COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &o. To-night.

Annual Meeting of tho Total Abstlnonce Society, 7.30. Adjourned Cliekor'fl Union, 7.30. Darby-Btrcot—Special Meeting of Bricklayers, 7 30. Riding Sohool—Auckland Royal Lanoers, 8. St Stephen's Band of Hopo Meeting, 7.30. Franklin Road Primitive Methodist Church— Annivorsary Soiroo, 6.30. St Paul's Church-Misalon Sorvloe. 8. Ark of Eden Good 'i'cmplury Entertainment, 7.30.

Lorno?t,reot Tin 11—Lenturo on "The French Involution " by Mr Wnlkor. 8.

Auction Sales To-morrow. R. Arthur-Craig's Estate. 12. Alfred Buck'.Mid-Drury CattloSale, 1. Morion and Jackson—Villa Sites, 12. Samuel Cachrano and Son—Books, 11. Gabriel Lowis—Holscry and Shirtlnpr, 11. B. Tonks and Co.—Fruit, J2. Morton and Jackson—Qaeon-atreot Proporty, 12 ooon. Alfred Buckland-Wool Sale, 11. Carbines and Taylor—Produce &o, It. Vailo and Bradloy—Drapory. &c , 11 It. Arthur-Gooseberries, Lomons, Pluixs, Fowl, &c, 10.30.

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Halls will close un nosier :—

This Day,

Per Wathora nu follows:- T'orUhlno,Jftpan,ContinontofKnropo,&c.,,'!p.in. Fur Kussell, Knwakawa, Australian Colonies, and United Kingdom, via Brindlsi or Naples (per Orior.t stoamor), for Icttors,. &c. specially bo prepaid and addressed, at I p.m. For money oruors, registered lettora. and newspapers, at ?p m. Late letters for Sydnoy and Molbourno, only, at 1.20 p.m. United Kingdom mall duo tn 1/ondon on February !!. For Wangarel Heads, Parua. VVaipu, Wangarci Kimio, nnd Munwipa!, per Mactrrosror, 5 p.m. For Thames, per Kotomahana, at 5.30 p.m. Wednesday, December 16. For Rarotonsja, por Lilian, at 8 a.m. For Taranaki and Southorn Ports, por Penguin, ut 1 p m. For United Klm?do.n and Continent of Europa (via Rio de Jnnoko and f lymontb), from Wel lington por Rlmutaka on the 17Ui inst., per Penguin, at 12.30 p.m. This mail will bo duo at Plymouth on January 28. For New Plymouth, Wanganui, and Southern Ports, por Oroti, nt 1 p.m. For Herd s Point, &o, per Hannah Mokau. Nt 1 p.m. For Katikali, Aongatoto. TauranKO, and Opotiki. por Knterpriao, as 3 30 p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 1 p.m. For Wnngarol Hoads. Parun, Walpu, Wangnrei, and Kama, psr Wnitnki, at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 17. For Tryphona, Port I'itzroy, and Okupu, por Argy'o. at 7 a.m. Per Itotomabanu ai follows :— For India. China, Japan. Mediterranean imrts, and Continent of Europo, at 10 am. For Franco, Mauritius, Capo '■own. &o. (por French packet from Melbourne), at 10 a.m. For Gisborno. Nnplor, Southern Ports, Aus tralian Coloninp, and United Kingdom, via Brindlsl (forleltois. &c.. specially so prepaid and addresaod, Btlla,m. For money oraors. rcßistorcd lettcra. and nowspapcrs, at 10 a.m. Lato lettoi'3 till 11.20 a.m. United Kingdom in>iil will lio duo in Jxmdon on Tuesday, Uth February.

Note—Aßcc lvingßoxhMnowbcon estab lished nt the cornor of Hi. Mnry's Hold and London 3troot, whichlacloarcddaily at 10.30 a.m. Blßued) S. B. BIS 3, Chief Postmaster, Chief Post-ofllco. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland To-morrow morning, 0.23; after ni on, v 50.

M&mukau Hkaiot—To-morrow morning, 3.8 ; to-morrow nftornoon, 3.50. (Caipaka Hkal'S—To-morrow morning, 1.8 ; tomorrow afternoon, 4.50.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVKNINC. Mocgrcgor, s.s,, JobnsoD, from Wbuugarol

DEPARTURES.

LABI KVENINO. Wellington. B S.. StJver.soi. for Rufsoll ClMii^nma, S.S., Farquha". for Tauranpn Wftltiki, p.s , Crawford, for Wlmnirnroi Argyle, s.s., Amndi o, for Merotiry Bay Taupo, f.8.. McUoll, ior Southern j.or;B

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

■Waliaki, from Whnngarcl, this cvci.ine R'jtomahiua, from Thnmon to-morrow, o 30p.m. KntorprißO. from Tlinmeß, Thuistlny. 8 pm. Cl nsman, from Tauraißn, Wednesday Kiikoura, from Plymouth, about January 15 Coromandel.f rom Coroman' li'l,to-morro w,5 p,m Nolaon, H.M.S, from ltuesoll, corly Argyle, from Mercury Bay, Thursday Penguin, at Onehunga.from touth, tomorrow. Hotomahana, from Sydney, to-morrow, early [For projected cloparturos pee shipping ad viirti»on<.or.ti3 and mall notices.]

Inwards Coasi wist.—Mercury, from Tairua, •with 22.000tttimber; Knuri, from Ktnncfly Bay, ■with 22 lnea; Saucy ICnto. from Whang.ron, With 32,000 ft timber and i logs.

Outwards Coastwise.—Mercury, for Tali ua Mcdora, for Awanui.

Tftn steamers Glenolg and Suva woro docked at noon to day for cleaning.

' The Thames steamer Kotomnbana will bo laid up for cleaning on Thnraflay and Friday.

Tho echooncr Olive, from this port, Wiissoen close to Apia, Samoa, on the 3rd inst.

Tho bargee Ziinia. under charter toW. Mc- ArthuTand Co.. loft Vavau on Nov. 3 for Europe with a full cargo of cobra.

Tho barquo Carl Both, which left thia port on June 20 to load at Friendly IslarcU for McArthur and Co., arrived at Lißban piior to Nov. 3.

The barque Kaiaa, 307 tons. Captain Miles, loft Oamaru for this port on tbe 7th innt, with 200 sacks molt, 1,159 aic'o wheat. 3GO sacks Hour, and 2,160 sacks oats.

The schooner Saucy Kate ruttnrs Deveron nnd Four Sisters, aro to be offered for sale by auction at K. Arthur's mart to-morrow.

Several vessels in harbour carried their flags at half-mast to-day, in token of roopect for the memory of Mr Christopher Edwards, brother of Captain Edwards, of the pchooner Norval, who died on tho Kith lint., after a short illness.

Tno barqm Ensign has entered outwards for Melbourne, via Aratapa.

The s.B. Macgregor arrived from Wbangarel last evening. Passengers: Messrs Anderson, Bralm, Rasr, Shand and 3 children, Mahon, Marshall, Murray,Malr. Kirth, White, Stevens, Whitham. Held, »!etoctlvo Tuohoy, Didall. Nan kervls, Mr and Mrs McLean, Mesdamea Whit ham, Filmer. Dent, anii 4steerage. Cargo: 60 bales wool. 17 cases and 51 koga hotter, 13 sackß gum, 18 boxes eggs, 12 bales wool, and sundries.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

AKKIVALS

Hannah Mokau, s.b,, Windsor, from Raglan and

Kawhia Oalrloch, b.s., McArthur, from Waitara Uaurakl, s.s., Harvoy, from Waitara

DEPARTURES. Hauraki, a.c, Harvey, for Waitara tiairlooh, c.c., MoArthur, for New Plymouth

The 8,8 Hannah Mokau arrived from Raglan nnd Kawhia thia morning, with 116 saoks llms, 18 bales flax, 21 pIRS. 7 bales -wool, 6 bales f un'gnj, 3 crates fowls, 70 tons sundries. She leaves again to-morrow, at 3 p in., for Hoklanga.

The s.b. Haurakl arrived from Waitara this morning, with 46 cattle, 103 cheep, and 100 pigs. Bhe left again at 3 o'clock for the same port.

The Northern Co.'b s.b. Qairloch arrived from Waitara this morning with a goneral cargo. She left again for Now Plymouth at 2'o'clock.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Bluff, yesterday;— Thc' Rlngarooma, from Melbourne, brought the following passengers for Auckland: Mr Davis, Mr and Mra Sherrin and family (1), Miss Kouiko, Messra McQueen and Gray, and 6 in tho steerage.

Nai'ikb, December 15.-Arrived: Janet Nic col, from Auckland, i a.m.

WKBTFOBT, Docomber -15.—Arrived: Ora waiti. from WostDort, 9,30 a,m.

Whangabei, December 15.—Arrived: Wai takl, from Auckland 6 a.m.

