COMING EVENTS.

Mooting., &o, To-night. Opera Houso-" Tho Collcon Bawn." 8. Lodge Ponsonby-Monthly Mooting, 7.30. Federated Seamen's Union (fpeclnl), 7.30. Working Mon'a Club -Gum Sorters, 7.30. Foresters' Hall-Leoturo by; Mr Potter on the " Propheoios of an Auckland Prophet, 8. College Rifles—Weekly Drill. Mission Services — St. Sepulchro's and Epiphany Churcheß, 8. St. James's Hall-Band of Hope Concert, 8.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Vaile & Bradley-Toilet Ware, 11 a.m. Edward Leydon—Fornlture, Sec, in Welles loy-Btreet, 11 a.m. Gabriel Lowis—English-made Furniture, 11. A. Buokland—Stock, Remuera Yards, 1 p.m. R. Arthur—Jewellery, Sec, 11 a.m. G. W. Blnney— Hani, and Bacon, Butter, Tea, Hops, Sec.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mfttli; will oloso aa undor :-

This Day. For t:... • tnandel, per Coromandel. at 5 P.m. For WA... -.aroi Heads, Parua, Waipn, Whan garei, and Kamo, per Waitaki, at a p.ni. For Kali KaU, Aongatcto, Tauranga, and Opotiki, via Thames, per Kntorprlse, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Bnterprlao, at 5.30 p.m.

TnuasDAY, December 3. For Port Fltzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per Arsrle, at 7 a.m. For Waitara, New Plymouth, and Southern ports, per Gairloch, at 7.10 a.m. For Waiwera, Te Kapa, Warkwerth, &c, per

Ross Casey, at 10 a.in. Fur Coromandel, per Ruby, at 10.30 a.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 10 30 a.m. Per Manapouri as follows :— Por India, China. Japan. Mediterranean porta, and Continent of Ktirone, and United Kingdom, via Suez and Brindlsi and Naples <ppr P. and 0. Bto_mer lrom Melbourne). Por loiters, &c, specially so prepaid and addressed, at 10 a.m. For Qisborao, Naplor, and Southern Ports and Australian Colonies at 11 a.m. United Kingdom mall will he duo in London on the 26th January. for Greymouth, per Ohau, at 3 p.m. or New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Southern Porta, per Orotl, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Clansman, at 1 p.:n.

Tuesday, December 8.

Por Mararoa as follow". :—

For Navigator Islands, Sandwich Islands, United States of America, Canada, British Colombia. 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. 10 30 n.m. Registered letters and newspapers, at 11.30 a.m.

Late letters, bearing an extra fee of ___• penco In addition to the postage, will bs rocolved by the Mall A^ent on board tho stsamer up to the time cf Bat-lag Thl> mail will ho dua in London about Jft-.'15. Signed) S. B. BISS, Chief Postmaster, Chief Poßt-oflieo, Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sunset.—Thia evening. 7.2. J.UNIUBE.—To-morrow morning, 4.40. Moon's Age.—Now Moon, 7th, 0.56 a.m,

HIGH WATER.

Auoi-LAifD—Thla afternoon, 3.-13; to-morrow morning, 4.12.

Manukau Heads — This evening, 6.23; to morrow morning, G. 52 KAirAitA Hkadh — This evouing, 7.23 ; to. morrow morning, 7.62.

ARRIVALS.

LAST KTENINO. Coptic, 8.8., Kldley, from Plymouth Waitaki, b.s , Crawford, from Whangaroi

to-day. Clanßman, 5.8., Farquhar, from Tauranga Manapouri, s.b.. Logan, from Sydney Reward, schooner, McDonald, from Whangarei Orpheus, schooner, Taw, frem Noumea

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Euterpe, ship, Boyle, for Napier Macgregor, s.s, Johnson, for Whangarei

IMPORTS.

Per Manapouri, from Sydney- SO cases castor oil, 3,220 packages sugar, 120 bags bonodust, 160 half-chests and 25 boxes tea, 2,000 felloes, 2,000 587 cases fruit, 100 cases tapioca, 85 Ingots tin, 130 cases whisky, 100 oases eltnes, 20 boxes sultanas, 5 boxes gold, and sundries.

EXPORTS.

Per Sea Gull, for Dunedin, to be loaded at Great Barrlor-20,000ft timbor.

Por Benguela, for London—lol bales flax, 321 casks tallow, 1,039 cases gum, 10 bags bones, 2,010 horns, 14 oasks oil, 303 tons and 257 bags cobra, 170 cases pearl shell, 102 tons manganese, 16 baga Ivory nuts, and sundries.

Inwaßbb Coastwise. — Spltilre, from Schooner Bay, with 48 tons firewood ; Morning Light, from Cabbago Bay, with 10,000 feet tim ber ; Margaret, from Whangarurn, with 21 logs ; Reward, f com Whanuaroa, with29,loo feet tim ber.

Outwards Coastwise.—Morning Light, for Cabbage Bay.

Tho schooner Jor.sU. Niccol cleared at the Customs to day for the Thames.

Tho barque Benguela cleared at tho Customs to-day for Lonuon with a full aargoss per export list.

The s s. Rotomahana whioh leaves for Sydney at 5 this evening will receive cargo at Russell ex Arawata, wnich arrived there from Fiji to-day.

The ship Duchess of Argyle left Newcastle for Bin Franolsco on November 25,

The following veswis have arrived at Sydney: —Aratapu, s.nooner. from Kalpara on No vein ber 21; Camllle, brigantine, from Kalpara, No vember 25; Levuka, barquo, from Auokland. November2o. Departure: Waitemata,BChooner, for Kalpara, November 19.

The schooner Orpheus left Now Caledonia on the 30th October, called at Walpole, and Bailed again on 18th Novembor for Auckland. Had light winds for the first pait of the voyage, and for the latter, strong E. and S.E. galea until sighting the North Cape on tho 27th, light winds until arrival today. Passengers: Captain Louis Fraser.

Tho s.s. Clansman arrived from Tauranga at 6.45 a.m. to-day. Passengers:—Mesdameß Chitty, Currie, McCabe and 2 daughters. Ralatono, Dull'us, Donaldson, Men-les and 2 children. Hay und children, Misses Wauwall, Bluett, Messrs H. P. Blnett, R. Sandarman. S. Richmond, J. P. Murray. Ralatono, Burrow Frasor, F. Johnßon, J. Menzies, Roy. Bavin, and 4 steerage. Tho Clansman left a?aln for Waiwera at 10 a.m.

Tho 8.8. Waitaki returned from Whangare' last evening, with 50 tons coal, 2 tons Buudrlo-, aud the following passengers:-Mrs Bancroft, Miss Woodhouee, Messrs Jenkinß, Holman, Burton. Cowpor, and Brown.

The barque Grasmero,from Melbourne, which arrived at tho Ralpara Heads on Sunday even ing last, had a narrow escape from running ashore near the lighthouse. She got into a dangorous position, but tbo pilot steamer pro ceeded to hor assistance, and successfully towed her up to the anchorag-.

ARRIVAL OF THE COPTIC.

The S.B. and A. Company's Coptic arrived in harbour shortly alter 8 o'clock last evening, and heithcdattheend ot tho Queen-street Wharf, having been previously paßßed by the Health otll.ior, who along with Captain Babot and the unit, met tho vessel In the Bteam tug Awhlna i.b;ut_-_ngitoto Keef. Tho Coptlo has had an imuventtul passage excopt for the accident to tier propeller, which mado it necessary for her 111 remain locgor than usual at the Capo and i-li'.-irepairs. Tho Coptic it) still under com mand of Captain VV. 11. Kidley, and her officers i r > tr.e same as when she visited this port early (I .ring tho present year. Tho Coptic brings 2 'Ml tons of cargo, ot which 760 tons aro for .i ueldand. She has for Auokland 3 first cabin, lv second, and 51 steerage passengers, and for : ~.1 thorn ports 19 caoin, i.2 second cabin, and 95 i lu-rage passengers. Report. Mr W. J. Rao, wh» still occupies the Important oflico of purser, and to whom we aro indebted for Hies and all other miCOßsary information, furniahea tho following report ot tho voyage: -1 ho Coptlo left tho Hoyol Albert Hooks at 1 p.m. on tho Bth Ootober, and embarked passengors at Qravesend the samo afternoon. Sailed from Qravesend at 9 a.m., on tho 9th, and arrived at Plymouth the following day at noon. Sailed from Plymouth, aftor em barking passengers and malls at _ p.m. en the 10th. Had moderate weather toTenorlffe, which place was reached at 2 p.m. on tho 15th. and after coaling and_.lu.vlng given the passengers an opportunity of seeing tbe town Of Santa Cruz, the voyage waa resumed at midnight on the same date. Cape Verde was passed at 1.45 p.m. on the 19th, and light winds were experienced to the equator, which was crossed on the 220 d lost., in Longitude It'll W. After crossing tho line had a succession of moderate _.K. winds until the 30th, whea a gale sprang up. lasting until arrival at Capetown, which place was reached at 12 50 p.m. oa the 23rd November. On the 25th October, through bo-uh unknown cause, one blade of th. propeller was lost, tnd on arrival at Cepetown it was deoided to put the vessel Into graving dookaridreplace the mlßßlng blade. The steamer went inte dock en tie morning of tho 4th, and was out again the fol lowing morning, having had the repaira eii-oted. Tho whole of the repairs were done by the ship's own engl-eers. under the superin tendence of Mr Morrison, chief engineer.

