SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKRj gSSJ^oSSft 10.2 SUNBKT.-Thla Evening, 7.13. BUNRIBK.—To-Morrow Morning, 4.41 .BOON'S AGK.-La9t Qaartor, 25th, 6,26 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

YFBTBRDAY. Argyle, b."., Crawford, from Whangarel Queen, soh., Joneß. from Hokianga Ringarooma, s.s., Chatflold, Irora South Atalanta, Bch., Donovan, from Nsnnguru Walwer», soh., Bushell, from Kusaoll Vonns, kotoh, King, from Rupsell Christina, soh., Smith, from Kusaell Reward, sch., Anderaon, from Whangaroi

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY. Rlnearooma, b.s., Chatflold, for Rußsell Argyle, b.b., Crawford, for Whangarel

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London—Wanganul, loading Tauranga—Glenolg, Thursday j Waitaki, Mon-

day Russell—lona, Monday Melbourne, via South-Tararua, Thursday Whangarei and Husaell-Waiukt, Wednosday New Plymouth and South—Penguin, Tuesday Whangarel—Argyle, Tuesdays and Fridays Waitaki, Friday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Tararua, s.s., from Sydney, to-night Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydney, shortly Lady Jocelyn, ship (K.V.P.S.),lrom London;

sailed Sept. 23 Margaret GaibraUh, ship (J.K.L.U.), from Lon don; sailed October 29 Oxford, ship, from London; loading Loch Urr, barque (W.Q.L.K.), fiorn London; sailed September 27 A. C. de Frletas, barque (R.F.M.K.), from Lon-

don, soiled Uctober 21th. Sydenhsm, barque (J.M.F.Q), from London; loading Loch Dee, barque, from London; loading Beatrice Haverner, barque (J.Q.0.L.), from Now

York, sailed Sept. 26 Cabarfeidh, barque (3.Q.M.J.), from Hongkong Superior, barque, from New York; sailed Ootobsr 23 Himalaya, barque (V.T.K.M), fr«m London;

sailed November Loch Fleet, barque (L.K.P.S.), from London; sailed August 29 Ocean Ranger, barquentine, (W.T.N.V.) from Lytteltoa and New York Flirt, brlgantine (W.L.G.P.), from Levnka Helena, brigantine, from Rarotonga Motive, brigantine, from Samoa Look Oat. brlgantino, from Sydney Borealls, brlgantine. from Lyttelton Orwell, brigantino, from Rotumah Look Out, brigantine, from Sydney Myrtle, brigantine, from Tonga Clansmiin, brigantine, from Melbourne Defiance, brinnntine, from Melbourno Kthel, brlgantino, from Dunedin Kyno, brigantiDo, from the Islands Oaznaru, brlgantine from Dunedin Knergy. schooner, from Noumea Sybil, schooner, from Cook's Islands Dayspring, mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), ftom the Islands Aoba, schooner, from New Caledonia Edith, schooner, from Wallis Island Policeman, schooner, from Noumea Kstello, schooner, from Dunedin Keollworth, schooner, from Lyttelton Gael, schooner, from Levuka Ovalau, schooner, from JKarotonga Mazeppa, schooner, from Sydney Kate McGregor, schooner, from Timara Marion, schooner, from Norfolk Island Norval, schoonur, from Rarotonga Coronet, schooner, from Cook's Islands Atotehau, sohotmer, from Rarotonga

IMPORTS.

Ex Loch Fleet, from London—2o boxes print ing paper.—H. Brett.

Ex Ringarooma :-31 kega butter, for G. W, Binney.

Per Ringarooma :-From Melbonrno—lß pkgs sundries, From Hobart Town—36o cases jam, GS pieces timber. From Coast—24B sheep, 100 sacks malt, 31 kegs buttor, 2i cases meats, IS cases bacon, 20 cases champagne, i hones.

Per Loch Fleet, from London

7 cases iron bedsteads, 3 casks sofa springs, 2 boles feather?.-Winks and Hall.

Per Oamaru, from Oamaru:—63o sacks and bags flour.

The schooner Hello Brandon is loading for Botumah.

The barque Loch Fleet, from London, came up the harbour to day, and was berthed along side the Queen-street Wharf,

The biigantine Aratapn arrived at Lyttelton from Kaipara on Tuesday last,

The ketch speedwell is announced to leave for Norfolk Island on Thursday,

The schooner Amarantfrom the Manukau, arrived at Lyttelton last Tuesday, after a smart passage of 5 days.

The topsail schooner Advance ia on the berth at Lyttelton for this port.

The ship Lady Jocelyn is now due from Lon don, being 81 days out from Start Point. She may be looked for at any moment.

Captain Bradley, of the Amaranth, takes charge of the Fleetwing, now at Wellington, and Captain Collin Campbell will, it is said, succeed him in the Amaranth.—" Lyttelton Prese.''

The brlgantine Magellan Cloud was sold b.T auction at the Brunswick Mart to-dday for £510* Mr H. McQuarrlo was the purchaser.

The schooner Torea was in the Auokland dock on Thursday last cleaning. It is probable she will compete in the race for vessels of her class in the next regatta here. It is stated that she has had a false keel put on. The schooner Fleetwing, belonging to Messrs J. and D. Oxley, of Auckland, -will probably be also here to com pete,—"Lyttelton Press."

The b.s. Argyle arrived last evening from Whangarei, with 60 bales wool, 28 sa-ks fungus, 10 kegs butter, 70 sacks gum, 6 casks and boxes tallow, 6 caßes poultry, i cases fruit. Passen gers-Mrs Sutherland and two children, Miss Smith, Rev Adelair, Messrs Levvinson, Kava nagh, Scott, Bain, Campbell, Smith, Sheppard, Crow, Johnson, Bell, Moln, Jenkins, and eight in the steerage.

The S.B. Ringaroomt arrived from South last evening with the following passengers:—Mes damesLye, Lillington, Kraft, Denmett, Lounds and child, Noal, Creamer and child, Cameron, misses Rose, McPherson Kraft, Wells, Carruth, McPherson. ■Yateß.lClarke. Sadler, Messrs Hat field, MoCall, Sinolair, Stewart, George, Tisdall, Nolan, Allen. Lye, Colling, Griffiths, Pilbrow, Harborrow, Lance, Ropor, Butler, Vallance, Hobbs, Goodwin, Weston, Kerr, Xillington, MoKlwain, Pollen, Miller, Malavey, Edwards, Mowbray, F&lkener (2), Sharland, Waterworth, McCredie, Creamer, Kencedy McLaughlan, Cameron, Cooper, Mattleman, .Tobson, Nolarj, Cuff, Sir .Arthur Stepney, and the Lingard Troupe, (IS); also 30 in the steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Penguin, b.s , Malcolm, for South Hinemoa, s.s., FaircLJtd, for Wellington

The s.s. Hinemoa, for the Coaßt and Welliog ton, left the Heads this morning.

The s.s. Penguin, for the South, took the fol lowlDg passengers :—Mrs Gossett, and infant, ivIiSB Ethel Seccombe, Mr Wright, Mr and Mrs Ltmmer, Her. Isitt, Mr Hammond, J. Bod, Miss Sharland, Ma ter Sharland, W. Toinlin son, Miss Paul, Mrd Brown, Captain D. Rough, A. Uurtm, Mr and Mrs Johnston, Mr Laing, Mr and Mrs W. aymon.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russeix. thia day. Arrived: lonn, from Auckland, at 10 a.m.

'[.'auk-anna, this day, Arrived—Waitaki, ftom Auckland, 8 a.m.

liYttelton, yesterday. Sailed: Omaha, foi Chatham Islands; Pot and Hero for Newcastle.

Port Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Frederick Bassott, from INewcastle,

Sydney, December 20. Arrivals: The ss. Australia, from San Fran clsco, via Auckland; the Union Company's s.s. Wakatipu, from Wellington, on Saturday; and the b.b. Rotorua, from Auckland, to-day.

THE WEATHER.

(1.) WIND ESTIMATED AS C—Calm F. Br.—Fresh Breeze lb-light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeza G.—Gale (2.) ANEROID BAEOMETEB. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Bine Bky.be the at- O.—Overcast,the whole mosnhere clear or sky covered with heavy thick clouds C. — Clouds, passing P.—Passing showers clouds Q.—Squally D.—Drizzling rain It. — Katn, continued F.-Foggy rain 0. — Gloomy, dark B.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.-Hail U.-Ugly, threatening !>.— Lightning appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Stab Office. Tuesday. At Messrs B. 'Conk's and Co.'s »ale to-day, about one thousand volumes of books were gold. Tha line of Ammerican apples were also disposed of.

