SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

H!GH WATER{ To!raonw n Mornißg, 7.20 PTJNd.KT.—This Kvening, 7.16 SUNRISIC—To-morrow Morning, j.j MOON'S AGH.-Kirst Qsartcr, 21th, 1.1 p.m.

ARRIVALS.

•ro-nvY.

■Christina. Bch, Evansen, from Rnnell . Waitak-i.a.a.. Crawford, from \\ hiagarei Macßiwor. 8.8., Johnson, from .Vhsvnsraroi >VeilJßKton, s.s., Stcpucnsou, from llueßeH

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING.

llinomoa, Govt. 8.5., Fnlrchild, for Southern

Clansman, s.s.. Farquhar, for Taurangft <?Jcnelg, s.s., Amodeo, for Mercury Buy

I^w^ros Co.\sT\v[<:.tf —"Mercury, for Tairua, ■with SJ.UOU't timber, 5,00) slrinKle«:Ohristina. from Ilussell. with 90 tons coal; Paku, norn •i'airua. with 26,000 ft timber.

Out warps Coastwisb.—McMiirr.fwTairufti Paku.forTairun.

Tho torque Eyvor, which arrive;: nt \volnnr. ton from Now Vcr'.i on ?.10n.1.-.y "•';• '"^l",'.1' carjjo for this port, and Will cVii'.o on hero aoov.t ii fortnight hence. ■

tho regular trader G&storna is nn^mtrcsd to 1 avo for East Cwst potto on or abaiit l.uir.v day next.

Tho 8.0. JJuciJi-OKM airive. 1. from Wlißiigarei at 630 this moraine. Pas^biiKora: JUss s :'vt-le«v. fTnliin, A-Mvv*on Jlastor llrticc. Mes :Mw Hewitt, Mefilashan, Messrs Bruce, Collins.

The 5.3. Wellington arrived from Russell Ibis ..nornicir. PsfsmiKoivi: llt-n Wyles, Itoward, Mr ami Mrs Wooks, Messrs Kirn:, «/"'],?.".; Misses Cox, Cooper, Burke. Mr mul Mrs lis ilalo.MusaraHaMiian, Clavko. Mulllnioolo. Mr mid Mm Smith. Mi1 Davis. Mr ana Mrs John son. MrandMrsHnrhVSi. Mr and MraHrown, Sir, Masitor, andMisaMindiin, imd 7 in slocr-

Tho four-mabU-il thin Vimdnara was berUiod ,-it tht! end of Quocn-shc-ut, WJ.arf this morams. llurina- the diiy ylio attraot-.il ror.M.'.ciu'oln Ht iiUiintioii. a«.l was ,iv.'ii3ixi.-.««l tha ii".-.-.-!t sui)ii>K vessel Unit has ycl visited this port. ) "vuolr.msi on iioariii? in cxtjollcnt ardor, and reflects firtsat i!fu<lit on !u>r muster aiul of-icori

J. cablcß-rnm vcrelvca from Sy<l:ne>- by Co»t. A. MfiUroi-or states Unit the brlßiintino -Magollan Oioucl waa to leavo Noumea tor- 1/w Island on January, with repaired shaft fort no m.h. lona. Tho latter may therefore bo expected now about tho 25th Inst,

Tho b.b. Wdttaki arrlvad from Whatiwwcl at an onrly hour this morning with the following pawunners:-Mr and Mrs Shrewsbury, Mm iluraoa" Clark, Dunning, Mitchell (ana son), itondforil, Dent, andLongmoro. MUsoa Mary i 1 iu ltygnn. Loo1. Dont. Dark, and Anbroy.Masters 6 itdtord and Finlay.-on, Messrs Connell, Pcpta-, Kinlayson, Smith, Jaokraan. Honilorson. Alay. Gibbon, PeoSlmm, Owen and son. .toon. Hnybor, Oampboll. Purchase anil friend, H. K. Holnian, Harvey, J. Johnson. Longmore.T. Smith. Junn Ataoleod Hoiio Young. Neul McLoin, liowo, Wallah: Purchase. J. vVhitohcad WhliohouM. McLean, Anderson, Hugh ShrewsburyjMo'moy. 11. Lont'lor. J. LonKley. and Cap,. Jl^-^ cs two tons sundries.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

WA!TABA.thIs a»y.-Arrived: Ar?yle. from Onekviißa, 10 a.m , tavkaso*. this day.-Arrived: Clansman, Irom Auoklanfl, 7.30 a in. G IS BO«NE, thisdW.-Sailcd: Thomas Russell, f:r Auckland, 0 a.m. Wkllisgtov yesterdar.-Sailed: Southorn C«Sr NSo No/th! via Br£ Cou.t ports. WBttraaTON, this day.-Cleared: Plolone. Bhip, for London. — |M<

COMMERCIAL

Evening Star offlco, tins day. Mb Alfked IJrc K r.ANi»-s Hi:«v.T.-At the Upmarket on Friday, January 9, foadt-i^ as at late valuos; maize In sniull quantity at la pei tom.nl In targe iwinbcnl the draught, f:i)m CIS to S--Q. »^ ed «^ «• " tho former wevo »l'°i. c* u l; prloearan K od moratUantoya^y^ t ,c u i. andowtag JIESSU3 fl^;' ~.. i)urhn.mjy lscquollCo 0 KKPOUT.-Itoj" a o:1 r^ggWJ holidays. Goo ( there boiwf "JiJiffistandins tho supply, very few souud yoiroied. We quote hacks from £3 to , vt U,nflfc; light harness, £10 10s to £11 Jus: .-•''.jm drought, Si 3 10j to £2.'; draueJit, £31 r i-.. Cftttle: The supply lias boi!n an arerogo one. At tho Junction Yurds, en Tuesday, dairy Etjck was well reprtsoiUcd, stores fairly well, anil fat cattle were scarce, and naturally somewhat higher in value. On Wednesday at I'ukekoho tho yards wcrj ouite

full of useful stores, and prices wore satisfac tory to the vendor. Sheep: Tho supply has been largo. On Tuosrtoy at Nev/marKet large numbora were yarded especially from tho Kast and West Coasts. Bidding was hriek and com petition keen throughout tho sale. One draft of magnificent wotnora. bred anil fattened by jJr A!cu Milne, of Otakoho. denerro special moatlon. Lambs were abundant, und sold at last week's rat pa Pigs wero yarded in fair nmnbor, and sod well. A:i extensivo fale of "Japanese goods, consist ing of lo cases, vtas held yesterday at tho stores cf Messrs B. and A. Isaacs. Qucon-street. The attendance was unusually large, but tho prices wero anything but satisfactory. Tho continua tion of the salo will take plaoa next week, when tho bulance (20 cases) will bo submittod. Messrs B. Tonks and Co. sold the privileges of tho Onehunga racce of tho 21th Instant to-day, at their mart, by ordjr of tho Committee. No 3. 1 and 2 booths wero purchased by Mrs Robertson at £18—£21 each booth. Tho bidding for the gates commenced at £2(\ and ran up to £135; hut hb tho reserve waa £65 tho Club will hold thorn. Tho cards ware privately Bold Tha new sailo of tha Senator (25) realised from 10s to fi'B. G. W. Binney & Co. report that, at their weekly ealo of wool, hides, and skins, the market was well stocked, and quality and con dition much improved on previous sales. Wo quoto: First-clasa cleaved stout hides, 3jd to 4sd; lights, 3Jd to 3§d ; inferioiyuid cut, 2Jd to 3d ; calf skina, 3Jd to 4Jd per lb: butchora' ialted pelts, la to le 2d; dry ditto. Id to Is Id ; lamb aklna, 8d to Is 3d; full woollcd skins, la (id to it 7d each.

AUCKLAND PRODUCE MARKET.

