COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Opera House — Complimentary Benoflt to Gerald and Thompson, 8. Parnoll Hall-Mr Mosi and Eleotors, 8. Otahuhu Public Hall-Musical and Dramatic c.

Protostant Hall, Newton-Lecture by Ulster Maori, on "The Days of Willism H1.." 8.

Robson's Roo.ua—Mooting of Gum Sorters, 7.50.

St. Sopulchro's Church—Mission, 8 .St. James's Hall-Sor vice of Song, 7.15.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

Giibricl Lewis-French Calf Leather, 11 a.m. J. 11. Haraor and Co.—House, &c, 11 a.m. Vaile and Bradloy-GWswaro, 11 a.m. Alfred Buokland-Remuera Yards, 1 p.m. J. K. Randoraon—Furniture. 12 noon. S. Cochrane and Son-Tho Thames, 11 a.m. EdwardLoydon-Jowcllory, Watchcß, 11 a.m. R. Arthur—Glassware, Jewellery, Watches, &a, 12 noun. B. Tanks and Co.-Fruit, 11 a.m.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Malls will oloae as under :— This Day. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Thursday, Docembor 10. For Port Fitzroy, Tryphena, and Okupu, per Argylo, at 7 a.m. For Groymouth, por Herald, at 11 a.m. ffor Waiwera, Te Kapa, Warkwortn, &c, per Coromnndcl, at 10 a.m. For Glsborne Napier, and Southern Ports, per IVawera, at at 11 a,m. For Thomos. por Rotomahana. at 2.30 p.m. For Tauranga ana Opotikl, per Wellington, at (3 p.m. Friday. December 11. For Thamns, per Rotomahana. at 3.30 p.m. For WhiUanga and Upper Mill, por Argylo, at 5 p.m. SXjt Whangarel Heads. Parua, Walpu, Whan garol, lianio, and Mangapai, per Maogregor, at 5 p.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. Wednesday, Decombor 16. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (via Rio de Janeiro and PlymouUi), from Wel lington por R'mutaka on the 17th inst., per Penguin, at 12.30 p.m. This mall will bo due at Plymouth on January 18. Note.—For Australian Colonies, per Ala meda, immediately after her arrival from Honolulu. For Taranaki and Southern Ports, por PeDguin, immediately of tor arrival of Alameda. BtgnedJ S. B. BIBS, Chief Postmaster, Chief I'oet-oJilco. Auokland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HcNflET.—This evening, 7.7. Sonhise.—To-morrow mornlnK, 1.30. Moon's Age.—First Quarter, 15th, 0.1 a.m,

HIGH WATER.

A?;, hxahd—This ovening, BSD; to-morrow morning, 8.57.

Manukau Hpahb-Tlus evening, 11.10; to morrow morning, 11,37. Kaipaiu Heads — To-morrow morning, 0.19 : tomorrow afternoon, 0.1J7.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Waltaki. h a., Crawford, from WhanKaroi _ Knslgn. barium, Simpson, from Lyttolton ' Christina, school cr, Evansen, from Whangarei Mararoa, s.s , Edio, from Sydney. TO-DAY. Wellington, s.B„ StoveneoD, from Tauronga

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Taruworrf, s 8 , Sinclair, for Ru-soll Macgrogor, s.s., Johnsjn, for Whangarel *' '-"' ? TO-DAT. Maria Virginia, brlgantlno, Fallout, for Mercury Bsy Mararoa, s.s., lfdio, for San Fronciflco Wellington, b.b , Stevenson, for Kawau

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Rotomahana, from Thames Friday, 2 p.m. Ruby, from Coromandol. to-morrow, 3 p.m. Knterprino, from Thames, Thursday, 8.30 p.m. Glonolir, from Mercury Bay. Thursday Kuapehu. from South, to morrow larly Tarawcr.i, from Russell, to-morrow early Wellington, from Kawau, 8 p.m. K'-ikoura, from Plymouth, about January 15 Alumeda. from San Francisco, Sunday Nolaon, H.M.S , from Sydney, about Dec. 15 Suva, from Southern pons. Friday Penguin, from Southern porta (at Onehunga), Doc. 12 Taupo, from Southern ports. Doc. 11 Janet Nicol, <rom South Sea Islands, Saturday Doric, from Plymouth, Jan. 19. (For projuctod departures see shipping ad vurtlsements and mail notices.]

IMPORTS.

Per Ensign, from Lytteitcn—l2 case 3 bacon, 250 sicks oa's, 50 eackß malt, 32 sacks seed, 600 bags flour, 10 sacks Hour, 125 sacks bran, 3,035 .i..cicß whoat.

Por Mararoa—sGs cases fruit, 8 casos gronades, 10 piokngos sundrlos.

EXPORTS.

Por Mararoa, for Honolulu—lß cases goneva, 10 cases and 25 kegs meats, 21C cases knuri gum, I packagos sundriea, 5 boxes sovereigns. 13 boxos gold.

Por Marii Virginia, for S.Tdncy ito bo loaded at Mercury Bay) - 221,700 foot timber.

Por Coptic—7s6 frozen 6hcop. 2,129 piccoa frozen ln-of.—Now Zealand Frozon Meat and Storage Co. (Limited).

Por M'iroroa—llo cases preserved meat, 25 kega boof.—Now Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Co. (Limited).

! Inwards Coastwise-Medora, frcm Awa nui, witSi 550 sleepers and 11 sacks gum.

Tho s.a, Gairloch was docked last ovening. The Bhlp Mataura left London for Auckland Trior to the sth iuat.

Amongst the passengers b:ioked per Maesllla, t-> leave London on November 5, were Bishop Selwyn and Mrs Selwyn for Auckland.

The briganlino MBria Virginia goes to Mer oury Bay to load timborforSyduey. Passenger Mr Townshond.

The Hattie N, Banges, from New York, which arrived duly at Dunedin. landed part of hnr cargo there, and started this morning for Auck laud with the balance of her cargo.

The is. Waitalti arrived from Wbangareilast evening. Passengers : Mrs Mudgoway, Messrs Galbralth, Howard, and Witt.

The brlgantlno Aratapu cleared at Sydney for thia port, via Newcastle, on November 30.

Tho barque Ansdell arrived at Melbourne, from Kniparn, on the let inst,

The letters SLDJ have boen aligned to tho R.M.s. Mararoa in the international code of signals.

The schooners Sir John Franklin and the May Flower arrived at Sydney, from ICalpara, on Decembers.

The barque pa ssiogTiritirilast evening proved to bo the Knsign, from Lytielton, which came up harbour during the night, hor passage hay iog ocoupiod eightdays.

The following vessels havo entered outwards at the Customs:—Magellan Cloud, brlgantioo, Matthew, for Brisbane, via Whangaroa; Sybil, schooner, Troy te, for Ruruiu.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's Ton garlro arrived at Plymouth on Saturday laet, the passage from this port having occupied 10 days. The frozen meat on board is reported in gooi condition.

Tho barque "Aloxa, commanded by Captain Robinson, of Auckland, and recently purchased by him on behalf of an Auckland firm, arrived at Mauritius from London, on route for this porto, on Octobor 26, with general cargo. The voyage had occupied 80 days.

Thes.s Wellington arrived from Tauranga at fia.in. Poseengors : Messrs Gamer, Walmslcy, Shera. Adams, Ciarkson, Jarvey and son^ Mrs Res.i, Mrs Goldie, Mrs Portell, and Misses Deacon &i. Tho Wellington left at 10 a-m. for If a wav, fairly patronised by passengers. She is expected to return about 8 p m.

The S.S. and A. Co.'a chartered steamship Doric left 1 ondon on the oth instant for New Zoaland ports, where sho will call in the follow ing order:-Auckland, Dunedin, Napier, and YVelllns;ton. She has 270 tonß cargo for Auck land, 600 tons for Otago. 880 rona for Canterbury, and 150 for Wellington. Sho will tranship 1/ti tonß at Auokland. Tho Doric has 60 pa' songers to bo forwarded to other ports from here.

The schooner Maiietoa is now 70 days cut from Whanuarel to Timaru, and there is little doubt that Bho has been lost in the storms which lately pirvadod on tho coast. Tho wifeof Capt. Godfrey, who is left in Auckland with a ohild to aarofor, Isanxioustn KotohorfriendsatHome, end in order to osßist her. Mr C. Rowe, of IJ.M. Customs, will receive donations towards the payment of the necessary passage money.

s.s. Rimpchu. duo to arrive from Wel lington to-morrow mornintf, will be coaled by tao s.s. Horald, now in port. Tho Hoi aid is to leave for Groymouth about noon to-morrow.

Tho Bteomship Australia (says the "Bydnoy Morning Horala" of Dec. 2), which has beon for sovornl years past Identified with this colony as one of tho boats chartered by the Paciflo Steam ship Company for the performance of tho mail service between Sydney and San Francisco, took her departure yoatoi day for tho latter port, with a number of passengers (17 saloon and 19 steer age), and a general cargo. It has beon deter tnrmincd by tho proprietor of the Australia and Zeolandia not to lot tho communication which has boen bo long and ao satisfactorily main tained between San Francisco and Sydney be sevorcd, notwiths'aodiug that he is for tho pre sent deprived of theeubsldy which was formerly willingly pai-1 by the Government; so the Aus tralia, tho Zoalondia, and pojsibly one of tho A t lantio "groj hounds," havo beon selected to carry on tho set v co. ''hero was a completo ohongo in the list oE duck oflloors while tho Aus tralia was in port. Mr Renule is now chief, Mr Oralgon BPcsad, Mr Stourt third, and Mr Fyflo fmrth. Mr Hunter is BtUl ohiof engineer, and Mr Follott chief steward; while Mr Donaldson, 1 mg and favourably kaown on the line, still fulfils the importantilutioH of purser. Tho Aus tralia took a mail consisting oflß bage, four of wbl:h were from Mslbourne, nine from Q"een D land. and the remainder from this port.

