ARRIVALS.

! SUNSET.—This- KVenihg. 7:13 PUNRrmC-To-morrow Morning, t.:.3 MOON'S AGE.-New Moon, lGth, 8.15 p.m.

LAST EVENING. Southern Cross, s.s., Hutchison, from South Endeavour, schooner, Ruxton. from l yftollon TO-DAY. Clansman, s s., Farqnhar. from TauqUngn Waltaki, s-s , Crawford, from Whangarei

DEPARTURES.

LIST EVKN-'NC. Wellington, s.s., Stephen.on, for WSiangnru TO-D.iv. ! Cheviot, baro.no, for Adelaido

IMPORT.

Por Endeavour, from Lyttelton - GO tons Hour 100 saclva wheat. I'er Explorer, from islanria—loO tons Kuano.

Tho barque Mary Bluir left Ivaipara for Mol ten mo yesterday.

Ihe Explorer has been berthed at the Rail way Wharf. she will proual.lv go into Dock next week.

The barque Dragon sailed from Lyttelton for .London yesterday.

The s.s Arawata has gone tip to the Sugar .Company's «lurf to discharge ±0 Urns of nugar. tone wiil also take in '.'JO tons from tho Ulaiieus.

The s.s. Gluncns will take in a quantity of jugar at *c N.Z. Soger Ct/nipnny'a Wharf be fore proceeding South.

Tha following passengers arrived from Iho faauMi by i|„,,..,,. .-omiieniCri-Hs vestcrilnv after noon :-_Mesti-H I V< 1(, Wei t, Mileulm. Steor.u'e : 3lw'-i <.iat.es. Walker I :). ,Vo';ert.soo, Vcysnv lit. iMtrertX Wardlr. 1.,, hum, On-lwin, Veitch Mc«srs Dunne, *'iahoi', Harris, Kottlewjn.

Tho schooner Endeavour left I.vitelton on the -'bin Ijeeemii«i-, ii::l i ), „] i„.' ilvv we--tcr'v Xf'Vi"!;' t' 11 '"•rival Iwt evening. She him be*n fi™o. i.-'i' 'I' c '"»«'• western toe of the Queen olicet Wharf.

pJntb. c .' lnßlni,',!1 '"■onirht tho following pan- Ki^'." iaurnnga this morning:'-Mish WriCui 9'T Mi,° S v,,"' hm' n- M <™ -A- Affiles "r* ahSFtf-- J"dsro U'il»on *l™™ Harvey. Mm jjiabant.and a. (alms. aJ&2 Macsregnr brought the following pas- SP^re from whangarei yesterday :-Messra sS2,fS"' h,olJ n«- Evans. Robinson.. McDonald, wt' R£fa-Miß9Moi)ona'd. and Mrs Shrews _V.ii'.» a?'<••)«»»» _?'<••)«»»» leaves again for Whan garei at eight to-night.

vJ_ ai,ttt^l s excursion to Whangarei on _■». „ ~ r. _""• extending to January 2nd, was a graat success. The following is the nas %?S_ rJ_. -Miss Downey. William Smith; ffi_2_ d _r. V. Go"fc- Mr- <"""! M". William* ; T _?_r E-H(lwin. J. Williamson, a. Davis, Prf„, An^.. ■ HocK-inrlon, J. W. Robinson. F. i nnio C. (Meeson. A. Davis. Purkins, Aitken, \Jft\ on e?;_ . Hoffrann. Ashton, Williams- n, Northase.Philson, Steel. Shelve, Fen the- stone, tw VV nB, Harrow. Roy, Haslet, a?v?: n- f-'^ninghnm, Belsham, Buckle.and Dykes. Daws-.n.

t-Z u-owinsrare,l!e movemen'sof the I'nion creamshm Comoany's steamers f-ir next, week : -Treiday: The Taraw^ra arrives from Ponlhßrn ports and Melbourne, nnrt leaves for /!!' k J" c Penenin is due at OneMinga norn Southern ports at 10 n.m., and leaves jgain at It a.m. The Sonthern Cross leaves f.»r Gisborne at f, p.m. Wednesday : The Kingaroonia arrives from Syrlr.ev. Thurs day: IhcTarawera arrives fjom li'nasell. and leaves for Southern ports at noon. The Rinaa rootna is to leavo for Hvdnev. Friilny: The Arawata arrives from Wellington. Saturday : •he lensftiin arrives at Onehunga at fi a.m. rrjm Sonthern ports.

Messrs Cormack, Elder ami fo.'s schooner Jessie Nicol lvhinied t.> Dtmedin from her Tierionical/eniise to the Maciiiiiirrie Islands on UeaemberSlst. She has done fairly well, having seciirorl l() tons of sen el»phnnf oil. She hasalsb 01 board four pup rea elephants, several otngnins, and rahuiis. Tne islands ere swarm- Vh" T~\\il tJI? j:v,,or mentioned enimals. On irX-. - • W? c" ""Olmreil at Lusitania Bay, •UMioaaTrie T^i.iida. wind came in from the ,'la T wi lr,' wm«>! e.retitcd a vory heavy sea. and at 11 a ma large ie beig w.13 seen rapidly approachlngr Ihe vessel. The berg appeared !_ J° B 1 about • m feet in height, but not very lar^e in cirnumferenec, its general appearmce being l.vraniida). To prevent any chance of a ooUL-ion with (lie berg, the vessel wasgotunJei-wny.-iso.nieklv as possible, Uatby the tnue this was nc<onu.:ished it. lu>.d approached within three cables' luigth cf the a ihojncr. It, w,is shonly nftenvurJs lost sight of 10 the fog wl.fl, prevailed at tho finie.

lha Lytteiton Times" thus dnscrilifs Ihe de parture of the Kaikom-a with the first direct mail for England:-"This handsome .reamer left punctually at 5.20 pm , being tho first of the New Zealami shipping Company's n-all «tcainera to leave here under the mail-carrying ~2K act-J* !ln the Xcw Zealand Govern ment. The steamer drew about 23ft, on ISWMthe wharf, and looked a picture as the Styafflfid down the harbour for Wellington. The Til owing shows the work done by the vess.-l ■?„ nC,S A er. ?f lval in tho colony :-Bhe was berthed at Port Chalmers Wharf on Thursday, December llih, at H a.m. Landed 300 passen gers and their'luggage, discharged and trans shipped 1.200 tons dead weight and 1,150 tons goods: loaded S 300 frozen sheep ana 600 tons cargo, and 900 tons coal, sailing Lyttelton on Wcdnesdav, December 17th, at ; total time to Tort, Chalmers. 3i working days. Arrived at Lyttelton on Wednavlay, I)-c,'.mber 17th. at 7 p.m.; tkere discharged ll)j tons cargo (including 10 jieces of machinery weighing between 2 and 5 tons each); toolcin2,ooo sheep, 1.100 ton 3 carjo, and tiOO tons coal'; sailed I-w Wellington 6p.m. on December 19th; total time in Lyttelton, 15 hourst. 8h» will have 21 hour 3in Wellington, during which fine she. has to take in &5"0 sheep, aßQtons cargo, and iro tons coal. Her total time in the colony will be ten days, of which two wero Sundays,'1

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

The Annabel! As_oru at Tory Siioal.

Kaipaiu Headk. Ihls day.—Palled: Jules ■Marin, Bnrealis. Gra;mere. .Anehsrcd: W. (I. WentwortK

Arrived: Linda Wehor, Mary Ann Annlson, and Annabell. "lhe laacr has gone ashore at Tory Shoal.

TABLE TALK.

A Titvisn srrtJAT'/ps—Putting on a pair o? now shoes that are too tight.

Figured that don't lie-Tho standing dummies in fvont of aolothing store. Cheesr; Factory Convention at Hamilton at eleven on Friday-. . , MAny a wonian y'hri bblieyea in female sulfrage will not suffer h'cr age to bo made pu' ? c. ChiiStchu'rch tender for 160,000 Savingg Bank envelopes accepted by Government.

Boy Frank Smith kicked on jaw by horso at St. Andrew's School feast. Cheek cut and several teeth out.

Shylock ought to have known better than to go to law. A man is not likely to gain flesh when ho han a lawsuit on his hands.

A Boston bride, wishing to purchase a rump steak, asked for "a pound Of the posterior portion of the animal," Her husband had to dims that day on ox-tail soup. hew i oris wholesale dealers now pay I_d per dozen for making undershirts.

Of I (fiil pictures exhibited in tho Royal Academy, London, last year, 203 have been cold at prices rangiwr from a guinea to £1,000.

Many of the aristocratic ladies of Vienna have gone into mourning for Hans Markat, who seems to have enjoyed a groat social popularity. Mr and Mrs Etheridgo thrown from a buggy at Hokitika New Year's Day. Mrs Etheridgo 'a leg broken.

