SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

• (This Kvenltur. 5.3. r> JH WAVER {To-morrow Mornin(?6.l NJOKTi—Tills JtvenliiK. <.» siilst-To-morrow Morning, U0 oSBAOIt-^U Moon. 14th, 3.7 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

IlAfflo H. M. H., sloop, Commander Captain r A.'O Bridge, ran Sydney, via Hussell roi&ner. Srott. It Norfolk Island Vnau as., McUec, from Sydney ltokl,s.s., Crawford, from \\ liangarcl ance ketcii. ilauUuiu. from Wlmngarei lelg s.s., atopheiwoii, from Tauranga

DEPARTURES.

ftAill, P.M. s.s., Webber, for ban Francisco •apa, s s., Chatfleld. for Sydney . jfjor, s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei luck, ketch, MacdonaM, for jMoiiKonm

EXPORTS.

■Per Walrarapa-l.OOOftand 238 pkgs timber, 26 iWrols buer, 2-4 doors, 74 bales tlax, ■-•( iKiles mv.W bundles and T.'l hides, 1 boat, U trunks fMvollery, and a quantity of sundries.

IMPORTS.

§er Queen—l 2 bales wool, 1 casks oil, Si hides, igsifungus, :'.io bunches banana, and a few kages ul' sundries.

C wards Coa9Twi.sk.—Norvnl, from Russell, 80 tons coal; Violet, from Thames, with 3ft. kauri timber: Lagoon, from Thames, 23,717 ft. timber; Morning Unlit, from Cab i Bay, With I,looft. timber.

IjTWARnsCOAWwrsK.— Atalanta, forTnirua; Itematu. for Whangupou; Violet. for Thames; an, for Whunsainata; liUgoon, lor \\ ha fei; Lizzie, for AVhangaroa, !ie schooner Wolcomo is loading at Wcl ton for Tiinaru. From Timaru she comes uckJand. no ferry steamer Victoria bus been haulod in Mr (3. Bailey's slip for a general overhaul..

Ie s.B. Olenol;; left Tauranga at 5.1a p.m., arrived at Auckland at 9.10 a.m. to-day, enitors—Mr an<l Mrs Crondace, Mrs Allolly, Watson, Colonel Kuasell, Judge Wilson, irs Kdwurda. SloKorras. Holl, Wilinoti, on, Baker, UayinonU, Steel, Rylance. o P.M. b.s. Zonlandla left for San Francisco Jy after ti p.m. jesterday with the follow passeii|{Ci'B from Auckland: — Misses M, c, Ueaudet. Messrs J. X Herepatli, 1). K.

fmann, Hay ward, and six in tliu steerage, i sb. Wallaki arrived from Whangaroi vening with L's bales wool. IS eases poultry, i Bundries, and tho following passengers :— is V/addel, Sf.ecombe, Stair, and Kdolowe,

te Hayward, Messrs Mitchell, Huward, Irrott, Kaglcton. Mcltory, Hclleny, Hayward,

Dotor, Hnrvey. Kawcott, Wellow, liciuungs, wless, and three in the Htcorago. 'ho schoonor Queen arrived from Xorfolk and ut 10 o'clock last ovoning. Captain lit reports :—]joft Auckland on Tuesday, vomber 20th. with a light bvanxo from the V., which gradually veored to thu H.K.; ex rlenccd light, winds and fine weather til arrival at Norfolk Island on the 1. Left aguin December Gtli, and had lit N.W. winds and line weather until arrival t night. Passengers: Captain and Mrs Jones, Buffet and Misses Bullet (:!), Mrs Christian a Miss Allen, > &BIVAL OF H.M. SLOOP ESPHSGLE. {.M.S. Espiegle arrived from Sydney, via issell, at S a.m. to-day, and dropped anchor Iho niuno'-war ground. Tho Esplegle is a nposlto sloop of 1, :'O tons wiUi engines 0111-10 rse-power. Sho is a pretty Tessel, straight mmod.aiidbnniue-rlifged. bhocurriostihoavy ns, including 1 iU-pounders and 1! 7-inch guns, I'also two machine guns, while her couiplo- Slit of men H ISS all told. The JOspieglo Is nost a now vofisel, having been built in 1880. ter a lengtby ui'lilsu amongst thu islands of s North and South Pacific, sho proceeded to dney, and remained there for a short time, c left Sydney on tho 30th November.and ex- Luacsil light winds from tho S.W. [hted Three Kings on the Sth Ueocinber, ylng dono Uie passaga under call. Arrived Kusscll on Sunday morning lust, and on mday went up to Uie loading ground ■to Hi. Loft yesterday for Auckland, and ired horo this morning. Tho following a list of namos of thoi.Kspiegle'B olllcors: 0. A, U. ilridge, liontonants It. S. wry, M. U. Ommanney, W. M. Oxley, E. li. Thompson, Paymaster O. F. Matthew, iff-Surgeon O. J. irvlno. Chief Kngineor A. Allon, Aasistant Paymaster 0, D. M. Farrar, aUwaln W. ]£. Martin, Gunner 11. J. Blower, rpontcr H. J. Hundle. Tho Kspicgle Is 01 ---ctod to remain hero until after (.'(iriutiua.l.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES, inaka, s.s., Neville, for tho South

'ho Northern Co.'s s.s. Douglas, from Wai a crossed tho Munukau bar tins morning.

tho 3.5. Haurnki was expected to arrive from altara this afternoon.

the b.b. Wanaka left for tho South yesterday Ui tho following passongors :—Captain and rs Goscoigne, Mosdainos Lyoll, Pitt, Misses Hga ton,lCilgour,Keiston,Mc3srs Shuttle worth, »rka. S. Ford, Bagnall, Bosber. Callachan, itson. W. Stovenson, R. Hartley, and ten ifrage. Cargo: u;<4 sacks now potatoes, 15 lea beer, 90 pieces architraves, 3 cases tobacco, asks chain, 4 orates pines, 23 cases and pkgs. irohaudlso.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Caipara Hhads, Wednesday.—The barques lea Mario and Wonona, brigantino Aurora, d schooner Marmion sailed and cleared tho r on Sunday, and the schoonor Mary King t out on Monday. Copuhu.—Tho Sarah Pile arrived on Monday. o schooner Annlo Wilson is loaded forLyttel 1, and tho barque Pot is loading. Lbatai'U.—Tho schoonor Colonist has arrived >m Ouchunga. Tho schooners Peerless and llcan are loading, and the barqucntine Wai nata is about to load. Iklknsvimjc—Tho barques Italy and Free dor aro loading in tho Makarau. Tho s.s. irham having received an ovorhuul to her tohinerjr and a now propeller, can now steam and from Uargavillo within llvo hours. Her )lns havo boon thoroughly renovated.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

lubshu., thi3 day.— Arrived: Wairarapa, a Auckland, 5.30 a.m., and Agnes Martin. i Te Anau passed south at 5 a.m. m anoakki, this day.—Arrived: Macgregor, a Auckland, 10 a.m. kw Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Wa a, from Onohunga, 8 a.m. /Ellington, this day. — A rrived, at 2.30 i. t Wakatipu, from Sydney. ifDNBT. Uiib day.—Arrived, yesterday after p: Hauroto, from Wellington. • ARRIVAL OF THE TONGARIRO. onedin, this day.—Tho Tongariro anchored he Heads at 9 last night. She has made tho sago in 42 days 1 hour; actual atea/ninjj, 2 a less. Sho reports all well. Him is drawing feot of water.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails wilt, Closk as wvuek :— Tma Day. Far Whivnpiroi Heads, Wlmngarei, Kamo, and Manga pai, per Wnitaki. at ;i p.m. For Thames, pur liliterprise, at i.l! 0 p.m. Thuhsday, 13th inst. For Wanganul, per Kowena, at S a.m. Fiir Waiwera, To Kapa, Croigloburn, and Warkworth, per l!ose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Uisborne. Napier, and Southern Ports, per Te Aiuui, at-' p.m. For Taitranga, Ohinemutu, and Opotiki, per UlcnelK. at 4 p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Ruby, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Anne Milbanl:, at 5.30 p.m. FHID.W, llth inst. For Waiheke, Cowoa, and Coromandol, per Coroinandel, at I. 0 p.m. Monday, nth inst. For Suva, etc., per Penguin, at I p.m. For Australian Colonlesand United Kingdom, via Suez and ilrindisi, or Naples, for letters, etc., specially so propaid and addressed, per City of Sydney, immediately aftot her arrival from Honolulu. S. D. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-ofllce, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

December in. iB"3.

Wellesley-strect Sohool—Jleeting of members of N.Z. ftducatlonul Institute; Discussion, election of delegates, etc., 7.30 p.m.

H.A.C.Ii. Society-Juvenile Contingent, 7.30 p.m.

V.M.C.A.-General Meeting of Welsh people 7.'.i0 p.m.

Masonic, Lodge United Service -Kinorgenuy Meeting, V.HO p.m.