Passengers. The following is a complete list of the Auok' land passengers:-First saloon: Messrs J. D" Williamson, F. C. A. L. Pophara, Charles T" Perkin. Second saloon: Messrs F. Bishop, W H. Closson, J. H. Joughln, F. Jones, O. Rogers' Mlsa Blshojp, Mr and Mrs Bigg, Mr and Mrs G' J. Jackson.' Steerage: J. Clough, A. Smith, T' J. and Mrs Jordan, T. MoManua, A. CustonB1 "W. J. Kemplay, J. H. Hoskings and family (4)' F. Hubble, D. Elßton, C. Boultbee. A. Kalsbert and family (I), J. Gordon Jones and family (8), Thomas Collins, A. F. L.ngford and family (3), W. Wainhouse, P. May, Wm. Stewart, J. O'Halloran, J. Laroon. Thomas Dunham, p Sadell, E. W. Dormor, J. Richards. W. T. Ltli- A. W. Anssomb, Charles Gibson, Thomas Hfll James F. Burns, Edward and George Martin' Charles Frlcker and family (1), Mlsb Fanny Marshall, G. Nye. Mr and Mrs Fouldß. R ff Lolller. J. C. Christie, MoGortle, George Hunter.

The Coptio commenoed discharging shorty after arrival under tho dirootion of Captain J. McKenzie, stevedore. In addition t. Auckland consignments several lota of cargo for tranship ment to Southern ports will be put out here. The steerage passengers for Southern ports will bo taken on by the as. Manapouri, to morrow and the saloon passengers for South will proceed thenco with the Coptic. The steamer will be removed to the Railway Wharf when tho Auckland cargo is discharged to load 3.000 carcases frozen mutton for Lon don, after which she will proceed to Wellington.

THE MANAPOURI.

6^ Mp^_S5p2,ri.Lcl'. Bydner8 ydner °n th ol _at » P.m. Passed North Cape at 7 p.m. on Ist,

Tlritlri at 8.30 a.m. on 2nd, and roaohed tho wharf nt 10 a,m. to-day. Had fresh variable wlndß with line weather during the first two days, and during tho remainder of the passage light winds and thick hazy weather. Passengers: —Saloon: Mesdamea Wood, J. Crollin, Kegg, Yager. Littlo ttfcd servant, Tait, Miller, Judd, Hunger ford, Sheath, Hargreaveß, Baker. Sinclair, Murohle, Yates, Mlsbsb Leigh, Mettleton. Hill, Dawson, Molnnes, Judd, Moffat., Alport, Murchio (2), Grier, Yates (3), Groundwater, Revs. Father O'Noill and Father Hegarty, Dr. Huxtable, Messrs Nettleton. Hill, King. Yager, Kay, Little, Gollop, Harris, Winning, Campbell, Matthews, Miller, Judd. Hungorford, Macauley, Donne, Watson. Sinclair. Frlngham, Murchio, Masters Taylor, Kay. Little, and 38 steerage; also, 23 passengers for Southern ports. We are Indobted to Mr Chaa. H. Hudson for press parcels, reports. Sec.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

DEPARTURES. Galrlooh, 5.9„ MoArthur, for Waitara Hawea, s.s-, Hansby, for tlie South Hannah Mokau. s s., Windsor, for Hoktanga Oretl, 5.8., Kobertson, for New Plymouth

The Northern Co.'s s.s. Galrlooh left for Waitara yesterday aftornoou, with cargo, and Messrs Battley, Grey, Pearce, and Greenwood aa passengers.

The 8.8. Oretl loft for Now Plymouth yester day, with 140 mats BUgar, 40 bdls hoopiron. 2 casks and 47 pkgs, and Messrs Denby, Clowes, and Harrop as passengers.

The s.s. Hannah Mokau left for Hoklangi this evening, with a full general cargo.

The as. Oretl left New Plymouth Breakwater at 3p m. She wiU arrive at 3 a.m. tomorrow morning, with a cargo of stock, and leave again same day for Wanganui via New Plymouth.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Nkw Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Hawea, from Onehunga, 2 a.m.; Oretl, from Onehunga, 9.50 a.m.

Waitara, this day.—Arrived: Gairloch, from Onehunga, 6.20 a.m.

WnANQABKi, this day.—Arrived: Maogregor, f __m Auckland, 5 a.m.

Gisboricb, this day.—Sailed: Southern Cross, for Auckland, 6.20 a.m.

Gbeymouth, Decembor 1.-Sailed: Herald, for Manukau. 5 p.m.

Melbourne, this day.—Arrived, this morn ing : Ringarooma, from Bluff.

Lyttelton. Docombor I.—Arrived : Thurso, from MaurlUua.

Albany, December I.—Arrived : P. and O. s.s. Carthago, with London malla to October 30.

Melbourne December l.—Sailed : Walhora, for Bluff.

Sydney, December 1.-Sallod: Wakatlpu.for Wellington ; Australia, for San Frano'BOO, via Auckland, with Bpoelo valued at £227,000.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Offlce, this day. Messls B. Tonics and Co. held a sale of choice oil paintings and photographs at their mart to. day. The pictures were carefully collected by a gentleman during his travels In the United States and on the Continent. Tho lake scenes in Now York, Now Jersey, Long Island, &0.. sold from 17s to 36b; Sleepy Hollow, described by Washington Irving, sold for 495, " Scones iv California" brought from 32a to 42a Od. A pair of handsome framed paint ings from nature near tho Hudson realised £8 Ba. A view by the Thama, in Surrey, by Cannon, sold for 35s A coast scene on the Maine brought 553, "Evo_i-gont_eßhono"so-. Tho "Winter Soenes" brought good pricosincomparison with tl)o genoral biddings. Tho artists, however, wero mostly amateurs, apparently, and Eftrugglers for fame The photographs sold at from 32a to 42s each. A largo fruit salo will be held to morrow. Mobbts Cochrane and Son held a Bale of of allotments situated near the Bugar Works to day. The attendance was smoll, ond only Aye allotments were sold out of -5, bringing from 17s to 20s por foot.

Marriages.

GRIFFITHS-GRAY.—On November 5. at tho roaldonce of the bride's mother, by the Roy. R. F. Macnlool, Charles F. Grilllths, solicitor, to Annie Jane, youngest daughtor of tho lato James Gray. Eaq. JOHNSON-SCHOFIKLD.-Qn November2s, at the residence of the bride's lather, Onehunga. by Rev. J. Bruce, Honry, third son of Joseph Johnson, Esq., engineer, Staffordshire, England, to Fanny Harriet Emily, eldest daughter of Robert SchoQeld, Gordon House, Onehunga. PROCTOR-PMITH.-On November 14. at the residence of the bride's father. Lincoln-stroet, Ponsonby, by the Rev. A. J. Smith, John William, eldest son of William Proctor, to Sarah, youngest daughter of Samuel Smithl; both of Auckland.

Deaths.

WRIGHT.-On Novembor 6. at Felldlng, Manft watu, Edward Honry Wright, C.E., formerly of Royal Engineers.—Kilkenny papers please copy.

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

For the cause that lacks as-ist-ncr, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do,

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1885.

Those persons who have actively in terested themselves in the administra tion of the education system have for some time past believed that tha ques tion of the relative duties of the Boards of Education and the School Com mittees in the appointment of teachers had been fought out and finally settled. The practice of leaving the selection in the hands of the committees, with the right of veto by the Board when there are tangible grounds of objection, now obtains throughout the colony, and it does so with the approval, if not by the special direction, of the Minister of Education. The failure of the Newton West Committee to appoint a candi date favoured by the Board, or the Board's officials, has produced a singular article in our morning con temporary, advocating a return to the old practice, which for so many years kept the Board, the teachers, and the School Committees at loggerheads. There is no chance of this retrograde step receiving countenance from the present Minister of Education; and the spirit of the Act clearly contem plates the mode of appointment now universally adopted. Among the grounds urged by our contemporary for making a change, the only one possessing any real force is the con tention that the teachers employed by the Board have not under the pre sent system any fair prospect of pro motion by merit and length of service. We confess that this is a defect in the system of appointment which we should like to see remedied. Many capable and worthy teachers may be kept buried for many years in obscure country districts because their merits are unknown, and the very fact of hold ing a mastership in a small school will continue to tell against them in com peting for city appointments. Still we doubt whether their position would be greatly improved by taking the power of making appointments from the Com mittees and giving it to the Board. With the Committees all the candi dates have at least a fair field. The parents represented by the local com mittee have a strong personal interest in securing the best of the available candidates, and we may take it for granted that, as far as the Committee's judgment goes, the best man is chosen in nine cases out of ten. In appoint ments by the Board of Education, how ever, there would be no such guarantee against favouritism. The selection of teachers, although nominally made by the Board, would really be worked by the Board's officials; and it is claim ing too much for the self-repression of those gentlemen to assert that appoint ments would be uninfluenced by favour itism. If a change is to be made at all,it must take the form of making promotion turn upon examination and seniority, neither leaving it to the whim of officialism nor the inadequate know ledge of the committees. The case of Newton West School, cited by our con temporary, is an example of the im partial action of the local committee in choosing the best man, despite power ful influences exerted in the interests of another candidate. The master chosen is one of the most capable in the educational district; and that he has re«eived the appointment affords an admirable illustration of the efficiency with which the local committees do their work. Our contemporaty may depend upon it, however, that the Board of Education dare not take any retrograde step in this matter, however anxious members or officials may be to clutch at patronage. The position of a teacher thrust into a school against the wish of the local committee would be unendurable,and all the Boards that have attempted such an infringement of the rights of the committees here and in the South have invariably been worsted in the conflict which fol owed.