Rcbskll, December 15.—Arrived : Welling ton, from Auckland, 7 a.m.

Njsw Plymouth, December 15.—Arrived Oreti, from Onehunga. 8 a.m.

Wellington, December 11.—Rnapohu, from Auckland, S3O p.m. Sailed, to-day: Penguin, for Manukau, 10.30 a m. Tauiunua, this day.—Arrived: Clansman, from Auckland, 6 a.m. :

Gheymouth, this day.—Arrived: Herald, from Auckland, 1 a.m.

' London, December H.—Arrived: P. and O Co.'a Clyde, fro n Austrelia.

The lonic at Bio De Janeiro,

Rio De Janeiro, December 14.— The s.s. lonic, from Lyttelton. November 21, loft here last night for London. Her frozen meat cargo is io good condition.

Ketch Asboro on Farewell Spit.

Wbllinqton, this day.—Tho Ughtbouse keepor at Farewell Spit report* that tho ketch Comet of Lyttelton, wentashoro on tbc Spit, about 2 miles from the litchthoute, during the nlKht All tho crew woro landed in safety, and the vessel is apparently uninjured.

H.M.S. NELSON.

R.US.SEIX, this day. It is doubtful whether the Nelscn will coal here. She is preparing for torpedo practice. The local cricket club have challenged the officers for Saturday, and expect an in teresting game. I hear that the Nelson ia likely to leave on Monday next.

The Town Clerk has received the fellow in? tolegremfrom Admiral Tryon •.—"Rus sell, Decembor loth, 7 p.m. Leave this on 2lßt. Arrive by 122 nd. If convenient to you, shall be glad! to receive you the same afternoon, or, if preferred, the forenoon of tho following day.

Notices to Correspondents.

Wager— In tho lnat Auckland Cup, Dodd rode Alaric. Libollor was ridden In the Grand Stand Handicap by A. Smith.

Births.

JACK.-On December 15, atGrcy-s'jcot, Devon port, the wife of Mr J. Jack of a son.

Deaths.

COMIUK.—On December 11, John, (ho beloved husband of E. Comrio. Tho funeral will leave his late residence, Kyber Pass, to-morrow (Wednesday), at 3 p.m. HANCOCK.—On December 13, at his residence Mount St John, Kpaom, after years of patient Buffering, John Hancock; aged 18. Deeply regretted. SMART.—Thomas Henry, the dearly beloved eon ot J. K. Smart; aged 3 mouths. Private interment

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1885.

For tho causa that lacks tuietance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For tile future in the distance, And the goad that we can do.

The Atlantic despatches relating to the English elections throw much light upon the course of events. It appears that the Tories in the early part of November very cleverly put forward the cry,' " The Church is in danger," and endeavoured to make disestablishment dominate the elections in England and Scotland. This move was ingeniously worked up in a series of letters in the "Times," until it was forced upon the serious attention of the Liberal leaders by the appearance of a mani festo of the gravest character, appealing to Churchmen for vigorous exertion during the next few weeks, and urging voters to de mand from candidates an assurance of loyal support of the Established Church, regard less of party. The signatures to this docii mentincluded, beside those of thegreat Whig peers like Lord Grey, Lord Fitewilliam and Lord Fortescue, the heads ef two of the chief Liberal families in England, the Dukes of Westminster and Bedford, the. Duke,, of Argyle, and Lord Selbourne, lately Glad tone's Lord Chancellor, On the came

night Lord Salisbury dolivorcd a speech, accusing in tho strongost terms the Liberal party of plotting tho destruction of the Church, pledging tho Conservatives to tho defence of tho Establishment, and declar ing that they would snerifico that object to ©very other consideration that has governed them.

Tho intention of tho Liborals had been to leave the subject of disostablishmont on ono side as not being likely to como up in the present Parliament. Earnest Church men, however, became seriously alarmed, and it waa necessary to do something. To move at all, however, was attended with embarrassment, not meroly because of tho varying opinions on the subject among Liberal candidates, and thopopularity of dis establishment with tho Dissonters who form the stronghold of Liboraliam, but bocauso the Scotch Liberals wore making disestab lishment a leading queation. Air Glad stone received an address signed by 1,470 Scotch clergymen doclaring that they looked to him to overthrow tho State Church, In thia remarkable political ad dress these Scotch ministers statod: " The timo has como to sever tho relations botweon Church and Stato. Dissenting Christians havo refrainod too long from making this contest, and wo now insist that the coming Parliament ter minate the unjustand injurious connection." Tho controversy over disestablishment gained such an ascendancy in the doctoral discusaiona that tho Irish question was for a time completely eclipsed.

It was while this stato of affairs prevatlod that Mr Gladstone proceedod to Scotland to Bound tho koynoto of tho Liberal policy, and his speeches wero awaitod with a fool ing of intonso expectancy throughout tho country. Hia position was one of considor ablo difficulty, hampered by tho divisions amonghisown followers, and thoartful endea vour to force a side issue, of Tory choosing, uppormost as the central idea of tho Liberal programme. Tho votoran campaigner io ceived un enthusiastic wolcomo in tho North, his progress to Edinburgh being greeted at every atogo with popular demonstrations. If his ppooches lacked that aggrosaivo fierynoss which haa animated him when backed by a com pact party having a fixed purpose in viow, they woro well adapted to tho situation, and greatly allayed tho uneasi ness whicli had existed among tho Church party by showing that tho Church was not immediately monacotl, whilo tho champions of disestablishment woro allowed freedom of action, John Bright exercised this freedom to tho fullest oxtent; epoaking at Birming ham ho instancod the condition of tho Episcopal Church in America ns proof that tho Church of England could maintain its rights without a Stato alliance. While showing that tho cry of disestablish ment was a more Tory trick, Mr Gladstono said : " I am far from saying, if I woro twenty yoars younger, if I could stand bo foro you at a fnturo election and circum stancos woro ripo for taking a niattor of this kind in hand on ono side or on tho other—l am far from saying that I should thon urgo you not to give it the first placo in your thoughts, but, gontlemen, I am now labouring with all my heart for the unity of the I iberal party." From that timo onward disestablishment occupied a subordinate placo in tho elec tions, and tho Irish question camo forward more prominontly. Tho course of oventa on this subject would occupy too much space to be doalt with in our present issue, and wo must dofor it for future ro viow. Tho Tories mado a strong bid for tho town voto by tho "fair-trade" cry which they put forward aa tho antidoto for industrial depression. A gain to tho Con Eorvativcs waa contidontly predicted from this causo, whilo it waa correctly forocast that thonowly-enfranchisedcountry oloctors would vote strongly Liberal. Tho stag nation in manufacturing towns was so in tense that it is ecarcoly marvellous that tho operatives should grasp at any straw giving promiso of improvement. In times liko that, tho English doctor plumps as roadily for a Govornmont with "a strong foroign policy " as his colonial cousin tlocs for ono which guarantees an abundant ex penditure on local works.

The Government anal the Trunk Railway.

It is so long since wo hoard anything cf tho Govornmcntintentions regarding tho special loan for tho North Island Trunk Railway, that wo had bogun to hopo that they had repented of their piratical do signs. On good authority, however, wo now learn that thoro has boeu no such return to the paths of rectitude. Tho special loan of a million will bo floated, and in all proba bility applied to othor purposes than those for which it was authorised. Liko other custodians of tills who misappropriate tho funds placod within their reach, tho Go vornment will protest that although applying this Northern voto to Southorn works without Parliamentary sanction, thoy moan to restoro tho monoy to its legitimate owner somo day -probably after endeavouring to extort from tho Northern membor3 pledges of support to tho East and West Coast railway and othor works ruinous to the colony. Tho.evont will, wehopo, prove that if tho Auckland mombors cannot obtain justice by logitimato moans thoy will ncvor barter away tho pormanenb interests of Now Zoaland. If they woro base onough to do so, the bad faith displayed in connec tion with this loan should warn thorn that though thoy woro willing tn soil thomsolvos, they might whistlo in vaili for tho prico of their infamy.

A (lairs in tho Balkan Peninsula nro not in such a bad condition as. was reported yoatorday. A cablo message today states that no fresh outbreak of hoßtilitios has taken place, and another dospatch convoys the hopoful tidings that tho Porto has dos p*tchedancnvoytoSosatoconforwith Prince Alexandor. This conciliatory iitlitudo on tho part of Turkoy is n guarantoo of a peaceful solution of tho difficulty and of the union of Roumelia and Bulgaria being ultimately recognised.

