SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATEBl^^rMorisO BUNBKT.—This Kventoß, 7.17 f UNKISE.-To-Morrow Mornln«.. i 19 MOON'S AGE.-nrst Quarter, 28tb, 8.20 n,m.

ARRIVALS.

LABT BVKNISa. Argylo, 8.8., Crawford, from Whangarei TQ'DAY* O.A.LHtloOeld.baraue,Culnard, from Lyttel-

«afs^n»,«Sß nl Madora, lohooner, Ngrn, from Awanui

DEPARTURE.

LAST EVKNIW. Qlenelg, s.s,, Btephanson, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES. Ban Franolsoo and Honolulo-Austialia, Tueß •tbnuSn-Strnoathro. January; Antares tOfoUow Levoka and Suva-Talaroo, January 9 Tauran?a-Gl fenePg1 o fr y Wellington, Monday or Whansarei and Whangarel Hoads — lona, Saturday, and Argylo, Tuoaday Manßawal-Fingai, Thursday Mercury Bay—Flnsal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Australia, P.M.ba, from Sydney, Tuesday Boman Kmplre, stilp (K.P.V.N.), from London, sailed October 22 Wellington, ship (W.M.C.K.), from .London _ Pareora, ship, from London; Balled Decem- Anari'barquo (J.D.W.N.), from London; sailed Dunoralg^bMOue, from London: Balled 00t.23 Orownthorpe, barque, from London; sailed Oot Alcestlß, barque, (H.0.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Weliinxton iSSSSTrSX^SXi ?om .New York; CabtrffibS from New York; sailed November 1 v k s^rMffisarasss now Y«ki

IMPORTS.

Per Winifred, from Fiji: 27fl mats so^i cocoanutß. "* , ftotn

——~ ...ersnoo, IMWABDS COASTwiSB, - Ra»«K Barrier, with 30 tonei firewood; T j M I SSmSandßplt, with 250 bnßhoi|^^ n J o^ r^; Ootwards Coastwis^k, IlsnKatira, for Oman* w^g, entered out at Waineke. The sohoonor Qiifae has cleared at the Cv«- UwCustonu forM* the brigantine Roderick * 111 Bohoon/fa. total for §J Charlotte A. Llttloflold from New Uhu, fo^yttuiton W uß signalled inside Tlrl a'bflr'o wont to pross. X?« iohooner Winifred arrlvod from Fiji ■•■ J&g tnia morning. Captain Douglas reports: LoltLovuka December 13, arrived at Tavanui ' on the 14. Lefc again on Deo. 19 and bad light ,-■'■ airsaud calms until Wednesday, December 21, ;,'• <■'- when the ftroup was oloareo. Made Poor Knights at 8 a.m; yeSterdar, and arrived at 8.30 • a.m. to-day. i Tho barque Boatrioa Havener has entered - . out at the Customs for Wellington, barquo liooh Urr for Wellington, burquo Coromondel for Napier, and sohooner Sonbeam for Levuka. The B.S. Argylo arrivod from Whangarel last ovoninit with 35 bales wool, 50 saoks gum, ti horse, 5 bundles skins, 8 bidos, 2 boxes turkeys, i W cases fruit, 2a boxes eggs, and 5 tons nundries, - ■ and tho following paagenKors :—Misses Taylor, . Whitelaw, and MoKerzlo; Mesdames Brooks, Whltehorn and two children, Mollor and child, Mr and Airs Motee; Mosßrs. J. Mitohelson, A. Boott, Holman, May, MeKonnle, Hall, Frater, lianlKan, D. Stewart, T. Korr, Armstrong, H. , , - Weaver, Caruth, Postlotbwaito, Clark-Staff, Johnston, Bailey, Bending. Godara, James, , Hennelly, Sohulu, R. Nelson, Haynos, On i ■ ttaelnioa, and four stoeraßo.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARBIVALS. Lalla Rookh, s.a., Robertson, from Waltara Macgregor, b.b., Amodeo, from Waltara

DEPARTURE.

Lalla Booth, a.v., Robertson, for Woitara

EXPORTS.

EXPORTS. Per Ethel, for Melbourne: HO,OOO feot tlmbor.

The brlgontlne Ethel completed her loading this morning, and will Bail for Melbourne first favourable wind.

The 8.8. LaUah Rookh whioharrlveafromWal tnra yesterday afternoon brought 18 horses. 140 snoop, and Messrs Small, Chalmors, Chamsoo, and IToyed as passengers. She returned thither at 6 p.m.,

The Northern Co.'»a.9. Mocgrenor arrived from Waltara at 11 o'clock this morning,with 18 head cattle, 2 horses, and the following passen gers :—Mrs Bohoilold and 2 hods, Mr and Mrs Grimier. Mrs Dugdale, Mrs Kenneil and Misses Bennell (2), Mr, Mrs and Misa Webster, Messrs H. Jaokson. Woolcock. Vickory, H. Forma, and V. and If. Mullott.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauiiasoa, this day, '< Arrived: Oretl, from Auckland, 10.10 m.a. Glonolg, from Auckland, 7.20 a.m.

Rr/SSBLL, this dnj-, The Wellington will sail at Bp.m. Passengers —Hot. Edward Kersey Cooper. Judge Brook fleld, P. Davidson, and others.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvkiiino Stab Offloo, Friday. Moesra Cochrano sold an iS-t cot centra-board soiling boat to-day for £5. 4lr Alfred E. Isaacs sold to-day at the offices •rthe Harbonr Board, the right for twelve months of collecting the tolls on the Queen street and Railway wharves, also tha weigh bridge fees. They were knocked down to Mr Robibl at £203 per month, equal .to £2,436 per an&um. , MEBSHB HUNTBK AND NOLIN'B WEEKLY BBPOBT. Horses: At the annual horse fair, on Friday, A very large number were brought forward, and with those enterod for disposal too late for cataloguing, the yards were completely orammed. Throughout the sale the attendance was Terr good, and the majority of those offered were quitted at satisfactory prices. Wo quote: Haokh £916s to £22155; light harness, £1112a 6d to £23: medium, 31710a to £21; heavy draught, ess. Cattle: In oonsequenoa of the holiday, the supply baa been irregiiar. On Tnesday, at Newmarket, under the average number were yarded, competition was good, and we note a alight advance on the previous week, especially for small, well-fatted cattle. Sheep: The supply was scarcely up to requirement, and in oonsequenoe prloos were somewhat better than last week. Lambs: A moderate number were yarded, and prlcea advanced from la 6d to 2s per head. Pigs: In average supply and corroa pondlbg demand. .... I BANKS AND CO.'S BBFOBT. At Parawoi, on Thursday, the demand for fat cattle was very alaok. The best quality medium Bizod Bteera brought 22a Sd per lOOlba, heavy oxen not exceeding 20s. ShoOpwerain fair re quest; prime provincial wethers,, hoary weights, made 16s fid to 17a ouch ; fair quality Napier ditto. Us to lla 03. Lamba Were again yarded Is large numbers. Although heavy and good were at low values, prtoea ranged from Sa (id to 10a Gd each, t

