THE SAILORS' HOME.

FORMAL OPENING BY BISHOP

COWIE,

The formal opening of the Sailors' Home, was so fully described in our last im-

pression, took place last night in the pre sence of a large assemblage of friends -and well-wishers of the institution. Ex ternally the building presented a brilliant appearance, lit up as it was from basement to top story, and with the British ensign floating from its flagstaff. Internally the edifice was pretty well full of visitors, while the assembly hall was packed to excess. Bishop Cowie presided, supported on the «, right by Captain H. F. Anderson and Mr F G Ewington, and on the left by JYir F. Battley and the Hon. Col. Haultain. -«Amongst those present in the body of the hall were Mrs Cowie, Rev. C. M. and Mrs Nelson, Rev. W. Tebbs, Rev. J. S. Hill, Rev. R. Burrows, Dr. and Mrs Purchas, Dr. and Mrs Murray Moore, Captains Macgregor "and Clayton, Mr and Mrs E. Bartley, Messrs O. Mays, W. Hoile Brown, J. Brame, and f: ft. Maris Clark. ■ ■ The proceedings were opened with the singing of a hymn, after which Mr Fell offered up a dedicatory prayer. -•"' Vocal quartette, " The Golden Gate," by Misses Kempthorno and Muunseil, and 'Messrs Murray and Hookey—rendered in first-class style. " : Bishop Cowie, in delivering the inaugural address, taid that the building had been t erected specially for sailors, a,->d the pur pose of those who had established the Home ■'would be frustrated if the sailors in port did nob attend the meetings which would "be held in the building. It was just < about ten years since he applied to some of the principal merchants in Auckland to ■ help him and other friends to establish a Sailors' Homo. In those days, it seemed to him, there were quite as many sailors coming •' to this port and staying here as at present, bub of course he might be mistaken. But : nowadays the sailors were less able to make • use of such a home as a place of residence, for a largo proportion of them belonged to f steamers whose stay was but of brief dura tion. The answer made to his appeals ten years ago was that the bulk of the sailors frequenting this port had families living in : the place, and therefore did not need a Home. However, he persevered, and Sir 'George Grey, being then Prime Minister, t- promised that his Government would give £500 towards the object if a similar sum were raised by private effort in Auckland. This £500 did nob prove to be forthcom ing, unfortunately, and no grant was ob tained from the Government. The pro ject then remained in abeyance until 5 years ago, when Mr Fell arrived, bringing with him letters of introduction from friends 1 in Liverpool, who spoke in high terms of his fitness for mission work amongst seamen. He (the speaker) called a meeting to revive the project, and steps were then taken to • commence operations on a humble scale. !In the beginning of 1883 their funds had • been expended, and it was found very diffi cult to obtain even a small sum of money to carry on with. By tho advice of his co workers he then wrote to tho Auckland • papers stating what was wanted, and in answer to this statement the needed help came. The first reopor.ye was not from a sailor, but from a soldier—our present " Governor —who sent him a cheque for £5 *'- the very next day. (Applause.) Fortunately, too, there was in Auckland, among others interested in the lives of sailors, a gentle man who had it in his power to do them a * very great kindness. He referred to Mr Samuel Jackson. (Applause.) One 'of our citizens by years of self-denial had amassed great wealth, which he desired to leave to benevolent and philan thropic institutions in Auckland. Just before his death he sent for Mr Jack son, and upon,,his. recommendation the 1 Sailors' Home was included among the in ' stitutions which his money was left to specially benefit. Accordingly Mr Costley " 'pub in his will that one-seventh of his pro- J perty was to go to the Sailors' Home, ' Inaugurated, or to be inaugurated, by ' Bishop Cowie, and the result was that tho sum of £12,150 had accrued to them 'from this source. (Applause.) Their next ■thought was where their permanent home 'should be. Hitherto the institution had ■ been called the Sailors' Rest, but, in order ' to become entitled to the bequest, they had *'to change the title to that of Sailors' Home. 3 A sito for a building had been previously -obtained in Fort-street, but many thought it not advantageous enough for their pur- Hposes, and after many inquiries having ••■ ascertained that the present site could be v. obtained they got an Act of Parliament C passed authorising the Harbour Board t*> "'exchange it for the Fort-street site. Then eiby the help of a very skilful lawyer, Sir - Frederick Whitaker — (applause) — they i obtained the present articles of association for the Home. Bishop Cowie went on to •refer to the excellence of the articles ■ : which had been drawn up by 'Sir Frederick Whitaker, and remarked ? that the first provided that on no account should any authority have the right to • say that there should be no religious teaching in the building. (Applause.) This was the fundamental principle, and "he might tell them plainly that if this -•fundamental principle had not been recog nised ho would not have had anything to do with the institution. (Applause.) The second of the articles of associa tion Avas a principle for which he had alwgys contended when he had anything to do with public buildings, and it was that " no man should be excluded from tho Home on account of his religious opinions. (Ap plause. ) He should not like this building to be associated in the minds of the people of Auckland with any little sect, and as the real object of the missionary was to h_S sailors to lead good lives, the question ►'or particular creed would not be taken . into account. They wanted the insti tution to bo a home to the sailors, „fand he hoped, therefore, that every kind of innocent recreation would be carried on within the building, and without the building, too. In fact, he hoped that before ", he leftTfor England in January next, a " fikittle alley would be established in con nection with the Home. The sailors them selves should feci a pride in the institution. I, He himself intended to send down some '■volumes as the nucleus of a library. '••' '(Applause.) He had bean asked to give a ''" Scriptural motto for the Home, and he had selected the motto, " Bear ye one another's * burdens." Let them show a spirit of sym pathy with those who were interested iii the "■vjpu-k. (Applause.) Hymn 391 (Sankey's collection) was then sung. ' In the absence of Mr Thos. Buddie, Mi- Frederick Battley delivered the next ad - dress. He expressed the extreme gratifica »' tion which he was sure all felt at the open i ing of the Home, and at the \ resence of B '"'their esteemed President amongst them, for to him was clue, in a large measure, the .. credit for the undertaking. In other Aus tralian centres the work undertaken by this !i;i Sailors' Home was carried out by two separate ■>■ bodies. There were, for instance, the com ■/' mercial aspect and the missionary aspect. Isfjln Melbourne the ladies pretty well carried on the missionary agency themselves. In Auckland the Sailors' Home would subserve ■both functions, and in this connection it was a matter for congratulation that fully one 7,half of Mr Costley's bequest still remained intact. After eulogising Mr Fell as the sailors' friend and reciting the steps taken by Bishop Cowie in the establishment of the '■'"Saijors' Rest Mr Battley mentioned that the !3iayoro7 Auckland and Chairman of theHar "■'■ cil thus assuriii'; »>f;:mnnent representation for the public > n '•■ nsloji I<> $p presence of Bj_xy»Cotvi. „ "M inthcrooin, hohoped

