SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER }To-mor^MorninK 0.38 BUNSKT.-This Kvonintr, 7.17 BUN KiaK.-To-morrow Mori;in«(. 5.2 MOON'S AGK.-Laiit Uuarter, 13th, 3 2C a.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST BVENIKQ.

Anazl, barque. Hill, from London

TJ-DAY. Arayle. s.s.. Crawford, from WhanKarci lona ss.. Taylor, from Whanaarel Byoor. sohooner, Atkins, from Lyttolton Florinda. brlgantlne. Saundera, from the Grey

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENINQ. Obnelg, 8.8., Stephenson, for Tanranga Fingal, 8.8., Norris, for Mang&wat

TODAY. lona. 8.H., Taylor, for Coromundol Oilflin. aohoonor, Bishop, (or KussdU

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

TauS^ontfgll^ WolU»Rton, Monday or

WnaSf 7and Wnnnmrel Heads - lona, Saturday, and Arf?ylo, Tuesday ManKawai- Flngal, 'rhurßdw Mercury Bay-Kingal, Monday

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Roman Empire, ahlD (K.P.V.N.), from London, PareSraf M Hmdon; art* Docem-

Oxford. ship, from London; \oai\ng.tSor.B

Alcestis, barque, (H.0.M.N.) from Liverpool, via Wellington; sailed, Novembor 7 Adamant, barque, from London Cabwfofd^qui, from New York; Balled I nf SEVtTar Nq enl.l oom New York; Eliza Mary, brl«antine,'from Tlmaru Myrtle, brlfjantine, from Samoa Katelle, aohooner, from Dunedin Pirate, sohoonor, from Huahlno Atlantio, sohooner, from Rarotonga Bello Brandon, aohooner, from tho Islands By no, schooner, from the Islands

IMPORTS.

Per"Florlnda from Mauritius — 121 tons white sugar. 1 Per Byoor from Lyttelton-40 cases blue, 200 mats sugar, 61 tankß. 800 saokß oats, 1,400 sacka wheat, 25 saoks sharps. 100 sacks bran, 2 oases baoon.2l-casescaßtor oil, 130 sacks flour, and 1,120 bags flour.

Inwards Coastwisb.—Rata, from Manala. with 27|000ft timber; Janet, from Whangarel Heads, with 800 bußhela llmo. Ootwabds Coastwise — Rata, for Manala: Ruby, for Kussell; Adah, for Rubboll ; Toviot, for Port Fltzroy; Janet, for Whangarei Heads.

The brigantlne Borealls is loading for the Islands, under oharter to Messrs Henderson and Maofarlane. The barque May Queen was dookod at n gn water to-day, to undergo the usual cleansing prooess. The schooner Hally Bayley has entered out at the Customs for Tairua, to load for Sydney.

Lloyd's of November 29th says: " The Pareora lOantain Power) bound for Auckland, has put back to Oraveaend with los^of both anchors, Btorm sails, and Bteering gear.' An official enquiry into the stranding of the May Quoen at Tauranga, was held at the Custom House yesterday. The evidence will be for warded to Wellington. The s s. Oreti left Gisborne for Auckland at 11 a.m. to-day, and may thereforo ba expected here to-morrow evening Bhe leavos for South ern ports again at 5 p.m. on Monday. The brlgantlno Florlnda arrived from MauritlUß, via the Grey, at noon to-day. She left the former port on Nov. 15 and latter on Jan. 8. Experienced fine weather up the coast. The Florinda bringß a cargo of sugar, which sho was unable to dispose of South. The b.s. lona arrived from Whangarei via Waiwera at 9 a.m. to-day, with ono passenger: —Mr Witt. She was to leave for Ooromandel at 4 p.m. to-day, The American throe-mastod schooner Eyoor arrived from Lyttolton at 1 p.m. to-day, Oapt. Atkins reports leaving Lytteitoa on December 31st. and having experienced moderate weather until reaching Kast Cape'and strong westerly sales to arrival. The Kyoor is oonsigned to Mr H. P. Barbor, and upon dlsoharge or inward cargo will load gum and proceod to New York dlreot.

OnOootber 22 the Illawarra, an iron sailing ship of 2,000 tons gross, built to the ordnr of Messrs Uevitt and Mooro, of Londoii, was launched by Messrs Doble and Co., Uovan, She is Intended for the Australian trado, and will be commanded by Captain Carvosso.

The sa. Argyle arrived from Whangarei at 130 a.m. to-day, with 19 bales wool. 30 sacks k'aurl tcnm, 20 saohß fnngus, 4 bales leathor, 45 cases fruit, 8 saoks hides, 4 bundles skins, 10 kegs and 6 cases butter, 2 cases cheese, 1 case bacon, 2 sacks vegetables, 31 packages of furniture, 32 sheep. 3 tons sundries, and the following paS3eDgors:—Misses MoGregor.uavls, Hazeldean. Mr and Mrs Bradthaw, Meßdamea Fraser. Palmer, Lambert, Messrs Bultitade, Farrw. Jaklns, Parrett. Cosiar, J. Kennedy, J. Kooles, J. Whitelaw, J. Harrison, Recram, J. Soolon, Farmer, Nayler, John Bucklona, MoAuley, Flnlsyson, and W. Viikery.

ARRIVAL OF THE ANAZI, FROM LONDON.

As we anticipated, the barque signalled yes terday proved to be the Anazi, from London. She reached anohorage off the Qneen-Btreet Wharf about 9.30 p.m.. having made the voyage from port to port in 126 days, or 119 daysfrom land to land. Captain Hill, who is well-known hare, comes in company with Mrs Hill. He reports of the voyage as follows:— Left London on Sept.7, and on the Bth oame to an anchor In the* Downs, with light aira from the westward. Same day pot under weigh with a freshening easterly breeza, and proceeded down the Channel; had light to moderate N. W. breezes. Cleared the Channel on Sept 11th. Afterwards had moderate W. breezes, whioh we carried to 40' N. From thenoe to the equator had a continuation of light variable winds and oalms, and whioh was orossed On October 23rd in 30'W. Took: the S.K. trades 6" d., and carried them to 20" 8., when they finally gave out, and whloh were moderate to fresh throughout. After losing trades had several days light baffling winds and calms, and from 30' 8. to the meridian of the Cape experienced fresh N.W. wlndo and thiok weather. Crossed the meridian of the Capo Nor. 26; from thence to the Leuwln and Tas mania had strong S.W. wind and high saa run nine. Passed the latter on January 2, and car ried a fresh S.W. wind up to the Three Kings. which was sighted on January 9. Had moderate SB. winds and clear weather down the ooast. Had a fresh 8.8. W. gale While off the Little Barrier, on the evening ot the 10th instant. Took pilot on board on the Uth, and came to an anchor name evening. Hod no speakings during the passage. The Anazi has a quantity of cargo for Napier, whew she will prooeed on disoharge of Auok land portion, She loads at Napier for London.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Fleetwinff, schooner, Pullman, from Greymouth

The a a. Lalla Hookh returned to the wharf test night. She crossed the bar yesterday afternoon, bat could not make satisfactory headway against the strong head wind, and Heavy head sea whloh was running outside. The sohooner Fleetwlng arrived from Grey mouth yesterday afternoon, with 83 tons coal, and 2 tons coke, having made the round trip In a little over nine days.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Pioton. this day. Sailed: Penguin, s.s. for Wellington, 9.15 a.m, Gisborke, this day. Sailed: Oreti, for Auokland, 11 a.m.

TAOKANO4. this day. Arrived : Glenelg, from Auckland, 8.15.

Ltitklton', yesterday, tfallod; City of NanklD, for London. Wellington, yesterday, Soiled • Wanaka, for the North, Fa>sengers: Mlaaes Bendall. Jenner, and Shaw, Mesdames Steel, Get, Goring, Raah, and family. Major GorinK; Captain Johnstone, Messrs Phillips. Wood and two children, Seßd, O'Brien and Corke. __

COMMERCIAL.

