SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER {™^^05..0. 3 , SUNSET.-This Kvenliur. ;- I'-- ~ SUNRISE.—To-morrow Aloiuinf?, U < WOON^S AGK-Last Quarter, 21st, S.I, p.m.

ARRIVALS.

Syren, bri|f. McAvoncy, troni Nowciustta

DEPARTURES.

Maej-re?or, 8.3.. Johnson, for VVhangarci RtngaiQoraa, b.b., Tozer, fovSydno-

IMPORTS.

Per Syren-MO bags bonedust, 200 rases dynamite, 21 1 tons coal. Per Notero-70 sacks flour, SO rheese, 29 sacks barley, 1,232 sacks wheat, -.'37 bugs oats. -1,!!-'.! bags and 10 bales chaff.

EXPORTS.

Per Rlngaroonm: 5.0 0 feet timber, U kegs and 21) casks beef, 140 hags pollunl, "3 casks Whalooil, 27 coils rope, and several parcels sundries.

Iswauds Coastwise.—Totnra, from VTaipn, with 25,000 feet timber; 1 lose, from Onehunga, with '20 tons coal; Asnca Martin, from Russell, with 07 tons coal; Atalanta, from Tairua. with 22,000 ieet timber, 1.100 shingles.

Outwards Coastwise,—Atalanta, from Tairua ; Totara, for Waipu.

Mr If. Nlcool, of North Shore.has commenced a new schooner which will rnxisUT about 70 tons.

The departure of the u.<i. Wuihora for Mel bourne via the South Ima burn postponed till noon of Friday.

Tho briff Syren arrived from Newcastle la.si evening after a. posaugo of eighteen days.

The ketch Funny Thornton left Hoklangn foi Auckland yesterday.

The schooner Endeavour arrived at Lytielton frem 'Illumes yesterday.

The s.s. Rlngarooma left for Sydney at noon to-day, with the following pns3ei;gei\3 :—Saloon: Mr and Miss Wnlkin, Dr. Wurrwi, Messrs Woston, Hanfiold, McljHUfhlin, ami Williams. Steerage: Urasrs (iordon. Cmupion, Newman. Ellis, Cummins, and 17 Chinamen.

Tho barquoNotero loft Lyttclton on Decembei 7th,pas3ed Kasl Cape on the 13th, and arrival early this morning. Very unsettled woathei was experienced throughout thu passase.

Tlio s.s. Watlaki, from Whancarci this morn ing, brought the following passonKors :—Messrs Oldham, James, Orecnr, Morcrolt, Jlralthate, Roifan, Mahoncr. l'owell, JloUraken, .Murray, Adorns. Fnlford. Kiwi, Murphy, '.awsnu. liyun, Lnnigmi, Campbell, Hiley, Unye, Mailer, Atlases, James, Watson, Morcroft, nnd Scott, MraMorcroft, and 10 steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVAL. Rowena.s s., Scott, from Wanennui.viaOpiuiftkl

DEPARTURE. Hannah Mokau, s.s., Dale, fov Waitara, via Kawhia

The s.s. Hnnnah Mokau left for Waitara via Kawhia jresterday afternoon, with 50 sacks flonr, i cases lemouade, 2 casks, 12 cases spirita, 1 plough and 20 pkgs sundries.

The Northern Company's a.a. Rowena arrivod from Wanf-anui at a o'clock this morning, with 41 horses and 91 sheep. She is announced to leave for Hokianga at 1 p.m. to-morrow, tlicßeo to Auckland to uudertro repairs. Tha s.s. Argyle 13 to tako up the running on the West Coast during her ansoncc.

The Union Co.'s express steamer Takapuna was expectod to arrive from the South about 2 o'clock to-day. She Is announced to return at 11 a.m. to-morrow; latest train for passengers 9 o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

SyDNEy, December 18.—Sailed, thisafternoon: Hauroto, for Wellington. Major Atkinson and Mr Whitakar are among the passengers.

"We advise you to inspect oiw largo stock of carpets—tapestry from 3s >d and Brussels, from 4a BA. Immense variety of furnituro for &U kinds of rooms ready for delivery at low prices.—Garliek and Oanwell. furnishing ware house, Qneen-Btreet, Aiuklaad.—JAdvt,] **"A meeting of the creditors of Thomas Raymond, settler, of Te Puko, was held to day, when Mr Thomas Macffarlane was elected trustee. The liabilities are stated at £179, ami tho assets at £137, of which £125 is represented by book debts. At a meeting of tho creditors of Gilbert Hamil ton, baiter, Mr Macffarlane was also elected trustee.

The Ponsonby Baptist Bazaar, as we an ticipated, w.ib largely attended last night, and the visitors found ample means oi enter tainment. Good business was done by the stall-keepers, and this afternoon the aalo is prooeeding nlaq with satisfactory results. To-night the Garrison Band will be in at telidanco to contribute selections of instru- Jmentol music.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails wiw, Cf.osk ab iimnn:—

This Day. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at I p.m. For Wliangarei Heads. Whangarei, Kamo, and Mangupal, per Wuituki, at 5 p.m.

TnußsnAY, 20th inst. For Tairua, per A talanta, at 8 a.m. For Taranaki and Southern ports, per Taka-

puna, at 9.20 a.m. For Waiwcra, Te Kapa, Craigieburn, and Warkworth, per Hose Casey, nt 10 a.m. For Ilokhuißa, etc., per Itowena, at li a.m. For Norfolk Island, per Sovereign, at 11 a.m. For Friendly Islands, per Ngatagitau, at H p.m. For Thames', per Itotomalmna, at a p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwnka, per Ruby, at o

p.m. For Thames, per Anne Milbank, at 5,30 p.m.

Friday. 2 st inst.

For Gisborno, Napier, and Southern Ports. p»r Waihora, at 11 a.m.

Saturday, 22st inst,

For Tauranga, Ohineniutu, and Opotiki, per Glenelg, at I p.m.

N.B.—The Dargaville line of malls uusual'ly fsrwarded on Monday niornwitt, will, during next fortnight, be closed at this olllce on Satur day, 22nd, and Saturday Zflth inst., at 3.30 p.m.

Note.—The 2Uh instant being a PostoUice holiday, all mails for despatch on that day wilt bo closed the previous evening at 7. The De livery Department will bo open fov delivery of lettei-3 from 7 till 8 p.m. on the 21th. On Boxing; Day the Post-otitcc will be open from 1) to 10 a.m.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmostor. Chiof Post-ofllce. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments. Etc.

UKCEMBKIt 19. 18-*3. Abbott's Opera House—Damn's Christmas Gift Company, 8 p.m.

Temperance Hall—Livingstone U.T. Lodge Knturtainment, S n.m.

St. Thomas's Hull—Christmas Tree and Fancy Fair, Vocal Music, 6.50 till 10 p.m.

llcinucru Social Union-District Hall, 8 p.m.

V.M.C.A. Rooms-" Tho Identity of tliß Lost Nations," by Air li. W. Furmiil, 8 p.m.

Epsom Hull—Soiree in aid of Presbyterian Church Funds, 0.30 p.m.

Ponsonhy Hall—Fancy Uazaar in aid of New Itaptiat Church, 2 till 10 p.m.

Working Men's Club — Trade anil Labour Council, 7.30 p.m.

Birth.

lIUTCHINSON.-On December 16th, at hor re sidence. Victoria-street, the wife of Robert llutdiiiiHon of k daughter.

Marriages.

IIUNGERFOnn-El)'\"Ann3.-On December tith, at the Presbyterian Chsrch, Ontthunga. by the Kcv. J. Bruce, John Hungerfonl to Jane, youngest daughter of Jolm Edwards, Muntfiuu

Deaths.

LEE.—On December 18, 1883, at hor residence, UHudry-street, Newton, Eliaibeth Leo, relict of the fato James Lee ; aged 47 years. The f unoral will leave hor lato residence on Thursday, at 1 p.m. Friends aro respectfully invited to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1883.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in tho distance, And the Rood that wo can do.

