& The Mohawk Minstrels announce a grand '^nnhla bill for Monday evening next. On fYednesday night Mr Wai. P^rice will be tendered a complimentary benefit, when the Minstrels will be assisted by lady and gentleman amateurs. On the 21st December a very successful pathering of children, parents and friends took pl»ce in connection with Woodhill School, there being altogether some three to four hundred on the ground. The usual carry-making, sports (inclnding a school up) and feasting occupied the majority intiitba 4.30 p.m. train. Following this, /ere out-door games, an excellent concert ist/ng from 7.30 till 11.15, and dancing ,0m 11.15 till the 6.30 a.m. train the next norning, when all, thoroughly worn ut, betook themselves to their homes. Mr 'ohn Kussell, of Taupaki, acted-as M.C. for ho dancing, and Misses Monk, Wilkins, nd Biininer were among the musical rtistes of the evening. The singing of the lder school children was worthy of special Otice. By this entertainment some £3 rere added to the School Feast and Library j'unds. The settlement of owanson had a gala J'jay last Wednesday. - It was the occasion f the inaugural Athletic Sports meeting. The paddock on ths Swanson-Henderson oad (kindly lent by Mr Freeman) was airly patronised by locals and visitors from "the latter township. The weather was everything one could wish, and although most ot the prizes were carried off by the visitors no one begrudged them their fairly-won victories. The. refreshment ar rangements (of a non-intoxicant character) were fully appreciated. Mr E. M. Letts, to whose exertions the event was mainly due, acted as referee, Mr A. C. Percy as judge, Mr G. Nichols as starter, and Mr A. H. Morrison as secretary. The votaries of terpsichore finished the day by dancing away the night in Mr Gibbons's office, to the music provided by Mr R. W. Jones. The meetings for united prayer under the auspices of the Evangelical Alliance will be held in the Young Men's Rooms, and will commence on Wednesday, when the Rev. J. Chew will preside, and ad dresses will be given by the Revs. T. Spur geon and C. H. Garland. Meetings will be held also in the suburban churches. Full particulars, list of speakers, etc., svill he found in another column.

This evening, at 8 o'clock, there will be a public auction of the St. Alban's Church articles made by ladiea in the Mount Ros kill district, for the purpose of liquidating the debt on the church. Mr G. W Binney has kindly undertaken to act as auctioneer", and Mr A. Buckland has generously lent his shop for the occasion. The place is immediately opposite Messrs Upton and Co.'s, Queen-street.

The men-of-war will be open for public inspection to-morrow afternoon. As the fleet are expected to leave during next week there will no doubt be a large number take advantage of this opportunity to visit them. The Devonport Ferry Company notify their intention to run three steamers direct.

Mr David Goldie will give a special -address at the GospeWTeniperanqe meeting to-morrow eveni"cf' iajthe Foresters' Hall. While peojjL^^^ireel^ expect a political ,*6sum6 o£SiP*^&Rott , it will no doubt bean iddrei'^jFof interest. J/^M^m. S. Hill will deliver a special J address ife evening at the watch-night service iibe V.M.C.A. Rooms, commenc ing at 11 <tlpck.

The Fr^ans Bay Helping Hand Mis sion hold iyutch-night service this even ing in theihall. Coffee will be provided to ail who^ e a t 10 p.m., and after that the religiosservice begins. Several men of-war saikare expected to be present.

T. B. Htttlorcl is again to the fore with a long list <talitrimonially-inctined young and middlealt ladies —all most valuable aa settlers vjjk ancL«av«i!al r »>^.<J"»>».-*Kitl» snug sums fjheir credit in the bank. JLonely bacfo%and widowers should read the personal'jj|mn in this night's Star. The telegr t authorities notify that on and after U<ftvow, the first prox., the rates on all stralian cablegrams will be increased 2a for the first ten words, and 4d for each Uiional word; thus a tele gram of ten. rfds to Sydney will cost 9s 6d, and to Memrne 10s. The Londomcl Berlin Piano Company have onexhibiiiattheirshowrooms, corner of Hobsonandfek-streets.nearlyfifty varie ties of pianos Morgans, including no les3 than fifteen pc medal pianos. Instru ments by the lowing celebrated makers are being exhibit : —Eanestaff, of London, who obtained award at the London Invents* Exhibition, 188 a; G. Aiello, maker toie Royal Family of Italy; Fverster, c? Laic; Hupfer oE Zeitz; Voeel, of BeA; Kohl, of Hamburg; Haake, of Hanoi*;: J. and J. Hopkinson, of London; Ifongton and V\ eston, of London ; and khumann, of Berlin. Those interested* pianos are invited by the manager, MrlWebbe, to pay a visit to these snow root, Visitors to Wife Grove gardens during New Year week *taot be disappointed in strawberries and mm, as Mr Pamsh has made arrangemeri for an extra large "apply for the en* that the 2d return fare induces to visp North Shore. Rev. S. MatfarWbo is leaving for the Afc the Sunday ewng service in the Cify bms the Re yv. J.l*U iriUd.^iver^t gpecial New Year's Ass. Sailois from Se men-of-war, cootry fnemlsand Btrangers are cordiallj mvited. Sen ice b^ins at 8 o'clock. Parnell water conBUtBS and owners; dogs are reminded by atartisemenb in our issue of to-day that vratoupply ratea and dog registration fees arete, and must be paid within 14 days. _ On Friday, the l3thJwary, Messrs T- EeTnedv Macdonald mU sett at Wellington a blodoi: 50me,12,000 adrcs of the Wellington aid Man»* a™ Hallway Company's land, i»ated a Otoki. , The block-is'dividelintosctions ranging f from 56 to 747 acres, «*, fT- fSrtlv partly cleared roads. Tb^ » Lt and partly undulating soil oni the whole being exceedingly $*\ also a considerable q«ant|yof totaraan^ other timber suitable for ?"^ ol ?i d The terms of the sale also *all that couW be desired, being so arrant* 8 'J nda n^ • settlement. The terms a»10 P cl a c®? 5 cash and the balance in *»en yearsl at o percent. Lithographic plaM.^;; "7 ul obtained at the Sffice of tbiipaPer> or win be suppUed by the auctioned jVles ? Ve l" Kennedy Macdonald and Cppany, el lington. A watch-night service *t£° Y^Jm night at Ponsonby Baptist Church, com mencing at 11 o'clock. oT,ro^l pastor, J. J). Gilmore, will^^ ta; lD ° subjects specially suitable for Sew x ' At the Pitt-street Wede* Chm^h to morrow evening the Rev. »• ■"" deliver the monthly sermon to.y°unß ™" Q under the auspices of the Y.f y-^' subject is one of deep interest^ f ounj men of the community, *iz.m vl™"{* i the Armour for the Battle of lie- commences at 7 o'clock. Yo«Dg men are heartily invited.

