COMING EVENTS.

Moctings. &c, To-night, Unora Uouso - " Sunty South," 8. Star Hotel-Crimean Voteran.», S. Bailors' Rest—KnterlainiuEnt, 8. Watch Night Servioes, 11.

Chief Post Office Auckland.

Halls will olu.'io as nndoi- :—

Tnis Day. For Friendly Islands. Tahiti, and Rarotonga, por Janet Niooll, at 5 p.m. For WhanKarei Heads, Parua, Waipu, W han garei, Kamo, and Margapal, per Macgregor, at 7 p.m. For Thames, cer Rotoniahnna, at 7 p.m. Jfor Whittngi and Upper -Mill, poriArgyle, at 7

p.m. For Kawau ptr Clansman, at 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 2. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 8 a.m. Ifor Waiwato, To Jiapa. Warkworth, &c, per

Rose Casoy, at 10 a.m. For Putikl. Cowes, and Coromandel, per Coro luandul.utiSp in. For VVangarei Heads. Parua, Waipu, Wangarei, and Kamo, por Glenelg. at 5 p.m. For Katikali, Aongatcto. Tauranna arid Opotiki,

per Roto nahana, at 5 p.m. For Tljamea, yer Rotoniahana. at 5.30 p.ni,

Monday, January 1.

For Greymoutb, per Herald, at 11 a ny

Tuksdat, January 5. For Taranoki nnd Southern Ports, per Penguin, at 7 10 a.m. Per Alaracda as follows: -

For NRvigaWr Islanaa, BttKdwich Xsic^ifla, I : -;e;l :3tvna ct .Vincvica, Consda, British i'c.-:;::n!.!i-., C :.:trcl -,v.d Smith Xuir-Hec. .'H'.d ritish ri.J ForeijiU IVcsv tncliiv, st 11 a tr. r \for Uaitc-d Klnittloro r.r.a Uonttnaiil '-oJ v.iopo. stll am Money orttara. 9.30 D.ra. Raslstaros] icttors and pswatiows. m 9.30 a.m. Late lctterp. beanuK a* cxirs Mr, of alz pence In sCdiMcn tti So pon?B?e. bo rccoivi>d by *.he Mail Auent on i.icr.v:3 'Jsa Btttimer up to t>o Vxco < t silllr.R Thla maU will b<; doa m tA'-^'ion about Fob. 10. Note.-Friday. Ist Jacuary. will bo observed as a Postal Holiday. All mails for dispatch on that day will bo cli-sod onThureday. 31st inst., at 7 p.ni. The Dclivory Depurtmont vill bo ODeu on Thurtday nlpihl from 7 to 8 o'clo.k, r,)«co) s. B. Bias. Chief PosftnßStar, Chlet Post-offloe. Ar.ckli-.nd.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Qunrtt.—This evening, 7.17. Sunrise.—To-morrow mornine, ISO, Boon's Age.—Last Quanor, 29th, Ola m,

HIGH WATER.

Auckland This evening, 3.33; to-morrow morning, i.it.

Mandkau Hkads-This evening, 6.1 i; to-mor row morning. 0.40. Kaipaba HEABS-This evening, 8,20; to-mor. row morning, 9.

ARRIVALS.

tABT EVENING. Taupo, s.s., MoCo.l, from th-a South

TO-DAY. Arawata, s ?., Cromarty, from Fiji

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING,

Waitaki, 8.8., Crawford, for Whacgarei Clansman, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauvaoga

TODAY. Cnroni'la, barque, Currnthers. foe London Waihora. g.!i., Kdie, for tho Soath Walwora, echoon?r, Pankow. for Glsborno Queen, schooner, Jones, for Hokiatga

IMPORTS.

Per Vmicliiarii, from London : Plain cottons' S3 100: coloured cottons, £ ,500; printed cottons £l,soo: woollens. £2,100; flannels. £1,600; linen. £ti00; cottons, £',000; muslin, £100; silks and cottons. £'.00: silks and velvets, £liO0: shawls etc., £J00; millinery, £300; liosiory.ißt.6oo; lia bordashcry, £1,600: umbrellas, £200: cotton handkerchiefs, £>00: cotton and linen shirts. £10' l; uppar-.1. iC1.90-1: bl.'inUcls. £.',000; carpets and wraps, £1WO: counterpanes. £400: straw hats, £100: felt hats, £!,S(M; dvosscd leather. £00: wrought leather,£27o: sheep-dip. £60; palm oil 3 tuna; miEerpho=>pbat>i of lime; 75 ton 9; carriages £2 0; cauit'n soda fi tons; saddlery, £70- floor cloth, £110; t.ihlo baiz', £100; sewing machines, £70; biacldac. £10; eprricnl tu al implements, £'0: aßrionltural machinery, £'0; rails, &c, £1,200; books, £15'; paper, l.iOlct ; stationery, £530 : papo.-hiinßinKS, £230 ; upholstery. £1120 : hedstea-ig, £100; tin ware £30; b'uahwaro. £130; plated goods, £20; firearms. £260; pianos, £1,030: corics, £-00; par fumor.?, £.0; jewel cry, £10; printing material, £50; seeds, «230; tibacco pipes, &:0; dyna mite, £180: gunpowder, 16k-wt; iron tank*, £10- If ad shot 11 tons; hardware, £3,300; bar and rod Iron. 52 tons ; i>heet iron, 1J tonii: plato iron 9 ions ; pi< iron. K0 tons : galvanised iron, 69 tons ; shuet lrnd. 20 tons ; loid pipe. 2 tons ; yellow motal, '0 lons ; cobucr, 1 ton ; tin boxe3. 150 boxes ; ingot tic, lt'e<rt; iron nails.23 tons ; wire and wire rope, 103 tons ; zinc, 6 tons : lin seed oil, 3,000 (.-aliens : rapi oil. 180 Rations ; animal oil, 50 Billons; olive oil, '110 gallons); var nish #20 : paint colours, JJ'tO; kluo, Uicwt; Hint gl.vs, £»0 ; xtindow Rlaa3, £20 ; .'oreign ulas?, £518 ; plato Rl S3, 43 cases : chirm, &c. £1290 bags, £2J; cu'ivus £330: cordage. f|o lines, &c £210; cemont. 203 barrels; brandy, 8S0^allons; rum, 1,9-0 gallons; geneva, 100 gallons; perfumed Epirits, 10 Kallons; wine, 190 rfallODß : beer, in k1283, 100 barrels cf 33 gallons; Bait lUh, £30: sardines, £610; oilmen* stores, £660; itinoral water?. <S7O; yin; gw, 830 gallon; forc'Kn salad oil, 10 gallons; ptpoer and auiics. 13ewt;cocoa,lOowt; ißinglaes. £20; mustard. £30; rice, 13cwt.; salt, 350 tons; aoda crystals, 51 tons; bicarb, of soda. 1170wt.; oau3tio soda, 10 toss; silicate soda. 6 tons; oandles. 2710v;t; soap, 17cwt: currants, l»iowt; almoads, 2cwt; flgs, iewt; Rinuer, 4owt; refined BU.ar, SOo.wt: treacle, 165cwt; confectianery, £30; ftpothecary ware. £110; saltpetre. 20cwt ; tart, aoid, 13owt ; cream tarter, 2Scwt; condensed milk, £U0; cornflour, £60 • canary seed, ZBowt. Total value ot cargo, £59.500.

Per Arawata. from L^vuka: 13 bags coffi?e. 23 oases brandy, 1,1 3 bunches binanas, 580 bags sugar. i)l caiea pi -.es. 27 hides, 20 wicka peanuts. From Suva: 1,132 bunches bananas, 110 Ctttea pines, 50 cases preserved fruit, and sundries.

