SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HUH WATBRJ S&^fcfiftg, 7.5 ! UNSET.-Thls Evening. 7.11. BUNRIBE.—To-Morrow Morning. 4.42 a ClSra AGK!-FuU Moon, 17th. 3.15 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Transport, brig. Matthews, from Kewcast'3 Waitaki, 8.8, Kdie, from Tauranga

TO-DAY, Tararua, R,s., Muir, from Sydney

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Wuitaki, 5.8., Httie, for Russell. TO-DAY. Southern Cross, s.s., Helandcr, for Napier

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

4SSSsSß!^ffifiT, Waitaki, Mon-

day M X"r; le ov^So o uthalTararna.Thur E day WhanSwei aid Hnsseil-Wsitikl, Wodnosday NowKymouthond Soath-Pengain, Tuesday Whaigorei-Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Friday

IMPORTS.

Per Transport, from Nowcastlo-415 tons coal, SMESSMrom Sydney-8 bags pepper. 8 Eases periodicals. 15 crates battles, 16 bans pro visions, 8 packages drapery, 10 oaees ginßer, 27 coils and packages rope, H9B packages and boxes tea, 40 baw rice, 2,788 mats sugar, and a quantity of sundries.

EXPORTS.

For Roderick Dho, for Dunedin-110,000 feet baulk timber, 20 casks silicate of soda, 5.C00 feet pnriri timber.

Inwards CotSTWisic.—Four Slaters, from Mahurangi. with 25 tons firewood, 125 feet Bpars; Rata, from Port Charles, with 30,000 feet timber.

Outwabds Coastwise,—For Sisters, for Mahurongi; Wave, for IWhangaroi; Rate, for Port Charles; Esinore, for Talrua, The Tararna Dpassed the brig Syren from Auoklacd to Kaipara off the North Cape at 1 P.m.

The brig Transport left Newcastle on Novem ber 27th with light easterly winds, which continued till the 3rd. Variable weather for a week, and then had strong westerly gale with heavy sea. Three Kings wore passed on the 12th.

The kntoh Speedwell arrived nt Russell from Norfolk Island yeßterday. She comes on to this port atones.

The steamship Sorata arrived In Hohson's Bay on the 9th. alter being successfully floated. Tho disarrangement of her pumping machinery necessitated her being taken into Rlvoll Bay. Her pnmpß were soon righted, and repairs will nowl)o proceeded with as rapidly as uossible.

The briganline Otmiaru, from Oamaru, ar rived at Tanranga yesterday. She has a quantity of cargo for this port. The barque Adamant is now on her way from London to Now Plymouth, Taranaki.

The Southorn Cross left to-Say for Whangarei and Napier.

The brieantlno Roderick Dhu proceeds to Moroury Bay to load with timber for Dunedin. The barque Apollcs, which came here with Immigrants about three years ago, has had her namo changed to tho ilanmga.

■ The Union Co's s.s. Tarorua leaves for South this evening with the following passengers :— For Qisborne-Mlss Berry, Miss Adair, iHcasrs E. Wooding and Take, Miss Butt. For Napier —Mrs Bairows, Misg Lee, Mrs OlarU and child, Messrs William?, C. Chilcott, Harding, Rosa, and Mrs Hall, For Wellington-Miss GaUio, Mrs Gallic, Mrs Prosser, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Roid, Mrann Mrs Mason, Messrs Palmer, C. Stanley, Reid, Percivul, Palmer, Hawkes, Mrs Wood, James Cotton. For Lyttlton-Mrs Gimbleit, Misses Burman and Fairburn, Mr and Mrs Mellißh and family, Messrs Fairburn, Silk. Withlll, 3. Baxter, Stovin, Gillett, Jenkins, G. Shaw. Dnnedin-Misa Craig, Misses Butter worth (C), Mossrs Speight, Haaso, Brocklebank, Stanton. Fawcett, P. M. Steele, J. Shepherd. Melbourne-Mrs Ferns.

Tho barquo Superior left Now .York for Adelaide, and Auckland on Cotober23. Shehas on board the followin* cargo for this poi t:—37o o«ses keroeiuo oil, 30 caaas lard, 50 barrels plaster, 21 cases nails, 28 cases wringers. 37 cases axes, 29 cases builders' hardware, 120 case* hardware, 30 cases castings, 18 cases scales, £0 packages agricultural implements, 21 packages machinery, 3 cases hatchets. 3 cases shovels, 6 cases pumps, 4 cases cages, 15 cases nails. 3 oases mattocks, 1 case Bteel pins, 6iron safes, 20 spools wire, 13 packages mowers, 49 packages lawn mowers, 11 packages carriage holts, 36 casos handles, 29 organs, 17 cases woodwork. 8 cases carriage* are, 235 packages waggons, 61 wheels, ■1 cases deaks, 39 bundles shoots, 6 bundles shoe pegs, 28 bundles rims, 16 bundles poles and shafts, 210 oars, It racks churns, 16 planks, ICO dozen washboards, 1 bee hive, 23 casks heads, 3 casos signs, 200 cases oystor.:. 100 cases lobsters, 37 casca canned goods, 50 coses painkiller, 9 cases varnish, 115 cases manufactured tobacco, Hi boxes manufactured tobacco, 36 cases salad dressing, 13 casks seed, 2 cases condensed milk, 10 cases palntin«rs,'9 cases leather, 37 packages platedware, 63 packages merchandise, 17 pack ages lampware, 22 packages glassware, 8 pack ages stampedware, 2 packages saddlery, 3 bales cotton duck, 3 cases personal effects, 57,000 pieces roofing slates.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Rowona, 8.8., Amodeo, from Waitara

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttklton, yesterday. Arrived: Marmlon, from Kalpara.

Port Chalmehs, yesterday. Sailed i Ringarooma for North. Passengers : For Gisborne—Miss Rees. For Auckland: Mr and Mrs Lye, Mrs Legge and family, and Mies Legge.

Whangabki, this day- Arrived : Waitaki, 7 a.m. Sailed: Argjle, for Auckland, 8 a.m.

Russell, this day, Sailed: Glenelg, for Auckland, at 7.3G a.m. Arrived: Wsitakl, from Auckland at 9 a.m,

THE WEATHER.

AS OBSERVED AT TELEGRAPH STATIONS

(1.) WIND ESTIMATED AS C—Calm F. Br.—Fresh Breeze L.-Light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeza G.—Gale (2.) ANEROID BAROMETEB. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Bine sky, be the at- O.—Overcast,the wholo moaphero clear or sky covered with heavy thick clouds C. — Clouds, parsing P.—Passim? showers clonds Q.—Squally D.—Drizzling rain R. — Rain, continued F.—Foggy rain G. — Gloomy, dark B.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.—Hall U. — Ugly, threatening I*—Lightning appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Thursday.

Messrs. Cochrane and Son sold to-day the valuable library of G. M. Mltford, Esq., of Parnell, coneislitg of 360 volumes, among which were numerous works of reference end historic value The sale was largely attended by citizens, ministers, and the trade, and generally, fair prices were realised. Gibbons '•Decline and t all,"in 10 voX, Bmall editlOD ; brought 3s 81 per vol. " The Pictorial History of JtnKlund," 2s 4d per vol. Mr Proctor's "Astronomical Works," 3 v 015.," Otner Worlds," " Sun," and " Moon," 5s 9d each. A good edition of Dickens', In 8 vols., £3 63. Mitford's "Hiatory of Greece,'' 7d each, and the other works at pro portionately low prices.

Messrs B. Tonka and Co, offered ths Ruakaka township for sale at their auction mart, but in tending purchasers thought it too early, and were not incline! to bid. Several allotments were sold as under:—Lot 10.15s per foot, J. P. King: 16,18a 6d; Lot 17, 18,' and 19,15a6dper foot, J. Mason; 308,15a, b. Hawkins.

Mr Geo. Sibbin • offered to-day tbe right of colleotiDg tolls and weigh bridge ohargos upon (he Queen-street and .Railway wharf 3 for one year); purchaser, Mr John] Kuseell, £173 per month ; shod A, £10 per month; Mr Thos. Henderson junr., A, £12; Mr Wm, (Jrulcknhank, D. £5: Kaipara Coinpany's,|£ls; E, at I ail way wharf was withdrawn, tbe bidding; not reaching reserve price. The two-storey dwelling house and allotment in Lower Queen-street, was with drawn at owner's bid of £210: the highest bid being £205.

of the laud the basis of taxation, and of a progressive land tax, but was ouj-voted on it division. The question of taxing im- provements was discussed at great length, I but decided iv the negative, mainly on the I

Mr Joseph Niramo, junr., the Chief of the United States Bureau of Statistics, has made a report to the Secretary of the Treasury on the proposed American Inter-Oceanic canal and its possible effects on American corn-

ground that such a tax would bear inequit

merce. He is of opinion that most of the

Dcereptitudo requires sonio sustaining power, just as the maimed limb needs a reliable Biip port. The frosts ot age indioatotbo waning of that vital flame, that burns with intenser glow in earlier periods of life. It is to keep the spark inextioguished, thatthen beoomesan imperative necessity, and this animal heat requires for lt> sustenance some active and potent tonios Udolpho Wolfe's Hobiedam Aromatic Schnapp. is, as it were, the "Promothean torch that can the light relume."