There are a large number of excursions advertised for Monday and Tuesday, in cluding trips to "kawau, WaiWera, fC; particulars of which are to* be lound on the second page of this issue There will be the usual Sunday school fetes at the Domain, besides various picnics elsewhere. Everyone seems assured of very enjoyable holidays. t-T. h®ro i 8 on view tllis afternoon at Mr Jvohn s^ establishment, Queen-street, a magnificent oxydised gilt cup presented by Ueut-Colonel Shepherd to the Auckland Kine Association, and won by Sergeant Hodgkinson, of the "O" Battery. Ifc is a magnificent piece of workmanship, and it is the first trophy of the kind ever imported to the Colony. It is of Frankfort manufac ture.

Bishop Cowie leaves for England via bydney on the 25th of January next.

" THE MESSIAH" TO-MORROW.

LATE CABLES.

FIGHTING .IN THE SOUDAN

ENGLISH WARSHIPS ENGAGED.

REPULSE OF THE REBELS.

(REUTER.)

, •',. Cairo, December 30. Constant fighting is reported to be taking place in the vicinity of Suakim between the rebels under Osman Digna, and the " friendlies," in which the former were repulsed. Despite their losses, the rebels continue to make daily raids close to Suakim, and

the worships on that station are com pelled to keep up a cannonade to hold them in check.

THE COMING WAR.

AUSTRIA MENACED.

RUSSIAN ARMY ADVANCING

(recteu's.)

Vienna, December 30. Advices foom the frontier state that 50,000 Russian troops, with a strong force of artillery and large quantities of munitions of war, hays been massed at Bender, a town situated close on the border of Austria.

NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

EXCURSIONS AND AMUSE-

MENTS.

There is every promise of excellent weather for the New Year holidays, which com mence on Monday next. Both Monday and Tuesday will be observed as public holidays, and on each of these^dayj ensre will Be "faces "SFTHlerilieT with a variety of amusements in the evening as en numerated in the "Coming Events "column Pain's fireworks, Bland Holt at the Opera House, and the Mohawk Minstrels at the Agricultural Hall are the chief attractions.

TELEGRAMS.

Wellington, this day. Herbert Hunt was committed for trial on iree charges of forgery.

Dunedin, this day.

James Johnstone, alias Lavery, alias Malloy, was committed for trial to-day on a second charge of forgery.

BIG DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Oamaru, this day. Enormous takes of the horse mackerel were made in the bay this morning, and the fish are selling as low as 3s 6d for 100. These fish have never been known to visit this part, before.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The usual free performance of "The Messiah," by the Choral Society will bo given to-morrow, at 3 p.m., at the Choral Hall.

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

(To the Editor.) SiR,-^j rg Aldis, in your issue of yesterday aftern nn i n g a muck in her usual nanner through the Volunteers, ends her letter by sayingflmt our only true defence liesin the unfaifiij practice of righteousness and justice,^! that for the attainment >f this a greatuo ra i awakening is needed jmong us. N^ s i Fj I very much doubt wiether preachifij'in this manner to a Innish sailor orm ogsac k mar ine would have much effect, oi^ u ]j p ro tect the honour of our wives aA4 daughters, or our own ihroats from being 6ub- j^ rs a. appears t> have got Volti% or on the brain in these piping tin,, of peace> but tin© was when eVe v t h e ukes of her patted the Volun^ s on fc he back. Similar times may ur ao . am . If Mrs L has no better <% tu t e "than the one sle sug gests, I ieai:^ (j overnm ent and Ountry cannoc adop^ Her suggestion todivert the money j^d cc i O n Volunteers ;o the Education Bft ifJ neafc an a smacks some what of the o^ age> •• There is rothing like leather. ~ talk of pay o the Volunteers If.^i ea( jino', because what they get g°esiWorm,°ete., not apenny going into t.te Qwn poc k e ts, sc they actually give t^ ime {or dri n fl an pclass firings, etc., *ortt nfr Now, I suspet that if the Professorl&« more thanwould find him in a « it Mrs A _ wo uk scold yet more than soe eg ' nQW jj er renar ks re the improvenjp. arn)g aro s0 fr true that if our molf^ of the future honld come against U3& an elecfcr j C gin, we should have topiV aßimilaronej fcsuch is life and humanm M( . s A# my res t satisfied that the «. . fcQ end ;vir will be such improvetnfr. mcanso f de struction as to am fco ann {haition, when the human ml^ go revolt t it as to cause all cl7. lllsMion9 to re&rt to arbitration for the sjE cut of a n natters in dispute.-! am, J.J.S.

OUR GOLDFIELDS

Thames, this day.

