SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

n^HWATEBI^SSw^UIiiW Si I NHKT.-Thls Evening, 7.11 SUNItISIC—To-morrow Morning, 4.10 MOON'S AGK.-First Quarter, 2oth, 1,0 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

TO-DAY.

Wellington, s.s.. Stcpheneon, from Tauranga Waratah, schooner, from Port Victoria Rowena, b.s., Amodco, from Mercury Bay Helen, barque, Crone, from Hobart

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVKNINO. Southern Crow, 3.3., Hutchison, for the South Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei IV.v.taki. _,„., Crawford, for Whangarei Wuiliora, s.s., Mcintosh, <or Russell

TO-DAY.

Wollington, s.s., Stephenson, for Whangarei . Reward, schooner, McDonald, from Whangarei Ringarooma, 5.3„ Popham, for Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per Holon,'from Hobart-14,000 split palings, 1,1125 bags bark, 10,000 foot hardwood, SO pairs cars shafts, 730 split rails, also part cargo for Lyttelton. - . '_ * ' Per Waratah, from Port \;ctona-000 tons flour.

EXPORTS.

Per Ringarooma. for Sydney-22 bales flax, TOO liundlc. mantelpieces, 13 packages case ment!.. 2-5 kegs beef. 131 sacks maize, 151 f-nrk- potatoes, 0 barrels and 6 tierces beet, —» hiilos.

Inwards Coastwise.—Dream, from Whan g-m-i. with 85 tons firewood: Waipu, frcm l'likiri, with lii kauri logs; Wangarei, from Whangarei, with 55 tons coal; Adah, from Thames, in ballast; Reward, from Whangaroa, wiih ;i-',_oo feot limber; Norah, from Kennedy Bay, with 17,000 feet timber; Coralie, from Mer cury Bay, with 21,000 feet timber.

OUTWARDS Coastwise.—Dream, for Whan garci; Ida, lor Omaha ; Moehau, for Omaha.

The s.B. Glenelg was floated out of tho Dock t'.ils morning. The leak in the ciisstn was pre viously discovered and temporarily stopped.

The 8.3. Rowona arrived from Mercury Bay iiiui Tairua this morning with a smull quantity of cargo and sevoral passengers.

There wero no vcssols loading at Mercury Bay when the Kowena left yesterday.

Tho s.s. Waihora, which left for Ruesoll last evening, will return on Thursday and leavo foi the South on Friday at noon.

The barque Helen, which has token up tho Lnoognna's trade between Hobart and this port, arrived here this morning. Sho loft Hobart on the 12th inst., and had an uneventful passage acros3.

Tho barque Lune completed discharging at tho Sugar Company's Wharf to-day, and will probably come down the harbour this evening. Tho s.s. Ringarooma loft for Sydney at noon today. Passengers: Miasos Greaville and Schmidt Dr. and Mrs Matthews, Mr aud Mrs I'ridham, Dr. Dyer. Captain W. Debbles, Rev. A. Jolly, Messrs Cook, Broad, Lowry, Hogan. Invoe, Berger. Churchward, W. E. Coole, G. H. 8011, Blake, Hardie, and Dunsford, Mesdames M. Hogan and S. M. .Ford.

The s.s. lona was expected to return here -from Norfolk Island in the flrst week of De & mbor. so that sho is considerably overdue The lima, however, was chartered by the day for an indefinite poriod, so that, as no infor mation of hor leaving Norfolk Island for Aucl» i.-nid has reached us, no uneasiness need be felt tor her safety."

The threo-mosted schooner Waratah arrived from Pert Victoria this morning. She sailed thence on the Cth inst., with strong westerly wind, which continued, accompanied with gales, almost throughout the whole passage. Tho Throe Kings were -ighted on the 22nd, aud anchor dropped in harbour at 8 20 a.m. to-day.

Tho s.s, Wellington arrived from Tauranga this afternoon. Posßengors^-Mra Davis, Miss Sullivan, Mrs Pillock, Mr and MrsNovin, Mrs and Mrator Ginders, Mr and Mrs Baker, Mrs Bbodes.. Mrs Adams and 2 children. Miss Norris, Misa Snodgrass, Misses Thomas (2). Mlsa Stocker, Mrs Campbell, Messrs J. Snodgrass, Duthie, 11. Cook, Block, S. Ling. J. W. Thomas, Buruett, Harvey, J. Mee. Allan, H. Mitcholl, J. IHcogie, Gill, Fowler, B. Booth, Master Mc- Causland, Masters Moss, J. B.White, Major Mair, Adams and party (3), Butwell. Passengers from Mercury Bay and Tairoa:—Miss Fitzpatrick, Messrs Warren, Lowe, Sullivan, H. Reynolds, McKay, Darlington. AlcMannus,- Rlohardson, Blimey, Barber, Campbell, Johnson, Publis, Frost, Parsons, McKay, Martin, Midgley, Mo- Cullam, Walker, Campbell, Page. W. Monk, L. Barber, Norton, Smith, Hughes, R. Smith. Jordan, Janice F. O. Kelly. Kcyuard, MoLcan, Butler, Mr and Mrs Scho fieia, Mr and Mrs Cowon, Nc_a, Shaw (2) Lo-noy, Partington, Mashern, and 15 steerage

NEW STEAMSHIP ARAWA.

The Shaw, Saville and Albion Company's new a-oaiuer Arawa, 5,200 tons resrister. 3.500 horse power (Captain Stewart), which left Gravesend on November fith for New Zealand ports, arrived at Port Chalmers today. Sho brings a large number of passengers, ol whom the following are for Auck ln:«d: Saloon — Me3BV3 A. MohoD, William Henderson, Robt. Henderson, Arthur!'. Clarko. i J. 1,. Laing. and Capt. Colbeok. Second Saloon: Mr. aud Mrs Mann, Rev. A. S. Fox, Messrs Ge >rgo Phillipp?. F. Parker, K. C. Denny. W. D L-Tpb, FrankMtller. Frederick Miller. Ernest , Bealel F. Westgate. A. 8. MoJannet. The .r Arawa has also the following Government immigrents for Aucklaud-.—Maria and Bliza Co iFev, Esther Good win, Eliza Veitoh. Catherine Oats,* Eliza. Isabella, and Lucy Walker, JulU ■' Wardle. ■ '■" ..:',. .' - ' ■ - .. •'.'

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Russell. uAs day.—Arrived*. Waihora, from Russell, 820 a.m. ' 'ilf « . ','_* New Plymouth, this'day?-Arrived: JPeH gnln, f uom Onehunga, 1.38 a.m. Waitara, tliis day.—Sailed: Oreti. for One hunga. midnight ot yesterday. ; Port Chalmers, this day.—Arrived: Arawa, - f rum London, via. Holmr*, 8.13 s.m. _ ■.VKLXINGTO.r, Tuesday.—Ainvcdr Valador, barquentine, from Mauritius. • ' P.irtCualmbiw,Tuesday.—Arrived:Colonel, from Kaipara. Sailed: Jessie Headman, ship, fur London, with a cargo of wool. Mklbourne, Tuesday.—Sailed, this after noon: TarawirA, for the Bluff. . r .-.-, Aduxaidk, this day.—Arrived, this -morning: Orient Company's R.M.S. Austral, from Ply mouth |Nov. 13).

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails w__ Close as undeb-

■ -.-■' Ibis Day. For Waitara, etc., per Oreti, at -.20 p.m. For Norfolk Island, per Orpheus, at 4 p.m. For Thames, per Botomahana. at 5.30 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprises, at 7 p.m. For'Waiwera, Te Kara, Craigieburn, Wark worth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 7 p.m. ... Fkiday. 26th inst. For Oisbomo, Napier, Southern Ports, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Waihora, at 0 a.m. For Waiwera per Clansman, at 9 a.m. For Kawau, per Wellington, at 9 a.m. For Cowes and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at 9 a.m. ' "'•-•". For Thames, per Enterprise, at 9s.ii. Saturday, 27th tost. .'■ For Tryphena, Port Fitzroy, and Whanga paranara per Glenelg, at 7 a.m. ■'. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai. etc., per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waitara, etc, per Douglas, at. 11 a.m. j - Monday, 29th inst. For Gisborne and Napier, per Thomas Russell, at 4 p.m. / Tuesday. 6th January. Per s.B. Australia, as follows :— For Navigators Islands. Sandwich Islaada. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For Umted Kingdom and Continent of Europe,at 1 p.m. - .... - '■ Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 11.30 a.m. __.--. lite letters, bearing as extra fee of six pence in addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be due in London on Friday, 13th February, 1885.

Note.—The 25th instant being a Post-offlce holiday, all mails for despatch on that day will he closed the previous evening at 7. The De livery Department will be open for delivery of letters from 7 till 8 p.m. on the 24th. Ou Boxing Day the Post-offlce will be open from 9 to 10 ajn. Sunday hours will be observed in private box lobby on 25th instant, usual hours on Boxing Day. Letter-carriers will make one delivery on Boxing Day, starting at 8 a.m. ■ Hf '•- S. B. 8138. Chief Postmaster. Chief Post-offloe, AuoMaud,

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

December 21, 1881.

Abbott's Opora House—Athlotlo Tournament, 8 p.m. St, Mary's, Parnell-Fcßtlvol Choral Sorvfe'e. H.A.C.B. Society, Juvenile Contingent-Meet ing, 7.30 p.m.

Notices to Correspondents.

T. G. GKAHAM.-NO. j. F. Lkwne.—The water jump at Eilerslio measures loft. lin. fr-111 bank to bank.

Birth.

ARMIT.—On December 21, nt her residence, Mount-street, the wifo of Joßtph Armit of a daughter. BRYAN—On December 23, at her reaidenco, Pornell. tho wife of H. Bryan of a daughter. NEWMAN.—On December 22, at College Road, Mrs W. A. Newman of a daughter.

