SHIPPING.

StTXSKT—This eveninc. 7.9 Scnrise—To-morrow morning, 4.40 Moon's Age—Now Moon, 15th inst., 7 a.m.

HIGH WATER.

AtTC - i.AN~.—This evening, 5.2 ; to-morrow Booming. 5.28 , ~, . Manuk_u HEAns. — This evening, 7.42; to morrow morning, 8.8. Kaipara Heaos. - This evening, 3.42; to morrow morning, 9.8.

ARRIVALS.

December 10. Australia, s.s., from Wellington and East

Coasb lona, s.s., from Mercury Bay Zephyr, brigantine, from Oamaru Douglas, s.s., from Opotiki

December 11. Glenelg, s.s., from Tauranga Mary A. Greenwood, barque from New •York, via Dunedin and Lyttclton Ohau, s.s., from South

This day,

Rotomahana, s.s., from South,

DEPARTURES.

Zealandia, E.M.s., for Sydney

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel, from Coromandel, to-day,

•5 p.m. Rotomahana, from Thames, to-day, 9.30

p.m. Enterprise, from Thames, Wednesday,

midnight Te Anau, from Sydney, Tuesday Wanaka, from South, Thursday, 8 a.m,

(Onehunga) Selerabria, from London, via Sydney,

sailed Nelson, H.M.S., from Sydney, sailed Dec 10 Rapid, H.M.S., from Cooktown ; sailed

November 24 Calliope, H.M.S., from Sydney, early Diamond, H.M.S., from Sydney, sailed December 4

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

B,angitiki, ship, loading, for London Waikato, ship, for Napier, early Janet Nicoll, s.s., for Hokianga, to load Margaret Galbraith, ship, to load Waiwera, schr., for Norfolk Island, loading Made, schr., for Friendly Islands, loading Oamaru, brigantine, for Chatham Islands,

loading Takapuna, s.s., for South, Tuesday, 5 p.m.

(Onehunga) Rotomahana, s.s., for Sydney, Tuesday, 5

p.m. Australia, s.s., for East Coast, Tuesday, 6

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

SAILING VESSELS EXPECTED.

Lurline, barque, from London, via Dun edin ; sailed July 25 Canterbury, ship, left London Sept. 27 Waitangi, ship, from London, sailed Oct. 19 May Queen, ship, from London ; sailed Oct.

26 Dunedin, ship, from London Himalaya, bq., from Liverpool via Welling

ton Ada Stotb, barque, sailed August 4 from

New York Rebecca Crowell, barque, left New York

Sept. 8, via Wellington Deutchland, barque, from New York, via Wellington ; sailed October 20 M. Hennings, barque, from New York, to

sail Nov. 15 Oregon, barque, from Java ; sailed October

13 Jessie Niccol, sch, from Brisbane, early Astrea, brig, from Port Chalmers ; .-ailed 9th inst.

IMPORTS.

Per 5.9. Ohau: 935 sacks flour, 20 sacks oatmeal, 1,254 sacks wheat, 106 sacks oats, 181 sacks potatoes, 680 bags flour, 231 sacks bones, 16 blocks stone, 323 packages sum

dries,

Per barque Mary A. Greenwood: 50 cases .urpen bine, 4 cases nails, 2 cases mangles, 2 cases hardware, 1 case pumps, 1 case rakes, 149 cases chairs, 9 cases clocks, 10 cases brooms, 3 cases waggons, 1 case mouldings, 1 case velocipedes, 6 bundles washboards, 4 bundles broom corn, 100 cases cornflour, 50 cases starch, 24 cases drugs, 22 cases fruit jars, 14 cases paper, 6 eases glassware, 4 cases show cards, 2 cases crayons, 1 case twine, 1 case relucenfc, 1 case merchandise, 58 cases and 72 pieces marble, 1 case wick. Per s.s. Australia: 20 empty acid cases, 95 trunks boots, 7 sacks bacon, 179 cases milk, TiO boxes candles, 90 cases tobacco, 1,000 bags salt, 192 boxes sultanas,3o hides, 15 bundles bass, 10 cases brandy, 8 cases champagne, 240 packages ex J.aikoura, and 22 packages sundries. Per brigantine Zephyr, from Oamaru : 1,510 sacks flour, 150 sacks oats, 200 sacks pollard, 500 sacks bran.

The s.s. Clansman came out of dock on Saturday afternoon.

The brigantine Defiance, from Newcastle, reached Napier on Saturday last.

Intending purchasers are notified that the brigantine Dracy Pratt will be in dock to-morrow for inspection.

The s.s. Douglas arrived from Opotiki on Saturday evening wibh cargo and passen gers : Capbain Taw and two others.

The Darcy Pratt, brigantine, was this afternoon docked for a general overhaul and survey.

The brigantine Zephyr was berthed at the Queen-street Wharf this afternoon, and commenced to load her cargo of grain.

The s.s. Kahu is to come up from Lyttel ton to make a trip to the Chatham Islands, She will leave this port on the 28th inst.

The ship Waikato having landed her Auckland cargo, sails ab daybreak to-mor row for Napier.

'- /; The barque Kirkdale, bound for the Bluff, which was towed to sea on Saturday 5 was off Whangapoua yesterday afternoon.

1 The brig Restless was this morning taken tip to the Sugar Works, and commenced discharging her cargo of sugar.

The ship Rangitikei will have completed her loading on Wednesday, and will sail at daybreak on Thursday for London direct.

