SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Htm watbr^^Smo™^.6.w ■ USSKT.—This Kveninft. 7.17 :US KISK.-To-Morrow Morninsr. 6.1 M "UN'S AGK.-Full Moon, lolh, 11.13 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY. Kotoniahaun, s.p., Undorwood, from Sydney Waitakl, s.a., Edio, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Occola, brigantlne, . annerman, for I\OW iorK

TO-DAY. Waitakl, s.e., Kdlc, for linjso'l

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Sydney-City of Now York, to-night London- Wanganui, Tomorrow; Dnnloo, loan-

I^v'uka-Southorn Cross, to-morrow. Tauran K a-Ulenolfr. Thursday; '.Vaitaki. Mon-

day Hnsßoll—lona, Monday , Molbourno, via South-Rotomahana, Thnr?day Whanuaroi anfl Hussoll-VValtaki, Wodnesulay New Plymouth nnd aouth-Wnnaka. Tuesday WhnTignroi—Arßylo, Tuoaclaya and Knd»ya

Waitakl, Friday Norfolk Island and Noumea-Julia Pryco, son, NajMßr—Loch Moot, barquo Rotumah—Ryno, loading

VESSELS EXPECTED.

City of Now York, P.M. s.s., from San Francisoo, to-nlfiht. , ~ Wolverine, H.M.S., from Sydney, short.y Margaret Galbraith, ship (J.K.L.U.). from Lon don; oailed October 20 Oxford, ship, (II T.L.S.) from London; loading Loch Urr, barqno (W.Q.L.K.), fiora London, pallod September 27 _ A. C. do Friotas, barquo (R.F.M.K.). from Lon don, sailed October 21th. , Sydonlmm, barquo (J.M.F.Q), from London; loading Peru, barque, from London : load ng i.och Doe, birqu*', from L.n Ion; loidinß Beatiico Havornur, barquoiJ.QrO.L ), from>.ew

York, sailed Sept. Sj Sapoiior, barque, from New \orlt; sailed Ootobor 23 Cabarfeidh, barqvo (5.Q.1T.J.1. from Hongkong Hima'aya, barqno (V.T.E.M), from London;

sailed November Flirt, brlßiintinn (W.L.G.P.), from Levuka Active, brigintinc, from Samoa Orwoll, brfcantine, from tho Islands ilyrilo, brlgautine, from Toni?a Roderick Dim, bri«antino, from Dnncdin Olaramin. briijantine, from Melbourno Defiance, brisiantino. from Melbourne; Athel, brlgantinc, from Dnncdin >'o.in, sohooner, from South Toror., schooner, from Lyttelton KTiercy. schooner, from Noumea Da; ?priusr, mission schooner (W.N.8.M.), from

tho Islands Transit, schooner, from Cook's Island Beilo Brandon, 3chooner from Karotonga Kdith, schooner, from Wallis Island Policoman, schooner, from Koutnea y stelle, schooner, from Dnnedin Gael, Bchooner, from Levuka •\gDO3 Donald, schooner, from Rarotonga Ailantic, schooner, from Noumea Ovalau, schooner, from Karotonga Norval, schooner, from Karotonga

IMPORTS.

Per Rotomalmna, from Sydnoy-68 bnndles rattans, 307 cases fruit, lGGcdsej clnret, 75 ingots copfjer, 11 barrelo coffee. 100 bags rice, 70 coils ropo. 21 chests tea, 323 bags bonedust, aliO pooke's mats mid gunniua sugar, 1 box Bilver, 7 bags bacon, 1 balos leather, and sundnoa.

EXPORTS.

Per Kyno, for Rotumah-100 b.iR3 rice, 20 cases genova, 5 cases whisky, 5 caso3 brandy, 10 cases clirot, 10 caso ■ bottled beer, IS gunnios sugar.la eases korosine, 15 cases salmon, 9 boxes sar dines, 6 iron pots, 50 tins flonr, 50 tins biscuits, 500 feet timbe:-. G cases colonial alo, 31 packages snndrles.

gglNWAitcs CoASTWisK.-Gho-t, from Orewa, with 24,000 feet timber: Atalanta, from Whan garoa, with 48 tons ccal.

Outwards Coastwise.—Josephine, for Rus soil; Ghoat, for Orawa.

Tha departure of tbo s.s. Southern Cross for Levnka has been posponed unvil to-morrow.

The hrigantine Oceola. which sailci yesterday afternoon for New York, taok a cai'go of gum valued at nearly £10,000.

The s.s. Rotomahaun. arrived early this morn ia?. Her passenger list appeared Id our teto g-aphicco'umna yesterday.

Tho barqu* Catherine Jana left Melbourne for ;hi3 port on tho ith insft.

11.M.5. Cormorant left Sydne7 for Solomon Islands on the 3rd inst.

Tho briganlino Looi Out left this morning for k'ipura, but subsequently put back through stress of weather.

Tho topsail schooner Julia Price is exnected to sail for Norfolk Island and Noumea on Saturday next

The brigantine Ryno cleared at the Customs to--ay for Rotnmab, with ageneral cargo. She ■will sail to-right or to-morrow.

SThe new Zeaiand Shipping Company's Bhi? Wanaanni whs to have cleared at tho Customs &r London this afternoon, with sovoral passon per3 and a largo and valuable cargo, -wUion includes about 3452 cases kauri gum, 1012 bales wool 208 tons manganese, 2598 horns, 372 cases pearl Fhell, 155 casks tallow, 125 bales cotton 101 tons and 152 bags copra, 41 bags ivory nuts' 87 kegs and cases butter, and 15 casks salt beer

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Lalla Rookh, p.s,, Campbell, for Waltara

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day. Arrived: Glonelgand Rotorua, from Auck land, at sa.m. Sailed: Spitfire, Jessie, and others.

THE WEATHER.

as odserted at telegrapn statiok3 January 12. 1880.

C—Calm B". Br.—Fresh Breeze L.—Light St.—Stormy Br.—Breeze G.—Gala (2.) ANEROID BAEOMETEF. (3.) WEATHER ESTIMATED A3 B.—Blue sky, bo the at- O.—Ovorcast,the whole mosphero clear or sky cohered with heavy thick, clouds C. — Clouds, passing P.—Passing showers clouds Q.—Sqoally D.—Drizzling rain K. — Kaio, continued F.—Foggy rain G. — Gloomy, dark S.—Snow weather T.—Thunder H.-Hail U.- Ugly, threatening L.-LiKhtnin;; appearance

COMMERCIAL.

HVBNINB Star Office, Wednesday. Sidney.—The "Pydney Morning Herald" of January 6th reports:—"The market is utill bare of most descriptions of dried fruits, bnt an easlor tone is noted. Currant 3 are now obtain able at 6}d. D.K.O. candle 3 were sold at BJd. Keen's Oxford bine was quitted, to land, at Did. Colman's white etarch had enle3 at 403 (id. Whybrow's half-pint salads bad trade sales at 5s 6d Keen's D.a.F. mustard was disposed of at 9a ljd. In fish, a line of Gordon's whito her rings, to arrive, changed hands ut full pnees; ling la firmer, and there are private ad vices of short shipments; quarter sardines were quitted at 5s 3d, and a trade lino of Cook a salmon at Bs, In liquors, a linj of Hennessy/s one-star wo s quitted at 36s lOd, f.0.b.; Bizatß brandy was sold atGstid; Bass's beer, by va rious bottlers, is selling freely, holders In some instances being dispo&ed to make concessions. A lice of Nettleford's fencing wire realised £1110s for No. 8, and £1610s for No. 10. Devoe's brilliant oil was quitted at Is lOd. In coinsaoks the advance has been fully sustained, end. they are nov reported to be selling la parcels up to Us 6d. Whiting, to land, tai a sale at £3 103; and soda crystals at £7 10a. The damaged sugars ex Tongoy sold this morning at f.uotion at satisfactory prices, At the tale of lumbar this afternoon. 6 x 1 T and G. kauri flooring realised 17» 6d; 6xi beaded lining floors brought Us; B-inchO. G. skirting boards, Us 3d; 6 x 1.12 xl, and 13 x 1 boards, 13s 3d. Maize, owing to non-arrivals, has suddenly gone up 3d a bushel for prime, samples, 2a 9d Being the quotation this mornini?. Potatoes are still lower, being worth now only issues' of the Sydcey "Herald" re rsort-— ■' Yellow sugars are reporteti to be scarce, the Lochroaraker'B cargo chiefly com prising other grades. A fair-sjaed line of the •Jfongoy's Buear was qniited fov New Zoalanaat an advanco of £2 on anction rates.. In metals, one or two smaU sales of galvanized iron are noted at late rates, and we hear of the quittance nf n szood line of No, G wire at £11. A little busi ness was done in hoop iron at £13. A shipment of fine salt to arrive was placed at to 10s; market bare. Keen's D. S. F. mustard was Sid at 17s 6d and Whybrow's Bagle pickles at ?s74d Chapman's vinegar, in caao, brought 703; whliing, In barrels, to land, was sold at £3 7s 6d. Soda crystals met inquiry at £7 12i M. Cream of. tartar, in.kegs, was qnltted at 1h sd. and tartario acid, iv jars, it 2s I*l, In ilquora, ?hort shipments of West. India rum from Kngland have had the effect of eirengthoning the local demand for• Q.ieens'and r»r^ Heu nossv's one-star brandy met sale at S6s6d. In metal? wehear of sales of ctorkomnd of f:alva 3Sd lwS at««, and for 9-feets zes. which are scarce, £2 extra has been Raid. The quittance is noted of a linn of wire nai s at 19s, as welt as of a quantity of Ii C. Coke tinplates at 21a.

