SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

UV,n -.VATKH] T^^wYlorninjj. 7.19 ! UX3KT— Tj.lu Kveninse. 7.17 <-U > |'.I?K.—To-Morrow Morning. 5.2 II OK"8 MJH.-Full Moon, 15th, 11.13 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

F.ABT ETEHNO. Ovalau, schooner, Murray, from Rarotonfja TO-DAY. lona, 8.5., Bttphen?OD, from Russell

DEPARTURES.

LAST BVKXIire. Waitaki. e.g., Kdif.for Whan?arei City of New York. P.M.M., Heabury. for .Sydney. TO-DAY. Wasgannl, »hlp. Walt, for London PIiOJKCTUH UEPARTUKK3. limdon-Waagsnui, Tomorrow; Dnnloe, load- TtturanKV-Olonfete, Moml-iy: Waiiakl, Mon day Uoatwli—lona. Monday MolboarM, via South-Albion. Thai-May \viia«ifare! and Kus-se.l -Wnitakl. vVcinivlay .New Plymouth and aouth-Pc-nzniD, I£WMJ <v tianiforel-ArKrla, Tuoil«r» an'> Krl<u>' Norfolklilanda'ndV.-oumta-J'ilio rryce. sch.,

Monday Napier-L-.fch Kleet, barrio

IMPORTS.

PtrOvalau. from Karatonsta-OO tons copra (3 bales cotton. 2 baleg-tep*. «*» «allons lirn(J juice, 20 loi?3 toa timber. Per Lo'-h Urr, from London :-2 CMC 3 ptr famery 2 ca»es BMP. 1 CMC spectacles. C cs= :B 'tufon'-ry 'note aid letter paper, &0.2 casci secour.t tVk -. 1 case razor strops. 1 case nortis fbcS author' 2 caws briar pip**. 1 cane thirties. 2c^e:< dmsineconi^. l cas*s nurn rings. 6 cases sundries.-M. L*.y end Co.

n casks white clover. C carta red, 2 cihks Msylse, GcsakscowifaiM. 15 thda. asurharyni, lfflTJoiei Uitl and TucStcrV Btvch, 20 cmcs Norwood's Ralvanissd irou.—Kummer end Co.

EXPORTS.

Per Cty of Now York, for Bydn-.y-2 Udb fonjcus. PerWinifre-5 for Flj-OO.O'rt feet timber, JO i-a-hea, 36 pieces triruminiia. '<■'-*> l<** moulding.

Ihe P.M. s.s. City of New York sailed for Fydnoy at a law hour last night, tarflngtne fo. oWr piußengers :-Cabin: Mr J. K. Pearson. MrandMraM.A. Car*. Mrs I/; Jenn», Mrs Archibald, Hon. Tww. Dick. X, iox, ltuv. A. Fenuy John ,-rnith and wife, -Misses fcmlth <-'). Uev. K. W. linker. Ur. lioase. T. S:uitb. Hte-r- BK(s: Mr* Moore, Mil Hudion and six children, Mrs & Battett aad two children. Win. Arrai tafjc, J. liryant.

Inwards CoAsrwjaE.-Janet, from \/h»n ---garei Ueaia ; Pukapuka, barge, for Mahnrangi: l-olurnbia, forlinsaell; Sunbeam, forManaia.

OLTWIBDB Co»BTWiHB.-Janet, from Whan g«reilleida; Zillah. from Thames; Opotiki, from Opotiki, with 72 Baciin maize.

Tho schooner Winifred cleared at the Customs to-da7 for Snva, Fiji, with a cargo of timber and one passenger:—Mr iSilnc.

A merchant shipping and underwriters message reports the arrival of the nhip Fiji, fiom LyW«!ton at London, on Sept. 23th.

Tho barquo Bydenham, Captain Miller, left London for AncklaDd on November 27. the bringn 137 passengers. The barque Loch Dcewas expected to leave London for Auckland on l»ecernber 8.

The schooner Agnei Donald arrived at liarotongs from this port on the 23th ult.

The schooner Rona, from Taurani?a, is on her way to Kalpara, where she will Icail with timber for Lytteiton.

All clalnriß against the barqnentine Ocan lianger, mart be rendered in duplicate before Z.OOH on Monday.

The b ?. GJenelff arrived thia Imorning from Tfturanjza with 30 Backs (?urn, 31 caset bottlea, 40 bundles hides, 4 bundles Bkina, I ca^ks tallow, I ion sundries. Passengers: Mr and Mra King and family, M^r and Mrs Mllu and family, Mr and Mra Urame and family, Mr and Alia War riniiton, Mia< Mocatta. Mra McKenzie, Miss Neison. Mra Motion, Mw Smith, iiiaa Smith, Mra i.egan, Stepben», rfncll, O'Meara. Gage, Kamson, .Murcb, Johnaion, Wright, Walker. Bartley, Brown, McLood, Bmith, Blossome, and three in the steerage.

The schooner Ovalau arrived from Karotonga ll»t evening. Shi left Auckland 19th October, arrived at RarotODga on 3rd November; left aKain for a cruise on the B'.h. returned to iiaroionxu on the M'.h, leaving attain for Auck land on tho 28th. Had litfht airj and calmg throughout th* entiro paesaKe. Passenger* :— Merarß. HdenboiouKh. Kexham, Pitt, and Blair.

Thl3 is the afjo Of Jtrest steamers. Vessels of more than 1000 tons burthen are common on our ocean eteamahip lines, and the nar/ius of many can b9 recil'wl without muck effort of memory. Such ure the Gallta, bclouKii'K to tho Cuoard Company; ihe Inman steamer, City of U'.rlin ; the urient liner, Orient; tho Anchor line, steamer. Levom'a; the Germanla, which carries the WhlH ftarllr-over the Atlantic billows; and tho Arizona, u.ucent nplcndl'l adcition to tho Guion. At the present moment there are under construction in England (lye merchant Bteametß bigger than any afloat, with only one exception, tat us take the giealest llrst, This h'tlie City of Konie, which in boln* bailt at Kr.rrow-ln Kurneas for tljc Inraan Steamship Company. Bhe la 800 feet lodk (or 100 feet longer than St. Fatll'D) 52ft. 3in. broad, and ha» acarryin«capsci»y ot 8000 tons. Then comes tho f ervia, ordered by tbe Cunard Comp»ny of Mensrs 'Ihomson, tho well-known Clyde builders. BheU 510 ft. long. 52ft. wide, and will carry 7000 tons. Another Clyde linn, Messrs Elderand Co., who have juxt (?ot tho Russian imperial yacht Jjivadia out of their handa, are busy with tbo Alaska, destined to augment tho Onion Lino of Atlantic steamers, ilor length will bo only ten feet leas than that of her neigh bour of the Cunard Line, and her burthen will be 8100 tons. Messrs Klderare also engaged npon twostoimers 5500 tons each respectively. In tended for the Orient Hte»m Navigation Com pany and tho North German Lloyu'a. Appro priately cnoUKh, at this time, too, tho Great. Kastcrn, an wai unnonnced the other day, has been reiltted for Boa. and will shortly be en- KtLfiKii in the American cattle trade. This ulKantic vessal—she la tho exception before ic ferred to, being 632 feet lonpc, and capable of carrying a burthen of 12,000 tons—has had anj • ihlngbuta prosperous caroer Bince she was launched In 1859.

DEPARTURES.

Tho ship Wangsnni, for London, was towed out of tho harbour this aJternooi by tho Cilone'g. She took a lar^o valuable cargo and tne following passongors :-Mrs J. Y.Htovenson, elKht children, and servant, Mrs Gavin, and two chlldr.-n, Mr J, B. Gordon, Jano Mclntyre, .Susannah Walton, Miss Marshall, and Majter Marshall. The cargo is i alued as follows :— Wool £27,883 iCaurigum 17.035 Gold UO'O Tallow - ■• 1.211 Copra I.W Pearl shell J715 Cotton 1.77.1 Manifaneso JJ" J^eathor - •• •>'•' Hutter *™ Sondries ....__ bli Total £05,553