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails win Closb as Under i—

This Day. For WhMangi, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glenolg, at 1 p.m. For Glsborne, Napier, Southorn ports, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Tarama, at 5 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at i p.m.

Friday, 17th instant. For Waiheke and Coromandel, por Coro

mandel, at 2.30 p.m. For Wangaroi Heads and Wangarei, per

Areylo, at I p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, and Manga pai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, 18th instant. ForWaiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, Walpu, and Mangapai, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, 21st instant. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Penguin, at 8 5 a.m. ROBT. KAYE. Acting Chief Postmaster.

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

December 16, IS3O,

Masonic Hotel—Prinoe of Wales' Lodge, 7.30. p.m.

Choral Hall—Mrs Revitt's Concert, 8 p.m. Parnell H»ll-Knglish Grammar-sohool Enter tainment, by Bcholars and male orphans, 8 p.m. Mount Albert Public Hall—" At Home," 8 p.m. St. Mary's Catholic School, Ponsonby—Con cert and Drania. 7.30 p.m. Y.M.O.A .—Devotional, and an Addroas by Rev J. S. Hill, 7 30 pm. Newton West School—Concert and Elooution, 7.30,p.ni. Carlton Academy-Dancing Clasa, 81p.m.

BIRTH.

MOTION. — On December 3rd, at Mercury

Island, the wifo o* Jocoph Motion, of a son. SADGROVE.—On Deoomber 10th, at Mr Wat son's, Kdon Terrace, Annie Sadgroro, of a Eon.

MARRIAGE.

MARTIN— DALY.-At St Patrick's Cathedral, on December Uth, by the Rev Father Walter MoDonald. Mlnheal Martin, of Otalmhu, to Hannah Daly, oounty Kerry, Ireland.

DEATH.

GILOHRI3T.—On the 15th instant, at the North Shore, Georgo GUchrlst. The funeral procession will leavo the North Shore Ferry Company's Tee, at Auckland, at 3 o'clock. HARPER.-On December 14th, at her late resi dence, Victoria-street, attar a lons and painful illness, Jane, the belored wife of J, T. Harper, and mother of Ihe wifo of J. Williams, Tailor, Victoria-street; aged 62 years. The funeral takes place thisday, (Thursday), at 3 o'clock. Friends please except this invi tation. SADGROVff.-On December 10th, at Mr Wat eon's, Uden Terrace, the infant son o( Annie Sad grove.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

J.T.B.D.—You should lay your complaint bof ore the police. The chargo istoo serious a one to be made public on an ex " parte " statement.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1880.

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

SOME light is thrown on the present attitude of Turkey on the Greek question by the mail news. If the statements circulated by Continental correspondents, that the wily German Chancellor is now the political mentor of the Porte, are true, the recent demand made by Turkey upon the Great Powers to restrain the Greek military pre parations possesses peculiar Biguificauce. Probably the Turks are desirous of precipi tating hostilities before Greece has completed her armament, which cannot be acconi. plished before March. Greece has now 45,030 men under arms, and in a short time this number will be raised to 75,000, but sho does not feel prepared to take the field with a smaller active army than 100,000. Turkey has learned from ;the reception of Mr Gladstone's proposal respecting Smyrna that belligerent coercion by the Powers is impossible, and the later decision of the Powers not to push the Greek frontier question, followed by the dispersion of the allied fleet, will have strengthened that conviction. Neither England nor France will move a soldier in the early stages of a Greek campaign, but Greece may precipi tate a war in Thessaly and Epirus iv the hope of enlisting European sympathy, and bringing about intervention. A Turkish victory over Greece would arcuse the Helle nic sympathies of Europe, but probably a war between Turkey and Greece would excite the Bulgarians, and require the pre sence of a considerable Turkish army on the Balkans, giving the Greeks some chance of success.

Recent discussions In tbe Victorian As sembly on proposed amendments in the Land Tax Act possess some points of interest to the people of this colony. The original Act divided the land for purposes of taxation, into four classes, but the weak point of Mr Berry's legislation, is that it .was based on a policy of revenge against the great landowners, whom he regarded as his natural enemies. The Act is admitted to be a failure, for it has signally failed to realize the estimated revenue. Mr Berry proposes to remedy the defects "by classifying the laud land under eight heads. Mr Service, how ever, argues that the new classification could only meet fiscal expectations by a heavier proportional tax falling on the poorer lands, and advocates taking land only in conjunction with all other property. Mr Wood who was sup ported by the Opposition, endeavoured to modify Mr Berry's Amendment Bill in tbe direction of waking the capital value

ably on industry,

Brett's "Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook " for 18S1, is now ready and procurable at all the city stationers. It contains 176 pages of closely printed reading matter, and a large map of the Provincial District of Auckland aud adjoining pro vinces, is presented with eacli copy. The map ha 3 hecn specially constructed and engraved by \V. and A. K. Johnston of Edinburgh, Geographers and EDgravers to the t^ueen, and is a very handsome specimen of the map-makcr'a art. As tho maps, for convenience, are not bound up with the book, every purchaser should sec that ho raceives one, The almanac in cludes a large amount of new and useful ; information—calendars, high-water tables, astronomical notes, extended farm and gardening directions, etc. The statistical portion of the book anticipates the returns of the Registrar General, not yet published, and the descriptions of the Colony and Pro. vincial District of Auckland aro unusually full and interesting. There is au epitome of the Acts of last session, chapters devoted to the Goldlields, timber industry, aud coal mines, a complete synopsis of the land laws and the Crown lands availablo for settle ment, a graphic description of the Hot Lake district, tho amended Customs tariff1, stamp duties, time-tables, and a variety of yaluablo matter. The price of the book (with map) is one shilling. Family tickets for all parts of tho hall aro to bo issued for the Proctor lectures, au arrangement that will givo general satisfaction. The only business at tho Polico Court this morning was two charges of drunken ness against Annie Jlogau and Thomas Stokes, who were dealt with in tho usual manner. The Customs launch, with tho water police boat in tow, left for Tiritiri in order to prosecute tho search for tho body of tho unfortunate boy Leith, who fell over tho cliil"ou Monday last. To the Editor: Sir,—When Mr Proctor in his lecture last night described Jupiter's belts as clouds vaporised by the great heut of the planet, it occurred to me as specially marvellous how at tiiat age of a planet (tho liory youth), water could have been formed at all. Hoping that Mr Proctor will explaiu tho theory on which this is accounted for in one of his future lectures.—l am, &c., C. S, Inspector Lewis and Mr Sharpo, V.S., Inspector for tho South Auckland Board, have inspected every head of cattle on the Waikato Land Association's property, and have pronounced them clear of iufection. At tho Polico Court, Onehunga, on Wed nesday, Alexander Muir was bouud over to keep tho pcaco for three mouths for use ing threatening language to Mr Yates. T. Coudou was charged with a breach of the Kailway Uye-laws by refusing to givo up his ticket at tho Onehunga station after having travelled from Auckland by train. As it was shown that Condon had been possessed of a ticket, which he gave up at tho wrong time aud place, ho was let oil' with a caution.

