SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

SUNSET—This evening, 7.17. HIGH WATER—This afternoon, 7.13,

STEAMERS FOR THE THAMES THIS EVENING.

Lady Bowen, 8 o'clock

ARRIVALS.

Wellington s s., A Kennedy, from Southern ports. Janet Grey, schooner, Judd, from Fiji Galatea, brigantine, Garson, from Sydney

IMPORTS.

Per s s Wellington : From Dunedin—l hhd glassware D 8100m —1 case fish J Reid— 181 bales wool Henderson and Macfarlane—s cases painkiller Owen & Graham—s do do H B Morton—ll coils rope M Niccol—l box Commissioner >of Crown Lands—2 barrow wheels lease P A Philips—l case drugs 1 caßk>eed Kempthorne Prosser and Co—s cases geneva —Fryer brothers. From Lyttelton— 1 parcel Colonel St John—l do, H Gilfillan— 1 box Colonel Harrington. From Wellington : 20 kegs butter order—36 do do Cross and Co •—139 do do order—6 cases Collector Customs. From New Plymouth : 1 case Acclimatisation Society—l box T and S Morrin—4 cases butter 2 do eggs 23 bags bacon 7 cases butter 2 do eggs Barnes—3 cases R M Clarke—s bales wool A Buckland—2 bags 1 case Dowden —6 cases butter 2 casks do 3 cases eggs A Hood. —Combes and Daldy, agents.

ARRIVAL OF THE S.S. WELLING TON.

The s s Wellington, Captain Kennedy, left Port Chalmers on the afternoon of the 22nd, arriving and leaving Lyttelton 23rd, Welling* ton and Picton 24th, Nelson 25th, Taranaki 26th, arriving off Manukau Heads at 8 30 this t?ay ; crossed bar at 9 20, arriving at Onehunga Wharf at 11 am. From Port Chalmers to Lyttelton experienced a succession of strong galea from N E, N W, and S X, with a very high confused sea; Lyttelton to Pi„*on moderate variable winds and fim£- eatber , thence to Nelson • strong No.ih West gale; Nelson to arrival a continuance Northerly winds, with thick weather and "n. . Passengers —Saloon Captain Orkney,, j rs Carpenter, Miss Congreve, Messrs Bi-ice t as Lees, Geo Gordon, W.A Gordon, W L 2tfee, T Stevens, Butler, Carson, Bend. Gial.'fcim, Messrs Smith, Alexander, Harley, Guidfo-'rd, Martin Guildford, Miss Whitoly, Mrs sand Miss O Sale, Mr Davis, Archdeacon Garrett, Captain Nowland, Miss Hondin, S-isa Ken nedy, Mrs Roddy. Miss George, Miss Joll, Miss Hoskins, Messrs Wilkin, Ollivier, Birch, Mr and Mrs Orton, Mr Hill, Mr Lowe, and Master Lowe, Mrs Burns, Master Bcddy, Mr Cashel. Seerage—Mr and Mrs Cooke and three children, Messrs Sutherland, /Rod* gers,.A McMillan, H Mullen, Mr and Mrs Dryden, Master Dryden, Misses Dryd<.n (3) Mr and Mrs Fawcetfc, Master Fawcett, Misses Fawcett (2), Messrs Norton, Rountr e e, DVoley Mason Tafflba, McGuiu, Williams, Dw^er, Edmundsj Coyne, Rroadmore, Bleazel (2), Harrie, Philpott, and Phillips. .

The brigantine Galatea arrived from Sydney yesterday after,a fair passage, bringing a cargo of sugar, maize,- &c. . The fine schooner Herald will in all.proba bility leave again for Hokianga to-morrow hv charge of Captain MeKenzie,, who has again resumed the command of this favorite trader. On her laßt voyage to Hokianga the Herald made the fastest passage on record. The Janet Gray left Levuka 10th December and had light head winds and calms; sighted ■"ape Brett at 2 a m 24th, off Poor Knights ; "thence to Auckland light airs and calms, midnight 25th. Passengers i Messrs rdon, Taylor, Antonio. We ha^ o *am J.F Judd for tilen*.^"' "

UNKNOWN.

