SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATKR } T 'S! m !"row IWornl!ng, 850 SUNSKT.-TUib Kventaß. 7.13 SfJNKISB.-To-MotTOw Mornlmr. H5 MUOK'ri AGiC-First Quarter, 23th. 8.20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LABTEVKNIS.O,

nablnht, H.1.8.M ss, Kahu, from Samoa lona, s.b., Taylor, from Whangarei TO-DAY. Oamaru, brlgantlne, Ohlnon, from Oamaru

DEPARTURES

IAST BVBNINO. FlnKal.B.B.,Norrl»,forMnngftWal . WollinKton, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranfta A^noa Donald, schooner, Murrey.for KarotOTga Koward, schooner, Asderson, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Oamaru frnns Oamaru-100 socks and 220 quarter-sacks, flour. LMBaaoks oaM'Bmolg wheat, 100 «aoks bran, 36 ca?ks and U saoKS milt.

Inwards Coabtwise. - Four Sisters, from MKhurangr, with 35 tons firewood. Octwaubs CrxsTWisu. - Columbia, for Russell! Adah, for Thames; Mlalnoro, for Tsirua.' Tha sqhnpnnr Adolaldo haa onteroil ont at tho Ciistoinl for Adelaide.

Tho B.S. Bowena left Waitara thia morning at 10 Ma m.! arid will be despatched to Hoklanga to-morrow^ (Saturday) at 1 p.m. H.M.s. Kmerald was observed crnWng about the Marshall Group whon tho Habloht wa3 in tkat locality.

itJ.G- M.S. Mcovo waa at Apia in company with the HaMoht, and loft for Sjdney.whore aho should ba at preuont Slio returns to Apia again after a short; stay in Australian wators.

Mr D. B. Cruiokshauk receivod a telegram from Tauriwftato-duy, stating tbat tba ship May Uuoon was Buccoslfully towed out of harbour this morning by the s.a. Wellington.

The s.s. lona, from Whangaroi last fveninf?. brought 100 sacks gum, 30 bales wool, 30 orates poultry, 20 boxes eggs, 1 tons sundries.

Tho s.B. Wollingtonis advortlsed to make ox cursions to Walwera both on Boxing Day and Tuesday following, wMla tho 8.8. Glenolpr pro coods to Kawau on tha aamo two days. CarßO for Whangaroa and Mongonui will bn takon on board the'Wellngtonto-morrow (Saturday).

The Glcnclg will leave hero for Tauranua on Tuoßday evening next, and not on Wednesday bs advertised, and tho Wellington goosto Wan garoa and Mangonui Bamo evening. The Rotomahana, -which left for tho South yesterday, took away a finely built substantial •whale-boat, 25 feet In length, to orfor of the Union Company, built by Mr B. Rciii of Lower Albert-street. Wo are triad to see tho Union Company showlnpt preference to our Auckland tradesmen, but, at the Bamo timo. it is a woll known fact that ships' boats can bo turned out both hotter and cheapor horo than in oithor Dnnodln or othor Southern ports, and wo aro surprised that more work has not found its way up hero.

ARRIVAL OF THE GERMAN WARSHIP HABICHT.

The German gunboat Habicht, whioh loft this port about eight months ago, returned last evening. Binos her vifit to Auckland she has called at Apia.' Samoa, Marshall Group, Now Britain, New Ireland, and Caroline Islands. meatinK with the Moovfl at Apia. Bho sailed lor Auckland on tho 15th instant, and after a fina-weather paßsaw arrived about six o clock last evenin. Tho Habloht comes here for the purpose) of recruiting the health of the crow and for reflttiuts. During January Bho will leave tho harbour for a fortnight's (run practice, ro turninß again to remain for a few weoks.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The steamers Hannah Mokau.Lalla Rookh,and Rowena. aro still bar bound atWaltara. Bhonld tha strong westerly wind which haa been blowing for tha last two days moderato to-nlsht, they should got out of Waitara with to-morrow morning's tide, and may ba looked for on Sunday. .

Tho s.s. MaoKregoi Is due from Wangannl to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Rubskix, this rtay. The Glcnolff sails for Auckland at 5 o'clock. Densaorowdot passengers going to Auckland to sponil holidays. FORT Chalmers, yesterday. SaUeiV. Rotonw. for North. Passengers for Auckland:— Mr Moir, Mlbs Spence, Master Bkelton.

COMMERCIAL.

Evbhino Star Office. Friday. MR AIFRKD BUCKLAHD'S WEEKLY REPORT. At Romuera, on Thursday, dairy cattle were in nans! supply, but tharo was scarcely an in cmlry tor them, and the groater number re msioed unsold. Store cuttle of all descriptions were plentiful, and fairly compoted for at lato values. Fot oattle were in moderate numbsr and generally of small size and good quallty.but unless for very choice quality bidding was dull, and a fow withdrawn, but last week's values (from 183 to 233 the 1001b3) wora sustained. Storo sheep in moderate snpply and good inquiry. Fat sheop short of requirements and slightly better worth; Rood wethers. Zsd the lb. Lambs in average number and good inquiry ; some of choice quality brought from 16a to 18a each. Fat calves of good quality abundant and lower than last week-58 to 10s eaoh. Well-bred porkers in oood inquiry at satisfactory prices; from id to Bd the lb. dead weight was given. UKSattfl HUNTKB AND HOIAN'S WEEKLY REPORT. Horses: The supply has been very large. On ) Friday, at the Durham YaJds, an unusually large number were brought forward, and though the supply exceeded the damand, a lar/e number changed hands at prices Batls faotory to the purchaser. We note very little r' teratlon in laat week's prices. On Monday, at the Durham Yards, hides were In full nmnbnr, and sold from 3jd to 3{d tho lb; sheepßlcius, 0i Dd to is 93 ; lambskins. lOd to Is Id. Cattle : Quite the usual number have been brought for ward. At Wainku.on Saturday.orer an average .number were entered. Competition waa good, and most in were cleared at late rates. Aft New market, on Tusßday, ac average numbor of dairy cows and store qattlo woro brought for ward, and a very large number of fat beasts. Bidding was good throughout the Ealo,Cß]jnclally fo* local c»ttle: but ship-borne sold low. Sh^ep: The supply has beon up to requirements, and at last week's rates. Lambs were yarded in full , numbars, and sold at a slight advance on late quotations. PiRS In Email number, and fair de mand. HANKS AND OO.'S WEEKLY BBrOKT. AtParawal. on Thursday, fat cattle were in BYPraeo supply, mostly good quality and heavy weights. Owing to previous large markets and heavy stocks <d tho hands of tho trade, baaines) was dull, and prices were lower than of late. Choice medium-Bizod steers made 253 per lOOlbs, tint aged and heavy oxen did not average more than Xsii A medium number of sheep were penned, but sufficient for requirements. Napier wethers bringing 2Jd per lb. Lambs wero again numerous, and mostlr good prices, ranging from 93 to 13s Oil each. A few nice quality porkers were offered, but the owners' value not being readied, they were/withdrawn.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

