SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

ot^tt 'm a T=rrc j TOB Evening, 33.1 SIGH V» ATSR ' ~.„ niorrow Morning. 2.22 SUNSET.—This Kvening. 7.15 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Mbrnlnz. 1.47 MOON'S AGK.-First Quarter, 20th, 1.0 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

THURSDAY*. Clansman, s.s., Farquhar. from Russell Waihora, s.b., Mcintosh, from Russell YESTERDAY. Iroquois, U.S. corvette. Yates Sterling, Com mander, from Hobart Lady Joceyln. ship, Watte, flora London TODAY. Thomas Russell, s.s., Helander, from Gisbotno

DEPARTURES.

YESTERDAY. Wilhiri, Mcintosh, for the South

IMPORTS.

PenLadyJocclyn, from London:—Plain cot tQMgE.l,ooo; coloured ditto; £100; wnollons and WJBpi, - £900 : tlinnels. £300 ; .'-linen, £100; oStFWI jWic»» woollens, £300 ;. muslins, £100: jnlUincTV. £200;' haberdashery. £500; apparel, ■ blankets, £800; ca pets and rues. &V 0; and tabls-covers, £100: conntor pinJJ. £100; felt* haU, &c.,^ £ICD; floor- j olovii. £1.110 sowing machines, £(W1; ni'iri. £20; vestas. £310: blacking,, «10; aasteultuml implements.' £200; agrlcul- | tural lnlßhlnery. £^!i<»i4ls.-*&o.W£9OJ); books, | £101 nape* &t_fttFTs stationery,- £810; , uauliti?/. ' UpO: Tron bedsteads. £150; tin-1 Wl.'i Stf brush warn. £70; plated goods, £S0; tjyi. £111; pianos. £170; clocks..&c., £60; porfumcrv, £10 ; printing' material, £70 ;*agn culturil and grain ?o<'d3. £150; iron tanks. £20; ed shot, 1 ton; hardware and cutlery.-'fiS.OOO; bar and rod iron, 7 tons; shoot, iron.7 tons; J rig iron, 25 tons; galvanised iron 51 tons; sheet cad,2otons; pipe lead,-Mon"; yellow-metal,-3 tons; tin plates,»2Bo boxes; iiißOt tin,-20owt; iron nails, 13 tons; wiro and wire r0pe.,25 tons; zinc. 12 tons; linseed oil-. 2 120 gallons;.robo oil, 1,310 gallon"; varftisli.£so;wlilting,3B tons paint: colours, £2SO; flint glass, £90; foreign and wln dowglass, 21 casosvchlnaand earthenware £370; glass bottles. HltlO; woohmcks, £10 :ranvas,'£So; cordage, £M 0; lines and twlnss,.£loo; marble, £30; snuft 1271b5.; brandy.l.33oo?allons; ditto n-case, 870 gallons :'rnm, 2.000 gallons; goncva, 200 gallons; cordials, 20 gallona; British spirits in bulk, 300 gallons; British spirits in oase, 960 gallons; rod wine,r 1,150 gallons; whito wine, 160 gallons: beer in glass. 167 gallons; preserved flsh, £310: sardines, £110;' assorted oilmen's stores, £1,370; mineral water, £i 0; vinegar, UOO gallons; salad oil, 270' gallons: popper and spice. 13owt: cocoa, 53owt;nuta, 19owt; isinglass.- £20; mustard, £500; starch, £200: blue. £00 j vermicelli,. 3owt; patent groats, £10; split paas, 62owt; chicory, 4cwt; white salt, 30- tons; soda crystals, 29owt; bioarb. soda, Howt: potash, 4 tons; caustic soda, 11 tons; candlos, 3160wt; soap, Sscwt; raisins, 58owt; carraway seed, 6owt; liquorice, 3cwt; refined sugar, 120cwt; -<tlucos<i and sac charum. 49cwt: coffee, 2cwt: confectionery. £256; chemicals, £120: tart, acid, lOcwt; cream tartar, 20owt; oondonscd milk. £180; oornfiouv, £300: canary seed, scwt Total declared valuo, £29,303.

Inwards Coastwise.—Maria, from Tairua, with 2t,001f L timber: Christina, from Mahu-1 rang!, with ballast; I.cc. from Matakana with 400 posts, 10 tens wood: Nellie, from Whanga poua, with 30,000 ft, timber; Paku, from Tairua, with2l,sooft timber. _v»'. -^ Outwards Coastwise.—Mercury, for Tai rua; Christina, for Russell' Saucy Kate, for WhangarcL . - > - . I Tho Soh6(mßr.&ropWjJ*6leared atthe Customs to-day for Norfolk iiaang. Passengers:—Messrs David Walke* Wt» Quintal, and Edward Christian."-*, ' ».~/jFI Tho schooner Waratah and barqnftJl&lSH, havo boon berthed on the westorn'Bido oKJ»en/ street Wharf. V -^A •

The barque Lune having completed discharg ing at tho Sugar Company's wharf came down the harbour this morning. ,__.-■ |

Tho following are tho movements of the Union Company's steamers arranged for the • ensuing week: To arrlve-Rotorua, from Tar- , anaki. Sunday, 6 a,m.; Wairarapa, from-Gis- i Ttorno,!Monday, 11 a.mi.; Arawata, from Fiji, Tuesday; Manapouri, "-from Sydney, Wednes- j day morning. To leave—Rotorua, for Taranaki, Tuesday; Wairarapa, for Sydney,- Tuesday, 5 p.m.; Arawata. for Wellington.'Wednesday, noon; Manapouri,-for Gisborne, Thursday noon. |

The be). Waihora left for Melbourne, via the South, at noon-yeste day with-the following pass9ngers:-For Gisborns: Messrs Fryer, Fos ter, R.-Andrews.'For Napier,: Messrs Potts, P. O'Hara, SladoAFulton, Miss O'Hara. Miss Fulton. ••For Wellington: Messrs Lahman,.S. Richardson. R. Smith. Stubbing. FoAytteltpn: Messrs.Bridgeraan, Pullman, R..Stewart, Mrs and Master Ginders. ForDunedin: Messrs J. Griffiths. J. Jackson. For Melbourne: Messrs H. Fossett, Santo, J. Wilson, J. O'Hare, Arthur, Eady, Brown.

ARRIVAL OF THE LADY JOCELYN.

■ The ship Lady Jooelyn, 2438 tons. Captain Watts, -with oargo and passengers from London. | arrived in port last night after .aipasaage ot 92 , days. Sho brings the following passengers:— 1 Saloon: Messrs J. TldwelVJ. Greenwood, Mr J. H., Mrs, Mary, and Arthur Priestley; Mr w. Stephens. Mra' L. A. Anthill. Mrs and Miss ' Begg, Misß J. Begg, Mrs .A, Miss, and Misses May, eertrude. and Wilfred Rogers; Mr Charles . H. and Mrs Roberts, Mr H.;P., Mrs, Miss Agnes, | and Messrs Harrold, Herbert, and Philip Ruth ven; Mr George H. and Mra Sarah-Douglas. Mr Thomas W. Brady, Mr B. E. and Mrs Stooker, Messrs Thomas Stooker, Eustace Stookos, a Eden Corry, E. H. Tuokefe, W./VA. Grigg, Mi-s Baskott, Miss Ekiia v ßoe"sa6_,' •Miss Olifo Baskott, SbstSßß H;.iUi-;va Baskett, Charles Basket!, Jcta 3v*£pVyX'« and Mrs Herbert Rouso, i__ & X 9aaSS--_\ Second class: Mr John Osofe, --S JV£3__3. NlohoL Mrs Jane Nichols SSsrJ \:Si&. -i ? -:"^. Mr and Mrs Andrew .ragSfifc ■-•' ?■_ i:.'.;-'-** Proctor, Masters Robert anfi-Siit:i"Axi-*i-:>.'*v^B Marion Proctor, Mrs Mary HtriK _m»irf&& Caldwell, Mrs Eveline Caldwe^-AiSKB'MBy Caldwell, Amy Caldwell, Maifcn C&Utwßjt, Charlotte Caldwell, Eli^beth CaldvgatM^Or^ __lj>ni___u^o^M™c*^»tCT''^.'*<»^'noTSß«oyr2ineii. eser Tudhope. Edmund Spencer. Mi aad.Mw . Frod Lawrence, Mr and Mrs Noble. T&JadsSa-ai Mr Thos. Waters Chub, Mtf Mask Mtofi&L Mas : Eliza, Miss Kato. 823 S&SfcH li«a*»t Moths, Mossrs Henry Eliffe, assssieS.' ?- v~j ?i«...Eflza Griggs. Mr and Mn. £s'..-: ". _!. :■-'■ ■ .^Mes, MissElira. andMas'e-fo I' '■'■ \ - '-'.'.%-. y ■ >^K son, Messrs Ormond 'Wo?. - „.-;.?'- '■'■' s.Wn. SteWart, John Macffir'.i * j t"y , „ AjAv fth and Joan McFarlarc, J_u _,-_;•;- •'-.---. --Vi*.*-iSor MoTjareo,ThomasKfer-i ?''■'■ ."; ,!_*&}. ip° Lady Jjcelynis'lni.J.-.— ■•««_. 3 <"-*,,? _'< Chiof Offleer. Mr Lues; secom. "'*i'. Mr Thomson; third officer, Mr Honnon,. urth officer, Mr Evans. Captain Watte reports hav ing left London on Soptembor 25. LandedJ*» pilot on the 3rd October, offStartPjrf-*^™1 ; clearod the land- next day. JHfeStSSLSS ■___$__:_ tZ-^oss^ 28 days out At tne t^^^seafel leU in. lor the tale end of _j^*«floct cyclono, which sho fortunately ont in four hours at the rate of 12 miles on hour. Running down the eastings very squally weather was experienced, and off tho New Zoalnnd coast several sails wore lost during heavy weather. Tho Three Kings were sigh tod on Wednesday last, and had weather prevailed from thoi till arrival,* Tho lady Jocclyn's passengers are all in good health, and havo been passed by the Health Offloer. Them wero no deaths during the voyage, hut-one "birth has to be recorded, the happy mothor being Mrs Nicholls. __.■_■<" :>--' -

ARRIVAL OF THE IROQUOIS.

