SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SUNSET.-Thla Evening, 7.17- ~„ SUNUI3K—To-morrow Morning, i.W MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 81st, fi.BB a.m.

ARRIVALS.

.."■ LAST EVSNUIO. • Mnnapouri, &»., Logan, from Sydney to-pat. Clansman, s s., Farmihar, from Tauranga Arawaui, «.«., Cromarty, frpra Fiji.

DEPARTURES.

hi&r evenino. Thomas Russell, as., Helander. for Oisborne Wuitaki, s.a, Crawford, for Whangarei Mncgrcßor, s.s., Johnson, for Whangarei

' -~ TO-DAY. Clansman, 8.8., Farquhar, tor Whangaroi

' The cuttor Fannie is undergoing a general overhaul on Mr C. Balloy's slip.

The schooners Grecian Bend, from Mercury Bay, and Adelaide, from Whmgaroa, arrived at Sydney on the 18th December.

Tho Bchooncr Dovonport arrived at Sydney from Mongonni on the 22nd instant.

Tho brigantino Lonis Montgomery, and brig Syren, arrived at Sydney from Kaipara on th« 23idinst.

I'ho schooner Sonbird left Sydney for Auck land on Dec. 2J. with 1,038 bags boncdust, 30 tons shale.

Tho following vessols havo cleared outwards at tho Customs I—Luno, barque, Malmberg. for Newcastle; Oamaru, brigantino, Richards.for Kaipara; Venua. ketch, Noill, for Opotiki; Cheviot, barque, Hage, for Adelaide.

A telegram received by the Northern Steam -Bbip Company announces that tho lona, long overdue at this port, met with an accident to her shaft at Long Island, an 4 that she had eono to Noumeaforropairs. She will probably arrive hero during this week.

The s.a. Clansman arrived from Tauranga at an early hour thia morning. Passengers :—Mr and Mrs ITaulknor. Mr and Mrs Mobcrley, Mr and Mrs Harrison, Mrs Wills, Messrs E. Cholsoy, MuQarvoy, Pilling, Tovoy, Strancrwoy (i», Sinclair, Clarke, Graham. Phillips, Waddel, A. K. Hugo, Middloton, VV. T. Bourne. Sedd«rflolcl, R«;v. Jones. The Clansman left again for Whangarei at 10 a.m.

U'ho s.s. Wairarapa leaves for Sydney at 5 this evuninK. Passengers : Misses Bruce. MoLcod, liny, Mosd^imes McLeml, Goorthue, ICynon, and Bonnln, Dr and Mrs Honeyman, Dr Fox, Mr and Mrs Nichols, Mr and Mrs Hay, Messrs Rhodes, Brittg:, Bennott, Cargo, Grey, Clark, D. J. McLcod, E. Uilliw, Spicer, Richards, Adams, Shelford, SchaU, A. Buckner, Ansloy, and Andrew.

The sihooner Julia Pryoe, whioh was a9hpro at the islands 11 fow months ago. Is undergoing' ->• i-onair on Messrs Hondorson and The scow Nora, recently ashoro is on the earns slip, and has ugh seagoing order. On Mon -1 will ba replied on the slips .'weed tiiid Dusty Miller, and give placo to the cutter Mahu -0 be put in trim for the aunual

Port Chaljiiuis, this day.—Arrived: Wai hora, 10 a.m. Sailed: Arawata, tor Wellington, 1.83 p.m. ,

THE MANAPOURI.

The B.s. Manapouri, frem Sydney, arrived at 10 30 p.m. yesterday. Sho left Sydney at 10.45 a.lll. on tho 26bii inst.; was abreast of the Throe Kings at 3 a.m. on 30th; passed North Cape at 7.30 a.m., Cape Brott at 2 p.m., Tiritlrl at 9 p.m., and arrived in harbour as above. Had fine wuathcr with light variable winds throughout tin passage. Pas?cnscera: Saloon—Mr and Mrs Williams. Mr and Mrs Goodwill. Mr and JCra D'Arey MoDoueall and servant, Mrs llcjland. Mva Brake and child, Kov. S. asd Mrs Fox. Misses Glasstord (2), Nowell, Cole (2). McGregor, Rev. Father Sullivan, Messrs D. Mills, Close, Hog?, Hardy, Hughes, Cnmcron, Glastford, fJliartors, Tucker, Jsnos, Glover, Oriiiso, and M istorsGanwti, Ulassford Ci), Dr. G. Fox, and 15 steerage. Wo aro indebted to Mr Chas. 11. Hudson, purser, for press parcel.?, report, etc. '

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails wiix Close as under— This Day. Per a.6. Wairampa, as follow :— For China. Jaiwm, and Continent of Enrope. via Suez, at 3 p.m. For Australian Colonies, and United King dom via Suez and Brindisi. or Naples (per Oriont boat), for lottcrs. etc., specially so prepaid and addressed, at I p.m. For Monoy Orders, Registered Lctteie, and Nowspapors, at 3 p.m. Ijite loiters for Sydney and MolbOHrno only, at 4.29 p.m. The United Kingdom mail wBJ be duo in London on tho 17th February. For If awan, per Clansman, at 7 p.m. For Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Clansman, at 7 p.m. For Wfcittansi, Upper Mill, and Tatiua, per Glcnolpr, tit 7 p.m. For Waiwora To Kapa, and Warkworth. etc., per Rose Casey, at 7 p.m. For Thames, pev Enterprise, at 7 p.m. For Wbangarel Heads, Kunio, and Wha-ngarol, per Waitakl, at 7 p.m. Friday, 2nd January. For Waitarn, et<\, tier Argylo, at 7.40 a ra. For Gisborno, Napier. Southern Ports, and Aus tralian Colonies, per Manapouri, at 11 a.m. For New Plymouth and SOHthorn Ports, por Orcti. at 11 a.m. B"or Whangarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, Whan garei. tamo, and Mangapai, per Maogregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Cowes and Coromandol, per Corsmandol, at 5 39 p.m. Vot Thames, per Rotomahana, at c.SO p.m. i SATURDAY, 3rd January. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Warkworth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 11 iuu. Tuesday, 6th January. Per s.s. Australia, as follows :— For Navigators Islands, Bandv/ich Kands, United States of America, Canada, .British Columbia, Central, and South America, ant British and Foreign Weat Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent ot Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of blk • pence In addition to the postage, will be received by the Mail Agent on board the steamer up to the time df sailing. This mall will bo due in London on Friday, 13th February, 1835. S. B. BBS. Chief Postmaster. Chief Poßt-offlce, Auckland.

Births.

CARBINES. — On December 18. at Kenyon Avenue, Valley Road, Mount Eden, the wife of R. J. Carbines of a son. KING.—On December 30, at St. John's College. Tamaki, the wife of tho Rev. F. T. King o twins (girls). MILLER.—On December SO, at her residence, Onehunga, tha wife of Rev. Henry W. J. Miller of a daughter. Both dolnji weH.

Deaths.

BRADLEY.—On December 30, at the residence of Geo. R. H. Ibbetson, John-atreat, Mount BMen, Mary Hamilton Bradley, the third daughter of W. W. L. Bradley, of Waitanerei; aged 18. She sleeps in Jesus. The funeral will take place on Friday, Jnd January, 1886, at 3 o'elook p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1884.

■' ,'j » ;'• ■ For the oauie that lacks assistance, For the wrong that noaa« resistance - For the future in the distance, Ajsd tho iwod that we can do,

The year 1884 will have passed out among the unnumbered cycles of time ere we can again address our readers through these columns. In the history of the universe, a microscopic line, in the history of a nation a-brief page, a year bulks voluminously in the life of a single individual. The bygone twelve months have been fruitful for joy or for sorrow jri every home. Their re cord is one iof hard struggle against ad verse conditions, or perchance an-un blurred page of good fortune. Sortie have gone down under the buffetingS; of bad iuck— sickness, want of employ ment, or business reverses. There are little chairs vacant that were filled, twelve months ago, and an aching void in the hearts of parents which may never be" satisfied by all tint the coming years can bring. These are everyday sorrows. We know that no time of the Har is free from them—that the, old I be wept out in scalding tears U^jj^toaw year ushered "in, with Sfeatfeb by^iiiy men an^ women who "S^'^,t9pfe|bbeds of those dearest JU3t !aid in the

mains of a dearly beloved one. The flickering candle of mid night watchers is seen on the drawn window blind, but still the masses pass on to waken the young stranger into life with shouts of revelry. And why not ? Without hope what would life be worth? And at no time runs hope's current so strong and free as when con templating the' glorious possibilities of another year; no time when promises are made with more fervour; when yews are registered, and a man re alises that a new era has opened which may retrieve the misfortunes of the dead past, or multiply its gains. To Auckland, as a com munity, the year has been a prosperous one. Handsome buildings rising every where until large suburbs havi been formed—signs of coaifott, thrift, and aggregating w alth. But the average for the whole people is not the measure of every individual com posing it. There are hundreds in Auckland, as in all laige cities, who have no certain knowledge to-night how their next meal to morrow will be paid for. It appears a mockery to such as these to speak of a " Happy New Year." Let them, however, pick up courage, and count not the sorrows in store by those they have overcome. i "Give not a windy night a rainy morrow.'' Every man can do some thing to mitigate the misfortunes of his neighbour, and if those who are prosperous remember in the midst of their revels that shipwrecks are cast ■ upon the fairest of shores, the compli ments o£ the season so glibly passed , from mouth to mouth will have some thing of reality in the great majority of Auckland homes at this season. That it may be so is our most earnest New Year's wish.