At the usual bi-wookly bitting in Cham bers this morning, Mr Juatico Clillies granted probato in re Aloxandor Mnßon

Williams, William Douglas, Charles Philip Philips, and Isaac Worthington Harrop (doceased). In re Robertson v. Ewington and others Mr Cavo appeared in support of a summons, calling upon tho dofondants to show cause why tho plaintiff should not be at liberty to furthor ainond writ, otc, by striking out tho name of F. G. Ewing ton as a defendant, leaving plaintiff to con tinue the action against John Wilson and John Homo, administrators of tho residuary estate of Robert Graham (decoaeed), as wofl as o.xocutors of his Rotorua properties. Tho action arises out of the lato Mr Graham's ejoctmont of Mrs Anno Robortson from the Ohinenrutu Hotel in February, 1880, in rospect of certain unsatiefiod claims. Tho plaintiff now alleges that do fondant's estate has bonefittod by tho pos session of tho hotel aud fixtures to a larger amount than she owed. Henco tho prosont proceedings.. Mr F. Earl appeared for Mrs .Robertson, and after His Honor had heard tho loarnod counsel ho granted tho ordor prayed for, tho costs of tho application to bo costs of tho causo.

A meeting of the creditors of Arthur Utting, storekeeper, at Matokohe, was hold at 2 o clock this afternoon, the Official As signeo presiding. A report was received from Mr VV, Gray (Aesignea'a assistant) stating that ho had carofully oxarainod the debtor's books with tho object of finding out how tho deficiency of £336 since the Bth August last had arison. From tho bank rupt's sworn Btatemont made thon, it ap poared that ho had pocket-books from which the cash transactions could bo made up, but bo now affirmod that euch was not tho caso. Tho only books which seemed to havo been regularly kopt wore a day-book and lodger for credit tranaactions only. Tho ledger showed the total book debts to be £122 2s Id, and as the bankrupt declares that bad debts were included in the list of assets prepared in August, this item would account for £62 2s Id, The cutter, dingy, and boat wero estimated in August at £125, but are now set down at only £88. As for the balance of the de ficiency, tho bankrupt was unable to make it up, but attributed it to losses in gum and trade depression. Ho also lastly al logod that tho statement mado by him in August was not sworn to, and that thoro would probably bo a difference of £100 bo ween that valuation and tho preEont one. The meeting was proceeding whon wo went to press.

At the mooting of the Harbour Board to day, the manager of the Northern Steam ship Company applied for a license for the 5.6. Argyle. Granted, subject to the Har bourmaster a approval.

la order to bo abreast of tbo times, and tj meet a much felt want, wo notice the directors of the Waiwora Co. havo built there very tasteful cottages (furnished) for the use of visitors to Waiwera who are anxious to batha their children thero, and to secure the comforts of home with all the advantages of a eea-side holiday. Mr Saundere, «the Secretary of the Company, will give any information required as to terms, &c,

At the Polico Court to day, before Messrs R. Stevenson and Moat, J.P.s, one person was fined for drunkonness. A charge of righting in a public place proforred. against Alexander McNaughton, was adjourned until Saturday next.

H.M.S. Nolson ia not expected to arrivo hore for a few days, Admiral Tryon bong engaged at Russell in obtaining informa tion of that port iirconncction with colonial defence.

Mr 11. Hayr, Secrotary of tho Athletic Club, haa recoivod notification from Mr J. Mumford, custodian of tho Domain Cricket Ground, that undor no circumstances would bicycle racns bo permitted to tako placo oniho abovo ground, and suggesting that the ovonts might at onco bo takon off tho programmo of sports.

Tho s.B. Macgregor, which arrived from Whangarei last o yon ing, brought up a man namod Clark, soriouely ill from blood poisoning. Ho was convoyed to tho Hos pital in a cab. It appears that some timo ago Clark was lighting with another man and struck tho latter on tho tooth. Ho Bustainod a slight wound on one hand, blood-poisoning set in, and has since assumed a very sorious phase.

The mortal remains of Mr John Hancock, ownor and first Hcensoo of the United Sor vico llotol, woro interred yesterday in the Church of England Cemetery, tho Yon. Archdoacon Dudlby being tho officiating clergyman. Thoro was a largo cortege of mourners, of whom tho chiof woro Mr Percy, Mr Loo, and Maßtor ITadloy. Tho doceasod wns an old resident, and wub very highly respected. Ho is eurvivod by hia ivifo.

It 13 reported that Messrs llyland and Sons, of London and Manchostor, and Meesra J. and R. Morloy, of London and Nottingham, manufacturers and waic housomcn, aro about tc establish a Wow Zealand agency, and havo selected Wolling ton as their hondquartors.

Wo nro sorry to learn that Dotcctivo llorbort, who distinguished hitnsolf in con noction with sovoral rocont important cisoe, has been seriously ill for some littlo time with a rheumatic complaint, and has had to go to To Aroha Hot Springs.

Tho Committeo of tho Working Men's Club bog to acknowledge with thanks the roceipt of a donation of books from Mr Justico Gillios for their library.

Tho roport of tho Pock Committeo re tho matorial tor Calliopo Dock was to tho effect that having road tho roporta of Mr Waro (Consulting Engineer), Mr Errington (Dock Engineor), and Mr Stevenson (Inspector of Works), thoy rocominond " That tho roporta of tho Enginoor and Inspector of Works bo refunod to tho Consulting Enginoor, to roport upon to thia Committoo."

Mr Napior has boon retainod for tho do fence of the man Lewii Thomas, arrested at Onohunga for an a'logcd brutal aseault on hia wifo.

Constable McKnight has arrostod a man naiiioil Harris, at Pnpakurn, on tho churgo of stealing a horse, tho proporty of Messrs Hawkoa and Lincoln, butchers, at Pon sonby. Accused will bo brought down by this aftornoon's train.

Wo aro informed that tho mails takon by tho Zealandia yosterday woro supplomontary to thoso forwarded by tho s.s., Alamoda, and contained correspondence posted after tho closing of tho mails cent by tho latter vessel. Tho gratuity paid to the raastor of tho Zoitlandia was 4$ lOd. not £i 10s aa 'stated ; boing tho ordinary gratuity of a ponny a letter allowod by law to merchant vossols carrying mails.

Tho <Jo3pol Temporanco mooting waa hold last Sunday overling in the usual placo, (ho Protestant Hall, Karangahapo Road, »Vr Hanson occupied (ho chair. Addresses woro given by Mr Soustor and Roy. A. J. Smith. Tho eervico noxt Sunday ovoning will bo conducted by the Ladies Christian Toinpornnco Union.

Wo frequently hear of valuablo dogs being poisoned, and it is undoubtedly annoying to tho ownors, but it is hardly to bo wondered at considering tho nuisanco which many porsons complain of in being kept awake by tho incessant barking. A correspondent writes that one of theso pests U kept by a pardon in this city, and night nftor night his neighbours are provoked to indulgo in profano language from their rest being disturbed, and thoir peace of mind destroyed by his noisy pot.

Tho Now Zealand Co-operative Land and Ltibour Ceinpany mot at thoir Hobson-strcot shop last ovoning. Major (ireen occupied tho chair. Messrs Kendall and Paul were oloctod directors. A statomont showing tho business transacted at Auckland, Now market, and Gisborno stores during the past month was considered to be very Eatis factory, and it waa rOßolvod to extend tho Company's operations by tho establishment of other branches throughout Auckland.

Thore aro now a largo number of mon ongagod breaking stones around tho foot of Mount Edon. Looking from tho Rille Kango, a succession of littlo mounds of brokou metal can bo soon, at oach of which men arc working. Iv tome few instances these mon aro accompaniod by thoir wives and families, who camp near tho work and assist in "cracking tho diamonds," for this is an employment that is not too hard oven for women to ongngo in. Apparently tho results depend moro upon tho skill than the strongth of tho blow. Like everything else, doxtority comes alono from practico. Somo of those stonobrcakors are of an economical turn of mind. For instinco, ono was observed on Saturday carofully going round with a buckot and gathering Uio Tooso motal oil' the road in ordor to increaso tho fiizo of his mound, by which moans ho would bo enabled to sell it a eocond limo to tho Road Boards.

Tho Macgregor's Whapuku fishing excur sion to Whangaroi Heads on Saturday last was tho best sport in thnt lino that has boon made for a long time. Unfortunately tho weather was wot whon tho stcamor loft Whangarei, and in consequence only about a dozon persons turnod out for tho excur sion. Captain Johnson was romarkably lucky in selecting tho fishing ground, and dropped anchor whoro tho fiah wero uivarm ing. In le.ss than two hours !!(> monators had been captured, the umusemont us each was hauled on board, by three or Jour porsone, boing immonso. Another excur sion is likoly to oventuato at an early dafo, whon it is probablo that tho good roeults of Saturday's outing will socuro moro liberal patronage from tho public.

On Friday last tho children altonding the Woodhill Uißtrict School had a most onjoy ablo outing. Somo 00 adults and 120 chil dren wcro present.

