SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

Now Zealand,

Auclilunn R.C. Summer*.Deo. '.'6 and Jan. 1 & 2 U»wke_ Bay Summer December _i; Tnnmcs J.C. Meeting December26and 27 Canterbury J.C. Summer lanunry 1 Cambridge Jockey.Club Summer—January 1 .0-thcrn J.C. Races lanuary 11 and 12 poverty Bay Turf Club Meeting .. Jan. 15 & 16 Onohuncn Knees '._'.' January 111 Takapuna J.C. Summer.;.... .January 29 VVell-UgtOn R.Q. Summer February 1 anil 2 jlarlborou.li Races February 13 and 11 flunedin J.C. Autumn.... obruarv 21, 22, ana 23 Wanifanui J.l . Autumn March 6 anil 7 Takapuna J.C. Autumn... March 17 Hawkp's Hay J.C. Autumn March 17 and 18 Taranaki J.C. Autumn April 1 and 2

Dates of Nominations, Entries and Accep tances.

Acceptances for Froo Handicap and sweep for Hurdle Race Doc. 21 Nominations Takapuna Summer •Meeting Dec. 21

To Correspondents.

(J.F.—Chandler was got by the same sire as Clarence — llavcnsworth. Christmas is by Goldon Grape. F.W.T. (Onohunga).—The Napier papers failed to record the time. Will inquire from her trainor. W.S.—Libeller carried "st Sib when he ran second to Lady Kiiiina for the Dunedin Cup. Lady Knmia hail 7st Gib. Jl.S.—There wcro eight startors for the Steeple chase at the lust Summer Mcuting. Chandler, carried lost lilb, and was riililou by Clillbrd.. : IsqUlUP.k.—l. P-lvago did not win n race. last season. His best performance was runniiiir second to Adamant for the Dinicilin ( .iji, with S. . : .li in the saddle. 2. Welcome Jack bail Sst H'u in the last Great Autumn Handicap, Salvage Sst 71b. E.F.H.—Knvloua was a three-year-old when she won the Tiniaru Cup, If mile. Sho carried 6st "111. Tiisman, who ran second. having list 111b, and Sir Moih-etl. _it 71b. Lady Km ma. The Poet, Libeller, Luna, Kmir Hoy, and Chan cellor were tho othor starters.

NOTES BY HIPPONA.

OuT : of tho thirty-one horses that wero nominated for tho Chii-tchurch Midsummer

Handicap, only nine have accepted, and it would seem that tho contest will not attract a larger field than last year, when

six wont to the post. On recent form, Taiaroa is decidedly well in with 7st, and should be very interesting, but I will not be surprised to see it Cheviot's day out, who has lib less than he carried in the New Zealand Cup.

MrG.G. Stead's colt Sir Bodevere, who has come into some prominence this week in connection with tho Auckland Cup, has some real good blood coursing through his veins, and if worthy of his breeding, fist 91b should not prevent him from playing an important part in the contest. He was got by Albany (imp.) out of Tres Deuce (sister to the famous Calumny), by Traduccr out of Gitana, by Sir Hercules out of Gipsy Queen/ During the time his sire Albany has been at the stud he has got some real good 'uns, notable amongst whom are Mischief, Nonsense, Hilda, Nemo, and On Dit.

While at Ellerslie one day this week, I had a look at Soukar in his box. The old fellow is looking surprisingly well, and all the hard work that he has been doing for his young friends of late has evidently done his legs no harm. With his feather weight, his trainer Chaafe thinks he has an outside show in the Cup second to none, but for my own part I look with little favour on his chance. His party have backed him to win a large stake at long prices, while a long pop has also been accepted that he gains a situation. It should not be forgotten by horse' ownersthatnominationsfortheT.J.C.Handi^ capof 1 lOsovs, Steeplechase of 7550 vs, Hurdle Race of 40sovs, and Ferry Plato Handicap of 25sovS( run at the Takapuna Jockey Club Summer Meeting on the 29th January, close next Friday night.