_or Thames, this day t at 530 p m.; and to*morrow, 10 30 a m,; and 530p m. For Wangarei Heads, eto, per Clyde, this day, - at 4 pm. . For Whitiangi, per Mercury, this day, at 5 pm. For Russell, etc, p«r Duke of Edinburgh, to morrow, at 3 p m. For Norfolk Island, per Success, to-morrow, at; 3 30pm. , For .Taranaki and Southern Provinces, perss.- Wellington, immediately after arrival of ps. Nebraska, from Honolulu • For Sydney and\Australian Colonies, per p s. Nebraska, six hours after her arrival Mails for the undermentioned places per ps Nevada, will close at this office- on Satur day, 30th instant, as follows :— For Sandwich Islands, British Columbia, United States of America, British, Central, and South America, British arid Foreign West Indies, and Continent of Europe via England, at 12 30 p m. For United Kingdom, via San Francisco, at Ipm. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a m. Late letters, bearing a late fee of 6d in addition-fo the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to time of sailing. -S B Biss, Postmaster.

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, &c.

Prince of Wale s Theatre, at 8 p m. Theatre Royal, at 8 p m- City Hall (skating), at 8 p m. Cremorne Sports. United Service Lodge; at 7.30 p m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1871.

A case that was brought up in the Police Court on Saturday is deserving of general attention. There seems to be a feeling with many that thefts of flowers are of the minor peccadilloes and, probably from this impression, this class of offence appears to be on the increase. We have from time to time heard numerous com plaints on the subject and persons plundered, from the seeming smallness of their individual loss have been reluctant to take the decided steps of instituting a prosecution. We are glad to see that the prosecutor in this case, Mr Jones, took a different view of tho case, and we trust that others will follow the example until this petty but mischievous system of thieving is totally put down. Dedwood appears to be the centre of this petty plundering, and a large number of resi dents there having been at great expense and pains in beautifying their places by imported plants, have been subjected to insufferable annoyance. The charge agar til. the depredator in this case though ftiearly. proven was r;et pressed, the pro s&intov desiring that the offender should |.y leniently dealt within consequence of 11 apvc«' v"» to]x> jit first offence. But v?ei.trisy few"l "■> distinctly known that tho v:vi<..i-fpen^y will be inflicted on the to'jy.t occriw 11 °* a conviction; and we hope thii-M. vfh.y matter hag h~I Jf ought to the front Bjs®F\/3&e.s, his neighbours, if there are' a ny similar offences perpe trated, will £t once bring the case under the noticsrof the police.

J* naving been understood by many electors of the City, that Mr Henry Isaacs is a party to the return of his brother, Mr Edward Isaacs, to the Council, we are desired to state that Mr H. Isaacs is strongly opposed to any two brothers, or two members of one firm taking their seats in so small a Council; and that in the event of the return of Mr Edward Isaacs, Mr H. Isaacs will consider it his duty (with the sanction of his supporters) io resign his seat.

We are glad to see from another column that Mr F L Prime has announced his can didature for election to the City Council. Having now before us the names of the candidates in the field, Messrs Farmer, IsaacSjjud Prime, we shall to-morrow re view the qualifications and claims of the proposed members of Council.

A Christmas soiree will be held to morrow evening in the Panmure Hall.

Two notorious characters have been apprehended at the Thames by Detective Murphy on a charge of robbery from the person. Their names are Patrick Shine and John Stephens ; they have both only just been released from durance vile.

The following tenders for supplies have been accepted by the Provincial Govern ment t-^-For twelve months—Printing for the Government, J H Field ; printing for the Council, no tenderaccepted; stationery, Upton "and Co.; binding, J F Leighton ; carting, George McCasslin. For six months —Rations for Mount Eden Gaol, T Wilson ; for Lock-up, T Teasdale ; prison and police supplies, R Hale ; pro visions for Hospital, J C Morrin; for Old Men's Refuge, R Hale; for Lunatic Asylum, J C Morrin ; bread for Hospital and Refuge, T Teasdale; for Lunatic Asylum, T Teasdale,; rations for sick and destitute, T W Doonin; coal and fire wood, Archard and Brown; firewood for Asylum, H Smyth,: sen:

The Christmas holidays have passed over this year in an unusually quiet manner. Good order has been the rule, rowdyism scarcely visible, and cases of intoxication extremely rare. And yet everybody has made holiday, and festivi ties have been carried on in an unusually large scale. More than this, by a blunder of the legislature, no provision was made in the late licensing act to close the public houses on Christmas day, thus giving every facility to the chronic drunkard or those afflicted with perpetual thirst.

The usual Christmas services were held in the various places -of worship on Monday last. At ,St Paul's church there was full cathedral service. At St Mat thews, under tlie able guidance of Mr Brown, the organist, on Christmas Eve, Handel's beautiful recitative, " And.there were shepherds," with the following airs, were well performed, and the concluding chorus "Glory to God," was rendered with great precision and effect. On Christmas Day there was the usual choral serviceywith the Hallelujah, chorus in terpolated as an anthem. In all the other chnrches there were services appropriate to the occasion, and elaborate decorations had been made in most of them.

