SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„,„„ v,,™,, J This Evening, 7.;» HIGH wATEH-J ~.„.,„„,.,.„„ Morning. B.IS SUNSKT.-Thin Kvening. 7.19 SUNKlSK.—Tomorrow Morninif, d.Ol MOON'S AUK- Now Moon, lClh, S.lfl p.m.

ARRIVALS.

WEDNESDAY.

VVaitaU!. 8.5.. CrawfordVfrom Whnnßftvei Clansman, s.s.. Fatquhar. from TnuranKa

THURSDAY. Macffrogor, e.s., Johnston, from Whanptarei Wellington, s.s., Stcphenson, from Ku»»ell

TODAY. Explorer, s.s., from the Islands

DEPARTURES.

THURSDAY,

Helon, barque. Crowno fur Lyttfilton Wnitaki, 8.5., Crawford, for Whar.Rarei Clansman, h p., Fnrnuliar. for A\ liniiKiirci Oainaru, brigantine. for Kaiparu Lime, barque, Nclmberg, for Nowenstlo Cheviot, barque, Ilogo, for Newcastle

TODAY. jranapouri, s.a, for the South

IMPORTS.

Per Arawata from Fiji -3130 buncliPS bananas, 2ir> cases pincanplea. ioO mills sugar, b3 sacks cocoanuts, and sundries.

The ship Howard, D. Troop, was loading at Canton Island, thes barqun Uailnra was kmling ot Endorburn. and the barque Lorenzo at Syclni y Island when tho Kxplorer left. The B.S. Arawata. which nrrived from Rmsell on Wednesday afternoon brought tho following passengers :-Mrs Morris ana child. Mrs lily tin) iimi child, Midi's Turner, Thomas. Mrs and Master T\vit« Mi-rfHr.s Cordun. Cusac.l;. Mostly, Blow, Joske, Marriott, ami elewn in steerage.

The following priSscnßora ramo down from Russell by the Wellington:-Mnsara Wnlliy. Mountain, Mrs Tnrnor Mr ami Mi a Trenchant, Messrs McAiirstcr, (4:ccnwiiy,-Mi>S(;s Cooper, Williams, Messrs Bailey, UilMlan, lloj?B. Jlolnon. 12 from the NYvlh.

The s.s. V/aitaki arrived from WliMißarciat 12 ?fl a.m. yostorrtny mm-nina with Mio fo'.lmvinfc imfM.Mi-cra: Mi'H Moray ami daughter, Messrs Grant |2>, A. Korbes. J. M. GedUtS, McKcnzic. Mr* Driver and (laughter Messrs Aborcromiiy Dim-. Goldsbro. Driver. Brookes, Wilson, Mn3on, W lntcsido. «. Cooper, Purchase. Cox. Mr and Mrs CuUc.i. Messrs Smart, Smith. Mcl'hoe, Mra J. Porch. Mrs Waketon, Miss Baird, Mr Callnghan, curt II in the steerage.

The s.s. Mananouri left for Melbourne.and Southern ports nt noon today, witlj WO follow ini? passengers: (Hiborno-Sliss Wilson. Mijs Smith. Mr A. K. Knrnoss. .Mr McCosoyiMrs A. Good, Miss K. Good, and 1 native?, Ni pleiv-MrS Hogg and Mi.ws Begs lit, Mr Collins, air Kemp, Mr buwson. Mr Sullivan. Mr I'/ic/or. Mis Wakdin. Wellington—My Uoehcfort. Mr and Mra Hampton. Mrs AVilliams m Mr Houston. Mrs A. B. Gordon, Mra Ncin, Major Shepherd. Lyttelton - Mis< Lambory, Messrs tlranl. Urown, Stevcnr-,, Mr and Mm W. llui'.caii. Port Chalmers-Mrs Harry. Sir Her.d.r.on, All Vav oil, Mr McDona d. BUUI'-Mr Morryflcld. Melbourne—Mr Dairßctt, Miss Mnrtacrh.

Tho s.i. Explorer arrived from tho Islands to day. S=ha left Sydney Island on tho 7th lilt. Called in at Kttinoa on tho loth, left npiln the same day. At midnight on the llth boarded Hie muil steamor City of Sydney oil' Tutulla. 'tranohippinv passunptiira for trim Francisco. Touched at Island on tho KSth, ami at, Sunday Island on the 2Cth. Very light winds and ilni; weather were ex perienced during the whole of the passaso. Tho Kxpiorer brings a orir^o of g\iano, and after dis charging Rho'wiU li» docked for ro-copperlnft nnrt general overhaul. Since leaving this port on the I2ih of Jlay last, she has lienn constanlly rmnloyed running between Samoa an:l, the Phojnix Group.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

TAURANOi', this day.—Arrived: Clansman. •»--from Auckland, S a.m.

Gisbokn'k yesterday. — Sailed: Southern Cross, for Auckland. 7.?* am. Arrived: Thomas Hussl-11, from Auckland, i p.m.

Wkllington', this day.—Arrived: Ar.iwa, from Port Chalmers, 1.15 p.m. yea:erdny.

MSLBOUUNK, ypsterdny —Arrived, this after noon: Tho Kotomali ma, from the Hlull'.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS. Oroti, is., ItobcrUoD, from Waitora

Tin) p.p. Orcti arrived from Waitora and New Plymouth at 11 o'clock yesterday morning with U horees 250 sheep. 98 Heff-J lmttur, i cusks, 11 tnmdles funprus, 7 bales hide?, 4 bales skins. 9 bales wool, 25 sundry p:u'kn<,'es, and the follow ing passenge's:- Misi Robinsin, M«-s:'S l.ed wick. Reafdon Brown Moon, Bisehopp (J), Gow, Hare. IJowner. Uarvey, and IS sti eriiße. She leaves ni;ain oa Friday at 3 o'clock for Taranaki, 'VVanyaiiui, and \Viltin{;lon.

Chief Post-office, Auckland

Mails will Close as under— Tms Day.

For Waltara, etc.. per Arpryle. at 7.10 a m. For Qisborne, Napier. Southern Ports, and Aus tralian Colonie?, per Mancponri, nt 11 a.m. For New Plymouth and Southern Ports, per

Oreti. at 11 a.m. . For Whantfarei Heeds, Parua, Waipu, Whan garct. Katno, and Mangapai, per Macgretfor or Waltaki, at 5 p.m. For Cowcs and Coromandei, per Coromandcl, at

0 30 p.m. For Thames, per Uotomahsna, at .130 p.m.

Saturday, 3rd January- For Walwora, To Kapa, Warkworth. etc., per jtose Casey, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Gth January,

Per s.s. Australia, as follows :— For Navigdtora Islands, Sandwich Islands. United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South America, and British and Foreisrn West Indies, at 1 n.m For tjnited Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 1 p.m. Money orders, registered letters and nows papers. at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an ojtra fee of six pence in addition to the postage, will be recolvod by tho Mall Agent on baud the rteamer np to tho time of sailing. ThlH mail will be duo in London on Friday, 13tfa February, 1885.

S. B. BISS, Chief Postmastor. Chief Post-office. Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 2, ÜBS. Opera House—" Eluobeard; or, the Heathen Chinee." S p.m. Lome street'Hall-Dean's Miiistrols, 8 p.m.

Deaths.

WALSH.—On January Ist, at her daughter's residence. llowo-3treot. Mary, relict of tho late Edward Walsh ; aoed 79. Tho funeral will take placo to-morrow (Saturday), at 3 o'clock p.m. Friends respect fully invited to attend.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1885.

For the causa that lacks assiatanoe, For tho wrong that needs ronistanos, For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do.