Kissing Goes by Favour.

New Zealand rejoices in the possession of a vory stringent Disqualification Act, and boasts of its political purity. But thero are many ways of helping a political friend besides putting him into a Govornmont billet, and no one is more thoroughly versed in thoso manceuvroß than tho Colonial Treasurer. Thero aro pickings in the way of commissions, nppointmentsfor frionds and relatives, and special facilities in obtaining concessions which would never bo yielded without influence. One of tho neatest exercises of Ministerial influence is dis closed in the recent sale of the Kotorua Railway Company's debentures. Soon after tbe close of last session, Major Steward, a Government supporter, came to Auckland, and while here opened up nego tiations with the Kotorua Railway Company for the sale of their debentures. The Com pany were only too anxious to sell, and willing enough to pay tho usual commis sion. The sale was negotiated at £93 per £100 debentures, the purchaser being, as it turned out, the Government Life Assurance Board, of which Sir Julius Vogel is Chair man. The commission paid on the sale is, we believe, something like £1,500, a nice little sum very easily earned. As far as the Insurance Board is concerned, the purchase seems te be a good enough i one, because, although the interest is only four per cent., the debentures, which rank with ordinary Government stock, will pro bably sell at £98, or posßibly at partwo years hence, when the Association is permitted to place them on the London market. The Treasurer will also argue that tho negotia tion was a very delicate one, and that Major Steward accomplished it with such skill as to avail himself to the fullest extent of the necessities of the Company in order to drive a good bargain for the Association. He will further maintain that, no matter who was employed by the Company as financial agent, the commission would have to be paid. Granting these premises, tho tran saction is none the less one of those which shows the inefficiency of the Disqualifica tion Act to prevent any Minister who wants to place a plum in the way of a favourite supporter from accomplishing his purpose.

There has been a fair demand for Cambria shares, and sales reported at 26s to 275. Saxon are still well thought of, and good accounts continue to be received from the mine. Our local stocks are dull of sale. Colonial Banks, few sellers 445; Land Mortgage, sellers 245, with buyers at low prices; Loan and Mercantile, sellers £5.

In our shipping column will bo found Particulars of tho Coptic's voyago from ondon, which has boon an uiioventful ono. Aftor tho (.optic visited this port iv April last, it will be remembered that sho left Wellington on May 24th as a war cruiser under sealed orders. She proceeded to Coquimbo, and joined the fleet undor tho ponnnnt of Admiral Baird. The passage to Coquimbo occupied 21 days, ond it was a very stormy ono. She re mained there for about two months, and left for London on ths 19th August. On arrival there she was once moro placed on the direct steam service of the S.S. and A. Company. The Coptic was never armed, although preparations wero made so that she could bo htted out at very short notice, H.M.S. Swiftsure having on board for hor guns and other armamont, which for tunately were never required.

The Manapouri brought from Sydnoy 5 boxes gold, valued at £25,000, for tlio Batik of Now Zealand.

A cablogram forwarded from Sydnoy to the oll'oct that tho s.s. Australia sailed thonco yostorday for San Francisco via Auckland is ovidontly orroucous, tho stoamer boing advertised to go from Syd ney to Francisco direct, Tho Auckland agents have no information of her having left for Auckland.

Tho Harbour Board dispenses with tho services of its wharfinger, ono pilot, and ono wharf boatman at tho ond of tlio proaont month, and tho deputy harbour-master becomes wharfinger as well.

The signatures received by Messrs Primo and Mahon in favour of tho abolition of " Christmas boxes" by grocers is ex clusive of thoso who signed at the mooting. About 100 grocers in all havo agreed to dis continue the practice.

Speaking at the meeting of the Presbytery yesterday on the futuro prospect of tho Avondalo Church, tho Roy. Mr Mncnicol said that prospecting for gold was now being carried on in tho Waitakerei district, and perhaps thoy might yet have a flourishing goldfiold and township in that neighbour hood.

Sydney advices state that, owing to tho numbor of leaks discovered in tho pipes, tlio temporary water supply schema romains un completed, but repairs are boing effected as rapidly as possible In tho meantime, no rain has fallen, and tho wator in Botany dams is getting very low indeed. Somo parts of tho country aro in a wretched con dition, owing to tho absonco of lain, and cattle aro dying in all directions for want of feed.

"A Waikato Farmer" now in town writes to contradict the statement pub lished in our yesterday's issuo to tho effect that tho Waikato was suffering from want of rain. Ho alleges that thoro has not yet boon more than a week's dry weather, and more sun would bo welcome

In our roport of tho ca.o Hoffmann v. Pitts, claim £35 for a piano won by Mr Pitts ot a raflle, but on which it afterwards appeared Mr Hoffmann had a lien, a remark mado by Mr Button that Mr Pitts had filed his defence has, wo are informed, boen misread by somo pooplo as filing in bankruptcy. This is, of courso, a pure error. Mr Pitts, who is a well known buildor and property-owner, has not nor does he meditate any act of insolvency. The question raised in tho action was ono which rightly lay against tho former owner of the piano, and not against Mr Pitts, who became secondarily responsible by holding the winning ticket. The promoters of tho art union have sinco sottlod up with Mr Hoffmann, ond tho case is thus closed.

Tho Town Clerk is in receipt of the Patent and Copyright Acts of Sydnoy, Molbourno, and Adelaide, and has for warded them to tho librarian at tho Froo Library, whoro thoy can at any timo be inspected.

Constable Scott arrived from To Kopuru today with,a man named John Larking, alios Hutton, whom he had arrested on warrant, charging him with using obscene language and resisting tho police, at Kawa kawa, on November 14th.

The Auckland Industrial and Provident Pormanont Building, Land, and Investment Socioty is in a flourishing condition, judging by the statistics quoted by tho Prosidont at tho annual meeting last evoning. Although comparatively a young socioty it stands tith on tho list amongat 43 kindred societies in the colony, both in numbor of mombors and in regard to income and Bocuritics. As will be seen by the report in nnothor column, a dividend of 8 por cont has boon doclared, and in addition to that a bonus of 3 por cont. has been granted.

Tho usual sorvico in connoction with tho Gospol Temperanco Mission was woll attendod last Sunday evoning. Addrosses wore given by MrR. French, who prosidod, ond Mr J. Marshall, son. Tho mooting was hold in the Protestant Hall, Karanga hape Road.

A serious accident occurred to tho chiof ollicor of the Coromandel (Mr Honderson) late yostorday afternoon. He wns on tho 'tween docks, when ho missed his footing and foil down tbo hold. It was evident that ho had beon badly hurt, and ho waa sent immediately to tho Hospital, whoro it it waa found that throe of hia ribs wero broken.

The many friends of Mr Frank Gorald, tho woll-known actor of Mr Boucicault's Company, nnd formerly a local resident, havo resolvod to tonderhimacomplimontary bene fit in recognition of tho rapid advance ho is making in the histrionic protcssion. It has beon determined that tho bonofit perform ance shall take placo in tho Opera House on Wednesday ovoning, and " Tho Octoroon " is to form tho piece, dc miitance. Wo hopo Mr Gerald's many frionds will rally round him on this occasion.

In tho case Hoffmann v. Pitts, eh, im £35, for a piano, particulars of which have already appeared, His Honor Judge Smith gave judgmont for plaintiff, £20 without costs. Mr Button appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Cotter for defendant. This ense should act as a caution to persons solicited to purchase tickets in a pianoforte rattle in future, nnd cause thorn to ask the question, Who owns tho instrument?

