SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF AUCKLAND.

STJN-SET: This evening. 7.15 BTJN-KISE: To morrow morning, 445 HIGH "WATER : This evening, 10.13 ; to-morrow morning, 10.38

ARRIVALS.

_ „ DEPARTURES, Southern Cross, s s, for Tauranga Vincent, cutter, for Tauranga

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.

- Ui v"""" : vny oi Auckland, ship, early £or Southern Southern ports: Taranaki, ss, early For Hokianga .- Fairy, schooner, to-morrow lor Newcastle : Dauntless, schooner, early , .

VESSELS EXPECTED.

ninaostan, ship, from London. Sailed September 29 Naworth, barque, from Liverpool. Sailed August 16 Albion brig, and Drover,, brig, from Newcastle, early freetrader, barque, from Port Chalmers ■ -Liaay Agnes, barque, from New York, via Lyttelton, early '■..,■• Wentworth, ss, from Sydney, about the 25th Star of ,the South, from Napier- ' -.■•■■ - •Beatrice, barque, from New York, via Adelaide Amateur, barque, from Oamaru

The s.s. Southern Cross took her departure for Tauranga at five-yesterday evening with a general cargo and a crowd of passengers. Captain Clayton's new schooner being built by Messrs Henderson and Spraggon, will be launched on Saturday next. The barque Naworth, from Liverpool, is now considerably overdue. She left that port on the 19th of August, that is to say four months ago last Friday, and is conse quently 125 days out. The Union Shipping Company have, ap pointed Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane their agents in Auckland. The share-list' closes on the Gth January. The ship Harvest Home which came to this port last year, has arrived' at Nelaon after a voyage of 99 days.

COMMERCIAL.

SALES OP RACE BOOTHS.

At the sales of the gates, cards of races, and booths of the Auckland Jockey Club meeting, which were put up to-day at Tonka' auction mart, the following prices were realised :—Refreshment bar, grand stand", £50, Mr Cocoran ; booth No. 1, £33, W. A. Clarke ; booth No. 2, £35, Lynch ; booth No. 3, £25, Barr ; booth No. 4, £17, Page ; gates, £400, Kirby; cards of races, £G.O, Perkins.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Clohk as Under :— For Thames, this day, at 6-30 j>m., and-on Friday next, at 5.30 p.m. ■ -For Coromandel,- on Frirlay next; at 0.30 a m For Fiji, per Star of the : Bouth, this day, at 5 p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 2 p.m: (Signed) S. H. limn. Chief Poatmaator.

BIRTH.

McMastkr.—On December 21, at her residence, Collingwood street, the wife of Charles McMaster of a daughter.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1873.

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

' Ere another issue of the Star appears to gladden the hearts of the people wo shall have rusticated on the sunny slopes around the' city, rejoiced with.the Good: Templars in their milky enjoyments, and kissed the pretty Templare'sses in the enchanted ring, whirled with the snorting locomotive to the green pastures of Ellerslie, inhaled the fresh breezes of the harbour from the r deck of the panting steamboat, or been ' wafted by the gentle zephyrs along the ruffled surface of the Waitematal -What in factI'is not possible for us with the time and the facili ties presented for our choice ? Let the pub lic scout every broadsheet that is forced under their noses during these holiday times. Every column is produced at th"c : sacrifice of a dozen men's Christmas pleasure. We notice that our contemporary • the Cross's liberality is announced in leaded 'lines to-day for the edification of the public, while the toiling dogs of the establishment -are"■■'vowing vengeance against the money grubbing that deprives them of their Boxing JD'ay- sport, and!'.! condemns ! them ': to .grinding labour far; dntor the hours of the night when their friends are hob-nobbirig convivially together. Away with work and let us play. Twelve months is long enough to wait for a holiday in earnest. Let the scoundrel bew.are who would attempt to disturb our Christmas plea sures with'the: sound- of ■ anything but the popping of corks' and : the'-merry-making of holiday-seekers. For two days the Star will cease to twinkle; we are off to the mountains. ~'' The "Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition at ' the * Mechanics' Institute, which opens on Boxing Day, and will continue on view dur ing, "J, the Christmas and New Year holidays,, will possess many features (^uitenew to the public of Auckland. The preparations have been made on an extensive scale. A large addition to the hall of the In > stitiite provides' ample accommodation for 'the numerous' exhibits, which. include fine arts by local artists, ..mechanics, -curi osities of many kinds from near and-:afar, productions of domestic' skill'in fancy work,; birds/ and a host;''of other things which' awe limited space will not permit us even to enumerate. The electric wire will flash its messages from one room to another, giving the uninitiated an insight into the working of the invention that has revolutionised communication between distant centres of population that has bridged the ocean and enabled the antipodeans to converse with their friends on the opposite side of the globe; there are several specimens of sub marine cables. At the entrance a fine foun tain has been erected. The exhibition will doubtless result in greater attention being paid to the valuable technical classes which it is intended to assist, and will form a great centre of attraction during the holidays.