The s.s. lona arrived from Mercury Bay on Saturday evening with the following passengers ;—Messrs Clark (2), Woodcock and French.

The s.s. Glenelg arrived from Tauranga yesterday with the following passengers :— Messrs Asher, Isaacs, Bluett, Gill, Menzies, Smith, Gibbons, Dixon, Cains, Miss Brown, Mesdames Cains and Froude.

The schooner Gem arrived in port with a cargo of timber from Tairua. The scow Mabel also brought up a cargo of timber which she to-day discharged into the.Peer less out in the stream. The cutter Cham pion brought a cargo of timber frcm Tairua.

Shortly after four o'clock on Saturday afternoon, the mail steamer Zealandia sailed for Sydney. She had the following passengers from this port:—Bishop Sehvyn, Messrs J. Morgan, G. Morgan, S. Horsfall, W. Tiebrogh, C Davis, and through pas sengers from San Francisco.

The freights ruling ab New York on the lObh ultimo were as follows:—To Nelson, 26 cents ; to Auckland and other New Zea land ports, 22£ cents. The Rud Josephy was oh the berth on the date named loading for Wellington and Nelson. Vessels were scarce.

The s.s. Australia, from Wellington and East Coast ports, arrived in harbour ab 12 o'clock on Saturday night, and berthed at the Queen-street Wharf, She left Welling

ton on the 6th instant, ab 5.30 p.m. ; ar rived ab Napier on tho 7th, ab 7.30 p.m. ; left next clay at 4 p.m., and arrived at Gis borne on the 9th, at 5 a.m. ; left four hours laber, and called ab Tokomaru, Waipiro, and Tuparoa, arriving ab Auckland on the 10th, at midnight. Her passengers were Mr Rapp and two steerage.

The barque Mary A, Greenwood arrived in port yesterday morning in tow of the Awnina. * Sho is from New York originally, whicli port sh. left on July 27th, bub has called ab Dunedin and Lyttclton, for whicli ports she had a parb cargo. She left Lyttclton on the 28th November for Auck land, and with variable winds and weather up tho coast arrived as above. Sho was berthed at the Railway Wharf on her arrival and commenced the discharge of her cargo to-day.

Tho brigantine Zephyr arrived from Oamaru on Saturday evening with a cargo of grain. She is to be sold by public auc tion. Captain Tippett reports that Oamaru was left on the 29th ulb. with light and variable winds, which lasted to Banks's Peninsula, which was passed on the 30th, thence to the 3rd inst. fine weather, when on the date named strong N.N.E. winds and squally weather were met wibh. Port land Island was passed on tho sth inst. > The East Cape was rounded on tho 6th inst., and thence across the Bay of Plenty had variable winds and line weather up to ar rival. Sho was berthed at the Queen-street Wharf to-day to discharge her cargo.

ARRIVAL OF THE ROTOMAHANA.

The Union Company's s.s. Rotomahana, M. Carey, commander, arrived in port to day, from Melbourne via Hobarb and South ern ports, at 10.20 a.m. Sailed from Mel bourne on November 30th at 5.30 p.m., and cleared Port Phillip Heads at 7 p.m., arriving ab Hobarb on 2nd December ab 6.45 a.m., and sailing again same day ab 1 p.m., arrived ab Bluff ab 1 p.m. Sailed again at 6 p.m., and after calling at usual way ports left Gisborne on 11th inst., at 10.30 a.m., rounded East Cape ab 4.45 p.m. ; passed Cuvier Island at 5.20 a.m. on tho 12th, and arrived at 10.30 a.m. to-day. From Melbourne to Bluff, the Rotomahana had fine weather, with fresh southerly winds, and made the run from Hobarb to Bluff in the smart time of 70 hours. Along tho coast, had moderate and variable winds and weather. Sho has the following passengers : —Mr and Mrs Walker, Mr and Mrs Beckett, Mr and Mrs Sykes and family (4), Mr and Mrs VV. Beale, Mesdames Twiname and child, Nutter, Smith and 3 children, Gill, G. Owen, Misses Daveney, Twiname, Longley, Barnard, Crnickshanks, Marshall, Hon. Captain Morris, Messrs J. Owen, Ross, Cutts, Johnston, Duence, D. O'Brien, Owen, Cattenach, Coates.Crawford, Good.Hackett, H. Smith, T. Neal, Nissen, Corboy, Fallon, Bennett, E. Smith, Harcourt, Winter, Chadwick, L. Wiener, Hoffmann, O'Mollor, Vivian, Hickey, Fowler, P. McGill, W. Newman, J. Wood, H. Green, and 27 steer age. For Sydney : Mr and Mrs W. Weston, Mr and Mrs R. A Bell, Miss Bevan, Messrs 11. Crofts, G. Bono, Lowe, Porter, Wilkin son, C. Lysnar, and 6 steerage.

PORT OF ONEHUNGA.

The s.s. Herald sailed for Greymouth via New Plymouth yesterday.

Tho s.s. Oreti took her departure for Northern ports on Saturday aftornoon.

The s.s. Gairloeh arrived from Waitara on Saturday afternoon with cargo and pas sengers : Rev. Chas. Murray, Messrs Mason, Hart, and 14 steerage.

The annual excursion of the Oroti to Hokianga and Northern ports is to take place next week. The trip will extend over eight clear days, and should proved vory enjoyablo. Return tickets for tho trip will cost twenty-five shillings.

