SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

man WATirn IThis Evented, 11.12 HIGH WATER £ ro . morrow Morning, - BUNBET.-TMB Kvaniner, 7.17 BUNRIBK.-To-morrow Morninsr, 5.1 MOON'S AGE.-Laat Quarter, 13th, 3,20 a,rn,

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVKNINO. Look Oat, brliiantlne, MoA.veny, from New oaatle to-day^ Glonelg, r.b., Stophonson, from Tanranjja Fingal, H.a., Norrla. from Mercury U»y

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Motors, sohooner, Ngaru, for Awonnl TO-DAY. Zealandla, P.M.a.s,, Chevalier, for Sydney Te Anau, 8,8., Carey, for southern ports

IMPORTS.

Per Look Oat, from Newcaatlo-103 tons coal.

Per Anazl from London—plain cottons, £300; coloured cottons, £100; flannels, £100; hosiery, £100; haberdashery. £1W; aoparol, £J0O: wot. leather, £190; saddlery. £570; iloor-cloth, £90 ; Bowing maohinon, £70; lucifers, 420; vestas, £30; blaokinir, £40: agricultural implements, £10; rails and general machinery, £900; books, £120; stationery, £U0; upholstery, £190; iron bedsteads, £20; pianos, £60; corks, .£2O; agri cultural and garden seeds, £1290; pipes (other than clay, £60; iron-tanks, £34; hardware, cutlery, £100; hoop iron, 16tons; gslvanisedlron, 10 tons: iron nails, 2 tons; wlro and wire rope, 14 tons; Unseed oil, 1280 sails; rape oil, 210 galls; whiting, 3 tons; flint glass, £80; foreign window glass, 217 cases; plate gl es, 9 cases : china and «nr then ware, £170; Rlasa bottles, £20; olutes, 18 tons: oemeot, 650 barrels; tobacco, 40 lba; turn. 110 galls; cordials. 20 galls; British spirits in tmlk, 1200 galls; British spirits, In case, 500 galls; red wine, 560 galls; white wine, 1000 galls; boor-glasses. 93 barrels; preserved flsh. £20; assorted oilmen's stores, 15850; vinegar, 175Dgalls; cocoa, sowt; chicory, II) owt; whits salt, 53 tons; candles. British and foreign, 313 owt; liquorice jnlce. i owt; apothe cary ware, £200; condonsed mile. £90; Ship dips, *s7it). Total declared value, £10,300.

The P.M.8.8. Zealandla left for Sydney at 8 'o.m, to-day,

The Ship Halolono (Captain Parker) Is again on the berth at London for this port.

The Pampero, from Liverpool to Otago, has ■been towed into Penzance with loss of main mast and mlzzentopmaat.

The tonnage loading on the berth at London on Nov. 17, for India, China, and the Cape of Good Hope, amounted to 30,301 tons, and for Australia and New Zealand to 33,452.

The Kantasio. from London for Sydney, put back to tho Downs on sho 18th inst., after col lision. Bho has sustained considerable damage to bulwarks, Btaunohions, and covering board.

ThePareors, 870 tons. Captain Fewer, left London for Auokland on Nov. 23.

The following letters In tho International Code Signal List havo been allotted to Auckland vessels:—Macgregor (s.s.), 3.L.N.H.; Reliance (ketch). S.L.N.U.; Sea Broeza (schooner), B.L.N.J.

The N.Z. Shipping Co.'s Arabella and Iteming ton were loading at London for Auckland, when tho mall loft. Tho former was expeoted to sail about Docember 5, and the latter about Decem ber 28.

Tho British Navy, from London for Sydney, collided with the Larnaci, also for Sydney, on the night of the 26th instant, in tho Downs; the first-named ship sank almost immediately, her master and part of orew baing lost. The Lurnaca has returned to London for repairs.

The B.s. Te Anau, which sallud South this aftornoon, took tho following passengers:— Glsborno—W. Boyle, Blllskman, Maynard, J. Dunn, Napier— Wooster, Lapdell- J. Payne, Harding. Wellington — Miss Conron, Q, Grace, Mlbb Talne, vvllholmj, Vogrich, Dull' Lyttelton—Mr and Mrs Thompson, Rev. Mr and Mrs Morley, Revs. Watkln, T. Buddie. Dewsbnry, ti. V. Macnlool. Port Chalmers—H. Collier, O. W, Halliday, C, S. Owen, J. Gtllberd, Miss Westwood, Dr. J. M. Moore.

The 8.8. Glenelg left Tanranga at 1.15 p.m. yes terday aftornoon, and arrived at Auckland, at 6 a.m. Passenger":— Mrs Morery, Dale, Bailey, Misses Waddo), Kinder, Walker, Moilat. Messrs Camp Doll. Wrlgley, Comer, Knglish, Hoard, J. and D. Boath.Fenton,Smart,Dr. Walton.Lewis, Jervie, Carter, Hood, Bodell, BloomSeld, Walker, Mahoney, Trouchard, Capt. Best, and 3 steerage. Cargo: 110 sacks maize, 63 sheep, 30 bales wool, 2 tons luggages and sundries.

H.MS. Rsplegle, bound for the Australian stntion.put into Queenntown, November 23, with some Slight damage. Tho vessel left Plymouth on t) io 17th, and experienced the full foroe of the recent heavy gales. On the 20th, when in about 10 W. long,, the jlbboom was carried away,with some of the headgear, and the boats were slightly damaged, dad tho weather moderated, the damage could have been repaired at sea.but with the heavy gains that prevailed, and with no prospect of their speedy abating, it was deemed more prndent to put back to Qaeens town; It was expeoted that theivesael would be ready for sea on the 26th.

■The Herman barque A.T. Stullkneoht left New York for Auckland and Dunedin on Deo. 8, having the following cargo for this port:— 3,600 oases kerosene oil, 170 oases turpentine, 100 barrels resin, 6 barrels plaster, 1 case telegraph Instruments, 5 oases axes, 2 cases machinery, 6 oases castings, 20 kegs nails, 97 packages bard ware, 20 paokages agricultural implements. 12 oases slates, S cases brooms. 6 oases carriage material, 10 boxes bnggles, 9 organs, 1 box whllfletreoa, 6 bandies poles and shafts, i seta wheels, I oratoa handles, 60 cases manufactured tobioco, 3 oases saddlery, 2 cases placedware, i oases domestics, 1 paottaga books, 6 tiorces glassware, 32,530 pieces roofing slato.

The s.s. Fingal arrived from Mercury Bay this morning with 76 bags gum and the following passengers :—Mr and Mrs Nlohols, Mrs Camp cell, Miss Palmer, Messrs Nicholson (2), Loltua Maomillun, Brown, and Douglas,

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL.

Hannah Mokau, s.s,, Dale, from Waitara

DEPARTURE.

LttUa Bookh, s.s., Bobortson, for Waitara

The s.s. Hannah Mokan arrived from Waitara about 8 o'oiock last night with 20 head cattle, 88 Bheep. and 6 paokages. She is expected to leave again for Rsglan some time to morrow. The S.S Lalla ltnokli loft at 1 o'clock this afternoon for Waitara conveying the New Ply mouth and Wanaanut portion of tho English mall collating ot 33 bags.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Wellington, yesterday. Arrived: Torea, from Lyttelton. Entered Oatwardß t Kate MoQregor, for Felorous Sound, Lttthltoic, yesterday. Balled: Agnes Jessie, for Kaipara. Fort Chalmers, yesterday. Arrived: Lapwing, from Newcastle; Loch Eok, ship, from London, 83 days out. Sailed: Arawata, for the North.—Passengers for Auck land : Mr and Mrs Ross, and 3 children, Mrs Kirk wood, an d 2 children, Messrs Howleßton and B. B. Lewis. Bluff, yesterday, Arrived: Loch Fleet. The Loon Cree sails for London to-morrow, with a f nil oaigo of wool and wheat.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening) STAB Office, Thursday. Mb A. Buokland's Report.

The cattle sale at Walnka on Saturday last was moderately supplied with stock. There was a Rood attendance o( bnyers from the neighbour hood, and sales were steady at late values. At Pukekohe, on Monday, there was a larger muster of oattle than usual, with a numerous nttendanoe, and brisk enquiry at full prices. The sale of hides, ukina, wool and tallow, on Tuesday, waailarger than nsual.ln consequence of a sale having been omitted. There was a full attendance of the trade, and prloes for hideß ranged from 3i to Id 3-lGths the lb; tallow, 22a to 239 61 the owt; pelts, 2d to 9d each; lamb skins, lßldto Is lid; eheop-akins, 2s to 6s each; wool, in grease, 6id to 7}d; washed wools, IOJd tolldtholb, .