; The U.S. Corvette Iroquois, of which we leoantly gave a lengthy dosoriptlon. along with a list of officers, arrived from Hobart yesterday afternoon, and anohored at the powder ground. She left Hobart on the 10th hut, and had an uneventful passage across*.: From here the Iroquoiß goes to Waldivia <Bbili), leavhig this port about January 18. Her commander ana officers have been moßt popular at Sydney, where they were for several weeks, while the vessel was refitting.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

TE KOPOBtr, this day.—Loadi-M-: Camllle, Barealis... Abatapu, this day.— Loading: Aratapu, fcriKantine, and Saxon* _ -■ Heads, this day.—Sailed: Marmlon. Loaded: W. C. Wentworth and Jules Marie. Arrived: Darcy Pratt.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING..

THE ARAWA'S PASSAGE.

Poet Chalmers. Friday. v The fetenmship Arawa, drawing 2lft. Sin. aft and 19ft. forward, crossed the oar at 7.10 a.m. Sho brings 8,000 tons of cargo, 68 saloon, oO second, and 115 third-class passengers; also, 230 immigrants for all ports. The northern pas sengers leave this afternoon by the Wairaram, 110 immigrants being for northern ports. All aft foyed excellent healih, and no deaths occurred. Mrs Watt, immigrant, was confined of a dauahter. lhe passage from Plymouth occu pied 15 days, tho actual steaming time being 41 days 5 hours. Total distance ran, 13,167 miles. • A *

Oamabu. this day.—Cleared: AdaMelmore, Casey.Tor London, with wool, tallow, and skins valued at £10.000.

MsxßOuasE, December 20.—Arrived, this morning: Te Anau, from Bluft

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

WITLB wiia CLop as ONT>tr.n— flTTms DAi*. For RussA, Kakakawa, Wangaroa and Mon ■gonnClW Wellington, at 5 p.m. * ._>'• For wfifeai-ei flutuls, Parua. Waipu, Whaft garoU'TCamo, Tangihua.and Mangapai, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Katikati, etc.. per Annie Milbank. at 5 p.m. For Thames, per AnnioMilbank, at 5.30 p.m. MoNDAT_V?9th inst.

For Now Plymouth, per Oreti, at 7.10 a.m. For Waltara. '&c.,'pcr Lalla Ttooklcofc 7.40 a.m. For'Thanics,.per ltotomahnna. at9.30.a.m. For Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 11.30 a.m. For Russell and Kawokawa, per Tarawera, at For Glsborno and Napier, per Thomas Russell, at 1 p.m. . _ . For Whitiangl, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Glenelg, nt 5 p.m. For Taurangu, Ohineniutu and Opotiki, per ClaiißcoanVat 5 p.m. For Mangawai and ICaiwaka, w r Ruby, at sp.ni. Tuesday, 30tli mst. For Waiwera, Kawau^mahajMatakana, and Warkworth. per Rose" Casey, at 10 a.m. Per s.b. Wairarapa, asfollew :— 'For. China,"'Japan?* and Continent of Europe/via Suez, ht 3p.m. ,_.,_, For Australian Colonies, and United King dom via- Suez, and Brindlsl. or Naples • (por Orient boat), for letters. - oto., specially bo prepaid and addressed.'at i p.m. For Money Order*. Registered Letters, and Newspapers, at 10 a.m. _~,,. _ ,„ Late letters for Sydney and Molbourne only, at 11.20 a.m. TUESnAY.iGth January. Per s.s. Australia, "as follows:— ___~_. . For Navigiorslslandß, Sandwich Manns. United States of Amerlca.'.Canadft, British Columbia, Control, amd South America,- and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m . For Unitod Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders.-'registorod letters and nows papara, at 11.30 a.m. _ Late- lottors, an extra fee of slx ponoe? in addition >to tho postage;--will be rocclvodAby the. Mail Agent on board the steamor up to the time of sailing. This mail will be duo in 1 •oiulon on Friday, 13th February, 1885. S. B. niSS. Chjef Postmaster. Chief Poßtoflloo. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

DECEMBER 26,, 1881. Opera House — " Blue Beard or the Heathen 1-flStrTltoyal- Bazaar in aid of St. Mary's, Ponsonby. Hall—Lecture on tho "Breastplate;" byjjtejy^jgui. ■ - mi

Births.

DICKEPON.—On December 23. at Kaikohe, Bay of Islands,-the wife of Gcoruo F. Dlokeson, jun., of a son.

HAULTAIN.—On December 26th, at Epsom, Mrs James_Haulcaln of a daughter. TONES. — On "December 18. ot her residence, Remnera. the wife of B. Digby Tonka of a daughter.

Marriages.

CLARK-L'YNDS -On December 25, at the resi dence of the bride's father.Onohunga, by the Rev. H.- Miller, Frederick William, eldost son of Fredoriok Clark, of tho Elwiek Iroo'Works, and East Hill, Aahford, Kent.,to»Louisa, youngest daughter ot Mr William Lynda, of Onehunga. Homo-MjpcrB please copy. JOHNSON-COX.-4BR December 9, at tho Registrar's OfHoo, -Auckland, Isaac Johnson, lato of Tairua, to Nellie Cox, Auckland.

Deaths.

CLEAVE.-On Dccomb'er23. at her paronts' residence, Remuora, Mildred Ida Annie, twin daughter of Arthur and Annie Cleave; aged 1 months. DIXON.—On December 25, at North Shore, Gortrude Mary, tho bolovcd child of Joseph and Mary Ann Dixon; aged 3 years and 5 months. . ___ .. Tho tunoral will leave Queen-street Wharl_j for Syljftids-Btrect Cemetery at 220 J>.m. Sundaj'pjh REGAN.jSOn IlMombor 2J. at tho Thames, Ellen,.tiinPlfo IHgolin Regan, aged 75. Tho huroral wHHeavo the rosidoncoof ft>r H. Parkor, Albert-street, Aucklnnd, to-mor row (Sunday).at,3 o'clock p.m. Frktads ore respeotfully invited i to attend.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1881.

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

On returning from the Racecourse yes terday, •Mr Moss, M.H.|L* at once wrote to the Sfinister of Public Works, under, cover TO..tlie Hon3r Mr',. Tole^. describing the scene he trad just wit-

nessed—the crowds of men, women, and children standing unsheltered in the pouring rain ; the dangerous struggle to get into the train; its crowded condition, with men standing even on the couplings; the great strain such a state... "f things caused on the official*; and the imminent danger attending the traffic with the present imperfect means. Mr Moss reminded the Government that he had repeatedly during the last four years,c«'fed atten tion to this, and urged the doubling of the line betwc.eurtewmarkefyod Pen rose as a-rendy means of relrefwg the prgs*ate. Mr Johnston, when Minister -oTVVoiks, stated in the House, in reply to Mr Moss, that the additional line would cost jQi 2,000, but that the Go vernment had no f nds then available. In his letter to the Govern ment, Mr Moss expresses the hope that the same reason will not now apply, but if it should still apply, suggests the propriety of suspending the railway traffic on holidays, and ad mitting the failure rather than conduct ing it at the present risk of life, great inconvenience, and disorganisation of the regular traffic. He concludes by warning the Minister of his great responsibility in allowing the traffic to be conducted under the pre sent conditions, and states that it is only due to the incessant vigilance and care of the officials, and the patient, good-tempered character of the crowds who travel by the railway, that accidents have not happened; but that it something be not promptly done, a terrible disaster might at any moment occur.. We are glad that Mr Moss has taken this prompt action, which will, we are sure, be warmly supported by thousands whose holiday was marred by the condition of the traffic yester day. Even the difficulty in getting tickets is a serious one to all who are not robust enough to force a way through the struggling crowd at the window, or who care to have their holiday clothing torn and destroyed in the effort. The danger of dragging under the wheels some of those who are to the last moment struggling to squeeze on to the irain, the risk of those in front being pushed over the edge of the plat form, the hopeless attempts of the few overstrained officials and police to con trol such a crowd, are all elements of great risk, to which the Government have no right to subject those whom they .undertake to convey. We trust that this matter will hot be allowed to sleep, but that all the Auckland mem bers will, in turn, force it upon the at tention of the Government, and thai* they will be well backed by the Auck land people. We are informed that when Mr Mitchelson was in office be had this question on hand, as well as the alternative line to Orakei, and that had he remained in office, a remedy would haive.been provided before this. The tunnel is a permanent objection to the.niamtenance of the present route as the Sole outlet for the Auckland system of railways. A single line through the tunnel will do little more than carry the traffic of the Kaipara and Onehunga lines, and the trunk railway southwards must be provided for via the beach. But very great relief to the traffic might have been given immediately, if a double line of rails had been laid be tween Auckland and Penrose, on both sides of th 2 tunnel, and this work could have been done speedily, and at, a very small cost. Scenes like that witnessed yesterday would then have been obviated. The importance of making a connection with Penrose direct, avoid ing the tunnel altogether, cannot, how ever, be urged too strongly upon the Government. •-.- ';_.._■ ■'_■•■■■■■

Germans In the South Pacific.