Evenino Stab Office, Friday. MB AWPBBD BUOKtiAND'S WKKKLY REPORT, At the Haymarket on Friday, January 6, loader brought from Is Bd to Jb per owt; small loads, 16a to 245; and atraw, 33s por load. There were a largo number of horses yarded, the majority ot -which were disposed of at fair prices. Medinm colts brought from fill 10s to £1810s: Light harness horses. £19; agea weight oamimt hacks. £1210a to £15; light hacks and Denies, *4 Ss to All. The thorougbreds adver tised were offered at twelve o'otock. There •wan a large attendance, and several of the lots elicited keen competition. Tol, the first offered, was started at fltty guineas, and aulokly ran up to 119 guineas, at which price Bhe was knookea down to Mr John Smith Hannah followed, nnd was purchased to Contain Walmsley for 69 guineas. Aconite, With foal at foot by Muakat, 66 guineas, Mr A. Maodonald. Bryonia was passed in at 40 imlneas Pastime, also with a Musket foal, foil WMr W. Paul, for 49 gulreas. A yearling filly by Musket was bought by Mr Barker.so guineas. •Takapnna Maid, m, Mr Barker. Konl Play Badaworth, Randwiok, Rawenata. Hawthorn and Lady Klizabeth, were aleo offered, but not bringing: the ownera' reserve, were passed in, At Hetnuera, on Thursday, dairy cows and store cattle were at late values. Fat cattle were in full numbers, and slightly lower in price townrds the end of the sale, although the prices obtained showed an advance over late markets, and were varying with quality from 23s to 26s the lflOibs. sheep were abundant, principally wethers. They were in good request, and ateady in prioe. at about 2id the lb. JUimbß did not bring the extreme values of last week, hut those of good quality ranged from 11s to 15s each. Fat calves were soaroe, and slightly better worth. Pigs were in usual supply, and without alteration in value. UEfiSBS HUSTBB AND NOLAN'S WBEKX,Y BKPOBT. Horses : A good many have been brought for ward, but as few Ot them were strangers to the market, there was an indisposition on the part of the buyers to give expected prices. At the Durham yards, on Friday, a large number were Bubmitted by auction, but bidding was Blow, and for several lots the expectations of vendors could not he reached at anotion, but were afterwards dlsDOsed ot privately. We MOtafHaoks, S& 15s to m; light har £Thorm from £13 to *18 ss: draugW, 48310b. Wool, bides, skins, and tallow: There was good competition. Hides sold at , from 3M to Id: calfskins, SJd; sheepskins. Is Bd * 8d; tallow, 2te 6d per owt: wool (in WjW pales from 6Jd to B|d; bags, s}d to 7Jd. Oettle j

Thore has boon increased vitality In the market. An increased number have been brought for ward, and prices, partionlarly for fat stock, have had an upward tendoncy. The New market Yarda wero well filled on Tuesday, as wcro also the Pukok^he yards on Wednesday. There was little alteration in valuo ot stores or d"iry stook, but fat beasts sold readily at 25s per lOOlbs, and for a few prime animals a shade more was given at New market. Sheep : There was an unusually large number yarded at Newmarket, principally stores, and there was spirited competition. Store ewes in low condition sold at from 6s 9d to 10s 6d; wethers. 7s to 93 3d; store lambs, 5s Od to 7s 6d; fat wethers, from lla Gi to 15s 3d. A grof.t number of fat lambs were yarded, not withstanding which thoy were keenly compotod for, and sold at from 83 to 18s 9d. Piga: Very Bhort supply.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Wholesale. Retail. b. d. s.d. ■ b d. s.d. Butter, fs.lb 0 7-0 8 Milk, quart 0 1-0 0 Beet dairies 0 0-0 0 ISutter. fa, lb 0 8-0 10 Butter, Bit, lbO 8-0 0 Butter, salt 0 10-0 0 Cheese (local) 0 5-0 0 Cheese (coL) 0 8-0 0 Do., Cant. 0 41—0 5 Egga.doz... 0 0-13 Bgnidoz. 0 0-1 0 Lard.lb .. 0 0-0 10 Lard,lb(tinß)O 7-0 8 Fowls, eaoh 2 6-3 0 Bacon and Hama, Ducks, each Z 6-3 0 Provincial 0 7-0 10 Geeao, each 6 0-7 0 Canterbury Hama Turkeys .. 5 U~7 v and Bacon (in Bacon Id .. 0 10-1 0 cloth) .. 0 101-1 0 Hams. lb.. 1 0-1 i I Broad, 4d to 4Jd por 21b loaf Jams, por caBO. 5 doz, 36s 6d to 37s Bd Buttor IB vary plontiful. Butchers Meati Rotall. „ , . „ „ Roasting Beef - g sto 0 7 Boiling Beef .. .. •■ "Rf ~ X ? Mutton, hind-quarter.. .. -04 - 0 0 „ fore-quarter .. ... 02J— 0 0 Lamb, fore-quarter I" ..36-50 „ hlnd-quartor /.. ' „ „ „ Pork and Veal 0 0-0 7 Bteaks - - 2E~ 2 2 Chopa and Sausages .. •- ~•■ 05— 0 0 Tallow beat (wholesale)— Mutton, 325; mixed, 25s to 30s. Flour Market. Wholesale. c s. a. Superfine Flour, sllkdresaod, per ton., 12 10 0 Fine Fiour, ditto, household .. £12-12 10 0 Adelaide, por ton „ ... _ .. 11 0 0 Oamaru, per ton .. .. - .. 12 0 0 Dunedin, por ton 11 10 0 Canterbury, por ton .. •• •• - «l? » Bran per ton (saoks included) „ .. 60 0 Sharps, per ton ... ~ - fc» 10S-5 IS 0 Cabli Broad .. .. - - ~ 18 0 0 Oatmeal.. ~ .. .. - Cl 2-1210 0 Pearl Barley - - .. •• *17—18 0 0 HAY AND COBN MARKKT. Wholesale. B. a. B. d Aa. R B Maize (3yd.) none Hay me'dow < CftL) o—o 0 ton pressed 5 0-6 0 . (run.) i B-0 0 Lucerne, do 6 0-6 10 (Coast) 5 0-0 0 Straw (load) 0 18—1 10 Oata ° ..2 6-2 9 Chaff .. ..3 10-4 10 Wheat (fowl) 3 9-4 o Hay (oaten) 6 o—s 10 Potatoes, £4 to £110a. Rotail. a. a, c. a. b. a. s. a. Maize (scarce). Lucerne, owt.7 6—B 0 baßhel ..5 0-0 0 Oaten, ditto 6 0-7 0 Oate, ditto ..2 9-3 0 Straw, ditto 3 0-4 0 Bran,loolbs- «6-0 0 Chaff, ditto 5 6-6 0 Wheat (fowl) i 6-0 0 Pot»t'es,now 5 6-lb Hay, owt ~6 Wheat aeod 0 0-0 0 Seeds.—Ratail. a.a. b. a. b. a.. s. a. Ryeßrass ..8 o—o 0 Cocksfoot, b1.6 6—7 0 Italian,ao. ..7 6-8 0 Trefoil, lb. 0 7-0 0 Red Clover.lbO 11—1 0 Ratstail, lb. 1 6-0 7 White Clover 1 0-1 3 Timothy, lb. 0 7-0 0 Alsyke, lb ..0 0-1 3 Lucerne,lb. I—o 0 iCowgrasa, lbl 2-1 3 Rape, lb ..0 5 0 0 Woolpaoks in quantity, 3a 3d to 3s 6d eaoh oorn saoks, 8s to 9s 6d per dozen. Fencing wire Nos. 6.7 and 8. assorted. £1610ato £17 per ton Coal and Firewood Market. Coal. — Newcastle, market glutted (ship's Bide), cargo 30s per ton; yard, 88s to tJ2s. Bay of Islands, at yards, 25s 6d; soreenod, 289 Od; ditto at the mine, 12s; ship's Bide, 23s Cd. Walkato, at mine, ss; in Auokland 17s 6d to 225; Tauplri, at mines, 6s 6d to 12s ;at yar<?. 18a to 245; dolivered, 26a to 29a. Wangarei t mine, 8s 6d; yard (stewn), 17s; household, 22a. Miranda, at yard (household), 18s; steam, 18s Kaino (houaehold), 255, delivered; steam, 20a. Firewood.—Uncut, at wharf (cargo), 8s to 03 per ton; delivered, 12s to 13s; cut, 14s to 16a. Kauri Gum and Flax Market. Gum ia firm. The following sales have been effected since last Fri day i—Good ordinary Kalpara and Whan garei at £36 to £36; East Coast, £42 to £45; receipts for December, 465 tono; for January, so far, 130 tons. FLAX.-Finest quality £19-£2 l 10s per ton Tow -. .. » ..7 -9 Funsus 4a. perlb

Building Materials. Timber.—Boards and Scantling, 100 ft., beßt, 14s; second classes Bd ; best planed, tongued and grooved, first-class, 15s 6d; second ditto, 10s 6d, Mills: Cargo.best, 10s to 11s; sec-class, 6a; Baulk, 6a to 6s 6d. New Zealand Palings, sft (sap), 10s; sft (heart 12s; 6ft, 13s; Ti-tree Rails, £310s per 100; Purlri Posts, £6 ss; Shinglos, 14s per 1,000; Hobart Town Palings, sft, 17s; 6ft, 19a; Hobart Town rails, 90s, Belling quotations. BniOKS (at Whan,) 40sper 1,000; Town Yards, tS ss: delivered, £210s. Drain pipos. per 100, (8 inchoa bore), ?03; 4 inches, lls; 3 inches, 9a 2 inches, £210s per 1,000 socket glajzed pipes, 18 inohes 2s 6d per foot; 15 inohes, 2s per foot; 12 inches, Is Gd per foot; 9 inohes, Is per foot; 6 inches, 6d per foot; 4 incheß. 4d por foot. Lime, slaoked, Is per bushel; qniok Umo In eaok, Is Cd to 2a; ground lime, Is 9d.

(BY TELEGRAPH.)

Chribtohubch, January 12.—Harvest opara tlsnß are proceeding vigorously. Wheat is 4s to 4s 2d; oats, Is lOd to Is lid ; foofl, 2s to 2s Id; for old barley, 3s 9d to 3a lOd; flour. £10 10a per ton ; rye grass, 3s 3d to 3s 6d; cocksfoot, 3d toddporlb.

Mail Notice.

