PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP.

L (BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day.

Land and Incomo Tax.

THERE was a discussion on this subject when the Property Tax Bill was under con sideration last night. Mr Turnbull mado a proposal for a pro gressive tax, while Sir Julius Vogel urged tliat a tax should be imposed to deal with absenteeism. Mr W. C. Smith moved a clause provid - ing that the property tax should give placo to a Land tax, excepting improvements, and an income tax. The Premier pointed out that the pre sent was not a good opportunity to discuss the question, and if tho -amendment were withdrawn he would give facilities for test ing tho feeling of the House next session. A number of members spoke to tlie pro posal, but tlie general opinion of those mem bers who supported a land and income tax was that tho time was inopportune for bringing it forward, and therefore they woufd vote against it, and that no change could be made in the incidence of taxation this session without injuring tho colony. Mr Fitzherbert made a fervid appeal to the House to abolish the £500 exemption. The proposal was lost by 32 tc 14, and the Property Tax Bill was read a second time. Mr Moss and Revision of tho Tariff- It was stated by Mr Moss during tho dis cussion on the.Railways Bill that the Premier had promised that the Houso will bo called together for despatch of business on the 6th of April. In this connection, Mr Moss made a novel proposition. It was that tho House should adjourn till next April instead of proroguing, and tliat tho tariff question should be dealt with then to the exclusion of ali other business. After the revision of the tariff was completed, he said, the House might be prorogued and the now session commence at once, ami that would ensure the revision of tlie tariff being completed before any other business was dono next year. The proposal waa received with ironi cal laughter. San Francisco Mall Service. Mr Menzies asked the Attorney-General in the Legislative Council yesterday after noon whether the Government, before enter ing into any new contract for tho Pacific jpail steam service, would take into con sideration tho propriety of making Vancouver the terminus instead of San Francisco. The Attorney - General said that no new contract will be entered into without fully considering all the cir cumstances, and "the Government will not hastily come to a decision, but will consider every available route and do what they think best in the interests of the colony.

i Tho Loan EiJl. In committee of the whole last evening, Major Atkinson proposed to read the Loan Bill, which authorises a million loan, and defer further consideration beyond the second reading. This course was opposed by Sir Julius Vogel, bub tho Premier pointed out that he had the conduct of the business, and nofc the leader of tho Opposi tion. Ho explained that tho Government "had no wish to bo arbitrary, and invited _oe Houso not to deal with the loan ques tion from a party point of view. After rome further sparring between those two, Mr Seddon said he took it that tho Govern ment had only stated the amount of their loan proposals at a million as a " feeler," and anticipated that some (lovernment sup porter (either Mr Scobie McKenzie or Mr Barron) would propose that the amount be only half-a-inillion,'and that the Government would accept this. The Premier subsequently said, in moving the second reading of the bill, that he would accept the verdict of the House whether there should be a reduction in the Loan Bill, and if tho Committee decided that any of the works should not be proceeded with, the loan would be reduced by the amounts set down for them. The debate on the second reading was adjourned, at Sir Julius Vogel's request, until to-day. Mr Mills on Railway Management. Mr Jas. Mills, Managor of the Union SfceamshipCompany, stated yesterday, when speaking to the Railway Bill, that if he took over the control of cur railways ho couldmake them pay four percent, on the cost Cf construction and leave a profit. Several voices immediately called out, "Then tako them over." North Auokland Railway. Mr R. Thompson has given notice of his intention to ask the Government if they have any objection to bring in a bill next session to provide for the construction of the North Auckland Railway on the land grant principle. Tho Rabbit Nuisance. The joinb report on this subject has been referred to the Government for considera tion. The Premier said the Cabinet had nofc yet been able to give tho question much attention, bub he might say thab they did not intend to pass a bill this session to impose rates. Thoy would, however, propose further measures next session. They would erect the fencing that had been ordered, and would make arrangements by which the additional wire required could be ordered by cablegram, so as to be here in Septembar. Ib was sbabed, during the discussion, that rabbits were already over the boundary where the rabbit proof fence was to be erected. Bills in the Council. The Legislative Council agreed to the second reading of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act Amendment Bill, but threw out the Local Bodies' Loans Acfc Amendmenb Bill. Hon. Mr Stevens said he inbended to introduce a clause in the latter measure, providing thab the occupier of Crown or native lands shall be liable for general and special rates, The Civil Service Reform.

Tho Civil Service Acb Amendment Bill was read a second time, Mr Stevens saying he would move a new clause to authorise the employment of temporary officers.

The Wellington Girla' High School Bill.

This bill was thrown out by 15 to 14. 1 .Representation Bill 1 This measure, reducing the number ol members to 74, has passed all stages in the Upper House, and now only requires the royal signature to become law. Mr P. A. Buckley sought bo inbroduce Mr Downie Sbewarb's clause providing bhab the bill come inbo force in October, 1889, bub the proposal was negatived by 25 to 5. Public Reserves BUI. This measure passed through bhe pre liminary stages lasb night. Sir J. Vogel declared bhab bhe measure would have his determined hostiliby. Members would be surprised when he told them that it meant a loan in England for £400,000 on 5 per cenb., debenbures bo pay off the deficiency this year. Major Atkinson said there was nothing in the bill that had not already appeared in the Financial Statemenb, and ib need nob surprise anyone. The shorb dis cussion on this bill showed very consider able difference of opinion between sections of bhe Opposition party, and the Premier appealed to the Opposition to say whether he was to look on Mr Seddon or Sir J. Vogel as their leader.