A post-office opens at TUCk Creek (Sugar Company's works), Mr Judd, the Customs officer, being appointed postmaster. The name Chelsea has bc;n conferred upon the posta district. Expci iments are now being made in Swit zerland with a new firearm that is said to surpass all others now in use. The bullet has scarcely any deflection in its trajectory, but goes almost straight to tbe mark. According, to the Londort "Truth," a mem 4 ___H_Al ° ari-stocratic family of (':i^t^jfiieHS^_j&pened a teA .shop at Kast 'lOU™_w*liP^ anr^ 'a r,-ce' v' n r a full share of puHrr; strpport from the inhabitants and visitors.

11, H. Waterhousc. merchant, has disap peared fiom Wellington. His creditors have placed his affairs in the Bankruptcy Court.

The Auckland tramways carried 10,000 people on the three days —Wednesday (in cluding New Year's Evil), New Year's Day, and yesterday.

No. 1 (with book): " Bessie, what's a creature with four legs called?" No. 2 : "A quadruped." No. I: "And a creature with two legs is a biped I" No.-: "Yes." No. 1: " Then what's asnake ? A stomach pod ?" Salvini owns and runs a vineyard near Florence that yearly yields him 2,000 quarts of wine, fetching twenty cents per quart in market. Throncrh his acting and close economy he has become wealthy, while Kossi, notoriously extravagant, is poor. In Mexico, as in Spain and other Southern countries, a lady retains her maiden name after marriage, ar.d though she annexes to it that of her husband by means of "de," she is universally known by her own family name.

The following advertisement, it is sa;d, appeared recently in a French paper:— "Found, on Sunday last, a lace mitten, embroidered with pearls. If the person who lost it will be kind enough to leave tht other one at tho office of this paper she will greatly oblige tho person who found the first."

A pretty pirl came in the car. And sho was fair, as most girls are. The car just then, hy some on>-'s work. Was shaken by a frightful jerk. And this I r maid by atrangO mishap, Sat in the bold conductor's lap. " What do you moan T the maiden cries, As from his lap she tried to rise. " Excuse me," said the rogue. " I pray, I always take the fair that way."

"Now," said tho photographer, taking hold of tho cloth over the instrument, " are you all ready;" "Yes," replied the cus tomer. " Well, just keep your eye on that sign," ho said, pointing to a legend on the wall which read, "Positively No C.edit," " and look pleasant "

Mamma—"Well, pet, how do you like your new teacher ?" Pet—" I don't like her at all." "You don't? Why?" "She is so impolite." "Impolite? Why, what did she do ?" " She asked me all sorts of 'pert'nent questions about that lesson that I couldn't answer at all."

Tremendous crowds aboard North Shore and St. Helier's steamers last night.

It shows that faith in humanity ia fast becoming an unknown quantity when a wife will believe a ten shilling clock rather than her husband when the latter has told her it was only 11 o'clock when he came in last night, while tho clock at that timo struck 2.

To persons who wish to spend an enjoy able huliday season, and at the same time re store their energies wasted by a too close ap icalion to business; or hy cares of any kind, few places offer so many attractions as To Aroha. Th.v hot baths, which have already become famous for thoir wonderful medicinal pro perties, the ple-asing scenery, the case by which the place can bo reached by rail, river, or road, and Ihe exceedingly moderate cost of hotel and other accommodation, combine to render it a most pleasant spot in which to spend an idle weok or two, and p'oasurc-acckers who de sire to pass their time quietly and enjoy ably cannot do better than visit this neigh bourhood, where health and pleasure may be said to go hand in hand. Tho position of tho Springs i 3 almost in the centre of the township, situated at the base of the grand and beautiful mountain, and they are within two or three minutes' w„lk of the nrincipal hotels, the Hot Springs hostelry, kept by Mr W. Weston, the British by Mr P. Quintan, and Walker's hy Mr J, Warren, being not more than a sioui- throw distant The fares for the engle journey from and to Auckland (inclusive of Bradley and On.'s couches between MorrinavUlc and Aroha) are 27s first class, and lils 6d socond class. During the holidays return tickets will bo issued by rau at single fares. Cheap tickets are also issued by the Thames River Navigation Company, and for those who prefer travelling by water, this route has many charms, as during the spring and surnmet months the scenery on the river banks is exceedingly lovely.and affords a never failing tr?at to admirers of the beautiful |_ Vature.—lAdvt.l

Births.

GUILDFORD.-On January 2nd, at her resi dence, Hoheon-street, the wife of Edwin C. Uuildfordof aeon. All well, i

Marriages.

McDONALD-DELL.-On December 25. 1881. at St. Matthew's Church, by the Rev. W. Tebb3, Henry Campbell, fifth son of the late William McDonald, to Amelia Elizabeth, only daughter of Josiah Dell, both of Auckland. RATTRAY-CARR—On December 25. atjthe residence of the bride's parents, Beresford-st., William John Rattray to Margaret Helen, second daughter of Mr E. Carr.

Deaths.

ARMSTRONG.—On the 2nd January, at Upper Queen-street, after four months'painful illness, James Armstrong, gasflttcr; aged 16. DAW. — On Ist January, at hia lato residence. Wood-street, Ponsonby, William Daw; aged 59yeai-3. The luneral will lcavo his late residence to morrow (Sunday), at 2.30 p.m. Friends are invited to attend. GILFILLAN.—On January 3, at ICjbcr Pass Road, Gertrude, widow of J. A. Gillillan; aged

51. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Sun day), at 1.30 p.m. MCCARTHY.—On January 3,1885, at her resi dence, Hill-street, Newmarket, Margaret McCarthy; aged 15 years. The funeral will leave her parents residence at three p.m. on Menday next. NANKERVIS—On January 3rd, at tho resi dence of hia parents, Mt. Eden Road, Frank, yonngestand dearly beloved son ot Henry C. and Jane NanKervis; aged nine months. Private interment. SAMSON.—On January 3rd. at his late resi dence, Grafton Koad, Stephen Samson; aged 61 years. The funeral will leave his lato residence on Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. SURMAN. — On January 2nd, Sclina, the beloved wife of Btcphen Surman, at her resi dence, Mary-street, Alt. Eden. The funeral will leave the above address to morrow (Sunday), at 3 o'clock. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. WALSH.—On January Ist, at her daughter's residence. Howe-street, Mary, relict of the late Edward Waleh ; aged 79.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1885.

For the cause that lacks asslstanoe, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in tho distance, And the good that we can do.

When the Government-of a free coun

try pursues a tortuous course and enshrouds its proceedings in secrecy, conjectures of all kinds are sure to arise, and the harm done is always, ex cept in very rare and exceptional cases,

runs iirysierrocnr"atcnuuir wnrr rcicrcin-c to the financial position of the colony |in London, and to the German and j French annexations in our neighbour '"hood. As to the semi-official state t merits of the Ministry on these ques j tions, it is only speaking moderately . when we ray that no one believes them. Experience has long taught us that, with Sir Julius Vbgel's love of surprise and taste for <!rau:atic effect, no re ; liaiico can bcplaccd upon the informa tion with which he inspires special or . telegraphic correspondents of the colo : tiial newspapers. The only resource is . to analyse their statements and form our own opinion upon them.

With reference to the islands in our neighbourhood, we have a rumour that the Hinemoa is provisioned for a two months' cruise, and we have also a denial of the rumour. Which are we to believe? We cannot forget that the Governor was called hastily from Christchurch, and th; Premier from Dunadin. We do not think it likely Sir J. Vogel would leave Wellington in the midst of a financial difficulty with the London money ».u_rkct. fie has put off his visit to Waiwera from time , to lime, .ir_ could put it off longer if he : liked. On these grounds we are in clined to think thai the Hinemoa is really going on a voyage to the Islands, and that as she is going, Sir Julius thinks he may as well come up in ber. Nor should we be surprised to find, if she goes to the Islands, that Mr John Lundon asks and obtains a passage in her to Samoa. He has already had relations with the natives of those islands, and may „be a useful, if unacknowledged, agent of the New Zealand Government in oVaii'rtg with them. The Gsrt»a_s have the King of Samoa's treaty, but it is repudiated by th_ Parliament of that country. IT New Zealand can get the Parliament on its Side, the Germans may be perplexed; bit if, in their per plexity, they cut the knot and take de cided action, we fear the Hinemoa, with all Captain Fairchild's aplomb, and with all the terrors of her crew of able-bodied seamen and solitary six pounder, will hardly lie allowed to stand in the way. If her destination be the New Hebrides, and the assertion of Now Zealand's right to a group which 30 or 40 years ago formed part of the New Zealand colony, we are afraid complications with the French might end in the same way. A fiasco J that would cover us with ridicule might be the end of such proceedings in either case, and as history tloes not exactly repeat itself, we hope the proceedings of the Magistrate of Thursday Island,

acting for the Queensland Govern ment, will not, under such very different circumstances, be the copy which our Government has set for iw example, i We are reduced to conjecture, and o'tr conjectures must iie taken by our readers for wh_t they i:_ worth. On the more solid ,«rou'nd of fact we have only the re'Jcence of our Government, | and. the certainty that it would not be assumed without careful calculation. The Governor is not to be lost sight of .as a factor in anything that may trench on Imperial politics or the Drocecdings of English men-of-war in the Islands But what the Governor of Queensland, acting under the advice of his respon sible Ministry, has done without cen sure, the Governor of New Zealand may probably think himself justified in doing also.