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Kowcnii, s b., Amodeo. from Waitara DEPARTURES. Lalla Itonkh, p.s., Campbell, for Waitara Hannah Mokau, s.s. McCarthy, for Waitara IMPORTS. Per liowena, from Waitara: 2i head cattlo. Messrs Garrlck and Brown woro pafßOntjers hy thn Kowena, which arrived from Waitara this morning.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wklltnoton, yesterday. Sailed:».». Albion, for Anckland. via tho East Coaat Passontfnra: Miss S. JJavcy, Mesdames Ufnzoln and Holmwood; Mr and Mrs i'ritt and family, Messrs. R. C. Meysey. Thomson, MoKrldKo, Lawßon, Connolly, Ke'th. Holmwood, Mofiin, Watcrhouso, Kaulkner, Blackburn, and 9 in tho steerage. Lyttbtvton, yesterday. Hailed: Annio Mclhnrßt, for Newcaßtlo.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvbniwo Stab Office 1 Saturday. Mr It. Arthur's salo of fruit yesterday, was fairly attended ana, generally, high prices wore realised. Fowls brought from 1b Cd to 3s 5d ouch; small turkeys, 2u 9d; <! ucks, Is 5d to 2i 8d; KBese, 2i Od to 3a7d;ptKS, 12& to Ms; lambs, ss; potatoes. 2b lOd to is ; onions, Id to IJd j wheat, 3s id • oat (. 2s to 2s 3d; maizo, 2s Cd to 3g M. , bran lOd per bushel: (lour £8 to £13 1(M: oatmeal, lid ; apnles, 2Jd to 3}d ;plums,o}d to 71<i ; pears. Id to 2|d; peaches, fljd to 74(1 pw dozen ; lomonß, Is 9d per dozen; sn /ar. 33d to ijd; tea, In boxcß, 22s to 203 ■ cornflour, 7Jd; lemon peel, Is 2d; paper Id; salt, 5s Gd; bincuitß, Od ; lollies, lOd ; bacon, 3-1 to 9d ; choose, 2d to Cd; butter, 2d to CJd; whlto lead, l|d; raw oil, in Od. Messrs It'arblnca and Lusher heldthclilusual sale of poultry, produce, &c, yeßtorday, when the followinu prlcoa wero realized:—Fowls fetch 2a to 2j Od; chickens. In Od to la lOd. Maizo, 2s CJ to 3s 3d; oats, 2s 3d; fowl wheat, 3s 3d' bran, £i 10b ; damaßOd bran, 3s per Back; boor. Ijd; potatoes, Is; onions, id por lb.; flour, £11 to£i3; oatmeal, l}d per lb.; cheese, 6d per lb ; hams and baoon, 71a; sale, 5b Od por owt.; tea, boxes, 19b ; homatlto paint, SGs per cwt.

Mail Notice.

Mails wn.r. Cuoni ah Unmer : Moxdat, 17th lnetant. For Coromandel, per Coromand.;l, at 11.30 a.m. Kor Tliamc-B, per P.otoinahana. at 1.30 p.m. For TauraDK* »nd Opotiki, per Glenelg, at Kor P'"liueB«ll, Kawakawa, Waiiifaroa, and Monironul, per lona, at 4 p.m. Kor Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday. 13th Inutant. Kor Taranaki and Southern ports, per Penguin, at >S a.m. Kor Norfolk Island and Now Caledonia, per Julia Price, at SI a.m. For VValwera, Kawau, Omaha, and Matakana, per Ko»e Casey, at 10 a.m. Kor HoUianun, per Howena. at 10.5 a m. Kor vVhaiiKarei Heads, Walpn, Whangarei, and Muogapal, per Ar«yle, at I p.m. Thursday, 19th in»t&nt. For Glsborne, Napier, Southern porti, and Australian Colcnlej, per Albion, at i p.m. y. B. 8133, Chief Postniaatar. Chief Pcit-offlce, Auckland.

Meeting, Entertainments, Etc.

JiNU-un- 15th. ISBI. Thea'.ro Iioy&l-"Oura," 3 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

"A RIADIH OF THE STAII" will find tho nOtifl ration he refers to In our iasuo of the I'iib instant.

Birth.

OXLKY.—At her residence, Old Dominion' Ponsonby, Mra I). Oiley, of a daughter,

Death.

BOULTRI"HT.—On tho 15th Instant, Kllcn Uonltiight. aged la years. The funeral will leavo Victoria (Juadrant to-morrow iSanday). at 3 p.m. Friend* please accept this invitation.

HOLT.—On January lolh, 1831. at the Provincial Hospital, John Holt; aged 52 years. The funeral '.will leave tho Provincial IJU trict Hospital, on Monday.lTth, at 2 p.m.

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

SATURDAY. JANUARY 15, 1881.

For the car. o that belts assistance, For the wronj that needs resistance, For the future in the di.tanca, And th« zeal that we an do.

Is a letter published cm Thursday evening, Mr J, C. Firth endeavoured to vindicate his motion at the Crown Lands Board for a tax upon Kauri gum. Ilia arguments, and the premise.! on which they rest, will, however, hardly bear critical analysis. Mr Firth's premises may be reduced to throe proposi tions—First, that guru is a product for which there ia no substitute in certain classes of manufacture ; second, that it is peculiarly capable of being artilicially raided in price; aud third, that the consumer may be made to pay the tar. The first and third propositions, we contend, arc fallacies, —the second is true of gam just as it is true of flour, wool, or any other commodity, and no more. Tho use of kauri gum in manufacture i 3 confined almost exclusively to the production ot varnish, but bo far from there being "no other Bab3tauce to take its place," tho employment of our gum in that manufacture prior to 18C5 was so insignificant that Dr. lire, the best author ity, in his edition of 1807, does not even mention it as an article of commerce, and kauri gum has still to compete with gams which were used when New Zealand was only known as cannibal islands. Of these there are several descriptions. The African copal heads tha lint, and holds the very highest place among varnish gums, although choice picked transparent kauri runs it very clobc. Then there are the copals of the East and West Indies, the gum animc from an American tree, the sandarach gum of North Africa, and the elmi reams collected in lump 3by the natives of the Dutch settlements. All these gums compete with kauri, and arc used extensively in the manufacture of varnish. In the very best transparent carriage varnishes the use of common kauri gum for copal would be con sidered as much an adulteration as the substitution of New Zealand flax for manilla in rope. The two New Zealand products mentioned have this element in common, that they aro both peculiar to this colony ; but to suppose that either is a sub stance for which there is no substitute in any art or manufacture in which it is used is an egregious mistake, jiesides the gums we have named, rosin is also largely used in some classes of varnish, and the gum mastic of the Levant for pictures and other liner var nishes. If the supply of kauri gum were to cease to-morrow all gums would rise in price, but no single manufactory in any part of the world would have to close its doors fDr want of raw materials. It there fore follows that the price of kauri gum, like that of any other product, is regulated by its quality and the supply of gum in the market. Its use has increased very much of late years, because the abundant supply and the excellent quality of the gum have given it a very high place among its com petitors, and in the case of a comparatively limited product like gum tho price might be raised by a syndicate buying up and holding all, or a large proportion of the stocks; but we know that the came thing has been done, in bad seasons, with wheat, potatoes, tho manufactures from grapes, and other marketable commodities. An American combination which tried it with kauri gum a few months ago, however, is said to have found the experiment not so easy or so profitable as they antici pated. Having proved then the existence of foreign competition which Mr Firth himself holds to be fati.l in tho case of an export duty on coal, let us enquire whether an export tax would accomplish the end Mr Firth anticipates, even if all the conditions Dlaimed in his letter were present, present, and Auckland had a commodity for svhich there is no substitute. Mr Firth idmits that in order to raise the price, the supply must be diminished. Given a fixed 3onsumption, the price will be in proportion ;o the measure in which tho supply is above )r below the demand ; that is a fundamental aw of trade. Mr Firth speaks of reducing ho supply to one half - which is synonymous vith driving one half of the men now imployed digging gum into other channels if labour. How would an export duty iccomplish that? Of course, there is only me way—by oppressing tho poor diggers vith burdens sufficient to render thoir occu lation unrcmunerative. If, as Mr Firth ontends, the consumer would pay the tax, vhy sliould the supply decrease, because he digger would find his pursuit as profit ble as ever, and would have no reason to javc it. To suppose, therefore, that tho onsumer would pay tho tax before a large roportlon of the gum-diggers were rmshed out of existence is a palpable

fallacy. The question then arises, is it just or politic to deprive men of their means of livelihood by burdensome taxation, or to atl'-mpt to traramel the freedom of ex change in a raw material peculiar to Auck. laud by Customs restrictions ': Mr Firth complains that his free trade principles have been impeached ; but we must confess that the theory involved in h's proposal — namely, the regulation of the volume of supply by legislative restrictions—appears to us to s'trikeat the very root of free trade. To reduce the (supply of kauri gum by heap ing State burdens on its producers means not merely ;i cruel wrong to a large indus trial class, but also a serious disturbance of the labour market, and, aboreall, an in terference with the natural course of trade adverse to Auckland. For, assuming that the supply of kauri gum were re duced, ia it to be supposed that the articles of commerce in which it is now used would go out of consumption ': Most ;.s ---suredly not. The l»w of trade would x»sert themselves-, and the money which now conies to Auckland for kauri gum would go to Africa for copil and sandaracii, to America for anime and resin, and to the Dutch settlements for elmi gum?. We should lose a good customer, and a laige labouring population would be turned on to a limited market and swell the rank< i f those crying for Government employment

