SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

BJ..U w_kia*-Jrj. o . morroW Morning, 11.3 SU N This Evening, 7.13 SCN RISK.—To-morrow Morning, *.os IA- UN'S AGW.—Now Moon, 16th, 5.15 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Australia, R.M.5.3., Ghent, from Sydney Wnitaki s.s., Crawford, from Whangarei Macgrogor, 9.5., Johnston, from Whnugarci TO-DAY. Ryno, brigantinc, Bewicke, from Islands Trtiiawera, 3.3., Sinclair.tfrom South

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Clansman, s.s., Farquhar, for Russell Wellington, s.s., Stephenson, for Tauranga GJenelg, s.s., Amodeo, for Morcury Bay TODAY. Glaucus, s.s., Ingham, for Lyttelton

IMPORTS.

lV.r Ryno. frojn Islands—77 tons copra. 0 tons sh.lt, I2evvt bechei!eiii..r.

EXPORTS.

Per Glaucus, for Lyttelton— ISO gunnies sugar.

The schooner Fleetwing is alongside the Q :«en-street Wharf, taking ih cargo for Samoa.

The Devonport arrived at Sydney from Mon- B'jinii on the 22nd ultimo.

The .Warm ion arrived at Lyttelton from X ; ipara on the Ist.

The barque K___a is on the berth at LyMolton 'or this port.

Th_ hrignniinc Parnell was to have left Port Chalmers for Auckland 011 the sth, and the brig Wave on the lath inst.

The Celestia is on her way from Dunedin to Hoidangain ballast.

Tne Eldorado, a miniature brigantine of only "' tons, was successfully launched at Port l hnlni era about a weok ago.

The Pelican loft Lyttelton for Kalpara on the "11.1.

1 he ship Lady Jocelyn, which has heevi b.i tlied at ihe outer western tee of the Queen street Wharf, broke hulk to-day.

Tho Clrco has heen haulod in on the western side of the Queen street Wharf to discharge.

The Throe Chenr3 was taking in ballast to il .y. She proceeds to Mercury Buy to take in a fa. go of timber for Brisbane.

riie schoonor Cygnet is alongside fhe inner voatarn tee of t.ho Queen-street Wharf, taking 11 cargo for Tonga.

The briganline Seagull loft Kaipara yesterday f.ir Queensland with a cargo of timb. r.

The brigantinc Ryno, which arrived from Ilia I-ilhtklu early this morning, left Auckland on the _7Ui September; called at Karotonga on the Hill October, and from thence e.-uiscd among-st 1:18 islands, ca ling at Samoa on the 22nd No vember; from there t. Savage Island, leaving Hl3 latter place on the 19th December. Kx purlonced tine weather all the voyage. Pas sengers: Messrs Oxlcv, Mansfield, Nicholas, aid Hird, -Masters h. Nicholas and 11. W. 1 lird. The following passengers camo from Whan garei last night by the M.icgi-ngor :—Miss Main, Mesdnmes Wright. Olarkstaf.. Lyons. Messrs l.vons. Davidson. McDonald, Olarkstaff, Master C,ar_staffi J. G. McLeod, Smith, Carter and -vi-, Jas Oven and sun. A. W. Carruth. Frear, Horn, 1< lower. Shadgado. Gaston, Sharland iaylor. Wright. Dennison, J. S. Cloniloii 1) Cordon. A. Goodman. W. B. Buckhnrst, A. M. Ku-t. J. Oran. Carter. J. Woyer, Andrews. t .unison, and fi steerage. The Wnitakl, from Whangarei, broiu-ht the following passengers : — Mesdimes Simpson, Dradahaw, Haines, Hollo way, Rownsloy. Sand f j.d.i oot, Miss McGee. Messrs Marks. Simpson, j.-bertoon, H. W. Bntger, J. Kay, S. Rownsley, U Bedlmifton. J. North, .oot, Carr, Morl.y, 'han.hers f«, Kvans, Chndwi.k. Mass... 1 > .baud, Stewart, (.'alien (_■, T. T. Dnv, W. F. wood.

ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALIA.

The P.M. s.s. Australia arrived from Sydney late last night She discharged Sydney piloe on January 1, at 3..17 p.m., and experienced fine v.cather the entiro passage to Auckland Rounded -North Cape 3th in. c, at (i... a.m., and received Auckland pilot at i) p.m Passengers for Auckland :-Prof. A. Uversiilgo, .Airs Koote .Mrs Barbour and Miss Barbour. Miss Molloy, _.li_a Barbour. Mr T. H. Mitchell, Dr. nnd Mrs f'ameron, Mr;D. Cattanach, Mr G. T. Cornwell, and ti.vc steerage. For "an Francisco: Mr J. .'laclock, Mr VV. ,S Smith, Miss Smith M.T.B. _ynnott, Mr O. J. Trinder.'Mr M. Collis, Messrs ihekson, Mr J. P. Willoughby, Mr W. Trevanask, Mr and Mrs Den kin, Mr 1.1) Dcrry, j _rB. a, Gray. Mr K. S. Cunningham, Mr J. L Daw, Mr A. M. Piatt, and 25 steerage. The Australia was to leave again for Honolulu and . v;an _ mncisco at 4 p.m. to-day. The following '.•■...Mcng-rs had booked up till 2 p.m. Saloon: Miss Boyd, Mrs King-land, Mr FCingsland. nnd ra.ul Joske. Steerage : W. H. Tovey, H. Trang ways. A. McDonald, wife and niece, Mr B Turner, D. D. Dodge, C'hai, Kills and son, Mrs Kelly and four children.

ARRIVAL OF THE TARAWERA.

The Union Company's s.s Tarawera arrived from Melbourne, via the South, at 9 o'clock this morning, She left Melbourne December 22. calling at the Hounds, arriving at Port Chalmers December .'SO. Called at L.treiton January I. left ill. 2nd, W. lington 3i-,'Napicc 4:h, Gisborne at., arriving a"t Auckland Bth.!) am. Fine weather up the coast. Pass.ngeri fi_m Melbonrna: Saloon-Mesdames Fowler, Wiley, Uston, Mi3_ o__orne. >lessr3 Slatter, I>. and A. Dick. Roberts, Helfman. Cirtis, Wiley, Davis, Mcsea, Watts, Hall, l.isran, Davis, Ilr. Wa 81,5 steerage. Coastal: Saloon— .Me -lames Martin. Turner. Forgeham, Powell, Martin, Dou_las, Wright. Misses Moss, Mason, Roberts. Bireman, Carl, Powell, Forsyth. j .olli., Hobba, Cameron, Close, FosUc, Ban i.ister, Cap-am Hntton. , Messrs Web.te- Hunter. Fitzgerald, Morton. He.man-on, Kishwortvb, Milne, Spackmnn, Meats Watkins. Gilli_3, Roberts, Pin key. Core, Parkinson, Mc ivenzie. Fox. liavsiiport, Hurst, (~oles, Ross. Walker, MacLaurin. Clarke, Hnlme. Craig McDonald, WaWron, Master Powell _. steer age. We are indebted to Mr D. DaLgliesh, purser, for files and report.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA ARRIVALS.

Hauraki, s.s., Harvey, from Waitara Douglas, 3,3., Norbury. from Waitara Penguin, s.s., Allman, from the South

DEPARTURES.

Douglas, 5.3., Norbury. for Waitara Hauraki, s.s.. Harvey, for Waitara Hannah Ifokan. s.s., W nd_or, for Kawhia Penguin, s.s,, Allnian, for the South

The stoamcra Douglas and Hauraki arrived from Waitara this morning with cargoes of stock. The both left, again for the some port at 2 o'clock.

The s.s. Penguin arrived from the South at 12 30 to-day with the following passengera:— Mesdamcs Hutchi.on Johnston and family, McKay, Holdsworth, Baker. Pitt, Downs. Wood?, Buckland, K_V3. Purchas and Farrel, Messrs Hogben (2), Irvine, Hutchison, McKay (2), Valentine, Pitt, Signal, Pennefather, John ston, Noble, Read, Cowan, Turnbull, Smith (2), Bransford, Hansen, Hudson, Cameron. Fisher, West. Whito, Baker, Frazor, Scotland, Laird, Crawford, Andrea, Buckland, Lind, Ruble, Weßton, and 12 steerage. Sho left again for the South at 2 o'clock to-lay with the following passengers:—MrsForman, Miss Clark. Messrs Clark. Forman, Martin, Atteson, Hawkes, jVlalavey, Harvey, Choeseman, Adams, Home, Taylor, Hammond, Ormnns, Mills, Chapman, and Ray.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Oamaru, this day.—Sailed: Marlborough, ship, Bird, for London, with 10,465 carsases of mutton, and 1,620 bales of wool; value: £27,070.

