SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH WATER] 0.30 filTMPKr.—Thin Kvening, 7.1S SUNIWSE.—To-morrow Morning. 1.!>7 MOON'S AGE.—New Moon, lijth. 8-Ij p.m.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVEN IXC). Macgrogor, 8.3. Johnson, from Whangarei Waitaki, s.s., Crawford, from Whangarei TO-DAY. Wellington, 8.a.. Farquhar. from Whangarei Glenelg, s.s.. Amo-lco, from Mercury Bay Omapere, s.s,, Smith, from the South

DEPARTURES.

I.AbT KVENI.VH. Three Cheers, schooner. Buicke, for Mercury Tiirawera, a.a., Sinclair, for Ru-scll TO-DAY. Omapere. s.s., Smith, for Gieymouih

IMPORTS.

Per Seabird, from Sydney—l.iHS sucks bone dust, 30 tons shale, I casks borax.

Inwards Coastwise.—lda, from Mahu ranU Heads, with 20.100 ft junk limber; Pro gress, from Whangapoua, with 30,000 ft timber. Outwards Coastwise. — Progress, for Whangapoua. The B.s. Arawata, whioh will probably arrive from Wellington to-morrow, has iho Auckland portion of tho cargo from London per Tonga) iro. and also her passengers booked through to this port.

ThoS.S. Ringarooma is to leave for Sydney at ;i this evening, and the s.?. Tarawcra for South cm ports at noon to morrow.

The brigantine Oceola has been docked for cleaning. "

The barquo Notero arrived at Sydney. Iron this port, on the morning of '1 uesday last.

The schooner Three Cheers sailed yesterday afternoon for Mercury Bay, where sho will load timber for Brisbane.

Tho Norwegian barque Jlcrtha was to havt le.'t BataVie with raw sugar for Auckland akou- October 20th.

The brigantine Scabird, which arrived fron Sydney jestenlav alt-rimon. left that port oi Dec. 24, and had line weather anil variable wind! throughout the voyage.

The ship Hamitikei arrived at London from this port on tho 6th instant, the passage having occupied upwards of 130 daj s

The only vessel loadine at Mercury Bay is tho schooner Waiaou, which arrived there from this port yesterday.

The three-ninstcil schooner ITanila Isle left Brisbane fori, ng Island on December 26 She was to load there with cnano, and return to this port.

Tho schooner Fleetwing will sail for Samoa most likely to-morrow morning, under chat tor to D. 11. McKenzie. She will take from hero a full cargo, principally sawn timber, and will return with a load of copra.

Mr D. Gouk will dock to-morrow tho auxiliar; scrow steamer Kxplorer and schooner Kri dcavour. Both vessuls aro to bo stripped caulked, and newly coppered.

Per Omapero, from the South—ll7 br*xessoap, 130 boxes candles. 31 hhds 11 cases and 13 barls ale. i ca>es stout. 32 pkgs harrows, S pkgs ploughs, .-a drums nnd 11 cases oil, several pkgs sundries, and a quantity of oargo tor Fiji.

The s.s. Omapere left Dunedin ot 9.30 p.m. on the 29th ultimo, called at Oaninru on the follow ing day, Tiinaru on the.l st, Wellington on the 2nd January, Napier on the Ith. Giaborne on the tith, and Tauramja on tho 7'h ; left Tauranga at 11.30 p m. yesterday, and arrived hero at I.JO a.m. to-day. Passengers :—Mr Adams nnd 3 steerage. rlhe Omapere left again for Grey mouth this afternoon.

The s.s. Glen»lg arrived from Mercury Bay this morning with tho following passengers:— Mesdames May, P. Bryant. J. Bryant, l.aird. Dr. Stevens, Missrs Short, lle.-s. Monk, Wool cook, Pritchnnl (31. The Glenelg leaves for Mercury Bay and Tairua again early this evening.

The s.s. Wellington returned from Whangarei early this morning. Pa. senders: M isscj Wcol ling, K. Mear. and llillfi.nl, Messrs Siolf, Meur, Hoc-ken. Mitchell llillfonl. and Bale. The Wellington leaves for Tauranga this evening.

Messrs Hcwson and Mclvillo havo stripped .and coj.pored the cutter Devcion, put a new stern on the schooner Atlantic and are building «i ram-stemmed yacht about 19 feet in length for un Auckland gentleman, who intends her for pleasure purposes.

The schooner Cygnot, which in to leave for Tonga at an early diite, will, upon arrival there, ho handed over to her new owners, the Tongan chift*. There has be n a good de il ot talk amongst the native-; an to the sailing qualities of this vessel and the old i:\gnet, which is also owned at Tonc.t, nnd it is uxpei Ted that a friendly trial of speed will be arranged when the two vessels next meet.

The four-masted ship Vanduara is now 91 days out from London, and the barque Glenlora, also from London, i r tlila port, is f'2 days out, 9i\ that both vessels may he daily expected. They are to ba followed by the Lutterworth <\'ov. 3). Waimate (Nov. 2S). Loch Linnio. Northumberland, Connaught Ranger, and Sam Mendel.

The s.s. Waitaki arrived from Whangan i last evening. Passengers:—Miss Batger, Mrs Molly fa iwn and child. Meosrs Taylor, Carrington, Anderson. Walker, Maiterß Lauaford (2), Signor Palmare, nnd 7 steerage.

The 5.3. Mac_re;_;r.r arrived from Whangarei lust evening, with tho following passengers:— Misses Rybnm, Ross. Eraser. Goodman, Mrs Aberernmbic and daughter, Messrs McKenzie, J. McKay. Bell. Coufe. Adams, Coligan, Bar natt, McLennon, Postlethwalte. Rev. T. P. Hewlett, and 1 steerage.

In consequence of the withdrawal of the Tarawcra for th-i West Coaat Sounds •iicnrsion, there will bo no steamer to Melbourne next week, but in order to avoid a corresponding gap from Melbetinio, the next tw_ steamers fiom tho South will bo turned back immediately on retching there, so as to keep up the usual weekly connection.

KAIPARA SHIPPING.

Port Albert, this day.—Arrived yesterday Bri ;antiiie ( a-naru.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

THAMES. this day.—Arrived: Crest of the Wave, from Timaru, with produce. Kprset.t,. this day. — Arrived: Tarawera, from Auckland, 3.15 a.m. Waitaki, this day—Arrived: Hannah Mnkiu. fromOnehunga, ni lnight. Wkllinotiin, this day.—Sailed: Arawata, for Auckland, at 7 p.m., yesterday. Post Crat.mekh, yesterday.—Sailed: To Anail. for Sydney via the North. Panßengers for Auckland:-Mr and Mrs Chambers, Messrs Wilson, Daw, Imrie, and lllackie.

London, January 7— Arrived at Plymouth: P. ami O. steamer Carthage, from Melbourne, November 29.

COMMERCIAL

Evening Star Office, this day. MR BUCKLAND'3 WOOL SALE. At Mr A. Buckland'a wool sale yesterday there was a moderate attendance, and tho bidding was fairly good. Tho prices obtained wero, upon the whole about the same as those obtained at previous sales:—Longwool, greasy, (id, Old, Old, GJd. Gil. fi'fd. 6": d. and 7d Mr Bucklnnd announced that ho expected to receive from 8 to 15 hales o' wool weekly for "ome time to come, which will bo disposed of each week as it comes in.

Remember This.

If you are sick, Hop Bitters will surely aid Nature in making you well when all else fails. If yon are costive or dyspeptic, or are suffer lng from any other of the numerous diseases of the stomach or bowels, it is your own fault il you remain ill, for Hop Bitters is a sovereign remedy in all such complaints.

If you are wasting awajr with any form ol Kidney disease, stop tempting Death this mo inent, and turn for a cure to Hop Bitters.

If you are sick with that terrible eicknosg Nervousness, you will find a " Balm in Gilead in tho uso of Hop Bitters.

If you are a frequenter or a resident 'of miasmatic district, barricade your system against the scourge of all countries—malarial epidemic bilious, and intermittent fevers—bj the use of Hop Bitters.

If you have rough, pimply, or sallow skin, bad breath, pains and aches, and fool miserable Roncrally. Hop Bitters will give you fair skin rich blood, and sweetest breath, health, and comfort.

In short, thoy cure all diseases of the Stomach, Bowels, Blood, Liver, Nerves, Kidneys, Blight's Disease. £500 will be paid for a case thoy will not cure or help. Druggists and Chemists keep.

