The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, The Morning News and The Echo. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1880.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3241, 9 December 1880, Page 2

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1880.

For the cause, that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the geed that we can do.

A cable despatch from San Francisco announces the departure of five Russian war vessels from the Pacific for Japan, and that the object of their mission haß not transpired. The bare fact itself ia not one to cause uneasiness, nor does it possess any special significance at this particular juncture. It is rather a matter which suggests other reflections on subjects of wider importance. For sometime paso the more clear-seeing of British politicians, noting the signs of the times, the vast and increasing armaments of Europe, ' the strain on the national resources of each country, the general policy of J conquest and aggrandisement, have foreseen that some gigantic struggle was likely to be precipitated in which Great Britain, with her enormous

interests and wide possessions, could not hope to remain a passive spectator. This feeling was manifested during tho recent negotiations for tho surrender of Dulcigno to Montenegro. It was not tho mere question of the disposition of a miserable scrap of sea-board that induced the Great Powers to [concentrate an irresistibly powerful ironclad fleet in the Adriatic, and to waste weeks in an apparently useless display of forco, while plenipotentiaries and ambassadors were exchanging diplomatic notes. It was the consciousness that underneath the apparently trifling question of the surrender of Dulcigno lay the solution of tho peace of Europe, that gigantic elements of danger were slumbering below, which required all the skill of the best statesmen and warriors of Europe to keep under. Tho demon of war had beeti chained for a time by tho Treaties of Berlin and San Stephano, but he could only be kept down by the united efforts of the Powers who were signatories to those treaties. It was as if Europe had determined that,whether or not war might be ultimately inevitable, it should not arise out of such a miserable question. Tlie settlement of tho t Dulcigno difficulty found Great Britain anclKussia apparently actingin friendly concert, but the removal of that difficulty has not brought the world any nearer tho millenium. Tho samo elements of dangor which existed before are in existence still. A clear recognition of these causes led British statesmen many years ago to initiato a policy which is now in slow process of consummation. Thoy saw that the growth aud extension of tho British Empire was, as it is now, an inovitablo result of her traditions, policy, and national character, and that in proportion to that growth and extension, sho became more vulnerable at remote and exposed points. They had before them tho example of the dccadonco of the Empires of Home, Spain, Holland, and other great ancient powers, and they desired to discovor some means by which a similar catastrophe might be timely everted. Tho solution was in the consolidation of tho Empire. Sinoe that policy was resolved upon the Colonies havo been encouraged to draw closer tho natural links which bound thorn to the mother country and to each other. Canada has been consolidated and taught self-reliance. Confederation has been carried out at tho Capo, and a policy of alliance is boing sedulously instilled into tho minds of the people of Australia. Colonial Governors, acting as the mouthpieces of the Imperial Government, havo found frequent opportunities of inculcating the policy of confederation, and it has found expression also in the speeches and writings of leading Australian and New Zealand statesmen such as Sir Julius Vogel. The recent Conference of Australian delegates was ono of tho results of this movement. The proposal j to establish a Federal Council empowered to deal with questions of common interest, while leaving the intorgral independanco of each colony untouched, is ono of the earliest steps in the direction of a moro completo federation on a more extended scalo. Tho time is rapidly approaching when tho Australasian Colonies must accept tho duties which aro inseparable from their grand national destiny, and one of tho most important and pressing ot those duties is that of defence from extotnal enemies. Internal enemies, save perhaps in New Zealand—and oven in this colony we aro rapidly outgrowing the danger—they have none, except they arise from mis-government. Even foreign enemies they need not fear in any great force. The danger i 6 from some sudden and unexpected inroad, such as the descent upon their coasts of swift Russian cruisers from Nagaski, on the south-western coast of Japan, where Russia has formed a strong naval station, with great arsenals, and is rapidly concentrating a powerful fleet. Russia's former "pointd'appui"was Petropanlovski, but she found it too far north and not sufficiently accessible for her purposes, and she removed lower down to the Japanese harbour of Nagaski, from which, spiderlike, sho can look out upon tho rich prizes in Polynesia and Australasia, biding her time for an opportunity to pounce out upon her prey, when Great Britain, and tho other nations holding possessions in the South Pacific are engaged in some great struggle which compels them to concentrate all their forces at home. This article has already extended to such length" as to preclude our adducing statistics, but Aye may point out that Canada, with a population comparatively little less than that of Australia and New Zealand, and considerably less revenue, has already great military resources and the nucleus of t a fleet, while these colonies are practically defenceless. Lot the following figures tell their own tale:— Canada. Australia and New Zealand. Population, 3,913,000 ... 2,603,122 Revenue, £4,475,002 .., £6,172.581 Imports, £16,392,885 ... £50,545,966 Exports, £14,298,251 ...£44,196,737 And in 1879, Canada h?d a militia comprising 43,729 officers and men, aud a reserve militia of 655,000 rank and file, besides a small but well-armed fleet, Comparisons are odious in thia case. Let any student of history look back upon the grand achievements of Great Britain when her import and export returns were far smaller than those of Australia and New Zealand, and if he does not admit that these colonies are bound to undertake a larger share of their own external defence, he must be singularly wanting in the spirit which animated his forefathers, and which ought to bo dear to tlie hearts of all true colonists.