Tho Protectionist Party.

The commibtee of nine appoinbed by bhe protectionists in bhe early part ol this ses sion has held several meetings lately, bub gee no way of acting in the presenb state ot parties in bhe House without weakening their cause. They say their aim is to unite all protectionists in a solid body, mdepen

dent of either Sir J. Vogel or Major Atkin son. They have not been able to achieve this so far, and are not likely to do so during tho short remainder of the session. When the House meets again they hope to be more successful and to form a strong Protectionist Party bent on carrying their cause, whoever may bo in ofiice. They trust to public opinion being fully roused during the recess to give them strength and unity when the House meets again in April. Railway Board. It is characteristic of the House that a debate wa.s opened on the motion that this bill do now pass when it was too late for any good result to follow a discussion. Mr Seddon set the ball rolling by offering a protest against tho measuro, and declaring it was intended to appoint Mr Maxwell, against whom public feeling was strong and whose administration of the railway system Mas so bad, as Chief Commissioner of.the Board. Sir Julius Vogel protested against the action of tho Government in re fusing to accept amendments on the bill in Committee, and said tlie intention of tlie bill was to pay higher "wages to per sons already in tho railway department, and to remove railways from political control. Messrs Richardson, Duncan, Moss, W. I*. Reeves, Fergus, Thompson, Mills, Jackson, Fitzherbert, R. Reeves, R. Taylor, Ross, and others also spoke on the question, and it was noticeable that many of the speakers wero absent when the bill was really under consideration in Committee. Tho Premier took exception to the course adopted by many members of absenting themselves when work was to be done, and then coming in and speaking to their constituents through Hansard when the bill was really passed. The motion that tho bill do pass was finally agreed to. A Strange Caso. Mr Peacock asked the Colonial Secretary yesterday whether bo is aware that one of tho inmates of tho Auckland Lunatic Asylum, who had some money when ad mitted, is still confined there, although cured, because tho doctor i-< unwilling to discharge her, owing to her being entirely without means. If so, would he endeavour to relax the harshness of the rule with regard to maintenance, and arrange in such eases that some discretionary power shall rest with the Superintendent to return a small amount of tho money where he is satisfied tliat the discharged patient is penniless. The Colonial Secretary replied that the case was not quite accurately stated. The female patient referred to, while much better, is not so far recovered as to warrant her being discharged without the care of sonic relative, as sho has suicidal tendencies. With regard to tho second part, the rule with reference to maintenance wa.s not so harsh as the question would indicate. There was an arrangement with the .Public Trustee in certain cases to return a small portion of tho patient's money where it scorned necessary.

Mrs Hargroaves' Petition. The Petitions Committee reported yester day that tliey cannot recommend tho prayer of tho petitioner. Hargroaves died from heart disease in 1803, after being in tho railway service some years. Tho Radical Reform Loa(?uo. During tho course of his speech against the Railway Bill last night. Mr Seddon road a telegram from Auckland relative to tho measuro. Ho waR asked from whom tho telegram came, and replied, " The New Zealand Radical Reform Association." This statement provoked general laugh ter, and Mr Seddon somewhat warmly retorted that tho laugh came from Auckland members. and ho was open to say that they did nofc laugh at communications from that body whon tho elections were pending. Ho gave members for Auckland Ciby West and Parnell credit for being consistent as to pledges. Jottings. The miners of Oropuko and Longwood petition against the proposed impost of two shillings per o/. as an export duty on gold. Wi Pore, late member for tho Eastern Maori district, is petitioning the House for £1,400 under a promise alleged to have been made for lands taken some time ago. Tho officers of tho H.M.S. Raven wero entertained at dinner at Bellamy's last night by members of the Young New Zea land Party. Messrs Buckley and Reynolds, late Ministers hitherto inseparable as opponents of the Government, differed on the Repre sentation Bill. Buckley tried to kill it, but Reynolds fought hard in its support. Buckley says his lato colleague ought to have given notice of his defection. Mr George McLean warmly condemns tho multiplication of University Colleges in tho colony. Tho Lords sat till 11 o'clock lust night. Mr Menzies yielded to the soporific effects of his fellow peers' speeches, and had to bo roused in order to record his voto in tho division. Sonic amusing commentaries on our rail way tariffs were furnished by hon. members last night. Mr Monk declared that two tons of boncdusb could be sent from Auck land to tho Waikato for nincpenco loss than ono ton would cost. Mr Hamlin is asking to havo the charges on Auckland and Onehunga wharves as similated. Major Steward wants tho Government to allow bills which have advanced a stage this session to be taken in afc the same stage at next session. Mr Water-house seems to consider himself tho leader of the Council, next to Ministers, and invariably follows the mover of second reading on every bill. Mr Scotland says the publicans of the country control all the elections, being able to apply the screw to unfortunate elec tors who cannot call their souls their own. Dr. Grace says all power rests with the common labourer. Major-General Whitmore is going to ask to meet the Council. Mr Menzies has a standing grievance againsb Hansard, because all his speeches are nob reporbed as fully and accurately as he would like. Mr Ward is asking Government to in crease the rate of pay to common jurors.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(BY TELEGRAPH.— OWN' CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton*, this day. At a meeting of the Waipa County Council, held ab Ohaupo yesterday, it was resolved to strike a rate of gd in the pound. During a discussion, the Chairman stated that §d realised £1,500 last year; the overdraft was £1,123, and the permanent chax-ges £450. The amounts available for allocation in each district wero as follows : Pukekura, £315; Rangiaohia, £245; Manga piko, £210; Hamilton, £100; Tuhikaramea, £53 ; and Newcastle, £53.

