SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

umu to-atwp JThis Evening, 1.8 HlliH >VAlEK^ To . morrowMol . ninK 14 9 BUNSET.-This Kvening, 7.18 BUNRLBE.-To-morrow Mornlnrr. 4.5S

MOON'B AGK.-New Moon, 25tii, 1.10 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

HnurctO, S.S.. Kennedy, from the South Waitaki, s,s., Crawford, from Whangarel Forest Queen, ketch, from Oamaru

DEPARTURES.

Macgrcgor, a.s„ Johnson, for Whangarci Tataroa, s.s., Parsons, for Gishorne Hauroto, s.s., Kennedy, for Sydney Syren, brie, McAveney, for ltaipara Energy, schooner, Coopor. for Grcymouth

IMPORTS.

Per Hauroto: SSO packages sugar, 100 bags rico, 203 boxes tea, il cases tobacco, l-'G baps baric. 668 sacks wheat. 50 sacks innlt, I nr-casks wine, 10 bags tapioca.

Inwards Coastwisk.-Fannie, from Wha ngapoua, with 30,000 feet timber.

Outwards Coastwisk.—Ocean, for Whanga mata; Rata, for Waiara.

The ketch Forest Queen arrived from Oamaru to-day after a lengthy passage of 33 days.

Thosteamship British King left Lyttelton for London yesterday, with a full cargo of produce and a Dumber of passengers.

The schooner Energy, for Whangarei, and the brlgantine Defiance, for Whangarou. cleared at the Customs to-day.

Vie s.s. Taiaroa left for Gisborne and South era ports last evening. • The s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarei last evonlng, with 120 sheop. 20 kegs butler, 2 tons sundries, and the following passengers :—Jlcs dames F. F.Day and Wilson, Misses Smeaton, McKcnzie, Wood and Wilson. Messrs Hrewcr and son, Mariner, Sykc, W. .1. (Jeddia, Home, Phillips, Ormiston, Kay. -Mr and Mrs Petry, Mr and Mrs H. V. Abbott, and G in steerage.

ARRIVAL OF THE HAUROTO.

The 5.9. Hauroto arrived from tho South about eight o'clock last evening. Sho left Port Chalmers on the 3rd at 8.30 p.m.; Lyitelton, 4th. at midnight; Wellington. 6th, at 1(1 a.m., and Napier at 11.30 a.m. on the following day, Hadllght variable winds botweon Port Chalmers and Lyttelton, thence to arrival fresh head winds throughout. The Hauroto met the R.M.s.B. City of Sydnoy off Cape Colville at about 5 o'clock last evening, and she there transhipped two bags of mails, from tho South for London. The Hauroto brings the following passengers :—Miss L. Brodziack. Messrs .1. C. Remington, H. J. Case, Dr. Hughes, -Mr and Mrs Cottorill. Mr Klingender, Miss Remington. Mr and Mrs G. Clark. Miss Hughes, He v. J. Bamler. Messrs T. D. McMnstws, Johnston,and S. MoMasters. Stcorngc: S, Levy, Cabin, for San Francisco: Mrs Stfllwcll. Mr J. II Wholoek and wife, Mr and Mrs Dnvoison, Mis Mary Bow. :Mcssrs W. Hasluck, W. H. Taylor, M. J. Roberts, Robert Dixon, Madame Murielle, Dr. G. Spellini, Mrs Chapman and Miss Chap man.

PASSENGERS FOR SYDNEY.

The following passengers left for Sydney by tho steamer Hauroto late this afternoon:— Misses Moffat and O'Sullivaii. Mrs Hcrtie, Dr. and Mrs Lenderllcld anrl child, Sir James and Lady Prendergast, Mrs Barker and child. Miss Barker. Mr and Mrs Carter, Rev. J. C. Downey, Rev. W. Cocks. Messrs Logan, Salsbury, Rankin, Renshaw. Mayberrv. A iiiob, Westloy, George, Ivcy. Sharp, Harper, Kentledge, Knight, and Pike.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell, this day.—Sailed: lona, for the North. Dunedin, this day.— Arrived: Missionary aohooner Daysprlng, from Sydney.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Kaipara Hbads. Wednesday.—The barque Freetrader, brigantines XiKhtingale and Darcy Pratt, are all still lying here windbound.

Hei.enbviixe, Wednesday.—The s.s. Durham towed tho three-masted schooner John C. Smitli to the mills here yesterday to load.

COMMERCIAL

Etekino Staii Ofkice. this day. Messbb S. Cochrane & Son held a sale of 508 books to-d«y, comprising biographical, his torical, scientific, and other [works. There was a good attendance, and satisfactory pricos were realised. So voral book-eases and cabinets wero also disposed of.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Maim will Close as ukdbr :—

This Day.

For Thames, per Enterprise, at 3.30 p.m,

Thursday, 10th inst. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 10.30 a.m. Kor Waiwcro, To ICapa, Craigiebiirn, and Warkworth. per Hose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Friendly islands, per Sandfly, at II a.m. FoF.Waitara, etc., per Argylo at II a-m. For Gisborne. Napier, ami Southern Ports, per

liotomahaHa, at 11 a.m. For Tauranga, Ohinomutu, and Opotlki, per

Glenelg, at i p.m. For Mangawai and Kaiwaka, per Douglas, at

5 p.m. For Thames, per Anno Milbank, at 5.30 p.m. For Wliangarei, Whangarei Heads, and Kanio, por llowena, at 1 p.m.

Friday, 11th inst.

For Waiheke, Cowes, and Coromandel, per

Coroniandol, at 1. 0 p.m. For Whangarei Hoods, Parua, Waipu, 'Whan) garei, Kamo, Taiigihua, mid Mangapai, per Macgregor, at 4 p.m.

Monday, nth inst.

For Russell. Kawakawa, Fiji, and Samoa, per Penguin, at 1 p.m. S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Summer Cordials.—Those who use Sclt Bogenes should try Aickin's Genuine Fruit SYRUPS — guaranteed freo from artificial essences—Raspberry, Nectar, Black Currant, Lemon, Ginger, Sec, (in quarts), at 2s 6d each. Address: '•The Pharmacy,'' Queen-street.

. It is recorded in ancient history of ono Poly bus, that ho could tell (or at lea-t assumed to say) how every battle Alexander lost might have been won. But this was beyond the scope of human power. The highest genius of geno ralnhip sometimes fails, under the force of ad ventitious circumstances. Doubtless, thousands have striven to utilize the juniper berry, and there may be knowing ones who, liko Poly bus, might undertake to pay how its essence could bo best extracted. But nothing has ever been produced like Udoi.l'lio Wolfe's Schiedam Akomatic Schnapps. It stands alone, liko tho one Alexander.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January ?, 1881,

Abbott's Opera House.—" Gymbellno," 8 p.m. Religious addresses an prayer, etc., at St. James 7sand North Shore Presbyterian Churches, and at Ponsonby Weslcyan Church, 7.30 p.m.

H.A.C.B. Society, Juvenile Contingent, 7.30 p.m.

Working Men's Club—Quarterly Meeting ol Bricklayers' Labourers' Society, 7.30 p.m.

Protestant Hall, Newton—Annual Session ol Grand Orange Lodge of N.Z. Open at 5 p.m.

Births.

DONALD.—On January 2, I£&4, at hpp resi dence. Duke-street, Nowton, the wife Of w, T. Donald, of a daughter. MILLAR.—On December 27th. 1-83, the wife of Walter C. Millar of a eon. WALLACE!.—On tho 7th January, at Brighton, Parnoll, tfc.o vvifo of Mr William Wallace of a daughter.

Marriage.

LOWRIE-PLUMMER.-On January Bth, 1881, at St. James's Parsonage, by the Itov. Mr Macniool, RobortLowWoto Elizabeth Hj)#nah Plummer, both of Thames.

Deaths.

BLAKE.—At Drury. on January 9, AVilliam Blake, aged 26 years. Deeply regretted. Funeral will leave his mothers residence at 8.30 p.m. on Friday, tho llth January. Friends pleaso accept this Infjmation.

TOOKEY-—At Camp Farn?. Otahuhu, January 8.1881, Elisabeth Tookoy. ag«l IB years. Funeral will loave Camp Farm for Otara Cemetery, at 3 o'clock on Thursday, 10th. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1881.

Kor the cause that lacks assistance, JTor tho wrong that needs resistance, War the futuro in tho distance, And the good that wo can do.