Tho Salvation Army Brigndo Captain's report on tho Prison Gate Biigado Homo for tho woek ending Uecombor 11th is as follow?:—Number of meals givon, 130; beds, ,"0 ; admitted, 3 ; discharged 1 ; still in tho Homo, G. Articles roceived : Moat, Messrs Garrett, llulmo, llcllnby, Eady, Burton, aud Uriilis; broad, Mrs Howio, Mews Marten, of Pornoli, Pareons, Growo, Robloy, Kingrford, and "A Friond ;" grocorio?, Mrs Blott; clothing, " A Good Friond to tbo Home," and Mrj Morgan. We are in need of firewood and grocorioe. Ploaso rcmomber us for Christmas. "I was an hungorcd and yo gavo me moat,"— (Signed) Captain R. Liitlb.

A pleasing ontortiininent in connection with thoNoithcoto Band of Hope Was hold in Lind'd Hall last evening. Tboro was a good attendance. An interesting feature was a rocitation contost in which Mr VV. iliotou, professor of elocution, consontfd to awurd tho prizes. Thcro wcro i girla and 7 boys amongst tho competitors, and they were classilied according to ago. Georgo Kobcrt son roceived tbo highoet award amongst the boyp, and Arthur Bedgato camo noxt, whilst Emily Redgato and Daisy Kondcll were the highest amongst the girls. After awarding the prizes Mr W. fainton ad drossod the meeting and mado reference to tho lato Mr Graham Tawhai, who, ho said, was to havo taken parb in the entertain ment,

A largely-attondod meeting of Arch Hill ratepayers was hold last evening, to con eider tho action of Mr E. W. Morrison with respect to road board matters. Mr J. T. Dinos wns called to tho chair, while Mr W. J. Macdormott acted as secretary. Some strong expressions of opinion were made respecting Mr Morrison's alleged neglect of his public dutios, and it was said that he had only attended four meetings out of six. It was agreed, on tho motion of Mr M. Tobin, " That Mr B. VV. Morrison be callod upon to resign his position upon the Arch Hill Road Board." Tho following statement of accounts was aubinittod by the Treasurer, Mr Dines,—Receipts: Bulanco, £Bo 18a lOd ; ratea, £13313a G Jd; eubacrip tion, £4, dog tax, ss; liconso fee, £25; overdraft, £13 5a 7d; error, £1 15s sd; total, £258 18s 4^d. Expenditure: Joun ing, £41 12a 3!A ; wages, £49 6a 8d ; sun dries, £31 12s"lid ; works, £47 18a 2d ; ecaria, £65 5s Gd ; gas, £23 03 ]0d : total, £258 183 4^d. Assets: Unknown to Treasurer. Liabilities: Scoria, £53 8s; spaulls, £2 98 ; motal, £21; Mr Krrington, £S5; late survoy, £G2 jMr T. Seaman, £9 16s; overdraft, £13a 5a 7d : total, |C 246 18a 7d. During the subsequent discussion on Mr Erriugton's claim for £85 for survey work the lights were extinguished, but tho gas having bjc-n relighted, the following motiuu -i\ -i im^'?: "That the meeting refuse f<> rqcqgnise any expenditure unauthorised by tho Board."

WiMi regard to tho increased lighting of the Queen-street Wharf, a letter was read this afternoon at the Harbour Board meet ing from Mr C. Gifford Mooro, C.E., aolo colonial agent for the Alba Carbon Light, calling attention to the alleged superior qualitios of that system of illumination, lie states that the principal points in its favour aro (1) intensity of light and (2) great economy. Their largest harbour lights aro 450 candle power, containing 12 , No. 2 Brey's burners, consuming under ordinary pressure 36 feet of gas per hour, ' and about 2d worth of carbon. Tho lan tern is constructed on modern principles, combining ventilation with impervious ness to tho wind. It is statod tnat one of thoso lights placed on tho widest part of the wharf would light eacli eido with groat brilliancy at a coat of 6d per hour, while tho ordinary gas required to give an equal light would cost 2a 6d por hour. Mr Mooro offorod to forward a lantorn to the Board if they woro willing to give it a trial. Koforred to tho Works and Tariff Committee.

At tho mooting of tho Harbour Board tliis aftornoon leave of abamico for 14 days was granted to Mr Thomas Morrin.

Mr H. J. Carson has accepted tho Natural Scienco mastership of the Auckland Collego and Grammar School.

Tho steatnor Argyle, which left for Mer cury Bay last evening took as passengers Messrs B. Bailoy and IJ. Mooro, who aro to tako part in the Champion Punt Race at the Kogatta to bo held there on Saturday next.

Last evening a mild sensation was caused in Onohunga by the vagaries of a drunken man named McCloskey. Ho commonccd hia Baturnalia in Queen-street, where ho exhibited a spico of his manliness by soundly thrashing an old man named Hoaloy ; but apparently not satisfied with this exploit, and still thirßting for gore, he pursued another person down Princes stroot, and waa in tho act of administer ing chastisouiont to him also when Ser geant hovo in Bight and gavo tho belligerent a slight idoa of what " mimbors of tho foorco " can do in cases of emergoncy. McCloskoy at first was unwill ing to oscort tho man in blue, but ultimately superior authority prevailed, and the hero of tho hour was lodged Bafoly for the night.

Tho lottor from Messrs Brown, Campboll, and Co., requesting rofund of wharfage on tho Zoulandia in coneoquonco of nrrangomont with tho Govorninent, was considered by tho Harbour Board yes torday, when it was agreed that tho lotter bo rocoivod, and tho question doforred until tho quostion in dieputo with tho Government be arrangod.

A public dobato is being arranged bo twoon Mr Thomas Walker, Froethought lecturer, and Mr Goorgo Aldrldgo, Condi tional Immortulity proachor. Mr Aldridgo will allirm tho divino origin of Christianity, Mr Walker taking tho negative.

Another performance of the "Octoroon" was given last evoning by tho mombers of Silver King Company. Thoro was a good attendance, and the porformanco was a thoroughly successful ono.

Tho accident reported as having occurred in a timbor mill last week was not in tho mill of tho Auckland Timbor Company.

Tho following is tho report of the Finance nnd Legal Committee as submitted to tho Harbour Board this afternoon:—Ho Loan Amount: That this Committee recommend that fixed deposits bo made as follows: £13,000 for throo month?, £14,000 for six months, £2,000 for nine months, and £40,000 for twolvo months. Reclamation of Shoal Bay : Tho Committco rocommendod that tho plans bo recoivod nnd laid on tho table, and the consideration deferred until next mooting, tho Committee to visit the locality on Thursday next, at 2.30 p.m. Railway Reclamation : A report from the engineer having been read in reference to this matter rocommonding that the con tractor bo given notico to proceed with the Eastern ond of the reclamation. The Committco rocommonded that the engineer's suggestion as to tho completion of tho Railway Reclamation bo adopted.

Tho mission services wore continued last night at St. Paul's Church. Rev. C. Bod ington delivering an ablo and earnest ad dress. Today, tho Rev. G. E. Maßon do livorcd an nddross to inon, in Shora's Old Buildings, Qucen-stroet. About 50 ' men woro prosoot. Tho subject was " Life; Its Wondorful Prodigality and Joyousnoss," nnd, said tho speakor, thoro Is something in man wbich rosponds to naturo's wealth of beauty, and which answers to all its har monies. What is lifo ? was a Htiil unan swered quostion, a problem which even Profossor Iluxloy was unable to solve. Tho upoakor gavo numorous illustrations, showing that lifo was given for enjoymont and not for sorrow, and that if wo would bo happy, wo muet banish tho sin and accopt the joy.

Thero appears to bo trouble brewing with regard to riflo range on Shelly Beach, for tho uso of tho Ponsonby Volunteers. At tho meeting of tho Harbour Board this aftornoon, a lettor was read from Mr William Coloman, solicitor for Mr E. \V. Pago, of Albort Park, objecting to tho oroction of tho targets in clofo proximity to the boundary of his land, alleging that it was calculated to depreciate tho value of bis propeity, and also asserting that Mr I'utro'a coDsaut waa nevor obtained to tho establishment of tho riflo range. He thoro fore prayed tho Board to withdraw the por mission granted, and to givo instructions that tho targot or butts bo removod. It. is averred that Captain Morpoth and Lieut. McDonald woro under tho orronooua im pression that the consent of all tho 'neigh bouring proprietors had boon obtained to tho formation of tho range.

Mes.«rs McMahon and Leitch, with their dramatic company, loft for Sydnoy by tho s.s. Waihora this afternoon.

Tho Roy. J. S. Hill dolivorod an interest ing and instructive address on Sunday afternoon before tho members of tho Young Men's Christian Association on "Curront Doubts and Fallacies. Thoro was a good attendance of members and visitors. Mr Hill pointed out, with much clearness of oxproeßion, uoino of tho chief causos of doubt and divisions on tho subject of Christianity, and at tho close of tho addrosss sevoral queationa woro asked and courteously answered In reply to one questionor as to whother the lotter of the Hey. G. E. Mason waa not more likoly to occasion doubts and perplexity than other wi«o, Mr.Hill Baid tho letter would have that oll'cct. Ho much regrettod its appear unco, and was pained on Boeing tho letter from a clergyman of tho church to which ho (Mr Uill) bolongod.

