SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

,[.;.. vv . ._»„ (This Evening, f.fi* ■' " (To-morrow Morning, 5.12 .-j. .'•.■•:;'r.-Tii l M icvtnitu'. 7.10 ft. H|-MC.-V<i>t l! .., l -row Morniri", 5.18 ' ■ • ■"-'« AUK. -New Moon, 2SIh, : UO p.m.

ARRIVALS.

W'aitnki, 5.. i., Orawforfl, from ■\Vlinnp;arci Wlphcls. a v., Crawford, from Wlianßurei

DEPARTURES.

W'airaropo, n.a., I'hatfleld. for Riiasel] Jnn:i. an. Awidilrn, for Ruftßoll Ulcuolk, s »., Steplienson, for Tauranga

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

ItussKtJi. this ilny.—Arrived: fancy Kate, Wiiirarapn. nnJ lona. Sailed: Wuiravapa. IV; imiLTcra—Mr Aslier and family. Mrs Middle ton and family, Mr and Mrs Moody, Mr Scott, Jfaster Lud brook, and others.

Sydney, January 23.—Arrived, last evening Tho 8.3. Waihora, from Auokland.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Maim wii.i, Olosk as undkr:—

Tnis ]Uy. For WhanKarci Heads, Pnrua, Waipn, Whan !,'iirci, Knino, ami Maugapai, per Macgrcgor, "(it 1 p.m. For W'ntcrford, Tauranga, etc., por I totoiniihnnn,

ut 5 p.m. For Tlmincs, per Anne Milbnnk at p. 30 p.m, For \S y;)iti!Uiy:i t per Rowena, at 5 p.m.

AV'kdxesday, 30th mat. For Port Fitzroy, por Water Lily, at 7 a.m. P'or Wutftra, per llannah Mokan. at Ba.m. For Turanukl and Southern Ports, per Jlawen,

at 8 a.m. For t'oroinandol, per Ooromandel, at l.SOp.m, for Tui run, por Mima, at 2 p.m. Kor Thamea, per llotomahana, at 3 p.m. Per Rlngarooma, as follows :—

For Suez. Mediterranean Porta, and Conti nent o: Europe, at t p.m. For Australian Colonies and United King dom, Tin Suez and iirindisi. or Naples, for letters, &c, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 3 p.m. Money Orders, for Australia only, at 2 p.m. for registered lettwu and newspapers, nt 2 p.m.

Jjitd letters for Sydney nnrt ikU-lhourno only at 3.20. p.m. For Wbnntcnrfii I[ead3. Ivamo, Whangarei, and JMarigaiiai. per Lily, nt 1 p.m. For Oiauornc and Napier, per Southorn Cross, lit 5 p.m. Tiiujisdat, 31st inst. For Tarannki, and Soifchern ports, per Tuka puna. ut d a.m. Tuesday, oth February, i'er ».B. Australia as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 11 v.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Karopo, at 11a.m. For money orders, tho previous evening at i o'clock.

For registered letters and nowspapers, al 10 a. in.

Lato letters, hearing 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 tinio of sailing. This mall will bo due in London on Sat urday, March 15. ,BSI.

S. H. MS3, Chief Postmaster. Chief i-'ost-ofllcc. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 29, 1834.

Abbott's Opera House — Court Minstreli), 8 prn.

Thcairo lloyal—Social Gathering of Unltot Temperance Societies. Address by Sir W For, 7.30 p.m.

Choral Hall—Demonstration Meeting. Address by .Sir Ueorgo Groy. X.C.8., 8 p.m.

Lornc-slrcfit Hull-loyal United Friends, Fowl !i Anniversary Hull, 8.30 p.m.

Birth.

WIUCUT.-Oii the 17th January, the wife of Mr George Wright, of Vincciit-strcot, of twin daughters.

Marriage.

DOUGLAS—YOUNG.—At St. John's Church, Napier, on the 17th January, by the Rev, JJo Uerdt Hovpll, Robert Kutherford Douglas (chief engineer Tomoana freezing works), necond son of the lato \V. It. Douglaß. Dunedin, to Knchcl Martha Young, eldest daughter of the late John Young, Port Ahuriri, Napier.

Death.

IUOIIARD3.-On January 27th, at Siinnysldo, Matakana, Urinley Mozart, youngest son ol Enoch and Frances Itichards; aged 2 years. Southern papers please copy.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1884.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, ji'ni' the wrong that needs resistance, For tho future in the distanco, And the Rood that wo can do.

TnE meetings of school committees last night -passed off very satisfactorily, and evinced an increased amount of interest among householders, although there is still room for improvement in some districts.

The statements made at Nowton dispersed effectually the last shred of probability re maining for the " Herald's " charges against the Board of Education of attempting to

influence tho appointment of teacher un fairly, and in furtherance of religious

prejudices. T,ho correspondence wit,h the Board was read, and showed that not tho most remote reference was contained ro gardingthequalifications of Mr O'JJonoghne.' One committeeman after another got up and declared that tho Board had never made tho slightest movement with the object of preventing them from exercising their f roe choico in the matter. They took upon themselves tho cntiro blame for tho ir regularity that occurred in tho first nomi nation, fairly excusing thomselves on the ground that tho right of appointing tho teacher waa a new power conferred upon committees. Thoy admitted that the " presenco of committeemon who had not been notified might havo affected the result;, and accepted, from beginning to end, tho responsibility for everything that occurred in connection with tho appoint ment. Notwithstanding this complete and effectual disclaimer, our contemporary to-day, while lamely retreating, still re iterfitea that " • fficial action had been takon to havo the selection of a teacher recommended by the Board im pressed on tho Committee oro ever it had deliberated." Tho only foundation for this statement ia that Mr O'Sullivan, upon being naked by a member of the Committee about Mr O'Donoghue's qualifications for tho school, declared his opinion that the ap .tointment would not be a wise one, and r graded Mr Stewart, of Cambridge,as —pi^i^jqualifiedof thoapplicants. Now, tho '^ ..-aid's " charge was specific, and oft re port witli grcnt violoncoand vituperation, , asserted tfiat the Board had endeavoured co influence the clootion unfairly, and that they were instigated thereto by prejudice against Mr O'Donoghue's creed as a Roman Catholic. The first charge the Committee «ay is absolutely falso; the second.resolycsi itself into tho fact that Mr O'Sullivan, him golf a Roman Catholic, reported both to tho Committoo and Board on Mr O'Donoghuo's unlitncss for tho position. The real motivo power of tho intrigue of which the "Horald" has become tho unwitting tool is, how ever, tolerably well known to everyone. Mr O'Donoghue has been spending his holidays in Auckland, diversifying hie other recreations by promoting his interests in Newton. We can make wry great al lowance for a man's exertionsiii pursuit of his own advancement, but this gentleman's tactics have not been wisely conceived.' This a»o of utilitarianism and indifference is one tfiat does not appreciate martyrs, especially when the martyrdom is built up by prejudicing an institution which is fur nishing a very good share of bread and butter already. Whatever may hare boon the excellencies or shortcomings of Mr O'Donoghue before, the events of the last week hare effectually disposed of his chances of usefulness in Newton East, and the local Committee, oven if they wero so nclincd, would not bo justified in appoint' ing him, nor the Board of Education In ; sanctioning the nomination, if it were made.

Tho Katlkati Cheese Factory has been opened with appropriate rejoicings. Fifty sat down to dinner in the evening. The factory commences operations on Wednes day undev the management of Mr Goss.

.MrLonguet's house and furniture, partly destroyed by fire at Avondale, were in sured "in the Colonial Office for £400, but the actual loss of the Company will be about £250.

A billiard match, 1,000 up, has been ar ranged to take place in tho Lome-street Itall on Saturday night, between Mr F. Weips, champion player of Australia, and Mr W. Lyons.

A meeting of master mariners is convened at the Waitemata Hotel for to morrow even ing for the purpose of forming a Master Mariners' and Mercantile Marine Association for New Zealand.

Wo understand that Mr W. H. Hard wick, who has been temporarily officiating at tho organ at St. Paul's since tho depar ture of Mr Slator, has been appointed organist of the church.

The Auckland Hospital Librarianacknow ledges, with many thanks, tho receipt of a few numbers of " Punch " and various London journals from tho Working Men's Club.

"Visitor" writes that Mr Hannaford, who stated that if tho band played in Albert Park there would not bo a flower left within a mile, should now visit the Park, retract his libel on tho Auckland public, and state if there is a singlo plant damaged.

• A meeting of the Auckland Benevolent Society -was held yesterday afternoon. Present: Col. Hanltain (Chairman), and Messrs McMillan, J. Buchanan, J. Bramo, R. Koesing, Dando, Macffarlane, Theo. Cooper, and \V. Thornc, Mesdames Cowie, Brame, Nathan, and Cosgravo. Tho busi ness of tho meeting was tlio appointing of a secretary. There were a number of appli cants for the oflice, which were reduced to three, viz., Messrs Alfred Cox, Walter Bertrand, and John Duppuy. The latter gentleman was appointed at a salary af £50, Executive Committeo to provide oflice.