The protests of Australia against the an nexation oL. northern^ New , Guin&a and adjacent'islands may cause irritolpn, but itis-liard 'to'see what go'odJihey can do. England had no pro-emptive' right over the whole of tho South racifie, and theiGerman Government seems'to have respected British opinion so far that it waited until Great Britain had set'theexample^of annexation, and, after months of deliberation, had-deter mined on theterritories'ifedesired.to'possoss According to one telegram, there has been some misrepresentation, false "promise, and bud faith over the transaction, although that willprobably turn out to be unauthenti cated. In establishing its authority over areas which 'the British Government had distinctly, and aftermuch pressure,deolined to deal with, Germany -did.nothifig which its Government had occasion-to conceal, or that was npt .perfectly open to any other European.Power. After their"experience of French notions of colonisation,* Aus tralians will prefer the Germans to'any in crease of French influence. Wo' believe, however, that none of the annexed terri tories north of .Australia will ever bo oxtensively populated by white races. The Anglo-Saxon, bred in tho temperate climates of Australia and New Zealand, is bound tp dominate tho.South Pnciticfand tho British o^upatiori of the southorn half of Now Guinetflmving secured theso possessions against an enemy menacing the northern coasts of Queens land,, there is no occasion for alarm con corning the advent of Germany into tho field of. colonisine enterprise. Tho Australian excitement will hardly bo shaved by the Government of this colony, if the tone of .-Sir Julius Vogel's memo randum on tho annexation of New Guinea bespeaksjthe mind of the Cabinet. Tho Treasurer considered the New Guinea question as only very remotely affecting this colony. Trom a militaryVtid nnval standpoint, colonisation will. rather be a sourco*of weakness Hhan of strength to Germany, and will keep-her war vessels occupied in protecting .hcSown' territory instead of attacking the"Australian colonies in tho improbablo event of a war with Eng land. New Guinea is a very largo country ; England has done nothing towards sottling it—the Dutch had prior claims. Nojthpr England-nor Australia can coloniso Now .Guinea withinAthct, next century, and it is expecting rather* topvmuch of German forbearance-to Suppose .that rl *Prince Bie marck hnsfresolved uporfn colonising policy, he'will bo turned aside.'lrom It because tho Promier of Victoria is" discontented with England for refusing to annex territories which she is not- in a position to settle or govern profitably.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Waddol), Mr Graves Aiokin (Chairman of the Har bour Board), Mr-J. M.-Brigham (Secretary of -the' Harbour Board), Mr P. A. Phillips (Town Clerk), ond Captain jfcjrgess (Chiof Harbourmaster) paid an offlrflvvisit to the U.S. corvette Iroquois thisTnorning in the steamor Blanche., Thoy were courteously received. After a pleasant stay, they re tail nod to town in tho afternoon.

There was very little business before the J Police Court this morning. Superintendent Thomson disposod of several small matters. Henry Johnson, for drunkennoss, was fined 10s and costs, with an alternative of 48 hours' imprisonment. John Michael Konnedjy. was chargod with, failingtoßugrt|i*| his wifo.-**"His employer having" paid 3JEKK him,'defendant was allowed till next S^W day to contributea similaramount. William Davis was charged with using obsceno language at Whangaroa on Nov. 21st, and was remanded, till sth January. Bail was allowed in two sureties—himself in £2<5 and another" for tho samo amount. Edward Murphy, v who escaped from custody ro contly, was brought up and was romandod till Wodnesday next. «t'. , ■ . , , Shipping arrivals since our previous pub lication include tho ship Lady Jaeelyn, from London, with a large.numbor of passengers, after a good passage of 92 days; and the U.S. corvette Irocmois, from Hobart. The lutter vossel, widen we have already de scribed at length, left San Francisco two and a-half years ago, and sailed about on the Pacific station—viz., on the west coast of South America—until July 22, when she got •under way for these colonies, via the Mar quesas and other groups of islands in that vicinity. The vessel and her officers have attracted considerable attention wherever they have been up to the present time, and probably Auckland will prove no oxcoption so far as entertainment goes.

An elderly lady named Mrs Bryant, who "resides at Onehunga, had an unfortunate accident at tho Temperance Demonstration sports in tho Domain yesterday. She tripped on tho pavilion steps and fell to the ground below. It wts feared that she he* been seriously injured, and she w»* con veyed to the Hospital in a U*p. Her injuries, however, proved to be slight, being confined to a -«Wght bruise on one knee and a genei-*' shaking.

Three «*amen of the Swedish throe n^asfc"! schooner Lune, wore arrested by -ciie water polico to-day, on a chargo of dis obodienco to lawful commands.

To commemorate Mr Goorgo Eraser's "triumph" in floating off tho stranded stoamor of that name- from tho rocks nt Tivitiri, a very handsomo New Year card hjos boon issued. It is photographed lrom a woll-oxecutcd pon-nnd-ink sketch, and shows on one side tho wrecked ship, while on tho other sho is seen being renovated in tho harbour. Tho whole is very prettily designed,, and tho punning inscriptions on tho card, combined with the histoucal facts, mako it at once an amusing and valuable memento. •

Wo understand that Messrs E. Hartley and Mahoney, who were associated with a committee of tho City Council in reporting upon Messrs Grainger and D'Ebro's revised working plans for the Free Library and Art Gallery, find now that they con form to the original prize plan. As in their opinion, however, a number of extras are required to render the edifice thoroughly satisfactory they re commend that alternate tenders should be invited for the work of erection with and without the extras, it being a condition in the awarding of the pre mium that the cost of the building designed should not exceed the limit stipulated in the first instance by the Council. This will remain a moot point until the tenders come in.

Mr Thomas, the holiness evangelist from America, is at present holding religi ous services at Onehunga every evening and on Sunday afternoons in a commodious tent supplied by Mr C. J. Stone, which is erected in Mr Sutherland's paddock, near the railway station. The congregations vary from 30 to 200 persons. The usual method of conducting religious services is doparted from as circumstances direct, con sisting of prayer, praise, and testimony, and not much reliance seems to be placed on sermonising, Mr Thomas's method being to expound and enforce Divine truth in an in formal manner. The meetings ore quiet and orderly, and good appears to have been done, as five or six persons profess to have turned from sin to righteousness.—(Cokees pondlnt].

Mr Soall's new system of targets and marking was puts to a severe test yesterday, and Hie trial was pronounced an unqualified success. A target for two and three hun dred yards was placed over the marker's butt at Mount Eden for the purpose of test ing the plan of marking and obliterating the shot hole at the same time, so easily done by this new method. Some forty shots were fired by three first-class shots, and all were very close together, the face of tho target being as good when all were done as it was before they commenced. It is evident that if the system will stand the concentrated fire of short ranges when the shots are close together, it must be a suc cess at long ranges, when thoy would bo more dispersed or wider apart. With regard to the plan of marking itself, it was pronounced to be perfection.

Tho Waiwera and Kawau excursions yesterday gave rise to what wds considered to be an interesting trial of speed. The Wellington left the wharf about five minutes before the Clansman, and showed her heels to such purpose that when tho ooursos of the vessels diverged, the Wel lington had gained considerably. The Clansman's defect was attributed to a foul bottom, The Waitaki and Clansman both left for Waiwera at the some time, the former being about a couple of lengths ahead at the start. The Clansman, however, proved too much for her opponent, and gained all the way to Waiwera, which she reached more than a quarter of an hour before the Waitaki. This triumph should have smoothed the feelings of the Northern Steamship people, who have not for gotten the exploit of Captain Craw ford in steaming "rings round the Macgregor" outside Whangarei Heads. On the trip home, the Clansman, which left nearly a quarter of an hour after the Waitaki, was delayed an additional quarter of an hour through her anchor crane giving way and letting the anchor under the forefoot. She, however, nearly overhauled her rival on the run home, and was round the North Head before the"] Waitaki had reached the Railway Why*f_

The Ponsonby Oddfellows' Ball was held last ovening in the Oddfellows' Hall. There were about forty couples present, and danc ing was kept up vigorously until an early hour this morning. Mr Campbell was mas ter of ceremonies, ond music was provided by Reed's string band.

Pastor Thomas Spurgeon delivered his lecture on " Brighter Britain " nt the old Town Hall, Reading, the other evening, his uncle, the Rev. J. A. Spurgeon, in the chair. There was a good attendance.