Captain Reid, of bhe Hamilton Light In fanbry Volunteers, received a letter yester day from headquarters intimating that Lieutenant Edgecumbe had successfully passed his subaltern examination. Private Hines has been promoted to Lance-Corporal vice J. Trisham, promoted. An inspection parade by Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd will be held on or about bhe 29th. A shooting compebibion for the company's belt and a prize presented by Colonel Forbes will take placo on the 27 th. A son of Mr Hill, butcher, Hamilton, was thrown from his horse whilst riding from Morrinsville into Hamilton yesterday, dislocating his arm. He was taken to the hospital, where lie was attended to by Dr. Kenny. A daughter of Mr Jumes Coombes also fractured her arm by falling in a paddock adjoining her parents' residence, Hamilton East, yesterday.

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

HAVE THEY ANY COMMERCIAL VALUE »

PROGRESS OF BRITISH AND FRENCH

SETTLEMENT,

THE DIFFICULTIES OF MISSIONARY

ENTERPRISE.

The Rev. Mr Murray, a Presbyterian mis sionary, stationed at Ambrim, New Hebrides gro.up, is at present on a visib to Auckland, having arrived here, by way of Sydney and Wellington, on tho Ist inst. Matters in connection with the group having occupied much public attention lately, a representative of this journal in terviewed Mr Murray. The reverend gentleman was found at tho residence of the Rev. Mr Carrick, situated off Symonds street, and lie expressed himself willing to give any information in his possession. Missionary Work. Sonio conversation ensued on missionary work afc tho group. Mr Murray said :\ ou must understand that the work of ono mis sionary is so much different from that _of others that there are many matters wibh which I am not familiar. Thero are twenty three inhabited islands in tho group, two belonging to the Episcopalian, and the rest to tho Presbyterian Church. The French Roman Catholics arc, of course, looked upon as being interlopers. I am stationed at Ambrim, the Presbyterian station. There are altogether fifteen Presbyterian mis sionaries in tlio group, and three belonging to tho Episcopalian Church. Arc there no French missionaries ? Yes ; within tho last year about a dozen Roman Catholic priests 'came down. When our first missionaries went down to the New Hebrides in 1848 thero were two or three French priests on one of the islands. They had already established a station there, but they found the climate too trying nnd the work of littlo promise, and in about two years they left the group. From thab time to this past year there have been no French priests whatever in the group. How far does your personal work extend ? My work is confined to Ambrim, on ue coun't of the great variety of languages spoken and the dialectical varieties in addi tion. For instance, tho circumference of Ambrim is about 70 miles, and ono cannot go very far from his station till he finds himself amongst a people whoso language ho docs nob understand ono word of. This difficulty of language is ono of the greatest drawbacks experienced in tho mission work. In Epi, an island not so largo as Ambrim, as many us eight totally different languages, and each having dialectical varieties, aro spoken. Tho Natlvo Population. Tho population of Ambrim might bo abouts,ooo, bub it is very difficult to make a correctestimate. The population of tho whole of the islands has been variously estimated at from 50,000 to 100,000, but 1 believe tlio mean would near tho mark. Tho native?, you know, arc Papuan, and so differ from tho Maoris, who arc Malayan. Aro tho natives friendly to European traders V The natives are friendly at first, but only until they have occasion to manifest another spirit. In order to show how friendly they arc, I may tell you that when a party, of which I was one, was wrecked in the Cairndhu, and we landed on the islands of Malo, we stayed upon the islands for about live weeks, and experienced tlie utmost kindness at tho hands of the natives. Cannibalism. Is thab tho usual way in which ship wrecked people are treated ? No ; 1 am sorry to say tho usual conduct of tho natives is to plunder shipwrecked ves sels, and to capture and eat the crew. Do you refer to recent events ? There was ono instance which occurred recently, but it is rather too horrible to speak of. However, if you wish, .1 will tell you. Thero wa.s a cannibal chief on the island of Malakula who was dying. Ho summoned all of his young chiefs, and they asked him if they could get anything for him. Ho replied that thoro was nothing he would like to be done, except that they should give him human flesh. Well, tho young chiefs manned a canoo, or a couple of canoes, and mado for the island of Malo, upon which we wero wrecked. Thoy found two Malo men fishing in a canoe, off a reef, and mado for thorn. Ono of tho Malo men escaped, bub tho other was captured and taken back to Malakula, and presented to the dying chief, and this gratified his horrible taste. Condition of Trade. Will you tell me what tho British traders arc doing in tho Now Hebrides, Mr Murray ? I do not think they havo been thriving very well, except in one or two individual casc3. The British settlers are engaged in the raising of maize, growing of coffee, and making of copra. I may say thafc last year an English com pany started a steam sawmill on ono of the islands, and some of the missionaries have given them orders for timber. The timber obtained is of a useful description, but at present tho larger logs have to be sent to Sydney, because the saws in use at the island are two small to deal with them. The British settlers altogether would not number over a dozen—that is excluding the missionaries. And the French traders ? They, with one or two exceptions, work in a company called tho " French New Hebrides Company," tho headquarters of which seem to be at Vila. Tho operations of this Company extend over the whole group, and include the making of copra, which is sent to Noumea in the first in stance, and thence, I believe, ib goes to France. Thoy have a considerable amount of land, and I believe that some of the Eng lish settlers, who have not found trade very thriving, have sold out to this Company, which appears inclined to buy up as much land as possible. Settlers and Recidivates. I may say that this Company managed to bring down some thirty settlers from France, but their families were soon taken with fever and ague, which caused many deaths amongst the children. Their parents returned to Noumea and New Caledonia, and now only about 7 families remain out of the 30 which came down. The cause was undoubtedly that th« climate was so bad. I saw in a French paper recently that the New Hebrides cli mate was described as " horrible," but it is only fair to state that tho climate is no worse than that of other tropical countries. Lasb season, however, was excopbionally wet, and with the web comes fever. Ib was very trying to the French settlers, and also to the missionaries and their families. Have any French convicts boen landed at the New Hebrides ? No ; but there is this process going on : When the recidivistcs havo served -their time at New Caledonia, they aro allowed to go where they please, and no doubt some of them—not many, I think—find their way to tho New Hebrides. Landing of French Troops. Did a party of French troops that were landed at the New Hebrides recently, in terfere with the mission work at all ?

