SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

IJIGJT WATER : This evening, 10 39 ; to morrow reoizriiig 10.59 SUN SET : TLis evening, 7.17 ; SUN RISE : to morrow morcinfr, 4.48 MOON'S AGE : last Quarter, January 7,1575

ARRIVALS.

December 25 Tiowena, ss., frpm the ftortti (In the Manukaii): St Kilda, s s, from Wanganuij Pfccebe, s s, from Southern porta (Suez Mail)

December 20 Arsaye, ship, McEitchie, frum London Otago, barque, from Dunedin and Melbourne Princo Rupert, ketch, from Wangnroa Jota, tew schooner, from ittle Omaha Rover, Ruby, Swallow, Su ibaam, schooiiers, from coastal i.orts

December 27 Ftar of the Smith, s.s, frova Levuka Queen. s<hoomi",from jtf ap ier Atalanta, schooner, from Kaipara (in the Marmkau)

DEPARTURES.

Or ward, schooner, f< r a ;.pi r via Mercury Bay Sout crn Crots, ss, Holme?, for Nspier, Wellington, Ly<telton, a> d Dunedin

ARRIVAL OF THE ASSAYE.

The snip Assa.ve, which has been ex pected for a length of time, turned up safe and sound od the 26th instant. Her voyage has been protracted by a succession of light winds. She is a fine iron ship of 1,281 tons register, and sinter built to the Parsee, a ship she much resembles. Captain Mcßifcchie reports leaving the Start Point on the 12th of S ptember. Crossed the Equator on the 11th October-, and tbe meridian of the Cape on the Gt-h November. The easting was run down in 45 °S., and the North Cape sighted on tho 21st mat. No bad weather was. ex perienced. The Assayeis owned by Messrs J. arid W. Stewart, of Greenock, who had her built 1868 She ia under charter to the New Zealand-Shipping Company, who bring ou' 419 immigrants by her. The names of th*> cc and tbe ship's manifest having been published m the morning papers, and our space being much crow ded with other matter, we are obliged to omit them. T'-baths. — September 7 — Anna Maria OOTrat>, aged 6 years September 16—Louis Vic'or v> alker, aged 7k months. September SO Ka** Sands, aged 6 weeks. September 25 Aitbur Dews, aged 9 mon?h3. October 4—» van, iVinkwell, aged 12 v. eeks. Octo ber 28—Eusttt. Hunt, aied 7 months. Novem b-r 10 Edward Alcock, sged 10 months. November 11—William Charles Purcell, aged 16 months. November 16—Mrs Drucilla Acljroy}, seed 19 years Pecember 8 - Mrs Har-ier Colb. tune, aged 30 years. Birth- —December 20—Mrs Birt of a daughter December 24—Mrs Pvtidy of a son

The immigrants have been under the care of Pr Your.g, Two saloon passengers Messrs TJnderdown and Fradgley, come in the vessel. The immigrants were landed to-day.

Tbe s.s. Star of the South brings as passengers from Levnka—Saloon : Mrs A. Litile, Mrs L. Bash, Captain Browning, Messrs D. Mackay, Buckley, W. J). Brewer. Steerage : Mr White. For Lyttelton— Saloon : Mrs Boyd, Mr Walker. For Dun edin—Mr Fenton.

The a.s. Phoebe, which airived in the Manukau on Christmas Day, brought the Suez Mail and the following passengers :— Saloon. Mr and Mrs. Gillies and family, Mr and Mrs Chamberlain, Mr and Mrs Henderson, Mesdames Gillman, Graeie, Carpenter snd child, Misses Townsend, Greenwod, Hnultain, Howe.Mack.Gy, Millar, White, Sheljman, Gruily, Kirk and Ward. Mrs. Fletcher, Montague, Bird, Barnsdall, Cheal, Boy Jan, Adair, Henderson, Hutch, Harris, Wiku, Lurosden, Burden, Hussey, Wilcox, Hillmone, Olivier, Whellan, Latimer. Steerage, Price, Rowe, Greensdall, Moss. Burron, King, Hargreaves, White, St. Clair, Walker, McKan.

The fine iron barque Otago from Dun cn1 in arrived on Saturday* with a cargo of 10,300 mats supar consigned to Mr G-. W. Binney. The Otago has made a long passage of 21 days frrm Port Chalmers owing to a succes sion of calms and light contrary winds. The mail steamer Cyphrenes is due to-day from Sydney. She had not been signalled up to the time of going to press. She is to leave for San Francisco with the English Mai! six hours after arrival.

We understand that the s.s. Haro was to leave Melbourne on the 24th ult. She would be due according tn this on the 4th January, the day advertisers for her arrival. The official euivey of the ship Condoren takos place on Wednesday at one o'clock. The schooner Onward left this afternoon for Napier. She is to ship 26,000 feet of limber st Mercury Bay. Ihe Mission barquentine was taking in water alongsde the wharf- to-day. She is f.o sail on an excursion trip to-morrow.

COMMERCIAL.

Messes. E. and H. Isaacs will sell to-morrow, at 11 o'clock, a large stock of boots, shoes, slipi erp, &c, the clearirg out of a tradesman retiring from burinfss Messrs B. Tonks & Co. sold, to-day, at their Queen f-treet mart, the whaling barque ■"Martha,"23s tons, now lyirgatthe Bay of Islands. Ttie p icp reali-ed-was £355 and the purchaser was Captain Daldy.

ELLERSLIE RACES.

[To the Editor of the Evening Stae.] Fir, —It is not worth while for me to reply to Mr Kirby's contradictory letter. Those who were present at the time and witnessed the proceedings are the beat judgesin the matter. Nor do ' think it necessary that I should consult. Mi Kirby when I allow the public to go iut > Ellerßlie Gardens free of charge.—l am, etc., Kobert Graham.