The face of Mr J. K. Poole, so well-known in local sporting circles, is once more amongst us, ho having arrived from Sydney in the mail steamer on Tuesday. He is looking pounds better, and a chat' with ■him on recent Australian turf events is •quite interesting. Mr Poole has already got into harness, and is being " shot nt" on the principal events of our Summer Meeting. The Onehunga Racing Club have issued the programme for their Summer Meeting, which takes place on the 19th January. There are seven events to bo contested, the principal of which ore the Onehunga Cup of 60sovs, 1J mile, and Hurdle Race of 30sovs, 14 mile Nominations for all handi caps are due on Friday, 2Sth December, at Bp.m. Don Juan, the hero of this year's sen sational Cesarowitch, was not a horse any one could follow from his public form, but his trainer and owner knew his worth, and through his victory the ring received one of the hardest knocks they have experienced for some time past, his party winning £70,000. The papers consider the coup to be the biggest since Roseberry won a for tune: for Mr James Smith in 1876. Up to theday of the Cesarewitch the colt had never been asked to gallop mow than five furlongs in public, so; that, practically, ho was as "dark"., as was Martini-Henry until he won the, Derby.

. Wildboy s accident in the Hurdle Race at the Dunedin Spring Meeting was a very, singular affair. It seems that after clearing the hurdle in front of the stand, ho fell on to his belly, with his legs stretched out boforo and t behind, arid thus slid along on the slippery ground for some distance, and when he rose it was seen that he had dis located his near hind fetlock. He then started kicking, and it is supposed that by the violence of the action he kicked the joint1 in again; anyway he was led off the course without much difficulty, and his owner hopes to be able to' race him again next Beason',

MrR. Vallance informs " Beacon " that he and Mr: R. Mason are about to dissolve partnership, and that the former will in all probability shortly proceed to Aus tralia: Under the circumstances, the few horses they' have left and the Yaldhurst traininirestablishmont will beopenedfor sale privately. Th.y have already disposed i f Epicure, the three-year-old son of Yatten doriarid Ghiva, to Mr D. H. Mervvn, of Otago. Mr W, A. Long, the Australian sports man, is meeting with disappointment after disappointment in his attempts to_ win important races in England. His Tonans just missed , a place in the Cesirewitch,- and then ran second for the CambridgeshireandLiverpoolCup. Condor, another bearer of the Grand Flaneur colours, was only beaten by a head by Harvester for the Clear well Stakes; and at Sandown, with odds on him and Archer in the saddle, hefailed to get even a place in the Great Sapling Stake's. Against these defeats tHere is only one victory, recorded, a!nd that Is the Brabraharh Stakes, which Tonans carried off early in the season when not backed for a shilling. If these reverses should sicken Mr Long of the English turf and induce him to return to Australia, the colonial turf will regain a staunch supporter,

but it is stated that Mr Long is so incensed at the way his action in re Grand Flaneur and First Water's Australian Cup was com mented upon by the press that he will never moro race in Australia,

On the second day of the Wagga Meeting Countryman (late Cetewayo) carried dOst., and won the Ladies' Bracelet from nine opponents. The unreliable son of Country man and Queen of Scots started'at il to 4 on,' and won in a common canter by three lengths. Messrs Smart and'Forrester were in good form throughout the threo days of the Wagga meeting, as Bohemian, Brown and Rose, and Soldior Boy each won a race Tom Brown also had a turn, as Stockdale won the Town Plate, for which lfe was backed down to 7 to 4.

The other week hews'was received by cable of tho death of Count? Le Grange, a French sportsman, who for many years past has been a prominent supporter of tho turf, both in England and France. As every one knows, tho Count made his greatest bit when in 1865 he carried off the Two Thou sand, Derby, St, Leger, and Grand Prix deParis,withthatworidorfulcoltGladiatour. Up to this time the foreigners had never been able to win a Derby, and Gladiatour's victory created a great sensation : and we still read that by Winning this Derby Count Le Orange "avenged Waterloo." Although a constant subscriber to the Blue Riband during the years that have intervened sincb Gladiateur's time, tho tricolour was never again seen to the fore in the great race at Epsom : but with Fillo do lAir, Camelia Rayon dOr, and Chnmant, won other " classic " races, and he was connected as owner with such good winners as Consul, Nougat, ! Vernueil, Clonientive, Insulaire, Dutch Skater, IMc Nic, Monnrque, Zut, Albion, St. Christopho, and Inval.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Tho recent Victoria 'Racing Club Meeting realised a profit of -VI,OOO. ' '

Mr W. Weston, tho Southern pencillcr, arrived from Christchurch this week.

