SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

mm WATER^^Kvcnlng,^^ ! UNSET.-Thla Evening. 7.11. hUsRTBK.—To-Morrow Morning. 4.41 . UVtFS AGE.-FIIII Moon, 17th, 3.15 B.m.

ARRIVALS.

L4ST EVENING.

Onward, echooner, Pankow, from Russell TO-DAY, Medora, schooner, Ngarn, from Awanui Opotiki, cutter, Neill, from Opotiki Bliinore, sohooner, Stephens, from Tairua

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVKNINd. Botorua, s.s., Tozer, for Sydney Albion, 8.3., Garrard, for Levuka Torea, schoonor, Grandy, for Whangarei TO-DAY

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

London-Wanganul, loading _~... ». Tauranga—Glenelg, Thursday; Waitaki, Mon-

day RuaseU-lona. Monday Melbourne, via South—Tararua, Thursday Whuncareland Huasoll-Waitakl, Wednesday Now Plymouth and South—Penguin, Tuesday Whangarei—Argyle, Tuesdaya ana Fridays Waitaki, Friday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Tararna/s.s., from Sydney, to-night Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydney, shortly Lady Jooelyn, Bhip (K.V.P.S.), irom London;

sailed Sept. 28 Margaret Gaibraith, ship (J.K.L.D.), from Lon don; [lulled October 29 Oxford, ship, from London; loading) l Looh Urr, barquo (W.Q.L.K.), fiora London;

sailed September 27 _ A. C. do Frietas, barque (R.F.M.K.), from Lon don, sailed October 24th.

EXPORTS.

Per Rotorua, for Sydney :—438 pieces timber, 112 bales flax, 3 cases gum, 6 cases paint, 15 boxes raieins, 11 bales fungus, and 14 packages.

Per Albion, for Levuka:—296B pieoes timber, 281 tins biscuits, 210 cases and sacks potatoes, 101 sheep, 30 boxen soap, 10 cases claret, 18 cases onions, 3 cows, 1 goat, 1 caso rabbits, 1 case pigeons, 10 packages and cases sundries.

Inwards) Coastwise.—Persoveranoe,' from Sandspit, wlih 3CO bushels sand; |Onward, from Russell, with 51 tons coals; Medora, Awanui, with 31 bales wool and 50 sacks gum; Klsinoro, from Tairua. with 26,000 |feet timber; Opotiki. from Opotiki, with 8 bales wool, 7 casks oil, I pigs, and 11 bags [fungus; Leo, from Thn.ii.us, with sand; Janet, from Whangarei Heads, with 800 bushels lime.

Outwards Coastwise.—Perseverance, for ■Waihoke; Zillah, for Thamos; Janet, for Whangarei He'ids.

The cutter Sovorsign of the Seas arrivod at Norfolk Island from this port on November 16th, and left for Noumea :i week later.

The s.s. Kotorua left last evening for Sydney with tho following passengers :—Miss Wltheron, Mru Btrest, Key. F. H. Long, Meßsra Hancocß, Welsh, Lovewoll, and Marshall.

The Auckland b&rquo Glimr.so arrivod at Port Townsend, Oregon, from this port alter a passage of 53 days, t'lio loads there with tlmbar for Melbourne,

Tho ketch Speedwell was loading at Norfolk Island for Auckland when tho Southern Cross left. She was to sail for Auckland on the 9th.

The B.S. Albion sailed for Levuia last evening with the folio fling passengers :-Bir G. W. Dcs Voeux, Lady Dcs Vceux, Mr H. Dcs Vceux, Captain Horbert. A.D.C., Hon. G. Aden, three female and 2 mala servants, Mrs Southerland, Messrs William J, Platt, Rowe, Page, J, Bar nett, W. Howe, and William Lodder.

The schooner Torea proceeds from Whan- Rtitei to Lyttelton in order to compete in the regatta at the lattsr place.

The Hannah Mokau will loavo Onohunga to morrow afternoon, at 2 o'clock, instead of 4 o'clock as advertised.

The barque Speedwell, now on her way to Lyttolton from Newcastle, proceeds to Kaipara to load timber for Melbourne.

The 8.8. lons, was taken out of the dook to day, and the tmrqu:> Wellington floated io.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.

ARRIVAL OF TUB TAKARUA,

Tho 8.8. Tararua, Captain Muir, 563 tons, left Sydney at 8 p.m. on tho 9th December, and ex perienced fresh south-westerly winds, 'with moderate sea, right acvo.Hß. Passed the Three Kings at 7 a.m. on the 11th ; passed the Syren (brig) from Auokland off the North Cape at 1 p.m., nod X.M.S. Australia at 2 p.m., and reached Russell at 9 p.m. on the 1 llh. Passeu jjers :—For Auokland—Misa Ghoe, Mr and Miss Dioluy.Dr Poyno, Messrs Grenfell and Campbell, Mr J. B'aokman and family (9), Mr and Mrs T. Wilkinson and family (5), Mr A. T. Cameron, Air and Mrs Payne and family (5), \V. Burton Swift, Mr B. Weall, Mr and Mrs Atkinson, Mr and Mrs J. Brown, Rev S. M. Go'dsteln, Mn Ooldstelr and child, Mrs Morrison and child, Mr Gibson, Mr and Mrs A. K. Taj lor and family, Mrs K. C. Carr, Master Coben, Mra Wisemon and 26 steerage. For Wellington— Mr and Mrs Bold, Mrs Proesor, Mr Msiaun, Mrs Mason, Mrs and Miss Gallic, Mr and Mrs John Palmer. For Nelson—Mi- C. Stanley. For Lyttelton—Mr W, Grinblott, Misa Durman, Mr Withell. For Port Chalmers-Miss J. Craigh, Misses Bnttorworth (2), Mr Buttorworth, Mas ters Batterworh (2), Mr Brocklebaak, Mr Joel, Jan., Mr James Seton, Mr George Read, Mr J. Cbisholni, Mr Speight, Mr Fawcott For Bluft —Mr Fold wick. Thirteen steerage for Southern ports.

Rvssell, this day. Arrived: Hotorua, 5.30 a.m.; Glenelg, 5 a.m i Wellington, this day, Arrived: Hawera, from New I'lyniobth, at 2.15 a.m.

Melbourne, December 11 Sailed: Rotomabana, for the Bluff.

London, December 13. Arrived: Chili, from Auokland, sailed on Aug. 31: Canoma, from Lyttolton, sailed on Sept, 7.

Timaru, Tuesday. A heavy easterly gale was blowing all day. The vessels inside the breakwater rode it out safely. The barque Especulador, lying outside, dragged her anchor this afternoon. She did not put a second anchor down till signalled by the harbourmaster. Shortly after dropping the second anchor ehe secured the services of tho B.s. Taiaroa, and was towed to sea, after slipping both anchors, She will probably proceed to Dunedln. . . .

Whangabei, this day. Arrived: Argyle, from Auckland, at 7 a.m. Tauranga, this day. The s.b. Wattakl arrived from Auckland at

4.30 a.m], and left ajtain two hours later.

THE WEATHER.

(1.) WIND ESTIMATED AS C —Calm F. Br.—Fresh Breeze li.-Light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeze G.—G«.le (2.) ANEROID BAKOMETEE, (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED AS B.—Blue sky, be the at- 0.-Overcast,the whole mosphere clear or sky covered with heavy - thick clouds O — Clouds, passing P.—Passim? Bhowers oloufis Q.-Bqaally D.— Driazllng rain R. — Rate, continued F.—Foggy rain Q. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather T.—Thunder i H,-Hail ,;' , U.-Ugly, threatening L.—Lißhtnlnir appearance

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, Wednesday. Meßßrs B. Tonka and Co. oiiered to-day at the'r Qneen-street mart 60 farms, from 5 to 200 aorea each, Bitnated at Opaheko, the property of H. Chamberlain, Esq. The sale was largely attended and tho bidding spirited. The follow ing allotments were sold as under, at per acre :— Lot 2 9 and 12, 403 : lot 4, 435; 16,345; 18, 295; 19. 365; 21, 265; 23. 275: 28, 265; 44. 255: 47, 445; 50, 22s ;64 and 56. 21s; 31, 22b; 39, 20s: 37, 278; 32 and 35, 21b; 38, 225; 10,293; 41, 40s; 27,30a; 29,415; 30, 33a. The sals created a considerable amount of interest among settlers and citizens.