The s.s. Macgregor arrived from Hold" an era yesterday with cargo and the follow mo- passengers: Captain and Mrs Taplitu Mrs Rasmuell, Miss Herbert, Messrs Long dill, Clark, Rowland, Wilkinson, King. Brown, Rasmuell, Baker, Mead, ivavanugh. Barrett, and Meonan.

The s.s. Ohau arrived from Southern ports yesterday evening. She left Dunedin on the Ist December, nnd arrived and left Oamaru on tho 2nd; arrived and loft Timaru on the 3rd ; and arrived at Lyttcl ton on the 4th. Left on tho 6th, and arrived at Napier on the Bth and loft on tho 9th. Arrived at and left Gisborne on the 10th, and arrived hero as stated. Experienced strong easterly winds and uea from Dunedin to Lyttolton; thence light easterly winds with heavy swell to Gisborne, and from there fresh fair winds with smooth sea to arrival. She brought one passenger, Mr Greenup.

Tlie Union Co.'s s.s. Takapuna arrived from the South at 6 o'clock yesterday morn ing. She left Dunedin at 3.15 p.m. on the sth, arrived at Lyttleton at 8.30 a.m. on the 6th; left again at 9.30 p.m., and arrived ab Wellington at 11.30 a.m. on the 7th; sailed again at 1.15 p. m. on the Bth, and arrived at Picton at 5.30 p m. ; left again at 0.45 p.m., and arrived ab Nelson ab 2 a.m. on the 6th: left again at 3.15-p.m., and arrived at New Plymouth ab 5,30 a.m. on bhe 10th ; left the latter port a 6 p.m., crossed the Manukau Bar ab 4 a.m. on tlie 11th, arriving as above. Passengers: Misses Wood, Laycock, Wilson, Mainhouse. Mesdames, Homer, Mainhouse, Kevin, Askew, Messrs C. O. Smith, Patterson, Ward, Masters Gallaghor and Callun, and 9 steerage.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

(FROM OUR OWN" CORRESPONDENT,)

Tbe Wreck of the Bessie.

Dunedin, this day.—The Bessie was a cutter of twelve tons burden, being perhaps better known as tho "Doubtless." Four months a°-o she went ashore at Catlin River, tho wreck being sold by Hayward, as harbour-master, and purchased by a settler there. Eventually she became the property of Hayward, who brought her to Dunedin to undergo repairs, and renamed her tlie Bessie, ib being the intention to use her for fishing purposes, but his plans not being matured lie made this trip to Catlin River. As regards the cause of the, fatality ib is supposed thab during the heavy swell the Bessie had been unable to get into the river, and had cither been driven by a N.E. gale or sought shelter under the point, and then whilst lying ab janchor, ]a S.W. wind (which is a dangerous wind aboub this part of the coast) had come in und driven her on the shore. Hayward was for about fifteen years har bour-master ab Catlin Rucr, his services only being dispensed with on the Govern ment closing the port.

Helens ville, December 10.—Towed to sea on Thursday : barque Elizabeth Graham, for Lyttclton ; Friday, towed to sea: barque Alexa, for Melbourne. Sailed : schooner Marmion; Sunday, sailed : barque W. C. Wentworth. Lyttelton", thi3 day.—Arrived': Pnkaki, from Newcastle.

New Plymouth, this day.—Arrived : Herald, from Onehunga. Rio de Janeiro, December 9.—Tho New Zealand Shipping Co.'s R.M.S. Rimutaka sailed to-day lor Plymouth. Sydney, December 10.—H.M.S. Nelson lefb here to-day for Auckland.

Sydney, December 10.—Tho Union Com pany's steamship Hauroto sails to-night for Wellington direct.

Blote, December 11.—Tho s.s. Waira rapa arrived from Melbourne. Passengers for Auckland : Messrs J. Walker, McKay, and Adams, Sailed : Othello, barque, with 200,000 feet timber for Melbourne Exhibi tion ; Gerfalcon, barquentine, for Maldon Island. This day—Arrived: Waihora, from Port Chalmers,

Port Chatters, Dec. 10.—Arrived : Carl Burchard, German barque, after an un eventful passage of 123 days, from New- York. She brings 850 tons cargo, two thirds for Dunedin, and the rest for VVel- Himton. December 11.—Arrived : India, barque, Captain Ferguson, 45 days out, from Mauritius. She brings 50 tons sugar for Dunedin, and 100 tons for Nelson. Sailed (December 12): S.s. Waihora, for Bluff; Apaiinia, schooner, for the Coast. Wkllixgtox, Sunday—The Tainui sailed for London yesterday afternoon. She takes 25,000 carcases mutton, besides a cargo of wool, butter and tallow. Passengers:— Saloon ; Mr and Mrs A. Birch, 4 sons, arid maid, Captain Jesse, Mr Alfred Holt. Second saloon : Miss Stevenron, Messrs F. W. Rogers, T. W. Pritchard, C. J. Oakley, Jas. M'oKeay, P. Elliott. Steerage : Mrs Jane Wotherspoon, Messrs J. R. Kester ton, Jas. Torrens, W. Grace, C. Mclnnis, Carl Weber. — This day — Arrived : Wanaka, from New Plymouth.

COMMERCIAL.

