AUCKLAND MONTHLY SHAKE LIST.

JANUARY 3, 18S5.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Warm and Dairy Pkoduck - Wholesale: put vi fcj_h Rcl ■ Butter, salt scarce!. Od to IS. L'no'eso ' good factory, old to 0J.1; S?«WbuW do. 5.1: Eggs, di.z.. Is 3d; Lard, Cs hi.srinr 7d. s»d; Bacon and Hams, __ -SSff 6d to Bdi Hams, 8d to Od: Provincial, bd to o liacon S^r^^^^oeso^^onia^d M«s-K^ peroo_.l8G:l; Lard, per lb, Bdto9d; __,_ "Set KIM to is 3d: Hams. do.. Is to Is 4d. MARKET. - Wholesale. - Superfine shrift dV^ed, per ton. £1110s; do, do, house- SSd* £10 10s; hundreds. ss; fit ies 10s nor ton «tx_- sacks and bass free; Southern, do. £9 ?;ioiita• bran, por ton. Backs included, local. ftS- Southerndo. £5 10s: sharps, £5 10s: cabin ___.moitSleaT do. £15: oats 2s lOd to &" maize, is 9d: new potatoes. £o 10s per ton; mA* - Tho market IsTer/ weak with few buyers, and quota tlnn Tare only nominal. Wo quote: Poor Kan £M: r*oou <>"»"ary. „v to £35; Simerior £3i to £10 and upwards: Bast Coast, Ejto _s"Supply for li!comber to date, 300 _?«%tx per ton, £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 „»: (tongas per lb, 2Jdto3d; cocoanut fibre. »S_?_»SB_n«HiDMARKET.-Coal: New o_tlß (Ship's side), 2Ss to 30s per ton; rard. 32s to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, SfoM' screened, 30sGd ; ditto at tlio mines, 13s m-*iu% sido. 2Gs: Wuikato. 8s to 12s: in An'cklaild, 18s to 225: Kamo. 12s por ton at Win* wound; Taupmat nuno, ssUl to r2s, at vari 193 0d to 225; Whangarei, at ruino. Sis _• yard (steam), 17s; housoliolcl,2l3; delivered, Ha! Firewood: Uncut at wharf (cargo), Ss Gil „9s por ton: dolivored. lis: cut, 17si to 18s. Building Materials.—Timber: Boards and «_ntllng, 100 ft, best, Us; second-class, 8s Gil; beat nlaned, tongued, and grooved, firot-class. I_W' medium, 13s: second ditto, lis Gd. Oarco best (at mills). Us; second-class _t mills). 5s Gd: baulk, 8s Gd. New Zealand palings, oft (sap), 10s; sft (heart), 1_ • Bft, Us: ti-treo rails, £i 10s por 10 1; punri rests r6 10s to £7 10s: shingles, 10s per 1,000; kobart palings, sft, 19s; lift. Ma: Hobart rails. BOs selling quotations. Bricks (at Avondale), tba'pcr 1.000; townyards,sostos33; delivered.sss to lis. Brain pipes (at works), per 100 (G inches boro), 10s; 1 Inches, Ms; 3 inches, 9s; 2 inches, £2 108 per 1,000; socket glazed pipes, 19 inches; _0a per foot; 15 Inches, 2s per toot; 12 inches. Is 6d per foot; 9 inches, Is por foot; G inches, Gd per foot :1 Inches, Id por foot. Ma.wrks.—Bonedust, Sydney. £8 to £8 10s. according to quality; bonellour, £910s; Auckland £8; Peruvian guano, £18; Maiden island, £3; Huon guano, small Ma, £5 to £G, bags included; Hurst's choniical manure, £14 IDs.

SHIPPING.

SHIPPING SUMMARY.

IN the following list ot arrivals and departures we givo only such as are likely to be of interest to Home readers :— ARRIVALS. December T—Lune, barque, Malmberg, from Batavia. DecOTibor 15—Australia,P.M.s.s., Gliest, from Ban Francisco. December 20—Loch Crco, birquo, Jonos, trom London. . ..„ December 26-Iroquois, L.S. corvette, com mander Captain Yates Stirling, from Hobart. December 2G —Lady Jocolyn, ship, Watts, from London. December 31—Arawata, s.s., Cromarty, from Fiji.

DEPARTURES.

December 7—Mountain Laurel, barque, Cave, for Londoo. December 12-Oamaru, ship, Maxwell, for the Bluff. December 11—Arawata, s.s., Cromarty, for Fiji. December 15—Albatross, H.1.G.M.5., Com maaJer Pluddemaim, for Samoa. December 16—Australi i, P.M.s.s., Ghost, for Synney. M December 18—Waikato. ship, Sutherland, for London.

VESSELS LOADING.

Hermiono, ship, Roberts, for London Laira, barque. Thow, to follow

SOUTHERN SHIPPING.

Wkllix-gton.—December 10-Sailcd : Glcn moro and Zealandia, for London. December 20 -Sailed: Coptic, s.s., for London. December 21-Arrived : Valador, barquentine, from Mau ritius.

Port Chaljiebs — December 17 —Sailed: Charles It. Lewis, for Valparaiso; Kaikoura, for Lvttolton, with the following cargo for London:-71 bales wool, 36 bales leather, G bales rags, 07 skins,l.s"o sacks flour, 8,605 sheep, 10 cases and 9 kegs butter. 62 p ickages sun dries. December 19 — Arrived: Cock o' tho

North. 43 days from Mauritius, with tugar. Decomber 21 — Sailed: Waitangi, ship, for Napier. December 23—Sailed: Jes»ie Head man, ship, for London, with a cargo of wool.

LtfrTELTON.—December 18 -Arrived: Waipa, ship, Jamioson, IPS days from London. Decern ber aO-Sailed: Corornandel, barque, for Lon don, with a cargo of wheat.

Timaru.—December 22 —Sailed: Ganymede, barque, for London, wiih cargo valued at £35.971.

ARRIVAL OF THE IROQUOIS.

The U.B. Corvette Iroquois, of which we recently gavo a lengthy description, along with a Hot of officers, arrived from Hobart on 20th December, and anchored at the powder ground. She left Hobart on tho 10th inst., and had an uneventful passage across. From here the Iroquois goes to valdivia (Chili), leaving this port about January 10. Her commander and officers havo been most popular at Sydney, where they wore for several weeks, while the vessel was refitting.

THE WAIKATO.

The ship Waikato cleared at tho Customs oa Dec. 16 for London, with a largo and valuable cargo and the following passengers:—Mr W. C. Gilmore. Mra R. Mitchell. The Waikato's cargo is valued as under :— Wool. 1,625 bales, valued at .. .. £19,518 Gum, 3.530 case 3 18,751 Cotton, 2.126 bales 2,120 Silver, 22 pigs 5,125 ' Leather. 11 bales 1,578 Curios, 9 cases 197 Drapery. 1 case 100 Tallow, 175 casks 1,578 Copra, 195 sacks 108 Tailings, 4 casks 50 Pearl Shell, 1 cases 30 Snndries 200 Total £!9.69i

NEW STEAMSHIP ARAWA.

The Shaw. Saville and Albion Company's now steamer Arawa, 5,200 tons rogister. 3.500 horso power (Captain Stewart), which loft Gravesend on November 6th for New Zealand ports, arrived at Port Chalmers oa December 21. Sho brings a largo number ot passengers, pf whom tho following ara for Auck land : Saloon — Messrs A. Mahon, William Henderson, Robt. Henderson. Arthur T. Clarke, J-L, Laing. and Capt. Colbeck. Second Saloon: Mr and Mrs Mann, Rev. A. S Fox, Messrs George Phillipps, F. Parker, E. C. Denny. W, D. Ulph, Frank; Miller. Frederick Miller. Ernest Beale, F. Westgato, A. B. Mc Jan net. The Arawa has also the following Government immigrants for Auckland:—Maria and Eliza Coffey, Esther Goodwin, Eliza Veitch. Cather.ne Oats, Eliza. Isabella, and Lunv Walker, Julia Wardle. The passage from Plymouth occu pied 15 days, tho actual tteainiug time being 11 days a hours. Total distance run, 13,107 miles.

THE KAIKOURA.

The New Zealand Shipping Company s new stealer Kaikoura, a lino vessel ot 1,750 tons register, arrived at Port Chalmers from London on Deccmher 11. Sho is in command of Cap tain Crutchley, and has over 200 passengers mthe saloons, of whiih tho following am for Auckland: — First Saloon : Moas-s Henry Molding, Harry Bojlo, W. G. Doubleday. J. A. Doubleday, James Irvine, Allan McDonald, J. O. Ow. ; n, Mr and Mrs C. Bhar land and two children, Miss P. Sharland. Sooond saloon: Mr and Mrs J. A. Airston and infant, Mrs W. Airston, Mis 38. Astley. Mr and Mrs Cottingham, Mr and Mrs J. T. Frcshncy and daughter. Mr and Mrs J. E. Gerestand family, Mr and Mrs D. Hydniason and family, Mr 11. W. Parkinson, Miss Annio N. Patterson. Third cabin: Mr D. Anderson, Mr L. Bennett. Mr E. Rutterworth, Mr H. Cadness, Mr J. Olifliird. Mr H. Clowes, wife, and family, Mrs M. Cnlhoan', MrP.Corry. Mr G. S. Cowen. Mr F. Cowkm, MrCroft, wife, and ehilil. r.ir .!. Jawute-.1, Mr Fowler, wife, and child. Mr .•. _>-s mr, ->Ir i_, Ziirchvr. V'- '.:. ("if -or „ml v if;-, Mr Gordon. vitViT.d f, ; -piy. Mr ■). Green. Mrs !''- Green, Miss '.;-.,;. v, 3'v A.. Green. Mr Yv, Griffiths. Miss A. Haves. Mr 0. Ho'lor. Mr K. J. Hutsou, Mr S. Johnvon, Mr J. Knopfel. Mr J- C. Lamou'. Mr \V. .'■. i.amout. Mr J. M-ul dens, Mr v. MiL-.v.-.-li. ?,T- ,',". Max'.vM, M "V. Maxwsll, Mr J. Mackenzie, Miss Mackenzie. Mr J. Nelson, Miss J. Nicholl. Mr M. O'Connor. Miss E. Parkill. Mr and Mrs Parkinson. Miss J. Bavllle. Mr J. Schlapfer, Mr J. Tanner. Mr W. « estlake, Mr and Mrs Whinray and child, Mr w. Woodhonse. Mr and Mrs W. Wright and child. Tho Kaikoura brought 3.C00 tons cargo, 65 saloon, 71 second, and 201 steerage passengers for all ports. She crossed the bar at 9.10 a.m.,

her draught of water being 19 feet G inches for ward, and 22 feet 2 inches aft. One death oc curred—a child of three years, named Shirland. from rupturo of the bowels. Ttio passage from Plymouth occupied 13 days, which would havo boon much Icsb but I'jr an accident to the high pressure piston on N'ovonibur 20, when tho en gines wero stopped for 21 hours, and tho re mainder of tho passago was made under easy steam.

