SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER [gSSSft I.M SUNSKT.-Tliis Evening, 7.13. SUNIUSE.-To-morrow Morning, 4.11 MOON'S AGE.-Full Moon, 25th, 0,.0 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

Rotomahana, s.s., Underwood", from Russell Douglas, 5.8., Norris. from Mangawai India barque, Harris, from Marshall Group lona, s.s,, Farquhar, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

TO-DAY.

Rotomahana, s.s., Undorwoocl, for tho South lona, s.s., Johnson, for Tauranga

IMPORTS.

Per India, from Marshall Group-190 tons cobra.

EXPORTS.

Por Rotomahana for Napier-38 boxea soap. !l bundles steel, and sundries. For Lyttelton-80 pkits sundries. For Duncdm—so cases tur pentine, 34 bundles hoop iron, 46 empty casks, and sundries. For Timaru-3 parcels, lor Dunodin-8 bales, 1 case. For Bluff-2 parcels. For Melbourne—3 cases.

Inwards Co^s wisb.-Lcs, from Waitakorl. wltn3stonsflro*ooa; ureoui,from Manuionei, with 1210bnstio'slime; Oorali- from vVhenga roa wllh 22 369 toai timber, snd 2000 shingles; Rangatira from Omaha with 4/ tons ilrowood; Tamaki Packet, Irom Barrier, with 19 tons wooa. 200 post 3: Moetan. irom Omaha, with 20 030 Lei timber.

CtrrwAßis Coastwise.—Leo. for Matakana; Rangatira, for Omaha; Tamaki Paokot, for Tauranga; _.. o'au, for Oaiaaa.

The Bchooncr Tauranga was the only vessel loading at Mercury Bay yesterday. When the Douglas oalled at Tairua last even ing there wero no othor vessels in harbour. Captain Johnson left in charge of tho s.s. lona this Afternoon. After loading cattlo at lainaki, the lona proceeds to Tauranga, then to Mercury Boy, and back to Auckland. Captain Jenkins, of tho ship Lady Jocolyn, well-nown in Auckland, died from apoplexy In October last. The steamers Omapere and Hotorua aro duo from the South to-morrow, the former early, tho latter during the evening.

The sohooner Winifred was dooko. this after coin lor a general overhau'.

Captain Farquhar tikes the Wellinaton to Tauranga this evening, leaving tbe wharf at the usual honr. The Auckland echooner Mazopna was at Macero (Harsh-11 Group) on November 10th. She is lo chir.o o( Captain Heet. wbo does not oxpeot to visit Auokland for several months. Although tho sohoonor Bcllo Brandon left Mageto (Marsha 1 Grjup) several days after the India, which arrived tbis morning, she has olrialy discharged her inward ror.o and is icidv to Btart on a fi eih voyage. T hia certainly spanks well fjr tho sailing ability of the smaller ora't.

- Tho barque Antares will ba the first vessel on tha berth for London, to follow tho Ashmore, now almost ready to sail. She will probaby oommenoe loading next week. Among the fl'Bt cargo taken in will moat likely bo 190 tons cobra, whioh ar.ivtd por baiqete mdla this morning.

After an abßence ot over four months, tho barque India arrived in harbaur this morning. Captain Harriu reports:-Left Magero (Mar shall Group) on November 10 h, had emu and light winds to the Ollbeit Graup. and equally weather and oalms till passing the Jfljls, Thonoo until arrival, fine weather and strong breezes. Passengers: Messn Tenant and Thompson. The India brings a cargo of cobra which will probably bs discharged- into the Auturos for London.

The as. lona arrived from Tauranga at 12 30 p.m. to-day, with 17 oaßks ol', 2 horse*, a large quantity oc sundry merohandlee, and the fol lowing pa<Betigors!-Me«damos Hat lan, Mc- Oabo and 2 children, Malnsell, Misses Dawson, Verooe, Bartleo.aa, Hcwßbqb, Atolniyie, Mai tors Lob and Masters e2), Mr and Aura F. W. Donklo, Mr sua Mr„ Kxoell. Messrs J. Farbe9, T»BS3ll, Ljnoh. St^adman. Collins, Ku-hbrnotr, Paling, Robb, Butler, Mainsail, La Kochn, Wed dell, fonstoble Hull, Coptalu AtderßSn, and fonr others.

Tbe barque Border Cbi_,da_yo_pected from London, brings a fall cargo of merohandlso, valued at „35,810 The lsrgar Items are - Hard ware cutlery, £1W0: Hoseed o'l. S22o_ala; pMnt colours, fi!8il; china a-d earthenware, £910; Brlti.h Bpliis, 6504»1e; wilne. IBOgalB; paint colours. £780; -grtonlturaHmplemeniß atdjna ohlnoiy. ClOSfl; rails ud general machinery, £5100;. bejots. £»'; pap;r. 6170wt: vi history, £810; coras. £ '00; agrlonltar.l aad garden seeds, £910.

Tho ss.Rotemahßni left for Melboureo via Bouthtrn imts at 1 p.m. today, with the fo' lowlng passengers: Mcslames Good, Gocd wsrdandboy. Itavldßou, James (Moibonrfe): Lwler nnd four ihildrer, Mlssei Scott, Edwardf, _c_la«_oo. King, c-taptena, Morrin MoAlen (Hobart); "Mr and Mrs nnrnyeast (Sydney): Mossri Ka wards, Woollnms, M:s Frater. Green. Davidson, A. M. AHe<-, R A. Withers (Vtelbounre). Weette (Melbourne). Mr and Mrs Nnbvkt ana boo. Mr and Mrs William?.

The 8.8. Douglas arrivod from Mercuty Bay and Tairua this morning, with 70 sacks gum, about 5 tons sundries, and tho following passen gers:—Miss Howard, Mrs Naughton, Messrs Roth, Bonnet, Nelson, Shannon, Brown, Der vish, Gamble, Bennet (3), Freeman, Bradley, Grumby (2), McLean (2), Butler, Moore, Douglas, Laycock, Reed, Warden, Martin, Sands, Allister, Howard. Harvey, Moreton, Murphy, Hutchinson, Fairburn, Hill, Southwell, Mc- Guiness, Hayman, MoNaughton. Newton, Arnold. Nicholson (2), Irvine, O'Neill, Road, O'Connor, Aubery, Byrne, Fraser, Monk, Baird, Thompson, Wilkinson, Jenkins, Harkins, and Moreton.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARKIVAL"?.

Clarlnda, sohooner, Ja'l. from Greymouth Macgregor, b b., Moarthur, from Woltara

Tho schooner Cla.lnda arrived from Grey month last evening, with 200 tons coal

The 5.9. Macgregor arrived abont 10 30 a.m. to-day, with 12 norses, 3 paokages bn( tor, 30 head cattle. Passengers-Mlsi rvtorriß, Mr. Mrs and MlssNeal, Mr and Mrs P»u', Messra Wllaon, Anderson, Harric Blown, UuloUvin, Ryan, Jones (3), Taylor (!). Tapani, Finlav Amson, Ka», Spindle and Hutohiaon, Tho Maosregor was to return to Walt»ra thla afternoon.

COMMERCIAL.

Eybnin. Star Office, Thursday. Mb Alfred Bcc_-«»d held,hls third wool sale otthe eeason yonterdiy n'tei noon at thi Hay market The catalogrjo ol divers wools w»b largo, and generally there was an advance of j i per lb on wool in greasa as oempated with hir Buckland . last sate. Washed wool averaged from 81d to 101 d; but a numter of lota were withdrawn br the owners, who had rlaoad a rsaerve of lid npon their baits. «r t a*ed wool, aocordin* to quality, brongbt from tin to 8d; long woo', 6dto 7ft; haif-bod. m w 7Jd. The buyers were Messrs Hesneth, IroUnd, Lay br.urn. Poitar, Rayner, _ eed, Sutherland and Warnock.

Mail Notice.

i/IAILSI TIU, CtOftl. AS UNDKRi riuB Day. For Tauranga. Ohlnomutu, and Opotlkl, por Wellington, at 1 p.m. Friday. 22nd Instant. For Walheko aaa Coromandol, por Coromandol, at 0.30 n.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 10 30 a.m. . For Norfolk Island, ror Adab, at 3 p.m. For Thomos, por Enterprise, at 530 p.m. ■ Saturday. 28rd Instant, For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Marnkana, Manga wa', etc., por Kobb Ooaey, at 10 • .ni. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 10.30. p.m. For Frloodly Islands, per Orpheus, at 4 p.m For Glsborno Naplor. and Otago. per Rotorna at 5 p.m Tuesday. January 2nd. For s.s. City of Now York, aa follows :— For Sandwich lalanda, Uniteo States ot | America. Canada, British Columbia, Central 1 and South America, and British aad Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Knropa, atlp.m. For money orders, registered letters, and Newspapers, at 11.30 n,m. Late letters bearing an extra fee ot slxpccos. In addition to the postage, will ba rooelved by the Moll Agent on board tho steamer np to the timo of calling. This mall will bo duel in London, on Mon day, February 12th, 18S3.

