa Moli-t'in, had a narrow escnpe, and K{||gstou (the bathkeeper), who plunged in to Rescue them, would also have been drowned but for the assistance of John Patteson, who, with dilliculty, brought him and Miss Martin ashore. The body of tho girl Randall was washed to sea. In tho course of his recent speech at Tlmuru, Mr Wakeliold, M.H.U., said : " The interpreter of tho Houso of Keprc soiitatives, Mr Young, was appointed a Judge of tho]Natiyo Lands Court,:and while lie WM) engaged in bin duty lie died, near Wellington, His brother was a native land agent on tho East Coast, COO mites away. The Judgo used tt! llaVo great influence among tho nStiW.s, bo his *y-ntbor got the natives to hold a iaugi - the Maori pquivalor s for a wake—ovethini. He .asked the Go vernment to, .contribute to tho e.tpouso ot tho wota tut, ho received a flat refusal, and j they asked hii'u to desist from . any attempt! at Such a thing,. However, lie spent some; Hundreds of pounds in waking his brother, ' and then liljed_ in a blank voucher signed by ; a native, and it was paid by tho Treasury i before it was known what it wao for." Messrs tlob.bsand Upodwin opened their1' totiilisator iv the vacant .premises near tho Thistlo Hotel this morning. It was con structed on an improved principle some time ago by Mr Edwards, and worked with success at the Christchurch meeting. There arc two casea, and each are supplied with rows of numbered rollers. These aro fitted with circular and acini-circular wheels which; act asjjja cheek Upon each other, and at tile same time control the action of the rollers which mark tho higher numbers. They also connect with and reg ulate tho grand total column at the too. Tho rollers aro worked on iron spindloa half an inch in thickness. This, of course, would effectually prevent any attempt to bend or break them. The wheels are made of brass instead of iron, ns the latter nieta is liablo to oxidise by being wet, and would in that case not work properly. The numbers are shown by tho glass front, and as each ticket is registered the moving of the roller is announced by the sounding of a bell with which it Is connected. There is no ap parent means of moving the rollers except irom the front, and eveu if the rear covers of the case were left open the numbers could not be altered. After each race starts, tho doors will bo locked by a steward, and the key retained by him. The machine is a model of clever and ingenious mechanism, and its inventor claims that it entirely prevents fraud. It is now open at the oflice uear tho-Thistle Hotel. Ono of the rooms of tho Free Public Library is to bo set apart as a rending room for ladies, and it will no doubt bo well attended. It ,has been found that tho plan of placing the sexes in one room, though it may be conducive to matrimony, is not favourable to study, and hence Ihc change, The Athcnrcum in Wellington, which is ono of tho best mauar/ed institutions of its kind in tho colotry, has a fine roomy apartment for ladies, and the gentlemen are provided with smoking room, chess-room, and writing room. The To Kopuru Sawmill. Northern Wairoa, is a good example of the gignutic establishments which has grown up in Auckland during tho last few years to work the native timber. The weekly out put of the mill is 130,000 ft. to 150,000 ft, The mill is iv a position to cut lengths for bridge piles, &c, np to Gfift. lengths, and with alight additions can cut lengths up to 70ft. Somo 55ft. piles lately cut tor special order were a sight worth seeing. Besides the large business done in sawn and dressed kauri, there is a considerable trade in squared kauri logs. 'Jhe forests of the Company (are very extensive and easy of access from the main river, and contain somo magnih'cant kauri spars, For rafting and towing purposes the lino steamer Kopuru has been added to the plant, and is available for tho towage of large vessels up or down the river when not engaged rafting. Some valuable additions have been made to the mill plant in tho form of a mill for dressing the timber. Two very fine machiuca have been placed in the mill for producing flooring, lining, mould iugs,etc, aud another large English machine is ili course of erection to overtake the large demand for this class of timber. The Company are laying down a gridiron for the convenience of their own vessels and any that may visit the river to lay up for clean ing, coppering, or repair. A first-class shipwright, in the person of Mr Sharp, resides on the station, aud undertakes this department of work.

Mr John Lamb has been through the Tshmnatta, Mangare, and Papatoitoi dis tricts having a look at the wheat crops. He sta.es that the crop is a really magnificent one. This year the crop is superior to any former year that he has visited the districts, and should the weather continue favourable tho harvest will be in full swing about the middle of January, and many fields will have a return of forty bushels per acre. The wheat is principally spriug wheat; there are, however, two fields of winter wheat, which is the heaviest crop of all. Messrs R, Wallace and Karuth, and the two Messrs Robiusons sowed each a small quantity of wheat which he had imported as seed. This wheat looks extremely favourable, having four rows ofjpiles in each head, and is of au earlier character than the other spring wheats, and cives a heavier yield per acre. Growers are going to save this wheat for seed, and no doubt will be willing to supply the neighbours. Several are preparing to use the twine binder. Mr Paul has got 1113 altered by a linn in Otago so as to use the string iv place of the wire, which will cnßiiro safety to cattle. It would be well for those farmers who doubt the utility of growiug graiu, to visit the districts named, and they would then see that even poor land can grow wheat at a profitable rate. A number of the fields have both a second and a third crop of wheat running year after year and still the crop is good. The hay crop appears to bo remarkably well (saved, and to be a largo crop. Potatoes also look well. In mang golds some iiclds arc really magnificent. Farmers should cultivate this root more cxteusivcly. There is no crop yields so largely in weight per acre, and is useful for all classes of stock. This would also give a good indication that tho climate and soil would grow sugar beet well.