We observe th»t Garett Brothers, of W*kefieM-»treet, are sacrificing the re mainder of their stock of boots and shoes before removing to their new and commo dious building.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as follows :— For Thames this day, at 6 SO p m, and to-morrow, at, 9 30 am For K&w-m and Matfkana, ti-norrcw. EtlOam For United Kißcdrm, Continent of Europe. Sand wich Islands, "United -tates > f .Ameri a, Canada, Biifish Polumln* Central w& South #meric*, ana Briifh ,:iid Foreign West. Indfes, per Cjpfcrenes, imrcediately on her airival from iyriney Late letters bearing an extia fee of Cd will be received by the Mail Agent on board up to time of sailing For Taranaki, Sr.uthprn provirces. and Austra'ian Color if s, p e r Phoebe, on Thursday, 37 st Instant, at 5 p m N B.- Roldfrs of private boxes in this office are requested to return t! eir lr ys r rnriirg the recon struction c{ the t oxe- at the ru w buildfi g. letters will be deliveied by Me c^rrieis until the new boxes are ready for allotment 3. B. BiHB. Chief Pontnwst'sv

DEATHS.

Loko—On the "61^ ii st, Hsrry the wen-beloved son of Walter and Mary Margaret Lone, of Nelson ptreet ; sged ivto jecp-a »nrt five momlis Eobinsov—At "Woot'burn. Miirree. Hiir-aliyns, Cap tain Charlea <l>rte R-binson, of H.M 70th Kp^i msnt, and a D C. to Lieutenant General Sir Trtvnr Chute, andnephowof the late Major Spec ly, R.M ; aged37year3.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 1874.

P'>r ttie «u*e tl-st Isckt •w?!"tsnc«. fyr ti.? wrong i •■ at tifi-it. \*«l»umc», f ?o: i.-i- fßiv.rr •'.. slit- dt-fcmw. ■U-.S iht st,c<\ that v* can <J«

Likb a candle burnt to the socket, the old Roaario goes out with a splutter and a stink. Erstwhile her visits used to be the signal for excibement among terrfperonce people, and the diluters of mild theology and weak tea. In fact, to our mind's c-ye, the tars of the Rosario were a lot of goodies, who addressed one another, and all mankind, as dearly beloved m-ethren. But old will out, and on Christmas night the chained devil got loose. Anything more disgraceful than the drunken orgies and the wild savagery of the Eosario men in the streets of Auckland on last Friday night Auckland has not seen ; and if this is the kiud of thing she has kept within her old timbers the sooner she is scuttled in Port Adelaide the better for the credit of the servieo. We are far from grouping all on board the Eosario in one character, but we think that all must see that the pood must suffer in their fame by the ill-behaviour of their brothers in arms, and that it is the duty of the ship to .purge itself of this disgiace ere it retires from the pub is service. Whatever may be the rule that directs the sending off to their ship such miscreants who may have outraged the order of society where they have landed, the sooner it is abrogated the better for the friendly relations between colonists and the Imperial Service. The commander of the Rosario has acted courteously as he has acted properly, in returning them for trial by our civil Courts, but we most strongly deprecate the action of Mr B-ckham in sending the men back to their ship again. Doubtless, as an old officer' of Her Majesty's service, Captain Beckharn, in esprit cle corps, believes that it is the proper thing for these men to be subjected to the recognised discipline of the service But we civilians, the conser vator of whose peace and saf'-ty Captain Beckham now is, do not be ieve in a number of offenders, one of whom almost twisted a man's leg off, being sent away out of sight and reach of the law, and left, to the whims and caprices of the quarter-deck. These men have been permitted to come ashore with their knives, and they used them. If a civilian had done as much he would have been committed for trial in the Supreme Court, and little would the law have recked whether or not his incarceration would have incommoded his employer. We presume these scoundrels who have thrown the whole city into a turmoil, and mauled and wounded and tried to kill the unoffending, will be " repri~ manded," and will have two or three glasses of rum taken off their allowance, and Con stable Allen will be left with, his twisted leg to get better as it can. Nobody will know what punishment has been meted out on board. Indeed nobody believes that any will be inflicted. The officers of the vessel can have no evidence of the offences, or the offenders, and no power to enforce a penalty adequate to the offence for this little "irregularity ashore." The whole thing has resulted in a farce. The Eosario goes away with her fair fame sullied, and our Resident Magistrate has surrendered the right of protecting peaceable citizens and policemen from the raids of these blue-coated ruffians that wear Her Majesty's livery.

We observe a statement in a leaderette in the Herald of this morning, in which censure is directed towards Messrs Brogden and Sons for refusing for the Christinas sports, the three locomotives at present being used by them for ballasting purposes. The state ment is they " refused to lend them except upon outrageously exorbitant terms." The remark is such a striking one that we have made enquiry. It! appears that to a correct understanding of the thing we must refer to

antecedent negociations. When it was ear nestly desired and iirged by the public voics that the line as far as Drury should be opened, the re presentatives of the Government pro posed to the Messrs Brogden that the Messrs Brogden should run the trains on condition that the Government should "receive one half of the proceeds." As the cost of running is 65 per cent, on the amount of proceeds, on the best paying lines in the colony, the Messrs Brogden declined. On aa application being made last week for the engines in question- which of course ate in terms of contract, for the fiime, the property and ia the possession of the contractors the agents of the Messrs Brogden replied expressing their readiness to assist in the conveyance of traffic " on the same terms offered by you to work the line con jointly to Drury, viz , to receive, one-half of the proceeds." These, it appears, were the " outrageously exorbitant terms," which have moved the ire of our con temporary, but as they were those ori ginally proposed by the Government when offering co-operation, the "outrage" must have been mutual.