Iv consequence of the rebuilding of the Oakicy Creek bridgo, Great North Kind, tliat part of the road will bo closed from Monday next till Thursday, tlio 24th iuat. To the Editor: Sir,—Press and private opinion alike go to prove that there is no legally constituted board for tlio .New castle District, aud that a law suit is pending. If so, can tlicro possibly dc a loyally appointed collector, or is it safe to pay rates which may be demanded a uccond time ?—I am, &c, RATEPAYER.—|,A, 0080 was tried at Ngaruawahia, in which it was held that the rate could bo recovered. — Ed. E.S.] Our morning contemporary is in error in stating that the signal at Tiritiri for the Customs launch on Mouday was observed by a passing vessel, the master of which reported the fact on arrival here. The sigual was seen by Mr Landers, signalman, immediately after it was hoisted, he informed the pilot, and tho information was com municated to the Customs authorities as quickly as possible. This wns at 11 n.m., aud the reason why tho launch did not go down until 5 p.m., was that she was at Motuihi and did not return till four o'clock. The " Bay of Plenty Times " says that the sample of stone found at Kaimai left by the prospector?, Messrs Moon and Jones, at Mr George Gardiner's store has attracted the attention of a large number of persona. A subscription list was taken round for providing supplies for four men to prospect Kaimai and neighbourhood for two mouths. The sum of £18 7s has already becu promised. Much satisfaction is manifested among the boating fraternity of Ponsonby at the completion of arrangements for a sailing match between Mr J. W. Swales' centre board boat Olga and Mr H. Barton's keel boat Nemo, for the sum of £10. The Olga is to sail with a scaled centre-board, and the Nemo allows her sixty seconds. As both are new boats, and built by the owners, an exciting contest is anticipated. To-morrow evening the beautifully figured new silk banner, the gift of Mrs Hendry Somervell, will be presented to the Presbyterian Suuday-Bchool of St. Andrew's. Mrs Somervcll's sift, we feel sure, will be truly estimated by the friend*, teachers, and scholars of the Sunday-school, and which we learn cost £20. Tho design is pretty and in exceeding good taste. In the centre is a design of St. Andrew's cross and shield, above which is the heading in illuminated letters—"St. Andrew's Sabbath School," and on tho reverse side, "Suffer little children to come unto mo." Sir F. Roberts, who is now being lionised in England, appears to have been greatly surprised at the unexpected appreciation of his worth which he received at Sukkur and other stations on the Indus Valley Railway. We learn that all the stations were decorated and devices, such as "See the Conquering Hero Comes," and others of like description, were put up at Sukkur, and even in that distant, far-away land " carpets " were laid from the train to the steamer. Some of our i local bodies would perhaps be surprised to hear that all these si»ns of loyalty were spontaneously performed, almost at an hour's notice, by men who were at that time over-burdened with work. It was determined yesterday by a number of mining agents in the sharcmarket to charm the members of the Association into a meeting for the production of a share list, Several suggestions were made, and at length Mr 0. Humphries thought of a line toned new bell, some one having stolen the original from the share-brokers' ollice. It

was a happy thought. Mr Humphries fetched'the " British Bell," which had quite a musical influence, and was thoroughly effective on the mind ofjthe mart.

There Is an epidemic amongst the fish on the coast of t* ew South Wales, similar to that which recently prevailed on the East Coast of the North Island of this colony. The "Sydney Morning Herald" says:— The fish on the coast to the sou thward ot Sydney Heads appear to bo afflicted with some epidemic which is causing them to die in large numbers. A Wollongon" corres pondent, writing to Mr C. C. Pope, of the Customs Department, says :—" What has come over tho shnapper ? They are coming ashore sick and dead by scores, if not him flrsda, and are to be picked up at sea piddy and sick, The last live times I have been out in the boat during tho past two months, wo have only caught four fish; and Mr Kierman here has been out every 'day for a week without getting a bite, but he says he can pick up plenty floatine about."

The Artillery Band tooK tneir moonlight trip of the season last night to the North Shore, and were well supported. The clouds which moved in the aerial heaven occasion ally frowned gloomily, which caused the party to anticipate a showery evening. The stars, however, gradually twinkled forth, I and the sky assumed a brighter appearance. The band was full of mnsic, and the selec tions were well performed, under the direction and encouraging smiles of Band master Hunter. At the willow gardens" the party engaged in dancing, swinging, and eating strawberries; while others, selfishly perhaps, stole into sylvan recesses and whispered soft words over plates of strawberries, which, by the way, had suffered through baptismal showers, and were comparatively flavourless. A few songs were sung, a few fireworks sent into the air, and at 11 o'clock the band and party returned to the Auckland wharf in safety.

The following was the summing up of the Judge at the trial of Tuhi:— His Honor then assumed the black cap and said: Prisoner at the bar, it may be that the only motive for the crime of which you have been convicted was that which you told to Constable Taylor. I myself believe that there was no other. ' From your confession, I believe you have long since repented of taking the life of Miss Dobie. If you have not, no words of mine can affect you. I think it well to observe that you have been convicted not on European evidence only, but on that of your own people, not only of the same race, but of your own ■ connections. The sentence of the law is that you be taken from here to the place from which you came, and from there to the place of execution, and that you be there hanged by the neck until you be dead, and may God have mercy on yur soul 1

traflic requiring speed has already been diverted to the trans-continental rail way ; that the traflic through the canal would principally consist of steam ships (as is the case with the Suez caual) and ot these there is a veiy in considerable number; that the guano and nitrate of soda traflic is carried on in sailing vessels and would continue to go round Cape Horn ; and finally, "That, on account of the nautical conditions involved in the passage through the proposed canal, sailing vessels engaged in trade between the Atlantic seaboard of the United States and Australia, and New Zealand will probably continue to pursue either the passage around Cape Horn, or the passage arouud the Cape of Good Hope.

This week's Observer contains portraits of tho lato Jamos Punch and Mr Childers, as well aa etohinKS of Mr Nathan, Mick Gallagher, and Mr Drako. Tho reading matter includes a biography of Childers, " GlinVpscs of To Aroha.'' tho Hcmuora Concert, Obituary Notice of Punch,

''Old Turfite's" Notes, and about 20 columns of Loral, Sportinfj, ond Theatrical Jottings.— [Advt.] A Christmas tico will be on view to morrow (Friday) afternoon and ovonlng from SJ.SO to 10 o'cloolc in tho Dovonport Hull, North Shor t \ In addition to tho treo tliera will bo an exhibition of children's handiwprlr. Other attiaotlons Buoh as music, oloctrio bell, etc., will bo providod. Tho prooeoda will go towards defraying tho expenses of tho annual troat to tho childron of Trinity Olmroh Sunday-sohool.

Tho Paruell Sable Orphans cive their prund ontertainmont to-night. '"Bonos," will dig down and spoak a few on " Navigation." Ho intumlH explaining how it was "ThoSouthorn Oi'obb " fetched Tauranga, instead of Auoltland. It will bo in the Hhaim of mathematical poums. "Tainbo," aleo has sovorul local puns, Tho tiokcta liavo noarly all bcon taken, and wo enn rocommond our readers to a very onjojablo ovoning.

Wo would draw tho attention of our (armors and cnttlo brcodors to an Important salo of puro-brod bulls and holfors, imported from Viotorla, which tukos placo at tho Hay marlcot to-morrow (Friday). Thoro nro in nil six bull* and throo hoifcrs, and aro nil of tho best blood obtainable Tho bulls aro by tho ])nko of Melbourne ; two of tho hei/ois by Cherry Oxford, and tho othor by l'omnaro's Butterfly. Tho cattle uro now on vlow ut Mr Wiguin's, and tho Groyhound Stables, and nro won worth tho inopootlon of all Interested in cattle.

Mrs Hevitt's grand concert will bo held in tho Choral Hall this ovonlng, and ludglng from tho olaborato programme is likely to prove successful. Mr flator, organist of St. Pauls, I'urnoll, will nccompany tho slngcra on tho piano. Sovoral ludios of acknowledged vooal tulont will sing, among whom may bo men tioned Mim Mitchell, Mrs Kovitt, and Mlbsos Hastings, Gco. and MoHlwon; the last mentioned being onoof Mrs Hovill's pupil*. Tuogoutlonton singers ttnnouncoJ aro Mossrs. Gordon Uooch, Hurnhaui. bdinlnston, Wilson, nud Forth. Mr Slutor will porform a pianoforto eo!o from " Martha," and Mr O'Jliorno will glvo a clarinet boo from " I'Puritann." ProfossorSwallow will add considerably to tho musical iDtorestof the ovoning by two flno bolob. Tho beautiful duets, " What arc tho Wild Waves Saying," and " Tho Moon Haat Halsed llor Lamn on lligli," will bo rccolvod with pleasure by parsonß of goodtaato. In iho inter ml tho priaoß won at tho recent sports will b 3 givon by a lady to tho successful competitors.

The Sentence on Tuhi.

WELLINGTON, this day. It is improbable that the Tula case will come beforo tlto executors earlier than Monday, as the Judge's notes aro very voluminious, and have to be copied for ths Government. It is regarded as certain that the la»v will bo allowed to take its course, and it thought likely the execution take placoaboutThursday next in Welling ton Gaol. Tulii is in excellent spirits, and seems utterly indifferent to his fate. Going up in a cab from the Court ho was livughiug, singing Maori son^B, and speak ing to the horses all the way. It is announced that the publication of the " Evening Chronicle " will close from this evening's issuo

MEETING OF GRAMMAR SCHOOL GOVERNORS.

A MEETING of the Board of Governors of the Auckland College aud Grammar School was held this morning in the ollice of Mr James. Present -.—Sir G. M. O'Korke (Chairman), Colonel Haultaiu, J. McCosh Clark, Esq., (Mayor), E. Hcsketh Esq. (solicitor), aud J. M. DargaviliOjEsq.

MINUTiS.—The minutes of the previous meeting were read and continued.