The Holiday Block on the Railway.

The Hon. J. A. Tole has consulted with Mr Hudson, traffic manager of the railway, with the ebjoct of preventing a repetition of the dangerous blockade which oocurred on tho railway at tho races on Boxing Day. The manager said that a good dotJ of tho trouble arose from having no facilities for equally distributing the passengers over tho trains that aro available. Six trains were ready to run tho returning crowd into Auckland after the races, on a perfectly clear line, but tho impatience of the people was so great that every train was rushed and overcrowded, some rookless men absolutely endeavouring on Boxing Day to got seats on tho cow-catcher in front of the ongine as well as on the couplings. Tlio position of the oOieuals was necessarily ono of great anxiety. If thero was a siding at the course with v series of rails, on which tho trains could be filled preparatory to filing out, the bulk of ■ tho peoplo would be comfortably accommodated, and no one train would get over-loaded. Mr Tole suggested that in the nbsonco of them duplicate lines only a sufficient num ber of people to load a train should be allowed access to the platform at one timo. The managor representad that the few official* wero powerless to stay the pressure of thousands of people, nnd were practically at their mercy. Mr Tolo promised that police assistance would bo rendered, and at a sub sequent interview with Mr Superintendent Thomson he gave instructions that as largo a forco as can be spared shall bo told off to assist tho railway officials in regulating tho distribution of the traflic, and preventing practices which, unless restrained, will undoubtedly lead to some very serious disaster. It is believed that with this aid the scenes of last race day will bo prevented to-morrow, and the whole body of tho peoplo bo con veyed comfortably home. It may bo explained that as the plan adopted by the traffic manager provijpg for a series of trains waiting at tho race course ready to follow each other rapidly into town, foiluro to get on to any one of the trains first despatched will only involve a fow minutes' delay.

The South Sea Island Fruit Trade.

We publish in another column a letter from Mr Aloxander Cockburn, who is well known throughout the Fiji islands, on tho develop ment of the fruit trade with this colony. This trade is undoubtedly one that is capable of great expansion under skilful management, and when Government aid is boiug sought for tho development of the brado with the South Sea lelands,it is surely wise for ua to make the most of thoso elements of trade which are natural, remunerative, aud self sustaining. Mr Cockburn's suggestion that the Harbour Board should assist in making Auckland the distributing centre fcr the wholo colony for the Fiji fruit trade is so reasonable that we can scarcely doubt that it will find favour with a board composed of commercial men. We notice from our files of Fiji papers that Mr Cockburn is also en doovouHng to etir up the planters and trading community there to look moro to New Zealand for their supplies, and to study the requirements of onr trade. Tiiij colony is th 9 natural market for the group, and under judicious manage ment the trade between the two colonies should become one of very great magnitude. The appointment of Sir Ford to the management of their business in the islands was made by the Union Company in the belief that the trade is capable df being worked up, and Mr Cockburn's efforts to wards this end should contribute materially to that most desirable result.

The Withdrawal of the New Zealand Loan.

The hitch in the negotiations of tho loan of two 2nd a-half millions will no doubt pa«a over, and the colony get the money, though it may have to pay too dearly-for it, The fact, however, of there being difficulty is in itself a condemnation of the financial policy of the Government. Wo have not at present any particulars, but it is safe to assume that the Consolidation of Stock Bill is largely to blame. By that bill the annual contributions to the Sinking Fund were to cease, and the money yearly earned as interest- by tie accumulated Sinking Fund was to be paid into the revenue instead of added to the fund. With the money- thus transferred from the public creditor to the revenue,tho Treasurer was enabled to remit half tha property tax, as well as to. make good, without either taxation or retrench ment,thedeficiencyofthepreviousyear. This policy was strongly denounced when the Financial Statement was epnaidored, but on the final division only eight votes were reoorded against it, the Opposition as a body refusing to voto and walking out of the House for the avowed reason that they' did not wish to show by a division that they were in a minority. It was pointed out in the dieoussion of tke Consolidation Bill that its proposals gave a dangerous weapon to the " Fears " of the Stock Ex change if tney wished to lower our stock, and an amendment was proposed to tho effect that the release of the Sinking Fund should not be anticipated. As the con solidation which was to release it might take, and probably would take.a few years, it did not suit the Government to wait. Had they done so, there could not have been any remission of property tax, and retrenchment to meet the deficiency would have been necessary. There was, however, an overwhelming majority in favour of the Government proposals, and reliance was confidently placed on Sir Juliua Vogel's superior knowledge of the London money market. That superior knowledge is now on trial. The confidence will, we hope, be justified, but our sympathies are with those who held that the Government bad no right to subject the colony to such risks, and to play into the hands of tho "Bears" by enabling them to charge us with an ap parent breach of faith in dealing with our Sinking Fund. The hitch is no doubt temporary, and wiH be overcome, but it :is a timely warning that prudence arid economy are as necessary in tho administration of tho colony's affairs as they aro intlibsb of private individuals. 'In that light it wDLdo good ; but if there should bo any serious, depreciation in the rate obtained foi1 oiir debenture?, or if the loan hag to be limited^to one million, instead of the full two and millions being negotiated, the financial repntation of the Ministry will receive a slfy.sre blow. •That may be a calamity to the Ministry, but to the colony it may 1 prove a great gain. The : latesfc telegtams say that the price of . New Zealand eecuritie-; is unchanged. Tho :■ ■"■' '■ ' ' ■■■■'• ,'_-1b:.;:' , !'L'-JL!h'"'l?:*4'''f-'''~V'

difficulty experienced with the new loan cannot, therefore, be attributed to the state of the market, to whatever other cause it may bo due.

There will be no issue of the Stak to morrow (New Year's Day).

Our Christchureh correspondent tele graplis this afternoon that owing to heavy and continuous rain the cricket match between Auckland and Otago, commenced yesterday, has been postponed till Friday.

A Press Association telegram today says the s.s. Zealaiulia, with the December English mails, left San Francisco on tho 24th instant, four days later than time-table date. Tho s.s, City of Sydney, with tho Decembor colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco from Auck land on the 2Sth insh, two days earlier than time-tftble date. There is a conflict te twoen tho date of the Zealandia's departure quotoJubove and that given in the cablegram received by the local agents, which states that the steamer left for Auckland on tho 20th (timotnblo date).

His Worship tho Mayor and tho Town Clerk, who have been on a visit to Tau ranga, returned to town this morning.

Captain lUissell, M.H.It, for Hawke's Buy,'and Dr. Newman, M.H.R. for Thorn don, Wellington, aro both in town, hav ing arrived by the Btcaiucr which come from the South yesterday. Dr. Newman goes on to the Lakes.

A year or two ago a gentleman in Auck land telegraphed to the Hon. Mr Bryce asking for permission to prospect in Wahanui'a country, as he knew where there are some rich gold-bearing reefs. The Hon. John roplied in a strictly prohibitory man ner, and that by means of a "collect" telegram, for which tho applicant had to pay some eight shillings and sixpence.

It will' be remembored that several weeks ago a woman named McDonald attempted suicide by cutting hersolf about tho body< with glass. She has now been received into the Home recently established by tho Salvation Army.

Our Wellington correspondent telegranhs that Sir Julius Vogcl's departure in trie Hincmoa for SValwon lias been definitely fixed for to morrow. He will bo accom panied as far as Napier by tlio Hon. Mr Buckley. The Nativa Minister is also ex pected to leave Wellington on Monday, and tho Premior further on in the week. The scat of Government wilt thus be almostdcnadedof Ministers, and the Hon, Mr Tolo will probably leave for Wellington within tho noxt fow days to tako charge and attend to pressing matters in the absoiue of his collcaguos.