At a meeting of Auckland cabmen, liokl last night at the Clarendon Hotel, it was resolved to hold a cabman's picnic at Motu tapu or St. Helicr'a Bay, or at some other place, to be fixed upon at a future meeting, the picnic to include all persona connected with omnibus and livery stablo business, and to engage a band for the occasion. A committeo for making arrangements for tho outing was appointed, viz.:—Messrs B. Evans, CJ. Parker, B. Armitage, J. Lindsay, J. Mclndoo, A, McLaughlin, J, Pearson, A. Drain, and It. Campbell. It was con sidered that Wednesday, Cthprox., would be a convoniont day, and a sub-committee of three was appointed to interview ein ployors for tho granting of a cabman's .holiday. The feeling was unanimous in favour of tho project.

" Business Man " wants to know why a notico i& not now shown at tho private boxes at the Pogt-ofh'co, to the cll'ect of " mail not sorted," or " mail sorted," as tho case may bo. lie thinks that as the public pay well for those boxes, and tho number is largo and must givo a good revenuo, the convenience of those who do use them ought to be consulted to this small extent.

A poll of the Epsom ratepayers will bo taken tomorrow for the purpose of deter mining whether or not the Epsom Koad B laid shall borrow money under the provi sions of the Koads and Bridges Construc tion Act, to make the road leading past the gravel pit, from what is known as VVeeton's Koad to the junction of the Mount Eden Koad, near Cucksey's store.

The Government Insuranco Department havo acted most liberally in connection with tho policy for £400 on the life of Cap tain Ayre. It appears that tho premium payable on tho acceptance of his life was only paid on the 24th of December last, whilo tho wreck by which Captain Ayro lost his lifo occurred on the 17th. Not withstanding that the claim could not have been legally recovered, the Government havo paid the money over without demur, a course which will, we aro suro, strengthen tho offico considerably in public estimation.

To tho Editor: Sir,—ln reply to Mr Portson, I am prepared to accept his pro posal for the restitution of my home —not merely house—on tho terms stated in his letter, and will meet him before any respect able solicitor ho chooses to appoint for tho purpose of drawing up an agreement. I will also accept the names he mentions as referees, with two exceptions, substituting foi those Mr Somerville, the onrpenter who repaired my house. I should be glad if the Insurance Company would re-instate, but it declines to do so. The only other sufferer by the fire besides myself was my neighbour, and I am prepared to re-instate his house for £25 less than tho insurance, if, as was stated in the papers, he was insured for £150.-1 am, &c, Robert Kelly. [This closes tho correspondence.—Ed. E.S.]

Readers of ths papers may have been puzzled of late by queries appearing on the subject of a "model bakery," The last published notice asked " Where is the model bakery ?" and to this question we aro now able to give an answer. It is to be found in Kyber Pass Road, at its junction with Symonds-street, and is a new baking establishment started by Mr E. Parsons. The special feature of this bakery is. that the bread is to be kneaded by machinery instead of being tramped underfoot or worked by hand, and the result claimed is perfect cleanliness and wholosomeness. Mr Parsons, we believe, has hod about 20 years' experience of working with breadmaking machinery in the United States, and having got the most approved machinery sent from Home, is in a position to realise what is claimed to be a model bakery. Consumers will soon havo an op portunity of testing the quality of the bread produced in tho now fashion, as the premises are to be opened on Friday first.

Mr Wm. George Garrard, the indomit" able and irrepressible, was yesterday the proud and happy recipient of a ponderous official envelope, some two feet long by one foot in breadth, and inscribed with the im pressive legend, "On Her Majosty's Ser vice" It contained all tho documents for warded to the Secretary of State for tho Colonies with respect to the charge of false imprisonment brought against Mr Cotter, and with them two letters, one from the Governor's Private Secretary introducing a despatch from Earl Derby, in which that nobleman acknowledges receipt of Mr Garrard's petition,, and states that the matter is not one in which he can interfere. Instead ;l being discouraged by these repeated failures in his efforts to securo an alleged redress.William George, Autons like, rises with renewed strength from each successive fall. He intends now to bring the matter before Parliament once more, and he assures us that a local lawyer has already proffered his services as prose cutor when the case comes again into Court. *

An ontertoinment in connection with the Kingsland Wesleyan Sunday-school was given last Thursday Tho ohair was taken by Mr Joseph Burton, and the entertain ment consisted of glees by the choir and solos, interspersed with recitations. Mrs Mundy gavo two solos, "Scenes that are Brightest" and "Lot Me Dream Again," both of which were highly appreciated by the audience. Miss Morgan sang two solos with pleasing effect, viz., ".Say a Kind Word " and " The Good-Bye at tho Door." Miss Olphert's solo, "No, Sir," called for an encore. Glees by ladies and gentlemen woro givon with good effect under the con ductorship of Mr G. Hatcher. Recitations by Masters F. Gribbin, Clarke, and Olphert were well given, after which the annual book prizes were presented to the scholars .with suitable remarks by the Chairman. One pleasing feature in con nection with the evening was the present ing of certificates to the successful com petitors in the last Sunday-school Exhibi tion. Thjs school appears to bo in a very thriving condition, owing largely to the energy of Mr J. Burton, Superintendent, and G. A. Gribbin, Secretary.

CABLEGRAMS.

(SPECIAL TO ritKSS ASSOCIATION".)

(Received January 2!)— lAo p.m.) Gordon Pacha's Mission. Li.s'Dun, January 28. —Gordon Pacha has ictt loi1 Khartoum without an escort. He takes fifty thousand pounds in gold. The Fatal Collision. Tho survivors from the ship City of Luck naw allege that it was while attempting to avoid another vessel that the collision with the Simla took place. The Triumphant Prophet. The relict of tho garrison at Lemaar has failed, and El Mahdi, attended by forty thousand of his followers, left Etobeia on the Kith imt.

Tho English Cricketing Team. Flower and Ulyett, two well-known cricketers, have joined tho English cricket ing team which visits Australia. Tho team is a very strong one. A powerful tribe are willing to open tho Souakim-Berber route to Upper Egypt. .

[reutkr'.s cablegrams.]

Tho Victorian Gunboats.

London, January 2G.—At the trial of tho new Victorian gunboats the Victory made 124 knots, and the Albert 10.}. The machinery and guns of each boat worked smoothly. Enf#ish Cricketers For Australia. London, January 20. —Shaw, Shrewsbury, and Lillywhito are organising an All- England Eleven to visit Australia. Barnes and Gnnn will bo included, and tho team will play tho first match in Adelaide in Novombor next. Tho Governorship of Victoria.

London, January 20.—The namo of Lord Camperdown is mentioned as that of a pro bablo successor to Lord Normanby as (!o vernor of Victoria.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT AT TE AROHA.

(BY TKI.Efir.APH—OWN COKKEKPONItKN'TI)

Te Auoha, this day. Jamks Koixixso.v, alias Sydney Jem, em ployed in cutting timber for tho New Find Company, was killed yesterday. Ho was working in a saw-pit, when a log rolled down tho hill, striking him and causing him to turn a .somersault. His neck was broken, his head being found buried six inches in the siding. Another man was slightly injured.

DISASTROUS FIRE IN MOUNT EDEN ROAD.

Eight Buildings Destroyed.

At half-past nine o'clock lost night the tiro bells once more proclaimed that the firc fiond was at his destructive work, his place of operations being at a block of buildings in Mount Eden Road, about 500 yards from the scenes of two previous fires. In a very short time hundreds of persons were on the spot, while shortly after the numbers had increased to thousands. The lire broke out in a grocery shop occupied by Mr and Mrs Jones, and spread rapidly right and left, taking in succession the fol lowing buildings : To the right of Jones's —the cottages of Mrs Allies, occupied by herself and two daughters, who were out at tha time ; Mrs Purdie's residence, Mr Glad ding's grocery shop and residence, Mr Cladding's (junr.) bootshop next door. To the left of Jones's—tho residences of Mr McAdams, Hatfield, and Larkins (con tractor). The houses on the opposite side of the road had a very narrow escape, and it was only by the greatest exertions they were saved. The Fire Brigade arrived about 20 minutes after the alarm, but as on several previous occasions, some difficulty in connection with the fire-plug 3 prevented them from using tho hose, otherwiso they would probably have saved one or two of the buildings; but as the next best thing tho water was turned on at tho reservoir a few hundred yards away, and allowed to run down the gutters towards tho lire, whoro it was utilised by buckets and baby-origines. The Brigade, assisted by maay others, worked bravely, and through their efforts the fire was prevented from spreading be yond Gladding's, the bootmaker, although the next shop was afire several times. The method employed by the brigademen for cooling one another, viz., by throwing buckets of water over each other in turn, or turning on tho baby-engines, provoked the cheers of the crowd, which were well deserved. At tho other end of the block the devouring element spent itself at Mr Larkins's — the next house. Mr Curly's, having a narrow eecapo. Jfad tho wind been in the opposite direction, this must have gone also.