Tub decision of the City Council yesterday declining tho purchase of Edgcombo's pro_ party in the present condition o{ tho nego tiations will, wo hope, havo the effect of causing the owner to adopt a different modo of approaching the Council, if it be true, as was asserted yesterday, that tho estate has never changed hands, We cannot believe that the voto of the Council is to bo accoptcd ns indicating the virtual abandonment of the Western Springs supply, and a consequent indifference to it« pollution—and a dome population or manufactories on Edgcombe's property signifies that—therefore we assume that if the owner of the land comes before the Council in a more reasonable way, his offers will receive favourable con sideration. The question is tho most momentous that has been publicly discussed for many years past. Street formation, town hall, public library, parks, and tho other topics over which Councillors fret and fume, are not to be mentioned in the same breath with tho dispensing of disease and death to the ratepayers through the water pipes. Councillors falsify themsslves and the lesson of their past action against tho Tallow Company if they moan to let things drift now and make no attempt to control tho conditions which govern tho purity of tho article of which they aro sole purveyors. The suggestion that they shall deliberately lot tlio water be polluted with animal filth, and then attempt to cleanso it again through artificial filter beds, is about as imbecile a project as was ever placed before anintclligentcommunity, and we give a aisjority of the Councillors credit for dismissing it as not worth discus sing. The water, as it gushes out of tho rocks at tho Springs, must either be freo fram contamination by animal matter, or another supply must be found, and the decision ot the Council yesterday throws upon its members the onus of settling the knotty problem which their action has created. If the purchase of Edgcombe's estate should prove a mistake, it would at least bo one admitting of remedy ; but if the water should becomecorrupted, and wide spread disease ensno in the city, the blood of the victims will be at the door of our city rulers. Water consumers cannot feel easy while it remains true that animal filth may be deposited without stint directly into the stream from which the city water is drawn. The filtration afforded by 400" acres of ground, and the re duced chances of pollution beyond, would at least introduce an agreeable element of doubt inlb the disgusting certainty which oxists now that our water supply is liable to deadly contamination any day. It re mains for those members of the Council who have virtually condemned tho Wes tern Springs to say what they propose doing towards supplying a substitute. As MrField proved last night, tho first sign of contam ination will compel the city to borrow £100,000 at tho lowest calculation, and that means a rate of 5d in the £. Are the rate payer* prepared for this tax to repair tho mischief done by tho folly and prejudioe of their representatives ?,

The weekly steam service botween this port and Sydney by the Union Company's boats commenced to-day, when the s.s. Bingarooma left Auckland wharf on her first trip under the new time table. She is to be followed by the Rotomahana on i Tuesday, December 25. The Ringarooma herself will make the succeding trip on Wednesday January 2, and next in order will bo the Rotorua which is to leave this port on January 8. A house owned and occupied by Mr Luther, East Tamaki, was burned down about noon yesterday. Mr Luther ia engaged as farm hand (by Mr Gidion Smales), and it appears his wifa was cook ing dinner when by some moans tho accident occurred. The house and furnituro was insured in tho National for £200. - Reports of various school examinations and distributions of prizes, which have beon held over from previous issues owing to pressure on our space, are crowded out. At each gathering reference waß mado to the irregular attendance of pupils, and stress placed upon the desirability of parents and guardians sending their charges regularly and punctually to school. The new waiting-room, ticket office, and goods store, orcctedv by the Devonport Ferry Wharf, was oponod yesterday. The waiting-room is very neatly and appro priately fitted out with seats and various other conveniences, and it.will no doubt be largely patronised by ferry stoamor passen gers. Tho memorial tombstone, iji memory of the late Major Withers, has been completed, and placed over the grave in the Chijroh of England Cemetery. The stone has the following inscription :—" To the memory'of Major E, Withers, late of H.M.S. 65th Regiment, who died May 20th, 1883, aged 7G years; having served 40 years in the Imperial and 20 years in the Colonial Service. Erected as a mark of esteem to their late commanding offiger by his comrades of the Auckland Volunteer District." Auckland people will be glad to learn qf the appointment of a well-known and popu lar teacher of this city—Mr Yereker-Bindon —to an important and lucrative educational ws£. A telegram received from Wanganu.i last night states :—" Mr Vy. H. Vereker- Bindon, head-master of the Newton East School, Auckland, was to-day appointed Inspector of Schools in the Wanganui Education District. There were thirty three applications sent in to the Education Board from New Zealand and the Australian Colonies, amongst the candidates being English, Dublin, and Colonial University men. The salary is £500 per annum, in cluding travelling expenses."

The ladies of St. James's Presbyterian Church will open their Christmas tree and gift auction, for the success of which they have bccM working most energetically for a considerable time past, to-morrow, and it will continue on Friday. Each visitor will receive a ticket entitling him to an article from the Christmas tree. The gift auction is in aid of the fund for painting and renovating the church.

Tire members of the Sir Henry Havelock Lodge, No. 1, N.Z.0.G.T., passed a pleasant evening together last night in the lodge room, Alexandra-street, preparatory to an adjournment for three weeks, on account of the holidays. Songs and readings (comic and sentimental) were given by various brothers and sisters. The members havo decided to take part in the Grand Demonstration on the 2'Jth January.

A very successful garden party, tinder tho £iusjpic&£ of tiiG Oovftrniucnt J~lou.sc j\.vcliui*v and Lawn Tennis Club, was held in the ground* yesterday afternoon, There were about 300 person* present, including repre sentatives of the Auckland and Northern Lawn Tennis Clubs. The lawn was in ex cellent aondition, and scat* were placed in convenient positions, from which the pro gress of the various contests could be watched. The matches, although sides were picked on the ground, proved very in teresting, and proceedings being enlivened by musical selections performed by Impey's band, the gathering proved a. very success ful one.

The musical and literary entertainment in St. James's Hall last night was quite a success, it was given in connection with tlio United Methodist Free Church Voting Moii's Association. There was a good attendance, and many of the productions woro anchored. Messrs Hartley .'mil Ilannckins string hand, rendered an over' ture, Misses Hayes, Miss Warren, and Mis-seH I'latts, performed pianoforte duals, sengs were sung by ladies and gentlemen, and the whole concluded with the merry farce of "My Dress Boots."

A very pleasant and .suecesHful concert and ball were hold at Waiuui on Friday, the 14th, in the school-room, in aid of the library fund. Mr Gates, the energetic pro moter, was assisted in tho musical part of the entertainment by Messrs Lambert, Scotter, Treoor, Lloyd, Tury, Unit, Mrs Tiny, Misses Rapson, Dawson, and lloling drake. Two songs "Wait for the Waggon" and "The Spider and tho Fly," were very prettily sung by the following children :— Misses F. and A. Wedge, A. Lambort, and A. Leos. Great pruiso is due to their toaclior for the very creditable manner they were rendered. Mr 11. Lloyd kindly acted as chairman. At the cloku of the conoort the room was cleared for dancing. Mr W, Moore made a very ellicient M.C. Not withstanding the rough weather and bad roads, tho room was crowded.

The remains of the Into Richard Grigg were consigned to the grave yesterday in tha Presbyterian Ccmotary. The funeral Bcrvictt was conducted by the Rev. R, F. Macnicol, of St. James's Chußch. Soveral of his neplioTYs and old aqunintancea ap pearod at the grave, among whom WOi'O Sergeants Gamble and Ckrko and six members of the police force. Mr Jnmieson, an old friend of deceased, was tho under taker.

An ordinary meeting of tlio Oneliunga Borough Council was held on Friday even ing last, Mr James Sullivan presiding. A letter was road from tho Manager ef tho Bank of New Zealand stating that the bank docs not see its way at proscnt to open an agency in Oneliunga. Some misappre hension having arisen as to the action to be taken by tho Waiuku pooplo with roferonce to a reduction of tariff on the wharf for export goods, it was decided to write to Mr Hnm'lin, M.H.R., asking him to take chargo of a separate petition to be got up in Waiuku. Messrs Codlin, V. Clark, \V. Brierly, \V. Dunwoodio, ami Captain Yates were appointed a deputation to wait upon the Minister of Public Works on his arrival in Auckland ro deepening of channel and other harbour matters. Mr Alexander Grant was also elected an ordinary member of the Chamber. It was further decided to write to tho Auckland Postmaster asking for a more frequent house-to-house delivery of letters in tho borough, This concluded Wio business.

Tho Sailors' Rest on Queen-stroot Wharf is largely patronised every evening; by sailors, who havo begun to npprociuto the entertainment there provided for them. Every Monday evening n religious service is hold, and on Friday evening* a concert is given by friends of the causo, while on other occasions tho reading-room is open for nil. The Sailors' Rust is neatly lur nished, and otherwise rendered specially attractivo with ijlio ono object of .suciiriii<r the regular attendance of sailors while in port, by which much good can be accom plished.

