SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER J^SSWrnlg. HO BUNSKT.—This Kvonlng, 7.10 MINRIBE.-To-Morrow Morning, 149 MWN'B AGB^-Flrst Quarter, 28tb, 8,20 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

* I.ABTBVKNIKO. „_,.- Goiu, sohoonor, Pearco, from Ngnngnru TO-DAY. Rotorna, s.s„ Tozor, from B«a „ Glenolg. as. Stephenson, from Tawanga Atalauta, sob., Donovan, from Ngonguru.

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Ai-vle bs.. Crawford, for Whangarei TO-DAY. . Rotorna. s.a.. Toser fmSonttom porta Oretl. 5.8., Campbell, for southern porre.

INWARD COASTWISE.

Rotorua, from RUBB? u 'JLy„ /Aim Nounouru, cases aum: ML tons coal; 9»gdgTgfflgE2 tSmff% looTfeeWer: Mahurang., SK with 18 tons gum.

OUTWARD COASTWISE.

Llzette, for Thames.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

San Francisco and Honolulo-Australta. lues- I I_ndon-Straoathro, January ;Antares tofollow / Lovnka and Sava-Talaroa, January 9 I Monday or I WhS fli Wand Whangarei Hoadfl - lona, Sato-day. and Argyle. Tuesday Mangawal- Fingal, Thnrßday I Meronry Bay-Flngal. Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Australia, P.M.e,s., from Sydney, Tneadßy | Bomln Empire, Bhip (K.P.V.N.). from London., Wemn^tWpfw.M.C.lC.). from London. Pareofa. 4 ship? from London; sailed Decern: Anarifbarque (J.D.W.N.). from London;sailed DUlffifeS. from London t salleil Oct 23 Alcestla. barque, (H.C.M.N.) from Liverpool, via WeUhwton Tj ._j„„ Adamant barque, from London . 1 Arnold Vonßlppon, barque, from ,New York, sailed October 31 -r„.v. aMI«/> Cobarfeldh, barque, from New York, saUe" I November 1 „v„rt ! Endfleld, barque, from New York ~ow A. T. Stallkuocht, barque, from Nojv loading «fYork, O.A.Littlefield, bnrquo. tH.T.N.'' r York via Lyttelton ; Bailed£,. Gwendoline, barque (J.H.L.O»Mdiu via Oaniaru: sailed Aran ■ ■ Annabell, brie, f rom SwMands m Daroy Pratt, origanOmiihlno Esteue, Bohooner.Jmßarotonga .. • Sybil, Bohoonor-ionor, from the Islands Pirate, sohory" I Atlantic ft; 4 > IMPORTS. BeUoJatKen from London-20 oases Ling . oasks and 100 cases Otara's brandy.— .rteld and Co.

EXPORTS

JLjdi'" Perßotoruafor Wellington—l 6 cases sauce, "•fir 2 oases cucumbers, 211 mats sugar, 11 oaaks oil, 3 packages. ForLyttelton—3 bales. lßpaokagoe, 10 empty casks. For Dunedin—l2 empties, 1 casks olvll packages sundries. For Oamaru— 5 oases hematite. Fjor Bluff-1 ease. For Mel bourno—2o sacks gum. lease. Toe s.b. Orstl was to leave for Southern ports about 1 p.m. to-day. Passengers for Well lug ton: Mr and Mrs Gardiner and Mr Homers. The barque Loch Urr, after discharging hero, . v, ill proceed to Wellington, to load for London, while the Coromandel will fill up at Napier, for the same port. This 8.8. Fingal will arrive from Meroury Bay during this evening. She will probably have Carter and Floyd, the Sydney scullers, as passengers to Aupkland. The barque Stracathro will sail for London about January 10. She has now in about 1,000 1 esses gum, 200 cases tallow, 1,600 bales wool, 139 a tons manganese, and will take another 2,000 caSBSKum and sundry othor packages during this next week. The Union Steamship Company's new steamer Manapourl, 1900 tons arose register, 2000 horse ' power effective, will leave the Clyde early in March next for Melbourne and all New Zealand ports, and is expected to reach Melbourne In li days, and New Zealand in 51 days. She is in charge of Captain Thomas Logan, well and favourably known here as late master of the 8.8. Hero. The s.s. Rotorua left for Southern ports at noon to-day. Passengers for Glsborne-Miss Lynch; Messrs Coombes, Allen, Hendry, R. A. Lusher, P. Russell, P. Fairburn.Donglas. Sorry, Mrs Vlnoent For Napier—Mr O, Farrell, Miss Lory. For Wellington-Mr Halh For Lyttoi ton—Mr Colwell. Mr and Mrs Bates and 2 children, Mr and Mrs Thompson and boy, Mr i > Gregg. For Port Chalmers—Mr and Mrs J. Peacock. For Melbourne—Misses Cowan, Curat?; Messrs F. J. Smales. W. Sohwartze, W. Harris, Tho b.s. Glenelg left Tauranga at 1.15 p.m. yesterday, and arrived at Auckland at 6,30 a.m. Mad a thick fog all night and engines going easy. Passengers: Mrs Norris, Shaughnessy, Hoben, Misses Edgar, Knox. Dawßon, Stevens, ■, ' Conway, Messrs Stevens, Knox, Shaughnessy, Capt, Norris,- Litchfield, "Wamaley, Morrison, Hampton, Conway, H. Moody, 8, P. Moody, J, P. Moody, Elliott, Gordon. Wells, Sefton. J. Jenklnson, W., Jonkinson, Gordon, and 6 steer in age; cargo,2oosheep. Tho trip of tho steamer Orient by way of the Suez Canal has demonstrated the fact that a man can travel from London to Sydney in 31 days. Tho fact needs no comment: it speaks wonders. The Orient left Plymouth on the 29th - Ootober, and, including all detentions, made the voyage to Adelaide in 36 days. Her actual steaming time,howevor, was only 311 days. By waiting a day at Suez she picked up the Brindisi mail, and thus was enabled to deliver letters in AdelaidesomLondon, In 291 days, in Melbourne in 32 days, and in Sydney in 31 days, allowing for dlffsronco of time. The Orient has been in • * splendid steaming form throughout the voyage, and the cverago speed maintained all the way was ft fraction over 14 knots.— Melbourne, Am.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPART URS;. Rowena, s.s„ Scott, for Waltara

The s.s. Rowena left for Waltara at 3 o'olook yesterday aftornoon, with 12,000 feet timber.

The s.a Maogrogor is announced to proceed to Waltara at 1 o'olook to-morrow afternoon.

The 8.8. Li!la Rookh was coming np tbe harbour, and would reach the wharf about 1.30 p.m. today.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

DuNBDiN. this day. Sailed : Rotomahana, for Northern ports. Passenger for Auckland-Mrs Bntler.

Melbourne, December 28. Salle- this afternoon :-Te Anau, for tbe Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Evbningi Stab Office, Thursday.

Mr I* W. Baton sold a consignment of bananas to-day. The prices varied from id to aid per _, according to quality.

Mr Gabriel Lewis today told a consignment of Oil paintings by Voilsnl, Eoosen, Mariola, Hoche,and other artists. Seventy were disposed Of at satisfactory prices.

At the Haymarket sale sf wool, hides, and skins, held on Wednesday, there was a steady improvement in >price of unwashed wools of fully id per lb, Washed wools were at late values. Hideo were in moderate supply and late values, from 3fd to lid the lb. Sheepskins Is 8d eaoh. At the Fapakcra sale on Wednes day, not many cattle were yarded, those wore fairly competed for at late values. ■

Mail Notice.

Mails wh_.ci.obb as Undbb.—

TniS DAT. For Tanranga, Ohlnemuto, and Opotlkl, per Glenolg, at 1.30 p.m. '

Friday, 30th Instant. Fcr Thames, per Rotomahana, at 8.30 a,m. For Port Fitzroy, por Teviot, at 10 a.m, For Talrua, por Mana, at 1 p.m. For Waltara, &o„ per Maogrogor, at 1 p.m. For Lovuka and Suva, por Sunbeam, at 2 p.m. For Coromandol, per Coromandol, at 2,30 p. _. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.50 p.m. Far Mangawal, per Fingal, at 5 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, Parua. Man' gapal, and Waipn, per Argyle, at 1.30 p.m. Saturday. 31st Instant. For Walwera, Mahnrangl. Matakana, Manga wal, See., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m.

Tuesday. 3rd January, 1883. , Per s.s. Australia, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States Of America. Canada, Brltlsn Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. For money orders registered letters, and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters bearing an extra fee of si-fence. In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer np to tho time of sailing. This mall will bo due in London on Mon day, 13th February, 1832.

Now.—On Monday, 2nd proximo, tho Post ofHco will only bo open to tho publlo between 0 and 10 am. A delivery at letters, &a, at tho counter will bo made on the previous Satur day night from 7.30 to 8.30. lAII malls for despatoh on Monday will be closed at 0 am. instead of the usual advertised times.

