SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

H(OH WATEB {TpSSiSww'Soral'iiK W« BBJISKT.--Tbl» Kvoniujr, 7,0 . RIJJUtIISK.-To-liiomnv JUoi-nin X , 4.41 WOON'3 ABK.-VhU Moon. lit).. 3.7 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Aloeatis, bnrque. Norris, from Noumea Areylo, s.s., Norris. fi-iini Mercury Bay Walwera.schooner, A nilrisoii, from U'lmnijarei B'anny Kelly, ketch, Williams, from Whnugimm

DEPARTURES.

Waitaki, 5.9., Craw iord, for Whangarci

IMPORTS.

Xx s.s. Te Annu—l3!) wufs ground unrK.-u. W. Binnoy. Ex brig Chioftian—loo sacks ilour, IG Racks fowl wheat.—Ci. VV. llinney. Por Te Annu, from Sydnoy--r 5 gunnies and 93fi bags sugar, 75K oases fruit, 130 bags bark. Sill cnsoß onions, 314 ba(?s bonedust, SOllbnlos coir ynrn. 1W bundles wive. SO cases oranges, ti" bales liny. 37(i bnjrs rice, '.'UOcases castor oil. SS eases wine. 587 felloes, if> pairs shafts.

Ixwaiiiis Coastwise.—Totara, from Walpa, witlr.'iJ.OOO feet timber: Lizette, from Thames, with I.l.ooofeet timber; Janet, from Whangarei, with 800 bushels lime: Leo, from Thames, with 24,7:8 feet timber; Wliamrarei, from Whau garai, with A2 tons coal; Fanny Kelly, from YV'hamruroa, with KoliT iVuttimber; Waiwera. from Wbanstarei, with 31,700 feet timber.

Outwahd.s COABTWIBK.—Totara, for Walpu Leo, for Thames; Janet, for Whaußarci Onward, for Itiissell.

Tho auxiliary screw steamer Explorer was entered outwards at tlie Customs today for Sydney Island (Phoenix (iroup).

The departure of the a.s. To Anau for Mel bourne via tlie South has been postponed till noon to-morrow.

The barque Alcestis arrived from Noumea lnte thie afternoon after a line round trip.linvlng left tills port on November ltli with (iOU tons carßO.

The s.n. Argylo arrived from Morcury Hay early thin morning, with tliu following passen gers:—Messrs Hosljoii(?!i, Jacobs, Urnuhnrt, Ffirprusson, l"'urnisli. Grant, Quirk, Spokeman, Warden, Taylor, Stilton, JVluvsrten, lilnxom, CJooncy, Ashton, Walker, Ucnson, Jlr ami fllra Wurren, Miss llcnderann, Jlr nml Jlrs Sorrcll.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. noiißlaa, s.a., McArthur, from Waitnra lluuruki, s.s., Harvey, from \Vaitara

DEPARTURES.

Douglas, s.s., McArtlmr, for Waitara Hauraki, s s., Harvey, for Waitjua

Tlio Northern Co.'s B.s. Douglus arrived from Waitara at 2 o'clock yesterday with US sheep, 2C horses, 19 kepß and 0 cases butter. 1 chaff ciittor, and 2 casos ns car^o: and Mrs Anderson and 2 children, Jlrs Schofleld, Jlessrs Chad wick and Gardener as passengers.

The s.s. Hauraki arrived from Wiutara at S o clock yesterday with 15 horses and 270 sheep.

The Northern Co.'s s.s. Douglas loft for Wa it yesterday evening with 210 bags flour, CO mats sugar, 10 cases spirits. 12 loose doors, 1 package gla9S doora, y packages sushcs. 10 *- chesta toa, 10 boxes candles, 6 cases currants, 4 casks, 2 rolls linoleum, 3 cases beer, 7 coils wire 5 cases jam, 5 bags salt. 1 bmullo buckets. 1 case acid, 5 cases salmon, II cases drapery. 51 pack ages sundries and ono possoiißor—Mrs Teaiigo. The s.s. llauraki left for Waitara last night. The Northern Co.'s s.s. Itowena had not arrived from Hoklmiga up to 1 o'clock. Should slio arrive this orcniiiit she will leave for W'aii ganui viaOpunake toinorrow.morniiiK.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Moxooxur, this day,—Sailed: lona, for Auck land, mo p.m. Wiianbahki, this day.—Arrived: Waitaki, from Auckland. Sailed: Jlacgrcgor, for Auuk land. U. 4011.111.

Lyttkltoh, this day.—Arrived: Takapuna, from Wellington, 5.30 a.m. Dun'Edi.v, this day.—Tho Toiißariro has been berthedatpiorono. There is no sickness of any kind on board.

Sydxky, December 13.—Arrived, yesterday Hauroto. from Wellington.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvrnin'g Star Office, this day. Messrs B. Tonkb and Co. held a largo sale of fruit to-day, ex Te Anau from Sydnoy. The wile was numerously attended by tlio trade. OranKos brought i3s 6d; inforior, 8s Gd; Mandarins, 14b to lSs ; cheiry plums, 5Jd to fid ; black plums, 7d.

Mr Gabriel Lowis held a trade salo of every variety of boots and shoes. The lines wero cleared at satisfactory prices.

Health Hints.—No moro salutary leason can be learned thun how to live, or, rather, what rules to follow for our sanitary guidance that will prolong our lives. Hy way of felicitous Illustration, supposo that tho system was over taxed by physical labours, or overstrained by mental exertion, what should we do to re cupurate the exhausted organism 1 Use daily tho celobratcd Uoommio Wolke's Schiedam Auomatic Schnapps.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as under:— This Day. For Tauranga, Ohincmutii, and Opotiki, per Glenois, at 4 p.m. For Afangawai and Kaiwaka, per. Ruby, at 5 p.ni, S"or Thames, per Anno Milbank, at 5.30 p.m. Friday, 14th inst. For Wanganui. per Rowena. Nt 11 a.m. if'or Gisborne, Napier, and tjoulhoru Ports, por To Anau, at 11 a.m. For Wuihekc, Cowes, and Coromanaol, por

Coromaiidel, at 1.0 p.m. For Whangarei Hoods, i'arua, Waipu, Whanga rol, Koirio, Tangihua, and Mangapai, por MacfeTegor. at i p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15. J"ov Waiwera, Mahuransi, Matakana, Manga wal, «te., per Koso Casey, at 16 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Taka-

puna, at 3.15 p.m. For Sydnoy Island, per Explorer, at 4 p.m.

Monday. 17th inst. For Russell, Kawakaws, Suva, otc, per Pen- HUiu, At 4 p.m.

For Australian Colonies and United Kingdom, via Suoa aad Brlndisi, or Naples, for lcltors, etc., specially so pronaid and addressed, per City of Sydnuy. immediately aftci her arrival from Honolulu.

S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Aucklaiid.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

Dkckmbkii 13. :8-',l

Concert in aid of Kptphanjr Church—iMin burgh-street School-room, Newton, 8 p.m.

Choral Hull - Orchestral Society's Concert, last of Uie season, 8 p.m.

Devon)>ort Hall — Conveisazione in aid of Parsonage funds of Trinity Parish, 7.80 p.m. Eight Hours Demonstration — Sleeting oc Plasterers, 7.X0 p.m. V.M.C.A.—Devotional Meeting, r.:!op.m. Masonic Hull. Newton — Social Guthcrinif, music, songs, parlour Raines, and refreshments, 7.H0 p.m.

Birth.

KVANS.—On December 12, at I'itt-strect, tho wife of J)r ij. J). livans of a son.

Deaths.

KWAHT.—On December 11, at Upper (juccn street. Willium John, son of John and lt'lora Kwart; aged 3 months.

TUFF.-On October 2nd, in Kent. England, through an iicdilent while cour.sinir with some friends. Tliomas Joliu Tull', dearly beloved husband of Lyula Anne Tuff; axed 31! years. Deeply regretted by all who knew him.—Fiji papers please copy.

Notices to Correspondents.

Sl-KKKKKK (l)rury).—You liaveonly tho alterna tive of suing lor your money ; bill we should not advise you to that coursu unless you have conclusive evidence in support of your claim.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1883.

For tho cause that lacks ossistnnro, For Uie wrong tiiat needs resistance, For Uio future in tbu distance. And Uie koo<l that we can do.

The City Council will again have under its consideration to-night tho proposed pur chase of Edgcombo's property near tlie Western Springs. Tho question is one that requires some delicacy in discussing publicly, because tho recent transfer of the estate from the original proiiviotor to a land-jobbing company has aroused sus picions that an attempt is being made to lleeco tho Corporation, and towards tho perpetration of any operation of that kind we feel tho strongest disinclination to lend a helping han.J. Tho Council cannot, how ever, bo acquitted of blame in tho matter, for when tho estato was under offor to it by Mr Edgcombo, they allowed months to pass without coming to any decision either to accept or reject it, and tho owner was fully justified in looking elsewhere for a purchaser. That ho Bucceeded in finding one at tho prico asked from the Council is not very surprising, considering the sales of suburban property that havo taken place recently. Jt is useless, however, to cry over spilled milk ; the Council must deal with tho position as it is, and wo do not hesitate to say that if the estate can be obtained on fair terms, it is entirely in the interests of tho city to buy it; in deed, the Council will be culpable if it neglects tho chance of keeping that portion of tho water-shed which lies nearest to tho Springs, and through which tho water un questionably filters, clear of polluting in tluonccs.