Digestion is simply the reduotlon of food into , aliquldform. Before the food passes into tho blood-vessels, as it necessarily must, before it can nourish the system, it is essential tbat it should bo emulsified. |In this,condition it is taken up by the absorbents, and by some mysterious process converted into blood. This transmutation or conversion must bo complete, else follow, in unmistakable train, dysoepsia, indigestion, heart-burn, and like ailments. To perfect tho process, use Udolpho Wolfe's Sohie dam Aromatic Schnapps.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Globe ab Unijer :— This Day. For Wangarei Headfl, Waipa, Wangarol, and Mangapai, per Argyle, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, 22nd instant For Wattara, per Lalla Rookh, at 1 p.m. For Thamo?, per Rotomabana, at 3.30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, Mangapal, Kasaell, and Kawakawa, per Waitaki, at Ip.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, 23rd instant. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at 8 a.m. , For Glsborne, Napier, Southern porta, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Ringaroonia, at 11 a.m. For Now Plymouth, Wangnnui. Wellington, and Southern ports, per Orotl, at 11 a.m. For Coromandel, per Cororaandal, at 2.30 p.m For Thames, per hotomataana, at 1 p.m. i For WMiiangt, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotlkl per Glonelg, at i p.m. Tuesday, 4th January, 1881. Per B.S. City of Sydney as follows :— For Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, Japan, and China, including Hongkong, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of

Burope, at 1 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence, in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of Bailing. This mail will be due in London on Tuesday, February 15, 1881.

ROBT. KAYE, Acting Chief Postmaster,

Meetings, Entertainments, &c.

December 21, 1880.

Theatre Boyal—' p.m.

"Stolen Kisses " (Lingardß), 8

Auckland Building Society—Mr Batg9r's Office, 7.30 p.m.

Temperance Hall, Albert-street — Baptist Christmas Tree Entertainment, 7 30 p.m.

St. James's Hall—Mrs Hampson's Address, 7.30 p.m.

St. Patrick's Bazaar—Albert Hall, 3 to 10 p.m. Auckland Museum—Froo School of Art Exhi bition, 7.30 p.m. Temperance Hall Schoolroom — Working Men's .Political Association, 7.30 p.m.

BIRTH.

BVANS.-On the 14th Deoember, 1880. at her re sidenco, Victoria-street, the wife of T. B Evans of a daughter; both doing well. KBEBING.-On the 19th inst. the wife of B. H. KeesiDß, of Ngaraawahia, of a daughter.

DEATH.

DAY.-On the 21st instant, at her residence, Otahuhu, Margaret, the beloved wife of Wil liam Letter Day, after a Ion? and painful ill ness.

Toe funeral will leave her late residenoe on Thursday, 23rd, at i p.m. Friends please accept thia invitation.

HILL.—On the 21st inst., at his father's real dence, Wellington-street, Arthur Verner, the beloved son of John and Elizabeth Hill; aged 5 years and 11 months.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

F.A.V.-The Royal Alfred.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1880.

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

We hereby certify tie issue of the Auckland Evening Star jor the week ending December 18th, 1880, to have been as under: —

Total issue for week... 37,936 GEORGE FRASER)PubIio Account- T. LEI«H WHTTB »Citv^Audltors.

In another column to-day we publish a letter from Mr Garrard, a gentleman who has resided in New Zealand for many years and who went to England a few months ago for the benefit of his health. His experience is instructive. Upon consulting leading members of the Faculty in London, he was advised that his complaint, which is a constitu tional one, could not be cured by physic. He was recommended, therefore, to

undergo a course of sulphur baths at Aix-10-Chapelle, in Germany, and, act ing upon the advice, ho took up his residence at that famous sanitartara for a period of two months. While Under going treatment, it occurred to him that

equal, if not better, curative agencies might be ■found among the endless varieties of sulphur baths in New Zealand, and ho occupied his leisure moments in testing the sur mise. The result verified his ex pectations. Upon submitting an olficia'l analysis, furnished by Sir Julius Vogel, to tho doctors of Aix-le-Ohapelle, they conveyed to hie* tho cheerful information that kia journey of 14,000 miles, the loss of time, and frightful expense involved, were quite un necessary, he might have received the same benefit withcfcl leav ing New Zealand, Tho waters of the baths ■which had proved bo efficacious in his case were identical with those of sulphur springs in this colony. When wo consider this fact in connection with the statement that no fowor than 20,000 persons visited Aix-le-Chapelle last season simply from hygionic reasons, the importance ot" making tho marvoilous hot springs country of Rotorua more available to tho wants of colonial invalids obtains its duo forco. The ' reserve of all tho springs at Rotorua for public use, and tho dedication of a town site, recently secured by Chiof, Judge Fenton, at his mooting with tho natives, will open the way to! a better adaption of the country to tlio wants of invalids. Any scheme, how ever, would fail unless a thoroughly qualified resident doctor ia providod. We understand that provision is mado for orte in tho agreement with the uativoa. It would bo tho duty of the medical man aolectud to examine all the springs, and noto the efl'oct of their waters in different classes of disease. Already much practical knowledge has boon acquired by residents iv tho district, but timo would bo needed to collate and formulate data collected in a scientific way. The presence of a qualified medical man, how ever, would give immediate con fidenco to sufforers from those classes of discasos in which sulphur baths are I known to bo remedial, and would justify medical mon in this colony and Aus tralia in recommending the Now Zea land baths. By rapid stages the reputation of tho district throughout Australasia, already vory considerable, would extend, and tourists and invalids from Europe with whom Aix-le- Chapello and othor fashionable- Bani tariuins have failed, might be tempted to try tho famous springs and more genial climate of Now Zea land. Tho work is ono of colonial moment and the apathy of tho Govern ment in the past has been as repre hensible as it is extraordinary.

Recently we remarked on the potty economy of the Government in compelling the Imperial pensioners to pay Stamp Duty on leceipt of their pensions. This produced a deal of grumbling auioug the veterans, as neither at Home nor in uny of Her Majesty's dependencies had a Jaimilar regulation been enforced. The discontent was universal, and as such was commented upon by the Press of the colony. \Ve have been placed in possession of a copy of a communication sent to the War Ollice on the subject, of rather a startling nature, cmbodyiug na it docs the extraordinary claim of £100 for each man who has paid Stump Duty on his peusiou. We publish the letter in exteuso. It is addressed to the Under-Secretary for War: Sir,—l humbly beg to report for the information of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State tor War that Imperial Pensioners have had to pay duty on their pensions under a clause ot the Stamp Act recently passed by the Government of this colony. Un being called on to pay this fee or duty, (one penny), I protested against it as illegal and stated that I would deem it my duty to submit this startlin? innovation for the consideration of the Home authorities. I ueed hiirdly say that it is the principle involved of any Colonial Government ad jndicating on Imperial funds that is objec tionable (the duty being a mere trifle), aud as fur ;i3l am aware it is the first instance of any colony placing a tax on Imperial pensions I would beg to draw your atten tion to Clause 30, page 237, of Her Majesty's Royal Warrant of Ist July, 1848, viz., " No person employed to pay the pensioners shall take from them any fee or reward, without subjecting himself to the pen alty of forfeiting his oilicc, to gether with the sum of £100." Now as the New Zealand Government pays all pensions, receiving a per centage from Imperial funds for the performance of this duty, if this tax is illegal (a tax raised by an Act of the Legislature of New Zea land, but which overrules that of the Imperial Parliament under which soldiers are enlisted), a grave question may here after arise—will the colony be liable for the tine laid down ? and would such line go to the Imperial Government, or to the man who paid the tax? I have transmitted to the Colonial Government a copy of this communication."