The very weakest part of Mr Firth's letter, however, is that in which lie attempt!) to defend the collection of the tax U|>;ii gum takeD from private lands. The answer that it ii done with the L'old duty ia no defence at all. Two wrong-* will not make cue right, and the injustice ofthe gold-duty ■liai been affirmed by the legislature. Moreover, the goldfields ate almost ex clusively Crown property ; the mining i^n private property ifi ho insignificant as uot to be worth notice, and where it exists the owner receives rental* that pay him handtomcly. The ground of Mr Firth's defence here, however, appears to be changeable and nM altogether consistent. Ttie gold duty was originally imposed from revenue considerations, but if the Crown Lauds Board submits the gum-tax for the Hatnc reason!l, it is travelling beyond it* functions and is usurping those (if the Colonial Treasurer. Mr I'irth replies :— We do not do that ; our position is this : we ore charged with the administration of the Crown lands and vs "kauri gum it the chief element of value in the 'ami from which it U obtained," the State ought to get paid for it. In olher words, the duty i* propoicd as the- easiest way ot collecting rental. What is the position then ? About one-half the gum exported is obtained from private and native lands ; arc the owners of these lands not entitled to the fame lights as are claimed by the Hoard t»r the State '! Is the Crown ju.stitied in exact ing rental from lands, which they either never owned «r which they have already been paid for, and Kinds too which, nceonl lug to Mr Firth's admission, are chiefly valuable for the product which the proposal ot the Hoard would Raddle with grievous burdens ? We give the Hoard their choice of reasons, and in either case their resolution is indefensible. Auckland is taxed heavily enough without accumulating upon it special burdens. A tax on kauri gum is peculiarly unjust, because it would b; n special tax on a very email part of the colony, and on one class ; and for that reason alone, we should protest against such a tax even if the colony at some future date, deemed it politic, fur revenue purposes, to tax wool, wheat, stock, aiid other products common to ull parts of New Zealand.

OUR Wellington correspondent telegraphs that Mr Uryce has not yet actually relin ijuinhed the portfolio of native afliirs, but has tendered his resignation, which in under consideration. It ia to be hoped that Borne means will be found of inducing him to reconsider his decision, or at all events of deferring it until Parliament meets.

TnE secession of Mr Shaw and fifteen nf the Irish members of the lloase of Com mons from Mr I'arnell's party will be a serious blou- to the Home Kuleri, The rause of the split is not explained, but it will probably transpire that the ecccders have become di'satislicd with the extreme policy of I'arnell, Davitt, and tlie other leading agitators, and are disposed t> accept the Irish Land Hill introduced by Mr Gladstone's Government. Mr Shaw was formerly leader of the Iloiue-Kulc party, having succeeded to the position on the death of Mr Buti, until he was eclipsed by the more sensational programme propounded by I'arnell. Mi Shaw has always been regarded as a man of moro moderate views that the member for Cork.

Latest cable despatches received to-day shew that the Chilians are following up their recent successes against the Peruvian*, At last advices the Chilians had cliectcd a landing at Pisco, a seaport town about 125 miles nouth of Lima, the capital, with the design of operating along the coaßt to the capital. The Chilians had a force of 25,000 men and 100 guns, while the army opposed to them was badly armed and provisionally and i-eriously disorganized. The capture of Lima, which appears to be impending, would probably terminate this long and obstinate war, which has inflicted such injury on South American commerce.

It is with deep regret numerous friends and old colonists will learn of the death of Sir William Martin, late Chief Justice of New Zealand. Bishop Cowie received a letter from Lady Martin yesterday, giving particu'&H of the peaceful aud happy end of a well-spent and useful life.

The Hon. Thomas Dick accompanied by Mr K. Fox, private secretary, left last night for Sydney by the City of New York in order to represent New Zealand at the Intercolonial Conference. A telegram was recewed from Sir Henry Parkesstating that the Conference would not close its sitting before the 24th.

Sir George Grey having received a request to assist the natives in obtaining a steamer to trade to Mokau, and other West Coast port?, will probably visit the natives in those districts, if the state of his health, which has been precarious, permits of his undergoing the fatigues of the journey.

For the convenience of country residents the railway authorities have determined to run a train to Henderson's Mill on .Saturday evenings and Monday mornings, the name as on Tuesdays and Friday.".

A mau named John Holt, who was ad mitted to the Hospital last week suffering from strangulated hernia, died there this morning, a few minutes before nine o'clock. According to his ownstatemeut, he had been suffering from this painful complaint for about twenty years, thus rendering his case a rather singular one.

The members of the order of Loyal United Friends will celebrate their first an niversary with a soiree, concert, and ball on Monday evening next in the Temperance Hall. The programme sets forth : Tea at 6.30, conceit at 8 sharp, and dancing at 9,30 p.m. We are informed that the floor of the ball has had a little labour expended upon it, and the objectionable rise and fall in the centro removed. Ihe city band will bo in attendance. A very agreeable evening is iooked forward to.

Wo learn on good authority that Sir George Grey will make the Patetere land question his trump card against the Govern ment in the house next session, and that he and several other prominent members of his party have been in correspondence with the view of arranging the plans of the approach ing campaign. It is also stated that previous to the session Sir George Grey will make a tour through the colony as on former occasions, and address public meet ings in the principal centre?! of population.

The annual meimugs 01 Householders in the various city and suburban school dis tricts are to be held on the evening of the 24th inst. at the hours and place set forth hereundcr, viz.:—Auckland City, Young Men's Christian Association rooms, at half past 7 o'clock ; Dedwood, Ponsonby, at the School, at half-past 7 o'clock ; Devonport, at the School, at 8 o'clock ; Ellerslie, at the School, at 7 o'clock ; Grafton Road, at the School, Nugent-street, at half-past 7 o'clock; Mount Albert, at the School, at half-past 7 o'clock; Mount Eden, at the School, at half-past 7 o'clock; Newton, at the Newton East School, at half-past 7 o'clock ; Parnell, at the School, at half-past 7 o'clock ; and the Whau, at th« Public Hall, at 7 o'clock.

Mr James Comrie, and old and highly respected settler of Pukekoho East, died on Thursday last after a week's illness. He served with some distinction throughout the war of 18G3, and was one of tbc heroic band who defended the Pukckohe stockade against an overwhelming force of rebels. For some years past he was an active, zealous, asd useful worker in the Presby terian Church, in which he discharged the office of elder. He leaves a widow, one daughter, and three sons. He was uni versally respected, and his death is much lamented.

Tho man who has money in the bank and plenty in his pocket, can wear a straw hat four weeks longer than the one who is in debt for his last week's board. Why is it? ■

Mr Brackenrißg, the earnest city mis sionary, is contemplatiug a holiday trip to the Bay oi Islands.

Mr Johu Sheehan, M.U.i.., i 3 at preseut in town. He looks much better now than when the cares and anxieties of oiiice were upon him.

We are pleased to lesrn that the Thames will be represented at the Auckland Regatta en the 29:h. Mr Potis the indefatigable Secretary of the Naval Brigade has made the arrangements. We hope the Thames crew will do honour to the district in aquatic sports, and that they will be a3 successful in the rowing contests as they have proved themselves good shots:. —

Thames Star.

We hear that Mr W. A. Hunt, of Shot over notoriety, is on 1113 way out to New Zealand by tlie Oxford, and intends to settle in Auckland. His numerous friends will be glad to welcome him back-

The late grievances about bench holders beiug allowed in the City market, to the detriment of the sales of the stall holders has bad the ellect of induciug one or two of the latter to vacate their holdings and remove to stores in Queen-street, where no one can place a bench in front of their door. The market vow has a very gloomy appearance, mauy atalh being closed, and altogether it seems to be degenerating into one vast fruit and candy warehouse.

Tauranga ia blessed with a new species of thistles. The new variety branches out into a number of stocks, each stock termi nating into a large cone.

The " Hunchback " was produced at the Theatre Royal la-t night with but fair enccc-s. Mra Lingard sustained the character of Julia admirably, and Mr Lingard did justice to that of Modus; but, with one or two exception", the rest of the company did not come up to expectation. Tho comedy " Our," will be played ;to ui^ht for the fir.-t time in Auckland.

City of Auckland debentures were quoted in London, ou December 2ml, at 112 to 114 j Auckland Harbour Hoard ditto, 105 to 107; New Zealand hemp, £18 to £20 ; kauri gum an follows :- I'aln selected, £G 17:s <id per cwt; good, hard scraped, G7» to 110* per cwt ; fair sorts, 00s to 65a per cwt ; pickings, ;)9s to 49s pet cwt; chip", 3Gs to 07a liil per cwt; dust, 2G« to .'i7a per cwt.