ARRIVAL OF THIS LADY JOCELYN.

Tho ship Lady Jooolyn, 2.133 tons, Captain Watt*, with cargo and passongu-s from London, ar.ived in port on Deo. 26, after a pasgu.ee of 92 dais. Sho brings tho following passengers:— Saloon : Messrs J. Tidw -11. J. Greenwood, Mr J. H., Mrs, Mary, and Arthur Prlostloy; Mr W. Stephons, Mrs L. A. Anthill. Mrs and Miss Becg, Miss J. Bogg, Mrs A.. Miss, and Misioi May, Gertrude, and Wilfred Rogers Mr Charles H. and Mrs Roberts, Mr H. P., Mrs, Miss A^nos, and Messrs Harrold, Herbert, and Philip Kuth von: Mr George H. and Mrs Sarah Douglas, Mr Thomas W. Brady, Mr B. E. and Mrs Stacker, Messrs Thomas Slockor, Eustace Stookcr, S. Edon Corry, E. H. Tucket, W. a. Grigg, Mrs Baskett, Miss Kdith Baskett. Miss Olive Baskett, Masters Nathaniel Baskett, Charles Baskett John Baskett, Mi ami Mrs Herbert Rouse, Mr J. E. Faulkner, Second class: Mr John Dooley, Mr Samuel Nichol. Mrs Jano Nichol, Mrs Anno Brown, Mr and Mrs Andrew Proctor, Miss Jano Proctor, Masters Robert and Neil Pr.ictor, Miss Marion Proctor, Mrs Alary Murphy, Mr James Caldwell, Mrs Evolino Caldw-11, Misses May Caldwell, Amy Caldwell, Marion Cldwell, Charlolto Caldwell. Elizabeth Caldwell, Master Luoius Caldwell. Messrs Samuel Ncwby, Kten ez'ir Tudhopo. Edmund Spencer, Mr and Mrs Fred Lawrence, MrandMrs^oble. Third class: Mr Thos. Waters Chub. Mr Mark Morris Mrs Eliza. Miss Kate, and Mmtor Ernent Morris. Messrs Henry Hliffc, Jaino- Shore, Mra Eliza Griggs. Mr and Mrs Alice Todd, Mr E., Mrs. Miss Eliza, and Masters U. E.. J„ and W. Jack son. Messrs Ormond Winn, W. Sanding, \Vm. Stewart, John Miicfarlano, Mrs, Misses Sarah and Joan McParlano. Messrs C. L. Knell. Peter MoLaicn, 'rhoiniis lliggs. John Malth »■>.. fhe Lady Jneolvn is in ciiiiimiiud of C-ijt iln Watts; Chief Onicer Mr Luco; accoml olllcer. Mr Thomson; thl d ofllccr, Mr Hennon; fourth officer, Mr Evans. Captain Watts report" hav ing left London on September 25. Landed tho pilot on the 3rd October, oil' Start Point, and cleared tho land ncxtday. Tic weather expe rionced was generally line, excepting occasional squalls. Tho trades proved very poor, and tho Equator was crossed 28 days out. At one, timo tho vessel fell in for the tale end ot a perfect oj clone, which sho fortunntily ran out in feur hours at tho rule of 12 milos an hour, Running down tho eastings ye y eqiia'ly weather was experienced, and off the New Zealand coast several sails were lost during heavy weather. 'I he Three Kings w. ro sighted on Wednesday last, and bad weather prevailed from the • till arrival. Tho lady .locelyn'a pas.-cngcrs are all in good health and have beon passed by tho Health Olllcer. Thero wero no duaths during tho vojngo but otic birth has to be reccided, the happy mother being Mrs Nicholls.

The New Zealand Sugar Company havo re ceived information to tho effect that tho barque Anohua mid other vessels are loading raw sugar a, Java fur this port.

The new three-masted schooner Muilo made the trip frjni this port to Tonga ill ten days, and on soveral occasions proved her,elf a wonder fully ft st sailer. The Mailo gees from Tonga on a cruise round tho Group and will return hero in February.

The barque Loch Croc from London, dropped anchor at tho powder ground on tho ;oth Dee. She left London on Sept. 2, took in powder at Grnvesend, left the liowns on the following day, and pissed tho Lizard on tho Oth, with light easterly winds. Shortly nftcr wtirds light huad winds detained tho vessel for soveral days. On the 10th the wind hauled to N. Trades wero picked up in 35deg 42min. X. 21 d- g. W.. and were lost on the TM\ in 9 dog. N. 26 dog. W. The Bquator was crossed oi October (! The S.E. trades were moderate, an I on October 26 Gough's Island was in sight. The meridian of Greenwich was crossed on October 2i), and the Cape ot Good Hone missed on Nov. 2. On tho 12' ha heavy westerly gate was experien ed, and large quan titii s i-t water wero shipped Capo Lceivin was passed on Nov. •.'(">. and Tasmania on the 3rd inst. Unfavourable weather prevailt-d from thence until Capo Mara was sighted on the 17th and light winds were experience! along the co st

The Auckland portion of the Arawa's pisscngers from Loudon arrived here by the vVairara;a on Dec. 30. On tho r as sage up one of the passengers booked tor Gisborne (Mrs Amnion) gavo birth to a child, and being iv a weak condition, came on to this port.

About ono hundred gentlemen, on the 30th of Decembor, accepted tho invita tion of Shaw. Savill, nnd Co.'s agents fo lunch on board tho steamer Arawa. In responding to the toast of "Success to tho Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company," Mr Ritchie said they had never failed to comply with the wants of communities in this colony, and although stoam communication was suggested rather earlier than tbey were prepared for, they went into the project in a whole-hearted manner.

The s.s. Star of the South, in attempt ing to come in over the Grey River bar, Greymouth, on December 23, was caught by the current and swung right round on to the stonework. The captain got up sail and endeavoured to extricate himself from the difficulty, but was unablo to make any headway. In order to savo the lives of thoso on board,a couple of spars were stretched from tho shore, and Mrs Blackie and six children wero got ashore. Extra chains and ropes wero then inado fast, and all tho effects of the passengers, oflicers, and crow wero sent ashore, after which the crew commenced discharging cargo. Before much was discharged, the Harbourmaster said it was dangerous for the men to be on board, and all work was stopped, and the men came ashore. An official inquiry was held at Greymouth on December 27, when the following verdict was returned :—" Tbe wreck was caused solely by the culpable rashness of the master, Captain Charles Hodge, in entering the Grey River in reckless disregard of the harbour signals, and it is adjudged that his certificate be suspended for twelve months, and that ho pay the costs of the inquiry,"

INDUSTRIAL.

Tenders for the construction of loco motives in New Zealand will be called within two months.

Among recent inventions i 3 one by Alpha Harding, of the Waikato, for what is called a "fire locator."

The Cambridge Dairy Produce and Bacon Factory was formally opened on December 19. There was a large attendance of the public at the opening proceedings, which wore of an interesting character.

A deputation from the Trades andLLaboru r Council and Chamber of Manufacturers, Wellington, waited en the Hon. Mr Richardson at that place on December 18, in refcronco to the construction of loco motives in tho colony. It transpired that Mr Hendry, Chairman of tho Trades and Labour Council, had surreptitiously obtained a copy of the specifications, which havo not yet been made public. Mr Richardson asked how thoy had obtained the copy, but Mr Hendry declined to say. As it is, however, the copy so ob tained had since been considerably modified. The deputation also heard that the locomotives wero to be subjected to the test of running 1,000 miles, and if they would not answer would be condemned. Mr Richardson stated that this was incorrect. It was also stated that certain parts of the machinery could not be made in the colony. The Minister said the Government were -willing to do everything in their power to encourage tho manufacture of engines, that monthly payments of 00 per cent. will be mado, and that the groat thing \u_ to have the whole machinery constructed in the colony, even if thoy Iwi to pay a hirAt-r price for the engines ; but Govern ment recognised that certain parts, such as tubing, etc., would require to bo imported. Ten engines are to be made in two years, the first to be handed over in eighteen months. The .Government would supply a locomotive asa model, so that no mistake might be made as to measurement.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS.

BIRTHS.

ADAMS.—At Homo Bay, on tho 3rd December, the wife of VV. Adams of a soil. All MIT.—On Decomber 21, at her rcsidonco, Moutit-slruet, tho wife of Joseph Ainiit of a Daughter. BADGER, — On December 12th, the wife ot Robert Badger, Grocer, Eduii Terrace, of v daughter. BlltOH.—On Deo. 13, at her residence, Grey St., tho wife of C. J. Birch of a son. BOKTHWICK.-On 20th December, at Cobden strcet, Nowton, the wife of C. M. Berth wick oia sun.. BttYAN.—On Deccmhor 23, at her residence, Parnell, tho wifcof li. Bryan of a daughter. CAMERON.—On December 5, at her residence, Belmont Terrace, Koinuera, the wifo ot Mr A. T. Cameron, of a daughter. CATTLE Y/.-On December 2 jth, at Newton, tho wife ot 11. 11. Catiluy ot a eon, CARBINES. — On Deoembor IS. at Kc-nyon Avenue, Valley l'.oad. Mount Kden, tho wife of H, J. Carbines of a son. COTI'IXOHAM.—On December 15, tho wifo of John Cottingham of a daughter* CuRTIS.—On December 17, at her mothers residence, _aruka, Drury, the wife of Thomas Curtis, o: lie.ensville. Ufa sun. DIUKE?ON.—On December 23, at Kaikolie, Buy of latnins, the wile ot GeorgO F. V ekcsyii ,lun., oi a son. EDWARDS.-On December 20th, at Kuppel ttrcet, Arch Hill, the wile o: D. Edwards of a

daughter. GKMMKLL.—On December 23rd, at Piuiuiuro tho wife of Robert Uemmell of a son. HAULTAIN.-On December 2Gih, at Epsom, Mrs James Haulcuiu of a daughter. JullNSON.—On Ueeeiuber G, at iei rcsidonco, Wyndliam-slreet, the wife of C, A. Julmson o£ a son ; boih doing well. JONjiS.—On December lOlh. at her residence, W'j nyurd-jtiect, tho wile of W. a. Joncß, of a son. KIN-.-On December 30, at St. John's College, Tamaki, tho wile of tho Bey. F, T. ICiug of twins (girls), LOWNDES.—On December 10th, at her resi dence, Kybor Pass Koad, Newmarket, the wife of Je„eph Lowndes, of a daughter. MILLER.-On December 30, at her residence, tl lyhumra, lha wife of ISov. Henry W. J. Mi lor of adaught.i. Both doing we 1. N_ Will AN.—On Decern uor 22, lit College Koad, Airs W. A. Newman ot a daughter. PEARSON.—On December ;«, a;, ihe residence tit ncr mother (Mrs It. T. Corbott), the wife of A. N. fours m, lioinliiv, India, of v dun,tiler. RfMAN.—Ou Dci-inher 29, at her ii'hidulic-', Tol-el-Kebir, New North Road, ihu wifo or J. Keg in of a daughter. SUTOLIFFK.— im Decomber 15, tho wifo of W. J. SutclLmi. Vietorlii aircet. of a daughter. TUSKS —On December IS. at her reuidenco, llcinuera, the wife ot B. Digby 'l'onks of a daughter. W AtiN_U -On Dfoembor 21,1881, at Gibraltar (Jroscout, Parnell, Mrs H. M. \V arner of a son. WINSTONK.—On December 28. at her resi dence. Hujdn-sti\Ot, iho wifo of Uoorgo Wikstonc of a son.