Dooraptitude requires some sustaining power, just as the maimed limb needs a reliable Bup port. The frosts ot age indicate tho waning of that vital flame, that burns with intenser glow in earlier periods of life. It is to keep tho spark inextinguished, that then beoomeß an lmporativo necessity, and this animal heat requires for It i sustonanco somo active and potent tonics Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapp. is, as It wore, tho " Promethean torch that can the light relume."

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close ab Unijer i—

Tnis Day. For Whangaroi Heads, 'Wbangarei, Mange - pai, Russell, and Kawakawa, par Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Thursday, ICth instant. Wor Port Fitzroy.lpor Watorlily, at 8 a.m. For Glsborne, Napier, Southorn ports, and Ans trallan Colonies, por Tararua, at 6 p.m. Tor Waiwera, Te Kapa, Craigioburn, and Wartwortb, por Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara, New Plymouth, and Wnnganul, per Rowona, at 11 a.m. For Whitiangl, Tairua, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Glonelg, nt 4 p.m.

Friday, 17th instant. For Waiheko and Coromandel, por Coro mandol, at 2,30 p.m. For Wangarei Heads and Wangarol, por Areyle, at 4 p.m. For Wangarei Heads, Wangarei, and Manga pai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

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

Meetings, Entertainments, &C.

December 15, 1880,

Choral Hall—Mr Prootor's Astronomical Lec ture, " Life and Death of a World, Y.MC.A.-Dovotional Service. Address by Rev. J. S. Hill, 7.30 p.m. Artillery Band Excursion to Willow Grovo Gardens-Wharf, 7.30 p.m.

BIRTH.

CRONIN.—On tho 4th instant, at her rosldonca, Otahuhu, tho wife of B. Oronin. of a daughter, O'BRIKN.—On tho lltli December, 1880, at her resider.ee, Conquest Place, Parnell, the wife of J. H. O'Brion, of a son.

MARRIAGE.

BOOTH-GO W.—On the 7th, at the roslrtenco of tho bride's father, by tho Key It. F. Maonlcol, Thomns, third son of Saladon Booth, Halafux, England, to Julia Currlo, fifth daughter of Natnanicl C. Gow, Homo-streot, Aroh Hill, Aucklaud, N.Z.

DEATH.

GUKRIN.—On Decembor 15th, Margaret, the oldest daughter of Sergeant-Major Potor Guerin; nged 21! yoars. The funoral will leave her lato residence Baker-Btreet, at 1 p.m. on Friday, 17th instant. Frienda ploaae accept this intimation.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15,1880.

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

We hereby certify the issue of the Auckland Evening Star jar the week ending December Wth, 1880, to have been as under: —

Total issue for week... 38,466 GEOBGH: FRASER) Public Aooount > ants and T. LEIiH WHTTrcloitv Audit jre.

There has been a now shuttle of Ministerial portfolios. Mr Rolleston has transferred the portfolio of Educa tion to Mr Dick, who will hold it in combination with the Colonial Secretary ship, and Mr Oliver gives up the portfolio of Mines to Mr Rolleston, who will add it to his duties as Minister of Lands Immigration and Justice. The exchange has been accompanied by an effusive assurance that no change in policy is intended, and the arrangement is merely one of convenience ; but can we be quite sure of this 1 Mr Dick was returned as a representative of the Bible in Schools Association of Dunedin. He was pledged to secure an alteration in the system of education. How will he compromise with his conscience in maintaining secularism ? Then it is no secret that a section of the Cabinet last session, headed by Major Atkinson, was favourable to the im position of school fees, but Mr Kol leston stood in the way. Ho openly stated his intention to resign if any reduction that would cripple the exist ing system were made in the education vote. A very considerable party, including Mr Macandrew, is known to favour school fees. With a view to elicit a declaration of the mind of the Go vernment on the subject, Mr Rich mond, last session, put a question to the Minister of Education, when Mr Rolleston avowed the determination of the Government to oppose any proposal infringing the free principle of the national system. Has the Cabinet since yielded to the solicitations of the Treasurer, and is the substitution of Mr Dick for Mr Rollesion, a first step towards the achievement of its purpose ? These are the sus picions that' will inevitably be excited by the transfer of the portfolio from a Minister who is thoroughly en rapport with the national system, to one who is openly adverse to one of its leading features and doubtful in respect of another. A mere unofficial statement is no sufficient, answer to the questions which so radical an alteration in the chief control of the Education Depart ment suggests. Mr Wakefield,who,from his Gei.aldine speech on Monday,appears io have made his peace with the Government, declares in favour of school-fees as a means of reducing direct taxation. In other words, Mr Wakefield is ready to throw the cost of education on the parents in order to save it to the squatters and land owners who pay the Property Tax. Mr Wakeneld's ideas of " reduced tax ation" and those entertained by the masses of taxpayers, to whose shoulders the burden would be shifted, will pro bably not correspond. Since the ques tion of school fees has been raised by the member for Geraldine, and will no doubt come before Parliament next sessioD, we may inquire for a moment what relief to direct taxation might be expected from this source, or rather, what proportion of the present inci dence could be shifted to the shoulders of men with families. Assumingthat the old Auckland capitation fee of 10s per head were again adopted and applied to the 58,738 children in average attendance at the public schools, what would be the result? First of all, unquestionably, the withdrawal of a largo number of

children now in attendance. Setting the loss from this cause at no more than the odd 8,738, we should have 50,000 children paying £25,000. But this sum would not be all available as revenue. The imposition of fees would involve the creation of another set of drones to collect the tax, further increasing the unreproductive army of civil servants. Irrespective, therefore, of the destruc tion of a noble national institution the attempt to make self-supporting State Schools must end in a miserable failure. The masses of the people would be taxed to cheapen education to certain well-to-do classes, while they themselves were debarred by their circumstances from taking advantage of it. The colony would still squander enormous sums upon education without achieving much more than would be attained by private effort alone. We are satis fied that whatever change in the edu oation policy of the Cabinet the redistribution of portfolios may por

tend, tho policy of the country remains firm and unaltered. Room for reduc tion in tho extravagant administration of the Boards thero no doubt is, and it may bo a question whether wo are not too ambitious in our standards; but the present system, the whole system, and nothing but the system, is what the country will insist upon.

AFFAIRS in Ireland are approaching a crisis. Little moro than a week ago, owing to the growing excitement, fermented by the agitation of tho Land League, tho Government prohibited meotiDgs at which disturbances were likely to occur. The enforcement of this edict at Brookborough provoked a riot, in which the people came into collison with the police and military. Notwithstanding tho measures of coercion at the disposal of the Government under the existing law, tho discontent and excitement is grow ing, and we learn by cable this after noon, that farther re-inforcementa have been despatched to quell tho threatened rising. If these measures arc insufficient, power will be asked, upon the meeting of Parlia ment, to suspend the Habeas Corpus Act. VVhile it must be admitted that tho House of Lords is responsible for no small share of the existing disturbance through their rejection of tho Irish Tenants Com pensation Bill, a moderate and equitable in stalment of justico to the tenants, the con duct of the agitators in goading tbo people to serious breaches of the peaco, before the Government havo had any further opportunity of submitting measures of reform is highly reprehensible and respect for tho law must be maintained at all hazards. The Gladstone Government are wise, however, in accompanying any exhibition of coercion with practical evidence of their willingness to remedy thegricvances of the Irish tenants. Mr Gladstone and his collcngues have given too many proofs of their sincere desire to ameliorate tho condition of Ireland for the pursuance of a conciliatory policy to expose them to the suspicion of being nl armed iuto conceding now what they would not crant before from a sonso of justico; and though recent outrnges in Ireland will doubtloss alicnato tho sympathy of many formor frionds, yet tho Government bills will no doubt pass tho House of Commons by a considerable majority. It is futilo to hope that any measure will produco a miraculous contentment and prosperity ; but"if tho Government succeed in abating, in any decree, tho de plorablo condition of all'airs at pro sent existing in Ireland, they will gratify the earnest desiro of every division of tho Empire. The resolution which has been carried by both Houses of tho United States legislature sympathising j with the Irish tenants shows the extent of Irish influenco iv tho Great Republic.

Messrs Frasor ana Wnitc, City Auditors a.td Public Accountants, certify that the issue of Die Evening Stab last week was 38,466.

Tho prayer-meeting in the Young Men's Rooms was woll attended to-day. The Roy. J. S. Hill ciivc an address on '• Sanctification." Tho rev. gentleman will give an evangelistic address this even ing at 7.30 p.m. in the rooms.

Mrs Arnold acknowledges with thanks the receipt of £2 Ss from tlie Star ollice.

