SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

: mm WATER^^ven^^^^^ SUNSET.-This Evening, 0.56 SUNRISE.—To-morrow Morning, 4.10 MOON'S AGE.—Full Moon, 3rd, 0.39 n.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING.

Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, from Whangarei Macgregor, s.s., Johnson, from Whangarei

TO-DAY. Clansman, S.S., Farquhar, from Russell Orawaite, b.s., Campbell, from Westport

DEPARTURES.

.;iy, LAST EVENING. W<ailngton, 9.5., Stephenson, for Tauranga GWnelg, S.S., Amodeo, for Mercury Bay

TO-DAY. Sandfly, schooner, Burrell, for Tonga

IMPORTS.

Per Orawaiti, from Westport—loo tons coal.!

Inwards Coastwise.—Kauri, from Port Charles, w1th.50,000 feet baulk timber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Kauri, for Port Charles; Waipu, for Matakana.

The s.s. Hdrald is to bo dooked to-morrow for cleaning. Sho will leavQ for Greymouth on Monday next,

Tho sohconer Gisborne is advertised to leave on or about Tuesday next for Gisborno and the East Coast.

Tho Tongan Government schooner Sandfly left for Tonga this morning. Passengers:—The Misses Baker (2).

The s.s. Southern Cross arrived at Gisborne from this port at 5 p.m. yesterday.

Tho s.s. Thomas Russell left Gisborne for this port at 1 p.m. yesterday, and may be expected to arrive hero this evening.

The barquo Gefion came down from tho Sugar Company's Wharf lost evening, and her place was filled this morning by tho barquo Florence Treat.

Tho barquo Atlantic put out tho last of her cargo of raw sugar at tho Sugar Company's Wharf tliis afternoon. She will probably go into the stream this evening, and her place will be filled by tho Christine.

The s.B. Waitaki arrived from Whangarei last evening with tho following passongers :—Messrs Foster, Vickerman, W. Wilson, Whitelaw, Tucker, Stevens, Forder, Ferguson, Philp, Beasley, McLeod, Beotham, Hanner, and 9 fii the steerage.

The as. Maogregor arrived from Whangarei last evening. Passengers :—Misses MoLennon, Price, Mesdames Weaver, McKenzie, Mo- Lennon, Wilkio, Messrs Jobson, Brown, Mc- Lean, White, McKay, MoDonald, Butlor, D. McLeod, G. McLeod, Oldham, Baur, and three steerage.'

Tho New Zealand Shipping Company's s.s. Dorio arrived, all well, at Rio on Saturday, and sailed for London on Monday. Hor meat was in prime condition.

The s.s. Clansman arrived from Mongonni, Whangaroa, and Russell, this morning, with the following passengers: — Messrs Logan, Churchward. Owen, W. Adamaon. Codlin, Dickenson, Davis, G. Foley, Fisher, Toir, Reid. Mrs Foley. Dr. Bulleid, Misses Wills. Benjamin, and Yates (2). Cargo —70 baleß wool. 250 sacks gum. The Westport Coal Company's Bteamer Ora waiti arrived from Westport this morning with 400 tons of cool, the greater part of which is for tho Hew Zealand Sngar Company, and will be discharged at the Company's Wharf. Flno weather was experienced during the passago np.

IMPORTS PER LOCH FERGUS.

The barque Loch Fergus, whioh left London on August 7, and is consequently fully due, brings the following cargo for Auokland:—Plain cottons, L 100; linen in cose, L 100; haberdashery, L 100; apparel, L 100; carpets and rugs, L 200; straw hats, L 100; dressed leather, L 28 0; wrought leather, L 630; saddlery, L 120; floorcloth, L 260; vestas, L 600; blacking, L2O; agricultural imple ments, L 1 0; agricultural machinery. L 140; rails and general machinery, L 500; books, L&iO; paper, 6260wt; stntionery.-MX); paperliangings, L 470; up holstery, L 91 0; iron bedsteads. L 580; tinware, I_0: brash ware, L 200; plated and papier mache goods, 1-60; toys, L 810; pianos, L 620; corks. L3O; jewellery, LlO; printing materials, L3O; clay pipes, LlO; other sorts, —90; canvas, L 180; coraago, LlO; lines and twines. L2O; cement, 700 barls; cigars, 2101bs; brandy in bulk, 570 galls; brandy in case, 460 galls; geneva, 200 galls; British spirits in caso, 20 galls; white wine, 30 galls; beer in glass, 102 galls; preserved fish, not rated, L 170; sardines, L 10; assorted oil men's stores, L 140; vinegar, 830 galls; foreign salad oil, 70 galls; peppor and Bpice_, 2cwt; cocoa, Wcvit; mustard, L 00; starch, LI 10; blue, l_oi arrowroot, Sewt.; patent groats, LlO; cartridges and dynamite, L 200; gunpowder, 82cwt; safety fuse, L 120; iron tanks, LlO; chain and anchors, 9 tons; hardware cutlery, L 2.400; hoop iron, 7 tons; sheet iron, 1 ton; pig iron, SO tons; galvanised iron, 53 tons; sheet lead, 14 tons; yoliow metal, 1 ton-; tin plates, 100 boxes; ingot tin, 2 tons; iron nails, 43 tons; wire and wire rope, 9 tons; zinc, 1 ton; linseed oil, 2,860 galls; varnish. DO; paint colours, L 800; glue, sowt; flint glass, L2O; window glass, LSO; foreign window glass, 212 cases; Elate glass, 11 cases ; china and earthenware, ■190; glass bottles, LUO; rice.lowt; chicory, 11 cwt; white salt, 10 tons; soda crystals. 5 tons; bicarb, 20cwt: ash and potash, 5 tons; caustic, 16 tons; silicate, s tons; candles, 193cwt; soap, 2c wt; raisins, 53c wt; almonds. 17c wt; liquorice juice, Scwt; ginger, sowt; glucose and sacchamm, SOowt; treacle, 53owt; con fectionery and peel, LOO; apothecary ware, EJDO; sulphate copper, sowt; tart, acid, lOowt; cream tartar,Bcwt; condensed milk, L1E0; corn flour, LSO; hemp, 23cwt; palm, 51cwt. Total Talue, -21,000.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Sydney, November. 27.—Sailed, this after noon:. Tho Tarawera for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, this day, Messrs Hcnteb and Nolans Report. — - Horses: Dulness has characterised the demand. A great many were brought forward, bnt many remain unsold. A largi number were again en - tered at the Durham Yards on Friday; bidding was languid, and Bales were difficult'to effect; although several j horses held over from the pre" vlous week fount i purchasers. We quota ade cline of fully 10s per head on last week's rate- Wool, hides, and skins: Hides were not in brisk demand, bnt the previous week's values were fully maintained, and skins advanced fully 3d each,, The first wool sale of the season was well attended by buyers, but the busi ness of competition was left to the minority. There was an improvement in the staples of : many of the lots as compared with previous year, and prices were from id to 1 d per lb higher lor greasy than at the corresponding sale of 1883. Prices ranged from s_d to 6jd for longwool in grease; badly washed, 8d per lb: merino in grease, 8d per lb. Cattle: There has been no further drop In value, but prices are ruinous to Bhipoers, and little local stock has been brought forward. The Newmarket Yards were amply supplied on Tuesday, and prices were generally a shade higher than on the previous week, al though they fluctuated from 17s 6d to 22s per lOOlbs. Sheep: A good many have been brought forward, and prices ruled low, selling, at from lsidtolsßdper_bs; lambs, from 5s 9d to 12s 6d. HgS: Only a few came.forward; prices un changed. ' MbAlfred Bdokland's Weekly Report. —At the Haymarket, on Friday, November 21, fodder was in less quantity and improved value; prices ranged from 2s to 5s the cwt; oats, from 2s lOcl to 3s Id the bushel. Horse, stock were in full numbers, and those in good condition maintained late values, but those in low con dition Were at moderate prices. On Tuesday a full supply1 of hides were pitched. There was a numerous attendance. Prices ranged from 2d to Bid; calfskins, _ 1-9 th the lb, Tallow and felt from 10s to 2ls the cwt; skins were in creator number than usual; fuU-woolled skins brought from 3s _d to ss; inferior, from lOd upwards. A considerable number of bags of wool were also sold, for which there was Brisk competition.' many lots bringing from 5d to 6M tho lb. At Remuera, on Thursday, Btore cattle : were in full numbers, prices lower than for many months. Four-year Bteers in .moderate condition, L 3 15s; three-year-olds, L 2 15s; year lings LI ids, were the ruling prices. Fat cattle tauguai number, and dull of sale; no improve " meat on last week's values. Good steers,' from 18s to 208 the lOOlbs. Fat sheep in Bhort supply, " but with no improveipent in value. Napier wethers fatted in Waikato barely averaged 12s. Lambs plentiful, and at slightly lower values; best quality at lis. Fat calves numerous, nnd In consequence lower in price.. Pigs wore also dull of sale, and those of coarse quality at nomi nal prices. .'■ _ . " •',"_, .-'•"' . Mb Randebson's Land Sale.—The sale of. Victoria Glen Estate, Victoria Avenue, Remuera. was well attended yesterday, the Mercantile Salerooms being crowdod. The following aro the sales:—Sections 32,33, and 38, lots 1 and 15, with house, 69 feet, at Lll 10s per foot Mr Winter; lots 2 and 3,138 feet 10 incht s, L 2103. Mr J. Burton; lot 4, 69 feet, L 2 ss, Mr _e_Bo; Lots, 67-Sfcot, LI 2s 6d, MrLoggo; lot O8 feet, 19s 6d, Mr "Winter; lot 7, 67-8 feet, 203 Mr A. Clarko; lots 8 and 9,135 4 feet. 19s Bd, Rev. W. J. Watkin; lots 11,12, and 14,201-4 foet, 18b. Mr Winter; lot JB. 66 feet, 20s 6d, Messrs 3Kb and Davis; lota 20 and 21,138-3 foot, 17s 6d, MessrsLegg and Davis; section 31, lot 1, 55-4 feet lis 6d, Rev. W. J. Watkin; lots 2 and 3, 110-Bfeet,4ls6d. Mr J. Morrow; lots 4 and 5, 135.feet,203,MrH.B.Sealy; lot 6, 66 feet, 21s, Mr A. fear-ett: lot 8, 66 feet, 28s, Mr M, H. Bennett; 10t9,66 feet, 29s Mr Daviß, All tho allotments save four having been sold, the free allotments were thon given away, three in number, or one for each seven sold. Mr Winter having firat choice, selected lot 13; Mr Davis second, chose lot 10, and Mr Bennett the re milning section, No. 19.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET,