Notb,—On and after the 2nd January (prox),, money orders payable in the United Statos of America will be Issued by this department, and may be proonred at any money order poat offlce. Rates of exchange oan bo ascertained on application, 8. B, Biaa, Chief Postmasut. Chief Post-Ofllco. Auokland.

Birth.

BRKNN AN.-On Christmas Day, at Cambridge, the wife of William Brennan, of a daughter. CARMICH AKL.-On the 28th December, at hor residence. Mount Sden Koad, the wife of James Carmlohael, late of Belfast, of a son. GRAHAM.-On December 25th, at St Mary's Road, Ponsonby, tho wife of W. H. Graham of a son. 80KL--.—On the 22nd December, at her resi dence, Kden-Btreot, Newton, the wife of J. -colly of a daughter; both doing well.

Marriage.

BANKS-NICOOIv-On the 29th December, 1881, at tho Office of the Registrar, Auokland. Charles Banks to Raohael moool, relict of the late Wm. Nlccol. Whangarei papers please oopy,

Death.

ADAMS.—On the 27th December, 1881, after a long and painful Illness, Robert Adams, eighth son of H. H. Adams, Shamrock Hotel, aged 10 years. The fnneral will leave tho residence of his brother, Albert-atreet, to-morrow (Friday), at 3,30 p.m. Friends please acoept this Invitation. KKW.—On December 21.1881. at her residence" Onehnnga, Mary, the beloved wife of William Eow, aged 88 years.

MDRTASH.—On 20th December. 1881. after a long and painful illness, Mrs Harriett Mnrtaeh; sged 55years; beloved wife of Gerald Mnrtagh, Montague-street, Newton, late Tanpirl, Wat kato. Fnneral will leave her late residence at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 31st December, 1881. Friends respectfully invited. Thames paper please copy.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1881.

For tho cause that lacks aniiiance, For the wrong; that needs res_touc For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

There will be very little dissent from the resolntion carried at the meeting of tho Chamber of Commerce yesterday in favour of accepting the liberal offer of the Pacific Mail Company for the conveyance of a special representative to the United States to urge the reduction of the American duty on New Zealand wool. A like (proposi< tion has passed the Dunedin Chamber, Already an impression has been made upon the Department of State at Washington, and wo believe the proposal will come before the Congressional Committee with a favourable recommendation from the Cabinet, The influence of the colonies could therefore be most appropriately and effectively used at tbe present moment, And if the main purpose of the mission should fail, something will still have been accomplished, by directing greater public attention abroad to these colonies and their large and increasing commerce. The good to the colonies that might be anticipated from'the admission of our wools into the United States at a low rate of duty, or altogether free, has probably been the subject of some exaggeration. With the beat wool market in the world open to us in London, and freights reduced to the lowest rate which a regular exchange of products can secure, it is somewhat sanguine to sup pose that the opening of the American wool market would bring any enhancement of price on the cdonial clip. The chief ad vantage we may expect — and that is no small one—is the steadying of our existing trade with the United States. That trade is so lop-sided that we can hardly expect it to ran permanently on its

nrescnt baais. The colonies have shewn a Strong deposition to, .consume American goods, and have subsidised a mail line with San Francisco, mainly for tho purposo of assisting and cementing those commercial Son! which they are anxious to culti vate The manufacturers and producers of I thoUnitcd States have been the chief gainers, and do, it must bo admitted, manifest an appreciation of tho value ot our markets. Bat there has been no reciprocal action on the part of the Government of the country, and consequently at the end o ten years the colonies iiud themselves still faco^ face with the "problem of discovering, fy- 0 _ benefit of tho United States, njgetiona sustaining those commercial ifi trade, and exchanges without j& strained if not impossible, isrfsh. It was I and unnatural to I that tho idea in theso circurastthat wool, tho muni orifiinatcd and atom Australasia, would, article of exwloan duty, olfer the looked but for the./ with which we might pay for coraP~»u bill, and fill tho roturn ships our A-tng «s American produce and tb«facturcs. It was also seen that Unericaii manufacturers would gain much rom the new supply of raw material. Attempts wore mado both by American buyers and colonial merchants to open tho trade, but a prohibitory tariff brought those efforts to grief, and though small quantities of Australian wool aro still imported into the United States to supply cortain neces sities which tho manufacturers cannot satisfy with American wool,the trade is in significant. If tho expansion of a country's foreign commerce bo an advantage to it—and tho theory of commercial lawa must be re written bofore a negative answer can bo given—then the United States and the colonies would equally gain by thoproposcd reduction in the wool duty. The early termination of tho existing contract with the Pacific Mail Company renders the matter one of pressing importance. It will have a serious bearing upon our future trade relations with the United States. If, then, it is of so much im portance that every nerve should be strained now to bring the agitation to a favourable head, tho question only remains, What is the beat mode of securing a good representa tion of tho wishcs'of the colony ? So much may be said against sinking the identity of New Zealand in the person of the Premier ot New South Wales, that tho proposal will uot bear acrutiuy, and therefore we arc brought directly to the course approved by the Chamber of Commerce—a special dole gato from Now Zealand to co-operate with Sir Henry Parkcs. Tho choico of that representative must, of courao, be made with care and judgment. Thcro nre, how ever several men, likd Mr Henry Driver, of Duuodin, with American experience, thoroughly acquainted with commercial matters and specially identified with the wool interests, whose selection would win public confidence. The appointment of such a roprescntntivo by the New Zealand Oovcrnment would, we feel assured, give general satisfaction.

A largo meeting of natives under the direction of Paul, of Orakci, has been held at Roweli, a station on the Kaipara rail way, a few miles from Hclcnsville, at which arrangements were mndo for receiving Tawhiao, who is to be invited to v fcaat there next February. In consequence of this the Orakci Parliament will not meet this year,

The prosecutions nrhing out of the rccont seizures under the Beer Duty Act same be fore the Resident Magistrate to-day, when convictions were socurcd in a number of the esses, while others were dismissed on various grounds, which will be found stated in our report. Wo understand that tho Collector of Customs has decided to appeal against tho decision of Mr Macdonald in Borne of the cases.

Tho usual sitting of tho Resident Magis trate's Court did not take placo to-day, consequent upon the holiday season. The Conrt, however, will sit on Thursday next,

As Maid of Honour and Billingagato were thundering up tho straight at the finish of the Railway Flato.one of thcSouthcrnbooks, mistaking the positions of the horses.offered to bet lovel twenties on tho ton of leaac Walton. He was taken up in fivo places, and so in the coureo of three or four seconds lost £100.

Wo aro requested by Signor Do Vivo, the manager oi Wilhelmj, to state to the public tbat the sale of tickets is in charge of Messrs Hoffmann and Sons, music dealer?, under tho Theatre Royal, and that the family tickots, admitting five, which aro available for any night oi the four concerts, arc to bo sold up to next Wednesday only.

William Rlggs, who had bis leg brokon and sustained other serious injuries in an affray with Mr Ebouczor Gibbons, timber morchnnt, Oncbunga, is now lying at the hospital. Wo have received a letter severely criticiaintf Mr Gibbons for his part in tlie affair, and also a letter from Mr, Gibbons shewing that Biggs began the row, but aa the matter is likely te come bofore tho law courts as soon as Riggs is sufficiently rocovercd to appear, we are restrained from publishing anything that might prejudice the caso beforehand

A rare opportunity of visiting the island of Tiritiri and tho light-houac will present itself on Monday by the s.s. lona, as an nounced by advertisment. This island ia seldom visited, and yet there is not a more romantic or delightful place for a picnic within a radius of thirty miles of Auckland. Tho run down occupies less than two hours.

During Monday and Tuesday last a large number of persons \isited the Freeman's Bay glass manufactory, in icsponso to an invitation from the proprietor, Mr Michael Cook. A great deal of interest was taken in the blowing of lamp glasses, confec tioners' show glasses, flycatchers, and other articles. To show the benefit derivable by the public from the establishment of this industry, we may mention that confec tioners' show glasses are now obtainable at one-half the price formerly charged. A large show-room has recently been added to the manufactory, where the public can go and inspect the articles manufactured.

A special meetng of the French Literary Association was held Jast evening for the purpose of determining whether the portion of the Y.M.CA. building heretofore oc cupied by the Association should be re engaged or the Carlton Academy taken in stead. Eventually it was resolved to retain the present club-room for another quarter the committe being empowered to look out in the meantime for more suitable premises, and to report to the society the terms and conditions on which the same may be ob tained,

The loss of the Jackson's Bay election return raises a rather nice legal question. Until all tho returns are in, the Returning Officer cannot officially declare the poll, and there is now little reason to doubt that the unfortunate Returning Officer; for Jackson's Bay with all his papers, has been lost in one of the West Coast rivers. The deieatcd candidate will protably demand a scrutiny for the purpose of bringing the question to an issue, in which case it is quite likely that the whole election will bo declared invalid, a rather unpleasant result for Mr Fitzgerald, the member who now stands at the head of the poll. The dis trict is a very expensive ono to contest.