From inquiries made we learn that on ! the withdrawal of Her Majesty's forces from New Zealand, arrangements were made by 1 Commissary-General Sir H. S. Jones that all pensions should be paid by the Colonial ; Government, the Imperial Government ! paying a liberal percentage for such dis bursements, although one of the Banks had offered to perform the duty at a . merely nominal rate. This arrangement has continued in force ever since. All men enlisting for the army, navy and marines, do so under a special Act of Parliament, and at the termination of the engagement, or? from wounds, sicknes?, or other cause rendering them unfit for service, they are entitled to certain gratuities, pensions, &c., to be paid to them without diminution, and in the «oin of the Realm. On last pension day the men were called on to pay a duty of Id on each pension under the Stamp Act, 1880. The writer of tlic letter to the War Office has so tersely put the subject, whether this act of the Colonial Government was legal or otherwise, that we need hardly discuss it. It was palpably a breach of the Royal Warrait, and such, we have no doubt, will be the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown. The ftoyal Warrant quoted by the writer provides for a broach of clause 30—"shall take from them any fee ;or reward,"—a penanty of for feiture of office, together with the sum of £100. The application in the present, case is somewhat complicated. The offence has been committed by the people and their representatives ; the fine of £100 for each tee if it could be recovered would not come out of the pockets of Ministers, but from the funds of the colony. If the old soldiers have faith in their cause the prospect before them must be something of a mellenium. The pensioners will hardly grumble at the payment of the penny stamp duty pending the reply from England about the chance of their £100. Wo are not aware of the number of pensioners in New Zealand, but this matter will probably involve a question of some £80,000 or £100,000, and all ;due to the financial ability displayed in this more than questionable mode of raising the revenue by a few pounds. No matter how the matter may end, it can hardly redound to the credit of the Government.

Messrs Ifraser ana White, City Auditors uad Public Accountants, certify that the issue of tho Evbhing Star last week was 37,936.

To the Editor : Sir,—l agree with "Verb Sap " that Proctor might give the working classes a chance to hear him at a. shilling per head. He goe3 home with a nice round Bum from the Australian colonies, leaving what he has cleared in America out of the question. Perhaps seeing lie can command the high figures be has charged heretofore, he may take uo notice of this request. As another instance of how his lectures will affect him pecuniarily, I am led to believe that at a booksale held last week in this city, some of his works, old and dirty at that, fetched a shilling or more over the English published price. No doubt we shall have visits from more of our eminent home scientists when Proctor returns, as, iv too many cases, the pursuit of science is not accompanied with a corresponding pro portion of £.s.d., and they may feel inclined toldo as ho has done.— Ycmrs, No, 75.

On Saturday Mr Proctor will start for Kotomahftna ftnd the Hot Lakes, returning in time to leave for San Francisco by the mail steamer on the 4th of January, by which ho has already secured his passage, The almanac season is in full swing once more, and we have to acknowledge a neat, card from the New Zealand Insurance* Company. The calendar has been designed j for oilice use ; it is not too ( large, and gives; the days of the week and month on ro-j movable leaves, The work has been most creditably executed in the lithographic: department of the " Herald." Mr P. H. Wilson, umpire of the Alpha; Club, writes that their match on Saturday' was not against tho second eleven ot the United. The Alpha club, alao, were not defeated; the game beiug a drawn ono. In the report of the sailing race in our last cvirniuK's issue, it was erroneously stated that the Hattio May was owned by Mr Warbrick. The owner hMr X. Hal stead.

Mr Alfred Horley, who is a candidate tn represent Nelson suburbs ill the General Assembly, is in favour of secular education, nbolitiou of the Upper House, and au elective Governor, aguinst the selling of Crown liinds, and regards tho institution of a colonial hank of issue us a means of liquidating tho debt of the colony. The following is the state of Her Majesty's Gaol, Auckland, lor tlio week ending 18th December, ISSO : — Awaitiug trial, 5 malra ; penal servitude, 28 males ; hard labour, 73 males, 20 females; imprisonment, 2 males, 1 female ; default of boil, 6 males ; received during the week, 9 males, 3 femalcn; discharged, 14 males, (5 females : total iv iv k<k>l» 12* mules, 21 females. Tho Hon. Mr Brycc is expected in Auck land in <1 unitary. In connection with to-morrow night's lec ture on "Comets and Meteors," which v.ill lie Mr Proctor's last appearance but ono iv Auckland, it may bo mentioned that great interest attaches to tho question whether the comet whose appearance in the southern heavens last February attracted bo much attention is identical with the comet of 1843, which was remarkable for the singu larly near approach which it made to the huh, and which will soon return. Mr Proctor will discuss tlio evidence bearing on this question. It will be noticed that children will be admitted to tho last two lectures at a uniform rate of ouo shilling to any part of tho hull. A new tiniL-lable lias been issued for the Waikomitl branch of the Auckland rail way. The train leaves Auckland n quarter of an hour earlier each day and arrives a quarter of an hour later at Henderson's Mill. Traiua leave Auckland at G. 45 a.m. and 5.80 p.m. cacli day. aud Newmarket at G"55 a.m. and 430 p.m., on Tuesdays and Fridays trains will leavo \'ho Wlnni ni 7*20 a.m.. arriving at Henderson's Mill at 745 a.m., and at 6''B p.m., arriving at Henderson's Mill at 633 p.m. The Kumnra Railway Committee has passed tbe following resolution in regard to tho proposed railway to connect tho Knst and West coasts of the Middle Island : "That the Committee approve of theschemo, and will co-oporato to tho best of their power in tho promotion mid formation of tho railway proposed between tho East- West Coasts, via tho Huruuui, Cannibal Gorgo, Keeftou, Ahaura, Arnold, Kuiuaru, and Hoka." Tho death is announced of Mr Frank Buckland, the well-known contributor of papers on pisciculture and other branches of natural scieuce to the " Times," '■ Land and Water," alul other periodicals. He was the eldest son of the Dean of West minster, and was born on December 17t.1i, 1820. lie devoted himself to the study of medicine, and having served the oflice of house surgeon to St. George's Hospital, he became in 1854 assistant surgeon to the 2nd Lifo Guards, from which post ho retired iv ISG3. He conducted " (Sea and Kiver Fisheries," " Practical Natural His tory," " Land and Water," and established at his own expenso the museum of economic iish culture at the Royal Horti cultural Gardens. He mtule several important discoveries, aud received medals and diplomas from various scientific societies. Ho was inspector of Salmon Fisheries for England and Wales, and held other important olliccs. His death will be a ercat loss to science. We frequently hoar persons who arc religiously-inclined give out their opinions that the appointment of the Marquis of Kipon to the Viceroyalty of India will tend to cause an up-stiriing of Protestant zeal, etc., among the Auglo-Indiau community iv that country; that tlio outburst of religious bigotry which has been displayed by a large number of people in England, and which arose, of course, from the »amo selfish opinion, will tend to materially influence tho minds of our Government ollicials and tho native population generally. If wo are to judge from recent reports received from Calcutta it will appear that such is not the case. We find it a significant fact that there has been up to th? present timo au entire absence of religious prejudice, and the Knglish public seem to look upou the advent of their new Viceroy in a far less excited sense than their brethreu over the water. In a religious point of view tbey have considered tbo subject scarcely worth noticing, being fully cognisant of the fact that the high position which the Viceroy now holds is ono of those posts iv which it would be impossible to excite religious bigotry or jealousy ; and, moreover, the duties required of him are entirely secular, and therefore even if it were possible to suppose a man to be capable of allowing his personal religious convictions to influence him in public affairs, he would certainly have no opportunity of exercising his power in that direction

The roeular meeting of the Waitcmata Lodge of Masons was held last eveninc for the chief purpose of installing the W.M. elect, brother W. P. Moat, assisted by Brother Fenton, the installing officer. The attendance was large, includiug the follow ing past masters:—Brothers|Leers,Warren, Cole, Hastwcll, Wade, Page, Durance, Nelson, Boycroft, Goodacre, Chapman, Mitchell, Hill, Rattray, Curlaw. The/fol lowing were installed :—Brother A. Wright, W.M.; Brother W. A. Fenton, P.M.; Brother W. R. Waddcl, S.W. ; Brother J. P. Clark, I.W. ; Brother Rev. C. M. Nel son, Chaplain; Brother J, L. Hastwell, P.M., {Treasurer; Brother H. G. Wade, P.M., Secretary ; Brother C. Crozicr, Sen. Deacon; Brother J. McCulloch, Junior Deacon; Brother Jas. Pirie, Organist; Brother Samuel Coombes, Inner Guard; Brother Charles Porter Tyler. At the clone of the installation, the brethren and visitors adjourned to the dining-room, and partook of a plentiful repast. The Chairman proposed in order, the toasts of tho evening, viz. :—The " t^ueeu and Craft," "H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, M.W.G.M., E.C.," tho "Dukoof Abercorn, Grand Master of tho Irish Constitution," aim "Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, G.M. Scottish Constitution," the "District Grand Master, E.C., Brother G. S. Graham, and tho Provincial Grand Masters Brother G. P. Pierce, 1.C., and Brother F. Whita ker, S.C." The toasts of the newly in. stalled officers were also drank and res ponded to, and the hours passed plea santly.