that it would continue for very many years to hang there as a striking proof that

Once and again in this rough island story, The path of duty is tho way to glory.

Vocal quartette, "The Wondrous Love of Jesus," Misses Kempthorne and Maunsell and Messrs Murray and Hookey. Mr F. G. Ewington (first secretary of the Sailors' Rest), said that the time had "•one by for sailors and tho working classes to be regarded as " mere things." In those days sailors were treated as slaves, and sent to sea in rotten ships. But Mr PJJmsoll had ushered in a better era, and since then the intellectual, moral, and spiritual sides of the sailor's nature had received special caro and attention. In this Home they had experienced great difficulties at the outset through want of sympathy. Some people could not understand why they wanted to meddle with a gigantic boarding-house. But they won sympathy in good time. Then they lacked funds, and so pressing did this need beccme that there was a de siie to wind up. But the Bishop would not hear of it. He issued an appeal to the public, and the response came in the form of Mr Costley's bequest. Their experience bad been a grand lesson to never despair. It was the same with all great undertakings. Another lesson they had learnt and should lay to heart was that their real work had just begun. Theyhada finebuildins,moneyin the bank, and an energetic missionary (ap plause), and therefore the question arose, "'What Shall the Harvest Be?" Their duty was to so exert themselves that the answer should be that the results had been commensurate with the means employed. Solo, " How Glorious are Thy Works, Oh Lord," Mrs Edgecumbe. As the Bishop had to withdraw, he took the opportunity to formally declare the Sailors' Home open, and to invoke the blessing of God upon all connected with it. If he himself were the cap tain of the ship, he supposed that Captain Anderson, as Vice-President, was chief mate (laughter), and he therefore called upon him to take the chair.

Bishop Cowie then left, and Captain Anderson took his place. Solo : " O, Thou that Tellest" (Messiah), Miss Maunsell.

The Rev. J. S. Hill took the opportunity to correct tho report that they had sent to England for their furniture. Their deal ings had been with Messrs E. Porter and Co., aud having had occasion to order more bedsteads than'that firm had in stock, they had been obliged to send to England or elsewhere for the balance.

Mr Thos. Buddie also spoke. He con gratulated the people of Auckland on the erection of the handsome building the opening of which they were celebrating, and lie testified to the interest which Bishop Cowio had shown in the growth of the in stitution, to which he (Mr Buddie) wished a prosperous career. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. C. M. Nelson, and the meeting termin ated.

The pianoforte accompaniments to the hymns were played by Mrs Murray Moore.

BEET CULTURE.

MR W. A. GRAHAM AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

A special meeting of the Council of th e Chamber of Commerce was held at three o'clock yesterday afternoon, for the pur|K>s 0 of hearing statements from Mr W. A. Graham, of Hamilton, and Mr Folger, of San Francisco, on the growth of sugar beet. Mr A. H. Nathan, who presided, briefly introduced tho matter.