AUCKLAND SHARE MARKET.

JANUARY 12TH, 1831. H El ...70s South British Insurance-Buyers, o3s; sellers, Insurance-Buyers, fls 9d: scUera, 103 New Zealand SMppinß-Bnyers. 85s Moanatiirl -Buyers, 335; sellers, 31s Golden Crown-93: buyers, 9a; sailers, 9s 6d TPokwea-Buyers, 3a: sellers, 3s 9d Qo«en of Beauty-Buyers fe 9d boutuern CroBS-Buj-ers, 2s 6d JOSEPH NEWMAN, Chairman.

Messrs Garlick and Cranwell are among the contributors to the almanacs of the season. Their card calendar is a very handsomely illuminated floral design.

Mail Notice.

Mails war. Cioshs as Undkbi This Day. For Lovuka, Tonga, and Samort, per faouthorn

FOTWhantaroi" Heads, WblHlgarei. Unssoll ani Kawakawa, por Waitakl, at 1 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

TiiUKSDiY, I3th instant. For Gißborno, Napior, Sonthorn ports, and Australian Colonies, per Hotomahana, at

For "walwora, To Kftpa, Oralglolnirn. find Warkworth, per lioao Cusoy, at 10 a.m. ForThnmo', per Rotnmalmna, ut 10 a.m. For Wnit.iiM, per ilowonn, at 1 p.m. For Whiiiangi, Tairiw, Tauranga, and uuotiki, per Glenolg, at Jp.ni. Friday, llth instant. For Wailioko iuu) Coronuindel, por Loro-

Forn?Vanßaroi 3lffi. Wnipn, Wangarol. and Mangapal, per Ari?yle, at 1 p.m. BATUHDAY, llth instant. For Norfolk Island and Now Ciiledonlu, per Julia Prico, at 9 a.m.

For Australian Colonies, Bataviu, Slnsrnporo, Ohlna. and Japan, viiv Torres StralU, por us. City of New York, immediuwly after her arrival from Honolulu. Supplementary Mulls for India, Continent of Kurope, und United Kingdom, via Brlndisl, ({or lottors, etc., specially b<> proi'ui'i and nit droesed), per a.s. city of Now \ork. uu niodiatelynftor her arrival frcm Honolulu. For Tuninaki and Southern I'rovlnoen, per Wanaka, Immediately after arrival of s.s. City of Now York. S. B. 8198, Clilef Poatmnator. Chief Post-Oftico, Auckland.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1881.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, :Vnd the Rcoi that we can do.

The commutation of the sentence of death passed on tho convicted murderer Whareapa will excite different feelings according to the aspect iv which the matter is viewed and the mental bias of the critic. For our own part, however, wo do not hesitate to condemn the deci sion which was come to at tho Cabinet Council yesterday. "We fail to discern in the evidence adduced at tho trial any circumstance which would weigh in the prisoner's favour, or would i remove the crime out of the category of murders committed with deliberate premeditation and savage cruelty. There has grown up in modern times a class in England and tho Colonies imbued with powerful and mistaken humanitarian sympathies, to whom capital punishment in any form is objectionable ; but so long as the law exists in its present form we are not concerned with these views iv judging of the propriety of the exercise of the Crown's prerogative of mercy in any particular case like that under notice. In Tuhiata's case there were many strong reasons why tho law should be allowed to tako its course. Apart from the general principle of the sacredness of human life, there is a special need of vindicating the majesty of the law in an exposed locality with a numerous and excitable Maori popu lation in immediate proximity to a sparse European population ; and the public mind was powerfully influenced by tha circumstances attending tho crime, the youth and education of the victim, hor social position, her defence lessnoss, and the absence of any motive for tho murder. But in tho case of tho unfortunate woman, Susan Whareapa, there are circumstances which appeal quite as forcibly to our sympathies, and which stamp the murder with features as repulsive to the civilised mind. Here was a young woman of IS, married to a man more than twice her age, living in a stace of semi-barbarism, in a community where there were only five other European females, from whose society she was, perhaps, ex cluded by her connection with a man, rightly or wrongly, regarded as be longing to an inferior race. She was subject to the whims and caprices of a comparative savage, whose inter mittent fits of jealousy culminated in murder. Ostracised from society, with no refuge from her brutal husband, turned out upon the world, what course was open to her but to return to her miserable home, trustingjto the better feelings of her husband. The records of our Police Courts contain abundant and painful proofs of the patience, long-suffering, and forgiving nature of many European women tied to brutal, tyrannical, and jealous husbands, but whose circum stances are in the majority of cases more endurable than those of the ill fated Susan Whareapa. rJ hat women do suffer life-long cruelty and neglect and still retain their affection for husbands, and the offspring of unhappy marriages, is one of the brightest traits in their character, and one of the most hopeful signs in human nature. We fail to see in this case any other motive for the crime than that of savage and un reasoning jealousy. There was no proof of unfaithfulness on the part of the poor woman, as the judge observed when the jury, going outside their proper functions and the evidence adduced, sought to find some excuse for a recommendation to mercy—and no such recommendation was made, The prisoner did not even plead the infidelity of his wife. The only defence, if the prisoner's rambling statement can be designated by the term, was a loose and unsub stantiated accusbtion of cruelty against the gaol officials. That the murderer Whareapa was acquainted with English law and fully understood the nature and consequences of his

crime is also equally clear from fho f.ict of his being n prosperous sheep fanner living for tho greater part of his life in constant intercourse with Europeans. It was proved in evi dence that lie understood English well. One witness hud known him for twenty-five years, lie viewing all the circumstances disclosed in tho ovidenco which is published in another part of this issue, we fail to discern any cogent reason why tho sentence of the Court should not bo carried out. That tho woman had sacrificed the socioty of her own people, had cast in her futuro lot with a man belonging to un alien race, in a community where tho law is probably not so prompt and efficacious ns in the centres of population in New Zealand, and whoro she was comparatively at tho mercy of her husband, wore con siderations which ought to have appealed to his generosity and pro tection ; and that she returned to her houso after having been brutally ox pellod, was only a further proof of his utter helplessness and claim on his succour. It may lie, too, that tlie unfor tunate creature, in spito of repeated acts of suspicion and cruelty, rotuinod her affection for the tyrant, and was ready to return to a lifo of drudgery and miserable subjection in return for a roof and subsistence. But, in whatever aspect this murder is viewed we see no reason why To Whareapa should not have had ii short shrift and ft long rope, and tho fact that his sentence has been commuted will only tend to strengthen tho provalont conviction that in New Zealand then; is one law for the European and another for tho Maori. Something has boon said of a tendency to philo aboriginal sympathies as exhibited in the olUeial unroot- of Sir Arthur Cordon, audit is somewhat unfortunate that he should have sanctioned, thus early in his governorship of tlii.s colony, what wo cannot regard ns other than a blunder, which may create an unfavour able impression as to his impartiality in tho administration of affairs as affect ing the two races inhabiting these islands.