A lad named Ellis has informed the police that while at Tiritiri yesterday he dis covered a human skull on tho beach and placed it on a prominent lock, in ordor that it might easily be obtained if wanted. The incident has not given rise to a sensation yet, and is not likely to do SO.

At the Sailor's Rest on Christmas Eve there was a tea meeting and entertainment. The attendance was not large, but a pleas ant evening was spent. Speeches wore made by Messrs Hill and Shnlders, and one sailor,' in '-eaponso to a general Invitation, gave his experiences of the rest, stating that since he had attended he had becomo quite a changed man, having onco boon one most degraded. On Boxing Night another entertainment took place, when there was a moderate attendance, and a pleasant evening was spent.

A carpenter named David Macdonnld came to the Hospital last evening for medical attendance, having fallen over a cutting and fractured two fingors of his right hand. His injuries were attended to, after which ho proceeded to his homo in town,

No fewer than eleven stowaways, mostly younet men, were discovered on the ship Lady Jocelyn after she left London. Nine of them were sont back ashore by tho pilot before the vssbol cleared the Channel and other two were brought on to this port.

A man fell over the Queen street wharf last night, but was rescued by a bystander.

Mr W. H. Fenton lias contributed ot the calendars of tho year a handsomely gilded almanac, illustrative of the Variety of hats, caps, and other articles of male at tiro vended at his establishment.

Tho " Tenakoe Galop," composed by Mr R. H. Holloway, has met with so much favour that a new edition has been called for. The work has been handsomely executed at the Sxm Steam Lithographic Workß. The cover is artistically om beUishcd with a. fern tree and full Maori figure.

One of the most ludicrous telegraphic mistakes yet recorded was mado the other day by Router's agents in this colony, A telegram'from London reached us in this shape: — "James French, one of tho accused in the Dublin scandals who was acquitted, has resigned the county inspec torship owing to ill-health." This seems all correct; but when we find the same mossugo published in a widely different form in Melbourne the enormity of the error •lawns upon us. Here is how our Australian brethren got it >—" It is announced (hat tho Most Rev. Richard Chevenix Trench, D.D., Archbishop of Dublin, has resigned hisseo, owing to ill health." Fromall which it is ovidont that the original message con sisted of tho fivo words—" Trench, Dublin —resigned—lll health ;" that an intelligent. telegraphist transformed Troneh into French ; and that Router's Industrious agents ingeniously concluded it was tho police inspector, an^iot the Archbishop, ' who had tondorod hisWesignation, What should prove a popular idea in con nection with tho forthcoming New Zealand Exhibition at Wellington is what is called tho Industrial Home Branch. Tho work in this branch is to bo done by the exhibitors at their own homes, and comprises the fol lowing divisions:—Group I. Works of children not exceoding thirteen years of age. Group 2. Works of children not ex ceeding sixteen years of age. Group 3. (1) Works of art; (2) painting i (3) drawing; (4) sculptures (6) carving; (6) art furniture. Group 4. Works of usefulness, or science, or of imusoment, including philosophical appa ratus and models. Group 5. (1) plain and art needlework'; (2) dressmaking ; (3) mil linery ; (4) upholstering j (5) tapestry; (6) embroidery ; (7) knitting; (8) netting i (9) crochet; (10) lace; (11) spinning; (12) weaving; (13) straw; (14) plaiting; (115) leathonvork. The Colonial Treasurer intends that this branch should also be made to inolude tho recognition of ex cellence by artizans and mechanics. In Mr Thomas Wood's lecture on

1 Beothoven, the Composer," at St._Sepul chro's, tho singular caroor of L»Jwig Van Bcethovon was traced from his birthplace, Bonn, on tho Rhine> "here he first saw the light, 17th Deo-u&ofi "TO, to the period of his da»*«; on the 26th Mnrch, 1827, after having received the sacraments of the Cfttirch of Rome, and completed his will. In music, we were told upon unquestioned authority, Beethoven mode rapid progress. His first instructor on the pianoforte was an ingenious man named Pfciffer, and the organ he was taught te manage by Van der Eder, tho court organist. When scarcely fifteen years of age, through the exhibition of his musical powers and the influence of his steady -friends, the Yon Brannings.ho was nominated by the Elector Max Franz, brother of the Emperor Joseph 11., as supernumery organist in his chapel. -Tho greater part of Beethoven's life was passed at Vienna, then tho focus of all that was most excellent in Ger man art, and where he had the privilege of studying under Haydn. A most in teresting accot-nt was given by Mr Wood of tho artist's early life at Vienna, where he was surrounded by beauty and fashion, where his affections were .often engaged on somo high-born beauty, tils ambition ex citi d by the mnsterpieoes of the grant com posers, and whore his distinguished talent introduced him into the choicest society of the metropolis of the Austrian Empire.

Gardner's penny time-table was Issued on the 21th inst, and contains time-tables for tho holidays. The monthly diary accompany ing tho time-table contains all trains, steam, boats and omnibuses from Auckland, alphabeti cally arranged, and is a most useful little vude mcc-in.

The Tidy Housewwe.—The careful, tidy housewife, when giving her house its spring cleaning, should bear in mtndJhat the dear in mates are more precious than nouses; their sys tems need cleansing by purifying the blood, regulating tho stomaoh and bowels, and she should know that there nothing that will do it so surely as Hop Bitters, the purest a»d best of all medicines. Look for. A special Christmas evangelistic service will bo held in Abbott's Opera House to-morrow evening, commencing at eight o'clock. Ad dresses wUI bo delivered by Revs. W. E. Rice and J. S. Hill. Special hymns will be Bung by the ovangelisticvphoir. Strangers and visitors to the city are cordially Invited. This service takes the place of the usual eveningsorvlce held in tho Theatre Royal, A sale of useful and fancy articles takes •place In Alexandra-street School-room on Mon day next. The festival music will be repeated at St, Matthew's to-morrow, and a sermon, entitled »' (Jhrißtlanlty: A Gospel for the Pdor." by Dr. Magee, wll) be read at the evening service. The Rev. J. S. Hill will continue his Bible lecture on the " Breastplate" this evening at 7.30 in the Lecture Hall, V.M.C A.

The public have decided that A. Welles ley's Consultations are the most popular and best conducted in Auckland.—[Advt.j The compliments of the season may be gracefully conveyed, and will be appreclatlnßly accepted, if accompanied by some useful pre sent, obtainable in immense variety at Good son's London Arcade.—[Ad vt.l

TABLE TALK.

Wdt Christmas all over the colony. Regatta at Port Chalmers yesterday. New Zealand Shipping Co.'s first call is payable January 31st. W. W. Smythe has been appointed Inspector ef Torpedoes at £350 a year. The management of Te Aroha Tramway has. been taken over by the Piako County Council.

Her Majesty approves of the late Minis try retaining tsie title of "honorable." The Salvation Army held a monster demonstration at Christehurch on Christ mas Day. Fitzgerald, one of the alleged murderers of Moldrum at Newthorn, Otago, has been arrested.

A man named Iyera je supposed to be drowned at Hjndpn, Otago, his horse and cart being found in the stream, - Yep. Archdeacon Thorpe, in resigning the incumbency of St. Paul's, Wellington, was presented with £175 by his parishioners. Mixing the nationalities — Hibernian sports tpok piace on the Caledonian Ground, Dunedin.

At a general meeting of tjie New Zealand Shipping Co, at Christehurch on Wednes day, it was agreed to make two calls of 10s eac£ per share.

The presentation to Mr Nancarrow, Chief Inspector of Nachinery, of his por trait in oil, took place at Dunedin on Wednesday night. Dunedin Harbour Board have decided to take no steps in regard to the construction of the eastern breakwater at the Heads at present. . wr-Hons. G. Buckley and W. S. Peters, M.L.C.'s have been jointly writing to the Christehurch papers on frozen meat, and predicting failure of the export trade to England.

The recent" All Natioits Fair" at Dune din will result in £1150 net being divided amongst the fire Anglican churches of the city and suburbs.

CABLEGRAMS.

[by cable.—copybioht].

Spanish Annexation In Africa.

London, December 26. — A Spanish African Society has acquired fifteen square miles on the coast of the Gulf of Ouinea, West Africa. Tho territory extends some distanco inland from a point opposite Corisco.

Tho Nicaragua Canal. The Democratic section in the United States. Senate will endorse the action of America in reference to the construction of the Nicaragua Canal. The European Powers and Egypt. It is understood that the European Powers have shelved the proposals recently submitted by the British Cabinet for the settlement of the affairs of Egypt.

Attempted Assassination of a Bishop

Sydney, this day.—An unsuccessful at tempt was'made yesterday upon the life of Bishop Torregiani at the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Ardale. A man, who has been ascertained to be a lunatic, fired at the Bishop while tho latter was standing at the altar. Tho shot did not *nko effect.

(Received27th—l,s p.m.) Sydney, Saturday.—Arrived, Thursday morning : vVnkatipu, from Wellington. Sailed, yesterday morning : Manapouri, for Aucklaud. Sonlling match, Clifford v. Beacn. Tho sculling match between Clilford and Beach has been restored on the samo terms, and will take placa on the dato originally fixed (February 28). Holfday Mishaps. Meldourne, Saturday] — The Bteamer Black Eagle, plying between Brighton and St. Hilda, sprang a leak yesterday while making one of hor trips. She was able to reach Brighton pior safely and landed all possongors, numbering over 130, but sank shortly afterwards.