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET.

January 12. flank of N.Z.-Sellers, £23 Colonial Bank—Buyers, :18a N.Z. Insurance -Buyers, 78a ezdiv 8.8. Insurance-Sellers, 60a Colonltl Insurance—Sellers, 13a 3d. N.Z, Loan and Mercantile-sellers, £6 Union Sash and Door—Sellers, £8 Auckland Timber—£6lss; sellers. £7 Bar ot ißlimdß Coal Co.—Sellers, £910a Northern 8.8. Co.-Sollsrs, 12s M Coromandel Steam Company—Sellers, lis Fisher and Company—lla; buyers, lls; sellore, lls 6d Kempthorne-and Co.—Buyers, 23a 9d MoanataiariQ.M.Company—Buyers. ICs Qaeon ot Beauty-Buyers, 7a Go; sellers, 83 Buocess-Buyers, 3s Home Bale—Bayers, la 3d JOBKPH NEWMAN, Chairman,

A great many neuralgia diseases, when aggra vated, become spasmodic and it is in this part tloular Btage or type of the disease, that the great molliflor, known as Udolpo Wolfe's Schiedam Aromatic Schnapps, asserts its Bupremaoy. It soothes the nerves by its gently diffusive proper ties, allays irritation by its quieting effects, and toning the system, strengthens the organs, 80 as toiperfeot functional

Mail Notice.

Mails wot, ulosk as Under.— This Day. For Tauranga. Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at 4.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomohana, at 5.30 p.m. Friday, 13th instant. ■ For Walhekeand Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 2.30 p.m. For Waitara, &0., per Macgregor, atl p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parno, Waipu, Whan garel, Tangihua, and Mangapal, per Argyle. at 4.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 5.30 p.m. Saturday. 11th instant. For Walwera, Russell, and Kawalsawa, per lona, at 1 p.m. For Walwara, Mahnrangi, Matakana, Manga. wal, &c, per Rose Caso'y, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 17th instant. For Taranakl and Southern ports.per Wnnaka, at 3.15 p.m. Tuesday. 31st instant. Per s.s. City of New York, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United Stated of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, atl p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent Of Knrope, 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 received by the Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will bo due In London, on Mon day, 13th March, 1832. S. B. BI3S. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offloe, Auokland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 12,1882.

Theatre Royal — Montagne-Turner Knglish Opera Company: "11 Trovatore," 8 p.m.

Lake Takapnna—Limelight Views and Christmas Tree Bntertainmont, 8 p.m. X.M.C.A.— Devotional, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

WRIGHT.-On Docember 16th, 1881. at her residence. Upper Albert-street, the wife Of W, Wright ot a son.

Death.

RADFORD.-On January 11th, at hia residence, Eden Terrace, Henry, third son of George Radrord, New Bradford, Nottingham, Kng. land, aged 56 years. Deeply regretted.— Wellington papers please oapy. The funeral will leave his late residence on Friday, at 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this intimation.

Notice to Correspondents.

Inquirer (Onehnnga).—The betting rule In backing one horse against another In a race is that the winner most be placed, otherwise the bet is off. This rile is intended to prevent disputes as to the positions of the hones at the Ilnish, None of the horses you mention finished, therefore the above rale is more thin ordinarily applicablo.unleas somo dearly de fined stipulation to the contrary removed the bet from the ordinary rules.

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1882.

Tor the causa that lacks attlilaoce, For the wrong that needs resistuc For the future in the distance! And the good that we can do.

The question of the re-leasing of the Otago runs, which has been looked forward to as the most important duty falling upon the Government dnring the recess, has been under the consideration of the Otago Waste Lands Board for the past day or two. As will be seen by onr telegrams, Mr .Robert Stout made a strong effort at the Boaid to affirm certain liberal general prin ciples as a guide to the policy of the Board. A majority, however, decided to take the runs seriatim, and deal with each on its merits. The resolution arrived at will be forwarded to the Governor for his approval. It appears that the Board have recommended 130,930 acres in various counties to be set aside for sale and settle nient, together with the whole of the fol lowing runs :—Numbers 307, 250, 171, and 255, situated in Waikouaiti and Taieri; numbers 205 and 244 in Maniototo, number 137 in Tnapeka, and numbers 257, 177, and 132 in Southland. The public were excluded from the deliberations of the Board. The exclusion of the public while a ques tion involving public interests of so gigantic a character was nnder consideration will be adversely criticised. The Board should have desired rather to court than stifle, publicity to their proceed ings on such an occasion; and their action will doubtless be made use of by those who have advocated elective Land Boards as another argument in their favour. Nevertheless, the decision of the Board, as we gather it above, appears to have been a judicious and liberal one, and so far the opening up of the runs will give a new impetus to settlement in Otago, The avail able Jan tlsof that Provincial District are now exceedingly limited, and the released area contains, according to report, some very ex cellent agricultural country, Bat the greater portion of the Otago runs are hilly and unfit for anything but sheep walk?, and it is not likely, therefore, that even the opemng of this territory will seriously check: the flow of population to the broad, untilled lands of the North Island

Dog-owners are warned tbat they mast take out collara for the current year or run the risk of losing their pets. The collar must be taken out for the district in which the owner is resideut or has his place of business. This caution is necessary, as some may be disposed to take collars in dis tricts where the fee has been reduced. Collars 80 obtained,except by persons resid ing in those districts, will not afford protec tion from prosecution. The Chamber of Commerce is convened for Tuesday next to consider the question of urging the P. and 0. Company to take up the direct steam service to New Zealand. The Company have (several first-class boats not now in use owing to tho large number of new steamers they have built lately, and a representative on their behalf a short time ago made a tour of the colony for tLe purpose of ascertaining what opening there is for a line of steamers to this colony. Members of the Chamber on Tuesday will I be invited to express their opinion on the subject. {

A man named Preston, a settler at Papa kura, was committed to the Whau asylum yesterday afternoon, he being of unsound mind.

The New Zealand mails wore all landed before 9.80 p.m. yesterday, and were dis tributed in town this morning. The mail ateamer, having discharged the greater part of her Auckland cargo in the schooner Marion, proceeded on her voyage to Sydney this morning.

The German residents of the city will remember tho service conducted in German by Pastor Th. Heine. It is now proposed to bring him from Nelson again to conduct one or more services, and a subscription list to cover the travelling expenses is in circulation, Subscriptions may be given to Herr Max Kober, secretary of the German Club, or to Mr Yon der Hoyde. Thomas Stewart, sailor, discharged from the brigantine Syren, was drowned in the Wairoa River at 6 p.m. yesterday. He was the worse for liquor. The body has not yet been recovered. Mr Griffin's elaborate report on New Zealand flax appears in the September number of the " Consular Reports." The paper appears to have done good, for imme diately after its publication 1,000 bales of New Zealand ilax were ordered for New York. The "American Exporter" pub lishes Mr Griffin's reports on "The San Krancisco Mail Service" and "American trade with New Zealand." An alarm of iire was raised at an early hour this morning, and the outbreak was found to have occurred at Mr Harker's brick-kiln, Mechanics' Bay. A quantity ot timber had taken fire, causing the roof, which is composed of Hobart Town palings, to ignite. William Crew, night-watchman, saw the fire, and extinguished the flames by the timely application of several buckets of water. The Fire Brigade and police were on the ground, but their services were for tunately not required.

Tawhiao will visit Auckland next week, accompanied by his two sons and twelve or fourteen of his ler.ding chiefs. He will doubtless be received by the Attorney- General and the Minister for Lands (Hon. Mr Rolleston) and will remain here about a fortnight ar three weeks, paying visits in turn to Orakei and Kaipara. Major Mair, Government agent, also accompanies the native party. They arc expected to reach town on Monday evening by train,

Touching a paragraph which appeared in the Star about religious matters at Man gawai, a correspondent writes: "Thesimplc facts are that the church is, for want of a resident minister, all but empty on Sunday. The inhabitants around wish for a regular service every Sunday, and have requested a Wcsleyan minister to hold two services a month, the other two being taken by a licensed lay reader of the Church of England, except when the district is visited by the Rev. Mr Hewson or the Bishop. The utmost good feeling prevails, and the desire is to accommodate all parties,"

"Mignon" was repeated at tho Theatre Royal last night, with decided effect. The plot is a romantic one, and the music is flowing, graceful, and melodious, Mi3s Montague, as Mignon, both sang and played with very great spirit and ability, whije Mr Charles Turner did ample justice to tho part of Wilhelm Meister. The other rftles were well filled. Verdi's splendid tragic opera, "II Trovatore," will be produced to-night, and as the company have earned high praise for their performance of it elsewhero, a genuine musical treat will doubtless be ailbrded their patrons on this occasion.