Auckland, and Now Zealand generally, would have suffered a loss had Mr Wbifc aker not spoken last night on the recent Conference at Sydney. His utterances form a valuable contribution to the general knowledge of the cognato movements for Federation and Annexation now engaging the attention of Australasian colonists. In several ways, much-needed elucidation of the work of th.c Conference was given, and the various steps which that body had taken—even its exclusion of the Press, which Mr "VVMtaker opposed—werefully and clearly justified, Jt wasinevitable.that reter. ence should be made to Sir George Grey's connection with the subjects which were specially before the Conference, and we were pleased to note the freedom with which the speaker of hvst night ac knowledged that gentleman's labours, and his own willingness to co-operate with him in forwarding the extension and con. aolidation of -British power in the Pacific. Comparison is also inevit able between the address of last nieht and that delivered a few weeks ago, on the same subject and In the same place, by Sir George Grey. It IS iio disparage ment to either to say that Mr Whtfafcer's address was the more practical of ths two, while Sir George's was the more and pregnant. That they should have been so is a necessary result of 1, con stitution of tho two men. Mr Wlntaker works from the solid base of the Presented

though not blind to great future possibili ties, confines his chief attention to the existing state of things, and tho necessities of tliepresenttinio. SirGeor»e, on theother hand, has .1 grand and vivid vision of the Future, and he seeks to shape present legis lation and events so as to bo worthy of and preparatory to the coming condition of things. Yet both arrive at conclusions wonderfully similar—proof, it. may be held,. of the inherent correctness of these con clusions—both being agreed ns to the neces sity for federation, the advisability of an nexation, and the means which ought to bo employed to attain these ends. We think, however, that Mr Whitakcr takes too sanguine a view ci tho Federation question. Unless the subjects in regard to which the Federal Council shall exercise authority are strictly defined and circumscribed, there will be a danger of the Australasian Dominion falling under the sway of a crush ing centralism which shall cripple natural expansion and endanger individual liberties and rights. Sir (ieorgo Grey, with his clearer insight into the Future, foresees the danger, to New Zealand especially, which is wrapped up in the Federal proposals arrived at by tho Conference. Not only may wo at some crisis be induced to barter our national existence and independent rule for a tempting "mess of pottage," but wo may at any time be outvoted in the Council, and bo forced to accept of laws directly aimed at our interests. It. is no doubt true that a federated Australasia is a necessity, especially for purposes of defence. But there can be no good end served by even opening the door for the complete amalgamation of the different colonies under one central government.and we have no doubt that our legislators, when the draft of the Federa tion Bill comes beforo thorn, will mako such amendments on it as will secure us against a possibility of that nature. Meanwhile .Mr Whitakcr deserves the hearty thanks of the community for his able exposition of "tho subject, and his clear statement of tho work of the recent Con ference. —_________——

The Survey of the Trunk Line.

An adverse fato would seem to bo pursuing the exploration of a railway lino through the Mokau country, which is undoubtedly tho best route for completing the connec tion between Auckland and Wellington, by providing tho missing link between To Awnmutu and tho present Taranaki terminus of the line. There are, of course, people who would suggest that the real cause of tho obstruction to tho exploration of the route named is an adverse Native Minister, who is over ready to point to per verse natives as tho ostensible cause. Wo do not say that such is tho case, but tho contradictory accounts which are published of the failure of Mr Carkeok's party to penetrate the country, givo ground tor grave suspicion that there is some ileus »'.'• miii'hina at work, quite apart from the Maori bugbear and the favourite "bogey" of impracticable country. Tho Press Association account, evidently got from Mr Carkeek himself, is as follows :— "New PLYMOUTH, Tuesday.—Mr Carkcek, surveying tlio Mokau route, has returned with the balance of his party. Ono man strained himself, and had to bo sent for medical aid ; another is sick with fever. This and the swollen rivers through constant rains has impeded progress. No great engineering difficulties wcro met with." This is plain and straightforward, and gives quite sufficient reason for the abandonment X)f the attempted exploration for tho present. Neither engineering difficulty nor native difficulty is hinted at as the cause of the party turning back, but simple and natural, through deplorable causes—sickness, acoi- I'ent, and Hoed-.

But a different complexion is given to the report when it has filtered through ollieial hands into tho columns of this morning's " Herald." This report,apparently obtained from the Native Ollico, and having quite a " semi-official" air about it, states : —" The Hon. Mr Biyeo received a telegram yester day stating that Mr Carkeok had been battled in his attempt to get through tho country at that point of tho Mokau which ho was instructed to explore. Mr Cnrkeek telegraphed that the natives had turned him back from beyond tho Ohura district. He added that tho country was exceedingly rough beyond Tongarakau, and that it was impossible to get a good lino." This clearly betrays the bont of tho official mind, which in this case is the mind of the Hon. John Bryce, to whom our grateful morning con temporary suggests banquets and laudatory addresses. Tho illness, accident, and floods are carefully ignored, and we aro asked to believe that it was the natives who turned Mr Carkeek back. Nay, more, the samo Mr Carkeek, who at New Plymouth reports " no great engineering difficulties," is niado to say "that it is impossible to get a good line "by tho Mokau route. Which story are we to believe '! If wo tako that which has the most craisemblancc we shall accopt that received through theusual nowsehannel iij preference to the ono which comes through the official filter. Mr Bryco's known attitude on tho railway route ques tion, and the preference which ho never fails to show to his beloved Wanganui country, justify the suspicion that the wish is father to the thought of tho Mokau route being impracticable, and call for a jealous scrutiny of all his actions in regard to the trunk railway. Tho Auckland public arc doubtless expected to be pacified by the announcement that Government will make another attempt to explore the Mokau route. Wo hope such exploration will be thoroughly and honestly undertaken, and that no sham pretence of native difficulty will bo allowed to interfere in the carrying out of a national project in the way most right and economical and conducive to tho interests of tho whole of the North Island.

At tho annual meeting of tho New Zea land Insuranco Company this afternoon, it was resolved to pay a dividend of 3u per sharo for the past half-year, making a total of Gs per share per annum. The dividend is payablo at the head office to-morrow.

To make room for our report of Mr Whjtaker's interesting address on Federa tion and Annexation, we have been corn palled to hold over the concluding portion of our co-respondent's letter from New Guinea.

Tho business at tho Resident Magistrate's Court to-morrow (Thuisday) will be un usually heavy, and will probably take several days to complete, there being no less than 120 cases on the Kst.

The directors of tho Now Zealand Ship ping Company) Limited) yesterday declared an interim dividend for the half-year past at the rata of 10 per cent, per annum. The dividend is payable qn ,11st instant.

The road from Cambridge tp Rotonia is now open. Tourists will be enabled to go through in ono day, Mr W. K. Carter, the enterprising coach proprietor, having made all necessary arrangements to enable travel lers to do the distanco in a reasonable timo uml with comfort.

Mr A. DeWslpHammond. 8.A..F.R.H.5., toll recently Head-master, and Mr A. F, T. Ansley, lately an assistant paster in f] le Church of England Grammar Soliool, #t l'arnell, have been appointed to important posts in the Sydnoy Grammar School.

At tho Harbour Board meeting yesterday afternoon it was agreed, on tho motion of Mr L. D. Nathan, seconded by Mr O. Mays, to appoint another pilot, in view of the in creased duties attached to tho present pilot service.

The usual treat givon to tho various charity schools of Auckland by tho Union Steamship Company teok placo to-day, when the steamer Penguin, crowded ;yith children accompanied by their guaidifiiis and a large number of friends, made a iviff tp tho protty island of Motutapu, owned by Messrs Reid Bros. - On the way oown i,]}a timo was occupied principally in singing, ftsfrcsh ments being distributed at intervals by the .officer? of the ship, who with Capt. Cromarty, the commander, did all in their power to render the trip a pleasant and profitable one. The steamer wan expected to roach Motutapu shortly'after II .'(/.clock, when it was intended to land ail her pa«ser,gprs in boats, and permit them to find amusement ashore, for which provision had been made. The Penguin will probably return to town about eight o'clock this evening.