The telegram stating that the members of the Stock Exchange protest strongly against the alienation of the $Tew Zea* land Sinking Fund is very important. The whole finance of the Government was based upon the appropriation for revenue purposes of the pay able to the Sinking Fund, and earned by it during the year. We referred to this subject at some length in our Wednesday's issue, and conjectured then that the hitch in the negotiation ot the loans would ■be found to be connected with the Govern ment policy in dealing with the Sinking Fund. The Ministers have since officially denied that they knew of any such difficulty; but it is clear from to-day's telegrams that it exists, whether they are aware of it or not. The real question is, What will they do to make goodjthe ,£240,000 if they are obliged to refrain from using it ? If they do not give an undertaking to refrain, it seems now tolerabh- "'"f^ that there will be ■'■■ -grgy-- —Joss in thjj^^^^^^^^^^^^

maining from the three million loan of 1882. As to the additional million and a-half of last session, there seems small likelihood of our getting this at the moment on reasonable terms. A worse calamity might happen to the colony, however disagreeable it may be to the Ministry. It will strengthen the hands of those who insist on the need of prudence and economy, and who ob jected to extraordinary financing to give a temporary and delusive relief in tax ation. That the colony will ultimately get all the money it can reasonably require there can be no doubt, but that ill-advised Consolidation of Stock Act may have to remain a nullity in order that we may retain.the con fidence of those with whom the power of lending rests. There have been rumours that the Governor's sudden departure from Christchurch is con nected with the German intrigues nt Samoa and Tonga, and others connect it with the hitch in the negotiation of the loans. We do not attach much importance to the latter rumour, ex cepting so far as the hitch may lead to disagreement in the Ministry as to the measures to be adopted It is quite as likely that something is afoot with reference to the New I lebrides to avoid them falling into the hands of France. The interference of New Zealand in such a case would be quite justifiable, and probably successful if prompt and decisive. Hut interference with Samoa and with Tonga would be a different affair. They have regular recognised governments and parliaments, without whose consent nothing could be done. The American and German interests, especially in Samoa, are also large, and their influence great. Beyond seeking to gain to our side the governments of these places, no action seems practicable ; but the annexation of the New Hebrides, if no agreement has been come to already between England and France, would be a different afi'iir. We shall await with some interest the real cause of the Governor's sudden re turn to Wellington. Ministers would hardly have spoilt His Excellency's Christmas holidays for nothing.

[Sire. the foregoing was in type we have received a telegram from Welling ton that the Government have resolved to oiler only the million loan at present. This looks like an acknowledgment of the failure of their financial proposals.]

German Designs on Samoa and Tonga.

Tin: news received by tlio Cygnet, and ro forred to in our Wednoaday'a issno, that two (iorman warshipH liad visited Samoa and endeavoured to establish German rule ovor those Hands gains confirmation from reports published in the Fiji papers. The story, as circulated there, is to the effect that "At tho end of Octobor a German corvette visited Apia from Callao, en route to Now Britain—tho Gorman gunboat Albatross being thore at anchor at tho time. Soon after a rumour spread through tho town that tho largo vo?sel had arrived for the purposo of pro visional annexation. Tho nativo Govern mont being alarmed, drow up a petition to Groat Britain, bagging it to take them on any terms. Thin petition was despatched secretly by a schooner to catch the San Francisco mail, and succeodod. Somo ten days after this tho affair becamo kno.vn to tho Germans, whereupon tho German Consul and Kaiser Weber becamo furious ami do manded immediate retraction on the part of tho nativo King Malietoa and the Government ; but tho Government would not accede to their request. Where upon tho German authorities drow up n treaty introducing a now form of govern ment ; tho administration to consist of tho Gorman Consul, two Germane of repute, and two Samoan chiefs. Also provide for an Executive Ollicer as local adviser, ifce. The Tqimna and Faipule, in Council, refused .to accede to this now proposition. Never j Useless, on the ?;jme night the King and vice-King went dp wntpthoGerman consulate and signed it; and on tho following day tho corvotto sailed, and the Albatross went oil'to Auckland, to place herself in com munication with Berlin. Tho King then wrote to the British Consul, and stated that ho had been forced into doing ho through personal fear, and that he had done it against the wish of his Government." =Thestory lmsanair of probability about it. The government of tho Samoan islands has for the luet few- years been carried on by Maliotoa, with tlio aid of nativo Upper and Lower Houses, known as tho Taimua and Faipule, composed of the leading chiefs. Tho foreign residents and the municipality of Apia were entirely under tho control of a Consular Court, in which tho English German, and American Consuls had seats, the last-mentioned gontloman boing its presidont. Malietoa was deposed boforo by the Timua and Faipule for signing the request for the deportation of Colonel Steinb,erger. lie was restored through tho influence of Sir Arthur Gordon, acting in conjunction with tho Government of tho United Staf.os. Ho is a weak man, and his pliability under Gorman influence, which is predominant in tho islands,ia not surpris ing. Without the support of his Council, howevor, his signature will go for little with the natives, although it may produce an inter-tribal war, for which the natives aro ready at any moment. Tho two factions in the islands are of pretty equal strength, and though a temporary peace was patched up by foreign influenco, the natives are burning fop a row. The value of Malietoa's signature from a nativo point of view is not worth consider ing. Tho real question is, what viow the German Government will take of it, and what claims thoy will prefer to the cession of the sovereignty over the country by tho puppet king. In any at tempt to annex Samoa, however, thoy will have to reckon with the United States as woll aa with England. Both countries have treaties with Samoa, guaranteeing them certain rights, and America has a special deed of cession covering Pago J'ago, the most magnificent harbour in the group, as a naval depot. Thero are at the present time about 2,000 tons of coal stored thero j for the use of American warships in these seas. An American company has very large land claiius jn tho vicinity of Apia ; Messrs

Me Arthur and Co., of Auckland, have also extensive interests in the islands. The American trade is on the increase in the group, and the Government at Washing ton would scarcely allow its annexation by any European power without a strong pro tost. The international complications aro, we think, too well recognised by Ger many for that Government to proceed with annexation, and Kai3cr Weber's local government, existing by the good-will of tho natives, will only prove another of the many phasc3 of political scheming which has gone on in theso islands for many years past. Tho Samoan firms established tlifirq, however, are bent upon getting the group taken tinder the wing of tho Fnthor land, and tliey majr bo more successful now than beforo in moving Bismarck tointriguo with them for annexation. A preliminary warning and remonstrance from tho New Zealand Government to tho Imperial autho rities having reference to Samoa and Tonga would therefore not be out of placo.

Through tho courtesy of the commanding officer of tho American man-of-war, tho Iroquojs will be open to tho public on Saturday (to-morrow) fiom 1 to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.yfi. to G p.m.

An impression prevailed in town to-day that the stsamer signalled during tho vholc of tho forenoon was the Northern Company's new steamer Gaorloch. She, however, proved to bo tho Explorer from tho Islands.

Mrs John Lundon sands us a long lettor airing her domestic grievances, It is hardly necessary tp say, howevor, that the columns of a newspaper are scarcely the right place for the ventilation of such subjects.

The Salvation Army brass band marched down tbeQueen-streetwhari thjsafternoon, and proceeded to North Shore by the 1.30 p.m. boat. Thoy woro accompanied by a number of male and fomale soldiers in uniform.

A cricket match will take place to morrow between Avondale and Newton 2nd, The following will represent Avondale : — Wallace, Archibald (3), W. Bollard, Thomas, Kemp, Exler, Hill, Peuman, Sinclair. Emergencies: Murray, .Olphert.

In the cricket match, Pukekohe v. Tua kau, Tuakau in the first innings scored 86, and in the second innings 37 for two wickets.

A friendly vide match between tlio Thames Kith) Uangors and tlio Auckland City Guards took place yesterday. There wore 15 men on each sido. '1 ho result was in favour of the Killo Hangors, by M 5 points.

The following is the result of the prize drawing for Messrs Wai-burton and Davis's art union of pictures : —Ist prize, Mr J. If. Stubbs ; 2nd, Mr Haldwin ; 3rd, Mrs Gar- Mold; 4th, Mr Codlin ; 5 th, Mr (iimson ; Oth, Misa E. U. Wright ; 7th, Mrs Siitelill'o ; Btli, Mrs Fitxpatrick ; !tth, Mr Connolly ; 10th, Mr Eccles.

On Wednesday afternoon a resident of Wakofield - street named Halliday was perambulating Queen street with blood Mowing from an ugly wound on his head. He was intercepted by Constable Caliill, to whom lie explained that his wife hud assaulted him with a frying-pan. Ho was taken by the constable to Dr. Tonnont's surgery, and subsequently to the Hospital.

Mr MoCandlish, the contractor for tlio Taurauga and Rotorua Railway, in an ex perienced onginccr. Ho came to tho colony some twenty years ago for tlio purpose or reporting on the Lyttelton tunnel when it was tirst projected.

Groat interest was yesterday manifested in a cricket match on the Domain (Iround between tlio Auckland Ziiignri and tlio Thames Clubs. Tlio match was won by Zingari with 50 runs to spare.

At tlio Harbour Hoard mooting on Tues day application!l will be rccuivoil for the appointment of wharfinger, and tenders como in for dwarf wall, ftc, for now olliccM. Mr Winks is to move, "Thai the matter "I providing a powder landing bo referred to the Works and Tariff Commit too to report upon."

Mr Collins, who has boon prospecting in the ranges in tlio interior about eighty miles north of Napier, diseoveiod a reof two foot thick, consist ing of dark blue quartz. Ho has brought some of the atone to Auckland and had a bank tost, which yioldcd at the rate of -loxs Sdwts -Igrs gold per ton. The- stono does not shpw gold, but it resembles certain classes of Coromandel quartz. Mr Collins returned to Napier by the Manapouri today, and intends to float a company thoro. Ho has written to the Minister of Mines applying fora prospootor's lie use.

