lt i a rs of contents of the Star ■>rp ort |rplement, see advertisement. > fet • ion train will run to the An e xc "rf on day next (Boxing Day) on ,0 £ atoon ju of tlie annua i Christmas tie Hamilton. This interesting; .potts, » c J\ yg attracts a large crowd ot ithennff there being a large number flje^f' te in the different evonts, tlie j#^ te "es will bo moro than usually P? nt r poDtilar excursion fares should exc'K'J, number of city people out to Minstrels appeared again Ibe MpW« X A o,-icultuvul Hall, there fc*<ifitendanSe of tjio public. They HW*!Ler each eveniug during the holi i" special attractions are promised ff PbillipP ß has sent in to tlio 'City i'iiq resiunatiou as a representative *?tbody at H>e Harbour Board. of ; c h , petg Committee ot the City Coun -1 itoend it not to entertain Ashcroft W, c i a im for £50 compensation in »»« 7' f their electric lighting scheme, the city fathers dropped sonic time *°* a- .R (with Christmas Supplement) •■ -S will be the largest and best ever offered to the EL of Australasia. eirti reference to the meeting being held I Corporation buildings this afternoon ' n<ader the steps to be taken for giving ■ Mic demonstration of welcome to the 'f Yal and officers of the squadron now in r T correspondent writes as follows :— While I have no objection to the organis ' Public festivities in honour of Admiral ffiand his officers, I think it well to l ifts on behalf of the Jack tars. The £s have the entree of many of the best -tftte residences and grounds in the city Suburbs, and cannot suffer much from Si; or the consequent desire to go into • hief B ut * or t i e common sailoi" there nrovided of a social kind, unless HiSumed to be fitting for such that 3! v should 'find their warmest wel- Sat an inn.' Not being a tee (teller I have n0 ob .i ecfcion to that mwiesofamusement, but what of the scores Shine jackets and marines who are tee- Haflere? I would suggest, as a means of «iridinK*betn wibn some recreation and JL of mingling with the populace of lackland, that a fund be started by the Mwor and Councillors to provide a treat ferthe crows of the squadron, on the 2nd or Li of January in the Domain. There be athletic sports organised for the occasion and liberal refreshments provided foroor guests in a large marquee. This «mld I submit, be a highly popular move ment and I trust that some one will set the Jail rolling at the meeting this afternoon." An exciting , scene took place in Vulcan lane this forenoon. Mr George McCrae, of MaDrore, na d, it appears, some doubt as k> tkpW ietorsbi P of a rfeht-of-vajr along- Bdeof the Occidental Hotel, of which Mrs Lynch is the lessee. Mr McCrae and Mrs lynch had somo words about the opening ofalarce gate which had been erected at the street entrance to the right-of-way by ihe previous occupant of the hotel, Mrs jlamley. Mr McCrae contended that Mrs inych had no right to close the gate, and ho demanded that it should be opened immediately to suit his con venience. This, we understand, was not done and Mr McCrae armed himself with a lirge hammer and broke down the ob struction. A large crowd collected, and con siderable interest was taken in the dispute, which ffiU probably be settled in Court at an early date. The London and Berlin Piano Company present a prize of two guineas for the beat rendering of the "Andante and Rondo CappricciraQ ,, by Mendelssohn at Mr W. H. Webbee,; thirty-eighth musical evening to jaJte place this evening at their music WomS, ihe corner of Hobson and Cook-street. The competitors are the Misses Cottingham, itodown, Streeter, and Wright. Mr Clut bud will act as judge. The programme ifpeared in last Saturday's Star. ; The salaries of Corporation officials for the ffliuing year will be fixed by the City Council at its ordinary meeting to-night. Tenders -will also be opened for various works for printing, and for the leasing of ioarproperties. The confirmation of new by-laws likewise cornea up. The sale of work in aid of the Kindergar ten School was extremely well patronised yesterday afternoon and evening. It will lie opened again this evening. Apropos of the Matata mailbag which wa reported some days ago to.be missintr, in which the police are said since to have recovered. "The Bay of Plenty Times" Bjß:—"The bag contained among other things a sum which was being sent to an Auckland merchant by Miss McPherson. The mail carrier says the bag was all right jrtien he arrived at Te Puke, and that he left ifc afc Mr Galbraith's house with the 4* bags as the Post Oflice was closed then he arrived. Mr Galbraith'p storeman iMesthunhe Matata bag was not with the tetl when he received it.'' The native case that was started in the CQdrtrodm on Saturday last (says the Tara- Baki "Herald " of December 20th) was con (Med on Monday evening, and resulted in few of the applicant, Mrs Be Thierry, of Auckland. Judge Mair, of YVaikato, and Mr Ward, E.M., Wanganui. occupied the Bench, and with them was Mr Wallace, of OWa, assessor. The dispute was over a tifl of a deceased chief, which granted to the applicant, his niece, a block 4 land at Stony River, but which .*fflat.a sitting of the Court before Judge WflAOii:had been rendered nugatory, and me land given to Rangi (2). and three <*hers,who held another will. Mrs De ?, Qiierry,forwhomMr Barton, of Hawera, appeared,, applied for a re-hearing, which on Saturday, and resulted in the will held by the applicant being declared good. The others appeared to oppose, and ttßch evidence was taken.

