COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &c, To-night.

Tlty Hall— JF.iln and Federal V. imbinallou. 8. 103. Qu3en-lreat-Kxhlblti.il of Glass -lowing, 7.3' J. Religious Mooting in Iho Tent on Surrey Hillt Estate, Ponsonby Road, 7.30. Auckland Tabcrnacl)-Ad Ire's by Rev. J. H. Monio.

Ponsonby Pf-.ij.l_.Kn ' -lm - .»i — Addresses by

R.va C. If. iV ,-n! and I.'. \Vorroy_. I.vent ot W/sey-u Chur.h—Addresses by

Rev.... llettalluu and another, ltob.on's Rooms-Auckland Chesa Club, 7.31. DriV-.liod—Meeting re Master Kncimnment at New Plymouth, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

January 7—W. C. Lyoa and I>. B, Macd iiald.

Auction Sales To-morrow.

F. J. J-no.-Houaehold Furniture, Poultry &a, 10.30 a.m. Ei. Tonka 311.1 Co.—Weakly Produce Halo, 12.

S Cochrane and S.n-,-f-uSobold Furniture, _. M»cleodandCo.—lVoduco, Furniture,etc.. 11. Arthur and Buddie-Weekly Poultry and Pro dace Sale. II; Fence, (. rcy streot, 2. A. Buck-land—Haym.rket—Horeos, etc., 11.

K. Lsydon-Poultry. Produce, Furniture. 10.30. Hunter an. Nolan-Durham Yards-Horses etc, 11. '

-•MaelcodaudOo.-Gi-ooeri-s, Furniture, Sec

K otc (^ rMnes-Prod "C, Drapery, Furniture,

H.-ket- & Atikon—Poultry, Produco, etc.. 12.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

_i_lE_. WILL 0..8- AS irND_n I—

This Dax. lXeU„£fo_, a.^V VanKarCl' aod Kalu °' P°f and KaiwaKa'psr

Friday. 7th insl. r_.. TSZcT 11' 3- °_r R?tomahaaa. at 10 a.m. 1 ...uro.o D. r_r'.ra an,r' and E°Utl,ern *M»- **' e MUm-m Ud Coro'»a'"iel, per Coromandel, VW_taktiu«,m rt SOUl"orn FOTts' per F. rp'm!'ranßa !ind oiX"iki' por Cla™nan, at For^WhlUansl and Upper Mill, per lona. it 5

F___S. 7™' Hsaa* Paraa, Walpu. Whan- SfS*^ Mangapai, pe. Glenc.g,

Satuiiday. Sta inst. rraS?,??.^' -""IWarkworth. per S^sSß_a__s^ For -hatnea, per Rotomabana. atTil a._o. tAral^.i_ tSn :S: akaWa' K' ji' eK" »

Monday, loth Ust. ?„„ 1,- ldon' Ti» Rio do Janeiro, and Plymouth Malwinbn '. „.o, ffli?.°' on -Vonday.lOth Ins. If-r._M_;il.„^ n r-_-„- ?lymouth; BVbtuary 21. dfatels«f^K,_- Jl22fcs! per aolaodia. tmrae- B_r T-_,_;..r hßl ainval Tom Honulnla. °mi"d_SSi a fl nrL So,u. he« P?,m par Hawes, ,iu_u___..ely after arrival of BHUandi.. (Signed) _. b. BISS. _~._, . Chief Poscmaater. Cttiof Post-office. Aucklan..

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

SUNSET.-This evening, 7.18. w ™.SK.~' |,o"lS,orrow morning. J. 5.5. J-OON _, ASE.-Full Moon, lUtbf 10 U a.TO

HIGH WATER.

m«_»_-?a_i" Thfa aftlr»°°». 2.17 ; to-morrow wSSfr^ artsrnoon' s7=to-

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. --eoilwoifi, sclir., Mi.-tiid. from Oam.ru

fSlenelo-. g.S.. Johnson, from Ti-tiranga f he imford. s s.. Cowpcr. fi-,>ni o'p'uiki lona n.s. AninJe.i. fro n M reurv Hay Wcllii-son, 3a, St.phenwn, from w hanßarei

DEPARTURES.

LAST KVKNiNa. Waltaki, 5.3., Penral.for Whangarei

TO-DAY. Saucy Kate, sch , Bathursr, for Wnangaroa

Coromandsl, from Oorornardel, to-day,sp.m Rotomahana, from Tnamcs, to day. 8.30 p m, Enrorpriee. from Thames, to-day, 11.30 p.m. Wflitaki, from W-iargar, i, Friday, early \\ eiiington from Whangarei. Tuesday, oaily Zona, from Barrio-, to-niarht ''lin.inan, from Rossell, Friday Zaslandia from Han Franeiaco, Saturday Kb wea. from South (at Onehunga), Saturday Tamnl, from Loudon. Feb. 13.

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

IMPORTS.

Per Oceola. from Oamou—l 031 facka aacks wheat. 355 sacks bran. 1,850 sscks flour. PorKonllworih-1,0-) incks flour, 10 blocks alone.

The schooner Kenilworfh arrived from Oamaru early last evening. 10 days out.

Tbe scow Waitcnt itah.sleftfor tvhan_ap.ua to load timber for Gleborne.

The schooner Torca ha. entered outward for Snwarrow.

The briga.tine Linda Weber is to load timber at Mercury Bay for New Caledonia.

Ths scho-nsr i Orphoua and ETenllwot th have beitbed at the Queen-street Wharf.

The b.s. Waitakl will leave for Gis-orne and Nspier to-morrow ev.nlng at 8 o'clock instead of 7, as per advertisement.

Tha shin Rakala is now 113 days out from London, and the barque Cassandra 111 days out from Sheerne;s. Both vessels are therefore fully due.

The barque Notoro. brfgantine Oceola, and schooner Three Cheers commencsd discharging at the Railway Wharf 10-day.

The departure cf the s.s. Riniutaka has been fixed for 2 n m. to-morrow, so that she will ar rive at Wellington on Sunday afternoon.

The brigantine Nora has berthed on the w-8 ---tern side ot Qa3en-atrect Wharf to load gum for New York,

Tho s s. Ch"lm'»ford arrived from Opotikl and Mercury Bay this morning, with 325 sacks maize, 7 head c -ttle, and 0 horses. Passengers —Mr and Mrs Tamont Messrs Brown, Gordon and family, Burnett, and the Fiaher Campany (7).

The wreck of the barque Rapldo was pur cbaied by Captain Bishop for £105, and it is probable, the vesaol will be repaired and afloat at an early date.

Th 3 departure of tho a b. Hauroto for Mel. bourne via the South has been postponed till to morrow. Sho will tako transhipments ex Rlmu taka for several East Coast porta.

The ech-oner Orpheus, from Thursday Island (via the New Hebrides), brought tho following passengers:—Messrs Black, Taite, Christian, and Watson.

The 8.9. lona arrived from Mercury Biy and Tairua early this morning, with tbe following Sassengers: — Mra White, Miss Hutchinson. lessrs Short, Bennett, French, Wigmore, and Suaan, and 5 steerage.

Messrs W. S. Laurie and Co. are informed by wire that the brigantlno Clansman. Captain Rob-rtson, arrived at Cnirne, Queensland, from the Thames, on the Ist, January, all well. She will probably return to Auckland direct.

Tho SB. Glenelg arrived from Tauranga and Mercury Bay at 1 p.m. Paseengers: Messrs Tanks. Winter. Lalng. McDonald. Waater, McCandllsh. Meany. Burton. Mrs Clarks. Mrs and Miss McDonnell. Hi -hop Luck, and eleven natives.

Tne 8.9. Wellington arrived .-.ni Whangarei eaTlythis moraing with the following passen gers : — Misses Wake-in. Steadman, Lamb. Stephen, McLean, Archibald, Me'dames May, Wangood, Mr and Mrs Hollngdrake, Lady DongU—. -_——_- Clon—in. Androwa. Cooke, Foster, Wangood, Marahall, Raid. Ker. Neshit, Childs. Hammond, Woods, Child, ColvUle (2), and 6 steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

ARRIVALS.

Gairloch, s.s.. MoArthur, from Waitara Maogcegor, s.s., Daniels, from Wanganui

DEPARTURES.

