SHIPPING.

Sunset—This evening. 7.12 SuNKisE-To-morrow moraine.. 4.43 Moon's Age-First Quar_er,22ndini_t.,6.4o p.m

HIGH WATER.

' Auckland.—This evening, 10.6; to-morrow morning. 10.28 . Manukau Heads. — This evening, 0.46; to morrow morning. 1.8. , Kaipara Hi.ads. — This evening, 1.46; to morrow morning, 2.8

ARRIVALS.

lona, s.P., from Mercury Bay Douglas, s.s., from Opotiki Suva, s.s., from Wellington and East Coast Clansman, s.s., from Tauranga Wairarapa, s.s., from South Chelmsford, s.s., from Opotiki Gem, sch., from Tairua

DEPARTURES.

Ashleigh Brook, s.s., for Napier > Magellan Cloud, brigantine, lor Brisbane via Thames

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromandel, Tuesday,

2 p.m. _ , n Rotomahana, from Thames, Tuesday, 2 p.m. Ohau, from Westport, Wednesday Wanaka, from South, Thursday, 7 a.m. (Onehunga) . Selembria, from London, via bydney, sailed Calliope, H.M.S., from Sydney, early

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Janet Nicoll, s.s., for Hokianga, loading. Margaret Galbraith, ship, loading Made, schr.. for Friendly Islands, loading Hawea, s.s., for South, Tuesday, 1 p.m.

(Onehunga. Suva, s.s., for East Coast, Tuesday, 6 p.m. Wairarapa, s.s., for Melbourne, via. South,

Thursday, noon Wanaka, s.s., for South, Friday, 10.30 a.m. (Onehunga)

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

Canterbury, ship, left London Sept. 27 Waitangi, ship, from London, sailed Uct.iy May Queen, ship, from London ; sailed Oct.

26 Dunedin, ship, from London Himalaya, bq., from Liverpool via Welling

ton . Ada Stott, barque, sailed August 4 from

New York Rebecca Crowell, barque, lefb New York

Sept. 8, via Wellington . Dentchland, barque, from New York, via Wellington ; sailed October 20 M. Hennfngs, barque, from New York, to

sail Nov. 15 ..._>_.. Oregon, barque, from Java ; sailed October

13 Jessie Niccol, sch, from Brisbane, early Astrea, brig, from Port Chalmers ; sailed

9th inst. . Gael, sch, from Lyttelton ; sailed 12th inst. Wild Wave, brig, from Newcastle ; sailed 2nd inst.

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wairarapa :—3B cases hams and bacon, 5 cases chicory, 232 cases, 200 cases jam, 560 sacks wheat, 386 cases tea, 35 hhd's. beer, 50 sacks malt, 10 sacks oatmeal, 55 coils rope, 6 trunks, 10 drums, 6 wheels, 50 bags onions, 25 bags tapioca, 2 racc horses7so boxes soap, 44 sacks oats. _

The s.s. Douglas arrived from Opotik and other coast ports on Saturday.

The s.s. lona arrived with passengers on Saturday night from Mercury Bay.

The s.s. Suva brought up from Wellington the major part of the Auckland cargo of the direct steamer Kaikoura.

The barque Alice Muir was to sail to day from the Thames with a full cargo of timber for Melbourne.

The barque Lootigana was off Whangaroa on Saturday, and had been there since Wednesday.

The brigantine Magellan Cloud sailed on Saturday for the Thames, and is now loading timber at Bagnall's Mill for Brisbane.

The barque Lurline was brought along side the Queen-street Wharf on Saturday evening, and this morning commenced dis charging her cargo.

The three-masted schooner Waireka was hauled alongside the Queen-street Wharf this morning, in order to unload her cargo of piles for the Harbour Board. H.M.s. Nelson proceeded outside the harbour ab an early hour this morning, presumably for the purpose of having gun and torpedo drill. She is to return this afternoon.

The cutter Janet, from Warkworth, with lime, Isk, cutter, from Barrier with fire wood, and the cutter Gipsy from Whanga roa with timbet, are all discharging round Freeman's Bay.

The brigantine Nautilus having com pleted the discharge of her cargo of pearl shells has been taken round to tho Auck land Timber Company's Wharf to load timber.

The s.s. Clansman arrived from Tauranga at 5 a.m. yesterday morning with the fol lowing passengers :—Mesdamcs Gill, Faith ful, McGill, Hart, Misses Bird, Mulgan, Simpson, Marshall. Messrs Prince, McGill, McDonald, and Parker.

The s.s. Chelmsford arrived from Opotiki, by way of Whakatane, at 9 a.m. to-day. Her passengers were Misse3 Wilkie, Hamil ton, Mr Moses, and two others. She brought up a large cargo including 400 sacks maize, 36 bales wool, and 2 tons sundries.

Mr A. G. Daniells has returned evidently much improved by his visit to the country. Last night he preached to a good house, dwelling on the importance of unity in thought and action in the great work of saving men and that in all things a spirit of unselfishness must be the key note of our lives. This week he commences prayer meetings, which will be continued every evening till the New Year, after which the tent season will begin.

The s.s. Suva, from Wellington and East Coast ports, arrived yesterday morning. Captain Spinks reports that the Suva left AVellington at 4.30 p.m. on the 13th, arrived at Napier ab 2.15 p.m. on tho 14th ; lefb ao-ain ab 7 p.m. on the 15th, arrived in Gisborne at 5.20 a.m. on the 16th ; left at 8 a.m., called at Tologa Bay, Tuparoa, and Hicks Bay, and arrived in Auckland as above. Experienced fine weather from Wellington to East Cape, thence light head winds and heavy swell to White Island, thence fine weather to arrival. She brought the following passengers :—Mes dames Trimmer and McCabe, Messrs Glover and Lock wood.

