A TRIP ACROSS THE NEW ZEALAND ALPS.

I iconery that Itivais Majestic Switzor S f land

[By a VICTOKIAN.] j We Victorians arc often regaled by Now kealand visitors to our colony with glowing (accounts of thoir grand island scenery ; we Lear tho beauties of Lake Wakatipu and its gorgeous surroundings enthusiastically

. discantcd upon. Exquisite verbal pictures are painted sotting forth tho Fairy Rink and White Terraces of Rotomahana; wc aro told of tho silvery, winding Avon, with ;; its willow-bordered banks, their graceful branches kbsing tho water beneath. The mouths of our farmers water at tho desci i[ ■ tion of the richness of tho King Country ;

ibut of what is perhaps some of the most

j magnificent mountain scenery in tho world, \ our sister colonists breathe no word. (1 I refer to the ranges known as the New Zen

i land Alps, separating Christchurch from I Hokitika, tho mining capital of Westland ) ::; As Artemus Ward has it, " Why is this

thus? And what is the cause of this thus

j ness?" Is it because of the dangers attri -1 butod to this Alpine road pooplo refrain "j from availing themselves of scenes whose j grandeur may bo favourably compared j with majestic Switzerland herself? There I is an ancient proverb which says, "His I Satanic Majesty is not so black ns lie is | painted." In like manner, tho danger falls I far short of tho graphic details givon. I Prior to starting on this trip, I myself was j entertained by lively descriptions of preci pices 3.000 feet in depth, descending which ,| the slightest mishap to tho coach would I result in instantaneous death to its j passengers by the jovial process of being j smashed to pieces. Experience teaches, j and to my mind the journey has but one I drawback, and that occurs during the forty

i miles of rail between Christchurch and j Springfield (from which place tho coach I starts twice weekly). The engine-driver on j this lino is evidently a staunch upholder of *j domestic economy, and vigorously adheres 11 to his fixed principles in the matter ot fuel. -4 The train moves in tune of a funeral march ; It even the guards look mournful. A thought ! strikes mo : perhaps they are in mourning f r the Nati mal Debt. However that may bs, I can well understand the proverbial O.G. woman deciding to walk if she were in a hurry to reach the market-place of j Springfield. J It is now three years since I crossed the

ranges, yet its wonders are still fresh in my

! mind, not least of which is the coa„i road, 1 cut in places out of solid rock. We had I glorious starting weather, a sp'endid team, j and a driver who, besides being one of the j finest whips in the colony, was original in j the extreme, his comicalities serving to

j enliven tho few dreary portions of our I route, Ttie first stage lies over a stony t plain. We were sad at the commencement

of those ton miles, sadder in the middle,

and saddest at the end. Next came a river. ..« ' Here we found the ford washed away, the | river itself a, foaming torrent. Grave doubts I were expressed as to tho advisability of I crossing. Power, however, proved equal f to tho occasion. Unharnessing the It leader, ho formed a rough bridle I of rope, after and plunging into tho water in several directions, at length dis - xtlvered a feasible fording-place. I must own the prospect was not enticing. Power mounts to his scat, cracks his whip, juclu est ttlea. Tho ooach is in the surging tor rent, and after manifold feeling jolts we reached tlio opposite bank. Porter's Pass is the first place of interest. Here the road is cut out of an immenso precipice in a wind ing form from foot to summifc, being in tome parts of just sufficient breadth to allow of the coach passing. The horses' hoads, in rounding some of tho many sharp curves, overhang the precipice; but what matter, so long as they keep their feet on I terra firma ? A little danger lends zest to the majestically-beautiful scenery sur rounding us. In tho foreground grim precipices peer out from betweon monn t tins clothed in luxuriant foliage, crowned and interspersed with giant ferns. Tiny

waterfalls shine like priceless gems from ou

their sombre setting of dusky woodland

[ Jo—the

distance strttehes an endless of mountains, their summits

veiled in a dreamy purple haze. When about half-way up the Pass our path was effectuaPy blocked by a huge bolder, a formidable obstacle enough. Six of us, with somo difficulty, succeeded in rolling it over the aide, and had the plea-sure of seeing it I dashed to countless atoms long ere it reached the abyss below. Tho next stage brings us to Castlo Rock! Here we have a natural phenomenon. Rising from the highest point of a gigantic cliff, I where never human foot had tiod, stands the fac simile of a fortified castle carved by nature's hand. How it came there will for ... ever remain a mystery. One of the pas i sengers suggested that it had probably J been left there by the subsiding waters of I the Deluge. The joker was Antideluvian. We felt sorry for that man A change of horses was effected at the Castle Inn, and whilst partaking of some slight refresh ments (a feat accomplished by one and all with praiseworthy assiduity at every stage) a rather amusing yarn was told by one of our number, in which Power figured as hero. I don't vouch for its truth, but con- Itent myself with repeating it verbatim. It appears that Tommy was in the habit of christening his team to suit the prejudices if—-of 'his* box-seat passengers. Did a literary ,! luminary, Mr Archibald Forbes, par j exemple, shine beside him, his horse 3 were I elevated to the dignity of Thackeray, | Dickens, etc. On one occasion the seat J C being occupied by two ecclesiastical digni j taries, his valiant steeds were designated J by Biblical epithets. They were, for tho I-. nonce, Solomon, David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The ecclesiastics were duly im pressed, and all went merry as a marriage bell, our Jehu possessing the art of suiting himself to his company. The rev. gentle men conceived a high opinion of the worthy driver. Alas ! that such castles should crumble to dust. At a critical part of tho road Solomon rebelled. " Woa Solomon, woa," remonstrated Power in accents of gentle persuasion. In vain: Solomon remained obdurate ; still he rebe le i. Again tho mild reasoning; Solomon was obstinate, until, losing all patience, forgetful of his companions, Tommy burst out with " Woa, Satan, you brute I" Dead silence followed From that moment the —oocupants of that box-seat became sadder and wiser menr~~" Shortly aftor leaving Castlo Rock, a thick mist fell, shrouding everything in a mourn •*■ ful gloom, our experience during that period * savoured of moisture. Suddenly as it fell, tho dark pall was rent asunder, and the sun shono forth in welcome brightness, bath ino, a portion of tho scene in a flood of golden light,.whilst others lay buried in I sombre shadows. Now we are at the sum mit of Arthur's Pass. The coach load here labours under a slight disadvantage. Whereas all other sharp ascents or descents I are protected on one side by the mountain from which tho road is cut, this Pass has a precipice on either sido. It is doubtless from this, the exaggerated descriptions of I peril given to in tending tourists have their origin. It certainly does seom a risky :' undertaking to drive a spirited team down this road ; but who could think of peril whilst feasting our lives on tho glorious panorama beforo m ? Below, dense wood land, framed in mountains, crowned with ' snow, nature'sglisteningdiadom, gorgeously tinted foliage surrounding us ; a wilderness M of tree, ferns, tho sunlight streaming on their graceful-leaves, still enveloped in their .•'■:" veilofmist, converting thorn into countless rainbows. AVith a sigh of reluctance wo loft this beauteous scene, an earthly fairyland, and ■ proceeded on our way. Gradually the air I grow colder; soon a few feathery flakes fell, heralding an Alpine snowstorm, which ere long came in full forco. This feature of the ; trip was enjoyed most by the inside I passengers. The snow fell faster and 1 faster, and it was with feelings better imagined than describod that we drew rein at the Bealey Hotel, our resting place for the night, and woro ushered into a room I where blazed an immense log firo. A table b.. spread with a steaming repast was no less welcome than the cheery warmth of the ruddy comforter. Wo turned in ca'ly, and were awakened at 3.30 next morning by a loud rat-tat at tho several doors, and a £'' loud voice eyclaiming " All fpr Hokitika." - I dislike loud voices at three o'clock on a f bitterly cold morning. However, thero > was no help for it: up we must get, or re main behind. In a quarter of an hour a j goodly p.irty mustered round the breakfast table, and in another quarter of an hour ; were ready to start. We change coaches and drivers at tho Half-way House, Arthur Davis being our whip for the remaining half of our journey. Everyone likes Davis. He is a jolly good fellow. There is no re- I si-ting his genial good-humour; on this I alpine road fie is "hail fellow, well met;" with everyone.