Farm and DaieyProduck.—Wholesale: But ter, fresh, 8d; Butter, salt ocaree). 9d to lOd; Cheeso, (rood factory, 5Jd to 6Jd; Canterbury do., 5d :B^gs, do!., Is 3d; Lard, por bladder, 7d, 7ja: Bacon and Hams, Provincial, Cd to 8d; Hams, 8d to 9d: Canterbury Bacon In cloth, 3rd; Bacon and Hams, in equal numbers. lOd; Hams only, lljd; Jams, per case, 5s doz., £1 17s 6d to £1 18a 3d; Honey in bulk. 4d per lb. Rotail: Butter, fresh, 10d: salt do.. lOd to-ls: Cheese, colonial, Cd to 8d; Eggs, por doz., lstid; Lard, per lb, Bdto M; Bacon, per lb, lOd to Is 3d: Hams, do., Is to Is 4d. Flour Market. — Wholesale — Supecflno flour silk dressed, per ton, fill 10a; do, do, house hold, £10 10s; hundreds, os; fif Jen. 10s per ton extra; sacks and riapa free; Cantab, sacks, £3ios: hundreds, sa; fifties, lOa extra; South ern do, £U to *9 10s; bran, per ton. Backs in cluded, local, £5 10s: Southern do, £5; sharps, £5; cabin bread, £18; oatraoal, do. £15: oats. 28 lOd t033; maize, is 9d; new potatoes, £3 per ton; pearl barley do. £22 to £21. Kaubi Oum. Fiax. &o. - Tho market is very weak with few buyers, and quota tions are only nominal. We ciuoto: Poor ordinary, £30; good ordinary. £J1 to £35; Biinerior. £3ito £10 and upwards; East Coast, B(8 to £19. Supply for January to date, 2jO tens; flax per ton, £18 to £21; tow, do., £7 to £9; fungus per lb, 2Jdto3d; cocoanut fibre, per owt. 15s to 178. Coai and Firewood Market.—Coal: Now castle (slup's side), 28a to 30s por ton; yard, 328 to 355; Bay of Islands, at yards, 20s Bd; Bcreoncd, 30s Cd: ditto at the mines, 13s 6d; ship's sido, 265; Wa&ato. 8s to 12s; In Auckland, 18s to 225: Kamo, 12s por ton at loading ground; Tanpiri at mino, 83 Cd to 12s, at varlft J9s Od to 22a; Whangaroi, at mino, 9s Bd; $*215jttftui).ns; household,2ls; deliverer!. 23a. iTrowOoa: Uncut at wharf (cargo), 8a lid to 9a ncr ton; delivered, 14s: out, 17n to 18s. BuiJjDINO Matkiuam.—Timbor: Boards and Bcantlinß, 100 ft. best. Us; Bccond-dasa, 8s Cd; best, planed, tongucd, and eroorcd. ilrst-olass, 56a 6d ; medium, 13s: second ditto, lla Cd. Cargo, beat (at mills). Us; second-claas tat mills), 5a 6d: baulk, 8s CO. New Zealand palinga, -oft (sap), 10a; sft (heart), 13a; 6£t, Us; ti-trco raila, £3 10a por 100; purin tiosia d& 10s to m 10a; shinglca. 163 por. 1,000; fiobart palings, sft, 19a ;-Cft, 21a: Hobart rails. Ms, seUiiiK quotations. Bricks (at Avondale), 408por 1.000; townyarda,sostossa; dehveredSM ?oCOa. brain pipea (at worku) por 100 ffifcehps bore), 10a; i Inches, Us; 3 inches,9s; 2inches, £2 103 per 1,000; socket glazed pipos, 19 inches; 2s 6d per foot; finches, 2s por foot; 12 inches, ta 6d per foot; a inches, Is per foot; 6 inches, 6d *S to £8 10s. according to qnolity; boneflour, £9 lite; Auckland 2s; Porovian. giano, «8j Maiden Island, £8- Kuon guiino, email l->ts, £5 to £6. baea included; Hurst's chemical manure. £U 10s. *

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

JANUABV 16, 15M. Abbotfs Opera House-" Clouds." 8 p.m. Choral Hall-Conveiw.lono i" aid of Tabor naclo Fund. 0.30 p.m.

Tomporaneo Hall—Professor Hugo's Lecture on " t'roflloa," 8 p.m. Drill-shod — Special Parade of Jfaval Artillery,V.3o p.m.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Hait.B witt Close as cntjkr—

Tma Day. For Whangaroi Hoods, Pama, Waipu, Whan garel. Kamo, and Jlangapai, per MacgreKor or Waitaki, at 5 p.m. For Thamo\ per Enterprise, at 5.30 p.m.

Saturday, lTth January. For Port Fitzroy. Tryphena, and Wanffapara,

per Glenolg, at 7 a.m. For Walwcra To Kapa, and Warkworlh, etc

per I?oso Casey, at 11 a.in. l!Y)r Kati Kati, Aougatcte, and Tauranga, per Itatomahana, al -' p.m. Tor Waivrora pec Clansman, nl 2 \\m. For Thames, per Rotoniahana, at '.'.SO T1 "'"'•

Monday, lfltk J/knuary. For Coromandei, ikt Annlo Kilbank, at 11,30 a.m. Fr ; v Kew Plymouth and Southern ports, por Oreti, at I p.m. For Kiissell and Kawakawa, por liotomahana, at I p.'"- For Uisborne and Napier, per Thomas Russell, i ut 1 p.m. Tuesday, 20th inst. For Taranakl, and Southern Ports, par Rotorua, nt 7.10 a.m. Tuesday, 3rd February. Per s.a. Zoalandia, as follows :— For Navigators Islands. Sandwich Wanda, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central, and South Amorica, and British and Foradjn West Indioa, at 1 p.m For United Kingdom and Continent of Burope, at 1 p.m. Monoy orders, registered letters and newa papcru, at 11.30 a.m. Late letters, bearing an extra too of six pence In addition to the postage, will bo received by tho Mail Agent »n beard tho steamer up to the time of sailing. This mail will be duo in London on Friday, 13th March, 1885.

S. B. BISS, Chiof Postmaster, Chief Post-offlco. Auckland.

Births.

SPIJJLBY.-On January 12, at her residence. Victoria Road, Dovonport. the wife of J, C, Spinley of a daughter. Both doing well.

Marriages.

TANNBR-MUSGRAVE.-On January lfth.at St. Sepulchro's Church, by tho Vonorable Archdcsoon Dudley, Thomas Bird, eldest son of Thomaa Tanner, County CorK, Irolund, to Annie, aecond daughter of Georgo Musgravo, of Limerick, Ireland.

Deaths.

CAMPBELL.—On Janr.ary 15, of convulsions, at StoKcs's Rnad. Mount Kden, Auckland. Kenroso Archibald, the bolovod son of Kan neth and Roso B. Campbell. The funeral will leave the abovo place at 3 o'clock p.m. to-morrow (Saturday), the 17th.

COYLE —On January 15,1885, at hia son's resi dence, Fernlelgh-slroct, Ponaonby, Patrick Coylo (lato of II.M. 58th Regiment); agod 75 years. The funeral will leavo at 3 p.m. to morrow (^aturdaj), the 17th mat. Friends pleaso accept this in vital io ■.

FOREMAN.—On January 11,1885, John 11. B. T. Foreman; aged S3 ycara. Tho funeral will leave the rcsidonco ot Mrs Foreman, Groy-streot, to-morrow (Saturday), at 4 o'clock. Krlonds please accept this invi tation.

RODGKRS.—At the Albert Hotol. this morn ing, Paul Rodgers. of lung disoaao, aged 35 The funeral will leavo tho Albert Hotel at 5 p.m. this afternoon.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 1885.

For the cause that lacks assistance, For tho wrong that needs resistance For the future in the distance, And the «cod that we can do.

The Chamber of Commerce is showing itself alive to the damage which the mercantile interests of Auckland are suffering through the management of the direct steam service. There can be no mistake about it—this is a matter imperilling the trade of every Auckland merchant, and the commer cial status of the port among the com mercial entrepots of New Zealand. The evidence of utter indifference to Auckland's interests, both with respect to the number of direct ships and the carelessness in transhipping from steam ers arriving in the South is conclusive. Every importer has had personal ex perience of it. A long enough time has elapsed since Mr Coster gave assurances that Auckland requirements would be fully satisfied, but there :'s yet no evidence of the sincerity of these expressions ; we are indebted for the first direct steamer to the Shaw, Saviil, and Albion Company, and not to the New Zealand Shipping Company. If mercantile men fully realise the import ance of tho question—that, deprived of the facilities for quick delivery which Southern merchants enjoy, they will be undercut and forestalled by Southern rivals—they will very soon prove to the Companies who now consider they have the port at their mercy that it is well able to take care of itself. "We quite recognise that Auckland is at adisadvan tage, owing to the small export trade, but our aggregate business is very large —second only to one oiher port in New Zealand —and if the New Zea land Shipping Company do not con sider it worth while to satisfy our reasonable and necessary demands, let them withdraw from the trade; there will be no trouble in making better arrangements. If the pro mises that have been given are sincere, objection cannot be taken to the request that the dates for a cer tain number of the steamers shall be fixed for Auckland direct. The times j of departure are already arranged upon

a settled time-table for tho mail service, i and it should be easy enough to indi cate which vessel will make Auckland the first port of call; merchants can then arrange with Home agents 10 rivail themselves chiefly of the direct 'steamers. Without that certainty, the Company 'cannot expect a steamer which is put on at a moment's notice to be taken off again, perhaps, with as ittle warning or ceremony, to till up readily with cargo for this port. We think it may be in ferred from a refusal to name these dates that the Company intend j to continue playing with our traflic, putting an occasional steamer our way as a bone is thrown to a hungry dog. Acting upon that sup position, the importers of Auckland must look elsewhere for aid ; and the sooner they lake effective mefir.s to bring this state of incertitude, which us inflicting loss upon the community, to a dose, tire better for their own in terests individually and collective)'. The resolution carried unanimously by the Chamber yesterday is, we hope, a prelude lo oilier and move vigorously practical measures of self-protection.

New South Wales and Annexation.