The origin of the fire appears to have been accidental. It is stated that Mrs Jones was boiling a pudding for to-day ; that long pieces of wood were employed as firing; and these aro supposed to have burnt close to tho outer ends and then upset on the floor. The pot with tho pud ding in was still in its place tdis morning. The insurances, so far as we have been able to ascertain, are as follow:—Jones's premises woro owned by Mr Pillenger, and insured in the Firo Association, London. Mr Pillenger's residence was insured in the Firo A«ociation, London, for L 200; Mrs Purdio's dwelling is Baid to be insured in the Now Zealand for L2OO ; GladdingV, sen., shop LIOO, stuck L 230, and furniture, L 75, ; H. F. Gladdlng's shop,, Ll5O in Union, and stock LIOO in tho same offico ; Hatfield's residence, L 260 in South British, and LIOO on furniture, in same office j McAdama's residence was unin sured ; Mr Larkins, on house and furni ture, had L 550 in tho Royal, and L 250 in the Union ; Short's drapery premises were insured, building LIOO, and stock LSO in Colonial; L2OO on' building in Norwich Union. Shop only partly damaged. The two shops above belonged to Mrs Jack, but leased by Mr Thomas, chemist, The tenants—Mr J. H. Smith, draper, and Mr Aldertoh, grocer — were uninsured, and have lost through the goods being knocked about, but otherwise the premises aro Hn injured. Mrs Jack is believed to be insured for L3so,buttho offico is not known. Atthe southern end of tho block Mr Cary, up holsterer, has sustained some little damage, fencing being destroyed, and the grounds damaged. He is insured for L4OO in the Norwiph Union on house and workshops, and L 270 on tho furniture in the New Zea land.

Several slight accidents occurred whilst property was being saved. Mr Isaacs had one of his hands severely cut; Councillor Thompson snstainedasevereshakingtbrough falling down Mr Larkins's stairs | while Mr Jones is said to have been hurt, but not seriously. The Naval Brigade and their officers rendered good service as salvage corps. The police, under Sonior Sergeant White, woro also in force, and kept back the crowd from hampering tho firemen and others engaged in suppressing tho firo. Messrs J. &. H. Smyth recently laid, at a cost of over £40, an inch water pipo, from tho reservoir, Kybor Pass, along the main road down to their sawmill, at the Mount Eden Railway Station (i.e.), just below tho scene of the fire. They asked the inhabi tants of the road at the time to boar a portion of the expense, and offered to put in a three-inch pipe ; but all rofueed with the exception of Mr Larking. As; however, the rest were unwilling, he did not connect. Had there' been a supply of city water available last night, tho result might, and probably would, have been very different. Messrs Smyth were uninjured, the result of playing from their main on to the stacks of timber, machine-shed, &c, the whole night through. During the progress of the fire the Fire Brigade wished to cut their pipe, but Mr H. Smyth not unnaturally ob jected, and said ho should hold them ac countable if any harm happened to his pro perty. They thereupon declined to accept the responsibility. Mr Smyth offered, how ever, to let them run a hose from his supply up the gully at tho back of the burning houses, but tho brigade had no hose ready to use. If they had, there is little doubt that Mr Larkins's house would- have been saved.

"A Tauranga Settler," writing to tho "Bay of Plenty Times," points out tho various defects of tho port, and concludes by saying:—"l venture to assert, without fear of contradiction, that our much vaunted harbour is a 'perfect sham.'" 7?ho American Bible Society cannot WH lv £ne demW4 for Biblea, although mate" <&rrft#gemenjte££jFfc(gf,;ng 2,000,000 njextye,ar. Theloflg^ontjnuadijge^ftlfejielfinhonein'.o. diipes an abnormal enlargement oftheeaf. If thisisso.thflflyolutionisFof tho next flfijjtiicy may conclude that the jackass Js the roissfr a Jink,

TELEGRAMS.

[PJIOM OUR OWN COKKKSI'O.VDKXT.]

Tk Awamutu, this day.—The meeting of the Te Awamutu householders declined to elect a school committee, preferring commissioners.

Tk Aroha, this day.—The tramway employe's1 strike is ended. The men ac cepted eight shillings a day on condition that tho hours of labour are shortened.

The School Committe election yesterday excited great interest, there were sixteen candidates for committee, and the following elected: —H. 11. Adams, battery manager, 117 ; Ilott, 75 ; Cuff, 07 ; Brown 62 ; Ahier, ">0 ; Fraser, 40.

Thames, this day.—Tho Committee of the Waiotahi Educational District have passed a resolution demanding inquiry into tho delay in announcing tho success of a lad named Christopher Parr in the late Scholar ship Examination.

(PER I'KESS ASSOCIATION.)

The Trunk Railway.

Nkw Plymouth,this day.—Last evening a testimonial and purse of sovereigns wero presented to Archdeacon (iovett, who, after thirty six years' service in the Church here, goes home on a tour of health.

The Mayor has called a public meeting for to-night for tho purpose of discusssng tho question of speedy commencement of the trunk lino railway to Auckland, and appointment of a Committee to watch its interests.

Wesleyan Conference.

Wkllixcton, this day.—At the Wes leyan Conference this morning, on the motion of the Secretary, the thanks of tho Conference were presented to the Rev. A. Reid for his valuable ordination charge, and it was ordered for printing in ' the " New Zealand Wesleyan," The third and final reading of the Ministerial appoint ments then took place, the work of tho Stationing Committee being accepted with out alteration.

Wellington-, this day.—Yesterday it was decided to constitute Opnnake a separate and independent circuit. Per mission was given to sell a church property in Invercargill circuit. Reports of treasury and connexionnl trusts were presented. The Rev. A. Reid presented reports of the supernumary and children's funds. The income for tho former was £1,07:! 14s :id, and for tho latter £1,480 17s. Tho Rev. A. ttoid and Mr Thomas Buddlo were thanked and re-appointed. Tho Rev. A. Bevin took tho chair, while the President presented a report of the contingent fund, which was shown to have yielded £18,084, taxable at 3J percent. .Tho thanks of the Conference were presented to tho Kov. W. Morloy and Mr W. Harris, and they wore re-appointed. Tho annual Conference lecture was given by tho Rev. Mr Lewis, of Napier, on " Christian Baptism." Tho Governor's Tour. It is understood that the Governor, on his roturn from West Coast Sounds will not call at Hokitika, tho Grey, or Wcstport. Ho is expected to arrivo here on the tenth of February.

CIIIUSTCMDRCir, yesterday.—At tho Magis trate's Court this morning, Salvatoro Lczza, charged with arson, was remanded till Fri day, bail being allowed. Anxiety for tho Harvest. Heavy rain occurred again last night. The weather is now bcautifullv lino. Farmers aro becoming very anxious for settled weather, as harvests should have been in full swing. Heavy rain set in from the S.W. yester day evening, and continued all night. The weather is still gloomy with occasional showers.

Tho annual four-oared raco between Wellington ond Christchurch Union Club takes place on Sumner Estuary on February 21. Tho Wellington crow will also compote in the Champion Raco at Heathcoto Rogatta.

Attack on a Salvation Army Officer.

OAMARU, Monday.—Tho chargo against a young man named Ward for assaulting the Salvation Army captain was heard today at the R.M. Court. Tho cvidoneo was con fined to tho assault, and a good deal of it was of a conilicting nature. The accused was represented by counsel, and the cn=o occupied tho Court all day. The magis trate inflicted a soatenco of three days' im prisonment.

DOSEDIN, this day.—At a meeting of the Mataum's consignees it was determined to present Captain Cruickshank with a memento of his vessel, being the first Homo ship to disehargo cargo at Dut>~Un wharf.

REWI BACKS OUT OF HIS AGREEMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH,

— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, this day. The Nativo Minister has received a tele gram from Alexandra stating that Sydney Taiwhanga has persuaded Rcwi to with draw from his undertaking to bring the Ngatimaniapoto land into the Native Land Court, and to allow surveys and roads to be made through his country. He admits that he is acting treacherously in this recanta tion, but says he is influenced by an article which appeared in tho " Now Zealand Horald," stating that when tho title is determined in tho Nativo Land Court tho lands will soon bo sold or loased to Euro peans,

FIRE BRIGADE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB.

Last night tho mombers of this club gave a dramatic and musical porformanco in the Thoatro Royal for the bonefit of tho funds of tho Sisters of Mercy, St. Mary's Convent, Fonsonby. Thero was a full attcndanco'in every part of tho house, which marked the public appreciation of tho performers and of tho object of tho entertainment. Tli'o first part of tho programmo was devoted to the representation of tho comic drama—"Lot Honesty bo our Guide" — a pleasing and simply-con structed piece, well ndapted for ama teurs. The part of Michael Bradslmw ("Old Honesty ") was filled in masterlystyle by Mr R. Teague, while the femalo parts of Dame Bradshaw and Mary wore ably sus tained by Misses Lucy Ashton and Amy Charpentier respectively. Tho "villain" of the piece—Mr Septimus Hook-found a faithful exponent in Mr H. Keesing ; Mr Geo. Mays did full justico to tho clownish part of Toby Perch ; while Mr T. Evans, as Joseph Bradshaw, and Mr C. Smith as Sir Perkin Besborough, gavo able representations of their respective roles. Tho play, which extends to two acts only, wont most smoothly, and the audience frequently applauded the performers. Just as the curtain was about to descend, the alarm of fire in Mount Eden Road caused a slight interruption, as the mombers of the Brigade had to hasten from tho Thoatro. 'il'o second portion of tho entertainment con sisted of a musical melange, in which Messrs J. Edwards, E. O'ffaro, ,7, fleott, and J. Ibbettson took part.