Tho last discussion at the Council exhibited a tendency to branch oil' into foreign issues. It is too late now to debato the question whether tho Western Springs was thebest of the availablo sources of Auck land's water supply. Years wero spent in that discussion, and engineering reports by tho bushel wero written for and against it. Tho arbitration of Mr Napier Bell, C.E., to whom the decision among tho con tending schemes was finally left, resulted in favour of the Western Springs, and we believe the decision was a sound one; a purer stream of cold water, free from animal and vegetable contamination or deterioration of any kind, is not to be found in any city in tho world; nnd the quantity is, so far as can bo judged, moro than ample for tho wants of Auckland for ten years to como at least. Acting entirely in that belief, tho Corporation embarked a very largo capital in tho purchase ot land and erecting buildings and machinery at the Western Springs, and it is perfectly farcical to treat tho subject now as though the source of supply wore still in dispute. Tho entire city is dependent'at this moment on the purify of water ob tained from the Western Springs, and is likoly to continuo so for many years to come. The Council have neither the funds nor the necessary security for obtaining a loan to shift the source of supply, nor is it quite clear where we should look if an immediate change were necessary; those who recall the contention between the champions of Nihotapu, Onehunga Springs, St. John's Lake, and tho present source will have a lively conviction of the troubles that will besot the Council's endeavours to decide upon the inevitable supplementary supply. This, moreover, is absolutely certain, that when tho timo comes for supplementing the Western Springs service, Nihotapu will bo no longer adequate for the wants of the city, and both supplies will have to bo maintained—a reason which enforces the necessity for keeping tho Springs pure, even with tho prospect of an additional service.

Tho question comes—Will tho purchase of Edgeombe's estate be offectivo to the end in viow ? and no ono who examines tho property can doubt that it does drain directly into the Springs. In tho convic tion of that, tho Council it*-elf, with tho ap proval of the entire body of ratepayers, went into the Supreme Court for tho purpose of compelling tho removal of tho first polluting establishment erected on this ground. If not guaranteeing absolute security against any pollution of the Springs, the acquisition of tho estato must form an essential part of any scheme having that object in view, and without it there is no

security, especially after the Council's ox perionco with tho Tallow Company, against the poisoning of tho entire city water supply anyday. Little more than tho width of the road separates this proporty from the Springs, and if the estate were cut up and sold, every description of foul matter might bo deposited in the porous scoria soil im mediately above tho underground stream from which tho city 6upply is obtained, Should that occur on any oxtonsiyo scale, tho Corporation may sell off their machinery as old iron, The acquisition of the property, moreover, must not be considereda total bury ing of capital, because the estate should repay the interest on its cost almost imme diately, and if at any time the Western Springs were subsequently abandoned as a water supply, the land would doubtless fetch more than its present value.

We think these reasons are conclusive in favour of the purchase of the estate upon reasonable terms. Of course, the matter is not urgent enough to force the Corporation into sub mitting to any extortion, and for that reason wo ;jre glad to see a -healthy division of opinion 01) t.be subject, which will cheek those who feet MftQUgly tho danger arising from tho growth of population in this quarter from swallowing whatever js put before them. It would, however, bo a source of everlasting regret, and a reflection upon tho sitting members of tho Council, if, through any mero feeling of resontmont or desire not to bo swindled, they should allow tho valuable esta.to thoy already possess in this locality to jpe &ttei'ly ruined, and the health of the entire cjiy .to ,bo jeopardised. A,mong all tho operative causes in produc ing diseaso, meaioaJ scioijco is agi(!ed that impure water plays perhaps tho most potent part, and no cause of ovil is more difficult to detect and remedy, A general provaleneo of typhoid foyer In this, city may be tho only indication to excite suspicion that our water supply is contami nated.

Tho railway authorities have issued a poster announcing the special fares for Christmas and Now Year. Saturday return tickets will be issued every day from any station to any station, from Saturday December 2.2nd, to Friday, January 4th, both days inclusive, A special tariff at tho suburban stations wiij bo in force on Bo.t ing Day and the Ist and Slid t/wiiary for visitora to the races, and on Boxjng P/iy the train leaving Auckland at G P.m. will run thrfciig)? to To Awamutu. There ate various other olifipges, which arc described in advertisements and !;f!!,',

Mr T. T. (iamble, local inanagcr for f;h.o Paeiiic Mail Steam S.S. Company, js in receipt oi a- cable message announcing that the steamer Aa.str.3lia, which left, here on the 19th Novembej' iq.sp, arrived at San Francisco on tho 9th instant.

Sergeant Clarke has received inf onnatipn from tljo ljfpe.terof tlie JJohimarama School that on th.c 6t.'i .of De.cew.boA1 he picked up a ding}', contoining ono aar, jy.hjch \>;as di'if t ing past. Ho appears to tjjjnk tkafc some accident Jwl Jwppened to a roeont occupant.

Messrs Frederick Ireland and Ebenozor Waymouth have been duly nominated to fill tho vacancies in the Parnell Borough Council, caused by tho retirement of Messrs John Hood and J. G. Brown, Nom< inations close on Monday next.

Owing to an accident to tho machinery of the steamer Anno Milbank, she is laid up until further notice. Her timo-tablo, as it appears on the first pagO of this issue, is therefore suspended, and tho stormier will not depart for Thames to-night, as an nounced.

Wo remind lovers of music thai tlio Orchestral Society's last concert for tlio season takes placo this evening in the Choral Hall.

Atfhe Police Court to-duy, beforo Mwsi-s F. Maguire and P. A. Philips, .seven per sons were lined for drunkenness. Mary Dyson was charged with striking Koso JI nl ley on the eye and causing a discoloura tion thereon on tho lL'tli inst. Mr Brown ing appeared for defendant, and Mr K. Cooper for complainant. Afior some amusing evidence bad been honrd, (he case was dismissed with costs, .11) Tis.

The Auckland Hospital librarian ac knowledges with many thanks the receipt, of thiriy-siN numbers of "The Illustrated Christian Weekly," and thirteen numbers of "Illustrated Words of Crace," from Mrs Brophy, of the old Hospital.

To the Editor : Sir, -While many adverse criticisms regarding tho s.s.- Triumph are being made, will you permit me, the head of a large family, who travelled by her, to say that she made a very comfortable pas sage, and we were treated throughout tho voyage with most kindly Ihoughlfulncss and consideration by both tho surgeon and the Captain, a kindliness both in speech and actions for which I, in common with the majority of tlio emigrants, feel deeply grateful.—A Motiii:k.

Messrs Foy Bros., photographers of tlio Thames, have taken some capital views of To Aroha scenery. Among them is v photograph of the interior of the battery, showing the stampers and plates.

The opening day of tho (lovcrmncnt llouso Archery Lawn Tennis Club (post poned from last, Tuesday) will take place (weather permitting) to-morrow, Friday, at :>.:U) p.m. Visitors and members will please take notice.

It will be observed, in reference to an ad vertisement in anothor column, that the timo for receiving tenders for the cutting down of Emily Place and reclaiming the Railway Station site and the New Zealand Frozen Moat Company's site, has been ex tended up to noon on Janurry 4th, ISB4, at the office of tho engineers, Messrs Boylnn and Lundon, Colonial Bank.

Those who aro assessed under the Pro perty Tax Act. should remember that Saturday next is tho last day for paying the assessment, if they wish to avoid an addi tional impost of 10 per cent.

The directors and officers of tho Miranda Coal and Iron Company paid a visit of in spection to their newly-acquired property yesterday. The site for immediate opera tions was fixed upon.

The Waitomata Boating Club concert is to be held in the Lornc-sf-reot Jlall to-morrow nittht. A good programme has boon pre pared, comprising singing, stop-dancing, clog-dancing, and a sailor's hornpipe An amusing farce has also been prepared. The concert will bo followed by a select dance.

An alarm of lire was raised last evening' but tho bells ceased ringing w lion it was discovered that the cause was a chimney on lire at Mr Arthur Coylo's grocery, corner of Pitt and Berosford streets'.

A Coroner's inquest was held on tho 12tb inst. at the York Hotel in view of tho body of an infant aged four months, who was found dead in bed between his parents (Ewart by name) in Upper (jueon-streot on tho 11th inst. Dr. Stock well made a po-it mortem examination, and was of opinion that the cause of death was convulsions from improper feeding. The infant was n weakling.

At tho meeting of the Domain Board yes terday afternoon a letter was received from Mr Bindon (Secretary of the Auckland Cricket Association) representing tlie ad visability of placing tho Domain Cricket Ground under tho Association's control. After somo discussion it was resolved to reply that the (ioveriior-in-Coiini.il is tho only person who can loose tlicpublic Domain, and that any request of that nature should bo addressed to him.