Collapse of a Grand Stand.

While some sports wore taking place at Eagle Hawk, near Sandhurst, yesterday, a grand stand containing CSO women and children collapsed. A few of the occupants were injurod, but none seriously; The Anti-German Feeling. Adelaide, this day.—The South Austro" lian Government has asked for further in formation relative to Mr Service's proposal to protect against German annexations before joining in the same.

Adelaide, Saturday.—Arrived, yester day morning, Meesageries s.s, Varra, from Marseilles.

ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC.

(by cable—corraaiiT.)

London, December 26. Tin: British protectorate in Now Guinea will probably bo extended as far as Cape Nelson, on the eastern coast.

Australian Protests Against Gorman Action.

Melbourne, December 25.

Tho Government of Queensland have agreed to Mr Service's proposal to protest against the action uf Germany in the Pacific, but the South Australian Govern ment for the present declines to join. The Victorian Press generally expresses great indignation at the hoisting of the German Hag on tho north coast of New Guinea. Mr Servico, the Premier, has presented a memo, to tfce Governor, expressing much surprise at the the action of the German naval officers, after the assurance of the Imperial Secre tory ef Stutc'for the Colonies. The memo randum further states that the Minute**' are greatly disappointed at the wa»* of re sponse displayed by the Imperial Govern ment towards tho juqrfraßOns of the Aus tralian colonies I'he. Ministers also com plain of ">e continued inaction which has be»n manifested by the Imperial Govern ment, and demand that immediate steps should bo taken to save for Australia suoh neighbouring islands as are still available Franco and the New Hebrides. , Loudon, December 20. It is reported that France will occupy the New Hobridesshortly.

SPORTING NEWS.

The report of tho Auokland Summer Meet-

fog will be found on the sixth page. A little over £7,000 went through the toteli sator during tho afternoon. At Tuttersnll's last night Tigredia was backed to win tho Auckland Derby for about £100 at 100's to £6' and 30.

In " Adam Bede's " consultation the first prize in the Auckland Cup is divided be tween a storekeeper at Kaipnra and an Auckland hairdresser. Tho second prize goes to a resident of Freeman's Bay, and the third to Te Aroha. .

In A. Nemo's consultation on the Auck land Cup, tho first prize, value iH74 7s 6d, goes to Te Aroha; the second prize, value £87 3s lid, and third prize, value £52 6s 3d, both to Auokland.

At the A. J.C. Meeting held at Randwick. yesterday, Mr A. F. Smart's Brogi and Rose won tho Summer Cup of OOOsovs., 1_ mile, Lord Clifden boing second, and Merlin third.

The Hawko's Bay Meeting yesterday Bossed off successfully. Tigredia won tho hristmas Handicap, Pastime the Hurdles, and the big race of the meeting—the Hastings Handicap of 250eova. —fell to 41r P. Martin's Forerunner, Christina being second, and Leonora third ; The Laird and Emir Boy also ran. Deceiver won 'the Consolation.

The result of the Melbourne "Cup was (according to English time) known in London fully an hour before tho race was run at Flemington. Cablegrams announc ing Malua's victory, and dated "Melbourno, this day," appeared in tlje fourth editions (published at 2.30) of all the evoniug papers on Tuesday, November 4. How's that for high? Dctnedin, this day. Necklace has been scratched for all en gagomontsat the Dunedin Autumn Meeting. Thames, this day. The attendance at the first day's races of the Thames Jockey Club was about 1,200. The following aro the results of the princi pal events :—Free Handicap : Tetford, 1 j Slider, 2; firongia, 3. Won easily by 7 lengths. Hurdles : Topthorn, 1; Chand ler, 2 j Sunray, 3- Won by 5 length's. Thames Plate: Telford, 1 : Larry, 2. Won easily. The Stewards' Handicap was a walk-over for Slider.

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET.

[by CABLP—■CPI'YUIUII'P.]

Victoria V. Now South Wales. Melbourne, this day. An intercolonial cricket match . between elevons of Viotoria and New South Wales commenced here yesterday. The visitors went in first, and their first innings closed for 277. Murdoch was highest scorer with 69.

Otago v. Canterbury.

Chbi.-.tci*rcii, this day,

Tho Interprovinoial Cricket Match be tween Otago and Canterbury began yester day, soon after twelve o'clock, on Lancaster Park ground, under exceedingly favourable auspices as regards wind and weather. Collinson captained Otago, and Wilding the Canterbury team. At the close of yester day's.play the scores stood as follow :•— '

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Christmas was ushered in very quiotly. The town was crowded until midnight on Christmas Eve. The people were evidently doeply engaged in investments of a very varied character. Shopkeepers, therefore, did a roaring trade in providing the articles ueceesary to sustain the reputed goodness of "01dFathorChristmas,"asrepresented in Uio filled stockings of the household so oagorly looked for by all children on the following morning. The singing of carols at mid night appears to havo been confined to the choir of St. Thomas's Church, who sere naded their friends in town and suburbs in the usual manner.

Christmas Day passed over very quietly in the harbour. The Rose Casey made an excursion to Waiwera and Mahurnngi Heads, the Macgregor made an excursion insido the harbour, while the Tongariro and Neptuno ran at intervals to St, Helier's Bay. They were each patronised by a moderate number of persons, and in most instances the trips proved pleasing and satisfactory.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

The church services on Christmas Day were, as a rulo, well attended. St. Paul's was most tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, the chancel rails in par ticular being tastefully wreathed. The services wore threo in number—at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 8 p.m. At tho 11 a.m. service tho Rev. C. M. Kelson preached an appro priate sermon on the words, "Clad tidings of great joy." The Christmas decorations at the Church of St. Thomas were neat, but not quito so elaborate as they have been on former occasions. A satin altar frontal and silk desk hangings, presented by a lady of the congregation, were the most noticeable decorations. These,. with two largo and prominent banners, supported by brass rods, a presentation from the Rev. J. W. Alloway, M.A., also ornamented the sacrarium. The number of communicants was ninety-three. On no previous occasion have so many communicated atSt. Thomas's on any one day. Festoons and other devices in evergreen ,vero employed to adorn the furniture and body of the church. At St. Matthew's the decorations werf elaborate and tasteful. At the floral morning service the Rev. W. Tebbs preached from Luke ii., 14th verse. Several carols were rendered by the choir, also selections from " The Messiah." The other loading Anglican churches—St. Sepulchre's, Trinity Church, and All Saints'—were most taetefully adorned with flowers and other decorations. A fruit and flower service was held at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist ■Free Church. Tho church was decorated with fruit and flowers, these very acceptable decorations being subse quently sent to the Hospital and Old People's Refuge. St. Patrick's Church was crowded at all the services. At 11 o'clock, the Very Rev. Father Walter Mo- Donald, Administrator, celebrated High Mass, Haydn's Mass in C being sung by the choir. The Hon. Joseph Tole sang Best's beautiful setting of "0 I Salutaris." The decorations of trie Church wore beautiful and profuse. Tho Christmas offerings to the church reached £150. Handel's ever green oratorio, "The Messiah," was per formed at the Bcrcsford-streot Congrega tional Church on Christmas Day by the church choir. Tho undertaking is rathor an ambitious, ono for a church choir, and the measure of success attained is exceed ingly creditable to Mr Baxter, the conductor, and to Mr Hooton, the organist of the church. With one excep tion, the soloists were members of the church choir. An offertory in aid of the Organ Fund was taken up. The Christmas break fast at the V.M.C.A. Rooms was attended by npwards of 150 persons. At tho after meeting the choir was taken by Dr. Ken derdin 3, and addresses wore delivered by the Ilev. J, S. Hill, R. Bavin, and W. E. Rico. The eranpolfstie choir, under tho leader ship of Mr Donglas, was in attendance. In the evening o sacred concert was given at the Opera House by the members of the

Waitemata Minstrels, assisted by the Artillery Band. There was a good attend ance. Mr A. Bortley acted as accompanist. The seasonable decorations at St. Mark's Church, Homuera, were a work involving much labour, and were all executed with great judgment and taste. Those round the altar and communion rail were par ticularly good, the effect being greatly added to by a profusion of box, holly ana ivy. Nor must we omit a word of praise for the handsome appearance of the lectern, the font, and the front seats on tho opposite sides of tho choir with their very appro priate texts. The whole formed a very pleasing sight, and such as has not beon seen there for years past. Tho morning service was well attended, and tho offertory was a very handsome one.

ilia Lordship Bishop Cowie preached an excellent discourse from the words "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good-will to men,' concluding with a special exhortation to the people of St. Mark's to livo and be at peace with those with whom their lot happened to .bo,east, and this, His Lordship stated, would be his prayor for them at that season. The necessity for this special reference we have not been able to diecovor. Tho Veil. Archdeacon Pritt assisted at theservice. The musical portions of the service consisted of a "Te Deum "in Gby Dr. Hopkins, " Jubilate " in D by Dr. Sullivan, with " Hosanna in the Highest" by Albert LoWe for tho anthem. The evening service was also well attended. Dr. Stainor's magnificent service in E flat was rendered, together with that most beautiful of bis anthems, "The Morning Stars Sang Together." These gave great pleasure, the quartettes in theservice andthe vereepartsintheantherabeinggiveninaman ner which reflected great credit on all those to whom they were entrusted. After the Benediction was pronounced tho following carols were sung t—(1) "Sweet it is for a. Child Liko Me, - nice bright thing, in which the alternate verses were sung as solos. (2) "Carol, Sweetly, Carol,'• the verses being taken as solos by the leading soprano, the choir taking the chorus only; This formed a very nice feature. (3) "I Heard the Bells ef Heaven1 all Bringing! was beautifully rendered as a. duet bl principal soprano and contralto voice! Then followed (4) a chorus from Berlioj's "Childhood of Christ" "The Farewell if the Shepherds." This is an pxquiete moi-ccau, and justice was fully done tolt. " Like Silver Lamps on a Distant ShriiS," set to music by Mr Robert Parker, ofiSt. Paul's, Wellington, brought the tetvid to an end. The oftener we hear this seising the better are we pleased with it, andthe concluding words, " aro at peace onjthis night so fair," formed a beautiful closfto a Christmas Day service. ', The same savices and carols, with the remaining three Sards on the prayer, will be repeated to-mprow.