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. , Retail. a. a. B*d. ■a a. s.a. Butter, fa.lb 0 7-0 8 Milk, quart 0 1-0 0 Host dairies 0 0-0 0 Batter, ft, lb 0 8-0 10 Butter, alt, lb 0 8-0 0 Butter, scat 0 10-0 0 Chouse (local) 0 5-0 0 Choose (col.) 0 8-0 0 Do., Cant O.iJ-0 5 Kggs,doz... 0 0-t3 EKKs,doz. 0 0-1 0 Uard,lb - 0 0-010 lard, lb (tins) 0 7-0 8 Fowls, each 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hams,. i Iftioks, oach 2 6—3 0 Provinolal 0 7-0 10 Geeße, eaoh 6 0-7 0 Canterbury Hams Turkeys „ 6 0-7 0 and Baoon (in - Bacon, lb ~ 010—1 0 ■ doth) .. 0 103-1 0 Hams, lb .. 1 o—l 3 Bread, Id to ijd per 21b loaf Jama, per case, 5 dor,, Sfia Oil to 378 6d • Kf?ga ate ecarco. Butter is still plontlf ul. BuTOimua Mian Retail, KoHHtlnK Hoot _ -. -' _ 05to 0 7 Boiling Beet .. .. «. ..04-00 Mutton, iiind-quiir tot .. .. - 0 I- 0 o . „ lore-quartor „ „ 02i- 0 0 ' Umb, fore-quarter ) ..36-50 „ hlnd-qnartor /•• JPdrkandVeal i, .. - ..06-07 Steaks ... - 00- 0 8 Chops and Sausages .. .. ..06 —06 Tallow best (wfiolesale)-Mutton, 32a; mixed, 123at0305. FLOnB Maukict. Wholesale. fe' * b. a. »Buperilne Flour, Bilk arosaoa, per ton,. 12 10 0 '•<Kl«eFiour, ditto,houaehold ..£11103—12 0 0 Adelaide, por ton _ ... _ .. 15 0 0 '<gMKU, per ton ... .. _ .. 12 0 o BtuJin, por ton 1110 0 Shaqffljfctporton.. .. .. _ 1110 0 Cabin Ktt*Caaoks Inoludsd) £510s-0 0 0 Oatmottl :\<|B ~{£, iob-5 15 0 Pearl BorleWSj,.. «. „ .. 18 0 0 HAxl^^ •* "■" 12 10 0 •• <W-18 0 0 MalMlSyd.) ,nono- vig;. , Cal) 0-o*o v^f*, «g. fin (Kijn.) 0 o—o \0 Lnwumow „ (Coast) 1 6—l fl Btraw-wd: 5 0-6 0 Oats .. ..2 6-2 0 Chaff ■<Sl^fttO-B 10 Wheat(fowll3 9-1 0 Hay (oateHßlS-i 10 Potatoes, M to £i 10s. Nv-l 10 Retail. x?I0 b. a, s. a. s. a. v; ■■■ MolM (acaroo), liucorne, owt.7 ft-8 , bushel ..5 o—o Q Oaten,ditto 6 o—7 0 Oate. ditto ~2 0-6 G Straw, ditto 3 o—l 0 Braa.lOOlba flo-J3S 10s Chaff, ditto 5 6-8 0 ,meat(towl)l 0-0 0 Potatfes.new 0 1-lb Ilay.owt, .. fl Wheat seed 0 0-0 0 Seeds.—Retail. b. a. s. it. *• a. b. a. Broeraaa ..8 o—o 01 Cookufoot. b1.6 6-7 0 Italian,do. ..7 6-8 OlTretoU, lb; 0 7-0 0 Bedaover.lbO 11-1 0 Rntstail, lb. 1 6-0 7 WhlteCloverl 0-1 3 Timothy,lb. 0 7-0 0 Alsyke, lb ..0 0-1 3 Lucerne, lb. I—o 0 Cowurasß, lbl 2-1 3 Rape, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpaolta in quantity, 8a 3d to 3b fid eaoh corn Backs, 8s to 9a (id por dozen. Fencing wire ,- Wos. 6,7 and 8, assorted, £1610ato £17 per ton *■ Coal asd Fibkwoob Market. ' Coal. — Newcastle, market glutted (ship's ■Wtt. cargo 30a' por ton; yard, 38a to J2B; Bay of' lalands, at yarda, 2Ss Cd j Kresned, 23s Od: ditto at the mine, 12a; Bhip'a I Bide, 23a M. Walka to, at mine, Ss ;in Auckland ■■■ , _ i7a fid to 22a: Taupiri, atinlnes, 6a 6d to 12a ;at . c pat, 18a to 21a; deUverod, 26a to 295. Wangarei,

at mine, 8s 6d; yard (steam), 17s; household, %*, Miranda, at yard (household), 18sj stoam. IM fl^«^rj« 2 D B^!M aA&° 16Bt fo&g\afes\a«efed^eTs|nceS? TOW - • ~?j n«.ih Foßans id. per id BOIU3WO 1/tATtBBIAI.S. TiMßra.-Boards and SoantUng, 100 ft., best, Ub ; socond class,Bß 6d ; best planed, tongued andßTOOved, flrst-olnßß, 15s6d; sooondditto, 10s Bd. 'SiusTOa^best, Ua to Us; Bee-class, 6a; T^felSV Ws 8; S. ff I fflk HX°^ R ftrar«erl.o?o: Town Yards, 2VohoM2los per 1,000 woket glazed Pipes. 18 inchos 2s6d per foot; Is*ipheß, 2s Por»°oV " inohes,lß 6d per foot; 06i«iiHfc!> P<*foot; 6 inohee. 64 per foot; i Inohes, id por factr,. . ■ Limb, slaoked, 1b per bushel; qulok Ume In Book, la 0d to 2a; ground lime. Is fld»

Mail Notice.

MAIM WILL CLOBE AS UNDEB.-

THIS DAT. „ ' „ For wtangarel Heads, Whangarel. Paraa, Man gapal,MdWalpu,per Argyle,at 130 pan. Fer Mangawal, per Flngai, at 5 p.ra. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.80 p.m. Saturday, 3lst Instant For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 8.30 a,m. For New Caledonia, per Caledonia, at 9 a.m. For Watwe%7Mffinrangl. Matakana. Manga wal. toe., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.ro. For I'hames, per Botomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Tubbday. 3rd January. 1881 For walwora, Kawan, Omaha, and Matakana, For rTaSranKa! ybhlnemutu, and Opotlkl, per WoUlngton. at 4.80 p.m. *"» Aa^wtoh Ml«SnZ llUnlted Bta^ Of AmerlcaTCttnada. British OjlumMa. Centeal and South America, and British and Foreign WWr Ju'n«Sd aKlSdom and eontlnent of "Fw'mSney •orders registered letter., and In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer np to the time of ■aTlinß. , „ This mall will bo due In London on Mon day. 13th February, 1832. For RnaseD, Kawakawa, etc., per BlDgaroomp For *Bnssea^Kawakawa, Wangaw Mongonui, pefGlenelg, at ISO p.m. . ■ the Post- Nom-On Monday. 2nd PrpJ^ebetweon oflloe will only be open to Uf*»ters, &o, at 9and 10 a.mT A dSiverrta previous Satyr fte%onnWwMbeinadMW> >AU mails for SJ night from 7.W&iff>e olosed at 6 a,m. desnatch on MondJavertlsed times. luevJld of the upfttter tho 2nd January (prox)., w la-On - payublo In the United States ■ntae^mroHUbe Issued by this department, <hio*9P6 procured at any money order post 2^#Batce of oxohango can bo ascertained oj S. B. 8188, Chief Postnaiteti Chief POitoffloe. Auckland,

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

DKCEMmtB 39. 188^,, KnK u ß)] Thoatro Royal - MontnKnOp.m. Opora Company: " Martnoj B azanr ari^ p anoJ Kattray'6 Buildings—Qthollo Uhuroh, 2 p vi Fftir In aid of the new to 10 p.m. ~,» .

Birth.

..—Oil December 23rd, at hor ro- PKTKRPCoIIego Road, tho wife of A. Peterson Bldopn.

oJuIAMH.—On tho 17th Docombor. at Orakol Bond, Romuora, tho wito ot J. Williams of a danghtor.

Marriage.

BANKS—NICOL. —On tho 29th Docombor, 1831. at tho OUloo of tho Registrar, AuiiJtiand, Cyril John Bkelton Banks to ttachacl Mary Wicol, roliot of tho Into W. 11. Nicol. No oards.—Wangaroi papor ploaso copy. PKACOCK-CAMPBELL.-At Falrviow, Pon eonby, on tho 29th Uooombor, by the Rev. 1). W.Runolman,Thomas Peacock, icsq., M.H.lt. to Margaret, eldest surviving dauijlttor of the lstn Alex. Campbell, Ksn., of Hoionßburgh, Scotland. No cards. At Homo In Fobraary, BMAIiLBY - HOLLINB3WORTH. -On tho 29th Docombor, 1881, at Auckland, Goorgo ' Smalloy|to Emily Holllnxaworth.

Death.

CIjAYTON.-On Dooambor 30th. Aloxandor Jarvls, youngest and doarly bulovod son of Mr F. G. Clayton, Carlton Komi, Kewnmrkot, aged four years and four months. The funeral w 111 leavo at 3 o'olook to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon. Frlonds ploaso nooopt this invitation. GOIJiAN.-On Docembor 30th, Elizabeth, tho fifth and bulovod daughter ot Jamoa and Abigail Qollan, itKed'.!;! years. Tho funeral will leavo tho rosldenco of hor brother-in-law, Mr Juntos Scott, West Tamakt, on Sunday, January 1,1883, at 2 p.m. Friondß please aooopt this invitation. KILLGOUR.-On Deoorabor 29th. at tho Hula, Manukau Harbour, William KUlgour, ukik) 83 yours,—Thames papers please copy. KKLLY.—On Dooombor 29, at hor mothor's roisidonoo, Dublin-street, AUco.nooonddttiiKhtor of the late Andrew Kelly, aged IS yours. The lunoral will loave Uublln-stroot on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Friends [are respectfully invited to mtond.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1881.

Fix tho canto that lack] auttlanca. For tho wrong that needs (csutauc For the (utura In tho distance. And the good tbat we can do.