At the meeting of medical gentlemen last evening there wero present:—Drs, Kendor dine (in tho chair), Daw.son, Leu, Richard son, Wine, Rowley (Bombay), Hoincs, Mc- Millan, Bond, Knight, Hooper, Beulo (Hamilton), and Evans. A society was formed, to bo called "Tho Auckland Medi cal Association." On tho motion of Dr. Richardson, seconded by Dr. Evans, Dr. Kendordine was unanimously elected Presi dent of the Society for the first year. Drs. Hooper and Dawson were elected Vice- Presidents, Dr. Bond Secretary, and Dr. Richardson Treasurer. The mooting then adjourned till Wednesday, January 9th, when rules, etc., will be brought up for con sideration.

It camo out in the course of ovidonco at tho R.M. Court to-day that Karangahapo Road is, or rather was somo four years ago, in tho possession of a veritable "haunted house." Jloro, then, is material for tlio local romancers to profitably utilise. Four years ago, the ghost-infested house was one of two tenements hold undor a leaso from tho City Council by tho relict of a Mr Stocks. It proved, howovcr, a "terrible incubus, for thero was no Barnum in tho place to take it as a job lot along with the departed shade which persisted thus in revisiting thero "tho glimpses of the moon." There wero taxes to pay, and repairs to make, but no one had courage sufficient to question tho right of tho un canny tenant to this solo occupancy. At last a fruiterer named Gardiner turned up, who took both houses, and as a means of removing tho ban, knocked them into one shop. No further intrusion from tho other world took place, and tho sub-loaso was enjoyed in peace. Meanwhilo, "the lone widow" married again, and the action which called the afore-mentioned circum stances was brought through her hus band in the K.M. Court for certain damages against tho ghost-dispcllcr. Singularly enough, he forget to put in as a set-oll'this littlo piece of sorvico.

Tho David Livingstono Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was honoured last night by an oflicial visit from the Star of Newton Lodge and the Light of tho Ocean Lodge, of 11, M. sloop Espiegle, who mustered in strong force. Tho blue-jackets had a Tory attractive ap poarance, especially for tho sisters. The Lodge, in honour of the visitors, went into harmony, and a really good programme was spiritedly gone through. Tlie sougs by Sisters Lightfoot and Edmonds were much admired. Tho singing of Bros. Gormley, Knight, Buadett, and recitation of Bro. Baker, "Light of the Ocean Lodge" were well received and loudly applauded. Songs were rendered by Bros. Lightfoot, Melntyre, and Holland.' Tho Chairman, Bro. Simon, announced that tlie David Livingstono Lodge would hold a musical and literary entertainment on Wednesday, l'Jth inst., in the Temperance Hall, when it was under stood that the blue-jacket brethren would muster in large force. The usual votes of thanks concluded a most enjoyablo even ing.

The general meeting of Welsh peoplo was fully attended last evening in the largo room of tho Young Men's Christian Asso ciation, and tho proceedings were of a very interesting character. Mr John Jenkins, of Newmarket, was called to tho chair, and spoko with much ofi'ect and national feel ing on seeing so many happy faces before him hailing from tho Cambrian Valloys, famous in tho annals of patriotism, minstrelsy, and song. He was glad to state that'tjio .Wolsh Sunday sorvicos had been well aft.cnde.d,'snd wbtitd bo continued, and that a copipetpnt Rommfttco had been ap pointed fpr parrying them out with efficiency j ilr and Mrs Thomas and Mr Evans had bepn appointed a visiting com mittee. Ho expressed tho obligation the society was undor to Mr and Mis Francis in conducting the choir at tho servicCß, A cheerful and interesting letter from tho Hoy. R. J. Roberts was read, intimating that ho would do all in his power to make the Welsh ortuso a success. Several suggestions were matio in relation to the future. It was resolved to hold a Welsh piimic in somo pleasant Bpot on Boxing Day, to bo decided upon at tho noxt mooting, ao that tho Welsh pooplo iriiglit have a summer holiday together in the open air. It was further agr.eed to hold n. national anniversary on St, fjs.yi.'l'ji Day, and efforts will bo put forth for its tuijijaafion in duo form. A con siderable number 01 lruvi.esV.?re presoist, and evinced a lively interest in ihs m-cneod iijgs. A vote of thanke! to tlie Cnaiiiuan clyso'.i fhf; business.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Tin: Triumph brought l"2,100. Orchestral Society's " last concert of tho Bcason " to-night.

Berlin has 14 " People's Kitchens." Property tax received to date is £100,000. John Bright has not touched spirits for ten years.

Wilkio Collina smokos constantly, and his plots aro full of the old nicotine. '

Knglnn coal is said to be of superior quality to Taupiri.

Te Kooti had a warm welcome from the Rotorua natives.

There are between 500 and 700 unom ployed workmen in Christehnreh,

Important news.—A mild form of mumps is epidemic at tlio Mission Station on Nor folk island.

Mr Gladstone has written over 200 differ cut works.

West ('oast farmers fear a considerable loss of crops on account of the bad weaUicr.

Hugh Flanagan, n patient in Christchuroh Hospital, cut his throat last, night, and is dying.

The scaling crow of I "> men lost near Camp bell Island are said to have been illegally engaged in sealing—the present being a close .season.

Sala likens buckwheat cakes to thin disks of llannel vest slightly fried. The lighthouse at Wnipapa Point, near the Blull', is to be ready by Ist January next.

A niece of Robert Burns, Miss Agnes Brown Begg, died lately at the Bridge llouso, Ayr, Scotland, aged B.i, leaving a younger sister.

In the Wnikato, a man advertises for a woman to wash, iron, ami milk 0110 or two

cows. What dues he want his cows washed and ironed for?

"How shall wo stop tho great evil of lying ?" asks a church paper. Don't know, give it up. It's a habit you ought, never to have fallen into.

Last night, at a public meeting in Christ church, resolutions wero adopted calling upon Government to stop free and assisted immigration, and devote tho money voted for immigration to providing employment for the hundreds of men now out of work in Christehurch.

In Dunedin last year tho revenuo from rates was £19,000, and the interest on loans and payments to sinking fund absorbed i'-JO,OOO, or £1,000 moro than tho total of rates. No wonder they havo hard times clown South !

Tho dillbronco between a besotted man and a pig is a slight one at best. One's a hunting grog, and tlio other's a grunting hog.

" is tho.ro anything wrong in kissing V" ho asked her, as they stood together at tho gate. "Certainly there is," she replied, " or there wouldn't be any fun in it." A petition t.) the Telegraph Department for tho establishment of 11 telephone station at tho U'airoa, Tarawom, is in course of signature at Ohincmutii and tlie Lake dis trict. Tlie Wairoa being in the direct route of traflic to tho Kotomahana terraces, the ovponses of a telephone station there should be covered by tho revenue from messages.

SPORTING NEWS.

Tho Auckland Summer Mooting.

Sin Fij:i)KVKKH camo with a rush in the local betting market today,being backed to win the Auckland Cup for £"30, at 100 s to ,"i and 7, and tlio best prico now obtainable about him is 100'sto 10. Lute last evening 500 to IK) was also accepted in favour of Nelson.

Master Agnes has been scratched for all engagements at thoSninmer Meeting. A private wile received from Christ church states that Sir Bodevoro and Tim Whilllor were to bo shipped for Auckland this afternoon.

Tho second forfeit for tho Auckland Cup and Steeplechase, acceptances for the Derby, and general entries for the whole of tlie minor events of tho Auckland Racing Chip Summer Meeting aro duo to-morrow (Friday) night at eight o'clock.

[IIV TKLKCKAI-It FROM DUN'KIIIS.]

[FJIOM OUlt LONDON COKEKSI'ONIiK.NT.]

London, Octsbor '2Q.

The New Zealand-owned thoroughbred roll, Splendor, belonging to li. (!. Stead, of Christo.hurch, has gone nil' sadly since ho won tho Payne Stakes in the Spring. At Newmarket on tlie Cambridgeshire day, Matthew Dawson started the colt for a throo-your-old sweepstake, and gave Fred Archer the mount. Notwithstanding tho "champion jockey's" pilotage, Splendor's prk-c in the betting was 10 to 1 and he ran absolutely last.

Tho Australian turfite, Mr Long, was within an ace of winning the Cambridgeshire last Tuesday with Tonans. Many, indeed, thought ho had won, for Bendigo finished out of sight on tho lower ground, just undor tho rails whilst the eyes of the multitude) wero upon Tonans, Modicus, and llackness lighting out the race opposite. The judge gavo tho verdict in favour of Bondigo by a nook ; that neck cost Mr Long upwards <>' r-10,000.

MINING NEWS

THAMES.

[IIV TEI.KOKAIHI.—OWN" CORRESPONDENT.]