Christmas Day. Monday 25th tent, boing a Post Oilioo holiday, all branches ot tbo Cblof Post unite will be rloerd on ihat clay. Malls usually closed and dcapatohed on Monday will be closed at 7 30 p.m. on Saturday, ?3rd Inst. Tf,o Chief P-flt Oflleo wil bo op'jnbetween tho hours ot 7 30 and 8 SO p.m. on S .terday, 23rd Inst., for tbo delivery of correspondence, Si 8. BI3S, Chief Po itmaaier. Chief Pogj-oillca. Auoklond.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

December 2', 1882,

American Notolty Hall, Qaeen-itree*.—Exhi bition of Paintings of Sgyp'iau Wa- aad Pre sentation of Gifts, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Volunteer Drlllßhed—Bazaar in aid of the Auokltnd Biptiss Tabcrnac o Building Fund, roan to 10 p.m.

S. Thomaa'a Hall—Cbrlatma3 Tree and Fanoy Fair, 6.30 p.m.

No. 3 Regiment of Artillery-Monthly Inspec tion of Ilat'o-y and Band, 7.30 p.m.

Alexandra-street Primitive MethodlatChnroh —Christmas Tree and salo of u-retut and fancy ar.loles, 7 p.m.

Auokland Turkish Bath Company—General Moating. Mr Randcrjon. ofHoe, Inßurauco ButldtrgJ.4p.nl.

Y.U.C.A. Rooms—DovotlonaJ, 7 30p.m. La're Dlatrlot Cnnroh—Mueclnl and Literary Entertainment In Sohool-tooiu, 7.30 p.m.

St. David's Presbyterian Church—Cbrlß'ra is Tree and Kntoitiloment, St. fopulohro's Sohuol, 8 p.m.

Deaths

BARRY.—On Docombir 20ih. at thi resldonoo of hor grandfather. Mr. _1_ aatrd, William. streoxWest, Margaret Graham,oldeßt daughter ot Mtobael and Aunle Barry, aged 21 years - Melbourno paperß pleaso copy. Tha funeral will leave her late roridenro to morrow (Frldav). at 4 p.m. Friends please Bocopt thii invliatloa. CLARK.—On Deoember 2lst, at Graco-Btreot, Ponsonby, Caroline Clark, aged 67 years. Th« funeral will leave the residence ot Mr Uttlng at 4 p m. to morrow. FITNES3.-On the 21st inst. at blB parents resldenc*, Brown-3treet, Ponsonby. Aitaur Wlll'am, Infant ton ot G-orge and Mary Ann Fitneßß, ago! 7 weeks. Tha fnneral will tato plaoe to-morrow, tfrlday, at 3 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Charity.—lt would bo lm- roper to permit fur ther discussion on the subject at the present stage of aifalis, Your letter Is, thoref ore, in admissible.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1882.

Tot Ihe causa that lacks assistanca, For the wrong that needs nulsMnct For tho luture in tho distonca. And the good that we can do.

Tbe brief discussion at tho last meeting of the Harbour Board on "wholesale and re tail " views of things has led to a sharper criticism of the question at issue; and public opinion appears all but unanimous in condemning the expenditure of another sixpence upon any new work that is not part of a scheme of permanent harbour Improvements. The plan submitted by the Engineer of the Board, and which seems,on the whole, to meet with approval iv its general outline, proposes to fill up as useless the graving dock on the western side of the wharf, which cost tho Board close upon £60,000! Cue would have sup posed tbat this was blunder enough to make membsrs pause before entering upon any further expenditure for work which may subsequently have to be des troyed. Yet the western T, which the Board have authorised is of that character, if the plan drawn up by Mr McDonald is tp> form the basis of the future operations of the Board, tho £3000 spent on the western T will just be bo much money thrown into the sea, Every pile in the structure will have to be drawn, and the very waste that is involved in the destruction of a new structuro will stand as an obstacle to the prosecution of permanent works. We are quite willing to admit that another T ou the western side of the wharf would be very useful for the time being, and would avort the damage which vessels now suffer during the westerly weather; but, if the same objects can be served—and there seems to be no doubt whatever that they can—by lhe execution of a permanent stone-work that i will endure for all time, tbeu the expendi ture of £3,000 on the western T is nothing less than a scandalous waste of public money, which neither wholesale nor retail considerations will commend to the judg ment of the general public. the construction of the Hobson - street wharf, which is already provided for out of the £150,000 loan, will afford con siderable shelter Irom the westerly gales, aud provide berthage to the vory vessels for which tho western T is no w required, and if dredging operations were pushed on vigor- j oiuly, the deepening of the central basin '' as far as Quay-street might be accomplished

iv a very short period, It is simply nn- j accountable then why tho Board, with these i works in view, should go on adding to a i woodon structuro that is already prosnec tivel} condemned. Tho career of tho Har bour Board, Irom tho first, has beon one of wholesale blundering, if notplundoring.and it matters vory littlo to tbo public whether these results arc tho outcome of wholesale or retail views ol things. Certain it is, however, that the latest action of the Board leaves little room for felicitating ourselves with lhe beliof that gross mismanagement and wasteful expenditure arc memories only of " the wrctchod past."

The large number of passengers ar riving daily by Hie various coastal steamers nfl'ord ample evidence that Christmas is ap proaching, The steamer Douglas, from Mercury Bay, this morning brought between 60 and 70 persons, and oilier vessels whioh arrived earlier in the week hud also far above the average number carried.

All the vessels in harbour today carried their Hags at "half-mast" in token of respect for the memoryjof Captain Jenkins, of the ship Lady Jocolyn, news of whose death has reached us by telegraph from the South. It appears that tho Lady Jocclyo, bound from London to Lyttelton. was spoken by the ihip Hniunui which arrived at Clirutohurch yesfeiday, and that tho death of the master of the former was then reported as having oc curred during the voyage prior to Cctobor 20th. The cause of death is said to have been apoplexy. Many Aucklaud residents will regret to learn of tbis sad event, for Captain Jenkins, during his visits here, became generally very popular. He brought the Lochuagar safely t> this port so far back as ISCO, and more recently mado two voyages from London he-ro in tint fine ship Lady Jocolyn. On the fust \i-it of the Lady Jocolyn he brought out Mr Vescy Stewart's special Katikati settlers.

Mrs Butcher's exhibition of paintings, ocq„ at St. George's Bay Road,Parnell, will bo open this evening from 7 to 10

The mine manager of the New Prince Imperial telegraphed to-day as follows : - " Leader showing iv face of now cross-cut. Quartz looks promising, but no gold seen yet. Cannot tell thickness, as wc aio not yet through. - (Signed) G. S. Clauk."

The Baptist Tabernacle Bazaar is a most pronounced success, notwithstanding that the promotors depend entirely on sales, and dispeme with rallies. A total amount if £022 lies been realised during the first three days, and to this sum must be added £45 received from Dunedin and Victorian friends. It Is expected that the receipts for the week will amount to fully £1000.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of tho Kaipara Steamship Company, for the purpose of confirming the resolution passed on the 7th of e.ctubcr lust to the efl'ect that henceforth the annual meetings should be held In May instead e.f November, took place in ttio Insurance Buildings, Mr E. Mitchelsou, M.H.R., pic siding. The confirmation of fhe- icsoluiiun wns moved by the chairman, seconded by Mr Tbos. Morrin, and carried, This was all the business,

A curious cast) was heard at the Polico Court to day. A carter named John I'oo, who has been employed carting metal from Mount Edeu Gaol, pleaded guilty to charge of stealing tho coit of one of' the Gaol warders, nnd of supplying a prisoner with tobacco. It would appear that Kee, having appropriated tho warJer's cojt, con cealed it in his horse's nostbng, and got away safe with the spoil. He sue--ceiled in dis posing of it to a man in Soccombo'a brewery, and with a portion of theprocccJs purchased some tobacco, which he subsequently gave to a hard labour man mined Robertson;. Whether Robertson had noticed tholarctny or whether >\oe wns meiely pirformiiig an act of disinterested kindness, has not trai spired,

\Vrit:ng from Coromandol, under da'c of December lSth, the New Coloiral mine manager reports : —"1 am happy to inform you that there is a change for t'tc better iv your mine. The rcct has come back to tic hanging wall, and looks much better, carrying sonic fair prospect, of hue heavy gold. The reef i* about six inches in thick ness, ot a soft rubly natuie, and has tic appearanca of making gold in the stone when tbe ground gets more solid.—(Signed) Peter Reid, Mine Manager."

"■t the half-yearly meeting if rim H.A.C.B Society, hold in St. Patrick's Hall last evening, there yvs a iarge atten dance, of members. After the routine business of the branch had been transacted', the election of officers for the ensuing term, took place, noil resulted as follows :— President, C. Littlo; Vice-President, T. O'Connor; Secretary, J. O'Brien ; Trea surer, J. Clarke ; Guardian, It. Brcnnunj Warden, W. White; Sick Visitors, P, Lynch, P. O'Hara, and J. Byau ; Audiloi-, T. H. White and R. Breunin. 'llierew.s keen competition in th-: election of two gentlonieu to act as medical attendants io tho society, which ic-ulicd in Drs. Tenncnt and Evans receiving the greatest numb r of votes.