Galliard's career on the turf has ended, and Lord Falmouth will now send hiln to the stud.

Spec and Psycho, both got by Anteros, were credited with a win oaeh atthe Ohoka and Eyroton races.

Prince Charlie, the fastest horse of modern times, has boon exported from Eng land to Amorica. Tho noxt Sydney Gold Cup U to be run on Easter Monday, while the St. Leger will be decided on Easter Saturday. The steeplechaser Melbourne, who was lately bought by Mr Montague Smith, was sold at Dunedin to Mr T.Pollock for £55, Tho Northern Jockoy Club (VV hnngurei- Kaino) give away £400 in.prtee-monoy at their meeting on the 11th and 12th of January. Acceptances for tho Dunedin Cup are duo to-night (Saturday), atjß o'clock, and for the Wellington Cup on Monday night, at 10 o'clock. On Octobor 3, at Chandler's Ford steeple chases, near Portsmouth, Lord Buchau, who is 73 years of age, rode the winner of a two mile steeplechase.

Tho Australian horseman, P. Piggot, has, completely recovered from tho effects of his severe accident at the V.R.C. Meeting, and: is now about again. Mistaken, who was purchased byMrE, Weeks some months ago, has been running well in India, and amongst his victories tho Viceroy's Cup is classed. Archie is not engaged in the A .T.C. St. Leger, run in Marcn next; bht the names of Martini-Henry, Warwick,...Le Grand, i and Off Colour appear in the list. , ... George Williams, the; Australian horse man, is open for engagement to ride in .the Derby or any of the two-year-old.races at our forthcoming Summer Meeting, i Bordeaux and Country Squire have been .thrown out of training, and Mr F. F. Daklm has given up Santa Clans, Clansman, and Contessina. The latter has gone.. to. the stud. - .;.

No fewer than thirty raco meetings are to be held in various parts of Now Zealand between Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On Boxing Day alone seventeen meetings take place. At the Theatre Royal on Boxing Night Mr P. Doran intends presenting a whip and spurs to the jockeys who ride the winning horses in the Auckland Cup and Steoplo chase.

"Nemo "says that Martini-Henry and Le Grand both look somewhat light and jaded after their recent Victorian campaign, and neither will carry silk till they strip for their autumn engagements, The Plunger is not yet recovered from the effects of the injuries he received by the collision with Delusion; but Mr Redfearn thinks that after a long holiday he will be able to race again. The Hawke's Bay Jockey Club only re ceived six nominations for the Hastings Handicap of 200 soys., run on Boxing Day, viz.. The Laird, Herctaunga, Lubra, Radames,.l_onata, and Briar.

By winning the St. Andrew's and Presi dent's Handicaps at the Dunedin Spring Meeting, Taiaroa has incurred an 815 penalty for the Dunedin Cup, bringing his weight up to- 7st 31b.

Nominations for the Napier Handicap of 500 BQvs., li mile, Hurdle Race of 150 soys., and Railway Stakes of 125 soys., to be run.at the Hawke's Bay Jockey.Club Meeting in March 1884, close on, Tuesday next., ,ii.. , ~.,,

Mr A) 7. E. Power's steeplechaser All Fours, one of the cleverest cross-country horses that ever figured at Flemington, was lately found dead in one of the paddocks of his owner, and it is believed that ,he died from the effects ;of a kick. received frpm a mare.

A Melbournite named ■ Madden, who lately returned from India, states, there is no truth in the report that Sam Hayncs, an erstwhile New Zealand trainer, had died in Madras. He saw him acting,as a'billiard marker at an hotel; kept by an Australian named Duffy. In the A.J.C. Summer Cup and Sydney, Taftersall's, Cup, the hapdicapper .gave Martini-Henry such a crusher | that ho. was scratched for both events twenty, minutes after their publication, ~ For the first event the son of Mnsket was awarded 9st, and for tho latter Bst 111b. „■• „j ... ~ ■ I

A liberal offer (says "Asmodeus") was recently made on behalf of a well-known wealthy supporter ot the turf for Stockwell, but I am told that so highly does Mr AVilliam Bailey esteem the chestnut son of St. Albans that the offer, of ~ four figures " did not induce him'to .part with , the Tasmanianhorse. , AValton, the American . Plunger, ; created a sensation by. the way he backed h_ mare Girofle for the Ccsarewitch, but the feeling of admiration for the Yankee's pluck was changed to disgust when, after his mare had been beaten,, he turned round and ac cused his trainer of having, made her safe. Sardius, the South Australian nag who won the Caulfield (guineas, and then finished second to, Martini-Henry in the fastest Derby on record in the world, un fortunately ran a nail into one of his hoofs at Flemington a few day? ago, and will con sequently nave to be eased in his work for a few weeks.