The conduct of the police m the pursuit of the Kellys is severely and exhaustively reviewed in the Melbourne "Age," which among other things, says :—"A certain in spector on one occasion, it is said, came across the Kellys. When he saw the gang he had been pursuing, he wheeled about and rode off with his party, though they wanted to go on. This story is current, and it is one that should be investigated, as should also the conduct of the police sta tioned in Sherritt's house when he was shot. Dan Kelly and Joe Byrne alone were present; and that four men should be stuck up and a murder committed in their pre sence by two men, without any show of re sistance, appears strange, to say the leastof it. Thepolicewerowellprovided, Theirnumbcrs were large. They had amongst them, including the black trackers, mauy expert bushmen. They had an unlimited supply of horse-flesh and secret service money. There were spies and paid agents by the score. One of the agents was engaged to a sister of one of the outlaws, arid regularly conveyed information obtained fiom the family to the police, until he was half discovered by the mother of the girl while he was asleep in the police camp; sometime after which his sweetheart broke offher engagement. When the mother of the outlaw saw the agent in the camp of the police his face was covered, and she could not be certain that it was her daughter's affianced lover, but he was for ever after snspected, and nis usefulness considerably reduced. With wonderful address the same agent engaged himself to the sister of another member of the gang. By this channel he obtained information such as he could glean from observation, but he could not worm out any information from her. While she was quite willing to accept the man for his own sake, he being a fine fellow, she would not trust him with any secret, as he was under suspicion. Patting her on the cheek one day while walking through a clump of wattlea, the agent put an apparently unim portant question to his sweetheart. Looking |up in his'face with a very arch smile, she ' said—" lam not a girl of that sort. You ought to know me better . You can have me if you wish, but not my brother." This man paid away his lifo us the penalty of his flirtations. <

A race in pair-oared gigs will take place in the harbour at G a.m. on Thursday next. The competitors are Messrs Murray fliVd Dunnet, and Messrs It. Stodart and F. Jones; all mombore pf t^Ponsonby Row ing Club. The race 13 exciting interest in the western eiuburb, and notwithstanding tlie early hour at which it is tobohcld there will probably be a large number of spectators.

The Melbourne " Age " mentions that Mr Graves Aickin, of Auckland, was preaent'at the meeting, of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society on October 5, when the president of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand was elected an honorary of the Victorian Council.

In the charge againbt Ella Carrington, Lillie Reid, and C. H. Taylor, members of the Stray Leaves Dramatic Company, of the wilful murder ot an infant at Coleraine, N.S.W., the prosecution entirely broke down. The police admitted that they had no evidence against Lillie Kcid, and in the other cases the evidence was of thts flimsiest description.

A concert and variety entertainment took place at tho Devonport Hall last evening, tor the benefit of the North Shore Kowiug Club, and was a success in every particular. Tho performance commenced with an over ture by Messrs Hartley's string band, and was followed by an amusing farce, entitled " Cutting his Claws," in which Mr C. B. Gerald as tlic irascible Chili Chutuec, tho rotire'd Bengal Merchant, was very success ful, and succeeded by his humour in keep ing tho audience thoroughly amused. Mr B, Townshcnd as "Beeswing," the Wine Merchant, showed great promise, and spoke his lines distinctly, whilst Mr Keid as Jacob, was funny at times. Tho latter gentleman also saug two comic songs in a very amuaiug style. Mr Forder's "Jack's Come Homo To-day" was exceedingly well rendered, also Mr Edmistou's " Light house." Mrs Ilivett also contributed two charming gongs with excellent execution. " Thy Face," by Miss Wilcox, was a success. Messrs Bartley (3), Gee, and Hanckiu (2), formed an cllicient orchestra. An Ethiopian absurdity, entitled " Never Touched Me," by Messrs Gerald and Townshcnd created great laughter and applause. The-whole, concluding with a rowing chorus by mem bers of the club in coßtume. There was a very good attendance.

Our Port Albert correspondent writes : — On Tuesday a public meeting was hnld in the school-room to consider tho question of starting a Band of Hope in tho district. Mr G. Plummer, chairman, introduced tho subject, and Mossrs J. Shepherd, J. S. Mawer, C. Judd, A. Ncal, T. Gubb, J. Loggo, B. M. GubD briefly spoko in favour of at once forming a Band of Hope. Mr G. Plummor was elected president, and Mr B. M. Gubb secretary, pro tern. Another meeting of those willing to become members is to be held shortly, when the various olkcera will bo elected, and the teinporauce party hero still further strengthened. '1 he December meeting of tho Agricultural Soci ety was lieldatMrHefford'son Wednesday. The question of erecting a grist mill in this district was introduced by Mr J. Smith, and a number of members promised to subscribe towards tho object. A resolution that this society cordially endorse the action taken by tho Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, re the bird nuisance, was passed unanimously. At a recent meeting of tho School Committee it was stated that a favourable report of the school had been made by the Inspector, also that Miss Harriet Judd had been appointed assistant teacher. The Chris tian Brethren held their annual meeting on Thursday last. There was an excellent tea provided, but the speeches in the even ing were narrow and illiberal in tone and sentiment. The chairman made an unwise speech in attacking rev. gentlemen of all other denominations, certainly not produc tive of good. Fortunately we aro as a settlement liberal, and this meeting must be taken as an exceptional one by strangers present. Owing to present unsatisfactory arrangements in the running of Kaipara steamboats most of the passenger trailic goes by way of Mahurungi. The road is good, and a considerable saving in time and money. We cannot afford two days and about 30s when we arc not more than CO miles from Auckland.

London publicans are getting terrified by the prospect which is in store for them in regard to Sunday closing. They have placarded London all over with large coloured bills, signed "An Englishman," declaring that Sunday closing will be an infringement of the liberties of the people, and they are sending men with sandwiches about the town with tho same piece of infor mation on their backs and fronts.

The followiug report of the farewell sorvices aud presentation to the liev. |G. A. Brown is from the " Lincoln Gazette" :— Un Sunday last farewell sermons were preached in Miutlane Chapel, by the Rev. Q. A. Brown, who, on account of failing health, has had to resign his most useful pastorate here, and within a few days will set sail for New Zealand. In the morning his text was Colossians ii., 2—B, and in the evening Act xx,, 25—27. In the morning the chapel was full; in the evening it was crowded itom floor to csiling. The plat form, pulpit steps, and even the pulpit itself wore oocupied by anxious hearers. It is estimated that thete would be at least 900 people present, aud many were unable to obtain admission. At the usual prayer meeting afterwards there was a large attendance, the body of the place being full, and the gallery partially occupied. Much valuable testimony was given to the power of the Gospel when in faithful hands, many there witnessing that they had been led to rejoice in Christ during the miuistry of His servant. A farewell tea was held on Mon day evening, at which about 400 sat down. At the public meeting afterwards, the chapel was again full. The Chairman, Mr Win. fiausor, Church Secretary, testified that during the two years and eight months of Mr Brown's ministry, the church had been wonderfully blessed, The preaching was considered by many strange and new, being based upon the doctrine of life only iv Christ, or conditional immortality; but it had proved itself to be the power of God unto salvation. In all 220 members had been added to the Church during the short time Mr Brown had been among them, and some of that number had been saved from scepticism and infidelity, being formerly professed Atheists. These facts, it was remarked, prove it to be entirely untrue that the preaching of conditional immortality and the non-eternity of sin and torment cuts tho throat of Christian usefulness. A number of speakers bore testimony to the high worth of Mr Brown as a preacher and pastor, amongst thoso being one who, before he came, used to frequent and preside at Atheistic lectures, but who had been reached by his instru mentality. On behalf of tho Church and congregation tho chairman presented to Mr Brown a richly illuminated address (pre pared and given by Mr Mortimer), a gold watch and chain, and a purse which, as he observed, had a golden lining. Mr Mortimer also presented to Mrs Brown (from the Church) a gold chain.—ln replying, Mi- Brown thanked the friends for the kindness with which they had treated him here, aud stated that in going to New Zealand he is not intending to leave the ministry in its true sense, but is going in search of health and strength in order to do more work tor the Master. And he means, God helping him, to labour with his own hands, as the Apostle Paul did, for the support of himself and thoso near and dear to him, that he may be able to preach the Gospel to the poor, without money and without price.—Mr Geo. P. Mackay, late ot Sion Jubilee Chapel, Bradford, |has been invited to supply tho pulpit for three months; and on behalf of the Church he gave a valedictory address to Mr Brown and several other friends in connection with the Church who are accompanying him. Hymns specially prepared for the occasion were sung, and tho meeting, which was of a deeply interesting character, did not con clude till alter ten o'clock.

Tho Observer's Christmas Prizes—Notice. -Gifts to the value of £20 will ba «ivon away with the Observer's Chriamaa number. For full particulars see Thursday's issue.