Au insuperable difficulty exp'rienced by tho railway department in'dealing with tLic requirements of the passenger Uailic at Elleralie at tho close of race days is, that after the last eveut, thero Is a general ru-li to tho platform, and everybody wattte to leavo by the first train. last year thee were at least 3.000 people at one train, rushing aud striving to get into a'train which could only accommodate four or live hundred, those who had gone out in nine different twins trying to get back in one, Oa the occas'ou icfcrrcd to, it was im possible for the railway officials to keep tho crowd back, as, owing to the amount of whisky afloat, there was great rowdyism, and several fights took place on the plat form. It was the first timo the manager had been troubled by such behaviour, and it is to bo hoped that it will not occur again. For the coming holidays the mott complete arrangements for telegraphing, &c , havo been made, and everything will bo don<> to hasten the conveyance of pcop'e from the racecourse at the close. The only want felt is that of more rolling stock, which, of course, cannot b) supplied by tbe local management.

A paragraph appears in this morning's "Herald's" "Notices to Correspondents,"' in answer to "Housewife," culogi-ing salicylic ac'd as a good preservative for milk, fruit", &c. In order that both sides of tho story may be heard, we quote an authority from the French Government, condemning salicy'ic acid, aud prohibiting its use. The extract is culled from the "Boston Journal of Chemistry," April, 1881, editorial nates upon the Eamo subject having also appeared from time to time in the English Medical papers ;-" Salicylic Acid as an adulterant.—The French Ministors of Agriculture and Cummercc have addressed a ciicular to aJI tho _ _ prd'e's, stating tlut the Administrationhari had its attention drawn to the danger to public health which is ' caused by the crnploy'hient of salicylic acid for the preservation of solid and liquid ali mentary substances, and has submitted tlio question to the Consultation Committee for Public Hygiene. After a close examina tion of the matter, and tubmitting various substances to-analy.-is, that body bas re ported that tho acid is not only dangerous trom the direct eil'cjtsit may prnduce on the system,butisso alsoindiiectly as favouring the fraudulent introduction of substances into alimentary articleo, rendering these more or loss injurious; and it recommends that tho sale of any alimentary substance containing any s'licylic acid whatever should be prohibited. The Minister ac cordingly inclosed to the p'dfets tho for mula for such piohibition, winch he derircs should be widely circulated and ttrictly acted upon."

St. Thomas's Day, which falls on the 21st inst, (to-day), is the longo tof the days of the year in NewZea'and and the shortest in Great Britain. The accounts of St. Thomas are very meagre, and the majority of these traditional and unreliable. Fox, the martyrologiat, dismisses the sceptical saint in five lines. Still St. Thomat's Day has a special significance in the old land through its pleasant associations to the poorer classos. Numerous village benevolent societies, to which tho poor people sub scribe their weekly pence throughout the year, distribute clothing, etc., iv addi tion to tho members at this season, to which they receive a plate of roast beef and a slico of a plum-pudding each, to whet their appetite for Christmas. Hope also brightens many faec3 iv the prospect of longer and better days, wheo wild flowers open their shy leaves as an earnest of tho due fulfilment of Nature's promises under the control of Divine Providence, fit, Thorna j, called Didymus, moaning a twin, was a native of Galilee, according to the best authorities ; the particulars of bia life, however, are obscured by tbe mists of time. He became a disciple, A.D. 31, and was an itinerant minister of the Gospel for several years in Medea, Petsia, and, some affirm, in tbe Peninsula of the Indus, where a reli gious-, society still exists under his name. The two most nohtble events iti M. Thomas's biography, furnished by Scrip ture, aro his pilgrimages with other apostles to the grave of Lazarus, and his un- j belief in the resurrection of Christ, I

Owing to the occurrence of tho Law Vacation, thero will bo no Civil Sessions of the Supremo' Court this term. The Court will sit for the first time alter the 10th of March.

Lust night, at 0.30 pin., sover.il black whales were seen at Waiwera, clos'-i in slime. Ono waa vcy huge, aud could be seen for a loug distance nut at sea.

A public meeting will be held to-morrow (Friday) eveiiiirg.iu Northcote Hall,-to con tidei" certain communications regarding borrowing facilities under tbu Roads and Bti.gen Construction Act. Thomas Ben ton, Esq., will lake tbe chair.

. The residents of Waiheku have arranged to hold a ngatti on tho 28rh inst, and have chartered the steamer Coromandel to convey passengers fivm Aucldaud at the reduced faro ot 3i (return), having Auck land at 5.30 a.m. and Waibckc at 5 p.m.

A rifle niateh between the Victeria and No. 3 Volunteer Com panic, twenty-live men a.sitle, for £1 a rifle,has been arranged to take place during next week ; the con ditions being that tho No, 3, in event of winning, will give tbe stakes to the loc d charities, while their opponents elect to fire for the money and deal with it as they think lit.

The monthly inspection parade of the Engineer Volunteers was held Inst evening outside tl-e I mil-she d. In the absence ot Major Withers, inspecting officer Major Hostein caltul the roll and inspected the ii'itis. i be parade was satisfactory, and at the oloso the company marched through (J.ioen-strcct, headed by their efficient band, and a succetsive number of martial aud national airs were pl»yed to the cnlivenmeut of hundreds nf ii-toners.

Owing to Ih. numb r of (ire's which have occurred in Cambridge of late, the rate payers of tbat town aro very anxious for a permanent scheme of water supply, a scheme in connection with a stream run ning aloiti! the belt ot the town, estimated to cost £3 000, his been submitted for con sitleiatioii. Mr E. Hewitt, oi.o of the town commissioners, has canvassed the rate payers on iho mattei, nnd has met with unexpected support.

Tbe Auckland Philharmonic Society will give a sacrrd concoit em thri-tirai night in Abbott's Opeiii Hon c, under tho direcion of Profussor i nitliau. The programme v likely to draw a crowded bouse, and ia in two parts, consisting of chorusts, pinna forto solnf, anthems, and selections from the works of Rossini, Mendelssohn, and other eminent composers. Tho more advanced i>£ Professor Cailliau'a pupils will take part in the instiuniental and vocal parts of the concert.

It will be remembered tlrat during the progress of the cricket match at Christ church between our m«n and the C'an'cr bury team, Mr A. E Whitaker ofl'c-cd hits to each man ou our side who mado -5 run?. Yates and Lankbam both execceded that number, nnd since their return they havo received their bats from Mumford's block. Barton has also selected the bat which he won by making the first century of tbe foasou, aud which was offered by Mr Mumford. . ,

It is now definitely knowu tbat a Tau ranga team will not visit Auckland this season, tho time fixed by the local men as tho most suitable for them nut having been satisfactory. -• Mangnwharc team is pmc tiiit'g industriously fur a scries of inatebi^ neatest the Auckland clubs, and it ii said

tltcy will have, tho assistance of un ex cellent bowler named Cnat'Bf who took the whole of the wicket* in a recent match. The Nt.rtheru Wairoa mon arrive here about

tho middle of January,

'lhe new shop of Mr Butcher, chemist, is quite an ornament to Upper Groy-stroet. Thn establishment is a portion of a block recently erected for Mr J. M. 1 ennox.

The dispensing room is tastefully iittul with mottled kauri and othor New Zialann wood-., while the iiumcroiH adornmouts of coloured glass givo a most tasteful iippar unce. The si.el; if drugs and appliances is well selected, many rimodial agents never it,t'oduc.'d into the colony appearing on the shelves. At tho last monthly mooting of the l'i.kn Couiry Council, held at Cambridge on Tuesday miming List, pcrmhsiou was gianted Mr J. C. -Firth to ciect » telephone between Matamata and his battery at VVi>ir uig-mei, |the new _old--nining town ship near ie Aroha. The Council also agreed, on the niot'on f f Cr. J. C. Firth, to ureo up 'ii the tJb.-Prumtiu ttio necessity of

extending the telegraph line from Te iMoha to Wuiiougomai, a distance of ab'iit three miles. Mr Firth agreed to give the Government the necessary giisrat.tce of £100 a year.

Tic Cambridge Jockey Clnb has ajain como forth fiom oblivion, having settled the vexed qiio-tion of the course grounds with Mr a. A. Funtham; aud ulso the mtttcr of tho grand stmil and lease with

the promoters, A number of the liiembors of the club nfteieet Mr F.,ntham £12 an acre for the 12-1 actes, which was accepted. Tha first deposit ef tho purchase money was ui.tdo on Saturday last, when the

bargaiu wns concluded. The grand stand was bought from tho promoters for £300. Tho club, it will therefore be seen, has been established on a better baris than hitherto.

