COMING EVENTS.

Meetings, &C., To-night.

Abbott's Opera Houso-Smith and Permian Co.. in " Kun on the Bristol," 8. Itoligious Meeting in tho Tent on Surrey Hills Estato, Ponsonby Road. 7.30. VM.C.A.—Evangelistic Service, 7.30. Glassworks, Freeman's Bay—Exhibition of Glassblowing, 2 to 5. Fire-hell. Corner of Grey and Queen streets- Open air tors-ice. 7. Temperance Hall-Entertainment, 7.30.

Rota of Justices at Police Court.

January 17lh-C. King and S. Hochforr.

Sunday Services.

MOTE.—The services arc at the usual hours, unless when otherwise staled. Ivnen only one preacher's name is given, he officiates at botlx diets of worship; when more than one, then officiate at the services in the order named.

St. Paul's—Revs. T. Farley and E. 11. Gulliver. St. Matthew'*—lncumbent. All SaintV—lncumbent. St. Sepulchre's—lncumbent. City Hall-Evangelistic -orvlce. S. Kplphany—lncumbent. Holy Trinity (Dovonporl)—llev. J. S. Hill at 11 Pitt-street Wosloyan-Rovs. W. Tlnsley and C. H. Garland. T Grafton Road Wesleyan—Revs. A. Reld ana J. St John's Wealeyan—Revs. C. H. Garland and Par'noil VVcsleyau—Rev. T. G. Carr and Mr F. A. While. DevoTFort Woaleyan—Mr Darragh and Roy. H. R. Dowsburj'. Mount Albert Wcsleyan—Moesrs A. C. Brown and W. F. Tucker. ' Dcvonport Congregational Church — Mr n. Field. m . _. Congregational Church, Beresford-streot-Rcv. T. Adams. Parnell Congregational — Rev. J. Selby. Newton Congregational—Rev. H. J. Lowls (of NVlbod). Sf. Potor's Prosbjtorian-Rev. R. Sommervlllc. Mew Church Services—Foresters' Hall, Karam gahape Road. 11. Auckland Tabernao'.e—Pastor T. SpurgeoD. Abbott's Ooera Houso—Mr Geo Aldrldgo. V.M.C.A. Rooms—Key. J. S. Hill, 3 pm. | Lorna-street Hall-Auokland Rationalistic So ciety, 7.30. Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist-Rev. A. J. Smith. Pitt and Edwin stree's Primitive Methodist- Messrs H. E. Pottor and J. Vealo. Unlt-d Free Methodist Church. Pitt and Vincent streets—Rev. C. Worboys and Mr J. E. Roberts. Mount Eden United Free Methodlet-Supply and Rev. C. Worboys. Church of tho Sucrid Head, Ponsonby—Dedica tion Services, tit Lordship Bishop Luck. Mount Men Bap-Ist—Pistol T. Bray. Protestant Hall - ChriMadtlphlans, 11 a.m. Dcvonport Presbyterian—Rev. J. B Marshall. Arch Hill Weßleyan-Messrs J. Roberts and J. W. Shackluford Kcllrlouj Moeting in tho 'font on Surrey Hills Estat-, Ponsonby Koad- 3 and 7 pm. Frankl'n Road Primitive Methodist—Revs. C. E. Ward and W. Tlnsley (of Wanganui). Richmond Road Pilmitivo Methodist—Rev. C. K. Ward and supDly. ~ Watorvlew Primitive Methodist—Mr H. Field.

Auction Sales on Monday.

E. and A. I at:c3—Furniture, Fittings, Seods. etc, 11. E. lioydon. Cross-street—Household Furnttnro and Effects, 11. Heiketh, Aitken, and Co.. Mount Eden: Mount Eion Sawmill Co.'s Leasshold, Plant, Machinery, Buildiogs, Hoises, &c, 12. G. Lewis—Amorican Chairs, 11.

Chief Post-Office, Auckland.

Mails will close as under :— This Day, For Katlkati, Aongatcte. Tauranga, Sec, via Thame., per llotomahaoa, at 1p m. -•cr Tnamua. per Kotottiahan-. bt 1.30 p.m. Monday. 17th inst. For Giaborno uud Napior, per Wailakl, at 9 For Waitara and S yuthern ports, per Galtloch, at 11 am. For l'utisi aud Coroiuandol, por Coromandel, at 11.30 a.m. For Thames, por Enterprise, at 1 p.m. For Tauranga and Opotiki, per Chelmsford, at 1 p.m. For Whitlanga, Uppor Mill, and Tairua. per lona, at 1 p.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Rawono, Wangaroa, and Mongonui, per Clansman, at 5 p.m. Tuesday. 18ih inst. Por Walwera, Knwau. Lcish, Omaha. Mat„ kaija, aiallat Point, and iiowor Matakana, per lioso Caacy, at 10 a.m. For Rawono, &c„ via Manukau, per Orsti. at For'l'aranaki and Southorn Ports, per Rotorus, at 1 p.m. Por To Anmi, as follows:— _, ~ For India. China, Japan. Medi terranean Ports, and Continent of Europe, at 3 p m. For France, Algeria, Mauritius, Capetown, etc. (por French packet), at 3 p.m. For Kusaoll, Kawakawo, Australian Colonies and Unitod Kingdom, via Suez and BriDdisi, for lettore,. Sec, specially bo prepaid and addressed, at 1 p 111. , . For money or. era, registered lettcra, and newspaper.", at 3 p.m. I.ato letters for Sydney and Melbourno only at 1.20 p.m. , „_,,,,_ The United Kingdom mail will bo due at London on March 8. ISS '. Monday, 3lst inst. Per Zaalandi 1 as follows :— " For Samon, Sandwich Talardß, Unit3d Stattß ot America, Canada, BritiEh Columbia, Cen tral and South America, and British and Foreign West Itiilics. at 5 p ill. For th. United Kingdom and Coatinont of Europe, at 0 p.m. Money orders, rc„iot. red loiters, and news papers, _t 3.30 pm. . Lata bttera, bearinL- an extra f>o of bd to addition to tbo post'we. will ho rec.ived by tho Mail Agont on board tho 6teamer up to the timo cf ta'llng. This mull will bo duo at London March 7.

N.U.— Delivery by letter carrier has now been extended to as to embrace the Momt Ro.-kill Uiotrict, part cf B.llwood, and pirt of Kings- Addilioaal receivers have been placed In the following looa'itiea :-Victoria Avenue, New North Road (Al-y's). Ponsonby Hoad (Whit combe's). Great North Road (Seal bi, Karanga hape and Newton Roads (White's). Kybar Paa| (Illampid'B). Carlton Gore Road and Soaflcld View (Toge'S). Carltoa Qoro Road and New market-Btreit (Sneakman'c), Cook and Nelßon- Btrcetß(VVatson't). The KeceivoratUoscombß, Ponaonby Road, has boen removed to Blomfleld'B.opposite Frank- Anew'ofllce will bo opened at Gum Town, Mercury Bay, on Ist February next. Mails will he de3patohod as advertised with Whitlangl Note.—Tho Hbtemoa will leave tho Bluff for West Coast Sounds about 13th Inst. Tho Stella will leave the Bluff for West Coast Bounda about 15th inst. Po-tal notes may now bo procured at this offloe, and at any othor monoy order office In tho colony. ( _ _ _____ Chief Postmaster. Chlof Fost-offlco. Auckland.

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

Sunset.—Thiß evening. 7.17. Sunrise,—To-morrow morning. 5.1. Moon's ask—Laßt Quarter, 17th,3.1 a.m.

HIGH WATER.

Auckland-This evening, 10.7 ; to-morrow mcrnlng, 10 31. Manukau Heads—To-morrow morning, 0.17; to morrow of ornoon. 1.11. . Kaipara Hkaus To-morrow morning, 1.17; to morrow afternoon, 2 11.

ARRIVALS.

LAST EVENING. Argjlo. s a., Johnson, from Whangarei Waitaki, s.B , Pennall, from Whangarol TO-DAY. Chelmsford, s.s„ Cowpor, from Opollki

DEPARTURES.

LAST EVENING. Clansman, s.s., Farquhar, for Tauranga lona, 8.3., Araodoo, for Mercury Bay

TO-DAY. Haadalalo. sch , Johns, for Mercury Bay Kenllworth, sch.. Shaw, for Mercury Bay

STEAMERS TO ARRIVE.