Mails will (Jlosk as Undkb.— This Day. For Whangarei Heads, Parna, Waipn, Whan garei, Tanglhua, and Mangapal, por Argyle. at 4.30 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 5.30 p.m. Saturday, 14th instant. For Talrua, per Kose, at 10 a.m. for Port Fl'zroy. por Tevlot, at 10 a.m. For Waiwera, Russell, and Kawasawa, per lona, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangl, Matakana, Manga. wai. &c, per Rosa Casey, at 10 a.m. For Woitara, etc, per Macgregor, at 1 p.m. For London, dlreot, per SCraoathro, at i p.m. Monday, 16th instant. For CoromandeU per Coromandol, at 11.30 a.m. For New Plymouth, Wanganul, eto,. per Rowena, at 1 p.m. For Whitiangi, per Fingal, at 3 p.m. For Tauranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotikl, per Wellington, at 4.30 p.m. Tuesday, 17th instant. For Taranaki and Southern ports, por Wanaka, at 3.15 p.m. Tuesday, SUt instant. Per 8,8. City of New York, aa follows '.— For Bandwioh Islands, United States Of America. Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign Weat Indies, at 1 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Bnrope, 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 reoeived by the Mall Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be dno in London, on Mon day, 13th March, 1832, S. B. 8139, Chief Postmaster. I Chief Post-offloe, Auckland,

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 13,1882,

Theatre Royal — Montague-Turner English Opera Company: " Maritana," 8 p.m.

Kpsom Hall—Mutual Improvement Society, 8 p.m.

Pitt-street Wealeyan Band of Hope, 7.15 p.m

Notice to Correspondents.

" R. J.F."—Marriage with deceased wife's sister is now legal under the law ot New Zealand. Subscriber.—Billingsgate never won an Auok* land Derby. C. H., Princes-street-(1.) A hotel is lloonaod for the accommodation ot tho public and a publican is bound by law to supply beer or liquor when called upon to do so within the prescribed time; (2.) Yea.

Birth.

CHBISTMAa-On 9th January, 1883, at her residence, Aberoroinble-tfreet, tho wife of F, Christmas of twin daughters. MoQILP.—On the 9th Instant, at her residence, Grey-street, the wife of Mr. A. Mcßilp of a son.

Marriage.

WENN-COWAN.-On the 2nd January, 188J, by the Rev. S. Coth, Mercury Bay, John Wenn to Isabella Cowan, both of Parnell, Auok land.

Death.

JOHNS.—At the residence of his parents, on the 13th January, Louis Alonzo, the dearly beloved son ot T. A. A. J. Johns.

The funeral will take plaoe on Sunday next, leaving late residence at 2 o'clock p.m. Friends are respeotfully invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1882.

For the cause that lacks awlilance, For tho wrong that needs rcsistouc For the future in the distance. And the good that we can do.

It baa been mooted at various times in this colony that we should follow the American system in our appointments to the Civil Service. The one advantage of that system, which makes a large proportion of the ap pointments political, is the fact that it deprives the office-holder of all claim upetn the country for a living, and distributes the Government loaves and fishes more gene rally among the peopl*. Theoretically, It professes to prevent the creation of a special class looking to the public fora living; practically, however, it does nothing of the kind. No country in the world is bo afflicted with an army of office-seekers as the United State?, and the worst of it is that those men base their claims for admittance topublicemployment upon some political service instead of on their fitness for the performance of the duties of the office upon which they have set their minds. Once in, if unrestrained by a sense of rectitude, an office-holder feels impelled to make provision for the time when he will be put out, by plunder ing Uncle Samuel's purae if he has a chance. Wo are sometimes told that the system works well in the United States, but the ittitude of President Hayes towards it, ollowed by President Garfield, who lost his iwn life in the cause of reform, affords con ducing proof that any opinion in its favour s not sympathised with by those who have leen associated intimately with its ad ministration. Political office-seeking is ne of the greatest- blots upon American istltutions, and the determined attack port it by the last two Presidents hna

already caused a considerable curtailment and presages its ultimate abolition.

President Arthur, in his first message to Congress, plainly declares his adherence to the policy of his predecessors on this ques tion. He says " the assertion that original appointments should be based upon ascer tained fitness is not open to dispute." " Bur, he added, " the question how in practice such fitness can be most effec tually ascertained is one which has for years excited interest and discussion." In discussing the various plans to this end,Mr Arthur gives a decided preference for the system of competitive examination adopted in England. He observes: "The success which has attended that system in the country of its birth is the strongest argu ment which has been urged for its adoption here." He continues: "The fact should not, however, be overlooked that there are certain features of the English system which have not generally been received with favour in this country, even among the foremost advocates of civil service reform. Among them are. (1) A tenure of office which is substantially a life tenure. (2) A limitation of the maximum age at which an applicant cau enter the service, whereby all men in middle life or older are, with some exceptions, rigidly excluded. (3) A retiring all owance upon goingoutcf office. These three elements are as important fac tors of the problem as any of the others. To eliminate them from the English system would effect a most radical change in its theory and practice. The avowed purpose of that Bystcm is to induce the educated young men of the country to devote their lives to public employment by an assu ranco that, having entered upon it, they need never leave it, and that after voluntary retirement thoy shall be the recipients of an annual pension. That this system, as an entirety, has proved very successful in Great Britain seems to be generally conceded, even by those who once opposed its adoption. To a statute which should incorporate all its essential features I should fcefbound to give my approval, but whether it would be for the best interest of the public to fix an expedient for immediate and extensive application, which embraces certain features of the English system, but excludes or ignores others of equal importance, may be seriously doubted, even by those who are lm> pressed, as I am myself, with the grave importance of correcting the evils which inhere in the present methods of appoint ment. If, for example, the English rule, which shuts out persons above the age of twenty-five years from a largo number of public employments, is not to be made an essential part of our system, it is questionable whether the attainment of the highest numbe of marks at a competitive examination should be the criterion by which all appli cations for appointment should bo put to test. And, under similar conditions, it may also be questioned whether admission to the service should be strictly limited to its lowest ranks.

The President then goes on to point ont that the English system is a growth of years ; that its beginnings are found in an Order-in-Council in 1855, and that it could not be initiated immediately ; and he sug gests as an intermediary measure that "the submission of a portion of the nominations to a central Board of Examiners, selected solely for testing the qualifications of applicants, may perhaps, without resort to the competitive test, put an end to tho mischiefs which attend tho present system of appointment." Mr Arthur evidently feels that ha is on very delicate ground, and must put the pressure on gently at first, but his recognition of the Knylish system as the best, and as the one towards which the American system must gradually be developed is at once the highest admission of the badness of tho American system, and the excellence of the plan of competitive examinations, that it is possible to obtain. His utterance ought to act as a deterrent against any tendency in this colony to deviate from tho English modeljto wards that which the United States is dning its best to throw off.

It is reported on pood authority, that the Government intend to submit a proposal for another £5,C00,000 loan to Parliament next session. What lends a colour of probability to tne report is the announce ment by Mr Bryce at a recent banquet that the Government contemplate another loan.

Hia Honor Mr Justice Gillies sat in Chambers this morning .and disposed of some formal business. The issues were definitely settled in Caldwell v. Gould and another, and in Porter and others v. Jagger and others; an order was made to register a copy of the will of Frederick Ilewin (de ceased), and letters of administration were

granted re William Francis Short (de ceased).

The man McCarten, who was boing treated at the Hospital for tctanna (lock jaw) last week, has become a scarlet fever

patient. Tetanus seems at present a very prevalent complaint, there being three patients at the Hospital, and sevsral cases in town.

Latest news from Quarantine station

states that, with the exception of the two patients, all the Zealandia's passengers are in good health. Crawford's cases ;s now considered serious, while doubts still exists as to the exact nature of Stranger's com plaint. Mr Gamble, the company's agent, supplies provisions daily. At the meeting of the members ot the Juvenile Contingent 11. A. C. Benefit bo ciety. held on Wednesday evening in St. Patrick's Hall, tho following members were elected to office r-P. Callottin, V.P.; P, O, Kane, S»croary; D. Flynn, Treasurer; P. Convay, Warden; M, O'Connoll, Guard; 1 i Zaiglar and John O'Brien, Sick Visitors.

The Siind iy-school children and teachers and frii nda of Trinity Church, Devonport, have re ol ed upon taking their annual excursion oh Tuesday next, the 17th inst,, to the Tnmaki. This is one of the best places the committee could have selected for the school treat, it being conveniently near, and the trip long enough to be pleosant without fatigue, and at Tamaki the shady trees afford shelter from the bud, and the elastic sward is tempting to the feet of childhood.

The Loyal United Friend* of the Auck land district will hold their grand annual concert and ball on Monday evening, the 30th inst,, in the Lorno-atreet kali. An excellent programme is in course of pre paration, and refreshments will bo provided for friends and visitors, Music, songs, and recitations will bo included in the amuse ments. It is expected also that Mr War burton, who has just returned from a visit to England and the land of Burns, will give an address on his experiences and impres sions of the stato of things at home. Tho committee have resolved upon making the evening as pleasant and agreeable as pos sible.