" The Lite and Death of a World " is the subject of Mr Proctor's opening lecture at the Choral Hall to-night. Those who have studied Mr Proctor's famous works on astronomy, or read the reports of his> lectures iv this and the neighbouring colonies will anticipate a rare intellectual and scientific treat. Combined with a popular and easily intelligible method of treating his subjects, Mr Proctor's illus trations aro peculiarly beautiful and interesting to spectators. The lecture begins at S o'clock.

At a meeting of the Hospital Board of Christchurch yesterday, Dr Skae's report on the result of the late enquiry as to the alleged typhoid cases at the hospital was read. Dr Skae gave it ai his opinion that, though there were certain anomalies in the cases, they were one and all cases of typhoid fever : that Mary Kelly, George Kirkhousc, and Archibald Clurcn all died of that deaeasc. He made some recommen dations as to tho recordiug of cases received into the hospital. A motion was brought forward by Dr Turnbull to defer tho appointment of the hospital [stall' under tho circumstances, but it was lost by four to three, aud the stall was appoiutcd.

Tenders were opened to-day at Mr W. F. Hammond's ollice for additions to a cottage for Mr Penson, at Stokes' Point. Tho following were received :—J. Johnson, £89 10*; A. Reyes, £112; T. Upton, £125; E. Mills, £138.

Tho second attempt to obtain a mooting of the creditors of William Horace Lingard (actor) haviug proved equally abortive as the first, the Registrar of the Supreme Court (in pursuance of the powers vested in him) to-day appointed Mr Thomas Macfl'ar lane trustee in the estate. The principal items under the heading, " liabilities," are as follow : "To Mr Williamson, Melbourne, fines recovered for the performance of Gil bert and Sullivan's operetta, "H. M.S. Pinafore," £586 ; to Mr Searell, musician, services, £300 ; to Mr Craig, actor, £?80; to Mr Haygartu, actor, £35."

To the Editor : Sir,—May 1 ask through the columus of your paper whether the Act regulating the hours of female labour is confined to the provinces of Otago and Wellington, and if not a Provincial Act ; why tho police have neglected to sec that it has bceu carried out in this city, as has been done in the two above meutioued places. Sir, were you to take the matter up, you would earn the thanks of many a poor hard-worked milliner, who has to toil in many cases from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the paltry sum of 5s per week. Trusting that you will insert this; and that it will have the effect of waking up tho energies of the " gentleman in blue."—l am &c, TAiLOKESS. [Tho Act is a colonial one, and it is the duty of the police to enforce it.— Ed. E.S.I

Tho entertainment laci eveniug ia the Alexandra-street school for the benefit of R. Glover and family was fairly attended, and tho programme evidently gave eatis faction, as the audience sat it out to the royal end. Mr Crouch was in the chair, but owing to the extended list of Biugers and reciters, abbreviated his address. No. 3 Band gave several selections, and a numbor of good songs'und recitations were presented. We have only space for a notice, and that very limited. The ladies who sang were Mcsdamcs Wiloock, Cottingham, Masters Goodison andßettany, and Misses Gillingham, Mason, and Glover. Mr Forder rendered a laughable comic song with much eilect. Mrs Cottingham sang in her be3t style, " Thou Art so >Near and Yet so Far." Mrs Bettany was loudly ap plauded in "Chime Again Beautiful .Bells." Mr Goodison, sea song, " The Star that Lights the Sailor Home," was a success, Miss Goodacre accompanying on the pianoforte. Mr Worrell, recently from the old land, gave two old English songs in masterly style. Recitations were given by Messrs Bottrcll, McDcrmott, and another. Mr Geo. Carter, ever ready with a song and a cheer, substituted the '" Anchor's Weighed," for the "Brave-hearted Tailor uf Kilniarnock." The dramatic piece, " Out in the Cold," was a pathetic render ing by the little Glovers. The whole closed in the usual way.

To the Editor: Sir,—ln you.- issue of the 14th instant, C. S. Johnstone enquires why the handicapper at Mercury Bay has weigh ted Maid of the Mill so licaviJy, comparing her with Harold and Flora. In the first place, Flora is not entered in the same race with Maid of the Mill; and, if anyone has cause to find fault with the appropriation of the weights, 1 think, as owner of Flora, I have.—Yours, etc., N. McDonald.

The Franklyn Road Primitive Methodist Church anniversary was held last evening. The tea was a most substantial one, and many partook. The after meeting was held in the Churcb. There wad a good gathering of the friends considering the many counter attractions. Tne Chairman was Mr Greery, who, in introducing the speakers, dwelt upon the past, present, and future of the work of amelioration of humanity. He urged in a most earnest way the claim of God upon every member of the Church, trusting that the coming year would be a great and good one. The Hey. J. Nixon, the respected preacher and pastor of the district, delivered a thrilling address on the "Elements of Success in Church work." Xhis gentleman has a pleasing style, and his speech last evening was effective for good. It is well to have preachers who have none of the morose about them, but who are ever found exhibiting cheerfuluess and solidity of character, without being friviloiH or puerile. Mr Laing gave a good and practical speech, which was well received. The choir sang some excellent sacred songs. The annual report by the Secretary, Mr Walker, was very encourag ing. Votes ot thanks closed the meeting. Jerusalem is goiner ahead so fast that when the Lost Tribes return they'll not know it. A horse-car company was started some time ago, and runs to the top of the Mount of Olives, and now the city is to be lighted by gas. Jerusalem I j

The last meeting of the third session of the Ouehunga Mutual Improvement Asso ciation was held on Monday evening. Mr Why te occupied the chair. The attendance was small. It was resolved that the first meeting of the fourth session be held on the Ist March, 1881.

The matriculation and junior scholarship examinations were continued to-day. The subjects were English (compulsory) and French. Tho English paper in the former examination had one defect, that of being too long for the time allowed (2 hours). With another hour the candidates would no doubt have had more chance of doing them selves justice. The paper, however, could not be considered a very difficult one. Tho subjects for to-morrow are arithmetic and algebra.

A Christmas tree, laden with toys and other juvenile treasures, was exhibited last evening in the Grafton Road Wesleyan Chapel, to tho delight of a numerous assem blage, more than 400 tickets having been disposed of. The room was duly oma meuted with Chinese lanterns, and other attractions, while the distribution of prizes caused much merriment among the young people. There waa also a stall spread with a fine display of goods ot varied character, The stall will be open again this evening in connection with other amusements.

A terrible accident lias just occurred at the great bathing establishment in the neighbourhood of tho Terncs. The boiler burst, destroying the gas pipe around, and the gas igniting set fire to the establish ment, which, abounding in wooden parti tions, burned with great rapidity. On the drat floor there were two men in baths, and on the second door two ladies. The atten dants, who had, a9 usual, locked the bathers up in their chambers, in their punic forgot to open the doors. The men jumped out of the windows and were horribly mutilated, but the ladies were burned to death.

Wehavo received a copy of tho first num ber of the " Bible Standard," devolod to the exposition of Scripture respecting condi tional immortality, resurrection, the return and reign of Christ, and tho iinnl destruction of evil. The paper is edited by Ueorgn A. Brown. It contains 12 pagas of very well printed and arranged reudiug matter.

The question of the importation ot rail way rolling stock into New Zealand from Englaud or America is occupying much space in the pages of the "Engineer." Some correspondence on the subject, coni prisiru; n letter from Mr W. W. Evans, of New York, and a letter from Mr R. M. lircreton to Sir Julius Vogcl, nnd Mr J. I*. Maxwell's comments thoreon, has been published us a Parliamentary paper with out tho permission of the writers. Mr J. P. Maxwell maintains that these letters morcly gave tho American side of tho ques tion, and in the " Engineer " of September 10 and 17 ho reviews Mr Evans' pamphlet, characterising Mr Evans' statistics as " vague generalisations and iuilatcd figures," representing merely the results of ordinary American practice, and not applic able to special cases, such as tho Auckland lines.

A Christmas Tree Entertainment of a very enioyable character was given last evening to a Inrgo assemblage of youngsters in the school-room attached to All Saints' Church, Ponsonby. The distribution of the presents of course*formed the plcasnntest part of the proceedings, and it had this further merit that everyoue was sont away in high glee with hia or her luck. Tho little children thoroughly appreciated the treat.

The following is the weekly report of the

Auckland Lunatic Asylum and Old Hospital Auxiliary, 14th December, 1880 :-Remain ing last week, 244; admitted since, G; discharged, 2 Kemaining: Males, 173; female, 75 ; total, 248. Thanks arc returned to Mrs Cooper for a quantity of loquats ; Mrs Arthur for a quautity of strawberries ; Mr Mason, Ponsonby, for a quantity of strawberries ; and Mrs Gibbins for a parcel of Illustrated News, presented to female patients.