The question nas often been ankfd, and justly too, " Why are not more cool drinks iced (drinks —consumed to allay [the thirst caused by our warm climate, instead of the large potations of beer and spirits, commonly indulged in." The same remark was made yesterday by a gentleman who arrived by the s.g. Kingarooina ; ho seemed somewhat surprised that, in a semi-tropical climate like this, Auckland was not provided with an ice-house similar to those now in existence in Melbourne and Sydney. It is a well-known fact that heart-disease is a common malady among Aucklandites, and in many instances the medical faculty has testified that its cause was attributable to the consumption of large quantities of beer which had been taken to quench the thirst and to repress the exhaust ing effect of the excessive perspira tion to which one is subject hers. If beer has such direful effects on the system, spirits under such circumstances must be worso than poison. Hence the /necessity for some cooling, at the same time harmless, drink. It may not be generally known that in a large number of manufactories in Ung laud, especially those where workmen are exposed to intense heat, oatmeal, in the proportion of two and a-half pounds to about a couple of gallons of water, forms the principal drink, and is found to be a very cooling beverage, and at the samo time imparts a hygienic refreshment of which a man perspiring excessively stands sorely in need. Now that the hot weather lias set in here, and old Father 'Xmas is amongst us again, for whose benefit Auck land, for tho next week or two, will put on a say and festive appear.aucu, it would add | greatly to the enjoyment of the many thirsty souls, who do not care for strong potations, if these cooling drinks could be more freely produced, instead of their being compelled to take "long glasses " of strong , " water." etc.

At the supreme Court, Tiniaru, yester day, John Cunningham, alias Sullivan, an old offender, was Sentenced to ( eight years' penal servitude for larce,uy from a dwelling. James Gilchrist, fdr a similar offence, was disehatgod. Charles Inder, for horsesteal ing, and John Pounds, for burglary at a post office, wei'e fpilnd guilty,

Majdr Withers held a monthly inspection of the Auckland Volunteer Battalion in the Drill-shed last evening, when there was a good attendance, Major Derrom being in command. Colonel Lyons, who was present, complimented the batallion on its clean and soldierlike appoarance, and especially praised the Victoria Company, The colonel also expressed a hope that there would be a good muster of Auckland volunteers at the Easter Monday Keview in Waikato.

Mr B. Edwards, according to the " Waikato Times," retires from the Te Aroha and Hamilton Coach line. When fares are reduced to 5s for a 35-mile ride, he thinks it time to withdraw. Horses and buggies will, however, always be available at the shortest notice for visitors to Te Aroha,

We have received the " postman's com plimenta/' wishing Ua a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We do not desire unnecessarily to bo hard upon our postman, considering that llCj like many others, has suffered rt, reduction ill his salary, bilt we really Untile lie deserves a box (not on the eat) but in the common meaning of the term at this season of the year.

The creditors of Frederick Sherwin, builder, of Parnell, met yesterday, and also elected Mr Macll'arlano trustee. In this case the assesta are set down at £55, and the liabilities at £147 18s |9d.

The children of tho Wellesley-sireet Baptist Sunday School enjoyed a Christmas True entertainment last evening in the Temperance Hall. Rev. A. W. Webb, Minister, occupied the chair. The proceed ings consisted of a well lexecuted duet, by two young ladies, Miss Jessie Matthews and Miss Leila Main, who were praised for their performance. The Christinas Tree, tho great Colitral object of attractidn, wan laden with about 000 prizes, all of which were distributed. A large number of gifts by friends were put up and sold to tho highest bidders, by Mr Levi W. Eaton, two being oil paintings of Auckland scenery by Charles Ulomfield. Altogether tho enter tainment was satißfactory. ,

Thoihalf-yo^rly mee.tingof the Auckland Permanent Building and investment, Society wub tQ linyo.,bccn held last evening, but there were not sufficient persons present to form a quorum. Mr Bather read the fol lowing balance-sheet for the information of those present:—Receipts: Fccb, £402 15s 9d; fines, £100 2s 7d % pass-books and rules, £11 18s ; share Bubscriiitions uud re payments, £24,6"56 5s Ud ; deposits, £28,7G1 0s 8d ; interest from bank, £25 lls Id ; balance in hnnd and bank, lat April, 1880, £10,04« 12s 2d : total, £64,004 6s 2d. Dis bursements : I'cos, &c,, £207 3a; loans to norrowers on mortgage, £9,180; lixed deposit, £14,000; repayments to depositors, £14,358 8s 3d ; interest paid to depositors nndbankeis, £34518s lOd; matured share?, paid oil, £13,876 11s 6d ; shares withdrawn before maturity, £9,80418a Id ; outstanding debts, £525 Is Id ; management agencies, &c, £5168s lid; cash in liund and bank, £1,189 15s 3d : total, £64,004 6s 2d.

Our London correspondent writing on current topics when the last mail left says :— "If libcrul politicians in England aro silent, their allies, the Home Rulers in Ireland, are by no means inclined to follow their example. The Land league has now become an Association of Conserva tives compared to the murderous politics of tho Nationalists. As usual, in periods of excitement in Ireland, furious popular songs arc heard in every mouth. Tbb following is by Miss Fauny Purncll, and docs more credit to her zeal than her education :—

The birds pf prey are hovoriag round, The vultures wheel and stoop, They come, the corouottpa ghouls! With drum boals and with iroop. They come to fatten on your flesh; Your .children')), and your wives.'. You die but once—hold fast your lands, Ami, if you can, your lives; Tho.closing lines are eminently practical, if rather unnecessary, most people do.

Some attention has been attracted by Ashcroft's iiew macliiiiery for obtaining cold from rjuart£ and earth!). It provides appliances fdr three distinct processes : Ist, for pulverizing. This is done by balls rotating in a Vau> an& being driven by a cone, the centrefugal force of the balls driving them aloug the surface of the cone, causes them to auiii on their own axis, as well as to revolvu round the pan. This increases the pulverizing power of the machine very greatly. A wheel and screw enable the cones to be set above or below the centres of the balls, and so increase the crushing power of tho machine, and to regulate this power according to the require tncutd of the material under operation, either for the hardest or for the softest material. The second class of machinery is for sorting. This is accomplished by a double pan. The shafts rotating in each half cylinder, which are provided in this pan, can be raised or lowered at pleasure. If the blades with which the shatts are fur nished touch the bottom at the starting of a crushing, all the material received from the spouts of tho pulverizing pan will be carried round. But it those shafts be gradually raised as the crushing goes on, in that case the heavier particles will be left at the bottom of the pan. whilst all the lighter particles will overflow (into the amalgamators to be treated with mercury. When a crushing is done the shafts can be lowered and the heavy matter allowed to pass out of the bottom of the pan, by means of an opening provided for the purpose. The third process is amalgamating. This is effected by an apparatus very fsiuiilar to the sorter. The shafts are fitted with a ripple copper screw, and tho material can be passed round tho pan as many times as may be needed to secure that nono remains untouched by the mercury.