Tristan's turf career is now, over,; He goes to the stud iadmittedly the " champion " English racer over all distances, and has won for M. Lefevre.during the riast three yean, twenty of the greatest prizes of the

French,nnd English turf, and £19,104 in .stakes, not to mention an enormous sum in bets.-

\\ agga V\ agga is lucky indeed in the matter ot its. gold cups. Mr Chisholm lately promised a golden trophy for tho big race of 18S-J, and Mr Cormley followed suit for ISBS. At the settling, Mr H. J. Bowler promised a cup for ISSG, Mr C. 1\ Wilson lor 1.87, Mr Cox for ISBB, Mr C. Bolton for ISS9, Mr 0. Cox for 1890, Mr P. Donolly for 1891, and MrT. R. Pearson for 1892. Ono sweep promoter in Melbourne suc ceeded in lilling no less than lb" sweeps be-' tween May 1 and Novomber 5 of the present, year, and as each sweep has 2,000 sub scribers at £1 each, no less, than ±'32,000 was invested, out of which the promoter retained 10 per cent., or £3,200, which may be regarded as vory good remuneration for histroublo;

Latest items, including the Auckland Cup betting, will be found in the " Slur."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

Aquatics.

Rowing Association llecattti December 15 Auckland Intercolonial Regatta ..January _)th Lyttelton Regatta lanuarv 1 Akiiron Kegalrn .: .-............ I leeember 17 Edward llanlan v. Klins Lavcock or tho next best man in Australia, £1,000 n-sidc, before ''larch ill

Bicycling.

Aucklanu Or.un (rendezvous at Servico's, , l-arangalu'.pc Road). Captain's Run December 13 Henderson's Mill DcoeiiVbor 22 Three Kings, via Mount Roskill..December ii) Waitemata Cum Runs (starting from Park Gates, I-.-incus -street). Saturday Runs at 3 i.m. To Lake Takapuiia,.'.... ; December IS To Otahuhu, via Manjrero I icccmbor __ To Pannuuc, Sec December 2. I T'UKSDAV EVKXINI'I RIJfJS. To Onehunga and back. Starting 7 o'clock. ..December 18 CRICKET. Victoria v. New South Wales Docomhor_ Wellington v. Ne150n...,,....D0e.31 and Jan. 1 Club Flxturos for tho Month. December 15. — Otahuhu v.. Our Hoys (at Otahuhu), United v. West End, Ponsonby v. Excelsior, North Shore v. Auckland (at North Shore), Kdon v. Standard, "Herald" v. Parnell, Auckland and v. Oorilon. December 22.—United v. West Knd. Excelsior, v. South End, Our Roys v. Otahuhu, North Shore v. Auckland (at North Shore), Kdon v. Auckland 2nd, " Herald" v. Our Hoys 2nd. United 2nd v. Parnell, Standard v. Hefton, Gordon v. Alpha, Ponsonby v. West End 2nd. December 29,—Alpha v. Excelsior, Ponsonby v. South End, _ eat End v. Our Hoys, OUiliuliii v. North Shoro, Eden v. West End 2nd, "Tle_ild"v. Avondnlo Union (at Avondalo). United 2nd v. Gordon, Oxford v. Excelsior 2nd, ■_

To Correspondents.

iE.O.—No. H of Uio Association ruloß provides: " That no member of any subscribing club bo allowed to play against any othor club in more than one club during the same season, with out obtaining leave from Uio Sucrotary or Captain of tho opposing club, boforo tho com mencement of tho match. Pro vided that bona tide schoolboys and masters of any school may . play for such school and one other club."

K.O.H.—Our correspondent inquires: Sir,—To decido a bet would you kindly answer tho fol lowing question:—"Did the AVhungnnul cricketers beat tho last Australian team that visited the colony of N.ZJ "—[Yes, with cloven wickets to spare.]