We Ijft the hotel at four o'clock. The snow which had fallen through tho nigh; had cleared, but the air was intensely cold; pitchy darkness reigned supremo, save whore tho coach lamps throw their fitful gleam. The Bealcy, a broad river possess fug a itrong curren', crossed (and It was a novel feeling, this crossing of invisible waters, to hear it surging around us, and the splash of the horses as they waded on), the inmates of the coach suddenly became ox ccssively jovial. The «iudow was presently thrown up, and a voice jocosely asked ii the se', nory boro a tropical aspect. Anollioi soil of jollity offered lo lend ua an umbrella to word oh" tho sun's glare. Wo grieved over tho levity of tho.'o inside passengers. At sunrise we reached the summit of the 0 lira Gorge, a precipice tome .'I,OOO feet-in altitude. " Row shall I ever attempt to describe the wondrous beauty of a scent which held us spell bound—entranced ': On our own level stretched an amphitheatre of snow-white mountains; in the back ground i glacier reared it j icy head in rega' s ilendour; grand snow trees clustered round our path, their branches glittering with diooping icicles, pure white ferni waved gently to and fro, whilst the whoh of this beautiful white world was bathed ii the ruddy glow of (ho rising sun. Fai below lay a smiling valley, verdant in almost summer loveliness. A rive', sv, o'.lcn by the melting Alpine snow to a roaring torrent dashed and foamed amidst groat blocks o! while stone, hidden ever and anon by clump-s of dense woodland but to re-appear in fresh beauty, until in tho far distance it showed like the v hidings of a silver serpent. Tin gorge road (whish is a perpeneii uil-ir cliff) i» cut in a manner similar to that of Port-erV Pass, the curves being more frequent ant. sharper, Dawn this wo drove, I mighl almost say at a gallop, fresh beauties greeting us at every turn. At tho foot o' the yorge wo partook of another breakfast, and after purchasing somo rare collections of ferns, wo resumed our scats. Tho re.-i dents of these isolated accoinmodotioi. houses aro pictures of health ; rosj children greet tho coach, cleanliness prevails everywhere. During tlio nex! sta^o wo drive through ten mile of bush, the road bordciod on either side by lofty trees of a palo green foliage, whose black branches interlace, thus forming n leafy avenue, through which the blue sky and bright sunlight shone. Tho trunks oi these trees aro overgrown with ferns and moss. One species of the latter is white, and grows in clumps similar to coral. A fern peculiar to tho West const, " The Prince rf Wales's Feather," is here found in great ;.b mdanco. It is very beautifu\ It's soft feathers of palish green droop like a plume. Wo make another change of horses on the banks of the Tuipo, a wide river over which a wire bridge is swung. The bed of this river, which often proves unfordable, 's composed ef huge boulders The current even at its best is powerful. Taipo being interpreted signifies devil Doubtless it derives its title on account ot its being so hard to get over. When, owing to the melting snow, the Taipo is impassable, a coach awaits passengers on tho opposite side. The swing bridgo has then to be crossed—anything but nn enjoyable opera tion, more especially when some jovial spirit at tho back shows the exuberance 'of his courage by in dulging in a playful swinging walk. Several rivers were lorded during tiiis day's journey, somo broad with broken riverbeds and strong currents. A magnificent water fall forms the last, item of interest on the mountain road. The Bridal Veil (such is the nemo it bears) has its source in a mountain spring, and falls in an unbroken sheet from a height of some 70 or 80 feet The veil adorns a lovoly bride— one, too, who enjoys the blessing of perpet ual youth, the mountain clown the side of which it flows being clothed in tree ferns, dark and light green. The Hauhau Road, leading into Hokitika, was reached at 4 o'clock. From the distanco this littlo town has a quaint appearance. It lies in a basin surrounded by its mountain bolt. On en tering the principal street, the quaintness increases ; of narrow dimensions, with ir regular buildings on either side, Revol sfrcot is uniquo ; here geese disport them selves undisturbed, and children indulge in skipping rope exercises. Hokitika possesses a lino town hall, a roomy theatre, well ventilated through tho walls, and without exception the most comfortable hotel it has been my lot to visit. Only to sco the public tabic at tlio Empire, with its snowy - dan a.A and lovely flowers, is appetising. Fio:u Lambton Quay thero is a beautiful t ■ iflvr of tho snowy rp.rig-0.-. Of tho inhubi tants, I will only say, that to, experience a revival of old England's 'famed hos pitality, one must pay a visit to tho quaint littlo town of Hokitika.

Rovhr,

TWO NAVIES.

Comparison of the Fighting Marino Ser vices of England and Germany.

[CoREi-roxDEXC'K ok "New YoitK Hekalo."^

London, October 2.—While Bismarck is protesting that his Empire is ono of peace, he is quietly but energetically placing the Fatherland in a position where he can dictate the terms of that peace in his own way. In IS7O Germany had the best equipped, the best disciplined, the best oflicevod, and the largest effective army in the world. To day she has the samo army, only still more effective. In 1870 Germany had no navy to speak of. To-cay she is the third Power afloat, and is building im proved vessels so rapidly that at the pre sent rate it will be but a few years when she will be ready to measure herself upon the water with either France or England. She is building six additional men-of-war, and at the same time adding to the present ones every new thing in the way of torpedo service that brains can devise or money buy. Superior Torpedoes. . It is already conceded in naval circles that the German torpedoes are superior to any possessed by England or France. It is also pretty generally conceded that the largest ironclads are helpless against well handled torpedoes. Coupling this with the fact that Germany has two torpedoes to England's one, we feel that Germany's swagger a'">out her navy is not empty talk. Germany has no such ironclad monsters as the Deva tation, Dreadnought or the Agin court. The only German iron clad com paring with these is the Konig Wilhelm, of 9,757 tons. The rest of the German ones are all below S,OOO tons. But, such as thoy are, the German men-of-war are serviceable. There aro no failures such as the Poly phemus, thatlook wellon paper, but could do nothing in the case of war. The " Herald" correspondent not long ago inspected a number of German ironclads in the Baltic for the purpose of comparing them with English ones. From a careful study of these ships, together with their officers and men, I think it not too much to say that if the present notion regarding German naval affairs which prevails among the people pre vails also among Englhh officials, they will someday make as grave a mistake as tho French "did in July of 1860. Every other Englishmen tells you, when ho speaks of Germany's efforts in the naval line, "Oh, but the Germans are not sailors, you know 1" A Popular Absurdity. This is ono of the popular absurdities akin to tho ono that every Briton can whip five Frenchmen, a la Captain Marryat. It was popularly thought in 1860 that Americans could not fight, and until Yankee captains showed the British how to sail round the world races in American built clippers, along in tho fifties, it was popularly supposed that tho English built tho best ships aflcat. ■ The fact is that the German coast line of the Baltic and North sea is inhabited by as sturdy a race of sea men as any navy can desire, These men have not had the opportunity for long voy ages enjoyed by sailors of a maritime nation like England, it is true; but for the purposes of the modern man-o'-war that matters little. An Advantage Over England. Germany has this incalculable advuntago over England—sho picks her sailors, as she doos hor soldiers, from the flower of her young men. Whereas England has to go into tho back streets or along tho wharves of seaport towns in order to induce men to join Her Majesty's navy, and then has to offer comparatively high pay, the German Govornment requires every ablo-bodied man of the maritime province to present him self on a given day at a given place for in spection with a view to service. Every man in turn serves his time in the navy, and then retires to bis ordinary vocation, ready to be called out at any moment in ease of war. As tine a body of seamen as I have ever seen, in drill, physique, and general "get up," I saw on the men-of-war of the German navy that cruised in the Baltic this summer. And sinco science has so largo a role to play as among the torpedoes, rams, barbettes and breech-loaders of the modern iron-clad, it is not a disparagement of English seamanship to say that the officers of the German navy have their superiors in no service in the world.

SPORTING.

1 _U\"CIPAL RACING FIXTURES,

Now Zealand,

Northern J.C. Summer Meeting... .Jan. 0 and 10 OneliunKii li.C. Summer •J an,n,, llelonsvillo Turf Club Meeting Jan. *8 Takapuna J.C. Hummer ...Jan.2U Wellington J.O. Summer tcb. 4 and h Wellington li.C. Summer r eb. b and i uunuclin J.C. Autumn Feb. 28, 27, and 28 Wangamii J.C. Autumn March o and b Hdwkc's Bay J.C. Autumn ....March L and II)

To Correspondents.

M.H.—Forerunner wns purchased by Mr P.

' Martin, when a yearling-, for 150 guineas. G.W.-Tho Agent carried 12st. 71b. when he heat Perfume in the Auckland Summer S" •>eplcclnise. Perfume's weight was list 101b.

Okbvjiouth.—Sir Modrcd and Welcome Jack met at woi^lit-lor-ago in the Canterbury Cup of IAS:!, which was won by the liret named. Welcome .lack rim unplaced, (he cause being attributed to the heavy state ot the course.