JPobt Chalmers, this day.—At Heads: Margaret GalbraHh. from* Glasgow ; Atlantic, barque, from Calcutta.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Maim wth, Close as under— Tma Dat. For Thames. peT Rotomahana, at 1 p.m. For Russell and Kawakawa, per Tarawera, at 4 p.m. For Gisborne, Napier, and Southern Ports, per Southern Cross, at _ p.m. For Whangarei Heads, Parna, Waipu, Whan garei, Kicmo, and Mangapal, per Macgregor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Annie Milbank, at 5.30 p.m. W_d_j__dat, 7th inst

For Gisborne and Napier, per Thomas Russell, at 1 p.m. For llakianga. etc.. per Argyle. at 11 a.m. nor Coromandel, per Coromandel. at 11.30 a.m. For Thames, per Uotomahana, at 5 p.m. __ r Mantra wal and Kai waka, per Ruby, at sp.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m. TrruRSDA-, Bth inst. Per Ringarooma. as follows :— For India, China, Japan, Mediterranean Ports, andContindra: of Europe, at, 10 a. m. iFor Australian Colon.es and united King dom, via Suez, and Kiindiei. lor letters, etc.. specially so prepaid and addressed, at 11 a.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspancrs, at 10 a.m. Late letters, for Sydney and Melbourne only at 11.20 a.m. The United Kingdom mall will be due in Lendon on the 21th February. k_ F-_ FrieTiai- IsUnda. per Cygnet, at 1.80 pm. W For Taranakl, Southern Ports, and London via i| rtio de Janeiro and Plyn-.outh {per Toneariro from Lyttelton on 17th inst), per Hawea, jl immediately alter arrival of s.s. Zealandla, 3. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster. if Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 8,1885. Opera House—Grand Juvenile Night, "Blue beard," 8 p.m. Parnell Hall-Amateur Concert. 8 p.m. Parnell Wc.loyan Church—Religious Service, 7 p.m.

Beresford-street Church-Evangelistic Meet ing, "..'lO p.m. 1 Masonic Hull, Knrangahape Road—Newton I Lodge Mark Master Masons, 7.30 p.m.

Births.

IHOOTON.— On January 3rd, 1535, at Jermyn st.reet. Auckland, tho wife of Walter Hooton of 11 son.

LRVINBOHN.—On January Ith, at Princes street. Albert. I'ark, the wife of H. D. Levin sohn, of .1 son.

Deaths.

.VUBTING— On tho -ml January, at Upper Ijuecn-street, after four months' painful ill ness, James Austing, gasfltter; aged 111. BURD.—On December 14, at Melbourne, on board the ship S ibraon, John Marsh Bunl. Southern papers please copy. RIBT.—On the ath inst., at Onehu. ga, John Uist. in his-oth year. The funeral will leave at 3 p.m. to-morrow (Wednesday) afternoon. May he rest in peace.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1885.

for the oanse that lacks asslstanoe, or tho wrong that needs resistance. For the future in the distance, And the geod that we can do.

We gladly publish today a communi cation from the Colonial Treasurer at Waiwera, stating definitely that " there is no truth in the allegation that the million and a-half loan is not floated now because of any doubt of the market or objection about the Sinking E'und, or anything directly or remotely related thereto." This is satisfactory, but it leavss unsettled other "allega tions " that have appeared in telegrams and in the press, andj.it will be a pity if the Treasurer leaves them still un touched. The point upon which the public were most anxious was the " al legation " that members of the Stock Exchange (presumably those connected with colonial loans) had protested against the Consolidated Stock Act, aid the dealings with the Sinking Fund consequent upon it. When the London telegram containing this announcement or allegation ap peared in New Zealand, the Colonial Treasurer discredited it, as he con sidered that any action worth notice taken hy the Stock Kxchange through its Committee would be reported to Government by the Agent-General, from whom they had not heard any thing. On the other hand, it has since come out that Government were for a fortnight "in close and constant com munication with the loan agents." These reports, backed by the mystery surrounding Ministers' statements and Ministers' movements, have ca ised a good deal of une_.sin.ss, and we sug gest to the Colonial Treasurer that it would be well to add to the statement which we publish to-day an explicit ac countof what has really taken place. The tenders for the loan are to come in on the 9th, and there can be no object in keeping back such information after the tenders are received. It would b_ well, also, to le: the public know the nature of " the pledge " which the Bank ofKn^lasdconsiderssuftkient to prevent the floating of the million and a half loan until after .March. We wire aware of a pledge given when the five million loan was negotiated, to the effect that no more should be put in the n.-rket for three years. But the three years had expired before the first of the present three millions was negotiated in January, 1883. If any pledge was given respecting the three millions, it s important to know the nature and terms, because it must affect the negotiation of the extra million sanc tioned at the same time for the North Island railway. Clearly, the terms of the pledge must have been of a very doubtful character, since the Govern ment did not think it worth considera tion or remembrance till the bank had objected to the negotiation of more than one million. We can assure the Colonial Treasurer that in formation on these points is looked for by the public, and that continued reticence can only do harm. The question is very simple. Has the objection to the dealing with the Sink ing Fund been reported to Govern ment by its English agents either officially or unofficially ? Have any pledges been given in connection with it? Has the Bank of England now agreed that neare free to float further loans after March next, and does the alleged " pledge " debar us in an}- way from then negotiating the extra million for the North Island railway as well a" the million amd a-half which was authorised last session ? The idea that there has been difficulty has taken a strong hold of the public mind, and nothing but the most frank and full information can now dispel it.

The Auckland Loan.

Mr Coatiss, manager of the National Bank of New Zealand, received a cable despatch to-day, which is confirmed hy a Reuters message, announcing the successful floating of the City of Auckland £25,000 loan, at a handsome premium. The total amount subscribed was £117,000, and the whole loan was placed at an average of £109 3s lOd per £100 debenture, which gives the Council a cle xv gain of upwards of £2,000. The loan bears interest at the rate of 5 per cent. These terms are the most favourable upon which the city has ever borrowed money. The first instalment of the present loan was subscribed at 102, and that was considered an excellent operation. There would np- Eear to be no want of buoyancy in the ondon money market at present when the stocks are approved. The city and the corporation bankers may be congratulated upon the issue of this transaction.

The Hinemoa Mystery.

The departure of the Hinemoa from Wai wera for parte unknown with the Colonial Secretary on board has whetted the edge ot public curiosity respecting the possible intentions of the Government, The Wei jngton "Post" last might suggested that she is boand for Samoa to forward a scheme of annexation in those islands. Another con jecture which looks plausible is hazarded that Ministers have received an intimation of the Imperial ratification of Sir George Grey's Annexation Bill, which was reserved for Her Majesty's pleasure. If bent on annexation enterprises, however, tho Go< vernment might fairly treat that bill as embodying the will of Parliament, and virtually in force until the Crown exercises its right of disallowance respecting it. The provieior.s of the law confer only powers of preliminary inquiry, and the Act, if ap proved, would not enable any Ministry to annex territory. The Constitution of the colony also confines the logitimat3 opera tions of the Government of this colony strictly within its own borders. And if the Ministry were disposed to participate in the scramble for the possession of South Pacific territories, they would find them selves everywhere confronted by serious in ternational difficulties. Samoa ia environed _y German and American claims and treaties. The New Hebrides Group ia com paratively free, but the French have cog nisable interests there. The group is only 48 hours sail from Noumea. A French corpora tion, known as the New Hebrides Company, which bought up the land interests of Cap tain McLeod, formerly of the John S. Lane and schooner Aurora, represents the chief European trade in the islands. In planting the New Zealand flag upon Espiritu Santo,

Ambrym, or Api, tho captain and crew of the Hinemoa might find themselves in con flict with one of the French gunboats which regularly visit the islands. At dato of last advices the Cher was cruising about Sand wich Island. The climate of the New Heb rides is deadly, and as an adjunct to New Zealand the group would be worth ye y little—it would not defray the cost of il_ government for tho next twenty _ year.. This is one aspect of annexation which the colonies have rather overlooked. It ha. be come known that General Scratchley's instructions prohibit him from incurring any expanse upon the government of New Guinea beyond the £15,000 a year guaran teed by the colonies. While clamouring for annexation, the colonies havo shown a pronounced disposition bo throw the bulk of the cost of administration and defence upon the British taxpayer. Ten years, ago Sir John Robertson, Premier of iNcw South Wales, propounded a scheme for extensive annexations which eanic to nothing because it threw the whole cost upon the Imperial Treasury, and Sir John knew perfectly well that it would be futile to ask the colonies for the money necessary to carry it out Fo long as (h j Home (loverntr.ent denied the colonies the right of taking action for the protection of their own interests, and at the same time refuse to act for them when re quested, there will be a chronic cause of soreness and heart-burning ; but if the several colonies were permitted to manage these annexations for them.-Ives, and to bear the brunt of them, it is not un likely that, the annexation fever would abate very considerably, when the ques tion came to be discussed whether the colonies, with rll their undeveloped resources, can afford a share of their revenues for the government of dis tant dependencies of doubtful value. In the meantime, however, annexation is the uppermost topic in all the colonies, and affords so tempting an opening for colonial statesmen to pose be fore the civilised world that even suppos ing the Hinemoa is at present bound on some mu_h more prosaic mission, we shall be surprised if Mr Service is left alone as the exponentof Colonial aspirations after an adventurous foreign policy.