Coromandel. from Coromandel. to-day, 5 p.m. looa lrom Mercury Bay, to-night Kntsrpriso, from Thamcß, to-morrow, 1 a.m. Clansman, from Taura»ca, to-morrow, oarly Southern Cro;s, from Glsborne, to-morrow Rotorui (it Onehunga). from Taranakt, to morrow early .... _ To Anau, f com Melbourne and South, Monday, Fotomabana. from Thames, Monday, i p 01. Wellington from Whangarel. Monday night 11 jtoraahana, from Sydnoy. Tueadiy. eirly Janet Nicol), from Tonga, February 12 Tainul, from London, Feb. 13. _ Raapebu, trom London, via Bouth, March Inwards Coastwise. — Nellie, from Wha ngaroa, with 3U.OODU timber. Outward?. CoASTWIeB. — NelliJ, for Wha- Lgnroa; M:dorn. lor Awaaui. The schooacrj Har.di Isle and Kenllworth B.IPOI Hot evening for Mercury Oay, where the forner «ilload for Oyuaoy, acd tnolaitor.for Duapdln. The h.p. Ar,^y:e arri rod lrom Wlmiijarcilast rvniog with c 0.,1, which ape put out to-day at tbo lUilway Wharf. Sho nrciw.ht no passen- Ecrl'- , ~ , Tiic s s Wa't'aki r.rriv A f cum w iuiugarei last evening with co a. alio brought no paeuongcrs. •I'no W.itakl win at th» Susr'ir Cimpanys Whaif to-duy luaclug B'igir for v l.iugton. In a Gisborno lulegt'-ui, published last even-. ing SouSur was prmtel )H3icad of Southern Cro 1?, that st iimcr navi'..g tailed fur Auckland at 9 a.m. yesterday. The Northern Stcjmship Company intend to plica tlia H.-. JUougUs on the trado between this pjrt Opotik'l, etc. a-d she will commence run nttg efter undorgoiDg a general overhaul. - The s.b. Chelmsford arrived from E»Bt Coaat porta at 10 a.m. to-day with 600 bscUb maize and 5) sacks grass Beed. Passengers from Tauranga: Mrs Rhodes and Mrs Burdell. From Whska tane Mews Dennieon and Robs. From Opotiki: Miss Hitchens and Mr Thomson. The ship Euterpe got her upper topsail yard, which had been damaged and repaired, Into position yesterday afternoon, and was towed 5 miles outside Tlritiri by the s.s. Awhlna, which left her at 6 p.m . bound for Napier, with a fresh S.W. breeze. Ibis morning tbe wind chopped round to the northward, and at 10 a.m. to day we rec.-lved a message from Tintirl, stating that, " Tin full-rigged ship which was towed oat yesterday Is now iaßide Tiii, running ln- Vaids " Tbe Euterpe, later on, anchored Inside '6t Tirltlri, whuro sho will prooably await a •tovo'urabia change of wind.

TELEGRAPHIC SHIPPING.

3ydney, January ft - (Arrived: Tekapo, from WelilngtoD. Wellinoton, January IL—Baiiei: ie Anau, 3,a„ lor tho North. Passengers: Mssiexmsß

Crisp and Brassey. Miss Johnston, Messrs Reoß. Watson, Bllby. Millar, Slmkln. Bailey, Bnant. Lea. Porry. Ward, Leahv, Pond, Brassey, Keos. DoL-Utour. Briscoo, Leoourtonal, Solton. Crisp. Murray, and Ollivler. Bluff, this day.—Ganymede, barque, for London. Wiianqarei. thiß day.—Arrivod: Wollington, from Auckland, 6 a.m. W-txington. this day.—Soiled : Walpa, ship, for London, early.

COMMERCIAL.

Evening Star Office this day. The following Is to-day's quotations for oertaln companies' shares :-Bank of New Zealand, £17; Now Zoaland Insurance C2s (ex dividend): AuekHnd G.ts Co., £10 Es. Prince Imperial Gold Mining Co.'s shares aro going at 2s 2d to day in consequoncc of tributes turning out loos to the load.

Births.

GRIt"iTTIIS.-On DoDomber 30 at Lawrence- Btreot. Ponsonby, tho wifo cf Chits. Frederick Griffiths, solicitor, ot a daughter. MERCER.-On January 12. at loghidcno, St. Stephen's Avontto, Parnell. tho wifo of E. lleaucbamp S, Mercer of a son.

Deaths.

CHAMBERS.—At Dillingham, Kor.t, England, on Fobrtmry 17, 1886. Henry Chambcra ; ngetl '05 years.—On November 23, lfSii. Slaty, wifo of tho abovo; ago! 07 years. Parents of D. S. 1 Chambers, of this city.—" Ono In Wo and for ovcrmore." COMBES.—On January 11. t?S7, at Manukau Koad, Parnell, Alison, the beloved wifo of Kdmond Combes ; aged 10 yours. Tho funeral will loavo her late residonco to-morrow (Sunday), at 3 p.m., for S;monds- Btrcct Cemetery. CLARK.—In loving memory of my beloved husband, Samncl Ilalworth Clark, who died nt Sydnoy, N.S.W., January 13, 1885 ; ngod 3d.

Notices to Correspondents.

S.I!.—To fix accurately whero ihe daybigaT), wo should havo to ko back tvtbo ruwn of croolion, and discover when) the light ot tbe tsun lirnt struck the oarth. That being intros siblo. the existing arrangement lv merely one ot convenience, llxodupon arbitrary Unci, and all nations havo not yet agreed to accept tho same mo.ldian. Taking, howovor, English timo rookoued from Greenwich, tho day is counted by the sun's pissngo across the moriditin at noon. Counting, then, from noon back to midnight, the starling-point of tho noxt flay wo get (.it four iniiuit's per ilegrci') the Willi degree ens' of Greenwich —which is also Ihe 1801b tic-roc weet-ns tho point from which the tiny starts. As the iiiurnal r< volution of the earth Minus Iho sun acroaa the sky from cust to west, his li-lit falls upon Now Zealand near y twelve hours be fore (according to English reckoning) il il lumines tho land and sea along the meridian of Greenwich.

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 1887.

For the came that lacks nsoi.-.tance, .or tho wron_ that needs resistance, For tho future in the distance, And tho good that we can do,

TIIERE seems to lie a general move ment in tliese colonies among the labour organisations against Iho con tinuance of assisted immigration. The New South Wales Emigration Office in London lias boen closed—a step which is attributed to the agita tion of (ho labour representative Norton ; and in this colony action lias been Ittken in the South to prevent, if possible, the influx of more immigrants. Now, although a steady stream of popu lation into a country usually brings with it prosperity, this is only true when the new-comers are quickly absorbed into profitable pursuits. For those who come to settle on land the licit! is at present unlimited, and will be so for generations to come; but our general labour markets are limited. \Vc cannot manufacture to export, and our markets are confined to apply ing the wants of a comparatively small population iv competition with imports from abroad. So long, then, as our own artizans are unable to lind con tinuous profitable employment it is utterly wrong to take the money of lite people in order to introduce com petitors with them in the labour mar kets. As concerns the welfare of the colonists who are now here, indeed, we question the wisdom of forcing up the population by assisted immigration, A largo population vastly increases the wealth of the few, but it tends to de press the many and reduce the average of comfort ami happiness, it is per haps a selfish way of looking at the matter, when we think of Ihe over-crowded population of the mother country ami tho magnificent breathing space and room for expansion in this colony, to speak of keeping so line a land for the exclusive benefit of its present occupants ; but under no circumstances could that be done. The attractions of the country itself will steadily thaw new blood from the -life of older lands, without resorting to artificial transfusion. AYe believe that, if wisely governed, we may rely upon tho close communication which now exists between the Colour aud the Home country, to insure a steady influx of population of the right class. Victoria has done so for many years, and ij growing as rapidly as ap pears desirable. When surplus labour begins to clamour for work it is certain that immigration has gone on too rapidly, and the fact ought to be ac cepted by the Government as a signal for discontinuing artificial stimulation, leaving natural laws to res tore the balance.

A Political Tangle.

What promises to prove a protracted con ference has been opened in London with a view to evolving Liberal union out of the

disunion which, curiously cuough, was caused by Iho action of the "Liberal Unionists." From this conference tho leaders—Mr Gladstone and Lord Harring ton—aro holding aloof, and though their absenco will simplify tho negotiations, there can be no doubt that the points of difference will prove very difficult of adjustment. Mr Chamberlain, as representing the Unionists, is sure to make a tough battle and hold out for good terms of surrender, while in Mr John Morloy, the Glndstonian lieutenant, ho will meet a focman " worthy of his (best Birmingham) steel." If both parties honestly desired re-union, there would be but little difficulty in the way ; but thoro is ground to still i-uspcct the motives of the Badical rebel, Mr Chamber lain. It is almost unthinkable that he should desire to join Lord Randolph Churchill in the work of constructing a Fourth' Party, and yet there is something very similar in their attitude towards existing political parties that gives proba bility to the idea. While the scion of a elucal house is posing as a Badical, the leader of the vanguard of Radicalism ranges himself o nthe side of the Crown and constitution. The rapprochement between tho youthful Lord and the astute and ambitious Liberal malcontent was well hit off by Mr Morloy, in a recent speech at Leeds,when he said : — " You will not get a bounteous affluence of fresh water into the Tory pump by tho simple fact of filling it with a brand new Radical handle, kindly lent for the occasion by a friend from Birmingham." Almost in the same breath, Mr Morlcy tie scribed the Radical mummeries of Lord Randolph Churchill as being like tho antic, of a puppet in a street show which was nothing but " paint and wood and wire and scpieak." It is evident that wherever Lord Randolph Churchill may gravitate, it. cannot by any possibility be into the Liberal ranks. Lord Harrington, tho leader of the Unionists, may find his way into the Conservative camp, but at the present juncture ho ap parently hesitates to ally himself with a losing cause. The whole situation is very complicated, and it is to be hoped that tho Conference now sitting may succeed in placing matters on a better fooling.