Thami'.s, this day. Deep Lkvkl Cross.—A discovery of tho utmost importance to the prospects of fho Company, though intrinsically of littlo value, was mndo yesterday. Gold was found in tho rise above thefilO-feot lovel, at a height of 21 feet, being the first of the precious metal ever found at such a depth in this part of the fiold. A rise wa« started upon h small, ill-defined loader, but on Monday another body about 4in. thick branched away from tho footwall, assuming an entirely distinct course, which corresponds with that of tho cross roof worked at No. 5 lovel. Such a strike would bo nearly parallel with tho course of tho main crosscut, which accounts for tho latter not intersecting tho leader. After breaking tho quartz yester day tho men, in assorting it, found a couple of piece." showing colours of gold. The manager will not bo able to work tho leader further at present, ventilation boing required, which can only bo secured by con tinuing the rise on the hanging-wall leader, and thus connecting with the winze from No. 5 level. Ponding further de velopments, however, it is satisfactory to noto that the channel country now being worked is proved gold-bearing, a fact which will lend renewed interest to futuro opora tions in the Deep Lovel.

Dart.—Tho parcels of specimens men tioned in telegrams of the last two days have been very rich. Tho ran of gold is evidently rising obliquely through the block, and it is noteworthy that it. occurs at the point where sovcral mineral veins junction with the reef. Tho third stone was com menced yestorday.

Alwbnia.—An improvement is notico ablo in the reef in tho only drive now pro ceeding at tho low lovel of this mine. Both the constituents of tho lode and tho eliarac oftho surmounting country havo changed for the bettor.

Camdonmn.—Mclnncs,tributor, crashed 11 loads for lOozs. lOdwts. gold.

TE AROHA.

Tb Anoiu, this day

Cleanjng-un for five days took placo yesterday (all the amalcam being squeezed in hot water) with tho following results: — Premier, Hlozs. 7dwts. 1 Colonial HSozs. 2dwts. ; Now Find, 3120z5, lßdwts, ; Wora hiko, 78ozs. The gold has beon assayed by an experienced man, who says of tho New Find amalgam that it will go fully one-third. Tlioro is a great improvement in the Worn hiko quartz end crushing stuff now taken from the low level. Tho manager estimates tho value of tho quartz now going through at one ounce por truck-load.

New Find.—The following telegram was received by Mr D. O. MacDonnell to-day :— " Squeezed amalgam yesterday, after 31 days' cnisliing, for 15 head stamps, in 31-ozs. hard hot water amalgam. Silver in orio box.—(Signed) Hugh McLavisr."

Ail ufici'.j,onf- occurred to tho battery yes tevday evening, wlnoii will cr r >,i«R a stoppage of 15 stampor.s. "Til 1? mining companies now crashing have got into a holo. Thoir directors agreed to take two bcrdans with every ton head of stamper.". Now, an the work of ten.head makes ns much blanketings n.« cix bcvdajis can oilloiently ttoat, tho companies' (md tho.nsolvca op. fcho horns of a dilemma. The Battery Company oQct additional berdans at 10s per diem each boi'dan.

Wk iikmryb that if ovoryono would use Hop Hitters freely there would-lie much less sickness anil iniaury ill the world, ami pooplo are fust lii.dinj,' this mil, whole families are keeping w.ill at a trifling coat by its use. We advino all to Ivy it, Head,

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

[Pkr h.s. Toncariwi.]

(BT TKLROHAPII I'llo.M IHiNKDIx.)

(l-KOJI OI.K I.OXUON COKUKSI-OXUKNT.)

Stormy Passages of New Zealand Vessels.

LoNiiON, October '2(j. —Two or three things have happened since the Suez mail went out on Tuesday last. In the first place, soveral ships arrived from New Zea land at the beginning of .the week, all of which report experiencing terrific weather oil' Capo Horn in August. The Waipa, Captain Baxter, from Wellington, was nearly lost in southern latitudes. It seems she left Port Nicholson on tho2HrdJ une, and, despite several fearful hurricanes, doubled the Horn successfully on tho 20th July. On the "JTtli August, however, the vessel was caught in a sudden squall, and heeled over in such an alarming manner that the main topsail had to be cut away before she righted. The captain and crew felt some what anxious for a few minutes, fearing that the cargo had shifted, but this was not the case. After crossing the Equator on sth September, the vessel sighted the English const on lijtli October, and was docked safely in Ulackwall three days later, having achieved the passage Home in 111 days.

The. Famenoth made even a worse run of it than tho Waipa, occupying no loss than 12ii Jays in getting from Auckland to (Jravosond. She also had a very bad time off Capo Horn, and was much knocked about on lSlli July in a westerly gale. A Swedish sailor, John Peterson, fell overboard and was drowned. Nothing could be done to save him, us Lhosca wus running mountains high, and to launch a boat would havo boon madness. Captain Wilson Thinks His Grahamstown Exploit Lucky. Captain Wilson, of the Loch Ken, has become a convert to the doctrino that mis fortunes often turn out blessings in dis guise. Whan his vessel ran on the mud- Dank noar (irahamstown lane July ho felt inclined to rcvilo his bad luck, but tho practical result of tlio mishap was that his good ship's bottom received a cleansing which enabled her to negotiate the distance between the Waitemata and tho Thames in 84 days. Tho Lock Ken left Auckland (finally) on July 24th, rounded Capo Horn oii August 2J, crossed tlie line on September IS, sighted London on October IS, and was docked on October IS, Rotorua Railway. I saw Mr V'osuy Stewart on Wednesday, October '24,undlearutfroinliiinthatthe long promised prospectus of tho Kotorua Railway has been drafted, and will be issued almost immediately. Many of us do not undor sljind why this business hangs lire. Is it that the promoters aro not quite bo confident about raising the money as they pretend te bo'; TIIO Northumberland, for Auckland.

Tho Northumberland, advertised to sail on the 23rd Novembor, is full, but with in dependent passengers, and not Mr Stewart's settlers. Tho bookings include Mcsdames Maunsell and Duncan, Captain Kerrand party, Mr Macintyro and family, Mrs Dobic, Mr and Mrs Goalen, Mr Burn- Held, Mr Tusynand, and Misses Cross (3), Miss .lames, Mr Cox, and Mr Dowell and party,

Mr Vesuy Stewart thinks it probable that tho ship will be specially chartered to take out to Tauranga tho workmen, engi neers, etc., for the Kotoruu Railway. Nothing has been decided as to tho ships which will take out the torpedo bouts. The Waitangi suiled from Plymouth, for Canterbury, with 200 emigrants, on tho 24th inst., and on tho same day the Victory embarked 240 emigrants for Otago. Tho British King takes '.V 23 emigrants to Wellington, sailing on November 3rd, Her saloon is full. Tho Turakina, for Auckland, which has boon delayed for so long, made another attempt to start yesterday (October 25th). All Aucklandor's Opinion of tho Direct Service. As I have, on more than ono occasion, expressed doubts about tho financial success of the N.Z. Shipping Company's direct steam venture, it is fair I should tell you what a well-known ex-Aucklander, who happens to be largely interested therm, said to 1110 yesterday: "I am," he observed, "perfectly satisfied so far. The directors went into tho speculation with their eyes open. They knew they would loso money for the first 1-' months, and they set asido £30,000 specially to meet the deficit. This sum has not been exceeded. In fact, soveral of tho chartered ships havo paid expenses, and one or two absolutely made money. Tho only blunder during the past 12 months lias been tho chartering of tho Catalonia." I learnt from tho same party that in addi tion to tho throe steamers now on tho stocks, the Now Zealand Shipping Company has just ordered two moro ,">,OOO tonners. Tho Tongariro is advertised to make the run to Port Chalmers in 41 days. Colonial Institute Mr W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., Mr Chas. C'eorgo Androws, and Mr Arthur Powell Baker, all of Now Zealand, havo been elected Follows of tho Colonial Institute, Tho open ing mooting of tho 15th session of tho Insti tute will tako place on Nov. 13, when Mr Woir Fred Powell will read a papor on New Guinea and tlie Western Pacific, and tho Duko of Manchester preside. Sir F, 1). Bell is down for a lecture on one night during this session. Mr Thomas Russell, C.M.G. I had a pleasant chat with Mr Thomas Russell, C.M.U., nt tho Bank of New Zoa land the day before yesterday (Oct. 25). Ho was full of tho New Land and Mortgage Company, which would, lie said, havo been brought out immediately on his return (three weeks ago) but for tho non-roceipt of certain papers from the colony. Every thing is now in train, and the prospects of the Company seem most promising. You will roalusc this when I toll you that sovoral early birds and ehrewd financiers of the right sort have already appliod for shares. Mr Russell was neither surprised nor unduly cast down by tho rattistropho to tho Mataura's moat cargo. He had reason for fearing that freezing meat on boaid ship might lead to disaster, and warned his friends in Auckland beforo ho left not to bo disheartened should bad luck attend tho venture. Things will be very different when a depot is built. Like Mr Banks and Mr Strickland, Mr Russell has his own views as to tho special causes which led to tho Mataura failure being so comploto, but I am not at liberty to stato them. Ono arrangement should forthwith bo changed on all meat ships. At present tho ongineor in chargo of tho freezing chambers is the only porson who logs the temperature. No one checks whatever he chooses to put down, and in the case of a careless or un scrupulous man tho logbook naturally becomes a mero farce. Tho temperature of tho chambor ought to be checked indepen dently by the captain or chief officer as woll as tho ongineor, at least once a day, and each should keop a logbook—all three to bo carefully compared 011 arrival. Shippers would then havo some guarantee that the meat was properly treated.