Tliat poor, bedridden, Invalid wife, sister mothor, or daughter, can be mado the picture of health by a few bottles of Hep Bittors, costing but a trifle **«t«M_ lot tliom suffer!

Chief Post-office, Auckland.

Mails -will Close as under—

This Day. Per Ringarooma as follows :— For India, China, Japan. Mediterranean Ports, aud Contiucnt of Europe, at 3 p.m. For Australian Colonies, and United King dom via Suec. and Brindisi. for lotters. eto., specially so prepaid and addressed, at 4 p.m. For Money Orders, Registered Letters, and Newspapers, at 3 p.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melbourne only, at 4.20 p.m. The United Kingdom nail will he .due in London on Tuesday, February 21,1885. For Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Wellington, at

For w'hitianci, Upper Mill, and Tairua, per

Glenelg, at 5 p.m. Foi- Whangarei Heads, Whangarei. Kamo, per

Waitaki. at 5 p.m. For Thames, per Rotomahana, at 5.30 p.m.

Friday. 9th Januaiy.

For Gisborne, Napier, Southern Ports, per

Tarawera, at 11 a.m. For Cowes and Coromandel, per Coromandel, at

1.30 p.m.' For Gisborne and Napier, per Thomas Russell,

at i p.m. For Thames, per Enterprise, at 4..30 p.m. For Friendly Islands, per Cygnet, at 1.30 p.m. For Whangarol Heads. Parua, Waipu, Whan garel, Kamo, and Mangapal, per Maogregor at .5 p.m. j Batubd AT, 10th January. ) For Waiwera, Te -Kapa, Warkworth, .etc, ,t ißose Casey, at 10 a.m. | For Taranaki, and Southern Ports, per Hawea, immediately after arrival of Zealandia. , For Australian .Colonies, per Zeali.ndia, im mediately after arrival from Honolulu. | Note.—The contract steamer Napier will leave I Nelson, for West Coast Ports, on Hth inst, and will leave Hokitika.for Okarita.and West Coast Sounds, on 19th inßt. I s. B. BIBS. Chief Postmaster. Chief Poat-offlce, Auckland. '

Meetings, Entertainments, Etc.

January 8, Itß.j.

Abbott's Opera House—"Jane Shore." 8 p.m St. James's Hall—"The Great Healers of the World," 7.30 p.m.

District Grand Loilgo of Auckland, E,C Lodge-room, 7.30 p.m.

Meeting of Residents of Mount Roskill ro New Church Building, at Mr Ewington's Houso, 7.30 p.m.

Pitt-street Wesleyan Church—Prayer Meet ing. Address by Rev. J. H. Hill. 7.30 p.m.

Births.

BRKADON.—On January 3. at her residence, Enirburn-strcet, Otahuhu. the wife of James Breadon of a son. All well.

Marriage.

LYONS-AUBREY.-On January 5, at Wha ngarei Heads, by tho Rev. L. L. Oubitr, Edmund Humphrey, eldest son of Colonel K. W. Lyons. late Bombay Stiff Corps, to Alio.:, fifth dnnghtcr of H. 11. Aubrey, Esq., Wha njarei Heads.

Deaths.

SOLE.—On January 6th, at his father's resi dence. Hepburn street, the only son ot Charles and Ellen Mary Sole ; aged 6 months. Private interment.

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

For the cause that locks assistance. For the wrong that needs resistance, For tho future In the distance. And tho geod that wo can do.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1885.

To understand the New Guinea ques-! tion wliich is stirring Australia to its depths, definite ideas must be obtained of the divisions into which the island has now been apportioned. The Go vernment of the Netherlands, having large possessions in Sumatra and Borneo, and owning all the important islands eastward of those territories to New Guinea, proclaimed its sovereignty over the western coast of New Guinea and inland to the 141 st parallel of longitude. This Dutch claim, which has always been recognised and was respected in the recent English and German annexations, gives to Holland nearly half of New Guinea; it also cedes to it possession of a considerable belt of territory on the southern coast bordering the western entrance to Torres Straits—the part of New Guinea that most immediately con curs Australia. The protectorate established by England very reluc tantly, and under strong pressure from Australia, was intended merely to secure the remainder of the long coast line bordering Torres Straits, and to regulate the traffic with the natives along the southern shore who are brought into frequent contact with traders from Australia. Lord Derby's circular despatch of May 9th last, in viting a contribution from the colonies towards the Government of this territory, clearly enough indicated what Her Majesty's Government subse quently carried out. It set forth : — " Her Majesty's Government are dis posed to think that there should be a high commissioner, or at least a deputy commissioner, with largsr powers of in dependent action, stationed 'in or near the Emlern count of New Guinea, and that he should be furnished with a steamship independent of Her Majesty's naval squadron, and with a staff' sufficient to enable him to exercise protection in the name of the Queen over those shores." That the Go vernment never meditated the establish ment of a government over the whole of the island was made perfectly evi dent by a reply given to a question in the House of Commons on October 24th. The Hon. Evelyn Ashley said : —" It is not possible to define the in land limits of the British Protectorate, as the country is unexplored and un known, but it will extend as far as local circumstances may de mand." The Australian complaint, that Lord Derby either deceived the colonies or withheld informaion which they ought to have known, scarcely seems justified when examined by the light of these official statements. The northern boundary of the territory covered by the English protectorate was left in a very indefinite condition until after the German annexation ot the country northwards from Huon Bay, and westward to the Dutch boundary at the 141 st degree of longitude. Eng land lias now, it is inferred from recent telegrams, formally proclaimed its authority over the territory northwards from the south-eastern shore up to Iluon Bay, and has also taken posses sion of the islands lying off the coast. This boundary line divides eastern (non-Dutch) New - Guinea almost equally into two parts—a northern (that taken possession of by Germany) with its neighbouring islands; a southern, which includes the whole of the south-eastern peninsula, and as much of the interior as extends north waid to the watershed of the rivers of the Gulf of Papua.

A dispassionate consideration of these facts will, we think, provoke very considerable dissent from the intern*-' perate and unstalesmanlike language employed in Mr Service's protest. England's tropical colonies are already very extensive, and by no means profit able—Ceylon, the West Indian and African possessions, to wit. Australia has within the borders of her own vast island continent enormous unsettled and unexplored territories that will produce nothing but tropical products. •In South Africa England is embroiled in .frequent native wars which are pro voked by the colonists, who, however, carefully repudiate responsibility for them, but preach oracularly to Britain upon her duties and mission in the world. She is impelled to make new annexations and advances. St. Lucia and Pondoland are the latest instances. The government of New Guinea will inevitably entail a completely non productive expenditure, and embarass the Home Government with a wider frontier, which she is b,pund to protect in time of war or forfeit jn dishonour. She has ,to main tain her prestige in Europe and the East. These are considerations abp.ut which Australia cares nothing when howling at the heels of English states men who are weighted with the care and manifold obligations of this vast Empire. Though unwilling, therefore, to extend possessions which are already widely scattered, difficult to .defend, and containing undeveloped resources sufficient to employ the energy of the British people fully during the next century, England has yielded to Aus tralian fears and clamour by interposing between tr..« southern colonies and any foreign approach a broad compact belt of New Guinea covered by the Im perial mana. What more do the colonies require ? For their owa protection, .certainly nothing. Euro pean nations endure a boundary j line across .which any man .can step. , In America neither the proximity of :

Canada nor the foreign possessions in the West Indies alarm tie people if the United Stales Australians ant. N»w Ze.i landers may well repose in peace. If they apply themselves dill gently to the development ol their own resources, they are bound to be come the dominant power in the Pacific, and the few tropical colonies held by foreign powers will only feed their commerce. Auckland and Syd ney now reap very considerable com mercial advantages from German cuter prise in the islands, and those coun tries, by whomsoever possessed, must draw from us their supplies of temper ate products and look to these colon ies for a market.