Englisu MAsrm— The Head Master's report as to the examinations of the 32 applicants for tho position of English Matters were received, several which were spccilied by members, were tbo best, but there was not one that he could recom mend for the situation of English master. A discussion followed on the testimonials, some of which were peculiar. One applicant sent in a testimonial from Ins father, who, after expressing eotne delicacy in recom mending his son, spoke enthusiastically of his qualifications. Another wiled special attention to the fact that his mother was a daughter of one of the Governors of New Zealand. Several had been selected to cliooso from, but the time allowed was scarcely sufficient to make a wise choice.—Tho Chairmau thought No. 7 was quite eligible, and he should bo inclined to propoEC that gentleman.— Mr HesketU expressed himself iv favour of several who appeared to be about equal in attainments.—His Worship the Mayor suggested that a little more time should be allowed—say two days—or four or five of the beat candidates should bo selected and their testimonials read.—The Mayor moved " That the fuithor consideration of the subject be postponed until Monday next at a quarter to 10 o'clock."—Carried.

Head Master's Summary.— A report was received with summary of work during the past session, with a promise of any additional information which the Board may require.—A discussion followed ou the pro priety of a public examination, aud to the best mode of conducting it. — It was genorally considered that such an examination would be of pub.ic interest, but it was simply an expression of opinion without coming to a vote.

Terms of Agbeement.—Mr McCrao sent in a letter stating that the terms of agreement between the Classical and Mathe matical Masters, and the Board of Gover nors, was six months' notice on cither eidc.

Kk Town Council.—A communication was received from the City Council, inform ing the Board that tho Council had aban doned further action against the Governors of the Grammar School, in respect of tho issue of a Crown Grant.—Colonel Haultain proposed " That the Board take immediate steps to fcuce the said allotment asset forth in the plau, and that the City Council be ao iuformed."—Carried.

Leave of Absence.— Leave of absence was granted to Mr Wm. Tomliusou, on tho recommendation ot Mr McCrae, for an extra day at holiday time.

Kesignation.—The tender of Mr M- Clark's resignation as member of the Board was received, and on tho motion of Mr Dargaville, seconded by Mr Hcskctb, "Thomas Peacock, Esq., was elected to succeed him for the regaining portion of his term of office."

Ciiapel-steket Phopertv.—The Secre tary reported upon the condition of several houses in Chapel-street, and to tho income derivable therefrom/including tcrmsofcolloc tion MrJameßreportcdfurlhcr, thataperson had paid tho arrears of Crabbe, who was in distap, and if tho Board did not remit the amount, the man who befriended Crabbe would have to lose it.—Tho Mayor moved, "That tho rent be allowed to the porson who advanced it." Carried.—lt was also resolved that in future the rents be collected by the Secretary.

This closed the business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., 8.M.)

UNDEFENDED CASKS,

Judgment went by default for the plaintiffs in the following cases :—lreland tfros. v. J. B. Tabb, £ 2 4s lid ; Same v. John Keefle, £15 10s 6d; Somerfield and Leek v. J. M. Russell, 22s 6d ; W. Phillips and Son v. C. Jones, £3 9s lid. ADJOURNED. Thomas Brierley v. H. E. Daunt; 11. W, Cannon v. Edward Caron ; T. Kelly v, Geo. Jobson ; Isabella Hough v. J. Eenwick; Gee and Potter v. J. Mullally; Thos. Leigh v. P. B. Barnes ; Bright Smile G.M. Co. v. J. H. Hansen; H. L. Poeseniskie v. F. Barnes ; Somerfield and Leek v. James Nelson. judgment summons case. Thos. Brierley v. John Pukcell.— Claim, £6 4s 6d. —The judgment debtor was ordered to pay the debt within seven days; in default fourteen days' imprison ment. defendhd cases. Alexander Black v. Geo. Dunnett. —Claim, £9 13a 6d, tor goods supplied.— Mr George for the pJaintifF, and Mr Theo. Cooper for the defendant.— 4 plea of bankruptcy was put in, and a nonsuit was therefore recorded.

Jas. Nelson y. J. M. Lennox,—Claim, £28 28 6'd, commission.— Mr Tyler appeared for the defendant, while the plaintiff con ducted his own case.—A nonsuit was recorded. ; The Court then rose.

TE AROHA GOLDFIELDS.

(Per " Star " Pigeongram.)

TE AiIOHA, this day.

This morning I visited the Morning Star ground, a little gold from which on Saturday created so much excitoment here, and was shown the place from where the auriferous stone was taken. The lode from which it was broken is about three tect thick, and is situated in a small cut - ting in the gully. The reef has2an ex cellent appearance, and colours of gold are frequently seen in portions of it. In order to have ocular demonstration of this fact I myself " napped " two or three pieces of stone, and saw several colours of the precious metal in each. The " show " was certainly a small one, but was not bad for a Held like the Aroha, and proves that gold does exist in other places besides the Prospectors' spur. In conse quence of the discovery the sharholders have decided to drive on the lode, and to day a start was made with the work, which will be pushed on aa quickly as possible, in order to take out a trial parcel of quartz before Christmas.

Tho contractors.for tho oxtension of the prospectors' tunnel have thrown up the job, as they found it would be ruinous to carry it on any further at the price they were receiving, namely, _ 12s per foot, and the manager is inviting tenders, to be in by Friday next for driving another 60 feet. Tho tunnel is now in a distanco of 41 feet, of which tbe con tractors have driven 36 feet, and a lode is expected to be cut any time. _ The wiuze will be reached in 57 feet of driving. A start was mado yesterday to put down a winzo on the leader from which tho recent crushing was taken, and it has now been sunk 5 feet, The leader maintains its sizo and <juality, and thero is little doubt but it will prove as good below as it did above. In tho No. 1 South, situated south of tho Prospectors', the low level tunnel hns been driven a dißtanco of about 30 feet through first class country, and a small leader was intersected yesterday, upon which work will be started im mediately, in order to test its value. At n meeting of tho shareholders of the Morning Star it was resolved, alter some discussion, to form a company |with 19,000 shares, 6,000 to go to the shareholders, and 6,000 to bo offered to the public at 13s each, £450 of tho proceeds to be devoted to the working of thu property. Whilst breaking outgquartz from the reef in the Aucklund this morning, tho shareholders saw v few colours of gold in the stone.

Murder in New South Wales.

Sydney, December 9th,

A thurible outrage occurred this morning at Jiudera Gap, fivo miles from Albury, where Martiu Monz, an old German, kept a wine shop. The only other person residing with him was Mrs Pumpa, his married daught r, until last Sunday, when a swiig niau, name unknown, came to tho house and obtained permission to stay all night. He left again ou Monday morning, saying he was going to Brookong.

At threo o'clock this morning Mrs I'umpa was awakened by tho same man coming into her bedroom, and aoking her if she had auy money. Mrs Pumpa replied, "A few shillings. The man then said, " Give me your money or your life." She hsmded him 15s, and the man then shot her with a revolver iv the breast. She fell, and he shot twico agaiu, wounding her in the temple and the lingers. He then struck her on the back of the head, aud went into tho room where Martiu Mcnz was. Mra Pumpa seized the opportunity to escape to a neigh bour's house with her child. On looking back she saw the house iv ilames. Shortly after, the neighbours came to the house, which was still burning, aud dragged the blackened stump of Martin Mcnz's body from tho ruins. Tho legs and arms were burned off, tho head was unre cognisable, aud the entrails were protrud ing. Before leaving the house Mrs Pumpa heard the man striking Martin Mcnz, but heard uo shot. Another person camped in tho neighbourhood says he heard lour shots fired. A few hours later a muu giving the name of Wilkinson was arrested and iden tified by Mis Pumpa as her assailant, A six-shooter was found ou him, with two bauds loaded, tnc others discharged. Mrs Pumpa is in n very precarious condition at tho hospital, where her depositions wete taken this afternoon by the police magistrate. She is quite clear as to the identification of the prisoner, who is a Btrauger in tho district, and was captured asleep. Finding handcuffs on him when he was aroused, he uttered terriblo threats against the police No motive for the crime is suggosted beyond robbery. A post-mortem examination on the re mains of Martin Mrrry disclosed facts that there were two circular holes in the skull corresponding with two bullets found in the brain. Tho prisoner Wilkinson was brought up yesterday, charged with wilful murder. Mary Pumpa is positive regarding the identity of her assailant. Mr Gurt, miner, camped near her house on the night of the tracredy, and deposed to hearing four shots. Her* finger was wounded by the same shot that entered her breast. A publican at Jinder* proved that tho prisoner came on Monday evening, ostensibly going in a contrary direction to the tragedy. After a few minutes, tbo publican looked out on the road on which the prisoner started, and he could not see him. The prisoner was re manded till to-day. Pumpa is in a low and weak state, and is unlikely to recover. If she dies, tho prisoner will be charged with her murder. She states that no quarrel oc curred between herself, her fattier, and the prisoner. At Dubbo, Mr Norton, the Polico Magis trate there, who was lately shot through tho head by a woman, continues to improve. He is thoroughly sensible, and the wound is apparently healing fast. On the right side and arm he is still paralysed, but it in said tho arm shows Blight signs of sonsi bility. He is unable to articulate.