A correspondent complains very bitterly lof persons who go to the opera and keep chattering and laughing almost out loud during the singing to the great annoyance oi others, both behind and in front of them, who go to enjoy the music and listen to tho singing. Our correspondent adds that "It this was the practice in the pit one might not be so much astonished, but as a matter of fact it occurs very frequently in more fashionable parts of the house where better manners might be expected. Surely there is time enough for talking between the acts, To say the least it is very regardless of the feelings of others; it is time somo moans of checking this practice was found; it may bo fashionable, but it savours of gross rude ness."

At the meeting of the Chamber of Com merce yesterday afternoon, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Oppenhcimer, " That a vote of thanks be given to Mr Grillin, United States Consul, for having brought the question of the reduction of duties on New Zealand wool before the Department of State of his country, and for the able and efficient reports which he sent to the Department of State of the Uniiod States, showing the mutual benefits which would be secured to the people of tho United States and Now Zealand if tho desired reduction of duties on Now Zealand wool were granted," It was also decided, on the proposition of Mr R. H. Stevenson, "To invite the j other Chambers of Com merce to join in tendeiing to the Pacific Mail Steam Company a vote of thanks for their kindness in offering a free passage to the New Zealand delegate, if one should be appointed by the Government." Mr Ehrenfried complained of the great in convenience ariainfj; from the way in which the Government at present collect the duty on beer, and Mr John Lamb drew attention to the desirability of advertising all inten ded alterations of tho railway tariff. No action was taken in regard to cither of these matters, but they will probably be brought forward again at some future meeting of the Chamber,

An old man named AnthonyPfrlo.£ged fa°i? ril v _ w_g business in Auckland Thobauksifg 2ud imo . wlll, bo. C'°l of the firm of Milne and 5£ s&countauts, and Mr Tait, local Whita/ 0 j t j, c National Insurance Co.,havo '"fW^clcctod members of the Auckland Jhamber of Commerce.

Tho takings at the Komau Catholic Bazaar amouutcd yesterday to £52 10s, During the altcrnoon Father o'aullivp,n and Mr Owen Mahon, secretary to the bazaar committee, waited on Mr W. Kattray and be^god bis acceptance of an elegant drawing-room chair as a slight acknowledgment of his kindness in placing his show-rooms at the disposal of the Com mittee frco of cost.

To the Editor : Sir, —As I suppose the old society is "uoncat," what stops will now be taken to forwaid acclimatisation ? Please reply at the foot of this letter. I tbink the licenses for game should now bo handed over to tho couutics, and all money from this source expended on roads. Many now shoot without a license, and will while they can do it with impunity.—l am, etc., Old FRoaaY.—[The Acclimatisation So ciety is still in existence,—Ed. E.S.]

Tho present numerical strength of tho Legislative .Council is 43 mombers, al lotted among the various provinces aa fol lows :-Wellington, 11; Otago, 10; Can terbury, 7 ; Auckland, 6 ; Hawkcs' Bay, 4 ; JNol_on and Wcstland, each 2; Taran aki and Marlborough, each 1. Such being tho figures, wo ("Wellington Post") shall not be surprised to eeo some tarly ac cessions to the ranks of tho Council from the provincos of Auckland and Canter bury.

To the Editor • Sir,—Now that the elec tions aro over, I would wish to impress upon tho members the baneful ell'ects of plurality of votes—l mean as regards votes tor counties and highway boards. One vote per man ia enough; thoso having more than that have a certain amount oi power over each single vote, as many with but one vole work for thoso with plurality of votes; hence the ill eilbcts of the system. Indopen dent members of the Liberal party should sec into tho matter.—l am, See,, Yeoman. Mr Coleman Phillips, who claimed to bo tho origiuator of Sir Julius Vogoi's South Sea scheme, writes to tho " Wellington Post" from Wnirarapa (whore he ia vow living) drawing attention to the fact that the Government of Now Caledonia is adver tising in New Zealaud lor tenders for the supply of 3,000 tons of flour, nod pointing out that strong representations should bo made to tho New Zealand Government to subsidise a steam service to that group of islands, just as is being done in the case of Fiji.

Wo ("Bay of Plenty Times") regret to learn that Mr E. Robertson met with a considerable loss yesterday through somo person either accidentally or otherwise setting lire to his buah at Katikati. Over 40 acres of bush land, ho informa us, was cleared by the lire, ami about 50,000 rails, he believes, destroyed, Tho loss ia esti mated at about £1,880. Wc understand Mr Robertson intends to offer a reward to ascertain whether tho fire resulted from a malicious act oi not,

Return of sick treated at tho Provincial District Hospital for the week ending Saturday, Dccomber 24th, 1881. Remained last return, 105; admitted since, 11; dis charged, 12 ; died, 1; remaining, 103 — males, 80; females, 17. Arrangement of cases : Zymotic, 14; constitutional, 8; local, 54 j developmental, 14 j violent, 13. Ono death occurred, viz., C. G., aged 51 years, male, on December 20th, of abscess of liver. Thankß are returned to Mrs Hooper for a number of journals, to Mrs McCosh Clark for a quantity of strawberries, to Mrs Tonka for vegetables, and Mrs S. Morrin for llowers. The female patients desire to thank Mr Pierce for a largo picturo screen,

The "World" contains the following para graph, which, it is uudcratood, refers to the Kcv. Charles Moyacy Thompson, who was private chaplain to Sir Hercules Robinson in New Zealand:— "Sir Henry Meysoy Thompson baa just sustained a severe domestic loss in the death oi his brother, Mr Cbarlcs Meyscy Thompson, who left England some months ago for Inn health, and died somewhat suddenly abroad last wcok," It ia perhaps not generally known (says the " Waoganui Chronicle ") that tho decruiod gentleman suffered ostracism from Government-house for reproving n lady of the household for leaving the church in tho midst of the administration of the sacrament.

The ettiecrs oi the Poatmaater-Gcncral s Department have issued a very handsome Christmas card, tho chief features of which are a miniature picture of tho Government Offices at Wellington, and a mountainous scene, with tho electric wire crossing tho hills. Tho corners are embellished with

ornamental designs illustrative oi tho ser vices performed by the department. The card bears the following inscription : " A fraternal greeting from tho officers of the Postmaster-General's Department, Wel lington, Now Zealand," The purposo of this unusual display of interest on the part of the officers of the department does not appear, but we suppose the card is to be read in connection with another which has been issued by the local postmen to this effect: "Wishing you many happy returns of tbe season, Postman's Com pliments." The cards arc doubt loas to be taken as a delicate hint that Christmas gratuities aro specially allowed under tho postal regulations. To the Editor : Sir,—l think that if at tention was called to the following some alteration might bo made to the benefit of the European wotkiog class of this district. There is a road about to be mnde,or rather an extension of the road already made,be twecu here and Raglan, upon which one thousand pounds of public money is to bo expended. Now, Sir, there arc men about here who have been anxiously waiting for the work to commence in hopes of being taken on, and upon applying fsr the same are coolly told " that natives only are to be employed." This I think hardly fair, as, however good tho Maori workman may be, I certainly think that the European, who has helped to defray the expense of the undertaking, should also be allowed to partake of a little of this.—Forbidden Fkuit. — Churchill, December 20, 1881. With the view of meeting more efficiently than at present the requirements of the public of Auckland, and especially of those residing in the suburbs, the following changes are to bo made in the postal delivery, commencing ou tho 2nd proximo : —Deliveries will bo made twice a day over the more thickly populated districts, and ence daily in tho outlying suburbs, Two additional letter-carriers — who will be mounted — have boon employed, and in their districts the whole of Kcmuera, part of Epsom, and all tho Mount Eden district?, will be included. The now boundatics will be: On tbe north, the harbour, Orakei road to Rcmuera road, thence by the cast of Mounts Hobson and St. John to the Cnehunga road, nsar Bird Grove, by the south of Mount Eden to tho Valley road, and by the Mount lioskill road, the New North road, Commercial road, Great North road, Ponsonby road, Bichmond road to Cox's Creek, and thence to the harbour. Several new receivers for letters have been erected, which in conjunction with those already in use, numbering 21 in all, will be cleared so Unit tho letters posted in them ivill be in time for mails closing at the head office

afterß.lsa.m. and 3.30 p.m. Amounted carrier wil be employed to clear these receivers. The mounted carriers will receive

letters tendered to them by persons living

on their beats, and they arc to bo provided with postage iabols for the purpose of stamp ing such letters. 'These arrangements will be a great boon to residents in the suburbs.