The turncock proceeds vigorously to cut off all unpaid water supplies on Monday morning at 9, and consumers in arrear should noto. Tho Waitemata County Council has de clined to avail iteelf of tho facilities offered by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce for representation of County Councils in the Chamber. The following officers yesterday under went a course of practical instruction at tho North Head batteries in shelter trench dig ging-, gun-pit construction, and the excava tion of rifle pits and formation of redoubts : —Lieut.-Coionele Mahon and Dignan, Majors Isaacs, Tcnks, Birni?, and Clayton, The officers wielded tho spados and shove's thomselvcs, an! performed their work very creditably. Lieutenant Falconer was in structor. ' We learn from the Great Earlier thai there is no truth in the report that the hot | springs there are very active.

A good road to tho Waitakerei Falls is projected. Tho Waitemata County Coun cil, having receivod a report from itß Engi neer that ho had planned out a fairly pood road to cross tho crook at Mr Smyth's pro perty, and that arrangements had boon mado with neighbouring owners BO that tho work could be proceeded with, in structed him yestordny to proparo specifica tions for the formation of tho new lino of road outside Snell's, aa soon as funds aro available. Tho Council haa uleo agroodto accept tho delegation of powor to appoint trustoos ,for tho Lucui'a Creek Cemetery under tho Comotorios Act, ISSS, and to ro quost tho Crown to mako an ofl'or to leaso tho two railway reserves at Harkin'a Point, Riverhead, for a period of three years. Tho Burns Annivorsary ia to bo celo bratod by tho local Burns Club, by moans of a grand concert, banquet, and ball, in • tho City Hall on tho 25th inst. Tho com plete arrangements that aro boing aotivoly mado for tho auspicious oveut givo promise of a most enjoyable night boing spent in national song, story, nnd music, winding up with "tho pootry of motion" on tho spacious floor of tho larco=t hall in tho city. The popularity of Scottish music, nnd tho former success of this Club's entertain ments, will ensure a largo turn-out on tho occasion. The now Roman Catf. olio Church of tho Sacred Heart, in Ponsonby Boad, is to be formally oponod at 11 o'clock to-morrow morning with tho celebration of l'ontificul High Mass by Bishop Luck. Father Egan will preach tho sermon, and a strong choir under tho experienced direction of Miss Shanaghan will render the musical portion of tho service. Tito Bishop also preaches at vospors.

Although tho last liro in Etlen Torraco doetroyed a largo amount of property, it has turned out to tho ultimate advantage of tho district. Amongst thoso burnt out was Miss Johnson, who had for ninny yoars carried on successfully a children's Semin ary ; and thia lady hits now in cottrso of erection throo handsome shops t'.nd dwell ings on tho old site, fitted with modern conveniences, in ono of which sho intonds keeping hor school, Tho oxcollent ventila tion und drainage aro marked features of tho new buildings.

At tho annual mooting of tho members of St. Matthias's Church, Pa-mure, hold on YVodneeday last, Bey. F. Could presiding, tho balanco-ehoct and vestry report woro road and adopted. Tho tolttl receipts during the year had boon £\'.i'.> 0s Il.d, all of which had beon disbursed, with the excep tion of i' 9 18s lO.id carried forward to credit. Mr Ireland was reappointed minis tor's warden, and Mr Andrew Thompson waa again elected poople's warden. Messrs Kingslcy, W. Kay. Gommoll, Jordin, Wixon,"Punko, Morloy, and A. Lootubwero chosen mombors of tho vestry, and Moesrs A. Luomb and Kingsloy, auditors. Messrs Wixon and Bunko wero appointed sides men.

Tho sorvico at tho tent at Surrey Hills last evening proved of more than ordinary interest lo all present. Tho subjoot choson by Elder Darnells for the occasion was tho perpetuity of Cod's moral law nnd our in dividual relation lo it. Faith, tho spcikei" paid, was indisponsablo to salvation, and otornal life no less conditional upon our obedience on all enforced by tho command moots of Johov.-.h Tho dccnloguo was not, ,lowi.~h in its origin and although given to Israel on Sinai 'mid llanio and smoke, yet its origin was from Eden antl to be observed by all mankind. Many substan tial and clear illustrations woro given during iho lodine, also quotations from various standard authors on tho siunilioa lion of tho vorela " fulfil" and " doitrov " in relation to our Lords remarks, ''Think

ml 1 lim como to destroy tho law and tho prophols. 1 am not como to destroy, hut to fulfil." Tho preacher's various points woro taken up and handled in a very masterly manner. Tho subject this oven ing, as will bo seen by advortu-cruetit, will Ik) "Tho Sabbath—Who Changed it from the Seventh to tho First Day';" A largo gathering may bo anticipated.

As showing tho usofuliiOßfl of Mich intliis- Irial exhibitions as! tho lato ono held undor tho auspices of tho Sunday-school Union, wo may mention a fact, that camo undor our nolicu lafely. Mr Charles E. Carter, son ot Mr T. E. Carter, tho well-known music tcichor of V'ictoria-Btroot, oxhibitcel at the lata exhibition somo work ho had dono in Iho vay of transparent decoration of windows and glass doors. Wo noticed this work, which seemed lo show a cortain amoutit uf inventivo as well as .iriirtic genius. It appears that Mr C.irtor has, since tho Exhibition, gone ;tt thia lino of work, and can decorate the lower sashos of windows or glass doors, and mako them, for about tho cost of a curtain, as protty aa if they woro ornamented with Costly stained glass. Any person wauling anything of tho sot done should look up Mr Carter and his work, Tho Waitomata County Council has ac cepted Mr Joseph Wilkins's offer lo repair tho Waikoukou Bridge at a cost of about CI7, subject to the timber being all healt. Correspondence re tho Wainui Kaukapa kapa lijad has been deferred, pending tho reco:pt of tho Engineor's final report, (.utters (I) from ratepayers round about Henderson, lor work to bo executed on tho (! roat North Road and Orntea Bridge, and (2) from Mr G. Cantwell, urging tho attention ot tho Council to tho r.cod for iho improve ment of the grado between tho school houso and Henderson Bridge, woto deferred until next moeting, Messrs Smyth and Cantwell to report. He Mr Dilworth's protest against tho taking of part of his land at Waitakerei West for road purposes a letter was received from tho Public Works Departmont (Wellington), stating that unless tho pieco of land in question was absolutely ncco-sary for tho purpose of tho road thero was no power under tho I'nblic Works Act, 18S2, enabling tho Council to tako it contrary to tho wish of the owner. It was resolved that a copy of tho En gineer's report, on tho matter should bo for warded to tho Minister, with a request for tho whole of tho land to bo included. Ra tho Hon. it. Chamborlain's application for a wharf to bo formed alongside his pro perty, l'-orth East Point, Waipareira, and offering to contribute £100 towards erecting tho tamo, it was resolved to instruct tho Engineer to report on the host sito for a wharf, and tha probablo cost. Tho Auckland, Ponsonby and Waitemata Navals had a parado in tho Drill-shed last evening, ulion a useful comso of instruction was given in guard-mounting. Tho Devon port Navals mustered at North Shore. At a mooting of tho Auckland Navals aftor parado, £30 was voted for three representa tives at tho approaching meoting of tho New Zealand Kills Association.

At its moeting yesterday aftornoon tho Waitemata County refused to refund tho £0 balance of Thomas Catron's forfeited do posit for Northcote V\ lmrf approaches con tract. A. propos of tho samo work McEsrs Boylan and Lundon reported on tho coui plaiut of Mr Wolla that tho cutting at Northcote Wharf spoilod tho approach to hia house, that there was no new causo of com plaint on account of the now cutting, which benefited Mr Wells as much as anybody, The report was adopted, and tho Secretary directed to forward a copy of it to Mr Wells.

A meeting of tho Eight Hours' Demon stration Committee was hold.at tho Working Men's Club last ovening, whon further ar rangements wero mado for tho sports to tako place in tho Domain Cricket Ground on January 29th. Tho programme in cludes sixteen events, and includes a good variety in tho form of walking and running contests, a three miles bieyclo raco, and greasy pig raco. Entries will bo reeeivoel up till Friday, January 21st. Messrs R. Lllis, A. Rhodes, and Fairweathi.i' were ap pointee! handicappciv, and Mr Crouch e:m tented lo arrange for childrcn'a races on the ground. 'Iho first raco U lo start at 11 a.m.