I Wholesale. BotaU. a. d. s.d. a A. a. a. Butter, ft.lb ft 7-0 8 Milk, quart OKI 0 Bent dairies 0 0-0 0 Butter, fa, lb 0 8-0 10 BnttOrTaiabO!B-0 0 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (local) 0i 5-0 0 Gbeese(coL) 0 8-0 0 ■DoTcint. 0 4*—o 5 EggMoz... 1 0-13 Ems doz. 0 10-1 0 Xard,lb .. 0 0-O 10 ffilb (Una) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 wsssw asrs.::Bifci: Jama, per caae. 6 doz, 36a 6d to 37b 6d The market for eg«a la not firm. Batter is gtlll plentiful. M k Hi! » BOTCHERS MEATI i •■' .Retail. Rdaatlwßeel. - ... ~ _ oato 0 7 Boiling Beet ..04-00 Mutton, hind-quarter .. .. —g 0 J —-g ® „ fore-quarter .. .. .. 021- 0 0 lamb, fore-quarter I ..36-50 „ htnd-quartec /" " " Fork and Veal .. .. - .. 0 6-0 7 Hteaka .. •• •• ... -0t! —0 H Chops and Sauaagoa .. .. .-■ 06— 0 6 Tallow beat (wholesale)-mutton, 325; mixed, 258 *»*■ f M urMakk*t. Wholesale. c a. d. Buperflno Flour, ailk droased, per ton.. 12 10 0 Vine Fiour, ditto, household ..£lllOß-12 0 0 Adelaide, per ton - ... ~ .. 15 0 0 Oamaru.perton .. .. - .. 12 0 0 Dunedjyi,perton „ 11 10 0 Canterßury, per ton 11 10 o Bran per ton (sacks included) £5108-0 0 0 Bharpa,perton' li/J « .. «510a-515 0 Cabin Bread .. .. - » •• 18 0 0 .Oatmeal... - «2—1210 0 1 Peaflßarie^ '_ _ .. .. JBl7-12 0 0 Hay and Corn Market. Wholesale, a. d, s, (1 Bb. £ s Maize IHyfl.) none Hay m'e'dow , CaU 0-0 0 ton pressed 5 o—6 0 „ (FUn.) 0 0-0 0 Lnoerne, do 6 0-6 10 „ (Coast) 4 6-4 9 Straw (load) 0 18-1 10 Oata ■:.«,..2 6-? 9 Chaff .. „3 10-4 10 Whoat (fowl) 3 9-1 0 Hay (oaten) 6 0-5 10 Potatoes, £4 to £110-*. Retail. B. d. B. d. a. d. B. d. Maize (scarce). Lucerne, owt.7 6-8 0 bushel ..5 0-0 0 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Oats, ditto ..2 0-0 6 Straw, ditto 3 0-4 ( Bran.loolba JBo-iBSIOs Chaff, ditto 5 6-6 0 Wheat (fowl) i 6-0 0 Potat'ea.tew 0 1-lb Hay.owt ..6 i Wheat seed 0 0-0 0 ry' Seeds.—Ratail. s. d. b. d. a. d. a. d. Ryearasa ..8 0-0 0 Cocksfoot, b1.6 6-7 0 Italian,do. ..7 6-8 0 Trefoil., lb. 0 7-0 0 Red CloTer,lboll-1 0 Ratstail, lb. 1 6-0 7 WhiteOloverl 0-1 3 Timotfcy.lb. 0 7-0 0 Alsyke, lb ..0 0-1 3 Lucerne, lb, I—o 0 Oowgraas, lbl 2-J 3 Rape, lb *.C 5 0 0 Woolpaoks in quantity, 3s 3d to 3s 5d each corn Baoks, 83 to 9s fid per dozen. Fencing wire Nob. G, 7 and 8, assorted, £1610sto £17 per ton COAt ANB FIBBWOOD MARKET. Coal. — Newcastle, market glutted (ship's ■tde), cargo 30s per ton; yard, 38s to 12a. Bay of Islands, at yards, 25b Gil; screened, 28a 0d; ditto at the mine, 12s; ship's tide, 23a M. Walkato, at mine, ss; in Auckland 17s 64 to 225: Taupiri, at mines, 6s 6d to 12s; at yard, 18j to 21s: delirored, 28s to 295. Wangaroi, at mino, 8a Gd; yard (stoum), 17s; hoosehold, 225, Miranda, at yard (household), 18s; steam, 18s. Kamo (household), 2os, deUvered; steam, 20a. Firewood.—Unout, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 8a per ton; delivered, 12s to 13s; out, us to IGa. j Kauri Gum and Flax Market, ' Gum is not materially changed. The following salea have been effected since last Friday t—Good ordinary Kaipara and Whnn garei at £31 to £36; East Coast, £42 to £45: receipta tor December bo tar about 320 tons, i " FLAi-nneßYquality eO-eHI Us per ton Tow « - ... 7 -0 FuNHua ..' v -" „ ... M, porlb j

BUILDING MATERIALS.

Timber.—Boards and Scantling, 100 ft, best, 14s: second clasa. Da ; best planed, tpngued andgroovod, flrstolftßß, 15»6d ; second ditto, 10a Cd, MUls:Cargo, best, 10ato Us; seo.-olass, 6s Sd; Baulk, 6s to 6s 6d. „■ .. New Zoaland PallnKS, sft (sap), 10s! ojtlh?81' 12s; 6ft, 13a;Tl-troe Rails, £3 los perlM; Pnri" Posts, £6 6s; Shingles, 16a par 1,000; Hobart Towa Palings, sft, 17s! 6ft, fis: Hobart Town rails, 90s, selling quotations. _.„• v..Aa Bwoks (at VVian.lloa per 1.000; Town Yards, SS Ss: delivered. «210a. Drata plfes,^per IW, (6 inches bore), 30*; 4Jnel.es. lte! 5 Uioheß,&a, 2 lnohes, £2 10b per 1,000 socket B»MdJR*"r \\ inches isfid por foot; 15 taohos, 2s per fool; 12 inchea,la 6d per foot: 9 Inches, Is per foot; 8 inches, 6d por foot; 4 inches. Id per foot. Lime, slaoked, Is per bushel; Quick lime in aaok. is Oil to 2a; gronnd lime, 1b 9a.

Mail Notice.

Mails wim/Ulohb as Unbkb.- Tnis Dat. Vnr ThnniGß. D6r Rotomahana, at 4 p,m. For WhangSrei Heads. Parun, Waipu. Whan garol. Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Argyle. For Thames! per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 24th instant For Waiwora, Mahurongi, Matokana, Manga wai. &a, por Rose Caeey. at 10 a.m. For Hokianga, por Bowena, at 11 a.m. Kor r.ovnka, per Tavluna, at noon For Waitara, per Hanuah Mokau, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at i p.m. , TuKfIDAY, 27th instant. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Wanaka, For ltußnell, Kawnkawa, Wangaroa, and Monßonni, per Wellington, at 4.30 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohlnoiuutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 5 p.m. Tuesday. 3rd January, 1683. Por B.S. Australia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United Stated of Amorica. Canada, Britisn Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Knrope, 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 sailing. This mail will be due in London on Mon day, 13th February, 1882. Note.—On Mondays, 26th Instant, and 2nd proximo, the Post-ofllce will only be open to the pnblio between a and 10 n.u>. A delivery of letters, Sco., at the counter will bo made on tbo previous Saturday nights from 7.50 to 8.3a All mails for despatch on these two Mondays will be closed at 8 a.m. instead of the usual advertised time. - & B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offloe. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

DKOKMBER 23, 1831. Theatre Royal —Montsßoe-Turner English Opera Company: "Faust, 8 p.m. Rattrai'a BnildlnKS-Prand Bazaar and Fancy Fair in aid of tho new Catholio Ohuroh. St. Matthew's Christmas Tree, 6a, Sehool rooni. Hobsou-etreet, 8 till 10 p.m.

Birth.

MCDONALD-On December Bth, at her residonoe Baker • street, the wife ot Colin McDonald, Or a daughter.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1881.

For the cause that lacks stsiilauco. For the wrong that needs resisunc For tho future la the distance) And the good that we can do.

At the meeting of tho Grammar School Board of Governors this morning, tho ques tion of selecting a plan for tho new board ing-house came on for consideration. Aa a Bite, a portion of the ground now occupied by the College -building itself had been recommended, but on the motion of Mr Dargaviilo tho whole matter was deferred till ths 17th January. Mr Dargaviilo contends that for several reasons the posi tion in Symonds-street is eminently unsuit able for tbe contemplated boarding-house, on which it U proposed to spend £3,000. Its contiguity to the city is a drawback, as would be made painfully manifest in the event of the breaking out of aa epidemic in the neighbourhood. But the most impor tant objection of all unquestionably is the small open space which would surround the new house. Ths school ground is none too large as it is, and by the time a large build ing has been placed upon it, with the necessary offices, outbuildings, and conveniences, it will be' unworthy of the name of playground, and will be far too circumscribed to meet the requirements of the boys, of whom, no doubt, there will be a large number in residence The school is growing, and may be expected to grow faster with boarding facilities added,and it would be highly imprudent to lessen the area now at disposal for recreation. Given a boarding house situated where the boys can play, cricket, football, and all other out-door games, just beyond the door, and be able at once to enjoy the fresh air on Saturdays, Sundays, and all other day* of holiday or rest, and doubtless the youth of the whole provincial district will be at tracted. But if on the other band tbe pro posed structure is deposited in the comer of a limited gravel-covered area, with its ground floor below the level of the main road, the recreation space demanded by hygienic considerations being at a long dis tance, the success of a much needed undertaking is imperilled. The Board of Governors will, in the meantime, no doubt, give the question their more careful atten tion ; and it would be well if the opinions of some of the patresfamilias interested could be heard. Before a final decision is arrived at we should like to see a thorough ventilation of the whole subject,

The report and balance sheet of the Permanent Building, Land,and Investment Society, presented at the first annual meet* ing held last evening, shows a very gratify ing state of affairs, The society is to be congratulated on the amount and character of the business they have done during the first 12 months of their existen«e, as well as on the fact that 8 per cent, has been credited to investors' shared, and a three per cent, bonus to investors apd borrowers. These things are valuable recommendations to the public, and the securing of such convenient premises aa the society now possesses in the best part ot Queen-street cannot fail to result in a large increase of business. The board of management elected last evening is a sufficient guarantee for the safe and economical working of the concern1 during the ensuing year, at the close of which there is no doubt that a long onward stride will have been made. One of the facilities offered by the soeietydeserves to be impressed on the public, viz., that offered to persons for paying off part or the whole of a mortgage any time during its currency, and having the repayments pro portionately reduced. We have no doubt that the society in question will become one of the most prominent financial Institu tion* of the city. Report and balance-sheet appear on our fourth page.

A double Christmas supplement to the Evening Star will be issued gratui tously to every subscriber to>morrow,Satur. day, evening. The supplement is devoted to the season, and contains poetry, songs, an almanac, an original story, "Two Christmas Days," "The Song of the Angels," a lay sermon by an unordained preacher, curiosities in Natural History, " The Phantom Ox," "A Kiss on the Sly," and a number of interesting sketches; also, the continuation of " Probation," and the "Life of John Mnrmon." The whole forms an intellectual Christmas treat, with something for every taste. - . .

John Ormstein pleaded guilty to seven charges of defrauding Mr A. £T. Nathan, and was.sentenced to nine months' im prisonment for each offence, to run concur rently.