The Hinemoa Mystery

When' our Wellington correspondent first telegraphed the current rumours respecting the proposed movements of tho llinemoa, Ministers gavo them an explicit contradic tion, and even went so far as to assert they wero without foundation. That the rumours

may have been incorrect in detail is possible; but that there was and still is something of importance brewing, even Ministers would hardly have the hardihood now to deny. Mystery may bo necessary, but if so, it has been clumsily contrived, and, so far, has unly brought ridicule on all concerned. The latest report is that Sir George Grey is to be consulted at Kawau, and that Major Atkinson has been consulted in Wellington may be correct. But wo arc loth to believe that either of these leaders will allow himself to bo made a party to movements over which he cannot afterwards exercise the least control. If anything is clone, the Executive should take upon itself the responsibility, and the Opposition should retain its freedom to criticiso in the fullest degree tho action of the Government when full reports of that action are laid before Parliament. Any othor course would be bad iii principle and destructive of good government by depriv ing tho people of the only effective check thoy havo upon Executive action. It would be tho worst form of coalition, since it would muzzle the Opposition lead ore v ithoutgiving them tho least power. Sir George Grey's ex perience of last session is not likely to tnako him favour such a course. Ho began by supporting tho Government, and in fact placed it in ollico. He ended by deter mined opposition to tho district railways, tho federation policy, nnd other measures of the Government; but his opposition was ineffectual, and he was in tho end flouted and disregarded by thoso who owed to him their position. The pretext that Sir Georgoand Major Atkinson had previously taken stops and been in communication with various parties respecting Samoa is childish. Everything done by them must bo on record, and tho Under-Secretaries can givo the fullest information. If the advice of tho Opposition leaders is sought, tho proper and constitutional plan is to givo them seats in tho Ministry and make them tnko tho responsibility. We aro loth, howevor, to believe tno reports current on this head, and trust that if thoy aro corroct, tho leaders of parties who aro not in the Ministry will dcclino to fetter thomsolvos, but will retain full freedom to act and criticiso when tho Houso meets. If they do otherwise, thoso who havo followed them will bo equally fettered unless they aro prepared to elect new leaders -a course always dillicult and necessarily attended with serious party disorganisation. "Ac trust, therefore, that it will bo found the llinomoa has not beon to Kawau, or if sho should havo beon, that Sir Gcorgo Grey has declined to walk into what would really bo a trap skilfully set for him.

The New Zealand Loan.

"New Zealand is pledged to only borrow an additional million and a half until April, ISS'I." This is the latest news about our loans, and comae from London. It is very viiguo, and does not clearly indicate when the additional million and a-half may lo put upon tho market, whether in April, 1 __;"*, or at any timo between that and April, ISSO, of on the latter date only. Government have in inaged to create a general distrust of their ollicial statements, but as Sir Julius Vogel said tlio objection of the Bank of England only appliod to negotiations before the end of noxt March, wo may infer that tho market will bo open to us at any timo after that dafci. Another pledge has, however, been evidently given, and now tho North Island Railway losn cannot, in any case be negotiated before April, ISSO Tho public have a right to know tho nature of this pledge. In a few days the result of tho tenders for the million loan will be known, all excuse Jer secrecy will then bo removed, and tho Government will be blameworthy in the highest degree if they do not by the fullest publicity relievo the' uneasy feeling which their reticence has produced. In tho ordinary course wo shall have this informa tion from our London correspondent, but Government have no right to compel tho public to wait till tho pre*s can supply in formation which they are bound by every consideration of duty to supply themselves.

The Movement of the Channel Fleet.

As no moro is hoard from London of tho sudden departure of tho Channel licet, we may accept tho assurance given by tho Admiralty that nothing outside ordinary naval routine was meditatod. This belief is strengthened by tho fact that nothing in England's foreign relations with which tho world has been mado acquainted, would explain the move ment. The suddon order was probably issued in order to test tho readiness of the fleet to put to sea at a moment's notice. As tho chief bulwark of English defence against foreign invasion, such a condition of preparedness in its heavily-armoured licet is what tho nation oxpects, although there liavo always been grave doubts whether it actually existed,

The Annexation of Pondoland

TllP annexation of Pondoland, announced (n our English cablegrams last evening, refers apparently to " Ainapondaland," tho country occupied by tho powerful tribe of Kaffirs of that name. They havo always been considered friendly,and a groat check in tho early Cape days on tho Amatrosa and Amagaleka tribes, with whom the colony has had so many struggles. The annexa tion of Amapondaland will connect tho South African Colony with Natal, which is probably the object, as it would have been awkward if tho continuity of tho colony had been broken by the intervention of any foreign power.

Tho negro Brown, who was shot ir Darby-street on .Sunday night, is still doing well in the Hospital.

A cable despatch received to.day announces that the wreck of tho Robin Hood has been sold by auction for .£BS. The cargo, which was partially saved, fetched £400. It is a curious coincidence that the brigs Robin Hood and Annaboll, wrecked on tho samo day last week, were both commanded by captains named McDonald.

The lunatic jrc,L,aron, who escaped from the Asylu,m on tho 31st ult., has not yet beon recaptured. He was a "privileged '■' patient, and was not considered dan gerous. A most disgraceful act of vandalism has .been perpetrated at the expenso of Mr fj. Robson, proprietor of the Commercial Dining-rooms. At the street entrance to that gentleman's establishment are two valuable mirrors, and several nights ago these woro 'scratched a»d dis figured to (Ach an extent as to spoil their appearance and considerably depreciate their valuo. Mr Robson is satisfied that he is aware of tho identity of tho contemptible and cowardly miscreant, but want of evidence prevents him seeking recompense through the medium of tho law.

A peculiar mistake was recently made by the architect, or contractor for tho erection of a block of shops in Symonds-streot. After the walls of the first story' had been erected it was discovered that the facade impinged about one foot on tho footpath. A portion of the work.in consecpience of the mistake, had to bo pulled down.

Our trade with the South Sea Islands is about to be extendel by the inauguration ofr.gular communication by sailing vessel with Samoa, which occupies a prominent position jmtnow in the annexation scheme. The schooner Fleetwing has been chartered by Captain D. H. MeKenzie, and will leave for Samoa tomorrow with timber to build a new store, and with a quantity of trade, so that a regular business may be established and constant employment found for at leaat one vessel connecting with this port.

I A fire broke out at St. George's Bay about 1 o'clock this morning, and resulted in the destruction of two boat-sheds, one being the I p. .putty of tho St. George's Bay i'owing I Club, w'hil" tho othor was owned "by Mr C. j Walltor. The former contained two.'!.*>• feel, j whalebouts, with oars, Koar, &c. The whole I was valued ut about f'JO, and was insured jin tho South British Ollico for £00. _ Air Walker's shed was uninsured, and contained a cauoc, skill', dingy, and lomo gear. Nothing is known respecting the origin of tic tire. Several members of the Rowing Club had a lighted candle in the shed at '.1 o'clock, but it was extinguished before they left.

Tho Equitable Life Assurance Society of tlio United Stales hivo received a cable gram from their head ollico, New York, stating that the new assurnr.c i written by tho Society in ISB4 exceeds seventeen million pounds sterling.

The control of the Birkenhead Wharf has been vested in Mr ,/. X, Kanderson, by viituo of his office as Chairman of tho Birkenhead Road Board.

According to an announcement in our columns, thero will bo a meeting at 7.^0 this evening, convened by Archdeacon Dudley, tit Mr Ewington's house, of all residents in the Mount Koskill district in terested in erecting a rhur.li building on tho silo given by Mr P. i -,r,

Carters, drivers, porters, owners of private carte) lodging-houso keepers, and owners of dogs are reminded that all licenses require to be renewed forthwith. Proceed ings will be taken against ail persons liablo who fail to obtain their licenses by tho 12th inst.

At the united prayer-meeting held la evening in the Wellesley-street Bapti '_. Church, the ll.v. K. Bavin, of Grafton Chapel, gave an excellent address on the subject of '• Homo Religious Life." Kov. \V. E. Kice presided. A similar meeting will bo held this evening in the Pitt-street Wosleyan Church, when Roy. .1. S. Hill will deliver an address.

There is some talk of selecting a cricket team to play against Robinson's on its re turn from tho South. Such a match should prove interesting, and would, no doubt, havo the effect of augmenting the funds of the local Association, besides assisting the travellers towards tho payment of ex penses. Robinson's team commenced its match against Wellington on tho Basin Reserve to-day,

Somo weoks ago the local agent of the Pro's Association telegraphed to Dunedin the fact that the longest flinch llntropo over mado in the colony had beon just manufac tured by tho Auckland Fibre Company. Exception was taken to tho statement by a rope-maker in Dunedin, and paragraphs appeared in several Otago papers stating that much longer ropes had been made in tho "city of tho unco quid." Despite these contradictions, wo ate tis.-ured that the fact in tho Auck land telegum is as stated. Hitherto, flat ropes over 700 feet in length huve been imported from Victoria, and mining com panies all over tho colony will be ellid to learn that gear suitablo for the deepest mining shafts can now be obtained in Auck land.