"II Trovatore" was produced at the Theatre Royal last night to a capital house, and performed with unquestionable sue. cess, Misa Annis Montague (as Leo nora tang the brilliant and impassioned music of her part most artistically, while her histrionic ability was also displayed to great advantage, Mr Turner as Manrico fully shared in the honours, and is entitled to similar praise. Throughout the fourth act the singing and acting of both lady and gentleman were of an exceptionally high order. Mr Farley made a good Count di Luna, and Miss Godfrey a fair Azucena. Mr Gordon sustained the rfllc nf Fernando very well, while Miss Williams appeared as Inez, and Mr Wilson as Ejjiz. " Maritana " is announced for to-night.

A young man named John Simpson, employed as storeman at Messrs E. Porter and Co.'s. met with a slight accident this morning while in performance of his usual work. In compsny with another person he was endeavouring to lift a roll of lead weighing 12cwt. upon a trap by means of a sling, when the rope broke and the lead fell heavily on Simpson's right leg, The weight was immediately cased oJF, when it was found that the poor fellow's foot was terribly bruised, his boot being knocked into a shape almost unrecognisable, while a nasty gash existed just below the knee, He was carried directly to the hospital, where his injuries were carefully attended to. It is supposed that, no bones are broken, which beiug the case, Simpson may soon get about again. Another evidence of the march of civili sation in these colonies is tho fact that a company has been formed on the basis of Cooks-Continental Tourist's Company for the purpose of facilitating the visits of tra vollersand invalids to the wonderland of Rotcmahana and the Hot Lake country. By taking advantage of organisations of this kind the tourist is not only saved from much unnecessary expense, and the annoy ance of " backshcesh," but is enabled to divest himself of the numerous troublesome details incidental to the trip, and to do the Lakes sysfematically. For £10 he can do the whole trip and back, including steamer, coaches, hotel bills, the baths, and the various* sights of interest. ' ,If he remain over six days, only the cost of his hotel bill for the extra period is added. Mr H. F. Way is the agent for Messrs 1 Kelly and Co., and his temporary office is ( at Mr A. Saunders's, Insurance Buildings, t where the fullest information can bo ob- I tamed, 1 r

The City Ulub Hotel billiard-table has been furnished with a new cloth and new set of billiard-balls, and is now said to be one of the best in Auckland.

Mr Biyce desires to return thanks, on be« half of the Hospital patients, to Mr H. Canham, for the present of a ham.

The first of the Recreation Club's annual series of archery matches takes place at Vauxhall to-morrow afternoon, the ranges being 30, 40 and 50yds. There are five competition on the programme, besides a crossbow and other matches.

Mr John C. Maclsod, the pleasant story teller and writer, from bonnie Scotland, will visit Auckland in the coming month, when an entertainment will be given to the author of " Sandy's Adventures " in one or other of our public halls, entitled "An evening with Sir Walter Scott and other Scottish poets."

The civil sittings of the Supreme Court will be opened on Monday morning, but should not be of long duration as only three causes are set down tor hearing. These are : —Caldwell v. Gould and another; Porter and others v. Jagger and others, and Wright v. Abbott, The other two causes which were to have been heard, viz., Clements v. Carnichan, and Ehrenfried v. Ensor, have been settled. The long vacation commences on the 20th inst,, and lasts until tho 10th of March.

Mr A. Whitaker and Mr Paul, of Man. gare, the scrutineers appointed by Mr W. F. Buckhpd in the scrutiny demanded attor the election for Franklin North, have reported Mr Shannaghan, the Returning Ollicor, to Wellington, on the ground of his refusal to allow them to see the voting papers, the examina tion being confined to the rolls. No reply has yet been received from Wel lington, Meanwhile Mr Buckland has de posited the £200 which ho is required, by law to place down in protesting against the successful candidate taking his seat. We believe that Mr Buckland's main ob jection Is that at one of tho polling placeß two billot boxes were used instead of one.

To the Editor: Sir,—JMeaae allow me spaco to refer to a paragraph in your issue of tho 3rd inst., which states that "tho carpenters and joiners of Auckland will shortly hold a meeting at the usual place to considor tho propriety of seeking an advance in wages." It is well known in the trade that the " usual place" is the Working Men's Club,where tho meetings of the Auckland Branch of the "Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners" are held, and the wording of the paragraph was evidently intended to create the impression that the aforesaid society was responsible for the itatement, It is but fair, therefore, to make it known, that the members of the society are in no way connected with the matter, and havo not the least intention of attempting to alter the present rate of wages; and further, if such was their intention, it would not be made known by means of anonymous para and unsigned advertiio ments. —Yours, etc., S. T. Clarke, Sec. Auckland Branch, A.S.C.J.

Mr Allan West, the well-known profes sor of dancing, notifies his intention to open evening classes, at the Temperance Hall, Albert-street, during his two months' stay in Auckland. Mr West has spent the last few months in Sydney, where he had no fewer that IS schools and some COO pupils. The support he received there was so (great that after two months' recruiting hero he will return to Australia, being under engage ment to re-commence there on tho first of April. The Sydney papers speak in high terms of his sojourn there, which appears to have been profitable to himself, and plpisant to his pupils, if one may judge b." the presents he brings with him.

The following vigorous letter was road at the meeting of the City Council last night:—"Wellesley-street, January 10, 1882. To His Worship the Mayor, and City Councillors : Gentlemen,—l have a complaint to make to you of an unbearable nuisance. A steam engine has recently been placed on the street for the purpose of turning a machine for grinding mortar. It Is l)ad enough to have the nuisance of the smoke and dust over the goods in my shop all day long, but of this I would not complain, for I know that where improvements are going on in a city some inconvenience mnst be borne by per sons residing in tho vicinity. But when the nuisance is carried on through (he night long it becomes unbearable. Now, gentlemen, tho request I have to make of you is, that you will compel them to cease working tho engine between the hours of ten p.m. {and five a.m., so that myself and wife may have our natural rest unbroken by an old, worn-out steam-engine, thumping and puffing all night, disturbing tho peace of that part of the city where 1 dwell.—l am, &c, Geo. Clkments, con fectioner."

To the Editor .- Sir, —Wow that Pinmmer has been found guilty, ij.*Jl theroby Mr Pardy's professional judgment tn arresting him, nnd in su'osoiiatintly securing Iris com mittal, has been virtually endorsed in the Supreme Court, I, as an admirer of Mr Pardy's great services to the public in this matter—especially by putting n stop to the reign of torror which had existed—feel that the public of Auckland owe a special debt ot gratitude to him, and that, at least in the public interest, ho should be promptly and substantially promoted. Even under ordinary circumstances his present position as Sergeant—that of performing duties which even few inspectors (unlcßs they be of the calibre of Mr Thompson here) would be competent to undertake—is an anoma lous one, but ia view of the Plummer inci dent, tho situation becomes one which surely calls for immediate rectification and his advancement. Apart from my expres sion of opinion I sincerely hope that the City Council, on behalf of tho citizons, will record their testimony and recommendation in Mr Pardy's favour, and I noed scarcely say anything to remind other persons more immediately relioved of their anxiety, of what is, in bare gratitude, at least Huo from them.—l am, &c, LOVKR OF JUSTICE.— [We thoroughly coincide with our corres pondent's remarks. The anomaly of Mr Pardy's position we pointed ont, prior to the arrest of Plummer, in our articlo on the failure of the police tome to put an end to the nightly depredations that wero then alarming the city,—ED. S.S.]

To-morrow wo shall offer our Customers tho Best Shipment of Cheoao that has been brought Into Auckland this season, Price, 7d per lb; Baoon, Gd to 8d; and all other things equally oheap and of Prlmo Quality. —A. Bettany, Manager, Right Corner Stall, City Market.

G. Hulmo's lint of prices.—Wholesale : Qr, or side of boof, 2Jd : carcases of mutton, Sid; pigs, 3Jd and -Id. Ketail: Mutton, 2d, 3d, 4d: roast beef, 3Jd, Id, sd; pork, 3d to 6d ; lamb, from 2s ppr or; veal, 3d to fil; largo quantities of ox tongues, corned rounds of beef, salt legs of pork, Canterbury hams, suet In any quantity; corned beef, 3d: in harrels,i4.oOlbs, 2001bB, and 3001bs, 2Jd, delivered onboard or railway; atmosphorio sausages, i& per lb; Gorman Bansage, Cd. Discount to tho trade. Warrant ovoryihing the very best quality.—GKOßGK HULMK, Butcher, Quoen-Btreet, Auokland,— (Advt.)

PROPOSED SUGAR RE FINERY.

A commercial enterprise of a very promis [ ing character, which the Press has from i time to time, during a long series of years, ' advocated with great force and insistence, ( and which has repeatedly engaged the attention of local capitalists, seems at i length to be definitely undertaken. We refer to tho establishment of a sugar re finery iv this city, Mr Knox, one of the [ directors of the Sydney Hennery, im pressed with the suitability of Auckland as the seat of such an iudustry, quito re cently paid a visit here and returned homo by the Hero on Wednesday evening, after purchasing 160 acres of land having a deep water frontage near Kauri Point. The property includes the estuary known as Duck Creek, ,at the mouth of which, should the schemo be matured, the factory would, in all probability, be erected, Mr Knox is a man of great energy and mercantile experience, and upon his arrival at Sydney he will lose no time in elaborat ing and Jaunching his project. An idea of the important effect which it would have upon the trade and industrial progress pf this part or. tho colony may be obtained when it is stated that the supply of plant and buildings alone would involve an expenditure of something like £200,000, and that the refinery would afford employ ment to 200 or 300 men Our sugar imports are at present very large indeed, but they would speedily dwindle down to very small proportions once the locally-refined product made its appearance in the market. Then, | too, the carriage of tho raw articlo would benefit immensely our shipping trade, and our commercial relations with the South Sea Islands would be both extended and made more intimate. It is earnestly to be hoped that Mr Knox will bring his project to a successful issue, and that ere long operations will be commenced.