It is incumbent on tho Native- Minister or some of his admirers to furnish the public with something like a plausible reason for the ruthless destruction of crops now going on tit Parihcka. In a month or so these crops, planted by the industry of the natives, would bo fully ripo and ready for the sus tenance of the largo Maori population, who, as we learn from our own correspondent's visit to their settlements, are in a state of extreme destitution along tho const. Yet the Constabulary—the official guardians of property and preservers of law and order have been turned into tho rich fields to deliberately tear up and destroy the food of tho people. There is no pressure so far as we can yet discover, near or reunite, to extenuate this act of unmitigated vandalism, which seems to havo been entered upon for tho sole purpose of shewing tho natives how utterly ruthless we can be. Tho action is one as un precedented as it is dishonouring to a civi lised Government, and we wait with an eager expectation tho high reasons of State that are presumed to justify it. They must be very powerful Indeed before they will be accepted as sufficient to account for so wanton an outrage, which, if committed by Maoris upon tho cultivations of settlers, would be quoted as an exhibition of wholly barbarous instinct. The example set to the natives ia a most lamentable onr, and the colony will be fortnnate indeed if the precedent is not some day pleaded by the Maoris in excuse for their own depredations upon the homesteads of outlying settlers. What answer have we to such a plea in view ot the wilful rooting-up of five hundred acres of nearly ripened crops, by order of the Government, in a time of perfect peace, and during the absence of the planters? The proceeding is so utterly incomprehen sible that we leave any attempt at explana tion to its authors. Until tbat explanation is given, the act can only be looked upon as an exhibition of high-handed power, ex ercised ia wanton destruction, and as 'such it must ultimately recoil upon tho beads ot its perpetrators.

The City Council appears dctormincd to mako itself ridiculous over the plans of the new coffee palace. The architect of tho building had the temerity to venture outside the dull routine of those.designs with which tho Council is familiar, and tho daring flight has completely staggered our civic rulers. The plans, consequently, have been referred from Council to committee, from committee to Council, and back again to committee, with a sort of feeble hopo that something or other—heaven knows what-will turn up to help tho judges out. Originally brought up by tho City Surveyor for the purpose of deciding the question of overhanging bay windows, no sooner were the plans spread out than Mr Hughes, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, plunged in with an objection to the mansard roof; and last night, at the invitation of tho Council, he proceeded to denounce it as a highly dan gerous structure—a position he endea voured to support by a number of newspaper extracts. Now, with every respect for Mr Hughes as a Superintendent of Fire Brigade, we value his opinion on a Question of architecture at about its weight in hydrogen. A little knowledgo is ofton a very dangerous thing. The vote of thanks to Mr Hughes might be construed into an implied vote of censuro on the City Sur veyor. If the latter gentleman is not iully equal to his duties under the Building jßegulations, Mr Hughes should bo allowed a chance of his office. The obvious com mon-sense plan for the Council to have pursued in dealing with a matter of this kind was to have referred the plans to the City Surveyor for his re port on the custom in largo cities whero building regulations arc strictly enforced while architectural effect is given tho freest play consistent with public safety and con venience. If that had been done the Council would have been relieved at once of any trouble about the mansard roof, for the very sufficient reason that it is strictly within the building regulations, and there is no power to disallow it. Moreover, notwith standing Mr Hughcs's opinion and news paper extracts to the contrary, mansard roofs are allowed in all the chief cities of Europe and America. Several magnificent new hotels in London, have within the lost year or two, been erected with such roof, bcHidcß many other notable build ings, and tho style ia so popular in Man chester that ithasbeenadoptedina majority of the large buildings erected in that city within the last few years. There is, undoubtedly, danger in all buildings of three or four storeys, where wood is used freely in their construction, but anything Mr Hughes has to say against the mansard roof might be said with equal force in favour of prohibiting the use of windows, and com pelling all tall buildings to be hermetically sealed within four dead brick walls, and flat concrete covering. The architecture of Cabul would about meet Mr Hughes's no tions of design, But then he should not press the point too hard, because with its introduction his occupation would be gone. The question of overhanging bay win dows stands on a different footing. These infringe the Building Kegulations, and the Council is right in discussing fully the propriety of sanctioning them. Still here also common sense and the custom elsewhere should be the guide rather than tho rigid letter of the bye-law. Some scope must be Riven for achitectural orna mentation,and with large public buildings each case ought to be dealt with on its merits. An upstairs bay window, with proper provision for carrying off the drip, if an evil at all, is assuredly a much smaller one than the undrained two feet copings which the regulations allow, as the un wary pedestrian along yucen-street sometimes iiads to his sorrow. In Wain's Hotel, on which the Coftee Palace plans are largely modelled, the City Council of Dunedin has allowed the bay windows, and when a magnificent city improvement like the new Coffee Palace is proposed, the Corporation should encourage

rather than discountonancc tlv exorcise by rtthavtaffrin obtained, the Council dr,l,Kt o-^ tne P»rt ot tho vandal'iD nfM L" 0*1" what evoryone must admit iVJi iv an immenso improvement to a nromi^ Publi? buildin S standing at the ■; a "Va'y to our city. A curious circumstance ?. connection with the matter is the fact ;hat several members of the Council, being shareholders in the Coilbe .Palace Company, are prohibited from voting, and the decision is left in the hands of a few. Let us hope they will exercise it in favour of artistic taste. The trial at any rate will afford experience and if the experiment is found to give unfavourable results, tho Council will then have a practical guide for its future proceeding.').

Carter, who won tho champion outrigger race at Mercury Bay, and Floyd, who also competed, intended to contest tho scullcre, race at the Dargavillo Kcgatta on Monday next, but have been deterred from bo doing by the small amount offered aa prize money. The result of the Mercury Bay match entitles Carter to receive £40 aud a hand some gold medal, now in tho hands of Mr F. 11. Lewißson, of Quocn-strect.

The half-yearly meeting of the Cure Gold Mining Company was to have bocu held to-day, but lapsed for want of a quorum.

To the Editor: Sir,—lhavebeen requested to ask the committee of the Choral Society, through your columns, if they could not arrange to have Mr Goidon Gooch to sine some of tho solos occurring in tho Messiah now tbat tho oratorio is to be repeated on Sunday next. With the choruses executed on Thursday every one appeared well satisfied, but disappointed (very signally so in one case) with a gentleman amateur. As I uuderstand it is simply a question of payment to Mr Goocb, who has very kindly given his cervices so far for nothing, there cannot suicly be tiuy trouble in getting over that small difficulty.— I am, yours, SUIISCEIIiBE.

The receipts at the Catholic baiaar yes terday amounted to £40, bringing the total up to £G7O. The bazaar will be opened at six o'clock this oveniug, and the Hobson Band will again be in attendance to con* tribute musically to the attractions of the affair.

During tho hearing of the Timaru arson ca.se, a question was raised by Mr Stout, counsel tor the prisoners, ns to the .status of the Insurance companies interested, When it appeared that not one of them bad been incorporated iv Now Zealand, and that iv consequence they had no legal status in tbo colony. The Urown Prose, cutor was therefore compelled to abandon tho counts alleging an intention to defraud theso companies. Tho names of the com panies urn — The Imperial, the Ilanacatic of Hamburg, and the Norwich Union.

It is tho intention of Mr C. Dacro and other North Shoro gentlemen to inaugurate tho New Year by a grand display of lire works from Mount Victoria (Klagetall' Hill) to-monow night, A large variety of tiro works have been purchased, and the pyro technic display is expected to be an un usually brilliant one. There will also be exhibitions of rocket', bluo and red lights, etc., from the ycsuols in harbour, while a number of private boating parties have been formed te uoe tho " Old Year out aud tho Now Year in."

A general meeting of the Auckland Bicycle Club was held last evening in the V.M.C.A. rooms, There were 11 membera present. Mr K. Tudohopo was voted to tho chair. Tho minutes oE last meeting wore read and continued; the rules were also read and adopted, It was resolved that they should bo printed without dolay. As evidence of tho vitality of tho club, wo may state that 10 members are about order ing bicycles, which may bo expected iv tho course of throe mouthy. The time is not far distant when bicycle runs aud races will rank among tho chief out-door sports of the day.

A poor wretch named Colcman went to a Melbourne lock-up the other night and asked to be taken in, as he had nowftcre to go tr ,and was deatit Jtc. Colcmau was told he could not be locked up on an application of that character. Ho left, and iv a few minutes afterwards returned with a chair in his hand. He informed flic constable in charge that he had stolon it, and asked him whether he could not, under these circum stances bo locked up. Of course his request was at once granted.

Tho following rates of commission on monoy orders made payablo in tho United States are published in the "Gazette" :— Not exceeding £2, la Gd ; oxeccding £2 and not exceeding £4, 2s fid ; exceeding £4 and not exceeding £G, 3s (id ; exceeding £6 and not exceeding £8, 4s Gd ; exceeding £S and not exceeding £10, '.it (id. Tho exchange will come into operation on January 2.

About a year ago, a ysuth in the Lands Otlicc, at Sydney, forged a cheque for £800, with which he decamped to San Francisco. He is now reflecting in gaol. There was a great fuss in the ollice over this affair; one oilicor high in the service was disrated, and another dismissed. There •was a general overhauling of the work, an unusually reliable man was introduced,ami a perfoct system of accounts devised. The unusually reliable person is now waiting trial on two charges of misappropriating the monies of the Government.