The regular monthly meeting of the Lodge United Service, No 421, 1.C., will be held this evening, when brother James Macready will be installed W.M.

On Christmas morning those unfor tunate victims of alcohol who had been taken to the lock-up on the preceding evening for their own protection, were as customary discharged with a caution.

On Sunday last a prayer for rain was offered up in all the Anglican places of worship.

Mr William Thome, Barrister and Solicitor, has removed his office to Vailes's Buildings, Wyndham-street.

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(feom oue own coeeespondent.)

GEAHAMSTOWN. 3 p.m. No mining news to-day; heavy rain, and business entirely suspended.

POLICE COURT

SATURDAY. Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M LARCENY.

Isabella Elizabeth Mann was charged with stealing flowers to the value of 5s from the garden of Mr Stannus Jones. She pleaded not guilty. The gardener deposed that having missed a large quantity of flowers, ho went to prisoner's house where he discovered some which ho was enabled positively to identify. Mr Jones had suffered largely from nocturnal depredations of this kind, and many most valuable plants had been utterly ruined by being violently pulled about. Some of them had cost as much as three or four guineas. Mr Beveridge cross-examined wit ness on behalf of prisoner as to the possibility of flowers of the same kind being in other gardens, and as to the identity of the particular flowers produced in Court. Detective Jeffery deposed tiiat having | seen prisoner take a large bouquet into the Rob Roy Hotel ; he took possession of it and carried it to Mr Jones' gardener, who found fifteen out of seventeen varieties correspond exactly with those missing from the garden. They also fitted exactly on the broken stems. Mr Jones explained that his object in bringing the charge was merely to put astop to the damage done to his shrubs. Prisoner was accordingly discharged with a severe caution. VAGRANCY. John Morgan, against whom were re corded innumerable convcitions for petty larceny, vagrancy, and drunkenness, was charged with being a rogue and vagabond. He pleaded not guilty. The offence, how ever.was proved, and prisoner was sent to gaol for three months, to be kept to hard labor. THIS DAY. DRUNKEN. ESS. Five persons were punished in the usual I manner for this offence, i attempted jirnDEß, i William F«well .■■"■** • ,llW}fi*a by Wo. CxriOolo with attempting to drown him by^ throwing him off the Queen street, wharf yesterday ; and James Farrell was charged with aidiog and abetting him. Prisoner were defended by Mr Joy, and pleaded not guilty. The case was adjourned till next Friday, prisoners being admitted to bail, each in two sureties of £50 each. LARCENY. The charge against James Millan for stealing £13, the property of Henry Schmidt, was further adjourned till Friday next.

FREEMASONRY.

At high noon to-day Brother A. Russell was duly installed W.M. of the Ara Lodge, held under the Irish Constitution at the Masonic Hotel by Brother tho Rev R- Kidd, L.L.D. assisted by Brothers Pierce, P.G.M., and Leers and Jenkins, P.Ms. The newly installed W.M. after wards installed the following brethren as officers of the lodge t — Brother R Kidd, 1.P.M., Brother Asher, S. W.; Brother Avey, J. W.; Brother Harker, J.D,; Brother Eyre, J.D. and Brother Jakins, 1.G.; Brother Hooper, D.P.G.M, as treasurer; as secretary, and Brother Porter as tyler wern re-elected to their respective offices by the un animous vote of the brethren. .

CRICKET.

A very interesting cricket match will be played to-morrow at the Albert Barracks. Mr F P Miller, one of the old Surrey players, being on a tour through the colonies and at present staying in this city,, has been instrumental in getting up the match between the " Peripatetics' and the " Jolimonters," which is causing a great sensation among all those that handle the willow, even the Thames con tributing its quota of some three or four of its best plnyers. Mr Miller is on the side of the Peripatetics, and it is antici pated that some splendid playing will be witnessed. . Mr Edwards of the Army and Navy Hotel is to provide tho refresh ments, and the wickets are to be pitched at 10 o'clock.

SUDDEN DEATH ON BOARD THE ROSE.

