SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER flK£sSf ffiKS* M» arrvsET.—This Evening. 7.3 ,

ARRIVALS.

Lark, H.M. schooner. C.....i...inder Lieutenant Oldham, from a cnu c. ffiis'brig^fomK'Slc^or order., M^-gregor s' s .. Johnson, from Whangarei Reward, sch., Collings, from \\ hangaroa

DEPARTURES

Southern Cross. 5..«., Ross, for (ilflhorna |?ospcrity. brigantine, Cotton, for Thames lona, s.s., Amodeo, for Russell Glenelg. S.S., Stcphonspn. for I aitrau,;a Neptune, s.s., Adams, for kaipara Clara R. McUillivray, barque, (iriflin, for New York

IMPORTS.

Par Penguin—l,22s mats sugar, 110 sacks maize,2,36l bunches bananas,!« cases pines.

Outwards Coastwisk.—Janet, for Wha ngarei, in ballast.

The three-masted schooner Energy cleared at the Customs today for Greymouth in ballast.

Tho schooner Orpheus arrived nt Russell from Fiji this morning, after a passage of 13 days.

The schooner Onward has been purchased by Captain Garth, who intends to employ her in the Sydney coastal trade. Tho brig Restless, from Suva, bound for Tairua in ballast, arrived offthc North Head last evening. She has called for orders).

IsWAHDaOoASTWisK.—Ocean, from Whangft mata, with 217 sacks and 9 cases gum; Janet, from Whangarei, with 800 bushels lime: Mabel, from SgunKiiru, with 29,000 feet timber.

' Thos.s. Macgregor arrived from Whangarei at 9 o'clock last evening with IS sack gum. iO boxes egljs, sfl sacks brun, 6 logs timber, and the following passengers:—Rev. Mr Oliver, Mrs Oliver, Miss Annatead, Rev. Mr McLean, Messrs Downing, P. Gordon, Honjumin, i). McKay. Neal, Robort Thompson, J. Walker.

The New Zealand Shipping Co. have received a cable message to the effect that their second steamer, the Aorangi, loft London for Welling ton via Plymouth and the Cape on November 30, with a fu!l cargo and a large number of pas sengers. Tho British Kingroachcd the Capo on November 28, and sailed the same day for Wel lington.

The s.B. Penguin arrived from Fiji late yester day afternoon. She left Levuka at 10 a.m. on the 28th inst., arrived at Suva nt 2.50 on same date ; siSilcd at 5.15 a.m. on the 29th, and passed Mount Washington at II.JW n.m. on same date. Had fresh S.E. winds till the morning of the Ist inst.. thenco strong N.W. winds and sea till ar rrral ats.» p.m. on the 3rd inst. Passengers:— Saloon—Mesdame3 Francis and Ellis, Jllss * Saundors, Jlaster Saur.durs, llessrs Lundon, Cotterell, Bnrthi-lmy, W. W. Thomas, G. W. Thomson, H. Thomson, Ellis, A. Coates. Jack son, faotain llcdstrom. Steerage-Mr and Mrs Jordan, Messrs Colson.Maros, LUue. Turner, Hill, F. F. Boyle, Swanson, J. Smyth, Clark, Murray, Jensen, Leyson, Crossley, J. lie- Gowan, Ennins, 11. McConnell, A. Campbell, Jno. Read, C. Francis, B. Allen.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Douglas, s.s., McArthur, for Wnitara Taiaroa, s.s., Par3oss, for the South

Tho s.s. Douglas left for Waitara at 10 o'clock this morning, with 30 casks cement, •100 feet tim ber^ casks and 14 cases spirits, M packnges.siin driesandthefollowinKpaasengers:Mi3sO'Hanley Messrs Hughson, McGouagh, N'ewchuni, Jones, and Thompson.

The 8.8. Taiaroa left for Southern ports at 11 o.m. to-day, with a cargo consisting of 80 bundles fish plates, 3 cases bolts, U sacks oysters, 10 spools barbed wire, 30 sacks and IB) bags potatoes, 20 bundles hoop iron, 12 bars and 4 plates iron, ti kegs nails. 2,100 feet timber, and 80 cases and packages sundries.

The N.S.S. Co.'s Rowona, for Kawhia and Haglan, crossed the bur at 7 3D p.m. yesterday, unil should return hithorsome time to-morrow.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Taubanqa, this day.—Arrived: Glenelg, from Auckland, 10 a. in. Wellington, this day.—Arrived: Takapuna, from Lyttolton, 10 a.m. Sailed: Takapuna, for New Plymouth, at noon. MAKiHit". tliis day.—Arrived: Italy, barque. Heads, this day. — Arrived: Nightingale. Sailed: J. C. Smith and Torea. Anchored: Julej Mario, VVlnona, and Aurora, brigantine. ■ Bteamor Ashore. Wkstport. this day,—The Kawatiri, when proceeding to sea last night, took the ground on the North spit, a considerable dishince insido the bar. Her position is not dangerous.

Sarah Benihardt's Emaciation.—Great as the the " Divine Sarah " is in her dramatic imper sonations, there is no doubt but that, if her physical contour were fuller, her renditions wo"uld be mure ell'ottive. Her laukness cannot be associated in the critical mind with great power or force. A leßimen of UoOLl'ito Wor.KE's Schiedam AisomaticSchnaimm would unquestionably give her " En bon point."

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails will Close as umder:— This Day. For Thames, per Rotomahana, sit i p.m. For Russell and Kawukawa, per Taiawora, at I p.m. For Friendly Islands, per Myrtle, at I p.m. For Whangarei Heads. Parua, U'alpu, V\'lian g.irei, Kanio, and Mangapal, por Slacgregor, ut I p.m. WEDSK3DAY, sth inst. For Mongonui. per Agnes Martin, at 10 a.m. For Hokianga, etc., pcl1 Rowcna, at li a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at I p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, Kanio, and Mangnpai, per Wuitnki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, Cth inst. For Tanvnakt and Southern porta, per Taka" puna, at S a.m. For Waiwera. Te Kapa. Craigieburn, and Warkworth, etc., per Hose Casey, lit 10 a.m. Per-Tarawcra, as foilows: For India, China, Japan, Mediterranean Porta and Contincntof Europe, at 10 v.ii.. For Gisborne, Napier. Southern Ports, and United Kingdom (via Suez and Brindtsi, or via Naples, torlettors, etc., specially so pre paid and addressed), at 11 a.m. Money Orders, for .Southern Ports and Aus tralian Colonies only, at 10 a.m. For regis tered letters anil newspapers at 10 a.m. Late letters till 11.20 p.m. Tuesday, 11th December. Per Zcalandiu. as follows— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia. Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, the previous evening at 1 o'clock. For registered letters and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence in addition to tho postage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the tima of sailiug. This mail will bo due in London on Sat urday, Jan. 19, .834. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-oflico, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

December J, 1S s3. Abbott's Opera House—"Lea Cloches dcs Cornville," 8 p.m. Grafton Road Wesleyan Sunday-school.— Anniversity soiree. 6.30 p.m. St. James's Hall.—Alonstor Tea Meeting, 6p.m. Theatre Royal.—Jtrs Hampson and the Sal vation Army stair, 7.30 p.m. United Free Methodist Church.-Aninialsoiree, ti.3o p.m. ■ Masonic Hall, Newton. - .Monthly com munication of Lodge of Newton .Mark Master Masons. 7.20 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

Food pop the Waste-Paper JUskkt.—W» constantly receive anonymous letters without the real name and address of the writer bcinu enclosed. The journalistic rule which require) this guarantee of Rood faith Is so well known that such letters arc consigned to tlio waste paper basket without further examination. In case anyone who reads this notice Ikus written a letter in ignorance of the rule, he will now understand what has been the fate of his missive.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1883.

For the cause that lacks assistance For the wrong that needs resistunco, For tho fuMiro in the distance, And the good thut we can do.

Tile resolutions on the question of annexa tion which have taken final shape .it tlio Intercolonial Conference describe with tolerable fairness the feelings which per vade the minds of n majority of tlio Aus tralasian colonists. No doubt the sentiment that the wholo of the Western Pacific, with its charming islands and inexhaustible possibilities of production and commerce, are a very pretty preservo which we, who have obtained a hold on the fairest lands of the southern seas, would gladly close for our future use and occupation at our con venience, and the advent of any foreigners would be most disagreeable. But the New Caledonians hold similar opinions on bohalf of France, and the German traders in Samoa on behalf of the Father land, so tnat although the sentiment that the Pacific Islands would be bettergovemed by Englishmen than by men of any other nation is creditable to our patriotism, the resolution adoptod by the Conference does not seem to advance anything that will convince other nations that their ap propriation of a portion of tlio Western Pacific territory would be so very unreason able or objectionable.

