SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

feHw__m{S!_S!S^S»B.«« 'iNSffiT— TWSKvonlr.g.7.l7 I .RfSK.-To-jnorrOw Morning. UD ■ ..J'S AGE.-Fhst Quarter, Soth. 1.0 a.m,

ARRIVALS.

LAS- KVKNINS. '..ottrcgor. 5.8., Johnson, from Whangarei - f. • ■■*"'»._ us.. Crawford,from Whangarei ■ ■ ■ ■.'..• ny Kelly, ketch. Williams.from Whangaroa

TODAY. I'.iirtirapa, as.. Chatfleld, from the South

DEPARTURES.

*.., last evening. ''c, li.mman, s,s., Farembar. for Tnuranga fl.iiclg, s.s., Stephenson, for Mercury nay

IMPORTS.

• Per Wairarapa-COO cases, 272 roses splr 3.11 I...casks spirits, ISO oi-bob.hhtora..Bo3 J niA i^-ar.U.pkg. ton. 11l hags bark, 8 b.il-3,, 1.103 . A•■; wh-.it, 25 aacks malt. 31 cases baCOO,SO Gils wire, 45 carcase, mutton, SSI hosesOMdiqs. ),t liiitidl.sripe-., iO.bl.ds. 3 tank., 51 wheels, 10 ;l.i i:n;a. Bl pkgs and parcel*

i JNWARD3 CoASTWisic-Occan,from ibawra, v..Si bullet; !/i»= fuiicvior n_ii M^Sf," \y.:h M S) i..r.-! ; Jnuut, Civ !-i W UangaroU with KJ h..:i:.".: lima; __i_.y _..!'., ivom iloiiKOnul, -.villi U..-. (c_. timber

I t").;-iAvirii>s '-oastwisk. - Janet, for Wha- L>.. :i ; Nora!], for Kcnusdy i&Y. I The ss. Alanaponri may be expected rvom by.iney cjrly to-morrow morning.

' Tho brig Fawn left Holtinnga for Brisbane jycjtcrday. , It has b_cn arranged that tho ship Lady ■Joccivn will bo homed at tho Queen-street Wharf on Hnturday or' Monday next

- Yhoe... C:on-aiah will return from Taiminfra ,'t. morrnw mpr:iinK curly, mid Icavo for .. han- K&ef at 10 a.m. I 'f'mi scoSr GhOst went ashore near tho Wade on Friday last, but, has i.r.t yrt sustained any ;b.i.oiis damage. Effor_ arcbeingmndetofloat Jjaroff, _'- ■ i The brigantino Deflanee arrived at Melbourne on December 2,5. the passage from Koipara i having occupied 26 days.

! The New Zealand Sugar Company's chartered ; barque Cheviot Roes from this port id Adelaide. Sho entered outwards at the Customs to-day.

The doparturo of the s.s Wairarapa for Sydney has bcon postponed till 5 p.m. to morrow instead of nocn.

Tho brigantinoOamaru (SI-hnrdß) entered out at the Customs to-day for Knipara. She will thenoeforSydney.gofromNe'woastle,and return liiere with coal.

! The s.s. Southern Cross left Wellington to-day I with about a dozen Government immigrants 'froßi J^ondon by the steamship Arawa, and bxsked for this port, j. Tho sohooners Cygnet, Norvol, and Walpu were docked to-day for cleaning, cto. I'he Cygnet, which is in Mr Bailey's hands for a general clearing, and the Waipu, will be floated out of dock this evcninsr. while the. Norval v. ill remain there for further repairs. The Waipu and Norval were docked by Mcears Henderson and Spraggon. Tho s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangarei last evening, with tho following passengers:—3l iss J. obertson. Mcsdames Tucker, Irwin, Galbraibb, Ejj > cUiieen. -Aldorton. P_.tlon»on, Clotworthy, G. 1 , North, Messrs Raunanga, J. F. Alick, A. R. I Alick, Steadman, Brisbane, Murphy. GalbratUi. J liiohardson, Jamea King, A. NorOi. Leo, G. ".) North, Jones. Drover, Aldorton, Smith, G. JCeefe, G. Vase.,. Goorgo, Munro, Footc, . \ Buchanan, J. Ward, MoLood. s i Tho following passengers arrived from Whan- S g.rei by tho an. JMucgregor last evening :— (i j Mi'.ses Henipliill, Kington, McKcn_te, Me. I dailies Lorain. Campbell. Finley, McLcod. i Kiiullay, Messrs Wilson, Cramp, Carruth, Moe, I" 'Cork, McMamcrcr. 1 .ndlay, Mason, Cork, hi Kempthorne. CallUm. Palmer. Munro, MoKen- A Tie, Croniio, Kinsey, Hemphill, Low, Finlayson, ."I D.bott, McKinnon. Culloo, Eylos, Taylor, j S .wart, Hill, Dr. Piesovo aud family, and three i in the steerage, si. ' -•

ARRIVAL OF THE WAIRARAPA.

Tho s.s. Wairarapa arrived alongside of the Oueon-otrcot Wharf at 11 a.m. today. She left ..[o-lbournc at 5.50 p.m. on the 17th instant and ■ H.bartatSp.ui: on tho 19th. .'Mado tho Bluff at 7 p.m. on the 22ad ; arrived at Dnnedi-8 a.m. o:i tho_3rd.and stayed tliero until 7 p.m on tho _ltii; reached Lyttelton at noon Christmas Hay, where sho remained tillo p in. on the 20th; called at Wellington, on tho 27th, Napior 23th, Oi.borno 29th,.lw_vingibelaltor port at 8.30 p.m. Tho WnlraTapahadtostcamagrttnstr.continua tion of head winds t. o whole trip. Passengers— iiom Melbourne: Mr K. H. Pooley, Mr IS. Kershaw, Mr Bernard, Mr J. Lind, Master Ot t field. From Uunediu. Mr Wm. Henderson,. Mr R. Henderson, Mr A. P. Clarke, Captain, Cclbeok, Mr J. Lftiog. Mr W. I>. Ulph. Mr P. Parker, Mrs, Bishop and family (!). Mr Denny, MrE. C. Boole. Mr Geo. R.-Phillips, Mr and Mrs Mann, Mr Frank Miller, MrT. O. Miller, • Mr and Mrs McCowan. Mr and Mrs Clarke, Miss Clarko,1 Mnrtcr Clarbo, Mr O. D.'. Mac- I'arlanc, Mr D. Ro.a." Mr R. H. Rattray. Miss Wfiito, Miss Hiy, Miss Spadtlfng. Mr and Mrs White, Master NOWtOfe Mrand Mrs Armour, TvXr Hayc=i, Mr Clnrk. 'From-Lyttelton: Mrs P. Murray. iVlrKingslani., Miss Kingsland, Mr Mc- Laren. Miss Jacobs, Mlaa Salnabnry, ilr Spiccr. Mr B. Richards. Hey. Fl.-ivell. Mr Gray. From Wellington: Mr and Mrs Brown, Mr Bealc, Mr •Cimpboll, Mr McLean, Mrs McLean, Miss McLean, Mr Southern, Captain G. Thomas, Mrs H-lgasr. Mrs Walker, Mr Malcolm, Miss ojjavin, Mr Bucklandt Mr Wylle, Miss Oavin, . JS'aaKroek, Mr W. Ctillaghaa, Mr McLean. _s_T_S__eri Mr A. B. Thompson, Mr Curry, Mrs JoflKS^gd child, Master Gorman. Mr A. Paul. Miss^frw^,,- Mt A . Dowell, Mr Jiccles, M-,f"yl"ip«_rTaylor. Mr Herman, Mr C:;rroU Mr Kirn;. Ot^tn Rnescll, Mr Kilwiii-ds. Mr Hei^.-ffiK^4je Ahem. j>lr Andrew, Mr rteu-hnidt, Mr and JfrsoSmlth Dr. Newman, Mr Main,, ff.om GisSbrno' 31 S3 Hallaiityne. Mrs Batters. Mr Trtniner, Mr O'Vlnra, Mis 3 Scbolt::. Mi--s Gould, Mr Nolan, I and llli in the st-w-rai;o. Wo aro indebted to ilr I 11..C. Taylor, purser, tor p__ss parcels, reports, t __s. ~__i W'i'ri-,i)i._-w_i; iw_T6BTe for Sydney r until o p m.to mor_ow-(tt___es!3ay). •

PORT OF ONEHUHGA.

J Thes.s.Rotorua'lcftforTaranakiiindSoiJtiHmi I ports at 8 a.m. to-day with tbo f ollqWUjg' paseen «e_:—For Taranakl-Mr asO- I*™1 *™ Dennlston. ""Messrs Priestley o'^ Mm Butler,, Master Banks ii^rCenon Mrs Banks and two children J*" r*rni*c 3, Mr Andrew. Mrs Harden. *:-^.__it_ade-. Mrallßrvoy and child, Mr and Ho!lis. For Wellington—Messrs D. Me g_^Blollan, C. Rodgers, C. Hudson. T. H. Smith, j Rolln, Tabetcau, C. S. Jacobß. Misses Sheedy. I 'Rolin, Nitllui.. For Nelson—Mrs Waterhouee I -and 2 cliiluron.-Mr Jilrey, Mr and Mrs Gorman-.' _ For Ploton—Mr3 Webs t;-r, 3r___ Htill. For I Lyttelton-Mesc-irs .Ge_des.., ,-i_i_well, Harris. I S-or Port Chalmers-Mr P. Gough.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Tauransa," this day.—Arrived: Clansman. ir.m Auokland, 7._o.n.in. '■'AA^'" Waitara, ' this day.—Arrivedir-Oroti, from' •Oitehungo, 6Soa.ra. AAAwA,

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Mails will Closhi as okdsh—

This day. For Glsborno and Napier, per Thomas ftnseQd,

at l p.m. For W liangai .1 Head., Parun, Waluu, (Vhan garcl. ICamo, nnd Manganai, por Macgregcr cr Waltaki, at 5 p.m. FcrK.iti Rati, Tnuranga, etc., per Annie Mil* tank, nt 5 p.m. For Tban-.es. per Annie Milbnnk. at 5.30 p.m. For Coromoudel. por Coromandel. at 5.30 a.m.