Per Douglas from London—Coloured cot'ons, £200; wcolenß ar.d worsteds, £300; flanoela, £300; cotton and woollens. £200; haberdashery, £100- cambric handkerchiefs), £100; apparel, £300; dressen leather. £3ii; saddlery, £ifo; sheathluK felt. £30; floor cloth, £160; vestas £580; agricultural implements, £210; Tails and general machinery, £2,900; books. £80; paper, 1526ewt; stationery, £520; paperhanglns:«, £380; upholstery. £870; iron bedsteads, £710; bmshware, £160; toys, £120; firearms £30; pianos, £SSO; corks, £120; docks and watches. Oil) ; gunpowder, 1550wt; safety fuse. £290; icon tanks, £10; ohaia and anchor?, 6tons-, batdwaro outlery, £5,1*; bar and rod iron 122 tons; Jhoopiron, 15 tons; aneetiron,!! tana; plate iron, 3 tona; pig iron, 55 tons; galva nised iroD, 111 tons; sheet load, 6 tons; pipe lead. 2 tons; pig lead. 2 ton/; copper, 1 ton; tin plateß, 295 boxes; ingot tin. 100 wt; iron nails, 28 tonB; wire and wire rope, 79 tons; zino, 6 tona; ■teeL 15 tono: UnfleVToU. 5,390ga115; rape oil, Slß^anlmal oil, lOOgallB; varnish. £70; whit ing 10 tons; paint colours, £1 610; glue, 6owt; Stch and ta^6 barrels; flint glaBS. £380; window glass, £90; foreign window glass, 111 cases • plateglass, 22 cases; china and earthen ware, £880; glaBS bottles, £210; bran and flom biure,£l3o canvas, £120; cordage £9»; lines ana twines, £120; cement, 1,620 barrels; brandy in bulk, 1,180 galls; brandy in ease. £200; Geneva, £790; British spirits in bulk, 100 galls; ditto in case. 160 galls; red wine, 920 gal s; whltewine,l6ogallß;beerin glasß, 137 galls; malt, 13 qrs; preserved flsh, not rated, £210; assorted oilmen's stores, £920: vinegar, 1600 galls ; foreign salad oil, 100 gallsi ; pSppeF and soloes, fiewt; cocoa, loewt; starch £8u ; bine, £60 ; vermicelli, Sewt ; patent groats, lOowt; Bplit peas, 30owt; white salt 180 tons: soda orystels, 9 tons; bloarb., 80 tons; caustlo. 12 tons; silioate, Btons; candles, 37owt; soap, 12cwt; raisins, 2lcwt; almonds, Hcwt; liquorice juice, lowt; glfl«r, 6owt; refined sugar, 178owt; treacle, loewt; confectionery and peel, £60; oheroioals, £20; apothecary ware, £100 ; sulphur, 20owt; sulpaate copper. 10 cwt; tart, acid, 8owt; cream tartar, scwt; con densed milk, £270; cornflour, £100: coke. 20 tons; oakum, 1 ton ; hemp, 5 tons ; palm oil, 2 tuns; superphosphate lime, 120 tonB; snumao, 1 ton. Total value, £31,600.

Per Hercnione, from London—Piain cottons. £200; coloured cottons, £200; printed qottpns, £300- woollens and worsteds, £200; iion nols, £200; linseed, in oase, £100; cot ton and woollens, £500; muslins, £100; haberdashery, £100; apparel, £300; Man kets. £300; carpets and rugs, 6200; floor cloth, £190; tewing machines, filiu; vestau, £110; blacking, £10; agricultural implement*, £110; agricultural machinery, £250; rails and general machinery, £2,000; books. £10; paper, 611owt; stationery, £160; naperhangtogs, £60; horsehair and Beating, 230; uphol stery, £110; iron bedstoada, £230; tinware, £80; brushware, £150; plated and papier mache Roods, £80; toys, £80; pianos, £111); perfumery, £10 - iron tanks, £10; chain and anchors, 1 ton; hardware ouilery, £1,100; bar and rod Iron, 78 tons; sheet iroD, 1 ton; plate iron, 3 tons; nig iron, 10 tons; galvanised iron, 72 tons; iron nails, 21 tons; -wire and wire rope, 22 tono; llnaeed oil, 720galla; rape oU,2Bog*lls; animal oil SOgails; olive oil in bulk, llOjjalls; Tar nish, £70( whiting. 25 tons; paint colours. £110; pitch and tar, 20 barrels; foreign window glass, 201 cases: china and earthenware, £110; Elasß bottles, £90; canvas, £30; elates, 81 tone; SbSbTIMosT brandy'in bulk, LOlOgalls; ditto, in case, 2iogalls; rum, 27Ogalls; geneva, SOOgallB; British spirits in Tralk, itjOKalls; onto. In case. lOealls; red wine, lOgaJB; wulte wine, 50gals; beer, in glasE, 178aala; preserved Den, not rated. £100; salt flsh, £10: assorted oilmen's stores, £950; vinegar, LltOgals; foreign salad oil, oOgals; oocoa, 3lowt; mustard, £160; peail barley, «10; white salt, 230 tons; soda crystala, 10 tonB; candles, 2190wt; soap, lewt; French plums, lewt; liquoriue juice, oowt; refined ■ugai, 20i)cwc; gloooße and sacohaium, lOowt; confectionery and peel, £170; chemicals, not described, £8; apothecary ware, £100; Baltpetre, 25owt' tart acid, lc*t; cream tartar, lOowt: condensed milk, £3101 cornflour, £198. Total value. £20,900.

EXPORTS.

Per Coronilla, for London: 1,817 bales wool, 170 oases pearl shell, 8 bales cotton. 20 casks tallow, 206 coses kauri gum, 1 bales skins, 19 packages sundries. Blhwabus CoißrwiSßJp» Mia, from Mahu rangi, vrtth 800 busheis^land; Mochau, from. Matakana, with 21 lugs, 4,000 palings. Outwabds Coastwise.—lJzette, fc:: Thames; Moohau, for Pakirl; Columbia nohooner, for Mercury Bay. to load for Napier. Tha s.s. Taupo, which arrives last evening from the SontfiV brought one passenger-Mis Gurr. The barque Polycarphas been placed on the berth at this port tor liondon. The report and passenger list of the Arawata whic* arrived from Ffli this morninsr, were teteSiphedT tor Russell, and appeared In our Tuesday evening's Issue. A three-masted ship was /poken by tte mttora off Three Kings on Monday.SbewUJ Brobably prove to be either the Hermione ,m Ttowlas. both o£, which are fully due from liondon. ' The small Bteamer Isabel, whioh has been BurchaMd by the Government,is to be employed to connection with the defence works. - " The e.B. Waihora, which left for the SO'Jth this afternoon, took the to^owiogvusmgetß^ gtefilsborne: Bey. Q. Spenoe, Messrs amu,

Mann. Moore, Davis, aud Mrs Soence. Napier: Mr and Mra Mackny, Marlat Brothers (I), Miss MoPherson, and Mr Harrington. W olUngton : Mra Brian, Mias Butlor. Mr and Mrs Judd. Mr ami Mra Jollicoo Mr and Misa Crockett, Mr onl Mrß Anson. Mr and Mrs Shankland. Mra Cotliln, Moesrß Markwell, Totley. Nestle, Home. Butler, and Bored. Lyttoltou: Mr ana Mra Turnbull, and Mossis Tutlfjy and Hodses. Dtincdin: Rev. T. W. Martin. Mr J. and Miss Robertson, MiM and Mies Milhr, Mlps Moss. Messrs S. Moss, Kennard, Bourne, McDonald, George, and Solomon. Melbourne: Mr. Mrs, and Mias Parsons, Miss KlHoott, and Miss McLeod.

THE VANDUAKA.

The following is the report of the ship Van duara, Captain Corranee, which arrived yester day afternoon: -Discharged tno steamer and pilot off Deal on tho loth October at noon. Jlown tho ohannel tha slip had fine winds from the east, voarinf? to 8.5.8. It then moderated, but still kept oasterly, Madeira being piEaed on the seventh day out The Vandnara passed tp the eastward of Cape Verde Islands on the 17th October, and four days afterwards was in 6'N, and 22' W. Here the ship fell in with southerly winds and calms, and oorsequently was unable to make much progress, the equator not being crossed until tho twenty-fourth day out. In longitude S9. W. The S.E trades wora taken from off tho equator, but though they proved steady they were moderate in force, and gradually veered round to the N. and N.W. in 26- S. Passed the meridian of the C»pe of Good llopo on tno forty-fourth day out in 13" S. Thonoe fine fresh westerly winds carried the ship to 100' X., when, owing to strong easterly Bales with rain, fivo days wore lost Tasmania was rounded on tho 66th day out, with wostorly winde, which continued for the following two days. After a oalm of 21 hours a stronir northerly wind Bet in, and carried the Vonduara closn to Cape Farowell, on Christmas Day. On the 27th, at 10 a.ra., Oape Maria Van Dicrcen was nass'id, Captain Corrance signalling to the llghthouao there, under tho belief that it waa in telegraphic comtnutiioation with Auck land. Tho North Cape was rounded at Ip.m. thf samo 'l&y, 73 days out. Thenco down the coast K.S E. wii.da and rain, and light baflling winds prevailed to arrival.

THE CORONILLA.

Thu barque Coronillu took her doparturo for London to-day, with a c»r;o valued at fiW/Sl and one passenger, Mra Carruthofs. Her cargo is m»do up as follows: Wool. £13 398; sum. £1069; leather. £95: tallow. £199; pearlshell, £800; cotton, £70; anndrieß, £10.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Lyttelton. yesterday.—Sailed: Manapouri. Passengers for Auoklandi-JViesdamea Cresil, Arkle, Allan, McAuley, and McUrackm, Miesea Deacon, Wilson MoC atchcn, and McCormick, Hon. Mr Robinson and party. Dr. Weld, Messrs Heokwood. Hilmorc, MtClatchio. McCrackon (two). Dudley, Deacon, Spear, Makepeace, and Crammond.