INQUEST

A man named Williams, a seaman on board the cutter Rose, died suddenly on Christ mas night, while on her passage up from Whangaprou.- He had, after taking his turn at the wheel in the middle of the day, gone below ; shortly afterwards the Cap tain hearing a groan went down the hatch way and found the poor fellow dead. It ia supposed he died from heart disease. He leaves a wife and four children at the Thames* An inquest is being held at the Railway Terminus Hotel, Official Bay, as we go to press. ■

To the Editor of the, Evening Star. Sir,—Can you infona'zne if there is any likelihood of a vessel being laid on to the Cbathams, should sufficient inducement offer. By inserting this, you will oblige /, Your's obediently, . /" Chatham. Auckland, December 22nd, 1871.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

- _._ _ m YestebdaY- ../ may fairly say that Auckland was-ftlmost deserted, every one apparently veing bent on pleasure. Tbe day was fine, weather warm, with gentle breeze stirring. From before nine o'clock in the morning until late at night the wharf presented quite an animated appearance, most of tbe pleasure seekers preferring water ex cursions. Every available steam vessel in harbor was brought into use for tha conveyance of passengers, and con tinued running to their various desti nations throughout the day.

LAKE TAKAPUNA.

" Those fast and favorite steam packets' Royal Alfred and Duke of Edinburgh made repeated trips to this district during the day, conveyingjexcurcionists to anc fro. The Lady Bowen steamer, althougl not so frequently employed, was alsc engaged on the same errand. The Laki was well patronised during the day. Th< Royal Alfred on her first trip down tool in tow a large flat-bottomed boat, to b< employed in disembarking the excurcion ists, and proved of great service.- Oi arriving in the little bay or cove th< steamer dropped her anchor, transferring her living freight to the barge. A line was made fast to the rocks ashore, wit* the other end buoyed at the steame* s anchorage ground, by which the bt*"ge was hauled to shore "hand over fliprer." Tho wind blowing rather hard, toother with the unevenness of the rocks, caused several of the voyagers to lo£ their footing on landing by the landppf stage slipping from under and precipitating them into the water below, P tbeir own annoyance and amusement orthe lookers on. Tha feat of landing having been accomplished, all proceed^ to amuse and enjoy themselves as t^ir inclinations dictated. Numbers ha< provided them selves with largo bas/ etsi of provisions, and so proved their 'isdom, as the only edible procurable ODfbe spot appeared to be the rock oysters witb which many for the want of bettei* are proceeded to regale themselves. Sr-110 wandered along the sands " by the *<* sea waves," picking up here and therfsbells, others, mounted on swift but 'adaveroas-looking ponies, galloped heo aQd there they know not whither, yiile many wended their way towards t 7e Lake Takapuua to enjoy the rippling'fits waters and the surrounding scenery Here and there one would see little nirties seated beside its brink dis cussing the contents of their hamper and refresh themselves with its water ; others provided with " billies " would kindle a fire and enjoy " the cup that cheers but not inebriates," while a few old stagers would retire to some shady nook and there disgorge from a capacious pocket a sus picious looking bottle, and" having pro duced a drinking vessel in the shape of a' hand less coffee cup, proceed to blend the " Dw o(Bm .Nevis" with the " waters ft Isnakuna," according to their own taste. Not a few of tho male portion of the tourists were tempted to retire to a se cluded bay and there enjoy a bath in its cooling waters, by which they declared themselves very ranch refreshed. All ap peared to enjoy themselves aniazmgly, and as the day wore on they wended their way back to the port of embarkation and were conveyed on board the steamers by the afore-mentioned barge. One of the most noticeable features of tho day was that we failed to see one " intoxicate" —a pleasing thing on a day's pleasure and a noteworthy fact. This perhaps, is partly attributable to their not being any public house in the district, so that the absence

of a house of accommodation by which

one ia licensed "to be drunk upon the premises," precluded anybody from mak ing beasts of themselves. The weather at one time appeared threatening and over cast, but happily the rain held over. The wind was fresh throughout the day and numbers of sailing boats accompanied the steamers in their trips, each being loaded with passengers. On the return trips sad was the havoc mado with tho cold colla-

tions provided by the thoughtful stewards for thoughtless pleasure seekers. Alto gether a most enjoyable day was spent.

TRIP TO THE KAWAU.