AYe shall bo happy to reccivo and publish paragraphs relating: to the matches and doings .of lawn tennis, archery, and other recreation clubs. .

|Thb open -Sailing boat Observer is for jsale.' ■

At the timo of the writing, a cricket match was being arranged between a local team and an eleven from 11.M.5. Espieglo.

• Edwards, the champion walker, is not a I stranger in Auckland. He (was onco em , ployed in Canning's restaurant;

Edwards proceeds from Auckland to America, having arranged a walking match with A'aughan, of New York.

H. D. Morpeth and T. Farquhar have found purchasers for thoir sculling boots in Kaipara. ~

11. Graydon launched a new 13ft. open boat last week. She has been christened the "Dot."

Carr has roceived an order from Mr Green, of Ponsonby, for a 16ft. open-sailing boat.

AVarbrick has commenced a racing whaleboat for the "unknown" crew which is to compote at the Auckland Re gatta. ~-,

. During the week Albert AA^hito has been engaged repairing an outrigger built by Green, of Dunedin, in which he intended to contest the scullers' race to-day.

Donald Dinnie, the groat Scotch athlete who is expected by the mail steamer, will proceed South to join AVoodyear's Electric Circus Troupe, the manager of which has coxcluded an engagement with him.

A sweepstakes sailing raoe between the small open boats' Una, Glance, Chance, Secret, and Dot was arranged to take place this afternoon if the weather proved favourable.

Albert AVhite has started a new racing whaleboat. It was supposed thst she would appear n't the next Auckland Regatta,, but according to the Tauranga " Telegraph '* feho is Intended for tlie regatta of 1885,

Mr J. Hunt has again cabled to, Edward Hanlan at New York tho terms of the match on behalf of Elias Laycock, or ".the pext best man," being £1000 a-sido, _31X) expenses, and ono-thiid gate money.

. Wnymouth has completed the model of a twonty-feet open sailing boat, which ho 'in tends" tb have ready for the Auckland Re gatta: The model has a slight resemblance fo that from which the Observer was built, but is very long in the bow and round all over. _•- . • • "■ ... ~:■:•■

■ A, Nottingham paper has the following :— " It'is stated that Mr (L B. Studd will not be seen in first-class, cricket next soason. He intends reading for .the bar. Mr C. T. Studd will play as usual. A report is current that Mr A.,G. Steel intends shortly sovering his connection with, Lancashire and joining Middlesex."

: The new twenty-footer built by AVnrbrick for Mr Bleach, of Dargaville, was to have been lannchcd to-day. It was intended that a sweepstake race should be arranged before she left Auckland, but this appears impossiblo, as orders have been received that she is to leave fo. Dargaville on Monday.

I saw Bigel^w's new twenty-feet ope-a sailing boat vdiich ho is building for AY.. Farquhar, juri.,. on AA'ednosday afternoon,, When she was almost planked. She is similar to the Madge in many respects, especially in the after end, but differs from her in having a very long bow, and slightly tumble-home sides. She is a very pretty craft, ft_d should sail woll.

Arrangements have been completed for a sculling contest between Trickett, Rush, McDonald, and Beach. Two heats are to bo rowed on Thursday, December li, the final race to come off in the afternoon of

December 8. The first heat will-be between' Inekett and McDonald, the latter having tho choice of positions.' The'second boa. between Rush and Beach, the former having choice of positions. The winner of tho final heat will have to meet Edward Hanlan on his arrival thero, in the event of Elias.'Lnycock not being able to row, him

At the Association Regatta, arranged for this (Saturday) afternoon, the contests for the various races was considered really to be between tho Ponsonby and North Shore Clubs, tho Auckland Club having simply enfercd to assist the Association in its ellbrt. to promote rowing interest in this port. They eo.ild hardly bo expected to compote against the others,'who havo been trainiti night and day: tor the 'last two months." while they, owing to want of accommoda-, tion for their boats, havo not had ono of them in the water during'the season. With the exception of the senior amateur scullers' tho races should fall tothe other two ciiibs.

In a letter tothe "Turf, Field, and Farm" of America, Dnniol O'Leary states that, ho was.boaten by Edwards in,the_ r x-days walk at Melbourne by treachery. Ho says :— " I would havo beaten him in the second race had I not had tho misfortuuo to be Sur rounded by treachorons attendants, who were base enough to dose my water with ether. I never walked better in any race I over eugngediin np to 1 o'clock ion Friday morning. I w-as ahead of any. performance that lover mado ii) .to that timo, anil I was suro of beateings3l miks. Friday I was token sick,and lost a great, many hours re covering from the effects _f the other."