The " Observer," ready at noon to-mor row (Thursday), will oontain full particulars of tho £20 WoRTn of 'Xmas Prizes, etchings of Jack Harris, T. D. Halstead, John Cosgrave, and Mr Ehrenfriod, Pen and Ink Portrait of tho now Mayor, a social article on Marriage, Tips for tho coming Races, and a variety of Local, Sporting, and Theatrical Gossip.—[Advt.]

Mr B. Edwards, of Hamilton, runs a coach every alternate day from Hamilton, viz., on Tuesday, Thursday, »na Saturday.

Mr Luscombo Searell announces a 'grand saored musical festival to bo held in tho Theatre Royal on Christinas night.

The Ponsonby Wesleyan Sunday-school Christmas Tree is to be in the Ponaonby Hall this evening. Doors open 7.30 p.m.

Messrs Carbines and Lusher sell to-mor row, at 12 noon, Dr Horey's furniture in Karangahape Road. Tho furniture is clean aud almost new.

THEATRE ROYAL.-STOLEN KISSES.

Mr and Miss Lingakd and their talented company opened a short season at the Theatre Royal, la9t evening, with the tnvourite drama of "Stolen Kisses," which gives scope for histrionic display. Mr and Miss Lingard returned very recently from a tour in the south, and on their reappearance at the Theatre lioyal, they were cordially greeted by numbers who had been delighted by their performances during their previous term in this city. The caste included artistes of acknowledged dramatic ability, well-known to tho Auckland public—especially tho Lingard?, Mr J. B. ateelo, aud severaj other of the actors. The dearth ot theatrical amusement had been felt for some time by many citizens, still the company did not attract to the extent anticipated. In justice, however, to tho players, it mast be affirmed that they exerted themselves to the utmost to give satisfaction and afford pleasure. The characters were represented thus: " Tom Spirit," Mr Lingard; "Jenny Temple," Miss Linsrard ; " Cherry," Miss Adelle ; "Walter Temple," Mr Overton; "Mrs Jawkins," Miss Huran ; " Freeroantle," Mr Craig; "Lord Trangmar," Mr Steel; "Fred Gay," by Mr Harrison. This is not the first time that the drama of" Stolen Kisses " has been noticed, this company having performed it several times pre viously. The piece was most effectively placed upon the stage, and the scenery and effects wholly satisfactory. The 1 orchestra too was of excellent character, the selections good and highly creditable to the director Mr S. Searell. Mr Lingard had evidently studied his hero Tom Spirit, who was impersonated with fidelity, even iujhis less prominent features. The tenderer passages were delivered with steady emphasis and due feeling, In truth, all the varying shades, nice touches, and delicate satire in connection with the hero wore brought out effectively. Miss Liugard's "Jenny Temple" was a good delineation, full of life and smartness of repartee, with out, any unnatural straining for a picture unwarranted by the "Jenny" of everyday life. The remaining personages were creditably sustained. The drama will be repeated this evening, when we hope to see a belter house. |

Arrangements have been made for the production of the comedy "Our Friends'' on Boxing Night. This piece is one of the most popular presented by the London Comedy Company. It is to be mounted in lirst-class stylo, and will be supported by the full strength of the Company, making ti very strong Dill.

Scintllations.

, "Bo brief; for it is wen words as with sun beams: the more they-are condensed, tne deeper they burn."— Koothky.

A shareholder—A ploughman. A stern necessity—the rudder. The most unbecoming suit in which a man can appear is a divorce suit. Gisborne is to have a water supply system. The Bachelors of Hamilton purpose giv ing a ball on Thursday, 30th inst, Larrikins in Gisborne are destroying fruit and ilowers. Tareha is to have a military funeral at The Timaru Telegraph has given up the 8 Eight draught horses were killed by a train near Waimate, Otago. Mr'J. S. Buckland's mare Auckland Kate has ioaled a fine filly foal to Musket, There were 248 patients in the Lunatic Asylum on Saturday last. Trickett's defeat is not an unmixed evil. It will help to cure the Australians of "blowing." . Mr Proctor's last lecturing tour in America is said to have yielded a clear prolit of £15,000. Sir William Fox contradicts the state ment that he is "Wellington correspondent of the London " Times." Mr Paton, of Hautapu, has purchased about 180 acres of Mr W. Morgan's pro perty, the price being £7 per acre. One hug, says a cautious suitor, is worth a dozen love-letters, and it cannot be intro duced into a breach of promise suit. The literary style of asking for a slice of ham at dinner is, " I'll thank you for an elegant extract from Bacon." Martin Swallow has filed a declaration o£ inability to ineot engagements with his crediton. There are some mon so talkative that nothing but the toothacho can make them hold their jaw. Mr Coote, a new arrival from England, has bought land neat Mr Seddou's, fiamil ton, where he intends settling. Never run up small debts. Creditors are like children-:tlie smaller they aro tke more they cry. It A Maori who swore an unnecessary oath before Mr, Kcndriclc at To Aroha was promptly nt\?d. , ,; In view of tho expected t arrival of the Lady Jocelyn here, Dr. Arnntago has been appointed health officer for tho port of lauranga. They toil and tboy spin, and wash (and smash) dishes, and yet Solomon in all bis glory was not arrayed like a coloured girl at a drcßS ball. Messrs Uyc and Hull, of Otamatoa, have produced lleoce 10 inches iv length, aud the average clip is 9 inches long. An Irishman returned from his travels gallantly compared his landlady to Vesuvius, bocause "she was a h'uo old crater."

I'he full and accurate roports in the Queensland "Hansard" are said .to be demoralising Parliament. There is nothing but talk.

Latest Fiji News.

By the arrival of tho Midge to-day we havo later news from Levuka.