MARRIAGES.

BOWMAN—KING3TONE -On Novombor 27, at St. Andrew's Church, Epsom, by He v. K. K. Davis, Homy O. Bowman, lato of Germany, to Rebecca Jane Kingstone, only daughter of Mr William Kingstone. Mount Kdon, Auck land. — Nupior and Thames papers please copy. CLAcIIv—LYND3 —On December 2S, at the rosi denco of tlio bride's father, Onohuuga. by tho Hi v. 11. Miller, Frederick William, eldest son of Frederick Clark, of tho El wick Iron Works, and East Hill, Ashford, Kent, to Louisa, youngoat daughter ot Mr William Lynds, of Onehunga. Homo papers please copy. COuPER-NEKDHAM—On November 1,1831. at iho Congregational Church. Bcresfnrd i-trret, by the Uev. J. Hobortson, James Cooper, of Ponsonby, lo Emily Jnno, eldest daughter of W. H. Neodhnm, of Parnell. GOOLBV—McLAKKN.—On December lli, 18S4, ut tho Registry Otiieo, Auckland, Frank, youngest son of Manuel Gooley, of Lisbon, to Isabella Kmily MoLaron, second daughter of Gilbert McLaren, lato of Am kland. HAMMOND—HAMMoND.-Ob tho '.Oth Doc, nt St. John tno Baptist's, Northcoto. by the Lev. A. J. Illtohcuek, Frank, cliPst s;,n of W. F. Hammond, Esq., of Auckland, Now Zealand, to Edith Clara, third daughter of K. X Hammond, Esq., ef Loudon, England.— London capers please copy. HIUb-KY—FLEMING.—At Trinity Church. Pargavillo, on Dccombcr 3rd, by tho Uev. W. Kattern*, Edmund, second son of tho Into John llillury. Crown Point House. Leeds, England, to Annie Clementina (Ida), eldest daughter of the lute John Homing, Aughercevagh Manor, Longford, Ireland. JOUNBON-COX. —On Dccombcr !l. at Iho Registrar's Ollloe, Auckland, Isauo Johnson, Into of Tairim. toNtillin Cox. Auckland. JONES —ARMSTRONG.— On Dccombor 25, 1831, at St. Paul's ('lunch, Auckland, by Ihe Uev. U. M. Nelson, Samuol Jones, oldest son of the lato Samuol Jones, a' Wickham, Eng land, to Elizabeth Francis Armstrong, of Auckland.-Sydney and Homo papors pleuso L_IT_K—McFAYDEN.-01l December 22, at the riltico of the Registrar, Auckland. Thomas Leiteh to Agnes, eldest daughter of Henry S3. McFaydon. Dunedin. MU--HET—BOSTOIK.-On December 23rd, 18S1 at tho residence of iho bride's moilltr, by the Lev. 11. W. J. iVillor. of Onehunga, Eniilv Anno, second daughter of Airs Bo.Uock, of Crallandale, East Tumaki, to John Wilson Mushet, of Auckland. PEI'BHSON—ANDEiiSON. - At Q.ieor.slan.l, oil 2Sih November, by tho Uev. Samuel W, Asher, at H ithel House, Andrew John Poler sori, contractor, to Jtie ihina Glen, third daughter of Archibald Anderson, engineer, Auckland, late of Glasgow.—Homo papers Pie IS" ropy. ROSXEK-IIAYNES.-On \ovcmbor2l, lit the residence ot A. W. Boyd, rs..|. Suva, Fill by tho Uev, Poole, Alexander ltosner lo Mary Elizabeth, only daughter if Tlios. S anil Ho othy Ilnynes, Auckland, and great grnnd d.iugluor of the lato Francis 1 eedlmm, of Titbury, near Burton-on-Tront. Staflbrdshiro papers ulense ro^v. SHACKKLFORD-SHEPHKRD.-On Dec. 18. Nt the residence of Mr James Harris Jen-sis R mil, Ponsonby, by tho Rev. J. Wallis, Wcs losan minister, John Wisdom, second son of the late Thomas Shackelford, lato of Hastings, England, to Edith Annie, only dans liter of iho lato John Shepherd, lato of Auckland, New Zealand, and Davi-n'ry. NorthamptonsHre. TP.ORNION-GHAYRoN.-(in l.cemher 23. at the rcaiderce of the bride's father. Spring- Etroct, Auckland, by the Uev. It. F. M'iciiictil, William 11. Thornton, late of Ray of Islands, to Jane, youngest daughter of Mr John Gray don, shipwright Auckland. TURNER —GELDARD. —At tho R-gistry Otllce, on tho 9th December, William Turner, fifth ton of Ihe la'e William Turner, to Sarah Jano Goldird, second daughter of late James Geldard, Drury. WARING—EAVES.-On December 1. by tho Rev. W. E. Rice, Richard, third son of James Waring, Newton, to Mary EiizTbeth, socond daughter of tho lato Thomas Eaves, Bombay Settlement. WHITE—CONNOLLY.—On Octiber 22nd. at Ft. Patrick's Cathedral, hy tho Very Row Father Walter Macdonald, assisted by thoHcv. Father Mahonny. John White to Catherine Connolly, both of this'city.

DEATHS.

BOOTH.—On December 30tb, at his parents' rosidenco. Arch Hill, Albert SutcliiTe, only son of Thomas and Julia Booth; aged 10 months. BRADLEY.—On December 30, at the residence of Geo. R. H. Ibbctson, .Tohn-atreot, Mount Eden. Mary Hamilton Bradley, the third daughter of W. W. L. Bradley, of Waitaaerel; aged 19. Sho sleeps in Jesus. CAK.TKR.—On December 11, 1881, at Western Springs, Amelia, the youngest child of Arthur and Margaret Carter; aged 8 weeks. CLEAVE.—On December 22, at her parents' rosidenco, Remuera, Mildred Ida Annlo, twin daugnter of Arthur and Annie Cleave ; aged I mouths. COUPLAND—On December3o,atHowe-street, Annio, tho beloved daughter of Sarah Coup hind ; aged 3} years. DAVII SON.—On the 11th Doeombor, 1881, after a shoi t and painful illness, Thomas Davidson, n?ed 29 years. DIXON.—On December 25. at North Stio'c, Goitrude Mary, the beloved child of Jjsepb and Mary Ann Dixon; aged 3 yoars and 5 months. FLYNN.-On December 30.1881, at his parents' rcsidi-nce. Spring-street. Ponsonby, John, the dearly beloved child of Ellen and Patrick Flynn ; aged 12 months. GRAHAM—On December 1(1. at his residence. Nolson street, Andrew Graham, tho boloved husband of Eliza Graham ; aged 70 yoars. Home papers please copy. GUtL.DING.-On Friday, the 19th Dec , at 12.30 a.m., at her late residence Victoria Road, North Shore, Elizabeth, reiict of tho late T. E. (Jtiilding. the eldest nnd beloved daughter ot John Lander; aged 38 yoars HOWARD.-On December 17th. 1881, at his parents' residence, Mclford-stroot, Ponsonby, Nevill, tho youngest son of William and Sarah J. Howard, in his twelfth year. KAY.—On December 23, at Kent-street, Surrey Hills. David Kay; aged 37 years. KINGHORN.—At Lineotn-otrrct, Ponsonby, on Decemb3r2oth, Margaret Helena, tho only and beloved child of David and Helona Kingbom. LONGBOTTOM. —At hor rosidenco, Poit Albert, after a short i Inoss, Ann Anderson, tho beloved wifo of Bernard Longbottom, of South Lincolnshire England ; aged 07 years. Deeply regretted. English papers please copy. LOXfc.RGAN.-On December 2:1, at her parents' re-iidcnce, Union-street, Eleanor Vivian. dfiir:y beloved daughter of John and Mory Ijoncrgan; a?cd 1 year and 1 monfh3. LYKLL.-On the 2sth Deo. (Jari-ston Vincent, infant son of J. H. A. Lyell; aged six weeks. MANN.—On Deeombor i, at Summer-street, Ponsonby, after a long and painful illness. Bortio the youngest son of Daniel and Margaret Sophair Mnnn ; aged 2 years. McDOWELL.-On tho 7th December, 18S1, at the rosidenco of her parents, Victoria Quadrant, Harriot Rose, aged Uys, beloved daughter of William and Roie McDowell. MOORE—On Hie 21th December, arhis parents residence. Alma-tract, Newmarket, Charles, tho beloved son of Daniel Mooro; aged IS years. PO L L AKD. —At bis pirnnts' residence, Brighton, Parnoll, Harold Hutchinson, the dearly-beloved infant son of Napian William nnd Harriet Pol'ard; aged 7 months and o days. God's will bo done —Sydney papers please copy. ~ REGAN. — On Deeombor 20, at tho Thames, Ellen, the wife of John Regan, aged 70. SCOTT.—On December 19th, at tho residence of his parents, Summer-street, Ponsonby, Wil liam James, youngest and dearly beloved son of John and Jannet Scott; age 112 months. SMITH.—On December 15, at Napier-street, Howard Charles, infant s-n of Edward Louie and Marion Smith; aged i months. STANLEY.-On December 11, at Ins parents residence, Victoria-street West, after a short and painful illness. Frederick William, the beloved and only child of William _. F. and Louisa Stanley, formerly of Thames.—Thames paper? please copy. . KTKK',. Or. December 1. at his parents' rfsi iiuiiC". Nowlon IvOiui. tlharles, ill-: htdoved son til' David am! Janet -Steel: -'iged 9 ycxa:

TKIJM;i'K'-'()n"l M..- -:<.H\:. ■'.. L'>:;. o, : ;or\ Mary Ami, svile uC William Tumble ; aged 61 years. . ~...-. W-'tia-On Wth ins!., Mary Loins,:. Webb, in her ll'th vo :-; ':.':.■;;!•, regretted, WHiCWELL.—On December 11188l,atEllersbo, Tom ITarold, youngest child of Thos. and Alico Wnewell; aged 3 months. WILLIAMS.-On December 28th, Stanley, the b°loved son of Joseph and Jane Williamß, Victoria street; aged 7 months, WILBON.-On December 7,1881. at the Asylum, Mary, tho beloved wife of Robert Wilson; aged 21 years.