NOTES BY HIPPONA,

A FiTTINt; conclusion to the Auckland Sum mer Meeting will bo the yearling salo of tho Now Zealand Stud Company, which takes place at Sylvia Park on Mon day next. Those in search of a bit of " blue blood " will havo a rare number to select from, for there are no less than twenty-two lots catalogued to bo brought under tho hammer, tho progeny of Musket, Anteros, Cadogau, and Aprcmont. I shall expect to sco a lot of competition for the full brother to Tho Poet when ho is led round tho sale ring, and let us hope that Aucklanders will not bo backward with their " nods " as the various lots aro sub mitted. Thesalo commences attwo o'clock, and a special train loaves tho railway station at twelve noon. Messrs Hunter and Nolan, in conjunction with Mr A, Buckland, aro the auctioneers.

The Poet's Auckland Cup victory caused great surprise in the South. When the news reached Napier it was geneially discredit' d and many were inclined to believe it was a canard, Last Saturday's Wellington papers also state that considerable excitement pre vailed when it became known that The Poet had won, and tho newspaper offices were almost besieged by inquirers, many of whom wanted their private information confirmed. I may mention that out of all the Now Zealand turf scribes, the only ono who succeeded in tipping The Poet was "Mnzeppa." and ho plumped for him straight out. (Jut of the 10 who woro nominated for tho Dunedin Cup, the large number of '25 have cried content with tho weights allotted them, and had the Club chose to have taken Rlack Roses'S' nomination, one more would havo been added to the list. Of the malcontents, the only ones of any note are Nonsense, Turquoise, Iko, and Necklace, and out of the four, two have gone wrong, while last year's favour ite Nonsense, has retired to tho paddock. This must bo vory gratifying to the gentle men who performed the duties of hundi cappers, and should all go well with thoso horses loft in, the Dunedinites will witness lhe best Cup contest that has yet taken place at the Forbury.

By his Auckland' Cup win. The Poet has incurred a penalty of 71b for tho Dunedin ''up. This will bring his weight up to 7st 51b.

Mr W. Porcival has purchased tho two year-old filly Welcomo Katio for breeding purposes. The Halonsvillo Turf Club have fixed their annual meeting for tho 29th of January. A programme of sevon events will be rmi off, the best of which aro tho Cup of 55sovs. and tho Hurdlo of JlOsovs. Nominations must bo lodged with tho secretary at Holcnsville, Mr T. F. Holt, by the 9th of January.

At a committee meeting of the Ilawke's Bay Jockey Club last week, it was moved by Captain Russell and carried that a raco to bo called tho Hawko's Bay St, Leger of 1)00 sovereigns (for ."-year-olds) bo included in future autumn programmes. Influenza, a? woll as strangles, is spread ing with great rapidity through tho racing stables at Christchurch, and naturally tho trainers are all grumbling, Bosidcs being at Riccarton, it is also at Yaldhurst, and ono or two of the Hon. W. Robinson's string aro among tho sufferers. "Bir Lnuncclofc " baa Miccccdod hi tlio covering Clarence's full pedigree. Hitherto all that has been publicly known about our champion fencer is that ho is by Ravens worth ; but now we learn that his dam was a mare called Curby, by Socrates (son of Cal- Icnder) out of Phoebe, by Patch (son of Snoozer) out of a hack marc belonging to Mr Freeth. Curby was used as a hack oy Mr Ward on his station on tho Claronoe River „t the back of the Kaikoura?, where Clarence was foaled, and it is believed the maro died foaling to Dead Shot four years ago. Mr Allan McLean, of Napier, intends sell ing off his racing stock, and has commonced by parting with a two-year-old grey geld ing by Musket—Maid of Athol (full brother to Krupp). The name of tho purchaser has not transpired. The following bon mot appears in an English sporting paper :—A certain jockey lately appeared on a racecourse with a hand some pin in his scarf, formed of a horse's tooth, mounted in gold. " Nice pin you've got there; very handsome!" a brother jockey observed. " Yes, it is rather neat, isn't it ? A horso's tooth, you see. Mr Blank gave it me." "Ha! I shouldn't have thought you pulled 'em quite so hard as that," was the reply. Mr Charles Bathgate, who for four sea sons past has managed the racing stable of Mr James R. Keene in England, has re turned to America. The following is an extract of an interview "with him by a re porter of the " Spirit of tho Times" :— "How about tho two-year-olds in England — aro they a good lot?" "Well, not as good as some. I rather think Necromancer is the best. He is a fine colt, aud won his races easily." " Now, Mr Bathgate, if it's a fair question," he asked, "has your sojourn abroad caused you to change any of your opinions relative to racing and race horses hero and in England?" "I can't say it has. There is a wide difference in the affairs of racing between here and there, however. The English trainers aro men of great ability and intelligence, as a rule, but somehow they are often the most mistaken men with their horses. If you ask one of them about his horse, he will tell you ho is so many pounds better than another. On this he bases his belief that he can win, and is often mistaken. Now that doesn't happen with an American trainer." "Then you believe there is a good deal in the timing test after all j for that is the basis here." " Well, timing often gives you a better test than tho trial horse. It tells you how fast your horse can go. Of course you cannot depend upon it altogether. But tho public, too, aro the most sensitive, and pay more attention to tho watching of trials than do our people. A horse will be at GO to 1 to-day ; if it is reported that he is even going well in his work he will rise to 20 to Ito morrow. In riding they are still far ahead of is- Of course, they have as many bad jockeys as wo have, but their leading ones, such as Archer, Cannon, Fordham, Watts, and Webb, are wonderful men. Years ago, when long distances were run, knowledge of pace was the greatest requisite. In these days of shoit races, ability to finish is the main thing. I wish you could see Webb and Watts finish. Watts is young, bold, and as brilliart as a man could be."

Training of the Arab Horse,

The training tho Arab horso has to endure is not only very severe, but it embraces a more varied system of exercise than falls to the lot of the English horse. The Arabs not only train their horses to endure fatigue, hunger, and thirst, and tho manoeuvres so necessary in battle, but they also teach them to shine at feasts by tho following accomplishments :—

El Enlrape, " the caracol." The horse walks, so to speak, on his hind leg.<\ Scarcely does ho touch the ground with' his foro feet than ho rises again. One hand, in concert with the legs, soon trains to this exercise a horse of fair intelligence.

El Gueleaa, "tho bucking." The horse springs up with all fours off the ground, the horseman at the samo time throwing up his gun into tho air and cleverly catching it. To obtain this action the rider marks certain intervals of rest, and works with his legs. ' i c gives with the animal as it rises, in order to hold him when he comes down again. Nothing can bo more picturesque than this movement. The horses quit the earth, the guns fly into the air, and the ample folds of tho burous float and unrol themselves in the wind, thrown back by the vigorous arms of the desert.

Lastly, El Berraka, "the kneeling." The rider, remaining on his saddle, causes his horse to kneel down. This is the ne plus ultra of the horso and the animal. Not every horse is fit for this

exercise. Tho colt is trained to it h\ tickling him on the coronet, pinching him on the legs, and forcing him to bend t lit; knee. After a time tho horseman will reap tho benefit of theso preliminary steps, lli need only clear his feet of tho stirrups, stretch his legs forward, turn out the points of his toes, touch with his long spurs the animal's fore-arm, and then, as his piece is tired at marriage feasts and other rejoicings, his horse will kneel down, amid tlio ap plause of tho young maidens, piercing the air with joyful acclamations. Nevertheless, cnduraiico is the quality most cultivated in the Arab horse. It is necessary that the horse should be able to travel long distances upon scanty food and little water, for in the African deserts the places where man and horse can refresh arc fow and far botweon ; wells arc many miles apart, and even when the traveller has found water for himself and steed, the chances aro that 110 food can be had, ex cept what tho horso and his rider have brought with them from their last halting place. . "Every horse inured to fatigue brings good fortune," the Arabs say. So to speak ho is always on tho march. Ho travels with his master, who is ono of tlio greatest travollors on horseback in the world He travels to seek his food ; he traverses long distances in search of water, and this sort of life renders him abstinent and not easily tired.—" London Society."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACTION.)

CRICKET FIXTURES,

CLUB MATCHES. January 3-Auokland v. Our Hoys (con tinued), Alpha v. Goulon, 1. _in„nri v. United 2nd ; Newton v. Parnell.

January 10—United v. Went End. Gordon v Alpha, I. Zinp;uri v. Avomlule. Auckland v Olaliuhu (Domain), Our Hoys v. Pmnc'l.

January 17- Auckland v. Ot ,11111111 (continued In Domain). United v. We.it ICIII (continued). Alpha v. West Kud 2nd, 1. Z npiri v. Alpha 2nd, United v. WestKnd New ton v. Avomlule.

AQUATIC FIXTURES,

January 22-W'clli'iKlon Annual licgalta January 211—Auckland Annual Kcßutta. February 7—llanhu v. Clifford, £6(10 a-sido. February 23—Cliilbrd v. Beach, £500 a-sido March 28-Hanlau v. Beach, £jOO a-sido and championship of tho world, on tho Paramatta River. April 18—Clifford v. Hanlan (if tho former Is Viotorlous in his match with Beach). Clifford v. Teenier, iioOO v side.