Mr Graham, who was fortified by a mass of written and printed matter, said: — " Gentlemen, I have asked you to meet mo to-day to lay before you the result of seven years' patient and persevering work in seeking out reliable information and experimental proofs of an industry which I firmly and conscientiously believe is going to make Now Zealand great and prosperous. 1 am speaking with reference to beetroot sugar. This industry lifted France and her people from prostration to pro gress. It has made united Germany a re cognised commercial power of Europe, and it is going to add to America's colossal wealth and prosperity. The highly-impor tant elements with which this industry is pregnant are advanced agriculture, manu facture and commerce, which are the results of science, capital and labour working to gether in harmony and co-operation. To arrest your attention I will give a few figures showing the vast importance of beet sugar asa national industry in these days :-— England in 1884 had a population of 35,952,000. She consumed 1,076,000 tons of sugar, or at the rate of 67 pounds per head. America in 1884 had a popula tion of 55,554,000 (I mean by America the United State? of America). They consumed 1,265,087 tons of sugar, or 514 pounds per head, for which her people paid or nearly £30,000,000. The total duty paid by Americans on sugar imported by them was $48,929,668, being upwards of £9,500,000. New-Zealand, with her handful of people, consumed last year 20,000,000 tons of sugar, which, on her population of 600,000 people, amounts to upwards of 60 pounds of sugar per capita. Sugar country, like gold country, is a speciality. Sugar beet country is as op posite to sugar cane country as white is to black. Sugar beet country is a white man's country ; sugar cane country is a black man's country. A peculiar climate, soil and temperature are specially essential in either case to practical success. It is as useless to cultivate beetroot in a cane country as to cultivate cane in a beetroot country, for com mercial success ; and finally, it is as useless for cane sugar to contend against beet sugar as for the black races to contend against the white. The world, therefore, has now to look to beetroot sugar producing countries for their supply of this essential article of food. England is especially awakening to this fact—as witnessed by her anxiety regard ing the sugar bounties of Europe—and so I believe I am justified in my endeavours to promote this industry in New Zealand, and in calling upon the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to inquire impartially into the facts and statements 1 am bringing before them, and to afford me assistance by pub licly pronouncing their opinion uppn the soundness and legitimacy of beetroot sugar industry as a field for investment of capital in New Zealand. So long as I had to depend upon Euro pean statistics for my information relative to cost and quality of beet sugar, I found myself attacking the strong fortress of ignorance aud prejudice, and the giant of cheap Continental labpur staring me in the face; but now America has come to my assistance, and I feel confident of my posi tion. In AlamedaCounty(California),at Alva rado, where labour is dearer and rent higher than in New Zealand, beet sugar has conquered cane, and has forced MrSpreckels, the renowned sugar authority of California, to publicly state his conviction that beet sugar has won the ' champion belt,' and that it will never be possible for cane to win it back again. Alameda County has eclipsed the European coun tries in average richness of sucrose of sugar beets, and, strange as it may ap pear, Waikato has proved its climate and soils to be of surpassing value for this par ticular industry, and shows the highest average of sucrose in beet on record in the world. Alameda County §ugar lands are des cribed as level, sandy, fertile soil, 130 feet above tho sea, its mean yearly temperature being 60 degrees. Wai kato lands are level, sandy, fertile soil, 140 feet above tho eeo, with a mean yearly temperature of 61 degrees. Aknieda Bucroee average in beats is 1236. Waikato