R.M.S. MARAROA.

The R.M.s. Mararoa arired from Hobart at 8 o'olick last evening. andberthodatQueen-st.eet Wharf, where hundreds of peoplo hadasßembled to see the new vessel. The Mararoa presented a splendid appearance, and showed that the ac counts of her magnificence that preceded her had not been in the least exaggerated. Caplain Edi<> reports :—Left Sydney with the mail at 5.30 pm. on tho 4th instant; passed Three Kings at ,:!0 a.m. on tho Bth. liritlriat7p.m. and arrived at wharf at 8 p.m. Experienced moderate to irort ho id winds from Sjdney. Passengers :- Misse? A. Kle'n. M. Klein. Creer, and Moßman. Mr and Mrs Wilson. Mrs Monby, Mrs Poo'e and child Mrs Byrne, Messrs Wilflon, McDonald, Murchic, Salmon, Metoalf, C'astner, Mason, Houston. Knlghf, Oiveu. Kecnau, Hurler1 ?at tirson, l.oxluy, Grimf Jiitnsn •<.!>.) gem..,.. F'.ruundoz, Cnoi:. Il'. k«np. A, Kemp, an'l 2d uteorage. The Mararoa took in at'Oiit. 2^o tons j of coal from tho s.a. Orawalti.and hulk Neptune, and left for San Fransiseo, via Honolulu at i a.m I to nay. Passengers :-Mr Mrs Dion Boucicault,

Messrs J. Owen' F. S. Smith, S. Rose, G. Shankß, Pancheay. C. Peterson. Mrs Stanley and child, Mossrs Blggerstaff, James. Linklater, Geo. Thompson, W. Mooro, Rigden, Anderson, 11. H. Luck, Captain Sinclair, and 18 in tbo steer age and through passengers from Sydney.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived: Ship Pan era, from London. 112 days out, all well. She brings a cargo of cement for the harbour worki.

Adelaide, this day.—Arrived, this morning S.s Potosi, from London, November 6.

New Plymouth, this day. — Arrived Rotorua, fi om Manukau, 5 a.m.

Gtsiiorne, ycteadav.— Arrived: Southern Cross, from Auckland, 7.10 p.m.

Rubskll. this day. — Arrived: Tarawera, from Auckland, G a.m.

Wiiandakki, this day.—Arrived: Maogregor, from Auckland, G a.m.

Lyttelton, yoatorday.-Sallod: Rimutaki, 'or Naplor, i p.m.

Ship Wcstland In a Storm.

Port Chalmers, this day. — Arrived: Ship Wcstland, Captain McWilliams, 91 days from London. Sho brings 22 pasßengors, 1,900 tons of cargo, and 900 paokageß of gunpowder. The paßsengors presented Captain Mo Williams with a very flattering testimonial. He roporls that on September 10. at 8 p.m., the Scllly Islands wero bearing NW.. distant, 30 miles, and tho baromotor showing 296. with a steadily rising wind and aoa, ana at 8.30 p.m. it ohoppod Into NNW., blowing a furious hurricane, and carry ing away hor upper main topsail, fore topmast, Btaysails, lowor mizzen topsaU, and split the forosaU to ribbons. She was compelled to hcaveto on the starboard tack under the two lower topsails tho sea breaking on board, com pletely flooding her decks. Tho gale moderated at I am. next day.

Notices to Correspondents

Envelope.—ln the reply to your query In last night's issue, the olause " with several spool fled exccpUona" was omitted at the close. According to Chambers, "Members of Parlia ment require to take the oath of fidelity and true allegiance, and promising to main tain the succession in a full House before tuking their places Quakers and others may make an affirmation to tho -amo otfeot." The same authority n»y9 of legal oaths:—"Tho mere form of taking the oath is Immaterial; the witness is allowed to tako tho oath in whatever form he considers mo-rt binding upon his own conscience the caaontlal thing being, howevor, that tho witness acknowledge some binding effeot derived from his belief in Go t or iv a future Btate." MO,-Wo cannot say where Signor Otto Hug is at present: wo believe ho is somewhero in Australia.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1885.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the futuro in tho distance, And the good that wo can do,

The Union Company's steamship Mararoa has started on the inaugural voyage of the new San Francisco ser vice, and the first inward mail under the new contract may be looked for about Sunday next. Those who had an opportunity of examining the pioneer steamer last night will admit that she is a marvellous triumph of modern marine architecture. A more magnificently designed and skilfully - constructed steamship it is impossible to conceive. Her fittings are Oriental in their luxuriousness, and eclipse even the ad mired decorations of the newest steamers of the same line. It seems a pity that so splendid a vessel should leave our harbour with her fine berth age accommodation and grand saloon comparatively untenanted. Bui two causes have produced that un fortunate result. This is the dead season for overland travel to England, crossing America ■in winter, and arriving in the severest month of the English season ; and what little traffic really offered was divided with the steamship Australia, leaving Sydney for San Francisco direct, via Honolulu only. That vessel, how ever, also left Sydney as empty as the Mararoa. At a trial trip excursion in Sydney harbour, Mr James Mills alluded to this unexpected competition. He frankly admitted that a service without transhipment would be the best in every way, but explained that the present arrangement was entirely owing to the reluctance ef New South Wales to contribute towards a subsidy adequate for the performance of the direct service, He made, however, the important announcement that the Company "were prepared to under take the through service if the New South Wales Government wished it. As an evidence of this they had, in deference to the expression of opinion from the mercantile section in Syd ney, decided to run through until the decision of Parliament was known." It by no means follows, therefore, that in any readjustment of the present con tract the competing line will secure the New South Wales subsidy. Why the original arrangement made with the owners of the Australia and Zealandia to employ them in the service was broken through has never been fully explained. Mr Mills referred to it rather indefinitely. He said :—

No doubt, many of them were somewhat surprised to see the present aspect of affairs. It had been generally understood that tho service had not been a particularly produc ttvo one to those engaged in it, but now they found all at once two rival companies. That was tho Company's misfortune It was almost too long a story to toll thorn how tho Company had drifted into that position. The Company had arranged with tho proprietor of the Australia and tho Zoalandia to use his boats- in fact, they had gone into tho coutract with tho under standing that they were to use his boats ; but at tho last moment they had boon thrown upon their own resources. For tunately, they had that fine steamer (tbo Mararoa) to fall back upon. Sho was a boat quite fitted for tho service, and very much superior to the present boats in many respects, as she carried a refrigerator and was fitted with the electric light. (Cheers,) The Oceanic Company, who wa3 working with them, had two tine boats, very much the same as the Mararoa, and with these three boats they expected to carry on the service with great credit until they ascertained the value of the service, when they would, no doubt, have lurgor boats built expressly for the sorvico.

Mr Mills believed that the line was capable of extension, and thought that connection might yet be made with the Canadian trunk line at Vancouver. He gave evidence that the Company have entered into the business fully deter mined to make it a success, and that while the service might be improved and extended there was no thought of dropping it. We incline to agree with a remark made by our old friend Con sul Griffin in proposing " tbe union of interests between the two great con tinents, America and Australia," when he said that he was sure the line would be successful, because everything the Company had undertaken had been successful. The Company will, more over, have thoroughly earned any suc cess they may achieve by the energy which they have infused into all their enterprises.

The English elections, which close to-day, appear to have latterly gone almost en bloc for tho Liberals. A telegram published in our eocond edition last night stated that whereas the Conservatives and Parnollites combined had only had 320 members returned , there wero 415 Liberals elected. This would give tho Liberals a clear majority of 95, being a more power ful majority than tbey had in last Parlia ment, It is just possible, howevor, that an error has occurred in transmitting tho figures by cable.

There has been a very weak market all day in mining stocks. The Cambria shares have fallen a trifle, Bales beinp quoted at 28s Od to 27s 6d. 2Oolbs' of specimens were obtained from the sixth stope, and 151bs from the cross lode this morning. The manager has cleaned up for the fort. night, vi ith a result of 6,364 ozs. amalgam. A handsome dividend will be declared tbie afternoon. In other stocks, Colonial Banliß are wanted at 435, with sellers 44s ; Auck land Gas {new issue) asked for at 90s, and sellers of the old issue at £11 10s. Very few transactions have taken plaoe.

_ The Mararoa, which left for San Fran cisco at 4 o'clock this morning, took 5 boxes sovereigns, valued at £25,000, shipped by the National Bank, and 13 boxes gold, valued at £54,032, Bhipped by the Bank of New Zealand, making a total value of £79,032. The 13 boxes of gold were from Greymouth, Hokitika, and Auckland, the latter contributing £29,098. From this port the Mararoa also took, for Honolulu, 110 casos preserved meat and 25 kegs beef, shipped by the New Zealand Frozen Meat Company.