Messrs Arthur and B~dm.e]s Report.— A good business lias been done in all depart ments. Produce of all kinds in good de mand, except cheese, there are hundreds of old cheese on hand, only a few could be worked off at ono shilling each, large size ones ; new farmers' make have sold ab 2_d to 4d per lb. Bacon of good quality is wanted, but little to hand. Butter, tho supply of fresh has dropped off considerably, still not sufficient to affect tho demand for corned. Potatoes and other vegetables have moved off freely at fair prices ; tho supply for Friday's sale was large, bub there is a want of a much larger supply during the week. Fruit: Gooseberries in large supply, prices a shade better. Loquats, bub few to hand ; a high price was obtained for tho best. Very few lemons sent in, none of first-class quality. A few Kentish cherries sold at a very high price, viz., Is 3d per pound ; they were very fine ones, but Buch a price cannot be expected again this season. Poultry: A very large sup ply of oil kinds except turkeys, out few cockerels among the fowls ; prices ruled low for hens ; chicks sold well; most of the geese were young and in low condi tion. No pigs entered." Furniture: There was a good demand for tho mottled kauri furniture ; for other lots at the auction bid ding has been languid. Groceries hay. brought good prices at the auction. Mon day : Sale of mottled kauri and fancy woods furniture, piano, etc., at mart; there was a large number present, the competition was good ; the prices realised were far beyond anticipation : Wardrobes brought £6 5s to £25 10a ; bookcases, £4 10s to £8; chests of drawers, £2 15s to £5 ; washstands, £1 2s 6d to £1 8s ; duchess suite, £9 2s 6cl ; cedar sideboard, £6 17s 6d ; mahogany duchess Fiiite, £8 ss; piano, £30 iOs: inlaid tables, £1 17s 6d to £2; cabinet, £2 2s 6d ; mirror, £6. Tuesday : Salo of furniture at mart. Small attendance, lan guid bidding, and but little business done. Sale of grocery stock at Nowmarkot by order of the Official Assignee was well at tended, and, considering the class of the stock, very satisfactory prices were realised. Wednesday : Clearing sale of dealers' stock of drapery at mart. Good attendance, and fair business done. Salo of household fur niture at Surrey Hills passod off satisfac torily ; the attendanco was good, bidding brisk, and prices favourable to vendor. Thursday : Snlo of household furniture in Wynynrd-streob. Good business dono: Mistress stove realised £5 7s 6d ; bentwood chairs, 5s ; dinner service, £5 ; easy chairs, 10s 6(1 to 27s ; double 4-posb bedstead, £2 18s; linoleum, 3s 3d por yard : walnut suite, £10 5h ; chest of drawers, £3 : Brus sels carpet, 4s 2d yard ; mirrors, £1 12s to £3 2s 6d. Friday: Market sale. Vory large attendance throughout tho day, and good bidding. Tlio following prices wore realised, viz:— Fowls, Is Id to Is 9d; turkeys, 4s 9d: ducks, Is 3d to Is lOd : geese, 2s 3d to 4s 2d ; pigeons, 6d to7d ; chickens, 7d to Is ; Hoiuians, 2s Gd ; light brahmas. 3s 2d: hen and chickens, 3s to 4s; tank, 42s fid : potatoes, Shepherd's, etc., 4s 8d to 5s lOd : kidneys, fis lOd to 7s : onions, IJd to 2d : peas, 7<? to Is O.d ; broad beans, 4_d to s_(\ ; cabbage, 6d to Is 3d per sack; cauliflowers, Is 4d per sack ; rhubarb, 2s 6d to 4s dozen ; pumpkins, 2s 9d cwt; oats, 2s 3d ; wheat, 3s lid ; barley, 3s 3d ; bran, 4s 3d ; sharps, 5s ; biscuits, 4.Jd ; ten, box, 19s to 22s ; Indian ton, 12lb tins 2s, 4d por lb : Scotch mixtures, 6.Jd ; boiled lollies, 4_d ; fresh butter, 3d to 5d ; cheese, Id to 4d ; bacon, 2d to 6_d ; hams, 6td to 7_d ; gooseberries, lfd to 3d lb ; cherries, Is Id to Is 2id; loquats, ljd to3Jd; lemons, 5d to 5Jd. Saturday : Stock of groceries, horse, cart and harness at G bidding's Buildings,- Mount Eden Rood. Largo attendance, and spirited bidding. Prices realised were satisfactory throughout.

Messrs Paget and Rat.ston report a fairly busy week, most classes ot produce coming to hand in good quantities, ami meeting with ready sale at fair rates. On Friday their market sale was largely at tended, and their report, as follows, shows fair business :—Produce—Southern pota toes : There is a fair demand, and small lines were sold through the week at £4 10s per ton ; a complete clearance to date being effected at this price. New potatoes, kid neys, _d to Jd per lb ; Shepherds, _d to Jd ; onions, 2d per lb ; broad beans, 7d per peck ; teas, lOd ; rhubarb, 3d and 3Jd per bunch ; gooseberries, 2Jd and 2_d per lb ; springonionß,2_dto4_dperbunch; cheese, Id to2.}d per lb; fresh butter, 4d to 6d; first-class Canterbury hams, 9d ; ditto ditto bacon, 7d ; second-class Canterbury hams, 6d to 7d ; ditto ditto bacon, s_d to 6d ; honey, 3d per lb; corned beef, Id and l_d ; wheat, 3s 8d per bushel; oats, 2s 3d to 2s 4d ; barley, 3s 2d ; bran, £4 per ton ; sharps, £4 15s ; chaff,. £5 per ton, sacks included. There was a large quantity of poultry, etc., to hand, and prices were ruling low for all classes, except pigs of good breed, which command tip-top prices, and an almost un limited sale. Fowls brought lid to Is lid each ; ducks, Is 6d to is 9d ; turkeys, 4s 6d ; geese, 2s 8d and 2s 9d; small well bred pigs, about live or six weeks old, 8s 6d to 9s each ; pigeons, 9d.