average sucrose in beets is 16-2. Fifteen tons of beetroot is an average crop of beets per acre in Alameda County. Fifteen tons of beetroot is an average crop acknowledged by a committee of farmers as an average to be calculated upon in Waikato. 20,000 acres are mentioned as the ascertained area at present fit for beets in Alvarado, with a prospective area of 1,250,000 acres, 2,000 square miles. Fully 20,000 acres now exist in Waikato fit for cultivation of 15 ton crops of beets, with a prospective area of 200,000 acres. Waikato has many advantages superior to Alameda County, viz. :—(1) Cheaper Istor (Maori) for weeding and gathering crops ; (2) cheaper coal; (3) more regular rainfall; and (4) cheaper land, rent for land in Alva rado standing at £4 per acre per annum, in Waikato 10s per aero. The present great depression affords the best opportunity for starting the industry, as the public are at a loss for employment of their surplus aged and loss robust labour and locked-up capital. It has been ascertained in Alvarado that cane sugar, admitted duty free from the Sandwich Islands and the Southern States, costs a halfpenny per pound more to produce than same standard sugar from beets, even at a standard .average of sucrose of 12*36 per cent. Therefore, with a standard average of sucrose of 16 per cent., and a halfpenny per pound preseno duty, Waikato beets can be worked into sugar fully a halfpenny pet pound cheaper than cane sugar imported. Notwithstanding anything s-»id to the contrary, beet No. 1 crystals are equal in value, power and purity to No. 1 cane sugar crystals. With the high values in sucrose of Waikato beets, Auckland could successfully export sugar to Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. At £26 per ton, £52 worth of Sugar can be obtained from one acre of Waikato beets. The successful starting of this industry in New Zealand would attract a great settled population of smoll farmers. It would enable them to produce wheat at a Srofit at 3s per bushel. It would make dw Zealand become tho most important dairy centre in Australasia. It would afford an unlimited field for agricultural enterprise and progress. It would ensure to tho city and port of Auckland a future of progress and commercial ad vancement such as never yet has been realised; and would at once and for ever establish the city of Auckland ns a great commercial depot in the South Pacific. No further taxation is necessary to the development of beetroot sugar in Waikato. All that is wanted is for the Chamber of Commerce and the public to warmly advocate its cause. Professional authorities who have visited and pronounced Waikato to b< of surpassing adaptability for beet sugar are :—Professor Mcl vor, Aus tralia ; Professor Taylor, Scotland; Pro fessor Black, Dunedin ; Mr J, A. Pond, Auckland. The following also expressed opinions in favour of Waikato being suited for this industry:—M. Losoncr, Ham burg, and Professor Voelckor, England. Eighty-four separate analytical tests have been made of beets grown in Waikato with out any special knowledge or attention as regards cultivation, and tho tests were made upon roots fairly selected from small trial crops, grown on lands extending over a superficial area exceeding 100,000 acres. A yield of twenty-six tonsof rich beets per acre has been obtained in Waikato. The railway receipts for the carriage of roots, lime, coal and sugar, together with the increase of passenger traffic, would more than quadruple the bounty given to induce capital to invest in starting tho in dustry. And it would provide a certain in ducement for small settlors to follow tho industry inland along the Rofcortia and great trunk railway lines, at any rate as far as the beet sugar country extends. The wholo colony would benefit indirectly by the industry. But of course, gentle men, I must be understood to mean that to secure permanent success wo must ' hasten slowly,' and therefore the first mill in tho colony should be situated upon a site impartially chosen, with every 'regard to success, and the practical results made known before other mills started. I will read to you extracts from official re ports upon beet sugar in Alvarado, pub lished by authority of U.S.A. Government, and show you a plan of beet lands there. I will then read you an official report of Mr J. A. Pond, Government analytical chemist, who was especially entrusted by tho Go vernment to investigate and supervise tho experimental tests ol beetroot in Waikato. I will also read you extracts from addresses by Professors Mclvor and Black in Waikato, and also a memo, from Count d'Abbans, French Consul, Wellington, and lastly, a letter from Mr Percy Smith, Act. Surveyor- General, and show you a map which he has supplied me with, showing the beetroot country in this provincial district. And in conclusion, gentlemen, as I have received great courtesy and assistance from the Go vernments and officials of the colony, I stand pledged to tho Government that I shall nob allow my own firm convictions upon the matter to carry m,e be yond the bounds of prudent develop ment of the industry, as a failure at the outset might imperil tho object nought, and it is for this reason I beg to briijg the matter openly before you. I am indebted to Mr Folger, of San Francisco, here present, and to the directors of the Standard Sugar Refining Company of Alvarado, for their courtesy in supplying the valuable information which I have put before you relative to the Alvarado beetroot industry, and for the sample of beetroot sugar, the product of the Alvarado mills, which I submit to you for your inspection. What is required to start this industry ? In the first place confidence—a public vote of confidence in the legitimacy of the enter prise. And to obtain this, the Chamber of commerce and the press of Auckland are solicited to warmly take the matter up, to discuss it impartially, and if they can, to advo cate its cause. In the second place to form an Industrial Beetroot Growers' Association to secure suitable sections of land and to undertake to grow the roots lor a factory. And in the third place, to urge upon the State the wisdom of offering a bounty on the first 2,000 or 3,000 tons of beet sugar produced ; and that bounty to be sufficient to induce capital, Home or foreign, to undfrtake the cost of fitting up a 200 ton per diem factory, in a locality to be fixed upon as being the most suitable for a national experiment to prove the beet sugar problem in New Zealand. It is not necessary to go outside the colony for suitable families sufficient to cul tivate roots for the first sugar mill, 2,500 acres of roots being ample for a 200 ton per diem factory. Tho capital re quired to establish in full working order such a factory and to provide working capital, will be from £40,000 to £50,000. Taking the population of Auckland City at 62,000 and the per capita consumption of sugar at 60 pounds, it means less than £1 per head of the population, and pot more than the annual cost to them per head of the sngar they actually consume. It owing to the depression capital cannot be found for the enterprise in Auckland, it is all the more requisite that the Chamber of Commerce should have the opportunity afforded tp them of giving their opinion upon the matter, so that confidence may be assured to all interesting themselves in same out sido of this colqny." Mr Folger made a few remarks confirma tory of what Mr Graham had stated regard ing the beet sugar industry in California.

A brief discussion ensued, b«t the sense of the meeting being that the iubject was too large a one to go into at ench a late hour, Messrs A. H. Nathan, H. A. Carr, and J. Milne were appointed a committee to examine the data prepared by Mr Graham, and to report subsequently to the Chamber.

UPPER QUEEN-STREET LEVELS.

Another meeting of the property-owners in Upper Queen-street was held last evening in the Cpuncil Chambers for the purpose of further considering the proposal to alter the level or cut the street tp itspermanentlevel. As before, there was a large attendance, His Worship the Mayor presiding, and Org. Swales, Lennox, Phillipps, Crowthor, Patter son, Laßoche, Davies,' Trenwith, James, andKidd being present. The City Engineer, Mr Anderson, was present to explain plans and answer questions. Mr Devore said that they would continue the business by considering the various mo tions broughtbeforethem- They would notice that the 22 feet cutting was the best grade. The Engineer had prepared a plan showing the three grades at which it was proposed to cut the street down to. Mr Crowther said that Mr Seccombe, the owner of property at the bottom, had told him that, on no account, would he allow any filling in to take place at the bottom of the street. Mr" Burt said that as a property-owner he would object to any cutting down taking place. He objected to the eight feet cut ting, as it would interfere with Karanga hape Road, a thing which he thought would be greatly to be regretter]. Mr Devote read a list of buildings to which permanent levels had been given from the otfice at tho foot of Queen-street. He also stated that the people in Karanga hape Road would be liable to claim com pensation if that street was altered. iVI r Campbell, in replying said, that if some of the abortive plans wore carried out a large sum of money might bo expended upon the street, and then another Council might cut down the street to its permanent level to the great detriment of persons having buildings erected to the street level. He thought that, either the road should bo cut down to its permanent level, or else a now level might be fixed, so that property owners could know what to do with their land. He considered it was manifestly unfair to keep the property-owners in such a state of uncertainty. Mr Campbell spoke at some length in support of cutting down to the permanent level. Mr Scott thought that the stroet ought to be formed at its prenent level. After further discussion, in which Councillors Holland, Patterson and Len nox and Mr Binney took part, tho question was put to the meeting. The motion as moved by Mr Holland and seconded by Mr Wade read as follows : — " That this meeting considers it inadvisable to cut down Upper Queen-street to the 22 feet level, but would recommend the Coun cil to take necessary steps to bui'd a re taining wall, and grade tho street from Rokeby-street to Karangahape Road at its present level; also to drain and cut chan nels both sides."