The second, third, and fourth resolutions grip the issues more firmly. They advance a definite scheme for excluding foreign ad venture, by urging Great Britain to take immediate possession of New Guinea, the most valuable of these territories, and to warn the French .Government away from the others. If any adventurous foreigner should afterward take it into his Tiead to play Robinson Crusoe on 011,0 of tho smaller of tho islands that bedeck the face of the ocean with ver dant-clad jewels, the colonists, secure in the possession of everything that is worth having, will be able to look with a calm magnanimity oij these minor appropriations. That they we thoroughly in earnest' in the matter, tho colonists guarantee by tender ing a contribution towards t}io cost of carrying the schema out, and have generously left it to the Imperial Govern ment to fix the amount. Thero is littlo of novelty or enterprise about this proposi tion ; the Conference simply tells England jij a. rather offhand manner what it ought to dc for us ; and hurries the Imperial Government into the expensive enterprise of colonising a oounti'y twioe as large as New Zealand, and occupied by a savage population. In return, it givog the vague assurance that we are ready to share the cost. About the amount of inducement there is also an indefiniteness which is un satisfactory to us in New Zealand, who aro not so deeply concerned in New Guinea colonisation as our neighbours. Does the propose-i contribution to cost include the' expense >>£ native wars that may arise in progress q* colonisation ? Be cause, if so,: w,e shall profcably pay very dearly for the annexation sentiment. If it does noc, fclsjs British' taxpayer,' whose ex periences of Spuih Afr^cpn 'wars'lias not enamoured him of such exploits, will bo apt to think that Lord Derby's resistance of tbjs pressure being put upon him by thp colonies has a good deal of common sense on its side. The Now Zealand scheme of freedom of action by individual colonies in annotation has more of the heroic about it than this tot^l /impendence on England's paternal action, »nft ;>>'(} are not sure that it would not be le* costly in tho end—at least to this colony. •

With the proposal for a Federal Council for the whole of the colonies, the C'onfor 6!>A?pnters upon still more delicate ground. Its reported resolve to nsk the Imperial Government fop requisite powers may not transgress the limits of its legitimate duties, but'bbfore' countenancing it tho Parliament of this colony will have to know more clearly what authority' such a Council would wield in the way of pledging its Fovehues for defensive and annoxatory telivg;oi«, Qi' tampering with its tariffs. The eoion^ys have already power to arrange among tjjenjßci.vv^ differential duties, and could establish Jnbei-coi/ni/jJ free trad* in all or any of tlio articjfi.s'b* Jntepojiange. They have never yet neon their way if) Ex ercise these powers by treaty, and we doubt yhether the minority would dosonndiit1 tlio coffir,o^o/i pf a majority of a Federal Council. These sue &11 hard nuts to crack, and the resolutions of tne.Conference do little more than make a small dint t,he shell of any of them.

New Guinea Exploration

|Spstit*J. (O(?rrespondenoo to the "Star."]

The diacusslon of i&aiffitlon and the probability, amounting almost io P.ortfijnty, tjiat New Guinea will soon become a pare of this 64*??!) Empire, hue excited an intense interest ia tijat sj.inpsfc unknown island. Colonising and prospactp^ (-^hejnes from Now Zealand have been seriously spoK6U of, and ignorance of the coun.tr.ya.nd its history has conbiibuted more to the charrri of tliese enterp^zoa than knoji'JeiJgo and a reajion ablpexpeqtr-tio.n.gf sftccecs, Wjtjbthedissji'e to tit-row gxea,bar ISgiifc upon thy ys.st Jjjjd mystet"Lous laud, wa wave ajfAijgad tw & series of gpecta] lattora to tho Stab fron; the Roy. Samuel Macfarlane, chief of tho Now Guinea Mission, and. who is now engaged in evangelising explorations on tho

island. Probably no European has a more intimate acquaintance with New Guinea and its inhabitants, and his position, ability, and high character will uftbr guarantees againstthepropagationofthoseMiuicluuisen stories which unsuccessful or incompetent explorers are apt to indulge in. Mr Macfarlano addresses his first letter, which appears in another column, from the Mission Station at the Fly River, and he opens with an introductory sketch of New Guinea, its history, and the story of the several attempts at exploration and colonisation. Tho series of letters, besides recounting the successes of Hie explorations now being conducted by our eonespondent person ally, will comprise an account of the physical characteristics and material re sources of the country ; tho social and moral characteristics of the islanders ; the prospects of the island under an English protectorate ; how the proposed annexation is viewed by the islanders ; and the [nob able results of annexation in other Euro pean settlements. We believe these letters will form the most valuable contribution to our knowledge of the country that has yet been published.

Some months ago a discussion arose at a licensing meeting as to the boundaries of the City East licensing district in connec tion with Mr L'antor's application for the removal of tho Waverley Hotel license to a proposed new hotel on the reclamation works. The commissioners then decided that they hail no power to grant the application, as the site was beyond the licensing district. Mr .1. B. Stoucy, Clerk, by direction of the Chair man, thereupon wrote to tho tfovurnment, pointing out the difficulty, requesting that an amended description of the district might be made and duly gazetted, The Government at once acceded, and Mr Stoney yesterday received a notification of the same to the etlect that the boundaries had been re-delinod. The Licensing Com missioners, therefore, will be able io deal with the matter at the next quarterly meet ing, to be held on Wednesday, the 1-th ■Ist.

A very handsome album was presented to-day to Mr Cordon Good) in the names of Mr Gooch's pupils at Mrs Clayton's school, expressive of their good wishes, to which the names of the subscribers were appended. Mrs Clayton made the presentation, and Mr (looch appropriately returned thanks.

In the hurry of passing all tho articles sent in to the Sunday-school Exhibition under review, a mistake has boon made, which we aro asked by the Avondala Pres byterian Sunday-school teachers to rectify. In tho list given to the reporters no certilk'ato is shown as belonging to the sixteen exhibits sent in by Avondale, but in walking round the tables on Satur day the teachers discovered a pinafore, on which hung a card thus—"Certificate of merit, A.i'. [i.e., Avondale l'rtsbyterian), M. A. Wiekham," and having a little logic in their nature, they began to nut the matter in syllogistic form thus—" If so, in how many cases so V" But they pardoned the judges, knowing the magnitude of the work in which they were engaged.

An interesting lecture, entitled " Re miniscences of a Tour in the Highlands of Scotland,'.' will bo delivered by the Rev. H. P. Macnicol in St. James's ll.ill on Friday next. Tho popular choir of the chuvoh will aid with musical selections, and Mr Fothor ingham has promised an appropriate bag pipe solo.

At tho Opera House- last night, the tune ful and romantic little opera, " Lea Cloches tie Corneville," was produced before v largo audience, and performed with considerable aptitude and spirit. Tho principal parts were well sustained, the chorus singing was good, and the dancing, costuming, and stage "business" wore admirable. Tho opera will be repeated to-night for the last time. It is really worth seeing and hearing.

There were eighteen members present at the last meeting of the Onehunga Chamber of Commerce, Mr Codlin presiding. It was decided to write to tho Chairman and directors of the Bank of New Zealand pointing .out the desirability of having a branch established in Onehunga. It was also agreed to communicate with tho Minister of Public Works and Union Steam ship Company in reference to deepening the channel between the wharf anil the first beacon on the Mangaro side, and to again invito the co-operation of residents of Waiuku, I'ollok, Mauku, and Awitu in petitioning against tho excessive wharf tariff at Onehunga.

Theteachcrs of the Avondale Presbyterian Church Sunday-school hired two of the Company's 'buses and gave their scholar? a trip in to see the Exhibition on Saturday afternoon. The 'buses were packed with about sixty, old and young, and had the horse "Archie" only been alivo to the gravity of the situation, and tho weight of his responsibility, there would have been nothing but pleasantness, but all's well that ends well, and all got home in safety, gratified with tho afternoon's treat.

A concort in aid of the Bazaar Fund of St. Benedict's Church was held in tho New ton Athenteum last night, and was well attended. For some occult reason, about one-half of tho performers whose names figured upon the programme failed to put in an appearanco, and apologies had to be made on their behalf, while somo of those who did respond had to do double service, and others were prevailed upon to give their assistance in tilling the gap. Miss Wahnsloy sang " Jessie's Dream," Miss Lorrigan "Tho Dear Little Sham rock," Mr Garland "Tho Arab's Farewell to His Steed" and "Tho Wreak of the Hesperus," MrStaunton "EileenAlnnnah," Mr Boylo "The Midshipmite," and Mr E. O'Haro (who was a host in himself) "The. Rocky Road to Dublin," "Don't Believe All You Hear," and " Lanigan'n Ball." Miss Boylan and Miss Forbes contributed a pianoforto solo, the Hisses Lyell and Bill a pianoforte duet, and Mr and Miss Lorrigari tho vocal duct "Very Suspicious." The proceedings, concluded shortly after ten with tho National Anthem. Pining the evening Miss Donovan. Miss Jloyjan, }JUs Mcllhone, and Mis* Burns played tho accompaniments to the songn.