This morning one of the most important :J events in the history of the province took \ place with so little attendant display or t ceremony that probably few are at this moment aware that the event has taken ; place at all. This morning at eight o'clock ; the,—first train service- in the ; Northern Island of this colony was inaugu rated. So continually has the opening of .the Onehunga line been procrastinated j" so frequently have we heard of trial trips and openings which Avere no openings, that it is difficult to realise the fact that Auckland is at last' able to boast a line of railway in actual working. The usual fashion with contracts is to have a time fixed for finishing which will ensure dispatch being exercised to avoid the pains and penalties incurred by delay. In the case of our railways it seems to have been managed altogether differently. The contractors for these have been allowed nearly twice the time that was requisite. I The line opened this morning is not to be taken over by the Government until the Ist April, but Messrs Brogden and Son have un der baken to work the line for a period of three months. The first train started at exactly eight this morning. It was timed to be at Newmarket at 8.15, and Onehunga at 8.45. This: is ndt very fast, 'but' it is per haps as well to begin slow and get faster than to begin fast and come to Very few passengers — about a dozen—booked for the journey this morning. To-morrow we may expect to see the line well patronised. There are at x^resent to be three brains a day each way.

' To the Editor : Sir, —The first time I ever spoke to Mr Dargaville it was in Upper Queen-street, and a few days before election. Whilst speaking to him a butcher-man, j\'les slenger, junr., I think, came up. vehemently urging something about a slaughter-house grievance ; but not myself knowing any thing about it, andbeirig personally unin terested, I did not happen to notice the burthen of the particular complaint. Again, whilst Mr Dargaville was electioneering on the Parnell platform; he was badgered by some questioning elector, another butcher, I think, with some more frightful grievances anent the same said Newmarket slaughter-house, and others have, you know, repeatedly ex patiated—talked and written—upon the same magnificently sublime theme. A highly estimable man called on me just now and asked—nay, entreated me—to write about it. I said I knew nothing. Had only heard tell of some groat wrong. Jle then stated that all our families are being made ill, children die from partaking of fevered animal food, diseased meat made unwhole some by horrible cruelty to animais ; by a designed cruelty from a notion that pro tracted torments perpetrated on the beast render the animal food much better in quality, Secondly, that after the beast is slaughtered it is hung up in a stink, ami 'Contaminated ; and so, thereby, greatly en dangering public health. Thirdly, the Newmarket slaughter-house is alleged a horrible nuisance to the surrounding inhabi taut 3 because of the wholly unnecessary liltlnness of the vile perpetrators of those most horrible cruelties, &c, &c. Ido think this troublesome slaughter-bouse question should once for all, and, somehow or other, get a quietus.—l am, Ac., \V. E. Sadi.ku.

We are informed that a friendly game at cricket will take place in the Barracks on Boxing day between an eleven of the Early Auckland Closing Cricket Club and an eleven selected by Mr /dderton, wickets to be pitched at half-past ten sharp.

' Tho renowned Lynch family of Bell-ringers, ■who are daily winning fresh laurels, had another splendid house last night notwith standing the numerous counter attractions in other parts of the city. The programme was faithfully passed, and members of the Bell-ringers cluster of musicians, as well as Mr V'erten, received the hearty commenda tions of the audience. A great treat is in store again this evening by the reproduction and final presentation of the present pro gramme, comprising the chimes, changes, and joy-bells. "Writemealettcrfromhome,""Tho Schrnoker Family," " The Yaller Girl," and tho farce of the "Shaving Saloon." We may state that a great programme is in pre paration for Boxing night, comprising other harmonies, fresh ballads, and a, new farco with some local touches which will be plea santly felt by the audience. "We assure our readers, upon unquestioned authority, that Lorne-streot Hall on Friday night will be the scene of real harmony and much inno cent mirth.

To the Editor : Sir, —Allow me a small space in your paper so as I may call the attention of tho Harbour Board to what I think a great mistake before it is too late, that is in laying out the allotments in Free man's Bay, and the roadway, from tho north-eastern point to tlie new dock. It will leave a very narrow street when it comeß opposite my two allotments, having a water frontage to the harbour of 110 feet. They intend to take away my water frontage, and leave me a frontage to a . street of about ..twenty or twenty-one feet wide, or else make a bend in it like a dog's hind leg. Auckland has always had the name of being badly laid out. I remember seeing a copy of the orignalplan of Auckland in Sydney about the year 1844 ; it was like a spider's web, not a square frontage-'-ih 'it. It waa'kopt'in Syd ney as a laughing stock. There., is no need for me referring here Wwliat' the Sydney Government thought of it. They sent a vessel ofF from Sydney at once to stop the sale, but it arrived some days too late. That is the reason we hive so many angle allot ments in the first portion sold in the town when the surveyor had laid off the town so well.. He applied to the Governor to be allowed to wear a pair of epaulets. "Oh, yes," answered the Governor, but you must wear three. I know of a town in this province that has . - been • ruined • through an oversight (?) by the first or main street laid along the harbour^oe narrow; it will take a deal of money to repair the mistake and never look so -well; Our Pro vincial Council and City Board are trying to pass laws so as no one w;lLbe ..allowed to make narrow streets. Yet in the face of all this our Harbour Board are laying out narrow ones instead of a line wide straight street from Freeman's Bay. Past the intended dock to Queen-street Wharf we are to have a narrow crooked street full of bends. Sir, I neod not refer the Board to the decision given lately at home (" Duke- of~ Buccleugh v. Thames Embankment Company.") Having called the attention of the Board-to the affair so as it can be remedied before it is too late, I am, &c, Thomas Craig, Graham-street. , The editor of thia journal had an interview with, the Honorable Donald McLean :prior to his departure for the Laka district regarding the matter of locating immigrants in the Bay of Plenijy. Mr McLean, as a preliminary step, at once telegraphed to the Chief Ini migrantion Commissioner at Wellington for all particulars therefrom to be sent to us forthwith with publication.— B. P. Times. A fatal accident by drowning occurred at Coromandel on Monday afternoon to a little girl about two years of age, the daughter of Mr Bryson, carter, living near the creek above the Karaka bridge. The child strayed away near the creek, and was found in the water. It was carried at once up by its father to the house, and the services of Mr Keij'pson, chemist, who lives not far from the spot, were procured. Every method to restore animation was resorted to, but in vain.