At last night's meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee of tho City Council, the plans of the new Coffee Palace came on tor consideration. Excep tion was taken to the bow-windows which relievo the. Hatness of tho • two ■principal elevations, and although the Council has the power of allowing these, it was decided, by a majority, that alterations must be made to bring this part of the plans within the building regulations. Tbis is a decision uf importance, not merely for tho company, but for the appearance of the city, which cannot afford to dispense with any architectural ornaments whatever. The Coffee Palace, according to tbo original designs, will add beauty to a portion of the' town which sadly needs improvement, and now tho at tempt is made to take that from the designs which breaks in tho happiest manner an immense stretch of dead level. But the decision, fortunately, is not final. The Cominittco's report will come on for con sideration in the Council itself, when we confidently expect common sense will prevail, and tho plans will be allowed tv pass unaltered. It may bo mentioned that tho bow-windows will in no way impedo tho traffic on the footpaths, for thoy only spriug out of wall ou the first iloor, fifteen or eighteen foot above the pavement, and provision ia agreed to be mado to prevent dripping.

The usual Christmas docorations of tbe soveral Anglican churchos nro now being made ; those at St. Matthew's will bo par ticularly appropriate and tasteful. On Sun day cvoning there will be a special Christmas Bervieoat that church, when tho sermon wilt boon "The -ympatliy ot the Word." Tho anthem " Let us evon ne>w go to Bethlehem" and tbe "Hallelujah Chorus " will bo rendered !-y a full choir.

Hone Werahiko, the prospector of the Te Aroint, was recently married to Haora te Mimihn.

The first heat of the North Shore Row ing Club Trial Fours was rowed over again last evening, and resulted in an easy victory for Sims's crew. Burgess's crew wore at a slight disadvantage through ths collapse of the slide of No. 2, which happened when about 400 yards had been gone over. Tho dual heat will bo rowed this ovoning.

The Drat nicotine of creditors in the estate of Thos. Wallace Gibbons, sawmill manager, Awitu, was hold to-day, when Mr Thos. Macffarlano was olectcd trustee. The dobtor's assets were stated at £22 Gs Dri, and his liabilities at £1,404 11b 3d.

To the Editor: Sir,—lt ia to bo hop«d that there are but few who will be mean enough to keep open their shops on Monday and Tuesday next; but.like the Stak, will give their hands two clear holidays, and not spoil cither day by makiug their assistants work half the day. As you profess to be for " tho cause that lacks assistance," I hope you will provo it by publishing my letter.—l am, fa,, D,

Several of the crew of the schooner Orwell, which waa wrecked at tho Island tt l'eru recently, arrived here by tho Qerman war»hii> Habicht last evening, Captain Carmichael, who took tho Foiu Loioto the lsla.ids,wos also a passenger by i'er. Tho followint» Firo Brigades have inti mated their intention of sending delegates to the Association Conference, to bo hold at Timaru in February :—Ashburton, two ; Chriatchurch, threo; InyerosrijiU, two; Kaiapoi, one ; Lyttolton, ono ; Napier, one; Naseby, one; Kangiora, one ; Spit (Napier), two; Watmate, ono.

From tho manager of the National In* surance Company (Mr W. Tait) we have received a very neat office calendar show ing a week at the time.

The bazaar continues to do a splendid business, the takings of yesterday being £120. Mr Norriß, cabinet-makor, of Short laud-street, has presented a very handsome ottoman to Mrs O'Brien, of the No. 2 (Farnell) stall, to bo used as that lady deems fit for the benefit of tho end in view. Tho bazaar will remain opm till 10 o'clock this evening, and from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. to-morrow.

The members of tho Brokers' Association havo resolved to take a week's holiday from Monday next, feeling, no doubt, that a fow days in tho country at Christmas time will be more profitable than pausing the silent hours within the shadows of the Insurance Buildings, as such recreation may hnve a beneficial effect upon healtk and spirits.

Our llelensvillo correspondent writes that tho Maoris have erected a One stoiio monument, like an obelisk, to Panama Neataki, who died iv 1879, and is buried at Ponto Point, North Head. The stone was put up by Mr Thomas, stonemason. Tbo monument bears an inscription in Maori characters, which being interpreted reads : 11 This is to the chiefs of tho Oroihau tribe as a memorial of tbe monument to Pairama Ngataki, who died iv the year 1879." The Maoris gathered 100 stung at 7 o'clock on Wednesday night and danced a kanixani, and kept up festivities until Thursday morning.

For the convenience of ladies and others visiting the North Shore on Monday and Tuesday next, the Devonport Steam Ferry Company advertise that tickets for their steamers, available for those day«, are now obtainable at the office of the Secretary, Np. 8 Queen-street. We aro informed that every possible means will be used to facilitate the traffic, and, with their new boat running, expect the Company will be able to keep pace with the requirements of the public, and there will bt no detention or inconvenience iv waiting for tho boats, which are advertised to run every 4-of-an hour,

A preliminary meet of the Hamley Gnu Club topic place at Ellerslie gardens ycaler day afternoon, at three o'clock. Three matches were fired, two of five birds each and one of three, Mr Willis being the win ner of the sweepstakes in the two first events and Mr a McDonaid of the third, Xhere were about thirty gentlemen present, ten of them being competitors. The meetiag was organised chiefly for the purpose of enabling the handicapper of the club, Mr Kirkwooa, to arrive at an idea of tho respective merits of the members, in view of the competition for tho handsome cup presented by Mr Alfred E. Isaacs. This match will take place during the holidays.

Daring the past three weeks the members of the Salvage Corps have been vigorously practising with their new canvas fire escape, utilising the rear of "Tyrone Buildings, Custom-house-street, as the scene of an imaginary conflagration. Having attained a considerable degree of dexterity in the use of their appliances, a special praotice took place yesterday afternoon in the pre sence of a number of leading citizens and several members of the City Council, all of whom expressed themaelvo surprised and pleased at tho degree of efficiency attained. At the conclusion of the ex hibition, Mr Lewis, with his accustomed gensrorfty, regaled those present with champagne.

Mr T. W. Hiokson, of the Northern Land Agency, announces that should suffi cient inducement offer, he will shortly publish 9 revised map of the City of Auck land, shewing all the streets and subdi visions made, and bnildings erected, to date. The want of such a map Is much felt, thirteen years having elapsed since the publication of the last, and it is therefore to be hoped that Mr Hickaon will meet with the support of the various business firms of the city and others to whom the map will prove useful. The terms are : Single copy, £2 on application ; £3 on do livery, Two copies, 35a each on applica tion _; 45s on delivery. A large number by special arrangement.

To the Editor: Sir,-It would indeed be a boon, and one that would, bo well appre ciated by all classes of the public, if the Postmaster could see his way clear to have the swinging doors at the main entrance to the_ Post Office, stood permanently open during office hours j at least on all days when the weather will permit, and the Auckland climate is temperate almost throughout. It Is something to bo thank, ful for that young children have so long escaped accidents from the unceasing swinging of these doors with so busy a thoroughfare,-I aro, &c;y Pro Bono Poblico. j

A correspondent writes endorsing the views of a writer in the columns of our con temporary, that the Government House grounds shouldlie open to the general public for fixed times, and so long as no damage is done to the plants or trees, par ticularly until Albert Park k formed and completed, and as the Governor is leaving the colony shortly, he adds that it is rather bad taste that the grounds should be mono polised by a few of the wealthier residents who are fortunate in having gardens and grounds of tboir own, while other classes who are not so fortnnate are allowed to view the snobocracy from outside the fence. Our correspondent concludes by hoping some effort will be made to obtain the ser vices of one of our efficient bands to play there two or three times weekly during the summer months. [We think the suggestion a good one.—Ed, E.S,

Mr Thorburn, who was recently elected a member of tho Thamss County Council has fifty-two descendants.

To the Editor: Sir,-Your .journal has ever opened its columns to redresa-griev ances and expose wrongs. Ori tho.27th December, 1880, a young woman named Hunter loid an information against me for an assault wbich. had not the slightest foundation in fact, the case to come on for hearing on the 29tb. On the 28th, tho girl went with me to the Wynyard Arms Hotel for a drink, expressed her Borrow for having brougbt such an unfounded charge against* me, and begged me to make myself scarce, which I did. As I did not, appear, a warrant was issued for my appre hension, and on the 11th iust. I wub arrested. On Friday, the 12th, tko case came on for hearing. I was fully prepnrod to prove tbe groundlessness of the charge, when the woman requested that the case might be withdrawn, and it was withdrawn accordingly, ad myself discharged, there by giving me no chance whatever to prove my innocenco, which I wos fully prepared to do through my witnesses us woll as by letters received by me from her. This ia a " wrong that needs resistance," and I crave space in your paper for the publication of this my letter.—l am, &c, JAMES McFet- RIDGE,

On the 16th inst.—tho day of the Amateur Athletic Club meeting—Mr Geo. Thwuitcs reported to tbe police that a silver watch and hair guard, valued £7, had been stolen from the pocket of his vest, which had beon hanging in the pavilion. Tho police soon- found a clue, and this afternoon Sergonnt Jackson arrested a hid named Thomas Brummer on the charge. Tho watch was obtained from another bay, who stated that lie bad purchased it from Brummer for 10s. Tho prisoner, who will bo brought up at the Polico Court to-niorrow, is four teen years of age, and resides at Parnell with his stepfather, a man named Wobbe.