MINING NEWS.

[HV TELEORAI'H,—OWN COKRBSPO.NDENT.J

Thames, this day. Dkep Level Croks.— There were about 8 feet of ground botween tlio rise and winze, which were connected on Monday morning, and after cutting this aivay so as to obtain a passage fur the quartz broken in the upper level, the manager will proceed to form passes. After completing this, it is ex pected tho cross-cut will bo extended at tlio G4offc. level to cut the gold-bearing crosscut, and an intermediate level opened on No. 2 reef, about 70 feet below No. 5 level. The pump will be stopped on Wednesday for a general overhaul, which will not bo h'nwhod before the end of the week. The new foot wall leader at No. 6 level produced about Olb picked stone yesterday. MoANATAiAßi;—Retorting will probably tako place at the end of tho week Wil liams, tributor, crushed 7 tons for a yield of 370z Bdwt gold. Kneobone realised 20oz from treatment of 5 tona

NEW Eureka (Otanui).-Last week's crushing operations have resulted in a yield of 182025. amalgam, making a total on hand of 400oz8. A small leader hag been intor sected in the low level tunnel.

Dart.—The'fifth stope has been com menced on No. 2 roef, and SQlbs. specimens Ufa U> hand. Kotorting will tako place on Satuwi/ly, when a good roturn will un '<l<hibtoy La obtajjitt]. Araru (Extended).—Criißjiing was com memiiyoßtQrday rno.rnjng lyjtjf Stampers.

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

AUCKLAND ANNUAL REGATTA.

Flivgship: TurnWiia, 1,250 Tons, N.Z.S.

Co., Captain Powor,

Piilron: His Worshij.the Mayor of Auckland. Vice-Putrou: The Chairman or tho Auckland. Harbour Board. President: Hon. T. Hender son, M.L.C. Vice-President: Captain H. V. Anderson. Committee: Hon. E. Mitchnlson, JI.II It., Captains A. Karqulmr, I), H. McKen zie, J. Molvenzle, J. Xeurintc. Messrs J. Hutlor, J. Daerc, It. K. Isfliics, 11. \V. Henderson, H. Parker, M. Nlccol, 1). Oxlcy, C. B. Stone. Siewuril-i: Captain W. Farquliar. Mr C. H. Houston. Mr 0. Rowe, Mr 1). Gouk, Mr C. F. Kissling, Mr K. Waymouth. Umpire: Captain 1). 11. MeKenzie. Judtfe for Sailing Uucc:i: Mr M. Niccol. Judge for Ho wing Knees: Mi lt. W. Henderson. Starter: Captain J. Me- Kenzie, Hamlicappors; Captain I>. H. Me- Kenzto, Mr 1). Goulc, Mr T. Henderson, jun., Mr 11. Parker, Mr K. Waymouth. Measurer: Mrl). Gunk. Auditors: Messrs J. R Ornhiim and L. Coupland. Treasurer: Mr T. llcmlrr son, jun, Hon. Sueretary : Mr Charles C. Daore.

On- the 29th January, ISIO, just 44 years ago, Captain Ilobson, R.N., who had been deputed by the Imperial Government to negotiate with the native inhabitants for the ceasiou of these islands to Great Britain, proclaimed the sovereignty of tho Crown over Now Zealand. He was hurried into this action by tho proceedings of the New Zealand Colonisation Company, whoso settlers arrived at Wellington early in

January, and were organising a govern incut under the protection of the Port Nicholson chiefs. It is from this event that the people of Wellington date their' anniversary celebration, and the batches of special settlers, each founding a littlo com munity of itsown subsequently atCantorbury and Otago, and having ita individuality confirmed by Provincialism, dated in after years its birthday from the landing of the first band of " Pilgrim fathers." Now that Provincialism has dis appeared, and tho significance of those minor events has been obliterated by tho growth of population and the ascendancy of the national sentiment, it might bo well for the Government to consider whether tho anniversary of New Zealand should not bo proclaimed a national holiday through out the colony. Auckland lays no oxclusive claim to it; her colonisation had begun in an irregular way many years before, and with a stamp of pioneers the settlers of to day have wo wish to honour as their pro genitors. Upon the Treaty of Waitangi, negotiated by Captain Ilobson, howevor.and by virtue of which the proclamation of sove reignty was made, tho whole of New Zealand has been colonised, and the land purchased, acre by aero, from tho aboriginal occupiers, The proclamation by Captain Ilobson established tho Queen's sovereignty over both islands, and the right of tho 29th to tho honours of the national birthday cannot well bo set aside.

Tho custom of celebrating the event with an aquatic display was inaugu rated at a very early period In tho history of tho new capital, the idea pro bably being borrowed from Sydney, with which Auckland held intimate trading relations. In 18f>2 -thirty-two years ago -tho regatta programme embraced cloven prizes, not-able among tho races being those for canoes, which wore divided into two classes —canoes not to be manned by more than twelve natives, and canoes manned by an unlimited number of natives. And tho place givon to theso primitive craft was only in proportion to tho position they held in the Auckland trade. That year tho entries were about 100 vessels from distant ports, 000 coasters, and 2000 canoes ; and, in his sketch of Auckland in 1852, Mr Swainson describes Auckland Harbour as being seen at its greatest advantage " when the native chief Taraia and his tribe, from tho eastern boundary of the gulf, |>ay Auckland a visit in tioir tleet of forty sail of well-manned war canoes," loaded with pigs, potatoes, wheat, maize, melons, grapes, pumpkins, onions, flax, turkeys, geese, ducks, fowls, and firewood. It was in this year (1802) also, on tho 20th of January, that the first steam vessel built in New Zealand was launched at tho yards of Messrs Stone, Gardinor, and Langiord, of Auckland, who wore tho builders and owners. She was christened The Governor Wynyard by the Mayor, and was placed on the trade be tween Auckland and Otahuhu, going up tho Tamaki River.

These reminiscences teach useful lessons to the new generation which has arisen. They remind ua that institutions which we are now administering on a grander scale were bequeathed to us by men ■who, though dealing with the small tilings of an almost iueignflieant settlement, [>os scs^ed true instincts of the maritime en terprise which should distinguish the Auck land population. They also prove that this anniversary tournament has been tho train ing ground upon which tho achievements of our shipbuilders have been tested for for more than SO years ; that throughout this long period, dining which tho cimoo lias given place to tho handsomo island trader and the little, "Governor Wynyard," to locally-built steamers of a moie pre tentious class—superior excellence has been tho only recognised title to reward. Year after year our buildors have striven for tho champion laurels of the Auckland Regatta until the famo of the event, with the fame of our clipper craft, has spread throughout tho Southern seas. It has been left for the year 18S4 to suggest a levelling system that would render emulation and skill abortive, destroy tho deep interest which builders take in tho Rogntta.and shako their confidence. If, after thirty years ex perience, wo cannot proparo a programmo of races which shipbuilders can fashion their lines of excellence upon—a prigramine which shall not be liablo to disturbance at tho last moment at the instigation of private influences nnd intrigues—wo had better look for some other means of celebrating tho Anniversary, for tho power of tho Regatta will be turnod from good to evil account. If wo have written strongly on this subject before, it is becauso we feel that it marks a doparturo from tho policy of the past fraught with the gravest dangor to tho good namo of Auckland shipbuilders; be causo any tiddoly-winking with an nd vertisodprogiammo of public races is opon to thegravestabuses.nndif attempted on the turf would be denounced as outrageous nnd in tolerable. We are loth to bolievo that any members of tho Committee were actuated by improper motives in their determina tion to turn—if wo may use a horsey analogy— a wcight-for-ago race into a handi cap on tho evo of the race for tho express purpose of excluding one entry ; but for tho sake of tho port wo most fervently trust that the issued programmo of tho Rogatta will bo one which our shipbuilders can roly upon and venture their capital and skill with the confident assurance that they may not bo choatcd out of their just reward. Tho Committee by their handicap to-day did their best to compensate a vessel built in New South Wales for want of clipper lines, giving her largo time allowance for the solo object apparently of onablinghor to beat the smarter craft turned out by our own ship-builders. Tho whole thing is utterly preposterous and wrong, and shows how othorwiso sensible and honour able men may allow their prejudices and obstinac- to sway them when onco comniittua to a wrong course If there was reason for handienping in tho Schooner Race, thero woro equally good or better reasons for it in tho otho'- races, and the whole regatta would havo been reduced to something worse than a farce.