Sporting.

BETTING QUOTATIONS.

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

Auckland Cup. — Lo Loup, 100 to 10, oil'ercd; Ariel, 100 to 8, offered; Lara, 100 to 20, ottered; Grand Duchess, 100 to 10, offered; Vampire, 100 to 4 offered ; Kowi, 100 to 3, offered ; Badsworth, 100 to 3, offered ; Tim Whifflcr, 100 to 4, offered ; Lone Band, 100 to 5, offered; llosarina, 100 to 5, offered ; Libeller, 100 to 8, offered ; Foul Play, 100 to 50, offered; Betrayer, 100 to 80, offered; Maid of Honour, 100 to 7, offered; King Quail, 100 to 10, offered; Gilderoy, 100 to 3, offered; Kenilworth, 100 to 4, offered; Yatnpa, 100 to 7, offered ; Ada mant, 100 to 5, offered ; Mataua, 100 to 1, offered ; Golden Crown, 100 to 1, offered.

Steeplechase.— Love Band, 100 to 50, offered ; Agent, 100 to 50, offered; Mig nouette, 100 to 10 offered; Sportsman, 100 to 25, oilered ; Don Juan, 100 to 10, offered ; Jack Sheppard, 100 to 10, oflcrctl; Ghost, 100 to 20, offered.

The Waikato Turf Club races take place on the Ohaupo course ou the 17th and 18th February,

At the meeting of Tattersall's Club at tho Occidental Hotel last evening, it was announced that a telegram had been re ceived from Mr "Walters, a* follows :—" I can sco by weights on my horses in Cup, and Libeller's weight, late Consolation, that Dunedin handicappcrs intentionally crush my horses out. I have therefore scratched them.-W. Walters."

gPonsonby has appointed a Dog Registrar. Mr Wilkinson was installed Mayor of Thames yesterday. Mr VV. G. Simon, Spiritualist lecturer, is about to leave the Thames for Nelson, Mew Zealand received first honors at the Exhibition for bulk beer. The thermometer was 96' in the shade in Melbourne recently. Dr. Bakewell has been appointed Com pany's surgeon for Kawakawa, and is now on his way from Uokitika. An alligator, fifteen feet long, from Townsville, is on its way to the Melbourne Exhibition, H.M.S. Emerald takes an interpreter to Florida Island to demand the murderers of Lieut. Bower. Wanganui claims to rank first amongst racing towns in the North Island, taking the value of the money as a criterion. A magisterial decision in Dunedin up holds the city by-law compelling hawkers of milk to pay a license fee. A grand variety entertainment will be given in the Masonic Hall, Ooehunga, on Thursday the 23rd inst., under the patronage of the Mayor and Council and loading residents of the borough, for the benefit of W. Muegrave, who lost his leg by a serious accident on the railway. The bill promises a full and complete entertainment, consisting of songs, muslo, and selections by an efficient orchestra. The object is one deserving of sympathy, and, as the concert will be very choice, there should be a full attendance In favor of poor w. Musgrave,

Destructive Fire at Coro mandel.

COROMANDEL, this day. A DESTRUCTIVE fire broke out at Tokatea. Tho following are the properties destroyed : —Lush's Hotel, store, and butcher's shopi and several miners' huts. Lush's was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £650.

Further Particulars.

CAUSE OF THE FIRE,

The hotel, store, and adjoining buildings belonging to Mr Luks, Tokatea, were des troyed by fire last night. Mr Luks' hotel and stock were insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £750. The trade books and about eight boxes of candles were saved. Some children playing in an empty house got hold of a box of matches, and madd a iire inside. A gale of wind blowing at the time prevented any possibility of saving anything.

Canterbury Anniversary.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.!

CHRISTCHURCHi this day. TO-DAY being the anniversary of settling the province of Canterbury, a general holi day is being observed. Sports on a large scale are to be held at Hagley Park, Christchurch, and the weather being beauti fully fine they promise to be a great success. Numerous excursions are adver tised. A regatta conies off at Akaroa.

Mayoral Installations.

(tfROM our own Correspondent.)

DUNKDIN, Wednesday. At the installation of tho Mayor, Mir Walters said his intention was to resign after Mr Simpson's decision, but the action of certain councillors prevented him doing bo. Some very strong language was used.

CJIKISTCHURCH, Wednesday. James Gapc3 was formally installed Mayor of Christchurch to-day.

Mr T. G. Blakey was duly installed as Mayor of Onchunga at noon on Wednesday.

Mining.

[HY TELKdRArii, OWN CORRESPjNDKNT.I

COROtf ANDEL, this day. Tub Just -iv - time claim, adjoining the Union Beach Company's mine, have crushed ten tons of stuff for 300 ounces amalgam, equal tn about ten ounces to the ton.

The Ness claim (McNeil! and party) have 2cwt. of specimens on hand. In the Tiki district, Blackmoro and Fitz gerald have over IOOIba of rich specimens on hand, with a good show in the future.

Sheehan and Tiernaa's party, adjoining, have cut a fine reef a foot thick, shewing gold in tho stone. A lease for this ground hus to be acquired from Mrs Macintosh.

Union Sash and Door Com pany (Limited).

The Union Sash and Door Company held an extraordinary meeting of shareholders yesterday to consider a proposal to raise money on debentures, and to issue deben tures on behalf of the company. Mr G. B. Kissling, Chairman of Directors, pre sided. The Chairman explained that the compauy owed £24,000 to the public, and £22,00J to the Hank, aud it was believed that a saving of interest would be effected by the issue of debentures, which could bo issued for a term of years. There was also the alternative of increas ing the capital. To meet the ex tensive demands upon the company it was absolutely necessary to keep a large stock of timber, so that no reduction could be made in that direction. He would move, " That tho directors of the Union Steam, Saw, Moulding, Sash and Door Company (Limited), be authorised and empowered on behalf of the company to borrow such suni or sums of money, at such rates of interest and ou such terms and conditions as tho directors think expedient provided that the total amount so borrowod by the company should not exceed the sum of £40,000. Second : That the directors shall have full power on behalf of the compauy to sign aud issue debentures to secure the repayment of such sums ot money. Third : That the form of such debentures, and the amounts for which such debentures shall be issued, shall be in the discretion of the directors."

Mr P. Comisky, in seconding the resolution, endorsed the Chairman's remarks as to tho necessity of keeping up a large stock in order to do a good business. Money being plentiful could now be got at low rates, and it was advisable to tako ad vantage of tbe opportunity. Mr Dargaville said the meeting should be informed as to the proposed security for the debentures, and the rate of interest.

He doubted the desirability of keeping large stocks, as it entailed risk of tire and los 3of interest on capital invested. Larger dividends were formerly paid when the stock was smaller. There was no danger of losing trade.

The Chairman said the proposal of the Directors was not to encumber the Com pany's property, but to issue the debentures for periods of fivo to seven years. He believed a saving of from 2 to 3 per cent would be effected in interest.

Mr Coraisky said the Company required triple the stock. It did formerly iv conse quence of the rapid extension of business. Tho resolution was unanimously agreed to.

On the motion of Mr J. Howard, seconded liyJMr L. D, Nathan, the resolution pro posed by the Chairman was confirmed.

After somo further discussion the rough minutes were confirmed and the meeting ended.

THE ROTOKAUTUKU OIL BLOCK.

Mr William Clarke, who was instru mental in securing the introduction of Sydney capital to work the Poverty Bay oil springs, has arrivedjiu Auckland from Gisborno for the purpose of floating a company to work another valuable block of oil land. The company is to bs called the Southern Cross Petroleum Company, capital 48,000 shares of 20a each. The shares are being offorod on very advantageous terms. The " Poverty Bay Herald " makes the fol lowing reference to this undertaking :— "This well-known property was eomo six yoars since secured by the Government for oil Sirposes, at the Instance we believe of Dr. ootor, the head of the Geological Department, who waa much impressed with its value from tho extent of surface visible which Is permeated by petroleum and paraffin. In some places oil is easily obtained on making a small hole in the ground, whlloin others the earth is saturated with the heavy oils and paraffin to such an ex tent as to feel like soft eoap under tha feet, the ; soil in eithor case readily taking flre and i burning for a considerable time. There are other portions where the escape of hydro carbon gas suffloiently marks the strata balow. '''he first visit of Mr CUrka to tho East Cosst for the purpose of examining the oil flolds, was in January and February last. Negotiations were then commonced for the lease, whioh h»ve been in a stwe to bo oom pleted Boms two months since, but for delay caused by the necessary arrangements with the Government. Wo understand that Major Hopata, whoso correspondence on this subject has been voluminous, considers the matter practically closed, and hence his invitation to Mr Clarke to visit the place recently, and obtain the signatures of the Maoris to the required document. The success attending this has been so groat that out ol 155 claimants in the portion of the blook doslred by Mr Clarke 137 have signed, leaving 18 who are distributed over a large area of the country, but who have all agreed to the terms which are exceedingly liberal, viz., £50 per annum, and Id. par galfon on tho refined oil. Tho position of tho land is good, being about 11 miles from the Waipu, aod 7 miles from a good shipping place at Tnparoa. Tho road from the blook to the Coaet ia very eaßy, crossirg a good fora at the Waiapu, end ascending a moderate riae of terrace, perhaps to the height of 50 or 60 feet above the sea level, then descending by a small creek to the beach whero, by taking a course to the South eido smooth water is always the rule except with a i north-easter.