Mr Gillies to the bench and Sir George Grey to the vacancy in the City West. Thus a aith our telegram just to hand as we go to press. The bush at Bangitoto has been on fire since yesterday in several places. Last night the blazing of tho scrub looked very pietty. The fire is supposed to bo the work of some excursionists. The Harbour Board do not regard it as a joke for they have offered a reward of £10 to discover the incendiaries. The steamer Phoebe', which arrived in the Mauukau on Saturday, was the bearer of the Auckland poition of the Suez mail. That flue old sea ballad, "Poor Jack Brown," which Mfs3 Christian introduced and made so much of in the Melbourne Town Ball, is included in to-night's pro gramme at the City Hal!. "j he Lime Trees by the River," another popular song, appears in the programme. A very disgraceful row occurred in Qusen street on Christmas eve. The tars of H.M. Ttosario, now in porh, were allowed on shore, and several of them got drunk and com menced most riotous conduct. In one instance n cowardly assault was made on old Mr Robertson, of the Queen's Ferry Hotel, Vulcftu lane. The police endeavoured by persuasion in the outset to get the rn<-n to desist, but they were goaded on to further breaches of the law by a number of roughs and larrikins who had gathered round. A severe struggle between the sailors and thepolice took place at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. One of the seamen drew a knife and inflicted some injuries with it, but. he was overpowered and disarmed. Several times disorderly sailors who had been captured were rescued by the crowd, but the police were not to be beaten, and despite strong opposition and overwhelm ing numbers succeeded iv "capturing the ring leaders. Iv the struggle, constable Allen had his leg so severely wrenched that he bad lo be removed to tbe hospital, Detective Jeffrey's thumb was sprained, and constable Allen was severely cut about the head. One of the offenders was brought up at the Police Court to day, and the Captain of the Rosario desired that he should he dealt with by the civil authorities, but the magistrate ordered him on board ship, to be dealt with by the officers of the vessel.

In our obituary columns of this day's issue, is announced the death of one who was truly typical of the genuine officer and gcntlemurj of the British army, and as such did honor to the-nnble arm of the service to which he be long etf. At the early af?e of thirty-seven died Captain Char <s Clarke Richards-on, of H.M. 70th Itegimenfc and A.D.C. to Lieut. 'General Siv Trevor Chute, a geutleman who was df scende*l of an old and honored military race, who have fought bravely and won honors" in every part of the British empire, and he was no exception to the rule, for as an officer of high talents, of great urbanity and gentle feeling, but firm and energetic in the dis charge of the duties of his rank, he was deservedly popular with the men, and be loved by his brother officers. His bravery in India, and later still in New Zealand, during the late campaign, won him the golden opinions of all, and the high honor of beiug placed on the f-tiiff of tho General Command ing. Captain Richardson was a nephew of '.he late Major Speedy, R M., of Waiiiku, and a cousin of Captain Speedy of Abyssi nian and Indian celebrity.

We have looked in vain for any fign of a Southern cricket team visiting Auckland. We now hear that a Northern team is likely fco arrive shortly with the object of testing the metal of the champion cricketers. No man is a prophet in his own country, and this, it may he surmised, accounts for the fact that all the challenges to the Auckland team since their return from their tour last year have come from districts of their own province. 'J he expected eleven hail from Wangarei and Mangawai. They purpose trying conclusions lirst with the Ilodney playeis at Mahurangi on the Bth, and coming on to Auckland about the llth of next month. We understand that the country men intend, if they can manage it, playing a series of matches with local and suburban clubs. A Friend left at Mr Humphries, British Hott-1, £2 9s 4d for the Home for Neglected and De&titute Children. Mr. Brown's singing class will reassemble this evening, and members are requested to be present. The Ancient Order of Foresters, of Court City of Auckland, will bold a social gather ing this evening in Lome-street Hall, in celebration of their eleventh anniversary. We have much pleasure in acknowledging £1 from W.H.P. in aid of Mrs Irwin. On Saturday afternoon, as a number of boys were playing together, near to Shelly Beach, one of them fell over the edge of the cliff, and rolled into the sea. The accident, fortunately, was observed by Mr Alfred Boardman, Jan., who happened to be near the spot, and who immediately rushed into the water, and saved the boy from a watery grave. It was found that the lad was not hurt, beyond a few slight bruises, and was enabled to walk to the home of his parents. Several accidents of this kind have occurred in this place, but they do not seem to be effective in preventing others from venturing in the teeth of danger.

We have been particularly requested by the old women and old men of the refuge to express for them their warmest gratitude for the kindness just received at the hands of Mr R. Grattan, of the Thames Hotel. The old men have received from him twelve pounds of tobacco, four gross of pipes, a goose and a plum pudding. The old women have also received a goose and a plum pud ding, and in lieu of the pipes and tobacco they have had their hearts made merry over half a-dozen of port wine. Judging from all we have heard Mr Grattan's gift has produced genuine Christmas happiness among the old peop'e in the refuge. They also express their sincere thanks to Mrs J. B. Russell for kindly sending them a cheese.

DROWNING OF MISS PORCH.

We regret to learn of a very melancholy case of drowning at Mercer on Saturday night. News respecting it was first communicated to Mr. Joseph Bennett, brother-in-law of the deceased, ia the following telegram : — •' Mercer, {Sunday. —Miss Porch was drowned ia the river last night while bathing." Mr. Bennett has since received a telegram stating that the body has. not b^en found, but full details of the circumstances attending the occurrence are nob yet at hand. Miss Porch was 26 years of age, and is lamented by a large circle of friends.

POLICE COURT.—This Day.