Tho Regatta of ISB4 places in striking contrast the Auckland of today with the Auckland of thirty-two yoars ago, an out lino picture of which lias been otched above. Tho programme was drawn to embrace every variety of craft—from tho clipper schooner to the diminutive canoe and dingy, nearly all'tho competitors acknowledging Auckland as their birthplace, and exemplifying in their woll-shaped hulls and trim spars the unrivalled excellence of our timber for naval purposes. Tho bay never presonts a more charming appoaranco than during these aquatic spectacles, its surface flecked with whito sails, its shipping gay with bunting, steamers bearing merry crowds traversing to and fro, and tho wharves thronged with spectators. The steamer AVaitnki obtainod its complement of excursionists, and started for Waiwera, affording those on bo.ird a fino view of tho chief sailing races. .Tho Macgrogor gathered a company who preferred a holiday ramble on Motutapu. Tho Tainui, with a party on board assembled at the invitation of Mr J. Shcohan, M.H.R., was observed cruising in tho harbour. A better day for an aquatic carnival could hardly have been made. Tho morning broke bright and pleasant, with tho wind very light from the south ward, and the water almost as smooth as §lass, but later in the morning a fresh >W. breezo sprang up, giving every promise of a speedy finish for all events. At an early hour tho flag ship Turakina (Captain Power) hauled into the stream, and anchored off the end of the Queen-street Wharf. She was gaily docprated with bunting, as wero also tho various large vessels at tho wharves. During the day the flagship was patronised by a largo number of people, who wore afforded a capital view or tho races. At intervals appropriate music was discoursed by

Impey's band. Tho catering was done in a satisfactory mannor by Mr T. JdcEwcn, of tho City Bullet. First Race. Scows."—Working canvas only. No time allowance. First prize! £50, and picture (pre sented by Messrs Suruood, Kwen, and Co.), valued at £5: second prize. *!10. Course: From Flagship through Hangiloto Channel, round Tiritiri, outsido Shag Rock, back through Kangitoto Channel, coming in on south side of Flagship. Entrles:-Kuakuka (J. King), U tons; Progress (J. Johnston), 49 tons : Vixen (.1. Bid dick), 2;"> tons; Result |K. McDonald), oti tons; Pukapuka (J. Silver), 37 tons.

It is now several years since the rapid in crease in the number of locally-owned barges or scows led to this race being placed on the programme. Perhaps the real object of our annual Regatta has not had fuller scope for display than in foster ing improvements in this class of vessel, which, many of our readers know, is princi pally used for the conveyance of baulk timber, and also for taking cargoes through shallow creeks. When the race was first suggested, our scows wero unwieldy craft in the broadest souse of the term, with not the slightest claim to weatherly qualities. The idea of a scow, or "Hat foot," race was at first ridiculed as an amusing absurdity, but its possibility was fully demonstrated. Speed then became an otamont in the con struction of these craft, and the extent of tho recont improvements may bo gathered from the fact that 4 the five competitors out of a largo fleet of scows are all com paratively new boats, some of them having been built since last year. Tho Vixen, although the smallest amongst tho com petitors, was the favourito for first place, and this confidence was no doubt justified by the vessel's excellent performance in tho trading vessel's raco last year. Each of the other boats was backed to such an extent as to leave no doubt on tho minds of thoso interested that tho result of tho raco was looked upon ns of importance. Precisely at eight o'clock the gun fired for the signal to start. All tho competitors wero at the post with the exception of the Ruakaka, which was scratched for some un explained reason. There was very little wind when tho signal was given, and the boats went away in a cluster. Tho Result and Vixen were leading, but tho latter lost the wind off Calliope Point, and her canvas failing to draw, she gave place to the Progress, which wont down the harbour with the Result. The breeze freshened all the way down, and at the North Shore the Vixen had the lead, with tho Progress second and tho Result third.tho Pukapuka being last. The North Head was rounded in this order, and the Vixen then went away with a good breeze behind her, leaving tho others well behind. She was carrying two topsails, and had thus a great advantage. The Progress kept at a respectful distance, while tho Result and Pukapuka wero a long way behind. At 9.15 tho Vixen went bowling past the N.W. end of Rangitoto. She was fallowed three minutes later by tho Progress, the Pukapuka being a minute behind, followed closely by the Result. They had a slashing breeze and strong ebb tido. During the run down the scows maintained the same position with little variation until pass ing through the Passage (Whangaparoa), when the Pukapuka and Result stood in side of tho rocks, completely cutting off tho Progress, which, at the timo, was holdnig second position. Tho vessels rounded the N.W. point of Tiritiri in the following order :— Vivcn 101ns. 18m. Oscc. Pukapuka ... lOhrs. 27m. 25see. Result lOhrs. 27m. 28sec. Progress ... lOhrs. 29m. Bsoc. The Vixen rounded the N.E. point of Tiri at 10.30 a.m., having a tremendous lead over other competitors, and steered home wards favoured by a slashing breeze, but with the tide against them.

(By Carkikr PkjEON.)

1 p.m.—After leaving Tiritiri, tho Vixen continued to improve her position, keeping pretty well in to tho Wliangaparoa side, while tho Result, by good beating, worked herself into second place again. At 12.30 one of the scows carried away topsail in tho Passage, and soon afterwards tho Ringarooma, from Sydney, came to the ro lief of tho Result, which having got water logged in tho Passage, had just sent up signals of distress. Her crow wero takon off and a towline wado fast to the disabled s cow. Tho Vixon, leaving her companions, got more and more in tho company of tho Cygnet until it became a question which should weather the other first. The scow held her posi tion tenaciously, but at last sho was weathered off the reef by tho Cygnet. The Vixen herself weathered Rangitoto Reef at 2 o'clock, and led tho steamer and her disabled charge on to the North Head.

2.30 p.m.—At half-past two tho Vixen made her appearance round the North Head, and stood down to Orakoi as the Cygnet was returning thohce in tho direction of Calliope Point on tho Northern Shore. By a series of boards in tho wake of of the Cygnet, the Vixen well maintained her position midway botween that vessel and tho Fanny Thornton, and made good progress up the harbour Otrilangitotoßeof tho unfortunate Result, which m as being towed by tho Ringarooma, suddenly capsized, but thore was no ono on board. Tho Vixen held gallantly on her way up tho harbour, and shortly after tho finish of the Cygnet passed tho flagship an onsy winner. Tho Pukapuka was now second boat and working up, but no chance of anything but making an indifferent sdcond, while the others seemed to be keep ing tho Louio company. Tho result was, thcroforo, as follows :— Vixon ... 3hre. 20m. 15sec«.—l Pukapuka 2 Seoond Race. Champion Trading Rack (Handicap), for vessels 51 tons rouißtcr and upwards (any rig excepting cutters), First prize, £150, Champion Flax (presented by Captain. H. F. Anderson), nnd Cup (presented by Messrs P. Hayinan and Co.), valued at £10, and Miniature Sextant to tho registered master of winning vessel, valued at £15; second prize, £50; third prize, £M. Course: Same ns first raco. Kntrles: Cygnet (MeArthur nnd Ca.). sfi tons; Fanny Thornton (X Kennel. 82 tons; Sybil (J. Sinclair), 150 tons; Louio (K. Pillingcr). !)9 tons.

Tlio small numbor of entries for this ovent can be attributed to nothing but ill luck, A pri/.s of £150 is no doubt a great inducement to owners of vessels, but yet tho chances of winning aro not considered good enough to keep a vessel lying idlo in port for several weeks before tho Regatta in ordor to mako sure of her being here In time and in proper condition. Thus when looking over our records of regattas for several years, we find the nnmber of entries vary considerably. Once or twice, as on the present occasion, there have been only thveo competitor, but as a rule the competing oraft have been much more numerous, and so many as seven or eight have taken part. A series of misfortunos appears to nave attonded tho Champion Race- of 1884. The first was tho wreck uf tho Transit, which took place at Napier a few months ago, and in her disappearance wo lost tho champion of many a closely contestod race. However, she was an old vessol, and having done credit to the port for a long period as a smart sailing vessel, while her loss was regretted, it was con sidered that her absence would induce greater competition in future events. This scorned likely to bo the case until very rccontly, and it was contemplated that this year would see somothinf» like a dozen entries for the Champion Race. The Three Cheers, which carried off last year's prizo, and tho Sovereign, tho victor of a provior.a contest, were both in port a month ago, and wcro expocted to rako part, but their owners or oharterors did not oonsidor it worth while to keep thorn here awaiting tho event, and aooordingly they wore sent away for lengthy voyages. The Toroa and Annie Wilson, owned by Mr Mitchelson, M.H.R., which wero considered almost certainties, next caused considerable disappnintment, for only last week it bocame known that tra«''« engage ments would prevent their arrival hone in time for the Regatta. Following this, wo heard of the wreck of tho schooners Agnes Bell and Atlantic at Rarotonga. One or both were counted on for the Regatta, and the wrecks proved a sovero disappointment to many. Next it was rumoured that the Sybil, which was lying In port and for sale, would not enter, and it was an agreeable surprise when her master appeared at tho committee meeting on entry night and added her name to those already givon in. Yesterday,- however, after the vessel had beon almost put in trim for the event, tho owners (Messrs Nathan and Co.) objected to tho course pursued by the master, and the Sybil's nomination was accordingly withdrawn. This left only three vessels— the Cygnet, Louie, and Fanny Thornton— each of which was considered to haveagood prospect of winning, tho result depending a great deal on " how the wind blew." The Cygnet was backed heavily, but yet the Louie found numerous supporters, and largo sums of money were laid on each craft. Tho Louie, it may bo remembered, was built in 1882 by Mr H. Niccol, of North Shoro, for an Island cruiser. She was con structed on very fine lines, but bwin'g to a change in ownership which occurted before the vessel was1 completed,: shd was slightly undermasted to fit tter'for iegtflaf trading. The Cygnet;, it is scarcely necessary to: re mark, for it has now beenrung Out so often