It is currently reported that the represen tatives of a syndicate interested in Mr Cornwall's claims over lands now held at Samoa by Messrs McArthur and Co. pro ceeded to Samoa by the Mararoa with the intention of occupying certain of the lands in dispute, and resolved to hold possession against ejectment. The statement current is to the effect that a syndicate bas been formed to prosecute these claims, and have taken this means to assert their assumed j rights. If so, more will doubtless be heatd > of this long-standing and intricate die-j ptite. '

John Edward Brannigan, a lad of about 14 yoars, employed at the Auckland Timbe Co.'s mill, met with a painful accident thero betweon 8 and 9 this morning, Ho was dragging a piece of timber from one of the circular saws when his left hand was caught underneath the saw, and before ho could extricate it tho thumb and first three fingers wore Boverod, being left attached to tho hand merely by tho skin. He was taken to the Hospital, where Dr. Bond attended to him. Tho lad's parents live in Gundry stroet, Newton.

Wo aro roquosted to stato that the meet ing of the unemployed advertised to bo held in the Choral Hall on Friday should read Thursday, the former date being occupied by tho Choral Society.

Tram lines are now being laid along the Kyber Pass Road, towards Newmarket.

As tho gentlemen elected upon thi now Committoo of the Government House Lawn Tennis and Archery Club have declined to act, it was resolved at a meeting held yos terday aftornoon to request the old Com mittoo to continuo in oflico, power boing given them to add to their numbor, if necessary, Tho remaining business was of a puroly routine character.

At tho evangelistic service hold in con noction with tho Gospel Tomperanco Mission last Sunday evening in the Protest ant Hall, Karanguhapo Road, addresses woro givon by Mr Shackloford and Mr Whytock. MrG. W. Owen presided. It was announced that nt an early date one of tho scrvicos would bo conducted by tho Committoo of the Women's Christian Tem perance Union.

At the mooting of the Newmarket Borough Council lust evening, it was re solved, upon the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Mason, "That the Engineer make surveys to proparo per manent levels, &c, at a cost not to exceed £20."

Tho Doric left London for Auckland on Saturday last.

The Ponsonby Naval Brigado'fl now cutter is to bo called the Taniwha. The Navals have turned carpenters for this occasion, and aro busily ongaged during their spare timo in erecting a suitable boat shed en property belonging to Mr Uptcn at Shelly Beach.

Wo would call attention to tho advor tisomont referring to the Onehunga Pres byterian Church Bazaar, to bo hold on Friday and Saturday next, in ordor to clear oft' a debt on tho manse proporty. It is very undesirable that either tho internal or aggressive work of any church should bo hindored from such a caueo, and therefore tho laudablo ondoavour now being made by this cougregration appoals to tho sympathy of friends, especially Presbyterians, in tho district to holp those who aro so willing to help themselvos.

Tho second practico of tho Choral Socioty for tho annual Christmas performance of " Tho Messiah " took place last ovening,and was exceedingly well attended. The solo singing of Mrs Micklothwaite, tho now soprano, was very much admired.

Tho following tenders for alterations and repairs to the Albort Hotol wero opened to day by Mr \V r. H. Skinner, architect :— Brabazon, £631 ; Ellingham, £557; Kolly, £548; Buckley, £515; Morris, £539 ; Find, lay, £522; Jamieson and Co., £5-9; Rhodes, £515 ; Mills, £507 ; Pago, £4SO ; Roid, £470 ; McConuochie, £450 ; Hardy, £443.

Henry Cristopher Bowman, labourer, of 801 l Wood Avonuo, Mount Koskill, a bank rupt, was under examination to day, at tho Ollicial Assignee's office. His difficulties wero caused by his having beon out of work for six months out of tho past lifteon. His assets consist of furniture valued at £10.

Tho first piunoforto recital ol Mr George Clutsam takes place in Hoffmann's music warehouso to-morrow evening, and should command tho support of all lovers of good music and all patrons of genuine talent.

Tho schooner Malietoa, owned by Messrs Jagger, Parker, and Duthrio, which is sup posed to havo founderod with all hands between Whangarei and Timaru, was in sured for JL'I,OOO in the Union lnsuranco Company. Hor cargo of coals, shipped by tho Whanguroi Coal Company, was unin sured.

Arthur Utting, storekeeper, Matakohe, was declared a bankrupt to day. Total liabilities, £708 14s 6d ; assets, £499 10s 3d ; deficiency, £269 Is 3d.

Mr Moss will meet tho doctors this ovoning at tho Parnell Hall at S o'clock.

Tho first oloction of Councillors for tho now Borough cf Newton will take placo to morrow in St. George's Hall, near tho corner of Ponsonby Road and Great North Road. There aro 14 candidates, and 9 offices to be lillod. Tho hours of polling are from 9 a.m. to 0 p.m.

Tho Northorn Steamship Company are varying tho excursion trips by thoir steamors, so that tho s s. Macgrogor, which loaves this port on Friday ovoning at S o'clock for Whangarei, will proceed thencoto the Heads on a whapuka lisbing excur sion, which will probably prove a groat attraction.

The programme for Mr tioorgo Loitch's farowell benefit at tho Opera Houre on Friday ovoning noxt is announced. It will consist of tho intonnely amusing comedy " Tho Librarian," which won universal favour during its recent performance hero by Mr Leitch and his Company. His sing ing of tho unique song "The Good Young Man Who Died " is alono sufficient to keop him alivo in tbo motnory of play-goors This will be followod by a portion of " Tho Pearl Divers," and we aro glad to announco that in addition will bo given souio of the principal scenes from the ovor wolcomb " Silver King," in which wo will ronow ac quaintance with that most dolightful of all Mr Loitch's portraitures " Dear Old Jaikos." Tho wholo should mako the most powerful attraction ever put together in ono night, and a crowded house on tho occasion should bo a foregone conclusion.

Tho longstanding dieputo between Mr Bonnott, notary, and the Law Socioty ovor tho irregular issuo a a writ eomo time last year came before His Honor Mr .lustico tiilliea on a motion by Mr Button for a rule nisi. His Honor said Mr Bennet should bo ailordod an opportunity of filing ullidavits in dofonce" before adjudging tho alleged offence to bo a contempt of Court. Tho Mlowness of the operations of the machinory of the law is singularly illustrated in this case, the matter having practically lapsed for twelve months until revived in tho present motion.

It will be remembered that tho largo steamers Arawa andTongariro left this port for London within a few days of each othor. Both have arrived Home, and have mado tho passage in less than 40 days, vory closo work for such a long voyage —that is so far as we nan gather from tho dates cablod.

It is expected that the \Vellceloy-Btre6t Eaßt tram line connecting Symonds-strcot with Queon-streot will bo opon for traffic next week.

At the Police Court to-day, before Messrs Walker and Jervia, J.P.-.'s, three persons wore punished for drunkonnoss. Henry Dorson, vrodorick Dotson, Victor Oliver, and Da\ Id Marshall, four boys, were charged with stealing 301b of copper from tho hulk off Poneonby, tho proporty of Murdoch Boss. They wore cautioned and discharged. A charge against Thonas Chrivof using insulting language towards Billis Williom- Bon, was withdrawn.

There was a good attendance at tho soiree in Grafton Wesleyan Church last evening in aid of tho Sunday-school. Ton was provided in the school-room, and the meeting was subsequently hold in the new church. Kov, R. Bavin occupied the chair, and having introduced tho proceedings, ho called upon Mr Robert Froude to read tho annual report, of which tho following are the essentials:—Number of scholars on the roll—Girls, 98 ; boys, 86: total, 184. Average attendance—Boys, 63 ; girls, 65 : total, 128. Infants' School: Number on the roll-Boys, 40; girls, 54: total, 94; average attendance, 55. Tho ages of these children range from four to ton yoars, Total number of scholars in both schools, 278; with an avorage attendance of 180. Total number of teachers, 32 ; average at tendance, 28. During the past year thoro has been an increased attendance of 50 children. Mr Robert Mears, tho Treasurer, stated that at the commencement of the financial year there was an accumulated debt of £40 on tho school. £20. however, had been cleared away, and he hoped the liberal ty of friends -would enable them to commence the new year free of debt, The Band of Hope had greatly advanced, and was one of the most successful in Auckland. Thoir monthly meetings were largely attended, and wero of much interest to the scholars, and not without educational advantages. The meeting was addressed by the Chair man, and Rev. C. Worboys, also by Messrs R. Arthur, William McDowell and William Hunt (superintendent). The Sunday-school had contributed £164 to wards the church. A most interesting meeting was closed with the Doxology and the Benediction.

The Devonport Steam Ferry Company announces an alteration in thr: time-table, to take effect on Monday next. The new service is designed I ogive a twenty-minutes service in the morning and evening, and more frequent trips at night. For further particulars, we refer our readers to the advertisement,

CABLEGRAMS.

[by electric telegraph.—copyright.]

(special to tress association.)

(Received December 9th—1.30 p.m.) English Crickotlng Season.

London, December Bth. — Cricketing fixtures are now made, regardless of tho probability of an Australian toam visiting England. If a team should come, tho chief counties will undortakoto provide dates for matches with them. Striking Tribute to Freo Trado. An American Commission, appointed to inquire into tho existing trade depression, report that tho British workmen aro bettor off than othors, mainly owing to freo trado' which tho Commission adviso America to gradually adopt.

