SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ji jfirawnß. 5.?7 o-morro* vwin;oß> *•* jSyenlun. 6 49 sorrow Moroing, Lit ,_F nil Moon, Nov. to, 1.21 P.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST BVaNINO. as, B.s. Tczw, from Melbourflo

TO-DAY. .rgfle, 5.8., Crawford, from Whanf?arel

DEPARTURES.

LiBTEVBSINO.

southern Cross, f.s.. Bewloke. for Glsborna WeuConfsZ Amodeo "»««•"«• lon^ 8.r., Johnston for Wh»ng»rel

IMPORTS.

Per Vision from Dnnedin-19G sacks potatoes. -Adam Laybourn and Co. . Per Rotorua from Melbourne -1. Alcook s billiard tables.-F. Tomlinson, Barrell Hotel, Parnell. *■ .„„ . Per Maria Virginia, from Oamaru-1 o?8 sacks oats, 400 sacks bran, 1,500 tacks flour, 88 sacks f jeep, 100 saoks maize.

Inwards CoASTwisE.-Moehau,froin Omaha, ■with 21,000 feet timber : Wangarei. from Whan garei, with 51 tons coal; Mana, from Tairua, •With 26,000 feet timber. Outwards COASTWIBE.-Moehan.for Omaha.: Mana. for Tairua; Ocean, for Whitiangi; Zu lah, for Thames. The schooner Transit was entered out at tho Customs toW for Mercury Bay (whence »ho eoes In charge of Captain Hastings), and the IchoonWchStine (Stronacb) entered out for The oatter Eaphemia. wWch oatralzei and guot off North ihcre on Kovenibar 9, has been floated into Freeman* Bay. The s s Argyle arrived from Whangarei at LSsa.m to-day with the following passengei s: Mr and Mrs Wilson Miss Boet Messrs Bell Edwards, Knner, Robertson. AUender, bunp son Mrs and Master Simpson, Key. Melntosh, Messrs Reid, Stewart, Walkins, Welloughby, and Currlngton.

The g,s- hotorna arrived from Melbouj-iiei and BOoth'nTporls at 1130 p.m. J'srsrdw with tho frilowlmr p*BfenHera:—Mr end Mrs Moffatt, MtsseV Todd ». Mr J. Binks. Jjwm Cout: Mies Skinner.. Me«d»mPS AUan. Odlnm. Hen iu.oa o . Haben*. Nolan, and Scott, mlb'sS A'l». Molt Tn.lis. Gordon. Brownlee. Floyd? ftimeron. Whita. Gil1. Roie. Mahcn, Hay. W.biter. Psrslovr, Wpoley, Odlnm, Bkln ner. L»ngtoß, Hiwkes WaUace Gllmour. M«- KeUir. Maoo. Hatrfl. Harrln. Byrne Nathan. Habona. Maxwell. Whlw. G»lw»y. StepheflßOD, Knight, tteere, Row. aoerry, ilaho^ey. Soarfe, Perolval, Broagb, Duthio, icott. WxUod, ana 23 in the steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Oamaru, this day.

•Arrived: Barque Unicorn, McCallum, from London, after an uneventful passage of 111 days. Sydney, November 20. Sailed on the evening of the l§th: The steam snip Wakatipu, for Wellington. Arrived, last evening: The steamship Wal rarapa, from Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Etening Star Office, Tuesday. WOOL SALE AT THE DURHAM YARDS, Messrs Hontks and Nolan's flxat wool g»Je lor tula wason was held at the Durham Yards yesterday. Thera was a large attendance or. buyar*, but some ot tho lots did not reach the reserve. Lo»g wool in grease fetohod from 5} 1 *i 7M ■ wwhed, 9Jd; sama lots were wlthdrairn * for 8d and Bi per lb. Jh» pjinolpil buyers were .•Smb.'s Lay bourne, Potter, Ireland, Sutherland, It ild. and Baiabrldg?.

Mail Notice.

&AJZB WIU CIO3B AS DKDKB.—

ram Ua». . For RaaEell, K&wakavva, etc., per Kototua, at

For°'whangarei Heads, Waipu, Whangarei, JCaino, and Mangapai, per Argyle, at 1 p.m.

Wkdnkuday. 22nd lußtaut. For Tatrua, per Ohriatir9 at 9 a.m. For Walwera, per lona, ut 10 a.m. lfor Waltara, &o. per Muogreuor, at 1 a.m. For Coromaadel, per Ooromandel, at 1.30 p.m. For Tairua, per Mana, at 2 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

TauBSDAT, 23rd Instant. Perß.B. Rotorua, bbfollow:— For India, Cliina,Japan.Medlteranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 10 a.m. For Giaborne. Napier, Southern ports, AnH trallan Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindlal, for loiters, etc., specially BO oropaid and addressed, at 11 a.m. For money orders, register, d letters, ana newspapers, at 10 a.m. Lato letters till 11.JU For Valwera, Te Kapa, Cralgieburn, and Warkworth, per Rose Casey, at It) a.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana. ax 10 a.m. For Mangawai ana Kalwafca, per Douglas, at a

For'rauranga, Ohlnemutu, and Opottkl. per Wellington, at 4 p ra. _»...i For WhanK»rei. Kamo. and Whanßarel Heads, potions, at 6 p.m. .

Fbiday, 21th Instant. For Friendly Inlands, per Myrtle, at 3 p.m.

Tubsday, sih Deoember. *««s& MfflLrow- ■-- of America. Canada, Britlan Columbia, Central and South Amorioa, and Brjtlah and Foreign Weat Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent Of Burope, at 1 p.m. " For money orders, registered letters, and Newspapers, at 11.30 a.m. ,__„«. Late letters bearing an extra fee of sixpence. In addition to the postage, will be receives by the Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. ~ This mail wiu be due In London, on Mon jMU"yd!Ma. Chief Postmaster. Chief Vost-offloo, AaoUand.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

November 21. 1881.

Abbott'* Opera Hooss — Opera Company, " BUloo Taylor," 8 p.m.

Graftrn Road Wesloyan Sunday-school- Anniversary Entertainment, G. 30. p.m.

Temperance Hall-Annual, Soiree. Tea at 6.3J; Meeting, Addresses, Music, etc.. 7.30 p.m. Ponaonby Wesloyan Mutual Improvement Sooioty—Mr John Gittos on " The Chinese, 7.30 p.m. t Drill-shea-Monthly Inspection of Victoria Rifles, 7.30 p.m. St. James's Hall — Complimentary Concort. Elocution, etc , to Mr Barry. 8 p.m.

British Hotel—Meeting to Mako Arrange ments for a Sweepstake on Thirteen Feet Open Sailing Raoe, 8 p.m. Newton Hall - N.1.0.0.F. Loyal United Brothers, 7.30 p.m. Working Men's Club-Meeting of Boot and Shoemakers to Form a Trade Society, 7.30 p.nv Northooto School-Annual Meeting of JLotal Abstinence Society, 7.30 p.m.

St. Matthew's Cholr-Kehearsal for Conoert n cohoolroom, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

KEOQH.-On November 7th. at Auckland, tho wife of 11. A. Keogb, Esq., of a daughter. WILLIAMS.-On the 19th November,lSS2,at her residence, Queen-street Wharf, tho wife of *. Williams of a son; both doing woh\

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1882.

For the causa thr.t Uclu uslsbmc*. Fa the wrong Hut nwdt leslsttac* For tho future In tha diitancs, And tho good that wo can do.