Tho Khartoum Relief Expedition con

tinues, to make satisfactory progress on its toilsome march. Telegrams to-day report the successful completion of stages of the advance, as yet unopposed by the enemy. As the culminating point approaches, and as a olli-ion with the rebels 11111. t shortly prove inevitable, the public interest in the gallant Gordon and in the fortunes of the relieving force is sure to deepen, and the nows of the next few days will be eagerly anticipated.

The negro Thomas Brown, who was shot by a countryman of the same name in Darby-street on Sunday evening, is in the same condition as yesterday. There is no improvement, and it is doubtful it" he will recover.

Mr Pennefather, private secretary to His Excellency the Governor, arrive I here to day from Wellington on public business. He left Wellington in haste, and expected to get. hid instructions in Auckland.

Amongst the outward passenj-wrs who were expected to leavo by the mail steamer to-day was Mr John Lundon, who proceeds to the Islands. Mr Cave has undertaken, on his behalf, to pay li).. per week continuously during his absence. Tin's arrangement had the eil'eet of staying further proceedings in tho case.

A telegram received by Superintendent Thomson to-day contained intelligence of the sudden death of an old man named William Pottitt. Deceased, who was a settler in the Port Albert district, was found dead in his bed at !1 a.m. yesterday. An inquest was held at 7 30 p.m. yesterday, William Causley being foreman of the jury. The verdict was " l).a_.'i from natural causes." Deceased was in his 74th year.

A tire broke out several nights ago in the Railway Coffee Kooms, Queen-street Wharf, but was fortunately extinguished before any damage was done. It is supposed that a lighted match thrown down by a care less smoker was tho cause. There were, it appears, nearly one hundred people asleep in the upper storey at the time.

The poll held at Birkenhead yesterday to determine the question of borrowing £2,500 for the formation an.l metal ling of the road from Birkenhead Wharf for a distance of -_ miles out resulted in favour of the loin : 75 voters, represent ing a value of :_..8,8.5, being for it, and 20 voters, representing £12,143, against.

A cricket match between the local publicans and the members of the "book making " fraternity now in Auckland tool place on the ground at the Domain to-day. The bookmakers went hrst to the wickets, and succeeded in putting together a score of 28. The publicans then took their innings, and at 2.30 four wickets had fallen, and liladstono and Donovan were doing their best to stand before tho "books." The match, though not distinguished so far b\ high scoring, .s a very interesting one, and is witnessed by a large .number ot spectators.

A foot race of 120 yards for'the champion ship of Auckland and £25 a-sido takes place in the Domain to-morrow at 3 p in., between Pickering, of Auckland, and Woods, of Dunedin.

Alexander Royncll, of Parnell, (con tractor for the erection of St. Paul's tempo rary church, now in process of building) tiled to day a petition in bankruptcy. His liabilities, divided among 1" creditors, are stated at £352, and his assets at _4j.

The inaugural meeting in the week series of universal prayer services took place last ni^ht iv St. James's Presbyterian Church, Wellington-street, the Rev, R. F. Macnicol presiding. After some singing, and a prayer by the Rev. A. Reid (Wesleyan), the Rev. W. E. Kice (Baptist) delivered the address of the evening, which was bused upon I. Samuel, 7th chap., and 12th v. Further devotional exercises followed, and with them tho meeting closed. The second meeting takes place to-night in the Beres ford-street Congregational Church.

The body found in the Awakino Creek, Northern Wairoa, has been identined as that of Peter Fisher. He was about 50 years old, and was employed as a mill-hand atTeKopuru. He was subject to tits. The deceased was last seen at Mangawhare races, on Saturday, and it is supposed that in crossing the creek on some logs by tiie boom, on his way home, he slipped and fell in. One hand was deformed, so that ho had little power to help himself. The face, wheu the body was taken out of the creek, was completely flattened and the eyes protruding.

Many of those who use the telephone have no idea of the patient and vigilant labour which that great convenience entails upon the attendant in charge at tho central office. Some subscribers, however, were sensible of the deserts of Miss Stewart, the lady who has charge of the Telephone Ex change during business hours, and started a subscription to mark their appreciation. Miss Stewart, who left to-day on a holiday trip to Wellington, was yesterday the recipient of a purse of 59 sovereigns, presented on behalf of the telephone sub scribers, by Mesdames Haines and Isaacs. This seasonable action speaks well for the subscribers, who have so generously recognised the merits of a courteous and and energetic public servant.

The "Church Gazette" for January will doubtless prove as interesting to its readers as many of its predecessors, although it does not this month go far outside for Hs subjeots. Of its articles, the continuation of Arehdeicon Clarke's paper on " The Maori Missioners in the Ring Country" is interesting as showing that gieat good has been a«eampli_hed by their agency, There ia also an "In Memo nam " of the late Attorney-General and Chancellor of the Diocese, Mr Swain son, together with a little prefatory paper on "The Coming Mission. A very read able number is made up of the usual Church items, notiaes, See. We ought to mention that with this issue ia given a very useful calendar.

The charges under the Licensing Act brought before Hia Worship H. G. Seth Smith, Esq., R.M., yesterday fell through. In the first case, in which Mrs Forester, of the Swan Hotel, was charged with supply ing beer to two persons on Sunday, the 81st December, the evidence failed to show that a sale had been effected, and tho case was dismissed. On leaving the witnoss box, Mrs Forester fainted, and was con veyed home in a cab. A second informa tion against Michael Gallagher was with drawn by Sergeant Pratt. A charge of failing to admit the police to the Alexandra Hotel, Parnell, was laidagainst thelandlord, Patrick Lynch. Mr Cotter urged that the constable, in demanding an entrance to the hotel, should have defined his business in accordance with the requirements of the 185 th section of the Licensing Act. His Worship supported the objection, and dis missed the charge. 0?wo other charges were brought against the same defendant, one for allowing billiards to be played in his house during prohibited hours, and the other for using offensive language towards Constable Hobson. In both cases the evi dence was conflicting, and resulted in a dismissal.

The borough births for tho month of December were 05, and tho total for the district t!)_. The borough deaths were 33, and the total for the district 71. The mar riage certificates issued were 77, of which 2:1 wore solemnised in the Registrar's office.

The Old Blues held their quarterly meet ing last evening at the residence of Mr Dennes. The following bluo-coat boys were present, viz :— Messrs: Clark, Dennes, Fox, ffuiro, McNeile, Parish, Raw lings, Shirley, Stratford, Trollope, Watkins and Whit combe. This Society was established for the purpose of friendly intercourse and keeping green many pleasant recollections oi the celebrated school, associated with memories of Coleridge, Lamb, and Hunt.

Thames is likely to be well represented in the champion wlialebont race at the approaching Regatta. Two crews are vigorously training for the event, and they have the advantage of Mr T. Savage's ser . ices as " coach "

The Hubin Hood's cargo, it appears, was insured in the South British and noj; the New Zealand office.

" Bluebeard " was produced again at the Opera House last evening with considerable success. There was a good attendance, anil the audience testified by its frequent applause tint it was an appreciative one. The pantomime will be produced for the last time, tonight, and to-morrow evening "Jane Shore " will be presented. The per formance to-night commences at half-past seven. A meeting of those interested in the pro posed New Zealand Industrial Exhibition was held last evening in the Chamber of Commerce. It was agreed, on tho motion of .Mr J. Reid, Chairman, seconded by Mr W. Nome, "That this meeting approves of the proposal of the Government to hold these exhibitions." Mr Callis, Secretary to the Exhibition, read the programme, which stated :—(1) All exhibits must be forwarded to the Executive Committee, Wellington, through the local committees, any time after the Ist May, and not later than the 30th Juno ; after the latter date all vacant spaces become forfeited. _(_:) The space allotted for the Exhibitions only -t_,05.. square feet, including yi«^_aj_es, &c., so that the gie .test economy wi'.l be required in its apportionment The charge will be one shilling per square foot ; the minimum charge for an exhibit (this does, not apply to industrial Home Branch) will be five shillings ; payment to be made upon allot ment of space. • The following gentlemen wero appointed i Committee,with power to add to their number :—Me. srs J. Reid, W, N'oi'i-ie, Chad wick, M. Clark, J. A. .lugger, .1. Winks, C. Atkins, Ryan, Yon der Heyde, W. Sendee, Jones, Brewster, Johnstone, Porter, and Ci'oensliiclds. Mr James Stodnrfc was appointed Honorary Secretary. Mr Callift announced that there is to be a London Colonial Exhibition in 1886. Tho Government had informed him that they wished him to act as temporary agent for that. The following names wero .übse quentiy added to the Committee:— The Mayor, tho Chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr fi. Ilolf'i'iip, Mr Mason, Mr .1 agger,Mr Walsh (Tobacco Company), Mr J. Cham bers, Mr Murdoch (Union Sash and Door Company), MrT. Peacock, M.I 1.11., Messrs L C. Firth, Boyd, G. Fraser, Carder Brothers, K. Walton, Ireland Brother.., Garrett Brothers, dittos, .1. Wiseman, Wavuock Brothers, .1: Lamb, Bycroft, Memiio, Fisher, Flellnby, Freezing Com pany, Williams, .I agger, Whitson, Sec combe, Teutenberg, Bartiett, Hem us and Hanna, .1. Martin, l\ A. Philips, E. Waters, W. Swan.on, Fen.on, 10. Mitchelson, M.H.1.., J. L. Wilson,.l. D. Wickhnm, and 11. Brett.