Maogreg'or. a.s., Daniel., for Waoganui aud Wellington

The Northern Co.'s s.a. Gairloch arrived from Waiiara this morning with 10 cattle, 51 sheep, nnd the following piaseugers:— Mise Cleary, Mrs Wright. Messrs Ranieon. Wiight. Lew. a. Gardener, Goult, and Oldham, She left again for the same port at 1 o'clock.

The s.a. Maogregor, from Wellington and WanganuL arrived this morning. She left again for the same ports at three o'clock, fairly patronised with passengers and cargo.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

Whangarei. this day.—Arrived: Waltaki, from Auckland, 5.30 a.m. New Plymou.ii. this day.—Arrived: Oretl, from Onehunga. 9 am. Napier, January s.—Sailed: lonic, for Lyttel ton, 9 30 p.m.

Sydney, January 5. — Sailed : Wakatipu. for Wellington. Adelaide, January..—Arrived : Iberia, with the outward malls (Decomber 31. Gisborne, January 5. —AiTived: Asterlan, barque, from London. Port Chalmers, January S. — Sailed : Wai rarapa, tor Sydney, via the North. Passengers for Auckland:—Misses Ballantlne and Bennett, Mead-men A. C. Farlan, Clark, Neil), Court (2), Smith. For Sydney: Mr and Mrs Cameron, and 23 steeraue.

Melbourne, this day Arrived: Mararoa, s a., last night.

COMMERCIAL.

Ev_Nw_ Star Offlce, this day. The Auckland Grocers' Association quotes the wholesale price of fresh butter 8d per lb, and reah egga 101 per dozen, for the week ending January!-.

Births.

LI!.VIN'..OIiN.- On ..Aiui'iry " ut. Princes-atreof. Albeit Park, tho wife ot U. J). Levlluohu of a daughter.

Marriages.

JK.K'-GRKY.-dn.lamiaryu.at the R,!.:..!.'V Oflico. Mr Klwai'l IcK. of Da-,ry Fiat. .0 Calboiino .li-.ii- Ur-v. cities', daily ii'.er of Jenn Ce-v, of Kivcri.i, ? ilu. . ttO.-.,-.i I.Ai.W.-On January I, at the Kepis •l->- C.ltioo. William, youngest, sou of Anilro.v ..other. Cant-in in tne German Navy, to Jane, lliird daughter nf Henry Dale, of Brighton, -jtieaex, England.

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening news, morning news and The Echo.

For tho caii-e that lack. ...i-tum

For tb_ wrens tliat ner-il. rc-i-tam.e. For tlio fature in til- lb-tar:.--, Anil th. e-oil that we can do.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1857.

The dispute which orose over the berthing of the two mail steamers at the Queen-street wharf on IVI outlay last should awaken our dilatory Harbour Board to the fact that we arc greatly behind Wellington in facilities for securing the rapid discharge of vessels' The steamship Mariposa having arrived first secured the berth which was in tended for the ttimutaka, and the latter vessel, which had a -large amount of cargo to discharge, was considerably hin dered in consequence of having to take an outside berth. It is not creditable to the port management that in a harbour like this we are unablo to oiler two berths alongside the wharf to mail steamship.- at one time. With tlio present frequency of communication, it must oftei. happen that two steamers will arrive together, and that tlio difficulty which arose on Monday will occur over and over again, to the great injury of the reputation of our port. We "are building a big graving dock to accommodate- large ocean steamship..; hut of much more import ance is it, first of all, to at tract vessels of this class, by giving them facilities for rapid discharge. A delay of even one day is a serious matter to a steam ship of -1,000 tons. Our shed accommodation on the wharf is tenfold worse even than tlio berthages. The system adopted in Wellington, where, irrespective of the weather, ships can go on discharging without interruption, is the theme of general praise among shipmasters. For many years this matter has been agitated hero without arousing the Board to a sense of the full importance of the subject. At last, however, under the Auckland Harbour Board Loan Act of last year, appropriations were made for this work, as follows: Hobson-street wharf and sheds, ami incidental thereto, _£GO,OC. ; Queen street wharf, widening and itrprove ments and incidental thereto, £25,000 ; railway wharf am [sheds, and incidental thereto, .£_G,OOO; Quay-street jetty and sheds, and incidental thereto, j_ll,Uoo. If these votes aro judiciously expended a considerable improvement in the harbour accommodation will be effected, Our port should, in fact, stand second to none in T\ Tew Zealand. But in the meantime business is seriously hampered. The Board should bestir itself to etl'ect some improvement before next winter. In summer the want of ample shed accommodation is not so seriously felt; but in winter the delays which art: thus caused amount to ti very serious burden upon the shipping visiting the port and the mer cantile community generally. A scheme lo execute the most pressing works first should be prepared, and the Board ought to accept tenders for these the moment advices arc received of the successful negotiation of tho loan.

Mr. Chamberlain's UNKNOWN for Union.

Iris in keeping with the fitness of things that the proposals for a reunion of the English Liberal party should conic from Mr Chamberlain, who was a prime mover in the split. That gentleman was never fully credited by public opinion with being solely actuated by motives of strict political principle in the attitude he adopted towards Mr Gladstone's Irish measure. Mr Chamberlain had been so long coquetting with the Irish members, and so loudly con demnatory of his own party for not going far enough in tho matter of Irish reform, that it is hard to believe that the points of difference between himself and his political chief might not havo been arranged by negotiation and concession, if some motive of personal ambition or pique had not stood in the way. However, the elections were a severe blow to the Birmingham oracle. The Radicals.-deserted him, and he ha.s fallen liito a not very agreeable position among the rank and file of tho Marquis of Har tington's following. Now that an undis guised fraternisation is takingplace between the leading members of this party and the Conservatives, Mr Chamberlain's situation becomes ratheruntenable. We cannot believe the report cabled the other day that he was among the Liberals who advised Mr Goschen to go over to the Tory ranks. It is more natural, and certainly more likely to satisfy his ultra-Radical constituency, who are not to be ignored even by Mr Chamberlain, that he should make the recent Conserva tive split, which gave an ascendancy to the Tory element in the Cabinet, a reason for re uniting the Liberals. Surely' Mr Chamberlain cannot become sponsor for a policy which Lord Randolph Churchill had to throw over. The member for Birming ham is too wily, if not too genuinely Radical, for that. The impending Confer ence may, therefore, result in some tangible consolidation of the Liberal party, although we doubt whether the defection of Mr Chamberlain from the Unionist ranks would influence many of Lord Hartington's supporters. Mr Gladstone's determination not to attend the Conference, although giving it his countenance, is a wise one. Hispreseneo.tnight embarrass tho proceedings, while his abseuce leaves him free to accept or reject the results of tho deliberations of a body in which he tuight be out-weighted on a question upon which he has appealed to the country and brought up a substantial vote, if less than a majority, in favour of his views.

France and Germany in the Pacific.

Is connection with the proceedings of the Australian Postal Conference, it has been mentioned that the Messageries Maritimes Company is subsidised by the.French Go vernment to the extent of £130,000 per annum for a monthly service to Australia, and it is reported that the amount is to bo doubled on condition that a fortnightly service be established and a rate of speed of 13 knots an hour maintained. The North German Lloyds receives from the German Government a subsidy of £220,000, and performs the run from Brindisi to Adelaide

in 31 or 32 days. Tlio two-eadllig Eiighsli | linen, tho P. and O. ami Orient, have , derived subsidies from their postal : contracts 'with tho Australian Govern ments, and the result of the tender* in- , sited by tho joint onlonles was lo show that, they are unwilling to part with their privi leges. Their offer., wui'n neither acceptable in point of speed or cost. Nevertheless it is generally considered inadvisable in Australia to admit; foreign competition Into ibe tendering, ns these"... >t forei«ii st.'itii •>hip lines Would in n.li probability be turned into drilled cruisers on tho outbreak of war. Tho Governments are now negotiating privately with tho two English lines, and in the event, of failure fresh tenders will bo called wilh a view of eliciting competition.

Rear-Admiral Honry Fairfax, C.8., who has just been appointed to tho command of tho Australian Station [tkc Admiral T.jon, whoso time has expired), is a brother of Sir William -Fairfax, of Maxton, county Roxburg, The now Admiral of tho Aus tralian squadron is a grand-son of tho celebrated Vico-Admiral Sir William (ioorpo Fairfax, who was flag-captain to Lord Duncan o_ Lf.jVl.S. Venerable in tbo i.i.'ous Battle of Cau.pe.down, on tho 11th of Octobor, 1797. The Roar Admiral s family have given a good many ablo ollicors to tho Br.tish army and navy. Ho was married on the 25th of April, 18711, to flai riot, youngest daughter of Sir David Kinloeli, Bart., of Gilmorton.

