SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TiMir wawii'u JThiaEvening,S.l lUM «All,H|. rn . |nom|lv Moraine, 5.26 St: \Sl</T.—This lOvrning, 7.11! Hi-: ,\ IfISK.-To-m.il ro'v Morning, 5.11 * '"ON'il /.(!!■:.—Ni;\v .Moon, 2Sth, i.*o p.m.

ARRIVALS.

MacKi'ngor, 9,5. Johnson, from Whangarci

DEPARTURES.

Wolcniiul. spli. Fry, for Mercury Biy Ulenclg, s.ii., Sli-pheiiHon. fur Taur.in.mn itowena, H.»,, Norrin, for Wliiiiipiroi Haurnlo, 8.5., Kennedy, for tlifi South

VESSELS EXPECTED.

London.—Doric, c s., sailed Dee. 15; North umberland, ship, LDKO, Doc. i ; Itronhilda, ship. NULF, Xov. »i; Aliistor and Kangitikei. londing. LiVKnronr,.—Yolande, barqno, Oct. 22. New Youk.—Amazon, barque, NUI)T, via Wellington, sailed Sept. 27; Charles L. Pearson, baroiue. JX(JI), via Wellington, sailed Oct. 3; Lady Mabel, barque, sailed Nov. It; Rebecca Orowell, hnrque, via Wellington, sailed Dec. 12; Claribcl, barque, via Wellington, loading.

Inwards Coastwise.—Bessie,from Tvennedy Bay, with 2!.000ft timber: l'alcu, from Talrun, with S.l.liOOft timber; Hoso. from Mahurangl. With 1,100 bushels lime; Mercury, from Tairua. wilh 2-J.'2oft timber, 20,000 shingles; Progress, from Wliangopoa, with 31,Q(0it timber.

Outwards Coastwise.— Fanny Kelly, for Whangaroa; Bessie, for Kennedy Bay.

In consequence of thestenmer Takapuna be ing unablo to leave for tho South to-morrow, tho B,s. Ifawoa will make a special trip to ■Wel lington direct. leaving Onchunga on Sunday, the 27th inst., at 9.15 a.m. Her departure on tho ordinary weekly trip is postponed till Wednes day, the SOth inst.. at 10 a.m.

Tho 5.9. irnegrcgor arrived from Whangarcl nt 430 a.m. today. Passengers :—Messrs Mars don, Thorlmrn, Courtney, Hooton, McKonzie, Hobolth, Smith, McLean, Clalbvuith, Mc- Kertzio, Thompson, Givin, 11. Murray, Mrs Thompson and child. Mesdamcs McLean, Smith, lloss, Stuart, Miss McQnarrie, Miss and Master Aubrey, Master Smith, Miss Gill.

The 5.3. Hauroto left for the South at noon to day with the following passengers:—For Wel lington— Messrs Newton and Leslie, and the Pomeroy Company (IT). For Lytlelton—Miss Horton, Mr and Mrs Darby, Master Williams, Misses O'Brien and Tolo ('.'), Messrs Goodson. Darby, Willis and Seeley. For Dunertin— Misses Sncll, Howard, and Ooodhiem, Mr and Jfi'3 Snider, Messrs Goodman, Arnold, Fitz glmmons, Nathan, Christie Spragg, Mackay, Wilson, andMerryman.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell,thisday.—Arrived: Vixen. Sailed lona. I'lis-icngrrs ■-Messrs Jaeger, Salmon, White, Tame. W. Clarke. Knofl, Hugger, Hayes. Uose, ICdgcumbe, Hulme, Collins, and numerous others.

Waitara. this day.—Sailed : Douglas, for Mnnukau, 7 a.m. The Argylo sails at seven tonight.

Mei.hoitrnb. January 21.—Arrived: P. and O. steain.Hhip itnvenim. wilh the inward mails, via Hui-< and UrindM, dated London. December 11.

Melbourne, January 21.—Arrived: Itotoma liana, from tbe Bluff.

SYDNEY, January 21.—Arrived: Wakatipu, from Wellington.

SYDNEY, January"!.— Sailod, this afternoon l.Tii.'rarooimi, for Auckland.

ADELAtnk January 2.—Arrived, this morn ing: The lilossugories Maritimes Company's pti-aintir .Sydney, from Marseilles, December 19.

COMMERCIAL.

Kvknino Star Office, thfs day. MIC33HS lIU.NTKR A.Vn NOLAN'S RRPORT. HOBSBS: Activity lia3 characterised tho market, and a good many have changed hands at prices showing an upward tendency na com pared with the previous week. At the Durham Yards on Friday, a large number were sub mitted by auction. Bidding was spirited throughout the sals, and almost without exception lots were cleared at prices satis factory to vendors. Wo quote: Hacks, from £5 10s to £3 lCs; medium draughts, from £1") Ills to £2.">; heavy draught horses, £29 to £31. Wocil, hides, and skins: Hides tolerably plentiful, mid sold at from 2Ad to SJd; skins, from is to Us 2d ; tallow, 7s sd per owt. Cattle: Them has been a good dual of animation in tho market; tho supply of fat stock has been large, but scarcely ihe usual number of dairy and store wero yarded at Newmarket on Tuesday, but there was an unusually large muster at Waiuku on Saturday. Prime beef maintained the previous week's values, but in diffarently fatted were a shade lowur. There was no noteworthy alteration in the value of other descriptions. Sheep were in adequate number, and found corresponding domand. Lambs Bold at from (is Dd to IBs. Pigs: Scarce, and in demand. Goods porkers selling at from 3d to i'l per lb.

BANKS AND CO S REPORT. At Parav.ai on Thursday a full market of cboicu fnt cattle sold freely at 213 to 25s per 1001b?; merino wethers, 11s to 12s each; good lambs, 10s each.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Faum and Dairy Produce.— Wholesale: Butter fresh, 8d; Butter, salt, 6d to Sd: Cheese, good local, aid to Cd; Canterbury, do., Od to 7d; Kggs. per doz., Is; Lard, per bladder, Gd to 7d; liuconanrt Hams, Provinciul, Cd to 8d; Hams, 8d to !)d: Canlcrbury Ham and JJacon. 9d, in cloth; Hams only, Hd; Jams, per case, ddoz., SI 17b lid. to £1 18s ."ft; Honey in bulk, 4d por lb. Kotail: Milk, l>or quart, Id; Butter, fresh 10d- saltdo.,lod to Is; Chceso, colonial, do. 9d to lOd ; Es,rg3. por doz.,ls 3d; Lard, por lb,6d to 9d; Bacon." per lb, lOd to is; Hams, do., Is to Is Id; Honey in bulk, Jd por yj.

Flouh Market. — Wholcsalo — Snperflne flour, silk dressed, per ton, £1310s; do, do, house, hold, £1210.S; hundreds, ss; fifties, 10 por ton extra, sacks and bags froo ; Southern do, fill to£1110s; bran, per ton,sacks included, local.iiilfJs; South ern, do, £5; sharps, £5 10s; cabin bread, do, £18 ; oatmeal, do, £13; pearl barley, do, £2i to £24 ; bread, per 21b loaf, 3Jd.

Kauri SUM. Flax, &c—Tho markot con tinues firm. We quote :—Ordinary, £32 to £37; good ordinary,« 33 to£J2; East Coast,£sl to £50; produce, for January to date, 10!) tons; frax por ton, £18 to £21; tow, do,, £7 to £9; fungus per lb, 25d to 3Jd ;cocoanut fibre per cwt, 53 to 17s; beeswax, 9d to lOd lb.

Coai and Firewood Market.—Coal: New castlo (ship's side), 28s to 30s per ton; yard, 328 to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, 265-; screened, 30s; ditto at tho mine, 13s; Bhip's sido, 25s to 20s; Walkato, 8s to 12s; in Auckland, 18a to 225; Kamo, 12s per ton at loading ground; Taupirl at mino,SsGdto i2s; at yard, IPs C.I to 225; Wliangarci, at mino, 9s Gd; yard (steam), 17s; household, 21s; delivered, 235. Firowood: Uncut at wharf (cargo), 9s to 10s por ton; delivered, 143; cut, 17s to 18s.