MuLnounNE, December3o.—Sailed, this after noon: Tho Tnrawora, for the Bluff.

Loxdok, December 29.—The Aorangi has arrived at Plymouth with her frozen meat in good condition.

Capetown, December 28 - Shaw, Savill, and Albicn Company's Doric, from London, left herd last night for New Zealand.

Births.

BL\ TDON,-On December 28. at Hobaon-streot, the wife of W. Verokcr Blndon of twin Bona. DONALD.—On December 22, at hor residence, WesUtrcet, Newton, tho wife of \V. T. Donald of a son, Le BAILIjY.-On December 30, at her real dence, Inpjleside, Devonport, the wife of H. J. Le Bailly of a daughter. LUSJL-On December SO. at hor father's resi dence, St. Stephen's Koad, Parnell, tho wife of J. Martin H. Lnoli cf a son. SAWYER.—On December 28, at her residence, Bleazard's Road, Mount Eden, tho wife of W. J. Sawyor of a daughter. Both doing well.

Deaths.

COLE. — On December 30, at Mount Eden, Harold Gladstone, icfant son of William and Mary Ann Colo ; aged 7 months. 3ATOW.—On December 31, at Jervoia Hoad, Ponßonby, Auckland, New Zealand, Stella Sclins, the dearly beloved daughter of David and Margarot Satow ; aged 8 months.—Home papers please copy. WILLIAMSON.—At her mother's rosldonce. Randolsh-street, Newton, Sarah Mary Wil liamson, oldest daughter of the Jato Thoma3 Williamson, of Coromandel; sged 17J years. Tho funeral will leave on Sunday, at 2 p.m. Friends will please accept this invitation.

Notices to Correspondents.

Constant Subscriber.— Tho Phceoix Park murders were committed on the 6th of Msy, 1882. Siiotovek.—We believe tho amount was £800.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1885.

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

To-DAY we close the record of another year. Eighteen hundred and eighty-five will add its Cull quota to the remark, able events of history. .For the British Empire, it opened inauspiciously. Anxious eyes were turned towards the little army of heroes toiling up the Nile, beneath the blaze of an African sun, to rescue that intrepid genius who, by his courage and faith and superhuman exertions, was stemming the tide of barbarous fanaticism. Then came the news which thrilled the civilised world with an intense sorrow,that Gordon's sun had gone down in blood. The little band of compatriots performing pro digies of valour worthy of even such a mission as theirs, and leaving many brave men sepulchred in the sands of the Nubian deserts—Burnaby, Stewart, and Earle, and scores of others not less de serving to be enrolled on the scroll of fame—reached Khartoum, but olas too late. So closed one scene, a very sadone—sadder from its utter futility— and Britain mourned not merely for her slain sons, but for the fruits of an ill-conceived and fatuous policy, begin ning with fire and blood at the destruc tion of Alexandria, continued in the butcheries around Suakim, and closing with the martyrdom of one of England's greatest and truest heroes, a man of simple, earnest faith, of indomitable courage, and rare singleness of mind and purity of heart.

But the death of General Gordon was not an event to stir alone a nation's grief, it was a call to action ; and then the world saw the mighty Empire moved by one common impulse which animated its most distant limbs. In telligence of the fall of Khartoum reached the outer world early in February, and instantly offers of men and money poured in upon the Mother Country from every quarter of her do minions. From the sturdy colonies of the South, from the swarthy subjects oi the Indies, and the hardy Northmen of America, came urgent requests to participate in England's trouble and in England's glory. These offers were not needed, but it would have been churlish not to have shown that the spirit in which they were made had moved the mother heart, and for the first time in history Australian troops were seen fighting side by side wi'h British soldiers in a foreign war.

While tho cloud of uncertainty stiil hung over the fate of British arms in the Soudan, there began to .rise that blacker and more ominous cloud in the East which for the greater part of the year kept the nation in a condi tion of doubt and depression. Menacing earlier in the y^ar, the strained relations between England and Russia over the Afghan boundary delimitation reached a point of rupture on the 30th of March, when General Komaroff, in violation of an honourable understand ing, attacked the Afghan outposts and seized Penjdeh. In the month follow ing, the British Parliament passed a heavy war vote, and movements throughout the Empire told of prepara tions for a terrible struggle. In these colonies the people were not idle, as the honeycombed hills and peering guns of our harbour forts testify. Hap pily, diplomacy triumphed over brute force, and the storm, if not entirely cleared away, has so broken that there is not much to fear, and if war should come, it will find the Empire better prepared than if it had broken in 1885.

The French wars in Tonquin and Madagascar, the war between Servia and Bulgaria, and the little British wars in Canada and Burmah, with the Soudan, have done enough to warn us that the year gone by has given us no foreshadowing of that promised time when men shall beat their swords into ploughshares. The map of the world has been permanently changed by the onward march of the Western races treading down the effete civilisations of the East.

A specire more dreaded and not less destructive than war has stalked through South-Western Europe, mow ing down its victims by tens of thousands. The world has advanced, let us hope, a full year's growth in the knowledge of sanitary science and the laws that govern the preserva tion of human life; and yet the lessons taught by the cholera epidemic in the filthy insanitary towns and villages of Spain and France tell how much room there is yet for im provement. The mortality bills in thepresumedlywell-governed munici palities of this colony, show that even we have much to learn and still more to do before we can say that Nature only, not human negligence and ignorance, is the destroyer of human life.

Politically and socially the world, and especially that portion of it which is typified by Anglo-Saxon people and institutions, Las not stood still. If the remnants of a great Liberal Adminis tration were displaced by the represen tatives of reaction, they did not retire until two millions of men had been en franchised and rendered potential units for instituting future reforms. The re cent elections have told that the people of England still refuse to stand still; that in the incongruous conditions under which they live there is no abiding resting-place; the evolutionary process must go on towards the de velopment of a higher civilisation and a more perfect and widely-distributed happiness -than the world knows. Labouring in the same noble cause, the champions of temperance, of social purity, the zealous workers among the poor, have done giants' duty: and though science, following in

its naturally materialistic groove, his eclipsed some of its magnificent ser vices to humanity by teaching that we can believe nothing but that which we | can try by material tesls, we can yet see outgrowing from the higher aspira tions of men a purer faith, a more earnest zeal, a clearer conception of the divine and spiritual life which transcends the mortal, than past cen turies have known. Churches still rise, and though 'religion be stripped of the trappings hung upon it by an age of ignorance and superstition, it the more exalts an all-wise and beneficent Creator and Ruler, who is worthy of our adoration and love, and in whose mysterious being we discern the linea ments of our own spiritual essence and immortality.

Locally, the events of the year have not been of a very remarkable kind. The actual commencement of the North Island trunk railway, the inauguration of a new San Francisco mail service,' and a steam service with the South Sea Islands, are memorable occurrences. The Industrial Exhibition and the meeting of the first Trades Congress, and the introduction of improved gold saving processes,may also have a power ful influence on the commercial future of the country. A temporary lack of employment in certain trades must not blind our eyes to the patent fact that the country is progressing, with great strides. The dying year leaves Auckland a larger and nobler city in every respect than it found it. The spreading suburbs, the magnificent' buildings, the open railway station, tramways, and public baths, and the rising Public Library, all speak eloquently of this progress. If we dived into the dry details of statistics and showed how many more hands are employed in our industries, how much greater our productions, mathematical proofs might readily be obtained; but the evidence is everywhere around and manifest to the meanest capacity. The year may have been unfortunate to the individual— every year, even the most prosperous, must be so—but the town and the country is still gathering strength, and we can discover nothing in the signs of the times which should makejus doubt that, subject to inevitable fluctuations, this progress will be steady and per manent.

In the wider field of the Australasian dominion, we have seen the Federal idea take shape. The Imperial Bill, which sets up a Federal Council in which only three colonies are likely to be representive, is less portentous of future union than the actual combina tion to defray the expenses of the Go vernment of New Guinea. The federation of Australasia will grow out of an agreement of in terests, not an assertion of theory or spurious sentiment. A commonenemy will find Australasia knit together as firmly as the French legions found the armies of the once-contending German States. The present prosperity of Vic toria aud New South Wales should he welcomed by New Zealand with a brotherly pleasure, and it is on record that the Australian honours in the Soudan and the Aus tralian sculling victory over the famous world s champion, which fall among the occurrences of the year, were hailed across the water with a pride which could not have been more sincere had there existed a formal partnership account.