Mr Uallrv, tliq Alt»moy--Cionoral of few South Waits wm roportwi w our cubic vows Ihe otte-v 4ny t* making s-omo very {.trong animftdvcreioiifl on tho folly of ask ing England to protect againt Uerman mi aexation. Tho JHnistry nt Sydney have kept their ho.ids cool throughout tho lover rncinE on tho other sido of tho border, nnd whilo not inappreciativo of tho importance of assorting Australian interests in vw Pacific, have eenso enough to re^oj-mao rSat^Ct^Boo^S? Mr Service's remonstiances, «^«'^ its own Ooverhmo.it vpo" t'lolr mo, ro modorato attit-'do, observes :—" Iho attempt by the Victorian l'remior to rous,o tho Australian colonies into a stato of iwrtial or outright rebellion has proved a complete failure, and tho honourable gontle man who acted as tho moving spirit m the mattor has coverod himself with ncKc-ile, it not with ignominy. Whatovw C&U80 o complaint tho colonies may bo uscortaincd to havo with regard to tti-o conduct nl the Karl of Derby and trfo British Cabinet, it haH bcon very F&tlsfactorily proved that tho rieoplo of Austrnlin aro not disposed to sanction Alaloyal protests, and that they havo no sympathy with political lirobratms T,-ho throw out hints oE scpuration, and go us near talking treason aa (hoy dare." These sensible observations will bo Mr. dially endorsed by a great mnjerUi' of tho peoplo of this colony.

The Imperial Government and Confederation.

f The position of the Fedoral Council Bnal

f ling Bill adopted by *he SvAorcolonial Co-v ifcrpntt), nud forwarder to tlio Imrttriol i ioveniment, hns been otnclnlly explained

in Parliament. In tlra House of Commons on November 24th, Mr T. H, O'Connor

asked tho First Lord of the Treasury whether, as livo of tho Australian colonies ■wero willing to confederate, ho would now propose tho Enabling Bill whi<;l>, in reply to tho then membor for Wntciforcl County, ho expressed his readiness to introduce in tho closing clays of thn Inst session. Jlr Gladstone replied ■—"Thoexpression in tho question, 1 think, may mislead. The draft bill on this subject, which lias been undor consideration is not what is commonly understood by R bill to oimblo tho Aus tralian ooloniea to confederate '.I he word « confedorato 'is too wido. It ia a bill to enable them to establish a small FoJoral Council for tho purpose of dealing with certain questions of common interest, leaving colonial institutions intact. There is, however, such a bill, and tho opinion of tho <iovornuiont about it is this, that it could not bo prosecuted to f. conclusion if it wero now introduced, and will require, in tho opinion of the (Jovorn mont, amendments in certain respect?. That bein;- co, tho Oovernment consider it will bo much tho more convenient course to have these amondmonts Fettled in con cert with tho colonies beforo they intro duce tho bill to tho colonies." Tho matter then dropped. A wce!c lator, in the House of Lords, Earl Carnarvon raised tho same question by ask ing the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it was tho intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduco a bill during tho prcsont session to enable tho Australasian colonies to carry out tho scheme of federation lately ngrced to by the I Intercolonial Conforonco in Australia. Tho Earl of Derby said ho was glad that this question had boon put to him by his noble friend, because it gave him an opportunity which ho desired of explaining how this mattor really stood. 1 ro Imd seen suggestions in various quarters that tho Government had not made up their minds about thi3 Australian Bill; that thoy were still hesitating, and that that, was the cause of tho delay in introducing it. For that statement there was no shadow of founda tion. Tho Government wero pledged to bring in tho bill, and they had not tho least wish to withdraw from their pledgo; and ho was sanguine enough to bolievo that tho bill would meot, with very littlo opposition in cither of tho Houses of Parliament or elsewhere. It was, in fact, tho carrying into effect of tho policy which on tho part of the Colonial Ollico ho suggested last, year, and ho was thorcforo tho last person likoly to bo indifferent to its success. The reasons which had prevented him from bringing it in during tho autumn session h»d been vurioun. Thero was tho inevitable uncortalntly till tho last few days of tho duration of the Bittings, and of tho business which would come boforo them, and on examining tho draft of the bill thoy found various points of detail on which amendments seemed desirable, but boforo introducing them they had thought it well to consult tho Oovornmonts of tho various colonies. Thoy would receive tho answors cariy in tho spring, and practically no time would bo lost. It would bo an ad ditional advantago if the IjQtzislaturofi of New South Wales and Now Zealand should so far consider their present viow as to bo willing to join, and as the bill did not. creata any compulsory union, but only em powered the colonies to act together for certain purposes if they choso to unite, unanimity among tho coionies would not bo necessary.

Socialist Outrages in Germany.

By all accounts, tho condition of tho Ger man Empiro is rapidly drifting into tho eamo vortox of terrorism that is paralysing tho Russian Colossus. "Despotism, tem pered by assassination," will soon bo the order of the day, unloss Princo Bismarck's schemes of colonisation serve to relieve tho stress of population, and divert the atten tion of tho people from the pressing social problems of tho day. In cur mail news were given some startling particulars of tho recent attempt to destroy tlie " < iermania " statue, and yesterday's cablegrams convey tho intelligence of the iwavination of a high police oflici.il at Frankfort who hml shown himself zealous in nnti-Bocialistio work. WJion political movements hro suppressed, they almost invariably take the form of outrage and assassination : and these, whether committed by Nihilists in Russia, Socialists in Germany, or Fenians in Ireland, betray a clangorous state of society. Tho outlook in Germany is certainly very gravo; and as, with her citizen army, there is no means of dazzling tho people with tho idea of military glory, domestic problems must bo faced honestly if revolution ia to be averted. Tho recent election?, which resulted in such a marked victory for the Socialists, are but a symptom of the forces at work in thoFathcrland. They also suggest the possibility of attaining reform by coTißtitutionnl means. Emperor William, who has tue w.ellare ot ins pcupie at heart, has shown tho first symptoms of distrust of hia iron - willed adviser, Prince Bismarck, by calling in Captain Carlowitz to consult as to the spread of Socialism, which tho Chancellor makes little of. Carlowitz is a Saxon, and it is in Saxony that Socialism flourishes most; so that the Emperor, not unnaturally, con cluded that he could offer some explanation of the result of the elections. In response to Imperial inquiries, Carlowitz said bluntly that during the past two yeara Socialism in Saxony had made enormous strides, iie was

not, however, prepared to explain the causes which evolved this abnormal political condition, but the indisputable fact re mained. If the Emperor were under tho influence of a less autocratic adviser than Princo Bismarck, tho German peoplo would doubtless be relieved from the roprossivo tactics presently practised, and with- tho freo cxerciso of their constitutional rights, would live in poaco and contentment; but as things are, thoy are tending unmistak ably to revolution.

A now illustrated agriculture magazino is announced to bo issued on tl'.o £lst inst., under tho titlo of " Tho New Zealand Fanner, lico .and Poultry Journal." Tlra " North Now Zoalanrl Sottlei':: lift* bebn purchasod by tho proprietOV, and and will bo incorporated with tho larger and inoro fiomploto Journal, Writers in nil parts of New Zealand have, been engaged^ for tho voiir, Svliipli ninvi (it iittaiuing a i'iulofiial position and cirenlatlon, Tho host featlirea of tho KngHsh and Amoricnn agricultural periodicals nttvo been ooußidovecl with a viow to thoif adap tation to tho cirempßtftnods and climate of Now Zealand. It i^ to lw hoped that tho now publication will be Worthy of (ho lat-jro :mil growing agiitultural interests ot this colony, aiul that it will !'»oet a want l).u\.t has long beon io% iiamoly, thai, of a journal doVOted entirely to the rural interests) -\\A sotontiliofarinfAg. A. ■ u;iuci;il iwwo ol 10,000 i« ndvorii^d for tho i fiKut ?nv\nior, and diheVinformation rolativo \ V\j rato of stibsd^.ptlon, &<:., is furnished hi i tti\ advcVtitciWcnt elfowhero.

'i'hu (iovornment steamer Hinomoa took hor departure early this morning for tlso South. Sha proceeds to WeUin^ton, via OLsbornoaiul Napioi1, lion?. P. Buckley and .). A. Tolo boing i>as-;oi>.{?)vß. Mr Buckley, lands at Napier, mid after insp'jcti'nic.thej cliiiiitublo institutions there, -prcf ced' over laml to Wellington.

Tlie City 'f^ojiu'il appears Jisposocl to bring it.-! meetings onco more within roftsonable limits. Last jilghts' tnootlng cnly occupied two hours and a-lmlf. Thoro was very littlo business of import. anco. Our report appears on tho fourth pags, Om- wookly market prico-list, which X 8 published to-day, contains a fow altoratlonH from quotations previously given. Butter remains as before, 8d per lb. wholocalo and lOd por lb. retail; but eggs havo advanced 11 Is 3d por dozen wholosalo and Is 6d por dozen rotail. Othor alterations in wholesale prices include Southern bran, which wtj now quoto at C5 ; sharps, £5 ; now pstntoe?, £5, We aleo quoto "cnntal" R6ur, sacks, ,C!> 10s; hundred, £'.) Uis; fifties, £10. Tho timber market remains unaltered. It wan ?npp'jii«d by somo that tho great firo at tho Now Zealand Timber Company's mills would tond towards a rise, but so far this has not occurred, neither is it probable. (! urn also continues at Inst week's vMum, tho supplies for this month, so/ur, amoui\t ing to about 250 tons.