An inquest was held at, the Whau Lunatic Asylum thVsi morning before Dr Goldsbro,' coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr J. W. Melton was chosen foreman, touching the death of Thomas Adams, a patient of the above institution, who died on the 22nd instant. —The jury having viewed the body the following evidence was taken—Timothy Lowry, thehead keeperof the asylum,deposed that deceased was admitted in May, 1870, as lunatic, and has for some months past been suffering from congestion of the lungs. He was a native of the West Indies, aged about 38. Every attention was paid to him by the medical and other authorities at the asylum.—Thomas Roberton, warder, gave corroborate evidence.—[At this stage of the proceedings the foreman of the jury : evidently appeared ready to faint, and addressing the Coroner said he was too ill to sit nny longer.—The Coro ner said the proceedings could not go on without him; but he would adjourn the in : quiry for a short time, during which the foreman had better try the fresh air outside and take a little stimulant.—This prescrip tionhaving been taken, the inquiry proceeded after a short interval, the foreman being j accommodated with a seat near the ! open door, where he soon revived.] — Thomas Usher, a warder, deposed to every thing proper having been done for deceased in his last illness. Ho had no relations or friends to visit him. —Dr Aickin (who made a post-mortem examination of the body), deposed that deceased's death resulted from congestion of the lungs, and a verdict of death from natural causes was returned by the jury. A purse was lately found on the New market load containing one pound note. After advertising for the owner, and failing to meet with any response, the finder has determined to divide the money between the Dispensary and the Home for Neglected Children. His employer increased the sum to thirty shillings, and fifteen shillings each now lies at our office for the institutions mentioned. The hairless horse may be seen this even ing at the comfortable quarters indicated b}f advertisement, where his many admirers will meet with a courteous reception. The members of the Good Samaritan Lodge,| 1.0.0.Tt, meet in the lodge room, Wollesley-street, at 9-30. a.m. on Friday, prior to joining the other members of the order, in the Albert Barracks, at ten o'clock. The Sisters of 'Mercy beg to return their very sincere thanks to those kind friends who have sent Christm.s presents for the orphans of St Mary's. The annual performance of the "Messiah" last night by the Choral Society was a great success There were 150 performers. A thousand were present. The choruses and solos of the orchestra wero all excellent. A serious accident aecurred to Mr John Wayinouth, senior, in the course of yesterday afternoon, by slipping from the narrow way by his son's workshop, upon the rocks below, a distance of six feet, thereby breaking his arm just above the wrist, lie was at once conveyed to his residence, in Napier-street, where he received proper medical attendance. Dr. Kenderdine with his usual liberality has sent the sum of JL'2 to the treasurer of the Neglected and Destitute C'hildrcns' Home, as a contribution towards a treat for the poor children. Gourlay's grand exhibition was well patronised yesterday by an admiring audience, and expressions of pleasure were made by different visitors on beholding the curiosities and wonders brought together by tho indefatigable proprietor of the exhibition. The Scotch Dwarf will appear for the first time this ovqiiing, and relate hia history, sing a Scotch comic song, and dance the Highland (ling. This will, therefore, form a new attraction to the many attractions of Mr admirable exhibition. >n our District Court report there appeared a case Nathan v Canning; it should have read Nathan v Canny. After the practice at the Tonic Sol-fa Union last night, Mr MeGurriglo presented Mr Bloomfield, the conductor, with an eight day chick on behalf of the members who had received their certificates.

THE MESSIAH.