In a rowing match on November 14th, on the Thames, from Putney to Mortlako, bo tween Bubear and Perkins, for .1200, Per kins had fivo seconds start, and won the raco. At a general meeting of tho Wellington Regatta Club on Nov. IS, it was decided to wind up tho affairs, and hand over tho balance of tho funds to tho Tort Nicholson Yacht Club.

Two ontries which appear already pretty certain for the Champion Schooner Race at the Auckland Regatta are the Three Cheers and Sovereign, ncithor of which is likely to go far away until tho great event comes off which shall decide their claims for superior sailing powers.

Aftor his defeat by Caudaur, Teenier came to tho conclusion that ho had dono enough rowing for ono season, and decided to put his sculls asido until next year. His record for the soason is a brilliant ono, being as follows :—Matches 0, won ,", lost 1 ; regattas 2, won 1, second 1 ; total, S races—li wins, 2 defeats.

J. Dodd, of McMahoii's Point, has just completed a beautiful wager-boat for T. Clifford, Her dimensions arc as follows : Length, 33ft; beam, llllin : depth forward, 3Jin ; aft, 2.Hu. Sho is littcd with tubular outriggers and roller slide, and weighs all told just 311b.

Tho English long - distance pedestrian, Bob Carlisle, recently completed tlio un precedented feat of walking 5,1(10 miles in 100 day*. Carlisle says that he is willing to repeat the performance, provided moans aro forthcoming to appoint quulilietl reforeos to sco that tho distances aro proporly chocked.

Tho Temporanco Demonstration sports, which took plnco in fhe Domain on Boxing Day, passed oil'quietly, except for a slight, scrimmage at tho conclusion of ono of the races, when two of the competitors went from argument to blows, and had to be forcibly Bop.nintnd. Tim privp.s. 1 under stand, aro to bo paid ovei early next week.

Tho Auckland crows chosen to roproscnt the various clubs in tho whaleboat race at, the coming Auckland Regatta will havo to keep in constant training if thoy intend to koep the prize in tho port, for from present appearances tho race will be the most warmly contested ever scon in tho colony. Tho "Canterbury Timos" says:—Tho Potone crow for the Auckland whaleboat raco aro out legularly, and aro showing good form. In my opinion, it will take n tip-top crow to beat thorn. They have ordered a boat to bo built by Taylor, who is now working on it.

THE GARDEN.

[By Hoktus.]

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Liquid Manuke (Memo.)— Any animal manure placed in v tub or barrel of water will make a good liquid manure. A friend in I'arnoll told mo tho other night that he always placed tho manure in a hag, thon put tho bag in a barrel tilled up with water'; ihe next day it was ready for uso. My the above means he got. rid of the sediment, which makes it much belter for use. When ever the barrel gets empty lake out the bag, use the sediment; for mulching, rcllil the bag with fresh manure, place in the barrel, and refill with water to keep up the supply. Cow manure is the best to uso for light soils, and horso for heavy, cold laud.

Coleus (Newton).—Yes; you can plant those out in a warm situation; they looksplondid in tho open border, but you must properly harden thorn oiroeforo putting out. When nlanting put somo good com i ost in the holo you opon out for the plant. Give plenty of water so us to thoroughly settle the soil about each plant Shade for a fv. w days. Cockscomb (A.B.)—lt is time you had those planted out now. Somo evening just before dusk plant out; after planting water abundantly and shado till they get established. It is not too late if plenty of i.a.'c is taken with them till they begin to grow.

Mealy Bug (Greenhouse Plants).—Try the fol lowing mixture: Keiosino, t gallons ; com inon oil soap, IJlbs : water, 1 gallon. 801 l the water and dissolve tho soap in tho boiling water; litt from tho lire and pour into the kero-.ino. Churn with a stick till a cream is formed. This, when cool, should thicken. When wanted for use, take one part of the mixture and mix w.th sixteen parts of water, thoroughly syr.ngo your plants in thoevening, and in the morning syringe with clean water; a'so kid all you see on tho plantß, pricking them out with a i-harply-pointed stick. Will you kindly let me know how it acts 1 Leaf Mould (Pot Plants).—l know that it is not easy to procure leaf mould in Auckland, but you can easily procuro a bag or a few bags of such from the country where there is heavy bush. The rotten vegctsblo matter, which can be obtained in any quanti ties at tho baso of all largo trees, is j ust tho material that is wan cd. When that matter has attained the appearanco of rich black soil it is best suited for your purpose.

A School Garden.

Many of the seed merchants in France present to farm schools samples of new plants, seeds, and manures for testing. The farmers in the vicinity club together to pay tho rent of tho _ round, and follow the practical experiments with interest and profit. In this country, unfortunately, we lack the farm schools so common in France and Germany. We must have farm schools in this country. They aro a growing necessity, and wo are satisfied that tho time is rapidly approaching when our leading agriculturists will use their in fluence in bringing about such a result. In time agriculture will bo taught in oar public schools, and every rural district will have a tract of land in connection with it, and something practical will be inculcated. The sooner tho better. Such a course will add attractiveness, as well as usefulness, to our schools. Let us at least have a flower garden in connection with every rural school.

It is a well-estimated principle in eco nomic botany that under poor culture most if not all cultivated varieties of plants will run out, while it is almost equally as cer tain that under good culture (unless, in deed, the soil is entirely unfitted for the plant) ho such runijitig out can take place. It may, in fact, be said that when a variety runs out it does so in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred through carelessness or poor culture.

Every one who has seen both must admit that shrubs which are kept pruned are far handsomer than unprunod ones. Those kinds that flower before midsummer and on old wood can best be treated to this operation immediately after flowering ; the late blossoms early in spring. Thero is no need of cutting away much wood each year, but if pruning has nover been attended to, it may be well to be a little severe the first time. In vigorous plants any mutilated parts will soon be improved by the new growth.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS,

AUCKLAND, N.Z.,

January 3rd,

Tin; now direct mail service was inau gurated on the 20th of December by the departure of the Kaikoura from Now Zealand and the Aorangi from London. The contract made by tho New Zealand Government with tho Now Zealand Shipping Company provides for a four-weekly eervico, alternating with the San Francisco sorvico. The Postmaster - General will pay tho Company at the following rates :—Letters, 12s per lb ; packets, Is per lb. ; news papers, 0d por lb. The Company under take lo koep ready for tho Bcrvico the

steamers Ruapohu, Tongariro, Aorangi, Kaikoura, and Rimutuka, provided that, in case of accident, tho company may uso a substitute vessel, of not less than 2,500 gross tonnage. It is also agreed that all mail matter posted in New Zealand betweon the dato of despatch of the San Francisco mail and tho departure of tho vessels under this contract shall, unless spocial'y addressed to be forwarded by another route, be sont by such contract vessels. This shall also apply to correspondence posted in tho United Kingdom and liolund, so fur as l.ho Postmaster-General of New Zealand may bu able to inlluonco the Imporial Post oflico authorities. Tho mails aro to bo conveyed from Now Plymouth to a Now Zealand port in 1,000 hours, and from tho final port of departure in Now Zealand to Plymouth in 1,003 hours. In compliance with tho terms of tho contract, tho New Zealand Government havo arranged with the Home Government for tho despatch of all mails not otherwiso specially addressed alternately via direct steamer and by San Francisco. In the colony, Is per half ounco letter and twopenco per copy for newspapers will bo charged on all mail matter sont via Brindisi.

It has been pointed out that tho direct scrvico on tho outward voyage will be of littlo valuo as an intermediate servico to Auckland. Tho San Francisco mail is mado up in London en January Ist prox., and arrives in Auckland on February 7th. A mail by tho direct service leaves I'ly mouth on January 17th (ton days aftor the departure of tho San Francisco mail), and is duo in New Zealund on March 3rd. Presuming that this steamer arrives at Lyttelton, three days must bo added for delivery in Auckland, which brings tho date iqi to the lith. But tho San Fran cisco mail leaving London on January 29th (12 days later than the direct servico dates) is duo bore on the 7th of March ; so that it would bo absurd for anyone to send a letter to Auckland by tlio direct stcamor, unless bound fur Auckland, when holding it back for the following San Francisco mail will givo twelve days longer time for despatch, with a loss of only ono, or at tho utmost two days, in delivery. In the homeward delivery tho New Zealand Shipping Com pany's steamers aro more serviceable. Tho March mail is dated for tho 1-lth, giving amplo time for replies to the San Francisco letters arriving on tho 7th inst. ; it is due at Plymouth on April 25th. If wo had only tho San Francisco service, no reply could be returned to letters arriving hero on the 7th March until tho 31st of tho same month, reaching London on tho Sth May, or 13 clays after tho replies forwarded by direct stcamor will havo been in Ply mouth. It is unfortunate that the outward time-table does not dovotail.