Arrangements liavo now been completed for telephonic communication between tho Auckland Telegraphic office and the busi ness places and privato residences of citizens. A supply of tho Edison and Bell telephones have been received by tho De partment, and they are now available for biro, aud can bo obtained ou application to the Superintendent of the New Zealand Telegraphs, at Wellington. The charge for ench set of instruments and wiro from

office or private residence tor any distance within half-a-milo of the Telegraph ollice, £17 10s per annum ; but a reduction of £2 103 is made in cases where more than ono

ect of instruments is ÜBod. Telephonic communication between tho post ana tele graphic offices, and the fire brigade, and police station is projected.

The " New Zealand Illustrated Annual,' published iv Christchurch, is neatly printed, containing several woodcut?, short Christ mas sketches, aud poems, by South Sea Island writors. The annual is edited by Mr Mosley, and among the contributors are, Thomas Bracken, Miss Innes, Mr Sher wood, and residents in the Canterbury pro vince. The stories are appropriate to tho season, and are of a length which prevents weariness. Tho sketch of "A Wasted Life," and "Diamond Cut Diamond" are readable and pleasant; also, " A Heroine ; Money or Love," by the lady above men tioned. "Peace on Earth," a Dunedin sntry, does the editor much credit. Mr W. J. Steward's " Christmas of the South" is pictorial and poetical. Mr Bracken's contribution is a poem of merit—" Waipoi. maruutu," a native love story of the Wai kato river. Mr Pykc's little tale, "Under the Wattles," is not without interest. The annual deserves practical approval and sup port.

The presentation of prizes at St Mary's Boarding and Select School, Ponsonby, took place yesterday afternoon, when there was a good attendance of visitors including tho Hon. F. and Mrs Whitaker, Hon. P. and Mrs Diguan, and Mrs J. M. Clark. His Grace Archbishop Steins was also present, accompanied by the Very Rev. Father F.vnes, V.G., Fathers Walter McDonald, O'Dowyer, O'Sullivao, O'Gara, Downey, Brieken, O'Reilly, Paul, Rcardon, and Adelaar. An exhibition of plain and fancy needlework, woolwork, &c, was given in the schoolroom, after which the following programme was gone through :— Examination of the first, second, third, and fourth clashes in their knowledge of the catechism, instru mental solo, "Wearing of the Green," Miss P. Darby. Fifth class : useful knowledge, spelling, tables, and recitation, .instru mental trio Misses Laird, Martin, and Dunnet; Miss R. Tole sang " Happy Dreamland." Fourth clas3: Reading, spelling, geography of New Zealand, and recitation. Chorus "Gondolette" by tho pupils. Duet in D : Misses Dunnett, Butler, R. Tolc, Fallon, Laird, and H. Millet. Third class: History, mental arithmetic, and recitation. Juvenile chorus, "Birdies' Ball." French drama, in which a number of young lady pupils took part; waltz, Miss M. Sullivan; galop, Misses Flood and L. O'Sul livan. Second class: Grammar, read ing, geography and recitation. Duet, Misses Kamsay and G. JDarby ; harp duo, Misses Flood and L. O'Sullivan; First class ; Algebra, book-keeping, and geometry; recitation in German, and the Valedictory by Miss Briscoe. Chorus, "Who shall be Fairest?" by tho pupils, The prizes were then awarded to the successful competitors by His Grace. At au early stage of the proceedings, Miss L. O'Sullivan on behalf of the pupils, read an address to His Grace, to which he suit ably replied.

The time for issuing dog collars at Mr Goldie'sofflo9,City Council,ls 9,30 to 10.30 and 3,30 to 4.30. On Saturday's only morning hoars.

We wonld draw attention to the sale of harbour tolls and freehold property In Quoen street, advertised by Mr Q. Sibbin to bo held to-morrow.

We notice by advertisement that Mr C. B. Androw intends to carry on his dancing olasa during the summer; this ia at tha request o( persons desirous of joining, The bull, wo understand, passeJ off well.

Ruakaka Township TeAroha Goldfield :-- Tho sale of the above will take place at Messrs Tonks' Mart, To-morrow. All who can spare a few pounds should secure an allotment, a better investment was never offered, and the terms are most liberal.

The " New Photography" which was illustrated and explained by Mr Joslah Martin at the recant soiree at the Auokland Institute is about to bo introduced to the Auckland public by that gentleman in a more practioal manner. Mr Martin has recently entered into partnership with Mr W. H. F. Partington, for somo yoara assistant to Mr Bartlott, and recently with Mepsrs Homus and Hanna. Their rooms will be opened next week. The United Presbyterian and Anglican entertainment will be hold in the Panniure district school-room on Friday ovening the 17th inst., for which a liberal programme has been prepared, including songa and pianoforte selec tions by the ladies of Tamaki west, Panmure, and Howick. In order to make all things pleasant the managing committee have consented to a few new dances after the concert on Uw promise that respectable hours shall be observed.

Mr Charles Major has imported a good supply of seed, walnuts, from America. Mr Major offers them to any person wishing'to plant them. To persons thus desiring, by calling upon Mr Major, Wollesley-atreet, can have a small q antity; or if the country people will write him he will forward some to them. No doubt manywill avail themselves of the chance.

A musical and literary entertainment will be held to-morrow evening in Mr Edward's Hchool.Great North I'oatl, which is likely to be very attractive in its goneral detailß. soveral instrumentalists will take part and perform musical selections from the great composers. Mr Gradwell and Mr Fitz will sing several ballads. Several readiDga will be given, and two young ladies will give a scene from "Julius C£O3ar."

Scintillations.

"Be brief; for it is wun words as with sun beams: tha more they are condensed, the doeper they burn."— Soutiiey.

The Hon. J. Bryce is expected to visit Auckland shortly. There were 129 males and 24 females in Mount Eden Gaol on Saturday last. A two-horse coach will be run between Tauranga and Ohinemutu thrice a-week from the beginning of the year. Captain Dawson's son was thrown from his horse in Hamilton and his wrist was broken by the fall. The people of Oaraaru are anxious to know what are the intentions of the Minister of Works in regard to their district. The question of voting a salary to the re tiring Mayor of Dunedin was shelved, for want of a quorum. At a meeting of the Executive Council at Wellington, yesterday, it was decided that a gratutity be made to Mrs Manstord equa to fourteen months' salary of the late .Judge Mansion!. It is stated that Mr J. L. Coster retires from the management of the Bank of Mew Zealand at Christchurch, to assume the managing directorship of the New Zealund Shipping Company. Tho invitations to tho civic dinner to night, to be given by tho Mayor, J. M. Clark, Esq., include the Councillors, ex Mayors, Corporation officers, and a few of Mr Clark's relatives.

The Attorney-General, in rcsponso to a deputation from tbo Thames, has promised to bring the question of the road through tho Koniata Block under tho notico of the Government.

Owing to the agricultural depression in England, Mr Grant is unable to realizo on his freehold properties there, but this will uot prejudice til*) To Aroha settlement. As there is a deficiency of £760 iv the amount required for the erection of St. Andrew's Church, Cambridgo, viz., £2,100 the cjngregation at a meeting resolved to scud tho plan to the vestry for reduction. Tho tower will probably not bo gone on with at present. | Messrs Townsend and Bonniugton, two Christchurch chemists, for breaches of tho Sale of Poisons Act, were lined 20i each and costs.

Colonial Football Team For England.