Alexander A. Reynell, a bankrupt, was examined by tho Official Assignee yester day afternoon. His sworn statement is to tho effect that he has been in business for 2_ years. Ifo attributes his difficulties to an unsuccessful contract for building a houso nt Waihoko. This contract ho had taken in conjunction with a man named llaliday (since bankrupt), tho prico being £000, and it had cost them C1.34S to exe cute. When tho job was slartod ho had t'2oo cash clear of all liability, but his partner had no capital, and was in debt besides. Holiday's failure threw all the joint creditors on him. Ho was prepared to complete the contract for erecting St. raid's Church, awd was satisfied that thoro would bo a surplus of at least £25, which was nil the creditors had to look forward to, ns ho had absolutely nothing excopt a few tools worth about £15.

Tho 125 yards footraco between F. Worids, of Dunedin, and J, Pickering, of Auckland, for stakes of £25 a-sido and tho championship of tho colony, eventuated yesterday afternoon on the Domain Cricket (!round. Tbero was a large attendance. Strange reports wero current beforo the start respecting tho genuineness of the nice, nnd it was openly asserted that tho match was not bona fide, and that there was something crooked about tho afl'uir Whether or not this was so may best bo inferred from what took place. Tho competitors were started by Mr Carrolo, but after going several ynrds, Woods disappeared amongst the crowd of spectators who lined the course, while Pickering finished alono— tho distance, it is said, being covered in 14_ seconds. Woods, it is explained, was pressed by tho crowd to such an oxtont that he wa« unablo to get through. A challenge has now been issued by Woods to run Pickering or any other man in New Zealand any distances between 10(1 yards and -I-IO yards, the best three out of livo or two out of three distances, for tho cham pionship of New Zealand and a stake of £200 a side.

To the Editor.: Sir, —Wo wero pleased to sco tho letter in your issue of the ,'ilst ultimo, from Messrs Garlick & Cranwcll, headed " How Auckland Importers Suffer," which only shows tis that wo are not alone in our compkiirtts in the delivery of goods by direct steamer. By the Kaikoura we nlso hud 11 packages addressed to us, and at present :uc worse oil than Messrs Garlick & Cranwcll, as wo havo only received half, and, as the goods aro chiefly machinery for mechanical engineoiing, one part is of no \ife without the other. For instance, we have, or rather had, on board amongst our goods, nn ongino and boiler, and, as we are nt considerable expense in hiring one until ours arrives, w rote for it to bo sent by direct steamer at onco. By the lirst bout which arrives trom Port Chalmers we got our chimney and smoking tool shy the second boat tho boiler, by tho third tho fire bars and engine, and even now the firo door and several othor parts are left behind, besides parts of lathes and othor machinery. Tho freight charged is 70s per ton, and altogether there is about 13 tons. Now, had this been font by a sailing vessel at 35s per ton, it would not only make consider able difference to the expense but would arrive just as quickly, and the whole of it together, which would save another expenso in carting from the wharf. By tho next boat we expect to receive another iiro shovel or two, and a few mora additions to our machinery, and if we get our balance in two or threo weeks we suppose wo ought to consider ourselves lucky.-—Yours, &c, Hor.itoYiiK & Co., mechanical and electrical engineers, Customs-street West. Mr James Bogle, writing on " Our trado with Fiji," says:—-"If there is ever to be

any important trado with Fiji, one thing is certain : the present arrangements will have to bo promptly altered, or tho trado will promptly collapse. It is no uso mincing matters—tho state of the Arawata's last cargo of fruit was simply a disgrace to any company professing to be publio carriers. It is not for mo to toll tho Company the reason why. It may bo the hot steam pipes through the vessel packed with fruit and sugar set the whole in a stato of fermontation and rottenness. It may bo that the Arawata left Suva four

days after her appointed time, and after warming tho fruit up on tho road kept it stewing in the hold from Wednesday to Friday at Queen-streot Wharf ; or it may bo the fruit was over.ripe when shipped. Tho fact remains. Nearly the whole cargo of bananas had to bo carted away and thrown into the reclamation and other places, a dead loss to shippers and consignees of somo hundreds of pounds. Surely when it is possible to deliver a cargo of perishable goods from one end of tho world to tho other in sound condition, shippers and consignees havo a right to expect as much in a journey of five or six days. If tho Union Company are riot doing their level best to strangle our trade with Fiji, they will at onco prevent the possibility of such a catastrophe again occurring' by using one of the engines in keeping up a constant current of cold air upon tho cargo of fruit, or somo other simple plan of ventila tion ; then a few days beyond the usual timo would make littlo difference. Ai-.othor important matter is tho almost unchecked, unlimited pilfering. It would bo better in many cases for shippers and uon'signecs if these pilferer's would take them by the bunch; then Wo might get at the Company. But no ; tho rule scema to be to pick out the best of the fruit and leave the stalks to encourage trade with Fiji. Bunches of bananas that average in Fiji 451bs. to COlbs. average 201bs. to 251bs. by the timo tho consignee gets possession. I dsk in all seriousness if it is possible for anyone to carry on a trade under circumstances liko these. Yet here again tho remedy is simple if the police took the matter proporly in hand. Another ' boon' to the trade would bo to abolish tho farce of passing entries and dancing attendance upon Custom-house oflicials for goods that are supposed to be duty free. If there was any benefit to either Customs or consignees, it might be endured. Everything which interferes with the free and rapid transit of such porishable articles as bananas, pines, *kc, is a hind rance to trade and a lose to the com munity,"

Tho following tonders were recoived by Mr F. W. Groy, architect, for the erection of additions to Newmarket Hall :—Gabb, .CHI3 (accepted); Mr..11, £328; Holmes. C:33"i; Edgei-ley, £3.>7 ; Rosser, £348; Heron, ' 301 ; Wooller, £3G5; Morris, £:iG'.l ; Taylor, £377 10s ; Jone*", £394; Gillmun, jun., £3!)o ; McConnochie, £400.

Intelligence was received in town to-day of tho death of "Mack Alexandor," the popular actor, which took place at Liver pool, Now South Wales, on 31st nit. Deceased belonged to Kilmarnock, Scot land, his proper name boing Aloxander McDouga'l. Ifo was well-known through out this colony, and though only 30 years (f age, had attained to some eminence in his piofc Aon.

At the Polio Court today two persona were pu i Led for diunkeni.e s. Joseph Morris, charged wi'h damaging certain t'-ees, the property of the Auckland City Council, was ordered to pay tho damage, amounting to 20s, and also tho costs of the case. Edward Murphy was charged with a faulting Percy Brookes by striking him on the head and body with a stick. De ft ndant ailtnit:e I that an assault had been committed, but urged that there was no nece.-sity to bind him over, as he did not intend to repeat tho attick. Ordoied to pay co-its.

To the Editor : Sir, —In reply to a letter which appeared in your issue last night, signed by Mr West, we would inform that gentleman and the general public that on our d ite of issuo, December 21 (issued thus early owing to the holidays and special time table for tho Hailways),thecoach timo for Waiwera v, as perfectly correct, and was only altered on the 2nd of January, ISSS. We cannot bo responsible for correct coach time-tables owing to tho very frequent alterations made during each month by the omnibus pro prietors, and that without giving us due notice—Yours truly, CkuilGardnkr&Co., proprietors.

The infant daughter of a man named Mc- Ginnes, who resides in I.orne-street, had a narrow escape from death by poisoning about nine o'clock last night. She managed to get, ot a quantity of matches which wero in a ca .dlestick, and chewed tho heads off about twenty of them. Br. Kenderdine was called in, and, accompanied by the parents, ho took the child to Dr. Tennent's surgery. Owing to tho tendor ago of the infant, tho stomach pump could not be used, but emetics wore applied, and after nearly an hour's hard work, Drs. Kenderdine and Tonnont had the satisfaction of seeing the little ono relieved. The case was then handed over by Dr. Kendordine to Dr. Tennent, and tho latter gentleman pre scribed remedies to be taken during the night, Tho screams of the patient attracted a lurgo crowd of people to the vicinity of tho vurgery.

RETURN OF A WANDERER

A Globe Trotting Bankrupt Examined.