A rather curious case came bofore the B.M,

Court at Papakura last Tuesday. It arose from the neglect of Mr Gordon, one of the candidates for Franklin North, to furnish a list of the scrutineers, etc, employed by him during the election, in accordance with the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act of last session. The 26th section of that ordinance requires (vide clause 1)—" The candidate or a proposer of a candidate shall, where a poll is to be held, send to the Returning Officer, before the day of the poll, a list, printed or written, stating the name of every scrutineer ap pointed on behalf of such candidate, and specifying whether such scrutineer is paid or not, and also stating the name of every person who is a clerk or messenger appointed on behalf of the candidate, or from whom any committee - room has been hired on behalf of the candidate, with the addition of the address of every auch person, and, if he is an elector and is not an unpaid scruti neer, of his number on the electoral roll." The penalty for a breach of this section is a fine not exceeding £50. In tho case in question the Bench has reserved judgment, Mr Gordon who did not go into the electiou seriously having appointed no scrutineers, etc. Itis just a question whether or not he should have forwarded to the Returning Officer a blank form drawn in accordance with the schedule of the Act.

The Hospital 'authorities desire us to thank Mrs J. M. Clark for an unusually largo, present of strawberries for the patients.

Tho Teachers of the Dcvonport Wesleyan Sunday School have chartered the Takapuna to take the children and friends on their third journey to Waihekc. The steamer IcavcsAuckland Whart at halt-past eight in the morning, and will return from tho island about half-past oight p.m. Tickets 2s each; children half-price.—Friends not belonging to the school must have their own provisions.

Religious matters are running high at Mangawai. Tho Wesleyons want the little church belonging to the Church of England, but havo not got it yet j the members of tho latter effer amalgamation to them, but In that, as in the other matter, nothing de finite has transpired. Mr Dean, of North Albcrtland, is spoken of as likely to officiate, but at present he has not put iv an appear ance. The Rev. J, Hewson presided at a meeting called for the purpose of electing a committee for the Anglican Church, when Messrs T. W. Webster, T. W. Dowson, and J. Tutin wore duly elected. The breaking up paity of two schools took place ou tho 14th, that of Miss Tutin's and the Government School; tho pupils woie de lighted, and all passed off without a hitch.

"A Lover of Peace and Order" writes from Aratapu, Northorn Wairoa, giving an unpleasant account of the disorderly scenes in that place in holiday time, and com plains of the inadequate punishment im posed upon offenders. He says : " Only last Sunday a drunken man marched up and down the public road at Aratapu for six hours, using iilthy language the whole time, In consequence, some ladies going to church had to clamber over a high wall to avoid him. He was merely fined five shillings. On the same day an other drunken man used iilthy language, and made a disturbance on the public wharf at Aratapu, and when remon strated with by a gentleman for his con duct, he violently assaulted the said gen tlomnn. Five shillings was the penalty imposod in this case also, though for the assault the Magistrate, Mr J. S, Clcndon, inilicted what he considered to be a very severe lino, viz., 40 shillings. Some little time ago a murderous assault was commit tcd'on a man at Dargaville, several of his teeth knocked out, some of the Lones in his wrist broken, and he was kicked violently in tho body, and was in com .quence laid up under the doctor's care. The assailant was merely fined 40 shillings and the doc tor's expenses. Numerous other cases could bo given to tho like effect. Surely, Mr Editor, wo have a right to expect tho same protec tion in tho country as if wo wero living in town. The wholo of the respcctaolc in habitants of this place can testify to tho truth of what I say. They are indignant at the pretence of justice dealt out to us bore. They think that a resident magis trate appointed to a rough neighbourhood should have courage and experience suffi cient to enable him to act in such a manner as shall check these offences. The police do their duty well, but if not backed up by the Resident Magistrate they aro powcrlesß."

Look Out for to-morrow's Special Christmas and New Year's number of the " Ob -Berver." the largoit threo pennyworth of season able literature ever ofl'ored to the public.

Thk " Observer" Almanac, 1882,—A superbly-llthograpltod ciflht-pagc shoot, contain ing views of the harbour, ana all the prinotpal buildings in Auckland, a sporting calendar, and a vast varioty of Information never before pub lished, will bo oivkn away with tomorrow's " Observer."

Poor Relations.—A New Year's story by C. O, Montrose. Hen special Cbriitmns and How Year's number of tho " Obeervor," to bo publlahcd to-morrow morning.

GIIAND DOUB-K-PAdK CARTOON.—Con taining lifelike portraits of tho nowlyroturnod members for the Auckland province, will bo given away with to-morrow's " Observer."

The Bond of Blood (A Wkird Story), —Boe to-morrow'a special number of tho "Ob server;" ulso, "£IOO,OOO Worth of Jewels," and other Interesting matter.

Mr Roth, proprietor of the h»t cold, and showor doncho bathe, Vlctorla-atroet Kant, has now made some extensivo alterations in his furniture warehouw. onabling him to purohaßO at a groat oost a largo and varied stock of bedding, upholstery, kitchen and hooae utensils, curios, and general articles of vortu. The ornamonta and ploturos for salo are very cheap. Tho baths aro open from 6 a.m. to 10 p m„ and, during the present hot weather, uhoulil prove a groat boon to tho public.

THE OPERA.

"THE ROSE OF CASTILE."

"THE Rose of Castile," one of tho most admired and engaging of Balfe's numerous operatic works, was performed at the Theatre last night,bcforo a large and appre ciative audionce. It had not been pro duced in this city for many years previously, and therefore waa comparatively unfami liar, but the sweetness and sparkle of the music very quickly stimulated the applause, and wou tho good opinion of the hearers. In some respects this work is superior to "The Bohemian Girl." Its Bonga and ballads may not bo popular or so highly appreciated, but its concerted music ismuchlinor,and tho scoring generally is far more elaborate and ornate, while the libretto is both cleverly conceived and skilfully wrought out, The mmic is somewhat florid in character, abounding as it does in runs, cadenzas, 'tnd the other turns and flourishes by which accomplished singers essay to display the quality and extent of their vocal abilities, while ravishing the oar; and the situations arc so devised as to atlord opportunity for the exhibition of light comody talent. The story is ingenious but not intricate. The young Queen of Leon having been solicited to allow herself to bo betrothed to the Infanta of Castile, whom she has never seen, learns that ho hna set out from his brother's Court in the disguise of a muleteer, with the objcot of socing what she, is like before consenting to proceed with the nuptials, and she, in spired with a Bimilar curiosity, resolves to meet him in tho dress of a peasant girl. Don Pedro, a cousin of the Queen, also aspires to her hand, as a means of gaming the crown. These three principals, in their various dieguiaes, meet at a village inn, and somo capital by-play and artful scheming ensues. Ihe muleteer and tbo peasant girl fall in lore with each other, Don Pedro conipires against tho throne, hoping to succeed by playing off the peasant against tho Queon by means of their astonishing resemblance, and the Queen by her repeated changes of dress and character mystifies both courtiers and conspirators. An attempted seizure of the royal person fails through an amußing blunder, and the peasant girl ia married to tho muleteer preparatory to her procla mation as queen, and her subsequent degradation in favour of Don Pedro by the announcement of hor mesalliance. At the critical moment, the peasant throws off her incognito, the muleteer proclaims himself the Infanta of Castile, the traitors are con founded, and with their pardon the opera happily ends. Miss Annis Montague as Elvira, tho young queen, played with a sprightlinoss and artful grace that fully boro out her assumed rustic character, while her execution of the music, with its agreeable embellishments, left nothing to be desired. Tbo pretty little scherzo, " Yos, I'll obey," in the opening scene, was most tastefully sung, while in tho dialogue that follows with Manuel, the muleteer, the lady's histrionic ability was thrown into bold relief. Tho affected coquet tishness of the village maiden and the evident anxiety of tho Queen to hear the opinion entertained of her by her intended spouse wore both very effectively simulated, and the charm and attractiveness of the situa tion were heightened by the exquisite man ner in which tho duct, "Dost thou fear me," was rendered. The dainty little rondo " Uh, wore I the Quoen ot Spain " was well given, and tho ballad, " »he Convent Boll," was sung with subdued and careful expres sion. Both selections wore rapturously received. The bravura air, " I'm bnt a Simple Peasant Maid," was magnificently executed, the runs and trills with which it is profusely interlarded being taken with the utmost facility and effect. The recita tive and air," At Last I'm Sovereign Here," were also rendered in a finished manner. Mr Charlos Tumor, as Manuel, tho royal muleteer, divided the honours of the evening with tbe prima donna, and in the various favourite solos wou the very hearty plaudits of " tho house." The other parts were all exceedingly well cast. It is also worthy of mention that the costuming was both rich and appropriate. In fact, the remark may be extended in its application to all the operatic representations which the Company have yet giveD. " Maritana " will be reproduced to-night.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brlof, tor it la with words aa with sunbeams; tho mora thoy are condonsod tne deeper thoy burn,"-BouTHKY.