An entertainment in connection with Mr Barry's Elocution Class was held last even ing in the Alexandra-street School-room. The attendance v/as satisfactory. Piano forte dueta were rendered by Messrs Slater and Hood in a masterly style. Songs were contributed by Mrs Bettafty, Mrs Goodison and others; also by Messrs Carter and Willis. Mrs Anderson gave a recitation, which was well received, on "The Voyages of Columbus." M r Lawrie gave an admirable rendering of " The Fall of AVolsey," from Shakespeaie. Other pieces from British poets were given with much effect by Messrs Bell, Wildigg, Masters Barry and Bettany. Miss Froudo read "Jessie of Luc-know," and Mr Barry, sen., gave " An Blectric Trip to London," by an American author. Miss Froudo and Mr Marson represented " Sir l'ctei and Lady Teazle," from Sheridan's " School ' for Scandal." Tho evening was pleasantly spent, and tho entertainment satisfactory,

Mr Gordon Gooch,took the solo in the well-known anthem "Incline Thine Ear," in his usual finished style, at the Hoiy Trinity Church, Devonport, last Sunday evening.

At a mooting of the City Schools Com mittee last evening, a programme of sports for t-ho demonstration was submitted and approved of. I'arnoll and Mount Hobson schools notified that thoy could not attend the- demonstration. On the question of ad mission of children outside school districts^ it was agreed "That the Board be informed that the Committee v.'ill instruct the head teachers that until the fourth day after the opening of tho schools they are not to admit children from school districts outside the city, and that they would be asked to communicate this resolution to all chil dren in their schools affected thereby." It was further decided "That a reply be spnfc. etc., and request to be informed how many children residing in the city attend the jm'ifiedliiatfc suburban schools," On tho application of Miss Uoy&ton, who has a knowledge of'the kindergaitpn system, fcr employment, the Committee agreed to for ward a letter to the Board of Education, asking them kindly to tako into considern. f.jon the desirability of putting to the test tfeo J/.jility of tho kindergarten system for younger ttiildVon attending the city schools; and that Miss Morciqr, bo. nuthovieod to pro- Cure tho necessary material, anil that il lO be granted lor lilis purpose. .Soiiie Ms cu««ion ensued regarding tho election of^Mr J. M. Clark to a fluat on tfefl Board" of Governor's of the Grammar gch&oi s,-!iiflh has previously been held by tho Chairman tf fhr, Board of Education. It was decided" ifi ■£#£ inquiring whether, in Itlie ponsljtufiou H t t,.0 Board' it" was not' necessary tM tUo Chairman of the Board of Bdiioa, XAou sfcouU> a member of the Board of Governors, f. ( urfhor motion was^camed as follows :-'.'Tr.at tho City Schools Com mittee.'.bebg.jedloiw 'of tho dignity of the .office $ th,e /Jbairnmn of the Board of Iducation, desirp to kno* whether tho Board Fflpqso an- acUo.! m vindi eating his right to a seat pn too lioa.v] of Governors oi tbo AnMtmi Colloge and Gramma- School,"

The Wellington " Tost" is severe both on the ;- haw, Savill Company mid the Agent- Cenc.ai of tiit! colony, in its issue of TueH- I day last, tho ■I'o.-f says:—"The Triumph, Shaw-Savill Albion steamer, has not supported her somewhat ambitious name any more than her predecessor of the same line, the Wertmeath, bore out the eulogies pronounced upon her by the Agent- Gsnerai. The Triumph's passage has been the reverse of a " triumphant " one ; 01 days reads very poorly after the New Zealand Shipping Company's .\2 ' and 43-day passages. Vet ii must be remembered that this is the sort of thing Sir Dillon Bull has so earnestly pressed upon the Government na ihe kind of service New Zealand ought to have. Wo have already considerably outgrown such a slow affair as that, however, and with such boats as the Tongariro, Aorangi, and Ruapehu, already in tho service, wo are not likely in future to be content with vessels of the Wesmeath and Triumph class, or with 61-day pas sages."

"You Don't Know Tmciit Value."—"They cured me of biliousness uml kidney complaint. a:i recommended. 1 had a lialf-bott'loleft. which I used for my two little girls, who the doctors and neighbours said could not be cured. lam coiilldent I should have lost both of thorn one m's;ht if I luid not limit he I lop Hitters in niy house to use. That is why Isay you don't know half the value of Hop Hitters, and do not recommend thorn highly onougli." See.

Mr Button will repeat his interesting lecture on tho "Moon" in rit. .Sepulchre's School-house, Symonds - street, on Thursday evcniii',', in aid of Ihe "Sailors' Heal." Veil. Archdeacon Dudley In the chair. Tho lecture alonoisof special interest, but in this instance it will be of i;re:iter interest, as the Rev. J. S. Hill will illustrate the subject with mechanical limelight viiiWKOf the planets in motion urouml the sfm. There will be no charge for admission.

The anniversary soiree of tho United Methodist free Church will be held thU evon inir. Tea will lie provided at l!.:W, alter which the public mcGling will bo held under Hie pre sidency Di the pastor, the Hey. S. Maofarlalie. Addresses will be nivi-n by Kcv. .1. Knherlrinn, SLA., Mr Spurjjoon, and .Mr Win. Cole. Tin: choir will rentier selections of uncivil music between the addresses.--The anniversary soiree of the Grafton Road VVcsleyan Church will also bo bold tills evening, associated with tea, addresses by ministers anil friends, mid music by the choir.

We would draw the attention of our readers to un extensive auction suloof ship's stores (from the now disabled steamship Triumph), by K. & A. Isaacs, at their stores, Queen-street; iittho same time will bo ollcretl 8 packiiKCS new Kelson hops, 18 cases now season llks. direct from .Smyrna, mid VI discs jewel packets, t.on lions. Sic, all beinu' specially selected tor tin; Christmas (ratio; also, 7f> uiiaus " liodoxonc " (h non-iilcoliollo tlriiik). Full par ticulars will he found in our fourth put,''-.

SPORTING NEWS.

Tho Auckland Hotting Market,

TIIK safe arrival of Welcome Jack has been tho means of hardening his position in the Auckland Cup betting, and tho best price now obtainable about him is 100 to 10. At Tattersall's hist night, I! 00 to 45 was ac cepted that he wins, but it may be men tioned it. was not taken by the stable. The following is the state of the odds :— 1(K) Io 10 ni:st Kscopota ion") KiO to 14 Welcome Jack (Ik) 100 Io VI Hulvaeo(oW 100 to 11! Turquoise loll') 11)0 Io 10 Tim Wlilttler (Oil) IIXI to S Ulmlier (tk) KM to 7 The l'oel It];) UK) to t! Nelson (oil') 100 to ito 1 the others. Wasuanui, this day. Nominations for tho Wanganui Cup, Flying Stakes, Wanganui Stakes, anil Dis trict Handicap close te-night at!( o'clock.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Salvation demonstration is to-day's sen gallon,

Remucra wants a water supply. Weather wiseacres say we shall have no settled weather till Christmas.

A New Zealand bunny-factor—Tubercu losis among the rabbits,

About 40 Auckland visitors leave for Te Aroha to-night.

A Harmless Burglar.—Ono who breaks into a perspiration.

Dunedin folks have telephonomania. There are 250 subscribers there, and more wanting in.

Tho London " Standard" asserts that Now Zealand is the most debt-ridden spot on the earth.

At Auckland 'Jirls' .High School, in future, piano lessons are to be given by preference to those pupils who cannot be taught elsewhere.

MrS. T. Georgo, M.H.U., has been ap pointed Vice-president of Rodney Agricul tural and Pastoral Association.

The report that diamonds have boon found in Otago is denied.

John Grant, a Scotch seaman belonging to the b.-irquentine Waitemata, was re cently drowned while bathing in tho harbour at Suva.

At Wellington, the ease of Hunt v, Gordon is still occupying tho Appeal Court.

A song dedicated without permission to unsuccessful candidates for Murwood's l'opt—"Tho LostC(h)ord."

Spurious half-sovereigns, bearing the impress of the Melbourne Slint, are being circulated at Hawera and Opunnke.

In the case of the man Young who shot himself at Dunedin from disappointed love, the coroner's jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while insane."

" It's a very solemn thing to bo married,'1 said Aunt Bethany. " Yes, but it's a great deal more solemn not to be," said her niece.

" Tho man in tho moon " is looking as bright as a Button, though this is tho dark quarter. Mr Button lectures on tho "Moon" on Thursday night, in aid of tho Sailors' Rest.

The Customs revenue of tho colony last month was £100,403 5s (Id, against £127,018 KSs Id in November, ISB2.

A director of the New Find, at Te Aroha, is willing to bet any number of new hats that tho final clearing up from that mine will shoir a gross average of over three ounces per ton.

" Uinnis, darlint, oeh Dinnis, what is it you're doing?" "Whisht, Biddy, I'se hying an experiment!" "Murlhur! what is it ';" " What is it, did you sny ? Why, it is giving hot wather to tho chickens I am, so that they'll bo aftlier laying boiled eggs !',

By the recentoxplosion ntOwake Powder Mill, Otago, damage to the extent of £'200 was inflicted, the whole building being do molished.

A Fijian was executed for murder at Suva on !)th ult. Ho was half dsad from fear before he was swung ott'.