Y.M.C.A.—Lecturo by Mr 11. W, Farrmll. "The Idcntillcation of tho United States of America with the Tribe of. Manasaoli," J.SO p.m.

Industrial Building, Load and Investment Society — Annual meeting, Society's olllees, cornel" of Vulcan Lime, S p.m.

Births.

CRUICKSHANIC—At Ponsonby, on December

10th,- Mrs Goo. Sruiokshank of a son. MIIvICKLSON.—On iltli December, atllelmont Terrace, Kemuera, tho wife of W. Mikkclson of a son.

Deaths.

HAKKU.-^At the residenco of his parent!?, One ' liunga, on Decoiubor 12, Frederick, tho be loved son of Josiah Maker; aged 18 yearn. The funeral will leave tho above residence on Thursday, 13th inst., at 3.30 p.m. Mends are respectfully invited. DINNIN.—On December 11. at Woort-stroot, Ponsonby, Captain JHiinin, lata of H..M. Mth i;<M.viment. in his 73rd year. Tho funeral will leave his residenco at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Thursday), l'ith lust. I'Yienda aro respectfully invited to attend. Kcqulcacat in pace. SMITH.—On the IStli September, at Shawnle Clreok, 1-ako Koad, Hosoiuiucl, Mrs David Smith, sen. (mother or It. C. Smith, Devon Cirovo, Matakohu) ; aged 101 years and 11 iiioiitiiu. Deceased was a native of Dollor, Olockmunaiishire, and relict of Mr Davia Smith, Auehtermuchty, Fifeshire, Soot land.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1883.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For tho f nturo in tho distanco, And the good that wo can do.

Tiik proposal to duplicato the cablo com munication with England comes as a sort of appendix to tho Conference proceedings. Tho question was brought before the Con vention in a paper submitted by the Post master of New South Wales, through ono of his colleagues, but it was not in a shape that could bo approached by tho unformed federal body. The pro position is to form a junction with tho American telegraphic systems by a cablo from Sydney to New Caledonia, Fiji, Honolulu, and San Francisco; or from Auckland to America—in which case, we presume, New Caledonia would bo left out. The total length of tho first-described route is 6,858 knots, and the cost t!2,0OO.00O. From Auckland the length would bo :!5S knots shorter, and tho cost £50,000 less. It it proposed that the cost of construction shall bo borne by all the colonies in propor tion to population, Now Zealand's share in that ca3e being £206,000. Tho entire object of this rathor costly project is to bring down tho heavy rates charged for transmission over the lines of tho Eastern Extension TeloJ "raph Company. Tho new cable would be federal property undertho direct control an:l management) of tho colonies interested. It would be a formidable opposition to the present cable monopoly, which has shown an illiberal lack of readiness to mako any concession in rates.notwithstanding the ex traordinary amount of work which has been thrown upon the cable. If carried out, the new cable would com plete the telegraphic girdle round' the globe, and ensure the colonies against any probable interruption of communication with Europe. Tho cost is, however, Berioua, and if the Eastern Telegraph Company take alarm, as they probably will do, and make substantial reductions, it is questionable whether the colonies concerned will be willing to saddle themselves with tho burden—inoro especially as tho Government of Western Australia hag already sold a concession to a syndicate represented by Sir Julius Vojjel fot the construction of a cable from Froemantle to Ceylon, the distance being little more than half that of tho proposed Americf.a connection. If, however, the Auck land terminus wero adopted, it would be distinctly to the advantage of New Zealand to join New South JWales in tho scheme. Cablo connection with Fiji would bo worth something, but the position on the main cable, witl) its avoidance of the re-transraission through the Australian cable, would ba worth still more in cheap ness and faciMty. This scheme would, moreover, give Now Zealand a com plete duplication of cable services, while the New Caledonian routo would leave us in very little better position than at present, our entire cable serrice being still dependent upon the Eastern Telegraph Co'a cable between Wakapuaka and Botany Bay. No doubt the feeling in Australia will, for the same reason, favour tl>e pro posal to carry the cablo tho other, way, arguing that it is better for one colony rather than six to employ the linos of the rival company. It comes to this, therefore, that any acceptable schema must include tho duplication of the con nection between Australia and New Zeai land, and whether tho advantages would recompense the taxpayers for the enormous cost must be a matter for gravo considera tion.

IT.M.S. Espiegle arrived from Sydney via Russell this morning. Particulars ap pear in our shipping column.

The whole of tho inward cargo by the barque Antarei? has been discharged, and she is about to commence to load for LondiM), to which port sijo has already con veyed ill excellent ordor many valuable cargoes of New Zealand produce. Her cargo will probably comprise a largo quan tity of wool and gum. She is expected to sail noxt month.

The sitting in banco vvJjjLgli was held this morning by Mr Justice Gillies was of very brief duration, the three matters uppn tho motion paper being adjourned till Wednes day next on application. They consisted of motionsfor orders of discharge on behalf of Kobert Maclcay and It. H. A. Sliakeapoar (debtors), and Win. Francis Wilson and Robert Wilson (dobtors),rcspectively, and a motion for writ of mandamus in re Porione Tanghia v. Macdonald to compel Judge Macdonald to grant a re-hearing of a claim to land at Paeroa Bast.

During tliG discussion at the Cifcy Council meeting yesterday evening upon the ad visability or otherwise of acquiring Edg combe's property «.t £}io Western Springs, Cr. Crowther expressed ft strong opinion with respect to t!ie Tallow factory. On being asked by the Mayor if he did not think the removal of tho factory was worth the expenditure of some money, he promptly replied that ho would not give 5s per annum for sueli a purpose. The resi dents in the neigh bourhood wbuld themselves clear ifc oat, fox if they didn't tho amell would kill them. Cr. Waddel drily remarked thai some peoplo throve upon such smells, but Cr. Crowther evidently did not regard the people of Arch Hill as of this class, for lie vouchsafed no reply.

On tho motion of Mr D. H. McKenzie, tiio question of abolishing the present system of compulsory pilotage after the 30th of June next has been referred to tho Pilot Commit tee of the Harbour Board.

A woman named Eliriv Lostmngo was sscntouoed to-day to 14 days' imprisonment on iv charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. The police list disclosed no less than 7li convictions against this person, and for her sundry oft'eneos she has spent eleven years, two months, and twelve days, in Mount Eden Gaol, to date, November 10. She is 35 years of ago, hence she has passed one third of her turbulent-Mid sad existence in " durance vile."

The stranded steamer Triumph is announced to be sold by public auction to morrow by Messrs K. and A. Isaacs. Should ehe bo Floated nli' and brought to port, the Harbour Board has resolved to grant her tho free use of Die dock.

Tho installation of oliicers of the Waite mat:i Masonic Lodge will bo celebrated on Monday next by a ball instead of a banquet. This change from the old style has met with the general approval of tho lodjro, and a resolution to that ell'ect was passed. . Tlie Committee are actively preparing for the anticipated event, and nothing will be left in.done to make the gathering an unqualified success.

Captain Dinnin, who died at Ponsonby yesterday at the age of 7.'!, was a very old colonist. Ho arrived here with the 58th Kegmcnt in 1845, and took part in the Hoke war. He subsequently served as captain in the Auckland Militia. The funeral of deceased is fixed for to-moriow afternoon,

To the Editor: Sir,—Tn answer to Mr Malcolmson's letter in tho Star re "Cin chona Cultivation," 1 beg to inform you that 1 raised a good number from seed. 1 potted them of)', and in the autumn, when they were from (! to !) inches in height, 1 was obliged to place them in a cold frame, not having room in my other bonnes. The severe frost of last winter cut a largo number of them down, and the few that 1 have remaining are planted out, and will be taken great care of.—Vourn, &0., Ja.xiks Mason.

Mr I. Doran will open his Christina." series of entertainments on Saturday oven ing next at Abbott's Opera House, when a large mmiber of Christmas gifts will be dis tributed among t lie (uidionce. A big variety bill will bo presented on the opening night, and represented by 20 porformors, ]•_' now stars, and S popular local men. The gifts, about i'fiOO worth, will bo on view to morrow evening at the Opera House.

Tenders for tho removal of tho school building at Howick, which were tempo rarily withdrawn,havo now been re-invited, returnable up to tho -i.st instant. We understand that new plans and specifica tions have buen prepared, in consequence of the Board of Education deciding to make certain additions and alterations to the building.

When the Diocesan Trust Hoard's letter re St. Paul's Church property came before the Harbour Board yosterday, the Mayor stated that a similar letter had been Kent to tho City Council. He looked upon it as a merely formal alliuf. The Trust Hoard wero the legal custodians of St. Paul's Church property, and they wished any ar rangement that was to bo made to bo dune in proper legal form. Tho letter was; ac cordingly referred to the Legal Committee with power to act.