London haa'9,ooo policemen. Barou Rothschild loft £80,000,000. Four thousand women keep whisky shops in New York. Cartloads ot mushrooms aro among the sights in Michigan. Patti has decided that £2 is too much to pay in the United States to hear her sing. Manitoba, Canada, notwithstanding its wretched climate, received 15,000 immi grants during last summer. In Nantucket there are sixteen women to one man. Happy man! Cure for squeaky shoes-Make om like corporations—without soles. Who shall decide when doctors disagree ? Answer—tho uudcrtukor. Money isn't exactly tight, but it is per haps a little exhilarated. Dean Stanley left a piece of plate to his old friend, Bishop Colonsoof Natal. Tho English Old Testament Company havo finished their seventy-first session. Tho second revision of Isaiah was carried as far as xlv. 14. The Rev. Charles Clark, late of Mel bourne, is announcod as the Minister for Haven Green now chapel, Ealing. The Orient steamer has brought a box containing 50,000 eggs of the true sea trout for the Otago Acclimatisation Society, Lottie Wilmot, theFrccthoughtlecturcss, is going through the Court in Christchurch. Xhe Governor and Lady Gordon are spending Christmas and New Year m Can terbury, where they are the guests of Mr and Mrs John Studholme. Captain Mackenzie is the only one of the squatter fraternity who has secured a scat in Otago, Wakatipu has a now represen tative in place of Mr Finn, who is settled in the North Island. Advices havo been received from Captain Stewart of the safe arrival of the Dunedin Harbour Board's new dredge at Port Said on the 3rd November. She was to sail again on the sth. Tho Wellington papers announce the very sudden death by apoplexy ot the wife of Mr E. T. Gillon, the well-known manager of the Press Association. A Dunedin bye-law case was dismissed the other day because the Bench were un able to agree as to the meaning of the bye law in question. The new Horticultural Society in Dunedin has commenced well. Its first show on December 16th was a thorough success, and realised about £100 clear of all expenses. At the declaration of the poll for Wallace, Mr Uaniel said that if a vote of confidence in Sir George Grey wore tabled it would re ceive his hearty support. The bicycle tournament at Melbourne for the c'aampionship of Australia has been concluded. Rolfe, the winner, performed 910 miles, or a daily average ot 130 miles. A Hokitika telegram to the " Lyttelton Times " states that diphtheria is very pre valent in that town and neighbourhood. Four children died in one house at Kumara. "Honesty is the best policy." But you have to pay the premiums in this world and realise on your insurance in the next. Mr Te Wheoro, M.H.K. for tho West ern Maori Electorate, entertained 500 of bis constituents at dinner at Pangariri on Monday, when the want* of the natives were discasied. J. M. Bryant, the well-known cricketer, who more than once led a Victorian repre sentative team to victory, died at Sale on December 9th, aged fifty-five. The docision of the Gisbome jury at the coroner's inquest on the late Dr Percy was that the deceased met his death by acci dentally taking in mistake the chloroform instead ef cough mixture. The "Lyttelton TimcsV special tele graphs:—"The Governor returns Home shortly, probably in February, but will not formally resign till his arrival in England." A police employ 6 in the Prussian village of Hohcmolscn, has committed suicide by driving a tbrec-incb naii into his forehead with a curtain rod. The surgeons had diffi culty, with the exertion of their whole I strength, In getting the nail out. I The walking match between I. J. Bradley and H. Lambert, for £50 a-side and the championship of South Canterbury, resulted in the easiest ot wins for Bradley. The seven miles were done in 62min. 45sec Mr Carter, the representative of a Lou don jeweller's firm, while tran»acting busi ness in Beltaat, left his jewellery case, con taining articles of the value of £2,000, in tho luggage room of his hotel. When about to start for Dublin he sent the portci to tho room for the case, but it was nowhere to bo found. An attempt will, according to a Dunedin paper, be rnado te oblige the Governmenl to postpone tho sale ot the three million of acres of Crown lands in Otago, to be offered in March, until after the new meet ing of Parliament. The Government steamer Stella hat arrived at Wellington from Caswell Hound with a shipment of about ten tons of marble taken from the mines there. The stone will be sent to Dunedin, Sydney, Melbourne, and London. The Ashburton school committee have selected Mr Hector i/empaey, a recent arrival from England, and Mr Dixob, the present master at the Hokitika State School, for the appointment of the head-mastership of the Ashburton school, and referred the i matter te the Board of Education for a final : selection. A mail which left London on November > 4, by the Orient, was delivered in Dunedin I on December 13. The San Francisco mail, i which was despatched a day earlier, did not reach Auckland until December 14. The : Orient mail was delivered in Dunedin in thirty-eight days, which is the quickest time yet recorded. A female patient belonging to the Mount : View Asylum, Wellington, last week ; managed to elude her attendant when at church, and found her way into the private > room of Captain Knollys, aide-de-camp to His Excellency tho Governor, and an i nouueed her determination to have an ; interview with Sir Arthur Gordon. Professor Robertson Smith, who was re cently suspended by the General Assembly I of the Free Church of Scotland, has been i presented with books to the value of £1,000 i as an evidence of sympathy from a number i of gentlemen in Edinburgh. ! The gentleman who took (of course unin i tcntionally) a light silk umbrella from the i gentlemen's cloak room at the opera last i oveiing (Tuesday) and left instead an . ancient and gampy alpaca, considerably i the worse for wear, is earnestly requested ; by the bereaved owner to again effect an . exchange through this office. A well-known settler named C. R. Martin ■ has been remauded ou the charge ot plural i voting at the recent Parliamentary elections ! for Wallace. Jfl" I recognize the navy," said a political orator, as he was about to define the ' functions of that institution. "Lend us your spy glass" was the response from a i thousand thioats, Notwithstanding the large, commodious, ' and central passenger station in Dunedin, the Government have promised to orect a . new one without delay. Mr George Mc ; Loan lately, iv deprecating the clamour of tho Dunedin peopleJabout their station, re ferred to the miserable shed which has to do duty tor a station at Auckland. A private company have started a patent i chicken incubator by thb hot water process at Glcndermid, Otago. The thing promises ) to be a great success, and it is claimed that . 40 per cent, more chickens can be reared i successfully than by hens. A machine is now being constructed to fatten the birds for market, as is done in America and France.

ANNUAL SPORTS AT BERES FORD-STREET SCHOOL.

The annuel athletic sports in connection with this school were held On Friday, 23rd instant, in the Domain, Very few persons were present, only the teachers, and those scholars interested in the races, The fol lowing are the races with the results :— 100 yds. race, under 12 years; prize, Set of Studs.—W. Wright, 1; J. Reed, 2. Siamese Bace; prize, 2 penknives,—W. Wright and J. Ridings. 100 yds. Race, over 12 years; prize: Field glass.—H. Bidings, 1; J. Munro, 2. In fant's Race ; prize : Noah's Ark,—E. Wright, 1. 150 yds. Race, for the School Cup.—J. Munro, 1; H. Hidings, 2. One Mile Kacc; prize : Pair of Boots (presented by Mr Carter).-E. Wright, 1 ; R. Mc- Master, 2. Half Mile Race; prize : Ink stand.— W. Wright, 1; J. Carr, 2. 200 yds. Race ; prize : Tool-chest.—H. Ridings, 1; J. Munro, 2. Walking Match, 2 miles; prize, Cricket Bat.—A. Fargie, 1; E. Mendleson, 2. This race was the most exciting of the day, and was won by about three yards. Girls' Race, 100 yds.; prize, Work-box.—F. Great batch, 1. Quarter-mile Race; prize, Writ ing-deßk.—it. McMastcr, 1; J. Rule, 2. Long Jump; prize.Flute.—Won by A.Gold water. Girls' Skipping Race, 100 yds.; prize, Silver Locket and Necklace—Won by Emily Boberts. Mr Wright, member of City Schools Committee, was on the ground, and assisted the teachers in setting off the races.

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.]

THE EGYPTIAN POLICY. CAIRO, December 27. Tho Egyptian Assembly of notables met to-day, and was opened by tho Khedive, who, in a speech on tho occasion, urged tho consideration oi a moderate programme as a means of instruction toward progress. His Highness further advocated due reaped to international obligations of the State. NAVIGATION OF DANUBE. VIENNA, December 28. Diplomatic relations between Austria and Houmauia have besn resumed, the latter having apologised for the policy adopted in regard to the Navigation of the Danube. THE TROUBLE IN IRELAND. LONDON, December 28. A proclamation has been issued by the Irißh Executive declaring that tho posting of notices to quit will henceforth be deemed good services in disturbed districts. ANGLO-FRENCH TREATY. Sir Charles Dilkc, Undcr-Se retary Foreign Affairs, has loft for Paris to join in ' the Anglo-French treaty negotiation!l, which are now proceeding in that city. OBITUARY. Sir Robert 3BmW one of tho Lordß' Justices of Appeal, aged 74. WOOL SALES. The total probable quantity of wool to be offered at next auctions, including the amount held over from last sales, is 350,000 bales,

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNEY, this day. NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS,

It is anneunced that the following gentle men have been appointed members of the Legislative Council of New South Wales : —Messrs Sutherland, Brodribb, Webb, Terry, Alderson, Joseph Cadell, Mort, Macintosh, Suiter, Lee, Bundle, and Ro berts.