'I he rapid stream of the Waiapu has in some I places disclosed the bed rooks, which appear 10 lie at an angle of about 30 degrees from the horizon dipping South-easterly, andthlsciream stance -will be taken advantage of by Mr Clarke in placing his first bore, bo as to get into the rook as Boon as possible, and so avoid the risks attending long lengths ot tubing as well as con siderably reduoing the cost of the wo'l. Meßsrs Ratcliffe & Plesso are agents for the sale of what we may call promoter's shares in this nsw undertaking called the Southern Cross Petroleum Company. The support of all resi dents should be prompt, more especially aa Mr Clarke has put on no exorbitant; value to his acquisition, as he says he means to race his first company for the first marketable produce. He informs us that his tenders for timber are accepted, and arrangements complete for order ing the American tools and plant, while the engineer has to be procured from Melbourne, so that before the end of February all should be in going order. The company named is intended to be entirely a New Zea'and Company. Mr Clarke is proceeding to Auckland on UuDday next to obtain the countenance of the worthies oflthat city—where no doubt with his olden Victorian status, he will find many friends to back up any undertaking he may endorse. So f»r as matters have gone, we learn by applications to the agents that they are exceed ingly satisfied with the willingness of the public to support the enterprise, and have no doubt tbat the limited number of shares placed in their hands will bo absorbed at once.

Mr Alexander Saundera will conduct the Auckland agency for the disposal of shares.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[BjEUTSB'S TKLfiOBAMS.]

Intimidation in Ireland.

LONDON, December 15i The intimidation of landlords in Ireland by evicted tenants and leaguers continues without abatement, and fresh forms of Outrage are heard of almost daily, especi ally against landlords who have be'en ostra cised by the people of their districts. The latest form of intimidation by leaguers is tbe prevention of the export of cattle by land lords against whom they have a spite, and several cases iti which cattle intended for export have been prevented from leaviDg the farms are reported. Judges of the Irish Supreme Court have received letters threatening them witk murder if they con vict the Land Leaguers at tlieir approaching trial for conspiracy. The Ministry continue to meet daily iv Cabinet for the consideration of various measures to be introduced when Parliament re-assembles. At yesterday's Council meet ing the question of bringing forward an Irish Land Bill was discussed for some time, and various points of the proposed measures were gone into by Ministers. PARCEL POST. Professor Fawcett; Postmaster-General, has now under consideration a project for the institution of a parcels post between England and the colonies;

LONDON, December 8. The bitterness ot feeling in Ireland over the land question is being intensified by sectarian animosities. The Orange socie^ ties throughout the country are organising a movement in opposition to the designs of the Land Leaguers, and hostilities between the two parties dire daily increasing. It is feared that serious collisions will take place, and the authorities arts accordingly making extensive preparations for quelling the disturbances.

An alarming accident has taken pld.ee at the Woolwich Arsenal. A rocket acciden tally became ignited, and communicating with other explosive materials, caused a terrilic explosion. A portion of the arsenal was greatly damaged, and a number of per sons were seriously injured, though no fatal results are yet reported;

THE HOP BITTERS REGATTA. LONDON, December 2,

It is ndw suggested as a probable event that the prizes t oilered by the Hop Bitters Compauy for a regatta on the Thames, will be rowed for on the Tyne instead. The whole affair has occasioned much comment in rowing circles. There is nothing posi tively settled yet.

BENEFIT TO TRICKETT.

December 6.

Sporting men in London, being desirous of showing their appreciation of Edward Trickctt'a plucky conduct in connection with the sculiing championship, are organising a grand benefit for him.

THE HUSH TROUBLES,

LONDON, December 7.

A great deal of excitement has been caused in Waterford, in consequence of the enormous sale ot arms that has taken place within the last day or two. The police are making inquiries, and are in possession of information of an important character, im plicating a considerable number of residents of the city and county. Every precaution has been taken, but an outbreak ia feared, The majority of persons arrested for an attempt to intimidate a number ot workmeu at the town of Lincory, near Balliurobe, were released. It has, however, been determined to prosecute three of the ring leaders in the movement. Great excitement has been created in the neighbourhood

A serious disturbance has taken place at Ballincolly, County Cork. One dragoon was shot dead.

Determined attempts have been made by Fenians to wreck the barracks at Ballyheige and Castlegregory, but tho police and the military prevented the designs from being earned into effect. Considerable damage, however, was done.

GREECE AND TURKEY. December 7.

Negotiations have been entered into between the King of Greece and the Sultan of Turkey, with the view of arriving at an amicable understanding concerning the frontier question.

GEUMAN TRADE WITH AUSTRALIA.

LONDON, December 6,

The mercantile community of Ham burg—tho chief emporium of German commerce—have lately been turning their attention to Australia with the object of opening up regular communication and extending their trade. Arrangements have now been entered into for the establishment of a regular shipping service between Hamburg and Australia. The service will probably be monthly, and performed under steam, with Sydney as the principal colonial port of call. THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR. A convoy of colonial troops was attacked by a numerous force of Basuto warriors, near Maefteng. The troops, though greatly outnumbered, displayed great tact as well as bravery, and repulsed their assailants after a hot encounter. In the latest official despatches from the seat of war tbe colonial troops are reported to bo confident of their ability to repress the Basuto rebellion with out Imperial aid.

December 4.

Intelligence has been received from South Africa of an attack by the Pondos upon Xesibes, an important strategic position. The attack was unexpected, but the colo nials rallied, and made a determined de fence. Volunteers are being enrolled for immediate service, and are being ordered to relieve the besieged position.

AUSTRALIAN.

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT

SYDNEY, December 15. Parliament was opened by Commission at noon tc-dav. The proceedings were of a formal character, and without interest. The Governor's speech will be delivered to-morrow.

THE SUEZ MAIL,

MELBOURNE, Decembers.

Arrived : The P. and O. Co.'s steamer Siain, with the inward Suez mail, dated London, sth November.

SIR BRYAN O'LOGHLEN'S ACTION.

MELBOURNE, December 15,

In the Legislative Assembly, Sir Bryan O'Loghlen, Attorney-General (?}, has aban doned his judicature, which therefore lies in abeyance for the present.

The Port Webber Massacre.

H.M.S. Beagle, which arrived at Sydney from a cruise in the Solomon Inlands, brought the following particulars of the murder of Captain Murray and two .seamen of the cutter Loelia, of Sydney, by the natives of Port Webber :—" From New Britain the Beagle voyaged to the Duke of York Island, and after remaining there a few days took the Rev. George Brown on board, and proceeded on a cruise round New Ireland, New Hanover, Sandwich Island, and Portland Island ; and from thence weut back to the Duke of York Island. The vessel there rilled up with water, and again visited Blanche Bay in October. Whilst at Blanche Bay, Lieuten ant De Houghtou heard that Captain Murray, of the cutter Loalia, of Sydney, and two white men had becu murdered by the natives of Port Webber. Captain De floughton, the Rev. Mr Danks, and six sea. men of Beagle, went to the chief" village to investigate tho circumstances attending the murder, but the natives were very reticent. A reward that was offered failed to induce the chief to deliver up the murderers, or to give any material facts regarding the out. rage ; but from what was gleaned from the traders in Port Webber it appears that Cap tain Murray delivered several rifles, now common articles of trade with the islanders, but the payment in copra was not forth coming at the proper time. Captain Mur ray, a Swede named Henderson, a German, aud a Solomon Island boy, landed from the Lcclia, and ventured inland to the chief's quarters iv order, !f possible to obtain a satisfactory set'lsraent with him. i Captain Murray and his party met with a friendly reception, and the former was in vited into the chief's house. The two white men and the boy remained outside, in the presence of the whole tribe. Captain Mur ray, on stepping from the house, received two shots in the breast, and fell to the earth. His assailants sprang upon him with their naive weapons, and he must have been killed almost instantly. Doubtless the attack was pre-arranged, as the other white men were attacked by overwhelming num bers of savages, aud though they were armed, so sudden was the surprise, that they had no chance of firing. The Solomon boy fled into the bush, but his pursuers soon fell upon him and he shared the fate of the others of his party. The savvges stripped the bodies of the white men and cast them into the sea; but they were recovered and buried on on the island by some friendly

natives. Captain Murray leaves a widow and family in Sydney. The Lcclia belongs to Mr Fairell, the owner of the schooner Sea Rip, which recently visited Sydney from New Britain.