ARRIVAL OF THE WAIRARAPA.

The Union Steam Ship Company's steamer Wairarapa, Captain H. VV. H. Chatfield, from Melbourne via Southern ports, arrived this morning at half-past nine. Mr Nayler (the purser) reports that the Wairarapa left Melbourne at 6 p.m, on the 7th inst. Had light westerly winds and smooth water on the pas-sage over, reach ing the Bluff at 5 p.m. on the 11th ; arrived ab Dunedin 4 a.m. on the 13th inst., where the Wairarapa remained until 5 p.m. on the 14th ; called at Lyttelton on the 15th, "Wellington on the 16th, Napier on the 17th, and Gisborne on the 18bh. leaving the latter port at 9.30 a.m.: rounded Easb Cape at 4 p.m. ; passed Cape Colville ab 7 a.m. on the 19th; was abreast of Tin Tiri ab 9 a.m. ; arriving as above. ■The Wairarapa had bhe following pas sengers • — Melbourne: Messrs Walker, Quinn, Adams* Dunedin : Messrs Glover, Wood, Brook. Lyttelbon: Misses Flebcher, Foster, Skelton, Fewest", Webster, Mes

dames Purchas, Brownell, Messrs Bal lantyne, Morse, Bloomtield, Mason. Horton, Rev. Purchas, McWatter, Paynet (2), Harper, Stenket, Webster, Brounell, Reid, Miller, Pennet, Horton. Wellington : Misses Campion, Paul, Bad dely, Mesclames Campion, Askwith, Man ning, Messrs Glenn, Sheath, Smith, Still, Laurie, Askwith, Mclntyre, Andrews, Blyth, Bishop, Holt, Hobbs, M.H.11. Napier: Misses Schnackenberg, Douglas, Mangi, Young, Rudman, Mesdames Nibbitt, Young, Mangi, Roberts, Hardy ; Messrs Crisp, Owen, Hardie, Cameron, Carey, Taylor, Erson, Holt, Clifford, Evett, Gillies, Watcrworth, Mangi (2), Grant, Ellis, Hasson, Gollan, Hardy, Skrine, Dr. Knipc. Gisborne: Mr and Mrs Wright, Mrs Longly, Misses Longly (2), McLornon, Mr Porter, and 39 in steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The Union Co.'s s.s. Hawea arrived from the South at 10 a.m. yesterday. She left Wellington at 0.40 p.m. on the 15th and arrived at Picton at 5 p.m. ; sailed again at midnight and arrived at Nelson at 8 a.m. on tho 16th ; sailed at 9.30 p.m. same day and arrived at Taranaki at 10 a.m. on the 17th ; left at 7.15 for tho Manukau, crossed the bar at 8.45 a.m. on the 18th and arrived as above. Experienced light winds and fine weather throughout. She had tho following passengers ;—Mrs Kayo, Misses Jack, Geddis, Barstow,Pitt, Brown, Ireland 2), Messrs Geddis, Simpkin, Isolan, Wain house, Price, Rayner, Maana, Master Brett, Kaye, and 7 steerage. The s.s. Bellinger arrived from Waitara on Saturday, and the s.s. Gairloch at the same time from the same port.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Thames, this day. —Sailed : Barque Alice Muir, for Melbourne, with 280,000 ft kauri, shipped at Blair and Gillespie's sawmill. Gisborne, this day.—Arrived : Ashleigh Brook, from London. M'avier, December 17.—Arrived . Kate Hawthorn, from Newcastle. Wellington, December 18. —Sailed : Barque Cingalese, for London. Lyttelton, December 17.—Sailed : Barque Livingstone, for London. Bluke, this day.—The s.s. Tarawora arrived at 4 a.m. to-day. She left Mel bourne on the 3rd inst. at 6 p.m. and ex perienced line weather throughout her passage. Saloon passengers for Auck land : Mrs Read, Messrs Harding, Moifatt (2), Guthrie, McClcary and Rule. Blufe, this day.—Arrived : Taravvera, from Hobart.

Wi.sTi'or.T, December 18.—Sailed : Ohau, for Auckland.

Sydney, December 18.—Arrived: The Union Company's Rotomahana, irom Auck land.

Melbourne, December 17.—-Arrived, this morning : Tho Union Company's steamship Waihora, from the Bluff. Sax Francisco, December 17. The Union Co.'s Alameda sailed at ten this morning for Auckland with mails.

COMMERCIAL.