Tho Chamber of Commerce h&vti decided to dcputnUanise tlto Minisfer of Public Works on the insjrfPcioncjl of railway an commodAti^n for'tlio eonvoyauco of pas«on gcrs on e'' cursion days.

I,'rior to tho departure of the United States warship Iroquois, II is Worship tho Mayor took occasion to thank tho com mander of thai vessel for tho Borvfcwi, rendered by hit men at the tiro on Sntr.vdny night. Cnptatn .Stirling on[ne.":.';u plfitUKire that thoir sarvicos hr.'l bcV". :.f,prcciated. Tho I\qv. 'I'Viii-*!:1; Carter lias resigned tho pastorale of the Baptist Church, Ponsonby, and intends to desarthis charge in iivo or :.i\- weeks hence. Jt is now upwards of throo years pinco Mr Carter assumed the pastorate of tho Ponsonby Church,

\\ c understand that tho noxt annual report of tho Auckland Savings Bank wiU afford concllifsivo proof of tho prosperity of t'lo artisan and labouring classes of Auckland during tho pnst twolve months. Tho increase in tho nmnbor of do positors and value of doporfit?, it is said, will be Bomowhiit startling. At tho meeting of tho Chamber of Com merce yesterday afternoon, Mr Lodder ox proMod surprise at the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company Handing to Auckland n largo tailing vessel Kuch as tho Vandimra instead of one cf the direct steamora. Mr Nathan, in reply, said that tho cost of working tho Yanduara in comparison with the (.-o.st of a trip of a steamer was noxt to nothing,

Lust, night an unprovoked assault was mrulo on a nouUomon just arrived from tho Soul!). Whilo standing at tho dear of his house nt Somerset Place, a man came up, and after asking if tho lady of tho house was in, ttruck the gentleman a heavy blow in tho face nnd decani pod, No explanation nt all can bo given of tho outrage and the matter has been placed in the lintidfl of tho polico.

Tho advertising mirrors outside the Com mercial l-Uning Kooms proinico to bocomo tho subject of litigation. They wore takon down without Mr Robaon'a knowledge on Monday, and pincod at the foot of his stair case. Consequently Mr Robson hns com menced an action against Mr Bailoy, who has » tobacconist shop under hia rooms, charging him with tho removal of the mirrors, and claiming £25 damages. Tho Town Clerk last ovoiing, brought under the notice of the City Council tho fact that additional accommodation was urgently required, the rooms devoted to tho uho of sevoral oflicials being exceedingly cramped, and wholly insufliciont for re quirornonts. Tho matter was rofcrrcd to a committee for consideration. No time hnn hoon lost by tho Now Zea land Timber Company in making tempor ary arrangements for carrying on tho busi ness interrupted by the destruction of their lino mill. A largo shed hns been erected further along the beach road, and workmen aro busy in gotting into position such machinery as has been found available, and serviceable for tho carrying on of urgent' work. Tho question of Imperial Federation is to bo discussed by tho Chambor of Commorco at a special meeting. Tho matter would havo been opened at tho mooting of tho Chamber yesterday, but for tho absenco of Mr.l. C. Firth, wha has nil along takon a deep interest in this important matter. Tho report of tho Commtttoo recommends tho Chambor to support any intelligent pro posal having for its object the socuring of tho pormanont unity of tho Empire Henry .lackmnn, employed as scullery* man at tho Northern Club, mot with a painhil Occident laat night. Ho was using a sharp knife at his work, when ho managed to slico tho top of his loft foreh'ngor noarly off, Tho cut bled profusely, and Jackman hurried at onco to Dr. Tonnont's surgery. Tho wound was in such v position that it etmld not bo stitchod, and consequently tho edges had to bo stvappod togother by tho doctor. Tho Band of Hopo entertainment at the Grafton Wosloyan Church was largely at tondod 'nst evening, Over 200 childron and adults were proseitt. Mr E. C. Carr occu pied tho chair. Intoroetinß recitations wero iriven by Misses Grlndtpd, Maggio Peace, nnd Mr John Walker. Mips Alico Hodges gnvo a capital reading, and Miss Hampshire was very successful with hor protty song. Tho certificates gained at tho lato Industrial Exhibition of tho. Union wore prcsontcd to tho successful competitors. Mr Seaman, as Returning Ollieer.reports tho following ro3ult of the poll, taken yesterday, for tho election of a Board of Ilireo for tho Marmkau subdivision of tho , Manukau und Titirangi NowKoad District: Androw M. Laing, 11; Alexander J. Mac kie, 10 ; William C. Iligham, 9 ; Leonard 3, Armstrong, 5. The lirst three were declared roturned. Tho poll for the Titi mngi EiibcliviMon will be taken to-morrow (Saturday) at tho district school-room. It is crcatly to bo regretted that the atewnrdst nF tho Takapuna- .loekey Club still a'llierc to their unsportsmanliko action in holding their summer race meeting in op position to the long-cnfablivlieil Regatta. There is no objection lo a race mooting being held at Holonsvillo, but for the North Shore, which is a marine suburb and por! ion of our harbour, offering contra attraction to the Kogattu, shows a very objectionable spirit. Tho Kogatt.i was founded by very early sottlere, who deemed it a fitting and appropriate mode of celebrating their anni versary of this colony, and which all young colonials and long residents still uphold.

Tho InferprovinciiJ Cycling Meeting which i? to take place at Lancaster Park, Christehurcb, on January 24, promises to ho a great succors. Promises of support lmvo been received from Auckland, Blen heim, Dunedin, and other placeu. Two mem bsvfl of tho Aurklnntl Club, Mewr-a Fitfon and t1 tewart, weui> couth yesterday by the VVairarapa for the purpose of taking part in 'the races. Mr Fitton rode last year from Auckland to Wellington, the longost ride that has been recorded in the colony, and ho is ono of tho best ridors in Auckland. The programmo of the meeting comprises 14 events, including the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance One Mile Cham pionship. This will be the only champion ship held in Christchurch this season the Five Miles having been decided at Dunedin, vujiile the Ten Miles will be held at Auckland about Easter,

The English hop market, when the mail leftwasi/averydisorganisodstate There > had been a great drop in values, good Mid and Bast KeSta selling at £5 .per owt. Mor chants and othor holders had los heavily, and two failures had occurred In tho Borough (Southwark). One of the folhng merchant's liabilities amounted to .i2j,0()0, tho other's to £10,000. ' The following;aio sohw of the latest quotations :-Araeri an and Californian, 80s; Alto*. AUtawk, and Bavarian, C?s t,d o0s; butch, 4Gs, Alo=t 0(?6 T«r Bwt. It was reported tlit-t si^tv thoueaiid balos of Californian bops wero to be placed on tho English War-Oj and sold for 60a or lose. BWV Zealand and Tasmnnian'RrOwersVVero.in strong terms, aclvtod hoi; to pond thoir hops Itomo.unlosf thbv wanted to take GOa for them, or even a ' smaller price than that. Our latest cablo quotation was 45s for Australian-grown ■hops, a figure which would seom to indicate thufc tho Home market has weakened f«U moro Tho brewors wero buying from liana to mouth, and declining to keep largo stocks ; and were, moreover, in tho habit o w.me only 71bs of hops to the quarter ot Kiait,'instend of lOlbs as horetoforo. TUeso aru doubtless very discouraging facts, but they arrivo in time to prevent our local urowers from making a dead loss oj their eoivlail Orop'. Of courso, os tb<t English spring advancps tlio.ro 'ray be a ppurt. in consuquenco of vMivourablo indications; but this U f. circumstanco which can never bo rilled on.

At a mooting of tho Birkonhcad Road Board, hold today at 31, Insurance Build ing, AucUlaad, a special rato of three farthings in tho £ was loviod on all rateable proporty in tho district, to provido for tho repayment of tho .C2,!)GO advahco. under "Tha Roads and Bi-idL^ . (sonfltruotion Act," tho vato trt )V3.l'iay.Vblo on tho lat- day of March f-.cxt, to Mr, Seaman, the collector,