ButLniNa Materials.—Timber: Boards and scantling, 100 ft, be3t, 14s; second-class, 8s; best, planed, tongued, and grooved, flrst-olass, IBs; medium, 12s; second ditto, 10bGd. Mills: Cargo.best.lls; second-class.oa (kl; baulk, 8a Gd. Now Zealand palings, aft (sap), 10s; sft (heart), 13s; Oft, Us; ti-trecrails, £3 103 per 10i; puriri posts, tC 10s to £7 10s; shingles, 17f) por 1,000; Hobart palingc, sft, 21a ; Gtt, 2:55; llobart rails, 100s, soiling quotations. Uricka (at Avondale), 403 per 1,000; town yards,6ostoss3; dolivorcd.sss to 60s. Drain pines (at worke).por 100 (6 inchea bore), 403; 4 inches, 14s; 3 inches,9s; 2inches, &'l 10s per 1,000; socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; 2s 6d por foot; 15 inches, 29 por foot; 12 inchea, Is (id per foot; 0 inches, Is por foot; 6 inches, 6d por foot; 4 inches, id per foot.

Manukhs.—Boncdust, Sydnoy, £A 153 to £9, according to quality; boneflour,£9los; Auckland SI to *8 10s; Peruvian gutuio, £18; Maidon Island, £8; Huon guanoi small lots, £5 to £0, bags included; Hurst's chemical manuro, £11 10s. _•

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails wx.l O.'lose A3 under:—

Tins Day. For Whangaroi Headß, Parua, Wnipu, Whan garoi, Kamo, Tangihua, and Mangapai, per Macgrognr, at 4 p.m. For Maiiijuwai and ICaiwaka, per ltuby, at 5 p.m. For Tha-ups, por Knterpriso, at .1.30 p.m. .'•'aterday, 2Gth inst. For Wai«•■•:■ i. Mnhurangi, Matukanu, Manga wul, vie., pur Hose Casey, at v a.m. For Waitara. etc . " - llonglus. at 11 a.m. For Thames, pin limuinahana, at 11a.m. Kor Tairua. per Pnku. at :i p.m. For Wellington Southern Ports, and London (via Rio do Janerio from Lyttelton, per Aorangi). per Hawea, at 4.20 p.m. ForW'aterford.Taurnnga, etc., per A. Milbank, at 5 p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, Kamo, and Mangapai, per Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For 'I'haiues, per Anne Milbank at 5.30 p.m. Monday, 28th inst. ForGisborno. Napier, etc., per Southern Cross, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, sth February. Per s.s. 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 Europe, at 11 a.m. For money orders, the previous evening at i o'clock. For registered lottora and nowspapers, at 10 a.m. Lato letters, bearing an extra foe of six pence in addition to tho postage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will bo due in London on Sat urday, March 15, IBS 4. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmastor. Chlof Postoflico, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 25, issi,

St. Paul's Church—Dedication Services, Even ing Prayer and Sermon, !i p.m.

Wesleyan Church, Ponsonby — Evangelistic service, 7.30 p.m. Working Men's Club—Demonstration Com mittee, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

A Reader.—French. J.T.—Tho Tichborno claimant was sentenced on 28tli February, 187-1, to fourteen yours' im prisonment with hard labour.

Births.

HARRISON.-On tho 25th January, at tho Anchor Hotel. Qneen-strect, the wife of I. Harrison of a daugntor. LKNNAN.—On January 21, at her residonco. Lower Hepburn-street, the wifo of Michael I,.'mum of a daughter.

Deaths.

MURRAY.—On Jnnunry 23, at Avondnlo, Isabella Murray, beloved wife of Thos. Jus. Murray, lute of Arch Hill. Tho funeral will leave her late residence by New North Koad or Mount Albcrt,Sunday,27tn lust., at 2 p.m., for Auckland, All friends accept this invitation. RICHARDS.—On December 27. 18S3, at Tany rnllt Kami, North Oruawharo, near Port Albert, Nancy, the beloved wifo of Evan Richards, after a short but painful illness; aged 03 years.

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

For tho cause that lacks assistance, Kor tho wrong that needs resistance, For tho future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1884.

Mr Rochefort, surveyor, speaking through a Rangitikei mouthpiece, is credited with saying that the so-called "central routo " for tho North Island trunk lino of railway, which he lately finished surveying, is superior to any other route. The newspaper which supplies this piece of information is also good enough to add that the Nativo Minister has always been in favour of tho central routo. These items are both rather stale, and in them selves inconsequential; but they are of interest as showing the "damnable itera tion" by which cortain interested parties hopo to influence tho determination of the railway route. There is nothing wonderful in the fact that a surveyor should think his route better than others, explored and unexplored alike ; and it has all along been known that Mr Bryoe favoured the line which should open up tho Wanganui country. But it is not the dictum of a surveyor, nor tho wish of the Hon. John Bryce, which is to determino this important question. Tho House of Representatives, when it next meets, will have to settle the matter. The Native Minister's opinion Oil the subject is only of value because that gentleman has it in his power to make and solve " native difficulties " in a way which may favour one survey . and obstruct another. If no bogus obstacles are put in tho way, the reports of the survey parties will be before Parliament in a few months, and tho merits and demerits of the different routes will then bo discussed, we hope, from"a colonial point of view. Absence of engineering difficulties, and the profession of a wish to get a direct line from Auckland to Wellington, is but the thin disguise under which Wellington merchants cloak their dosiro to establish a monopoly of the Taranaki trade, which is presented by the connection of thelatterprovince with Auckland by means of the short " missing link " of the trunk lino between Stratford and Te Awamutn. Tho settlers of Wanganui and Wairarapa support them in their intrigues bocause of tho presumed enhancement of tho value of their lands through the trunk lihe being taken over them ; and these local influences and interests are said to havo fixed the mind of the Nativo Minister. If, however, Jlr Bryco wishes to maintain his desorved character for uprightness and unselfishness as a politician, he will discountenance all underhand methods of dealing with tho railway question, and let the matter bo decided on its merits, apart from prejudices, prepossessions, and private interests. Wo have every confidence that tlie Minis | ter of Public Works will see that tho Mokau routo U thoroughly prospected, and tho tolegram published yesterday to the effect that three separate survey parties havo left Wellington fer tho West Coast is an earnest that (Joveniment do not intend shirking their duty at the bidding of a Wellington- Wanganui clique, no matter how influential it may be.

The Regatta Committee and the Trading Schooners Race.

We sincerely trust that tho Regatta Com mittee will not persist £3 the foolish attempt to make handicaps for tho Cham pion Trading Vessels Race. If they <30, they will almost certainly land themselves in the meshes of the law. Neither tho advertisement announcing the race nor precedents in such contests either here or in other parts of the world will justify their procedure, nor will their conduct in inveigling owners into entering their craft, and then at the last moment, on the day of tho race, when heavy expenses have been incurred, putting them virtually out of the race by the action of an incompetent, and, possibly, partizan com mittee of liandicappers, stand tho test of an equity suit. We use the word •" incom petent" without special reference to tho gentlemen who hovo beon appointed; no aoubt they aro as good judges as any who .could be obtained; 'but no committee can be ccunpetent to determine the relative sail ing qualities of a number of vewels under yspjftble conditions of weather merely by an jn^gefttjon of their lines. Somo of the ' IJand^oappcrs, w.e believe, admit this, and the stateiifioivj; made to the General .Committee on Thursday night was a con cession of the inability of the Committee to do what was asked of them. The " Horald " to-day, in defending the proposed handicap, admits that the rule was intended specially to exclude the new schooner Cygnet; and jn a rigmarole of childish sophisms en- Aswputp ,to prove that the Cygnet is not a trading ygssel. Why, the Committee's ac ceptance ai top in the race settles the ques tion ; if she is not ?. .taking vessel sho has no right to admittance. |»,ui£hj) writer and the Committee know perfectly y/eii ££&{; she is a trading vessel. The " Herald's " ,05/ n VQ port on her arrival stated: ''She is >;> ---teiided for the Island trade, she having been &uil£ jfco the orde,r of Messrs Wm. McArthur & Co." £n 4 plough this report only appeared four days w^, the writer's opinion of tho sailing qualities of ijie schooner seems to lfU.v& undergone a maiv,£jlous transformation, ht> fee ass,iy:esl hjw .readers after his Ifi.spt&tlon on the 21st, with "a large number pf ngfsons," that " the.general opinion seemg to i/p j:f f^f; pjie,is not the greai vessel she was expoeted tbbe, and.tiat thfir/b «u\B onlo qi two vessels whp will «how her 4 cjeaj p^Jr ,pf beefs in the race."" 'm\b Lpuie, .jifjjogji ytfe to ha called a bonafide trading vessel, the w^iteF tells us to-day, "no ope will queßtion,"

was built specially as a schooner yacht, and there are plenty of competent judges who aro prepared to back her in tho Regatta against the Cygnet.