The possible destruction of the world by a comet is an event possessing an irresistible iascination for the mind of an American journalist. Mo subject Rives such inex haustible scope for the txeicise of pro fessional ingenuity in the invention of sensational headings, and tbe papers by the last San Francisco mail' have made the most of it. But the Atlantic telegram quoted in our cslumna from the "New York World," making the Astronomer-tioyal for Scotland and Mr Proctor responsible for the prediction that the comet now visible in the tky will fall on the run in 1883, and that ita fall will create such, an accession ot heat as to dee troy the solar system, may be dis mis'ed as the production of the inven tive genius of one of these sensation mongers. Wo quote in another column Professor Smyth's letter on the subject, and it contains no- warrant for the doleful prophecy which the " World's " correspon dent has placed in his mouth. As for Mr Proctor, it is true that during bis lecturing tour in the colonies, when speaking of the occurrence of an unusually heavy meteoric at a part of the earth's orb.t which a comet had cro3eed, he in« ferred that comtts are attended by metfor.c I raits; and said that if the comet of 1880 was the same as tbat of 1843, as seemed probable, it would return in a short period a&d fall with i's meteoia on the sun, possibly increasing the «olar heat to an in tensity that would destroy all life on earth. He added, however, that he felt no upprehemion on the subject, and thought it much more likely that tbe earth would last for fifty Bullions of years than for any shorter period. The opinions expressed by these two astronomers, therefore, amount to no more than an asseition of the well-known principle that the motion of two ponderable bodies.would at collision be converted into heat. The motion of comets is, of course, terrific. Mr Ellery, the distingnished astronomer of Victoria, in a recent address before the Royal Society of tbat colony, said of the comet which has given rise to these fears: It rapidly appproached the sun, and increased in brillancy so much that on the 17th of September it was visible to the naked eye at noon within 3 deg. of the sun in a clear sky; j.t passed its perihelion pas sage on the morning of the 18th, and so close to the solar surface aa to be within the region boyond which the great solar volca noes of incandescent hydrogen are often seen to extend. The velocity of this body, as it rushed half around the sun at thh time, must have been stupendous beyoad concep ion, for, according to our mo9t recent cal culation, it must have made this journey in less than six hours." A body of large bulk possessing sucha velocity would unquestion ably by collision with the snn produce consequences disastrous to all those worlds tbat are dependent upon him for a regular supply of heat. It becomes, there fore, necessary to consider, first ot all, whether comets do possess such balk as would seriously stjr the depths of the King of Day, And upon this subject tho vexed controversy about the nature of comets has reached a point when it may be affirmed tbat the mass of the largest nucleus is infinitosimally email compared with the mass of the sun. If we accept Dr. Huggins's estimate -of a possible two or three hundred piles cir cumference, we can well believe tbat such broiling excursions through the solar atmosphere as tho present comet has just taken, will reduce the mans so considerably that when the final plungo is taken it will have no more effect on the bioadside of the snn than an old twenty-four pounder shot would have upon a modern ironclad. Though we may, therefore, await with perfect peace of mind the experience which is promised to the scientific world should the comet return next year, and be. cast as fuel into the solar ikes, the speculation, is one possessing an intense interest to the astronomer. While settling the minds or. those persons who have al/rays viewed comets as a menace to the world, it would throw light upon the problem of the maintenance of solar heat, a difficulty that has yet found no satisfactory solution. It still remains in doubt, howeyer, whether our visitor is the comet of 1843, gad tbe doubt will only be settled by watching for i/a reappear ance, which must take place soon, }£ the three past apparitions wero those of the same comet. On this subject Mr Ellery Bays: —"The approximate elements ex hibit a remarkable likeness to the great comets of 1843 and 1880. The motions of all three are retrograde ; the inclination and longitude of the nod(j vpry similar, and the perihelion distance of all exceedingly small and nearly alike. The apparitions of two large comets in 1880 and 1882, with elements so very much alike that of the grand comet of 1843, have of course led to some astronomical speculation on the subject. If any celestial bodies ap pear successively in similar or nearly similar orbits, a supposition that they are one and the same body, ojr several separate bodies in the same orbit, is quite reason, able. Mr Tebbutt, our well known as tronomer, of ■Windsor, New South Wales, has therefore suggested it as quite po». eible that the comet of 1843, 1880 and 1882 are identical, returning to perihelion at rapidly diminishing period*, and that if this be so, its present excursion must be very short, barely taking it out of our sight before it *urns back again towards" the sun. One incentive to this suggestion was no doubt the fact that the perihelia

distance of the rough orbit first com. puted was less than that of 1880, whilst that of 1880 was less than that of 1843. More recent c»lculation3, however show that the perihelioD distanco of this comet was ereater than at first computed, ana rather greater than that of 1880. Wnetuer we can possibly entertain this hypothesis will soon be shown by the recession «r re turn of the comet. If it disappear for any considerable time, then we must conclude that there .are two or more comets in the same orbit."

" The Knnekle End of England."

Thk item in our last mail summary, that a new land agitation had been started in Scotland by Professor Blackie, quito inde pendent of the effijrls of the Scottish Land League, deserves some attention, partly from the significance of the movement itself, and partly on account of the romaili able character of the man who is taking a leading part in it. That such a patient and. law-abiding class as tho fecotcb peasantry should make an earnest combination fir tbc overthrow of the existiuc land laws is strong presumptive evidence of the unfitneES if these laws for the altered conditions of lifoand advancing intelligence ot tho people; and that a fresh crusade against the system should be led by tho perfervld ex-Professor of Ureek in the University of Edinburgh mixht almost be acctptcd as a guur.intce of the success of tbe movoment. Those ac quainted with the curreuts of Kadkal opinion in the uorthern portion ot the United Kingdom know thai a largo scctiou of the people is ripe for awQcpiug political chaupes. These chauges muat uut, how ever, be introduced by violeut means, but in a way at once constitutional and prac tical. Therein lies the great dillereucsi be tween Scotch and Irish methods; and tlurein also may bo found the reason why the lcadicg politicians of Scotland, while agreeing in the perfect justice of tho claim for self-government made by the Irish, cannot givo their sup port tv tbe movement, because of the means by which it has been supported. Tucre is a strong and growing feeling iv Scotland iv favour of a local Parliament tJ deal with local affairs ; and uuless this agiUtion is forestalled by tha Government introducing )road measures of County Govern ment, there is no doubt that iv the couise of a very few years the Scotch wculd demand and would obtain Homo Kulu. And it cannot be denied that in do portion of the United Kingdom could such a legis lative experiment be more safely triad. The progress in civiluatiou that rugg. d northern country has made in recent yeers 13 most extraordinary, if not altogether mi pr«c«acntcd. The educational superiority ot its people is proverbial, and it contiuues to be maintained. In IS4O 42, the convic tions for ciime were in the proportion of 1,120 to every million inhabitants, while in 1870-80 the average was only 570 per imlliou—a deoliue of nearly 50 per cent, and owing to which sixteen Scotch prisons were recently clo.ed for want of occupa-ts, faking the last iifttcn years alone, the decrease iv ciime and pauperism ls.trikintly apparent. In 18bG, witu a population of 3,214,426, tho number of paupers in Scot land was 119,605, atd ihore wore 3,003 p»r sods committed for uhl. In ISSI, when the population had increased to 3,(J95,456, the paupers nad decreased to 9S,6oS,and the criminals to 2,553. Iv anotner respoct, that of wealth and material pro.-pcrity, the pro gress of Scotland hat been on the boiders of tho wonderful. In IS4O Scotland was considered literally to be a land of beggars; but by the steao'y perseverance and enterprise of her people, she has in thoio forty years risen to bo thu richest country iv tho 'Id 'World, Mr M. G. Mullhall, the eminent sta'.istician, remarks in a recent work :—" It is remarkable that Scotland possesso* more wealth for popula tion than England, and h.s become the richest country in the world, though so poorly gifted by nature. Htr fortune has quintupled since 1840, being now double that of Ireland. We may search Europo in ann.ls since tbe time ot Alexander of Muculon, and we shall find nothing to equal tho rise of Scotland in the peiiod from 1840 to 1877." Half a century ago, when tho witty Sydney Smith referred to Scotland as " lhat knuckle end of England," he not only expressed tho popular English Idei of the country north of the 'I weed, but bo also uttered a truth rcgaroiog the relative qualities of tho two couutric. ' Scotland wjs then undoubtedly Ihe bo'iy, luru, grisly part of ihe joint, and England was the rich, fat, m-aty part; but ilut condi tion of things hai now passed away, and while the " knuckle end " retains all it* old strength, it has grown richer, compara tively, then Ihe other end of the joiot. A people who ere able to accomplish wbat has been done by the Scotch may fa'rly cl-iin to have outgrown tho old feudal system of laud-holding, and might safely be entrusted with self-gov eminent. And just as these hard-headed Northerners havo been successful in the pursuit of wealth and the cultivation of the civilising arts, so will it be found, fr«m their past history, that they have iuvariably succeeded in any political, social, or religious reforms upon which they havo set their hearts. Thus it i», that the move ment for land reforms taken up by this persevering people, forms perhaps the most promising augury for tho early introduction of a new and better ordor over England, Scotland, and Ireland ; helping on the process of tho equalisation of \vo«ltb, as well as its better developruont, with all tbe moral and material blessings which flow from such a state of things.

Mr Melville, land agent, met with a painful accident last Friday. He was driv ing to his residence at Mount Albert when at one part of the road he encountered a number of vehicles together. In pilotiog his way between them the wheel of his dog-cart became locked with that of another vehicle coming towards town. The force of the collision was so great that Mr Mel vide wts thrown heivily on the roaH, and was conveyed home insensible. He is a good deal cut about tho head, but for tunately do bonei are broken, and he is now progressing favourably.