BULGARIA AND SERVIA.

Thoy StlU Want to Fight,

[KEUTER'S CABLEGRAM, j

London, Decoinbor 8. Bulgaria and Servia both show them solvos indisposed to yiold to tho domand of tho Powers for the conclusion of an armis tice.

The United States and Nica ragua.

[IIKUTKII's TELEGRAM,]

Washington, December Bth,

President Clkvklavo, in his messago to Congress, states tbat'he withholds his con sent from the Nicaraguan tronty as likely to lead to entanglomcnt botwoon tho United Statos and other countries.

THE ENGLISH ELECTIONS.

[rkutku's tklkiikams |

London, Decomber 8. It is gunorally understood tliat,whatovor is the final result of the oleetions, Lord Salis bury will meet Parliament and submit tho prograuimo of reforms coutemplulod by tho Conservative party.

Tho Cortnan Press deplores tho failure ol tho Torios in tho English oleetions.

NEW AFGHAN DIFFICULTY.

Central Asian Tribos Sook Russian Aid.

London, Docembcr 8. Tun Turkomans and Uzbock tribos of Bokarah aro inviting Russian protection

against the Afghans,

THE UNEMPLOYED.

Mr Cu.nnkll, tho Chairman of tho Unem ployed Committoo, waited on Mr Hales, District Enginoor, at his office to-day. Mr Hales, who rocoived Mr Connoll very kiddly, informed him that ho had rocoived a com munication from the Govornmont nsking information as to tho class of men who aro seeking employment. Mr Connoll in formed Mr Hales that it had boon docided to hold tho mooting of tho un employed at tho Choral Hall to-morrow night, instead of on Friday, as previously announced, when he would bo in a position to supply tho information required by tho Government. Wo may m ntion that tbo mooting will bo presided ovor by Mr Moes, M.U.R., in tho absence of His Worship the Mayor, whoso attendanco at tho City Council will prevont him from being presont. Tho doora will bo open at 7.30, and tho ineoting will commence at S o'clock. Tho city and suburban membors of Parliament, tho clergy, and a number of philanthropic gontlemon havo boon invited to attond. Mr Connell requests us to stato that ho has threo Bmall jobs to which ho can direct suitable persons who shall call this evening at No. 9, Wakoliold-strcot.

(To tho Editor)

Sir, —I was glud to soo in your issue last evening that the Star no sooner board that somo of tho unemployed could not work than it offered to opon a "tool fund." From its very existenco tho Star has boon tho poor man's friend, holping tho cause that ncede assistance. In spite of prejudico and powor, it has fought its woy to tho premier position in the colony, and tho unemployed will not soon forgot this prac tical token of sympathy. Tho prosont agitation is not liko that formorly of Gar rard'tl, which began and ended in noiso and discontent. This agitation is for work, that industrious but unfortunate men may earn thoir broad by tho sweat of their brow, and food their needy wives and children. Gaunt staivation threatens to enter many n homo in Auckland, and frightened mothers aro drawing thoir little onos closer and closer to them as thoy watch tho gradual approach of the spectre ovor their threshold. It is to bo hoped thoir meeting at tho Choral Hall tomorrow ovening will result in something practical.—l am, &0., Parent,

TABLE TALK.

"The Octoroon" in tho Opera Houso. Political address by Mr Moss tonight. Unemployed meeting to-morrow evening. " Silvor King " Company's farowell on Friday night. Consols have fallon to 9D.J ox div. Thoro are 225 males and 114 females in Whau Asylum. Wellington Exhibition building is boing demolished. At Melbouruo, Now Zealand oats have fallen i:i price. An Anglican Church, to cost £300, is to bo built at To Aroha. Id the shooting accident at Mercer, a ver dict was returned that doceased accidentally ehot himself. There aro 123 male and 14 fomale compul aoi y teetotallers at Mount Eden. Bishop Cowie is travelling through Paeroa and Thames to day. Walton Park Coal Company, Otago, de clares a dividend of ten per cent. William Cummings, while wheeling a truck on tho Railway Wharf yesterday, got his loft leg brokon at tho ankle. Mies Edith Apploton as "Jo" at One hunga to-morrow night. An Auokland widow buried hor sixth husband tho othor day. Thoro should be a good turnout to-night at the Opera Houso, for the bonofit of Messrs Garald and Thompson. A painter named Henry (ioodwin was badly injured yostorday by falling from a Bcaflblding in Chapelstroet.E^J At Dunedin, a man named Jamos Bsrr has just turned up, who wn# supposed to have poisonod himself in June last. He was duly " sat upon " and buried (in name at least), but it is now ovidont it was a caso of mistaken idontity.

North Shore Rowing Regatta.

The North Shore Rowiug Club havo adver tised a programme for a Rowing Regatta to bo held at the North Shore on Saturday, the 16th January next. It is to bo hoped that tho other Hewing Clubs will como forward^ __ so assist to make the von ture of tho North Shore Bowing Club a Buccess, the programme boing a liberal one, including gig, pair oar, and wbaleboat races. The amounts of the various prizes are not stated, but should good entries be promised, the promotors of tho Regatta anticipate being able to give good prizes. But unless a fair support is promised, the matter will be dropped.

The half-yearly general meeting of the shareholders in the Auckland Permanent Co-operative Building and investment Socioty was held this afternoon at tho Society's office. 147, Queen! street, when the fjllouhg half-yearly statement of accounts was presented:— Receipts: Fees, *330 0s 2d j fines, £151 4s lOd; shares, £21,567 4s lid; deposits] £46,866 68 8d; properties in liquidation, £997 18s 2d; fixed deposits, £4,030; paBB books, &c, £10 19s; balance at bank and in hand, £5,098 6slid. Total, £82,052658 d. Disbursements : Investments, £4,000 ; fees, £138 3s 9d; depositors, £34,096 15s 4d; investments, £883 6s 3d; shares £23,861 12s 8d ; loans, £15,185 ; properties in liqui dation. £197 4« 8d ; outstanding liabilities, £500 10s 7d ; miscellaneous, £557 17s5d; total, £79,42(110s 8d; balance, £2,631165: total, £82,052 6s Bd.

A TEST CASE.

Hours of Labour In Laundries.

Isabella Letham, laundress, was charged at tho Police Couit to-day, before Messrs Walkor and Jervis, J.P.s, with a breach of the Employment of Females Act by fail ing to keep o notice specifying the hours of labour posted up in her workroom.

Sergeant Pratt prosecuted, and Mr Farquhar Macrae defended. Mr Macrae admitted that tho girls had been employed in tho workhouse at the time of the Inspector's visit, but he con tended that it was never contemplated that the law should apply to suoh a case as thiß. Although tho Act had beon in exist ence in this colony for 13 years, and in tho old country for 25 years, it had never boen sought to apply it in the mannor proposed now. Mrs Letham had beon in business as a laundress for many years, and had brought up a largo family respectably. Ho suggosted that thero had beon no breach of the law, and asked the Bench to permit the dofofidant to leave tho Court without having the charge further entered upon. Sergeant Pratt said the room was a public laundry, and a great number of girls we're omployed thero. Whatever work was done was for the purposes of gain, as specified in tho Act, and consequently the place wns a workroom within tho meaning of Soction !), under which the information was laid.

The Bonch held that the case came within tho meaning of tho Act, and docidod to hoar tho evidence.

Sergeiwt Gamble, Inspector under tho Employment of Females Act, deposed that ho visited Mrs Lotham's laundry on Mon day, November 23, and found there four young women omployed in different ways about tho place. Ho told defendant that slio_ was breaking the law in having no notico of the hours of labour posted up. Defendant said sho could not comply with tho Act, as she had a contract with tho Union Company for their washing, and tho steamers frequently arriving at night, she had to got tho washing ready by the morn ing Consequently, it was nooesasvy for tho girls to work at hours not provided for in tho Act.

In reply to Mr Macrao, tho sergeant said there was a wido diflorence botween tho positions of domestic Korvnnts employed in a boarding-houso and tho girls working for defendant.

This was tho case for the prosocution. Isubolla Lotham, the dofondant, was called, and deposod that for twenty years sho had done the wholo of the washing for Hendorson and Macfarlane'B and tho Union Company's stoamers. Up to three years ago, horsolf and her daughters had done the whole of the washing, but since thon she had ongagod two girls as domestic servants. Whon thoy wore busy, these girls wore ex pected to holp in tho laundry. Froquontly, thoir work for an average was ovor by Thursday, Hor girls wore not overworked, and, as a rule, their work was light. Thoy had only ono hard wook out of throe,

In reply to Sergeant Pratt, the witnoss admitted that she was paid for the washing which was being dono at tho time of tho sorgeant's visit.

Jessie Letham deposod that she was om ployed in tho laundry. Her work was not hard, and she had frequent holidays. Her health did not suffer, and when they wore working extra time, both sho and tho othor girls were froquontly paid extra wages. Messrs Hendorson and Cramond wore called to give evidence, but wero not prepont.

Mr Macrao, who was permitted to infor mally address tho Court, contonded that tho wosh-houso was not a workroom within the moaning of the Act. Ho held that the section applied only to manufactures and labour connected with thoir preparation for ealo, and contondod that tho caao of board* ing bouso keepers was anolsgous to that before the Court. H the defendant wore found guilty, then it would bo necessary for every boarding-houso keopor to post up the hours of labour in hor houso. The matter was an important one, and if it wero do cided against Mrs Lotham, overy person working for gain would be brought undor tho operation of tho Act.