At Paroell Borough Council Chambers yesterday, Mr S T. George, the new Mayorof the Borough, was duly installed otooffice. A vote of thanks was accorded toMr Jonathan Winks, the retiring Mayor, w tig services during two successive jew as Mayor. , 'Messiah" was performed by the fames Choral Society ah the Pollen-street wctore Hall,"Thames, last Tuesday even m .There was a large and fashionable sndience- The choruses were as a whole *?H rendered, but the absence of tenors * most noticeable. Mrs Kilgour, who $$ "Rejoice Greatly," was in good voice. Jβ best rendered aria was "He was Wised," by Miss Best, although Mrs {%neß rendering of "I Know that My jweeiner Livebh " was a most finished per- Smance. Mr Coney sang " Why Do the Rations" with his accustomed accuracy, m Mr JTowles took the tenor solos and The performance was a great fflnsieal success.

district has sustained a loss ft Jhe death of Mrs Kelly, the wife of Mr Matthew Kelly, who is so well-known as a Jwly and willing guide to the wonders ot •w district. The deceased was much re .**M for her true Christian chaiacter unassuming manner. A no weral was carried out under great difficui .{ft* the iemains had to be conveyed W the rough track leading over the rugged ■Jjgtoeto Wairoa South, where the burial A large number of sympathy "S&FW^ B attended, and gave active and ™«>g assistance. The Rev Miv ne , inducted a service at the residence and at jSjave, ..and on Sabbath evening la 6fc fte WmkL at Hunua as the fifth °" ?!%< and paid an affectionate, tribute ~{?"? memory of the deceased, refernng to and useful life and happy

City Council's »/« two-horse vehicle per llOur foi< a A seaman named Alfred T V 2?.lkiTi-^S'•■«■■■£ and crew of this vessel being S thnr rt£ ™ a. dm «*«>n from the Editor hia staff hi l 0 had , been misi nf°"«ed, nis slafl being imposed upon while seeking news but we, in the columns of the same paper tins morning, read, "The sailors appeared to throughly enjoy their unexpected and suddeti leave on shore." v\ hyit should belooked upon as midtlenaxul unexpected, except the Wyndhan-street staff it is hard to understand. Wishing the crews of Her Majesty's ships now in harbour, a merry season on our shores,—l am, etc. A New Zealander. The monthly meeting of St. Peter's Band ot Hope was held last night in tlie Church, Surrey -Hills, when there was a fair at tendance of members and friends. The pro gramme consisted of an address by Mr R. French, which was well received and the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks ; also a number of songs, readings, recitations, and instrumental selections by members and friends. On the whole the meeting was very pleasant and enjoyable. The sale of work and Christmas tree in con nection with St. James's Church was again liberally patronised last evening, and a large number of articles were disposed of. A ladies' committee, under the direction of Mrs Macnicol, worked most assiduously, and are deserving of great credit for the large measure of success achieved. The goods remaining are to be held over for a short period, and then disposed of by auc tion or otherwise. The Ponsonby Baptists are going in for something new this year instead of the usual Christmas tree. The children of the Suuday-school are engaged in a doll-dress ing _ competition. The dolls are to be exhibited to-morrow evening, and in ad dition there will be music, curios and other attractions, which should draw a large company. In the window of Mr G. W. Dennis, Upper Symonds-street, there are displayed two old and valuable violins, one by Paollo and the other by Paillot. These are ad vertised for sale, and should command the attention of connoisseurs. McLeod Bros.' advertisement is to be seen in another column. They have a large and varied assortment of basketware, in cluding wicker toys, picnic and fancy baskets suitable for presents. They have eecured the Government contract for sup plying the Postal Department with parcels post baskets against all-comers in the colony. Ladies'Hosiery.—Special lot of superior goods ; manufacturers' samples bought 25 per cent, below cost; bought cheap, will be sold cheap.—Smith andCaughey. [Advt.] Waitemata Naval Artillery will parade for inspection to-morrow evening, at 6.30, in the Drill-shed. For further particulars see notice in another column. No household should be without J. Wendel's superior wines, for they are pure and nourishing, and excellent for invalids and not intoxicating. Come and sample for yourself.— J. Wendell, wine manufac turer, Symonds-street, two doors from City Road.—(Advt.) Ladies' Gloves.—Special. At Smith and Caughey's, a large lot of Dent's best " Gant de Suede," in 6, 8 and 10 button lengths; Is lid, 2s 6d, 2s lid—usual prices 2s 6d to 3s lid.—(Advt.) Billiards 6d the game at Wyndham-street Billiard Saloon, the coolest room in Auck land.—(Advt.) The best stock of Christmas drapery and clothing in Auckland is to be found at Exors. lateT. Short, Queen-street.—[advt. j