To persons wl.o wish to spend an enjoy able holiday season, anil at tho same timo re store iheir energies wasted by a too cose np IciUion to business, or by cares of any kind, few places offer so many at;.action., us Te Ariiha. I'l.o hot baths, wliich have already In-come famous for their wonderful iiiorii-inal pro perties, the pleasing scenery, the cast- by which tho iJace can hi: reached hy rail, river, or rood, and the exceedingly moderate cost, of hold ami other aceoiiiiiiodiit. n, combine lo render it a most, pleasant spot, in which to spend an idle week or two, and pleasure-Beckers who de sire to pass their linio quietly and enjoy ably cannot do bettor than visit. th;» neigh bourhood, where health, and plenum n.av ho saiii to go hand In hand. The position of the Springs is almost in the cent™ of tho township situa'cil nt oho base of the grand and beautiful mount-in, and ihev are wiil.in two or llin;o minutes' w..l_ of the principal hotels, tho Hut Springs hostelry, kept by Mr w. Weston, the Hritjaj) by Mr P. Quintan, and Walker's ty Mr .1. Warren, being not. mom than a stone throw distant. The fares for rhc s nglc journey from mil to .. iickland (inclusive of Bradley and Co.'scoiio-cs between Mnrrlnsvillc and Aroha) arc27.i llmt clus-i. ami lfl. lid .oeonrt class. During the holiday., reti.rn ticket- will be isHtied hy rail auiiiglu fares. Chcip tickets are also issued by the '1 names Ulvei* .Navigation Company, and for thooo who prefer travelling by water, this route liss many chirms, as during the spring and slimmer ninths the seen My on the river hanks is «-ceeflttigly lovoly.anil all'irds n never failing tr nt. iMadtoirers of t.iui beautiful in Vnture.-iAr.v_l

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

THE ENGLISH ADVANCE UNCHECKED.

(by a.nr.E.- copyrh.iit.)

Korti, January 4, Tiik troops, under Colonel Sir Herbert Stewart, reached Gadkul unopposed early on Friday, and the wells there aro now held by the Guards.

CAIRO, January ;">.

Lord Wolsley telegraphs that the detach ment, of the South Staffordshire regiment which recently left Korti has reached Ham dab, fit route for Abu [lamed.

THE AUCKLAND LOAN.

Successful Floating In the London Market.

(Received December (j —12.1,"i p.m.) Loxuo. , December 5. Tkndeiis for the Auckland Loan of J__is,ooo were opened to-day, and the amount ap plied for was subscribed nearly fourfold, the average being £100 is.

HEAVY FIGHING IN TONQUIN.

Victory Claimed for the French,

(deceived January 0—noon).

Hoxc Ko..c, January 5. News is to hand from Tonquin that a battle has been fought near dm I etween the French troops under General Negrier and a force of Chinese numbering si., thousand. The engagement lasted some time, and resulted in a decisive victory for the French.

TABLE TALK.

A REfiUlu-R sell !—That at the lock-up. Mystery still enshrouds the Hinemoa. Straw hats show how the wind blows. Sir Julius Vogel had to be lowered from the steamer by means of tackle at Waiwera. Men who always go to the wall—Paper hangers. Food that makes one sick—The " chops " of the English Channel. The steamer Ruapehu arrived at Ply mouth on 3rd inst,, having made the voyage from New Zealand in 30 days ,20 hours.

A young man namert Thomas Low was drowned yesterday at Naseby, Otago, while bathing. A dreadful old bachelor defines a dowrj as " a lump of sugar intended to nullify tho dose."

What ought you to do if you split your sides with laughter ?—Run till you get a stitch in them.

Prices of grain falling in all the markets of the world ; bad look-out for farmers

Walter Mcintosh, alias Price, is in cus tody at Wellington charged with atealing ;_47.

Strong-minded—'-"cry.—The motto of the Good Templar girls is—"The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine."

In Berlin the bakers havo reduced the price of finest white bread to Id per lb. Said Judge Johnston at Christchurch yesterday :—"My present strong impres sion ia that resisting the sheriffa officer is no offence at statute or common law."

A daily mail service between Te Aroha and Auckland via Morrins vilie has now been established.

If your friend meets with adversity do not offend him by asking into the particulars. His neighbour will be glad to tell you all. Thus you not only avoid offending your friend, but you give pleasure to his neigh bour.

Hon. Messrs Richardson and Larnach are the only Ministers now in Wellington, but Mr Tole is expected at the end of the week.

" I should have no objection," said a hen pecked husband, " to my wife's having the last word if I could enly be assured that it would be the last."

The quantify of foreign wheat imported into Germany is over 15,000,0U0 quarters pe. year.

Never return a borrowed umbrella. Lightning seldom strikes twice in the same place. Your friend, having ventured ono umbrella upon your honesty, will be loth to repeat the risk.

ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC.

Extension of the British Protectorate.

(BY CABLE—COPYRIGHT.)

Melbohe,.!!, January 5. A TELF.iiP.AM has been received by the Go vernment from Lord Derby in reference to German annexation in the Western Pacific. His Lordship states that the annexation by (lermany is not the result of any concert between the German and English Govern ments, and that the Imperial Goverament is now in communication with Germany on the matter, Lord Derby adds that the British protectorate now includes a con siderablo section of the north-eastern part of New Guinea, besides the Louisiade Archi pelago, Woodiark, D'Entrecasteu_, and other important islands. No Understanding Between Germany and England. Svdsky, this day. Government have received a telegram from London stating that Germany had made no arrangements with England for occupying a portion of New Guinea, and acted without reference to England.

SPORTING NEWS.

Tmc following weights for the Wellington Cup, run at the Butt, were declared last night by Mr Evett : — Welcome Jack ..9 12 Speculation ..7 7 Vanguard .. ..9 8 Matanaia .. ..7 7 Tasman .. .. !1 6 Consul .. ..71 Lady Emma ..8 10 Normanby.. .. 7 3 July 8 9 Tim Whifller ..7 3 Salvage .. ..3 7 Minerva .. ..7 2 Leonora .. ..8 7 Lady Kvelyn ..7 2 Johnny Faulkner 8 (I Charmer .. ..7 1 Sou'wester.. .. 8 5 Talebearer.. ..7 0 '1 urquoise .. ...8 1 Sir Bedivere ..7 0 Black Rose ..8 3 Refrigerator .. Ii 12 Administrator .. 7 10 Armourer .. .. fi 12 Tigredia .. ..7 10 Biynrd .. .. «12 Liverpool .. ..7 8 Mocker .. ..0 7 Fusilier .. ..7 8 Laurel .. .. fi 7 The Poet .. ..7 8 Mainboom.. ..0 1 Hinemoa .. ..7 7 Mokoia .. ..0 0 A meeting of Tattersall's Club Committee takes place tomorrow night to decide how wageis stand that were affected by the run ning of the Steeplechase. " Kobin Hood" telegraphs from Christ church that tho first prize in his consulta tion on tho Midsummer Handicap, £300, went to a maltster at Fendaltown, out of work ; the second to a farmer a; Ohoka, North Canterbury, and the third to a pro minent shopkeeper in Colombo-street, Christchurch. The first prize in the Middle Park Stakes, t'lß2, went to a hairdresser at Ashburton, tho second to a publican at Christchurch, and the before-mentioned Christchurch shopkeeper took third prize. Reuter cables that 48 horses have been entered for the Australian Cup.

NEW ZEALAND STUCK AND PEDIGREE COMPANY.

Solo of Yearlings.

In" the second edition of our last issue par ticulars were given of the sale of the first thirteen yearlings offered at Sylvia Park

yesterday afternoon. We now, however, append the full list of sales, merely premis ing in proof of the successful result which was attained that the 2.'} youngsters offered brought 3,311 guineas, or an average of something less than 145 guineas. Tho prices ranged from 325 to 50 guineas :—

Brown Yearling Filly, by Musket, from Kricyna, 115 guineas, It. C. Greenwood, who sold immediately afterwards to W, Robertson for 150 guineas.

Chestnut Yearling Colt, by Anteroa, from Fancy (full brother to tho Poet I, 250 guineas, C. 11. Lushington.

Hay Yearling Killy, by Gulogan. from Crino line. 170 guineas. Captain Russell (Napier).

lirown Yearling Colt, by _tua_.t, Titanta, _l>o guineas, J. Marshall.