Messrs Hammond and Son, architects, have prepared, by direction of the Govern, nirnt, nlatis for various works iv tha North cote district, iucluding tho opening up of tho main road, and contraction of bold a'>proiicho-< to the wharves. To carry out tho'ii works, it is proposed to borrow £1000 for the Highway Board, secured by speciil rate, and a mcc'ing will bo held in the Northcote Hall to-morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock for the purpose of con-idcring the matter It is reported that there is likely to be considerable dill'ereuca of opin'on at the meeting. All the ratepayers interested will no doubt tako care to bo present.

A mco'ing ol the creditors ot Jason Binyau M arriott, auctioneer, ot Quecn strcct, was bold yesterday in tho Supreme Court-hotts?, Mr C. C. McMillan presiding. The debtor's a sets were stated at £119, ami his liabilities nt £169. In answer to questions, he said that he attributed his iiifo'vency to a lire which took place in September last, his loss by which he estimated at fully £800. .All be got from tho insurancj company was £232. He did not then call bis creditors, as he hoped to be able to rettietvo himself, but this he had uoi been ablo to do. Mr Thos. Macll'arlanc was elected trustco in tho estate.

I 7'o tho Editor: Sir, —Wool-growers here ! are too badly treated. London advices, November 3rd, stato that " prospects, on the whole, for tho immediate future ot our staple, arc unchanged. A largo consump tion is in progress, and French trade is sat i-factory. The opening of the colonial markets is reported by cahle it prices Jd lo Id in advance of those paid Inst year, which, ns much of the new clip is described a* faulty and tender, points to au anticipa tion on the part of buyers of an important demand in Loudon during the seat-on." Greasy wool in Melbourne realised up to 14|1 per lb.; in Wellington cross-bred, in tbe grease, Sid to 9d. Last season wrol was 2d per lb, all round higher in Auck land than this year. Tho highest last week for greasy was Gd to 7d in Durham-street, Tho buyors' names arc not given often In lhe accounts of wool sales. Sellers should uuitcand arrange next season to ship home their wool; s>n_ it straight down the whatf to a homeward-bound vessel. It would be well if those connected with the buyers party would explain satisfactorily (?) tho abovo facts and anomalies. I pau?e for a reply.— I am; &c, Merino.

Amongst the most active in preparation and noticeable iv effect of those of our u'tizens who make special clients at the Christmas season may be mentioned Good' son's Loud n At cade. Here it* seems everything has heen studied, not only to make the outside .'how stttractivo, but tho inside, in its arrangement, and in the novelty, . quality, and economy of tiie goods. lhe live windows, illumi nated by Defries's Electro-Silver Argand Reilectors, are a great attraction; also. Willing's patent sign, by which ingenious electric process the usual trado mot'o, ! " Small profits and quick rctu.ns," is con stantly vibratiug btfore the public gaze, On entering tho door, you ara en countered with such a host of attractions that it becomes rather difficult to know which way to turn, or from which of the liulen stalls to make selections of the desired presents; but though the task may he tedious, the opera tion is pleasant, for as long as you remain the eye is being satisfied with the siiihl; oE goods that .would do no discredit to a similar establishment'ia London at the Christmas season, One very good line suited for Christmas troo adornments is specially noticeable, It is a box, but representing all manner of curious things, such as a champagne bottle, an old shoe, a roast goose, a lobster, box prunes, and piece of cheese, _a, t&c , being an entirely new style. In this establishment, tli. useful is combined wi'h t'ui ornamental, and the selection of Curhtmas and New Year g'fts need not be confined to the useless, but may inib'ac's tLe useful at prices tbat will please the most economic il, and in such I'leganco ot design us will, give pleasure io iho most fastidious:

Mr Kcllar gave his final sloight-of hand and conjuring performance at the Opora Houto last night to a moderate 'house. . On Satutday "night Stauley and Darby shire's Juvenile Troupe make their re-ap- j pcaranco with a Christmas Pantomime en titled "flarlcquin Jack the Giant Killer,or ' the Knights of the Bound Table." "We have to draw attention to St. , Matthew's Christmas Tree and entertain- > j niCDt, to be held to-morrow evening in the school-re.m, commencing at 7,30 p.m., con sisting of sorgs, readings, chorusos, and carols, by the children and friends. Thoie will be a largo tree, well furnished, acd tho ' distribution will ba conducted on novel principles, which have the merit of giving to all theii full moneys worth, whilst j some will receive more in tha shape of bonus gifts. There will bo | a stall of presented aiticlr.s, and all pur- j chasers of two or more tickets will receive a g'ft from here. There will aho be stalls where all kinds of Cnristmns prc-:ents may be purcha«ed at greatly reduced prices, bo that parents may have an opportunity of giving their .little ones unbounded delight without incurring an excessive expense. The proceeds of the evening will be devoted to the children's Christmas treat. An entertainment in connection wi'h the. «c iv North Road Wcalcyan Sunday-school took place last night. Tho programme con sisted of solos, trios, and recitations, which were gone through with much spirit by most of the performers Mr J. Barton taking the chair. Mrs Mundy tendered two solos with gioat taste ; also Miss Mor gan, Miss Olphert, and Mr Warreu. Two trios were given by tho Yearbury brothois. Une notable feature in tho enter tainment was the able manner in which Messrs Hopkins, Clarke, Peak, and I attersall rendered a dialogno called " William Tell." Recitations wo c also uiven by Mcssis G. and J. Yearbury. Mr Newbold, one of tho old scholars of thi-. school, recited with much tasto. Miss Alice rlonue cave a recitation with pleasing elfect. Miss Lovatt presided at the harmonium with much taste throughout tho evening. The entertainment was cloied by tho singing oi the National Anthem. Tho Bishop of whose chief Characteristic is strong common sense, has propounded a oure for lariikinism, As re potted by the "Argus," the Bishop rocontly described the wonderful work accomplished in St. Peter's parish, London Docks—"bow all the people were made to love the Church, how 500 communicants were gathered from amongst ono of the lowest populations in London and the clergy could say at las!, of a district which had been a sink of impurity, • not only has open prof ssional sin been swept away fi om the streets of St. Peter's, but, besides, there is not one knowu house of ill-fame in the whole parish'—though such places swarmed round its bordors." How were these miracles wrought? The bi hop quotes from ono of the workers who assisted in the reform: - i In tho evening the mm fill the new school , room, sniokiug, rcadiog, playing bagatelle (there are two good table*), or skittles, or " racing in tho tunning ground outside, On Wednesday evenings the desks are cleared, , aud tho, neighbours pour in for the weekly i concert, which once a mouth resolves itsolf i lino a bull. The drum and lite band _ practises twice a-week, as also the string.d instrument band. In tbo winter . there are all sorts of things going on — [ theatrical', nigger entertainments; any . thing to keep tbem out of the public h-m-cs and out of the streets. Ttio lads' club, which devoted itself principally j, to athletics, was under the superintendence of a paiil ollicer known as tho "cbucKcr out," and, says the author of tbe account from which I am quoting, "No boys' club '. iv the oast of London can possibly exist w without such a functionary," '1 here are j inauy good people wbo will not bo able to get through this paragraph without a gasp. t tiagatellc, skittle*, tticatricals, nigger entertainments, concoris, balls, anil a "chucker out"—what good is to be got out of such works of darkness as these! , Yet the Bishop of Melbourne evidently ' believe* "iv ihciii. "That is the way, depend upon ii," ho continued, "and the " only way to conquer Melbourno lariikinism 3 and sanctify tho overwhelming wild energy 5 which boils over in its excesses. Who has - greatness of heart to try .it on a largo 1 scalo!" " The regulations of tho Sal ration Army do : not favour marriages in tho service ; but , tbe soliiieis (male and female) arc, after all, mortal, and tho opportunities (hat thuy i enjoy of carrying on milel llinations at '" Knoo Drill," seem to icmlt sometimes \ iv exactly tbo same ceremony a? simila- op portunities have brought about in orthodox and well-ordered congregations. Thus, oj i Oct. 12,tw0 soldiers of the legion were mar -1 rictl nt Congress Hall, Clapton, amid much b religious rejoicing and to the tune of the c Army's bra>s band. Tho male toldicr was i noue other than Willi im Bramwell Booth, s son of " General" Booth; tho female soldier i was Florence ' leanor Sopcr, who had been a . "devoted agent in the new revival." 'iho I* ceremony was witnessed by 0,000 people, D each of whom paidoucahillingfoiiutmisini). I I hat cannot be considered exorbitant when . it is remembered that 100 " Hallelujah s lasses " graced the platform, not to mention l the brass band and the Salvaiion cadets in their rod guernsoys. The Hnllclujab lasses supplied the comic clement. They weio I provided with tambourines, of which they . made effective uso at the command " Fire," ,or "Hoist the signjl." Pleaiant that, 1 j should sf>y, for the excited leelings of (. William anel Florecco Eleanor. I should not y be doing justice to my lady roadeis if I for , bore to mention that the " teadi'ional tulle. , aud orange bloisotn formed no part of the t bride's pleasingly simpic trousseau. Ber j dress was ot a dark blue silk, with Honiton . frilling round tbe neck She wore tho badge t of the Salvation Army on her breast, and a ) simple flower was her only other orna ment." The procecdioga began by a "major" blowing a whistle aud the i "geucral" stepping forward and giving • out a song, and onded by William •■ Bramwell producing from his waiscoat . pocket a small circular piccu of gold and per , forming the- old time-honoured ring trick ) upon tbe finper of Floenco. Old Soper aud i the General performed tbe marriage service i between them, Mr Ryder, a Church of ! England clergyman, merely coming in at i tho last—to satisfy the Marriage Act, I- I suspect, On the whole, tho ceremony must ) have been interesting, aud a valuable warn ing to all other soldiers of what tbey mu»t s go through if they pervert "knee drill" to alieu purpose?. - "Christchurch Telegraph." ' :