But though the year lias given us a full average share of prosperity, and car ries into its ■ieath-bed ceremonials the elements of hope and joy, it has, like all years, swept away many cherished memorials, and removed many a dear and old familiar face. The very land marks have changed. Old St. Paul's, the first product of trembling faith in Auckland's future as a great city, has outlived its (lay, and given way to the demands of an era surpassing the san guine dreams of those energetic pioneers. Feet which have trodden our streets for a score of years, and twice that time, have gone to their rest —C, J. Stone, Robert Graham, John Sheehan, Thomas Macftarlane, Rev. Mackenzie Fraser, and a host of other names rush upon one's memory; but in how many homes is there a vacant chair ? in how many hearts an aching void ? The recording angel alone can tell.

It is ominous of good to the \»orld, let us believe, that the year's closing days have brought news of the end of one fratricidal war, and now on this, the last day of the 365, the wires ilasli out that the only remaining knot in the Afghan entanglement lias been un ravelled, and the complication'^ hich so long menaced the peace of England is believed to have found a satisfactory solution. If the Old Year has had its cares and its troubles, the New Year is still innocent, its record un written, a blank to be filled in very much by ourselves. We know nothing evil against it, and may indulge every hope that we reasonably cherish. Let us unite then to morrow in removing, so far as we can, all traces ef the sorrows and hates of the dead year, and in setting out with those good resolutions which, if manfully kept, may go very far towards making the New Year a happy one.

The Stab will not bo issued to morrow (Nkw Ykab's Day).

On Saturday, tho usu.-l issue of the Stak Monthly Sommaky will be published for transmission by tho X.M.S. Alameda. It should bo observed that the mail closes earlier this year : forlettorsat 11 a.m., and for newspapers at 9,30 a.m. on Tuesday. Tlio Satarrlay's Supplement, besides the nummary of now?, will contain the continua tion of " Audrey's Kecotnpense," Now Year poems, and a large amount of inter esting literary matter.

Cable advices state that the Anglo- Russian Commission for defining tho bound ary of Afghanistan has completed its labours and gone into winter quartors. Some time ago it was stated that a diffi culty had arisen as to the boundary line in the vicinity of Maruchak, but this has ap parently been got over by the Russian re presentatives yielding their claim to hold that strategical point. Tho line of de markation being lixed "at Maruchak" probably means that the river at that point forms the boundary of Afghanistan.

To tho Government Printer at Papeete, Tahiti, wo are indebted for a copy of the " Tahiti Annual." This is a volume of 216 pages, replete with information respecting French Oceania, and forming ahendbookof groat value to those wishing to have reliable particulars regarding Tahiti. The letter press is clear, correct, and in every way a credit to the officials charged with its pro duction. In addition to the " Annuaire," a weekly paper, " Le' Journal Official," is issued from the Government Printing Office at Papeete.

An immense number of Thames people are up in Auckland for the holidays, and with visitors from other parts, they give the town a very lively appearance. The change of scene appears to be reciprocal, Thames during the last few days having; been visited by hundreds of Auckland reeidents, for whom the great attraction was, no doubt, the races of Monday and Tuesday last, which passed off most satisfactorily. Both Botomahunu and Enterprise have been crowded from stem to stern oc every trip for about a week past, the former on tho last few trips having brought an average of about 250 passengers. Great credit is due to Captain Alexander Farquhar and Captain Miller for tho efforts they made to ensure the greatest possible comfort fur their precious, cargoes under such exceptional cir.cuinitau.Cß3,

It is notified that the dust-boxes will be emptied on New Year's Day (to-morrow) and Saturday next, as usual.

Ngarwharo Peri, a male inmate of the Lunatic Asylum, died yesterday. An in quest before Dr. PhiUon, coroner, was to be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

At the Polico Court yesterday afternoon, Stephen March was committed for trial for cutting and wounding 11. J. Glover by throwing a tumbler at him at Ellarslio on Boxing Day.

During the holidays Hayr's Tourist Agency has sent upwards of 60 tourists to the Hot Lakes, and 30 are booked lor next week.

Tho question of a bridge to connect Arch Hill and Kingsland districts i 3 raised afresh by the former district Koad Board proceeding with the formation of Russell street. No doubt those interested in getting the gully bridged will take early tction.

• The recently-formed Onehunga Town Band will give a concert in the local public hall tomorrow evening, when will be presented an admirable programme, par ticulars of which will be found in our adver tising columns. As this Band gives its ser vices gratis when required in the district, as well as providing weekly ul fresco por formances, it is to bo hoped that the forth coming entertainment will receive the amount of patronage it co well deserves.

Tho Sailers' Rest Saturday evening entertainment will (D.V ) be changed this week to this evening, when some of tho abstainers from H.M.S. Nelson have prepared a good programme for the soamen belonging to tho mercantile marine. Meet ing to commence at 8 p.m. At 11 p.m. there will be the usual watch-night service Many teamen were present at the last eorvico of this kind.

The steamer Tongariro is to make daily trips to St. Hclier's Bay during the holi days, loading Queen street Wharf in the foronoon and returning in the afternoon. She will be under the charge of Captain Clark, and as the fares are fixed at the moderate amount of one shilling return, sho should command extensive patronage. St. Holier's is ono of tho most charming holiday rosorts within the limits of the har bour.

A number of journeyman butchers hold a mooting last evoning, at the Clarendon Hotel, ut oight o'clock, for tho purpose of arranging tho programme for their annual picnic. Mr Walo occupied tho chair, and introduced the business, hoping they would bo unanimous in regard to the main object, and that the jolly butchers would enjoy a real holiday. Mr George Hulnao, member of tho MastorB1 Association, said that the masters contemplated a similar holiday, and ho was doputed to suggest that masters and men should combine and on joy a general picnic together as knights of the cleaver. Tho proposition met with general approval, and a sub-committee was appointed to confor with the masters on the desirability of making the picnic a general holiday. Tho meeting was then adjourned.

Among tho evil things brought to tho front by the hot weather is the condition of tho Arch Hill gully, which is already an al most intolerable nuisance to residents in tho neighbourhood. Tho whole drainage of Newton and other parts of the city flows doivu this gully in a covered sower as far as Newton Koad, from which point tho offensive matter meauders along in the open, tainting tho atmoephere of what is now a thickly-populated district. It ia imperative that steps be taken by the Koad Boards concerned to havo tho sower con tinued to the waters of the harbour, in order to the preservation ot tho public health, and it would be but fair that the City Council should bear a portion of the expense.

Tho nnnunl festival of tho St. John's Wesloyan Sunday-school, Poneonby, will on this occasion bo hold at tho Domain on Now Year's Day Tho teachers and scholars will meet at the school-room at 8 a.m., and at •8 .'iO a.m. proceed by tram-cars to Symonda atreot ?n route for tho Domain. A largo gathering i.« expected. Plonty of refresh ments and amusements will bo provided, and it is hoped that all will thoroughly on joy themselves. Parents and frionds nre cordially invited. The members of the con gregation of tho above church intend pic nicking at Tamaki on Saturday next, the 2nd. They leavo by e.s. Coromandol at 0 am. sharp Friends aro invited to join.

Ac the Police Court to-day, before Mr 11. G. Soth Smith, K.M., two persons were punished for drunkenness, and Goorgo War burton, for tho additional offence of dis orderly conduct, was lined 20s and costs. A chan»o of robbing a jockey is reportod elsewhere.

The Thames and Franklin Cricket Clubs play an all-day match in the Domain to morrow (Friday), play to commence at 10 am. Tho Franklin will bo represented by Sorvico, Sheddnn, Stichbury, Stemson, Nightingale (2), Pottor, Ko^s, W. Marcroft, Andrew-J, and Woods. Emergency: Peet. AtOa.m a match will start between tho eonior class and lirst class of Newton Sun- Uay-school, tho following being tho teams : —Senior Class :W. L. Smeaton, Hobson (2), Sexton (3), j. Fitton, T. Craig, W. Smith, Edmonds, s»nd T. Mills. Emer gencies : Dean, Loo ('2), Syme, and Buchanan. First Class: W. Taylor, A. Chiltou, W. Cullen, E. Fricker, A. Soitou, Rowo (-t), and G. Warren. On Saturday at 10 a.m. a match will tako place between West End 11. and Franklin. West End team : Abbot, Baker, Bantield, .Donald, Doughty, Hay, Veale, Verney," King, Wright, and McGregor.

Watch-night services are announced to beheld to night in Sb Paul's Church, St. Matthew's Church, Auckland Tabernaclo, Beresford-ftreot Church, and Young Men's Christian Association Rooms. Aa a rule tho meetings commence about eleven p.m , but accurate particulars will bo found in the advertising columns.