A new land association and colonising scheme,with a capital of a million sterling, is being floated in the Waikato Its pro fessed object is to buy largo blocks of land, drain,and otherwise improve them, so as to render them suitable and available for settlement, cut them up, and dispose of them on easy terms to bona fide settlers. The success of thcPiakoSwnmpCo ,and the Aucklan i Agricultural Co.,shews that there ha profitable field for the exercise of capi tal in the reclamation of land and the pro motion of scttleinent,so that the new ven ture,with good management.should have au auspicious future before It,

Afire broke out at Morrins>ille, Pinko, about one o'clock yesterday moruine.in the kitchen and stables of the Nottingham Castle Hotel, which aro detached from the main building, and before sullicient assis tance arrived they were burnt to the ground. The hotel, however, was saved. A man named B,iillett, who was sleeping in a room oil' the kitchen, was woke up by the smoke and flames, and scarcely escaped with hia life, being unable even to save some £70 in notes be had with him. He gave the alarm. A hole was burned in tho weather boarding of the hotel, and it caught iire several times opposite the kitchen, but the water in the well held out until the danger was over. No horses were injured, but a buggy was burnt iv the stables. The owner of the building, Mr Brown, U insured.

flerr Wilhenij gave his farewell concert in the Choral Hall last evening, before a lari?e and appreciative audience. The programme was an exceedingly good one, and opened with Mendelssohn's "Wedding Mnrch," played by Mr Max Vogrich. Miss Marie Conron sang " Com 6 Hello," "The Better Land," and " Home, Sweet Home." Herr Wilhelmj, who played the grand concerto " Polonaise" and tho Kreutzer Sonata in his masterly, niinner, was encored after each selection, The great violinist kindly responded by playing " Auld Kobin Gray," the " Old Folks at Home," and other well-known airs. Mr Max Vogrich also played a bouquet of popular airs, arranged by himself, and a ballad. The company left for the South by the Te Auau to-day,

The departure of Mr S. F. Mayhcw, head-master of the Northcote school, from the district on big promotion to the head mastership of the Whau school, was on Tuesday made the occasion for the enter tainment of about eighty of the school children by Mrs Mayhew and himself. The afternoon was spent ia games, and after a substantial tea, presents were distributed from a Christmas tree. During the even ing, a presentation on behalf of the inhabi tants of the district was made to Mr May hew of three handsomely-bound volumes, "Froude's Short Studies on Great Sub jects.1' The Rev. A. Murray McCallura, In making the presentation, referred in flattering terms to the success of Mr May hew as a teacher. Tho whole of the optional subjects of the syllabus, had been reported by the Inspector as taught thoroughly, which was something very ex ceptional, and the per centage of children who passed their respective standard exami nations was very high. Such facts as these showed clearly that in losing the services of ■Mr Maybew those interested in the educa tion of Northcote children were being do t prived of ilic best friend of their cause. The rev. gentleman trusted and believed that a value above ita intrnisic worth would be conferred upon the small gift he had been asked to make, by the expression of sympathy and goodwill which it was meant to convey. On behalf of the residents of Northcote he desired to thank Mr and Mrs Mayhew for the work they had done amongst them, and in parting to give them the best wishes of the people for their future. Mr Mayhew replied in a few appropriate words. After dancing and other amuse ments, the evening ended with the singing by the children of the National Anthem.

" Veritas " sends us a letter with refer ' euce to our remarks on Marsh Brown's recent proceedings. He says :—The reduc . tion of his pension has nothing whatever to :do with the matter. It is simply an endeavour to reinstate the former native i Tutal chieftainship which has almost, 1 " like the glory of Icahbod," departed for i ever, and the native Kunangas or " Coun i cils" have always, to a great extent, existed among them for the settlement of their own disputes; but it is a patent fact that the natives are quite as amenable to the law as ever, and exhibit a quiet and submis sive acquiescence in the decisions of Court. In relation to the caves, the Europeans have only themselves to thank for Maihi's stringent rules. For the last forty years the caves have been open to all visitors with the peculiarly amicable feelings of natives, but during ihe past fourteen, a portion of the caves set apart as a receptacle for the bones and remains if defunct aborigines has been desecrated. Skulls and greenstones have been abstracted, and this becoming known March Kawiti put an advertisement in the paper, "Northern Summary," warning persons (irrespective of race)not to trespass", and that a fee of 5s would bo demanded for permission to visit the caves and for a guide—to see that no further purloinlngs of bones were made. Twopcraons disregarding the notice visited the burial ground already spoken of, and by way of intimidation their hats were taken, but were, I believe, re turned upon the intervention of the police. Tne calendar of Maori culprits for the Supreme Court is quite an exceptional occurrence, and it is only fair to confess )hat in common with all aborigines the ad vance of edxxcation, to a limited extent, has tended to increase their evil proclivities added to their iutercourae with Europeans of doubtful character. And Maihi Kawiti with the declining influence of his ancestral dignity is only striving to resuscitate as best he may a portion of the ascendancy his father exercised over his tribe."

By reference to our advertising columns, it will bs seen that " A " Battery intend practising with shot and shell from Cobley's Beach at a floating target anchored in Rangitoto Channel. All small boats are requested to keep out of the line of fire.

The new Bank of New South Wales,on a site purchased a short time ago between the "Herald," office and Fisher and Coiß, ) witl be proceeded with at once, replacing another block of old identity sheds by a handsome building.

Mr R. C. Jordan, of Tauranga, continues to keep gettiug better, and is likely to quite recover muoh sooner than Was at one time, expected.

Mr Falconer Larkworthy lias embodied the fruits of his observations during his recent visit to the colony in a p&mphelt entitled "New Zealand Kovisited," a copy of which we have received by mail. The author opens by 'stating that twenty years had elapsed since his last visit to New Zealand, and his re flections on the condition of the colony when he lefc it, and what he saw ou returning, are decidedly favourable to New Zealand. The comparison, hej ustly observes,' 'not only the consideration of the progress consequent on an increase of population from 99,000 to 494,000, but a transition from a time of bloodshed, panic, and disaster, when even the maimed and the halt, as well as the able bodied had toshoulder thfirriiles.toatimeof prosperity, law and order, engendered by peace." Mr Larkworthy reviews the agencies that have been at work in London adverse to the colony, aud corrects a number of misconceptions regarding its financial condition. He then describes the causes that contributed to a temporary depression, and proves by figures how little real distress there is in the country, and how little need for apprehension regarding its future. He shows that the public works borrowing has been an un qualified success, and that the country must continue, as suitable opportunities arise, to complete trunk rail ways. Coming from a gentleman of ac knowledged financial ability, these opinions jvill carry great weight. Mr Lark, worthy then describes what ho actually saw of farming in tho colony, and of New Zealand's matchless and variegated scenery. His impressions are in every instance most favourable. Incidentally ha| alludes to the high-handed policy adopted by the Go vernment of Piji towards investors prior to annexation. The pamphlet is very readable, it is an unvarnished narrative, devoid of exaggeration, and its circulation will benefit New Zealand.

CARD-siiAitPiNQ Exposed.—See illustra tlons in Friday's " Observer." •

Look out for Fbiday's Observer.— It will contain a superb full imuic Lithograph Cartoon of a notable local celebrity carefully executed in chalks.

The Artillery Bind will give tho usual Monthly Free Kvonlng Concert in Mr Devore's Lawn Tennis Ground, Ponsonby, This. (Thurs day) Kvonlug.-(Advt.)

The monthly meeting of the Pitt-street Wosleyan Band of Hope will be hold to-morrow evening at 7.15, when a select and oholce imnlcil and literary programme will bo repre sented, many of the j uvonilo members taking a port.

The members of the Epsom Mutual Im. provement Society will hold a special meeting to-morrow (Friday) evening, when all members and friends who take an intorost in the progress of this society aro desired to attend. Several important questions will be diepiiased, and among othors tho advisability of holding fort nightly instead of weekly meetings.