The usual fortnightly meeting of tho City Schools Committee was held last evening. The annual statement of accounts was submitted, showing : Receipt.*, £381 8s Cd ; expenditure, £379 Is 4d ; balance, £2 78 2<f. Mr H. Q. Wade was appointed auditor. It was decided to ascertain whothcr the owner of an adjoining property was inclined to sell, with the obje t of re commending the Board of Education to pur chase for enlargement of JNelson-Btrcot school playground. Tho question of nomi nation of two members for the Board of Education was discussed, and the commit tee decided that steps should be taken to hold a conference of the chairmen of various school districts for consideration of the matter.

The " New Zealand Times " states that sonic abaurd reasons were given by voters for the way they voted, but none were pro. bably more so than those given in the "Hawke's Bay Herald." At Havelock one man openly stated that he polled against Captain Kusell " because ho wore an eye glass." At Hastings several others gavo as their reason for voting for Mr Sulton " that he had promised to relieve the working man of direct taxation," evidently completely ignorant of the fact that the working man doosnotnow pay direct taxation. And. to these mon is given the franchise ! We know of one votor who refused to voto for a "Liberal"because tho candidate dyed his moustache.

About the water-troughs "Simon Puro" thus delivers himself: " A short time ago someone 'sung out' about tho drinking cups, and it is no doubt true that thoy want attention; but, to my mind, not half so much as the trough business; we want a complete reformation there. That a man (not to take the woman into consideration, and I presume that a horse driven by a woman wants a drink too) should have to got out of a cart, a buggy, or off hia liorse, and stand, losing time, pressing on a spring to let water flow out at the rate of a gallon or go a minute, is something that might have been consistent with tho antediluvian period, but in this ago of electric enlightenment it is far from credit able. I have no desire to scoff at the in ventor of the present system, what I wish to see is a reformation : some contrivance by which the troughs may be kept always full without the water runniDg to waste; and, indeed, if the water is plentiful I think it would be beneficial to have a small con tinual overflow. If I thould write, 6r sing out till I was black in the face, that might do no good, but if all those interested wish for a remedy, let them unite and give one grand, concentrated, prolonged howl!"

A block of two-storied brick buildings is in course of erection at the corner of Wynd ham and Chapel streets to the order of Mr John Marshall. The frontage to both streets is 77 feet, by 73 feet in depth. Tho block consists of cottages, with a shop at the corner, each of the former to have a parlour or fitting-room, 12 feet by 12 feet; Kitchen 12 feet by 13 feet; and scullery, 6 feet by 5 feet. A Btaircase from the sitting room will give access to the upper story, containing two bedrooms, 13 feet by 12 feet, and 12 feet by 12 feet, respectively. The shop will be 18 feet by 14 feet, with a sitting-room, 13 feet by 12 feet; scullery, 6 feet by 6 feet; and on tho upper storey, to which the staircase springs from a pas sage, arc three bedrooms, averaging 11 feet by 12 feet. The roof will be ot corrugated iron. Mr Chatwiu is the contractor for the buildings, the contract price being £1,960, and Mr fl. G. Wade is the architect.

A private company have started a patent chicken incubator by thb hot water process tit Glendermid, Otago. Tho thing promises to be a great success, and it is claimed that 40 per cent, more chickens can be reared successfully than by hens. A machine is now being constructed to fatten the birds for market, as is done in America and France.

To the Editor: Sir,—To decide a bet, will you stato whether Lone Hand evor won an Auckland steeplechase—Yours, &c., Enquirer. [Yec, he won the steeple chase at the summer meeting of 1880, carrying 13 stone; four started.—Ed. E.S.]

The right of levying tolls at the Mount Eden Toll-bar was offered at Messrs Arthur's auction mart to-day, and pur chased by Mr Smith at a rental of £26 per month,

Tho "Oamaru Mail" states that the directors of tho Oamaru Woollen Company have decided that Mr Ballantyne, manaecr of the company, shall proceed Ho me for the purpose of purchasing tho necessary machinery, &c The directors havo also received good encouragement as to placing a number of shares in the Melbourne marked

The members and friends of thoWhau Union C.C. intend holding a grand variety entertainment to-night in the Whau Hull, in aid of tho club funds. The entertain ment will consist ot songs, recitations, readings, etc., for the Grst part, a dramatic piece for the second, and a select nigger performance for the third; the whole will conclude with a quadrille party,

Considering tho magnitude of tho dis aster, singularly little money was spent in relieving tt.e sufferers by tho wreck of the Taiarua, The statement submitted at the winding-uD meeting in Dunedin lately showed that tho receipts wore as follows : — Union Company, £100; Dunedin Garrick Club, £20; balance of tho s.s. City of Dunedin fund, £20; engineers at Lyttelton, £12 ; Wellington Post Office, £9 17s 6d : Pinaforo Company's performance on board tho s.s. To Anau, £8 lGs—total, £170 13s 6d. The money was distributed as follows : Port Cbalmors cases, £112 14a ; Dunedin, £14 3s 9d ; Wellington, £12 10s; Oamaru, £7 2s ; Auckland, £6 ; Gore, £2 10s ; ad vertising exponses, £15 13s 9d-total, £170 13a Gd.

The " Salvation Army " fever exists in a mild way in Dunediu. Every Sunday even ing (aaya the " Otago Paily Times") a num boc of the male members of the choir con nected with Mr Brunton'a services in the Garrison Hall meet at Cargill's Monument, there sing a hymn, ami then marh—singing tho while— to tho Garrison Hall. Last evening one of tho number gave a thort ad dress also from the steps of the Monument. It'need scarcely be said that a curious crowd gathers round to hear the siDging; but, save that there is a tendency to Btrike up oppo sition lyrics of a comic kind on tho part of lads, the proceedings are orderly. Last Sunday night, an unsympathetic sergeant of police gave the little band of siagers tho hint that they should not take up the a treat way, but intimated that the steps of the Monument were at their disposal. The anti-Chinese law in New Soiifh Wales is being enforced with great rigour, A solitary Chinese passenger by the Barrabool, from Melbourne, was [seized in Sydney by the Customs authorities, and Cuptain Stanford bad to pay his £10 admittance fee. This, however, will be returned to the worthy captain when he takes the man back to Melbourne, and he vows ho will not let him out of his sight until he reaches Victorian waters again. At Albury, on tho Victorian border, the Col lector of Customs received a telegram in structing him to enforce the provisions of tho new Chinese Immigration Restriction Act, by collecting tho poll-tax of £10 from every Chinese entering the colony. In pur suance of these instructions six Chinese who arrived from the township of Bright, Vic toria, were stopped. They declined paying the tax, and were handed over to the cus tody of the police, pending further instruc tions from head quarters. One of tho detenus had Victoriau naturalization papers. Tboy were brought up at the Albury police court, when the Sub-collector of Customs said tin would withdraw tho charge on the defendants leaving the colony, as this was the first case under the new law. A

YYodong.i market gardener, who supplied vegetables at Albury to customers, was prevented from entering tho colony.

Ampler provision for the accommodation of travellers to the Hot Lakes than lias heretofore boon obtainable is now about to bo supplied. Tenders have just boen invited for tho erection of a bathing pavilion ol twolvo baths, bath-kecocr's resilience, dispensary, and bathing-sheds at Lake Uotorua, and on tic Oth proximo the contract will be definitely arranged. The place selected for the construction of these works is tho margin of the lake, in close proximity to tho spring which has been termed " Tho Priest's Bath." Totara will be tho material used, and the water will be conveyed through wooden pipes, while attendanco and waiting - rooms will bo added to the bathing establishment proper at different springs on the mar gin of the lake. Open bathing • sheds arc also to bo put up for tho conve nience of bathers. These arc all the works at present being tendered for, but Messrs Mahoney and Sons, tho architects, arc pic paring plans for the medical olhccr's rcsi donco and a boarding establishment and hospital, for which tenders will be called iv due time. Tho hospital is intended to provide accommodation for twenty-four patieuti, and will have all the latest hygienic improvements, It will bo erected ova public reserve set apart for the pur pose. Tho regular meeting of the Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon, Messrs F. E. Coinpton (Chairman), and J. M. Clark (Mayor), Wnddel, Thompson, Aickin, Stone, McKensfle, G. W. Owen, and Isaacs being present. Plans of tho Boston wharves and docks were received, and ordered to be acknowledged with thanks. The proclamationforthe JN orthcote wharf was executed, Messrs White and Hunt were granted a nine weeks' extension of their contract time, and an application by tho Postmaster-General for permission to erect a building suitable for fumigating mails | eithor on the reclaimed land, near tho railway station, or on the North Shore, on the water frontage opposite to the city, the building to be uudcr the control of tho local Board of Health,was referred to the Health Ollicer for his opinion. Thomas Deckett'a tender,viz., £610a per month for elf aring and gwqeping tho wharf, was acccptod,and tho ordinary accounts were passed for payment. Messrs Knssell and Devoro having intima ted that certain of the purchasers of lease* holds had declined to execute leases upon the ftcrniH assigned, it was resolved that the conditions of sale should bo enforced. Tho Town Clerk wrote announcing that tho City Council had consented to concede the "quay ends " of Hobson-slraet and Nelson street, and 25 feet of Qiiay-ntrect, to the Harbour Board, upon condition of the latter paying half the maintenance of Quay-street. it was agreed that the Board should pay half the coat of maintaining the street, This was the whole of the business done. Some discussion took place upon the desir ' ability of regulating tho embarkation and landing of passengers at the Queen-street Wharf, but no decision was arrived at on the subject.