Brown Yearling Ifilly. by Musket, from Moonlight. TO guineas, It. C. Greenwood.

Hay Yearling (..It. by Musket, from Pulchra, _ 0 guineas, K. Mitchelsou for the Hon. George McLean.

Brown Yearling Colt, by Musket from Pearl Ash (half brother to 1 .aril, 110 guineas. R. 11. Va!la"ce.

Bay Yearling Filly, by Musket, from Madcap fitt.ie lain-l. KG guineas, K. C. Oreenwood. lirown Yearling FJlly, by Musket, from Han nah (half-sister to Kingcraig), 83 guineas, 11c- Neish (1-k'-no). Brown Colt, by Cndoßan or Musket from Florence llucarthy, ItW guineas, Colonel Fraser (Thames). Bay Colt, by Anteros. from AUlanta. 120 guineas, W. Profitt for H. Goodman (Dunedin). Buy . earling Colt, by Rundwick, from Per fume. 15guineas, A. Austin (Onehunga). Chestnut Yearling Filly, by Antcros, from Trca Deuce (lllly's dam o.vn sister to Calumny), . 1 guineas. Alison Bros. (North Shorel. Brown Yearling Colt, by Anteroa, from Lady Mary. 210 guineas. C. H. Lushington. Chestnut Yearling Colt, by Anteroa, from Nuiad, 5o guineas, It. C Greenwood. ('hestnut Yearling Colt, by Feve. fremi Lyra 50 guineas, HVwitt ttny Yearling Colt, by Cadogan. from Misß Laura, 110 guineas, Willian.san (Taranaki). Bay Yearling Colt, by Apromont. from Nelly Moore, 310 guineas. C. 11. Lushington. Chestnut Yearling Colt, by Cadogan, from Lure, 175 guineas, James Craig, who, in turn, sold at a slight advancn to Thomas Clark. Chestnut Yearling Colt, by Cadogan, from Petroleu. c, 200 guineas, G. Donne for W. Lyons. Hay Yearling Filly, by Cadogan, from Steppe, ..-.") guineas, I. H. Lushington. Hay Yearling Colt, by Apretnont or Musket, from Fairyland, 60 guineas, It. C. Greenwood. lirown Yearling Colt, by Musket, from Medea, 50 guir-eas. Mountain. Extra Sales. Merry Katie, by Feve, from Dnuaee's Katie, _1 guineas, W, Pcrcival. Dundee- Katie, by Dundee, from Rambling Katie. _0 guineas, Baker. A brown yearling tilly, by Rand wick out of Jenny Lind (the dam of Linda), belong to Mr G. Donne, was then offered, and was bought for 45 guineas by Mr Lumsden. Draught Stock. A number of draught geldings and tidies were brought forward and disposed of as follows :—A large roan colt, by Elgin, 3 years, Patrick Malier, £42; brown tilly, 4 years by Elgin out of a Prince Arthur m-re, R. Hobbs, M.H.R., £2S: a brown c .If, £20 10s, Pilkington ; a brown mare, b;. Loch Fergus, £25, and a grey filly by Eloin, £28 10s, were bought for Macfar land Bros., of Honolulu.

LOSS OF A MUSKET COLT.

SoMEWim of a mild sensation, mingled with general regret, was occasioned in sport ing circles to-day by the report that one of Musket's progeny, sold at Sylvia Park yes terday to a Southern turfite, had broken its leg and was dying. The rumour proved to be strictly correct, the fatally-injured animal being tho brown colt by Musket from Pearl Ash, and half brother to Pearl, which was sold yesterday for 140 guineas to Mr R. H. Vallancc, who is said to havo acted in the mattor for Mr G.G.Stead, of Christchurch. It seems that after the sale the colt was removed to the Manukau Hotel stables for transhipment by the s.s. Penguin this morning. By some means or other the colt got frightened in the stables, and kicking out, fractured its oil' hind log. A veterinary surgeon was called in as scon as the injury had been ascertained, and in his opinion the animal will have to be destroyed. Pearl Ash, the colt's dam, is a bay mare, bred in 1871 by Mr Gee ; got by Lord Clifden, her dam Potash by Voltigeur, out of Alkali, by Slane out of Seakail by Camel. The colt was foaled on the 17th October, 1883.

MINING NEWS.

(by telegraph—own correspondent.)

Thames, this day, CALEBOSiA_r Low Level.—The leaders in the south crosscut at the 640 ft. level are so encouraging in appearance that the manager has slightly diverted the course of the drive in order to follow them. About 12ft. of quartz were broken down yesterday, and the stone was found to be impregnated with excellentauriferous indications, though gold was not visible. About five or six loads of stone will be tested as soon as the battery is available.

Darwin. — Crushing has been com menced, and the manager expects to keep the "tampers in continuous employment. Cambria.— The underground works are in full swing, and the crushing power has been increased to twenty stampers May Qckes (Waiorongomai). - The crushing from this mine gave 4..0zp. lSdwts.

CATARRH OF THE BLADDER.-sti_g-_ s irrita. lie. Int-iiinnatlon, allKidufly aud similar Comulalnu, cured bj " B.u-liu-i-übtL" At llruggi iv.

w -. .. Frouar A Co.. Aleuts, Auckland. Sewing Machines wholcealo and retail.— D, <3. Chambers.

The compliments of the season may be gracefully conveyed, and will be appreciatingly accepted, if accompanied by some useful pre sent, obtainable in immense variety at Good son's London Arcade.—[Adyt.]

The most Beautiful Ornamental Fire Soreens ever imported to this City are to be aoen atGarlickfe Cranwell's Furnishing Warehouse A large assortment Inst opened up, varying in price from la 9d to i2b 6d. Ladies are invited to make their selection early, as we cannot replace the choicest of them this season,- Garliok and Cranweli, Queen-street—lAdvt.

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

(Via Brindisi),

[From Our London? Correspondent.]

(For the Four Days Ending November 14.)

London, November 14. Wind Up of the Mignonette Tragedy.—

Has All Been Told?

THAN'KH to the kindly feeling and judicial knowledge of Mr Baron Huddlestone, tho jury who tried the captain and mate of the Mignonette were enabled to avoid the pain ful necessity of pronouncing them guilty of murder and to pass on the responsibility of deciding the case to Her Majesty's judges. The affair is now practically at an end, for there can be no doubt that Dudley and Stevens will be absolved from punishment, even though they may be found technically guilty of crime, I met a barrister the other day who goes the We.tern circuit and was present in the Court at Exeter during the trial. He tells me the most remarkable feature of the case was the difference between the demeanour of Dudley and Stevens. The former was bluff, cheerful, and defiant; the latter bowed down with shame, and palpably apprehen sive. When Brooks began to give his evi dence both Dudley and Steven* showed signs of considerable anxiety, the latter turning ashy palo and trembling violently. This may merely have been caused by a recollection of their mutual sufferings, but some of the ablest counsel on the circuit are of opinion that there is a sido to this terrible tale of the sea that never has nor ever will be known. Perhaps Dudley and Stevens feared that at the lust moment Brooks might tell something which they had all decided should not be told. Of course, this is purely conjecture, and not very kindly conjecture either, considering what appalling agonies we know the poor fellows underwent ; but barristers aro for ever sniffing out something wonderful. Mr J. C. Williamson. Walking along the Strand on Wednes day afternoon,whom should I run up against but our old friend J. C. Williamson, actor and manager, who is at Home en f/arcon foraging fur novelties. He has already ob tained the Australasian rights of all Gilbert and Sullivan's operas, including " Princess Ida," the revised "Sorcerer," and the new work at present on the stocks. Elaborate wardrobes for " lolanthe " and " Princess Ida "—replicas of what were used at the Savoy—are being manufactured here for Mr Williamson ; in fact, he proposes to pro duce these operas in the colonies with pre cisely the same dresses, scenery, and effects as in London.

Besides the above, Mr Williamson has purchased from Augustus Harris a number of the dresses used in the last Dairy Lane pantomime, famous, you may remember hearing, for the gorgeous procession of kings and queens of England. Mr Williamson's trump card next year will, however, he hopes, be Mary Anderson. He happens to be great friends with her manager, Abbey, and is doing his utmost to persuade him to sign and seal for a colonial tour at the close of the 1880 season in America. Miss Anderson has just re newed her agreement with Abbey for two years, and would, she says, rather like to visit Australia and New Zealand ; so some thing may como of the idea. I must say, though, I know fully a dozen actresses I would rather "star" through the anti podes than Mary Anderson. Her beauty and notoriety could alone be relied on to draw, for as an actress she is not much better than Miss Pomeroy, whom ycu have seen.

Mr John Studholme Plcltpocketed.