Our almanac will be ready very soon. Country agents and storekeepers should forward their orders to the publisher at once, when they will be promptly atteuded to. No returns will be allowed. Wholesale price 10s per dozen. At Wairoa South a few days ago a young man named David Shaw was severely injured by the wheel of a cart passing over him. The sufferer is progressing well under the care of Dr. Fitzgerald. The fine weather has made the farmers around Auckland exceedingly busy iv the hay-fields. The recent rains considerably improved the crops of the grass, and if tbe daily sunshine continues, the hay harvest will be successful, and growers satisfied.

Mr Chas. Weightman left for the South per Wanaka to-day. He may come back with the Lydia-Howarde troupe.

A match which has been in contemplation since the Birthday Sports is to be run on Christmas day, between Messrs P. Maher and J. A. Tinning, for the sum of £10 aside, three distances, viz. : 100, 150, and 440 yards; the former giving 4 yards start in the 100, 6 yards in the 150, and 15 yards in the 440. Both peds. are in active preparation, and it is considered ou all sides a very equal match,

At the annual meeting ot the An gloIsrael Association, of Sydney, the report announced that during the year over 2,080 books, pamphlets, and periodicals have been distributed over the colony, in addition to 50,000 leaflets, which cannot but increase the identity to a very considerable extent.

The Panmure United Church entertain, ment will be held in tha Panmure BchooL room on the 17th inst,

Mr Hugh Gootifellow has met with a very serious accident at Te Awamutu, while placing stock on the train he got jammed between two trucks, sustaining injuries to the chest.

The contractor for the works in Upper Pitt-street has made a vigorous start, favoured by the prevailing line weather, and the alteration of the level is being rapidly proceeded with.

Mr Blewden has completed his contract at th'o Government reclamation works, Newmarket, for the long-talked of workshops, and which has been passed as satisfactory and in strict accordance with the plans and specilications. The work was delayed several months in consequence of rocky impediments, which proved, in more wayß than one, a serious hiudrance to the contractor. St\ch works would be given out in sections iv the old country.

Tho concert at the itemuera Girla' School, under the able presidency of the preceptress, was given last oveuing with more or less success to a larjze audience, chiefly composed ot the rising offspring of the surrounding district. We were much pained to again observe that even in a schoolroom, with su.li a highly respectable class of visitors, the unruly element and unseemly behaviour which seems to persistently shew itself at every gathering, to the annoyance of all sensible people, was again to the fore. Mr Owen Malion, in his reading of "Mr Daniel O'Rourke," exhibited a nicjty of Hibernian brogue, which stimulated hearty laughter; nnd a song (comic) by Mr McMurdo, setting forth the caustic Frenchman''pour encourager les autrcs was indicative of a, Parisian accent, which is at once tho best French, and the style to emulate. Mr Forth sang " Three Jolly Sailor Roys," the music of which is tame. The gentleman, however, made as much of it aa possible, which in his capable hands is sayiug a great deal. Miss Lodder saug a solo, which was listened to with breathless attention, nnd her voice should cro long germinate into a great gilt. Miss Lodder also gavo a duet with her sister, " Pcaco to thy, Spirit," This, coupled with such consolatory sentiment, proving "au fuit accompli." The MissesWestwood played a pianoforte duct very nicely, whilst the scene from " Uncle Tom's Cabin," most cleverly depicted by three young ladies, of its kind is the best piece of acting we have seen for some time. Miss O'Sullivan proved a most efficient accompanist.

Dean Stauley, according to an English paper, has been pleading for the legality of granting the uso of Palish Churches for Nonconformist worship, and is ready to abolish entirely the practice of clerical subscription to creeds, with tho view, apparently, of allowing any kind of doctrine whatsoever to bo taught from tho pulpits of the Establishment. He has had Nonconformist services himself in Westminster Abbey, and what ho has done there, any Bishop, he says, may do iv auy part oi England.