Captain Yates Sterling, commander of tho American war vessel Iroquois, accom panied by Mr T. T. Gamble, American Consul, puid a>n official visit to His Wor ship the Mayor at tho City Council Cham bers this afternoon.

Mr Slator is illuminating on vellum tho address which is t~> bo presented by the citizens of Auckland to Mr G. Fraser in commemoration of tho rescuo of the s.e. Triumph.

Wo aro glad to see that the abustruction of the telegraph lino from Cambridge to Tuupo has nt last been authorised. By ndvertisomont in another, column Dr. Lemon, Suporintondotit of Telograpliß, invites tenders for tho delivory of 1,500 poles along the proposed routo. Although this line will uot givo a complotß duplication to Wellington, it secures an alternative l;ni to tho wiro across the Thames towers and tho exposed East Coast, and will thereby groatly reduce tho liability to interruption. Tho now lino is very much wanted, and although wo look to tho time when a connection with New Plymouth or along the trunk railway to Mar ton will give a complete circuit, and secure an opon line in any weathsr by con necting Auckland with the West Coast system, yot the boon offered now U ono which business men in Auckland, who bavo Bufforod loss and vexation through tlio frequent telegraph interruptions and dolays, will thoroughly appreciate.

Tho poor exhibition mr.do by Kobinson's cricket team at Cbristchnrcb yesterday lias served to prove the foolishness and inox pedioncy of the trip. However, even if tho team should succocd in bringing discredit upon arii'kefe in Auckland, it is at loast to be hoped that they will appreciate tho plonsvrc so persistently and determinedly sought for.

Tho Committee of Management of St. James's Church have reduced the number of candidates for the vacant position of choirmaster from nino to four, viz. : Messrs Searell, Edmonds, Baxter, and Bouskill. It has been arranged that each shall have n week's trial, after which some decision will bo arrived at.

No les.« than live ntcamora loft Waitara for Onehunga. on Monday night within a few hours of each other, vb., the Oreti at 7.14 p.m.; HannahMokau, 5.10 p.m ; Douglas, 5.15 p.m. ; Lallan Kookh, 5.30 p.m. ; Argylo, 7.5 p.m. Tho Uroti reached Manukau Heads at 5.45 a.m., but tho arrival of tho others had not been announced at noon, Waitara ought to havo all it can desire so far as steam communication is concerned.

Among the patents for which applica tions were gazetted on Docombor 13th were -.—Walter Greenshields, Auckland : The New Zealand patent automatic self-adjusting brace or suspender. T. W. Hickson, Auckland: Automatic multiplex registering totalisator. Edwin Atkinson, Auckland: Atkinson's patent slating. George Reed, Auckland: Ronovatiiig billiard cushions.

. The Alccandra-street Mission Choir thank the public for their liberal support on Christmas Eve and the 29th—the two nights they sang carols—and they hope that to morrow night those who are visited will be equally gonorous in assisting the good work in view—namoly, tho entertainment of the inmates of the Old Mon's Refuge on the 2nd of January.

While a gang of hard-labour prisoners were engaged at work on the approaches to the Supreme Court on the afternoon prior to Christmas Day, they wore inter rupted by a heavy rainstorm. They sought shelter in the passages of the Court, and while the attention of the warder in chargo was. diverted, a lad named Murphy sucoeeded in making his escapo by the baok staircase. He was brought back to the gaol on the same even ing by his mother, and, having boen charged at the Police Court to-day with attempting to escape, was sent back to prison with a caution.

At the I'olioo Court this forenoon, before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M., seven parsons were punished for drunkenness, and John Murphy and James Smith for disorderly conduct. William Sheehan, charged with murder, was further remanded till the 9th. A chargo of wife desertion against John Lundon was dismissed. Bertrand Trennis, J charged with being on the Blanche without lawful excuse, was remanded till Saturday. A oharge of attempted suicide against Mary McDonald was withdrawn, upon tho woman promising to go to the Salvation Army Home; whileEdwardMurphy, charged with escaping from legal custody, was warned and sent back to gaol. T. W. Knight was fined Ss and costs for allowing his chimney to be 'on fire; while Several other summons cases, including charges of breaches of the Licensing Act against Patrick Lynch, Keziah Forrester, and Michael Gallagher, were adjourned till Mon day. Bazett Watkins, charged with using threatening language to his wife, at One feunga; wis bound over to keep the peace for six monthp, himself in £50 an« two sureties of £25 each. The sureties were not for! hcoming, and prisoner was sent to Mount Kden.

. Christmas literature in England engages the talents of first-class avtiets. ' The " Graphic " has hitherto led the way, and tills year's ifsu.o, a copy of which has been forwarded us by Mr Meara, bookseller, is in no respect inferior to former production. The largo chuomo-lithograph distributed with the number is executed with as much skill as Millais' painting, the popular subject of the Christmas picture of a year or two ago. A charming little girl is again the study selected. . Some of the Australian journals are resolved not to be beaten. The pro prietors of the "Town and Country Journal," Sydney, offered a hundred guineas in prizes to colonial artists for designs of Christmas illustrations. Mr W. Macleod, of Sydney, is the artist of the picture selected for thia season's presenta tion. Ten colours are used in the printing. 75,000 copies of the picture are being printed. '

The health of the city, despite the present trying weather, is very good. Since the 10th insfc only four oases of infectious disease have been reported to the City Sanitary Inspector. The3e cases are three of. typhoid and one of scarlet fever; The last;, case of typhoid fever was re porteasvesterday, and its location is the South Ward—the first caso of infectious disease repented from this quarter of the city for some time. Mr Goldie informs us that the nighlsoVl. contract is being car ried out in a manner, that gives him the greatest possible satish«>tion. The com plaints made are few, ani^he inspection made by officers of^he Inspector's Degf^T taent, suows that in this respect. ur^X jßfttirfMtory, condition of o^ira^ti^Vy

I Two city tradesmen are anxiously in quiring regarding the wherenbouts of a guileless native youth, who had been em ployod in the office of a professional gentle man not a hundred miles from Shortlacd- B'rcet. The suthetic descendent of a thousand chiefs hired a piano from a well-known firm of instrument dealers, I and almost immediately aftorwards pledged j it with a ja.vn'orole; toy twenty pjunds. A considerable portion of this sim was expended in jewellery—whether for tho adornment of the not over-ecrupu lous Mao; i or somo dark skinned iuamoiatp, deponent sayeth not. With a little more civilisation, our coloured brethren will be matches for tlie most astute Heathen Cliiuee that ever paid tlio poll tax.

Mr Charles Callis, tho Secretary to the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition to. be held in Wellington in August next, arrived from Now Plymouth this morning, and is stlying at tlio Albart Hotel. Mr CaHis will bo happy to afford all particulars respecting the forthcoming Exhibition to all partial* wiio may bo desirous of having the same if they will either call upon him or arrange for a meeting at their own office?,

A erickot match will bo played on tho Domain cricket ground tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock between teams picked from tlio Wesleyan Pitt-street Sunday-school and St. James's Sunday-school. Wesleynn : Atnbuvy, Didtlams, Handloy, Wilkinson, Colebourno, Sharland, Nicholson, Walker, Mnrcroft and Brown. St. James's :T. Maeky, Mason, P. Mackio, Drummond, W. J. Qeddes, G. Smart, D. Smart, J. Baxter, A. Finlayson, A. Sncdden and W. Andrews. Emergencies : J. Gilmer, O. Baildon, and H. Smart.

Thoro was another largo attendance at the Opera House last evening, vhon the pantomimo was lopeated. The soison promisee to bo a longtliy and exceedingly 'profitable one.

Professor Hugo, locturoron physiognomy, (Hjrived from tlio youth to-day, nnd will letivtr tho first of a sjries of lectures on a day to bo fixed.

At tho last meeting of tho Executive Council of tho Bund of Hope Union, the Socrctary was unanimously instructed to roturn thanks to tho friends who assisted nt the Floral and Industrial Exhibition, ro contly hold. An advertisement to that effect appears elsewhere.

Tho bazaur in aid of the Convent School, Hobson-street, was woll attended last oven ing, and a sum of £35 was realised, A grand promenado concert will bo given this evening, during which admission will be allowed to tho dress cirelo as woll as tho other parts of tho Theatre. We aro in formed that tho Very Rev. Father Sullivan, 0.5.8., who arrived this morning from Sydney, will be present at the bazaar this cvoning, and an excellent opportunity will theroforo bo aflbrdod his numorous friends of renewing His acquaintance. Tho total amount realised up to tho proeont is £370,

At tho last mooting of the Parnoll Borough Council, tho Town Clerk was in structed to write to tho Auckland Harbour Board and rcquost thorn to find somo ?uit ablo placo for landing gunpowdor outside the borough.