Thero is a goncral opinion horo, and the subject has been prossod upon tho notico of tho Postmaster General by tho Auckland Chamber of Commorco, that all tho Aus tralasian colonies arc putting up with mail deliveries that were good enough ten years ago, but aro now altogether behind the ago. By combining together for a trans-Pacific service, they could ensure a delivory between London and Australia in 29 days, and to Now Zealand in 25. The Atlantic sorvico will in future be regularly per formed by tho now steamships in six days —the journey is already accomplished under seven days—tho trans-continental railway should bo traversed i.i four, and the sorvico botween San Franciscoand Auckland in 15, and Sydnoy in 19. This is not fanciful: it is perfectly practicable ; and the only part of tho service which tho colonies would have to sustain is that on the Pacific. If anything like unity and postal enterprise existed in the colonies tho proposed sorvico would bo running within two yoars ; and from a monthly it n ould bo quickly changed into a fortnightly delivery. Carrying the whole of tho mail matter—for nothing could compote against it—the deficit over subsidy would bo trifling, and Australasia might boast of tho finest mail servico in the world. It was tho possibility of figures like these that aroused the early on thusiasm of thoso who originated and havo constantly championed a trans- Pacific route for English mail delivory.

Politically thoro is not much to note this month. Tho members of the Cabinet have been mostly away from the capital. The Promicr, however, returned to Wollington early this week to consult with his colleaguos upon Iho request made by Mr Servico for a joint protest against Gorman annexation of Now Guinea and adjacent islands. It is understood that Now Zealand differed from tho Victorian Government with regard to the terms of tho protest. The memoran dum lately drawn up by the Colonial Treasurer and forwarded to the Agent- General expressing the mind of the Government on tho subject of annexation shows that more imp irtanco is attached to the future of Samoa, Tonga, and tho islands north-east of New Zoaland than to the colo nisation of New Guinea, which is held to be aquestionmainly affecting Queensland. The Cabinet, however, desire to' preserve a spirit of accord among the Australasian colonies, and will yield something of its own opinion for the attainment of this objoct.

Sir Julius Vogel is coming up to Wai wera for tho benefit of the mineral hot water baths. The Hon. Mr Buckley, Colonial Secretary, is also working his way North from Napier, inspecting charitable institutions. The Hon. Mr Ballanco has visited several nativo districts, and in his capacity as Minister of Mines has offered n reward for tho discovery of n payable gcldfield in tho North Island. Ho has also, as Minister of Lands, propounded a special settlement scheme, under which it is proposed that any association of persons may havo set apart for their occupation a block of land of not less than 1,000 nor more than 10,000 acres, to be settled in farms of about 100 acres each, on deferred payments, at tho rate of one-twentieth the prico of (ho land every six months. Bona fido occupation in person or by an approved substitute is, of course, a condition, and the purchaser is required within six years to cultivate ono - fifth of the land and put substantial permanent improve ments on it in the way of fencing, etc., to the value of £1 per acre. At the expiration of tho six years, all the con ditions being fulfilled, the purchaser shall be granted a title. One-third of tho purchase money will be paid over by the Government to tho local body to open up the block by roads. If areas of good

land are brought under these regulations, they should lead to the location of a largo number of valuable settlers upon the land. Tho benefits of the schemo are equally open to residents in the colony and persons abroad, and, judiciously worked, these special settlements should attract large numbers of the farmer class from Great Britain.

:t is stated cm good authority that the Hon. Mr lteynolds will shortly resign his ollicc in tho Cabinet, and bo succeeded by Mr Larnach, C.M.G., with the portfolio of Mines and Customs.

One of the matters to which tho Ministry havo turned thoir attention during the recess is tho conservation of forests, a sub ject which Sir Julius Vogel took groat in terest in during his former residence here, when ho was instrumental in bringing to the colony from India Cuptain Walker, an expert in forestry. Prof. Kirk, formerly of Christchurch University, and a botanist of rccognisod skill, lias been deputed by the Government to make a full and exhaustive report on New Zoaland forests. Mr Kirk will commence operations at Invercargill, and work his way northward as far as the Bay of Islands. It is understood that next session the Government will bring down a Bchcino for the conservation of forests.

His Excelloncy the Governor, who has never lost sight of his mission to arouse tho colonists to activity in tho long-neglected duty of colonial defenco, is again moving in tho matter. Ho is paying visits to Picton, Blenheim, and the ports on the west coast of the Middlo Island, for tho purpose of considering the position of those harbours in the goneral scheme. Major Cautlcy, RE,, who has been engaged 'n conjunction with His Excellency tor more i than a year past in devising a system of | dofonocs, arrived in Auckland by the Roto rua on Dec. 8 in further prosecution of his duties. Ho visits tho North Shore and othor points included in tho plan of local defence before returning again to Wellington—a low days henco. Tho Governor's recont address before the Philosophical Institute has been issued in pamphlet form, profusely illustrated with maps, watch plans, and diagrams. Ollicors of the Draughtsmen Department of Public Works are now very nctivoly engaged on tho preparation of plans for tho Marten section of the main North Island. trunk railway. They have been steadily at work most of tho holidays, and until late hours at night, . We aro glad to'see that the construction of the telegraph lino from Cambridge to Taupo has at last been authorised. Dr. Lemon, Superintendent of Telegraphs, invites tenders for the delivery of 1,500 poles along the proposed route. Although this line will not give a complete duplication to Wellington, it secures an alternative liao to the wire across the Thames towers and tho exposed-East Coast, and will thereby greatly reduce the liability to interruption. The new lino is very much wanted, and although we look to the time when a connection with New Plymouth or along tho trunk railway to Mar ten will givo _ complete circuit, and socure an open line in any weather by con necting Auckland with tho West Coast system, yet tho boon offered now is one which business men in Auckland, who have suffered loss and vexation through tho frequent telegraph interruptions and delays, will thoroughly appreciate. In connection with tho Industrial Exhibi bition tho Government intend giving prizes for essays on tho present condition and future prospects of tho industrial resources of New Zealand and tho bost means for fostering their development. Tho prizes consist of ono gold modal and twenty guineas, ono silver medal and ten guineas, and one bronze medal and fivo guineas. Tho essays to bo sent in on or before tho Ist Doc, 1885. Various matters of moro than average interest have arisen in connection with our local govorning bodies. Mr W. R. Waddcl was installed as Mayor of Auckland for a second period of twelve months on December 12. He was warmly congratu lated by Cr. Aickin, on behalf of the City Council. The Corporation has been em barking extensively in city improvements. During the half-year ended 30th Septem ber last the Council oxponded about X 15,000 on streets. Of this amount about L' 5,000 was for day labour. Very large contracts have been let this summer, ai d aro now in progress. The cutting down of ilobson-stie'ot at tho seaward end is, per haps, the uio3t noteworthy Tho Harbour Board is not behind tho municipal govern ment. From a report submitted to the Hoard on Decomber 22 by tho Dock En ginecr, it appears that satisfactory progress is being mado with the Dock works. There aro 115 mon and 17 teams employed. Tho Enginoor's office and concrote-testing rooms are nearly completed, and 580,000 feet of timber havo been delivered on the ground. Thc»j is a disposition in the Board to cheapen tho port charges as much as possible with tho ultimate view of making Auckland a free port to shipping. It was agreed bf the Board on Docember 11 to remit the annual pilotage charged upon vessels, tho masters or mates of which hold exemption certificates. This conces sion, it was said, would mean a loss of £336 por annum at present derived from certifi cates. Some of tho members thought they should abolish pilotago charges altogether, and in order to avoid tho trouble of collect ing tho tux and thon refunding, the sugges tion was mado that they should apply for permission to do away with the necessity for charging.

The frozen meat industry still engages tho attention of agriculturists through out tho colony. If a small payable margin can bo secured, there is unlimited scopo for tho expansion of tho trade. In a climate which permits of stock grazing in rich open pasture all tho year round, the supply of beef and mutton can only be limited by the romunorative demand. In spite of largo ox ports, the number of sheep in the colony is rapidly increasing. Tho charges for freight, commission, and storage in England have been tho groat obstacles to a re munerative return to the producer. These are, however, gradually becoming modified, though not yet to tho extent that exporters dosire and consider reasonable. One harass ing restriction on tho trade has been removed by tho action of the insurance offices in Wellington in issuing unconditional policies upon shipments by the Coptic, covering all risks, at soven guineas per cent. Hitherto policies have been so hampered by condi tions that they woro hardly a security to tho shipper ; and yet, upon being contested, the clauses upon which the companies relied for protection would not hold good at law.