Spine natives at Matamata arc olloring obstruction to operations on one part of tho estate. A number of thorn assort' lights over what is known as Meluta's paddock, and have boon squatting thoro for some time, Mr Firth's foreman, with a parly of nioii, went to commence clearing. They commenced to till in tho ditch so as to get their clearing machines through. The natives offered a violent resistance, and prevented tho passage of the machines, slightly injuring two of Mr Firth's men. One of them was much beaten. Summon.-es for assault will bo issued.

At the inquest on tho body of Lars .lolm Peterson, who was drowned in the harbour, Ellen La won, bonrdimj-housekoopor, with whom tho deceased had lodged for three years, said ho was a Norwegian, and 'JT years of ago. Ho was generally of loin porate habits, but occasionally drank to excel?*. Ho came to her house about half past eleven p.m. on tho evening of tho "2-Uh December. After having had supper he went into his bod room, and she could not say that ho was drunk or sober. Ho then informed witness that ho intonded going down to tho cutter, as l.c h :d promised Captain Brown to pump out tho vessel the first thing in the morning, lie redressed, and bads n man immpd B'arroll " Good night." Ho did this tosovoral others in tho house, and she thought it strange that ho should take leave of so many. lie then loft the house. Slio considered ho was capablo of taking cave of himself, Tho de ceased had no drink in hor houeo. Ho did not return to broakfast in tho morning. Nothing was heard of the deceased until Tuesday, when Sergeant Clarko took her to tho morgue Peter Brown, master of tho cutter Wangaroi, doposcd that ho last saw tho deceased alive in Queen-street at !> p.m. on Wednesday, 24th ])ocembor. As far us he could say, ho was sober. Ho considered tho doooased had fallen overboard on attempting to got out of tho cutter Into tho dingy. Tho jury returned a verdict of "Found drowned."

The interesting question whether Princo Bismarck drinks more beer than wino has boon settled by two Prussians rcsidirg in Warsaw, who staked 100 roubles oach, and in order to i:ottlo thoir difference addressed tho Hon. Chancellor on the subject. Tlioy received tho following reply from the Prince's pecrotary : " His Highness directs me to inform you that you arc both in !ho right, inasmuch na ho is equally fond of good wine and pood beer, and, with tho ex ception of his sick days, partakes of the one (la well as tho other."

Tho high price of bread, in tho face of the fact that wheat Is cheapor than it has been for many yoni'K, is encouraging tho working-men of London fei form co-operative societies. Ono of theso societies lias just beon o.stubli.iliod in Bermondsoy, the homo of tho tanners, and with remarkable sin cess. Tho action of tho bakers, thorcloro, though temporarily inconvenient to tho people, is oxpocted, in tho end, to be fruit ful of good results. In Paris and Vioun.t thero is talk of n Government regulation of prices, but no one can doubt that tho Kr.g lieh systom of regulating prices is not only more healthy in itself, but better calculated to havo a permanent effect upon tho whole question.

Somo English capitalists havo recently had an agent visit Warsaw to loam if butchers' meat could bo profitably sent from Poland to England. Ho is now vL-iting Odossa and other places in tho southwestern provinces of Kussia with tho same object in view. If satisfactory arrangements can be mndo with the dealers, special railway cars furnished with refrigorators will bo imme diately constructed to sond meat across tho Continent. Tho meat could'bo delivered in London on the third or fourth day after be ing despatched, uccording to tho locality from which it was sent. Tho present time is favourable to such a scliemo, owing to tho want of fodder. For instance, bullocks bring from £1 to £a per head in Odessa, and cows £2 10s.

A cricket match will bo played in the Domain on Saturday, 3rd January, com mencing at 10 a.m. sharp—A. Clark & Sons v. Wm. McArthur & Co. Win. McArthui and Co. will be represented by Messrs Boainish, Bowring, Clnrk, Day, Doughty, Eaglea, Harris, Marsden, Moldrum, Talbot, Taylor. Tlio following will represont Now ton against Parnell 0nN0.2 wicket: -Burns, Hol)Bon (2), Mason, Mills, Osmond, Porteous, Perkins, Sexton, Smith, Waddingham. Parnell: Gardiner, Ryan, Lecky, Brown, Testro, Drum, Ohlson, Taito, A. IUII, Cossan -and Speight. In the match Truo Blues v. Franklin, True Bines Tv'ill bo represented by Fountain, Matthew?, Cunningham, Poolcy (2), Andrews (2), Kolly, Stiehbury, Tig main, Buchanan. Emergency, MoManus. I. 'Zingari Second, in tho mate!) against Gaa Works (No. 13 wicket), will be represented by Brabazon, Bowells, Chatfield, Fisher, Homery, Martin, McLcod, McKenzie, Poul acn, Smalos, Stone. Emergencies, Mon tague'and'ltatjen.

In anticipation of tho opening of the enlarged Corporation baths, tho following account of a municipal "splash" upon a similar occasion may bo useful to tho Mayor. It is narrated by "Civis" in tho " Otago Witness" :—"Tliero was something refresh ingly practical about tho programmo adoptod by tho Mayor and Councillors of Cavor'bam io opening tho St, Clair baths. Instead of indulging in speeches of wearisome length, they took 'headers,1 and as fro are informed ' natalod' to tho admiration of a largo crowd of spec tators of both sexes. This slightly ornate modoof expression must bo understood to convey that they spluttered, wheezed, pufl'od, and swallowed sea-walor in tho manner of ordinary mortals who swim merely, and do not 'nafcato.' The spec tacle of an ontire public body, from the Mayor to tho Town Clerk, undergoing a thorough cleansing process at ono and the eamo timo is both novel and instructive. It seems to promise much in the immediate) future in the way of ' brighter customs, 'purer laws..' As for Mr Lloyd, tho 'noted Oaversham character,' who walked into the limpid pool—to put it broadly, trousers and all—ha ?;q doubt expected to find some mysterious virtue in the waters at that par ticular juncture. To him it was like the moving of the waters at Bethesda. Prom tho floundering mass of 'municipal dignity ha hoped to draw good gifts which should at least recoup him the value of that portion of his wardrobe he was ondangering t-o recklessly. How many of us in this scop tical age would give a like examplo of faith ? How many of us would risk a possible influenza and tho jeers of a super ficial crowd for the privilege of bathing even with the Pope ?"

The London " Lancet " relates of a young girl who recently died in Hamburg that sho possessed the singular gift of changing tho colour of hoi" hair according to the state of ker mind. When sodate, her hair was of a natural dull colour, when excited it became reddish, and when angry the hair becamo blonde. Three days' were generally ro quired for the change to bo completed, and her complexion also varied in the same period and in tho same direction.

moVriiQ Catholic J'.azaar continues to do a £400 it prolitablu business. Upwards of nightly fes now been realised, tho average More thaufcakings being between £35 and t'-10. Some idea ' lfllf l' lo S°°d* aro still unsold, water excursiu.of tho popularity of holiday gathered from the'is in Auckland may be people proceeded to fact that upwards of COO man yesterday. This iJKnwan by the Clans that has over been under C^the largest family charge. "jtain Farquhar's

The cricket match in the Don.. rlay between St. James's Presbytenin yester tliePitt-street Wesleyun Sunday-schooiun and won by St. James's, with 2S runs tospaUwas The total scores were :—St. Jnmcs, 92yro Wesleyan, G4. For the winners, T. Maoky, 35, and 1). Smart, 21, were the top scortiM, while J. Marcroft made upwards of 20 for the losers. Rlacky and Druminond, for St. Jamoiß, and Diddam.-, jun., and Nicliolson, for tlia Woaloyans, bowled vory wol)

After tho busiest Christmas experience at his establishment, the employes of Mr It. Hew, pjruoer, with their friends, numbering about 40 persons, wore entertained by their employer at a picnic at St. Jlolier's Hay on Now Year's Day, A very pleasant time was spent in games) with tho appropriate accompaniment of music and refreshments. A vote of thanks and three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Hew Lrought the pleasant day to a closo.

Tho excursion-loving public can hardly have boon Fully aware of tho exceptional facilities allbnled for a trip to VVbangurei, or that, interesting township would have been glutted with visitors during tho Christmas holidays, Many, however, were alivo to tho fact, seized'tho opportunity aMbrded them, and found good causp to con grahdato themselves upon their luck. On .Saturday night last the Waitaki and Maegregor loft with full complements of passengers for Whangarei, tho Mac gregor a little in advance of her rival. The Wuitaki, overtook and passed her oil' Tiriliri, and gained her destination by four o'clock next morning. Some of her passengers returned by her on Monday, and others waited until Wednesday, but one and all were astonished at tho extreme cheapness of the trip, consequent upon rivalry, and fully Nltish'ed with their treat ment on board. A return ticket only costs l. r>s, and it includes a first-ela.ss meal on board as well as the cost of transit by rail between Whangarei and (ho wharf. Mr Edward Hill, tho chief stowarj, does all that is possible for tho comfort of pas.-:on gfiiv, mid the means at his disposal for that puiposo are ample. The threo hotels at Whangarei are well-conducted establish ments. Lorat'i's Commercial Hotel is allotted by business men, but family parties and tourists laid their wants and conveni ences best mot at tho Whangarei Hotel, which is kept by Mrs Lea and managed, by her son, Mr Victor Lea. It is a iirst class hostelry, and the conduct of it is turns rr/,roche.