Captain Edwin wires at 12.26 p.m. that Lad weather ia approaching, and will chango within tho next 12 hours to boUvoou east and north and north-west with hoavy rain. Glass further fall.

Tho volcanic mud dcTpoait is proving highly bonoliciul to tlio soil on tlio shores of Lake Rotorua, ami tho potato crops this year tiro expected to bo tho heaviest ever known there.

Several respectable families have been so charmed with the beauties of Lake laka puna that thoy havo determined to camp there, lis a summer outing, for a fow week?, in touts on Iho roadside.

Major vValmsley, the managing director of tho Now Zealand Stud Company, leaves on a visit to England during tho next fort niVhfc. It is stated that one of the objects of his mission is to purchase a stallion to rep'.iieo Musket, and from all accounts ho has tho fuiiioua horso Kobert tho Devil in viow,

At Wellington yesterday tho Chief Justice granted a warrant for the apprehension of W. B. Waters, under tho 73rd section of Iho Dankruptoy Act, which rend.rs it an oilonco for an uncertificated bankrupt to attempt to leave tho colony without tho permission of tho Assignee, if hia absence, is likoly to embarra-s tho administration of the estato. Tho Assignee stated that tho bank rupt undertook not to havo tho colony, but had nevertheless taken his doparturo by tho s.s Waihora for Melbourne.

Tho dry woather has groatly increased tho danger from bush tires. At Tikornngi, in Taranaki district, a settler named Bald win has had his houso nnd contents de stroyed through n lire from a neighbour's clearing spreading to tho bu.h at lii.s home stead, and another settlor has lost all his crop of grata seed from a similar cause.

To the Editor : Sir,—ln your issuo of last night's Star, tho icpprt of the concert. held last Tuesday ovoning, in tho Temper, ftnee Hall, the names of Misses Goehor and Hampton being omitted, I would tako it a kindness it you would insert thoir names to night. Duet, " Silver Moonlight's Winds tiro Blowing." Alio, w'.ll you kindly tcn.ler cur thanks to tl c ladies and gentlemen who kindly tendered their vory. valuable services, in making the programme such a success.— Yours, &c , Mrs Andersok.

Messrs MucMuhon and Loitch's Dramatio Company closed their season at the Opera House last night with a vory successful per formanco of their spectacular play ••The Pearl Divers." It was stayed in first-class style, and the performance was smooth, ami evidently enj yctl by tho audience, which was a very largo ono. Mr Loitch's imper sonation cf Thibbota was appreciated, and Miis Kato Dougla.s as Graco flooring, Miss Flora Anstead as Mrs Jorum, Miss Howurdo as Ruth Durnloy, and Mr 11. N. Douglass us Nnd Gray all r*nvo strong nnd clover imper sonations of their rospeetivo parts.

An i xtr.iordinary moetiiiK of shareholders in the Now Prince Imperial Gold-mining Company (Limited) was bold at Mr I), G. MacOonneU's office, Insurance Buildings, this morning. Shareholders were well represented, and Mr Spratt oecuplod the chair. A resolution was passed author ising the directors to dispeiie of tho C ni pnny's property on such terms as they uiny deem mo^t advantageous to tho interests of the shareholders should a fitting opportu nity offer itself. A vole of thanks to the chairman concluded the business.

A number of the Permanent Artillery stationed at Fort Cautley having been tem po, ar'dy removed to Wellington. Advantage is to bo taken of the circnnisti nco in order to givo the local Artillery a chance of getting a practicul ac quaintance with battery duty. It is proposed that ono of the local eoips of artillery shall go into barracks at Fort Cautley for a fortnight's garrison duty, there being ample room for them to take up thoir quarters there.

Boarinfr upon the deuth of Mr Wain- Wright, cf To Aroha, through drinking cold tea when greatly overheated, an esteemed correspondent writes : " Heading in y.ur paper last evening tho account of poor Mr Wainwright's death at To Arolir. impels mo to placo on reeo'd my own narrow c-capo from a similar fate Beforo retiring for tho night last Sunday, I drank a couplo of tumbler, of cold wator, and about midnight was seized with violent: spasms and vomit ing, only getting thorough relief en Tuns day morning by drinking- tea and cefl'.o, and the plentiful application of bet flennels, mustard poultfee, and chlorcdyno. I feci auro this pas.iblo cure i-* net known of by a great many of your readers.—l am, etc., Grateful."

It ia just a year today tineo tho groat, bush iiio tick p'.ieo at Stratford, Taranuki.

Telephone exchange subscribers who havo not paid their subscriptions by to-morrow will be cut off on tho Sth. Verb. sup. s-itjf.

A boy who was .-e:it a messaco by his parents yesterday dropped a letter con taining two £1 nates. .. roward of 10* is offend for recovery, and particulars will bo found in another column.

In consequence of tbe week of united prayer in tbo churches, no evangelistic ser vice will bo hold in tho Young Men's Christian Association Booms this evening. On Saturday night, a united meeting will be hold, when addresses vv il bo delivered by Kov. T. Adams and Hon. G, Walde grave.

Tho friends of the Bible Socioty will bo pleased to learn that the Kov. H. T. Rcb- J. rir,B, 8.A., is expected to arrive trotr. Syd ney on Tuesday next, as a deputation from the parent society. On Wednesday hn will deliver a lecture in St. Matthew's School room, at S o'clock, when tha Roy. W. Tebbs will preside. Mr Robjohng is an able lecturer.

The members of the "Silver King" Dramatic Company have resolved to give an extra performance on Saturday evening next on behalf of Auckland Eire Brigade. The sick and funeral fund of the Brigade is at present rather low, and having' learnt this tho Company at once volunleered to play " Our Boys" for the benefit of the funel. There is no doubt that tho excellence of tho object, added to the merits of tho Company, will secure a crowded house on Saturday evening.

A very agreeable concert took place las night in the Throe Kings School, and wos largely attended, tho denizens of Mount Ro.kill s. oming to have turned out almost en masse in order to patronise it. Tho ob ject, which was to raise funds for tho children's treat, must thorofore have been fully attained. Tho programme comprised songs by Miss Lapper (one encored), Miss Gribble (both encored), Miss Nettleton,Miss Heron, Mrs Hubbard, and Mr Bush (both encored), Mr Taylor (encored), and Mr James, a reading by Mr Walters, a violin eolo by Mrs and Master Meredith, and an overture■(" Great Globe") by Misses Hayr and Priestley. Mr J. W. Carr worthily tilled tho chair. A select dance followed tho conceit, and was kept up with much spirit until 2 a.m., Mr T. Hayr proving himself to bo a most efficient Master of Ceremonies.

MrG. Hogbe-n, President of the Council of the New Zealand Educational Institute, gave an interesting address in openinc tho fourth annual session at Christehurch yes terday. He said that to make education more complete morality and religion ought to be taught to every child, though it did not follow that they should be tacght in school. Person.lly ho felt that tho present system was right. In regard to teaching religion by the State, there was hardly any reat-on urged in favaur of religious educa tion by tho State which coulel not bo equally well urged in favour of tho estab lished church or churches. With roftard to morality, the case was somewhat different, as all were agreed in regard to certain fundamental facts connected therewith. A systematic course of moral teaching might bo carried out by moans of reodine books,

A meeting of the City Rowing Club con] venod for last evening lapsed for want ot quorum. Thoma. Kelly has been ooinmitlod for trial on tho chargo of aiding and abetting the offence of personation at the Wade.

The only business on 'Chango to-day was dono in Cambiias at 7s, and Alburmas it li.Sd.

A cas) of typho'd fever, InGraham-slrce'i WM reported to the Sanitary Inspector tc d-y- The City Council are calling tenders for tho fitting up of tho Municipal Office- iv the new Free Library building. Cr. Da vies has given notice t) move a tho next meeting of tho City Council (13ti> hist.): "That tonders bo called immodi atoly for draining Cross street and Kara n^thapo Road, according to Engineers pfana and specifications." At tho Police Court this afternoon, a con plaint against John Thos. Smith by his wife, ,lauo Smith, for failing to oboy an order ot Court for maintenance of his wtfo, woe tieara, Mr Napior appeared for tlio complainant, and stated that Smith was living with another woman in, furnished apartmontrj, and was opp_.ron.ly well e"PPlied. *»* fruits. His WorJiip ordered defendant, to enter into a bond, himself in £100, and two surotios of „50 each, to oboy tho order ol the Court, or, in default, six months im prisonment.