Mr George Clutsam's first pianoforte recital in Auckland will bo given in Hoff mann's WarohoußO.Queon-street, on Thurs day evoning, the 10th instant, and from tho brilliancy of the pianist's talents, no loss than tho allurements of a vory attractive programme, we predict a crowded house. Mr Clutsam will porform ono of Beethoven's unrivalled sonatas, tho celebrated March from " Tannhauser " (arranged by Liszt), a polonaise by Chopin, and morceavx by Jonson and himself. In addition Mr J. K. Radcliff (tho accomplished flautist) will play a flute solo composed by Mr Clutsam, while a song composed by him will be sung by Mr Joseph Hanna. Other songs will bo contributed by Messrs J. Edwards and Hanna. Messrs Homus, Edger, ancl Clut sam will porform a trio by Gado, and Messrs C. and J. Hemus, Edger, nnd Clough will give ono of Haydn's string quartettes.

The first rehearsal of tho " Mossiah " by tho Choral Socioty this season took placo last night in tho Choral Hall. Thore was a vory large muster of chorus and orchestra, and tho rohoarsal waß a great success. Tho concert this year should bo the boat ovor given by tho Society. Horr Schmitt, as usual, conducted last night with h's usual ability.

Tho salo of Mr Couplond's property at tho junction of Hamilton Road and Sarsfiold atreet on Tuesday noxt offers a splendid chanco for investment. It occupies a position which ensures its steady increase in value. Moro than this, its recommendations as a sito for villa residences can hardly be oxcellod. It is _ within 50yds. of the water side, and it commands a beautiful prospect, while the grounds themselves are in the highest state of cultivation, and ore luxuriant with flowors nnd fruit trees of all descriptions. From the particu lars given in the advortisment else where it will be seen that the property is to bo offered in three lots, the first of which contains the residence, with its verandah on three sides, and green house. Then there is an unrivalled corner allotment, with a frontage of 135 feet to Hamilton Road by 74J feet to Sarsfield streot. The third allotment fronts Sars field-street. Such a property is rarely brought into the market.

The Calliope Dock Consulting Engineer (Mr Weir) reported yesterday to the Har bour Board upon the material now landed at Calliope Dock for building purposes. As to what material, if any, had been condemned up to the present time, he stated that, with exception of bricks and sand, all the mate rial now on the ground is of good quality,' " The bricks are specified to be sound, hard, and well-burnt, and in every way equal to sample in Engineer's office, bat of those now being used only a few can be said to be up to standard. The sand contains too much shell, and is not sharp, cool, and free from impurities, as specified. I had no means of testing the concrete, as there were no briquettes ready, but was told by the Engineer that the samples which he had tested were fully up to the specified strength. The material which has been condemned up to the present time is the first cutter-load of bricks brought on to the works, and thoy have now been removed." The report was referred to the Dock Engineer and the Inspector to report on,

Profossor Tucker, accompanied by his wifo and two childron, loaves this afternoon por Rotomahana ,_fnr Sydney c» route to Melbourne whero lie enters upon his University work.

At tho meeting of tho Harbour Board yesterday afternoon tho consideration of the Frozen Moat Go's application to sublot part of its property was doferrod for a week, Tho othor recommendations of both Works and Tariff Committeo and Financo and Legal Committee wero adopted.

Lady Whitmore was a passenger by the s.B. Coptic, which arrived last evening. By tho same vessel Mr Nelson, the London represontativo of Nelson Bros.' Freezing Company, of Napier, was also a passenger.

Yesterday afternoon tho Presbytery sat for the first time in St. Jumes's Church, Wellington-street. The reason for the change was the incenvonienco attending tlio mooting at St. Andrew's Church. Tho experiment yostorday could scarcoly bo considorod a success, as the attendance was not an largo as usual, and tho noiso causod by tlio traffic continually passing to and fro wns sufficient at timoa to almost drown tho voices of tho speakers. Added to this, a deputation attondod from tlio congrega tion of St. Androw's Churoh praying that tlio session might still continuo to bo hold as herotoforo in that building. After con siderable discussion the question was de ferred until the noxt sitting of the Presby tery.

The Harbour Board Engineer's report, re proposod timber wharf oil Customs-street West, has beon referred to tlio Works and Tariff's Committeo, while P. H. Mason's ap plication to build a boat-shod noar the Devonport Wharf has beon refused.

The Clansman's excursion to Waiworo to day was not a success, tho numbor of pas sengors boing about half-a-dozen.

The ordinary meeting of tho City Schools Committee was held last evening. Present: Messrs Gorrio (Chairman), Billington, Carr, Crowther, Hannnn, McMastor, and Shalders ; also Messrs Harrison, Hart, and Worthington, Head-masters of thoir respec tive schools, who attended to confor with the Committeo upon the question of tonch ing tho wholo of tho sixth standard scholars in a separate school. A lengthened discuß sion followed, and sovoral opinions wero oxprosscd. Finally, it was agrood to dofor further consideration boforo coming to a docision. Tho letter from tho Board of Education respecting tho stopping of absent touchers' salaries was discussed. The letter waa re ceived ; tho Board to bo informod that tho Committoo adhorod to thoir former roßolu tion, as, in tho opinion of tho Committeo, it was a right one. The resignation of Mr Dickenson, assistant-master of Wollosley streot School was received, he having boen appointed to thohoad-mnstership of Nowton West. Tho Committeo npprovod of tho re commendation of tho Board re Mr A. VV. Ilrtico to Wellesloy street School. A sub committee was appointed with tho viow of raising funds towards two largo class-roomß in Wollosloy-stroot (cost £100), os tho funds ol tho Board do not admit of such a largo outlay. Permission wns granted to übo tho Beresford-stroot School for an entertain ment to bo hold in aid of the school sports on Doccmbor sth In answer to Mr Harri son, it wns agreed that repairs bo dono at Berosford street School, as tho work was urgont.

Timaru Harbour Board yostorday ro solvod that tho £100,000 loan bo floated in London, through tho Bank of Now Zonland, at a minimum of £92, intorost at 4 por cont. for -0 years.

Mr Coo. Aldridgo will dolivor n looture tomorrow (Thursday) ovenlng in tho Tompor anco Hall, on tho "Great Chronological Pro phooy." Illustrated by a lart;o chart, oxo. specially prepared for tho locturo. The chair will hi taken at half-past seven o'olock, by the Rev. T. Ilatner.

Tho wholo balanco of Mr I. Aloxandor's superior atock of jowellory, watohes, OtO„ 1b 10 be sold by public auction at tbo Bhop, -juoon s.roct. by It. Arthur tomorrow, at 11 o'clock. Tho rooob are really of v chaste and valuablo oharactor. This. Ih a chance, not always hail, to Bocurc jowellery and watches at auction prices, as they muut bo sold without reserve.

Arrival of the Arawata From Fiji.

[nV TKLKOUAI "II OWN CORRESPOND-... T.]

Russell this day. Arrived : Arawata: 12.80. Sho loft Levuka at 1015 on thn '27th arrived at Suva at I p.m. Loft 5.30 on tlie same day for Auckland. Had modorato south-oast winds to sea till Ist inst. Thence till arrival south and south-weet winds, lino weathor. Passengers i Mrs Webb and family. Messrs Wren, Stayloy, Itiddlo, and Forbes. For Auckland: Mrs tlaynes. Miss C-lnouK-. Captain Olive, Mei-rs Ford, Jnrvis. Magnor, Kastgate. l'at, Hondcreon, Hurt and Scott. For Wellington: Mr Eaves. Fur Dunedin: Mrs Morris and family, Mr Stevens. For Melbourne: Mr Jtittenburg Sho ooals to-day and tranships tho 3ydr,oy cargo to the Kotomalmna, loavlng for Auckland to morrow.

TELEGRAMS.

Blenheim, this day.—Tho District Board declino to contribute towards building tho hospital in course of oroction, to which tho Govornmont contributes two thirds, aa tho site is not that which tho termor Hospital Committeo agreed to purchase

A meeting of burgossos haß declined to sanction the loan.of £3,000 for local im provements A poll will bo taken, Blen heim nover had a loan, but the borough overdraft exceeds legal limits.

Napier, this day.—Tho four Maoris of Wairoa who wero suffering from tho effect of eating bread in which strychnine had beon put in mistake for soda havo re covered. At the inquest hold on the body of tho fifth native, a verdict of " Death from accidental poisoning " was returned.

Up to tho present timo, only twenty shoep-formors havo subscribed to tho Aus tralasian Wool-growors Association.

Christohorch, this day.—Some shop koopora hero have commenced a movement against tho Thursday half-holiday. A document in favour of keeping open on that day has been circulated and signed by several.

Sarah Hnzolhurst, a woman of bad re pute, was committed for trial yesterday for stealing £8 from a Hindoo who visited hor houoo.

Dunkdin this day.—At the inquost on Simon Hodge, it was proved that ho had beon Buflbring Irom congostion of tho brain, and a verdict, of temporary insanity was re turned.

Judge Williams has decided tho whole of the Corporation leases are void. As tho decision affects a considerable amount of property, a Validation Act must bo paseod. Fearson's Oplio (?) Hotol was burned down yestorday.

NEW GUINEA EXPLORATION.

Aohiovomonts of tho Lnto Expedition.