An elderly man (if obeie habit of body named Jobnstone was taken into the Hos pital last ni^ht, apparently nitlerinj; froirl some internal complaint. At first it was thought he was a subject of pneumonia, but a more careful diagnosis of hi* cai-e shewed that he had fractured one of h)B ribs. He cannot accouut for the injury, but as he has been drinking heavily of laic, it is evident that he must have had a severe fall. His occupation in that of a groom,

To the Kditor : Sir, — Thin year our anniversary falls on a Saturday, a most awkward day f«r business people to observe a-t a holiday. Would it not bn possible to hold the regatta on Monday, the Slut ;or if that must take place on the 29th, would it not be better to make Monday the j^'fueral holiday, as bo few of the popula tion, comparatively Hpeakintf, take much interest in the regatta, If the change could be made, and due notice given, it would save business people a very lar^e amount of trouble and inconvenience. 15y bringing the mutter under the notice of the proper authorities, and using your interest to secure the alteration, yon will confer a public favour.—l am, &c., GROCER.

A fchoekin^ nccideut is reported by the " Uay of l'lenty Times." A man named Musurovc was employed ou llie farm of Mrs I voinervillc, cutting oats for hay, with a reaper bclonijiiij; to Mr E. Hamilton, when a little p;irl about two years old, daughter of Mr John Delauey, juu., who was lyinu amon" the oats wns caught by the machine, and her left arm completely severed close to the shoulder. Dr. Ginderß was immediately sent for, and went out to the farm at once, where he drc»seU tlie Btura|>, and the child i 8 now doing as well ns could be expected under the distressing circumstances.

To the Editor : Sir, —In nnsvrer to the paragraph iv your last evening's issue re the Energetic Minstrel Troupe stating that there was such a crowded liou.se we deny ther was any hucli thing, which will be by tho receipts and expenditure. Money taken ut the door, £2; by tickets issued, £3: total, £5 2--. Expenditure: £1 ; iiius-ioian, £1 5< ; piano, from town and back, 17* Gd; printing and advertising, £1 15; break, £1 8s s Total, £7 CiL— I tun, etc , C. Clark, Maunger,

At the meeting of the Board ot Education yesterday afternoon a letter was read from the Auckland School Committee, maintain inn their right re Mjsh Sinclair's removal to enquire tlio why and the wherefoic and objecting generally to the style in which the Hoard addressed tbeniflclvea to the Committee. —Mr Kicc (Secretary), remarked thut fo far as the style of his last letter to the Committee was concerned, be had simply forwarded the Committee a tran scription of the Hoard's resolution.— The Chairman said that as there appeared to be an opinion amongst Committees that the officials were to he held accountable for the Board's communications he might siy that the Hoard wai responsible for the style as well as the purport of them. The subject then dropped, a reply to the Committee being tacitly deemed uuite unnecessary.

Mr Steadm»n, of the Auckland Heed Depot, advertisea iv another column, a distinct contradiction of a statement that has been circulated to the effect that he was put into his present business with a view to iujnre others, aud he denies that anyone has any interest in his business, dfrcctly or indirectly.

Miss Amelia Edward's story of "Lord Brackcnbury," contiuuing chapters of which will be found on our 4th page, is now assuming a special interesting feature, aud as Lord Brackeabury was only dealt with by the talented authoress in the first seven chapter?, ami up to the present has not been heard of, a brief rdsutnc' would not fail to have germane results, and will, perhaps, interest those of our readers who may not have read the commencement ol the etory. In the first chapter mi-lord waa found at Genoa bargaining with the insati able Signor Kicciotto for the cele brated jewels, further on we find him causing some surprise among the jeweller and attendants by his (L. Brackcubury's) nonchalance and carelessness in daring to venture out " alone " in the Genoese waters: the second chapter describes the purchase of the jewels at £31,000 and his departure alone, the insidious Signor Kicciotto, who was evidently a martyr to Pyrrhonism, ex claiming " Who but a mad Englishman would travel half over Italy with £31,000 worth of diamonds;" the third finds mi lord on his way to Spezzia ; the aixth and seventh explain how he disappeared when within 8 or 10 kilometres of that city—his luggage arrived safely at the hotel, but he failed to put in an appearance. With the subsequent general search for his body, dead or alive, we take leave of him and wait the i«sue of events, his case up to the present remaining a mystery, flu friends, of course, in their infelicity, believe that ho has been waylaid and murdered as the diamonds were on his person when last seen. Mean while numerous other personages have been introduced, and the manners and customs of various countries — .England, France, Spain, Germany, ctc._hayebceu graphically described, and th 0 description, possessing as it docs v number of original gnomic phrases, with other interesting information, must prove of incalculable value to the modern tourist. l n the present chapters it will be found that Lancelot (Lord Brackeu biiry's brother) after a long silenco and struggling with his passion as with a terrible temptation, in his quandary makes known his love for Winifred (Lord Bracken bury's betrothed) aud she accepts his preferred love. This having taken place, it \ now remains to be seen whether the course of thiqgs will run smoothly.

An English paper, " Money," has the fol lowing , headed " Vicissitudes of Gas ' Bears '" : - The operators for a fall in gas stocks, of whoso probable movements we lately offered a premonitory hint, have Buffered a slight calamity during tha laßt few days, the sharpness of which is not 'allevi ated by the consciousness of its retributive character. '/ hey tried very hard to reduce the value of honest men's property, andjliko many other naughty boys who have played with the gas, they have considerably burned their mischievous |liDgers. Unfortunately for their good intentions, they began their work at the wrong moment, as instead of the fall they had hoped for, there has been a rise of somewhere about £7 per £100 stock, with every indication of a further increase, and tho poor " bears " had to go home with their ears somewhat sorer than when they had started. Tho usual prelimi nary article from Mr Edison appeared in a recent number of tho " North American lievicw," and has been reproduced in tho London "Globe," stating that Edison's system of electrical lighting was from the lirst all that it was originally claimed to be. ... Tho public have learned to become familiar with tho assurances of this sanguine and enthusiastic inventor, and we shall, probably, have some more of his startling but totally unverified statements shortly, especially should tho " bears " find it imposssblo to buy back what they have sold, in which case sensational telegrams from " America" will, no doubt, bo used as a lever with which to force- timid investors into parting with their stock1

The Rev, Father O'Gara is in high esteem with the Hospital patients. He fulfils his religious duties very punctiliously, and is altogether a courteous and liberal-minded gentleman.

HU Excellency the Governor left for Kawau on his intended visit to Sir George Grey by the Ko3e Casey at 11 o'clock this forenoon. His Excellency was accompanied by Captaic Knollys, A.D.C. The visit is of a private nature, and for this reason do Ministers will be in attendance.

Two rather delicate surgical operations are to be performed at the Hospital next week. One is the removal of a cancer from a woman's breast, and the other the treat ment of a case of travel.

Mrs Bryce has been appointed matron of the Hospital, vice Mrs Rose, resigned. The former lady, who is the wife of the chief nurae, entered upon her duties yester day, and has already acquired by heratten tiv'eness and obliging disposition, the good opinion of both patients and visitors.

A young man named John North was admitted to the Hospital on Sunday morn ing last, Euileriug from a compound frac ture of the left leg, just above the ankle, which he sustained through a cart accident at Whangarei, where he was working for Mr Lanigin, the well-known contractor. His injury has received careful treatment and lie is now doing well.

A gang of carpenters are at present busily engaged in eflecting some very necessary repairs to the Albert-street Temperance Hall. One of the chief of these is the re iluoring of the building, so as to make it more suitable for dancing purposes. The old floor was very uneven, and the altera tion of it will therefore be a matter of interest to those who are in the habit of frequenting the hall for the practice of the Tcrpsichorean art.

To the Editor : Sir,—lt is too bad that the Waitakerei Contract of the Kaipara Line is not yet opened tc public traflic. Some nay that the contractors will not have finished for a year after the time agreed on. The delay is simply caused by not having employed enough of men. The extension of time, therefore, was undeserved, as men were to )>c had eaiily and cheaply. Tunnel ing the Alps at St. Gothard was "nothing to our local tunnel. If our public men and Members of the Hou»e of Repreientativeß would interest themselve? in fh:li public matters, and not allow the Wellington officials and red tapists to dwadlc along anyhow, we should 'be obliged. The loss and expence on extra handling, damage by weather, delays in transhipping people and goods, divided authority, on the line of traflic to the Kaipara, at Kiverhead, ban been enormous. Six months ago this con tract should have been completed. Now the public want to know hnw long yet must they wait.—l am, etc., HoRACK.

Mr J. Waymouth, who has recently re • commenced business in Auckland as a boatbuilder, ia engaged in the construction of an open tailing boat, to compete in the second-clasa race at the approaching regatta. Her dimensions are: Lcn K th, 10ft llins ; depth, 2ft Gins; bean, Oft. She will be fitted with a centre-board.