House rents in parts of Arabia aro nearly as low nfl in a deserted mining town. A French traveller mentions his taking a comfortable dwelling at, Beroydah, con sisting of two largo rooms on ties ground Moor and three smaller ones, besides "a spacious courtyard surrounded by hitrh walls, for all of which ho paid U Cd per month.

The arrival from St. Petersburg at Copenhagen of a cargo of "21,000 barrels of Caucasian petroleum is tho result of an ex poriment which irwiy lead to a serious com petition with tho American product.

An advertisement in Paris for a bank clerk brought in no Ic-s than 0,000 applica tions, although the position was worth only IMS a year.

Bartholomew P.lnns, tho ox-hangman, ap pearod last month in tho Wakelieid I'olico Court to charge his mother-in-law with stealing his watch. In the couri'O of the evidence it was alleged that Binns's daughter had been frightened out of his houso bo cuuso (if his hanging experiments on cats and dogs. Although ho hns boon deprived of the satisfaction of hanging human boingf, ho appears still to bo deeply interested in his profession, and may, in tho courso of time,write a book on how to properly hang a person.

To persons who wish to spend an enjoy able h Delay season, and at the sumo Unto re store tliolr unm'k'iou wasted by v too close np loaliou to lni.-ir.ena, or by cares of any kind, few nlucua nllYir ho many attractions us To Arolui. Tho hot baths, which h/ivo already become fuinoiiß for their wondi-rful mc.MH-:lmil prn puriiiw. tliu rliuiHini; sronery, tho oasu by whioh thu pUco cm bn readied by rail, river, or road, and the exceodinjfly moderate cost of hotel nnd other ncco:ninodatl"ii, combine to render it a mo:%l pleasant spot; in which In spend an idle week or two, and p'oasine in'ckurs who do aiiv to pass Ibi'ir linio quietly and enjoy ubly ouimot do bo'.ter thnn visit thin ne.gli bourhnod, where hcnltli and pleasure may bo Bald to bo linnd in luind. Tho position of tho Springs Is nlmosl In the centre of the township, Bltnatoil at t!io base o( tho i?rand and beautiful mounttiln, mid they arc within two or throe minutes' walk of tho principal hotels, tho Hot Springs hostelry, krpt by Mr vv. Weston, the HritlMi by Mr P. Quiulan. and Walker's l;y j\lr .1. Warron, lioinK not, moro than a stono throw distant, 'flic faros for tho siiklo Journoy from and to Auoklund (inclusive of Jfradley and Co. 'n couches between Alorrinsvillo and. Aroha) ure '.'7b first clns-i. awl l!h (id second duss. During tlu; holidays rotiini tickets will bo Issued by rail atsiniflo fiiroa. ChC'D tlckots aro also issued by tie 'I'hamrs l'.hur Navigation Company, and for thoso who >:cf;:i- travelling by wilier, this route hns many'cli.irillo, aa during thu spring and snnnuer months Uie seon^ry on thu river banks Is exceed.iii;ly lovely,and affords v. never faillr.i; tr. at tv adinirors of tho beautiful in v,,tttiu.-[Ai;vr |

GERMAN ANNEXATION OF NEW GUINEA.

The Australian Protests,

[IIEtJTEtt'S TIiLKIIKAM.".]

Svd.nkv, January 1. It has transpired that sovoral telegrams have passed between Mr Sorvico and Mr Stout, but the Victorian and Now Zoaland Governments have failed to agree so as to form a protest regarding tho German an notations in tho Pacific. Mr Murray Sinithj Agent General in London for VicJ toria, was yesterday instructed to protett vigorously on behalf of Victoria and Tas mania against tho recognition of the Gorman claims by the Imperial Government. The protest will state that the two colonies arc forced to conclude that Earl Dorby has elthor been deceived by the German Govern ment or has deceived tho colonies. His snpinonoss and neglect of colonial interests is simply lamentable, and if Now Guinea remain unreclaimod and tho Now Hobrides be unproserved, tho estrangement of the colonios must inovitably increase.

Now Zealand's Objection.

Wkllinhton, this day

It is understood that tho difloroneo be tween tho Victorian and Now Zealand Go vernments respecting Gorman annexation is as to tho particular form the protest should take. Tho Government aro quito in harmony with tho Victorian Government inrcgrctting the action of tho Oerman'Govorhmoi.t.

SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

(r.Y TEIiKCHIArIl —PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

WKLLINQTON, this day. Sia .Thuds yooKr, loaves for Waiwora this evening. Ho will bo absent six wcolts, and, should hia health pormit, will visit the Hot Springs at Ohincmutu.

SECOND EDITION AUCKLAND V. OTAGO.

AUCKLAND WINS IJY FIVE

WICKETS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.-OWN REPORTER.)

CirniSTuiiuncH, this afternoon.

On resuming, play was steady. Coxen contributed a single, and a couplo of overs later Tcstro was bowled oil' his pad for 2, and Barton, tho incomer. Play was exceedingly monotonous for ,h timo, till Coxon got Fifzgeraid to short leg for throe, but with his next tho bowlor had his revenge by clean bowling Barton. Eij,ht runs had only been scored, and (ho game had again assumed a most interesting phase. Stafford followed, and r.oth ing interesting happened till Coxon got two fouva oft' Fitzgerald, sending 20 up. Coxon got two more, owing to Fcirburn fumbling the ball. The fiist piece of bad fielding. Turnbull now met with the .first success, bowling Stafford off his pad. Three wickets for 24. Later-3.30 p.m. Auckland won by five wickets. Ilobin gon, not out, 42; Lynch, bowled, 20. Fitzgerald took all the wickets. AUCKLAND.—Second Innings. Coxon, 111^31114121. c llattray * .'. 21 • Testro, b Fitzgerald i 0 Barton, b Fitz> orald 0 Stafford, 21, bTumbull .1 Hobinson, Dot cv- 4-2 fcynch, b, Fitzgerald 20

STABBING AFFRAY.

Arrest of a Quarter-master of the Lady Jooelyn.

The police have in custody a quarter master of the ship Lady Jocelyn on the charge of maliciously wounding a comrade on Wednesday night. It ap poara 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. Roid became annoyed at tho noise, and is suid to havo made use of some bid language towards Smith. An altercation followed, st'rlfi.d ended in Reid taking hia knife and two 6'iing at Smith, wounding him between terforcdSf ''is lingers. Their comrades in whole paixyind stopped tho affray. The Smith suid to 1. then went on dock, when yet, nnd that he%'d that all was not settled about it on shore, would havo more to say knife, and this time cvK-eid again seized his forearm. A paEsengerH^Smith acrosa the interfered, and, taking thelMiarnfid Roberts throw it into the harbour. TliKl? f»'om Bold, communicated with, and Reid l\ lt Pollce wore into custody on tho chargo of unlowfV.':" 8, I ta' cen maliciously wounding William Smith." "J^ an" W.ts brought up to-day and romanded, ■/'c

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

What appeared to bo an attempt at self destruction happonod on tho (jueon-streot Wharf last evening. A man, whose namo was subsequently ascertained to bo (leorgo Betterns, was behaving himself in a ir.ost eccentric manner. Tho burden of his trouble was that a child to which ho waa attached had been spirited away by its grandmother. His behaviour was attracting the attention of passors - by, when ho suddenly ex claimed, " Horo goes," and leaped over tho side of tho wharf into tha water. Ho was roscrod by Waterman Hawkos, and taken into custody on a charge of drunken- Ties?. Bettcmp, who is said to be a seaman,, has been remanded for several days in order that ho may undergo a medical examination, as it is believed he is nun compos mentis.

ACCIDENT ON THE RACE COURSE.