Mr Walkor Baid the Bench had con- Bidorod tho case carefully, and as thero was a doubt in their minds whether it came under tho provisions of tho Act, they had docidod to dismiss it. Of course, it could bo brought on again.

SPORTING NEWS.

Auckland Summor Meeting.

There was a large muster of horsos at Ellorslio this morning, but Stonoyhurst, Nelson, and Wapiti did not put in an ap pearance Foul Shot, accompanied by Libollor, did a etroug gallop over the Cup dietanco, and Chaafo also sent Turquoise, Radames, and Necklace (in company) a similar journoy, Dorringor accompanying thorn for tho first milo and a half.

Last night, Tasman came in for some notico for the Auckland Cup, beiDg backed to win about 500. The best prico on offer to day is 5 to 1, but whother tho monoy has been obtained for the Btablo, I am unable to traco. Stoneyhurst is quoted at 5 to 2, and Foul Shot 'and Turquoise at 10 to 1 oach. In tho doubles, Cup and Steoplochnso, Shotovor is in a good deal of demand for tho latter, and ho is being coupled with the best goods in the Cup. Last Thursday's "Sydney Telegraph" has tho following:—"Mr Thomas Morrin, Chairman of the New Zoaland Stud Com pany, who has beon casting about for a Btallion to fill the place loft vacant by Musket's death, has, we learn, become favourably impressed with Grandmaster. This horso's success has been well marked, whon tho quality of the majority of tho mares ho has boon mated with is taken into cotiHidoration ; and tho siro of such good performors oh Reginald, Sting, and Sussox would daubtlosa rendor a good account of himself among tho woll aolected matrons of New Zealand. Grandmaster boasts of a splendid constitution, and ho has novor beon sick or sorry a single day." Hippona.

MINISTERIAL INTENTIONS.

(Ny telkorapii—own correspondent,)

Wellington, this day. Tiik Hinemoa left for Lyttelton yesterday evening, taking the Hon. Mr Stout, Premior, and Mr Tole, Minister of Justice. Tho former gentleman will remain in Dunedin till after Christmas. Mr Tole will visit the various gaols and other depart ments under his charge during his visit, and oxpects to return to Wellington about tho 23rd inst. Captain Hume, Inspector of Prisons, will accompany Mr Tole. Among tho passengers by the Hinemoa will also be Mr G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary for the Colony, who will proceed as far as Otago with the view of arranging for the oxtinc tion of rabbits in that provincial district. Tho Hon. Mr Larnach, Minister of Minos, loft for Dunedin yeßtorday in the Wakatipu. Mr Larnach will remain away until Christ mas. Hon. Mr Ballanco leaves for Napier about the 18th to attend a meeting of dele gates from the native tribos to discuss tho Disposition Bill and other matters affecting the wolfare of the nativo race.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Carblno Shooting Match.

. A carbine matoh was flred on Saturday between the Ponsonby and Devonport Navals lat the North Shore range, at 200, 300,100. and > 600 yards, 6 shots at each range, and resulted In I an oasr vlotory lor tho latter by 232 points. The i following woro ttrn ecorcß:—l.iovonport: I'otty Ollicor Wynyard. 73; Potty Oflioer Kenton, 6.1; Seaman Hartley, 68: Boaman Wyles, 66; Soainan i Logan, 61; Banu Sergeant Troyes, 60; Seaman I Hutsforrt, 58; Potty Officer Bluok, 55; Potty . Officer fli tibin, 10; Lieutenant Gerrard, i 1; total, ' 602. Ponsonby: Boaman Graham, 56; Seaman I Splndloy, 50; Petty Officer Edmonds. 10 ; Sea i man Bottrlll, 10; Petty Oflioer Smith, 41; Boaman _ Rossor. 38; Seaman McLeod, 33; Soaman Roy bum. 28; Seaman Marlow. 17; Soaman Stan ford, 11; total, 370. 1 Gordon Rlfloa. Tho usual weekly drill of the Gordon Itiflcs took place last evening at the Drill-shed, when there was a muster of 30, under command of i Captain White and Lieuts. Leigh and Fairs. After tho usual company drill, Bergeant-Major Kelly put the men through some bayonet ' exorcise, which was performed in a satisfactory manner. A meeting was subsequently held | when it was unanimously agreed to obtain hel mets in place of the present caps. Auckland Royal Lancers. After the parade of the Auokland Royal I Lancers, held at the Riding-sohool lost evening I under Captain Kempt and Instructor; Base II the election of officers and non-commissioned officers took place. The following troopers were eleoted:-Instructor Hszell to be Sergoant- Major; Trooper A, O. Carter, lieutenant; Tronporß R. Clark and Evan', sergeants; Kajrior Lowe, farrier-sergsant; Sndler Reoch. sadlersergeant. This troop, under Sergeant- Major Hazell's instructions, from alt appear ances ought, with very little practise to iorm one of the leading troip? in tho colony. Taking t into oonsidoraton the Bhort time the troop has been formed, the good muster last night, Is quite a credit to the troop. Only a few more mem bers are required to make uu their full com plement. >

SUPREME COURT-In Banco.

THIS DAY.

(Before His Honor Mr Justico Gllllos.) Re Artiiub D. Bennett, motion for a rulo nisi caUing upon Arthur D. Bennett to show cause whyle should not be P^f'i'w? tomptof Court, by serving upon [nomas Harkiss a writ of summons purporting to oe Issued by tho Bupromo Uourt.-Mr Button for tho Law Soolety and In suppoit of motion. - Mr Button explained that the motion had un fortunately stood over for some time owing to Mr Harkiss's absence from tbo colony, and tho delay that had oco'irred n obtaining his address. Tho Law Sod ty wou d not press for Mr Bennett being severely dealt with, but at the same time ihoy felt.that Mb conduct shouM not be pass-.d o\er in PiUmoe. It amounted to ay ty grave con tempt of Court, seeing th- ,tof used, °r .t ---tomfcted to use. a proce«i^ Court for the purpose of obtaining pay c-.TTW a debt. -Mr Button th.-n read Hark;-a- uUldavit, setting out (1) that the writ served Upon him bore tbo name of a solicitor then out, of the colon) \(i) that he had ascertained that no such writ had beontesuedbythe Court; (3)thatif ithadbeen so issued it would have borne an entirely different number; and (!) identifying tho writing ™ tho "also writ as that of A. L>. Bennett -His Honor remarked that this was an ex parti; apulicnUo^ and that therefore Mrßennettshouklboabow. d time forming affidavits in ropy.-Mr Buttou pointed out that Mr Bnnnett had had ample notlce.as tho Socle y'slntended motion had been mentioned in tho Press. At any rato, the rule might be granted, subject to Mr Bonnett s right to illo answering effldavits.-His Hunor there upon grantoi tho rule, with directions that It Bhould bo served personally, and made return able on tho first banco day after 7 days from Borvico. answering affidavits to be filed two cloar days before its return. ■ . Skccombe v. WiLBON.-Mr E. Heeketh for plaintiff; Mr Button (instructed by Mr W. Thorno) for defendant. — In this matter, Hl' Honor delivered judgmoDt as follows:—Tbo faots in this caeo are spmowbat complicated, and at flrßt sight. I wag rather inclined to think that tho plain'iff had failed to moko out his right to tho rellof sought; but upon oonßidoring Mr Hosketh's argument and tho authori ties quoted, and upon a careful unravelling ot tho facts, I havo come to tho co»olusion that the nhuntlfi'ls entitled to tho relief claimed by him. The facts were theso: On tho 10th of March, 1831, Wilson, tho ancestor in title of tho defen dant s.boing owner in fee slmploof the property in question, guaranteed to ono Taylor a lease thereof for 21 years, containing an optional pur chasing clauso durinK the term at tho price of £1,000 Tho fact that in the purch<»sinK clause Taylor's assigns aro not mcntionod is of no consequence ob Wilson covenants, on tho option being oxerolsod, to convoy to Taylor or his asßigneo. This option to purehaso. ac cording to the authorities, clearly runs with tho legal estate in tho torm of yearn. (Mo Adams and tho Konßington Vestry, L.H., 21 oh., Dlv. 1!W, and 27 eh.. Ulv. 391, on Appeal.) On tho Bth April, 1861, Taylor aaßlgocd hia ontiro estato in this loaso to a Land Society by way of mortgage. The right to purchase w«8 thus vosted in tho Land Socioly, subject to Taylor's right to redeem. In July, 1805, Taylor, sublet the promises for tho whole of his term of yoarß, loss ono day.to ono Knox, by way of mortgage. In March, 18fi0, Taylor became bankrupt, and assigned his OBtato to one Vernon, for bonoilt of bin creditors. This assignment, of course, included his right to redoem tho torm of years, including his right to purchase, upon paymont to tho Land Society, of their mortgago. The sub lease to Knox by way ot mortvago clearly carried with it no right to the bonellt of the option te purchafo. Tho nssigno) took no Btops to rcdoom hy payment of the Land Hocioty's mortgage. In Decomber 18GG, Knox sold under his ijowcr o' sale his Bub-lease to ono Hay ward, who immediately thereat tor ro assigned to Knox th»t this trait-action clearly had nothing to dn with tho option of purch asostill vested in tho Land Socioty. In Octonor, 1807, Wilson, Iho owner in feo, convoyed tho property to trustocs for his wifo and children, and thono triißtccß soon after re conveyed to Wileou, to hold on tho same trusts. These conveyances woro, ot course, Bubjcct to the leaso to Taylor and its covon onts. In Ootobor, 1861). Knox boing tlion sub lessee ot Taylor for tho ontlroty of his term of yoars loss ono day, paid oft tho Land Society's mortgago, and took a receipt endorsed thoreon In his own favour In toruiß or at least to the offoct of tho statutory receipt under section 37 of the Building and Land Societies Aot, 1866. It Is upon the eil'ect of this reooipt that the wholo question in this caso arises, as it has arisen in so many othrrs quoted in argument. Tho remaining faots may ba lightly paßsod over. Knox assigned to tho plaintiff. Wilson died In 1883, and defondant took probata of his will. Plaintiff gavo him duo notloa of his accoptttneo of tho option of puroliaßO and ten dered tho purchase .nonoy. Tho question now is whether the aßsignoo of Knox Is entitled to tho bonoilt of tho option to purchase oonforred by tho loaso of 1861, Wilson to Taylor. This dependi upon the eilbot to bo given lo the statntory receipt by the Land Society to Knox. I'hore can bn no doubt that tho option to purohaeo was vosted in tho Land Society, subject, of course, as I havo al ready said, to tho right of Taylor's assignoo to rodeom on payment ot the mortgage monoy. The provisions of Soction 37 of tho Building and Land Sociotios Aot, 188U, is that the trustee of a land socioty may ondoreo on any mortgago givon to tboßocloty " a a receipt for all moneys intended to bo soourod by such mortgugc. ■ ."