Marriages.

Ll.rrCH-McFAYDEN.-On December 22, at the offlce of the Registrar, Auckland, Thomas Leitch to Agnes, oldest daughter of Honry S. McFaydCn, D v nedin. SHACI.ELFORD-SUEPIIBRD.-Oh Doe. 18, at tho residence of Mr James Harris. Jerveis Road, Ponsohhy. by the Roy. J. Wallis, Wes loyan minister, John Wisdom, second son of the late Thomas Shackelford, late of Hastings, England, to Edith Annie, only daughter of the late John Shepherd, lato of Anckland, New Zealand, and Daventry. Northamptonshire.

Deaths.

CIjEAVE.—On December 22, at her paronts' residence, Remuera, Hildrod Ida. Annie, twin daughter of Arthur and Annie Cleavo . aged -1 months.

KAY.—On December 2'i. at Kent-stroet, Surrey Hills, David Kay ; aged '17 Tears. Funeral will leave his lato residence on Christmas morning, at 9.30. Friends pleaso accept this Intimation. MOORE.—On the 21th Decomber, at his parents' residence. Alma-street, Nowmarket, Charlos, the beloved son of Daniel Moore; aged IS year..

Tho funeral will tako placo on Thursday noxt (Christmas Day), at 3 o'clock. Friends aro respectfully invited to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1884.

For tho cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance, For the future In the distance. And the geod that we can do.

"It was the winter wild," accord ing to popular belief, when, nigh nineteen centuries ago, was born that greatest of all the sons of men, whose natal day Christendom still annually celebrates. That the day should be so universally observed here, the width of a hemisphere from, the arena of action, and amid the blooms of summer, is not the least striking testimony to the hold which Christmas observance has ob tained upon the minds of people. There was much in the early Christian idea of t!*e festival to enchain the imagination and attract the homage of the soul. The birthday of a God, whose advent had been heralded most miraculously, the occasion wis one .demanding the highest efforts of human minds arid the truest de votion of human hearts for its proper observance. Even divested of all mysticism and stripped of all super natural accretions, the day is worthy of the exalted honours accorded it by the Christian world. Now is cele brated the founding of Christianity, which is a great and beneficent fact in the universe to day, though its begin ning at Bethlehem seemed so feeble and insignificant. The observances of this season form man's annual .tribute to the grandest religious system ever founded upon earth, as well /as a periodical confession of his obligations to that religion's Founder. And, quite apart from His claims to Divinity, Jesus of Nazareth is far and away the grandest figure this earth has ever seen; His character and teachings re main the highest types of moral excel lence ; and Hi- influence has been, and still is, the most powerful ever exerted for the welfare of mankind. Well, therefore, may the joy-bells ring, and gladness reign in the individual heart, and good-will (.ermeate the entire community,as the advent of the Son of Man is recalled to memory. To none other is such homage rendered or due. Shakspere, whose influence in the realm of mind has been so great and universal, has a ceiebration once a cen tury, which takes the form of a mild idolatry * but that isolated observance does not, like the annual 'Christian festival, embody any recognition of definite principles, nor does it mark the dawn of a new era or the birth of new aspirations. Much less is it associated with those noble ideas of the brother hood of man which are indissolubly linked with Christmas, and which in the time of full fruition will inaugurate the reign of perfect peace and good-will upon earth. In the spirit of the season we breathe forth, not only to the circle of our readers, but to every responsive heart, the seasonable wish— .

"A Merry Christmas to You."

The Stab will not be issued to-morrow or on Friday.

The rain which has been impending for the last 24 hours fell about 1 o'clock this afternoon in a regular torrent, catching summer-clad and umbrellaless people quite unawares, and pouring surging streams of turbid water down the street channels. The result was that as the gratings were unable to swallow quickly enough the foam ing |water, the roadway in a great many places was partially submerged. The glass was steadily falling during the morning, but now there is a better prospect of fine weather for the holidays.

The steamship 4rawa, which Arrived at Port Chalmers from Plymouth this morn ing, has on board 200 Government immi grants, of which ten are for this port. A list of names of both cabin passengers and immigrants for Auckland appear in our shipping column.

A case of scarlatina, located in tho Pon sonby Ward, was roported to the Sanitary Inspectdr on Monday last.

The grand bazaar at the Theatre Royal in aid of the funds of tbe Convent schools was open l__t night, and the receipts for the day totalled upwards of £80. It will be open this evening, and during Friday and Saturday.

The Government Life Insurance Associa tion is; about to issue voting papers to its policy-holders. Those who wish to avail themselves of their rights will find that they will have not long to consider who they will vote for. There are 27 candidates. Mr Geo. S. Graham is perhaps mout widely known in this province, and his friends are somewhat exercised that the time has been run so short, they being confident that he will secure the lion's share of Auckland votes. Mr J. Kitchen is also expected to get a considerable amount of Auckland support. In many of tbe out districts it is probable that votora will be practically disfranchised, as the voting papers (not yet delivered) must be posted back to Welling ton so as to be in that town by the seventh January. V

Rev. Humphrey Davis reported to Detec tive Walker last night that a black cloth clerical coat had been jatolen from hist residence. The detective promised to look after it, and was true to his word. This forenoon he was strolling down High-street when he met an old friend in the person of Mr Joseph Welling, an itinerant purveyor of sheep's trotters. Joseph was clad in a well-fitting black coat, which imparted such a sanctimonious air to his appearance that the Detective instantly inquired if Joseph had joined the Salvation Army. Joseph said he hadn't, but had found - nice coat inside a gate, and was then on the .way to "pop" hi-> own, which was hanginjg over his arm. The detective, however, thought he recognised the coat from the description given to him by Mr Davis, and ran his frier.^ Towr*-- tot" the lock-up without further, aiio. Tfiu coat was here identified aB Mr Davis's property, and Joseph, who had intended to create a sensation at the performance of the "Messiah" to-morrow, awaits an interview with the Resident Magistrate. . '

An oxtroordinary genoral meeting of tho shareholders of the Thames- Golden Crown- G.M. Co. was held at Mr F. A. White's office yosterday, Mr Alexander presiding. The following. resolution was carried :— "ThAtthe capital of the Company be-in creased to „25,000 in 25,000 shares of £1 each—4a per sharo paid up on the original snares of tho Company, tho increased nuni ber.of 15,000 shares to bo dealt with as fol lows -. The whole of the 15,000 to be offered to tho present shareholders, the balanco not appliod for by the shareholders at tho ex piration of 14 days to be offered to tho public." This was all tho business.

A monling whs called for la.st evening at tho United Service Hotel to form a brunch Of tho Now Zouland Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association, but as only twelvo persons were present the meet ing was postponed, and a desire expressed that in the meantime the names of persons Wishing to join the proposed Association should be obtainod.

The Supremo Court offices are closed from to-day until tho 3rd of January inclusive. Murray's " Auckland T_me-tabl_ and Diary" has been publislftd early this month in order to give tlie holiday time tables. It also contains tho new mail timo tables, etc. Tho little book will be appre ciated just now, whon everyono iv hunting up timos of departing trains and steamers.

Wc learn that tlie West Tamaki picnic hold on Saturday last at St. Helicr's Bay was not exe.uf-.vely confined to uny par ticular body of Christian people, but was given for the enjoymont of tho scholars and friends of the Tamaki day and Sunday schools by sottlors of all religious denomi nations in the district.

Agreeably with" the request made by tho Auckland Harbour Board, the Collector of Customs has boon instructed by tho Govern ment to cease, after January Ist noxt, to collect the annual pilotage payable under soction 88 of tho Harbours Act, 187S, upon colonial trading vessels tho master or mute of which holds a pilotage exemption cer tificate.

Tho taanagor of the Old Men's Refuge desires to ncknowlodgo a gift of tea, sugar, milk, aiid tobacco, kindly given by the betiovolent ladies (late Committee) for tho use of lite inmates.

To tho Editor : Sir,—Will you kindly correct tha statement published in both the daily papers that " Tho Salvation Arn'iy Band will joiti in the Tomperan'co Demon stration." I am authorised by Captain Little, bandmaster, to stato that no author ity has been givon to any person lo mako such an announcmont, nor was it ovor intondod that tho, Band should join in that Demonstration, othor ilrrangemonts having been mado.—.V. VV. Bka„e, bandsman.

The report of tho Works Committco, which was adopted at tho meeting of the Harbour Board yosterday, rccommendod that the consideration of Mr Ross's account for professional services bo deferred until the completion of tho building. Ro En gineer's report in reforonce to the Freezing Company's reclamation,. the Committee recommended that the Engineer bo in structed to causo the contractor for tho reclamation to at onco placo a bank of scoria stones on tho seaward boundary of the reclamation in Ordor to prevent material being carried into tho harbour. Ko dwarf wall and railing for building, tho Committee rccommendod that f rosh plans be submitted. A by-law ro appointment of trailic manager and wharfinger was road. Tho Committee recommended that no action be takon as to extension of Victoria Wharf for tho present.

The half-yearly mooting of Court Euroka, No. 6,171 A.0.F., was held on Monday evening, when tho following members wero duly elected to offieo :—C.R., P. H. Wat kins ; S.C.R., C. MoEntol; Treasurer,

James F. Lovoll; Secretary, Job Gibbs; S.W., It. Pilinan ; J.W., W. Henderson ; 5.8., T. Krotschmar; J. 8., J. 11. Groso; Assistant Socrotary, E. Fitness ; Surgoons, Drs. Knight and Coom.