Farm and DairyPbodoc_.—Wholesale: But ter. fcosh. 8d: Butter.-salt (scarce). 9d to 10d- Cheese, good factory, 5Jd to 6id; Canterbury do.. £dtosid; Eggs. doz„ Is; Lard, per bladder, 7d, to7*d*; Bacon and Hamß,:P_ovinoial, Odto 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d; Bacon in cloth, 9jd; Bacon and Hams, in equal numbers. 9Jd; Hams only, ll}d; Jams, per case, 5d oz„ £1 17s Gd to £1 18s sd; Honey la bulk. Id per lb. Retail; Butter, fresh, 10d: Bait do.. lOd to la; Cheese, colonial, 9d to lOd; Eggs, per doz., la; Lard, por lb, 8d to Od; Bacon, per lb, lOd to Is 3d: Horns, do., is to Is 4d. Floub Market. — Wholesale. — Superfine flour. Bilk dressed, per ton, £12; do, do, house hold, £11; hundreds, 53; fifties, 10a per ton extra; sacks and bags free; Southern do, £910s to £9155: bran, per ton, sacks included, local, _55: Southern do, £5 10s; sharps, £5 10s j cabin 'bread, £18; oatmeal, do, £15: oats. 2a lid to 3a 2d • maizo, 4s 3d; new potatoes. £7 per ton; pearl barley do. £22 to £21; oats. 3s to 3s 2d. ELauri Gnu. Flax, Seo. — The market la-very weak with few buyers, and quota tions are only noxinaL We anote: Poor ordinary, £30; good ordinary, £34 to £37; superior. £37 to £39 and upwards; East Coast I «19 to_£s_ Supply tor November to date. 300 ton. £18 to £21; tow, do.. £7 fc^«_eM" lb- 2id: cocoanut flbre' '■^\»mjßP^;_m^ _.__?__ •-■--;)8d< Shlp's.slde, 2s>;" WaStatb, 8s ■tiT^^T. T B' ■ loaOina KTOund; Tanptrt at mjno.Sedtoili 8!_-______■w ywa ; -W-angana, at mine.te %Ssi- ISJ--- 108®)'}!8 *• noUBOhWd.AB! deli, erei c ■■<£%£ S__*°^*,. nout at' Tvharncargo), 8s M ■_____- '^rl™^^ 3;-;^ ",''<"*: Bowds and •ranuing. 100 ft, beßt. iv; looond-olass! Rq- P_t_l__° ?BUOd' ,m. £-!"•*■ toShSl; M*,,klsmumi, :^ . jndditto, icy Cd,

Ca-KO,best,llsj second-olass.SsOd; baulk, 8s 6d. Now Zealand palings, sft (Bap), 10s; 6ft (heart). ISs; 6ft, lis; U-trec rails, £3 10a per 100; .Puriri posts. & 10s to £7 IDs: shingles. 16s wr, 1.000; Hobart palings, sft, 19s r6ft, 21s;. Hobart rails. 90s, selling quotations. Bricks (at Avondalo), 40sper 1,000; town yards,soß to 55b ; de_vered.sss to 60s. Drain pipes (at works), per 100 (O.lnches bore). _0b: _ Inches, lis; 3 inches.9s; 2inches. £_ 10a per 1,000: socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; 2s 6d per foot; 15 Inches, 2s per foot; 12 Inohes, la 6d per foot; 9 inches, Is per toot; 6 inches, 6d per foot: 4 inches. Id per foot. MA_rUß__.-Bonedust, Sydney. £8 to £8 10s, according to quality; bonoflour, £910a; Auokland £8; Peruvian guano, £18: Maiden Island, £8 - Huon guano, small lots, £5 to £6, bags inoluded; Hurst's chemical manure, 611 10s.

Chief Post, office, Auckland.

Mails will Closeas under

This Day,

For Whangarei Heads, Parua. Waipu, Whan garei, Kamo, Tangihua and Mangapai, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, 28th Inst ForTryphena, Port Fitzory and Whangapara para, per Glonelg, at 7 a.m. For Katl Kati and Tauranga, per Rotomahana at 8.30 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana. at 9 a.m. For Waiwera. Mahurangi, Matakana, Manga wai, etc, per Rose Casey, at 10 a.m. For Waiwera, per Wellington, at 1 p.m. For Chatham islands, per Omaha, at 5 p.m.

Monday, December 1. For Coromandel, per Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Rarotonga. per Ada C. Owen, ot 3 p.m. For Glstorne, and Napier, per Thomas Russell, at _ p.m. »

Tuesday, December 2.

For Taranaki and Southern Porta, por Penguin at 6 a.m. For Friendly Isles, per Maile. at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, December 9.

Per b.b. City of Sydney, as follow :— For Navigators Islands, Sanawlch Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of six pence ln addition te tho postage, will be received by the Mull Agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will bo due in London on Satur day, 17th January, 1885.

The s.s. Waipara will sail from Hokitika for Okarota on tha 2nd proximo, and for Jacksons' Bay and intermediate ports on 10th proximo. _).B.—From and after the 15th November inst, the following rates of Postage must be prepaid on Correspondence for the United Kingdom, addressed to bo sent via Brindlsl :—

On all Letters ono shilling per half-ounce or fraction of half an ounce.

On all Book Packets and Parcels, three pence for every two ounces or fraction of two ouncos.

On all Newspapors, twopenco each. Correspondence addressed via Sues: and Brindisi, and not fully propatd, will bo for warded via San Francisco.

In consequenco of alterations or Walkato Railway Time-table, tho following lines of malls will bo closed and received at Chief Post-oftleo at hours stated bolow, commencing Monday, 2tth instant :—

Closed: From Penrose to Hamilton, at 7 p.m j Epsom to Morcer, at 9 a.m.; Penrose to To Awamutu, at 10.30 a.m. Ellorallo to Morcor, at 3.30 p.m. Hocoivod : From Hamilton to Otahnhu, at 7 a.m.; from Morcor toFenroso, at 9.30 a.m.; Ellerslie to Epsom, at 11,30 a.m.; Mercer to Ellorslio, nt 4.15 p.m.; To Awamutu to Mercer, at 5.15 p.m. _'. B. DISS, Chief Postmaster. Chiof Post-oilloo, Auckland.

meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

No VKMBKH 28,1881.

Abbott's Opera House—"The Corsican Brothers," 8 p.m.

St Jam es's Hall—Lecture, "Dante," by Pro fessor Tucker, 8 pm.

Otahuhu Public Hall—Concert and Readings, St. Sepulchre's Glee Club, 8 p.m.

Cross-street,, Nowtou-Harbinger of Peace Lodgo (Mr Cleaver--), 7.30 p.m. '

Irish National League—Fortnightly Meeting at Catholic Institute, 8 p.m.

Shortland-streot — Mooting of Photographic Society, 8 p.m.

Auokland Coursing Club-Albert Hall, 8 p.m. St. Matthew's Literary and Debating Socioty —Discussion, " Should Religion bo Taught in the State Schools ?" 8 p.m. Lome-street Hall—Mr Mllner Stephen, 7.50 p.m.

Births.

ALLEN. — On November 19, at her rosidonco Jcrvois House, Jervola Boad, Ponsonby, tho wifo of W. Q. Allen, draper, of a daughter. ,

Marriage.

JONES-PHILLIPS.—David It. Jonos, youngest son of Captain W. Jones, of Auckland, to Margaret, second daughter of William Phillips, Llanelly, South Wales.

Deaths.

WHITK.-On November 2G, ISBI, at Provincial Hospital. Auckland, after a long and painful illness, George Henry, dearly beloved husband of Sarah S. White third son of late James White, wine merchant, Bristol, England, lato proprietor Pacific Hotel, Russell; aged 53; deeply regretted. — Wellington papers and " Otago Daily Times" please copy.