The " HaweraStar" revives the follow, ing old story about Mr Kollefiton, the present Native Minister:—Although a Southerner, he is re)>ortcd to be well versed in all Native matters, having been Under secretary in the Native Department many yearx ago. It ix related that when he r< signed that position, Mr Staflbrd, who was then Colonial Secretary, remarked to the present Auditor-General, "What on earth made Holleston resign ? »So-aud-Ho will noon givo up the post of Colonial Under secretary, and Kollestou would be sure to get it." Mr Fitzgerald replied, "tin! Kolkston does not want that position : he is looking for yours." It would seem that Mr Fitzgerald was not |so far wronp, after all, as to the aspirations of the embryo statesman."

At a recent meeting of Hauhaus, it was resolved to maintain the ".status cuo," and deputies were appointed to keep the peace. The meeting al?o resolved not to disturb the Kuropeans iv possession of iloraliora. A few malcontents, however, have threatened to obstruct Mr Hvery McLean, who has, therefore, made preparations to give them a lilting reception ; and it is probable, that if they attempt any interference with hii right*, they will sham the fate of the " political ploughmen." Messrs, McLean and Co. have expended a lame sum of money in redeeming what was but yester day a wildernaw of fern and ti-tree, and have converted it into smiling pastures which feed some of the best sheep and cattle in the Colonies, while affording em ployment to a number of men and their families, and increasing tho productiveness and weulth ot Iho country. It is to be hoped that the Government will appreciate their enterprise, and protect them in the possession of their first lights.

The Hobson Hand has been engaged to pkv at tho Muhuriuiitl Cattle Show, to bo held oarly next month.

Mr Blacket's property in St George's Bay, and Conquest plhce is now being surveyed by Mr Tolo. intending purchasers will belntorcsted to learn that arrangements aro being made by which Kutlaud-itreeKeaat), wiU bo considerably widened, and, la place of tho present narrow delllo which enjovß the title of " Stranger's Folly,"lthero will bo a wide thorouahfaro along which carriages c»n roll with tho aristocracy of the district.

Tenders are called by advertisp.ment in another column for supplies to St. Stephen's Nallvo School, for tho ensuing twelve months.

The anniversary ball in connection witn, tho Kden Lodge Is announced to bo held in tho Masonic Hall, Karangaharo Koad, on Wednes day evening next; dancing to commence at 9 o'clock.

It is the intention [of the members of the Moronic Hail Dancing Clars to hold a bull on Friday evening, tho 28th inst,, being the even ing previous to the regtttn. Tho prico of a rouble ticket will be ss(refreshments included.) Those intending to take ticket* should do so at once, as only a limited number will bo iseuea. It is also tho intention of tho committeo to hold tho committee to hold the usual weekly dance on Tuesday evening, January 18th, Instead of Wednesday evening, whon ladies will receive circulars for the ball,

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Ho brier; rcr it mw ih words as with Bun beams: the moro they aro condensed, ttio doopor they burn."— Eouthkit.

Mr Service goes home in March. Intense heat continues in New South Wales.

Judgment in the rioter*' ca.se, Timaru, lisg been deferred.

The Kolonw Dative Committee is still deliberating.

A steam service between Hong-Kong and Adelaide is projected.

The Governor is expected at Ohineinutu about the 23rd inst.

Kailway appointments in Victoria will iv future be left in the hands of the General- Manager.

There were £5,000,000 worth of exports from south Australia last year, nearly, one half being agricultural produce. The notorious John Madden, of Christ church, has been again arrested for robbery from the person.

Five declarations of insolvency were liled at Dunodin during the past ten weeks. Not no bad.

A Bill tor tho establishment of an Aus tralian Court of Appeal has been drafted by the Attorney-General iv Victoria.

It is suggested that temporary employ ment ou the To Puke road be provided for some of the Lady Jocelyn's passengers. Sir William Fox reached Hawera yentor day, and will roside for some time at New Plymouth.

The engagements of all the masters at the Wellington College will bo terminated six months from date.

Pitt-street, from Cross-strcot to East street, has been closed for traffic, pending Improvements. Twenty thousand acres on tho West Coast, Wellington Provincial District, will be offered for sale next month.

Large deposits of antimony ore have been discovered between Keefton and the Ada Pass.

A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the coroner's inquest at Kussell on the remains of David Wilson, killed by a fall of earth in the manganese mines.

There is going to bo high jinks at Orakeikoraka, the natives there having just got £5000 for Kiangaroa No. 2 block.

A conference takes plarc between the Thames and Piako County Councils on matters affecting the welfare of To Aroha and the Upper Thames.

Two hundred people mustered to hear Mrs Hampson at Wairoa South. The Puritans, however, did not relish her eflusivo invitations to kneel in the private room.

How do we know that tho business of a hairdresser is mote extensive than any other? Why, don't you sec ? becauso it ex tends from pole (poll) to polo.

There scarce can be named one quality that is amiable in a woman which is not be coming in a man, not excepting even modesty and gentleness of nature.—" Dean Swift."

What madness it is for a man to starve himself to enrich his heir, and so turn a friend into an cnomy ! for his joy at your death will be proportioned to what you leave him.—"Seneca."

In the case of Wallace, auctioneer, v. Hon. J. Martin, at Wellington, for services in connection ■vyith the sale of a run at Wairarapa, the jury awarded plaiutifT £149 13s 7d.

CABLEGRAMS.

[B EUTJJ E a T£L£o EAM S«

EUROPEAN.

TRIAL OF LAND LEAGUERS.

LONDON, January 13. The trial of the Land Leaguers at Dublin continues. Mr McDonough has opened the case for the defence of the accused. In the course of his address he made a statement that he regarded the accusation that had

been brought against the Leaguers a3 being in reality a landlords indictment against

the tenants,

SECESSION OF HOME RULERS,

LONDON, January 14

Shaw and fifteen Irish members of the House of Commons have seceded from Mr Fanaell's leadership.

EXTENSIVE STRIKE OF COAL

MINERS.

Extensive strikes of coal miners have commenced in Lancashire. Forty thousand men are out of work,

NAVAL BRIGADE FOR THE

TRANSVAAL.

The detached squadron ordered to the Cape will, on its arrival at Natal, land a Naval Brigade for service against the Beers.

THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR

Information has been received from South America that the Chilians are following up their successes over the Peruvians, and have occumed Hurin.

THE CHAMPION SCULLING MATCH.

LONDON, January 13.

Haulan is the favourite for the race with Laycock for the sculling championship of the world, which takes place over the usual course ou tho Thames on Monday next, the l"th in3taut. The betting is now 5t02 on Hanlau.

THE IRISH LAND BILL.

LONDON, January 13,

A number of Irish Liberal members of the Houee of Commons have made repre sentation to Mr Gladstone regarding the Mill dealing with the Irish land question which is to be introduced t>y the Govern ment. Mr Gladstone baa replied that he could not give any pledges ai to the extent to which the measuie , would go, but could give an assurance that the Gorernment were anxious to do justice to both land lords and tenant.

TUjs BOER REBELLION

LONDON, Jauuary 13.

A deputation from the Peace Society waited upon the Secretary of State for the Colonies to-day to urge steps being taken to bring about the cessation of the war in the Transvaal, Earl Kimberley, in reply to the speaker, said that if the Hoers suspended hostilities, there miuht be hopes of amicable settlement, but otherwise the Government were compelled to continue to use every en deavour to quell the rebellion, and maintain British (supremacy in the colony. His Lord ship further recalled to the deputation the fact that the Boers possessed but very doubtful title to a large portion of Trans vaal, and had, therefors ,no sound claim for independence.

THE KUSSO-TURCOMAN WAR.

LONDON, January 13,

Information has been received from Central Asia-regarding the Russian cam paignfagaimt {the Tekke-Turkoman tribes. The .Russian force* have invested Geok Tepe, when a severe engagement took place. The fighting was desperate, and both aides suffered heavily. The Russian loss is said to have been most severe.

THE BASUTO WAR,

CAPE TOWN, January 13. The latest news from Uasutoianu Mates that the colonial troops continue to be most successful over the rebel tribes. Several eneagementa have been fought, in ail of which the enemy has been defeated, and a large number, amounting to many thou sands, of their cattle have been captured. SNOWSTORMS IN ENGLAND. LONDON, January 13. Heavy snowstorms have been experienced throughout KDgland during the past few days

COMMERCIAL,

The 4^ per cent. New Zealand (1870 ---1904) Loan has advanced by 1 percent, and to-day is quoted at 98 l-sth.

The Bank of England rate of discount is 31, and the market rate is 3 per cent.

Adelaide Hour, ex warehouse, has declined.

New Zealrnd wheat, ex ship, is un changed at 44?.

The total reserve in notea and bullion in the Bank of England is £12,G00,000. An active demand exists for mo3t descriptions of Australian hide?. Consols are unchanged, at 9SJ. ♦

AUSTRALIAN.

THE WRECK HEREFORD.

MELBOURNE, January 14,

The wreck of the ship Hereford, a3 it lies at Cape Patterson, will be offered by auction here to-morrow.

THE LEICHARDT REMAINS.