A decision of considerable importance to travellers was given in the Pollco Court this morning by tho Resident Magistrate. Robert SchnJiold was charged with a breach of the railway by-laws by riding in a carriage sot apart especially for ladies. It appeared from the evidence that he oc cupied a seat half inside and half outside the doorway, and not completely inside, and His Worship ruled that anyone on the platform could nut be said to bo in the carriage, and, therefore, dismissed the-case, Assuming the decision to be perfectly right, and we do not question it, a very interesting disclosure, which may assist tho public to a considerable saving in railway fares, is the result. Another section of ' the by-laws says that any person taking a scat in or upon any carriage or travelling therein without first having paid the fare is liable to a penalty. But no mention is made of the person who does not take a seat on tho carriage, but simply stands on the platform, There is no by-law to prevent him standing there, and, accord ing to the decision given this morning, he is not inside the carriage, and consequently is not legally liable for the fare. Therefoic, he can travel frco of charge as far as he likes so long as ho does not sit down on the platform or enter tho doorway of the car riage. The whole of the railway by-laws have been so loosely drawn up that it is almost impossible to obtain n conviction under them. They were taken from the Eng lish regulations, and as the carriages there have no platforms, the word "in " is used, but in New Zealand, where there are platforms, the by-laws should have been made to read "on " the carriage. Had they been sent to tho police inspectors for revision be fore they were gazetted, they would doubt less have been made workable.

The ball court will be lit up by {.as to-night and to-morrow evening as well, and some good matohes will be played. Sweeney and Harry Thomas are most l'.koly the two who will b3 picked to play Mnrphy on Saturday night.—[4DVl.]

We shall finish up the old year by giving oar customers the benefit of o drop In the price of our provisions, the following being our list for to-morrow I—Bacon, 6d to 8d per lb; Ohceae. 7d; Fresh Batter, 8<1; Jams, 8d; Sperm (Jandles (full- weights), 8d; Tinned Peaches (21t>3 caoh), 8d; Pint Bottles Sauce, la; Fancy Soap, Sd per box; Cornflour, 8d per lb; all other things equally oheap and of guaranteed quality.— Auckland Provision Company, .Hit/ht Corner Stall, City Market. A. Eettany, Manager.

CABLEGRAMS.

IKeutkr'B Telegrams.]

LONDON, December 27.

Consols, 09g}' Bank rate of discount, 5 por cent.; market rate, 4g ; New Zealand securities 5 per cent 1879-1805 Loan, 101} j Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 56a; New Zealand ditto, 52a; Adelaide flour ex ware house, 41s Gd; Australian tallow, best beef, 39s Gd ; best mutton, 45s fid.

AUSTRALIAN.

FIRE IN BRISBANE.

BRISBANE, this day.

A serious firc.rcßultingin the destruction of three shops, occurred last night in South Brisbane. Tho insurances include £600 in New Zealand offices, THE OUTWARD S.F. MAIL. SYDNEY, December 29, Sailed, this afternoon : The Pacific Mail Company's steamship' Australia, for San Francisco, via Auckland. Sir Henry Parkes and Miss Parkos are passengers tor Eng land by her. SIR J, ROBERTSON JOINS THE MINISTRY. SYDNEY, December 29. It is announced that Sir John Robertson returns to the Ministry as Secretary for Lands, vice Mi' James Hoskins, and that he will perform the duties ef Colonial Secretary during tho absence of Sir Henry Parkos. Evening. Sir John Robertson was sworn in to-day as Secretary for Lands, vice the Hon. Jqhn HoakinSi THE EXHIBITION AT CHRIST CHURCH. MELBOURNE, December 29. Mr Twopenny.one ot the promoters of the Exhibition, will leave Melbourne by the s.s. Arawal.'i to arrange for the opening of the International Exhibition at Christchurch. Marcti 15 has biea fixed as the date for the ceremonial. Over two hundred applications for space lave already been leccived from England by intending exhibitors. Commodore Krskiue has promised to take the Australian squadron on to Lvttelton at an early date, and will assist at the opening ceremony. It is expected that tho Exhibi tion will be very successful. MELBOURNE, this day. Arrived : This morning, steamship Ara wata from the Bluff, It has transpired that the Hon, J, G. Francis has declined-the Agent-General-, ship for Victoria in London, The homeward mails per Orient steam ship, John Elder, which left Melbourne on November 19, were delivered via Brindisi yostcrday. ,

ADDITIONAL CABLEGRAMS.

LONDON, December 19. The German lleichstag has re-elected the President and Viue-President, A Bedotiin murdered a soldier at Suez, and the affair led to a riot among the mili-' tary, in the course of which tho Governor was subjected to outrage. December 20. Eighteen Socialists have been arrested in Vienna. Forty deaths occurred through an ex plosion at Alram colliery, Wigan, Lanca shire. The Lord Mayor of London has commu nicated with tho Provincial Mayors request ing co-operation in a movement initiated for the defence of property in Ireland during the present period of lawlessness, A farmer has been murdered at Abbexaiy, Queen's County, Ireland. Iv consequence of the menacing attitude assumed by prominent members of the Ladies' Land League,the Government have determined to suppress the organisation, and tho authorities arc preparing a prison at Grangegoram County, Dublin, for the recaption of political offendora.

THE JEANETTE SAFE.

The Governor of Eastern Siberia reports that the steamer Joanottc, fitted out for Arcticexplorationpurposes by James Gordon Bennett of tho " Now York Herald," and generally believed to have perished, has been discovered safe. The Atlantic steamer Bath City has been wrecked, and ten people drowned. She was a vessel of 1,724 tons, built in 1880. The members of tho Ladies' Land League, suppressed by the Government as a seditious and illegal association, have held a meeting and openly defied the action of the Government. A gas explosion of a serious nature has occurred in Vienna, causing several deaths ' and injuring others. Tie Customs authorities of New York have discovered 2,800 cases of rifles shipped for Liverpool described as hardware. Tbo Orient Company's new steamer Austral, built entirely of steel, was launched to-day. She is intended for the Anglo-Australian trade. A thermometer known to have been in the balloon in which Mr Powell, M.P., was a passenger, h&s been picked up on the sands near Portland. There can scarcely bo a doubt that the balloon and all in it perished. December 22. Six ladies contributed £9,000 to a fund initiated for the defence of property during the present period of lawlessness in Ireland. December 23. Since the catastrophe at the Kink Theatre, Vienna, tha public have almost entirely forsaken the other theatres in the city. In order to restore confidence, the lessees of tho various theatre have formed a deputation to the Emperor asking that ex perts be appointed to report on the means of ogress from the buildings. Seventeen British sailors have been ar rested at Now Orleans tor causing a dis turbance at a public meeting. Tne statement that Mr ParnelL has been removed from Kilmainham gaol to Armagh gaol is without foundation.

SPORTING NEWS.

VICTOKIAN RACES,

[reotkr's cablegram.]

MELBOURNE, December 29, CHAHFION STAKES,

The following is the latest betting on the Champion Stakes, to be run on Monday, January 2nd:— Wheatear, sto 2; Welling ton, 3to 1; Santa Glaus, 7to 1.

The following horses are also probable starters:— Sir Peter, Royal Maid, Corio lanus. Koh-i-noor, Commotion, Marmora, Martindalc, Somerset, and Monmoutb.

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

The following acceptances were received last night by the Secretary of the Club :— RACING CLUB HANDICAP. St. lb. St. lit. Kimihvick... 8 10 Lara 7 5 King Quail S 7 -Lone Hand ... 7 0 Maori ... 6' 2' Pnrauiona ... 7 0 Yatapa ... 710 Matau 7 0 Badsworth... 7 9 Vampire ... 6 12 TimWbiffler 7 9 Poet 6 9 Kcnilworth 7 S Moonstone ... 512 Hilda ... 7 5 GRAND STAND HANDICAP. St. lb. St. lb. Billingsgate.. 9 5 Lara 7 0 Maid of Honour 8 8 Paramena ... 7 0 Bandwick ... 8 5 "Vampire ... t> 12 Maori 8 0 Miss Domett.. 6 12 Badsworth ... 7 10 The Poet ... 610 Othello 7 10 Tenambra ... 6 0 Hilda 7 8 Hetriever ... 6 0

LATEST BETTING.