that all should know of it, was also built for a fast sailing boat, so much so that tho masters of other vessels publicly expressed their foar of her by objecting to enter for the Regatta wore sho allowed to take part. The trouble into which tho Regatta Com mittee ran themselves in trying to exclude and handicap her is also well Known, and, after all, when the race started she was backed at even money against the Louie, it being considered that the race really lay between these two. The Fanny Thornton nevertheless appeared with the fullwitention of her owners to win if possible, and they evidently considered their prospects of receiving the prizo very good, for the vessel had been in port for nearly a month refitting specially for tho race. The handicapp^rs met this morning, and deckled to let the Cygnet and Louie go at scratch, each to allow the Fanny Thornton fifteen minutes. The Cygnet was in charge of Captain Ross, while Captain Keane had charge of the Fanny, and Captain Ross presided at tho helm of the Cygnet. Tho vessels took up their positions to the southward of the flag ship shortly before eight o'clock, the Cygnet and Fanny Thornton with part of their canvas up, while tho Louie had hey sails lowered. The Louie appeared as a topsail schooner, her rig having been altered by the addition of a rallery. When the gun fired punctually to tho timo announced for starting, tho three vessels lay at anchor head to wind. The Cygnet smartly fell oft' before a still' south-westerly breeze, and sho was speedily followed by the Louie, which was delayed some what in getting her can ran on. Although thrown a few seconds late by the misfor tune, she was speedily in pursuit of the new schooner, M'hich was making very fast pro gress down the harbour. The Fanny Thorn ton was all behind. Although soon under canvas, she was very slow in getting way on, and it was at once apparent that her chances of winning were very poor indeed. As the vessels sped onward towards the North Head each gradually was covered with a cloud of canvas, with the object of making the very best possible use of a splendid fair wind. The Cygnet and Louie bowled along in splendid style, increasing the lead upon the Fanny Thornton every moment, while tho difference between themselves shortly became almost imper ceptible, and those who before had much faith in the Cygnet began to lose confidence. Abreast of Calliope Point, the vessels were on pretty even terms, but bringing a good still'breeze along with her, the Louie, which had the windward position, gained almost a length. This gave the Cygnet equal ad vantage so far as the wind was concerned, and all her canvas drawing beautifully, the difference was at once noticeable; gradually she gained inch by inch upon her larger opponent, but even then ho slowly that while tho two symmetrical and yacht like craft were almost side by side, it was only with difficulty that the slight advantage which the Cygnet was gaining could bo noticod. The wind broke away slightly, and immediately tho Louie had all her former advantage of. a length back again, this being . the position approaching the North Shore Wharf. The Fanny Thornton came on a long way be hind at snail's pace, only half her canvas drawing. As tho vessels passed tho North Shore- wharf, a favourable puff again swelled the Cygnet's canvas to its widest dimensions, and once more she stole along, swiftly covering the Louie's quarter. Gradually the breeze freshened, and despite her leeward position, the Cygnet crept up on her opponent, each moment making her more and more even. Ere the recontly-dostroyed North Shore Wharf was reached, tho two vessels were abreast of each other, and the struggle for supremacy bogan in earnest. They were so close together at this time that a biscuit might have been thrown from one to the other. Passing the Sandspit buoy, tho Cygnet had a scarcely perceptible lead, and giving the shoro a wide berth, sho soon had her stem ahead of the Louie's, but the advantage was of brief dura tion, the Louie again . getting exactly on level terms with her. Rounding the North Head, the vessels were well away beforo the wind, and every sail was drawing beautifully. Few eight*! could have been prettier than that presented by what was virtually a yacht race. Side by side tho handsome schooners sped onwards, the symmetrical lines and natty rig showing to advantage, while the foam curled and splashed around their bows. Leading down the fairway of the channel, the Louie again got an advantage of a couplo of yards, and the Cygnet once more recovered it. Can vas was now a great consideration, and the Louie soon showed a ring tail, • but the" necessity for close hauling was also a reason against its use, and it soon disappeared. Approach ing tho first buoy in the channel, a puff sent the Cygnet slightly in advance of the Louie, which had now the lee position. Tho difference became more and more percep tible until the Cygnet had gained more than a length, when the Louie weathered the Cygnet, and " winding " her, assumed the most favourable position, although slightly in tho roar. Tho Fanny Thornton was at this time clear of the North Head, and with all hor canvas drawing well at last, she ap peared to be holding her own, and there seemed every probability that sho would not cvtn bo tho handicap fifteen minutes be hind tho others at tho finish. She had, however, lost fully a quarter of a mile at this timo. Profiting -by the smart ness of her master, tho Louie blan keted the Cygnet nicely, and the advantage of this policy was at once apparent. The Louie led prettily past her opponent, and took the lead as tho reef was approached by about two lengths. The Cygnet mode several attempts to weather her opponent, but the wind was breaking away too much at the time, while her flying gaff-topsail did not set at all well, and she thus did not get the eamo show to perform the feat. Close to the beacon at the reef, tho Cygnet suoceeded in getting the weather .position, and by that time the Louie had increased her lead to several lengths. Rangitoto Reef was passed in this order, the Louio being four or fivo lengths ahead of the Cygnet, with the Fanny Thornton still about a quarter of a mile in the rear of the latter boat. The vessels passed tho outer end of Rangitoto in tho following ordor :— Louio 9h. 13m. Osec. Cygnet "... ... 9h, 13m. 45sec.

Fanny Thornton 9h. 17m. Osec, From this pointthoy wentaway withaspank" ing breeze, thcLouiogaining considerably on the new schoonor in tho run down, while the Fanny Thornton overhauled tho Cygnet by some 30 or 40 soeonds. All tho vessels stood well over to the Whangapoa side of the channel, and thon shaped a course for rounding Tiri, Tho vessels wero in the order given below when passing out of sight round the N.W. point of Tiri :—

Louie lOh. 33m. Osec. Cygnet ]oh. 37m. Osec. Fanny Thornton., lOh. 38m. SOsec. Tho Louie was only ten minutes before she hove in sight again, coming round the N.E. side of Tiri and passing tho point whore the Triumph was ashore, at 43 minutes past ton. Sho followed in the wake and soon overhauled the scows, standing; well over towards Rakino islands.

(By Carrikb Pigeon.)

Aboard tho Cygnot.

11.30 a.m.—Tho first opisodo in what promises to bo a highly exciting race oc curred just off North Head, when tho Louie and Cygnet were sailing so closely abreast as to leavo the latter vessel, which was in shoreward position, rather a slender chance of clearing tho buoy. Tho cap. tain of tho Louie was asked repeatedly to keep away, but tho answer was decidedly sultry. However, the Cygnet weathered the Head in safety, after which the Louie managed to got to windward and assumo a slight lead. At 9.7 the Louie passed the reef, with the Cygnot about a length behind on the windward quarter, both vessels bowling along at a spanking paco. The Fanny was noarly half - a - mile astern. During tho run down tho Channel she gradually improved her position through hugginv tho Rangitoto shore rather closely. Meanwhile the Louie, witli her sails beauti fully set, held straight on her course in the van, and slowly but surely left the Cygnet in her wako, winch shook the confidence of the latter's crew in her vaunted prowess. After passingßangitoto.thcCygnet'ssquare sail was taken down, asitseomed to be doing more harm than good. Both Louie and Farm still kept up their squaresails, but the rela tive positions altered very little indeed. All this time the wind blew steadily, and thero was very little swell on the water, while tho fine weather mado the pleasures of the race to bo very sensibly appreciated by the visitors, besides allaying tho fears of those who aro predisposed tosqueamish ness. The Louie and Cygnet stood on down to Tiritiri almost in a line and well to wind ward, the former loading by rather loss than halfa-inilo, while tho Fanny, holding on a much straighter course and in consequonco making loss allowance for clearing the island, was several hundred yards astern 6i the Cygnot. Such 'jyas the position at 9.55, tho vessels being 2 miles ' oft' the island. Tho" scows could be seen''close inshbt-c, the Vixcto leading^ w!th the Result in near attendance As the island' wits ap proached; tho wind fell lighter, and the vessels sailed almost oivan even keel. Ofl' Rakino Island the Fanny began to come

further to windward, and to creep up, 80 that the Cygnet once more sent up her square sail. At this point tho Louie was veil down to tho western end of tho island, ami still going well. Tlio Cygnet's hopes arc now centered on Iho run up, although there is not a great chance of much beating so far. 12.~> p.m.—lt soon became apparent that the Fanny had gone too far to leeward, for in keeping up to the wind the headsailfl ceased to set well. The Louie's sails re quired the least attention, for they set re markably well, and a splendid course was steered, the helmsman not abandoning his place for a moment At 10.:! > the Louie began to go round the island, giving it a pretty wide berth, and the last of the scows (Result) just being ahead of her. Five minutes later the Cygnet jibed and prepared to go round, and a minute afterwards the Fanny, now some 100 yards astern and closer inshore, fol lowed suit. The Louie sent down her square-topsail, and the Cygnet took in her square sail, tho freshening breczo bringing both vessels almost down on their beam ends occasionally. As for the Fanny, she still hugged the shore. Abreast of tho lighthouse, the Cygnet sent down her main by gaff topsail, as it did not sit well, and replaced it with a smaller ono. The Louie did not do so well on the wind, and the Cygnet, which kept further to windward, materially im proved her position, while the Fanny coincidently fell further astern.-^ From the Shag Iloek tho vessels took their first board at 11 o'clock towards Rangitoto, the Cygnet now having the lead, the Louie being more than a half-mile to leeward, near Cuvier Island, and tho Fanny 400 or 500 yards astern of tho Cygnet in a direct line. At 11.20 tho Fanny went about and stood across towards the lighthouse, and at 11.25 the Cygnet "tacked and held over to tho windward of the Whangaparoa Peninsula, taking up tho weather position of every thing, scows included. The Louie kept too near the eastern shore, and when at last she did go about in tho same direction as the Cygnet, she had got into a position about two miles astern of the latter. This was at 11.85, the Fanny Thornton being now near the lighthouse, and about a mile to leeward of tho Cygnet. At 11.40 the Fanny again put about and stood over for the weather side of Rangitoto. Ten minutes afterwards, tho Cygnet adopted tho same tactic, taking up a position about a mile ahead of the Fanny, while tho Louie is two miles dead to leeward, and barring flukes or accidents, completely out of the race.