The amendment was moved by Mr Gar rett and seconded by Mr Scott. It read as follows :--" That tho opinion of this meet ing be obtained as to the retention of the present level of Upper Queen-street." The motion was adopted by a large majority. Cr. Crowther then moved, "That the Council be recommended to take immediate steps in accordance with the resolution just passed to have tho dotted line on the plan declared the permanent level." Cr. Crowther said that would entail scarcely any cutting and only a filling in of 18 inches in one place. This was seconded by Mr Buddie. Crs. Holland anil Phillipps both objected to spending about £ 5,0C0 on a street which had not been cut down to its permanent level.

Cr. Lennox said he would favour Mr Crowthcr's motion.

Cr. La Roche said he would also vote for it.

After some further discussion the motion was adopted. That practically leaves the street at its present level.

CONCERT AT TUAKAU.

The most successful concert ever held in Tuakau came off in the school-houso on Friday night last. Mr L. Geraghty occu pied the chair, and he carried out the duties of that post to the satisfaction of all. The programme was one of the most in teresting and attractive ever presented to an audience, and contained many choice se lections, among which was " Silvery Waves," a pianoforte solo by Miss Honan, which fairly brought down tho house, while great praise is also due to Master H. Thompson for the splendid way in which he rendered " The Little Hero," and owing to the continued cries of the audience for an encore this young gentleman responded by singing "Eileen Alunnah." Among others who deserve great credit for tho way in which they performed their parts are Mrs Evan.?, Misses Harris and Poland, and Mr J. Wright, jun. The following ladies and gentlemen con tributed to the programme : — Mioses Harris, Smith, Poland, McMeehan, Honan, Mrs Evans, Messrs E. Bilkey, Kennedy, Wright, O'Donaghue, Wright, jun., and Master Thompson. After an interval of five minutes the stage was cleared for that most laughable farce " Billy Doo," in which Messrs Whatford, Poland, Miller and Harris performed most creditably, keeping the audience in continual peals of laughter. After the concert the school was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till the small hours in the morning, when people began to wend their way homewards, thoroughly pleased with the night's amuse ment.

WAIKATO NOTES.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Hamilton, Wednesday. It is the intention of the members of Trinity Wesleyan Church to make a pi-eentation of an illuminated address to Mr French before leaving the district. The annuar tea in connection with the Hamilton branch of the New Zealand Evan gelistic Association took place at Le Quesne's Hall, Hamilton, last night. There was a good attendance. A lecturo was de livered by Mr G. Aldridge, and an address by Rev. C. C. Brown of Timaru. A coach has been started by Mr Tanner to run between Te Kuiti and the tunnel in connection with the arrival and departure of the train. A conceit is arranged to take place at Kihikihi on Decomber 16th. Wuikaio Uorticuluirul Society. A meeting of the Waikato Horticultural Society was held in Hamilton to-day in order to consider where the next annual show should be held. It was resolved that tho next show be held in Hamilton on the 17th of March, 1883 (St. Patrick's Day). Mr Edgecumbe stated that the Freezing Company having offered to carry butter in cooling chambers to London, it would be a gopd thing if they would convey fruit in tlte same way. Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co. had written ottering to convey fruit by the Shaw-Savill line of steamers if suffi cient inducement could be guaranteed by producers and growers. A committeo was appointed to collect in formation upon the subject. Mr Edge cumbe, in speaking of tho importation of fruit, thought it would be necessary to offer a special set of prizes for the best variety of apples for export. It was the opinion of th* w\ noting that information should be '•. , is to the

most suitable kind of apples for the Eng lish market, and the Secretary was in structed to write to the fruit-growers ask ing their opinion on the matter.