Repairs to the water-race are proceeding satisfactorily and are being carried out as quickly as possible. It is expected that the work will be completed about Tuesday next, and tn"e water then turned on for the use of the batteries. In the meantime all work in the mines is suspended. At a special meeting of the School ot Mines' Committee the tender of G. L. Gmn, for building the reverberatory furnace, was accepted, the price being £232. The con tractor for the building, Mr James Mac andrew, is making speedy progress with its erection, and he will have it finished during the ensuing week.

PIRACY IN THE HARBOUR.

YACHT CLUB MEETING.

There was a large and representative attendance of yacht-owners at the meeting of the Auckland Yacht Club held last evening in the Waitemata Hotel. Mr G. Cozens presided, and after the notice sum moning the meeting had been read he briefly stated' what the business was, and what steps had been taken to effect the capture of the thieves who had been loot ing the yachts. He spoke in terms of high praise of Mr Henderson's spirited action in offering a reward. It was stated that one of our shipping merchants had sent £25 to Mr Henderson to assist in the cap ture of the offeuders, and he thought that this gentleman and Mr Henderson should be relieved of their liability in the matter. All the j'acht-owners should assist in de fraying the expenses. Messrs Graham and Bindon spoke to the same effect, and both stateJ that they had certain information emanating from different sources as to who were the thieves, but they did nob wish particulars to be divulged just at present, but they were certain it would not be long before the thieves would be in the hands of justice. Resolutions were then passed to the following effect: —*' That the Secretary be directed to open a sub scription list, and that a committee be ap pointed to collect subscriptions from yacht owners and the public, to guarantee Mr T. Henderson against loss in his spirited action in advertising a £50 reward for the conviction of the offenders." " That in the event of a surplus arising over the necessary expenses and the re ward offered by Mr Henderson, such surplus be paid in to a special fund under control of the Committee of the Yacht Club for the purpose of taking immediate action either to prevent further robberies, or assist in the capture of the thieves." A committee consisting of Messrs Rey nolds, Wiseman, Crammond and V\ hite was appointed to canvass for subscriptions, and a form of subscription paper was drawn up embodying the two above resolu tions. Ib was directed that all yachts out to-day should keep a very careful look-out for the missing yacht, and do all in their power to ensure her recovery.

The tug-boat Awhina returned to port at 11 o'clock today from searching for the missing yaoht Malua. The police who went with her report that though they searched all down towards the Barrier, in all the bays and inlets no trace could be found of her. Nothing had been heard of the Malua down that way, so they returned to Auckland. Captain Farquhar of the s.s. Clansman reports having seen a yacht answering to the description of the Malua off the Poor Knight Island aa ho was coming down the coast.

PARNELL QUADRILLE AS SEMBLY.

A plain and fancy dress ball in connection with the Parnell Quadrille Assembly was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Parnell, last evening, and was a great success. First class music was supplied by Messrs Davis (violin), Sheffield (violin), and Reed (piano) while the committee, B. Green, R. Con nelly, and C. Cowan (M.C.), deserve great credit for the manner in which they con ducted and brought to a successful issue a pleasant and social evening. The following were present:—Miss Woods, Schoolgirl; Miss C. Bush, Jockey; Miss Donogliue, Nancy Lee ; Miss M. Pearce, Midshipman ; Miss P. Pearce, Coming Thro' the Rye; Miss Laud, Drawing-room Minstrel; Miss Faulkner, Flower Girl; Miss Brame, Snow ; Mis Gent, Fish Girl; Mis^ Bush, Ivy. The following wore evening dress : —Misses Diaz, Josephs (3), Cavanagh, Elley, Atkin son, Fieeney (2), Cole, Cowan, Dickenson and Lapin. Gentlemen : Messrs W, Brown, Auckland Football Rep. ; C. Cowan, P. G. Odd Fellows; J. Firth, Cricketer; R. Took, Sailor; C. Elley, Queen's Own Rifles ; B. Green, Lieut. Parnell Fire Brigade ; R. Connelly, Brother Bones ; F. Doran, Saiior; H. Doran, Jockey ; YV. Cole, Yachtsman ; D. Noonan, Guard ;E. Pearce, Sailor; B. ..Warin, evening dress ; W. Alderton, Par nell Fire Brigadesman ; W. Diaz, Sailor ; P. O'Connor, Royal Irish Rifles ; C. Green, Bandsman ;G. Wilson, Spaniard; M. Hickey, Sailor; G. Smith, evening dress ; W. Forgie, Groom; G. Peters, Navalßands man; W. Perry, Cricketer; A. Cosson, Erin-go-Bragh; and A. Buchanan, even ing dress.

THE NORTHERN MAORI MEMBER.

HIS DOINGS AND INTENTIONS.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. Mb Sydney Taiwhanga, M.H.R. for th e Northern Maori District, leaves for Auckland in a few days, having ar. ranged to address a largo gathering of natives at Whangarei on the 11th prox. After the meeting he intends to go to Melbourne to be present at the Gon tennial banquet there about three weeks hence. During the past few days he has in terviewed the Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister of Lands, with reference to the deposits of quicksilver which are known to exist in Bay of Islands district. The land on which the quicksilver exists was recently pur chased by the Government, and he is endeavouring to get permission to try and float a Company in Australia to work the deposits. Sir Jas. Hector, the Government geologist, is of opinion that the deposits are not sufficiently extensive to pay for working, and the Government are not at all inclined to entrust Sydney with a commission to float a Company. > The astute native is anxious to have an inter view with Forwood, the solicitor who left for Melbourne some months ago, it is alleged with a considerable sum of money belong ing to Auckland Maoris, and he assures me that if he can interview that gentleman, he will give him a lively quarter of an hour. "

THE A.R.C. SUMMER MEETING.