(Before Thomas Beckham, Esq., R.M.) CAUSES AN.O TSFFRCiTfJ. Charles ftttrn, William Walsh, George jarvis, William Turner, Mary Brown, and John Rogers, were charged with drunkenness and dealt within the usual way. OBSTRUCTING THE POLICE. William By ford wa3 charged with ob stiucting the police on the 26th inst. while in the execution of their duty. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Mr Broham said prisoner was very short sighted, and rushed in among the crowd without any real intention of obstructing the police ; he would ask that the case might be withdrawn. His Worship gave prisoner a lesson on the folly of his conduct, and discharged him. A BRACE OV VAGRANTS. William Laverty and William McCallum were charged under the Vagrancy Act with having no .lawful visible means of a liveli hood. Laverty expressed his regret at the fix he was in, as he wanted to have been hay making in the meadows of Onehunga. His Worship suggested that if such was the case—that prisoner's services were re quired in the hay-field, he might be set at liberty. Mr Broham 'said he would withdraw the charge if prisoner would leave the town. Prisoner said he would go at once and get a fork and rake, and go to OnehuDga at once, as the hay might be spoiled. The Court allowed, him two hours to get away. William McCallam, who has spent some years in prison, said the charge was false, he was not a vagrant. Detective Jeffrey deposed that prisoner ■was a thorough loafer ; dividing his time between public-house bars and the shadows of the Domain. He lounged at public-houses during the day and flept under the trees at night. Prisoner was in a filthy condition. Serjeant-Major Pardy deposed to prisoner's general character. The Court sentenced prisoner to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. what's o'clock ? William Hornby was charged with break in<r and entering the cutter Elizabeth, and stealing therefrom a clock, value 30s, the property of William Motion, on the 23rd inst. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. William Motion, master of the cutter Elizabeth, deposed that on the evening of 23rd he left the cutter in Freeman's Bay, and the clock ?afe at seven o'clock, and when he returned .at nine o'clock, it was "one. The clock produced was his clock. Robert Kidling deposed to the same effect; he was a seaman, and knew the clock. Andrew Heavey stated that prisoner pawned the clock for Os in the name of Thompson. Prisoner said he met a man in Wyndham street, who asked him to be kind enough to pawn a clock for him ; he did co, and got into trouble with him. The man was a per fect stranger to him ; he did not doubt his truthfulness, and pawned the clock for Gt-. Gave the gentleman the money, who bid him good day ar,d departed. The Court doubted prisoner's statement, and ordered him to prison for one month. STRIKING A WAITER, John Diumsoll was charged with committ ing a voilcnt assault on Colin Mclntosh by staking him in the face. Prisoner denied the "charge, he could not remember ifc. ■flis Worship : Your memory is very bad. P/isoner : Rather bazy, your Worship. Colin Mclntosh deposed that be was bar roan at the Auckland Hotel and during the row between the sailors and police, prisoner Wanted to get into a ]>art of the bouse, and in fcrj ing to prevent him prieoner Btiuck him in the face. Prisoner said his business was urgent, he had got the diarrhoea, he had been indulg ing. As Mr Mclntosh was not dangerously wounded, prisoner was leniently dealt with and fined 40h and costs. a rKO.Misiso votmr. iTnmcs Conley, junior, aged 14, was charged xvith urging the seamen in thtir attack upon the police. The boy pleaded guilty, and stated that he gave a club to one of the sailors, who had tn-ated him in a public house to some ginger beer. Sergeant-Major Pardy proved the charge against the prisoner, and Constable Allen produced the formidable piece of timber supplied to the sailor by the boy. His Worship regretted his inability to order the boy a good whipping. He must pay a fine of 205., or go to prison for seven days. STK4LTXG A PINT POT. An old offender, named Arthur Gunnon, was charged with stealing a new pint pot, the property of Michael Corcoran, landlord of the Greyhound Hotel, Queen-street, on the 26th inst. Prisoner said the charge was false, he would be ashamed to do such a paltry trick. James Gallander, barman, deposed that he knew prisoner as a loafer at the house, and after his last visit, he missed two new pint measures. Elizabeth Drummond deposed that she was the proprietress of a general store in Chancery-lane, she knew the prisoner and on the evening in question, he came into her shop with something under her coat. He pulled out a pint pot which he wished her to buy. She said to him you hare stolen this pot, I shall send for the detective. He immediately ran away Prisoner said the pot was given to him by William Stone ; and if it was stolen, William Stone was the prig. William Stone was called, and stated that he had never seen either the prisoner or the pot before ; he kept better company. Prisoner vowed that Stone knew all about the pot; it was hidden two days in the docks at the top of Chancery lane before he offered it for sale, His Worship : Ah, you have let the cat out of the bag. What have you to say in explanation ot the docks and the pot. Prisoner, who objected to any more dis cussion on the subject, was committed to prison for oDe month with hard labour. A PARADOX. Thomas Lamb, a young man, was brought up a second time on a charge of beating his wife, Martha Lamb. Prisoner pleaded guilty. His wife, a respectable-looking young woman, apparently about twenty-two, with three young children, excused her husband on the score of drink. She was not willing to press the charge, as Thomas did not spend the housekeeping money in drink, and when sober he was indeed a lamb. The drink made the difference. His Worship said the matter was beyond her influence. Mr Broham informed the Court that the prisoner was already bound over. The sureties in the former case here came forward, and said they did it out of kindness for prisoner, in hopes that his conduct would harmonise with his name. His Worship said they had placed them selves in an awkward position, and must prepare to pay £10 each j while the prisoner must be bound in a £50 bond, and find two sureties of £25 each, to keep the peace for six months. AB.T UNION". John Calder, artist, waspsummoned under the by-law on a charge of establishing a scheme by which a picture was drawn for on the 22nd August, without permission of his Honor the Superintendent. Mr Broham said he did not wish to press this charge. It was brought forward with a view of letting the public know that they must get the sanction of the Superintendent before any lottery, or art union could take place. It was shewn, however, that Mr Calder had applied for such permission.