■ofi<iofl;hoOtaKo delogatoa at tho recent Coiiforenco of tho Educational Institute received atthohandsof an Auckland compeer ■i rebuff which la rathor too good to be lost. The Otpgon orator had sat down after de- Borlbing how in his province the operation of n vexatious Order-in-Counoil had been oluded, and an Auckland pedagogue wan just proceeding to make it a trifle warm for his astute Southern brother by dwelling upon tho favour whioh seemed to obtain In Dunodin for " wayß that are durk and tricks that are vain." Tho representative of the Southern metropolis, after shifting uneasily in his seat at each uncomplimentary refer onceto his beloved City, Sn'ddonly exclaimed, with sohVe acm-blty q'f manner, that Dunedin waanoi (itago. "Oh," rejoined the local Ddminle, without a-moment's hesitation, "wo neodn't quarrelabout triHos. If Dune din is not Otago, it is nearly tho whole of it." " Aud half of Canterbury ns well," added a Wellington man, as an avalanche of laughter interrupted for a minute or ho the progress of tho dobato. Mr H. G. Wado has declined to act sa city valuer again, unless ho ir. paid a highor aqJary. The rna.ttor has beon referred to tlio Finft^cc t*<silimlttw, fomo ot tho in«rati«" conTiidering Uiui they might brvo money rather than spend more. Wo have to acknowledge* tho receipt from Mr W. Vrioatley, of the Auckland Timber Company, of a nlnb of kauri which i« not only a iino specimen of tho trtjou. butaleo of that important it^m o.f. oolouiaL export, viz., kauVi gV'nr, f.'hicli, by a frej^ i\f nature^ has Ijrr>aliy pormcatcdtlio 'jfocd through r^nd thrqut-'li... -

r».'h(s ■'SSason in F.nglnnd thii year has been unusually mild, us may be inferred from tho following paragraph clipped out of the "Torquay and South Devon JownnU" Sf November 26th : — "On Mtind'&y several tino bunched of ripo wfoto raspberries, largo mid woll-Ri'oWIV, \Vero brought to thooffieo of tl'.in paper, having been gathered in the grounds of Gary Castle, the residence of Mr hiehardßon. Tho?o wore but a sample of what bad boon produced." Tho subject of oxtending the operations ol tho Good Tomplar Order among tho Maoris has been raisod at the Grand Lodge Hoesionß of the 1.0. G.T., now sitting at Fntnedin. A discussion took place yester day as to tho dosirability of having rituals printed for circulation among tho Maoris. It was unanimously agreed to have this work proceeded with nt onco. A letter wiib read from Tawhiao, tho Maori King, in re ply to ono sent to him somo time ago, ox pressing his ploasuro at tho step about to bo taken, and stating that thero was a splendid opening for this work in the North Island. At tho Grand Lodgo there are re presentatives present from Auckland, Wel lington and Dunedin.

Tho gross receipts from tho Baptist Coil vorsnziono last night were about X.AO.

To tho Editor: E*i^ ( —ln your issuo ot Tuesday a report appears of the election of on Knginoer for the Pumping Station by tho City Council. It will be seen that tho result of tho first ballot wa3 in favour of Messrs Luird and W. G. Lodder, 8 votes each. Notwithstanding this fnot, on the ballot being again taken Mr Gibbons was appointed by 8 votes to 5. What I want to know b, what caused thin change of opinion ? From tho remark made subsequently by Mr Ellington, it seems to me that ho was tie guiding spirit. If tho Council undertake appointments, it appears to mo that they should be untrammelled in their action by any cutw'do influence.—l am, &c, LsbuißEH.

MrThomaa Henderson, junr., introduced an important matter at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yosterday afternoon, viz.,tho necessity of moving in the direction of assimilating the timo table of the direct steamers and tho 'Frisco mail bo that letters received Via America might bp replied to by direct etenmor. Tho following resolution was adopted, on Mr Henderson s motion;— " That with a view to affording Auckland an opportunity of artsworing letters via San Francisco by direct steamers, the Post master-General bo requested to arrango that tho doparturo of tho direct steamers be fixed to connect with tho boat loaving Auck land on Thursdays."

Tho great disparity in tho rato of freights from this and other colonial ports to London and tho outward freights from that city has not infrequently struck us. At tho meeting of tho Chamber of Commerco yoptorday, Mr Bell sought to elucidate tho mystery by questioning Mr Nathan, agent for tho Shaw, Savill,and Albion Company, thereon. It appears, from Mr Nathan's rdply, tbat it has always beon the custom to greatly in croaso tho freights on homoward-bound vessels, whilo the cxcesnivo competition for outward freights keeps tho Home rates low. What wo want is more competition at this end. With only two companiog tn tho business, a practical monopoly exists, and unlo?a our exporters bestir themselves thoy will still more acutely fool the pinch. Our advices by tho mail announce that tho charters of tho mail boata Zealandia and Australia expiro in Juno. As these charters will not probably bo renewed, j.erhapeafew of our merchants might ho able to arrange for a trip or so from this port Home on very advantageous tonne ; at any rate, if these stcumor.s are returning to European waters thoy might fill hero for the Homo trip.

Tho ordfnary meoting of the Crown Lands Board was hold yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs D. A. Tolo, Chief Com missioner (Chairman), Josoph May, \V. P. Moat, and K. J. Pearce. Tho businoss was mostly of a routine character, of which tho following is a summary. It was decided to hold tho meoling of the Board on the 28th, Instead of on Regatta Day. Sevoral letters were received from the Under-Secretary of Crown Lands, directing attention to section 20 of tho Land Act, Amondmont Act, ro leasing clauses; also a suggos tion that all the lands at Rangiora should be leased under tho Act of ISB2. Tho Board resolved to act accordingly. An application was received from the Secretary of tho Opotiki District Board for a reduc tion in price of land for sale at Waioeka. it was decided to allow the prices to remain as previously fixed ; nlso to offer lands for sale in tho Pakiri, Otamatea, and other dis tricts. Tho remaining business comprised applications for grants, school Bites, ex tension of time for effecting improvements, and other matters of personal intorest.

Mr James Macandrew, M.H.R. for Port Chalmers, is vigorously exerting himself towards the introduction of Highland crofters to Otago, for which purpose 10,000 acres of cultivated land are alono to be set apart by the Government. Mr Macandrew has already secured the hearty co-operation of the Caledonian Society of Dunedin on the subject, and communica tions in favour of Highland immigration to New Zealand have been lately ad. dressed to Mr Gladstone, as well as to a number of ministers of the Established and Free Churches in Skye, Lewis, aud other parts of the Highlands arid Manila of Scotland. Persona o! iafiuence i-i Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh have also been similarly commu nicated with, so that there is reason to believe that the project will be attended ■with success. The heartrending persecu tions and privations to which the Skye, Uist, and Lewis crofters have been sub jected for many years past, and which have recently culminated in something bordering upon barbarity on the part of merciless and tyrannical landlords, have enlisted the sympathy of Scotchmen and Highlanders, not only in New Zealand, but throughout the world.

The Auckland Timber Company, profit: Ing by the lesson taught by the recent hie ofve lost no time in toprOHtaß JP™ *™ City Council tho durability of hiri«> Rpcpntl or larger water supply in Customs reel a letL to that cl cct having been Xd to have tho reservoir emptied lntb ttaSe&be did not ~ j»«fa*%* s»£otems«s t s Cotrimittoo. About 45 passengers availed themselves noon, and there ia every reason to believe Lok is finish^ than a trip to this pictur esquo catering - pUce. Tho b came r tc morrow afternoon wilt bo tho Clanc-man, having tjueen -street Wharf ut 2 p. m. ' A suspicious-looking character is reported to havo been prowling around residences near the top of Howe street last evening. Ho knocked at one door, and when it mus oponod by a young man ho struck ho latter soveroly on the noso and then de parted. A. search for the olfc.vdsr ttaS Subßoquontly made by nelshbours, but without suodbsß, and tho attention of tho police lias been called to the occurrence. North Show residents nre considerably annoyed by the action of some flvil-diaposod person or persoes, who have made several attempts to ilostroy Iho yonnf! trees lately planted by the I^vonport Highway Board. Those tree? lately replaced those previously destroyed, for which a reward of £10 has been offered by tho District Board. It is to bo hoped that the public will assist the authorities in bringing this individual to justice, for if there is anything that ot late years has added to tho beauty of the North Shore, it is its fino, handsome, and stately treoe. The proposed excursion tp Norfolk Island by tho BtoalVvor Cliinsman has - been aban^ doliid, dnly twenty person's having booked, /while at least thirty, were required. The Clansman will consequently keep on hot usual running. The business of the Police Court will be taken at 10 o'clock to-morrow, in order that the inquiry into the wreck of tho Annabel! may be opened at 10.3 >. At a meeting last evening of those mem bers of tho Auckland Institute who are interested in microscopical studies, it was resolved to arrange for periodical meetings, at which tho practical working of the rniscroacope would be illustrated, and whore an exchange of objects might take placo amongst members. The next meet ing will (ako place on tho second Thursday ■jn February. Tho following resolution with !'esptct to tho eonnrtif ''on of the Quteh-AVeet Wharf wit;h thffA fray. Wk.^ b'ien 'arrived at by the Cj> a mb'3V. I . Commerce :—" As the roclam fttion Wffrks aro now nearly completed, 4he Committee consider that Die Harbour Board should come to an early decision on tho question of connecting the Queen-street Wharf with tho railway, with tho view to tho improvement of delivery of. cargo, and that no land bo let seaward of tho railway until the isU>stion is Fettled." In tho letter from the contractors for tho Hobson■street wharf, published last night, the signature, V.'. and G. Winstone, was in advortently loft out. The present direct steam service arrange ments have proved so unsatisfactory to Auckland merchants that several leading firms havo instructed their London agents to send shipments via Sydney. Tho drainage plans which were recently declared " urgent" by the City Council aro oxpectcd to bo completed in about a month.

Mr B. T. Booth, tho Bluo lUbbon advo cate, who starts a tempcranoe crusado in Auckland shortly, is a passenger by tho steamor llingarooma, which left Sydney yesterday. An oarthquakc shock was felt last night over a wide area extending from Wangftnui to Chrislehurch. At Wellington, Blen heim, and Ncleon, tv/o distlntt shocks were experienced, oho shortly after, the other ; but at no place was the disturbance at all sovere.