Louis Peterson, while working in the Hauraki gold mine, Thames, has had his right arm badly fractured by a heavy stone falling on it from the roof. The New Zealand Refrigerating Company atDunedin have added a Haslam's machine to their works at Burnsido, which will enable them to freeze 375 sheep per day, instead of 2/50. They will send 11,000 or l'2,oi>J sheep, by tho Tongarira, and havpar ranged for the despatch of about 84,000 during ISS4. Mr John Lundon has fallon foul of the Doputy High Commissioner of tho South Sens at Samoa, and is charged with a list of terrible offences—such as "urging tho Samoans to commit a breach of the peaco," "giving incendiary advice," &c. The material for another limit-Gordon case is evidently accumulating.

BEKESFOKD-STREET SCHOOL

Annual Athletic Sports.

Yesterday, t'lL' annual sports of tho Bercsford atrcet School were held in the Domain Cricket ground. The weather was all that could be wished for, there was a good attendance of spectators, and everything passed off in tho pleasnutest manner. The following is a list of the various events, with the result of each :—

Ist event, 100 yds Race for School Cup (3 prizes): Ist. A. Wright, ljd ; 2nd, T. Blowdcn, scratch ; 3rd, L. Nelson, scratch. 2nd event. Throwing tho Cricket Bull: C. ■Walker. 1; .). McCansland, '. ;;r,i cvonl, \O,nic lUicm.H prizes: T. Blowden, 3 yds. 1; A. Wright, syds,. 2; W, Staunton, '"llii cv'c'iit, 1-vsoi War: W.S-ui'.nton.A. Fislier, W. Grey. D. Fountain, ■■viniiprj.' ,ul! i '.'nit. IWyite Ua'pe for Hoys under]2y:s of ,igc, 2 iii-i/;os :D. W'hoatCToft, ."lyds, 1; If. Cireen, 1 yard t? titli o'vent, 1 Mile Walking Match B prizes); Ist, h. Nelson, scratch : 2nd. E\ Blewdcn. COyds. 7th ovont, 150 yds Race, for .Girls (3 prizes): Ist, Sarah l.cydon; 2nd, Alice Robertson; 3rd, ■'aMi:'"r-^e"i!, Mi2oyiJ9 Hurdle Race (2 prizes): Ist, C. Westmi, f)y([s; 'V.r.,\, ,1. McMillan, 3yds; 3rd,)!, Jfal.thews, scratch': Utii c.v'oni, iifjyi'sTnlVuits1 Race, i prizes : M. .Tones, 1; U- KoyiioUis, X; B. Maxwell, 3; W. ' ICtii'event, IMile Race, 2 prizes: T. Blewaen, scratch, 1; J. McMillan, 10yds, 2; J. McCattß l.iP..' 1. i;"ratch, 3. . '-,■■{• c..;n,, }Corr!s Siamese race: Nelson and W. fUiiiiVit.oji.-r:■ Ivr«jJ.c»,ti n-.id ti-it»ln, 'i. r , . . , I2j.n Vvcuf, ]. r,nyu'slt:li-i;, 2 ji-i^o-i: X, Y\ ■.i;-:"'-', Bcriiiuh. 1 i'T. IHeu'Te)), sjirjttcJiV?. v. !-VPMVi ''mil 'event. Hiilf-mllo Uaos (9 prizoa) • Ist, A. Wri'.'ht, 10yds; 2nd, T. Hlonden. aonuch. • nth event, 109 yds Race, jjlrls [2 prizes): Ist, A. Fairweather; 2nd, G. McMier- B°lsth event 100 yds Consolation Raco (1 prize): let, 0. MoCansland ; 2nd, W. Wriijht. 'iioaides these events, many werp made up on the "round for t lin infants, and they were- pro vocative of cveat amusement,

CABLEGRAMS.

[RKUTER'S CABLEGRAM.]

Tho War in China.—Anglo-German Understanding.

London, December X —lt has transpired that communications recently passed between the German and English Govern ments regarding the state of affairs in China, and that arrangements have now been made for co-operation in taking such action as may be deemed necessary for tho protection of British and German subjects resident in Chinese territory. The steamer Hankow has been chartered to convey !JOO infantry to British stations in China.

The Marquis of Ripon Hooted. Camjctta, December '_'.—Earl Ripon, fiovernor-General of India, returned to Calcutta to-day. His Excellency was teceived by the natives with cheering, but was hooted by the Europeans who were present at the time.

[special to prkss association-.]

Tho Colonies and the Fronoh Convict Proposals.

London, December I.—Lord Derby having requested Sir Dillon Jiell to explain the reasons why the Colonial Government are pressing renewed objections to the French Kecidiviato Hill, the latter has replied, proving that, it has been repeatedly officially declared in the French Chamber that the reeidivistes are to enjoy absolute liberty on tho islands, and that tho measures ex pressly permit ollicialsto authorise convicts to leave the islands, and that there are really no restrictions, but rather strong temptation to facilitate attempts to escape; that a scheme of the kind would be alike cruel to the Australasian colonists and to the island natives, and that the colonies have a right to protest against it.

Lord Dorby and Australasian Federation

The "Spectator'warmly attacks Lord Derby for his appparent inability to re cognise what Australasian federation really involves. It condemns the coolness of his replies to Mr Murray Smith's questions as to how he is prepared to regard the ques tion of federation. It thinks the Govern ment must have a better understanding of the Australian position than is indicated in the replies of the Secretary of State for tho Colonies.

Sir F, D. Bell has issued a revised edition of the New Zealand Handbook.

The Government of Canada ikis purchased' n permanent resilience at Kensington for its High Commissioner. Minna Jury, well-known in connection with the Tichborno case, has been arrested on ft charge of defrauding Edinburgh trades people by pretending to bo the companion of Lady Daley. Companies are projected to purchase the business of Mason Brothers, Sydney, with a capital of £l. r)0,000, and to establish gas works in Now South Wales, with a capital of 180,000.

London', December 3.—The Rev. Dr. Barry will receive a farewell reception at Worcester before takiug hi* departure for Sydney. Sir Saul Samuel will be among (.hose present. Sir Willram McArthur has given £10,000, ami his brother Alexander iT>,OOO, to the building fund of tho Wesloyan Metropolitan Chapel. The Eastern Extension Telegraph Com pany are about to lay a cable between Saigon and Haiphong.

The health of I'rincc Bismarck in improv ing.

THE AUSTRALASIAN CONFERENCE.

[RKUTKK'S CAIILKIiIUM.]

New Zealand and tho Annotation

Question,

Sydnky, December 'i. At to-day's sitting of Jthe Conference the question of annexation was not dealt with. A long discussion took place on the subject of federation. All the delegatos spoke, and finally a sub-committee was appointed to consider the best means of constituting a Federal Council and deciding upon its functions.

Mr Whitaker laid on the table certain amendments to the report of the committee on the annexation question. They make! no substantial change in the report. Mr Fraser presented a noto from Mr Broome, Governor of West Aus tralia, referring to several points of federal interest, notably the question of cable com munication with Ceylon. Mr Broome points out that communication by land telegraph with the coast of West Australia will soon bo completed. The Conference adjourned at mid-day until to-morrow. Latf.R. —The amendment proposed by Mr Whitaker to the report of the com mitted nt the Conference consists of ten clauses, the main points being as follows : — It provides that tho authority of Great Britain over tho Pacific Islands may be established by cession, annexation, or by protectorate ovor the various isiands, as may be severally suitable, and that measures be adopted to prevent interfer ence) by foreigners ; it recommends the annexation of Jfow Guinea as far as that country is unclaimed by Holland ; it pro poses that effective guarantees should be given by the Australasian Colonies for their sharo in the cost by Permanent Appropria tion Acts according to population ; it de clares that there is no intention of placing Britain in the position of hostility to foreigners in tho Pacific. Messrs Stuart and Atkinson have tele graphed to London details of tho matters now before tho Cpnfprence. Federation Agreed Upon. Mklhouiixk, December 3.—Tho "Argus" has published a special telegram stating that the Convention has agroed to tho prin ciplo of applying -to tho Imperial Govern ment for an Enabling Act for the formation of a Federal Union of tho Australian Colo nies.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before If. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M.)

Drunk.—Frank Smith, 5s and costs.

Puoisi.lSTlC. — James Scallon and Charles Madden wove charged with fighting in Custom house-street, on the night of the Ith inst.—Cen stablo Lamb deposed that ho saw tho men stripped and lighting vigorously at 12 o'clock (midnight). Saw three rounds under the lamp of the Waltemata Hotel.—Fined lea each, or in default, 18 hours.