The announcement that tho Government have appointed auolbcr engineer to make a survey of the proposed line of railway In Cambridge, and that llio Public Works Department expect to have the survey com pleted before next .session, will awaken renewed hopes among the Bottlers in that district. At present they are well served by the Waikato S.S. Company, and the chargen are comparatively moderate, but a lino of railway would bring tho settlors within rapid reach ot a inarke', and do away with tho risk, delay, aud uxpouso if reloading into the trains at Ngnrunwaliin. CouHdotit cxpcctaliuiiH are ouiorUiuod that within a few mouths a large area of splendid laud will be thrown open for senieunnl southward of Cambridge, and nothing would conduce so much to extend agricultural and pastoral operations aud the growth ot tlio population, as tho construction of a railway to this thriving centre. In this matter Ihe city is equally interested with the country, inasmuch that every acre of Waste land reclaimed and utilised increases the productions of tho provincial dis trict, and develops tho reciprocal com merce between town and country. The credit of securing a new survey for the pro posed Cambridge lino is largely duo to Mr White, M.H.H., who has never ceased to maintain a vigilant watcii over the interest ot the district, and to advocato measures comlticivo to its general welfare. It

is to be hoped that the moderate vote required for this lino will be appropriated next se^s-iou. Having regard to the enor mous percentage of loss exhibited in the gazette traffic returns of the several Southern lines, and tho deficit in the Rail way Estimates for the financial year, it is extremely probable that some of tho unrc munerative lines will be closed next ses sion. Take, for instance, the Mount Somers branch, on which tho expen diture for tbo la.^t four-weekly period iv proportion to rec!ir>ts wai 41(5.47, the Shajj Point Branch, isb'-17. tlio Eyreton Branch, 12943, Outram 138.C5, Lawrence 121-32, Kivcrton 11CC9, Waimato 110*83, aud Walton Park 103112. The mere loss on t'ue working expenses ot these lines, inde pendently of interest and sinking fund, ha-* amounted to nearly £1000. Contrast this with the Whi.nsareiKniuo line, a length of 5 miles,whicU nlreadylshows a prolit oi £177 per mill1, the Kaipara lino, 1C miles, £24 per mil;, and the Auckland line, 107 miles, .CIG2 per mile, while Wellington line shows only'a profit of £52, Napier £100, and New Plymouth £24. In the intoic«ts of the city as well as those of the Waikato, we tru>t that all obstacles in the way of tho construction of the Cam bridge lino will be removed next cessioD. Should some of the unpayab'n .Southern branches be closed, as we confidently anti cipate, a large quantity of material and rolling stock would beavailablo for removal to such localities as Cambridge I'iako, where they could be utilised to advantage.

Tbe lion. T. Dick did not proceed to Sydney by the s.s. ltotorua yesterday, but delayed his departure until the lurrival of the City of New York.

Our Te Awamutu correspondent writes that in spite of the recent wet weather, heavy hay crops have been saved, and there is an excellent crop of wheat, which will be more extensively cultivated in future seasons, in consequence of the introduction of improved machinery. The potato crops, which are larger than iv any previous year, promise to turn out well.

To the Editor : Sir,— Why was the Hydrabad, which was a wreck on the West Uoast,not got off? Or why wnßo|«tatemont'of the facts not puoli-hed ?—1 am, &c., 1a- QUIRER.

The Engineer and City Band will play in the Albert Paik Reservo to-morrow even ing commencing at 7.30. Programme : Quick March, "Champion," S. .Jones; overture, "La Dame Blanche," Boldicu ; selection, "La Belle Helens," Offenbach; val«o, "PrincessLonise," Godfrey; celfc tion, "liny Bins," Glover; polonaise, ■' Mirza," Carralla ; galop, " Don't be iua hurry," Geeks ; " God Save the Quecu."

His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon pro cocdi to the Kawau on Saturday next, and will remain there, as the guest of Sir George Grey, until Wednesday next. If the G.s.s. Stella be available she will convey the Governor and suite to Kawau,

We arc requested to state that the Ilobson Band have do connection with the moon light trip, announced for to-night, further than being engaged to play.

The next meeting of the delegates from the various Friendly Societies re the pro posed united demonstration on 17th March next, will be held on Friday evening at 8 o'clock sharp, in the Young Men's Booms. It is earnestly requested that all those Societies who intend standing firm to the decision arrived at at former meetings will see that their delegates attend the meeting.

Waikato settlers will bo sorry to hear that Mr Fantham contemplates selling out his interests and leaving the district. His enterprise and experience in agricultural and pastoral matters have been of the greatest value to the Waikato generally, particularly iv preventing the spread of pleuro-pneunioniu, for which he received a handsome testimonial to which all classes subscribed.

The Acting Treasurer of the Ladies' Benevolent Society requests us to acknow ledge in the Star the receipt of a cheque for £25 from His Worship the Mayor, towaidsthe funds of ihat society, and to thank him tor the same.

Owners of dogs in '.the Cambridge district complain with good reason of the manner in which the system of registration is con ducted. In the first place the collars were made by a Cambridge contractor and sent to Hamilton, and as there is no oilicial at the former place to receive the fees, owners ot tikes huve either to go all the way to Hamilton, or to bear the delay and expense of sending a P.O. Order, and paying postage on a collar. The Government ought at once to appoint a Dog Registrar at Cambridge. The cxistiog plan is centralism with a ven geance.

At a Cabinet Council held yesterday, present, His Excellency the Governor, presiding, the Hoii. F. vVhitakcr, Attorney- General, and the Hon. T. Diclc, Minister for Education, the case of Whareapa, under sentence of death for the murder of his European wife at the Chatham Islands, was considered. After examination of the papers forwarded from Wellington by the Department of Justics, and consideration of theattendant circumstances, His Excellency decided to reprieve the convict, but the term of imprisonment was not fixed.

The special jurors who arc summoned to attend at tho Supreme Court to-morrow in order to try the case of tho National Bank v. Bedell and Field, are now absolved from attendance, the matter having been post poned.

The Hoard of Reviewers under the Property Assessment Act, will ait on Wed nesday the i26'th instant at 10 o'clock, in the District Court-house, when objections to the assessments in the city of Auckland will be heard. On Friday, the Court will hear ob jections to the assessment (if Parncll and Onehuuga, and tho road districts within Eden County. \Ve.under.staiid that tho Rev. Fletcher 11, Long," who so severely suffered from an attack of acute bronchitis during his recent visit to Australia, has definitely declined tho lucrative oiler of .a parish, and at tho urgent advice of Ills medical adviser, has de cided to establish himself permanently in New Zealand. Considerable sacrifice

must have been made by Mr Lon<;, as we know that the offer to him was a nninificeut ono. Ilia many fiiendi! will be pleased to hear that he linds, for his health, there is no place like New Zealand. Jjetcctivo Lioolau and the police are en gaged in iuvestiKntiug the circumstances attending the robbery of Mr Hell's store at Churchill. From the naked footprints on tho river bank it ia surmised that tho theft wna committed by Maoris, who must havo carried oil' tho poods in a cauoo. The store is situated near the river, at some distance from Mr Hell's rcsideu.ee, so that the thieves were able to proceed leisurely in rilling the placo of its contents, consisting of drapery and provisions. This is the second occasion during a nhort period in which Mr Hell's store bus bot;ii robbed. It is to bo hoped

that Detective Doolnn will obtain a clue which will cuiiblo him to rid the district of theao daring thiovos. Tho theory of the polioo in that the robbcra will aoncoiil tho for Home time, until vigilance haw been relaxed, and tliun dispoHe of them at a distance.

Mr A. S. CollhiH lias boon elected to tlio Uotwe of HeprcsontntivuH for Ni-lmm suburbs by ;i nmjority of:«). Mr ColMiib roprosontcA ft NoNtm iiouatiLuoncy in tli" Kiftli I'arlinuiont mid was one of Mr Stiillbrd'H wliipH. In Ilia political viowa In; \v;ih a Libural-Coimcrvalivo. lie retired from political lifo whun {.tic Stnllbrd party broko up ()" "^ lo.ii^natii/n of its lender, after tbi! defeat of the Superintendontiil Ministry by Sir Juliub Vokcl in 1872, Mr ColliiiH, liko liin politieul chiuf, then announced that lie would not sork re-election to Parliament ; but he luih aj;aiii .yielded to tho Bolieitatioua of UU party, and haa boon reliinu'd lifter a closie contest. Hu iH ft practical politician, a fair speaker, and in wcll-uo([iiaiuted with all that coneorua the a;j;ricnUurnl and pastoral interests.

To the Kditor: Sir,—CotniuonUnil on the formation of a branch of the I'inh Land League in luvorcaigill in your last inane, " Patriot" says it ought to be put down. Let mo ask him if he hailed from lCrin, ami acted patriotically towards her, would be like to lie dialled with xctlUion. Time hundred years a^jo, coul'ucation began in that unfiirtuunlc eminlry, and now it in entirely in the lmmh of n few "land sharks," who make thoir own tornm, which the poor Irish aru bound to accept or emi grate. If "I'atrint" wora living there, wishing also to remain nnd act patriotically towards her, and the sharks wouldn't let him, knowing in his cotmcimice ho had a-i much right to the soil as they, wmild he not imitate to the hext of his power to crush them? Uoiuiiu; nearer home, large uici Lilian i Vl ,],. jihiiut to lio called, not long ago, its Auckland and the Thames, to prutcst against the " sharks " monopoly of Patetero, Nv'oulil we, by so tloiny, be acting Mtlitimwly?— Certainly not. 'Why, there fare, nru tho Irish acting seditiously, when the whole of their fair country is monopo "li/.od. In conclusion, if " Patriot" wn=i to nive tlio Biibjoot a careful enquiry, 1 am muo ho would write about it in t> more patriotic (Irish) way.—law, etc., Justick.