Mr Doran's Christmas Gift Combination Company gave their third performance last night at Abbott's. The programmo was successfully carried out, but the audience was not so numerous as on tho previous night. The songs, d;tnces, and farco were keenly appreciated, and all wont "morvy as a marriugo boll." Mr Doran, in accord ance with his advertised promise, dis tributed tho Hsual number of attractive prizes. Tho following wero the recipients of the principal gifts :—Suite of furnituro, Mrs Harvey, of Sussex-street; largo oil painting, Mrs Neiss.of Lorno-street; olock, Mrs Gardner, cf Epsom; nndthetoannd coffee service, Mr G'obb, of tho Thames. The leading prizes announced for to night arc two broakfast seta, a clock, an oil paint ing, and a shade of llowers, in addition to a number of gifts of lesser value. Thero will also be several changes in to-night's1 bill of faro. ,

A musical, literary, and limolight enter tainment was hold on Monday evoning, in tho Union-street Wesloynn Church. Mr W. Simons, Superintendent of tho Sunday school, occupied the chair, and opened tho proceedings with prayer. Tho evening was pleasantly passed, and n number of inter esting musical solos, eongs, and recitations given. Mr A. Wiseman presided nt tho piano, porformed a solo, and accompanied tho vocalists in a most satisfactory manner. The programme was as. follows : —" Nancy Le», Mr Worrall; recitation, "The Bridgekoeper's Story," Mr Rosscr ; soiif, "Tho British Lion," Mr Dinnery ; harp solo, Mr H&ndley ; song, " Remombor or Forgot," Miss A. Cnrndus; recitation, "The Madman," MrThos. Clark; song, "Sweet Chiming Bells," Mies Mamlen; piano duet, Misses Blackburn and Martin; recitation, "Lord Ullin's Daughter," Miss Annie Car law ; song, Mr Goodison ; recitation, Mr F R. Wykes; song, "Yesterday," Miss Blackburn; song, "Happy Momenta," Mr Marson. Tho second part consisted of limelight views by Mr Smith. The whole conoluded with votes of thnnks.

Christmas literature in New Zealand is fast making its way, and so far its charac teristics are cheapness and exoo'lence. A book has just bce:i published by Mr A. K. Murray, of Murray's Time-Table Office. which provides in attractive and handy form a large variety of humourous and interesting reading. "Christinas Pic," as the book is called, is really an indispensable companion for the Christmas holidays ; no one travelling by steamer or rusticating for a scaaon in tho country should be without a copy of it; the " pio " will be found light, easily digestible, and requiring no bittor pill to counteract its effects. Armed with this book, which has over 100 pages, and costs only a sixpence, and with the Stab Christmas JJumboi, which will be the largest and best collec tion of Christmas tales, poetry, and general literature ever yet offered, the tourist may not only defy dull care, but profitably em ploy tho leisure hours of tho holiday season, "Christmas Pio" is constructed on the plan of "Tit Bite" and other popular' journals of the same class, and contains a prizo story. Another similar issue to be •ailed " Easter Eggs " is announced, and those whoso appetites aro whetted by the dish now provided will anxiously await its appearance. Particulars of tho next prize competition will bo found in "Christinas Pio."

The time for rccoiving tendorn for the cutting down of Emily Place baa been oxtondod up to noon pn Monday, 14th January, 1884.

Tho attention of our readers is called to advertisement ro picnic to Motutapu in connec with tho Primitive Methodist Sunday-schools. As the boat is afavourite, and the place solectod a popular one, being covered with deer and other objects of interest, tho few romaming tickets will soon be sold.

On tomorrow evening (Thursday) an excellent concert will be givon in Ihc Pitt streot Upper School-room in aid of tha ""School Banner Fund." The programme is published in another column, and tho friends may expoct a treat. No doubt many will attend to show their sympathy in this movement.

To-morrow evening (Thursday), John Batger, Esq., will deliver a lect*e in St. Sepul chro's School-house, Symouds-strcet,on "Public Opinion." Veil. Archdeacon Dudley will pre sido. The proceeda will bo given to the seheol repairs fund. Tho lecture will doal with tho formation and growth of public opinion, influ ence upon1 it of literature, science, art, and religion, 'Ottd its oxproesion through the press, tho platform, political chambers, etc. Sevoral glees will be rendered during the evening by the parish Glee Club, under the direction of Mr Rice.

Holiday Notice.—£Jo,ooo worth of Men's and Boys' ColonialtmadeClOthing just imported from theSydnoy and Melbourne markets, and will be sold at4nd under cost—J. Coagrave and 1.0., opposite MeArthur and Co.—[Advt.]

SPORTING NEWS.

This Morning's Gallops,

[By Hhtona.]

TiiKlii; was a large amount of good useful work done at Ellerelie this morning, but nothing of a sensational nature occurred. On my arrival I learned that Rowlands was determined no one should be able to give an account of a gallop between Libeller and Musketeer, for they were sent the Cup distance on the course proper long before daylight, the former having the horseman who is to steer him in the big event upon his back. Chaafe was also out betimes, sending Krupp and Trenton (in company) a fast three-quarters of a mile, their stable companions, Woodnymph and Re volver, being treated to similar work. The two-year-old lilly Satanella, and Alary (stripped), woro given a strong gallop once round, the former moving very freely and well. Charley O'Connor ™' the next to appear with three of his team—Envious, Clarence, and Barbary—the trio being sent .separately twice round at a moderate pace. The whole throe are looking in tirst-olass condition, and especially old Clarence, who should tuUe a lot of doing in the jumping races. The chains being removed, Wel come Jack was brought on to tho course proper (stripped), and sent a couple of miles at a good strong pace. lie went with great determination, scemin o ' to fairly revel in his work, and if the son of Traducer is " wanted.;' in the Cup, 1 think he will tako some boating, despite his crushing impost. Wapiti and KonUworth each did once round by themselves, the pair on tlio second time coining home in company from tho livo furlong postat top .speed. Chandler, who is in great heart, did servicoftblo work ; nml the Muskot— Lyra lilly Necklace wGnt twice round, the pneo being increased nt the finish. Tim Whilller and Fusilier came in for n deal of "gape-seed " in their boxes after having the rugs removed, and tho opinion was tlio former never looked better, while tho two year-old is a very compact littlogentleman, showing a number of good points and heaps of quality. On being taken on to the eour.so proper, the pair were cantered until the five furlong post was reached, when they wero let out, the distance home being covered in I.S. Tim Whilller was afterwards sent once round by himself at v good pace, finishing up fast, mid the way he moved greatlj- impressed the on-lookers, Escopeta was on tho course, but blio was restricted to walking exercise, and Lono Hand, Swords man, and Fly did useful work,

Fish woman lias camo into netice foi1 the Auckland Cup, being backed to win SOO at 100's to 4. The befit, price now obtainablo against her is 100 to (). Businoss still con tinues to be dull, anil thero was no altora- Hons in the prices atTattoisall's last night.

The racehorses Salvage and Sir Bedovere arrived at Onohunga by the Tnknpunn lato this afternoon.

SCINTILLATIONS.

The Council has voted for dirty water. Jlr Waddel to-day assumes tho duties oi Mnyor.

Expense of tiino in most costly of nil ox pense.

He in happy who has conquered once am for ever.

Hanqust to ox-Mayor Clark to-night " For ho's,''&c.

Tho tied which bind merchant to cub tomer.- -Advertise.

Mr Famall to-night is to prove tha Queen Victoria is of "David'r royal line," Stitl'in opinion, always in the wrong. Yesterday's earthquake was genera throughout the South island, boing fel simultaneously from Blnfl' to Jiokitikn.

The retiring Mayor (Mr J. M. Clark) will bo banquetted to-night at the Albert Hotel by the members of tho Council.

Tho extraordinary meeting of tho Black more and Homo Rule Goldmining Com panies, convened for to-day werejjadjourued until tho third day of the coming year. James Glen, son of a fishmonger, was thrown from a cart, and died from tho effects of the Injuries sustained yesterday afternoon in Cliristchurch.

At Rukuhia Cheeso Factory, Waikato, there is plant suitable for treating (iOO gallons of milk per day, tho only hands required being tlic manager and a boy. Native tobacco; cultivations at Whati whatihoo wero inspected by Mr Vollbracht of tliols'ew Zealand Tobacco Company this week and found to be most promising, _ lion Messrs Mitclielson and Rollcston ar rived in Wellington from tho South yester day. Tho latter joins Mr Bryco at Kawhin this week.