The case was withdrawn. THE DISTURBANCE IN QUEEN-STREET; William Faulkner; a seaman on board Her Majesty!s ship E&sario, was charged with assaulting Constable Allen, oa the evening of the 25th. . . ■ His Worship informed the Captain of the Rosario that he thought the best thing he cou'd do was to hand prisoner over to the ship, as he felt he would be properly and duly punished. It was shewn that prisoner was the most desperate of the gang, Captain Dupios said he was quite willing to leave prisoner in his Worships hands to give him such imprison ment as he deserved. His Worship said, he could give him less than two months, but he thought the Cap tain had better take him on board, and punish him ; especially as the ship was leav ing the port.. The charge was accordingly withdrawn, and prisoner taken to his ship. This was all the busines3.

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

Christmas Day and Boxing Day holidays passed off very quietly and satisfactorily. In no case have we heard of the occurrence of any one of those serioua accidents which sometimes mar the universal pleasure ex pected from public festivals. The weather was all that could be desired, and the whole city fairly gave itself up to holiday-making. We append an account of the leading holi day events of the two days :— AUCKLAND lIAGING CLUB SUMMER MEETING-. PItESfDENT: Mr James Watt. Vice-Presi dent: Mr Thomas Morrin. Stewards : Hon. James Williamson, Major Walmsley, Capt. Fraser, Mr Samuel Morrin, Mr John-Cos grave. Judge : Judge Beckham. Starter : Mr Kobert Wynyard. Clerk of the Scales : Mr W. J. Marks. CJerk of the Course : Mr Thomas A. Brown. Handicappers : Messrs. Marks, Banks, andPeroival. Secretary : Mr W. Percival. The sport which was provided on Boxing Day was a great improvement on last year's j racing. The fields were small, but the finishes were close and interesting. The fiisb race was run at one o'clock. Trial Stakes of CO soy* with a sweep of 3 bovb each. Entrance, 3so vs. Weight for age. Distance one and a half mile 3. Mr F. W. Delamain's b f The Belle, 3yrs, 7st 3lbs (vNatty) 1 Mr James Watt's b g Parawhenua, syrs, j 9st 41bs (Gooseman) 2 I Mr Samuel Driller's bli Hr Charles, Gyrs, Bst 91bs (i-ulams) 3 The betting was slightly in favour of Para whenua, who was beaten by the Belle by a | neck, after a splendid finish ; Bailway Plate, of 40 soys. Entrance, 3 ; soys each ; weight for age. Distance |of a mile. IMr James Watt's eh f Ngaro, by Ravens worth—Countess, 3 yrs, 7 st G lbs (Lyford) 1 j Mr Delamain's b f The Belle, 3 yrp, 7 at G lbs (Watty) 2 |Mr William Walter's eh f Medea, 3 yrs, 7 st G lbs (Hodgson) 3 ; Mr Crummer's b g Never Miss, 5 yrs, 9 st j 2 lbs, scratched. Betting : G to 4 on Ngaro, 2 to 1 against The Belle, 3 to 1 against Medea, The favorite wnn X™ o..i*«>.«i..v*— I

i • not: \MARK.

i sfc, scratched ; Mr Jo'un^fciiioss^ -u ~~-■-. ..... ! Fawkes, 3 yrn, Gst 10 lbs. scratched. Betting : G to 4 on Yatterina, 12 to 10 against Templeton, 4 to 1 against Toi. Yatteriua got ■well away, and heM the lend (hard heW) for the first half of the j journey. At the cutting, the second time round, Templeton forged ahead, and came round the turn with a slight lead of Toi, who had also passed the favorite. Templeton held the lead to the finish, winning by two lengths. Yatterina three lengths behind Toi' Midsummer Handicap.— A sweepstakes of 5 fcovs each, with lOOsovs added. Distance, 1 mile. Winner to be sold by auction, with his engagements, immediately after the race, and half the proceeds of the sale of tho horee to go to the funds. Mr G. Crammer's b g Never Miss, syrs, Bst (Millican) 1 Mr W. Walter's b h Kingfisher, 4yrs, 7st 21b (Watty) 2 Mr J. Watt's eh g Tui, 3yrs, 6st 121b (Lyford) 3 Bettinp even on Never Mias ; 6 to 4 against Tui; 4to 1 against Kingfisher. The favorite took the front place soon after starting, and won easily by several lengths. The winner was bought in for £72 10s. Scurry. —Of lOsovs. Entrance, Isov. Catch weights. Distance, 1 mile. Winner to be sold for 20sovs. immediately after the race ; any surplus to go to the funds. Post entry. E. Perkins's Warwick (Brimner) 1 W. C. Camybell's Cockie (Jones) 2 Some others started, but Warwick was by far the best, and won easily. About 2000 people were present on the course, and seemed to be well pleased with the entertainment provided them. The refreshment caterers did their work well, and the band played beautifully during the day. The handicappers may congratulate them selves on. the success of their work for in no one instance was the winner "spotted."

HENDERSON'S MILL RACES.