THE Choral Hall last night wa3 crowded in every part by ladies and gentlemen on the occasion of the porformanco of Handel's grand oratorio, the " Messiah." The Choral Society gathered in full strength and pre sented a musical scene worthy the great Christian festival which the world i 3 about to celebrate. The hall was wreathed with, natural' emblems of Christmas1, and the assemblage appeared, by their countenances, to feel a sense of appropriate rejoicing in the most appropriate manner. Religion finds its noblest outlet in sacred song, and poetry in its highest forma ministers to the benig nant thought, and where truth and harmony, right feeling and eloquence are allied, happy are their influences. It would be difficult indeed to venture on a critical'ahalysis of the '^feat work 4 of...the conipospr, which ,is,now universally' acknowledged to be the master piece of sacred compositions. Handel is per manently fixed on the enduring pedestal of musical fame, and by his genius he has glorified the temple of harmony and given a voice to thefhighest aspirations of, the,mind. In order that the Christmas orator^ should be a great success invitations were sent to the leading members of the churches and musical societies of the city and suburbs, and the general call was generously acocepted. Hence last night's performance was the re sult of combined effort, embracing the taleDt of Auckland, and as a natural conse quence the ''Messiah" wa3 perhaps the most successful. : of all. the society's entertainments. Mr Joseph Brown con ducted, with his usual ability, and the great success of the concert is largely due to his care and zeal. The splendid "pas sages of this fine oratorio were given with a tone and finish which told upon the attentive audience, and told also in favour of the pro fession and progress of the Choral Society. ■' Comfort ye^coiiifort ye, niy people,'* etc., was well sung by Mr Hull, (tenor), also the air, "Every valley shall be exalted," and tho chorus which followed was full and clear. The , recitative, (bass), "Thus saith the L'orcl of Hosts," was executed by |Mr , §N ; .ewbury. in , that }• .gentle man's earnest, impressive, and best style. "Behold a Virgin shall con ceive" (alto), by a gentleman amateur, was given fairly, but scarcely' perfect. Mr Austin was fully equal to the part assigned him—"For behold darkness shall coyer the oarth." The chorns "Unto us a child is born" was exceedingly good by the choir. The names of the Redeemer were pronounced in tones of thunder and in a manner at once soul-subduing, spirited, effective, and sublime. The pastoral symphony of the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, under the Christmas stars, was impressively given by Mrs Mit chell in her best and truest style, soft, sweet, and subdued, like dreamy voices of the night, after which the choir and band burst forth with the chorus of th« ages, the great song which is yet doing its appointed work along the stream of time. "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on oarth and good«

will towards men." A lady who took the altci; " Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened," sang with true feeling with due attention to time, and with much judgment; as k was sung the air (soprano) by Mrs Mitchell, "Come unto Him all ye that labour and are heavy laden." This was £<iven with a feeling and expressive tenderness which brought out the poetry of the passage in full relijef and richest harmony. The former lady, Mrs Glover, did full justice to the touching air, " He was despised and rejected of men." Mr Wareham (tenor) sang "All they that see Him" with proper appreciation and spirit. A lady amateur (soprano) was very pleasing in _" He was cut oft" out of the land of the living.' The full chorus, "Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates" was indeed a triumph, and most effective in it 3 progress and perf eetability. yi Why do the nations," &c,, (bass,) was finely rendered by. Mr Brett. The instru mental performers did their parts with great satisfaction, and we were particulary struck' with the purity and clearness of the notes of the trumpet by Mr Lee. We would fain pursue our, thread of remarks to the close of Handel's sublime production were it necessary, but will close by stating that the performance last night at the Choral Hall was worthy the season and the great event which the Society sought to celebrate ; and the conductor, the members of the bands, and those of the Choral' Society, who had been at so much trouble to make the oratorio a success, deserve the thanks of the public for their laudable endeavours to improve public taste and elevate the community by the ameliorating influences of music and song.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM WAIKATO.

INFLUX OF NATIVES

ALEXANDRA

This day

A "i-eat number of natives have arrived here for the races and Land Court at Cam bridge. Tv Tawhiao is on the road down.

LATEST THAMES NEWS.

GENERAL CLEANING-UP AT THE

BATTERIES

G RAHAMSTOWN

This day,

The Tookey mine got a little gold to-day from the 200 ft. level on the hanging wall leader. The general retortings at all the batteries took place to-day, and the following amounts are to hand :— Ri:d Queen'. —19 tons stone, 2Sozs. gold. Tookey (Lowe's Tribute). —00 tons stone, Glozs; Kidwts. gold. Mk-ssknokr's Tuiuute.—3olbs. specimens yielded 13ozs. Kdwts. gold. Sons ok Frebuom. —Fortnight's crushing with 20 head stampers, 4S(»ozs. of gold. Kohakui. —234 tons stone 3700z5. gold. Lono Di'.rvi:. —200 tons stone, 3S4ozs. lOdwts. gold. Ai,i. Nations —55 tons stone, 2070z5. Mdwts. gold. Bright Smile has already lodged 7070z5. ] ldwts. gold, and expect 500 more. The Crown IMnce crushed 430 tons stone for 321 ozs gold. TheJJunction tribute crushed 30 tons'stone, which yielded 50 ezs gold. rJ'he following returns are yet to come : Central Italy, 55 tons, about 160 ozs. Tookey (Long's tribute) 9 tons about 10 ozs. Red, White, and Bi.uk tribute, lOiuns stone 10 ozs gold. WaitivMata.—About 300 ozs gold. The Central Italy obtained 251bs of rich specimens to-day.

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(From our own Correspondent.)

LYTTELTON.

This day.

Arrived— Tararua, from Wellington, and Albion, with mail, from Dunedin. They botli sailed again yostorday. The Tararua loft at eight last night. Sailed—Adamant, for London. Cargo— 2,092 bales wool, 5-10 do. flax, 2,645 sacks wheat, 740 do. flour, 30 bales skins, 11 casks beef, 3 bales skins, 4 casks oil, 35 sacks bones, 20 kega butter. Total value of cargo, £32,529.

NAPIER.