A second grand banquet was held in honour of Sir Henry Parkes last night. Over two hundred persons were present, and the affair was a great sgecess. It is announced that Sir John Robertson returns to the Ministry as Secretary for Lands vice Mr James Hoakins, and that he will perform tbe duties of Colonial Secre tary in tbe absence of Sir Henty Parkes. REPORTED STRANDING OF THE

WAIPA,

MELBOURNE, December 28.

The Merchant Shipping and Under writers' Association, through whom the original telegram was received, now report that it was the ship Portland, from Timaru to London, and not the Waipa, which went ashore at Dunkirk on the 22nd instant.

OVERLAND LINE DOWN.

MELBOURNE, December 28.

The Australian overland telegraph line is interrupted between Port Darwin and Adelaide. A violent thunderstorm and hurricane which havo passed over central Australia are supposed to be the cause of the interruption.

THE SUEZ MAIL.

MELBOURNE, December 28,

Arrived: The P. and O. Company's steamer Surat, with the outward mails via Suez and Briudisi, dated London, Novem ber 18.

MELBOURNE, this doy. (PER MERCHANTS SHIPPING AND UNDER'

WRITEBS ASSOCIATION J

LONDON, December 26, Arrived: Cambria, fromTimaru, Augns' 22.

MINING NEWS.

Blackmore G. M. Co.—The manager re ports that the stopes arc yielding a large quantity of payable stuff, 35 lbs of speci mens and picked stone having been ob tained during tbe last few days. A flat lode has been discovered functioning with the No. 2 lode. A few colours of gold have been seen near tbe junction. Tho return tor the past fortnight was 152 ozs. retorted gold from 100 tons of quartz and 25 lbs" of picked stone. - SUCCESS.—Since my last report I have banked 40ozs. specimens gold, which I made mention of in telegram. In the stopes going both ways thero isa change for the better, tbe ground is earner and the reef lonks much better. Main Level, South: There is no change since last re port. Tho low level gronnd is about the same as mentioned in last report, tho dis tance from the corner to the face being 17Sfcet, which leaves a further distance of 252 feet to cut the reef. —PETER Reid, Dec. 26th.

Queen of Beauty.—Mr D. G. Mc- Donald has received a telegram from the mine managor, stating that the pumps started last evening and are working well.

WHANGAREI HIGH SCHOOL.

The annual distribution of prizes in con nection with the above institution took place In the school-house on Friday, 23rd instant. A large and fashionable assem blage responded to the Head-master's invitation, amongst whom we observed Sir Bobert and Lady Douglas, Lady Gibbes, Mr George Taylor and family, Mrs Cubbitt, Mrs J. 1. Wilson, Monsieur and Madame Cafflcr, Mrs Bain, Mr and Mrs Thompson, Mr and Mrs McKean, Mrs Coaves, Mr and Mrs E. Boult, Miss Bell, Mrs Smeaton, Mr Clendon, 11.M,, and party, Mrs McDonald and others. The Rev, A. Mackintosh oc cupied the chair, and opened the proceed ings by calling on the Rev. Mr Coates to oner prayer, which was done in an appropriate and solemn manner. After this the secretary (Mr Joseph Bell) read the Head-master's report of the High School work during the preceding year, which was duly passed as highly satisfactory. The distribution of the prizes was then entered upon, Mrs Mackintosh most grace fully giving them to the successful students. The ceremony was attended to with con siderable interest, which reached its height when the envelopes were opened containing the names of tbe candidates competing for the gold medal, and it was found that Mr Edwin J. Clendon was the dux of the Whangarei High School for 1881.—Mr Mackintosh then addressed the meeting in tbe name of the governors. He begged to express the satisfaction they felt with the progress made by the students under Mr Smeaton's charge. He considered this a most hopeful and encouraging sign for the future. The governors were very fortunate in obtaining the services of so excellent a head-master as Mr W. H. 0. Smeaton, M. A. The ttev, Mr Coates said it afforded him very great satisfaction to be present, and expressed his pleasure in noting the efficient state of the school. He wished Mr Smeaton all success in bis work.—The Rev. Mr Hudson, Mr Fidler, and Mr Clendon, R M., having spoken in complimentary terms upon the scholastic work. Mr Joseph Griffin made some practical remarks on the advantages accruing from having a high school in the district, thus enabling the youth of the North to compete with those of the Middle Island, where a higher class of education had existed tor so long. In proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Smeaton, he would advise the head-master to give up the key of his library and take complete mental rest during the vacation.—Mr Bmeaton, in reply, thanked the governors for their extreme courtesy towards him in the working of the school. He also thanked the pupils for the zeal and interest they bad all displayed in their studies; and lastly, the people of Whangarei for tho warmth of the welcome they had given him when coming as a stranger amongst them. He hoped the Whangarei High School had yet a brilliant future before it. — The meeting was then brought to a close by the Rev. Mr Hudson pronouncing the bene diction. The Whangarei High School will re-assemble on February 1,1*382. Prizb List.—Progress and Diligence: Bessie Wilson, 1; Regularity in At tendance : Eliza Wood, 1; Physical Science :F. Clark-Staff, I; Andrew Wil son, honourable mention; Greek : Isabella McDonald, 1; Latin :F. ClarkStaff, 1; French : Amy L. C. Diddams, 1; German: Amy L. C. Diddams, 1; Bessie Wilson, 2 j Book-keeping: James Wilson, l;Jane Lech Fuller, 2 ; Arithmetic: Mary Wilson, 1; JjOgio, Metaphysics and|Hißtory of Philo sophy : Andrew Wilson, 1 ; Edwin John Clendon, 2 ; English (Rhetoric, Eng. Lit., Eng. History): Bessie Wilson, 1 ; Fort nightly English Essays : Amy L. O. Did dams, 1; Headmaster's Special Essay on "Success in Life ": Isabella McDonald and John Mclnnis equal; Gold Medal, Dux of the school: Edwin John Clendon; Essay on "BSBscartcs" : William Wood, I,

POLICE COURT.-This

(Before 3. K. Macdonald, Bag,, R.H.)

Drunkenness. — One peisoD, for this " offence, was discharged with a caution. Larceny of a Ticket.—John Wallace ou warrant, was charged with the larceny of a ticket, value 30s, for Adam's Totalis*; tor, the property of Edward Pcarce, at Auckland, on December 26th. Mr Tyler appeared for prisoner. At the request of Mr Partly, tho case was remanded till Thursday. LA-Cjsny of Tools.—Henry Locldey was charged with the larceny of a quantity of carpenters' tools, tho property of, James, l Wood.—Remanded till Saturday. '"* Larceny of a Watch,—Thomas Brerflif, ncr was charged with stealing a silver watch, valued at £7 10s, the property of George Thwaites.—Prisoner pleaded guilty Mr Pardy reduced the value of the watch in the information to £5, in order that the case might be summarily dealt with, He also stated that the watch was stolen from Mr Thwaites's Vest pocket in the pavilion during the progress of a cricket match — Mrs Bremner aaked the. Bench to be lenient to tho boy, who was consumptive, and in very delicate health.—Sentenced to fourteen duya'imprisonment with hard labour. Larceny of Money.—Richard Robert son was charged with the larceny o£ £10 tha property of Paul Francis.—Mr Laishley'ap pcarcd for the prisoner, and asked that the case might stand over till three o'clock application granted.