Kan Run Over by Mitrailleuse

Ax accident of a shocking character oc curred on tho Ulleralie Racecourse yesterday afternoon, during tho progress of tho race for the Publicans' Purse. Tho horses wero about 100 yards from the winning poet at the time, WolcomoJack beingacoupleof lengths ahoudofMitruillousc. Suddenlyamannamed John Patterson, employed as storeman at Sibbin's auction mart, attempted to cross tho courso between tho two animals. Tho attempt wag a wild and rcckleaa ono. Before anything could bo dono to avoid a collision, Alitrnilleuso was on top of tho man, who was lifted clean oil' his foot by tho shock. Ho came down with a heavy thud, and it was apparent that ho had sustained serious injuries. Drs, Hooper, Evans, and Humes wero on tho courso, and wore speedily in attendance on tho unlortunato man. They found that a number of his ribs had been broken, and after doing what tl(ey could for him, ordered hia removal to the Hospital. Ho was taken there at once. All kinds of rumours wero current during tho evening respecting the man's condition, and it .was generally believed that he had succumbed to his injurios, Mrs Patterson was away on tho excursion to Waiwora, and tho .first tidings of tho sad occurrence reached her alter her return in the evening.

Wo loarncd by telephone trom tho Hos pital this afternoon tliao Patterson U in a very low state, and is not expected to ro covur. Dl'B. Kiohardson and Evans saw him to-day, uni considered he was as well ad could bo expected, considering tho nature ot the injuries. Three or four ribs aro broken, and It is believed that internal injuries have been nmtained that will result fatally. Pattornon is v woll known and highly respected reeidenj; of Ponsonby, and btara tho reputation of being a sober, oteady man.

ACCIDENT AT KYBER PASS.

AnotTT 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon a trap, driven by Mr P. It. Carthow, also contain ing three ladies, wliilo proceeding towards Nowmarkot, camo into collision with ono of Craig's waggons. It appears, from a etate inont, that tho man on tho waggon was try ing to puss two horses that were ridden in front going tho same way, while tho trap was coming .from the opposite direction. Thoro was not room for three abreast on tho cutting, and tho waggon collided with tho trap, carrying away tho shafts. The horso plunged with tho broken shafts in his heel.", tho tracps still holding to the trap. Tho fituation now looked nerioua for those in tho trap. Air Carthew fortunately swerved the head of tho horse, and it bounded into Mr Moody'g gate. Before ho had time to again got away, Mr Carthow wa« at his head, and called to tho man in tho waggon for help, as ho could pcarcoly hold tho animal with the splinters about his legs, and the ladies were all thistiinoin peril, as they could not extrioato themsolves from tho seats in tho broken trap. Thoy wero alto calling for help. Tho man stopped his waggon coolly, looked round, and then drove off, loaving them all to do tlie best they could. Mr Carthow having subdued tho horse, tho ladies got free. Air Moody, who now appeared on tho bcoko, kindly took them to his house, while Mr Carthow wont in quost of tho man, who blankly re fused to give any niuho, and spoke in a most uncivil manner. The number of the waggon, however, was taken, as also tho names of thoso who witnessed the accident. Tho trap, at tho time of collision, was almost over tho cutting through trying to avoid to pass cleftr. No doubt wo shall hear moro of tho affair in a fow dr.ys!

FATAL ACCIDENT TO A RAIL WAY GUARD.

(r,Y TFXKOJUrit.—PRESS ASSOCIATION),

Dunkdix, Wednesday. John WIHTKMAN, the guard of tho invor eargilloxpross train, was killed on the journey to Dunedin when near Lovell's Flat. It ap pears ho was walking on the top of the car riage to reach the rear of the train, and having his back to the engine.he did not obforvo tho proximity of an overb' ridge. He was struck, however, by tho lower part of tho bridgo on tho head, and killed instantaneously. Whitoman leaves a wifo and threo children. His wifo is away from homo, but sho has been telegraphed to.

THE EARTHQUAKE IN SPAIN.

Moro Shoelcn. Two Thousand People

Killed,

Madrid, Dccomber 31. Fresh disastrous shocks of earthquake wore experienced on Tuesday throughout tho provinces of Malaga and Granada. Tho latter voturns show that the total number of persons killed by tho previous shocks was fully 2,000.

HEAVY THUNDERSTORM.

Houso Struck by Lightning.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Palmekston, this day, A hkavy thunderstorm occurred on Wed nesday afternoon. Tho lightning struck a chimney at tho residenco of" Watsonj schoolmaster, driving one side of the chimney completely out, down to the voof. Tho lightning ran along the iron roof to the corner of the bui'ding, where a' wire clothes-lino is attached by a staple the onds'of tho wire running to the fence in one direction, and to a post in the yard in another.' Thefenco post was split, and the'other posts shivered to splinters, which wero hurled to a considerable dls tanco. No other damage reported. The same afternoon a'very severe hailstorm was experienced at Karero.

The most Beautiful Ornamental Fire Screens ever imported to this City are to be seen atGatlick& Cranwell's Furnishing Warehouse. A largo assortment just opened up, varying in price from la 9d to 12s 6d. Ladies are invited to mako their selection early, as we cannot replace tho choicest o( thorn this season.—Qarliok and Kranweli. QnQßn-street.—{Advt.

The compliments of the season may be gracefully conveyed, and will be apureoiatingly accepted, if accompanied by souse useful prc emit, obtainable in immense variety at Good eoa'B Jjonilon Arcttdo.-lADvriJ

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

(BY CABLE,- COPYRIfIIIT.)

Cairo, December 30.

The Cavalry Corps, under the command of Colonel Sir 11. Stewart, started for Gakdul, and will reach that place on Thursday next. No opposition on the part of the tribes is expected,

The following is the pan of operations, as arranged by Lord Wolseley, for the re lief of Khartoum:-General Earl will col lect infantry at Hanuk, and after punishing the murderers of Col. Stewart, will proceed to abandon Hamod, to open the road across the desert northward to Korosko. Mounted infantry guards and camel corps will march ta morrow to convoy the train of camels with storoa to Gokone, Jebol Gakdul, mid way between Korti and Shendy. Colonel Sir H. Stewart, with guards, willromain at Gakdul, while the mounted infantry and militia camels return to Korti, whore the headquarters of the camel corps, artillery, and Husßßrs then proceed by desert road via Gakdul to Shondy, and thenco along the Nile to Khartoum.

LETTER FROM GENERAL GORDON.

He Can Hold Out.

*"*"»eeived -2nd, 10.4 i"i a.m.) A letter lv» " wKokti, January Ist General (iordon . 'x-'mTficoivcd hero from 14th, in which ho stai >ho wifl-J>orombor hold out until rescued by the oxpc'ilftin?, under Lord Wolsoloy.

THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN.

Stoclt Exchange Protest re Sinking Fund.

(BY CABLE—COI'YMOUT.)

London, December 31. The member? of tho Stock Exchange pro teat strongly against the alienation of the New Zealand Sinking Fund.

Only tho Million Loan to be Offered.

WkIXINOTOH, afternoon,

It in understood that it has been decided to issue for the present only the last million of the third million loan. The advertise ment calling for tenders within the next few days will probably appear in the Lon don papers to-morrow.

AUCKLAND WINS THE INTER PROVINCIAL TENNIS MATCH.

fliY TELHI'JKAI'II— OWN COKIIKSI'ONDENT.]

CiiuiHTC'uuncn, this day. An interprovincial tennis match took place yesterday. Barton defeated Ross, of Canter bury, after a closo match. Otago was not represented. Barton also scored an easy win aver Frasor (South Canterbury).

TABLE TALK.

A stow match—A long engagement. Song (in ono flat)—" Suite, suito home." School Committee elecfons this month. Love is blind, very blind —when the girl is rich. Tho swoetost thing in walking-sticks— The sugar cane. Chamber of Commerco meets Mr Callis, Secretary Industrial Exhibition, on Mon day. A watch that lias run down is a sort of miss-tick afl'air. On a lark—Feathers. Tho end of man— A foot above tho cole. Holiness tent at Onehunga continues its servicoa till two in the morning. Tho population of tho southern cities in Italy is found to bo increasing a third fuater than that in the northern cities bordering the Alps, caused chieily by emigration' from the latter to South America. It costs Quoen Victoria £700 a-year for her chiof cook.

When Clara was asked what clio would do if a nice young gentleman would as-k her lmnd in marriage, eho naively replied, "1 don't think I'd no."

Tho peoplo of tho United States, it is eaid, pay £180,000,000 annually for liquors. As Air Welter would say, tho peoplo of the United States aro i rum lot.

Tho Duncdin Manufacturers' Association have asked Mr Graham Borry, tho Victorian statesman, to visit New Zealand. He pro mi-ies to do so if possiblo.

Ths difference between a boll and a belle is that tho tongue of the former i-i under control, while that of the latter is not.

None but tho bravo, etc. Angelina: " Tho man I marry must bo handsome, bravo and clever." Xompkins : " Dear mo! how f—fortunate wo have met."