The reduced price of lOd perthou and gallons (under the price charged elsewhec for supplies bj gravitation) now charged for ■water by the Corporation, is stated by com petent persons to be cheaper for motive power than gas, while the waste water most materially conduces to cleanse the pie mites supplied and streets of the city.

Archibald Miller, of Kihikihi, carpontor, has filed a dic'aration of his inability to moat hh engagements with bis creditors. Mr Gresham is solicitor for the dnb'or,

The programme of the Helensvillo Turf Club annual meeting, which takes place on Regatti£©»y. will be published in a few days. Tho Club have increased the amount of their prizes so as to ensure good blood to compete.

In our report of Mr H. G. Seth Smith's interesting ltpture on "Comets" tho word "coma" was misprinted "corona."

To the Editor s fir,—Allow me to con tradict ft statement which appeared in your issue of last evening, that the Harbinger of Peace Lodge, I 0.G.T., was about to hold an entertainment on a g'.ven date. We have no lodge of that name In connection with tbe Independent Order of Good Tern plats, neither do our rules permit of dan cing tp be curried on in connection with any lodge or entertainment.—l am, &c, Robert Hr. Douse, G.W.T., 1.0.GT., R.W.G. Lodge of the World.

At the annual Total Abstinence enler tainnient this evening, addresses will be deljyerpd by Mrs Phelps, and Messrs Newman, Gberry ? Cair, Bnrnford, and Key. Mr Fairbrother. Mrs Dormer ancj. severaj young ladies will contribute sours and musical selections. The programme is very attractive, and likely to give general satisfaction,

The police want owners for a safety lantern, a large quantity of ticking, and some brown calico. They are believed to have been stolen.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the revival of a Yachting Club in Auckland wjjl be held at the Waitemata Hotel to morrow (Wednesday) evening. This is a very desirable step; ivs hope the cil'ort will prove successful.

To the S ditor: Sir,—l beg very respect fully to draw your attention t\> the follow ing facts. On Friday evening last, whilst cleaning out the sausage-machine at my employer's (Mr Hulchinson, butcher, Vic tbna-Jtrept), I was unfortunate enough to have my finger caught in the machinery and lost the first joint. I bled njO3t profusely, and haying arrived at i)v. Baynttjn's residence, Wellin»tpn-street, I was so weak that J could scarcely stand, I knocked at the door, wbiab was opened by Dr. Bayntun, whom I informed of my accident, and begged him to see to it at once. L>r. Bajntun told me ha wav engaged—that 'he was about to go out with Mrs Bayntun, and had not the time to attend to it, and that I was to call again the following morning, A crowd collected, and fainting as I was, some kind friends ]took me to a chemist shop, top of Hobson-streot, where my mutilated fingar wag promptly attended to. I leave the public to make their own coin. jnents.-Yours. &c, C. N, COLWNS.

The unfortunate man, Larkins, who wea committed to the Lunatic Asylum, on tLe medical t'stimony of vra Bayutnn and Hooper, had previously been in that in stitution and escaped, lie was re-takea by Conitablelatnb.

A billiard match for flO a-side, 500 up, took place at the Occidental Hotel last night, between Mr W, Lyons and Mr A. King. Ljons gave his opponent 60 points, and >vnn a well-contested game with 90 points to spare.

Bobeit Walker, lfsq., has been duly elected Mayor for the Borough of Parnell. He was unopposed.

Mr Jackson Palmer, of Hamilton, has passed the general knowledge examination for solicitors. Mr Palmer is articled to Mr F. a. Whitaker, of Hamilton and Cam bridge, ■

A sailor named John Sweeney was charged at the Police Court this morning with stealing a silver watch. The pri soner btutcd that he so.d the watch on Suuday night for five or'six shillings to_a person in Queen-street, whose name is known. The police expect tho receiver to return tho watch to the sta:iou_ that the owner, Mr liranch, may recover it. If not returned at once, the peraon possessing it will bo prosecuted.

At the monthly inspection of tho f"'o. 3 and Hobson Companies last evening, Major Withcrj presontcd to Sergeant E. ftretton of No. 3 Company, Captain Claik's btlt, which he won ut trie recent competition, Mr fttnttoa is a young but vety promising volunteer, and his success has given satis faction to the volunteers generally.

The members of the Devonport L iterary Association held a successful musical uLd literary entertainment in the Church of England school-room, North Shore, last evening. Mr J. Bates, pro-ident of the society, opeued with v. few apuropriate re marks, describing the uso and progress of thu society, its p esent favourable situa tion aud its objects, and concluded by urging upou yuunjj; men who had noi already dune so to join tbeir ranks, Tho rest of tho eveuiug was devotod to r adiogp, recitation!, singing, fte., by membra onu friend".

Thu St. John's Wcsleyan Mutual Im poviimnt Society will hold a uicoiiug this evening in the icbool-rosm, Pon-ouhy lload, when Mr John Uittoa will road a paper on "Tho Chinese." A Rood at tendance of members ts requested. '1 he entertainment and fmit soiree, closing the present tension, will l>e held on tho even ing of December sth. An excellent musical aud literary evening limy be anticipated. Tue programme will hhoitly be issued.

A or cket match was played on Saturday between ihe Excelsior and United Second Eleven, The match resulted iv a draw in favour ol tho Excelsior.

We would again draw attention to tho excellent ptogrumme which ha< been pre pared for thu complimentary entertainment to be given to Mr Barry iv St. James's Hull thisevcuiog. Mr Gordon Gooch, Mr J. Edwards Mr J. ilauua, aud numerous other ladies aud gentlemen who aro to take part should guarantee a good house and a successful concerr, Mr Barry has done much to promote the bliidy of elocution in Auckland, aud we hope nis efforts will bo recognised by a large audience this cveniug. Au euterlainmoutia conueclwn with the llcmucra Band ot Hope- was held in tho Newrcurket Hall last evening, aud passed off v.ry p'c*>antly, the building bitug crowded. Durini: the evening a number of comic tongs, recitations, glee?, pianoforte polos, and dialogues wero given, tbc principal of which wcro :- Comic song aod recita'ioD, Mr Wcild ; song, '' We'd iicttcr Bidu a Wee," Miss Fraser ; sodr, " Every Bullet has its Billeti" Mr 1!. Howe; song, " Pleafe Give Me a Penny, Sir," Miss McNei'; and pianoforte solos by Miises Bruce and Taite. Tlu Frith family (of seven) rendered three glees iv a spirited manner and at the cod of the enter laiumcnt a vote of tlnnks was pa'sed to them for their kind nssisUuco.

Hoy. C. M. Nelson will repeat, by;special request, his reading of an argument in favor of forms of prayer in public worship, at tho religions service to be hold in St. Paul's church to-morrow evening.

'lbe Aitlllcry ftand moonlight ex cursion last evening to the >o-th !"horo by the ps. Victoria, was largely attonded by excursionists. Tho night was clear and favourable, and all Couture scorned to smile in her slumbrous serenity upon the water. It was ono of those nighta which Byron Described with so much sublimity of lacguage aud felicity of rhyme, I* early 300 persons wero on board, and, on reaching the opposite shore, en jayed the music a"d dancing under the fh'adowy trcca in Willow Gordons. The band was particularly happy in its musical selfctions ; a most enjoyable evening was passed, sud the steamer reached tho Quctn s rvct Wharf a few minutes before 11 o'clock.

The American evangelists will sive an addre>s to-morrow afternoon at half-past 2 iv the Methodist Free Church, corner of Vincent and Pi t-streecs. Mothers aro C)rdially invited.