Notices to Correspondents.

Q. St. o.—There is no special timo for re ceiving members of the Choral Society. You should apply to the Secretary for informiatoc.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1381.

For the cause that lacks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future ln the distance, And the good that wo can do.

The proposal to make Auckland a " free port" by abolishing all charges upon shipping—an idea by no means new—has been discussed with .con siderable freedom in shipping circles during the last tew days. Our morning contemporary, when championing the proposition in an article early this week, professed to prove from the Board's last balance-sheet that the amount of shipping charges, might easily be recouped from natural increase, the Board meanwhile mis appropriating the loan raised for graving dock and wharves in the firm faith that the good time coming would place them in funds to repay their defalcations. Fortunately, the law pro hibits any .such manipulation of moneys that have been borrowed for specific works of a permanent character. But if no legal obstacle had interposed, we trust the restraining influences in the Board would have prevented, the in auguration of a system of vicious and dangerous, finance. In a letter dis cussing the subject, the Chairman of the Board laid bare three rather material flaws in our contemporary's balance sheet—(l) It had taken credit for ,£B,OOO interest temporarily derivable from .the dock loan, which will rapidly disappear as the dock now contracted for goes ahead; (2) it had taken no ac count of the .£5,000 remissions in wharf tolls and shipping charges made at the beginning of the present year; and (3) nothing was reckoned for the cost of the new dredger and expenses of working it in improving our wharves and extending the harbour endowment by the reclamation of Freeman's Bay. In short, the balance-sheet, when critically analysed, revealed the dis agreeable fact that the Board by their recent authorisations of works and re missions of taxation have already drawn upon the convenient bank of the future to the tune of whjch, unless our wharves are to fall into decay, and improvements come to a standstill, will take the estimated surplusage- of revenue for the next thiee years to pay off, and place the Board right with their bankers. When these facts were established, our contemporary made the singularly impotent reply that "The liability argument used by the Chairman proves too much to be of ser vice to him. It might have held good as against the making of any reduction at all on. the wharf charges, but it is weak and inconsistent as employed for arresting the process halfway." If this sentence has any intelligent meaning, it signifies that although the Board saw its way toanimmediateremission of £5,000 per annum of vexatious taxation, without embarrassment, the reduction oijght not to have been made until the Board was in a position to remit £io,qoo. So absurd a proposition scarcely calls for serious reply. On examining the reductions that have been made, we findthat asun_.of,£2,soo was abandoned in abolishing whari tolls, which were an irritating and economically wasteful system of raising revenue, and the other half, ,£2,500 consisted of remissions in shipping charges, and were therefore a step to that final abolition of all chaiges which should be the aim of our harbour management, so long as if is not affined by a policy of sloth and . retrogression,

The Board could only forego imme diately the nregent revenue from

shipping charges by pursuing one of two j courses: the first alternative is the, stoppage of all improvements, con fining their operations solely to mail [ tenance; the other alternative, a restoration of the tolls, and an increase of the already heavy wharfage rates, j We do riot believe that either measure would be acceptable to the mercantile community or conducive to the interests of the port. Shipowners would lose | more from inadequate facilities —and , there are already loud outcries on .th£ t score—than they now pay in the very moderate dues charged under the present tariff; and merchants, gaining not one farthing from a remission of taxation for the sole benefit of ship owners, would stoutly object to an in crease in the already heavy charges which they bear for the purpose of defraying the cost of services that are actually rendered to shipping. We do not believe any man with an iota of commercial knowledge will contend that the abolition of the present shipping dues would lessen freights by a single sixpence, or tempt half-a-dozen vessels in the year to come to our port which would not have come otherwise. The term " free port" is attractive, and would undoubtedly be a very good advertisement in its way, but when it is remembered that the total revenue from shipping charges last year, distributed over all the local and foreign vessels entering our port, amounted to only .£4,864, the idea that the current charges are prohibitory or deterrent melts away.

In its local bearings, the matter nar rows down into a question- whether the merchant shall defray the entire.cost of harbour management and improve ment, recovering it in additions to profit, or whether the ship-owner shall contribute his share from fares and freights. The remissions to foreign vessels would in the main be a clear loss to the commuflity, unless they should induce increased trade. If an impor tant steamship company should ever approach the Board with a proposition dependent upon harbcur dues, it would then be wise to meet it in a liberal spirit. But as the case stands now, there is no gain either apparent or prospective that would warrant the Board in either embarrassing their finances or harassing importers and carriers with increased charges for an object that is largely sentimental. We do not wish to assert that the idea of a " free port" is not a good one; the Board ought to keep it steadily in view, as only secondary to themorepress ing object of making our port take first rank in facilities far transacting shipping business. But 'the commer cial expansion which is claimed for this movement would scarcely be attained if shipping were relieved through charges heaped upon importers. As the proposal meditates giving all vessels the use of the harbour and wharves absolutely free of cost, fleets of ship ping, unless they came here expressly to be docked, would add- nothing to the harbour revenues, and it is scarcely apparent in what way the Board can reap the promised harvest except it be contended that the shifting of ,£4,864 taxes from ship-owne:s to importers will mak* our merchants sell a very much larger amount of goods, and employ more ships. This is one of those insignificant details with which critics so often snuff out pretty schemes gorgeously arrayed in fine phrases; still the Board will have to weigh it before resolving to place a blind financial trust in chimerical bless ings, and the favours of the mysterious Providence that watches over soulless Corporations. We utterly lack faith in tho value of the term " free port" as a convertible security at the Board's bankers.

Economic Statistics of tin: Empire.

Comtarisons aro odious only when mado offensively, or so as to hurt those who are shown in an unfavourable light; but when dealing with general statistics, and at such great distance from the other places con corned, we Australasian colonists may be allowed a little Belf-gratulation whon we compare ourselves with other sections of the Anglo-Saxon race. The comparison, in fact, which we would wish to mako has been made for us, and by no less an author ity than tho President of the Eoonomlo Science and Statistic Section of the British Association, During tho recent meeting 'at Montreal that gentleman gave an ablo address dealing with the statistics of the British} Empire and the llnited States, from which the figures we propose giving here aro quoted. The com mercial supremacy of Britain is still main tained, and her colonies contribute not a littlo toward- that result. Thus we find that while 21 per cent, of the world's com merce is in the hands of Britain, other 13 per cent, is claimed by her colonies and de pendencies. The ratio of seaborne com merce per inhabitant yearly is £20 in the United Kingdom, £31 in Australasia, £9 in Canada, and £6 in the United States. This shows Australasian colonists in thechnracter of the most energetio people on the face of the earth, and the statistics as te wages prove them to bo also the most prosperous. We frequently hear men speak of tho high wages to be earned in the United States, but according to these statistics, the average earnings there only amount to £27 4s per head, while in Australia thoy reach the sum of £43 4s. Even English wages are on the average higher tlian American, being £35 4s per head par annum, but Canada is lowor, the figures for. that colony being only £26 18s. As to the amount earned by capital, the Australasian colonies take precedence also—a return of 22 per cent, being obtained here, against 14 per cent, obtained in England. These facts, if pondered by the people of tho Old Country, and their significance properly appre hended, would show that this part of the world is the best destination for both capital and labour in search of profitable employment. For those people who are constantly making a bugbear of colonial indebtedness, it will bo interesting to Btate that while the total public debt of the British Empire is £1,062,000,000, only £29,.,000,0C0 belong to India and tho colonies, Australasia, it must be re ipeijibered, cq3sassps ap many miles of to'o graph as Great Britain has, with (jhjy a tithe of the population, and she has 1,020 miles of railway to every million inhabitants, against 520 miles in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, there aro six times more tele grams sent in Britain per annum than in Australasia, while her railways earn three times the amount that ours do por mile facts which further prove how elastic are our resources and how light is the burden of debt in comparison with our possessions. Though we may not for another decade have the honour of a visit from the British Asso ciation, we hope tho Statistic Section of that Society will not fail to draw attention every year to the high position, commercial and industrial, whioh those colonies oqeupy, by collating those comparative statistics which prove these to bo tho most prosperous of all English-speaking communities.

Through the intervention of tho Cape Government, tho threatened war in South Africa may y&t be ftyprtjid, Our cable ad vices to-day report that an oflfer mads to the Boers of farms in Stellaland has been accepted by them, and they have jinder. taken to evacuate tho territory of the friendly chief Montsioa. The Cape colonists are more interested than anyone else in getting a permanent and satisfactory settlement of the question j we may fairly presume, therefore, that the proposal they have made gives good assurancC that their rights will be con served. The inte-igo-f-e tbftt England was preparing an army capable of eruCrcing. her demands, has doubtless had a salutary* effect in bringing the Dutchmen to reason.

Sharemarkee to-day.—Sales: Gambrla. 17s, lis 9d; Darwin, 10s 9d, 10s ; Queen of Beauty, Is Bd, 2s; Moanatnria Extended, 2s 2d; Prince Imperial, 18s M ,n- °-',

To.Moßßo\v'sjj3TAi.\yillbea largo double number containing further instalment of tho exciting tale, " A Stranded Ship," Random Shots, by "Zamiel," "The Dear Neighbours," by Max O'Rell, a complete tale entitled "A Study from the Life," Sporting Notes, Gossip from Stage nnd Studio, &c, &c. ; also, a long and interest ing description of tho new Stab Offices in Shortland and Fort-streets.