[BY TKLEGUAPH, OWN COItRKSrONDENT,]

DUNEDIN, this day. TilK "Star " publishes the following ro the Football Team for England :—Some time ago wo mentioned it was probable that an Australian Football Team would visit Eng land next season, and it was likely to in clude a few .New Zealand players. Wo now learn that tho matter has aesumed definite shape, aud by the permission of Mr Sleigh, Secretary of the Diincdin Club, wo are enabled to make the following extracts from a letter received by him from Mr Johu McNatnara, of Sydney, one of the projectors:— "Doubtless you have heard ero this that I am forming a football team for the combined colonies to match their strength against players at home. It is my wish to make it as much colonial as possible, by obtaining men from each of the colonies, if possible. The pro posed idea is to play first in the colonies, at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide; and then reach England at the coirirticnccmcnt of the English football season. Tlio' matches in Melbourne will commence laic in April. Wo shall so arrange the trip1 as to get back to Melbourne at the ptitiic time in the fol lowing year as wo left It; 'Iho team will comprise twenty playeis, and we shall play Melbourne Association ftdmo in Adelaide aud Victoria, for there' tlje game attracts crowds. Tho Rugby Union game is to be played in England. It is fully believed tho total strength of tho colonies will be able to hold their own in England. The Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide people entertain the project very favourably. I have just returned from Melbonrne and Adelaide, and they can easily form their portion of tho team. Tho names of Couldram, McMillan, Robertson, Grey nor, Swift, D wight, and such good players will bo found out of their respective colonies, while Thalton, Barry, Phillips, King, Sidley, O'Brien, Jolmstone, John atone, Bowman, and McNamara comprise a portion of the Sydney team. All the men from Sydney aro really first-class men, and nearly all have cups of honour from their respective clubs. When Mr Conway visited your city, I wired him to try and liud out your best men, and see if they will go, but lie left before it reached him. Hammerton, Rose, and one or two others he said ho con sidered good enough for any team in the world. Would you kindly bring ibis letter under the notice of your football players." The Utago football players have recommended Murray, Sweete, and llammertou, as suitable representatives. Murray (nn excellent forward player), and Swecto (one of our best three-quarter backs), formed a portion of the team which made so successful a tour some 3 years ago, while Hammcrton's capabilities as a half-back are well-known throughout Otago and Canter bury. Tho Northern clubs will bo invited to nominate their representatives.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Eei»,, K.M.) DRUNKENNESS. John Armstrong was fined 5s and costs for this offence.

DISCHARGING FIREARMS,

Benjamin Thompson was charged with a breach of the Municipal Police Act by dis charging firearms at Devonport on tho 28tb ultimo.

Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr Sub-Inspector Pardy stated the case. A dog had been worrying sheep, and de fendant shot the dog twice; consequently there was au infringement of the law.

Fined Is and costs. six cows,

William Davis pleaded guilty to allowing 6 cowa to wander in the Beach road, Devon port. Fined Is and costs. THE TWA' DOGS.

Michael McCarthy was charged with a breach of the Prevention of' Cruelty to Animals' Act, by causing a dog, value £10, the property of Robert H. Shakcspoar, to be ill-treated at Lake Takapuna, and which resulted in tho death of tho dog. The second charge was for encouraging a fight between two dogs at tho same place, on the 7th instant.

Mr ijufmir appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. Mr Pardy conducted tho prosecution, and called the witnesses,

Charles Way, in the employ of Mr Shiijespcar, of Lake Takapuna, deposed that on the day ia question, he took his master's dog down to the beach'for a swim. Frederick Marshall was with him. Saw Mr Quick and McCarthy on the bench. They were on horseback; a dog was with them. McCarthy got off his horse, and net the dogs fighting. He caught Toby, Mr Shakespear'a dog, by the tail, and held him. The other dog gave Toby a severe bite in a dangerous part. Toby died of tho bite. Mr Quick did not get off his horse, but persuaded McCarthy not to set the dugs righting, but he persisted. Poor Toby never took a bite of food afterwards, and expired in great agony. Cross-examined by Mr Dufaur : Toby was quietly disposed; not in the habit of fighting the dog who was called Tiny ; did not know why Mr Shakespear named his dog Toby. Never heard of Tristram Shandy. There was no settler at the Wade of that name. It was a "Stern" attack. The fight was not a fair one according to his judgment. To His Worship : Toby was not barking at the horses heels, rio was about to rush into the water after a stick. Toby did not growl at Tiny. To Mr Pardy : Thero would havo been no fight if McCarthy had not interfered. Fred Marshall gave similar evidence.

.Robert Henry Shakespear deposed to tho treatment his dog had received. He bathed him and used every effort to restoro him, but without success. Had the advice of Dr Kinlock, and acted accordingly. Mr Shakespear described the wound, which was fatal. He was a valuable dogtohim. Had been in his possession six years. Could not exactly fix his value. It was wrong to Ray that he told Mrs Wright the doc; was value less.

Thiei being the evidence, Mr Dufaur ad dressed the Court in defence, and argued that the charge was not laid within the time in pursuance of the Act Frank Quick, jun., gave evidence as to the fight. Toby,was the aggressor. Flew at Tiny firat. McCarthy separated the combatants, pulling Toby away by the tail. He did not urge the dogs on.

To Mr Pardy : Was quito certain that McCarthy only tried to separate the dogs. The boys were about 15 yards away from the actual fray.

His Woiship in reviewing the case thought the evidence of the two first wit nesses were scarcely clear, as from the dis tance at which they stood, and tho horses being between those witnesses and the dogs, they could not have had a very dis tinct view of what actually did take place. He fwas inclined to accept the evidence of Mr Quick as the true one, as ho was in a better position to witness the struggle, He would dismiss the case,

The second charge was withdrawn. ASSAtJLTINO A LADY. James McEwen, ship-smith, again ap peared in answer to a charge of striking Margaret Lindsay, at Devonport, on the 2nd inst. Mr Dufaur appeared for complainant. Mr E. Cooper, for defendant, said he had persuaded his client to plead guilty. He was labouring under a mistaken impression; but Mr McEwen wished the Court distinctly to understand that he struck the lady with his open band, and not with bis hard fist. Mr McEwen objected to being bound over, and would prefer paying a penalty in fine. His Worship inflicted a line of Is, costs £4 4s.

This was all the business,

Shocking Accident at Tiri tiri.

A BOY FALLS OVER A PRECIPICE,

Details have reached town of an accident of a most shocking nature which occurred at Tiritiri on Monday atternoou, and by which there can be uo doubt that a boy lost his life. Signals for the Customs' steam launch wero yesterday observed flying at Tiritiri, and tho launch left for that place in the afternoon under the charge of Mr Parker. The following account of the sad occurrence was related to him on his arrival there, and he has kindly furnished it to us. Shortly after noon on Monday last three lads, aged respectively fourteen years, ten years and six months, and six years, sons of Mr Leith, one of the lighthouse keepers, were engaged gathering Christmas flowers near to the edge of the cliil'. The spot was a very dan gerous ouo, the declivity being exceedingly steep, and tho distance from the beach be low about three hundred feet. They ob tained a quantity of the flowers safely, but they apparently had no definite object in gathering them. The second boy, aged ten years, commenced throwing them over the cliff into the water below. A bundle which he tossed over caught on the side, and ho followed them with tho view of pushing them down the cliff The place where he decendi'd was very steep, and there was no vegetation by which he could hold on, with tho exception ot some thistles and lidit grass. He had almost reached the flowers when he slipped, and fell right down tho cliff. There is a ledge of rock about two hundred feet below, and it is believed that he struck this and then was thrown by the violence of the fall into the sea about a hundred feet bcucath. His brothers saw him disappear, and immediately commuuicated ihc fact to tho other residents on the Islaud, Mr McKay, the principal keeper, obtained i a rope, and very pluckily lowered himself down to the ledge in question. Ho saw the Christmas flowers on tho shingle beach be low, but could discover no trace ot the unfortanate boy. This fact strengthened the opinion that he had struck the ledge and fallen from thence iuto the sea. Mr McKay and tho father of the boy then manned the boat, and rowed round to the place where tho accident took place, They were prevented from landing by thu heavy surf, and their persistent efforts to do so terminated in the boat being stovo in. On thoir return, therefore, they deemed it advisable to obtain assistance from Auck land, and tbe signal for the Customs launch was accordingly hoisted. On the arrival of tho little steamer there, it was found im poßßiblo to do nnythiog owini; to the heavy uorth-caat gale blowing. The return trip to Auckland was therefore commenced, and the latfnch arrived at tho wharf at 2 a.m. to-day. When the weather moder ates, the polico boat will be towed down by the launch, and a search will bo made for the body. Strange to say, Mrs Leith believes that her boy will be tound on some part of the_ cliff aliro. This can hardly be expected, inas much as tho declivity is exceedingly steep, and tho ledge has already been searched. There is, however, what might be called a chasm formed between several pieces of rock, which jut out at one place near the ledge, but had the poor boy fallen there he must havo been dashed to pieces.

TE AROHA GOLDFIELDS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

December 13. OPERATIONS AT THE PROSPEC TORS'. Tilt proflpcctors of the To Aroha Company inteud, if possible, to commence aiulung a winze on the shot of gold this afternoon, and, from the appearance of the reef on the floor of tho cuttine, some good stone may be looked for. A substantial shed is being erected over the winze, and the workings will only bo open for inspection by the pub lic on two days in each week, notice of which will be shortly given. THE BONANZA. The Bonanza people, on the north side of the Te Aroha Company, are pushing in a tunnel to cut the reef about thirty feet from tho Prospectors' boundary, and the Te Aroha No. 1 South are also engaged driving to intersect the vein in their ground. In the above two companies, some business has already been done in share?.