This day

Mr Lodcler has boen eminently surccessful in the disposal of bhares. 1000 were taken up here and at Poverty Bay The scheme is looked on with great favour. Arrived—Raugatira from Poverty Bay. No news.

Per Anglo-Australian Telegram Company.

WELLINGTON.

This day,

The following nominations have been re ceived for tho Wellington Cup : R. Camp bell's Castaway, bay filly by Traducer, Brown's .Lochinvar, Redwood's .Dead Shot, Watt's Calumny and Hatred, and Perkins's Song stress and Batter. It has been stated here on excellent autho rity that the Hon Mr Bathgate will shortly retire from the Ministry and be appointed Resident Magistrate at Dunedin in the place of Mr Strode. The Hon Mr O'Rorke, it is understood, will.become Minister of Justice. The Wellington Rowing Clubs will send seven boats to, the Canterbury Regatta, in cluding the Stella and Dolly Varden. The Albion, has arrived, the Hon. E, W.- Stafford is a passenger. An attempt to form an opposition Gas Company was not successful. The Government are taking proceedings against the native who created the disturb ance at Horowhenua. Mr E. W. Stafford is a passenger here by the Albion.

DUNEDIN.

This day.

Tlie Standard Insurance Company are now accepting risks. .The number of shares ap plied for in Dunedin is 33,772. A number of risks were accepted to-day.. The Governor's levee is postponed until Saturday. He attends the Choral Society's concert to-night," and the "Agricultural" Show at Mosgiel on Boxing Day. The number of immigrants who arrived from the 10th of October to the 24th November was 407. Mr Charles Reid has been appointed general manager of the Standard Insurance Company. Hi§ Excellency the Governor arrived this afternoon, having driven overland from Oamaru instead of coining by the Bteamer. He was greatly impressed with the beauty of the scenery on the road. Bofeh ho and Lady Fergusson were delighted with what they had seen, and hoped to remain some time in Dnnedin.

RACING NOTES.

(From our special Correspondent.)

Tire acceptances and general entries of the Auckland Jockey Club meeting are now to hand. They cannot be said to be as numerous as could be wished. It is plain indeed that the increasing of the value of prizes does not unmixedly contribute to the success of a meeting. It is very evident that the advent of the Southern cracks has frightened away many local horses who would otherwise have entered on the off chance. Old 1 Jen Nevis, who used to be considered a great gun her.c, has apparently drooped into the " sere and yellow leaf." Instead of coming out as last year the top weight in a principal race his name only shows once on the Turf Club programme, and that is in a selling race. The" Auckland Summer Handicap has only four acceptances. Calumny 93t. 41b. ; Hatred, 6yrs, Sst. lllbs. ; Yatterina, Bst. 41bs. ; and Moonbeom, 6st. lOlbs. I notice that several who have the lowest weights have not accepted. It is always a matter of wonder to me why such horses are entered. They could not possibly ex pected to be let in without a weight at all. The Ellerslie Handicap obtains five contents, and of these five it is very difficult to tell which will be made the favourite. Our handicappers have so little data to work upon in their adjustment of the weights that we cannot wonder at un iversal satisfaction not being afforded. As time progresses this fault will be remedied, and we may expect to see larger fields run for our handicap prizes. The Cross' turf ■correspondent casts a verj*- unwarrantable slur on the importance of Auckland race prizes when he says as he does in this morn ing's issue that Lurline was not brought up to Auckland for the reason that aqnlla not caplui muscas, the eagle does not catch at flies ; uncl aluo that if we want the pick of the Southern horses, we must give more valuable , stakes to be run for. Both inferences are equally wrong. In the first place Lurline did not come to Auckland because the quondam owner (Mr Redwood) was unwilling to subject such a valuable animal to the wear and tear of a journey to and from Auckland when the equally rich prizes that the "Dunedin meeting offers are to be run for immediately after wards, and because the risk of putting Lurline on board ship is greater than witn most other animals, as she has to be thrown on every occasion. Again, seeing that it is the very fact of the Southern cracks having entered and arrived that keeps other horses away itis difficult toperceivewhere the point of "Nunquato. Dormio's" argument lies.

In all that writer says! of the falsity of the time-test I heartily concur. Timing horses is scarcely ever re.-orted to in England, and when the official time is taken, as it is in the Derby and a few other big races, it is more from a desire to gratify public curiosity on the point than anything else. The weather, the state of the ground, a bad pace at starting, all effect the time in a marked degree, so that very little reliance can be placed upon it as a test of a horse's excellence, even if taken accurately, as it very seldom is.