A man named Daniel Finnigan, while an pi >yed on read work to-day, cut one of his ne3)s severely with a pick. He is now et the Hospital, where he will remain for a few days.

Mr H. C. Brewer (Registrar of the Supreme Court) sat in bankruptcy yester day, and disposed of a number of applica tions. On the application of Mr Cave (for the Official Assignee), the bankruptcy of Hopkins Clarke was revived, the debtor not having performed his promised composition through failure to obtain an appoint ment in tho Native Office. In re Enoch Richards, an order was made em powering the Assignee to sell book debts amounting to £1,075 In re John Hill, Mr Cave moved on behalf of the Assignee ior an order to examine Charles Edward Madden, solicitor, as to his deal ings with tho bankrupt, and particularly in reference to tho sum of £11 had and re ceived by him in the month! of June last, for tho use of the bankrupt, John Hill. Mr Madden was present, and consonted to an order to pay tho £11, thus rendering the examination undor Section 198 unnecessary. The order was made accordingly, to be paid within 14 days.

The proposal to send an Auckland cricket team South during the holidays lias been abandoned. A meeting of tho Cricket As sociation was hold last evening to consider tho matter, and there wore present thirteen senior club delegates and four junior. A motion by Mr Ryburn, seconded by Mr A. W. Benle, affirming the desirability of sending a cricket team South this season was negatived, and it was agreed by 9 to 7, on tho motion of Mr R. Mason, Becondod by Mr Porch, that a representative team be not sent South this seiutpn. It was further agreed, on tlio motion of Mr VV. Porch, seconded by Mr Burns, that the Secretory bo instructed to write to the Nelson team informing them that as Christmas is un favourable, a match might be arranged about tho middle of January.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your issuo of the 26th, Inm accused of making rash asser tions by Mr Byles. I will do-lLm the jus tice to iinagino he misunderstood my statement, " That thirty - two mil lions aro spent annually upon re ligion in London." Now if Mr Byles had listened attentively he would have heard that I said tho world contributed this amount, not London alono. My author ity for the abovo is when tho Bishop of Peterbtrough was speaking in Evoter Hall in 1875, ho made the following remark, "That religion cost the world thirty-two millionsannually, andhe was proud to say the greater portion of tho sum was contributed by London." In conclusion, I would ad vise Mr Byles to be more correct in future before ho descends to call hard names.

"Billiard Tablo Trimmer" writes again with reference to the renovating of tables. Tho subject, however, is not of sufficient goneral interest to warrant us in con tinuing tho correspondence, and any furthers letters must pass through our ad vertising columns.

There was a vory good attendanoe at the Opera House last evening to witness the first production of Briinton's three-net drama, " Tho Corsican Brothers." The performance was a most satisfactory one. Miss Louise Crawford impersonated tho brothers Louis and Fabien de Franchl with considerable success, and was well supported by tho other members of tho Company, Mr Harry Teoco's Chateau Ronand especially deserving praise. Tho song "Only a Pansy Blossom" was interpolated by Miss Eraser, and rendered with such acceptation that an encore wnsdomanded and responded to. Tha caste was a strong ono, and the performance appeared to meet with tho thorough ap preciation of tho audience, " The Corsican Brothers " will be repeated to-night, and to morrow evening the sensational nautical drama, "The Ship on Fire," will be re presented.

The statement of Dr. Lemon, the Com missioner for Telegraphs, to the effect that the proposed duplicate main lino of tele graph connecting Wellington with Auck land would most likely run from Taupo across tho country to Cambridge is one which will bo hailed with considerable satisfaction in tho Wnikato (says the local " Timos"). Tho district whioh tho lino will traverse between here and Taupo will bo brought within tele graphic communication, which will be a groat convenience to travellers in tho in terior, nnd will tend in a groat measure to promote settlement. Doubtless it will be brought by Lichfield and Oxford, thus bringing thoso rising places into direct communication with the outside world.

The concert at St. Patrick's School last evening, which was given by tho pupils, was largely attended and passed oft satis factorily. Several of the instrumental per formances wore remarkably good, notably " Tho Silver Trumpets," by three piano., harmonium, and violin; pianoforte solo, " The Storm at Sea," by Miss Lynch. The chorusos, which wore woll rendered, in cluded " I Lovo tho Sunny Meadows," " Come O'er tho Moonlit Sea, " Britannia, the Pride of tho Ocean," "The Sister Elves,* 5 and "The Keel Row." Tho other items were as follow :—"lvanhoe" (march), by the Misses Lynch, Johnston, Williams, L. Wil liams, Reid, Bond, Fltzsimon, and It. Mo- Ilhono ; "Cathedral Chimes" (pianoforte solo), Miss Fitzsimon; "Westward Ho" (galop), Misses Eyre, Bond, Fitesimon, Lynch, Kelly, R. Mcllhone, Dorrom; "Ould Ireland, You're My Darlin'" (chorus and solo), Miss Reid and othor pupils; "The Lady of Provence" (recitation), Miss Froude; "I Cannot Mind My Wheel, Mother" (vocal solo), Miss Fernandez) "The Royal Hunt" (galop*, Misses Lynch, Johnston, Bond, Kelly, Williams, Fite simon, R. Mcllhone j "The Gleaners" (vocal duet), the Misses Fernandez; "My Lodging_ is on the Cold Ground' (viols solo). Miss Johnston; "Gathering Shells." pupils of St. Joseph's School j "Ireland' (quadrille), Misses Hackett, N. Fornande.^ R. Mcllhone, Bond, Fitzsimon, Lynch, Johnston ; " A Seaside Inn " (farce),. Misses Williatrs, L, Williams, Nolan, Kelly, CarJ rigan. The entertainment concluded with the National Anthem.

To the Editor: Sir,—One word in cor rection of a statement in an admirable letter in Wednesday night's Star re the Free Library. The writer disapproves of the system which requires all visitors to enter their names in a register, and says: "This is not the rule nor tho practice of Free Public Libraries in England and America." The statement is too sweeping. At the Guildhall Public Library, London (a fine collection of books, lodged in a noble building), every visitor is required to write his name and address in a book before en tering. Having found in the catalogue the volume he wants, ho next writes the necessary particulars on a printed slip, which lie hands to a messenger, who gets him what is asked for. Having finished his roading, the visitor returns the book or books no has been using to tho librarian's counter, where the volumes are looked through to boo that no blots have been made or other damage effected. This done, tho visitor is at liborty to take his leave. Having had tho pleasure of roading in the Qiiildh3.ll Library somo score of times, I havo learnt tho' forms which are there observed.—l am, &c., J).

At tho meeting of tho City Counoil last night the tedium of the proceedings ■. a i slightly relieved by an altercation between Crs. Aickin and Cooper, in which the former gentleman managed to score a point at the expense of his youthful antagonist. The dispute had immediate reference to a question of order, and it arose in this wise. A letter from Mr G. Strong (keeper of the City Baths) was received, stating that the enforced removal of his gridiron for boats would eptail heavy Joss, and' begging the Council to remove the aflair at its own ex pense. The Mayor moved the reference of the letter to the Legal Committee. Cr, Aickin objected. Mr Strong had no claim, either legal .or equitable, upon the Council, seeing that he had erected the gridiron at his own expense, and had paid nothing for tho privilege. Cr. Cooper considered that there was nothing in Cr. Aickin _ bald statement to warrant the Council in refusing further considera tion tp tho fflattpr. IJe was in faygur of' the mattei' bel(.g referred tfl committee. An amendment havjng been moved to this effect, Cy. Ajckjn rose to speak to it, Cr. .Cooper rose to a point ot order, Cr,. Aickin, however, per sisted, He said that, howevpr bald his statement might be, it was not quite so bald as Or. Cooper himself. This sally brought down the house, and amid the up* roar Cr. Cooper rcse' again to his point of order, viz.,.hat Cr. Aicken had spoken once, and should not be allowed to speak again. The Mayor, however, overruled the objec tion, a new question having been raised since Cr. Aickin had previously spoken. The latter gentleman then resumed h;_ remarks after delivering another shot or two on the associated sublets of baldness and points of ordei.

Tho meetings of the City Council are lie- j coming so extended by rens-n of increasing business and a developing weakness for speech-making that if the civic fathers wish to avoid encroaching upon " tho wee sma' boors ayont the twal'" they will have to meet nt an earlior hour than six o'clock. X_u.b night's meeting extended up till 11.20, and even then several of the municipal orators were burning to deliver them selves of reflections upon various matters which had engaged attention. The prin cipal business was the determination not to alter the permanent levels of Cusloms- Btreet West; the acceptance of Mr J. Welsh's tender (£2,444) for drainage works in Pattewn-street; the decision to accept Mr Heath's tender for the Stanley-street sewer contract, and to sue Mr Blewdon for the loss sustained in consequence thereof; and tho resolution to invite tenders for works in College Road.

We learn that a new piece of ground, supposed to contain the celebrated Cambria reef, was last night pegged off by W. A. Hunt, of goldfield celebrity. Some of the promoter's shares were placed on the market this morning, at £15 each.