"Wo havo good authority for stating (says the Melbourne "Herald") that there will bo two intercolonial bowliiig contests this season in Melbourne, tho Now South Wales team having timed their visit for the latter part of March, and Iho New Zealand team will be hero at tho same time. The throe colonies—viz., Now South Wales, New Zealand, aud Victoria — will com pete for the Federation Cup, presented by Mr Mark Mosb. The contests aro looked forward to by tho bowling world as some thing unexampled in the history of bowl., und it speaks much for the game when '.'0 representative men fiom each of the colonits of New South Wales and Now Zealand ate willing—uye, and ready loo—to take up Iho gauntlet for their own parts, and incur the journey with its expenses to compete in friendly rivalry for tho premiership.

A crickotjmatch will be played between Eton mid Alma to-morrow afternoon, Eton will be represented by Ellis, Shor land, Constable, Mills, Taylor (2), Green, Bennett, Simpson, Smith (2). Franklin will play an all-day match against Alpha to-morrow*. Tho following is the Franklin team :—Service, Stemson, Shcddon, Search held, Nesbitt, Nightingale (2), Tottorsall, Moore, Ross, Potter. Emergencies : Peet, Spinley. The following will represent Alpha 2nd:—Hay, Nesbit, Sisson, Gled hill (2), Marcroft, (2), Done, Arey, Abel, and Dixon. Emergencies : Qilraour, Bas sett, and Morrow. On Saturday Franklin will play Albion, and will bo re presented by Sneddon, Soarchlield, Spinloy, Nesbitt, Nightingale, It. Mooro, Tattersall, Ross, Woods, Pottor (capt,), and Peet. Emorgoncy, Sorvico. West End will bo represented on Satur day, in the match against Parnell, by Abbott, Bony, Conrtuyno, Dean, Donald, Doughty, Gamblo, Hoffman, Mears, McGregor, Vcrney.

Mr Justice Gillies held his usual bi-weekly sitting in Chambers yesterday. Probate was granted in re Hugh James Conolly, William James Marks, Mary Josephine Corcoran, Mary Kelly, Samuel Brown, George Brown Harris, and James Holdon Torrance, whilo an order was mado to register copy of will in re B. Gittos (de ceased). Letters of administration were ordered to bo issued in re Solomon Salmon and J. G. Pratt (deceased). In re John Haywood (deceased) —i.e., Cheap John—an application for payment of a sum of „240, with interest added, to the administiatnr of the estate of G. W. Pigott and Eliza Fox (deceased), was ordered to stand over. In re Rev. Humphreys v. Roberts (action for Blander) leave was given to amend statement of claim by inserting' names of persons to whom alleged slander was spoken. Tho case of National Bank v. Humphries and Another was stated to bo settled. Authority was givon A. K. Taylor to sell certain property in the Tamaki district which he holds in trust for his late brother's children, subdivision of lots to be approved by the Court, and pur chase money to be invested in Government securities or freehold mortgages.

At Abbott's Opera House last evening Professor Carrolo and his pupils appeared in an athletic tournament, which passed off very successfully. Tho performance opened with dumbell exercise in squad to music by the pupils, lead by Professor Carrolo, after which the latter and J. Ansonne took part in a fencing bout with assault. The pupils subsequently took part in vaulting tho military horse, parallel-bar exorcise, and Indian club exercise. MessrsH. Keesingper formed with the heavy Indian clubs. Other items included a boxingbout between Messrs Edwards and Dawson, double horizontal bar exhibition by Professor Carrolo, T. H. Keesing, H. Keesing, Asher, and two others, who appeared as "MinogUe from thoWhau " and "His Cousin from Cork ;" " Ye Old English Game of Quarterstaffe," Messrs Edwards and Dawson ; boxing con tests between Messrs H. Keesing and R. Sandall, and. H. Keesing and Carrolo; Roman rings, Messrs J. H. Keesing, H. Keesing, Asher, Dickson, and Professor Carrolo. The performance concluded with a boxing melde, in which all the pupils took part. A similar performance will take place this evening.

The business at the meeting of the Har bour Board yesterday was not of an impor tant character. Letters from Mr Henry Niccol, asking for an extension of his lease for 21 years, and from the Dock contractor, asking permission to remove shingle from the beach at North Shore, were referred to committees. George Johnston applied for employment, and it, was agreed that ho bo informed that when a vacancy occurs appli cations will be invited in the usual way. An offer to sell the steam launch Huia to the Board was referred to the Works Com mittee. Mr T. Osborne wrote denying that he had impeded the traffic on the Northcote Wharf,, and asking -by what authority Mr Brassey had acted as he had done. It was agreed to inform Mr Osborne that, as Chairman of the Northcote Road Board, Mr Brassey had been appointed to the charge of the wharf. An applica tion from Stone Brothers for refund of pilotage on Cabarfeidh was referred to Works Committee. Mr Maye moved:. "That unless the Engineer certifies that the offices are completed by the 31st prox., the contract be cancelled." It was, how ever, agreed that tho matter of enforcing penalties iv Mr Connolly's contract be re ferred to the Works and Tariff Committee. Damage to the caisson of the Dock was re ported by the Harbourmaster, and it-was stated that the damage would be repaired as , soon as possible- i

A plain and fancy dress ball took place in the Parnell Hall last evening, and passed off very successfully. There, were about 40 couples present, and a well arranged dance programme was gone through, Messrs W. Bobertson,_. ffl,. : Cole, and, J Sheppard discharged thq duties of masters of cere; "monies, and excellent music was provided by Hannckon's band. Tho hall was nicely decorated with flags, etc., and rofroshmonts were provided in a creditable manner,

Christmas services will beheld to-morrow in mo3t of tho churches. The "Messiah" will bo- performed at Beresford-street at Il a.m., by a full choir under tho conduc torship of Mr Baxter. A Christmas break fast will bo hold in tho hall of the Young Mon's Christian Association at 8 a.m. Christmas sorvices atthe Anglican churches. A musical sorvico of a special character will bo hold in St. Matthew's Church in tho ovoning, specially designed for lovers of Christmas music of a high class; and a grand sacred concert by tho Wai temata Minstrels in the evening at 8 o'clock. A semi-choral celebration of the Holy Eucharist will take placo nt 8 o.m. in the Church of St. Thomas. Morning prayer will bo eaid at cloven, and tho service will conclude with a second communion.

Thero was a very fino show of meat poultry, fruit, ..a, in the market to-day. MrEadyh.id a choice selection of all kinds of meat. Noti.iable was a prime ox, fed in tho "Waikato, with au unusual quantity of snot from it, and a very good ox, fed by Mr Pilkington, of tho Tamaki. Mr Mead had alsu a good show of moat; Mr Bettany primo Canterbury bacon and hams ; Mr Head a fino selection of poultry, fruit and vegetables. Tho stalls of Messrs Knight, Nowton, McMath, and Warbur ton woro stocked with fruits and flowers of tho choicest description. Mr Walker's fcfcall was artistically decorated.

Sunday traffic does not seem to bo tho worst oU'onco of which Victorian publicans are guilty, os tho following from a rocont numbor of tho Molbourne " Ago " goes to show •.-—"The arrest of Slater, the licensoo of tho Brunswick Pier Hotel, Port Mol bourno, and tho discovery of a vast quantity of stolon proporty, tho proceeds of half-a-dozon different burglaries, in his houso, has causod a groat sensation, and numerous inquiries from victims of recent robberies wore made yesterday at tho defective oifico. Tho result of thoßp inquiries. has convinced the police that this hotel was tho chosen receiving houso for Htolen property . from all quarters of tho city, and the rendezvous of thiovos. Yesterday.it was ascertained that some of tho Jewollory stolon on tho Ist Juno last from tho dwelling of Mr James Alford Manchester, , 10, Royul Torrace, Morton-street, Albert Park, was among the property found by tfio polico in Slater's possession. During the afternoon the.discovery was also mado that rioarly ull tho articles stolen from the dwolling of Mr W. Hutton, Iffia-stroet, South Mel bourne, in August last, wero among the miscellaneous goods found in the Brunswick Pior Hotel ; and later in the day another romarkablo robbory, committed on tho llth instant, on the premises of Mr Isaac Newton Blanche, ah insuranco dgont, residing at 2, Royal Torraco, was cloaredjup by the dis covory of tho stolon goods among Slater's valuablo collection now in the hands of tho police. Tho receiver of all this stolon pro porty is now in safo custody, but is making strenuous efforts to obtain bail, which the polico, in tho interests of justice, are opposing."

Tine Greatest Blessing.—A simple, pure, harmless rotuody, that cureß every Unto, and prevents disease by keeping the blood pure; stomaoh regular, kidnoys and liver active Is the greatest blosslug ever conferred upon man. Hop Uittors 13 that roroedy. and its proprietors aro boing blessed by thousands who havo been (urcdbylt Will you try itl See.

Tho manager of tho City Buffet an nounces Unit be is prepared to supply hampers for tho races and for picnics, &c.

Dr. Hughes lectures to-morrow nlglit In tho lionio-strcet Hall on "The Bastille," A festival choral service will bo hold this ovening at 8 o'clock, In St. Mary's Church, .'uracil.

Messrs Kichardw.n Bross. notify m another column that they have opened their new fanny goods shop in llrako-slreot. The Btook is very varied ana replete nod seasonable. Sowing Machines wholesale and retail.— D. B. Clmuit-

The compliments of the seoson may be gracefully conveyed, and wiU be appreciatmgly lU'cipted, If Hnr.oropanled by some üßofnl pre sent, obtainable In Immense variety at Good son's Louden Arcade.—{Adit.]

PECULIAR DIVORCE CASE.

A H:«rnla.d thfi PluintUl'.