It will be noticed by advertisement in to day's issue that sovoval day-schools in con nection with tho Auckland Scripture Gift Association for young children aro to bo opened in thu city and subuibs on Monday next. Tho Committee ol tho Association, feeling tho pressing need of schools for children in which tho Holy Scriptures aro recognised, and that this opinion is also very largely shared iv by parents, havo boen lod to adopt, tho present special action in regard lo tho matter. Tho weekly feo of these schools is tixod at tho exceedingly low ralo of 3rd for young children, so as to placo tho anticipated benefits within tho reach of all. Tho Committee desiro here to express Iheir thanks to tho trustees of thoso schoolrooms which havo beon granted froo for tho object.

Tho Kov'. J. Crump, an ex-President of tho Wcsleyaii Conference, and Chairman of (he Nelson District, will preach to-morrow ovening in the Grafton Koad Church. Mr Crump formerly laboured in this city, and is gratefully remembered by many friends. The Rev, A. Keid will preach in tho morn ing.

The lire on. "atigitoto continues lo burn briskly. Seigtant A. Clarke, of the water police, visited tho island yesterday, and found that although a largo area had I ccn overrun by tho consuming clement, no valu able timber had been destroyed, antl that the firo was likely to burn out shortly, Ho could obtain no clue to tho origin of the firs.

An unaccountable dolay has arisen, from what causo wo know not, respecting tho cheap excursion trips to Lichfield and Taupo. It iB to be vory much regretted that the Christmas and New Year holidays havo passod; stdl wo entertain no doubt but that if anything liko reasonable concessions wero made by tho Railway Department and coach proprietors at Lichfield and Taupo, a goodly number of tourists, and Auckland mon would bo ready to avail themselves of tho opportunity of seeing tho country about Lichfield arid botweon thoro and Taupo. The Lake itsolf, called by tho Maoris "Taupo Moana," or tho inland sea at Taupo, is ovon now largely visited from thoso re siding in tho South via Napier, and it does appear passing strango that this wondorful district is so littlo visited; indeed, is almost unknown to tho vast majority of the Auckland peoplo. Thoro is littlo doubt but that advertisements will Bhortly bo issued for choap excursion trips by the Railway De partment, in order to afford tounstsnnd other ploasuro-seekera tho chanco of visiting tho natural wonders of Taupo and sur rounding country at a price as low and evon cheapor than can bo done at present to Botortta. Tho distance to Lichiiold is 144 miles by rail, and about 50 by coach to Taupo, which is accomplished easily and comfortably in nine hours. The Roy. W. Tinsloy, who ten years ago was a well-known and respected minister in Auckland, is in town, and will conduct divino servico to-morrow in tho Franklin Boad Church.

Tho rates received at tho Waitemata County Council ofiico botweon June 30th and December last amounted to £1.123 133 -Id, and since then the following: Taka puna Biding, £112 18s; Woiti, £1 2s j Ararinm, £52 5s 2d ; Waikomiti, i.2 bs Jti ; Waitakerei, £33 2s Id; Manukau, 10s, i .07 lis, making a grand total of £1,330 10a 4d. Our attenlion has boen drawn to a most useful littlo work on mulberry trees and silkworms, by U A. Schoch, which is boing given away by the Government through various eourcos. Tho book con sists of asorios of instructions, which any one can understand, on the raising of tho silkworm and tho preparation of tho cocoons for market. Tho (irst fow pages aro do voted to tho proper cultivation of tho mulborry troo. Tho pauiphlot is to bo obtained at Mossrs Kidd and Wildman's. Cr. Cautwell's resolution that £5 should bo exnended on sido cuttings on tho branch road loading to Messrs Cochran, Wakefield, and Hemsley's residences, -Waikomiti, was carried at yesterday's meeting of tho Waito miita County Council, but consideration of his other resolutions re Waikomiti works (publi.-hed in last night's STAR) was de ferred. A petition from ratepayers resi dent near Swaoson, complaining of tho etnto of tho roads, was referred to Cr. Smyth to report to next meeting. Re tho Whan Bridge, a telegram waß ro coivod from Wellington stating that all tho Edon Boad Boards had boon written to, but hud not replied, and that moro time was required for settling the matter. It was rosolved to offer Mr Barnes £4 10s to complete a 9-inch culvert, and clear 4 chains find 10 feet of scrub to Kumou station. A remission of £2 14s Kid rates was mado to Or. Lang on his showing that ho had boon oxcossively rated.

Tho forty steamer Victoria loft tha Qucni street Wharf thia afternoon with a full complement of passengers for Kohimaramn, comiistingof thosubecriberato tho Industrial school children's treat there, and their female friends and relatives. Mr C. Bowo, who annually oxorts himself for tho purposo of carrying out this treat to tho inmates of tho Kohimarama Institution, was in chargo of tho party, nnd amongst thoso who accompanied him was tho Bey. W. Cal der, of All Saints', who haa undertaken to supervise tho athletic sports, of which there is a goodly proßramme to bo carried oof. Tho Dovonport Naval Band was to embark at tho North Shore, and ovorything augurs an onjoyablo afternoon for tho visi tors to Kohimarama and its youthful deni zens.

The annual liconsing elections aro again approaching, tho nstninations for the several city districts being duo tho first week in February. Tho Licensed Vic tuallers' patty, wo understand, aro prepared to agreo to tho continuance of the prosont programmo of 10 o'clock liconses and no upstairs bars ; indeed, wo undorstand that they havo represented to tho Temperance party that thoy do notdosiroany chango in tho programme Thoy, however, havo mado soiuo demands regarding tho personnel of tho Committees that tho Temperance party nro not inclined to consont to, so that a vigorous contest may bo ex pected. The leaders of tho Tomporanco movement aro maintaining secrecy as to their intentions, but it is known that com mittees havo bcon appointod by them to further tho intcro.-ts of the several

"tickets" they will put forward in ouch of tho city districts. In this connec tion we havo boon requested to intimate that tho temperance peoplo taking part in tho elections do not do so as members of tho New Zealand Al liance, the Blue Ribbon Army, or of any othor Bpecial anti-liquor organisation, but entirely as individual citizens, whoso solo bond of union is a desire to mitigate the ovila of tho drink tiaffic. Tho ward meetings to mako arrangomonts for tho olcctions havo beon convened by circular, tho latest being ono of temperance rato payers of the East Ward, which was held to-day.

To tho Editor: Sir, —- good deal has bcon lately said re a wator supply for Dovonport. Somopeoploaro in favour of getting a supply from Liko Pupuke. It is a well-known fact that an inoxhaustibio stream of tho purest wator (I say stream, not spring) Hows underground from tho neighbourhood of Mount Victoria into tho sea. Tho woll at tho " Willows " ia simply inexhaustible, and woro two or more such wells sunk at convenient contres around tho mountain, thoro would novor a quostion bo raised about wator for Dovonport. There aro many private wells sunk about tho neighbour hood, and liko that at tho " Willows," no amount of consumption can diminish thorn, — I am, &.., J M. H. C. Richmond, hotelkecpcr, of the Kaipara, filod a petition in bankruptcy to dy. Eaglo'on's Electric Baths. Soo adver tisement 3rd papro.

FEDERAL VARIETY COMPANY.

The Federal Variety Company gave an other varioty entertainment at the Opera Houso last evening to a fair audience. This ovening thero will bo a complcto cha.igo of programme, including tho production of tho laughablo absurdity entitled "Fun on Iho Bi istol," Act _ introducing a grand concert. Madame .-Kola will appear in a balancing trapczo act, and will also bo fired from her groat gun.

SAMOAN LAND DISPUTES.

Action for £60,000.

Inktuu-TK-i by Mr Frank Cornwall and Mnnaema (a Samoan woman) Messrs Napier and Shorn havo just taken tho preliminary Eteps in an action against Messrs Mc- Ai-thur aud Company for the recovery of £.0,000. It is a kind of sup plemental notion tj tho ono recently concluded, in which tho samo dofoudants were adjudged to pay £100 damages and costs for actual trespass, and against which decision Ihoy aro appealing to tho Privy Council. The present claim is made up as follows :-£30,0-0 for tho wrongful conver sion of tho produco of Manacma's lane! during defendant's occupation thereof ; £20,000 for destruction of cocoanitt plan lations, etc., and depreciation of valuo through neglect in allowing it lo lapso from its high stato of cultivation ; £10,000 for entry upon and unlawful pos session of Cornwoll's own lands. Plaintiffs' solicitors despatched an agent by tho s.s. Janet Nicoll last week to serve tho writ on defendants' representatives, and to tako tho doposilions of witnesses for tho purpose cf bringing on the trial at an early date. This action is ex pected to bo heard before tho Privy Council can determine iho appeal. In this latter proceeding Messrs Napior aud Shera havo imitructed two British barristers to act for tho plaintiff, onoof thembeingMr Archibald, M.P. Thecost', for which judgmenthas been givon »mount to £1,600, and are being taxed in tho Fiji Supreme Court this week. A motion has also been made for the re moval (by his own consent) of Mr Lusk's name, and the substitution of Mr Devore's, for the purpose of receiving payment of costs, c c.