We arc disposed to attach much more importance to the doings of the London money market than to those of Germans or Frenchmen in picking _p a few tropical islands which never can hold a large European popula tion, and which they would assuredly have taken from them in case of War. The latest with reference to the money market is that the Govermrtfrit does not believe the alleged alienation of the Sinking Fund can have aroused the Stock Exchange to action. A laboured telegram on this point was wired out by the Press Association very tmprcr perly upon its own authority^ our special correspondent places it up<o_ its footing right as tire official opinion which Ministers desire to place before the public. jS_ one, however, has averred that the Stock Exchange is taking action. Our English telegram stated that "the members" were objecting Possibly the definite article should have been omitted and it should have read t-'-at "members of the Stock Exchange" were objecting. Their ob jections must have had i ffect, because the Government has reduced its de mands to one million. Nor should we be surprised to learn that they had authorised the Agent-General to under take that the Consolidated Stock Bill of last session shall remain a nullity till Parliament meets again. The latest telegrams state that New Zealand securities " are unchanged." It is idle, therefore, to give the state of the money market as a reason for with drawing the one and a-half million. The only other possible reason is the virtual alienation of the Sinking Fund. A Wellington telegram says there has been no such alienation, but this is "too thin." The Act of last session authorises the Government to put into the Treasury 50,000 in cash that ought to go to the Sinking Fund, and in view thereof put into the Sinking Fund two hundred and fifty thousand pounds worth of stock specially created and added to the debt of the colony year by year for the purpose. It was pointed out in Parliament in the strongest terms during the debate on the bill that this course was irregular and unprecedented, and might seriously damage the credit of the colony. But Sir Julius Vogel pooh-poohed the sug gestion, and Parliament so entirely trusted to his alleged acquaintance with the Stock Exchange that by a vote of 46 to 1 4 in a house of 60 members it rejected an amendment that would have prevented Government in any way using the Sinking Fund or its earnings till it had been actually released by the conversion of the old loans into inscribed stock. The loan agents, it now appears, have been "in close and constant correspondence with the Go vernment on the subject of the loan during the last fortnight," yet only two days ago Government gave a formal denial to our statements, and declared that they had received " no advice from the Agent-General," as they would have been sure to do if our statements had been correct. Was the quibble on the word Agent General ? Ought wr to have said loan agents? In any case the sooner the Government make a clean breast of it and let the public know exactly what is being done and has been done, the better for themselves, and the better for the people, who have a right to the facts, and not to be forced back upon conjecture in matters of such deep importance, and on which so many interests depend. Let them say plain'y what instructions have been given to the loan agents, to the Agent- General, or to any other authority. A letter of half-a-dozen lines to the Lon don " Times " two years ago sent down our debentures one per cent, in one

_rav_ - ii.v.'eJr\J__" v.» iTi_»'sWkJfc =-3S* change been taking action, and, if so, has the Agent-General, k lowing its importance, been guilty of so great a dereliction of duly as not to report it to Government? We do not believe that he could or would be guilty of such conduct. Vet the A venment, in their excuses, really imply that it ir> the case, and woul 1 have us believe that no notice need be taken till " the .Committee of the Slock Exchange" 'take action, as they would assuredly df, sooner or hitw, if moved thereto hy " the members " nrlicm they 'represent. It is high time that this tortuous*policy came to an end.

The Hon J. R. Thun'tetr, C\M..fr., Colonial

Secretary of l-'ii', ftftd who know:* more of the al<':i'.rs 0? that colony, and protebVy of t.ii<a Sttuth Pacific generally, tftali any other living man, hah arrived in London His presence the;,.. It. is whispered in Fiji, is preparatory to tho receipt of a more im poi-fV.nt appointment under the Crown than that which lie now holds; but whether that will be the Governorship of Fiji or the High Commissioner.-!]in of the Western Pacific is unknown. Mr Thurston's nomination to the former oilice would be popular in the ci bny, lie administered the aft'oivs of t c Government for several mouths recently during Governor Fes Vn-ux's absence in Australia, 'and tho more vigorous and popular character of his measures won the favour of the planters ami press, who »ro usually not admirers of the execitiYS HK.V. of their rulers.

The funcval of Mm a, A, Ciltillan, who died this morning, will take place, fo r»<K row (Sunday) afternoon, at fcalf-rasl four.

Bishop Luck is expect'td to arrive hove from Sydney on Tce'aciay week. Tho foun dation stof"? 5f the new Ponsonby Roman ■Catholic Chapel will be laid as soon after Wt return as possible.

Tho repayment of monies placed in tho totalisa'or on the Steeplechaso was carried out by Mr Adams at tho offices of the Racing Club to day. Many persons no doubt desti oysd thoir tickets when they saw tho ,result of the race, and there is reason lo believe that some enterprising individuals have been gathering up the fragments. Two los of six each, pasted toge'her on piper, were.- presented to day and duly paid; others that had evidently hem torn were also put in. On the matter being brought K'vchr the notice of the Steward*, however, instructions were given, trot to pay any moie torn tickets Without careful enquiry. As each ticket is worth ,C 2, a very nice little stroke of business might be dono by ft enrefu! search of the course.

i,)uito a hnye number of ThaWUs people are. or have boen,, in to'vn for the holidays during the la?t fortnight; but the master of tho Rtttomahana "states that during Christmas week he took more people from Auckland to tho Thames than he brought back.

The commander and officers of tM American warship Ircfiuots Wtsrs? enter tained today at an excursion tortnd the harbour in the paddh-steamer Victoria. Tho party v. a» arranged by Mr<;. Aiei;;n, Chairman oftftcHarbofirJJo?'rd, ftrti besides t< \ e 1 roquois otf cers €A te W.'e present a largo -nnmbor.^f larfio*, ana tho following gontlo 'Won:-—'>'{"! Worship the Mayor, Captain Webb, Dr. Bond, Captain Ilurgcv, Rev, D. Bruce, anil Messrs Stark, Chinr. Nicccl Winks, G. \V. Owen, W. Aitke",'".! P.rl,)' C. M. Main, If. P. Bn.rlwr. Lanni-an! Boss, 11. Brett, 'lambic, \Y Philson, Wars, Brigham, Berry, Colbcth, Callis (vSecretary to the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition), Brewster, Tanner, Mays, and Andrrecri-. It was intended to proceed to the Sugar Company's Works, t!;once to tho Calliope Dock, and to -;-end the remainder of tho afternoon in fishing. Mr Aickin had made the fullest preparations for the enter tainment of his guests. Canning's stall was on board, with every essential for a first 'Class lunch.

Tharac.-i social circles have been exi'.itcd during tho last week by a jpley little scandal. On WedncHay list a marriage was to Itnvn t<*.kcn place between a weTl known barmaid and an equally well-known Auckland surveyor. All the arrangements had been mack), but at the last moiitotit tho relatives of the intcn'linr; bridegroom in Auckland te'ofrrapbcil 'to friends at the Tliatnen requesting them to prevent the nuptials at all hazards. Tho re-ult wa« that the prospective bride waited >n vain for her lover, who was to hftvU eall'c'd in a onrri.igo to take !>e!." to tho Registry O.iicc. Time passed, bttti'.fi lover came, and at la.-t the t_tfn*9 reached her that he har| fiecl the

.>*eno. The intending bride.who had only been at the Thames about three week-, formerly dispensed refreshing liquors to thirsty humanity in an Auckland bar. she returned to town on Thursday night, and more will probably be heart of the matter.

Peter (,luin!an> who has been arrested for drunkenness, will also bo charged with at tempted robbery of 17s (id from tho person of a man named Brown. Tho constable who took him into custody, assorts that he saw him with his hand in" the other man's pocket, and tho intended robbery of 17: iOd is consequently inferred from the fact that Brown had that amount in his possession.

The annual meeting of subscribers to St. Benedict's Church Building Fund will I c held to-morrow afternoon, Monsignor Fynos in the choir. Tho Catholic Bazaar in aid of the Hobson street schools closed last evening ; total receipts .£370.

flood progress is Ueini; made with Uio erection of fhe largo block of shops at tho corner of Queen and Wellesley-streets for Mr C. J. Stone. Tho third story has now almost been completed. These shops, when finished, are to bo occupied by Messrs Close Bros, and Milne and Choyee.

We learn from letters received in town withroferencetothemurdcrousattack by tho two natives on b«ard the Agnes Donald, that the native fhat fell ovorboarrl first managed to wound a Maori cailsr on fhe head, (hen he mate on the jaw, next tho captain on the head. Then tho cook rushed at tho native, but tho latter, being the stronger, soon had the cook hanging over the side of the vessel: fortunately the native over balanced hinjself, fell over the cook's back, and got drowned, Tho captain was struggling with the other native, but, with the cook's assistance, he succeeded in tying him up. Harry Greenshiclds was the first attacked, and was the most soriously injured, as he was struck over the head with an iron bar, remaining insensible for three days, but is now slowly recover ing in the Hospital at Suva, The Maori and the mati were also stunned. Tho cap tain was stabbed in both sides, but ho md the other two are getting on well. Tho Agnes Donald was to remain at Suva until tho sittings of the Supreme Court on the first of next month.