From Australian papers to hand to-day wo glean the following particulars :-Tho party asconded n previously unexplored branch of tlio Fly river from its junction about forty miles abovo Ellangowan Island. This branch of tho river, which was named the Strickland, was about tho Biuno size as tho Fly rivor, and was followed up to tho vicinity of the British bound ary, in latitude sdcg. 20min. and longltudo ll'.dog. lOmin. Tho liighOßt summit reached was 750 foot abovo the levol of the Strickland river, which nt tho placo reforrcd to was pro bably 300 fool above tho level of tho sea. Tlio northern coast range was sighted. No such range as that known in some of the missionary maps as the Sir Arthur Gordon range was scon on this routo of tho Strickland. Tho party ascended in a whaloboat for eighty miles, where they loft tho Bonito, and at the farthest point reached the stream was exceedingly rapid, rush ing through breaches and rocks. The natives of the country through which tho oxpedition passed wero described as a fine, comely, clear skinned, light-coloured race, very numorous, but exceedingly shy and hostile. It was found impossiblo to havo any friendly communications with thorn. It was also found impossible to push into tho country any distance from tho river. Tho jungle was so denso that ovory foot of the road had to be out, and in no place did the party succeed in cutting a track more than livo or six miles from the placo of operations. The Malaya proved to be vory useful in dragging tlie whaleboat up tho diftlcult rapids of the Upper Strickland.

Origin of tbe Report of Massaore. Tho Cooktown special correspondent of the TOionsville Bulletin telegraphed to that paper that tho report of the massacre originated as fol lows :—When 300 miles up the Fly River the expedition wa3 attacked by a largo party of natives, who showered spears and arrows on tho Bonito. Two Bampton Islanders who wOre on board became panic-stricken; and, watching an opportunity, they got into a canoo, eil'octed their oscapo.and, hearing tho Ilring aftor leaving, thoy, on their arrival at tho mission station, reported that the whole party had boen massacred. The Cooktown correspondent of tho Sydney News wired:—On the arrival of the steamer Alexandra about 1 o'clock on Monday, with tlio Bonito in tow, Captain Evorill and several mem bers of the expedition dined with Mr John Doug las, who gavo them a cordial reception. The membors of the party were very reticent; but from what was gleaned from, them it would appear that tho origin of the reported massacre was an attack made by the natives when the expedition entered tho Fly River, whon two natives who accompanied the expedition wero so torrified that they left in a canoe, and reported at Bampton Island that the whole party wore massacred, having been overwhelmed by the natives armed with arrows and spears. One of tho members of the pariy returned in tho lugger from Thursday Island to stop the ketch Wild Duck which had started on a search.expedition.

HARD TIMES.

Another Mooting of tho Unemployed.

In response to an advertisement in our last issuo, another meeting of unemployed was hold on the reclaim edground near the Harbour Board offices this forenoon. The Committee appointed yesterday to draw up a petition representing the bad state of trade to the Govornmont were present, and they had evidently arranged a praotioal method of proceduro. Thoy, however, allowed tho irrepressible William George to mount the rostrum, which consisted of Mr Goldie's timber stack, and he talked and go-ticulated as usual for nearly an hour in an apparently endless tirade against the Govornmont and the wealthy classes. The audience includod about three hundred persons, amongst whom it was ap parent thore - oro many dosorving persons, and many of tho loafing and larrikin class. Perhaps a fair estimate would give about 150 mon who mo known as real working mon out of employment. Thoso lattor fre quently expressed thoir disapprobation of tho courso pursued by thoir solf-appointed champion, and numerous delicate hints that ho should retire wero unnoticed. This ended in the Committee, who aro a very res pectable lot of mon, being induced to mount the elovation upon which Garrard stood, and giving him to understand that ho must permit others to speak. Mr J. Connell then camo forward, and made somo very sensible observations. Ho said that it was not necessary for them to slate tho rich man and go on with a lot of unnecessary talk to obtain work. He had noticed with regret that a greet many men had gone away disgusted because of this (referring to Garrard . tirade), and it was not fair that ono man should monopoliso the talking. Thoso who roally wanted employment Bliould speak, and speak to the point. He proposod that two petitions should be pre pared and signed by all of tho unemployed — ono for presentation to the Now Zealand Go vornmont, and failing their taking immodiate action, a second to bo forwarded to tho Now South Wales Government. This was enrriod on a show of hands. Ho then pro posod that further proceedings bo carried forward in a practical manner, that a hall bo rented and a mooting held, so that the subject could bo fully ventilated. This proposal was also carriod,. and Messrs Ran derson and Motion also mado a few obser vations, asserting that thore was plenty of work in Dunedin and Christchurch, and that it was their own fault if they did not securo work hero also. This, however, thoy wore certain could not be secured by vililfying tho rich. Tho Committee pro posed to hold a meeting in a hall, and tboy intended to exclude any person whom they considered unfit to speak. (A voice: " That's for you, Garrard.") This brought William Goorgo upon his feet again. Ho said ho couldn't help slating tho wealthy classes ;it was his nature so to do. But he know tho Committeo woro good, honost men, and ho was proud to have thorn around him. Ho then made several motions, which had previously been carried, much to the amusement of some and tho disgust of others, and ondod by proposing a procession to tha Coptic, and thenco to the Grey-street firobell. Ho started oil' himsolf, and about a hundred of tho crowd fell in, tho greater part being boys, hcadod by two largo placards bearing tho word " Unomployod." Tho more sonsiblo portion remained behind, and quietly talked ovor thoir troubles. Along side of tlio Coptic, William George ascended a collection of packing cases, and launched out into abuso of the Govern ment in sending out new chums to take the broad out of tho mouths of those who wore alroady starving hero. It happened, how ovor, that thore woro not a dozen porsons on tho Coptic's docks to hoar him, if we except several officers. Subsequently tho crowd marchod up Queon-Btroot, and somothing similar was rcpoatod ot tho fireboll. Any ono who saw the assemblage in front of the Harbour Board Offices (not tho procession) cannot but rocognlso that there were thore many mon who really wanted work in order to provide for themselves and families. Thoy havo a good Committee, and tho one thing to bo regretted is that, so far, thoir proceedings havo boen burlesqued by tho ludicrous behaviour of Garrard, who certainly provides amusement, but carries no weight. A mooting, to bo hold in ono of tho public halls, will bo convened through " advortisoment in tho Stah.

FATAL GUN ACCIDENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH—FRISS ASSOCIATION.]

CiißiSTciiOßcii, this day. Georoe Cuatiiv, agod 24, was accidentally killed whilo shooting at Lebon's Boy. He was crawling round a log dragging hia gun aftor him, whon it wont off, the charge en tering his hoad.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

(liy TELEOBAI'H.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Chkl-Tchurch, this day. Tin: granary, with chaff-cutting plant and 1,(500 bushols of wheat, belonging to R. Daly, Swannanoa, havo boen destroyed by firo. Tho cause is not known, The insur ance is £300 in the Now Zealand Office.

SPORTING NEWS.

The s s. Manapouri, which arrived to day from Sydney, brought over tho steeple chaser Granville, who is engaged in the Auckland Stooplechaso. Provious to tho horso being taken out to the Three Kings, where ho is to be in charge of J. Kae, ho was interviewed by a large number of sports.

Settling on tho Takapuna Spring Meet ing takes placo at the Secretary's office on Friday night at 8 o'clock. Bayard has boon scratched for tho Auck land Cup.

Tho nominations for tho Suburban Plato, Hurdlo l.aco, and Steeplechase, run at the Otahuhu Spring Meeting, close on Friday next, instead of to-day, an error having occurrod in tho advertisement.

TABLE TALK.

G. A. Sala has gono. So has our " hlchod Professor." That's right: Goorgo loves his " tucker." Tho "Colloon Bawn" is drawing largo houses.

Admiral Tryon is coming ; so is Christ mas.

Typhoid fevor in Liverpool street, Caledonian Sports at Auckland on New Year's Day.

Hon. Mr Tole visits tho South Island next wook.

Rndcliff and .Rita intend visiting tho Thames shortly. Mr Boucicault loaves by the steamor Mararoa on Tuesday noxt. Sir Julius Vogel is oxpoctod in Welling ton noxt weok.

Lots of big steamers in Auckland har bour during tho next few days. Tho Coptic will bo followed by the Ruo pohu from London, and the Australia and Mararoa from San Francisco.

Prof. Block has a work in tbe press des cribing tests for metals and minora, sub stances.

Additions costing £1,000 havo just been made to Auckland City Abbatoirs. Two men wero lately struck dead by lightning in Victoria while taking shelter under a tree,

Property tax up to date has been paid by 8000 persons, to the value of £70,000. The 10th inst is last date without penalty. Mr Maguire'b house at Tuakau has been burned down. Insurance £200 in Union Office.

There are 336 lunatics and 135 criminals in Auckland institutions nt present. Dion Boucicault was a famous dramatist 44 years ago ; he is now 63 years of age. Now Zealand Telegraph Department offer valuable prizes for most intelligent and rapid operators.