" Query " a9ks it we can state whether the hooka and curios generously presented by Mr Mackclvie are given to tho New Zealand Institute or to tho Auckland Mnsetim, which, be ray*, is a distinction with an important difference, as at some future time, doubtles?, the Museum, with tho l rinc Art Gallery, will be partly under the c mtrol of tho Munlcip ility, whoreai the lustituto is a temi-privato society, whose privileges aro conlined to members who subscribe, and are elected by ballot. Un der these circuiustauces our correspondent says the consideration arises whether tie hooka would not be more goncmliy computable *o *no pcncral public and answerallthe wMiesof the generous donor 'h the Free Public Library, which enables all classes to havo an opportunity to peru'e them, an advantago now withheld from o large section of the public by the closing of that building on Sundays and other occa sion i, when tho library is oreu,

Tho directors of the Plumbago Mini' g C"mpany have received tho following re port :—Gentlemeu,—Sinco the 28th ultima [ havo continued tho drivo on tho vein of graphite monlioncd in my last rcportj atd am happy to inform j"ou that the cpinion 1 which 1 then expressed has proved correct. , Tbe vein has Increased to a fine body of graphite, which entirely covi w tho roof of the drive. My object, however, being to thoroughly prospect rather than to work the ground, I have commonccd a»halt on another portion of the ground, with the view of tracigg tbe deposit into a hill on opposite vide of creek, and at some distance from present workings. Owing to the un favourable state of the weather, tho tail race mentioned in my last sustained some slight damage, which ba?, however, boen repaired without much loss of timo. _ 1 woxild recommend you to forward a ship ment of a few tons of plnmbago to England as soon as possible, lßt, 2nd and 3rd quali ties, taking special care to sort it carefully, and I have no doubt of tho resnlfs. Be careful, however, to sort it thoroughly; have as little extraneous matter amongst it as possible. I fihpu'd also recommend you to have a hut tiuilt on tbe ground in which tho stuff taken out can be tortcdand saved. Have the stuff sorted as soon as taken from the mine, and sorted in the hut, until forwa'ded to town for shipment. If at any future time I can be of any assist ance to you by advice, etc., you can con tult me through your secretary.—(Signed) J. E. AI'PLEBY.

The anuual social gathering of St, Jamo3's Mutual Improvement Association was held in the Temperance Hall lasteven. iog, and proved a great success. Owiog^ to the absence of Mr a. G. Seth Smith, (chairman) Mr W. J Napier provided. His opening remarks were brief, but to the point. The St. James's Association, he said, closed the session of ISSM the senior, and, he believed, the leading debating society of New Zealand. Their last report showed that members asa whole during the year had derived both moral ar.d intellec tual profit irom the weekly discussions. Other, societies h»d_ ianguisbed, but St. James's continued in a flourishing condi tion. The members had decided upon secur ing a more oentral place ofmeetiugtbaa tho building used last session, and ho bopod these gentlemen who found it difficult to keep up numerous small denominational sociefea would come in. with them andform one large and powerful association. They were now purely secular, and cjnnected with no church. Tlio speaker was applauded upqn concluding. After tills, a first class dance programme was I gone through, tho music being provided by the Messrs Hanukin Bros., while Mr a. i*. Beid performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies. At intervals a few games were indulged in, and vocal selections were rendered by several ladies and gentlemen. Misses Ma okie and McMillan sane in nice style tho duet ••Fiiendship," Mifs L. Culpan gave an excellent renderiag of the song "Carissima." Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent, daociue; being kept up with spirit until an early hour tills mprnlug. - -

I The members of the Auckland Naval Brigade, who are entitled to lire for the money prize presented by the Insurance Association, will meet at the range on Saturday next at 1.30 p.m.

Tho first anniversary of Sanctuary City of Auckland, of tho Ancient Order of Shep herds, will be celebrated to-morrow night by a social gathering in the Temperance Hall. Tickets may bo had at 2* Gd each. The programme includes a soiree, concert, and dance.

Mr Gordom Goooa de.ires to inform his fri ndsand ths musical public that all holders and purchasers of tickets to the body ol the Hall will co admitted and may p^y for aonut tance at the largo dtor facing Government House Grounds—firat entrance at right sidoii: Hall. Full rohearsal on Wednesday at 8 o cloclc privately, in the Hall.

a. wholesale acock of nearly 400 white and-cream ostrioh feathers has been purchased by Smith and Caughoy, 300 and 302, Upper Qucon-Btreet, and will bo sold in some eases at almost half tho usual pricss: A guinea leather for 12s Cd ;■ a 15a feather for Os bd ;.-an lla Bd feather for 7s (jd; als (id feather fpr Is. Also, about 2,000 Christmas cards, bought at auction, 1.11 being marked, and in a few days will be ottered at half-prico.—Smith & Caugliey, Upper Queen-street and Newmarket.—[Advt.] M'Liss.—For sale, by pulslio auction, at Cochrano'3 Auction Mart, to-morrow (Wednes day) the well - known cutter yacht M Liss. aho is oxtra-Btrongly built, is coppered and fastened, has new sails, wiro rigging, anchor and chain, and dingy comploto; also one and a half ton iron ballast. She is a first-class pleasuro boat, and is about four and a half tons measure ment. __^_

TELEGRAMS.

DENT TO THE CAPTAIN.

(I'aOM Ouit Own Cokrespondknt.)

KU SBLL, this day. ARRIVAL OV A WHaLEH.-ACCI

Arrived: Glcnclg and Stella. Also the whaling baiquo Cap tain" li>inn reports taking 420 bar ic's "humpback and 25 barrels sperm. He also killed a large tpenn whalo, but his bomb gun busting, stiattoroil his hand, and ho wasuuablctosavo the whale. Sperm whales were fairly plentiful, aLd but for tho unfoitunate accidentho would have bad a good chance of securing a large quantity of oil.

THE BODY OF SAVAGE FOUND.

KIIIIKIHI, this day.

The body of Savago was found in the Punui by tho naiivw, about a mile from where tho accident occurred. It is evident from the appoarance of the body, which has been brought to To Awamutu by Constable Gillies, that nothing foul has taken placo,

HAMILTON, this day

Messrs Knox and Robert Peat were nominated yesterday w candidates for the mayoralty.

CAMBRIDGE, this day,

A native named Tcnirari was brought before the court to-day, charged with a brutalassaulton his wife yesterday evening. It appeaioi from the evidence that accused was endeavouring to biing his wife home, tho lattn being drunk. She resisting, be struck her with hie liat,knocking her (lowb, and when down he kicked her brutally on the head. Boioe bis first olfence, he was cautioned, and lined £2 with cost?.

PALMERSTOtf NOHTH, thia day. m "^ i'.liam Dolrys, formerly member for 'he cnago Provincial Council, died at Awahuri on Saturday, aged 83.

WELLINGTON, this day.

At a meeting of tho Executive Council this morning, the case of Antonia Gosncll, recently found guilty aod teutenced to death for murder near wormanby (t'aranaki), was con'idered, and it was decided to commute the sentence to penal sorritude for Hie. THE AUKOKA. The Aurora was very brilliant last night.

KA.IKOURA, thUday.

EA.RTUQUAKB,

A smart shock ot earthquake was ex perienced here yesterday p.vening at 9 o'clock, and continued for several second?. At first it wai slight and ihe direction un decided, but at it increased in violouce it was distinctly cast and west. A brilliant Aurora was observed here last night.

OAMAItU, this day. Mr Thomas Proctor was re-elected Mayor to-day without opposition.

DUNEDIN, this day.

SUPPOSiSD SUICIDE,

James Kcnwick, Insurance agcot, of Palmer*ton, was drowned jciterday. It is Buppo>ert to bo a c-wso ot suicide. Thu dec<ja>cd leaves a wife and family in dis tressed ciicumstance*.

Tho following names are mentioned as candidates for the IVuinuila seat. Messrs Larnach, Cuttea, E. B. Cargiil, A. J. Burnr, Donnelly, and G. Mcßrldc, Mayor of South Dunediu.

The Oladstono Company, t.t Macctown, sent down 200ozs cako for fortnight's crush' ing. THK TOTaLISATOK CASE.

At the City Court, Messrs Barnct snd Green wore rinod five pounds each, for aiding in working the Totalisator.

THE BABBIT KUISvNCF,

Eight farmers iv the Taieri District have been fined 20a and costs, for not taking milieunt st«pi fsr tbe extermination of rabbits.

SCINTILLATIONS.

I never wonder to sec men wicked, but I often wonder to sco them not ashamed,— Swifr. Although benovolent men cannot do all the go< d they would, their duty is to do the good they tun. The wrath that on conviction mibs'iles into mildness is the wrath of a generous n}ind,— Lavator, The much-travelled Smythp ariiv.nl yes terday in tbe Ar.awata to arrange the busi ness for Archibald Forbes, who leav 8 Mel bourne for New Zealand on the 21st.

The Mayoral elections yesterday resulted in the return of tte following unopposed :— Thames, ox-R.M. Fraser; New Hy mouth, Mr William Bayl. y; lJlenheim, Mr A. Uodfoa ; Timnru, Mr John Jackson.

Messrs T. W. Hicksoa and Co. received the following tenders for the erection of a villa residence for Mr Siracox, at Pa'nell : - Jas. Whitlock, £550 ; H. E,. Brabazon, £670; Wrigloy and HantcOck, £CSS; J. Kllingbam, £698.