Mr Edward LfA'don's Weekly Report. —The sales during the week have been well attended, and a fair amount of busi ness done. Produce sold very well, except butter, there being such a quantity in the market it was impossible to get a price for it. The following is a list of the sales :— At Tuesday's sale of furniture tho bidding was brisk, and nearly all tho lines offered were sold at very fair prices, considering the dulness of the times. At Wednesday's sale of drapery, clothing and fancy goods, the goods were of first-class quality, and sold very well. Ab Friday's sales there was a large business done in produce of every description : —Potatoes, §d to Id per lb ; spring onions, 4_d per dozen ; chicks, 8d each ; good fowls, la 2d to Is 6d ; hams, 6_d to 8d ; bacon, 4_d to 6d ; cheese, 2{l{ to 4d; butter, 3d to 4_d per lb; tea, 16s to 17s 6d per box. Thero was also a large quantity of furniture, drapery, clothing, etc., sold at good price..

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1887.

For tho ca.so that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that -we can do.

We are enabled to give in to-day's issue a forecast of the Public Works Statement, which is to be delivered in the House of Eepresentatives to-night- The Government proposals are de signed to give effect to the determina tion, already announced, of contracting the expenditure of borrowed money, and confining public works for the present almost exclusively to the com in progress. These works, howeveri pletion of railways at present with the provision that must-be made for outstanding liabilities, necessitate the raising of a million loan in addition to the special loan of one million author ised for the construction of the North Island Trunk Eailway. The report, therefore, that the Government had agreed to modify that part of their financial proposals proves to be un founded. The time is no doubt inop portune for the raising of another loan of such a large amount, but the Govern ment will of course act upon the advice of their financial agents in London when deciding whether both loans shall be placed on, the market at once. Accompanied as the operation will be by a pledge that there shall be no mdro borrowing for three years, but little difficulty should be experienced in floating the loan at a fair rate.

The most importa__- announcement in the speech affecting Auckland is that respecting the North Island trunk railway. The Government have at last obtained an official, admission that the estimate of for the completion of the line by the central route was absurdly inadequate. It is now acknowledged that the cost of construction alone wift be ;£2.Q55,Q00,

irrespective of the purchase of native lands and the cost of raising the loan. The Committee which decided in favour of tho connection at Marton were thus grossly misled, and Parliament, which had voted only one million sterling for the completion of this line, was also induced to ratify the finding of the Committee under a complete misapprehension of the facts. It is perhaps too late to sheet home to the right quarters the re sponsibility for the data which has in volved the country in an outlay of some hundreds of thousands of pounds that ought not to have been expended. The votes taken from the loan for con struction and land purchase at the Marton end have been wholly misap plied, and diminish the chance of con necting the line with the Government trunk railway at Taranaki within a reasonable time. The Government have, however, now adopted the only course that was open to them under the circumstances. They are of opinion that the altered cir cumstances of the case render it desirable that Parliament shall reconsider the - whole question; and they, therefore, propose that a detailed survey of the route to Taranaki shall be carried out, when the House will have another opportunity of determining upon the policy to be adopted. This decision does not involve a stoppage of work. The line will be continued to a point 55 miles south of Te Awamutu, which is considered the most advantageous junction for the Taranaki branch. £75,000 is pro posed for expenditure during the pre sent year at the Te Awamutu end, and the Government also propose a vote of for expendi ture on works at the Marton end. Meanwhile, we believe that if justice is done to the proposal for a junction in the vicinity of Stratford, there can be no doubt of the decision of Par liament when the case of the rival routes comes up again for judgment next session.

The other votes proposed for Auck land are £25,000 for the continuation of the North Auckland railway to be yond Kaukapakapa, and a vote suf fficient to complete the Thames- Te Aroha railway _as far as Ohinemuri, to which point we presume this long-delayed rail way will be opened up for traffic. The Rotorua line is also to be completed to within 14 miles of Ohinemutu, and will then become the approved route of travel for tourists to the Lakes. Auckland will, at last, get its Custom-house, and Wellington a restoration of its Post-office which went up in smoke. The Auckland loop line is one of the luxuries which has fallen beneath the sword of Retrenchment.

THE NEW HEBRIDES SETTLE MENT.