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

COMIC OPERA,

We suppose ifc is almost superfluous to remind the musical public of the production to-night at the Opera House of two of Offenbach's most sparkling and entertaining operettas by a company of amateurs under the able and experienced direction of Herr Carl Schmitt. That a highly satisfactory performance may be depended upon is beyood doubt, for the Company at One hunf a last week gave public demonstration of their efficiency. The soloists are capable singers the chorus has been carefully trained'-in fact, Herr Schmitt'a name is ample guarantee for all this—and there is a very good orchestra. The operettas are "The Breaking of the Spell" and " The Rose of Auvergne," and they will be per formed to-night and to-morrow night To morrow evening Admiral and Mrs Fairfax and the officers of the squadron will be present, and as Admiral and Mrs Fairfax enter, Hunter's band will play "Rule, Britannia."

ONEHUNGA R.M. COURT-THIS DAY.

(Captain Jackson, R.M., presiding.) Waka Paoaiii, a native was charged by Constable Haelett with being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart in Queen street, §nehunga,-The accused was found ffuilty, and fined 10s, costs 2s. S Assault -George McQuay was charged by Constable Haslett that be didunlawfnUy assault his wife, Mary McQuay, on the 2nd [l efc-Sir William Wasteney-sappeared fortho defence, and pleaded guilty.-ben tence deferred.

BOATING FATALITY IN OTAGO.

KECOVERY OF BODIES,

(BVT TKLEGRAPIi.— PBESS ASSOCIATION )

Wellington, Wednesday.

THE Postal Department have received a telegram from the postmaster at Queens town stating that news has just been brought, in by Webber, from Martin's Bay, *. *»ffpct that the bodies of Brebner, PenT and Wolff had been found on the 4th Sant, and had been buried; The body i p;M nrdson had not been recovered. It 4. [ boat ™ *, wards found smashed to pieces,

ONEHUNGA WATER SUPPLY.

A poll of the ratepayers of the borough o f Onehunga was taken yesterday for the pro posal of borrowing the sum of £5,000 for water supply. The loan was carried by a majority of 21.

FATAL ACCIDENTS.

(BY TELEGEAPH—OM'N CORRESPONDENT.)

Chkjstchurch, this day. On December 16th Adam Scott, shepherd on Mount Pleasanb run, was thrown from his horse near Sumner. He lingered in an unconscious state till yesterday morning, when he died.

. Yesterday morning Charles Bart, work ing ma flax mill at Rangiora, got caught in the machinery, receiving injuries which caused his death in a few hours.

SPORTING NEWS.

Brury JKaces.

The following are the acceptances and general entries for the Drury races : — Cup.—Highland Mary, Dollar, Banter, and Ringtail. Hurdles.— Ma Petite Fille, Evening Star, Larrikin No. 1, Patchwork, and Dan. Maiden Plate.—Spider, Enfield, Dollar, Uan, Wairaka, Signa, Mayflower, and Eruption.

D.R.C. Handicap.—Ma Petite Fille, 9st ajb; Cat, 9st; Highland Mary, Bst 121b ; Bst 71b ; . Wairaka, Bst 41b ; St. Michael, Bst4lb ; Mermaid. Bst; Mayflower, /stlOlb; Mayflower Pony, 7st 71b ; Signa, 7sfc 61b ; Banter, 6st 71b ; Ringtail, 6st. .Novel Race Handicap.—Mermaid, 9st 7|b; Signa, Bst 101b; Enfield, Bst 41b; Bst; Luna, 7st 71b ; Dan, 7st 21b; Ruby, 7st; Spider, 6st 121b ; Dainty, Cst 71b ; Pinfire, 6st.

THE 'FRISCO MAIL SERVICE.

A YEAR'S EXTENSION TO BE

PROPOSED.

(by telegraph -own reporter.)

Wellington, this day. I understand that the Government will ask the House to sanction their extending the San Francisco mail contract for another year, in which case it will expire at tho same time as the direct steamer service con tract. The House will be given an oppor tunity next session of considering the whole question of mail subsidy, and no doubt more information will then be available with respect to the Canadian-Pacific route.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