Five applications for extension of hours were made by Dunedin publicans yesterday, but all were refused, though in some cases backed by influential petitions. Fresh water baths in Cook-street, near City Market, will be opened before Christ mas. As a variation upon " a dip in the briny " they will be in great request. Napier Corporation by law against the Salvation Army is ignored by the Sal vationists, ond prosecutions will take place at once.

Hoani Wetere Te Huki, from Kawhia, is at Whatiwhatihoe on a mission to establish a new religion called the Wai Wera Wera. Hot water is the principal feature. All are to go to Hoani and get well scrubbed with hot water. Tbat and his incantations will cure all their ailments.

At Invercargill yesterday the new Hospital Board resolved to levy contribu tions from looal bodies at the rate of a half penny in the pound.

CABLEGRAMS.

(REUTERS TELEGRAM.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.— COPYRIGHT.]

Soudon Rebels StiU Active,

Cairo, November 30.-The rebel Arabß are again advancing, and several sharp skirmishes have taken place between them and the British troops.

Narrow Esoapo fr, m Shipwreck.

London, December 1.-The Orient (,om nany's steamer John Elder had a miraculous escape from running on to tho rocks at Ushant, a small island on the French coast, during a heavy fog on Sunday laet. The John Elder was homeward bound.

Imperial Decorations.

The Marquis of Abergavenny has been in vested with tne Ordor of tho Garter, and Sir Julian Tauncofort has boon nroatod a Knight of the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George.

Rowing Challenge by Hanlan,

Hanlan has issued a challongo to row any man in tho world, tho match to como oil m America noxt summor. ._,,._.. Sir JohnGorrio has boon appointed Ohio! Justice of Trinidad.

Koooptlon of the New Governor.

Sydney, this day.—Tho official reception of Lord Carrington, tho Governor-elect, takes placo on Saturdry week, December 12th.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne Markot Report,

Melbourne, this day.—Tho manager of the National Mortgage Agoncy Company (Limited) reports of tho local grain market as follows : —Wheat, shipping, 3s lid to 4s ; fair demand. Barley, malting, 3s 6d to 4s ; dull. Now Zealand oats, feed, 2s 9d to 2s lid ;no improvement. New Zoaland do. milling, 2s lid to 3s; moderate inquiry. Now Zealand do. under bond, 21 Id to 2s Od.

Interest on Deposits.

Interest on Deposits.

London, November 19.—Tho Australian oanks havo refused to deduct the income tax from tho intorost accruing on doposits lodged with them by colonists in England.

The Beet Crop,

London, November 24.—Tho visiblo stocks of beet sugar, including floating cargoes for Europe ond America, are about 92,000 tonß in excess of thoso nt tho same time In 1884.

Tho Tonquin War

London, November 25.—Tho Blag Flags have recaptured tho stronghold of Langson, In Tonquin, which was lately hold by tho French forces undor Gonoral Nogrior.

Tho Inventions Exhibition.

London, Novembor 25.—1t is roportod that the organisers of the rocont Inventions Exhibition held in London lost about £16,000.

THE ENGLISH ELECTIONS.

LIBERAL MAJORITY,

(by cable.—copyright.)

London, Docembor 1. f. Sir RicnARD Cross has boon roturnod for Lancashire. So far 180 Conservatives havo boon elected ; 182 Liberals, and 29 Parnell ites. Mr John Cowon and Mr John Morley havo boon oloctod, nnd Mr Wharton has

boon rojoctod

BULGARIA AND SERVIA.

PRINCE ALEXANDER'S DEMANDS,

The Sultan Pardons the Koumollnn

Rebels.

(BY CABLE—OOPYBIIGIIT.)

Vienna, Decomber 1. It is considered doubtful whether an armis tice between Bulgaria and Servia will take placo. Princo Aloxandor demands not only an indemnity, but tho Bulgarian occupa tion of Pirot and Zatchar as a guarantee of its duo payment.

Constantinople, December 1. Hia Imperial Majesty tho Sultan has proclaimed an amnesty to txti his Koumelian subjects who took part in the late Bul garian revolution. The co-foronce on the Koumelian question has adjjoumed without arriving at any decision.

The Expedition to Burmah.

Submission of a Burmese Garrison,

[REUTERS CABLEGRAM.]

(Received Docombor 2—1.30 p.m.) Calcottj., December 1. The Burmeso garrison tat Ava forts has yielded to Gonoral Prondorgast, the troops laying down their arms, Tho expedition proceeds from Ava to Mandnlay, the capital, on Saturday next;

Lunatic Starved to Death.

(by telegraph—press association),

Napier, this day. An inquest was hold yesterday on the body of Margaret Nestor, an inmato of the Lunatic Asylum, who had porsistontly ro fußod for forty days to take food. A verdict was roturned of "Death fron voluntary

starvation."

A SUSPICIOUS FIRE.

(by telegraph—press association. )

Napier, this day. A lio.S- ot Kaikora, occupiod by Mr N. Anderson, follmonger, waa dostroyod by firo yoaterday. It was insured by the owner for £200 in the National Office, and the furniture was insured in the South British for JCSO by Andorson. Owing to suspicions, Andorson was arrested last night.

A SNEAK THIEF WANTED.

(hy telegraph—own correspondent.)

Pahi, this day. Constable Inger has beon hero for tho last fow days searching tho district for a young man namod Georgo Liman, alias Sullivan, who is wanted on Bevoral charges of robbery from settlors' houses and bushmon's whores. He was last seen going in the direction of Wairoa.

LICENSING MEETINGS.

City East.

The quarterly mooting of tho Licensing Court for this district was hold at noon to day. Messrs Newman (chairman), Edson, Fry, and T. B. Hill occupied the Bench. Superintendent Thomson represented the

police.

Imfebial Hotel.—Application for trans fer from T. T. Anderson to Michaol Gal lagher.—Mr S. Hesketh supported the application, and no objection being offered by the polico, tho transfer was granted. Thames Hotel.—Mr A. E. Whitaker applied for a transfer of this license from James Stewart to Walter Beau mont.—Mr Thomson eaid tho police had no objection. Mr Boaumont had not previously held a license in Auckland. He was a recent arrival in this colony, but during the time he had held the license temporarily the house had been conducted to the satisfaction of the police.—The transfer was granted, and the Court rose.

WOOL SALE.

Mr Alfred Buckland held a second salo at the Haymarket to-day. Thore waß a fair attend ance, and satisfactory prioes wore realised. Most of the lots were sold in the grease. Sales were effeoted in all the lots offered at price, ranging from 61 to s_d for merino, and6Jd to old for longwool In grease. The principal flSfhSi.^ 61..- 116881?, *. 08keth "nd Attk._ S?*6^' B r °T_ _..eU' Row6' Warned. dES?" Ly.?vf5' 4* Robinson, H. Mason. King, Md W_Ser. " °land Broß> ' ReW and °°:'

There Is to be a dance in the Remuera Hall to-morrow evening, being tho last of!. the season, (

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(From Our London Correspond-NT.)

(Via Bkindis: and Sydney.)

London, October 15. Though the Ruapehu, leaving noxt Friday, makes Auckland her first port of call, I think I had better perhaps send what mattor I have got ready today in cuse this mail should beat her. I hopo, by tho way, that for tho New Year tho New Zealand Company and Shaw-Savill's will publish tables showing the exact dates thoir steamers are due at tho various ports. Wo shall then have a better notion by which route to post our letter..

I am vory sorry to see by files of tho Now Zoaland papors to hand recently that somo well-meaning but most misguided pcoplo are opposing the orecting of a Maori whare or village (or whatovor nativo display was proposed) ia tlio Now Zealand Court at South Konsington, next summer I Bin cerely hopo thoy will not bo listened to. Tho oxponso may bo considerable, but tho monoy will bo well spent. Unless some-, thing is dono to qualify the dreary samo ness of tho pilos of ileeces, pyramids of gold, and small mountains of tinned moats, winos, Sec, which usually form the staple features of an Australian exhibition, tho antipodean courts will be dead failures. To compete even remotely with the Indian palace and bazaar with its nativo police men, scores of Hindoo workmen busy at thoir trades, and grand Durbar Hall, you must have somo display that will excite interest, and arouse curiosity. A Maori villago would do admirably. Tho Frozen Mutton Trado.—lmportant Expression of Opinion by an Export.