An old gentleman of 81, of considerable landed property in one of the midland counties, died suddenly, the local prints tell us, the other day, when waiting for the hour appointed for his wedding, He bad a narrow escape,

SCINTILLATIONS.

"Be brief, for It Is with words as with sunbeams ; the more they are condensed the deeper they burn."— Southey.

The long-talked-of telegraph communica tion between the Thames and Paeroa will very soon be an accomplished fact. Mr J. Sheehan, M.H.R., is to be married to-morrow, to Miss Young, of Mahurangi. The Czar is a regular churchgoer, and very fond of sacred music. He maintains two fine choirs at Peterhof.

Every man is the architect of his own fortune, but mighty few of them ever learn the trade.

A little girl of our acquaintance calls her imperious lover " Life, because he is so "short."

In the lungs of a potter, who recently died in Wales, was found 48 per cent, of silica. He must have been a gritty fellow when living. Sydney Smith said of a certain quarrel some person that his very face was a breach of the peace. An observing laundryman has discovered that the time for him to catch soft water is when it is raining hard. The expenditure on the North Island railways last month was 68.51 to the recoipts; the Middle Island railways, 57.20.

Edwin Mayhew Briasenden, formerly of the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, has just passed his first year's Arts at the Melbourne University, with honours.

To Prevent Beer from being Tamed by Thunder.—Having ascertained that it is perfectly good, draw off entirely in quart pots; then having collected an equal num ber of railway navigators, distribute accordingly. It is calculated that five thousand mil lion pounds sterling of gold and pilver have been extracted from the earth since the dis covery of gold mines in California.

MrR. U. Bartlctt, photographer, has re turned, after a trip to the Australian coh> nies and the South.

Tawhiao will get out at Green Lane Station and go to Orakei before coming on to Auckland.

" The asylum for idiofs at Clerkcnwell' is the respectful manner in which " Punch' speaks of the Middlesex magistrates.

A special train, bearing a party of distin guished excursionists, lately went through the St. Gothard tunnel in fifty minutes.

Grove Vowtess has been committed for trial at Hamilton on a charge of stealing a heifer, the property of W. Whtte,

Prof. Thomson, of England, gives the weight of his endorsement to the nebula hypothesis of astronomers, namely, that the earth was at one time in a purely gaseous state, and afterwards in a fluid condition, attended by intenae heat.

Thero is a girl in Plymouth county who has had eighteen different lovers, and not one of them ever got his arm around her. She weighs 3841b5.

Man's happiness is said to hang upon a thread. This must be the thread that is never at hand to sew on the shirt button that is always off.

The young lady attendants at the Court Theatre, London, are now clad in a yellow waistcoat, navy blue swallow-tailed dress coat, erect collar, and black silk evening tie.

Two girls at Greenwich, Eng., climbed five fences, wrenched off a lock, and plundered a house lately.

Willow-wood, if placed in scalding water, may be twisted; kneaded, cut, or stamped out just like a piece of boiled cheese. The once famous and extensive forest of Lebanon has dwindled down to the dimen sions of a mere thicket, numbering about 400 trees.

The gap between Taranaki and Waikato ia about one hundred and ten miles. The Government possesses about twenty-five miles of the country north of Waitara. The right to construct a railway over tho inter vening gap would put the Government in a position to connect Auckland with Taranaki.

The proposal to give Mr Gladstone a national banquet is being revived. It is suggested that the jubilee of the passing of the Reform Act of 1832 would be a suitable date on which to hold it.

CITY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE.

TriE usual fortnightly meeting was held last evening, when the following business was transacted; Mr Gorrie presiding :

From the Boabd of Education.— Correspondence was received a« follows : (1) The Board requested that small repairs to City Schools be undertaken by committee and charged primarily against school fund. Should tho funds prove insufficient, the question of payment by tho Board could bo subsequently considered; (2) encloting letter from Mr Hislop, stating that " a sum of £s,ooo,voted by the Goncral Assembly, is stated to be for purchase of recreation grounds for the public schoals, and the Board's application as regards Beresford street, Kelson-street, and the Normal schools is for levelling, fencing, and drain ing school sites already acquired. This special vote for purchase of school grounds cannot be uaed for levelling, fencing, etc., lauds already fenced for school purposes ;" (3) that the Education Department has ap poiufed the Training College, Welleslev atreet, as the place for holding the annual examination of touchers during the week beginning Monday, 23rd inst. Alto, that the Boaid suggests it may be advisable to deter the re-opening of the city schools until after the examination is endod j (4) recommonding that Mr C. H. Nichol son, assistant master at the Wellesley-street fchool, should have au extension of leave of absence until tho and of February, to enablo him to complete his recovbry, and to enable him to visit other town schools; and a tamporary arrangement, to appoint Mr Alfred Septimus Webber, certificated teacher (L) 4) as an assistant in the school. With reference to tho latter communica tion tho committee resolved to grant Mr Nicholson leav^ of absence should he apply to tho cotrfinittee for it in tho regular manner ; tho committe would then offer no objection to the proposed appointment of Mr Webber in his stead. Tfi* subject of playgrounds was relegated to the incoming oommitteo.

Bkkesforp ■ stkkkt Sciioou—After some little discussion ro repairs it wag resolved that a communication be sent to the Board that the concluding clause of the Board's letter on this subject was cot definite enough to warrant the committeo in undertaking the expense, and hoping that the Board will be kind enough to do tho work without dolay, as tho repairs wo much required. Holidays.—lt was deoided to direct the attention ot the Board to a letter from Committee on Jan. 20 last, requesting that representation should be made to the pro per quarters asking that the examination of teachers should be held during the last week of the holidays, and informing the Board that the holidays had been extended until January 30, the schools reopening on tho 31st.

Acting Chairman,—Mr Schmidt was appointed Acting Chairman, during the ab sence of Mr Gorrie, and a vote of thanks was recorded to the latter for his services during the past term.

CRICKET MATCHES TO MORROW.

Match (on No. 4 wioket) between West End Seoond Eleven and Alpha Cricket Club. West End: Hater, Boa van. Berry, Brown, Waterß, Hanna, Lewis, Fisher, Courtayne, Chapman and Woods. Alpha: Jaokson, Hay, Cooper, Kilpatrlok, Cranoh. Moliornjotr, Spencer, Froat, KdmfatoD, Whito aud Carter. Kmer genoy: Brown.

Matoh between Union and Devonport CO.'?, at tho Whan. Union: J. Sinclair (captain), Bnohanan (2), Archibald (3). Bollard (2), Hill, Wallace, Sinclair and Binncy. Emergencies : Kxlor, Arohibald and Harvey.—This club won tho matoh with tho Alphas, on Saturday last.— North Shoro: Wjnyard. Sibbin, Reid, Nioool, Slattery, Banloy, Johnston (2), Mobean, Colgan and Pitta. Tho North Shore team will prooeed by a drag, which will leave bank corner at 1,30. Match between Auokland United Cricket Club (Ist Klevon) and Civil Sorvice Crioket Club (No. y wiokot), A.U.: Mumford, Lank ham (2), Dufair Gardner, Jervis, Tcstro, Craw ford, Laoon and Weston. Kme^nnoy i Harvey. Players are requested to bo on tho ground at 2 sharp.

Match betwoen Auokland and North Shore, Tflis matoh will bo continued to-morrow attar, noon. Auckland: O'Brien. Cos. Robinson, Dewes. Yates, Horabrngh, Kldd, Bindon. Bealo, Buckland, Osmond. North Shore i Slattery, Sibbin (2), Wynyard (3), alms (2), Shaw, Bennett, Johnson,

Matoh between Otahuhu and Onehrtnga CO. 2nd elevens, at Onehunga. The following will represent Onehnnga :—Mulftan, Molloy, How ard, Harris, Jeffrey, Hnnt, Cullon, Skinner, Bowers, Blaok, Lawton; Gilman, and Mo- Grath emergencies.

Matoh between Onehnnaa and West Knd Ist Elevens, Onohunga- Brennan (4), Donovan, Garrett, Foley, Murdoch, Sutherland, Patten and Brown. West Knd : Arneil, Brook, Butler, Choyoe, King, Lyoob. Mitchell, Maoky, Woods, Walker, and Whitesido.

Ponsonby (Ist eleven) v. Gordon CO,—Pon sonby: 0. S. Owen (capt), C. I. Owen. K. Owen, Woaton. 0. Hall, T. Hall, Edwards, Done, Mar, flett. Crate and Stoddart, Gordon: Ansenne, Clayton, K. Gould. 0. H. Gonld, H. Haultain, Klssling, MoCausland. Ryburn, Slmms, Sjkes, and Tyndall: emergency. Kendordlne. Unitbd (2nd eleven) v. Auckland 0.0 Auckland; Sadler, Holdshlp, Thwaitea, Georgo (2), 8t Clair, MoPherson, Shove, Cromwell, Harvey, Johneon; emergency, Klrby, Vorney. A.U.C. v. Auohxand (2nd eleven).—A.C.C.: Adams, Beale, Cheeseman, Dalgliab, Trlpp, Hall, MQKtols, Reed, Kipley, Roach, Sllyajemer gencies. Clayton, Kelly.