Yesterday tho children of the Dovonport Prcsbytorian Sunday school enjoyed their usual New Year's picnic at rakapnr.a Point. Thoro was a largo muster of children who woro under the chargo of the RcV. A. M. McColluiu. Tho usual entertainments and a variety of nimisemente, among which woro pony-riding, were greatly enjoyed, hoing woll arranged, and Uopt up with zest by Messrs A. Webster, McLcod, McKenzio, A. McCallum, .inn., and the teachers of tlio Sunday school. Numerous foot races wero contested, and nico prizes won. Many of tho parents and frionds of tho children joined the party, enjoying tho shtido nnd cool breezo which mako this bench such a charming holiday resort.

At Iho Glaesworks Exhibition last night a novel competition was the cause of coneidoraWo amusement. Prizes consisting of wonderful glass pipe, with intricate stoms, wero offered for tho best conun drums bearing on tho Exhibition. " Quartz" (Master Ernest White) gained tho first prize with tho following : " Why is the gl_»s slc-m-eugino like a Thame, mining prospectus . Answer :It looks bright, it puffs a good deal, tho object is quite trans parent, you can easily see through it, anil many culls are paid by interested persons." The piiz. for the worst conundrum was awarded to Mr E. H. Hardy, To Kopuru : — "What is tho diflereiico between Pro fessor WoodrolTe and a man playing tho vio'in ?— Ono lenoivs whon ho stops his blows, tho other slops whon ho blows bis nose." To night a ptiza will bo given lo tho " homo liest " (tho ugliest) man in tho room. Another conundrum pri/.-j will bo givon on Saturday night, tho lust of the season.

Mr JenkinEon, tho contractor for tho foundation cf Mr .1. C. Firth's K'trantic Hour mill, is getting on well with his part; of Iho building, ab.ut 20. piles having been driven, out of tho GOO specified in tho jlans. This, wo believe, is tho largest numbor of piles ever driven in Auckland in tho time, and another novelty about tho work is tho use of kahikatca timber instead of tho usual totaru. Tho trenches for tho outside walls having been dug, ono can now obtain somo iilci of the epaco tho mill will cover, about 136 by 86 feet, and tho building will look well from tho haibour. standing as it will on the reclamation between the Railway Station and tlio water. Tho pile driving is eaid to bo having a bad elfect upon tho reclamation wall, as tlio buttresses have, it, is nllegcd, begun to move sinco tho pile-driving h:is commoncod. Some of these piles go down into the clay to a depth of 40ft. It is noteworthy, bowovrr, that thoso who pred'e'ed disaster from tho pile-driving havo only been grafi lied by tho discovery of a very small crack in the ccmont of No. 1 buttress, en tho strength of which they now wag their heads wisely, saying, "It-old you fo." But tho crack that, has caused tho sensation this time is a very .mall affair, and is most pro bably duo to tho action of the weather on tho surfaco of tho concrete. No eoriou'i results aro anticipated to flow from it. Wo understunti that Mr Jonkinson, who built the foundations of tho Victoria Arcado, under Mr H. J. Roberta's design, also architect for the Hour mill, will finish his part of tho work by about tho end of February,

Will Mrs Meteallfo, wife of Antonio MetO-Ilfe, who rocm-ly arrived from Ql-tsgow, call on K. Williams, Queen-str.ee Wharf /

Sewiog Machines, wholesale and retail. The latest onrl best. Machines repaired or t_ changed.--D. S. -hainbors, Qucen-_trcot.

COMMERCIAL IMMORALITY.

Wellington'- Reputation Dragged. In tbo

Mud.

(BY TELEGRAM.. ~ TRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. The " Times " says that the action of tho Northern Land and Loan Company looks as though,having lost £3,000 by tho defalca tions of their Secretary, Wators, the direc tors had virtually " squared " tho matter for a sum of money which reduced tho loss to £1,900. Tho ailiclo proceeds :—" What wo blame the diroctors of tho Company for chiefly ia their repudiation of any responsi bility with regard to initiating proceedings against their defaulting Secretary. It is not inflieient to soy to tho shareholders, 'You can tako any action you like:' the direc tors should have recognised tho gravity of tho t.H'onco committed against social honesty and commercial morality. Thoy should havo como down boldly to tho share holders, and. said, * Wo do not feel war ranled in risking your money without your sanction, but this is a vory flagrant caso, and wo fool bound to ask.you for atithotity to prosecute;' and then tho Chairman should have movod that a prosecution bo undertaken. Aa it is, misgivings tiro suggested as to whether all has yot been told. If tho facts aro simply as stated, and thoro is nothing behind which might qualify their bearing, then it seems to us that by

'squaring' such a case, tho commercial honour and reputation of Wellington have been draggetl through tho mud and grown bosmircbed. This deplorable affair, follow ing, as it does, tho Waring Taylor frauds, will do serious injury to the reputation of this community for commercial honesty, It is most lamentable that such a crying scandal shoulel have arisen at all, but..,.. rendered tenfold more damaging by tho vain attempt to bu.b it up.''

ORANGE INSTITUTION.

Grand Lodge of New Zealand.

Last evening, the twenty-first annual ses sion of tho Orange Institution in New Zea land was held in the Protestant Hall, New ton, There were representatives from nearly all the lodges under its jurisdiction, and a large amount of business was trans acted. Tho fl rand Master, Bro. Rev. A. G. Brooke, in his opening remarks com plimented the Order for its steady progress during the year, and referred in foaling terms to the loss,tho Institution had sus tamed during the year by tho death of its Imperial Grand Master, the Earl of Ennis killen, who was successor to the Duke of Cumberland, and who bad filled the office for over 50 years, Bro. Barton was then referred to. and a high eulcgium passed on hia memory for tho way in which he had raised tho Institution and spread its ramifi cations. He hoped both these brethren's obituaries would bo recorded in the annual report. Bro, Donald was also roferrod to by Captain Mervyn Stewart, of Katikati, who bad filled offices in tho Grand Lodge of Ireland for over 50 years, and had been n member ot the Institution fcr over 70 years. They should not forget those members who were good and true, for " the memory of the just is blessed." He hoped they would go on and prosper, and that by next year they would bo still stronger, better, holier and happisr. At the conclusion of the address it was resolved that it be inserted in the report. Corres pondence was road from the Grand Lodges of Manitoba and Ontario East, and the Grand Lodge of Ireland ; also from the Marquis of Salisbury and the Home Secre tary. A vote of condolence was ordered to be forwarded to Lady Enniskillen on the doath of her honoured husband Tle offi cers for the ensuing year wero thee eieetod, viz, Bros. Rev. A. G. Brooke, G.W. (<•:• ---elected); Key. C. Ward, D W. ; J Carta ban, Sac. (re-elected); D. Goidie, Treis ; Rev. T. W. Dunn, G. Chap. ; nnd W. She-mil, Foreman of Committee. The next Grand lodge was fixed for April nt Whangarei. Votes of thanks to tho retir ing officers and the singing of the National ; Anthem brought tho meeting to a close. J

FATAL BATHING ACCIDENT.

(il. TKLKCUAI'ir — -KESS AHSOI.'UTION'.)

Doneuin, Wednesday. Ayohn.i man named Thomas Newton, 22, a painter, was drowned whilo bathing in the sea at Ocean Beach. Hia parents live at Akaroa. Ho was a splendid swimmer.

Collision in Otago Harbour.

[BY TELEORAriI.—PBESS ASSOCIATION,]

Dunem-J, V/ednesday.

A rather eerious collision occurred hero this morning between tho steamers Gmaporo and tho Harbour Board's big dredgo. Tbo Omapero was on hor way to Dunedin, and when in tho narrow channel botweon the Quarantine Wand she earns into collision with the dredge. Tho Omapere received considerable damage to hor bows, the port bow being pierced right through in one place, while there ate deep indentations in tho other. The Omapero put back to Port Chalmers, -hero -team is being kept up in case of hor spring ing a leak. Tho dredgo was moru seriously damaged, and sho was brought to anchor under Point Observation, where sho gradu ally sank, und, at latest advices, appeared likely to become totally submerged. Tbo dredge was on her way to .o. with a full load of spoil. Hor master declines to mako any statement.,

SPORTING NEWS

SI..CX the Dunedin Cup weights mado their appearance hci-o last night, tho following wagers have been written by the visiting Southern niotallicians :—OOO to 10 each Tasman, Maligner, and Fair Nell ; 1,000 to 50 Fair Nell; 1,000 fc. 10 Apropos; 500 to 1_ Telford; 1(,0 to 10 Nel«on. Last night the owner of Artillory backed tlio colt for tlio Wellington Cup to win about £900 at 10U _ lo _0, anil lo day 100 to 20 was written against Pallia,

An Opposition Conference.