Three allotments were given away at Mr J. R. Randerson's sale of Victoria Glen Estate yesterday. One was awarded to Mr Winter, who purchased lot 1, having a frontage of 09 feet to Victoria Avenue, for £11 10s per foot. The others were given to Messrs Bennett and Davis, the purchasers of lots 8 aid 9. Four allotments wore to have been given away, but the necessary area to ensure that number was not sold. The othor Victoria Avenue frontages brought from 50s to 41s 6d. Tho Selwyn and New Road frontages fetched from 17s 6d to 2Cb Cd per foot, except lots 8 and 9 of section 31, which reached 28s and 29s respectively.

A meeting of those favourable to the for mation of a Crimean Veterans' Association is called to take place on Wednesday even ing next, at Robson's Dining Rooms, Queen-street. All old soldiers and men-o' wars-men, whothor connected with the Crimea or not, are invited.

The business portion of^tho community, and all those who enjoy a change, however brief, from the choking atmosphere of the city, will appreciate tho enterprise of the Northern S.S. Company in placing their fast steamer on a special weekly trip to Waiwera during tho summer season. To morrow evening the Wellington is to sail for tho Hot Springs, making the trip in two hours, and will bring back her livine freight in time for business on Monday morning.

A meeting of the Auckland Regatta Committee was held last evening. Dis tricts for tho collection of subscriptions were allotted to members. It was reported informally that some boat builders were trying to evade the rulos by making racing whaleboats of a peculiar shape. The matter was discussed for somo time, and it was eventually agreed that tho opinion of professional men should be takon, and a decision given on Monday evening next.

A fow friends met last night and formed a committeo to erect a mission hall for the Sugar Works, At the beginning of tho year a Sabbath-school was started, it has been making steady progress, and ser vices are carried on amongst the resident families. A site has been secured by the Anglican church, and it is now considered desirable this summor to ereot a building suitable for week-day use, as a reading room and for social gatherings. A plan wm submitted of a church of tho following dimensions :—Nave, 40 x 20, with two porcn entrances; cross transept, 40 x 21; and chancel, 10 x 20, leaving an organ chamber on one aide and a vestry on tho opposite, the interior to havo an open roof. Tho dosign is of early English gothic, and was generally approved of. A subscription list was started by the movors, who agreed to erect the nave at onoe and collect funds for that purpose with tho view of developing it as a mission hali for tho present, until such time as the growing wants of this dis trict will onable them to orect a hall. The amount subscribed amongst those present is £20, and one promised to give tho carting of the materials.

An excursion to Tittrangi by the members ot the Auckland Naturalists' Field Club will take place to-morrow (Saturday). See adver tisement in anothor column.

TABLE TALK.

The Star Is moving towards the cast. Healing exhibition in Lome-street Hall 1 to-night. 1 , Now South Wales Parliament waa pro -1 rogued yesterday. Written Courtship is Beet,—lt takes but 1 one letter to make Mary marry. Hon. Jamei Mcßain has been elected 1 President of tho Victorian Legislative Council. 1 Between SO and 00 ladies aro members of ' School Beards in England and Scotland. 1 Titokowaru has crossed the Waingon ' goro—a vory interesting piece of news I There are 900,000 more men in the Uuited . States than there are women. Dr. Hughes, the Freethinker, lectured at - Wellington last night on "Darwin and Evolution." Comely girls of marriageable age are sold . in Yokohama for £3 5s each. The Governor lost night opened a big i fancy fair at Dunedin, in aid of the - Anglican churches. ' Tho now scale of reduced charges for the i Lyttelton Dock will' corao into force on ' December 5. i Twenty of the Armed Constabulary at i Kihikihi are ordered to road work at Hiku; ranjri and Kawhia. The bald hoods of Auckland aro using i hair restoratives, so that they may be 1 caressed by tho local female barber. A silver star marks the spot in the Balti more and Potomac Railroad depot where Garfield fell when shot down by Uuiteau. i Lyttelton Barbour Board are agitating for a new lifa-boat to bo placed at. Akaroa, near which the.Clyde was wrecked. ! "Tho hand thirt rocks tho cradle ia the hand that moves the world." Perhaps that's so ; but it Can't stone a hen out of the gardon with any overshadowing success. It is stated that out of 1,271 maniacs whose previous history was investigated, 649 wore traceable to drink. The latest Wellington dodge ia to get a big building erected for "the Industrial Exhibition,and then to convert it into a rail way station. Cremation is gaining favour in Prance, and furnaces are to be established in several of the cemeteries of Paris. There were 5,500 people, despite cold and showery weather, at Dunedin Agricultural Show yesterday. George Smith, of the London Merry Rovers' Bicycle Club.lately made the fastest run yet—loo miles in 7 hours 11 minutes. Mr G. Cowie, goneral manager of tho Colonial Bonk at Dunedin, has. got six months' leave of absence to visit Europe. A young man sent 12 stamps to an adver tiser to learn "how to make money fast," and was advised in reply to glue & five pound note to the bottom of his trunk. Cambridge Cheese Factory will soon be ready, to start operations. Batskin fur and ratskin slippers are a late London freak. Only the skin about tho haunches is used, the remainder being too thin. The banks will be closed on Monday next, which is to be observed as St. Andrew's Day. , Five hundred devout Catholics prayed at the shrine of Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey, London, on the 14th ins^, Ohio, mi ~ Circus recently drew £5,200 in Napier in five days, and yet the oolony Is said to be suffering from " a wave of depres sion." Mr Kochfort and party started laying off the first section of the trunk line from Te Awamutu on Wednesday. He will be joined by Messrs Hursthouse and Holmes shortly. " What building is that ?" asked a stranger of a boy, pointing to the Wellesley street School. "That," said thgboy, ".wte that's a tannery,", and bo 'feelingly' rubbed ttie .cap of his pants as he passed on. The French have 274 warships, manned by 47,600 men, and carrying 1,500 guns j England has 288 ships, manned by 53,000 men, and carrying 1,942 guns. Dr. Crichton-Browno's papor on " Edu cation and the Nervous System" was Ordered to be printed as a Parliamentary paper by- the Houso of Commons, but Messrs Cassell and Co., who own the copy right, objected, and tho order had to be discharged. Parent (angiijly) —" hayo neon in the Watery' You weye _jshingS" Son—"Yes, m4'aqi ; J was in t-be water, but I got a boy out w'np might Imp beep drowned." Parent-''lndeed, wh.9 was he?" Son— "Myself." "Tho Latp Drowning Cftgo "Is not a fit subject for jest, yet readers i»ight think it was so regarded if wp published the com* plete test of a " poem''we have received on the subject, of whioh tho annexed is a sample i— " By ouetora used, he sallied forth, with gun, small dog, and tow'l; For that his dog, he knew its worth, . And so he left it there to guard, and as it were to howL" The poot goes on to remark, " Well might it" hOwl;" probably it had a premonition that it was to be embalmed in verse, and |

SPORTING NEWS

To-morrow's Races at tho North. Shore.

The Takapuna "' Jockey Club hold their Spring Meeting to-morrow, and everything promises well for a good afternoon's sport. The cheap and easy means of reaching the course, and tho fine view to be ob tained of the races, have made the gather ings of the Club very popular with the Auckland public, and there is cure to be a la-ge attendance. Seven event, are on the programme for decision, tho names of those engaged in the principal ones being as follows :—' St. Andrew's Handicap, 1} miles. stlb stlb Yubaßlll.. ..8 10 Snider .: ..7 2 Flshwomau ..8 8 Myßtery .. ..7 0 Kalo .. ~ 7 12 Rovoiver .. .. 6 7 Pipi 7 12 Hcrdi.es, 2 miles and a distance, stlb. St. lb. Minuet .. .. 11 7 Anglor .. .. 10 2 Chandler.. .. 11 7 Nif-ger .. .. 910 Azlm .. .. U 2 Julia Ann ..9 4 Topthorn .. 10 7 GreyMomus .. 9 0 Exchange .. 10 fi Evening Star ..9 0 Sprino Handicap, 1 mile. st lb stlb YubaßUl.. .. 8 10 Snldor .. ..7 4 Mitrailleuse ..8 8 Mystery ... .. 7 0 Fiahglrl .. ..8 0 Claude .. ..7 0 Kalo .. ..8 0 Kevolver .. .. 0 12 Pipi 8 0 Steeplechase, about 3 miles. st'lb stlb Chandler.. .. 12 7 Exchange .. 10 4 Topthorn.. .. 11 2 Julia Ann .. 910 Minuet .. .. 10 10 Banana .. .. 9 7 Angler .. .. 10 4 Tourist .. ..9 7 For the St, Andrew's Handicap, I like the chances of Pipi and Yuba Bill, and to ticclaro for ono, will select the first-named. Nigger will probably win tho Hurdlos, and Angler finds most favour in my 6yes for tho Steeplechase. The first race starts at half-past one o'clock. fIIPPONA.

Wellington Racing Club Spring Meeting.

Weixi-oOton, this day. Tbo first day of tho Wollington Racing Club Spring Meeting in taking place to day. The weather is glorious ana attend ance good. Results :— free handicap, mile and a distance Speculation ~ + Pasha t Witiora ... 3 Speculation and Pasha ran a dead heat for first place. Time, 2mins. BJsecs. Totalisator dividend : Speculation, 16s; Pasha, £1 Us.