In answer to the question, "Is tho frozen meat trade paying and are importations likely to incrcaso or diminish in the future?" tho head of a largo firm doing businoos as commission agonts in Aus tralian and Now Zealand produce gives mo leavo to publish tho iollowing : " Tho prosent position of tho trado in London is that supplies of Now Zealand mutton aro rocoivod in such quantities that it is im possiblo to find outlets _avo at a sacriiico. Tho top current prico in Smithfield markot ia now 5d por lb. Expensos of freight from Now Zealand, rent and selling charges amount to quito 2}d por lb, so that tho colonists only got 2,} d per lb for thoir carcases. This, of courso, doos not pay, and shipmonts aro continued oither bocauso they hopo to establish a trado somo day at hotter rates, or becauso con tracts havo boen enterod into to supply certain steamers with cargoes, and thoso contracts must bo fulfilled or a vory heavy ponalty paid. Bitter complaints como to this country from Now Zealand about tho unremunorntivo character of the trado, and threats aro mado to tlio olloct that it must bo abandoned. Against, this must be sot the fact that largo sums of monoy havo boon invostod in tho construction of freez ing works and tho adaptation of steamors to this new industry, and, howovor the farmers in New Zealand viow tho position of tho trado, thoy must almost certainly bo under tho nocossity of maintaining it. When the prico hero rises, as it has fre quently dono, to cither OJd, Od, or oven O^d por lb, tho colonists aro quito satisfied, and it may bo taken for granted that at about s_d or (id por lb in London or Livorpool thoro will bo no hesitation in sending for ward supplies. Apart from tho question of pricos in this markot, tlio work of selling Now Zealand mutton up tho present has been rothor an up-hill ono. There woro throe yonrs ago fow facilities for distributing it. Prejudices woro strong, both in the trado nnd amongst consumers ; in fact, it was dospised. Things aro difforont now, and havo boon so for tho last two yoars. Abundant railway facilities for distributing it havo beon provided all over England,

partially in Scotland, and in a fow cases in Ireland. Trade prejudices have

beon practically overcome, and agents

aro to bo had in every town willing to soil frozon mutton. Private or domestic pre judices havo not boen overcome to anything

liko tho samo oxtont, but tho majority of tho poor-houses, workhouses, hospitals, and also to a limited oxtent tho army in Eng land, aro ready consumers. The authori-

ties in chargo of thoso institutions aro not always cognisant of tho fact that frozon mutton is being supplied, but oven if thoy did know tho terms of their agreement with tho contractors it would not prevent the

use of it, moro especially aa thoso who havo to oat it prefer it to inferior home-fed

ment. Frozon mutton will never compete

with primo English and Scottish mutton. Tho recognised freezing process must alwaysintorfore with the qualitiesand flavour of the meat. It iB already admitted that

tho New Zealand sheep for frame and

flesh is quito equal to bost home-fed, but tho freozing lias tho effect of detracting from its valuo quito 2d por lb. This can not be altered under existing circum stances, but tho possibilities of invention in freezing are, of courso, unknown,and might any day alter the position. As things aro,

frozen mutton can only compete with con tinental and secondary English, nnd until there is some radical chango in opinions as to what is the flavour of good mutton it will continue to find its chief outlet through contractors who supply schools, prisons, &c, Sec.

That tho abovo is a dispassionate and, on tho wholo, fair representation of the present stato of affairs must, I think, bo admitted. I must say, though, I think that tho fact that no attempt is mado to classify tho different qualities of antipodean mutton has much to do with domestic prejudices against it. There is (ns I pointed out to you in my lost notes on this subject) nil the differonco in the world between a joint from a prime Now Zoaland carcase com paratively fresh from the ship-board re frigerators and a log of Australian meat which (liko somo of tho Lady Jocclyn's cargo) has^ beon hanging three months in London, and, of course, deteriorating overy timo tho door of the refrigerator opened and fresh air entered.

Tho Now Guinea Business.

Tho London correspondent of the " Sheffield Daily Telegraph," who is always Bingularly woll informed on all matters re lating to the Colonial Office, wired that journal tho othor ovening tlio following enigmatic prophecy: " You will remember tho Now Guinea business. Lord Derby was implored by tho Australian Government to declare a British protoctorato ovor tho island. Lord Derby refused, but had to acknowledge as an accomplished fact the presonce thero of a numbor of Australian sottlors. Subsequently he bocame in volved in negotiation with Germany, nnd sent an omissary to Princo Bis marck in order to settle the conflicting claims of tho two countrios. The true story of the negotiations betwoon tho Foreign Oflico omissary and tho Gorman Govern ment has not yet boen published, but I hoard it tho othor day from a candidato for a Northern borough who is much interested in colonial matters, and at tho same timo associatod with tho Gorman Govornmont. I shall not bo surprised if in the courso of his approaching campaign my friend lots out a thing or two as to tlio contempt and derision with which Lord Derby allowed himself to bo troatod which will koop him out of tho Colonial Oflico for tho rost of his careor. I had no idea that any foreign statesman would so dare to treat even the most insignificant English politician."

Babbit Skin Salo.

Mossrs Flack, Chandler, and Company, who aro the principal importers of Aus tralian and Now Zealand rabbit skins, in form me that at the public sales on tho 9th inst., 1,500 bales were offered, and 1,200 sold, Tho attendanco was fair, but bidding slack, and pricos ruled low. Good Now Zealand skins attracted most competition, but were in short supply, whereaß common and low sorts were plentiful. Tho lattor, not being wanted, wore most difficult of sale. For tho small portion cleared a do clino of 3d por lb was accepted, the remain ing lots being practically unsaleable. Northern Invostmont Company of Now Zoaland.

The roport of the directors of the abovo Company to bo presented at the annual meeting on the 20th inst. announces a credit balance of £10,8_S, which they recommend should be applied (1) to the payment of a dividend of 8 per cent, wto^i will absorb £5,590 ; (2) . 5,000 to resc^f fund, which will thon amount to .£15,000 . (3) In carry ing to next account tho balance of £258.

N. B.—l am not quite certain whether this was not ono of the Company's moet ings I sent you last mail.

A rifle-shooting match of a novel and curious character will take place on tho 28th of Novembor between tho 4th Austral ian Riflemen and the Devonshire Volunteers. The lattor will shoot on thoir ground at Exeter, and the Australians at Woodend, near Adelaide, S.A. Major Beach willr.[ present the Dovonshires in Australia ana Colonel Proemantle, of tho ICth Regimont, tho Australians at Exeter.

Personal and General,

Lord and Lady Carrington, who leavo for Sydnoy on tho 26th instant, will be accom panied by their children, and by Lady Car rington's sister, the Hon. Julia Harbord, a young lady who, without being a recognised

beauty, possesses a very._- , looks. His Lord-hln_l airsKl'fßolTr. Lee and Captain TeM »"85fi} Mr J. Sharp, julr " aid^Ca_, pt' hy the Chimtt^h !> t > bourne on the 16thlIrh8^Cfe At tho first meeting 0 f „„,., named George Smith, w .n._.torß « a ___. blended the curious cZfc toft maker and bottled betT^Sa. debtor, in answer to the flffi th. said that he attributeM.! 61 45 losses on consignments of I. Uure <» C. Zealand. Th?peg ° o ft£» t!g urdly particular: they >«_ thO o bestßa ?s . Ottatff*.** Some Bamplos of silver -_ . New south Vs'SLr r^s lysed by great authorities •*'? *?■ •_ ---turn 13(1 ounces of silver7_.,. I* 01"1" .rl is, the" Engineer »»r> < Now South Wales bSS^ B p ct S producing country. B a,Bfe»t_lv a Mr 11, S. Rankin _o nß «__• , Chalmers por P. and olt_Z. €te ** next Friday. ' Stoomec Mb a p ( , l ;, _ Representatives of the v».i„ interested are expected in & ft« mako arrangements in regard t_«. *>* Australian mail contract TU v he n «* Baker, who acts for _ou_r__,_s__ R-C, already arrived. * Austr"i. T.i

OPERA HOUSE.

Bo.cicaolt's world-famed drama _» Colleen Bawn," was repeated £?*• to an excellent house, the pit "g boing donsely packed. The scene »h Myles-na-Coppallen rescues Eily O'Co from a watery grave was remarkably »J represented, and elicited loud appW' Mr Boucicault was callod before tl. tain, and loud demands were mil ?. Colleen Bawn, but Miss Gwvnne bI. h(l not como forward. iffHS** Danny Mann (Mr W. Hubert Ww! _ portrayed. Mr Robert Vernon m& ell' cellent Father Tom, while m7b3; acted aomirably as Ann Chute Th. maining parts were all credit'ablv «.' formed. "Tho Colloen Bawn" .if. again repeated this evening. '

THE RECLAMATION WALL.