So.mk months ago a butcher named Fre derick Thomas Hayles, who had been carrying on business in the Mount Boskill District, suddenly took it into his head to pay a visit to tho fatherland, and taking ship, lelt sundry creditors hero lamenting. In May last, on tho petition of one of tho creditors, Hayles was declared a bankrupt, but there the proceedings seemed to havo stopped. Tho other day Hayles returned to tho colony in the ship Lady Jocelyn, and the OHicial Assignee, acting "on information recoived," summoned him to appear for examination. Hayles responded to tho invitation this morning, and has made tho following sworn statement: — I am a butcher by trade, and carried on business on my own account between three and four years prior to March 28, 1884, in Mount Edon Hoad, Auckland. From tho first 1 made v very bad living. Having no capital, I wat entirely dependent on a re tail butcher for my supplies, on which there was a vory small margin of profit. The butcher refcirod to was very hard on me, and advised me in his own interest, und 1 found it difiicult to get clear of him, until at last, on tho date referred to, I resolved to leave the colony, and left for England in tho ship Lutterworth. I told tho butcher, Sandall, of my intontion a few days before, ond ho threatened to stop mo; but at lost, on my consenting to givo up everything I had, he agreed to let me go without hindrance. Tho property given over under thoso cir cumstances consisted of book debts amounting to about £40 or £50 (I be lieve them all to bo good), ono horse with saddle nnd bridle, tho lease of a paddock with three years to run, at a rental of. £_ per annum. I sold the business nnd tools of trade to some ono else for £50, for which I got £30 in cash and a promissory noto for £-20. Tho latter I handed over to my mother in payment of a debt 1 owed her. I executed a legal depd of assignment of the property to Sandall, who brought mo off tho Lutterworth, then lying in tho stream, _;o Devote and Cooper's office for tho purpose If Sandall has not collected tho whole of the book debts, it must be his own fault, as I have no doubt all would havo paid if they had been asked in the proper manner. My other creditors did not press me, and it was only to got rid of Sandall's importunities and threats that 1 made over the property to him, and in complying I did not at the time think of tho injustice to my other creditors. It is not true that I sold Sandall a chestnut horso and saddle and bridle about 10 days before I went for £9. I did, how ever, sell him a bay mare for £5 about 2 or II months proviously, and ho placed it to my credit. It is false if Sandall says that 1 told him I did not owe my stepfather a shilling. I said nothing of the kind ; had I done so, it would be untrue. It was Sandall, and not I, who asked my stepfather (MrHodge)tosignaP.N.for£4oinhisfavour on my account. My mother handed over my account books and saddle and bridle in my presence, and if ho says he got nothing but tho books, it is untrue. I have not seen Sandall sinco my return from England by tho Lady Jocelyn. lam quite willing to look up the book debts said by Sandall to bo still uupaid, and to do all in my power to clear up my affairs for tho benefit of my creditors, as it, is the only means I have of satisfying them. I could not get any thing to do in England, and an entirely dependent on my stepfather and mother.

TABLE TALK.

Ax air of importance—One's first breath. Publichenliiig in St James's Hall to-uight. Trades Congress opens at Dunedin today. Samoa has a population of 40,000. Wheat has advanced 2s in the London market. When is a cigar liko a ham ?—When it's being smoked. ltemenyi, tho violinist, gave his opening performance at Dunedin last night. During tho holidays over GOO people visited To Aroha hot baths. Small-pox has broken out in Castlo maine, 77 miles from Melbourne. Domostio animals of tho Church-Dogma and cat-echism. The Grand Lodge of 1.0. G.T. hold their annual session at Dunedin on 14th inst. Captain MeKenzio Wilson, tho Hospital librarian, completed 79 years this morning. A Wellington citizen is sued for £5,000 damages for a slander alleged to have been ut'ored by his wifo. F. W. Lahman has been appointed, out of 18 applicants, to the post ot Secretary to Grcymouth Harbour Board, The Appeal Board for Napier, in connec tion with tho Railway Department, has been appointed, and tho appointees, it, is understood, aro: Captain Preece, E.M. (Chairman), nnd Messrs. 11. S. Tiffen and Thomas Tanner. Tho five-year-old son of Sergeant Brooks, Akaroa, Canterbury, has beon missing eince Tuesday afternoon,1 and as search parties can find no trace of him he, is supposed to have been drowned in 'tile harbour. During ' Pocomber last 2,491 persons arrivcil in New Zealand; andonly 890 left. Of tho arrivals 1,327 were from the United Kingdom, and 1,039 from Australia. The arrivals' at Auckland wero 5C(i, and tho departures 289. Tho Cimmittoe of tho Christehurch In dustrial Association considor the charge Is per squaro foot, proposed for exhibits at the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition, absurd and prohibitory. Horry Gavcnder.'a well-known settler at Tapanni Otago, was accidentally'drowned yesterday near his home. Women havo been admitted to the bar in eight • States in America, and now the reporters will- hive an easier timo of it Collecting logal news. Have the courage to (refer comfort and propriety to fashion in all things. Canterbury Acclimatisation Society pro tects magpies because of their valuo as in sect destroyers. Overß,ooopolicy-holders voted yesterday for the election of the Government Insurance Board. Eesiilt still unknown. Tauranga Acclimatisation Society have just got eight1 fawns and two embs from Motutapu, through the kindness of Reid Brothers. John Gilmoro, a Christehurch bankrupt, who concealed some of his property from the Official Assignee, was yesterday sen tenced to six months' hard labour,

THE LATE SUSPICIONS DEATH.

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Hospital, before Dr. Philaon, Coroner, and a jury, on tho body of James Sliiers, who died in consequence of a fall from an express in turning the corner of Swanson street on Saturday last. Mr William Whit aker Warnock, foreman. Sergeant Gamblo represented tho polico. Dr. Bond gave ovidonco as to the injuries sustained by Shiers, who was received ut the Hospital on Sunday luorniug. He died on Mon day at ono o'clock p.m. A /«.■>< mortem was held, and tho cause of death was injury to the spinal column caused by fracture of the vertebra-, which resulted in paralysis. James McAlister, engine-driver, had known the deceased four years. He was single, and his age was 51. He was by profession a sailor. The evidence of McAlister has already appeared, showing that he and deceased went to the races, and indulged in certain liquors until they were both intoxicated. The details of the acci dent were also given. Henry Brown (bu?h man), Edwaid McKnight, Benjamin Berryman, John Carey, and John Locke gave similar tc.-timony, Finally, the jury returned the verdict—"Thit deceased met with his death accidentally, by falling out of the curt," adding as a rider, "The jury consider that W. Andrews, the owner of tho spring cart, had not acted with proper care towards the deceased."

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(hy telegraph—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. A Wellington Viow of tho Auckland Loan. The "Post" of last night says:—"The municipality of the City of Auckland seems to like to play the part of pilot fish to the New Zealand shark in the London money market. Last year it sought £100,000 at 5 per cent, a few days before I he colony asked for its million at 3 per cent., and Auckland's demand was responded to sevenfold, and the loan raised at £2 10s over par. This year another £25,000 has been asked for by Auckland at 5 per cent., and nearly five times the amount wasoflered, tho average price, however, boing consider ably higher than last year, and reaching £109 Is. This is a very satisfactory indica tion of the tone of the market towards New Zealand securities." The Hlnomoa's Movements. The " Post " of la°t night says : - " The Government steamer Hinemon, with the Colonial Secretary and party on board, was at Russell, Bay of Islands, yesterday, coal ing. Her future movements aro un known." The " Post" has been too anxious to create a mystery, as its statement is liatly contradicted from Auckland. German Annexation of New Zealand. Considerable excitement was caused at the oflice of tho Press Association and in tho Tolegraphic Department about one o'clock yesterday morning by tho arrival of a cable message stating that "Lord Derby had informed the Governors of the various Australian colonies that Germany had annexed New Zealand, with the con tent of the British Government." The Blenheim oflico was rung up and asked to j repeat tho message, which was dene with- > out any alteration. In spite of this, tho manager of tho Association wisely declined to give out the telegram for publication by thej morning papers. Although prepared at tho present time to hear of the moat ex traordinary annexation freaks, ho could not be brought to beltevo in the correctness of a statement that tho British Government hail quietly allowed Germany to annex New Zealand. Tho matter was still in doubt up to midday, when a correction was received from Adelaide (where, it may be presumed, the mistake occurred), altering the message to the comparatively harmless statement that Germany had annexed the northern coast of New Guinea without the consent of the British Government.

Tup Insurance Board Election.

Tho election for the seats on the Insur ance Board took place yesterday, but it is understood the result will not bo known until Saturday.

MINING NEWS

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN' CORRESPONDENT.)