\. ErvNTCSDAY, 3lst inst. For Whangarei Heads, Whangarei, and Kamo, per Ctansnmiv, nvlt a m. For Waitara, etc , per Argylo or Douglas, at 1). Va.ro. or Thames, por Botomahana. atS.SO s,.m, Pec E.B. Wairarapa, as follow :—

For Cliina, Japan, and Continent of Kurop9/ via Buc%, at 3 p.nt. For Australian Colonies, and Lnitoci King dom via Sum and Brindlsi. or Naples (por Orient boat), for letters, etc., specially so prepaid and addreesod. at _ p.m. Pot Money Orders. Registered Letters, and Newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only, at (.20 p.m. The United Kingdom mull will bo due ln LOndO- on the 17th February. For Wellington and Southern ports, per Ara wata, at 11 a.i_. ForTauranga, andOpotlkl, p6r Clansman, at 5 p.m. For Whitlanel, Upper Mill, and Talrua, per Glenelg, at 5 p.m. For Waiwera To Kapa, and Wn_kworth, etc., per Rose Casey, at 7 p.m. For Kawau, per Clansman, at 7 p m.

For Thames, per Enterprise, at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, 6th January;

Por s.s. Australia, as follows :— For Navigators Islands, Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Foretan West Indies, at 1 p.m For Umtod Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. MCney orders, registered letters and nows paposs, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra foo of six pence in addition to tho postage, will be received by the Mall Agent on board tho steamer up to the time of sailing, This mall will bo due In London on Friday, JSth February, 1886.

S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-ofilco. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

December 30,1884,

Opera Houso—" Bluobcard; or, tho Heathen Chlnoo." 8 p.m.

Theatre Royal—Bazaar in aid of St. Mary's Convent School, Ponsonby. St Mary's School-room, Farnoll—Entertain ment at 8 p.m.

Births.

GEMMKLL.—On December 23rd, at Paumuro the wifo of Robort Gemmoll of a son. ROGAN.—On Decombor 29. at her residenco, . Tel-01-Kobir, Now North Road, tho wife of 3. Rogan of a daughter. WINSTONE On December 28, at her resi dence, Haydn-streot, tho wifo of Goorgo IVlnstone of a son. WARNKR.-On December 20,1881, at Gibraltar .Crescent, Pnrnell, Mrs H, M. Warner of a son.

Deaths.

BOOTH.—On December 30_h, at his parents residence. Arch Hill, Albert Butclilte, only son of Thomas and Julia ■ Booth; nj;cd 10 months. Private In torment. COUPLAND.—On I. ecembQr 30, at Howo-strcct, Annio, the beloved daughter of Sarah Coup land ; aged 8_ years. FLYNN.-On Decombor 30.1881, at his parents' residence, Spring-street,Ponsonby, John, the dearly beloved child of Ellen and Patrro.c Flvnn; aged 12 months. Tho funeral will tako place tomorrow (Wednesday), nt S o'olock. Friends «ro respectfully invited to attond. LONKItGAN.-On Doccmbor 23, at hor parents' resldonce, Union-street, Elonnor Vivian, dearly beloved daughter of John and Jlary Lonergan; aged 1 year and 1 months. Tlio funiSral will leave above address on Wednesday, Decombcr 81, nt 3 o'clock p.m. Friends please accept this invitation.

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

TUESDAY DECEMBER 30, 1884.

For the cause that laoks n*»t«*«»nce, F«the -TOtig tb^-was resistance, For the __t«ro in the distanoo, _v_a tie gecd that wo can do. '"

.there are various features in the policy of the present Government that exhibit the energy of " new brooms," a fresh ness of ideas, and a commendable anxiety to institute vigorous colonising iiieasurcs. Mr Ballance notably has taken a strong common-sense view of his duties as Native Minister and Minister of Lands—each Department heavy enough for any one Minister. His scheme of small farm special set tlements on deferred payments is a good one! if not bungled in the working out, through the proclamation of unsuitable blocks of land for the class of settlers in view. The spirit of pure obstruction to every progressive movement which distinguished his predecessor has also given place to a readiness to advance any movement for the'settlement of the country and the development of its resources. ' One step in this direction is the removal of the embargo upon prospecting for gold in the native districts of the North Island, arid its encouragement by a substantial reward. Prospectors ha,ve been out in spite of Mr Bryce's pro hibition, and even the Tuhua..country has not been preserved sacred; but-tho Government frowns have undoubtedly exercised a depressing effect. Stimulated by the proposed reward, the mineral resources of the interior will be tested by the indomitable onergy oflhegdld prospector, and that at no cost to the Government, unless the search is success! il. The discovery" of a pay able goldfield in the centre of the North Island would speedily dot the blank spaces on the map of the in terior with villages and prosperous settlements.

Among the other, measures for the development Of native resources is the appointment of Mr Kirk" to re port on the forests of IS ew Zealand. This is an old and favourite idea with Sir Julius Vogel, but nothing of im portance is likely to come of it. The timber industry now is mo_e than equal to the supply of all present and proi: p.c'.ive demands. Legislation can only take the form of retarding the reckless destruction of our'forests and en couraging re-planting. If Mr Kirk's mission produce some legislative effort with those'objects, it will not have been undertaken in vain. We are sure, however, to receive from his pen an interesting report upon the New Zea land-timbers, their qualities, extent, and distribution. The selection of Mr Kirk is at least a more judicious initia tive than the former importation of a forester from India, who brought with him fixed ideas that were unsuited 16 the conditions obtaining in this colony,

The Colonial Treasurer's prognqsti* cations of an extensive frozen meat ex-, port to India have already proved utterly fallacious. Sir James Fergus son, Governor of Bombay, has been at some trouble to obtain reliable inform ation on the subject, and the general conclusions from the correspondence that has been printed are tersely stated: by the Secretary of the Bombay Trades Association. They are con

elusive iii': oliowirig that ail -'ex- r port of frozen meat to India would j prove umemuneralive because (1.) we. | highest pi ice for ihe very best kind ot meat in Bombay is 3^d per lb.; (2) the consumption would be very limited, as the natives will not touch meat slaughtered or handled by Europeans; (3) the consumption would be limited to the presidency towns, as fresh meat is much cheaper in the Mpfussil than in Bombay. In Sir James Fergusson's memorandum on the subject, the Governor says :—" As a rule, the meat supplied in the market is poor com pared to Australian and New Zealand meat; bu' very good meat can be ob tained by the larger consumers, and generally that supplied to Government House is little, if at all, inferior-. A higher price would be paid for a really* good article—say, 6d to 7d per lb., instead of 3d to 46. The commissariat, who are larg< cons«m.!"s, would certainly net buy meat at .id to t ,d when they can pro duce or buy it 'at 3d to 3d. A largo portion of their supply comes from Govf.rlimcnt farms." In point of fact. the ordinary prices of meat in India are no higher than in New Ze. land, and the consumption is flftall. With res pect to the mavkct for New Zealand woollens, the prospect is not much more hopeful, but the Governor suggests that these goods should lie exhibited at the Exhibition to be held ?.t Bombay in ISSC.

Another industrial effort of the Ministry—their Exhibition next year at Wellington—is being received with more favour than its prospective usefulness to exhibitors would lead us to expect, Meetings are being held in all provin cial capitals, and the Chambers of Commerce, to whom circulars have been directed, are offering every assist ance. The Secretary addressed a meeting at New Plymouth last night, and is now on his way to Auckland for a similar purpose. The exhibition may further the establishment of a "colo nial market for many of the small industries that have been started in the several provincial towns; but the want of a great centre of papula'ion in New Zealand is an insurmountable drawback to the complete success of such undertakings. The selection of Christchurch for their exhibits Would have furthered its objects better than its location in "Wellington.

Although these projects may not in dividually, produce much immediate benefit to trade, they indicate a healthy desire to consider and promote the in dustrial interests of the colony, and any earnest effort by the Government aiming at this end is commendable, and must bear some good fruit.

Australian and Pacific Naval Coaling Stations.