It is expected that the races to be held at Whangarei on Friday and Saturday next will be a great success. Country settlsrs and natives aro arriving in tiie township from I $11 dirsctions, and the utmost bustli and activity prevails in anticipation of the sport. Special excursion trips from Auck land are Adyertiw by tijp Waitaki and Rgtv&na, which leav.e .to-jiiorrgv ,eva;iing, the former vessel taking the local horsey free of charge. An Impassion appears to preyajj fo Auckland th/fct thie course is a dangerous and brc&k-neck ,o«c, bi/t such ;'/,>. not the case. It is perfectly level, and a gang of men have been employed for the past five weeks clearing it of atones. Mr Bedlington has laid off the course with a due regard to the avoidance of sham o'urvps, and tho result is that the radius of the various curves .is not less than six chains. " . ' \ , ' '.'•'"' . ''

At tho Drill-shed last night, the first parade of the Victorias for tho new year was held, and tin: Company has certainly started well, for there was n splendid muster of all ranks. The new uniforms, consisting of scarlet tunic, with dark facings and white braid, dark blue trousers, with scarlet stripe, and dark helmets with silver mountings, look very soldierlike. Messrs White and Watkinson, of Victoria street, took the measures of each member of the Company.and forwarded them Home, where the uniform was made up. After somo drill, the Company assembled at tho Park Hotel, where' the health of Captain Makou and the Company was toasted. The Victoria Company certainly are to bo congratulated on being the first to appear in the regulation uniform.

To the Editor : Sir,—l see through your paper that Murphy and O'Brien are to box for tin a-side, and tho light-weight championship of Auckland. 1 think it would have looked better had they left the championship out, as they will have to de feat me first.—l am, fee, E. Donovan, Light-weight Champion of Auckland.

The Welsh people aro cordially invited to a representative meeting to bo held this evening in the Young Men's Christian As sociation rooms. The advertisement appears elsewhere. Matters of special interest will be discussed; ladies will be welcomed to the meeting.

There aro no less than fourteen candi datesfor the postofDeputy Harbour-master, which Captain John MeKonzie has just resigned. The Harbour Hoard has referred the applications to the Works and Tarill' Committee, which is to select three for presentation at a special meeting on Friday afternoon.

1 ho installation of R.W.M. and officers of Lodge St. Andrew, takes place on Friday evening next, in Freemasons Hall, and it, is expected that the gathering on the occasion will bo both numerous and representative. The lodge will be opened at Ci.JO p.m., so as to admit of business being disposed of before SI o'clock, at which hour a ball to coinmemoratethe event will be opened in the lower hall. Brethren desirous of being present at the ball should make early appli cation for tickets as, the number to be issued is very limited.

To the Editor :—Sir,—ln your issue last evening a person who signs "No Stamps" complains he cannot get receipt stamps in l'arnell. It would seem as if ho had had a long sleep and justwoko up. Allow me to inform him that receipts stamps have been for some time abolished, and that he can on all occasions be supplied with the stamps used in lieu of them at. tho circulating library and depository, Manukati Road, l'arnell.—l am, Sec, K.T.T.

Much satisfaction has been expressed by persons living northward on learning that Mr I'hipps has been appointed to his well worn seat on the Arch Hill omnibus. The road, in wet weather, towards Avondale is often in a terrible condition, and it requires a steady eye and firm hand to compete with the dangers that may so easily bescl us under a less experienced coachman. No wonder therefore that Mr I'hipps hasmot with such a hearty new year's greeting from his old friends.

Tho Fire Brigade shad which is in course of erection alongside tho Ponsonby Hall is now approaching completion. It is a very serviceable building, and will admir ably answer the purposes for which it is designed. Tho apparatus with which it is to be supplied is already in stock, as well as the plant necessary for the proposed shed near the Kyber Pass reservoir. Tho Ponsonby shed is to bo supplied with the further adjunct- of a tire-bell, ami some six or eight men will bo told oil to rendezvous there. Theso steps should im bue tho working burgesses of Ponsonby with an increased sense of security against tho ravages of the remorseless tire fiend, and thus tend to deepen their slumbers.

Tho polico appear determined to put a stop to the dangerous practice of driving at other than a walking pace round streot corners. At tho Police Court this morning no less than live persons were punished for this oll'eneo, although all kinds of excuses were made iv extenuation of their conduct by the accused parties. In one case it ap peared that a cabman named Win. O'Brien, while driving rapidly from \\ ellesley-street into Queon-streot, brought his Vehicle into collision with another cnb, and narrowly escaped causing serious damage. Ho ex plained that ho was in a hurry, and was going at a "slow trot." Another person named Robert Campbell pleaded that he was at the time driving a gentleman who was continually hurrying him up because ho wished to record his vote at the Grafton election on December 19. A third uiado a lengthy statement, denying everything said by the police, tho result of which was that llis Worship rocognised the fact that ho had made a false statement and doubled the line in consequence.

Larrikinism appears to be upon the increase in l'arnell. At the Police Court this Ynorning, threo young men, named George Peters, Charles Peters, and Frederick Reeves, were charged with wantonly disturbing an inhabitant, Mr George Gilbert, by knocking at the door of his houso on the night of December 27. Constable Hobson "stated in evidence that he was near the top of Parnoll when he hoard voices of a crowd hooting, yelling, and otherwise disturbing tho inhabitants. A young lady was driving along tho road, and this crowd, which turned out to bo a band of larrikins, directed sundry rude remarks towards her. Ho fol lowed them until one of them knocked at tho door of a resident, after which all ran away. The defendants pleaded not guilty. Ono of them explained that the young lady referred to belonged to till " lodge " which they had just left. She was a " sister," and ho was sure sho would not be offended by tho few rciparks that they passed. The easo is reported in our Police Court news.

A meeting of tho Benevolent Society was held last evening in the Chamber of Com merce, Bishop Cowio in the chair. Mon signor Fynes, Rev. A. Rcid, and Colonel Haultnin woro present. Tho latter gentle man brought up tho resolutions of the Sub-committee, which have already been published, as to the best means of carry ing out successfully tho objects of tho Society. Tho resolutions wero carried unanimously. The following gentlemen wero tho elected officers for the comin^ year :—President: His Worship the Mayor"; Vice-Presidents: Mr J. M. Clark and Colonel Haultain ; members: Mesdames Brame, Cosgrave, Cowic, John Hay, Jiuhl, T. Macffarlane, D. Nathan, and A. White ; Messrs John Buchanan, T. Buddie, T. Cooper, W. C. Daldy, H. C. Greenwood, 11. Keesing, T. Macffarlane, C. C. McMillan, Dr. J. Murray Moore, Messrs L. 1). Nathan, T. Peacock, and W. Thorno. Tho appoint ment of a secretary and treasurer was deferred until suitable gentlemen could be found to fill those important oilicos. Tho following resolution closed the meeting : — "Thfi General Committee shall iill up any vacancies that may occur in thoir numbers during the yoar, and shall havo full power to take such stops and mako such regula tions as may bo necessary for tho proper working of the Society."

Mr McDonald's report upon tho Calliopo Dock, wherein at tho last moment ho altered his ostimato of cost from £120,000 to fl/GJOO and recommended a ro-consi deratfon of tho specification 60 as to eliminate tho Portland cement, which ho had previously considered so essential, pro duced a rather warm discussion at the Har bour Board meoting yesterday afternoon. Mr Mays was of opinion that a man who vacillated as Mr McDonald had done in regard to tho dock was not fit to have charge of such n job. The suggested return of the unopened tonders,too, would bo both unfair and undignified. Tho Chairman moved that tho whole matter should bo referred to tho Dock Com mitteo, and that tho tonders should n»t be opened. Mr J. M. Clark, in soeonding the motion, said that the whole thing ri> fleeted anything but credit on their Engi neer. He had led the Board astray by almost committing it to tho construction of a dock altogether beyond its means. It was a very serious matter. Mr Mays repudiated the blunder on behalf of tho Board. The Engineer had received curie blanche to do whatever ho liked with the dock, provided the cost did not exceed £120,000, and it had taken him a year to find out the fitness of the local hydraulic lime for the work. Aypayago he said that Port land cement w.as indispensable, and, in reply to Mr Waddel's direct question, ho had declared that the work could be done for £120,000. Nothing could excuse his treatment of tho Board. Messrs Lamb and Aickin followed in tho same strain. The latter gentleman said that the Engineer had been bbnvoftod »t the eleventh hour to a faith in the virtues of jfojjurangi lime. How wore thoy to know that his opnncn on Mahnrangi lime would not also undergo a change ? Mr tyaddol reminded the Board that the Engineer had declared that £120,000 w.oul.d (cppipleto Jdjp ylfoje work, jnclmJipg lnaohinery. His opinion Jiad not been changed through his own experimpnts pud calculations, ijut though thp informa tion ga{i)Wl fcopj persons coming to tho offico to talta out the qusjititiGs foi> tho purpose of tendering. The report and tho tendors were referred to the Dock Com mittee,

A special meeting of the Harbour Board is called for Friday first, at 2 p.m., to con sider tho recommendation of the Works and Tariff Committee and appoint a Oeputy llarbour-ni aster.

