SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

HIGH "WATER : This evening, 11.55 ; to morrow morning 32 SUN SET : This evening, 7.10 ; SUN TtISE: to morrow morninst, 5.18 MOON'S AGE : Last Qaarter, 30th, 0.12 a.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES. PROJECTED DEPARTURES. For the' Islands—Kenilwortb, schooner, early For the South—Ladybird, s.s, on arrival of San Francisco Mail For New York— Ayr, barque, early For Honolulu and San Francisco-Macgregor, s.s.,

19&h February For London—G3enlora, ship, Jungfrau, barque, early For Galle— Assayo, ship, at once For Sydrey—Mikado, s.s, on arrival; Hero, s.s, 7th February

VESSELS EXPECTED.

Mikado, E.M.8,8, from San Francisco, about 29th

instant Papua, schooner, from Rarotonga, early Invererne, ship, from London ; sailed October 30 Anazi, barque, frem London ; sailed October 28 Bapido, barque.from New York, via Adelaide Chanticleer, brig, from Hobart Town, early Magellan Cloud, from Lyttelton, early Kyno, brigantine' from Rotumah, early Helena, brigan<ine, from Lyttelton, early Jungfrau, barque, from Wellington, early Memento, barque, from Newcastle, early Fairlie. from JLyttelton, early Lady Franklin, barque, from Newcastle; sailed 4th

instant Martha, barque, from Kussell, early Mary Melville, *chooner, from Napier Prince Alfred, barquentine, from Noumea, early Ada, b rqae, from London ; sai ed Nov 24 India, ship from • ond'ia : sailed Nov 24 Hero, s.s, from Sydney, early Wong* Wonga n.s, fr.,m Sydney, early Fiery Cross, schooner, from Oamaru. early Bella Mary,'barque, from Hobarc Town, early Laetttia schooner, front Dunedin Nightingale, brigantine, from Melbourne

The barquentine Prince Alfred arrived at the Bay of Islands from Noumea on Tuesday. She -will load coals at Kussell, and come on to Auckland.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as "follows: — For Thamei, this d*y, at 6.80 p.m., and on Saturisy next, at 7 a.m For Taranaki, and Southern provinces, per Lady-

trird, this day, at 5 p.m. For Australian Colonies, per Mikado/^six hours after

arriv*l _ . ';,'•'. For Mf.huratsgi, Matakana, Maogawai, waipu, &c per Lady Bowen, on Saturday next, at 10 a m For "Wauganui, per St Kilda, on Saturday next,-ai

10 am. For Wangarei, &v., per Clyde, on Saturday next, ai

10 a.m. For Taranaki and "Wanganui, per Go-ahead, oc Saturday next, at 1 p,m (Signed) 8, B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

■White Clarke—On 28 ;h instant, at St Patrick's. Cathedral, by the Key Father Simpson, Thoma^ Henry, thirl son of the-late Thomas White, to Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Mr James Clarke, both of this city.

DEATHS.

Shaw—On January 29, Cecilia Anne, only daughtei of John and Bridget Shaw : aged 12 months. The funeral will leave her father's residence. Mount Eden, on Sunday, at 3 pm. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. Mokbland—On 23th ins-tant, at the Provincia1 Hospitai, W. J. Morcland : aged 30 years, ihe luneral will leave the X spital on Sunday next, at 3 o'clock. Friends will please accent this invitation.

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1875.