The Parihaka Meeting.

[FROM OUR OWK CORRESPONDENT.]

OPUKAKEj tins day; The speech-making at Parihaka commences to-morrow, and much is expected to bb said concerning Tuhi the murderer. At present all that is authentic concerning To Whiti's ideas is that he said, on hearing bl the murder, that Tuhi's body alone should pay for his sin, and that he had been reserved for death when his parents refused to let him go ploughing. Had he gotte to prison his life would never have been forfeited for crime. The natives were destroying trig stations on the Parihaka block yesterday.

Sale of Waimate Lands.

(BY TELEGRAPH, OWN COKRESPONDENT;)

HAWEA, this day. A fuktiik;r f ale of land on the Waimate Plains took place yesterday, on deferred payments. Out of 30 sections offered, 2& were applied for. The total cumber Of applicants being 105, a much larger proi pbrtion than at the previous sale The lanil sold is Bituated near the projected township of Mania, High' prices were realised, the averagb value being £810; but £14 5s per acre was realised in one case.

The uoveinment are going to Abandon the old Waihi Redoubt, and will move the men on to the plains. Waihi is historically interesting; but of no public service nofr;

THE PROCTOR LECTURES.

The opening lecture Of Mr R, A. Proctor; the famous astronomer, drew an immenab and very fashionable andience tb the Choral Hall last svening. For the last few months people hare been on the tip-toe of ex pectation respecting the celebrated lecturer • but notwithstanding all that has appeared in the newspapers about the vast interest which his discoveries create, it is no exaggeration to say that the most sanguine anticipations were more than realized. Mr Proctor has a gbbd presence, and speaks with remarkable cledrnes's and precision, every modulation of bis voice being heart! with great distinctness throughout the hall. But what is still yet more desirable, the process of reasoning, and the method of thought put by the lecturer before big audience is so plain and easily followed that we venture to say that there was not one present last night who did not follow him with the most perfect case. And when, the magnitude of the subject, and its bewildering, we might say appalling, vast ness is taken into consideration, this is pay. ing the lecturer his highest possible compli ment. Mr Proctor boc;an by congratulating those present, on the courage they had displayed in coming out in such inclement weather, and at once proceeded -with his subject, "The Life and Death of the World." Having described the changes which have taken place on the earth's surface from volcanic action, and owing to the action of glaciers, he advanced the theory; as being the only known One which would account for the changes which study by the telescope revealed, that the sun and his attendant planets, as well as the star and Buns of other systems, passed from the gaseous state of fusion, af<;er whiebjas in the case of the earth, they began to cool and formed (it abodes tit life until finally the cooling process becitme so far advanced that life was no longer possible when they became intensely cold, and might be considered dead. This Mr Pioctor pro. ceeded tt> prove by astronomical dbser rations. He selected as his evidence the conditions of tbe sun and its* attendant planets, Jupiter, Saturn, the earth, Marc, and the earth's satellite the moon. These, lie said, would show in their different con. ditious the life-time of a world, from Its birth to its deatli. These worlds were in size as named, the sun being the largest and the moon the smallest At its birth a world such as any one of these would be in a state of fusion, and surrounded by a vaporous cloud, which would remain round it so long. as it continued heated, but which would descend in the form of water when the surface of the world was sufficiently cool to allow it to rest without vaporising it. Geologists taught us that the earth had once been in a state of fusion, and astronomical observa tions showed that the sun was now in that state. The sun with the worlds revolving round it; had been doubtless one mass at one time, bat the planets being portions thrown off by the rotatory motions themselves, formed each a world in itself, and according to its greater or lesser size than the others had taken a longer or shorter time to cool. If this were so, it would be found, he he'd, that the Jarser of them wonld be in a state of fusion longer than the others, and that some of them, the smaller ones, would bo found to bo comparatively quite cold. The sun was, the largest; it was proved to be in but its' youth, and he explained the inconceivable' activity and changes which were constantly occurring upon it, by stating that although it seemed to us a silent luminary, there being no agent ty which the sound there was conducted to dwellers on earth, yet the noises of storms, volcanoes, earthquakes, thunder and lightning were continually occurring there with an intensity and whirl that the human' mind could scarcely conceive. The most violent, storms here registered their rate of travelling, say at a hundred miles in the hour; there the rate was more nearly thousands of miles in seconds of time. The lecturer showed by means of his diagrams of photographs of these planets that they were in a state of fusion and he said their state represented the childhood of a world. This earth, which was the next in size, and which had sum ciently cooled for the vapourous cloud which had encircled it (corresponding to those now known to exist round Jupiter and Saturn) to settle down in the form of water .and^ make seas, he said was in its manhood. Mars, a planet smaller .thaa the earth, should, if what tbe lecturer advanced was correct, be found to be cooler than tbe earth, and astronomers had indisputable evidence that such was the case. As to the state of tbe moon—the smallest of the bodies dealt with—he showed that amidst her craters a deathly stillness reigned, and j that the moon had so cooled down from its original state ot fusion that it had lived its entire life, and was now a dead world. Its condition was beautifully shown by means of photographs, in which were shown the sea floors now dried up, the polar ice, and its arid mountains. He dwelt here at length on the black shadows which were shown on the illustrations as showing that siie possessed no atmosphere by which to diffuse the sun's light, and that the sky, as seen from her plain, was always the starry sky of night. Mr Proctor then ex plained how the seer, who in Genises described tho Creation, had seen in a scries of visions the changes which he had described,anil how from this point of view it corresponded with the order of the scrip tural narrative. Thus the earth, while in a state of fusion, was surrounded by a vapor ous cloud, which would shut out all light. When it cooled, this cloud would fall back upon the earth as water.and the space above it would appear. The falling water would, cause seas, and when they found their level the dry land wonld appear; and subsequently the sun, moon, and stars would be visible. When the lecturer had described the " Lilei and Death of a World," he rivetted those present by his remarks on tbe infinite, as seen in the glory of the heavens and its myriads of worlds. He seemed so fully im pressed with, the grandeur of his subject that the greatest silence and closest atten tion was observed while alluding to the wonders of the heavens, concerning which; he remarked we were barely upon the thres hold. Even within the powers of the tiny instruments man was able, to invent it was known that there were not countless worlds alone, but countless solar B)'stenw, and if as in this system one world was inhabited, so might one world be in each of those countless system*. All space was full of life, and all its imaginable vast ness peopled with life; worlds were being formed, were obtaining manhood, were dying and dead. All throughout space worlds were for ever being prepared for life, and entering upon those stages where life • was impossible. Mr Proctor opened too minds of all to the contemplation of the in. fioitude of space such as they never per ceived before. He brought his hearers with him to a view co expensive ot the depths of space and of their occupants that the wonder soon appeared to be beyond the capacity of the mind. The lecturer concluded his splendid lecture by reciting Be Quinceys translation of an alleeory by Jean Paul Kichter on the infinitude of space. As the lecturer left the stage he was accompanied by the long impressed applause of every person present. Mr Proctor lectures to morrow night on "The Sun, the ruler; light, life, and fire of the solar system. We must not omit to mention that the illuminated pictures shewn by the oxy hydrogen light in illustration of the lectures were exceedingly beautiful, t ow>u,. at <oiea; ii|l(!

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY DECEMBER 16



[Ursday, December 16.

Station.

Manukau.... Thames Tauraoga.... Napier Tarannkl Wanganui... vVdllinpttOQ.. Nelson Groymnutb.. LytteltoD.... Timaru Oamara Pt. Chalmers Bluff _

Win 1 a N.K. C. B. C. NX «. 0. a 8.K. w. c. w. NNB N.K.

id.

T-5 § L.E LB L.

I « 2902 i9.70 29 93 29.S9 29.82 29.67 2976 29.83 29.93 2972 70.71 29 90 29 72 29.80

4 a % a 59 08 67 66 65 72 69 64

B.C

B. 13.0 B.C B. B. B. B. B. H. B. B.

State of Sea, Bar. or Rlvors.

good

moderate Hliirht swell moderate

L. 3t. h.

moderate

62 GO tii 69 62

moderate heavy E swl.

very heavy



xrf i v kb & rr all, have KEMOVED FBOM SHORTLAND-STBEET TO TEMPOKAKY PEEMISEB IN FOKT. STKEET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOE A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK, THEY WILL BE**AIN IN FOBT-STREET vctaso rimiiK-nuiiMSG of theib ware- WCm> JM SHOmAJTD-STSEET.