Tho usual monthly mooting of tho Angli can clergy waa hold yoetorday at their resi dence of Yon. Archdeacon Mauneell. The objoot of tho meeting was to consider the form of tho prosont which it had been pro posed tomako to the missionora—tho Revs, C. BodiDgton and G. E. Mason—in recog nition of thoir labours in Auckland. The Chairman (Archdeacon Maunsell) thoughtit would bo bettor for the clergymen them solves to make tho presentation, as some paibhos might not bo able to dq^aa woll an others. A letter was read from tho Roy. Dr. Kidd, oxprosaing a hope that if a presentation woro made to the missioners it would not be takon as an approval of tho teaching and doc trino of the miseionors. Yen. Archdeacon Dudley dofended Mr Mason from what had been snid of tho letter written by him, and censured tho Roy. J. S. Hill for his state ment that ho was ashamed and pained to poo such a letter from a minister of tho church to which ho bolonged. Mr Hill replied that his statement was elicited by a question from a Rationalist as to whether ho did not think that infidelity was in groat part caused by the difference between Christian sects. He, Mr Hill, thought it wbb so. and regretted the appearance of Mr Maeon's letter. Tho Rev. Mr Tebbs con sidored that Mr Mason had acted unwisely, After some furthor discussion, tho meeting separated.

There is no doubt that tbo largest and moat clioiou variety of urtlclos snitable for Xinaß and wedding proecnts is at UoyJan and Tanflold's ohlna, prlnaa, and eartbenwaro ojtab llshment, 17i, Qaeen-atroot. The pricos too ara remarkably low. J heir prosont penstm s (roods having jUBt beon oponod np, tboro ia an im moDse aasortiiont of now goods to eolect from. —[A dvt]

ASSAULT ON FEMALES.

Two ladies, who had been visiting aeick friend in tho neighbourhood of the Surrey Hills, were the victims of an assault about ono o'clock this morning. They were proceeding homewards along the Great North Road, and when passing Pollen street, were interfered with by a man, who caught hold of one of tho ladies. Sho struggled and foil, and regaining her feet quickly, ran with her companion in tho direction of their home. They were pursued by|their aßsailant, but fortunately enough the husband of one of the woman, who was in bed, heard the scieani, and pulling on his trousers, ran to tbeir assistance. Ho met the unmanly ruffian a few yards from his houso, and Rave him a sound thrashing on the spot. Subse quently.he accompanied one of tho woman, who is hiß siator-in-law, to hor house, and e6eingthoman|whohadcommittedtheassault skulking along the road, he repeated the chastisement. It is to be hoped that the punishment inflicted willoxercisea deterrent effect for the future.

Local Preachers' Association.

The local preachers of the various Methodist ohurchca of Auckland met jeetorday to colo brato the first anniversary of their AsßOjla'.ion. Tho conference opened la tin Pitt-strcot Woßloyan school-room at 3 o'clock. Thera was a very excellent muster of the bi othren, even at this unueual hour. Tha President (Mr Wm. Hokk) openedtho proceedings by singing and oraior. and oallinn upon theßeoroiary to read a ?or lon of Scripture. Ihe ""1 arrangenjent on tho programme was a paper to be r eau .as Brother Kenshaw upon tho topic-" The Local Preacher, Hia Standing and Work. Tho open toff portion of the paper showed that-the ordorfl of lay preachers a? agents emp'oyed by God was Soamotenconception. It wa* not the Pro duct of tho nuco&siuos of tuo churches of the I present aj?o. Tho unique combination of tho fay and cloric elementa in th* pjimofni ambassador o( Go i was no now order of thlnßP. Iftstory points it back bb far as even Noah, who was apreacher of Rightoousneas. and yetcirned on W3 worldly calling, Abraham, he aaid, was also a preacher and an ambaeaadpr for God la cnTrryins God's will to the Binfal around him. These servants of God combined even the priestly office with their call to preach. Thero fore the order of lay preacher was of groat kntlnulty Christ, who knew tho world's need, set afoot flshormfln to toll of the glad tidings of Hia own salvation to perishing thousandaof his day Since that period, this class of lay agency had been at work-in high life and humble life, enrrvins; the precious message of life to thou sands, and had been the moans o£ rescuing them fromdarknoss and plaolng Uicm in the light. He referred to tho troubles and dieoouragements oC tho lay brother in his work and luDour of love. Tno oriterion of hia usefulness lay not in Uieamoant of sympathy acoordod, but in tho fruits resulting from cis labours. The aim or tho local preachorßhouldbo at practical preaon inir euoh as would bo adapted to everyday iife, and from tho fact of his position in the world ho waa capable of lmpartlns knowledge which would bo very benelicial to thoso to whom ho ministered from Sabbath to Sabbath. He said popularity waß no true mark or tear, or » preacher's power but what God thought of his work His only aim Bhould bo the conversion of his' hearers, and If ho failed in this he failed In everything. The paper was listenoa to with great pioasuro from first to last. The dlsouseion which followed lasted till a quarter pant« o'clock. Various brethren took part in the debate.and each from various modos of thought addod much to tho general interest of tho meeting. Sovoral of tho miui6lore wore present during tho discussion. . At half-post 0 tea waa served in tho lower nchoolroom to a very largo company, and at half-paat seven tho public gathering took place. The meeting was proßtdcd over by the Prosi- Th'o tlrat address was by tho President who gavo an interesting account of tho rise and pro gress of tho Association. Ho pointed out tho work that bud been done during the year, and he wonnd np by admonishing all to further eatnoßtnoss In a cuuss so a/ftr and blossua. The eecund address wbb by Mr Brown, jun., on "Outdoor Proaohing." Ho rooountod tho efforts put forth by tho Pooietr In tto districts of Dovonport, at tho Sugar Works, and on Quoonstreet Wharf, These sorvioes hpd boen largoly blest to thoeo who heard. What was wanting was a regular band of singers and tra»t distributors to help nt theso outdoor services. Ho urged thoso prosont to como and help them. Mr Knott iravo tho laßt addrosß on "The Relation of tho Pastor to the People and tho Pooplo to tho Pastor." The thoughts thrown out by Mr Knott woro oxoelleut and most tcn'lorly put. He pressed the people to sup port tho pastor in every possible way. and also hinted that many of the poorer people of the church were sadly noglectod. Ho had hcatd that pastors favoured tho rich end woro found in tho olcgant houses of tho well-to-do folk, while tho poor wore to aomo oxtont noglectod. He had hoard such reports and was almost of opinion that tharo waa somo foundation for Tho meeting did not break up till nearly 10 o'c ock. Tho conference was a great success.

NEWTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

List ovoning tho flrot mooting ot tho above Boroueh Counoil waß hold in St. Gcorgo's Hal^ Uroat North Eoad. Fro«cnt: Messrs Warnock (Mayor), Biliington. Morrlaoa, Hustings, Laing, Buckloy, Gordon, Prime, HIgRS, acd Lee. The inembcra mado tho usual declarations, and then took their seats us councillors. Mr John Currlo was appointed town clerk, valuer, and colleotor to tho borough, the umount of salnry bainsc deferred until a future moetintr. Crs. Blllington and LfiO wnro appointed acommittoo to report upon a common seal for the Borough. TUo following commiticoß wore appointed:— Messrs Bllllngton, Prime, Lee, and Morrison, KinancoCommittee; Messrs Hastings, Morrison, Buckley, and Leo, committee to frame building regulations; Messrs Billington, HaatiDgß, Gordon, and Lee, committee to report upon the quest! >n of maintaining thn Great North Rosd ; Mi'B'rs Hlgns, JLo*, Thompson, Buckloy and Hastings. subccmrolHae to consider tho levels of the streets in the Surrey Hills Kstato and othor lmU ttrrt. It was roeolved that tho branch Bank of New Zealand ho tho borough's bank. Th» Mayor and Mr Prime wnro instructed to countersign chequofl with the Treasurer. It was ulao deoided to hold weekly mornings at 7 p m., no now busiiic.su to bo taken utter 9 pm. Tho oftlco hours of tho Council woro fixod from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for every day of tho week excoi t Soturdayß and Sundays, whon tho Town Clorlt would bo In attendance to glvo information to burgesses.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office, thin city. At Mr Q. \V. Binnoy'd wool sale this afternoon, t lota were quitted. Tho prices roaiieed for mer ino wai Csd ; crossbred, 7jjd to 7Jd; and long wool, 5Jd to 6jjd.

TABLE-TALK.

Sik J UMUB Vooel is recovering.

11. M.S. Kelson tarries awhile at Russell. Criminal cessions opened at Gisborno yes torday.

Annual meeting of Total Abstinence Society to night. Mark Twain mado £14,000 last year.

India has a breed of fieh-oating elephants. At Brisbane tho opidomic on the Dorunda is pronounced cholera.