To-morrow (Now Yoar'a Day) and Satur day tbo tramoars will be run from 7 a.m., every few minutes, as tho traflio may rc quiie. Tho College Hill omnibuses will not run after 10 a.m., but those to St. Holier* Hay will run as usual. To-night, after tho new year has been ushered in, threo largo curs will leave the foot of Queen-stroet,

To tho Editor: Sir,-I do admire those political leaders in tho "Herald," they are so exact. This morning wo are told: "And wo observe that the Czar has just wedded hid brothor to the daughter of tho Cotnto de Paris." Now, the fact is that the daughter of the Comto de Paris has just become the epouso of Princo Waldemar, the youngest son of the King of Denmark, and, consequently, the brother-in law of tho Czar. This is a vory different thing from being the brother of tho Czar. Anyhow, tho autocratic ruler of all tho Russians had presumably about us much to do with bringing about tho wedding in question as tho man in tho moon.—l am, &c, Exact, Auckland, 31st Deoembor, ISSS.

The frionds of tbo VVesleyan Sunday school, North Shore, will please notice the advertisement in to-day's issue, of their picnic to Waiheke on Saturday, January '2nd, with every prospect of fine weather, they anticipate a most enjoyable day's pleasiue.

A midnight excursion round the harbour has been arranged for, tho a.a. Tongariro leaving the waterman's stops at 11.30 to night. There will bo a band on board, and the vessel will be handsomoly illuminated with Chinese lanterns, &c. As there are to bo a liberal display of fireworks from ships in harbour. Tt will be an enjoyable cruise for thoso who wish to see tho olii year out and the new in. On Sunday, the Tongariro runs to St. Helier's Bay.

At the inquest yesterday at t.bo Rob Boy Hotel on the body of the young man, William .lohnstone Parker, before Dr. Pliilson, coroner, no new facts were ad duced in respect of the melancholy cataa trophe. William Parker,tho overeeer (but no relation), wss of opinion that deceased must have mot with the accident while in the act of oiling tho crank by the slipping of hiR foot, he having nails in his shoes. He missed him from his post, and was horrified on discovering him in the bed of the engine lying on his back, while the flywheel was going at the rate of 00 per minute. He stopped the engine and called all hands. Got the mangled, lifeless body out and sent for Dr. Hoopor, who was epeo.iily in attend ance, and pronounced life extinct. Dr. Hooper gave evidence, nleo the eaw dust boy, William Bartloy, who assisted in taking dust to tho furnace; also Sergeant Mcfclahon, who was called iv at the time of the accident. The jury having visited the engine-room where the accident happened, found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and considered that no one was to blame in the matter; adding as a rider, "That a railing to prevent a similar acci dent in future should be put up round the engine."

Mr G. \V. Owen, Chairman of the Har bour Board, along with other members of that body, yesterday afternoon accompanied the officers of H.M.S Nelson in a trip round the harbour in tho ferry steamer Victoria. As the object of the trip was to inspect tho harbour improvements, the steamer called at Calliope Dock, whera Staff- Commander Quinn, of the Nelson, expressed himself as highly pleased with the dock. Tho Victoria also called at the Sugar Com pany's Wharf, Rangitoto Channel, and North Hond, tho whole party enjoying tho sail very much.

A very enjoyable day is promised at the Caledonian games on the Metropolitan Ground, Government House, to-morrow (New Year's Day). Tho various events announced for competition are Bure to prove most picturesque and interesting reminders of the sports of old Scotland, and Ehould draw a large crowd of spectators of mixed nationality. In addition to the events ad vertised, a number of sports will bo impro vised by the directors, and among them will, be a hornpipe dance for sailors-several of the Nelson's crew having engaged to com-' pete. During the progress of tho robbery caso at the Police Court to-day, Mr Gould ob jected to the form of examination adopted by Sergeant Pratt, who, lie said, was put ting leading questions. Mr Gould added that he had seen by the Star that a Justice of the Peace had ruled that leading ques tions might be put, and he wished to know if that courso was to bo pursued for tho future His Worship replied that the ruling was not his. If Mr Gould objected to the form of the questions, ho should object to them when they were put. Amongst the excursions announced for to-morrow (New Year's Day) is one by the s.s. Coromandel, carrying the friends and parishioners of St. Thomas s to the island ol Motu Ihi. The steamer leave 3 shortly after 9 a.m. Tho weather offers to be pro pitious for this and other marine excur sions.

Tho Sunday evening service in the Theatie Royal will be a, special one. The whole theatre will be used, Addresses will be delivered by Revs. J. S. Hill, Thomas Spurgeon and Mr Buddlo. Special hymna will be used. Mr P. Battley will preside. Visitors to Auckland and non-churchgoers are cordially iuvited. The sorvices com mences at 8 and closes about 9.30.

The annual meeting of the Turkish Bath shareholders again lapsed for want of a quorum. It was determined by the few to call a general meeting of shareholders in January next, of which duo notice will be given.

The City Council have granted the Amateur Athletic Club permission to in clude bicycle sports in a programmo of thoir forthcoming gathering. This p&r mission had previously boon doc'.ined by Mr Mumford, caretaker of tho cricket ground.

"New Zealand Illustrate J Tit Bits" for tho current week contains a comic political cartoon, "Tho VVoaker Goes to tho Wall;" comic pictures, " A Trigonometrical buivej or the Mayor'a Kootetops," "Hla Wors'Mp Shows Hla Largonoss of fcSolo." "Attitude's Kvory thing." and "Hla Worship Sternly said "Xo. T" bosMes ten othor humourous pictures 'lno reading matter com prises " Brain Saucn," "Tit Bits otFun," 'Facts und Fancien." "Tim Open ing of the Hrcshwatcr Baths," "•tbo History of an Event which did not tike place." besides numerous Btoriea and humourous clippii ga.

Drunxeu Stuitf.—How many children ana women are slowly and suroly dying, or ratlier being killed, by oxcessiyjjtlocfc.riiiK. orthe daily, uso of somo.drug or drujaken stull' called medi cine, that no ono knows-what it ia made of, who can easily bo cured and saved by Hop Bit tore, which is so pure, simple and harinloss that the most frail woman, weakest Invalid, or smallest ehildoantrudtinitl ""

FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT.

(|IV TiiLKURAI'H — PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Chhistohukiii, this day. Ykstkhday evening n boat containing two lads named Geo and Taylor cap sized in the Waiunakariri Kivor at Kaiapoi. Taylor was drowned, bnt Gee scrambled out. The latter went homo, and on going to bed about an hour afterwards, his father elicited from him that Taylor had fallen into the river. Seoirch was then mado, and the body recovered.

FIRE AT ARCH HILL.

Between eight and nine o'clock this morn ing a six-roomed cottage in Bond-street, owned and occupied by Mr M. Tobin, was discovered to be on tire. Tlie family had just finished breakfast, and Mr Tobin had gono out to the stable, when ho ob eorvod smoke issuing from tho roof of the house, near tho chimney. Hastily mounting tho roof ho found a considerable area of tho shingles to bo on fire. Mr W. H. Piper and othe* neighbours were soon on tho spot, and though buckets of water wore plentifully applied, tho fire had ob tained such a strong hold that all hopo of saving the home was lost. Fortunately tho gioater portion of the fur nituro was saved. Tho adjoining house, tho proporty of Mi1 Cunningham, was un occupied. It was saved with groat diffi culty. Tho burnt cottage was insured for £200 in tho Koyal Insurance Company. The furniture was uninsured.

Fatal Accident at a Picnic.

(BY TELEGRAPH— TRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Bleniieisl, this (lay. A little boy named Fred Birch, son of a Blenheim resident, was killed yesterday. Ho fell thirty feet from the rocks at White's Bay, at a picnic party. No inquest will be neld.

SECOND EDITION.

LATEST CABLEGRAMS

BATTLE IN THE SOUDAN

THIS AKABS KOI)T£I>

BRITISH LOSSES 88,

(fIV CAULE— COPYRIGHT.)

Cairo, December 30. Genbka.li Stkhisnson telegraphs from Wudy Haifa, stating thnt ho has attacked and defeated fcho rebel Arabs, who have been bo troublesome of lato in the vicinity of the second cataract. Ilia forcos inllicted a severe loss upon the onemy, and occupied their position at Goem.

Tho cavalry are now in pursuit of the

fugitives.

Two guns and twenty banners were also captured from tho natives.

rihe British loss is set clown at 22,

FIRE IN MELBOURNE.

25,000 Cases Kei-oscno Destroyed.

(keuteu's tklegkams.)

(Received "December 31st, •„' p.m.)

Melbourne, this day. — The damage caused by the firo at Jones's kerosene stores, Sandbridgo Road, is estimated at 25,000 cases, the kerosene burnt in fact, is the principal stock in Melbourne The cliiof insurances are in the Norwich Union and

Queen's offices,

Wharf Labourers Strike

A mass meeting of wharf labourers was held last night, when it was decided that fail ing acceptance by the masters of tho torma sta'ed by the men, the whole body go on strike to-night. Probably fully SOO men will be involved in tho struggle.