SPORTING NEWS.

The Henderson Mill Turf Club advertise the annual srenoral meeting for Friday next. This is one of tho oldest racing clubs in Iho province, and thoir annual fixture of the 17th of March givos a very pleasant outing.

Duneoin, thi3 tiny. Maliguer waa scratched for the Dunedin Cup this morning.

Exciting Scene at Shelly Beach.

An illustration of the way in which peoplo aro apt, whon brought face to face with danger, to loso their preeonco of mind, was afforded at Shelly Beach yesterday fore noon. A little girl about 12 years of age, whilo bathing, accidentally got out of her depth, and being unablo to swim, bogan to splutter about nnd shriek for assistance. Thon the commotion bogan. There wore a lot of womon and children on tho teach and in tho water.but thoy only screamed at oach other and ran hither and thither doing nothing A numbor of lads wore bathing at what is called "Flat Bock, but as tho wator separated them from tho beach, thoy could do nothing but stand and look at what was likely to bo a tragedy. Several women who had beon paddling about within a fow yards of tho sinking girl, instead of tryinc to help her out, stood up with tho water about thoir knees, and looked on helplessly. But the climax of stupidity was reachod by an old gentle man, who chargod up and down tho beach liko ono frantic. Catching sight of a boat filled with girls ranging from 9 to i-l years, being slowly pulled along at about SO or 90 yards from shore, he called out to them to " bring in tho boat," and whon they had realised what he meant, and were pull iny in as fast as their ono pair of onrs would bring thorn, ho commenced a sort oi war dance upon tho sand crying out to them all tho whilo to " hurry up with tho boat." What tho result of this atlair would havo been it is easy to see, had not a littlo bit of a boy, whose natno wo woro un ablo to ascertain, arrivinc upon the scene and taking it all in at a glance, plunged in and dragged tho drowning girl into hor depth again. Then tho excitement sub sided, and all was quiot onco moro. Tho littlo girl, who had been thus rescuod from a watery gravo by tho bravery of tho lad, aftor a tow minutes rest ap peared nono the worse for hor ducking, and actually took to tho water again, but this timo with moro prudonco.

POLICE COURT.-This Day.

(Before Mr H. G. Scth Smith, R.M., and Mr_\ L Prime, J,P.)

Dkunkenness. — Thrco persons wore punishod for this offence. House Cui'i'-its. —James Malonoy was charged with tho larceny of a pair of horso clippers, tho property of some person unknown.—Sergeant Pratt asked tor a remand till Tuesday.—Tho prisoner, in whose possession tho clippers were found could not satisfactorily account for thorn.' Tho lad said, in reply to the Bench, that he found tho clippers. -Kemanded till Tuesday. , A_i.kued House Stealing — Jesso Cock head, a young man, was charged with stealing a horso, valuo £7, tho pro perty of Percy E. Stovons, Hamilton. — Sergeant Pratt said tho theft was com mitted on tho sth, but it was not till yesterday that tho horsa was found at Hunter and Nolan's ealeyards. In Iho meantime, it had passed through tho hands of a number of people—The caso was re manded for a week, in order that tho at tendance of witnesses from Waikato aught bo secured.

A N_u__-T-1j CiiiLti - Thomas Weston waa charged with boing a neglected child within tho meaning of tho Act.-Tho caso had boon remanded previously in order that tho father might find security for payment of tho amount of tho Court order. Ho now appoarod, and said ho had beon unablo to got a surety.— Soigoant i'ratt said ho understood Iho man proposed to go South or to tho Thames, and take the boy with him, and tho father added ho would havo to take him some where li-loss ho could bo sent to school, because he was beyond his con trol hero, —Tho Magistrate said ho had not the powor to commit tho boy unless security was found.

A S-iuo.s CiiAKCE.—John Piper was charged with sotting lire to a quantity of forn in tho Pukcatuablock, Kaipara district. —Mr Dufaur appeared for the prosecution, and said tho prisoner had only been ar rested last night. 110 would therefore ask lor a remand till Friday noxt.—Remanded accordingly, Maintenance.— John h. Pollock waa charged with neglecting lo provide for the support of his child.— Defendant.V >i.-tcr-in law gavo evidonco of tho neglect of tho child for live weeks, whilo defendant said ho would bo in work on Monday, and would tako tho boy now.—Tho caso was dismissed, with an instruction to tho defendant to look after hischild Charles Guthry waacharged with neglecting to obey an order of the Court for maintenance, but said ho had been out ol work sinco tho order was made. Ho hopod to gain employment again noxt week.—Adjourned till Saturday noxt. Railway By-laws.—John ShioM pleaded not guilty to a chargo of transferring a socond-clasß ticket at'To Aroha itsucd to him.—Mr Tbeo. Cooper appeared for tho prosecution, and Mr Brassey for the defenco. —The caso was proved, aud a lino of 10^ and costs imposed.—Kobert Tait was also fined 10s and costs for (ravelling with tho ticket in question.

The Recent Epiphany Church Dispute.

Mb Jam. Edmonds has finished his contract for the erection and completion of Epiphany Church, and has received hia final certifi cate from the architect (Mr Holder). Mr Holder has therefore addressed tho follow-' ing letter to the Chinch Committee : —

Queen-si root, Auckland, January 11. ISS7. The Key. Dr. O'Calla'-ihan, Chairman Epiphany Church Building Committee. My dear Sir.—ln terms of your agreement with Mr iOdmoiitls for the peaceful settlement of Ids claim, 1 liave this day issued a certilicalccovcringtho balance flue on Ihe contract entered inlo with your Com mittee. 1 may state, taking into consideration that Ihe building was erected during the winter months, and under somewhat trying circum stances, ami Unit Mr Kdinonds has goiirrously nnd manfully seconded my endeavours to secure for you a substantial und suitable building, I think he is fairly entitled to consideration apart from all fueling of animosity. This T fear nniy havo been engendered in the first instance by niy 100 decided objection to the most unusual supervision and dictation as to the conduct of my duties. 1 can only say Hint I was actuated by a sincere desiro to conserve your interests, well knowing that the contract could never be carried on under such a rule, and which no builder could submit to. I put this matter fairly before a silb-Commitlec at the lime, and as a result, cll'cctcd a very strained relationship with sonic of the members, which has been productive, of much injury to mo. If I have been too restive under the lash of criticism, I trust that Iho whole circumstance will be taken into consideration, antl so permit of a cordial reconciliation.—l am, dear Sir, yours sincerely, TIIOS. HO-DElt. Mr Tucker, one of the Churchwardens, requests us lo correct sonic statements that have been mado with reference to the altercation between Mr. Edmonds and him self. He alleges that ho wont to Mi- Edmonds on the Saturday afternoon and requested him to open tho Church doors, when tho latter gentleman refused to elo so, and accused M r Tucker of trying to damage him with the timber company. To this accusation Mr Tucker gave the lie direct, and thereupon he alleges Mr Edmonds used abusive language to him. It was in response to I his that ho (Tucker) invited Mr Edmonds to go out on tho verandah and repeat tho language —an invitation which, fortunately, was not responded to. It is untrue, Mr Tucker says, that he has ever apologised or intends to apologise to Mr Edmonds, and ho is quite willing to have tho wholo matter ventilated in the Police Court.

BUSH FIRES.

Busn lirea aro said to bo raging iv all directions around Auckland. Wo aro in formed that in tho Aratapu district alono no loss than eight distiuet liroa arc engaged in tho work of destruction, and it ia asserted that tho damage in Iho provincial district during tho season will not fall far short of £100,000. Several days ago somo Maoris camo to town and informed Mr E. T. Dufattr of a fire at his property on Pukeatua block, VVnimauku, which had, up till that time, dostroyod about £1,000 worth of timber. Thoy asserted that the firo was causod by a gumdiggor, whom thoy caught, but that ho subsequently got away from them. Mr Dufaur immediately had a warrant issued for the arrest of a man named Piper, who was suspected of being tho offender, and ho was accord ingly arrested, and brought up nt the Police Court to day. Mr Dufaur appliod for a remand in order to produce his wit nesses, while the accused asked to havo the case gone on with and disposed of at once. In reply to tho Bench, Mr Dufaur said he was proceeding under the Malicious Injury to Property Act. Tho offence with which Pipor was charged was a most serious one, and if he were found guilty, the smallest punishment allowed by law was three years' imprisonment, It is alleged that Piper set fire to tho fern, antl thus caused tho tiro in tho hush,

CABLEGRAMS.

[__ «_BO-KIO I-L-OBAPH.— COPYBI-H-.]

Epidemic Discuses in Australia.

Deaths from Typhoid and Smallpox.

Mtxuour.uK, January 14. One hundrod cases of typhoid fever havo occurred in Molbourno since tho beginning of tho yoar. Sovontoon persons havo diod from the disoaso. .„„,;„- I Tho small-pox patients at tho quarantine i station aro progressing favourably, only one caso being critical. Fresh cases are r° Tho° Victorian Board of Health havo : urged tho establishment of a system of federal quarantine by which vessels may bo detained at tho first port of call instead or, as undor tho present system, making several contros of infection. Sydney, this day. Tho death at tho nuarantino station yes terday brings up the total deaths from smallpox to 12.