Another article of produco which will figuro in annually increasing quantities up on our export returns is cheese. Cheese factories aro multiplying throughout tho colony. A brief statement of the operations of ono of theso factories at Puke kohe, ab;ut 32 miles from Auckland city, wi'l convey an idea of what may be oxpscted from this industry if tho returns from sales aro favour able. Sinco tho opening of the season, scarcely two months ago, tho factory has absorbed no less than 20,000 gallons of milk, aad is now receiving the lacteal fluid at the rate of 800 gallons daily. Tho re sult of the season's operations so far has been the manufacture of about 500 cheeses, averaging GOibs in weight. This is much larger than were formerly made—the ohange having been introduced on the ad vice of Mr Bowron, Government Inspector of Cheose Factories, who considers cheeses of 6'Olbs and over will do best in the Lon don market. It is Mr Bowron's intention to have a shipment of 100 tons or more sent by direct steamer, when he is hopeful of getting the freight reduced from £9 to £4 per ton, which will allow a margin of profit to the producing companies. The Pukekoho ehceso maintains its high reputation for excellence. A sample which is seven weeks old, and which, we aro in formed, was made under exceptional diffi culties, is rather high in colour, but in taste and flavour resembles the best Stilton. A number of smaller cheeses will still bo mado for tho local markot. The factory, which is entirely free from debt, was found in ex cellent condition on the occasion of the In spector's recent visit, and in every way re flects credit on the management of Mr Walpolo.

Tho subjects of sericulture and sub tropical products have occupied the atten tion of Auckland settlers intermittently for many years past. A practical effort to demonstrate tho suitability of these in dustries to our climate and population is to be made by the formation of a company, through tho exertions of Mr Federli, to establish these industries upon a farm pur chased by the company in tho Hokianga district. Another experiment in the same direction is, we learn, to be mado at Helena Bay, near Whangarei. Mr Grothe has selected land in that locality, and is no'v engaged erecting buiklingt thereon. Mr Grothe is a practical aoriculturi-st-, having had considerable experience in Spain, and it is his intention to go into the industry on a large scale. He is a man of means, and will most likely induce a number of his friends to come out and em bark in the same industry. Mr W. Thomas, father of Professor Thomas, of the Auckland University, who was a fellow passenger with Mr Grothe by the s.s, Doric,

has been up to Helena Bay. He is much pleased with the place, and may likely settle there. Professor Thomas was there for a couple of days recently, and was much pleased with tho district. Shipping arrivals sinco our previous pub lication include the ship Lady Jocelyn, from London, with a large number of passengers, after a good passage of '.12 days ; anil the U.S. corvette Iroquois, from llobart. The latter vessel left San Francisco two and a-half years ago, and sailed about on the Pacific station—viz., on the west coast of South America—until July 22, when sho got under way for these colonies, via tho Mar quesas and other groups of islands in that vicinity. The vessel and her officers have attracted considerable attention wherever thoy have been up to the present time, and Auckland has proved no oxception so far as entertainment goes.

Tho various Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand lately mado a combined repre sentation to tho hon. the Commissioner of Tolegraphs (Sir Julius Vogel) recommend ing a reduction in the annual chargo for the use of the telephone. The following is the concluding portion of the reply received :— "As you are doubtless aware, tho sub scription in this colony has been reduced from £17 10s t) £12, and at a move recent date from £12 the first year to £10 each succeeding year. Whilo I cannot see my way to at present reduce the charges, the subject of your letter shall bo carefully considered noxtyoar when the estimates arc being framed." Tho health of tho city, despite tho present trying weather, is very good. Sinco tho 10th Doc only four cases of infectious disease havo been reported to tho City Sanitary Inspector. Theso cases aro threo of typhoid and ono of scarlet fever. The last caso of typhoid fever was reported on December 30, and its location is the South Ward—the first caso of infectious diseaeo reported from this quarter of the city for somo time. Mr Goldie informs us that the nighl soil contract is being car ried out in a manner that gives him the greatest possible satisfaction. The com plaints made are few, and the inspection mado by ollicors of tho Inspector's Depart ment shows that in this respect a vory satisfactory condition of affairs exists.

Some excitement was caused in Auckland on December 22nd by the arrest at Waikomiti, a district several miles from town, of William Sheehan, who is suspected of having murdered his mother, sitter, and brother, at Costletownroche, Ireland, in October, 1877. Sheehan has for several months been the subject of a correspondence between the colonial and Imperial authorities. The in formation supplied by the letter was very meagre, but Superintendent Thomson suc ceed ed in tracing the man toPakaraka, Bay of Islands, whero he was employed several months. Subsequently he came to town and purchased a farm at Waikomiti, but fearing that he was on the eve of selling it again and leaving the country, Superinten dent Thomson effected his arrest without further delay. Prisoner has beon brought up twice, and romanded pending the arrival of the officer who is expected from Englm d with tho warrant and depositions. Shee han, who has engaged counsel, maintains tho utmost composure, and says ho is satis fied that a free and complete inquiry will only result in establishing his innocence.

An interesting event in clerical circles has been the visit of Bishop Solwyn, of Melanesia, to Auckland on his way to Kng land. During his stay ho officiated in several Anglican churches, and on December 11 th there was a large gathering at Bishop's Court of old friends of Bishop Selwyn and his father, the late Bishop of Lichfield, and of others interested in the work of the Melanesian Mission. Bishop Selwyn gavo a short and very interesting account of the mission work in the Florida and Banks Groups to Mrs Cowie's guests, who quite filled tho library. The Rev. Mr Bico, ono of the senior members of tho mission stall', also described the nature of tho work in which he had been engaged for many years in Lepers' Island and other islands in that region. Bishop Selwyn loft Auckland on December 17th for Australia and England.

Nativo affairs have not been of a very stirring character during tho last few months No news, however, may be con sidered good news. Tho natives aro mostly occupied in the peaceful pursuit of agri culture, after their fashion, or in kauri gum digging. A monster feast is proceeding at Hawora, at which tho substance of the people even to the extent of pledging tho rents of their lands for months ahead, will bo devoured in a monster gorgo. It is cheer ing to be able to notify as an offset to theso signs of adherence to old habits that a Ngapuhi nativo, named Rapitaneura, a grandson of tho great chief Hongi Iliki,has come to town for the purpose of interview ing tho officers of the Grand Lodge of (iood Templars with reference to the establishment of Good Templar Lodges amongst tho Maoris. Tawhiao maintains a friendly attitude towards temperance, and upon the strong representations of the nativo pooplc, backed by their European brethren of tho Blue Ribbon Army, tho Go vernment havo issued a proclamation pro hibiting the sale of intoxicating liquor in tho King Country. The natives are also manifesting a very friendly spirit towards the party engaged upon tho survey of tho North Island trunk southwards from To Awamutu. They offer no obstruction whatever. A few days ago Taonui represented to Mr Rochfort that the natives wero anxious that tho line should not cut through a piece of bush, and pointed out another route, which, on ex amination, proved equally good. This suavity, however, is not to be taken as evi dence that thoir rights over tho land havo been abandoned. Wo believe the natives generally expect compensation for the land taken. At a meeting held to consider tho question, the modest sum of £15 per foot was suggested ; another speaker, however, thought that £1 porfoot would bo a fair prico. The ruling tone of tho meeting would have been creditable to any party of pakeha land grabbers. Our dusky proprietors will, wo may safely predict, havo to be contented with very different prices. Considerable uneasiness prevails regarding the intentions of the Government in relation to the lands abutting on the line. Sir Bryce assuicd tho natives that after tho £1,600 expended in surveying and cutting tho lines of the territory had been repaid, it would belong to the present owners clear of all incum berance. They have therefore been indus triously collecting that amount, and have already got £1,200 together, each man engagod in the formation of tho road to Kawhia contributing £1 a month from his earnings. That road is now in an advanced state, and is said to bo on easy grades. A road has also been started from Kihikihi southwards towards Taupo.

Christchurch capitalists are losing no timo in taking action for the construction of the East and West Coast Railway. Tho pro moters havo appointod a committee to endeavour to arrange for the construction of a line by coming to terms with the Government, and the" inducing London capitalists to take up the contract. Tho Committee have prepared a draft contract between the promoters and the Govern ment, and have submitted it to tho Solicitor- General. After consultation with tho Chamber of Commerce, the Committee decided to adopt the Arthur Pass route in preference to that via Cannibal Gorge. In compliance with a request, the Government have agreed to withdraw from sale all lands available as concessions along both routes pending the signing of the contract. At a full meeting of the Committee on Dec 11 it was decided that Mr H. A. Scott and Mr A. H. Dabson should proceed to England to dispose of the contract in London either by arrangement with a syndicate or otherwise. The Secretary to the Committee is Mr M. Murphy, Secretary to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Encouraged, perhaps, by the prospects of the railway scheme, some enthusiast conceived the idea of a ship canal from Sumner to Christchurch, to mako the latter city independent of the port of Lyttelton. A meeting was con vened to initiate tho scheme, but, as might have been expected, was very thinly at tended, and nothing came of it.