'Ihe (left-fit of the Auckland yacht Taniwha by tlio Hon. W, Claik's Jnnot, at the Coiio l'ny Regatta, cannot bocousidorcd a serious one for various reasons. Corio Hay ii not a suitable place for yacht racing, as lliere nro currents there which would give considerable advantage to a master who has ii knowledge of the harbour. The Hay, too, is surrounded by hills, and the wind is fii Iroin being steady. Then, again, tbe wind yesterday was a lending one, mid was thordoio no proper test of the real sailing' abilities of the vosbcls. Hart thoro been a beat one way, the result might liavo boon totally dillore.it. Mr J. Marshall, who was on board the Tauiwha at the time ot the race, telegraphed to Mr M. Gallagher, of thin city, as follows :—" Unfortunate at Goolong, Leading wind. Good chance next Saturday." A cubloßram was also received by Captain H. K. Anderson from Mr t\ Pieanl yestordsy, us follows : — "Tim Tnuiwha was second at Ceclou^r. We meet the Janet on better terms next Saturday." From this it will be Been that both gentlemen are confident of a mora satisfactory issue to the Intercolonial Unco on Saturday, llobsou's flay is very large, and therefore eminently suited for a lonj; yacht lace, in which tl)O qualities of the lioits would be faiily tested,

Last evening tbe ouiet neighbourhood of Nowton was tho scene of bl< o Uhcd. A Fletcher, who for some time pant has been the terror of the neighbourhood, wa<i the individual who luQcrcd punishment. From report it appears that the terror bad been engaged to do a certaiu job, and was paid beforehand. On the man, who employed him, 'aMciug if tho affair was liniaued, A. b'lctcher ttied his usual habit of bouncing, and endeavoured to frighten his employer by oiTcriug to ii^ht. Ihe terror for the first timo had found his match, and soon dis covered that he had made a mistake, for his antagonist, with criea of " I'll send the hangman out of the country," etc., uunt moiled his head so severely that the hang man dropped on the ground, his face covered with blood, and like Ancient Pistol of yoro, was compelled to eat the leek. It is to bo regretted that the police do not take tbo matter in hand, and put a stop to the scenes which are sometimes witnessed in that neighbourhood. Respectable females, on this account, arc prevented from venturing out of doors for fear of bcinit insulted ; and until something is done for the preservation of the public peace these outrageous scones will continue.

The sect called the "Peculiar People" have again been before tho Knglish magis trate^, for neglecting fo call iv medical ad vice in case of il'.iea'. At Upchurch, Kent, an inquest was hold on the body of an infant named .Seals, n^od thirteen months, the child of John rfeara, an agricul tural labourer, one of tho members of the

Peculiar People. This sect carries out literally tin: directions contained fn certain portions of the New Testament, and refuses to call in medical aid. Thus no doctor hail been summoned to tlio deceased, although forovcrpevendays thechild gradually wiwtiM away. The elder.-; of the Peculiar People had, however, been called in. They anointed the infant with oil, and prayed over it. Tho eldcis, who aio bricklayers, in exrmination, maintained that God would cure the faithful when they fell ill unless they vcie sick unto death. In reply to ■ the'jury, one of them .said that ho would not take an emetic if be had accidentally swallowed poison, nor would be take modi cine ill case of an epidemic of English cholera, but ho would seek surgical aid if he broke bis leg. A verdict of " Man slaughter " was returned against fhe father. On Tuesday evening the child was interred in the parish churchyard. The burial was conducted by the Peculiar People iv an orderly and reverent manner. There was a large * attendance, both of sisters and brethren. There was no service, but prayer was engaged in by an elder, and a hymn commencing " you are tempted much and tried, never mind," was suug. ■

THE SHIP HEREFORD ABANDONED.

|By Cable.]

MELBOURNE, this day. All hopes of saving the siiip Hereford havo been abandoned. There are now thirteen feet of water iv her hold. AUSTRALIAN CRIOKETEL'.S FOR NEW ZEALAND. The Australian Cricketers were passen gers tor New Zealand Ijy the Kingarooma, which sailed yesterday.

OUR WELLINGTON TELE GRAMS.

WELLINGTON, this day, MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS. The hon. Major Atkinson left by the Hawea tor the South to-day on a minis terial tour. Ho will be absent about a fortnight. THE REVENUE. i-'o far as tho revenue returns have been , made up it ia expected that all classes but railways and telegraphs will be fully up to the estimates. Customs and land are in excess, but the railways and telegraphs are delicicct,

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo briof; fcr It is wiih words na with Bun beams: tho mora they are oondensod, tno dooycr thoy burn."—Kouthby.

Business was dull at the third series of wool-sales in Christehurch yesterday. An ex-editor of the " Waikato Mail " is studying for the Wealcyan Ministry. Tho City Council of Dunediu has voted the Mayor' a salary of £400 per annum. OH' the stage, Salvini is a farmer. Ho is worth about £40,000. Sydney tramways are popular. Over 40,000 fares were collected one holiday. The big Exhibition organ in Melbonrne, which cost£G,ooo, is said to be a failure. Mr Charles Bright is still lecturing in Sydney on " Freethought." The Hon. U. P. Beor was engaged to be married at the time he committed suicide. The only Leon has had a liuo run of success in Melbourne.

Mrs J. 15. Kussell and daughters were not passengers by the Kotoruu for Sydney yesterday. Mr 0. O. Montrose has successfully nego. Haled for the purchase of the Waikato "Mail."

Tho Municipal account for Dunedin is now overdrawn at the Bank of New Zealand to the amount of £10,039 5s Sd.

lias the earth changed its axis, or is tho preueut weather attributable to the visit of Mr Proctor?

Mr U. C. Androws U liogietrar of Dog.s for Manure, and Mr J. Brttitbwaitc for Mount Albert.

Mr Hopkins, of I'arawai, claims the palm from Mr Chaplin, of Ohristchurcli, us a niunipulator of bees. A Melbourne contractor, named G. W. Story, has been arrested on a cliargo of forging a cheque for iHfiO. There ia a dairy-man in the Waikato who wears an eye-glnas while engaged in milking

his cows,

Tho Liov. John Christie has been olectcd Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod oi Otano and Southland. The best Christmas gift we've heard of is that made by a Sydney lady—Cod bless her -Id her Inmbaud. Throe daughters I

Misi Christian, the favourite t vocaliHt, is giving concerts in Sydney. She has a lot of now hoiixh. Mr E. I. Gillon, agent for the Dramatic /uitlimV ■Society, liub been making it rather lively fur the bucolic ainalcur clubß. Captain Hugh Stowuiv, oE Katikati, suetuinod a sprained nuklo on Tauranga wharf through a truck pausing over his foot.

Tlie Auckland volunteer batallion only turned out 20 men List evening at tho weekly parade. The thing in bocomiug an expensive force. The Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland will ro-ditcusa tho question of petitioning Parliament in favour of Hiblo reading in tin; common hclioolb. The nalii of thoroughbred horses at Flem iiigton, Melbourne, attracted a fair attend ance, but bidding! were very languid. Tlie highrat, figure obtained fur Matthew i ryaiit'ii luhli King ycarlingM wan 170 CiihicuK, and that was the highest pi ice paid for any lot.

HUTTON DEFEATED AT CHRISTCHURCH.

(11Y TKIiKHRArU.—I'KKBS ASSOCIATION.)}

CIIUISTCIIUnCUJthiHday.H Tiik match between Ilulstou, ol Clni>t churcli, and Ilutton, of Aucklaiid-100,120, and 150 yardn, X'Jtii abide, camu oil' at tho cricket ground thU afternoon. Ilulstou was in excellent condition ; Ilutton was Hutßjiiiij,' lightly from injury ti> tho right lug, sustained at tlii> JUuuodin s-ports Mutton got the best of tho start each time, but lluistou won both the lirst t,\o events rather easily. Time: 100 yards, 10-oth seconds; 120 yards, 12.t (seconds,

SUPREME COURT.-This Day.