RELIGIOUS.

The Salvation Army held a monitor demonstration at Christchurch on Christ mas Day. Eight masses at St. Benedict's, Christmas Day. Offertories, £110. Archdeacon Thorp, of Wellington, has accepted the temporary incumbency Of St. Matthew's Church, Dunedin.

Tho recent "All Nations Fair" at Duno din will result in £1150 net being divided amongst the five Anglican churches of tho city and suburbs It is expected that the now Roman Catholic Cathedral will be opened freo of debt. The cost of tho alterations to the old church has been about i' 5,500. £3,000 weie in hand before the building was commenced, a goodly sum was contributed at tho laying of the foundation stone, and since tho de parture of Bishop Luck to the Old Country, tho Very Rev. Father Walter McDonald litis succeeded in collecting about £1,300 — principally in Queen-street. Tho donations at the opening aro expected to roduce tho remaining liability to nil. The handsome little church built for the i'resbytorian body at the Surroy Hills was opened for divine service on December 21 by the Bey. D. Runclmnn. There was a large attendance. Tho rev. gentleman took for his text the parable oftheraan who built his house on a reek, Matthew chop. 8, verse 24, and preached an eloquent and appropriate sermon therefrom. Tho aternoon service was conducted by tlio Rev. R, F. Maenicol, pastor of St. James's, who preached from Psalm lxxxvii., v. 2, and in the evening the Rev, K. Somervillo, of Avondale, preached from Ephosians oh. iv v, 15 and l(i. Tho collection during tho day realised £13 7s.

The Arch Hill Wesleyan Sunday-school festival was he'd on Dec 27 in the Surroy HilJs, and n number of friends, besides the teachers and scholars, spent a most enjoy ablo day. Tho customary cricket match, Teachers versus Scholars, took place, anil resulted in a draw in favour of the latter, who scored 53 in tho first innings, against teachers' 50. Various other amuse ments'wore kept up with spirit till dusk. During the day provisions wero liberally supplied. On Christmas Eve the teachers and several friends sang a number of carols in tho district, tho Christmas box, amount ing to ±'4, being in aid of the Sunday school funds.

Tho pretty rural Anglican sanctuary of Christ Church at Ellorslio has been singled out for special display in tin way of artistic ornamentation Some time ago Mr Albin Martin wroto Home to a former protcgd and pupil, who is now member of tho firm of Clayton and Bell (glass painters to tho Queen), inquiring if any painted glass suit able for insertion in the windows of the cburc i could bo obtained choap. With characteristic generosity, Mr 801 l has sent out by tho s.s. Coptic thirteen windows handsomely painted with scones from the life of Jesus, and valued in the gross at something over £1,000. They enmo up from the South this weok, and in due course wik be fitted up in Christ Church, and the consequence will bo to rendor it tho most otti active little tabernacle in tho colony.

A social gathering of the parishioners of St. Mary's, Parnell, took place on tho 30th of December at Bishop's Court. Tho inclemency of tho weather prevented tho garden party being hold, but tho assemblage adjourned to tho Church of England Grammar School, where a bounteous tea was provided. In the ovoning the children of tho Sunday school woro entertained at a gathering at the school-room, Scarborough Tcrraco, whon an address was delivered by the Rev. Mr Walpole, and songs sung by Mrs Bisphuin, Mr Wulpole (brother of tho incumbent), and a reading contributed by Mrs Ruck. Mr Walpolo, in tho courso of his romarks, said thoy would sco from the circulars which had been issued that a start had been made towards tho now church. £2,000 had been promised, and the total cost of the church and parsjonago would bo about £7.000.

Tho annual convcrsaziono in connection with St. Andrew's Church was held in the Choral Hall on Dec. 11. There was a largo attendance, tho Rev. Mr Carrick in the chair. Proceedings were opened by a few appropriate remarks by the Chairman on tho subject of " Unity," and later in the evening Mr Fergnssoii gavo a brief addross mi " Friendship." The musical progrnnimo included several selections by the church choir under the leadership of MrChadwick. They included part song, "The Fairest Flower," part song "(livo Way Now to Pleas ne," from cantati "St. Celia's Day," and the anthem "From All that Dwell Below tho Skies." Master Comric recited "The Quack " and "Cato's Soliloquy,"and a pianoforte solo, " Blair Athol," was played by Miss Pugo, who also sang " Vanquished." Mr 1). Menzies contri buted "The Gauntlet;" Mrs Kicr, "The Eastern Window;" Mr Knox, "The Sentinel;" anil Mrs Kicr and Miss Tait (.'.■ive the duet "O wcrt thou in the Cauld Blast ?" Mrs Kenyon also gave a fairy bell solo. During tho evening, refreshments, which wero plentifully provided, wero handed round, and tho wholo entertain ment passed over satisfactorily.

Very successful anniversary services wero held on Dec. IS at the Mount Edon Baptist Church, it being tho nineteenth anniversary of the Sunday-school. Tho morning ser vice was crowded, many going away, not being able to find even standing room. Roy. \V. E. Rico preached an carnost, practical sermon from 2 Sam., IS, 19, "Is tho young man Absalom safo?" In the afternoon Rev. A. C. Lawry addressed the children, taking as his subject, Song of Sol., 2ch. lv., " I am tho Rose of Sharon and tho Lily of tho Valley." Mr Lawry brought with him a roso, a lily, and r. piece of vine to illustrate hie address, which was listened to with close attoution by all the scholars. Roy. D. Whytock preached in the evening to a good congregation from 2nd Chron, 20th c. sth v. Collections for tho day amounted £14 ss. Tho chapel was crowded on Dec. Hi on tho occasion of the Sunday-school anniversary soireo. The tea-tables woro woll supplied and adorned with flowers, tho ladies in attendance being Misse3 Davis, Lovott, Philson, and Wells (2). The Roy. W, E. Rico presided over the meeting, and addresses wero delivered by tho Chairman, tho Revs. Whytock and Bavin, and Mr Shalders. Mr A. Knight, Superintendent.read an encouraging report, showing that the Sabbath school had 15 teachers, 130 scholars, and an average attendance of 100. Receipts during tho year, £27 2s Sd ; expenditure, £31 lis lid ; leaving a debit balanco due tho treasurer of £4 9s 3d. The collections at tho close of the anniversary services on Sunday pre vious amounted to £14 ss.

The New Jewish Synagogue.—Laying the Foundation Stone.

The ceremonial associated with the laying of the foundation stone of the new Jewish Synagogue at the corner ot Princes and Bowen-streets (opposite the Northern Club) took placo on the afternoon of December IS, in the presence of a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. Flags fluttered gaily over the temporary platform, and these with the concourse of people and tho handsome toilettes of the ladies lent quito a gala aspect to the animated scene. The style of architecture is Romanosquo, modified by the Gothic in somo of its details, and the effect will be both striking and handsome. It is intended that the Synagogue proper shall seat 225 males and 150 females, while accommoda tion will bo provided on tho basement for tho Sabbath School. The allot ment also affords room for a residence for the Rabbi, and in due time doubtless this want will also be supplied. Mr Thomas Colebrook is tho contractor for the Synagoguo, and tho contract time is nine months. Tho total cost, including fittings, which are to be both rich ana elegant, will amo.int to £4,000. After service in tho tomporary Synagogue at the Masonic Hall, Princes-street, tho Rabbi (Rev. S. A. Goldstein) and the officers of tho congregation proceeded to the eito of the new building. The proceedings hero wero at once commenced by the Rabbi read ing, first in Hebrew, and then in English, Psalms 118, 24, and 29. Mr David Nathan then advanced for tho purpose of laying the stone. Ho was presented with the orthodox silver trowel by the architect (Mr Bartloy), while a silver-mounted mallet was presented by Mr A. H. Nathan, on behalf of tho congregation. Tho mallet bore tho following inscription : " Presented by the members of the Auck land Hebrew congregation to David Nathan, Esq, Past President of the Auckland Hebrew congregation, on tho occasion of the laying the foundation stone of tho new synagogue, December 13th, ISS4." A liovinoticallv -ea'.-;.! vr.v-el, containing ; lievpnpoiv:, <■!,;.,.. ~.,' t1;..: ivikn, and ll parchment, having been deposited i-i the1 cavity prepared 10-' its reception, iho :-'.ono | v/h* gently lowered to its place, and Mr j Nathan, with the. usual ceremony, declared it to be. well and truly laid. The contents of the parchment were read out as follows :— "Both Israel.'—Tho foundation stone of tho Synagogue was publicly laid by David Nathan, Past President of the Auckland Hobrew Con gregation, on Thursday, 30th day of Kislev, 5615, corresponding with the 18th day of Novem ber, 1881, in the 17th yoar of the reign of Her

Majesty Queen Viotoria. . Blr 'Vfm. Jorvois, Govornor-in-Chief of the Colony. W. R. Wad del, Mayor of Auckland. A. H. Nathan, Presi dent ; Moss Levy, Treasurer; Samuel A. Gold stein, minister; Sydnoy H. Nathan, Secretary; Auckland Hebrew Coufrrosation. Arthur P. Nathan, Moss I.ovy. Samuel A. Goldstein, Lawrence I). Nathan, Philip A. Philips. Ralph Keesinif, llonry L. Noumasren, Edward Lewis, members of tho Buildinif Commiltoo. Edward Hartley, architect. Thdiiiiis Colebrbok. con tractor. Enclosed horowith aro copies ot J' New Zealand Herald," Evening Staii, "Jowish Chronicle." and •• Jowi-h World"; also, some of tho current coins of the realm.—" And let thorn mako me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among thorn."—"l rejoiced when they sai 1 unto mo— ' Let us go into tho House ot the Lord.'"

The Rev. S. A. Goldstein (Rabbi) gavo an eloquent address, which was listened to with rapt attention, The Rabbi having offered up prayer in Hebrew and English for tho Royal Family, Mr P. A. Philips then delivered un address, giving a short history of tho H- brow congregation in Auckland. Mr Philips then read out a list of tho do nations which had either been received or promised. The ceremony was concluded by the Rabbi pronouncing the Bonediction in Hebrew.