ANTICIPATIONS OF MONDAY'S

RACING

(W hippona.)

The second day's racing of the A.R.C Summer Meeting takes place on Monday. The fact of it being " Cup Day," and there, being a large influx of country visitors to town to spend the New Year holidays, will no doubt make the attendance considerably larger than on the first day, and the racing promises to be of an altogether different character. Thanks to Mr Evitt's handi capping, the winners have been well con oealed in the minor handicaps, and if the Derby hero Sextant strips sound and well, it will invest the Cup with a deal more interest than would otherwise be the case. Mr Impey's baud and that belonging to H.M.s. JNelson will again be on the ground, and I might mention that the first race will start at 12.30, half-an-hour earlier than usual. Appended are my anticipa tions of the day's racing :— New Year's Day Hurdle Kace, two miles_ st lb st lb Peter Osbeck 12 G Coral 9 5 Isaac 11 4 Shillelagh/-"... 9 0 Uranus ... 11 0 Don ... ... 8 7 Shotover ...10 12 Sirloin ... 8 7 This race is an open one, but Isaac appears to be most worthy of support. Selling Stakes, one mile. Friendship ... 8 9 Wairaka ... 7 7 Wapiti ... 8 3 The Cat ... 612 Rewi 7 9 Octopus ... 6 9 Capella ... 7 9 Tupaki ... 6 9 Green Mount 7 7 Mermaid ... 6 9 Brisei3 ... 7 7 The best quartette oat of the eleven en gaged are Friendship, Capella, Tupaki and Rewi, and to plump for one my vote goes to Friendship. Auckland Cup, 2| miles. | St. lb. Rider. Nelson 9 12 ... Brown Sextant 7 12 ... Clifford Victoria 7 10 ... Sutherland Friendship 7 9 ... Clogs 7 8 ... T. Taylor Cannon 6 0 ... Mowbray Leorina 6 0 ... Katterns I don't think there is any necessity to weary my readers with a long dissertation on the chances of the doyen candidates, but at the same time I think that if Sextant is in anything like form there should at least be the semblance of a struggle for first honours. 1 shall predict the judge's result thus:— Nelson 1 Sextant ... ... ... .•• 2 Clogs 3 Midsummer Stakes, five furlongs. stlb Pearl Shell, by Musket—Pearl Ash (including 71b penalty) ... ... 812 Cuirassier, by Musket—Frailty ... 8 10 Braemar, by Musket —Erycina ... 8 10 Forest King, by Feve—Memento ... 8 10 Rataplan, by Leolinus—My Idea ... 8 10 Colt by Leolinus—Lovebird ... ... 8 10 Muskerina, by Musket—Hipporina... 8 5 Cushla, by The Dauphin-Jenny ... 8 5 Hilda, by Musket—Ouida 8 5 I think this race will bo won by Pearl Shell, despite her 71b penalty. Newmarket Handicap, six furlongs. st lb st lb Cinderella ... 9 6 Fusee ... 6 12 Antelope ... 8 7 Lionels ... 012 Balista ... 712 Capella ... 6 10 Banglo ... 7 8 Tennyson ... 6 8 Paddy ... 7 2 Lady Alice ... 6 6 Formo ... 7 2 Brown Rose... 6 0 Catesby ... 7 0 This race willnodoubtprove themostopen of the day, but to \nck one I incline most to the chances of Teddy Yuille's full brother Paddy. Selling Hurdle Race, 1^ milo. st lb st lb Wideawake... 9 7 Black Joe ... 9 7 Fahplay ... 9 7 I like Wideawake's chance best for this race. Criterion Handicap, seven furlongs. Wapiti ... 8 6 Lioness ... 6 10 Balista ... 7 11 Capella ... 6 9 Bangle ... 7 6 Tennyson ... 6 7 Formo ... 7 0 Lady Alice ... 6 5 Paddy ... 612 Flintlock ... 6 5 The result of this race depends on the running in the previous events of the day, but if Balista starts she may Bupply the winner. I shall not have another opportunity of dealing with the Steeplechase but my im pression is that Isaac and Silvio will fight out tha finish.

Mrs Walters's Yearling Sale.

Mrs Walters s sale of yearlings is taking place at Papakura this afternoon. The special train which left the Auckland station at noon conveyed a good number to attend the sale, but the late hour at which it com menced prevents us giving the results in this issue.

NEW ZEALAND'S CHAMPION SCULLER.

HEARN IN SYDNEY.

CHALLENGED BY HANLAN.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. Hearn, with his trainer, George Cumminsi arrived in Sydney by the s.s. Wakatipu on the evening of the 20th inst., and intends taking part in the Centennial Regatta at Grafton. The champion sculler of New Zealand was in good health when he reached Sydney, and when the Wakatipu left the climate had not affected him, as was the case when he visited New South Wales some years ago. The " Sydney Morning: Herald " says he looks to be powerful, and in all probability will be heard of in aquatic circles in that colony before many weeks. In the Handi cap Outrigger Race (All-comers) Hearn will meet several good oarsmen. The following are the competitors and handicaps :—E. Hanlan, scratch ; C. kelson, 3& lengths; W. Hearn, 4£ lengths; H. Searele, 7i lengths. A few hours after our repesentative had landed in Sydney, he received a challenge from Hanlan to row in best and best boats for £200 aside, and in course of conversation with an "Evening News" reporter he stated that he wished it understood that he had not come to Australia to represent New Zealand in the Centennial Regatta, and would not be able to row any private races until it was over. Should time permit afterwards, he might be induced to meet one or two local men.

ARRIVAL OF H.M.S. CALLIOPE.

H.M.S. Calliope, which comes to join th c squadron now in harbour, has been sighted on the coast making her way southward from Russell. She left Bay of Islands at 5.30 p.m. yesterday, but she is steaming at a very slow rate. She will, it is expected, arrive in harbour in the course of this evening.