A charge of assault with intent was heard against a man named John Dturati at the Hamilton Polico Court, before Mr W. 11. Noithcroft, R.M., yesterday. Mrs Taylor, of West Hamilton, deposed that prisoner followed her home, kuicked at the door, and asked her for a drink of water. Witness told her daughter, ten years old, to givo it him. He then sat on the sofa and refused to go away. Ho caught hold of her arm. Witness sent tho girl for the police. Durine her absence prisoner attempted to commit a criminal assault, and was endeavouring to do so when Sergeant McGovcrn and Constable Wild arrived and took him into custody. The polico gavo corroborative evidence. Prosecutrix was struggling aud crying out wheu they entered. The magistrate sentenced the prisoner to two mouths' imprisonment for criminal assault, A writer in the " Sydney Morning Herald " points out that the Imperial Education Act authorises local rating for the support of museums, libraries, and laboratories, and he proposes that tho municipalities should be authorised to levy a rate cf one penny for the purpose of maintaining local schools of art.

Mr Wiseman, saddlor, of Queen-street, has a variety of Christmas presents ready for his customers, suitable for ladies and others.

The final meeting of creditors in tho estato of Edward Scotter, blacksmith, took place tliii morning. The trustee's report was of a favourable character, and it was therefore agreed to rccommeud tlio granting of the bankrupt's discharge.

Mr Grigg, of Elliott-street, met with an accident this morning whilo in the act of repairing his fence. Ho was about to strike a nail heavily on tho head, but struck his fore-linger with such force aa to cause a considerable flow of blood. At lirst it was feared that tho finger was; broken, but on examination it waa found to bo severely bruised. Tho finger was dressed and bound up, and is in a fair way of recovery.

Professor Stauich, tho Melbourne Aurist, has got iuto a quarrel with the management of tho Benevolent Institution. The Mayor of Uotham sent him five aged deaf inmates ot the Asylum for gratuitous treatment, three of whom he cured. For this he received the thanks of the Council. Ho then proposed to visit the institution, examine tho 40 persons suffering from deafness, and select those whom ho believed to be curable, in order that they might be sent to him for treatment. A reply was received from the Hon, Secretary of the Benevolent Institution, informing him that as there were already four honorary medical oilicers attached to it, his offer could not be entertained. The Professor thereupon wrote a letter to one of the papers deploring tbe fact that the unfortunate sufferers had been deprived of his professional skill. A correspondent writes:—"l notice the formation of a Spiritualistic Progressive Association of Auckland. It is to be regretted that this Association has not adopted the name suggested by the Star some months ago, which would have admitted of each member being ' writ down an A.S.S.' However, the title adopted has a slightly classic look—S.P.A.A.—which might reasonably enough be supposed to stand for ' Senatus Populueque Asinorum.'"

The Thames "Advertiser" eives tho following particulars respecting roads in that district:—lho re-survey of Hikutaia landa —which caused such olfence to natives, who object to havo their potato patches trodden down, or a chain passed over their dwelling places, without knowing the why and wherefore—haa been stopped uutil the return of the Hon. Mr Whitaker to Auckland. Referring to the Komata road, Mr H. J. H. Kliott, Under-Secretary, yesterday telegraphed as followa to tho Borough authorities :—" Re Komata road. Government admits the importance of the work, and is now considering the course to be taken." The Hon. the Native Minister says :—"The Hon. Mr Whitaker has undertaken on his return to Auckland to endeavour to arrange for the construction of the road by Council. I hope he may succeed."

Mr ft B. Andrew will dispose of a limited number of tickets at the door of the Cookstreet Hall this evening beforo the dancing commences. See advertisement.

Coincident with the telegraphic intelligence that. there is no abatement iv the excitement which Mr Proctor's lectures are creating iv Napier, is the publication ot the list of lectures which he is to give in Auckland. Glancing through the list it is not difficult to understand how interesting a series of discourses on other worlds than ours may bo made by a writer who ia famous for his popular stylo of dealing with the most exalted themes, and how from Mr Proctor's lips the sublime science of astronomy, instead of being " harsh and crabbed as dull foola suppose," becomes " musical as Apollo's lute.'' Not the leaat attractive feature of the Proctor lectures is said to be tho splendid collection of pictures with which they are illustrated, and which are shown by tho hydro-oxygen light in a lantern lent by Mr Ellery, of the Melbourno Observatory. Mr Proctor's visit is already a general topic of town-talk, nud there is no doubt that, ho will attract crowded audiences during his stay here. It is announced that the plan of seats for courseticket holders will bo opened at Messrs Upton and Co.'s, at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