Thames, this day. Thames Golden* Crown-.—The arbitrary conditions dictated by the Caledonian directors for tho use of the Red Queen shaft have compelled this Company to adopt the alternative course of sinking another within the Mary Ann section. The manager does not anticipate that any additional ex pense will be entailed, as about 300 ft ot driv ing will thus be avoided, which will compen sate for the extra cost of sinking, besides which the shaft will descend in proximity with lodes which it is dosired to prospect. Dart.—The contract for the cartage of quartz to the battery has been let at 2s 7d per load.

City ok Manchester.—The prospeclors have banked 12ozs lSdwts s;old.

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE

" Jane Slore."

The Christmas pantomime which has been running so successfully at the Opera House for several weeks past gave place last even ing to the sensational drama " Jane Shore."

Produced for the first timo under auspices of such a favourable character, there is every reason to expect that Mr Wills's • cap'til dramatisation of the historical ani romance stoiy will attain an exceptional ■ degree of popularity in the minds of the Auckland public. The salient points of the story have been so admirably pre served and so elevorly combined with tho sensational situations and emotional elements, which form such an important feature in the modern drama,that there can be but little doubt of the acceptability of the piece to the varied tastes represented amongst the Auckland play-going public. Tbo performance last night possessed spic'ol interest fiom the fact that it marked the adventi n Auckland in serious drama of Mrs G. B. Lowis, respect ing whose ability as an actress so much has recently been published by the press of tho colony. Perhaps there are few r6lesinwhich Mrs Lewis could haveappeared to better advantago than in that of tho courted and flattered, but subsequently persecuted and hunted, Jane Shore. From the'rise of the curtain last evening until its full upon the closing scene, Mrs Lewis gave evidence of tho possession of histrionic talent of a high order. Insensibly but rapidly sho won her way to the sympathies of her auditors, aiid that she had thoroughly established herself there was proved by the enthusiastic applause and inevitable call before tho curtain which followed each scene. Amongst other essentials of a good actress, Mrs Lewis possesses mobility cf feature and a sympathetic resonant voice; and these qualities "were displayed to ad vantago^ in the earlier scenes, where the alternations from pity and lovo to anger and scorn' wore so' rapid and frequent ; and in tho last act,whore tho reconciliation is effectod, the delivery of tho lines by Mrs Lew.'s was admirable throughout, but in the scene where she rejects the overtures of the Duke of Gloucester with contempt, she wasexceptionally powerful and effective. Probably, however, the cleverest piece of acting was in Hie fourth act, wlrre the anguish of the hunted woman was < _;pictcd with a fidelity that was painfully realistic! Throughout tho whole performance Mrs Lewis proved herself to be a Clevel and _ capable actress, and tho popular verdict at tho close of the performance was docidedly in her favour. The'other char acters were very fairly sustained, Mr Hany Douglas proving himself an effeetivo Duko of Gloucester, Mr St. Leonard creditably filling the rule of Henry Shore, and Mr Wilson Forbes successfully impersonating John Grist. The eveningls entertainment concluded with a capital comedietta, " Who's _o Win Him?" in which the charac ters are :—Cyril Dashwood (in seaich of "a wife), Mr L. St. Lawrence; Mr Prattleton Primrose, Mr-B. U Haygarth; Squire Brushleigh, Mr Alfred Rolfe; Bose (his daughter), Miss Tottie Young ; Sylvia (fond of sport), Miss Chrissie Peachy Minuetta (fond of dancing), MUa Minnio Pullen; Musidora (fond of romance) Miss Matie Brooks ; Arabella (fond of flirtation) Miss Mary Weir. The same programme will be presented to-night.

CABLEGRAMS

(iiv cable—corvmmiT),

1 (l!pc"ivcd Sth January, 11.30 a in.) V. o. . .' -forccincnts for Tonquin. ( London, J.i,.uai-y 7. —General Lewali, the I French Minuter of War, will despatch twelve thousand men to Tonquin as rein- , foicements. Pari.:, January G. - Further reinforce ments for tlie French army in Tonquin aro under orders to embark. The troops, num beiing 12,000 men, will sail from Mediter ranean purls at an early date. Mr Gladstone's Illness. The hoalth of Mr Gladstone is improving. Tho Soudan Rebellion. Three thousand Arabs are now entrenched at Mmleru-ell. German Steamers for New Britain. Tho Gorman residents in New Britain have sent Home orders for tho construction of two steamers. African Annexation. The rules of the African Annexation Con ference propose tint notico be given to tho Powors to guarai.tou an adoquato control ling authority over the territory annexed. Commercial Report. London, January o.—Consols have ad vanced to 99_. New Zealand securities are unchanged. The market rate of discount has again fallen to 4 per cent. ; the bank rat. is f> per cent. The breadstuff's, market is unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex store, 38s; New Zetland ditto, 30s to 30s; Ade laide Hour, ex store, 25s Od. Australian tallow (average quality): beef, 335; ditto mutton, 31s (id. (Keceived January 5—11.45 a.m.) A Conference on the Egyptian Question. London, January 7. —No proposal has yet reached the British Government for a Conference to bo held at Paris on the Egyptian question, and if such a proposal were made the Imperial Government would refuse to accept it. Recovery of Mr Gladstone. Mr Gladstone, who has beon suffering from insomnia for several days past, is now improving in health. Mails Delivered. The homeward mails per steamship Orient, from Molbounie (Nov. 29), wero delivered yesterday. ' More Annexation In Africa. Cape Town, January!'.—Tho British flag has beon hoisted and a protectorate pro claimed over the coast of Bondoland, one of the native States of the Transkei Territory, South Africa. Berlin, January 7. —The "NordDeutsche Gazette," referring in an article to-day to the recent annexation of St. Lucia, Zulu land, admits the British right of suzerainty over tho territoiy, notwithstanding the claims of Messrs Luderitz and Co., of Bremen. Death of tho Bishop of London. London, January 7.—The Right Rev. John Jackson, D.D., Bishop of London, died suddenly last night, aged 74. j The French In Tonquin. Tho French forces, under General Negiier, are marching on Langson. * Frozen Meat Trado. Tho cargo of frozen mutton, comprising 14,0:)0 carcases, ex steamship Kuapehu, was landed in good condition. The New Zoaland Loans. New Zealand is pledged to only borrow an additional million and a-half until April, ISSO. Statue of the Queen for Sydney. Lord ltoscbery, Sir Frederick Leighton (President of the Royal Academy), and Sir Saul Samuel are arranging for a statue of the Queen for Sydney. (Received Sth January, 2.15 p.m.) Melbourne, January 8. —Tho public meeting held at the Town Hall on the Pacific annexation question was attended by fully 4,000 persons. A meeting was also held last evening at Ballarat to considerthe question, and resolutions similar in purport to thoso adopted at the Town Hall meeting were passed. About 4,000 persons wero present. [PER NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AfiENCY COMPANY-, LIMITED.] London, January 6 —The London Market report : — Wool : Market unchanged. Wheat : Market firm. Foreign arrivals light. Stocks light. Adelaide is worth 39s Gd, New Zealand 355, and Tuscan 36s 6d per 4901b5. Adelaide f.a.q. is worth c.i.f. off coast 37s per 4Solbs. Tallow*: Market unchanged. Mutton is worth 345, and beef 33s Gd per cwt. Leather: Market un clranged. Best sides are worth lljd per lb. New Zealand Hemp: Market firm. Quotations unchanged. Hops: New Zea land are worth 45s per cwt.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

An accident of a serious character hap pened early this afternoon to a man name 1 Paul Purchas, employed as machinist at the " Free Press" Oflice. He was working a printing machine, when his right hand was caught and dragged beneath the cylinder. The boy who was flying threw off the belt at once, but not before Purchas's hand was terribly crushed. He was taken nt onco to the Hospital, where his injuries were at once attended to by Dr. Bond. Purchas is a married man, and has several children.