The attendance at tbo meeting of the Ama teur Athletic Club last evening does nob say much for the interest taken in the Club by the members save when a race-meeting i 8 on. There were present, five committoemen, four members, and two of the Bicycle Club representatives, so that it was decided to adjourn the meeting until Friday, January 6th, when it is to be hoped that there will be a larger attendance. A cricket match has been arranged be tween an eleven selected from H.M. ships now in port, and an eleven of the Auckland Cricket Club. The match will bo played next Saturday. On account of the above match having been arranged,, the match between tho " A " and " B " teams of the Auckland Cricket Club will bo concluded to-morrow afternoon, play commencing at 4.30 p.m. The cricket fixtures for next Saturday include the continuation of the Holland. Parnell match begun last Saturday, also the continuation of the Second Junior Cup matches left unfinished last week. The second round for the Junior Cup will be started. Tho cup matches which should have been played on November 12th and 26th will be played at tho end of the season. The Gordon-United match was continued last evening. Gordon had made 159 in their venture, and United had one wicket down for 23. Yates and Harvie started for United last night to the bowling of Kelly and Kissling, and as the wicket was in ex cellent condition runs came pretty fast. Yates was missed badly in the long field off Kissling, who was bumping, and Harvey was very weakly let off being run out, but next ball was held by Lusk, being caught off Kissling's bowling. He had 14 to his credit. Lynch joined Yatea, and they brought the score from 40 up to 106 before Lynch re ceived his quietus from Newton, having compiled 24. The wickets were then drawn and the match is to be finished this evening. Yates is not out with 63 to his credit, but for this score he had several lives, being missed badly oft L. Meldrum twice, besides having one iife from Kelly. Barlow Madigan, the well-known Graiton and Representative-footballer, has returned to Auckland. For the past few months he has been resident in Wellington. A match will be played on the Domain Cricket Ground to-moriow (Friday) be tween an eleven from H.M.S. Nelson and alike number from Holland C.C. 11. W Murphy, ot Auckland, and Johnny Hall,' of Sydney, meet on Saturday night in Wellington to decide the light-weight Championship of New Zealand. Hall is at present favourite, but Murphy appears to be very confident. Hall has been training with Matthews, who has a very high opinion of his ability.

THAMES NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORKESPONDENT.)

.Thames, this day. The plant, freehold, and buildings lately in occupation of Thames Paint Manufacturing Company (in liquidation) were sold by auction yesterday for £75, Mr Gellion being the purchaser. Almost the whole of the public schools have now broken up for the Christmas holidays. General satisfaction is expressed here at the persistent efforts of Mr Witheford, and also the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, to obtain a similar amount of assistance to the Northern goldfields as has been granted the South Island, and it is hoped they will yet prove successful. Paeeoa, this day. A young man named McConnell was charged before H. R. Stratford, Esq., R M., yesterday, with embezzling a small Bum of money belonging to W. Fagan, who was not in attendance to prosecute, and the case was remanded till Saturday, when it will be heard at the R.M. Court, Thames.

SUPREME COURT. This Day.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Gillies.)

McLean v. McLean and leedale.— Mr Button moved for a new trial yesterday.— Mr Edwin Hesketh opposed the motion.— After hearing the argument, His Honor re served decision until this morning. At 10.30 o'clock His Honor resumed his seat upon the Bencli. He intimated that he had looked up the evidence, and found that all the points objected to had been withdrawn from the consideration of the jury. As he was not dissatisfied with the verdict given, there was no necessity to re-open the case. He was quite satisiied, from the evidence given by the petitioner and respondent, that a re-hearing would only result in the same verdict. The ruling of the other Court would therefore be sus tained.—Costs, £7 7s, were allowed.