~Mr T. J. Martin, accountant of Ptho Levuka Branch of the Bank of New Zea land, was entertained at a public lunchedn prior to his departure for Taiiranga.

The Uliion Bank is a Bout to open a branch establishment at Levuka. Tlie menlbers of the Land Commission have returned from Lav. A man named Samuel Dwyer, arrested for drunkenness, and sentenced to twenty four hours' imprisonment, died in the lock up from alcoholic poisOoipg. Preparations were being made for the reception of Governor Dcs Vcc'ux. An address of welcome had been prepared, and a triumphal arch was td be erected at the end of the wharf. The schdol-childrefl are to sing the National Anthem. A disgraceful fracas occurred between the foreign labourers at Vagadace in which s'orile serious injuries were sustained. The row arose out Of a quarrel between an Oba boy and a Solomon man, both servants of one household. The quarrel was espoused by nearly two hundred men of the two nationalities, and a battle royal was fought on the cricket ground. Stones and sticks were freely used, and the locality was transformed into a perfect pandemonium by the excited barbarians. One man had his jaw badly smashed by a stone, and numbers of others are suffering from severe cuts and contusions, A number of thn men were so knocked about that it was found necessary to remove them to the hospital, and in the evening many of the rioters were arrested by the police. The men were brought before thcßench, and, on the appli cation of the polico, were remanded for eight days.

Sporting.

GRAHAMSTOWN, this day, THAMES RAGES.

The followiug are the acceptances re ceived last evening for the events of both days, of the Thames Jockey Club Races, Monday and Tuesday noxt : — Flying Stakes.— (Weight for age), Skylark, Sunbeam, Ratcatcher, Kawhiti whiti.

Steward's Handicap.— McDonald's Flora, 7st IOlbs; Byer'a Golden Crown, Sst 2lbs; Ngakapa's Matlock, 6st lOlbs ; Darrow's Batcatcher, 9st 41bs.

Hordlk Race Handicap.—McDonald's Akeake, lOst 41os ; Buckland's Misfortune, 10*t; Lennaid's Venus, lOst.

Railway Stakes' Handicap—Me- Donald's Flora, 7st 31bs; Lennard's Sun beam, 7st 51bs; Williums' Faulty, Gst 71bs; Darrow's Ratcatcher, 9st 41bs.

Thames Jockey Club Handicap.— McDonald's Akeake, Sst lOlbs; Byers' Golden Crown, B<t; Ngakapa's Matlock, 6st iOlbs; Williams' Eclipse, Sat lOlbs; Darrow's Ratcatcher, 9st 4lbs.

Steeplechask Handicap.—McDonald's Akeake, list; Buckland's Misfortune, lOat 71bs; Leonard's Venus, lOstlOlbs; Casey's Atalanta, lOst lOlba. Local Kace Handicap. — Ngatapa's Matlock, Bst 21b« ; Williams' Eclipse, Sst; Hamiora Mangakahia's Skylark, 9st.

TATTEESALL'S BETTING QUOTA TIONS.

The quotations at Tattersall's last evening were as follow :—

Auckland Cup.—Le Loup, 100 to 5,- offered ; Ariel, 100 to 5, offered; Lara, 100 tj 20, ottered; Grand Duchess, 100 to 8, offered; Vampire, 100 to 2 offered ; Rewi, 100 to 2, offered; Badsworth, 100 to 3, offered; Tim Whiffler, 100 to 2, offered ; Lone Hand, 100 to 5, offered ; Kosarina, 100 to 5, offered ; Libeller, 100 to 10, offered ; Foul Play, 100 to 50, offered; Betrayer, 150 to 100, offered; Maid of Honour, 100 to 6, offered; King Quail, 100 to 10, offered; Gilderoy, 100 to 2, offered; Kenilworth, 100 to 5 offered; Yatapa, 100 to 6, offered ; Ada mant, 100 to 1, offered ; Matana, 100 to 1, offered; Golden Crown, 100 to 1, offered.

Steeplechase.—Lono Hand, 100 to 50, oifered ; Agent, 100 to 50, offered ; Mig nonetto, 100 to 10 offered ; Sportsman, 100 to 20, offered ; Don Juan, 100 to 10, offered; Jack Sheppard, 100 to 10 offered; Ghost. 100 to 14, offered.

Mr Walters informs us that he has sent notice to Mr Percival, Secretary to the A.R.C., that the following horses are scratched :—Billingsgate, Piscatonous, Li beller, Grand Duchess, and Venus Trausit, for the Free Handicap.

PITT-STREET WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL EXIBITION.

Sabbath schools in the present day are among the most prominent movoments| tor the moral education of the masses of young people who throng every city and town. It would seem that each school, while having one common object in view, vie with each other in their efforts for innocent and pleasurable amusement to be given to the children under their superintendence. In dustrial exhibitions have of recent years been confined to what is known as the Sunday-school union of all the schools in a district, but seldom has any single school attempted to get up an exhibition of its own. i A year a<jo this movement was projected, i and was first hinted at by the Superinten dent, Mr Randerson, and the teachers. At first it was thought too great an enterprise, but at last it grew into a reality. To secure a full show the Lome-street Hall has been taken, and this grand affair opens this (Wednesday) evening at 7 o'clock by Rev. W. Morley. The exhibits comprise : Large and interesting collection of exhibits prepared by the scholars of the above school; a varied assortment of curios—Fijian, Tongan, Maori, &c, &c; valuable paint ings and works of art, machinery, micro scopes, telegraph, telephone, and other articles of interest too numerous to particularise. Weighing, pulling, &c, and electrical machines of beautiful construc tion, can be used. There will also be special entertainments each evening, of which particulars are given in the adver. tisement.

TE AROHA GOLDFIELDS.

(BY TELEGRAM, OWN UORRKSPOND3NT.)

New Auriferous Reef.

HAMILTON, this day. A reef shewing gold has been cut in tho Don claim.

A half share in the Morning Star has been sold for £60.

The miners are securing their workings for the holidays. The protection to com menco on Friday.

There is good crushing dirt in tho To Aroha winze.