A cornotist vcm stung on tho hand by n was]) while ho was playing his cornet* in tho Congregational chnrchlast Sunday. A deacon rose and thankod the wasp.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

Bdgcombo's Offer Declined,

A special m«ctingof the City Council was held last night for (he further discussion of the ques tion of purchasing Kdgcombe's estate of 100 acres adjacent to rtio western Springs. Pre sent .--The Alay«r (Mr J. li, (,'lurk), mid Councillors Wnddel, ('rowl her, Stevenson, Thompson. Garratt, Hums, Dacro, Harper, Aickin,Montague.Field, Alnckcclinic, Phillipps, Masetleld, La itoche, and Floining. The Council having resolved itself Into Com mittee, tho Mayok stated that whereas the Finance Committee rocommonded tho acquisi tion of the property for £13.000. and the Company which Mr Paten represented demanded £17,0ii1), another letter ha* sinco been received from Jlr [ l'aton, which notitlcd the Company's willingness to accept £13,000 for the properly—£s,ooo cash, and the remainder at 8 per cent., or the wholo to remain at interest ut O.porccnt. fnr eevon years, the offer remaining open for a week only. (Tho letter was then read.) Tho Ma you moved the adoptionof tho Financo Committee's meominendatlon. Ho did this notwithstandUJMr Paten's letter; for, although he believed it was wise to purchase this pro perty, ho thought it possible to pay too much for it. Cr. Aicici.v having seconded tho proposition, Tho Ma yon read extracts from Mi Napier Bell's reports on tho Nlhotopu and Wostorn Springs supplies. He had found an outflow from Nlhotopu of 1,H'0,010 gallons in at hours (and that not at Uic height of tho dry season as compared with 1,885,000 gallons per diem from tho Western springs at tho heigiit,of the dry season, exclusive of (he supply from other springs which oould lio added. The water here was tutored and tho springs had three times tho collecting area o» Nihotopu, which would be ■diminished by denudation of the forest, while landslips would endanger tho pipes. The report and the engineer's analysis strongly favoured the Western Springs. Ck. CnoWTHBH quoted largely from Mr Wrigg's report lo the Provincial Council, strongly recommending Nihotopu as cheaper and butter than Onolimiga or tho Western Springs. Ho should also liko a survey niado of St. John's Lake, for although that was a pump . ing fchomo it would pay for itself b»foie reach ing them. Or. Thompson moved as an aniendmont "That the Council decline to purchase Kdg combo's property." He did not think It nocessary, and it it was, they would have to go further afield and purchase other property. In that caso. and if it was necessary to do some tiling to preserve the water, their beet course would be to prepare filter-beds, and so keep thoiv present supply pure. Ho was certain if they acquired Kdgcombe's properly to-morrow it would not meet the future supply. Cr. Montague seconded tho amendment. Ho considered that llltcr beds should bo erected if there were danger of pollution, but they should certainly not be forced by threats into purchasing the land that had been offered to them. • He looked upon it first as an attempt at extortion, and apart that it afforded no security for the future.

Cr. Masbkield pointed out that their wisest courso was to prepare for the necessity of the future, a gravitation scheme.

In answer to a question, air Errinoton (Engineer) said that the property offered to tlve Council would not materially increase the water supply. Edgcombo's spring, howovor, would give 250,000 gallons per diem. It would havo to bo pumped to thd ponds. Cr. Phii.mpi's fiaid that after careful consideration of tho whole matter ho felt bound lo vote for tlio motion. Ho had no personal interest in the purchase. He did not iiko to be blackmailed by speculators, but that should not prevent them from doing what they believed to be the best for tho city. Cr. Aiokin considered that, the question was notsonmoh one of pounds, shilling, and penco as of tho hoalth of tho city. They had no money for another supply, and therefore ho supported tho motion. Cr. Fleming opposod tho purchase, believing that it would only lead toaneccsßity for further land being acquired. Cr. Garratt followed in the same strain, but suggested that v poll of tho ratopayors should bo takon.

Crs. Li Itocim, Stevenson, and Mackeoii nik supported the motion, and tho other Coun cillors havingalsospoken.tho Mayorroplicd. He said that oven if they had to go in for a supple mentary supply, it was necessary to preserve the purity of the supply they had, and the pur chase of these JOO acres would go a long way towards that. As to tho question of the poll of tho poople, he was in favour of a plebiscite where tho interosts of tho ratopayors were con cerned, but this was not a ease for a poll. The land would always bo valuable, so that they would not lose by it. After some further discussion the amendment was pufand carried by nino to eight. Tho _ Committeo reported progress, and tho Council resumed.

Cr. Crowther then, moved that as votes were so oqual and some of the ohairs empty, a vote of the ratepayers bo taken. He beliovcd it was a matter which should go to the ratepayers. It would bo the hotter way of settling tho ques-

Cr. Montague seconded the motion. The Ma you, to be in ovlov, moved that tho report of the Committee (Mr Thompson's amend ment) bo adopted. ' Cr. Garhatt seconded the motion. Cr. CnowTinsn withdrew his proposition, and tho motion was then put, with the following result :->Ayes: Messrs Crowther, Thompson, Montague, Harper, Fleming, Garratt, Burns Masefleld, and Dacre. Noes: Messrs Steven- Bon, Phillipps, Field, Mackechnie, Waddol, Aiclcin, £a Roche, and the Mayor. This concluded the businesg.

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTKIt's CAIiLKORAMS.]

(Received December H1—2.1-5 p.m.) Four Miners Killed.

Melbourne, December 19.—A serious calamity, it is reported, occurred in the Duke mine, Timor, near Maryborough, yes terday morning, by which four men lost their lives. The Cape Loan Floated, London, December 18.—Tenders for the 5 per cent. Cape Loan of £5,000,000 were opened to-day, and were found to amount to 10,500,000, the minimum being S)S. More Fenian Threats. In consequence of Fenian threats, strict precautions are being takon to guard Hawarden Castle, London Bridge, and Newgate Gaol. The German Crown Prince and the Pope. Rome, December 18.— Prince Frederick William, the German Crown Prince, paid a visit to the Pope to-day. (Received December 1!)—1 p.m.) Execution of Another Fenian Murderor. London, December 18.-—The Fenian, Joseph l'oolo, who was found guilty of the murder of Kenny, was hanged at Dublin to day. Mediation in tho Franco-Clilneao Dispute It has transpired that Karl Granvillo has expressed lii.s willingnofi.s to mediate between France and China for the settlement of the Tonquin di/liculty if requested to do so. Baker Pasha Starts for the Soudan. Caiko, December IS.—Baker Pasha has been appointed to the |.«uprcmo command in the Soudan, and started yesterday for Upper Egypt with troops. Tho Calcutta Exhibition. Calcutta, December IS.—The Inter national Exhibition up to the present time has boon visited by 124,000 persons, nnd iB gaining in popularity, especially among natives. Tlio Rovolt in London.- British Troops Sent to Egypt. London, December 18.—The Royal (Dub lin) Regiment of Fusileers are under orders to proceed to Egypt. The heads of the lenders of Ilickn Pasha's stall' have been discovered alfixed over the gates leading into El Oboid, tho ncone of the disastrous engagement. In the course of a despatch addressed by Earl Granville to the Egyptian Government, the British Minister for Foreign Affairs states that the English Government cannot intorfcro in tho pacification of fho Soudan, but that endeavours will be made to obtain an expedition of Turkish troops from the Porte.

London', December 17. —The cargo of frozen mutton ex British Queen, from Lyttcltou, was examined and found in ex collent condition.

Romr, December 17th. —Prince Frederick William of Germany arrived hero to-day, and received an ovation from the populace, who had assembled in largo numbers to greet His Imperial Highness. The German Crown Prince will betheguostat tho Quirinal during his etay in this city. Loxuox, December 19.-—The homeward mails via San Francisco, from Auckland on NoVember 0, woro delivered here yesterday. It is officially announced that the Imperial rule OTorßanutoland has been restore)!.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION].

(Receivod Dccembor 19th—12 40 p.m.) Sucoobs of the Capo Loan. London, December 18. — Tho 5 per cent. Cajie loan of five millions has beon moro than oovorod. There were •sevoti hundred tenders amounting in the aggregate to bix and a-half millions. The minimum wa« fixod at £i)S, and tenders nt f9B In will receive allotmont in full, and thoRO at £08 Cd will got 5 per cent, of tho amount applied for.

DEATH IN THE POLICE CELL.

As old toper named Robert Forshaw died at an early hour this morning in the police cell. He was arrested about 11 o'clock last night by Constable Solo in Quecn-ntreot and taken to tho station. He was very much under the influence of liquor; ho evidently passed away quietly, tho cause of death being apoplexy. Decease 1 was well known to the polico as an habitual drunkard, and had many times been convicted. The body was removed to tho morgue, and an inquest will be held to-morrow afternoon at Glecson's Hotel.