(BY TELEGRAI'It. — OWN COIIKKSI'OSDKST )

Wakoanui, this day

Ml. BRTCE will not rddrcss his constituents till early in February, and will consult, Major Atkinson first.

POLICE COURT.-THIS DAY.

(before Messrs K. Lush and ('. D. Whitcoiiibo, J l'.'s.)

Duu.NlCENKIiss -Two persons ivcropuuishcd for this otl'enco. Patrick Connolly, for a third oil'-nco, was lined £5.

Bail Kkleased.—Otto Fandre was charged that being a potson charged witii uu indictablo offence, and being holri fo bail to appoar at tlio Supremo Court, ho was about to abscond.—-as. . caree, prisoner's bondsman, gave evidence to tho eti'eet; that ho bcliovcd tho accused was _bout to leave Aiekland. —The bail was releasod, and prisoner committed to Mount Eden Gaol to await ttial at the Supreme Court. OlssT-U-TINa THK 'l_._-t._lS_ — Alexander 1,. Lathropo was charged with obstructing the city tramways Willi his handcart en December 2!) th. —Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Arthur Graham, driver of a -Tow market carriage, deposed that defendant delayed two cars for ten minutes. He would not get oiftho lino, and witness sent for n policeman. Defendant would not then get oil'the lino, and the constable had to push both tho man and hia cart off—De fendant cross-examined the witness, with the object of showing that ho did not whistle, but drove his tramcar along until it struck and dumaged the handcart, and dazed the witness to such un extent that he could not tako the c.r. offthe line. A lineman deposed that l.'ithropo told him previously that ho would not get off tho lino for th- car, whilo Con stable Carroll uleo gavo evidence.—The Bench tock a lenient viow of the case in consideration of the defendant's deafness, and fined him 40s and costs

Employment of Females Act.—Annie Bell i<as charged with a breach of this Act by failing to keep n notico of the hours of labour posted up in her work-room.—De fendant pleaded guilty, but said she did not employ a girl regularly, but only oc casionally.—Sergeant Gamble deposed that ho called twice at defendam'H t-hep, and attempted to givo her some infor mation respecting tbo law, but she abused him. The defendant gavo the sergeant's evidence a flat contradiction. The law had now beon complied with.— Fined 5- and costs.

The Auckland Regatta and the Champion Whaleboat Race.

It is quito timo that our aquatic friends wore bestirriiig themselves to somo purpose so fur as tho Auckland annual Regatta of ISS7 is concerned. Only a littlo ovor three wtoks remains till the evontful day will be upon thoro, and unless there is a general awakening, both in committee and out of committee, tho result -ill surely bo nothing to boast about. Tho local rotting clubs havo exhibited a peculiar apathy over the Champion Whaloboat l.aco—for which something like £-00 in prize money i. offered—and wero tho contest to depend upon them it would probably fall through altogether, and this after all t.'io crying nut for big prizes ! big pri-.s ! The big priz.s wero promised readily enough, and, strange coincidence, the local clubs for the most part appear to havo dropped out of count, whilst; tho Thames premises three crows for tho Champion Whaloboat Pace, and Nelson is almost sure to send one Auckland's ten or moro clubs are to mustar two crews amongst thorn—viz , ono from tho Waitemata 8.C., and ono from North Shoro R.C. This will givo six competitors, and mako the first prizo £110. All tho local clubs arc in tending to compete in the Club Whaloboat l.aco, and this will undoubtedly bo tbo oveut of tho day, for fully a dozen entiics aro anticipated. There appears at present to bo very little etir amongst sailing boats, and one or two of the biggest events of past years appear to bo drop ping out of tho regatta altogether. Boat owners nnd all others should mako a special effort this year to pull them selves and their craft together, and make ono final effort to restoro the exciting contests of the past in place of many comparatively uninteresting events that are now taking their paces. It is scarcely necessary to add that ■' subscribers" can also do a great de-1 to mako tho Regatta a success, and that the Regatta Committee will be around in due course with their pocket books and their must persuasive eloquence. May they hava much good fortune.

THE BURNS ANNIVERSARY.

last night tho Committee of Auckland Burns Club held a social gathering in Rob sou's Rooms, Queen street, when the ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the St. Andrew's Day concert were entertained by the Club. Mr D. B. McDonald, one of the i Vice Presidents, occupied the chair, and Mr W. R. Waddtl, ex-Mayor of Auckland, another of the \ .c.-Presidents, was also present, with Mr It. Peace, Secretary. and othor officers. Tho good things having been discussed, the meeting pro ceeded to consider what steps should ba taken to celebrate the approa.h ing Burns Anniversary, 25th January. Aftor somo conversation, it was resolved to hold an entertainment of the same character as that aiveu last year, namely, a concert with refreshments, followed by a dance. There will this year b- better accommoda tion than last year, as the City Hall has been secured, and all the eons and daughters of Caledonia may therefore enjoy the national dances on the capacious floor of the building. Sub-committees were appointed fo make the necessary arrangements, and they were instructed to report to a goneril meeting of committee to be held on Monday evening next. From business, the nieeting then proceeded to pleasure, and "the nicht flew by wi' sang and clatter," neirly everyone present con tributing to ths general harmony. The following piecM wero particularly well rendered: — '/Como o'er tie Stream, Charley," M. Lonkham ; " Wae'b Me for Prince (Charlie," Miss Glovor; " Dinna Crosj the Burn, Willie," Mr Menzics ; " Sfo Will Wo Vet," Mr Carter ; recitation, "Tho Mason's Word," Mr Parker. A h»ppy evening's whole-hearted enjoyment clcßed by tho singing of "Auld Lang Syne."/

CABLEGRAMS.

t__ SI.-C'-KIO .BIK-BAFH.—CO-.-J-10H-.]

FRIGHTFUL RAILWAY ACCIDENT

TWENTY-TWO LIVES LOST.

THE CARS CATCH FIRE-

(REOTEIt'S TELEGRAM.)

London, January 5. A si.ruo.-s railway collision has oceuired near Tiffin, Ohio, between a goods and pas songer train, resulting in tho loss of fully twenty two lives. Several cars caught fue, and twelvo passengers wero burnt to death, and many oth rs sorioußly injured.

NEW AUSTRALIAN ADMIRAL.

[REUT-.1.- TBU-G-UM,

(Received January 6th—l2 45 p.m.) Lo-JU-N, Janu.ry 4.

Rear Admiral Hen'ky Fairfax has been appointed to succeed to tho command of tho Australian Naval Station.

ENGLISH POLITICS.

Eeais.-ib-t-.0-. of Cabinet Seats.

London, January 4. It is officially announced that Mr Smith has bean appointed First Lord of the Treasury and loader cf tho llouso of Com mons, and Lord Northbrook Secretary for India. _ London, January .. The portfolio of Secretary of State for War has been offered to tlio Marquis of Landsdown, whoso acceptance, however, has not yet been announce?. Mr Gladstone and the Unionist Liberals. London, January s,—Mr Gladstone has written a letter to Sir William Vernon flar ceurt, in reply to a request that he ehould attend a mooting of Liberal leaders lo dis- CUS3 the liifh question, ia which ho states tbat bo hopes tho speech delivered by Mr Chauibailain in December last may lead to tho discovery of a modus Vivendi among tho f.iberais, which favoured a di--ci.irs.ori of tho points of difference, with v viow lo arranging the action to be taken in Parliament. Mr (.ladstorto adds that whilst approving of the proposed conference, he abstains from taking part in the same. It is announced that tho Conference will be held on the 13th instant, and will com prise Mr Chamberlain, Mr John Morley, Sir George Trevolyan, Sir W. Vernon liar court, and Lord IJersebell.

SMALL POX IN AUSTRALIA.

Precautions in New Zealand,

Sydney, January 5,

No further o.sas of small-pox have been 10

ported at tho Quarantine Station.

Melbocrke, Januarys.