In an exhaustive articlo on our naval coaling stations In tho " Pall Mall Gazette," "One Who Knows" write.:—"Fiji is a secondary Btation, usoful commercially, and of considerable importance in a naval war. Whon the Panama Canal is opened, it will be of more importance, and it is even now a usoful counterpoise to the French possession—Now Caledonia. But at present it ,is a small affair, although its importance will incroaso with tho open ing of tho Cnnadian Pacilio Railway. Its total trade is only .t'400,000 por annum', it. revenue £11,000, and its population about 125,000. Its chief importance nrisos from the fine harbour at Suva, whioh will make it a usoful stepping-stone for commerce be tween Australia and America. But to be worth much it should bo ono link in a chain, instead of the isolated outpost looking out over an expanse of thousands of miles of sea which separate it from tho nearest Union .Tucks, one of whioh float, at Vancouver and the other at the Falkland Islands, at tho opposite ends of tho American continents. All round tho world outside tho Medi terranean tho only coaling stations, except Bermuda, which may bo s»t<* to bo lairly dofonded, are those which have boon de fended by our *«>ioni_ts at their own ex pense. Jtfotablyisthisthecaso atMclbourno Vpri Sydney. It has been well said that ho who commands tho Newcastle coalfield in New South Walos is lord of Australasia. Though this may not be true to the fullest extent, its possession would undoubtedly give to an enemy the command of the fuel necessary for subsequent attacks on the Australian porta j and in ordor to prevent this our colonists havo' taken and are still taking moasures to prevent, tho key of tho Pacific passing out of their hands, The colonists have erected batteries at the entrance of the harbour of Newcastle and at the entrances to Port Jackson near Sydney, enrolled a torpedo corps, and now contemplate the provision of a small naval forco. Thus these cities and ports arc secure from direct attack, but th'oy havo yet to te made equally secure from the fire of very long ranging guns. Moreover, there are other coalports to the south of Sydney, the defence of whioh has yet to receive atten tion, At Melbourne, in 1882, the colony adopted a defence scheme involving an ex penditure of £390,000 to erect a marine fort, complete the land batteries, form torpedo stores, and to buy gunboats and torpedo boa Js. By tho aid of thoso batteries and harbour vessels—consisting of, one turret ship, one sloop, two gunboats, and three torpedo-boats—lt is hoped that there may bo no repetition of the scare which prevailed iv 187S, when it was expected that the Russian squadron of fast cruisprs would some fine day levy a contribution of £6,000,000 on tho two cities of Melbourne and Sydney. What is wanted in Australia is the union of the various colonies for pur poses of defence, and.one is glad to see that there is now an indication of something being dono in this direction. In this way only, and with tho aid of the Imperial Naval force in the Australian waters, can united action against an enemy be effectively secured; There is the nucleus of a small fleet growing up in the antipodes. Many of these vessels aro undoubtedly required for strictly local defence; but in course of time vessels for general coast delonce may bo added, and stops must thon bo taken to aecuro cohesion and unity of action with these moans of attack and defence, and to bring them under the control of oho head. At Queens land also the colonists aro defending thorn- solves with gunboats, and we will not say moro about our Australian ports than to express a wish that all our Imperial coaling and refitting stations were in as good hands as those of our colonists in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. New Zealand unfor tunately has done little or nothing. The trade of New South Wales in 1882 was £38,000,000, its population 84,000, its revenue £7,460,000. The trade of Victoria is £35,000,000, its population 900,000, its revenue £5,000,000.

Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co., agents for the Pacific Mail Steamship Co., have re ceived advice that the Zealandia left San Francisco for Auckland, via Honolulu, on Saturday, December 20th, time-table date. She may thereforo bo expocted to arrive here about Friday evening of January 10th, or early on the following day,

The accused man, William Sheohan, maintains tho utmost composure in his con finement at Mount Edon Gaol. He ox presses confidence that the fullest investiga tion will only result in absolving him from any connection with tho dreadful crime with which ho stands charged ; but this re mains to be seen. Mr Napier, his counsel, had a lengthy interview with him on Satur day.

The approaches to the Polieo Court build ing have been much improved during the past fewdayebythe spreading of a, quan tity of "waste" from the stone-breaking machine. The work has been performed by a squad of hard labour - prisoners from Mount Eden.

A telegram was received by the police authorities to-day intimating that a woman named Banks, wife of a railway porter re siding at Opau, near Whangarei, had at tempted self-destruction by swallowing a quantity, of turpentine. The telegram states that Mrs Bank, is likely to recover. Some particulars are given by us to-night in another column,

■. llobmßou . cricket team _o'mi_ion_c_ their first match in tho South to-day against a Duneam eleven, consisting of Spring (captain), Rattray, Mallard, Frith, Turn bull, Grave, McGregor, .Parker, Fit.gerald, Morris, and Fairburn. The match is being played on tho Lancaster Bark Ground at Christchurch. Wo havo arranged for a special report of the match to bo telegraphed, to us.

An impression Appears to prevail in town that, the man Ivens, who has been drowned ■at Dunedln, is the samo individual ft. tho tnah of that naino who. was formerly s. aon stabloin Auckland, arid who made a sudden departure from this city several years ago. It is known uiat he has been in Duficd'in for some timo, and the fact that the naive 1. an uncommon ono has lod to tho Con clusion referred t..

Amongst tfeo p&scengers who arrived by the Wairarapa from Southern ports this tY.or_.ing woro tho Key. Mr FiaveH, of Christchurch; Mr A. P. Tlio!_r>_o_, of Napier; and Mr David WSMo, of Diuiodin. These gentlemen cro delegates to the annual me. tin* 0 f the Now Zealand Educa tional Institute, which commences horo on I'iiesday evening next, and continues on following day... They were mot upon arrival by Mr H. Worthington, who In tended to m»! . thotn acquainted With tho notabl. places ftbout teefdre they sottled down t>"> 'n".'_r>.ies;..

thfe btoaar and fancy fair in aid of the 'Convent Schools wa. again largely attended Inst evening, and a largo quantity o£ goods was disposed of, bringing tho total rc'reij-.l'- for five nights tip to .('•_;.?. The ''*..;«' will bo opeu again ti_3 e\'otifl_g, and ulao on Wednesday 'eVcnK'g. \

Mr .. A. Maci.rt.iy, C.IS.J Writes iii cc'r.eolion of a report of the (Sty Council meeting, in which ho was described as a draughtman, Ho .ays.:—"l never was employed as such by the Counoi!. I am by profo.mon a C.E., and have boon engaged as such for more than two years "past, primarily in loying out tho tram routes in this city, subsequently devising sewerage and othor works."

Mr D. G. MaeDonnell, ono of the newly appointed Justices of tho Petico, took his seat on tho bench at tho Police Court for the first timo this morning,

There was a very large audience at the Opera Houso last evening, the stalls being crowded, "Bluebeard was again per formed, and was woll received. Tlio panto mime will bo repeated to-night.

Although the temporary ropalrs to tho Dock caisson have effectually stopped the loakago, it now becomes a question as to whether the caisson doo_ not require a thorough ovorhaul. It has beon in tho water for between six and sovon years, and as it w»s worn away in ono place, it is just as likely to bo far gone in other placos. As tho detention of vessels in dock, owing to any future accident, might cause very great ineonvonienco and loss, the Harbour Board will no doubt give attention to the matter at an early date.

Prior to his departure for Melbourne ahd London to study painting, Mr S. tt. Kces ing intends holding a grand art union, the prices in which will compriso a number of pictures, painted mirrors, terra cottn vases, &c. There will ho about twenty prizes— all of them appropriate ornaments for the drawing-room. These articles aro being exhibited at Messrs Upton and Co.'c, A. Etuly's Music Warehouse, Leech"., Short land-itreet, mid Phillipps and Son's, wher ticket, for tho art union may bo obtained,o

At tho- competition of tho Dovonport Naval Artillery for Captain Feutoti1.. £eld medal, five rounds oar I. wore lircd nt 200, 300, -100, and EOT yfirds. The medal was Won by I. tigltlr Nutsford with a snore of Gl points. Tho following aro the highest scorers : -Bugler Nutsford, 04 ; Lieutenant Gerrard, 01; Paymaster Sibbin, 50; Potty Officer Futiton, 53) I'etty Oflicer Wynyard, 51 ; Seaman Wynyard, 48 ; Scamon Wyles, if) j Soarnan Logan, 42; Seaman Baker, 37. Lieutenant Dacre was in command of Vio firing party.

Mr W. it. llees has retired from Ihochoir mastership of St. James's Presbyterian Church, an oiiico which he has creditably filled for tho past six years. Oh ttie occa sion of his valodi.tory service on Sunday last,' he distributed amongst tho choir copies of a circular, in which lie tenders his warmest thanks for tho willing assistance that has always been oordiolly given to him, Ho says:—"lt la generally asserted that church choirs are not noted for their sytn .pathetic accord and harmonious working ; but to this rulo St. James's has ullbrdcd a | striking exception. During tho past six , yeais that I have had tho privilege of being so intimately connected . wi_i tho choir, there has not been » »'»gle instance of un friendliness i <"' material diiforenco of opio''""' The' utmost harmony and good- . fellowship have from first to last pßr*adocLi tho choir." " " \ -

"Storekeeper in Need of a Holiday" writes:—" In arranging tho trains for tho excursion trip to Waikato, tho fact was lost sight of that it being compulsory to start on Christmas Eve and Now Year's Eve, completely precludes business pooplo from embracing tho opportunity of the cheap faros, inasmuch as no business people can possibly closo -thoir shops on Christmas Evo or Now Year's Eve, or give their employes on extra holiday. Now, if Mr Hudson, with his usual courtesy and forethought in catering for tho public com fort, Would kindly alter to New Year's Day instead of ISow Year's Evo, ho would confer a public benefit whioh I foci sure would bo universally appreciated."