The HiKua'AiA Leases.—Thomas Snell v. Richard Mcßri'nn.—This was a special case for argument. Mr Button appeared for the appellant. He stated that as Mr Mcßrinn was really not interested in the case lie was not represented. Ifc was merely aquestion asregardedtheWarden'sdecision. He considered that this was a very impor tant case, as the main principle affected the whole of the goldfields. It was. therefore, considered advisable to obtain the opinion of the Judge of the Supreme Court upon the matter. The real question was one having reference to the right of parties talc ing up a very much larger area of ground than they were justly entitled to, and thus preventing others from taking up the surplus ground. It would mean, if the principle were extended, that new gold tields might be entirely shut up until the original selector might give time for his friends to come up and have a chance to take up claims, to the exclusion of others already on the ground. That was what the Warden's decision virtually meant. Richard Mcßrinn was not in any way in terested in the present case. It was merely the Warden's decision which they wished to consider. It wae, therefore, strictly a matter of law, as no facts were involved. Mr Button then read selections from the Warden's written judgment, which he characterised as a perfect jumble of law. He explained that the real facts of the case were that Mcßrinn pegged out a much larger area than he was entitled to. It was rough, unopened country, and Mcßrinn just marked off what he guessed to be about 30acres, butwhichprovedtobeover 61 acres. The appellant went to Mcßrinn and told him that he wanted to mark off a claim. Be therefore asked Mcßrinn to peg off where he pleased in order that he might peg off some of the surplus. He then duly applied to the Warden for a license, but the War den had decided that no other ground could be pegged off until his decision had been given with regard to Mcßrinn's claim. Were people allowed to peg out as much as they choso, it would be practically usurping the right of the Warden to issue licenses for the surplus land. Mr Button then quoted from the Mining Regulations to show that all surplus land so pegged out must be forfeited.—His Honor, in looking through the "Gazette" notice of the Mining Regulations, drew at tention to the fact that clause No. 7 of tho Regulations, which enacted that all applications must bo advertised, had been omitted from the " Gazette. "—Mr Button remarked that it was singular that none of the members of the bar had noticed tho omission.—His Honor further pointed out that tho following clauses had in consequence been gazetted under the wrong number.—Mr Button then quoted a number tf authorities to provo the Warden's decision was not sound. He said that the real point was whether or not the prospector could peg off as much land as he chose, and have it protected until the War den had given his decision upon the matter. He considered that such a rul ing would be exceedingly inconvenient, as by that means whole districts might bo shut up for months.—Mr Button again quoted from the Mining Regulations when His Honor stopped him, and pointed out another mistake. The word " holding " had been changed to y claiming," which completely altered tho meaning of the clause.—Mr Button remarked, "Ah, another mistake. It's abominable that the Government should issue such badly-printed things. I had based an argument upon that fact."— After some further argument Mr Button resumed his seat, after contending that from the various facts quoted, ho was entitled to ask His Honor for a judgment in his favour.—His Honer said that there being no appearance for the respondent of course the decision must go. He was not prepared to say that he was quite agreed with the doctrine laid down by Mr Button. Neither was he prepared to overrule the decision of !the Warden, not having heard the other side. Hβ could see practical difficulties in the rule laid down by Mr Button as well as in that laid down by the Warden. It waa very awk ward having no appearance for the other side. He was not going to lay down authority that the Warden was wrong with out hearing the other side. Certainly he should consider that the appellant was only entitled to one man's ground. Mr Button thought that they had a right to the 30 acres. His Honor: " Only to mark it off, Mr Button, leaving the Warden to decide."— His Honor said that there was another difficulty, which was that the rule held by the Warden had been recognised as the law of the goldfields hitherto. He would simply reverse the decision on the ground that there was no appearance of the re spondent. But there, was nothing said about the law.—Mr Button pointed out that the respondent was not really interested in the case. He apprehended that he would get more than a simple reversion of the decision. He considered that they were entitled to be put in possession of the ground. He considered that there was a very important question to be decided. —His Honor : " That is just it; it is too important for me to de cide without hearing the other side." His Honor further said that it was one of the strong points that no person should be entitled to meddle with surplus grounds without first coming to the Warden.—Mr Button said that was just what the appel lant had done. He thought no injustice or inconvenience would result from the reversal of the decision. His Honor's deci sion would, simply place them'in posses sion.—His Honor said: "I don't think that I would be entitled to put you in possession. There is such a variety of rights involved in the matter. I will grant tne appeal because there is no appearance for the respondent. But it must not be taken as a decision of this Court that the Warden is wrong, but because the case has not been argued, I simply allow the appeal as prayed." Mr Button said that under the circumstances he would not apply for costs. A Mixed Up Case.—George Fraser v. Richard Laishley.—Mr Button moved for an order for an injunction in terms of plain tiff's statement of claim.—Mr Theo. Cooper appeared on behalf of Dr. Laishley. He raised the preliminary objection that this was not a proper time or place for injunctions. — Mr Button briefly explained the facts of the case, which were that Dr Laishley and Mr Greenwood purchased a property from a Mrs Simon for £1,800, but no money was paid, but an undertaking given to pay interest on the amount. One week later the equity of re demption of this property was sold to Mr George Fraser for £450. Mr Fraser mortgaged the property to the National Bank, who sold it subject to the first mortgage given to Mrs Simon. Dr. Laishley attended tho sale and pur chased the property subject to first mortgage for one sMlliajr. Hβ tbeii

acted as owner of the property, and sued Mr Frasor for the balance of the interest under the first mortgage.— The case was heard in the R. M. Court, when Dr. Laishley obtained judgment. According to that decision Dr. Laishley might get the whole of the property clear of the mortgage for one shilling, as Mr Fraser had entered into a covenant to pay.the interest on the first mortgage. He simply bought back for one shilling what he had sold previously for £450, and then immediately sued for the interest due. He held that if Dr. Laishley could sue for the interest, ho could by inference sue for the principal, and thus get the pro perty for one shilling. He wished the judge in equity to deal with the matter. He considered that tho R.M. Court had been invoked to do an illegal thing.—His Honor : ' • Then, your course is to appeal." —Mr Button : " But I don't propose to do so when I have this course open to me."— Mr Button then quoted authorities at great length to show that he was quite justified in the course which he had taken. He claimed that the Court could grant relief from vexatious claims. They had already paid the claim for which judgment had been given, but they wished an injunc tion from the Court to restrain any further claim being made by Dr. Laishley.—His Honor said that if the Magistrate had . laid down bad law, the proper course was for Mr Button to appeal.— Mr Button contended that the Supreme Court could restrain further action in other Courts by an injunction on the grounds of equity.—His Honor said that this Court, unlike the Court of Chancery, had no in herent jurisdiction. It had only statutory jurisdiction. That Court was not to inter fere by injunction when justice could be obtained by other means. It was an extra ordinary remedy to be used only in extra ordinary cases.

