SHIPPING.

§OWB&r=ThU evening 7.12 Rii<dHtsiiii=TO')norrow morning, 4.43 &BON 't ABB, - Vint Quarter,22ndinst., 6.40 p.m

HIGH WATER.

AUOKLAffO,— This evening, 11.38; to-morrow - This evening, 2.18: to *gS&T*ix&S- This evening, 3.18; to morrow morning, 3.37

ARRIVALS.

Norval, schooner, from Russell Ohau, s.s., from Westport

DEPARTURES.

Medora, schooner, tor iUvanui Suva, s.s., for Wellington, via East Coast ports Stormbird, s.s., for Whangam^ Wellington, s.s., for Whangarei

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

'Coromandel, from Coromandel, Thursday RofconTahana, from Thames, Thursday, 5 p m. 7 Enterprise, from Thames, Friday, 3 a.m. I Wanaka, from South, Thursday, 7 a.m. (Onehunga) , Selembria, from London, via byclney, sailed 'Calliope, H.M.S., from Sydney, early

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

Janet Nicoll, s.s., for Hokianga, loading. Margaret Galbraith, ship, loading Mails, schr., for Friendly Islands, loading Suva, s.s., for East Coast, to-day, 6 p.m. Wairarapa, s.s., for Melbourne, via. bouth,

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

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

Canterbury, ship, left London »epc. ti Waifcangi, ship, from London, sailed Oct. 19 May Queen, ship, from London ; sailed Oct.

26 Dune'din, 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 . Deutchland, barque, from New York, via Wellington ; sailed October 20 M. Hennings, 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 ; saile

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

The brig Restless has sailed for the Kai para to load timber.

The cutter Rose, with timber from Tairua, is discharging her cargo into the brigantine Eillan Donan out in the stream.

The s.s. Suva sailed for Wellington, via East Coast ports, lastevening with cargo and passengers. The schooner Mariner cleared at the Customs this morning for Whangaroa, and is to sail this evening.

The captain of tho Balcarres Brook was fined £1 and costs for neglecting to assist the pilot to board his vessel on entering Wellington.

The Union S.S. Company's steamer Ohau arrived at 7 o'clock this* morning from West port, with 600 tons of coal. She was at once taken alongside the Company's coal hulk to discharge her cargo.

A telegraphic message f torn Greymouth informs us that'tlie els: Gerda went ashore on the north bank: of the rjvqr last night, but was floated bff after being lightened of a portion of her cargo.

From tke first of January a new form of entry and clearance papers will be required at the Cuotom House, and it would be as v/ell if musters and agents of vessels made themselves acquainted with these, as well as a number of new regulations which come into force on that date.

The schooner Norval is discharging a cargo of coal at the breakwater, which she brought down from Russell. The Lucy Jane, ketch, has 35 tons of sulphur for the Frozen Meat Company, now being dis charged at the Railway Wharf. The cutters Waterlily and Morning Light, with fire wood from the Barrier, are discharging at the breakwater, and the Maria, cutter, a cargo of timber from Tairua, round Mechanics' Bay.

The following coasters havo put in ap pearance, and are discharging to the west of the Queen-street Wharf : —Norah, scow, from Barrier, with firewood ; Rata, scow, from VVaihoura, with timber; Jane, cutter, from Mahurangi, with lime ; Agnes Martin, kotcli, with coal, from Whnngarei; Mabel, scow, from Tairua, with timber; Wanderer, cutter, from Mahurangi, with lime ; Kauri, barge, from Port Charles, with timber.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The s.s. Bellinger sailed yesterday after noon for Waitara.

The s.s Sta.Ta sailed last evening for Raglan and Kawhia. The s. s Oreti arrived from Hokianga with passengers and cargo at 11 o'clock last night.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Poet Albert. —Sailed : Waitemata, this day, for Sydney. Opo'fiia, this day.—Arrived: Chelmsford, from Auckland. Whangarei, this day.—Arrived : Storm bird and Wellington, from Auckland. Gisbobnk, this day.—Sailed : Ashleigh Brook, for Wellington. Waitaka, this day.—Sailed : Gahloch, for Onehunga. Napier. December 20.—Arrived : Sea bird, from Newcastle. Wellington, December 20. — Arrived : Wanaka, from the South. Sailed : S.s. "Wanaka, for the North. Passengers: Mr Thompson, and five steerage. Wakgantxi, this day.—Arrived : Argyle, from Auckland. Lyttelton', December 20. — Arrived : Castleton, barque, from Dunedin. Sailed : S.s. Penguin, for the North ; s.s. Te Anau, for the South. Port Chalmers, December 20.—Arrived : S.s. Stella, from the North. Sailed : S.s.. Herald, s.s. Grafton, s.s. Omapere, and s.s. Mavvhera, for the North. Port Caalmers, December 20.—Arrived: Hauroto, from Oamaru.