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Auckland Kffle Association

The following is the programme drawn up by the Association for its matches to take place at Mount Eden range on Decem ber 26 and 27 :— Ist Match.—Colonel Shepherd's prize and eight money prizes. Ranges, 200 yards standing, 300 yards kneeling; 5 shots at each distance. Entrance, 3s 6d. 2nd Match.--Beck's Cup and eight money prizes. Ranges, 200. 400 and 600 yards; five shots at each distance. En trance, 4s. The Cup can only be won by a member of the Auckland Garrison. 3rd Match. — Citizens' Trophy and eight money prizes. Range 300 yards; ten shots. Entrance, 4s. 4th Match.—Aggregate Match for Dis trict Medal, "Herald" and Evening Star Cupsandiivemoneyprizes. Range, 500 yards; ten shots. Open to the twenty highest aggregate scorers in matches 1, 2, and 3. The score made in this match will be added to the grand aggregate, and the highest scorer will bakethe Medal and '' Herald" Cup; second highest scorer takes the Evening Star Cup." Both cups to be won twice in succession, or three times at intervals, be fore becoming tho property of the winner. Entrance, Is. stii Match.—Consolation Match. Ranges, 400 and 500 yards ; five shots at each dis tance. Five money prizes. Open to mem bers who have not won a prize in previous matches. Entrance, 3s 6d. 6th Match.—Team Match. Open to teams of five men from any Volunteer corps; a team of non-Volunteers will be allowed to compete. Ranges, 200 and 500 yards; seven shots at each distance. Entrance, 6s 6d per man. Non-members of Association entering to complete teams, 2s 6d extra. 7th Match.-Open to Remington-Lee, Martini-Henry and Snider rifles. Ranges, 500 and 600 yards ; seven shots at each distance. Prizes according to number of entries. Competitors to find their own ammunition. Entrance, 3s.

Bth Match. — Auckland Volunteers' Match. Open only to members of the Auckland Garrison. Ranges, 200 and 500 yards ; seven shots at each distance. En trance, members of Association, 4s 6d ; non members, 6s.

9Tn Match.—Extra match. Open to members of the Association who have never won an Association prize since January, 1885. Ranges, 400 and 500 yards ; five shots at each distance. Entrance, 3s 6d.

A number of useful prizes have been pre sented by the citizens of Auckland, and will be included in the Citizens' match. These prizes will be chosen by prize-winners in the order of their scores. The prize list will be increased, if the entries allow of it.

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR. FRIDAT. DECEMBERg^Jtgg^

2



Onehunga tweed suits at 47s 6d, at Smith and CoughoyV.— (Advt.)



Public Notices. STRAWBERRY QARDENS! WILLOW GROVE STRAWBERRY GARDENS, Next the Upper Wharf, Devonport. GARDENS NOW OPEN! STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM! MARK PARRISH, In returning thanks to his supporters for past favours,' begs to inform them and the public generally that he has great pleasure in announcing that these well-known and popular Strawberry and Tea Gardens are now open. Mark Danish being one of the largest strawberry growers in the colony, will always have a large and fresh supply on hand, and can guarantee patrons the ripest, the largest, and most delicious fruit in the market, and they will not be stinted in quantity either. FRESH CREAM TWICE DAILY ! Tea, Coffee and other Refreshments always on hand. Three hundred visitors can bo seated at tho tobies at one time. Lawn Tennis and Croquet Ground, and other amusements for the convenience of visitors. STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM! WILLOW GROVE GARDENS DEVONPORT. School Treats and Picnic Parties provided for by special arrangement. Family orders, dinner parties, and for jam, promptly attended to. Trams will run to the Gardens at half-price ; return from Gardens, Threepence. M. PARHJSH. PROPRIETOR. GO TO BATH to ROTH'S PUBLIC H. T. COLD. AND SHOWER TVATHS, Victoiua-strk.kt E'.st. Charge uNE SHILLING. Open all weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and SUNDAY MORN INGS from 6 till 10 a.m. The bath-rnoniHare all private, and supplied with every convei lonce, Turkish Towels, flesh and hair brushes, combs, respirators, Efoaps. etc. Selpot Bath rooms d rfvate) for ladies every day at all hours, with female attendance. One Shilling and Sixperoe. Please note tho address-Victoria-street East, nbovethe Greyhound Hotel, and next the Cheap Bedding aud Furniture Mart, Auckland. N. 8.: Barber In attendance. D~W I N J ON E S (Late E. and A. Jones). House, Fuknisiiin-g, axd Gbnehal IRONMONGER, Ponsonby Road and Pompallier Terrace, Auckland, N.Z. Agent for tho Phoenix Fire Office. Advertisement Ageut fo" Auckland Evening Post-office Savings Bank. Money Order' Office. Telegraph Station, Telephone Bureau. REWARD FOR LABOUR !-Garrick's Patent Mineral Soap surpasses anything hitherto disco* ered for household purposes, washing linen woo.ler.s. boards, paint, delf. glass, silver, and everything soap is required for, without soda and with very little labour, with excellent resu ts. Directions for use: Two Tab espoonsfuls to a Bneket of Hot Water. All Trials have proved high y satisfactory. Sold in 2£ b Tins, 6d: 281b Boxes, 4s: to he had of all store-keepers and grocers Manufactory: Grey st.. Auckland. D. NORDEN, Agent, Woodbine Cottage, Grey-street. M" ' IS S SMITH, CORSET & BANDAGE MAKER, Has always on hand a Good Supply of Stay STAYS MADE TO ANY PATTERN. Riding Stays, Stays for Invalids, Uandages, and Shoulder Braces on the most approved principles. STAYS CLEANED AND REPAIRED. Has been Fitter for twelve years in the leading establishment in Edinburgh. Ladies waited on by sending address to ESKBANK COTTAGE. GUNDRY-STREET, NEWTON (by now Epiphany Churoh).