The following arc tho latest quotations 38 fixed at Tattersall's last evening :—

RACING CLUB HANDICAP. TimWhlfller 100 to 10 Lone Hand ..100 to 10 Hilda .. _ 100 to 30 Badsworth _ 100 to 10 Maori .. ..100 to 29 Paramena ..UK) to 6 Kentlworth ..100to20 Yatapa.. ..100 to S King Quail ..100 to 15 Vampire ..100 to 5 The Poet ..100 to 15 Moonstone ..100 to S Matau „ _ 100 to 10 Kandwiok ..100to 5 Lara .. -100 to 10

GBAND STAND HANDICAP. Hilda .. ..100to30 Paramena ..100to 15 BllUnßegato ..100t025 Kundwlok ..100 to 10 The Poet ..100 to 25 Lara .. ..100 to 10 Maidof Honour 100 to 20 Miss Domett.. 100 to 10 Maori .. ..100to20 Vumplro ..100to 10 Othello.. ..lOOtolS Retriever ..106to 6 Badsworth ..100to 15 Tenambra ..100to 5 STEEPLECHASE. Clarence ..100 t033 Sportsman ..100 to 15 King Don .. 100 to 33 Vug Sledmere 100 to IS Lone Hand .. 100 to 30 Harkaway .. 100 to 1 * Rawenata ..100 to 31 Hawthorn ..100 to 10 Matau „ ..100 to 25 Morning Star.. 100 to 5

INTERCOLONIAL WEATHER EXCHANGE.

SYDNKY, Thursday. The depression of yesterday has now cleared the Australian Coast. The centre passed over Tasmania in an K.N.E. direction. 8. w. winds now prevail, with rising barometer, except on the east coaiit of New South Wales.—Portland, 29D; liobftrt, 298; Sydney, 297.

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening, there being present!:— The Mayor (Mr 3. M. Clark) and Crs Goldie, Aickin, Fleming, Hemus, Montague, Waddel, Crowther, Offer, and Thompson.

The Mortar Mill Nuisancb.—Mrs Kouritreo wrote complaining ot the nuisance caused by the smoke, &c, from the mortar grinding mill at the new opera-house, Wei lesley-strcct. She claimed compensation for damage to her goods.—lt having been stated that the contractor had no special permit for the use of the mill, it was agreed to instruct him to lengthen the chimney, and to inform the writer of this resolve.

Water Supply.—A letter was received from Dr Purchas, thanking the Council for their compliance with the request to have the high-level water pressure laid on. ROKBBY- STREET.—Mr Crowther pre sented a petition from owners ot 'property in liokeby-street, asking that the levels should bo fixed, and the street formed, kcrbed, and channelled.— Referred to the Works Committee.

Works Committee.—The Works Com mittee, reported, re cutting away Hobson and Moore-streets, tbat the former reply of the Council be forwarded to the applicants; and re petition from residents in Karanga, hapo road Concerning the watering of the streets, it was agreed that, pending the receipt of appliances, the consideration of the matter bo deferred.—The report was apopted. Coffee Palace. Plans.—The report of the Finance Committee, delegating to the Council the matter of dealing with the Coffee Palace plans, was received.-Mr. Hughes, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, attended by special request, in order to explain and sustain the objection i he had lodged to the construction of the Coffee Palace with a Mansard roof, as shown on the plans, Mr Hughes charac terized the proposed building as simply a large timber stack, finished off with plenty of glass, and containing as little brick as possible consistent with an observance of the building regulations. The Mansard roof he regarded as peculiarly dangerous— quotations being made from various works to shew that it was extremely inflammable. The building, although nominally a four storey one, really contained five storeys, 'while the plans shewed a laundry in the roof, and conditions were made that the roof should be trimmed for 24 dormer win dows, to bo put in at some future period, thus disclosing an intention on the part of the promoters to fix up sleeping apartments there at some time or other. It would also, he said, be seen from the specifications that the bond of the brick work was to be neither English nor Flemish.—Mr Anderson explained that it was the English bond modified.—ln answer to a question, Mr Hughes said that apart from the question of fire the building would not be of sufficient stability, and that the roof certainly would be dangerous.—After a short conversational discussion, Councillor Woddel moved, and Councillor Montague seconded, "That the matter be refened to the Works Com mittee, Mr Anderson in the meantime to report on the difference between a Mansard roof and a queen post roof."— The Mayor said tbat he had taken the opinion of Sir 6. M. O'Korke as to the right of Councillors who were interested in the company to voto upon the matter at the Council, and that the gentleman held that a shareholder in the company could not take part in discussing or voting on any question regarding the Coffee Palace.— Councillor Thompson considered that Mr Hughes was entitled to the thanks of the Council for bringing the matter up. They had appointed him an Inspector, and he had performed his duty.—Councillor Wad del's motion was then put and carried, it being decided that the Surveyor should be asked to furnish particulars regarding the roof and the bond.

Park Committee.—This committee re commended that an allotment at the corner of Wellesley and Park streets, with £1,250, should be offered to the Government in lieu of the armoury.— The Mayor explained the circumstance;. —A discussion ensued, and ultimately the matter was referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee to bring up a plan and report. The re mainder of the report was adopted without discussion.

Remission of Penalty.— Mrßlewdcn's application for a remission of the penalty for eleven weeks' delay in construction of the sewage drain, was recommended by the Surveyor, and allowed. Committee Mkrtings.—Cr Thompson drew attention to a paragraph which had appeared in the Star concerning a meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Com mittee. It gave merely a one-sided report of the debate, having evidently been con tributed. He therefore gave notice that he would move that in future all meetings of committees of the whole Council be open to the Press and the public. HOBSON-STKEET Drainage.—Tenders for this work were received as follows :- Alex. Watson, £520; William Hauks, £511; W. Kirby,£s6B ; W.Blewden.£s4o; A. McGuire, £490; John Heath, £455; Alex. Archibald, £467. Heath's tender was accepted. The Engineer's estimate was £450.

Pumping Station Kequirehbnts.— The Engineer at the Pumping Station re ported that of the tenders sent in, Messrs Porter and Co.'s was the lowest.—lt was agreed not to accept any of the tenders, the prices not being low enough. Court Fees.—The Mayor moved that the Government be communicated with, requesting that the Clerk of the K.M. and Police Court be instructed to supply a de tailed return of all fees and tinea inflicted and liable to be paid to the Council for the year ISSI, showing the amounts paid to the credit of the Corporation account, and the amount of such fines and fees still unpaid; and that similar returns, be rendered quarterly to the Council. -The motion was seconded by Cr Wadael, and carried. Drainage. — Plans of draining Grey street and Pitt-street were laid on the table, and ordered to be advertised.

Lighting.—CrAickin having complained of the defective lighting of Alfred and O'Rorke-streets, the Surveyor was directed to report on the matter. SaLiVries. — On the question of the Cor poration salaries coming up, a discussion took place, and motions were made to increase those of the Mayor, the Town Clerk, and Surveyor, but.they were all negatived, the salaries being maintained at the same rates as last year, except in the cases of the bathkeeper and turncock, who were allowed coal and gas in addition to salary. Gakuck and Cran\vbu.'sPbemises.— The plans for Qarlick and Cranwell's new premises wore submitted and approved. Water-supply Extension. — The Mayor, in accordance with notice, moved, " That tho last clause of resolution re ' water-supply to Parnell,' dated 12th May, 1880, be rescinded, viz., the Council cannot undertake the laying of mains ontside the city, and further, thai in future all applications for and proposals to .lay down mains outside the city be con sidered on their merits." In urging the resolution ho pointed out th >t the question of extension must be met when the city boundaries were extended.- Councillor Aickin seconded the resolution. —Councillor Thompson moved as amend ment, and Councillor Fleming seconded, " That at that late hour the consideration of such an important question bo post poned."—The matter was finally referred to committee.

Finance. — The current accounts were passed, and the usual balances from the various departments were submitted and accepted. Tho Council rose at 11 o'clock.

CRICKET MATCHES.

PONSONDY C.C. V. WKSTKNDC.C. 2NDKLEVKN. —The above match will bo played on No 3 Wiokot, on Saturday, 3lst Docombor. Tho fol lowing is tho Ponsonby Team—C. J. Owen, 11. Hall, J. Hall, Done, Weston, Maylott, K. Owon, Kdwurde, Craig, Gcddes, Farquhar.

Tho North Shore United Beoond Eleven and Alpha C.C.s nifty on N 0.5 wioket tomorrow, commencing sharp at|2.lS p.m.

Auckland C.C. v, Onrhunga CO.—These teams will meet to-morrow for the first time into aeason on No. 2 wicket.