THE ANNUAL REGATTA

Anniversary Day, tho 29th January, and with it tho Auckland Annual Regatta, is close at hand, and active preparations are already being made amongst craft both large and small for the various aquatic com petitions for which that day has become famous. The champion schooner race is not attracting much attention. It was expected that the Three Cheers would remain hero to try conclusions with the Sovereign', which is an old "crack," aud almost a certain competitor but she left for Brisbane by way of Mercury Bay yes terday, so that those who placed con fidence iv her entry have been disap pointed. Tho event consequently will depend for its importance or insignificance upon the vessels which may happen to be in port on Regatta Day, the pi-tee being insufficient to induce any lengthy detention of vessels with a prospect of profitable remuneration. The schooner Cygnet', we might also state, will not take part, as' she is expected at Tonga early by her new owners there. Tho largo cutter race will bo of interest, inasmuch as a great race is expected to take place be tween the Fanny and Nellie. The latter'is a new, and, so far as regattas, go an untried vessel, but she is a small-looking craft, and built from the model of the schooner ■ Transit, once a great racer1 but now "ftp more."' The Fanny lias been lengthened several feet by additions both foi ward nnd aft, and Will probably bo a great improvement oft'her old form. The small cutter race will probably be confined td the competitors of former years, such as tho ' Henry, the Ganhet, ' Mahuranm, Luphemia, ftc. Almost1 all of these have been, or are being, put in trim for the coming struggle, so- that aft-- interest ing- contest may be anticipated. Iho yacht races' and "the open-sailing boat races will bring out a largo number of new craft,and a variety of closely contested races is likely 'to eventu ate. Several-alterations in the regu lations 'require to bo borne in mind. One is that all such vessels are to be sailed by amateurs—these who havo never been paid for their services in such c a'.t; and another is that, So far as open boats are concerned, no wnsh-strakes are allowed. Any evasion of either rule will, of course, disqualify the offender. The great event of the day will really bo the whaleboat races,;'which the largo prizes oTered have made of such importance that a well-trained crew is expected from Wel lington to take part, while two entries will come from the Thames, two from Ono hunga, and others, probably making the grand total a dozen, from the local clubs which have each their best men in activo training. Favoured with fine weather, the Regatta of 1885 should be the most success ful yet held here.

», £- m.t eti£ g of tlie pnmell C.C. will bo Snl^ t„ hJ'_,Pre^rtorian Schoo'.-room. Parnell, on Friday evening next, at 7.30 o'clock. ""'

Sowing Machines wholesale and retail.— v, a. Chambers,

SUPREME COURT - Yesterday Concluded.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

(Before Ilia Honor Mr Justice Crillies >

LAECEsriEs.—Arthur Collinge, 28 __. 1 cribed as a clerk, was arraigned upon - several indictments charging him vrit i stealing portmanteaus containing clothino ■ "■ &c, the property of perions w £ A were lodging at Mr Milne's HoSiS Hotel on the 29th October and Ist Scnt_T - ber of the past year.-Prisoner pleaded S guilty. —Mr Napier addressed the Court ih mitigation of the sentence.— His Honor n ' passing sentence, said drink was no exciiA § for the committal of crime, and the public I must bo protected. The sentence upon him II would be twelve months' imprisonment for each offence, to run concurrently A Harry Moody, 19, draper's assistant will arraigned upon three indictments charein i him with stealiug goods, on or abon? 1 the 25th of October, tho properties of I Samuel Coombes, William Dampier ail ' Frederick D. Woodruffe, drapers.-Prison!. 1 pleaded guilty to the two first charges anil § to stealing a part of the goods, in •„■"*■ third charge.-His Honor, addressW i the prisoner, said he had evidentlr been carrying on a steady system of robbeil ' for some time, but owing to his youth an fl :: these being his first convictions in' thl, 1 country, he would pass as light a Si tence as possible, with due regard '' to tho circumstances of the case Th sentence would be two years' penai servf 1 tude for each offence, sentences tn run concurrent' ; y.-James Keenan « " labourer, was arraigned upon an indict!A ment charging him with larceny of f urn i A ture and household effects at Auckland on I the 20th of Novembe.-, to which the prisoner pleaded not guilty.—Mr Williamson opened ■''■' the case for the prosecution, and stated particulars which will be fresh in the rceol 1 lection of readers.—Bridget Weston wife' of Nathaniel Weston, deposed to the facta A of the case. Sho came from Mercury Bay in November by the Glenelg- She could not remember the daft-" She and her friend, a lady, *& seasick on tho voyage, and on landing atG.3O in the morning, she and her friend went into the first hotel for something to allay their sickness. Offered a fisherman called Dick 5s to find a house for her. On returning to the wharf next morning, she discovered that all her goods and fowls had been taken away. Subsequently she found 1 her furniture and fowls at the store of Messrs Carbines and Taylor. Slie valued her goods *at £12. —Frederickl Goslin, of the s.s. Glenelg, deposed to «.-><' raemboring Mrs Weston as a passenger i He landed the goods on the wharf on the" | morning of the 20th November. They'll remained there until about 3 '-'clock, in the afternoon. Prisoner canA fofv Mrs Weston's furniture, and describing - it, the goods wero placed in ffl spring cart. He said he was going to tako'v the things to the Thames boat.—David? McKerras, expressman, deposed that pris-'l oner engaged him near the Waverley Hotel I to take some furniture to the auction marki He removed the things in accordance wiffl prisoner's instructions. He was paid by the' storemanatCarbinesand Taylor ..—Willitu J Clark, storeman, corroborated. He received': instructions from the prisoner to sell the - goods. He paid cartage. Prisoner asked - for an advance. He reforrod him to the-: office, where he received 10a. He then tcreA off tho labels bearing tho name of Mn< Weston. The goods were all sold, but A before they wero taken away Mrs Weston* called and claimed them.—SergoentNicholaj-' Kiely arrested the prisoner on the charge.— A His Honor having set the main ■ poiats of'A tho evidence before the jury, a verdict of 1' guilty was returned.— His Honor, addreseingli the prisoner, said ho had been found guilty? 1 upon the clearest evidence, and sentenced- 1 him to imprisonment for eighteen calendar I months. * I

Sentence.—James Simpson, who wait found guilty of larceny of money, was seal tenced to imprisonment for fix calendar months.

True Bills.—True bills wore returned! against Michael Kelly, larceny; R. Reidl unlawfully wounding; Jacob HansonA assault with intent to murder.

Larceny op Skins.—John Driscoll, 10 was arraigned upon an indictment charoiiig-i him with stealing a quantity of hides frnji.t the store oi G. W. Binney-. on the 17t$§ iNovember, and to which prisoner pleaded! not guilty.—Mr Williamson stated tho ca«c, —Charles W. James, storeman in tho employ of Mr George W. Binney, deposed that'onf the 17th November he missed some hides* marked with the letter O ; also, a bag _ hides, AH over A. Saw that the hides! generally had been disturbed, and on* looking over them, missed several which? the detective found at Warnock Brothers',! —William Binney gave corroborative? evidence.—Thomas Murray, clerk for/S Warnock Bros., deposed to buying thef: skins of prisoner for 17s. They were not_j in first-rate condition. Prisoner stated 1 he had bought them of a person in the Mar. i ket.— Detective Hughes examined the pre-A mises and arrested the prisoner. — His 1 Honor reviewed the evidence, and the jury 1 found a verdict of not guilty. —His Honor | hoped that in future prisoner would have A nothing -to do with stolen goods. , 1

This Day.

(His Honor took his seat at 10 o'clock).