The hearing of the petition for the divorce of June Sophia Jones from Henry King Howen Jones begun in Melbourne on Satur day bofore Judgo liiginbotham. Tho respondent did not appear. Tho wife was formerly v barmaid in tho Union Club Hotel, Collins-street, whoro sho mado the respondent's acquaintance. Aftor nine months' friendship the parties woro mar ried. Three wocks subsequently Jones had delirium tremens, and after his recovery re fused to dino at tho sumo table with his wifo. 110 nevor spoko to hor or allowed her monoy. A clerk to the solicitors for the petitioner proved that he served a citation on tho res pondent in his residenco, Fraoketon. Jones asked the clerk whether tho proceedings would bo oxpensivc. Tho clerk replied that it depended on whether tho suit was con tested. Jones said that bo should not con test it, but still ho refused to live with his wile. Ho had not givon instructions for a deed of separation to be prepared. Jones was formerly a resident in Albury. James Mitcholl said that ho was ono of tho trustees mentioned in the deed of settle ment (produced). The deed was executed on April 26th, 1879, in a solicitor's office in Albury. It was Mr Steel who took an active part in the matter. Tlie petitioner, who was examined, said that sho was married to the respondent on July 24th, 1877, in St. John's Church, Mel bourne. She had no relations in Molbourne, but thought that her mother lived in Hobart, She" stayed with her husband three weeks in the Prince of Wales Hotel, St. Kilda, during which time hor husband had delirium tremens. They then went to livo with the respondent's mother in Albury. Her hus band relapsed into drinking for threo days aftor she went to visit his sister. Whilo she was absent sho heard that her husband had gone away. About September she wont to Scott's Hotel, accompanied by Mr Steel.; but returned to Albury on the noxt day, as Mr Steel informod her that the ro spondent would not see her. She was not told of her husband's whereabouts. In December she left Mrs Jones's house, because her mother was afraid that the respondent, who had returned, would do somo violence. She then took a "house for herself, hor mother, and sister in St. Kilda. During March, 1878, they broko up the establishment, and in February, 1870, went to Mrs Jones's in Albury, and she signed a deed of separation without [reading it. A statement therein that they agreed to live apart for the future was untrue, aH was also a statement that the yearly Income which had beon settled on her by her husband should bo dividod. She had hoard that hor husband was living with other women. She composed tho follow ing letter herself, and received tho annexed reply:—"Melbourne, August 13, 1878. Henry,, when your relatives advised mo some time back to come to town, I thought it possible that you might see the error of your ways, and that someday you might be prepartd to treat me us a wife; but, if reports be true, I presume that I may give up all idea of your abandoning your dis solute life and in temperate. habits. If you can prove to my satisfaction that certain things that I have heard are not true, and that the reports are. false,. T could still forget your cruelty to me, and, if you promise" to treat me a3 a husband should do, I will come back and live with you. But if the things that I have heard are true, I will not have anything to say to you, and I will appeal to the Court for a divorce. Waiting your reply—J, S. Jones; H. Jones, Esq., Albury." "Albury, 15 |8 I 78. Jinnie, it is some time since you left me to go to your friends in Mel bourne. Strange to Bay, you now Seem to. think that I may have turned ovor. a new leaf, and would take you back and treat you as a husband should treat a wife. But, the fact of the matter is, I never did care for you sufficiently well to wholly give up my intemperate habits for a thankless woman like you are. I don't know what on earth ever possessed me to marry you. I must have been mad to go and do euch a rash act, more especially as you were little morethana6tranger tome, and aseverybody knows up here, I care for somebody else far more than I could care for you. I will not attempt to prove to you that the reports you heard were false or the contrary. I dare say that what you did hear was quite true. I don't want your forgiveness for my cruelty to you ; I can do ju6t as well with . out it; thank you all the same. I know that I could not bo kind to you, or treat you better than I did formerly. So the beat thing you can do is to stay away from me, as I never intend to alter my way for you or anybody else. You can act as you like in the matter.—H. R, B. Jones."

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY CABLE.—.COPYRIGHT],

Anglo-Spanish Commercial Treaty,

London, Pecember .22.—An agreement, has been signed between the representatives of Englancf and Spain, in connection with tho negotiations for a fresh commercial treaty. Under the agreement Spain is to grant England " the most favoured nation " treatment, when the British House of Com mons has agreed to extend to Spanish wines containing 30 degrees proof spirit the shil ling per. gallon scale duty now levied on | wines of 26 degrees proof spirit. i Tbe Royal New Zealand Mail. i Tho New Zealand Shipping Co.'s Royal mail stoamor Aorangi, the first vessel under contract with tho New Zealand Govern ment, sailed from Plymouth at 3 p.m. on the 20th for New Zealand. . A False Alarm. Furthor investigation has shown that tho box found in the debris of the fire at the parcels ofiico, Windsor railway station, moroly contaiued fishing winches, and was not, as first supposed, an infernal machine. Tho German Anarchist Outrage. Berlin, December 22.—Three of tho anarchists accused of attempting to destroy the Germania statue at Niederwald have been found guilty and sentenced to death, and two havo been condomned to ton yoars' ponal servitude. London, December 22.—The frozen meat ex steamer Elderalie is in excellent condi tion. Tho Trust and Agency Company of Aus tralia has authorised tho issue of 25,000 additional shares. ■ . .: Mr Michael Davitt has strated on a visit to Australia, _~,... Fresh Outbreak of Small'-pbx. (Received December 2-1—12.30 p.m.) Sydnky, this day.—A case of small-pox has appoared in the suburb of Waterloo; and ton porsons liavo consequently beon placed in quarantine. , Tho Labour Outrages.-Keprleve of Murderers. BriAliane, this day,—Noil McNeil, lately second mate, and Bernard Williams, lately boatswain of tho labour schooner Hopeful*, who were under sentence of death for murder of islandor_ oh tho High seas, havb beon reprieved.

The Queensland Parliament his been pro rogued, Tho Protest Not Unanimous. Bkihuani*. this day. Great dissatisfaction at the German pro tectorate of Northern Now Guinea and neighbouring islands was expressed in the Legislative Assembly yesterday by several members.

M_-L_ot-R.il', .Wednesday. The Tasmanian Government Have agreed to join in the German annexation of Northern New Guinea, It is understood, however, that New South Wales prefers to await further infuri'natioh thereon befdre joining in the protest.

TABLE TALK.

Pressed .'OK time.—Mumihios

No moro Stars till Saturday. Great choice of Christmas amusements. Is a master of ceremonies a " horj chant.

Get your Star CitßisfotA;. SirrptEiiiENt and a good Christmas dinner, and you want no more.

Josoph Milstead, ah old identity of Wel lington; died yesterday. Christmas .ntbrchlinge—'' Johnnießaws" como into town, and " townies"go to the country. The hearing ot tho Yogol libol action has boon postponed till aftor tho Christmas vacation. -

The body of Frank Morton, carpenter, who is believed to have drowned himself at Bulclutlia a fortnight ago, was found yester day on the beach at Port Molyneux. A mull named Georgo William Crabtree has been committed for trial at Christchurch on charges of horse-stealing aud larceny of building muterials, valued iv all at nearly £200.

Tho Union S.S. Company curry doctors oii their Australian steamers as a precaution against small-pox. Wm. B. Kidman killed himself by cutting bio throat nt tho- Royal George Hotel, Chrietchureb, last ui<_bt. The drink fiend, us usual.

Judge Williams has decided at Dunedin tbut fruit pulp imported from Hobart is not dutiable uuder the Customs Act.

Tho sawmills at OUtni Creek, belonging to Mr J. S. Gibbons, were burnod clown yesterday morning. Roy. George Morrico, of Balclutha, Otago, was yosterday drowned while bathing at Molyneux. Mrs Morrice, who was in danger, and in aiding whom he lost his lifo, was rescued by Maoris. " Papa's) Home To-night," is the title of a now song. It will be useful for the young lady, on such occasions, to eit by the open window and sing to Georgo as a pointer. ' An -Auckland undertaken has a bird which has been taught to whistle (moßt ap propriately after some funerals) the tune— "There's nae luck about the hoose when our guidman's awa !" Mrs Buller, widow of the late Rev. James Duller, died at Chriatcltuicb. last night, having survived hor husband only seven weckß.

Tho modem Jack Homer's Christmas philosophy :—" Always pass the fruit -to everybody else before helping yourself. Common politeness will induce your com pany to leave tho choicest specimens upon the plate, when you can eat them without excitipg remark." Sir Heury Parkes, foiled in getting Mr Webb, of the " Campbelltown Herald," convicted of publishing a criminal libel, has served that gentleman with a writ, claiming £10,000 damages, for libel. Meanwhile Mr Webb i- being f. ted und lionised, and public subscriptions towards his oxpensos are pour ing in.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Beforo 11. 6. Set- Smith. Esq., R.M.)

Tiik*. Swedish Seamen.—Alfred and Thomas Olson, Charles Sohmidt, and John Stcnberg were again brought up and charged with re fusing to go on board tho Swedlßh barque Lunc, now iv the port of Auokland, on the 22nd inst.—Mr Jameß Russell appeared--for Captain John J. Malborg.—Mr Broberg interpreted.— The scuuion pleaded not guilty, or rather that they could not go on board until their grievances were redressed,—Mr Russell said that their grievances had been Investigated by Mr Barber, the Swedish Consul and they would beremodtcd. Tho complaints were—(l) the scales onboard were not true; (2) they were not per mitted to see their food weighed; and (3) prayers were not regularly said us required by Swedish law.—Thecaptoin produced theartlcles. and suid he requested the men to go on board on Saturday, but thoy refused. Ho would rathor bo without Thomas Olson, the man with the block eye, as he was the cause of all the dis turbance. He allowed them to see the Consul on Monday, and went with them to know what thoy wanted.—Mr Barber saw no reason in their complaint-, but promised to see into them. Mr Barber persuaded theni to go on board, but they still refused. The little fellow (a Russian Finn) had since told him that he would have returued but was afraid of tho big follow.— Mr H. P. Barbor said he had investigated the oomplaiuts, and a now sot of scales had been procured. One day they had Indifferent pork, but that was thrown overboard. With regard to tho prayers, he might say that the captain would attend to that part of his duty.—The captain said he would take three of the men on board, but he would not Thomas Olson, the ring-leader, at any price. He would bo ready for soaon Saturday.—His Won_lp sentenced Thomas Olsen to 1-1 days' imprisonment with hard labour and the other throe to seven days. A Howdy.—Heury Williams was ordered to pay £5. or In default 11 days' iruprisomnertt. for being drunk and disorderly last night in ■ Short land-atroet. ' ...