THE PREMIER'S MOVEMENTS.

(BY TELEGRAPH— OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. Major Atkinson* returned from Nelson this morning, and will probably leave for TairftDftki this evening.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(Before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M.)

Refusing to Work.—John Thompson was charged with having committed a breach of the Prison Regulations by refusing to work. — Witness pleaded guilty. — Mr Reston, chief gaoler at Mount Eden, de posed that the prisoner entered the gaol last November for having no lawful visible means of support, since which time he had persistently refused to work. He had been before the visiting justices, and twice punished for refusing to work. He had stated that he was unable to work.— Dr Girdler deposed to having carefully ex amined the man, and found him mentally and physically sound. There was no ap parent reason why he should not work. — The principal warder deposed that the man had lain down by his work and said "Ibjs no use bothering about me, as I won't work." Witness offered to give him some other employment, but he would not do it. —The Bench ordered the prisoner 14 days bread and water. < Assaulting The Gaol Matron.—Mar garet Lochs was charged with having used personal violence to the prison matron. — Mr Resfcon deposed to being called into the female division of the gaol last Saturday. The matron was contused about the face. The prisoner was walking about in a very excited condition. — Mrs Mary Jane Cleaver, matron of the female divi sion of the gaol, deposed that the prisoner was taking exercise, when she assaulted witness by striking her on the face and pulling her hair.. Witness gave no provocation to the prisoner.—Mr Reston said that he had not before met wibh a case where a matron had been deliberately and wantonly assaulted. Throughout, the prisoner's conduct had been very bao'. — His Worship said that this was one of the roost serious off* nces that could be com mitted in the goal. He could not do other wise than order that she be kept in prison at hard labour for one year. The previous sentence of this prisoner was three months for vagrancy, two months having already expired. She will therefore serve an addi tional eleven months.

Drunk and Disorderly. — Charles Collins was charged with having' been drunk and disorderly.—The prisoner pleaded guilty, and said that he had only just come into town and got. drunk.— Fined 40s and costs, or 14 days in default. Failing to Provide. Joseph R. King was charged with failing to provide for the support of his two children. —Mr O'Meagher appeared for the accused.—Mrs Clara L. King deposed that she was the wifo of the accused. They had been marvel five years, and had two children the cklest two and a-half years old, and the second two months old. Since the 9th of last April, her hus band had been away from her, and had not contributed to her support. She had earned a little, and got assistance from the Chari table Aid Boar/1. She could support herself, but must be assisted to keep the children. — Last February her husband had left her, and in March she took a summons against him, and her husband returned to her and gave her 18s.—By Mr O'Meagher : She had not given him any reason to leave her. They had words regarding family matters. She declined to state what, as they did not concern herself, and she was not responsible for her family.—John Strathern, Visiting Officer of the Charitable Aid Board, de posed that the last witness had received £9 8s from the Board to the end of thia month. —Mr O'Meagher stated that the defendant was quite willing to support his children when he could, but at present he was with out means, os ho was unemployed.—Joseph Randell King (the accused), deposed that on February 9th he was working for the North Shove Ferry Company. • He then went to the gurofields. He had just been able to support himself, but had no surplus. Ho had been promised work on a road-in the country, and when he got it he would support the boy at any rate.—By S&rseant Pratt: He had been 11 days in Auckland when arrested.—Hia Worship ordered the defendant to pay 4s 6d per week and also to refund money advanced by the Charitable Aid Board.

William Charles Bell again appeared, in the dock to answer to the charge of fail ing to comply with an order of the Court to support his wife, also with having allowed £35 15s arrears to accumulate.—The de fendant said he was unable to make any offer, as he could not find sureties. -His Worship allowed the defendant another week in which to hunt up sureties.

THE REMINGTON-LEE RIFLE.

(BY TELEQRAPn.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wanganui, this day. The " Herald " to-night, alluding to the re solution passed last night by the Auckland members of the New Zealand Rifle Associa' tion respecting the Remington-Lee Riflb, sa y ß : —"With respect to the request that the Association should'get Martini-Henrys for the meeting we know from conversation that we had with Captain Somerville some weeks back that he has been thinking this matter over, and it i's more than probable inthefaceof this adverse motion that he will ask the Council to take steps to carry out the plan." The " Herald " inclines to the opinion that the emmunition is more at fault than the weapon.

A WELLINGTON ELOPEMENT.

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, this day. An elopement which occurred in Welling ton provincial district this week has fur" nishcd material for a good deal of comment. The parties are a middle-aged woman (th« wife of a sheep farmer, arid the mothe*' of a numerous family), and a rough, uncouth fellow about 35, who had been shearing sheep on her husband's station. The pair eloped on Thursday after noon, coming down to Wellington by tram, and passing the night as man and wife in an hotel. The real husband, who is about fifty years of age, arrived in pursuit yesterday, and endeavoured to separate the couple, but without success. With the assistance of the police, however, the husband succeeded in obtaining pos session of one of his daughters whom the mother was very anxious to take away with her.

FIRE AT NEWMARKET.

An incipient fire was discovered at New market last night about midnight. It occurred in a five-roomed house situated in Kyber Pass. This was the property of Mr Charles Sutton, and was un insured. It was occupied by Miss Fanny Chitt'y, who states that outside the house she had a box in which she kept cinders. Yesterday she placed wood and coal cinders in the box, and these must have ignited the weather - boarding of the house. The alarm was promptly given and the Newmarket Fire Brigade were soon in attendance. As the fire had been discovered before it had got a good hold it was quickly extinguished. The only damage done was that some of the weather boards near the box were burnt through and the inner lining charred. Miss Chitty kept an infants' school in the house.