!' The band of the Choral Society are re minded that practice begins this evening, at half-past seven sharp.

An Art Union of the remainder of goods in connection with the Christmas Tree (St. Luke's), will be hold in the Newmarket Hall on Wednesday next, at 7.30 p.m.

The annual breaktaat meeting in con nection with the Young Men's Chrißtian Asso ciation will be held on Christmas morning at 7.30. Tlokots, Is each; may be had of any members of committee or in the rooms.

Mr B. Edwards, of Hamilton, runs a coach evory alternate day from Hamilton, viz., on Tuoaday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The half-yearly meeting of the Hibernian Catholio Benefit Society will be hold in St. Jftmoa', Hobson-street, to-morrow eveninff for the re-eleotlon of officers and tho general busi ness of tho branch.

The St. Matthew's Cbristmaa tree in aid of the children's treat, will be unveiled to morrow (Wednosday) evening in tho sohool rootn, Hobeon-street.at 7.30. The adtnlßsion|being free will inducomany to witness the proceedings and lieten to tho singing.

The Catholic Bazaar and grand fancy fair is now opon in tho Albert Hall, and will con-

tinue for the next three days, closing each nay at 10 p.m. The Hobson Band, under their efficient bandmaster, will perform Borne of their choioe selections each evening on tbe balcony which hßa boon erected over the main entrance by Mr Conuelly for them.

Scintillations.

"Be brlol; fpr ii w.w'm words as with sun beams : the more they, Are condensed, ihe deeper they burn."—Sootiiey.

StieeJ; musjc—Snoring. :■ Bishop Croke is to get a cardinal's hat. Theastronomer's pastime—snooting stars. Emma Wangenheim has been cordially received in .Brisbane.

The Lyttelton Dock is fast approaching completion. To reduce household expenses—Let your wife see you kiss the servant. We regret to learn that Mr DeLias is still very ill. The friendly chief Tareha, of .Napier, died yesterday. " Psycho," which caused such a sensation in London, is one of Haselmeyer's novelties. Leonidas was one of the original dead heads. He held the pass at Thermopylae A printer's wife always puts the buby in " small caps." The eirl who ban^s her hair often makes the wife who bangs her husband."

The Melbourne critics are severe on Hoskins' Touchstone.

Police Superintendent Aichison broke his arm at £i ckon by a fall from a tram car. Tuhia, notj " Tuhi," is the correct name of the murderer of Miss Dobie.

The Hill-Jiinford Dramatic Company has been playing in Wanganui. .Receipts from admissions to Exhibition, £35,000 ; expenditure, £62,000. 50 acceptances for Victorian Champion Stakes.

Wilkinson has been committed for trial for the murder of Martin Menz.

Sir B. O'Loghlen has joined the Opposi tion, in the Victorian Assembly,

The "official screw" of the Mayor of Sydney ia £1,000, with an upward tend ency. Mr Justice Gillies will address tha students of the Auckland Free {School of Art this evening in the Museum, ami present the medal. In Belgium the " .Budget" must be placed before Parliament teu months before the commencement of the financial year.

A very genteel Petersham girl says shea not subject to bilious attacks, but is fre quently " Williamous." The l Jrince of Wales plays whist bo well that he could always earn his living by it in the London clubs.

"Swoets to the sweet—farewell," observed tho grocer's apprentice when he was " sacked " for stealing barley sugar.

Tho proposal to open the Melbourne Exhibition on two week nights meets with disfavour.

Tho Phylloxera Vastatrix Committee propose to destroy all vineyards within 20 miles of Geelong.

Fisher, the " Nunawading Messiah," lias been defeated ia a, contest tor the Lily dale (Vie) Council, and has lost his deposit.

It took the Prince of Wales a whole year to learn how to waltz, and even now he holds his legs an stiff as pokers.

Referring to Darwin's theory of descent, tho Rev. A. D. Crake said, " Leavo mo my ancestors in Paradise; I will leavo you yours in the Zoological Gardens." Mr Seddon has served the Borough Coun cil of Hamilton with notice of his intention to apply for an injunction to restrain them from taking his land.

Messrs F. A. Whitaker and C. Laishley represent Hamilton against Messrs Darga villa and Burleigh, tiie Auckland cham pions, in the lawn-tennis match. The father of Mrs Langtroy tho " pro fessional beauty," is said to be in serious financial difficulties iv Jersey, of which he is Dean.

At Brisbane, Mr Swanwick, barrister and member ot Assembly, horsewhipped Mr Byrne, an editor, on Saturday, on account of au allusion to Mr Swanwick'ii wifo in his paper.

The " Sydney Bulletin " says that butter is so cheap iv Auckland that it is being shipped to England as grease. Anything else ?

Father O'Malley, iv a lecture at Dunedin, said that the deluge was merely confined to the portion of the earth that was in habited at the time. The theologians are advocating with the times.

Wilkiu and Co., of Christchurch, recently subscribed £50 to the Fire Brigade1. Here is an example to some of our local capitalists.

Judge Cope has decided in Melbourne that an action to recover the amount of a sweep due on the Cup could not be main tained.

Mr Kellow, of Whatawbata, bas broken his collar-bone through his horse running into a cow while galloping. Dr. Sandes is in attendance.

Messrs Clarko and Co., financial ngents, have floated the 6 per cent loan for the borough of South Duaediu, at a premium of 35s per ceut.

Mr J. J. Larnach, of Dunedin, is a candi date for the vacant directorship of tho Colonial Bank, caused by the retirement of Mr A. C. Strodo.

Mr Wiseman's shop, East Hamilton, had a narrow escape from destruction from fire ou Saturday, Tho chimney caught fire and the sparks ignited tho shingles, but by prompt measures the fire was put out. Many a woman dnsts billiard chalk off her husband's coat, and a big tear stands in her eye a.% she thinks how late he works nights at his desk by the whitewashed wall.

The " Post " says that the appointment of General Assembly Librarian will not ba filled up until next session, it is tho gift of the Library Committee.

The members of the Auckland Choral Society will givo their Christmas perform ance in the Choral Hall on the evening of Thursday, the 23rd inst., which will consist of Handel's " Messiah."

If a madman bitten bo By a. bittern bitterly. Bettor bad tbat bittern been Bitten than the man, I ween,

Tho Cincinnati "Saturday Night" meeKly remarks : " When a eirl talks about the ' two strings to her beau,' does she mean his suspenders ?' Mr Zabrieskowatschiycra is a candidate for office in Minnesota. The man who nominated him says it was the greatest effort of his life.

A Dan bury man was approached by a canvassar who wanted .to sell him a cyclo piodia ; but he declined to buy because he was sure he could never learn to rido one.

An Ohio girl sued a man for breach of promise, and proved him such a mean scoundrel that the jury decided that she ought to pay him something for not marry ing her.

it is now stated that Ned Kelly married, immediately prior to the police murders, a woman who is now an inmate of the hospital at Melboumo.sufrering from tho effects ot a snake bite. She is described as a good* looking woman of modest demeanour.

The Proctor lectures are producing some effect ou education. One of the questions in the school examinations at Wellington was :—" It was stated recently that a man 6ft. high on the earth would be 36ft. high if he lived iv the moon. Explain this." One of the crew of the Wakatipu, which took Cole's Circus from Wellington, had the misfortune to offend one of the elephants, which revenged itseJf by seizing him with its trunk and throwing him down. Referring to the defection of Mr Shanks from the Grey party, a southern paper says he deserted the ship in a eale, and Sir George Grey's sealegs gave way because he lost his shanks.

Parnell and his fellow defendants in the forthcoming prosecutions for conspiracy are sure at least of ample funds for their defence. A Keuter's telegram informs us that £10,000 has been subscribed for the purpose. Persons engaged in opening bottles of effervescent fluids should be careful to hold the neck in such a manner as to avoid danger. At Christchurch the other day a woman was opening a bottle of ginger beer when the cork struck her eye, turning the ball completely over in the socket. Loss of sight will be the probable result.

A BALLADINE. She was the prettioßt glr), I woon, That mortal eyes had ever seen; Her name was Annabel Christine, Her hair was curled with bandoline. Her cheeks wer« smoothed with vasclino, Her teeth were brushed with fine dentlno Her lace was washed in coaline. Her Kloves were cleaned with gasoline, bhe wore a dress of grenadine, Looped over a skirt of brilliantinc, Her petticoat was bombazine. Her foot was shod with kid bottlno, Her wounds wero healed with c.osmoUn» She sailed away from Mmcatlno In a ship they oalled a brigantino. She flirted with a «ay marine Lri tboy reaoQßd tha Republic Argontino, wnero they wero married by tho Dean, And lived on oleomargino

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.