G. Hulme's list of prices.—Wholesale : Qr, or side of beef, 2Jd ; oaroases or mutton. 2Jd: pigs, 3Jd and Id. riotail: Mutton, 2d, 3d, Id; roast boot, 3Jd, Id, sd; pork, 3d to M; lamb, from 2h per qr; veat, 3d to 5i ; large quantities of ox tongues, oornod rounds of beef, Bait legs of pork, Canterbury hams, suet In any quantity; corned beef, 3d: in barrels, IOOIbs, 2001bB, and 3001b9, 2(d, delivered on board or railway; atmoephorio SHUeagof, Id par Ib; German Bausago. Gd. Discount to ihe trado. Warrant evoryihing tho vory bost quality.—RKOßOK HIUiMK, Butcher, Queen-atroet, Auckland.— (Advu)

TELEGRAMS.

(PER TRUSS ASSOCIATION.)

GIBBOKNB, this day, JUVENILE PIRATES.

Cary's Juvenilo Pirates of Penzauco Opera Company are doing Bplcmlid busi ness here. They loave tor Auckland on Sunday,

HAVELUCK, this day,

FATAL ACCIDENT.

Charles O'Donncll met with an accident yestorday at Totara Hill, about 8 miles from llavelock. A truck went over him bodily at oa, m, lie died at 3 p.m.

WELLINGTON, this day

The last of the criminal cases in tho Supreme Court was heard this morniDg, Mary Ann Hughes being acquitted on a charge of stealing from the person.

CHRISTCUURuH, Wednesday.

Tho Supreme Court was occupied all day with tho ca3e, Bailey v. Wilkin and Co,, in which the plaintiff sought to compel the South British Insurance Company to pay the balance due upon a policy for £100 covering the crops on his farm at Balcairn. The defendants had a lien on tho crops of £200 on tho land held by plaintiff. On the policy on the crops when the stacks were burned tho insurance refused to pay more than £244 17s Gd, which they alleged to be the total value of tho crops. This sum the defendants had accepted in full of all demands. After hearing the evidence of a number of witnesses,the jury gavo a verdict for plaintiff for £55 lls 4d.

DUNEDIN, this day

HE-LEASING OTAGO RUNS,

Tho Land Board sat till midnight discuss ingi the ran question. They received a deputation from Waikouaiti, and also a memorial from South Canterbury, the mem bers of the Assembly suggesting the ex pedience of limiting the currency of leases to one year, in order to allow the revision by the new Parliament of conditions. Mr Stout moved a series of resolutions altering the conditions, which were negatived, tho Board deciding it was not advisable at pre sent to discuss amendments of tho Act, but considering the limited time at their dis posal it would bcmoro.bcneiicially occupied m administering judiciously the Act as they find it. Mr Stout nsxt moved a fort night's adjournment, which was lost. He then moved that the high and back country not near railways, and not likely to bo required for settlement, be let at an upset of a shilling per head of sheep carrying capacity for ten years; that land likoly to be soon required for settlement be reserved; that runs near settlements and the Otago Central Railway be leased from three to seven years' rental to vary, according to situation, from one to two shillings per head of sheep. This was negatived. Tho Board, while agreeing generally with the views expressed in the motion, but con sidering it preferable to deal with each run on its merits, determined not to re-lease the following runs: 161, 1,716, 205, 244, 250, 255, 307, and 171A. The following blocks were taken for settlement: 1,170 acres out of runs, 204; 2,600 acres in 248, 1,760 acres in 219, 4,300 acres in 226, 9,900 acres in 210, 7,200 acres in 247,1,100 acres in 206A, 5,000 acres in 223, 8,300 acres in 161, 6,100 acres in 225, 3,900 acres in 222, 5,000 acres in 213,15,000 acres in 254, 9,800 acres in 185, 7,300 acres in 218. The rest of the runs were subdivided, and are to bo offered from two to ten years.'

NEW PRESERVING INDUSTRIES

A Fruit Preserving Company has been started here (Dunedin), The premises were opened yesterday. At present thero is in operation, one boiler capable of turn ing out four tons of jam per week, while others are being erected. They will all be heated by steam, like those used in the principal British factories. Yesterday ono hundred and sixty pounds of jam were prepared within half-an-hour, Tins, labels, etc., will all be manufactured within the colony. The first 25 cases jam havo been ordered by the Union Company. Urders to amount of £1,000 are already received. No difficulty is anticipated as to the supply of fruit, though a quantity of raspberries has been received from Tasmania.

The whole of the machinery for the Re frigerating Company has now arrived. Yesterday an agreement between the con tractors and directors was signed for tho erection of works at Kaikoura,

PORT CHALMEKS, this day. Arrived: Loch Eck, ship, and Fray Beatos, barque.

It is 111-natured of the neighbours to say that Tomkins has changed in his feelings towards his wife. If there is any change, it is only consistent with the flight of time. When they were lirst married, he called her

" You little puss I" That would be ridicu lous now, and therefore it is, no doubt, that he now calls her "You old cat!"

"A M. W." asks this conundrum

" Why do the French eat less than any other nation?" Because one egg is always un oauf for them.

CABLEGRAMS.

lICKTJTEB'S TKLKGBAMB.]

PARLIAMENTARY KMORM.

LONDON, January 10.

It has transpired that at the recent Cabinet meetings, Ministers have hod under consideration measures to be proposed next session for the reform of the procedure of the House ot Commons, and further it is known that at to-day's meeting of the Cabinet it was finally decided to propose the adoption of the cloture when the same shall be demanded by a simple majority of the House. SEIZURE OF ARMS IN IRK.. LAND. LONDON, January 10. The search for arms in the proclaimed districts of Ireland is being vigorously car ried out by the police. At Cork yesterday, an extensive seizure of rifles and other weapons, which had been concealed in a vault, was made, A quantity of dynamite was also found in the same place, and was confiscated by the police, ARREST OF CONSPIRATORS. LONDON, January 10. The police to-day effected the capture, at Mill-streer, Dublin, of fifteen marauders belonging to the secret society which had a project for the wholesale murder of farmers who continuo to pay rent. The leader of the band, who was arrested last month, in Macroom, [County Cork, turned informer, and thus enabled the police to effect the capture of his confederates. , NEW JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT. LONDON, January 10. It is announced that Sir John Holker, Q.C., M.P. for Preston, who was Attorney- General in the Beaconsfield administration, has been appointed to succeed the late Sir Robert Lush as Lord Justice of Ap peal.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE WRECK OF THE WOTONGA

SYDNEY, this day.

An iHquiry into the circumstances attend* ing the wreck of the steamship Wotonga at Port Macquarrie has been opened here before the Marino Board. The evidence of the captain and mate has been taken, but has not yet been published, as it is of a con flicting mature. The inquiry stands ad journed to Monday next. GENTLEMAN CRICKETERS. MELBOURNE, January n. The Melbourne Cricket Club, at a meet ing to-night, passed a resolution unanimously approving of the proposal received from the Hon. Ivo Bligh to bring a team of gentleman cricketers from England to the colonies next year. MORE SMALL-POX. MELBOURNE, January 11. Another case of smull-pox has occurred among the Garonne's passengers at the quarantine station. The sufferer is a pas senger named Pren, a Dane. Two more cases of sickness are regarded as suspicious, and have been isolated. All tho patients are progressing favourably. MELBOURNE GKAIN MARKETS. MELBOURNE, January 11. The market for Now Zealand oats is sternly, and the demand moderate. Foeding oats are quoted to-day at 3s 3d, and mill ing at 3s sd; wheat, per bushel, ss; barloy, 49 3d.

SHORT CROPS IN THE SOUTH.

(BY TELEGRAM.—OWN COKRESrONDENT,

DUNEDIN, this day. It is all but certain now that the crops in North Otago and South Canterbury will be far below the average. The drought in Oamaru district is unprecedented for that dry climate. In many places oats are not a foot bi»h and very thin. Wheat has sull'ered lees than oats, of which an ex ceptionally short crop may be anticipated, Haiti might help the late crops, but not the earlier.

POLICE COURT.-This day.

(Before A. Clements, Esq., J.P.j

Drunkenness,—Three poraons wero punished for this offence.

ObsckneLanguage—William Birkwyre was charged with a breach of tho Vagrant Act by making use of obscene language in a public place, to wit, Queen-street, Auck land.—Prisoner pleaded guilty,—Mr Pardy said the prisoner was under tho influence of liquor, and would persist in making use of foul language.—Fined 20a and costs, or 7 days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Public Works act.—A c»so against Laurence Ticrnay, under tho Public Works Act, was adjourned till Monday next, on the application of Mr Blades,

THIS AFTERNOON.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., K,M.)

ALLEGED WILFUL MUKDKH,

Mikacro te Papa was charged with feloniously and wilfully murdering one Hoaui to ivoro, an aboriginal native.