MERCANTILE.

A I'invATK company ias been floato lat Wellington to carry a railway to Hutt Racecourse.

Princo Imperial announces a dividend of 2s (id, and the Cumbria Is. Sineo the opening of tho present season the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company havo sold 300,000 bales of wool at Melbourne.

At a general moeting of the New Zealand Shipping Co. at Christchurch on Decem ber 23, it was agreed to make two calls of 10s each per sliaro. Tho third annual roport of the New Zea land Native Land Settlement Company shows that tlio sales for tho year ended 30th ult. gavo a total of £32,022 7s 2d. Thero is still an active inquiry for land in the East Coast district. Tho balanco at credit of Profit and Loss Account for tho ye. r is i ufficiont to cjvor a dividond of 8 per cent, on the small paid-up capital of tho Company ; but the directo s consider it inadvisaole to declaro a dividend at prosont on account of tho Company's large overdraft with their b inkers. Con?iderablo progress has been mrdo during the year in oloaring tho titles to land assigned to the Company for disposil on account of the owners. Ninety one thousand live hnndred and eight acres, officially valued at £103,060, aro now held under Land Transfer Title. It is generally believed that within a short time, probably during the next session of tho General Assembly, such a change will bo mado in tho existing law as will prevont direct dealings for land by Europeans with nativos, and that in all subsequent transac tions the Gover.imont will intervene In that caso, as thero would necessarily bo a limit to tho extension of tho operations of this Company, the duty of tho directors would bo confined to the disposal of the lands theretofore con fided to tl on, and to tho gradual winding up of its business. In the meantime nogo liations for the surrender of additional blocks of land havo been opened, and tho Company's obligations to the native ownors must bo provided. As tho paid-up capital of tho Company, £21,208, is found to be insufficient for its legitimate current requirements, tho directors have re solved lo mako calls, amounting in fio wholo to £1 per sharo, in sums of 6s per share, at intervals of throo months, The Company's proporty list shews a total area of 270,003 ac • , the value of the unsold por tion boing estimated at £266,746.

Auckland Permanent Building Socioty,

Tho regular half-yearly moating of the shareholders of tho Auckland Pormanont Cooporativo Building and Investment Society was to have takon place at -1 o'clock on 10th December in tho office, Queen street, but as only nino shareholders wore present, tho meoting lapsed. Tho businoss of the meeting was to re ceivo the half-yearly accounts, und theso woro of courso ready for submission, and in duo courso will be published, Thoy are as follow : — Receipts and Disbursements kok Hali yeah ending 30t11 skit., 1881. Receipts. September, 1831. „ s. d. £ d. r*OfS- Eniranco feos on 2,9111 snares 118 11 0 Transfor fees .. .. Hi II 0 Purvey fees .. .. 1)2 1 0 Hefiimls on account of iiiMiraiico, valuators' expenses, &c 121 2 1 370 11 1 Fir.es--- Amount reoalvod 53 0 G Pass-books and Rules- Sold 11 1 0 Shares— Subscriptions on 0,702 investors .. .. 8,182 3 9 Repayments on 5,0521 borrowed .. .. 9,778 1!) 5 I'epayinents on ro otcmod and sur rendered .. .. 17 031 19 1 35,913 2 3 DetOßits- Repjvablo at seven days'notice .. .. 1,091 0 0 Repayable at fixed periods 15,573 18 3 19,607 18 3 Properties In Hnu'dntion— Runts co'iccted, &c 5 8 0 fixed deposits- D-posii nt Hank of N.Z. withdrawn 1,000 0 0 Intcr.-s— Received from Hank, &c 150 0 0 £00,117 10 1 Balances— At Hunk and in hand on 31st March, 1881 2,993 18 0 £03.111 11 1

Disbursements.

£ B. d. £ 8. d. September SO, 1881. Fees— Insuranco premiums, fees, etc., paid on ac count of borrowers 111 18 3 Loans- Cash paid to borrowers, sectirodonmortgagos 20,150 0 0 Deposits- Repayments to deposi tors 11,010 3 3 Interests- Paid to depositors .. 433 0 8 Paid on Bank overdraft 32 5 1 471 5 9 Shares- Matured shares paid off 19,154 2 2 Withdrawn beforo ma turity 8,370 17 8 27,82119 10 Outstanding liabilities 31st March- Paid on account of Bame 121 10 0 Miscellaneous — Management agencies, lees, office rent, print ing, advortisirg, etc. SGI 16 8 £61,180 12 2 Balances— At Hank 1,591 12 10 In hand 309 9 1 1,961 1 11 £63,111 14 1 Ex mined and found to be correct X. A. DURBUEtT, I Ai.rtltnro W. GobRIK, i Auditors November 25.1554.

FIRES.

The bouse of Captain Gibson at Whangn pona, Corornandel, was burned down On December 12.

Tho sawmills at Otara Creek, belonging to Mr J. S. Gibbons, woro burned down on December 23.

Hopiiiis and Jowitt's flour and oatmeal mills at Balolutha were totally destroyed by tiro at 3 o'clock on December 16. It is believed the flames originated in the engine house. The estimated value of the stock is £3,000, and the building £3,000. The insurances on the whole only roach £3,0' 0, distributed as follows :— United, £300 ; Fire Association, £500; Equitable, £1,420 ; London and Lancashire, £500; National, £250. ihe estimated los 3 abovo tho insurance is £3,000.

About 3.30 a.m. on the 29th Dccomtor a houso occupied by Mr Bird, of Northcote, and situated a short distanco from tho wharf, was discovered to be on fire. Efforts were mado to extinguish the flames, but without success, and very soon both the house, and also Mr Bird's boot shop, in the samo building, wero destroyed. A small quantity of furniture was saved. The stock, which consisted of boots, wasinsured for £20 in the South British, and the furni ture for £30 in the same office: The build ing was owned by Mr Thome, solicitor, and was insured for £100 in the Soutb British. The origin of the fire is unknown, but is supposed to have been accidental.

It i:- understood lhat the difference be t.ivceii the Victorian and Now Zealand Go- ; veriiuiotiL; ri-f;jcoti,2g German annexation is as to the particular form the protest should take. The Giiveitimssi.il arc-quite in harmony ivvthlho Victorian Government imegrotting the action of the German Government. Several slight tremors of tho earth from the direction of Tongariro have been lately felt. Several geysers are unusually active, especially the Crow's Nest, which is now throwing a large column of water fully sixty feet high.

MEETINGS AND AMUSEMENTS.

Tun Auckland Coursing Club hope to bo able to hold their first Plumpton meeting at the ground, Papatoetoc, in April next. Sinco the completion 'of the outside fence of the ground upwards of 100 hares havt been liberated in the ground.

There was splendid weather on December 15 at Christchurch for the anniversary day, and tlio city was en fete. The Volun teers havo a field day at Now Brighton, thoro ate popular sports in Hagley Park, Caledonian games in Lancaster Park, a parish festival at Bamford's Grounds, Heathcoto Paces at Plumpton Park, and trips to Akaroa and Littlo Akaroa.

A team of Auckland cricketers is making a tour of tho South. In the first match against Otago, the Southern team scored 141, and tho Aucklandcrs only 83. But in the second innings the Auckland team dis posed of their antagonists for 35, and putting together the necessary figures to givo them victory won the match with the loss of five wickets. Tiioy play Canterbury next.

Tho New Zealand Educational Institute incots at Auckland on tho (ith, 7th, and Sth of January. Subjects of disenssio.l : The syllabus of instruction in public schools, the pupil-teacher system, teachers' certili calos and examinations, scholarships, school inspection,., secondary schools, education boards, toachers' pension fun 3, and con.;ti tut'on of the Institute.

Tho annual free performance of "The Messiah " was given in the Choral Hall on December 28 by tho Auckland Choral Society. Tho weather was most inclement, but notwithstanding this fact, there nasa very largo attendance, the hall being crowded to excess, Thoro was a full or chestra, but only seventy or eighty mem bers of the choir put in an appearanco. Mr J. Knox conducted. Tho soloists wore the same as beforo, except that Mr 11, Brett (bass) was absent in consequenco of indisposition. Tho solo, "Oh, Thou that Tellost," omitted at the previous perform ance, was satisfactorily rendered by Miss Geo.

Tlio annual meeting Of the Ponsonby Choral Society took place on Dec. 15 in the local Oddfellows' Hall, Mr Thos. Finlayson presiding, in the absence of the President, Mr A. Devore. Report and balance-sheet having been read and adopted, the follow ing officers wero elected :—President, Mr A. Devore; Vice-President, Mr P, Darby ; Treasurer, Mr Henry Shaw; Secretary, Mr A. L. Parsons. Messrs Rowe, Hender son, Macindoe, and Sneddon, retiring mem bers of Committee, were re-elected to office. The Chairman presented Mrs Woolley, pianiste of the Society, with a purse of 10 sovereigns, and Herr Schmitt, conductor, with a purse of 25 sovereigns. The presen tations wore duly acknowledged, Mr Par sons replying for Mrs Woolley, and Mr Macindoo for Herr Schmitt, who was pre vented by illness fiom boing present. At the meeting of the Auckland Hor! our Board on December 1G it was agreed that the salary of the Engineer be reduced from £600 to £500, and tl.at Mr McLonald receive six months' notice of the termination of his engagement from the first of January next. The following salaries wore voted at the samo meeting : — Oflico: Secretary and treasurer, £600; clork, £275; clerk, 200; clerk, £100; cadet, £45 ; cadet, £35. Engineer's De partment : Engineer, £500 ; cadot, £75 ; foreman of works, £225. Harbour: Harbour master and dock-master, £500; Harbour master and whurfinger, £300; boatmen (2) £108 each; night watchman, £131. Pilot Servico; Pilot, £275 (including £25 allowance for rent); two pilots, £250 an! freo house each ; signalman, £175 and freo houso ; chief boatman, £120 and froo house; two boatmen, £108 and free house each ; boatman, £96. Dock : Engincor, £208 ; fireman, £120 and freo houso. Stores : Storekeeper, £150 ; assistant storekeeper, £130.