Notorious Women.—Mary Ann Biddick, a powerful woman, and Eliza Kice, a well-known character, were charged with having no visible lawful meansof allvelihood. Prisonerspleaded Utility to former convictions.—Detective Walker gave evidence : ho went with another officer to v brothel in Chancery Lane, and found the women in a wretched stato of tilth and moral degradation; the place smelt so bad that it was almost unbearable. The prisoner Bidilick had spent over live years in prison, aud Rice more than six years.—His Worship ordered Biddick to prison for U months, and Kice for V 2 months. AU.KOEI) Laucexy.—Simon Miller, remanded from yesterday, was charged with stealing tho sum of 95s from the person of Francis Humbert: on Sunday night,—Mr Palmer (Jackson and l'almor) appeared in defence and pleaded not Utility.—Francis Hambonr deposod that ho waa a sailor; he went to an hotel with the prisoner and paid for drinks; he also ftavo Simon a shilling, a3 ho said he was hard-up.—Prisoner was very kind, and said ho would find him a splendid lodging. Ho accompanied him to a house; it was next to the Crown, in Grey-street. There were a lot of girls there of all sizes. He missed the money trom his waistcoat pocket. Felt Miller's hand there. One of Uio girls per suaded him to have Simon arrested.—To Mr Palmer: Saw prisoner between 5 and 7 o'clock. Wore together about three hours. Was fool enough to ask prisoner to take him to a brothel. Had a weakness for girls; had £0 per month ; had other money, but was not fool enough to take all his money to the girls; they always make a clearance.—Lydia Lennard deposed that tho two nicn came to hor house at 11.30 p.m.: tho complainant had money with him ; tho men wore together in one room ; tho sailor was sick, and at her request the two men went out; she did not ro with them; when Hambcrt; came in to wish her good night she ob crifd that his pocket was turned inside out. —Constable Ward found a £1 note and some silver in prisoner's pocket.—Thomas Lake gave the voting man a character; he was a lodger •md a, Blue Ilibboncr; sometimesgotdrunk, but always'paid his lodgings.—Seven days' im nrisonment with hard labour. A Young Dog.—Thomas McMaster ap peared in answer to a charge of allowing Ms dog to rush at a horso in Queen-stroet, and injuring tho animal.—Mr. McMaster explained. — William H. Martin, of Mount iVlbort 'deposed that ho was in Auckland on thc'lth ult on horseback, when a dog rushed ■vt the horse n I Cniipli shank and Miller's corner; lie did not know that the dps belonged to Mr McMustcr, and he was sqi-yy that it should have happened; the damage was very,, alight-Mr jMi'Mnstor said tho do;r belonged to'his nephew, who wis away from Auckland: ho would under, take to keep the dps under proper control.— Looking at tho circumstances, His Worship dis missed the case. A Wild Girl.—A young girl of 17 was charged ■vith iuiviiiK no visible means, and tikadcd not runty ';- Dploi'live Walker stated tji-",t the parents^ tho girl' hfcl ii,p(ili.;d v him t'psaoat lilg the r*ir|, as she was completely beyond Hieir con. i'o), and leading a ■disreputable life. (Here the child burst into lcuvo.) He went In search of her, and found her til a brothel in Chancery Lane He took her to her parents ; she at once commenced to abuse them, and said shq would ■,; cI<!c-atavr.t l;ninc nor again BO to sotvico.— As shs h'rui'bncn previously oqnviuted of larceny (.nil ,-i vnloiee wiiaatlll harißintr over hor, sho y?,-s sentenced to 1 i rtuya' imprisonment. Tmic.VH'A'lXO.—Victor Collearo, on warrant, was charged with using threatening language towards Louise CnnilSray at Wellington.—Ser geant White asked for a remand.—Mr ttepwo hart no objection, but hoped defendant would be allowed bail, as ho waa a person of respect able circumstances, holding property in this city. Kail, £Z>o in personal security, w - aa $$• mltted,

THE TRIUMPH CATASTROPHE.

OPERATIONS AT TIRITEM YESTER DAY.

[By Oru SI'KUIAL REPORTER.]

Although there did not appear much like lihood of much beyond the discharging of cargo being accomplished at the Triumph yesterday, the very critical position in which the vessel remained induced me to again pay hern visit. The weatherwas very unpleasant, with a strong south-westerly wind still blowing, accompanied by high sea. These circumstances, together with tho misfortune that tho steamer in which I took my passage did not roach Tiritiri until the afternoon, prevented tho Star carrier pigeons, which I despatched, from arriving in time for the issue of that evening, and particulars had to be held over. The fol lowing were the messages : —

Tut mm, Monday

Tho b.s. Argyle, with Captains Noaring and Clayton and the Stab roprosentativo, arrived alongside of tlie Triumph at 1.30 p.m., after a passage of a little over two hours from town. The vessel remains in about the same position excepting that she has a greater lust to port and to wards the rocks than hitherto. Everything passed oti'quigtly during Sunday night. The wind blow strongly from the westward, and there was a very heavy sea on, but the vessel, being sheltered by Tiritiri, did not feel it. When the Argylo left last night the work of discharging wits discontinued, in order to give the men some rest, and a fresh start was made at 1.30 a.m. to-day. The ketches Lizette and Zilluh were loaded, and are now ready to convoy their cargoes to town. The barge Moehau is waiting for a load, and the Argylc is expected to till up before leaving. The letter will leave for town about!) o'clock to-night. Kemoval of Cargo. The aftermost hatch is now filled with coal, and the next hutch contains a largo quantity of cargo. This, excepting what cargo remains under water in the foruhold, is all that remains to be got out of the vessel. A couple of ketches will take away all the smaller packages, but two '■ scows will bo required to receive a number of very heavy parcels, including a threshing machine. These operations have put the vessel somewhat further down by the Htern than when previously visited, but very little hope is entertained of her being towed oil. There are now twenty-two lumpers on board, a large number having returned to town last evening. .Many had worked for upwards of -13 hours almost without cessation, and required relief. If the men want sleep on board they have to lie down on deck, no other accommoda tion being available. The only thing I heard them grumbling about was that they had no tobacco, and could not buy any on the Triumph, which they considered a great hardship. It is remarked In their favour that although a largo portion of the goods discharged has been beer and other drinks, there has not been a single instance of cargo broach ing. Consequently, there has been no drunkenness on board. There is a great demand for copi-8 of the Evening Star on board, both from ollicers and men. Captain Brotherton and his officers are on deck moat of the time paying attention to all work which is going on. It is intended to proceed with the discharge of cargo until everything of that description is out, which, if the weather proves favourable, will be about Wednesday nitzht, and before that time it will bo decided whether another effort will be made to tow the vessel off. Aocidont to tlic Cutter Start. At an early hour in the morning the cutter Start, which was loading at the windward side, of the Triumph, sustained somo damage through a sudden shift of wind. She was almost'filled when an ad journment was made for breakfast, and work had scarcely been suspended, when suddenly tho wind came round the southern point of Tiritiri and blow very strouglf. The sea also rolled in heavily, and consequently the Start was placed in a very dangerous position. She was hauled round to leeward of the Triumph as speediiy as possible, but not before several planks had been stove in on one side. The Start afterwards completed hor loading, and left for town in the after noon. Tho Triumph Bumping Heavily. Although the Triumph remains lirmly fixed forward, she is at times excessively lively aft—in fact, more lively than is con sistent with comfort, so far as those on board are concerned. On Sunday evening she rose and fell several times, bumping heavily upon the rocks on each occasion. Tho shocks, I am informed, were very sevore, and made -the whole ship tremble ; in fact, those on board were astonished that sho did not sustain much more serious damage than had previously occurred. It was also pointed ovit to mo that the distance between the bow of the vessel and the rocks between her and the island has considerably decreased ; that where two boats could be got in when the vessel first went on, a man can now easily step ashore. Tho lighthouse keeper, however, affirms most positively that she has never moved a finger's length since she struck, and in order to back up the statement ho says that he took her bear ings from a point on Tiritiri shortly after ho first saw her, and by this arrangement he is able to assert with certainty that the vessel's bow has never moved in the least degree.

Another Attempt to Float the Vessel.

At high water last evening another attempt was made to float tho vessel oIV by means of her own motive power. Steam was got up to a high pressure, and tho propeller wiiß kopt in motion for some con siderablo time, tho engines going full speed, Like all previous efforts, however, this one proved unsuccessful, the vessel neror giving any sigN of relaxing hor hold upon tho rocks. Cargo Arriving in Auckland. The ketch Zillah and cutter Start arrived from the Triumph early this morning with sundry items of cargo, including railway iron, galvanised iron, bottled beer, etc, They aro berthed at the outer tec of Queen-street Wharf, and during the day the goods which they put out have been conveyed to Mr Firth's new bond in Lower Albert street. The steamer Argyle, schooner Golden Isle, and cutter Four Sisters, also were discharging cargo which they had re ceived from the Triumph, and which waa also placed in the bond. Captain Hoalo's Proposal. The suggestions made by Captain Heale ' nt the meeting' of engineers yesterday was to the effect that the Triumph should be raised by means, of compressed air forced inte the fore (joinpartment. This, ho pointed out, could bo done by using the steamer's own engines in connection with the air com pressor, and by turning the freezing pump into the hold, which is at present full of water. The iron now in the hold he pro posed to take out before commencing operations. By this means Captain Heale expects the water can bo driven out of the forohold, and the vessel eventually raised. His propositions were received favourably by tho meeting, and tho following agreement drawn up : —" We, the undersigned, having carefully considered the proposal of Captain Heale, hereby beg to express our conviction that the method is a most practicable one, and, under all the circumstances, the only one by which (weather permitting) success may most certainly be expected. Tho timo and expense necessary would bo less than by the methods previously proposed, none of which are likely to succeed. In the event of your availing yourselves of the scheme proposed we aro ready to undertake the work at once, or if you decide to carry it out by other means we are satisfied to be considered as a board of advice in tho mat ter, on term's to bo mutually arranged as usual in such cases.—(Signed) James STEWART, C.E. ; G. Fraser, Engineer; — Black, Engineer; W.\t. Loddkr, Engineer." Tins, alone; with;1 Pap. tain Hoalo's proposed,' vVa^. lo.ywarded to Messrs L. \\, Jsathan, who forwarded it to Captain' ' li'rqther'ton by tho steamer Glonelg last evening for his consideration. No communication Ims sinca boon received from tho vessel, no that v,-e are unable yet to give Coptaln Brotherton's decision.