SYDNEY, January 14,

Telegrams from 'Blackall have been published stating that Mr Skuthorpe's statements regarding the possession of relics of Leichardt must be accepted with reserve.

INTERCOLONIAL CONFERENCE, Janury, 14.

The Intercolonial Conference met to-day, and approved the resolutions catried at the Melbourne sittings on the subject of Inter colonial legislation, viz. :—l. That warrants for arrest of offenders issued in one colony should be good in all, and that provision should be madefor anticipating by telegram the effect of such warrants. 2. That all processes for recovery of debts or damages originating in any one colony should have full effect in all colonies. 3. That warrants for the apprehension of meu who have deserted wife or children, or both, would have force and effect in all colouics. The Conference agreed to consider a Bill drafted by Mr Vale, the Victorian Attorney-General, and a representative at the Conference, for the establishment of au Australian Court of Final Appeal.

COMMERCIAL,

SYDNEY, January 14. Henncssy's brandies, bulk, quartern, lls ; New Zealaud wheat, 4a 4d ; New Zealand oats, 2s Gd ; maize, 2s Bd.

THE NEW BRITISH HOTEL.

Tenders are called for the rebuilding of the Britiak Hotel on a larger and grander scale than the present scructure. The plans, etc., have been drawn up by Mr J. Wrigley, architect, aud the time stipulated for the finishing of the building is within three months from contract. The new building will have a frontage of 64 feet to Durham.street, and 21 feet to Queen-street with au entrance from cither side, and a door at the corner. It will consist of three stories and a basement. On the ground floor will be the bar 14 feet x 20-feet, par lour, 12 feet x 11 feet, and commercial room, 22 feet x 12 feet, while a passage will connect them to each other running from the Queen-atreet entrance and leading to the second Hour. Here will be the billiard room, 32 feet x 19 feet, private bar, 12 feet x 8 feet, aud commercial-room, 21 feet x 12 feet. On the third or upper story there will bo eight bedrooms ranging from 10ft. by Bft. to 12ft. by 15ft., connected by a long passage 6ft. iv width. Besides this there will be in the basement a beer cellar 31ft. by 18ft., and kitchen 30ft. by 12ft. The building will be built of brick with concrete 'foundation, the wall at basement 18in. and 14in. upwards. The roofing will be of slates, and the windows of which there will be thirty-two single and two double, all circular. Everything is to be of the best material and workmanship, and a handsome structure will no doubt replace the preseut wooden building and add another to the many tine specimens of architecture of our city.

A victim of domestic infelicity, who is in the habit of dreaming, should never go to sleep in church. A congregation near Quincy was somewhat startled one Sabbath when a venerable member excitedly yelled, " Here, now 1 Drop that skillet, old woman."

A certain doctor of divinity said every blade of grass was a sermon. The next day he was amusing himself by clipping his lawn, when a parishioner said, "That's right, doctor, cut your sermon short."

It is easy, in the world, to live after the world's opinion. It is easy in solitude to live after our own. But the great man is he who, in the midst of the crowd, keeps, with perfect sweetness, the independance of his character.—" Emerson."

" You are now one," said the minister to the happy pair he had just tied together with a knot they could never undo with their teeth. "Which one?" asked the bride. "You will have to settle that for yourself," said the dominie. It was subse quently settled with a broomstick.

TELEGRAMS.

[Fkom Our Own Coeee3POXDE>x]

CAMBIIDGE, this day

ANOTHER CAMBRIDGE CUP.

The Patetere Lands Association have notified their intention of presenting the Cambridge Jockey Club wiin a Hundred Guinea Cup, to be competed for at such coming meeting a3 the stewards may deem fit. This is a bounteous liberality that the late successful meeting well merits.

GISBORNE, this day

A MAORI POWDER MAGAZINE,

Considerable alarm wa3 occasioned on Friday Dight in consequence of a seizure made by Sergeant Huddestone, of about 4,000 round 3of Enfield ammunition, which was found in a small building belonging to Keparata, a native.

|PER PP.ESS ASSOCIATION.]

"WELLINGTO-N, Friday

The gold (exported from New Zealand in ISSO, amounted to 304,243023., valued at £1 2°7,252 m compared with 257,4C40z5, valued at £1,145.103, in 1579. The total amount expoited from the colony to the end of >ISSO, is 9,552,1940z5., valued at £37,350,(J33.

CHRISTCHUKCH, this day

The Art Exhibition promises to be successful, nearly 90 pictures by local artists have already been received, Edwards, the champion ped, purposes doing a 4S hours' walk next week. The notorious convict Butler and another long-sentenced prisoner, Garrett, arrived from Dunedin yesterday, ani are now in Lyttelton gaol. Simonsen's Opera Company opened the Theatre Royal last night to a good house, and the performance was a decided success.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before R. C. Barstow, Esq., K.M.) DRUNKENNESS. One toper pleaded guilty, and wa3 sub jected to the usual penalty. VAGRANCY. Patrick Ready wa3 charged under the Vagrant Act with being a habitual drunkard. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

LARCENY.

Mary Ann Steele was charged with the larceny of a quantity of firewood, value Gd, the property of Peter Peterman, of Newton, on the 14th inst.

Prisoner pleaded guilty. She took the firewood, but returned it.

One month's imprisonment. BREACH OF SHIPPING AND SEAMENS' ACT.

John Hughes was called to answer why he absented himself without leave on the 14th of January last, from the British ship Lady Jocelyn. Prisoner admitted the charge.

Mr Pardy said prisoner and another got drunk, went on board and annoyed the other men.

The same prisoner was charged with usiug obscene language in Hight-street. He could not recollect whether euch language was used.

Mr Pardy said the captain did not wish to send him to gaol if he would go back and stick to his ship.

His Worship said he would have to pay the cost*, 7s, and return.

James Jacobson was also charged under the same Act with abssnting himself without leave from the Bhip Lady Jocelyn on the 14th inst.

Prisoner pleaded guilty. The captain asked that thi3 man might also be put on board which was agreed to by the Court, prisoner paying the costs out of his wages.

NAVAL TRAINING SCHOOL BOYS,

John McKumiuh, on remand, was charged with absconding from the Naval Training School at Kohimarania, on the 6th January.

Mr Pardy said the boy's uniform had been found in the home of his parents, and asked that the ca-e might be remanded in order that they might be proceeded against.

Remanded until the 17th inst. NEGLTCTED CHILDREN.

James and Elizabeth Jane Allen were brought up and charged with being neglected children within the meaning of the Act.

Mr Pardy said the children had been deserted by the father and the mcther was not able to support them. He would ask that the boy be rent to the Industrial-school and the girl to the Convent. flis Worship made an order accordingly ; both children to be brought up in the Catholic religion, and the term to be spent by each in the schools 5 years.

This was all the business.

WHANGAROA CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Wangaroa Juvenile Choral Society, conducted by Miss Stephenson, held their second concert on Tuesday evening, I the 28th December in the school-room, Lar can Harbour. The room, as on the former occasion, was most tastefully decorated with flags, ferns, and flowers by Miss Stephenson aud her pupils. There was a large audience, who evidently appreciated the efforts of the performers. Some of the singing was really excellent. The following ia the programme :— Part Ist .-—"Before and Marriage," Miss Lilly Martin; "The Dear Littlo Shamrock," Miss Hays ; " Won't you buy my Pretty Flowers," Miss Blanche Ratcliffe ; " Babies on the Block," Miss Emily Martin ; " Kiss me Mother Kiss Your Darling," Miss Harriet Flarell; '• Willie'3 Dead," Miss Katcliffe ; " True as the Stars that are Shining," Miss Harris ; " Gipsey's Warn ing," Miss Corston: "Watching for Pa," Miss Blanche Ratcliffe. Part 2nd : " Take this message to my mother," Miss Ratcliffe ; " Silver threads among the gold," Miss Conton ; "Take me home," Miss Mary A. Martin ; " Whip-poor-Will," Miss Hayes ; " Ring the bell, watchman," Master Ratclifle ; "Gay Cavalier," Miss Lilly Martin. Miss Stephenson played the accompaniments with her usual good taste aod efficiency. The National Anthem bi ought the concert to a close. Immedia tely afterwards a very choice variety of refreshments were most liberally supplied to all present, after which dancing com menced, and was kept np natil a late hour. —(Correspondent.)

MASONIC MEETINGS.