But it is utterly beside tho question to discuss hero whether tho Cygnet and the Louio are trading vessels or not; if they are not, shut them out by all means, but in the name of common souse do not attempt to establish a precedent which would have the result of rewarding mediocrity in our sailing contests. Wo have had vessels carrying oft' prizes in our Regatta year after year, and theComniittee never handicapped them, although thcro might have been some excuse for it, and some data on which the handienppors could proceed. But our builders were told to produco smarter vessels, and in most instances they did. Why, then, this sudden set against the Cygnet, which itt built on almost the same model as tho vessel bearing the same name which has competed in our Regattas before without challenge? Tho affair savours strongly of intrigue, and wo ad visa tho Committee to havo done with it before they get into an inextricable difficulty. Let the owners who enter on Saturday bo informed distinctly that tho handicap will consist in timo for tonnago allowance only, according to the well established conditions, all tho vessels start ing from scratch ; and if the result should prove unsatisfactory, it will be time enough then for the Committee to make such alterations in the classification of their races as will prevent weight-carry ing coasters from being thrown indiscrim inately into a raco witli Island traders, although nothing that has yot arisen in con nection with our Regattas proves such a dis tinction to bo necessary.

The Star Saturday Supplkmbmt pre sented to our renders to-morrow will contain continuation of tho exciting tnlo, "A Woman's Faith;".also Random Shots, by " Zftiniol;" Tho Garden, by " ITortua ;" Tho Army, Navy, ami Volunteers, by "Martini-Henry;" Field Sports and Aquatics, by ''Acfaeoit}" Sporting Notes, by " Hippona ;" Gossip from Stage and Studio, by " Entorpe ;" Horriblo London, The Timber Industry, Reminiscences of Regatta Day, ISS.'S, The Mystery of Four Murders Solved, Portrait of a Dreadful Boy, &c.; with two complete tales—" A Goldlield Story," and "A Money Lender's Tool." Mr Tutt is now appointed runner for tho St.vk in tho following streets :—Victoria street East, Coburg-streot South, Lawronco, Wellesley-streot East, Wakeiield, Abcr crombie, Symonds-strcet from Wellesley street to Karangahapo Road, Mount, Alex andra, City Road, Liverpool street (South), Karangahnpo Road from -Liverpool-street to Symondx-street, Itut'and and Lome street, the former runner (Williams.) having ceased.

Tho inward mails via Suoz and Brindisi, dated London, 14th December, arrived at Molbourno yesterday by the I', and O. steamship Ravena. Tho Rotomahana will bring the New Zealand mails by way of tho Bluff. Tho homeward mails by the Orient steamer Ravenna, dated Molbourno 15th December, wore dolivercd in London on 23rd inst. (Wednesday last).

A century and a quarter have passed sinco Robert Burns, tho Scottish poet, first saw the light in his Ayrshire birth-cottago on January 25th, 1759. Burns's countrymen, howevor, in this part of tho world seem almost to havo forgotten thoir national bard, who, perhaps, was the greatest lyrical poet that over lived.

In addition to a box of books on New Zealand lately referred to, and the consign mont of pictures by the ship Opawa for tho people of Auckland, MrMaclCelvio has sent from London a case containing toxt-books and photographs for the use ol art students in Auckland. Both tho Public Library and tho Art Gallery are thus laid under deep obligations to this genuine friend of the city.

We understand that the result of tho ex amination for tho Senior and Junior Scholarships in connection with the Grammar School was as follows:—For the Senior Scholarship, If. Shrewsbury; for the Junior Scholarship, F. W. Hayward and A. N. McKcllar.

The inquest hold at Glceson's Hotel yes terday on the body of George Logan, who died on the steamer Ilauroto, resulted in a verdict" That tho deceased died from the effects of excessive drinking."

The Newton School Committee last night, in consequence of alleged religious feeling in the district, revoked its nomination of Mr Denis O'Donoglnio, 8.A., to tho vacant Head-mastership of tho Newton East School, and upon the Chairman's casting vote nominated tho Rev. It. Coatos, M.A • instead,

Wo have received several letters attack ing tl»e proposal of the Regatta Committee with regard to handicapping tho competi tors in tho Trading Schooners Race, but as tho subject has been pretty fully discussed in our columns already, and there seems to be no attempt at reply, it is hardly worth while reiterating arguments that have been fully stated.

The first of tho projected Saturday after noon promenade concerts will be held to morrow (Saturday) afternoon in the Albeit Park, undor the auspices of His Worship the Mayor and other citizens. The Artillery Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, will occupy tlao new band stand. Tho musical performances will be commenced at 3 p.m. and close at 5 p.m. Tho following pro gramme will be realised ;—Slow inarch, "King Christmas" (11. Smith); fantasia, "Los Chevaliers :i (E. Mullot); waltz, " Vonetia" (Caroline Louthian); grand selection, "Itigoletto" (The Fool's Re venge)—Verdij quadrille, "Echoes from tho West" (Edward Newton); grand selec tion, " Mnritana " (Wallace); waltz, "Dream Faces" (Josef Meisslcr); fantasia and galop, " Roliof of E-kowc" (11. Romid).

Tho Auckland Gardeners' Horticultural Society havo issued in iioat pamphlet form tho schedule of prizes and other particulars connected with their approaching Autumn Show, which takes place on Friday and Saturday, tho 21st and 22nd of March nqxt. As before, the competitors are classified as "All Comors," "Amateur?," and "Cottagers" respectively, and tho prize Hat in each section is liberal. A list of special prizes is also to bo published. No entries aro Jo be received after tho 20th of March. Tho Society deserves hearty support at the hands of tho public gener ally, and particularly of that portion who are interested in horticulture.

To the Editor; Sir,—l think tho Insur ance Companies should tako a little time to make inquiries after fires. A month at least should elapse before moneys aro paid. It would make people more careful. At present innocent people often suffer through tho neglect, or otherwise, of ono person. Instance, tho William-street fire. Tho house was a mass of llames before an alarm was given. The unfortunate now-eomers living in the next house lost heavily, and had the Fire Brigade been fiva-minutes later, the fire would have spread either woy. —I am, tyc, Is. P.QR.TSON, carter.

Tho monthly inspection of tho A Battery Artillery took pla,co last nigljt in tho Drill ghed, Captain Payno, Lieutenants Nome and Geddes, Dr. Tennent, and 37 rank and filo woro present. Major Shopliord in spected the Battery, after which Lieuts. Norrio and Geddos put the tnoji through field-gun drill, the whole of which was remarkably well done, Aftor tho parade, the men woro measured for tho new uniform, and headed by tho Artillery Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, a inarch through Queen-street took place, where the company was dismissed.

Tho übiquitous reporter ia a source of trouble to sovoral of our City Councillors, who delight in making Star Chamber sccrots of numerous matters which come before the Committees, and iti which the public are equally interested with their representa tives. These Councillors arc constantly betrayed into angry outbursts because de cisions of Committees are made known to the public through tho press before their highnesses liavo had an opportunity of posing as " sole possessor! of the informa tion," and before) thoy havo oven had a chance of doing the Sir Oracle bofore a select circle of supporters and admirers. Their disappointment and chagrin at being thus deprived of the sensational pleasure of "bringing important recommendations before the Council like a series of .thunderclaps is easily recognisable in tho Reeling which they repeatedly display' in 'denouijci.ng the Star for supplying its readers with depjsjons of committees on important matters hefoi-.e^iey opine through the order "out oud dried" Kouiceu. Cra.: Phillipps, Montague, Dovore, and Gar'catt all waxed warm last night over the repre fW;jßible conduct of the STAR in publishing jfche coiyeijpondence with the Diocesan Trust before they lii^a J^ssn permitted an oppor tunity ,of perusing j£, afrd £!p, fj.arratt even' wesl> of) far as to makeunjust charges ■ the office. Of, Thompson struck at the root of the whole eyil svlj/jji J(9 condemned the present system of keepirig .cgr^iijitteß meet-' jngij prjvate.' Pointing out that they were: pjet to' ivaifgaot -px[b\ici business, he con tended that tli.o committee meetings should

Our city fathers are the proud possessors of a real live horso, and the fact of its boing real and alive, and having an appotito, is a trouble to thorn. The animal cortainly never cost them a kingdom originally, but they aro -mortally afraid tlmt they will be compelled to sacrifice their kingdom to supply it with eatable matter if its present insatiable craving for food continue. Councillor Thompson faced rho difficulty last night by moving that this precious animal be put out to livery, the bills for straw, hay, chaff, maize, etc., amounting- to something at tho rate o!' £90 per annum. Jlo added that ho did not know whether the horse was fed on paint, sugar, or shavings, but tho costli ness of its maintenance was undoubted. Cr. Phillipps ventured to inquiro if it never bolted. Cr. Thompson encouraged his colleague to speak a little louder, whon they would possibly be able to see tho joke that ho was evidently trying to perpetrate, and which seemed to be apparent only to him self, Cr. Garratt suggested that tho horso might havo been fed on gold dust, whilo Cr. Thompson hinted at the possibility of another animal being fed from tho same supply, Eventually it was agreed to place the horse at livery.