Mail advices do not throw much addi. tioual light on the agreement arrived at between the Governments of Eng" land and France with regard to the control of the New Hebrides. While the opinions of the London press on the subject are somewhat diverse, there appears to be a general feeling of dis trust —an impression that England has paid too high a price for the French evacuation, and a fear that France would not loyally adhere to the spirit of the agreement. The "Standard" viewed it as a diplomatic victory for France, but the "Daily News" considered the settlement to be "wise and statesmanlike." The " Times " said: "It will, of course, be necessary to be acquainted with the full details of the agreement before a final opinion can be expressed upon its character. The removal of the French troops and the hauling down of the French flag will behailed in Australia as a substantial gain to the safety and comfort of the inhabitants. It is to be hoped that these excellent results have not been purchased by undesir able concessions in another quarter." Among the Australian Agents-General tfeere was some jubilation at theout come of the prolonged negotiations, and Sir Graham Berry, to whose per sistence the result is largely due, is re ported to have expressed himself as per fectly satisfied with the agreement as a temporary measure; but he and those who thought with him in the matter were determined that the control of the ifew Hebrides should ultimately vest irf the Australian colonies. It is to be hoped that he and his friends will abandon such a project, as being only calcula&ed to arouse ill feeling between France and England. Of course, if France should only observe the letter of £he Convention by with drawing "her troops, and evade its plain spirit by establishing a naval dictatorship, other steps must be taken to secure the integrity and neu trality of the islands. The dual con trol, which brokedown in Egypt, cannot be expected to work well in such a re mote locality as these ' islands of the South Pacific, and we repeat our formerly-expressed con viction that there can be no finality in the present arrangement. At the same, time if the conditions are faith fully observed, it may provide a satis factory basis of control for several years to come.

The total Customs returns for November for the colony were £101,627, the amounts collected ab the chief ports being: Auckland, £21,930 . 16s 2d; Welling ton, £18,750 5s 8d; Christchurch, £18,482 16s Id ; Dunedin, £23,494 12s 9d. For the corresponding month lasb year, the total amount was £99,380 4s Bd. Tho total amount collected for eight months is £845,3841756d,and thees.iraateforthesame period was £833,333 6s Bd. Beer duty: Auckland,£94ll9s lid; Wellington £47310s 4d; Christchurch, £844 12s lOd ; Dupedm, £788 5s 9d; total, £4,341 16s Bd. The estimate for the month was £4,500. -me amount received for the corresponding month, lasb year was £4,815 6s lid.

A curiosity h_?_"' n "^SSSa* •«* Ah¥^fts east of the _ - , r , £ 5 order. f 8 it Z*nb chaji > The fortnighUv ■_+-~• •" the fourth j_^»»»»-iS>« SMsassg Bonand J. __«_£M_"**■■__} fcqmdators to In reply to "WW » • . drivers, who a or other serious ■mSSS&Wmi that in such case. SSS N® suspended, and tfe Council[for inquiry andffijg* **i tour of the North Ishaid 14' arrive in Auckland on or aboS JW to this month, when he w_JS_, *** bitions of his skill. If £»* VW< game. • °W3 » jery i^

tion of ventilation of th« „v f 6 .** meeting was not htaJtjgL * fevering i^a.^oß.iS^ 004 letter froma b^S^Stf 4 Fornander, of SSL L ° A^ Bl death *_-ir'fi__^ffaW,*J month. MrFornaDderwaTw-ffiS students of Polynesian :«B__J£s____ the author of a work o_ ?M «3 which is recognised a. on . ot abie _ and exhaustive contribution.S the hterature of this .subject. ?ff.i was published in 1878, and at Si- the author had l*o.k resident ln the Hawaiian Group, X then Circuit Judge of the Malof B In her letter his daughter.'sptfft John White's bookion the Mabrirate _r_ presentto her father from the author' Mr Fornander died from cancer fa, the month after a long and painful illness. .'•"'" ; Bts{Bare.eing.tak e . to establish telephone co_unu_ioatlo_.be: tweenWhangareiandPor6tii-Mais(J i e_.Tliß Government are interest and working expenses This telephone would bring the wholeoffte fertile and valuable Mangakahia district iv communication, with Auckland, and would be a great booft'to the settlers of the dis trict as well as to the Auckland merchants, The telegraph line from ville, which was made, on similar"terms pays handsomely. r The Hon. E/ MUchd son, who takes a keen interest in every thing concerning Marsden and the North generally, v has;—with his usual practical sense..and energyr-_qspa„hed from the Telegraph Dep-ftment "fa espert to ' report on the hn& '__> sulta&l guarantees are given by influential persons as to its paying,, we hope the Goveniieat will see their,.way io construc.!--e line'of which Mr Samuel Rawnsley, of Poroti, who is largely interested in the gum trade, hag, with others, been a promoter. Some important business will be brought before the Harbour Board at i„ ; meet_g to-morrow afternoon:•" The recommendation of the sub-comnrittee, regarding ;by-laws and tariff and the salaries of the officers i)f the" Board for the ensuing year, come on for consideration. •' Tenders for recurs and addition to the Western T of Queen street Wharf will be opened' and foil sidered. :■' ■ »