In? the United the men have been dis charged pending theformationofa company, election of directors, &c, which business will in all probability be concluded duriug this coming week.

THE GOLDEN ANCHOR

In the Golden Anchor claim, the trial crushing forwarded to the Thames yielded at the rate of 3oz to the ton. The vein of quartz is well-defined and is considered a good show. The shareholders of the Bright Smile claim, adjoining the Don, on the high burnt spur at the back of the Hot Springs Hotel, have had a trial crushing ot about live cwt, forwarded to Grahamstown, the return being at the rate of one ounce to the ton. They are now engaged in breaking out several tons of quartz to forward to Grahamstown. Several other claims havo bad trial crushings, and iv nearly all cases they have had payable returns. Pro tection will be granted to the mines during tho holidays, commencing from about Tuesday or Wednesday, tho 22nd inst. During that time, in all probability, most of the mines will be closed.

Iv the Morning Star claim a leader has been uncovered, which shows gold pretty freely, and according to the prospects should be good crushing stuff. When the reef is cut in the solid it will no doubt be much improved, both in this mine and the Smile of jfortune adjoining. On the north side of the Morning Star on the line ot reef, is the Clunes claim, and the shareholders expect to have the reef shortly to hand. ANOTHER DISCOVERY. Some natives are said to have dis covered a good reef some little distance in a north-east direction from the pros pectors, but beyond the fact of their state ment which they havo backed up by a piece i of quartz showing gold and evidontly broken off from some vein of quartz, the lind is not confirmed, the natives being reticent as to the locale. At Omahu orenk, where is Bituated' Catran's reef, five or six claims have been pegged out, and in the Black Eagle the stone when pounded shows gold freely, and should turn out well. SPECIMEN RUKS. The only specimen run of gold discovered at present is the Prospectors, but as the different reefs are driven upon fresh runs may be cut at any moment, especially in those claims where loose gold is found iv the casing of the leaders and in the stone. BUSINESS SITES. All the business sites have been taken up, and sovcral have changed hands at from £12 to £20. some of the disputes over the sites have not been settled yet, and many lots cannot be built upon until tho ownership haa been determined by the Warden, who is expected here on Wednesday or Thursday next. Wo are about to have a carriage factory, a gentleman named Rees, from Austialia, having taken up a business site with that object. Mr Roach, the pioneer 1 settler of Messrs Grant and Foster's party, selected his block of land last Friday. He was accompauied by Captain Steele. Mr : Roach is about to erect a substantial resi dence, and has intimated the probability of his keeping a pack of hounds.

The following additional notices of pegging out have been lodged at the Warden's office :—

Duke of Cambridge, 14 men's ground, on Flagstaff Hill, and bounded on north-west by the All Nations—Long and party, proprietors.

Empress of India, 15 men's ground, situated at Umahu Creek, east of Catrans' claim—W. Joy and party. Light of Day, 6 men's ground, on Omaha Creek, and bounded south by Catran's claim—Hani?, Samson, and paity. Gladstone, 4 men's ground, on third spur south of Prospectors'—Gordon and party. Pride of the West, 5 men's ground, bounded west by the Morning Star and south by liose of Denmark—McOonnachie and party.

Blue Jacket, 6 men's ground, on To Pata Creek—Reynolds and party. Black Angels, 15 men's ground, south of Catran's claim.—"Advertiser's" correspon dent.

City Council.

ANNUAL MEETING,

THE annual meeting of tho Uity Councii was held at noon to-day. Present: T. Peacock, Fsq., Mayor, (in the Chair), Councillors Offer, Crowther, Waddel, Thompson, Montague, and Fleming.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. INSTALLATION OF THE MAYOR ELECT. The Mayor: I have now to undertake the duty of introducing the Mayor-elect, and I will ask that the Council rise in order to receive him. • The retiring Mayor then mtivduced the Mayor-elect, J. M. Clark, Esq., who made the presented declaration. Mr Peacock : I have now the pleasure to vacate the chair in favor of my successor. Cr. Waddel : Before doing so I wish to propose a vote of thanks on behalf of the Council to yourself for the manner in which you have conducted the business of the Council on behalf of the citizens throughout the two years you have held the oilice of mayor. I neither can, nor could I attempt to follow in the straiu in which the public papers have given expression to the very high estimation in which you are held ; but no matter how much they have said in your favor I feel it is only a courtesy that we owe to you prior to your vacating the chair. I am not suiliciently well in health to labour through my remarks, but I hope you will take the expression in its fullest sense, and that a hearty vote of thanks will be accorded to you. Cr. Flenriug : I bee; leave to second the motion. The Mayor elect: "Without adding any remarks to what has now been said I will put the resolution. The resolution was then put to the Council, aud passed unanimously. Mr Peacock : Mr Mayor and gentlemen, I have to thank you very much for the compliment you have paid me, and I appreciate it all the more because I know it was siucere on your part. You have had the best opportunities of judging of the value of my services during the past two years. I have now to vacate the chair in favour of my successor, and in doing so to take my leave of the Councii. Mr Peacock here retired from the Council Chamber, and Mr J. M. Clark, the Mayor elect, took the chair.

ADDRESS BY THE NEW MAYOR.

The Mayor : Gentlemen, Councillors of the City of Auckland, it is usual on a Mayor Doing installed, that he should address the Council. lam never very desirous of making speeches ; but, wheu necessary to make one, I always prefer to make a practical speech rather than a theo retical one ; but, on this occasion, I fiud it very difficult to do so, and that not from a want of material. Having never served as a member ot this Council, and having had no intention of allowing myself to be nomi nated as Mayor, until almost immediately before the election, after being elected 1 felt myself very much in tho position of the candidate for office represented in the burlesque of " Happy Land," to whom the examiner said " You aro tho very person for the office ; you know .nothing of the duties, aud you take office unfettered." Having been elected, of course, I commenced to turn my attention to the duties, and I found I had a great deal to occupy my mind —tne Municipal Corporitions Act, Hating Act, Loan Act, Standing Orders, not to speak of matters which might form the more practical part ot this address, the work which has already been done by this Council, the present state of the borough, financial and otherwise, tho future pros pects of the borough, and what work ought to be done. As regards tho first part, I feel it unnecessary to say anything, and for one reason, if there were no others, and that is the very practical, clear, and concise state meut made by my predecessor at the laßt meeting of the Council, regarding the work done by the Council during these last two years. Tho same remark also applies to the present position of the works, and to some extent to the financial condition of the borough. The municipal accounts occupied my attention almost immediately on my election, and 1 am happy to say that I can endorse the statement made by my prede cessor, and congratulate the Council upon the healthy condition of the finances. To most of the funds there is a substantial credit balance. The general account perhaps is the exception. That appears to have borrowed during the last six months over £3000, and,£4ooo during the previous six months, but even that is ouly an apparent deficiency. It is merely a refund of monies advanced to the Endow ment Loan, and even that account is not overdrawn, but simply a portion of the Loan has not been floated. In speaking of the accounts there is one thing that I should like to sec a little altered, and that is that the accounts should beplaced before the public in this printed statement a little more clearly, not that it cannot be understood, but it requires more study than people out side can give. They require to look ba' k upon tho previous statements, whereas by adding a little to what the audit requires, they mightbe made sufficiently clear that not only the Councillors, but any ratepayers who has an knowledge ot accounts, and any rate payers who wish to know how the Borough stands could find it by any statement that might be placed in his hands, either fiom the annual statement on the 31st March, or the six months' statement on the 31st December. Some boroughs might, from the state of their finances, think it is as well to have them a little obscure, but I think the state of our finances is such that every rate payer might be able to understand the position in which they are. One account, the condition of which gave me great satis faction, was the Waterworks Account. I refer to the special rate, the waterworks rate, and the Waterworks ltevenue Ac count. Addiug something to that account from the consolidated rate account which appears as raised on the 30th September, there appears to me to bo a balance to the credit of that account, that a balance accrued to the year ending 30th September, of between £2000 and £3000 over and above the interest upon the loan, and the expenses of working. That, of course, does not include sinking fund, nor depreciation. Since that time an alteration has been made in the rate for water supply, so far as 1 can make out, making a difference iv that part of the revenue of something like 20 per cent. The 20 per cent, iv the price of water supply does not mean 20 per cent, reduction iv that part of the revenue, because the reduction in the rate charged will increase the demand. When the accouuts are published, particularly the accounts of the 31st of March, the Council will be in a much better position to judge upon this matter, but it appears to me, and I speak with diffidence, that there is still room for a further reduction in the rate charged for the supply of water, and that the redaction will increase the supply, lessen the average cost of supply of water, and will tend to increase the purity of the water supply. As regards future works 1 have considerable difficulty in offering any remark.o. I think it would be almost presumptuous in me, who have never studied particularly these matters, to state to gentlemen who have sat at this Council table for years, when these various matters have been brought repeatedly before the Council, what ought to be donp.; and besides I consider that a mayor is not in the position of the leader of a Ministry who is required at the beginning of a session to initi ate a policy by virtue of his office; but the Mayor is merely a member of the Council, and the responsibility rests upon the Coun cil of initiating works and carrying on tbe business. I will, therefore, say nothiug re garding providing rooms for the Free Public Library, the erection of a Town Hall and office."', and the questions of a city tramway or public baths. I have no doubt, when these matters are brought forward, I shall be feund to have an opinion upon them, or, irrespective of whether or not that opinion is supported by a majority or minority of the Council, that I will advocate it. But I will say this, that alter a matter has been fairly discussed, and a vito taken, unless there are some very special circumstances indeed, which are notjlikely to arise, I have no doubt I shall be found if in a minority accepting the vote, and endcavourins faithfully to carry out the decision of the Board. There are, however, two matters in which I should like to express an opinion, aud they are that something ought to be done first in the direction of looking after the purity of our water supply. Our water supply at its source is second to no water supply in the world. It exceeds in purity even that which supplies the city of Glasgow from Loch Katrine, but it n stated repeatedly that the water supply to the citizens of Auckland is not to pure as it is at itd source. Whether it gathers impuri ties by the surface reservoir being too large for the purpose, or the demand for the water not being sufficient, or whether it is contami nated at the large pond at the works, I know not, but 1 should like to see the matter looked fairly into. If the evil complained of actually exists some thing must be done to rectify it, pos sibly by considerable expenditure from the balance which stands to the credit of Waterworks Loan Account, by carryirjg the filter from the natural filter to the works; or, if these statements are incorrect, we ought to be able to shew distinctly that the ■ evils complained off do not exist. The