COMMERCIAL.

. Kaubi Gum. — The market is still ir regular, with a further downward tendency. Present quotations: Fair to ordinary, £34 to £35 ; superior parcels, £36 ; Bast Coasfc, £50 to £54. Supplies to date, about 400 tons.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1887.

« For the cause that lacks asciatunce, For the 'wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that wb can do.

Lord Salisbury simply uttered the baldest of commonplace when he de clared the other day, -in the course of an address at Derby, that thei'e is no immediate danger of the outbreak of war in Europe. For at least two months to come, the inclement weather will render warfare well nigh impossible, and even the housing of 200,000 troops in huts on the Galician frontier, to face the hardier soldiers of Russia, is a measure so risky to health that nothing but the extreme urgency of the crisis would justify it. The opinion expressed by Lord Salisbury that war will break

out without warning is doubtless based upon the evident hollowness of the excellent diplonmic relations pre fessedly existing between Russia, Austria, and Germany. As the alli ance of the Central Powers is recog nised by the Czar as a menace to Rus sia, he will not rest until the so-called " Peace League " is broken up, either by diplomacy or war, or both combined. There is a deadlier significance in that portion of tho British Premier's utterance which urges the necessity for England being prepared for tho con tingency of Avar. So long as English sympathies are with the objects of the Central Alliance there is a danger of her being dragged into the conflict, more especially as the integrity of the Turkish Empire may be assailed. France and Russia being in close alli ance, the reported intention to station a fleet of French ironclads in tho Eng lish Channel points to a determination to divert the attention of the British fleet from events in Eastern Europe. The British preparations will therefore be'chiefly in the naval branch of the service, and though the French fleet is powerful and well equipped, the com bined naval forces of England and Italy should prove ample for all pur poses of offonce and defence. From all indications, tho war that will break out in March or April next will be on a collossal scale; but, however suddenly it may bo pre cipitated, it will not find any of the Powers unprepared. Indeed, the very preparedness of thoir vast armies con stitutos the chief provocation to war, for in the prevailing state of distrust it is felt that further suspense would be worse than an immediate reference to the stern arbitrament of the sword.

MR SARGENT AND THE AMERI CAN WOOL INDUSTRY.

In his interview with a Star reporter, Mr Sargent asserted that the Protec tive duties on wool had ruined the woollen industry. He said:—"The eight wool States which joined tho metal men in getting this high tariff immediately after tho war have seen their sheep and thoir wool crop de crease 25 per cent, in the first 20 years after they got a high protective duty. Tho manufacturers of woollen goods got a duty varying from 50 per cent, to 75 per cent, on tho high grades for gentlemen's wear, and that high duty and the high duty on wool, together with tho duty on tho supplies they were obliged to buy, ruined them en tirely, so that five or six mills aro all that aro running on the higher grade goods, where hundreds were running bofore this high Protective tariff was imposed."

Now this is a specific statement, capable of beiug verified or disproved by oflicial figures, and to test its value Mr E. Parsons, of the Symonds-street Bread Factory, has forwarded us a copy of tho " Atlanta Constitution " of October 27th, containing a resume of tho report of tho Chief of the Bureau of Statistics on wool and manu factures of wool, which was issued in Washington on October 2Gth. From this report it appears that tho number of sheep in tho United States rose from 19,000,000 in 1840 to 51,000,000 in 1884. There was a decline of 6,000,000 sheep in 1887, which wa3 attributed by the Commis sioner to the low price of wool, but still tho number of sheep stood at 45,000,000 in 1887 against 19,000,000 in 1850. The valuo of the woollen product of tho United States in 1850 was $25,000,000 in round numbers, and of its imports $19,000,000, both together boing about ono dollar ninety five cents per capita of the population. In 18G0 (the war year) $39,000,000 in valuo were produced, and the value of the goods imported was $43,000,000, together being about two dollars and sixty-one cents per capita. In 1870, under Protection, the homo product reached §110,000,000, and the importa tions $35,000,000, boing three dol lars and seventy-eight cents per capita. In 1880 tho product had grown to one hundred and sixty-four millions, and imports were valued at thirty-one millions, being three dollars and ninety-one cents per capita.

It thus appears that the whole value of the woollen product of the United States before the war was only twenty five million dollars in 1850, and thirty nine million dollars in IS6O, while it had reached the enormous total of 164,000,000 dollars in 1880, while the imports during the same period had fallen from forty-three million dollars in 1860 to thirty-one million dollars in 1880. If Mr Sargent wishes to be counted an authority upon commercial questions, he must be more careful in his figures.

MEDICAL LEGISLATION.