Recent Customs Seizures. Donald Watson was charged with allow. log a3O-galloncask of beer.found intheYotk Hotel, to leave his brewery without can- t 7, celling the stamp, as required ijnder the provisions of the Beer Duty Act, by writing on it. —Mr Laishlcy appeared for the prosecution,—Mr Tole, who appeared for defendants, pointed out that the charges should be against Messrs Watson and Murray, and not against Mr Watson specially. His clients instructed bim to 7 plead guilty, but he did so reluctantly. He would have preferred to fight the case out. ; He admitted the stamp was there. Mr Tole then argued to show that it was provided that the Act should be administered under the Customs Regulations, and that there- < ffl fore the Bench had power to mitigate the «i penalty.-Mr Laishley contended that the Bench had no such power, and his Worship agreed with this view.—A fine of £20 was inflicted. Second Charge.-Donald Watson and Benjamin Murray were charged on another information, charging them with having neglected to cancel a stamp affixed to a 30-gallon cask of beer before allowing it to leave their premises—Mr Laish ley said there were two distinct offences provided for in the Act. The brewers in question hadrendered themselves liable to thirteen prosecutions under the fust sub-section, and_ thirteen under tho ' second sub-section. But the object ; 7 of the Collector of Customs was rather to prosecute than to persecute. Had ' j the information been laid under the 29th __'-:) section of the Act, they might have sued * for a £100 penalty. The intention was only * to vindicate the law, and therefore tho second case would he withdrawn.—On the application of Mr Laishley, costs of £2319s were allowed in the first case. Charoks against Publicans.—Simoii Coombes was charged with knowingly with; drawing beer from a cask without breaking '■ the stamp affixcl thereon, at the Forester's Arms Hotel. Mr Laishley appeared for the prosecution. Mr Tyler, for the defence, ; said he would plead not guilty in order that the facts might be brought out, as although be would not deny them, thoy would form a defence in law,—Mr Laishley . said the charge was brought under the 19th Section of the Act, The brewer did not affix the stamp on the plug or stopper, but on the head of the cask,—His Worship said • there could be no infringement of the section ' if the stamp had not been placed by the brewer on the place required by thesection, —Mr Tyler Said this was exactly hiß de fence. He would admit the facts stated. There could be no affixing under the sec tion, except on the place specified, and if there was no such stamping there could be no offence. ; The brewer could be - punished for not affixing the stamp as required by the Act, but the publican could not be Dunished nnder the 19th sec tion for drawing beer from what was really an unstamped cask. It was impossible , * for him to draw the beer through tho stamp if it was not placed over the stopper.— Mr Laishley said there was a dnty cast on the publican, which was to see that the ig stamp affixed by tho brewer was destroyed or effaced. The publican had neglected to ~ - destroy or efface a stamp which was really _ ■ on the cask, although not on the nropsr " place.--His Worship asked Mr Laishley how it would,he if there was no stamp at > all. How could the publican destroy the stamp in withdrawing the beer?—Mr > Tyler: That is just what has happened in this case. The keg was produced, and tho . tap-hole was found to be in the bilge, and , not on the head.—The case was dismissed. Mr Tyler applied for costs, but Mr Laishley objected, on the ground that costs should not be allowed against a public officer,— ' Costs wore allowed.

Second Charge.—Simon Coombes was charged with similar neglect in the. with drawal ot beer from a cask partly empty. —Mr Tyler pleaded not guilty. The stamp on the cask in question was affixed in the proper place, but the stamp only bore tbe initials of the brewer and the figures 1881. i There was no date, and tbe stamp was, therefore, not a legal one. The Court had already convicted the brewer on that point. The brewer had not placed a legal stamp on the cask, and the publican, , therefore, could not possibly destroy or deface a legal stamp that did not exist.—Mr Laishley said it had nothing to do with the publican that the brewer had not put the date on the stamp. There was a stamp over tho tap hole, and yet the publican drew the beer through another hole, and did not destroy the stamp,—His Worship said the 19th section simply provided that "thestamp thereon must be destroyed," It did not specify a cancelled stamp, or any other kind, and therefore he felt bound to convict. A nominal penalty of 20s, and costs, £310s was inflicted,—a third case against Mr Coombes was withdrawn. . ' Charges Against Mr Smith.—James ; William Smith was charged with with drawing beer from a cask without defacing or destroying the stamp.—Mr Tyler, who appeared tor defendant, pointed out thatthe beer from casks was always drawn from tho. bung-hole, while the stamp on the cask in question had been placed over the tap-hole, inthehead, through which tho beer was never drawn. Under these circumstances, it was not surprising that the destruction of the stamp had been neglected. The stamp • had been cancelled by the brewer as re quired by law.—Fined 20s and costs.— Defendant was also fined 20s, with 7s costs,. on a second charge of a similar nature. .- Charges Against Mr Rrophy.— Patrick Brophy, Star Hotel, Newton, was charged with withdrawing beer from a 36 gallon cask without destroying the stamp.— Mr Laishley said the stamp was not over the tap-hole in the cask in ques tion, and as. His Worship had already given a ruling, he would withdraw the case.—Mr Tyler asked tor costs, £ 3135, ~ which were allowed. The same defendant was then charged . with neglecting to destroy the stamp on a beer hogshead. — The hogshead was brought into Court, and it was found that the stamp was over a small hole, while the real tap-hole Was un covered by the stamp, which was a clear inch above it.—Mr 'Jtyler said the beer was not withdrawn till after the visit ot the Customs officer, and a piece was then torn out of the centre of the stamp. —Mr lirophy was called, and deposed that * the Cnstoms officers called on F«- ; day evening, and on Saturday morn ing he went to tho cellar and tapped the cask. Tho stamp had then a piece torn out of it. He did not defaco if.— Mr Laishley said that the stamp had been tampered with bcUeen the 16th and 17th December.—His Worship said, in the first place, the stamp having already been de faced, there was no necessity for Mr Brophy to. still futther damage it; and in the second place, he could not convict, be cause the stomp was not over the proper hole. The case would, therefore, be dis missed without costs.—Mr Laishley an nounced his intention of appealing against the decision.—Two further cases against the same deiendant were withdrawn. , Mr Ellis's Cases.—John B. Ellis, Junction Hotel, Epsom, was charged with neglecting to deface the stamp on a beer cast before withdrawing the.con'ente.— Mr Tyler appeared for the defonco.—Mr Laish ley said in this case he would have to prove the circumstances. — When the othcers visited the hotel, they found the stamp over the plug-hole of the cask, wluch was on tap. On their return, they dis covered it to have been removed altogether. —Mr Tyler admitted this statement. The cask was tapped half-an-hour before, the visit ,< oftheCustomsofficcMbyamanwhohadonly recently entered Mr Ellis's employ. Mr J Ills was in tewn, and the man, thinking he had done something wrong,, removed the stamp altogether, after the visit of the officers.— I'ined 20s and £3 10s custa.-John B. Ellis was then charged with neglecting to ac-

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Dkokmbkr 29,1881. Theatre Royal — Montaguo- Turner English Opera Company: " Maritana," i p.m. Rattray's Buildings-Grand Bazaar and Fancy Fair In aid of tho new Catholic Church, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. City Gounotl Meetlng-6.30 p.m. City Schools Committee-7.30 p.m. Devotional Meeting — Y.M.CA. Rooms, 7.30 p.m.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. THURSDAY DECEMBER 39.



Special Advertisements. JTSIDOK ALEXANDER'S SPECIALTIES, FINE WATCHES! BICII JEWELLERY 11 CHOICE CLOCKS! 11 At Lowest Prices l 1 96*. QUEEN-STREET, v Auckland. /3^vS T ■ R B 0 E I V B D, ■tf , v^®jbi|_ Per Steamer, ' "'"'■'■ AN^WIK BEINQ BUOWN' 7-:V.A-T El|l||k S t y L E -s JWILLINKRY, ' j^AN _;L_B, JPIOHUS, JjADIKS' {]JOBTUMEB. i OHILDIREN'S COSTUMES, In Urcat Variety of Styles and Materials. 7 Chu_rzn_ _nd Ladies HOSIERY. MUSIS AND C/HPfCE, ■li_\m-\ (iUKSN AND WKI' IJ£SiU«-STBMIiM, Hi -MJOEhAin),,;