An excellent afternoons sport was provided at this pretty country retreat. The arrange ments were well looked after by the follow ing gentlemen. Stewards : Mr John S. Kelly, Mr W. H. Martin, Mr H. Collins, Mr Tames Hepburn, Mr John Bollard. Starters : Messrs Archibald and O'JNeil. Clerks of Course : Messrs. K. Cowan and A. Hepburn. Clerk of Scales : Mr H Col lins. Judge : Gr. Yon der Heyde Esq. The course was mai'ked off in a large paddock, close to Mr McLeods residence. Ist Event—Hurdle Race ; 10 soys ; all horses to carry lOst. ; distance, twice round the course ; open to all horses that have not won an advertised race of £25. Munn's Kate ... ... ... ... 1 Halstead's Digby Grand ... .. ... 2 Dornwell's Highflyer 3 Chas. Cowen's Stargazer, Lupton's Tattler, Abbot's Fly-by-Night, R. Dunn's Pararua, and Abbot's Dolly Varden also started.. A fine race won by a length and a half. 2nd Event—Settlers' Steeplechase ; 10 eovs.; distance about two miles, over a fair hunting country : all horses to carry 10st71b. There were three entries, viz.: — Cowen'a Peina - 1 Kelly's Potatau 2 W. H. Martin's Sportsman ... ... 0 ! Won easily by 20 lengths. 3rd Event— Henderson's Mill Stakes; 10 soys ; all horses to carry lOsfc j distance, twice round the course; open to horses that have nob won an advertised race of £30. W. Kelly's Dainty 1 Lupton's Mabel 2 Munn's Kate 3 W. H. Martin's Victor .., 4 J. O'Neil's Muriwai, Munn's Tommy Dodd, and J. Abbot's Fly-by-night' also ran. The struggle was severe till approaching the post, when Dainty forged ahead and won with ease. 4th Event-Settlers' Stakes ; 10 boys. -catch weights ; distance, one naile. ■ Eight horses were entered for this race viz.;— '

tV. A. Kelly's Dfcittty ... ... 1 * J. O'Neill'sTntura ... ... • 2 t R. Dacre's Polly, W, H. Martin's Padlock, C Cowen's Peina, Lupton's Mabel, George's Perum, and George's Ptoiu. A splendid race, won by one length. i sth Event —Pony Rac£ ; 6 soys. 5 for ponies 1 14 hands and under; catch weights; • distance, one mile; open to all comers. Hepburn's Lady Bird .. 1 VauKhan's Hot Spflrb 2 J. O'Neill's Muriwai 3 George's Punga, Lupton's Cock Robin, A. Kelly's Minnie, Cowen's Beauty, D. Stub bin's La Margherita also started. This race was spoiled at the finish by several of the herses running the wrong side of a post. Lady Bird ran well. Gth Event—Consolation Rack ; 5 soys. ; for beaten horses ; catch weights ; distance, one mile. O'Neil's Tutura 1 Lupton's Mabel 2 Mima's T'Vmmy Dodd .. ... ... 3 Munn's Digby Grand, W. H. Martin's Victor J. O'Neil's Muriwai also ran. Well con tested to the finish by the 2nd and 3rd horses. Tutura won easily. Two foot races which supplemented the horse racing were won by Kelly and Albert (a native) respectively. A boy's race was won by Donnelly.

ELLERSLIE SPORTS.

ELLBB?LIB Gardens were well patronised on Boxing Day, the principal attraction being | the athletic sports, which had been advertised some time before, and were looked forward to with much interest. The following are the results of the various contests, a detailed report, after the accounts published in the morning papers, being unnecessary. Maiden Race. 100 yards.—lst prize, £2 ; 2nd prize, £1. G. Jennings .. 1 H. Bryan ... ... ••• ••• 2 Won easily by two yards. Three Hundred Yards Handicap (AMATEURS only).—lst prize, £5 ; 2nd prize, £1. There were nine entries. E. Nolan (green and white), 7 yards... 1 J. Donovan M.C.C. (green) scratch 2 Peacock, M.C.C, (cerise), 12 yards; J. Regan, P.CO. (pink) 7 yards also started. Regan and Peacock fouled each other. Nolan won by one yard, after a splendid race. Throwing the Hammer. —Prize, £1 10s. There were five entries. W. Stirling, 84ft. sin. 1 W. Tanner, 83ft 2 Whisker 0 McLeod ° Tanner threw well, but Stirling was too much for him. Hop Step and Jump.—Prize, £1. There were three entries for this event. Donovan,'39 feet 1 Whisker, 37 feet 0 Bryan, 35 feet G inches 0 Wrestling (Cumberland style).—Prize, £2. Four entries. P. McAneny ... ... .. ••• 1 Whisker, P. Martin, W. Dodd ... 0 The Ellep.slie Cur, half-mile handicap.— Ist prize, the Ellerslie Cup, value £10, or money ; 2nd prize, £2 ; 3rd prize, £1. Ten entries. Thomas Tanner (white), 30 yards ... 1 E. O'Hare (green), So yards 2 Sewell (blue and green), scratch ... 3 J. Clark, 22 yards 0 C. Hopkins, 35 yards 0 | Fagan, 40 yards ... ... ... 0 This was the principal event of the day, and proved a most interesting race, and a grea,t surprise. Sewell was favorite at even 3 against the field. A good start was effected, !-'ewell at once beginning to go up to his men very fast. After 300 yards he ~ had assumed the lead, which was, however, soon wrested from him by Hopkins, who ran very strongly past the orchard. At the pavilion turn, Tanner rushed through the , ruck, and with a splendid spurt, took a lead jof about 12 yards. This he kept so well j that at the turn into the straight he had nearly that advantage, and the race seemed over. Here O'Hare shot out, and began going up to the leader in fine style, and for a moment looked like overhauling him, but he bad left it till too late, and Tanner passed the post three yards ahead of O'Hare ; Sewell, who was very much dis tressed, finished 5 yards behind the 2nd. The refmlt evoked great enthusiasm. 250 Yards Handicap.—lst prize, £2 ; 2nd prize, £1. Seven entries. E. Davy (10 yards) 1 E. O'Hare (5 yards) 2 J. Donovan, scratch; R. Peacock, 10 yards; Regan, 10 yards; Whisker, 12 yards; D. White, 12 yards, were the other com petitors. Davy, who was handicapped too lightly, won easily by 4 yards. High Jump (running).—Prize, £1 ; 3 entries. Bradley, 4 feet S inches, Ist. White and •'eacock 4 feet 6 inches. 150 yds. Handicap. First prize, £2; 2nd prize, £1 ; 3 entries. Renwick, 6 yds. 1 Whisker, 11 yds.' 2 White, 11 yds. 0 Jennings, scratch ... ... ... 0 Renwick and Whisker ran a dead heat for this. The deciding heat was won by Ren wick by two yards. A hack race was won by Mr. R. Graham's cream pony against two other competitors. A private match of 100 yards was also run. After a capital contest the receiver of 5 yds. start won. Tilting in the Ring.—This ancient sport was indulged in by seven competitors, some of whom were not remarkable for the gracefulness of their riding. The eccentric gambols of a son of St Crispin, well known in Queen-street provoked much laughter. After running three trials, McKay and D. White tied, having carried off four rings each. In the deciding bout White took three and his opponent only one, White therefore took the prize £3. The sports were carried through without a hitch, Messrs R. Graham, R. Whitson, R. Kirkwood J. Stevenson, Jno. Cos grave, R. C Greenwood acted as stewards. The starting was attended toby Mr A. King, and the judging done by Mr R. C. Green wood, Mr R. X irkwood and Mr J. Stevenson alternately. Mr James, as usual presided over the strawberry and cream department to the satisfaction of every body. The re freshment booths were administered by the lessees, Messrs Stebbing and Wallis in a first class style. The fiae band of the Hobson Company, poured forth soul inspiring strains throughout the day, under the directions of bandmaster McCormish. The merry-go round and other amusements of the gardens were in great request during the day, and the fine weather enabled everyone to expe rience thorough enjoyment.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