EXTRAORDINARY DEATH WHILE BATHING

[UY TELEGRAPH, —OWN COURK.SrOh'DENT.]

Thames, this day. I.NioitMATiox has been receivod here of the sudden death of John Black, aged 20, a native of Glasgow, who has bcon em ployed at Tairua Mill since April. On Sunday morning deceased was bathing with others besido Tairua Wharf, when ho was observed to grasp* tho stringers and appeared to attempt to speak. His com panions plunged in and assisted him on to tho wharf, by which time he was quite dead. They state positively that his head did not go under the water during tho oc currence, Deceased has no rotations in tho colony.

DESIGNS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND ART GALLERY.

The walls' of tho Lome-street Hall aro at tho present time lined with architectural designs; a collection wkose merits pro bably exceed those of anything of the kind beforo exhibited »ln Auckland, and the public are freely availing themselves of the oppor tunity offered for inspection. There is scarcely a single sot of drawings which has not some peculiar advantage ; and at least half a score reprosont structures which, if erected, would be universally regarded as an honour and ornament to the city; The shape of tho ground to be occupied has' afforded scope lor great variety. Some of the dssignera have laid special stress on the frontage, and have represented im posing facades to both Wellesleyj and Coburg-streets. " Hop© "in circle, " Cadu cpus," and "For Future Stores," areof this kind. Others have had more regard to ' internal arrangement?, and have aimed at simplicity in plan. Of this class may be mentioned "Minerva," "Rough Ashlar," " Hope" in red shield, and "For Future Stores." Tho last named and "Minerva" combine the two characteristics, viz., handsomo exterior, and simple plan. But the least intricate of all in in ternal arrangement is perhaps "Star" (coloured) in circle. The groat reading room of the British Museum has served as a.model, and a circular building is the result. This is an innovation of a some what bold character. In soveral of tho designs no attention at all has been paid to the sloping naturo of the site to be built on, and in others an insufficient allowance has > been made. " Advance Auokland " has*ignored the fall altogether, and has pro duced a vory effective design for a porfoctly lovol site. How it could do adapted to tho real one at tho corner of Coburg and Welleslcy-stroets wo cannot perceive. The slope lias necessitated steps, anc' these appear to have given the archi tects a great deal of trouble Their dis posal is, in some cases successful, but in otlics, awkward. The basements have, in ono or two instances, been utilised; as, for oxamplo, in tho design marked "Pericles, whore a gymnasiuni and class ■ room arp provided for. One detail of the internal fittings of the libraries is worth attention, i.e., tho alcoves for book shelves, as in "Tataria," "Hope" in red shield, and "Classic." The advantages of this arrangement aro several—greater space is allowed for tho storage of books, and a retired chamber, so to speak, Is provided for readers, apart from the'movement and bustle inseparable from a large frequented library. The light, however, had need to be good with such an arrangement. Whether the various plans could bo carried out in buildings for the estimate cj sums is a question for experts; but, it seems to us, that if they can, "then Auckland is likely to bo graceed with a cheap Art Gallery and Library. We intend to describo each of the five-arid-tweniy de signs in detail to-morrow.

Buy the New Wilson, the Champion Sewing Machine; all others In stock,—D.' S. Chambers, 70, Qucen-street.-[ApvT.]

Washing Made Easy.—Use Price's Soap Extract. Safe, surc t economical. Sold by ail respectable storekeepers.—[AdvtJ

As a Christmas present, nothing is so suitable as tho Domestic Sewing Machine.— Shikespcar & Co., Queen-street, opposite tho Markct.-IADVT.I

ANGLO COLONIAL SUMMARY

[FROM OUK LONDON COIIKKRI'ONDEXT.]

Lo>dox, November 8. Tho Alteration in the Mails.

The sudden and wholly unexpected altera tion in the date of the departure of this month's San Francisco mail was the cause of much annoyance and in convenience to city folk, many .of whom neglected to write by the Ton gariro under the impression that tho letters via America (which in ordinary course should have left only three days later) would be delivered first, It is difficult, so far, to see what good end has been gained by the change. On Friday last (Nov. 2) two mails were advertised to be despatched for New Zealand, one via Brindisi and the other via L'lymouth (or in other words per British King). Neither of them, however, proved, upon examination, of much practical value, for sup]losing the steamer from 'Frisco carrying to-day's mails (and v week's later news) makes anything of a run, .she will bo at Auckland before either the British King is at Wellington or the Brindisi mail steamer at Dunedin; An regards the future, there arc to bo mails via Brine! iiii'on the lGtli and 30th Nov., and the next 'Frisco despatch is fixed for Dec. 6th. On the following day, Friday, Dec. 7, the weekly service via Brindisi commences, and in some respects it would be a blessing if we poor correspondents had only this mail to consider. The New Zealand table next year will be a rare problem for per sons to solve who wish to make certain of Bonding letters by the fastest way. The Suez mails seem likely to suit Dunedin and Christchureli best three weeks out of four, but only a single Brindisi one will be of much use to Auckland. Tbo Frozen Meat Trade. The prospects of tho frozen meat trade are, I fear not, nearly so bright as they were. The prices realised (retail) by tho mutton per Catalonia and British King have been wretched ; in fact,many butchers who were beginning to favour selling N. Z. produce have resolved to set their faces against it henceforth. Acting on a hint given me by an Anglo-Colonial friend, I on Friday last visited the Central Meat Market, and selecting one of the largest stalls, asked for a " picked saddle of tiie best N.Z. mutton." On hearing who I was, the " bosn" selected a nice one, for which he charged only uix ptsnee half-penny a pound, showing me at tho same time loins which he would be glad to sell at Cd ; other parts at 4d a k>., and breasts positively at twopence. When I aeked the reason of such absurd prices, Mr Salesman declared the Motaura's failure had done the frozen meat trade in calculable harm. Many foolish people got hold of the idea that partially bad meat had beeu exposed for sale, and tills fallacy was unfortunately favoured by the fact that parte of the Mataura's good meat, viz., underneath flaps, Ao., were covered with little black spots, as if tho mutton had got mildewed before it was frozen. This butcher also told mo the variable quality of tho frozen meat was seriously prejudicing its sule. When taken out of the refrigera tors directly they are opened, it id first rate, but every time the doors of tho cham bers are unclosed, the moat deteriorates. The system of putting a few aarcasos at a time on the market is consequently disas trous. The fourth or fifth lot may look as good as tho first, but experience proves the meat will be black at the bone, and sodden and tough when cooked. Various Items, Mr G. W. Rusden has at length com pleted his now "History of Australia," which will bo published in tho course of next week by Chapman and Hall, Persons wanting copies of the famous "History of Now Zealand " should instruct an acquaint ance hero to visit the second-hand book stalls in Holywell-streot. There are num- \ bers to he got, and tho vendors are glad to get rid of them at any price.

James Mace arrived from New York in the Oregon last Saturday, but without Siado, who, it is presumed, has returned to New Zealand.

The Australasian Club at Cambridge con tinues to prosper exceedingly. Tho other day the annual meeting was held, and Mr S. G. Black, of Trinity, ono of tho most earnest promoters of the Institution, elected President for the ensuing year. Sir .). T. 801 l (nephew of Sir F. D. Bell) is Secre tary, and Mr 11. A. Francis, St. John's, Treasurer, Tho Club dinner takes placo upon the evening of tho day the Colonial Scratch Pours are rowed, and is looked for ward to as ono of tho most delightful re-unions of the Michaelmas term.

Subscriptions are inyited, through the London and Westminster Bauk (Limited), for £300,000, 5 per cent, mortgage deben tures at par of tne Wellington and Mana watu Railway Company (Limited), with a share capital of £500,000 in £5 shares, and a dobenture capital of £400,000 in 5 per cent, mortgage debentures of £100 each, of which £40,000 have already been placed; 00,184 shares have been subscribed for in the colony, and 38,910 in Great Britain. The subscription list closes to-morrow, No vember 9. Sir l'cnrose Julyan, Sir E. Stafford, and Mr Mundolla aro London directors.

ACCIDENT.

A max named John Griffiths, while putting together some machinery at the Sugar Works, Northcotc, yesterday, fell from a scaffold and broke his left arm. He was conveyed to the Hospital, whero the arm was set, and'he is now doing as well as can be expected.

"BARBER OF SEVILLE" TO MORROW NIGHT.