Excursion to tixo Triumph.

At two o'clock this afternoon tho Iv&snq Coal Co.'s steamer Wqitaiii, which has madp § <\ii\\y excursion to the Triumph, silica £ho went ashore, again left for that vessel with a large number of pas sengofs on board. The Waitaki also con veyod several articles roquirod by the Triumph,

"That's the right-ful heir fa £ iaif/o estate," quoth liattler fc> ijyvuthers i\'i> Parker's this mornjufe. ttyesi 1 860 he is pretty dru;>U,''»jturaiiid S.

Highway robbery almost to sell the poisonous, drunken, purging stuir as medicine to, hftnesi men, innocent Women, and hayuile^s children to weaken ami deai-oy tlwiv. systems av,d hearth, when pui-o hurnilc*s Hop Hitters can be had that cui-oB always and continually, at a triflm;; cost. Ask druggists or physicians. Huftd.

NEW GUINEA

EXPLORATION AND RESOURCES OF

THE COUNTRY,

[Special Letters to the " Star."]

No. I—lntroductory

Fly River, New Guinea, Oct. 20. AboctSGO years ago New Guinea was dis covered by mere accident. There were in those days a number of gallant spirits who were immortalising their names and that of their country by their "glorious exploits." Amongst these was Don Jorge Demenesis, a distinguished Portuguese navigator who was proceeding on a voyage from Malacca to dislodge tliu Spanish from the Malaccas. The usual route home to which the Portu guese had become accustomed Mas by the south of Borneo and oil' Celebes, and by the island of Ambocca, but Don .lorge thought he would try another course, and so went round the north end of Borneo, and being set to the eastward by currents and stand ing afterwards to the south, made the dis covery of New Guinea, whero he landed and remained a month. Two years later another Portuguese (Alvaivd De Suanadra) landed on its shores, and all hough there is no record of his having penetrated inland, he called an island by the high-sounding title of Isla Del Oro, from the idea which he formed of its abounding in gold. In l.j'Ju a Spanish mariner named Yuigo Orbiz De Nez also voyaging to the Moluc cas, sailed lo'J miles along its northern coast, and gave it the name Neuvea Guinea, from some resemblance, or fancied resem blance, it bore to the Guinea Coast on the "West of Africa. In Kilo' Schauton visited the country in the duty ship Ninty, and discovered one large and several smaller mecaneas. In l(i(i'.i Dampier in the Kocbuck circumnavigated the island. On landing he was met with considerable resist ance, the natives using clubs and spears, and hollow sticks, from which they threw fire at their opponents. In 1776 the French vessels La Boudeas and L'Etoile, under the command of De Bougainville, sailed along the- southern and eastern coasts ; in 1770 Captain Cook sailed along the coast, and confirmed the statement of its disconnection from the continentof New Holland. There were several visitors after this, among others Captain Edwards, in the Pandora, in 1791, Bampton in 1791, and Black wood in 1845 ; but little or no further information relative to the place was given until Stanley, in H.M.S. Rattle snake, ran along the coast, and made a rough .survey of a portion of it. Still, al though the island has been visited at various points by Portuguese, Spanish, French, Dutch, and English navigators, very little was known either of the country or its in habitants until after the establishment of tiie London Society's New Guinea Mission in IS7O, a brief account of the commence ment of which and our early discoveries will here lind an appropriate place. The First Now Guinea Mission.

In 18091 was appointed by the directors of the London Mission Society to .superintend the establishment of a mission in Now Guinea, the Kov. R. Murray, of Samoa, being sent to take charge of the mission ary station at Dili. By the beginning of 1871 my arrangements were completed, a suitable vessel chartered,and eight teachers selected from Diff and Mare. Air Murray, who arrived from Samoa, accompanied us on this important voyage. We started from Diff and made direct for Darnloy Island in Torres Straits, where wo formed our first mission station.^his central and tolerably healthy island ."/ing been selected as a sanatorium and ■' city of refuge" for the mission on the main land. The first mission stations established on the main land were at Kalau and Tukolero, large villages situated between the Baxter and r'ly Rivers, where Western Polynesians from Difl'und Mare were located as evangelists. In the following year a mission was com menced in Redscar Bay by Rev. Messrs Murray and Gill with a teacher from Kara tonga ; but thi.s place, like Kalau and Turetiri, proved exceedingly unhealthy, and tho teachers had to be withdrawn. A year later, Port Moresby was m !e the centre of operations on the penin.<?i..a, and in 1574 Rev. W, G. Lawes joined the mission, and took charge of that station. A Pionocr Missionary's Work. At the request of the directors, I devoted the first live years of my mission life in New Guinea to strictly pioneering work. We had much to learn about the place and people before our plans could be matured, and our modus opcrandi definitely fixed. A small steamer supplied by a friend enabled mo to move about with comparative ease and safety. It now became evident for the success of our mission, as well as the open ing up of the country, that it was desirable to seek high land, healthy localities, and populous villages in the interior, and these 1 hoped might be found by exploring the rivovs. From some of the natives at one of our stations I heard of tho existonco of a large river about 15 miles west of Corn wall Island, tho mouth of which was said to be opposite Paigon, one of a group of small islands off the coast, where I was then contemplating establishing a mission station. I proceeded thither accom panied by two friends—Mr Orkney, of Mel bourne, and Mr Octavius Stone, F.R.S. We were delighted to find a noble river, about amile anda-half wide at tho entrance, with between 7 and 8 fathoms water, with out any bar or impediment to n steamer of 500 tons for seventy or eighty miles up. After having gone about ninety miles, we were stopped by fallen trees and snags, the river became very narrow, and we had passed many tributaries of considerable size. Some of the largest of these, how ever, wore salt, and, I believe, led to the coast further west, thus forming a large island or islands. Wo did not see any village, although we landed every morning whilst the crew were cutting fuel for our day's run, and penetrating a considerable distance into the interior on both sides of the river. Only on two occasions did wo see natives, who, appeared very much afraid, and disappeared a3 we ap proached their tracks, and sometimes tern- i porary dwellings were seen at several points. At one place we found tobacco and banana plantations. Before returning we cut a frame in the trunk of a tieo into which, we placed a portrait of the Queen, an/.', around hung a few presents for the natives, includ ing tomakawks, knives, looking glasses, etc. Being the first Europeans to enter this river, we named it in honour of our missionary steamer by'means of which «ur explorations were made—calling it Baxter River. Failing to reach the high land of the interior, by means, of this river, I re solved to try the Fly, From Captain Evans, hydrographov to the Admiralty, who was midshipman with Captain Blaekwood during his visit to New Guinea in 1845, 1 learnt all that was known about the Fly River. They dis covered what they supposed to be the mouth of a large river, judging froa> the body of fresh water llowing \w\i. They attempted to enter in tho chip's pinnace, but were met by large canoes full of savage looking men, who were evidently coming to attack them, and having no desire to sfied blood, they returned to tho ship and gave tho name of their vessel to the river. Cap tain Evans assured mo it was his firm con viction it would require two of Her Majesty's gunboats to open that rive?. When my report of our voyage upon thpriver was read at the Royal Geographic^Society, lie declared to the meeting he consid ered it one of the best pioneer voyages of modern times, \ was fully alive to the difficulties of the task, and made my ar rangements accordingly. As my object was to spo if thoro were suitable localities for mission stations which could be conveni ently reached by tho river, I dp^jiminod to avoid, if possible, any co.Uwion -with the natives, who, of couvso, were ignorant of our friendly intentions, by landing to cut fuel at uninhabited places. If sucewiful in tno object of our search, it would b.p a> com paratively easy 'matter afterwasds to. con ciliate the natives aM gjva them a true idea of who and what we were. BxjUftratiQa of tho Fly River. J \va,a accompanied on this, as on the pre vious vnyage, by two friends who were anxious to join us on so interesting an ex pedition—iYlr Chester, the Police Magistrate at Somerset, and Signor DalherMs, an Italian naturalist. The letter was particu larly fortunate in driving from Yuille Island just in tixiio to join us, which led to his obtaining a steam-launch in the follow ing year, and exploring tho river much higho^ than I felt justified in going. Wo found the river tci\ rcil.es wide at the mouth, gradually narrowing; studded with small islanc«,' the largest about four miles long r.nd two wide,; iresh near mouth at \ow' water ; tho bunks for first 100 \v\i\t'} thickly populated with war like V'^pl.e,, who oauio out in largo canoes j t&jch'iibltiiiig aiiuut thirty men) at serial points to attack us, but who \jsr« easily frightened away when we, w»i;e. unable to conciliate thorn. JJeyond the firefc 100 milcw ( or no, we did. npt sco any natives,, «,nd; only Qn. o%e Qpca3.ion did we see any traces, of them, The banks becarao higher, some times rising to more than 20 fret, and; the soil, as may bo. supposed, is rich alluvial. Tly? wild nytnjcg and other »picos abound, end pigeoss shot had

generally their croppers full o f the former I believe there are immense tracts of good sugar land on the upper nnrt of the Fly River, very thinly This great river is the Thames of New Guinea, running 500 mites into the interior \Ve went about 260 miles in the Ellen Gowan, but, finding neither high land nor even natives after the first hundred miles, provisions running short and the C7f V ge£mg, fever> J determined to return About SO miles from the mouth of the river we had the misfortune to ground on a sand bank and break our shaft, and this riohl opposite a large village of howling savaees where one ot the houses was over 400 fee? long. In this disabled state we were oblioed to tow with the tide and anchor when it turned. Thus we got out of the river Two days after a fair wind sprang „„ to which we spread our %„,& sails and reached Somerset in safety There our able engineer and captain soon re placed the damaged shaft with thediip™. catea of machinery I had brought from

(Continued on Fourth Pn/jc. I

MINING NEWS.