Mr W. 11. L.angbridgo.of this city, has in his possession the skin of a snake found under peculiar circumstances. At tho Theatre Royal, Calnntta, when the box of one of the Pollard Juvenile Opera troupe was opened,the skin was found among the dresses,showing that the reptile had found i's way there, lmd east its skin, and made its escape.

The work of discharging cargo from the steamer Triumph has been proceeded with during the last few days, and she has already assumed a much more upright position than she held upon her arrival here last. week. Mr D. Gouk was on board this afternoon making a personal in spection of the damage sustained by tho forepart of the vessel with the object of temporarily repairing it, which task ho proposes to accomplish from tho outside. This is rendered necessary preparatory to docking the steamer.

The next trip of the Auckland Fishing Club will be on Saturday next, the 12th inst,, leaving the wharf atone punctually.

A glove contest is announced to take plaro in the Theatre Royal to-night for 115 aside, and the light-weight championship of Auckland. Tho contestants are W. Murphy and M. O'Brien, who will doubtless show somo good sport. This contest, wo arc informed, docs not at. all affect Donovan, who is heavy-weight champion of this city. Besides the principal "sot-to" tonight, there will also be bouts between amateur boxers, including O'Monra, Burns, Curby, Slack, and two Melbourne men.

By advertisement in another column persons desirous of studying for the medi cal profession, and who would become students in Auckland if a school of medi cine were attached to tho University Col lege, aro invited to send in their names, ages, and addresses tc the Registrar, Dr. Kidd, before the 15th instant. With a population such as Auckland now possesses, and in view of the advance of the province generally, there appears to be every in ducement for such an institution as a school of medicine, and there can be no doubt that there arc many young men hero who would do honour to Ihe same.

Since we made reference to tho action of the AuckHmd Kogotta Committee in ex cluding Lane and Brown's new schooner from tho Champion Race at the fort V: oming Regatta the subject has received much public attention, and tho general conclusion appears to bo that the Committee acted very unwisely. Tho Champion Race, it is well known, is carried out yoar by year with the object of encouraging the local builders in their ell'orts to turn out not only s-ub stantially built craft, but also vessels with gooil sailing ability, and there can bo litt'e doubt that the inducement hold out in this respect has in the past given considerable impetus to the trade. Why then should an exception lie made this year, by the intro duction of a rule, the sole object of which appears to be the exclusion of a vessel which in all other respects excepting being " liconsed or registered before tho Ist of January, ISS4," is competent to take part in the champion nine. The matter is one of great importance, and should not be let pass without further consideration. We undestud that Messrs McArthur & Co., for whom the new vossol has been built, havo written to the Comir I teo pro testing against the regulations already ([doled and claiming the rigid to enter tho schooner. It -is exjwjotcd that in conse quence, a meeting of tho Committee will bo held at an early date for rc-considcration of the matter. It is very desirable that upon that occasion there should be a full attend ance of members, and that, for the credit of our pott, such an absurd regulation should be rescinded.

SCINTILLATIONS.

Tin-, Water-Mark—The blno ribbon. I'erinissablo Poaching.—The poaching of

" Oynibcliiic " in the Opera House to night.

Had as tlio world is.rospoctis always paid to virtue.

The Polks open in Timaru noxt week. A Flower Show—A fashionable lady's bonnet.

Modern Axiom.—Poverty is no disgrace to a man if it is honestly come by.

The 200 assisted immigrants by tho Victory and Trcvelyan havo all got work in Otago.

Settlers in Taumnga district have subscribed f r>oo as a reward for tho dis covery of a payable gold field in that dis ttict."

A man who has tried it says that all tho shortcuts to wealth are overcrowded.

Woodyear's circus is presently at Timaru.

It is reported that Donald Dinnio, tho athlete, means to settle in Dunedin.

Tho Judge and Grand Jury at Christ church comment on tho increase of in decent assaults on children In that dis trict.

"Jones, did your family ever havo any interest in the public stocks?" "Why, y-e-n, zur. Mygrandfcoather stood in 'em onco about four hours."

Tho " Lyttelton Times," noticing Mr Vaile's proposals for railway reform, sug gests an experimental trial of tho system on a section of tho railways. The "Otngo Daily Times" thinks it is tho duty cf Government to indict Captain llrothorton for a broach of discipline under the 117 th clause of tho Sliipi ing and Sea man's Act of 1877.

Spanking Criticism.—Charlos Lamb Konnoy, being on a visit at tho seaside, was asked how ho liked the place " Well, sod he, " I don't sco anything particularly striking, except the smacks on tho face of tho ocean."

Captain Kenneth Korr, of Cisborno, who was of noblo blood and a relative of tho Duke of Bucclerch, died yesterday, of cancer.

A man, lately married, was asked at tho club about his bride, "Is she pretty J" "No," roplied he—"she is not; but she will be when her father dies !"

Kate Boyle has beon found guilty of child-murder nt Wellington, but tho jury hold sho was insane at th • time.

A newly-engaged man has jiij*t discovered that the best time to propose to a girl is when her little brother is not hiding under tho sofa,

Ilov. J. Cairns haR jeen appointed Moderator of the Christchureh Presbytery for the ensuing year. A well-known Otago resident is to bo prosecuted by Government for neglecting to send a statement of his property, as required by tho I'aoporty Assessment Act.

MINING NEWS.

[BY Tl'.M'.OKAril. —OWN CORKESPONDENT.]

THAMES.

Thames, this day. Tin: first paragraph in Monday's mining news should havo been headed Waiotahi, notWaitoki, and the roturn is .')00ozs, not.lo, as stated by mistake.

Darwin.—The western drivo has been suspended temporarily, and tho manager has commenced a cross-cut into thofootwall about 14 foctsoaward of tho shaft, for tho purposo of intersecting tho branch loader. Splendid country is being penetrated. Cambria.—Tho eastern drivo has boon extended 35 feet, but no improvement is noticcablo in tho reef, which consists of a mere formation 15 inches thick, bounded by well-defined walls. The country is excel lent sandstone, and a considerable quantity of water is issuing from tho face.

SPORTING NEWS.

The Northern Jockey Club Meeting.

[l!Y TELECIBAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Whangarei, this day. Tiik following acceptances and entries have been received for tho Northern Jockey Club Mooting, which takes place on Friday and Saturday noxt: — Northern J.C. Handicap, 1J railo. St lb stlb Libeller .. ..8 12 Mystery .. ..7 5 Yuba Hill.. .'. 8 1 Kalo ..7 4 Woodpecker .'. 7ld Sfrathcarrt ..fit Dewdrop .. ~ 7 S Alaska .. :. 5 7 Harold .. „ U Handicap Hurdles, st lb stlb Woodpecker .. 11 10 Fly 10 0 Kailf^yqy ~11 0 Trovatore.. .. 9 8 ' Maiden Hurdles. —Fly, Speculation, Amateur, Waitaki, Over' tho Hiljs, De ception. FivfN'o Stak'"' — Libeller, Yuba Bill, Woodpecker, Kalo, Jl'ita, Stanley, Mus keteer. Beeeiitjon. Settlers' Stacks.—Deceiver, Maid of Athons, Alaska, Linotte. Maiden Plate.—Eight nominations. The course is in splendid order; and the Northern horses havo mostly arrived. : .

CABLEGRAMS.

[REUTER'h OABLKCIRAM3.]

Abandonment of tho Soudan.

Cairo, January 7. —It has transpired that the Khedive has agreed to the demand of the British Government regarding the Soudan, and has now definitely decided to withdraw the troops therefrom, and to post a strong garrison at the entrance to the Desert, in the neighbourhood of the second cataract on the Nile. It is believed here that the Khedive will ultimately place the Government in the hands of a Cabinet formed exclusively of British subjects. Colonial Exhibition in London. LnNboN, January 7.—The various Colonial AgenlH-Gencriil to-day waited upon the Duke of Buckingham, Chairman of the Executive Commission for the Colonial Ex hibition, to beheld in London, in 1880._ Jim (Iraco took occasion to urge the colonies to tako an immediate share in tho exhibition ol matters connected with health and nuni tation, to be held in London this year; also to cable the amount of space they will re quire, and stated that the timo for tho re ception of exhibits had been extended Sir I. Cunlille Owen, who was present, urged that the attention of the public, should be called to the colonial products by arranging for exhibitions of cooking and eatables. Tho Agents-General cordially acquiesced in tho suggestions of the Duke and Sir Cunlille Owen, as likely to lead to results both useful and beneficial to the colonies.