ijm banco,

(Hefore His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) uinc v. tub Mayor and Councillors OF AUCKLAND AND OTHKHS.—VIZ. : Messrs Colo and Cook, ot the American Circus. Mr K. llcsketli for the pluiutill', tuo Attoruoy-Gcucral for the Mayor aud Corporation," und Mr Theo. Cooper for Mcsats Colo and Cook.—The motion which is virtually otic for costs, was argued ncveral woaks ago, and His Uouor now delivered judgment as follows :— ' This is au action brought by the plaintiff fur an injunction to restrain the defendants from respectively permitting and committing a threatened uuuauco to tho i.laiutilV'H property by the erection of v circus in the Albert Turk. After .service ot tho declaration nnd before pica or motion made tho detendsuts intimated that they would not proceed wilh their threatened action, und the plaintiff then agreed not to proceed with his motion, the ques tion of costs being reserved for tbia Court. The plaintiff now moves for the COBt of bin proceedings up to the time of notice given tli.it tho defendants would desist. Iv Huberts v. Roberta 1 Siraonsen and .Stewart 3D,wUcro plaintiir had lilcil his bill to com pel defendant to deliver up a deed, but before hearing defendant hud bought plaintiffs title, and nothing wns left but question of costs, which both par ties were willing should be deter mined by tho JCourt, Vice-Cliancellor Leach said: "Tho Court cutciUins the subject of costs only as incidental to the subject of tho suit. When out of Court the parties dispose of the subject of the suit they must dispose ot the costs also. Tho (Joint will not hear tho cause for that pur pose." Again, in Gibson t. Lord Cranley 0. Maddocks, 3G5, where plaintiir had filed hia bill for specific peiformancc of a contract, but before hearing the parties agreed, reserving (as iv the present case) the question ot costs, the same Vice-Chan cellor said on au application praying the direction of the Court as to coals:—"The Court can only determine tho question of costs when the whole matter is before the Court at a hearing, and as incidental to the merits of the cause. Aud the agreements of the patties having prevented the pro ceeding to a hearing in the cause, the ques tion ia not before the Court." In the case of Burgosa .v iJ ills 2G Boavcn 244, which wns an injunction suit in which tho defendant had in ignoranco of [plaintitV's rights, infringed his trade label, but had at once on its being brought to his notice, under taken not to do so any morn, but refused to pay the costs, the case was brought on for hearing, and a perpetual injunction granted with ousts. Mnt iv course of argument, it was urged tliut plaintiff on defendant's submisuiou should have applied to the Court to compel defendant to pay tho costs, instead of proceeding with the suit, rulyiii" 'on Bwi-ll i. AbrAani, &o. Sir J. Komilly. Master of the Rolls, said :—"lt is said that nftcr the defendant's submission, the plaintiff should have applied to the Court to compel him to pay tho 1 costs, but it ia clear that the plaintiff had no means of doing 80. If they had given no tic; of motion and the defendants had resisted it, tho simple result would have been that the Cor.rt would lihyo refused the motion with costs. Again, in Langbam v. the Great Northern Railway Co., 1G Simons 113, where further prosecution of tin! suit had become unnecessary from the defendants having paid tho amount claimed on a motion for the plaintiffs costs, the Vice - Chancellor, tihadwcll, said: ''Though I think that in reason and common sense the motion ought to be granted, I must refuse it." There are besides numerous authorities to show that even assuming that plaintiff would have been entitled to his injunction had not tho defendants disclaimed all intention of proceeding with the threatened nuisance, still after that disclaimer he could not have obtained his injunction, and this, indeed, was admitted by Mr Hesketh in hia argument. What in that case would have been the result if the cause had coinc on for hearing ? Clearly, I think, on tho authority of Knox v. Brown, 1 Cox 339, Broughton v. Lashinar, 5 Wright anil Craig, and Sutton Harbour v. Kitchens, 15 Beavan 161, the action would have been dismissed without costs. Iv the last men tioned case, which was an injunction case, tho Master of the Rolls, Sir J. Komilly, said :—" I am not aware of any case In which tho Court has made a defendant pay the costs of a plain ti(l whose bill is dismissed. I could not do it without consent. Although, therefore, it does seem somewhat hard on the plaintiff, that ho should be put to considerable trouble and expense to protect his rights from threatened injury, I do not see how on such a motion as thb I could, looking to the above authorities, grant costs against tho defendants. Motion refused but without costs.

Fitzgkkald v. WniTK.—(Argument on Demurrer.)—ln respect of this matter, His Honor said :—I am not yet prepared to give judgment. The demurrer opens up a much larger question in regard to pur mode of administration of law and equity in another Court than appears at iirst sight, and had I observed it before hearing the argument, I should have asked tho parties to have it before the Court of Appeal in tho lirst argued iustance.but having heard the argument, I do not sco how that can be done now. It will be some little time before i can give judg aicnt in the matter."

TELEGRAMS.

| PEE TRUSS ASSOCIATION.]

KUSSEL, this day.

FATAL ACCIDENS.

A young man named Wilson, o half caste, was killed to-day by a fall of fearth at tho Manganese mines. An inquest will bo held.

NELSON, Tuesday.

In a street fracas, a man named Westrupp was stabbed, not seriously, by a man tamed Morton, who was arrested after receiving severe punishment from tho bystanders.

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. THE CHATHAM ISLANDS MUItDEIi,

The papers contain a vast quantity of correspondence about Wharepa's case. The opinions as to the necessity for a reprieve are apparently being equally divided. No notice, however, seems to bo taken of the plain statement by a resident from the island that he made careful iuqunies, but could liad no evidence, or a general belief in the woman's infidelity to her husband.

DUNEDIN, Tuesday. THE LABOUR UNION.

The Walcatipu'a lircmeu would not sign the articles unless the Melbourno Union rules wero introduced. Tho Union Com pany refused, and advertised for men, when ono hundred able-bodied men oil'ered. Should any further resistance be attempted, the Company state that they will discharge all tho Union men throughout the service, and take on unskilled men from the ranks of the unemployed.

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

By tlie s.B. Garonne wo (Melbourne 'Argus) have files of Capo Town papers to the 10th ultimo, and from them take the following

extracts : —

FIGHTING THE 15ASUTOS.

Tlic following telegram from assistant Rlail-oiliccr Tcnuant, Mafctcng, to the Colonial Secretary, Cape Town, was pub lished in the " Capo Argus" of December 4 : " Wednesday, J)ec. 1, 10.30 p.m.—Car riugton haH just sent in a special messenger with the following report : —Left camp this morning at seven a.m. with six hundred men and one gun, to patrol south-east, towards Thaba 'Taocu. Enemy at once camo out in largo numbers. Sent forward the Native Contingent, under Sjurmon, and Capo Mounted Rifles, under Maclean, to soizc a kopje which the enemy were making fur, and a tremendous race for tlio place ensued. Both met on top, and our men mid oncmy were mixed up. Having uoßWordu, littlo could be dom; to them as it was impossible to lire when mixed up. Our mull took tlie kopje, killing some four or live, ami taking one prisoner. Enemy then camfi in force from every side, occupy ing landts, dougus, rocks, See, Wo huld the kopje, and Major Lowe held a position to our left, wliilii Captain Vincent, with two troops l«t Yeomanry undone troop Kimoer ley Horse, lield n position a long way to our rijjlit against very large manses, even though he was oulllauked. Knemy ho numerous that they were as strong on our left rear and right i ear as they were in front. About 1500 of I he enemy were in good coyer about 50U yards oil', on our left /lank. Cap square (it gun broke uud mm disabled. (Jot .mo ther brought out from tlio camp by a tropp of 3rd Yeomanry, and 100 Duke ot Edin burgh's Own Volunteer Kilien, who marched in square with lixed bayonets. Com mandant Surmon led his men in most gallant charge to turn the right of the enemy, who had outflauked Vincent, aud succeeded, but wuh almost at ouco compelled to retire aimin. Hot iiring from S to I.3'J a.m. A large commando crime down from Golali direction, aud swept down to rear of camp, but were turned by shells from camp, and then took posscssiou.of a hill in rear driviug on our pickets. Major Dcare, in command of camp, got cattle aud horses in. The enemy came round in such numberß, continually increasing from every direction, that 1 was compelled to withdraw Ist Yeomanry from their position on right Hank, as they had been out-flanked for somo time. Wo could do nothing but hold our ground, and were unable to attempt to force any of the enemy's positions, though with 1000 more could easily have turned their flanks ou either side and routed them. Wo withdrew to camp at half-past 7, nftcr a very hard en gagement." Ou December 3 the following telegram from tlio same to the Bame was re ceived :—" Carrintjton sent in messenger this morning to say all well at camp. Enemy very quiet Bince Woduesday's fight "

A NIGHT ATTACK.

The following incident is reportedly the special correspondent of the " Capo Argus," at Boleka Mountain, ou December 4:— •' We have had tour engagements, two being on our first day here. The enemy,,in a hail storm, rushed 'for our cattle, but were driven oil". A night attack was repulsed. The band played during t tie attack, and the enemy, being dutiful subjects of Her Majesty, ceased iiring upon ' God Save the Queen ' being struck up."

MOKE FIGHTING.