THBTATTCKLANITEYENING STAR; SATURDAY. DECEMBEE~3T. 1887.

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Onebunea tweed suits at fl» °d» at Smith frndCaughey's.—(AiWtJ Our readers nhould look* the Men's Youth's, and. Boy's Clothing, equal to tailor made, but at half the U»# P r*f' " Exora. of T. Short, Queen-streei-[ Aclvc- J I Before making your purcha^ ins Pe^ Smith and Caughe>'B immen«.s tOCKI slfiti^iftf; v*^ gene's nujreery. fWW '



BnrrEß-BALU.—''m^f of a mdicine o°l as a cat takes_ to mi M.W f c On .



The Devonport Ferry Company will run a steamer to St. Helier'g Bay on Tuesday next, as per advertisement.



Ecclesiastical. ST. PAUL'S.—Sunday Services.—B a.m., 11 a m., 3.30 p.m. (Children's Service), 7 p.m. Preachers-Morning, Incumbent; evening, the Right Rev. the Bijshop. Anthem, O. /aon, that Bringeat" (Stainefl. . ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH. —; Midnight Service this. New Year's ICve. at 11.30 p.m. To-morrow (New Year s l»aj), 11 a.m., Morning Prayer with Holy Communion. Evening, 6.3u p.m., Service, Winchester; Ser mons—Morning, by the Incumbent; evening, Roy. J. S. HiiL A LL SAINTS' CHURCH, Ponsonby.—