Tho Eight Hours Demonstration Com mitteo have to acknowledge with thanks tho receipt of ono guinoa from Father Walter Maedonald to mako up a deficiency caused by Mr Joseph Newman's action.

A largo party paid a visit to Waiwora yesterday in the schooners Gisborno and Cygnet, each vessel having about one hun dred people on board. Tho weather was very favourable, and an enjoyable day was spent.

To the Editor : Sir,—Can you inform me the reason why Remuera, Ellerslie, and Onohunga people arc not allowed tho cheap train fares on Tuesday noxt?—l am, &c, An" Onkiiijnoa Rkamkii. [Ordinary pas senger trains run as usual on tho 20th, and tho excursion faves advertised are applicable to all of them.—Ed. E.S.]

The Auckland horses engaged at tho Tukapuna Meeting will bo conveyed over free by tho Ferry Company's steamer on Tuesday morning, at (i o'clock sharp.

Councillors Thompson and Montague havo tondorcd thoir resignation as mem bers of Finance and Streets Committees respectively, in consequence of tho rejection by tho Council of tho former's proposition to make committees annually elective by ballot.

Tho Auckland Hospital librarian acknow ledges with many thanks the receipt of seventy-three numbers of "Puck," from Mrs Mucdonald, Albert Turk.

Tourists will bo glad to learn that Mr Carter has put on aregularlineof coaches from Cambridge to Rotorua, leaving Cambridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m. (com mencing next Tuesday), and returning from tho Lakes on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 a.m. Single fares, £1 15s; or return tickets, available for one weok from date of issuo, £3.

Wo understand that tho total amount raised up to the present by the Very Rev. Father Walter Maedonald towards the erec tion of tho l'onsonby Church is LGI2 17s. This is the result of one week's canvass. It is hoped that tho whole sum required, namely, LI,OOO, will beforthcomingcrolong.

All persons wishing to partake of tho oiler of the Band of Jlopo Union to provide refreshments in tho Domain on Tuesday noxt should secure their tickets at onco, owing to tho limited supply and the fact that to-morrow is the last day. of sale. Tho tickets aro fid each, and may be obtainod of Mr French, Newton, and Mr Mackay, foot of tirey-street. Thoso not providing for themselves must not expect to bo provided for.

Entries close at Mr Grant's otlice, Queen street, to-morrow evening for tho handicap foot races for members of societies in the Temperance Demonstration. These races aro only arranged for tho amusement of those taking part, but will be conducted upon business principles. Thero aro VI events, which are arrangod so as not to in terforo with the other part of tho pro gramme issued by tho general Committee.

Wo understand that Mr Neville Burnett, of Christclmrch, one of tho Follows of tho College of Organists, delighted a few friends by his masterly performance on St. Matthew's ovgan last evening. The selec tion* comprised a sonata by Mendelssohn, an adagio of Mozart's, Fugue by Bach,two oft'ertoires by Batiste.and a pretty pastorale by Merkcl. The impression produced upon thoso who won) so fortunato as to be present was that it was a pity that tho in vitation (owing to shortness of time) could not have been made wider by general announcement.

Tho trial fours in connection with the North Shore Rowing Club for tho set of trophies presented by the Treasurer will eomu oil'next week. Tho first and second heats will be rowed on Monday, the third and fourth on Wednesday, and tho linal on Thursday. Tho crews are as follow : —First heat: P. Duder, S. McGeehio, \V. Slattery, G. llescott v. G. Wynyard, J. James, It. Logan, J. Dalaloish. Second heat: W. Greenwood, T. Lander, T. Sibbin, P. Wood v. A. Burgess, G. Reid, J. M. Sibbin, and W. Swinnorton. Third heat : J. Webster, A. Buchanan. C. James, W. Wynyard v. S. Burgess, R. Williams, T. Slinn, and W. Robinson. Tho crews will leavo tho Club's shed for the first heat at G p.m., and the start will tako place off Calliopo, Point at G.lf> sharp. Crews not up to time will bo liable to be disqualified.

A letter of a rather important character in which the directors of the City Tramways Company applied for coi tain concessions, was read at tho City Council last night. —It. was asked:—l. That tho time for tho comple tion of tho tramways bo oxtended for a period of six months from tho 31st of noxt March, but without nltoring tho conditions of agreement either as regards the penalty clause or otherwise further than is required tj n-.oot section 15 of the Tramways Act, 1572. 2 That tho Council consent to the company encumbering tho tramways by raising' monoy by debentures, giving .tho tramway with other assets as security. It was explained that delay had beoii caused in tho early stages through tho engineer being disappointed in regard to tho suitability of tho local hydraulic lime for laying tho pornmnent way, rendering Portland cement necessary, while the alterations in tho levels of somo of tho streets by tho Council prevented the work being finished in that timo. Tho estimated cost of tho tramways had been largely increased by tho decision to substi tute a better description of permanent way, and it was doomed inexpedient to mako calls. The letter concluded as follows:— " The material now having arrived, active operations will bo commenced forthwith, and prosecuted with vigour. Tenders havo been invited for laying the permanent way on the western circuit, with the exception of a section on College Road, and a short section in Karangahapo Road,between Howe-street and Ponsonby Road. T'io former section has been loft out of the first contract pend ing inquiries whether it is not desirable to work that section with an endless wire rope, thus securing, although at a considerably increased first cost, a more oliicient service, and giving better security for the safety of tho public." Tho letter was referred to tho Legal Committee.

Tli,o City Markpt House, being a public institution, built with the people's mpnpy, as a place, where Die hard toiling cqnsuinor, would bo pnabled, tp purchase his gopd3 to best advantage, The Auckland Proyision Company, hasdotennlnedUiatforthefutufcitshallbeinado to answer more fully, tho end for which it was built, The Company therefore vary respectfully invites, tho hearty co-operation of tho general public, in order to bring tho aamo to asucccssful issue. Groat benelits are only derivod bytlioso, who make n, wise use of tho means, placod at their disposal. A splendid lot of Hams, Bacon. Cheese, Butler, &c., for sale To-morrow, rotail at wholesale prices, at the " RIGHT " Corner Stall, City Market;" Plcaso call early, to avoid the rush and confusion of tho evening.—A. Bettany, Manager,—[Advt.) Art Union of 25 Prizes, value £132, with 2,000 members, ot Is each. Thorp are 19 Framed Oil Pointings and Water Colour Paintings; also, 100 Water Colour and Supin Drawings, in six collections, by T. li. Comptoj), Associate Iloyal Academy, and his daughter, tho lato Mrs Saltor, and ai-e beautiful works of art. The list is rapidly lining; over 1,300 have been taken up, and will shortly bo advertised. To secure a ticket, early application should be made to Mr Suiter, pr Mr Do Courcy, Picture Frame Depftt, top of Queen-street.—[Advt.) Mr W. Lyons, bookmaker, notifies by ad vertisement elsewhere that ho will publish the names of all backers who havo not settled with him over the lato raco meeting. Mr R, Arthur will sell at his mart to morrow, at eleven o'clock, tho open Bailing boat Nellie ; also half a ton of pig iron. Thefiftlitrip of the Auckland Fishing Club will be to-morrow (Saturday),leaving tho wharf at one o'clock punctually. Murray uyl Osborne's popular shilling Saturday at'ternpon pxcjusipji .will leave Queen street Wharf at 2 p.io, or, Sat'fiFdjfy, January 2(i. for HobHonville and up the hai'bonr, unttor tho personal conduct of Mr A. X, Mupmy, Ex cursionisti' and tourists would do well to avail theniselves of this favourable opportunity of a^Qir,S the beauties-Of our harbour in this direc tion. . 80 pairs Laco Curtains—bought a job. from Home manufacturer'; few slightly soiled, but some very great-bargains amongst them, now being sold at less than wholesale price at i Garlick and Cranwell'H Furnishing Warebcrse, I

SCINTILLATIONS.