The running of Black Rose at Wellington has been the means of him boing freely sought after for the Auckland Cup, and the best now obtainable about him is 10 to 1.

At Buckland'a to-day, the Musket- Hatred two-year-old colt was purchased by Mr T. Craig for 41 guineas.* Azim and Sir Garnet were both passed in, failing to fetch the reserve. Vortex was offered at Hunter and Nolan's, but did not find a buyer. The results of the first two events of the Wellington Jockey Club Spring Meeting were published in our second edition last evening. The Jockey Club Handicap of 20050v8., 1} mile, was won by Black Rose, ridden by A. Sutherland, Leonora being second, and Ugly Buck third. Ad ministrator, Bayard, Refrigerator, and Normanby wero the othor starters. Black Rose won easily, the time being Smins. 45secs. The Island Bay Handicap was won by Speculation (late Hippodamia), Consul second, Mata third; ana the Tram way Plate foil to Witiora, who beat Nor manby, Laurel, Barbery, Dynamite, and Lady Albany. Tho totalisator paid a £24 divldond on Witiora.

MINING NEWS.

(BY TKLKOEAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT).

Thames, this day. Cambria.—The manager informs me that colounofgoldwore observed yesterday when breaking down the rubbly quartz on the hanging-wall of tho lode in the winze below the 230 ft. level.

Caledonian Low Level.—Hard rock has again been struck in the north-western crosscut, but the manager believes it will prove .to be simply a large boulder which will soon be overcome. The southern cross cut is still passing through stringers, some of which are of exceedingly promising ap pearance. Moanataiari.—Harris, tribnter, banked lfilozs., and Rowo Coz. gold. Lone Hand.—Adams, tributer, obtained lOJozs. gold. Nevada (Karangahake).—Lockwood, tri buter, crushed 11 tons for 5J0?.... gold. New Princb Imperial.—Operations will shortly be commenced upon the leader dis covered by the Cross Company-at No. 5 level, below which it dips into the Imperial ground. The manager does not purpose cleaning up at the battery until near Christ mas.

Dart.—Blotches of gold were found yes terday in the heavily mineralised hanging wall portion of No. 2 lode in tie eastward drive at No. 4 level.

TE AROHA.

Colonist.—The main branch of the reef in the low level was struck in the earlier part of this week, and being now well opened up, has undoubtedly gieatly im proved tho prospects of this mine. The reef is five feet in thickness, and shows gold as freely as in the level above, and in fact gives promise of a long spell p.f payable work in the claim.

Inverness.—A good-looking reef was struck yesterday in the low level, the vein previously followed having been only an offshoot of the main lode.

Diamond Gully.—Thp crushing is look ing well for a payable return. Messrs Fraser, jun., and McKay) hive arrived to superintend the erection Of a new battery.

A prospecting association is being formed to thoroughly test the western slopes of the Aroha mountain, where payables lodes are believed to exist. Much satisfaction is expressed respecting the resolution adopted at the late Piako County Council meeting, viz., to expend over £1,000 in forming new and improving existing prospecting tracks throughout this goldfleld.

CRICKET.

Saturday's Matches,

The following matches have been arranged to take place to-morrow afternoon :—

Nbwton 2nd v. Holland's C.C. (No.. 19 wloket).—Nowton: Craig, Goodman, Biggins, Lincoln. Law, l_e, Pearson, Smart, Stevenson,- Sexton G., Tredgold. -Emergencies: N. Sexton Sims.—Hollandß: H. Thomas (capt,), W. Beard. A. Butfoot. B. O Hare, Mell (2), E. Waring. H. Henn, J. Murphy, G. Mills, W. Edwards. Emer geneloß: W. Mell, R. Blenkinsop. West End 3rd v. United 2nd (No. 8 wiokel). —Went End team: Laxon, Mackinlay, McKay, Burton, Clarkson, Doan. Meara, Hooper, jun., Skcen, Stcadman, Hoffman. Emergencies: Fowlor, Harper, Somerville.—United: Shove. Harris (2), Brighton (2), .Ellis, J. Walker Uewson, Thorpe. Dymock, Gatlond. N-Wton Ist v. OTAnunu (at Otahuhu). drag to leave Mr C. F. White's, Kurangahope Roaciy at 1.30 Bharp.—Newton team: Burns, Colgan Mason, Mills, Hob-on (2). Osmond, Potteoua, Pritehard. Smith, Waddingham. *. Wsbt End 2nd v. Gordon 2nd.—West End- Baker, Berry. Clayton. Colobrook, Conrtoyn.,' Donald. Doughty, Gamble, Hnrvoy. McGregor; Vorncy. Gordon: Ball. Browd; F. CVaytnn Gorrie, Gouliitonf. Ijwk, JfeJl drum, RyßuVn. Stevens. Wood, Paknklt. 2nd v. -Auhon (No. 10 wicket).— Parnoll; Heron, Mcllugh, Wright, W, Brown Koetloy. Gillespie. C., Hill. Killip, Moore Moriarty and Cossan. Kmorgeucy: Reeves' Albion team: Morrow, Beaney, Sullivan' Barnes, Waddingham. Culverwell, Bushill! Jones, Watnon, Wardell, Proster. Emergencies' Taylor and Wheeler.

Parnell Ist v. National (No. 7 wicket) — Parnell: Gardiner, Lecky, Ryan, Ohlson, Drum, Testro, A, Cossan, Taito, T. Brown Hewson, and Speight. National) AmburF Dlddams, Drummond. Colebeiiirne (2)jSichol-on A. Mackic, Sharlond, Waters, and wHgley (21 ROSEPERBY V. Gr'_.M„CAR SCHOOL SW__i- Roseberr. ; & Whitb (captain), Wakeley, Jones Downey. Wa'son, P. White, Bajldon, Rad! cliffa, Plaisted.T. Calvert, Sheene. Emergency G. Calvert. '' I. -SiNOABi 2nd v. Franklin.—FronkUn I Seis yice (captfliii), Slieddon, Spiuley, Stejngoo. Ncs. bitt, Whtingale (2). Tattersafl.Moore, Potte? and Pett- Emergency; Searohfleld. Alpha 2nd v. True Blues Arev bay Dewar, A. Done, Gilmer, Gledhill (2|. Johh-on Marcroft. Nowton, Wharfe. Emergenciesl Perston, Rotherham. * ' "

Eton v. Wakefield.—Eton: Mills, Greea Sexton, Smith, Nightingale, Taylor (2) Burn*.'- Bennett. Clarke, Wright. Emergencies. Nightingale aud ks Rochp. - '

-lie Committee who for some time patt havo been organising a performance of Sullivan's chef d'ou.re, "The Sorcerer,' have decided to give Auckland this rich and expensive musical treat early in the month of Fehruary, A general meeting of those making preparations is to take place on Friday evening at Ponsonby,

The arrangement, for-^establishment of an Irish oolony In Utah are now all but oomplete- A traot of 100,000 acres has been secured, and all that is wanted now is that the water rights should be guaranteed.

Sewing Machines to work by electricity, hand, or foot.—D. S. Chambers, 20, Qucen-it-eet near the General Post-office.

The second excursion of the eft the Auckland Fiahing Club Will take place U. morrow (Saturdayl. Steamer leaves the Ferry Company's Wharf at ten minutes past one o'fllockp^oc •'•' "

CUSTOMS STREET WEST.

Proposed Alteration of Levels.

This matter came before the City Council; in various forms last night. Cr._dontague raised it definitely by submitting the fol lowing petition from tho leaseholders of the thoroughfare:—"To His Worship the Mayor and the City Councillors of Auck land. Gentlemen,—We, the unJersigned leaseholders of Customs-street West, re cently signed a petition praying you to take into consideration the loss and ex pense we should be put to should our street be raised to the proposed levels. From the reports we have seen of your last week's meeting, we gather that your attention was called more particularly to that part of the street which lies below Nelson-street and Freeman's Bay. Consequently, while not wishing in any way to act antagonistically to the Gas and Timber Companies we beg respectfully to point out to you that the proposed levels will render access to our properties quite as difficult as to those to the westward of Nelson-street, and we, your petitioners, are much less able than the large Companies to the westward of us to bear the ■ loss and expense that the proposed alterations would entail upon us. We beg, therefore, respectfully to request that any modifica tion you may make in the levels to the west ward of Nelson-street may extend also to the eastward as far as Albert-street. We would further point out to you the serious loss that would be entailed on us by the im possibility of making use of our premises for our ordinary business during the progress of the proposed works, nnd on completion of the same the great expense and permanent inconvenience wo should be put to by having to raise our buildings as well as our yards to the street level, which would give either a very steep asoent from the water's edge to tho street, or if we raised our yards from the water's edge to the street level wo should have an average lift of from 20 to 24ft. from craft discharging alongside our wharves. We therefore respectfully request you to re consider this matter with the viow of either allowing the street to remain at its present level or of fixing as lowa level as practicable." (22 signatures). On the motion of Cr. Montague, the stand ing orders wero suspended in order that the matter of the Customa-street levels might be at once considered.