Information was recoived in town to day from Avondalo to the effect that, a pationt of tlio Asylum named James Mc- Laren escaped from that iiistitirlioii tiiis morning. Ho was a privileged patient, and was employed about tho kitchen. Mc- Laren is 40 years of ago, sft. 7in. in height, medium built, fair complexion, fnir hair, beard, whiskers and moustache tinged with groy, has a vory receding narrow forehead. Ho was dressed in wliito moleskin trouserp, light grey twcod coat and vest, soft folt bat, nnd buckled boots. His shirt wbb branded, ' No. S A."

A notico appears in our advertising columns notifying the intention of tho New market Road Board to form that suburb into a borough. Wo aro glad to observo that some steps havo at lust been taken to improve what should havo boon ono of our most flourishing suburbs. Mr W. J. Suiter (the Chairman of the Board) has displayed gront persoverauco in advancing this move ment.

A social gathering of the parishioners of St. Mary's, Parnell, took place yusterday afternoon at UWiop's Court. The inelomoncy of the weather prevented the garden party boing held, but tho afsomblogo adjourned to tho Church of England Grammar School, where a boun'eoun tea was provided. In tlio cvoiiing the cl4dreo oi tlio Sunday school wero fntortnined at a gathering at the school-room, 'Scarborough Terrace, when an address was delivered by tho Rev. Mr Walpole, and songs sung by Mr,s Bispham, Mr Wulpole (b'rothor of the incumbent), and !i i-eildiiiK contributed by Mm Ruck. Mr Walpolo, in the course of his remarks, said they would soo from tho circulars which bad been issued that a start Imcl boon miulo towards the now church. .(.'2,000 had been promised, and tho total cost of the church and parsonage would bo about £7,000.

The yacht raco at Wellington for Rear- Commodoro Hill's Cup is attracting con siderable attention thero. No. 2 handisajv was sailed on Saturday, December 20tli, when several Auckland-built boats took part, including tho Pot and Maia, both from Mr C. Bailoy's shod. Tho handicaps were : —Pot and Main, scratch ; Iris, lm. ; Agnes, 20m. ; Ponoko, 30m. . Shortly after tho start tho Pot assumed n strong lead, which sho kept till the finish, The Mai.i mot with on accident to her headgont when second in tho race, and after that dropped out of the contest. The Pet finished nt -Hi. 58m. 30s. : tho Iris at sh. lm. ; and the Ponoko f>h 20m.—the first-named thus, winning by IJm. The "Post" says that praiso is due to Mr Holmos

for tho mannor in which he handled the Pet. Mr Holmos is a boh of tho well-known Auckland shipbuilder. Tho scoro for tho oup, for which another rnco has yet to be run, stands as follows: —Pet, 5 points; Main, 4 points ; Iris, 3 points; Poncko, 2 points.

The domestic infelicities of Mr and Mrs John Luudon again occupied the attention of the Residont Magistrate this morning. John Lundon was charged on warrant with an intention to leave his wife in Auckland unprovided for. Mr Cavo appeared on his behalf, whilo Mrs Lun don was represented by Mr W. J. Napior. Superintendent Thomson said tho police had reason to believo that Mr

Lundon \v;is about to leave Auckland, and, finding him in the neighbourhood of the Court this morning, they put intai execution a' warrant issued by Burton and Napier, which contained a provision that under such eirciimstances the arrest should ba made forthwith. Mr Napior asked for a remand until Saturday or Monday, butMrCaveobjected, pointing out that Mr Lundon hai already offered 15s per week. • He stated that as an earnest of his client's intentions, £10 had been deposited with tho clerk of the Court, being equal to 15s per week for three months. When this amount was absorbed, a further sum of £10 would be deposited. He added that he had given the complainant and the police notice of Mr Lundon's intention to leave Auckland by the mail steamer on Tuesday next. Mr Napier urged that the or.;'.er should not be for a less amount than £1 per week, but His Worship dismissed the case.

. We have received two letters relative to the dearth of employment in Auckland. Referring to the allegations of the Dune dinite whoso letter was quoted in our Monday's issue, one correspondent says :— 1' I can prove if necessary that there are scores of edncated mon walking the streets here hopelessly looking for work. For myself, I am well known in this city and am acquainted with some of the first merohants and bankers here, havo good re ferences, &o, and have tried both by rnyaelf and friends to obtain employment since April last, but unsuccessfully. Wher ever I make application, or my fiiends either, the same reply is given, ' No vacancy j call agi-i i,1 &b to working at pick and shovel, no one would give employment to such as myself in that way, not being worth salt at It, There are scores of others here like myself willing to do anything even at labourers' wages, but oannot obtain any employment for the above reason. "Distress'"' writes : '♦ I have been here four months, out of which I|haveonly had|l4days' work,having travelled from morning till night asking for employment. The answer I got as a rulo was that there were co many of the old hands who were bound to get the first show. I am a carpanter and joiner by trade, but am forced to talce to the pick and shovel. Notwithstanding tho numerous appeals I have made (o my honourable lodge for sup port, not hiving anything in the house for over a week to eat, only what the neigh bours gave:us, I was sent away by being told that they'had no funds It is an old saying and; a true one, " When a dog is down kick him."

Dean's Minstrels appear in three of their reflned Ethiopian carnivals on New Years night and tho two following nights, when there will also be- solcct dances. The programme prepared is of an attractive charactor, and should provide a eood evening's amusement. On oaeli occasion the entertainment will com mence.with y Dean's Minstrel soenc," with Billy Carey and 9. McKinlay as tambos, and Danny Bertie and :j. Montague as bones, while Mr Dean wiJl preside. Tha programmo also in icludes a great international flag finale, ''Olla Jodrida" and "Rumn's from Homo." Theso come Jiyof a fair

THE AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

Anticipations of To-morrow's Racing.

[By Hippona.]

The Auckland Racing Club Summer Meet ing will be continued to-morrow (New Year's Day), and as there is every prospect at the present time of Jupiter Pluvius making amends for the unpleasant weather we experienced on Boxing Day, a good after noon's sport may be looked forward to. There are six events on the pro gramme, the first being set down for decision at one o'clock. My notes and anticipations for the various races are as follow :— The Derby, 1A mile. Btlb Mr J. Pilbrow's b h Ugly Buck, by King ofClubs-Hammoek 8 10 Mr W. Bobbott's br 0 Tetford, by Musket —Punprawerewero . 8 10 Mr W.Walters's blk c Torpedo, by Musket —Fanny Fisher 8 10 Mr Kobortsou'u br c Carbineer, by Aluekot -Una 8 10 Captain VV. R. Russell's f Tiarcdia, by Loolimiß—Amohia 8 7-

Mr W. Somervillo'obr f Woodnymph, by Musket - Sylvia 8 7 Mr J. Marshall's br f Necklace, by Muaket —Locket 8 7

With Ugly Buck and Tigredia opposing each other, this raco should provide a first class contest, and it is a pity that Mr Marshall's mare is not in her best form, fcr the ovent would then be worth journeying some distance to witness. Tigredia has proved herself this season to be a real good bit of stuff, and is sure to make a good fight to secure the blue ribbon for tho Napier sportsman; but I think she has scarcely been here long enough to do herself justice, aud 1 shall pin my faith to Uoly Buck. By the way Mr Pilbrow's colt galloped in the Christmas Handicap on Friday last, he proved himself no duffer, and I learn that he has been doing well since then. If there is to bo a surpriso in store, Carbineor is tho one, I think, that will effect it.

Sklung Rack, 1 mile and a distanco. „ . fltlb stlb Pipi 10 3 Larrikin .. ..8 7 Youth .. ~9 7 Tho Painter ..8 7 Snako .. ..8 10 Cost Ashore ..8 5 Mjbtcry .. ~8 10 Rovolver.. .. 712 This race should provide a good contest between Youth, Revolver, and Tlio Painter, and to declare for one will select Revolver, who has a bit the best of the weights.