1,15 p.m. —At I 1?. 10 the Louie went about again, standing this time for the light house, and promising to bring up to leeward of everything, not excepting the cutters, Cygnetis nowsailingnbreastof Vixen, which appear.? to have the Scow Race thoroughly in hand. At 12.25 the Cygnet, now nearly half-way between Tiritiri and Rangitoto, tacked again, making directly for the latter island, while the Fanny, now some two miles astern, continued to make for the Whangaparoa position. For the iirst time one of the excursion steamers, probably the Waitaki, was descried down the passage with her headsails down. A scow near her seems to have carried away her topsail. The Cygnet headed the whole fleet by a good distanco at 12.30, and Captain Ross was confident of finishing first, although troubled by a sou peon of doubt as to whether the Fanny might not come out right with the time allowance. At 12.45 all the vossels were beating well to wind ward with a fine whole-sail breeze, the cutters being on good terms with the scows, oxcepting the Vixen, which, though close in on Whan gaparoa, is net far behind the Cygnet. .The steamer seems to have a disabled scow in tow, and speculation is rife as to tho cause. At 12.50 the Cygnet and Louie were stand ing straight for Rangitoto with Tiritiri astern, the Louie being about 4 miles to lee ward of the Cygnet, and the Fanny being singularly close in to the Whangaparoa Point. At this time the Louie and Cygnet went about almost simultaneously, and the former made a board towards Tiritiri, while the Cygnet, after a short board towards the western shore, headed straight for Rangi toto Rcof, having the Vixen on the weather quarter. The latter does her beating ex tremely well. The Fanny is in the rassage, heading towards Rangitoto. 2.30 p.:r..—The Cygnet at 1.30 p.m. was off the northern end of lianyitoto Island, and there she made a short tack for the purposo of weathering the reef. At the same time tho Fanny Thornton was away 3 miles astern and somewhat to leeward of the Cygnet, but heading towards her and holding a much better position than the Louie, which is now out of sight amongst ths cutters and scows. At 1.35, the Cygnet weathered the scow Vixen, crossing her bows, the crews heartily saluting each other witli a waving of hats. The Ringarooma with the disabled scow, Result, in tow is now coming straight up the channel. Failing in this board to weather the reef, the Cygnet at 1.40 tacked again, and headed straight for the Nortli Head, favoured by a breeze, which brought her port bulwarks almost on a level with tho water. She sails splen didly on the wind. Such a tremendous list, however, did she have at this stage that the foresail had to bo loosened and the jibtopsail taken down. She lay over to the gusty breezo, but the sails had frequently to be slackened. At 2 o'clock tho Cygnet wasi still heading directly for tho North Head, with the Fanny Thornton coming on well fully two miles in her wake, and also behind the Vixen and the steamer. Tho reef was safely weathered 'this board by the Cygnet, and the jibtopsail at 2.7 was again hazarded and the sails tightened in the hopo of fetching the North Head. The Fanny Thornton is standing woll out in the Channel on a long board, and may possibly weather tho reef without furthur tacking. At 2.20 the Cygnet passed the North Head, standing right across the harbour towards Orakei Bay.

Kunning quickly ever to Orakei, tlis Cygnot took a board back across the har bour to a point just opposite the North Shore Wharf. She tacked again on a board towards Mechanics' Bay, just as the Fanny Thornton, at 2.37, having managed to weather the reef without again tacking, showed her nose round the North Head, The greatest oxeiteinent now prevailed, the time allowance lessening considerably the Cygnet's advantage ana making it just toucli and go with the two vessels, Off Dr. Campbell's rcsidenco, tlie_ Cygnet tacked and stood down to the flagship, Tho Fanny Thornton at this time was running in towards Orakei. At 2.4S the Cygnet passed tho barque Can didato, and two rainutos later took a board down towards tho Railway Wharf, tacking again at 2.55, and standing straight down tho harbour past the flagship. She had to tack again, however, to pass the post, whichsho did at 2.58, tho band striking up "See tho Conquering Hero Comes" as the gun boomed out for the Cygnot's completion of the race. As, however, the Fanny Thornton receives 15 minutes from tho Cygnet,tho prize still remained in doubt, more especially as tho Fanny was making good headway up the harbour. Those fears were soon dissipated, however, fo-.- the fateful fifteen minutes passed away and still the Fanny was hardly boyonu Calliope Point. Fourteen later she passed the flagship, and the result proved to be :— Cygnet,'2hrs. 5Sm. 32sccs. ... ... 1 Fanny Thornton, 3hrs. 27m. SQsees. ... 2 Louie 3

Mr Lano, one of the builders of tho Cygnet, was on board all the tiiuo, and lent valuable assistance to Captain Ross, who handled his vessel with great skill and shrewdness. The seamen, too, worked most energetic ally. Air Utting represented the owners.

Third Race. Tkading Cutters, 25 tons register and up wards. First prize, £10 and "Herald" Cup (presented by Messrs Wilsons and llovton) valued at £10, and Clock presented by Mr A. Aloy to master of the winning vosscl; second prize, £15; third prize, £5. Course: Same as iirst race. Entries: Mercury (W. Yates), 2'Ji tons; Loo (J. 1)0wd).32 tons; Iloso (P. Morgan) 25 tons; Coralio (P. Stranberg) 2SS tons; Toko' rau (\V. Cinnamon), 35 tonß j Sovereign of the Seas (J. Cole), 2!) tons; Lancashiio Lats (J. Bruoe), 31 tons.

In the good days of some ton or twelve years ago, the cutter race was usually looked upon as the principal evont of the day. Producing the largest " fields," if we may use that term, the competition was always keen, and the same "cracks" coming forward year after year to contest the honour of being considered champion cutter with new favourites, imparted special interest to the race. Thoso were the days when the Mercury distinguished herself again and again/ when she defeated the Sovereign of the Seas, and when the Sovereign of the Seas defeated her. Those, too, were the days when the Leo beat the Mercury, which had at tained the proud position of champion, and when the Thistle and Alarm proved victorious again over both. Excitement in cutter-racing ran high at that time, but since the period in question thero has been a steady decline of interest in this race. Various reasons have been assigned for this change. It was considered by a minority that the cause lay in the substitution of scows for cutters in the coastal timber carry ing trade, and there were some who were not slow'to prophesy that cutters would ere long be a class of vessels wholiy.extinct so far as our port was concerned. Tins'prophesy lias never been fulfilled, and it would certainly1 appear aa'tf it wore necessary to look clsewhero for the reason of the decline