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Beforo Hugh Soth Smith, Esq., R.M.) 1 JrtuNK.—Ono. 5s and costs. Vagrant.—John Connor, un old hand, was charged under the Vagrant Act with being a habitual drunkard, etc. A number of former convictions were proved, and prisoner was sentenced te nine months' imprisonmont. Mr Mack Again.—Charles Mack, described as a hawker, was charged with failing to obey an order of tho Court in support of his wifo and four children. Remanded until Friday. M«Atit»'o a Co-t.—John noo ploaned guilty to sidling a summer coat. nto„ value _I on ihe 20th i St.. the prooerty of John Rian, of Mount Eden; also, ti tho oharge ot supplying tobooco to a pr'sou' r Rtohnrt Robinson, undergoing eentencj in Monnt Eton Gaol.- Ono month's imprisonment for thn first olfenoo. and a li.o of £5, or one month, for the seoond clt'jnco. Thla was all the buslncßs;

SPORTING.

BY CHEVAL.)

The course proper was again thrown open this morning, but most of the work was dino on the plough. Amongst the horses present were Turquoise, Tim Whiffler, Welcome Jack, Merlin, Lone Hand, Ngata, Poet, Tiicolrin, Minerva, Mount, >t, Swithin, aud Harkaway. Very geuer-i reg.ct was expressed at the non-appearance of Rowi and Vottex. The most interesting event of tbe morning was the nppeu ance of Welcome Jack, stripped for the first time. Ho galloped the Cup distance ■in good style Tim Whiffl-r and Merlin also went twice round the c»ursc, running very strongly. The Poet, Minetva, Ngata, Mount, 'iricotrin, and St. Swithin, did useful work, while Haikaway was schooled over the hurdles. Turquoise worked on tbe plough, and Lone Hand did a gallop three times round the course. Moonstone has been scratched for all engagements at the forthcoming meeting. Minerva, on account of tho cxcollcnt accounts of her going, was freely backed at hundreds to six straight out, and at hundreds to two in the double with any thing.

CABLEGRAMS.

[SPEW Ih TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received December 21, 10.40 a.m.)

THE "TIMES" ON" THE PUBLIC DEBT. L'INDON, December 20, G a.m. The "Times," iv noticing Sir Dillon Rcll's recent paper on colonial indebtedness, expresses an opinion that the creditors of the Australian colony have no reason for entertaining any misgivings as to then security in consequence of the increase of the public debt. The real qu-Sti.n it thinks i", however, whether tho colonies are not preparing future troubles for them selves by mortgaging their prospective in comes to such au extent. ARABI'S EXILE. Arabi and tbe other Egyptian exiles are to sail on Christmas Day. AUSIRIA AMD THB THREATENED WAR. The Austrian Government ia taking measures to allay the public fear of war.

FIRE ABOARD A NEW ZEALAND SHIP.

[REUTBR'S TELEGRAM.J

LONDON, recombor 19.

- A firo bioke out on board tho ship Rangi tikei, which recently arrived here from Lyttelton, on her Homeward voyago. Part of tbo cargo had to be thrown ovi rboard, and the remainder was much damaged.

AUSTRALIAN

(Received December 21-1 p.m.) , MBLBOURKE, this day. i Arrived: Orient steamship Chimborazo, from Plymouth, November 0. Serious Fire in Melbourne. An extensive fire occurred this morning at the premises of Mossts Hemmons, Laws, ai d Co., wholesale chemists, 55 and 57 Kus'ell-strcet, Melbourne. The fire raged for some time, but has now been completely subdued. The extent of damage is not yet conclusively known, but the loss is be lioved to bo very heavy. THE CHAMfION RACE. MELBOURNE, December 20. Navigator is the tavourite in the betti. g on Ihe Champion Stakes to be run at the Victorian Racing Club's New. Year's Day Meeting. The following nre the latest odds:—Navigitor, 7to 4; Commotion, sto 2; Darebin, 8-to 2. SHIPPING NEWS. MELBOURNE", December 20. Arrived, this racrniug : The steamship Manapouri, from the Bluff. Sailed, this morning: Tho steamship Wairarapa, for the Bluff.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Advice to a Telegraph Clerk —"Wire in." The map who gets tight is apt to make very many loose remarks, Something that will make your Head Swim—A lite presorv.r. When is a lawyer like a donkey ?—When be is drawing a conveyance.

What ia the only pano of which everyone makes light ?—A window-pane. Convict stone-cutters say they would grently preier to work on free-stone. llulwer says " poverty is only an idea." Yes; but it ii the only idea some people ever bave.

A lady, who did not wish to ask for a cradle*, asked the sh'pm&a" if ho had any matrimonial ba-kcts.

Tbe Piako County Council have received applications for loans under the Road Con struction Act to b'i forwarded to Welling ton :—For To Aroha, £5,290; aud Lr the Waitoa Board, £5000.

Sir Bc.iry l'arices attribute.; his deleat in the elections to a combination of the publi cans with the opponents of tic Education Act.

Mr Johnson's conch left Raglan yester day morning, and tho passengers arrived in Aucklaud yesterday afternoon at 4 50. This is a wonderful advance iv travelling.

Detective Kirby has icturocd to Timatu fiom Melbourne, bringing Patrick bytin, his wife and daughter, wi.o were airestcd there on the chatge of conspiracy to de fraud their creditors It was alleged that money ti tbo amount of £1,400 was de posited iv the tavings Ba-jkby Ryai.'s wife and children.

At the poll re the proposed lo.n of £100 010 for Timaru harbour, the t-.tal number uf votes in favour were 1,286: against tho loan, 35. At tho Oiichuoga B.M. Court yesterday, before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, Mrs Canning applied for an order prohibiting publicans and others from supplying her husband with liquor. A little boy has died from injuries caused by his being induced to light another boy at the North Shore, Sydney. He was afterwards tlnowu iuto the water, causing peritonitis. The total number of persons incapaci tated from woik on account of disease acd sickness at last New Zealand ensus was 2.553, or 9 per thousand of tho popu'ation over 15 years of sge. 529 males and 48 females over 15 were suffering from acci dent.

Tho Chinese population of *°cw Zealand increased from 4,442 iv 1878 to 5,033 in 1881. Uf the latter number, 102 males and 2 females were returned as being able to road and write Englteh, and 11 males aud 1 female as beiug able to read ouly.

Now Zoaland has five free public lib aries at present, viz. :—Christchurch, with 14.533 volumes; Auckland, with 5,150 volumes ; Greytown, with 2,100 volumes; Palmcrstou Norib, 700; and Utokia (Otago), 235.

There wore 1120 lunatics in New Zealand in ISSI, against 534 in 1878. The increase iv the three yen's is thus 25G, or neatly 30 per cent. Two-thirds of the the total num ber ol lunatics are mules, and 39 aie under 20 years of a«c,

At last census there were 13S persons re turned as blind in New Zoaland. Of these, 79 were roatea, and 59 females ; ands3 had distinct occupatiors.

Some half dozeu yotingsti rs in one of the suburbs of Dunedin were seized with vomiting yesterday after eating between thorn three-pence worth of Persian lolly, a compound which is being retailed nt s'reet corners by a TurKish looking individual. l he Thames is to have a new Towu Hall and Library, ihe building known as ft George's Ball is to be purcha c', and some time—probably in the future in the dis tance—patched up and dubbed Town Hall.

Mr AValpolo, tho energetic manager of the Te Awamutu Clitcsi Pactory.rcsigned in consequence of the dirbctors insisting upon placing thn cheese ou tbe market in a green state. The differences, however, will, it is hoped, be smoothed over. Thero is no sign of the Chinese popula tion of New Zealand becoming permanent settlers. There arc only 70 cut of about 5,000 Chinese males returned as • having wives in the colony ; and as thoee are only threo married Chinese females, it is evident that G7 Chinamen havo married women other than those of their own nationality.

MINING NEWS.

Pucchss —The mine manager under date 18th instaut reports : Since dale of last report, tho stope coming towards the riso has partly broken through. The ground has been close and hard, which has pinched the reef, aud has not turned out as I ex pected. There is still gold showing on the walls, and continues to go up. In the rise the ground is getting mure regular, and the reef is improving and getting more solid on the wall.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.) THAMES, Wiisday.