A Severe Sentence.

o (BY TELEGRAPH, PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

INVERCARGILL, Tuesday. The Supreme Court sitting resumed to day, when the charge of manslaughter against Dr. Moffatt, formerly of Winton, was gone into. Some months ago the ac cused was called in to attend d. woman named Cameron, in child-bed, and the pro secutor alleged that culpable negligence on his part caused her death. The hearing of the charge occupied all day, and at 11 o'clock to-night the foreman oE the jury came into Court and announced that they were unable to agree. Judge Williams accordingly ordered them to be locked up until half-past 8 to-morrow morning, when, if they had not agreed, he would discharge them. LATER. Thia day. In the case of Dr J. A. Moffat, charged at the Supreme Court with manslaughter, in connection with the case of child-birth, the jury were unable to agree upon a verdict. They were locked up all night, and this morning returned a. verdict of guilty. The accused was sentenced to, two years' im prisonment with hard labour. .

Catholic Bazaar.

This excellent and well-furnished bazaar was opened at three o'clock yesterday after noon by Archbishop Steins, supported by the Catholic clergy, including Very Rev. Father O'Sullivan, 0.5.8., Very Rev. Father Fynes, V.G., the Key. Father Walter McDonald, aud Rev. Father Paul. His AVorship the Mayor -was also present, and many citizens. At the appointed hour his Grace ascended the platform, and opened the bazaar in brief but sufficient terms to the following effect:—As we have to open the bazaar, as everything is ready, let the bazaar be opened. (Applause.) Let us wish all the success you desire daring these three or four days which are to follow, and then may you have a happy Christmas. (Applause.) A general bustle ensued, and ladies and gentlemen commenced to inspect the splendidly-furnished stalls, commenting on the productions of the hands and intellect of the many who had contributed towards the successof the bazaar. As eveningapproached the tread of people to and fro indicated a promiso of business operations, sounding like the uprising of the new Roman Catholic cathedral. The contributions are costly and beautiful in design and finish ; still the wants tit the humbler classes, who " need not the foreign aid of ornament," were not forgotten, as one stall especially proved, in which was provided ample summer clothing of all kinds for little girls and boys, and even for the baby-blossoms of many house holds. The first evening of the Catholic bazaar was satisfactory, but we are not prepared to give the actual takings. The bazaar was opened this afternoon at the appointed hour, and almost immediately after visitors made their appearance. On No. 2 stall were elegant cushions, smoking caps, and curiosities of needlework, pre sented by Mesdames Derrom, Armstrong, Hobbs, Jtnd Sheehan, also by Mrs Dignan and friends. The magnificently robed ''bride " was the gift of Miss Milne (Milne and Choyce). No. 3 stall presented different features of interest, and of a more substan tial character.: On this stall were a " world of pictures," the model of St. Patrick's Cathedral (Dublin), silver inkstands, table ornaments, Christmas cards, scents of all kinds, watches, time-pieces. At the back of this stall were a number of fine engrav ings and paintings, some of much merit and value. No, 4 stall was devoted to another kind of furniture and ware, snch as flowers froni Nature and fancy.a fine figure of Mary Stuart, the (Scottish Queen, vases of various descriptions, gipsy tables and camp-stools, cosies, cushions, not forgetting Miss Grey's elegant pair of baasenets. On No. 5, one of the mostinterestingobjectn, was a model cot tage and rural surroundings, presented by Mr Jaggar (Jagger and Parker), also several pretty flower stands, and very tastily worked leather brackets, by Jas. Donohue. Several handsome footstools by Miss Kirby aud Miss Hunter, were especially note worthy as indicative of a fanciful taste in needlework and design. Mrs Lewisson's massive cross of silver was another object of admiration, and set off her flower-stall to great advantage.

MRS HAMPSON'S ADRESS.

Mrs Hahpson again lectured to a crowded audience in St. James' Hall last evening. The text chosen was from St. John, 14 chapt., 6 ver.—''l am the Way." These, said she, are simple words, and ask you to pray that I make them no less plain. Jesus Christ has been set out to seek and save the lost ones. Jesus was now looking down into their perplexed hearts, and they wished they could look beyond the sky and read their title there. Well, Jesus comes to night and says, "I am the Way." He said to his disciples when he was leaving them: "Let not your heart be troubled: lam going right through the cross to the crown, there to make a place for my fol lowers." "Shoflr us the Father" had been the cry of the human race lever since sin came, and the orphan heart of fuller humanity had been, calling out ever since. God made light and darkness separate from each other, and ever since' then man had been trying to bring them together. But it can't bo done—one will surely drive away theether—ye|cannotjserve Godand mammon. Did they know that in the dark places of the world where the gospel had never reached, men try to find a God; asking what they should do for God. The poor Hindoo mother would bury her little daughter in the Ganges if she thought it would Ret- her little one light. Xhey could get at God in no way but through Jesus Christ, who now said to them, "I am the Way." The flaming sword barred the gate to the tree of justice, but Jesus had removed it; he had done it legally, justly, and holily, and their debt was paid; he stands at the gate and says, "Come unto me, and I will give you rest," They would remember the great curtain which buna; between the "holy of {holies," and the great washings and purifications which the ' priest had to go through before he could enter. That curtain meant separation; but there was once an execution, and the judge who condemned the culprit pro nounced him innocent; there was once a tragedy—yea, the darkest blot that ever blackened the world—the sun could not look at it, nature groaned, the rocks and mountains were rent, and the graves opened; death lost his strength, and the dead came forth. It was darkness in the mid-day, and just then the veil of lhat Temple—a veil which had stood for ages—was rent in twain from tho top to the bottom; not from the bottom to tne top, mind, but from the top, Thus, right through the heart of Jesus, we cau reach the heart of God. AH our sins were then rolled into the sea of God's forgetiulness, and the way to Him was open. Jesus says: "I am the way." This Was the only way, the long, hard road. The devil had many roads, and he did not care if their garments brushed tho gales of heaven so long as they did uot get there. Imperceptibly the paths diverge, and we ought to see and enter at the right gate, and have a ticket right through to the kingdom. There is a way to the devil right through the Bible, the church pew, even the pulpit; but there was no way to the pit through Christ, and h« was "the " way. She hoped they would forgive her plainness of speech, but she felt responsible for them. Mrs Hampson then went on to urge all tho un converted to delay no longer, but to come to Christ at once. Jeßus was the Way. They must be sure to take the right way, for she had known an instance of pride taking a person right through the Church of Christ unsaved. After again urging her hearers to make the present an examining time, the Jady concluded by asking all who felt touched and were un converted to step iato the back room, where she would wait on them. Several hymns were sung during the evening by the "choir ot the Free Methodist Chapel, Pitt-street.