Thoro is a bobbery among- the Christ church Hospital stair', Dr. Nedwill re signed, alleging as a reason that Dr. Stewart had'performed a grave operation on a patient, who had sinco died, without previously consulting his colleagues on the stall', as provided by Hospital rules. The grave of Richard Baxter has no stone te mark it in tho chancel of Christ Church, London, and the vicar of that church nsks for ono hundred pounds with which to remedy the omission.

Now Zealand Art Students' excursion is fixed for tomoirow, and tho spot chosen is Hunua. Tho party go by the ten o'clock

train

Among tho suggestions for books for tho Free Library is Wilson's tails of the boarders.

The will of tho late Sir W. Mitchell, Pre sident of the Legislativo Council in Vie toria, was proved yesterday under £47,000,

The will of tho late Mr T. H. Taylor,' solicitor, was proved yesterday for £50,000, which ho lelt to his wife absolutely.

Thg Melbourne properties of the late Mr p. McKellar, producing an annual rentaj of £i>',o74, were sM at ahction yesterday/ and realised £120,633; The site of Wol atenhalnio's cafe", Collins-street, 10 feet of froniago, realised £14,560. Godrge—"Yes ; I tako up my violin for my own amusement occasionally, but I never play before company." Tom— " Thank you, my dear follow, (hank you, thank you !"'"■

TELEGRAMS.

Hamilton, this day.—The crickot match yesterday between Hamilton an.l Ngarua wahia was won by' the former easily.

Drowning Caso.

DaboaviWiE. this day.—Tho body of a respectably-dresao- man was discovered late last night in a creel.1 off tho river a few miles from Dargaville, evidently freshly drowned, The constablo proceeded to tho spot to convey the body hero. The Regatta. Jones's Dream won the Opon Boat Rare at Te Kopuru Regatta yesterday, Bailey's Ika second, Way month- ilascotto no whoro'

Houso Burnod.

Hawera, this day.—Tho private resi dence of Mrs Dunn, draper; was burnod down at fivo o'clock this morning. Everything it contained was destroyed; Mrs Dunn and family wero absent in New Plymouth. II; is surmised that some fire must have been left in the grate, and by some means causod tho firo. Tho furniture is insured for £300intheStandard.

Earthquake.

Palmhkston North, tills day,—A i-liarp shocTt of earthquake was felt horo at 11.20 on Wednosday night.

Wellington, this day. — The weather yesterday wks wet. A'largo number'of oxcursionists left Wellington for Picton^ Nelson, and other neighboiuing towns.

Lumpers' Strike.

Wellington, this day. — The lumpers are out on strike, owing to a reduction being made in the wages of coal heavers from Is Cd to Is 3d per hour.

AsiuiUKTON, this day.—Job Doaks, a farmer well known in this district, was charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court with maliciously stabbing a man namel Graham. The evidence pointed to a serious assault haying taken place. The case was adjourned'until Saturday, 'Mrs Sherry,' wife of the manager of the Union Bank, diod suddenly of heart disease on Wednesday morning.

Dunedin, this day.—Tho new year was ushered in with rather more than tho usual amount of horseplay. The weather, though cloudy and threatening, has been warm and pleasant, and consequently the vari ous sports and amusements provided have been well patronised,

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

SJJXDAYSS'SitOIi DEMON-

STRATION.

The unpromising aspect of the weather yes terday morning and thu subsequent showers of rain "interfered sadly with the arrange ments for the annual treat of the children

belonging to the various schools connected with the Auckland Sunday-school Union. From 8 o'clock untilß.3o the youngsterswere trooping: to their places of assembly, and from 9 o'clock they began to arrive in pro cessional order at the general vendezvous, which, as heretofore, was the Grsjy-street Junction. The following were the schools represented : — Newton Congregational, Pitt-street United Methodist, Unio*. street Wosleyan, lieresford-street Con gregational, Pitt-street Wesleyan, Wes leyan Mission, St. James's Presbyterian, Wellosley-Street liaptist, Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist, Pitt and Edwin streets Primitive Methodist, Parnell Pres byterian, and Mount Kdcn Baptist. In consequence of the intermittent showers of rain, tho muster of children was by no means so large as it usually is, while the general body was even further weakened at the last moment by the withdrawal of

several schools. Of those the Wcllesley strect ISaptint Mas tho most notable. The younger children belonging to it had been sent on in advance in vehicles to the Domain, but being overtaken by the rain where shelter was not to be Imil, they unstained a wetting, and were obliged to return. Under the?o circum- Btance.^thc teachers engaged tho Drill-shed (or the day, and thither tho school repaired. 1 After tea in the evening, however, tho elder scholars proceeded to the Domain, and en joyed themselves until after 8 o'clock.

J Despite tliu withdrawal of the more fearful or cautious, the process/^ proved to^ bp_ of _ confiiderable, L (' by a brass band, had roaehed the crlcs(: of the Domain acclivity, the straggling! rear was just turning the corner into i^ 10 CJrafton Road opposite tlio Choral Hall, t Mr Seering ll.'Mattliows, mounted upon* horseback, was in charge of the whole y>ody, which presented a "very animated /and pleasing spectucle, the holiday drcssc/ 8 of the girls. tho school banners, aid ff lie. variegated bannerettes borne by tho\childron, also tending to enhance its e;a\Ja character. Arrived at their destination, (the schools assembled round their respef^ivo tents and marquees, which bee ;illnc places of refuge from the recurrent rain. Between tho showers the youi *g f°'k sought congenial enjoyment. From H o'clock it became increasingly manifest" that Jupiter riuviiiH was relenting, and,.'" facti the romainder of the day pr/oved to be gloriously line. Tho efl'ect was\that one or two of tho schools whicjjl had re mained behind plucked ujp heart of grace to venture to the Domain. The usual sports were carried on th!Bre"~swing- ing-boats, merry-go rounds, a jMarionetto Show, cricket, ti«uoeZ hoegenvs tMSWfc The only school cricket match of any notoNvaV oiio between St. .James's Presbyterian and tho Pitt-street Woeleyan, which was won by the former. Selections of instru mental music wcio discoursed at in tervals throughout tho day by the band, and tho creature comfort of tho general public was abundantly catered for at somo half dozen or so refreshment stalls. Some of the outsidora formed a ring upon tho greensward, and to tho strains of an accor dion a number of couples were soon ! whirling .around in the mazes of tho dance. During tho afternoon the pupils of several of the schools were consumed with the healthful excitement of competing in athletic exercises for prizes. After the evening meal had teen served the prepara tions for deparLure began to be made, and at U o'clock tho procession was re formed and marched back to town, ac companied or preceded by the younger children in vehicles. Many teachers and senior scholars, however, remained behind, and continued their amusements until dusk.

The teachers and children of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Sunday-school, under the charge of the Rev, D. W, Itunci miiii, held their fGto at Birknnhead, whither they proceeded by special steamer from Ponsonby Wharf. Thoy had a pleasant run across tho rivor, and a short march to the paddock, which had been lent for the occa sion. Hero tho day was most pleasantly spent, the children beinc plentifully regaled with refreshments, and their interest and pleasure sustained with competitive sports and games. They returned to Ponsonby at G o'clock.

Tlio scholars attending tlio Franklin Iloac? Primitive Methodist Sunday-school assembled at 5.30 a.m. for the purpose of holding their annual festival, but owing to the gloomy appearance of the weather and the tall of a (shower, a start was not made until after 9 a.m. Tho scholar.', nuinbor ing 130, were under tho direction of the Superintendent. The route chosen was up Franklin Rood, along I'onsonby, Jervois, and Shelly Beach Roads, to Graham's pad dock in that district. A spirit of liveli ness, as usual,took poseepsiouofthescholars, which was not damped by the hard showers experienced on tho way. Tho two school banners, together with tho numbers of bannerettes distributed amongst tho children, lent a very gay aspect to tlio cortege- Arrived at tho ground, all broke oil', somo to work, some to play, and others to amuse. A very enjoyable day was spent by all. School Treat at Mekoek.— Tho annual school treat came off on Tuesday last, and was carried out under tho able manage ment of Messrs Mclllroy and McNally, assisted by Mosdames McNally, Dillon and other ladies of tho station, the decorations being tastefully carried out by Mr 11. Max well and Mr Elliott.. The quality of the refreshments was good and the supply ample, and it is needlpsg to |observe that the appetites of the youngsters were good a'so. Various outdoor games and amusements were indulged in up till dark; when the schoolroom was pre parod for a musical entertainment, which passed off with much success, the fittlo girls distinguished themselves ; 'more especially the Misses Maxwell, Dillon, Nash, Jeffries, E. Clarke, and Watkins, and of the young ladies a little older, tho Misses Elliott, Clarke, and two Misses Hutchinson. Tlio recitation by Mis.3 Maud James was given in good stylo. Mr and Mrs R. Max well, Mrs YVado.Mr Lindley, Miss Hutchin son, the Chairman (Mr Mclllroy), Mr Carr, and Mr S. Hunter, contributed to the general entertainment, tho only drawback to the general enjoyment of tho evening being the noise made by certain parties near the door. A word of praise must be given to Miss K. Seaborn, who played the accompaniments throughout. — [CORRES PONDENT.]