Tho batting still continues to bu in the ascendant at Molbourne, and the bowlers are correspondingly depressed. Tho Mol bourne Eleven completed the match against Williamstown', winning 'very easily. 0 jr. C. C. scored -180,' the principal con tributors being--Smith 93. '-'Alexander 92, Bonnor (il, McDonnell 49, and Kelly -10. Tho East Melbourne team brought their total against Hotham to 578, Trapj) having made 103, not out, by splendid cricked, his bein<_; tiro third oontury Score in the innings, Midwinter and Scott both securing century distinction. 11l tho contest betwoon South Melbourne and Carlton, W. H. Cooper capture, seven wickets for 30 runs.

In overy branch of sport tho best records of the past are being beaten, each stop in advance-remaining only for n timo to be beaten iv turn. On September 13, at. PortarUngton. Athletic Sports, Ireland, P. Oavin, the ex-champion, whoso absence nt l.illjc Bridge in tho last championship meet ing every ono regretted, wai credited with a long .jump of 23 foot 2 inches on ground said to be dead against a good jump. This fairly disposes 'of J. Lane's disputed _.') feet 1_ inch all Dublin fn IS74,and loaves Parson's 23 feet-, inch at the last championship meet ing in the rear. Oavin how holds both the long and high jump records, his latter per formance of (> foot 2J inches at Cari.ok-on- Suir, iri 1880, still being ipiapproachi .1. 1 Win at the samo meeting at Portarlington attempted the high jump, and cleared (I foot J inch, two splendid achievements in an afternoon.

Regarding tho composition of tho next Australian Eleven, tho "Australasian" urges that tho English people <are just as anxious as tho Australian public to see an infusion of fresh blood into the-ranks, and tho claims of such cricketers ur H. Scott, P. Lewis, G. McShano, E Turner, and Jarvisand AY. Gill'on (of South Australia) must not bo ignored merely'to'gratify the whims of some of the " old stagers " who aro anxious to pay another visit to mother England. SpotTorth, Murdoch, nnd A. Bnnnerman aro considered doubtful, though strong hopes aro expressed that thoy will go. Tho "Australasian" considers J,' Blnckhkm is bound to form one of tho team. and as G. Giffen is probably tho best all round player in Australia, a placo must bo' also found for lum. AY. Midwinter is another whoso claim cannot bo overlooked, nor can thoso of t . Palmer, who, taken al together, is perhaps the best bowler in the world. G. Bonnor possesses .qualities which entitlo him to a plaoe, and P. Mc- Donnell is in such form that no Australian team would be complete without him. H, H. Massio and T. Ho .in cannot go, and it is useless to ask Evans. -Should Spofforth decline,this,-will leave tivo places to be filled up, nnd from 11. Scott, P. Lewis, H. F, Boyle, G. McShnne, W. 11, Cooper, T. Garrett, W. Bruce, E. Turner, A. H. Jarvis, AY. Giffen, aud a few others a splendid quartette could be selected.

LITERATURE, STAGE GOSSIP, &c.

(FROM OUR LONDON COKUKSroxiiis. T.)

"Is tho Ranks "is cleverly acted all round. Mr Charles AA'arner and M iss Isabel Bato man as the hero and horoine, working wonders. Tom says the pioce is certain to havo a groat run in London, but he doubts whether it will stand the test of "slop" scenery and a "scratch pack "of actors in the colonies.

AA'e were sadly disappointed with Mr Burnarid's new burlesque on "The Tempest" nt tho Gaiety. After tho suc cessful way in which he treated tho story of "Blue' Beard," groat things wore ex pected of "Aircl" but to the surprise of a, large and friendly first-night 'audience, the piece narrowly escaped a good hissing. Nelly Farren — without anything on to speak of—skipp-d hither and thither as Ariolsingiiig anodnncingrightmerrily. The ono "hit" of tho evening was mado when, the clear little lady floated away into space bejowelled with the tiniest electric lamps, and warbling a lovely' waltz song. This incident in iteol. Was not, however, enough' to keep up tho spirits.'of the audience,,and I fancy most of: those present' went home, as I'did,'deeply depressed. Another dull' picco I yawned heavily over was the new comic opera, "La Vie," at tlie Avenue. An ox-music hall shiver, Roberts by namo, fcolfeked through the second and third nets with 'sufficient 'spirit' to 'm.ak'j them just bsarablc, but the.' first was al together too stupid. "La A'io "is supposed1 to be ah-adaptation of " LaViel'arisioiino," a work, which' Offenbach wrote at his best period, or- in other words, between "La Belle Helen*.' and th. "Graivie Duchess." The adaptors, with questionable taste, havo eliminated; many ot t„e composer's liveliest airs, replacing th_n --• sometimes with .aawkish.bnllads, aad at others with music hall ditties. ■...,,