A letter was read from Ephraim Mills begging the Council not to alter the levels of Customs-street, as he had built to the levels originally fixed and shown on plan, which provided for Bft. 6in. of filling in from the centre of the roadway opposite his property. The Engineer's plans for the alteration of levels were then laid on the table, and eagerly inspected by the Councillors and a number of interested property owners, con sisting of Messrs G. Holdship, Dunning ham, Gleeson, Butler, Mills, Woods, Jeune, Atkinson, C. A. Harris, sen., and Captain Nearing. After a lapse of five minutes, the Council was called to order, and the petition pre sented by Cr. Montague read over again, as well as Mr Mills's letter.

The following report waa also received from the Engineer :— " The plana of proposed modifications of the levels of Custom-street West are on the table, having been forwarded this morning. The pink lines on section are the permanent levels as fixed for Customs-street and Pat teson-street. The deviation shown by blue line is the proposed modification, and com mences in Customs-street, on a continuation of the south-east side of Nelson-street^ fall ing from this point to thoGasWorks gate in a grade of about 10 inches in 100 feet, or a total fall between the points named of about 3ft. 4Jin. *' From this point, viz., the Gas \Vorks gate, the proposed level is carried to Patteson street level, showing a cutting at Victoria street, where Customs-street joins it, of Sft. 4Jin. If Customs-street is to continue into Victoria-street in the future; as now laid down, this line would be impracticable, unless the Council alter the level of the lower end of Victoria-street, which would not improve the upward grade of that street.

" Besides, recently a building has been erected in Customs-street, close to Victoria street, on the assumption that the present fixed levels are those to which the street is to be raised.

"If the Council arevery desirous of accom modating the applicants, it could only be done by lowering Customs-street at the bend of Jaggor and Parker's mill, and continuing the grade from this point to Victoria-street, and from the same point along the blue line, as shown to Gas Works gate, at the level of the raised pathway there. So far as grades are concerned, there would be nothing objectionable, the grade from Vic toria-street to Jagger and Parker's mill being lin 186; thence level from this point to Gas Works gate 3ft. 4jin. below the fixod level; and from the Gas Works gate to point on south-east face of Nelson-street in a grade of about lOin. in lOOlt., where the existing permanent level is maintained throughout to Albert-street. "I cannot say, in aofarasthestroet is con cerned, that the proposed alterations are an improvement; uo doubt they would be a convenience te the applicants. It is for the Council to say if they are prepared to make the proposed alteration." Cr. Cooper as^ed the Engineer if he con sidered that the modification of levels sug gested by the petitioners would render the roadway any worse. The Engineer did not know that it would seriously affect the traffic.

In answer to the Mayor, the Engineer also said that \t would not be detrimental to the drainage. The only adjacent street that would be affected was Hardinge-Btreet, the gradient of which would be slightly in creased.

At the request of Cr. Crowther, a letter |on the same subject forwarded by the Har : bour Board from the Customs-street lease holders was read. It was accompanied by a recommendation from the Board that the Engineers of the two bodies should confer on the matter. Tho deputation having boon invited to, address the meeting, Mr Holdship stated that the petitioners whose prayer had been heard that evening proceeded, on. separate but not on antagonistic lines from those adopted by the property-owners whom he represented. The latter had not raised the question of the eastward portion of the street dealt with by the peti tioners. What those whom ha represented wished to point out Vf&p that they could not make prgyisi^a for a 0-foot filling, as shown on the plan of permanent levels. Mr Mills would offer no serious objection to th© modification of levels suggested. Cuatojas street was only a narrow thoroughfare, and its continuation from Jjtgger and Parker's Mill-was really o»"y a side street, and of even lesser width than Customs-street proper. They did not wish the whole street to be made higher than its two extreme points.

Tho Mayor asked if the deputation, ware prepared to guarantee the Council against compensation if their auggpstipns were adopted.

Mr Holdship replkij tho,t the deputation had not considered this, matter, but if tho Counc.il niad? this a condition ta their con sent h-ing obtained, thoy would endeavour to get the consent of the property-owners to snoh a fuarantoo. Cr. .Garratt asked i. the deputation last week had not promised to come that even ing armed with the full consent of the in terested property-owners to the suggested alterations.

Mr Holdship answered thf^t^fevfas partly true. The plans, how^yes, had only been finished that nf-terftooio," and there had not been titne t$ gst the necessary consent. "Jn answor to a further question, Mr Hold ship sftid that the only person affected by the deputation's proposals was Mr Mills, and he only to the extent of (jin,, and this might be modified in his favour. Cr. Devore asked how the modification of levels would affect the Tramway Com. pany.

The Engineer answered that the sug gested modification of levels would render the gradient so gradual as not to affect the easy working of thp tram?. ■Mr Woods (who represented the lease holders between Nelson and Albert streets) s^id that although Mr Holdship's deputa tion -dsht not have acted antagonistically, yet that they had to some extent thrown l them overboard. The party whom ho / represented had signed the original peti j tion, but Mr Holdship and his coadjutors . m writing to the Harbour Board re an alteration of levels, had ignored them altogether. He had therefore got up the petition whioh Cr. Montague had presented that evening. They were opposed to any alteration of levels, but still, if the Council , decided upon alteration, they asked that it . Bhould be as slight as possible. • The Mayor remarked that this suggested the advisability o_ also filling up the allot ments of the leaseholders whom My Woods represented. Mr Wood* routed that this would in creasy $he difsbuUy of unloading boats, ferhapa the southern side of the street could be raised as contemplated, and a track left along the low level to serve as an outlet, the street being sloped down that way. -

Tlio May or said that this was all that was proposed at present.

Cr. Goldio. retorted that it was only fair to state that this arrangement would only remain good until next season, when the work would be carried further,

Mr Butler said that it was a" well-known fact that when these Harbour Board leases were let, they were three feet below the Eermanent levels, and tho persons who ought therefore did so with their eyes open, and should take the incidental risk. It was unfair that these people should now come forward, and by objec tions delay the work. He would be quite as much injured by the levels as Mr Mills, but he waived that in consideration of the improvement which would be effected. He had given up a water frontage- in consideration of the cutting down of Hobson-street, and at the present progress of matters the work would not be commenced this season.

Mr Gleeson having also spoken, Mr HoldshipassuredMr Woods thathehad not thrown his party over. He also stated that the modification they asked would not affect anyone but themselves.. Mr Mills said that he had delayed build ing for two years until the levels were fixed. 15 and even Gin. would affect him, and ha was not prepared to give way ; perhaps ha' would if tho Timber Company compensated him.

Cr. Montague then moved, "Thatthe original levels proposed by Mr Anderson be tho permanent and fixed levels for thia work."

Cr. Garratt seconded the motion. The ; Council last week granted Mr Holdship the extension of timo he had asked for, and he had not that night carried out his pledge" to bring forward enough evidence to war rant the Council in consenting to the niodi" fication of levels proposed. The levels had been permanently fixed, and could not be A altered. Even if they were altered' asde. sired, Mr Holdship and his fellows W6ukL be convenienced, but no improvement would be effected. The work had boon par-' tially proceeded with.and the proposed alter ation would transform it into an abortion \ seeing that it would involve a dip in the street of something like 4sft. :-

Cr. Aickin moved as an amendment, "That the levels of Customs-street from . Nelson-street to Patteson street, in accdrd. 1 ance with plans prepared by Mr Warner, ba i adopted, provided that the unanimous con--. sent of the property-owners affected thereby be obtained." Cr, Garratt had not given' any reason why the levels should net be; altered, The altered levels would afford A an ample fall - for drainage, ■ and - would effect an Improvement. * The i . Engineer had stated that they wouldill not operate to the detriment of the.: levels of the streets adjacent, except Sea-A dinge-street, the gradient of which would s? be slightly increased. Cr. Goldie, in seconding the amendment,ll suggested that it should bo replaced by the I following:—"That the suggested'altera.^ tions as shown upon the plan submitted by the deputation by the blue line, be the lino m up to which the street he at present filled." A This would avoid a legal difficulty which' 1 the other proposition did not meet. .- : u~ Or. Aickin withdrew the amendment in 1 favour of Cr. Goldie's suggested proposition,3 Cr. Cooper saw no reason for the proposed" alteration of levels, and it was incumbent upon the Council to be consistent. ~ _ Or. Masefieldasked if Cr. Goldie's amend-'-" mont were adopted were people who wished to build to wait 60 years for the fixing of J. permanent levels. Tho lowering of tbe: levels of Customs-street would' affect _\ the whole western side of the city,'. and vory groat dissatisfaction would.. be the result. The petitioners' build-3 ings wero not permanent, and as, iit'.-j was not proposed to fill up to Patteson- 3 street this year,they had time to prepare for i the permanent levels. The Council had gone too far to retrace their steps, and the lease holders had delayed their representations." too long. He would support the resok. I tioa. .§r

Cr. Devore considered that the amend- : . ment was objectionable (1), inasmuch as it proposed without notice to rescind a previous A resolution, and (2) that the alterations proVi posed would affect Nelson, Patteson, and.!; Drake-streets, If the suggested alterations fa had stopped short at Jagger-and Parker's,it || would not have mattered so much, but they 1 extended much further. He would 'vot«V;! against the amendment. AsCrs, Aickin and Goldifr denied that the alterations would affect Pntteson-streeti the Engineer was called in and questioned! on this point. He said that while .the§3 alterations would not affect the levels Of Patteson -sty-dot, they would affect thefoot ' of Victoria-street.