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

To-day the colony of K"cw Zealand enters on the thirty-sixth year of its age. In the life of man such an epoch would mark the primc of strength and energy. There are those who affect to think that New Zealand Bhows the marks of premature senility, bub, though we have sown and still are sowing our wild oats, there is to the impartial eye an irrepressible "go" that marks the buoyancy of boyhood, not the feebleness of age. On such an occa sion as the present, it ia always customary to compare the New Zealand of thirty-five years, ago with the New Zealand of to-day. TVe shall do likewise. There was mud in the Waltemata then, and there was fern growing on hills ; and there were Maoris wearing mats and eating pipis, and whole lot of other things. And there was no regatta not a City Council, nor an education tax and a lot of other things. And Mr Vogel was not borrowing money, and there was no Queen street sewer nor silt basins, and Dr Wallis was not selling his library, and Ohinemurj was not going to be opened, and a great many other things ; in fact, there are a great many things now that were not then, and there were a great many things then that are not now, a fact which it is desirable from year to year to impress on the minds of the rising; generation, the whole of which how ever we may succinctly convey in the handy bhongh somewhat ungrammatical phrase, things isn't as they used to was. Leaving however our readers to amuse themselves with discovering the contrasts between the era of the treaty of Waitangi and the year of Grace 1875, we may heartily congratulate ourselves on the substantial prosperity that has attended colonization in there islands and the rapid strides which New Zealand has been making in the path' of empire. A.t no time in her history has New Zealand en. joyed more sound prosperity j at no time was she more assured of peace and plenty in the future. "The war clouds rolling dun" have rolled away, we trust for ever, from the hori zon, and the relative positions of civilization and barbarism within our coasts are such as to indicate no stone of stumbling in the onward march of our colonization. Mistaikes may be made unintentionally or under the pressure .of political exigencies. Public in terest may be at times subordinated to per sonal ambitions, and the general welfare may be hidden in the strife of parties. But the resources of our noble islands are too mani fold, the Anglo-Saxon energy of our colonists too great, for anything to stay our progress or avert the manifest destiny of the Britain of the South. We may well then keep holi day to-day with gladness. In other parts of the colony on their annual holidays they cele brate the foundation of their severalprovinces. As becomes the ancient capital we celebrate the founding of the colony, and we do it as*fbecomes a young commercial nation, whose flag aspires to control the commerce of the Pacific. Our annual holiday has been fittingly chosen for Regatta Day, and let us hope that the struggles in. our harbour from year to year will inspire among our youth those ambitions that best become the Corinth of the South.

Yesterday afternoon a purse, well filled with sovereigns, together with a testimonial, were presented to Mr F. Williams, by the gentlemen of Parnell and neighbourhood. Mr Williams has long enjoyed the respect and goodwill of Mr . Crowther's customers. Unfortunately he met with a very severe accident a few months ago, which prevented him following his usual vocation, Ms return to which is evidently well appreciated. The list of names in the testimonial is \ headed by Sir Gr. A. Arney. We have much pleasure in recording the gift, which was un expeofed, and has afforded the greatest gratification to the recipient.

The Royal Hnmane.Society's medal, pre sented to Mr Charles Hopkins for diving for Captain Blythe of the cutter Leader on the 23rd of January, 1874, has been received, and . was presented to the recipient bjr the Hon. Dr. Pollen yesterday.. It is a handsome medal of bronze, bearing the inscription in Latin—"He haa obtained this reward for having saved the life of a citizen" ; and within she wreath the inscription-"The Royal Humane Society presented this gift ifor saving life." On the obverse side of the medal is a boy blowing a torch, and the in scription— " Peradventure a little spark may yet lie hid." On too same side is the date when the Humane Society was established, namely, 1774. The name of the receiver and the date of the act of bravery and humanity, | for which the presentation has been made, are engraved on the rim of the medal. Such a recognition of courageous efforb in the cause of humanity is one that may well be trea sured with pride, and bequeathad from father to son as a family heirloom, more to be treasured than almost any of the hundreds of other costly things that are often stored up in this way. We congratulate Mr Hop kins upon the honor he has won, the more so because we know it was well earned.

The Hobson Volunteer and Band ball, at the Lome-street Hall last evening was em inently successful. The hall was conveniently full, and the dancing satisfactory. The young ladies seemed to eajoy it amazingly. At mid-night, the br llianb company sat down to an excellent repast, plentifully spread by Mr Eiordan, cf the Custom House Hotel.