Racing Club Handicap, 1£ mile. Welcome Jack .. DlO Lioellor .. .. 87 0 Tho Poet.. ..7 8 Carbineer.. ..6 4 Admlnisirator ..7 2 Pipi.. « 4 Nprnianby .. 1 I Woodnymph '.'. 6?, Kiahwoman ..7 0 Alario .. ..5 7 IfVVelcomo Jack goes to the post for this race, there is no question he will havo little difficulty in beating the field, but in tho face of tho support accorded him by his ownor for tho Dunedin Cup last night, it would appear that ho is not wanted. With 7st 21b Administrator reads dangorous, and is bound to be well up at tho finish, but I think ho will more than find his match in Tho Poot. As tho course is still heavy, it will suit tho son of Anteros to a nicety, and added to this, tho race is run over his favourito distanco of ground. On his Cup running, Normanby cannot bo altogether despised, but my opinion is that providing Welcomo Jack is not supported by his party at the post, the raco will fall to Tub Poet. Publican's Puiise, 1 mile, w.f.a. Wolcomo Jaok Administrator .. fl 2 inc. 71b penalty) 9 9 Minorva .. ..8 13 lurquoiso.. ..9 2 Mitrailleuse .. 811

There is little need to discuss tho ohances of those engaged in this raco, for if Wkf.com r Jack is saddled up, it must provo a certainty for him. Nkw Ybar's Gift, C furlongs. Ugly Buck ..9 0 Derringer.. .. % 2 CarWneor. ..9 0 Nemesis .. .. 813 \Voodnyniph .. 8 H itosobud .. .. 013 Thun-.erbo.t ..7 1) Lionel .. ..6 9 Colt by Musket, Lionoes .. ..6 6 from Slander.. 7 7 Slcel All .. ..6 6 This ovent bears a most open aspect, but out of tho oloven ongiigoa I don't think that I can do better than give my voto to Thunderbolt. Gkand Stand Handicap, 1J mile. ' «t lb tt lb Sou'-woater .. 812 Fishwomau ..7 5 Administrator ..8 a Victoria .. .70 Tlio Pout .. ..8 2 Kishgirl .. .'. 7 0 Minerva .. .. 8 C Witiora .. .. 610 Übellor .. .. 710

Tlicro is likely to bo a pretty good field go to tho post for thia race, nnd 1 shall ex pect to soo Sou'-westek prove victorious.

There was a largo muster of horses on the course this morning, but little else was done but clow work. Tigredia, who is looking well, and Wolcomo Jack wero among those out.

There was a good attendance at Tatter sail's last night, but business on tho Summer Meeting was dull. For the A.R.C. Handi cap, Wolcomo Jack was quoted at 2 to 1. The other prices offorod wore:—3 to 1 Administrator and Tho Poet, 4 to 1 Nor manby, 6 to 1 Libellor and Woodnymph. For tho Steeplechase 3's to 1 wero takon about Tho Lad, Barbary was backed at " fives," and 50 to 6 was accepted about Sunray, whilo Exchange was also befriended to win fifty. A lot of wagering took place on the Dunodin Cup. Mr Pilbrow ac cepted 1,000 to 60 about Welcome Jack, and afterwards ho took 500 to 35. Mr P. Butler also backed Charmer to win £3,400 at 100's to 4, and offored to go on at tho price, but thoro wero no layors, 500 to ID was also taken by Mr G. Buto about Adamant. Lady Emma was quoted first favourite for the race at 100 to 12, while 100's to 10 were forthcoming about Welcome Jack, Liverpool, and Captain Webster.

Linda, Exchange, and Southern Chiof were omitted from the Onehunwa Cup nominations published last night. In order to show the difficulty of naming tho first, second, and third horses in any coming raco, the following tablo will show the large number of different positions in which a few horses may be placed :— ? Hora°9 6 positions 5 » •■ . K0 I " 5.W0 » i. 382.850 „ 10 ' „ 3,625,800 Ana so on.

Retirement of a Big Sweep-Promoter.

Duxedin, this day.—Mr Abrahams, who has for some years carried on business here as a promoter of racing sweops, undeivthe assumed name of " Ada Mantua," an nounces in to-day's papar that he has sold out to Messrs Lyons and Hart, pawn brokers, of this city.

TELEGRAMS.

Stabbing Case.

Woodvillf, this day.—A stabbing case occurred at Awapurua Bridge works this morning, when a blacksmith' named Red mond ran a knife into the shoulder of a workman named Barlow. The wound co far is not dangerous.

Serious Charges.

Pahi, this day.—William Simpsons, a gum-digger, was charged to-day before Messrs Ariel and Coates, justices, with two offences of sodomy and one of in> decent assault on three bnys at Matakohe. One charge brouo down, through the extreme youth of the witness, In theother two tho Bench,although satisfied with tho boys' truthfulness, considered a jury would not convict without corrobora tion, so dismissed the oase, leaving the parents to lay fresh informations. .The latter, however, gave accused twonty-four hours notico to leave the district or take the consequences.

Employment of Females Act.

Ddnedin, this day.—At the City Police Court, Robert Brown was fined 60s for breach of the Employment of Females- Act at Port Chalmers.

Samuel Smith has been committed for trial for attempting to stab. DtrsEDisr, Tuesday.—Dr. Stenhouse was thrown from his buggy by his horse taking fright at a drove of cattle, and, being thrown down a slope of some twenty feet, received severe injuries, and suffers from concussion of the spine. The groom escaped unhurt. About 100 gentlemen accepted the invi tation of Shaw, Savill, and Co.'s agents to lunch on board the steamer Arawa, In responding to tho toast of "Success to the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company," Mr llitchie said they had never failed to comply with the wants of communities in thia colony, and although stoam communication was suggested rather earlier than they were prepared for, they went into the project in a \7hole-hearted manner.

Efforts are being made to form a new rowing club, to be called the'Waikomiti and Avondalo combined, and with this object in view a mooting of all interested is 'to bo called at an early date. ■ ■ *»■ v - . 1 ~ .a.

THE FRANCO-CHINESE WAR.

(FROM THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE "SYfcNEY MORKINO HERAL.D1')

Canton, November S. It is the general opinion here as elsewhere tlmfc Franco has been quite out of her reck oning in the costly enterprises she has undertaken for the extension of her terri tory in Indo-China. That she could effect the conquest of the country there could, of course, be no doubt; but only the credu lous believed that in her hands Tonquin could be other than an unprofitable acquisition. To the' native inhabi tant,, to the neighbouring Chinese, and even to other Western nations, the opening up of such an extensive country, whose plains are fertile and whose hills are stored with mineral wealth, can hardly fail to be a benefit; but France ha? hitherto shown little or no aptitude for colonisation; she has failed to make Lower Cochin-China pay its way, and she is not, for some time at least, likely to do much better in Tonquin. But it is not merely the prudence of the Kaatorn policy of France which has been questioned; again and again it has beon urged that France's claim tothosuzerointy of Tonquiu had only anjmaginary basis. This is not correct. Franca has a claim, flimsy porhups, and dating from a long way back, but still a real claim, and quite ai plausible as many of those which have been made the basis of the conquest of Britain's own dependencies. The diplomatic sophistries of China have met with a credit which they have ill deserved. Tonquin has, since the accossionof the present dynasty to the throne of China, been particularly independent. China asserts that Tonquin has been accus tomed te pay tribute, but she says tho same of England; and in the latest edition of a publication issued under the auspices of the Government, Great Britain is mentioned fis one of China's tributary states. Tho same is asserted, in a covert way of France herself in some of the most rocent official proclamations. China has tho weapons. She is not deficient in self-confidence, and bo is anxious to try her hand ; hence tho war. The Langson affair has not been thoroughly investigated, and as no independent witnesses were there, it probably never will be ; but there is abun dant evidence of tho treachery of the Chinese. To those familiar with the principles of Chinese statesmanship, or with the incidents of China's wars with England, it could Bcarcoly be a matter of surprise to hear that when the bulk of the French forces had been withdrawn hostilities wero renewed.