" Which shall bo sufficient to vacato tho same, and vest tho oatuto of and In tho proporty lomprisoa In such eocurlty in the person or persons for tho time beinit entitled to tho equity of redemption" without tho nocoßnity of a reconveyauoe. Now, looking merely to tho provision of tho Act, it would have appeared plain to mo (hut it was designed to oporate only when the mort gage was paid off by tho mortgagor, bo that the mortgago might bo vacated, and tho proporty freed from tho burden of tho morteage without a rc-cdnvoyanoe,and was not intendod to apply to a transfer of tho mortgago to v third party, the mortgago being still kopt on foot, not vacated. I confoes that I ontiroly sympathise with what appears to have boon the view of Mr Justice Kay in gangster v. Coohrauo (L.H., 28 eh.. div. 208), that apart from authority, he would have ro decided, but liko him, I fcol concluded by the authority of Pease v. Jaokson (Lit. 3 oh. 07(1) and subsequent cases, and lean only repoat his words, "Against my own opinion, and believing myself tv be bound by tho decisions I have mentioned, 1 must hold that tho effect of tho receipt was to vest tho legal estate in tho plaintiff," Soccombe. and that tho logal estato to vostod carried with it tho option to purchase. Judgment must. th> rofore. be for tho plaintiff, with costs on the highest scale.

The Bricklayers and Mr Lanigan.

As our readers are probably aware, a diffi culty bas arisen botween Mr P. Lanigan (contractor for tho Calliope Dock), and tho local bricklnyors. Mr Lanigan, it is said, refuses to give work to Socioty mon.and has his bricklaying dono for tho prosont by rtonomusons. Tho matter formed the subject of a meeting last night, at which thoro was a large representation of the trade. Mr Andrew T. Geo presided, and Mr J. J. Hunter oxplainod the objects for which the meeting had been called. Mr Lanigan, ho said, had rofusod to give work to men who had applied to him, stating that ho would not employ Society bricklayors. This courso was tho moro Burprieing as ho had not boon em ploying bricklayers hitherto, and no ex planation was given of the courso adopted. Other speakers expressed surprise that Mr Lanigan should take this stand, and it was pointod out that under tho best circum stances the work of stonomasons at brick laying could not bo of a practical or work manlike kind, and it was evontuallv agreed unanimously on tho motion o"f Mr Simpson, seconded by Mr Payno, that a deputation of three members be appointed by this meeting to interview the contractor (Mr Lanigan), and ascertain his reasons for stating that he would not employ Socioty bricklayers at the dock, as the Socioty are not aware of having given the said contractor any cause for such animus." Messrs Hunter, Simpson, and Guird were subsequently appointed as tho deputation.

To the Editor Sir,—l notico that the bricklayers aregreatly put about on account of the stonemasons laying bricks at the Dock. Now, sir, I would like to ask the 80-called bricklayers whether thoy think that stonemasons cannot lay bricks. I have always seen that where stonemasons do their own brickwork they do it sound and well, and no scamping. It comes to something if a few so-called bricklayers can dictate to a contractor and stonomasons.—l am, &c, Edward Byrne,

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Tiik monthly meeting of this Society wa3 hold yostorday afternoon. Prosont:—Messrs R. C. Baratow (Chairman), Burtt, Bull, Hill, Hobbs, Hughes, and Captain Whitney. Tho balance shcot shewed incomo for tho month, £51 lis Gd ; expenditure _i 4s 9d ; balance in bank, £108 2s Id Fuporintondent Thomson reported that tho police had seourod four convictions against per sons who had pursued game at Wook's Island, Manukau Harbour. It was determined to givo the usual gratuity to members of tho police in these cases. The fines, it was thought, wen; too small, as tbey only ranged from os to 20s with Co3ts Itwasagroed on the motion of Jlrßurtt.soconded by the Chairman, •' That Mr Chocsoman should draft a letter to the Minister of Justice desiring him to direct the magistrates to imposo heavier ponaltles for such breaches of the Act." Mr Bull reported that the trout in tho Waitakoroi Kiypr and Henderson's Mill Creek were doinit weil. On tho motion of Mr Bull, a veto ot thanks was passorl to Mr McLaughlin for a site fpr flsh-brecchng purposes. On the motion of Captain Whitney, seconded by Mr Hobbs, it was resolvod that tho Society should! import ten brace of Belgian partridges, iho current accounts wore passed, and the meeting closed.

NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

(Br TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Weljcikoton, this day, A reunion of the congregation of St. John's Presbyterian Church was held last evening to celebrate the re-building of the church, destroyed by fire. The financial statemont showed that £7,344 had been received as insurance and subscriptions, whilst the cott of building and purchase of additional ground amounts to £8,329. Of the subscrip tion, £1,150 were given by ten gentlemen here. Addresses were delivered by Rev Messrs Elmslie, Church, and Treadwell

Ladies are invited to inspect the choice ™L°t?,i OiL of «fßs. flohues, and mauUes. alto MoMastlrll 1 breftk£ast K"wnß- »<■ T. and J.

Alleged Cruelty to a Horse.

Edward Vaile was charged with cruelly ill-treating a horse by working it while the ( animal was suffering from a sprain of the : loins, and also with cruelly boating it with , a whip.— Mr Dufaur appeared, on behalf of ; the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty , to Animals, for tho prosecution; Mr i Dufaur said that the behaviour of the doiendant towards his borne was of such a brutal and hoartless character that Iho charge was laid under the Police Gffeneeß Act, and he was instructed to ask that if a conviction were obtained, tho defendant be imprisoned. At the timo of tho occurrence tho defendant was driving two women of indifferent character. He flogged the animal so unmercifully that itß body was covered with woals, and when taken out of the shafts the animal staggored and fell. So bad was its condition that its owner had to order it to bo shot. Not only did the defondant deserve punishraont, but he him eelf should also be beaten witli a whip.— James Hill, grocer, deposed to sooing the defendant driving in Uppor Symonds-street on the day in question. He was whipping tho horse pretty hard, and it did not seem to be going, along. Afterwards he saw him gotting off the cab, and using tho whip again on tho horses. He had had a good deal of experience of horses, and would not think of using the horse driven by defend ant. He considered the beating adminis tered by defondant to be improper and excessive.—George Andrews, land agent, doposed that he saw defond ant driving a cab down Mount Eden Road on November 18th. There was a crowd around defondant, who was beating one of his horses unmercifully. A gentle man who was with witness said, "I would like to beat that fellow as ho is beating his horses." The horse which waß beaten was wholly unable to stand. For upwards of a quarter of an hour, tlie defendant did not cease tho flogging. Witness, went into Horbert's yard to soe tho horse after it was unyoked, and found that in places thG ekin and hair had boen literally beaten off his back, which was covered with blood. He had never witnossed such brutal conduct in his lifo. bo had had great experience with horses, having boen for seyonteon years a farmer at Papakura. Ho did not boliove tho horso was a jib, and was satisfied that it was too weak to go on, and could not stand.— Stanley Herbert, butcher, Mount Edon, re collected the defondant driving n cab and pair of horsos on Novombor 18th. Ho wus beating one horso with tho handle of a whip, and continued tho beating until he raised lumps on the animal's body. He did not soo the first of the beating Subsequently, ho looked at tho horso, which had been put in liis yard. It was in a very bad stato, and could scarcely stand. There were freshly-made marks on the horse's back, and also blood, which he be lievod came from an old sore, tho covering of which defendant had evidently taken off with the whip. Witness had been amongst horses since he was five years old, and con sidered the beating to bo an improper one. —By Mr Napier : The horse seemed to be strained in the loins. —Ernest Hooper, of Waterloo Quadrant, deposed to seoing de fondant thrashing his horse on Novombor 18th with a thongloss whip. He was beat ing it rather hard for about five minutes. The horse, wh'ch appeared to be bad in the legs, did not show any tomper so far as he could see. There was a bit of blood, or what looked like blood, on the horse's back. This was where defendant cut it, Another man assisted in tho flogging,—Richard R. Kinloch, veterin ary surgeon, deposed that ho examined the horse at the roquest of Constable Dewe. He was suffering from a severe strain in tho loins, and was evidently in an exhausted state. Tho body of the animal was covered with weals, such as would be made by a whip or a cano. From tho marks which he saw, ho believed the horso had had a heavy flogging or boating. Tho off-fore kneb was swollen, and tho horse was quite unfit for work. Ho considered tho working of a horso with a strain in its loins would in itsolf be cruel. —By Mr Napier : He had been eight years with his father, and thus gained his experi ence. In examining tho horso, ho backed it and placed his hands on tho loins. Ho would bo surprised to boar that experienced veterinary surgeons eaid that the horso wsh not suffering from a strain in tho loins. —Constable Dews also gave evidence for tho prosecution. Mr Napier having ad dressed the Court, called John Hogan, Abraham Bowden, John Gardiner, George Smith, and Veterinary Surgeon Jones Hogan said the beating was not very ex cesßivo, although ho would not liko to have given it to a horse. Tho other witnessos do posed that the horse was in a fit condition to bo worked, and that it was seined with an ailment known as"fouuder," which is liable to came on without warning.—The Bench considered that the evidence clearly indicated that the defendant had illtroated the horse, and fined him (iOs and coats; or in default, one month's imprison ment. They would allow tho second chargo to be withdrawn.—Mr Dufaur consented, but Mr Napior opposed a withdrawal, contending that he had disproved the charge of working the horse when it was unfit. — Tho Bench pointed out that they only intended to give a decision in ono case. — Mr Napier: But there are two separate informations, and I want a decision on each.— Tho Bench : Do you ask for two penalties ? —Mr IS apier : No, but I want two decisions.