It is doubtless desirable to have all the liberal professions as open and unre stricted as possible, but there is a point where the public interest demands some safeguard. While we in New Zealand have been breaking down the barriers to admission to the legal profession, our neighbours in New South Wales have found it necessary to take steps to impose restrictions upon the practice of medicine. Some time ago we re. ferred to the evidence adduced on this subject beforo a Select Committee of the Legislative Council at Sydnoy, when most shocking revelations were given of how ignorant incompo tence has been thriving on human credulity there. This Committee's report was submitted to Parliament the other day, and at the very outset the alarming admission is made that "there is practically no law in Now South Wales for the regulation of medical practice." The report goes on

to say :—" This leads to^reat difficulty in detecting unqualified men, and to unqualified men being called as export medical witnesses at inquests and in criminal cases—a practice fraught with danger to the public. The powers of the Medical Board, as it is constituted, are too limited, and it has frequently been deceived by fraudulent representa tions. There is. also great difficulty when the name of a person has boen placed on the register through such fraudulent representations in re moving it, there being no legal means of doing so. Persons who have received no medical training at a school of medicine have extensive practices, and are consulted by large numbers of persons, who are unaware of the super ficial character of their attainments. Qualified men are sometimes used as cloaks to extort a considerable sum of money from credulous persons. Many unqualified men exhibit considerable cunning by describing themselves as 'specialists,' and some chemists issue pamphlets and other advertisements, in which they profess to have unusual skill in the treatment of disease."

Despite this strong language, the Committee does not go the length of recommending that practice by un registered medical men should .be prohibited by law. Apparently the right of any person to act as physician is fully conceded, and all that is asked is that the public should be made aware of tho qualifications (or want of them) of those who undertake to cure disease. It is recommended that provision should be made that no person should be allowed to assume the title of physician, surgeon, or medi cal practitioner, or the letters which are usually taken to indicate the pos session of the degrees or licenses of the various examining bodies, unless he is registered by the Medical Board. In addition it is suggested that any per son who, not being registered by the Medical Board, practises as a medi cal practitioner shall be obliged to place after his name and desig nation in all his announcements the words "unregistered by the Medical Board," these words being understood to mean that he has not ex hibited the proof of fitness to practise medicine which the Board requires. In order to render this provision effective, it will be necessary to provide that every person who practises medicine for gain shall place upon the house or premises at which he carries on his calling, in some conspicuous place open to the public view, a plate or other announcement, containing his name, and some intimation that he is a medical practitioner in actual prac tice.

These proposals seem to be of tho com mon sense practical order, and a similar provision as to lawyers in New Zea land would remove the objections of thoso people who fear that tho public will be victimised by unqualified legal practitioners. The other recommenda tions for the regulation of medical practice in New South Wales deal with the powers of the Medical Board, which, it is held, should be greatly extended, so as to give them power to remove names from the register, etc.l Unqualified men who have been prac-1 tising for five years are to be placed on a special register on passing an examina tion. In this way it appears clear that the public interests will be conserved, and yet there is no infringement of the liberty of the individual to employ a qualified or unqualified man. It is not much of a victory for the conservative school of practitioners, but they have got as much conceded as they had a right to expect from a democratic com munity.

We are requested by tho Mayor to invite citizens to attend at his office, Municipal buildings, to-morrow afternoon, at 4 p.m., to consider the manner in which Admiral Fairfax and the officers of his squadron shall bo welcomed to Auckland.

In our leading article last night discussing Mr Sargent's views on Protection in the United States, several typographical errors occurred. The quantity of wool produced was printed as pounds sterling instead of pounds weight, and Mr Sargent was quoted as saying that Protection had raised iron from 7 to 10 per cent, instead of from 7 to 10 dollars per ton.

Captain Hammil yesterday afternoon in formed the crew of the Nelson that general Icavo would be allowed, commencing from to-day, and that the crew would be re lieved from all but necessary work.

A man named Jacob Barton died sud denly at Taupaki, near Helcnsville, yester day, and Constable Foreman has left for that place to make necessary inquiries.

A largo number of sailors off H.M.S. Diamond, connected with the Good Temp lar cause, spent a very enjoyable evening at tho private residence of Mr Marson, Newton, last night. What with songs, games, and other amusements, the time was passed very pleasantly.

Captain Edwin predicts: Every indication unusually low tides for 24 hours from low water this afternoon.

The beauty of the law was exemplified at tho Supreme Court this morning in the case of Mears v. Bishop and Another. In a lower court judgment had been given for £4, against which tho defendant appealed to tho Supreme Court. The case was dis missed, and the plaintiff had to pay £10 10s costs in addition to tho previous judg ment.