LECTURE BY DR HUGHES.

Dr. Hughes oelivered a lecture dt "The Bastile "at the J^rne-street Hall on' Chris tmas night. Hdgave a short and ing sketch of pie history of the; famous prison, and described ite foil in ferae and vigorous langmge. The/lecturei duriiig the delivery behis (ftscodrse, tookoccasion to enunciate jbis vudws conceding the French Kevojution/and from tie tone of his remarks It was manifest flat he not only sympathised with the movement, but held Repuljican views himself. He ad mitted tliesact of excesses hiving been committed put submitted thaf under the circumstances it was not a mitter of sur prise that ney occurred, but liithor one of wonder thi the cruelty and tyfonny of pre ceding cetturies had not resulted in a far greater m more sanguinary attribution on the clerg/ and the.aristocracy! There was a short concert before the .'lecture com menced^in which Mr Harrf Douglas, of Mrs Leyis's Company, Mr \f. C. Dennes, Mr W. J. Webbe, and Mrs1 Hibbert took part, / j

BOXING DAY EXCURSIONS.

Seyr^l thousands of persons spent Boxing Day m various excursions by water, by whirl they were enabled.to visit the most ihtesstihg holiday resorts both inside ancl out/dc of the harbour. The' Queen-street whi'f during the morning consequently pre setted an exceedingly animated appearance, th/long strings of bunting flying from the mete of vessels, and the music of half-a dpn or more brass bands, mingled in one riand medley, giving evidence'that the liliday was to have due ' observance. / large number of pleasure-seekers rent to Tamaki. Thoy included a party from the Beresford-street Congre gational Church in the Enterprise, the /scholars and friends from the Baptist Sunday-school in tho Rotomahana, and others in the Neptune and Victoria. The Wellington went to Kawau, the Clansman and Waitaki to Waiwera, the Glenelg to Motutapu, and the Macgregor. to Tiritiri. The North Shore, Northcote, and St. Helier's Bay steamers plied regularly during tho day between those places and the town. All were well patronised, and although /the weather was unsettled.

there was every appearance, except per haps to the woatlier-wise men, of tho clouds clearing away and the rain holding up sufficiently long not to inter fere with the day's programme. About 3 o'clock, however, the rain came down, and continued almost without inter mission until the evening. Most of the excursion parties re-embarked earlier than it was originally intended for that reason, and almost all of them returned to town be fore 7 p.m. The Naturalists' Field Club, to the number of about fifty, mode an excursion to the Manukau Head (north). Tho Hannah Mokau, with tho party on board, left Ouehunga wharf botween nine and ten, and made a pleasant passage down. The weather was favourable until the time for returning-, viz., about 5 p.m., and the showers which fell after that caused but little inconvenience. Tho wharf was reached about 7, in ample time for the train to town. Excepting the damp even ing an enjoyable day was spent. Among the features which characterises, this Beason of the year not the least con-| spicuous is the opportunity' that is affordea} for tho display of good feeling between employers and employed. Yesterday the proprietors of the Devonshire Dairy, Karsi. ngabnpe Road and Ponsonby Road (Messrs Ambury and English), took all their hands, with their wives and children, by 'busjto Mangare, to the convenient and pretty lijtle farm occupied by Mr Joseph Ambi&y. Arriving thero dinner was awaiting thSm, laid in a spacious tent extemporised! for the occasion. After ample justice Iliad beon dono to the good thinffl a game of cricket was indulged in by tho gentlemen, married v. single, whim re sulted in favour of "the single lnen.jThis over, various sports and games wire in dulged in, notwithstanding the ihenvy Bhowers, which somewhat interfere^ with tho proceedings. After ten had bob par taken of,a pleasant drivo homo cmcluded a happy day. 1

OPERA HOUSE.-"Bluebeard.

Mrs G. B. W. Lewis and hrfr dramatic company, from the Bijou Tleatre, Mel bourne, via the South, opened ft tho Opera House lust night with the production of a Christmas pantomime foundefl upon the well-worn nursery legend of Bltebenrd, the "lady killer." As one woujtl naturally conclude from the gala charactff of the day, the large building was packta to excess; in fast, overy inch of space ks occupied, and discomfort was patientlyborne so long as a glimpse of the stage couli be had. In stalls and pit there, was jardly moving room, and in the circle licomotion was absolutely out of the mestion .after eight o'clock, even the entrance being blocked up, and ieople standing upon tables, chairs, anf the window sill in the corridor. JThe burlesque, which was " billed "as " Buebeard; or the Heathen Chinee," was plyed in three acts, of which the first was loser than the other two combined. Mountp. very effectively with appropriate scenerwnd appointments, and the dialogue interpersed. with jokes, puns, local hits and Elusions, as well as with song and dance, tho entertainment was lively enough te.keep the audience thoroughly amHsed. |he Company did not display muoh vocal ablity, but their weak ness in this respect vfo atoned for by their skill in dancing. MJB Lewis herself is the life and soul of the wholo concern. She took the part of Selta, tho true hero of the piece, and played ipvith the abandon and vivacity which marfthe actress experienced in burlesque. Norf of the other ladies dis played any special optitudo, but as tbeir parts were small and. altogether sub sidiary, the factldid not matter much. Mr Harry DouAs made a good Blue beard, and Mriß D. Haygarth (already well-known in- Auckland) "doubled effectively asi'Corporal Zong-Zong and Ah Sin, the chinaman, so childlike and blond, who plyed so well the game he did not understood. Mr St. Lawrence was Ibrahom, a khd of grand vizior, and Mr Chas. Thomppn, The O'Shacabac, a non descript chefflcter. Mrs Lewis's well known skill n the training of juveniles for operatic and dramatic representation and stage " bußiiss '' generally was exemplified in the gracell rarno?uvres and dancing of a dozen or s?little people, who, clad in the picturesque/costume of the last century, were introduced during the progress of the burlesque. # A ballet successfully executed wound up he third act, and then followed tho harleqinado, prefaced by a captivating transformtion scene illustrative of " King Argus's Bwer in the Realm of Flowers." In the tinp-honoured " funnyisms " which ensued & Haygarth acted as Clown, Mr Wilson jorbes as Pantaloon, Miss Tottie Young afHarlequin, Miss Alice Brooks as Columbile, and Miss Minnie Pullen as Hai-eleqiina. Tho pantomime finally closed with "alrand Amazon March of Nations," in troducifg emblematic figures of Britannia, ScotlanT America, France, Russia, Turkej and China, but omitting Germany, and, tcthe obvious disgust of "the sons ay the oi|d sod," representing Ireland by mcansbf a clown and a female tatter-do malio| The personations of the leading nationlities either sang songs or danced, the Isst-exccuted song being "La Mar seillaie," and the worst " Hail-, Columbia," whic|was rendered execrably out of time. At 1.45 the curtain dripped amid the struts of " Rule, Britannia," and.the large aiidfneo rapidly dispersed. The same " bjl " will be presented to-night.

JEAN'S ENTERTAINMENTS.

k concert and boll, under the manage mpt of Mr Horace Dean, took place in til Lome-street Hall last evening. There wJB a good attendance, and an interesting pogramrne was got through. Dancing «s kept up till an early hour this morn jig, the duties of M.C. being performed by Ir W. Smith. Arrangements have been fade for a Christy Minstrel entertainment tod ball on New Year's Night and following

| The fancy fair and bazaar at the Theatre IKoyal was open yesterday, the receipts for j the day amounting to £71. It will be open 'this afternoon.

Te Aroha, this day.—The athletic sports hold in Mohan's paddock yesterday went off successfully. There have been a large number of new arrivals to avail of the hot springs.

(Continued on Fourth Page).

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

EL MAHDI PREPARING TO RESIST.

Occupation of Berber. •

(BY CABLE- COPYRIGHT.")