A meeting of Welsh people residing in and around Auckland will bo held thin evening in tlie Young Men's Christian Association rooms, when the Key. R. J. Roborts and other friends will speak. Tho subject to bo introduced is one of special interest to Welsh people, and the Committee hope to see all their countrymen and countrywomen present, those who havo left tho land of the harp and the mountain flower, but who still retain pleasant memories of tho valleys of the Dee, Llan gollcn, Swansea, and St. Bride's Hay.

Somo weeks ago a To Arolin resilient placed a piece of ground in the hands of an Auckland linn for the purposo of disposing of promoter's shares therein and forming n company. Tho agents sold tho shares, and were congratulating themselves on having netted .i:100 commission, when they dis covered that tho promoter hud no interest in tho ground. As that matter will pro bably bo ventilated through the median) of the law courts, wo refrain from giving names or from expressing an opinion.—" To Aroha Neu'B."

We understand that tho breaking up of the Collcgo and Grammar School on Friday next (14th inst,) will be celebrated by a dance in tho hall of tho school. The ar rungemonts are under the management of a committee, consisting of the head and two assistant masters and some of the old boys and senior pupils.

From Mr Julian Thomau ("The Vaga bond"), who has taken Captain Armit's place us leader of tho "Argus" expedition to Now Guinea, the following despatch, dated Thursday Island, 17th November, has been received:—"MrLoftus Irving, my second in command, has booh taken seriously ill with fever. Ho returns to Cooktown to-day. I leave on the 20th instant by the Elsie for Port Moresby. Mr Eldrick Edenfert, the Swedish botanist, accompanies me. Two other parties aro here, also bound for New Guinea. Messrs Hunter, Gye, and Currio, three old Queonslandors, intend prospecting for country. The others aro Dr. Gee and Messrs Laurie and Horsloy, English gentle men travelling, according to their own account, for pleasure only. Next year it is expected that many parties will be made up in Cooktown and Northern Queensland to explore New Guinea for cedar, gold, and country suitable for cultivation."

Mr.T. J. Hunter (Secretary of tho Brick layers Society), and Mr M. Tobin (Secre tary of tho Bricklayera' Labourers Society) have called us to correct the quotations given in our mail summary of the ruling rates of wages for their respoctivo trades. Mr Hunter declares that it is only com petent bricklayors who got 1-s a day (which, of course, would bo inferred), and Mr Tobin allirms that bricklayers' labourers only get 8s per day,insteod of 10s, as stated in tho labour report. Wo aro also informed that thoro ia at present a dearth of omploy ment for plasterers. Our labour report is chietly compiled from the returns furnished to the Secretary of tho Trade and Labour Council, and it would be advantageous to tho trado generally if reliable Information were furnished regularly by the various trades to that body.

Tho, Orchestral Society's last concert of the Hoason, which takes place to-morrow ovening in the Choral Hall, merits, and will doubtless receive, a largo measuroof patron age at the hands of the public. Tho pro gramme is high in tone and popular in character, holding forth the sure promise of a highly-agreeable result. Tho Society are " billed" tor no less than six choice eonj tributions, and Messrs C. and J. Jlomus, Clough, and Edger give one ot theirdolight ful string quartettes, while songs will be sung by Miss Carrie dribble, Miss Ball, Mr F. Sceats and Mr Edmiston, and pianoforte soloa will be played by Mr Angelo Forrest and Miss Millie lloywood. Misses Hoy wood and Ball, who are pupils of Heir Schmitt, on this occasion will make their debut, and their success is said to bo a foio gono conclusion, llerr Sehmitt will ac company Miss Hey wood on tho violin and Miss Ball on tho organ, the selection of the lattor young lady boing Sullivan's "Chorister.

The anniversary soiree of the Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church was numerously attended last evening, and the proceedings were of a choerf ul and encourag ing character. Tea and a plentiful supply of first-class .vjands received due attention before the church meeting waa hold. The following Jadies rendered essential sorvice at tho well-laden tables: —Mesdames Baker, Booth, Chambers (2), Chester, Cleal, Guy, Jones, Maynard, VVeokes, Wesley, Wilson, and a friend. Tho meeting in the church was under tho presidency of the Rev. James Guy, and was opened by prayer and a hymn. The Treasurer, Mr Walker, read tho annual report;, which showed steady progress, and was full of hope for the future. The congregation have had an uphill battle, being a ■working church, and the Jadies "are unceasing in their laudable endeavours to liquidate liabilities. Excellent addressoa wero given by the Hcv. James Guy, Joseph S. Hill, R, F. Maonieol, and W S. Potter. The efficient choir, under tho direction of Mr Booth, sang several anthems and hymns during tho evening, and tho mooting was closed with tho benediction.

Tho monthly entertainment of tho Ark of Eden Lodge of Good Templars was held last night in the Eden Hall, which was crowded by a highly respectable audience. The programme of the evening was highly commendable, the selections of music being from the best composers, and tho reading from standard English authors. Mr Douse occupied tho chair, and in a neat speech clearly defined the principles of tho order. Addresses were also delivered by ilr French an:l Mr Pocklington, W.G.T. of the Lodge. Miss Allen performed the opening solo and "Tho Maiden's Prayer." Mr and Jlm* Mears gave a pianoforte duot, " Woodland Whispers." Both performances were well received. Mr Menzies sang two songs with much effect, "Tho Skipper's Flag" and "The I)roam." Recitations and read iligs wet-o given from Wilson, Campbell) T;;qnyson, an 4 other authors by Messrs Blackmail, Onvill, Coadj Grindrod, and Walker. The meeting was interesting, and closed with tho Doxology.

Tlie large yacht Ai'ttwu narrowly escaped serieUH injury laut evening. Her ownor (Mrßloonlield)andMrJ. Cell left homafely moored alongside of I ho outer eastern too of Queen-street Wlmrf at 8 o'clock, and upon returning two hours later they found that she had been cast adrift and was lying in a very dangerous position alongside of the main lee. With some little difficulty she was h:*ileil off and secured. Had she re mained there a short time longer, she would have got under the wharf and probably sustained serious injury.

Tho next ordinary meeting of the Harbour Board will be held on Monday week.

j\ linit-clas) programmo has been pre pared for the Ponssonby Cricket Club con cert, which takes place in St. James's Hall on Friday evening next. The services of some new talent and of the Waitemata Minj strels have been secured, and a most sue: cosuful affair is anticipated. Intending performers arc. expected to meet at St. James's Hall thin evening- for rehearsal.

Mrti. \V. Binney's sale of 3S wood build ings for removal takes place on Friday next at II a.m. As there is no reserve, intend ing purchasers should attend punctually,

Some of the youngsters1 who are engaged in collecting subscriptions in aid of the forthcoming fohools demonstration are do ing remarkably well. In numerous in stances supplementary cards havo been ap plied for, sums of £4 or jCj being repre sented on the first cards.

The Waitemata Boating Club has prepared a Kootl pniftrainmo fur tildr concert in the Lonic-slrecM Mall on Friday evening A groat many [idiots hum already been sold, and the KullierhiK is expected to be a success.

A concert in aid of the funds of Epiphany t'luirch will bo plvcn by St. Paul's Church choir in tliulOdinliiiruh-strei:! Si-li.ml-rooiii to morrow uvunllitf. Wo understand that a very chuii't) iii'unTßinme bus Ihtii prepared, and Una fact, coupled with Ihu object la view find the inodiM-atu rlnuw! fur admission (urns uliillini;), Nhcmid cumin) .i crowded " house."

The annual presentation of certificates in rimiiretlon with tho (.'iris' High School will take plauu to-morrow afternoon in llm lilioral Hall. cuiiiiiiciu-.inK at D o'clock ; and on K.-lduy tho Hiicc«nsful pupil* of the Auckland (Jollnuo and (Irumnmr School will ho awarded their ourlill-

On reference to our advertising columns it will ho seen Hint tho Australian Mutual I'ruvideut .Suricly liavi! osiahllshud v. Immch nlllco in Auckland, under Jlr 1). J. Mi.-I.iood. iloiuburs of the Poriuly arc ra^ucbloit to pay all prtmiiuiuu duo uftor tho 80th instant, and to forward nil coinimmirutlons respecting llioir lioliiuos, to .Mr .Mol.cod. l<'url.lici- information can be had upon wrltton or personalapplication -theKociety'ijolllcoboiiHf temporarily at Nos. 2 and :t, iVloriantilo Chambers, Quoun-utrccl.

To-morrow evening a conversazione in aid of the luirsoiiuKcf 11 nils, ii( Trln! lyCiiiu-cli. Devon port, will bii held In thu Public. Had. cnin iiioiiuiusat 7.30. Similar cntortaliimonta luuo heuii triven on two. prevloim ocimihluiiu with nuirked success, tlie departure from tho con ventional tea - drinking and formal Mpeooti - making belni? hlKlily approciatcd. A special feature is tlio exhibition uf Ruiuiitiilo lnsU'U nicnts. Should any I'riendu in tin: parish nr out of It haviiin Llioir pdhsusbloii any nuvxlUea in this ilupurliuuni, and would Uin.lly lend thuin for the occasion, they would be isoiifuiTiiig n. favour.