Comforting: Tobacco-workers in Spain were not attacked by cholera.

It is proposed to emolt nuriforous ore a Onohunga Iron Worke.

Captain J. \V. Cummings, lato Lloyd's Surveyor at Dunedin, is dead.

To Kooti wns at Kihikihi yostorday, en route for Poverty Bay, tho eceno of his massacres.

Thoro aro 125 scholars attending Christ church Girls' High School. Tho Ex a'ninors roport well of tho school.

To-morrow (Wednosday) is tbo nnnivor sary of Canterbury province.

The Volunteers of North Cnntorbury aro to have a Hold day on tho occasion.

Israel Uassondalo has bcon drowned in tho Waipoua river at Mastorton.

Mntivo Land Courts aro to bo oponod at Tnupo nnd Wangouui on 14th January. Wai worn, To Aroha, and Kotorua oro putting forth all thoir attractions for tourists.

Dunedin unemployed grumble at tho offer of work at 4s por day mado by Govern ment.

Tho noblo army of 'orny-'andod ones bootod tho Mayor of Dunediti because ho could do nothing to get thorn bigger v ages. Fifteon Napior Salvationists woro charged yoatorday with crenting a tniisunco in tho streots by marching with brass instru monts.

Thoir counsel urged that tho by low was ullra vtrcn, and an infringement of the liberty of tho subject. Tho R.M. will give liis decision on Saturday. For tho convenience of Presbyterians in outlying district*, it is suggested that Rev. W. Mocrao bo appointed an itinorary clergy man, making visitsat stated intervals. Cucumbers sliced aro eaid to remove frecklos. This is not wondorful. They bavo boon known to romovo whole families.

Thoroaro now 225 malo and 114 fomale inmates of Whau Asylum ; no alteration since last week.

Alex. Hersohborg, farmer, Taratahi, Wellington, has been missing for some timo.

Howick larrikins havo brokon out in a now placo ; they are disfiguring buildings and sign-boards with tar. Those two fomale patients suppoeod to bavo escaped from tho Asylum at Whau were found concealed undor the flooring of the Asylum. Tho Governors of Nolson College have appointed Miss R. M. Will, of Christ church, and Mrs Snoll, of Auckland, assis tant mistresses of tho Girls' College. Mr R A Fletcher has arrived from Dun edin to fit up four electric lights to illumin ato Auckland harbour.

Tho Harbour Board has decidod to for ward to Captains Morpotli and McDonald a copy of the letter received from Mr W Coleman, acting for Mr Page, objecting to the erection of tho now rifle tarcot at Cox s Creek Mr Pago submitted that hia consent bad never been obtained, as stipu lased, ond that the proposed range would be a sourco of danger to persons on his property.

The lecture by Mr Thomas Walker on Tne Fronch Revolution," to be delivered at tho Lome street Hall this evening for the benefit of tho uneinployd, promises to bo a success. A good number of tickets havo been disposed of, and several ladies and gentlemen have signified their sym pathy with tho cause in offering their aor vices as vocalists during the evening. ■/ Ai* th, e T B6o°nd a, nl>ual nieeW of tho Now r% F 'w^\ aad M^ tgae° &U afte«oon (Su F. Whitaker presiding), the number of ttr/A? nf U? 6d t0 °- Messrs T Buddie, J. M. Clark, ond Hon. Jas. Wil liamson (the retiring directors) were w- SSraf^S manWaßr°-aPPointed An address on "Total Abstinence " is to

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY ELKCTniO TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.]

(special to press association.) (Received December 15—1135 a.m.) Tho High CommlssioQershlp of New Guinea. London, December 14,—Tho Queensland Government are urging the Homo authori ties to appoint Mr John Douglas aB High Commissioner of Now Guinea. English Cricket Season. Tho first crickot match of the soason will be Lords v. Sheffield, and will be ployed on May 13th.

[beuteb's telegram.]

(Received December 15—1.15 p.m.) King Thcebaw at Madras. Madras, Decembor 14 — King Thcebaw has arrived hero from Rangoon to-day, a

prisoner.

Turkey and Bulgaria.

Constantinople, December 14. — The Sublime Porte has despatched an envoy to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in order to confer with Princo Aloxander on tho present

situation,

Truco Between Sorvia and Bulgaria.

London, December 14.—The telegrams of yoaterday'a date from the Balkan Penin sula, referring to fighting which is alleged to have taken place at Velikisvor,are now stated to be devoid of truth. LatOßt advicos report that at present hostilities have cea3ed.

Catholic Schools In the Colonies.

Hia Holiness the Pope has written a letter to Cardinal Manning in which he strongly approves of tho establishment of Catholic schools in tho colonies by volun tary subscriptions.

Proposed French Duty on Wheat.

The French Chamber of Deputies will consider a proposal to increaso the duty on wheat outsido of that produced in Europe, to nine francs sixty contj, Tho Accident to the Kaikoura. Capetown, December 13.—1t is expected that tho necessary repairs to tho propeller of tho Kaikoura will bo completed, and the vessel enabled to proceed on her voyoge to day- ___________

Distressing Fire in England.

Thirteen Lives Lost.

[kkuter's teleokam.]

London, December 14. A disastrous fire occurred at Plymouth last night, by which thirteen persons lost their lives, the victims being mostly children.

CHOLERA IN QUEENSLAND.

Arrival at Brisbane—More Deaths.

BniSBANK, this day. Tiik British-India Stoam Navigation Com pany's Dorunda arrived hero yesterday from Townsvillo. Fifteen fresh cases of sickness havo broken out, and five (loathe bavo occurred on board the voseol sinco she left Townsvillo. Tho medical officer affirms his belief that t,be disease is undoubtedly cholera, and that it was introduced at Batavia.

ALLEGED ARSON.

Tiir. polico aro in receipt of information to tho oflbct that the Coronor's jury on the recont firo at Whangarei fiaa brought in a verdict of wilful incendiarism against Edward Downing, who will thereforo be held for trial at the next criminal sessions of tho Supromo Court on tho charge of 6otUng fire to his brewery at Whangarei. Bail has boen allowed in one surety of £500, and two of £250 oach. Downing was formerly licensee of tbo City Hotel in Hobeon-street, and for about two years had carried on tho brewory business at Whan garei. Prior to that ho was an oxtensive storekeeper at Dargaville. It is a strange coincidence that about a yoar ugo Downing's brower was committed for trial at Whan gßroi for perjury, lie, however, escaped his trial by taking a speedy departure for Amorica.

WHARF ACCOMMODATION.

This Works and Tariff Committee of the Harbour Board have recommended, with regard to tho Hobson-street Wharf, after having road tho report of tho Engineer: "That tho wharf be 45 feet wide on [the oastorn side of Hobuon street reclamation, without roadway, raised platform, or sheds, and that provisions be made in construct ing tho wharf to onablo dredging to be carried to a depth of 18 feet at low water, and that tho Engineer be instructed to causo tho broken piles to be drawn from berth at tho north side of the dock, and that the berth be made available for ship ping." The Committee also recommended that tho Engineer's roport regarding con crete buttresses of Quay-street be adopted, and that plans and specifications and estimates for a wharf 100 feet long, off buttress No. 2, as suggested in Engineer's report be submitted at next mooting of the Board.

SPORTING NEWS.

Auckland Summer Meeting.

Tim arrival of tho Southern division has not causod any particular stir in the betting on tho principal events, of the Auckland Summer Meeting, and excepting that Tot ford and Foul Shot have como in for somo little support, there are no transactions worthy of chronicle The following are the ruling pricos on offer for the Cvp :—5 to 2 Stonoyhuret, 3 to 1 Tasman, 100 to 12 Foul Shot, 100 to 10 Capsize oni Turquoise, 100 to 8 Kudi-mos, 100 to 6 Waitiri.

Tasman, Waitiri, Christina, Kingaek, and Medico woro out on the racecourse this morning, but woro merely cantered. Wapiti and Nelson were treated to strong work in company, and Stoneyhurst was given an easy task alone. Victory and Sir Bodivoro were triod_ ovor tho Cup distance aftor breakfast, having Blainoy for a com panion tho last part of the journey. According to the Napier ovoning paper, Scrutineer pulled up vory sore aftor a gallop on tho Hastings course on Saturday morn ing last.

The two-year-old colt Silvor Prince by Antoros-Sylvia that was Bent to Sydney in January last, and did not find a pur chaser, is to be brought back hero, and he will arrive by the s.s. Rotomahana to-mor row. The colt has been in training, but I have not heard whether he will be raced at the Summer Meeting orsubruittedto auction along with the New Zealand Stud yoarlings od the 4th January. Fortuna'B name should appear among the entries for tho Otahuhu Railway Plate.

HIPI'ONA,

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Carbine Competition.