No other opportunity will be afforded me of referring to tbeTurf Clubmeetingprior to the eventsbeingdecided. Withoutgoingminutely into the merits of the various animals engaged 1 will give what I venture to predict will prove as nearly as possible the correct results of the first days racing—

The second day's events will be so fore shadowed by the results of the first da.y. that it would be unwise to attempt a selection. No change of note has taken place in the betting, except that longer odds can be obtained about Black Eagle and Parawhenua. The former of these met with a slight acci dent in his stable yesterday, but it did not affect his gallop this morning. He is a certain starter, but Parowhenua is doubtful. The usual lot were out at Epsom and Ellerslie this morning. Papapa cfid a rat tling spin with Kakapo, who, as usual, ran in sweaters, while Battur gallopped with Mr Prince's Discord, a very beautiful filly, who has only just gone|into training. All moved, and pulled up well. ■ The railway company advertise return tickets to the course on the race days, mc c hiding admission at a fare of 3s. 1 see that two entrances to the course will be used on the race days. One is by a gate, almost facing the Harp of Erin Hotel, in the Great South road ; and the other is the ordinary entrance, close to the railway cross iug in the side road, to the north, of the running ground. • I The following notice was published at the of the Turf Club this afternoon :— "Mr J. Watt's Perfume, 3 years, was scratched for the Trial Stakes at 2.20 p.m.— J; Bennett,- Secretary." I notice that the sale of the Jockey Club gates, booths, and cards of the races took place to-day at Messrs Tonks'. The prices realised were very satisfactory, and afford evidence that the public are entering well into the spirit of the undertaking. N.B.— This reads like a frightful attempt at a pun, but 'pon honor it was not intended.

Chanticleer

CHRISTMAS EVE.-HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS.

The merry season which has been a theinsof inspiration for more than'eighteen hundred years is once more about to "dawn upon earth and its milltons. Christmas Eve has arrived, and the people are Avatchingfor the dawn of Ghristmas. The signs of Christmas are not Eunrrous in our city. A few settlers from outlying districts are pacing the streets and looking in the shop windows, but gene rally speaking there is a lack of Christrnas like activity in our streets, but which may be increased tenfold after the Hesperian hour on the appearance of the Evening Star. Emblems of Christmas-tide were observable at some of the shops,inore especially notice able were these at the stores of Messrs Dorn yWell, butcher ; Waters, confectioner; and Bartlett, watchmaker. Taking a peep at. the drapers' shops' we award the palm to- the hand that dressed the window of Messrs S. and J. R. Vaile Brothers, which evidenced great taste.' Those, of Mr Cass (whose premises are just completed) and Messrs Linabury and Shalders, wore .a Christmas aspect, and were, neatly set off . with wreathed • hats aiOT artificial flowers. THe grocers shops, most of them were decorated withserviceable commodities for the Christmas pudding, especially those of Messrs French, and Blair and L:unbert. The Market looked particularly gay ; the butchers' shops were lively with good supplies of meat, and other stalls were equally laden with the good things of the season. The Market Inspector informs us that the Market will be open until eleven to-night. Among the excursion announcements for to-morrow we notice that the Golden Crown will run excursions for the people (return tickets) o those beautiful localities known s the Hauraki Islands, the Thames, and other places according to advertisements. The Gemini will run to Rrverhead, and the

Challenger to Coromandel. The*?: " ■&>* I Onehunga will also afford opportu !' thousands for visiting the quiet wi &&•*■ | nooks of that peaceful settlement anrr* • jacent localities among neighbouring « ' of special interest, with strawW^ and cream into the bargain W P 3 1 mention the North Shore,' -with i walks and grassy promenades. This a/ 3 rated Eden of beauty and freah air i ß tv" : Canaan of good things, the land flowing Juf I milk and honey, and dotted with strawberr There lie in the lap of nature, ap pare 2 j catching the music of the waves, the he« s ful gardens of Kosebank, Willow-grove !!i ; Vauxhall. At those retreats visitors m ■ be regaled with strawberries and crean? I and the natural luxuries of Christm At Vauxhall-gardens the Temperance Dn and Fife Band will be in attendance with if concord of sweet sounds. Then th I is Stokes' Point, with its wild, ' &tT ■ I solitudes, and picnic dells ; or th ' Domain with its shady trees and I bonny lassies, and staid Good Templars This evening the doors of a number of enter tainments (also on Boxing night) willb" open for the rational amusement of holida folk, suc h as the Prince of Wales Theatr with its excellent Variety Troupe, the Royal Exhibition with its scenes of niusiJF I and dramatic art, the Australian Bell-ringers, f in the Lome-street Hall, with their chaste' i Christmas chimes and ready songs, and lastly there is the Hairless Horse. Every ; thing, therefore, is ready to minister in its way to the joyousness of Christmas Health, a free heart, a plentiful purse, and a relish for natural and social enjoyment, are the requisites for a summer holiday. Christ mas at home reminds us of roast beef, a blazing fire, frost and snow outdoors, and plum-pudding, roast beef, elder-wine and whist indoors. But here, under a colonial sky, Christmas means sunshine, summer, ex cursions and picnics. A gain we have reached - the great picnic -season, and the holiday forms fche universal thought of Auckland. The occasional holiday is necessary to the toilers, society, like the system, gets out of sorts, and requires a tonic. The man who. gets no holiday of the hearty no season of re^v; joicing. soon begins to look upon all things with jaundiced eyes, and becomes afflicted with a "green and yellow melancholy," and life lose 3 its beautiful savour. Men may toil and toil for the perishable until the hofc a ,., weather has come to render duty a burdens■•"* and relaxation a necessity. The great fact; ~ is ever recurring with convincing force that society requires the holiday, and the people of this city r.re determined to have it, either under the quiet trees ot the Domain, at. the.. North Shore, at the Kawau, or elsewhere, and for this special purpose out pass its thousands. Our English, Scotch, and Irish ancestors did in a limited sense take their holidays in the good old times when man was regarded as a mere animal created solely for money making. The aristocracy went to the Continent or to the races, while the peasant weat to the club - festival or the country fair, and with his slice of ginger-bread drank his quart of ale after the manner of Richard and Kate, according jby Bloomfield. The middle-class man rarely " took a holiday, while Dr Johnson rusticated at Lichfield or Streatham, and Fanny Burnev went to Brighton for a moonlight bath. Holidays occasionally are beneficial to health and intelligence, and are calculated to stir people into something livelier than the old ' humdiuin mode of existence, when ladiea were always complaining of headaches, asthma, and liver complaints, diseases resulting chiefly from a disregard of the laws of nature. Our colonial lasses dance and sing and play winsome airs on the piano and take their holidays, and are women appaiently at fifteen. Holidays are good—so say the Auckland people practically —but like everything else in this world, they must be judiciously used to be of real service. The tonic (which is composed of fresh air, change of scene, and release from business cares) is one of the finest that can be taken, but it must be taken in reason and with-a due regard to results. The Good Templar needs no advice on the proper use of a holiday, but some persons go to extremes, and return to their homes and ■workshops more debilitated than they went. Too much strong drink, too much smoking, reckless eating, and over-walking, defeat the true end and purpose of the summer holiday. It would be curious to notice the different views people have of the holiday, from the dashing volunteer and precocious colonial youth, to the Auckland lass and the frolick some school-boy. Yet each in his or her separate way finds a holiday enjoy able ; but a holiday, in its nobler meaning, should be made to min ister to health and capacity. A gar den should be a poem, a bird a chorister, a field a stimulant to thankfulness, and every fresh region a new page in experience. When such observation becomes habitual the. pic tures live in the memory, a positive addition made to information and intellectual re source ; and with a due contemplation of the associations of Christmas-tide the mind as - well as the physical system is improved, and men get full change for a holiday.