Tho charges of fraudulent administration of trust estates, arising out of the bank ruptcy of Mr Waring Taylor, a loading merchant of Wellington, have resulted in tho bankrupt being committed for trial. The ovidenco adduced before tho magis trates showed that tho bankrupt habitually paid trust moneys into his private account, that ho sold shares (held in trust) to the value of many thousands of pounds, and appropriated the money to his own uses, and that when the creditors in Rhodes's estate became clamorous and could no longer bo put off, he plundered May's estate to make uood the deficiencies in (lie Rhodes estate. Of 1.014 shares left• by the late Mr May, and worth over £22,000, only 230 had come into tho hands of the legatees, the remaining V7S shares having been mis appropriated" by prisoner. Some of the victims have beer: reduced, to absolute penury by these frauds.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Iron and Steel Company has enabled the directors to givo sow evidence of their unshaken faith in tho possibility of manu facturing iron and steel of the best quality

from the titanic sands found in such abun dance on the sea constat Manukau Hoads and Taranakl. The Company have obtained from the Government valuable concessions of many miles of beach, and their smelting works at Onehunga, convenient to ship ment and to coal supplies, arc rapidly approaching completion. The manu faotury is in the hands of thoroughly practical men, who have embarked a la"ge amount of capital in it, _ and if successful, as it is confidently believed will be the caso ; it will create an industry of the greatest importance to New Zealand, but especially to Auckland, where the manufactory is situated. The ketch Wild Duck, equipped at tho Thames, 'was to have left Cooktown curly in November for the sccond_ ex pedition to the cast coast of New Guinea. The only chango in the personnel of the party is that Mr Gibbons has withdrawn from the ownership.

MINING SUMMARY.

Thames, Decembor 30,

Tiik Inliday season has, as usual, been pre ceded by a couple of weeks of bustle and activity, during which the claim-owners and tributers havo put forth every effort to collect all available gold for the Christmas c!earings-up. The returns for the month aro therefore unusually large -tho threo goldliolds aggregating more than O.OoOozs, and as tho natural consequenco, tho succeeding weeks may bo expected to be proportionately dull. Matters in general have boon very lively during tho month, and two dividends havo boon declared by Thames companies —tho Cambria directors paying ono shilling per sharo, or a gross sum of £1,075, from tho profits, and tho New Prince Imperial distributing £2,250, at the rate of 2s (id per share. The extraordinary specimen - crushing notion of the Cambria directors, which was exciting attention whon our last Summary was written, re sulted rather unsatisfactorily to the share holders, and is not likely to be attempted again. The quantity of stone treated in Auckland was about 5001bs, from which only lOoozs 13dwts gold were obtained ; but threo barrelsof tailings being returned to the Thames for treatment, the remarkable addi tional return of 6G£ozs was obtained by the berdaning process. When the winze belo-v the 230 feet level had attained a depth of nearly 70 feet, an influx of water occurred in the stopes, and in order to pre vent flooding of the other workings, tho manager found it necessary to direct it into an opening in the country at the bottom of the winze. This necessitated the stoppage of sinl.i ,g operations, and it was therefore decided to open out an intermediate drive GO feet from the top of tho winze. The stop wa< generally regarded as inadvisable, as tending to an unsystematic method of working, and involving the double haulage of all stone broken ; whereas the block can in due time be much more effectively and economically worked from the projected lower level. However, the directors were determined, and the driving was com menced at the eastern side of the winze, at tho point where gold had been left showing. Though only about 12 feet wore driven up to the holidays, the quantity of specimens produced was con siderable, and augers well for the value of the blocks overhead and underfoot. The precious metal is chiefly met with in a mineralised vein about six inches wide, in which rich gold can be traced along the roof of tho drive; but the remainder of tho lode, which measures about S feet, is also sent to the battery as crushing dirt, and yields payably. A block about 130 Ject in length is in hand at fhe 230 feet level, but does not carry upward the rich gold which was found in tho level. The quartz is, however, of very remunerative grade. The shaft has been sunk about 55 /cot below the present bottom level, and is now passing through firm sandstone country. Fifteen stampers have been regularly employed, and arc likely to be required for some time to come. The result of the Christmas re torting was in marked contrast to tho previous ono. The total return was _to£ozs gold, to which 2'Jolbs specimens—no richer in appearance than those sent to Auckland —contributed _(i7fozs, or an average of rnoro than an ounce (as compared with 7dwts) per lb. The Darwin Company's first crushing ot 36 loads quartz from the same lode has given the satis factory return of 09ozs Hldwts gold, and a block of ground is now being opened for sloping. The Wolselcy Company having been floated, operations havo been com menced by sinking a shaft upon the claim. The shareholders of tho Thames Golden Crown Company having assented to the issue of 15,000 now shares, to raise funds wherewith to sink a shaft to prospect tho Mary Ann section, in the neighbourhood of the Cambria and other lodes, operations to that end will shortly bo started. Tho Saxon directors have appointed Mr James Coutts manager pro tern, and approved of his proposals for tho sinking of the shaft, and tho stoping of a block of apparently payable grour.d on No. 1 lode. The latter work is already in progress, and prepara tions are being made for the continuation of the shaft. In the New Prince Imperial mine, tho No. 2 lode has been intersected by the crosscut at the No. 7 level, and is being driven upon in both directions. Its average thickness is about 2ft, and colours of gold have been seen when breaking down. The Queen of Beauty shaft is now within about 5 feet of the depth at which it is pro posed to open out No. 11 level. An excel lent description of country has been passed through, and the manager is sanguine as to the value of tho lodo when it comes tohand. The discovery of gold in asmall leaderat the Battory level of the New Manukau has re called attention to this once favourite mine, and a trial crushing from the leader is at present proceeding. Tho destruction of the Dart battory by nro on the morning of the 21st ult. is a serious blow to the Com pany, which does not propose to re-erect it at present, preferring to devote all its resources to an important prospecting cross cut recently started. Tho manager of tho Rocky Point is crushing a large parcel of quartz from the stopes on tho Adelaido lodo. An auriferous cross leader, six inches in thickness, has been intersected in tho southern crosscut, and driving is being carried on in tho hope that tho missing portion of tho main lode will thus be re covered. Tho return of 9960zs gold from tho Ohincmuri district is exceptionally largo, and is principally contributed by tho claims at Karangahako, some of which have given excellent average yields. Good news comes from the Waihi di-strict, where the manager of the Martha Extended mine, besides lodging the largest return over obtained from that goldfield, reports that rich gold has been followed down in a winze on tho large lode to the depth of 40 feet beneath tho present low level. The Company's prospect is therefore very promising. Summary of Gold Returns, From December 3rd to December 30th. inclusive. ozs dwts Adelaide and tributes 73 fi Alhurnia tributes i«j 3 Caledonian tributes 205 17 Cambria. 160 loads and oOOlbs .. ..378 3 Cambria. 210 loads and 2Golbs .. .. 490 10 Darwin, 36 loads 19 19 Hart 9 1 loads 89 v Dart tributes 31 19 DeeDLov-l Cross lobbies .. .. 35 15 Kuranui Hill tributes 113 10 Little Edith (Tapul 29 12 Moanataiari, 57 tons .. .. ~ 93 9 Moanataiari tributes 200 4 New Euroka (Otanui) C 8 1 New Irrincc Imperial, 807 loadß and 3owt 770 10 N Tow Whau tribute 26 jo Reuben Parr tributes. 6 loads.. .. 138 10 Sundries 500 0 small pnreels 45 0 Thames Golden Crown \ 61 10 Thames Golden Crown tributes .. 20 13 Wnlotabi, 210 tons 231 0 Total I" WAIORONGOMAI DISTRICT. New Find, IG9 trucks S6S 13 Colonist. 29 trucks .. 113 2 Diamond Gully, 103 trucks .. . '. 133 12 Premier 31 19 Canadian. 8 trucks 3 15 Miy Queen, 22 trucks 50 11 VVaiorongomai, 39 trucks . 51 12 Wellington (tributcr Shea), lewt .. G 1G Welcome (tributcr Hayes), 9 trucks 7 18 Vulcan (iributer Joy), i trucks 9 11 Eureka, 9 trucks 3 18 Stanley, 7 trucks 2 8 Hit or Miss (Te Aroha) 1 6 Total 1,323 1 OHINEMURI DISTRICT. Murtha Ex-tcniled (Waihi). GSO tons .. 3*2 5 Ivauhoc (Kuraujraimkol, lDOtnns .. 237 11 Wood-tcck iK:iniriL.-:!hnkei, 77 lons. 8,7 2 Waitekiiuri tributes 'M 15 Smil-jot Koriune (Oviinro;:! iriliufes 29 3 Martha (Ivarauiiii.liake) ~ .. 31 0 ilkkhn Treat.-iiro (Kavangahakei. Hi tens 112 G Small parcels 30 I" Total 990 i

DECLINE OF MAN.-Xe-ous Weakness. Dr'sper*!., Immtenw, Sgiunl Debility, cureiTby" Wells's Health Houower. At Druggists. .. Xvmuthorcs, Froiser A Co., AabbU. Aw*_r4.