New North D yon.—Arrangements havigg been made with the Albumin for a continuation of the intermediate drive on Dixon's reef about the Wha.u level into tbo Devon ground, two shifts were started last Tuesday. Three shifts will probably be engaged after the holidays. 'I he distance to drive is 170 feet, and thn expense will be bnrne jointly by th" two companies. The Golden Crown Btttery lev. 1 tunnel has been cxtendcel into the Cure section, aod is now being taken in on tbe No, 1 reef, which is here merely a bank of clay. Retorting tikes place next Saturday, but the return is not expected to be as good as the last. The battery will be overhauled ill the holidays.

OUR CRICKETERS IN THE SOUTH.

How tJie Christchurch'Match tvas Lost.

Bad Management and Not Bad i. Play.

(Uy Onk of TeiEM,)

Match at Christchurch.

This was the match of the tour, and there is no doubt that it was lost by bad manage ment iv various directions. When we arrived there, betting was 2 to 1 on the leal nicu, aud next day the odds had decreased to 3to 2. There were many who 'saw at this time that mistake No 1 had been made in consenting to play a match at Ashbnrton which included any of the Cauteibury team. We began to understand how nicely Reeves and Witemg bad managed to tako the measure of our men nn the previous day, and it subse quently proved that they were both to be tall scorers for Canterbury. Mistake No. 2 was perpetrated beforo the match com menced. A meeting of the Auckland team was held to decide who should be left out, and Robinson, who presided, pointed out that owing to tho injuries Gill haa sus- Bu-tainod, and the probability of plenty of change bowling being required, "was absolutely necessary that Buckland, who at that time had the best analysis.should play. This opinion was concurred in by all the others, and a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Robinson, Teatro, and Ha.ton was appointed to decide wbo should stand out, To the astonishment of everyone, tbey de cided upon Buckland, two of the committee saying, subsequently that tho decision was unanimous, and Robinson giving it to be understood that he objected to this selection. Ihe d> cision was one of the fatal errors mado. Gill, who was known previ ously to havo had his bowliug hind injured, and who was therefore unable to do all the hard work thus imposed upon him, got two wickets at a cost of 04 runs in the first innings, while Lan.ham was also over worked to such an extent that his four wickets in tho sect nd innings wore for 00 runs. The change bowling was little eood, aud had Buckland boon thero to rolicvo Gill and Lankbam, things would have worn a different complexion, c n opinion appears to prevail that the loss of the match was largely due to Lankbam in missing the chance ■to stump Watson iv the firat innings. A greater mistake could hardly be made. The score at lunch adjournment was one wicket for 82, and, assuming that Watson bad gone out, it waa more than probable that some other man would havo made a stand against the poor bowling as it was then. But during the adjournment Lankbam caught it r.tber hot from tho other men in the team, aud when the game recommenced bis. temper was up, and the batsmem were the victims. Wickets went down likes ninepins, and the collapse tbat followed showed tint, whm bowling with anything like spirit, Lsnk ham can hold his own against any bowler ia New Zealand. Was tJte lour a Pleasure Trip ? To those Auckland... who were presc.it at Chiiitchurca during the matco, this query is sufficient to indicate the real reason why the match was lost, and to re-open a sore which is not likely to heal until » uck land has one more chance of meeting Can terbury in a fair and honest tussle for the lost cricketing laurels. At the close of the second day's piny, the position of tho game was :—- Canterbury (Ist Innings) .. .. 13*J auokUnd (ißilnnlngri .. .. 16"'. Cttttcrbney i2nd Inniage) 5 wickets tliiuu for US That evening the excitement in Christ church was intense, cud icoing the struggle for tbe honour of tbo f- o th that was impend ,ntr, the majority ot our mon decided not lo leave their room*, that nigh', and by kicpiug "sttaight" and obtaining a 1 the rest possible, to Cjlit against what then ccemod a very probable defeat. Foremost in this intention were the veterans Yates and Buckland. to whom tho cricketing' honour of Auckland is known .to be more than dear. The latter was oot playing, but Ms expressed in. tention was to Keep the others together, and it was the same desire that made Mr A. E. Whitaker one of the company that night, It might be considered undesirable to go into the private actions of the members of the team on the night in. question ; but in tho ihterosts of cricket, and also in justice to those of th* eleven to whom the match was a con si leration of importune-, we feci com pelled to state what was then aod is now considered to be the reason why tbe match was lost. On previous nigh's Robinson had gone out with other members of the team, despite tbe protests of the others. But on this particular., night, no one imagined that, as captain, he woidd think of leaving his men to do as they liked, and had he followed the excellent^ example shown by tho "skippers" of visiting teams, he would not have done so. An invitation was received from wealthy and influeutial Canterbury residents to bring some of his men to dinner, and despite protests and open grumbling from the majority of his. men, he iefused to listen, and accepted. But it was not until it was known that Barton was to bo one o:t the party that any serious objections weire raised, and one after another commented iv stiong terms on tho absurdity of a captain going out with tho best bat in his team to a dinner, where there was a certainty that champagne would flow freely. Some more blunt than others characterised the affair as an at tempt to "work" tho match, but .of course thero was no justilica'ion whatever for such an assert on. How ever, it was propheried tbat champagne and diniug out would lose the match, and yet Robinson persisted in his determina tion to go, the party consisting of himself, Barton, Blair and Gardner. The others protesting that they bad been sout down to pay cricket, and'not on a pleasure trip, remained at home, while tio quartette .-pent the evening at the palatini re-idencej of their host. Our readers are wellac-^ quainted with the exhibition next nay. i-ankham aod Gill, btlnefiting by a quiet night, came to the rescue and disposed of the remaining five wickets for 35 runs, aud Auckland, after all he.d only 145 runs to get to win. More Mismanagement. Prior to tbe commencement of the Auck land second innings, Ilobinson committod another fatal error, which docs not speak well for his ability to captain a team Yates, who is admittedly one of the best judges of a wicket we have, examined the pitch on which they were about to play, and found it to be baked hard by the suu. Knowing that it would play too fast, and that a fresh wicket could bo got by running the mower and roller over the adjoining space, he drew Robinson's attention to if, and waß quietly snubbed wiWi the tcmark that he was sel fish, and wantod a wicket to suit him- j self. The Canterbury captain, who was standing by, taw Yates and Rub'nson leave i tho pitch toecther, and remarked to the ! umpitc: "Thank God;; I was r-fraid thoy j were going to change tbat wicket," The ' inuing< commenced—and our readers know the rest. Five wickets went down for 25 runs, and of these on'y eiiiht were made by the threo best men who formed the visiting party on the pre vious night. With a losing game before them, O'Brien and Testro, to whom the cricketing honour of Auckland was dearer than ilowing bumpers of champagne, and the bright eyes of lovely women, went iv to • defend the wickeip. It. required more than an ordinary bowler of th« Wilding stamp io ' dispose of them, and the bes', bowling talent of Canterbury tried nil the arts and resources in their power to break the deter mined stand, To their evorlnstiup credit be it said, that two bouts exhibition of ex cellent batting saved a disgraceful beat ing for Auckland, a,nd made victory •possible, getting tbe score close to 100. Gardner added 15 runs, but of course, did not keep up bis wicket -for any length of time, and Duliaur played grandly for half-an-hour in tho hope of haviug the match drawn. But too much bad been lost at the commencement, and a match which might havo beeu wo:a very easily was thrown away. Cur cricketers were playing at Christchurch in a public capacity, and therefore tho pcplo u£ Auckland have a right to go further and ask who was to blame. Certainly not the eight men who were so conscientious as to preserve their nerve and strength for the' coming struggle. Blair can hardly bo blamed because he is not art Aucklander, and could scarcely be expected ti have the interests of tjie place very deeply at heart. Barton was not so much at fault, be cause be shewed a disposition to remain at home, but was overruled by his capt lin. Rjliinson, on the other hand, as the captain of a team, iv specially respon slb'e. It was his duty to have kept them together, to have worked with every man in order to eocure a healrhy esprit de corps. He had no right what ever to acafpt any invitation which did not include the wnole of tho team, and he should have discerned that true hos-.

pitality makes no invidious distinctions and searched for a hidden motive tbat might have dictated the inviting of several members of the team (in. eluding the principal batsman) to . late pleasure party on the eve of the conclusioa of,an important and cti tical match upon which so much depended and where nerve, tact, aud coolaess were ihe principal requisites. His want of jade munt was further shown by the fact that he accped invitations for a drive to tbe Stiid Company's farm early on tbat memorable Tuesday morning, knowing (hat champajmo would How freely on that occasion also Fortunately, however, Messrs Buckland and Whitaker wefc successful in their opposition to the scheme, and it was aban doned out of defcicnce to their wishes. It is sad that history repeats itself and going back to tho period of the last southern tour, it lingers in our recollection that Robiuson then nearly lost the match by taking one of his team to a dance. The members of that team still speak in-strong terms of the bad play shewn when it was least desired, and the closeness of tho match, all because the cap. tain's pa«sion for dancing was stronger than his love for cricket. We have gone more fully into ihis matter than wo intended simply in order tbat the lessons of this tour may not be lost, and we ttust for the future tbat when a repre entative team is choosing a captain it will select a man who will never be ashamed of the company of his comradeß when aristo cratic hospitality is making much of him. Auckland has been taught a severs lesson, and it should profit by it. The match in 1873 was nearly lost through injudioious and ill-timed devotion to the pleasures of the ball-room. When the Canterbury, team came to Auckland several years ago, the "flowing bowl" was fatal to our chances of victory, and now in 1882 we are compelled to udmit that an un. wise participation in social pleasures on the part of seveial men, placed Auckland second in a match everyone here fondly, and not unreasonably, expected would be won by our representative?. [The review will bo concluded to-mor. row.]