Mr Jordan, of Tauranga, has beon ap pointed cadot in tho oiiico of the clerk ol the Polico Court.

Tho I Zingari Cricket Club will meet a team from tho Thames in the Domain for a whole day's match on New Year's Day. The I Zingari recently visited tho Thames, but wore beaten because they took a very poor team. This timo, however, having a stronger one, thoy will make a harder fight for the laurels. Tho I Zingari will bo represented from tho following:—Aneenno, Boale, P. Chatfield, Daniells, Laird, Lowis, Milner, Webster, Smith, Fisher, Johnston, Bra bazon, Smalcs, and Martin.

To the Editor: Sir,—There is nobody in this \torld who has been accustomed to rail way trallic and railways would ever think of finding fault with any of the railway officials. They aro very attentive to their duties, all of them that I see, or havo occasion to sco, and during tho last year I have observed very much improvement in the road. But there is a mistake in that road which none of them op-' pareutly cau see, which is tho cause of having to increase tho broak power, and also wears tho tiros of tho wheels and gives roason for the extraordinary expense in repairs aud such extoiißivo workshops. It this mistake were cor rected, those engines would havo quite sufficient motive power to go up or down any incline on the lino without any engine break, the carriages would ride less rigid, with moro comfort to passengers, and'leave only ordinary wear on tires and rails, and such delays for " break power " should not occur.-A'ours faithfully, Alex. UuiAkm, O.E.

The Govornor addressed the boys at tho breaking-up of the Christehuich High School. During his speech he referred to the pleaauio-with'which he had listened to tho address of the Head-master, Mi- Brown, and went on :—"And here he could not help remarking that the Browns were running away with the educa tion of Now Zealand. To begin at the North, thore was a Brown in Auckland, then in Canterbury (as yet there was no college in Wellington) there were two Browns, and there was a fourth Brown in Dunedin—all, he thoroughly believed, and he spoke from' some personal knowledge, most able men, admirably fittod for tho places which thoy occupied. And then thoro was one other peculiarity with reforenco to this family of Browns which ho could not help remarking upon, and that was that they wero not only Browns, but J. M. Browns. It was a positive fact that out of the four Browns in Now Zealand in the Educational Department thoro was only one who had not tho initials of J.M.8."

To tho Editor: Sir,—A few lines ahont that white elephant, or rather green elephant, tiluato on the Karangahapo Road —to wit, the pump. For about eight months past this concern has been without a tap, and without water. It i.. therefore of no uso to thirsty pedestrians, and can be called nothing else than a right-down swindle, especially at this time of the year. If the City Council aro too lazy, or cannot afford to fix the offuir up, heaps of monoy could bo made out of it by utilising it i. sorno other way. For instance, it could be used as an adver tising hoarding; or, better still, it might be rigged out 03 an " Aunt Sally " during the holidays, for which purpose I would gladly supply an energetic caterer for public amusement with a fashionable skirt, bustle, and poke bonnet. These articles of attire, supplemented by some back-hair from Maddens barber's shop, close by, and apipe where the tap ought to be, would give the old pump a unique and attractive appearance, and would serve the doublo purpose of providing amusement for the public and heaps of money for the boss of the show;— Yours, &c. ; The Man on the Donkey.

- "A Working Man" writes inquiring why earth which is being taken from tho cutting in Grafton Ward is deposited on private property instead of being used to filluptho Newmarket hollow, a necfe_sary ptiblic work that was rocontly urged upon thO Hon. Mr Tolo by a deputation,

It will bo .0611 til another part of *>\\r ijohitftns that the practicos of the Choral Society are to bo suspended during the riiontft of Juftuai'y,

. It is liottiied that tho excursionists by th . Waituki on New Year's Eve will >*_tufty from Whangarei on Friday iilfehfc imme diately after the arftviU of the 3.40 train, riot at . p.M. as beioro announcod.'

The Bricklayers' Labourers also send ono delegate to Dun'odin to be present at .he Trades and Labour Congrec. tc b'6 held on Bth January,

Tho Auckland portion of tho Arawa's passengers from London arrived here by tho HVairarapa this morning. On tho pa., sago up one of the passangors booked tot Oisboviio (Mrs Aramon) gavo birth to a child, and being in a Weak eonditior". Viri on to this porh

There ay. '<Vl' ttie present time sevon ttalie_l_ in tho Look Hospital. Tho average 11 timber is generally about ten out of a total of 160 on the police books. The foot race between _icfasri_£,qt Auck land, and. \Vce.ds, Of _Jun'cd'.n,,f6_ £20 a-sido and tiits bhaihpi6n.hii) 0f... c\v Zealand.takca place.ip tfc'e I^t-tAin oi\ January 7<. Woods f.'.-Jf'itli'oV'tiO.cUumed-'thc title of champion, having defeated Hulston, who, it will be remembered, was to have run against Pickering a couple of > ears ago. Tho dis- I taooo of tho prosent match is 120 yards. Now that tho Auckland Regatta is so

icav it would bo well for intending com

po; itois to pay attention to a new rule, which requires that all vossols shall bo sailed by amatoiue. The term "amatour," we may oxplain, includes those who have over been paid for handling a sailing ve_sel in a race, so that thero should bo no toisundor standing on that hoad.

Mr F. H. Eraser, who Is ft oandidite for a seat on the Contral Board of the Govern ment Life Assuronos Association, an nounces his candidature in anct'ier ©lumn, The Wellington "PoBt" saysi-"Mr Fraser will probably be rtmsmlirei as having taken a very active jirt in endeavouring to secure fair p>y to an itnportttht blanch of the Dcpa'tment, Which had admittedly notbjen treatd wbh justice. There is no doubt Mr Fr/ser will secure a large measure oi support in his present candidature," j There arc further eiemplificatiois of the old saying that '• the /00l and hfe money ate soon parted." Several individuals who hove been busily engojM in sweatfag largo cheques during tho holidays, havoroported to the polico the lossbf £60 notes; It is a strange coincidonce;Hiat there slould be eoveral losers of sue! large amounts. One missing £_0 is advertised for in otr adver tising column.. j.

It will bo remembered that several v/oeks ago a person naiM Barron alias Starkoy, attempted to coflimit suicide by hanging himself to the bis foniiiug tho gratin" on tho door of hireoll at tho police station. With tho obj«t of preventing similar oc curroncos for flo future, the police authori ties have had.thoso bars removed from tho doors of tho cells.

Tho lifo iMurance agent is irrepressible Ono enterprising canvasser was to-day making offeal inquiries with a viow to effecting 4n Insurance on tho life of tho man William Sliechan, who is in pfison on susplcionif murder.

Tho election of three directors of the CloVornmetit Life Insurati.O Association will tako placO On January 7th, but Auckland votingpapors must te.despatched In time to reach Wellington by that date. Tho candidates aro:-It. AhernOj H, J. I>, Angttrde, F. H. D. Bell, Walter K. Bi.hop, J. &>k, T', i)tvan, B. Fisher, H. S. Fit--. horbert, F. H. Frasor, O. S..Grahdm, 11. l.offorlh, O. R. Johnson, H. Kember, \V. "F. Konhedy, J. Kitchen, J. Lookie, M,' McCrodio, A. McDougall, T. K. Mac- Donald, J. Maginnity, E. W. Mills, Cola man Phillips, C. P. Plummer, J. E. Smith,. D. T. Stuart, and W. H. Warren. Ot the candidates, the host known in Auckland aro Mes_-B (.. S. Graham, W. K. Bishop, and W, H. Warren,

A bowling competition c6n_lud<><"" at Messrs Coster and HamfctelunJ'B saloon, Queen-street, on Saturday evening last, tho result being : Mr \Y. Colo.(largo balls), 118, who Nton « handsomely carved meerschaum pipe, valued at 255; Mr J, Ojto (small balls), 70, received as his prize onebox cigars. A similar competition line barn arranged,to take place this week, endiilg on Saturday iitxt. Tho saloon has bion handsonjely fitted up, ,and has all tho moro reeontlim provements and convenfendes.

Tho.OnoU-i o_.-_«»i{__,*ci«nt of tho Tau ranga "Times" says:—" It is exceedingly gratifying to notice tho amount of good work tho i.pres'ontat'ves of tho Blue Ribbon A_my dre'doinflherb. Tho Maoris, both youn" and old, art joining and talk ing of joining, and ere l«ng I expect to sco n _omplote reform talco place amongst Maoris hero," '

A yachting party, consisting of Messrs Dufaur (2), O'Brich, CraWford, and Israel, loft for Waihoko on Chrfetmas Day ia the Spec, a decked boat of 3_ or 4 tons, and as thoy had not returned yesterday, some un easinoss was folt for their safety. At mid night the steamer Alexandra proceeded to Watheko to institute inquiiios, whon it was learned that tho party had left for Auckland about 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Tho Alexandra returned to'town, and sub sequently it was reported that the missing boat bad been seen up the.Tomaki. The steamer Vivid was gettingreidy to go down there, when one of the misting party ar rived hero by the Blanche, and reported that tho'rest were coming up in tho yacht, all well. It appears that bad weather forced the vessel into Tamaki, and disabled her, so that sho was delayed for some time, and the rest of tho passage up was made very slowly.