Robert kodwhas "Blind Bob the fiddler," fell on.the; pivemenli ia Queen-street on; Saturday afternoon aid cut his head slightly. He was taken to Dr." MackellarV and t_ence : -to the Hospital, where his injuries were attended to, 1 and this morning Bob and his fiddle w&e doing the block as usual. On Saturday evening last .Constable Hansen arrest-da mannamed/Hart|onj charge of drunkenness, and took him to 'the Police Station. On Sunday morning m prisoner complained that he was tery tv, and said he beheved he bad brokensevasl of his ribs by falling down in Queen-street I Hart was thereupon taken to the Hospital and placed under medical care. A tele phone message received by the pohceW morning stated that Hart wa| not it W appear in Court, and the charge preferwa against hi_a was adjourned tiU to-morroff. A conference of Sunday-school .teachersjj to be held this .evening niflt: flat* Church, Bemuer*. The con[eWP_jfi commence at 7.30. and ,wffl.*_ byashortserviceatTocoek the important sub ect of the " ArbofQues tioning" will be read by one of the abte anTmostexperiencent-achersmAucldM Mr H. Worthington. An entertainment toSrht byr the; Wm J^ 9 Minstrels in the Newmarket HalL A«J o-nnrl Droeranime has been arrangea, w« sESiX_«^tob.._^-»*: Primitive Methodesb <&«£"gs£sg yesterday to'• «y*R! the afternoon \*».*% J, Chew,»«. yd at prices to suit the hard times. .uccessful tour of the ft WWg& over the rur«l concluded her entertainments. nr |*^%_iro3&_* her visits -to.-.the. ■»«* i _StfrW* *■ Whangarei, she Waikato.. She ,«**& 5 Wednesday, borrow night, at andatCanibr^g^,,^.^. meat in anotner patent medicines' wJTJBlfi* £ £ fc. Byli*^' t, pense with employing »;« Wal^to* AB riS&_^£ al traits to hand JW. 9 ~-®*°fa The portraits wejcc|^ ■s&&;■: written biographical «ww ._ bersr '■

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. MONDAf, DECEMBER 12, 1887.

4



VBNII VIM I VICI! THE VERY" BUTTON (Shakespear ) The Latest Novelty. Wo liavo imported a Button-making Machine, and can now supply Buttons same cloth as Garment, Onkhunoa Twkeds included. No extra charge. Call and see tho Machine at work. AUCKLAND CLOTHING COMPANY (G. Mcßridk), Customß-Btreet East, opposite Coupland's Store DISSOLVED BONE MANURE, - Freezing Co.'s £8, of all merchants. J TUSH ! FISH ! FISH !-Rakino Smoked - n« Bh ' wholesale in is parcels at the boat, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdayo.- Addross, A. J&nf ord, Rakino Island,



RECIPE FOR COOKING RAKINO SMOKED FISH. Put a cup of milk and a lump of butter in a stewpan, then peel off the scales and place in the pan ; stow for ten minutes on a slow fire with the lid on tight. Serve with the milk , poured over. To bo bought at tho boat only. mHE "UNION" And tho "SOUTHERN SPERM" CANDLES, Made by i THE UNION OIL, SOAP, and CANDLE COMPANY, Op AUCKLAND, Are all Guaranteed FULL WEIGHTS I (16 ounces to the pound). Many of tho Colonial-made Candles now in tho market aro Light Weights, and therefore • nEARER at tho money than tho Auckland-made Candles. TRY FOR YOURSELVES, AND , USE ONLY THE LOCAL ARTICLE GOODSON'S LONDON ARCADE.— ' Xmas and New Year Cards.—Notice.— Unequalled in Variety or Cheapness in city or suburbs, wo have yet REDUCED OUR LOW • PRICES, which now rango from 3 tor Id to os each. Assorted Packets, containing 13 Boautilul ' Cards. 6d the packet, or 25 Splendid Ca da Is tho packet Hand Painted Cards, local views. ; Is 6d each. Elegant Scripture Gift Cards, Id each; six subjects, in packet, 6d ; formerly 2s 6d tho packet. Thousands upon thousands to select from at GOOD.ON'S. , rjVO PHOT6GR APHE RS. SCHERING'S CHEMICALS, DRESDEN ALBUMENISED PAPER. DRY PLATES, ip.. 15s ; _p, 36s gross. Other sizes in proportion. SEEQNER. LANGGUTII, & CO., Queen-street. OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. ' i^ARDSI |~IARDS The abovo aro a speciality, and are shown in a separate room. mENNIS T> ACQUETS 1 mENNLS *0 ACQUETS AT KELSEY'S, OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. T> H O T O G R A P H Y. W. R,~ROBINSON (Late TUTTLE AND CO). UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. W. R. R. having been upwards of two years With tho late Firm is n sufficient guarantee that none but FIRST-CLASS WORK will leave his Studio. GREAT REDUCTION IN TRICES. All work on hand will be completed. W. R. ROBINSON (Lnto TUTTLE & Co.), 24 8, QUEEN-STREET. TI7E ARE THE CHEAPEST. 501b bags good Flour, Cs 2d 25lbsbet. Oatmeal,2s6d 31b good Candles for la lewt good Canterbury Potatoes, 3s 6d 21b tin Mixed Biscuits, Is Best Fresh Butter, 6d Fresh Eggs, 8d per dozen Bottle splendid Tomato Sauce, 6d Good Coffee, Is 4d Teas. Is 4d, Is Bd, Is lOd Pure Indian Tea, 2s por lb EARLE AND MONTGOMERY, Karanoaiiape ROAD. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SHIP OWNERS. ETC. Tn retiring from the Ship Chandlery business, I beg to toniier my sincere thanks to my many friends for their generous support during tho last fourteen years, and will consider it a per sonal favour if my lato patrons will kindly transfer their patronage to my successors in the business, Messrs Ross and Co., whom I can conndently recommend. D. H. McKENZIE. Auckland, September 23,1887. WITH reference to the above announce ment, we have much pleasure in inti mating to the friends of the late firm, and the public generally, that we will carry on the business of Ship Chandlers, Sail Makers, etc., in our temporary premises at No. 17, Lower Queen-street, and hope by strict attention to business, combined with moderate charges, to merit a continuance of the patronage of the late firm. ROSS & CO. THE SAIL LOFT will be under the management of Mr Charles Reynolds, who had charge of this branch of Captain McKcnzie's business for tho last fourteen years. Tho services of Mr. W. A. Harvey, for many years head storeman for Messrs J. and D Oxley and Captain D. H. McKenzie. have been retained for the new firm. Goods will arrive by next steamer from Sydney, and by direct steamers from Home. ROSS & CO. (Successors to Captain D. H. McKenzie), SHIP CHANDLERS, SAILMAKERS, Etc. Temporary Premises: No. 17, Lower Queen-street, Auckland Opening day, Monday, September "VTOTICE OF REMOVAL. Mr T. TRAFFORD, Tho oldest-established Surgeon Dentist of 18 years, Desires to inform his patients and friends that ho has removed Irom Wakefleld-street to more central offices, QUEEN-STREET (over Wayte's, Bookseller), opposite Wyndham-strcet. Professional hours : 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. T\ E N T I 8 T< R Y. Mr A. L. SMITH, OLD-ESTABLISHED DENTIST, Corner of Hobson and We__es_e_- Streets Artificial Teeth fitted without extracting stumps. Other dentists' work repaired. Teeth stopped. Gas administered. Charges moderate. Traincars pass the house. ■QR. LEWIS'S MEDICAL GUIDE TO THE MINERAL WATERS OF ROTORUA. Published at 2s 6d, and may be had at tho Stationers', or at Star Office. To intending visitors to this famous locality tho Guide will bo found invaluable; and to th medical profession also it will be especially use ful, as it contains information as to tho most appropriate cases for treatment and tho bath or combination of baths found most bonoflcial in tho various affections which came under the author's special care. A gentleman, writing from Rotorua, says— " I find the Guide an invaluable instructor in Mineral Spring Bathing, and I am sorry it is hot moro circulated among tho masses, to give thorn the information so much required,"