The Church in the Highlands of Scotland is at the present moment in a state of strange unrest. On the one hand, the land agitation has directed attention again to tho injustice of tho Church of tho landlords possessing tho endowments, while that of tho people (tho Free Church) has to maintain itself; on which ground some soriously propose a simple transference to tho Free Church of Established property and rights. On the other hand, the Highlanders as a body are bitterly opposed to "Innovations," and, whilo tho opponents of hymns and organs seek to make of them a party of irroconcil ables within tho Free Church, tho Estab lished Church leaders (themselves no haters of hymns and organs) slily take occasion to hold out the olive branch from the auld kirk. Between these contending influences, the Highlander himself is likely to have a bad time.

"Only the other day" (writes "Anglo- Australian "in the " European Mail") " I was conversing with a friend on the vory evident advances now making in most of the Australasian colonies to a balancing of tho sexes—an event not very far removed. It is evident that some persons hero are extremely anxiou.s to bring about this consummation, and if half what I hoar be truo as to tho systematic means now adopted or contemplated for furnishing disconsolate Australian bachelors with wives, the male sex will not very long pro dominate in numbers. At Grimsby, in Osborne-strcet, there is, at the present moment, an agency expressly designed to provide wives for Australians, and great inducements are offered to charm away females who might otherwise be disposed to heed the more prosaic but practical pleasofthevarious Agents-Genera!, who are likewise working to reduce the present disparity of the sexes at the anti podes. I givg no names, for obvious reasons, and sincerely trust the Grimsby and other similar agencies may do only good ; but I fear that many women

rri disappointed. In one instance, we are seriously told that on the arrival of ono of these consignments of marriageable females, colonists rush to the docks, examine the now arrivals inslantci; and forthwith propose ! This is drawing a very long bow indeed."

Ta»«jrSJST^f^_nc^^Rigngrrrg^ tion insportingcircles. The followingarethe j names of tho teams :—Licensed Victuallers-: Malhieson (captain), filovei", Donovan, • Roberts, Twonill, Lynch, Donovan, J. | Smith, CallVey.M. Gallagher,flolly, Wattle, Barrett, S. Coombes, Stanford. Book makers : Harris (captain), Weston, Profiitt, Forward, Carter, Belcher, Uo-s, Lyons, Blaikio, Aylett, Poole, .1. Gallagher, Drake, Brimblecombe. A first-class band will _?, in attendance, and a luncbwn IS to be provided. The. moten of the Industrial School, If'?we Street, wishes to thank the boys at i'ne North Shore Wharf who took so t^rrth trouble to recover a hat, frOM tl'e, wat'or. She is sorry there v'as i'c( lirfte for her to thank them nn-r/^'iUy. 'i'iV?;':, w'i,s again a large attendance ftt lh« Opera fTor.se last evening, w»e'-i „jo pan tomime of " Bluobc"-_, or tho Heathen Chiro','' wf-s satisfactorily repeated. The porform'*„ce was under the patronage of vJaptatn Sterling nnd the ollicers of the Iroquois. ".Jane Shore" is to follow tho pantomime. The Catholic Ba:-.- t ar closed last night, the total receipts for the evening being C'Jli. Tho net proceeds arc expected to exceed C.'!oo, and a large quantity of _ood« mo still indisposed of.

An oxenrsicn party in connection with the Hold Naturalists' and Art Students' Clubs left by the ten o'clock train this fore neon for Hunua.

It does not apji'jar to bo r.mvAy known that the Saturday s'teCrtcOn Wind perform ance!, so 7C'v:vo'.Tsiy arranged for by His Worship rile Mayor, hn-'e boon suspended '(Suring the holidays. . The q'lV.t tif the series will take nlace on next in the Albert Park.

T'Ya men lately working in Hopotown street are requested to call for tho-wheel barrow thoy left in the Industrial School grounds,

There was a thin attendance last night at the Lorne-stroet Hall to witness tho varied peiformancel of Dean's Minstrels. Tho entertainment wn in three parts, comprising songs, a temperance lecture, comedy and farce. In consequence of the !a«k ot public appre ciation, the performance announced for to night will noi be given.

Tho small boys who were fortunate enough to pay a visit to the Qacsn-f trect VVharf this morning were amply repaid for their trouble, I'pfafrJ'Hef one hundred bundles of bisan'as had gone bad in the Arawata's hold, and these were landed on th" outer western tee, but it sub-equently transpired that they were nut, worth fhu cost of carriatro to file saleroom. CVjhso fluently, nmall fry Wore pPrtnitter! to bika what they Wanted, and daring tho wholo forenoon they were engaged picking out the gce'l fruit, of which a comparatively

largo quantity remained. Dozens of young sters might have been seen going up tho wharf with baskets of their spoil,

The members of St. David's Sabbath school held their f'Hc on ?icw Year's Day a': Surrey Hill-. Th« chi!dier> on account of the V'p.t mornicg were conveyed thither in dragny Uv number being about 2.j'\ Several of the friends accornpnhied by Iho teachers and the m'"mbe*-S cf the church were in attendance,find helped to mako the day a I'leasantonofor the you:-g folk. Tea, cake, buns, etc., were served out twice. Me-.-rs Mel'herson and Badger wero tho principal stcwardw. Kitcca for prizes were engaged in, for which competilim was vt:ry keen, and bafore they left for home each i*a coived a bag of lollir-s. .They Were th.ri conveyed to I heir several homes by the same coiiv,-yana i-i, and all wen; eatisii'.d with t!i j d?.y's proceiidinsTj.

The annual fostivAl of tho Sunday schools of Rt, Sop'ulohro and St. Barnabas was he!'1, yesterday in the Domain. Over two hundred children were in attendance, accompanied by their teachers, friends, and ministers. Provisions and sports were pro vided, and prizes awarded to the success ful competitors in singing, reciting, and racing, and the holiday wk.i p'casnntiy parsed.

M r Pawcctt'3 death was due to overwork, to Incomplete rceovcry from his illness of tvo years ago, to the unsc eonab'eness of the weather, and finally to tho treacherous at mosphere of the ilo.ucof Commons,whichal t rii'itcs between rtn-tic col 1 and torrid heat. Mu.-oularly he Was rhc strongest man in the Ministry, except Gladstone, and he was the only member of the (lovernment who was loved and respected by all parties alike. Though a giant in frame, ho had childlike simplicity nn'l tenderness of manner.

It is scarcely to bo wondered at (says tnu "Post") that tlio professions by tho Mini-try of their intense do.-ire for Civil Service reform arc received with some in credulity, when if. is seen that, while old and experienced Civil servant.- are being turned out of ono door, nr.-.v RVSn, not pes se'scd of any special qualifications, but O.i I ngi heir appoint merit e-iti rely to political inrmence, are being taken into the service at another door. Amongst several other recent instances of appointments of this kind may lie mentioned that of tho son of a weil known .Southern M.H.R., who has just been provided with a billet in the Public Trust Olfice. On New v. cur's Day the N./* Society rf Blue.- had n most enjoyable picnic at St. Ilcli r's Hay. The party left town at S a.m. in a drag and an Onehunga 'bus, the good things starting earlier in a cart. There worn about fifty present, consisting o .did liiues, wives, families, and a few friends, (lames of many kinds were in dulged in, especially those familiarly known at Christ's Hospital. The I.lues"present were : Messrs Trollope, Dennes, Fox, Stafford, Watkins, Bawling?, Jiathway-, Hugo, Parish, Clark, and McNeilo. Messrs Shirley, Whitcotnbe, -toncsj Nesbit, and Harrison were Unavoidably ;b cut .Mr Trollope proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Dennes for his hospitft'ity in providing for tho inner man, and Mr D.-nnes replied in a neat speech. Another vole was passed by -Mr McNeilo to ,Mr Shirley, the energetic Secretary, . for his kindness and forethought in , miking arrangements for tho use of the : grounds. The party arrived home again about nine o'clock, and thus ended ono of the p'easantest days of Brother Crug re-unions.

Several associations arc already being promoted, in Wellington to take up land under the Government special settlement scheme. On ■> has been formed by Mr. McCarllein Mesterton, to take up a portion of tie 40-Mile Bush. Another association is being formed in the Wai.arapa by Mr. Hawkins for a like purpose, and a third has been started at Woodvillo, with its proposed scene of operations also in the 40-Mile Bush. These associations are com posed mainly of tho sons of old settlors, and men who havo practical experience of the work of colonisation, and who feel them selves already cramped in the thickly settled districts, and desire to further sub due the wilderness. Another association is being formed in Wanganui, but the scene of its intended operations has not yet been decided upon.