The first meeting of Creditor in the ettate of Benjamin Taylor, market gardener of (Jnehunga took place this morning, when Mr Thos Mactfarlane was chosen trustee. The liabilities are stated at £104 2s 7d, and the rssets at £27.

The creditors of Frederick Sherwin, builder, of Parnell, met at noon, and also elected Mr Macffarlane trustee. In this case the assests are set down at £55, and the liabilities at £147 18a 9d.

On Monday evening next, the annual soiree and ball of the Court City of Auckland, A.0.F., will bo hold in the Temperance Hi>ll which will be decorated for the occasion. The ooireG-willoC an agroeablo oharacter, followed by a neat programme, of promise, which will eventuate in music and choioe aongs, then the ball will be opened under an exporionced guide and ladles and brethren will bo kept in happy motion by the inspiring sounds of an efficient band of musicians. The lodge may safely anticipate a capital evening's aniusement.l

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[K.KUTKK'S TKLKCJII A M S.J

REPRESSIVE MEASURES,

LONDON, December 20,

The Viceroy of Ireland has prohibited meetings to be held in Queen's County, and has dispatched troops there in order to preserve the peace. The Right Hon. G. Goschen, Am bassador Extraordinary to the Porte, has arrived in London. OBITUARY. The Duchess of Westminster and Mr Frank Buckland. THE IRISH TROUBLE. London, December C.

Continuous attempts have been made to wreck the police barracks at Castle Gregory, a small town of about 600 inhabitants, situated in the parish of Bally leigh, in the county of Kerry. Owing to the vigilance of the police, these attempts have been frustrated.

A bailiff, who had been engaged in the process of eviction of a tenant on a farm near Cookstown, in the County of Tyrone, Ulster, was murdered. 'Ihe murderer has been arrested.

December 11

A stormy session is expected when Parlia ment meets on the Gth of January. It is believed that the Irish members will con-' tiuue their policy of obstruction pursued last year. The "Standard" asserts that the Government intend to introduce altera tions in the forms of procedure, which will enable them to suppress promptly any organised attempt at obstruction. SCULLING. Boyd, the well-known Knglish oarsman, has challenged Hanlan for the champion ship. Hanlan has expressed his willing ness to accept the contest, which takes place after the forthcoming match with Laycock. Laycock has not yet gone into steady training for the match with Hanlan. Yes terday he visited Newcastle, and was ac corded an enthusiastic reception from the Tyne rowing men. His victory in the Bop j Bitters' Regatta has made him a great favourite.

London, Docember 9,

A destructive fire has taken place at Areatil, a seaport town iv Isorway, 35 miles cast of Christiansand.

AFGHANISTAN.

Bombay, November 19.

Information has been received that a dis turbance has taken place in the capital, aud that Sepoys here, late in the Amir's army, refuse to serve under the new Amir. _ No reliable information has yet been received. Poaitivo intelligence is awaited with some anxiety. Ayub Khan is reported to be trying to get his forces together again to make another attempt against the Amir of Kabul. He is represented to be very popu lar, and it is likely that he may yet give much trouble.

THE BASUXO WAR

Cape Town, November 22.

The rebellion in Basutoland is still raging. Since tho last summary on the 3th inst. the colonial forces have acted in the moat part on the defensive. It is probablo that the colonials will bo able to quell the outbreak notwithstanding that tho ranks of the rebels have becu swelled by the addition of a groat part of the Timba, Tamboa, and Pondo, which tribes have joined the revolt.

The natives in Pondoland, who have joined the Basutos in rebellion, were at tacked by the Cape troops and utterly routed. The country up to the Orange River has been cleared of hostile natives.

December J3.

The colonial forces in the Lee Kili Dis trict, Cape colony, have been obliged to retreat. The insurgent natives were in overwhelming numbers. Affairs in the Transvaal are very disquieting. The Boers are dissatisfied with the annexation, and arc assembling iv large numbers, and have adopted a menacing attitude. They are suspected of relations with the insurgaut Basutos. The Administration is taking precautions to preserve order. By the 13th December General Clark will have a force of 11,000 colonists under him, as by that date the burghers who have been recently called out will have reached the frontier.

The burghers from all parts ara leaving for the frontier.

AUSTRALIAN.

TEMORA GOLDFIELD. SYDNEY, December 20. It is stated that a rich leader has been struck on the 'femora goldfield.

SUNUAY-SCHOOL UNION.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Sun day-school Union was held last night in the Pitt-street School-room, An excellent tea was provided. At the business meeting which followed, Mr John EUyett filled the chair, and having made a few observations, called upon Mr Kanderson, the Secretary, to read the report, which was of an encour aging and hopeful character, and gave the several lapses, chances, and additions of the year in detail. The total number of schools in connection with tho Union was 128. Among the different events of the year, particular mention was made of the observance of the Kaikes'Centenary, held in the week June 27th to July 4th inclusive. After payment of all expenses, the sum of about £35 was voted to this Union as a share of tho prpfits. This amount has, by vote of the Uuioii Committee, been formed into a benevolent fund account, to which we would appeal to the benevolent friends in this city to subscribe so as to enable us to , assist needy country schools without infrin ging on our funds needed for trade operations. Mr Seering fl. Matthews, who has from the first been identified with the Union, and who has done good work, produced the financial statement, showing receipts :— Cash from .schools, £1065 19s 7jd ; cash sales, £931 11s 3d; subscriptions, £4518s 6d; panorama, £3 15s 6d ; teachers' library, 12s ; rent from Bible Society, £30 ; Indus trial Exhibition receipts, £17 18s 5d : total, £2095 15s 3Jd ; balance from last year, £335 2s Id : grand total, £2430 17s 4Jd. The expenditure, including all necessary expenses, amounted to £2344 5s Id, leaving a credit balance in bank and hand of £86 12s 3Jd. Assets: Stock in depdt, £1836 lls 6d; due by schools, £351 16s Id; fur niture, panoramas, library, £117 0s 3d; cashin hand and in bank, £8612s 3Jd : total, £2392 Id. Liabilities : Due to Home Union, £1213 sd; sundry accounts, £8 3s 3d; balance, £1170 16a sd: total, £2392 0s Id; by balanco, £1170 16sj sd.—The following gentlemen were then elected to office for the curreut year:—President, Mr J. C. Firth; vice-presidents, Revs. J. Long, J. Robertson, R. Taylor, and Messrs John Ellyett and F. Battley; treasurer, Mr Joseph Potter; secretary, Mr J. R. Rander son; canvasser, Mr John Longmore.—The meeting closed with voted of thanks to the Committee and Chairman.

Sporting.

TATTERSALL'S BETTING QUOTA'

TIONS.

The quotations at TattersaU's last even, ing were as follows :—

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 Whifner, 100 to 2, offered ; Lone Hand, 100 to 5, offered; Rosarina, 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.—Lone Hand, 100 to 50, offered; Agent, 100 to 50, offered; Mig nonette, 100 to 10 offered ; Sportsman, 100 to 20, offered ; Don Jusn, 100 to 10, offered; Jack Sheppard, 100 to .10 offered ; Ghost, 100 to 14, offered.

The number of nominations for the Napier races on the 17th and 18th of March are as follow:—Napier Handicap,4l; Railway Stakes' Handicap, 40; Handicap Hurdle Race, 21; Hawkes' Bay Guineas, 1882, 16. The following entries and ac ceptances were received for the racing clubs meetings at Patane on New Year's Day: - Maiden plate entries : Comet, Addition, Clifton, Firefly, Rapenata, Napier. Handi cap Hurdles acceptances: Harkaway Hlwchcr, Hastings. Racing Club Handi cap acceptances : Saunterer, Mavis, Hark away.

Dr. Louis Knox, of Putnam county, New York, has two pet pigs which hehas'tanght tn play euchre, so that they can vanquish the best players in the neighborhood.

Grand Catholic Bazaar.