[BY TEI.KUHAI'H— OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

THAMES,

Thames, this day New Diamonus.-A further breaking-down of the reef in the low level of this mine has taken place. Quartz was opened out t0 nearly a foot in thickness, and shows gold freely, gold minerals accompanying it Nkw Prixck lMi'i:RTAr.._Tho nr^i t gold lodged onSaturdaywasmeltid ,dayf ndocingin weight to j.MCoa. Thequairtitv ot stall crushed during the month*™ 9 X loads, with Scut, specimens. The las?,, tt of stone obtained yielded nearly £. *' r lb. The manager puroospsmni-; -Pei general cleaning up a Kff JncTS improvement is noticeable in +)>„ I , driVe at No. 5 level, of" coutr?bTJ T* more solid class, and gold beingLelv Lt." in the solid quartz fhe reef, above Ao 4 level, east of No. 2Teak show colours of gold For tho «* ~ eaK> this locality the^haracSoll^-J exceedingly promising, a rich patch in tho westward drive on the same bo^lS No ? level reef, has opened out to cons«].>™M width, and showsalittlegoß Th t£t drive at this level has been su.penderl H the win* from No. 2 breaks though aS improves the ventilation, which i 8 at Preßent deficient. Driving will shortly be com menced on this reef on No 5 level Dkkp LKvetCiMMs,.-Having driven up to the boundary upon it, the same number nf stampers as heretofore continue in ODem tion on the Company's quartz DAKT.--The winzo from No. 2 level w M connected with the drive at No. 3 at Z to-day, but a considerable extent of quark remains to Be broken down. The maWer wi commence stoping on Wednesday and will, within a few days, have the means o£ largely increasing the output of crushing stuff. The reef appears to have been pa£ able for a length of 100 ft. Already the qu P a ? U at the battery is averaging Hoa, pei . jJ^j w toShe^ir^Si-Son^t level to still in excellent country, and thro kindly-looking leaders have been inter! sected. A cross-cut is about to be driven westward at No. JO level for the purpose of intersecting branches of the main reef Braun PAEK.--The reef in the' new winze below the Dauntless level is 2 feet thick, compact, and of promising appear ance. r

Nkw Edbeka (Otanui).-A tender has been accepted for the transport of 200 tons of quartz from the mine to tho battery at 14s Od per ton, and crushing will probably bo resumed on Monday next. * Maeikkb.—Driving was commenced tkfe morning on the dropper from No l , ee f eastward of the cross-cut No. 4 level ia which direction thero will be about 30 feet to proceed before reaching the boundary The same leader shows gold when brokea down in the seaward drive. Hand of FRiKXDsinp.-Tho cross-cut at the Imperial No. 5 lovel has been diacon tiuued, and the men have commenced driv ing eastward on Ko. 1 on Mariner's reef from the face lott at the boundary by the* Imperial Company at No. 5 level. Estebpkjse (adjoining Success), Coto mandel.—Die manager reports -—" As I have been put in charge of tho Enterprise. Mine, I beg to report on the same as follows :—Since being in charge of the above mine I have started a drive, for tho purpose of intersecting several leaders exposed on the surface, some of which fair prosrocts can be obtained from-one in particular which ought tc be cut in about 60 feo»of driving I have driven for the week 12 feet, and snould the country continue-as at. present, the above leaders ought to be to. nand before the Christmas holidays set in '»

COROMANDEL.

SwADRON-.-Thp manager report* on December 3 :-• Since my last report I have cut the reef, it is two feet thick, showing a ll"e,!? 0!d; !* 1S mnch broken up. lam Still driving ahead to cut another. If I find the other not payable, I shall drive north on the mam reef, as it looks better going north. t> a.

TE AROHA.

[BY TKLEGRAI>n.-OWN CORRESKWDEXT.? *

Now Fmd, H3OZS.; Werahfci 2toS ' \w !R-W^ rk» mg one to3f(ian for each claim, a hathours '?^ W- ro hung up for one aid a-nait hours. 0 aiXver iv Vow Find boxes.

Dunkm.v, this day.-The Premier Com pany cleaned up forOlTozs. retorted gold froni, 430 tons. &

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

The monthly inspection of the Hobson Company took .place in the Drill-shed last evening. There was a splendid muster, all being accounted for. Captain Dignan was in command, with Lieutenants Clifton, Connolly, and Flynn, also on parade. In the absence of Major Shephord, Sergeant- Major Haslera called the roll, after which Lieutenant Flynn put the corps through company drill, including manual and bayonet oxerciso, the whole occupying about an hour. Prior to the dismissal ol the Company, Captain Dignau read a letter from a lady resident in Auckland, in which she stated she was desirous of presenting to the Hobsons a jngdal to be fired for. He (Captain O-gwn) would make arrange ments to have \i and other prizes competed for befo**Christmas time.

Waiaku Troop Cavalry.

Ihe above troop competed we distriee prizes on Friday, Major Shepherd being present. The following »7 winners ol prizes m botli first and socead class— ' liftsT Class. -Sergeaat A. J. Barriball, 53 j Trooper A. Aloy, 52; Leiutenant Barriball, ol ; Ccwporal W. Barriball, 50. f hero were two or three others who scored 00.

Srcwd Glass.—Troopor T. Ryan, 44; fcevgemit Major Manning, 42; Troopor Mowbray, 42 ; Trooper Cardon, 30.

Watrea Rifles.

The Wairoft. Rifles, fired on the 17th for a medal presented by Mr Ehre»fiied, of the ihames, The ranges wore— 200, 400, and «>OO yards, 5 shots each rwe. The winner pi-oved to bo Sergeant \V. Scott, with the good score of 50 points. The other note worthy scores were:—Volunteers McCaul, 48; A, Sha,w., 47; G. Wilson and IX Wnifh,t, each 4G points.

A CHILD LOST IN THE SCRUB AT RANGIRIRI.

An interesting st«y of the attachment whlcft often exists between animals and Uttie children comes ta.,us from Itangiriri. The facts are a» v-iiZ"^ ""lecluld, 4 years old, named \, illie Bethel. who is tho adopted son of F. fS^! Vl,P mP. loy|s on the farm of W.Hootoa S2~~°;; ln °|P al)ov«-nwntioneddistrict.strayed ilSr\ , F »■ '""is* ou Saturday afternoon, ft •«,„ SVm ? hu «-tree till noonol Snnday. £ Sf« h • ?'tt;tns S or hil"to Pay about within " h '"t di.sK4n.ee oC the house, and ho was Thl r,.? ccul' 1!?aniftll h >' a cat called ScotUe. ~-h:?r , M&onoa Wends, and, indeed, all tho e3uta»i£?&s sottlcr! '. searched the bush un- S;;^ J * t!'° ereater part of the night and aU r, wn, J f o j°n?9n- At last their efforts were rewaracMl, for Mr Walkor found tho little fellow Soffit lS dCr a flilX bus'»in a flax BwainP' at a wnadorable distance fvoni thehouse, and faring m ins side was tho out. The little fellow, when ii?n i wo ,el *>'aa % uito contonted, and was not in SrfttThh fr«tf't&ied. Ho saidSeottio had beeo i\ al l mF ht Bntl WHed two rats, and bro,\wat the head of o«e of them to him. Great Shanks are due to &c. scighhoura who so kindly joined in. tho swirc-iv.