The enteitainment for tho benefit of Robert Glover who is incapacitated from following hia employment by physical ailment, was given last evening in the Newton Hall, by the Star of Newton Lodge, assisted by members of kindred lodges. Songs were givea by Messrs Martill, Marseu, Hazard, Mclntyre, Warrell, and Young, Mesdames Cottingliam, Glover, nnd Masters, Misses J. and A. Lightfoot and Warren. Duetts were sung by Mr Havard and Miss Marsen, and the two little Misses Glover, who were deservedly encored in the wellknown song "Out in the streets.'' Mr Lightfoot gave a comic reading; Mrs Glover a recitation entitled " Henry of Navarre," and on being recalled caused much amusement by a comic recitation. Mrs Cottiog. ham was in excellent voice. Mrs Master!*, as usual, sang very sweetly. Messrs War. rell and Young were also much applauded. After the concert had concluded, the room was cleared for darning which was of a lively character and gratifying to the young persons, who must dance in spite of the weather and the closeness of rooms. It is the intention of the Sir Henry Havclock Lodge, N.Z.1.0.G.T., to give an entertainment on Tuesday ovening next for the same laudable object which, it is to be, hoped, will be well patronised.

In consequence of some complaints which were made at the meeting of the Acclimatisation Society on Monday last concerning the state of the Gardens, the Committee was deputed to make an inquiry into the matter, and if necessary to supplant the present curator (MrLippiatt), In pursuance of these instruction's the Committee proceeded to the gardens this morning on a visit of inspection, the following members being present: Messrs R. C. Baratow, S. Morrin, E. F. McKechine, B. Ireland, T. Macffarlane, as well as the Secretary (Mr Cheeseman). After going carefully through the gardens, conservatory, aud houae, and hearing the cuiator's statement, the committee decided that tbe place was in a much better condition than had been represented, and that they saw no reason for changing Mr Lippiatt. In order, however, to throw the full responsibility of management upon him, it was resolved to give him the power of taking on and discharging men—a power which was formerly vested in the Committee, It is highly satisfactory to know that tbe charges of inattention and neglect have been so readily and eflectually rebutted.

The Ahipara correspondent of a Not them contemporary eives the following particulars of the proposed new township at Awanui .- —" Considering the position of that settlement as the key to an extensive and fertile inland country, Kaitaia ' aiid Victoria Valley, and tho fact that the scttlt is are beginning to occupy it, there can bo littlo doubt that sopnftr or later a town will be established at the Awanui. The site proposal, on a level tract of land at tho navigable portion of tho river, is the most convenient that could be selected. This landing could be reached by large steam launches or small vessels, aud the steamer could proceed, especially at high tide, some distance up tlie rivor, probably as far as the native village of Mangotahi. I believe the Awanui township—whatever may be its future name—will flourish, and become tlie little emporium of ono of the finest districts of tho North."

To-morrow ovening tho congregation of .the Uuitod Methodist Free Church will hold their annual gathering in the Mount liden district schoolroom The meeting will be addressed by Revs. Win. Morley, J. Nixon, aud R. Taylor.

At tho meeting of Tattorsall's Club last evening tho following wero tho quotations for Iho forthcoming races:—Auckland Cup : Le Loup, 100 to 12 oif; Ariel, 100 to 7 off; Sinking Fund, 100 to 8 off ; Lara, 100 to 15 off; Grand Duchess, 100 to 8 off; King Quail, 100 to 10 off; Gilderoy, 100 to 3 off; Konilworth, 100 to 6 off; Yatapa, 100 to 4 oil', Lone Hand, 100 to 5 off; Rosarina, 100 to 5 off; Foul Play, 100 to 33 off; Betrayer, 100 to 50 oif ; Libeller, 100 to 15 off; Maid of Honour, 100 to 10 off; Vampire, 100 to 4 off; Rdwi, 100 to 3 off; Badsworth, 100 to 5 off; Tim Whiiller, 100 to 5 off; Adamant, 100 to 5 off; Matana, 100 to 3 off; Golden Crown, 100 to I off. Steeplechase : Lone Hand, 100 to 50 off; Mignonette, 100 to 10 off; Don Juan, 100 to 10 oil; Ghoat, 100 to 20 off; Agent, 100 to 50 off; Sportsman, 100 to 25 oil; Jack Shoppard, 100 to 15 off.