Messrs Kincaid, McQueen and Co., of Dunedin, have undertaken tho construction of a ?tcc! screw steamer for the Duncdin- Invoicarpill trade, to tho order of Mr Keith Ramsay and others, and tho work will be commenced immediately upon tho ar rival of tho material from England. Tho contract specifics that the steamer shall ho built entirely of steel, under special survey, and classed 100a at Lloyd's. The principal dimensions are as follow: — Length of keel, 127 feet; length overall; 135 ft: breadth of beam, Oft 'Jin ; depth of hold, Bft Oin. All the materials used will be tested and passed by Lloyd's surveyors to the Board of Trade before leaving Homo. Sho is to be fitted with a pair of compound, direct-acting, surface-condensing engines, indicating 2.i0 horse-power. Seven months arc allowed to complete the contract.

Tho "Now Zealand Times," in acknow ledging the acceptance of servico of a writ and statement of claim at the suit of Sir Julius Vogcl, says : —" Sir Julius Vogel wili find that wo are quite as ready to proceed with the action as ho is."

Tho annual festival in connection with St. Luke's Sabbath School was held en Friday last in Mr Frank Buckland:s mea dow, Rcinucra, where they spent a most enjoyable clay. There were about 250 scholars and friends present. After tea about forty-five prizes were distributed to the scholars for proficiency and good con duct. Cheers were then given to the prize winners, and to those who did not win prizes, three cheers to the Superintendent (the Rev. G. B. Monro), an i three cheers to the Secretary. Scholars, teachers, and friends then met the scholars and friends of St. Andrew's Sabbath-school, when all united in sinking the hymns " Come to the Saviour" and "Saviour like a Shepherd Load L Ts." Tho Rev. (J. B. Monro thon proposed three cheers for St. Andrew's, which were most heartily given ; and at the request of Mr Bell were most heartily returned by St. Andrew's. These fraternal greetings brought to a closo the most suc cessful festival in tho history of the Sab bath-school. I

roirr.™»cVoi pVra6\rs_tt,Arcke<T,-.>;• nuum U " | discharged, 0 ; number still in the Home, 9. |We desire to return thanks for articles ' received from Mr Wood, Mr. Garrett, Mr [ Hulme, Mr flellaby, butchers' meat; from Mr Waddel, ISewton, Mr Heath, Mr Lyell, Mrs Robloy, bread ; requisites, more bed ding ; general remarks, we are doing very well.—(Signed) Captain R. Little. The first number of the fifth volume of the " Bible Standard " for 1885 opens very approf riately with editorial thought"! gn.tho new year upon whmh v."1? ,ta':e, tril'qrs'rl. These seasonable fallowed by two r,: .:-•■■'■■ Ca, lie jti'.st .0:1 -'"M_i' t riiuVo 'i':3stin,y,';,by.,Mr G.-.P, Maokay., i native,of Linjcolp ;, and the second fcV-M' ;Win..Lainj?;.c'n g. kindred. Guoject, "The iHcavonly FJ^giKmi-" The recent much tdk-'d of religious meeting at Port Albert, and the Pentecostal manifestations, are mildly criticised, and their absurdities tested by the light of Scripture. A fair lyric on the new year, church news, current notes, and the preachers' monthly plan after the order of John Wesley, complete twelve pages of readab'o, instructive, and sugges tive matter, Tho choir ami iriebds of the Ponsonby VVesle; .■*:! Church, numbering over 100, lelt t"o wharf at 10 30 for Motatapu per Cornmandcl. A most enjoyable day was spent upon the island, to ivhfch the excur sionists were kindly iireteoltted by Mr Reid-, The weat.lwr being ail thfte'eoiild be desired-, cricket, rounders, and other games were kept going with great glee and vigour, and, of course-, in the cool of the afternoon various couples went for the n uti.l lover's walk, which they doubt' les-, fully enjoyed. Upon leaving tho island at 6.,'i0, thr«o hearty oheers were given for Messrs Reid from steamer, and rospondod to from tho shore by the waving of hats, etc, A pleasant trip to Auckland, during which some of the party sang various pieces, accompanied on the organ by Mr Horsloy, finished tho day, and the party separated to thoir various hemes contented and happy,

The Sisters of Mercy return their most sincere thanks) to Messrs P. Dignan, R. Mahoney, and the other gentlemen who so efficiently assisted at the late bazaar, held for their benefit, Jas also to the lady stall holder, and those who kindly patronised the same.

TltE OcrfrAßD E.sqush Mail.—lnform your friends about the land you life in hy _nd ing them Bbett'b Auckland almanac. It describes Hot Lakes, Auckland-city and country—its resources and industries. Mail leaven Tuesday.

A new year evangelistic service will he held .on Sunday eVenintJ in the Thiafcie RoyAl. Addr^s ps wi! bo dij.ivortu by Keys. W. R l!ii-o;irtd J. P, Hill. The special hymns itftrt 'aat Sunday will be used.

Announcements of Sunday services In another olace. At St. Paul's Church in the evening a sermon will be preached by the incumbent, on "'lhe Value of Time-." At St. Matthew's. "Samson." S'.,cclal NeW Year's service at t!!e Theatre HoyaJ, AridreaSes bY Keys W. K. !>ico and J. S. Hill.

Tho complimsntn of tho season hiay be gracefully conveyed, ahd will bo appreciatintriy accepted, if obcompanietl by sbme nseful pro sent, obtainabl'a in lmmehub variety at Good son's London Arcade.—(AtJvhJ

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Maim wirx Close as otdeb— Tnia Day. For Lyttelton, direct, per (Hauous. at 5 p.m. For Kati Kati, Aongalete, and Tauranga, per Annie Miltank. at a p.m. For Thames, per Annie Milhank, at. 5.30 p.m. For Whangarei. Whangarei Heads, and Kamo, 1 per Maogregcr. at 5 p.m. i ■ Mosday, sth January. For Xew Plymouth and Southern Ports, per Penguin, at. 7.10. a.in. For Corornandel, per Corornandel. at !1 ft-m. For Itwssoll, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, Hokianga, and Mongonui, per Clansman, at, a p.m. For Tauranga, andOpotiki, per Wellington, at 5 p.m. For Whltiangi, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per Glenelg. at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Gth January. For Giaborne, Naptear, and Welltnctoo, v_- Snutr-c'rn Cr-ss, at I p.m. For Whsnptarei. Whangarti Heads, etc., per Macgieg- r. at 5 p.m. For Walwera, Kawau, Oroana, and Matakana per Rose Cagey, at 10 s-m. Per s.s. Australia, as follows :— For Navig*ors Islands, Sandwich tolands. United astton ot America, Canada, British Oeimnbtei. Central, and South America, and British e."od Foreign West Indtes, at 1 p.m Fur United Kingdom ».n_ Continent of Htrope, atl p.m. Money orders, registered letters and news papers, at 11.50 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra lee of six pence In addition to the postag*. will be received by the Mail Agent on board the Steamer up to tho ttren of sailing. this mail will bo duo in London on Friday, 13th February, .885.

8. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc

Januarys, 1:83.

Opera House—' Chinee," 8 p.m.

•" Bluebeard ; or, the Heathen

United Service Hotel—Meeting for Formation of Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association, 8 p.m.

jREUTER's TKLEGIUM.-,]

(Received, 3rd January, 1.30 p.m.) London, January 2. In connection with the recent assumption by Great Britain of the ownership of tho district of St. Lucia East, Africa, it i! Sow

ftnnoun^ed th_t tAlJerita and Co., cf Bremen, claim that tlwh' re'weoentatives acquired St, Lucia f-.-or*. the Zulu l?ing Dingul'r:, in Nov^rn^cr list.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

THIRD PAY (Concluded)

We append a description, of tho running of the Stesplecha.se, tho more result of which was given in our las.t issuo, and also the .. ulti of the two subsequent events s —

Auckland Steeplechase Handicap of

300sovs., added to a sweepstakes of lOsovs. each j second horse to receive fHVovs.j and third horso to receive 25sovs.