Mr Murray-Smith, Agent-General for Victoria, has hinted to the Duke of Buck ingham that it is unlikely that the colonies will forestall the Kensington Exhibition of 1880.

London, January B.—Latest reports from tho Islo of Wight say that the prospects of saving the steamer Duke of Westminster are not hopeful.

[SPECIAL TO PRKSH ASSOCIATION.]

Lonhon, January B.—The steamer Naomi, belonging to Queensland, has made a trial trip ami gained a speed of 15 knots. Hhc takes her departure for Sydney on the 14th inst.

The Panama Railway Company have yielded to the request of M. de Lessens.

It. is reported that tho triple alliance will not permit the overthrow of King Alfonso.

Riaz I'asha having refused tho vacant seat in tho Egyptian Cabinet, Nu bar Pasha has been summoned.

The French pross are unanimous in con demning the proposed abandonment of the Soudan.

AUSTRALIAN

(Received Jan. 0, 1.1.1 p.m.)

ilui.noiKNK, Wednesday.—Sailed, last evening : Waihora, for BlutF, Frozen Moat. Lo.s'iiox, January B.—The cargo of frozen mutton by tho lonic, from Lyttelton, arrived in good condition generally, but a ptart was damaged by liro (.tic), A quantity of the shipment was placed on tho market today, and realised s^d per pound. T'lW cargo of mutton, ex steamship Cliim boriuco from Sydney, is fetching 4:/ d per pound.

SUPREME COURT.-CRIMINAL SITTINGS.

This Day.

(Before Ilia Honor Mr Justice Gillies.) Fraudulent Debtor.—Angusto Baffin was charged upon an indictment with attempting to defraud his creditors by removing tho sum of £210. on the 7th of October, 1833, and to which tho prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Mr Napier appeared in defence, and submitted that the in formation was bad and must be quashed. The indictment did not show where tho moneys wore removed to. nor did it show tho amount of the judgment in the action Hancock aud Co. v. Ratlin.—-Mr Williamson loplied.}—His Honor said ho was not prepared to quash the indict mont: it could only be quashed when so defec tive that judgment could not be given. The essence of the oll'eneo in this hidictmont was sufficient The insertion of the minute par ticulars mentioned by counsel was not an essential ingredient in the indictment. Ho could not see how the prisoner could bo embarrassed. The case must proceed.—David Itobert Colwcll. a partner in the firm of Steen and Co., deposed that ho know the pri soner as a customer of tho llrm. Ho was in debted to the ainountof £16, balance of account. Ho met prisoner in Auckland. Know that ho had disposed of his business as a storekeeper near Whongarcl. He asked prisoner what ho was going to do ( He said, go fo my old busi ness as cook. He referred to the debt, and promised lo call and settle it on that evening or the next day. Prisoner did not call. Tho debt still remains due.—Cross-examined by Mr Napier: James Hutlcr Stoney, Clerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court, produced certain documents, showing that Augusto Ratlin, store keeper, was sued by Samuel Jaggcr, of tho firm of Hancock and Co., and plaintiff obtained a judgment for S'2" IBs, costs £5 12s, on tho 25th of "August.—Mr Napier objected to this ovidoncc by Sir Stoney alono from the mero rocord of tho Court; something moro was noccssary.—His Honor said tho bett possible evidence should be produced.—Mr Williamson said ho would bo able to produco all that, was necossary further on.-Samuel Jaggor (Hancock and Co.), brewer, lCvbor Pubs, deposed that ho knew prisoner, who carried on tho business of a publican and storekeeper at Nungururu. Witness thon gave particulars of business transactions. Prisoner was indebted to the firm. He got judgmont, but had never received the money. Prisoner had promised to settle on disposing of his gum.— To Mr Napier: Prisoner novcr disputed the account.—Philip Lompriero, clerk and collector (Hancock and Co.). proved that tho money duo on tho judgment hod not lrnen paid.—Charles Southwell Shavle George, solicitor (Hughes and George), deposed that ho issued the summons on behalf of Hancock and Co. upon defendant. Judgment was recovered. He conducted the ease. Defendant called at witness's ofHce and wished him to withdraw proceedings and ho would pay on a certain day. Saw no more of Baffin until ho saw him in charge of tho police. —Arthur Heather, merchant of Auckland, de posed that he first saw prisoner on the 2!>th Scptembor: ho was introduced by his confiden tial clerk, Mr Uoonlin; Ituflln owed a little over £100; ho said he had sold his business, and Intended to pay him by cash and bills tho noxt day; he said he was going into business again ; anil he (Mr Heather) promised to assist him if present matlors were settled satisfactorily. Ratlin did not call according to promise ; he mot him in tho street; he Bala there was a deed wanting, and without which he could not mako good the title. Baffin seemed very hazy, and »ald tho matter was In tho hands of Mr Alexander. He accompanied Baffin to tkat gentleman's office. Mr Alexander said tho papers wero taken from Baffin, who flew into a violent passion. He tr.cn agreed to give promiieiry notes, and pay tho next day. Be wished for a cheque on account, as he brought money with him, and sehl gum In Auckland, Ho agreed to make some little allowance; saw no more of the Srisoner; received the premispory notee from Ir Alexander; the unpaid balance duo is £240. —John Maolty Alexander, solicitor, of Auck land, deposed to the Interview and conversa tions ho had with Mr Heather and Ratlin, and to receiving the promissory notes, which wero paid over to Mr Doonin for Mr Heather.— Sergeant Major Pnrrty, of Tarnnaki, deposed to arresting the prisoner on board tho steamer under the assumed name of Andrews. Ho denied that his haino was Baffin. These being tho niatorial points of the ovidonco, counsel, on botii aides, acdresscd tho jury, and His Honor gummed ut). and loft tho oaso to tho deoision of the jury.—The jury found the prisoner guilty.— His Honor said prisoner had boon found guilty upon tho clearest evidence Ho would, how ovor, take into considok'ation tho fact that ho had been in prison boiiio months, and give him comparatively a light punishment.—Six months' imprisonment with hard labour.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before 11. G. Soth Smith, Esq., 1i.M.1

Round the Coiinkrs.—C. Chambers, William O'Brien, James Gibson, and Robert Campbell, were oach charged with committing a breach of the city by.la%vs by driving round stroet corners in town ivtothor than a walking pace, and woro lined 5s and costs. Wm. Kent, for a similar otl'ence, was lined 10s and costs. A Wandkuino Hohsk.—M. A. Radnor, for allowing his horse to wander in Albert-street, was lined 10s and costs. Larrikinism. — George Peters, Charles Potors, and Frederick Hooves wero charged with wantonly disturbing an inhabitant of Par noll, viz., George Gilbert, by knocking at his door on tho evening of Dec. 27.—Defendants pleaded not guilty.—Constable Hobson stated that theso boys with others wero disturbing tho inhabitants of Parnoll by hoo'ing and yelling, and knocking at tho door of a resident.—Reeves statod that the young man who knocked at the door was in Court, and would admit having done so. Neither of thoso charged was the culprit- George Peters and Froderiok Reeves were dis missed with a caution, and Charles Peters was (Inert 5s and costs, Assault.—Charles Farrcl and Wm. Neill were charged with unlawfully aseaulting W. J, Maxwell by striking him on tho neck and breast with their clenched fists on Dcoombcr 25. Tho chargo was proved against Neill, who was fined 20s and costs, and ordered to find two sureties of £10 each to keep the peaeo for threo months.—The charge against Farrell was adjourned for a week, owing to an orror in serving the summons. Pawnbrokers' Act.—Thomas .Tamos North was charged with a breach of the Pawnbrokers' Act.—Adjourned till Monday next. Another Assault Case.—John Bell was charged with assaulting John Warnock by striking him with his clenched fist on January Ith last. In this case, it appeared that Messrs 801 l and Warnock had haa a dispute about Bomo land, over which the formor alloged ho hud been "sold.- Words led to blows, and Qiuh etatpd fliat ho had been beaten by the other, 'f'ho capo was proceeding at a late hoijr this afternoon.

THE LATE FEDERAL CON FERENCE.