other matter, in which I will be brieF, ia that I should like to see as soon as possible a cessation of the dispute, or, rather, % set tlement of ihe dispute, between the city and the Harbour Board doing away -with tho. unseemly differences between two public bodies, I have no wish to enter into the merits of the question as between the two bodies, still I may express my personal opinion that I would like that the matter would be settled by the city taking over, thesedisputed roads on the reclaimed ground,, and I would urge as a reason, the identity which exists in the interests of the two bodies. Of course tho money expended?, by the Harbour Board is drawn from rather a wider source than that ex pended by this Council, but to a very largo extent they arc the same. No class of the community is more interested in the Harbour Board than the ratepayers of the city ; but in advocating that the dispute; should be settled in this way, I should like to see an understanding attached, and that is that wiser counsels should prevail in the Harbour Board for the future than have prevailed iv the past; that tlw Harbour board should abandon that reclamation craze — that speculating iv building allotments; and that further it should realize the position, and feel ashamed of that abortion of a dock, and go in for the construction of one suitable to tbe require ments and to the future of this port. To wards that latter object I should like to see the Council lend its moral support, possibly by voting a resolution in favour of it, and giving its material support by--even without going into the merits of the question —agreeing to withdraw from the claim for assistance towards those particular wads, and if the Harbour Hoard does lake action in the direction of constructing a large dock, suitable for the requirements of the place, if this port can be made the principle naval station in the South Pacific, and a coaling place for the large steamers, which will, in a few yeara to come, run between the Panama Canal and Australia, I think none will participate in these advantages more than the ratepayers of the borough of Auck land. I will only add that having ac. cepted the position of Mayor, I shall endea vour faithfully to discharge the duties of the office, and I have the fullest confidence that I shall be supported by the Council, and I hope that together we shall satisfactorily discharge tho business of this important borough. The rough minutes of the meeting were then read, and the meeting ended.

CABLEGRAMS.

EUROPEAN.

[BJKHTHK'3 TELKGBAMB.J

THREATENED

SUSPENSION

HABEAS CORPUS IN IRELAND.

LONDON, December 14,

It has transpired that at a Cabinet Coun hcld yesterday, it was decided by ministers, that unless the state of Ireland has decidedly improved by the time Parliament reassembles on the 6th prox., a Bill will bo immediately intioduced to suspend the Habeas Corpus Act. It was, moreover, decided that under such circumstances to also propose measures for the remedy of the grievances of the Irish people. AMERICAN SYMPATHY WITH IRELAND. WASHINGTON, December 12. Both Houses of the United States Con. gross have passed a resolution expressing sympathy with the Irish tenants in their clforts to obtaiu the redress of their grievances.

REINFORCEMENTS FOR IRELAND.'

LONDON, December 14,

In consequence ot the increasing neces sity for further rein forcemeats in the dis turbed districts iv Ireland, two more xegU ments have been ordered across the channel, and will be despatched without delay.

THE GREEK FRONTIER QUESTION.

The Great Powers have decided for the present ie postpone the consideration of the Porte'a circular note invoking mediation in regard to the Greek frontier question.

THE MARQUIS OF RIPON. CALCUTTA, December 14,

Latest telegrams from Allahabad report that the health of the Marquis of Ripon is now improving.

COMMERCIAL. LONDON, December 13.

Tbe three-per cent consols are 100 J. Adelaide wheat, per 4961b5, ex ware house, is 50s 6d. Adelaide flour, per 2801bs, ex warehouse, 355. New Zealand wheat, ex ship, is 445. MOEE TROOPS FOR IRELAND.

LONDON, December f, ;

The Irish authorities have demanded further reinforcement. The Coldstream guards have been despatched to Ireland, and were recipients of a great demonstration on leaviug 1-oudon. In the event of Mr Favnell and other Irish members who are being prosecuted for sedition, attempting to attend Parliament and ignore the trials, they will be arrested in the lobby. MASSACRE OF PILGRIMS. Intelligence has been received that the Khurds have massacred 500 Pilgrims. LAND LEAGUE MEETIKGS PRO HIBITED. .1 LONDON, December 8. In consequence of the increasing agitation in Ireland the Government have resolved to have recourse to more strenuous measures for preserving the public peace than bare hitherto been adopted. With this object they are now prohibiting the holding' of all meetings in connection with the Land League, which are considered likely to lead to disturbances. Meetings of this kind are projected to be held at Brookesborougji, near Enniskillen. The local authorities were interviewed and they prohibited the meeting. Large numbers disaffected then assembled in the streets ot the town arid were summoned to disperse. They refosed to do so, and as there was on the spot a strong body of police, which had been pre* viously reinforced by military, the Riot Act was read. The crowd refused to separate, and exhibited a threatening demeanour. The Constabulary and Dragoons then charged the people, whom they speedily and completely dispersed. A number of 'arrests were made.

AUSTRALIAN.

VICTORIAN MINISTRY VICTORIOUS.

MELBOURNE, December 14,

The Legislative Assembly has negatived Dr. Smith's vote of want-01-confidence in the Ministry. It was lost by a small majority, the members being 44 against and 39 for the motion, Sir Bryan O'Logblen, Sir J. O'Shanuassy, and Mr McKcan voting in the minority.

THE QUEENSLAND RAILWAY. BRISBANE, December 14.

The Ministry have received a telegram this afternoon from an influential London firm promising cordial co-operation for the pushing forwiud of the trans-continental railway project. It further states that the present time is considered favourable for that purpose.

SUPREME COURT.—This Day.