The Threatened War.

London, January 13.-Tho semiofficial newspapers cf Russia and Austria genera ly express tho opinion that Prince Bismarck s speech regarding the relations °* Germany and the other I'owera would tend towards the tnaintonanco of peace in Europe. Conference of Liuorals. The confer:nco between Mr Chamber lain, Mr John Morley, Sir George Trovelyan, Sir Wm. Venicn Hareourt, and Lord Her- EChell opened to day. It will probably be of a protracted character. Pacification of Burma-. Tho commanders of the British brigades operating in Upper Burmab, report that organised reeistanco on tho part of tho rebels is gradually ceasing. Expedition to Africa. Mr H. M. Stanley, who has organised an expedition for tho relief of Emm Boy, will sail for Africa on the 20th instant. 110 hopes to reach Emm Boy's position by way of Iho Congo ; failing that, will pro coed via Equatorial Africa from Zanzibar. England and Turkey. Sir H. Drtimmond Wolff, British Special Commissioner to Turkey and Egypt, will leavo for Constantinople on the 10th inst. The Wool Trado, Owing to tho improved trade with France, thoro is a brisk demand for wool, and 3,000 bales have been sold at an advance cf from 5 to 10 per cent, abovo the December rates. The Political Crisis. S-DS-Y, January 1-1. — Sir Patrick Jennings has porsistod in resigning, and it is considered probable that Sir Henry I'arkos will bo sent for by the Governor in order to form a Ministry. It is rumoured that tho Hon. Edmund Barton intends to resign his position as fcpeafcor of tho Lcgi-lulivo Assembly. It is alt. rumoured that a now coalition Ministry will be formed. Lord Oarrington has re in rued to town, but has not ytt sent for any loading politicians. Nothing, however, has been definitely settled with regard to tho formation of tho now Ministry.

THE ANNUAL REGATTA.

Tin-: Union Steamship Company havo

kindly placed t'.ie s s. Aiawata at tho dis posal of tiio Regatta Cominitteo to act as flagship on January 29th. Tho Arawata is duo to arrivo from Fiji on the 21th inst. This arrangement will relieve tho Committee of all troublo re catering, which will bo dono by tho steamer, and tho public may rely upon being well served. Tho" Auckland crews in (raining for tho Champion WhaleboatUaeoare-Waitemata: It. Moore, «troko ; Pritchard, 4 ; Slade, 3 ; Collins, 2 ; E. Bailey, 1 ; E. Moore, steer oar. North Shore crew: M. McLean, stroke; O. Wells, 4;-.. W.b.-ter, 3; T. O'Connor, 2; O. Wynyard, 1 ; B. Logan etcur oar. Tho Waitemata- will row in tho now boat built by Mr C. Bailey, and North Shore in v new boat that Mr B. Logan has new in hand. The latter cralt has not so much rise in tho floor, is much liner at tho onds, has greater beam than any of tho other boats, and has beuu built especially to accommo dato her crow, which is a heavy one.

A Lively Altercation.

(HY TELEIIUA-U — I'KESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, this day. At tho half-yearly meeting of the Working Men's Club, the President said there was a credit balance of £31 aftor spondin_ £110

on the new premises. Tho assets exceeded tho liabilities by £S4_. Tho Secretary said that there was a deficiency of £75, and not a credit balance, as the President stated, and ho objoctcd to tho inflection thus caet upon him and tho auditors. This led to a lively altercation, lasting some time, in which the fact that tho Secretary, Mr W. C. Bishop, was paid was repeatedly cast in his teeth. He retorted that it was paltry pay for tho work done, and that one of hia opponents, a liquor merchant, mado a great deal more out of tho Club than he did, which caur-od considerable laughter. When matters had calmed down the business pro ceeded, and the retiring President, Mr Heaton, was re-elected.

Water Supply for Newmarket.

At a spocial meeting of the Nowmarkot Borough Council, held on Thursday even ing, tho Mayor (Mr W. J. Suiter^ stated that the contractor for tho waterworks had nearly completed hia contract, that all the main pipes had been laid and charged with water, that the moter had been testod and found correct ; that in view of tho groat scarcity of water and the many urgent applica" ions for it from those residents on tlio maiti routo and in tho streets on tho southern sido of the Kyber Pass, a special effort should be mado to allow houso connections with the mains. It was resolved : " That if the engineer is satisfied with that portion of the cantract abovo referred to, that ho take it over and allow connections to bo made." It waa further resolved that consumers pay only ono-half tho cost of tap ping mains and laying tho service to tho strcot lino. Out of thirty one appli cants for tho position of turncock, Mr J. A. Wilson was appointed at a salary of £2 10s per woek. Messrs E. Porter and Co.'s tender for waterworks fittings being the lowest, was accepted. It was resolved to purchase five extra lengths of hoeo and two doublo - headed hydrants. In connection with tho foregoing, the Mayor (Mr Suiter), tho Engineer (Mr Knox), and tho contractor (Mr Coulson) had an interview to-day and made satisfactory ar rangemonts to all partioe, when a semi official test was made, tho pipes exhibiting no signs of weakness, the rogis.tor showing a pressure of GSlbs to the square inch. The hoso was attached, through which the water ascended 60 feot aud upwards in tho air, with apparently great force. It is expocted that tho whole of the contract will be com pleted, and tho final test made on Thursday or Friday next. At tho present time thero aro some 40 applications lodged with the Town Cloi'k for water. A commencement will be made ou Monday morning to supply the applicants. It is a noteworthy fact that those who woro most opposed to thoschemo at tho outset aio tho first to inakf applica tion for, and were anxiouo to securo tho water. Wo understand it is in contempla t:on tj givo Mr Suiter a banquet in con siderution of his indefatigable oxortions to Eecuro such a boon against such stiong op position.

OUR GOLDFIELDS.

An English Company Starts Operations. Coromandel, this day. The Telephone Company's grounds will be started to work next week by an English Company, arrangements ior the transfer ot the property having now been satisfactorily arranged with Captain Hodge, the coloDial agent. Thames, this day. Caledonian.—The manager has banked sSoz gold from 40 loads quartz, Auckland Co.—A parcel of 730z (idwt gold was banked today.

Mr Guinness, M.H.B, for Groymoulh, is at present en a visit to Auckland. Ho has been to Waiwera, and is now " doing tho tour "of the city and suburbs. Mr Guin ness, who is accompanied by his wife and daughter, returns home next week, in time to be present at the lurniug of the firat rod of the East and West Coast railway.

Alleged Arson at Onehunga.