A lady friend writes* tc me from Christ-! chjuseh for. the names ot' some nice, new songs. It is rather difficult to know what to advise unless you have somo sort of idea of a person's tastes. Spooking generally, however, I can heartily recommend Andrew Levey's plaintive ballsid," Loveandßeauty," now; sung nightly by the blind boy in Ingomar " at the Lyceum, Theatre. The air haunted me for-days after wo heard it. "Laddie" by Ciro Pinsuti is pretty,-and "Give me thy Heart" by Ernest Bergnolt has been described by no loss authority than the " Sarui-day Review "as a, really charming song. Since " Dream FncfS" becinio so tirosomely jxipular i AVilliam ..Hutchison's ballads with waltz

refrains have been pretty constantly sung. The b.-ist aro "Starupon Star," "Tho Gilt of Love," and " The Two Chords." Pontet whose "Tit for Tat" receives the honour of a treble encore nightly at the : Trocadero, has just published anothor semi - humorous little ditty of the samo sort called "The Broken Pitcher," land to those who like this style of song, Roeck'ol's " Three Old Maids of Led" will - bo acceptable.', The latest thing in dance music is " _ on tainbleau,"a set of waltzes by H.I..H'. the Duke of Albany. Played by tho Guards' Band after Dan Godfrey has touched them up, thoy sound tolerable, but on the piano, by an ordinary performer veny so-so. Tho waltz of the winter will, I suspect, be tho one sung in "Ariel" by Nelly Farren. It is ~ lovely air, suggestive of half a hundred you have heard beforo, and yet fresh. Bucalossi's last effort bears the name of the " Pand 0 Polka." I have not heard it, and the, ridiculous picture on its outside will prevent many from trying it. It isn't often my husband brings home a bOok from the City, so I was somewhat astonished the other day, when ho placed a two shilling novel in my hands, saying, " There's a stcry üb6ut dear old New Zea land tor you to read." Tho tale is called '•I'hilibcrta" by Thorpe Talbot, and though, .evidently the work of a novice is very far from being either dull or uninteresting- Some capital scenes are laid in Dunedin, during tho early days of the colony, " old identities ".will easily recognise in many of. the chnrchers accurate portraits of well known citizens. "1 .lilibcita,' I fancy must have come out serially in one of the- Australia, or New Zealand papers in the ,lirsf instance. So far it has not been revrenced over hear. I foci sure however when the critics do notice the book, it will ■be favourably fortius work is quite equal .Mrs Cainbcll Prued\s "Molock" or ■'Policy Pss.-ion." Many of you no doubt been reading Miss Khoda Broughtons new story "Belinda" month by month in "Templeßar." The, three volumes appeared last week and Tom laughed so perpetually and nggravalingly whilst i-i a ling them that I felt puite anxious to begin the tale. After all though. " Belinda " disappoints one. The book brims over with flippant speeches, cynical jokes and during intiohdocs but the hero and heroine are impossibly' fo.lish people and irritato you by behaving with the most sonseloss'imbecility, The best drawn chai-iictors aro the dry bid Oxford Professor whom Belinda marries in Ja rage when licr lover doesn't write to her and tho younger sister a deliberate flirt without heart or conscience.

Do You remember how I mentioned' onjoying_ bits of Chirk Russell's "Sea i^iieon in oho newspapers. Well th is • delightful novel oan at laHt bo obtained in three volumes, and should be ordered forth with by idl colonial libraries. Many of the reviewers consider it superior oven to the " Wreck of the Grosvenor." What a grand nine shillings-worth is tho annual volume of " Good AA'ords," In addi to a muss of general reading, the purchaser ;has two guinca-and-a-half novels thrown in 'this year the sorials are excoptionly first class, (i.0.) "All in a Garden Fair," by AValter Besant, and "Poarla," by Miss Betham Edwards. 1 have just finislvsd tho latter, it is a thoroughly wholesome story, specially suitable for reading aloud to the [family circle on Sunday afternoons.