Tubllo Address by the Hon. F. Whltnlter.

In compliance with an influential requisi tion, tho Hon. F. Whitakor (one of the two New Zealand delegates at the recent Inter colonial Conference on Federation and An nexation) delivered a public address last night in the Theatre Royal, with respect to its deliberations and the questions it was called to consider. Amongst those who oc cupied seats upon the platform, there were the Hon. E. Mitcholson, Mr Justice Gillies, the lions, .lames Williamson, and I. Dignan, M.L.C., Bishop and Mrs Cowie, Messrs ,1. C. Firth, D. L. Mur doch, llaleombe, J. Lamb, Suporin tondant Thompson, P. Larkins, Councillors Field, Holland, Phillipps, Marshall, La Roche, and Garrett, Rev. S. Goldstein, Major Harris, M.H.R., Seymour George, M. tI.R,, Dr. Purchas, Messrs W. Gomo, P. A. Philips (Town Clerk), J. M. Brig ham (Secretary Harbour Board), .1. M. Clark, Thomas Peacock, M.H.R., W. F. Rockland, H. 0. Seth Smith, R.M., 0. Mays, J. M. Shera, 0. F. Bourne, R. llobbs, M.11.it., Theo. Cooper, (i. \Y, (iriliin(U.S. Consul), G. Holdship, .1. New man, J. A. Tole, M.H.R., A. E. Isaacs, C. E, Button, M. A. Clark, A. Boardman, C. B.Stone (Chairman of Harbour Board), J. P. Maxwell (General Manager of Railways), P. Comiskey, G. W. Owen, F. Lawry, F. D. Rich, S. Jackson, jun., and W. Mc- Cnllough,Messrs Hurst and Moss,M.H.R.'s, were also present. Tho attendance in the body of tho hall was rather thin, the stalls only being lliree parts full when the meeting was opened, and the number present in the dress circle being very meagre. The Mayor and the speaker of tho even ing were received with applause. His Worship immediately opened the proceed ings. The Hon Mr Whitakku on rising was greeted with renewedapplause. Hesaid that it had not beon matter of surprise to him to find on his return from the Convention a general desire on the part of his fellow citizens to hear an account of the proceed ings thereat, which, no doubt, had proved interesting to them. Having assured him self first that such a deliverance would not in any way complicate the projected action of tho Government, ho had very willingly acceded to the request that had been made to him. Tho subjects which the Convention met to consider were deeply interesting to the trader, tho merchant, and tho philnntro phist, and must be of peculiar interest to the people of this part of New Zealand. While, however, he was highly pleased to sco ladies present ho feared thathoshould fail to render the matter suliic'ently interesting to them. In the first place he had to say that the proceedings ut tho Convention were of a most friendly character, every delegate seeming earnestly impressed with a consciousness of his duty to the colony lie represented, Ho only hoped that if ho were ever sent to such a Convention again be should meet with similar gentlemen. The first decision was tho lion-admis sion of tho press to the sittings, which ho opposed, although ho felt constrained to admit that the reasons given for the exclu sion of the pross were satisfactory. It was not considered desirable, for instance, that long speeches should be made with a view to their publication in the papers, but rather that the discussions should assume a conversational form, There was too a soronoss of feeling on the subject of French penal establishments, and it was not deemed prudent that such expressions of opinion as might bo made should go forth to the pub lic, while, as the Now South Wales Parlia ment was at the time sitting and consider ing now land laws, it was held to bo inju dicious that the views of tho Convention should bo imported into that Senate. For these combined reasons the proceedings woro kept private. Mr Whitakcr went on to recito tho causes which led up to and formed the ration d'etre of the Convention viz., the action of Queensland in April last, in authorising the formal hoisting of the British flag in New Guinea, and thus pro voking a despatch from Earl Derby, which suggested united action on the part of the colonies. Queensland again took the initiative in consequence of this despatch by asking tho Premier of Victoria to con vene a Conference of representatives of all tho colonies. Mr Service undertook die duty, but difficulties aroso with New South Wales in consequence of its Parlia ment being in session, but they were over como by Sydney being chosen the place of meeting. Other difficulties arose, and woro also surmounted. That of the number of dolegates was overcome by the decision that the voting should be by colonies, and tho difficulty about the choice of members from political parties wasalsosettled. (Avoice: "SirGeo.George Grey was not there.") As Sir Geo. Grey's name had been mentioned, ho might say that it would havo afforded him very great pleasure to have co-operated with him, but it would havo been an invidious thing for New Zealand to havo been tho only colony to appoint a member of the Opposition, see ing that the various Governments were bound to action in conformity with tho views of their representatives. Ho himself was tho only member of tho Convention who was not in oii'ico. Tho very eloquent lecture which Sir George Grey delivered in that building on tho Conference, had to some extent cloarcd the ground for him, by shewing the people that they had duties, responsibilities, and interests in theso matters. Sir George Grey, however, spoke boforo tho Conference, and he was speaking after it. After stating who were the dele gates present at tho Conference, and de scribing how it had beon agreed to admit Fiji to representation, the speaker asked if tho colonies were not fully represented by tho men who held oil! v -id .-. , cquontly who were in the coniiii..... ... ...u people. [A Yoico: " Everyono was, except New Zen land."] The colonies woro not bound by their representatives, for tho proceedings of the Conference had yet to bo ratified by their various Parliaments. A peculiar fiaturoin connection with the proceedings was the lodging of a solomn protest on tho pait of the Sandwich Islands, or what was callod tho Hawaiian Monarchy, as represented by its Tasmanian consul, Mr Audley Cooto, against any projects of annexation as "unjust to a simple and ignorant people," and as "subversive of those conditions for favourable national development so haprjily accorded the Hawaiian nation." The "simplicity" of tho South Pacific islanders perhaps con sisted in their murdering and eating white peoplo ; and as for tho national develop ment of tho Hawaiian MonareJiy, tho in iiuonee upon its own subjects of those con ditions which it feared should be subverted was such that,while the population 60 years ago was 250,000, ton years ago it had declined to 40,000, and at tho present time was not more than '25,000, so that in another generation or two at the present rato of decadenco it would be extinct. Its development, therefore, was towards annihilation. It was a monarchy carried on for the bonofit of tho sugar planters of California, and"oonsequently its protest did not carry much weight. Besides, Mr Audley Coote, who was at Sydney at the j time.combinodhlssolemnfunctionsasCoiisul I with his pr(vate interests by endeavouring to secipp a duplication of tho cable.. Not withstanding tho fact that the Conference sat in Sydney, the utmost ignorance pre vailed both among the press in that city and in tho Parliament with respect to the dolcgated powers, tho objects and in tentions of tho Convention, ono alarmist actually stating that the people might wako up somo morning to iind their libertios and privileges bartered. Tho three subjects for tho consideration of which tho Convention was called were the proposed annexation of New Guinea, the federation of the Colonies and the South Pacific islands, and the aotion of France in proposing to ostablish eonviot stations in tho South Pacific. Other questions wore suggested through the press and in other ways, and, had they taken them up, they might have been sitting still. For instance, one gentleman was anxious that means should be taken to colonise tho islands with soals, and another that concerted action should bo adopted for the extermination of the rabbits. The first resolution tabled was—"That further acquisition of dominion in tho Pacific, south of the Equator, by any foreign Power, would bo highly detrimental to the safety and well-being of tho British possessions in Australasia, and injurious to the interests of the Empire." It covered the whole ground, but the representatives of New Zoaland thinking that it was not sufficiently specific, movedasanamendment, "That this Convention respectfully sug gfists that its objept may be eflecti\ally attained in respect of islands not connected by treaty or otherwise with foreign Powers, by cosjion, annexation, or a protectortite, an l^ay be most suitable in each case." It was not adopted, a,s it was thought to look too muol) Ijke dictation to the Imperial Parlia ment, They also proposed, "That this Convention has no desiro to impose undue burthens either upon Groat Britain or Australasia by any attempt tq colonise or settle any of those islands, and therefore proposes to limit occupation to such an