- The Beuch : Wo can give two penalties.— Some argument followed, when the Bench said thoy had given their decision on the first information. At a subsequent stage, they said it was on the socond charge,— Mr Napior contended that the prosecutiou had failed on the first charge, and asked that the costs in one case be a set-off against those ia the other. —Mr Dufaur objected.-- After a long d scussion the Bench adjourned the matter till a later period of tho after noon, in order that thoy might give it full consideration. At the samo time they said their decision wos on the socond charge only. It was understood that the two charges should bo taken together, but if Mr Napier wished it, they would bo prepared to hear the first case again with tho view of giving a decision upon it. An arrangement was subsequently come to between tho parties respecting costs, and tho other chargo was dismissed. Two weeks' grace was allowed in which to pay the fine.

LAND SALES.

Messrs Morton and Jackson hold a land sale to-day at their Queen-street Mart, whloh w0.9 crowded. The oity properties roalisod as follows: — Allotment in Cook-stroot, frontage 41 foot, £8 per foot: 8 allotments at Kichmond, frontage to Viotorla and King-streets, £200 several allotments at Wyoyardton, near Coro" mandol, £6 the lot: a small allotment at Way* month, Manukau Harbour, £5; lot 21, at Pokono, 355. The Pah Kstato, small farms from 25 to 200 aci"3s each, sold as follows:—Lot 1, £2 13s per acre. Mr Walters; lot 2, £12s. Mr ; lot 3, £3 Bs, Mr Adams; lot 1, £2155, Mr S*ndall; lot 5, £3 ss, Mr Brown ; lot 6. £2 Is, Mr Willis; lot 7, 160 aores. £1 Bs, Mr Dil worth. The flvo email farms on lease for 21 years averaged 2s nor aore per annum. Tho proportlos offered by Messrs Cochrano and Son did not reach tho reserve, and wero nasßCd, also the proport'.os oiferod by Messrs B. Tonka and Co.

Opera House.—Athletic Carnival.

An athletic carnival by Professor Carrollo, the popular gymnastic instructor, and his pupi's took place at tho Opera Houso last evening. The audience was large, and thoroughly appreciative. Tho programme included many novel and interesting items —dumb-bells, exercise in squads, single sticks, vaulting, " the donkey," foil fencing, parallel bars, weight-lifting, and boxing. In the boxing bouts, there was none of the brutality commonly exhibited in similar competitions in this city. Suitable selections were rendered by the Artillery Band during the ovoning. An interesting feature of the entertain ment was the presentation of medals won in the recent serioßof competitions amongst members of Professor Carrollo's class. Those wero handod to the winners by Colonel Lyon, who complimented the pro fessor on the proficiency of bis pupils. The presentations were as follows:—Gymnasium championship, Mr F. W. Edwards ; gym nastics, Mr T. H. Keesiug; middle weight boxing, Mr R. J. Sandall; light weight boxing, Mr H. J. Adams; proficiency in defence, Mr J. VV. Dickson; energy and general proficiency, Mr Bock. The entertainment was brought to a close by a club exercise in squad, a boxing bout betweon Profeeaor Carrollo and one of the most promising of his pupils, Mr R. J. Sandall, quarterstaff by Messrs Edwards and Dickson, and a boxing melee in fancy costume.

The police have received information of the death of a Henderson settlor named John Malcolm, 63 years of age, under peculiar circumstances. Ho was working in a swamp taking the hide from tho decomposed carcase.of a bullock. Sub seguentlv he was taken ill, and died, it is supposed from the effects of cold and blood poisoning. He had no medical attendance.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

CAMBRiA-Thefollowing^Li , received • -« 2 001bs of *&££*** stope, Darwin reef. is lbs . ,tola % from fouith steps, cro, B m '**»■. amalgam in retort." The una is "' above claim closes to-morrow [ i % enable the directors to declare',! l_*P Blancme -The mine rT " The main reef in, the d& „«*?*. pact body of stone, but rather laP* *k was in the beginning of tbeS'^uii only about six inches. fc,W>M2 on Saturday strong colou ra iST&m seen The new or Banging™ SmM email, being only two or rtCT«$ thick. The cause _\ "JS",**, tightness of tho country at?_&M much softer ground wan«„i >\ H.atl»uav favourable fir gdKM'M not yet come together on wLTM hanging-wall, one* taking fi?B 3 thought, Owing, to fht .JS^ljl coming in, the main reef- Srt»>na I fO««d very quickly tow^rda 4°W ingwallone, so that they'«!_• bablyjom in a. short distance! S J* 0. two nice bodies of Btono in tL ri "J^ new one is a foot thick, arid _l__ % about 8 inches. & break! '?d3 4 day a great many colours K»M| nothing to pick out. *™i H New MANukAb.-Thb manager ULi. ■ -Your mine continues to IX*TISI I have not seep quite as much gold ' S dirt when broken down of la& ffl start crushing again sometime niiutf1 and hope to have another KS crushing before Christmas. Off WAionoNGOMAi.—The manure* : • that he has been engaged bttfidDß «2r crushing from the intermediate h_ I_ vincial section. There are 35 tm„L hand, and the last ten trucks W» l °S gold freelyin breaking, "ctjg^ start .on the 7th. Acting on instrm.r from the directors, the mu^Sfe No. 6 lot, which had been «_£H?& Thames Smelting Furnace, to Tr^ to the Moanatairia battery to bo oruiHrf

THAMES.

[From Our Own CoRREBPos DEOT ,. i

This d»y, Oambrla-Another Dividend;

The manager has cleaned up the amah,,,, resulting from thelaatfortnignt'eopeiS 1 and obtained the magnificent relnm . 2,4600zs retorted -fLmfff'Sgl loads general stuff and j,25g lbs bm3i mens were treated. Another dividend i. announced, but the amount it ____ yet known. The Manager baggeii 20blE specimens this morning mthe sixth atonem the main reef eastwards of the winze when a good show of gold still remains, and 181U were also obtained from the fourth' stoned the cross reef. ™

Deep Level CRoss.-The oruahingof 64 loads quartz and HOlbs picked stone has re sulted in a capital yield of 132J0z8. melted

Koran vi Hill.—batran, tributer, whilit working a block in the lnvernea section has crushed 26 loads of quarts for the splendid return of lOOozs 7dwtegold. New Eureka (Otanui).-RepaiM to the battery have been complated, and crushhw operations are again in full awing, lfafi reef in the stopes at both levels averara about Bft, in width, and shows coloiia of gold occasionally. The same remark applies to No. 2 reef at the low level whew tho leading stope is being carried along the roof of the.drive.

New Alburni a.—Tke inabager let a coo. tract yesterday for extending the croaecnt 61 the 70ft level towards the Success reef, for £2 9s fid per foot. This is now the onlt work in progress in the mine: Thames Golden Crown.—the shaft net in the eastward drive at No, 2 level hu shown colours of gold during the last daj or two.

TELEGRAMS.

Te Ahoha, this day.—Several applica tions have beon sent by mine managers to the County Council for a reduction of tram way charges, but the proposol is certain to meet with successful opposition, v the majority of the Councillors tire laid to be opposed to the reduction,

Napier, this day. The orimlbiLi bud' noss of the Supreme Court concluded tbii morning. The calendar comprised one case of housebreaking, one arson, one burglary. The three prisoners in then cases were found guilty, and sentenced respectively to two years, three years, and four years. The Grand Jury found no bill in tho case of iadocont assault, and in tie one of housebreaking a verdict "Not guilty" was returned. In the case ola native for perjury, the Crown Prosecutor withdrew a similar charge against another Maori. In the case of obstructing surveyor by two natives, the jury were charged by Chief Justice directing them to discharge the prisoners.