Tho annual meeting of Lodge St. Andrew, No, 418, S.C., was held in tho Freemasons Hall, Princes-street, on Dec. 22, tho business being installation of offi cers for ensuing year. There was a large attendance of members of the Lodgo and visitors. Bro. M. Niccol acted as Installing Master. Bro. Dr. 11. Walker was duly installed into the chair of R.W.M., and in verted his officers as follows : —Bro. 11. Kay, 1.P.M.; Bro. 11. B. Symons, D.M.; Bro. Jas. Anderson, S M. ; Bro. 11. A. 11. Hitchcns, S.W. ; Bro. T. W. Biiggs, J. W. ; Bro. Uev. F. Gould, Chaplain ; Bro. Jas. Slater, Trcas urer; Bro. Robert Kaye, Secretary j Bro. N. W. Geiseler, S.D.; Bro. M. McLeod, J.D. ; Bro. 11. McQuarrie, S.S.;; Bro. E. Salt, coremonios, including charges to K.W.M, officers and members, were performed by Bro P. M. Niccol in a most impressive and nblo manner. The following Musters and Past Masters were present:—Bros. M. Niccol, Kayc, Slutor, and Ellison, Lodgo St, Andrew; Clarke, and Rev. Nelson, Prince of Wales ; Powloy, Lodge Ara ; Suiter (2), Rule, Lodtre United Service; Cole, Wnitemata; S. Young, Lodge of Light ; Rev. F. Gould. Manukau ; and Bro J. Slntor, R.W.M. Lodge, J.S.; Bro. G. Bruce, P.P.; Bro. W. Hart, I.G. ; Bro. E. Tonge, Tyler. After hearty congratulations from visit ing brethren, tho Lodge was closed at 8.35 p.m. At 0.30 the ball was opened by Mrs Dr, Walker and Mra Mc- Intvre, 111. Niccol, and Mrs Slator, A. J Laurie, and Miss M Slater, and T. W. Briggs, and Mrs Briggs. About 50 couples were present, everyone enjoying themselves to tho utmost until 3 a.m., just as day was dawning. A grand bazaar and fancy fair in aid of the fund,- of the convent schools, Hobson-street, was opened at the Theatre Royal on Dec. 23 by Monsignor Fynes, Vicar-General. It. appears that for su'tuo time past thero has been a debt of some £300 on these schools, and our Catholic friends having determined to make an effort to clear it oft called upon the ladies of tho Catholic Con gregation of the city to assist them. Ihe fuel os have responded nobly, and there is now at the Theatre Royal one of the finest displays of fancy work ever scan in this city. It represents tho work of hundreds of fair fingers for many months past. Tho spacious building appears to be perfectly lined with articles useful and ornamental, chairs, cushions, and tables adorned in the highest style of art, needlework being tho most noticeable articles. The several stalls are presided over by tho following ladies :—No 1 Stall: Mrs J. A. Tole, the Misses Tole (2), Mrs Gregory, and Miss Stephenson. No. 2 Stall : Mrs Lanigan, Mrs Brophy, Mrs Connelly, and Mrs Hackett.' No. 3 Stall: Mrs Lewisson, Mrs Riley, and Mrs Field No. 1 (Guard of Honor Stall): Mrs Dignan, Miss Sheehan, Miss O'Neill, and Miss O'Brien. No. 5 (Refreshment Stall): Mrs Duffy, Mrs Waterhouso, and Mrs Brown. The bazaar promises to be a groat success. So far the receipts have amounted to upwards of £300, tho takings on Doc. 27 alone totalling £80. A large bridal cake given by Mr Canning, was won by Mr Andrew Dignan ; a email wedding cake, pre : ented by Mr Mclntyre, was won by Mr Peter Dignan ; and a chest of tea fell to tho lot of Mrs Teasdale.

Auckland Benevolent Society.

Theannualmeetingof subscribers was hold on Dec. 17. Owing, probably, to the un favourable weather, tho attendance was very small. His Worship the Mayor pre sided, and in his introductory speech said the result of the appeal made by the can ; vassers wa3 scarcely as good as they ex pected. This was perhaps owing to the numerous other calls of a similar nature made upon the public, or it might be that the lack of interest resulted from some other cause. He pointed out what ho considered to be some of tho weak points of the Society. One of these was the "in quiry " system. When a man was slarving, and wanted relief, it was not, he said, the time to commence inquiries ; but rather the timo to extend a helping hand. That they had not altogether met the want that had existed was evidenced by the number of beds and meals supplied by tho recontlyformed Prison Gate Society. From the financial statement, read by Mr McMillan, it appeared that £437 7s Id had been received from donations and subscrip tions, and £193 Is Gd from Government subsidy. The account of expenditure showed that i' 97 odd had been paid for relief, while £125 odd had been expended for Secretary's salary, oilice furniture, ront, and other similar expenses. Thero was a balanco of £400 odd in the bank. It was unanimously agreed, on the motion of Dr. Murray Moore, seconded by Rev. T. M. Eraser, "That the Mayor be invited to institute, early in 1885, a Charity Sunday, on which boxes should be placed at tho doors of all places of worship, tliecontri j imLovi toy,! ich Si ■..' :: HI, n: •"■■ - ' ! land itenovolentS-jciet.v. That His Worship i also rciAJffimei.i! to >inij,'yyoi-.i ■■>: labour, | that on a certain _:u -.nOiy, b.>>.>.:•; -keuld be ! placed in their eitanii-liinenttj for .oluniary 1 offerings to the Society." The Committee was re-elected, and a vote of thanks to the Mayor terminated the proceedings.

FLIES AND BUGS, b«tl»,.lnsect*, touches, ants, bod. buRS. Mts,|mlce, gophers, chipmunk*, cleared out by " Bouch oa '.-_,ati.. Kempthoree, Trailer k 00., AgtlU, Aoci—Oli

ACCIDENTS AND INQUESTS.

The girl Stewart, who was badly burned at Port Chalmers on December 18, died from her injuries tho following day.

Mr 11. Vallancc, Inspector of Sheep, was killed at Castlo Point by his horso rolling over him.

A rabbitcr named James Galloway has just died in Naseby Hospital, Otago, from injuries sustained by a fall from his horse

Augustus Guerrer, a steward on the stcamor Coptic, was killed on Doccmber 17 by falling down the hold, a depth of 25 feet.

Dr. J. T. Rous, of Lyttelton, who was thrown from his horse a faw days previous, died on December 18 from the injuries sus tained.

A man named Thomas Ilobbs fell down the hatchway of the ship Trevelyan, at Wellington, on December 19, and sustained serious injury to his spine. His case is critical. Charles Osborne was killed on December IS at Mnngnpakeha, near Masterton, by falling off the shaft of a loaded dray, which passed over liia body. Ho leaves a wifo and three children.

A gas explosion, fortunately unattended by any serious consequence, occurred at Messrs Garrett's premises,Wakefield-street-, on 27th December. Mr Richard Garrett ha his hair and beard slightly singed. A man named Sinclair, in charge of Hannah's boot warehouse, Gisborne, was drowned in the river Waimata on December 15 through becoming cramped. The body was recovered. He leave? a wifo and four children at Wellington. Rev. George Morrico, of Balclutha, Otago, was drowned on Dec. 23 while bathing at Molyneux. Mrs Morrice, who was in danger, and in aiding whom lie lost his life, was rescued by Maoris The funeral took pla?o at Balclutha on tho 20th, and was largely attended. Mrs Morice is out of danger. AtDuncd'n, on Dcc.3o,Dr.Stenhousewas thrown from his buggy by his horso taking fright at n drove of cattle, and, beiug thrown down a slope of some twfenty feet, received severe injuries, and suffers from concussion of the spine. The groom escaped unhurt. A lad named Hopkins, who resides at Masterton, while iliing in a Hack Kaco Ot Island Bay, Wellington, on Jan 1, slipped off through his horse stumbling, and was kicked by one or two of the other horses, receiving serious injury. He lies in a critical condition.

A Hokitika Maori named Pahal Aru is the latest scientific investigator into the nature of gunpowder. He loaded bis gun on Dec. 18, unscrewed the barrels, placed the nipple cuds in the fire, and blew in at the muzzle. WhateVor special information tho guihless native gained has been lost to t'te world by his sudden and premature do ea «.

A resident of Coburg street named James Rodgers met with a painful accident under peculiar circumstances on Dec. 28. He was throwing a stone at a rat, when he missed his footing He foil with his left arm underneath, and struck the ground so heavily that the wrist was broken in two places. He was taken to Dr. Tennant's surgery, where the fractures wore reduced and splints applied. At the Keefton lac s on Dec. 27 in tho District Plato, McGailin's Sincerity dropped dead twenty lengths from home, having hurst a blood-vessel. The jockey escaped. In the next raco Philosopher fell after going a mile, and broke his back, the rider (McMurray) receiving internal injuries which are thought to bo serious. Both horses were v tillable and well-bred Tho courso was in good order, so that l'hiloso pher's fall is quite unaccountablo. There is good reason for supposing that a seaman named John Lazarus Peterson, about 20 years of ago, has mot bis death by drowning. About 2 a.m. on Christmas Day, he left Mra Moller's boniding-house, in Albert-street, for tho purpose of going to tho cutter Whangarei, then anchored off the end of Queen-street Wharf. He is said to havo been under tho influenco of liquor, and as ho has not since been heard of, bis disappearance has been reported to tho police

Harry Coomcr, one of the carpenters em ployed at the Stah Office, met with an acci dent on 11th Docember, which will con fine him to his home for a short time. He was fixing the ceiling in one of the Fort street apirtnients, when a temporary stage gavo way under his feet, and he fell heavily on the lloor of the building. He was found to have sustained severe injuries to his back, and Dr. Wilkins was sent for. That gentleman arrived speedily, and had Oooiner taken home in a cab.

At Christchurch on December 18 the Rangiora Presbyterian Church Choir were going in an express waggon on a picnic to Woodcnd Sea Beach when the train from Christchurch came up as they were crossing the line. The driver did not notice them till too late, and the train ran into the ex press, cutting the horses away and c-eriously injuring those in it. David Keir, a son of the well-known builder, about 20 years old-, died in a few minutes. Miss Maggie Marrall lost an arm and leg, from which 6ho died.

While a ease of corrugated iron was being lowered into tho hold of tho steamer Hawea, at Wellington, ot; December 19, it struck the combings and stove the end in, thus allowing the iron to slip out, which in its d scent struck a lumper named William Lovelace, breaking both of his legs and inflicting internal injuries, fron which he died. At nn inquest on the tody the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against tho chiif officer for neglecting proper pre cautions when hoisting cargo. He was committed for trial.