Assault.-Wm. L. Roth was charged on summons with assaulting John Stewart, of Avondale, by striking him on-the head.—On the application of Mr Theo. Cooper, the case was remanded until the 7th January, 1885. Short Weight.—John Martin waa chargod under the Adulteration Prevention Aot with selling bread to Mr Crawford, the same being deficient iv weight.—Mr Cotter for the prosecu tion.—Mr Theo. CoopSr appeared in defence, and said that at .the lime tho bread was sold, through another person to Mr Crawford, ot Ponsonby, he was very ill,. and he, Mr Martin, Parjiell, was not personally responsible for the .negligence of another. Ho hoped, thorefore, under the cir cumstances, that a nominal penalty would meet the case.—Mr Cotter explained that he was not aware Of the circumstances until this morning, and Mr WoQlfleld never brings a case whore the deHcieney is only loz. Fined 5s and Failing to Provide—John Harking, car penter, oleaded not guilty to failing to provide for his wife and four children. On the applica tion of Mr Cooper, the case was adjourned until the 27th instant.

Mining Machinery Act.—On an informa tion laid by Mr McLaren, Inspector under this Act, Mr Buddie, who appeared for the Bank of New Zealand, said that a technical breach of the Aot hud been committed through un over sight in not renewing the lice—so held by the bank for crushing.—The lowest fine allowed by the Act was £50, which tho Bench accordingly imposed. "'.- „ • "-:■ . This was all the business.. '-.':•'

Drunken Srow,-How manr ehlldren and women are slowly and Burely dying, or rather being killed, by excessive duct-.-nig, or the daily use of some drug or drunken stuff called medi cine, that no one knows what it Is made of. who can easily be cured and saved by Hop Bitters, which is so pure, simple, and harmless that the most frail woman, weakest invalid, or uoallest tbfldau. trust EM *•■■*■■.. -

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Onqe more as we approach the,tbreshold ot ano*j_er year w'p welco-me hoaVy old Fathej Christmas, brljging with him, a burden of joyous associations. .Not in the guise he presents in ,thet fatherland, with his atten' dants of frost and snow and time-honoured crown of holly berries, but in habiliments suited to a clime where " perpetual summer reians." In these bright lands of tho Southern Hemisphere,. whero Christmas comes garlanded with summer roses, heralded by sunny skies,wheie the forests give up their tributes of verdure in his honour, it is difficult to associate the great festival of the Christian year with tho celebrations of our forefathers ; there is no climatic analogy between the Chri.tmas of the old land and tho Christmas of the new. But in an idoalised sense tho resem blance exists. On both sidos of the equator at this season bonovolenco may renew its vows at tho font from whence charity, peace, and goodwill havo flowed a perennial stream for nineteen centuries. No other season of tho yoar recalls so glorious an array of pleasant, recollections, and por chance thoiigVit bo with some among us but in memory of once happy voices, bright faces and warm hearts now still and silent with tbe chill of death, that tho Christmas of 1884 bears tho somblanco of n mournful and subdued happiness; yet even to such there is in this, the annivorsary celebration of tho dawn of that hew era in the history of humanity, with its brightcnod hopes, much that is comforting. The speculations of .tho learned rogarding the origin of tho festival and the relation of tho Christian observance to the pagan exultation over _ tho winter solstice, are matters of indiffer ence. Its commemoration as the greatest festival of tho Christian yoar possesses a sufficient crown of antiquity to endear it to our hearts. But if, as we have reason for believing, the advent of the Divine Pounder of the Gospel ol human lovo— the Giver of the ooiniriandmont, "Do unto others as yo would that they should do unto you"—was pontempor'aneous wRh tha remantling of tho, earth with .summer verdure, and the return of twittering birdsj^or if the songs of angels broko tho stillness of a semi tropical May night with their song cf glad tidings, while the Judean shepherds watched their flocks near Bethlehem-then we at the antipodes may claim an exceptional har mony with the genius of the season. The ancient character 'of the usage which has set Christmas opart from the rest of the year os a season for universal rejoic ing has banished from common accept ance the thought ,of its obscure origin as a chance inspiration, and there is scarcely a heart but feels a certain reju venescence upon the mention of the name: Lopkingbeyond those darkclouds of sorrow, which every seasori must hiring to some, we see iii thb arinudl celebration general merri ment and happiness—

" Quips and cranks, and wreathed smiles." and a disposition to throw every day worries ond the pursuit of wealth to the winds for an extended Holidaying which cannot but expand the sympathies and soften iiiariy of the asperities incidental to a twelvo long months' rough contact with the stern realities of dally drudgery. Tho infection of pleasure is in the air. Many of tho shops in oUr leading thorough fares aro cldd with evergreens, and the town Is filll of country people eager as schoolboys to participate in the festivites; In accordance witli our annual custom, the publication of the Stak will be suspended to-morrow (Christmas Day) and on Friday (Boxing Day). For two whole days we in tend to lay aside our pons, composing sticks, and the other paraphernalia of;"Vye art of printing." For the present therel fore we wish our f-caders a brief adieu, and trust that, thoy will enjoy "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

To-morrow's Observances. To-mormw (Christmas Day) will bo ob \ served by members of the Church of Eng land and Roman Catholic Church with the strictness of a Sunday. Sorvices will be hold at all the churches of theso denomina tions. At 8 o'clock in the ovening a carol service will be held at St. Matthew's, when the Christmas portion of the "Messiah" uill also be rendered. At St. Thomas's Church the feast of the nativity of Christ will be celebrated, Genii-choral communion service at 8 a.m., morning prayer and com munion ot 11 a.m. The services at St. Paul's includo at 8 a.m. a choral celebration of the Holy Communiun ; at 11 a.m. festival set vice, sermon, and Holy Communion ; aud at .8 p.m. festival service with anthem and carols. There will be i\ flower and fruit .Br vice at tho United Methodist Free Church at II a.m. At the V.M.C.A. Rooms an evangelistic set vice will beheld at 7.30 p.m., and a Christmas breakfast will bo held under the auspices of tho same Society. At tho Sailor's Rest the annual tea meeting will beheldat6.3o p.m. "The Messiah " will be performed atthe Beresford-street Congrega tional Church at 11 o'clock by a full band and chorus. Admission will be _rco,'"b_.: there will be an offertory in aid of the organ fund. A programme appeared injour Satur day's issue; and we wish to correct a slight printer's cirror, the word " recitation " being substituted for "recitative." Mr J. H. Edmonds will sing " Why do the Nations." The other.soloists will bo Mr Abel, Mr Wor rall, MissHayles,MisßPeace, Mies Moginie, Miss Gribble, Mrs Woolley, Mr* Shaw, and Mr Eady. Mr Baxter will con duct, and Mr Hooton will preside at tbe organ. Ono of tho principal attractions of the day will bo tho sacred concert by the Waitemata Minstrels, assisted by the Artillery Band, which will take place at the Opera Houso at 8.30. A capital pro f .amine of sacred music has been provided, he programme will be found in, our ad vertising columns. An excursion on the waters of the harbour and sacred concert by the Artillery Band is also a feature which will attract many visitors should the weather prove favourable. j Boxing Day Excursions, ... -'

The piece de resistance of tho list of amusements for Boxing Day will, of course, be the first day of the Auckland Racing Club's Summer Meeting. Numerous excu£ sions have also been arranged for. The Clansman will leave for Waiwera at 10 a.m.. and tho Wellington for Kawnu and the Glenelg for Motutapu at the same hour, j The Waitaki will also run to Waiwera, leaving the Queen-street Wharf at 10 a.m. A military band will be in attendance. The s.s. Vivid will make an excursion to Riverhead, leaving town at 10 a.m. The Macgregor will-make an excursion to Tiri tiri, the Tongariro and Neptuno to St. Helier's Bay, and the Rotomahana and several other steamers to East Tamaki. Theatres and Entertainments.

Mrs G.- B. VV. Lewis will open at the Opera House on Boxing night, in the Christmas pantomime of "Bluebeard." This piece is seasonable and well-mounted, and as the members of Mrs Lewis's Com pany have ackDowlegod .ability, a great success will,' no doubt, bo "achieved. The box-office at Lennox's boing closed on Box ing Day, tickets for all parts of the house may be had at Abbott's. At the Lome* street Hall, Mr Horace Dean's grand prom enade concert and ball will eventuate.

Among Christmas decorations, those of ; Messrs Garlick and Cranwell, as usual, occupy a prominent place, and their show windows during the fostive season will command the admiration of the busy crowds that pass through Queen-street. Worthy of notice especially is the magnificent drawing - room mantelpiece, which! forms part of the display. This has just been made in Messrs Garlick and Cranwell's factory from an original design by Mr Smith, their foreman, and in its construction seven different New Zealand wodde have'been used; It is in the Queen Anne 6tyle, and shows to'perfection, not only the art of the designer, carver, and polisher, "but also the splendid qnality of native, woeds for such purposes 'The chief timber used is figured kauri ami rimu, but white mairi, puriri and rewarewa arealsocon spicuoUß. Over the jambs on either side aro "pockets" for holding vases or ornaments with plate-glass panels at back. The jamb and breast-panels are of white mairi, en riched with beautiful carving of flowers, &c..,; whilo tho top is of wnvod kauri, with an arch-moulding underneath in rimu picked cut black. The tout ensemble its most artistic, and the workmarishio is highly creditable to all concerned in it. If the manufacturers could be induced to S6nd this to the Industrial Exhibition at Wel lington next year, we feel sure it would secure first honours, not only to them, but to theartisans whodesignedand executed it.