Christmas sale of Sowing Machines now on. Shlpmonls to hand.—D. S. Chanibers. oiiposito 1 he >!ank.

Wuuhing Made Easy.-—Use Price's Soap Kxtraet. B'afo, sure,'uuonomlcali Sold by all respectable storekeepers.—[Advt.]

Wiikok on tiik TuiujiPii.—lt is boleivod ICauki Timiikk lironuily apjilUid would tlout her nil' thu rucku. This Aucklimi Timiikk CuMI'A-N'V Kiuuilj ovury duHuriiitlmuif Timber ut lowest prices, and with Kraituat uoiinutuh. 8,(1)0,000 feel stacked wa«onluK. Hukktw ov DiiMiu.v, with lirieo-llalu or Mouldings, Jfoors. Siuhi'K, Frames, Mantelpieces, Untus, Posts, Fretwurk, t'nrvliig, Turnery. S.-c,, &c., for warded free on application, l.imiat and bust plant of Wood-working Machinery in l.tio Suiitlioni lU>mi>(phuri>. Wholesale mid rutall.- -[Advt.l

SCINTILLATIONS.

S.w.i: of the steamer Triumph to-morrow

The weight of nil flesh—lo ounces to tho pound. Hearty Laugh—One that gets down among tho ribs.

Kuinihia Cheese and Bacon Factory started on Monday last.

Last month, two Chinese, one malo and 0110 female, left New Zealand fur Eng land.

The now Presbyterian Church at To Awamutu is to be opened on Sunday firat. Drought recently caused great havoc among sheep ill Maequarrio district, Now South Wales. One squatter lost over 10,000 sheep, which he had burned up. It is notilicd that His Excellency tho Governor has dismissed from the public sorvice of tho colony William Argent Archer,a clerk in the Government Insurance Department.

There are 12,000,000 copies of infidel publications and 20,000,000 copies of immoral books, papers, and pamphlets published annually in London and distri buted principally among tho working clashes.

No further news lias been got of the miss ing sealing crow at Campbell Islands. Go vernment have promised, if the Kokono bring no nous of tho men, to send her out to search for them.

During the-last .">0 years, 100 hereditary peers have been created in England. During tho same time !)0 peerages havo become extinct.

The corporations of Dunodin and sur rounding boroughs aro considering tho ad visability of adopting a general scheme of drainage.

Tho Baptist congregation at Cambridgo havo invited Kov. T. Grey, Canterbury, to be their pastor.

George Scott, an Otago minor, has just died suddenly in Lake County, it is bo lieved from the effects of a tight lie hud somo days since with his mate, named Thomson. Tho latter is in custody.

Tho I'oineroy Company, who are on their way to Auckland, played "Ilomoonnd Juliet" to a crowded house at Wanganui last night.

An American paper states that tho widow of Lord Frederick Cavendish, wlo was mur dorcd in Phionix Park, Dublin, will bo mar ried again before the termination of the lire sent year.

During November last 2,380 persons arrived in Now Zealand from " foreign" ports, and 713 loft the colony, showing a balance of 1,637 in favour of tho colony. The gain from Australia was 253, which in cluded -0 Chinese.

A Dutch journal published at Llmbourg says that thoro is talk hi Australia of hoof ing a Universal Exhibition in Sydney during ISSB to_ colebrato the centenary of the foundation of the colony.

A Russian peasant lately died at Odessa at the age of 147 years. jlo noithor drank 'spirits nor smoked tobacco during his long life.

The Inspector of Prisons paid a visit to Otago heads yesterday, and expressed the opinion that tho proposed harbour works thoro (breakwater, etc.) would bo very suit able for tho employment of prison labour, which tho Harbour Board are likely to ob tain from tho Government.

Tho quarterly "earthquake report" for New Zealand, for tho qiiartor ondod'Wth September, is just gazetted. It is to tho following ofl'oct: — July—Earthquakes re ported at Wellington on 4th, after midnight, smart ;on <Ith, at 3.30 a.m., slight; and on 9th, at 2.40 p.m., Blight. August— Nil. Soptombor—Earthquake at Wellington on 27th, at 7.15 p.m..

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Hoforo If. G. Scth Smith, E»q., It.M.)

Tnrc Wokd and tub Act.—Klim liGstrangc, a young woman, but old in misdeeds, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct, and with smashing the parlour window of Mr John Gamble, on tho llt.li inst.—Prlaonor pleaded guilty in both instances—Fined A^.or in default 11 days.

CiirMNKT on FIRB. — Samuel Sullen was charged with permitting his chimney in llowc strect to be on lire on the 2nd inst.-Defunrimit did not appear.—Sergeant White state:! that liullcn bad since loft tho district, and could not be found.—Withdrawn.

Summons Oases. — Wil iinn Itnlnbow wna charged with placing building material iniho Manukau Koatl, Parncll.'bn the.'lrd iiist.. there by causing an obstruction. — Dofendaiit ad mitted the oU'ence, but tho bricks were placed by the roadside six feet from the carriage way.—Constable Hobson received n complaint, and saw the bricks, unlighted. 'flißv wcro cer tainly an obstruction.—Pearson Giirncnor, fore man of works under tlie Pamoll IJoroußli Council, said he forbad tho placincjof tho bricks there.—Sengoant White produewl a sketch of the boundaries of Iho borough and other docu ments —fined 103 and coats.—Francis .Gregory Wbitini? pleaded guilty to allowing two horses to wander in King-street. Ponsonby.—-De fendant said Ills horses were tied up, but somo boys unloosed them.—Fined ICs and costs.

iIKKACii or LiCKNSi.vn Act.—John McOrogor was charged on summons with 11' in;; drunk cm Sunday at Kj her Pass.—Serjjeanl White desired His Worship to take evidence—Cr.nat.iblo Dews deposed that between li! and 1 o'clock on Sun day last defendant v.-as very drunk, lying on the water-trough outride of an hotel at the top of Symonds-slrcol. Defendant's clothes were in a disordered slalo, and tlie scene was very oll'ensive to persons passing from churches. He had a good deal of trouble at this trough on Sundays in romoving drunkon men.—Fined 20s and costs.

N'Htti.ECTijn CntUHiiwf. — Two littles boys, Valoiitiiio|-Siclneyuml James Mack, werccharged with .being destitute) within the moaning of tlio Act.—The poor children were in tears and sobbed loudly. Mrs Jlaok said her husband, Charles M<iek. had deserted hor and lior four -children for tho society of another woman, and refused to allow her money in support of them, Mack to? now in Rood employment, and could assist if he wero so disposed.— An order was granted for tlio removal of Uie boys to Kolri mnraina for a fenn of years, to bo brought up in tlio Roman Catholic faith.

This was all the business,

CABLEGRAMS.

[KEUTKII's UABLKGIUMS.]

(Received December 12, 11.40 a.m.) Banquet to Bishop Barry.

London, December 11, — Dr. Barry (Bishop-elect of Sydney), New South Wales, was entertained at a banquet at Worcester hut evening. Sir Saul Samuel, Agent- General in London for New South Wales, was amongst the guests. Tho French War Polioy.

Paris, December 10.—In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, a debate took place upon the Tonquin policy of the Government, at conclusion of which votes of credit and of confidence in Government were passed by large majorities. In the course of his speech, M. Ferry declared that tho Govern ment were firmly resolved to follow up their present line of policy and push operations without delay. New South Wales and Victoria. Svdnkv, this day—ln the Legislative Assembly last night, under a motion for adjournment, a debate took place regarding the recent Intercolonial Convention. Much 1 otter feeling wan expressed by the various speakers towards the Victorian delegates, owing to iecei.it speeches of the latter at Melbourne. Tho Threatened Franco-Chinese War. London, December 11.—In tho French Chambers, a resolution of confidence in the present Government to maintain and defend the iniluenco and honour of France in Ton quin has been adopted by a majority of 10!). M. Ferry refuses to grant an armis tice in Tonquin until the basis on which parleying is to proceed is first settled. Now Baronets. Stirgoon-Oeneral Kir.). C. Brown, X.C.8., lion. Surgeon to the Queen, and I'rofesHor J. Listen, Surgeon-Kxtruordinary to Her Majesty, have been created baronets, Tennyson Uaisod to tho Poorago. It is officially announced that Mr Alfred Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, has been raised to tho Peerage, with tho title of Baron, Tlmaru Harbour Loan. The tenders for the Tiinaru Harbour Board loan of t'loo,ooo, which wore opened today, ranged from 98 to 101.

The English Press on the Convention.

[sI'KOI.Uj TO I'KItSS ASSOCIATION.]