Accused Before the Supromo ConrtS Tub hearing of tho charge of arson against James Saunders Gibbons, in connection with the burning of his mill at Onehunga,.- | was continued in the Supreme Court beforv Mr Justice Ward and a jury, yesterday and today. Mrs Kerobs, in giving her evidence 9 appeared to bo very nervous, so much so "": that sho could hardly speak. His Honors told her sho had no reason for being afraid if she spoke tho truth. By Mr Campbell ■ - Mr Gibbons was only once at tho witness's houso, tho night of the Onehunga Kaees. ' lie was about an hour in the house. Could not oxactly Bay when she heard about her husband informing about Mr Gibbons. J__ Jjj the close of hor evidence, witness had«i to bo led out of Court, being _nH_V unable ovon to drink a glass of water aiyen*"1 to hor, hor bunds trombled so much.-- ii Adam Chapman, settler, residing at Nor"| man's Hill, Onehunga, gave evidence as to ?! meeting Mr Gibbons on a certain evening, f,i J and asking him if the wind was about to' 3 change to east. On cross-examination he said thero was a stiff breeze on the night of the lire. Alexander Bray, a youth ol eoffle IS years, Bon of the witness of yesterday of _ that name, eaid he took away tho last load j of staves from the mill. Took all the ■ iinished staves, leaving some three loads of ' untioished staves. Kemoved a band-saw from the office also. His Honor here asked I what a band-saw was. Tho witness •' answered, a saw for cutting off the tops of tho barrels. By Mr Campbell: It raj true that he said at tho B. M. Court " that he had no idea how many staves were iv tho mill when ho took his last load, The band-saw had nothing whatever to do with' the mill.—William Hunter, a bay of 15, ' gavo evidence of having eecn a light in the mill the evening; previous to the fire. A' long cross-examination only made the - witness say ho could not say whether it was tho reflection of a gass-lamp or not.— Archibald Clark, a boy of some 14 i summers, gave corroborative evidence, and | also stated ho heard a slight noise from the ' cornor of tho mill which sounded as if iroc'S was hitting iron. He told Mr Gibbons of tiiis after the fire, and ho took witness round t. the ruins, and showed him tho mark wherea horse had kicked the c-ido of the building.— ; Isaac Fletcher, mariner, dopoaedto passing-' the mill at S o'clock on the night of the fire, when thero was no sign of a light —Chris-;: thoper Edmiston, labourer,gave evidence of the appearance of the fire.—David Carson ; also was examined, without throwing ranch light on tho caso. He Btated that Kerebs's veracity was doubtful.—Samuel Fallwell deposed to seeing X' robs, in Queen-street the morning' after the tiro with the 3C- t cused.—James Goodacre, of the finri of Goodacre and Lees, deposed to puT-j chasing a lot of ataves, valued at £60.:, Thero woro hardly so many staves* left in tho mill as stated in the claim Ecnt in by the accused.—Bobert Sneddon," cooper, Durham Btreot, gave evidence that ho could not got a cottain sort of stave from Gibbons whon he appliod for them. This closed tho prosecution, and the ac cused's statemont at tho inquest was read' over to the jury.—Mr C»mpiell, in opening tho defonce, said that tho case was one of tho most remarkablo that had been pre sented to an Auckland jury. It was also remarkablo for the absence of evidence usually produced in such case 3. It was usual in these cases to put some proof of motive, but in tho present instance no such motive was disclosed, Hore, however, a man was charged with a heinous crime, with an uttor absence of motivo or pressure to commit the crime. He would produce tho manager of tho National Bank, Mr Coates, to show that Mr Gibbons was not in distressed circumstances at the timo. Not only that, but ho would state that tho bank had deposited with thorn by the accusod deeds of property to the valuo of fully £3,000. Anothor witness, Mr Duuwoodie, would state that the fire was not a gain to Mr Gibbons, but a decided loss. Thero had been an attempt to show that some of the property alleged to be destroyed had been pre viously removed from tho building, but ho need hardly point out that in that respect tho caso for tho prosecution had utterly failed. He considered that the evidence'disclosed that Mr Gifcrbons could havo had no possible intention of commit-1 ting tho crime. With the oxception of Kerebs and his wife, the evidonce for the prosecution wa3 absolutely valueless. The evidence of Kerobs certainly contained some facts, but he could givo no dates or time. Iv his own evidence Kerebs admitted that ho sometimes told lies, and tho question was, when could he bo believed ? Then the principal witnesses contradicted each other. Kerebs stated that one conversation took placo on the verandah, while his wife affirmed thatittookplaceatthogato. Kerebs also stated that on tbo morning of the lire Mr Gibbons was fully dressed, even to having on a paper collar. Now, that waß an utter fabrication, for it would bo proved that tho accused was woaring a dark 1 Crimean shirt, and as a proof that he did not wear a collar It would be shown that his neck waa open and exposed. He would ask them to measure the valuo of tho testi ' motiy givon by Kerobson thewell-ktownrule that tho number of circumstances adduced ■ do not add to the weight of the testimony, unless they aro such as may be contraj dieted. It would also be shown that Mr Gibbons was not well insured at the time of the fire : that, instead of £700, he was only insured for £-ISO. Another singular fact was that the expressions repeated by Kerebs ' as tho language used by the accused were not such terms as Mr Gibbons was in the habit of using, and therefore they should not be taken as evidence. Then, with re gard tc tbe wonderful fire-raising scheme, ho would show that the invention was not such a ono as a Ekilled mechanic would have used, but was more likely to be the pro duction of a novice. He would alsb Bhow that months before Kerebs had epoken about that very system. He should alio provo that Kerebs himself had been Been prowling round the mill at 1.1 o'clock at night, and it would be for the jury to con sider the probability that Kerebs had him self fired the mill for tho purpose of obtain ing the reward from tbe Insurance Com pany. Mr Samuel Hesketh was the first witness called. He deposed that he was of tho firm of Hesketh and Richmond, solid -1 tors for the Union Insurance Company. As such ho had an interview with in -1 formant Kerobs, his wife, and Mr Hidings, ' —John Bowo, contractor, deposed that in October last ho wa3 landlord of tbe Boyal Hotel, Onehunga. He remembered the 1 Jockey CJub meeting there. He saw the : accused and Kerebs that night. Gibbons walked into tho entrance and looked-into ' the bar parlour, in which there were several i peoplo. Witness walked into the passage and showed Mr Gibbons into a room on the 1 opposite side. Mr Gibbons did not say anything. Ho did not ask for a private room. He had seen Kerebs Eince the fire, i One evening Kerebs came in while witness 1 was reading tho Stan. Witness noticed a i peculiar advertisement, " Will 'E ' call at the office in town." Kerebs said, " Don't you know the meaniug of that?" and witness said ho did not. Kerebs then said, "That's i me," and further Btated that it was relative to Gibbons's fire. Witness asked him what he had to do with it, when Kerebs replied that he had informed the In surance Company, and bad also seen Mr : Hesketh, who had promised him £50, and though he would not guarantee anything i on conviction, said that very likely he • would got half tho insurance in the event of a conviction being obtained. He i know that Kerobs had the reputation of being gifted with telling short stories. Ha was looked upon as not being too truthful, i Wituois did not think that he would i believe Kerebs on his oath. —By Mr . Cotter :He did not remember every ' conversation that look place in hio hotel. ■ Ho rccollcclod tolling Mr Gibbons nnd i Kerebs that on account of the Jockey Club's meeting thoy would havo to go into another i room. Ho did not uso the expression "a private room." Waa positive that ho would not uso the words private room. This was i after Gibbons aud Kerebs had taken two drinks. There was not sufficient room in the bar parlour for tho two men to have sat down. Thoro was room for them to havo gono in and got a drink. It waß not a common thing for Gibbons and Kerebs to go into his hotel. That was the only time that they had been in the hotel together. The con versa tion with Korobs waa a little time aftor tho fire. He could not remember the date. No one else wa3 present at that conver -1 sation but witness and Kerebs, Hehad found Kerebs out in a falsehood, He had pro mised witness different; things on several occasions, and had never como up to his promise.—James J. Coates, manager of the National Bank, deposed that accused had an account with their bank since Novem ber, 18S1, It was a fluctuating ac count. Occasionally it had been over drawn by arrangement with the Bank. In • October last Gibbons had a credit account a little under £100. Did not know that ho wis in uuy monetary difficulties at the time. When Mr Gibbons opened his account he deposited deeds of property which the Bank still hold. Tho properties woro unencumbered as far as he know. At tho timo, Mr Gibbons vulued tho pro perties at between £3,000 and £4,000. This had also been corroborated by independent ' parties^ The Bank had a li9n upon them.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAB, SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 1887,