THE AFCKIAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY DECEMBER 4, 1883,



Special Advertisements. TCI X S. S. TRIU MP H. Jl CASES SEASONABLE GOODS JUST OPENBD. FLOWERS BABY UNEN DRESS CAPS UNDERCLOTHING WIDOWS" CAPS LADIES , gILK VE3TS MILLINERY HATS DRKgg QQQm REAL LACE COLLAES NEW TRIMMINGS FOR DO. EMBROIDERY COLLARS LACE BORDER HANDKERCHIEFS MILLINERY BONNETS CHILDS' SPUN SOX AND HOB*s IMITATION LACES LIKEN HANDKERCHIEFS STRAW HATS CQRSET3 AND BAND 3 REAL LACES MAKCHESTER GOO DS SUNSHADES SPU N HOSE FATHERS UMBRELLAS jFivb Per Cext. Discount fob Cash. Dr cssmakine now under Management of JIISS JACKBON. Milne & Choyce. JITHEHU SHALL I VUXNIBR MY ™ ' HOUSE FROM? j THK CHEAPEST AU< ROUND HOUSE TO FURNISH FROM JW THE CITY HALL ARCADE— • GARLICK & ■CRANWELL ! !! IRON BEDSTEADS, RO to GARLICS & CHAN WELL BEDDIN %*\(IACK & CRANWELL. BEDROOM FURNITURE, go to QARLICK & CRANWELL. Ea^RLJCK & CRANWELL. GARLICK & CRANWELL, I House Furnl*€»«. OARIJCK &. CRANWELL, Upholsterers, GARLICK & CRANWELL, Manufacturers op all kinds op furniture. Cheap Tapestry &BrvjsotxCarpetß. Cheap Oilcloths & Linoleum. Cheap & Beautiful Cretonnes. ClllUF BLANKETB & CURTAINS. j j GARLICK & CRANWELL, HOUSE FURNISHERS City Hall Arcade. queen-sprebt, AUCKLAND. Just Opened, . EX S.S. TRIUMPH, ONE CASE OP TS7. W SUMMER, COSTUMES. NEW SUMMER COSTUMES. RJCALLY CHOICE GOODS. "Wl LLIAM RaTTRAY, DRAPER, CLOTHIER, AND i SJi»K. MKUCER, 1 f?our doors below tho New Savings Bank),



Special Advertisements. TAR. lIAENES begs to inform his Patients 1 that ho will Itemore on Monday, December 3rd, j to PRINCES - STREET (third house above , Northern Club). Hours of Consultation, from 11 ft.ni. to 1 p.m.. at Mr Sharland's, Shortland strcet: and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at private j Residence. j 1 Ol'ECi A L AXNOUNCE MEX T. RE-OPEXING OF OITK NKW STORE. KE-OPENINU 01? OLR NKW STORK. We have much pleasure In informing our Customers and the Public generally that the Repairs to our Store are now completed. Our STOCK, which is ENTIRELY SEW. has been purchased at a great advantage, lor C ash, during the late depressed condition ot the Sydney and Melbourne markets. LADIES WHO REQUIRE A FASHIONABLE OUTFIT Will find it greatly to their advantage to i.v spkct oik stock, as we are pn-pared to oiler the Largest will most Com plot j Assortment, as well us the MOST ELEGANT COLLECTION OK THK LATEST NOYKLTIKS IMPORTED to New Zealand for many years. We direct special attention to our enormous NKW STOCK OF MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. made specially to our order from tho best Vic torian Tweeds. We havo also on hand, HATS, CAPS. SHIRTS, and MEN'S MERCERY, In largo quantities. Tho DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT will bo under the entire supervision of Mlbs BULL. Note the address: 201, 206. QUEEN-STREKT. ,1 COSG RA V X & CO., J. COSGRAVE &. CO., Opposito Wm. McArthur's & Co.'a Warehouse. DR. \V I L X I N S, OCULIST AND AURI3T •0 CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL (several years ut Royal Kye Hospital. Moortlelds. Lon don), arrivod in Auoklaml on November 2S, and will remain about one month, to treat Eye. Ear, and Throat Diseases. Dr. Wilkius also adjusts the Sight for Acuuruts Classes and Spectacles. CONSd.TIXCiKOOMS: —Mr Graves Aiekin 3 Pharmacy, Queen-strue.t. Hours:—B to 12 a.m., and 2 to 5 p.m. VINT'S WHISKY. SCIENTIFIC SACT. New Whli>:- f la maddening and polßOnous, no mßttjr how blended, colouied, or agreeably llavoured. VINT & SONS. Belfast, Ireland (established 38 years), at present hulri tminonno otor.k of their OI.D \Vkm<-matuked Wiiiskt. and can eusuro to tho trade—through their Agenta-a really PURK OLD. UNADULTERATED. AND WHOLKtMJMK SPIKIT. "'0 qmUity havinK been pronounced equal to OLD FltkNCli BRANDY. In bulk and case, to be had from A. HEATHER, Aoknt. Head Colonial Offlco: Melbourne. AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY (LIMITED), ESTABLISHED ISU2. PURVEYORS OF LIGHT, HEAff, AND POWER. Tho Company sell and erect gas-fittings, in cluding gas apparatus and gas-power engines. Stock includes Otto Gas Engines.—Ofilce and Show-rooma: Fort-Btrcot. T3ETIRING FROM BUSINESS! SELLING OFF! SKLLING OFF! SELLING OFF! John Jlj ec k. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. - RETIRING FKOM BUSINESS. HIS WELL-ASSORTED STOCK SELLING OFFI SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! AT AND UNDER COgT PRICE. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. PREMISES LET. SELLING OFFI SELLING OFF! SELLING OFF! STOCK MUST BE CLEARED. ALL ACCOUNTS not paid boforo 31st &CTOBER will bo handed to hia Solici tor &? recovery. ONE MOS^H AT AND UNDER COST PRICE, 158 & 160 PLEASE CALL Dueen-st 158 & 160 PLEASK CALL Qtteen-st 138 & 160 PLBASE CALL Gueen-st ISB & 169 • Queen-st 138 & 168 AKD INSPECT Queen-st log to «M AND INSPECT Queen-st 13? k, W AND Queon-at 103 fc lfiO <ZHP,en*t lU & lf» GIUMD DISPLAY ftuce^-at 158 & 160 GRAND DISPLAY Queen-st 158 & ICO GRAND DISPLAY Queen-st iis a- ifiO Quoen-st i« & IGO NEW GOODS Queen^st 158 & 160 NKW GOO)« Queen-st IJB & ICO NEW GOODS Queon-st 168 & 160 Queon-s£ 158 & 160 JUST OPENED. Queen-st 158 & WO JUST OPENEfI). Qucen-at 155 & m JUST OPENED. Queen-st 158 & lw Queen-st IBS & 160 Gucen-st iis & llio Queen-st ]_ & 160 61 CASES Queen-st ill & 160 , *♦'. CASES (Jueen-st 15? & 160 IC&PS Queen-st i« & 160 Queen-st ISS ft; 160 NEW CLOTHING fepn-gt 15S & ISO NEW CLOTHING QufifflMrt 158 & l«3 NEW CLOTHING Qlieon-flt' ,rjQ or igQ' Queen-st 168 & 160' HATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st 158 & 160 EATS & HOSIERY. Queen-st 158 & 160 fl&fcjfc/lOSIEKY. Queen-st 158 & 160 H Ue2nlt 158 & 160 Queen-st 158 Sa 160 Queen-st 158 ftc 160 Oueea-Rt, 5 158 &WO THE NEW ZEALAND Queen-st > 153 & 160. " Quoen-st; 158 & UiO1 CLOTHING FACTORY, Queon-st 158 & 160 " Queen-st 158 & 160 Qu^ps-street, Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st 158 & 160 AyCKWOIff. Queen-st 158 & 160 Queen-st W8 & 160 Qneon-st' 158 & 180 J. FITZSIMONS. j .Ga.oan-st 158 & W0 i ©MSflW*; lfS'&ljOS Branch Manager. I Qiieea-st; CoNTJSP4-TION OF CHJ!AP DRAPERY & GM>TffIN,G SALE. , : H. AT XI W « Beats ta tfjnnk his numerous Patrpna to #jfl ffonaerful success dl his • j CHEAP ©e^PERY AND CLOTHING And also to annoonea .t»teb^_has sneceeded to securing from the New Jr^chasera a Lease of his present prcjasija. H. ATKINS j Bee« &UO to say that as the WHOLE STOCK \ Hoshceti RE-MARKED IST BED, Ho will continue his Sale {or « FflW Weeks Longer, and tho Whole Stocjf will still be offered . AT HEAVY REDUCTIONS Off the usual price. ALL NEW ■GOODS WILL BE SOLD For,a short timo at about •WHOLESALE PjRI.CE. JOB STOCKS JN DEESS MAITERiIALS, JOB STOCK OB' ANY I»;aCED>HON ; AT ANY PRZCE. CHEAP. LINES AEB CONSTANTLY BEI : BOUGHT, AND ARE ALL MARKED AT VEEY LOW PRICES. |~M -' H.; " A.-T XIX S, •■i.,:'.' ■ Zl_____________™ mn: **■ „,,_,.



Washing Matte Easy.—Use Pike's Soap J^tract. fctfc, sure, economical. Sold by afi io3i)ecuib!ift slorekecpers.—{AdvtJ We- advise you to inspect our lwg» stock of caipots-tapestry from 28 ."d,.and brusseto fVoni la W. Immcnso varkty of fuinltun tor all kincls of rooms ready for delivery at low pices.-Garlick and Cranwell, furnishing war* toiiae, Queon-atreot, Aucklani-{ADVT.J iSm