SUPPOSED MURDER OF HUGH A. HAMILTON

No Trace JFhatevcr of Poison;

TilEaddiional particulars that have come to l'ght concerning yesterday's post mortem examination only serve to confirm the information we gave regarding it in our last issue, viz,, that the fiacture of the skull at the junction of the frontal and parietal bocei is much more extensive than was at first supposed, while one or two abrasions of the skin were likewise dis covered, although the stage to .which de composition had advanced rendered it difficult to attach any particular signifi cance to them. One of the doctors ie marked, that in view of Hamilton's injuries, it was needless to look for any traces of death by other means, and the body of the infant was found to be ia such a wasted condition that very little room was left for doubt as to its having nied from natural causts. Betides, none ol the chaiao'cri-iic sLtns of the presence of poison and notably of strychnine were fobe 'seen. Strychnine has the property of hastening decomposition, but it also tends to produce curvature of the spine and co act strongly upon the nerves of tbe lower extremities, No symptoms at all resembling these were found, and therefore Mr Superintendent Thomson decided that there was no neces sity to proceed with any chemical analyiis. Portions of the stomach, however, were re moved from each body in case anything sbouid subsequently orhe which might ten der it "expedient to have an analysis made. The detailed result- of tho post mortem, however, will not be known until the evi dence of Drs- Goldsbro', Dawson, and Walker is adduced in the Pulice Court, for they havo solemnly promised the police authorities to reveal nothing umil they aro called upon to make their sworn state* ments.

Tho eve comes on again to-morrow' when Superintendent Thomsoa will apply for a- further remind for eight days No oppo-ition is anticipated from the counsel for the defence.

HEYWOOD'S MINSTRELS.

THI3 Troupe of Minst-els open their sea. son at tbe Theatre Royal on Saturday night, aud theie is every promi-e of a suc cessful season. All the members have acquired distinction in their special lives, while Mr Bey wood is Baid to have a phenomenal voice, inasmuch as he tings soprano with' Ihe utmost facili'y and effect. Mr Ferdinacd Gumbert, a German- composer of repute, con tributes tbe following concerning him to an American paper : " A strange pnenomenon is to bo seen and heard every night at the Concert House. Mr Heywood, an American, sings soprano. As he called upon mo with reference to singing lessors, what I state is founded on personal ob servation ' Mr Hey wood dots not do what we have frequently hcird done by_ comic actois, uainely, uive a burlc-que imitation of a woman's voice, which (especially after a time) sounds forced and painful; nor is he a ca>t"a'o; his speaking voice is that of ' a strong tenor. Tho remarkable feature of the case lies simply iv a fact of which I never before knew an instance—bis boy's soprano has never broken and changed to a mm's voice, it has remained a flexible, strong and ogreeiblu soprano, ran_iog without effort from B-flat below tbe stuff to B above it. What I myself sing in falsetto, sounds an octave lower than when he sings it after me. Ho possesses an excellent ear, and masters all tecnioal details with great case, so that, if his voiie lasts, be may become a re_lly "excellent prima donna (cite wahrhaft tueohtige S.engerin)."

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

St. Patrick's Boys' School, Wysdham- STREKT. ' ..'.:

Tbe annual examination of this scbol took place jcstcrday, and was conducted by the Very Rev. Monsignore Fynes, Very Rev. Walter McDonald, Adm., and Rev. Fathor Lenihah. The examination was rather searching in the different subjects, and the result proved satisfactory. The following is the programme of examination gone through, with tho names of those who obtained prizes :—

First ob Junior Class.—Beading, Spelling, Writing, Arithmetic, and Cate chism -. R. Smythe, Edwards,'!'. Halloran, E. Gibbons, W. Ziegler, AY Cliike. SECOND Class. — Reading, Spelling, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography, Reel-, ta'ion, aud Catechism: P. Smytbe, H. James, E. Wilson, S. Cotton, T. Bealy, A. Donovan, W. J. Dathie, J. Homan. Third Class.—Reading, spelling and explanation, writing, arithmetic, tables, grammar, geography, recitation and cate-, chism : M. O'Keetle, V, O'Kane, T. Simon,' J. Gibbons, J. Skarrott. C. McKntce, 0. McEntce, G. Quaid, W. Hurley, J. Hurley.

Fourth and Fifth Classes.—Brad-, iug, spelling aud explanation, giammnr, geography, arithmetic, rocitatioU, history, derivation, drawing, catechism: J. ForeJ,, J. Quinn, J. J. Bcaly, A. Filzimon, E. Eyic, A. Fernandez, W. Lonergan, A pr ze fer catechism, ptesented by Very Rev. Father W. McDonald, was drawn for by twenty boys of equal merit, mid fell i to the lot of Master Walter Hurley. The following iecita'ions were carefully deliverod :— A. Fitzsimon, "The Exile of Erin" (Campbell); W. Lonerjjan, "Try Again" (E. Cook); J. Ford, "Journey to Bethlehem" (Carelinal Wiseman); J- Quinn, "Washington and his Mother"; a. Fernandez, *'!_£ Sister of Mercy' (Williams); J, J. Healy, " Death of the Christian" (Chateaubriand); E. Byre, " Graves of a Household " (Mrs Hemaue); I). LiudsLiy, "Columbus's First Voyage (Bruton). At the couclusion, the Very Rev. Men sign ore fynes distributed the prizes to those deserving, and in so doing said it afforded him great pleasure to preside at tfhe examination of such an intelligent number of boys. He said it reflected nine credit ou the teacher, Mr Regan, that such, a gient improvement on las* examination was shown—indeed, it far exceeded his ex\ pectations—and exhorted all to commence their studies with renewed vigour after vacation, feeling confident that the sound system of a secular, combined with a reh gie.us educatiem they were rec.iving, could not fail in making them useful and exem plary members of society in after life.. After singing ihe hymn, "Sweet Stat of tbe Sea," and lhe " National Anthem," the proceedings terminated. The school breaks, up to-morrow for tho Christmas holidays,

IHE &UCKLANO KfmiMi 3IAR THURS'M*. DECEMBER gl



■pARKLANDS, "fiTORTHCOTE. NftVEB BBFORK OIfFERKD TO THS PUBLIC. This flno Property, situated 2J miles from tho new wnatf, Northoote. which has boon sub divided Into 23 large seotionß Of from 1 to 4} aores In extent, ia now open for Hale at very ■ law prices, and on very easy terms, a number of the sections ara brought into cultivation and command extensive views of Rangitoto and tho Lake. Ab investments, perhaps, it would be .Ifflonlt to find more eligible ones, as the district Is fast rising in publio estimation, and within a short period it must become a popular marine v suburb, and a large increase In vaiaea will take place, more especially as regular and oheap steam communication ia being established. This 1b a Grand opportunity for securing a few aorea of land in a rising locality where proneriy has not made Its advano- The LASGK NEW HOO6E with over an acre of garden, may be bouaht for £250 and the allotments at from £20 to _50 per acre, as agreed upon. a_e Property, wbioh is situated on tbe main North Road, is ' well worth viewing. A large Plan may now bo soen, and fnrtber particular* obtained, at tho offloe of J. R. BANOER-ON, Land Agont 6, N.Z. Insurance Bnildings. "-NDUSTBIAL AND PROVIDE-*! L PERMANENT BUILOING, LAND. AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY OF AUCKLAND. * INVESTING SHARES. This Society is now issuing a limited number Ot Investing Shares as follows :— INVESTIN- SHARES, Ordinajry, carrying fall rate of Interest and profit. Members pay log subscriptions in advance for a ported ■ ot 6 months and upwards seoure correspond ing advantages. PAID-UP SHARER of the value of *20 eijoh ---for-limited periods, carrying 7 per cont. ■'■'■'■ Interest, payable half-yearly in caßh and participating in profits. MONKY ON DEPOSIT. Tho Society 1b also prepared to receive Money On Deposit on the following ratoa of Interesti— For 12 months, at 7 par oant., interest pay able ha If yearly. For 6 months, at C por oent. - For shorter periods, 5 per pent. GEORGE FRASER, Manager. Offices i Corns of Queen-stroot and Vulcan ane. t | fTUIORNTON, SMITH AND FIRTH HAVE FOR SALE : • " Drown" Flour, in sacks, 100's and 50's "Champion" „ „ ~ 'Cantab" „ „ ."..-., „ Sharps Bran , i Fowl Wheat Mil., Auckland. City T__a Mart. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCHRY :'_.;.; AND PROVISION STORE. , .-VIOTOBIA AND ALBKRT STREWS. ON BALE- Cholco New Staions Teas " . . Finest Mountain Coffee ■- - Finest New Emits ".'.'■','.'■: Canter .ury Baoon and Hams Canterbury atd WairnaCheeee Cocaiais, Stuees Plo_liß fc- Coatee louecy, BiscuUs, Co3sques & .Cigaru, Tob&coor, etc, etc, etc. ML In Quantities to 80lt p Powbaweß, a t Wholesale Hit. -RoßEiia' Hew.