Inveroaroill, this day.-Tbe jury In Bridget Campbell's case (a charge of anon) wore unable to agreeafter being locked up all night. They wero diicharged, and a fresh jury unpannelled, and the oaee la now boing re-heard. The member of 'the G Battery who wai find last week for non-attendance at a Government parade, was twain charged with the same offence. He admitted tie charge, and was fined 80s, or in default, 7 days imprisonment.

PECULIAR ACCIDENT.

As Mr R. G. Newbegin, of the Auokland Club, wos returning to his home in Newton, about half-past eight la« night, he heard a craeh, followed by groans. He immediately ran to the spot whence the groans proceeded, andfoniKH man prostrate on the road aider a oar laden with hop beer. MrhewbeginipoM to the man, but failed to get m_mm and, owing to the fearful stale of the WM and the weight of the cart, was nnaM alone to render any practical aaawaMJ" the man. He shouted for Mft™" several men came up, and they toftm succeeded in getting the nan mi. although he seemed unable to am. They assisted him to Mr Martinson, the chemist's, but there waano one ki» tend upon him. Two young M> WW into thVcart and promiaed h i takeJhHj the nearest medical man. He wm iW? much bruised, but no bones were tooWJI it is probable, however, that hei would W been crushed to death, but thil unjowrf fate was prevented by thW^W; of a boxf The man ataMJKMK! give his name, or reveal the name of m employer, which wa ß not daw*""" the vehicle.

Newton Election.

(To the Editor.) SiK,-Astherater^yefsofthenewly n fora* borough of Newton br.ve an m^LJ. to perform to themselves *«flg lt ing districts in their beWes them to <^.*"*{sS hastily. If they do not, they W££ a mistake which will not tojjrj rectified. As they would "ban £«» poison so let them shun tta «*, who wouldbefavourableto«l»«BW"^ and a tallow factory. smolls enough in our district « -- having more foisted on us. d , woutfnot have it, and why Once let them get these "■*"■£&» lisbed, and when too late, yon ww rf imposeiblo to get rid of them. A that hard nut to crack, /^'Sm** word to the wise: Read, «*"V. i_ti digest-but rejeot.-I remain, *C Fat and Bonis.

"Ulster Maori's" Lecture.

(To the Editor.) . Sik,-As "UlsterMaonj'lg'JU' ment in your paper,«'h» R* YS£ eyed"*' lntheProtestantHall,Newton,WW let me just state that he tos«, rig^ our emblem, as be is inw"W£ j, m with us, nor do we recognW n .l 0 way. It is presumption on ng^j place our emblem on h« without the sanction o Thanking you forßpace "'^"H^Wryo' I am, &c„ J. Caknahan, A.i»«"»- Oiange Institution. __

A lecture will be„f#uW«fe ■ The Days ofWffltaa fkjfr As «i in the Protestant Hbll,»s^' mw iect is an interesting onft^^ce, but that thore will be a largo A Goon ACCOUNT^Tn^ «ggg rear.ot bed-ridden sictaeM««, »*$ *£

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAK, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9, 1886.



fTIHE VMAS riARD "DAZAAR, 181, QUEEN-STREET, Between Rattray's and Mason's, IS NOW OPEN. CARDS at English Prices. BOOKS at Publiahed Prices. STATIONERY AND STATIONERS* FANCY GOODS At Lowest Prices. H~ ST VALUE AT WILLIAM R. BRIDGMAN'S. 500 dozen Coats'a be-t Sewing Cotton, 2CO yards, Nos. 10 to 21, Is por dozen; 250 dozen do., 100 yds , Nos. 20 to 50, 2h 6d dozen: IS!) Pairs Long Lace Curtains from 2a 6d pair ; Crowdson's Calico, 4s 3d dozon ; Horrock's, 2a lid dozon ; Ginghams roduoed to lid, worth 8d; 25 Pairs Lang Muslin Curtains, halt price, to clear; splendid Black Silk, is lid, worth 03; large and wol-assortcd stock Now Dross Goods; Sateens, from 8d; Fanoy Dross . Goods, 6d; Lustres. lid: Honoycomb Quilts. 3s ad and ss. splendid valuo; large variety Muslin-work Embroidery, from lid yard; 20 L'idlcs' Chin* Silk Ulstors, half price, to cloar; Now Frillings in variety. Feathers, Sun Bonnots; largo varioty Maids' and Ladles' Aprons at cost to clear; strong Twoed for Boys' wear, Is id ; strong Galat a Stripes, 1* lid, great barga'ns; roally good Cotton Shirking, 4-Jd yard: nice assortment Ladies Laco Capos and Dolmans, cheap; lit Men's Oxford Shirts, 2s lid, worth /1r 9d; Mon's Paget Coats, 8s Od, worth 20s; \. Mon's Summer Coats, from 2s 9d; largo assort ment Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, from 81; large lot Job Hosiery to be cleared at a heavy discount; Men's White Shirts, from 2a lid; good fctook; cheap clothing. Patterns free by post. Freight paid on parcels over 20s. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 2SS, UPPER QUEEN-STREET. GO TO FOR BEDSTEADS \ CARPETS \ LINOLEUM U^A PERAMBULATORS VYV ■ BEDDING \VVj\ SPRING MATTRES \<I\ SES NL, V TOILETWARE >r^Y^ FENDERS & IRONS vJ«f_\ OFFICE FURNI- Vy~\ TURE * DINING ROOM I AND SITTING ROOM f"\ DRAWING ROOM V<<\ BED ROOM V, \ FURNITURE * VOX AMERICAN, \l\ AUSTRIAN BENI 1 \ A WOOD _ \m?-\ CHAIRS & STOOLS \ JV \^y\ WARDROBES 1 VT^A SIDE BOAKUS \^>*\ CURTAINS yr BLINDS 1 BLANKETS J TUE CHBAP SHEETS 5 HOUSE FURNISHERS ; QUEEN-STREET, HO(JSB REQUlglTfi AUCKLAND, ! . t BAR ABA LA. BARABALA. I "\TEW rfIEA T\ EPO T, JLI E W ±E A U SPOT, ! KARANGAHAPE ROAD (Opposite Garrett's New Building*). 3 BARABALA. BARABALA. i: . . i I l W« S. Laurie & C° ; Have fob Sale -1 170 Tons Banodust ' 250 Tons Island and Peruvian Guano j: 200 Tons Superphosphate of Lime Sulphate Ammonia ,i Nitrate of Soda 100 Bales Cornsacks 50 Tons Black and Barbed Fencing Wire 60 Kegs Staples, Pins, and Rollers SBBDS-viz., White and Red Clover, Alsyke, Timothy, Cowgrass, Cocksfoot, and Rye grass, Turnip, etc. Prices and Samples on application. CUBTOMB STREET. AUCKLAND. TVfc*EABES OF THE EYE, EaRT AJ THROATS AND CHEST. DR. WILKINS, CONSULTING & OPERATING SURGEON Is at his Surgery for General and Speolal Praotice all mornings and afternoons. Sunday, 10 to 12 30. Charges moderate. 17 years at London and Colonial Hospitals. Adjusts Spec tacles to sight. Consulting Rooms, Queen stkkkt, (opposite Bhortland-Btreet), Auckland. Y\ R. H U X T A B L E, OCULIST AND SPECIALIST IN THROAT AND EAR DISEASE, Formerly at McKenzlo Eye Infirmary, and lately from the Hospitals of London, Paris, and Vienna, Having returned to Auckland, may be consulted at King & Sons', Queonstreet, daily, from 11 to 12 o clock. Private Residence: Ponsonby Road, near corner of Lincoln-street. /Christmas & new~y¥aiTcards. THE LATEBTDESIGNS. Beautiful Floral Albums, Desks, Writtag Cases, Card Cases, Nice Selection in Bibles. Proyer Books, Birthday and Gift Books. AT VERY MODERATE PRICES. HY. A, COLSAN, Stationer and Bookseller, Victoria-street. Miss bacon, XTX FANCY REPOSITORY, 255, Queen-street. GRAND ART UNION—SO PRIZES. 400 TICKETS, 2s 6d Each, PRIZES ON VIEW FOR ONE WEEK. Having secured the servioes of Miss O'Hanlon. ! the wollTtnown Artiste. Ladies wishing to take . Lessons in the following works will receive every attention:— •■»•»«■ ( „L, So!i\„- Sh, ell" wPr^, Seed-work, Applione, i Raised Wool-work, Oriental Embroidory: Eaoh Is 6d per les3'. n. •*. v ' Wax Flowprs. Macrame, Imperial Marble ' ! Work. Liu'h"'- Work. Luatre Painting, Cauva- i sine: Ei^ch 3n6dpnr lesson. " . Chrjstoleum: ;.b per lesson. Poonah Painting: A course of six lessons 30a. c Crowe} and Arasene; Free of charge, '}



XV7- F. HUBBARD, C.E., ARCHITECT AND SURVEYOR. Water Supply and Drainage Specialties. G2, Queen-street