FEVER IN THE FLEET.

All the men of the Australian squadron now in harbour are not destined to spend an enjoyable Christmas here—this time at any rate. Yesterday afternoon two cases of intermittent fever were admitted into the general Hospital from 11.M.5. Rapid, and this morning one of the men suffering from typhoid fever was brought ashore from H. M.S. Nelson and removed to tho Hospital.

MARVELLOUS ESCAPE.

A MAN 84 YEARS OLD TUMBLES

DOWN A CLIFF.

A man named Albert Eustace, of New market, had his attention attracted this morning while in the vicinity of Fort Re. solution by feeble cries for assistance coming from the bottom of the cliff. Pro* ceeding down and round, he came on an old man named William Stone lying in an apparently helpless state on the rocks at the foot of the eastern cliff of Point Resolu tion, which is at parts between seventy and eighty feet high. He ,at once gave the man all the assistance in his power, and telephoned from one of tho residences near to the Police Station. The Water Police under Sergeant Clarke were soon round at tho place with their boat and the unfor tunate sufferer was removed to the Queen street Wharf, and from thence to the Hospital. It appears that the man, who states that he is eighty-four years old and an inmate of the Old Men's Refuge, wan dered down St. Stephen's Avenue yester day afternoon as far as the point, and somehow managed to fall over. Stone declares he was quite sober at the time, and cannot account for how he got over the cliff, also that he had peen there all the night. On being examined at the Hospital it was found that he had no bones broken, but was covered witn bruises and scratches and had an eye blackened. The old man has had a most marvellous escape, as the cliff is nearly eighty feet high at the point he fell over and correspondingly steep.

ST. MARY'S CAKE FAIR.

I)ick Deabeye deplored the fact that his name was " agen him," and we rather fancy that the same remark would refer to the garden party and fGte which is to be held in Bishopseourt Grounds, Parnell, to morrow afternoon. Let the reader banish the idea that it is a tea meeting on an improved principle; on the contrary, it is to be a brilliant levee combining the attractions of an English fair with the musical delights of an afternoon at Ken sington Gardens. We have been shown over the intended scone of festivities, and the first object that strikes the eye is the Maypole with its encircling band of merry children ; these have been for some weeks past under kind and careful training, and are very proficient in their graceful performance. We next coxae to the space set apart for the Band of H.M.S. Nelson, which, by the, kind per mission of the Admiral, will perform both in the afternoon and evening. Next in order is the Christmas tree, which is on a grand scale, and suggests the idea that Santa Claus has upset his basket over it. We then come to the stall from which the entertainment takes its name, the cake stall. This is to be Jaden with cake of every type, from the snow-white angel cake (an American recipe by which three old maids are said to have made their fortunes) to the plebeian penny bun. Next is the work stall, which is stocked with orna mental and useful articles of needlework and other products of ladies' ingenuity. There is also a produce- stall, at which materfamilias will be able to obtain many requisites for her Christmas dinner. Lastly we arrive at the flower stall, which will probably prove the greatest attraction of all. The conservatories and gardens of Remuera and Parnell have been placed under contribution and the effect will be extremely pleasing, enhanced by the bevy of fair assistants whose temporary occupation will be so appro priate to them. The Admiral and Mrs Fairfax have announced their intention of being present, as have the officers of H.M.S. Nelson and Rapid, and all the elements of a gay and delightful afternoon and evening are present.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

Thames, this day,

Saxon.—lOlbs of picked stone came to hand to-day from the hanging-wall reef No. 4 level, and 201bs from the third stope hill ward of the rise.

Karangahake, this day.

Woodstock. — Heitman and party, tributers in this mine, cleaned up a crush ing of 56 tons general dirt at the Ivanhoe battery yesterday, for the handsome return of 149ozsl5dwtsmeltedbullion,of which the value has not yet been declared, but it will realise, at least, £2 10s per ounce.

CABLEGRAMS.

[BY ■ ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT. ]

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

SPEECH BY PRINCE WILHELM j

OF GERMANY.

(REUTEE.)

Berlin, December 20. The usual presentation of Christmas gifts to the Hussar Regiments was made to-day by his Highness Prince Wilhelm. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony of distributing the presents* the Prince delivered an address to the troops in which, alluding to the present state of European affairs, he said the times were grave and the future un certain.

[special.]

DEATH OF A PROFESSOR.

London, December 21. The death is announced of Professor Balfour Stewart.

(special. )

ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR.

London, December 21.

It has been officially denied by the St. Petersburg papers that an attempt was recently made on the life of the Czar resulting in His Imperial High ness being wounded.

NEW MORTGAGE COMPANY.

(SPECIAL.)

London, December 21. Shares in the Wesb Australian Mort' gage and Agency Company are being allotted.