The "Capo Argus," of December C, publishes the following telegram : — " Dordrecht, December 5. The " Frontier Guardian's" express from Mxoxo's Eoek, via Barkly, dated December 3, reports that Mr Munnik, K.M., nud Captaiu Ne3bitt, with ISO picked men selected for the Gatberg Kelief Expedition, attacked Mxoxo's Hock at 5 a.m. that morning. The place was defended by all the I'ougella, Uombuna, and Koranna rebels, numbering SOO niou. At 7 a.m. the rebels were reinforced by Mapassa's meu. After four hour's fighting, the enemy were utterly defeated, and fled, leaving over 100 of their number dead, l'ocgella was shot by Sergeant Kadford, of Barkly troop, 2nd Yeomanry. Ilia body was identified by au ivory armlet found on liiai. Our forces captured cattle, 100 horses, 3000 sheep, live buck waggons, and all the Tauibookica' household goods. Huts were burnt for miles, The Tambookies charged five times, but were each time driven back. The country from Mxoxo'a lloek is now clear. The civil commis sioner thinks that the Barkly T.irabookics will surrender, as, their stock beiug taken, th«y will have no food. No grain what ever was found. News from Mr Thomson, dated Ciutboi!.;, December 2nd, fays he is well, and able to lioM his own if he is fur nished with supplies of tood and ammuni tion, 110 has captured over 3,000 head of cattle, nud advices that (iatberg not be abandoned. A force of 300 meu, under Commandant Jeiiner, left hero on Saturday morning for the relief ot Gntborg, and ex jiect-vd to reach there to-day. Everything is quiet on our border. Many farmers aud loyal natives have trekked back to their farms."

FATAL FIRE AT P UKEKOHE.

(FROM OUR OWN COIUUSPONDENT.)

PUKEKOHE, Tuesday. A CORONisU'a inquest wts held at £the Settlers' Hotel to-day, before T. Jackson, Esq., Coroner, and a jury. Mr A. S. Forbes was choseu foreman. The inquest was held to inquire how, aud by what means, Thomas Preston, a lad of 15, met his death at Pukekohe on Sunday last. The lirst witness called was James Preston, father of the deceased, who deposed that his son had been blind, dumb, and a ciipplc from his infancy. He had been accustomed to leave the lad in the house when he went away on business aQd on Saturday last, having occa. sion to £0 Harrisville on business, he left the boy in charge of his sister, aged 13, with special instructions about the^lire. In the afternoon of Sunday his eldest'girl came aud informed him that the house had been burned down, aud the boy burnt to death. On returning, he fouud his son at the house of a neighbour named Miller. Tho lad lived only about an hour and a-half after _ his arrival. Deceased was an imbecile, and it was customary to tie him by a cord attached to a belt when left alone in the house. E J. I'reston, sister of the deceased, deposed that on the day in question she extinguished the fire vith water, tied up her brother aa usual, and went to give a drink to the cows. As she was returning she saw the end of the house on fire. Annabella Prestou, auother sifter, deposed that she was herding the cows when a boy came to her aud told that the house was on lire. When she ran to the spot she found her brother lying on the floor with his trousers and shirt burnt off, and his ooat on fire. She removed him outside, put a pillow under his head, and a sheet over him, aud then endeavoured to save the goods. Her own bod aud her mother's were on lire, and some blasting powdor had exploded. She was unable to savo any more of the furniture, Thomas Miller, aged 11, had seen Miss Preston extinguish the fire, John Canning, junr., gave corroborative evidence. He thought there was a small fire in the fire-place. Rachel Pruston also gave corroborative evidence. Dr. Dalziel deposed that tho burns had caused the lad's death. The jury returned a verdict to to the effect:" That tho deceased died from tho injuries received by tho fire, but that there was no evidence to shew how tho fire itself occurred."

CABLEGRAMS.

IRKUTSK'S TKLKUE AMS.J

Threatened Fenian Raids.

LONDON, January 11

The rumours current last week of in tended Fenian raids on volunteers arc renewed, and ate again receiving the atten. tion of the authorities. The reports now received point to the possibility of attacks on military establishments at Gosport and Chester Castle, and extensive precautions are beiug taken in both places to withstand any assault. NiiW CUMMANDEIMN-CHIEF OF

INDIA,

It is officially announced that Lieutenant- General Sir Donald Stewart who com mandedlthe British army in Kabul Will Shortly succeed General Sir Frederick Haincs as Comrnander-in.Chief of India. I&tmded Massacre ia India. BOMBAY, January 11.

Nowa has been received hero that a plot has been discovered among the natives of Kolagore, a town in the south of this presidency to assassinate all. European residents in the place. Owing to the detection of the conspiracy, the danger was averted, and a number of arrests have been made of would-be assassins. REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN FRANCE.

PARIS, January 11

The French Municipal elections, which have just concluded, show a considerable majority to the Republicans. POSTPONEMENT OF MARRIAGE. VIENNA, January 10.

The marriage which was arranged to take place next month between the Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria and the Princess Stephanie has been postponed.

AUSTRALIAN.

MELBOURNE, Wednesday. THE SUEZ MAIL. Arrived : P. and 0. Company's steamship Hydaspes, with the inward Suez mail, dated Loudoii, 3rd December.

THE INTERCOLONIAL CON FERKNCE.

Tho South Australian, West Australian, Tasmanian, aud Victorian delegates to the Intercolonial Conference leave Melbourne to-morrow for Sydney.

Arrived : Te Auau, from the Bluff. FIRKIN SYDNEY.-SUPPOSED LOSS

OF LIFJS.

SYDNEY, Wednesday

The business premises of Mr Becket, an American importer, in Barrack-street, were totally! destroyed by fire last night, all dibits tv subdue the flames beiug fruitless. Becket ordinarily slept on the premises, and as he cannot now be heard of it is feared he perished in the fire.

THELENUADE ISLAND MASSACRE,

COOKTOWN, January 11. Further news to hand confirms the information received yesterday of this massacre of the CiiinuKc crew of tho schooner Prosperity by the natives of the Lencndo Mam!, and state? that the bodies were Miioked, dried, and ihe heads scut to the various villnjiCH,

THEATRE ROYAL.

"Tub New Magdalen" was repeated last niuht. The performance was one of great merit, and the audience testilied their satisfaction at frequent intervals by loud and prolonged applause, A meed of praise is due to the orchestra, which, under the leadership of Mr Hughe*, nightly discourses a capital selection of music in an efficient mnnucr. Mr DeLias has secured an un doubted acquisition in obtaining the per manent services of Mr Hughes as leader of the orchestra. He is a musician of very considerable talent, and thoroughly versed in the intricacies of his profession. To-night Bulwer Lytton's great play, "The Lady of Lyons," will be pre sented, Mrs Lingard, of course, sustaining the part of Pauline. A histrionic treat may with confidence be anticipated.

MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.

A meeting of the creditors of B. J. David son, hotelkecpcr, was to have been to-day in order to formally assent to a deed of assignment, but, as only a few attended, it waß adjourned, Mr Earle acts as the debtor's Bolictor. The assets in the estate are about £250 and tho liabilities about £1,200. At a meeting of the creditors of Mac donald, a settler of Taupo, Manukau Heads, held this morning, Mr Macllarlane was appointed truitee. The assets are stated nt £50, and the liabilities at £512.

MINING NEWS.

Kubanui Hill United. — Mr James Stoddart received the following report from the mine manager to-day:—3Go Feet Level : The reef maintains its size, about 3 feet wide, but it has again turned west ward. There is no improvement or altera tion in the class of the quartz. Teutonic.—Tho westward branch of Berry's lode has been displaced by a band of clay. This refern to tbe drive only : in the stopes we have not yet reached this new feature, and the lode shows very wall. Junction : On Pearce's leader we are con. tinuing the stopes into the All Nations' upper ground, 'ihe vein is still very small, but as wo occasionally see a little gold, 1 think it will pay very well. Poverty section : Winze under Pearce and Wilson has been sunk 7ft., and leader shows good gold to that depth, with well-defined walls, aud every prospect of having a good block of ground. Iv continuation of their reef drive on Beach level, Pcarne and Co. have driven twenty feet seuthward of the point where the clay vein cut olf their payable quartz, and they arc agaiuupon specimens in the end oi the drive. Williams and Party have been working on tribute a section ahead of Pearce for the past three years, but they have not, been working ou Pearce's leader. Tribute™ : None Besides Pc;uco have any very bright prospects, but all have started full work after thefr holiday?. Battery : The three new stamp boxes are in position, and all the fittings will be com plete by Saturday, Ou Monday 1 intend to start trial separate lots from the different parts of Barry's lodes.—J. W. WALKER.

TEMPERANCE MEETING AT ONEHUNGA.