Ah Chee, of Wakefield-street, and Me chanics Bay Gardens, sends a letter explain ing the circumstances connected ,witn the action for slander brought by two Chinese gardeners against two of their fellow countrymen, also gardeners, of Arch Hill. He says : "The plaintifl's commenced the action in October last and as soon as defen dants get the summons they aro at once in a great state because they have never been in Court before and do not know tho English law. I believe after a week a Chinese camo to defondants and told them they had better settle tho matter by paying the plaintiffs a small sum of money. The defendant said, ' I decline to do so, as lam innocent. I would rather spend all I am worth than give plaintiffs money without reason.'" Then the defend ants telegraphed all over the colony to get some Chinese to speak English for them, and at last thoy got one from Wellington. When the plaintiffs heard this they with drew the case and agreed to pay the Court expenses. Our correspondent, however, says the defendants have been put to an expense of £100 by this wrongful action and they ought to bo repaid all their ex penses,

Tho Molmwk Minstrels produced their fiftoenbl) change of programme last evening. It OOnflistfld. of songs, dances, and farcesj and "wiw well received by a fair audience.

The mtik'on of tho Upper Refuge desires to thank MVh 0. A. Harris for a gift of (JUvlntmoM oardfl for the inmates.

All tho loading drapers in Karangahape Hood havo agreed to close their places of buaitiOHH on Monday next, 26th inst., and on Monday and Tuesday, 2nd and 3rd January, 1888. ■

St. Thomas's Day (to-day) is being ob" nerved in St. Thomas's Church, Union streets, m a Patronal or Dedication Fes tival. This morning there was a celebra tion of tho Holy Communion at 7 o'clock, the llev. W. M. Dußieu being celebrant. This evening at half-past seven there is to be a flower service, when the Rev. E. J. Phillips, of St. Alban's, will preach. The service will be full choral, the hymn, " 0 Word of God Above " being sung as a processional, and " We Love The Place, 0 Lord," aa a recessional. Part of the flowers will be reserved for sick persons in the parish, the rest being sent to the Hospital.

At the meeting of the College and Grammar School Board of Governors yester day afternoon, considerable discussion en sued upon the report of the headmaster, Mr Bourne re the progress of the free boys. Ho stated that in one instance a district scholarship holder did not appear to realise the responsibility of his position, and frequently gave trivial excuses for his absence from school duties. ■ It was pointed out that the scholarship amounted to £45 per annum for three years. The Board considered the advisability of stopping the scholarship, as the conditions had notbeen fulfilled. Although the holder of the scholarship had been twice previously warned, some members of the Board were in favour of giving him one more chance. Ultimately the matter was deferred for one week.

Tho farewell performance given by the Juvenile Silver Star Minstrels last evening in the Scarboro' Terrace Schoolroom, Par nell, proved a great success, a full house greeting their appearance. The first part of the programme consisted of a plantation scene (which deserves much praise for the way in whijh it was mounted) representing negroes in holiday costume, in which songs were very effectively sung, C. Speight (who received a well-deserved encore), 11. Croker, \V. Brook and F. Worthington being among the best. A very comical sketch, which kept the audience in roars of laugh ter, was very well acted by D. Crozier, R. Croker and C. Speight. A sailor's hornpipe by A. Hughes, and comic song by R. Croker received a well-merited encore. The evening wound up with the screaming farce, " Signor Frangipani's Waxworks, which was well given. The music rendered by the orchestra, under the able conductor ship of Mr N. Kay, added much to the siuc cees of the entertainment.

The arrangements for the forthcoming dramatic season by the Bland Holt Com pany, about which so much has been heard during the past few weeks, are, under the vigilant attention of Mr Bishop, the busi ness agent, in a forward state, and every thing will be in readiness by the opening night at the Opera House on Monday next. The Wellington " Evening Press," in noticing Mr Holt's first performance of " Alone in London " in that city, remarks : —"From the moment it was announced that Bland Holt intended revisiting these shores with further dramatic novelties, his appearance in this city has been im patiently awaited, and looked forward to with a degree of pleasurable expectancy that should tickle the vanity of this popular caterer of dramatic talent. 'Just wait till Bland Holt arrives—you'll see !' was the common remark when another com pany was commended, with the result that something ' a cut above the common' was looked for, and it is gratifying to be in a position to chronicle that the anticipation has been fulfilled even beyond expecta tions."