There wero two posts established by the troops, one ab Efafco, und bho other ab Malakula. They did nofc trouble tho mission as a whole, but ono individual missionary, and they troubled him in consequence of efforts bhab were made by him in regulating affairs in the interests qf the natives.' Tlie

missionary was Mr McDonald, Presbyterian missionary of tho Victorian Church. me interference was about land. What was the object of the troops in landing? t ~, . The object of the troops was ostensibly to protect French interests, and to put an. enu, as thoy supposed, to the practice the natives had of killing French settlers, lhat was their pretext for an attack on tho natives. Otherwise, I am not prepared to say wliat were the objects of tho troops. Ine lanu on which the French troops were placed was land belonging to the French New Heb rides Company. By latest accounts, IM ot the troops had returned by the Duplex, ana about the same number remained. French Interests. Do you think thab if France had been a - lowed to occupy the New Hebrides, i* would have been any drawback to the colo nists, or would it havo interfered with the rights of British subjects? . f It would have interfered with the work ot tho mission, judging from the action that the French took in the Loyalty Islands, where they made the work of the mis sionaries so hard that the Protestant Mis sion was entirely broken up. Ib could not have boen of' any advantage to our English colonists at all. Do you not think that the French were entitled to the New Hebrides from their con tiguity to New Caledonia, and the tacb that Britain and Germany havo appropriated so many other islands in the Pacific V Well, I do not caro to enter upon the political aspect of the question. 1 do nofc think ifc would be an advantage to any country to have the Now Hebrides group, unless to France for the reception of convicts. The exports are merely copra, coffee, maize, sugar, and fruits. Wo have nothing thafc you do nofc get from Fiji, and I do. not think this will pay. So far as title {joes, Britam has a claim on the New Hebrides. The Presby terian Mission alone have spent on their work horo £160,000. I do nofc know how much tho Episcopalians havo spent. You do not consider tho climate suitable for European colonists ? No. The climate is not so suitable as that of Fiji. The great pla<.me of the New Hebrides is fever, which is not in Fiji to any extent. Ido nofc think they would be very well suited for colonisation.

During some further conversation, the Rev. Mr Murray stated thafc ifc was probable he would deliver a lec turo on "The New Hebrides," in Auck land shortly ; but he feared he had already given our reporter all tho points, and as sumed that a report of the interview might save him tho trouble. Our leprescntative then thanked Mr Murray for his courtesy and withdrew.

SUPREME COURT.

Criminal Sittings

(Beforo Mr Justice Gillies.)