extent only as will be sufficient to prevent interference by foreign Powers, and will enable Her Majesty's Imperial Government to establish a jurisdiction by Orders-in- Council, similar to that now in opera tion under the Western Pacific orders, but applicable alike to tho :subjects of foreign nations- as tho British subjects." It was the common opinion that a jurisdic tion should be set up which would restrain the excesses both of British subjects and foreigners as well as natives, and there were three modes of doing this, viz., either by cession, annexation, or by establishing a protectorate. It was not desired, however, to seem to dictate to the Imperial Govern ment, and therefore the representatives of New Zealand, with the concur rence of those of Victoria, with drew this amendment in favour of ;i proposition by Mr Berry, to which the following addition was made:—" That this Convention refrains from suggesting tho action by which effect can best be given to the foregoing resolution, in the confident belief that the Imperial Government will promptly adopt the wisest and most effectual measures for securing the safety and con tentment of this portion of Her Majesty's dominions." Perhaps, it was not direct enough. With respect to New Guinea, they were aware that it was ono of the great highways of this part of the world. It was divided'by the 10Ith degree of longtitudc, the Dutch owning half, and the other half commanding the Torres Straits. We had already possession of one end of Torres Straits, and in order to avert tho possibility of a hostile power gaining the other end and molesting the commerce of Australasia, it was very desirable that we should establish ourselves there also. It was likewise important that some means should be taken to ensure good order, and to put down outrages in New Guinea, for trade was rapidly springing up there, and it was a trite proverb that trade followed tho flag. According to a statement made by the Agents-General in their letter to Earl Derby the trade with the New Guinea islands had,during thelast ten years, amounted to Jt'6',480,936, and that trade was constantly increasing. Of that trade.New South Wales got the greater portion. It employed 1,305 vessels of a total tonnage of 395,391 tons, and had, in the time stated, imported from those islands 12,147,8.%, and exported £2,720,227 ; Victoria had imported £IGL\O9">, and exported jC110,(i47 ; Queensland had imported £2,899, a.id ex ported £8:1,800; and New Zealand had imported £700,223, and exported £.148,187. The trade, therefore, was of very great importance,and, if wisely fostered, it would largely and rapidly increase. At present New Zealand had a good share of it, and that share was capable of very great exten sion. These islands of New Guinea, how ever, were not lit for ordinary colonisation, inasmuch as the climate was not suitable for European constitutions. We should establish stations thero for the purpose of guaranteeing security to life and property, missionary enterprise should bo promoted and the natives encouraged in the cultiva tion of sugar and similar products. No greutermistuke could bemade than the enter tainment of tho idea that the colonies were tempted by the desire for tho acquisition of land, and tho resolution passed by the Con vention on the subject not only afforded a full answer to this misapprehension, but adequately expressed the mind of the Con ference upon it. It was as follows : — "That, in the opinion of the Convention, no purchases or intended purchases of land, before the establishment of British juris diction in Now Guinea or tho other islands, not having a recognised Government, should be acknowledged, except land to be occu pied for missionary or trade purposes;" and even then that no purchase of land should be admitted, except by the Crown for like purposes. A Voice: " But you havn't got New Guinea,') He was not by any means sure of this, and in his opinion the gentleman who ventured that assertion would ere long sco the announcement in print that wo had New Guinea. (Applause.) If there was no such intention, why should the colonies have been asked to confer on the sub ject ? It was his belief that within six (Continued on Fourth Page.)

CORRESPONDENCE

Proposed Honours to the Native Minister.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Tho "Herald's" proposal to present congratulatory addresses to tho Nati'"e Minister on the so-called opening of the King Country (some people say it looks moro like the absolutely closing it up for many years to come) will fall Hat upon the inhabitants of this part of the colony.

Mr Bryce will have to divest his move ments in this matter of the secresy and mystery with which he has enshrouded himself before he can expect Auckland to endorse the policy he is pursuing. The open ing of the King Country is not a work of to-day or yesterday, but dates back from a timo when " the King Country " was really a por tentous term, synonymous almost with the whole of the North Island, and wo have to thank a long lino of statesmen, native ministers, and colonists—from Sir George (ircy downwards—that the comparatively small corner of this province now known as the King Country is all that is left of that once great question. Still, however much has been achieved in the past, and however insignificant remains to be done in our day, it is of special importance to this part of the colony that the last remnant of native trouble and obstruction be equally, carefully, and successfully removed. Whether or «ot Mr Brycc is moving in this direction it is im possible to say, as ho carefully avoids taking the - public into his confidence, and no one really seems to know what stops he is taking or what policy ho intends to adopt in regard to that part of the country. We all know this, that tho natural progress of the colony, the persevering efforts of many spirited pioneers amongst our colonists, and the increased intelligence of the natives themselves, had, previous to Mr Bryce's appearance on the scene, been rapidly disintegrating the old Maori ideas of obstruction to European settlement with in the boundaries of the King Country} and it is stated that the leading chiefs of the Kingparty had already arranged with Auck land surveyors to map acd bring before tho Court tho whole of their lands with a view to both sell and lease to Europeans. On the other hnnd,it is rumoured that Mi Bryce has put his veto on all such private negotiations, and ignores every transaction likely to interfere with his scheme, what ever that may bo. Some say it is pre-emp tive right he wishes to revive, notwithstand ing our bitter experiences in the past of that miserable figment of despotic policy. The "Herald" tells us that "substantial bene fits " are to be bestowed upon the natives by Mr Bryce's system, and that they need have no care for to-morrow under its beneficent provisions. The natives themselves say tho scheme provides that they will never be asked or permitted to part with the free hold of their country; that Europeans will only be allowed in as tenants at big rentals, sufficient to maintain the whole of the tribes in. luxury and easo for all time ; that an aukati of tho severest Crown type, in lieu of Tawhiao's impotent one, will be established to prevent all attempts at obtaining frcoholds for the people ; and that generally a Maori millennium is about to down at last as an atonement for Mr Bryce's harsh treatment of To Whiti at Parihaka and of the race generally. If this is an approximately accurate sketch of how Mr Bryce proposes to "open the King Country," then you arc right in suggesting that congratulation at present would bo somewhat premature, and in another letter I purpose showing how utterly delusive tho scheme, if attempted, will be to tho natives themselves, and how unjust and disastrous it threatens to bo to tho interests of Auck land and the colony at largo. UriURZKN. Auckland, January 7, ISS4.

OPERA HOUSE.-"East Lynne."

There was another crowded audionco at the Opera House last evening, when the Pomeroy Company appeared in the emotional drama, "East Lynne." Miss Louise Pomeroy appeared in tho dual parts of Lady Isabel and Madam Vine, with Mr Arthur Elliott as Archibald Carlylo, Mr Applcton as Sir Francis Levison, Mr Joyce as Lord Jit. Severn, Mr Kennedy as Dill, Mr Arrowsmith as Kichard Hare, Mr Newman as Justice Hare, Miss Bronton as Barbara Hare, Miss Lewis as Joyce, and Miss May as Wilson. Mr Bryant took the part of a police-officer, while Miss Thorn ton appeared as tho child, Tho impersona tion of both Lady Mabel ai\d Madam Vine by Miss Pomoroy was olovor and well sus tained throughout, and sho was honoured at tho close of each act by a call before the curtain, The other members of the Com pany ably performed the parts allotted them, and " East Lynne " was played to the thorough satisfaction of n, largo and appreciative, audience, " Cynibollno" To-night. This evening Miss Pomoroy will appear in liar great impersonation of Imogono in Shakespearo's "Cymbelino." This will be the. first production of "Cymbelihe" in Auckland. |, -.■'•'.

TELEGRAMS.

[FKOM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Gold Prospecting at Bay of Islands.

Russell, this day.—A meeting was held last night, at which it was decided to form a prospecting company to test the reefs at Rawhiti for gold. A number of shares were taken tip in the room.

The Regatta Committee have added a decked boat race not exceeding 7 tons to their programme.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.J

Wellington, this day.—The Takaptina, from the Manukau, was unable to call at New Plymouth this morning, so that the Premier will come overland to Wellington probably arriving here to-morrow afternoon.

At the Supreme Court to-day, Elizabeth Trenery was convicted of larceny from the person, and sentenced to 12 months' im prisonment.

Wellington, this day.—At the Supreme Court this morning a young man named George George, who pleaded guilty tohorse stealing, was sentenced, to two years' im prisonment.

Dunedin, this day.—At a meeting of the creditors of Chas. White to-day, it was re solved to transfer the estate to the official assignee. The debtor in his statement said : I am ulso indebted or may be liable in accounts for various sums received by me as trustee in several bankrupt estates. One or two creditors present said it ap peared that White kept no trust accounts, and though he had collected calls in several estates, he paid no debts.

THE PREMIER AND THE RAIL WAY SURVEY.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION".]