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY,

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) DRUNKENNESS. _ ", . ; ' Laurence McGiversey, James McGuiness, John Gilogly, for this offence were each fined 20s and costs. Matilda Hill and Maria Lilly were fined 10s and costs for the same offence. CHARGE AGAINST THE DOCTOE OF THE SHIP CHILE. 1 The adjourned charge against Millin Coughtrey, the doctor of the Chile, was re sumed this morning. . Alfred Arnold (examined on Tuesday) was recalled and deposed to the height of the capstan-bolt to which Airs .Vesey was chained^ i It was 2ft. -7 Jin, from the deck. ..Thehand: cuffs would be nearly Sin. in length; so that.', Mrs Vesey's wrists would only be about 2ft.T,; above the deck. ;. . .''••». -: Andrew Irwin was the next witness called ;' for the defence. ■ .He deposed that he was '. constable of the married compartment ; 'on.:.. board the ship. Mrs Vesey's conducts ■ to Mis Wall and the other females. •■ was very bad. On the 28th September he recollected seeing Mrs Vessey strike Mrs Wall. He had to interfere between-them. She was a most violent woman,-and used dreadful language, Had several application made to him, as constable, to report|Mrs ■ Vessey, as the passengers said th«y could not stand.it. Had made reports on saveral- oc casions. Uemembered the row on the 2nd October between Mrs Vessey and Mrs Wall about the towel. Saville was not be low at the time. Witness described the to conduct of Mrs Vesey on this occasion as very outrageous. She used the coarest ex pressions, and threatened to smash Mrs Wall's head a tub. He interfered on that occasion because he apprehended serious results from Mrs Vesey's violence. Mrs Vesey had fre quently threatened Mrs Wall prior to this. The pnssengeis weie very pleased to see the complainant put into confinement, and said it was a d—— good job. They all said so even Reid, Boswell and SavilJe. When Mrs Vesey went on deck witness we.it up with her and saw hey make a blow at Mrs Wall» who was sitting on the deok with a baby »&

THE ITBKING 8TA;B, WEDNESDAT, IJEC^MBBE 24 1878



I rial btakes Railway Plate Turf Cup... Drapers' Purse ... Prince of Wales St

fca

akes...