Another small-pox ease has been reported at tho Quarantine fetation. Seven of the cases are canfluen':, three being considered vory serious

A MO-AIDE, January ">.

Altogether four cases of small-pox aro at tho quarantine station, but none are of a dangerous character.

WElXlnotox, Wednesday.

A meeting of the Central Board of hoalth was held this afternoon, to consider what steps should be taken to prevent the introduction of small-pox in New Zealand from the Australian colonies. The mem bers present were tho Colonial Secretary (President), Dr. Hector, Mr G. S. Caoper, and Captain Johnston. It was decided that the same course should be now taken ns was taken during tbe small pox scare in ISS4, viz. : That the Union Co.'a ..camera submit all pas sengers and crews to strict medical ex amination at tho Australian ports of depar ture, and that all tbo intercolonial steamers should carry experienced surgeons ; that the Government sh-iiid arrange for medical examinatio-i of all arrivals from Australia at tho port of arrival, and at all ports of call in Now Zealand. That in case of failure on the part of steamers to comply with the required conditions, or of the ap pearance of small-pox in New Zealand, strict quarantine be enforced.

The Mount Rennie Outrage.

Tho Governor Refuses a Reprieve.

Sydney, this day. A LuifUT.vriO-.', consisting of Sir Henry Parkes, the Eight Hon. Mr Djiley, Car dinal Moran, and Bishop Barry, waited on tho Governor to-day, asking a reprieve of tho prisoners sentenced to death for the Mount Kennie outrage, on the ground that their execution would havo a bad moral effect. Lord Carrin^tou declined to reverse the decision of tho Executive Council. Another deputation of a hundred leading citizens waited on the Governor and urged the carrying out of the sentence.

Anglo-Australian Mails.

GoN'DOS, January .. — Mr Stevenson Blackwood, Secretary at tho Post Office, in rnply to a communication from tho Agent- General of South Australia, haa informed him that negotiations .vo still proceeding with the Orient and Peninsular, and Oriental Companies for tho carriage of mails between the United Kingdom and Australia, but as yet noUiing has been de finitely settled.

The Imperial Institute,

An-Important meeting in connection with tho Imperial Institute will beheld on the 12th instant at tho Mansion Hou-c. The Agents-General for the colonic, will bo pro scnt.

London Market Report.

Tho Now Zealand Loan ana Mercantile Agency Company's London market tele gram, dateel -Ith January, ia as follows : _ Wheat and Hour: Stocks aro light, and there is an active inquiry with an upward tendency ; A"ictorian wheat is worth __s 3d per 4901b landed; New Zealand average, _!Ss Od ; long - berried, 40s. Leather: Tho market ia 'easier. Best sides aro worth lid per lb. Kauri gum : Market firm. Good Ecrap.d pale brownish and amber is worth 105s per cwt. Good palish scraped and three-parts scraped garbled sorts are worth 7'2s per cwt. Medium, half-scraped garbled sorts aro worth 60. per cwt. Frozen meat: Market firm, with an upward tendency. New Zealand mutton, weighing per carcase 651b to 701b, is worth 4Jd per lb.

Blown Out to Sea.

Sydney, January 5,— H. M.S. Dart, which has airived at Sydney, picked up three Frenchmen who had been blown off the coast of New Caledonia, and who had been twenty days at sea in an open boat.

The Colonial Conference at London.

Melbourne, this day.—Mr Downes, Pre mier of South Australia, has intimated that he will go to London to attend the Colonial Conference in May. Mr Gillies, Premier of Victoria, i 3 not likely to attend. The Pre miers of the other colonios have not yet de cided whether they will go.

_-:i;inocr of tlio Preussexi Drowned.

It now appears that tho Preussen's engi neer was drowned. It is believed that he attempted to escape by swimming ashore.

Intercolonial Cable Kates.

Melbourne, January s.—The roduetion made by Victoria aud New South Wales on telegrams to New Zealand is to a halfpenny per woid up to tho fiist tou words for each colony, instead of a shilling for the first ten words as formerly. No reduction is made beyond tho first ton words.

Irrigation In Australia.

Melbourne, this day.—The (.overnments of Now South Wales and Victoria have agreed to the holding of a conference at Adelaide for the consideration of the ques tion of utilising the liver Murray for irriga tion purposes.

Proposed Antarctic -3__pedltioa,

Melbourne, January s.—Mr Gillies has received a despatch frcm the Agent Genera! with reference to the proposed Antarctic expedition. Tho despatch states that cca siderable and increasing interest is being felt 0,1 tho subject in England, and if the movement was started in Melbourne it would bo warmly supported at home. Sir Graham Berry had an interview with Sir Allen Young on the question. That gentle man promised to assist, if the colonies would

1 guarantee £10,000. Sir Allen young wofrlrj ■ I probably consent to lead tho expedition, -JS Anglo-Australian Cricket. MedbourSE, January v.—The cricket M \ match, England v. Australia, was continued | to-day. Tho Australians, continuing thoir innings, succaeded in compiling 219 run. when tho last _ieket fell i-Kvane, b; 11 ; Trott, not out, 29 ; Mellw.aith (*coro tho previous day), b, 35. The Eni'ltshrnen, who requi.ed 220 runs tq win 5 commenced their second innings, fin, lost 'onr'wickets for 123 runs when the Humps wero drawn. Tho following are the -cores • -Barnes, b, 21 ; Keid, c and b, 5; Bates, b, 0; Scolton, b, 22 ; Shrewsbury, not o_S 15 ; Gunn, not out, 01. As the match could not be finished, it was declared drawn. The English cricketers left for Sydn y this afternoon. Queensland Revenue Returns. BRISBANE, January s.—Tho revenue for the past quarter was £620,713, being a decrease of £21,474 compared with the ' corresponding quarter of lost year. The rovenuo for tho past half-year shows a decreaso of £18.000 compaicd with the cor- : responding period of 1685.

FATAL FIRE AT NAPIER.

Two Met- Burned to Death.

IBY IELK-RAPII -PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Napier, this day. Fike broke out in a small house noar the | Catholic School, in Shakespeare JRoad, at I 1 o'clock this morning. The house was oc cupied by a family riat-cd Teehon _s _ boarding house for labourer,. The back of the dwelling was discovered to be on fire by a passer-by, who, failing to rouse the in mates, ran to the nearest firebell and gave the alarm. Doth (ho Town aud Spit Bri gades wero quickly at tbo scene, but by that time the houso was gutted and wrapped in flames Tho fire, however, was confined to one dwelling. As soon as pos- 4. sible an entrance was effected, when the worst fears wero realised, as the bodies of two men f..arfully mutilated were discovered •■ •";'' huddled together. Ooe body was rocog--' nifed as that of the proprietor, and the otheras that of a labourer named Kelly.Mrs . Teehon and her two children left town on a visit to friends in tho country yesterday, ■ and both men had been drinking ovor night-. An inquest takes place this afternoon. The insurances are : -London and Lancashire, i £100 en the building.

The Western Loop Line.

Deputatl n to Hon. J. A. Tol,

Tins forenoon the Hon. J. A Tole, Minister of Justice, was waited upon at the Star Hotol by a deputation consisting of the following gentlemen :-Mr Warnoek, Mayor of Newton, MrLundon, of Messrs Boylanand Jundon, C.E., Mr Atkinson, gas engineer, | Mefsis William Mason, Morrison, aud W. J. Co irtney. The obj.ct of the deputation was to lay baforo the Minister .their views regarding the western loop line, via Free man's Bay and Newton, as tho best method of relieving tho congested traffic on tha single line of railway out of Auckland through tho Parnell tunnel. The members of tho deputation pointed • : out the advantages of the proposed line, and by means of plans etc.; which had been prepared, showed that tbe lino would bo more s-jrviccable and -, less costly than any other proposed means M of c.n.triicting alternative lines. Mr Tole in reply, said tbero were, of course, various considerations as to cost and reproductive ness connected with the question, which would ba-o to be weighed, and the western loop line would not only havo to be con sidered on its merits, but also in connection with the proposed widening of the Parnell tunnel and the construction of a beach line by way of Hobson's Bay and Lower ■'■'■;'■■. Kemuera. The whole question was one for ;-;';■ the Minister of Public Works to deal with, and all he (Mr Tole) could do was to promise to lay th. views of the deputation before the Minister. The deputation tben thanked m tho hon. gentleman and withdrew. . ;,

BASE INGRATITUDE.