The old Auckland yacht Fleotwing took part in the yacht race at the Aknroa Re gatta, but, unfortunately, had to retire after tho first timo round the course, owing to a mishap to the main rigging whon making for tho buoy off Tikao Bay, nt 'which part of the harbour t}io full strength of tho north-west gusts wore felt. She was t.hon leading by about half a mile. After remaining .in Akaroa for temporary ropuir, tho yacht returnod to Lyttelton, the trip occupying 20 hours, during which the wind was light and tho weather fine. Iter crew consisted of Messrs 8. Bruce (master), Gain, Kimboll, and Kilgour.

The old Royal George Hotel nt New market, which, it will be remembered, was .burnt down in May last, has been replaced by a commodious wooden two-story build ing, bearing on its front the Same name and the date of the origin of the hotel, namely* 1845. Tho structure and general appear anco of tho new hotel is unquestionably a very great improvement on tho old house, und is highly crcditablo to the architoct, Mr 0. Arnold, and the contractor, Mx McConnochio, who havo done their work faithfully arid well, On tho ground floor, which can bo entered by three different doors, is the bar,, measuring 27 xl 5 feet. Connected with the bar from a wide semi-circular passage there are three half doors, at which the public can be served, in addition to the ample accommodation in front of the bar, On the left side of the bar are two njeely finished and taste fully papered parlours, eaoh measuring 14 xl 5 feet; also a handsome dining-room, dimensions 21 x2O feet. On , the opposite side is the billiard-room, occupying 26 x 20 feet, in which will be placed one of Bennett's best tables; a kitchen 14 x 19 feet, con nected by a passage with the hotel,, and furf nished with the latest improvements in culinary appliances, and a commodious shop, witli good-sized room at tho back, completo tho groundfloor. Ex cellent cellarage, 15 x 15 feet, with solid concrete walls, is underneath the bar. The upper part of the hotel, approached by an easy stairway, contains eight bed-rooms (most of them being 14 x 14 feet), two ex cellent and well-appointed parlours, bath rooms, and, riot forgetting the narrow escapes which the inmates of tho old Royal George had when it was de stroyed, an easy exit in the way of fire escape. Atnonffet those in the old house on the night of the fire was the present proprietor, Mr T. Hay wood, junr., formerly of the Albion Hotel, Patea, a very popular landlord in the Tara naki district, who with other inmates had a narrow escape. The cost of the new build ing when completed will bo upwards of £2,000.

SUICIDE OF AN EXPECTANT BRIDEGROOM.

(by telegraph—press as_ociatioit. )

Invercarqill, ihisday. A man named George Johnston, manager cf C. D. Moore's store, at Winton, committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree in the bush township. He is unmarried, agel thirty, and in easy circumstances. He nad been di inking. He was to have been married at the New Year.

SPORTING NEWS.

Til_H_ was a largo attondancs||i\iter_all. last night, but owing to jfeeceptanccs for tho -lacing Club atiffjj-and Stand Handicaps not being due lllj.to-iiight, no prices Were called over oii 'tlios'o events. For the Derby, there wefe : ,'inquiries for Ugly Buck,.but,the btisfcJMJjjb forth .dining beinv 0 to & on Ha abilltjp v.in, no husi- Ue«_ wfts done. Tlgrediap., quoted .at 2 to 1, _?ecklacoat 3 to l,mii Woodnymph and "Carbineer.at '5, toff The prices ler the Steepleehaso are : SSr The Lad, ,4to 1 Clarence and- Fflrfeafflfg to 1 Alarie, 8 to V-Stttirdy, 10 to 1 flng, Wideawake, K'ew Year, and Exchange, 12 to 1 Lin wood, IS to 1 Julia Ann, 25 to 1 Chandler. Tho Derbycandidatetfgrcdiawa. brougnt up from Napier by the 5.6. Wai'.arapa, which arrived this morniflg. (.apt. Rus.'oll; her owner, was aleb ii .palf'ciige'ri A rumoui; wis bJ'i'Wtil [n town yesterday jMttafto.!. ti'at W'elcomb Jack was dead, But we a'p glad to say it is incorrect. Mr Pilbrow informs ns-'thit the crack got a chill while running inthel'ailway Plato on Friday, and he had'to call a,!! Ye. ;' In', but the champion is ft o w s*,U rigV.ti again. 111,. j'on.eMiteiVco .of tho difficulty of teihb'.ing tho yearlings, the.sale of the Now Zealand Stud Company's stock will be held at Sylvia Park, instead of Groen Lane. Tho sale takes place on Monday next, and a spooial train will loavo tho railway station at 12 noon, returning after the ealo.

Tigradia, Caht Ashore, and Pipl have beon scratched for tho Racing Club Handi cap, A Press Association telegram from Dun edin say. tho acceptanoo of Black Koso for tho fhincdin Cop will not be received by tho Joekoy Club, as in the event of his win ning they believe the ownor of tho second horso could claim tho Btakes also.

Onehunga Summer Mooting.

Tho following nominations havo beon received for the two principal events oi tne Onehunga Summer .Mooting, which takes plaeo on 24th January :— OmmrNoA Cot. -Mystejfy.BryonO.Lynn, Ogly Buck, Alario, Victoria, Carbineer, Mitrailleuse, Kalo, Costashore, Fish; woman, Eishgirl. ■'■_..,„ Hurdles.—Azim, Fnvolily, Larrikin, Maccaroni, Barbary, Minuot, Alario, Nig ger, Linwood, Excnange, Southern Chief, Julia Ann,

Marlborough Racer,

Blenheim, this day. — The following weights have been declared for tlie Marl borough Cup :—H. Redwood's Black Rose, 9st; C. Redwood's Refrigerator, Bst 31b ; F. Bolton's Erebus, 7st; C. Redwood's Fay, fist 101b ; It. MeColl's Swordsman, fist 71b ; F. Bolton's Marquis, ostslb ; H. Redwood's Capsize, 6st 51b; H. Redwood's Mocha, Cst 21b.

CHAMPION SCULLING MATCH.

[by teleukaph—press association,)

■RtvERTOH, this day. Both Harrington and Hearn aro training sedulously, and are in flrst-olass condition. Thero is now a considorablo umount of bet ting, which is slightly in favour of tho champion. Hearn's backers decline to givo odds, although sovcral outsiders aro giving 2to 1. Tho raco will bo rowed at 1.20 p.m., on the top of high water, and should the weather bo rough it will improvo Harring ton's chonco.

TEA TABLE TALK.

More hopeful signs for tho holidays, No Star on Thursday (New if car's Bay). New Find dividend of ono shilling. Theatre Bazaar —i' 32 taken yesterday. Promenade concert tonight. The Premior (Hon. R. Stout) visits Auck land in February, Tho three " It's " : We arc, you arb, they are,

Going out with tho title: A Wedding party leaving the church. When was beef the highest 1 When the cow jumped over tho moon. "lam not an author," remarked dn ac countant, " but I am, nevertheless, a righter of books."

The Wellington victors in the senior out rigger race at Nelson have gono to Lyttelton to regatta. Bandmann is playing " Shylock " in New Yolk, and invites comparison of his imper sonation with that of Irving. Tho question whether whist playing should bo prohibited in a railway carriage lo receiving some attention nnwinEngjaiid— Tho CS&r of B useia lias ordered His pic tures Out-- of -xL«oj_i!Ap, «~,i_i:g_, at..Sfc. Petersburg, on the ground that they aio liable to indignity. Compared with other English counties, Devonshire and Somersetshire havo suffered very little from the agricultural depression, tho farming being dairy and not root crops chiefly. Tho BiS. Waitaki leavos on an excursion to Whangarei, Hen and Chickens, and Mokohinau at midnight to-morrow. New uniforms are ti be issued to members of the " A" Battery Artillery to night. Mr H. H. Hayr, agent for the overland route to the Hot Lake., reports that traffic has boon brisk during the holidays. "How'syour cold r she asked." " I don't know," he whispered ; " I am not on speak ing terms with it." What is the difference between a man at the mast-hoad of a ship and the ship itself? ; The one sails over tho seas, and the othor I sees over the soils.

What is the difference between a freight and a cargo ? A tram conductor says that the passenger makes the freight, but tho horse makes the car go. Ratepayers' poll takes place at Birken head store on January.sth, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., for and against the £2,300 loan, Christchurch boasts the largott church; Dunedin the most commodious hotel; Wellington fcho biggest wooden building; and Auckland the largest printing office in the colony.

Tbo Northern Steam Shipping Company runs excursions to YVuiwera, Kawau, and Mototapu, on Now _ear. Day. The Blue Ribbon Army choir aro re hearsing in viow of Mr Booth's vißit, Extract of a letter from Angelia :." Boar Henry, you ask if I return your love. Yes, Henry, I have no uso for it, and return it with many thanks." Landlady: "It's singular but truo, Mr Crossgrnin, thnt all my boarders remain with me." New boarder (at first meal): "Too weak to leave, I guess, after the first week."

To-inbrroW is the last plaotioal dajr for voting for candidates for the Government Insurance Board. Papors must- reach Wellington by 10 o'clock on the 7th. There are 27 candidates. Theappearanco of tholibraryatßlehheiiri, the Duke of Marlborough's seat, is most dismal. There aro miles of empty shelvos, with no effort made to Veil their ugliness. " My bow is all unstrung," warbles a fair poetess^ Woiider if her beau had been out on a racket.

Peris proper made a better record in res pect to crime last yoar than in ISB2, but the suburbs showed a large increase of criminals.