LODGE ST. ANDREW, 418, S.(

The adjourned emergency meeting of this body was held in the Masonic Hotel last night, the business being installation of oflicers for the ensuing year. The lodge was opened by Bro Ellison, retiring R.W.M., atter which Bro Hewson took the chair and directed the installation cere mony. Amone those present were Bro Hatswell, Carlaw, P. M. Leers, Rev Tebbs, and H. G. Wade, while a large number of apologies from other brethren were read, regretting their inability to be present. The ollicers were installed by Bro Niccol as follow :—J. Slator, S.W. ;J. J. Payne, J.W. ; H. A. 11. Hitchens, Treasurer; George Payne, Secretary; N. McCulsky, S.D. ; F. B. Hughes, J.L\ ; W. A. Clarke, I.G. ; C. Porter, Tyler. It was resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to the widow of the late Bro Thomas Whitson, and that the lodge be kept in mourning for three months as a mark of respect for his memory. The usual business having concluded, all adjourned to the dining-room where an excellent barjquet was provided by Mi nuter. The usual patriotic toasts were given and responded to, after which the followiug wera tendered :-"The Grand Master of Scotland," "The English Constitution," " The Irish Consti tution," "The Hon. F. Whitaker, P.G.M., aud the Provincial Graud Officer of the Scottish Constitution," "The Sister Lodges," " The W.M. of Lodge St. Andrews," (the toast of the evening). The latter was drank with enthusiasm, and responded to by the R. VV.M.,who,ina short speech, said ho would always feel grateful for the consideration he had received from the members of the Lodge and would do all in his power to forward their interests. The toasts of " The Installing Master," " Visiting Brethren," " Poor and Distressed Brethren " were also proposed, after which several musical selections were rendered by members, and altogether the affair passed oil very satisfactorily.

" Listeners never hear," &c. — Old Ohickory (of Crutched Friars) had lounged into the garden with his cignr. He was on a visit to his brother-in-law, and had been potting about his preserves for a day or two with the keeper (the squire -vould not go), lie hears voices round the corner. It was - William (talking to his master) : " We got on better to-day, air. But a choke-bore am tno use to he—he want a gun as'll cover a whole barn, sir, ho do !" (The alderman returns to London at the end of tbo month a wiser if not a better shot. \

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

OUR LONDON LETTER.

(FROM OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LOSDOS, December 2. THE CHAMPION SCULLING MATCH. Teickett was shamefully beaten by HaDlan onthelStb, but still th?re wag no necessity for the Canadian to cut such capers as he did. It was, to say the least, bad form to ridicule hia opponent in the eye 3of all the spectators. After he had pawed Triekett by 3 or 4 length?, he lay down in hi 3 boat, then he would pall a little, then set to work and bail his boat oat, and then he sculled leisurely to the winning pott seve ral leD»th3 ahead by puiling fint one cat and then the other alternately. Hanlanu a mystery, but he is certainly the most perfect exeinplifier of the sliding seat living. Hi 3 easy manner of gathering his knetg right up under jnis arms, and the manner in which hi 3 boat glides through the water is a wonder to all the aquatic world. He withdrew from the Hop Bittera contest. His height is only sft. SJin., whereas Trickett is Gft. 2id.

UNION STEAM SHIPPING COMPANY

The Union Steamship Company of Nev Zealand have made application to have the shares of their English register officially quoted on the London Stock Exchange, This is a good move aow money is so cheap, and I hope soon to see their shares quoted at par. I think Messrs Denny, of Dunbit ton, are the principal holders in England.

THE HOP BITTERS CONTEST.

The Hop Bitters contest, for £1,000, occa. pied three dajs. Four heat*, the first day, won by Ist beat, Laycock, N.S.W, ani Hawdon, Eogland ; 2o"d heat, Ross, N. 8., and Kiley ; 3rd heat, Hosmer, U.S. 4., and Smith, Canada. 4th, heat, Tricketj X.S. W. ( and Nicholson. Two heats on tie 2ud day, {won by Boss Ist and Hosniet 2ui 2nd heat Laycock and Smith, Canada. One heat on the third day, Laycock baing first, Hcs3 second, Hosmer third, and Smith last. So you see that Trickett is simply no. waere, and Laycock has not been btaten in any race he has pulled in England Hi« last victory gives him £500 stakes.

DIRECT SHIP TO FIJI.

An interesting item to isiand merchant! will be the departure from England of a vessel direct for Fiji. The passenger clipper Lanarkshire, 1600 tons, is to leave for Levuka direct, in December. Fares: 40 guineas saloon, intermediate, 16" guineai. It is mentioned at being a fine opportunity for passengers to proceed to this rising British colony. So the Government of New Zealand have done well to encourage steam communication between Levuka and Auckland.

THE IRISH AGITATION,

That most puzzling of all questions, the Irish one, is giving grave anxiety. Mr Parnell and his party are straining the law to its very utmost tension. Every now and then the proceedings are enlivened by sope outrage. Murdering a landlord, tarring and feathering a landlord, hocking cattle, cutting off the ears of landlords and poor inoffensive caitle, &c, &c. Iheir latest freak is what is termed " Boycotting," that is sending a man to Coventry. The shop keepers refine to sell him or his family any. thitig, and his labourers are threatened if they woik for him. Landlords -who have always dealt well with their tenants, are objects of hatred and malice of the Land League. Tenants who wish to pay their rent are obliged to pay it secretly. Alto gether the state of the country ia mOBt alarming. The Land League say that the soil ia to be owned by the tiller ; there is to be no landlords for the future. lam afraid they will have to go pretty far afield to find the tiller. I'm afraid also the most noisy of the agitators aie like the man you have stumpiog in Auckland just now, who doesn't care for chopping Mr Coumbes' wood. However, it is a pleasure to know that when these same agitators havesettled matters in Ireland there is a good big tract of country for them to go at across the pond. They have been playing high jinks in Denver city lately.

THE RITUALISTS.

We are also entertained by the imprison, ment of several Ritualistic clergymen, for contempt. They accept a cure and swear to abide by certain lawa of the established church, they then violate tho3e laws, and when called upon by the Court to desist, they persist in their opposition. 1 don't knew what to call the life after this but a lie, because if they differed for conscience sake they would resign their church and start on their own hook. I can respect a man who would do this—so lyears ago when the separation took place from the established church of Scotland, the clergy men of the Free Kirk walked out, naked of all stipends, and started fairly for them selves. I'm very much afraid the Ritualists are rather a half-hearted lot. One thing is certain, thete was conic chance for Mr Daly when he was alone in prisou posing as a martyr, but we cannot do with so many martyr?. They will have to give in or give up their churches.

GOLDMINING COMPANIES.

There i 3 just now a splendid crop of new goldmining companies formed and in forma tion. The field is India—Mysore and dis tricts round about. Mr Brough Smith is the AUadin who seems to have conjured most of them into existence, as quotations from his prognostications are largely made.

NEW ZEALAND SANITORIUMS.

If the Anglo-Indian were made properly acquainted with the health-giving climate ana the wonderful Hot Springs of our North Island there is little fear but he would go to New Zealand ro recruit instead of under going the torture of a voyage up the Bed Sea to land in this damp, foggy hole. They might be persuaded to try a boat, say eTery three months.

THE MONEY MARKET.

Money is very cheap here just now, and yet New Zealand stocks do not go up as they ought to do. Very much depends on the financial statement of 1881. Shares of New Zealand companies are also depressed. New Zealand banks took a little bit of a jump about the time the dividend was pay able, but since then they have receded a couple of pounds. New Zealand loans are 4J, National Banks, 4£, very little bnsiness being done. It was expected that the drain of gold this year to America would have had the elfect of making money dearer, but, strange to say, the train has not been from England to the extent even it was last year, but from France chiefly.

Then, business is only improving very slowly, and the difficulties in Ireland and Turkey have frightened capitalists. So cheap money is only cheap for a few pur poses. Very nice weather here just now. Yes terday was bright and cold. ' Thermometer lodeg. to 20deg. To-day, drizzling rain; thermometer, 60deg. Everyone seems to have weather uppermost in their minds, and between the wheezing and coDghing complain that it is enough to kill any ordi nary being.

FROZEN MEAT COMPANY.

The prospectus of another company ap pears, called the Australian Fresh Meat Importation Company, etc. Capital £300,000 in 30,000 shares of £10, 50,000 shares of which are reserved for Australia. First isiue 15,000 shares of which it W presumed only £5 will be necessary. They are going to use the Bell Coleman cold air principle, and intend to get the P. and 0. and Orient lines to grant spaces for the purpose,'eo that a regular supply may be obtained. They base their calculations on shipping beef at 2d per lb., and mutton at from ljd to Id per lb. The founders are to receive 100 shares of £10 each, which sbnU not receive dividend until 7 per conk is pud on ordinary shares. Sir R. R. Torrensis chairman.

AMONG THE RITUALISTS.