Ten years' lea'o of the Ma'onic Hotel, North Shore, has been pu chased by Mr W. H, Pearto, of the Wharf Hotel, for £1,000. Tbe contractor for tho railway station re clamation hag everything icu'dy to com mence active operation?.

Mr K. J, Duncan has been delivering ad dressts ia the Sonta on the Auck'and Naive Lmds Colonisation Company. He says Te Whiti and Tohu will probably be come shareholders.

The Registrar General has telegraphed to the Town Clerk that the Auckland death return lair, month was correctly gizftt d 9"99 perlOOO. ' The Middle Island Railway Commission has informed a CbrUtchurch deputation that they cannot deal with the West Coast railway. "'•'.'

The Native Lands Couit will sit for about three months. ■ 'ilio Maungatautarj case does no^ come on li'l after Christosas. A horse was slolon from the stable of Mr J. Davis, grocer, Pitt-street, and another from tbo premises of Mr H, and J. Bin stead, butcher*, between Sunday night and Monday morning. Tuis is a new develop ment of local industry that requir, s Stato attention.

At a meeting of the directors of the Wai kato > hcee and dacon Factory, the follow ing tenders for the erection «/f the factory buildings (exclusive of tbe manager's c<.t tage) were received : - Pearson, £296; Evans, £264 10s; Freer, £240; Vincent (accepted), £239 14s. A man natijed J,ohn G. een wa? sen'poped to twelve months' bard labour, at Timnvu yesterday, for brutally assaulting a police man with a bottle, and biting one of bis finpers off. The policeman's head was erribly cut and bruised.

Medicai, Practitioners will find that In In Mpient phthisis, chronic bronchial affections, complicated asthmatical complaints, and in moat cases who o tho breathing powers aro opurca sod and ponstriotdd. with corresponding loss of vital oneray, &c. Aickin's Syrup of Eucalyptus with Hypophosphito of Limo and Qmomc, is im elTeotlve pliuramaoeutical propii ration of great value. It has tho> eileot of speedily stimulating tbo bronchial mucous membrane and froeing tenacious phlegm, &0., thereby affording great relief in dls ressiiiß coughs. Its action upon lung tissues Is undoubt edly healing and rcparativo. Upon the geno ralhoalth this medloine Is permanently tonic, im parting a vitality beyond the normal stato o£ the patient. Tho elteot upon tho breathing powors is quickly apparent, tho result being that the Bufforor oxpori. noes considerable roller, and Ultimtite recovery, ,

THE ASSAULT CASE.

A Further Itemand Till Friday.

Some delay took place in commencing the business of the Polico Court this morning, owing to the difficulty of getting a couple of Justices to preside. At 10 45 Mr Kobert Graham and Mr Albeit Bootham made iheir appearance, and the procsedinsa were opcLed without further ado.

Xbere were a fair number of persons present, and the gentlemen who were specially mentioned yesterday as having been in attendance were again in the same

places, ! Frank Cornwall duly surrendered to his bail.and was charged as befoie with having, on Saturday afternoon last, " unlawfully assiulted one Charles Cookmau McMillan, by striking him on the face with a riding whip, and then and third throwing him down on the'ground." Mr Tyler : I appear in this case, may it please your Worships, for the defendant ihe case was called on yesterday morning and remanded, and on this occasion I apply as 1 stated I should for a further adjourn ment, on the ground of the absence of the wituessos that the defendant requires for his dcfrfVwe. ■ I apply for an ad journment till Fdday. The similar application wuich was mado yesterday was opposed by my friend, Mr Cooper (who appears on the other suit), on the ground that two of his witnesses were seamen belonging to tno Myrtle, which was ready for sea, and that consequently iho adjourn ment, of Uie case detained her in port too. In view of these circumstances the case was only adjourned till this morning, I, at the time, intimating that I should be obliged to ask for a further adjournment, as I was not ready to go on, inasmuch ai we had to hunt up several witnesses whotc lumoa alone wo knew. Several gentlemen, sym pathising with the defendant's troubles, interested themselves in his case, and cndiavcurcd to lind thercrjuiiod witnesses, Tno result is that ono of them has been found, but thcie aro two o'hcr/3 yet to be got. So far as tho two seamen of the Mti tic aro concerned, I havo just beeu in formed by a gentleman who is present in the Court that.tho vossol is not ready for sea. At auy rate I have told my friend (Mr Cooper) that those two seamen could not be witnesses iv the case, as, I un dcrstaud, they were not cye-witacsses of the assault—they did not sea it. 1 believe that my fiiend wants ono ot them in order to prove a ccrtaiu fact which he thinks has a bcariuu upou his case, viz , that the defcudaiit was seen walking in QucoQstrcet about an hour before tho as suilt took place with a tiding-wh'p iv his* hand. That I will admit, and so I eec no reason for kcoping the seaman here to prove the tact. Therefore I ask your Worship to grant me this adjournment. The defeu daot is a stranger in the placa, and has very few friends to assist him, but us 1 have be fore said a number of geutlemcn have in terested themselves in Ins case in order to got him a fair trial. They are searching for the required witnesses', and they fully beliove that they will suc ceed in finding them before Friday next. If tbey are not got by. that time I undirtake to proceed on Friday without them. No time lias been 10-t so far. The defendant waa on'y arrotted on • aturday afternoon, and it was late when he was bailed out, and as nothing cou'd be done on Sunday, the only time allowed us for preparation has been sinco the adjourn ment of the case yesterday, but that has been quite inadequate. I do not know whether there is to be any further opposi tion, but 1 should hardly think so. Eve* y one will say that a man charged with such au oilonce should havearoisoDablu oppoi tunity of defending himself. He can have no advantago to gain by merely delaying the case; indeed it would hi bettor t r himself to have the matter decided as speedily as possible. Oar only object is to get these witnesses, who will speak us to circumstances which will be an answer to tha assault, or cer tainly a very gro»t mitigation of it, I therefore) ask your Worships to adjourn the ease until Friday. I say Friday because that leaves us only today and Wednesday for preparation, b )th my learned friend and myself being engaged in the K.ivl. Court on Thursday, so th.it it would be inconvenient for oil her of us to attend here then.

Mr Cooper : I appear for the complain* ant, m<yit please your Worship*, and, as I s'atcd yesterday, Mr McMillan ha 3no desire toshutoutanyevidencoaccused can git for his defeuca. As my Iriend has ad m tted tho fact which the seaman of the Myrtle would have proved, aad bij evi dence is therefore rendered unnecessary, Wo readily withdraw any objec t'oa wo had to the further adjourn ment if tbe ca?e, the undcrs'anding of course being that the case must be pro ceeded with on Friday. All that Mr Tyler said yesteiday about tho desirability of the defendant having a fair trial is endorsed by Mr McMillan, and be will only he too filad if tho defendant can show proper justifica tion for what he has done. The com plainant does not wish the case tried before the defendant has had an opportunity of bringing wilnes-fs to prove just'fication for his acts. We rest secure in tho strength of our caso, and we arc willing to give the defendant fair time, Of course the bail will have to be en larged.

Mr Tyler :Of course. As my friend bns said, I am prepared to admit that the defer. daut carried the whip ulnut in bii hand an hour before the as-aiut took pl^ce. My friend, on his part, will also admit, I sup poso, that another man helooging to the Myrtle, some days before the assault was committed, went into v shop with the defendant, saw him purchase the whip, and heard him s<y that he wanted it in order lo chasti-ea dog that was continually annry ing him as he was going to and from his house.

Mr Ceoper (laughingly): Oh, yes; I will admit that.

The defendant's bail was then enlarged, and the case further adjourned until Fri day,

PA RN ELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The foitnightly meeting of this Council was held lasS evening. Picseut:—His Wo. ship tho Mayor (Mr E, Walker) in the chair, and Messr« Herbert, Barber, Mullius, Davis, McConnell, Pollard, Hood and Winks, The following business was trans acted : Permission was granted to plice a letter receiver in St. Stephen's Road. The ccsidoration of George Wilson's letter that ho bad engaged Mullally for three, months in connection with bis night soil contract waa deferred. A let'.er was received from ihe Board of Grammar School Governors, respecting the widening of Strand Lane, and the erection ola pound opposite the Domain, stating that tbo Bmrd was forming a plan of re-arrangement, of which the Council wouldbo duly informed. Inspector Thomson wrote to say that Constable Dews would not be replaced in the dhirict, leaving he super vision of Puruell to Sergeant Jackson.— Mr Robert Adliogton wrote respecting the alteration of names of certain streets, which he cons'dered unnecessary, with the exception of Grey-street, which should be named " Marine Terrace." Finally the p.o posed alterations weie neeaiived.—Letteis were received from Mr Land, respecting alterations in St. George's Bay Road, and Mr Tomlinson, of the ixchange Hote!, offering to asphalt.the Henley-street fiont age if the Council would do the krrb ing to the footpath. — Application gi»n e<), to. lp. cairicd out undtr the Woika Committee's instiuctions.— Mr Kuynea's application for transfer of slaughterhouse was grar.ted. An applica tion from Mr W. S. Occhrane in connection with the Diocesan Trust was referred to the Works Committee. Tbe current accounts wore passed, aud the report of tbe Inspector of Nui-anccs read lud adopted. -

POLICE COURT—This day.