Lonijon, Uecembor 10.— The "Pall Mall Ca/ette" nays that, by establishing a Federal Council, tho Australian colonioH have taken a long stride in the right direc tion, unless, indeed, it proves that tlio p»co has beon forced too rapidly to last. Tlio Timaru harbour loan of £100,000 has been fully covered at an arerago of i'9B

The Victorian torpedo bout Childorn proceeds to Portsmouth on Thursday. The Spanish press insists on an exten sion of tho Customs concessions by England under tlie new treaty to winos of 'JH degrees. Franco professes a policy of colonial con servation.

AUSTRALIAN.

Molbourno Grata Marltot.

Mkliiuuiink, December ll.—Tho Mel bourne manager of the National Mortjjago and Agency Company of Now Zealand (Limited) reports of the locnl {(rain market as followH : —Wheat, firm at 4h 3d, for now, and 4k fid for old ; gruin, maltingbarloy, 3 (id to 4s, quotations nominal ; Now Zealand outs, in fair demand at 2s lid to 2s Id for Deeding, and ,'!« 2d to 3n 3d for milling sorts ; New Zealand oate, under bond. 2s lid to 'Jb 4d.

SPORTING NEWS.

Auckland-Bred Eorsos far England,

On'h of the first-fruits of Martini-llenry'a splendid performances on tho Victorian turf this year was yesterday witnessed in tho purchaso of two; Musket fillies from tlio New Zoaland Stud Company for export to England. Tho purchaser was Mr Ashbury, late M.l', for Brighton, who is woll known for his lovo of sport, and who was owner of tho eelobrated yacht Cambria, that won tho international raco—boating Mr James Gordon Bennett's Vesta. Mr Ashbury witnessed tho running of Martini-Henry in tho Derby and Cup recently, and being much enamoured of the animal, came to Auckland to see his dam and sire. Whilo being shown over the stock at Sylvia Park by Major Walmsley, Mr Ashbury greatly admired two lillies, 0110 by Musket—Moon light, and tho other by Musket—All Steel, and these he resolved upon purchasing as carriage horses for himself. Tho purchase was concluded yesterday, and tho two really tine-looking animals will bo sent to England by tho steamer Doric. In Mr Ashbury's equipage ut Home they aro suro to attract much attention, and this, tho first instance of Now Zealand-bred horses being taken to England, may prove the commencement of an important trade.

Thames Summer Mooting.

[BY TKLKORAI'IC—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Thames, thi? day. Tho following aio tho acceptances for Thauio* Jockey Club Summer Meeting : — lIUKDI.K HACK. flt.lb. nl.lli. Ilurkaway ~ 11 3 Christmas .. 10 10 Jjono Hand .. li 0 Kir 10 S Chandler .. .. II 0 Actor .. .. 912 Jcdwulcr .. .. 10 12 BTKKPI.HeIUBK. St. 111. st.lh. Chandler .. 12 5 Jodiratcr .. 10 12 Woodpecker .. 11 8 Fly 10 7 Ohrlutmus .. 10 U Actor .. .. 10 0 • TIIAMK3 I'LATR. Bt.lb. Btlb. Lnnelland .. 7 S Wclcomo Davy.. 6 7 Woodpecker ..7 7 llewl .. .. .—- Konihvorlh ..7 6 GOI.DFIKLnB HANDICAP. St. lb. st.lb. Libeller .. .. 812 Konllworth ..7 7 Loneliand .. .. 712 Hewi .. ..77 Wookpocker .. 7la Wclcomo Dary.. 0 7 The following outrles have been received for tho other ovents :— STEWARDS' Handicap. — Harkawav, Kenll worth. Chandler, Howl. Welcome Davy. Fia-inu STAKfcs.- Golden Crown, Rewl, and IJbolltr. Selling Rack.—Harkaway, Butcher Boy, JUack Domon, Golden Crown, Charlie, Welcome Davy.

Russia.,!,, this day.—Tho racehorse Dew drop arrived safely this morning to take part in our various races.

UuiUSTCItonCH, this day.—T. Sheenan has beon disqualified by tho Ohoka and Kyroton Clubs ; nlso Psyche, and jockey Walls.

Emir Boy has been added to the list of acceptors for tho C.J.C. Midsummer Handicap.

Salvage has been freely supported to win the Auckland Cup at 4's and s's to 1 during the day, 00 to 40 also being taken about him for a place.

WESLEYAN BAZAAR AT PUKE KOHE.

[nr TKLKtiKAru,—own conniisroNDisvr.]

PuKBKOHE, this day. The Bazaar in aid of tho Pukekolio Circuit Parsonago opens at 1 o'clock to-day, in Messrs Hjll and Mahony's public hall, Pukekohe, kindly lent for tho purposo. The opening address is to bo given by Mr Pholps. I have just had a,view by tho sido entrance of the various stalls of Pukokohe, Linwood, Mauku, Waiuku, Pokeno, and last, but not least, Tuakau. Tho hall is splondidly decorated, and tho stalls loaded with cvory imaginable kind of bazaar goods. It is expected to bo a great success.

LAUNCH AT DEVONPORT.

A; HANDSOME schooner yacht of about ,'JO tons register was launched from Mr H. Nicool's yards, Devonport, at 4 o'clock yes terday afternoon. She has b,een tiuijt for Prince Wellington, of Tonga, who in tends using her for trading amongst tho islands, fpr which work" tho vessel js especially adaptod. She is strongly built, has good cargo-cairying capacity and accommodation for a few passengers Her dimensions are :—Longth, 54ft. ; beam, 15ft. Gin. ; depth of hold, about Bft. SJic has been christened tho " Ugatangitau." The vessel has been supplied with three suitable boats by Mr J. Clare. She will leave for Tonga at an early date.

ACCIDENT TO THE SCOW OLIVE.

Furthor PATtlouloro.

Mil J. (iiUYiioN, owner of the hcow Olive, who was on board that vessel when she capsized off Mangawai on Friday last, re turned to town yesterday. We are there fore placed in po^essiun of further particu lars respecting tho mishap. The Olive left Ngunguru, loaded with kauri logs, early on Thursday lust, and shortly after getting underway tor Auckland a heavy galo camo on. It was decided to run into Mangawai for shelter. In going in, how ever, the bar was taken too soon, and the scow stuck hard and fast on it in a very dangerous position. Mr (iraydon and the crew took tho Hails oil' tho vessel, pot the dingy out, and pulled ashore. The bad weai'hor rendered the trip in such a small craft a very portions one, and nil hands felt thankful when they got oil' the water. Next morning they found that tlie Olive had capsized. Mr Uruydon went olt to lior and cut away the masts, after which she righted and was taken into a safer place. Several of tho staiinchions have been broken, but beyond thin and the IoSH of her spars the vessel . has sustained little damage. She will be fitted out at Mangawai and brought on to Auckland.

SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL.

Discussion H.o Edgeombo's Proporty,

A kpkoial meeting of the City Council was commenced at four o'clock yesterday after noon for the purpose of further considering