This was tho great event of the day; and Sir George Grey having, with his usual liberality, given permission to pleasure parties to land at the Kawau, the magni ficent steamship Golden Crown was laid on for that place and the Hot Springs. The opportunity of visiting these two favorite localities was eagerly seized, and long before the appointed hour the wharf was crowded with old and young. Many who would not have ventured to sea under other circumstances, were tempted out by. the clear fine weather, and the knowledge that the light breeze was blowing offshore even encouraged those who still had a vividrecollectionofacorresponding trip last boxing day, when the rain fell in torrents and a- gale from the eastward soon upset half the pleasure seekers. Yesterday was all that could be desired, and the good ship having taken on board a dense crowd of at least.. 600, cast off her moorings and was soon under full steam. Numerous points of interest presented themselves as she dashed along steadily and without the slightest vibration or tendency to roll, although an immense mass of human beings was packed away high up on the hurricane deck. The North Shore, with its beautiful villas, was soon passed. Then opened to view some pretty scenery in the neighbourhood of Lake Takapuna, and the Royal Alfred was passed having on board as many as she could carry. On tho starboard side the craggy peculiar shaped extinct volcano Rangitoto formed a contrast to the smooth cultivated ground on the left. After this came a kind of blank, when the great bight between the North Head and Whangaparoa was being crossed. However the picturesque pile of Cape Colville could be dimly seen .through the haze, and glimpses were caught of many islands. In about an hour after leaving the wharf, the channel between Tiri Tiri and the barren looking promontory of Whangaparoa was passed, and the steamer's head pointed. for a small break in the line, of densely timbered hills. This shews the course of the small river Waiwera, all about the beach at whose j mouth the celebrated hot springs ooze out

of the ground. The locality is a charming one. A sandy beach with a narrow strip of flat ground is backed by steep hills thickly wooded to the summits, and, & the present time, the numerous pohu*i kaua trees being in full bloom, the -fed masses of blossom afford a pleismg contrast to the dark green of tbe perennials. At the head o' tbe small bay, is situated a large aid com modious hotel, to which large idditions are being made with a view of bringing the water from the springs intothe house. This, of course, will add lately to the comfort of those who visit tie springs for the purpose of getting rid of rheumatism, and kindred complaints, fae thing, how ever, is much needed; M considering the number of people whotand on holidays, it is scarcely too much to expect to find some landing accomodation. There is none whatever, and cnsiderable difficulty was experienced yesterday in finding a place sufficiently d»ep to allow the four or , five score who lamed to reach the shore dry shod. However, they managed it and when picket up on the steamers re turn in the evcuing, one and all expressed themselves de-ighted with the place. To add to the li-eliness of the proceedings, - a number of people from the interior had assembled aQ<_ festivities suitable to the , season, w»re being carried on with spirit. Having weighed anchor, the steamer pro ceeded on her way towards the Kawau, passirg the picturesque embouchure of .he Itahuraugi and surrounding country, i whiih shows a pleasing alternation of bush and cultivated land, and sliding rapidly between islands and rocks ap parently of the same soft character as those about Auckland with one singular excep tion ; for standing right between two of that formation a steep islet stands boldly out, and to all appearance is either granite or the hard conglomerate of the other side of the gulf. Kawau was reached in due time, and turning sharply round into a beautiful little cove whose deep water will admit of the largest ship lying along side the rocks, the beautiful mansion and grounds of Sir George Grey came into view. The steamer was run up as far as possible to the sandy beach, and some boatloads of passengers having been landed, Captain Ellis by skilful manage ment got her nose up to the end of the jetty, where the rest soon rushed ashore. Here Sir George met the excursionists, and courteously welcomed them. The six hundred were soon dispersed about the island, —some going far inland to see the vast improvements made by the pro prietor, some to shady nooks to in vestigate the contents of their baskets, others to make explorations among the rock oysters, and others to inspect the works of art in Sir George's residence, to which all were made welcome. All having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the dread ful whistle of recall sounded, and re luctantly the visitors re-embarked. Three hearty cheers having been given for Sir George, the Golden Crown turned her head towards Auckland, which she reached, after picking up the Waiwerians, and transhipping a few Thames people to the Royal Alfred, at about nine o'olock. Tho omniona expressed by all were that tho trip had been pre-eminently adiigutfti}. aud successful; that tha skilful manage ment and gallant courtesy of Captain Ellis wore above all praise ; that the endeavors of Mr Griffiths, the purser, to-provide foa* and satisfy so great a hungry crowd were crowned with triumphant success; that Signon Bellizia and Bofa contributed largely to the enjoyment of tho day by their excellent music ; and that although the hot glances of Sol were so amorous as to bring blushes to the cheeks of many a fair beauty, they had the satisfaction of seeing them reflected on the faces of their admirers. All was good order and rational enjoyment, and a more delightful excur sion could not have been made.

NORTH SHORE.