A conundrum fiend asks: "What is the difference between New Zealand and a boy who loves to shin up trees?" As if we didn't know that one is a sunny clime, and the other a climb-y son. The New Zealand Educational Institute meets at Auckland on the 6th, 7th, and Bth of January. Subjects of discussion: The syllabus of instruction in public schools, the pupil-teacher system, teachers' certifi cates and examinations, scholarships, school inspection, secondary schools, education boards, teachers' pension fund, and consti-1 tution of tho Institute

Recently in Paris, during tho session of the Congress of tho Freethinkers, one eminent thinkor, striking an attitude, pas sionately exclaimed: "Gentlemen, lam an Atheist—thank God !"

There are three chrysanthemum shows now open to tho public in London without charge - ono at the Middlo Temple Gardens, anothernt the Inner Temple Gardens, and a third atiTFinsbury Park. The latest novelty in English woddin.B is to have the bride met at the church door by a surplicod choir, who precede her singing up the aisle, and then arrange themselves about the wedding party. A photographer in a country town was recently visited by a young woman, who, with sweet simplicity, asked: "flow long does it take to get your photograph after you havo left your measure?" ; Poor old John Bartholomew Tliadkaborry Was sent to prison for i-1 days forMbilual drunkenness yesterday. When .asked to plead ho said ho had just come oufof gaol, and while looking tor the BecreW'J" of the Blue Kibbon Army be fell into »mpation, and subsequently into the barfß of the police. AM The lunatic Patrick MonaguJ has been " recommitted " to the Asylam- This is to legalise his detention, *~n" ° doubt having arisen as to whether, dating his re cent escapade, he was n ot'«*wnt from Avondale more than 14 days.

CABLEGRAM.

[BY OA-LU.—COI'YEIOIIT],

Ct___icr<3_a_.

L<,:;ud-, December 27.— Consols remain

&iW- ■-■'..■'•. .„ ■ . i_.t How Eealarid securities remain at last rtutjtfltiohs.

1 The total reserves in notes and bullion in the Bank of England .is f11.M," decrease .'during ti_ VsrcSk of SI.OOO.USU. The propirtton of rescrvo to liabilities has fallen ta 33 per cent •/ Tho bank rate of discount remains at 5 per cent., and the market rate at 4 per cent. The markets for colonial produce are un-

changed. (Received Decctab.l'3o-1 p-.ln.J

Syßkk., thl. day.—Arrived, yesterday, tiingarooma, from Auckland.

* Tite Gorß_ms 1_ New Guinea,

The New South Wales Government have do.idsd to join '.ha other colonies i- pre testing nc-ain.t t.,e German protectorate ova. Now Guinea and adjacent islands.

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

Starvatle- ana Desertion in tho Mahal's Army.

(BY CAUL-.- COrYEKiHT.)

Cairo, December 28. A WESSBSCKB. who left Khartoum a fort, night ago reports that intense distress pro' vails among tho followers of tho Mahdi. Many oro famished and dying, and large, numbers are deserting their leaders, /

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET.

tBY CABLE—OOPYRIOH..]

Melbourne, this day. | The intercolonial cricket match was ro" sumed to-day, when the Victorians, with one wicket down for 143, continued thdc' first innings. They remained in all dm, and whon time was called had lost sewn wickets for 423. Blackham was tho highest scorer, with 109. f

THE SPANISH DISASTER.

A Thousand I/lvcs Lost. ■ " ; .(

(CABLE-COPYRIGHT.) I Madrid, DecembeKß. Fdiiiiikk shocks of earthquake of&reat severity have been experienced J| the southern districts during the pasttwf days, and especially in Malaga and Gfmada. Three hundred persons lost their fives at Alhama, and the town is in ruils. At Pcriana thirty wore killed, and nany' at Albumulos. Several towns and villages have suffered sovere damago, and tho cathedrals at Granada and Scviub are in jured. A general panic prevail/, and the inhabitants havo left tho towiy and en camped in the open country. "Itis believed that altogether fully a thousaid persons have porished. f

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT WHANGAREI.

(BY TBLEfIBArn—OWN CORJUp. NDEST.)

.- —- ■/ Whang ahji, this day. Mius Banks, formerly marrial to a clerk at .Hellaby's named Niecol, maie a determined attempt at suicide late yesterday afternoon. Sho had quite a quarrel in /lie train with a tcmdle acquaintance, dad the matter so ex cited her that on entering her house she becarno hysterical. l|i this state she found out and drank off stjme spirits of turpen tine. Her ciglit-yeorjold daughter, know ing it was poison, feized from her the bottle, and thou raisfd an alarm. Medical assistance was at once procured. The woman'was uneonsfcious, but an emetic was administered, (and ofchor restorative measures taken. Sl'e is now out of danger.

SINGULAR ACCIDENT ON THE WAIHORA'S VOYAGE.

(IIV TELEGRAPH! — PRESS ASSOCLVTION. j

/Wellington, Mtjpday, The steamer WfJhora, which arrived horo this morning fnm Auckland, via the East Coast, struck sone object about two o'clock this morning, the vessel was in charge of the second matt and when off Orio Point, near Cape Pallper, was felt to strike some hard substance/apparently on the port side. The second offifer at once brought the helm up, so as to pul the steamer's head to sea. Almost immcptely, Captain Mcintosh, awakened by iji- shock, camo on deck and had tho pumpasounded, but tho vessel was found to bo nping no wuter. After the first shock, ton the peculiar vibration experienced, It was thought that the propeller ha! been injured by coming into contaotfwith some hard substance. On arrival lore a diver was put to work, and report^ that one blade of tho pro peller waifßone and another slightly domaged. P"he surmise is that the broken blade strati some heavy floating object, or else was <. rried awly through having a 'flaw in it. f A preli-ijiary inquiry waa held this afterrfon Dy thuCollector of Custom., but no f"f thcr particulars wore adduced. The Waiflra sailed !|mtk this afternoon.

INTE RPROVINCIAL CRICKET MATCH.

I Otago v. wnterbury. fBY JSLEGRAPH— f_ CORRESPONDENT.) CnpTCHDECH, Monday. PiAY.was resumedfit .2.25 in heavy rain, whicl] lasted fully f& hour. The attend nncbwas limited M a handful of people. Ratipy and Dawes,ttsumed their places, to the fowling of Btlfllop and Wilding. At C 2, yilding went Opjjrith underhand-glows. Witt tho last ball if the first over he bowled Ra^iray —7 — 14—62. Pairburn , joined Da|es,'who was immediately nicely held by Wiping in theslii*— 8—2- 62, and allhope .for] Otago was dßlled._ Drabble was' thf incomer, but m iWilding's next over Etarburn was dieniSSid, leg before wickets— 9-10-62. Frith,|th. last man, took his place at tho wiclfc In the last ball of Dunfcp's next oveif Drabble was caught in :. the Jlips by BarijtiSiand the innings thus olosid for 62 runi; ; bufc twenty minutes had' been occupM'.ui the completion of theinnings, and pen runs had only been added to Saturday's score, all for the first (Bittray.) wiok«B": The mournful pro cession of batsmeaA. as very amusing to the feiv spectators present. Canterbury only raquired 24 runs to tfim ißattray, b Wilding.. .. ..' ... .. v Dawos, c Wilding, b'Oimlop .. .. _i Fairburn, lbw, b \¥il_»K 0 Drabble, c Barnes, b llunlop 0 'Frith, not out .. :--".."'>• •• ..- .. ..' o Extras .. AA " ■• ■• •■ 10 Total „ TUi .~62 BOWING lanaLYSI... Balls;.."Runs. Maidens. Wkts. Duulop .. 116 .26 H 5 Wilding .. ■J8 10 7 3 Barnos .. #■ 12 5 o Ashby .. OpA, Jll Requiring £4 ritfi-to win > Canterbury sent Buchanan and-Aslihy. At 2.55 Cooke started bowling}!*l''' a byo having beon run, Ashby drov?;b' m to the rails for 4. Frith then went On at the south end, and with his socondSsU^^Posed of Buchanan —10-5. Longdffii j°ined Ashby. The latter playing i n his Is?. ?*_. lo_ soon rattled up 16, and with tip'a^tance of Longdon, who was within.** 1 ace of. being bowled twice, tire necessity runs were hit off aftor six overs had be.kvsontdown, Canterbury thus winning by ju"18 . w-ckets. The score of Canterbury sJCotid innings- was :— Buuhtiiiau, li Frltb! "•'•. •■ ■• 0 Ashby, not out.., :'- •' i„ Loiwden, not out :i c" ■• •• .. .-, ( l_xtr__ .\A..:. ■• ■• ~ .. S Total ,''■'• •• . .. 1. BO\pKANAI'YsI^- Bills'. -Maiden.' Runs. Wia, Oooko .. ili .!; i 8 0. Frith .. 12 0 12 j

The compliments of the season may be gracefully conveyed, win be appreoiatinidy accepted, It aoawßP,*l^ 4 by somo useful pro sent, obtalnaWin^1.9^ variety at Gooa son's London Ar»te""'' ADVT'I

OUR CRICKETERS IN THE SOUTH.