Maori Canoe v. Man o-War Boat.

A novbl sensation is promised for to-mor row morning (New Year's Day). A ra\e is being arranged to take placo in the harbour b9tween a Maori crow, in Paota Tuhaere's war canoe, and a picked crew of H.M.B. Nelson in one of th 9 ship's boats. The race will start at 9,30 a.m , and there ia sure at that time to be a large turn-out on the whavf.

"THE SUNNY SOUTH."

This capital drama maintains its popularity at the Opera House. There was a large attendance last night, and the eamo play will be repeated to-night, to-morrow oven ing, and until further notice.

Good for Babies.—" Wo are pleased to say tnat our baby was nennanently cured of a

AUCKLAND SUMMER MEETING.

Anticipations of To-morrow's Racing.

[By Hm'ON'A.T

Tn % second day'w racing of the A.R.C, Summer Meeting, which takes place to morrow, promises to produce another day's excellent sport, and it is expected that the attondanco will bo even larger than on Box ing Day, from tho fact that more country visitors are in town. There are six events on the card to bo decided, and tho first raco will start at 1 o'clock. The following are my notes and selections for tho different ovents :—

The Derby, H mile. st lb Foul Shot, by Musket-Slander .. ..8 10 Stoncvlnust, by King ot Clubs-Water sprite .. .. .. .. ■. .. SlO Derringer, by Mus-kefc-Hosalio .. .. SlO Lionel, by Luoliaus—Petroleuso .. .. 8 10.

Although the field iv this event- will be a small one, it EhouH produce an interesting contest. My fancy is Stoneyhubst, but I don't think that the race is altogether a foregone conclusion for the Canterbury representative, as Foul Shot was well in the Cup on Saturday last up to a mile and a half, and added to this he is up to Derby wsights, while Derringer must also have a show on the good work ho has put in on the training track.

My fancy for this race is Alakic. A.R.C. Handicap, i:; mile. Btlb Major F. N. George's oh h Nelson, syrs, by Kinß Cnle-My Idea 8 13 Mr John Marshall's br ni Necklace, lyre, by Musket-Lockot 7 G Mr W. Diu-cWs br m Wuitiri, 3yrs, by Musket- Viti 7 5 Mr W. Bobbott'd b h Tettord, lyrs, by Mueket-Puurcawcrewore .. ..7 2 Mr P. J. BuxWs b c Foul Shot, S. ra, by Musket-Slandor .. Ul2 Air J. Alwell's eh in Victoria, syre, by K6ve—Memo&to 0 10 Mr x>. 'f wohlll's b in Cinderella, 'lyrs, by Jav'lia-KenKa 6 'J Mr W. Tiobertsnn'a br h Carbineer, dyi's, by MusUet-Una f I ThiVjthe big rncoof the afternoon,has fallen away in a very disappointing manner in numborp, for only the abovo eight paid up last nicrbt. However, it should pro duco a cloee contest, aa tho lot are well broucht together. I tnko tho best three- to bo Nelson, Waitiri, and Necklace, and re momboring the great race he ran in the Cup, and tho fact that there is nothing like sticking to public form, I shall declare for Nelson to again produce tho winner.

The winner of the Derby must also go very near appropriating this ovent, but TASSIAN not boiog engaged in any other race during the day, should prove victorious.

Orkat Northern Foal Stakes, G furlong?. stlb BricaaVr. by Mutkct,-Puniravv<>ie^cre .. 8 10 nannon.bir Millet-Maid of Aihol .. 81" Musk Hofl«. by Mu-kot— Hose Wo .. ..8 10 Oeen Mount, by An'orca-f.-^y Mary .. 810 Genorsl Thori ton. by Aprernont-INelly Mooro 8 10 Crpmorre, by Cir'otrnn—ATl?B Lnura .. 810 Bcot Freo, by Sterlingvrorth-Dainty Ariel maro 8 7 Repronfb.br FllzHc-culea-Sliiirider ..8 7 Torori. by Mnsket-Peore-3 8 7 Kicichet by Musknt-Kryeina .. .. » 7 I arty Koran, by Oadoeoti—Stenro .. ..8 7 Tamora, by Mueket—Moonlight .. ..8 7

On his past form, this race should be won by Scot Free, but I am informed that he han not been quite himself sinco he bolted in the Railway Plate on Saturday, .=o that under these circumstances ho may go down. Tho next best I take to ba Lady Norah.

This event is in n great measura dependent on the result of the other events, but the three best appear to me to bo libeller, Waitiri, mid ■VVoodnyinph,

This journal not being published to-mor iow, I will not have another opportunity of dealing with tho Stceplechaso, run on Saturday, but my present opinion is that Macaroni will be returned tho winner,while for the best outsider commend uip to tlio Musket mare Bello. T. Lyford will ride Macaroni.

The Betting Market.

There was some very spirited doubie ovent wagering at Tattersall'a last night after the prices had been called. For the double of rSncing Ulub Handicap and Grand Stand Handicap, all the availablo money procurablo about tho two Waitiri's was taken at 100 to (j and 8, and Nelson and Wapiti were also backed from the right quarter to win the eamo double For the Derby and Racing Club Handicap, Stoney h'urst and Kolson were backed down to 100's to 20, and tho owner of Macaroni accepted 150 (o (JO that tho creamy wins tho Steeplechase. For tho Kaciug Club Handicap, a fow small lines were written ngninst Waitiri at 3 to 1, and 6's to ] were taken about KeckJace, and there woro offers to take li'O's to 20 Nelson Stoneyhurst was in great demand for the I'orby, and C to 4 was iaid on his ability to win, whilo 3 to 1 could be had to small amounts about both Foul Shot and Derringer.

Mr J. Gallagher has purchased Alaric, and tho horsa will thoreforo run in hie colours during tho remaining days of the meeting. Alfred has been scratched for tho Stoep'e oliase.

Nomications for the principal events of tlio Takapuna Summer Meeting ai-e duo to night.

Onchunga Summer Meeting.

The following entries were received last niyht for tho Onehunga Races, to be hold on January 23id :—

Handicap Hvhsus lUoE.-lilarnoy,Actress. ■U»ri<\ St. ,'iaviri. Ju ia Ann, Sliotjl- er, Sultan. Zip. ■vu'un. lliwcly.

UNJUItNCU Cur.- Flnprocli-t. Sir Bodivore. Dressmaker. v ictom. Tor,-edo. Caitssborr, Olndor.-lla MystETj, Itovo.vc-r, ICnlo. Mitrall lous<\ Cirblnoer. lh \vL 'iiscv, Alpha, Snafio. SUHL'RB.YN H.VNDlCAl\—fllflgcolet, t-ir BeiH v?ro, Victoria, Torpedo, Cinderella, MjHorj-, Cqnlraoior, Rsvolver, Kulo, Alphs, Snuko, Mitrailleuse Itcwi, Carbineer.

[UY TELEGRAPH-OWN COKRESPOKUEKT,]

Thames, this day.—A Flat Race of 1J inilea took place this morning at Parawai, between the steeplechasers Bushman and Auctioneer, for £20 aside, and was won by Auctioneer by a length, hard hold.

The Bush Fires in Hawke's Bay.

More Settlors' Houses Burned Down,

(UV TEUXUUVH,—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Napieu, Wednesday. Busu lires are still spreading. There \va3 no wii:d last night, and the lires abated. Tho Napier firemen, who went to Maka toku with an engine, succeeded in making that township safe, and returned to town this morning. Bcforo they arrived, however, telegrams were sent to recall them, the wind having risen and carried the firo towards Norsewood, a considerable township They went back with more appliances and a second engine. At latest advices four houses and a large sawmill, owned by Mr Silberman, »t Noriowood, had been des troyed, p.tid tho fires wero spreading. Onnondville beinj; now i hreatened. Funds are beini,' raised in Napier for tho home less settlers, numbers of whom have lost everything they possessed in the world. Fow ol the smaller settlers were insured, and in tho general coninsion and excitc rno'.it it 13 impossible to ascertain accurately the insurances on tho larger places.

Caktbbton, Wednesday. The wind having fallen, further danger from bush iires has been removed.

Thames, this day.—The chargo of larcony against John McKendrick, alias Happy Jack, was dismissed at the Police Court this morning, tha justices characterising tha ca?o as trivial and un important,

Sudden Death.

Giseohkk, tlii; day. Geoige Tnylor, aged 75, died of applexy in a hotel closet. 1!« has bee:i a resident in this district for ■15 years.

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY ELECTRIC TKLEQIUPH.—cop^

[beuter's telegrams ]

Political Crisis in Franco.