Sisck the last presentation of Rossini's celebrated comic opera a few months ago, Professor Cailliau's Operatio Society have had it in clo«e rehearsal, and its reproduc tion at the Opera Houso tomorrow night may therefore be looked forward to with confident anticipation^ of a complete suc cess. Tha weak r/ilea have been strengthened, and, as before, the leading members of the Orchestral Society will lend their assistance,

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.

Six parties were fined for drunkenness. Robert Forshaw was oalled but did not ap pear. He died in the police cell.

False Pretences. — Georgo Shannon was charged with obtaining lib tobacco and 2 tins sardines, value Ss Gd, the property of John Smith. The prisoner, a little boy, pleaded guilty. Sergeant White said he knew nothing of tko case. The boy had been locked up for nearly a week. His parents were respectable people in Kewton. Judgment deferred.

Neglecting to Register. — Charles Cooper was charged with neglecting to register tho birth of his male child within tho period of six months from tho tiire of birth, as required by law.—James Robert son was charged with a like offence.-—Mr Keotley appeared for defendant', and ex plained that thoro was no desire to evado the requirements of the Act.—Fined 5s each, with costs.

Unprovoked Assault. —Richard John Marsh, was charged with assaulting Alfred Sliarpe, on the 17th inst., by striking him P i the face with his clenched fist.—Prisoner .mid what he did was in self-defonce. Ho Wished to state that he had been locked up a lorg time without f< p 1, and was nearly starving.—Sergeant White paid it was prisoner's own fault. Ho had money, but refufed to cat.—Alfred Sharpe, draughts man, deposed (through Mr Krimblcoombe) t^at he saw the jri onor at tho wharf. Prisoner dogged him, annoyed him, and struck him in Mr Skinner's office. 110 believed Marsh was under a delusion. Had not seen Marsh for twenty years. Did not sec Marsh following him. He endeavoured to reason Marsh out of his delusion. Marsh showed his teeth across the counter and strupk him (Mr Shnrpo) twice in tho face. Ordered Marsh out of the oifiqo. He pre tended to go, but, when he reached the door, Marsh suddenly turned upon him, caught his head under his arms, jammed him in a corner, and committed further injury. ' At this moment Mr Skinner and another per son came in and prevented a further assault. —Sergeant White sa?d the pi isonerhad been ccnSned in a lunatic asylum, and was not master of his own actions. — Prisoner B'iook his head', and said he could bring ample testimony of his sanity.— His Worship ordered him to find sureties to kesp the peace for six months, himself iti £700, and two sureties in £350.

Stkalixg' Fancy Akticles. — Henry Gwilliam was charged with stealing fancy baskets, perambulators, and Christmas gift articles, value £1 2s 6d, tho^property vi Henry Rafton, of the Auckland Market, On the 17th inst.—The father was1 bound over in a £10 bond on behalf of his son. ~

FIRE IN SYMONDS-STREET.

Eight Buildings Destroyed,

A destructive fire occurred at an early hour this morning in Symonds-street, and resulted in the destruction of the shops occupied by Messrs Fotheringham, saddler, Ryan, hairdresser, Young, plumber, Holloway, chemist, Devoy, bootmaker, Halliday, fruiterer, tho dwellings of Messrs M. de .Jongh, Harris, C'avanagh, and Mrs Plumridge. The outbreak was discovered botween midnight and one o'clock, and the first alarm is said to have been given by Mr Samuel Houston, blacksmith, and Mr G. D. Bevin, butcher. It appears that the fire originated in the back portion of Mr Fotheringham's shop, which was not occupied. This building and the next is divided by a gateway, the shop of the second house being rented by Mr Devoy, bootmaker, while the other portion is occupied as a dwelling house by Mr M. de Jongh and family. They wore all asleep upstairs at the time of Ihe outbreak, but Mrs do Jongh most opportunely awoke, and finding the room filled with smoke, aroused her hus band. The adjoining building was then completely enveloped in flames, while the roof of thoir own house was on fire. In deed, the devouring element had made such progress that it was with the greatest diffi culty that Mr de Jongli managed to get his children carried out safely, although wrapped in blankets. There was scarcely a soul about at that time, and the bells had not commenced to ring. Thero was no possibility of saving any of his household poods, and they were all destroyed. The Fire Brigade ar rived on the scene some timo afterwards, but the flames had by that time obtained a firm hold, and tho utmost efforts of the gallant firemen could do no more thnn confining the firo to the block of buildings mentianed above, which were destroyed. The total damage by the fire is said to ex ceed £5,000. A considerable portion of the goods and furniture in some of the tene ments was saved.

Mr Paul owned the buildings occupied by Messrs Fotheringham and Devoy, and those occupied by Messrs Halliday and Finlay were owned by Messrs Aitkin and Aldrans, while the chemists shop was the property of Mrs Watts. The insurances, as far as we have been able to ascertain, are as follow :—lmperial, James Paul's build ings, £300; Evitt's shop, £300; Cavanagh's furniture, £200 : total, £800. South British—Halliday'a stock, £300; Halliday's fruit shop (mostly saved), £100; Harris, shop, £200; Watts, building, £400; Findlay, furniture (mostly saved), t200: total, £1,250. A portion of this is re-insured. New Zealand—Young's building and contents, £550, re-insured down to £300. Victoria—£2oo on Ilaines's dwelling, and £500 on Abrams' property. Standard—£lso from tho New Zealand on Youngs. Mr Friend's house adjoining was gutted, and was not insured. Mr Potheringham's loss exceeds £100, while Mr de .lough has no insurance on hie property. Incoudlarlsm Suspected.

Facts which have come to light, but which we are not at present at liberty to state, have given rise to the belief that the fire was the result of incendiarism. Nothing is known concerning the imme diate cause of the fire. Mr Paul was sleeping in one of the rooms of his building at the timo of the outbreak, and was, it is said, awakened by Mr de Jongh. Ho was under tho im pression that tho policy on his building had lapsed, but ho subsequently discovered that his wife had renewed it several days ago unknown to him.

THE SURVEY OF THE KING COUNTRY.

Opposition of a Section of Natives.

[BY TELEGIMI'H.— OWN COHKESTONUKKT.]

Kiiiikihi, this day. Ykstkkday afternoon a meeting took place in the Public Hull here between Hon. John Bryce, Nutivo Minister, and tho natives o, thi* district, principally tho Ngatihanas who are opposed to the survey going on. Prior to this Mr Bryce had held a private conference with some of tho leading chiofs, including Rowi, Wahanui, and Hopa to Rnngianini, while a meeting of the oppositionists was also hold to prepare for meeting Mr Bryce. After greetings, Hauauru addressed Mr Bryce, objecting to the proposed survey, and stating that he wished to deal with his own land. Other leading men, including, Wiripi, Pungarehu, a son of Hopa, echoed these sentiments, and in reply to Mr Bryco's questions said that thoir reason was that tho land had been handed over to Tawhiao at the meet ing at Tc Kuiti, and it was not right that any other should interfere with that ar rangement.

In replying, Mr Bryeo repeated what ho said at Whatiwhatihoe to Tawhiao—that he ooiild not recognise the sovereignty of the Maori King, except over his own tribe. The paper on which these lauds had been handed over to Tawhiao was just waste paper ; there was no such authority in the country as was claimed for the Maori King. For himself, Mr Bryee said he in tended to go forward j his inarch was on ward, and he would not come back to con sult with them again. Ho wished them to manage their own lands, and it was to enable them to do so that he wished them to put the lands through the Court. Their troubles would never ceaso till they did so, and he wished them good-bye, with tho hope that they would soon look at the matter in tho same light. I understand as the result of tho meet ing that the survey as projected will go on, despite tho intimation of some speakers that they would obstruct it. The obstructionists, after all, are but a small section, and cannot affect tho great majority of tho land; nor is there any -reason to apprehend serious difficulty in effecting the work of determining tribal boundaries.

C. J. SMYTHE'S CASE.

Tho Alleged Embezzlement from the

Bank of Australasia.