CABLEGRAMS.

[KKTJTKB'S TEIiKOKAMS.J

THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA.

LONDON, January 11. It is announced that the Marquis of Lome, will return to Cauada at an early date, RE-ORGANISATION OF THE TURKISH ARMY. CONSTANTINOPLE, January 11. It has transpired that the Sultan lias deputed a German officer to undertake the j re-organisation of the Turkish Gendarmes, and this leads to the belief that it is His Majesty's intention to shortly dismiss all the English in the service of the Porte ex cept Baker Pasha and appoint Germans in their place. THE FRENCH SYSTEM OF REPIvE-: SENTATION. . PARIS, January 11. In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, M. Gambetta introduced the question of the re-establishment of the Scrutin de List. It was passed by the Deputies.but was thrown out by the Senate in June last. In the course of a vigorous speech upon the subject, M. Gambetta announced that the measure was similar to the one introduced last year by M. Bardouf, and would shortly be laid before the Chamber, and declared that unless the Government succeeded in carrying the Bill through both Chambers, he should resign his position as head of the Cabinet.

AUSTRALIAN.

SYDNEY, this day. Arrived, laat evening: Union Company's Wakotipu, from Wellington. Sir John Robertson, who was recently appointed Minister of Lands, and who acts as Colonial Secretary in the absence of Sir Henry Parkes, has been returned unopposed for Mudgee, where he was yestorday received with great onthusiaum. The vacancy in the representation of the elec torate was caused by the appointment of' Mr S. H. Terry to the Legislative Council. RUSSIAN WARSHIPS. Tho Russian warship?, Africa, Plestdw, and Westnie, sail hence tc-morrow tor Hobart and Melbourne. THE SYDNEY CUP. SYDNEY, January 12. Forty-six horses have been entered for the Sydney Cup, to be run for in Easter week. THE GARONNE QUARANTINED. SYDNEY, January 12. The Orient Co.'s steamship Garonne arrived here to-day, and has been ordered into quarantine. IMMIGRATION TO QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, January 12. It has transpired that the Queensland Government has decided to apply to Parlia ment for an increased vote for immigration purposes. SUEZ MAIL AT MELBOURNE. MELBOURNE, January 12. Arrived, this evening: The P. and O. Company's Btcamship Khedive, with the Suez mail, dated London, Ist December. DEATH OF MR JAMES HENTY. MELBOURNE, January 12. Mr James Henty, the well-known mer chant, of this city, died suddenly to-day.

ST. SEPULCHRE'S ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.

The annual meeting of SL Sepulchre's parish was held last evening In the school room, Symonds-streei, the Rev. B. T. Dud ley in the chair. Mr Dudley read the an nual report, which gave an account of the completion and consecration of the new parish church, with the following financial statement In connection with the church. The expenditure, iucluding site, fencing, building, furniture, organ, shed, screen, and pulpit (not yet placed in position), and fittings for school-house to replace the re moved seats, amounts to about £5,000; choir seats, new seats for nsve, and vari ous other minor matters, have not yet been arranged for. Of the above sum,£3,G9S 11s 5d has been raised by subscriptions ; £150 10s 4d has been received from the School Building Fuud trustees, in part payment for the school-house in Symonds-street; £1,500 has been borrowed; and £250 18s 3d ie mains outstanding, or is becoming due; making thn total liability of the parish at the present moment (including the old debts on school-house and parsonage) £1,950 18s 3d. Against this may be act a few sub scriptions promised, but still unpaid, in this country; and any subscriptions and donations that nity have been paid, or may yet be paid into the Bank of New Zealand from old colonists and friends, in the Mother Country. The parish boundaries, as now defined by the Synod, include a population of probably not leas that six thousand souls; St. Barnabas's Church, Mount Eden, and (for the present) the Hospital and JKefwje, being within them. The number of dwelling houses has in creased enormously during the year; and it is still on the increase. There is within tho parish ample scope for the energies of two clergymen wholly given to the work. The cordial thanks of the parishioners are due to the Revs. A. G. Purchas, and R. O'C. Biggs, for their constant help to the clergyman in his Sunday duties at the pariah church ; also, to tho Rev. R. Bur rows, for the kind way in which, for nearly twelve months past, he has undertaken Sunday morning services at St. Barnabas's, to the augmentation of the congregation of that church, and to the benefit of that dis trict. The minister's stipend, in accord ance with a resolution passed at the last geueral meeting, is now at the rate of £400 per annum. The vestry estimate that an ordinary income for the year 1882, of not less than £900 will bo necessary, to enablo the churoh to meet its liabilities, including interest and sink ' ing fund on bonded loans. This U not taking into account the £25018« 3d already referred t« as an provided for; nor does it include probable special expenses through shrinkage, and other disorders common to new buildings, The renovation of the school-house, which will probably cost not loss than £100, and is a pressing necessity, i is not included herein. Compared with those of former years, the foregoing figures' may seem largo; but there is nothing alarming in them. Qu the whole the re - port was encouraging, The church build ing and other accounts were submitted by Mr Henry N, Garland, the treasurer, and shewed as follows ;—Offertorios, &c, £837 lls 9d; parochial collections for Orphan Homo, £40 8s lid; seat rents, £234 15s; parochial endowment fund, £19 6s 10d; alms boxes, 13s 7d j miscellaneous receipts, £12 0s 3d i total, £1,161 2a lOd. Tho ex penditure—including minister's stipend, £375; organist and choir-master, £50; verger, bell-ringer, and organ-blower, £48 10a ; special offertorios paid over, £335 5s 2d; with other expenses, amounted alto gether to £1,129 19s sd, leaving a balance of £31 3s sd. Tho statement ot accounts of St, Barnabas's Church, Mount Eden, shewed a balance in hand of £14 9s 4d.— Mr C. C, George proposed, Mr G. P, Pierce seconded, and It was uuanimously carried, " That the report and statement of accouut3 be adopted."

Appointment of Officers.— Rev. B. T. Dudley nominated Mr G. P. Pierce as minister's warden, and Mr J. B. Stoney was elected parishioners' warden for tho ensuiDg year, Messrs Durrien and 11. Gilfillan, jun., were appointed auditors, and tho following gentlemen weie elected vestrymen : — Mossrs Harper, Garland, Batger,* George, Hill, Allwright, Cooper, Heather, Choyce, and Ewington. Minister's Stipend, etc.—On the inotipn of Mr Pjercp, seconded by Mr Ewington, it was carried " That the in cumbent's stipend be £400 per annum, as agreed upon last year." Mr Hill moved, and Mr Batger seconded, " That it is necessary that some steps be taken to liquidate the parish dobfc." Thii motion was supported and carried. The sum of £5 was voted towards tho cost of the St. Sepulchre's Parish Magazine. Thanks.—Votes of thanks to tho out going officers and chairman dosed the meeting. ■.

I The contractor for the erection of the now Opera Bouse is prosecuting his work with great energy. The stone foundations have been substantially laid, and the brick walls t^ro now rearing them selves above the scaffolding. It is pretty evident that the building will not be ready for opening in March, as originally contemplated, but in all proba bility it will b,e finished by May. The building bids fair to be an ornament to the city, and it will assuredly provo a most commodious place of entertainment.

CITY COUNCIL.