I[Bv Aoi__N.] ling has been aroused in the cricketing fraternity; in eo_t th'e visit of Robinson's teatti tb at the result of the tiiat'ciie. o bb played will bo awalte'd with very considerable interest. The team which has,bono. Soutji occupies a very anomalous position. Tho Auckland Cricket AesociationJ'which must be looked upon as tho propOriuthority in these matters, has emphatically refused to reeogniso it, Con- BcquontlyJ it cannot claim to bo a repre: fiontp.tivo'l teaiii. Sslf-choSoh though it may boi there cannot bo any doubt it will to looked upon as such in the South, that our cricketing prcstiye should have beef rashly risked by a self-chosen eleven, t&veiling solely for its own plenstir§' has natttolly causedofl g-'S.t deal ; of sor% ness, aej.wi.l ce'ta'r.'y _c""d to injure tliS lauso oifciicket in the public mind. , Even

So much fee minds of the tioction with] tHe South,t|

now abbut

ehould;flio team return completely victori ous, thf sweets of those victories are pretty . _ sure tofio embittered by the feeling that ' has be|[ stirred up. At tho same time, tho coucliiiori appears to have been too hastily forroefthat the team will suffer defeat, for altho*h its prospeots are not very brillisifc, yet there is no reason to 'A7 antioijate failure. While it might be consiffered weak as an intorprovincia" team, yet Uipossesses elements of strength which, '- und^able management, should render it ft realty'powerful scratch eleven. Thorearg ... at feist sjx men v. ho would in all pobability :,'. be"ielocted in an interprovincial eleven, wliie the other six are for the most part fairjavorage raon. That the team is far in fer&r in strength to that represented by ■-' tHB names submitted to the Association . ths_ can be no doubt, and that our men hafe gone in their weakened condition is all the more to be regretted, seeing that •'."_ ths best of the Otago players ha.9 ■ d&played their indifference by returning - hfeie, and leaving a weaker team than that wliich played, against Canterbury to me. t ofr men, The result of this- move will hi efther to lessen the honour of an Auckland •. tjctory or increase the ignominy of atr , Auckland defeat. As I have already said,' bur team is a strong scratch or pleasure ono, but wretchedly weak as a represents tive eleven. Barton, Stafford, Lynch* Testro, Robinson, and Mills would, ali moist likely be selected in an interprovincial, team; but some of the others would find .A, very great difficulty in obtaining a place in ; the next twenty-two. And in this connec tion a few words respecting the individual ' :> merits of the men should prove interesting. Barton will doubtless prove to be a tower ; of strength to the team In all the branches - of the game. He is in bettor batting form than he was last season, is bowling well, and it is hardly necessary to cay fielding . ' admirably. Lynch too, who has beon away , from us for several seasons, is in good form with both bat and ball, and is well entitled < to his place in the team. Stafford for the first time takes his place in a representative eleven. Tho batting form which he :.:■. has recently shown nas fully entitled • him to step into the front rank, Testro is in considerably bettor batting form than when he went South in 1882, and': may be expected to '' como off" during the' V present trip, Robinson is not in the best batting form, and with increasing years it cannot be expected that he will improve. .. Mills, it was generally considered, was - i entitled to a trial in last year's interpro-; ,-,.., vincial team, and both as a batsman and ' bowler I shall expect him to do credit to', i Our Boys Club, with which he claims connection. Of tho others, I prefer Me. .. drum, despite his youth. He is a Gordon player" of much promise, and with con-; lidence I believe he' will prove to be a first' class batsman and bowler. Coxon (Auck land Club) is a fair bat, and to: also ia Ewing (Tuakau), but neithot appoars to liio to : havo prbved hiiflftlt qualified for a platie in a reprcsentativg Ax team. They are both' average men for.ri club eleven. Gill is not a good bat, ahd was a failure as a bowler in the tour of 1 1882. The best that c_.ti be said of" ! MacCormack- is that he ■is a rajiid and sometimes sure run-getter Re was for merly a .vretcbcd fielder, buthas improved iii that department of the game. His style; , when batting, ia anything but graceful;..... I and is more calculated -to excite derision than admiration. This is hi? very weak point. So far. aa Osmond , is concerned, I cannot understand whas [ qualification he. possesses to entitle, him to a , position in the team. He is in his proper , place as a member of tho Auckland Crickeji I Club second eleven, but thoro ia surely a wide "difference between that team and a representative one; Some portion of tliig extensive tail niay have ,luck and " coniq • off," but the time to try experiments with doubtful talent is scarcely when .tho dearly wou cricket prestige of the North.is at tt_____*r—' —-- ~— —__. .. .... ' ' - ; r y .

FOUND DROWNED.

Early this morning two natives discovered the dead body of a man on the rooks, at Orakei. They informed the police, and the water-police accordingly proceeded to in vestigate the matter. They found the body as stated, and brought it up to the morgue in a. boat for identifi cation. The body was very much decomposed, tho features being unrecog nisable. It was fully clothed, excepting that the hat and one boot were missing. There was nothing in the pockets but a pipe and a pocket-knife. The body has been identified as that of John Lazarus Petersen, a seaman, about 28" years of age, who has bsen missing since Christmas Day. An inquest will be held to morrow.

MINISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

(by telegraph.—tress association.)

Wellington, this day. Sift Julius Vooel will probably leave ia the Hincmoa for Waiwera to-morrow. The Hon. Mr Buckley will also leave in the vessel, and disembaik at Napier, Work ing his way North, inspecting charitable institutions oh the way from the South. The Premier had an interview with the Governor respecting German annexation and New Guinea, and the meeting of the Cabinet is being held this morning tb decide as to what answer should be Bent tt> the circular cablegram sent by Mr Scry icie;

TELEGRAMS.

Industrial! Exhibition.

New Plymouth, this day.—A well attended meeting was held last night. It was convened by the Mayor re tho Indus trial Exhibition in Wellington. A com mittee was appointed, consisting of the Mayors and Councillors of New Plymouth, Hawera, Patea, and the Chairmen of the County Councils, and members of the Taranaki, Hawera, and Patea, and M.H.R. for the provinciil district. Mr Collis was' present, and gave the meeting information about the exhibition. He leaves for Auck land to-day. ' '

Gkeorne, this day.—The "Telephone" newspaper here has ceased publication.

Wellington, ■ this day.—Mary . Ann Gamble, domestic servaint, attempted suicide by taking chloral. She is now in a critioal condition.

CiißiffTciiußoii, this day,—At the inquest at Governor's Bay on the body of Mrs Jessie McLeod, which was exhumed in consequence of statements that Dr. McDonald had not treated her properly, a verdict of . Death from flooding "was returned, but the jury added that Dr. McDonald had shown an orror of judgment in not removing the foetus on the day prior to the woman's death. Christchurch, this day.—Mr C. Napier Bell, engineer to Lyttelton Harbour Board, having been appointed engineer to the Woatport Harbour Board, has resigned his former appointment. _

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Bcforo 1). G. MacDonnell, Esq., J.P.) Dp.UNKENNESs.-One drunk was punished in tho usual manner. H_"vn ■ Vasrincy.—Bertram Trennia was charged with v _vc;(.oho- tho. Vagrancy Act by bouiK found wri.ho.ut lawful excuse on board thos.B. Blanciie. lying in Auckland harbour, on the •Olhinsu—Defendant Pleaded cru_ty.-s_rge-__t I rati suited that tho defendant had beon found vi Inornate s bunk. It'appeared that ho was an American, and wua dt_H_u. of seeing the American (.onuul with the-viow ot S-einsrsent >o lub native country. — Remanded till to morrow.

At tho recent great Liberal demonstra tion at Bristol, the motto on ono of -the flags was: "The Lords will be done.'' '-'

Sewing.Machines. wholesale and retail,— D, 3, Chambers.