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.

The first Meeting of creditors in the estae of John Bryant, painter, of Auckland, was held this morning;, when Mr T. Maclfarlaue was elected trustee. The assets (furniture) are stated at £15, aad the liabilities at £127 17a 9d.

The creditors of Peter Kernott. builder, met at noon and elected Mr MaclFatlane trustee. The assets were set.' down at £10, and the liabilities at £110 13s 6d.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[EIKTJTBB'S TELKOBAMs.]

THE REBELLION IN TRANSVAAL LONDON, December 21 Further telegrams are to hand from tho Cape,regarding the rebellion m the Transvaal They announce that telegraph lino, between Heidelbery and Pretoria were on before the Boers proceeded to the form« place. er

THE TROOPS ORDERED UP. The news of the outbreak was, however soon received at Pretoria, and the Govm?.' of Transvaal, Sir George Colley, at on£ gave orders for all the available troops In the district to be despatched without delay to Heidelberg, where the Boers are L already announced, to be in comnletß occupation. r l 0

POLICE FOR IRELAND. LONDON, December 21, Three hundred London Constables am going to Ireland to assist in preservino order. •

iJONDON, December 20;

The Telephone Coitipany has lost the case v. the Post-office, on the question of the legality of the erection of wires.

LONDON, December 21. Tho Postmaster-General is now prepared to establish telephone communication.

ANOTHER BOER RISING.

LONDON, December 2,',

Latest advices from the Cape state tL'»t the Boers have occupied Heidelberg aid formed a Republic. Curger has been'eleotc I President without violence. The citizen* are not offering any resistance.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE TOTALISATOri

MELBOURNE; Wednesday. ' In the Legislative Council last night the report of the Select Committee on tlJi Totalisator Bill, .which favoured legislation of the instrument, was brought up; Are solution .embodying the report 6'f the Cord" mittee was put in the House bat w& re", jeoted.

PENALTY FOR SALTED INVOICES;' A firm of merchants (agents for Messrs' Clayton and Shuttleworth, well-known asri. cultural implement infers, «of. England)" against whpm proceedings were taken for passing falae invoices, have paid a1 fine of £10C0 to the Customs. . ":

AUSTRALIANS F. TASMANIA MELBOURNE, Decfcinbergl.

The Australian team won, fhe match against South Tasmania by five wickets

The Chatham Islands Murder.

A COBRESrONDKNT of the " Christclmrch' Press" gives farther particulars cooceraing tho victim of the brutal murder in Chatham1 Islands. Ho says :—" About three years ago a young girl named Susan Snoswell, a native of Lyttelton, came down to the Chathams, having been engaged as servant by a squatter, Mr Charles Kerr, residing at the north end of the island. About the end of a year from the time she was en gaged, a Maori named Wi Warepa, one of the principal natives of the Chathams asked.her to marry him. She, no doubt led away with the idea of becoming the wife of a man who owned a great deal of land and some 1200 sheep, consented. She was very young, abont 17, and rather good looking. The idea of a white woman marry, ing a Maori was looked upon, even in these isolated regions, with disgust; everyone, could foresee that her life would be miser able and wretched in the extreme, and that she would put herself out of the pale of all social intercourse with her own country women; but the sad and dreadful fate that has been hers.should prove a warning to all white women' who should contemplate such a mis-alliance for a moment. This Wi \Ya,repa was of a most suspicious and pas sionate disposition, and a fervent disciple of Te Whiti, exceedingly jealous,, although, according to native reports, his own charac ter was immoral in the extreme. His wife, finding herself 'cut' by most of the respect-' able people, seemed tolcse all respect for her self, and rode about straddle-legged lite a native woman^ generally very dirty looking, but occasionally coming out tidy and clean.'*' After giving details of the discovery of the body similar to those already published, tbo writer says the unfortunate creature was found literiilly. frota the month upwards smashed to pieces. In the house, under an old pea coat and some bloody duthes belonging to Warepa, a piece of her jaw, skull, and some teeth were found. An, inquest was held upon the body, and al though the signs of death and the manner in which it was committed were apparent to all, the doctor insisted on holding a post mortem examination, the necessity of which was doubtful.' Most people look at this-with horror,, that'the poor woman's dead body should be exposed to farther. desecration, as the evidence of death was so: awfully apparent. However, the operation was gone through. One of the jurymen on the inquest found the weapon with Which the murder had been committed. This was a pair of tongs all bent, twisted, and bloody. Warepa Has confessed, and said' he only did what he thought-was per fectly right, as his wife had been unfaithful to him, both with white people and natives s that he had had a severe quarrel and locked her out, threatening to murder her, oruha expressed himself, kill her outright if sha came into the house again. She did so, and he did the horrible deed, He is a very powerful man and must have beaten her until he had no breath to continue.,

WAITEMATA COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting ,ot the. Waitemafa County Council took place this afternoon, there being present:—Messrs J. W. Waller (Chairman), Bond, Lamb,; Cantwoll, Shea,] Alison, Sinclair, and Dilwortb. Wade.—Captain Greenleaf, of the Tarn o' Shanter, requested the erection,of a wharf at the Wade.-Councillor Bond promised to erect a wharf at his own ex pense. North Shork.—The /Secretary' of this Highway Board (Stores'. Point) forwarded some necessary information, which'nis'pre. dece,ssor had neglected to transmit., , . WAIBOA.—TIIB Wairoa County, Council requested the co-operation of .theWaitemata Council in moving the Government to en dow all the Councils with landed property, in order that they might occupy the game advantageous poßitioa as other municipal! ties.—Agreed to