Tiik, Manslaughter, Case.—Tho Supreme Court was occupied tho greater part of yes terday taking evidence in the case of Samuel Clogg, who was charged with having killed ono Arthur Dewson.—The evidence produced for the prosecution con cluded about 3 o'clock, when Mr F. Baume, who appeared on belialf of tho accusod, in timated that he had no witnesses to call for the defence—Tho Crown Prosecutor, Mr H. Williamson, then addressed the jury at some length, after which Mr Baume attempted to prove that thero was really no evidence connecting his client with tho crime for which ho was on trial.—His Honor then .summed up, and in doing so remarked tliat in tho present case there was a singular absence of conflicting evidence, excepting in the matter of time, which was after all but a slifht discrepancy ; even this was manifested in the statement made by the prisoner himself. Ho agreed with tho evidence given by the other wit nesses—leaving out, of course, the portion regarding the striking of the blows. The prisoner virtually corroborated the evidence given by Mrs Dewson and Mr O'Kane, so that they were relieved of tho usual diffi culty as to which evidence they were to believe. Ho must ask them to bear in mind that they were considering simply manslaughter, and not murder. That meant that a man had killed another unlawfully, even though the means producing death— whether by a blow or other\vise---had been used quite unintentionally. His Honor then reviewed the leading points of the evidence, laying stress upon tho fact that Mrs Dew son, in giving evidence, did not appear to exaggerate matters against tho pris oner. He also pointed out that it was quite clear tliat Dewson received tho injury which caused his death in the house, and not outside. They had only Mrs Dowson's evidence to show how the injury had been caused, but he thought tliat it was almost an inevitable conclusion that Dewson did not receive his injuries by falling down outside. O'Kane also dieard the blows given, which tended to cor roborate Mrs Dewson's statement, but unfortuntely he did not see by whom tho blows were struck. Another minor point, but still one worthy of no-ice, was the statemont of one witness that the prisoner had said to him that his nose had been bleeding, and that he had great trouble to stop it. That, of course, went for very little; still it might lead to the presumption that Clegg admitted that he was guilty of the blood being there and was necessitated to make some excuse. That, of course, was only a matter of inference. He must point out to them that there was not tho slightest par ticle of evidence to show that the lumper's hook had been used to cause tho wound—in fact, the whole of the evidence was against that theory ; the question was whether ifc Was impossible for the wound to have been made by the belt, or whether it could have been so caused. No doubt it was impro bable, bub the doctors had said that tlie blow was given on almost the thinnest part of the skull. If they found that they could nob believe that the wound was inflicted by the belb, then they must give the prisoner the benefit of tho doubt; and on tho other hand if bhey did think that blie wound was so caused, then they musb bring ifc in their verdict accord ingly. Bub he musb direcb their attention to the fact that it was possible thab bhe man might nob have died had his wound been properly abteiidod to. Still, oven undor bhoso circumsbances, if bhe wound was bhe cause of deabh and the result of bhe acbion of the prisoner, even if the danger had been increased and intensified by the alcohol taken by the man, then they must consider the prisoner as liable for the consequences of the blow. In conclusion, he thought bhab as there was almosb no conflicting evidence bhe duby of bhe jury would bo comparatively a light one. They had first to consider did thab wound cause death? and if so, was ib inflicbed by bhe prisoner? They would also require bo be satislied thab thore was uo other reasonable means of bhe wound having been inflicbed beyond that disclosed in the evidenco ; then they could, under such circumstances, bring in a verdict of guilty. If, on the other hand, they had some doubts, then, as he had before said, they musb give the prisoner the benefit of those doubts.—Tho jury, after having re tired for about a quarter of an hour, re turned into Courb with a verdict of guilty. —His Honor sentenced the prisoner to two years' imprisonment wibh hard labour. The Court bhen adjourned till 10 o'clock this morning, when the civil business will be proceeded with.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, THURSDAY. DECEMBER 15, 1887*



The best stock of Christmas drapery and clothing in Auckland is to be found at Exors. TateT. Short, Queen-street.— [adyt.]