H T^OI.FE'S-CHNAPPS is known ana appie- I, 'y elated throughout the colonies. I /.HB BTS "OJ DKAWEE. Very Handsome Chests of Drawers, In RJofc Mottled Kauri, are no W selling at the folio wins I prices for Cash:—The Duke of Edinburgh Chest ol Eight Drawers (ths bonnet drawer nbhli panelled with totara, bird, and rowa rowo) ,£0 I 10s; Five Drawer Chests, fit Theabov.aiUph-} - have always given great eafiaftiption, and, be- I some jaera beautiful with age. ~ V W. NCfeMB.-. .' " 'l!op of Saoi4>a__nD-BTaip_ < I , Ttr E W ZEAL AN D : T IM BE R, UO-l .COMPANY (LIMITED). . .. '*"' Notice is tiereby "given that the promises of the above Company will be CLOSED for Stock laktng on FKIDAY and SATURDAY, tho 2nd, 1 and Srd of January, 1835.; <v'p--». F. J AG3ER. -.-.- ..,-.,;- Manager.. I 'TxriTH. reference.i to the above, it is YV particularly requested that" all Ont otandlng Accounts duo try tho Company to the | 31st December, 1884, be rendered forthwith. f W. PERKINS. ¥. \ • "' ' Secretary. tntjll GET SOIL CONTRACT. I The Fourth Quarter for 1831 boing now due [ Prompt Payment is requested. Any person in 1 arrears on December 31st will have no further ' servioo until arrears are paid. I:I SAML WHITE, Contractor. I TftTAPS, BOOKS, ATLASES. I. EDGAR WILKINSON, Map & Bookseller, 1 Exchange Chambers, Queen^trcot (Entrance [, ' in Durham-street)* .i >■.■-. Invites everyone to call and see his selection of [>.:. . o. _ ~; ajyve. f' Books of Travel,l*q_- lab Novels, i I CurLDREN's Books, Albums, Purses, Ladies' CO-H'A-ibgs,' &'o. '. jr^EVONPOST, ' NORTH SHORE, CARTERS .AND ,EXPRESSM_N-. : :, r ,,, I BRIOKa. LTMJ_T___""O. SCORTA .ASH, M POSTS, RAILS. PALINGS, SANI- A TARY PIPES, &C., Sec. ~, ,-. . NB-FENCING DONE AT. LOWEST § RATES, ESTIMATES GIVEN. YARD OPPOSITE DEVONPORT HALL. P. HOXLIS'S LJNE OF « COACHES.. 1 LEAVE ONEHUNGA-Manukau Hotel-.. 30, I Sls, 9.15,9.45,10.30,11.15 a.m., 12.16,1,1.30,2.30, ft', i* 3,6 p.m. Mondays—s.3o p.m. Saturdays— i. SO, 6 P.—U, Si_ndi»_—3JM _..__., —S noon. 1.30 I. 'LEAVE AUCKLAND-Greyboimd Hotol- I , 9,15, 10.30, U n.m.. 12.15, 1, 2, 2.15, 3.15. 4,1.45, ! .15, G, 6.30,1 p.m. Mondays—U p.m. Saturdays '•■.' .10, 11p.m. Sundays—lf) a.m., 2,0 p.m. i Mnglo F ore. Is; Return Fare, ißlkl. '. Tickets sold by the doxon:—To and from One f unga, 7s; to and from Greenwood's Corner, 6s ) and trom Brown-street, Epsom, 6s. ,',..*;;' R. P. HOLLIS Proprietor. I"10ACH FROM DEVONPORT TO J ■ . V LAKE TAKAPUNA- BuiribJ!-. Runs, to meet the convenience of ,;-;"."" '.^t tnePiiblio. ■;"''' <\&. \ 'SMB-TABLE. , pitch leaves Bovon- . Coach Leaves Lake ;..Snort Post-Ece. >! --. School-house. f 8.20 ajn, i• : .iX. 9.5 a.m, ', 10.30 .. it,-' 1 V .'''^U.ls .. i L» pr ■ ' %&*£•■ ;i*fv:. 'i.--'.A': 'faiftroAXiC-.--' ■ o-."\_ V' U.OSD. 11.15a.ni» 'v.. \ 3 .p.n_, ■* 5 p.__.., I 1 v DAVIS BROIHBRB, PrOVrietoMi I



,|>ANK OF NEW, SOUTH .WALES. A BRANCH of this Bank has been Opened at I HASTINGS, near Naplor, trader tho Mansgo ment of Mil WALTER POTTS. W. G. RHIND. Inspector. pOALS! COALS! COALS! M. CASEF& CO. _ a Havlnp' takon over tlio Agency of the WAI- K/tfO COAL COMPANY, bog to Submit to the Ane.kland Public the FOLLOWING PRICELKT FOR BEST HOUSE COAL i -12 sacks (1 ton) *« M 6 saoks (.-ton) »« ea Trn'/aW-SWI^CtUDBDELIVKRY. ""ESS. -Hte^ S& W ° nrransemaot. . Orders may be loft at Tiio Sheds. RaUway;Station WaiUaw Co_l Co.'s Office, Fort-st. J. M. - vms, Grocer, Grcy-otreet J. flawfecs, ATon-st-cot, Parnetl M, Niccol, Queen-street Wharf TO BUILDERS. Owing to my JONG EXPERIENCE in the «^b (or SUPPTYING PlTßlkl. TOTAftA. or .IuHI any Length or Sao, and wiUGuaran " the^MST MATERIAL on the Shortest for SHINGLES. HOUSK BLOCKS, FIREWOOD, &c, or for Removal of Clo.-ds. _ __ . Estimates given for Works. M. CASEY & Co., RAILWAY STATION, AUCKLAND. mHB -l/pLBOUR-NE jQRAPER_ AND pLOTHING /COMPANY Havo on view in their CHRISTMAS NOVELTY WINDOW '■ a somewhat interesting and novel e_porime_ !. in Elcctrio Lighting. Into a GLASS FISH i BOWL of tho ordinary kind have beon place t TWO INCANDESCENT ELECTRIC LAMP. \ which burn with great brilliancy in the watoi • much to tho astonishmont rof tho Goldfish, b " which tho bowl ie tenanted. They, howevei ' scorn in noway inconvenienced by tho strikin visitation. To counteract tho Bn_.ll amount t " hoat causod by the lamps, a oonßtant supply ( • oold water is kept running by means of tw • syphons. In making this exporimont, core must b 2 taken to perfectly insulate the oables, oa watt is a conductor o£ Eloctrisity. -r-yE FUKSISH HOUSES THROE-M©.!1. ■' - •b-ARUCK & CRANWELL'S 19 THE . CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. -_ j j JUST OPENED, • B-ACTi_ u_ Assortment BRUSSELS ?APESTRV, KIDDE_tM?NMTER CARPETS. L__ -__—i Splendid lot OF BEDBTEA.D3. Just Received, won. _jcn brass. _ao__Ei_.?LAT_CDT^ ~: i ■■ -•-■■-•■ •■■■ ■- -■■ ■- ■■*■-■"; ■ QABLICU: AND Q_UNW____L, FURNSBHJNG ! W A R _ H 0 Uf.Ifco""""'"""' QUEBN-BTREifF, AUCKLAND. ■ mi, -v" /CHOICE GOODS WI L_JJ_r»-^-t.-B RID GM A N Hap-tfssf' received a large and wellassortct J>H^ Stock of NOVELTIES For the present season, and to be sold rsry much undor usual prices. Beautiful As aortal ent New of Laces, in Real o _ t Imit-tlon, White, Cream, Silver Grey, NaT} Brown, Marone, Gold, Fanoy Shades, ant Blackjuat received by steamer Coptlo,fro_ Loqdon New Frilling. Tics, Scarves, Collars, Collarettes Beautiful lot Real Lace Collars ASS'S j. Black Silk Cr_po, half-squares. 5 s 8 B+'~\ Black Cashmere Capes \bi »__•__§ IBlaok Bilfe and »6_UC«pes I 2 § 32_P8 I Blaok Chenilte CaST Black! At % W_\ jj V LocoCaßesußrooho Capes \S_ t2 £ tJ /BlackOashnlWS DOlmans (_% _ ■_. .1 Black BrocOß Visitcs I frs f . « 8 _ !Blaok BroohS Dolmans' I « * flaSvcS/Black Loco Beaded Cape3—J S3 q»3fta very pretty goods fc "She above araahoice goods, and all prices— i_o_i very cheaffto very good. 11 Ladies-Silk Lustre Ulßtcrs, 7s Cd, being less than half-price 12 Ladles' China Silk Ulsters, various shapea to be sold at half-price . The stock of Boys', Youths', and Men's Clothing i. large and well assorted, and all goods marked at a very small advaace on cost Men's Strong Coats, 8s lid ■ - Boys' Suite from 4s lid Men's, Boy., and Youth_' Felt and Straw Hatt ingreat variety New Floorcloths, Matting, &c JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 288, UPPER QUEEN STREET. MO DOZEN 4--~B UTTON "R LACK TfRENCH KID GLOVES, > BALANCE OF A:" :" MANUFACTUREK'S ' STOCK." " Cleared by my London Buyer at a HEAVY DISCOUNT FOR CASH, _ And. although CHEAP AT DOUBLE THE PRICE The Entire Line will be \_G I YEN A W A V ■ ■■ AT . IS. CD. PER PAIR. J-S. "D. -t ER -TAIR. ; All sizes f aom 5} to 8. ' ■ HALF-A-DOZEN PAIRS OP THESE GLOVES FOE 9S ' WILL MAKE A AND USEFUL j CHKISTM/_« PRESENT. ""j j^ATTRAY.' F -IVB, ' HOKE, COKE, COKE. THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) jivito Ordera for 6AB COKE. Delivered villi—l lnillo of the- \Vork3. for Caah : longer ii- t_uicc3 at proportionate rates: — Sample Sacks of three bushels .. Is" 6d FiveS__iß .... 6s 3d Eleven Sacks, or half ton .. .. lis 6d Twenty-two Sacks, or one ton .. 22s 6d The Company s COKE iB made from the best Sroyrnotith Coals; is superior tc that made vom Newcastle coals, being free from stone ,n<l clinker in a romorkable degree, gives a «_L_„BLE FIRE, CLJCARER & HOTTER THAN COAL, LIGHTS READILY, and '. • ! MAKES NO SMOKK. . GOOD FIRE IN 10 MINUTES. ' | OFFICE l FORT-STREET. ."",'• * •, 50Sa_ «u=- -v^Uf,



NOTICE. I Soma Splendid Allotments on New Plans. I Prices and Plans can bo had at tho Office, nost Messrs Brown and Campbell's, Shot'tlafid strcet. Tcrms.-Ono-!Hth Cash, balance any timo within fivo years; interest, sovou per cent, A. BOARDMAN. Agent, M ® 1> —-1- P * L- NOTICE OF REMOVAL. The North Shore Pharmacy is removed to the New Buildings at the corner of Victoria; Load and Clarence-street. AUSTEN W. GARDNER M.P.S.. Kng.. Pharmacist and Dentist. Devonpov t, December 2ff, 1831.