On Monday last Mr John Studholme, of Chris teh urch.N.Z., was inCheapside trying to make his way towards the West End, when he found himself irresistibly borne into the dense crowd assembled to witness the Lord Mayor's show. He had on a valuable watch and chain worth nearly £100. This naturally attracted the respectful attention of a band of pickpockets on the look-out for prey. They hustled him after the usual fashion, and at last snatched the watch, but before it could be pissed on into safe hands, two detectives who had been observing the scene with interest came to the rescue, and recovering the stolen property, arrested the thief. Sir Robert Garden, before whom the delinquent was brought, expressed an opinion to tho effect that Mr Studholme must be distinctly verdant ti walk about on Lord Mayor's Day in Cheapside with a 100 guineas chronom .ter and chain tempt ingly displayed. Special Items. Special settlement emigration is hope lessly moribund, but our old friend, Vesey Stewart, cannot be persuaded to beiieve it, and has started off on a provincial lecturing tour. Colonisation in the North Island forms the subject of his discourse, which will, I need scarcely say, indicate the many pure delights derivable from settlement in the neighbourhoods of those antipodean Edens, Te Puke and Katikati. Mr Stewart was to " open " last night in Edinburgh. Sir Saul Samuel entertained the new Commodore of tho Australian station, Ad miral Tryon, and the new High Commis sioner of New Guinea, Major-General Scratchley, at dinner on tho 11th inst., to meet the Under-Secretary of the Colonies (Mr Evelyn Ashley) and a number of gentle men interested in the settlement of our new colony. No Australasian appeals are set down for hearing at the pending autumn session of tho Judicial Committee. This is very un usual. More than 500 persons have written to the Agent-General for particulars of the English mastership situation at tho Dun edin High School, and 70 have absolutely sent in applications, with testimonials, 4c. Dr. Kennaway expects there will bo fully 100 candidates to choose from when the list closes. Miss Amy Sherwin continues to sing oc casionally at the Covent Garden promenade concerts, but does not seem able to gain a regular and recognised position on the con cert-hall stage. The shock occasioned by the sudden death of his young wife, and a severe cold, have so seriously affected the famous jockey, Fred. Archer's, lungs, that his friends are trying to persuade him to make a long sea voyage^to Australia and back during the winter. New Boats for the Union Company. Iv response to some queries of mine relative to tho new boats which they have in hand for the Union Company of New Zea'and, Mis rs William Denny and Btcs. write that the Ohau and Taupo, sisterships of about 740 tons each, are almost ready for sea. The for_aer left th. i- yards on Monday last, and the latter will be launched some time this month. Their dimensions are 200 x 32ft. x 16ft, Sin. The Ohau is fitted with refrigerating gear for conducting the coastal meat trade. She is capable of carry ing about 200 tons of meat in her forward hold.

Messrs Denny say they have just con tracted with the Union Company for a large new steamer of dimensions consider ably greater than any they have yet had, being 320 x 42 x 26, and about 2,500 tona gross. This vessel will be launched towards the end of July. She is to be fitted with very powerful '.cylinder triple expansion engines, and designed for carrying at least 150 first-class and 120 second class passen gers. Her accommodation will be superior to that of any steamer at present engaged on the coastal trade. The above informa tion may be relied upon as correct, for it comes direct from Messrs Denny them selves.

The Maoris ln Sin gland.

Poor Te Wheoro has been suffering terribly from our autumnal weather, not withstanding that it has been unusually fi.ie and dry. Last week he was laid up with a bad attack of bronchitis at Brighton, and he is only recovering slowly. It is now arranged that so soon as Te Wheoro gets better he is to return at once to New Zea land, leaving the affairs of the mission in Mr Gorst's hands. He will probably be a passenger per Tongariro or lonic, If possible, matters will be fixed so that he goes straight from Mr Ashbury's house at Brighton to Plymouth without staying in London Mr Ghesson, whom I saw^the other afternoon, thinks tho major made a great mistake in listening to Spencer, and burying himself down at Claphom. He has been bored to death there. If he had accepted Miss Weule'a invitations and visited several friends others in various parts of the provinces, he would have been interested, and in all probability retained his health. The Frozen Meat Trade. Notwithstanding the plentiful supply 0 f fresh mutton, and tho low prices ruling for English sheep, frozen meat maintained its price till Wednesday, when some of the carcases brought by the Aorangi were put on the London market. There were alto gether about 600 carcases put on the mar ket, and trade being dull, prices were rather easier. The price for New Zealand mutton now vanes from 3s lOd to 4s 4d per stone of 81bs.

To-day tho Florida arrived at the Docks with a large cargo of mutton, 13,(500 car cases in all, reported to be in first-rate con dition.

The Lyttelton, which has on board 10,i:.'2 carcases of mutton and I,3o9rabbits, has been spoken in the Channel, and will be up in London in a day or two. The new depot for the s.i'e of frozen mutton opened in Leadenhall Market by , the New Zealand Farmers' Association is . doing a very good business. The only pity is that there are now three frozen meat stores within twenty yards of each other in one market. Casualty to a New Zealand Vessel. On Tuesday, November 11, Mr Rothery, the Wreck Commissioner, held an inquiry into the circumstances of a casualty which led to the lo^s of three lives from the barque Closeburn. The Closeburn left Lyttelton on the 27th May last with a crew of 20 hands all told, fcshe had a cargo of 1,10(5 tons of wheat, and was bound for Queens town for orders. The cargo was stored in bigs. She was drawing 18ft. forward and 18fr, 4in. aft. She proceeded on her voyage, and on the 25th June she was in lat. ob'deg SOmin. S. long. TOdeg. -lOir.in. W. The wind was blowing a strong gale from W.S.W., with a heavy cross sea. She was making !)■. knots, and a strong sea was running. The second officer had charge of the watch when the vessel shipped a very heavy sea over the port side. The sea filled tho decks fore and aft, and carried most of the crew on deck off their feet. Some of them were fortunate enough to get hold of the rigging, but threo of them wero washed overboard — Gilbert Tail, second officer ; Emer son, A.B. ; and Gcorga Green, appren tice. On the morning of the 26tli the master threw overboard about 160 bags of wheat, and on the following day 50 or CO moro wero jettisoned. On the 15th day of July, tho sea still washing over the vessel, another 200 bags were thrown over. After, this the weather moderated, and the Close- , burn reached Buhia, wliero she refitted, and then resumed her voyage to Queens town, which was reached on 21st October. The captain and several of the crew having been examined, the Wreck Commissioner said the Court could not say the vessel was overladen, or that she had not sufficient freeboard. So far as they saw, no possible effort could have saved those washed over board, and they came to the conclusion that no one was to blame. Personal and General. The Rev, F, 11. Spencer (youngest son of the Rev. S. M. Spencer, of New Zealand), who acted as cicerone and interpreter of Tawhiao and his brother Maoris during their recent visit to this country, was married on the Bch inst., at St. Matthew's, Bayswat«r, to Evelyn Dora Esdaile,youngest daughter of Lieut-Colonel Hutchinson, of the Bengal Engineers.

Mr Postlethwaito, the ex-M.H.R. for Geraldine, and Mrs Postlethwaite have arrived in London on a visit.

The Committee appointed by the Con ference on Imperial Federation (which met in London in July last) to prepare a scheme for the establishment of a Federation Society, have completed their labours, and will call the Conference together to receive their report on the 18th inst. The meet ing, as before, will be at the Westminster Palace Hotel, and many distinguished politicians and Anglo Colonists interested in the question of federation have pro mised to attend. At tho July conference New Zealanders were principally con spicuous by their absence.

The Governors of the various provinces of India have cordially responded to the invitation of the Prince of Wales to work up local interest in the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 188(3, but nothing seems as yet to have been heard from the Austraiias. Query : Were they included in the Brince's invitations '!

Mr Walter Strompton and Mr 0. H. Tripp, both of New Zealand, have been elected Fellows of the Colonial Institute. The new session of the Colonial Institute was opened at the Westminster Palace Hotel on Tuesday evening, when Mr Mem make, a Capo Colony M.L.C, read a paper on South African £ flairs. Very few New Zealanders were present. Edmund Yates, speaking in his auto biography of the difference between the ' prices paid dramatists for plays 50 years ago and now, says that G. R. Simma re ceived more for the Australian rights alone of one of his recent pieces than Buckstone, at the zenith of his reputa tion* was paid for the entire copyright of twoTtaccesaful dramas. A good melodrama nowadays is seldom worth less than £10,000 to £15,000 to the lucky author. Some realise far more. Jones and Merivale have, tor the last two years, been receiving over £200 a week as authors'fees for perform ances in the provinces and America of "The Silver King." Mr Heywood Bright, a partner in the well-known colonial house of Bright Bros., was married at Liverpool last week to Miss Blackburne, daughter of Colonel Ireland Blackburne, J.P., of Hale Hall, near Liver pool. The bridegroom is a cousin of Mr Chas. Bright, who married Lord Canter bury's daughter. "Fiji and the Fijians " i_ the title of a new os book by Thomas Williams and the R.ev. James Calvert. Apropos of the Now Guinea craze, Mr George Manville Fenn has just brought out a boys' book of adventures there, entitled " Bunyip Land." Second-hand copies of Rusden's History of New Zealand, W. S. Green's " High Alps of New Zealand," and Delisle Hay's " Brighter Britain," are now obtainable for from two to four shillings apiece at Mudie's. Shipping and Passenger Notes. Passenger business is not very brisk just now, few people wishing to go out till after Christmas. The N.Z.S. Co.'s Tongariro, which leaves on the 20th inst., is full ia the first and second saloons, but the lonic, which makes her first trip for Shaw-Savill on the Oth December, has hardly a berth taken. Shaw - Savil.'s new steamer Tainui will not be ready to start at the advertised time, January 3. The Doric will probably take 1' er place. The Orient liner Austral has resumed her place in the Australian line. She left I .ravesend on the 12th November, with a full list of passengers, including the fol lowing, who are booked through to New ; Zealand :—For Auckland : Mr C. P. New comb, Mr F. Deacon, Mr F. H. Deacon, Miss Deacon, Mr A. C. McKenzie, and Mr D. McPhun. For the Bluff: Mr J. S. Cunningham. For Port Chalmers :Mr and Mrs Adison. For Pieton :MrA. G. Fell.