William Anderson', an interesting-looking 9 young man, was charged at tho Police -*-

Court to-day with the larceny as a bailee of a gold watch and chain, valuo £ICf-'._n. r~<**| property of Helen Beatrice Plow, at Auck land, on December 7th. The circumstances of tho case, as disclosed by the evidence, are very peculiar. Miss Plow resided with Mr Boynton, her brother in-law, at Mount Eden, and was in the habit of visiting the sick people in the Hospital In this way sho became acquainted with tho prisoner, who was a patient there. Ho left the Hospital on the 22nd X ovember, and went, to live at Mount Eden, and Miss Plow called to see him in the course of her rounds. He complained of tho inconvenience of not having a watch so that he could take his medicine at the proper hours, and she said she would havo much pleasure in lending him her watch until the arrival * of his sister, who was expected to arrive from England on tho 13th. Sho saw ';. him wearing the watch on several oc casions, but on tho 7ch it was gone, and she asked him what he had done with it. Ho said it was all right, but not being satis lied with his reply, sho pressed for a more . definite explanation, when ho said it was pawned, and that he bad raised £3 10s on it. He refused to give tho ticket, both on that and a subsequent occasion. The matter was placed in tbe bands of the police, and it transpired thatthe watchhadj been pawned at Levy's, and that prisonerl had cono to Kawhia. Miss Plow tele- ' graphed to the prisoner respecting the watch while he was there, and received a reply of an unsatisfactory nature. A young tnun named Mendelssohn, assistant to Mf Levy, pawnbroker, and Detective Hughes also gave evidence, and the prisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial.

FIRE AT NORTHCOTE.

Shortly before 12 o'clock last night a fire broke out in Mr F. G. Douses general store, Northcote. The neighbours gathered round and rendered what assistance they could, but from tho first there was no chance of saving the store, as the fire had obtained a good hold beforo it was discovered. A few pounds worth of crockery and some harness was all that was saved from the stock. The fire burnt so fiercely that at one timo it was feared that tbe Northcote Hotel (which is kept by Mr Schultz) would have been destroyed, as it is directly opposite the site of tho store. Fortunately, trie wind was blowing from the North, and consequently- the flames were carried towards the harbour. Adjoining the shop was a stable, and when it was found to be impossible to save the building the horses were turned out on the road, and some of tho harness was removed to a place of safety. Tha trap was out of danger, hav ing been sent to the smithy for repairs. Mr Douse dee. not reside on the premises, but in a cottage at the foot of the allotment. Great trouble was experienced in saving this building, as the wind was blowing dead on to the house. The fact that the cottage was at a much lower level than the store wa», no doubt, the piiucipal cause that it was not also destroyed, as the bulk of the flame and sparks was blown clean over tho top of the dwelling. However, tho shingles caught fire en more than ono occasion, and it was only tho prompt action of the neigh bours that prevented the farther spread of the firo in that direction. Mr Douse states that ho, with his family, retired to rest about 9 o'clock last night, at which time everything appeared all right. He knew no more until about midnight, when ono of his family was awakened by a crackling noise, and he then discovered that his store was on fire in a place downstairs, whore hay and other things were kept. Of course the first thing done was to give the alarm and save whatever was pos sible, but the firo spread so rapidly that very little of the stock was saved. Mr Douse was insured in the Standard Office as follows :—£lso on the building, £250 on the stock, and £50 on the horses, traps and harness: total, £450. The Standard had. reinsured £200 of this amount, As Mr Douse did not lose his private effects it is probablo that his insurance will pretty nearly cover the loss sustained. His books wero kept in a fireproof safe, but they are this morning so badly charred that'it is evident tho safe has been i_.s'_a_ned. During the progress ot the fire Hioci'y bella took up the au.rru, as the rrflectiJii ap peared to be in the direction of Freeman's Bay,

Subscribers to tho Auckland Sailors' Homo aro rominaed that they will cease fo be members unless their subscriptions for 15.7 are paid by January H.

•MS ATJCKLAND EVI.KING STAB, WTO-SPAY, JANUARY G, 1887.



ViTHEN DOCTORS GIVE YOU UP, T T MoNS. GARNIER. the Hleonioian, will Core you. Consultation Fkkz. Kvary kind of Complaint Treated at— * BAGLETON'S TOII.KT HALL, \ MO, QUKKN-STKBKT. Boon ot Attandanoe: 9to 12 and Ito 0. SlMtrie and Galvanic, Taradlc, and Medlolaal Baths also Riven by Mom. Gamier. • JJumtwrs of Testimonials c«a bf seen w ' application.



vy INKS & TT ALL, CABINETMAKERS, UPEOLSTBAERS, AND CARPET WAREHOUSEMEN. QALB OP {SURPLUS QTOCK. FOR ONE MONTH, AT GREATLY REDUCE-. PRICES, AND FIVE PER CENT. DISCOUNT. g IER CE..T. ON ALL CASH PURCHiSKS WINKS & HALL, 8-IOBTLAND-s-RHIET. CHRISTMAS CARDS A KKLSEV'S, cpposita the Town OleoSs. JAPANESE CURIOS __ _ At KKLSKY'S, opposite th* Tcft- Clock. TENNIS RACKETS At KKLSKY'S, opposite the Town Olook, SILVER JEWELLERY At KELSEY _, opposite the Town Olook. TWO IMITATION JEWELLERY IT. At KELSKY'S, opposite tho Town Clock. IJIANCy GOODS of every kind JD At KKLSKY'S, opposite the Town Clock. HAND-SEWN BOOTS, specially suit able for the warm weather, light and ea»y giving great comfort to those i tnio'ed with tender fcoV-V. M. MILLKR & -ON, HiKh-stroet. Prices slightly over Imported article. THORPE'S TEMPESANCE HOTEL, ST. HKLLIER'S BAY. MR D. THORPE begs to intimate to the general publio that ho has, at considerably ex pense, built a Commodious Temperance Hotel close to the St. Hellier's Bay Wharf, and com mandlnß a magnificentsea view, where he is pre pared to provide picnic parties with Dinners, Teas, and all fcindD of Refreshments, at reason able prices. A limited number of persons can be received as boarders, the accommodation and service being all that can be desired. This favourite plaoe of resort specially recommended to invalids. Splendid beach for Boa bathing. For terms, apply to the proprietor. MR D. THORPE, AT TEMPERANCE HOTEL. ST. HELLIER'S BAY. /~1 ARLICK AND pRANffBH Wish to direct attention to thoir Stock of CURTAINS.- 127 difT-rent patterns in Tap estry. Cretonne, Guipure. Cor b.rt. Scotch and Not ingkam Lace. '.ono and Madras Muslin, from 33 9d to 50s p:-r pair. A fip-clal Lino: 60 pairs of Tape bound Curtains. 3jd« long, _s 6d per pair. CRI.T_NNES.-An immense stock cf Sin-bs and Double Twill Crepe. Rep and Sateen Cretonnes. A JOB Line of 801.---CRl.l- Rep Cretonne for Curtains, lOd per jd ; ordinary price. Is Gd, BLANKETS. -Our present Stock, purchased previous to the advance in wool, will be sold at Old Prices: Single from 9s Od per pair : Double. 14s Bd. BED QUILTS, SHEETING, and Upholster ing Material in Great Variety.— CAR-JOK and ur__jw__j_ INLAID TILE LINOLEUM. | G. and C. hava imported a large quantity nf the .IMPROVED mako of Lioo.eum. thn PATTERN of which will NOT WEAR OUT. It has been tested in Public Buildings In L.ndon and Australia during, the past four years, and given the greatest satisfaction.—GAß- LICK AND CR4NWELL, Sole Agents. PERAMBULATORS. — Great Varloty, Che-per than ever. Four wheeled American, from __J. JTngllsb, Colonial, and German. We are clearing off the best pat terns in Gorman at cost price — GARLICK AND CRANWELL. CARPBT3.— Wo have already received ad vices from manufacturers of tha advance in price of Carpets, but we ahull Sell at OLD CHEAP RATES till the advanced good! arrive. GARLICK AND CRANWELL, GENERAL HOU3E FURNISHERS, Queen-street, Auckland. TAB. \T\ O H B R T V, GENERAL DRAPER, Sea., REMOVED TO FUROHAS'S BUILDINGS, KARANGAHAPB ROAD, Late Victoria steeii. /JIVING TTP /HARPIST 8, H. a"t"k_ N S HAVING DECIDED TO RELINQUISH THE - CARPET TRADE, HAS MAR&FD DOWN HIS I.ARGE STOCK OF CAsRPETS TO LANDED COST PRICE. The Stock baa been Imported dlreot, and tha Patterns personally seleoted. There are a large number of Pieces to Select from in BRUSSELS. TAPESTRY. AND KIDDER MINSTER, And the prices at which th-y are marked will be found lower than ever before charged la Auokland. HEARTHRUGS TO MATCH CARPETB REDUCED TO COST PRICE. AD-D ---AN OVERSTOCK OF 300 PAIRS LONG CUR TAINS. AT 20 PER CENT. OFF PREBENT PRICE 3. AN OVERSTOCK OF BLANKETS AT REDUCED PRICES. AN OVERSTOCK OF CRETONNES, TABLE T_IN.CN. DAMASK NAPKINS, AND O -HER FURNISHING GOODS AT REDUCED PRICES. CHEAP LINES IN DRESSES, ULSTERS, FUR-HNICD CLOAKS, tea. CHEAP LINES IN CLOTHING, GENTS' MACINTOSH COATS, HATS, Ac. NEW GOODS IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE COMING SEASON ARK NOW BEING OPENED. AND TO MEET THE TIMES WILL BE MARKED CHEAP. a. a"t~__"i na. VtCT ANTBD KNOWN- N«IW PRINTS. DRESSES, MILLINERY. HOSIERY, fee. «Glf , SHOWING. Prices lew as usual. -jtJeedU- Let PICNIC HATS, fro__ M. mm w. _». ogilvib, '**' T-0-ORIA-BTREET WEST. Extraordinary Ohhaj Lines. \ 1,200 Girls' and Children's Hats. New Shapes, all at is lid each. Goods worth from 3s S. to 6. 6d each. 500 Dp.. Best Goods, at 2s lid -, Regular Price from as Ed to 9s 6d each. A Large Lot ot Ladies' Collarettes, all at 6 d each. Goods worth from la to 2s 6d. 209 Ladles' Lao.' Collarettes and Bows (the Newest Goods introduced this Season), at la lid; Regular Price, 7s 6d. 20 Doz Suade Kid Jersey Gloves (. button length), Is lid. A Manufactured Stock of Child's Trimmed Sun Bonnets, all at la lid ; Goods worth 5s lid. A Large Lot of Chatterenue and Moss Coloured Aii-retthe Feather, at is each; Regular Value, 5. fid: 200 Boys' Knloker Tweed Suits, from .s 64. These Lines are all Real Bargains. THE MELBOURNE DRAPBRY AND I CLOTHING CO., & QUEEN-STREET AND PONSONBY,