Special Advertteementß. (SPECIAL gALE piRBT-CLASS gUMIuSR Q.OODS. TO ALL WHOm"it"mAY CONCERN. O- A BRBAT HALE TS4 OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will bo hold on tho premlsea C« J, COSGRAVE & CO., QUKEN-STRKBT^AUOKLAND, It will bo perhaps surpristog to many that we | adopT ho Present course at this^aeasojjot *• To rivo the inhabitants the benefit of some very «tand« Shipments, as wed aslargo purchase iTat auoUon. And third: To let the people KSSEi where th» can get the best du?edb^6 y i po ereent.andbolnglarg^ur^ lately this reduotlon will be a groat Doon w SSekeepersand the public in general. No Goods will be Entered during tho Bale. CASH MUSTBK^OR ALL PUR -r pOSGRAifK & Q°» QOEKN-BTRKKT, AUCKLAND. Tjl R 0 M J> A^ r»K t.■■.■■■ v ' Garonne.' Bveb SH^s Ex OUST Opbnkl', ,«y GARLICK & CHANWELL. jL -jWICKEL pLiTBD SENCH AND HALF-TESTER TRON TiEDSTISADS. VEBY HANDSOME, AND \ NOVELTY, Just Landod ex Hermlono. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS lIN AUCKLAND AT THE riTTY TTALL ARCADE, pARLICK & {TRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS. FANCY GARDEN TABLES. CANE LOUNGES FQR VERANDAHS. Black and White Wool Heaethbugs. tapestry, brus3el, & stair carpet. CHURCH PEW SEATING, .Ykbv Nioe, and Phkfkrails to Cushions. GaRLICK & CRA.NWELL. "VT OTI CE.—Wc beg to notify that our J3I place of Business will tie CLOSED from Friday, December 23rd, 1881, to Friday, January 6th, 1882, Letters, tarcols, etc,, may by left with the Caretaker on tho promises, or at Mr Evltt's, noxt door.—W. H. Shakeepear and Co.. Queon-street, Auckland, PRELIMINARY NOTICE. J. CULLEN (RECENTLY FROM ENGLAND) Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Auck land and surrounding districts that he has now Opened tho Premises, No. 250, Qn eon-street East with a Large and Choice Block of NEW SUMMER GOODS, imported and purchased on the best cash terms. comiTislng General Drapery, Prints, Lace and MnsUn Curtains, Damask and Cretonnes, Blankets. Flannels, Tickings, &o„ Millinery, Ribbons, Laces, Hosiery, Umbrellas and Sun Shades, Shawls. Mantles, Fichus, Costumes. Silks, Frenoh and Knellsh Dress Goods, embracing all the novelties in fabrlo and colour for tho present season. Ladleß' and Gentlemen's Underclothing in variety, and a choice collection o;t Fanoy Goods suitable for Christmas presents. '__ , Special attention is invited to the following exceptionally Choap Lots, bought at a large per eentaao off cost prtco foe prompt cash, viz. :— 300 dozon Scotch Cambric Hundliorchtofs,from Is 6d per dozen 100 pairs Muslin Harness Window Curtains, from Is lid per pair 200 Ladles' Costumes, from is 6d eaoh 600 Ladles' Straw Hats, from 5Jd eaoh 300 Ladles' and Girls' Fanoy Sunshades, from BJd eaoh 100 Ladies" Black Satin Snnshados, with Lace Borders, from 6s 9d eaoh 100 yards Superior lilaok Dress and Mantle Silk, from is per yard. J.C.'has had business relations 'frith the Best Wholesale Houses in England, Ireland, and Scotland for the past 25 years; and as h*pur poses to conduct his business on the most economical principles on cash terms and small profits he confidently assures thcee who may favour him with an inspection of Ids stock that It wllllbe found replete in the vairlous Depart ments with New, Fashionable, and Cheap goods, and that he will place nothing before the publio in print whioh shall not be tarried out in entirety and practice. .< N.B.—J. C. nas seonred the servioes of a First class Milliner, who has had a long practical Home experience, and has been engaged in one of the first Millinery establishments in Auok and since her arrival In this Colony T V ii x v P'E VJS D EX * ZEALANDIA' AND LOCH CrES.' CJarpets, magnificent paktbrnß Made especially for THE MELBOURNE EXHIBITION, NEW PATTERNS LINOLEUM New Shipment IRON VENETIAN BLINDS, The Blind of toe Period. These Blinds will not warp, and do mot require repainting; they are tho only perfect Blinds made. NEW PATTERNS DRAWING-BOOM SUITES. INSPECTION INVITED, TIT INKS AND Cr AL L, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL CABINKTMAKKRS AND UPHOLSITERERB, AND CARPET WAREHOUSEMEN, SHOKTLAND-STRKET. ymLLIAM T> T>RIDGMAN, JUNCTION DRAPKEY WAREHOUSE. Having purchased soma large lots of Clearing Warehouse Lines, will sell them very cheap. 100 Lace Fichus and Capes at 2s Id : warehouse price Is lid 20 Girls' Cashmere Jackets from 7s 6d 50 Ladies' Cashmere Fichus and Dolmans, 7s 6d to 10s Ad 100 Ladlos' Ulsters, Flohus (Blaok and Colored), Dolmans, from 16s 6d to 255, being less than half warehouse price; very handsome goods 50 Ladles' Handsome Blaok Silk Jackets from 25S A large and variod assortment of Bl»ok Silks, 2s 6d, 2s lid, 3s lid, Is 6d; is unequalled 20,000 dozen Buttons, now goods, in grost variety, from 2d per dozon 100 pairs Ladies' Hiding Gloves, slightly spotted, Is 3d to 3s 2500 yards Now Pattern Muslin Worlts. 2d, 2}d, 3Jd. IJd. to Is—much under usual price Larue Variety New Galatea Stripes Very 'good line Men's Oxford Shirtli, to 17, 171 mob. 6s 9d: worth 8s 6d GOod Coloured Damask Table Covers, Gs Sd, 7s 6d,Bs6d Linoleum, various widths, ls6d squaw yard Large Stock of Coloured Shirtings, splendid • value Toilet Covers in great variety 600 Yards New Pompadour Prints, li!d ;lworth- Bid. Just openod, choice patterns 1500 yards New Pompadour Prints, 6jid; worth Bd. Just opened, choice patterns Good Bed Tick, l|d; extra value at 7i(l 1500 yards Good Dress Materials, to clear, Cd per yard. Halt-prioe. Double Widths Scarlet and Green irornltura Repps, 3s: worth 6a 6d Double Width, all Wool, Scarlet Damask, 2s lid. HaU-prloe 200 Ladies' Laos Capes and Flohus, 2s Cd; usual price 5a to 7a 6d 6000 dozen New Buttons, 2d per doz., in great variety. Great bargain Nice lot Ladleß' Leather Bags, from 3s Sd 100 Cocoa Mats, Is Bd, 2s 3d, 3s 6d. 100 Door Slips, 2s 11 300 pair Men's Coloured Mole Trousers, 7s, worth 8s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers, 7s 6d, 8s 6d, lOii 6d, 12s 6d. Splendid value Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests, 13s 9(1, IBs 6d, 2ls Men's Tweed Suits. 22s 6d, 325. 6d, 37s 6d. Colonial do., 52s Gd Boys' Suits. 9s 6d. 10s «d, 12s 6d. Galatea do,, 3a All Goods Marked In Plain Figures (tic tt) J lor Cash. • H , JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, WILLIAM B. BRIDGMAN, Up Mr Queen-street,



Special Aav-rraemeate. j JNSUKANCE o COMPANIES ABSO- ; The Insuranoo Comoanlea Offloos will be O LO S E D on tho 2od and 3rd of January. 1882, for New Year Holidays. H. WOR3P, Secretary. DANK HOLIDAY. MONDAY. 2nd JANUARY noxt, will be observed as a Special Bank Holiday at the | various Offices in New Zealand of tho under mentioned Banks:— i THE UNION BANK Cflf AUSTRALIA l™nZ&) JOS. PALMER. ' chief Officer for N.Z. , THK BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALBSr (Signed) J. B. HII-w. , \ &' | |V THBBANKOFAUBTBALfJJH. (Signed) B,W w _E ALAND. •IDE BANK orr&~ MURDOCH, IHEBAim,,. General Manager. .^6i[-i BANK OF NEW ZEA- , _ * <____■->. , TU?; (signed) W. DYMOCK, Inspeotor. , VHE COLONIAL BANK OF NEW ZEA- \ LAND. > (Signed) GEO. COWIE, General Managor.



A groat many neuralgic olseaßOS, wnon aggra vated, become spasmodic, and it la in this part tioular stage or type of the disease, that the great molliflar. known as Udolpo Wolfe's Sohiedam Aromatic Schnapps, assorts its aupremaoy. It soothed the nerves by lta gently diffusive propor tlos, allays Irritation by Its qnietlng effects, and toning the system, strengthens the organs, so as toiperfnot functional



, nUilfH'r <_ff#3K£2V ON and after the 2nd January proximo, the delivery of Letters, etc, by tetter Carriers, will be oxtonded so aa to embrace tho Dlstriots of Remuora, Epsom, to Bird Grove, Mount Eden, and Monnt Koeklll, to tho Junc tion of the Valley Road. The Monnted Letter Carriers are provided with Stamps, and are authorised to receive -otters handed to them on their reapeotive rentes, The following Additional Receiving Boxes have been erected, and Stamps can now bo purchased [at the Stores where the receivers aro placed :— Lower Symonds-street .. Mrs Walker's Ponsonby Hoad .. .. MrStallard's Mount RobMII Road .. Mr Reliefs Monnt Eden Mr Cnckioy's Kenmora .. - .. Public Hall S. B. BISS. General Post-office, Chief Postmaster. December 28,1881. ■ ■■ I IL I _,



Young ladies and gentlemen about to start housekeeping will be relieved of a great deal of trouble l>y oalllng on the undersigned. You can ascertain in a few minutes the cost ef furnishirg a three, four, five, or six roomed houee. Notonlv oanyouformacorreotestlmate, but you can see all the goods ready for delivery kt the various prices. Garllok and Cranwell keep a larger stook of oarpots and bedsteads than bdv other house in Auokland; also tha greatest variety of household furniture, most of it manufactured by their own workmen. Five per cent, discount allowed for c»sh at time of purchase. New-comers are Invited to stroll through the City Hall Arcade, and satisfy themaelvflß by an inapection of the atook of tho good value we otTer, and the readiness we are enabled to execute orders entrusted to our oare. -Uarliok and Cranwell, City Hall Arcade.— (Advt.)