The collectiou of the Proporty Tax for tbe ensuing year commences iv March next, the monies being payable to tho various postmasters, Last yoar each l'ro vincial Distriot had a somewhat costly Property Tax Department, by which the results of the impost wero received; iv tho interests of economy thoso hovo now been swept away, tho mainten ance of a central department at Welling ton boing the only special expendi ture occasioned by the collection of tho tax. The directions issued by the Governmeut for tbe information of propcrty-ownurs aro much the samo as those in voguo last year. Property, owners, in making up their returns, need not include shares in bank, insurance, or other companies, with- tbe exception of building societies' >hares,>rhich come under the heading of personal property, Section sovou of tho Act provides that statements " shall be made as if at twelve o'clock noon on the first of October lost, previous to the date on which they are re spectively required to bo valued." Tbe attention of Btock owners ia particularly directed to the above alteration in the time for valuation.

A meeting of tho Board of Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School was held this forenoon, to consider the designs for the new boarding establishment is connection with the school. Sir G. M. O'Korke presided, and there were also pro- Bent Colonel Haultain, His Worship tbe Mayor, Hey. C. M. Nelsdn, Messrs J. M. Dargaville, and E. A. Mackgchnie. A short discussion took placo in reference to tho site, Rev. C. M. Nelson and Colonel Haultain supporting the one in Symonds street. Mr J. M. Dargaviilo said it would be vory ill • advised to spend £3,000 ia the construction of an establish incut there. The proper place for it was id the suburbs, and lie suggested Ellerslie as bciii» very suitable. Sulticient room would then be at tho disposal of tho boys for ro. creation purposes, and in tho event of an epidemic breaking out in Auckland, they would be at a safe distance from the city. The chairman agreed with this view, and suggested that as tbe now Ifend-master (Mr Bourne) would arrive; here about the middle of January, he should bo consulted regard* inn the designs. Col.Haultaln objected to this course. The consideration of the whole question was eventually adjourned till January 17th.

FIRE AT WHANGAPOUA.

COROMANDEL, this day._ A MAN just arrived from Wkaßgapoua reports Dodds'bush shanty at,"\yh.angapoua, inhabited by twenty men. was destroyed by fire this morning at oight' o'clock. The men had left the shanty at 5.30 a.m., and! came to Coromandel to catoh the steamer for Auckland. All the men's swags and valuables, together with tools and goods belonging to the Company, valued at £200, were destroyed.

SUPPOSED SUICIDE.

Mr Superintendent Thomson received the following telegram this morning from Constable M, Nuujjliton, stationed at Helcnsville :—" Reported here this morning that a gum-digger, named Joseph Smith, has been found hanging in his whare near Kau kapakapa, Snpposed to have been dead ome days. lam leaving, at once for tho sceno. No furtber particulats."

PAINFUL ACCIDENT.

A BOY lUS BOTH HIS WRISTS BROKBB, A very serious-accident happened at Judge's Bay this afternoon to a boy named Butterworth. , He was setting Christmas flowers on the cliff when he missed his. hold,; and fell a considerable distance on to the beacli. Whoa he was picked up, it was seen that the injuries sustained were of a very serious nature, and 'he was conveyed to the Hospital without delay. The medical examination showed that both bin wrists were broken,1 and that he had sustained a naaty wound on the head. The injuring wete attended to by tho Hospital authorities, and the boy remains in the in stitution for further treatment.

THE LOTTERY PROSECU TIONS.

A FINE OF £10 INFLICTED.

(BY TELEaitAPH,—PBEBS ASSOCIATION,)

. WELLINGTON, this day. IN the Gaming and Lotteries case the following judgment was given, The raafiis trates think they-mast oonvict defendantp, They think the facts alloged aro proved,and that they aro prohibited by law. They think in cases like this that persons likely to commit the prohibited Act would think it prohibited by nothing but the law; and, therefore, as the only detoront is tho money lost that should always be smißci. ently substantial to deter. In tbis special case, thoy think that the eminence of position of defendants, and publicity ani deliberation of act call for vindication of tho law. Defendants were fined £10 each. The Bon. John Johnston, who was one of tne Justices on the Eonch, dissented from this decision. i

MINING NEWS.

COROMANDEL,

THERE is substantial evidence on every

hand of prosperous times for this goldfield. Last week the Bank of New Zealand shipped l.OOOozs. of gold to Auckland, aud to-day another shipment of l.OOOozs. is 'going by the s.s. Coromaudel.

Corby.—Mellsopp, who took a tribute about live weeks ago, took out five bags of stuff, which were crushed last "Wednesday at the Corby battery for the return of 1002,

Tokatea.—Knox and McNeill have been very fortunate 'with their tribute, having with four hands iv four months taken out a crushing of 7J tons and SOOlbs. of speci mens, which has yielded 3270za. of gold. Bismaiick.—There is nothing of particu lar note to report concerning this mine during the past week, but work has been steadily pushed on. The intermediate workings continue to look very well, and during tho weak have given 301bs. of picked stone as well as good crushing stuff. The low level blocks have also yielded fair gene ral quartz, and the look of tilings generally is sufliciently good to guarantee a prosperous start when work is resumed after tho holi days. A cleaning-up took place at the buttery on Thursday,

TiERNAN's obtained the excellent yield of 44ozs. gold from 2001bs. picked stone crushed yesterday at tlio Corby battery. The reef is looking well.

Home Rule.—A great haul of 200lbs. good picked stone was broken out of the winze on Blackmore's boundary yesterday as good as any ever taken out of the mine.

Gem.—The winze near the Tokatea bat tory was carried down 22 foet in fine sand stone ground, a good reef in hand all the way. On Saturday a strong How of water made in the face after a few feet of driving had been done on n good-looking lode. The works were securely timbered, and the mine closed for the holidays. This party liavo managed finance so well that there are yet ample funds in hand to carry on work for threo months after making a fresh start, and we may Jiopo after the holidays to be able to chronicle a rich haul of speci mens from their fine-looking reef.

THE Tokatea.—The manager reports the No. 7 level is gradually improving, As it advances towards the proper course of the lode, the dip is again forming, and the country easier to work than it has been for tho last 70 feet. There is no change either in the side or appearance in the reef, nor do wo expect much improvement for another 15 or 20 feet, as it will require that distance to be driven to bring the channel back to its usual run. Stopes,— There is littlo to note from the stopes above main level; a few colours can bo seen in the breaking down, but as no patches have come to hand the quartz when crushed makes littlo show. Intermediate Level.— ln driving cast got a lino body of stone two feet thick and full of mineral of strong colours. Gold was seen yesterday in breaking down, which may bo a continuation of the run which the No. 1 Winze bad on the low level, the present face being nearly under it Tributcra Knox and McNeil! have put through about 200lba of specimens, a small parcel of picked stud", 71 i tons of quartz for a yield of 326 ozs. of retorted gold. Mayne's Party have taken out about 25 lbs. of picked stone from a slip of the All Nation lodo. Crosswell's are stoping and getting picked stone for the battery. The sUifFjput through is not worth crushing; we will clean up to-morrow.

THE OPERA.—"FAUST."

Gounod'B masterpiece," Faust," was pro duced at tho Theatre Royal last night to a good audience, and performed in a mannor that fully justifies its repetition this ovening. The the mo is one which has engaged the skill of musical composer* ever since Goethe published his remark* able work to tho world, but the French man has surpassed all his compeers in its treatment, and bis opera, tincc its initial production, has occu pied a deservedly high place in tbe lyrio drama,besides steadily advancing in popu lar favour. The music is eminently pleasing and also expressive without being cither ilorid or,laboured. Its cliarms are therefore readily appreciated, even by the uncultured listener.