France had a oase now to which no one could demur. The amount of indemnity she claimod seemed indeed excessive; but 80,000,000 franca would certainly not more than cover the expenses of the Tonquin campaign. Few of the foreigners out hero could sympathise with China in this matter. Her inveterate mendacity, her arrogant ex clusiveness, her continual rofußal to pro tect the foreigner or redress his wrongs, and her nubtlo endeavours of late years to curtail the privileges which by virtue of tlio treaties ho had hitherto en joyed, have naturally produced widespread dissatisfaction, and so tho general opinion was that a war, vigorously conducted, and bo ppeedily terminated, might boa blessing both to China hersolfand to thooutside world. 'The battle of Ma-moi,' as this naval engage ment has been called, illustrated in a vivid way tho ruthleasness of warfare, but it showed at tho samo time tho advan tago of discipline and courage over mero material resources. The Chinese fleet waa indeed inferior to tho French, but the former having forts and bat teries to protect, it would in equally disciplined and courageous hands have been at least a match for its assailants. As it was, the French seemed to have it all their own way. The Chinese Admiral watched the fight from a hilltop six miles distant, and the combat had scarcely opened when officers and men ran off from the French fire like pheep. There were some honour able exceptions to the general cowardice, but too few to be important, and one of the Hongkong native newspapers, usually so mendacious in extolling the valour of the Celestials, admits that at Ma-Moi po abject waa their terror that •" at a flash of fire, a puff of smoke, or a report, off they ran." If the French gave no quarter it wai bccaußC none was asked; the dragon flag was left flying over the deserted ships, and the French continued to pour broadsides into them, because they wora too far injured to be useful, and floating about helplessly with the tido; several of them on fire, they were a source of peril both to French men of-war and to tho numerous merchant ves aols anchored in tho river at thQ time. Tha news of this defeat is said to havo been re ceived with great composure by the Tsung li-Yamen at Pokin, but tho stolid face of the Celestial i.3 not always an index to his feelings. The officials aa Canton were very much alarmod. Orders were at once issuod for the partial blocking of the Canton River, and a- barbarous proclamation from tho Viceroy was placarded about the walls and hawked about the streets, offering rewards for tho heads of Frenchmen, varying from 200 dollars for tho head of a private soldier to 1,000 dollars for that of an admiral. A riot) broke out on tho first of September, in Fatshan, a large township, about 15 miles from Canton. Tho two mission chapels in tho town ware looted and partially destroyed, and ns the mandarins showed no disposition to punish or arrest tho rioters, tho mischief soon extended to other parts of the Canton province. Upwards of 20 mission chapels havo been destroyed, hundreds of native Christians havo been driven from thoir homes, their children hays been stolen from them to be told as' slaves, the men have been beaten, and the women outraged. Other proclamations were subsequently issued, and secretly circulated in Hong kong and Singapore, offering rewards to those Chinamen resident in these colonies who should succeed in poisoning French men, or in stranding thoir vessels on the rocks ; and further intimating that if any Chinaman in the above colonies should render any service to tho French, his rela tives resident in China would be the objects of Imperial vengeance. Upon the protest of tho British Minister at Pekin against this proclamation, the Viceroy denied that he had published It, but there can be little doubt of its official authorship; and thoro is good reason to believo that tho threat contained in it, backed up as it wae by secret emissaries, led to the recent serious riot in Hong kong. It wa3 expected that the French would, after demolishing the forts upon tho Mm, make a descent upon Canton, and the officials have displayed unusual energy in completing the defences of the river. They have been assisted by au American officer on furlough and by an Englishman who has been several years in their employ. Up wards of 500 torpedoes are said to have been laid. Steamers are obliged to take a pilot from a Chinese gunboat to guide them safely between the thickly-strewn torpedoes in ths part of the river from the Bogue forts to Whampoa; and if the risk to these steamers is aa great as represented, the French have a poor chance ot getting within gunshot of Canton.

Three French gunboats Bteamed into the harbour of Kelung on the let of October, and after firing a few shells into the Chinese camp a force of 1,800 men was landed. The Chinese forces, nearly 10,000 strong, after a feeble resistance, fled, and the French are now in possession of the heights. At Tamsui, a small port 30 miles from Kelung, Vice-Admiral Lespes found tho harbour blocked, and Was unable to effect an en trance. At long range, however, he suc ceeded after a day's bombardment in silencing the forts, and having ro land forces at his disposal, put ashore a small party of marines. The Chinese awaited them in ambush, and on their appoar ance opened on them a destructive fire. The Frenchmen returned the fire and sus tained^the fight for upwards of six hours, when, having almost exhausted their ammunition without dispersing the enemy, they were compolled to retreat to the ship, A considerable number of Chinese were killed in this engagement, and upwards of 12 Frenchmen. Those bodies which were left on shore were immediately beheaded by-the Chinese, and the heads, stuck on bamboo poles, were paraded about the Streets of the town. Formosa is now in a state of complete blockade. There are foreign residents in several of the ports, and though as yet the Chiueso have-shown no disposition to molest them, their posi tion is a very undesirable one. No com munication is allowed them with the out side world except through vessels of war.

A watchnight service will be held in the Young Men's Kooms this evening, commencing at U o'clock, when tho Hoy. J. S. Hill will deliver a special address.

The most Beautiful Ornamental Fire Sorcenß evor Imported to this City arc to bo seen atQarlickfc Cranwell's Furnishing Warehonae. A large assortment j ust oponed up, varying in price from Is Od to 12s Gd. Ladies aro invited to make their selection early, as wo cannot replace the choicest of thorn this season.—Garliok and Crnnweli. Quoon-atreet.—lADVT.

The compliments of the soason may be gracefully conveyed, and will beappreciatWly accepted, if accompanied by some useful pro sent, obtainable in immense variety at Cloud son's London Arcade.—[ADtrJ \

Sewing Machines, wholesale and retail.— V. S,. Chaintpors, :.

CABLEGRAMS.

[by cable.—copyright],

The Governor of Now^SouthJWaloa. London, December 30.—The name of Lord Augustus Loftus, successor, has been submitted to the Cabinet for their approval. W. L. Stirling, of South Australia, is a passenger by the i 3. and O. steamer Pekin, French Chambers Prorogued. The French Chambers and Senate have been prorogued, The Suez Mail. Albany, December 30.—The P. and O. steamship Ballarat, with the Bnndisi mails, dated Londoij, October 23, arrived in King George's Sound this morning.

THE CASTLETOWNROCHE MURDERS.

Second Appsriranco of the Prisoner.

William Sbelihan was again brought up at tho Police Court to-day, and charged with the ji^rder ot his mother, sister, and brothel' at Castletownroche, Ireland, in Octobei, 1877. Mr W. J. Napier appeared fqr the prisoner. Superintendent Thomson (explained that the prisoner appeared Wore two Justices on the 23rd, and was remanded in order that the case might come before His Worship. According to an Act [passed last session, cases of this character were required to bB taken by a Resident Magistrate. He had then applied; for a remand for a week, stating at the same) time that lie would probably have to applj| for a further remand. His instructions no# wore to ask that the ca3e.bercmanded froif time to time until the arrival of the office* who was on his way out from England witi the warrant and depositions issued by the Imperial authorities. He would now ask that th 6 prisoner: stand remanded for a week. Mr Napier said he would offer no objection, provided that on the arrival of the dopisitions the police would supply him wit If a copy on behalf of tie prisoner. Superintendent: Thomson pro miscd that this ihould be done, and tho etwe was reinandul till tho 9th.

GERMAN DESIGNS ON SAMOA.

Reported Attempt to Annex tho Islands.

When ths schooner Cygnet called at Saijoa on Lor last trip, there was a good dew of excitement there because of what recognised as the intentions of the Gerian Government to annex tho Samoan Gjiip. It was stated that three German mij|o' war had called thero in October for tbtaur po?o of "taking Samoa," but thaipho natives having raised objections, tbeweft without accomplishing their purpose It appears pretty certain that these i\ sels wero at .'Samoa, but the reason of? ieir visit caniiot bo authoritatively dscerj ied from the information now- obtain bio. Another rumour has reached us to th<| feet that an offort was to bo made to forn| (3o vcrnmetit witliMrWebor, head of thj eat German h'rmj as Premier. We lean) jilso that the Cygnot brought up from ijjioa, tj be forwarded Home, a petition toed by a largo number of tho chiefs, prayS Ithe British Government to annex tho islWB.

NATIVE HIGH JINKS AT HAWERA.