the following recommendation of the Finance Committee with reference to the purchase of Edgcombo's property at the Western Springs:—" Xhut an oiler of j;i;!,000 be niadoto the Company (Mr F. T. Paten agent) for the whole of the land owned by M r Kdgcombe, of about 100 acres, also to include the land at present liekl by the Tallow Company (4 acres) and the hotel and site (i> acres), cottages, itc, the Tallow Company to have tlio right to remove the buildings therefrom." There were, present:—The Mayor (Mr J. M.: Clark), and Cra. Masefiold, Garratt, Burns;. La Koch«, Montague, Thompson, Crow 1 thor, I-lovoro, rhillipps, Mackoehnie, Stevenson, Harper, Waddel, and Aicken.— The Council having gone into Committee, the Mayor explained that thoro had not been time to circulate tho Engineer's re port (published in our last issue.) Mr Errington, however, was in attcndiineo, but was Buffering Bevorely from inflammation of the larynx. [A certificate from Dr. Wilkins to this effect Mas then read, as v.-e!l as the Engineer's report.]— Or. Crowther moved, and Cr. Montague seconded, tlie adjournment of tife discussion.—On tho suggCMtion of Cr. JJevore, the corrospoii-' deuce that had taken place in the matter was read, from which it appeared that Mr Paten wanted £17,000 for tho property.— Tlie Mayor supported the adoption of the Committee's recommendation, saying that he did no in order that they might have a pure filter bed to the ponds at tho Western Springs. If Martins property could bo purchased at a moderate price, ho would advocate tho purchase of that also. Ho thought they could get Edgeombo's land at less than i- 13,000, and it was worth that to the Council. — Mr Thompson moved that the Council be recommended to deelino to purchase tho land offered by Mr Paten. The land was porous, and there was nothing to prevent it being tapped. He thought if they pur chased tho whole of tho land up to Mount Eden they would not haVe sufficient to provide a water supply for Auckland. It would be far better to take steps to provide a permanent water supply for tho city. Cr. Garratt seconded tho amendment. There was nothing to show that our water supply would bo increased by this acquisition of property, and it was pure enough now. Ho favoured the adoption of steps to ascertain if there was any other supply available.— In answer to a question, the Mayor said that during tho driest months of last year tho daily consumpt whs 700,000 gallons. When tho time camo to look around for a gravitation scheme, it would bo found, as some engineers had pointed out, that it could not 1)0 obtained nearer home than Taupo.—Cr. Dcvoro remarked that it was 'uot assorted that tho purchaser of this pro perty would increase the water supply, and it was a notable fact that in dry summers many of the springs dis appeared. He believed that tho purchase ot tho property would stave off contamina tion for some time yet—ten years {lerhaps— but it would become impure at last. He had been assured, and he had no reason to doubt the statement, that the real source of tlie supply wns at Cabbage Tree Swamp, and that as it was coloured there, so was it coloured in a well behind the hotel. It was for them to consider whether they would expend a largo sum ot money for a mere temporary expedient, or savo it in. order to assist in getting a more oH'cctivo supply.— Cr. Waddel said the question suggested itself if thoy did not take stops to ensure tho purity of the present supply, what were they to do? lliey could not borrow again for live years, for even the suggested 1113,000 would havo to b<s drawn from the present loan, and that being tho case, prudence dictated tho adoption of all neces sary steps to secure the purity of our water. —Cr. Aickin held that the land ottered to tho Council acted a« a splendid natural filter for tho Springs, and that, if tho present water supply, which was a really excellent one, was to bo preserved; this land should be bought. Ho could not see where a better water supply was to come from.—Cr. La llocho pointed out that whoreas they would have to pay £(iSO per annum interest on £13,000, they could let the grazing for C3OO a-year and tho hotel rental for i2i)o a-year, leaving only £100 for them to pay as interest.—Cr. Maekechnio affirmed that no impurities cov'ii rwyl, i.he Springs from olthor sido, ... tuoy were flanked by clay banks, whilo tho land in front, which was that now offored to the Council, acted as a good filter for tho water at tho back. Het therefore supported1 tho proposal to acquire it.—Cr. Maseh'eld said that all tho arguments adduced so far for tho acquisi tion of tho proporty was concerned amounted to this: That it afforded a means of preserving the water supply, but he did not think that there was nny uoed for that. Tho city would Roonor or later extend out to the Western Springs, and the experience of other cities showed that when that time arrived they would have to go further afield. He had rond all the engineers' reports on the subject, and he saw no ditticuty in getting an adequate supply within easy distance clsowhoro. It was worthy of remark, too, that Mr Wrigg, iii his repert to tho Provin cial Council in ISG4, said that tho Western Springa at any time might suddenly fail through the sinking of private well?.—Cr. Crowther was. quite satisfied that wo would ultimately havo to go to Nihotapu for our water supply, as Mr Weaver in his report had pointed out. At present, if anyone happened to tap tlie Springs or to divert the stream, wo should be left high and dry. Still he felt that they had not yet got suffi cient data upon which to como to a decision. Tho Mayor quoted several extracts from Mr Moriarty's report with tho objoct of showing that tho Nihotopu supply was much smaller than the Western Springs one.—.Cr. Phillipps said that in the first instance he had been prejudiced against tho proposal to acquire the property, but after personally inspecting it he had come to tho conclusion that it would bo to their ad vantage to secure it. If it served no other purposo than to onsuro the purity of tho water supply for ten years to come, it would be well worth the money. When it ceased to be of sorvice for water supply pur poses it could be made available as a public park.—Cr. Fleming skated' his intention to vote for tho amendment, inasmuch as he felt that a permanent water supply would have to be sought elsewhere.—Cr. Harper had listened carefully to all the arguments made uso of, and could soe no sufficient reason for acquiring tho property. It was not the filter to tho Springs, for that was situated higher up, and consequently its purchaso a3 a filter was simply useless. Ho would vote for the amendment,—Cr. Stevenson pointod out that even were the filter situated higher-up, as affirmed by Cr. Harpor, unless this land was secured there was no guarantee that tho Springs would be preserved from contamination. Even as a speculation the laud would repay tho pro posod expenditure,—Cr. Montague sup ported tho amendment. He felt that there was no assurance of permanence about the Western Springs, and he preferred, there fore, to husband their resources far a larger andlasting scheme, persuaded thatthepunty of the present supply was not threatened.— After some further expression of opinion the amendment declining Mr Paten's offer was negatived by 9to 7.—A further amendment by Cr. Doyoro, adjourning tho matter till after the next Council meeting, was then carried, on tho Mayor's casting vote,

As a Christmas present, nothing ••- so suitable ns tho Domcstld Sowing Wnclilnß.— Shakrapcar & Co., Quomi blicci, opposite the Market.—[Aimt.l

THE INTER COLONIAL CON VENTION.

(From Oitu Spisolal Coiuikspondbnt.)

SydKKV, December fi. Colonial Statesmen Contrasted. Tub Conference, from which is to spring a future Australasian Parliament, lias now been in session a week, and already some good has resulted from their proceedings. Perhaps the chief bunelit accomplished so fur lias been the disillusionising of Sydney people as to the wonderful merits of their own public men, and the second-rate qualities of those of other colonies. We had for SO long ob tained unquestioned precedence for "our beautiful harbour " that we began to tack on to tills? precedence in all other direction.". Hut, as the construction of railways and the enterprise of such steamship companies as the Union Company of New Zealand bewail to bring us into more frequent and complete inlereour.su with our sister and daughter colonies, we began to find that Nature, having endowed us with one attri bute in which wo "licked Australasia," wo were, so far as ourselves were concerned, very far behind indeed. Tims, we are now nil aware that .so far as statesmanship and the qualities for becoming a power at the Council Board or in Diplomatic Conference is concerned, wo are quite inferior to, even such v tliird-rate colony as South Australia, and nowhere at all as compared with New Zealand. This iias done us good, and then (immediate friends excepted) no one seems to have taken it amiss that at the Conference Messrs Stuart, Dibbs, and JJalloy do not cany us much weight with them as do Major Atkinson and Mr Whitaker, for instance. It is quite true that a majority of the Conference "have decided against the broad and comprelionjj sivo annexation proposals of the latter, but none the less lias their statesmanlike qualities been admitted. They are not re jected : they are simply laid aside on the ground of presumed inopportuneness. As to our very own Dalley, whom we have been parading for so many yearn as a species of champion public speaker, we found him out directly (as at the Clontarf luncheon). His agreeably arranged platitudes and sesquipedation eloquence came in sharp contact with such speakers as Mr Service, Mr Berry, Mr Bray, MrOiblin, and others ; whilst Major Atkinson, without pretence to oratory, made his mark by his sound sense and tliou"ht that showed through all he said. Exclusion of the Press. The Conference met for the first thno on Wednesday, November 2Sth, and the chief feature of interest connected witli it was the discussion of the question whether tho press should be admitted to or excluded from tho deliberations. As to public opinion on the point, that was quite unani mous. Everyone was in favour of having the proceedings reported by competent journalists, and so conlident were tho great journals of Melbourne and Sydney that the proceedings would bo open to their re porters that outside the Exocutivo Chamber in which tho Conference meets there was a gathering of reporters, if not from tho ends of the earth, at least from the four corners of Australia. Well, as you know, the press have been excluded. Your representatives and those of Victoria were for publicity, and there vrould havo been no opposi tion but for our men. Truth is, our Ministers are having a series of very bad quarter-of-hours of it in Parlia ment just now. Their new Land Bill will pass its second reading, because if it did not Parliament would bo in the position of allirming tho doctrine laid down by the leader of tho Opposition—that our existing land laws do not require alteration. But at; it has been cut to ribbands by speakers from all sides of the House, its passage through Committee will bo a curious one, and no one expects it to arrive at a third reading. Meantime Ministers have lost the majority they had nine months ago, and on all and every possible question they are being tackled and teased just as they tackled and teasod their predecessors thirteen months since. Now they folt that with a daily newspaper report of the Convention would come additional Parliamentary trouble for them. Their iunato modesty told them how many chances their inferiority to other members of tho Conference would give their onemies, .and realising that with publicity to Con ference proceedings their sorrows would bo literally greater than they could bear, they decided to oppose the admission of reporters, and obtained a support of pure courtesy from three representatives, who did not care particularly one May or tho other. Mr Berry, who was very earnest for the admis sion of the press, declined to be bound by the decision in so far as his giving informa tion to reporters was concerned, and there being a swarm of industrious, eager, and inquisitive pressmen in Sydney, the result has been the daily publication of a bold and meagre official report, supplemented by a lengthened account derived from what, in technical language, could be "picked up." As another consequonco, tho Conference, at intervals, forward "communiques" to the papers contradicting portions of what has been picked up. Mr Stuart, our Premier, was elected Chairman, thus apparently es tablishing the rule of selecting a President in deference to the colony in which the Con ference may be sitting rather than in ac cordanco with personal qualifications. It was settled that the title I have placed at the head of this letter should be adopted, and that tho meeting should bo called " A Convention," and not " A Conference." No one has taken offence at this. As Mr Squeers told Nicholas Nickelby, "a man may call his house an island if he chooses. There's no act of Parliament against it."