Hotels THE CLARENDON HOTEL, Corner of Wakeflold andßutland-streets, Auckland. G. B. HOWARD. PBOPRfJCTOB (Late of the Albert Hotel, Queen-street). Sample Room for Commercial Tbavellbrs. The General Public will Find Every Modern Convenience, Combined with Civility and Prompt Atfepntioji. Night Poster in Attendance. Telephone, 290. — WARNER'S Family & Commercial Hotel CATHEDRAL SQUARE, CHRNTcnUECH, New Zealand. This Hotel, being moat, centrally situate, adja cent to the Cathedral, within a short distance of the Museum, the Theatre, and other Publio Buildines, and having, a Tram Sorvlco to all parts of the Suburbs passing it at freauent inter vals Is unequalled aa a placo of residence for Families or Commercial Gentlemen visiting Christchurch. TIIE SUITES OF PRIVATE APARTMENTS, which are elegantly furnlshedand »ppointod,are entirely distinct from the Hotel portion of tho building, thus securing perfect privacy. A novelty in Colonial Hotel accommodation is available at the Commercial in the shape of a LADIES'DRAWING-ROOM, kept especially select and exclusively for ladles. A High Pressure Water-supply has .been ar ranged for on the Premises, and the Bathrooms Bro fitted with every convenience for hot, cold, or shower baths at any time. Comment on the Quality of the Liquors sup plied at the COMMERCIAL ls unnecessary, as the Cellar is under the personal supervision of Mr W. F. Warner. THE BILLIARD ROOM sttached to tbe Hotel is unsurpassed by any In tho Colony, and contains Three Tables specially Jmnorted from England to the order of the Pro prietor. For the convenience of Commercial travellers SIX SAMPLE-ROOMS are provided. AN EXCELLENT CHEF-DE-CUISINE Haa been ongaged, and generally no pains have been spared m order to make tho Commercial tho Leading Hotel in Chr iitchurch. Prompt attention will be given to Telegrams or Letters applying for apartments. W. F. WARNER. Proprietor. Agent for Cobb and Co.*s Telegraph Line of Royal Mail Coaches. Saddlers aud Harnessmakers. rpENNIS RACKETS^^ Rcsfcrung and &J^^^ Now is the time to Buy Saddlery A Harness At GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. 3^______l___-9JLSA N STREET. qADDLERY AND -JLfARNESS. SELLING OFF ! SELLING OFF! 20 PER CENT. REDUCTION. G. F. HILL, SADDLER, 175, QUEEN-STREET ■ (Next British Hotel), Begs to announce to his fri«nds that he will CLEAR THE WHOLE OF HIS STOCK during the Christmas season atprices unequalled in tho town, to make room forfurther shipments. G. F. H. would recommend purchasers to inspect his stock before buying elsewhoro. INSPECTION INVITED. Booksellers, &c CHAMPTALOUP AND COOPER'S LIST OF WORKS ON CATTLE, SHEEP, _ FARM STOCK b. d Ablott.W.H.—Stock keepingf or Amateurs 6 0 Armatage, G.—Every Man His Own Cattle Doctor 24 0 Armatage, G. — Cattle Management in Health and Disease ..19 Armatage, G. —Sheep Management in Health and Disease -19 Armstrong—Australian Sheep Husbandry 6 0 Arnold, S. B. — American Dairying, or Butter and Chcetc Making 7 6 Cobbold, T. P. - Internal Parasites of Domestic Animals 6 0 Guenon on Milch Cows 6 0 Hazard, W. P.—How to Select Cows ..4 6 Hcatley, G.-Handy Medical Treatise on the Ox and Cow 5 0 Long, J.—British Dairy Forming .. .. 10 0 Macdonald, J.—Beef Production and Ex portation of Dead Moat from America to Great Britain 4 0 Miles, M.—3tock Breeding (American) ..86 McCombie—Cattle and Cattle Breeders .. 4 0 Pringlo—The Live Stock of the Farm ..8 6 Randall, U.S.- The Practical Shepherd.. 11 6 Randall—Fine Wood Sheep Husbandry .. 6 0 Scott, C—Practice of Shocp Farming ..60 Walker—Manual on the Cow and Calf .„ 1 9 Walker—Manual on the Sheep and Lamb 1 9 Youatfc—Sheep, their Breeds, Mangmt, etc. 8 6 Youatt— Cattle, their Breeds, Mangmt, etc. 8 6 76, QUEEN-STREET, AUCKLAND. T> E M O V A L, W. E. MEARS, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, AND MUSIC SELLER, 198, Queen-street, Auckland, Wishes to inform his customers and the public that he has REMOVED TO NEW & MORE COMMODIOUS PREMISES. Five doors below VYellesloy-street, and Opposito W. McArthur & Co."a Warehouse, Whore h« will bo glad to see all his old cus tomers and as many new ones as willfarour luin with a call. ACHOICE STOCK OF BOOK?. MUSIC, AND STATIONERY KlCl'T. BOOKS, MUSIcT STATIONERY. Please Remember Now Address 216, QUEEN-ST-REET, Five doors below Wellesley-street. W. E. ~MEARS, BOOKSELLER STATIONER, AND MUSIC SELLER.' jpA?ERHA N G I N G S. W. PHILLIPPS A SON Havo received, ex late arrivals, 185-PACKAGES—IBS Containing 55,000 ROLLS OF PAPERHANGINGS. Consisting of NEW PATTERNS For Drawing, Dining, Bed Rooms, Hall and Staircase, suitable for tho Mansion or Cottage. Beautiful Designs, and best value ever offered in Paperhangines. 916-PACKAGES-316 SCRIMS AND HISSIAN S, Plate and Sheet Glass, White Lead, Oils, Turps, Varnishes, and all Trade Sundries. \ W. PHILLIPPS & SON, _ 9,5 AND 97, Quskn-stbeet.