Notiiinci in tho theatres,

Tho city is freo of infectious diseases. Tho minors' strike at To Aroha is at an end.

Sir Win. Fox is expected to arrive here on Sabbath next.

Heads havo they, but they think not— Cabbages.

It is proposed to form a Ratepayers' As sociation in Auckland.

To-morrow's steamboat excursion is to Uio upper waters of the harbour. 77,0(J0,0001b5. of copper wero consumed in the United States lust year. Last weok of tho school holidays ; parents aro thankful.

Complete "bluo ribbon" day in the Domain noxt Tuesday—no alcoholic drinks on tho ground. The Governor, with Lady and Miss Jorvois, aro about to visit the West. Coast Sounds.

1,241,870 persons visited the different departments of the British Museum last your.

Why cannot that organist and parson pull together harmoniously V Messrs Jlellaby aro having rebuilt their slaughter-house reeontly burned down at Point Chovalier.

Intending students of Hebrew are again called upon to apply to tho Registrar of Auckland University. The Methodists havo 134 chapels and preaching stations, and own property to the amount of £55,000 in France.

About 1,000 immigrants should arrive at Auckland direct within tho next six months.

London contains upward of a million of habitual noglectors of public worship, and has sixty miles of shops open every Sunday. A lunatic named Rupert Assia, aged 53, escapod from Whau Asylum yestorday. He has fair beard and moustaches, and was dressed in groy coat and white trousers. Tho Aorangi takes 5.00 carcases of frozen mutton from Wellington, and proceeds to night to Lyttolton for remainder of cargo. Yesterday at Duncdin tho New Zealand bowlers defeated tho Victorian team by 99 points against 90. In only ono rink out of live had Victoria a majority of points. An Irishman engaged in fighting a duel insisted, as he was near-sighted, that ho should stand six feet nearer to his antagonist than his antagonist did to htm.

In various parts of Australia there have been groat bush fires lately, some in closo proximity to Melbourne. At Chrifstchurch last night Mr John Ollivier leoturod on land nationalisation to a large and sympathetic audionco. A man working at the Salvation Army barracks yesterday was struck on tho head by a brick, which fell a height of 20 feet. His hat saved him, however, and tho blow, though "hard," was scarcely "felt." Moral for bricklayers—Wear "hard felt" hats.

The Agent-General telegraphs the sailing of tho following steamers with immigrants : —Ruapelui, 132 for Auckland ; Florida, 248 for Otago. Music in Albert Park to-morrow afternoon will, it is hoped,soothe the savage breast of our larrikins, and keep them from acts of vandalism in that boautiful reserve

Ho bowed to her across the tablo at tho hotel at Waiwera, smirked, washed his hands in invisible soap and water, and said—"Oxcuso mo, I think Ihalfmed you at Rotorua dis summers—my name ish Moses." " I cannot recall your faco," she answered airily, " but your name is quite familiar."

J. Massey, tho swindling Town Clerk of Duncdin, was yostorday at tho Supreme Court adjudged to pay to tho Corporation the sum of L 1,500, being the value of debentures stolen by him, and for which tho Council were liable to the original holdorfl.

Said a Newton man to his sharpest son the other day : " James.tako this letter to the post-office, and pay tho postago for it." Jmnes roturncd highly- elated, and said— " Father, I seed a lot of men putting letters in a little placo, and when no one was look ing I slipped yours in for nothing." Yesterday, Mr. Jan. McDonald, M.11.R. for Br.uce, was prosecuted at Dunedin Police Court for failing to furnish a statement of his property under tho Property Tax Act. Some extraordinary evidence was oil'ered for tho prosecution, and tho hearing of the dofenco was adjourned till Tuesday, sth February. At the Wesleyan Conference in Welling ton yesterday, it was reported that build ings costing L 8.500 have been erected dur ing tho year, and debts amounting to L 2,400 have been removed. The following amounts have been promised to tho Church Building and Loan Fund:—Auckland, L 2.217 Us ; Wnnganui, L7BO 10s ; Welling ton, L7B-1 -is; Canterbury, L 2.378 Is; Otago, LSSS Us. Tho districts of Nelson and Westland have yet to bo visited. Twelve gifts of church sites were reported.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Bcforo 11. G. Setli Smith, Eisq., R.M.)

DltUNK.—Tliroo persons wore punished for this oilenco; John Yulo, £3, or U iluys.

Vaokast.—Henry Woods, charged under tho Vagrant Act with having no visible means. —Remanded for a week. Stealing a Watch.—Two small boys, namod Frederick Higgs and Walter Grey, were charged with stealing a watch, tho pro perty of Mr Gosset, of l'arncll.—Mr Cotter for the defence. — Sergeant Wliito asked for a remand, which was granted for a woclc—Prtsonore wore admitted to bail—£lo each. A Summer Tknt. — William Hornsby was charged with stealing a tent, value 20s, on tho 13th inst., tho property of James Griffiths.— Prisoner pleaded selling by mistake.—James Uritllths, storekeeper. Dairy Flat, near tho Wade, deposed that he purchased a 63 cubio tent of Mr Macdonald, of Auckland. Tho tent with other goods wore placed on tho steamer and stolon therefrom. He could not swear to tl-o tent. Jftimg Griffiths., junr,, went to tho Wade for the goods. He missed tho tent on reaching homo. Had soon tho prisoner. Ho had no authority to tako the tent.-Jano Dodd, wife of Jaincß Dodd, farmer, deposed that sho bought the tent ot prisonor for ss.—Constable Ilutcheson, North Shore, arrested prisoner at Kelly's Bush on the charge He said he found it by the road side, and as ho was hard up ho sold it.—His Worsnip said ho would give prisoner the benefit of the doubt, and dis cliuiKod him With a caution. Yooxo Fkkktiiinkicus.—James Lander and Frank Woods, on remand, woro charged with damaging the Wesleyan Chapel, New North ltoad, to tho extent of £s.—Frank Wood Was further charged with writing an obscene monosyllable on tho wall of tho said chapel. —Mr E. Cooper appeared for Lander, who pleaded guilty.—Mi Theo. Cooper appearod lor wood, and pleaded not guilty.—David Olphort. settler, Mount Albert, deposed that he was trustee and treasurer of the Weslcyan Chapel, North Head. On tho 25th December, the chapel was smeared ovor with different coloured paint, and an obscene word written theroon. A tradesman estimated the damage at £5 sterling. —Mrs Anna McMurray deposed to seoing three boys there on Christmas Day. Two of the boys were daubing the board with blue paint. Could not recognise tho prisoners as the boys who committed the offence. She rebuked them, and they went towards the creek.—Lily Robinson, Ivingsland Road, deposed to seeing the deface mont.- Constable Dews laid tho information against tho boys. Ho spoke to tho boys about the chapel. Lander confessed that ho and Wood did the painting. Each took a brUßh from undor the tank. Wood denied the statemont. —Mr K. Cooper addrcsaod the Court on behalf of Lander. He had confessed, and his father was prepared to pay one-half, which ho cousidcred was suflioient punishment, as other boys woro in tho mess. Tho tradesman, ho behoved, who ostiinatcd tho damago, had a job in his mind, and saw a note in the sunny distance.-Fined 59, costs LI 17s; altogether Lo 2s. Wood was dis charged on tho first case. — Sergeant Whito withdrew tho information in tho second charge against Wood. BunotAiiY.—George Evans, alias Sawyor, alias Scanlan, alias Lovo-applo, Winkletop, &c, was charged with breaking and entering tho dwelling-houso of Mary Coyle, Wharf Hotel, and stealing therofrom, on tho morning of I'Jth inst., watches and jewellery, valuo £19 10s.—Sergeant White said thoyo was not tho slightest chance of going pn with tho case to day; ho wpuld rcspeptfnlly ask fpra rcjiVand, —Kemanded untjl Thursday, tho 31st, witnesses to be in attendance at 10.:)0 a.m. Allkokd Indecent Assault. — Thomas Joseph ilenshaw, pt Onplmngft. waH oharged with committing an indocont assault tipon Eliza beth Lloyd on the 11th inst,—Sorgeant White opened tho caso. Witnesses were ordored to leavo the Court.—Mr E. Hcskoth appeared to watch the case for defendant.—Klizaboth Lloyd deposed that sho was ten years of ago, Lived with her mother at Onohunga, Know Mrs Farrcll. Sho keeps a grocer's shop in Princes street. Know Mr llcnshtiw, the accused. He lives in Qiioon-strcet. close by Mrs I'arrell's. Ho is a draper. On Friday, tho lith inst., she wont to his shop with ljttlo Percy Fay-roll. Sho was sent on un errand. My Hcnshaw was dressing his window, and said he had not timo to attend to her. She was to call in half-an-hour. She loft the shop and returned in an hour; Mr Henshaw asked her to K0 behind the counter, and ho woiild sco if he eou'd llnd tho.journal she wanted; she refused to go round; he repeated the request: sho went round; he was silting in a chair; she saw some thin? ;bo took hold of her; put her hand against something; did not know what it was; tickled hey under tho arms and other parts of tho body; she described the assault. Wont and told Mrs Farroll what had taken place.—Cross examined by Mr Heskoth, (The cas;p was pro ceeding on our going to pi'ess.) AILKOED lUpb,—Hunry Gaodward was charged with feloniously and wilfully assault ing Kllen l'aync. and that against hor will he did feloniously ravish and know her in the Domain on the I lth mot. (Adjouynod until Monday next, at l".3O a.m.)