How tho Business was Done

Tho real business of the Convention was then approached, and it was at once seen that the meeting was not likely to terminate without something practical being done in view of the two great questions which have called "'lho Convention" into being, nninoly, " annexation" and "federation." ! Draft resolutions wero submitted by Mr Service as regards tho first, mid by Mr Griffiths as regards tho second, and it was practically agreed to lot consideration of tho Bocond'wait over settlement of the first. Mr Sorvico's resolutions recommended an nexation of Eastern Now Guinea, the Now Hebrides, and oilier Western Pacific Islands, or the establishment of such n pro tectorate over them as should provont their falling. into the. hands of any foreign power. At tho same time tho proposal of Franco to shoot her criminal rubbish out here was strongly protested against. The discussion on these resolutions showed great divergence of opinion, and Mr Whitaker came to tho point in advocating ft thoroughly national Australasian policy. Mr Griffiths,' as .tho discussion proceeded, tabled resolutions of his own re annexation, and Mr Dalley tabled amendments. This was on Thursday last. When tho Con vention mot on Friday, it became apparent that .New South Wales and Queensland,, though " ( for different reasons, were not prepared to gothe lejig^Us proposed by Mr Service oy Mr Wbltaker, But a modo of arriving .at a basis of cpuwnpu agreamont was discovered in tho appointment of a committee to consider all the draft resolutions on an nexation submitted to the Convention, and' from them to prepare resolutions embodying points of common agreement and excluding matters of divergence On Saturday morn ing tlio Convention made no real progress, waiting- tho Committee's report, and tho «if ternoon was devoted to one of those pionics for which Sydney is famous, where tlio eating and drinking are of the vevy best, where the latter lasts fvoni time of de parture until arrival, and where the scenic surroundings lend poetry to the niero gas tronomic and bibulons pleasures. On Monday tlieCommit'tpo brought up their resolutions, which you will find printed in full in the Sydney papers to hand oy this mail. They wore cautious in the extreme, de clining to touch the New Hebrides annexa tion question, but affirming certain grounds of agreement as to anncx,atlo.n or a, protect orate in the Pacific, ami a protest against tlio incoming of foreign powers; whether in the form of criminal transportation or not.

'. ilr Griffiths (a certain approach to the solution of the annexation question having been, arrived at) brought forward vesoh" tions for the establishment of a Federal Council, and Mr Dalloy intimated his inten tion of draftmg a bill on tho matter. It became known that Mr W'hitaker dissented altogether from the half-hearted course adopted by the Committee, and on Monday ho laid before the Convention, for tho pur pose'of being printed, a number of resolu tions whjch he proposed to move in lieu of the resolutions framed by the Committee appointed, by tho Convention, and ad mitted nt the previous meeting. Tlie Convention declined to i'o-.open tho matter, and as I intimateO.thcir resolutions may now bc.iaken (\s tho work done by the Convention o\i Annexation. Not such work as everyone wqnld like, not such as Mr Whjtokor proposed, and which has 0)© popular voice jiore., but still soKiotfcing to <;o upon. The Committee' 3 resolutions wei-e debated at length on Tuesday, Mr WhU' alter moving amendment*, but tho reeuU may ho tukon ;:s stated, as tho resolutions were finally voviscd ou TTcdutsday and adopted,

The establishment of a Federal Council was then proceeded with, and Mr Dal ley's bill was under discussion at time of 8 liling of the To Anau,

ANGLO-COLONIAL SUMMARY.

[from orn London correspondent.]

New Zealand Frozen Moat,

London, October 19. Tin; British King and Catalonia arrived Home within a few days of one another the former—which left exactly a week after the Cunard boat—overtaking her in the P,ay of Biscay, and reaching Plymouth ono day before her. The British King's pas sage is the fastest on rocord between New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Cap tain Kelly reports leaving Lyttelton on the Ist September, and rounuing Cape Horn on the 10th (to days 4 hours out). Kio was reached on tho 24th, and here the vessel stayed a day and a-half. She left again on the 28th ; crossed the Equator on October 1. Touched at Madeira (5 hours' stoppage) on October i), and entered Ply. mouth Sound on October 13, the entire voyage having occupied 43 days 4J hours, or, minus stoppages'', only 40 days 23 houiß. The Catalonia (s.), on the contrary, made a by no means remarkable run. This vessel left Lyttelton with a number of passengers and a large cargo on August 25, and reached Kio on September 20. She sailed again on the 21st, touched at St. Vin cent on the 3rd, and at Madeira on the Bth October, reaching Plymouth on the 14th, and the Koyal Albert Docks on the lOtli October. Length of passage, 49 days.

The British King, s., brings 9,000 car cases of mutton, but no beef or fish, the only other frozen food aboard being a few hares, &c, and milk for cabin use. Men tion of the milk reminds me that all diffi culties in connection with freezing and thawing milk have been overcome, that used aboard tho British King being as fresh and pleasant to drink as if warm from tho cow.

Tho British King's meat has, so far, been discharged in good condition, and is selling in a glutted market at from u'd to Gild per lb. wholesale. The average temperature of tho freezing chambers was again ex ceedingly high, visi.,l7°Fahr.,thehigheßt point ever reached being 20° and the lowest B°. I must say I think it imprudent to allow the chambers to reach 2(i°. Tho best cargp ever 'delivered was, as has frequently been stated, tho British Queen's, and her freezing chambers were never at any period of the voyago higher than 5° Fahr., whilst the averago temperature was seven below zero.

Tho Catalonia's meat is also selling af. from Gd to GJd per lb, but I regret to say I can give you no particulars as to the tem perature of the chambers. The engineers on most of tlid meat ships have been the essence of courtesy, and invariably afforded the reporters all necessary information without tho faintest demur. The person who looks after the refrigerating apparatus aboard the Catalonia happens, unfor tunately, to be a surly Scotchman, and when your representative asked the usual questions, he rudely turned on his heel and declined to answer them. At the Company's oliice, generally speaking, tho clerks aro curt to the prets, and"l gladly avail myself of the present oppor tunity to acknowledge courtesies received at the hands of Mr Brodie and Mr Inman. The manager (Mr Strickland), on the con trary, seems rather overcome with a sense of his own greatness, and his curt, pompous : manner makes the Company moro enemies, than friend?. Wo have applied for informa tion about the Catalonia to him, but could not obtain any. It transpired subsequently lie dreaded our learning that the vessel had been burning 76 tons of 20-shilling coal per diem. Tho Mataura's Cargo. The frozen mutton by the Mataura which did not go bad is now all sold. The avorago price realised was 3Jd per lb., the highest price (per case) beincr Od per lb., or for the best of tho separate backs, 7d. Messrs Jlaslam have written to. the papers boldly stating that the catastrophe to the Mataura's cargo came about through bad packing, and notbecausoof any failure on tho part of their freezing machine. Return of Mr Banks. Mr Banks (of Fisher and Co., Auckland) left for New York by the Alaska on the 20th inst., and is due at Auckland on December 10th. He takes with him one of Haalam's dry air refrigerators for the local Frozen Meat Company, and will pick up at 'Frisco one of Boath's famous ice-making machines. At Chicago Mr Banks intends engaging a manager forhis Canned Meat Company, who. will assist him in selecting the newest and best machinery for the process. ■ Arrangements are all but complete for starting Acid Works in Auckland. A well known Birmingham firm have entered cordially into the project, and it is under stood one of their junior partners will set the affair on its legs by becoming manager. In this ease, of course the English firm will subscribe a considerable sum towards th& capital.

HARBOUR BOARD.

The fortnightly weeding of the Harbour Board was held yesterday afternoon, there being present :—-Messrs C. B. Stone (Chair man), J. M, Clark (Mayor), W. R. Waddel, Geo, Harper, O. Mays, J. Lamb, D. H. McKenzie, and Graves Aickin.