Thousands took advantage ofyesterday's bright weather to visit the North Shore, and hundreds of others were obliged to seek places of amusement on this side of the water in consequence of the means of conveyance being inedequate to the requirements of the masses who thronged the Queen-street wharf. It seems strange that there is so little enterprise among the owners of small craft, many of which were lying idle and could have "been profitably employed in taking passengers across. The majority of those who went over the water enjoyed themselves to their heart's content, and formed themselves into picnic and family parties wnich soon spread over the many pleasant spots to be found in the Devonport district. The principal feature was a fete on a large scale by the Odd Fellows and Foresters who in the morning marched in procession down Queen street and proceeded across the harbor to the Vauxhall Gardens, where games of every description were played among the groves of cabbage-trees untilabout seven p.m--, when all returned to Auckland, where a pleasant ball at the Odd Fellows' new hall wound up a day's enjoyment.

CREMORNE GARDENS.

Were well patronised both during the day and evening. A series of athletic sports was gcfrie through in the afternoon, and were thoroughly enjoyed. Dancing in the large pavilion commenced at dusk, and was kept up with great animation until an early hour this morning.

THE DOMAIN.

A goodly number of young people amused themselves in the Domain yester day with- a variety of games and sports, such as kiss-in-the-ring, hide and seek, &c. They were mostly provided with baskets of eatables, to which ample justice was done.

THE NEWMARKET RACES.

These were held in Mr Cunningham's paddock, and were well attended. The following are the results of the several events:— • i ' A, '' Quoits : 21 yards—Stirling, Ist j War ner, 2nd. Maiden race: 100 yards—J. Whisker. Boys' Race: 440 yards—T. Lynch, Ist; A. Jones, 2nd. Protest lodged against Lynch. 300 yards' race—J. Whisker, Ist; J. Bradley, 2nd. Hop, step, and jump—J. Bradley (38ft 2in). One mile walking race —J. Mahon. 300 yards' hurdle race —Bradley, Ist; J. Whisker, 2nd.

Putting the stone -J. Brennan (26ft). One mile race—W. Cussin. Standing high leap—Bradley (4ft 2iu). ; Throwing the hammer—W. Stirling (78ft lO^in). 150 yards boys' race —H. Wiles, Ist; W. Nicol, 2nd. Horizontal Bar —R. Snodgrass, Ist; R. Barris, 2nd. Three mile race—Skellie. Refreshments were provided by Mr Cunningham, Newmarket Hotel, and he received due patronage during the day.

MOTUIHI.

In spite of the prohibitorg notice issued a few days since by Mr William Duder, •'that any person found trespassing on this island would be prosecuted according to law," the Lalla Rookh took a pleasure party connected with the Catholic Insti tute, Wellington street, off to the island of Motu Ihi, where they roamed about unmolested, and apparently enjoyed them selves much.

CALEDONIAN GAMES AT THE THAMES.

The sports were well patronised, notwith standing the vast numbers that had left for Auckland. The following are the principal results:— Maiden race : 250 yards.—Drake. Running high leap.—D. Twohill. ■Three-legged race.—Henderson and Brassey. Two hundred yards handicap : E. W. O'Hare. Flat race : If mile. —Conway's Faugh a-Ballagh. Standing high leap.—Twohill. Vaulting with pole.—Maning. Hack hurdle race.—Leonard's Blair Athol. Four hundred and thirty yards' hurdle race.—Maning, winner, at scratch, being at first hurdle as soon as the van.

MAN IN COUNCIL.

By Geoffrey Softsawdbb, Esq,

The Council was occupied last on Thurs day upon the subject of burying the dead. Interesting and lively topic ! The ques tion was whether the honorables would give £500 to purchase the site of a new cemetary. There was a display of classic learning in the arguments that cannot fail to enhance the reputation of our local senate. Lord John Lundon was facetious. He exhibited a laudable anxiety that the title to the ground should have no flaw be cause it would be in the " last degree," unpleasant for a man to be disturbed in the qniet possession of his last estate. It appears there are to be a number of little burial grounds about the city. Singularly enough it was a reason given that '• the poor man would never be able to reach the pleasant fields" of mortuary cypress. Mr Sheehan suggested the alternative in the event of the refusal of the Council of in cremation. It would be interesting to, try the experiment upon the wretched incen diary who has been made such a fiaxao&g handle of the musio hall.. When will the talkative "meafoer be quietly inurned Think .of Mr Cadman being reduced to ashes. Who will ever put out tho pipe 6f"the taller of the honorable members for tho B«y ? They must jba. M^., *al 11 *> 1 It. ing in the north, or they would never have returned Messrs MeLeod and Carleton. It is to be hoped that the electors begin to see the error of their way, and they will be wiser in their late conviction of politi cal infidelity. A good example so well set deserves to be followed upon occasions. But the grave ! There seems to bo a difficulty even in getting that without a mortgage. Let but the smallest form of humanity have but an hour from dust and it will cost him £5 to get him back again. Who would not be put into that mortuary coach-house in West minster, placed on a mourning truck and whisked out to the Surrey hills for " one twelve six," rather than undergo the hulky coaching up Queen street, down Hobson street, round Symonds street, and—home ? Why not get up a company I to letdown the poor remains of men-and | women to the peace of their last invest ment? They make it pay in London The roses bloom in Kensall Green, But the Council voted the £500 to bury Auckland. Mr. Tonks improved the occasion by informing the Council that it was hard enough to die, but harder to bury oneself. Will the Council be good enough to vote something for its monu i ment ? Si monumentum quceris. Query.