The sale of work in aid of the funds of St. Alban's Church, Mount Roskill Road, was heldjyescerday iv Misses Matthews's and . icHarg's school, Valley Road, those ladies having kindly granted the use of the room for the occasion. A large and varied assortment of articles of clothing, em broidery, crewel and wool work, etc., was neatly arranged, and the stalls decorated with flowers, while the Christmas tree formed a prominent feature. The goods displayed for sale were mostly the work of the ladies of St. Alban's Church Com mittee, and the stalls were presided over as follows:—No. 1," Mesdames Yates and Edwards and Misses Yates; No. 2, Misses Hunter, Phillips, and E. Dickson; refresh ments, Mrs Robinson and Mrs Sharpies ; Christmas tree, Misses Yates and F. Her bert ; wheel of fortune and wheel of life, Misses E. and M. Yates. The refreshment stall was well patronised, as these were supplied at current prices, and had nothing of the "fancy" fair about them. The room was crowded with visitors at night, and musical selections were rendered under the direction of Mr A. P. Wilson. Miss Hunter presided at the pianoforte, and songs were given by Mrs Sharpies, Messrs ■S. Hunter, Vickers, and Wilson, &c. Alarge amount of business was done at the bazaar, bub such had been the assiduity of the workers that a large number of articles re maines unsold at the hour of closing.

Yesterday a tea and public meeting took place in the Devonport Congregational Church, to celebrate the second anniver sary of its opening. After tea, the Chair man, Mr Milne, addressed the meeting, followed by the Revs. R. Laishley, B. L. Thomas, R. J. Roberts, H. J. Miller, and T. Hamer. The speeches were inter spersed with singing and music by Mrs Webb and Miss Streeter, and a very plea sant evening was spent. A profusion of flowers provided by several ladies added very much to the beauty of the room.

Messrs Parr and Son, of Waikomiti, are making a name as producers of goose berries. At present they have a fine collection on exhibition, in the window of Mr Steadman's shop, Queen-street. A number of- varieties are shown, amongst which are some very large fruit. In the sanie window are also f a few bunches of red currants and a fine "strelitza" grown at Mr Owen's residence, Epsom.

The following are the winning numbers of the Art Union held in connection with Parnell Convent :-SSI, 129, 448, 142, 996, 1125, 971, 1382, 117, 1373, 2024, 671, 1695, 869, 1598, 1512, 839, 1173, 71, 985, 1619, 1491, 477, 1195, 1969, 837, 1479, 1349.

Mr A. G.Daniells has, by special request, left on a visit to Waipu and Whangarei, where he will lecture for a few evenings. He will return to Auckland at the end of tho week, and in the meantime the prayer meetings will bo carried on as advertised.

The attention of our readers is called to the sale by Mr Edward Leydon to-morrow of the stock of a watchmaker and jeweller. Any person requiring Christmas presents or New Year gifts will do well to attend, as the goods are to bo sold without reserve.

The now time-table of the Auckland and North Shore Ferry Co. appears in another column. More frequent and convenient trips are now made daily, and both Eagle and Osprey aro illuminated by electric light.

A Christmas toy bazaar has been opened in the large premises next the Rising Sun Hotel, Karangahape Road, for the better display of an, immense stock of toys and other Christmas goods. No charge is made for admission, and heads of families who require to fill their children's.stockings on Xmas Eve will find it to their advantage to make their-purchases at the Christmas toy bazaar.

The Rev o}> ' "—^"-^SSN' nice assortment of S gljfc ** Wte * called during the evenuS?L u1^1* presented quite a gay &d ft? 6 pearance. -TheChriiiSLiJr> readiness for. another visiteE"rtf°> * mg, when all articles notdSSdS- «?* SioP likely t0 be *S lf% members and friends or tß'^ Tabernacle. It is to be hM r«W»4 and the steamer BritatX^^ tered to convey the oartv tWti,^ ?%' the wharf at 9Vdodk P5S^&gl« at 4 and 6 p.m. Refre^ente Sfa* sale at reasonable prices, whKJ&? pleasure boats, and material fof^' games will be provided C The X S should prove enjoyable, and the tickfi ASanTtS^^^^ Dawson and Co.'s great EnglEaSS jewellery exhibition, nowo|enM?Bb™ where you will see the laVgeit. stocft watches and the latest designVfc £*£ Smith and Caughey intimate that their for the present, as they cannot po3 execute all the orders in hand befe £ New Year.—(Advt.) •■-. • -™

A MYSTERY SOLVED.

ABSCONDER'S BODY FOUND. [by telegbaph.— pbess association.] ;", Wellington, Tuesday, The body of Mark Macallum, who; it was alleged, had embezzled £300 from his em ployers, Scott and McLean, and for whose arrest a warrant had been issued, has been foand in Mangamaiti Lake, Hawke'sßay. It is supposed to be a case of suicide]

ATHLETIC NOTES.