A well-Attended meeting was lielcl last night in the Mas mic Hall, Onehunga. The chnir was taken by \V. Johustoue. Esq., G, W.C. Templar of the Lodge of the World, who introduced the busiucss of the meeting in a few suitable remarks. Mr W. Price, of Wellington, followed in an exhaustive address, in which he spoke of the need of reforms in society, and characterized the work of the total abstainers as oue of the greatest ever attempted. The work was processing, as seen by the altered aspect iv which the temperance question was now viewed. Recently public opinion looked upon alcoholic beverages as a food, abso lutely beneficial to the unman body. Now such wa3 not attempted to be advocated, not even as a mediciae. It was fast losing ground, as having no virtue whatever. He finished by calling upon all iv the audience who had not yet done so to band themselves in this noble work. The next speaker, Mr Speight, M.H.K., of the Thames, introduced his subject by affirming that much more had been, and would be, accomplished by hoking upon things in a hopeful, cheerful manner.thau byagloomy or despairing way. Temperauce was bound to triumph ulti mately like all movements, which were based on truth and virtue, and eveu now total abstinence instead of beiug n bar, was a recommendation even to men who were opponents of its priuciples. Be therefore pressed upon all to be on the win ning side. He theu spoke of what consti tuted the greatest pride and attraction of a parent in his children. It was the intelli gence displayed. Wocomdinessof body could compensate for the lack of sanity. " Now this drink traffic was destroying the intelli gence of our people, and ought therefore to be opposed tooth and nail. Governments were just as the people made them A corrupt people will have a corrupt Govern ment, but a virtuous people will have a virtuous Government. The presence of legalised drink shops in our midst demon skated the presence of vice, and it behoved all to stamp out vice and everything which fostered it, by every just and lawful means in their power Mr Jenkins, of Newmarket, said he would only detain the meeting to state two thinns First, that individually they ought "to abstain from sclhsli motives, and next, they ought to band themselves together to do the greatest good, socially and politically in ™« T« rc£orm:- AftCl' a few re|™i« passed, the meeting was brought to a c ose about 101 o'clock by the Good Templar choir who had during the evening assisted greatly by sin g m 8 choice temperance odes! and the Dismission Hymn.

LATE AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per s. s. Rotomaiiana.)

HEAT AND DROUGHT,

THE beat and drought are complained of throughout New South Wales and Queens, land. In Sydney the water supply i s found insufficient, although three-and-a-half million gallons daily are available and economy is assisted on. The Govern ment are meanwhile taking steps to provide an additional supply, \ telegram from Guunedah. New South Wales, says :—" The weather continues intensely warm, and the ell'ect of this long spell of heat is becoming painfully ap. parent. The Nanoi is very low, and may at any moment cease running altogether. Sickness is prevalent. The thermometer registered 110' in the shade today. Hot dust storms are common." A Brisbane telegram says :—" Yesterday was the hottest day experienced during tbo last 21 years. The thermometer stood at 108 deg. iv the shade, and 163 deg. in the Bun, with a scorching westerly wind."

SIX PEOPLE BURNED TO DttATH.

ADELAIDE, Sunday.

On Thursday last a terrible fire took place at a faim near Franklin Harbour, when a Mrs M. M'Carthy, five daughters, and son were all burued to death. The house is surrounded by dense sand scrub, and no assistance could be rendered. The father was engaged in reaping. Mr M'Uarthy arrived at Wallaroo to-day in an open boat, with the charred remains of his wife and children. The lire is described as being terrific, for even the kangaroo dogs were unable to get away from it. The (ire originated in the hundred of Boothby, and was not expected to come near M'Carthy'e, but at Carp, 16 miles south west from Franklin Harbour, the wind changed, and the fire came along like magic, burning up everything. M'Carthy ried to get to his home, but was driven back, and being to leeward of apiece of fallow land ac counts for his escape and that of his four sous. It is said that the solid flame was at times 40 feet high, and as it swept down appeared to roll over the places where there was nothiug to burn. When M'Carthy was enabled to return to his house he found nothing but ruins and the remains of his family.

BUSH FIRES.

In the south-east, yesterday, bush fires did great damage on Beveral runs. On Ellis's Coola station, near Benara, a store, woolahed, and men's hut, with contents, also tho yards and a great length of fencing and grass, were burnt, The loss is stated to be £201)0. A large quantity of grass and fencing was destroyed on Whinharn's Benara estate, aud Mr Albert Plate had a stone cottage burnt on tbe adjoin ing Jand. On Captain Gardiner's Moun Schank estate thirty thousand acres of grass, fifteen miles of fencing, and a few sheep were destroyed. A considerable quantity of grass and other property en Mrs Urow's Nimgbool Run, aud. on the lands of Messrs Templemau, Gully, Keogh, Ryan, and Kilsby, fanners, have also been des troyed. A lire near Glenelg River has swept over a large tract of pastor.il country. The lirc3 are not quite out yet. During a thunderstorm yesterday, the lightning ran along the wires of the feuco belonging to Thomas WaltetH, fanner, Mount Gnmbier, and burnt holes in some of the posts and split otheiß, and ignited the grass idong aide.

THE LATE H. E. BEOB.

The news of the death of Mr Beor, Attorney-General of Queensland, who com mitted suicide oa the Rutorua while coming to AucklaudJsays the "Brisbane Courier of DcccmberiJU) was a painful shock to the whole community. Those who knew him beat thought that his acceptance_ of the AUoniey-Generalahip was for himself a most hazardous step. In his invalid con dition he was entirely unfitted for the severe mental strain the duties of his office entailed. A few hours' application invariably produced a racking head ache that should have warned the unfortunate gentleman to husband his strength by discontinuing his profes sional labourers till his health was restored. The depression that is.the invariable ac companiment of nervous prostration used at such times to weigh heavi'y on Mr Beor's spirits. It was hoped that change of scene and complete mental repose might have done much towards restoring the deceased gentleman to health, though, a defective action of the heart made it improbable that he would ever be a robust man. A few days previous a letter was received by Mr Kean, in which Mr Beor detailed his plans, gaving a sketch of the route he intended taking after leaving Auckland, at which, port the Kotorua was duo on December 28. He wrote cheerfully enough, and looked hopefully forward to regaining his health in Tasmania, in which colony he iuteuded to sojourn for some time after viaitiuji Sew Zealand. Before the Kotorua reached Auckland, however, he had appar ently found his sufferings intolerable, and rashly determined to end them. Henry Rogers Beor was the son of a solicitor in Swansea, South Wales. His father is a gentleman of good niean3 and position, and gave his son the advantage of a university education at Oxford. He was called to the Middle Temple in the Hilary Term of 1870. Five years later he came to Aus tralia, and was admitted to tbe Queens land bar ou December 7th, 1875. There are episodes in the career of the deceased gentleman of a nature so melan choly as to have primarily contributed to the breakdown of his constitution. Shortly after his ariival in Australia, Mr Beor mar ried % young lady in Sydney. After some thing less than a year of wedded life, death, divorced a very happy union. The bereaved husband never entirely recovered from this severe trial. Bis wife was ;\u heiress, and left all her property to her husband. Mr Beor invested a large portion of it in the purchase of Banana cattle stations, and the subsequent depression iv this description of property somewhat preyed on his mind. Undoubtedly these distresses and anxieties tended to aggravate the malady that had taken possession ot him, and bo far con tributed to the sad catastrophe thut has ended his career.

THE MELBOURNE CHAM PION RACE.

The following account of the running in the Champiou Kace we extract from the Melbourne "Ago" :—

Champion Stakes of 25 soys. each, 10ft, with 1000 added. For 3-year-olds and up wauls. Weight for a^e. Tho second lioras to receive 200 soys. aud the thiid 100 soys. out of the stake. 3 miles. 11 oises foaled north of the Hue allowed 71b. (-10 subs.) ilr \V. A. Lout's be GrandFlanoor, 3yrs, by Yatteiidon—FiretLntJr, 7etSlb(Uf.iles) .. 1 Mr W. Branch's bo Piosreis, 3 yis, 7sd Sib (3t. Albans) ..2 Mr 'V. Ivory's b li Sweetmeat, 5 yrs, 931 Sib • (Plgott) 3 Mr J. Murrison's br li Wellington, 6 yrs, 9st

Gib (iTeomaus) Mr S. Martin's br c Trcvaliyn, 3 yrs, 7st Slba

(Murphy) Betting : 3 to lon Grand Flaneur. There was not much time lost iv getting the lot away, Progress going at onca to the front, and placing himself a length and a hair before Wellington, on the outside of whom was Uraud Flaneur, Sweetmeat and Ttcvallyn being last together. The pace wa3 miserably slow, it being evident that Progress waa not to try the cutting down process from end to end. Flaneur would not make the running, and. the others could not. Up the river side Progress held an advantage of two lengths, Welliugton half a length be fore Sweetmeat, who had moved up. Grand Flaneur being next, with lrevallyn a modest last. Coming to the bridge Flaneur passed the intervening horses and ran up to Progress, soon placing 20 yards between the leading pair and Wellington, the third horse. At the sheds Grand Flaneur showed a neck in i'ront of Progress, Wellington and Sweetmeat now beiug 100 yards in the rear. Whcoi in the straight it was seen that the two crack three-year-olds still maintained the fame positions, Sweetmeat • having left Wel lington and got a trifle closer to the leading horses. Passing the staud the pace was increased, both colts going well and easily, whereas Sweetmeat was being ridden 50 yards away, Wellington two lengths fiom him, and 'irevallyn already no where in the race. .Running up the river side the pace bagau to mend, and the match between the three-year-olds to commence, Progress ouco more taking a lead of a neck on the inside ruuniug, which ho had never lost, while the distance be tween them and the others increased. A fine ami exciting ruce ensued past the abattoiis, where both were level, and down the training ground, where the favourito had his head in fiout. And as they were lost to a clear view rounding the last turn, the cries of the paitizans iv favour of each colt might be heard resounding on all bide?. "Progress has him." "No ; Graud Flaneur can come when ho likes," and before reaching tho distance it was even so; for St Albans had to work at Progress to keep his place, whereas Hailes was steady on the favourite, never having moved a muscle. Excitement was at its height. When approaching the stand Hailes began to draw away, and the colt coming williugly the race was bo longer iv doubt, for, increasing hia vantage, he came away and won easily by two lengths.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1%



Station..