IN BANCO.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

Jackson and Russell v. Robert Graham (Arbitration.)—Mr Jas. Russell, who appeared for the plaintiffs, explained that this was an application that submission to arbitration and the enlargement obtained thereunder should be made a rule of the Court.—The provisions of reference havioß been read over, and no opposition beiug offered to the application, it was granted. King v. Mayor and Coi.voration of Auckland (Motion for injunction and costs).-Mr E. Heskcth, who appeared m support of the motion, asked for an adjourn ment till next banco day, on behalf of the Attorney-General (in conjunction with Mr Theo. Cooper for the defence) who was not prepared that morning to proceed with the matter. —Granted. , Ks Petition of Mary Chuktons TRUSTEES-(Application tor leave to dedi cate ceitain trust property).—Mr E. Hcs keth (tor the trustees) made application under the Deeds and Settled Estates Act ot 1865 that permission should be given the trustees under the will of Mary Churton W dedicate for the purposes of streets and roads, certain of the property left bytne deceased. Having stated the substance of tne petition, and explained tho various stages which tho petition bad already occupied inits progress through the Court, the learned gentlemensaid, that with two exceptions, tne consent of all the parties holding a beneficial interest in the property under the will pad been gained to the proposed dedication, These two exception!) were Mrs Marvin, who resided in Jamaica, and was therefore practically inaccessible, ana Mr Woodhouse (the husband of one of tne daughters) who was at present, in Auckland, but not in a fit state to execute any busi ness.— Upon bis |Honor's suggestion tno matter was adjourned till next Court day in order that he might have time to peruse the papers. So far he did not see any diffi culty in the way of allowing the proposed dedication. .

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR Wf DNESDAf, DECEMBER 15,



AS OBSERVJ

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STATIONS.

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IDNKSDAY,

Dec

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a I 29.2; 3U.07 30.09 30.18 30.03 30.07 30.01 30.C1 30.0ft 29."5 29.88 29.61 29.90 2990

13 5) £ 58 r,0 03 02 t!7 SO 61 61 03 m 56 62

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B.C 8. B.C, H.C G.P O. 0. c. o. 0. O.G

State of Sea, Bar, or Klvors.

clear breaks

moderate sliirht swell moderate

bar coneid. moderate

sea smooth considerable

-



Monday, Dec. 6 6,482 Tuesday, „ 7 6,385 Wednesday, „ 8 6,389 Thursday, „ 9 6,408 Friday, „ 10 6,335 Saturday, „ 11 6,467



Special Advertisements. n p fi C I .1 L NOTICE, We.|the"underßiKned, respe Moll Inviteithe Inspection of the Ladioa ofJAuckland and the surrounding district to tho fact that] wo are Opening up a A LARGE AND VAMBD ASSORTMKt«T OH" ENGLISH, FRENCH, & AMERICAN GOODS, I* MILLINKBY, HO3IKRY GLOVES, FEATHERS FLOWERS, LACKS SCO., &C, &0, dunne, Hall, & co., 174, QUKKN-STKBKT, AUCKLAND Opposite the Thistle Hotel). TO" B W O O D S. YEW QOODS! A. LINABURY & CO. Are Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS. We hold tho Largest and Best Stock of COSTUMKS, MILLINERY FANCr GOODS, DRESS GOODS FLOWERS, FEATHERS, &C., &c. Special Lino of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard; worth 5s (id, 5,000 Straw Hats, all new shapes. A Large Stock of Ladies' and Children's Under clothing. Dress and Mancle-making on the premises Costumes mado in 21 houra' notice. A. LINaFuRY & CP., 2f)i AMD 206, (iUKES-SIICKET I



Special Advertisements. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAH PRESENT Q f RESK N T O ! Ladies' BLACK AND COLORKO COSTUMES adi E B' BONNETS and HATS, in tho latest Paris Stylos Ladies' SILK asd CASHMERE MANTLHS, CAPKS and VISITKS LANGTKEY HOODS Ladies' KID and TAFKETTA SILK GLOVES in Kndlesa Variety Ladies'SlLK, SATIN and TUSSORE PARASOLS. CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS AND AND NEW YEAR PRKSKNTS, NEW YEAR PRESENT?, AT ' TyiLLIAM TJATTHAY'S drapery, mantle, and millinery establishment, New Zealand House, gg, queen-stkeet, auckland.



STRANGERS AND TRAVELLERS Visiting Auokland will flnd the LARGEST OUTFITTING STOCK IN THE COLON 3T To Select from at THE NtfW ZEALAND CLOTHING" FACTORY. Thousands of Customers testify to the QUPERIOR QUALITY & JCTITTINO Of the Garments mado by them. The Stock of SHIRTS, TIES, HATS, and HOSIERY, Is very largo, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF NOVELTIES FOR THBS HOLIDAYS. A special BuppJy of PORTMANTEAUX ( BAGS, RUHS, and all Travelling Requisites for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Queen-street (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert street, Thames. J. FIIZSIMONB, Manager.



AUSTRIAN BENT-WOOD FURNI TURE.—A Large Shipment just to hand, light and Rtrong, suitable for Breakfast Sitting, Dining, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, Mid Light Colours. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queen-street. Auckland. /CARPETS.—The Largest Stock in the Pro \j -vinco to select from—all kinds. Tapestry, from 2s lid: Brussels, from 43 lid; Kid derminster, Felt, and Jute. The New Worc«ster Stair Carpet, made of Horsb Hair, just received—the most durable Carpet ever made. GARLICS & CRANWKLL. BEDROOM FURNITURE.—A Great Variety always ready for delivery, to suit all classes. Chests of Drawers, Washstanda, Toilet Tables and Wardrobes in various woods, Glasses and Toiletware. Bedding of all kinds and sizes; Spring GARLICK & CRANWKLL. XaiBITION Designs in Iron Bedsteads.— We keeD tho Greatest Variety of Iron Bedsteads In Town, and are Importers direct from the manufacturers. Hand some Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory. GARLICK & CRANWELL. /^ABLICK & CRANWBLL keep such a VT Large Assortment of General Household Furniture tnat you oan Furnish a House throughout from their stock at a day's notice. TvRAWING-ROOM Suites in stock, suitable U fop a Cottage or a Mansion, all uphol stered by ourselves and guaranteed. Suites for Dining and Sitting Rooms in OARLIOK fc CRANWBLL. ONLY Warehouse in Town conducted on the London System, combining all depart ments of Furnishing, Drapery, and Clothing. CITg HALL ARCADE. PVK Per Cent Cash Di-oount on all kinds of Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brush- GARLICK fc CRANWELL. BOOK C ATALOGU ES, post free or on applica tion, to those intending to Furnish. Esti mates and designs given. Carpets made up. l-inoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needle work mounted. All kinds of Upholstery and Cabinet-work by first-class workmen. inspect our stock: The .Largest in Auckland ! GARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY BAIJj ARCADE, QUESN-STREET & LORNE-BTBEET, AUCKLAND



T |-IOSGRAYE & riO., At thkib Premises, Queen-stbekt, WILL MAKE A GENERAL SHOW OF THEIR -|^"EVV QUMMER SHIPMENTS 1 THIS DAY, Together with Important SPHCIAL LOTS, Purchased at Large Discounts by our representative from various Manu facturers, as below stated. The FANCY DRESS DEPARTMENT contains all the Newest Goods of the Season, in Pompadours, Lustres, Cashmere and Beigks. The MILLINERY DEPARTMENT onnltta of the Choicest Designs in HATS and Bonnets, Ladieß' and Childrens' Costumes, Vissttoi and Dolman's Lace, Bertha's Flowers and Feathebs. The SILK DEPARTMENT ia replete with the Newest Shades in Velvets, Silks and Ribbons. We call particular attention to our Stook of BLACK BILKB, which is the Largest in the colony. Our Stock of Ladies' UNDERCLOTHING is Large and Well-assorted, 'and contains all the Newest Makes and Styles, Ladies' and Children's Jeraeya in all colours. In the MANCHE3TER DEPARTMENT we are Offering Particularly Good Value in White and Grey Calicos, Sheetings and Flannels. "I pOSGRAVE & JPIO. are now offering great advantages to tbb Public, as the* Import their GOODS from the Best English and Fkench Manufactekeks, AND ARE SELLING AT WHOLESALE PBIOK3.



■Jl/T IL N E & riE 0 YCE HAVK NOW KKOBIVED B 0 V S1 SUITS, In nil the Beat Styles and Materials, lnolading Brown Holland, Brown, White, and Striped Drill, Tweed, Serge, &c, in the Brighton, Wim bledon, Nelson, Czar, Connaught, Sydney, Royal Tar, and other makes. Also, BOYS' SHIRTS, TIES, COLLARS, BRACES, BELTS, SOCKS, HOSIERY, &C. LADIES' JERSEYS CHILDREN' 3 JERSEYS THE JERSEY CLOTH, by the yard ladies' new hosiery children's new hosiery. New Trimmed and Untrimmed Bon nbts and Hats. Chenille Ribbon, Chenille Tibs. Also I A Largo Variety of FANCY GOOD 3 GENERALLY. Tt/TILNE & fiEQTZUE.