THE CASTLETOWNROCHE MURDERS.

Slucliau Arrested in Auckland.

GitAT excitement was caused throughout tho ity and suburbs on Docomber 22 by the annaincement in that evening's impression of tks arrest at Waikomiti of William Shcolan on tho charge of murdering his mothV, brothor, and sister at Castletown rochctCounty Cork, in 1877. Paragraphs have ipecntly appeared amongst the items of out Homo news stating that William Sheeh'.n was supposed to have committed the lmrders in question, and that he was knowjto have left England for New Zea land, (but tho probability of his having stttlecin our community does not appear to hay» |esentod itself to the minds of many of our rc|lers. Hence, it is not surprising that tho nets of his arrest in our midst should have coated such a sensation. He has been inAucVland for some time, and ap pears toiavema.de quite a number of ac quaintanes during that period. Sheehfa arrived h n - c by the Doric with his wife ad children at-_t eighteen months ago, anclso far as is v.nown, proceeded immediatly afterwards to Mr Williams's station atPakaraka, Bay of T B ] anc i g> j n . formation was recently receiv»_ by the police autbrities in Auckland thai-, ho was supposed b bo in the colony, and «. _ eB . scription jof his personal appeara»^. e came to hnd in due course. The cast was placq in the hands of Detective Walker, 4io has shrewdly and cleverly performedjbe task allotted to him. There was no difiiulty in discovering that a Wm. Sheehan ho! come to Auckland by the Doric at tho timetndicated, but whether he was tho man wb was required was entirely a different quption. The description of his personal appearance did not exactly tally with the acounts given by those who had seen him j but there were somo points of reemblanco between the two descriptions.1. It was, however, considered unlikely that two families of Sheehans would be comhg out to the colony at the samo time, and little doubt existed in the mind of tho detective that the Sheehan at Pakaraka was *,he man who was required.

While the police were prosecuting their inquiries, information reached them that Sheehan was about to come to town. De tective Walker faithfully met the steamers on their arrival, and lie persistence was at length rewarded. Some few weeks ago, he met a man coming off one of the steamers whom he knew at once to be Sheehan. From that time until the arrest, Detective Walker haikept his prisoner under strict surveillance Sheehan went to live for a week or thereabiuts at Mr Uleeson's Hotel, and represontinj himself to be in want of work, Mr Gleson obtained em ployment for him. )dd jobs suoh as p tinting carts and fiiliit coal were given io him to do by Mr [Craig, coal mer chant, and he dischargi his duties satis factorily and faithful!. Sheehan took a small house in lohn-streot, Pon-

sonby, where ho wifo and family for

ived j time.

with his Eather

more than a week agohe completed the purchase of a five roomethouse and twenty ncro farm at Waikornif from Mr Berger. The stock on tho farm ifluded three cows, two horses, a cart, anda hundred fowls, and the price paid waalaiQ. The family went to live out there, br Mrs Sheenau _id not like the place beouse of its loneli ness. She persuadedher husband to come back to tovh and try and get work here, and 6 December 21 he brought his family b|k to town with him. f The plans of the rjico were now ful'y matured, and fearingthat the suspected murderer had got winfof their intentions, and was about to take^i speedy departure, preparations were atance made for his arrest. Inst uctionsb this effect were received by te'egram |om Colonel Reader on Deccmbci 21. Awarrant was made out next day, and sign! by Mr H. G. Seth Smith, Resident Magistrate. It stated, "That William Shedjn did feloniously murder and kill Ka| Sheehan, Hannah Sheehan, and Thomaßheehan, at Castle townrochc, County (>rk, Ireland, on or about the 27th <j) .Qctobor, 1877." Mr Thomson procejjed" to Waikomiti in a cab on 22nd Dfember to effect the arrest. He was accooanied by Detectives Walker and TwohaJ The party met Sheehan driving a hOo and cart near the Waiknmiti station-, lb was..on bis way-1_.... town to sell the irse and cart. Mr Thomson stopped lip, and read the war rant, when Shoeha said: "I did not murder them." Oniie charge being first mado to him, She&n seemed confused and disconcerted, It he very, soon re covered his self-pos|sion._ He reverted to the subject repeated during the drive into town. He admittl that he was William Sheehan, of Castletlnroche. He said that his mother, and hifrother, and his sister had gone away tfAmerica, and he had never heard fromfhem since. He knew tho well on Brodepk's farm in which the bodies were foundfind indicated his posi tion from the refence which had been occupied by the geehans. He ridiculed the idea that he $>uld have murdered his mother, and said lit he was on the best of terms with her. Jngularly enough.hesaid he had not reaoany of the newspaper paragraphs receny published, in which he was stated to bemspected of having com mitted the crimef A large concise of eager sight-seers gathered aroundfie precincts of the Court house at 10 o'clct on Dec. 23 in the hope of catching a glif cc of the prisoner as he crossed over froirlie Police Station. Their patience was redded in due course. He was escorted bjleveral guardians of the peace, and the cfiwd made no demonstra tion. They surgl into the Court, however, in order to witnl the further proceedings. His Worship thelayor and Mr F. Maguire occupied the Bech. Having answered to the name Willifi Sheehan, he was briefly charged with hibog, on or about the 27th of October, 1&, at Castletown Roche, County Cork, Irland, feloniously killed and murdered Caferine Sheehan, Thomas Sheehan, and Hnnah Sheehan, his mothers brother, andjafr. After a statement ;by Superintendenf Thomson, further pro ceedings were Ijourned till December 31. When arrejd prisoner was duly cau tioned, and 1 course of conversation with Superijmdent Thomson said:— ■ I came from Brmoy, my mother Kate, my ' brother Tomjid my sister Hannah left on a car about fat time for Fermoy. the s farm was sixfiiles from Fermoy, and four from Castlepvnroche, and twelve from Lismore. ißy bade me good-day when,-, they wero leaving. They said they were going j Fermoy. They had spoken before aboufjomg to America, but I did not know t|y were going then. I never saw or hearpf them after that. I did not kill them. IWe always lived on good terms, vvliad CO acres of land rented, from MisfOliphant at' £2 per acre. , Sho was Jhard landlady. If she had . been marrfl, maybe I would be there yet. We had a fvaut called Mary Keilly. She . was out fofbe cows when they left in the car. I Jolbt know who was the driver. It was a Deri car. Duane was at the house at tho tiib. It was between 11 and 12 o'clock ifthe morning. They had told me they fere going to America, to stay ' about a Jrtnight and come back again. Brodericl farm was the second farm from ours. I low the well on it. It was 40 or 50 -" feet deerjlt was a mile and a half from our , house toje well. My brothers, John James . aud Edvfd, are still in Ireland. The farm hasnevelad a tenant Bince I left it. I had a lefir from Home about six months ao-o. Iffiuane knew anything, he could not kef it so long as this. He would , let it ouSn five minutes. I was married to Mary _E Brown in November, seven years ago. M mother never was against my marrvil her. , , . , ' Wil In Sheehsn was again brought up at the tlico Court, on Dec. 31, and charged with (I murder ot his mother, sister,., and hither at Castletownroche, Ireland, in O&ber, 1877. Mr W. J. Napier appeal for the prisoner. Superintendent t. Thonin explained that the prisoner appeid beforo two Justices on the 23rd, arid |a remanded in order that the case I mighfome beforo His Worship. According to aftct passed last session, cases of this charier were required to be taken by a Resilut Magistrate. He had then applied I for femand for a week, stating at the came timihat he would probably have to apply for further remand. His instructions now i werfo ask that the case be remanded from , tirnjto time until the arrival of the officer whf-as on his way out from England with thfvarrant and depositions i?sued by the, Inf-ial authorities. lie would now asK , tflrii-i nrisonor stand remanded for a wft Mi- Napier said ho would :/ of'no objection, provided that on tho ai-il of the depositions the pjlico woi»u Jr.lv him with a copy on bchaif A u'e '.loner J-'uperil!tendent Thomseo P l°" fed that this should be done,, and tne ~ _c was romanded till the 9th. .; '..

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JANUARY », l*-85

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~„, f^^ti__tSS!., IN * 00., A*»ts, Aa_l»4. I