John Whiteman, the guard of the In vtrcargill express train, was killed on the journey to Dunedin, on the 31so of December, when near Lovell's Flat. It ap pears he was walking on the top of the car riage to reach the rear of the train, and having his back to the engino.he did not observe tho proximity of an ovfjrbridgc. He was struck, however, by the lower part of the bridge on the head, and killed instantaneously. Whiteman leaves a wife and three children. His wife is away from home, but she has been telegraphed to. -

A miner named William Hoylo, employed in the Cambria mine, at the Thames, an the 12th of December narrowly escaped death, in consequence of the breakage of the rope by which ho was ascending from the bottom of tho shaft to the 230 feet level. The strands of the wire rope parted just as he was about to get out of tho bucket, and he was precipitated to the bottom, a dis tance of 35 feet. His extornal injuries are n it serious, being confined to severe cuts on the forehead and arm, a wound on the hip, and general contusions, but it is uncertain whatintsrnal affections may supervone. An accident which happened on Dec. 17 to the suspension bridge now being erected over the cemetery gully by Messrs Larkins and O'Brien will have the effect of seriously retarding the progress of the work. The piors, some of which are seventy feet in height, are in position to receive the super structure, which had been built in sections on the ground. The work of hoisting the first section of the bridge into position was commenced that afternoon, but aftor it had been raised to almost the required height, a chain which had previously stood the required test gave way, and tho structure fallingto the ground, was smashed to pieces. This accident will delay tho completion of the work.

On December 15 Mr and Mrs Ward and two children left Matawai for Waikari in an open boat, which jibed near the Point, Russell, and went over. Mr A. Collins, being in a boat near by, wont to their as sistance, and saved VA rard, while Mr Still well, who saw the accident from the shore, put off in a punt, saving the wife and the two children. All were much exhausted, but next day they had so far recovered as to proceed to their homes. Very great credit is due to Mr Stillwell for his pluck and promptitude in going off to the rescue, he having only a frail boat and one oar. Equal credit is duo to Mr A. Collins, who had to piill a long distance, and who brought Mr Ward ashore in a very exhausted condition.

The Steeplechase at the Thames Jockey Club races on the 27th of December terminated seriously for the jockeys. When within a quarter of a m!le from the winning post, Topthorn, who held third position, tripped over a fonce and fell with Harry Taylor beneath him, and in regaining a footing the horse struck the prostrate man with his hoofs. Almost the samo instant Chandler and Sunray were racing in company up the straight, the former havine the best advantage. Chandler stumbled after clearing the hurdle, and throw his rider, and Sunray met v ith a | sastoiuixi luctfaticii _ ~', Liv; lungs, and ■ I row in a .:•■::■.• ne.i tvnst, Tayloi was con ,i.;Cf -he J ■>■■ it.-l. :-. r : hi medical alleniiciiU »Uto tout tho injuria,- areinter nal, and it is a3 yet premature to judpe their extent. After the accident Rao pluckily mounted Chandler, and limped past the post, for which performance he was heartily cheered ; but another person had previously steered Sunray home with the required weight, and he was accordingly 1 declared the winner.

At the inquoßt at Governor's Bay, Christ- Church, on December 30 on the body of Mrs McLeod, which was exhumed in consequence of statements that Dr. McDonald had not treated her properly, a verdict of "Death from flooding" was returned, but the jury added that Dr. McDonald had shown an e_ror of judgment in not removing the fcetus on tho day prior to the woman's death.

j An accident of a shocking character oc curred on the Ellcrs'ie Racecourse on the h t of January during the progress of the race for the Publicans' Puree The horses were about 100 yards from the winning post at the time, Welcome Jack bcingacoupleof lengths ahead of M itrail leuso. Suddenly a man named John Pattereon, employed as staroman at Sibbin's auction mart, attempted to cross the course between the two animals. The attempt was a wild and reckless ono. Beforo anything could be done to avoid a collision, Alitrailleuse was on top of the man, wno was lifted clean off his feet by the shock. He came down with a heavy thud, and it was apparent that he had sustained serious injuries. Drs. Hooper, Evans, and Haines were on the course, and were speedily in attendance on the uiiiortunate man. They found that a number of his ribs had been broken, and after doing what they could for him, ordered his removal to the Hospital. He was taken there at. once. All kinds of rumours were current during tho evening respecting the man's condition, and it was generally believed that ho hud succumbed to his injuries. Mrs Patterson was away on the excursion to Waiwera, and the first tidings of the sad occurrence reached her after her return in the evening. Patterson is ia a very low state, and is not expected to recover. Die. Richards in and Evans saw him on Jan. 2, ani considered he was as well as coull be expected, consLUrng the nature ot the injuries, Three or four libs aie broken, and it is believed that internal injuries havo been sustained that will result fatally. Patterson is a well known and highly respected resident of Ponsonby, and bears the reputation of being a sober, steady man.

CRIMES AND SUICIDES.

Wm. B. Kii-man killed himself by cutting h;s throat at tho Royal George Hotel, Christchurch, on December 23. The drink fiend, as usual. A. T. Anderson, the miscreant who ran off with £340 belonging to Liverpool Poor Law Guardians, and wag apprehended at Wellington, has been remanded to Eng land.

A stabbing case occurred at Awapurua Bridge works on the morning of the 31st of December, when a blacksmith named Red mond ran a knife into the shoulder of a workman named Barlow. The wound so far is not dangerous. A man named George Johnston, manager of C. D. Moore's store, at Winton, near Invercaigill, committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree in the bush township on December 30. He Is unmarried, aged thirty, and in easy circumstances. He had been di inking. He was to have been married at the New Year.

Mr3 Batiks, formerly married to a clerk at Hellaby's butcher shop, Auckland, named Niccol, made a determined attempt at suicide at Whangarei on December 29. She had quite a quarrel in the train with a lemale acquaintance, and the matter so ex ited her that on entering her house she became hysterical. In this state she found out and drank off some spirits of turpen tine. Her eight-year old daughter, know ing it was poison, seized from her tho bottle, and then raised an alarm. Modical assistance was at once procured. The woman was unconscious, but an emetic was administered, and othor restorative measures taken. She is now out of danger. On December 17 a man named Barron alias Starkey was arrested by Constable Ward tna charge of drunkenness. All the way to the station he was making threats that ho would murder a woman named Ann Vesey, with whom lie has been living, and that he would do for himself. No attention was paid to the matter at the time, and Barren, after bsing searched, was locked up. Soon afterwards Constable Kelly and Detective Hughes were about to place another prisoner in the cells whon thoy found Barron suspended by tlio neck to a leather belt, which must have been concealed about his person when he was searched. His ton^iio was protruding, and it was evident that he was in a bad state. No time was lost in cutting him down, and Dr. Tennent having been sent for, was soon in attendance The discovery was just made in time, as death must have ensued from suffocation in a few minutes. Barron soon recovered consciousness, and a man was told off to look after him during the remainder of the nigbt.

The news of a shocking attempt at self destruction in tho Northern Wairoa has reached town. Constablo Scott, stationed Te Kopuru, reports that on the 18th December, in consequence of information received, he proceeded to a hut on the gum fields behind the settlement, and there found a man named Hugh McCulloch in bed with a portion of his entrails protruding from a wound in the region of the stomach. The injuries were self-inflicted, but there is no in formation to hand of the circumstances. The constable conveyed McCulloch to the lockup ot Te Kopuru, and telegraphed to Darga ville for Dr. Norton. That gentleman was soon in attendance, and after inspecting and bandaging the wound, expressed an opinion that the injured man would pro bably recover. It would appear that about a month from the occurrence, McCulloch had been drinking heavily, and so 'deep were his potations that his mind became affected. Some months ago he made an attempt to hang himself at Toka Toka, and wus then bound over for six months in his own recognisances.

The 'police have in custody a quarter! master of the ship Lady Jocelyn on the charge of maliciously wounding a comrade «n Wednesday, Dec. 31. It ap pears that on the evening in question the quarter-masters were assembled in the quarter-masters' room, where one of the number named William Smith was making merry and singing, Reid became annoyed at the noise, and is said to have made use of some bad language towards Smith. An altercation followed, and ended in Reid taking bis knife and striking at Smith, wounding him between two of his fingers. Their comrades in terfered and stopped the affray. The whole party then went on deck, when Smith said to Reid that all was not Bettled yet, and that he would have more to say about it on shore. Reid again seized his knife, and this lime cut Smith across the forearm. A passenger named Roberts interfered, and, taking the knife from Reid, threw it into the harbour. The police were communicated with, and Reid was taken into custody on the charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding William Smith.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Salt butter is sent from Wellington to Fiji, China, and India. Two new public baths were opened at Dunedin on December 13.

Wellington Star Club won the senior four oar outrigger race at Nelson Begatta. "Queenin's Patent Nightsoil manure" is the latest emanation of inventive genius in Auckland.

During last month 15 Chinamen ar.Ked in New Zealand, i nd 16 took thoir depar ture from the colony. F. A. Cutten won the five-mile bicycle championship at Dunedin on Dee. 13, in 18 minutes 34£ seconds. Tho Criterion Hotel, a wooden grogshop in Christchurch, with allotment 44 feet by 151 l;nks, has been sold for £1,925. Alfred Keeban (said to be head chief of South Island natives, though his name looks more like an Irishman'B),bas just died in Southland.

St. Benedict's Church Christmas box to Mr Knox, musical conductor, a handsome gold-mounted baton, and a bracelet for Mrs Knox, from the choir. Mr C. Napier Bell, engineer to Lyttelton Harbour Board, having been appointed engineer to the Westport Harbour Board, has resigned his former appointment. Hons. G. Buckley and W. S. Peters, M.L.C.. have been jointly writing to the Christchurch papers on frozen meat, and predicting failure of the export trade to England. The Government have ordered tho Can terbury Land Board to withdraw from sale all land north of the Kakara-liver, in view of the probable construction of the East and West Coast Railway. A shock of oarthquake wa3 felt at Kai koura, Marlborough, at twenty - seven minutes past nine on December 28. The upheaval was followed by a wavclike : motion from east, to «•.*-. Miller and Smith's tender ior the Deep Stream,comrae' of the Otago Central is £32,t>7_/; Sparrow's, for ironwork of Winga tua viaojuct, £ 13,922.' Both contracts aie to be compJAd in August. The crl&t match, Napier v. Welling ton, was won by Napier with eight wickets to spare. Wellington, in their first innings, made 109, and Napier 159. Wellington, in their second innings, made 52, and Napier 3 for two wickets,

A friendly rifle match between tho Thames Rifle Rangers and tho Auckland Ciiy Guards took place on Jan. 2. Ttere wero 15 men on each side. Ihe result was in favour of tho Rifle Rangers, by 145 points Mr McCaridlish, the contractor for the Taurangn and Rotorua Railway, is an ex perienced engineer. Ho came to the colony some twenly years ago for tho purpose of reporting on tho Lyttelton tunnel when it was first projected. Auckland is apathetic in Volunteering. At tho close of last year there were 5,782 Volunteers in tho colony. Dunedin distiic* heads tho list in numerical strength, with 1,105 enrolled in all services; Wellington comes next with 60S, Canterbury follows with C 33, Oamaru with 413, and Auckland companies have a membership of 412. Among the patents for which applica tions wero gazetted on Dccemler IStli were :—Walter Greenshields, Auckland : Tho New Zealand patent automatic self-adjusting brace or suspender, T. W. Hickson, Auckland : Automatic multiplex registering totalisator. Edwin Atkinson, Auckland: Atkinson's patent slating. George Reed, Auckland: Renovating billiard cushions.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. W addol), Mr Graves Aickin (Chairman of tho Har bour Board), Mr J. M. Brigham (Secretary of the Harbour Board), Mr P. A. Phillips (Town Clerk), and Captain Burgess (Chief Harbourmaster) paid an official visit to the U.S. corvette Iroquois on Dec. 27 in tho steamer Blanche. They wero courteously received. After a pleasant stay, they re tu' ned to town in the afternoon.