Town v. Country.—The return match will bo played in the Domain on Monday, when the Town will be reDreaented by the following :— Mumford,Gardiner, Dufuur (2), Bindon, O'Brion, Boale, Testro, Adams, Nicholson, Lynch.

Auckland C.C. v. Nokth Siiobk C.G.— A.U.C.: Dutaur (2), Gardner, -LauHiam (2), Jervia, Toßtro. MaoCdrmtok, Crawford, Mum ford, Cromwell.

The United 2nd Eleven will play the Excelsior to-morrow.

A cricket match was played on the Domain ground last Saturday but.ween the Went Kurt and OnehunKa Second Kloven, which resulted in a draw greatly in favour of West Knd. tror the West ICnd Bob Woods made the splendid acore ot 120, Geor(?o Brown camo next with a well-playod innings of 57, and Courtayne with 10. Onoliunßa Ist inninfw—Kastwood, b Haana 0; Molloy, run out, 3; Leahy, b Uanna li- Howard, not out, 9; Brookflold, not out, 0 Total for 4 wickets, 20, w

The following will represent United 2nd Klevon against Grafton to-monrow, Decembor 3lßt Play to commence at 2.30 p.m :— Lacoo Saddler, Shove, Sinclair, Johnson, Thwaitea

MERCURY, BAY SPORTS.

Intercolonial^Outrigger Cliam*

pion Itace.

Thb Mercury Bay Regatta took place on Tuesday last. . Although the weather wn« most unfavourable, rain falling during-H greater .part of the day, there was a larcn number of spectators, and much interest was shewn in the various events Th Champion Outrigger Kaco has attraotta! attention not only in Auckland but also i southern and Australian ports, and dntin» the last two days enquiries have been mad« by telegraph and otherwise as to therestuV Our Mercury Bay correspondent telecranto, to-day stating that Carter won easily beat! ing White "by several lengths. Where Floyd was at the finish we are not informed ■but it is very likely that he did not try for the prize, being, as it was well known, ont of training. Betting favoured Carter White finding very few backers, while lloyd was looked upon as good for second place. l'his gives evidence of a very dif. ferent feeling to that which was manifested on the occasion of the contest betwi.«. White and Hearn at Wellington/wheS Aucklandcrs backed the former to win ver» heavily. Since that time White's reputa tion as a scalier has been gradually on tlw wane, and now even his best friends will feel backward in supporting him on any future occasion when he may essay to t™ his skill. . . J *™

Mr John darter, the winner, is about 80 years of age. He was champion amateur sculler at Melbourne during 1873 and 1874. having beaten Christie and Stout, but has not pulled much since. He seems n by no means heavily built man, and is fif fc 9in in height. His outrigger is a beautifiil boat, built by Swaddle and WinshiD cf Newcastle-on-Tyne, four years ago/ of American cedar. The boat is 30 feet g inches long, 11 inches broad at the cockpit 5| inches deep in the centre, 34 inches at the stem, and 2J itches at the stern, aid only weighs 351bs. There is a sliding seat, which permits the rower a 3Olnofi shde, with a slight downward incline aft, so that as the rower leans forward, he sinks a shade lower, mug as he renews his stroke. This is rendered quite easy by the universal roller slide, with which the boat is furnished. It works on little steel wheels, the whole moving very smoothly, and the jerk which was a drawback with the old slide, as tending to deaden the way of the boat, it avoided. The slide and seat complete only weigh 41ba. Probably the excellence of his little craft has had something to do with bis easy victory on this occasion. .Albert White's previous career is so well known here that it is unnecessary to speak thereon. He would probably pull in one of the boats constructed by himself, and in which he pulled against Hearn. It is fitted with most of the new improvements, and is considered a neat and fast craft. . How ever Albert has not yet done much in it, so of its practical utility wo are yet unable to speak. ■ . • ■

Henry Floyd is an Australian man, alightly built, and about 26 years of age. He has done some rowing in* the South, having been second at Nelson in a contest on one occasion, and third at WangannL Not having a boat of his own, he was under the necessity of borrowing one here, and accepted the offer of one owned by Mr Charles Dacre. This was an outrigger built by Mr Harrison, of Breakwater ?wd, about 12 months ago. She was built to buit the harbour being 32 feet in length and with a great beam of 15 inches. Shehns sliding seats and swivel rowlocks, and, i« fitted with many other modern improve ments. MrT. Henderson pnlled in her at the last Ponsonby JXegatta coming in first. Considering the prevalent weather on Tucs. day, therefore, we must consider that Floyd had a very suitable boat, and should have done some work, but as our telegrams do not contain the required information, we must wait patiently for further news.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN COBKESPOHDBHT.)

COROMANDEL, today. This event came off at Mercury Bay on Tuesday, December 27th. The competitor* |! were Albert White, of Mercury Bay, and farter and Floyd, from Australia. The distance was 3!j miles. At the .start White led off, and his friends were momentarily in- ■ duced to think he was going to win, and cheered. Carter, however, quickly over* ■$ hauled the local favourite, and won as be pleased, coming in several lengths in ad- Pj vance. Host .Carina mast be complimented on the spirit he has shown in ottering in. ducement to Australians to visit Mercury Bay. pair-oaked rack for Jioya over 14. ■ Distance, 1 mile. Prize, 255. . ' Meikle and McLeod ... 1 Thorns and Wright „ 2 Two Maori Boys ~. ... ... 3 This was an extremely hard fought race. It created quite an excitement, and was regarded as the'best race of the day. Meikle and McLeod won atter a very hard straggle, and were loudly cheered at the finish, YACHT BACE. For £10. Distance, 2 miles. Witch 1 I'll Try ... 2 Polonaise ... ... 3 This event was interesting, The Witch and' I'll Try had a close contest, and it was difficult to pronounce on the winner till the close of the race. SKIFF BACK. George White ... ... ... if William White 2 Two others'(Butcher and Baker) started, but caved in, At this stage of the proceedings torrents of rain fell and stopped all the events. The large number of spectators rushed for shelter to every available tenement, and the hotel was thronged, The ball in the evening was a great success. There was an excellent attendance, and all present thoroughly enjoyed thotn selves. The cricket match which was to have been played between the respective dabs of Coromandel and Mercury Bay had to be abandoned. Owing to the flood of rain which fell, it was absolutely impossible to attempt outdoor sports after 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitors to Mercury Bay who had to return to Coromandel were impressed with the necessity that exists for a proper road being constructed, by Government,

THE OPERA.

" MAKITANA."

"Maritana" was reproduced last night with splendid effect to a fall houss. The cast was the same as on the occasion of the previous representation, and any defects that were then observable were last night conspicuous only by their absence.. The members of the company worked well to* gether and with admirable spirit, and they had the marked and appreciative sym pathy of the audience from the very outset. As Maritana, Miss Montagus was at her best, She sang the music of her part with rare, taste and feeling, and for every number secured the enthusiastic plaudits of her listeners. She gave "'Tis the harp in the air" and "Scenes that are brightest" exquisitely; while the duet with Lazaiillo (Miss Godfrey), "Sainted Mother," was certainly the gem of the concerted pieces. Mr Chas, Tomer, though suffering from a slight cold, sang and acted effectively in the nMe of Don Ciosar. " All the world o'er" was rendered with splendid effect, and so also was the spirited noDg, " Let me like a soldier fall. The pensive ballad " There is a flower that blooructh," also received a good rendition. Mr Farley satisfactorily filled the idle of Don Jok6, which has much in common with that of Don Pedro in "The Bose or Castile." In both his acting is studied and graceful, while his singing is invariably successful. Miss Godfrey again made a decided hit as " Luzarillo," and the. now customary encore for "Alas! those Chimes" was claimed and responded to. The lady has a voice of extensive range and of re markable strength and clearness in the lower register. Mr Gordon made a good King, and gave the well-known song, "Hear me Gentle Maritaua," with fine effect, while Mr Benham contrived to render the Marquis as fanny and as droll-looking as possible. There was a noticeable im provement in the performance of the choruses, the Angelas being especially well rendered, and the instrumentation of the orchestra also merits complimentary recognition. Tho management would do well to abridge the intermissions between the acts, as many of these operatic performances are unduly protracted, to the inconvenience of people who come from a distance. Tuis may have had Bomctbiog to do with a cceinirjg exhibition of bad ■ taste last night, in the hasty retirement of a large portion of the audience from the dresa circle, just as the concluding chorus was being attacked. The time was inoppor tune for leaving, and the general move ment in the direction of the door must hare proved as irritating to the performers as it was annoying to those who wished to hear • the opera out. "Martha " will be given to-night,

THE >nniCI.AIID EYEHING STAR TB^AY. DECEMBER 30.