! (BT IJtLEORAI'H—PRESS ASSOCIATE j) AVELIiKOTON, Tueijij jy. The native feast and hska at Taipaj lemii are now over, and tomorrow thej tives proceed to Manutahi, irhero the sapi will be repeated on Sundjy. Beaideaff sding tbeir own people, tlii natives en&tjained fully 600 Europeans.,. Titokowaru,» at a email table at the encof the house-fi thest from and opposite tlii door, and hj|', nests were arranged in foj.r ranks up aid down the length of the balding. Tho jj| ice on which they were seAed was carp<|oj with clean flax mate, andbefi iro each nii ilaced a cup and saucer,, plates of baa and butter wore brought round, foljtipd by goose, oakes, biscips, lollies, beer, wine, brandy, and syruf, which wereiij.small quantities handed round to thosti present. Titokowaru welcomed each relay apiuests, declaring the meeting a token fWggpd, an omen of friendly cordial relatipiJ3 be tween tho two pc*pios, the Maori3]iind the Europeans. The1 nakaa * rwere ranch the eiimo as these jerformanccs. ÜBuolJy aro. Tho head of pach was decked; with tho snowy pluses of the wh'vtef crane, which danced p tho breeze, anj| added much to the picaresque appearance of the whole. The fei^aloa were of aD ei^s from three feet nothing to tho ueiial Unit of female loftineff. but in this re'spett all were *like —ieach acd eveiy oik wag dressed in - yhite, trimmedl with gay ribbons, and /had a gay belt round the waist. Thoir fept were Dare and their faces, like the malf performers, were Streaked with black, gnu the lips of all were dis figured by a dab of the samosakle paint. They were eighty-six in numb<k|j»nd each earned in her hands a raupo ha wtspended from a piooe of string abou i iwo feet long. They were formed in! jl square within the circle of sped Mrs, and, whilst Titokowaru inspected |p whole, young Fox, who was once in Be office of a Wellington lirui of solicitors jgiive them the word when to commence i)i when to stop,; admonished them to kc i good and regular time, to strike then liiTl simul taneously, and, in fact, acted ai tl.O. of the ball.! Titokowaru frequejitly Jdressed a few words to tho natives, tell i them that they had nothing ot importatiito occupy them, and this was what Tohi leant when he told him (Titokowaru) 1 it the days immediately before them we to be dedi cated to the flowers and ball-j S^ing.

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

(Ny cABLE.-^coPYnisiit) Caieo, pe<& nber £9. Telegrams from Korti stajb tli t a strong detachment of infantry undjr Gk icral Earls will shortly advance agrainaf the \ nibs near Merawe, to punish them f# tha* murder of Colonol Stewart at Wad-elHomfc. The expedition will alvanda towards Khartoum as soon as supples have reached Gakdul, but a strong gaifison viil remain at Korti. h I

ANNEXATION MATTERS.

(by oahle—coi

taoHr.ji

LoNDol, Decelnber 30. Isr its issue this morningthe j1 Dally Tele, graph " states that ConmocJoro firskino, commanding tho Austwiian squadron, has been instructed to hoistjhe Britiei flagon Louiaiado Archipelago, U'oodlarli Islands, Long Island, and Rock Band, if ai y foreign warships threaten annexation in thj vicinity of these groups.

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET MATCH.

■ [BY CABLE—CO|rKIGHT.]i| Melbourne, tijsday.' The interoolonJal cricket match, Victoria v. New South Wales, wal* resumed atjd con cluded here- to-day. jThe home Warn in their first innings scorld 482j The.visitors then went in for theif second innings, but were all disposed off for f*. T]j« bonae team thus won by an ioiiingl with fire runs to spare. | I■ ■ f

How Auckland Importers Suffer.

(TothtJEifitor.) | Sik,—The N.Z. S^p#ng Cenjpany, to gether with the Uni*n S.S. Comjany, seem to do as they like irith goods arriving per direct stoamers fronll/tndon. JW> had on board the Kaikourf fourteen lickages of goods. She arrival at l'ort Uialmers on t&e 10th. Some of!'he bales rciched us on the 22nd, tho balaicenot till (o-day, Slst Dee., just 21 dayssit ;e the Kaikojirareached Now Zealand." In ;hejnoantidjo three of the Union S.Si CcnpanyVste|ni,crs have arrived here froml'oit Chahnirs. These goods are deiiverjd only aboit 27 days sooner than £ailing,Veseel, freiglt by lattei-, 35s and Jss, aa aiainst 55s «id 70s per steamer. VVJiere iltho gain t<| tho impor ter?— Yours, &c, j (UKI.ICK & (teAXW.SM,.

TKere will be at daynoxtby the si the wharf at 10 aha} children half price./

'excursion Coromandel, >. Hoiurn (

trip on Fri f sho leaves Icla-ta. 2s Cd;

The various Jrmßi of iroi Queen-street uotiff by advertised will close thoir pjftnisesto-morrffl Eftturday. > ;j .■/,■ j

[mongers in lent that they r, Friday, and

ENGLISH MAIL NEWS.

[Fbom ''EukofeaT Mail," Nov. 14.]

General (Summary. Official intimation |s given that the sup plementary eetimatejto be proposed for the Niteexpedition willjbe £1,000,000 sterling > addition to £324,A)0 for naval expenses consequent on the/military occupation of '%s>*• .-- ; . . J The crowds whiah thronged the London strata on November 10 to witness tlio Loip Mayor's pr&ession have never been surpassed in numlfers within living memory Thi favourable yeather and the picture' esduo and suggestis*e character of the civic pafreant accountdl in a great degree for the endrmous matsea of spectators which filled thj thoroughfare*. I The Mignonette Casio. fcPhat i 3 known as the Mignonette Cainibalism cast has just been tried at the Meter assizes. I Dudley and Stephens, the nister and mMo of the Mignonette, were clarged with lolling Richard Parker on the Wgh seas, in <frder that they and another Might live. Baron Huddleston held that as a matter of Jaw" there was no justification »r the act, aild that if the case were de dded at oneej the verdict must be one of guilty. But he suggested that the jury tfiould simply find the fact* proved, and pave the Court for Crown Cases reserved to put the proper legal interpretation upon them. This was dons, and the prisoners are again released on bail, the jury strongly re commending them to the mercy of tboCrown. The able charge of the judge was, like the wholo case, exceptional. There was no baeak in its interesting exposition of the state of the law, or in its counselling of the jury, by the repetition of evidence. After a short address of sustained interest, admitting the sufferings, the bravery, and the good character of the prisoners, but defermicedly opposing the formation of any verdict on the ground of justifi cation, the judge produced the ready mkde verdict on facts; and with a feiv trifling emendations, suggested by the day's proceedings, put it per tgraph by paragraph to the jury. At each pause these gentlemen briefly consulted with one another in open court, mere signs of ac quiescenco being generally all that passed, and the foreman nodded assent to his lord ship's mode of stating the facts. In this way the audience witnessed a jury delibera tion on their verdict in open court, with the assistance! and under the direction of the-judge. and heard it declared at the end of this recital of facts so adopted as their verdict that "whether upon this whole matter the prisoners were and are guilty of murder the jury are ignorant and refer to the Court." The judge read in the faces of the jury before'they had expressed it their desire to have their strong feeling' of compassion for these men represented in the proper quarter, and completed his judicial task by giving them the assurance that this would be done. The Irrepressible Arthur Claydon. Mr Arthur Clayden, who has just re turned homo from New Zealand, seems to be under the impression that America ia about to step in and rob us of New Zea land ; or, if this is a little too bold a state ment, that American manufactures are going to knock English manufacturers clean out of tho New Zealand market. '>-.Of course, in reality, there i9no plot to do any thing of tho sort, but "in view of the Panama Canal, which will bring Auckland within 8,490 miles of .New York, the Americans are looking to New Zealand for a market for their manufac tures j" and Mr Clayden has therefore deemed it advisable to write to the "Times" to enforce tho importance of a much more extensive settlement of British subjects in that colony. We are quite at one with him when he says that there is " urgent neces sity for a more intelligent and comprehen sive grasp of the whole colonial question on the part of the people and Government' of Great Britain," but it would certainty not be to tho advantage of tho British ■ Empire that Her Majesty's Government should bolster up any policy that would have for its object the forcing upon tho inhabitants of New Zealand or any other colony goods in ferior to those they could buy else-whore, simply because they were of British manu facture. ; .

Mr Clayden states, on the authority of Mr Griffin, the United States Consulat Auckland, that American watches, American implements, and American machinery are seen everywhere, and eyeryi where are superseding English manufac tures. So much the worse for the manufac turersofthoTJiiitedKingdom. Tho colonists, not bnly ot 'New Zealand, but of every otheipart of the Empire, will exercise tfleir rightko buy in the cheapest: and best mar ket, sad if the English goods sent out do \ not c*ae up to the standard of American manu&ctures, the latter will most assuredly take tiieir place, not only in-New Zealand, but ol«where. Mr Clayden also has some thing tisay. about the Belgian mission of M. de Harven to New Zealand, bnt in reality \ho. mission has the support of a numborif colonists, who hold that there ia plenty oiroom for Belgian as well as Eng lish emigrants in.New Zealand,

WELLINGTON NEWS.

(by rELEffiAPH.—own cobbbspondent.)