PRODUCE MARKETS,

Mb A. Aiticen reports sales for the past week at tho Agricultural Hall and City Market Auction Rooms as follows :— Busi ness for tho past week has shown a decided improvement, although large supplies etill coining forward ; thoro is a steady demand for alfdillerent lines ab fairly satisfactory pi-ices. Tuesday's salo of poultry, produce, etc., was fairly attended, and competition keen for all brought forward. At tlio hide and skin sale largo numbers wero sold, but only a small parcel of two bales of wool entered. Competition was brisk and prices good at Friday,, sale of produce of all descriptions, poultry, etc.. etc., all de partments being filled, large attendance, competition throughout keen ; tho salo lasting well on to the evening, and must bere ported as having passed off very satisfactory. Hides and skins : Cow hides, 2Jd to 3d per lb : ox hides, to 4|d ; calf skins, 4d to to 4.? d ; sheep skins, all prices, according to quality ; longwool in grease, 7d per lb. Poultry entered in largo numbera-H-oth on Tuesday and Friday—especially Friday. Fowls, ordinary, in poor condition, 11 d to 14d each ; hens, in fair condition, 13 4d to Is 7d each ; chickens, small, 5d ouch ; chickens, well-grown, 9d to Is each . roosters, according to condition, 2s to 2s 6d each ; ducks, tho majority in poor condi tion, Is 4d to Is 9d each ; ducks, in condi tion, 2s to 2s 3d each ; Muscovy ducks, 3s 2d each ; geese, largo numbers from 2s 9d to 3s lid each ; turkeys, largo number entored, nearly all in poor condition, ranging in price from 2s 4d to 3s 7d each ; better quality, 5s and Ss 6d each ; hen and brood of chickens, 3s 9d and 4s 6d ; hen and brood of ducklings, 5s 9d ; pea lion, lis ; pen buff Cochins, 2s 6d each ; a fow pens woll-brcd light Brahma roosters, 2s 9cl to 3s 8d each. Pigs entered in much larger numbers than usual, and, as a rule, of inferior quality as compared with previous weoks. Suckers, 5s to 6s; well-grown young pigs, 10s 6d to 13s; a largo number of pens, inferior quality, from 4s to 5s 6d eacli; dressed pork, 2:] d per lb. Produce :—Potatoes : Several tons were entered for Tuesday's sale, and sold in trade lines as follows:— Shepherds, £4 15s and £5 per ton ; Hobart, £5 and £5 10s per ton ; kidney, from £5 to £6 10s per ton. On Friday, large quan tities entered and sold as follows: Kidneys, 4s 9d to 6s per cwt; Shepherds, 4s to 4s 6d per cwt; Hobarts, 4s 6d to 5s 3d per cwt. Prices a little easier at Friday's sale. Cabbage, from Is to Is 7d per sack ; broad beans very hard to sell at 3d to 5d per peck ; peas, large quantities sold at Is 2d to Is 4d per peck ; rhubarb, 4s 6d to 5s 6cl per dozen, in large quantities; onions, Id to l_d per lb ; green onions, lid per dozen ; sample prime Waiuku onions, 2d per lb ; also quantity of parsley, lettuce, &c." Bacon and Hams: About two tons cleared at the following prices :—Canter bury ham in cloth, 9j}d per lb; bacon and hams, equal quantities, 7cl to 7fd per lb; hams, bare, 8a and B_d per lb ; bacon, bare, s|d to 6£d per lb. Local bacon and hams : Bacon, 4£d to 7d ; hams, 4Jd to B_d per lb, according to quality which varies very much ; old bacon Id to 3d per lb. Butter supplies not quite so plentiful, andj prices a shade firmer: Butter in |lb pats, 4_d to 6d per lb ; new keg butter 3_d per lb; inferior quality, 2d to 3d per lb.—-very slow of sale ; pastry butter, Id per lb. Cheese : For bothold and new, no great demand ; new, 3d to 3_d per lb. ; old cheese, large quantities at from 4d to Is 6d each. Fruit: Gooseberries, 2d per lb. ; new apples, about 8s per case ; Bananas, 2|d to 3_d per lb. ; pine in syrup, 9s per dozen ; oats, 2s 4d to 2s 6d per bushel; bran, 4b per bag; hops, 5s per case; chaff, 2s 3d per sack. Hats, watches, harrows, hams, and a large quan tity of sundries at satisfactory prices. The auctioneer takes this opportunity of calling attention to Tuesday's sale of poultry, pro duce, etc., at 11 o'clock, which will be continued each week in future.

Messrs Arthur and Buddle's Weekly Report.^—Produce and fruit have been in good demand, and a large quantity has been sold. The supply at the early part of the week was not equal to the demand. Cheese: The larger portion of the large lot of old on hand has been cleared off at ex tremely low prices, and it was difficult to get a bid of a few ponce per cheese for them. It is to be hoped there are but few more to come in. New farmer's make has nob im proved in price, and has sold at 2Ad to 3|d ; the demand is limited. Bacon : No local entered ; Southern brought a good price. Butter : The supply was small; fair prices obtained for fresh, but little demand for the corned. Potatoes and vegetables moved off fairly well, and a large amount was sold on