THE AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

Anticipations of Friday's Racing,

[By Hir-POSA.]

The curtain rises on Auckland's big racing ' fixture on Friday next (Boxing Day), and granted fine weather, I think wo may anticipate some first-class racing, and the largest attendance yet seen on tho greon sward at Ellerslie. The big.attraction, of course, out of the six events to bo decided, will be "The Cup," and there is ovory prospect of a good contest for tho first eOOsovs. given by the Club. *_ne o'clock is the time set down for the running off of the first event, and the usual train arrange ments have been made for reaching the course. My notes and selections for the different events, which are framed in an ticipation of fine weather, aro as follow :— Maiden Plate, i. milo. et.lh. St. lb. Vortex .. ..94 Cast Ashoro .. 712 Larrikin .. ..811 Telford .. .. 712 Linda ..89 Torpedo .. .. 712 The Clown .. 7 12 Woodnymph ■ • .< 7 TbL. raco will bo robbed of a deal of its interest, as Totford is to be shipped to tho Thamos this afternoon, and I am informed that Woodnymph will be reserved for the Cup. Under these circumstances I shall expect Torpedo to win. The Midsummer Stakes, (i furloDgs. st lb Colt by Musket-Slander .. ~ .. 810 Lionel, by Leolinus—Pctroleuso • .. .. 810 Thunderbolt, by Musket—Locket .. ..8 10 Derringer, by Musket-Rosalie .. ..8 10 Lioness, by Leolinus—Miss Laura .. ..80 Nemesis, by St. George—Fleuraugo ..8 5 Kosot'ud, byMusket—Rosarina .. ..8 6 There is. Jjttle nees, I thinjt, to^ discuss tho chances of those engaged in this,event, for on public form it should be, won by Mr Robertson's colt by Musket from Slander. Should ho not be among the starters. I will expect Rosebud to prove victorious.

~ Thofo) gaged in

(lowing aro tho names of thoso on tho big event of tho afternoon,

In clealing with this raco, I must confess that at the time of writing matters in con nection therewith are a bit puzzling: No move of any kind has" been made in the betting market with! Welcome Jack, and as it is alleged that the stable have thrown in their lot with tlie Administrator party, it riiay be, the champion will not be wanted. Personally^ I must say that I.airi not altogether in love with Mr Tancred'sJiorse; but owing to the consistent support that is being awarded him by those connected with the stable, 1 cannot see my way clear to throw him over. If Turquoise was not under a cloud,! should certainly stand him against anything engaged, but present circumstances do ndt justify me in doing so. One thing may be Baid, however, that if tho son of Tubal Cain does see the post sound and well he will about win. During the week nothing on tho,training grourid has pleased me better than Libeller, who is looking healthy and well, and should he not tire at the end of two miles, the probability is the Cup' will remain in Auckland. _ To either Welcome Jack, Turquoise, Adminis trator/ or Libeller, there is no doubt the race will go, but I cannot see my way clear to plump for one, and will name

Administrator or TuRQUoiSE to furnish the winner. . Huubtk Race, _i niileß. st lb. St. lb. King '.. .. 11 5 Kxeliarige .. 10 7 Barbary .. ..11 0 Llriwood .. .. !) U> Azim .. .. 11 0 MaccaroDi ..3 7 Minuet ..10 12 Southern Chiof.. II 0 Wideawake .10 7 On paper nothing reads better for this race than Azitri, but as he has not been working on the course, I am unable to say anything as to his condition. Wideawake bringf! such good credentials with him that he cannot be oveilooked, and Barbary is also entitled to com. respect, but out of the nine engaged I take Kino to be the most worthy of support. • ■ '.'. Railway Plate, w.la,, .mile.

stlb - stlb Welcome .lack .. 'J 1 Thunderbolt .. 0 9 Minerva . . 8 10 Ct.lt bj* Musket, Mitrailleuse -. 8 ? from SlaDder .. G 9 Derringer.. .. 6 It In this ovent I shall award my vote to WeCcosiE Jack, but if the Slander colt is as good Os-he is thought to be, be should certainly make a close fight of it. .;,_ Christmas Handicap. 11 mile. stlb stlb Administrator ..8 9 Rifleman .. ..7 0 Minerva -.. ..8 3 Tetford .. ..7 0 Ugly Buck .. 7 I*2 Carbineer.. ..7 0 irishwoman .. 7 12 Tho Painter ~7 0 Mitrailletso .. 712 Witiora .. ..6 10 Fishgirl .. ..7 7 "Hctorla .. ..6 10 Pipi.. '.. .. 7 2 There is, of course, seme doubt as to what horses will sco the post in this event, but to me it - appears that whatever beats. Ugly BtJCK will win, after whom I like Minerva, "'

Training Notes

Anticipating some fast work this morning, there was a large number of visitors on the course, but they were doomed to disappoint ment, tbe proceedings being of an unin teresting character. Tbe Lad, who is a oommoner to look at, spurted for about a milo (in clothing), and was afterwards stripped and cent twice round at a fair pace. The Poet and Minerva (in company) strode along for a couple of miles, but just before pulling up ThePoetstruckhisleg,and pulled Op a trifle sore* He was afterwards walked round the paddock and appeared to be sound. King did a good strong gallop alone, and Thunderbolt and Derringer were sent a smart mile on the plough. Libeller and Administrator each went once round alone at a good pace, and all of Ray's team did easy tasks.. Turquoise and Youth worked : be*fore daylight, so that I did not see them.- I ~,,, ~ •■>■! •

Nec,klace was'seratehed for the Cup at 11 o'clock this morning. Mr T. Stevens, will wield the flag at the Summer Mooting.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

~ j :. Thames, this day. Martha Extended (Waihi).—Retorting took place on Monday, and resulted in the excellent return 0f36240z5. melted gold from six weeks'operations, at which between 600 and 700 tons quartz were reduced; The manager reports that the mine is looking well, especially in the winze beneath the low lovel, which is now 40 feet deep. The roof is of prodigious size, neither wall being disclosed in sinking, and gold is freely dis tributed through the portion broken down. Tho principal supply of crushing stuff is obtained from the stopes abovo the-low level. ; -'-. l

MoABATAiABi.—The crushing of 27 tenS general stuff has yielded 47ozs. 4dwts. gold, the result of a fortnight'^ operations. The following tribute™' returns have been banked :—Trebilcock, three loads, 27oze. 4dwts. ; George, eight tons, 13o_b. 9dwts. ; James, fourteen tons, 802s. 12dwts. ; Kirby, eleven tons, 9ozs. ISdwts.

Saxon.—The manager has succeeded in draining water from the workings at the bottom level by means of water courses, and anticipates no difficulty in coping with the"" trifling influx in the shaft. Sinking opera tions have been commenced in the stopes on No, 1 lode, and colours of gold are visible in the quartz broken. - Dakwin.—Crushing will be commenced as soon as the battery is open for engage ment, and after making the necessary alter ations in tho hoppers the manager will man tho back stopes and keep tho stampers in regular employment; , MABTHA(Karangahake).—TheproprieJtore have obtained Slozs. of gold from five tons.

Por afore.—Deiahunty, tributer, crushed two loads, which yielded llozs. gold. Reuben Pake.—Gentles, tributer, ob tained the splendid return of 161oza. retorted gold from six loads of quartz. Cambria.—The retorting of amalgam, re sulting from three weeke.' operations, took place this morning, when the manager cb tauied the handsome return of 4990z5. lodwts. gold. The quantity of quartz crushed was 210 loads'ar.d 2-01bs. of speci mens and picked stone.

T ,a___ais£w.^sSS

GERMAN ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC.

The Report Fully Confirmed.

Censure on the British Government,

[BY CABLE—CO-VBIOIIT.]

IJondon, December 23. Despatches from Berlin give official con firmation of the German annexation of the northern portion of New Guinea and the islands of New Britain, Now Ireland, New Hanover, and the Admiralty Group.

It is understood that parleying will be initiated with England, with a view to the cession of the Netv Hebrides to France, The German Government gave .lord Derby a pledge that thoy would, not arinex the northern portion of Now Guinea., jgjj Mr Murray Smith, Agent-General for, | Victoria, is inquiring whether the.Engli-(i Government intend to recognise such an nexation. :-. ,',.-' '> -ii Tiie English Government have not an: noxed D'Bntrecaateaux Island. .. ~ ~-y Tlie " Times" states that, the hem-. taticn shown by Lord Derby : in, .deal ing with tho questions relating.to the' Pacific deserves tho aoverest censure.,. ._. -

Australia Protests Against tho Action. , Melbourne, December 23.—Mr Service has recoived a telegram from the Agent- General in London confirming tho news published today by Reuters agency re garding tho German annexation in Ne*w Guinea aiid trie. Pacific. Mr Jylurraj* Smith adds that , there is..some hope, of. furthiir negotiations., taking place with reference to New Guinea, and that ho has written to Lord,, Derby, f drawing his attention to ( the last tiirf c reisQ. lutioiis on the subject passed by the Inter- Oolonial Convention at Sydney. Mr Service jUs sent a telegram, to all the Ccilorii^l Governments inviting them ,to ljote in jj protesting iigairist tho action of the German .Government. '-..'.

This Territory Annexed in New Guinea

JJondon, Decembet 23., w , Tho territory "annexed in New Guinea t'y Germany will extend northwards froiS Huoh Gulf on the eastern coast. '~ ~

CHORAL HALL.- " The Messianh."