Haalam Refrigerator for Auckland,

Tho engine which Hoslnm is constructing for tho Auckland Meat Company will bo tho finost over niado. It is to bo delivered to tho London agonts for shipment in Janu ary. An Emigrant's Lament. Tho Sheffield "Telegraph" of Saturday last quotes a1 lotter cut from a_ New Zealand paporin which ''a man' willing to work" bemoans tl;e eruplfy pr emigration agents who lure poor in.Pn Pvlt; to thp antipodes with tho assurance that plenty of work at primo wages is to bo had thorc, Tho "Telegraph" says ''this epistlo will per haps open the eyes of wovild-bp emigrante as to tho stato of the labour market in one at least of our most prosperous colonies." Shipping. The Bombay, s.s., chartered by Shaw, Savill, to follow tho Victory, s.s., is capablo of carrying a largo number of passengers. She Railed on November 24. Mr Banbury and family are booked to Wellington by her. The Himalaya, from Canterbury, arrived at Dublin on October 22. Lunch on tho Tongarlro, ThcN.Z, Shipping Co. entertained a num ber of Anglo-Colonial notables at lunch on board the Tongariro yesterday, including; Sir Julius Vogel, Sir Saul Samuel, Sir Charles Clifford, the Hon. Mr Archer, Sir A, Dlytho, MrJ. C. Castor, and Mr Wra. Pearco (of John Elder and Co.)

An Old New Zealand Soldier in Trouble

Boderick Marmion, who stated that i'P. had served in the 26th aw\ Ui\\ iiegi: meiltSi ftnd wtio wove t)ip Sew Zealand medal, was ohargetl at the Weatminstov Police CQuvt the pther day with begging; Tho prisopor was exhibiting a large hoar^, on which it wfis set forth to passers-.by thf,t he had served in thp regiments mentiop&d, and that ho' had a claim an the Govern: ment to the extent of £150 8a 4(1, mjulp' vti of various sums—passape money and a pro^ miso of land in New Zealand, preferred by Col, John Dwyev, 2nd battalion of the 4$

Regiment. He hod been to New Zealand and hud not received any gra tuity or payment, and now had this claim against the Government, in August, 1883, Mr Sexton had brought the matter before Parliament, and MrChildeis told tho mombers that the gratuity ho claimed had been paid in ISUO, the War Ollice having nothing to do with grants of land. That assertion the prisoner denied, and challenged proof of the payment of anything to" him. As the prisoner had before been punished for begging in this manner, he was sentenced to seven days' hard labour.

GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL EXAM INATION.

Ai.'nirsT, ISSIi.

Tun annual presontafcion oi cortilicates to the successful p;ipils of the (.'iris' High School took place this afternoon in the Choral Hall, Mr E. Hobbs, Chairman of bio Hoard of Education, presiding. Wo aro compelled to hold over our report of the interesting proceedings. The following i< the prize list :—

Form I,— Amy M. Cameron, highost aggregate, li'l marks out, of 1,000, and highest in drawing and French ; Ethel K. H. Bull, English, grammar, composition, aritlimetie ; Arabella >S. Dickey, composi tion ; V. .1. Garland, writing, English, grammar, Frencli, and history ; Bertha Uoyes, geography ; Helen J!. Liwk, arith metic ; ZUUih Jos. Moses, writing ; Ethel L. Keos, reading ; Winifreil, A. Hioe, composition ; Eliza A. Stewart, drawing ; 11. \V. Heath, drawing.

FuilM 11.— A. li. Hill, highest aggregate, (JSU marks out of JIOO, and highest in English grammar, composition, French, Hewing ; K. \j. Bull, geography, arithmetic (in ia) iM. Lewis, drawing; A. C. Linabury, drawing; -\I. Moon, history; A. K. Oliver, healtV.,arithmotic(u); Robertson, writing; O. M. Rice, reading, aritlimetie; E. A. Seherlf, reading; E. Shrewsbury, arithmetic (in ia) ; M. M. Uj)ton, writing;

Fokm lll.—Ethel Lambo, highest aggre gate, 777 marks out of 1,000, and highest in writing, composition, and history; Mary Allen, arithmetic (n.)j A. E. Buddie, sewing; N. L. Francis, French (extra) : Julia Si. D. Garland, English grammar and geography ; E. A. Leighton, laws of health; B. McDonald, reading; h. J. Schnaekenberg, drawing ; J. Moldrurn, arithmetic.

Form IV. C.—E. M. Durrieu, highest aggregate, 900 marks out of l,l!00, and highest in reading, English grammar, coin- Jjosition, Latin, history, sewing; M. A. 'jdenborough, sewing; M. Frost, writing and sewing; A. C Morrison, English literature, comjwsition, Latin, French, googruphy, drawing ; E. A. Rich, health ; J. H. Cooko, arithmetic (FOMJI n).

Form IV. B.—S. A. Holland, highest aggregate, 912 murks out of 1,400, and highest in English literature, composition, health, French, geography, drawing; M, M. Gorrio, Latin (iv. c, i); E. Beetham, Latin (iv. c, n); E. A. Cawkwell, Latin (iv. C, ii); (J. il. Branston, arithmetic ;E. L. Colebrook, history and Euclid ; F. M. Colebrook, drawing; A. 11. JJixon, English grammar; E. C. Fountain, writing ;V. A. Fleming, algebra ;I. Hall, reading ;E. M. JaUins, writing and drawing; E. J. Phillips, drawing; M< C. A. Phillips, sewing ; R. E. Walker, Latin (iv. C, n) ; A. A. A. Wright, composition.

Form IV, A.— E. S. Bull (scholar), road ing, writing, English grammar, litera ture, composition, ulgebru, Euclid, health, geography, history, sewing, arithmetic (v.), French (iv. is), drawing (iv. 11), Latin (IV. v), highest aggregate, I,IOS marks out of 1,500 ; il. Gillibrand (scliolar), English grammar, litcraturo, composition, algebra, Euclid, hoaltli, geography, history, draw ing, sowing, arithmetic (v.), French (iv. n), Latin (iv. v) ; E. A. Nixon (scholar), read ing, writing, English grammar, composi tion, algebra, Euclid, health, geography, history, arithmetic (v.), French (IV. Ji), drawing (iv. v), Latin (IV. c); E. M. Westwood (certificate holder), read ing, writing, English grammar, literature, composition, Euclid, health, geography, history, drawing and arithmetic (v.), French (IV. v), Latin (iv. c); E. Matthews, English grammar, composition, arithmetic, algebra, health, geography, history, drawing, Latin and French (iv. c^; D. E. Cleveland (scholar), reading, English grammar, com position, algebra, health, geography, history, French and drawing (iv, B), Latin (IV. o); J. Briton, English grammar, com position, algebra, Euclid, health, geo graphy, history,arithmetic(v.), French (iv. d), Latinanddmwing(iv.c); C.G.Berry,read ing, writing. English grammar, literature, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, health, Latin, French, history and drawing; M. A. Bassett, ronding, English grammar, litcraturo, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, health, history, drawing, Latin (iv. v) ;K. Harden, writing, English grammar, algobra, Euclid, geography, history, arithmetic, and drawing (v.), French (iv. n), Latin (iv. o); A, S. Prcnch (scholar), English grammar, literature, composition, Euclid, health, goography, history, French (IV. i\), Latin, and drawing (JV. c); E. J. Reid, reading, English grammar, composition, arithmetic, Euclid, hoaltli, geography, Latin, and drawing (IV. H); A. Ockenden, roading, English grammar, writing, literature, composi tion, Euclid, French, drawing (iv. ■ ii); L. J. McElwain, writing, English grammar, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, history, Latin, nnd drawing (iv. o); H. ii. lleirold, reading, English grammar, litera ture, composition, French, drawing (IV, it), Latin (iv. c); M. Vaile, reading, writing, English grammar, composition, arithmetic, French, Euclid (v,), drawing (Vl.);' 11, B. Parsons, reading, English grammar, com position, arithmetic, health, Latin, French, drawing (v.)

Form V.—X. D. Grant (scholar), reading, writing, English, English literature, com position, arithmetic, aigobra, Euclid, trigo nometry,phyaic3, Latin, geography, hlst^y, drawing, and French (iv. a), highest aggro gato, 1,082 marks nut nf 1,710. E. Wynne, roading, writing, j....,;1i51i literature, com position, Euclid, trigonometry, physics, French, history, drawing, sewing; E. Shrewsbury, reading, writing, English, English literature, composition, algebra, Euclid,trigonometry ,physics, Latin, French, history, drawing; N. Spragg (scholar), reading, English, composition, arithmetic, Euclid, physics, health, geography, history, drawing, sowing, Latin {iv, n)i M. WV Wostwood (scholar), writing, Eng lish, arithmetic, Euclid, trigonometry, physics, health, geography, history, draw ing, Latin' (iv, n); S. F. J, Mulgan, read ing, English, composition, algebra, Euclid, trigonometry, physics, French, drawing; E. A. Cameron, reading writing, composi tion, arithmetic, Euclid, trigonometry, French, geography, history, drawing, Latin (iv. A); Marion Kidd, reading, writing, English, composition, arithmetic, Euclia, Latin, French.