• Wellington, this day. : > The Vlctkan Challenge to Bismarck. No final aiwer has yet been returned to ~ Mr Service! invitation to the colonies to jointly agrq to a protest against the annexation micy of Germany in the West Pacific. Tl» Ministor for Defence re cognises thetourtesy exhibited by the ■ Victorian Prefer, but is hardly prepared to cross swordlwith Bismarck. It fa aug- j gested that Viflpria burns with martialim- 'i patience to exhjit the prowess of her navy ■ in the reWintmcquired possession of the two gunboats w|ch a short time eince she offered to Englati for service at Suakim. • Sir JulinsfiV^el's Auckland Visit. ' '' The departurlof Sir Julius Vogel for Auckland and tl| Hot.Springs has boon again delayed, in fonsequence of the rather serious indispositln of Sir Julius, who, howover, hopes tdj>e able, to leave before. | the end of the wes. Rumoured Cablnt Differences Denied; The fact of tble repeated postpone-- V ments, and the suddn arrival of Mr Stout this morning, gayetise to a rumour thai the Premier had com to settle scmo per- i sonal differences with the Colonial Treasurer which haafarisen in correspond ence. This rumouif I may state coh-' fidently, is entirw without foua-:, dation. Mr Stol, foreseeing that \ his presence woula be required in Dunedin for some tme longer than he had anticipated, toolatho opportunity of visiting Wellington tl trausact Cabineft business prior to the doarture of Sir Julius i Vogel. Mr Stout wilfeturn'to Dunedin in the course of a week | two. Tttoliowaru'sMeettafr, Reports received bythe Native Office % from^he West Coest stis that everything is quiet at the meeting Hpg held by Tito kowaru's people. The Withering is simply to afford the tribes an oiortunity for dig- ! cusaibg matters in regard to legislation affecting the interests of me nativeß them selves. , ' -.I . " • .-; lixa Colonial Soorotay's NoriHern Tour. I , The Colonial Secretary ah Under-Seore tary for the Colony will aiompony Sir J. Vogel in tho Hioemoa as fas as Napier, and will there commence thoif investigations regarding charitable instliutiona in tbo North Island. I , ... The old adage that we p from home to learn news is exemplified a the fact that we learn from Melbourne fiat are the in ■tentions of the Govern men twith regard to the action of the Governmente the annexa tion policy of Germany, although the New Zealand press has been stefluy bformod that the Government were dang nothing to the matter. North Island Trunk railway. Officers of the Draughtsmot; Dopartmong of Public Works are now fry actively engaged on the preparation ofplans fqrthe >i Morton section of the main Sorth Island trunk railway. They have bea steadily a* work most of tho holidoys, ant until iato hours at night. 1

Good progress is being roaoD with tho plans for the proposed fbrporation fresh Water Baths m Albertjpd Cook streets. Ie will be rememberedjthat quite recently several allotments of. tho c-ity endowment in this locality \|re leasco. for a tertn of years, tho | area ret mainiiig in the hands of tb Council being considered cf suflicieni; size for the purposes of the. baths. Ifc;has sinea been considered desirable tf increase tho dimensions of the b :hs, and overtures have bden made to ihe lessees of the recently leased nllotmo iji iiheaft penUemen, however, want ■ib rfliako a "good tiling " out of tlio Coun l) r and re^ quest £500 each on their barj iuib. The matter is still in aboyanco. • \

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEK 31, 1884,



T>ANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. A BRANCH of this Bank has been Opaned at HASTINGS, near Nap lor, under the Manage Mcnt of Mr WALTER rOTTS. W. G. BJfIND, S.'.-'. . Inspector. mO MR J. H. WITHEFORD. .. ■-- Slß,—lhavo tho Honour to Inform yon that your tender for.the sole right of Adyerllsios on the Auckland section of tlio New Zoalond Rail ways has been accepted by tho Hon. Minister for. Public Works on behalf of tho Queen. I have, ftc, L J. P. MAXWELL, ft General Manngar, §1 Wellington, December-1,183-1, ■ -v Spaces at 03 Railway Stations may be had on - application ut my offl-'o. Business men desirous Ol;\having special noticPS, almanaca, &0., can | bi&j e them erected Immediately at a Tory raode rato charge. KB.—Advertisers will pleaco note that no Other person has tlio rij/ht nt recoiviag Hdver- Haeiuontfl for these Haflway StoUona, ' . J. H. WITHEFORD. December 15. ISSi. ' rflHB BEST. IS THE CHEAPEST. ACL GOODS SOLD Ti/TELBOURNB yVRAPERY /CLOTHING /COMPANY : , _ ABE '. GtrARANTEED GENUINE AND OF . STERLING WORTH. ' THESE ARE FACTS- YdU ABB INVITED TO TH3T FOR YOURSELVES. "bpSTtJMES, MAOT , LEg; , >■ MANTLES, MILLINEBy> OLOvm ;; , CEg 'f;- , • "N. ' RIBBONS, DRBSB MATERIALS, ' '■'' .SILKS,' '. ■ SATEENS, SO6D3RY, . . ;, HABERDASHKBY, MANCHESTER GOODS, blaKketSi WHH'3 and. BOY31 CLOTHING; , MEN* and BOYS* MERCERY, MEN'S and BOYS' HATS. Sffttß 8-X S OF DRAWERS ■ Vj|fc - : —— — - ' ' ' _ Tar? Handaoroe Chests of Drawers, ta Rich Sk, Motttol Kauri, are now bqUlbk at the lOUQwlng Ik prices for Oaah:—The Dnke of Edinburgh Chest ■Vof Kight Drawers (the bonnet drawer rlshly W naneUiid with totara, bird, arid rewa rewa) M W 109; Vive Drawer Chestp, Si. ThijaboTo articles f have always given groat satlataotfgn, and be* ' comg more hoaattfaTwith age. . l- w.NoiteiH!, \-Jr. TOP Of SHOETILiND^STBBBT, -. :!:■ '■■■ ■ -' " ■' ■' ■' / - ■■ . ' - "'•■■. Tl B. WELKIN 8, K. R. 0. 8. aiiJL/-CoranMiNo and OpkbatinoSurseont,. ■j>at Ws Harf«iry for Gdnoral Practice, also '^.heiKAB, an*' rhrbat Diseaaos,5 ■ fi«il™B • "ffrS^SßTßiaioo!is,-Am> Btkninob. ■ ••SSpi ?" m-r cffli!on FcC3 VOIT Moderotc. , y»«rB .n i. - y "'■ «. mt ac( r On yoara at Moorofleidi



J\ R A P E R Y. FIRE I If IRE 1 FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRB ! . FIRE ! FIRB 1 FIRE I FIRE ! FIRE! J. COSGRAVE & CO. Wo bog to announce that It is our intention to entirely relinquish Nib CLOTHING TRADE. And in consequence of the FIRK which took place on our promises wo have been onablad I TO EKMj ALL CJLOTHINGs MEN'S MERCERY, &0,, AT HALF THE USUAL PRICE. nla splondid opportunity should immediately ba takon advantage of, ai owing to a future arrangcmont of our Departments the STOCK MUST BE CLEARED OUT Before Utu IBT JANUARY, 1885, When alltiiat then remains wHI bo DISPOSED Why public auction. Noto tlio Address— , GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE I OREAT SALVAGE SALE! J. o OBGRAVB & C° "n\ AND 300, Qn™»~ =™BSRT. E x D ° R z Ci MILNE & CHOYCE llavo just reooivod a Supplementary Shipment of 12 oases, per Doric, of the LATEST LONDON NOVELTIES I case VISrPHS and MANTHE3 1 case MiLLTNERY, CAPES. &o. 1 caso KLOWKRS and FEATHERS 2 cases STRAW HATS and BONNETS 1 case GLOVES and HOSIERY 1 oase LAOE GOODS 1 oasoPLASTItONS. NBCK ARRANGE MENTS, and DJIKSS TRIMMINGS 1 case CHINA SILKS, SHOT SILKS, &o. 1 caso LIN'KN TABLING and BLKACHBD CLOTHS 1 oase COSTUMES, VERY HANDSOME. t3" The Bulk of above. Goods were bought . b Jeb at the end of the London Suction and iclll be Sold Correspondingly Low THE EXHIBITION GAUNTLET GLOVES which ought to bo marM 30a per pair, are A SPECIAi NOVELTY. THE SCPLASffRONS AND DRESS TRIM MINGS are also specially new and STYLISH. HMLNE & CHOICE, hORNE AND WELLKSZEZ STREETS, -f-HE LIVER STiMULANT.-A I COMPOUND EXTRACT OF EUONOMYN AND PODOPHYLLIN WITH TARAXACUM —1« INCOMPARABLY THE BEST TONIC TOR BILIOUS NESS, TORPIO LIVED, DYSPEPSIA, FLATULENOE, AND LOBS OF APPETITE. 2S. So. PER BOTTLE, M MCVAK'S. CtttttVSl, QUttU SIRtU, MSOMAHtI