DR. ... MURRAY MOORE, MD„ M.RC.S.. Hours for Consultation: 11 to 1 p.m., at Pond's llomrv-.opatbic Pharmacy. 103 -Jueen-slxeot; 2to 3 p.m., and 7toßp m„ at Uoaidcnco. Lower Sjmonds street, Ti.ophonfi 130. Vnccinationß at Pond's, 1 p m.. TUESDAY and FIUDAY. Pure Cam- Lymph. China, Gtlas3, - Earthen Ware. JOHN ITwILSON Haa now a large and well-asserted Stock on hand, Imported direct from iho Hannfactureis. Christmas Presents 1 Kr.w Year's Gifts ! Birthday Presents ! Wedcino Pe_-_!S_- ! Special Attention IB invite'- to the-took of ___ . DINNER SERVICES, T!_A SETS. TOILET BETS, iGLASSWAHE, ORNAMTENTS, &o , Whtoh f« Variety and Cheapness combined Is 'ttnequalled in Auckland. liberal Discount bllowo. to Largo Cousumors, such as Ilct.l, Reslaurant. and Boarding-houso Proprietor.. , _ N.B —Prices for Cash are the Lowest In Town or Subuiba. Please note the Address— <2W-QUEEN-STREET-2iyi (Opposite Tuttlo'a Photographic Studio). aREA_ CLEARING OUT SALE to £10,000 WORTHoSr BOOTS AND SHOES, FOR ONE MONTH At GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR CASH. TO MEET THE TIMES, THOS. ELLISON IS NOW BELLING OFF HIS LARGE STOCK O). BOOTS AND SHOES AT GREAT REDUCTIONS, FOR ONE MONTH. FOR CASH ONLY. THE FOLLOWING NEW GOODS AT MUCH LES . THAN CO-TI . CHILD'S PATENT KLAS I'IC 180-T3, . TO 5, IS _?-___ rt pa ii_ CHILD'S KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 2 TO a, 2fl PKR P/.XP GIRUS' KID ELASTIC BOOT-i, 10 TO 1, IS 6D GIRLS'' KUD ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO 1, 5s 6D PER. PAIR GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO 1,6s PER All other Go'odß equally cheap. ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF BOOTS MADE TO ORDER ON THE PREMISES. EMPTY TRUNKS FOR SALE CHEAP. THOS. ELLISON, BOOTMAKER AND IM PORTER, 71, QUEEN -BTR-.El', pEAND /CLEARING CASH SALE OP |-\RAPERY AND /CLOTHING, PRIOR TO STOCKTAKING. \VM. 1.. BRIDGMAN Desire 3to inform hia Friends aud the Public that it la over. FIVE years since he has had a CLEARIJSG CASH SALE, aud hading SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OVER STOCKED, has determined prior ti Stocktaking to make GREAT REDUCTIONS for a short time to efl'ect a SPEEDY CLEARANCE. While cot thinking a Clearing Sale every few months advisable, W.R.B. certainly thinks it desirable at such an Interval as the above. Included In eale will be several large lines of Goods bought from several Warehouses at aVery HEAVY DISCOUNT. The Sale will be thoroughly genuine, and needs no puff. 235, UPPER QUEEN-STREET, AUCK LAND. pHINA, pLASS, TjIARTHEN WARE, ORNAMENTS, VASES, &c, SUITABLE FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YX.AB PRESENTS. THE LARGEST STOCK, THE BEST VA. lETY, 4 THE NEWEST GOODS, THE LOWE3T PRICES, AT BOYLAN & TAN FIELD'S, 174, QUEEN-STREET t|? (OPPOSITE DARBY-3-REET). Henderson & Moivor Are now holding a GENUINE CHEAP CASH SALE OF THEIR OWN MANUFACTURED EURNITURB AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES, FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. BUITES IN CRETONNE, FROM £S 10a, and Other Goods Equally Low, HENDERSON & McIVOR, CABINETMAKERS AND UPHOLBTERERS, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Brett's Auckland Almanac AND Provincial Handbook tar Foe 1887 "®> Is now ready, and contains a PICTORIAL REPRESENTATION OF QUEEN STREBT. ShOWing EVERY BUILDING On BOTH SIDES Of the street. The Digest of Statistical Information include... THE CENSUS FOR ISS6, Giving the Population of every Town nnd Road District in the Province. THE DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF THE PROVINCIAL DISTRICT. Aa usual, la written in an attractive, popular style, and notes the progress tbat has been made during the year in the work of Settlement. THE HOT LAKE DISTRICT la made the aubj cot of a New Descriptive Article, mowing the Changes that have been brougtt .bout by the recent Volcanic Eruption. The Calbotabs. Tide Table, Diaries, -Temobakda Pages, Customs Tables, Stamp u_d other Official Information, Post..., Railway, Coacr, Tramway and Stram Timk Tables, etc., etc., have been carefully revised to latest date. PBICE-ONE SHILLING. To be bail ot all Booksellers and at the Star I Offlce, '



MRS WIGG'S NEWTON LAUNDRY, Q-U-Y-S I-.BT IN--It iv. ..__•), Hata-Hah-d l? LO. Vlnltore to an'! Item-leu.!. cT, Auekla-od nr. re-ii.it. - o f-s«.TT- tint ihl. Laundry I- the Kb. L. die town. All articles carefully washed Ev hand and flat.hed In tbo most suiiorlor atylo by tt.orom.hiy praotioal hands. Genta' Olothe. Su-ufed.and thoroughly pressed; Lace Curtain. reare-sed : Ladies' Dresses washed and ironed. Tbe.. last items are a modality at thin KBtab lUlimonl. \\f ANT EIS KN O W 1.. _.AM_ C'JILIKStY OFFICE Removed from Meant. VUfchelsoYi and Co 's lo Office formerly b.cuplo- by thorn fato if. N. Smith's), 1. Queen-street.