Form VI.—M. Lilian Hill, highest aggre gate, 1,055 marks out of I.SOO, reading, writing, English literature, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, trigonometry, statics and hydrostatics, physics, health, Latin, French, geography, drawing; L. Durrieu (scholar), reading, writing, English literature, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, trigonometry, physics, health, Latin, French, drawing; li. B. Schnackcn borg, reading, writing, English literature, composition, arithmetic, algebra, Euclid, trigonometry, statics and hydrostatics, physics, Latin, French, drawing, sowing.

MESSRS GARRETT BROTHERS NEW WAREHOUSES.

Messrs Garrctt Bros., boot and shoo manufaotuvors, of Wakofiold-strcot, whoso promises wore recently destroyed by fire, have oroeted now and larger warehouses, with offices, machine, and work-rooms for the carrying on of their extonsivo business in the trade. The whole of tho connecting buildings and adjacent offices are not yot in a finished state, but it is expected that all will be comploted ant! hi order at Christ mas. The front shop is sufficiently in order for supplying customers with such goods as they may need, and is opened to-day. Tho shop, 81 x 33, is elegantly fitted up, and in an improved and more convenient form than the old shop. Tho counters, ceilintrs, facings, &c, display much taste in ornamentation and design, without tho fastidious extravagance which characterises a toy shop. Messrs Garrett have received about .1,000 trunks of goods of every conceivable style of manu facture. They have also a very large a^ook of haots and shoes manufactured on the premises by their own work hand?. We noticed, a ccsasciprable display of indiea' bfiatii German hand-stitched, h\ very at tractive styles, When fully lighted, the shpp wi)l biiva a very pretty esi&ct, there bo(r<g no. leas than 9^ lights in the windows ] And about tl(3 store. The men's work-rocuvi, 75 x 33, is airy and well ventilated.. a?<l tho same cp,re jitis b,eon, token in, the women's, machine-room, Messrs. Garrett h^vo pub lished a handbill of prices, etc., which is* enclosed with the prosent issue of tho STAR,*

CABLEGRAMS.

[srECIAL TO PHKSS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received December 13, 11.30 a.m).

Success of a Colonial Studont.

Lo.Niaix, December 11.—Percy Robon, of Adelaide (a student of St. John's College, Cambridge), has been awarded Ist prize for the Colonial Institute essay. The Federation Question. The Marquis of Lome, .speaking at the Colonial Institute, expressed a hope that the Australasian colonies would federate, and lie insisted that England must recognise the colonies as beimi" the best judges of thoir own wants. He urged the appointment of a council of envoys insteii.l ot a federal parliament, and eulogised the activity of Australian colonies in tho matter of defences. Sir Alex. Gait suggested that Kngli.-h diplomatists might devote some attention to improving the commercial re lations between the Mother Country and her colonies. 11.X.1 I. the Duke of Albany was present, and there was a crowded audience. Death of a Famous Singer. London, December 12.—Signor (iuiesecp Mario, the celebrated tenor, is dead, aged 7") years. Tho Irrcconcilables. Mr Parnoll has refused to coalesco with the Liberal party until they consent to abandon tho policy of coercion and emigra tion. Colonial and Imperial Federation. The " Times " says that the accomplish ment of colonial federation will tend power fully to reduce the ilitiiculticH which Riir round tho larger quwliou of Imperial fed eration. The Campaign in tho Soudan.—British Plan ol' Operations. It is reported that a party of Royal Engineers will be sent to fortify the town «f Assouan, situated near the first cataract of tho -Vile, and guarding the approaches to Upper Egypt. The Egyptian garrison has abandoned Sonkah, and a force of 150,000 rebels is stated to be holding the passes of the Soudan. The New Zealand Loan and Mortgage Company. Applications for shares in tho Now Zea land Mortgage Company are in excess of the number open for allotment. Australian Wheat, Wheat : Shipments from Victoria (to arrive) have been .sold. 4/is and 44s 9d have boon offered for COO quarters of Adelaide. Scientific Expedition to Now Guinea. London, December 11.—The Royal Goo graphical Society has approved of Mr Powell's proposed exploration of New Guinea. It will be. of a purely scientific character, and will start in February. A naturalist and a geologist have been en gaged. An attempt will be made to pene trate into the centre of the country from the north or cast coast, but it is not intended to attempt further explorations on tho Fly River, or to go over the ground already traversed by Captain Armit. Tho Australian Cricketing Team. London, December 11.— A programme of thirty matches has been arranged for the Australian eleven. It includes matches with Oxford and Cambridge Universities, two with the Gentlemen of England, two with tho North of England, three with all England at Manchester, Lords, and the Oval respectively, two with tho Players of England, one with tho South of England, and thirteen against county elevens.

Mr (ileydell has secured premises in Lombard-street for the London branch of the Commercial Bunk of South Australia, and will commence business early in tho coming year.

The Irish National League—lnflamma tory Speech by Mr Parnell.

[BEUTEII's CABLEGRAMS.]

London, December 12.—A meeting of the members of tho Irish National League took place in Dublin yesterday, when Jlr Parnell received the tribute of tho various branches of the League, amounting to £3,800. In the course of his address to the meeting, Mr Parnell made a bitter and vehement attack upon Earl Spencer, tho Viceroy, und Mr Trevelyan, tho Chief Secretary for Ireland. Jlr Parnell, however, expressed his full confidence in tho ultimate success of the cause. Proposed British Federation. London, December 13,—At a meeting of the Colonial Institute last evening, the Marquis of Lome, referring to the question of federation, suggested that a Council of Colonial Envoys should assemble in London to discuss the preliminary mea sures which should be adopted, with a view of establishing a federation empire. Tho Fighting on tho Rod Sea. Cairo, December 11.—The Arab Hillmen are mustering in large numbers in the neighbourhood of Souakin, and it is ex pected that they will make a night attack upon the garrison and town. H.M. gun vessel Ranger is now cruising off the coast, and is attacking the rebels with rocket lire, with tho view of preventing their approach against the town. Calcutta, December 11.—The various courts at the International Exhibition are now nearly completed. Tho Exhibition is a great success. 90,000 (?) persons have already boon admitted, and tho number of visitors is increasing daily. London, December 11.— The "Gazette" to-day contains an order announcing that degrees conferred by the University of New Zealand will bo recognised in England and throughout the British colonies.

Buda Pesth, December 11.—At to-day's sittingof tho Hungarian House of Magnates, tho bill for legalising the intermarriages Of tho members of the Christian and Jewish faiths was thrown out.

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

Large Steamers Chartered by tl\o

Shaw, Saville Company.

It is gratifying to, notice that tho Shaw, Saville, and Albion Company are now placing a superior class of steamers on the direct servico botwoon London and this , port. Messrs L. D. Nathan have received a cablo from tho Company containiug the following information :■ — "We have chartered the Coptic, lonic, and Boric for three years or five years, including our own new steamers v this forms a monthly service. The Bombay sailed from St. Vincent on the 9th. lleferring to this lino of new steamers, a recent letter received by Messrs L. D. Nathan & Co. says :—" As re gards the new steamers which Bonny is now building for us, we hays come to a very important conclusions, viz., to increase the engine power, go ns to make them faster than any boats in the Australian trade. Onr contract speed for them is now 12.j knots per hour at sea, and as they vttl be both faster and larger by 500 tow* than those of the Shipping Company, and (itted in ovory way superior oven to the boats which Denny has bjijli lor youriocal steam service, wo fo-si .juito suro that tho colony cannot fail to be pleased with them. The alterations which we have made in speed, etc., will involvo a little delay in. tho de livery of tho boats, and instead oi getting the first by the end ft? Api'U we shall not get her until so.mo tjnpo in July,

At a meotlng of ladies and gentlemen yesterday afternoon, a society was formed to bo callod tho New Zoaland Art Students Association, piiicors vero appointed as follows :-President, JlrC. H. K. \Vatkins ; Secretary, Mr S. Stuart; Troastirer, Mr R. M. Fripp; Auditor, Mr t. A,. Durrieu • Committee: Mrs Burcher.,' Mm Ansley, Jlisa L. WhitQ, Miss' 'Hidings, Miss Tye, Messrs 0. I'almcr, Maho,ney, S. E. Keesing G. N, Siurtevant, and G. E. Whitmore. Rules for tho management of the Associa tion were adopted.