Drapery, Clothing. &c THE~BABY~LINEN AND LADIES UNDERMNEN WAREHOUSE. SILK HOSE! SILK HOSE! P. DAVISON Has just purchased a job line of Silk Hose, and will sell them as under :— HALF COST! HALF COST PRICES! Ladies' Black, Pale Blue, Cream, and Pink, 2r, lid, 3a6d, 3s lid; Maroon. Navy, Cardinal, 3k 6d, 3s llfl, 4's 6d. Children's Pale Blue, Pink, and Cream, I.ls lid; 2. 23 3d ;3,2s 6d ; 4,2 a9d : 5 2s lid. Black and Dark Colours, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 2s 9d, 3s, 3s3d. 200 dozen Ladies' Trimmed Linen Collars at 6& each; usual prices, Is to 2s 6d. 15\06b yardsßeaded Net in Navy, Maroon, Bl<i«k and Gold, Black and Silver, Drab, etc., all at 2d per yard ; usual price, 9d yard. 400~yard«i Beaded Gossamer, White aiid Silver, Drab and Gold, Brown and Gold, at 6d per yard ; usual price, 13 per yard. ' A beautiful assortment of Ladies' Printed Skirts from Is lid, 2s 3d. 2b 6d. 2s lid - very cheap. Ladies' Print Dresses from 6s lid to 21s. ~~* Ladies' Stuff Dresses from 12s 6d to 355. Ladies' Print Morning Wrappers. 2s lid to 4s lid. Children's Print. Sateen, and Stuff Dresses, 2s 6d to 7s 6d, at half warehouse prices. Very line - 50 dozen Ladies' and Chil-, dren's Printed Aprons at 6d each. Also, large variety of Coloured and White Aprons from 7id to 6s_6d._ Magnificent assortment of Fans, bought very cheap, to be sold at 2s 6d, 3s 6d, As 6d, 5b 6d, i&a 64 ; worth 3? 6d to 14s 6d. In all the newest shade's. _____■ Beautifulvariety of Sun Bonnets from Is to 9s 6d. No. 9, JUNCTION QUEEN & GREY Sts. pRICE I pRICE | pRICB BEAUTIFUL LONG OSTRICH FEATHERS In Cream, Tuscan, Grey, Tan, and Pink. Ir* Just Received, a parcel -t f* o I' it) of the above, to be sold |g \\t\ ,„„?— the very low price of 4 _____ a- W. P. OGILVIE, Victoria Street West. EVERY LADY HER OWN DRESSMAKER. To secure a Perfect Fit and Newest Style, try OUTTERICK'S '/"IUT T>APER pATTEENS. Metropolitan Fashions, Illustrating Patterns, monthly, Id each ; 2s per annum, post free. AGENT— WM. P. PUIL VI E, DRAPEtt. VICTORIA-STREET WEST. CHEAPER THAN EVER DRAPERY AND CLOTHING. C. HOPKINS. London House, Victoria and Nelson Sts., Is now showing some of the cheapest Drapery and Clothing ever offered in Auckland, as the following lines will snow : - Dress Materials in Greys, Browns, and Fawns', 4s lid for 12yds; Striped Delaines, 12yds for 3s lid ; grand value in D es& Materials at 6s 9d, in fashionable shades; Coloured Satin in all shadeß, from Is per yard; 80-inch Heavy Twill Sheeting, In OJd (Whte); 90-inch Heavy Twill Sheetinv. Is 3d (White!; a '•',♦» >-f Slip Mats, la ench; Men's Mosgiel TweeoMr&l 8, 33s 6d; Men's Tweed Suits, 12a 9a: Men's trousers and Vests, 7s Un ; Men s Colourec ale Trousers, 4s lid (value for yout money) | Men's Tweed Trousers, 3s lid oah . Youths Tweed Trousers, 3s lid ; Boys' Tweed trousers, is 6d; gi and line in Men's Merino Sox, 9d; Men's Brown Cotton Sox. 2Jd per pair. C. HOPKINS, London House, Victoria and N e J?pn Streets. N.B.—Open every evening till 9 o'clock. Architects. W" F. BURRO W S, DRAUGHTSMAN. HERALDIC ARTIST, >LLUMLmATOR, DESIGNER. International Patent and Trade Mark Agency. Auckland Offices: HILL'S CHA wBEUS, QUEEtf-STREET (next A.M.P. Insurance Buildings). If.~~skiN NER AND SON, • iiuildcrs. Carpenters, and Joiners, Vulcan Lane. AHBranches of the Building Trade executed by Experienced Workmen. Shop Fronts. Office Fittings, &c p. HKRAPATH, F.R.1.8.A.] [R. M. HERAPATH PH ERAPA T H and S0 N, • ARCHITECTS, Colonial Bank Buildings. T7IDWARD BART LEY, ARCHITECT, STICHBURY'S BUILDINGS. QUEEN-STitEEjL , ! ' T7IDWARD MAHONEY AND SON, AICHITE Hi. Queen-street. Auckland "Br~P7~F~M. — B~U~E ROWS, ARCHITECT AND BUILDING SURVEYOR. 317. Victoria Arcade. "IVTILLI AM ERR IN GTO N, M.lnst. C.IL, M. Inst. M.HI. CONSULTING ENGINEER, AUCKLAND. KSTABLIBHED 1859. GEE & POTTER, COACHBUILDERS, LORNE and RUTLANO-STRttETS. Coaches, Carriages, Waggonettes, Buggies, Pony ..images. Carte. Drays, and every de scription oi Vi'hic es kept in stack, or built to order. The trude supplied. N.B.—Traps lent to customers whilst repairs pre being executed. | T> A P E R H A ?? G I N G S. W. PHILLTPPS & SON Have received, ex late arrivals, 185-PACKAGES—IBS Containing 65,000 ROLLS OF PAPERHANGINGS. Consisting of NEW PATTERNS * For Drawing, Dining, Bed Rooms, Hall and Staircase, suitable for the Mansion or Cottage. Beautiful Designs, and best value ever offered in P&perhangings. 916—PACKAGES-916 SCRIMS ANP HESSIANS, Plate and Sheet Glass, White Lead, Oils, Turpi, Varnishes, and all Trade Sundries, W, PHILLIPPS & SON, 96 and 97, Queen-street. ■JUT O N U MEN T 8 ' italian and vermont marbles, and aberdeen granite headstones in marulb and stone. Iron Tomb Railings at Moderate Pricks Prices and Designs sent post free. Country orders carefully packed. TAIT iROTHERS, Monumental Works, corner of Rutland an 4 Lome streets (near Queen-street Junction), Auckland.