Cairo, December 24. Intelligence has been received from pongola to the effect that 64 of the whale boats conveying troops to the front have arrived at Korti, on the Nile, near Ain bukol, where the concentration of troops is rapidl/ proceeding.

The Mudir of Dongola telegraphs that a Bedouin from Amderman, a village near Khartoum, which place he left on the 9th inst., has arrived, and reports that the Mahdi has sent ses*en corps to reinforce his armies at Berber against tho.approach of the British troops under Lord Wolsoley on that town.

TELEGRAMS.

The Thames Municipal Squabble. Thames, Wednesday.—Messrs McAndrew, Hume and Chappel, members for Parawai ward of the borough, having received from Hesketh and Richmond, a legal opinion which supports their claim to vote upon the question of the extinction ot the ward have addressed a letter to the Mayor, asking permission to take their seats, and threatening 'an action in the Supreme Court in the event of his refusal.

Blenheim, Wednesday.—The last special meeting of the Picton Coal Company has been declared illegal, an insufficient num ber of shareholders having been present. No further meeting w'pl be held until the annual general mooting on 2nd February when the directors will submit a report and balance sheet, and counter' proposals to that of liquidation will be brought forward.

Wanganui, Wednesday.— A Wellington commission agent named J. Bell William son was found in the Avonue last night with his leg broken in two places just about the ankle.

_ Wellington, Wednesday.—The follow ing award has been made by the arbitrators in the case Plummers Reeves v. Wellington Corporation :—£3,654 and £363 costs, to gether with £126 between the two assessors

WELLINGTON NEWS.

A New Goldfleld.

(Bf TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORMHrONDENT).

Wbllinoton, this day, It is rumoured that gold has been dis covered in the province of Tnranaki, pro-. bably in the Mokou or Tuhua country. I. have myself seen specimens, and have authority for stating that the exact spot of discovery has been disclosed to the Native' Miniate!-, who is also Minister for Mines. Mr Rallance is framing regulations offering a reward of I'soo for the discovery of a gold field in the North Island out of last sossion's A 'vote. It will be a stipulation in the regu-' lations that the consent of the chief of the district must be lodged in writing with Government before any prospecting, will be allowed in native country. The discovery affirms the existence of a quartz reef visible on the surface over a considerable area of " country. The reef, it is said, is intermixed with blue and rotten slate—favourable in dications, I am informed, of a permanent goldfield. Prize Essays. The prizes for the best essays on the in dustries of the colony to be invited in con nection with tho Industrial Exhibitio i will be in the shape of gold and silver medals and money. The Government desire that the subject should be dcult with in the most practical manner as opposed to abstract disquisitions. The Castlotownrocho Tragedy, I understand that correspondence be tween the Imperial and colonial authorities has been going on for some time past in reference to the man Sheehan charged with murder at Castletownroeho in Ireland, arkl that he has been nnder the surveillance of the police for many weeks previous to liis arrest. Beetroot Culture in the Colony. As showing the earnestness of the Govern ment in giving effect to the legislation of Parliament, and at the same time then desire that the fullest possible ventilation should be given to everything bearing on the capabilities of the colony as a field for special industries, I may mention that loose copies of the Beetroot Sugar Act of I last session have been forwarded to the Agent-General with a request that he 1 should endeavour through the Foreign I Office to make the provisions of the Act known in European countries where the subject has already attracted some atten tion, and where there is a population likely to feel particularly interested in the subject, Especially has it been desired that the pro visions of the Act may be translated and published throughout Russia, Germany, . Austria, and Belgium, in the hope that it may be the means of attracting a desirable class of immigrants hither ward, Mr Bollance and Restrictions on Nativo

Lands. It is understood that the Native Minister is making many enemies in certain circles by absolutely refusing to withdraw the re- I strictions on native lands in order to benefit "land-sharks" and traffickers in native land. This was notoriously done by the preceding Native Minister, as was proved by the return called for by Parliament upon the motion of Sir George : Grey in the session of 1883. Notwithstand ing this odium and the political pressure . that Is being brought to bear, Mr Baliance remains inflexible, and declares that so long as he holds the portfolio for native affairs he will not allow these restrictions to be removed,except after due publioity has been riven and for the benefit of the people of the colony. The Hangman Tarns the Tables on his Aecnser. Wellington, Wednesday.—Heyman.the : hangman, was .discharged on the charge of burglary, and his companion, Apuroa, a Maori, was committed for trial. The New Land Regulations. Government have alreadv| received two applications for special settlement ossocia- i tions, one from Wairarapa and one from Wanganui. Amongst tho concessions granted are areas varying from 330 to 640 acres in each settlement. Land will be allowed to be taken up by the associations for the purpose ot re-selling as township and suburban allotments. - The maximum has been raised to 140 acres, but the average in . the settlement must be 100 acres. Railway Contracts to be Let to Natives. Several important changes are about to take place in the Publio Works Department. In addition to the contracts at each end of the North Island Trunk Railway, forma tion sections will be leased out along the line, and offered to the natives to construct. Leasing of Crown Lands, Regulations are being prepared in the R and A departmentsforletting m runs of from 640 to 2,000 acres on perpetual leases, with compensation for improvements, a large extent of rough pastoral land,belonging to Government, and at present unoccupied. Conciliated Native Chiefs. A numbor of influential Upper Wanganui and Taupo chiefs who have hitherto opposed public works and settlement have in timated their intention of attending! the coming meeting on the Wanganui. River, and show a disposition to meet the views 6! Government.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. A Adelaide.—The proprietors have crushed SO loads of quartz for a yield of 550z». 6dwts. of gold. A A

MoANATAi/.itr.—The following tribute re- '■■:: turns were banked to-day :—Diamond and i party,* 3 loads, sozs: lodwts.; Christie, 2ozs. 14dwts.; Angove, 7ozs. Bdwts.s White, 14dwts. ;■:■ Thames Golden Crows.—The ofnshing A. for McKenzie and party yielded 206zs. i: 13dwts. - Caledonian. — Dryden banked 2ozs. A lSdwts. Dart.—Sullivan crushed 3 loads for soza. I Sdwts. A A New Eureka (Otanui).—The manager '''■' banked 37oes. 7dwte. gold.', Kurandt Hill.—Thomas and Rots have A finished their crushings for loz. lSdwts. and 1 14dwts. of gold respectively. Rocky Point.—Crushing operations will A be commenced on Monday. . m Cambria.—The return in melted gold A from three weeks' operations is •i9oJoz3,v_ The general dirt gave232ozs. retorted gold, and the specimens no less than 267oz_s, .si: 15dwts., or over an ounce per pound.' '■■•.'*■ Waiqrongomai District.—The final 'je-''.§ tprtinggave thp following' returns :T-.KewA; Find, 4220z8. Cdwts. ; Colonist, BloiSa.1! 1 wwte.; Diamond Gully, 29ozs. 2dwts".; A fcfay Queen (22 truck's), 31|ozs.; Prejnier A (19 trucks), 31|ozs. The total return 'of 1 the New Find' Company for five -weeks' I qperations is 878ozs.', for which 469 trqefcs pf stone were reduced; and that of the j Cqlonist, 150pzs. from 859 trucks. Te Aroha Gold "Hoturns. A?, Te Aroha, this day. '.-tf The following are the gold returns for J: the five weeks ending December 25 :■—New £« Find, 469 trucks, 8770z5. lldwts.; ColonistyA? 259 trucks, 1490z5. lSdwts ; Diamond Gully.if' 108 trucks, 1300z3.; Waiorongomav mm trucks, 51ozs. 12dwte.; May Queen, 22 % trucks, 50ozs. lldwts. ; Premier, 19 trucks,9 31ozs. 2dwts. ; ditto, tailings, 15ozs. 9 17dwts.; Canadian, 8 trucks, 3ozs. lOdwls.}!l Eureka, 9 trucks, 3180z5.; HitorMiss, 12 B trucks, loz. Idwt.; Welcome tribute ;H (Burke and party), 9 trucks, 7ozs. 18dwte.}.A Vulcan tribute (Joy and party), 4 trucks,■ 9ozs. lldwts.; Wellington ditto, lcwt.,6ozs., I 15dwts.; New Find trial lot, 24 trucks 3ozs. I 16dwts. : total, 982 truck's for the grand 1 total of 1,3490z5. of gold. ..Surely this is'« convincing proof of the payability of our'A reefs if any fresh proof.is needed, _ Ejreryone is anxiously looking forward I to the completion ef the now battery, and,A more moderate charges for crushing; lack of 4 crushing power and the present exces-'A sive charges keeping this Afield if from being developed. Many anjl|| bitter are the complaints heard on J* every hand of the prohibitive rates naf'Ai. exacted. It is not improbable that'one or.A% two leading mines will for a time suspend A operations, unless the' present batterjf-A charges are lowered or other arrangements Aj; for crushing entered into. A* . |-«i

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1884.