[Betors Messrs P. Graham (chair) and A' Beet

ham, Jaatlooa),

j\.s ATTRigriON,—John'Swionoy, a Ilitla Siilor, waa" chanted with stealing a silver winch, value £3 109, on the tOch lnstuut, tbe pio perty of Beniamtu Branob.—Prisoner pleadtd galley.—SerKt. White sated the olroum«tancea, and Bald the watch bad not bcoj roooyerert,— Prisoner said tbe watch bad been dipcosed of la \he sireot. Could not toil whero it was — One month's iintirininmont with has d labour. Tbe Mums —Gooriie Musy or Mouse, of Napier, wai ohsrfffd with neglecting Co omtrl bu.e Cowardß tl;e suuportothU (ourlittle Moses left at Njplor, ana all under the a, o of foutieeu. Boriioint w htte s<iid thtu man wm arrested last ni|.;nt, oonurquently hu must ap^ly far a rumu; 0. for a bhort time, I'ne case win reniaodcd until Vrlduy, Fie Gkoegd,—C?e rge BaTleon was charged wits dieurderl' oonduoiln UueuL- troet, on the night of tha IDtb lnsc, to ibe terror (jf way f&rors. Sergeant White Batd Uanlßin was cot in a, fit Btata to appear in tour r, aud the ca c was « mardnd for a 'ew dajs. WitbOot 4 Lioar.—Goorge Holdship was charted under ihv by-law with falling to kteD a light burnlLß t.y a fence orected by him on the i7'h uit —Mr Boloui roproicuied Mr Hold eblr.—Fined 1b and cjutp. I.unjcy.-A man named Wm. Lnrklns wss committed to the ABy lam, being of unsotjaa mind, ' 1 l|to was t]\ tbe ordinary business.

THE TOUR OF THE AUCK LAND CRICKETERS.

[UY TELEGRAPH.]

[From I ur Special Reporter.]

LYTTELTON, this day. Wk had a fine passage from Wellington, None of the men were sick; all in good spirits, We have a series of athletic spoils on board. Yates aud Buck'antl proved champion quoit players,while Percy Dufaur was most successful in the other feits of strength and agility.

RECEPTION OF THE SHOOT ING REPRESENTATIVES.

Tils Carbine Champion, Lieut. Gordon, of the Thames Naval Brigade, and the other Thames and Auckland representatives at the recent meeting of the N.Z. Kiile As sociation at Dunedin, were expected to arrive here by the ltotorua at eight o'clock la t overling. Ihe membeis of the No. 3 and Ilobsoacompanies atid Naval Brigade marched down the wharf sko;tly after" the hourof expected arrival, but there was no sign of the vessel. After waiting about an hour the man were dismissed, bin large numbers of them waited on. Shortly after mid night the Kotorua's lights appealed round iog the North Head. The sleepy volunteers fefl in, and as the ves sel came along side the wharf the band played "tec the Conquering Hero Comes," and cheers, heartily reciprocated by the representatives, were givon. Amongst those .who stepped on board to Wuleomc and congratulate Lieutenant Gordon, were Captain; Wilduian, the popular commander of the 'illumes Naval Brigade, Mr A. D. Bennett, au cxollicor of ttie Thames blue-jackets and more recently captain of the detachment of the Wclliug tou Navals, who so promptly volunteered for Parihaka. |Vo sooner had the gangway bceu connected with the whaif, than several niumbcis of the Auckland fvaval Brigade jumped on board, nud, seizing hold of the champion, bore him shoulder-high to a 11 g-festooDcd gun carriage, on which they seated him, aud converting tlinn selves for the nonce into horses, drag ged him down the wharf. The other rep resentatives and volunteers followed in the rear. A dinner took place at McKeowu's Date" on the wharf, at which, all the repre sentatives an 1 a large number of vuluntcers ami citizens were presenf. After a recherche repas*, Captain Payne, of the Artilleiy, took the ch»ir, being supported by the Carbine Champion, Oapiains Wildman and Mahon, Lieuts Clittou, Hitihen?, Robinson, Sdf, and others. The usual loyal and patriotic toa-ts haviug been duly honoured, Captain Mahon proposed the toast of the evening, •''Jhe health of the Crbine Champion, Lieut. GSorddu." Jn doing sp, be said he hod watched Lieutenant Gordon and the other representatives of tho Thames ; also the rcpivsentativesfrom Auckland, although few, aud he felt pioud of them all. Duiing the c impetition ia Dunedin they had all behaved themselves like soldieis ana gentle men. They were not known to drink duriug the competition, aud very lit'le afterwards. He might say that they were pointtd to as a pattern to the volunteers of the colony. There was the very best of good feeling between the Auckland and Tbamt-s representatives, and he might say be tween all the representatives of the North Island. The northern represen tatives met with a most hearty recep tion in Duocriin. The Thames represi-nta tive.«, during tho competition, stuck to gether, and not the least tellisbncss wa* exhibited ; all they aimed at seemed to be the honour of their district, ai.d the honour of the company to which they belonged. Lieutenant Gordon, who was receired with repeated rounds of app'ausc, briefly re turned thank', and cilLd on Captain Wild man to speak on his bjhalf. That gentleman, »f>er refening to tho satisfac tion he bad experienced at the de.igln of the Auckland people at Gordon's success, said bo himself bad every reason to be proud of the remit of "tee competition. Lieutenant Gordon had won the b;lt three times and hij company live t'mta. he/er ring to tho new volunteer regulations, he sain he feared that the recent rifle meeting was tho last oue the Thames wou.d be represented in, a3 tho tew Volunteer, .Regulations would have ttie effect of wipirjg them clean out. He had interviewed the Defence Minister, who told him the matter would be consideied. Thry all knew wlnt that meant—pigeon-holed, and a reply sent that ilio " letter had b.en leceived." He forring to Lieutenant Gordon, ho said he w*s a thorough good fellow and bad borue his honours in a most gmtlemai-ly manner., " The Thamoj ltepresentaiive.'," proposed by Lieu. Hitchen?, and ie-ponded to by pctty-ollicr George White.and "The Auck laud K?prescntatives," proposed by MrA.D. Bennett.and responded to by Mr i!i. Coopfr, followed. The latter, in the course of his remarks, said that Captain Mahon would bear him out that tho Auckland men did not get fair play (Captain Malon : Hear, luar). He was.glad Cap'ain M.ihon went down with them, and he was paying him the highest compliment possible when he siid that Captain Maboa wrll tilled the place taken by Captain Wildmnn at pre vious meetings. C»ptain Mabon's health was drunk in bumptrs, and the toasts of "The ladies," "'The ( ha'rman," "Tbe Pres»," and "The Host," brought the pro ceedings to a close.

TAMBOUR MAJOR OPERA COMPANY.—" BiIIee Taylor."