from tho stakes. Dl«tanee> about 34 talles. Mr J, _ ilßrow's b g Clarence, aged, 12st ' 101 l>s (A. Lyford) 1 Mr H. W. Maxwell's bra King, acred. 9st 121ba (E. Williamg) ~ ~. 2 Mr G F. Brimhlecombo's b m Julia Ann, aged, ftst 7ib» (J. Laitiji) 3 Mr D. Rutherford's eh g Trie Lad, ao-ed, I2at (Sheenan); Mr W. K. Carter's b g Alaric, Gyrs, lOst lOlbs (K. Heaton); Mr J. Pilbrow's b g Barbary, aged, lOst Gibs (T. Lyford) j Mr J. Chad wick's b g New Year, aged, lOst slba (Farrell), Mr H. W. Maxwell's br g Sunray, aged, 9st 121bs (Frewin); Mr J. Chadwick's br g Ex change, Syrs, 9st "lbs (Woods); Mr W. Weston's br g Linwood, aged, Ost "lbs (O'Connor) ; Mr O'Brien's eh g Wideawake, aged, 9st 71b (Edge cumbe). Chandler was eoratched. Betting: 2 to 1 against The Lad, 4 to 1 against Alaric, G to 1 Clarence and Barbary, G to 1 Sun ray, 100 to 12 Linwood, 10 to 1 Wide awake, King, and the others. No finer field ever faced the starter's flag on a New Zealand course for steeple chase honours, and, as a consequence, the excitement was intense. Clarence went off with the start, hotly pursued by Alaric, Julia Ann, and Linwood. Alaric quickly strode to tho front, however, iirtd led the way over the first hurdle followed by Barbary, with Clarence third, and Linwood fourth. Alaric made the pace all the way to the water jump which he took In splendid style. By this time Bftrbary and King were running second dnd third respectively, but they both went down at the water jump, and Clarence took their place. Alaric came a cropper at tho ne*t jump, But was speedily up again <i.rid in pursuit of EhcKdn'gc; f.ho had how worked his Way into the van. Past the back of the course and down the hill the leading positions were held by Ex change, Alaric and Clarence. At tho sod fence Alaric again came to grief, and this timo ratftrj up th'a coilrso riderless. Exchange .sr.ill led, attended now by Bar bary dnd Clarence: After .passing again at th'o b'&cr: of the,course Clarence ran into first place, with Ring, .Julia Ann,^Sunray md Exchange cphtestinfr e«c.ond honours. They finished in this ■ order. Exchange pulling up lame', and Barbary and The Lad having injured themselves slightly. A protest was at once lodged by the owner of Sunray against Clarence and the other hones on the ground that they had not fol lowed the proper course, and a meeting of stewards was held to consider it. Mr Brown, clerk of the course, acknowledged that he had cleared the wrong course over tho double hurdles on account of tbo crowds of people. Mr I'ilbrow urged that there was no other course open for h!s horse than that cleared by the clerk of the course, but the stewards, taking all the circumstances into con sideration, declared tho event no race, and ordered that it should be run off after the last race, or in th'o event of the horses not being there, that it .should bo run at four o'clock to _ay. Thin latter alternative was decided eh. A portion of the pullic ex hibited considerable displeasure at this re sult.

Seixiso Race, of lOOsovs., added to a

sweepstakes of 2sovs. each. For two year olds and upwards. Two year-olds to carry Bst; three-year-olds, !)st 12!b ; four-year-olds, lOst 101b; five, six, and aged, lOst 131b. Winner to be sold by auction, immediately after the race, for SOCsoVs. If entered to bo sold for 2JOsovs., ai'Owed 71b; if for loOsov?,, 14 b ; if for iJOsovs., _llb.

Mr J. Gallagher's br c Revolver (SOsOvs.l, 3yrs, Sst 51b (A. Williams) 1 Mr N. H. Lumsden's gr g Larry (50 soys.), aged, 9st 3lb (Wattie) 2 Mr J. K. Atherton's eh f Nemesis

(lOOsovs.j, 2yrs, bstlllb3 (Byers) ... 3 Mr 0., Bate's chc The Painter (lOOsovs.), oyrs, 9st lOlbs (O'Connor) also ran. Youth, Victoria.. Ugly Buck, and Cast Ashore were scratched. Tho betting was 6to 4 against Revolver, 5 to 2 Painter, 3 to 1 Nemesis. Revolver won by a length from Larry, Nemesis and the others four lengths be hind. Time, Intin. iflsecs. Totalisator: C 1,055; £43!) on the winner. Dividend, £2 3s.

Free Handicap of lOOsoVs., for all beaten

horses during tho meeting. Distance, 1 mile.

Mr .1. Filbrbw's br h Sou-wester, srs, by Goldsborough Sea Breeze, Bst I2lth (Clifford) 1 Mr G. Bates's eh ni Minerva, oyrs, Sst (A. Sutherland) 2 Mr W. Walters's blk m Fishwoman,oyrs, 6st 121ts(A. Smith) ... ... ... 3 Administrator (Vaile, 7st 81bs), Larry (Thorpe, 7st 31bs), and Normanby (G. Wil liams, 6st lOlbs) also ran. This race resulted in a length victory for Sou' wester. Time, Imin. 4b'secs. The betting Was even on Sou'wester, 3 to 1 against Fishwoman, and 5 to 1 against Adminis trator. Totalisdtor dividend, i' 3 3s.

NEW ZEALAND STUD COMPANY SALE.

The second annual sale of thoroughbred yearlings, maros, and draught horses, the property of the New Zealand Stud Com pany, takes place at Sylvia Park on Monday next. The arrangements made by the Company arc such as will afford a very pleasant outing. A special train leaves Auckland at 12 o'clock, dropping passen gers at Fisher's siding, which is within a ipiarter of a mil i from Sylvia Park. For those who prefer to go by road, two brakes are provided, one leaving tho British Hotel and the othor starting from the Secretary's office at half-past eleven. Tho stock to be passed under the hammer arc particularly lino, and should induco good competition.

T>.e Victorian Protest.

THE RACECOURSE ACCIDENT.

Death of Pattison.

John Pattison, who was run over by Mitrailleuse on the Ellerslie Racecourse on New Year's Day, died in tho Hospital shortly after one o'clock this afternoon. Drs, Richardson, Bond, and Evans saw him this forenoon, but it was evident that he had only a short time to live. Tho facts wero communicated this afternoon to the police and Coroner, and tho inquest will probably be held en Monday.

The glove contest between Murphy and Donovan will take place on Monday evening next in the Theatre Royal, commencing precisely at eight o'clock.

The latest dream in Paris is of a coupe and barouche which can bo worked by electricity. Tho Paris correspondent of " Truth has been informed by M. Herz, the man who made the toleplione so success ful in Belgium, and who is described as French Comtois by birth, Cali,ornian by early breeding, and Parisian by scientific culture, that ho is supported by tho Roths childs and several other millionaires in a scheme to constructanclectriecarriage which will be as easy to manage as a sewing machine. In our advertising columns will be found a list of meetings for united praye<- to be held during next week, in ri sponsft to 'h<- invitation from the Evangelical .UU-l.co The i__-z--i stuvic, will bo held in _i. Jar.ier-'; (.'eur.-t, A Monday evening-at 7.iU. the Ituv, It. i. Macnicol will preside, tho address will be delivered hy tho Rev. W. K. Rice. Subject " Praiso and Thanksgiving." 1 Mr William Rattray wishes to inform the public that the advertisement of hia second Grand Periodical Cash Salo is unfortunately crowded out of the Star this evening, but will appear on Monday. His establishment is closed to-day for marking down the stock, but will be opened at 9 a.m. on Monday, when the sale wili commence.'

(Received J „.na;y 3-11.50 a.m.) Losdon, January 2.—Mr Murray Smith, Age.t-General for Victoria, has forwarded to Lord Derby the protest mado by the Vic torian and Tasmanian Governments against Ihe annexation of the northern portion of New OuineaJ'y Germany,

Tho Hon. j. B. Tlrttt'ston in England

The Hon, J. B. Thurston, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary of Fiji, lias arrived here.

Another Conference About Egypt;

,: Losdos,"January' 2.— Rumours, 'which have gained credence hero, are current to the effect that a conference of the Powers of the Egyptian question is about to take place at Pari-!, HCaSta.y and Commercial London', January I.—Consols remain at 90J. The total reserve in the Bank of Eng land is £11,400,000, a decrease during the week of .-100,000. The proportion of reserve to liabilities has fallen from 3S to 33 per cent. The bank rate of dLconnt remains ot 5 per cent., and the market rate at 4^. The markets for colonial brcadstuffs and tallow are without quotable change. The total stock of tallow in London to day is 10,100 casks, being 1,600 less than the stock last month. Meliioukke, January 3. -- The cricket match between the English Eleven and' Combined Australians was continued to day, when the former .resumed their first inninva, which closed for a total of 401. The highest scorer was Briggs, c, 124. The Australians then went in for their first innings, and at. the close of the day had lost three wickets for 151. The principal scorers were—T. Horan (Victoria), c, 64; and Trimble (Victoria), not out, 41. Victorian Harvest. Melbourne, January I.—The agricul tural reporter of the "Australasian "estimates the total acreage aroa in wheat in this colony at 1,150,000 acres, and the average yield at <P7O bushels per acre, leaving 123,000 tons available for export. Fighting In New Guinea. Brisbane, January 2.-Letters .to hand from New Guinea state that several tribes are at war among themselves, and that the progress of the explorers is thereby hindered. Sybnkv, January 2.—Sailed, this after noon : The liingarooma, for Auckland.

Syd.vky, January 2. —New Zealand wheat per bushel, 3s ; New Zealand oats, 2s lid ; maize, 4s lOd; Sugar Company's No. 1 pieces, per ton, £31.

Adelaide, January '2.—Wheat is firm at 3s od to 3s Gd, with few sellers, flour: Town brand, £S to £8 5s ; country ditto; £7 to t'7 se.

THE KHARTOUM EXPEDITION.

(Mr CABLE.- COl-BIOHT.)

GORTJorT Defeats _he mahdp.

Cairo, .'antiary I.—The Jfudir of tfc'iigoio telegraphed stating that the, SJfahdi bas been repeatedly repulsed with heavy ftss by General Cordon's troops at Onderman, a village a short distance to the south-west of Khartoum, and has withdrawn to Jabtira, two days' journey to the southward. He h.?s also refused to lead hi- uriny againat Donjrola. Lord Wolsoloy has received, at the handa of an Arab messenger, a piece of paper signed "Cordon," and with the words "All right; December J-Hh," written upon it.