Special Advertisements. *-« »T>TTPif *• r.RANWELL still sell all BESS GOODS.-The greatest variety of various kinds to match, and sold at hI rICKANWELL. j _GAMJCK_^P. Blflck Cagh . mores, OraP^i Customers, at the City and Bpnnpj g^^MJCK .& CRANWELL. __.^i£LIAS AND SUNSHADES.— p-T wOßhloimblo Snnshndos, plain and fanoy, I 'i In satin and other kinds ot coverings, * 'Just opened, aome very pretty Children's . - Parasols. Wo advise an early selection. yr GARLICK & CRANWELL. MANCHESTER GOODS.—Sheetings, Calloos. Bod Quilts, Blankets; large lot ot White Lace and Muslin Curtains. CITY EtALL AKCADE. riRETONNES.—Upwards of 60 patterns \j to select from, some ot them the hand somest In Auckland, varying in price from 8d to 3a 2d, Linings and Trimmings torjeamo, White and Fanoy Dimities. GARLICK & CKANWKLL. ILLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. —Large Stook of, Trimmed Hata and Bonnets. Mllllnei* on tho premises to exeoute orders in best style and with despatch. Straw Hata, all the leading shapes, a capital line just opened at Is. GARLICK & CRAM WELL. "iDIANOY GOODS.—I3iIk Mantles, Che- JD nlUo Dolmans, Capos, Fanoy Scarfs, Children's Fancy Dresses, Feathers, Flowers, Underclothing, &o.; all at low cash prices. GAKLICK & CRANWELL. EN'S AND BOYii1 CLOTHING.-A woll-asaortod sl;oc): at Cooperative Cash Frloofl. Men's Trousers and Vests, Salts, Men's and Yonthn' Imperial Sao Suite, Boya'Tweed cad Knioker Salts. Some special lines in Troiuors, Waistcoats, fee., worth inspecting. p A RL I C kT^H R AN WELL, CITY HALL ABCADK, AuoklaioiO, QentraJj Drapery warehousE. W. RATIBAY, 178, 180, & 183, QUKKN-STHEET, THREE DOORS BELOW THH AUCKLAND SAVINGS BASK, OlFera to his Customers and the Pnbllo the MOST SBLECT and NiCWKST A.BBORT MBNT OF HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY DKAPKKY. FOR THE HOLIDAYS. W. BATTBAY announces his HOLIDAY COSTUME, just opened from London per Orient steamer, trimmed in tho latest stylo, and a really good washing material, at only 15s. 60. FOB BIRTHDAY OR SBABON PRESENTS, LuNJDON-MADK AND PARIS COSTUMES, op to 15 Guineaii. For finish and oleganc c of style, thwo Coetumes,being made and Imported expressly to order, cannot be equalled In this marliot, CHEAP CHRISTMAS GOODS. Sufebb Ladies' Bms. Materials fob Dbessibs. A Heavy Line of FANCY DRESS STUFFS bought very cheap, and will be sold at a price to command buyers. VERY CHEAP HOLIDAY RIBBONS. 10,197 YAItDSor PLAIN AMD OMBJJE RIBBONS, At half-price, from l}d per yard and •> upwards. LADIES' BONNETS AND HATB. OHILDRBN'a AND ALL KINDS OF FASHIONABLE MILLINERY. BEST FAMILY CALICOS, COTTONS, AND SHEETINGS, 20 per Cent. Less than Old Prices. HONEYCOMB QUILTS, yon- cheap; Towels, Blankets, Muslin and Lace Curtains, and all Goods ot thiß class very low In price. SPKOIAL ATTENTION Is now being paid to BOYS', YOUTHS', READY AND MADE I MEN'S CLOTHING, j Little Boys' London and Colonial-made Suits of latest fashions, well oat and good finish all sizes. BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CHEAP ALL-WOOL TWBEDS. GENTLEMEN'S MERCBRY AND OUT FITTING. HATS, HELMET^ CAPS, &C, In Great Variety. Vl7 ILLIAM TO ATT RAY, 178, 180, AND 182, QOKKH-BTUKET, CT-NOTK. All W.R.s Goods are marked In plain figures. W.H. will sell very cheap. The Cash Buyer will find it to his advan- { tago to Inspect W. Battray's Btook, I and receive good valua for his money. All W. Rattroy's regulsr Custo mers will receive the benefit ot low priced Goods. NOTE THE MEW WAREHOUSE, THHKK nOOIiS 13BLOW THK AUCKLAND SAYINGS BANK, QUEEN-STREET. TUST RECEIVED, Per Steamer, AND NOW BKING BHOWN, LATEST STYLES IN JJ^fILLINERY. J^Jantlbs, JFiohub, 0 "-"STjADIKS1 C)OSTUMKB. 0 *" v o chW' % I. InGreat%«JS COSTUMES, 0 '"' of Styles and Materials. 0 OHiLDßßirsr^X*, 0 HOSIKRipna a ' ' ' '' ■ ' 3 Milne and Oh ok j QUEBN'AND WKLLESLEY-STRBETB, *■- t ■';•'"" AUCKLAND.



ON and after the 2nd January proximo, the delivery ot Letters, oto, by Letter Carrion, will be extended ao as to embraco tha Districts ot Bemnera, Kpsocn, to Bird Grove, Mount Eden, and Monnt ltoeklll, to the Jnno tion ot the Valley Road. ihe Mounted Letter Carriers are provided with Stamps, and are authorised to receive betters handed to them on tholr reapeotlvo routeß, The following Additional Receiving Boxes have been erooted. and Stamps can now be purchased at the Stores vrhero the rooolvors are placed :— Lower Bymouda-atroet .. Mrs Walker's Ponsonbyßoad .. .. Mr Stallsrd'a Mount Rortill Road .. Mr Rollers Mount Kden Mr Cuokiey'fl Remnera .. - .. Public Hell a b. biss, Qeneral Poet-ofiloo, Ohlet Postmaster. December 28,1881. Spftolal AQvertiHementa. INSURANCE COMPANIES ASSO CIATION, The Insnranoo Companies Offices will be OIiOSED on the 2nd and 3rd o( January, 1883, for New Tear Holidays. H. WORBP, Secretory. DANK HOLIDAY. MONDAY. 2nd JANUARY next, will bo observed as a Special Bank Holiday at the various Offices In Now Zealand ot the under mentioned Banks :— TIIS UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA IIMITED. (3Jgned) JOS, PALMER, ChletOffloertorN.Z. THB BANK OF MIS W SOUTH WALKS. (Signed) J, It. HILL, Inspector. TUB BANK OF AUSTRALASIA. (Slßned) K. W. MORRAH. Inspector, THK BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. (Signed) D. L. MURDOCH, General Manager. THE NATIONAL BANK OF NEW ZKA LAND (Limited). (aignoa) W. DYMOCK, Inspector. THK COLONIAL BANK OF NSW ZEA LAND. (Signed) GKO. COWIK. Qeneral Manager, MOLESKIN TROUSERS 1 MOLKBKIN TROUBKRB Blaco tha Abolition ot Duty on Piece Goods, THE NEW ZEALAND CLUTHING FACTORY ARE AGAIN TO THE FBONT, And can now supply their Customers with MOLESKIN TROUSERS At 35% 1088 Than Usual WholmaikPkick. TRY THEM!!! To be had at all the Retail Bbancbbs ot the NSW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Auckland Branch : yUKKN-STRKKT (OpPODtte Theatre Royal), And at Albert-street, Thames. | SID OK ALEXANDER'S SPECIALTIES, FINE WATCHES 1 I I RICH JEWELLERY 11 CHOICE CLOCKS 111 At Lowest pbioxs I 96, QUEEN.STREET, Auckland, Q.REAT jji I B E AT [ T INABURY 65 pO.'S. THE ENTIRE STOCK MORE OR LESS DAMAGED, I gA L E If O W Q M. WE MUST CLEAR OUT THE ENTIRE STOCK AT ANY PRICE, To make room for extensive repairs to Buildings, SHOP EARLY TO AVOID THE CRUSH. pUfil JJONiSDUST. JAMES SOPPET AND CO. •?j»anpplylng Fine Bonedust o( their own mano nnn, guaranteed tree from any adulteration, LW'ier ton, sticks or bacra lnoloded, at the I iCMeman's Bay, or their Store, No. 1 "•^jteeet. ' ■*l**t In any QuanU tie*



Wount'a Aromatic bchibdam Bohnafpb to lnduoetho destruction and provont, the im srope? use of tholr wrappers and labels, end thurfnrthor protoot the Vub io ftgataß i frour and deoeption, have enoloaed to «BWff.™| Kvrr^Ti,^ ,rs! jass are drawn upon the undorßlgnod, and which will bo cashed by thorn on presentation. To ieouro thesi Gifts, the Pub\lo must be •wTfltnl to ask for, and acoopt nothing but, the gShoiot Udolpho Wow/b Bohkavpb, with Surname npon the top label, M. Mobb & Co. Wynyard liane, Svdnov. i