Stevens and Solomon's nautical extrava* ganza, "Billce Taylor," was produced s* the Opera Ilouse last night before a very largo audience, and created a most favouv« able impression. The dialogue is by no means co satirical or so full of point a.3 those ot Gilbe:t and Sullivan's op;ras, but the music is "taking," while an abundance of songs and duets, some of them really pretty, is sure to lender it acceptable anywhere. It is admirab'y mounted, and the costumes aro on the same scale of neat ness and appropriateness as that which marked the reprtseuia'ion of " La File dv Tambour Major." Tbe piecs was certainly not seen at its best last night, for through hunied preparation, we p:esumc, several of the leadiDg performers were faulty in the remembrance of their line-, and fnqaently the situation had to halt until the prompter threw in his assistance, while the orchestra more than once, by a want of accord batween the wild and stringed instruments, gave evidence of their uufamiliarity with the music. How ever, tbese defects did not obscure the intiosic merits of the opcia, ar.d neither did thoy seiioasly militate against the enjoyment of the audience. Mhs Elsa May sustained the iole ot Pfccebe, a charity girl betrothid to the hero, and the did it ample justice. A considerable share of trie singing falls to her lot, and some of it calls for unusual vocal power. Tbis is particulaily trueof a solo in the la-1 acf, " Love in you,' ( which involves a good deal oE su-twined singing, iv the upper register, and in cludes s me difficult ' turns upon veiy bigh notes. It seemed to display to exceptional advantage the great flexibility of the prirna donna's voice and its mrc compass-, C iv alt., being taken with the utmost self:posseesion. Sue was enthusiastically encored, and willingly le neated the last stanza. Another solo of hers in the first act met with a similar rc cognitioD. Mr Vcrnoa appeared in the title iO'c, and notwithstanding the dis. tiinilaiity ot Billee Taylor t» Bunthorue and. the 'l ambour Major, as well as the more limited scope it aftords for character acting, he made a "bit" in it. Bi3 tinging too was good, the solo, " 1 Thought of Thee," in the second act being e'p;cially we'l rendertd. Mr Drayto.n as Sir Mincing Lanu had an opportunity ot show ing that besides being a p'ea?ing s'njjer ho can also lay claim to low comedy lalentof no mean order, His portraiture was highly amusing, and he oamo in conse quently for a large share of the popular approbation, Miss LiJdiard made a charm ing Arabella Jane, and sang her allotted share of the music with great taste. Her principal contribution was an interpo, j la'ed soog in the first act, entitled"One 1 Love," which she gave with so much sweet ness that the audience Would accept no denial to their appeal for an encore. The tong Ins a pretty orchestral ' accompani tmnt, whoso .execution was sKsceptib.'e of improvement. Mr O. Bu<t as Cnptain Mapper, and Mr F. Da k, as Crab (a pedagogue imprest b.v thepresi gang), mado ip well, and übly acquitted themselves, so far as acting is cotcrned. Mr, Dark was encored fir his rendering of tha woc-begone comic soDg known as "Ttoe G.ui,'Q'eß3 Crpharj." Tbe singular collocation of the words makes the old-fashioned riiraiu ! highly diverting, on account ot the droning ' repetition of pbrases disjointed from the ' couiext after a fashion that was once char, actetistic of church psalmody. Mr Sullivan was out of b^s element in the part of Bar nacla, the boatswain, but' he did ' his best with it. Mi-s Movairo credit.

abl/ filled the role of Eliza Dousey The Mis* s Lewis eracefnlly danced a hornpipe at the opening of the second apt, but the nigger funnyist who followed was a, complete failure. His antics were silly and purposeless. The Opera, as a whole, is li'iely to ba much appreciated There are one or two fait choru-es, and a number of pretty s los and duets. The music is occasionally suggestive of well, remtmbeiea stia'ns, but the resemblance is never close enough to justify a charge of appropdaiion. " Billce Taylor" will be repeated to-night for the last time.

CABLEGRAMS.

[3Y ELECfEIO TELEGEArn. —COPYEIGHT.

[REtrmt.]

TRUCE BETWEEN BOLIVIA AMD CHILI.

LONDON, November 20.

News has been leceived that both Cham bers of the Bolivian Kepublic have voted a truce with Chili. DEATH OF KARL HARROWBY. LOiNDON, November 2u! Obituary: The night Hon. l<arl H«r rowby K.G.,agedßs. """ | THE FKANCO-MADAGASUAK PARIe, November 18. In the Chamber ot Deputies to-day 'M Duclerc, tbe Bremier, presented a Bill tire' viding for the ratificHtion of the de Brazzar treaty with Mad.g.iscar, under which c« tain territory in that island is acquiied W France. < *■ SBIPPING NEWS. ' . " LONDON, November 20. The Orient steamship Cuzco, which left Melbourne on t-eptcmber 27ih, arrived at ' Piymouth on Saturday last. ;■ MKDICAL CONGRESS. LONDON, November 17, The Colonial Society and the meaical Fcction of the British Association are arranging a congress at the Ams;erdam Exhibition. «.m

AUSTRALIAN.

BANK RATEs.

MELBOURNE, November 20.

The lisseclafed banks have lixed tbe rate of discount as follows i-l'or b.lls at three months, 7 per cent.; at four nicaths, 8 per ceut.; kbore four months, 9 per cent. In. tere.t on deposits for twelve months. Bi percent. SIX Hi PARKES OBTAINS A DIS SOLUTION. SYJJNE7, November 20. It ha 3 transpired that Eis Excellency the Governor has granted t-ir Henry Parkes an unconditional di.-solution of Parliament,

THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS IN AUSTRALIA.

(EEUTER'S CABLEGRAMS.)

MELBOURNE, November 20. The weather to day was somewhat un» favourable for cricket, owing to frequent showers of rain, Bnd tbe malch between tbe Victorian Eleven and the Hon. Ivq Bljgh'g team was not resumed until this afternoon, 'ihe home team continued their second innings with three wickets to fall, and put together 169 before they wevc all disposed o(. 'Ihe Eco.es of 10-day's play were as fol low :—« cShane, c, 15 ; Coop.r, c, 8; Bince, c, 40; LogaD, not out, 0. 'Jhe Australians'. total ftr their first and second tunings btiag exactly equal to the score of the Englishmen m their first inaing^, the latter won the match by 10. wickets. Tbe atten dance of spectators duiing the day was small.,

The Ngatikewhatas Ejected From the Pukekura Block.

Notwithstanding the decision given ly the Koyal Comm:Btior, which, eat at Can.t bridge about eighteen montks ago lo enquiie into the claim of the j>gatika whata tribe to tho Fiuhoe, Pukekura, atd Mangataurari lands, about .thirty memben have still remained on ihe land, ereccnig whaies thereon and culti vating it. Mr E, B,' Walker one of the lca.&es lining, ' from time to time, ! requestt d the natives to leave the land, and they c ntinuing to ignore ihe request, on Fiiday last he proceeded to the ground with about, thirty Europeans, and after haiinp, tkiough Mr Grace, who acted as intcrprttei, made known to them .the object' of his visit, he directed his men to pull down the fences round the cultivations, and destroy the whares. Thes-, to the number of about twelve, were immediately levelled to the ground, and the fences having been remoced cattle were turned on to the crops. Two wha>e3, a large one and a small one, weie left standing for the ac-ommodatioH and shelter of the w omen and children and old men ; the weather being rather inclement at the time. The natives made no attampt at resistance whatever, but peaceably sab mitted to their tjtction. It will be remera-' bered these natives came up from Otakt, in the Wellington province, some time ago, acting under the advice of the white chiet, Alexander McDonald, to lay claims to the lands above mentioned, and having railed several obstructions against the operations of the lessees, a Rojul Comiuiaiion was held, and the decision was given sgains; them.

PROFESSOR PIAZZI SMYTH AND THE END OF THE WORLD.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln your issue of this evening you gives le'ter from Archdeacon Stock, in which he alludes to Professor Smyth speaking of 1881 ai d 1882 as "an ending period," He doesn't say an ending of what, but presumably it is the end of the world.