. ■ The regular fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present: The Mayor, and Crs Offer, Crowther, Wad del, Thompson, Aickin, Montague, Hemus, and Fleming. Correspondence. —Letters were received and disposed of a3 follows :—From Thos. Young, of Grafton Read, complaining that a neighbour named McPherson, with a much smaller property, had been awarded a larger measure of compensation than himself. (Young was also heard in support of his complaint) ; agreed to increase the award to £7; from secretary of Harbour Board forwarding resolution of that body re Quay-street; from Town Clerk of Par uell, suggesting that license fees for stage carriages, etc., should not be fixed until Committees of City and Parnell Councils have met and conferred on the subject; referred to Finance and General Purposes Committee. From A. Buckland, asking for a permit to drive sheep through the city as early as he likes, instead o£ waiting till the Corpora tion offices open; referred to Finance and General Purposes Committee. From Geo. Clements, complaining of "the unbearable nuisance" caused by the working of the mortar mill at night, in Wellesley-strcet West; resolved to prohibit tbe working of the mill between 10p.m. and sa.m. From E. J. Matthews, asking the Couucil to remove the bank of earth in front of his premises in Hepburn - street; agreed to. From 11. Brett, requesting that a small drain-pipe should be laid down from hia new house ; referred to Works Committee; from the Colonial Secretary, forwardinga copy of the annual report of the Victorian Humane Society. Received with an acknowledgement of thanks, Petitions.—Cr Thompson presented a petition from the residents in the lane run ning between Uarby and Victoria-streets, praying that it should be formed and drained.—Referred to Works Committee. A petition was also received from resi dents in Willow-strest, praying that ■it should be formed as soon as possible. — Re ferred to Workß Committee. Works Committee. —The report of this Committee recommended:—(l) That steps be taken to fix the levels of Kokebystreet; (2) that the consideration of the. Coffee Palace plans be deferred until the building regulations are considered ; (3) That the drainage work in Fort-sireet, prayed for by A. Sinclair, be done as recommended by the Surveyor, at a cost of £27; (4) That tenders be called for the fencing of Garrett's paddock at the Western Springs, the In spector to report on rails and stone. The report was adopted, and it was also agreed to call tenders for the erection of a stone fence at Garrett's paddock. Pack Committke. —This Committee sent up a report. It recommended :—(1) That, re Armoury, the allotments as Btated be oifered, but substi tuting the sum of £1,250 for £1,500 (option of two allotments rear of Drill Shed); (2) that motion No 670 be passed by the Council as follows :—" That the last clause re ' Water Supply to Parnell,' dated 12th May, 1880, be rescinded, viz, : The Council cannot undertake the laying of mains out side the city ; and further, that in future all applications for and proposals to lay down mains outside the city be cansidercd on their merits."—The Mayor and Councillors expressed sympathy with tne complaint, and after some discussion it was agreed to accede to Mr Clement's request. Park Committ.ee. — This Committee recommend : (1) That clause of the Sub Waterworks Report be adopted; (2) That the solicitor be authorised to give notice to the Government that it is the Council's intention to remove the Armoury; (3) tbat the Legal Committee (with the names of Crs. Aickin and Thompson) be authorised to act in any emergency that may arise. The report was adopted. Pkecautions against Small-pox.— A report from the Health Committee was laid on the Council table. It recommended: —That application be made to the Domain Board for permission to build a small-pox hospital in a corner of the Domain, directly in front of the Provincial Hospital, and about 250 yds distant from it, and that in the event of tbe Domain Board declining to allow the building to be erected in the Domain, that it be erected^ in the Hospital ground contiguous to the site before named, bat further down the hill in the direction of 1 the building used as the Old Women's Home; that application be made for per i mission to erect the building on the latter site, pending an answer being received from the Domain Board, and if granted, and in the event of small-pox breaking out :in our midst, after the plans and spccilica -1 tions for the building have been approved by the Council, cut before an answer has been received from the Domain Board, or if received before the Council has had time to take action, that the Health Committee lie authorised to call for tenders from not less than three contractors for the erection of the buildings in the shortest possible time, such time to be fixed by the , City Surveyor, and to accept the most eligible; that Messrs Cousins and Atkin be instructed to have the cart formerly used for the purpose of conveying small-pox patients cleaned and put in order,—After some dis cussion the report was adopted.—The Mayor referred to the telegram from Wel lington stating that the reason of the delay in fumigating the mails was the fault of the

Harbour Board. That, he said, was one ol

those matters as to which the local Board of Health .for the harbour had sought the delegated powers under the Public Health Act, and these had been refused by the Go vernment.

Special Meeting—ln answer to Cr,

Thompson, the Town Cleric said that he had not notified the Press of the special meeting. The Mayor had said that it did

aot matter, as the Council would resolve itself into Committee.—Cr.. Thompson re marked that that was only a conjecture on His Worship's patt. The Council might refuse to go into Committee.

Tawiiiao's Visit. —The Mayor said that having noticed from the papers that Tawhiao was coming to town, he had tele graphed to Major Mair for definite informa tion. Having read the replies ho had re ceived, His Worship then moved, " That a public meeting L o called to appoint a com mittee to arrange for the reception of

Tawhiao," The last news, he said, was that Tawhiao, with about forty followers, weuld leave Te Awaruutu on Monday by train, alighting at Green Lane to go to Paul's place at Orakei, and that he would come thence by water to Auckland on Tuesday.—The motion was agreed to. City Map.—Mr fliokson. asked whether the Council would subscribe towards the new plan of the city, which he was engaged in preparing.—The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.

Western Springs Property.-Messw Partington Brothers made an offer to lease the buildings at the Western Springs.— Ke ferred to tne Finance Committee.

i i jitt-steket.—Tenders for drainage in this street were received as follows :—Wm. Hanks, £779 ; Wm, Kerr, £743 ; Tbomas Kelly, £688; Alexander Archibald. £739; Hayden Smith, £§15; and Allan McGuiro, £690. The Engineer's estimate was £800. 1 —Mr Kelly's tender was accepted. Government House Grounds.-Cr Montague moved, " That a, respectful ad dress be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor asking that he may be pleased to allow, during his absence from Auckland, the use of the Government House grounds to the citizens, providing no damage or annoyance is created thereby, pending the formation and completion of Albert Park," He did not consider there would be any opposition, as permission had already been granted to lawn tennis players. It would be two years at least before the Albert Park would be ready.—Cr Offer seconded the motion, which was then put and carried.

Kate Collection. —Cr Thompson moved, "That iv iuturo the Colloctor bo instructed to take charge of the indoor business of the department, the outdoor work beiug taken by the Assistant Col lector. —Cr Waddel seconded.—After some discussion the motion was put aud carried Teems of OFFICE.-Cr Thompson moved, and Lr Offer seconded, <!Tliat the officers of the Corporation who have not already received notice (in accordance with instruc tions of the Council) that, their services may be dispensed with at one month's notice be at onoe notified that suoh is the decision of the Council." The matter having been discussed at some length, the motion was referrod to the Finance Committee to report upon.

Watkb Supply for Suburbs. — Cr Thompson moved, "That the petitioners who asked for the water to be laid on in a portion of the Ponsonby district, and also in the Borough of Parnel), be informed that the Council are now prepared to con. siderapplirationsfpr water supply outside the city boundaries."

Library Kate.—The Mayor said the time had now como to fix the library rate, and he therefore moved that it should be 1 d in the £1, as last year.—Cr. Waddel moved, " That the question of the right to levy any rate beyond 2s, be referred to the solicitor." The matter was oeine; discussed outside, and it was as well to have the question settled.—Cr. Aickin thought it a pity that the question should be raised in the Council

when the ratepayers made no objection,•*!' § Eventually the amendment was lost, and the motion carried.—Cr Montague seconded tbo motion.—Cr Crowther moved as an I amendment and Cr Offer seconded, "That the consideration of thu matter be deferred ' unti! the waterworks rates tariff haa b een revised." The amendment was carried, Committee Meetings.—lt was resolved upon the motion of Cr Thompson, seconded by Cr Aickin, " That in future all meetings of the Finance and General .Purposes Com. mittee, and meetings of the Public Works Committee, be open to the public and rep> e . sentativcs or the Press."—This concluded the business.

SPORTING NEWS.

(By Argus.)

THE Cambridge Racing Club's annual meeting, whicli is yearly becoming more of an "institution" with our sporting fraternity, has caused considerable speculat tion on this occasion; while the largo number of really first' Class animals entered must be the occasion of considerable gratification to the promoters of the meet ing. No leas than nineteen racing cracks went up by Tuesday's train, while the whole of the bookmakers, both Southern and local, also travelled to Waikato io search of " business."

All the principal handicaps have been won by visitors, the local horses having proved quite too low class to compete with any chance of success against such clippers as they had to meet. This is, to a certain extent, satisfactory, perhaps, to those who have the enterprise to undertake the journey with its expenses and risks, but it says very little for tbe people o£ the fertile Waikato, who ought surely to be able to breed something good by this time. The various clubs have, for several years, been giving (for them) large money prizes for their principal events, and yet the country folks seem satisfied to win a £10 hack race, or a maiden steeple. And though they certainly cannot be said to be entirely unrepresented in the big events, it is such a poor representation as to leave a very slender chance of keeping the money in the district. What are such men as the McLeans and Fergusson doing that they don't breed or import something really good 1 It must be want of go; for it can t be lack of means. It is a pity that the various clubs in the Waikato do not amalgamate and' hold their meetings at or about the same date as tbe Cambridge, when the horses are pretty well centred in Auckland, when the "books" are herein force, and the weather may be expected to be fine, and give large amounts for the principal events. Then they could be assured of a big attendance and good field?, while owners would feel more justified in sending up their • horses, and local men would have greater inducement offered to make them look out for good foreign blood or urge them to breed a few real racehorses of their own.

That arrant rogue, Maori, after upsetting all the calculations of his backers at the Auckland meeting, and when he is not carrying a cent, of public money, cantered in a winner from a good field in the Cam bridge Cup. It is enough to make anyone who backed the brute previously feel inclined to " say swear " to think how little he justified their faith, and then, when " they would not back him tor a ' bob,'" he " goes and does it." Tim Whifiler, they say, was a bit off in this event, while Randwicb " could not stand the distance," which is, to say the least of if, rather strange, seeing he has " stood the distance" with quite as much weight up, and more too, so often, and he could not be said to be a bit off. That plucky little horse, Lara, ran a good one in both his races, and his trainer, Donald Taylor, deserves the greatest credit for the form he has got the " piebald " into atter the terrible leg he had when sold at Buckland's a year ago. Mr Pilbrow scored a couple of wins with Clarence in thf first Hurdle Race and the Steeple. Lone Hand again made a fool of himself and hia backers by'sticking up at his jumps in the second day's Hurdle Handicap, allowing Rawenata to win as he liked. I have not heard how Mr Gallagher's protest came out, but I don't suppose it will be allowed, as "crossing" is very hard to be proved. Jn the Publicans' Purse, after an exciting race, Lara and Tim Whiffler ran a dead heat for first, with Randwick third. Iv the iun off, later in the day, Lara is re ported, by telegram, to have won. There are no.particulars at the time of writing, owing to the fact that the office closes at 5 p.m. No doubt a full account of the race will be wired to-day. The result is another left-hander for the backers, as Tim was running for a lot of doubles, with Clarence, in the Steeplechase.