A general meeting of the mefitjerg of the City Rowing Club was held.l«it Syw^nf the V.M.C.A. Rooms, Mr T ; Murray pre siding. There was a large attendance jl members. After some discusaiSni was re solved that a trial fives be hddongatur day, February 11th. It was. also decided to enter crews for both the| Amatietir ind £i Champion Races in the forthcoming Auck land Annual Regatta. M'isars H,s gkde, D. Slade, H. Bishop, J. Wadham, Taylor, Cummins, J. Clarkson,G. 'Moon,C.fenalli gan, McNaughton, and; A. Simtn wefe " elected as new members^ ..•'■ .•■''- ;■ "; .'i A general meeting; of they Auckland -.' Amateur Athletic Clu.6 is to be held this : evening in the Imperial HoteL A large attendance is expected, as the meeting is for the purpose of arranging the amalgama tion of the club -with the Waitemata Bicycle Club, and, also to revise the rules of the club. A. sub-committee of the Athletic Club met on Monday night to con sider the rules, arti have several!important alterations to suejgest to the members., It is desired that the members of thei Waite- v mata Bicycle Cl.ub will attend also. Sailors, par'acularly men-6'-war's men, enjoy a gam^ of cricket as welj. as lands men, xesterday two team 3 frpm,H.M. vessels in the harbour, one comprised of officers, tile other of men, tried conclusions j .on the Qricket Ground. After a good game the officers won by 60 runs, thet,! Bcores4' being—officers 120, men 60. NexbSaturday an eleven picked from the fleet will play an eleven of thfc Auckland C.C., when; judging from, the cricket shown by the bluejackets* a iw>w lTifoi'nct-.iricf mat.nh may be extracted.

Swimming Contest

The swimming sontest in connection with the Grafton Road School for prizes presented by Mr C. Laßoche took place on Saturday morning last. The first event, 100 yards Handicap, brought onb 12 com petitors, and was won by W. Coloman, scratch; G. Holt, syards, 2nd., For the long dive only 3 competed, W. McConkey being the winner. , : ; ; [renter's telegram.] ' ' Melbourne. December 20.

Anglo-Australian Cricket.

A Cricket match has been played between Vernon's team and 22 of Gippsland. me latter went in first, but only succeeded m putting together 51 runs. The Englishmen were not disposed of until they had com piled 152. Being 101 run behind, the Gippslandors then commenced their second innings, but # were au, out for 98, the match resulting in a win lor the visitors by an Innings and 2 runs to spare. ■ .

GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGE MENT TO COALMINING.

. (BY TfiLEGRAPH.-OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Greymouth, this day. to Jomm Kiwbra, one of the oldest and most enterprising men in this district, has been compelled to wire to the authorities iifiM country* . ;■• ~* ""■

TH*"< AXTC^LANi> EVENING STAIi, W^PNESDAit, .B36c£M]BgR M gi I Jgga :



TKTOTICE.-REDUCTION IN PRICE.— J3l 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 5s each. Assorted Packets, containing: 13 Beautiful Cards, 6d the packet, or 25 Splendid Cads Is the packet Hand Painted Cards, local views, la 6d each. Eleprant Scripture Gift Cards, Id each: six subjects, in packet, 6d; formerly 2s 6d the packet. Thousands upon thousands to select from at GOODdON'S London Arcade.



TT is a Well-known Fact that J. H. JL Dalton, of Victoria-street East, ia surpassed by none and equalled by few in the Cut and Finieb of We Garments.



IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHIP OWNERS, ETC. In retiring from tho Ship Chandlery business, I beg to tender my sincere thanks to my many friends for their generous smpport during tho last fourteen years, and will consider it a per sonal favour if my lato patrons will kindly transfer their patronage to my successors in the business, Messrs Ross and Co., whom I can contldently recommend. & McKKNZIE# Auckland, Soptcmbor 23,1837. \TTITH reference to the above announce- V T ment, we have much pleasure in inti mating to the friends of tho lato firm, and th 6 public generally, that wo will carry on tho business of Ship Chandlors, Sail Makers, etc., in our temporary premises at No. 17, Lower Queen-street, and nope by strict attention to business, combined with moderate charges, to merit a continuance of the patronage of tho late tim< ROSS & CO. mHE SAIL LOFT will bo under the § management of Mr Charles Reynolds, who had chargo of this branch of Captain McKonzie's business for tho last fourteen years. The cervices of Mr. W. A. Harvey, for many years liead storcman for Mc3sra J. and 1) Oxlcy and Captain D. 11. MoKenuie, have been retained for the new firm. Goods will arrive by noxt steamer from Sydney, and by direct steamera from Home. ROSS & CO. (Successors to Captain D. H. McKonzie), SHIP CHANDLERS, SAILMAKERS, Etc. Temporary Premises: No. 17, Lower Queen-street, Auckland Opening day, Monday, Septembor T> AILWAY ADVERTISING Mr WITHEFORD received tho following telegram yesterday from tho head office of the Railway Department, Wellington :— "I have the honour to inform you that your tender for tho solo right of advertising on th o Auckland section of tho Now Zealand Railways has boon acccptod by tho Hon. Minister for Public Works on beha'f of the Queen." Auckland, Nov % l7th, 1887. npHE THAMES COUNTY COUNCIL I Have deposited at Mr J. H. WITIIEFORIVS OFFICE, SnOBTLAND-STBBET, A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OK THE THAMES GOLDFIELDS, Together with particulars of liboral concessions the Council have decided to make, with a view to encourage tho introduction of Kngllah capital. Mr Witheford, having boon identified with the Auckland Goldtlclds since thoir first open- Ing, and having for some timo 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 the various eligible Gold field Properties. PLANS, REPORTS, AND THE FULLEST RELIABLE INFORMATION OF ANY MIN ING PROPERTY may bo obtained on applica tion at his onice. V M A S C H E E 111 H A T S, SHI R T S, TIES AND SCARVES, II 0 S I E R V, SILK HANDKERCHIEFS IN GREAT VARIETY AND AT BOTTOM PRICES, AT GEORGE F 0 W L I) S, 80, VICTORIA-STREET. TT\R. LEWIS' 3 MEDICAL GUIDE TO THE MINERAL WATERS OF ROTORUA. Published at 2s 6d, and may bo had at the Stationers', or at Star Ofllce. To intending visitors to this famous locality tho Guide will bo found invaluable; and to tho medical profession also it will be especially use ful, as it contains information as to tho most appropriate ensoa for treatment and the bath or combination of baths found most beneficial in tho various affections which came under tho author's special care. A gentleman, writing from Rotorua, says— " I find the Guide an invaluable instructor in Mineral Sprinic Bathing, and I am sorry it is not more circulated among tho masses, to jyivo them tho information so much required." REWS riITY DUI'PLY OTORE, VICTORIA STREET. Encouraged by tho largo increaso of business done during the past year, we have made some very largo purchaser for tho coming Christmas trade, and have decided to soil at tne lowest possible READY MONEY PRICES. 121b tins of our celebrated Is lOd Tea for 20s II lb boxca of Household Tea for 15s 40ib bag of best Crvatalised Sugar for 9a 6d 501b bugs of Household Flour for 4s 9d Choice Now Jams, 12 tins for 4a 3d Box of Soap, containing 22 bare, for 53 3 bottles of English Pickles for 2s 3d 3 bottles of English Sauce, largo 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 Primes Wairoa and Factory Cheese. 4Jd per lb Christmas Hams, prime quality, only BJa per lb (The above are the best and cheapest in the market). Cordials—A largo assortment to chooso from at Is per bottlo Limejuice, lOd per bottle MandarinPacketTcas! Mandarin PacketTcas! (We are the only agents in Auckland for this celebrated blend, ana the price is only 2s per lb). lib boxes of New Fig 3, only 9d each New Currants, Now Raisins Lemon, Orange, and Citron Pool Strawberry Conserve, lOd per tin. No Goods of inferior quality are admitted into stock at any price, but only such, as we believe will provo satisfactory to our customers. N.B.—Every order sent from our estab lishment this month will contain a LARGE PICTORIAL CALENDAR for 1888. Orders by post and otherwiso attended to with great care and despatch. Now, ono of the first steps towards genuine retrenchment is a practical visit to REW'S CITY SUPPLY STORE, VICTORIA St. VENI! VIDI! VICI! THE VERY" BUTTON (Shakespoar). ■ The Latest Novelty. We have imported a Button-making Machine, and can now supply Buttons same cloth as Garment, Oneiiunga Tweeds included. No extra charge. Call and see tlie .Machine at "vvorlc. AUCKLAND CLOTHING COMPANY (G. Mcßride), Customs-street East, opposite Coupland's Store OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. CHRISTMAS /JHRISTMAS /^ARDS The above are a speciality, and are shown in a separate room. mENNIS TJACQUETS! nnENNIS TJACQUETS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. " mVER of Thee I'm Fondly Dreaming!" JOi As tho Mashers say about my extra Pants.—J, H, Dalton, Tailor, Victoria-street, '