There was to have been a special match of the Auckland Representatives on Saturday last, but owing doubtless to greater attrac tions elsewhere, only one of the four, Lieut, Skinner, put in an appearance, and fired through the intended practice of 28 shots ; ranges 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards, firing at a white and a dark target alternately {an equal number of shots at each). The rifle being at half cock, on the word fire, eight seconds allowed for a shot, or a miss to be scored. The total score made was 77, 37 points at the white target and 40 points at the dark target. Sergt. Soall who was in attendance, also gave some useful information with regard, to judging distance, which the other representatives would do well to possess themselves of, as any prospect of winning the belt at the Thames, will hinge upon the judging distance match.

PICNIC AT MOTU IHI.

On Boxing Day, a large picnio party started from the Breakwater in the schooners Ebenezer, Onward, and Echo, f kindly placed at the disposal of the party by their respective captains and owners, for Motu Ihi, where a very pleasant day waß Bpont by

funbumr 111"

TRIP TO THE KAWAU.

Abotjt 150 persons visited the Kawau nw Saturday by the Pretty Jane, starting iZ he wharf ab nine o'clock and returning tenatmght. The party evidently £*££* themselves, and on reaching the istandffi of the ex-Governor, the ladies andgentW were greeted on landing from the boat by Sir George Grey himself, who took e re 7f pleasure in taking the visitors over his bean tiful grounds and explaining the nharacter and names of the flowers. He also threw the house, with ita many curios, open Th party was delighted with what they saw in this retreat of beauty and quietude, and did not fail to express that pleasure to the master of the island. The party reached the island at about two o'clock, &oA after giving three hearty cheers to Sir George Grey and his niece, which was responded to by those on the island, left again about half-pa3t five o'clock, arriving at the Queen-street Wharf about ten. The idea of calling at the Hot Springs was abandoned On the passage down the ship Asaaye, from London, with immigrants, was passed at a short distance, and Mr. Impey's bandy on board the Pretty Jane, struck up " Rome Sweet Home,' and " Cheer Boys Che6r" while cheer after cheer on board the Pretty Jane, responded to from the ship, rendered the entrance of the new-comers into pott specially auspicious.

THE DOMAIN.—GOOD TEMPLAR PICNIC.

The Domain on Saturday was in the posses, sion of the Good Templars. The members of the thirteen Auckland lodges assembled in goodiy numbers at the appointed time, and marched in procession to the gladea of this sylvan locality. With the exception of Brother Hannaford and a fe^ others, the brethren preferred the simple rosette to the regalia. The Temperance Band preceded the brotherhood, and played some lively airs. Considering the short time of their existence they have made good pro gress, and play remarkably well, bnt the members want a uniform dress which will be provided as soon as funds shall permit. There were a number of stalls for supplying temperance drink, sandwiches and strawberries. A few hymns were snag under the trees, and speeehesmadebyMe&SM Spragg and Carr. The young persons how ever were not disposed to listen, as they had come there for of her purposes such as ■" DM. ing the Miller," "Kiss in the Ring," and other sports in which they heartily, joined. The Acclimatisation Gardens were viaitedby many hundreds who enjoyed a sight of the amimals biids and flowers. Altogether the sceue was most enjoyable, and the weathn most agreeable. Mr Brighton's gardens^ his' tea, strawberries and other refreshments were fully appreciated.

CRICKET.

The members of the Auckland and Tfest End Cricket Clubs played a match on Satur day afternoon in the Domain, which resulted in favor of the Auckland Club Theiewag some splendid batting with the Auckland men ; Yates scored 21, Garland 48, andlteej 24. Cotton, usually, so active with tig thorough Cornish hits, made but 6. Their innings, however, was a good one, and the total 14S. The West End represent^! seemed out of trim, and seven memfeis successively made duck's eggs. Danes scored 28, and Mumford 11. The fint innings reached 24, the second 53, total 17* so that the Auckland Club won an easy victory in one innings by 71.

ACCIDENTS.