Messrs T. D. Edmonds, 0. M. McLachlan, and B. \V, Hanmorhave been elected mem bers of tho Chamber of Gomirjer«U Mr B. Digby Tonks had also been nominatc'd'tdP election, but an informality necessitated the postponement of the ballot in his case till next mooting.

Some information has been elicited by the City Council relative to the travelling cost of funerals to tho now cemetery at Waiko miti. Mr Hudson, Auchlatid Railway manager, in a memo., nays the charge for a special train daily to the new cemetery will bo .V 5 10s for two four-wheel carriages, with tho privijoge of romaihing five hours at Waikomiti. No suggestions have been made to the Council by any religious body as to the management of the cemetery and time and cost of interments, and in fact no question has been raised, ?o far, beyond that of area. ,

Tho s.s. Noptuno leaves tho Wharf to morrow at 2 p.m, on a fishing excursion Fares, 2b each.

Tho dedication services of Christ's Church, Ellorslio, will bo held en Sunday nexf. io morrow (Saturday!, at three o'clock. Bishop Cowio will conduct the service, and on Sunday at tho advertised hours, tho Roys H\ Oould (Otalmhu), G. H. S. Walpplo (*t. Mary's), and Yen. Archdeacon Dudley will oillciato. Mr Walker, florist, of tho Market, has re ceived a largo importation of flno healthy canaries, many of them in full song; al"o, ns announced.|a groat variety of native and Aus tralian birds. A concort by tho ladies of tho Guard of Honour, tho proceeds to bo dovotcd to pro viding altar requisites for St. Patrick's C'athe drul. Will bo hold this evening In tho Lorne street Hall.

It is announced that the steamer Anno Milbank will take ud tho runniußof tho Coro mandel. Icnvinir Auckland on Monday nt noon, nnd returning from Coroinandol at the same hour next day. Attention is called to the Birkcnhead Wcalcyan Church picnic, which takes plaoo to morrow in a paddock (hestknoWnnsFargham s) opposite tho now church* a pro lv ouildins? now nearly completed. Tho chargo, including ferry faro and ntrawborrieS and cream, is only Is lid. The boats aro cow running punctually to timo table,

TABLE TALK.

" Clouds " at tho Opera Houso. Wellington lumpers havo resumed work S. Kohn, jeweller, Vuncdin, is bankrupt. Dr. Diver, of Wellington, died last night. When a chimney roars it may be said to speak fluently." Those Godless schools! Hon. Mr Stout is gazetted Minister of Education. There is great excitcmont in Napier over the coming poll re harbour loans. Three men aro in custody at Wellington for stealing £37 from Captain Hudson, of tho barque- 11. 11. Luhrs. Christchureh ratepayers, by a large majority, have approved of tho proposed Corporation loan of £25,000. Part of tho Brookfield Estate, four miles from Napier, was sold yesterday at from £17 to £40 per acre. Mr Fell, Mayor of Nelson, left yesterday on his voyage to England as a delegate to further tiie scheme for-railway construc tion.

Tho draughts tournament at Dunedin should be completed this evoning. Each player has played 48 and Hood, of Mount Somers, and Little, of Christchureh, aro a tie, with 32 wins each. Morris, of lnvercargill, is third, with 31, and Hay, of Dunedin, fourth, with 26/,. F. Bialey, the schoolmaster at Motueka, who shot himself yesterday, lias been found to be £400 and £300 deficient in his accounts with tho Fores tern' and Odd fellows' societies respectively. JIo had borrowed tho gun ostensibly to shoot

ducks. S. W. Palmer and his wife have been committed for trial at Christchurch for sheep stealing. A young man named Griffiths, supposed to be insane, has committed suicide by shooting himself at Tarawera. Timaru Harbour Board yestorday resol ved to build a northern wharf for steamers, and out of a largo number of tenders from all parts of the colony that of Charles Palliser (£9,773) was accepted. The Waring Taylor prosecutions at Wel lington have been adjourned until Monday morning, in order to allow Mr Murdoch General Manager to the1 Bank of Now Zea land, to bo present to give evidence, nml produce the original share regi-.ltjis of (he Bank. The basis on which the Wellington lumpers have resumed work is that coal heavers Bhould work at tho old rates for full time, and accept th 6 offer of tho ship owners to give Is 6d per hour for broken time up to four hours por day. Yesterday afternoon an old man named Savage deliberately jumped into tho Wai kato River at Cambridge, and was drowned —his body never rising out of the rapid current.

CHORAL HALL.-BAPTIST CON VERSAZIONE.

E manifold attractions of this con versa-. no did not fail to attract a large concourso people to the Choral Hall lost night, and those who attended nbno could have iurned disappointed. An liniplb fund of te'-tainmont' had been provided, various ourli to contain something to plcasi) cry taste, and yot so well ar nr?od that no portion of it hod "due Tprominence. The Hal was boauta lv decorated with flag*, flower., and dee, while pictures-oils and olcc •aphs-wero hun X round the walls, and Justed considerable attention from the nmeriodon. A refreshment tablo bounti |ny sunplicd with seasonable delicacies «und a good share of pationago-ico •earns, specially commended oy tie astor, being in great request. At an "joining tdblo a young lady drove a ood trade in iho ealo of works by ,o Spurgoon family,- and of photographs fMr X ice. The graphoscopes and stereo lonic viows were not orico deserted during tie evening, while" the '' shocking opera ions of the magnetic battery wore carried n at hisrh pressure to nh accompaniment ot smiuino nhrlaka and laught*. One . ourig woman received such a OSMt hat She fell down in a fit. For unatttly, m Knight v.as present and mmediatcly attended upon her. , D™»Sn«« ihoss.and dominoes wore provided foi the overs of these games, and the "basket ex doit" kept a large number of young people unused in the northern ante-room. A laskot of wicker-work was hung between ;wo rihiilw by means of a pole passed ;hlW igh tha handles, and a <Ml»P«\J«» button wore placed at each of the four nearest corners of both chairs, me "exploit" was to knock oil" these articles with a short pole without disturbing the iquipoVe of the basket, all failure, re sultina in fines. The feat was one of great delicacy, and the spills were vastly more numerous than the triumphs, 6on sequoncs being unbounded fun. Two short exhibitions of limelight views of the Bot Lakos took placeduring the evening m the Bouthern ante-room, fteßwr.J.SjHiUw'k; inn- the instrument;, and Mr Josiah i-lartm suecesEfully filling tho congenial rOle ot lec turer. A select and very agreeable con cert was given in the main hall by the Boresford-streot Congregational choir, ana a number of other friends, Mr Hooton con ducting. Mrs J. M. Geddis sang the waltz son" '-Dream Faces;" Miss Mogime, •' Robin'B Return "(Virginia Gabriel); and MrWorrall, "Jack's Yarn ;" while vocal duets were contributed by Messrs A. Shrflders and A. Brown ("Larboard Watch "), and Misses Penes and Gee ("The Fairies of tho Night"). Tho vocal cmartette, "The New Year" (Mendelssohn), was rendered by Mimes Peace and Mdginiß and Messrs H. ShaW and W.- Ettdy, whi'^ the followine; larger fonterWd, 'pieces were nlso giver) by Di'oinbers of the choir :* ---t'Aoriis, "the Stars that Above Us are Shining!;"-chorus, '"The Foroater;1' glee.for ma!o voices, "The Three Chafers;" arid chorus, "Come to the Fair" ("Martha"). Mrs S. Vailo played very tastefully, 83 a pianoforte solo, "Tho Last Koso of Summer," with variations, and pianoforte pieces wcro also contributed by Misses A. Uewar, Outhbertson, and Kenderdino. Tho cookery competition, which will be decided to-day, attracted great attention, and tho distribution of Christmas tree gifts among a crowd of ticket-holders, every one of whom expected and received a prize, formed by no means the least interesting feature of tljo night's proceedings. Pastor Kice and Mr S. H. Matthews wero unremitting in their exertions to promote the entertain ment of the visitors, and their efforts were crowned with complete success. Tho con versazione was reopened this afternoon, and will be continued this evoning, when a fresh concert will be given,

THE DIRECT STEAM SERVICE.

Discussion in tJle Chamber of Commerce.