The working party of Armed Constabulary who are to construct the Taupo-Wanganui road are delayed at Taupo owing to the con tractor ha\ ing no rations on hand. It is thought it win be another month before tho road party will be able to transport them selves and camp equipments to the work ng ground. The weather has been bad, accom panied by thunder and lightning. Still more Tichborniana. Captain Wing, the Onehunga Harbour master, who was formerly in charge of the pilot station at Port Philip, has a book which shows that on February 12, 1853, a three-nr o^ted schooner called the Osprey went into Port Philip, going out again on June 12th of the same year. The Captain states that he remembers perfectly that the Osprey was stated to have picked up a boat at sea. At the competition of the Devonporb Naval Artillery for Captain Fenton's gold medal, five rounds each were fired at 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. The medal was won by Bugler Nutsford with a score of 64 points. The following are the highest scorers :—Bugler Nutsford, 64; Lieutenant Gerrard, 61; Paymaster Sibbin, 56; Petty Officer Fenton, 53 ; Petty Officer Wynyard, 51; Seaman Wynyard, 46 ; Seaman Wyles, 46 ; Seaman Logan, 42 ; Seaman Baker, 37. Lieutenant Dacre was in command of the firing party. Some natives at Matamata are offering obstruction to operations on one part of the estate. A number cf tluem assert rights over what is known as Meluta's paddock, and have been squatting there fc- somo time. Mr Firth's foreman, with a party of men, went to commence clearing. They commenced to fill in the ditch so as to get their clearing machines through. The natives offered a violent resistance, and prevented the passage of tho machines, Blightly injuring two of Mr Firth'd men. One of them was much beaten. Summonses for assault will be issued.

A heavy thunderstorm occurred on the 31st of December. Tho lightning struck a •'limney at tho residence of Watson, schoolmaster, dining one side of the chimney completely out, down to the roof. The lightning rau along the iron roof lo the corner of the bui'ding,. where a wire clol lies-line is attached by a-3* X>. staple the ends of the wire running to the '.. fence in one direction, and to a post in the yard in another. The fence post was split, and the other posts shivered to splinters, which were hurled to a considerable dis-

lance. No other damage reported. The same afternoon v very severe hailstorm was experienced at Karere. Both Harrington and Beam are training sedulously for their mutch for the Sculling Champion-hip of New Zealand (which Heam has previously held), which is to be held at Riverton, Otago, on January 2. Both mon are in ' first-class condition. There is now a considerable amount of bet ting, which is; slightly in favour of the champion. Heard s backers decline to give odds, although seveial outsiders aro giving 2 to 1. ' The race will be rowed at 1.20 p.m., on the top of high water, and should the weather bo rough it will improve Harring ton's chance. Late, In the sculling match for the championship of New Zea land, between Hearn and Harrington, Hearn won easily. He was leading by about fifty yards when Harrington's boat swamped, Mid Hearn pulled home as he liked. Tho election of three directois of.Jtho Government Life Insurance Association will,;,'. take place on January 7th, but Auckland voting papers must to despatched in time to reach Wellington by that date. Tho candidates are :- R. Aherne, H. J. L. Angarde, F. H. D. Bell, Walter K. Bishop, r J. Cook, T. Dwan, G. Fisher, H. S. Fitz herbert, F. H. Fraser, G. S. Graham, H.

Howorth, G. R. Johnson, H. Kember, W. F. Kennedy, J. Kitchen, J. Lockie, M. McCrodie, A. McDougall, T. K. Mac- Donald, J. Maginnity, E. W. Mills, Cole man Phillips, C. P. Plummer, J. E. Smith, D. T. Stuart, and'W. H. Warren. Ot the candidates, the best known in Auckland are Messrs G. S. Graham, W. K. Bishop, aid VV. 11. Warren.

NATIVE HIGH JINKS AT HAWERA.

Wellington; December 30. The native feast and baka at Taiparohenui are now over, and to-morrow the natives proceed to Manutahi, where the same will bo lepealed on Sunday- Besides feeding their own people, the natives entertained fully 000 Europeans. Titokowaru sat at a small table at the end of tho house furthest from and opposite the door, and his guests' were arranged in four ranks up and down the length of the building. The space on which they were seated was carpeted with clean flax mats, and before each was placed- .-— a cup and saucer, plates of bread and butter were brought round, followed by goose, oakes, biscuits, lollies, beer, wine, brandy, and syrup, which were in small quantities handed round' t*s those present. Titokowaru welcomed each relay of guests, declaring the meeting a token for good, an omen of friendly and cordial relations be tween the two peoples, the Maoris and the Europeans. The hakas wero much the same as these performances usually are. The head of each was decked with the snowy plumes of the white crane, which danced in the breeze, and added - much to the picturesque appearance of the wholo. The females were of all sizes, from three feet nothing to the usual limi|,sßlsfl| female loftiness, but in this-reepf^^^ were alike — each and eveiy ciC, e »y dressed in white, trimmed witßx^^i^fiig ribbons, and had a gay belt round? .uIgSW waist. Their feet were bare and their faces, like the male performers, were streaked with black, and the lips of all were dis figured by a dab of the same sable paint. - They were eighty-Six in number, and each i carried in her hands v raupo ball suspended from a piece of string about two feet [ long. Tbey wero formed into a square within the circle of spectators, and,, whilst Titokowaru inspected the whole, young Fox, who was once in tho office of a Wellington linn of solicitors, gave them the word when to commence and whon to . stop, admonished them to keep good and regular time, to strike their ball simul taneously, and, in fact, acted as M.C. of the ball. Titokowaru frequently addressed a i few words to the natives, telling them that they had nothing of importance to occupy them, and this wus what Tohu meant whan he told him (Titokowaru) that thetfays!*S3! immediately before them weV-e to .be'dedi cated to tho flowers and baU-playfrfg.

GERMAN DESIGNS ON SAMOA.

Reported Attempt to Annex tho Islands,

When tho schooner Cygnet called at Samoa on her last trip, thero was a good deal of excitement there because of what were recognised as tho intentions of the German Government to annex the Samoan Group. It was stated that three German men-o'-

war had called there in October for the pur- - ... poso of "taking Samoa," but that the natives having rased objections, they left without accomplishing their purpose. It appears pretty certain that these vessels were at Samoa, but the reason of their B j visit cannot be authoritatively ascertained I from the information now obtainable. (__

Another rumour has reaches ub to the effect '"A.t that an effort was to be mado to form a Go-

vernment with Mr Weber, head of the great German firm, as Premier. We learn also '■■_ that the Cygnet brought up from Samoa, A to be 10. warded Home, a petition signed by a large number of the chiefs, praying thtV' ■ British Government to annex the islands, !IS

,: T" " -: ■.-:,:.••,•■.■- ■ ■■•- ,-»■<. .-■-.--,,--* l A A.- .A*4 -%. •, -- i -»~-^^^" ilik AUCKLAND EVENING STA&, SATURMI. JANUARY 3 18_5

5



Companta I

- Colon"",, •• Mfc* :: gtandaid •• Union-,- Colonial •• Accident ■• *_^_ „M«rcanUlc Sl'Land Mortgage •SS&wft*" :: Thames Qas.. ( ySond Timber.. N"«( T imber _fisvmo&r s,Sfs7eamShip. Z .ShiPP'"8 "! BSKSSfc gSrthern Steam .. °$yot Wands Coal _rehlIiU Brick and «z$rMM>Moat •■ N.Z. Tobacco- -

I No. of Shares.

i ! i

Paid-up Capital.

1,000,000 350,000 100,000

Amount per Snare. 10 10

t Paid-up Per ! Share. | £■ s. d. 10 0 0 3 10 0 2 0 0

Last Div'd 7. Per Annum. j

j: 15 li 7

Lai e3t Market Quotations.

£ s. d. 21 10 0 3 1 0 2 2 (i

Ann'l. Int. I at C'nt. Kate.

6 7 G. GG-10

iro.ooo 200,000 100,000

100,000 200,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

200,000 100,000 128,000 75,000 100,000 50,000 2,000

10 10 20 10 20 10 1

2 0 0 0 10 0 10' & 32 0 0 la 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 8 2 0

15 20 10 71 10

3 IS C 1 1 (i 2 13 0 0 li li 1 3 ti 0 G Li 0 10

7 710 S 2-10 7 1-10 8 8-10 S

11 2-10

120,000 200,000 100,000

314,215 100,000 100,000

10 10

2 10 0 0 10 0 1 0 0

- 15 10

15 7 0 0 13 0 0 13 9

7 2-10 7 7-10

50,000 10,000

77.000 18,905

5 I •21 j

100/ & 10/ 115 0

17 8

200/ „ 55/ 1 7 0

fi 11}

40,000 21,000 10,000 100,000 4,0'JO

150,000 98,000 55,000 37,500 7,799

1 5

100/ & GO/ 10 0 5 0 0 0 15 0 5 0 0 !

10 15 10 li) 1U

5 7 6 1 17 R 1 13 0 0 12 G 5 0 0

9 1-10 12 fi-l'l 10 8-10 12 10

fO.OOO I 100,000 I 10,000 1,500 I 150,000

300,000 j 250,000 i 10,000 3,0 Hi 50,(W0

10 10 i l i

10 0 0 5 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 0 10 0

n in 10 15 10

11 10 0 3 2 G 1 0 0 0 15 0 0' 7 G

s 10 7-10 11 20 11

•t.000 12,000

30,000 7,800 j

1

10 0 0 0 13 0

30]

1 1 0

10 7-10

100,000

77,Go91j

J0/&20/

1 1 G

05

G.000 25,000 j

5,350 18,915

i ! i j

10 0 10 0

5

0 111 0

5

15.000 10,000 4,000 '

8,520 80,000 1,750 t New

i I 5 I Issue, 10s

0 13 G 2 0 0 1 19

s

10 0'

Is paid up, 30:

Is.