A Wi?ij Deacon-.-" Deacon Wilder. I wast you to till me how you kept yourself and family so well the past season, when all the rest of us have been sick so much, and have had the doctors running to us so often," '•' Brother Taylor the answer is very easy. T used Hop Bitters in time, and kept my family well, and saved largo doctors bill:;. Four sliillinKS worth of [X kept us all well and n'.ilo U work all tho timo, wid' I will warr.v.it ii litis coat you and ni.ost of the neigh bours i-10 to £ICO npicce to keep sick tho same time. I fancy you'U tafcc my mctiicinc here after.' ace,

My art union will bo drawn noxt Wednes day, at tlm Theatre Royal, at seven o'clock p.m. Tickolholdrsrs will bu rcqnlrod to show tjhoiy tickets ::i tho iloor or they will be yeiiised adniisaior.. in urrliT to keep out no^aubscribcrs Sevoiity tickets left. Buy.—Fyaaois J. Shoctt.— jAflvt ]

Conoort l\Hil daneo and going to nnmo the baby oftJfridav night at, LorncsircetHal].— [Advi,]

By iylvcrtiseinent Jw anther column it will bo scon thut a Rawing Club ha»'boen formed at OnoJumJra. Persons Ocsiraiw of join ing <iv« vonv^Wrt io meet with tho eommitkia on lluuuay iiyoiiiiiK noxt, TUe Afaaukau har bom-is well suited for the purpose, aad before lone may ns it: should do,,beco_iue ths sccno of an anmml rcga.Ua*

THE TRIUMPH CATASTROPHE.

Presentation of the Testimonial.

Tiik testimonial signed by a largo nnmbe r of passengers by the steamship Triumph, a copy of which we published in our W issue, was presented to Captain Brotherton at the Hobson Hotel last evening wh very pleasant gathering of passengers and officers! of the ship took place. It wasstatert that the passengers intended to have mart, the presentation at a dinner, to which it was intended to invite Captain Brotherton and his officers before the vessel sailed but owing to the hurry o f T' charging .etc., arrangement* had not been completed The testimonial was then read and handed to Captain Brotherton who thanked them heartily for the kfaX feeling expressed towards hj lnßelf A officer*. The voyage, he said, had wound np with trouble but he hoped they would pull through and meet again under happier circumstances. The health of "CanSi Brotherton;' was then drunk, and the tZ ot the evening was passed very pleasantly

The Inquiry Adjourned.

me oiuciai inquiry into the stranding M tlio steamer Triumph was fixed f O i- c i e b. o'clock this forenoon, but it was genenlW understood that the hearing would not h» proceeded with to-day. At 11.30 am Mr H. G. Seth Smith, Resident MaeistraJ and Captains Frator and James (Atitaiesi' Assessors, took their seats on the bench Tho Clerk of the Court read tho annlL tioii from tl>o Collector of Customs IW an inquiry into tho loss of the steamshir Triumph through the neglect or default of the ollicer in charge. Mr Hudson Williamson, Crown Prop* outor, said he appeared for the Collector of Customs. These proceedings had been instituted under the Shipping and Sea man's Act in respect of the stranding o f tho steamer Triumph. Most of the parties who were required to give evidence had been subpu'naed, and were present, but ha understood it would be inconvenient for His Worship to go on with the case to day His Worship : I cannot go on to-day Mr Williamson presumed that under those circumstances His Worship would adjourn the hearing until another and a more convenient day. He wished it under stood that he did not apply for an adjourn ment.

Mr S. Hesketh said he appeared on behalf of Captain Brotherton, who would have no objection to adjourn it. Indeed, this course would bo more desirable so far aa he was concerned, inasmuch as Mr Edwin Hesketh had been retainod on his behalf He (Mr Hesketh) was at present in Welling ton, and would arrive here on Saturday next. Any day before Wednesday would suit him, but on Wednesday he had an engagement at the Supreme Court of three or four months' standing, and that sitting would be the last in Banco this year. Any day would suit excepting Wednesday although he would prefer Friday. Tho inquiry would occupy more than one day the other side having subpomed a great many witnesses, whose examination would occupy considerable time.

Mr Williamson : So far as I know, the inquiry will not bo finished in one day.' The heaiing was then adjourned till Friday weok, 21st instant, it being under stood that if necessary it could be completed on the following Saturday and Monday.

THE WRECK SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION FOR £2,560.

Tho Auckland Freezing Ctuupany in terested.

Mr Frasor to Superintend Future

Operations,

The announcement that the wreck of the steamship Triumph, as she now lies at Tiii tin, was to be sold at the Insurance Build ings at 11 a.m. to-day attracted thither the largest audience that lias ever attendod a public auction in Auckland. At the hour mentioned the largo room was packed to overcrowding, while the gallery was also occupied by a large assemblage. It was estimated that fully two thousand people Mere_ present. It was apparent from the first that intending purchasers were not many in number, while the re-st were merely attracted by a feeling of curiosity. Mr Alfred Isaacs, of the firm of Messrs A. and E. Isaacs, auctioneers, ar rived on the scene at 11.15, his appearanoa having been waited for with sundry dem onstrations of impatience. He mounted the roof of the Chamber of Commerce rooms, and having been saluted with cheers from the crowd, he opened proceed ings by announcing that the salo was to be a cash one, that everything was to be at the risk of the buyers at the fall of the hammer, and that he did not guarantee to deliver anything. Cargo Realises £130. The first lot he offered was the cargo, in reference to which he stated that the pur chaser would have to arrange with the buyer of tho vessel The lot comprised tho whole of the carga, remaining in the vowel, he did not know how much. He was told there was soma 200 or 300 tons of railway iron, and twft largo cases, said to be worth £500. Thore might be more. Mr W. Aitken asked whak time tho purchaser would be allowed in which to take the cargo out. Mr Isaacs replied that this would have to be arranged with those who bought tho vessel. A voieft in the crowd said that probably the pur chaser of the vessel would object to the removal of cargo t Bidding then commenced at £11, and went on briskly to £80, ia» advances of £5. Here a slight pause took places and the auctioneer got to his "twice," ' but ho was started of again at £90, and went up by £10 till £130 was reached, at which the cargo, was knocked down to Mi Hawkeswood. Tho Haslam Refrigerator. , The second Jot submitted comprised th« I refrigerator of the Triumph, with contents iof the storeroom connected therewith. TB& ! lot, ho said, was worth thousands of pounds. Mr Frasor asked, " What tisne -would b» allowed to tako the refrigeyator out ?" Mr Isaacs replied, " What time you like, but the longer you aro it will be the worse for you. You must make arrangements with the purchase? of tho vessel." Some dis satisfaction was caused by this decision. Bidding was started at £100 by Mr W. Aitken, who, with another gentleman hiddon by the crowd, kept things brisk for I some time. Offers increased by £10 until £175 was reached, when there was a jump I to £200, and %» £10 additions were »ad» until £330 vsas reached, when Mr William Aitken heeamo the purchaser. Hull, Machinery,. &o. Tho next and last lo.t included the hnll, machinery, anchors* chain, engine, stores, and tools, deck .stores, about 300 tons coal, 4 derricks, sjpars, steam winches, a spare crank shait. Boats, sails, mailing gear and steering gear were exceptciK In answer to < a question, Mr Isaacs stated that tho darita | iwero included. Tho first offer was £500, ; and £100 advances were made until £900 was reached, {allowing which £1,100 was bid. Increjtses of 1100 wore then received till £1,3C0 was reached, when further ad vances were rather slow,and £100 to £1,906> 1 \ykpu, Mr W. Aitkon bid £2,100, and his I ! opponents declining to proceed further, he was declared the purchaser. Future Operations* Tho hull.machinory ,and ref rigciiatar.wliicfr wereboughtbyMr William Aitken.were pur chased on behalf of Mryraser(of Eraser and Tinne, engineers) A who has entered into some arrangement with the Auckland Freezing Company, by which he undertakes to cJeliv.ei; tho purchases in Auckland, wh«i» 1 they -mill be taken over by the Company. ! ; Mr Fraser left for the wreck this afternoon iin ocdey to make a necessary inspection | before commencing operations for removail' of everything possible. Tho Crew L_oave TirUitfc. Tho sale haviug been' eouclnded, the eteamor Blanche left for Tiritiri with in structioni (jo bring all the crew to Auckland, and it » expected that sho will return early this evening. The men have now spent about a week on the isand, and-had ii not been foy the very bad weather which has ; prevailed almost tho whole of that time, tKey could have passed the time yery well, i but under existing circumstances they would be only too glad to avail themselves of the opportunity of taking their final de parture. Most of the crew were shipped"* London for tj*u round vovaire, and wot© consequently to be discharged there, so that somo arrangement of Uieir affairs will kovf *o bo mutually arrived at between them selves and, the captain. Nothing vas done a,t t£/o wreck to-day

6T^EfjßfflS^i>^TruT"SrTxi^^r "o'aaiv, tixoKSß'a.i"",' "' jJ^oHavjßjDSi^^re^^jrooo;