EXCURSIONS

Tlio threatening cloudy weather yester day prevented many persons from takinsr intended water trips to the island rotreats of the province, consequently none of the steamers wdro over crowded.

Tho s.s. Wellington loft tho Auckland wharf at 10.30 for tho pleasant shades of Waiwcra gardens, hotel, and hot springs. A considoiablo number of otfeursionists took advantage of Now Year's Day for a bracing blow to Mr Graham's beautiful homo. Tho passengers were enlivened duVihg the passago by a series of musical solec'ionsby Hunter's excellent band, under the direction of tho talented leader himself. Tho woathor at times was very rough— storm and shower, with gleams of sunshine. Under tho changing circumstances, tho excursionists did .their best, and, despite these brief drawbacks, the trip was enjoy ablu and bracing.-1'

Tho OKCuraion of tho membors of St. Thomas's congregation by the s.s. Glenelg 01V New Year's Day was moat enjoyablo, in spite of the heavy shdwers which fell just as the steamship was leaving Queen-street Wharf. Tho excursionists wont to Motu lhi, a privilege clue to Mr 0. Mays, who was cheered for his kindness when the party left that pretty island. On passing thA U.S. corvette Iroquois, the company sang tho American national air, and threo cheora for tho States of America followed this mark of refpect. In every detail the day's proceedings were most pleasant, and the holiday was thoroughly onjoyed.

The p. 8. Tongariro made several trips to St. ifclier'a Bay, which is fast becoming a favourite watering place. The s.s. Vivid to.i a party to East Tamaki, where a bountiful spread was made under the young oaks. Tlio North Shores boats plied to and fro at regular intervals during tho day.

TO-DAY'S EXCURSIONS.

Many thousands of persons left town to day bound on excursions by water to places of interest within and outside the harbour. Tholong-distance trips did not appear to bo so popular, the Wellington for Kawau, and Macgregorfor Motutapu, being but fairly patronised. The Enterprise took a shoot ing party to Motutapu, while a largo ex cursion party left for that place by the Coromandel. The children of tho Dovon portSunday-3chool left for Tatnaki with their friends on the Victoria, whilo tbo Newton

Congregational Sundny-Rphriolj|%w picnic at. Northcote.,, Large ntinMßS* people wero taken to St. ITelierV'Jiijc'^iw^ Tongariro and Vivid. The North J&K^.i'j 'and Northcote steamers were crowded duN* : ing the day. Loud complaints are again made of the irregularity of the Northcote steamers, and unless the grievance is remedied, the result will be to prejudice this district in the oyes of the public as a pV\3ure resort. The Northcote wharf is frequently omitted on the return trip from Birkenhead, and last evening possengeie were actually waiting from five to nearly seven o'clock before they could get back to town.

DEANS MINSTRELS.

These popular minstrels gave one of thoir unique entertainments last evening in tho Lome-street Hall, which was largoly attended. The programme was in three pan*, sentimontal and comic, farcical, being a« amusing act by six of the leading minstrels. Several of the items were above the average h> e rit, and won applause. Tho second entortaVinient will bo given this evening, and the. third tomorrow at the same place and hot.?, winding "up with a ball.

THE LYTTELTON REGATTA.

Tho Comet Wins the Champion n co . (BY TRDKORAfir.- PRESS ASS'"UTIO- y-»

Lytte^'°- v' this day. The regatta yesterday v Jvc successful, over 7VOOO people. '-"S Prosent- The weather was splei- ''' C.rAv jN' TjWDI™nAC E . „ oti tons ... i pfiffatis, 07 tons "\ "' o Janet, 41 tons '" ■>

Yacht Race. Surprise, 10 tons (Lyttelton) Chance, 7 tons (Akaroa) Zephyr, 7 tons (Akaroa) Time, 3hrs. s<lmins.

The Ladies' Plato, four-oared rnce, was won by tho Union Rowing Club (Chiist church), Avon Club (Christehurch) Becond Tho Canterbury Kowing Club's boat was swamped, but the crew were saved. Tho Champion Fours is to come off to day.

SPORTING NEWS.

Cambridge Races.

CAMRT.jDfiE, this day. The Now Year Mooting of tho Cambridge Jockey Club came off yesterday. The weather was unfavourable. •Tlie racing was fairly good.

Hack Hurdles.—Chanticleer, ] ■ Old Ireland, 2 j Tommy Dodd, 3. Selling Hack Rack. — Phthisio. 1 • Flirt, 2 ; Jessie Polling, 3. New Ykau Handicap.— Prosporo, 1 • Victory, 2; The Clown, 3. Rewi also started,

• Trottino Handicap.-Piako, 1 ; Bugler, g ; Simon, 3. Glengary and Slim Jim also started. MaiDKN Steei'Lechase.—Dick Swiveler 1 ; Clianticlcor, 2. Also etavtod; Tommy Dodd. ~: ■~

Railway Plate.—Victory, 1; Progpero 2; Mtea Griffiths, 3. Also started: The Clown. Ilowi won tho Consolation. • ■

Whangarei Athletic Sports.

Kamo, thißday

Maiden —Connigan, 1; Hacket, 2.

Two Hundueu Yards. —Alounock i, (scratch), 1 ; Stewart (eighteen yards), 2. " Siamese Rack.—Goodman and llonnock, I. ,' Tho rest of the sports wero postponed till ■ Saturday.

Greymouth Races.

Gbeymoutw, this day. , The weather was beautiful yesterday, and tho course in very fair order. About 1,000 people were present, and tho totalisa ter was well patronised. Hurdle Race, of SOsovs.—Lily ion easily. Birdie got second place through Harkaway slipping at the lust hurdle. Lovant could not be started, Gbky Vallky Stakes, of SOsOvs., 1} miles.—Threo accepted. Volunteer won easily. Guevmoiitii Pr,ATE.—Card^an, 1; Horo, 2; Wanderer, 3. Handicap Hack RACE.-t-Won by Bob Ridley, although ho only »amo in second. Crazy Jane, who was first.had run inside the ]oost, but beforo this jvaa known tho totaUsator money was pau away. A good "', deal of grumbling followed Brusner Stakes IIANieAP, of 30sors., 1J miles.—Only three acepted, and at the ■■: last moment Cardigan/was scratched. Hinemoa won eas% yh 9st. 71bs.; Maggie, Gst. 121bsi ( 2. poro will be four " more tomorrow. I

Racing Accident a Wellington.

Weu. gton, this day. A lad named llopk.ii who resides at Masterton, while riding a the Hack Race yesterday at Island xy, slipped off through his horso stu aling, and wan kicked by one or two oi be other horses, receiving serious injur, lie Ues in a. critical condition.

"Robin Hood" wwjus from Christ church that his consultion on the C.J.C, Summer Meeting closef frith 4,048 sub scribers, being "1,048 oirtie original issue. •

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before 'Superintends Jhomson, J.P.) Drumk.— Seven peris|wore dealt with according to law. I f Stabbing.—RoberßoM, a seaman, was charged ' \vith unla#U| and maliciously stabbing another ttiih 'of the Lady Jocelyn on the lstPfc.M)n' the'appHca; tion of Sergeant PrJ tKs ciise was reman ded until Monday, 15tti mat. '" ' OBSTituc^bN.~-^-Jber£ Alexander was summoned for abrli of the Public VVoi'k'g Act by obstructinJiotnas "Wade, a Rail way guard, whilejtke exeeution-bf his duty on the Aucld' and Onehunga line on the Istinst.fta fiv'o justices were necessary, the cafras Keld over until to morrow. '/ CirANCE.—Riclj Whiston, charged with having cottted a' breach cif tho "Gaming'and tries' Act, 1881," by playing a'ga of " sweat'om," at Ellcrslio Raeec*, on New Year's Day, was remanded if tho sth inst., but ad mitted to bail-l surety in £25, and eelf same amount. J "' '• Attemptkd a»E.—peorge Bottems, charged wiih dkenncss, was remanded until the sth ipt, he being unable to plead. j ' '' Ixdboent IltrAOE.—^Lillio Cash, in decent languan Albert-street,' 10s arid costs. 1.. ■>' > . • > :... -I This was alflbusiness. "'

MINING NEWS.