X^TTE ARE THE CHEAPEST. 501b bags good Flour, 5s 2d 251bs best Oatmeal, 2s 6d 31b good Candles for Is lewt good Canterbury Potatoes, 3s 6d 21b tin Mixed Biscuits, Is Best Fresh Butter, 6d Fresh Eggs, 8d per dozen Bottle splendid Tomato Sauce, 6d Good Coffee, Is 4d Teas, Is 4d, Is Bd, Is lOd Pure Indian Tea, 2s per lb EARLE AND MONTGOMERY, Karangahapk Road. ■ T>HOTOGRAPH Y. vv. r.~rob"inson (Lato TUTTLE AND CO). UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. W. R. R. having boon upwards of two years with tho lato Firm is a sutilcient guarantee that none but FIRST-CLASS WORK will leave his Studio. GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. All work on hand will be completed. W. R. ROBINSON (Lato TUTTLE & Co.), 24 8, QUEEN-STREETS T> H 0 T 0 G R A P H Y. E. WI LT MOT T, 283, Queen-street (opposito Aloxandra-street). GCarto Portraits, 4s 6d; Cabinets, 7s 6d Houses, etc., in town and suburbs, same price Photos copied. 6 Cartes, 2s 6d ; 6 Cabinets, 5s 4,000 Views of New Zealand Scenery in stock, mounted and unmounted, from 4d each ; a lot slightly soiled. Id and 2d each. STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS of Now Zealand Scenery, Is plain : 2» coloured Portraits, etc., taken for tho STEREOSCOPE. Photographs ENLARGED and COLOURED. Country districts visited on moderate terms. XT O T E LT FOR SALE, ono of the best Suburban Hotels, only 2 miles from Auckland, doing a large and increasing business. Principals only dealt with. W. & J. FRATER, Land Agents, Auckland. W. M. w H 'T""" CELEBRATED LIMESTONE FILTERS. Tho principal advantages they possess over other flltors are thoir simplicity of construction, tho great facility with which they can bo cleaned, the regularity with which they perform their work, and the oxtromoly moderate price at which thoy are offered. Also tho fact of their being of New Zealand manufacture should be a consideration. Wa'or in Auckland is very doflclent in lime, but this defect is greatly remedied by tho water having in thoso filters to pass through a block of limestone. 'As before remarked, all tho impurities separated from tho filtered water can bo easily removed, whereas In nearly all other make of llllors tho Sedimont vunnot bo removed, consequently must, contaminate, instead of purifying tho water which follows, and in time tho filtering material gots so Maturated that It cannot retain any moro, and tho water must pass through unllltered, to tho gresat injury of Its consumers. Whilo "White's Limestone Filters" can bo cleanly washed out, a. briinh for which purposo is mip plied with each F ltcr, and so continue to work satisfactorily. Prices: & gallons. 20$; 4 gallons, 255; 5 gal lons, 30s. Kilters more suitable for Hotels and Clubs, whore an extra lnrgoono is required,.aro mo con structed that they can bo p aoed in a tank or cistern, and will filter water rapidly, but In a most porfo *t manner, at from £2 I'M and up wards, uccording to sizo. Any further information and testimonials to bo obtained from FRANCIS A. TWINAME. Marino Chambers, Sole Agent for Auckland and Province. MR. THOS. M. HUMPHREYS, 8.A.. BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, 25, Coombes'b Arcade, Auckland. All Business placed in my hands will receive my Prompt and Personal Attention. Moderate Charges. TTkENTISTRY. Mr A. L. SMITH, OLD-ESTABLISHED DENTIST. Corner of Hobson and Wellkslky Streets Artificial Teoth fitted wlthont extracting stumps. Other dentists' work repaired. Teeth stopped. Gas administered. Churges moderate. Tramcars doss tho houses "VT OTI C E OF REMOVAL. Mr T. TRAFFORD. Tho oldest-eatablished Surgeon Dontist of 18 years. Desires to inform his patients and friends that he has removed from Wakollcld-streot to moro central ofilccs, QUEEN-STREET (over Wayto's, Bookseller), opposito Wyndham-strcet. Professional hours : 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. HF. W ~T~N DSO R, • SURGEON DENTIST (by exam.J (Late of tho Firm of Kempt and Windsor.) I beg to intimate to tho public of Auckland and Provincial District that I contlnuo in prac tlco at the Old Chambers, Shortland-strcet (opposite 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 210, P. 0.1 [Telephone 377. /CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. We, the undersigned Drapers and Clothiers, agree to CLOSE our ESTABLISHMENTS on MONDAY and TUESDAY, December 26 and 27,1887, and January 2 and 3,1888 :— R. Gray, Karangahape Road D. McPherson, Karangabapc Road Smith and Caughoy, Karanguhapo Road C. Nicholson, Karnngahupe Road R. H. Abbott and Co., Karangahape Road I'rcdk. W. Court, Karangahape Road J. G. Brown and Co., Xaranguhape Road Fernandez, Karangahape Road Mrs Dunne, Karangahape Road. rjIHE Membors of the Auckland Brokers' JL Association beg to notify that their respec tive Offices will bo Closed from the Afternoon of the 24th to tho Morning of tho 4th January, on which day they will re-commence business. BY ORDER. December 20, 1887,