2



Otago—First Innings. C. Rattray, c Aehby, b Wilding 5 T. H. Cooke, b Dunlop .... .. .. 5 W. G. Dixon, b Dunlop .. .. .. .. o C. T. Colllnsoh, b Dtinlop .. .. -.. ..35 W. Parker, lbw. b Wilding _ T. Austin, cLugen, b Dunlop SO A. Davlos, b Bai-nss ..' .; _ A. Drabble, b Wilding .. .. .. .. _ MoGregor, not ouf .. .. .. ;. .. 30 A. Falrbaron, o Barnes, b Wildlpg :. .. '6 C. Frith, b Wilding .. .. • :.- .. .. o Extras .-." : . '.'. .. .; .. 11 TOtal.. - -; ... 131 Bowling Analyses. Balls. Maidens. Runs. Wkts. Dunlop .. 161 18 61 4 Wilding.. 115 11 32 5 Barnes ..81 12 20 1 Ashby ... 12 1 6 0 CANTERBURY-FIRST INNINGS ' j C.Strange, not out ., .,12,' W. Fowko, noto'ut .. .. .. .. ., |

Total for no wickets.. V



THE SNftKE ROOT REMEDY for RHEUMATISM and QOOT.-The Cimicifuoa (Actea RaceM&sa) or Buck SNAKE ROOT has been lOnb celebrated ASA RHEUMATISM) REMEDY. THI» PREPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IN IT» EFFECTS, AND RARELY TAIIM TO AFFORD REIIEF OR EFFECT A CURE. 6«. PER BOTTLE, AT MCKVH'S. TWE f-ttiftMnCV ovrosnt bkh* ot ».i. ontw si HE. NIGHTINGALE, Venetian Blind •'Maker. Victoria-street, will Close his place of business for the Holidays, and will re open on MONDAY, January 5,1885. -' :■■ 160 DOZEN ' ■ "OLACK T^RENCH KID GLOVES; A ■ iAiOANCE OF«_A ' T" Cleared by my London Buyer at a , HEAVY- DISCOUNT FOR CASH, , CHEAP AT DOUBLE THE PRICE , The Entire Line will be GXV EN AWAY 11* 6S- PS6 PAIR. AB. "D. -TSr -t AIR. i :■"■ AU etas Irom 51 to 8. HAW-A-DOZBS PAIBS OJ THItSK GLovsaion 9s WH.K MAjBJt A jgOB ASP TJSBHyt." kl^-"^''-' :, a?RUTM**l p,u*Bm',». r'-.; Ml ~~} \Yiluam~ j^tfltAif, —i —



j MONDAY, 12 o'clock. j NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. „„_, mt _ NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. CONTINUATION- SALE OF THE SYDNEY HALL COMPANY'S STOCK OF GOLD AND SILVER LjffEß WATCHES. DIAMOND RINGS and OTHER VALU ABLE JEWELLERY. R. ARTHUR Has recelve<Unsttuctions to sell THE WHOLE of the REMAINDER of the Sydney Hall Company's Stock,-which now comprises over J_?Q OF THE MOST £3,750** GENUINE GKNTSIC^AND LADIES' GOLD AND SILVER LEVER WATCHES. Diamond Rings, Bracelets, &c. Solid Gold Alberts ___ ■ . , ... Solid Gold& Silver Rings, Pms, Studs. Lockets, Braoeletß, Brooches and Earrings. &c. Greenstone Jewellery, Fans, Meerschaum Pipes, Elcctroplatedwaro. Those desirous of purchasing New Year's Gifts and Valuable Bargains will do well to be present on Monday ncit. as such a genuine chance atook may nevcr_agaln_jbe offered. Every artlclo "wi'llTiVwarranted, and a writ ten guarantee given with each watch^eold. _ NOTE.—The Stock witt bo on view morning of salo. and can be inspected. R. ARTHUR >H Auctioneer. "DANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. A BRANCH o£ this Bank has been Opened at HASTINGS, near Napier, under the. Manage ment of Mr WALTER POTTS. W. G. RHIND, Inspector. WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GARLICK & ORANWELL'S 1H THE CHEAP FURNISHING" I —— JUST OPENED. Beautiful Assortment OF BRUSSELS TAPESTRY, AND KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. ' | U"V'. ■ ■ ' ' SPLENDID LOT or ■* . BEDSTEADS, Just Recelye'd, IRON AND BRABS. NICKEL-PLATED. QARLICK AND QBAMWZLL, FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QURENOTH*E_ET, AUCKLAND.



riHOKE GOODS FOR CHRISTMAS. WILLIAM ~R. BRIDGMAN Has just reoeivod a large^and well assorted Stock of N OvI'LX'AS i For the nresent season, andno bo Bold vory ■ much under usual prices. Beautiful AssorSnsnt NeSvof Laces, in Real and Imitation. .While, Cream, Silver Ore/, Navy I Brown, Marone, Gold, Fanoy Shadeß, and ] Blaok, just received by steamer Coptic from I London New Frilling. Ties, Boarves, Collars. Collarettes. Beautiful lot It sal Lace Collars •* ASS'S •. Black Silk Crepe, haM-SQUarea _ g'S 3±>S\ BlackCashmei-e Cases \g a , * "|S| J Blaok SUk and fctdr^apos I 8 § ■^ 2? 30 (Black CheniUa Ca«f Blackl ££ w*S,2§\ LaoeCapeß,Brocß6 Capes \5« >J>Pm'-. /Black OaßhmeH Dolmans figs &**. i>.| Black BrocheVisjtes fWS t & o«5 2 I Black Brobhe Dolmans I>g ■ sS^S-cS/Blaok Lace Beaded Capes— J S3 very pretty goods » 55 The above ara_f hoice goods, and all prices— i&jhi very cheemo very good. U Ladies' SilkTbustro Ulsters. 7s M. bot»st l«w than bW-prlco 1.2 Ladies' China Silk Ulsters, various shapes— - to be sold at-half-price : The stock of Boys', youths', and Men's Clothing ; is large and well* assorted, and all goods j marked afra very small advance on cost Men's Strong Coats, Its ild Boys' Suits from Is lid _ Men's, Boys', and Youths' Felt and Straw Hats I ingreat variety . __-- ~ New Floorcloths, MattingXfco. JUNCTION DRAPERS-WAREHOUSE, 288, UPBJ CX"«JUKKN STREET. - ""^' ■ '



mHE "IyTELBOJPHrtf TQRAPERY AND ~. - {COMPANY Have on view in their CHRISTMAS NOVELTY WINDOW a setnewhat interesting and novel experiment in Electric Lighting. Into a GLASS FISH BOWL of the ordinary" kind have been placed TWO INCANDESCENT ELECTRIC LAMPS, which burn with great brilliancy In the water, much to the astonishment of the Goldfish, by which the bowl Is tenanted. They, however, seem in noway inconvenienced by the striking visitation. To counteract the small amount ot_ heat caused by tho lamps, a constant supply of cold wator is kept running by means of two syphons. In making this experiment, oare must be taken to perfectly insulate the cables, as water is a conductor of Electricity.



T"V R A P E R Y. FIRE! FIRE I FIRE 1 FIRE 1 FIRE I FIRE I FIREI FIRE I FIRE 1 FIRE! J. COSGRAVE & CO. We beg to announce that it is our intention to ontirely relinquish the CLOTHING TRADE. And in consequence of the FIRE which took place on our premises wo have been enabled . TO BELL ALL CLOTHING, a MEN'S MERCERY, &o„ AT lIALF THE USUAL PRICE. nis splendid opportunity should immediately be taken advantage of, as owing to a future arrangement of our Departments the STOCK MUST BE CLEARED OUT Before the IST JANUARY, 1885,. When jffljfaat then remains will be DISPOSED WBY PUBLIC AUCTION. . Note the Address— ''A-.' '*.".:.'." .'GREAT. SALVAGE SALE I GREAT -SALVAGE SALE I A . GREAT"SALVAGE SALE 1 ■ GREAT SALVAGE SALE I J. C OteAVE & QO. *■ .-•- ££s^Mnw 206;'. Q"sse-''i^r«»t. -• AA _J____£:£. : !__n\«« i 3:. ■ —»-».-, ~



Sewing Machines wholesale and retail./- D. 8. Chamb . : . FLIES AND BUGS, IjmUb, IliMJta, muhu. aula, id bus., ratsjmke. gophflra, chipmuuka, clot-^1 out by " Kuuj'o-j ._ —■—°- *EMaptli»nM. gromr*>H *•— *m -tinWi



«l- ?PV*W ***! RATS.V"" out»t^mi«. re**., Xanthoma, Prow* Op. _apr,u a—ai.-..



-^- -■ ~G for BABIB&—" We are pleased to say gs mat our baby wUa permanently cured of a -" serious-protracted irregularity of the bowels bf M the use of Hop Bitters M its mother, which '.at M tno same time rostored her to perfect health ani| \\m strenKth."-THB Parbnts. See. - "; ;'| The most Beautiful Ornamental FJift: !: Screens ever imported to this City are to beSeen ' atGarlickfe Cranwell'sFurnishing Warehouse. I A large assortment just opened up, varying In. . price frcm la 9d to 12s 6d. Ladlea are invited to I make theirselection early, as we oannot replace I tie<hoicest of them this season.—Garliok and Cranweli, Queen-street—[Advt. ,_ CATARRH OF THE BLADDER.-BUi.s__i* infu. '* '§. Uou, tiiflft.uuiatlou, aUKidnuy and ilxullar Coiuiilaiuu. cured bj : '—;__^— -*■—" IWWt».|*l«^i*l#*i^