2



I_> E M O V A L, W. S. WHITLEY Bogs to notify his many friends and the publlo gonorally that ho Ib REMOVING to those Commodious Premises, No. 33, QUEEN-STREET WHARF (Opposite the Railway Station), And trusts to receive a Continuance of the Sup port so gonorously accorded in tho past. LARGE AND VARIED STDCK OF TEAS, GROCERIES, OILMEN'S STORES, and PRODUCE ALWAYS ON HAND. Post oflico Bdx, No. 106. Telephone, No. 2fo. |_> ÜBL I C NOTICE] STEWART'S LEATHER AND GRINDERY WAREHOUSE, VICTORIA-STREET. |«_> -|— v 1 COMSIKNCING i JL/AYS' ( MONDAY , 17™ Inst. SALE! J THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND DISCOUNT ALLOWED ON CASH PURCHASES OF 10a. AND UPWARDS. ABSOLUTE SALE. Advertiser leaving the colony at an oarly date. Note Address— NEXT TO ROYAL MAIL HOTEL " TTETOODEN legs aro n boon," sighed VV tbo lans-ld man. -"ho bore bis anguish like & Spartan, amid tho cons'anl gnawinga of a savage corn* whioh was aggra vated by the tension of a tight boot, ''you; misery is self-inflicted and well-merited." Bald hia compan on, "if jou neglect the remedy scienco has provided for your relief. ' What remedy do you meanl 1 have little faith in medioine." " Well, sceptics should suffer 1 but pity iaacels mo to toll you that aickin's Corn Cuke will give you immodlate relief. Inquire at The Pharmacy; the prioe is Is 6d per bottle:" DR. J. MURRAY MOORE, MD„ M.R C.S. Hours for Consultation: 11 to 1 p.m., at Pond's Homoeopathic Pharmacy, 153 Queen-street; 2 to 3 p.m.. and 7 to 8 p.m., at Residence Lower Symonds street. Telephone 130. Vaccinations at Pond's, 1 p _)., TUESDAY and FRIDAY. VV7" ANTED KNOWN KSW PRINTS, DRESSES. MILLINERY. HOSIERY, JtO. ■ OW SHOWING. Prioee low as usual. BjletSl- Lot PICNIC HATS, boat M. •v.##l_ W. P. OGILVIE, tfIOTORIA STREET WEST. China, Gtlass, & Earthen WARE. JOHN LTWILSON Has now a large and well-assorted Stool: on band. Imported direct from tha Manufacturers. Christmas Presents I New Year's Gifts ! Birthday Presents I Wedding Presents I Speolal Attention Is invited to the Stock DINNER SERVICES, TEA SETS, TOILET SB.T3, .GLASSWARE, ORNAMTENT3, &O , Which tor Variety and Cheapnasa combined Is unequalled in Auckland. I Iberal Discount allowed to Large Consumers, such as Hotel, Restaurant, and Boarding-houso Proprietor?. N.B —Prices for Cash are the Lowest In Town or Suburbs. Please noto the Address— 267-0 UEEN- S TREET- 267 (Opposite Tattle's Photographic Studio). ANTED KNOWN. KAMO COLLIERY OFFICE Removed from Messrs Mltcholson and Co.'b to Office formerly occupied by them (late H. N. Smith's), 18, Queen-street. MRS BUTTERWORTH, MILLINER, Mc ARTHUR'S BUILDING 3, QUEEN-St., Lately occupied by Miss Teutenberg, will hold a pLEA-IHG QA L E OF NEW SUMMER COSTUM-S HATS BONNETS SATINS FEATHERS FLOWERS BABYLINEN UNDERCLOTHING Sec, sec. IN CONSEQUENCE OF REMOVING, ALL THE GOODS WILL BE CLEARED AT A VERY LOW RATE. QUEEN - STREET, NEXT MESSRS MoARTHUR & CO., AND AT karangahape road, extbaordinap.y c/hbaj JLines. 1,200 Girls' and Children's Hats, New Shapes, aU at la ltd each. Goods worth from 3j Bd to fis 6d each. £00 Do.. Best Goods, at 2s lid ; Regular Price from 5s 6d to 9a 6d each. A Large Lot of Ladies' Collarettes, all at 6 A each. Goods worth from Is to 2s 6d. 200 Ladles' Lsoe Collarettes and Bows (the Newest Goods introduced this Season), at Is lid; Kesular Price, 7a 6d. 20 Dcz Sue.de Kid Jersey Gloves (1 hutton length), Is lid. A Manufactured Stock of Child. Trimmed Sun Bonnets, all at la lid ; Goods worth ox 63. A Large Lot of Cbarterense and Moss Coloured Ai-retthe Feather, at Is each; Regular Value, 5s b'd. 200 Boyß' Kaicker Tweed E-its, from 5b 6d. These Lines are all Resil Bargains. THE MELBOURNE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING CO., QUEEN-STREET AND PONSONBY. WHEN DOCTORS GIVE YOU UP, Mons. GARNIER. tho Eleotriolan, will Cure you. Consultation Free. Every kind X Complaint Treated at— ■AGLETON'S TOILET HALL, 220, QUEEN-STREET. Koursof Attendance: 9 to 12 and 1 to S. Jtloctrio and Galvanic Faradlo, and Modiolna) Baths also given by Mons. Garnler, Humbtrs of Testimonials can t» seen •_ opnllr—.tinm. - RS WIGG'S NSWTON.LAUNDRY, GREY-STEET (»__r th_ Tort, Established 1880. Visitors to, and Residents of, Anekland are requested to observe that this Laundry is th« best In the town. All articles carefully washed by hand and finished In the most superior style by thoroughly practical hands. Gents' Clothes ofsaned and thoroughly pressed; Laoe Curtain. redrosßOd; Ladles'Dresaeß washed and Ironed. These last items are a speciality at this Estao. ilihmant. W. S. L AURIH * C°- CUSTOMS AND STANLEY-STREETS, AUCKLAND.. ileed and Manure Merchants Honedust Manufacturers Agents for Peruvian Government Grume Importers of Fencing Wire, Sacks, Wool Packs, etc. C b__ Porcbasers of Bone. 1



TAB, T\ 0 H B B T V, GENERAL DRAPER, AC, a a v o v x b c ra FUBOHAS'B BUILDINGS, KARANGAHAPE ROAD, ( Late Victoria btbect. ( QPBCIAL NOTICE. MILNE Se CHOYCE respectfully Intimate tc their Friends and the Publlo that their Estab lishment'WlLL BE CLOSED AT 2 P.M. ON . SATURDAY, AND Rk-ofenkd on MONDAY MORNING, Instead ot THURSDAY as here tofore. MILNE & CHOYCE Have now opened up their SPRING AND SUMMER SHIPMENTS, And would boit to submit them to thoir friends and the publlo, as being the NEWEST AND MOST FASHIONABLE GOODS To be had In the Home Markets, and also of being of i EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. MILLTNKRY, MANTLES, DUST CLOAKS, I in Great Variety and of Prices and Styles LAWN TENNIS snd othrr Tailor-made I JACKETS i GAUZE and other SUMMER SHAWLS : HANI) BAG I. FAN-, MADE UP LACE I GOODS, Seo. LARGEST AND BEST VARIETY OF DRESS MATERIALS In the trade. The Neweßt designs from the Homo and Continental Markets, at very Moderate Prices. 1 A Bpcclb! Lino in 2 button JOSEPHINE KID GLOVES. Is lid. usually Is 6d Also several Linos of CUFFS AND COLLARS LACE COLLARS, &0.. half-prioo LADIKS' COTTON HOSE, good value, from Is 6d LADIKS' LISLE HOSE. do. do, 2s lid -ADms- SPUN SILK. do. do. ia ud HILDRICN'S In proportion lABY LINEN, AND LADIES' AND CHILD REN'S UNDEKOLOI'HING, of overy de scription TROUSSEAUX AND LAYETTES on the shortest notice TAMII.Y LINEN. MANCHESTER GOODS, Sfl,_ft CURTAINS, ANTIMACCASSARS, in now Styles OYS' CLOTHING. HAT 3, COLLARS. Sco,, &c 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT FOR CESH. MILNE &~CHOYCE, AUCKLAND. Q.IVING TTr* /^ARPBTS. h. a"t~_Ti Nfl RAVING DECIDED TO RELINQUISH THB CARPET TRADE, HAS MARKRD DOWN HIS LARGE STOCK OF CARPETS TO LANDED COST PRICB- Tho Stock haa bean Imported direot, and the Patterns personally selected. Thore 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 bo trund lower than ever bofore charged In Auokiand. HEARTHRUGS TO MATCH CARPETS REDUCED TO COST PRICE. ALSO _N OVERSTOCK OF SCO PAIRS LONG CUR TAINS, AT 20 PER CENT. OFF PRESENT PRICES. AN OVERSTOCK OF BLANKETS AX REDUCED PRICES. AN OVERSTOCK OF CRETONNES, TABLE LINEN. DAMASK NAPKINS, AND OTHER FURNISHING GOODS AT REDUCED PRICES. CHEAP LINES IN DRESSES, ULSTERS, FUR-LINED CLOAKS, Aa CHEAP LINES IN CLOTHING, GENTS' MACINTOSH COATS. HATS, &0. NEW GOODS IN DRAPERY AND CLOTHING FOR THE COMING SEASON ARE NOW BEING OPENED, AND TO MEET THE TIMES WILL BE MARKED ; CHEAP. . H. ATKINS. .i'_. /^IREAT CLEARING OUT BALE \ l* °' £10,000 WORTHo* BOOTS AND SHOES, , FOR ONE MONTH ' AT GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR CASH. J TO MEET THK TIMES, ', THOS. ELLISON IS NOW BELLING OFF HIS LARGE STOCK 1 of i BOOTS AND SHOES AT GREAT REDUCTIONS, FOR ONE i MONTH, FOR CASH ONLY. j THE FOLLOWING NEW GOODS AT MUCH ' LESS THAN COST! I CHILD'S PATENT ELASTIC 800T3,2 TO 5, la . PER PAIR CHILD'S KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 2 TO 5, 2a PERPAIR 1 GIRLSs' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO I, Is6d ( PER PAIR , BIRLB' KID. ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO 1, 6s 6n ' PER PAIR ' GIRLS' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 10 TO 1,6s PER i PAIR , All other Goods equally oheap. - j ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF BOOTS MADE J TO ORDER ON THE PREMISES, EMPTY TRUNKS FOR SALE CHEAP. I THOS. ~E~L LIS ON, < BOOTMAKER AND IMPORTER, 71, QUEEN- , STREET. I c r 8 OPPOSITE THE TOWN I CLOCK. r BEST WHITBY JET At KELSEY'S. opposite the Town Clock v Ladies' work Companions _ At-KELSEY'S, opposite the Town Clock. „ LADIES' HAND BAGS fi At KELSEY'3, opposite the Town Clock. _ JAPANESE GOODS _\ At KKLSEYS, opposite the Town Clook. _ TENNIS GOODS tl At KELSKY'S, opposite the Town Clock. '__. "DRESENTS OF ALL KINDS si AT KELSEY'S, tl I OPPOSITE THE TOWN CLOCK. «



HJNotico ii eli-awn to au advertisement in I anothor colunta callittK members of companion j comt'i-iHed in No. :! Battalion for the first full f droPB Inspection Parado of ISSV, nt tho Drill j thed. on Tuesday next, the ISth irmt., at 7.50 . o'clock. Every member is wamsd to be in „t - tendance.