All who did not see " Gideon Fleuce," by 11. AY. Lucy, when tho novel first came (out, should now obtain the new edition j published at 3s (id. I can also conscien tiously rocoimnond tho 2s issues of Captain Huntley Smart's detective story, "At' , Fault," and Mrs Uilvurk _ " How Ho AVon Her." ;

j .The phenomenal success of Sergeant ißnllnntino. reminisoortces has naturally I inspired other legal luminaries to try their hands at similar work, and two new volumes, entitled respectively "Romantic 'Stories of tho "Legal Profession" and "Somo Personal Recollections by n Member of the Incoporated Law Society " are to hand. I think tho former will please tho general public best. The stories aro told in an attractive form and with commendable conciseness. Both' j vols: cost 7s lid.

And now I must devote a few words to juvenile books, for I know ladies in tho colonies are often puzzled to know what literary confections to buy for their child ren. Unquestionably parents should use great discrimination in such matters. MAny stories, though written with the best in tentions, are most injurious in their tendencies, and as a noteworthy instance, I may mention " Eric, or Little by Little," a most popular tale of school-boy life, by Dr.- Far. an. Tom says that book did more towards suggesting evil things to him when ho was a lad than all his boy friends put together. Moreover^ ho knows lots of other fellows "it affected similarly. As a rule, I would rathor give lads stories of adventure or historical romance.' to read than tales of school life; in fact, tho best boys' books nowadays are thoso written by Mr C.. A;. Henty, George Mamile Form, and Jules Verne. Ml' lienty's new storios just out boar tho attractive titles of "AVith Clivo in. India, or tho Beginnings of an Empire," and "By Sheer Pluck, a Tale of the Ashahtee AA'nr."' They aro in every way equal to tho samo author's " Young Franc-Tireurs'" and "Facing Death." Another stirring romances, sure tcbo a favourite is Mr Geo. Manvil-Io- Fcnn's "Golden Magnet, a Tale of the Lund; of the Lucas," and to those who like "'errors upon 'orrors 'o_l," I cr,n recoro menilnothingbettor than Louis Bo.ssenni'd's richly illustrated "Crusoe, of G alalia; or, The White Tiger." If. however,: you want to lay out six or seven shillings upon a book that will afford your son and lu_r limitless. amusement'for many a long day, buy tho, yearly volume of th* " Unicm Jack "' for1 hinii Thoro aro 1(0. course you know); heaps, of other beys. "Annuals,"" but,' the- "Union Jae'ft" is _comi*irnbly, the- nbost bernf illustrated, well-, written, spirited, manly, and highly toned. Next, to _,■ perhaps, comes the "Boys' Own Paper;"' but-tho writers. herein are of a -rery different. iilAfs, and) tempting voiumi.-<though tbe boiunl up parts, malte, -I must yivo the -prefewnce-to. ihe litei-nnmed.

White alpaca trimmed with richtcoloiired; velvet ds tho material msod ; _ 'foi ._ many fnshiomible seaside and country dresses.. The skirt is trimmed in any sßyle preferred* with flounces or bouiilonn.s, or velvet band* and lace, and the polonaise forms, a pleated blouse seemed at the wai3t with a velvet belt or sash. A hat of rathor coarse plaited straw is v suitablo finish to the costumoi | '

The Trtrincoss of Wales has been wearing some charming yachting costumes- One day she wore a gown of dark blue and clare. mixed, and the body part had some what the looi of a pilot jacket with a lon^ waistcoat, iho latter having 'gold and claret braids arranged horizontally across iV On tho lower part of this dress the (same pretty braids wore interwoven here and there amid the kiltings and scarf-like folds. Noxt day, the Princess wore a specially dosignod ulster, made of dark bluo waterproof cloth, the hood lined with red-sat in and edged with an embroidery of red and gold . shades interwoven, tho same being also continued round 'the edge of thej collar and ouffa, . ■ , •:

STAR SATTOPAY SUPPLEMENT, BEQEMBEEi 15, ABB3 c

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