Handel's "Messiah;" in rather more clr- | cumscribed .orm than usual, was pcrfdrthed,| last night by the Choral Society in theiF Hall, before tin assemblage wbibh crowded ii to its utmost capacity. Mr James Knoit wielded the baton with skill slhd judginehrj " aiid' the musical forces tinder his boffcihaiia consisted of* 54 sopranos, 27 cohtr_ttt(s, £ii | tenors, 40 baritones and basses, 7 soloists:;" and .36 instrumentalists, ifitLking a gr-j_d total of 198 voices and instruments. Speak ing generally, and making due allowahbe for the exceptionally brief period Available.; for rehearsal,, the performance itiust be fird-" nounced. highly satisfactory: It is, How-' ever; matter for regret that Misses Maiirleell '<md Cdrbett wore. pteVented-^tH. fdrine.* by absence iron} the cdlohy, arid:; tho latter by a severe cold — ftorfii" fulfilling their engagements, as tKelt | unavoidable withdrawal involved ihb ex- ; cision of all the contralto airs and recitatives". as woll as the quartettes. Taking tbe In- _ strumontalists first in order Of r6-;:; View, it is but simple justice to say thftt ""'* throughout the work the orchestration was marked by prbmptiliido, resolution* ; and ability. Thete were, of course, slips hero and there:—as, foi* instance, 'on the part of oho of the reeds in the accompani ment to "Comfort Ye"—but tho general effect was very good indeed. Much greater attention than heretofore was piiid to tlie delicate nuances of expression, and the tone was nicely moderated in the solo accompaniments.. Mr Charles .Hemus as chef cValtaq lie, onco moro demonstrated his E thorough reliability ond aplomb, while Mr _* Innes'a talent as, a flautist was strikingly manifest in the Pastoral Syniphony. This." delectable piece of insfcruilientation wala played both tastefully and with nice ex pression. It will be apparent from the ■ figures given above that in the chorus singing the numerical balance Of voices wal*. ptetty even ; but still there was a slight preponderance of power on the part of t_B. uialea. The best choruses were un-' doubtedly the first one, " Arid the Glory,"■ .• "For Unto Us a Son is Born," and "All We Like Sheep." They were* executed with really charming effect. < "And the Glory" has never been more suc cessfully, rendered by the Society. It went with a swing and cricpneas that raised very high expectations of the performance as a whole. In the second of theso particularised choruses, viz., "For Unto Us tt Son is Born," tho sopranos distinguished them selves by the facility and success with whioh they took tbe sustained runs in which this number, in common with other Selec tions, abounds. They displayed similar ease and finish in. the runs of the difficult ohot-us, "And He Shall Purify.' 1 There wes a general unsteadiness towards the close of tho item. The chorus, " 1111- We Like Sheep," was eificuted mo-ts admirably, and, despite conventional re serve, evoked a round of applause. Both.; the "Hallelujah" and "Amen" choruses' were satisfactorily executed..'.-while.;i_._ "Worthy the Lamb " and "Blessing and " Horiijur the attacks were very irresolutely;; mado. The solos wero distributed among Mrs Judson, Miss Staunton, and Miss^ Culpan (sopranos), Dr. Cobbett, and MrEf : Harker (tenors), and Messrs H. Brett and:. Taylor (basses). Mr E. Harker sang the recitative, "Comfort.Ye," and accompany ing air, "Every Valley," with his accus tomed care. The recitative, "Thus Saith the Lord," and air, "But Who May Abide," were sung with good expression by Mr H.*; Brett, while in the second part hecontri-, butod the tryingair, "Why Do theNatibns, -b-. with equal success, the prolonged runs being', executed very effectively. Mr Taylor gave jj the recitative, " For Behold Darkness," andi the air, " The People that Waaked in Dark-" nsss." He was in good voice, and was. heird to fair advantage. Miss CfcdpanT sang correctly the sequence of four V recitatives which follow the Pastoral Symphony, butjherlehunciation, particularly in the upper register, was far',from clear.*.' Mrs Judson gave with her unfailing ex-; pressiveness'and taste "ConleUnto Mej"the <■ soprano partof " He Shall Feed His Flock;" from which, on this occasion, it had unfor- ! tunately to be detached. ■ The same -lady, also achieved a success in the. air,! "How|: Beautiful are the Feet, "which she rendered | with groat feeling. Dr. Cobbett *wi-1 allotted the recitative, " Thy Rebuk.," and| the ariosa, " Behold and See," as well as the soprano recitative, " He Was Cut Off," and air, " But Thou Didst Not Leave," and'tat them he made the success of the evening. In the recitative, "Thy Rebuke," and fol lowing ariosa, he far excelled all his previous|j vocal efforts in, Auckland, and proved his;" aptitude for oratorio singing. These two* numbers were the solo gems of the conceit* J and the whole four"were sung with distinct enunciation, in g;.od voice, and'witß" felicitous expression. The beautiful solo, ". "I Know That-My Redeemer Liveth." was confided to Miss Staunton, who sang it very feelingly. She was, however, out of: tune in one instance. The concert will be rej'| peated on Sunday afternoon for .the benefit-*, of the public, and as Judge Fenton took the trouble last night to request subscribing, members" to considerately remain away-on': that occasion, there, should be ampler ac commodation than usual for the crowds*| who. are sure to attend.

A cordial tribute of praise is due thehon^,,] sec. (Mr Milligan Hogg) for the "perfection 1 of his arrangements last night In facfc,- from his entrance upon office the interests | of the Society have seemed to him of para-,' mount concern, for he has Spared himself no * trouble in promoting them.

Important alterations are contemplated I by Government in the administration of the/" Goldfields Department. A circular has '. been received by the Thames Councils§B timating that the Minister of Mines does; not intend making provision for the salary '■':■ of Collector of Goldfields revenue afterM February rfext, and the onus of eollectinf ifc| will be thrown upon the local bodies who;?. are chiefly benefitted. This change, if ' carried out, will involve the withdrawal from the Department of Mr F. J. Burgosy "' one of the most deservedly popular officers J in the public service. *' . ''•'. *'.- Mr Milner Steph.n requests us to notify"; that he will hold no public healing this , week on account of the holidays. A man drew £100 from the bank this | afternoon. Shortly afterwards he repoited, to the polio 3 that he had been robbeadf a " £50 note. As the number of the note" ie known, the thief will find it dangerous to ? negotiate it. • THe most Beautiful Oriuiu.e___ -Tire "ire.nsever imported to a-isCuyareiobeseen*;'! t Uarliok Se Cran well's Furnishing Warehoused A large assortment just opened up, v«. ring mm price from la 9d to 12s (id. Ladies are i*' vl«i-it <»M moke tliein__lection early, as we cannot n-place the choicest of them Uub season.—Garliol" and :-: Cranwoli. Queen-street—[Advt. DEQUNE OF _TAlif._N__a. ««j_ es ., n WP s_v At-re-Sit? BebUltir, cured .y •' Weill'. He»U_ Satiu.' 1 1 ._.__. __)&_.„_, rtsuu*Q».,i«_u, A* _*sA

EVENING Kfiß, W_.DNESI)AY,r MGEI-JEIt 24; 188*.



Tho Cup:-

Od'la against Winning

Horse. Wgt. st. lb. Welcome Jack.. 9 10 Turquoise ..8 4 Administrator ..72 Minerva .. ..7 0 Libeller .. ..7 0 Nornmnbv .-. 6 12 The Poet.. .. 6 12 Pipi 0 7 Alaric .. ..GO Woodnymph .. 5 12

Probablo | Rider.