The Engineer of the Harbour Board roportod to that body yesterday upon th . disintegration of the reclamation wall, H wrote as follows :-Since my font r epott to tho Board on the subject of concreto buttresses of Quay-street, _o, portion ol tho masonry joining the superstroctare has fallen down. It is not a matter for m prise that this result should have bn___i after the materials forming the founSStio™ slipped out, and beyond thepresentwrec__ appearance of tho wall at this particuW spot, the tumbling down, of tbe piece Z masonry opposite the buttress does not vi_ seriously nflect the mode of Btrengtbenb_ purposed to be adopted. It mast be beta in mind that No. 1 buttress is desigaedwlth a double object in view, namely, <___ porting the wall at the weakest spot, 3 also forming a pior for the shore end of floating landing stage fer eteam ferry Kr vice. It is necessary for the latter parr™ especially to build the buttresaon a sub stantial and solid foundation, consequently whon tho piles, scoria, and concrete slipped out in the site excayat-dJoithe buttress, it was determined to go forward with tho caisson, soas to clear thematerfals slipped out, and then level .-up the founda tion with large rubble stone, keeping tie top of the stone at such a depth as will not interfere with future dredging operat-Ons, I consider it fortunate that the mud, tie olotnent of danger, had been nearly all re moved from the area which the buttresswUl occupy, and the stone now being deposited sh»uld form a good foundation. The space botwoen tho back of the caisson and front lino of wall, probably about 15 or 20 feet, I propose to fill up with rubble to the level of low-water line, letting the slopes run along tho face of tho wall at foot, and thus cover a larger surface of the wall at the weakest part than the length of tbe caisson itself. Above low-water line the arcaol tho caisson, the space behind and the thickness of the wall broken down, can all be built together, and made one solid mass of concrete (as per aketch), I cannot Bay exactly what the extra cost of No, 1 buttress will be until the depth at which the caisson may be sunk is fixed, bat in any case tho lower value of the rabble will-help to balance tho extra quality of concrete, and probably then the whole will not far exceed my original estimate for this work," —Mr Goldie pointed out that this original ostimate was £900 in excess of tbe contract price.—The Engineer, in answer to ques tions, having expressed his confidence in ths stability of the other buttresses oa the eastern side of the fallen masonry, though not so suro about the western portion of the wall, it was resolved, aftor some d-CimioD, that the matter should be left in the hands of the Engineer, .i

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Weekly Drills.

Thk ordinary weekly drills of tho following corps was held last night at tho Drl__i_t;- Gordon Rifles, under command of Ue-tey- L,eigh and Fairs: Muster,3l. Victoria Mn, undor Lieutenants __i_nor and Self: M-W, about 22. Quoon's Own Rifks nna«C»pßln Kcop and LiontonantFinlaysou: ',lußtw,«W 20. The wholo of the corpa weioejerclWißy their own officers.

POLICE COURT-This Day.

(Beforo H. G. Seth Smith, E__., R.M. Drunkknnkss.-No leas than eight pe_o_ appeared in the dook charged with _r__ea noss. Frank Smith,. who had been tide, pre viously convicted, was .enten-fcd to 11 -Ui, imprisonment with hard labour._JJj*JS 4j____2"Wow B«—.-jjrtg Callaghan wbh charged, in addlUM^tartM ncBB, with broaking a pane.of gla», WMgft iho property ot Kdwin Außtcn.-AconSedaeuea all knowledge of the affati.-Mes.™ AOJtoi^ Nixon gave evidence, but Hl> ,WWtoM» missod the charge of breaking .Ih* WfS Fined 10s and costs for drunkraneea. DONALD'S COAT.-JO-nO__W yM™f*£ with tho larceny of a coat. vdoo «», mm porty of Donald Urcnhart-Prtone. Jg not guilty. - Donald -rquhart, Jjffl doposcd that he hung the, ooatbehtad ttji W» his hotel, and miss-d-t about three JWK Ho did not givo accused PermiSMOn to tatt* Kdward Scrivener, assistant to. Mr «™gjj posod to accopting the foat In P»w^J _ccußod betwoen 11 Bn4l>f;XS 5.-Dotoctivo Hughes Btatod 'ho^^S of tho arrest-Pnaoner d _he,^fn£ to provo that he only reoelvw a month's wages at Thames on NoTemb^ J,»» oameto Auckland on the nM^S, was impossiblo that he couldl have P»™» ooat on tho sth. Heaskoa to*\s_£_%fo, contractor. John WUUmus, tart. 3ffi*s£m_ bo subpeaned to provo flie inltK. „;£Se.-A accordingly adjourned for J*»ysgV special sitting of the court Iwas held tm^ noon, whon Mr Larkln gave^SSi Ing the alibi, and accused ™gf____7fol _tY-i.AWS.-Charles DwutM gOM« «$,. to allowing hlB horso toJ«*»J strcot, Nowton. and was flnM» »"? W Matthew Walsh odmltid having wioww chitnnoy of his house In Brewer s _-»c >» Are, and was fined Is and ooMS. wld Failing to -ePi'ORT.-GooW W.^ ~ not appear In answer to a charge or ™v* , support his Bix childron, m.de- Bf ~4 yeara. - Mra Morris was oaliooj deposed that her h^S« lß Mch--_1' hor in a -OBtitnto condition,«**««»«^ rt _, Sho askod that he be compelled w™*^ «,_ six younger once, .He wm • ™fS_W_ earned 35b and found, the went »w. w^ earn hor living. Wltnoßfl subraltteo a»^ j which she haa received ff^gXdiiT, Bg tho case was n°J°u™°* "£' »' w(rt not Worship stating that If W£?ffX order. , done by that time he would make W^^ ALLEGED -HUE-TV ,™*Kw« » Vaila was chargod with prneUy w " fto? , horso by working it ™\f?_S%^_ strait., and boating it--M^C s 0 | CweW " the Society for mw*o_£ Animals.-Mr Napier appoarea^ ,£, fendant, and asked for a "gj-yiiie tw counsel'previously [retoind [W^lgito nogl.oted his caße, \ n. d,^mto--_«w__,f_ structed at 10 o'clock thtomora"* £__M consented to an adjoaroment, od*» promise that the defenc^WWm^ .vitnesses.-Adjoutnod^lne^v.g^te.lf" Neighbours' «UABREJ.-Wm £coi-"« _ charged with assaulting Mffl»s arfK^K November 2^-f)e'«n^i p fl !S-*» t _fS Mr Napier appeared for to g»KS«*» quarrel, it appeared.J««"ffll_"t the aotion of defendant in _\\^S___m^ plainsnt's fence, which^he^sMa* *_ 11 jpen y.- Evidence was #™* M Djnfliote_ nessc-, and a^oonO^wdWßMmiu Mr W. H. Webbe, the^sm_ popular'teacher of m^^aS-Wjfi _$_. ■ and formerly ofOak HOUM^, ,^ ff_£»^SßraS _ffi^_KSssftitfS assTfS which were commenced op asm UgflK House about two yf" S&noffßlMffi creased since then, there he-* www ont classes carried on at BU « , MwMK for the study of the rndW^g" MM ft,£ »S forto Playing, tin»jn^"hbe! s Showroo™^ Harmony, Sec. Mr Wg^&uio.W»*Sgl» well stocked with^fff___\ flftj and a large -™&%Xffi«_oe«'S& A Templary social «B^%*«g| morrow evening at the View ygga market, to consist^of jongsj rtWJJffiSa » music, parlour mnifls »"^kim K»8" large gathering from the nov. anticipated.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2 1885.



mHE VMAS riARD "DAZAAR, 181, QUEEN-STREET. Between Rattray's and Mason's, IS NOW OPEN. CARDS at Englißh Prlceß. BOOKS at Published Prlcea STATIONERY AND STATIONERS' FANOY GOODS At Lowest Pricks. < ' [A OAHD.I DR. WILLIAM ROBERT ERSON, late Medical Offioer and Publio Vaccinator, Huddarstlold (England), may bo consulted athfl roaldonce. Onehunga (opposite Mr Oilman-, Chemist.— Moral-. - - m - Bto 10 Afternoon. _ _ - Ito - Evening - , _ -, fl to f LAWN-MOWING MACHINES SHARPENED. By Speoiai Steam Maohlnery, At Greatly Reduced Prices. Guaranteed to work equal to mw. J. STONE, ENGINEER, MANUKAU ROAD, Newmarket. A NNOUNCBMENT SHERA BROS. HAVE REMOVED TO THEIR NEW WAREHOUSE, WELLESLEY-STREET EAST. I SPECIALTIES,



T^E HAVE JDST RECEIVED the following Specialties for the present season, and would beg to soUoit an early oall:- CHANTILLY LAOES, all widths. In blaok. ' SPANISH LACES, all widths, in black. • BRUSSELS LACKS, all widths. In blaok. r*H BRBTONNE LACES, all widths, colours. W POINT D'ALBNCON LACKS, all widths, colours. a _AX LACKS, all wid.h., colours. , ANGORA LACES, aU widths, colours. 3 *" COSTUMES IN BLACK AND l_ COLOURED LACE, VEILING, &o.,&o. s . — .&■ JERSEY, (new styles). j3 DUB.OLOAKS. r. jS COLLARS AND COLLARETTES. SPECIAL LINE of 4-CLASF KID GLOVES, at Ss lid. ALSO, A NOVELTY IN HAND-PAINTED EVENING COLOUB3, HOSIERY, Sec. TL/TILNB AND pHOYCE.



ARTHUR R. DBNDY, ACCOUNTANT AND AUDITOR Sohhrff's Buildings. Fort-bt., Auckland. References .-R. 0. Barttow, Esq., P. ComlsUey, Esq,, A. Heather, B_p„ B. Miteholson, Esq., A. Y. Hay, Esq. (Bank of New Zealand). N.8.-Merohant-.' *p& Tradesmen's Books adjusted.