HEWS piTY QUPPLY OTORE, VICTORIA STREET. Encouraged by the largo increase of business done during the past year, wo have made some very large purchases for tho coming Christmas trade, and have decided to sell at tbe lowest possible READY MONEY PRICES. 121b tinsi of our celebrated Is lOd Tea for 20s 111b boxes of Household Tea for 15s 401b bag of best Crystalised Sugar for 9s 6d 501b bags of Household Flour for 4s 9d Choice Now Jams, 12 tins for 4s 3d Box of Soap, containing 22 bars, for 5s 3 bottles; of English Pickles for 2s 3d 3 bottlosi of English Sauce, largo size, 2s 3d 3 bottles; Sauce, small size, for Is Jars of Preserved Ginger, only Is each 21b tins of choice Table Fruit. Is oach Prime Wairoa and Factory Cheese, 4£d per lb Christmas Hams, prime quality, only B}d per lb (The above arc tne best and cheapest in the market). Cordials:—A largo assortment to choose from at Is pt;r bottle Limejuioo, lOd per bottle ~_.,.-. , Mandarin Packet Teas! Mandarin Packet Teas! (Wo ate the only agents In Auckland for this celebrated blend, and the price is only 2s per lb), lib boxes of New Figs, only 9d each New Currants, New Raisins Lemon, Orange, and Citron Peel Strawberry Conserve, lOd per tin. No Coods of inferior quality are admitted into stock at any price, but only such as we believe will prove satisfactory to our customers. N/fj,—Every order sent from our estab lishment this month will contain a LARGE PICTORIAL CALENDAR for 1888. Orders by post and otherwise attended to with great caro and despatch. Now, one of tho first stops towards genuine rclrenchment is a practical visit to REWS CITY SUPPLY STOKE, VICTORIA St. T> AILWAY ADVERTISING Mr WITHEFORD received the following telegram yesterday from the head office of the Railway Department, Wellington :— •"I have the honour to inform you that your tender for tho sole right of advertising on the Auckland section of tho New Zealand Railways has been accepted by tho Hon. Minister for Public Works on behalf of the Queen." Auckland, Nov. 17th, 1887. THE THAMES COUNTY COUNCIL Have deposited at MR J. 11. WITHEFORD'S OFFICE, SIIOnTLAXD-BTIIEET, A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OP THE THAMES GOLDFIELDS, Together with particulars of liberal concessions tho Council have decided to make, with a view to encourage the introduction of English capital. Mr Witheford, having- been identified vritli the Auckland Goldllclds since their first open ing, and having for some time past been collect ing mining information for English clients, is in a position to advlso any representative of Home buyers wlio may be in Auckland as to the merits of the various eligible Goldfleld Properties. PLANS. REPORTS. AND THE FULLEST RELIABLE INFORMATION OF ANY MIN ING PROPERTY may bo obtained on applica tion at his ollice. HP. WINDSOR, • SURGEON DENTIST (by exam.* (Late of the Firm of Kempt and Windsor.) I beg to intimate to tho public of Auckland and Provincial District that I continue in prac tice at tho Old Chambers, Shortland-street (opposite Post Office.) Having secured the ser vices of a first-class Mechanical Assistant, and reduced my charges, I hope to merit a share of their support. Box 210, P.O.] [Telephone 377. T>RETT'S AUCKLAND ALMANAC FOB 1888 NOW PUBLISHED, And may be had from all the Booksellers, and at Star Office*