The question of the direct sfbam service was diecneeed at the meeting of -the ipnam bcr of Coif.merc'o yent'erday afternoon. Tho quarterly report of tho Committee con tained the following clauso :—"The import trade of Auckland (the second largest in the colony) is at present placed at great dis advantage, owing to serious delay and neg lect in'transhipment of goods sent through direct .gteamera-tQ-Bo.uthorn"-peafe: -The Committee recommend importers and ex porters to take into immediate considera tion the advisability of mauingarrangementa for diroct communication with Auckland."— The Chairman, referring td Mr.Ccstere promise (hat tho claims of Auckland .in this matter would be considered, said trie Committee had thought tli'cy were bound to allow the matter to drop till Mr Coster had had a reasonable time to fulfil his pro mipo. They now thought the reasonable time had elapsed, and could only express their disappointment that the promise had not been fulfilled. Fortunately, they found that the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company had started a steamer for Auckland, which', he hoped, was the beginning of a regullr service. It would be quite unreasonable for Auckland to ftsk for a sbrVico nny more rapid than It Was able to employ, but they certainly thought the trade of thi-i port must to a certain oxtent be sacrific-d if there was no steam at all. Steam they had had a taste of. Five or six steamers had been sent to this port, and Auckland had been able to employ tkeni fairly, and thoroforo they thc%ut it reasonable that thtj service should be con tin"ccl',"not only on an equal scale, but on a much" larger ; therefore, it now devolved upon them to pi-ess their claim once more. Tnis, of course, had no reference to the direct mail service. They were in favour of a diroct mail service, and wero inclined to those stoamers both by recognising the largo amount of capital invested in the colony and that the Southern parts of tM colony would bo m well sbry'ed by the diroct steamers as they could bo otherwise, l'hoy had written to Wellington asking that a fair sharo of tho steamors come to Auck land, but this point was not attained.— Mr L. D. Nathan said since the direct ser vioo had been mooted his firm had done their best to induce the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company to run their steamers to Auckland ; but setting aside all sentiment in tho matter, it cost thorn- £500 more to come hero. As soon as we had a frczen meat trado it would be different, and when the Frbzon Meat Company was ready they might hope to have steamers. The Company was sending a steamer now, and they would see how sho would get on.— Mr Ko?3 spoke of tho necessity of better arrangements in tho direction of tranship ments. Auckland cargo by direct steamers should bo placed in a separate part of the vessel, and so it could be transhipped with despatch. He had prepared a comparative table showing the time taken in re ceiving goods per P. and 0., Orient, and New Zealand Shipping Company's steamors. He found that they were absolutely later in receiving their goods by direct steamer than they were in receiving them by the P. and O. boats. Of course, that had only reference toj their own goods. By the P. and 0. the average was 62 days; the Orient, 61J days ; direct steamer to other ports than Auckland, 62 days. That was, from the iirst and last date of delivery of packages. Here they were placed at a great disadvan tago as regards the Southern ports, where tho average time of arrival was 48i days.— Mr M. A. Clark mentioned that the London agents of the firm had received instructions to send the former class of goods via Sydney. —Mr Heather said he had stopped his goods coming via the South, as they got knocked to pieces. Jrfe thought they might arrange that every fourth steamer should come here. —After further discussion tho Chnirman said the quo tion of transferring the whole of our business from sailing vessels to steamers was worthy of attention. We had an export and import tradeof £3,000,000. The length of the passage by sailing vessels was two months longer than by steamers, and pre suming that this deiay was actually in curred on £3,000,000, tlw loss of interest at current rates amounted to £45,0C0. He had drawn Mr Coster'sattontion tothelossof time in connection with the wool trade. At the end of twelve months the unfortunate pro ducer got his money back.—lt was decided to send copies of the resolution of the Com mittee to the companies.

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"Clouds." Mus Lmvis and l>ei" eicvor company pro duced an American comedy drama, " Clouds," at the Opera Houje last night. It was exceedingly successful, the scenery being effective and the acting quite on par with that of othor pieces produced by Mrs Lewis. "Clouds" will bo repeated to night.

Sewing Machines., wholesale and retail. u.s. Lnamber

UNKNOWN.

Annual Koport of St. ~;- Those of our readers whe r&LiJi troubles-.that beset St. Jhii^WK-1 Church in Freeman's Js&y'j|K|jj|ijH teriistod to hear of its iiroKri&'JpM comparative prosperity, Tho*fflß'i" bavo increased to such as isuffii' doublo the present accommo^B'fi quired. _ During the year ™°Kjsß|ll ofTertories alone amounted to ffltlMr* tions to £91, and proceeds iQflf' menta (o £121, making n'rHr: £052, or £15 above the oxnSBB? From tho annual report which wiuifit sentcd at tho meeting to-night u^Bel' that during tho year a cotnmoii*ijH'r lias been erected; the ehurch-SJK! and internally ornamented ;'»;;S^B» added to tho Echoolhouse and fiTjißßi gaastovea; gymnastic apparatfoJljM* the Y.M.F. Association; thy SHp closed and fenced ; a euibt.i c^JK» placed in Kapier-strcot j the olintct,gß^ and an orean placed within iti-iMP Olive, Cornish, Joll; Bain, J, %Xa:: juiir., Haynes, and Maekline, hie^^B* mention for agflistanco in JabdnrotHMJ^ Ornamental frontals and desk cov 6 |K-:i eonted by Uvs Armstrong, lira E^K* and Miss Hett, cost a conßidiin^K* We may roughly- appraise thew^K? getlior at about £50, which makes CH^ '-' receipts amount to £700. Thenjufflffi] 60 celebrations of tho Holy JylE'^ These celebrations have been SHv-i by no less than 1,473 personi «'■ were 75 baptisms, 24 wrafitttsHI1 phurouings, 18 burials, and 5 jtWtß' Thanks fsr gratuitous servicesatetaß^ to Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, EenH* way and Dr. O'Calla^han, vri^ffii \\ralpolo, Boler, Long, Ruddock, ssm lipa had also officiated. Tha'dißß weura the uniform of Anglica^.^g^K JHbh Hamilton des6H«e praiso I«yHE formanco of tho duties of orgaiuHi Messrs Ward ■(choirmaster)1 oadlH Evans have laboured BucoesßfallyiHß Tho Temperance Society and Y,HIH| ciation have temporarily. adjOM^H meetings, owing to other parochial Jffl ments. There are now StiljH on the Fchojl register. Tht^Ki Sewing Circle has purohawd i'lffl machine, and is doing good vofcS has been done for the bazaar pnJH take place during the year., 'Jb'^M of a parsonage would cave the prj«H lay in rent, and the enlatßeuia^™ Church to thrice its present "'Mm absolute necessity. AppreciatJMdal Lloyd Keating's services isexprfffi conclusion, and the report is £H behalf of the vestty by HatkiSe^ftH and T. Seddon E^ans, \varup«-i .fTX,

WELLINGTON NEWS.

BY TELECHAPiI.—OWIT-.COI

Wellington, Ife In response to an invit-.tion-fe Wcatporfc Harbour Board, M$ hopes to be able to accompany thai of Mines on his approachingvisift West Coast of the Middle Mund.iiiji be present at tho demonstration!is nee:ion with the inauguration of Si woiks at Weetport about theism next month. At present, ho we, unable to decide definitely oa to Isi ments>, nor will ho bo able so to derii after his return to Wellington. Australian v. Now Zealandi| A member of tho deputation yesterday waited on MrLarnacSifct removal of the restrictions uporak portatton o£ grapes from Ailsinlk formed the Minister that tho gttp{ in that country were superior to M grapes grown here, and conld be Kill per lb, whereas Now Zealand griSjB1 hot now be sold in Wellington am lb. The price in, Christcmircli to und in Auckland 3s; _ .■ ;|5 Hon. Mr BftUaaco U> x yislt Waitai Thames. , lion, ilr jSallance bturncci.friffi panui last night.: He leaves httm Auckland on Friday nexfe andtS the Woikato diitcict on matters cm the natives and will also proof Thames on a similar errand. Ism land Mr Ballanco returns liers m visits Gisborno, where he mnyiU present at a nativo meeting.,« February. Subsequent to thi?(|» Naplev. "" -■ 7"

SPORTING NEWS.

— ■ . - *£ Ci ■' Holcnsvillo Turf Club Eai Tiik following, weights have":bwH by Mr Percival: — Hurdles.-Azim. lCst 121b; MbM Sunriy. lOst 21b; Mirniqnetto.;9stffl boy, 9st; Southern Chief, 9stJOT| Native, 9st; Frivolity. 9st. -.tiß COT.-Linda. Bst 121b; Alanc&t* 7st 121b; Revolver, 7at 101p; Wiafts Golden Crown, Tat; Ciaude,7at,:-« Flying IUANDiCAP.-Linda, SstW Bsi2lb; Myatery, Sat; FrivoUiy.'Kffi Tat lSlb'- Winnie. 7.-t. 121b; FlagMMj Sunray, 7st 81b; Minuet, 7»t 71briJ« KUloen Alanab, 7et lib; -Jnziirka, ill 7st: Claude. 7st; Vprtex..7st. j.. Publican's Pursb.—Linda,Sßtuoj Bst2lb; Winnie, Bst: Revo'cor, 7fct 101b; Azim, 7st Sib; Eilloon Ag Makiri, 7st; Golden Ciown, 78tJ ; (M

Acceptances and general ei||p the 22nd of January, . Acceptances for the OnehangH Purse and Totaliaator Cup closoto-mt . Nominations for the T«™|§jg Meeting close to-night.

MINING NEWS.

. ' TnA!fi,t Qfe'en of Beauty.—Tho shaft sunk the required depth, anW now proceeding. Trie managap; have the chamber of No. lllort next week. Darwin.—The reef in *estej|; tains excellent minerals, though! gold. • :'m The water supply for moUv^j running Bhort, and tvi;o of ;tl batteries have been stoppodm^ while tho manager of the Queeu| pump has been obligul to re auxiliary eteain power.