Drapery, Clothing, &c HE BABY LINEN AND LADIES UNDERLINEN WAREHOUSE. SILK HOSE! SILK HQSE! P. DAVISON Has just purchased a job line of Silk Hose, and will sell them as under :— HALF COST! HALF COST PRICES! Ladies' Black, Pale Blue, Cream, and Pink, 2s lid, 3s 6d, 3a lid; Maroon, Navy, Cardinal, 3s 6d, 3s lid, 4s 6d. Children's Pale Blue, Pink, and Cream, I.lslid; 2,2s 3d ;3,256d;4,2s 9d ;5. 2s Lid. Black and Dark Colours, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 2s 9d, 3s, 3s3d. 200 dozen Ladies' Trimmed Linen Collars at 6d eftch; usual prices, Is to 2s 6d. ItToOO yards Beaded Net in Navy, Maroon, Black and Gold. Black and Silver, Drab. all at 2d per yard ; usual price, 9dyard. 400 yards Beaded Gossamer, White and Silver, Drab and Gold, Brown and Gold, at 6d per yard; usual price, ls per yard. ■ A beautiful assortment of Ladies' Printed Skirts from ls lid, 2s 3d, 2s 6d. 2s lid-very cheap. Ladies' Print Dresses from 6s lid to 21s. Ladies' Stuff Dresses from 12s 6d to 355. Ladies' Print Morning Wrappers, 2s lid to 4s lid. Children's Print, Satoen, and StuffDresses,2s6d to 7s 6d, at half warehouse prices. Very special line-60 dozen Ladies' and Chif dren's Printed Aprons at 6d each. Also, largo variety of Coloured and White Aprons from 7&d to 6s 6d. Magnificent assortment of Fans, bought very cheap, to be Bold at 2s 6d. 3s 6d, 4s 6d, 5s 6d, os 6d; worth 3s 6d to 14s od. In all tho newest shades. Beautiful variety of Sun Bonnets from Is to 9s 6d. No. 9, JUNCTION QUEEN & GREY Sts. PRICE 1 "PRICE J PRICE 1/a I A 1/6 I r 1/6 BEAUTIFUL LONG OSTRICH FEATHEPvS In Cream, Tuscan, Grey, Tan, and Pink. -t /» Just Received, a parcel -i r* ■ a tin ofthe above, to be sold I q \\j\ JLP V*-_-_t. the very low price "V X T v W. P. OGILVIE, Victoria Street West. EVERY LADY HER OWN DRESSMAKER, To secure a Perfect Fit and Newest Style, try OUTTERICK'S fIUT |_|APER TOATTERNS. Metropolitan Fashions, Blustrating Patterns, monthly, Id each ; 2s per annum, post free. AGENT WM. P. OGILVIE, DRAPER. VICTORIA-STREET WEST. {CHEAPER THAN EVER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. C. HOPKINS, London Hottse, Victoria and Nelson Sts., Is now showing some of tho cheapest Drapery and Clothing ever offered in Auckland, as the following lines will show :— Dress Materials in Greys, Browns, and Fawns. 4s lid for 12yds; Striped Delaines, 12yds for 3b lid; grand Talue in Dress Materials at 6s 9d, in fashionable shades; Coloured Satin in all shades, from Is per yard; 80-inch Heavy Twill Sheeting, ls Oid (White); 90:iUch Heavy Twill Sheeting, ls 3d (White); a lot of Slip Mats, ls each; Men's Masgiel Tweed Suits, 33s 6d; Men's Tweed Suits, 12a 9d; Men's Tweed Trousers and Vests, 7s lid ; Mens Coloured Mole Trousers, 4s Ud (value ;for your money); Men's Tweed Trouserst 3s lid pair ; Youths Tweed Trousers, 3s Ud : Boys' Tweed Trousers, 3s od: grand line in Men's Merino Sox, 9d; Men's Brown Cotton Sox. 2Jd per pair. C. HOPKINS, London House, Victoria and Nelson Streets. N.B.—Opem every evening till 9 o'clock. Insurance TWTEW ZEALAND INSURANCE COM AS PANY (TIRE AND MARINE). Capital .., ..£1,000,000. Paid-up and Reserve Funds £135,003 Protection from FIRE or MARINE LOSS Can be Effected in this Company. CLAIMS MET WITH PROMPTITUDE AND LIBERALITY. JAMES BUTTLE. Manager. New York Jj ife insurance company. Cash Assets, Ist January, 1887 .. £15,518,817 Income for 1886 £3,856,874 Local Director C. C. McMillan, Ebcj. (Messrs W. McArthur & Co.) Solicitors: Messrs Russell & Campsell. Bankers: Bank of Austjulasia. Policies .issued guarantoeing.the return of all Premiums in addition to the sum insured if death occur within a twenty-year period. J. HUGO HARROP, Resident Agent Conveyances. VISITORS TO TE AROHA.—Notice. —The Undersigned will run a Coach from Te Aroha on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satur days, meeting train '-lor Auckland *t Morrins ville on those days, and returning to Te Aroha from Morrinsville on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on arrival of train from Auckland, conveying passengers, percels, and mails.—E. Gallagher. ' : . TIME TABLE, DAVIES BROS.' 'BUSES. Loaves Victoria Wharf, Devonport—7.2o a.m., 8.20 a.m., 9.45 a.m., 10.20 a.m., 12.45 p.m., 2.0 p.m. 2.45 pah., 4.20 p.m., 5.10 p.m. Sundays-10 a.m., 11 a.m. 2.25 p.m., 3 p.m. Loaves Takapuna-8.0 ami., 9.5a.m„ 10.35 a.m., 11.15 a.m., 1.35 p.m., 3.0 p.m., 3.35 p.m., 5.15 p.m., 5.55 p.m. Sundays—ll a.m., 12 noon, 4 pni, 5 p.m. Return Fares, ls 6d; weekly tickets at reduced rates. """' '■ Special trips can be arranged at Post Offices, Devonport and Takapuna- i PATERSON AND CO., GRAIN MERCHANTS. LIVERY AND*BAIT STABLES. Omnibuses Brakes, Cabs, and Saddle Horses for Hire at lowest ratss. • , Special arrangements made with Evening and • Picnic Parties. Stores and S tables:—Lorne-streot, Mt. Roskill, and ATondale, Auckland. N.Z. Hearse and Mourning Carriages for Hire. Undertakers liberally dealt with 'Bus leaves Union Bank for Waikomiti every Sunday at 1.30 p.m., returning at 4.30 p.m. .. DEVONPORT, WAIWERA, AND WARKWORTH ROYAL MAIL COACH. MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, & FRID4.YS- Leave Devonport 8 a.m., Takapuna 8.30 a.m.. Wade 10.30, Waiwera 12 noon, Puhoi 12.45 p.m. Arrive Warkworth 2.30 p.m. TUESDAYS.THURSDAYS, AND I SATURDAYS- Leave Warkworth 8 a.m.. Puhoi 9.30 a.m., Wai wera 10.15 d.m., Wade 11.30 a.m. Takapuna 2 p.m. Arrive Devonport 2.30 p.m. THOMAS BUTLER, f Proprietor. IL in i/i mm w>p vii ...ii hi. in... i ,'|"" "Vi'V" COME' one, come all 1 and get an Extra Pair of Trousers or a Waterbury Watch, from J, HiDaltop, Taijor, East.