Friday. Fruit: There was a very large supply of gooseberries, anil prices ruled about the same as last week. Cherries sold at high prices, but few were entered. The plums sent in were not ripe enough ; they should be fully grown and at least beginning to colour before picked. Lemons were in small supply, and good prices were realised. Poultry : A very large number of all kinds wero brought forward ; about a thousand head have been sold. Fowls brought about last week's prices ; chickens and cockerels sold well; the greater number were hens and old roosters. Ducks sold freely at fair prices. Geese were most of them young birds, and out of condition. Turkeys brought good prices. Pigs: A fail number were entered ; prices ruled high. Furniture has been quiet; only ono outdoor sale. That was well attended, and fair prices were obtained, but bidding was languid. Wednesday: Salo of poultry, produce, fruit, etc., at mart. A fair attendance; the following prices were obtained :—Geese, 2s Gd to 3s Id ; ducks, Is 5d ; fowls, Is to Is 6d ; cheese, l_d to 3d per lb ; old cheese, Id to 9d each ; butter, fresh, 3:,' dto 4d ; salt, 2d to 3,} d ; gooseberries, l_cl to 2_d ; mixed biscuits, 44d; ginger nuts, 4_d; plain lunch, 2.{d to 2id ; water crackers, 3Jd; hams, 2d to 7d per lb. Friday: Market day sale of poultry, produce, fruit, groceries, etc., at mart; a very largo supply, full attendance —upwards of three hundred buyers—good competition for most lines ; a very largo quantity of stuff changed handsatvei-ysatisfactoryprices; thesalccon tinued until six o'clock p.m. Fowls, Is to 2s Id ; ducks, Is 3d to Is 9d ; turkeys, 3s 3d to 5s 3d ; geese, 2s to 3s 3d ; geese, small, Is Id ; silver Hamburg fowls, 3s 3d ; pigs, 6s to 16s ; Muscovy ducks, 2s 3d to 3s Id ; hen and chicks, 3s 6d to 4s 6d. Pro duce : Potatoes, 3s 6d to 6s ; onions, £d to ljd ; bacon, 3Ad to 6Jd ; hams, s_d to 8d ; fresh butter, 4d to ; gooseberries, l_d to 3d; lemons, lid to Is; cherry plums, to 5d ; apricots, 7d to BAd ; black cherries, IOJd to Is 2d ; red Kentish ditto, lOd to 10_d ; section honey, 3d per lb ; Barcelona nuts, sd; mixed biscuits, 4_d ; rice bis cuits, 5d ; cheese 2A to4d ; damaged straw berry jam, 3s to 3s 2d per dozon ; cordials, 8d per dozen ; tea, Is 4Ad ; tapioca, to 3d ; oats, 2s 3d ; barley, 3s 3d ; bran, 4s 3d ; wheat, 3s lid ; maize, 4s 3d.

Messrs Paget and Ralston report of the past week's business :— -Taken all through, the sales show a decided improvement upon the previous week, and point to a revival of trade generally. Good supplies of all classes of goods have come to hand, and the domatul being in proportion, clearances in most linos were effected. At tlio Friday's sale there was a good attendance, and fair prices ruled throughout. Produce : A small lino of Southern potatoes realised from £5 10s to £6 per ton ; new potatoes, kid neys, 4s por cwt, and _jcl to gd per lb ; ditto, Shepherd's Id to gd ; onions, Id to Ud per lb; cabbage, Is a sack ; spring onions, 4_d por bunch ; broad beans, 9<l a peck ; grcon peas, lOd ; gooseberries, 2d to 2'd per lb ,- honey, 3d per lb; fresh butter, 5d ; hams, best Canterbury, 7d to 9d ; bacon, ditto ditto, 6d to 7il ; hams, local, very few of good quality in tho market, inferior brought 2d to ; bacon, 2_d to 3d ; choeso, prime, 2d to 3d ; ditto, inferior, Id per lb to 6(1 to Is each ; corned beef, id to I'd per lb; maize, 4s per bushel ; oats, 2s to 2s 4(1 ; barley, 3s 2d ; wheat, 3s 8d ; bran, £4 10s por ton ; sharps £4 15s ; chaff, £4 10s to £5 por ton, sacks included. Groceries : Sugar, £1 8s per cwt; tea, 10s to lis por box ; flour, Us per 1001b ; soap, 7s to 14s 3d per box ; pickles, 6s per dozen ; oatmeal, lOd per 1001b; biscuits, 3d to 4,Jd per lb ; jams, 4s 6d per dozen. ; rice, JLjfd per lb. Poul try : Thero was an unusually large quan tity to hand, and consequently prices ruled low. Fowls brought lid to Is 7d each ; ducks, Is 6d to Is 9d : geeso, 3s ; turkeys, 3s 6d to 6h ; Brahma fowls, 2.-. 6d ; young fowls, 7d to Ud ; email pigs, 3a 3(1 to 10s.

Mr Edw. Lbydon's Weekly Report.— Business for the week has been very brisk. Monday :—Salo of Mr C. C. Brown's stock of furnituro. The attendanco was very large, and the prices obtained were very fair. The following aro a few of the price's obtained :—Leather suite, £15 10s ; Gone vievo suite, £8; Audley suite' £12 10s; Langtry suite. £14 10s ; walnut whatnots, 14s to 30s ; round tables £2 to £3 ; writing tables, 30s to £2 ; cabinets, £0 to £8; commodes, 16s to 20s. Bentwood furni turo of every description sold very well. Wednesday was a. continuation of tho same stile, but the goods wont somewhat cheaper than before. Thursday : Salo of tho lato J. Fraser's watchmaking, and fair average prices wero obtained throughout. Friday ; Sale of produce was well attended. Butter fetched 3J to 4J , fowls, Is lid to 2s 4d ; hams, 6. to 7d ; bacon, 5d to 6Jd ; choose, 2d, to 3d per lb ; tea, 14s to 16s per box potatoes, 3d to Id por lb, etc. There was a large quantity of furnituro sold ut prices in favour of tho purchaser.

Mr P. F. Evans's weekly report .—There is a slight improvement in business. Many inquiries for good suburban land, but buyers are not prepared to give prices at present looked tor, or in other words, in vestors aro looking for great bargains, and they very often get them. Furniture sales were not so well attended, many no doubt holding back for this week's sales. The sale at Mrs Young's, Ream era, on Wed nesday! was well attended, but prices ruled much in favour of buyers, viz. : handsome piano, £18 5s ; handsome suite, £9 ; half tester iron bedstead, £1 14s; mahogany sideboard, £3 10s ; chest drawers, £1 17s ; carpet at Is lOd per yard ; garden hose, 6d per foot. Sale at Mart on Friday : pretty good attendance and fair amount of business done; the demand being for good second hand furniture, of which a large quantity was put through.