COROMANDEL.

Tokatea.—The mine mansM, total change of country in theyw which ho believes is an indicatf approach to the big reef. In tfl§| of last week the blue rock gavej light-coloured blocky BandstM work, and will require timbeg level is now in 2,788 feet from tb» or nearly 7 feet 6 inches on tho «! the lode. He is in hopeS«S|fl latter in hand during the monugj Royal Oak.—The managers Tho leader is again well togetnfj foot thick, and running its dnfi still barren. We had ono.eh|| with plenty of mineral tonffl gold. There are about ,'1 fcottno loader to take down, which wjlltg out to-morrow. Tributes :W are driving a new intermemaw nothing has come to hand s'n|?l

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Borore H. G. Seth SBiith,B^H Chancery Lane Hinps.—A-,n'iffS hands were brought up, ohargi-il ».J« no3i>, and disturbing tho. aWWW Chancery Lane, viz.. Nicholas, Wg Ashley, Maggio Locks, Maria.Vg and Mary iiui-ienshaw, who all Pll*7 anil were severally fined. f _,i Window Smashing.-Maryßunf* chargpd under tho Police Oflencoß,«, breaking six panel of glass in ™?i house of John Gamble. Prisoner sW no knowledge of tho offence, j>en>r» influence of Uicrosy KOd.-JohnGWjJ that he was askep in his freehold Wffi wus suddenly alarmed by a oraß?£S wis caused by a cat. Saw no OWJ house-Henry Edwards deposed BM the prisoner dcliberatoly committnwg was sheer mischief.-His WorßhjpOrti oner to piy a. fine of £5, damago lw, <"" in dofault 11 days. cwpns. Striking a WiKE.-Georgo pteveffi, on warrant by Con°table OBrlon, m w;th beating his wife, and knooKUUSj ugrninst a wall. Sergeant Pratr exym m.ture of the aesault—Prisoner BWJ.J recollection of the affair, bur. ne to* dona it. as ho was very druiik.-W'ft deposed to the as- ault. Her mis"« ■ cailor. hut conerally ""^.'''""fSi ''pu'oiKi' Wh-' ' * "' ',1 ~' take tho three iuouth ■'. -Wn^ '■ " Georoe!" This was all the businces.

THE ACUKLAND EVENNG STAR THURSDAY MAY, 1881.



"ftX 0 T 10 E. For swots insertions of THRKE-LINE "WANTED" NOI'ICKS tho charge is 1/Cash. If these amivll items are not paid at the timo, tho chorKe in all casoa ia 2/U. There is no van atlon to this rule. Stab Office, January 2nd, 18&>. AGLAS3 ot Wolfe's Schnai'PS at bed time ■ will give you a sound nights roiit. 1!, MILNER STEPHEN will receive Patienta at his Now Consultation Booia^Somerville'sßuildiDKS. Vulc^ Lane, aftorNew Year's Day from 10 till 5 o clock. DR HAINES, who leaves for England on the 20th infit., requests that all Claims against him be fuvnlVed. and that ""amounts owing be paid on or before the above date. r B HOMBERG, Professor of Mu?ic, Upper Pitt-st. (opposite Public Baths). •VTOTICE TO THE L'U BLI C. J. McCairoU's is tho only Establishment in New Zealand which makes a speciality of Linens, Damasks, Towels, Diapers, Huckabacks. Hanttkotohlefs, &0., &0.. in newest designs ana beat patterns, imported by him direct from the Irish. Manufacturer!). The Public would do well to inspect his goods, which are offered at the lowest possible,prices.-J. McCarroU, 78, Victoria-street, sgsw ga>ss?bs;9ft AJiwit-steeet.



mHE "STAR'S" OIRCULATION. ACCOUNTANT 3' CERTIFICATE. Auckland, 17th November, 1884. W6 hereby certify that we have examined the Books and Vouchers of the " Evening Star " Newspaper, and find the Weekly Sale averages 59, 5 ©7 Copies, and the Daily issue 9,866, and that it is an increase of 1,105 Copies daily on the circula tion in November, 18S3. JNO. MILNE \ F«blle J. WAYMOUTH f Accountants GREAT CLEARING SALE !!: PREVIOUS TO REMOVING TO NKW PREMISKS. ! MILNE & CHOYCE prosching completion) with an ENTIRELY NEW STOCK, They havo decided to offer THE WHOLE OF THHIR PRESENT WELL-KNOWN VALUABLE STOCK AT SUCH A REDUCTION IK PIUCK AS WIIJ Insure a spjucdy clearance. EVERY ARTICLE IN THE HOUSI WILL BE QUITTED, Tho SHOP will be CLOSED on THURSDAY, Bth INSTANT For the purpose of MARKING DOWN. SALE commences FRIDAY, 9th inst AS EARLY CALL IS SOLICITED. MILNE & CHOYCE, WELLESLEY-SI'KKET. THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST I ALL GOODS SOLI}— ' , ffif" ••&- i*L AND /CLOTHING /COMPANY ARK GUAIii I^TEED GENUINE; AND O : STEELING WORTH. THESE AXE FACTS. YOU ARE INVITKD TO TEST FO. YOURSELVES. «««"» ««™ MM DKEBS MATKIUALS, SILK 3' SATEENS HOSIERY. HABERDASHERS MANCHESTER GOODS,' BLANKffiT£ MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING, MEN'S and BOYS' MERCERY. MEN'S and BOYS' HAT£ WE FURNISH MOUSES THROUGHOUT. GAHLICK & ORANWELL'S CHEAP FURNISHING WAREHOUSE. JUST OPENED, Brautiful Assortment BRUSSELS TAPESTRY, AND KIDDERMINIBTER CARPETS. SPLENDID LOT JB ED S T FE AD S, Just Kecoive'd, IRON AND BRASS, NICKEL-PLATEP. QAKLICK AND QB&NWEU, FURNISHINH W ARH H 0 U 8 B, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. mo MEET THE TIMES. In coneequenco of 80 many Drapers Selling-ofl at Cost Price and Under, and not wishing to bo Undersold, and having Bought a Large Lot of Cheap Job Lines, I will frtv.e my Customers some Great Bargains, which inspection will fully bear out:— Splendid Stock Whito Calico, from 2s lid doz 1,000 yds Good Grey Calico, 2d, worth 3d, or la 500 yds Strong Wide Flannel, lOjd, worth la 3d Strong Wide Bluo Serge, 7ld yd Balance Summer Stook of Prints, to clear at Cost Price 1,000 yds Plain and Printed Sateons, nice pat terns, at Cost ' 50 Clolh Tablocovors, printed and embroidered, to clear; 20 % discount off marked price A Large Stock of Dress Goods, in all Bhados and materials, very muoh reduced in price, from 150 Pairs Blankets, rery much reduced, to clear Larfto Stock of Umbrellas from Is 6d, Children s from Is Strong Oatmeal Cloth, 6Jd yd 1,500 yds Ginghams, nioo patterns, from ijd, worth 8d Rush Hats.2}d; Lar^o Lot Children's Thread Gloves from 3d pair 10,000 doz Buttons, reduced to ljd doz. A Groat Bargain 350 doz Girls' and Women's Hosiery from fid pair, worth double 51 Men's Strong Tweed Coats, Cs 9d; do Trou sers. 4s lid pair Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7a lid; 50 Men's Strong Tweed Suits, lfls 6d Boys Knicker Suitß from 4s 6d; Boys' Tweed Suits, long trousers, 15s Men's Cotton Shirts from Is; do Whito Shirts, Ss 9(1 Mpn'a Strong Flannel Shirts and Drawers, 2s 3d Boys' Folt Hats, Is 6d; Men's do, 2s Largo Lot of Boys' Straw Hats, to dear, from 9d Large^LoTof Remnants, marked very low, to R. BRIDGMAN, TTTNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, JUN 2687 UPPER QUEEN-STREET.



J # QOSGRAVE & QO. Aa future arrangements'of our Do£artiAcnts preclude the retention 61 our CLOTHING STOCK LATKR THAN THE FOURTH OF NEXT MONTH, And in order that as littlo aa possiblo may bo left fov AUCTION on that dato, wo lwvo rcaolvod to FI7UTHKU HEDUCE ■nirc ALREADY VKHY LOW PRICES Ol» OUR MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING. This will enable all those who want Clotliua ta obtuiu them at COXSIUEHABI.Y UNDKU HALF -C 0S T VItI CB. This wranomont will hoWgootl until Can FEBRUARY, AJ'TEU WHICH OUIJ OUUINAIIY SOAtK OF PRtCES VfUSU BE RKSUMKD. Noto th« Addfasa— J, QOSGRAVB & (ja, 204 AND 200, QUEES-BTBEET. THE LIVER STIMULANT.-A COMPOUND .XTBACT Of EUONOMYN *ND



The Auckland Provision Cpnipffl jO3t received a few coses of Gumwfl Canterbury Bacon, tho s»ineaß »>«mi faction last season, it will be 8°l»B§ the Right Corner Stall, City MarWS^ Ib, ot by the side at 8d; P™l6.^ CJheeße, best in town, at 7a.-».% Manager.—[Advt.l "