(BY TF.LKOK—OWN COnRESPOIfDENT.) j TirAirEfl, this day. Cambria,—jig Jne holiday season alterations hibcon made in the surface arrangemoifl connection with the hopj pors and si, which will considerably facilitate tjprking of the Cambria and Darwin ma Winding operations can in future bojed on simultaneously from the workiff both companies, which has not heretepoen practicable. The usual undergrofvorks, which have been in aboyancefig the holidays, will he re sumed oJpay, when the stampers will also bo sfcotion. . * ■• Calew Low Levkl.—Two leaders which wftersected on Wednesday in the southerjscut are considered the most promisift found'in the ininb. Each is about lies in thickness, well defined? and cotia largo proportion of mineral, in whi« antimony is conspicuous. SAxahe water at the bottom of the shaft King some little inconvenience 1, but thfiger hopes to dispose of it by openialre watercourses, and for this purppls driving upon the No. 2 lode. Aftorjcing about 15 feet, the fall w>l reaclgross boundary, when the l»<ter

Com Gc Banl Aucj at i spao

S likely to continue it. IPMENT. —The lnahag"' of tbo few Zealand has forwarded to 200ozs. 12dwts. bullion, valued £14,500,. purchased within the ireeweeks.

Jjrella loan society ia to bo estab blifi Berlin. Several offices are to be. | opii various parts of the city; jat i wife members, for a moderate smn. . j m#ure themselves at anjr time a cdKter against Budden rains, .■ -;- *p f IjMachinos wholesale and reiaij.— | Jmtobcra, - J

THE AUCftLARIK FjVFllsrrN Q sTAKi FRTDAY, JANUARY 2, 1885.



CiOKE, COKE, COKb, THE AUCKLAND GAS COMPANY LTD.) frivito Orders for (US COKE. Delivered within 1 iiiilo of ilio -Works, for Cash; longer ■SiftUiuees at proportionalu rates:— Sample Sacks of ihreo bushels .. Is Cd Five Sacks Gs 3d Eleven Sacks, or hiif ton .. .. 11a Gd Twonty-uvo Saok3, or oi.e ton .. 2?s Cd Tho Company s COKE is made from the bOBt r.ivy::u;n;ii Coals; is superior to that made li'iita Kcwcasliu eouig, being free from stouo k.ud clinker in a ren.arkablo degree, gives a CLKAKJCR & HOTTER THAN COAL, LKiHTS READILY, and ATAKKS NO BMOKB. j GOOD FIRE IN 10 MINUTEB. t OFFICKI FOHT-STREKT. <jr>s:2. mlt" "okb. ' no MR J. H. WITHEFOED, SIR,—I have the honour to inform you that your toader for tho eolo right of Advertising on the Auckland section of tho Now Zealand ltail ways has been accepted by the Hon. Minister for Pabllc Works on behalf of tho Queen. I have, &c, J. P. MAXWELL, General Manager, Wellington, December 1,1834, Spaces at 03 Railway Stations may be had on application at my oflico. Business men desirous of having special notices, almanacs, &c., can have them c 'octed immediately at a very mode rate charge. N.B.—Advertisers will please note that no other person has tho right of recoiviag advor tisoments for theso Railway Stations. J. H. WITHEFORD. December 15. 1881, WE FFRNISII HOUSES I'IUIOUGIIOIJT. & CRANWELL'S ■ IS THE CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Beautiful Assortment op BRUSSELS TAPESTRY, KIDDERMINISTER CARPETS. i SPLENDID LOT BEDSTEADS. Jußt> Received, IRON AND BIIASS, NICKKLELATED. QABLIOS AND £JRANWEI&, FURNISHING WAREHOUSE, QUKEN-STBEBT, AUCKLAND. fi HEBTS ■oF~d¥a"w"b R S Very Hanftsome Chests of Drawers, In Rich Mottled load, are now selling at the followinK jriceafor Cash l-The Duke of Edinburgh Chest ht Bight Drawers (the bonnet drawer richly panelled With totara, bird, and rewa rewa) & :■• ISr; MveDrawerCh6Bts.£l. .The above artlcloß ■•* have always given great satisfaction, ana be* , cpme marc bcautUul with age.



T>ANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES. A BRANCU of this Bank has benn Opened at : HASTINGS, near Napier, under the Manage ment of Mr WATVTKH POTTS. W. G. HI UN 11, i Inspector. ' COACH PROM UEVONPOKT TO LAKK TAKAPUNA. Additional Kuks, to meet tho convenience of the Public. TIMHS-TAHTJt. Coach lPdvcnDnvon- Coach Loaves Lake port lost onico. Scliool-houae. 8.20 a,m. ' 9.5, a.m. 10.30 „ 11.15 ~ 2 p.m. 2.45 p.m. 1.30 „ 5.15 „ SCKDAYS. 11. 0 a.m. 11.45 a.m. 3 p.m. 5 P-m- DAVIS VROTHERS. I'ropriowrs. /CHOICE GOODS FOR CHRISTMAS. WILLIAM ~K. BRIDGMAN Hob just received a lnrf.e and well assorted Stock of N O VK h TIKS For tho present season, mid to he sold very much under usual prices. lleiiutlful Assortment New of 1-ares, inltcal and liuitntion, While, Cream. Silver lirey. Navy Jirown, Marono, Ookl, Fancy Shades, mid 1 Hack, ,i list received by steamer I 'optic, from NowVrillliiß.Ties, Scarves. OullnTß, ("ollnrctteß. Beautiful lot Heal Luce Collars i«M, Black Silk Cropo. half-squares £ W3aZS\ Black Caslimero l.'aiies \ g s , ■■" <*&S Black Silk and aitin>tope3 I% g 39? pi Black Clienillii CaOT? Jilackl^il ry-3°%\ Laco CapeßjJrqol(B Canca V§ s i-sG93^ /Black CashufcW Dolmans /s? « o?< >. IV.l.ivV. Uro.'ljTe Visiles I^3 3 a6 > I Black llroclio Dolmans 1 S " -; Jg-PSI liluck Litre Beaded Cape 3—/ 33 )j||s S-" 3 very pretty goods 'A Tho above arochoice goods, and all prices— 2. jm very clieaßpo v.jry (jood. i! Ladies'silk'iiustru Ulsters, 7a Cd, being 'ess than half-price 12 Ladies' China Silk Ulstei-s, various shapes— . to bo sold atlialf-mlco I'lio stock of Boys', outlis', and Ston's Clothinc is large and well assorted, and all Rooils marked at a very small ndvanco on cost Men's Strong Coa's, ("s Id Boys' Suits from is lid Men's, Boys', and Youths' Felt and Straw Hats in great variety Now Floorcloths, Matlinp, Sec. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, 265, UPPKR QUKKN BTUKKT. B ISO DOZEN T>LAGK TmiIENCH KID GLOVES, BALANCE OP A:" :" MANUFACTURiiiV'S"''STOCK '["" Cleared by my London Buyer at a HEAVY DISCOUNT FOR CASH, And, although CHEAP AT DOUBLE TUB PRICK Tho Kntiro Lino will bo Q I V E N A W A V AT IS*. fiD. PER PAIR. ■IS. "D. J- XX -»- AIR. All sizes from 5} to 8. HALF-A-DOZEN PAIRS OF THESE OLOVER FOB 9s WILL MAKE A AN'I) DSKPUL CHHISTMiSS PRESENT. i a^ilTCCm uattkas; T 173. QUK RE V aIL" LS. NOTICE. Somo Splendid Allotments on Now Plans, Prices nnd Plans can be had at tho Ofllce, noKt Mes-r3 Brown and Campbell's, Shortland street. Terms.—Ono-flftti Cash, balanco any time within llvo years ; intorost, seven per cent. A. BOAKDMAN, Agent R. WILK IN 8, F. R. cTi. CONRDLTINa AND OPBUATINO -SITBGRON, is at his Surgavy for Bftnqral Practice, also Kye, Kau, and Throat. DLseasih.l!. iIORNINCiH, AKI'KIINOONS, AND KVENIKOS. Consultation Fees very Moderate. Pr. VVii.KiNS spent noven years at Mooroflelda Eye Hospital, London, under Messrs Bowman *nd Crichott. tv.-o at Throat Hospital, London, •even years Honorary Surfjuon AiDcrt Jlosuilal, and ciKht yeara at ICjo, Kar, and Throat In- Brraary^lolhourne. Adi usts spectacles to sights. —CJonsulting Rooms, Queen-street (near Poat- Cfllce), Auckland. THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY ron RHEUMATISM and GOUT.-The CIHICIFUOA (ACTE* RaCEMOB*)oR BLACK SNAKE ROOT has been long celedbated ASA RHEUMATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IN IT9 EFFECTS, AND CUBE. ss. PER BOTTLE, AT MOMH'S, "~\ Wt PWkRttKCM ," QPTOSUt BkU*. Of H.I. &UU.H SI