Money to LendlHS ,f^ EN T- S ' 34 acres „ Avondaie^ - -fTWHo n , Alte » MBCOMTWNK, AUCKLAND . (Opposite A C^Sons ™«* ■^ BankofE n gl andN<ote ; chan . . Weekly, Monthl^/^ Loan, &£*£ 7 .»» .^ J < > ~ w - BARDIE '"' 1 repayable WM_r*t?B - SPIS a term ot f^-Tpp^ n a r S e and 6, MercanaieOhamhar. «H« n 2.s eesi oßf, 5 M°N Freehold Security. , f*"'* 81 im v- M »- Solicitor 103. Victoria Ar&ade, Queen-Btreet. * rate of interest -Applrto -$* JAORBOir& RUSSELL SoHcftora. : Bhortland-Btrwt MONEY TO LEND ;on _F irfelksa Freehold WILLIAM COLKMMr^sS tyatjonid Build_«,. ■ ,','■■"' iff. <3W^eh'%u^|{. Wm.S. Cochraae.'Coctirttne'a Auction ffl 185, Queen-street; . .•; • QUEENSLAND MORTGAGE; Lo_( Asn- . |5Jg DISCOUNT BACKING COMPANY, Darby-street (off Queen-si), '"' 'aucklam4--— - r . w -; Head Office: Brisbane. Agencies: Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne, Money advanced from £5 and upwards to any apjount required, tp, suit the vhorrower, upon Personal. Freehold. Leasenoldj or |ny Tangible Security, repayahle ia ■ffkf'.u may be arranged, eitber Mflnthlj, or Quarterly Instalments, at lowest current rates. Advances made on Furniture ■without t« moval; also on all kinds of Merchandise, including Bond Warranto, eto; | ,■ ' BUls raj»|. Interviews and communications-will- be held strictly confldentiai. ' -■■■ ;> s Office Hon—: From 10 till 5 o'plojck, LAND AND MONETARY AGENT,'. 2*. SPpRT^AND-STBEEr (Three Doprs past Stab Office). I am prepared fo \e,)w land ja Auckland oi t}ie country for purcbasors at most reasonable terms. All land sold by me in Auck land I charge 2| per cent commission. lam prepared to negotiate Mortefgeß in sumi ""frjom £25 to £15,000. Advances made on Colonial andJnglißb M* Pqljcies; - Haring Agents in all parte of AusbaHaaniiiß 'England, I can ma]te Adranpes fnott : Wills fxi'&ipudsi CM—i td'il^S.Qfift I IN D US T RI A PEL *AN£K X B UILDI .vG, 1 AND AM> IN VESIMENT SOgiETY QFTAIffLAP. Repayments; ; p e! i™Ji4Total amount extending over re payablß.^ 1 year "■.":'' £2 0 p '{"£lo* 0 ? 5J2&: :: "m | i«6B s vpai'g 014 7 11315 0 6 years.. .. 0;8 8 MM I 7 years.. ..' 0 71} , M',l I■■ 8 j ears .. .. 0J 1 Igjg | 1Q years .... ■• 0 6 3.1. 162 U. » the Board has pbwer.in cases or Want of Employment t.» Cuspend fiay^eWO. BorrbwersSKare'ib Profits. , ._ - 4 Part or whole of the advance maj be r|»a at any tiras 6% tbeTJoroon his property suTdept. w - S cSr of QUFES-STREET and ' LANE, ■**■ I O NYEST^NTJP£^.;, A }_sa^"42!*^____!_^— ~ ~ • ■"': -""-.,. 7" -_. 7 iTotel! ainojm* Repayments extendrper Week. Apaylblf. ing over ___—— -^"T"^! - * lyear .', - ff §jg 108-6 8 2 years .. •• lH 15 0 3 years .. •• .S\J i j_ <J 8 a years.. •■ 2XI | 56-18 | 6 years i. •• fV\ ffi§& 8 years •• ■• 2, L|r 16_El-« -^^^^ Poultry. ■'-' - t> lymouVh^oVe.s -t EGGS! ES! Eggs from Pure-b^ePlrf^^ W bounded. «*teSES?_pr'.- ■■ - wwr alwws on bana-