SpecJaJ Advertisements. MR SCBATS, tho Groat Baritone, in Opera TO-NIGHT. Choral Hall.-ONE SHILLING. AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 18«2. PUUVBYOnS OK LIGHT, HEAT, AND POWER. Tho Company sell and oroct giu-flttlngs, In eludinff gaa apparatus nncl (,'us-ijower ongincs. Stock Includes Otto Qua Kiigines.-Offico and IJhow-rooins,' Fortstrcet. J. CoSGRAVE & Co. Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auckland ithatowing to tho Extensive Alterations to tmejr Premiers Just Completed, and itho latowss of the season, thoy aro com pelled to offer tho whole of their SUMMER STOCK, XtiHXirtLY PUHRSiSRD FJIOM TUB HOME akj> Ai'STBALiAV Markets, ; ■ AT AND UNDER COST PRICE.! KKAMBiTION AJ*D NOT PROFIT IS -Tflg O«JECT Desired. the sale "will commence ; ON FRIDAY, 14i-n INST. J. COSGHAVE & CO, Direct particular attontion to their Enormous Stock of MEN'S AND BOYS1 CLOTHING, All o£ which must bo clonrod irrospecttTC of price. Notk the Address :— J, CoSGBAVE & Co., Opposite Wm. McArthuh'b WAKMIOUSK. 158 & 1W) PLKASE CALL Uuueu-bi 163 & 160 PLKASE CALL Queen-st 158 & 100 PLKASE CALL Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st 138 & 180 AND INSPECT Queon-st ISB & 160 AND INSPECT Queen-st 158 &'l6O AND INSPECT Qucen-st 158 & ICO Queon-st 158 & ICO GRAND DISPLAY Queon-st 168 & 160 GKAND DISPLAY Queen-st 158 & 100 GRAND DISPLAY Queen-st 158 & 180 Quoen-6t «8 & JKO SHW GOODS Queon-st H3B & KiO XJSW GOODS Queen-st .148 & 160 NKW GOODS Queon-st , HSS He 160 Queen-st US ' & X/» JUST OPENED. Qiieen-st gft tc l\<o lUST OPENED. Queen-Bt s.v, &mi JUST OPENED. i Queen-st t ,■; t. ■'M\'\ Qucen-st ;■■,<'.. i,-,,,! wueon-st c'.i< !a n» Queon-st 188 fc 1«) M CASES Queen-st 153 & IGO W CASES Quoen-8t Ss< & 160 fil CASES Queen-st 138 & 160- Queen-st 148 & 160' NEW CLOTHING Queen-st 168 & ICO NKIV (JLOTIIINQ Queon-st 168 k. 1601 NIW (NOTHING Quoen-st 158 & ](» gueon-st 1»S & Bin j IiATS & HOSDSRY. Quoen-st 158 & ICO JJ ATS & HOSIERY. Qucen-st 13H & 160 HATS ,t HOSIERY. Qvoon-st 158 & 160 Quoen-sti 158 & ICO Queoß-st' ]S8 Sc tea Queen-st j 15-< & IGO Qneen-st 168 & 160 ■ Quoon-at i 158 & 160 THE NKW ZEALAND Quoen-st, U6 Sc ICO ' Queen-st j *W & IGO CLOTHING FACTORY, Queen-st' IM & ISO Qucen-st . SIStSJ Queen-btrekt, Quecn-st 158 Sc, 100 Queen-st l« £ \m AIIOKiAND. Qu«n-8t 15s X IGO uuenn-Rt 4fii- (68 & 160 J. FITZSIMOiJS, QueeS-lt & ICO . „ Queen-st



Special Advertisements. DR. W I L X I N S, OCULIST AND AURIST TO CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL (soveral years at Koyal Kyo Hospital, Moorllelaa, Lon don). <jiin be Consulted till L'Sth December on all Kyo, Ear, and Throat Diseases. Dr. Wilkins also adjusts the Sight for Accurate Glasses and Spectacles. CONHUt.TINO-KOOMs: —Mr Graves Aickins Pharmacy, Queen-sliv.ot. Hours :-!i to U a.m., and 3 to S p.m. Just O i 1 c n b d , XX S.S. TRIUMPH, ONE CASE OK NEW SUMMER COSTUMES. NEW SUMMER UOSTUMES. IIEAIJA' CHOICE GOODS. "Wl LLIAM 11 ATTIt AY, D It APE R, Ch O TIII ER. AN'l) SILK JIKRCER, 178, 180, AND 182, QUKEN-STKKET (four doors below the New Savings Hank), AUCKLAND. TXrJJEJiK SHALL I VUItNIHH MY HO US I'! FROM ? TllK CHEAPEST ALL HOUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM IS THE CITY HALL ARCADE— GARLICK & CRANWELL ! ! IRON BEDSTEADS, ro to GARLICK & CRANWELL. ' Ga'uJjlCK & CRANWKLL. BED-ROOM FURNITURE, Ro to OAIILIGK & CRANWKLL. CARPETS, RO to GARLICK & CRANWKLIi. GARLICK & CHANWKLIi, Honso Furnlshera. GARLICK & CRANWKLL. Upholsterers. QARLICK & CRANWKLL, llanufacturers OP AM, KINDS OK PDUNITURK. QHKAP TAPESTRY fcBRUKSEt. CARPETS. CnEAP OILCLOTHS & LI.NOt.KUM. CUKAP & BEAUTIFUL CkKTOJJNKH. Chkap Blankets & Cuhtains. GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Arcade. QUKEtf-SrREBT, AUCKLAND Continuation op cheap DRAPERY & CLOTHING SALE. H. ATKINS Begs to thank his numerous Patrons for the wonderful success of his CHEAP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING SALE, And alao to announce that ho has succeeded In securing from tho New Purchasers a Lease of his present premises. H. ATKINS Begs also to say that as the WHOLE STOCK Has been RE-MARKED IN RED, Ho will continue his Sulo for a Few Weeks Longer, and tho Whole Stock will still be offered . "<■ AT HEAVY REDUCTIONS Off the usual price. ALL NEW GOODS WILL BE SOLD For a short time at about WHOLESALE PRICE. JOR STOCKS IN DRESS MATERIALS, JOB STOCK OF ANY DESCRIPTION AT ANY PRICK. CHEAP LINES ARE CONSTANTLY BEI BOUGHT, AND ARE ALL MARKEO AT VERY LOW PRICES. H. ATKINS, DRAPER, CLOTHIER. &C Tm X S. xS. TRIUMPH. 11 CASES SEASONABLE GOODS JUST OPENED. MILLINERY BONNETS FANCY DBEBS GOODS MILLINERY HATH NEWTBJMMINGSfordo. STRAW HATS MANCHESTER GOODS DBESS CAPS BABY HNEN WIDOWS' CAPS DNDERCtOTHINO FEATHERS COBSETS AND BANDS FLOWERS MNEN HANDKCUfS. TIF.AL LACES LACE BORDER DITTO lUIIATION LACES LADIES' SJLTC VESTS REAL LACE COLLARS LADIES* SPUN HOSE EMBROIDERY COMiASS CHILD'S SPUN HOSE SUNSHADES AND SOX BMURBLIAtS. Five Pee Cent. DtecouNa fob Cash, Dressmaking now under Management of Mibs Jackson, ; Milne & Choycb, i 241 AND 246, QUEBN-HTHEKT. T> ETJRING mW BUSINESS! SELLING OJTFJ ; SELLING! OFF! SELLING OFFi John Ijeck. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. HIS WELL-ASSORTED STOCK SELLING OFF I SELLING OFF! SELLING OFFI AT AND UNDER COST PRICE. j RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. PREMISES iET. 3FJAING OFF I SELLING .OFF! SELLINtt QFFI STOCK MUST BE CLEARED ALL ACCOUNTS not paid before Slat OCTQB&3 yrfiX he bonded to bis Solici tor for recovery. ONE MONTH , AT AND IJiNDER COST PRICB,



Wreck of tijk Triumph.— It is beleived Kauki Timrek pi-ciioily Applied would (lout lid" oir the .rocks. The Auckland Timber COMCAXY supply every dcscripi.ieuol' Timber at l,o\)fcst prjeos, and witli greatest dospatoh. 3,(^00,000 feet lif-iicketl seasoning. Sukkts dp Dksig^, jyitli pwce-lista of Mouldings. JJoore. Sißho,". Frames. MuntelpLoees, Gates, Posts, FrbtVfOrli, torving, Tutnory. &c, &c, for warded fruo oil lippliciit-ion, Jjarpfest ami bout plant of Wooii-woi'klnpr Mucbinery in tho Southern Hemisphere. WTiolosalc and retail.— [ADVT.J The Oovernfflent House Archery Lawn T.'iinisClub'B opening day (postponed from last Tuesday) will take plane, weather porinittinpr. to-morrow, Krirtay, at 3.;t0 p.m. Visitom and membors will please lake notico.-[ADvT.]



As a Christmas .present, aotbiaff is fl* suitahlo as the Domestic Sewing Maditofc- Shake3pear & Co., Qacen-etreeU oppasli* »* Markct,-[ADYT.] Christmas sale of Sewing- Mttd>ine« no* on. Shipments to hand.—s. S. Chuobers, opposito the Bank, Washing Mado Easy.—Use Price's Soap HxtracL iSifc, sure, economical. Soli *T » respectable Btorekeopers.^ADVT.J