Shaw-Savin's Florida has at last arrived. She reached the Docks this morning, after a long voyage of 59 days.

The Lyttelton has arrived in the Channel, and will dock in a day or two.

The P. and O. Company's new steamer Tasmania started on her maiden voyage to India on the 12th inst.

The Northumberland has again been de layed, but I think she will Lret off by the 10th of December, the last advertised date.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH— OWN COHRE.SPONDr.NT.)

Wellisgtox, this day,

The Mysterious Cruise of the Hinemoa. The " Post "of yesterday evening suggests that the Colonial Secretary is bound for Samoa in the Hinemoa on business in con-

nection with annexation.

Sir Julius Vogel's Second Libel Action.

A libel action has been' Commenced by Sir Julius Vogel against the publisher of the "New Zealand Times " for a paragraph which appeared in the "Summary for Europe" issued by that journal on Friday last, in which the language used in the telegram of the United Press Association in relation to the supposed pro ceedings against Sir Julius was perverted so as to represent the cable message as al'e^ing that Sir Julius Vogel had mis appropriated certain shares of the Consoli dated Telephone Company. The damages in this new case are laid at £10,000.

The Property Tax. The total amount of property tax naid for 18S4 35 is £111,000. *

The Bad and Worthless.

are never imitated or counterfeited. This is especially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it had been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up, and began to steal the notices in which the Press and the people of tho country had expressed the merits of H. B„ and in every way trying to induce suffering invalids to uso their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of IL B. Many others started nostrums put up in similar style to H. 8., with variously devised names, In which the word

" Hop or "Hops" were used in a way to induce people to believe thoy were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with tho word "Hop* or "Hops " in their name, or ia any way connected with them or their name, are imitations 01 counterfeits. Beware of them. Tonch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr. Soule's name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and Chemists are warned against dealing in imitations or counterfeits.

AUCKLAND RIFLE ASSOCIA TION.

Annual Prize Meeting.

The Auckland Rifle Association's Priz^C Meeting was continued yesterday «t :. Henderson under the able direction of Cap. -I tain Mahon, who, from first to last, spared M

himself no trouble to conduco to the entira I satisfaction of competitors and to enhance the success of the competitions. Yesterday f the entire management fell upon his own ' 1 shoulders, as Lieutenant Osborne (the I Acting Hon. Secretary) was unavoid ably prevented from being presant The first business of the day wa^ 1 to complete the first and second matches after which the third, fourth, and fifth were undertaken and got through as rapidly as possible. They occupied, how ever, the remainder of the day, and the fii.al or long range match (up to 700yd5;) i had therefore to be abandoned. In each match there were six money prizes awarded besides a special trophy for the highest scorer. We subjoin particulars of the firing:— First Match (M r Beck's Cup).—Ranees • 200, 400, and 500 yds.; 5 shots at each" range. In our last issue the full scores for this match, with tho exception of W. B. White's (City Guards) and J. Brownlee's (Thames Rifle Rangers), were given. Brownlee retired.but W. B. White fired his last range yesterday, making a total of 49, which does S not disturb the previous result. Theorize winners therefore are as follow :—

200 400 500 TL yds. yds. yds. Hawke, T.R.R 21 19 22-65 Weir, T.N 21 SO l|-_ Parslow, Artillery .. .. 21 19 18 —St J. Webster, artillery ..17 19 19 — S Lieut. Cooper, City Guards 20 23 is _ S Downie, T.P..R. .. ..20 17 17 -.__

As Mr Beck's Cup can only be competed for by Volunteers of the Auckland district, it falls, on this occasion, to the lot of > Artilleryman Paralow. Second Match (Even'inu Star Cup) ~ 1 Ranges : 210, 300, and 500 yards ; 5 shots M at each range. 35 competitors completed their firing in this watch on Saturday, and their scores were published in our last issue. 23 others whose incomplete scores were also published i finished their firing yesterday, and their full scores are now attached :— 200 300 500 Tl, yds. yds. yds. Lieut. Cooper. C.G 22 19 16 —67 J. Webster, Artillery .. 22 12 '»0 —«i Taylor, Victoria .. ..20 18 16 —fl Sergeant Barriball, W.C. .. 18 15 18-61 I Jas. Lee, Victoria .. .. 18 21 12 —51 North, TeAwfllimtu.. ..18 14 19 —49 : G. Webater, Artillery ..11 20 18 —49 Lieutenant Gale, Corom. ..19 13 15 —47 Inglis, T.K.R 13 16 17-18 ; Storey, Te Awamutu .. M 17 13 —ia I White, City OuarJa.. ..21 7 17 —45 Vines, T.R.R. 21 15 9—45 I A. Payno, Artillery .. ..14 14 16 — v Nutsford. DevonportN. .. lti 17 11 —44 1 Staokpole, Civilian .. ..17 10 16 —43 • Alexander, Te Awumutu .. 11 17 8— SB - W. fc'loyd, Te Awumutu ..18 4 7 — s>9 Pitkethley. Victoria.. .. 4 4 3— 13 : Parkin, Coromanrfel.. ..9 11 retired Buchanan. Artillery.. ..18 11 retired! ' Jones, llobson 19 9 retired i Lieut. Osborne, C.G. ..19 a retired! I tinnth, A.N 20 4 retired. The prize-winners therefore are :— 200 300 500 Tl. P. Weir, T.N. (Cup).. ./a) 'v y2O-S9 Lieut. Cooper, C.G 22 19 18 — {,7 Hawke.T.ltß 19 21 16 -SB J. Webster. Artillery .. 22 12 20 —6* Newdiek T.R.R 20 15 19 - U Taylor, \ictoria .. .. 20 IS 10 —64 Third Match (Citizens' Trophy). Ranges : 300 and 500 yarda ; 7 shots at each range. 300 500 Tl 'M yards, yards. Sergt. Barribal), Waiuku .. 28 24-62 G. Webster, A Battery .. 24 26 — .'0 V. Wei , Thames Na\ ala .. 28 22 — 61) W. B. White, C.G S4 25-49 J. Inglis, T.R.R 20 28-48 Gentry, T.K.R. 26 22 — 48 G. A. Hundley, Victoria 26 22 48 Johns, Thames Navals .. 2G 19 —45 J. Lee, Victoria.. .. ' .. 27 18 — 45 M. Moore. Auck. Navala .. 23 21 — 44 North, Te Awamutu C. 20 18 — 44 Storey, Te Awamutu Cay... 28 18 — 44 Sergl. Barriball, Waraku C. 28 115 — 44 J. Webster. A. Battery .. 24 19 — 43 ' Hawke, T.R.R 27 16 — 43 C. P. Taylor, V ictoria .. 2U 22 —42 Edwards, Coromandel .. 22 20 —42 Lieut nantLucas, T.R.R. ..24 18 — 42 J. Parslow, A. Battery 23 17 — 4a William*. Coromandel .. 20 21 —41 CUmo,T.R.R 22 19-41 Nuisford, Devonport N. . 2t 18 — 40 A. Newdick, T.R.R 20 19 — 39 A. Woolley, A Battery .. 23 16 —39 C. Alexander, Te Awa.C. .. 2a v — 3» G. Do mue, T.RR. .. ..25 14 —39 R. H. Stackpole, Civ 20 is - •« J. Floyd, Thames Navals .. 22 15 — 37 Graham, Te Awamutu U. .. 17 19 — 311 11. Vine, T.R.R 24 10 - 24 S A. Hoaking, Civ 19 ]6 33 Cooper, City Guards .. .. 19 14 — 33 Geo. Little, Hobson . 21 12 S3 \V. Pattorßon, T.R.R 17 14 _ 31 A. Payne. A. Buttery .. 17 14 31 G. Pitkethley, Victo 11 .. 18 13 —31 Theo. Fairs, Victoria.. .. 21 10 —91 Lieut. Gale. Coromandel 21 10 — si J.W.Leigh, C.G 21 9-30 O.F.Maxwell, City Guards.. 13 16 — 29 (i. Clarke, Coromandel .. 13 15 —ig W. Floyd, Te Awa. Cay. ..17 8 — 25 A. Henderson. A. Battery .. 19 6 — 55 J.C. Soall, UG 21 2-23 Fourth Match (Companies' teams). Ranges: 200 and 500 yards ; 7 shots at each range. Thames Rifle Rangers. 200 500 TL _ , yards, yarda. Hawks 26 20 — i& Downie 31 20 — 51 Newdick 25 28 — 53 Climo 26 19 — 45 Inglis 23 28 — 50 130 115 215 Victoria Rifles. Handley 19 16 — 37 Fairs 22 21 — 48 Lee 21 24 - »7 'I'aylor 24 19 — 43 Pitkethley 18 25-43 104 112 2.t Auckland Artillery. Woolley 25 19—44' G. Webster 11 10—21 J. Webster .... .. 21 20 — 41 A. Payno 27 14—41 • Parslow IS 16 — 31 102 79 131 Te Awamctu Cavalry. North .. .. .. ..12 23 —35 Storey 13 19 — 32 Graham 22 6 — 28 Alexander 15 \g 31 W.Floyd 17 is _ 35 79 82 ira .-..■ Fifth Match.—Aggregate scores for District Medal ; open only to twenty highe t scor- s in Matches Nos. 1, 2, and 3, their scores in this Match to be added to their scores in Matches Nos. 1, 2, and 3, ■ and the highest aggregate taking the Medal. Ten Shots at 500 Yards.