Many reasons havo been brought forward to account tor the attainment of such excellence by Australian cricketers in so short a time. Tho habit of playing constantly together, tho dry climate of their native land, their great attention to bowling, their youth, and their temperate habits havo been often remarked upon; but ono tact concerning them has been overlooked which has contributed more than anything else to their success. The colonists think that their representatives should bo good " all round" men, and that proficiency in only one branch of the game shall not entitle any man to distinction. In the picked eleven which represented England againft Australia, two players contributed nothing to tho collective strength except their bowling, On the other side, the man who went in last batted as well aa thoso who went in third or fourth, Putting aside Murdoch and McDonnell, tho remaining nine colonists were in batting power as even as possible. It cannot be said that this batting approaches that of the best Englishmen; still it combines "good backplay" with strong though rather rude hitting. All are good fieldsmen, who, being young, can stop quickly nnd throw hard. There yet remains to be noticed their strong pointbowling. This has been unduly praised. Spollorth, indeed, is a grand bowler; but Palmer, though he sondß down now and then a very difficult ball, is far too irregular in pitch and direction to be put in the first rank, whilo Boyle, though steady and thoroughly to be relied on up to a certain point, never passes the standard of high mediocrity. It is not, then, to pre-eminent cxcellenco in any ono part of cricket that the Australians owe their well-deserved reputation ; it is to their uniform proficiency in all. In a word, their ship carried no passengers, and was ou the whole most ably steered.

Mr Hitchens, tho energetic .proprietor of the famous " Blood Restorer," has devised another method of attracting the attention of suffering humanity to his great specific, by isßuing a very handsomely designed and neatly framed show card. In the centre of the card is a medallion containing an excellent likeness of the New Zealand Holloway (Mr Hitchens), flanked by two branches of New Zealand feru. Each corner is occupied by a medallion, one depicting a sufferer on his death-bed surrounded by his grief-stricken family, the other the same man when restored to health by the aid of the " Blood Restorer. Below there are testimonials, one by W. Opperman, aud another by Thos. H. Jones, whose cure is certified to by tho visiting officers ot Friendly Lodges. In the lower corners are a Maori, advertising the virtues of the specific, and a Wahiuo engaged in gathering the botanical materials for the medicine. Between these ate the apparatus and utensils used in the manufacture. The card has been handsomely designed, and neatly lithographed by Messrs Schmidt aud Co.

The grandmother of the Baroness Bur-dctt-Coutts was a servant in the house of a brother of the old banker and was named Susan Starkie. Her mastor had her carefully educated and then married her. Her daughters became Countess of Guilford, Marchionness of Bute, and Lady Bnrdett. Mr Coutt's second wife figures iv " Vivian Grey " as Mrs Million.

A varied entertainment was given last evening in the Franklin Road school-room in connection with a presentation of books to Mr J. Blackman, and in which a number of ladies and gentlemen took part. There was a large audience considering the soveral counter attractions. Mr Goldie occupied the chair, and introduced tho proceedings in a neat speech, making special reference to the object which had called them together. The presentation, made by Mr George Rhodes, consisted of the latest edition of Dickens' works, Nelson's Shakespeare in six volumes, Chambers'jEnglish Literature (3rd edition), and DrFarrar's "Life of Christ." Mr Rhodes' address was brief, but to the purpose. Mr Blackman returned thanks to the subscribers and the ladies, Mesdames Anderson, Bettany, Chambers, Cottingham, and others, who had been active in getting up the gift. Tho inscription, gratuitously printed by Mr Bramo, was as follows:— " Presented to Mr J. Blackman, journalist, by tho members of the "Excelsior," " Samaritan," and " Sir Henry Havelock " Lodges of Good Templars, and other friends, together with about twenty-six other volumes, as a token of esteem, and in acknowledgment of many services rendered the cause of Temperance. Auckland, December 8, 1880." The books were elegantly bound, and formed altogether a valuable and useful series. Miss Goodacre performed pianoforte selections; several readings and recitations were rendered by friends, and a number of ladies contributed to the harmony of the evening.