BRIEF NOTES.

It is reported that though none of the outside public were on Maori, ono of tho local books, who " smelt a rat," pockets a cool £400 over Maori's victory in the Cambridge Cup.

By letters to hand this week, Mr Edward Day was informed of a nasty accident which befel his brother William, who had his arm and two ribs broken— how, is not stated. It is a good thing it happened at this time of year, when the racing season at Home is over, and it is to be hoped Day will have quite recovered before his activity will bo absolutely necessary again. Mr Asher has taken his two-year-old colt, Monteagh, home with him, having de termined not to race him till he is three years old. A wise determination, as what ever he may turn out, he certainly did not promise much for his nursery career.

The win of Maori in the Cambridge Cup will have been a g( dsend to the " books," as everything elae was heavily backed, while Maori was not mentioned in the betting, Some of the metallicians wanted a bit of luck after their troubles over the Auckland meeting.

Some sensational wagers over the next Melbourne Derby and Cup have been taken in Auckland lately. Mr E. Kussell took £1,000 to 3 each from Poole and Snider about Prometheus and Darebin, and subse quently £1,500 to 8 was laid about the same doable.

Though there was a fair attendance of backers at Tattersall's Club on settling night over the late races, the bookmakers still complain, and with justice, that some people are mighty slow at " putting up the prices." One of tho leading members of the Southern Kins showed me a list which totted up to the respectable sum of £300, and which was still uncellected when he lett for Waikato.

Foul Play and Badaworth, offered for sale at Buckland's yards last week, were passed in, no, bid of sufficient magnitude being received. They left for their home in charge of Bill Profitt early this week.

Cambridge Races.

[BY TELEGRAPH,—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

HAMILTON, this day. Clarence (12st), won easily. Rawenata, Harkaway, and Hard Times, lOsteach, also started in tho Steeplechase. At firat all horses jumped splendidly, Hard Times lead ing. Mawenata baulked, and was out of the raoe. Harkaway'a unsteadiness at several of the jumps put him out of the race. A grand struggle ensued between Clarence and Hard Times. The latter was leading by a length, but swerved in taking the last hurdle, Clarence winning. Betting : 2 to 1 on Clarence ; 2 to 1 against Kawenata; 10 to 1 against any other, GRAND STAND HANDICAP. Kenilworth, 7st 81b l Vampire, 6st 101b ... 2 Paramena, 7st 71b 3 Miss Domett (Gst 71b), Maori (Sst 121b), and Flora (feather weight) also ran. Miss Domett led for three-quarters of a mile, but could not stay the distance. Coming into the straight Kenilworth shot to the front, winning easily. CONSOLATION STAKES. I'ewdrop , 1 Randwick '~' '" 2 Lone Hand ~, , 3 In running off tho dead heat between Lata and Tim Whiffler, the latter's frac tionsness at the post gave Lara a good lead, which he retained throughout, win ning by two lengths, Betting, 5 to 4 o« Tim Whiffler.

AUCKLAND SHAREMARKET.

January 13 Bank of N.Z.-82217s 6d; Buyers, £22 17s M J sellers, £23 Colonial Bank—Sellers, 18s 6d S.B. Insurance—Sellers, 60s Union Insurance—Sellors, 21u N.Z. Loan and Mercantile—Sellers, SS Auckland Gas—£lo 6s Thames Gas—Buyers. 30s Union Sash and Door—Buyers, t,l \% 8d! Bpllora. £8 Auokland Timber—9ellers, £J Northern S.S. Co Sellers, 12a Cd Coromanael stearu Company—Sellers. l<B Fisher and Company-Bayers, Hs; sellers, iisua Kompthorno and Co.—Buyers, 21s Moanataiari Q.M. Company-Buyers, I7fl; Alburnia—BoTers, 13s 6d Caleiionian-liuvars, 12a 6d; sellers. Ms 6a Kuranui Hill-Sellers, is Queon ol Beauty-Buyers, 7a 64; sellers, 8s JOSEPH NBWMAN, Chairman.,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY. JANUARY 13.



Special Advertisements. QentraJj Drapery warehousE. w. rattray, 178, 180, & 182, QUEEN-STREET, THREE DOORS BELOW THE AUCKLAND SAVINGS BANK, Offers to his Customers and the Publlo the MOST BELECT and NEWEST ASSORT MENT OF HOUSEHOLD AND FAMILY DRAPERY. FOR TH E HOLID AY R. W. RATTRAY announoes his HOLIDAY COSTUME, just opened from London per Orient steamer, trimmed in the latest style, and a really good washing material, at only 15s. Gd. FOR BIRTHDAY OR SEASON PRESENTS. LONDON-MADE AND PARIS COSTUMES, up to 15 Guineas, For finish and elegance of style.theso Costnmes.belng made and Imparted expressly to order, cannot be equalled in this market. CHEAP CHRISTMAS GOODS. Superb Ladies' Silk Materials fob Dresses. A Heavy Line of FANOY DRESB STUFFB bought very oheap, and will be sold at a price to command buyers, very cheap holiday ribbons. 10.197 Yards of plain and ombre ribbons, At half-price, from l_d per yard and upwards. LADIES' BONNETS AND HATS. CHILDREN'S AND ALL KINDS OF FASHIONABLE MILLINERY. BEST FAMILY CALICOS, COTTONS, AND SHEETINGS, 20 per Cent. Less than Old Prices. HONEYCOMB QUILTS, very oheap; Towels, Blankets, Muslin and Lace Curtains, and all Goods of this class very low to prioe, SPECIAL ATTENTION Is now being paid to BOYS', YOUTHS', READY AND MADE MEN'S CLOTHING. Little Boys' London and Colonial-made Suits ot latest fashions, well out and good finish all sizes. BOYS' AND "YOUTHS' CHEAP ALL-WOOL TWEEDS. GENTLEMEN'S MERCERY AND OUT FITTING. HATS, HELMETS, CAPS, &C„ In Great Variety. TI7ILLIAM T3ATTRAY, 178, 180, AND 182, QUEEN-STSEET. _T Note. All W.R.s Goods are marked In plain figures. 1 W.B. will sell very cheap. Tho Cash Bnyer will find it to his advan- { ta_e to inspect W. Rattray's stook, i and receive good value for his I money. , All W. Rattray's regular Cnsto- T mere will reoeive the benefit of low ' priced Goods. 1 NOTE THE NEW WAREHOUSE, J three coons below THE AUCKLAND SAVIN GB BANK, j QUEEN-BTREET. j Wolfe's Aromatic Schiedam Schnapps to i nduco the destruction and prevent the im iroper use of their wrappers and labels, and ' hua further protect the Public against fraud a md deception, have enclosed to}ino wrappers, t, ir under he label on thojquarrabttles, since Ist . lotober, 1878, and continue to enclose in ever? ° IAV'S PACKING THROUGHOUT THE VEAB V : H R E E £1 ORDERS, which it re town upon the undersigned, and r. rhlch will be cashed by them on presentation. " 'o secure these Gifts, the Publlo must be H ireful to ask for, and accept nothiqg but, the J oi (KNUINE UDOI.PHO WOLFBTU SCHNAPPS, With }„ ur name upon the top label, M. Moss & Co, | * Pynyard Lane, Sydney. j ul



Special Advertisements. a P E C I A JU OALE •piRST-CLASS QUMMER QOOD3. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. «T A GREAT SALK TEH OF DRAPERY AND CLOTHING Will be held on tbe premises of J. COBGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND, It will bo perhaps surprising to many that we adopt th present course at this season of the year, but w do it on principle alone. First: To counteract the influence brought to bear on the publio in these extraordinary times, Beoond: To Rive the inhabitants the benefit of some very extensive Shipments, as well as large purchase made at auction. And third: To let the people of Auokland see where they can get the best value for their money. Tho Duty on all Manchester Goods being re duced by 16} per cent, and being large purohaserß lately, this reduction will be a great boon to Housekeepers and tho publio in goneral, No Goods will be Entered during the Sale. CASH MUST BE PAID FOR ALL PUR CHASES. X poSGKaVE & i^O,, QUEEH-STKEET, AUCKLAND. "CIROM T3ARIS. The Most magnifioknt QrbtonnkjS Hvbb Shown in Auckland, Ex Orient Steamer' Garonne.' Jcbt Opened, And on Sale by GARLICK & CKANWELL, T^ICKEIi pLATED FRENCH AND HALF-TK9TER "IRON T3EDSTEAUS, VEBTJ HANDBOMH, AND A NOVBLTY, Just Landed ex Hermiono. LARGEST STOCK OF BEDSTEADS IN AUCKLAND AT THE pITY TTALL A ROADE. /GARLICK & pRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS. FANCY GARDEN TABLES. CANE LOUNGES FOX VERANDAHS. Black and White Wool Hkakthbpgs. tapestry, brussel, & srair carpkt. CHURCH PEW SEATING, Vkby Nioe, and Preferable to Dushions. GaRLICK & CRANWELL.