Tue C'irblnoOlub In connection with the "A" Battery of Artillery Hold their quarterly handi cap competition for money prizes at the Mount Kdon RMo Range on Saturilay last. Although a nasty, puffy wind prevailed, some fair scores wore mado. Between 50 ana 30 men competed. The ranges were 20(1,300, and 500 yards; 7 shots at caob. As clnss-iirinK targets had to bo used, ? po8?lble V 81 instead of 105, V> lmblodon tar got. mo following are tho scores made and tho handicaps:—

We have much pleasure in reminding our raoaora that Row'sold established grooerystoro JM 0$M t™>? t< l* uodoubtedlythe plaoe fora U^vrf "*or a pound oI Bennine tea*

MINING NEWS.

Mining lec^T , Thk following tele^**" 6***. to lecurem Auckland on He leaves hero to morto^^ your best to give p ublici -Jfll JOMa his reception ia cordWV „ to"« th at much good on the eaWK v "*" X nounced in our adv?2- ■ 6ys'" It!. Professor Black S^^itT, night at 8 o'clock in tUa* oii W subject of a t chool o f J&Hoft and the mineral wealth o7,WC Peninsula. Great intew £? S»«CS in Profoesor Black'i i« f S development of the wldffi* 6!1 *« & tendance v He« ta ß te for chemiVtryrthU^ •b*,* a source of both p^'g^C Start of Smelting <)««« Smelting operations ye,.-** four o'clock this-moraiD? at^"joced,. Company's special paTcel 2? and emelter are' wlrkW9l^? and roflect every oredit uhL wero engaged in their erS **• «fi fluxesaredeliverediDtothefZ.L?' 8 N proportions, and as the .X*llll^ continually tapped at a»r& base, while as the metal«TT*f > «« lead bath, they are fete LftL^^ J ll0""* A* noon abourfc 4"?^ lead had been obtained, buffer * been sufficient time fat «n i£S ¥»» accumulate. Operations wjffij *« to without interruption for «e3 ?"llllled the mpply of ore wUI nolk.fc Lf,'?B! b« end of the week. " ' l «, Akoentine (Karangahake) i.Tt reef has not yet been oKJV*W etringora of quartz Uwb^S&J*! tho week Mone of them apWl:ll^ either gold or silver, • vvw wcarry Gladys (Karangahake) —WnVi, l proceeding on the reef wherAtSu" 11 ** wore taken from. »dfiM&«* as whoa started, being mnch hmV *ell heaved about. The ailverT"N only in small patches, and thLZ? fc tion of the reef is only wmK^ worth saving. ' *™ qßartl W

IMPKRIAL.-A8 the iStftJt!* work has been stopped in tbe CT^ preparations have been made toXt1 feet about 20 feet from the'&gft drive. At that place the reef )3,.v tt' and gold has been seen .it* L» that payable quartz has been dri&V? ' as the reef look very patch? **' New FiN».-The return f«m (he hj_, shows 50 trucks crushed 60ozj°S^ 15ozs, total 76ozs of gold; p *S**

TELEGRAMS.

Thames, this day.-Informatioiiub^ received by mail of the death effi Hennekly an erstwhile weU-taomC broker, which occurred at Sti iZ Hospital, San Francisco, a fewweekjjgT Gisborne, this day.—TheSumunMrt B at till three this morning. Xlff for attempting to cause atetiovwura Cr l Ht^five?^ rß',l3?lßlßßrTihttl8' mi fimehoa the criminal bneiness, ■ *■■;■ Earthquake and Wini Wellington, this day—A Bmartihivi of earthquake was felt throughout WelfcT ton district, occuring about 9 o'clock • dim' tion North to South. . -

The cable steamer Sherrard Odione. owing to roughness of water ,fa the Strife yesterday, was unable to do any work. Sk» proceeds to the Straits again this evenw

Christchurch, this day.*-MeMtt Sfa Tole, and Larnach left by.eipteeeferSmtli yesterday morning. :*n <<i;': Mr Matthew Burnett, temperance lec turer, concluded a month'e.auMion jn li» South Island with a tnuetibg: at Lytteltn last night. During the month 12,0(10 persons have signed the pledge, andliOOO blue ribbon, and 850 family cards Inn been Issued. Mr Burnett left in the Taia wera for Hobart to day, • Tho district prize firing is concluded The scores on the whole are yety m, The first priza in the riffle competition m won by Sergeant Templeton,- ;Kii»pol Riffles, which corps took four prim. Shocking Fatal AceMwt, On Saturday the two-year-old «hild o! Edward Coliison was killed by {ailing into the gearing of the horsepower at Sea field. Tim4ru, this day.—The Supreme Court opened yesterday before Mr; Justice TO liams. The learned judge congratulated the Grand Jury on the lightness of the calendar- only five capes in all, Trie Mill were returned in each case/ . John Hill, for hiring a horse and selling the same (hiving been frequently convicted Wore), wm ran tencedto two years' hard labour j George Rails, of Makihi, charged'with obtaining from VVm. Moody (of Moody and Zisslsr) £28 5s on the security of his alleged poaw eion of certain unencumbered property, when in reality such property WM,mo* gagod. Trial proceeding,

Dunedik, this day.-The '.'fitar* ataUe that Mr Maicandrew will be called to the Upper House immediately. «'■; ft' A nix-roomed house in Sonth Dnosdin was burned down yesterday morning, In surance : £350 in the Equitable.: !)'.>;.'

Invhecabgill, this day.^-At M iaqawt on Gilbert Jenkins, whose body w|» <* covered in Puni Creek o'a Satardw, to evidence showed that deceased was suffering from delirium tremens. • "A?yerdiotofiODna drowned was returned. >~-.*';;■'':.: ii'

PARNELL BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual mooting of the ConncilWMieldlut ovenlnß. Present: Captain MoKenskW^ Messrs MoCabe, Gay, Kldd, IM WMtl* Iroland, Clarke. Wlnkf. the lettm Wcelvrf were dealt with asft>lW>w«: T JromW-|fß|jl«| requesting that Mr Fowler, «•#■»? jM, dored to build hta ohlnroer-U ««JX to provent fiirtbor nuisance: It W*P*sj! receive tho letter, and inqntremWtMiniwr -From K. Stocklcy re oojtotionofnwerw nfßht-soil Bprvioo: «efoj^«ffi?W|S mitteo.-From G. Mitchell, "WjLS^JS dog eollara at 8d each: ,^«** ISSSKr be oaUod for a supply of *? w^ffier Coom. Resident Engineer attUtfOU ,WW* of Publio Works will, not give W '««"•[ to any sewerage befog t^ to& t Wn! watercourse on ibo BalnwJ^. *«£J* jj nooessary lor drainage to bßtofeoßalongtneu^ down tho KUlly it m»y bodonoio»«J«gS or in pipoa, provided P^sare^SSf and approved. The tapltoUonjW «»™£ from residentswhoofrorodtowWtww* of drainage, and it wa» »BTB» » WJ^ answer of the rallwar «^*J£ffiSTS3 Gteow Raynes, asking that ™f*J,§J£ might be Watered duimg thodwtf w»«£. Received. eonßlderstion to to^mjMft^ mittee.-the Oveneerof WttortporMaw^ 230 yards, it would at 18 ; 4a™fSisieiireient solved thatthematterbedele^fMU«^l o It was atfreed, on the «pw« ?M";^wo»l« call tenders for the toJ*W«» .fj,^ channel, 18 Indies wite,J«ftASM» stonokeib, from, the corner^to M^Pi. near St. *K TSt^r-.. TSdfi&ttiil*l* 1 cutslon, and me CounoU roee. ,

Another bint for our <m£gft^ from the Waik(vto-that *$*«^ peace and I« J»^B W** for anew local:HM"«f• _*£_iiA-«ni« "News" of Friday Mt saw. j^g, man has been ficCffiiaffJ*g g gtfcii j during the last day or tWV«« »}£«. resident, thelat^ *dd^«lMC«° B! necessity of OP"S »ft&» avocation. In reply fi».M bootmaker, aad in Aackland co• get two days' work IjMHJkft *i * fore determined on dotog>V^' d h , the end of »« ,b^ * « to his in** he graduated to 1882.^ l***.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER *5 1886



Gud. Trovarlhon Sun. W. Woolley Hun, Bylea Bud. Phaw Gun. Brown Sun. A. Payne .. Sun. G Webster Sun. Rowlcs .. Sun. J. Wobslor Sun. A. Woolloy Capt Payee Ueut. Goddes £or. Parnlow .. 3ergt. Hondorson 3un Richards .. Ueut. No'rio .. 3un. DouKhty .. jQn. P. UpBooinbo .. 3nn. Ball'.nilne.. 3er«t \V. Poyno 3un. F. For wood 3un. llcldrutu

Given. "' 8 ~ !!s"cr'ch- .. lu — ..Bor'clt - .. 4 - ..Sor'ch— '.". 12 - .. Sor'ch - ..5 — .. i — .. ii - ..23 - .. y - .. 5 - .. 8 -