We have boon at some trouble to obtain particulars respecting the case of C. J. bmythe, charged with embezzling the sum of i' 67 from the Bank of Australasia. As it is possible the prisoner may still have to stand his trial here, we cannot, of course, refer to the merits of the charge against him ; but it appeal's strange that the law does not afford the same facilities for re manding a prisoner from one colony to another that exist for removing an offender from one town to another within the same colony, but as the law at present stands it is a most difficult and expensive proceed ing to extradite a criminal should he happen to have friends or means. It is alleged that Smythe committed the offence with which he is charged somo threo years ago, but it was not discovered till within the last she months—Smythe in tho moaatime having been transferred at the cost of the bank to their Melbourne branch. He was arrested there on a provisional wan-ant, and tho evidence in tho case was taken in Auck land, and sent over by Sergeant Bulford in September last. Smythe was ably defended in the Police Court, Melbourne, but tho Magistrate remanded him to gaol for 15 days, pending tho issue of an extradi tion warrant by the Governor. Tho pri soner's solicitor then obtained a writ of habeas corpus for his appearance before the full Court of Judges on the ground that the Fugitive Offenders Act, 18S1, would not apply to the case, as Smythe did not flee from New Zealand to Victoria, and was therefore not a fugitive, The Judges after hearing arguments of counsel for half a day, dismissed the appeal and decided that he should be taken to New Zealand. Smytho, however had. becomo so weak and emaciated from consumption, greatly aggravated by his long confinement in gaol (nearly throo moßths) ana anxiety over the case, that tho gao surgeon certified that ho would pro bably die on the voyago if ho were removed at once to New Zealand. Sytnthelias there fore been liberated on bail in tho hope that ho may recover sufficiently to bo sent to Auckland and clear his character of the charge.that is at present against him, which would certainly havebeen his wisest course at the outset, if he is innocent of the crime imputed to'him.

Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies in banco to-day, orders of discharge were given in the cases of the following, debtors •— Win. Francis Wilson and Robert Wilson Wade ; Thos. MilfordCole, Papakura; Win' Clarke, Onehunga; Robt. Mackay and R~ H. A. Shakespear. The hearing of a petition by Jonathan Brown for the acquisi tion of the Waitaha block was adjourned till January 23rd, as'were also several other causes The appeal; Forbes v. Brearlet (Mr Alexander for appellant and Mr Camp bell for respondent) was dismissed with caste.

TELEGRAMS.

[PEII PRESS ASSOCIATION

~ , t«ames, thisdav Thames, this day.—wmi am r,/' engineer, was to-day installed as M*,1 Thames Borough for the seco^fe 1 office. yeat of

Russell, this day.—Sailed • P<> nm • . Fiji; Waihora, for Auckland: S R 'Mor —Messrs, Hobson, Collins, Earl VaZ ge,r8 Galbraith, Misses .Perkins, C^ Graham, Mrs Adamson, Mr R Bur" 018' and others. • Harrow, Ciimstchl-rch, tliis day,— Thfi ployed held a meeting this morning resolved to adhere to their refusal to acS 4s Cd per day. accept The following gentlemen were insfc.ii j Mayors to-day :-Messr S C p H,X led Christchurch ; W. White, M H R ST1* ham ;J. L. Wilson, St. Alban'g ' J en"

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

Installation of Mayor Waddel.

The annual statutory meeting of the Cit Council was opened at noon to-day, ther being present: The retiring Mayor (Mr J M. Clark), and Crs. Waddel, Mackeehnie] I'hillipps, Crowther, Aickin, Thompson' Montague, Harper, Garrett, Devore, Burns' Fleming, Stephensou and La Roche. The Mayor said that the confirmation nf ' • tlio minutes was his last ottieial act n Mayor, which office he had heW • for the past three years. It «, usual ou such an occasion for & retiring Mayor to review their rJZ operations, the present condition oi ±hl ' city, and its future prospects. Them was material enough here for lengthy speech, but they need not feel alarmed. He was a working member rather than a talking ono, and therefom he would content himself by noticing ' ■ simply a few salient points that were worthy of attention. In the first place, he eon gratulated the city upon its present state and its future prospects. During the last three years it had advanced with great " vapidity ; although in the official returns the rateable value of property was not counted in as an asset, yet it was about the most valuable asset they had. Three years ago it amounted to £160,000, and now it had reached the large total of £269 000 " which produced ten per cent, of revenue' - Of course, a good proportion af this viz' 1G7.500, had been added bythe incorpora tion of the new wards, but still the increase in the old wards had been at the rate of 25 : per cent, in three years. Coinoidently the architecture of the city had advanced in improvement to such an extent that Queen-street in that respect was now second to no street in the colony, and lie confidently believed that ere long the city would be a long way the best in New Zealand. The rentals hadlike wiso largely increased during the last three years. Then it amounted to i' 5,800, and the amount estimated for the present year was £7,000, while ere long it would be £10,000 per annum. He did not think it premature to congratulate the Council upon tho question of the • '"' ' " loan, for he had no doubt whatever that it would lo floated on most advantegeeus terms. It would enable them to extend the water supply throughout the new wards, afford them the opportunity of tak ing further steps in the direction of presorvring the water supply, and of ;, commencing some important drainage works and formations. The principal formations, of course, would be the cutting down of Emily Place and of the pun between Albert and Hobson street*. At :> the same time, he warned the property owners af Emily Place that if it was trua that they intended to stick out for exces- ' sivc demands, the work would be indefi- ' nitely postponed. In reference to the water supply, ho thought a mistake had been made in fixing the pumping station so far " away from the Springs, but every means had since been taken of atoning for this and of supplying the water to the con sumers as pure as it could be got. Ife regretted, of course, the decision arrived at by the Council with respect to Edgcoinbe's property, but ho hoped that it was yet not too »ate for wiser ideas to prevail, and that the Council would eventually secure the li natural filter beds to the Springs, or as much of them as would preserve, ; tho purity of the water for years ta come. He congratulated the city on the* possession of the Albert Park. By better financing it might have been muoh larger, but still it was a credit to the city. flj> expressed approval of the Town Hall site, but trusted that endeavours would be made to extend tho area so as to afford room for an imposing front. Ho should have liked tho Free Public Library and - Art Gallery to have been erected, during his mayoralty, but that could not have been. He had heard the question raised whether or [not the Council had power to apply any of the funds of tha Library rate or the Costley bequest to the cost of furnishing the Art Gallery, and ha did not think that they had. Still, that need be no difficulty, for as soon as the Art Gallery was established be felt sure that plenty of contributions would be forth coming. Last year, before the Council conceived the scheme of erecting an Art Gallery in conjunction with tha Free Library, he had promised his salary and another sum added for tha former work; but now that this was ren- - dered unnecessary ho would reserve hie gift until the Gallery was erected, for the pur pose of assisting in adorning its walls. At the same time, he would strive to get further donations. With reference to the introduction of "The Contagious Diseases Act" into Auckland, and the orection of the Look Hospital, he had no hesitation in saying that there was no act during his three years term of office that afforded, him so much satisfaction aa . this. In looking back upon the carrying ot it through in face of the odium cast upon himself and the rest of the Council by a certain section of the community [Cr. Garrett: Attempted to be cast.] ho was pleased to know that the Council stood to its determination to give the Act a fair trial. He accepted Cr. Garrett's correction, for certainly the attempt had failed. Not withstanding the outcry that had been ; raised, the system would have a fair trial, and he had no doubt that it would be found to promote good order, and the morality of the community, and conduce to • the public health. The extension of the city boundaries had increased the municipal population from 17,700 to 24,000, and if a census were now taken, he :i felt sure it would not stand lower than 30,000. Still a further extension was needed. He would like to see Arch Hill, Eden Terrace, Parnell, and Newmarket brought in, and principally Newmarket, for sanitary reasons. The ratepayers of that district had accepted a grave respon sibility in refusing to join the city, for Aewmarket, through inadequacy of funds for drainage purposes, would boa fever bed and when he heard reports of disease there if it were not that tho innocent suffeml with the guilty, he would bo inclined to say, ''Serve them right." He wished Larncll added to the city, particularly because the management of the Domain, ■ which possessed immense capabilities, would then devolve upon the Council. In, conclusion, ho had .to say that on the whole us intercourse with the City Council had been pleasant and he regretted that now ho was leaving it. At the same time,th< 10 was no need to regret it on other grounds, tor the gentleman chosen to succeed him in the Mayoral chair was fitted by his long experience in the Council, and by hi* general shrewdness and aptitude for such work, for conducting- the business in a manner which would leave no cause for i regret. He now madoi way for his uccessor.