There is absolutely no end to the edu cation question. What a wonderful amount of comprehension a legislator obtains when he speaks on education. The only objection I have to the bill, quoth Ignoramus Jargon, is that it is not com prehensive enough. And next comes the Ritualist of all denominations, who would rather see a man go to " Old Harry •' than that he should ask God to be merci ful to him in heretical company. So it comes to pass that men from praying over much take refuge in the only thing prac tical and won't pray in company. Secular education—social negation. If men are so much ashamed and afraid of each other on their knees who will hereafter be al lowed to stand uprighi

Artesian wells and Mr Buckland. —Ex- tremes meet. Cold water and hot coffee— The member for Raglan will prove him self the most beneficial as well as the greatest of bores. We forgive him his terrible commentaries upon " all history "f —his favorite phrase. Great Duke o Platitude in the right for once. Spring water and no gravel in it were cure for low spirits any day in the year. So let the fountains open and the coffee-pot " dry up."

There is a rumour afloat in the galleries that the Executive will live another year. They have passed the crisis Of their offi cial lives. Mr Hurst has not yet notified when Ministers will hold their annual dinner at New Greenwich. There has been great fishing for political tittle bats. We hear that Captain Freer will be the new Inspector of Education. He is a man of undoubted talent; of singular refinement, and unapproachable scholar ship. "Latest—The Council exploded this (Friday) morning at 2 o'clock. The Super intendent is to come down in the after noon to make the next ". dying speech and confession." The police are ail right,— blue cloth, white gloves, and" Wellington" boots. The Harbor Board are to receive £25,000, and Mr Swanson has been con stituted a deputation to ask Captain Daldy 'if he won't take it in coppers. There has

, been great talk of " lavine-out" «,« -d I rack Green. Mr BoJES m SoSH ■ the Superintendent 'has She d°£ Governor s assent, it's not dead yet S beautifully classic design entered *_». mmd of one of the members. It is t , have the statue of the most distinenish^ j citizen, Mr Macready, in Highland co, tume at right angle with George Staines and Captain Freer opposite Star S Mr Mayor would ornament they centrl' radiating with civic modesty. GoW kJJ readers. The Superintendent UAm rogued the Council. Like Oithelb'a Softsawder's occupation's gone The above has been held over for ward of space.

ARRIVAL OF THE WELLINGTON.

Kereopa Sentenced to Death.

Great Moods at Greymouth.

Dunedin Wool Sales.

By the arrival of the s.s. Wellington we have received later Southern papers from which we take the following telegrams •— NAPIER,

December 16. The Telegraph Department has com menced to stretch a second wire along the present posts between this and Tauran^a preparatory to completing communication with Auckland. December 22. Kereopa's trial was concluded last night. At 7.15 his Honor began to sum up. He said there was no doubt about the corpus delicti, or the fact of the murder. The only question was whether Kereopa was responsible for it, and Captain Levy's evidence alone seemed sufficient to bring the guilt hpme to the prisoner. The jury retired at 8.30 p m, and after ten minutes' consultation, returned a verdict of guilty of murder. His Honor passed sentence of death, with the usual comments. The prisoner passed a sleepless night.

GREYMOUTH.

December 15

At midnight on the 13th a great flood commenced in the Grey River. A con siderable portion of the town and several houses are under water. No serious damage done. December 18. Joseph Grey, a miner at Moonlight, is missing; he is supposed to have been drowned by the late floods.

WELLINGTON.

December 21,

Mr Bigg, town clerk, has been sus pended, owing to a deficiency in his accounts of £200, for which the auditor refused to certify. i A Chinaman named Ah "Fobk stabbed another named Ah Gee, dangerously. Ah Fook is in custody.