Tiie bazaar in aid,of St. Patrick's Cathedral was opened this afternoon by His Grace, the Archbiuhop, in the presence of several of the clergy, a large number of ladies, citizens, and influential members of the Roman Catholic Church. Lines of flags reached across the adjacent streets, andover the en trance to Albert Hall, where the fancy bazaar is being held. A temporary archway hag been erected, wreathed about with fern larch, and evergreens, and encircling the words en a white banner, "Catholic Bazaar." On the temporary stage the members of the Hobson Band will perform a number of appropriate selections this evening, also during the several evenings of the bazaar. Respecting the character of this fancy bazaar, for which Ihe ladies of the Church have been itide; fatigably at work, earnest arid cbM: dent of success for many months; we candidly affirm that the catholic bazaar, in comparison with others iVe have visited, is second to no other exhibition of the kind, and for a similar purpose, which has been held in this city. Art, taste, fancy, and energy combined have made the bazaar a triumph of utility and beauty. It is quite impossible to do justice in an under taking of this kind in an hour, which is so full of almost everything calculated to exert a favourable influence on the senses and the mind. The stalls, seven in number, are furnished in an elegant manner, and, in the majority of instances, with a strict obser vance of rule and order, that is to say, the articles exposed for sale were not indiscri minately placed without regard to proper positions. The number and variety of the articles displayed for sale, precludes the possibility even of an attempt at enumcra* tion in one brief notice. We can only stand at the entrance door and wonder at the grand accumulation of things, useful and beautiful, wrought and offered by the fingers of loving industry at the shrine of devotion. The central, or rather the front stall, immediately attracts the visitors eye on entering the hall, which is under the care of Mrs R. C. Greenwood, assisted by Mrs Atkins and the Misses Kirby. This stall bears many valuable, fancy and Indian goods of costly texture, embroidery, pictures, and other valuables. No. 1 stall, under the care of the Misses Teutenberg (2), Misses Bhanaglwn, Ansenne, and Lawless, was crowded with attractions, mostly the handi work of Misses Teutenberg and the ladies, At this stall was a very valuable meer- Bchaum pipe, estimated at £12 in value, which must be seen to be fully appreciated. The drapes around this stall were rich and skilfully made. We noticed sponge and flower baskets, ladies' chairs, handsomely covered, a beautiful shade of wax flowers, made by Mr Howard, of Wil- Ham-street, and presented by Miss Howard; curtains, elegant gipsy and other tables^ flowered stools, cosies, cushions, a statuette of the Blessed Virgin, a cradle completely draped and clad with sleeping innocence ensconsed between snowy sheets, with its head resting on a pillow of down; n shaving novelty at this stall will attract notice, shaving being so much out of fashion. A number of portraits of Archbishop Steins may be seen at No. 1 stall, in ornamental frames. No. 2 stall is under the care of Mrs Dignan, Mrs J. B. Graham, Mrs Der rom, Mrs Connolly, Mrs Lynch, and the Misses Casey. Mo. 3 stall: Mrs J. T. Boylan, Miss Boyian, Mrs and Misses Mahoney, and Miss Lynch. No. 4stall: under Mrs O'Sullivan, Mrs O'Brien, Mrs Mactjuarrie, and the Misses Freer, Field, and Lonergan. No, 5 stall: Mra Danaher, Mrs Grey, Misses Lonergan, Hunter, McLaughlin, and Allen. No. 6, being the refreshment stall, is presided over by Mrs Lanagan, Mrs Brophy, and Miss h elly, while Mrs Lewisson pays assiduous attention to ladies and gentleman bending over the flower stall. The tops of the stalls were decorated with cbaplets, and groups of leaves aud flowers, skilfully inter laced in artistic order. Many presenta tions were made to the bazaar by persons outside the Catholic Church, and among these we noticed especially a lady's cabriolet chair, the work and gift of Mr William Norrie, cabinet-maker of Shortland-street. Our attention was drawn to a fine wool-work illustration oi " Tobias," by Mrs J. B. Graham. And a number of other works of needlework and art which will be duly noticed.

The bazaar was opened exactly at three o'clock, by Archbishop Steins, who was speaking as we went to press.

SUPREME COURT.-This Day.

Judge's Chambers,

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

Lettbrs of Administration and Probate.— Letters of admiuistration were granted on certain conditions to the widow of Matthew Singleton, while probate was allowed in the cases of Wni. Hunter (deceased.)

Moepeth v. Shbpherb.—This was an application for an order for payment of debt of aome£3o.—Mr IS. Hesketh appeared for the judgment creditor.—The debtor was put on his oath and examined. He said he had had ohlv about £10 clear during the past six months, which had been absorbed in the maintenance of his wife and family. Mr John Abbott had drawn upon hisfather for £500, anduntilad vice was received of thedraft being honoured he would not be in funds.— As His Honor was disinclined to grant the order immediately, preferring to wait till it could he shown that the debtor was in funds, the application was adjourned.—The debtor was recommended to give an order for the payment of the debt as soon as he could.

Kb John Purcell.—Mr Thome ap peared in support of creditor's petition for adjudication|in bankruptcy,—Granted: the debtor to appear for examination by the Registrar on the 4th January. National Bank v. Bkdklli and Others.—On the application of Mr S. Hesketh, this matter was further adjourned till next Chamber day (Thursday). Armstrong v. Lundon.—An adjourn, ment in this case was made till Tuesday, the 18th January. Foster v. Moss.—A similar postpone, ment was made in this case.

Michael Driscoll v. Norwich Union Insurance Company.—Mr Alexander for the plaintiff and Mr S. Hesketh for the defendants.—The action, it seems, is being brought for the recovery ot £150 upon an insurance policy. Tho plaintiff was the owner of an hotel at the Thames whi«h was burnt down several months ago. It had been insured with the Norwich Union, in two amounts, viz., £50 and £150, and the Company at once disputed payment of the former sum, claiming that the premium had not been renewed. The plaintiff brought an action in the District CoHrfc and obtained a verdict. Then the Company disputed the larger amount, and the result is the institution of the present proceedings, to>day'« application.— being for the settlement of the issues, and the fixing of the trial. Tbo defence set up alleges, -'interalia,' that theclaimisa frau dulent one, that the plaintiff burnt down his hotel, and that the non-issue of a receipt for the last premium precludes him from recovering the insurance money. His Honor remarked that the non-issue ot a receipt by the defendant Company for moneys received could not be made a valid defence, even although they had formerly sustained a wrong. It was a kind of defence which no respectable Company would resort to.—The £150 issues as proposed by the plaintiff were settled, and the trial fixed to take place during the approaching civil sessions of the Circuit Court.

This was all the business.

POLICE COURT.—THIS DAY.

(Before B.C. Barstow, Esq., E.M.) THE LADS OF THE CITY. Alexander Gibson, John Adnan, Richard Hidings, were charged with having com mitted breaches of the Malicious Injury to Property Act, 1867, by wilfully committing certain damage to property : (1), with pulling down steps in Symonds-street, the property of Thomas Faulder, on the 14th inst., damage 103 ; (2), with pulling down steps, value ss, the property of K. H. Bartlett; and (3), witn throwing down a portion of a .cemetery wall in Symonds street, causing damage to the property of P. A. Philips and others to the amount of ss, on the same night. Mr Tyler appeared iv defence. Summonses had been issued against two other boys, but Mr Pardy withdrew the charges against them, as they had not been concerned in the offence.

Mr Tyler said he would plead guilty on the part of Hidings and Gibson, and not guilty on the part of Adnan. Mr Pardy said he would otter no evidence in the case of Adnan, as it was scarcely sufficient for a. conviction. He did not wish to cast a stigma on these young men. He had learned that another party had passed along Symonds street previously, leaving a doubt as to wbo really committed the damage. The young men had been on a moonlight excursion to the North Shore, and had been partaking freely of strawberries and cream, and then they took part in dances under the willows. Tbey returned home in high spirits without considering what sad effect might rwult from pulling down steps and making holes in a cemetery wall. ~. Mr Tyler addressed the Court in defence, and characterised the affair as a pojfisn t/ .

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR TUJiSDAf. DECEMBER 21,



'ues;

)AY.

Dkc;

tMBEi

21.

Station.

Manukaii.... Thames Tauranga.... Napier Taranakl.... Wang&nui... Wellington.. Nelsoa. Greymnuttt.. Lyttolton.... Timaru Oamaru Pt. Chalmers Bluff-

Win T s Q S. c. w. H.W, aw. Q 8.V. N.K. £e. N.h;. N.H. W.

id.

H 1 W.B Bt. V.B

il | 29 30 30.07 30.04 30.01 30.09 3010 30 05 30.15 3C.08 29.99 30.06 30.11 30.01 30.08

•s <& A I 59 65 55 59 59 U 60 — 5? 65 62 51 0

n I 3 9 & B.0 B.0 O. o. B.C o. B.C B.C R.O B.C G.