The Mayor said that ho also would oppose the amendment, seeing that it would injur*! those who had trusted to the permanegfr, levels. If these lovels were now alteredjp'' might all other permanent levels. Whenilfi the levels were proposed to be fixed not Jul single objection was offered to them. Cr. Upton hoped the Council would not agree to Cr. Goldie's compromise. Th^ll Council had fixed permanent levels,which they were- forbidden by law to alter, and yet they were asked to do so by a subter fuge. It would be a highly immoral pro- > ceedißg. 11 Cr. Crowther took o similar view of the. I matter. At the same time ho regretted • that the whole subject had net been refer. <; sii to the Streets Committee. "Tg Cr. Upton called attention to the disorder in the room, caused by members of the de gutations canvassing or lobbying amongst ouncillors. Tha Mayor made an appeal for better^ order. Cr. Montague considered the interests of S tho oity at large to be paramount, and for a that reason opposed the amendment. The amendment was then put, and being only supported by Crg. Aickin, Goldie, and Waymouth was rejected. Cr. Wayrnouth then moved, on behalf -J of Cr, Goldie as a further amendment, that effect should be given -. to th«jj Harbour Board's recommendation for _efer--§ ence of the matter to the Streets C^m* ; mittee, and a conference between the two Engineers. Cr. Croyther seconded. _This amendment was supported by Crs_ Waywoutk, Goldie, Aickin, Connolly ahdil C?owtker,-bnt was also negatived. A The original motion not to alter the per« f mauont levels was then put and carried. . !

PRESBYTERIAN ORDINATION AND SOIREE.

An ordination service was held yesterday - afternoon in the Otahuhu Presbyteiian Church, at which the Rev. D. J. Steel,'- ■ M.A.j was ordained. There was a very.., We congregation of persons from Otahuhn and the neighbouring districts, also from Auckland. The following ministers wore E resent:—Revs. J_ Macky, T. Norrie, T. ._ tcKenzie Fraser, R. F. Macnfcol, D. W*. * Runciman, G. B. Monro, J. Bruce, A. M. "- McCallunu 14. Sommerville, J. Taylor-> (Wesl^wjk and F. Gould (Anglican). Mr \. Sjljeel was called for the purpose of assistiba.! thjj. Rev. John Macky ia bis three-fold sphere of duty, in consequence of Mr ' Macky - physical infirmity in partly losing ■; his eyesight, and who will bo relieved from - continuous duty by a wiso division, of IS ministerial labour. The Rev. T. McKenziell Fraser, M.A., preached an excellent ordiua-.'*: tlon sermon from the Book of theßeveljtiona of St. John, chap. 2, yojses 4 and 5. Rev... Robert Sommerville narrated tho duties pertaining to Vw. sacred office, and tha usual questfo^s. having heen satisfactorily . onswojf^d by tha »e\v minister, the Rev. J. -WC-3* engaged in prayer. After tho lajing.;; 9R of hands and the form of admission to j tho full rights of a minister, : Revs. R. Ai Sommerville and R. E. Macniool delivered ' addresses, tho former to the minister and r the latter to the congregation. Rev, Mr Steel replied, and asked the divine blessing • on his work as a minister of the Church. At six o'oleck the soiree was ■ _ opened in the Qtehuhu Public Hall.. •-' Tea was provided, on a liberal sc^p presided w». by the ladies, namely* A Mosd^mes Lushington, F. Andrews, Wat-H lace, Band, Robertson, Thomson, Misses -..< Boughs, Wyllie, and Elmslie. After tea,^; a public meeting was held, Rev. Joh_ ', - Macky in the chair. An excellent musical , " entertainment intervened, in which the fo. ;'5? lowing ladies and gentlemen took part:.—;.;;^ 'Miss Elmslie, Mrs Kempton, Mr Gano, Mr "A Wallace, Mr E. Clayton, Miss M Wallace. • Mr J, Macky. Mr T. Hanna, Miss Wallaco, : and Mr A. Hanna. Interesting addresses '. were delivered-by Revs. J. Macky, A), -..'.".j' Steel, T. Norrie, F. Gould, A. M. M-Cul-,;S lum, D. W. Runciman, and Taylor. On tho motio"n of tho Rev. T. M. Fraser, M.A.» . votes of thanks wero given to tho ladies whoi , assisted at tho tables, tho sweet singorsj !. and speakers, and the meeting then dosed j with the Doxology. ' .

Mr Bainbridgo^ coaches will in fatttfe .-",**' tako paseongdrs direct from Shelly Beach Road H to Onekunga.. Residents who desire to visit ? th? latter township aro, reminded that ___a cpaohes leave Shelly lieaoh Road at 9.50 ana * ( > 3 p.m., lßa,\iß2 AujiJantl at 10 p.m. and a3O, . .'-. ■£_ _,Buy tho _e„ Wilson Sewing Machine, —D.1 Sko.;.7 C_amtpffl._fApvT.l -'-'-AA. Se^t tho great reductions in prices of lasts^* Scarpa's goods in the Queen-street window ot ' Gop_Bon 8 London Arcade.—[Advt.] i Pianoforte Tutors by Sydney Smith. Franklin, Taylor, Briarly, Richards. Farmer. Hamilton, Henry. Panr, etc.—A. A. Kady's, 6& .: Queenßtreet-lADVT.j . - - ' --■-:■ '. ' .4

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1884.



THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY ron RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-Th_ Cimicifuoa (Actea Raccmosa. Ob Black SNAKE ROOT has been long celebrated AS A RHEUMATI»- BEMEDY. THIS . REPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IN ITS EFFECTS, AND RARELY -AIM TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A CURE. 6«. MR 10TTLE, AT tACMH'S, .V\ rAURULM-.," Or?OS\._ BMW Of ».I. 0-tt.H SI



INSURANCE COMPANIES' ASSOCIATION. The Insurance Companies' Oflloos will be CLOSED on MONDAY, Ist Deccmbor, ln cele bration of St. Andrew's Day. H. WORSP, Secretory. E x D__° R l c' MILNE & CHOYCE Have just received a Supplementary Shipment of 12 cases, per Dorio, of the LATEST LONDON NOVELTIES; 1 case VISITES and MANTLES 1 case MILLINERY, CAPES, &o. 1 caao FLOWERS and FEATHERS 2 cases STRAW HATS and BONNETS' -1 oaBO GLOVES and HOSIERY 1 case LACE GOODS I caae PLASTRONS, NECK ARRANGE MENTS, and DRESS TRIMMINGS 1 case CHINA SILKS, SHOT SILKS, &c . 1 case LINEN TABLING and BLEACHED CLOTHS 1 case COSTUMES, VERY HANDSOME. I_" The Bulk of above Ooods were bough a Job at the end of the London Season and will be Sold Correspondingly Low THE EXHIBITION GAUNTLET GLOVES, which ought to bo marked 30s per pair, are a special novelty. * THB»PLASTRONS AND DRESS TRIM MINGS are also specially new and STYLISH. MILNE & CHOYCE, LORNE AND WELLSSIEY STREETS, WE FURNISH HOUSES THROUGHOUT. GARLICK & CRANWELL IS THE CHEAP FDRNISHINQ WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Beautiful Assortment BRUSSELS TAPESTRY. AND KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. ■ «—__■____ I i ■ H«l p__F— ■______.•___>_______ SPLENDID LOT B E D 3 TE A D S, Just Received, IRON AND BRASS. NICKEL-PLATED. QARLICK AND £JR__NW__L_, FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. THERE is no better judge for what is good than Germans — They always drink Wolfe's Schnapps. . NOT "DANKRUPT ! NOT JJAMAQED BY Ji_RE AND *yyATER. WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN HAS JUST PURCHASED , ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT POUNDS (£158) WORTH ;-.. of THE NEWEST STYLES CASHMERE, OTTOMAN, SILK BROCHE, LACE CAPES, and DOLMANS, Which "have been Purchased at a HEAVY DISCOUNT, and will be SOLD, in many instances, 25 PER CENT UNDER WAREHOUSE PRICE, From Is 6d to 00-. AN EARLY INSPECTION IS INVITED, as tho Goods will soon be Sold at the . Prices Marked. 10 doz. Coloured Sunshades, from Is. 10 Black Satin Sunshades, heavy lace trimmed, 3s lid, worth 6s 6d. LARGE LOT OF CHEAP JOB LINES. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE. UPPER QUEEN STREET. DISSOLUTION OP PARTNERSHIP. T>ROOKES X> p 0., BLUE T» OOT. L U E A> o O T. QUEEN-ST., WILL SELL THE WHOLE 0_ THEIR ENORMOUS CJTOCK NORMOUS OTOCK MP AT AND UNDER COST, ■_* FOR ONE MONTH ONLY I FOR ONE MONTH ONLY I -Mi ACCOUNTS MUST BE PAID UP AT (WOT SO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE DISSOLVRTG PARTNER. THE BUSt&ESS IN FUTURE WILL BE CARRIED ON BY ;, • OHARLES BROOKES. Signed this 6th day of Novembor, 1881. B S .° OK E S & qO .