(New Zkaland Loan and Mercantile

Agency Company, Limited.)

LONDON MARKET TELEGRAM.

London, December 16. Tallow. —Market dull. Good mutton is worth 24s 6d per cwt. (nominal.)

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1887.

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

The Government of New Zealand were not allowed to pass the vote for harbour defence works on Saturday last without vigorous opposition, aud thero aro signs that the Australasian Naval Defences Bill, introduced by the Premier, will encounter at least equal hostility. Sir Julius Vogel has quite unexpectedly come out as the opponent of so-called " useless expenditure " on harbour defences; and the fact that Major Atkinson, while speaking on the harbour defences vote, urged the Houso to pass the Naval Defences Bill proves that he considers 1 its chances somewhat shaky. More especially will this be the case in view of tlio withdrawal of tho measure by the Queensland Government, while the example of determined opposition shown by a section of the Njew South Wales Parliament is likely to prove contagious. Yet we most fervently join in the hope expressed by the Premier of New Zealand that tho bill will be passed by tho Legislature of this colony, for this measure represents the limiit of Im perial concession, and New Zealand receives much fairer treatmeut under it than she would get in any arrange ment with the Governments of the sister colonies. There are seven ves sels —five fast crusiers and two torpedo gunboats —to be added to the Aus tralasian Squadron, and it is dis tinctly specified that *in time of peace two vessels shall be " stationed " in Now Zealand waters as their head-quarters. Patriots like Captain .Russell "will, of course, advocate Wellington Harbour's claims to be the naval headquarters for this colony, but the decision on that point will, we hope, be determined by other than petty local considerations.

There is one matterin connectionwith the naval defence scheme which de mands special attention on the part of this colony. It is specified that these vessels are to be "retained within the limits of the Australian station

. . . . or employed beyond those limits only with the consent of the Colonial Governments." Now, we find, on looking up the boundaries of the Australian station, that the limit to the eastward is "the meridian of 160 degrees west longitude." This ex cludes the Cook Islands, and also the whole of the Austral Islands, from the jurisdiction of the fleet, towards the cost of which this colony is asked to pay its quota. As the Cook Islands, particularly Rarotonga, are very closely allied bfy trade interests, bonds of race, and political sympathy to New Zealand, it is of the highest importance that the war-ships should have authority over that group. We are well aware that British' war ships on the Australian station havo been accustomed to call at the Cook Islands a*ud adjust disputes tinder threat of bombardment, and very efficient services have thus been rendered. Why, then, should there be any limitation of this practice now that the colonies a_e proposing to share the financial responsibility 1 Next to the defence of her own shores, New Zealand would expect her interests in the Cook Islands to be protected, and the Government should make sure be fore passing the bill that there is no bar to such employment of the Squad ron.

It is, perhaps, not essential that our Legislature should pass the Naval Defences Bill during the present session. The defection of Queensland will delay the carry ing out of the scheme, for we do not suppose that the other colonies will agree to make up Queensland's quota. As the matter will therefore he in abeyance for dome time, it would be well for out Government not

to try and rush through this important measure in the last hours of a brief session, but rather leave it over for further con sideration. That the bill ought ulti mately to pass we feel thoroughly as sured, as it provides us with the most effective and economical means of external defence that we could pos sibly have ; but it would certainly be better to leave it over to next season rather than risk defeat in the present. _______ m __ mmmmm

A FALLEN KING.

There is something very pathetic about the position of Tawhiao, the Maori King. Originating in th e patriotic instinct of the most noble primitive people which modern Anglo. Saxon discovery has revealed to the world, the King movement had in it a great deal that even colonists to whom it was a source of so much trouble and loss could admire. When the significance of immigration and European supremacy first impressed itself on the mind of the Maori, who in the early days was the patron of the pakeha, he was intelligent enough to know that nothing but union and a determination not to part with his land could save his race. The instinct of self-preservation pro duced the King movement. It was no act of personal ambition on the part of Tawhiao's father that led him to throw up the European flesh pots and cast in his lot with his people. He had much to lose and per sonally nothing to gain. But when the call was made upon him by the tribes who joined the movement to accept the position for which his high rank as a chief fitted him, he responded patriotically to the call. Potatau never lived to see the ruin which that well - meant league brought upon the race in whose interests it was conceived—the death, the starvation and suffering, the deso lated homes, the forfeited lands. All this weight of misery he bequeathed to his son aud successor, King Tawhiao, and to his honour be it said that, despite very lamentable personal failings, that son has been true to the Maori people. Few men have been exposed to greater temptation than the old chief who is now, by the operation of the Native Lands Court, left almost land less and friendless. Ministry after Ministry approached him with bribes which would have turned the brain and corrupted the morals of a self-seek ing man. Large territories, handsome pensions, honours that other men would have coveted, have been rejected with contempt over and over again by this chief. Sir Donald McLean once went so far as to offer a quasi recogni tion of his Kingship by placing him in the position of an Indian feudatory prince if he would'bow down to the sovereign majesty of Queen Victoria. But he scornfully refused to traffic with the Government. The times, however, have gone past him, and these offers were ! withdrawn never to be renewed.