New Plymouth, this day. A DEPUTATION waited on Major Atkinson last night, urging that more survey parties should be engaged exploring the country for the trunk line to Auckland, as it was impossible for one or two parties to get through the work during the short time the weather allowed for tho exploration of bush country. Tho Premier promised to com municate with the Survey Department. It is reported that some turbulent natives met Mr Carkeek inland, and threatened violence to him or any other surveyors who should bo met with.

NEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COMPANY.

Annual Mooting.

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the above Company was held this afternoon in the oiliccs, Queen-street, the Hon. James Williamson presiding. Fourteen share holders were present. Mr (i. P. Pierce, Cencrul Manager, read the report and balance • sheet as follows: — "The directors havo now the pleasure to lay before the shareholders a statement of accounts for the year terminated 30th November last. In a cordance with reso lutions passed at an extraordinary general meeting held on the 10th January last, and subsequently confirmed on tho 26ih January, it was resolved that an annual instead of a half-yearly statement of aocounts should be presented to you. The business of the Company, after settlement of ali claims, making ample" provision for losses and averages, and paying an interim dividend of 3s per share in July lait, has resulted in a balance of profit amounting to £67,445 8s sd. Of this a sum of £115,000 has been carried to investment fluctuation account, and £30,000 to the reserve fund. After payment of a dividend of 3s per share (making a total of Cs por share for the year), the sum of £7,445 8s 5d is carried forward to next year's account. Instead of setting aside a sum annually, to provide for liabilities on cur rent policies, as is the custom of some com panies, your directors, in May, 1870, devoted the sum of £10,000 to the formation of a re-insurance fund, which has been added to from time to time, and now amounts to £100,000 ; this, and the reserve fund, now stand at £200,000. In August last, Mr J. MeCosh Clark took a seat at the Board. It will devolve on this meeting to elect three Directors in tho rooniofMcssrsßrowning,Campbell,andßuß sell, who retire by rotatien, but are eligible for re-election. Two Auditors will have to be appointed in room of Messrs W. S. Laurie and G. Fraser, who retire, but offer themselves for re election. The Dividend will be payable at the Head Office to-mor row, and at Branches and Agencies on re ceipt of advice.—For the Board of Directors.—James Williamson, Chairman. Statement of Accoun' -, far the Year End' ing Thirtieth November, Eighteen Eighty-three. PROFIT AND LOSS.

Dr.:—To dividend for the half-year ending 30th November, 1882, £15,000; dividend (Interim) May 31,1883,15,000; commissions, salaries, and other expenses, r46,551 17s 8d; Government taxes and payments to fire and marine associa tions, £3,422 5s ss; fire and marine losses, and appropriation for unpaid losses, £123,f69 12s 7d; reserve fund, £30,000; investment fluctuation account, £15,000; balance, £2f,415 8s sd. Total, £27i',992 4s Id.

BALANCE-SHEET. Cr.—By balance at 30th November, '852, £19,187 Is Id; by (ire and marine premiums, lew returns and re-insurances, £200,180 16s 8d; by interest rents, and profit on investment. £51,321 3s Id: total, £270 592 Is Id.

Dr.—To capitablo, £200,f00; to re-lnsuranco fund, £100,000; to resorve fund, £100,000: to ap propriation for unpaid losses, £23,751; deposits and other liabilities, £40,901 lis 3d; investment fluctuation account, £15,000; balance, £22.445 8s 5d : total, £502,161 2s Bd.

Cr.: By investments—Mortgages and shares, £210,025 7s sd; Company's freehold office pre mises, and other real estate, £122,850 Is Id; United States bonds, £10,500; debenturfs, £01,020; loans at call, short periods, and fixed bank deposits. £57,201 Is 6d; accrued interest and rents, £ ,692 9s sd; bills receivable, £2,031 13s 8d;. sundry debtors, filial Ss lOd j branch and agency balances, £27,230 2s 2d: cash in bank and in hand, £1,580 ISs 7d; total, £503,161 feßd.

Tho auditors have examined the books and accounts of the Company, for tho year ended 30th November, 1883, and have to report that the balanco-sheet now presented to the shareholders is a full and fair balance-sheet, and exhibits a true and correct statement of the affairs of the Company.—George Fkaseii, W. S. Lackik, Auditors. Auckland, January Bth, 1881.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of tho report and balance-sheet, said: — Gentlemen,—This year, like its predecessor, has been signalised by a largo number of casualties, in which wo, in common with other insurance companies engaged in marine underwriting, have suffcredsevorely. Having regard to the exceptional number of marine losses which have occurred by collisions a:.id otherwise during the past year all over the world and to the experi ence of other companies, I canuot but re gard the result of our last year's business as satisfactory. Past years of profitable business have had the effect of increasing the number of companies competing for fire insurance, some of whom have found that tho profits to be derived from tho business have not mot their expectation and who, in trying to make up in quantity, have reduced tho premiums below the rate which experience proves is sufficient to yield a reasonable profit. We have, therefore, found it inexpedient to throw up business so affected, and o.ur premium income has had somewhat to suffer. At the same time, we havo been avoiding as far as possible, ques tionable business at unprofitable rates, and rejecting ovory thing of undoubtful character. We havo striven to do a safo and sound business and push it only when it could bo done with safety. Thore appears to bo some grounds for hoping that tho unhealthy com petition for fire insurance bueinesswhichhas for some time post prevailed hero and else where is being checked, and that the atten tion of head officers have been directed to the subject, it may lead to more adequate rates of premium being obtained in future. Our losses in this branch, though numorous, havo in no cass been excessive from any one fire. Prudent management, constant and careful inspection in the selections of risks, and extending our business in all legi timato channels will, we hope, continue to afford the security we desire, and yield also profitable results. We can, I think, satisfactorily point to this company during its twenty-four years' history ns one of steady and solid progress. We have sought security rather than display, and consider ing the difficulty of getting business, the great opposition we have now to contend against, it is with no little pleasure that we can point to a net premium income of up wards of £200,000 in the year, the largest wo have had since the formation of the company. As you have ahoady learnt in tho report, it has been determined to carry £30,000 to the reserve fund, which is applicable to moot losses of an extraordinary character, or if necessary to equalise dividends. The reserve fund now stands at £100,000, and the re-in suranco fund at a like amount. The securities have been carefully oxamined, W and from the profit on investments £15,000 has been carried to an investment fluctuation fund. It. will bo satis- |f factory for you to know that the values of our securities Stand in the accounts at a, i (idnsiderfthly less. sum than they w.0u13 I

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1884



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Special Advertisements. ]STew Story i New Story \ A WOMAN'S FAITH; OR THE MYSTERY OF A BUNCH OF PANSIES. By ChaRLKS T. Mannt.ks, AUTHOR OF "The Lord of 1.v1e," "Oetavia's Pride, I'hs Ulcnkaao Kmernlds. I'lic Flaw in Hie Diamond." '• Dragging Him Down. "A Silver Brand, &c. A HI (JULY SENSATIONAL TALK. hearing the above title, WILL BE COMMENCED IX THK " QTAR UU I' !' L E M E NT " ox SATURDAY NEXT, JAN. 12, Readers should see that they secure the first part, as the opening chapters plunge deep into the story. JMPOR T A N T. IQNF, D D E N (SUCCESSOR TO .1. I.KCK) Has much pleasure in announcing that ho has PURCHASED THE WHOLE OF MR J. LECK'S STOCK M R .1. LEC X' S STO 0 X AND GOODWILL AND UOODWILL AT A GREAT REDUCTION, GREAT REDUCTION, AND WII.I, CONTINUE C 0 N TIN U E THE CLEARING-OUT SALE THE CLEARING-OUT SALE FOR ONE MONTH LONGER. (INK MONTH LON'GKH. IS COXSF.QUKNCK OK THE OVER-STOCKHI) STAiaj OF THK DRAPERY MARKET, UK >lAS BEEN" EXADLEI) TO BUY A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GOODS, WHICH WILL BE OFFERED AT SALE PRICES.



As a Now Year present, nothing is so suitablo »3 the Domeatip Sewing Machine of Shakcspear & Co., Quecn-strfcet, opposite the Markot.-IADVT, Ifay's Art Union.—Drawing for prizes, St. James's Hall, Wellington-street, 7 p.m., Tuesday. January 22nd. Buy tickets sharp, i'ifty prizes. Tlckots to bo shown at door.—JAdvt.) , Buy the New Wilson, the Champion Sowing Machine; all others in stock. —V, S. | Chambers, 70, Queen-etreet.-^[ADvi.]