500 lat 2nd 3rd

ti , -r. - yda- Mch-Moh- Mch. TL Hawkr-.T.RR. ..31 65 58 43-135 P. Weir, T.N. ..25 60 59 50 — 181 Newdick T.RR. ..36 81 .4 49-180 Lt. Barnball. W.C... 35 19 51 11 — 179 ?. P. Taylor, Vie ..36 45 51 42-177 J. Webster, A. Art. .. 25 55 54 13 — 177 - Climo, T.R.R. ..37 is 52 11 — 176 W. B. White, C.G. .. 33 49 45 49-176 Johns, T.N. .. 21 at 53 45-171 Jas Inglis, T.R-R. .. 25 _2 46 48 — 174 li. Downie, T.R.R... 32 54 49 39 — 174 G.Webster, A. Art... 31 42 14 s'» — 172 M.Moore. A.N ..31 47 53 43-171 J. Parslow, A. Art... 20 56 11 42 — 162 W. Handley, VlO .. 19 51 16 43 — 161 Lt Cooper C.G. .. )5 55 57 31 — 160 \V illiama. Coro. .. 31 17 10 11 — 159 Jas.Lee.Vic 18 43 51 45 — 157 Grutry, TR.R. ..26 3_ 43 43-153 The shooting throughout yesterday was better than that of Saturday, tho weather being more favourable. It will be notice that the bulk of the prizes go to the Thames.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL AND THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN.

The Colonial Treasurer has supplied the following explanation of the change made in tho arrangements for the loan :—

Waiwera, Monday,

"There is no truth in the allegation that the million and half loan is not floated now because of any doubt of the market, or ob jection about the Sinking Fund, or any* thing directly or remotely related thereto. The sole cause of delaying the million and a half is because of the Bank of England considering that the pledges pre' viously given prevent the floating of any loan but the three million loan until after the expiration of the financial year, at the end of March nest The million and a-half will be floated later in the year, and the million will be floated at once. It is, of course, true that the market is not very favourable just now to new loais. The rate of discount is high, and the price of consols and amount of reserve low."

Dr. J. L. York, "billed" as "the cele brated Liberal Orator of the United States of America," is expected to arrive by the 'Frisco mail steamer on Saturday next, and will at once start on a lecturing tour throughout the colony. Tho subjects of his lectures are—"Evolution and the World We Live in;" "Nature's Divire Revelations;" "Science of Life, and How to be Happy ;" •■ Liberalism, its Defence and Demands;" "Individuality, Lose, and Marriage;" "Open Questions in Soci ology ;" "The Logic of Unbelief;" "ln tpirution, What is it?" "Science and Keligion;" "Common Sense;'' "America."

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, JANUARY G, 1885



T-HE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY I for RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-The CiMICIFUGaIAcTEA R*CCMOS») o_ Black SNAKE ROOT has been i.ono celebrated -i A RHE-MATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION is tn_ • aesr s:«7*"" vi rr» effecti, and . • .EtV FAILS TO AFFORD ntuiV. OR EFFECT A ... _t. 6«. PER BOTTLE, AT MCWN'S, .V\E . nNMIM-.," OWSS. It BMHI 0. H.Z, OM__H ST MR B. HOMBERG, Profesaor of Music, Upper Pitt-st. (opposite Public Baths). fi HI4IS TMA S HAMS. R. REW Beta to inf own customers that tho CHRISTMAS HAMS have just arrived and aro in splendid condition. Best quality Cantcrbary .. is per lb. „ „ Local .. .. 10(1 „ „ R E W' S GENERAL GROCERY AND PROVISION STORES, Victoria-street.



mo MR J. H. WITHEPORD. SIR,—I have the honour to inform you that yosr tender for the sole right of Advertising on i_* Auckland seotion of the New Zealand Rail ways has been aooepted by the {lon. Minister for Public Works on behalf of the Queen. I have. Sac.. J. P. MA-XWELL, General Manager, Wellington, December 1,1881, Spaces at 63 Railway Stations may be had on application at my office. Business men desirous of having special notices, almanacs. Sec, can have them oreoted immediately at a vary mode rate charge. N.B.—Advertises will please note that no other person has tho right of receiving adver tisements for these Railway Stations. J. H. WITHEFORD. December 15. 18*4. fi REAT /CLEARING Q ALE ! PREVIOUS TO REMOVING TO NEW PREMISES. MILNE & CHOYCE Roßpoctf ally beg to announce that in order to enter upon thoir New Premises (now ap proaching completion) with an ENTIRELY HEW" STOCK, They have decided to oiler THE WHOLE OF THEIR PRESENT WELL-KNOWN VALUABLE STOCK at SUCH A REDUCTION IN PRICK AS WILL ENSURE A SPEEDY CLEARANCE. EVERY ARTICLE IN THE HOUSE WILL BE QUITTED. The SHOP will bo CLOSED on THURSDAY, Bth INSTANT, For the purpose of MARKING DOWN. SALE commences FRIDAY, 9th inst. ; AS EARLY CALL 18 SOLICITED. MILNE & CHOYCE, WELLESLEY-STREET, ! milE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST. AM, GOODS SOLD iw FTinE "*Yr ELBOURNE T\RAPERY AND pLOTHING pOMPAN ARE GUARANTEED GENUINE AND OF STERLING WORTH. THESE ARE FACTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO TEgT FOR YOURSELVES. I COSTUMES. MANTLES, MILLINERY. GLOVES, LACES, RIBBONS, DRESS MATERIALS, SILKS. SATEENS, HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, MANCHESTER GOODS, BLANKETS, MEN'S and BOYS' OLOTHING, MEN'S and BOYS' MERCERY, MEN'S and BOYS' HATS. VVT ILLIAM RATTRAY nas Just Opened 6 CASES OF JAPANESE Se CHINESE /• FANCY GOODS, « from HIOGO and HONGKONG direct. GENTLEMEN'S QUILTED SILK SMOKING JACKETS and DRESSING GOWNS. CHINA CRAPE.'PAJAMA SUITS, SILK HANDKERCHIEFS, LADIES' SILK EMBROIDERED DRESSING GOWNS, JAPANESE KEMONO ROBES, BRONZE VASES, SILK EMBROIDERED COSIES. CUSHIONS, BANNERETS, ETC., INLAID SATSUMA VASES. SILK HANDKERCHIEFS, BLACK AND WHITE CHECK WASHING SILKS, GRASS CLOTHS AND CANTON CRAPES, INLAID TABLES. GLOVE AND HANDKERCHIEF BOXES, PORCELAIN TKAYS. LETTER WEIGHTS. ETC. WILLIAM RATTRAY, 178, 180, 182, QUEEN STREET T\ R A P E R V FIRE! FIRE! FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE 1 FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE ! J. COSGRAVE & CO. Wo beg to announce that it is our intention to entirely rollnquiah the CLOTHING TRADE. And in consequence of the FIRE which took place on our premises we have been enabled . TO SELL ALL SLOTHING, MEN'S MERCERY, &c, AT HALF THE USUAL PRICE, nis splendid opportunity should immediately be taken advantage of, as owing to a future - arrangement of our Departments the STOCK MUST BE CLEARED OUT Before the 18T JANUARY, 1885, When alLOiat then remains will b_ DISPOSED OF BY PUBLIC AUCTION. Note the Address— GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE! OREAI? SALVAGE SALE! J. c OS6RAVE &-C°" n" . AND 206, QnKK-.wcBBEI. I