In the early days of the King move ment, Sir George Grey told the leaguing tribes that he would dig round it and it would tumble down. This is what has happened. It is wonderful that a handful of crushed, almost unarmed aborigines should have held European colonisation at bay for more than 20 years and that they stood faithfully to each other, and to the national principle, for that long time. But the European gold which was scorned by Tawhiao, found ready enough acceptance among smaller men. European luxuries corrupted the simple habits of the race, and with the improvidence of children Maori land-owners—at first secretly, but lat terly more openly—parted with their lands to obtain the gratification of an immediate want. It was this land selling rather than anything the Government did which dug round the King movement and caused it to fall. Confiscation fell unevenly upon those who were engaged iv the rebellion. The owners of Middle and Lower Waikato lost their all, while their companions in arms, who were equally involved, retained possession of their lands. For many years the refugees were welcome enough to a home in the villages of their comrades, but as the spirit which fired the founders of the King movement died away, and the fever for land-selling grew, the real owners of the lands were obliged, in self-defence, to apply to the Queen's Courts, which they had so long treated with defiance, to protect themselves. And so Tawhaio and his tribe became almost landless and un welcome intruders. The man who might have had almost anything for the asking, is now cold-shouldered by his "subjects" and treated with indiffer ence b> the Government which for so many years humbly wooed his smiles and good graces. We feel that the case of this chief, by line of ancestry the greatest chief in New Zealand, is deserv ing of our sympathy and respect. We therefore note with pleasure that the Government stated in the House of Representatives on Saturday afternoon that they would be prepared to con sider favourably any application for lands from the tribes who lost their lands in the rebellion. It is not merely an act of grace, but of good policy to treat these natives gener ously. Bands of idlers, whether European or native, are a sourco of danger to the industrious ; and to settle these natives profitably upon the soil would be a gain to the country. With Tawhiao himself, although the extravagant offers of by-gone days can never be renewed, the colony can afford to deal liberally. His career has been conspicuously free from those traits of savage brutality that have distinguished the deeds of other Maori warriors who have accepted the clemency

o! 'the' Crowti' _ ■ -^iSS'

following^T^ estates of WilW £ r . T l^ SsS&_Kp_. B__3B_!te! of Charles QuinnEv don ; in Ws__. tion of Mr Affig^fttt.ap£- Matthew Hooper, Mr Cave 0 S ?!*»< Official Assignee, offl^l! at Wellington to ***» ?2 tenders for the AucSL °n **> house. It i s sa i d thelost of L G . ÜBto *- labour is less now than _*£**W tenders were invited, able saving would Thompson hasat the same t_3£_ Mv T  the claims of Mr NeS IT** His deposit has been i .tiS 6 tenders were first rSUWlJ?*,:**' given to understand H'SLaS"**' was available the work would him as the lowest tenderer ? en *° On Friday aud Saturtky eV6n5 -■ V a Chnstmas tree and concert^S& St Andrew's Sunday SeheJ-tSe& : for their annual treat. ThVivw. the tree gave a splendid appSSjU its load of ornaments. A^feSSW 1 evening was the Maypole fcgH t children, conducted bY mS 2l h which passed off without a loudly applauded. S<Sr%ISS by Misses Hatswell, Tayl. , and cS' and Mr Bewes; violin sJoSg pianoforte selection, Miss N. Winfesi ■ ! strumental trio, Misses Bewes Maxwell. After the distribute S Mr McArthur proposed a hearty %R thanks to the teachers, Miss Rateell m! Grandison, and the children, for the wdv they worked to bring these enjoyable even ings to such a successful issue/ which *___ received with great applause. .i-^-A 0011 . 1 ? 6^ 1 * amongst the students, of the Auckland Free School of Art forty Time Study Prize Medal, took place on Saturday. Tnere were 20 competitors and Mi Gifford and Dr. Campbell acted as judges. The medal was awarded to "Hebe," the second and third places re spectively being occupied by " New Chum" and "Wynn." This excellent institution' which has for the past eight years been maintained free to all at the sbleaisfcofUJr? Campbell, has done very much to develop ' the undoubted taste for art that exists in this city. An exhibition of pictures, by tho pupils will take place on Wednesday morn ing. . ' ■ ■-y.i "■ ■-:-:- The last performance of "HtimanNafere 1 ' was given by Mr Leitch'si :><_to__q3any.on Saturday night, after a run of a week. To night is the last appearance*, of the Com pany, when Mr George Leitchwill tab a well deserved benefit, anda grand doublebiil will be produced. " Harbour Lights " and '' The Librarian " are the two pieces billed; and as both have proved great Site, there is bound to be a large attendance. In "The Librarian" the public will be enabled to renew their acquaintance with the"ReY. Mr Sparerib " and "The Good Young Man That Died." The trophies given for com petition among the Volunteers who took part in the performance .of "fluman Nature" by Mr Leitch,.will ;be v pre sen ted ■ this evening to v the -winners. In the scene on the deck of the man-o'-war in " Harbour Lights," in which a party of sailors go through the cutlass drill, a:cutlass party of sailors from H.M.S. Diamond "will appear. As the 5.30 p.m. tram wiis proceeding down Queen-street on Saturday, two ladies met with an unpleasant accident, which fortunately was not attended with very serious consequences. It appears that the ladies wished to get off the tram at the foot of Victoria - street. The conductor blew his whistle, arid the tram was stopped. The ladies had reached _ie step, when the whistle was again Mown and the car started. One of the ladies, wjw was, well advanced in years, was thrown vio lently to the ground. A loud scream showed that the younger lady- was also _. peril. She was flung off the steps, but retained her hold of the hand rail The consequence was that the unfortunate lady was dragged along by the car for 20 -a 30 yards, until her screams attracted the* attention of the conductor .and the ear was stopped. Apparently, neither of the ladies was hurt, though naturaUy they were considerably shaken and frightened. Various opinions were expressed byihe on lookers as to who was to blame for the accident. Certainly the car stopped long enough to allow the ladies to get oft bub probably the age of the elder one precluded any great activity. The Mohawk Minstrels re-opened on Saturday evening in the Agricultural hau to a good attendance. Anew and vane programme was submitted, and each item was received with well-merited applause. A laughable farce concluded the evening enjoyment. The performance w4l be re peated this evening. * A _-eetinrr of creditors in the takrup* estate of Thomas King was held thi morning at the office of #f.« Assio-nee. There were present :,!» deE his solicitor and sLv. creditors. $£fe_B consideration the Htanj* solution was adopted on the mojWMr Lamb, seconded by Mr J. |» "That the offer of £106 10s, through the payable within a fortnight from this date, be accepted." To-morrow night that popular» the Juvenile Silver Star pgfefg _m>ear for the Jast time this season m* gcarboro' Terrace schoolroorn,Parae^ aid of the Church of England Wortung Sn's Society. As the performance _£es to excel all their,former ejojtefc Lcial feature introduced for ; |c £g sionbeing aplantationscer.e), a*uuno should be accorded thei_. berries and t cream.: turn . work ia connect.-.. "* T^saturiW entrance to the hall was mau mab with Chinese lanterns Ata ■* other stall strawberries »^ Mesdames remunerative rates. - Admiral Fairfax, gg andggj££ have kindly J»tffg|gug Amateur Operetta Mf ,< Bos e of 0 f "Breaking the SpeU st ab the Auverene," and will be P™= D cem ber g Ho«seou 23rd, to witness m W l * Offenbach's comic op ? ras. insp ect Before aQthifagandgeuts/Werceryr * ... .„?