NEW SOUTH WALES PAR LIAMENT.

Sydney, this day,

The Legislative Assembly will ad" journ to-morrow (Friday) fof the holi days, and will reassemble on the second Friday in February.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Native Bills Dropped.

The Government, in consequence of the attitude shown yesterday to their nativ 6 bills, will withdraw them. The Property Tax. When the Property Tax Bill was in Com mittee this morning, Sir Julius Vogel moved to increase the exemptions to £2,500, but was defeated by 33 to 15. Check on Ministers. In the Public Revenues Bill, Mr Wilson moved the addition of a clause making it penal for any Government to exceed the votes passed by the House, but at the Premier's suggestion it was withdrawn, the Premier undertaking to deal with the matter neet session. Midland Railway. The Premier said that the Midland Com pany's accepted contract had been agreed to by the House, except that there was a difficulty as to the running powers, and the Government therefore made alternative proposals for the Government to work cer tain parts of the line for not more than five years, giving the Company 40 per cent, of the gross takings. The Company only wished them to take up the small pieces at Christchurch and Nelson, and the loss to the Government on that he expected might be from £1,000 to £1,800 a year. He moved resolutions to that effect, which were adopted and ordered to be read with the report on the contract already adopted. The Midland Railway Contract Bill, givingj effect to aU the resolutions/ and contract decided upon, was then introduced and passed through all its stages. Compassionate Allowance. ■ < In the supplementary estimates unde r the heading of " Auckland Section of Working Railways," provision is made for £59 compassionate allowance to the widow of the late James Leach, killed on duty. Volunteer Retrenchment. I have authority for saying that the Defence Minister has determined to reduce the capitation allowance to Volunteers very considerably. The "future capitation will probably be £2 tor garrison corps and 30s for country corps. The present allowance is £3 all round. Supplementary Estimates. The supplementary estimates were cir culated this afternoon. As the Govern ment proposals for retrenchment cannot come into force till March 31st, the whole of the departmental votes have been under estimated, and additional amounts are now asked for. The principal items are :— Destruction-of scabby sheep on Crownlands, £1,000 ; remission of rent of infected runs, £445 ; contribution in aid of the Imperial Institute, £1,000 ; Melbourne Centennial Exhibition, £3500 ; Manawatu Gorge Road and Bridge, £500 ; expenses of Waitotara and Eastern Maori election petitions, £143 ; restoration of General Post-office, Welling ton, £20,000; compensation to the widow of Lieut.-Col. Lyon, £100 ; compensation to J. H. Atkinson for loss of office as mail agent, £250; expenses of Representation Committee, £686 ; relief of sufferers by the late floods at Greymouth, £150. The total amount asked for is £68,794.

EPSOM SCHOOL CONCERT AND DANCE.

A very successful concert and dance took place on Monday evening last in the Epsom Public Hall for the purpose of buying science apparatus for the schools, and of raising funds for the school sports. Mr Udy presided, and there was a large at" tendance. The following is the complete programme: — Glee, "Hail tho Winter King," school children ; duct, " Sleigh Eace," Miss and Master Darby ; song, Miss Worrall; recitation, "Santa Claus," Miss B. Richards; duet, Misses Darby and Gwynne ; violin solo, Master T. Gatenby ; comic song , , Mr C. Edgar; solo, Master K. Smith; comic song, Mr Richards ; trio (piano, violin, and clarionet), Mr, Miss, and Master Kent ; glee, " Fare well to Study," school children; duet, Masters Gatenby ; comic song, Mr Cooper ; solo, Mr Robinson; comic song, Mr C. Edgar; solo, Miss Franklin; recitation,

EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 33. 1887,

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CHttDBKM STARVING TO dsath on account of thell Inability to digest food, will find a most marvellous food and remedy ill Scott's Emulsion of Purs Cod Livsti Oil with Hyfophosj-hites. Very palatable and easily digested. Rfiad ihe following testimonial: " 1 have prescribed' SCO'IT'S EMULSION 'in cases of children suffering from wasting and raal-nutntion, and can report most favorably of its good effect; it has beeu in each case taken most readily. „_ „ c W. Perkins, M.R.Ca.. Medical Supt., Burleigh Eng. Urge and »mall botile? at all Chemists, «» 6<J and ai 6d,



Before you purchase your new watch call at Stewart Dawson and Co.'s English Watch Exhibition, open till 8 p.m., and see the £2 15s English hunting levers, guaranteed three yeaas ; also, their all sterling silver cased Eefiance watch, at 27s 6d, guaranteed 12 months. They have the finest and newest designs in jewellery in Auckland.—(Advt,) ,