State of Sea, Bar, or Rivera.

clear breaks

calm smooth smooth

U L.B ir. L,.B LB

considerable

smooth 81103th



Monday, Dec. 13 6,434 Tuesday, ,,14 6,275 Wednesday, „ 15 6,250 Thursday, „ 16 6,342 Friday, ,,17 6,251 Saturday, „ 18 6,384



•STEW pOODS! A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. We hold the largest and Best Stock of COSTUMES, MILLINERY FANCy GOODS, DRESS GOODS FLOWERS, FEATHERS, &0., &C. Special Line of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard; worthss6d. 5,000 Stkiw Hats, all new shapes. A Large Stock of Ladles' and Children's Under clothing. Dress and Mande-making on the premises ' Costumes made in 21 hours' notice. A. LI N A B~u"i V & CO., 20J AND 206, QUEBH-BTBBET



Special Advertisements. JVMAS TTOLIDAYS, 1880. «Eff yEAR'3 OOLIDAYS, 1881. "DEGATTA EXCURSIONS, 1881. A USTRALIAN rjRICKETBRS 1 ~y ISIT, 1881 WK are Prepared to SUPPLY YOU with the MoatSultable|and Fashiosablk Clothing Required for Holiday Gatherings, Picnics, Water Exourstons, Lawn Tennis and Garden Parties. GARLICK & CRANWELL. BUNSH \DES, for Afternoon Use —O. SUNSHADKS.forPlonics.la upwards—& SUN3HADK3, for Carriago Uso — C. OMPAbOURDresa Goods, Now Pat. -G. SATKKN, N©w Lor, just opened — & NOVELTIKS in Dress Goods con- stantly arrlying — 0. /^HILDRICN'S Pompadour Drosses, Very \j Cheap —G. CHILDREN'S 2-Button Kid Gloves — He CHILDRKN'S Hosiery —an Immense Variety -C. HATS, i adies', Job Lino. In 3 HATS and Bonnets Trimmed Cheap— & HATS .for Children from Is upwards— 0. rTARLICK~& CKANWELL~wouId remind \X the Public that tbey have HACRIFIUKD a Credit Trade for the sake of establish ing the /^tO-OPERATIVE pASH QYSTKM TVe Open no New Accounts for Dra pory. We LOSE Customors who ask for Credit ; all wo ask in return is a Liberal Support by Cash Buyers, to enablo us to continue what is a Public Benefit. Our Goods are very Carefully Bought, aad Marked at a Very Small Percentage over Cost, and we must do a Lakqk Business to continue the System, and tho Larger our "Turn Over ithe |moro (ran Customers will Benefit by their Support, L~AWN TENNIS APRONS - G. RIDING GLOVES, Silk Glove? — & KID GL0V1D8,1,2,3, i, 6. & 8 Button -1:. T7IANCY BAGS and Boxes of Handkerchiefs J? for Presents GOLD and OHENILLifi Scarves and Collarettes — Q. GOLD and SILVER Trimmings — & GOLD COLOURED Bilk Frlnges.&c— O. SILKS, wo havo the Cheapest — (i, SILKS, Special Linos, 2a 9d, la 3d, la 6d per yard — & SATINS and Fancy Goods for Trim- mlng — C. /"IRKTONNE9, on immense Assortment — G. \j CRKTONNES, backed with Lace, Curtain Pattern — & CRETONNES, New Stylos, from 7d per yard — C. \ RTICLEd of New Designs too numerous to xL mention in Hosiery, Underclothing, Millinery, Ladles' Nick Naoks, and ganoy Goods. ANkhUPT STOCK of Men's and Boys Clothing and Mercery. Now being »OLD at Robinson's Cost, and Manu facturers' Priceß by GARLICK & CRANWKLT,. VERY CHEAP TABLE DAMASKS, from Is 6d per yard. ApURE riASH O YSTKM. ALL DRAPERY & CLOTHING



\ -'/CO-OPERATIVE CASH Y e/ PRICES, \' AT THE rtITY TTALIi ARCADE, GARLICK & CRANWELL, Proprietors. X> AX I N~G T>.o WDE R. HOW TO TEST IT? Nearly aUßakingPowders are adulterated with something that increases the bulk and lowers the cost. Suoh as "Flour," "Rice Flour," " Cheap Arrowroot,* or "Potatoe Starch." These are found in various proportions, from 20% to oven 75% in the low-priced article. TRY your Baking Powder by putting a tea spoonful in a tumbler of clear water—it it con tains farina the water -will be milky and thick; stand the glass for an hour in a safe place and it will deposit the farina; pour off the water; dry the oowrter on blotting paper, and its nature will be apparent. HUDSON'S New Zealand Baking Powder Will STAND the TEST. Manufactured Solely by HUDSON (Late Hill and Hudson), CHEMIST, VICTORIA-STREET. Can be Bought of the Maker, and of any Gr ocr in Is 6d and 2s 6d tins. | QUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCE ON MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOOD 3 WILL BE OFFERED AT riOST T> !Kl CE!



FOE A FEW WEEKS ONLY! In Order to Ciear Heavy Stocks X ,pOBGRAVE & no,, IMPOKTEKS OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, QUHEN-STRKKT, Auckland. N.B. — No Goads will he entered during the Sale. o P B C Ij J L NOTICE. We.| the" undersigned, Jrcspe if all Jinvitoitho Inspection of the Ladies of{Auckland and the surrounding district to the fact]>that]'we are Opening up a A LARGE AND VARIED ASSORTMENT OF ENGLISH, FRENCH, & AMERICAN GOODS, IN MILLINERY, HOSIERY GLOVES. FEATHERS FLOWERS, LACKS &C, &C, &C, DUNNE, HALL, & CO., 174, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKiAUJf) Opposite the Thistle Hotel).



TOT INKSs & CT ALL, HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FOhT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DURING THE BE-BUILDING OF THEIR WARE' BOUSE IN SHORTS AND -STREET.



Special Advertisements. THE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. In aocordanco with Clause 27 of "Tho Bank and Bankers Act, 1880," notice is hereby given that MONDAY, tho 27th December, 1880, is appointed a Special Bank Holiday at the Auck land Branch of this Bank. ; GEORGE COWIE, | Gonoral Manager. ( DunoJln, Docombor 18,1880. \ mHE MERIDEN BRITANNIA CO. MANDKAOTUBKRS OV THE HIGHEST GRADE OB1 SILVER PLATED WARE, oth ON NICKEL SILVER AND WHITE METAL. Samplo Rooms and Ofllcoa—lG, East Fourteenth Btroot, Union Squaro, New York. Faotories—West Meriden, Connootlout. Sole Agents or;the North liland, T *: 8, MORRIN ! SHAKLAND'S BAKING POWDER.' IS MADK WITII GRAPE CRKAM TARTAR, Imported from tho Wlno Distrlot o£ France. IT 18 The Perfect ion op Baking Powder, Always PURE, WHOLESOME, AND UNIFORM. Testimonial :



I havo chemically examined and testod the Baking Powdor uianufaoturod by Sharltvnd & Co., and I havo found it to be perfectly pure, and freo from any substance that would bo objec tionable in tho preparation of food. I oho tho Bread made ■with it at my own tablo. ami llnd i it very t atisfactory.—C. H. Haines, 8.A., M.D,, M.Cfc., L.A.H., F.R.G.S., L.M. Proprietors : SHARLAND Ac CO., Wholesale Druggists & Manufacturing Chemists, Auckland. Sold by all Grocers and Storekeepers, in can] istera at Is 6d and 23 6d each. I, 'TW'EW /NOOD& jvu-XTOVELTIES KOB TUB TTOLIDAY OEASON AT RUSEBROOK & BRIDGMAN'S, A Choicb Lot of LADIES' NSW LACK AND SILK CAPES SILK SQUARES. ETC. LAC is FICHUS, A JOB LINE VERY CHEAP. SUN SHADES i AND umbrkllas. Ribbons, Gloves, &c. NEW AND SEASONABLE DRESS MATERIALS In Veby Great Variety, m-somk job lines vkry cheap. t&l sateens, pompadour. GALATEA STRIPICS, Kto. GENERAL AND FURNISHING DRAPERY of every description. Summer Clothing



For Boys' and Mkn's Wkab. SILK DUST COATS. ALPACA and HOLLAND COATS. Full Stocks of WHITE SHIRTS. OXFORD SHIRTS, TIES SCAKVKS, COLLARS, &c. Straw, Lkgiiorn and Rush Hats, of all kinds for Boys .and Men, Is in the £ Discount allowed upon all Cash Purchases of 20s and Upwards. "OUSHBROOK & -DKIDGMAN JUNCTION DBAPKRY WAREHOUSE lOpposite tho Army and Navy Hotel], Uppkr Queen-street, lAuckland.