Miss Annia Montague, ot coimc,assumed tbo iflle of Margaret,aud sang nud played in a manner which demonstrates at once tbo versatility of her histrionic talents and her superlative vocal abilities. The part of the German maiden is essentially different from that of Lucia, and yet it would be hard to say in which the prima douna appears to the greater advantage. The beautiful little ballad at the opening of tbe second act, " u'oc the Sea, in Thnle of Old," was sung with a subdued fooling and delicacy of expression that brought out into full relief all its natiye, but not obtrusive, merits, while the jewel song that follows was given with delicious naivety. Tbo whole scene was marked by rxting of a high order, and by very effective vocaliia tion. Throughout the tender and erotic finale to the third act, and duriug the first scene of tbe following one, where the unfortunate and contrite girl is subjected to the malevolent taunts of the fiend, the executive talents of the cantatrice had abundant room for display, and round after round of hearty applause marked the satisfaction of tbo audience. Her share in the highly-wrought mimic of the concluding act was also admirably taken. Mr Chas. Turner made a capital Faust. He sang and acted with au evident sense of the peculiari ties of his part. Ibo tudden and marvellous metamorphosis in tbe opening act was no less striking thin the equally rapid change from the plaintive and dolorous recitative of the eld and infirm student to the gleeful and jocund notes of the gay young cavalier as he opens tho sparkling duet, "Be mine the delight." It had the effeot of thawing the reserve of "the house," and eliciting tbe first marks of approbation from the audience. The cavatina, " Hail 1 thou pure and ballow'd dwelling," was given with much taste and decided effect, the sustained high notes upon which it ends bein>» de livered with a facility and ease and with a tulncea of tone that well exhibited the rare compass and power of the Ringer's voice. In the subsequent garden scene these qualities were even more amply demon strated. Mr Edward Farley was east as Mcplustopheles, and he didit fulljjustice. His line sonorous voice interpreted the incidental music, frequently weird and fantastic, and always striking, with fine effect, while his nervous and bizarre action accorded well with the infernal character of the r6lc. His rendering of the satiricil song, '< Uear tho way for the Calf of Gold," is a fitting illustration of What wa say, and so also is his execution of the serenade,with its mocking refrain, in the fourth act, In all the conceited selections, the voices of the three principals blended very agreeably. The quartette, in which Margaret, Martha, Faust, and Mephis topheles take part was veil performed also, while the trio in tbe fourth act between Faust, Mcphistopheles, and Valentine was really excellent. The part of Siebel lost nothing at the bands of Miss' Carrie Godfrey. A a a lyric actress, the lady has improved since her appear ance npon the local boards in conjunction with the Siraoußciiß, and her voice is such as to secure for her a ready acknowledge ment ot merit from any colonial audience. Her singing of the tender and pretty " Flower Song" at the beginning of the third act was characterised by much sweet ness while the recitative with which it in associated was phrased correctly "and its meaning intelligently brought out. Her rendition of the romance, "When all was Young and Pleasant" was also very good, Mr Percy Shannon creditably sustained the part of Valentine, and successfully took his share of the mueic. The > well-knowu cavatina "Evenßravest Heart may Swell" was very fairly given, but the dying scene was susceptiole of some improvement. Ex ception might be taken to one or two of the choruses. That of the women in the first act wan marred by a soupcou of dissonance, and the finale to the second aot did not •' go "co well as it should, Apart from a few inequalities, however, the choru.fl.es generally were satisfactorily performed j while the orchestration was eflicient—MV Caiou's lead being bold and decisive. The opera will be represented again tonight, when tho measure of public patronagel should be even larger than it was lost night, "Maritana" is underlined for ft). morrow,

Owing to the extreme length of the opera, the curtain will rise at 7.45 o'clock this evening,

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET.

Deobmdkb S3. Bank of N.Z.-Sellers. £23 National Bank—Buyers, 80s N.Z. Insuranoe -Sellers, 82a 61 ' S.B. Insuranoo—BeUers, 60s National Insurance—Hellers, Sis Union Insurance—Sellers, Sis Sd Union SaahapdDoor—Buyers, t,l Ts64 Auckland Timber—sollorß. £617a fid Bar of Islands Coal Co.-Sellers, £910a Northern S.S, Co.—Sellers,'l3a fid Fishor and Co—lls; sellers. 11b 3d Alburnia—Buyers, 10s Blaokmoro'B—Sellers, 7s 6d paid up Home RuJo-Sb ; buyers, 6s 01

THE LATE EXPLOSION.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

"WELLINGTON, thin day. The dreadful accident of the night before last has created a profonnd sensation in town, and while sincere sympathy is felt for the husband of the victim, peopl« shudder to think what might have been the consequence of his leaving so terrible an explosive unguarded even for a moment. Fortunately, fearful though the result has been, the explosion did not occur irfdoors, as in that case many lives would doubtless have been sacrificed, for the resistance offered inside tho.buildiDg would have pro bably resulted in the entire demolition of tho premises. The compound was made for a pyrotechnic display in the Wairarapa during the feiitive season, and ones hair bristles to think that so dangerous a mixture should have been manufactured for such an occasion. Mr Anthony, the husband of the deceased lady, and manager tor Mr Barraud, chemist, on whose premises the explosiontookplace, saysheis totally unable to account for the mishap, and it does not appear to have been known by any one in the premises that wafer dashed on tho mix. ture would have any evil effect. The inqueat, which is to be held on the deceased to-day, may bring out some important facts as to the manufacture of such explosives. Mrs Anthony was a young woman, greatly esteemed by those who knew her. She had two children, the eldest a boy two years of age, and the other an infant; the latter was in its cradlo at the time of the explosion, and the glass from the windows was scattered all over its covering, but fortun ately the child was uninjured. The eldeit child was standing in tho doorway and re ceived several bruises, and had its face blackened as if with powder. It is not in any danger of its life, but it is not yet known if its sight has been destroyed. The mother was almost literally blown to atoms, and presented a spectacle which all who have seen will remember to their dying day. She has, I believe, many friends in Chrißtchurch, where she had long been employed as a milliner. Mr Anthony is a young man greatly respected and liked hero, and the deepest sorrow is felt for bim in his sad bereavement. He is almost de mentod over the blow he lias sustained, though at the time of the accident ho re tained wonderful presence of mind.

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

•'THE MESSIAH."

Tins annual' Christmas performance of Handel's "Messiah" inaugurates a new season of the Society's existence. It is fifteen yean since the Society gave its first concert in the hall of the Mechanic*' Insti tute, now doing temporary duty for the Free Public Library. Many have been the changes since then. A glance at the orchestra last night shewed that barely a dozen members remain who took part in the

■' Messiah" concert of 1866. The Society has lived on through difficulties of no ordi nary kind. It has merited the support which has been freely accorded to it. That it has done much towards cultivating a taste for classical music was evidenced last night by the throng of eager listeners and performers who filled the Choral Hall—a eight which must have been most gratify ing to those who started the Society, and through whose exertions it has reached the sixteenth year ot it* existence. The impetus given since the arrival of HerrSchmitt, the Society's talented and enthusiastic conductor, was manifested by the assemblage of an orchestra of nearly 170 performers, including tho auxiliary force from'the suburb of Fonsonby. The numbers were approximately—Sopranos,64; altos, 27; tenors, 22; basses, 32; and in strumentalists, 32. The general precision with which the choruses were given testi fied to the careful training bestowed by Herr Schmitt upon the members. The grandeur of such a mess of voices was realized in many parts of the oratorio. Every effort had been made to reduce tho length of the concert to a reasonable extent, inn! the necessary omissions, although they included thirteen choruses out of twenty two, were on the whole well chosen.

Speaking first of the choruses, we may nay that the voices were pretty evenly balanced. A very marked improvement was noticed in the altos, both in power and in precision; the tenors, though still numerically the weakest, have gained in power. The trebles were hash and vigor ous throughout, and the bassos were fairly steady, though not massive in power. The choias which many considered 'to be the moit effectively rendered was "Behold the Lamb of God," which gained much through being taken somewhat slower than usual, and the leant effective were " Lift up your Heads " and "He trusted in God," in which the basses were somewhat perplexed at the varying accidentals. A word of praise muat be added for the chorus, "All we.liko Sheep," nor must we omit to mention the grand effects produced at the words ''Won derful Counsellor," in " For unto us," and also in the " Hallelujah " and " Worthy is the Lamb" choruses. The instrumenta tion was in many respects excellent, bnt the "Pastoral Symphony" was not successful, and occasionally there was a want of sympathy with the voice in one or two of the solo.'. Un the other hand, there was a careful attention to marks of expression, and e.g. in the violin accompaniment to the pas toral recitative an exquisite effect ot light and shade was produced. The variety in the solos was pleasing, there being as many as twelve different soloists.

Mr Dixon, by his careful and expressive rendering of "Comfort Ye" and "Every Valley " enlisted the sympathy of the audi ence, Mr Edmiiton essayed a taik boyond his 'power in the difficult bass solo "Thus Saith the Lord." Miss Corbett's sweet and pare TOice was heard to advan tage in " 0 Thou that Telleif'; but to our mind, the air is orer laden with instrumen tation, Mr Rhodes did not give his usual force to the recitative " For Behold," but be sang the succeeding air with very great taste,MissFenton'srenderingoftherecitative " There were Shepherds," was both simple and pleasing. Her mellow voice has a tell ing effort in solo and chorus alike. Miss Bleazard'a singing of the air, "Rejoice Greatly," "Was characterised by remarkable flexibility of voice, and a careful study of the music j it only lacked more power to be a complete success, Miss Maokay (alto), who sang "He Shall Feed Sis Flock," exhibits a singularly unaffected style of singing, and has a power of voice of which she appears to be scarcely conscious. The second part of this air was allotted to Mrs Judaon, who in it and in the solo, " How Beautiful," sang with a taste and skill, the result of thorough training. Mrs Glover undertook the pathetic air, "He was Despised,'' and sang it very sweetly, Mr Edward Barker was not quite at home in the recitative and air, " Thy Kobukc," but he gave a good tendering of the succeeding solo, " Bat Thou didst not Leave." With more force and expression, He would bo an excellent eoloist. Mr Brett has frequently' sung " Why do the Nations" on former occasions, but he never sang it better than last night. The marvellous accompaniment of this solo was not so steady, Mrs Upton's solo, " I Know that my Redeemer Livetb," came last of a.ll, but it was certainly one of the most successful Her voice is clear and resonant, and she sings with pre cision. We cannot, however, approve the mutilation of this sublime solo, by which one half of its solemn beauty was sacrificed,

The audieuce, as wo have said, was closely packed. Over a thousand were present, besides the orchestra. Not withstanding the large throng, the utmost pood order prevailed, thanks to an efficient body ot stewards, The orchestra was, as usual, very tastefully decorated with evergreens, etc., and the effact of tbe ladies' white dresses, w;th :i background of gentlemen it} evoning suits, was particularly striking. The oratorio is to be repeated, free aitd open to the pqblic, on tho afternoon oj Sun day week, New Yejjrte Day,

LAND SALE.