BORING FOR PETROLEUM AT GISBORNE.

(BY TELECKAFIi —FWSSM ASSOCIATION.)

CnivisTiJiirifiCH, this day, Tiik Southern- Cross Petroleum Company directors report the receipt of a telegram stating that the depth of No. 3 bore bn Tuesday was 525 feet, the rock being soft and brohcti, with Ci! shewing and gds coming freely. They have also received the borers' diary to December 2.3rd, from which the following are extracts: —December 17th : .Still in conglomerate. December ISth:— I .tin joint of pipe 17 feet to charge in material. December 19th : Drove 5 feet this afternoon. At 0 p.m. struck at 455 feet what at first appeared to be sandstone, but afterwards came to tho conclusion it was a thin scam of quicksand. December 20th : Put in joint of pipe this afternoon 18 feet 7 inches. Drove same 7 feet. Decem ber 22nd : Drove pipe today 5 feet. Been in clay state all day ; not much caving, but bit over did not work satisfactorily when, below the pipe During evening the papa was forcing . its way into the pipe. December 23rd : Very littFo head way; drove pipe 3 fcet',clcanihg grit to noon ; papa and gravel coming 4 feet to 6 feet up inside pipe ; have not been able to get well below pipe since .we drove it. It must bo the gas causing this. It is very strong now. There is a fair quantity of oil mixed with the sand pumpings.

THREE PERSONS DROWNED AT GISBORNE.

(BY TKLEtIRAPH.—FB.ESS ASSOCIATION.)

GIsnOBNE, Friday,

At Tologa, yesterday, two young women, named Sarah and Maggie Harvey, went out in a boat on the river, taking a little boy, two years old, named Finlay, the son of a brolher-in-lavv. Through some cause un known all three were drowned.

TELEGRAMS.

Christchurch, this day.—The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court commenced on Monday. There are twenty charges against sixteen prisoners;

Strange Fatality

Dun'EDIN, this day.—A strange fatality occurred at Seaclifl'e Lunatic Asylum on New Year's Day. Two warders—William Matson and Gordon Ingrain—were larking, and the former asked the other to striko hitii in the chest. Ingram did so, and Matson foil down dead.

Caledonian Sports,

Tho Caledonian sports wCre well attended, and the Running Handicap was won by Skitch, and the Milb by tho English runner, Livingstone ; the Walking Race by Sten houso, Light Wrestling by Tiffen, and Cornish by Robertson.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before H. G. Selh Smith, Esq., R.M.)

Drunkenness.—Four persons ; John Brown. 10s.

Damaging a Shako.—Francis Shannon was char, fed with drunkenness, disorde ly conduct, and with damaging Sergeant Donnelly's shako, 17s Cd, oq the 2nd inst—A rgeant Donnellj ar rested the prisoner near the Brick Hoii'e, Rokeby-fct''oet, at .j' to this morning. He re sisted, and damaged hia shako.— Constable Rowlea cirrohor.itod. F nod -Cs, amount of damage, and costs, or 7 > ays.

Atibmvtino to Steal.—Peter Quinlan was charged with attempting to tteal 17s lid, tho properly o.' Juhn Broan.—Prisoner said he was drunk, but not guilty of attempting to steal.— A» the witnesses Were not present, Ihe prisoner was remanded unt'l Monday.

Supposed Insanity. — John Barron, alias Starkey, was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct in Chancery-street on the 2nd inst., to the annoyance of Mrs Ann Vcscy and neigh bours —Sergeant Pratt considered that Starkey was deranged. — Remanded for medical ex amination.

Holiday Keeping.—John Burke, an elderly man, was charged with drunkenness and dis orderly conduct at the Old People's Refuge on Now Year's Day, and with assaulting the master, '1 nomas Walters. — Prisoner said ho went out and got some beer; had no recollection of striking Mr Walters; he was sorry for what hid happened. — Thomas Walters, manager, deposed that prisoner was an inmate of the Old People's Refuge; he went out without leave, and returned homo quite orunk; he tried to humour him to bed. when prisoner struck him; got Burke into bed; presently heard him get ting out of the window : caught him by the leg, when prisoner struck at him with a fork; he was a quilt mau when sober.—Seven days' im prisonment. Alleged Obstruction.—Robert. Alexander was charged under the. Public Works Act, "i'h ohj'-nc v..i.' .hoiiiiis ",'*'.••:•". '-iiv.uy Cupula i'i_Jdi'ey":'_v/ 'j . ;'_„"." „J IA.iAA' ! soner's outrageous eonuuui a;.u bad _ui_ua_<;. —Fined 20s and costs. Suicidal.— William Taylor was charged with attempting to commit suicide hy cutting his throat at Helensville on the 30th ult.—Remanded for medical examination. This was all tho business.

f ■ " mW%MMM_*mW ' i T_o Governor and his Advisers. To it some days past rumour has been busy I jvith the names of tho Governor and his IVsponsible advisers, following immediately H»on the sudden arrival of th>3 Premier Hpri Dune'din,*. He namel unckpDctedly; aid was followed by His Excellency the (ivernor from Christchurch. It was kaown that whilst passing through'Christ clurch" Mr Stout had a very length^ interview.' with His Excellency" on thi ' 'subject cf German annexation ifcthe Pacific, and this sudden return'of Gaernor and Premier to the seat of Go veament was, of coarse, at once creditsd to he action of Bismarck in-seising t_9 t'criiern coast of Kerr Guinea, All sort* of frategic steps wevs planned fqr tha, Government by busy tongues, and all sorts of flir.ours gained currency. It was first statid that there were seriou.s dissensions in tie Cabinet, and hence the appearance on tie scene of the Governor and Premier. Ne:dit was stated that His Excellency and Minftcrs were seriously at variance on the subj^t of annexation, and the character of the goteat proposed by Mr Service against (jei-iftn annexation. Thirdly, wo were told that|e Hinemoa was toproceedtoseaunder sealet orders, but that the object of her voyasw&n the annexation of the Samoa'n Groupjnd o>,h, er islands of the Pacific. All these tmours cached the ears of Ministers, and wfio effectually laughed out of court' tenance The expfenatjon offered was that very wjoitant Gabmu. business had to h_ transaeld prior to the. departure of Sii- JuUus %cl for the North_ so important! In faet/Jiat the presence <J. the Premier was deetud necessary. But it \.i_ thought desirablethat His Excellency s_,„i_fc 0 present t tho meetings of the n^ecu. tive Coucil, and that were he present he should be at hand tv receive te result of Cabinet delibera tions imfediately that result had been arrived a The subject of so much earnest dtiberation has not be n allowed to transpfe, and Ministers pooh-pooh ths idea that-nything extraordinary is going on. MrSallancc's Movements. The Hon Mr Ballance leaves for Wan ganui to-njht for the purpose of being | present at 'i native meeting there. After '[ the meetingMr Ballance will visit Napier in connectioiwith the Lands Department. Some Imprtant Annexation Move. That sometking very important has been done is certaa, and I may go so far as to say that it fas reference to Pacific an nexation. At present it is deemed inadvif able to publish tht intentions of the Go vernment, but your readers will be made aware of all that ha! been done in the coun 9 of a few days.

Departure tf f'r ■*• Vogel,

Sir J. Vogel leftalait evening for Wa:< wera Springs, and ft i rumoured that tho Ainetrioa is provisitoS for a two monthd voyage.. This may or cay not be true, and if true may or may';Ot mean anything; Verb tap-.

The Stock Exchangauid Sinking Fundj Respecting a cablegim which appeared in yesterday's paperß| am informed that the Government, hafalot received any irij formation .as ,to theHlegfid protest by members of. the: fitocjfeehange againsj the alienation of the Sjjiing Fund, and the Colonial Treasurer, exgsses strqngidoubts as to the correctness of le statement) made in the Press Association special cables. Office Abashed,

The Government intii to do away with the office of Receiver^ Revenue on the various goldlields of thsjolony. aa( _ no tke has been given to the Riders of the office that their salaries wilfjt be provided for after the end of tH current financial year, when thoy will |ye to retire from the public service oifhe usual terms of compensation. Tho pal bodies will ba entrusted With the djy of collecting ths - goldfields tevenuOi t. ' *m

The New Zeand Loan?, Upon recoipt of a rflegram a few day* ago, which stated t| the New Zealand loan was not favourfy received in tla London market, and |nld pmbablv be n s t'ucßd if not withown altogether, f sought information otfie subject, and was informed that tho Gofnment had received no information on talubject, and had r§ intention of rSducinfthe amount of the loan. The subject us, however, sineS received very caret consideration ifl the Cabinet, and t| Government havfi now announced thatjking into considera; tion the state of the Hjlish nidney market j they have decided Sly to ask for tbfl one.^ remaining mjbn of the three1 million loan at the Jsent tiliie, rind ad: vertisement? invitß tenders for thiS sum will be inimeditwy issued in _ondb'ri: The raking of the ngloan of a million and a half authorised lj session will be de layed for a moro^ fiurable market. N^d inconvenience is lik| to be occasioned by the delay. . . I . . Sir George Grcy'songs and Legends Tendors are invitfby the Government for printing and bjing 2,000,. copies of Sir George Grey?a auction of Maori songS and, legends in Eng* arid Maori. hii Excellency! Governor returns t<s Christchurch on illay

The Scripture it Association, by ad^ vertisenirrit to-dajfivito written exerciser from Scholars belojhg to th« city an/l sub; urban public schef whiph include names of household articlejtc., together with verseji selected from HolyJHpturc. Beneficial occur pation during spartfidayevenjngs is the moyin purpose in view ins offering of these annual home exercises. I . •.'..,.] ,

SECOND EDITION. AUCKLAND CRICKETERS IN THE SOUTH.