... .Batter ... Calumn; ... Papapa ... Kakapo ... Miri



r\ a v t i on. OLSON'S TOMATO SAUCE. Connoisseurs pronounce this Sauce to be the BEST for general use in households, and, in con sequence of its high reputation, sorn» unprincipled persons have been induced to Collect Empty Bottles bearing the manufacturer's name stamped thereon, and pass the same off as " Olson's Universal Tomato Sauce." The proprietor has in consequence caused his TRADE MARK "to be Registered under the provisions of the "Trade Marks Act, 18C6," and proceedings will be taken against such persons aa may forge or counterfeit such mark. The public are cautioned to ASK FOE. OLSON'S SAUCE, and see that the name is Stamped on Bottle and stopper, and wrapped round with his well-known label. Q N S A L. -E By thb Undersigned, Malt, Best Pale Suffolk and Colonial Hops, East Kent and Tasmanian Scrim, 72 and 45 inch . . - Corn Sacks, 3-bushel Candles, Price's Belmont Sardines, halves and quarters Starch, Colman's Blue, Colman's Pickles, Whybrow's and Morton's Jar Salt, Morton's Vinegar, Morton's Orange Peel, Figs Kaisins, Almonds Confectionery, Keiller's Castor and Salad Oil (Morton's) • . : .--■ Jams, lib tins ■' - Tart Fruits Flour, Adelaide, Otago, and Dunedin Colza Oil, Bulk Castor Oil Maize, Pollard, &c, &c , &c. GEO. W. BINNEY. EX HYDASPES, . A MAGNIFICENT ASSORTMENT OF ■'-■■■■ CHILDREN'S, GIELS' AND LADIES' TUSCAN, LEGHORN, & STRAW HATS, MEN'S & BOYS, DITTO DITTO, VERY CHEAP. SILK SUNSHADES. MUSLIN COLLARETTES LACE , TIES Etc., Etc., Etc. GENTLEMEN'S SUMMER CLOTHING,' BOYS' & YOUTHS' DITTO. '• - A CHOICE LOT OF BOYS' KNICKERBOCKER SUITS IN VARIOUS MATERIALS & STYLES- ' ALPACCA COATS (BLACK, & COLORED), WHITE DRESS SHIRTS, Etc., Etc., - Etc. RUSHBROOK & BRIDGMAN, Wholesale and Retail Drapers', &o. JUNCTION DRAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Army and Navy Hotel,) Upper Queen-street, Auckland. (TH.B.- - ''•■ "' Parties in the country favouring 8.--& B. with their orders may depend upon their receiving; careful atten- Mon and despatch. Patterns, &c.,. forwarded post: rae. ..--..'■ ■ . [Established 1864^ ' ''^; fj rv s,teph.e,ns6 C.&.' coJ a C*EL.EBKAT'E D COF FEE S,' "EXHIBITION BRAND," ,',' . -■-■■"" EAGLE' BRAND". '... . „.. "CROWN BRAND." . . ' Are to be procured at1 all respectable Grooebs , and, Storekeepers throughout the Province of AucJc and. ' I". ' D STEPHEN1 SON ' & C 6. WYNDHAM STREBT' :AVOK L A N D r\ HEIST MAS .-PKESEtfTS , v .'.. r AND- • ••_'• ■- ■ '•■". . ■'■■ NEW YEAB'S GrIFTS, • :^;i ';;; .. ■ • from •' ■ ' t if7 •;■.■/■,'.,("■ FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENftDiSCOUNT!.: ~- ■, i. .. ■- ■ '>'•'' '- r"' ~~ ' ... At r.'in.t ■ ■■■ : ' R. BEC X, > EWEL^ER AND WATCHMAKER," "1.,,-",; ' .Will supply f ; ■■■■■■• v • "• : ', JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS, &c, JOB CHBISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS, AX A Expuotion or 6 to 26 per CWT. Dmcounx. N.B.—All Goods marked in plain ftjurtß, and guaranteed. 198, QUEEN-STREET.



ra/^IKATO COALS*,(the Besis> i>i ; use for-'CTousehplftpurposes). Far,,SaJe73n': ots to suit buyers at the Timber Yard Government, Wharf, Onehunga. Orders can be left at the office. JAMES W. WALLER, Custom House-street, Auckland. pHRISTMAS H 0 LIDA V S. J. CO'SGRAVE & CO. .-.-'.■ ' Are now holding'their usxial .' C H-E A P **S A LE OF DRAPERY & CLOTHING , At their Premises CANADA BUILDINGS. THE SALE IS NOW ON, And will corftinue during the , [CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. J. COSGRAVE & CO. Queen street. UNION BANK OF AUSTRALIA '. ... . . ■. ■/ [Established 1837.;] paid-up capital.. .. .. .€1.250,000. reserve fund £400,000. ABEGIBTER of Shares in this Eank is now Open at the CHIUSTCHURCH BRANCH, and every facility is afforded by the Bank for the purchase of Shares in London for transfer to the said Register. The terms upon-which Money can be transmitted for this purpose can be ascertained on application to the Manager, at the.Bank's Offices, QUEBN STREET, AUCKLAND... The last Dividend was at the rate of l'S per cent, per annum, and was paid in the Colonies on receipt of telegiaphic advice of its declaration. JOSH. PALMER, Chief Officer far New Zealand. Christchuvch, Gth October, 1573. : INSURANCE. THE NATIONAL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND PROTECTS Insurers against Io?s, from either Fire or Sea disasters at I/OWIST Rates of Premium. Advantageous arrangements can be ina'le whereby Wool-growers and others can have their Clips covered from Sheep's back through to London. Open Policies are issned by this Cornwall y covering Merchandise to any amount to New Zealand anil Australian ports, saving both trouble and expense to insurers. By a simple plan also Importers can Insure in Auckland Merchandise comirig to them from United Kingdom, and all settlements in event of loss cun be made with the office here, thus avoiding the vexations delay- attending adjustments In England. Auckland Branch Offices : 25, Queen street. ANDREW G. MILLAR, Local Manager.



Coffee.—Brown, Barrett, & Co.'s Standard Coffee is both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, & Cos. Excelsior Coffee deserves preference to any coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note ho brands. Sold at almost every grocery establisk went in town and province.- [Adyt.]