Thames Mnnukan^.. Tanranga.... Napier '1'aranaki Warganui... '/Vollington.. Nel3On.._... Sreymonth.. Lyttelton.... 'iimarn Uamaru ! Jt. Chalmertj Bluff _

Wini a •1 I a S.K. N.B. K. N.E. C. 3.E. ■j 8.W. N. 3.K. 3.E. N.K. 3.E.

I

L. tf.B

I 1 M 2M8 211.01 ::;) :;t 21)99 ::!J.«1 29.86 •29 85 :'!) !i; 29 82 29.91 29 88 29.97 ■J:Wi •29.90

4| Fo tb 67 I

u & C. O. G. G. 0. G. a o. B.C o."g [o.a o. O.G

State of Sea, Bar, or Klvors.

bar good C moaerate 0 Blight sea smooth

u u u u. u L. F.B

S 57;

G smooth

0 smooth



Special Advertisements. jifflLSK & QHOYCE HAVE NOW REOBHED, PER BTKAMER, NEW OA.TCAKE CLOTH NEW FIGURED SA.TMKNS NffiW PLAIN SATTEKN3 NEW CHUCKED SATTEEN NEW-SPUN SILK HOSK NEW LISLE HOSK NffiW COTTON HOSE NEW MILUNEHY NEW HATS AND BUNNETS NEW FANCY GOODS GEN it RALLY. TITILNE & QUOYOE, QCBEV Si WKIXESLEY STRKfiTB. -OAKING pOWDEE. HOW TO TEST IT? Nearly allßaldnp: Powders arcs adulterator with something that increasos tho bulk and lowers the cost, Such as "Flour," "Rico Hour, 11 Cheap Arrowroot," ur "Potutoo Starch. rj}e?° nro found in various proportions, from 10A to ovon ?;>% in tho low-priced article. TRY your Unking Jfowder by putting ft tca ppoouful in a tumbler of clear water-it it con tains farina tho water will bo milky and think: stand tho glass for an hour in a sa(o placo anil it will deposit tho farina; pour off tho water ; dry tho powder on blottiuf: pupcr, and it 3 nature willbeapparont. HUDSON'S New Zealand Bakino Powder Will STAND tho TEST. Manufacturkd Solely by H TJ D S 0 X (Late Hill and Hudson), CHEMIST. VICTORIA-STREET. Can bo Bought of tho Mak«r, and of any Gr cer in Is Cd and 23 6d tins.



V\T INKb & fJ ALL' HAVE REMOVED FROM SHORTLAND-STREET TO TEMPORARY PREMISES IN FOriT STREET, OPPOSITE COCHRANE AND SON'S AUCTION MART, AND WILL CONTINUE THEIR CHEAP SALE FOR A FEW WEEKS LONGER, TO CLEAR SURPLUS STOCK. THEY WILL REMAIN IN FORT-STREET DCRING THE RE-BUILDING OF TKEIR WARE HOUSE IN SHORTLAND -STREET.



O UK ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SALE WILL COMMENCE OH MONDAY, 20TH INST. THE GOOD 3 WILL BE OFFERED AT nosT pmcE! FOR A FEW WEEKS ONLY I Ik Order to Umiak Heavy Stocks T nOSORAVE & f)V-> Importers of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. QUEKNSTREKT, AUCKLAND, MB,—JVo Goods will be entered during the Sale.



/ p\ ALL DRAPER? & CLOTHING /c S \ AT \ - /CO-OPERATIVE CASH \o.o. / PRICES, \/ AT TUB /~IITY TTA 1^ 4 RCADB, GAELICK & CRANWELL, Propbietobs. A TJSTEIAN BENT-WOOD FURNI JSu. TURK.-A Large Shipment juat to hand, light and strong, suitable for Breakfast, Sitting, Dinin&r, or Drawing-room (Black, Walnut, acd Lipht Colours. GARLICK & CRANWELL, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Qneen-Btreet. Auckland. TtXrpETS.— The Largest stock in the Pro \y Tince to select f rom—all kinds. Tapestry, from 2s lid; Brussels, from is lid; Kid derminster, Felt, and Jute. The New Woecrster Stair Carpet, made of Hobse Hair, just raceived—the most durable Carpet ever made. GARLICK &: CRANWBLL. BEDROOM FURNITURE.—A Great Variety always ready for delivery, to snit all classes. Chests of Drawers, Washstanda, Toilet Tables and Wardrobes in various •woods, Glasses and Toiletware. Bedding of all kinds and sizes; Spring Mattre ß se3 dAßLicg & CRANWKLL> XHIBITION Designs in Iron Bedßteads.— We keen the Greatest Variety of Iron Bedsteads In Town, and are Importers direct from the manufacturers. Hand- Borne Wood Bedsteads from our own Factory. GARLICK & ORAN'WKLL. f*i ARLICK & CRANWKLL keep such VT Large Assortment of General Household Furniture tnat you can Furnish a Houso throut;hoat from their btock at a day's notice. T\RAWING-ROOM Suites- in stock, suitable XJ for a Cottage or a Mansion, all uphol stered by ourselves and guaranteed. Suites for Dining and Sitting Rooms in GARLICK & CRANWBLL. ONLY Warehouse in Town conducted on the London System, combining all depart ments of Furnishing, Drapery, and Clothing. cfry hall arOAD H;. FVE Per Cent Cash Discflunt on all kinds of Furniture, Carpets, Matting, Floorcloths, Ironmongery, Toiletware, and Brnsh- Wafe' GARLICK & CRANWBLL. TJOOK CATALOGU KS, post free or on applica- JD tion. to those intending to Famish. Esti matea and designs given. Carpets made up. Linoleum and Oilcloths laid. Needle work mounted. All kinds of Upholatery and Cabinet-work by first-class workmen. INSPECT OUR STOCK: The Xjargest in Auckland ! GARLICK & CRANWELL, CITY BALL ARCADE, QUKEN-STRJCKT & IiORNK-9TREBT, AUCKLAND fi A L T- Sb b!«:^;S b ON H A JM D AMD TO AKEIVE PEK 'LOCH URR,' From London. In lota to suit purchasers W. S. LAU RIB, 7, Wyndham-stroet.



Special Advertise me nts. pHBISTMAS AND NEW YEAK T>RESK N T C I 1 UKSMNTO! Ladies' BLACK ANB COLORKO COSTUMK3 ADIB3' BONNKTS and HATS, in tho T.ataßt Paris Styles Ladies' SILK and CASHMERE MANTLHS, CAPKS AND VISITKS LANGTKEY HOODS Ladies' KID and takfktta SILK GLOVKS in Endless Varloty Ladiks'SlLK, SATIN and TUSSORK PARASOLS. CHRISTMAS UHIUdTMAa AND NEW YEAR PItKSiCNrS, NKW YKAR PRESENTS. AT VYILLIAM TJATTRAY'S DRAPKRY, MANTLE, AND MILLINERY establishment. New Zealand House, 60", quekn-stbl3et, auckland.



«*• ,-ci FnKR Utl'Tßl-Tno Proprietors of ffOlM'fl AIiOMATIO BOUIIDAM BOHNAI'KL to Inauco tho destruotion and present tho lm nronor mo of their wrupiiora and Üb;ii3. and thus 'fm-llior protect tho Vub'.io against fraud ami deception, have enclosed in (ho wrapper*, or under tho lubol on tho quart bottles, Bliieo Iflt Ootobor. IS7B, uudlcontinno to endow in kvkuv ?Hn cie ; ci oBnR vs, which avo drawn upon the nndorslKiuM. and which will bo cashed by thorn on presentation. To securo these Gift*, tho I'nblln must 1)0 caroful to ask for, and nccoyt noilunK but, tho GKNIMNK UlM)I I'UO WOI.I.'KS HCJHNAITH, Wltll our name upon the top lube!, M. Moea & to., Wynyard Lano, Sydney.



Friday's " Observer " will contain t'iO Result ot tho Drawing for tho Christmas Prizes, together with an Important Notica Kolativo to Another Lot of Valuable Gifts. Do suro and Buy tho Papor or you will Misa jouc chanco.—[ ldvt.]