Messrs Young and Brown were tho in terpreters.

Mr HudsonWilliamsonappcarodfor the prosecution, and Messrs F. A. Whitaker and It. Browning for tho defence.

Mr Whitaker applied that the case be re manded to Cambridge, ou the ground that there wcro a largo number of witnesses living here at great expense If the case were remanded, they woHld be able to get witnesses at Cambridge who wcro not ob tainable in Auckland.

Mr Williamson said the caso had been set down for hearing in the Supreme Court this morning, and tho counsel for tho defence had ample notice and were fully prepared to go on with tne case, it mifiht also bo taken for granted that they hadall the necessary witnesses in attendance Another reason why tho case should bo heard ia Auckland was that the friends of the murdered man had subscrioed a large sum of money with the object of seeing jub tico done. Mr Brassey and Mr He-ketli bad been re tained,t o. a ssia t him is the prosecution, and as the latter gentleman would be en gaged in the Supreme Court Civil Sittings next week, he would be deprived of his sevices if tho case were adjourned. Mr Williamson said he would guarantee tho expenses of all witnesses for tho defence who were in town at present time, but he would not guarantee the expenses of tho wholo country sido. His Worship said he would take the caso in Auckland if Mr Williamson would guarantee the expenses of all tho witnesses required for the defence. If not, he would take the case in Cambridge. Mr Williamson said be was not prepared to give an answer without consideration. His Worship said be would allow the case to be adjourned till to-morrow, in order that Mr Williamson might consult tho Government on tho question if he desired. 'I hu caso was then adjourned. ALLEGED MURDER. Feina To Kele was charged, on the in formation of Te Rei Paehua, of Cambridge, with that he did, on December 26th, at or near Oxford, near Cambridge, feloniously and wilfully kill and murder one Hoani To Kcro, of Cambridge, an aboriginal native. Mr Young interpreted, Mr Browning appeared for the prosecu tion,'and asked that the case be adjourned to Cambridge. Mr Brassey, for the defence, opposed the application. He was prepared with his witnesses, and there were none for the pro secntion, Mr Sheehan, who appeared with Mr Browning for the prosecution.eupported bis application, and in doing so, took tho opportunity to say that the alleged native excitement at Cambridge was all pure buukum. At the suggestion of Mr Sheehan, the ( Court also adjourned this case till to morrow. The Court thon rose.

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Bo brief, for It is with words as with sunbonms; tho moro they are condensed the deeper they burn."—Southey.

_ In most quarrels there is a fault on both sides. Both flint and steel are necessary to the production of a spark. Either of them may hammer on wood for over and no fire will follow.

Manners arc moro esteemed in society than virtues, though the one are artificial, like falas brilliants, and the other pure, like real jewels.

A dissolute youth called a pawnbroker out of bed at three in the morning, When the worthy man put his head out of the window, the young fellow yelled, "I say, uncle, tell us the time; you've got my watch t"

SUPREME COURT.— Yesterday.

Ci'imintd sitthl'ds,

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

LIBEL.

James Barry Simpson having pleaded guilty to libelling James W. Keid, of Ahipara, withdrawn the imputations, and made an apology, was sentenced to pay a fine of one guinea in respect of each of the two charges, and to be imprisoned until the rising of the Court.

plujimkk's sentence,

Hie Honor passed sentence upon Plum raer in the following terms (—Frederick Plummer, alias G. P. Bailey, after a very patient trial in each caße, you have been found guilty by the various juries of the three several offences charged against you. Two of these,viz, ,the sending of threatening letters, render you liable to a punishment of penal servitude for life. The other charge, of which this jury have just found you gaitty, does not make you liable to so severe a penalty. From the calendar, I observe that you have passed the greater part of the last ten years of your life in prison for other offences. Although I feel sorry to find myself obliged to pass sentence for such offences upon a man of such education and natural^ ability as you have displayed on this occasion to so large an extent, still, my duty to the sub jects of the Queen, and to the law of the country, compels me to award you a further long term of imprisonment, The sentence of the Court upon you is, that for each ot the two first offences, of which you have been found guilty, you be kept in penal ser vitude for seven years, each term to run concurrently. For the charge of_ house breaking, the sentence upon you is, that you be kept in penal servitude for three years additional, to commence at the ter mination of the previous sentence. The prisonei made no exhibition of feel ing, and was at once removed from Court.

THIS DAY.

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER.—THE INQUISI.

TION INFORMAL,

The Court was opened at ten o'clock this morning, when Mikaire Te Papa snr rendered to his bail, and was placed in the prisoner's dock to stand his trial for the manslaughter of Hoani Te Kere at Oxford, near Cambridge, on the 26th of December last.

Messrs H, Williamson (Crown Prosecu tor), E, Hesketh, and G. M. Brassey appeared for the prosecution, and Messrs F. A, Whitaker, J. Sheehan.andß. Brown ing, for the defence. When the necessary preliminaries to the empannelling of the jury were about to be commenced,

Mr Williamson said: Your Honor, I have, with your permission, a few remarks upon this case to offer by way of explana tion. The prisoner appears before the Court under the following circumstances :— On the 26th December of last year, at some races held pear Oxford, a township in the Waikato district, a considerable amount of fighting took place amongst some Maoris there, and, in the course of it, it was sud denly discovered that one of them had been killed. A coroner's inquest was held on the body of the deceased, and the jury returned an inquisition of manslaughter against the prisoner. An. indictment was referred to the Grand Jury here in the usual way for murder, and it was subsequently intimated to the Court, but not in a formal way, that they found a bill of manslaughter against him. That jury is now discharged. They ignored the indict ment for minder, and the non-substitution of one of manslaughter renders it impossible to giro effect to their finding. Under the circumstances, there is no indictment before the Court to .which the prisoner can be called upon to plead, or which the Court could take notice of. There is still the inquisition of the Coroner's Court, which, in all respects, is equivalent to an indictment, and under ordinary circumstances might be used as such. But it is informal, inasmuch as it is not written on parchmcnr,but on paper, and is not indented. Therefore, I have to move that the inquisition be quashed. After quoting from several authorities in justifi cation of the course he was pursuing, Mr Williamson concluded :—lt seems quite clear that the inquisition is informal and must be quashed. In order to prevent any miscarriage of justice from this mistake, I have consulted with the Attorney-General, and at his advice further steps will be taken in that direction, A wairant has been issued, and the prisoner will be re-arrested and taken before a Magistrate in order that he may be be dealt with according to law. Mr Browning applied for payment of tho costs of the prisoner's witnesses.

Ilia Honor said : I am not aware of thcro being uny power in the Court to order costs to be paid in such an event as this. I should think tbcro would bo no difficulty on the part of the Governament in doing so, seeing that the case has failed, not through tho fault of the prisoner in any way, but, to some extent, through the fault of the Coroner. I scarcely think I have now the power to make the order you ask. Mr Browning said he would bo content with an expression of opinion that the coats should bo paid by the Crown. His Honor replied : I have expressed my opinion to that effect. I think the matter quite clear. I have looked carefully over the bill for murder laid before the Grand Jury, and I find clearly endorsed upon it the words "True Bill for Manslaughter." But the proper course was also to strike out tho words "malice aforethought " and "kill," If that had been done there might have been to some extent a doubt, but it ia quite clear that no such alteration was made, nor any fresh bill made, the mere endorsement of the bill referred to being no finding at all. The indictmentconsequently wasvoid, In regard to the Coroner's inquisition, the authorities aro very clear that in cases ot murder, man slaughter, homicide, tho inquisition must be on parchment and Indented, and the cases referred to by the Crown Prosecutor are very emphatic on that point, It is a f reat pity that the course of justice should be, by these mistakes, intcrteied with, but as the result will only bo to cause some little delay, it may probably lnad to the matter being more fully dealt with at a future time. Let the inquisition bo qunshad. Tho prisoner was then discharged, buf ho had hardly left the precincts of tho Court when he waß re-arrested upon warrant and laken into tho Police Court.

As this ended the criminal business, the Court adjourned till Monday next, when the first of tho civil cases will be taken.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT—This Day.