Special Advertisements. TCTEW /IOODS AND j^XOVELTIES FOB TUB TTOIiIDAY QBASON AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, A Choicb Lot m? LADIES' NEW LACK AND SILK CAPHS SILK SQUARES, Ere. L A CIS FICHUS, A JOB LINE VERY CHEAP. SUN SHADES AND umbrellas. Ribbons, Gloves, &c. NEW AND SEASONABLE DRESS MATERIALS In Very Great Variety. jt2tsomk job links tkry chkap. Teh MINTS. satbkN?, PO MPADOUR. GALATEA STRIPKS, Kto. GENERAL AND FURNISHING DRAPERY of every description. Summer Clothing for Boys' and Mbn's Weab. SILK DUST COATS, ALPACA AND HOLLAND COAT?. Full Stocks of WHITE SHIRTS. OXFORD SHIRTS, TIES SCAKVES, COLLARS, &O. Straw, Lbgiiorn and Rusn Hats, of all hinds for Boys and Men. Is in the A Discount allowod upon all Cash Purchases o£ 203 and Upwards. T>USHBROOK & T3RIDGMAN Jti t> JUNCTION DRAPEKY WAREHOUSE [Opposite tho Army and Navy Hote.], Uppkr Quekn-street, Auckland. At theib Premises, Queen-steekt, will make a GENERAL SHUW OF THEIR "VTEW QUMMER SHIPMENTS I THIS DAY, Together with Important SPHCIAL LOTS, Purchased at Large Discounts by our representative from various Manu facturers, as below stated.



The FANCY DRKS3 DEPARTMENT contains all the Newest Goods of the Bcason, in Pompadours. Lustres, Cashmere and Beiges. Tho MILLINERY DKPARTMKNT onsists of the Choicest Designs in Hats and Bonnbts, Ladieß' and Childrens' Costumes, Visettoa and Dolman's Lace, Bertha's Flowers and Feathers. The SILK DEPARTMENT is reploto with the Newest Shades in Velvets, Silks and Ribbons. We call particular attention to our Stook of BLACK SILKS, which is tho .Largest in the colony. Our Stock of Ladies' UNDERCLOTHING is Large and Well-assorted, [and contains all tho Newest Makes and Styles, Indies' and Children's Jerseys in all colours. In tho MANCHESTER DEPARTMENT we are Offering Particularly Good Value in White and Grby Calicos, Sheetings and Flannels. T /^1 OS GRAVE & £10. are now offering great advantages to thb Public, as thef Import them GOODS from the Best English and French Mancfacterkrs,



AND ARK SELLING AT WHOLKSALE P81033. HTIHE MERIDEN BRITANNIA CO. MANUFACTURERS OF THE HIGHEST GRADE OF BH/7ER PLATED WARK, OTH ON NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Sample Rooms and Offlces-16, East Fourteenth street, Union Square, New York. Factories—West Meriden, Connecticut. Sole Agents orlthe North Island,



TJAKING pOWD EE, HOW TO TEST IT? Nearlyall Baking Powders are adulterated with something that increases the bulk and lowers the cost. Such as "Flour," "Rioe 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-ir it con tains farina the water will be milky and thick; stand the glass for an hour in a safe place and it will deposit the farina; ponr off the water; dry the nowrter on blotting paper, and its nature will be apparent. HUDSON'S Naw Zkaland Baking Powdke Will STAND the TEST. Manufactured Solely by HUDSON (Late Hill and Hudson), CHEMIST, VICTORIA-STREET. Can be Bought of tho Mak-r, and of any Gr cor in Is 6d and 2s 6d tine,



qpring qhow, 1880, Summer Show, isso-i. A pURE ri AS H Q YSTEM. /p \ ALL DRAPE RY & CLOTHING / C. S. \ AT \ - /co-operative cash Y O/ PRICES, \f AT THE QITY TTALL ARCADE, GARLICK & CRANWELL, Propbietobs.



"yOU will readily ti.aet with what will salt X you in DRESSES at our Establishment, as we have all the NKWESf STYLES In Pompadour and Plain Materials, in Silk, Cambrics and Prints. Lustres, French, Beiges, Sateenß, Cashmeres, and the La die&' Favourite, " The Princess of Wales. GARLICK & CRANWELL.



PINAFORES- SKIKTS-lsstily Trimmed Very cheap. SILK S.—With the greatest confldenoe we BBsert the CHEAPEST Black and Coloured Silks ara now being offered by us. tiPECIAL— Lyons Gros Grain at Is 6d. ss. 5s Cd Only Two-thirds their Value. Coloured—New Shades— is 3d, 5s 6d China Silk—a Bargain. p OLD AND SILVER TRIMMINGS-Sugle, VT Seaweed—Frinuos for Dresses Millinery Trimming?, of all kinds New Gauzes, just arrived—various colours "PORCUPINE HATS, BERNHARDtTmARL- X BOROUGH, and all the Leading Shapes Trimmed Hats and Bonnets Hats from lid upwards SUNSH *DKS, from Is.—An Immense Variety in Pompadour, Zenella. Silk and Satin M /CLOVES.—Open Lace, Fancy Top, Silk, and \X Lisle Thread Gloves Kid Gloves, 1,2,3,4, 6, and 8 Buttons Two Button Kid at Is lid and 2s (Light and Dark). (The Principal Glove warehouse,)



OLD GOLD AND CUEAM LAOES, FBIL LINGS, &c. Pelerines, Braid and Bogle Collarets, Fichus, &o. Rnfliings, Fancy Scarves _ Ladies' and Children's Under Clothing



NOVELTIES Opened up EVEKY WEKK, and Sold at Co-operative Cash __ FKICBB. SPLENDID Lot of CKBTONNKS Just Un" __ paoked, 8d to 2a 6d per yard. ANKKUPr STOCK of Men's and Bora Clothing and Mercery. Now being SOLD at Robinson's Cost, and Manu facturers' Prices by GARLIQg & ORANWEhh. TrEKY CHEAP TABLE DAMASKS, from Is t 6d per yard. "^ "E would remind the Public we have SACRIFICED a Credit Trade for the sake of establishing the riO-OPERATiyE pjfSH OYSTER! We Open no New Accounts for Dra pery. We LOSE Customers who aak for Chedit ; all we ask in return is a Liberal Support by Cash Buyers, to enable us to continue what is a Pobllo Benefit. Our Goods are very CarefulJy Bought, and Marked at a Very Small Percentage over Cost, and we must do a Laehk Bosinebs to continue the System, and the Larger our "Turn Over I*the1 *the more our Customers will Benefit by their 11 > i • __„ pAKLIGK "& /^IiANVVELX; CITY HALL fARCADB, QUBBN STBBKT. i



Special Advertisements. SHAKLAND'S BAKING FOWDEB. IS MADE WITH GRAPE CREAM TARTAR, Imported from the Wlno Distriot of Franco. it is The Pbbfkction of baking Powdbr, Always PURE, WHOLESOME, AND UNIFORM. • Testimonial : I have chemically examined and tested the Baking Powder manufactured by Sharland & ' Co., and I havo found It to bo porfoctly pure, and free from any Bubstanoe that would boobieo tionablo in the preparation of food. I uso tho Bread made with it at my own table, and find it very f atisfaotory.—C. H. Hainks, 8.A., M.D., M Ca., L.A.H., F.R.G.S., L.M. Proprietors : SHARLAND 6t C 0., WnoLBSALE Druggists & Manufacturing Chemists, Auckland. Sold by nil Grocers and Storekeepers, in oan] ibtcrs at la Gd and 2s Gd each.



J^TEW TW-BW pOODS! A. LINABURY & CO. Aro Now Showing thoir NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. Wo hold tho Largest and Boat Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCY GOODS. DRESS GOODS FLOWERS, FEATHERS, &C, &C. Special Line of Plain Dtobs Silks, only 3s lid per yard j worth 5s Od. 6,000 Straw Hats, all now shapes. A Largo Stook of Ladles' and Children's Under clothing, Dress ivnd Mande-maklng on tho promises Costumes made in 21 hours'notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 201 AND 20G, QUE -STREET UPJiUI .i L NOTICE. Wcltho undorsigned, rospe doll Inv4to 4 tho Inspection of tho Ladios ofiAuokland and tho surrounding distriot to tho faot. thatj wo are Opening up a



A LARGE AND VARIKD AS3ORTMEVf OF ENGLISH, FRENCH, & AMERICAN GOODS, IN MILLINKRY, HO3IKRY GLOVES, FEATHERS FLOWERS, LACES &c, &c, &o, DUNNE, HALL, & CO., 174, QUEKN-STREET, AUCKLAND Opposite tho Thistle Hotol).