Jt\. First Sund.y after Christmas, January 1 -Holy Communion, 8 a.m.; Children c Instruc tion, 9.45 a.m.; Morning P. ayer and Holy Com munion, 11 a.m.; Evening Prayer and hermon, 7 p.m. ■ .____ ■ EPIPHANY CaURCH, Karangahape R0; 1 .d.-To-night,7.2o, Short Service, Holy Communion; "Some Thoughts for the ivew Year." To-morrow, 11a.m., Holy Communion, "The Beßinuiug and the ited." Seven p.m., "Life Problems Solved." All seats free.—liev, Dr^JCallughan^ /CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS, Free ly man's Bay.—Su. day after Christmas, January I.—Choral Celebration of tho Hoiy Eucnarist, 8 o clock.; Mattius and Second Cele bration, 11 o'clock; Evensong iwiUi ©hriatmas Cdrolb) 7 p.m. Processional Hymns for Mattina and Evensong, N os. 62 and 60. All seats free._ CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPUL CHKE, Kyber Pass.- New Year's Kay- Holy Communion, 8 a.m,; Morning Prayer, Sermon, and Second Celebration of Holy Com munion, 11 a.m.; Children s Ser. ice, 2.45 p.m.; Evening Prayer and Sermon by Key. I. a. Sprott, M,a., 7 p.m. —— P~Tt"T-STKEET WESLEYAN CHURCH - Morning at 11, Rev. C. H. Garland. Evening ai 7, Key. H. Bull, New Year's Address to Young Men, "Puttingon the Armour for the Battle of Life" ST. JOHN'S WESLIiYAN CHURCH (Ponsonby).—Morning at 11, Rev. H. Bull. Evening at 7. ciev. C. H. garland. DEVONPORT WESLEYAN METHO DIST CHURCH.—Morning at 11 and Evening at 6.30, Hey. Worker. T>IRKENHEAD WESLEYAN METHO _O DIST OHURCti.—Morniug atll.Rev. R. li. Dewabury. Evening at 7, Rev. H. R. Dews- Imr j. mAKAPUNA WESLEYAN METHO • X UIST CHURCH. - Morning at 11, Kev.JS^Hulbert. S~T7PETER'S PRESBYTERIAN CHUHCH, Surrey Hills. ■ Morning at 11, "Tue Fashio of Uie World Passotn Away." Evening, at 7, "'Disl.ie Li«lit and liuidance for Uio I'V.ture.' Rev. ic. Sommerville. A""~VONDALB PRESBYTERIAN CUUKCH.-Kev. C VVorboys. Morn in« at 11. subject: "Turning Over a New Leaf." E veiling ai 6.30, "A Motto lor the New year." OUNT EDE¥"c6N(iREGATI6NAL CHUKCH. VIhJVV ROaD. Sunday, January 1. Rev. B. Li. Thomas- Morning at 11. livening at 7—" Gratitude and Confidence. All Seats F. cc. Visitors Welcomed. B" ERESFORD sfKEET~CONGREGA~- TIONAL CHURCH. Pastor—Roy. J. Chew. Morning, at 11 -" Our New iear's Motto." Kvcuing, at 6.30—" Your New Yeai-'s Wol faro." ifcXEWTON CONGREGATIONAL SM CHLRCH. Pastor, Key. H J. Lew s Morning, 11, " A New Year's Motto." Evening, 6.30, '"Tne Superhumanness of Jesus Christ." E VONPOB.T COIN GREGATIONAL CHURCH. Morning at 11—Rev. R. Laishley. Evening at 6.3o—Mr George Brown. A RNELL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (Oddfellows' Hall).-Services as usual. Morning at 11, and Evening at 7, Rev. 11. M, Livens. AUOKLAND TABERNACLE.—Lord's Day, January I.—Pastor T. Spurgeon will preach : Morning, at 11-our re.otto " Certainly I will be with thee." Evening, at 6.45~;" A Happy New Year." PONSONBY BAPMST CHURCH. January 1.- Pastor J. D. Gilmore. Morn ing, at; 11, "A Isew Year's Promise." Afternoon, at 3, Address to Children. Evening, at 6.30, "A New Years Queßtion." ' PONSONBY BAPTIST CHURCH.— Watch-night Service, To-night (Saturday) at eleven o'clock. ~; U"~nlted Methodist tree -tJHURCHBS. PITT AND VItNCENT STR&ETS-Morning at 11. Rev. S. Macfarlane wiil preach a Farewell Sermon. Evening, at 6.20, Rev. W Wallass (lately from England;. A Covenant Service will be held. All seats are free. MOUNT EDEN-Morning ait 11, Mr Beau mont. Evening at 6.i0 Rev. S. Macfarlane will preach a Farewell Sermon. All seats are free. T>RIMITIVE METHODIST X CHURCHES. FRANKLIN ROAD-Morning at 11, Rev. C. E. Ward " Iteviews of Life Evening at 7, Rev. C. E. Ward—"God's Call for Workers.' Sacrament. To-night, at 11—Watch-night Service. RICHMO« D ROAD—Afternoon, at quarter to th cc, Open-air Service, Rev. C. E. Ward and others. Evening, at 7, Mr Potter. WATERVIEW (AVONDALE) - Afternooa at 2.30, and evening at 6.30, Mr T. Booth. RIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCHES. ALEXANDRA STREET Morning at 11, Rev. Rev A. J. Smith. Church Parade. Newton Rifles will be in attendance, subject, "New V ear's Confession and Resolve." Evening, at 6.45, Rev. T. H. Lyon. Subject, " Redeeming the ■ ime." Firebell, at 6 o'clock. Saturday Night — Fire-bell Service, at 7 and 10.30 Watch-night Service, at 11; Conductor, Rev. A. J. Smith PITT AND EDWIN STREETS - Morninar at 11, Rev. W Woollass. Subject, "The Great Indispensable." Evening, at 6.45 Rev' Rev. A J. Smith Open-air, at 6.15. ' OPERA HOUSE SPECIAL EVAN GELISTIC SERVICE. - E. H Taylor (Thames), I. L. Wilcock, and Geo. Aldridgo will take part. Service to commence at 6.45. Morn in?. Foresters' Hall, at 11. (SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST k3 CHUKCH, Mackelvie-street, Surrey Hills.— Sunday, January 1.-Pastor A, G. Daniells Morning, at 10.30, "The Past Year Heviewed." Evening, at 6.45, "What our Object 6hould be the Coming Year, and How we may Meet with Success.' \ SSOCIATION for the Teaching of _OL Divine Healing, through faith in the Lord Jesus Chriit, In consequence of the holidays, there will be no meeting on Monday, December 26, or v' onday, Janua y2. The usual weekly meetings will be resumed, D.V., on January 9. fPHRISTADELPHIANS meet in the \_^ Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road, New ton, every Sunday morning, at 11, for Fellow ship and the Breaking of Bread. Sunday-school at 9.30. Evening at 6.30. ~ iTIHURCH OF THE HOLY SEiPCn7 \^ CHRE -The usual Vigil Service takes place Thi- (Saturday* Evening, at 1115. Holy Communion a-ter midnight. WATCH-NIGHT Service will be held THIS (Saturday) EVENING in the Lec ture Hall of the Pitt-street v* ejleyan Church, commencing at 11 o'clock. TXTATCH-NIGHT SERVICE,~This TT Evening at eleven o'clock, in the V.M.C. A, Kooms, Special address by the Rev. J. S. Hill. All are invited. "OIBLE AMD PRAYER UNION. CARDS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR 1888 with number on Roll, the principles of the Union, and Calendars of Chapters are now ready, and will be sent on receipt of ncma and address, with a twopenny stamp, on application to Mr Brack enrig, Young Men's Christian Association, Auckland. YOUNG MEN S ' CHRISTIAN ASSO CIATION. THE REV. HENRY BULL Will preach a SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S SEuMON to YOUNG MEN in PITT-STREET WESLEYAN CHURCH TO-MOKROW, Ist JAN., 1888, at seveap.m. Subject: "Putting on the Armour for the Battle of Life." Members and all Young Men cordially invited. 46t IVING FOR THE GREATEST XJ GOOD," a New Year's Address to Young Men Will be the subject of the Rev. J S Hilta LECTURE TO YOUNG MEN ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON, at Three o'Clock In the Lecture Jlall, Young Men's Christian Association. All are cordially invited. Come and bring your friends. Gallery Reserved for Ladies. THE Sacred Cantata entitled "Cloudand Sunshine, or The Pillar of Fire," will be #m?pini&e T Grafton Road Schoolroom^ THURSDAY. January sth. at 7.30. by a strong choir assisted by an efficient orcnestra. n^e oVl ls ,q P1^?8 and attractive work, com posed of 8 recitatives, 6 solos. 1 duet, 3 trios and Chid cJ° raaes. Admisßions Adults, 6d-