7 tol 3 tol 5 to2 12 tol 6 tol ID to I 10 tol 20 to 1 25 tol 10 tol

W. Clifford C. Rudlngs T. Taylor k. VaUe Ci. Williams J. Thorpo R. Collins —. Jackson



THE LIVER STIWIULANT.-A COMPOUND EXTRACT OF EUONOMYN ANC PODOPHYLLUM WITH TARAXACUM — II INCOMPARABLY THE BEST TONIC FOR BILIOUS NESS, TORPID LIVER, DYSPEPSIA, FLATULENCE, AND LOSS OF APPETITE. 2s. 6d. PER BOTTLE, Vi mcw-vs. (.Htttisr. a_«.« .iru... m.-.M,* INSURANCE COMPANIES' ASSO CIATION. . Insurance Offices will be CLOSED on the 25th, . 26th, and 27th December. 1881, and Ist, 2nd, and Z 3rd January, 1885,. for Christmas and New Yeai Holidays. ■ '*"■ -'■■ ■__-■ - ',■■■', fl. WORSP, . ' ' • ■ Secretary. SPECIAL BANK HOMDAY.-Notice is hereby given that SATURDAY, the 27th December, wlllbeobserved as a Special Bank Holiday at all the offices of the undermentioned Banks In New Zealand :— For the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, JOS. PALMER, Chief OfflcerforNewZealand, For the Bank of New South Wales, ' * W.G.RHIND, Inspector. :'■*--..-. For the Bonk of Australasia, 'i... R.W.MORRAH, Inspector. For the National Bank of New Zealand, Limited WM. DYMOCK, Inspector. • For the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, ' HENRY MACKENZIE. Acting General Manager. Foe the Bank of New Zealand, 0 i D. L. MURDOCH, General Manager. , ; 20th December, 1884. ' \*OANK CE NEW gOUTH WALES. A BRANCH of this Bank has been Opened at ; HASTINGS, near Napier, under the, Manage' ment Of MR WALTER POTTS. ■ ' :' . V W. Q. RHIND. :, Inspector. ri'HE, original, genuine article—Wolfe's _ Schnapps. ■__ - ■ HE. NIGHTINGiALE, Venetian Blind • Maker, Viotoria-Btreet. will.Close his place of buplnoss for the Holidays, and will re opon on MONDAY. January 5,1885 |.10KK. COKE. COKE. 1 THI*! A.('-LAND GAS COMP-tNY LTD.) 'iln-Avs lOiiera. tor .GAS COKE; Delivered «•-.';li\j mile of-the Works, for Cashjlongei ' pi«nnee» at vi-oport-onate rates:—. Sample Sacks of three bushels ... Is 6d | Five Sacks .. ... ... ■ .:...■ -6s 3d Eleven Sacks, or half ton -.. '"•.; Us 6d " Twenty-two Sacks, or one ton ..22s 6d " Ihe Cgmttaa.* s COKE Is made from the best -.'^ymontb C'fiaiß: Is superior to that made fr'-'n Newcastle coals, being free from stone Rfrf cUnker in b remarkable degree, gives tt ! *"_.L_>B_E FIRE, , . , CLJSARER Se HOTTER THAN COAIi, LIGHTS READILY.and,/ ' ' - MAKES NO BMOK_, ' . '■.*'.. " GOOD I_RE IN 10 MINTJTES. »* OFFICE i FORT-STREET. -. #^ . X . _ - •33S_t oft°*" \'^—~ WfIWAS- BAEfLB V, "" ARC_nTECS.. .",.'■ «?!it!nran?'s' BOH.ms'BK. atlKitK.-STEUtl—'i m'/fAPS, BOOKS, ATJ.ASES. _3_t _ „ ;■'."-,'' " ' .'.."■'..'•" ■" EDGAR WILKINSON, Map Se Boos*_-__R, 1, fcxehaugo Chambers, Queen-street (Entrance . in Durhanistrcot), Invites everyone to coll and see his seleotlon of -,'..;, above. KEITH JOHNSON'S VALUABLE PUBLICA TIONS AT ENGLISH PRICES. OATAIOOOTtS. GRATIS. ' MARCUS WARD'S STATTDNIBY,



AR THU R. E AD V , AUCKLAND MUSIC WAREHOUSE. : ; .•'... 68, Queen-ST., Bogs to Announce the" Arrival of SEVERAL CASES of MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, &o„ex ss. Coptic and Oamaru, i . consisting of — . '.'■'. VIOLINS. COPIES OF THE OLD MASTERS.'.. __FRENCH COPIES. „ YOUTHS' VIOLINS: Fitted with Ordinary Pegs, or Wallis's Patent Holdfast Pegs, which aro Highly Recom mended for the following reasons:— They do not slip, they turn -more easily and regularly, they facilitate tuning in conse quence, they have a smoother hole for the string, and arc more durable. THE ABOVE INSTRUMENTS havo boon SPECIALIA SELEC i'ED TO MY ORDER IN LONDON by an EXPERIENCED BUYER, enabing mo to guaranteat,that overy instru ment will give satisfactiwßit'hilo the LARGE NUMBER NOW IN ST<__3k AFFOKDS A SPLENDID OPPORTUNIIKFOR MAKING A SELECTION. FLUTES. COCOA WOOD, GERMAN SILVER KEYS AND TIPS, SLIDE HEAD, ONE, FOUR, OR SIX KEYS CONCERT FLUXES WITH CASES PICCOLOS i.\ D, Kb, and F PICCOLO AND FLUTE COMBINED, riLLAR KEYS FLAGEOLETS. IMPROVED BRASS CYLINDER FLAGEO LETS, VARIOUS keys CLARIONETTES, 1 ALBERT OR BRUSSELS, 11 KEYS, AND RISGS IN ANY KEY BRASS BAND INSTRUMENTS. CORNETS, TENORHORNS. BARITONES, TROMBONES, 'EUPHONIUMS, BOM • BARDONS, DRUMS, &C. HORNS. POST HORNS, DRAG HORNS, ALPINE HORNS BANJOS. DOBSON PATTERN. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN. PICCOLO BANJOS, with NICKB_.-Sl_.VI-R HOOP. BANJO FITTINGS. STRINGS SEPA RATELY OR IN SETS. GERMAN CONCERTINAS AND ACCORDIONS, BUST QUALITY ONLY. Theso are treated as MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, each being examined and sent out in Perfect Ordor. They must not, therefore, be CLASSED with the GOODS supplied by TOY DEALERS. A Largo Variety ot the abovo Instruments, in cluding the Patent Broad Reed Accordion, in Solid Oak Case; Leather Straps-tho Strongest Instrument ot tho kind made, ANGLO-GERMAN CONCERTINAS. ALL WITH SEPARATELY-FIT TED SCREWED NOTES, AND NEATLY COVERED BOX. VIOLIN CASES. DAHOGANY.-ROSEWOOD, WALNUT, fitted with Spring Clasps or Hooks VIOLIN FITTINGS. STRINGS, PEGS. BOW HAIR, TAILPIECES, BRIDGES, CHIN RESTS, BOWS (Brazil, wood. Ironwood. Snakewood, &c). MUTES. RESIN IN WOOD. CHINA and NICKEL. SILVER HOLDERS. VIOLINCELLOS, FITTED WITH PATENT HOLDFAST PEGS. DOUBLE BASSES, THREE STRINGS MACHINE HEAD VIOLAS (TENOR VIOLINS), FITTED WITH PATENT HOLDFAST PEGS. PORTFOLIOS. OLD STYLE COMBINATION PORTFOLIOS, MUSIC ROLLS, UTILIS MUSIC CASE, THE DIGITORIUM. This REMARKABLE INVENTION materially assists any person to Play and become Perfect on tho Pianoforte in an inoredibly short time. PIANOFORTE FITTINGS. INSULATORS. TUNING HAMMERS, DESK HOOKS, Sec. METRONOMES. ROSEWOOD, with 8011, Best Quality. Precision guaranteed. While thanking my friends and customers for the patronage enjoyed since commencing bnsiness, I hopo, by pursuing tbo course hitherto adopted, to receive a continuance of thoir esteemed favours, which will at all times havo my careful and prompt attention. ARTHUR EAD V, 68, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. DR. WILK IN S, P. R. C. S. CONSUITENO AND OPERATING SURGEON, Is at his Surgery for Genoral Practice, also Eye, Ear, and Throat Diseases, MoRNrNGB, Afternoons, and Evenings. Consultation Fees very Moderate. Pr. Wilkinr spent seven years at Moorcflcld. Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman and Crichett, two at Throat Hospital, London, leven years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, and eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In- Brniary.Meibourue. Adjustsspeotscles toslghts. -Consulting Rooms, Queen-street (near Poet cfllce), Auokland. pOALS! COALS! COALS! M. CASEY _ CO. Having taken over the Agency Of the WAI KATO COAL COMPANYTbeg to Submit to the Auckland Public the FOLLOWING PRICE LIST FOR BEST HOUSE COAL : -12 Backs (t ton) 22s 0 saoks (1-ton) .. .. .. lis lid 3 saoks (J-ton) 6s THE ABOVE PRICES INCLUDE DELIVERY. Steamboat Proprietors and Large Con sumers ot Steam Coal as per arrangement. Orders may bo left ot Tho Sheds. Railway Station Waikato Coal Co.'s Office, Fort-st. 3. M. Synia, Grocer, Grey-street J. Httwkca, Avon-street, Parnell M, Niccol, Quoen-street Wharf TO BUILDERS. Owing 10 my LONG EXPERIENCE In the TIMBER TRADE I am possessed of advan tage for SUPPLYING PURIRI, TOTARA.or KAURI, any Length or Size, and will Guaran tee tho BEST MATERIAL on the Shortest Possible Notice Orders taken for SHINGLES. HOUSE BLOCKS, FIREWOOD, &c, or tor Removal of Goods. Estimates given for Works. M. CASEY _ Co., " RAILWAY STATION. AUCKLAND. E x D_° R x ° MILNE & CHOYCE Have just received a Supplementary Shipment of 12 cases, per Doric, of the LATEST LONDON NOVELTIES 1 case VISITES and MANTLES 1 case MILLINERY, CAPES, Sec 1 case FLOWERS and FEATHERS 2 cases STRAW HATS and BONNETS 1 case GLOVES and HOSIERY 1 case LACE GOODS 1 case PLASTRONS, NECK ARRANGE MENTS, and DRESS TRIMMINGS 1 case CHINA SILKS, SHOT SILKS, &o. 1 case LINEN TABLING and BLEACHED CLOTHS 1 case COSTUMES, VERY HANDSOME. _3B" The Bulk of above Ooods were bongh a Job at the end of the London Season and will be Sold Correspondingly Low THE EXHIBITION' GAUNTLET GLOVES, I which ought to be marked 30s per pair, are , r " . A SPECIAL. NOVELTY. THE* PLASTRONS AND DRESS TRIM MINGS are also specially new and * STYLISH.. f MILNE & CHOYCE, LORNE AND WECLESLEJT STREETS.



"ROUGH ON CORNS."--* „. w___.»Bo.«k on Cot*.- ,o_eki_U_f, complete, ptnuant cuxeT Con£,wMt»! ; I . Kanpt-onie. Fni—r * _>_ i___t_, imkUnd. Concrete pathß and yards ensure perfect drainage aha banish mud,* dust/acd weeds. Tbe cost is small' the comforxgreat." Concrete build ings, foundations, retaining and garden walls tanks, etc., are cheap. Fstimates and circulars explaining treatment supplied free to those using jour lime ; refren ,-s given to concrete workers. On sale, hydraulic and other limes, bricks, sand, cement, pipes, etc. Our rradebeing large, we can guarantee good fresh lime. All Mahurangi limes are not alike.—John Wi!_on and Co., 75, Queen-street. Offlce and yard- Customs and Hobson streets.—lAdvt.i