(Before J. E. Macdonald, Esq., K.M.) JUDGMENTS FOR rLAINTIFIS. A. Bucklaud v. J. T. Boon.claim £16 6d, costs, £2 Ga (Mr P. Oliphant for plaintiff) j Bendigo G.M. Co. v. John Bloom, calls, £7 10a, costs, £1 17s (Mr T. Cooper for plaintiff.) ADJOUKNED CASKS. Harjes v. Richardson, £5 3s (id ; Oppen heim v. Harmer, £29 4s 2d ; Buchanan v. E. Richards, £37175; Crombie v. Powell, £8 Is 7d; Coombes v. Jones, £13 6s 4a ; Bugdeu v. Cromoie, £14 16s 3d; Auckland Timber Company v. Johnston, £16 13s Id : (Jledhill v. Allen, £13 15s 2d; Dunning, ham and King v. A. Towers, £3 12s; Kerc v. Williamson, £11 3a Id. DEFENDED CASES. Masoficld v, Graham.—Claim, £50.—Mr T. Cooper for plaintiff.—Mr Cotter, for de fendant, confessed judgment.—Costs, £4 16s. Dower v. Farmloy.—Claim, £3 10a, hire of boat.—Mr George for plaintiff, and Mr Tyler for defendant.—Stephen Farmley, re siding at tho Hot Spring*, deposed that on the 12th July he arrangtd with plaintiff to carry a load of shingles and timber for £3 10s. Mr Dower, however, did not keep his agreement, in consequence of which ho was obliged to employ another boat. Dower de manded tho £3 10s, which he would not pay, —Michael Ryan, master of the Katherina, deposed that he had shingles and timber on board. Mr Dower did not como alongside as he promised, Ho waited as long as he could for the shingles,, and told defendant he could not wait any longer for Dower. —Patrick George Dower said he was at the place two hours before. Mr Bartley could prove that he was up to the time—His Worship considered that the evidence was against the plaintiff.—Mr George accepted a nonsuit. Costs, £2 6s 6d. Hughes v. Armstrong.—Claim, £21 7s 6d. This case was adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow (Friday) morning. This was all the business.

A couple had taken their places before a clergyman to be married at Lowville, N.Y., when a quarrel arose about the handling of the ring, and the wedding was postponed indefinitely. A burglar was once frightened out of his scheme of robbery by the sweet simplicity of a solitary spinster, who, putting her night-capped head out of the window, ex claimed—" Go away 1 ain't you ashamed!

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL NEWS.

How the Threatening Letters

Reached the Csar.

St. PETERsntJKG.Dec. 12th.---The Emperor J has found out who has placed the threaten; ing letters and proclamations in his prayer book and pocket-handkerchiefs. During the last three weeks he set a watch in his room, and caught a woman who had been in the service of the Empress for the last eight yeara. She was in the act oi placing the letter in his prayer-book. This letter reminds tie Emperor that he has only a few weeks of life before him. The woman wept and declared that she bad done this out of gratitude, and with the conviction that she was avorting a catastrophe to the sovereign Whom she loved so well. Never theless, she refused to give the name of the man who supplied her with the letters and proclamations, Women in Public Offices. New Yobk, Dec. 12th—The "Tribune" Washington dispatch says : An announce ment of considerable interest is authora ively made with regard to the appointment of women to office. The President has determined to make no such appointments in future. This rule will apply to such offices as post-offices and pension agencies, etc.and will not.of course.have any bearing on positions in departments. President Ar thur's reasons, as given by one of his friends.are that the Post-office Department has had a great deal of trouble as the result of appointing women to office, and that sach appointments have cause! a good deal of dissatisfaction in the party. This rule will affect a number of poat-onices.thc Pension Agency at Chicago,and other places. The Proposed Sale of French Croivn Jewels, Paris, Dec. Stb.- The committee to re port on the sale of the crown jewels inspected them yesterday. It is proposed to rctaiu an assortment, including certain presents from foreign monarchs and a sword valued at 250,000 francs, and possessing artistic value. The committee are also dis inclined to sell the Regent diamond, fearing it would be bought by enterprising Ameri cans for exhibition. They are in favour of disposing of diamonds to the value of twelve million francs, possessing no historical value.

London, Dec. 17th,—The "Times," on Blame's dispatch concerning the Clayton- Bulwer treaty, says if international good faith is to count for nothing-, with what show of reason can England lie required to allow a highway between the two oceans to be placed under American guns. Blaioe must remember that frecdem of passage be tween the oceans can in no possible event become an exclusively American right while tho world has an interest in maintaining free use of the great highway. Russian Affairs.—Resignation of Ignatieff. St. Petersburg, Nov. 30th.—It appears that the assassin Sampowsky asked first for General Ignatieff at the Bureau of the Min istry, and not finding him, attempted to kill his attendant, Tcheverine, instead. Another secret printing office has been dis covered, with a quantity of proclamations, in which the authors ask pardon of the nation for what they are about to do, as it is for the benefit of all. They announce that they must make a supreme effort in this, which, they say, will be the finishing stroke. General Ignatieff has tendored his resig nation to the Emperor. An Alleged Poisoner. London, December 16. — Dr. Samson was examined to-day on a charge of murder in having caused the death ot a student at Blenheim House School, Wimbledon, with a view to succeeding to his property. Evidence was produced of the fact that a quantity of poison, probably aconite, had been found in the stomach of tho deceased. It Is now proposed to exhume the body of the brother of the deceased, who died recently under mysterious circumstances, Dr. Samson ap peared in good spirits. Italian Brigandage. A few nights ago a band of thirty brigands catered the village of Mara, in Sardinia, and attacked the house of the Syndic, who was awakened by the noise of the shots tired against the door and win dows. Armed with a gun, he hastened down to defend the front door, his three children meanwhilo taking refuge in the house of the Communal Secretary. Per ceiving that three of the band had forced a window and were entering, the Syndic went into the street to qivo the alarm. In doing so he was shot at by the brigiinds. The band, on entering, seized the Syndic's brother-in-law, the rector, and, having first cut off some of his hair to divest him of his sacred character, forced him to give up the keys of the house. Then, while two ot their number held pistols to his head, the others rifled the house of money and gold and silver objects, to the value of 12,000 lire. Next day three of the marauders were captured. One proved to be a local municipal councillor.

A sharp encounter with brigands took place last week at the Castello di Maniachi, the Sicilian seat of Viscount Bridport, Duke of Bronte. The Hon. A. Nelson Hood, at the head of a party consisting of three sol diers and some of his servant*, surrounded three brigands, and after several shots bad been interchanged, succeeded in capturing two of them. The third got away, but is supposed to hava been drowned iv a I stream below some bushes into which he plunged for safety. The men taken be longed to a band whose chief was shot a fortnight ago, and the other members of which have been arrested at Catania, where the new prefect is showing unusual energy in extirpating these last remains of the old plague. The capture at Castello di Maniachi, at which Lord Bridport was also present, is reported to have made an excel lent impression in the province. Execution of Lefroy, Lefroy was executed at Lewes on Tues day, November 29th, for the murder of Mr Gold. Many people believed, almost up to tho last, that he would be reprieved, partly on the ground of insanity, partly because he had accused himself of bemg the author of the mysterious death of Lieutenant Roper, of the Royal Engineers at Chatham bar racks. Lefioy had scarcely made this new confession of homicide when he retracted it. Had there been enough evidence to give even a prima facie plausibility to the state ment, he would no doubt have been reprieved. The cirumstanccs of Mr Roper's death would have been again investigated, and unless Lefroy had been convicted on the charge of murdering him, he would not have been hanged at all—for the sentence of aprisoner once respited is invariably changed from one of capital punishment into imprison ment for life. There seems every reason tosup pose that Lefroy declared he had murdered Mr Koper on the chance of escaping tho gallows. It is likely enough that he may have exhibited many signs of homicidal mania. But tho opinion of the authorities, abundantly borne out by facts, was that Lefroy was acting a part, and that his in sanity was simulated, Sentence for Briber}/. A very severe sentence has just been passed upon the persons concerned iv bribery at the Sandwich and Macclesficld elections. Mr Kdwards and Mr Olds, for thoir share in electoral corruption, have been condemned by Iho Judges of the Queen's Bench to six months' imprisonment; Mr May and Mr Mair, both of them solicitors at Macclcsiiold, have been sentenced to ntne months each. The six agents whom they employed are to be imprisoned for three months and two months. The severity of the punishment lies not so much in the term of incar ceration as in its conditions. The men now ecut to Holloway Jail are to be treated, not as first-class, but as ordinary misderucani.nts, Mr Justice Deninau alleg. ing that the judges could sco no possible reason for treating bnLcrs iv any other way than ordinary misdemeanants of bad char acter. There is>, however, already a re. action in favour of the men on whom ius tice has now so heavily descended. The offence committed by them has been com mitted by hundreds of others with impunity. It is .1 new illus tration of the parable of the Tower of Siloam. Memorials are about to be pre sented to the Homo Secretary praying for some mitigation of the sentences. It is doubtful, however, whether the request will bo granted. If bribery was to be stopped it was necessary to visit it with an exemplary Btiuras. Out of 6,000 electors at Maccles field more than 5,000 wero bribed in some way or auother; and at Sandwich 1,005. If, however, the present sentence is not sup ported by public opinion, it will do more good than harm. The Kuldja Province of China. St. Petersburg, December [stb.—The ' Novtc Vremya " says : The Chinese in ;ond to extensively fortify the western frontier of Kuldja when they occupy that district next Sprinp, and trausfer 8,000 families from Kashgaria to replace those who emigrated to Russia. There have been two Mussulman revolts in the last