[BY TEI.KCIRAPH-PRESB ASSOCIATION.]

HAWJERA. Thursday. At a land gale tcwJay, 68 applloatlona were ra oelved tor 14 deterred payment sections. The prices ranged from $& 10a to £410a per aoro, the uoaot prices being from 35s to £3 53. The bnsh land lg rather heavily timbered. All the cash land offered In the newly-surveyed block, in cluding some 7000 notes ot bush land, aold at good prioea from the uDBot price of 30a per aore. at the lowest, up to £3 la per acre, the average baing ataoat 10a per aore above the npaet price all round. Suburban geotionsaeaiManala have ranged about £10 nor aore tea nearly 190 aorea, A few sootlooa of bush land in the Nsala block, aboat £00 sorea in all. which had been passed at the previous aale, were told at the upset price, The sale twas very successful an the. 'whole, ond ton bfddlnfcbrtek.

The "Comet" is the latest l>rand of whisky. Tc.rriblestails are told of its rapidity of action,

CABLEGRAMS.

IKkutees xklkgeams.]

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AND THE COLONIES. LONDON, December 21. A circular has been issued to the English clergy by Dr. Tait, Archbishop of Canter bury, in which tbe latter proposes that more direct communication should be estab lishedbetween Uomennd Colonial churches, with a view to encourage the spread ot Christian knowledge in the colonies, and for tbe spiritual benelit of emigrants.

SPAIN AND ENGLAND. MADRID, December 21. In the Cortes to-day, Senor Armljo,

Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that a protest had been recently sent by Spain to England against the charter granted to the ".North Borne Trading Company, and that diplomatic coirespondence was now proceeding between the British and Spanish Governments iv regard to this matter. BALLOON MISSING. ■ NothiDg has been heard of the balloon which drifted across tue English Channel, Grave fears are now entertained for the safety of Walter Powell, member for Malmesbury, and other occupants. The French flag has been hoisted at Bairatea, or Ulietea, a mountainous but exceedingly fertile island belonging to the Society group, about 130 miles north-west of Tahite.

FIRES IN THEATRES. The managers of theatres in London have been officially warned to take every pre caution to facilitate the escape of audiences in event of alarm of fire occurring. Several steamers are expected from America and other foreign ports overdue. feince the recent heavy gules in the Atlantic considerable alarm has be'en felt

for tbe safety of missing vessels. A VIBCOUNT MISSING. Viscount Doyle, eldest son of Earl Shannon (sic), lieutenant attached to 3rd battalion ot Prince Consort's Own (Rifle Brigade) now stationed in Ireland, is re ported as missing from garrison of Dublin. Uneasiness has been felt at the inexplicable disappearance. Since the discovery of the outrage per petrated upon the remains of Earl Craw ford, steps have been taken by direction of Her Majesty to protect the lioyal Mauso leum at Frogmore Park.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE SUEZ MAIL,

ALBANY, December 22.

The P. and 0. Company's steamship Surat, with the Suez mail, which left Lon don on November 18th, arrived in King George's Sound to-day.

VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

MELBOURNE, December 32,

The Victorian Parliament will be pro* rogued by proclamation to-morrow after* noon.

SPORTING NEWS.

The secretary ot the Auckland Racing Club received the following acceptances yesterday :—

FftEK HANDICAP. st.lb. Btlb. RUllnragate ... U 12 Lara .. ..7 6 Foul Play ..9 6 Ratcatcher ..7 8 Badsworth ..8 0 Director .. .. 6 IS Paramrna ..7 12 Fiorenoa .. - 6 12 Hilda .. .. 7 12 Miss Domett .. 0 10 Tim Whlffler ..7 8 HURDLKB. Lone Hand ..12 7 Bawenata ..0 7 Clarence.. ..12 0 The Lark.. ..9 0 Matan .. ..11 6 Hard Times ..9 0 Harkaway .. 10 0

ST. MATTHEW'S CHRISTMAS TREE.

The Christmas tree exhibited in aid of the fund for providing the annual treat for the children attending St. Matthew's Sunday school opened at the school-room at three o'clock this afternoon. Mr Webb, the deputy superintendent of the s:hool, and the teachers, have been assiduous during the past few weeks in collecting articles for the decoration of the tree, end they have been most successful, the tree being laden with a pcrfoct^oMff podrida of .11 ticles'of use and ornament. At the time. of opening there was a large attendance, principally ladies, and speedily all were engaged iv the purchase of tickets en'itlini; them to a prize from the tree. Considerable amuse ment was caused by a " work of art" which is to be raffled for the fund. It turoed out that the said " work of art" was a gaily-decorated sucking-pig, it being entitled to that designation irom the fact of its being a "carving." We are not aware of the name of the perpetrator of this vile joke. This evening Dr Daweon, by special request, will present to the audi ence his celebrated "Mrs Jarley's Wax works," and after that the gifts on the tree will be distributed amongst the ticket holders. As the admission is free, there will no doubt be a large attendance this evening.

CRICKET MATCHES.

TO-MORROW,

Poneonby v. Alpha CO.—The above elevens will meet on No. 7 wloiet to-morrow. Flay oommences at 2.15 p.m.

A oriokot match wil be played on No. it wioket at tho Domain to-morrow, between the West End and Onehunpra Second Elevens.

The Auckinr.d C.C. will play the Onehunga C.C. on Saturday, in the Domain.

In the cricket match to bo played In the Domain on Tuesday next, between teams xe preseDtiDK Town and Country, the Country' team will be made np of the folio wine slayers: —W. W. Robinson, W. F. Bookland, Bowden,

Porch (3), W. Cheeseman, Dewes. Donovan, Wynyard, MoLonnsn (2), W. O. Martin, T. Hall, Carruth, and Fitzpatriok. Play will be com menoed at 10 a,m. sharp.

Tho following team will represent the Union In the return match with the United 2nd Eleven, in the Domain :-3inclatr (captain). Archibald (Si. Bollard, Wallas, Buchanan, Hill. Sinolair, Lawrence and Kxlor: emergencies, Buchanan (2i. HassaU's express will leave the Whan at 2 p.m sharp. Otahahn v. Wo<t End.—The above match will take placs tomorrow, on No. 1 wioket. Domain Cricket Ground; play to oommonoe at 8 p-m. sharp. The following will represent We§t Knd:—Airoll, Macky. Lyooh. Brown, Brook, King, Isaac, Coleman, Bennett, Choice and walker. Saturday week being the end ot tho year, this matoh will be a one day match, and not extend over two Saturdays! as was at Arst intended. The folio wing will represent the North Sbore United %o& Hleven agrnst the ■ Civil Servioa Cricket Cluh in the Domain to-morrow after noon ; play to. oornmer.oo at 2.3o;—Wynyard |2), Johnston (2). Sibbln, Fraaor, Niocol, Sims, Reid, Blatte.-y and MoLean.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before J, E. Maodonald, Esq., K.M.)

Pdqimbtiq.—Emily Direr and Elba Kudd were punished (or disorderly conduct. Sbkk;ng RctST.—Frank Small wilb charged, under the VawantJ Act, with boi n * found at night OU the premises of MrMoUormaek.oJ Hobaoo- Btroot. on the 22nd inst. The prisoner, a very small bay, pleaded srailty, but on the applica tion of Mr Pardy he was remanded until to morrow, as another boy was in the case, and their obicct wai evidently to commit a felony. Andrew in a Rage.— Andrew Klrkwood was charged with boating Annie, his wife, at Famuli, on the 29th nit. Defendant pleaded, dono under providing ciroumstaooes.—Annie Kirkwooj, wife of defendant, gave a detal'ed account of her sufferings. Her husband wanted money, and because she wou'd not give him money for drink, ho threatened her lire and beat her; ebe got, her living by working aa alaunnroßa; hevhuuuand objected to work.— Prisoner said he was in boor at tho time, and his wife was vory provoking.- Sergeant Jackson deposed that tho old couple wore continually quurrrJiinK; the old lad? worked hard, and sometimes her husband lent a helping hand. Mr JCirkwood was fond at Mb heor. Defendant made a feeling address to. the Court, and was bound over to kuop the peace (or three months, himself in did, and one or two sureties in the same amount, or be imprisoned for the term. Quahdjja'h Tnoum.Kß.^Mirah Jane White, Of tho City Club hotel, was called unou to show why sho should not support two o{ her grand- BOQs.Vrha particulars of tuia oas« were lisard on a previous day. and. His Worship, under oil oirouniHtances, cpntldero..! that ha could not make tin order on de(endant.«-Jlr Browning ni:ki a for costs, which were not allowed. Fihi.vo Up. — James Moi.aughttn pleaded guilty to selling fire to inflimi»nbio matter Without obtaining permission at the City Conn oil.-rr Fined 10s and conts, Breach of liokksikc AOT.-.Williara Henry Fearce, of the Hagstaff Hotel, Norta Shore, was oharged with supplying alcoholic liquors to two men on Sunday, Uth inst—Mr A. &. whitaker appeared in delenoe, and pleaded not gollty.— £4 ward Flaherty, labourer, deposed that he roaidod at the North Shore: he called at" Mr Pearce's hotel on Sunday, with two other men, far some beor ; they were out for a walk, and feeling thirsty, went in and. called for drink. They cad two pints of boei and a glass of rum ; were served by Mr Pearce; there were words about the charge, and he got a smack on the nose; remembered that j had he been treated civilly, would not have "peaohecJ." To Mr Whltaker; He was aggrieved by the assault, not the beer.—His Worship; Tho con stable laid the information.--James Moore, carpenter, deposed that Flaherty gave a morn ing call at his house. They wont tor a walk and balled at tho yiugetafi'.-*-William Forbes, sea man, corroborated the evidence of Flaherty.— To Mr Whitaker: He called for the diinks and paid for them.—Mr Whitaker addressed the the beer in the belief that they were bona fide travellers, Mr Pearoe. being a B^anger at the North ghore did not know tfto witness.—Mr Pearce garo evidence to that effect.—His Wor • Bhipimposed a nominal penalty,viz.SOa and ooats,

TELEGRAMS.