Master Fordyce ; solo, Miss Kent; dialogue. Masters Worrall ; violin solo, Master I, Gatenby. After the concert the hall was cleared for dancing, and about 20 couples took part, and seemed to enjoy themselves, as they kept it up to the small hours of the moraine. The refreshment department was ably managed by Mrs Walker and Mr Worrall. GRATIS WITH TO-MORROW'S "STAR." " CJ TA R " • /CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. CHRISTMAS PRIZE STORIES BY LOCAL AUTHORS. POETRY. CONUNDRUMS. WIT AND HUMOUR. The proprietor of the Star has pleasure in an nouncing that the Special Christmas Supplement of tho Star, issued TO-MORROW (FRIDAY), , will be the LARGEST PENNYWORTH ever offered to tho reading public of this colony , Tho stories comprise "JAMES TURNER : A CHRISTMAS ROMANCE." (By Arthur Wemyss Horsbrugh, ParnolL) This capital picture of New Zealand country life was awarded lirst prize in the recent com petition for prizes offered by the proprietor of the Star for tho best Christmas story. Three illustrations accompany the story, entitled " Nature was Gently Falling Asleep." "Effie, You Are My Star." and "You Dont Believe? See, Read That." "CHRISTMAS IN SILVER GULLY," An exciting tale of life on the West Coast gold fields, by Charles Rhoades. Three splendid woodcuts illustrate this story, entitled • "TnE Dream," "With the Gun Between His Knees," . AND " And Finished by Hoisting Him on Their Shoulders." "A CHRISTMAS LETTER." (By Miss J. Outhwaite). This story is a most delightful sketch of life in the city of Auckland in the early days of colonisation, and is quite in this talrated authoress's best style. Amongst the illustrations accompanying the story is a sketch of " AUCKXA>TD IN THE 01/DEX TIME," showing Point Britomart, Wynyard Pier, and a war ship lying at the man-o'-war anchorage. The other illustrations are - "And Read it by the Light of a Small Lantern Which He Carried " AND " The Suicide of Ethel." "SILVER SPRAY," A Christmas story by that well-known writer Mrs Harris (Jenny Wren). This is a pathetic illustration of woman's de votion and self-sacrifice., ■ i > •; ,> Other features of the Supplement are MR T. L. WHITE'S PRIZE C )NUNDRUM MR T. SHAW'S HUMOROUS SKETCH. The Prize Sketches in the Juvenile Competition. "A GRAVE STORY, OR A NIGHT WITH THE SPIRITS." (By Mistletoe.) This is a genuine ghost story of old Auckland. The incident is a true one, and will no doubt be remembered by many old residents. "CHRISTMAS FOR SURE," (By John Haberton, Author of "Helen's Babies.") This' illustrated story by the well-known humorist will, no doubt, be appreciated by a large circle of readers. OUR GUMDIGGERS. A page of illustrations relating to the gum digging industry, with descriptive letterpress. " MARGARET: A REMINISCENCE," BY Miss Susie Patterson, Eden Terrace. A beaiitifnl well-told story of one woman's devotion to another. "A LOVE STORY OF CHRISTMAS EVE (Poem by W. R. Wills). "THE MYSTERY OF HOLCOMBE HALL'« (By Carlsbad). "WALTER'S GIFT," BY v " ESPERANCE." SONG AND SENTIMENT. New Zealand Christmas and New Year Mottos. CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUMS. CHRISTMAS POETRY. ILLUSTRATED SCRAPS FOR LITTLE FOLKS. CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS . (An illustrated article). HUMOROUS ILLUSTRATIONS. FUNNY CLIPPINGS. BSS=" Accompanying the Supplement there will be A Large Lithographed Picture will be given with each paper. COMING EVENTS. Meetings, &c, To-night. Abbott's Opera House—" Breaking the Spell" md •' The Rose of Auvergne," 8 Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels, 8 Seventh Day Adventist Church, Surrey Hills- Prayer Meeting, 7.30 Next Tuttle's, Photographer, Queen-street Kindergarten Christmas Tree and Sale of Work. Drill-shed - Quoen's Own Rifles, 6.30 Freemasons' Hall—Lodge St. Andrew, S.C., 7.30 Freemasons' Hall—Provincial Grand Lodge, 5.0., 7.30 Beresford-street Church—" Messiah," 8 Onehunga Presbyterian Church—Rev. C. Murray on " Mission Work in the Islands " 7.30 Rota of Justices at Police Court. Dec. 23—Messrs L. Ehrenfried and F Q Ewington Auction Sales To-morrow. Arthur and Buddie—Weekly Poultry and Pro duce Sale, 11 Hunter and Nolan, Durham Yards — Horses, W. J.'Dowdcn-Weekly Poultry and Produce S. Cochrane and Son—Household Furniture, Paget and Ralston — Poultry, Produce, Furni- T. M. Jackson-Furniture, Produce, etc., 10 to. Leydon—Poultry, Produce, etc. il J - I] jLoydon-Poultry, Produce, Furniture, etc., A. Aitken-Pcmltry Produce, etc., 12 £• i,°"L ks and Co.—Merchandise, etc., 11 D. F. Evans-Furnituro, etc., 11.