four months against the Chinese garrison at Van Hussar, and 200 Chinese were massacred. , Two hundred rebels were subsequently beheaded. , ■ Bean Stanley's Memorial, The meeting called for the 10th inst, to raise a memorial to Dean Stanley, will in clude the Prince of Wales, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chief Justice, nnd per. haps Gladstone aiid the Duke of West, minster, 1) is intended to erect a monument beneath Lady Augusta Stanley's memorial window, and it is hoped also to bo able to fill the Charter House windows with stained glass. Subscriptions are invited. The Dean's will provides for one window, and the Queen gives the other. Brujbal Treatment of Children. The brutal treatment of children is one of the subjects just now prominently before the public. Sir William Harcourt has placed the question of the Sr. Paul's In. dustrial Schools in the hands of the Public Prosecutor, and there can be little doubt that the persons responsible for the atro« cious treatment of the boys in this establish, meut will be proceeded against. A new instance of barbarity towards children has been brought to light at Constantinople. Through the instrumentality of Mr Littler several English children were found in the keeping of an acrobat in the Turkish capital. They were packed away in a filthy room, their bodies were covered with bruises, the food allowed them was scan, dalously insufficient, and they were never per« mitted to go out except for the purposes of their performance. This is not, it is not to be feared, an isolated case, and Mr Littler declares he has evidence that more than one parent is anxiously seeking children ob tained by false pretences by these Arab scoundrels. Lost m the Arctic Regions. Lord Northbrook will shortly receive a deputation of the Koyal Geographical So. ciety, urging him to despatch an expedition early next year to the relief of Mr Leigh Smith, who, with Captain Lofley, of Hull, Dr Neale, and a crew of twenty-five men, are held last in a prison house of Arctic ice, Mr Smith, whose friends are now pressing this course upon the Government, sailed from Peterhead in June last. The vessel was provisioned for fourteen months, but he had not calculated upon passing the winter in the neighbour, hood of the North Pole, and he had fully intended returning home at the end of the summer. His s' ip, the Eira, was seen to be pushing northwards off the Coast of Nova Zembla, July 8. The ice was at that time low, and it is conjectured that Mr Leigh Smith entered a passage leading to the north and east of the Wova Zembla group, that the ice closed behind him, and that thus the exit was barred, By the end of August next their provisions will be ex hausted, they will then have to desert the Eira, and dragging their boats across the ice will try to find some open water. * Two vessels, the Dutch schooner William Barents, asd a sailing ship of Sir 11, G. Booth's, arc going to make Arctic voyages next year. They will, of course, endeavour to discover some signs of Mr Leigh Smith and his crew. But sailing, vessels cannot penetrate ice as well as steamers, and therefore, on the plea that Mr Leigh Smith has rendered great service to geography, has expended £18,800 in Arcticresearch, and was last yearselected oue of thegold medallists of the Koyal Geo graphical Society, it is argued that the. State should undertake the duty of extrica ting him from his present position,

Great Diamond Robbery.

1 A MOST daring and impudent robbery was committed on Wednesday evening at the branch post-office in Hatton Garden, Lon don. Abont 5 o'clock, as one of the offi cials had just made up the country mails in two bags, one containing the ordinary mails and the other the registered letters, some of -which contained jewellery and diamonds to a very considerable amonn% the gas in the building was suddenly turned oil at the meter, plunging the place into total dark ness. In the confusion and commotion which ensued among the assistants and the customers in the office, a maumade his way to where the bags, ready made up, were hanging pn their customary hooka, awaiting the arrival ot the mail-cart which conveys them to the General Post-office, and seizing tlic bags rushed out of the building before anyone had a suspicion as to what was going on. When it was found out what had happened it was too late to make any effort to catch the thiet, who was enabled to get clear away. The utmost consternation was occasioned by the theft among the post-office employe's, as it was known that the letters which had been registered during the day contained money, jewellery, and other valuables, to the ex tent of many thousands of pounds. One report estimated the amount contained in the stolen letters at £100,000, but although it is impossible to say what even the ap proximate figure may be until the inquiries which have been set on foot by the police have been completed, it is not thought that the actual iigure will fall far short of that amount. The gas meter is placed in a small apartment at the back of the build ing, communicating with that portion open to the public by a awing door. The room is generally occupied by the telegraph bo. s and those in charge of them. It is con sidered impossible that anyone could havo entered the room to go to the meter un noticed. From inquiries made last evening in the immediate neighbourhood of Hatton Garden Post Office, which, it may be men tioned is the seat of the manufacturing and export jewellers and precious stone dealers in the metropolis, it has been established, that the extent and daring character of tho robbery have by no means been exaggerated. Tho time selected by the perpetrators, and the manner of carrying out their purpose, point to the utmost deliberation, and the probability of the affair being a carefully planned conspiracy. Though tho actual value of the stolen parcels cannot at present be definitely ascertained, circumstances tend to show that it is not at all improbable that the articles consigned to tho care of the Post Office officials which have disap peared in so extraordinary a manner would amount in value to £80,000 or £100,000 sterling. Many of the large jewellers have houses in Paris and other continental cities, and others have manu factories in Birmingham and Coventry. Besides this, foreign jewellers and diamond merchants are represented by agents in and about Uatton Garden, so that there is a constant correspondence and system of con signing parcels and valuables to and from London and the Continent on the one hand, and from the factories and provinces to London on the other. It is not at all unusual for a registered letter or packet so forwarded to contain £6,000 or £8,000 worth ot diamonds or jewellery, and a com plete system of insurance is generally adopted. This is effected through an in surance office at a charge averaging about lad, per £100 value. Some merchants take out a floating policy by paying premiums in a Ivance to insnre £20,000 or £25,000 worth of goods, and every time a parcel is despatched the insurance office is advised of its value, and write off the amount iv their books, until, tho balance being exhausted, a now policy is taken out. Thus it will be seen that no ultimate loss will be incurred by any of the consignors iv the present instance. One firm has been mentioned as having posted a parcel on Wednesday evening worth about £7,000, but pending confirmation the name, of course, cannot bo given, Tho manager of another firm states that tho robbery was effected after 5 o'clock, when the mail-bag containing the rccistercd letters had been made up, and was placed Teaiy lor despatch in its usual position. Five o'clock being the hour at which tho reception of letters for registration ceases at the Uatton Garden office, the thieves timed their movements accordingly. Tho fact of the gns_ beiug turned off at tho moment of action is confirmed in the quarter abovc-mentioned,and it is surmised that the parties concerned in the execution of the plan had watched their opportunity for some weeks past.

A later communication fays:—On in quiry cf the police authorities at 9 o'clock, Inspector Peel, who has charge ot the case, stated that no clue had yet been obtained that would lead to the arrest of the person or persons implicated in the robbery. A post-office employe, who was detained on suspicion, has been Bet at liberty, and tho energies of the detectives have now been concentrated in the attempt to discover tho principal delinquents in tho affair. The very simplicity of the theft seems to have left the police authorities no clue to work upon; and they seem even to have abandoned the idea of an accomplice being found among the post-office employed. Tho meter, it appears, is in the basement, and not at the back of the office, as before stated, and on that account could have been reached by some one not immediately acquainted with the premistß. a reward o'(£1000 has been offered by the insurance company for such information as will lead to the detection and conviction of the thieves and the recovery of the pro perty, which is estimated at £80,000. This, it is believed, represents only the amount

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, THURSDAY. JANUARY 12.