(FEOM QVS, OWM COEEKSPOHD«ni t ) LIBEL CASE. Jame3 Barry Sitnpson.fornmly teach., t tbe native school at Ahipara.wai btttoS ( on warrant at the Court, Mongonai. **•»!!? ; day, «n two charges of crimlnaliita' ' Mr Reed, postmaster at Ahipat* t% libels' complained of were cosaSnr.il « letters to Mr Bisa, chief postmastWttSii' ? Simpson, accused fieed, amoiurnik things, oE opening letters^ and iift*? 61 ' known, contents to other people, M»m^ ; Cormick from Auckland, appeared f complainant. Mr Bias produced letton Jl* taining the libels. The defendant tu&Si an apology, which was refused. aSFXjI hearing evidence, Messrs White and Wvlm presiding Justices, committed Simt*i« V trial at the Supreme Court on both XT Mr Houston and another entered into* cessary bonds.and accused was admittedtn bail.- w THAMBB.thuday ' THE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE..; At the Police Court this momlrio ■William Plant was charged with nnl»S selling poison to one William McGitarn person unknown to him, contrary toft* provisions of the Sale of Poisons Act" m Worship inflicted », fine of £8 aid (sort? Defendant said he would not navth fine, but would prefer that big M v t! taken. , * ( ™ William H. J. McGivern wu.«aii*La with attempting to commit «iS at Grahamstown on Sunday last iSS dsnee showed that prisoner had ,Mreh*i«i six grains of strychnine, whiefi btrJad t poured into a bottle of lemonade, old*S< * a portion. Prisoner admitted the offiSeT 'I and promlied that the attempt BhbnllM be repeated. Letters were produced In : Court, written to his stepfather sX. \ I Solf, of Mangapai, stating that be ,1a" t tended to make away with himself, as hi heart had been broken by a woman. Hs was duly committed for trial ajtheSnprerae Fred Barchard was charged with stealing ' £5 in cash, the property ot Arthur She* I t ' '}*£ ? leaded e™ll^ Thß evidence I showed that prosecutor had reported the M loss of the money to the police, but on dig. § covering who was the offender, wished to f^J withdraw the proceedings, as he was his bosom friend. The police, however, had ; taken the matter In hand, and would not consent. Several friendi who we're h Court attempted to show that Barchard was on such terms of intimacy with Sher. i lock as to consider himself justified in help, ing himself to the money, Mr Kenlwick re served decision until this afternoon. TAURANGA, thUday, The May Queen sailed for Auckland tail morning. , ...., . ' WELCOMING THE NEW CHUMB. A picnic was held at Yattbn yfitetda», ' to welcome new arrivals by the Mm Queen. It was very largely attend^ \ th ( weather was fine, and a very pleasant da* was spent. < :t ,* PUNGAKEHU, this day.; MX BRYCE AT PARIHAKX <-, Mr Bryce has gone to Parihaka, and will probably leave.for Opunake to-nig^jn route for Wanganui for ChtistniasV^-lSe old Maori dray road to Parihaka is beiag formed by the A.C. .>:

(PKK PEESB AdlNOT.j ' | WELLINGTON, thtiday. THE LOTTERY CASES, The actions nuder the Gaming and Lot* teries Act will be commenced in the Magis trate's Court to-morrow, and great interknt is manifested in the issue. ,;. < , (fj!J ;.; DIRECT STEAM SERVICE. Of Government news there is nothing worthy of record beyond the facS that Ministers have recently been in communin. tion with the Agent General on the ques tion of direct steam communication between '--i Great Britain >tnd New Zealand, and th« Sir Dillon Bell is consulting with English' and Scottish shipping firm's; and is ex pected shortly to furnish the Government with a full report. '.■.", '■"". ; The recent handcuffing and imprisoning a number of Chinese is still exciting atten ticiD, and an indignation meeting is con vened for to-morrow evening to discius the subject. A petition has been drafted for presentation to tho Governor, and willbe . submitted tor the approval of the meeting, It is expected that a deputation will also be appointed to discuss certain features in the Act with the Minister of Justice. CHAMBER Ol1 COMMERCE. , At a meeting of tho Chamber of Com merce yesterday, it was resolved to a&stat the Auckland Chamber1 to obtain from tht American Government the remission • duty upon wool. It. was further resolvedt again press on the Government the n«ce sity for introducing a new Bankruptcy Bi next session. Mr Wm. Donald, tho well-known brewer, died to-day, aged tM. A heavy north-west wind is still btow> ing. ■■ ■ ■,':.- ::--:.r J,f2 ! The picliminary rules under the EJectioa Petitions Act, 1881, which isre requiredi to be sanctioned by three, judges cf the Supreme Court, will appear in this even ing's " Gazette," aadja copy of them will ha i posted to-night,by the Clerk of Writ* ?tgPh Returning Officer. , " "«■ TheiPremior leaves for the Sonth this evening, and will be absent afew days. ■ THE LOTrBRY'PROSECUTIONS.,. H ' The informations under the Gaming and |j Lotteries Act, against Sir Wm.Fitzherbert Hon. John Martip.and two-other gentlemen 1 for taking part in a sweepstake on Hntt Kacecourse, are now'being heard before a magistrate.and three Justices of the Peace. , CHRISTCHURiJfIJ Ttittfiidiyi: ; la banco to-day, an application WM 1 made by Mr Franck for leave to appeal to ; - the Privy Council in the Totali case, after argument, .leave was granted, subject to satisfactory security "M : colts being given. s, ■ DUNEDIN, Thuwdsy/ The Hon. Mr Chapman, (fomurly Judge) has been seriously ill daring the week, bat at the latest news wa« rather better." '' , . '::"; ■_",' "; 'L ':.:;: VERDICT OF MANSLAIJGHJEB. DUNEDIN, this diy«:< The Coroner's enquiry resulted in 5 verdict of manslaughter, against Mary Ann Weston, found drunk in the (street, with dead child in her arms. " At Heads: Nelson, ship, from Glasgow all well. :£

SUPREME COURT.-In Cham bers.

This Dat. (Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Be Francis SAWEE(deoeatted)i^Mrlj = Cooper moved that the order tot letters of administration of date, September 30,1881, be renewed, which was grantedi ■ - Ke Jamks liOCHEAD (deceoied), *JA motion ior order to register copy of will, by Mr T. Cooper was granted. ' Re Ann Cathbbihk WTMY*H»'*le-, ceased).—Mr James Kussell made a motion for probate, which was allowed ttfiil^K Ke John Graham (deceascd).^ls»|?n made by Mr J. Kussell for iet*erß'*w ministration.—Allowed to stand over. Re Wjmjam Kkan (deceasedW— *• • motion was made by Mr Jaß. Kussell fat *n order to rcgUter letters of ndmioiß|njlP }» and the order was granted. I .o"'*." Ke Samkul Tho»nally (dece»s«o)Ji- Mr, Dufaur moved that the Trustee b8 »P* pointnti to receive and give dißcbar|;e for Gavernment insurance, moneys to intant Qbildren.— Order made as prayed. Kb Hugh McKihmSy (debtor),' A motion was made by Mr Hesketb for. role nisi returnable this day.—Rule abanaonea. ' ' KEWnxiAM Wood Cabdno (deceaww« ; —Probate was granted on tho motion-Of fIU Hesketb. Vi Kb James Bashiold PattbbsoH l (deceased).—Motion lor renewel»f probate - by Mr Hesketh was granted. NatbanV. Havbnkb.—An BppHcation by Mr Theo. Cooper for a writ of »tM» under section 15, imprisonment for Debt Act was allowed to stand over, . v ' ■ ? Laishleyv. Blaqrovk.— A motion fwf leave to enter up.—Judgment by M* Laish ley was ordered to Btand over. ■'.',.-

Yesterday afternoon, near Port Ghahnerg, a boy full oat of a boat in deep watei. An engine was passing at the time along the railway Hue, and the engine-drfyer, nwriW Bracebridge, stopped it, swam off to tbe boy, and rescued uimi . , , I W Gas and coke consumers are invited! to theseoretary to tho Gas Company to p*y their accounts this week, and not ran the ri«k oi losing their discount in the holiday wMk. Tbe office will t» closed oa Monday and Tuesday, j