Mr Clark then retired and Cr. Waddel, led to tho chair by Crs. Flcminsr and Crow* thor, took and signed the statutory oath as mayor, all the other Councillors standing during the ceremony. In assuming thp chair, the new Mayor dehyejjpd an address reviewing the financial condition of tho Council arid the works authorised. We are, however, compelled to hold over our report of the remainder of the proceedings till to-morrow. '

The polling for the election of a Coun : siJlorfor the-Grafton Ward has been pro ceeding today, and appears to be engaging i law share of attention. The candidates "dates are Messrs J. C. Sharland, J. L. Hoi and, and R. W. Moody, and the rivalry has been so keen that the result cannot be predicted. It is practically an open cue* Seventeen Chinamen, until recently employed as firemen on the steanwr iriumph, loft to-day by the Kingarooma for Sydney, en route for Hong Kong, tacit passage money having been paid thither by the local agent* of Messrs Shaw, Savjtfe and Co. . ■■ ■.: i :', ; There was but little business doing to stock at the sharemarket to-day.' The only sales effected -were Taupiri coal, ]7b j Prinpa Imperial, 245, cum. div.; Werahikoß.lsfid.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1883.



Special Advertisements. 1; "El X S. S. TRIUMPH. , 11 CASES SEASONABLE GOODS JUST OPENED. MILMNEM BOJfNETS FANCY DRESS fieODS MIIXINHRT HATS NEWTBIMMINOSfordo. ; STRAW HATS MANCHESTER OOftDS BJrBY LINBN WIDOWS' BAPS UNDEJIOLOTIHSa • FEATHERS CORSETS AND BANDS " PMAVERS ' IJNEN HANDKCIIFS. ! BEAI. LACES LACB BORDER DITT» IMITATION LAOBS LADIES' SIIiK TESTS '":-,■ REAti LACE COLLARS LADIES1 SPUN HOSE I EMBBOIDBRT COJ.LABS CHILD'S SPUN HOSE j ■ SUNSHADES AND SOX umbrellals. Pivk Per Cknt. Discount for Cash. Dressmaking now under Management of Miss Jaokson. /Milne & Choygb, 244 A# D 210, QOEKN-BTREET. I i^HOJjCB GOODS FOR CHRISTMAS. j ■WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN - Has purchased from a Warehouse, at a large dissount, and will ttu at ahd under wake > house piucb, a splendid assortment of LATBBT STYI/KS IK 'S °S Brochd Capes, Broch6 Dol-^ sSij --e'S mans. Cashmere Dolmans, °l "" 89 Paletots, Brochd M" I |o •< Jackets, Cold Crepo Silk Fichus Vogl v. (from cheap to rery 9 g :31 good), China White Silk §,? gX VSquaiea (embroidored all sizas)./ «■ „• New Patterns Floor Cloths, all widths, from 9d per yard. Large assortment Now Cretonnes, choiea pat tortis, from fid. Large lot of Trarollers' Samples in great rariety, which will be sold great bargains. The balance of Felt and Kidderminster Carpslß to he sold at nominal prices, to clear. 12 Mnfids' and small Ladies' Silk Jackets, 12s 6d to 17s 63: worth double. Large assortment Men's Tweed Suits from 23s 9d. Mer?B Tweed Trousers and Vests, 10s (id, 12s 6d, to 27s fid. Boys' Summer Knlcker Suits, 4s Gd to Gs 6d. Men's Tweed Trousers, Is lid, 6s 6d, 7s Gd, 10s fid, 12a 6d. Men'a Cotton Shirts, Is, Is 3d, to 3s 6d. Gaod Lino White Shirts, 3s lid; Men's Merino Shirts, Is 6d; Men's Under Flannels, 2s 6d; I ditto Drawers, 2s 9d. A bs&utiful stock of New MosglellTweods at a , small advance en mill price. Job Lot of Ladies' Underclothing cheap, to Five per cent Discount on Cash Purchases of One Pound. J U N C T lON CHEAP DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 288, UPPER QUEEN STREET. ALL OUR CUSTOMERS will Receive a Handsome Card with their purchuses.— Samuol Coombes and Co., Quecn-strcot. ~~R~ W~l L~ X I X W, OCULIBT AND AURIST TO CHRISTCJIUKCH HOSPITAL (several yoars at Koyal Kyo Hospital, Moorflclds, Lon (loni can bo Consulted till 25th Dooombcr on all Eyo, Ear, and Throat Disoases. Dr. Wilkins also adjusts the Sight for Accurate - OTasses and Spectacles. ■ Consulting-rooms:—Mr Graves Aickm'a Phannaoy, Queen-streot. Hours:—B to 12 a.m., and 2 to 5 p.m. UCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED 1802. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAT, AND The Company sell and erect gas-fitting?, in cluding gas apparatus and gas-power engines. Stock includes Otto Gas Engines.—Office and Show-rooms.'Fortstreot. QAAA LADIES' STRAW HATS &\j\j\j frem Is at Samuol Coombes and Co'a., Canada Buildings, Queen-street. ITITRECK OF THE S.S. TRIUMPH. PICTURES OF THE SHIP, - AS SHE NOW LIES AT TIRITIRI, iO ' X S A L E 1; '".;!. '■■' ~\ ■■::. ■:. AT ,1 "STAK" OFFICE. If PRICE, enMOH. ':...•'^'. ■ iITrOST OtlfiNED, attd will ba Bold ohoaS" 11.3 8 oases ot^ladlTO- atia ohuSSv-«S£*



Special Advertisements. The best Christmas-box ! OF I TII E SEASON! THE STAR /-CHRISTMAS QUPPLKMKNT, TAX LJIIRISTMAS OUPPLEAIKNT, PRESENTED TO OUR READERS ON SATURDAY NEXT, 22XD DECEMBER, Will Con-tai.v TWELVE PAGES, or 00 COLUMNS, OP ENTERTAINING MATTER APPROPRIATE TO THE SEASON', INCLUDING: "TWICE SAVED ; A STORY OF TODAY," by Amelia 11. EDWARDS, the Popular Novelist. (The New Zealand Rißhts to this Story, which has been written for the Christmas Number of "The Illustrated lxmdon News," 18S3, havo been Pnrchased by the Proprietor of the Star.) " HOW HJD THEY KEEP THEIR CHRIST MASES," bj Georoe Augustus Sjxa, written for the Christmas Number of "The Illustrated London News." "SHEPHERD JOCK'S VISION," a New Zea land Story, by Muss E. 11. Boi'KKE, Authoress of a Little History of New Zea land. " DR. DONNE'S CHRISTMAS BOX," by John BI.AOKMAN. " PKAOK," by Jenny Wkkx. Also, christmas carols. a christmas superstition. ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS POEMS. NEW BOOKS AND CHRISTMAS PUBLICA TIONS, by our London Corrkspondent. CimiSTMAS JOKES, &C, &c. THE COMPLETE EDITION OF THE STAR WILL CONTAIN 06 COLUMNS. PRICE ONE PENNY. "DUETT'S AUCKLAND ALMANAC AND PROVINCIAL HANDBOOK, FOR 1884, IB NOW ON SALE AT ALL BOOKSELLERS. /~VNE TI/rONTH QNLY. John Jj ec k. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRINU FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. MUST VACATE THE PREMISES IN ONE MONTH. ONE MONTH. GOODS WILL THEREFORE BE BOLD AT MUCH BELOW USUAL PRICES TO ENSURE CLEAIIANCE - IN ONE MONTH. MEN' 3 AND BOYS' CLOTHING | QUILTS AND COUNTERPANES ► " SHEETINGS AND DAIIASH6 «j PRINTS AND SATEENS CRETONNES AND MUSUN CUR-1 X TAINS g DRESSES AND FANCY GOODS -3 &c, &c, &c, &c. § J 3 BELOW COST FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. JOHN T EC K. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. ALL ACCOUNTB unpaid by 22nd mat. wiM bo handed to ray Solisitors for re cOTory. i Continuation of cheap drapery & clothing sale. H. ATKINS Begs to thank bia numerous Patrons lor the wonderful success of his CHEAP DRAPERY AND CLOTHING • SALE, And also to announce that he has succeeded ia securing from the Now Purchasers a Lease of his present premises. H. ATKINS Begs also to say that as the WHOLE STOCK Has been RE-MARKED IN RED, He will continue his Sale for a Few Weeks Longer, and the 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. JOB STOCKS IN DRESS MATERIALS. JOB STOCK OF ANY DESCRIPTION AT ANY PRICE. CHEAP LINES ARE CONSTANTLY BEI BOUGHT, AND ARE ALL MARKED AT VERY LOW PRICES. H. ATKINS, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, &o. Just Opened, EX S.S. TRIUMPH, ONE CASE OF NEW SUMMER COSTUMES. NEW SUMMER COSTUMES. i ■ REALLY CHOICE GOODS. WILLIAM RiATTKAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND SILK MERCER, » 178,180, AND 182, QUEEN-STREET (tour doors below tho New Saving* Bank ['. . • AUCKLAND. ■.-.■■'■' ' ■■■■!■■'. ' * •