in the race. Something like four years ago the cutter race wus simply a walk-over for the Rangatirn, and other vessels would not enter, and since then there lias been no real attempt to wrest the coveted honour from the Uangatira ; and although the Rose suc ceeded in that achievement last year, the weather and not the sailing qualities of the boat was considered to have led to this re sult. Plainly speaking, the general opinion was that the cutter race was being spoiled by the invincible Uangatira, which won year after year, and gave the other cutters no chance against her. In order to revive the warming interest in this race, it was this year proposed to handicap the Ranga tiro, but the wreck of that wonderfully fast little eratt rendered the step unnecessary. The absence of the Rangatira inspired the masters of other cutters with confidence, and no less than :i\ came forward on entry night, all eager iu\- the honour of champion in this class. Foremost in the rank were the three old veterans, Leo, Mercury and Sovereign of the Seas, which hava sailed again.st each other again and again iv days gone by. The P^ose, which has proved herself very smart since she was extensively repaired some time ago, the smart cutter Coralie, and tho Tauranga trader Tokerau, built by Henderson and Spraggon several years since, were the other competitors. Public opinion as to the result of the race was very much divided. The success of the Rose last year made her a favourite with many for Ihe present race, but strong support was accorded Jto the Mercury, Sovereign of the Seas, and Leo, while others again appeared to fancy the chances of the Coralie and tho Tokerau. The Lancashire Lass was a post entry, but sho did not come to the post. The others got in position in good time, tho Mercury occupying the position nearest the tlagship, Leo next, and the Rose, Coralie, Tokerau, and Sovereign of the Seas nearer the southern shore in the order named. Each lay at anchor with head-Bails down. With tho exception of the Sovereign,all got a splendid start, falling away before tho wind quite together. The Roso was the first to show out of the crowd, the Tokerau following, with the Mercury next, and the Coralie and Leo abreast. The Sove reign of the Seas was very slowly under way, some accident having occurred in the hoisting of her sails, and it was not until she was full half w»y down the harbour that lur topsail was properly set. Tho Roso and Mercury by this time had made good headway, being close together, and seemingly drawing ahead of the rest. The Tokerau then had dropped into third place, while the Coralie and Leo continued abreast and behind the Tokerau with tho Sovereign of the Seas a considerable distance behind. The Mo*cury and Leo first had the water-3ails rigged, but they were speedily followed in this respect by tho Tokerau and Rose, while the others appeared to be making preparations for a similar increase of propelling power. As tho cutters passed Calliope Point, the greatest difficulty was experienced in dis tinguishing which was which. Changes were so frequent, one vessel being first now, and another getting advantage of a favour able puff and taking her place immediately afterwards. The Leo approached North Shore Wharf first, followed closely by tho Rose, Coralio, Sovereign of the Seas, and Mercury, in the ordor given. Then the wind .freshened, and the Tokerau forged ahead, the Mercury going through a crowd of competitors and taking second place, while tho Rose dropped into third position ; the Leo took fourth, Coraliefifth, whiletheold favourite Sovereign of the Seas saw the flat round the North Howl in this order. Immediately after passing the pilot schooner, tho Mercury took the first place, the Tokerau following her rather closely, but only for a short time. Opening out on the other side of the hill, the Leo ran into secopil place, and, bringing the wind along with her, the Sovereign of tho Seas led through a cluster, and started off down the channel with a third place and a position to windward of the lot. The Rose was then fourth, with the Tokerau fifth, and the Coralio last. Leading towards the first channel buoy, the Leo ran the Mercury closely, while she herself was hotly pursued by the Sovereign of the Seas. The struggle between these threo for positions of honour lasted until tho boats were out into the fairway, when the full benefit of the wind was felt. Immediately the Sove reign of tho Seas showed her heels, and literally ran away from tho others, getting a good lead. The Leo and Mercury fought hard for the second place, but tho latter soon dropped to leeward, and the Leo triumphantly followed the Sovereign of the Seas. The second buoy was passed by the Sovereign of the Seas first, Leo second, and Mercury third. The Tokarau and Coralio struggled against the disgrace of last place, and it eventually fell to the lot of tho former, the other positions being unchanged as tho cutters ran past Rangatoto Reef.

[PER STAR CARBIER PIGEON.]

Aboard Cutter Mercury,

10 a.m. —We are now well out from Rangitoto Reef, with the wind coming pretty strong from the west. The Sovereign of the Seas has a slight lead, and is to wind ward; Mercury, 2; Rose, 3, with tho Leo, Coralie, and Tokerau in a bunch. The two former is well to windward.

10.30 a.m.—The Sovereign of the Seas has now a lead of about a quarter of a mile, and well to windward. The Mercury, Rose, and Coralie are in a line with each other, the Leo about 30 yards astern. Tho Tokerau is about 200 yards to leeward, and about the same distance astern. All the cutters have all sails set. The wind ia falling light.

11 a.m.—The Sovereign of the Seas haa now a lead of about a mile, with a splendid windward position, Coralie 3, Mercury and Rose together, and Leo about 40 yarda astern. The Tokerau is about half-a-mile to leeward. The wind is now blowing a little stronger. "

11.30 a.m.—We are now behind Tiritiri. The Sovereign of the Seas has still a good lead, although the others are keeping well to her. The Tokerau, which had been last boat, came up when the wind fell light, and is now second, Rose and Coralie together, Mercury 10 yards astern, and Leo about 30 yards behind the Mercury. The Tokerau, Coralie, Rose, and Mercury all gibbod together, and passed Shag Rock within a few yards of each other. 12 o'clock.—We are now about 3 miles to the east of Tiri, and have just gone about— Loo 1, Rose 2, to windward, and the others about tho same distance astern. Leo has a splendid lead, and stands a good show of winning. 1 p.m.—Leo still maintains her lend, ■although the Mercury is following her pretty close. The Sovereign of Seas,! Coralio, and Roso has gone over towards Whangaparoa. I.3o.—The Leo is about half-a-milo to ■windward of Mercury. Sovereign of the Seas near Whangaparoa. The Mercury has just carried away top-mast back stay and lost about 10 mins. The Leo and Mercury are now behind Rangitoto, Tho former vessel has a slight lead. The Sovereign of the Seas is about six miles to winward. The other cutters are to all appearance out of it- There promises to be a very close finish between the Sovereign of the Seas, Leo, and Mercury.

2.20 p.m. bovereign of the Seas is now first boat, Leo second, and Mercury third. The Spyoreign of tho Seas lias a splondid lead, and is well to w inward.

The race resulted:— Sovereign of the Seas, 3h. 28m. 20s. ... I Leo , ,* mi 2 Mercury ... 3 Fourth Race. Coasting Vessels (bonafide), any rig; U tons and under 25 tons, which have not been built for yachts. First Prize, £25. and Cup (pre sented by Messrs J. and I>. Oxloy), valued at «5, and Clock presented by Mr Goodson to mas ter of winning vessel; Second Prize, £10: Third Prize, £5. Course: From south side of flagship round chequered buoy in Kanultoto Channel.' thence round hulk Clara Hargraves, off Judge's Bay. thenco round mark boat oft" Kauri Point. Twice round. Entries: Gannot (VV. Sponcert, 17 tons; Mahurangi (J. H. Subritzky) «i tons: Euphcmia (K. Hodgson), 12 tons; Honry (J. Hodgson), U tons.

The competitors in this race are all well known, and have raced against each other again and again. They are all smart craft, and every one of them has been successful in winning a race at some time or other. It will be remembered that the Eupherwa (totinpiigliert herself in a similar race some iiftteu months ago at the North Shore Re gatta by capsizing and drowning two of her crew. " The Mahurangi was a strong favourite, but tho Henry was also weU backed, while the Euphemja am} Gannet had also th.eir supporters i« lesser numbers. The Gannet took up the position nearest the flagship on the southern side, the Henry being next, and the Euphomia and Mahurangi nearest the wharl in the order named. The vessels were unable to get quito abreast of tug flagship in time to start, and in order M ensure punctuality, Captain McKehzie decided to sond them off With a flying start all carrying ordinary canvas. A splendid start was effected, the four cutters swing: ing almost together, and they soon ill: creased' the distance from the flagship.. The old Henry -was the first to sp pear from tho crowd, but the Gannfit kept close upon her quarter for n6me time;' The Mahurangi ahd Eupliqmia followed,tKe former going in fino style with a veiy lar&S spread of caiivas. The Gannet-first wj£.

THE AUCKLAND "EVENING STAR TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 18R4.



Special Advertisements. T\ISEASBS OF THE EYE. ARTHUR KICHARDSON, M.D., BPKOIAMST AND OPKRATOR ON DISEASES OF THE EYE. ' MAY BK CONSULTED AT HIS RESI DENCE, KAUANGAHAPK ROAD, From 1 to.'! in Uio afternoon ; OB lIASIJO'I'TS ENGLISH PHARMACY, ISI, Queen-alcoet, from 3 to 5. VWI1 SILVER ! CUT SILVER!! The Effect is Marvellous at night, samo Direct us Diamonds. In this line I am NOT TO BE EQUALLED. Hracolets, Necklets, Pins Brooelie*. and Earrings. F. IT. LEWISSON. You all know whore I am to hi) found.



Bkett's Auckland Almanac and Pro vincial Handbook, for 1881; is now on sale, at all bo\. Vftollers. As a New Year present, nothing is so suitable as tho Domestic Sowing Machine of Shukespear & Co., Queen-street, opposite the Market.—[AD vt. The last week has witnessed tho advent in our midst of Dr. Li Sinclair, a surgical dentist, who comes from Australia .with high testimonials of ability. He has commenced practice in Firth's Buildings, Queen-street, where ]■■> may bo .consulted during his stay. Ti« .loctor's operating - room is re pinto will, mi immiinso assortment of instru ments for ii l) in extracting and replacing teeth, and c.Mef amongst tficso is a smal atmospheric treadlo machine omployod in stopping teeth, holes being drilled and teeth sawn wltn wonderful accuracy and rapid ity. • Dr. Sinclair, who is accompanied by two first - class mechanical assistants, undertakes tho euro of Ijal? Jjps, oloft palates, and diseases of the mouth, KUjtr^ntees to ex tract teeth and replace them \vjtn ai ti.'Joial at seven hours' notice, find offers a specialty in an acoustic palate of his own inven tion, jrhjoh bas special advantages. Pain lean extraction .or teeth is' pjjpanggt the, doctor's rccnnimcmjutlons, tyid ope .61 our I reporters, who was troublurj with an e^ci^d molar, underwent tho operation {^jtji the ob ject of putting tho guarantee to jtlie (teat, T/jb tooth, a yory large one, was extracted without this aid of laughing gas or chloroform, and by means of a process employed by Dr, Sinclair, there was scarcely any perceptible pain, wjjibj ! tho whole operation scorccjy occupied three seconds,