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. FBIDAY. DECEMBER 23,



Special Advertisements. DANK HOLIDAY. TUESDAY. 2Jth DECEMBER. WiU bo observed aa a Special Bank Holiday at tho various Offloes In New Zealand of the undor mentioned Banks:-~ , THE UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA 1 IMITKD. (Signed) JOS. PALMER, Chiol Ofilcor for N.Z. THB BANK OV NEW SOUTH WALES. (Signed) J. B. HILL. Inspector. THR BANK OB1 AUSTRALASIA. (Signed B.sW. MOWATT, Inspeotor. THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. (iiignod) 1). S. MURDOCH, Gonorul Manager. ' THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZEA LAND (LIMITBD). (signed) W. DYMOOK, InspeotOh THE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEA LAND. (3iAned) GEO. COWIB. General Manager. MO L X S X I N TROUSERS I MOLKSKINjrROUSERS Slnoo tho Abolition of Duty on Piece Goods, THE NEW ZEALAND CLUTHING FACTORY ARK AGAIN TO THE FKONT, And can now supply their Customers with MOLESKIN TKOUSERS . At 25% loss Th an Usual Wholbsalb Prior. TRY THEM Ml To bo had at all the Kktail Branches of the NEW ZliAJj\NI) CLOTHING FACTORY. Auckland Branch: QTJKKN-BTRKKT (Opposite Theatro Royal). And at Albert-street, Thames. ISIDOK ALEXANDER'S SPECIALTIES, FINE WATCHES 1 KICK JEWELLERY 11 CHOICE CLOCKS! I! At Lowest Pbices I 96, QUEEN-STBEET, AUCKLAND. GARLICK & CRANWELL still sell all t>r*piryandClathinj?ontheC -OPERA- TiVK Cash Princ'p'a. Pricoa much lower than if they did a credit business. CITY HAI.L ARCADE. DBESS GOODS.—The greatest variety and a beautiful assortment is to be found at our Kstablißhment, with Trimmings of Tarlous kinds to match, and sold at Co operative C»sh Prices. GAKLICK & CKANWELL. ADUAS MDSLIN, Is 8d and la lOd per yard; Coloured Lustres from Gd to 2s 34, our own importing and s eoial good value: Blocs Silks at various prices, but those at Is 3d and 5a 3d are _mM %&LJgk & CRAMWELL. OURNING GOODS. — Black Cash, meres. Crape Cloths, Balmorals, Drees and Bonnet Crapes, Mourning Goods, to suit all classes of Customers, at the City Hall Arcade. GAKLICK & CRANWELL. fTMBKELLAS AND SUNSHADES.— U Fashionable Sunshades, plain and f anoy, in satin and other kinds of coverings. Just opened, some very pretty Children's Parasols. We advise an early selection. GARLICK & CBANWELL. MANCHESTER GOODS.— Sheetings, Calicos. Bed Quilts, Blankats; large lot Of White Lace and Muslin Curtains. CITY HALL AKCADE. CIRKTONNES.— Upwards of 60 patterns / to select from, aomo of them the hand- Bomost In Auckland, varying in price from Sd to 3a M, Linings and Trimmings i for same, White and Fancy Dimities. \ ' GARLICK & CKANWKLL. ILLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. —Large stock of Trimmed Hats and Bonnets. Milliner* on the premises to execute orders in best style and with de-match. Straw Hate, all the leading shapes, a capital line just opened at la. GAKLICK & CRANWELL. FANCY GOODS.—SiIk Mantles, Che. nille Dolmans, Capes, Fancy Scarfs, Children's Fancy Dresses, Feathers, I Flowers, Underclothing, &o.; all at low ' cash prices, j GAHLICK & CRANWELL. M! EN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING.-A well-assorted Btook at Co-operative Cash ) Prices. Men's Trousers and Vests, Snito, ) Men's and Youths' Imperial Sao Suits, I Boys' Tweed and Kniokor Suits. Some ) I special lines in Trousers, Waistcoats, Sec, I / worth inspecting. Ji^ARLICK & /CRANWELL, CITY HALL ARCADE, Auckland. I A NEW EKA IN DENTISTRY, i MR. ALFRED WILLIAM CHATFIELD (FORMERLY OF MELBOUKNK), i To whom was awarded the Second Ordkb or i Merit at the International Exhibit.on, Melbourne, 1880-1881, WILL BKHIN THE PRACTICE OF HIS PROFESSION IN AUCKLAND n that Centrally-situated SUITS OF ROOMS | overhead Messrs. J. and' T. Mason's Hair dressing Establishment, Queen-street, on | WEDNESDAY, 28th December. , His appliances were specially seleoted for him i In London and Paris, and include the Latest i Improvements in Dontlstry known to the aoien i tlflo world. 1 As Mr. Chatfield has made arrangements to 1 receive regular shipments of all Dontal Rcqnl aiteß from liondon, his rooms will bo known as "Tba London Dentistry." Note the Address— The Ijondon Dentistry, I 190, QUKKN-3TREET, AUCKLAND ■ (Next door to the Savings Bank, and overhead Messrs Mason's Hairdressing Saloon). rTIHE FACT IS NOW ASSURED •A THAT INOIPIBNT CONStJMPTION1, CHHONIO BRONOHITIS, ASTHMA, TEBOAT AND LDNQ COMPLAINTS, NEKVOUB AND WASTING! DIBKABKB ' are permanently relieved, the worst Bymptoms arrested, and a healthy re action produced by AIOKIN'3 SYKUP OF WUOALYPTUB with mfPojJiioaPHiTKa uy limm QUJNINIt. Theso"great results are owing to the combination of ..' NBBVB AND BRAIN TONICS that lend increased sustaining powers to the invalid, added to whioh lathe ™ SPEOOTO ACTION of the Eucalyptus ron the mtteus mem branes, whereby the air passages are cleared of unhealthy secretions in a natural manner. Daily evidence Is afforded of the per manent resuscitating: action of this remedy—so thut all who suffer should at once make a trial of its eminent proper ties. The Eucalyptus Syrup Is moderate [ In price, and within the reaoh of all who need it. It is a pharmaceutical combina tion of tonic alkaloids with hypophoa phites.and not a secret nostrum; Registered and gazetted under "The ! Trades Marks Registration Act," by Graves Aiokin, The Pharmaoy, Auok- ! land. Wholesale Agent i this New Zealand Drug Company.



Special Advertisements. "DANK OF NEW ZEALAND. SPECIAL BANK HOLIDAY. Notice Is hereby given that TUBSDAST, 87th instant, is appointed a Special Bank Holiday at the various offices of this Bank in New Zealand. D, L. MURDOCH. General Manager. Auckland, December 17th, 1881. INSURANCE COMPANIES ASSO CIATION. Tho Insuranco Companies' Offloes will be closed on 20th and 27th Inatant, for the Christmas Holidays. H . woraP| Secretary. f|-iHE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT 18 ONE OV HERBERT H. SMITH'S ECLIPSE STOVES. A fow of tho Flrst-prizo Stovoa on hand.



Owing to unavoidable circumstances, tho publication of the "Obsorror" has boon post poned till to-morrow (Saturday) morning. Our customers will oblige by calling early to-morrow. We havo had such a ran on Christmas Hama that oar preaont supply is a limited aim, having only soraa fifty or sixty loft In stock; and aa wo go upon tho principle of (lrst oomo first Barred, our regular customers will only haro themselves to blamo if they como into, aa in tho ovonlnß we are euro to bo rushed, thorofore wo say again—como early and avoid tho rash and confusion of tho evening, and prevent disappointment. We shall take no advantage of the season, bnt shall sell at our usual low prloos. We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and as far a» wo can, wo shall do our boat to make it one. Auckland Provision Company, Right Corner Stall, City Market—A. Bettany, Manager. Handball,-Hurry Thomas plays O'Con nor to-morrow. Two silver cups will uo olForod for competition as well.- [ advr.! By invitation 'from our sporting and onterprißlng jowellor. Mr F.H.Lowisaan.wo had an inspeotlon of his now stock of watches. They are worth seeing. It ho don'c sell yon one before yon leave his shop he will soil you some thing, for he has the grandest assortment of everything in his line in New Zealand. Christmas Beef! Christmas Beef! — Recolved two ilrst-closs prizes and a piece of plato at the Auckland Show for fat oxen. List of prieoa : -Wholesale: Qr, or side of beef, 2Jd ; carcase of mutton, 2Jd; pigs, 3}d and id, Ketali: Mntion, 2d, 3d. Id ; roast boof, 3Jd, ifl. Sd; pork, 3d to Sd; iamb, from 20 per qr: Veal, 3d to 6d; large quantities of ox tongnes, corned rounds of beef, salt logs of pork, Canterbury hams, suot In any quantity; corned beef, 3d; In barrels, lOOlbs, 2001 m, and 3001bs. 2Jd, delivered on Doard or railway; atinosotiorio sausages, Id per lb; German buub&ko, 6d. Discount to the trade. Warrant everything tho very beat quality, — Qkohuk Hclme, Butchor, Queen street, Auoklund.-[ AdvL]