i special Advertißementa. j THE j - Wonderfully Increased demand ! . for onr Celebrated Goods. made of NEW ZEALAND T WBKD3. has ncoosßltatod tho Firm Ereotlng an Extenßlvo and Costly New Warbhoubb, to, givo accommodation to tho A EXTRA CLOTHING Stair, ond to make room for the New Machinery, which has boon perßonallyseleotcd by Mr. Hallensteln during his rooent visit to England and Amorloa, THE FACTORY wl'inow be the Largest Estab lishment of tho kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and as described in tho " Otago Dally I Times," promises to bo a Model Wlarohouse. Tha AUCK LAND BRANCH Addrosß ls -158 AND 160, QUBE tf-STRKBT. Tho oholce variety of NEW GOODS now showing has nothing to oom pare with It in the whole of Q U E E N-S T R E E T, AUCKLAND. J. FITZSIMONS, Branch Managor. Christmas & JSW Year. WILLIAM RATTRAY Begs to Inform thoso requiring Christmas and Now Yoir Presents, that ho has a SPLENDID STOCK OF DR*P«RY SILKS MEROKRY DRESSES CLOTHING SATINS MANTLE. COSTUMES MILLINERY RIBBONB HHHIRRY LACKS GLOVHS BOARDS MITTS M-N'3 AND BOY-' OLOTHING, SHIRTS AND HATS, Tt o Goods ara of tho Be^t Quality, havo been Bought Cheap, and will bo Sold Cheap, at WILLIAM J^ATTRAY'S CENTRAL DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 178, 180, & 182, QUEEN-STREKT, AUCKLAND, rrpHE Largest, Best, and Cheapest Fort * of GOLii and SILVER JEWELLKRY- Watchei- Ohainp, Eleotro-plat9. Marble Clooko, and Sterling Stiver Plate-to bo obtained at F. a. Lewlißon's, Quoen-Btreet, opposite Union Bank. NORWICH UNION KIKE INSUR ANCE SOCIETY. ESIABLISHED 179 7. Amount Insured exo . _-- --_ £150,000,000 Losses paid ..__._..£3,764,000 THIS SOCIETY, Well known for a liberality in its dealings, and tor promptitude In the settlement of claims, is prepared to accept rises on EVERY INSURABLE DESORD?TION OF j PROPERTY, AT GREATLY REDUCED RATES. LO33ES PAID by Cheque on Society a Bank era in Auckland, without reference elsewhere, immediately after produotion ot PROOF OF LOSS, WILLIAM T. J. BELL, Chiki Agent, Provincial Districts of Auoklond and 1 ranakl N.B,—All Monies received In New Zealand are Invested in the Company. "EIX SS. 'GARONNE. 1 OASE NOVELTIES in -EMBROIDERY, In White and Cream Guipure. Also, White, Cream, and Dark , Colours, worked In colours, > ONE CASrt NBW TERRY CLOTH. OR TURKISH TOWELLING for Dresses, In White, Cream, Pink, Sky, and Drab. ONE OASE NUN'S V, It > ING, In Street and Evening J Shades. i » MILNE AMD CFOYCE, ; QUEEN-STREET. I ~,.... :-.',''■ L ■ ■ I , _ _ As. JjINABURY & Co.'S NEW GOODS I NEW GOODS 1 NEW GOODS 1 NEW GOODS I ' WE ARE NOW SHOWING OUR | FIRBT SHIPMENT OF j ! Spring and Summer) •::•'.:' ■" I DRESS GOODS, MILLINERY, JACKETS, MANTLES, ULSTERS, &a...■'■. WE HAVE THB LARGKST AND BEST SELECrED HTOOK OB MILLINERY IN MILLINERY MILLINERY .„__.. , wn MILLINERY MILLINERY AUCKLAND. jULUjjfjsKY -*!*- ' —You are— .—reßpeotfnlly— —invited to visit— —Our Establishment— —beforo making— —your Pur— —obaaos.— -}*. ' DRESSMAKTiNG ON THE PREMISES. CO3TUMHS MADE ON TWENTY FOUR HOURS' NOTICE, A. 1/»ABU*Y * (10., m & m QUEEN-STREET. QALSALINE. The Great Food Preservative. This Invaluable Antiseptic .Compound is TASTBLBS!', ODOURLKas, -and perfeotly HAttMLEdS. SALSALINE Keeps Mi k. Soup, Beer, and any fluid fooo sweet and wholesome in any weather. SALSALINE Keeps Maat freeh and sound, and makes it tenaer and digest ible. ...... SALSALINE Keeps Eggs perfeotly sweet and untainted for a year or more. SALSALINE Keeps Frosh Butter quite palat able, and free from ranoldity In the hotteßt weather, SALSALINE Keeps Fish fn&_ and untainted until required for nee. 8 ALSALINE Keeps Infants' and Invalids' Food Bwoet and wholesome, and pre vents flitulenoe. griping, and dlarrbre*. BEND FOR PAMPHLET. _W Sco Report by Dr Heotor. C.M.G.. F.R.S.. ' Colonial Laboratory, Wellington, . ; Sold by. tho prinoloal Grocers and Store keepers In Is and 2a packets. ■ 8010 Agents {or Anokland- TAINE BROS r :-i-Ls.iii.L,;::-^, iliii::,i-i:t\ff:„:..; .-:.,,,-■: i- '■, :>.v.,.-v.■:a';":":,"■- ■ri'J.'i



OA N X HOLIDAYS. Tho BANKS will be CLOSED on MON DAX", 25.h, and TUESDAY, 26th Deosmbor. jO n Sale, BROADCAST CLOVER AND SICED BARROW DRILLS, specially adapted for sowing broadcast Turnip, Clover. Ryo Grass, aid other small seeds. AMKHICAN HOUSffi RAKKB, whloh, with ono Man and Horse, will collect roady for carting threo to four tons of Hay per hour. v SELF-BELIEVING CHAIN HARROWS, 80 well known that description Is un neoessary. COLONIAL TIMK HARROWS, which for strength, offlolenoy, and elmpiiclty have no rival. CHAFF CUTTKR3. for hand, horoo, or stonm power. Also, PLOUGHS (Singlo nnd Double), SUB TOILERS, HOK3K HOES, CULTIVA -o.:s, Ac, Seo., Sec, manufactured by Thos. Cohdett, Ehrowabury, England, at prioes it hlob defy competition. Also, COULTAS'd SEED AND MANURE DRILLS. KEARSLEY'S COMBINED REAPER AND MOWER. ROBSY & CO.'3 STKAM ENGINES Alft) THRASHI MACHINES. W» J» Hurst & Co., 101. QUEEN-TRKBT, Anokland.



Leather working machines unpacking,— D. tf. Chambers, 70. Qaeen-Btsco'.-tAdvM. I To tbo Kditor EVENING STAR : I havo bo«n ailltoteo for the lost 10 or 11 months wi'h rneurnatlam. gaetralgla, and dlsoaaa of tho live? ond kldnaye, and at length my health be came co mnch Impaired that I could not fol'ow my e-iiip'oynient. I oonaultod eovcral modtoal ui'-n ia tbe ?oaih Island, and al o la Auattlanr, butioootvcdnobo-ctltuntlll waarooimmondod ti givo Mr Gamier a trial, whloh I did with Hi i most satisfactory results, I ropreten'od my case to htui ana In tne coarse ot six weeks, un or his oaretal treatment. I am happy to state 'hit I fe^l mrself perfeotly cured. I trust, for tno b moflt of humanity, that other patients who get as successfully oared as I have been will acknowledge thelrgratltudetoMr Garnhr. Tne writer Is on botrd the Louie, and bound for lovuka. —Charles Ssmech, Auckland, De cember 16tb, 18S2 —lAdvt ]



I " Hero is your writ of attachment," said the Begietrar as he handed a lover a mar ' tinge license. j Gas Consumers are reminded that Satu i day. tho v3rd ln-tan>, at l p.m. is tne last day on whloh dieoouct is allowed en gas aul coke | acoounts. The sale of the GlcDgrove estate at Ota huhu will be bold about the loth of January. Arrangements may bo made for iho purchase of sections in tho meantime, on vory reasonable terms. Lithographs are out.-T. W. Hicksou & I Co.—[Advt.] j