Correspondence.—Letters were received and disposed of as follows:—From lown Clerk, stating that City' Engineer had been requested to report on proposed site for railway station; from Public Works Office, re foreshore railway; from Mel bourne Harbour Trust Commissioners, agreeing to exhibit plans and speci fications for Calliope Graving Dock-; from Secretary of Electric Telegraph Boat ing Club asking if present site of shed is required, and if so, could another bo sup ped.— Agreed to reply that site will be re quired, ahd that same facilities will be given to them as to, other clubs. From H M. Jackson applying for the" hire of certain tip waggons, 140 sleepers, and 800 feet of rails, m behalf of the dock centractor — .Agreed to reply that sleepers and roils 'do apt belong to Board, and that waggons are under ofter. From Secretary of lyttelton Harbour Board, offering to sell their dredge plant, consisting of a steam hopper dredge and two steum hopper barges.-Referred to \\orks Committee, Engineer to report. From \\\ G. Bassett, offering to compromise) claim. -, Previous offer adhered to, with option, of. having trucks for £300: from Nathan Harkor, forwarding recommenda tions IB favour of Port Chalmers Quarry Co. s stone.-Uso of stone deolined ; from Diocesan Trust Board re S* Paul's property-Referred to legal Committee ; lioin J. B. Russell re ihspute over berthing of Zealandia.-Resolved to. prosecute cap tain 5 from Geo. Fox, appl y i 51g .f or Bituatio P n i tho pilot service.-Writer to be informed that there is no vacancy; from E. Porter and Co,, offering for £200, a ten-toa travel ing crane, which had been used in the latea, narbour work?. — Agreed to pur hase; fromSecretaryofTakapuna Jockey Mub, asking that the lease of a certain re seiTP reared for racecourse purpcees might be oHered for sale. -Agreed to offer for lease for 21 years at £1 per anmiw, fore shore to bo reclaimed within 3 years, all re parian rights connect-xUvith lots 7 *ndß to be surrendered within ten years ; from Alex. Sutherland, asking for t)m payment of an advance on. his contract for contract ing a tcp w, the TO d stating that the "*W,*f.^ Glance of the work vZ stAQked but ho 5»«1 been delayed by want ;9/ pi,les.;-Agreed Qn Surveyor's rccom : mendatjon to mnko an advance equal to 9tt I per cent, on all timber deliver & for the work ; from J. B. Russell, forwarding w a i opinion on conditions for erection ol Har bour. Board Office^Agreod to accept Mr Connolly s tender on his own terms Fixancv: Cojim;tt¥k. - The Secretary SW,*« tbis Committee fIS i120,G00 would become duo on tliQ 13th December, it recommended that the snm of £105,000, should be placed on fixed deposit for twolva months, £KOOO for six Works and Tariw Co.mmittkk-This Committee recommended : _(l) That tho application of the Auckland Gas Com^nv U granted, subject to tho directions of th« Engineer. (2) That the En^SS amlreport re subdivision of fiZlfi 'iZt fi ' letm' nable on the 24th inst. (3) Aat the ropoit and suggestions of the •Sote re 5 materi^ be Counrif' Ms»* io™mh<i to the City touncil. • (4) That Messrs Boylan and iTOdonV plan, for reclamation works and SlkH.*"™ P f Eaiily Plaoe be aPP™ved" hi *1» Vlß° tlmt a rf "«se be inserted m., L l° v WI)S t0 the effect that P°rtioD walked J on plan shaU be finished and completed and handed over to the Board on or before the Ist July, 1584.-The re jiovt was was adopted.

(Continued on Fourth Page. \

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Special Advertisements. TOMORROW —THURSDAY, OUR, PREMISES, QUEEN-STREET, Will be Close r\ LOSE U I For the Purpose op MARKING DOWN THE STOCK. J/^OSGRAVE & /^IO. • V^OSGUAVE & \^/O. H-RECK OF THE S.S. TRIUMPH. PICTURES OF THE SHIP, AS SHE NOW LIES AT TIRITIRI, N SALE 4 AT "STAR" OFFICE. PRICE, CD EACH. VfNT'S WHISKY. DCIKNTItnO 8 ACT. v u'l'if' ■ it MKiririi-ning and polaonons, no mv- -r imw -.londnd. colonred, or Hurwrnbly flavoured. >IT ft SONS, BftltßSt. Iral.'md (established 38 sini), at iii"-kimi i. b • lil immense stock of. their Oin Wki.u-matuhkd Whiskt, iA cm UiiHiirti Xi Uiu trade- through their ".;.v.. Auiint»-ai'eaHy XX, Oll>, UNaUULTKRATKD, AND WHUI.IWttMK al'lKlT. the quality having Win proutmncud equal to OLD FRENCH BKANDV. In tmllc and enee. to ba had from A. UHATIIER, Aosnt. Head rolonlalOlHco) Mottxrarnt.



Spccisnl Advertisements. DX. VT I L X I N S, OCULIST AND AURIS'f O CHRISTCHIURCK HOSPITAL (sineral onra nt Royal Kro Hospital, Moorilelcls. Len on). can be Consulted till :'st.h December n all ICyo, Ear, and Throat Diseases. Dr.. N'ilkins ulso adjusts the Sight for Accurate (losses and Spectacles. CoNSDt.Tixc.KOOMK : — Jlr Graves Aiekln'a 'hnrnmry. Queen-street, Horn's:-f> to II a.m., nd 2 to fl'p.ni. %X X W CKETO NNE S, FLOORCLOTHS, kc, &c. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN las just received n Splondid Lot of New Floor cloths, clioice patterns, from 18 inches wide to li feet, from !M yard, being 20 per cent, under u»u;il price. Splendid Patterns in New Cretonnes, Cheap. JUST OPEN ED, HIRER HUNDRED |SiOO) POUNDS WORTH of Travellers' Sumpluß In groat vuriejy, and having l>ecn purchased at a very Low Price, will be sold very Cheap. JAROE AND WELL-ASSOKTKD STOCK of lion's. Hoys', ami Youths' Clothing, Shirts, Hosiery, Hats, &<i., eicoedimtly good value. ■JICK LOT NEW SATKKNS AND PRINTS just opened; 5.000 yards Dress Materials, from (3d, splendid value. Patterns Free by Post. Fivo per cent. Discount on Cash I»urchascs . over S)a. FUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, UPPER QUKKN BTRERT. Extension of cash sale. 11118 J. SMITH, in returning thanks to the general public for their very liberal support during the last four weeks, dcrs to intimate that* owing to tho ENORMOUS SUCCESS ov .THE GREAT CASH SALE, She will offish THE BALANCE OF HER STOCK AT A GREAT SACRIFICE. A Lot of Lace and Muslin Curtains, slightlp soiled, less than Half-price A Lot of Counterpanes, a^l sizes, slightly soiled, less than Half-price Silks and Satins In endless variety Dress Goods, a great bargain Good Calicoes f roui 3s Bd per dozen Good Prints from 2jd per yard Ladie.-/ Underclothing, a lUllo soiled, to bo sold Cheap Hlaek Sntln Sunshades from 3s lid; Cold Sunshades from Is Men s, Boys', and Youths' Clothing. REMNANTS ! REMNANTS ! ! J. S M I T 11, DRAPER, Nest Unithd Service Hotel, Queen-street, AUCKLAND. Continuation of cheat DRAPERY & CLOTHING SALE. H. ATKINS Begs to thank his numerous Patrons for the wonderful success of his CHEAP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING SALE, And aIM to announce that ho has succeeded is securing from tho Now Purchasers a Lease of his present premises, H. ATKINS Begs also to say that as tho WHOLE STOCK Has boon • RE-MARKED IN RED, He will continuo his Salo for ». Few Week! Longer, and tho Whole Stock will still bo offered AT HEAVY REDUCTIONS OIF the usual price. ALL NEW GOODS WILL BE SOLD For a short timo at about WHOLESALE PRICE. JOB STOCKS IN DRESS MATERIALS. JOB STOCK OF ANY DESCRIPTION AT ANY PRICE. CHEAP LINES ARE CONSTANTLY BEI BOUGHT, AND ARE ALL MAKKKO AT VERY LOW PRICKS. H, ATKINS, DRAPER. CLOTHIER. &o, TIX S. S. T R I U-M P H. 11 CASES SEASONABLE GOODS JUST OPENED. MILLINERY BONNETS FANCY DHESS GOODS MILLINERY HATS NE\T TBIMMINOSfordo, 9TKAW HATS . MANCHESTER GOODS DRESS CAPS BADV LINEN WIDOWS' CAPS ONDBRCLOTHINCI FBATIIERS CORSETS AND BANDS FLOWRRS LINEN lIANDKCHFS, REAI lACES LACK BORDER DITTO IMITATION LACES LADIES1 SILK YESTB REAL LACE COLLARS tADIES* SPUN HOSE EMBKOIDEKY COLLARS CniLD's SPUN HOSE sunshades . and sox umbrellals. Five Per Cent. Discount for Cash, Dressmaking now under Management of Miss Jackson. JVJI ii n c & Choycb, 241 and 210, Queen-street. T3ETIRING FROM BUSINESS! Xv SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! John Jj ec k. RETIRING FROM BUSINES3. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS, HIS WELL-ASSORTED STOCK SELLING OFF! SELLING OFFI SELLING OFFI AT AND UNDER COST PRICE. RETIPJNG FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. PREMISES LET. SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! STOCK MUST BE CLEARED, ■ ALL ACCOUNTS not paid before 3lat OCTOBER will be handed to his Solici tor for recovory, ONE MONTH AT AND UNDER COST PRICE.



The Stamp Act Revenues.—lf the receipt!! to this Government, in tho shapo of stamps on all proprietary articles, are what they aro repre sented to be, liiMigine the income the manu facturers of Udoi.i'iio Woi.keV. HciriKDAV Akom.vtic bVitx.uTH must derive from the sales of the article, penetrating, a* it, docs, some of Uio most remote markets of the world, und being, as it is in many, the ruling spirit of tho trade.