We are happy to state that our list of 4 casualties during the holidays is so gaulL We do not hear of one of a serious nature. At the races, after the running of the Mid--.; summer Handicap, one of the horses named Kingfisher, oa being pulled up fell heavily, and it was thought tbat his rider (Watty) ' had sustained fatal injuries, as the.-iorae;, rolled light on to him. Several-o^the spectators ran to his assistance, and:he;wai carried into the dressing-room, whereat vas found that beyond a severe shaking no him had been done. Ellekslie Sports.—A boy who'was crossing the course in the Gardens, in sjate of the warning notices to keep outside during the sports, was knocked down by ahoraeand his face injured. The Trains.—On Christmas D*y ; the three o'clock train from Auckland w»s brought to a standstill in the middle of the tunnel, owing to the amount of steam not being sufficient to drag the train up the in' cline. The train was a heavy one, and lie passengers, especially the ladies, were much alarmed at the unusual occurrence, liter about hree minutes detention, another effort was made and the train resumed its course. We understand that in one of the canbgeJ a lady fainted Fortunately every one kept their seats, and thero was no accident barring the stoppage.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CHURCHES.

The old-fashioned custom of decoratragtM interiors of churches at the festive season ot. Christmas, was observed this year in a «tf prominent manner at most of the buildings in and near the city. St. W Church and St. Mary's Church bore f ™ palm for the neatness and beauty of w devices. In St. Paul's, the /ortj " Glory to God in the highest, *J mounted the altar window, and the.««y window was ornamented with." Emma^ God with us." The whole of the-«tD«*J tation was effectively executed by kdi e'J, the church, viz., Mrs Hetley andMrsJoj . and Misses Coates, Leaf, and Beale. > | Christmas service was conducted by tW**' C. M. Nelson and the Rev. R. Barrows.. .» Matthew's church was chastely bat not» travagantly adorned. The pulpit w* P» tily wreathed with ferns and flowers in a™ l tasty manner. Over the altar ffera.»• words "God with us," and theiouni^ surrounded with geraniums, lilies, f"n ° ; ; leaves. Rev. R S. flassard preached aW; brief but seasonable sermon from JNett. t»ll» V" All" Saints', Ponaonby, one of •■tkSgSj . of suburban churches, was illumlnatea - apt texts of scripture, set in border:.« green, interlaced with flowers. tnustered weU, and the Rev. E N-. Brf^. proved the occa3ion by an excelled course. „ JerU St. Patrick's Cathedral was both morning and evening, and ta^ in celebration of the festival was PJ"^^ under the direction of Rev. Father I f*t*g& celebrant, assisted by Father O^W^ other of the clergy. The cathead decorated in a pleasing style. ■ on tedl>/ St. Sepulchre's Church was pn*?*^ the ladies ; and the Christmas motW^ the soDg of the angels, displayeoi^ green leaves. The sermon" was | from Luke, chap. 11 ver- B. T. Dudley, and was listened to wi attention. • ~ -'■.' -

TROTTING MATCH FOR £200.

A trotting match took place Mjtfi-W I for £100 a side between Mr &./^Tq^ I mare and Mr Dora well's bay The conditions of the race ma(W^j|P I tive for the owners to be -up, *^ -Ot,W I imparted additional interest to tne_ , . ■ course was from Onehunga atojfc I road to the Junction Hotel. .■■; + .tlusDlo ljil arranged to take place at six o d«* !■ ing, at which time the oomjjWoyj L 71 in the mark near the Koyal W» l -SfIWM looked confident and the betting |p( M divided. A gentleman weU£ offJ o th;ff I ing circles officiated as starter. ,^ iff ■ appeared in good condition, *L-s&ffiM cannot be said to apply to. m. .&&£*§ were decidedly "beefy K\o^ I however there was not nwca ■

THE « i?ENIN& S^AB, MOHDAiT, »!(^Mg|gJgJjH



J^" O T I 0. E The BANKS will he CLOSID on SATTTBDAY 26th ir-stsnt. B'XiNftDAY "JVTEW CASTLE COAL. NOW LANPING, FOR SALE LO GSIDE VESSEL, In lots to suit buyers at 34s PEE, TON, CASH JAMES W. WALLER, CUSTOM HOT7SE-STBEET. TJNTON BANK OF ATTSTKALIA. [Established 1837.] PAID-UP CAPITAL £1,250,000 RESERVE FUND £400,000 THB HIGHEST CT/*KENT KA.TE OF IKTEREST ALLOWED ON FIXED DEPOSIT. • J. B. BRATHWAITE, Manager.



AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD. TEJST POUNDS REWARD. Harbour Board Office, Auckland, 28th Dec, 1874. A reward of Ten Pounds will be paid to any person ■who will give such information to the Police as will lead to the conviction of the person or persona who set fire to the timber, which is now burning, on the South-western side of the Island of Rangitoto. WILLIAM C. DALDY, Chairman. CITY CLUB HOTEL. To bo disposed of, TEH EVENING, in £1 Shares, the celebrated racehorse " Fjyinj* .Jio." U N. ABBOTT. \ TJOKLAiSD CUP SWEEPSTAKES. £3l The PPI2ES will b» paid THIS EVENING- at the City Club Hotel. Sweeps open on Hurdle Race and t-teepiethase. w. N. ABBOTT. A UCKLAND CUP HANDICAP i-fc- SWEEP. Winners are reque-ts'' to take notice that payments will be rrmde T"-M<>KROW EVEMKG, 20th mat, at 8 o'clock, at the Globe Jhotel. . A. B^RR MR, J. BKOWN'S SINGING CL'f-S —Members, with their Mends Will pleara Meet for Practice This (Monday) Evening as vuual. X FAIRS, hon Sctretary.