Ecclesiastical. TKTEW YEAR'S DAY, Special Service.- ]S Mr. David Goldie M.HJi. will speak at the Gospel Temperance Meeting atlonßtorß Hall Karangahape Koad, at B.lb. all_Mh&lcoiub TTNIVEESAL PITA YB R U (Under the auspices of the Evangelical Alliance). MEETINGS FOR UNITED PRAYER Will be held in the City and Suburbs. WEDNESDAY, 4th JANUARY, 1888. IN LECTURE HALL, V.M.C.A. Chairman, Rev. James Chew , Speakers, Revs. T. Spurgoonand C. H. Garland MOUNT EDEN BAPTIST CHURCH. Chairman, Rev. T. Bray Speakers, Rev. R. S. West and another BAPTI • T CHURC&, PONSONBY. Chairman, Rev. J. D. Gilmore Speakers, Revs. B. L. Thomas and A. J. Smith NORTH SHORE WESLEYAN CHURCH. Chairman, Rev. It H. Dewsbnry Speakers, Revs. R. F. MacnieoUnd C. E. Ward PARNELL WESLEYAN CHURCH. Chairman, Rev. T. G. Carr Speakers, Mr, Hemery and Mr. Brakenrig THURSDAY, sth JANUARY. Chairman, Rev. J. S. Hill Speakers, Rev. H. Hull and Robert Fry. ST. LUKE'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, REMUERA, Chairman, Rev. G. B. Monro. Speakers, Rev. T. Adams and Thos. Spurgoon. FRIDAY, 6th JANUARY. UNITED COMMUNION SERVICE. Chairman, Rev. Rain3ford Bavin. Addresses by Revs. J. S. Hill and G B. Monro. SATURDAY, 7th JANUARY. Chairman, Rev. T. Bray. Addresses by Mr H. A. Fell and Rev. A. J. Smith. All the City Meetings will be held in the Leo tare Hall of the Young Men'a Christian Asso ciation. The meetings will commence each evening at 7.30 Collections will be made each, evening to defray necessary expenses. A hearty invitation is given to all Christiau3 to attend these meetings. REV. T. G. CARR, Hon. Sec. A UCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY. HANDEL'S~ ""MESSIAH." SUNDAY AFTERNO: >N, JANUARY 1, 1888, Ah Three p.m. THIS PERFORMANCE H FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Doors open at 2.30 p.m. 11. J. EDMISTDN, Secretary. Public Notices. P 0 L 0 G y". GEORGE FOWLDS, HATTER AND MERCER, OP 80, VICTORIA-STREET, Desires to apol< g'se to the public of Auckland for having so long kept his light hid, and would now humbly acknowledge that for a long time he has been selling Hats, s-hirts, Tie 3, Hosiery, and Clothing, at prices considerably lower than other places, and will continue to do so as long as the public patronise him as the have done in the past. MEDICAL HALL, PONSONBY (Opposite the Three Lanu>s). J. G. HENDERSON, PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST AND SURGEON DENTIST, . Gas Administered for Extractions Would again call attention to a few of the pro prietary articles manufactured by him, from drugs of the very best quality procurable. Quinine, Iron, &c. Tonic Mixture, Neuralgia Rheumatic, and Gout Mixtures, Toothache Reliever. The above give, Speedy Relief, es pecially in facial nouralgia. * For Coughs. Colds, &c. Cherry Pectoral, Balsam of Horehound, Chlorodyne. The above are superior to the imported artlc c, being re cently prepared. Antibilious Pills, suitable to the climate; are purely vegetable ; give speedy relief. From 18 ' per box; by post, Is 2d. Prescriptions and Family Recipes faithfully prepared. J.G.H.'s Worm Powders and Mixture are the most effectual remedies known to medical science. Try J.G.s Certain Cure for Corns. DR. ERNEST ROBERTOST (M.D. CM. Edinburgh; M.R.C.S , Eng.), COTELE HOUSE, Upfeh Symonds-stbeet. CONSULTATION HOURS: At Home— Until 9.30 a.m. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.* 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. At Aickin's, Queen-street — ■ ... • 12 noun to 1 p.m. Telephone No. 39& TTW X E M P T, SURGEON DENTIST, Has Removed to CORNER OF ELLIOTT AND WELLESLEY STREETS (Opposite the Opera House.) Box 210] . iTelephone37B J\ E N T I S T~~R YT Mb A. L. SMITH, OLD-ESTABLISHED DENTIST, Corner of Hobsont and Wsluslett Street* Artificial Teeth fitted without extractina Stumps. Other dentists' work repaired. TeetS stopped. Gas administered. Charges moderate. Tramcark pass the house. WoTtTce of rem o v aUT Mr T. TRAFFORD, The oldest-established Surgeon Dentist or 18 yeara. Desires to inform his patients and friends thtifc he has removed l'rom Wakefleld-street to more central offices, • QUEEN-STItEET (over Wayte's, Bookseller), opposite Wyndham-street. • Professional hours : 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. "IKTANTED TO LEASE with purchasinf T V clause, or payment on Building Society principles. House. 7 rooms, with out-houeej3; a sbovt distance from town ; with few acres land attached; Remuora_preferred; good view.— Property, Post-office Box 139. COMING EVENTS. Meetings, &0,. To-night. Abbott's Opera House—Bland Holt Company la Alone in London," 8 i Government House Reserve—Pyrotechnic Dia ! play by Mr James Pain, 8.30. Agricultural Hall—Mohawk Minstrels 8 Y.M.O.A. Rooms—Evangelistic Service 7.30 Glassworks, Freeman's Bay — Exhibition of Glassbiowing, 2 to 6 Temperance Hall—Entertainment, 7 30 Excursion round Harbour by p.s.Eaele 7 City Hall- Glove Fight, J. Saxon v. S. McLeod, 84- Lw trhNgktK£ ef l Weßl'eykn Church- Y. M.C.A. Rooms—Watch Night Service 11 Ponsonby Baptist Church - Watchnight Ser- Kota ci Justices at Folloo Court January 2 and 3—No Court Meetings, Excursions, etc., on Monday A" A«l^nTonSnS^ Bland Holt C™*™* * Agricultural Hall-Mohawk Mlnstrela 8 Ellershe Racecourse Auokland Racing Club's Summer Meeting, 12 30a.ui iVttumß viuds S.s. Clansman leaves for Kaw'au, 10 a.m. IS 2SBS SSWSHKKS? "-*•" b s. Stormbird leavos for. Kawnu. 1Q ajn. *s?sffiK as* st- Heii%' 8 Bay * Swaufs n 9k3O U IGaVOS On(*hlinsa wharf for Corn, St P .? aTaklpSSft vl chool Picnioto »»»aiar Auction Sales on Tuesday Hunter * Nolan, Durham Xarda-Oattie, S