TARANAKI.

December IS. *

An alluvial goldfieldexistsatNgaTimaru country, The natives are willing to allow will grant certain conditions.

CHARLESTON.

December 21.

The races ale likely to be a great suc cess, a numbe: of well-known horses have arrived. .

CHRISTCHURCH.

December 22. W E Burce, late Chief Bailiff to the Magistrates' Court has been committed for trial ontvb additional charges of forg ing Bills of Ixchange..

HOKITIKA.

December 22,

The'mark is drugged with potatoes, onions aud Utter ; otherwise the market is unchanged

DUNEDIN.

j December 15. Sergeant-ljajor Murdock, of the Volun teer Staff, dl on the 14th. James Neton, a quarryman, bas been killed by a fif of earth. December 21. Mt is undejtood that Major Campbell and Mr Ch;on will report favorably regarding t accommodation available for the sessil The Provincial Govern ment have se.red Fernhill as a residence for the Gove or. Mr Thorn i, M.H.R., addressed hia constituents, id was coldly received. A simple vote c thanks was passed. The wool ales yesterday were well attended. E y bales, by auction, fetched 10-a dto Is 2 washed merino, Is 3d to Is 6£d.

Duuedin, 22. Mr Birch, i ex' Mayor, goes home in the Nevada, is supposed he is going home in conn ion with the immigration scheme- The Phoehikes a large quantity of wool for ship! it ex Nevada. Mr Dillon Bell and MajjCampbell are passengers' by the PhcebrJ

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY., DECEMBER 27. 1871

2



J CATER (late Crombie's), ROYAL •'PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY, Queen street, Auckland, has much pleasure in in forming his friends and the public .generally that' he has purchased the Photographic Business so long carried on by Mr Crombie , and having secured the services of ,Mr Crombie's late Manager,1 "he feels warranted in statipg that they will receive every civilty and attention, as'well as first-class and artistic portraits at his hands, and that no pains will be spared to give entire satisfaction. J. C. also wishes' to inform the Ladies that arrangements are being made for taking instantaneous Portraits of Children. NOTICE. EJ YATES begs to inform the residents • of Parnell and the public generally, that after the Ist day of January, 1872, the business now being carrried on by Mb Thomas Waters will be taken by him, when, he trusts that by strict attention to business, keeping goods of the very best quality, and selling at a reasonable profit, to merit the same support as his predecessor. . . IN retiring from the business which he has carried on successfully for so many years, the undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to all those who have honored him with their patronage, and hopes that the same liberal support will be given to his successor (Mr B J Yates), whose long experience in the Grocery trade will enable him to give the fullest satisfaction to all who may become customers of his. THOMAS WATERS.



HANDSOMELY BOUND BOOKS EOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, AT E.WAY T E ' S AUCKLAND LIBRARY, 100, Queen street; A liberal discount to the trade and schools. T. ELLISON, BOOT-MAKER, 78 QUEEN-STREET. £S now selling Boots during the Christmas Holidays at less than Cost. Men's Elastic Sides, reduced 25 per cent Men's Wellingtons, reduced 25 per cent Ladies' Kid Boots, reduced 25 per cent: Patent St Crispin Shoes, reduced 25 per cent Girls' Coloured Cashmere Boots, for parties at less than cost All other Goods sold low in proportion T. ELLISON, 78, Queen-street.



WANTBDJPurchaser for " The Home, a villaidence in Onehunga of 12 rooms, with lMeaof land, and good stables, &c. Price £450|Lppl.v to Captain Symonds. ANTED.Lout Active Lad.-Apply to Th|s Teasdale, Baker, Grey street. j WANTED! or three Good Hands for a SawnL-Apply to C a Harris, Custom-house st. ANTED,|Barmaid.— Apply at the VictorlHotee, Victoria street. References requ| "■ TXTANTED, Ld Middle-aged "Woman 'VV as genei servant —Apply at'-'je aOstaee HoTporth Shore. V_ . ANTED, [Man 'who thoroughly understl the cordial making. N B.—None otliieed apply to 0 Sutton Eden Orescent. | ' ANTED, L about 10 or 12 years to mind a Scows. —Apply to John Conway, carter,! the cart stand j or at Dedwood. | _ ANTED, afcible Girl about ISor 14 yeajid.—Apply to Mr L Coupiand, Cobmfcet. ■_ ANTED, iliately, a second Cook- Apply A| n d Navy Hotel, Upper Queen street;