Tl. 76 73 )■") 68 ti7 6S fo 65 til 62 til 60 60 59 69 oo ;» 51 61 53 a



W. S. Laurie * C a Have for Sai.b ---170 Tons Bancduac 350 Tons Island and Peruvian Ouano 300 Tons Suporp/ioaphato o£ Lima Sulphate Ammonia Nitrate of Soda i 100 Baleß CornaaaSs CO Tons Black and Barbed Fencing Wire 60 Kegs Btaploß, Plna, and Rollers SEBDS-viz., Whito and Ked Clover, Alsyke, Timothy, Cowgraaß, Cocksfoot, and Kye grass, Turnip, etc. Prices and Samples on application. OUBTOMB-STRBBT. AUCKLAND. /WISTMAS t NEW Y3AR CARDS. THE LATEST DESIGN& Beautiful Floral Albums, Desks. Writing Coses, Card Cases, Nioe Selection in Bibles, Prayer Books, Birthday and Gilt Books. AT VERY MODERATE PRICES. HY. A. COLSAN, * j JHjtfWßt wa Bookseller, Viotorlft-slwet, '



THE RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS, IF AFFECTED TUBERCULAR LUNG DISEASE, IF APPREHENDED, At onoe relieved and checked by AICKIN'd SYRUP OF EUCALYPTUS with LIYI'OPriO3PIIITK3 Of I.IMK AND QUININE. A superlative pulmonary reparalive PRICE, 33 Gil. THE PHAKMACV, QUEEN-STREET. GO TO FOR BEDSTEADS \ CARPETS \ LINOLEUM \^\ PERAMBULATORS \rV\ BEDDING \v<\ spuing mattres v">\ toilet ware x/^'v fenders & irons V>An office furni- VVV TURK » DINING ROOM AND SITTING ROOM /• >v\ DRAWING ROOM \y»<\ BED ROOM y£~\ furniture \t\\ AMERICAN. VZA AUSTRIAN BENT V A wood \2-A cv iIUS & STOOLS V^j\ WARDROBES \L*A SIDE BOARDS \T^J\ curtains yr blinds BLANKETS The Cheap mmß HOUSE FURNISHERS AND EVERT QUEEN-STREET, HOUgE REQUISITa AUCKLAND, __ _ CELLING OFtf! SELLING OFF' BTOCK OF CUTLERY and PLATED GOODS, FOR ONE MONTH. Under coat price, THOMAS SAMUEL Fs oompelled to Soil Off, in consequonoe ol tne Dulneso of Trndc, all kinds of CUTLIRY AND PLATED GOOD 3. BELOW COST TRICK. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS LIBERALLY DKALT WITH. THOMAS SAMUEL, 162, Queen-street, OPP93ITE ARTHUR'S MART. W X RIMUTAKA, FROM LONDON. TEN 400 • GALLON TANKS. FANCY CONFECTIONARY, NOVELTIES. Ex 8.8. AUSTRALIA.: ISO BOXES CALIFORNIA ONIONS. TO ARRIVE BY Each Steamer from SYDNEY. ORANGES, LEMONS, PEARS, FLUMS, AND OTHER FRUITa Xx SYBIL. FROM THE ISLANDS. 75,000 ORANGES, in Prime Condition. N B.—Buyers ol Hot House Grapes in any quantity lor Cash. H. HART AND CO., ALBERT STREET AND MARKET SQUARE. W~O. M o CAUL, WBLLEtXEY-BTRBET EABT, GALVANIZED IRON WORKS & COLONIAL OVEN MANUFACTORY. Plumbers, Builders, Contractors, and Btorekkki-kbb Are informed that GEO. McCAUL, o? Thames, TAKEN OVICR THE BUSINES3 LATELY CARRIED ON BY J. L. KEAN, And being a Direct Importer and Purchaser for Cash, is prepared to Supply all Business Material at Lowest Rates. Awarded Three First Prizes for Colonial Ovens, Corrugated Tanks, Lead-headed Nails and Washers, Spouting, and Lead-edge Ridging. GEO. McCAUL. MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, Wbixksi.ky-btukkt East, Auckland, and Brown and Davy rtreota. Thames- CHRISTMAS CARDS. CHRISTMAS CARDS. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. FREDK, MOUZER'S BIJOU SHOP, In Victoria-street. Is the place to bay CHRISTMAS CARDS and NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. All New, Choice, and Cheap. Plain figures, plain dealing. . " A thing at beauty is a joy for over." n K. HUXTABLB, OCULIST AND SPECIALIST IN THROAT AND EAR DIBKABK. Formerly at MoKenzle Syo Inflrmary, and lately from the Hospitals of London, Paris, and Vienna, Having returned to Auckland, may be consulted at King & Sons', Queen-street, daily, from 11 to 12 o'clock. Private Residences: Poneonby Road, near corner of Lincoln-street, riKAND CASH SALE. X?Q 000 WORTH OF DRAPERY AND &°' UUU CLOTHING, AT HALF PRICE. I. FERNANDEZ, DRAPER, NEWTON, Having purchased a large portion of Messrs L. D. Nathan's and Co., Stock, at a very heavy discount, he is enabled to offer some of the greatest Bargains ever known in Auckland, which the folio mng Piucb List Will Baow: - Mon'n Strong Tweed Summer Suits, complete, 25a; usual price, 12s. Men's Summer Tweed Trousers and Vest, 12b 6d; usual price, 20s. Men's Strong Tweed Trousers, 7s 6d; usual price, 12s lid. Men's Coloured Moleskin Trousers, is 6d: usual prioe, fis lid. Merfs Strong Working Shirt*, lined backs, Is 6d; usual price, 2s 6d. Men'B best quality. Long Silk Coats, 15s 6d; usual price, 22s Gd; Silk Helmets, to match, 5s lid. worth 12s 6d. Men's Felt and Straw Hats, from Is 6d each, the cheapest and best stock In Auckland, see window; every Hat marked in plain figures. Boy's and Youth's Clothing in great variety at halt price. Als?, extraordinary Bargains in Drapery and Millinery every article guaranteed much cheaper than Queen-street prices; prioe list in future isßUe. «3TBpeoial Toys and Fancy Goods for Christ mas, preaonta at just a quarter the usual price. NO PUFF. GENUINE FACTS. COMB AND SEE. FERNANDEZ, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, KARANGA HAPE ROAD, NEWTON. TBAM3 PASS TUB DOOR. jy R I N X ! -QKINKI! BROOKES & COS CHAMPAGNE HOP BEER. No other Hop Beer made by the tame process, and none bo genuine as BROOKES & CO.'S, New appliances to supply the increased demand for Our SPLENDID BBBR. Beware of false imitations bearing a similar mark. 800 that BROOKES & CO. is on every label. Christmas Hampers Packed in all sized Casks. Our Beer Is produoed to quart bottles, and three and five-gallon kegs (guaranteed). BROOKES & CO., CHAMPAGNE HOP BEER WORKS, Jervoib Road, PonSonb*. Telephone 886. Office tours from g mo,m sp.ni,



IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN HANCOCK. DECEASED. All Claims against the abovo Ketato must bo aonc in at once to the undersigned. JACKSON & RUSSELL, Solicitors to the Executors. Shortland-streat, Anokiand, December 15,1885 XTf F. HUBBARD, C.E., ARCHITECT AND SURVEYOR. Wator Supply and Drainage Specialties. 62, Queon-street. Tj2 S. S. COPTIC. MILNE AND CHOSCE Havo just reoolvcd by the Coptic Nino Cafoß ot Novelties for tho present r~ -5 Beaßon, all of tho very latoat £T^ London Styles, in- eluding: r^ LADIE31 TRIMMED BONNETS AND O HATS. ffl CHILD'S AND MilDS' TRIMMED BONNETS AND HA.TB. UNI RIMMED BONNRTS AND HATS. CAP 3, in Mob and Old Lad ies'. FLOWERS AND FEVTHKRS. W PER A.CHUTES (newest style I. L4.CE3 AND NETS Of overy doscrtp -i tlon, from 251 to 21s 6d per yard. H JERSEYS, COSTUMES. rm^ COLLARS AND COLLARETTES. r^3 BOYS' EUITS, incl-dlnK the Scotch Tat tan oompltto. TI|ILNE AND /^HOYCE



pREAT CLEARING BALE or £10,000 ™»™ OF BOOTS AND SHOES, FOR ONE MONTH, AT COST PRICE !! COST PKICE !! T. ELLISON la 3KLLINQ OFF the whole of his Large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES, for ONE MONTH, al COST PRICK for CASH ONLY. MUST BE SOLD, To Make Room (or Large Shipments to Arrive, SPECIAL CHEAP LINES OF GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 11 to 1. AT LBSB THAN COST. THOMAS ELLISON, Bootmaker and Importer, 174] . 74, QUEEN BT. [71]