The approach of the Christmas festivities, with school entertaiuments, races, regattas, and other amusements has brought on the annual subscription canvas, on which the " Northern Luminary " discourseth thusly : —First—"Now thcu, if you expect any Kawakawa races, put your name down." Second—" Sports are drawing near, and only half-a-crown asked from you." Third— " You subscribe to our Waimate race fund, and I'll see what I can do for yours," Fourth—" Don't let the Russell Regatta go to the wall; down you go for a guiuea; we cannot take less." Fifth—"The school children want a treat; give us just a trifle." Sixth—" Please, sir, ma says would you subscribe to the funds in aid of tbe Church of England Bazaar?" Sevenlh

—" Grand distribution of prizeß ; 500 subscribers at £1 each ; splendid opportunity to realise a fortune by investing £I.' Eighth—" All prizes and no blanks ; 1,000 tickets at 2s ; take a dozen ; charitable institution, you know." Ninth—" Abbott's grand sweep now on." Tenth—"Subscription in aid of the Sunday School Library ; most worthy." Eleventh— "To be raffled — a. filly—ss per member; only two more wanted to make up the number." Twelfth—" Art Union of Sowing Machines ; 7 prizes ; 2s each, for 100." Thirteenth—"M. Mawer's Sweep; go in and win; 200 subscribers at 10s each." Fourteenth—" LUMINAEY subscription was due many weeks ago I Can you afford 33 Gd now ?" And last, but not least, is the "Oh ! my, dear sir,—Just a trifle for Mrs Tautari'a scholars, who arc worthy of Christmas prizes." We might as well say —"Amen." '

Return of sick treated at the Provincial District Hospital for the week ending Saturday, December 4th, 1880 :-Remained, last i-eturn, 88*. admitted since, 13; discharged. 9; died, 3; remaining, 89; males, 72; females, 17. Arrangement of cases : zymotic, 7 ; constitutional^ ; local, 43; developmental, 17; violent, 15. Three deaths occurred, Viz. : A.P.,aged, 57 years, (female) on 27th November, of general debility; H. X._ aged 75 years, ( .ale) 27th November, of general debility; A. A., aged 66 years, (female) Ist December, of general debility.

. Tenders are invited by the Waitakerei East Highway Board for ce-tain works on the Waikomiti and West Coast Road. This Is the first of a series otcontracts which will be carried out this Bummer, tho Board having received a special Government grant for this purpose. Plans, &a, may ba Been at Mr Boylan a office. The Devonport Wesleyan Bazaar in aid of tho Church fund; opens tomorrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock, in the Devonport Hall, by His Worship tho Mayor, F. Peaoock, Ksq. The bazaar is expected to bo a very grand affair. Tho ladies and frionds of the cause nave been workin- hard for a long time past to make it a gre it success. The bazaar continues open on D'riday and Saturday. No doubt many of the Auckland frienda will go over and pay it a visit and sho\V their sympathy wi;h the work, ,

The complimentary concert to Mr J. McComish will bo given this evening by tbe members of No. 3 Company band, in the Lornefstreet Hal). The programme promises a variety of ilrst-olasa musioal performances. In the opening chorus the loading parts will be sung by Mr MoComlsh'B two sons, both possessing musical talent. Thoy will also assist in part* of "Pinafore." Ihe conoertWill prove of special interest to lovers of good music, and will afford an opportunity for the band to shew tnoir capabilities. Mr McComish deserves well of the publio, and we hope he will havo a full and appreciative auditory,

The Rev. J. S. Hill has accepted an Invitation to preach at St. Matthew's Church on Sunday evening'next, Decembor 12th; servioe commencing at 6.30. The incumbent wdl preach In the m&rning. and tho ourato at St. Thomas. Tho offertories during the day will be applied to tho roduotion of the debt owing by the paiish on the St. Thomas' acoount.

An interesting concert will be given toi morrow evening in the Grafton Road school, whioh includes ballads and musio by a number ot our most talented amateurs. Tho chairman will open with an address, and several gentlemen will oblige with readings. Mr Slator, of St. Mary'B church, will prodde at tho piano. Among the singers we notico tho names of Mosara Bumhami Coatcs, Gradwill, McMurdo, Panter, Abernothy, and Claude Hrook, A. A. As tho price la merely nominal, there will be a good atten' dance.

The " OIiSERVER" is now the largest 3d paper in the Colony. This week's Issue consists of 18 closely printed columns, and contains a magnificent series of lithographed views of To Aroha, portraits of R; A. Proctor and Lioutenant Bower, of tbe Sandfly, and etchings of Robort Graham, and W. B. Langbridge. The reading mattar includes "The Philistine" at the Temperance Hall, biographies of Proctor, Songs of tbo Suburbi, No. 1, Remuera, nnd an infinity of sooial, sporting, musical, theatrical, and up-oountry gosalp.—[Adv.]