As wo are in Brighton, I went to service at St. Paul's, the parish church, but one ot the strongholds of Ritualism. I &** never been in a Ritualistic church, so everything being new to me it wasneces sary to keep my eyc3 lifting pretty keenly. The church is very plain, the walls having pictures representing incidents in the lire of Christ. The whole of the nave is fenced off with a brass scroll work above, which is a large brass illuminated cross. The organ occupies a recess within, and the whole 01 the choristers and clergymen are eqj18"" divided ou each side. At the end of tw nave there are several pictures. The altar table is raised on a platform, and upon v is a brass crucifix. There are seven lamps burnine very dimly, slung so as to form »" arc, and on eac'a'sidc of the crucifix are seven candles, (Tallow they oppearM w be from the yellow light they gave.) l&«w were lit by the verger just before tne ser vice commenced. I noticed a good many o the congregation bowed and crossed tueni* selves on entering the church, an" did the same many times during the service. As far as the service itself was concerned it appeared to me quue orthodox, but the manner in which tne prayers were galloped over by the clel*f' man as if he was ashamed of tuem was alto gether wrong ;"yet whenever a chance oc curred for intonation they were slow enough, but the mummery and dumb snun that went on was very displeasing. *«. lection was made of oaTae>^y\Jg^m

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 15,



*"W X N X b & Cr A L L. HAVK KEMOVED FROM SnORTLAND-STJIEET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FOKT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHKANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILIi REMAIN- IN FORT-STEEET DURING TnKBE'DUILDINaOFTKEUI WARE HOUSE IN SHORTL AND .STREET.



Special Advertisements. , fpURE ri A. Kll yi'STEM. ALL DRAPER? & CLOTHING CO-OPERATIVE CASH FKICE S, AT TUB r'ITY TTALL A RCAUK. GAKLICK & CBANWJELL, Pkopbibtors. AUSTRIAN BENT.WOOD FURNI TWKE.-A Large fchipment just to hatd, lisrht and strong, suitable for Breakfast. Kittinsf, Ulnio2. or Drawing-room (tilack. Walnut, acd Light Colours. ' GAKLICK & CIIANWKLL, City Hall Kurnhhing Arcade, Queen-street. Anckland. 7 iAHPKTS.-The Larger t-tock «« the Pro- Vy vince to select from-aU kinds. Tipes.ry. from 2s lid ; Bruweis, from U lid ; Kiu derminßt^r. Kelt, acd Jute. The New Wop.c-stkr fcta:r Carpet, made of Hohbk Hsir, just rece!ved-thc most durable Carpet ever made. GAKLICK fc CP.ANWKLU B~KOitonM KUHNITCKK.-A Great Variety Blways re&dy for delive-y. to Boit all elawes. Cheetßof I)ra*ers, \\a§bstacd<, Toilet Tabhs and Wardrobes jo various wooc?, (;:;i--'-- and Toiletware. P,eddini: of all kinds and eizes; BpnnK aUttreiEC % A RLICK fc CP.AN'WKLL. XHJJiriION Uenigns in Iron Hedsteadj — We keeo the Greatest Variety of Iron Redste&ls in Town, and aro Importers direct from the manufacturers. Hand some Wood Bedaieada from our own Factory. GARLICg fc qp.ANWELL. f\ A.RLICK & CBAN'WBLIi kesp vici VJT I^arge Assortrnen1. of General Household Furniture tnat jou can Furnish a House throughout from their ttock at a daj t> DRAw'lNa-ROOM Fuitea In stock, suitable for a Cottage or a Mansion, all uphol ttered by ourselves und guaranteed. ?uite3 for DinicK and SittinK P.ooma in VariOaaflt&WK & CRANWKLU . ONLY WarehouM in Town conducted on the London System, combining all depart-. mentu of FumißhinK, .Drapery, and Clothmg. city . hall AKCApg- FIVK Per Ceat Cash Di-count on all kinds of Furniture, Carpeu, Matiinit, KlcorclothD. Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brash- Warg' GAKLICK & CP.AXWKLL. OOKCATAI/iOUKy,po3tfreeoronapplica tion. to thO3e intending to Furniuh. hstl mates and design! (then. Carpels male up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needle work mounted. All kinda of Upholetery and Cabinet-work by flralcla33 workmen inspkct ouk stock: The Lakge3T in Auckland ! GARIJCK & CRANWELL, CITY HALL ARCADE QUEESBTKEKI &LOK.VE-STKKET, AUCKLAND. JL L T 1000 BAGS W. Ie W. FINE IQOO BAGS W. & W. COAR3K ON II A S D AND TO ARRIVE PER 'LOCH URR,' From London. In lots to suit purchasers W. 8. LAVR 18, 7, Wyndham-atreet. WHEN the Immortal Bard wrote, "Throw Physic to tho dons," h.9 hod not beard of SHAKIAND'S SAKSAPARILLA, A pleasant aiid aromatic BLOOD-MAKING FLUID, Unanrpasßed in the world in aroma, richness, and flavour; a bright golden fluid. Had Shakspeare now lived, he Tronld have called three times a-day for SHARIAXI/I SARBAPAKILLA BITTERS, A Genuine Tonic and Appetiser, A LIVKR STIMULANT, And Diapeller of the Meerlus or Blues, Ask your Merchant, your Purveyor, your Hotel Proprietor, for Hharland's Harsaparilla ana Barsaparllla Bitter?, and tee that no other is substituted. Sol in Qi'art Bottlea.



QTKANGEUS AND TRAVELLERS visitlnsr Auckland will find the LAEGKST OUTFITTING STOCK IN TIIK COLON if To Select from at THE Nis\V ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Thousands of Customors testify to the QUPRRIOIt QDALITV & TjpITTINO Of the Garments mado by them. The Stock of SEIIKTS, TIES, HATS, and HOSIERY, la very largo, and includes a CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF N OVjB L TJI E S I'OK THEE HOLIDAYS. A Bpecial supply of PORTMANTEAUX BAGH, KUO3, and all Travelling Requisites for Tourists. AUCKLAND BRANCH: Queen-Btreot (opposite Theatre Royal), And at Albert-street, Thames. J. FHZBIMONB. JTavaobb.



Iff 2 W vN 0 0 D S. TVTEW /-IOOD3I A. LINABUKY & CO. Aro Now Showing their NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS, We hold tho Largest and Boat Stock of CO3TUMES, MILLINERY FANCIT GOODS, DKKB3 OOOD3 FLOWERS, FKATnp:UB, &0., &C. Special Line of Plain Dress Silks, only 3s lid per yard; worth 5b fid. 5,000 Bthaw Hats, all new Bhapes. A Largo Stock of Ladies' and Children's Under clothing. Dress and Mancle-making on the premises Costumes mado in 24 hours'notice. A. LINABURY & CO., 204 AND 206, QUEBK-STRBET mH2 MEKIDEN BRITANNIA CO, MANDyACTUBEBS 09 TUB HIGHEST GRADE OF SILVER PLATED WARR, OTH ON NIOKKL SILVER AND WHITB MKTAL. Samplo Rooms and Offices—46, East Fourteenth Btreet, Union Sqaaro, New York. Factories-West Merlden, Connoctiout. Sole Agents or! tho North Inland, "fcfl, MORRIN



"VTEW I^OODh _iND "I^OVELTIES FOR TUB TTOLIDAY QKASON AT RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN'B, A Choice Lot of LADIES' NEW LACK AND SILK CAPKS SILK SQUARES, Etc. LACB FICHUS, A JOB MNE VEBY CHKAP. SON SHADKB AND umbrkllas. Ribbons, Gloves, &c. NEW AND SEASONABLE DRESS MATERIALS In Vkry Great Variety. tar SOME. JOB LINKS VKRY CHEAP. TSi HAittttiNO, POMPADOUR. GALATEA STRIPES. Ktc. GENERAL AND FURNISHING DRAPERY Off EVERY DESCRIPTION. S v m m c b Clothing I iToR Boys' and Men's Weah. SILK DUST COATS, ALPACA and HOLLAND COATS. Full Stocks of 1 WHITE SHIRTS, OXFORD SHIRT 3, TIES SCAKVK9, COLLARB, &c. Straw. Leghorn and Rush Hats, o( nil kinds for Boys and Mod. Is in tho & Discount allowed upon aia Cash Purchases of HOs and Upwards. T3USHBROOK &'T>RIDGMAN JUNCTION DRAPEKY WAREHOUSE [Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel], UrPEB .QUEBN-STREET, IAUCKLAND



Special Advertisements. QUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCK ON MONDAY, 207H RfST, Till-: GOOO3 WILL BE OFKKBKI) AT r\ osi pki c c : FOlt A FEW WEEKS ONLY 1 Is Order to clear Heavy Stocks T nOHGKAVK & QU., IMPOUTERS Or DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, quekn Btkkbt, Auckland. tf,fi,—.fo Coeds will bt tnlertJ'during the Salt.



Thefeir of death ißan instinctive principle of human life, and its apprehension the pervading idea of human nature. Yet such ii our incon sistency, that in the face of these dread alarms. we arc prone to neijlert the means of wardinß oir the inevitable issue men will Buffer, unn l/ro crustioate from day to day in availing them selves ot the means of relief. They will develop acute symutoms of disease, a:d wait patiently until they become chronic. Within their very arasp. for instance, Is Udolpho Wolfe"* Seine dam Aromatic Schnipps, as often it U perniilU;d to dude their rcacn, until—too late '.