Auckland's frst Inniiigs Clfisfe Forlnety-thrce. miristchukch, this day. Tue match befen Auckland aiid Canter bury eommencftt Lancaster Park to-day; with splendidveather. The Hon. E; C. J. Stevens & A. M. Ollivier umpired; Robinson _§ - the toss, and- Sent Canterbury tfibld. Barton and TestfU #ent in at|.2sj facing the bowling of Dunlopjand Wilding. Barton opened vritfS to leg off. Dunlop first runs caJast; Barton drove Wilding to off for 2, Iging 10 up. Testro went in for stone*ng. Seven maidens bowled after which fton hit Wilding to leg fot 2 and 1, andsqfiadSOup. Just after, Dunk ii o'ean bowle|m-20— 1-18. Staffordfcb lowed and rip a single. Testro was caught by Wildinjt point, off Dunlop's bowl' ing—23 —2J Coxon was caught in the slips by Bles, off Wilding-25-3-2* Lynch wcfin and 30 soon appeared) Lynch foiling with a fine leg hit off Wilding ff. Wilding reveriged himself by a yorf which sent Lynch's bails flying- 371-9. Robinson went to this nickels, Jmade 2 off Wilding before the lunch adjjhmehf. After if); Robinson made a fingle, 40 appearinaCoxon contributed a few more. Robinsotfied a ball from Wilding, who caught 814—f.0—3. MaeCormick went to the wStP, and drove Dunlop's second ball to kfr 3. He i epeated the operation with WDig, bringing 50 up. Wilding respoudjloon after by sending his leg stump ifo—so—<3— 6; Ewing took his place. Be steady scoring fetched 60 up. Soon atijpunlop bowled Ewiug—67-7— 5. Osufl went in, and soon put together half a-d& —70 appearing. Barnes re lieved flop. Shortly after, a ball from WildinJrack Coxon on the head, slightly stunnirfim. He resumed play in a few minutefind 80 appeared. Haifa-dozen. more\fadded to thescore, when Long den caft Coxon off Wilding-87 8-19. Meldriftook his place, but was bowled by Wfiig before adding to the score, Mills it in, and Osmond scored rapidly till caft by Fowko off Wilding. Aucfhd's first innings closed for 93. OsmoflO ; Mills, not out, 0.

C.J.C. Summer Meeting.

Cbtchukcii Rackcoubse, 3.30 p.m. Ml_ Park Stakes, 250sovs. Six furlcf. —Mr Stead's Russley, 7st 71b (Deif) 1; Mr Horsford's Dime, 7st 91b (Hafig), 2 ; Mr Clifford's Tiger Tim, 7st 21b jfhite), 3. Mokara also ran. Tss nui*-«i s Kui'Btfliud. Betting, ii to i 0.-i mJi_iO rge. Wapiti, ii.,t Jibs (White) 1 Mfcad'- ike, 7st 4lh« (Brow"*) •■• 2 MfStephenson's Taiaroa, 7sfc 121bs feme) 3 f man and Leodotrran also ran. _ , Itin_: Even on Tasmnn, 3to 1 againi< 4 ti. fine, Smins, SSsecs.



TMT P. P 0 0 L E V, TEACHER of the ORGAN, Harmonium, Pianoforte. Violin, tiinKinff, Harmony. „c Cards of Terms at Hoffmsn's Eady's, and Wowden's Warehouses, or at temporary ad-., <lress, Somerset Plane, Grafton Road. I ~EFT on tho Her "at"" Birkenhead, J Lady's Groy and Black Waterproof Cloak. Anyone leaving the tame at the Star Office will be rewarded. BANANAS, Dines, Cocoanuts, very cheap, at Lowndes's, Fruiterer. Kyber Pass, Newmarket. R B. HOMBERG, Trofessor of Music, Upper Pitt-st. (opposite l^ublje Bathe). "TV R A P E li Y. FIRE ! FIRE! FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE ! FIRE ! • FIXE ! FIRS > FIRE ! FIRE 1 J. COSGRAT£ & CO. We feog to announce that it Is our Intention to entirely relinquish the CLOTHING TRADE. -And in consequence of the FIRE which took place on our premises we have been enabled . TO SELL ALL CLOTHING, MEN'S MERCERY, _c, AT ~, HALF THE USUAL PRICE, nls splendid opportunity should immediately bo taken advantage of, ai owing to a future arrangement of our Departments tho STOCK MUST BE CLEARED OUT Before the IST JANUARY, IBS 3, When all that then remains wilt be DISPOSED OF BY PUBLIO AUCTION. Noto the Address— GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE ! OREAT SALVAGE SALE! J QOSGRAVE & QO.. ""< AND 206, QnB»«.owBBEI, Vir I L L I A M RATTRAY Has Juat Opened 6 CASES OF JAPANESE'S CHINESE (• FANCY GOODS, « from HIOGO and HONGKONG direct. GENTLEMEN'S QUILTED SILK SMOKING . JACKETS and DRESSING GOWNS, ' CHINA CRAPE.'PA.T AM A SUITS, SILK HANDKERCHIEFS, LADIES' SILK EMBROIDERED DRESSING GOWNS, JAPANESE KEMONO ROBKS, BRONZE VASKS, SILK EMBROIDERED COSIES. CUSHIONS' BANNERETS, ETC., INLAID SATSUMA VASES. SILK HANDKERCHIEFS, i BLACK ANII WHITE CHECK WASHING SILKS, GRASS CLOTHS AND CANTON t CRAPES, INLAID TABt.ES. , C GLOVE AND HANDKERCHIEF BOXES. PORCELAIN TRAYS C LETTER WEIGHTS, ETC. WILLIAM RATTRAY, 178, ISO. 182, QUEEN (STREET C



B x D ° R r al MILNE & CIIxOYCE "^ Havo hist received a Siinpleinentary Shipment , of 12 cases, per J )orle, of the ( LATEST LONDON NOVELTIES 1 ease VISJTHSand MANTLES 1 eaao XThhiaimuT, capes. See. 1 ca»« i'I.OWKUH and FEATHERS 2 r'ascß tn'RA\V H.vTd and BONNETS 1 en,-e .H.OVKrj and HOSIKRV 1 caao DACE 0001)3 1 ca«o I'LASTKO>W. KECK ARRANGE-' M X ST A, and 1 >tt 'CSS TKtMMINGS' 1 CJtso UHISA rtll.Kf. SifOT STUKS. &a. 1 ca'- I INRN TAHi-INO and BDKACHED ■ CLOTHS _, 1 cm COtiTUMEi?, VERY HANDSOJUP. i2T The BAk of above Coo<U loere bought. a JOII at the end of Urn Lotuloii Season (did will be Soul Corretponrlimgly Low TDK KXUTBITIOX OAUNTLKT OIX3VKS, wiiieh ought to bit marked Wis per pair, are A Hl'lCCl-lb NOVKLTY. .HFa^NiASTROMS AND DRESS TRIM iIINOd are also ppkcial_X NKW and aTVi.ls.ll. MILNE & GHOYCE, LOOSE AND WELLESLKX STREETS. ■t rpHE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST. ALL GOODS SOLD 11V milE "\TELBOURNE T^UAPERY "" AND i riLOTfUKG /^OiWANY j AKK GUARANTEED GENUINE AND OF STERLING WORTH. THESE ARE FACTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO TEST FOR YOURSELVES. COSTUMES, MANTLES, MILLINERY, GLOVES, LACES, "RIBBONS. DRESS MATERIALS, SILKS, SATEENS, HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, MANCHESTER GOODS, BLANKETS, MHN'3 and BOYS' CLOTHING, MRN'S and BOG'S' MERCERY, MEN'S trad ROYB' HATS. THE LIVER STIMULANT.-A coarouriD extract or EUONONIYN and POBOPHYULIfI WITH TARAXACUM —13 INCOMBAB^OLY TH! BEST TONIC FOR BILISUS- N9BS. TO3PID tlVea, DVSPfPeiA, rLATULCNCE, A«0 LOSS OF APPETITE. 23. &0. PER BOTTLE, M MMIS'S. CttlVi'.ST.. Uv;?.tS Stßltl. kVSC'MAHO



Sewing Machines wholesale and retail.— D. S. Chambers.