TrriKANGi.—Application was made for the immediate expenditure of the balance of the £100 grant. There was alsd a request* for the expenditure of the £30 applied for in April Jast. Upon the minutes being referred to, it was ascertained that the matter had been postponed upon the engineer's recom meudation. ' A discussion .arose as to whether or not this postponement bound the Council to make the grant* Upon the motion of the chairman it was resolved to recognise the, minute referred! to as a grant of the £30, Mr Alison thereupon denounced the proceeding as scandalous. Several Councillors protested against such language,' and the Chairman accordingly called the: gentleman to order. He per sisted, however, in his statement.—lt was then agreed to vote the balance of the £100 as requested. , . , Houston's: ROAi).—lt was determined to invite tenders for the repair of this road. Helbnsvillb.—Mr Foster wrote calling attention to the dangerous state of the bridge near Mr Slatter's property^ at Helensville.--It was agreed to expend $23 Upon the work. ■, ,/ iryjr, Henderson's Mill.—Messrs Hender son and Beetham recommended the appoint ment of Mr Vercoe as pound-keeper, be sides giving him authority to pay over the fees to them.—Deferred. Petitions. —Petitions from the Titirangl and Manukau outlaying districts concern ing the expenditure of the balance of the £100 grants were referred to the Finance Committee. : >\ '•'.'■,'■.. .•,' '~'.,"

Omawharo.— It was agreed.to pay Man ning, the ferryman, the balance of hia salary, and dispense with, his services. Engineer's Report. —Consideration of the engineer's report was deferred. Notices of Motion.—Councillor Lamb gave notice of his intention to move ttoat.» certain sum be sot apart for the repair M the road at Cobbler's Hill, near Ararimn.'- Councillor Dilworth gave notice that he would move at next meeting that a sum of £500 should be set apart for expenditure on the road between Henderson's Mill and the Whau bridge. Lake.—Mr Burke (contractor for eorae road works in the Lake district), wrote stating that through a mistake in his tender he was fulfilling the contract at a loss.—lt was agreed to give the applicant £20 additional. The Lost Tender Found.—A mislaid tender for works at Whangaparoa, from Mr Manning (£6O) having been fouud, and £14108 having been paid to tbe accepted tenderer to induce him to withdraw, it was agreed that that the £14 10s should bo efuu^ed to'Mr James.

M^^^^MHill^^H^liHSß^jl^iiH^^Soon^t^HL^ffljDiO^T^^ %A



I

Station.

Mamikau.... Thames ranranga.... Napier Taranaki.... Wanganui... Wellington., tfelsoa....... Jreymnutb.. Lijttelton I'imaru Jamaru ?t. Chalmers 31uff_

a ■ a s.w. s.w. w. N.K. 3.W. N.K. C. c. N.E. V.tl. S. B.S.E. a.

DNES1 Wlni

§ A L. u U r.B Br.

)AY,

j_Dec ! 29 28 30.06 3O.U0 30 00 30.01 30 00 29.86 29.9(i 29 95 «>.7f> 29.84 2U.93 29.92! 29.99!

c T3 a 9) -C 59 66 66 61 63 B3 65 62 59 til 63 57 55

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ft cT B.C B. B. ac B.C O.G GD O. B.C C. o. OD

State of Sea, Bar, or Kivors.

good

calm smooth smooth

21.

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moderate

L. Br. F. F. L.

smooth considerable



QTRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS Visiting Auckland will find the LARGEST OUTFITTING STOCK IN THK COLONS' To Select from at THE NiSW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Customers testify to the QOPEHIOR /Duality & "hiitting 01 tha Garments made by them. The Stock of SHIRTS, TIBS, HATS, and HOSIERY, la very large, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTIE FOR THB HOLIDAYS. A Bpeoial supply of PORTMANTEAUX BAGS, BUGS, and all Travelling Requisites for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Queen-street (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert street, Thames. J. BIXZ3IMONS. MANAOEB. fiHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAE PRE S E N T Q I RBSENig! Ladies' BLACK and COLORED COSTUME: AOIE S1 BONNET 3 AND HATS, in the i,atffil Paris Styles Ladies' SILK asd CASHMKRE MANTLBS CAPKS AND VISITBS LANGTREY HOODS Ladies' KID and TAFFETTA SILK GLOVES in Endless Variety LADIBS'SILK, SATIN and TUSSORI PARASOLS. CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS AND AND NEW YEAR PRHSKNrs, WEW YEAR PRESENTjJ, AT WILLIAM "OATTRAY'S DRAPJJRy, MANTLE, AND MILLINERY ESTABLISHMENT. New Zealand House, 66, quebn-stbeet, auckland.



Special Advertisements. W INKSs & "FT A L Ll HAVE REMOVED FEOM SHOETLAND-STEKET TO ' TEMPORARY PKEMISES IN POhT-j i| STREET, j OrPOSITE COCH'EAHE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THKIB CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONCIE!?, TO*dl>EAR | SURPDUS *>T®OKi, | MET "WILL HEMAIN IN FORT-STREET^ DURINQ THERE-BUILDINOOFTH^ia WARE HOUSE IN SHOBTLASID STREET.



DPECIj.iL N U X I C E. Wo.Jtho undersigned/reape Mall invitolthe Inspection o( the Ladies ofjAuckland and tho surrounding district to the faot].that].we are Opening up a A LARGE AND VARIKD ASSORTMENT i OF [ ENGLISH, FRENCH, & AMERICAN,1 GOODS, j IN | MU.MNERY, HOSIKRY * GLOVES. FEATHERS ! FLOWKRS, LACKS &c, &c Sw, DUNNE, laU., & CO., 174, QUKEK-STKSKT, AUCKiAHO tSpWJBito the Thistlo Hotel), I JVMAS TXOLIDAYS, 1880, JWEVV Y BAR''3 "OOMDAYS, 1881. : TJEGATTA J?XCURSIONS, IBBU J A USTEALIAN QRICKETERS' yiSIT, 1881; TXTB are Prepared to SUPPLY YOU with the T t Most Suitable|anA Fashionable Clothing I Required for Holiday Gatherings, PiCßldji, Water Kscursions, Lawn Tenets and Gardea Parties. GARUCK & CRANWELL.