Auckland Sharemarket.

January 25. Colonial Bank-il'uyers. Wa ' Now Zealand Insm-anee— Buyers. 53* Auckland Timber-Buyers, £i .173 64 i aollev3,

£5 »/u gd N.Z. Loan and Mercantile-Setters, «S 17a 6d Caledonian—lls Gd : Piinoo Imperial—2la Cd. IHb ; sellors, Zas Ntw Corby—lb <M ; Boilers, 2a New Find—MsHsOdj aollo»a, los Walorongomai—Buyers, lOd ( sellers, Is J, NEWMAN, Chairman,

RETURN OF LICENSES.

Tin-, following is a comparative return of licenses issued by the Corporation during ISS.'!, and of those issued so far for tho present year. Many other applications havo yet to come, so that thero is every probability of a large increase : — Licenses. 1883. 1881. P.ivatecum 262 Mil Carters 2(J 213 Drivers 11l 90 Carriages 52 ■>'' Stage carriages .. .. :*.9 11 JjO(l£lng-liouuea .. .. iU I Totals BS7 CCT

HEAD-MASTERSHIP OF NEWTON EAST SCHOOL.

Nomination of Rev. R. Coates, MA,

A si'Kcial, meeting of tho Newton School Committee was held last night to reconsider the applications received by tho Hoard for the vacant appointment of head-master in the Newton School. There were present: Mr Joseph Warren, Chairman, Messrs Moll, Sargeson, and Wilkes. Mr Hobson, tho only other efficient member of the Board, was absent, and tho other two members are stated to bo disqualified. As the Committee had previously nomin ated Mr Denis O'Donoghue, head-master of the Waio-Karaka School (Thames), a clear statement of all steps taken in tho matter will best assist in its comprehension. On tho llth inst. the Board received 22applications —with accompanying testimonials—for the vacant head-mastership, and in conformity with its practice forwarded them to the Com mitteo, so that it might make a selection. The Committee met the same even ing, and selected Denis O'Donoghuo, 8.A., for appointment, and the Secretary communicated this decision to the Board in a lottor dated tho 15th. On Friday last, the 18th, tho Board considered this letter in committee, und thereupon passed a resolution which inspired the following answer from its Secretary :—" Board of Education, Auckland, 18th January, 1884. Sir,—l am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated tho 1 3th inst., intimating tho selection of Mr Denis O'Donoghue as head-master of Newton East School. Section 72 of tho Act pro vides that ' no recommendation of tho Board concerning the appointment, &c., of a teacher shall bo considered at a meeting of the School Committeo, unless notice in writing to the effect that such business is proposed to bo presented has been addressed, to every member of tho Committee threo days at least before the meeting at his usual or last known place of abode.' Before considering this recommendation the Board desires to boinformed whether these provisions of tho Act were complied with in regard to the meeting of tho Committee at which tho selection was made.—V. E. Rick, Secre tary of the District School Committee, Newton." To this no reply was sent, but the meeting of the Committee last night was called in consequence of it. When the minutes of tho previous meet ing wororead, the portion referring to Mr O'Donoghue's appointment was expunged, and they were then confirmed. A lottor dated at Hamilton was received from Mr Birnie (one of the coimnitteemen) stating his approval of Mr O'Donoghue's appointment. The consideration of the 22 applications was then entered into. Fivo of them were from B.A's, and ono was from an M.A. Three were finally choson out ot which to make a definite "selection—viz., Rev. 11. Coates, M. A., class 82, head-master, Kamo School; Edwin T. Hart, class D 2, assistant master, Beresford-street School ; Denis O'Donoghue, 8.A., class C 2, head-master, Waio-Karaka School, Thames. Mr Wilmw proposed, and Mr SaRGESON seconded, the nomination of Mr Hart. Mr Mkll saw no reason for departing from the previous nomination. According to tho testimonials Mr O'Donoghuo was best fitted to be head-master of the school, and nothing was known derogatory to his character. He thought it would bo childish to go back upon their previous decision, seeing that nothing hod been adduced which could suggest that they had not made a wise choico.

A desultory conversation ensued, in the course of which there appeared to be strong opposition to Mr O'Donoghuo, although no reasons wore assigned. Finally Mr Mkll, as a kind of com promise, proposed the nomination of Mr Coates. He said that he did so reluctantly, and still believing that Mr Coates was not superior to Mr O'Donoghue. However, a religious feeling, which he was extremely sorry to sco imported into our secular system of education, had been worked up outsido against tho latter gentleman becauso he was a Roman Catholic, and in the interests of the Bchool ho therefore made a compromise. The CIfAIRMAN also expressed his deep regret at tho importation of roligious feel ing into the question, inasmuch as it would furnish to Bishop Redwood and other opponents of the education system a pretext for contending that whoiv. a Catholic applied for a prominent position he could not get it. Mr Wilkks remarked that Catholics already held the highest positions under tho system. Tho CnAtRMAN* suggested that the names of Messrs O'Donoghue, Hart, and Coates should bo forwarded to tho Board, and that body thus loft to make the selection. Ho had been accused of influencing the Committee in regard to this appointment, but ho defied anyone to show that ho had done or even attempted to do so. He would second Mr Moll's motion, but ho regretted that it should go abroad that tho Com mitteo had virtually stultified itself by re versing its previous decision. He did not wish to oxerciso a casting vote, for he did not think the head-master of such an im portant school should feel that ho owed his position to tho casting voto of tho Chair man. He should bo in a more independent position. Mr Mkll objected to the Committee shirking its duty or responsibilities. The Chairman then gavo his casting vote for Mr Coates, saying that he was sorry ho had to do it, not that he had any doubt as to Mr Coates's abilities, but because it would go abroad that the Committco was a pusillanimous body of men who did not know their own mind for a week together. The Secretary was instructed to convey tho resolution to the Board of Education.

EMILY PLACE WORKS.