Mr G. A. Brown, at tho Opera House on Sun day night, read your recent startling paragraph (anent the comet and the end of the world) to his largo audienco, leaving them to intr that J Professor Smyth had given utterance to tho un scriptural dictum that the world would come to an end very shortly. In jus!ice to tbe learned Professor, permit me to give you the concluding paragraph of a letter I received from him retently, by which it will be seen that what he anticipates i< not the rapidly approach ing, end of the world, but tho end of this ; dispensation. Afi or commenting upon tho gloomy outlook of political and scientific mat ters, ho concludes thus: "And so it will doubt- j less go on until the ond of this dispensation arrives; worldly affairs getting ■worse and worse in every way, and only a few. but happily there are a few, here, in Amerioa, in Australia, in New Zealand, &c, holding to Divine Revela tion faster and faster.' I —Yours, &0., Anglo-Israel. Tin tVIowIDR leitar by 'Professor Piazai Smyth, Aifononier Koyal for Peotlm A, benru* data toot. 2ith, appears In the' Scotsman," »nn is rtonbt'oas tho one referred to in the New york " World'b " tolegram, tho startling pre^c tions of which, howove-, tt In noway bsarsom: " But wh»t camot was It ? The little that wa» scon on Monday In Scotland is no1: enongh to give any olue, and no London journals, whether solon'ilicor tioUticsl, ivliicii i c&vb B"ijn up to tbe end ot last week throw an; l'ght on the matter. But your paper, sir, lam haptiy 9 ti Bay, did oontaln on famrday a note < by cabin from Amerca, whioli, If fnliy correct, is of most profound import. Indeed : < nothing so important to all mankind has oc- \ ourred before through 1800 years at least ot I astronomical history: and there is this prospect of tho statemcht being true, that it S3 given, under the namo of Professor Lewis Boss, one of the most able and learned mathematical I astronomers of the Union, and we may ; say now (such has been tho rapid progress of astronomy during tho last few years in that country) o£ tho worid. He is said there to I have concluded from his observations that I the enmnt ot Jiiat Uuuday waa the c jh.oi ot ISSJ and 1813. A coi.. 0" o ■• o.ieli of these rcwsloia I was rJoaßnlfod -o hive passed closer to the I suo'a surface than any othtr known comet. But j why hasltcoruefcaoksosooi t - " la 18)3 tcappeared to b.; moving in an orbit Of 170 years, ami yet it oamo bicfc in 1880, or In only 37 sears! That, was startling enough. though only looked on by the world as a cue at failure of aotrnnoralcal prediction. But having gore off in 1880 on an uiderstandinfi: general! J o ma to by ihn bfßt sationomers in Europs. NiTth A.uorici. K'.o Janiari?, the Argentine Rspttblio ond A'a'-ralla—!n atlof whlon lattiir pMoes It hart basii woil observed—that it wsa not to rotui n before 37 j ears (and other comets, j B'ich aa Ualo'd and UnckVs keep to their tXmoa of revolution round the sun nesily unifnrmly for oenturie ) bebold this oonwthas g returned tiow, on tha sfength of yOM cab'egram from America, in two years I , "Iv which oai o, who can say whether it may not bo br clc attain from ep&re Id a few months: and then, not merely to graza 010.-o past, bit actually fall intu th« sun, vrhlcb in BO evidently rnnrosslnß i s hold upon it st ovi z/ rtvilotion ? Wherfforo w<> n.»y t>e tejr npon the lima for Witnessing whit effects wili ba produced when • I uuoh an tvnnt i»kos place in the eolar 6yßtO(ij, as aßtronimerg have hitherto eily . cl»«! a">t y speculated on, and no mortal ejo is known* to have ever beheld. But w-> must ro calm, patient, DhllOßopbloat, judicial; for tho calculations involved are exces sively tedious and difficult when much accuracy is required. The whole of tho observat ons, too, require to bo gathered iv from allparts of the world, and extensive comparisons of tho varying I results ■ f diflorent computers have to to made, examine J, and discussed with the greatest severity; for how often aro there not two ap potyanoeavery lik« osoh otherin theimmeEsity Of naturo, and yet not tfce same identical thing. . —I am,&o, . " CJP:S.'V

~ "What Kentucky lacks in churches" says the '< Cluis'ian of Work," " ahe makes vplo racecourses."

THE AtftiKLAHD EVEWTIWO STAR. TUESDAY. fIOYEMBEK 21



• W A H T B D, ASSISTANT MILHNKR3. 7 w A N"T E v* IMPBOVKR?. ? w A N T E b, APPRENTICES. 7 AT tfm It BND E L L'S ER'GKTON HOUSE CHEAP DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT, 180 AND 182, TOP OF GREY-bTREET. T.-V'H. C ook b, 44 AND 46, VICTOKIA-STKEK : - . [Factory: Elliott-streetF Having completed the arrangement of tbelr Mew and Hxtenalva Pre.ralaee, which are fl tied with everr'appUauoe (or the deap&toh of Busi ness Invite tne attention of Ladles and Gentle men VV RNI3HIN a to their Lurgo BtOOk Of Drawing and Dining Room Suites Brussels, Tapestry, and Kldder Carpets . Irod Bedsteads, Wardrobes, Drawers ' Tables, Obeftmlera, Side-Boards Mattraaoes, Paillasses, Pillows Bolsters Toilet Ware In great variety Linoleum, Flooroloth, Matting Hearthrugs, Wool Mats, Cocoa Mstfl Chimney and Toilet Glasses Gilt Oornloea and Cornice Poles . . Verandah. Venetian, and Roller Blinds ■'•:■.:< Cane, Folding, and Ghlldrens' Chairs i Hall Tables, Hat Stands, Hall Chairs '''".'• Kitchen Tables and Kitohon Chairs Every Aittole Guaranteed, and Prices Reduced "to the Lowest Amount, consistent with Best Quality In Materials and Workmanship. T. & H. COOKE, Viotohia and Elliott Streets. *JN B. W . Gt O O D S. JVBT RECEIVED, .And Now Being Shewn, NEW AND VERY STYLISH GOODS IN ' MILLINHRY. r -: BPANIBH French & English. R MANTILLAS. ~-~ In Lace. , . """ >H ~ -. BQUABKB, MANTLKB, KJ In Laoe (Blaob and , In Brocade, Satin, ~ Cream). Laoe, Cashmere, pq &o. . w KKRCHtBFS, __ In Lace, Silk, &o, (all colours). JAOKHSTS. H «* ditto ditto. £ COLIIA R KTTBBi j In Great, Variety, UttoVd?ttoß^altta W HOSIERY, {ZJ GLOVES, J • DREBB \_, MATERIALS 7IOHUS, 1~ll ~l InCsabinere,liM». JeH All the New THE HEW ZEALAND CLOTHING tfACrORY^ QOBEN-STfIKKT, AUOklflnd. EIGHTEEN RKTAIIi BRANCBES NOW OPEN IN THE COLONY, HOW Showing. NEW OOODBI-SOO Boyi* and Youths' Suits to seleot trom, »* Pl}. oßß to suit everybody. Several new atyl'B In Little Boy* Washing Bnltß> Now Bhowlog, NBW GOODSI-300 Men's Tweed Suits, 550 Men's Trounera and Vesta, 700 ■v . Men'a Trousers. Worfc ,. ■ .V>."■.■■„ Ing Men, try oar Mol e* stcln Trousers, the best - P . . and oheapobt In town. Now Bhoirfnjr, NEW OOODBI-7800 Hata and Capo, all Myfcß; Uel metsfc Straws In Kreat , , variety; Band and Sott Velts. Severel novel- Uee, «6leoted lor tho . AuokJaad ottmate. - ■ ' ■' .• • .GOODS 1 —In Kegatta <; . •;. ' , gndOxtordßhlrtß.^ieß. ■'■ Soatfa, Merino. Cotton. fey . ■ / ,«id Bilk Bhfrti and n t Raßo.Umbr.eUM. Uai



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J. CoSGRAVE & Co. Beg to Inform the Inhabitants of Auckland, that THKY HAVK BECBIYKD THBIB LAST SHIPMENT OF qtjmmbr /^oods, Summer Gtoods, Ordered from Home Last Year. THESE GOODS WILL BE bOLD REGARDLESS OF COST THI3 WILL BS mHE TGUNAIi pLEARANOB CALK XhK JPINAL DALK, ! AB.THBIB TIMR 18 LIMITED IN * AUCKLAND, ■DREMISES WILL BE QLOSED ON WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, IS OHDIB TO MARK TAOWN __ TTiNTIRa QTOCK ark Down ™ Jcjntirb Qtook The Establishment WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY, Nov. 17. THE SALE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TENDERS ARE CALLED FOR, Whloh will take plaos Imme diately after Christinas. All Accounts are requested to be paid at once, or legal proceedings will betaken '. after the let December. Wm, MoArthur & Co., AUCKLAND. TO DKALBRS INT FANCY GOODS, KARTHKNWARE, CHINA AND GLASS AND GKNBBAL STORKKKKPJCES. Plain anfl Fanoy Stationery Perfumory and Toilet Soapo Brnshwaro and Combs Table and Pooket Cntiery K.P. and B.M. Qoods Iron Bedsteads Mlrrorc »Ed Fancy Furniture Clooks. Wntohea, and Jewellory Tobacco, Cigars, and Pipes Mubloal Instruments Earthonwire, China, and Glass Vases, Flower-stands, &c Parian Ware, Piotnrea Parses, Hand Bags, and Baskets CrioketlEK Appointments JUiwn Tennis nnd Badminton Arohery and Croquet Indoor Games. Toyß, and Dolla NOVELITKS FOR CHRISTMAS. FORSALF.-CAVENJUISH AND AROMATIC TOBACCOS. 10 lioxeß " 8.5." Navy s's, go 7to lb., eooti SOlba. sa •„ "O.V" Navy s's ~-■'• „ aiife. 15 „ "Premier" 6"s .. „ 421 be. ■piRBDK, !^pBITEHEAD, THA AND TOBACCO IMPORTER, I ■' 95 VIOIOBU-BTaBIT,