U UNBH \DEB, for Afternoon Use - G; O SUN3H AD KS,tor Pionics.U upwards-& SUNSHADES, for Carriage Use -c. POMPADOUR Dresa Goods, New Pat. —dC t SATHEN, New lor, just opened ■"-& NOVELTIES in Dress Goods «m ---. atantly arriving _c. pHILDRKN'S Pompadour Dreffieb, Very CHILDREN'S 2-Betian Kid Gloves —&' CHILDREN'S Hosiery—an Immense Variety _c, ATS, LaAie&'.'job Line.ls 3d worth 23 6d— G. HATS and Bonnets Trimmed Cheap — & H aT3 for Children from la upwards — C. /O.ARLICK & CKANWffiLL would remind VX the PubUc that tbey have SACRIFICED a Credit Trade for the sake of establish ing the rjO-OPERATIVB P ASH OYSTEM We Open no Nnw Accounts for Dra pery. We LOSE Customers who ask for Credit ; all we ask in return is a Liberal Support by Cash Buyers, to onahlo us to continue what is a Publlo Benefit. Our Goods are very Carefully Bought, and Marked at a Very Small Percentage over Cost, and we must do * Labor Business to continue the System, and the Larger our " Turn Over" the tfnore our Customers will Benefit by their Sup Don, _ lawntknnisTprons ~q~ J RIDING GLOBES, Silk Glove< — & KID GLO VMS, 1,2,3, i, 6, & 8 Button -U. FANCY BAGS and Boxes of Handkerchiefs for Presents rj.OLD and CHENILLK Soarves and VX Collarettes _ g. GOLD and SILVHH Trimmings — & GOLD COLOURED Silk Fringes.&e.- O. SILKS, we have the Cheapest _Q. SILKS, Special Bines, 2a 9d, 4a 3d, is 6d per yard _ & SATINB and Fancy Goods for Trim- mlng _ o. C CRETONNES, on immense Assortment — G." ' CRKTONNES, b»cked with lace, Curtain Pattern _ & CRETONNES, New Styles, from 7d per yard — C. ARTICLED of New Designs too numerous to mention in Hosiery, Underclothinir Millinery, Ladles' Nick Nacks, arid Fancy Goods. BANKRUPT STOCK of Men's and Boys Clothing and Mercery. Now being HOLD at Robinson's Cost, and Manu facturers' Prices by GARLICK & CRANWELTV. TTERY CHEAP TABLE DAMASKS, from Is T 6d per yard.



A pURE QASH OYSTEM. /P \ ALL DRAPERY & CLOTHING / C. S. \ AT \ - /CO-OPEKATIVE CASH Y O/ PRICES, >/ AT THE QITY XTALL ARCADE, GAELICK & CKANWELL, PnOPBIKTOKS.



QUK ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCE ON MUNDAY, 20TH INST. „ I ' THE GOOD 3 WILL BE OFFERED AT QOST T> it IC E! FOE A FEW WEEKS ONLY!



In Oedee to Clear Heavy Stocks T & Importers of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, qujekn-strket, Auckland, N.B,—No Goods will be entered during the Sale. \ M. M UR C H IE MERCHANT TAILOR AND IMPORTKK. FRESH ARRIVALS. BNGLIBH AND SCOTCH TWEEDB-7 Cases by 'Loohnagar' Sebgk SmTiNGB In Blue and Black, of a New Make and Finish Something Nbw In Bannockburn Tweeds, which was awarded Ist prize at the Sydney Exhibition Saxony Tweeds in Blue and Black, of superior quality and new design. Another Consignment to arrive by Ternglen. Sample') mailed to any address. Tito immense quantity of Clothing we abip to the large cities and towns in tbe colony is a suffloientguarantee thflt the UUALITY and MAKK of these Goods cannot bo equalled. Orders by mail will receive our best attention. WANTED, four Fiwt-clasH Tailors, to whom constant employment will.be given mho ten penny log. M. M U R C H I E, Opposite Arch. Claxk & Son's, I SHOHTLAND STBEEII, i



Speoial Advertisements. T>ANK HOLIDAY. MONDAY next, the 27th December, has been appointed a. Special Bank Holiday, by tho under mentioned Bank, at a'l its branches in thoi Colony. |1 For tho National Banlt of Now Zefclanffi (limited). s 1 Signed) iHOH,fii?&^AIT, ! laspeeto . I lyr I'LNK & HAVE NOW BEOBIVED, PER BTBAMER, I NEW OATCAKE CLOTH f NEW FIGUKKD SATTi^!E^^B! NEW PLAIN SAT TEENS NSW 'OHKCKED SATTEEN^ NKW-SPUtt SILK HOSS , ne\v lisle hosk new cotton hose new millinery NEW HATS AttD BUNNETS ;SE^f ffANCIf GOODS GEN RRALLY. ■jYJ" ILH is Ss nHOYU E, QOEB!I & WKr,LKBLKY STKBETB.



<ST &l Free Giktsl—The Proprietors otr Wolfe's Auomatio SchiudaW SohnaV>p3, to lnouce tho destruction and preVetat, tho im proper uso of their wrappers ■and Übols, and! thus further protect the Public against fraiia' and deoep:troD, haVe enclosed I" tho wrappers,] or under the labial on'tho quart bottles, since Ist! Octobor. 1878, ami continue tooncloao in bvkry| day's Kicking TJiKuuonouT ,'tuk sr\b, > T H. R X U £1 O X p Si. US, which artt drawn UDbn, the un(lersi#n6d, and which will be cashed by thorn tn presentation. To si>curo thqso Gifts, fit Co Publln must bo careful to ask for, anH accept nothing but, tho GBNUltfta UDOt'i'UO WOI.t'K'S SCHNAI'I'S, with our namo npcK'the top labol, il. Moss & Co., Wy'hya'i'd Lane, Sydney.