City Council Legal Committee and Trust

Board to Confer,

This question again camo before tho City Council last night on tho following recom mendation by tho Legal Committee of tho City Council:—"Committee recommend to report that they aro willing to accede to tho opinion expressed by Mossrs Hcskoth and Richmond, and havo invited the Sub-Committee to attend, and Uioy are not availing themselves, and having heard Mr Wade's ostimato of cost, liavo no further recommendation to the Council"—Cr. Dovoro moved the motion as follows, of which notice hud boon given :—" That so much of any resolu tion of tho Council as proposes or agrees to lower tho site of St. Paul's Church be rescinded, and that tho proposed worlts and cuttings in Emily Place bp prpcepded with, according to plans approved and levels as fixed, the sito of St. Paula Church and tho church not being interfered with."—His Worship ruled the motion out of order, pn (he Remind that seven clear days' natioo had nqt been given.—Cr, Dovoro then moved for tho suspension of tho standing orders, but Crs. Thompson and Aickin voting against it, tho suspension was negatived.—Cr. Thompson moved, "That the clause of the Legal Committee's roportrc the cutting down of Emily Placebo referred back to tho Comniittco and that the Trust Board bo invited to confer with the Legal Committee.—Cr.Aickinseconded —It was stated that the reason tho Board did not moot the Committee wus entirely through a misapprehension of the purport of the letter.— Crs. Dovore and Montague both spoke against any further dolay. and expressed ouinfons to the ot»'c;:t tUftt thc> fooling ot the public was now againßt thework, so largo an expenditure being considered inadvisable when drainage and other works wcro so urgently required. They both believed that a poll would show the feeling to be against tho work. Tho motion to defer tho work was put and carried the division list being—Ayes: Messrs Steven son, Crowthor, Marshall, Thompson, Mac kechnic, Field, Aickin, Laßoehe, Burns Holland, aud tho Mayor. Against: Messrs Phillipps, Devoro, Garratt, Montague, and Floming.—Tho Mayor read tho following report from Mr Wade, architect:—"January 23, I*Bl. As requested, I have examined my former estimate for tho lowering of Sf. Paul's Church fin ija present silo and re-budding with the present materials, and leaving it in every respect the samo as at present, and find that it Is correct, but only allows for a founda tion of six feet on an average, and to carry foundations to the depth required a further sum ot £ldO would bo wanted, making a total of £3,000. Tho Bum, I feel satisfied, is ample for the whole of the building operations necessary to bo done to carry out this work, and to leavo in a good satisfactory manner the church at completion.:' ' ~ ,

CABLEGRAMS.

[RKITTKU'S CAIIIKOIUMS.]

(Received 2.">1h—2.30 p.m.) Tho Mission to Khartoum.

Cairo, January 21.—1t has transpired that Colonel Gordon lias been compelled to abandon the idea of proceeding to Khar toum by way of Souakin on the Red Sea, owing to the roads by that route being in tho possession of tho rebels. Ho has consequently decided to go via Korosko, a town on the Nile in North Nubia. This is actually the only road that is open. It is expected that he will start on his mission in a day or two. The Gentian Emporor'a Health, Bkrun, January 24,—Tho Emperor Wil liam in confined to his palaoo through in disposition, and the state of his Majesty's health has caused some anxiety. A Rumour Contradicted. (Received 24th January, 2.0 p.m.) London", January 24th.-—The rumour that Lord Augustus Loftus will succeed the Marquis of Normanby as Ciovcrnor of Victoria in incorrect. Rosistanco to French Claims in Madagascar. London, January 23. —News is to hand from Zanzibar reporting that tho corona tion of Queen RanavolallL, of Madagascar, has been celebrated with great rejoicing. Patriotic speeches were delivered on tho occasion by tho newly-crowned Queen, and by her Prime Minister, both of whom declared their determination of preserving the in tegrity of the kingdom against the French claims, and of refusing to yield an inch of territory at the demandH of the besiegers. PARIS, January 23.—Two transports havo sailed for Tonquin with reinforcements. Pending their arrival no attack will be made upon Baoninh. Violent Storm.- Wrecks and Loss of Life. London, January 23.—A violent storm passed over Great Britain last night. Many wrecks, attended with loss of life, occurred, and several persons were killed by falling chimneys.

Cairo, January 22.—1t has been de finitely decided to relievo tho beleaguered garrisons of Soukat and Tcka without further delay, and active operations to that end are in progress.

[SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, January 24. —Messrs Young and Lark, Australian merchants, have seques trated their estate with time liabilities nmounting to £280,000, and reported assets in tho colonies representing :)0s in tho pound.

Tho Council of the London Chamber of Commerce has discussed tho scheme for tho federation of the colonies as being one for the establishment of a great trades union.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received January 25—1.15 p.m.)

Now South Walos Finanoos.—lncrease in Taxation and Customs Duties.

Sydiiey, this day.—The Colonial Treas urer, Mr Dibbs, made a financial statement last night. Ho estimated the revenue foi' tho present year at L7,0'40,000, a million of new revenue being provided for to meet tho falling off in land receipts. It is announced that a property tax of Id in tho L would bo levied, which is expected to yield L 700.000. A revision of the tariff would bo necessary providing for increases in tho duties on tea, tobacco, sugar, timbor, spirits, etc. The present free trade policy would not be ail'octed by these increases. The Statement was well-received by the House generally. Destructive Bush Fires. Sydney, January 24. —Disastrous bush fires have been raging to-duy in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, and have caused great destruction to settlers' pro perty in tho district. Melbourne Wool Sales. M.klhouknk, January 24.—At their wool sale this week the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) catalogued 2,loobales, being mostly scoured wools. There was a large attendance of home and foreign buyers. There u'flslittlo change in tho market, which continues fairly active, and competition is woll maintained, (iood wools are anxiously desired. 1,900 bales were sold, and 200 withdrawn. The Polynesian Labour Question. Bbisbake, January 24.—1 n the Legisla-. lative Assembly this aftenujpn., the Polynesian Labourers' Bill was brought up for discussion, and read a socond timo.

OPERA HOUSE.-"Hamlet."

Miss Greenwood as Ophelia,

A crowded audienco waa assembled within the Opera House last night to witness tho performance of " Hamlet" with Miss Green wood in the role of the fair, soft, but hapless Ophelia. As in " Romeo and Juliet," so in this play, a very sympathetic reception was accorded the young and clever debutante, and her histrionic essay met with hearty appreciation. Excepting an artificial man nerism of unduly prolonging the enunciation of particular passages, and a noticeable slurring of the letter " r," no serious fault could be found with Miss Greenwood'selocu tion, while her acting was really astonishing for one of such tender years. Sho was particularly effective in "the mad scene," the distraught airandbearing being cleverly simulated, and tho snatches of old lays being sung both clearly and plaintively. The study is not so difficult as that of Juliet, but there must havo been niuoh less time for preparation, so that the success of tho portraiture is quite as marked. Miss Pomcioy's Hamlet has already been noticed, so that it is unnecessary to say more on this occasion than it was an impersonation of acknowledged power and very great ex cellonce. Both principals appeared before the curtain to receive tho plaudits of the "house." Mr Elliott made a heroic and loving Laertes, Mr Appleton a goo'l Ghost, Mr Hall a satisfactory King, and Miss B. Lowis a creditable Queen. This lady shared the honours of a, call boforc the curtain with Miss Pomeroy o,nd Mr Elliott. Mr Dillon appeared to advantage as Horatio, Mr Joyce sustained ably the part of Polonius, and Messrs Kennedy and Foley as First and Second Gravedigger respec tively, acquitted themselves well. The remaining parts invite no special remark. A four weeks' season of singular success has now ended, and while the Company must bo pleased with tho very liberal support they have experienced, the public can be no less gratified with tho great merit of tho performances they have witnessed, and the elovating and ennobling tendency of tho plays tiiat have been pro duced. On both sides there must bo a feel ing of satisfaction in roviowing the season, tempered with rogret at its closo, and Miss Pomeroy may rest assured of a cordial wel come when sho returns. Tho Company left by tho Hauroto to-day for Wellington, whence, after playing a short season, they go on to Tasmania.

REGATTA NOTES.

There has boon a slight rumpus \n the Pop sonby Rowing Club, the rcßult of which is that several of the juniors who wcro training for the whalcboqt race are expected to stand out. The sclioon- re Cygnot and Gisborno wero out torn trial in Oie harbour yesterday afternoon, iho now vessel sailed very prettily, und ap peared to got through tl\e water faster than her companion. She did not, however, actually " run away " from the Gisborno, as sonic pooplo appeared to anticipate, but yet proved herself a very smart vessel.