THK AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, MOW DAY, DECEMBER 19, 1887.

4



"DHOTOGRAPHY. E. W I LLM OT T, 283, Queen-street (opposite Alexandra-street). 0 Carte Portraits, 4s 6d: . Cabinets, 7s 6d Houses, etc., in town and suburbs, same prico Photos copiod. 6 Cartes, 2s 6d; 6 Cabinets, 5s 1,000 Views of Now Zealand Sconery in stock, mounted and unmounted, from Id each ; a lot slipflitly soiled. Id and 2d. each. STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS of New Zealand Scenery, Is plain; 2-t coloured Portraits, etc., taken for tho STEREOSCOPE. Photographs ENLARGED and COLOURED. Country districts visited on moderate terms. "WE ARE THE CHEAPEST. 501b bags good Flour, 5s 2d 251bs best Oatmeal, 2s 6d 31b good Candles for Is lcwt good Canterbury Potatoeß, 3s 6d 21b tin Mixed Biscuits, la Best Fresh Butter, 6d Fresh Eggs, 8d per dozen Bottle splendid Tomato Sauce, 6d Good Coffee, Is Id Teas, Is 4d, Is Bd, Is lOd Pure Indian Tea, 2s per lb EARLE AND MONTGOMERY, Karangahape Road. VENI! VIDII VIC! I THE VERY" BUTTON (Shakespear). The Latest Novelty. Wo have imported a Button-making Machine, and can now supply Buttons same cloth as Garment, Onehunga Tweeds included. No extra charge. Call and see the Machine at work. AUCKLAND CLOTHING COMPANY (G. Moßride), j Customs-street East, opposite Coupland's Stora