JC U L L E N • (itaOENTXY FBOM ENOF.AND), Respectfully Informs the Inhabitant!) ot Auok lanu and surrounding districts that he has now Opened the Premises, No. 250, Uueon-atroet Hast with a Large and Choice Stock of NKW SUMMER UOOIJ3, imported and purchased / on the best oash terms, comprising General Drapery, Prints, Lace and Muslin Curtains, Damask and Cretonnes, Blankets, Flannels, Tickings, &0., Millinery, Ribbons, Laces, Hosiery, Umbrellas and Sun Shades, Shawls. Mantles, Fichus, Costumes, Silks, French and English Dress Uooclh, embracing all the novelties In fabrlo and colon* for the present season. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Underclothing In variety, and a ohoioe collection of Fancy Goods suitable for Christmas presents. Special attention Js invited to the following exceptionally Cheap Lots, bought at a large per centage off cost price for prompt cash, viz. :— 300 dozen Scotch Cambric Handkerchief&from la Cd per dozen 100 pairs Muslin Harness Window Curtains, from is lid per pair 200 Ladles' Costumes, from is 6d each 500 Ladles' Straw Hats, from 5Jd each 300 Ladlen' and Girls' Fancy Sunshades, from Bid each 100 Ladies' Black Satin Sunshades, with Lace Borders, from 6b 9d each 100 yards Superior Blaok Dress and Mantle Silk, from ia per yard,. J.O.'has had business relations with the Best Wholesale Houses in England, Ireland, and Scotland for the past 25 years; and as ho pur poses to conduct his business on the most 'jloonomical principles on cash terms and small profits be confidently assures those who may favour him with an inspection of his stock that it will(be found replete In the various Depart ments with New, Fashionable, and Cheap goods, and that he will place nothing before the public in print which shall not be carried out In entirety and practice. - N.B.—J. O. has secured tho services of a First olaaa Milliner, who has had a long practical Home experience, and has been engaged In one of the first Millinery establishments In Auok and since her arrival in this Colony.



Special Advertisements. XUST RECEIVED, Per Steamer, AND NOW BEING SHOWN, LATEST STYLES i» jyjILIiINKRY, j^Jantles, JTiohus. JjADIES1 QoSTUMEB. CHILDREN'S COSTUMES, In Groat Variety oJ Stylos and Matorlalfl. Ohildbkn's and Ladies HOSIERY. Milne and Choyce, QUEBN AND WKLLESLEY-STBKETS, AUCKLAND. MOLESKIN TROUSERS I MOLESKIN TROUSKR3 Since tho Abolition of Duty on Piece Goods, THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY AHK AGAIN TO THE FRONT, And can now supply their Gnstomeiß with MOLESKIN TROUSERS At 25% less Than Usual Wholesale Piuor, TRY THEM 111 To be bad at all tho Retail Branches of the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Auckland Branch : 3UKBN-STRKKT (OPPOSItfI Theatre Royal). And at Albert-street, Thames. Ci ARLICK & CRAN WELL still sell all VJT Drapery and ClothinftontheOO-OPERA- Tiva Cash Principle. Prices mnoh lower than it they did a credit business, CITY HALL ARCADE. DRESS GOODS.—The greatest variety and a beautiful assortment is to be found at onr Kstttbllßhment, with Trimmings of various kinda to match, and sold at Co operative Cash Prices. GAKLiCK & CRANWELL. MADKAS MUSLIN, Is 8d and Is lOd per yard; Coloured Lustres from Cd to 2a 3d, onr own importing and a eolal good value; Blaefc Siilks at various prices, bat those at la 3d and 5a 3d aro nnnsnally cheap. ■ GARLICK & CRANWELL. MOURNING GOODS. — Black Cask meres. Crape Cloths, Balmorals, Drops and Bonnet Crapes, Mourning Goods, to suit all classes of Customers, at the City Hall Arcade. GARLICK & CRANWELL. UMBRELLAS AND SUNSHADES. \J Fashionable Sunshades, plain and fancy, in satin and other kinds of coverings. Just opened, some very pretty Children's Parasols. We advise an early selection. GAKLICK & CKANWELL. MANCHESTER GOODS.—Sheetings, Calicos. Bed Quilts, Blankets; large lot of White Lace and Muslin Curtains. CITY HALL ARCADE. CIRETONNES.— Upwards of 60 patterns / to select from, some ot them the hand somest In Auckland, varying In price from 8d to 3s 2d, Linings and Trimmings for same. White and Fancy Dimities. GAKLICK & CX AN WELL. MILLINERY AND FANCY GOODS. —Large Stock of Trimmed Hats and Bonnets. Milliners on the premises to execute orders in best style and with dosoatch. Straw Hats, all the leading shapes, a capital line just opened at Is, GAKLICK & CRANWELL. ANCY GOODS.-Silk Mantles, Che nUle Dolmans, Capes, Fancy Scarfs, Children's Fanoy Dresses, Feathers, Flowers, Underclothing, &o.: all at low cash prices. GARLICK & CRANWELL. MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING.-A well-assorted stock at Co-oporatlve Cash Prioes. Men's Trousers and Vests, Bolts, Men's and Youths' Imperial Sao Suits, Boys' Tweed and Knioker Suits. Some special lines in Troueors, Waißtcoata, &C, worth lnßpeoting. pABLICE& /CRANWELL, CITY liALL ARCADK, Auckland, Vi R E A T jDIIRE AT T INABURY « pO.'S. THE ENTIRE STOCK MORE OR LESS DAMAGED.



SALE NOW ON, WE MUST CLEAK OUT THE ENTIRE STOCK AT ANY PJKICB, To make room or extensive repairs to Building?, SHOP KARLY TO AVOID THB CRUBH. WILLIAM T> T>RIDGMAN JUNCTION DBAPBRY WAREHOUSE. Haying purchased some large lots of Clearing Warehouse Lines, will sell them very cheap. 100 Lace Fichus and Capes at 2a fid ; warehouse price Is lid 20 Girls' Cashmere Jackets from 7s 6d SO Ladies' Cashmere Fichus and Dolmans, 7b Cd tOlOsod 100 Ladies' Ulsters, Fionas (Blaok and Colored). Dolmans, from 10s 6d to 255, belr« less than naif warohouso price; very handsome good a 60 Isles' Hondsome Black Bilk Jaoketa from 20,000 dozen Buttons, new goods, In great variety. from 2d per dozon 2500 yards New Pattern Muslin Works, 2d. 2Jd Sid, 4Jd, to ls-mnch under usual prioe Very good line Men's Oxford Shirts. to 17 171 lnoh. 6s 9d; worth 8s 6d "' Good Coloured Damask Table Covers, 8a M, 7b 6d, 8s 6d Linoleum, various widths, 4a 6d square yard fiOO jards New Pompadour Prints, Hi; worth 6Jd. Just opened, choice patterns 1600 yards New Pompadour Prints, 6id; worth Bd. joßtoponed, ohoioe pattens Good Bed Tick, 4|d; extra value at 7jd 1500 yards Good Dress Materials, to clear, Bd per yard. Half-price. Donblo Widths Scarlet and Green Furniture Repps, 3d : worth 6a 6d Double Width, all Wool, Scarlet Damask, 2s lid. Half-price Nice lot Ladies' Leather Bam, from 3s 9d 100 Cocoa Mats, Is Bd, 2s 3d, «s 6d, 100 Door Slips, 2a Id 300 pair Men's Coloured Mole Trousers, 7a, worth 8s 8d Men's Tweed Trousers, 70 6d, Ss Cd, 10s 6d, 12s 6d. Splendid value Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests, 13s ifd, 16a Cd, Men'a Tweed Suits. 22a M, 32s 6d, 37s 6d. Colonial do., 52s Gil Boys' Suits, 9a Gd, 10s 6(1,123 Cd. Galatea d0,,3s 94 All Goods Marked in Plain Figuros (nett for Cash, WILLIAM B. BKUDGMAN, Upjcr Queen-street.



Special Advertisements. I'SID OK ALEXANDER'S BI'KOIALTIKS, ! FINE WATCHES I RICH JEWELLERY II CHOICE CLOCKS 111 At Lowest Peices I 96, QUEEN.STREET, AUCKLAND, •MUST RECEIVED, Per May Qaeen and Coromandeli LAKCJE SHIPMENTS OF hbu3bkls and tapkstry Qarpkts, (ALL NEW PATTERNS), A Splendid Assortment of Frenoh and English CRETONNES. LACE AND NET CURTAINS In Great Variety. Bras 3 and Ikon Bedsteads and Cots, iron vknetian blinds (all colours). VERANDAH BLINDS, PBRAMBULATOR3. FURNITUKB of every description In stook and made to order. INSPECTION INVITED, Ty INKS AND JJALL, Wholesale and Retail cabinetmakers and upholsterers, and carpet warehousemen, SnOBTLAHD-STBBKT.