Pauls, December 29.—M. g^' French Premier, persists in tenderin' c resignation, giving as his reason thon " tont hostility ovinced by the Chnlu "' Deputies to the Ministry. The P, ■] oi of the Republic, however, r«fu 6es Smi% M. Brissou's resignation. Acc *pi Palis, December 30.—Tho I' tMW the Republic hn3 accepted the reei^ .oi of M. Briseon, and lias summoned.!? "" Freycinet to form a Cabioet. M, $*&• <>« cinot has not definitely acceded toi^' Grevy's request, and hesitates to uniiw* r tho task ettft >

Illness of Mr W. E. Porgtet London, December 29.—The Right i, W. E. Forstcr is very ill. His medical ,' tendants state that he is in a critical cm! dition. He ifl suffering from an affJr of the brain. ectlo» Tho mails ex Ballarat, from Melbonn, on No7embor 19, were delivered to-day t| Brindisi. "*

AUSTRALIAN.

Firo in Kerosene Stores,

Melbourne, December 30.—A large fi» broke out to - day in tho keroJ! stores occupied by Joues and Comptnt situated in the] Sandridge Road. OrC to the inflammable nature of the contmu of tho building, the efforts of the firaJ! were unavailing and tho fire is still rajim, fiercely. ° «

Intercolonial Cricket Hatch.

The interprovincial match Victoria t Now South Wales concluded to-day j' the prerence of a large number of apecj tors. The match resulted in tho defeatoi tho New South Welshmen by an intibft and 09 runs. . 1

THE AFGHAN FRONTIER.

(CAIJLE COI'YEIGIIT.)

Conclusion of the Labours of the CoinmlsGion.

(Received December 31—11.20 a.m.)

London, December 30, Advices from the Afghan Boundary Com. mission state that the difficulty has been overcome, the boundary lino having bees fixed at Maruchak. The members of thi Commission have now completed theii preparations, and are going into .winie quarters. ■ | i

Fatal Accident at Newmarket Station.

A fatal accident occurred last night ai Newmarket Station, to a young man abort 30, named Alexauder Buchanan. Thefacti culled from the police report are as Mo* —Buchanan and a companion, wiih whoa ho hud been working in a quarry on lit Donnelly's land, at Fast Tamaki, bad n solved to epend their holidays in torn. They got into the eight o'clock om hungatrain to Auckland,at Ellewliestation, On reaching Newmarket, the decsaW made a foolish attempt to step off flu carriage platform on to the station platform while the > tain was in motion, but in jump. ing ho was whirled off hie feet and ft! between the step and the platform, and vis immediately crushed by the train. Tit traiu was stopped at once, but stopped to lute to save life. Buchanan's inangW body was picked up from the raj in an apparently unconscious stall, tho wheels having passed over ia body, and was carried into the station. Tl» piincipal witness to Buchanan's accident is Kfcbecca Goodwin, a domestic servant who was in the same carriage. Dr. Jl» Keller was shortly in attendance, and having examined the body, pronounce! life extinct. He considered tbat deatl must have been instantaneous under the circumstances. His back was broken, head and face severely cut, the body much bruised, and both thighs fractured. Er, ilacKoller was of opinion that Bucil anan must have been jammed between the two platforms on tailing. The unhappy event was at once telephoned to tho police at Auckland, and Sergeant Pratt proceeded immediately to Kewmarket) saw the body, had it taken care of, and duly forwarded the report to Dr. Philson, the Coroner, who was to hold au inquest on tht body this afternoon at tho Newmarke Hotel.

ROBBING A JOCKEY.

Information was given to the police several days ago that a jockey named Thomas Lyford had been robbed of two watches while under the influence of liquor. Th« case was investigated, with the result that a man named John Crabb was arrested on suspicion of having committed the robbery. He was brought up at tho Police Court to day, before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M., and charged (l)witb feloniously stealing from the pereon of Thomas Lyford a silver watch and gold guard, value £13, the property ol Lyford ; ('2) with stealing from the person of Lyford a silver watch and gold chain, value £20, the property of John FarrelL Accused, whe pleaded not guilty, was de fended by Mr Gould. Tho evidence of Lyford was to the effect-that he was drink iog at the Clarendon Hotel on the night of tho 22nd instant. He became intoxicated, and was put into a fhed by some bod, I'.oxt morning he found both watches gono. Subsequently, he met Crabb on the wharf, and after asking him whether ho had not lost a watch, accused said " Here it is," and offered it to him, tellr ing him at the came time that he wanted to squaro tho matter and save going to Court. Farrell, who was with him, had given him his watch to mind be cause witness at that time wassober.and Farrell was not. Mr Gould cross-examined witness with the object of showing that he had given Crabb tho watches to mind when ho was drunk. The defence was that when Lyford was put into the shed he W very drunk and accused took tho watches in tho presence of others for safe keeping. Crabb wa3 or,ployed as a butcher at Carter's, in Victoria-street, The case for the prosecution having been closed, the Bench said there was not sufficient evidence, and dismissed the charge. Another charge against Charles Fianer, ol receiving the goods, knowing them to oe stolon, was withdrawn,

ATHLETIC TOURNAMENT.

A sisniES of contests iv running and walk ing commenced last night in the Athletic Hall, at the junction of Queen k4 Groy streets. The hall is quite a newplaco of amusement. It ia over Messrs Brown's drapery establishment. It is a epacionß room, jußt suitable for such competition!. A large running track in the form of an oval has been laid out, and is considered by the oxperta to be one of the Ibest in, »•/ colony, and in the ring formed the west ling and boxing matches take place. ..very handsome gold medals, nianufaotorea by Mr Kohn, are given as prizes. i™re wero at least 600 or 700 epMtetfr present to witness the contests under tne able management of Messrs W. S.FagW' and Foley. ~ ~ One Hour Walk.—The first heat for ps one hour walk brought out the followitg iwinpetitore :- A Hendry, scratch • I' ma' . dry, 6 laps : W. D. Dyer, Slaps j §• *Sm> 1 5 laps ; and Smith. The result was-JW 7 miles 8 laps ; Smith, 7 miles, 6 laps; J- Lkndry, li miles IS laps; A. Hendry,J> miles 16 iaps ; and Tyson, 0 miles !•* 'aP*J Mrff.V. jtLUis was'ieferee. The second heat will take placo to-: ighfc. ' . Boxing Matches.—The Jfirst heat for tn» heavy-weight boxingchampionship was com peted for by Messrs J). Lees and E. Button (H.Al.s. Nelson). Mr Lees won, ■but w» management were so pleased with » Button's display that they announced ««" he would receive a gold medal as well as »» winner of the final. Mr R, J. Sandall then l\ad a bout with Mr Galvin, but the lawer | was completely overmatched, and Mt»»' , dal! wue declared the winner by Mr KigoJ who acted as judge. To-night Meesrs lew and Saudall meet for the final heat, ana " addition to the heats for the walking anu boxing contests, the first heat in »6 a»' comers' wrestling match will come on.

Feels! Young Again.-" My mother wu afflicted a lons time with neuralgiaao<l»""« heavy. Inactive condition of the whole "J"?^ b- .iiiiche, vcrvous prostration, ana w*s»»

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 1885.



HA.VDIC.A1 tfacaroni.. ihotover .. Mario

,I J HUKDLES.—TWO mil Btlb .. 11 12 Kingask .. .. 11 2 rliin.. .. 11 0 MisbUriffltha

Ki. !l> .. 9 12 .. !) 0 .. 0 0



Mkmders 1 Puuse. One mile. W.f.a. atlh Etlb Mitrail'euso .. *9 6 Dorrlnfjer .,8 4 Tasnmn .. ..9 2 Stoneylmrst ..8 4 Nelson .. ..9 2 Foulr<hot.. ..8 4 Carbineer ..9 0 Liono-B .. .8 1 Clogs .. .. 8 11 Cremorne.. .. G 8 7!b penalty for wlnDing Railway Plato.