Assault with Intent to Murder.—Jacob 1 Hansen was arraigned upon an indictment? charging him with assaulting John Constan-i tine with intent to do him grievious bodily! . harm, at Wainui, on the Sth October.—| , Prisoner pleaded not guilty.—The Crown-; prosecutor stated the nature of the assault,l - Mr Cotter appeared for the prisonei.—J Dr. Bond, House Surgeon at the District | 1 Hospital, deposed to the reception OtSj Constantine in the Hospital, and to thell i nature of his wounds. By Mr Cotter: Thofl , injured man was not so badly woundedaa|| i bethought. His wounds were dressed andl;! every attention paid to him.—John GwH 1 stantine deposed to being a bushtnan, livingpn alone in a whare at Wainui. On the even- I me of the Sth of October, the prisoner, I Hansen, came into .his whare. He :Waßf\j| reading at tho moment, wearing hiijS spectacles. Without any provocation, If t the prisoner struck him violently on i the temple with a cudgel. Ho criot. 1 i "Murder.' Prisoner continued beatfaJKil , him until he was unconscious. WtigM known prisoner by sight, and was on speak- ffl ing terms. Hansen was a shingle splitter, ffl working for tho same employer. Prisoner,'fl had not been in his whare since April1. Bjffij Mr Cotter : Prisoner had made no att-em*A.,i«| upon him before. He was incapacitated'bi;f| the injuries he received. Prisoner lit ed some distance from him Other neighbour*,: S Hellier' and Copeland, lived near, DJf'fl work that evening at 5.30. Prisoner cameJS| in about seven o'clock. It was nearly daiwli He screamed 'until' he was : exhausted. H Prisoner beat him on various parts of IRjaH body, and, to prevent his screaming, wllfl W Him into the blankets. Ho then becam^iffi unconscious. On tho following SattirJay £ ho went to Mrs Lamont, his employer, for &■; money to get to town. She said, " What J| is the n.atter between you and Jacob, tfcfeJH German ." Sho treated his bruises ligiitl/i m aud told prosecutor thdt he had no right fii give the German into .he haada of'% p: Government.' The German was strange'» fA times, and he might have saidhe wasmwli B Sho objected to give him money, and said |L> he ought not to liave summoned HaiwA B Be cAaiftiritd bf Mr Williamson : On Slll Mi day'evening, the 6th inst., Jacob came up R_ to tho whare with a heavy stick in his hand. m. Some persons were'passing; it was M_? iSi Caldicutt and frimily. Mr Fergufon w. :■ tho whare. He left suddenly withouf J.--* remark. Ho said, " What a strange mw § that'is." On the next evening ho t^lwH again, holdihga bliick bottle" in his nana J| without a bottom. Robert George"**■■_& present. JaCob: again left in'the HH*!,B menner. On the next evening the assault I was1 committed.—Henry' Hellier, farmer, jS Wainui, deposed that on Wednesday eve* m ingat'7 o'clock he heard cries of "Murder.-,"■ and "Help" proceeding from Constan- Am tine's direction, but as the cries ceased, te '■___■'. turned iridoor.s' In half-an-hour'a tirfljß || he heard a Blundering noise on m/M verandah. AVorit' out, and found it m ■ Constantine, who asked for water, sayingi! m indistinctly, "Jacob,- the German, ■■ hai JK nearly knocked the life otit of me.!!'' Th&i ||| was no sign of drink about him.' Eewo»» ■ quiet, decent man. Having slightly W: ii' covered, he lent him a lanteln, and he ww; m on his way to airs Caldicutt's.—Kobe AMB George, bushman, gave evidenceas to being |g in prosecutor's house on the 7th: HsnssW _ '>■_ shook hands with him; butdid not speak W } Constantine. His look did not :denote | friendliness. Saw him after the assault a S' Caldicutt's, where his Mounds were:■»* Jft tended to by Mrs Caldicutt. He *S^B to prosecutor's whare, picked UP*?IS spectacles, and traced spots of dIoW- A en the floor. ' Went to Hanßen'sf|jjjjjj| subsequently with Constable Hutcblß*"; Tho place was fastened'; went down by j*BJH chimney. Found Hansen's big Stick'(ffijy»| duced).-Joshua Hutchinson, member of «?• I A.C. stationed at Devonport, deposed^, ,j aires ting the prisoner, on warrant, *t;;fiMß wliare on the 10th of Octobor.— By. ?Sffl| Cotter: Had no difficulty in arresting '"• , <, piisonor. Had heard thot he ; 'gj^M. lunatic. Did not know anything « SH;' prisoner of his own personal knOfflo»ffliß

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1885



TTV R. HAINES, being about to visit Europo for twelve months, has arranged with Dr. Mannullan to take charge of his practice during his absence. DR. MACMULLAN will attend at Mr Shar land's daily, at u&ual heu_p, for consultation, ond nt Dr. Haineß's private residence, Albert Park, in tho evening. MR B. HOMBERG, Professor of Music, Upper Pitt-st. (opposite Public Baths). R. WILKINS, F. R. C. S. COKBUI.TING AND OPERATING SURGEON, Is at his Burgery for General Practice also ttYJt, Eak, and Throat Diseases, Mornings. Afternoons, and Evenings. Consultation Fees very Moderate. Pr. Wilkins spont seven years at Mooroflelda Bye Hospital, London, undor Messrs Bowman and Crichett. two at Throat Hospital, London, ■even years Honorary Surgeon Albert Hospital, «nd eight years at Eye, Ear, and Throat In innary,Melbouru.o. Adiust_3pectaeles to sights. —Consulting Booms, Queen-street (near Poat ofiice). Auckland. Mr Mead, butcher, City Market, has taken Mr Fowler into partnership in his busi ■ncs" and in future the Btyleof tho IJrmwill bo Mead and Fowler. The accommodation and ■position for carrying on tho business is highly suitable, thero being plenty of space and venti lation. Grand displays of muat, etc., will from time to time be exhibited. Many of the public aro unawaro of the opportanitieß offered by tho Northern Steam- Bhlp Company for paying a visit to Waiwera Hot Springs. The fast and comfortable steamers Wellington and Clansman alternately leavo Quecp-Btreet Wharf every Saturday afternoon, at two o'clock, returning from Waiwera on tjio following Monday, at 7 a.m , and arriving in Auckland about I) o'clock. This arrangement is more particularly for the benefit of business people, who are thus able to take a pleasant trio without interference with tnelr business engagements. l



/"•.LEAKING DALE, MRS BIJTTERWORTH, MILLINER, will hold a • CLEARING SALE : : CLEARING SALE ; : CLEARING SALE j OF SUMMER GOODS, COMMEHCIKU ON TUESDAY 13TU TUESDAY NEXT, ,lam;ary. NEXT, In consequence, the PREMISES will be CLOSED on MONDAY, 12th. GREAT CLEARING SALE !!! PREVIOUS TO REMOVING TO NEW PREMISES. MILNE & CTIOYCE Respectfully beg tn announce that in order to enter upon their New Premises (now ap proaching completion) with nn ENTIRELY NEW STOCK, They have decided to offer THE WHOLE OF THEIR PRESENT WELL-KNOWN VALUABLE STOCK. AT SUCH A REDUCTION IN PRICE AS WILL ENSURE A SPEEDY CLEARANCE. EVERY ARTICLE IN THE HOUSB WILL BE QUITTED. Tho SHOP will be CLOSED on THURSDAY, Bth INSTANT, For the purpose of MARKING DOWN. SALE commences FRIDAY, 9th inst. AN EARLY CALL IS SOUOITEI). MILNE & CnOYCE, WELLESLEY-STREET. mHE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST. ALL GOODS SOLD BY mHE Tl/rELBOURNE T\RAPERY AND /CLOTHING ARE GUARANTEED GENUINE AND OF STERLING WORTH. THESE ARE FACTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO T>KST FOR YOURSELVES. COSTUMES, MANTLES, MILLINERY, GLOVES. LACES, RIBBONS. DRESS MATERIALS, SILKS. SATEENS, HOSIERY, HABERDASHERY, MANCHESTER GOODS, BLANKETS, MEN'S and BOYS' CLOTHING, MEN'S and BOYS' MERCERY, MEN'S and BOYS' HATS. T\ It A P E R V FIRE I FIRE I FIRE ! FIRE I FIRE I FIRE ! FIRE 1 FIRE I FIRE I FIRE ! J. COSGRAVE & CO. Wo beg to announce that it Is our Intention to entirely relinquish tho CLOTHING TRADE. And in consequence of tho EIRE which took place on our premises wo havo been enabled _ TO SELL &LL CLOTHING, MEN'S MERCERY, &0., AT HALF THE USUAL PRICE. nis splendid opportunity Bhould immediately. be takon advantage of, as owing to a future arrangement of our Departments the STOCK MUST BE CLEARED OUT Before the IST JANUARY, 1885, When alLthat then romains will bo DISPOSED IIF BY PUBLIC AUCTION. Note t'no Address— GREAT SALVAGE SALE I GREAT SALVAGE SALE! GREAT SALVAGE SALE I OREAT SALVAGE SALE I J. CJOSGRAVE & QO„ nn\ AND 20G, Qnvn» <"<_IEET.



THE SNAKE ROOT REMEDY ron RHEUMATISM ahoGOUT.-Thi CIMICIFUGA (ACTtA RaCEMOSAIOR BIACK SNAKE ROOT has reek toitt cilibr»"o as A RHEUMATISM REMEDY. THIS PREPARATION IS THE MOST CERTAIN IM ITS EFFECTS. AMD HaRELY FAILS TO AFFORD RELIEF OR EFFECT A CURE. 6.. PER BOTTLE. AT MCVAH'S. I rVt PH SNntMkC-l ," O?rOSUt BkHIS. Of H.l. OUU.1' St



The most Beautiful Ornamental Fire Screensever Imported tothis City aro to be seen atGarllckfc Cranwell _ Furnlshlig Warehouse. A large assortment just opened up. varrine In 1? lB ?" 5? 1& 6d. Ladies are invitSl to make theiraoleotion early, as we cannotreplace the choicest of them thto season.—OarUck and Cranweli, Queon-gtreet-f Advx, ,^™rucl' maa