AtIOKiASD (Opposite A Clark *«* « LOANSareApv^ caH V.: ' Personal, F Wehold W^^fcfifo Moatb,?»^ U H r bills 'i^M^SS^m Loans upon Deffi_iS nß gw *»* A.TA interest-li. i_a^_r_ssS*3N iyi sums, uppn firstM&Pfe : *W repayabl ?e Uherw^_yo? at S a term of years.-AppfV ___FsWm j__^____^fcv^. M SS rate <tf Interest- Andyto* ™ * c JAGRSOK& mssm. ' Solioitojg, ShMiMGy MONEY TO IJ-TOlSlEftSs Firat-clttss Freehold srfw ° J WILLIAM COLEMAN;iS r "' ' ; — '. ■ ' ""•' t *tt, t" ■*L°' n «o;upwards. -Am'. QUEENSLAND MORTGaGCMM ■ . ■■' . -AND"!-' ""/;:; -'•'-'■ : ' discount BANm&jqp^ppr, DABBY-STBK]ef'(off Queen-st), AUCKLAND.



•V Hejaft Office :;Bjii|Bisa.: . Agencies: Auckland, Sydney, a^/jjtf§jmu Money advanced from £5 and upaanbto any amount regiu>ed,to*fi(ir_e~l)oh%er 1 upon Personal, Freehold, lefisebo.ld, or mj Tangible Seoi_ir/, h reflayable may be aTxftnjjejfe cither w Quarterly instalments," atlov. est curisnt mta Advances mado on Farnitare without it moval; also on all kinda of Merdunit, , , Bills Discounted at curj^tratef.,,. Interviews and commnnicatioiis jfjfl Ha IM strictly confidential. Offlce,Hours: Jrom 10 41115 ffclbcfc ARTHUR nOIE S> LAND AND MONETARY AGENT, ■ v ,^,-SHOBTLA^'P^r|B|r i ■.. (Three .Doors past Star-Office}. : " I am prepared to yfdneland ft the country for intending . mat reasonable terms.- All land land I charged percent. «iciafisM* ■ I am Rttparedto .negotiate Jrom £25 to £15,000. Advancesmade on Colo_ial.a_d'«togUdil» " . ;P(>Sci«&.- ..■-—■•■-• Having Agents px&V&»**&#»& England,' I can mke :AdTan#?P(a Wills in sums from £0 to 115,000. XNDUSTRIALANDPRO|ii; 1 PERMANENT INVESIMENI' SOCIETY OF.AICKLiTO Repayments FwWfttßM? extending over <.■■- __^p -3 years.. .... . 014 7. ■ , 4 years.. •• «'}J'{ $jj 5 years.. ... -010 " 13618 9 6years.. > w 0 . -"ftf. 7 years..- .. »'" ; aW3 ; 9' 8 years.. •• 0 ■/■_* j ffll6 , 3 10 yeqrs .- - °6 3 - la^— - Theßoajrdhas powerto coßesrfSJg w WantofEmploywontt^aspenaPayniffl" ---' Borrowers Share in ,M»-,Uiii»l Part or whole of .the.ad.TMJp*sgffifc tttan/tiine. Interestj .qeMM ,W » c f 1 liberttto sell his PW^JSSS¥ pay ofiThis mortgage; tis property subject to tho .morass. . Office rHTjuEES-sr? grantedupon»ffl?rf% w -'^__wßSSStf^2S_S to £6,000. principal.ana«"l!~L ngBOCO^r for X9Vir^^^Z^^-rrrr^ — — «£r Repayments extend- Per Week. rep*y«»P_ lyear.- ■: loWflf' JSS» :: HM -83. 4 years.. •• qBl 6 years •• •■ g7 I . }S„4 8 years .. •• h 10yeaw_^___ii---- S Ts|r r or OTPOSITB.-Tl..»?f "SS": r#* 00 * 1 " EGGS. WW' M 6B ' „ '«p-w*W 5 -"*J' of the best Iflg . ; «__ *£!&&**