Grandstand Handicap.—Ona ini!o end a half. et,lb. st.ib. Timiuolee.. ..8 0 Victoila .. ..7 3 Silvrtto .. ..7 8 Wapiti .. ..7 3 Waliiri .. ..7 7 MitraiMiusa ..7 0 lAbollcr . ..7 7 Cinderella .. (i 10 FoulSliot.. .. 7 (i frrbintiT.. .. 0 10 Wcodnyjnj'h .. 7 1 Cast Ashore ..6 5



TTOUSEHOLD riOAL, , " 21s PER TON (For Cash, on Ordering) VVHANOAREI COAL MINING COMPANY. KING, WALKBR, & CO., Agents ' (next Waltemata Hotel). r\ R. HUXTABLB, DISEASES OF THE EYE AND SPECIALIST IN THROAT AND EAR DISEASE, Formerly at Mackenzie's Eye Infirmary, and lately from the Hospitals of London, Paris, and Viennc, Having roturned to Auokland, may be consulted at King & Sons', Qaeen-street, daily, from 11 to 12 o'clock. Private Residence: Pocsonby Road, near comer of Linooln-atrcot. GTBIRTLBTfrCHBONOMBTEB • MAKBR AND JEWELLER. \ )an»e Stock of Ladif a" and Gents' (Sold and Silver Lover Watches of superior finish, a new and well-assorted Stock of Goli Brooches, Ear rinss. &c, Ladies' and Ganta' Gold and Silver Alberts Wedding R!np;p, Enaageraent and Jiross RiDgs, Gnnts' Signot Rings, E'eotro Plate, Marble Clockp, &c. Gents' English Levers, at £3 103 ; guaranteed. 15-t, Queen-street," Established 1862. n E A N D GASH SALE. 4?' l 000 WORTH OF DRAPERY AND AT HALF PRICE. I. FERNANDEZ, DRAPER. NEWTON, Having puninafed a large pottlon of Messra L. D. Nathan's and Co., Stock, at a very heavy discount, ho is enabled to offer some of the greatest Barguioß ever known in Auckland, which the following Prick List Win Show : - lien's Strong Tweed Summer Suits, oomplete, 255; usual price, 425. Men's Summer Tweed Trouaors and Vest, 12a 63 : usual price, 20s. Men's Strong Tweed Trousers, 73 fid; usual price, Us 6d. Men's Coloured JUoleskin Trousers, in Gd; nsnal price, 5s lid. Men's Strong Working Shirts, lined backs. Is 6d; neual price. 2a 6d. Men's beat quality. Long Silk Coats, 15a lid; usual price, 22s 6d; Silk Helmets, to match, 5s lid. worth 12a 6d. Men's Felt and Straw Hats, from Is 6d each, the cheapest and best stock Iv Auckland, see window; every Hat marked in plain fignres. Boy's and Youth's Clothing in great variety at halt price. -Ms % extraordinary Bargains in Drapery and Milhnory, every article guaranteed much cheaper ilmn Queen-street prices; price liet in f ature Issue. ££-Special Toys and Fancy Goods for Christ mas, presents at just a quarter the usual price.



NO PUFF. GENUINE FACTS. COMB AND SKK FERNANDEZ, . DRAPER AND CLOTHIER, EAKANGA HAPE ROAD, NEWTON. TBAMS PASS TIDE DOOR. TXT ESTP OR T OOA LS, JUST LANDED SX ORAWITI, Said to be the bast Household, Steam, or Smithy Coal.i in the Market. ON SALE, A Superior Sample of the Above. W. & G. WINSTONE. N.B.—Also, Taupirl, Newcastle, and Bay Coals as usual. PILSHNBR LAGER BIER FROM TBS KAISER BREWERY. Bole Agents (or New Zealand- SEBONER, LANGGUTH & CO., FIRTH'S STORES, ALBEHT-BTRKKT. AUCKLAND.



pREAT CLEARING SALE OF £10,000 WORTH jOF BOOTS AND SHOES, FOB ONE MONTH, AT COST PRICE !l COST PKICE !l T. ELLISON la SELLING OFF the whole of his Large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES, for ONE MONTH, ai COS! PRICE for CASH ONLY. MUST BE SOLD, To Make Boom for Large Shipments to Arrive, SPECIAL CHEAP LINES OF GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 11 to 1, AT LES3 THAN COST. THOMAS ELLISON, Bootmaker and Importer, [71] 74, QUEK\ ST. [71] TTOLLIS'S 'BUS, ONEHUNGA. Two 'Buses will leave Onehunga for Auckland at half-past Six o'clock THIS EVENING. and return to Onehunga at 1 a.m. on New Year's Day. Also, a 'Bus will luave Onehunga for the KUeislie Raoes on New Year's and following Race Buff, at baJX-paat U o'clock.



GO TO FOR BEDSTEADS \ CARPETS \ LINOLEUM vC\A PERAMBULATORS \ \ VrV\ BEDDING \<<\\ SPRING MATTRES \L X, TOILETWARE \/~\ FENDERS & IRONS \C >\ \T>^ OFFICE FURNI- Y7~\ TURK DINING ROOM AND SITTING ROOM / >K\ DRAWING ROOM \y<\ BED ROOM FURNITURE Vf\\ AMERICAN, V^A AUSTRIAN BENI V J\ WOOD • CHAIRS & STOOLS Vx£\ WARDROBES VL^A SIDE BOARDS Y^JV CURTAINS yr blinds BLANKETS Thk Cheap gHEETS HOUSE FURNISHERS AND BVBKT  QUEEN-STBEET HOUSJi KEQUiglm AUCKLAND,



"El S S. S. COPTIC. MILNE AND CHOSCE Huvo just recoived by the Coptic Nine Gates of Novelties for the present r^t season, allotihsverylateßt £^J London Styles, in- J* 5^ eluding: r^ LADIES' TRIMMKD BONNETS AND O HATS. 2^ Ci'ILD'S AND MAIDS' TRIMMED Q BONNETS AND HATS. UN I RIMMED BONNETS AND HATS. 3^ CAPS, in Mob and Old Ln1 ies'. FLOWEHS AND FEITHERS. W PER\CHUTKS (newest style ). LiCES AND NETS of every desorip •^ tlon, from 2}fl to 2(s 6d per yard. H JER?EYB, COSTUMES. 'rao, COLLARS AND COLLARETTES. BOYS' SUITS, iocldlng the Scotch Tartjn completa. •V.fJLNE AND /^HOYCE



TJCT .P. HUBBABD, C.8., ARCHtTKCT AND SURVEYOR. Water Supply and Drainage Specialties. 63, Queen-street. DISEASES OF TOE EYE, EAR, THROAT 3 AND CHEST. DR. WILKINS, CONSULTING & OPERATING SURGEON Is at his Surgery for General and Speolal Practice all morringß and afternoons Sunday, 10 to 12 30. Charges moderate. 17 years at London and Colonial Hospitals. Adjusts Spec tacles to sight ConsulriNo Rooms, Queen street, (oppoflte Bhortland-Btreei). Auckland, riHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS. \_j THE LATEST DESIGNS. Beautiful Floral Albums, Desks. Writing Cases, Card Cases. Nice Selection in Bibles, Prayer Books, Birthday and Gift Books. AT VERY MODERATE PRICES. HY. A. COLSAN, Stationer and Bookseller, Victoria-street. W." S. LaUR!E * C° Havb for Sale— 170 Tons Bonedust 150 Tons Island and Peruvian Guano 200 Tons Superphosphate of Lime Sulphate Ammonia Nitrate of Soda ICO Bales Cornsacks 60 Tons Black and Barbed Fencing Wira 60 Kegs Staples, Pins, and Rollers Seeds—vis.. White and Red Clover, Alsyke. Timothy, Cowgrass, Cocksfoot, and Rye grass. Turnip, etc. Prices and Samples on application. CUSTOMS STREET. AUCKLAND. HL. POSSENNIBKIB, • Merchant Tailor and Importer, SHORTLAND-STREET, AUCKLAND, Announces the Completion of his SPRING AND SUMMER STOCK, Ex S.s. Arawa, To which he invites an early inspection. Tha Trade supplied at prices a little above cost,



WEAK EYES.—A Treatise on the Optical Diseases of the Eye and their result?, the Use of Spectaolcs and the Mode of Manufacture, Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye. the Cause of Deafness, by T. R. PROCTER, Oculist Optitigß, Christchurch. N.Z. Free by poat, or byjM|ing to T. R. Pbootek, 3 doora above Thj*BrHoyal, Viotorla-street. Mr T. R. PRncT^KXresent visit being about to ter minate in all thoao requiring his aid should not BBtJpi opportunity■ TMPORTANT NOTICE. On and after the Ist day of January, 1886, the Auckland Cooperative Drapery and Clothing Co. (Limited) wilt not Enter Goods to anyone. The object of the Company is to supply goods on the purely Co-operative System, thereby en abling the Consumer to save the ordinary retail profit, AUCKLAND COOPERATIVE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING CO. (Ltd.) (Late 8. Conmbea and Co.) /N SO, M o C A U L VJT Wblleslby-strket East, GALVANIZED D3ON WORKS & COLONIAL OVEN MANUFACTORY. Plumbers, Builders, Contractors, and Storekeepers Are Informed that GEO. McCAUL, ov Thameh, HAS TAKEN OVER THE BUSINESS LATELY CARRIED ON BY J. L. KEAN, And being a Direct Importer and Purchaser for Cash, is prepared to Supply all Busmesa Material at Lowest Rates. Awarded Three First Prizes for Colonial Ovens, Corrugated Tanks, Lead-headed Nails and Washers, Spouting, and Lead-edge Ridging. MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER, Wklleslky-btrkkt Bast, Auckland, and Brown and Davy otreete, 1 names. -