Denny Holland's new yacht was launohodfrom Bailey s yard to-day. She is to be sailed in tho Rogatta by Boyd, Tho St. George's Bny Rowing Club whale boat is to bo rowed in tlio Auckland Regatta by a Thames crew. The Waitematu. Boating Club's new whale boat is to bo launched to-morrow. She is to be called the " Waitemata." Her crew will com prise :-G. Findlay, No. 1; Moore, 2; Scott, 3 ; Maedonald, 4; F, Finlay, stroke; Johnson, steer oar. The some club sends a second crew in the \oung Colonial, viz.: , 1; 11. Slade, 2; D. Sladc, 3; Flynn, 1; Gapes, stroke; C. Hill, steer oar, AH have been in training for several weeks. The now racing whalcboat built by White, of Mercury Bay, arrived here by the Rowena yesterday morning. She is to be pulled in the Regatta by a crew from the Ponsonby Rowing Club, comprising the following :—Messrs White (2), Brown, Smith, •Letham. The cutters Tokcrau and Sovereign of the Seas and ketch Fanny Thornton have been docked for cleaning in preparation for tho Rogattc. The cutterMahurangiliasbcen hauled up on Henderson and Sprnggon's slip for similar treatment, Several scows are aleo receiving a general overhaul in order to be in readiness for the Rejjatta,so that the iirst race of the day will probably luivo more competitors than is usual. The senior whalcboat race will bring forward five entries, viz., tho "Waitemata." "Young Colonial." a Wairoa crew (Warbrick's boat), a Ponsonby crew (White's boat), and a Thames crew in the St. George's Bay boat. A correspondent writes to say that " Tho Small Yacht Race (J to 1 tons) is likely to fall tii )>ough owing to the ownors of the Jessie Logan Glanpe, Minx, Tamure, Toy, and Magic being opposed to Mr Stono sending his yacht for this race, as slip is considerably largor (although en titled to enter, than tho abovc.namod boats Thoy think Mr Stone should sond his boat for the Large Yacht Race, for it will bo a pity if this race should fall through, as all tho boats, with the exception of tlio Tawcra (Mr Stone's) are very evenly matched,"

MINING NEWS.

[riY TKLEfiIIAPH.—OIV.V COIIRKRI'ONDENT,]

Thames, this day. Datit.—The two branches of No. 2 reef in the western drive, No. 3 level, are separated by 7 feet of mullock, and the manager is following the footwail portion, which is 2 feet thick. A small parcel of picked stone lias been obtained from it, and another from the fourth stope eastward of the winze.

New Pjiince Impkuial. — The eastern drive in No. 5 level is now in the vicinity, when No. I! of tho Beach reof was expected to be found, and a small vein visible in stones may prove to b.i it. The reef in the winze is becoming somev. liatlarger, and gold is still pcfii. A hanging-wall branch driven upon for a few feet from the western stopes has produced about lOlbs picked stone. Twelve stampers at the battery were brought to a standstill for 24 hours, owing to the breakage of tho shaft, but are again working.

KuiiDMUi Hill.—Colours of gold wero seen to-day in tho drivo recently com menced on tho tribute reef.

MoANAT.uAni.—White tributers crushed 4 tons for 200?.5. lGdwts. gold.

COROMANDEL.

Coromandel, this day,

ToKATKA.—The manager reports as fol lows:—No. 7 level: The only change at this level is the alteration of the underlie or cleamgo of the country. It used for merly to run with the drive, but now It crosses the dipping at the same anglo as tho big reef, and is still very hard. The prospecting stopes in Nos. 1 and 4 winzes have not as yet cut anything payable. They are in from 14 to 1C feet "each. The leader looks promising in No 4 ; the others are rather broken. Tributers Knox and McNeil are on gold in tho upper stopes. They have about oO pounds speciraons on hand. They have agreed to the Companies' proposal of half the proceeds of treating tailings. The sixteen ounces of amalgam will bo retorted today, January 23rd. Corby.—Getting splendid show gold stopes, low level. More expected to-day. The face on tho reef is also looking well.

TE AROHA.

Te Aroha, this day.

Close of tho Minors' Strike.

The Btrike will soon be at an end. The wages men have started in the Premier, and even tho most hotheaded of the strikers do not see the advisability of hold ing out longer. I predict that in a week all will beat work.

Tho tramway men were notified yes terday of tho intention to reduce their wages, and they are to givo an answer whether they will accept it or not to-day. The battery amalgamators have been re duced from £4 to £3 7s per week. Tenders are to be in to-morrow for the erection of a berdan house. It will be 80 feet by 40 feet, and will contain G8 berdans ; only 34 however, will be placed just now. It will cost £2,500. The tailings will be sluiced from tho battery to tho tailing plant, and. deposited in pits between the berdans. The Isveesess daily expects to out the reef.

The Low Level golden loader, cut laßt week, augurs well for tho reef. PiKENix.—Nice golden stono coming to hand occasionally. The tramway manager has recommended the Piako County Council to let the working of the tramway by contract, tho contractors guaranteeing to send so many tvueks per day at a fixed sum per tvuek.

NATIVE OBSTRUCTION AT WAOTU.

[BY TEIKQIUPn.—OWH CORRESPONDENT.;)

Cambridge, this day. Mr Swbpixo, surveyor, returned to Cam- UrUlgo last evening from Waotu, having been forcibly obstructed in laying off the snb-divisions of Waotu South block by Unatuaio and Ngatingaronga followers. About four a'clock on Wednesday, Mr' Stubbing started to run a line through tha disputed territory, when the natives? who, up to now, had been stationed at intervals over the block, gathered in about him. On putting the first pole in the ground, Nataua who appears to be the chief inciter. ordered two women to go and pull it up which,they did. Mr Stubbing tken fixed lus instrument, when, at the command of Ivata.ua, two women came forward, and, after some resistance on the part of the surveyors, took possession of it, and they still retain it, The survey party then returned to. their camp. who.. tuaio states that the only way Harry Symonds can get possession of the land is by walking over his dead body. The natives were not armed while the above scene was being enacted. The matter has been reported to the Suvvey Department, and it is thought likely that the obstrue tionists will now be proceeded against in the local court.

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Thk weekly mooting of this body was held this afternoon. Present; Messrs S. Luke (in the chair), \V.. F. Bnckland, Theo. Cooper, D. H, McKenzio, J. \V. Carr, and F. J. Moss.

Chairman's Report.—The Chairman re ported that Mr J. M. French had been sent from the Training College to take temporary ohavgo of Pollok school during the absence of the teacher, and thAt tho completion of tho school boundary fence at Newton East at corner of Canada and Upper Queen-streets had been authorised.—The report was adopted. Tendkrs.—Tho following teudew were received for building a now school at Otara:—Smith andßowe, L 735: Wrteley and Hancock, 1,1,045 ; T. W. Maunder, hl&li A. J. Hazard, L749.—Smith and Rowe's tender was accepted, and also their tender for fencing. District Scholarship.—The Chairman reported that the namo of Christopher James Parr, aged 144, Waiokaraka School, had been omitted from the list of successful candidates in District Scholar ships' examination, and placed before the Board on the 18th inst.—lt was agreed to award the lad a scholarship. AuoicwNn City.—lt was resolved upon tho application of this Committee to procure for them the requisites necessary for starting the Kindergarten system of in struction as an experiment. Maketu. —On the motion of Mr Buckland, the Board's resolutions of August and September last were rescinded and the determination affirmed of opening a school there upon an average attendance of twenty being guaranteed, and a building provided free of cost for two. years,

Pak^kll, — Application was made for authority to cover a oouvt with galvanised iron, so as to afford the scholars shelter out sido school hours, it was decided to obtain an estimate of cost.

Reporters at Committee Meetings.— Mr Theo. Cooper gavo notice of the follow ing proposition :—" That to Standing Order No. 8, which now reads, 'All meetings of the Board shall bo open to tho public, but the Board may resolve itself into a commit tee of the whole for the discussion o! matters of a private nature,' bo added the words, ' and in such case tho reporters for the Press shall have tho right to bo present.'"

The Annual Meetings. — Mr Moss pointed out tlio advisability of arousing the public to a sense of the importance attached to the forthcoming annual meetings of householders, and therefore moved: " That notice be given in to-morrow and Monday's papers reminding tho householders of the several districts (1) That during the past year the Board decided to givo to School Committees tlio largest powers that tho Education Act permits; (2) That these powers practically include the appointment of teachers, and the control of the school; and calling upon the householders to aid the Board in continuing this policy by attending the election meetings which aro about to take place, and thus securing that the Committees with which the Board is brought into communication 6hall be fully and fairly representative of their several districts."

Mr Theo. Cooper took exception to the representations of the Press that the Com mittees had solo charge of-school matters .in their districts,, and that the members of the Board wero. simply the nominees and servants of the Committee. For that reason he suggested the exclusion of the second paragraph from the motion. They were merely, bound to attach weight .to tho recommendations of the Committees.r-r Mr.Moss denied, that, the, Committees were the servants of. the Board, .or that they were in any. sense subordinate to it, seeing *hat they wero directly answ.erablo to thepousor holders., The Board should consult its own dignity by interfering as little as possiblein the details of tho various districts,

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1884



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