-mfl-R. THOS. M. HUMPHREYS, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, 25, Coombeb's Arcade, Auckland. All Business placed in my hands will receive my Prompt and Personal Attention. Moderate Charges. nVTOTICE.—REDUCTION IN PRICE.— J3| Christmas and New Year Cards.— Unequalled in Variety or Cheapness in city or suburbs, we have yet REDUCED OUR LOW PRICES, which now range from 3 for Id to os each. Assorted Packets, containing 13 Beautiful Cards, 6d tho packet, or 25 Splendid Cauls Is the packet Hand Painted Cards, local views. Is 6d each. Elegant Scripture Gift Cards, Id each; six subjects, in packet, 6d; formerly 2a Gd tho packet. Thousands upon thousands to select from at GOOD-ON'S London Arcade. ir\ E X T I S T R Y. Mr A. L. SMITH, OLD-ESTABLISHED DENTIST. Corner of Hobson and Weuj-SLKY Streets Artificial Teeth fitted without extracting stumps. Other dentists'work repaired, teeth stopped. Gas administered. Charges moderate Tramcars pass the house. •VTOTIC E OF REMOVAL. Mr T. TRAFFORD, The oldest-established Surgeon Dentist oC 18 years, Desires to inform his patients and friends that he has removed from Waketield-street to more central ollices, QUEEN-STREET (over Wayte's, Bookseller), opposite Wyndham-street. Professional hours : 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. iT WIN - D S O R, • SURGEON DENTIST (by exam.) (Late of the Firm of Kemp-; and Windsor.) I beg to intimate to tho publio of Auckland and Provincial District that I continuo in prac tice at the Old Chambers, ShorUand-stroet (oppoßito Post Office.) Having secured tho ser vices of a first-class Mechanical Assistant, and reduced my charges, I hope to merit a share of their support. Box 21U, P.O.] [Telephone 377. REW'S fiITY qUPPLY OTORE, VICTORIA STREET. Encouraged by the large increase of business done during tlio past year, we havo made some very largo purchases for tho coining Christinas trade, and have decided to sell at tno lowest possible READY MONEY PRICES. 121b tins of our celebrated Is lOd Tea for 20s lllb boxes of Household Tea for 15s 401b bag of best Crystalised Sugar for 9a Gd 501b bags of Household floor (or 4s 9d Choice Now Jams, 12 tins for 4s 3d Box of Soap, containing 22 burs, for 5s 3 bottles of English Pickles for 2s 3d 3 bottles of English Sauce, large size, 2s 3d 3 bottles Sauce, small size, for Is Jars of Preserved Ginger, only Is each 21b tins of choice Table Fruit, Is each Prime Wairoaand Factory Cheese. 4_d per lb Christmas Hams, prime finality, only BJd per lb (The above arc the best and cheapest in the market). Cordials -A largo assortment to choose from at Is por bottle Limejuico, lOd per bottle Mandarin Packet Teas! Mandarin Packet Teas 1 (We aro the only agents in Auckland for this celebrated blend, and tho prims is only 2s per lb), lib boxes of Now Figs, only 9d each New Currants, Now Raisins Lomon, Orange and Citron Peel Strawberry Conserve, lOd por tin. No Goods of inferior quality are admitted into stock at any price, but only such as wo believe will prove satisfactory to our customers. N.B.—Every order sent from our estab lishment tins month will contain a LARGE PICTORIAL CALENDAR for 1888. Orders by post and otherwise attended to with great care and despatch. Now, one of the first steps towards genuine retrenchment is a practical visit to REW'S CITY SUPPLY STORE, VICTORIA St. ______________ CELEBRATED LIMESTONE FILTERS. Tho principal advantages they possess over other filters are their simplicity of construction, the great facility with which they can bo cleaned, the regularity with which they perform their work, and tho extremely moderate price at which they aro offered. Al«o tho fact of their being of New Zealand manufacture should be a consideration. Water in Auckland is very deficient in limo, but this defect is greatly remedied by tho water having in those filters to pass through a block of limestone. As before remarked, all tho Impurities separated from tho filtered water can be easily removed, whereas in nearly all other make of filters tho Sediment cannot bo removed. , consequently must contaminate, instead of purifying the water which follows, , and ill timo tho filtering material gets so saturated that it cunnot retain any more, and tho water must pasa through unllltored, to tho groat injury of its consumers. While "White's Limestone Filters" can bo cleanly washed out, a brush for which purpose is sup plied with each F Iter, and so continuo to work satisfactorily. Prices: 3gallons, 20s; 4gallons, 255; 5 gallons, 30s. Filters more suitable for Hotels and Clubs, where an extra largo ono is required, aro so con structed that they can bo paced in a tank or cistern, and will filter water rapidly, but in a most perfect manner, at from £2 12s and up wards, according to size. Any further information and testimonials to bo obtained from FRANCIS A. TWINAME. Marine Chambers, Solo Agent for Auckland and Province. _ _____ MEDICAL GUIDE TO THE MINERAL WATERS OF ROTORUA. Published at 2s 6d, nnd may be had at the Stationers', or at Star Office. To intending visitors to this famous locality the Guide will be found invaluable; and to the medical profession also it will be especially use ful, as It contains information as to tlio most appropriate cases for treatment and tho bath or combination of baths found most beneficial in tho various affections which came under the author's special care. A gentleman, writing from Rotorua, says— " I find the Guide an invaluable instructor in Mineral Spring Bathing, and I am sorry it is not more circulated among tho masses, to eive them the information so much required." TDRETT'S AUCKLAND ALMANAC FOR 18 8 8 NOW PUBLISHED, And may bo had from all tho Booksellers, and at Star Office, "OHOTOGRAPHY. VV. R."~ROBINSON (Late TUTTLE AND CO). UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. W. R. R. having been upwards of two years with the late Firm is a sufficient guarantee that none but FIRST-CLASS WORK will leave his Studio. GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. All work on hand will be completed. w. R. roeTinson (Late TUTTLE & Co.), 24 8, QUE EN-STREET.



OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. /Christmas "Hards . CHRISTMAS j^ARDS The above are a speciality, and are shown in a separate room. FTIENNIS T> ACQUETS I npENNIS T> ACQUETS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. p> AILWAY ADVERTISING Mr WITHEFORD received tho following telegram yesterday irotp tho head office of the Railway Department, Wellington :— "I have the honour to inform you that your tender for tho sole right of advertising on the Auckland section of the New Zealand Railways lias been accepted by tho Hon. Minister for Public Works on behalf of the Queen." Auckland, Nov. 17th, 1887. THE THAMES COUNTY COUNCIL Have deposited at Mr J. IT. WITHEFORD'S OFFICE. SriORT__AND-STI.EET, A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OV THE THAMES GOLDFIELDS, Together with particulars of liberal concessions tho Council havo decided to make, with a view to encourago tho introduction of English capital. Mr Witiikford, having been identified with tho Auckland Goldliolds since their first open ing, and having for some time past been collect ing mining information for English clients, is in a position to advise any representative of Homo buyers wko may bo in Auckland as to the merits of ihe various eligible Goldfteld Properties. PLANS, REPORTS, AND THE FULLEST RELIABLE INFORMATION OF ANY MIN ING PROPERTY may be obtained on applica tion at his olllco.