James Walsh, of Symonds-street, writes : "Sir,—Seeing a letter in Tuesday's issue concerning the poor old gravedigger, I will, with your kind permission, make a few remarks. 'True Charity' must not thiak for a moment that Walsh wanted his assist ance, for it is well known that. ' True Charity' wants assistance himself, although he talks of putting his name down for a pound. Now if he thinks Mr Walsh has got £300 a year, he is mistaken, for I think it there was £300 a year to be got at grave digging there Would be a great many at it in Auckland ; and as to the mortgage, I would like • True Charity' to explain himse'i on that subject, as he does not in his lebter of Tuesday night. I should also like to know what business it is of ' True Charity's' what the poor old man gets of his son's wages, or grave-digging, or cabinet-making .either. I ■ think it is likely that 'True Charity' would like the billet of grave digging himself, as he talks so much about it. It' ' True Charity' wants assistance him self, why not ask through the papers like a man, and don't stop another from getting a few shillings because he can't get it himself." [From enquiry we are satisfied that " True Charity " was perfectly correct in his state ments, and he is entitled to the thanks of the public for defeating an attempt to obtain money from the public by a false pretence of poverty. While there are so many desarving eases of distress in the community,' such im postures as that practised in Welsh's case ought to ba exposed, being calculated to do injury to any deserving cause for which an appeal to public charity may be necessary.— Ed. U.S.]

The supplement of to-morrow's Evening Star will contain a fund of pleasant and in structive reading, both for young and old, which will prove a solace in the homes and diffuse a spirit of chearfulness through the household. This extra licerary sheet will contain new stories by looal writers, viz:

" Tales of the goldtields," by the author of the "Last of the VV*ikato3;" and '"The Dream Maiden," by Air Blackman, showing how the dream of Peter Popkins was realized, a suggestive story for grumbling bachelors. The "Balloon wedding," and

"Marriage on speculation," will be read with interest by young ladies. Among the poems will appear the " Last serenade,' and "Imused in pensive mood." The supple ment will also contain scraps of wit, para graphs of wisdom, and elegant extracts, which will be gratefully accepted by a grateful community.

On Wednesday last Mrs Whitaker dia played at her Lake residence her wonted liberality in treating the children attending

the Lake and Woodaide schools. About, forty of the pupils met at the Lake school room in the morning, and there partook of luncheon, provided by the master, Mr Seaman, after which, on proceeding to Mrs Whitaker's, that lady furnished them with a most enjoyable afternoon's sports and repast. The boys, with the help of Master Whitaker and their master, had a capital game at cricket, in which some of them displayed very creditable skill. The girls were enter tained by the Misses Whitaker and other ladies in a variety of gam 63. After the sports a repast wag provided on the margin of the Lake, furnished with viands of the choicest and most delicate nature, to which the chil dren did ample justice. The master, on behalf of his pupils, thanked Mrs Whitaker for her generous act, and the ladies present for so kindly contributing to their thorough eujoyment. Mrs Whitaker promised them an invitation another year if their conduct at school was favourably reported. On hearing of the proposed fete, W. I». Rees, Esq., kindly presented the schools with a set of cricket apparatus, which contributed much to the success of the game.

The Eev. Dr. Punshon, President of the English Wesleyan Conference, is just recovering from a serious attack of illness. A new Wesleyan hymn-book is being pre pared at Home, which will contain one thousand hymns and psalms, and will come into general use next year. s

Here is a word to Good Templars. Did they but turn their attention to practical ways of limiting the use of intoxicants, such, for instance, as providing good public drinking fountains, who knows what amount of good might be quietly effected?—" Sir,— Can you tell me whose duty-it is to keep the town pumps ia order? We have one here at the corner ■' of Queen and Grey-street, but we cannot get water out of it. Would it be any use to appeal to the Good Templars ? Their late generosity to the inmates of the Orphan Home makes me think they would extend their charity to us if they knew how we are circumstanced. They might get a new pump, or even get the old one mended. I know it would advance their cause, for I have watched people coming up the street stop at that broken pump and try to get a drink of 'Adam's ale,' and when they failed made a bee line to the Market Hotel and substi tnted Whitson's. Good Templars to the rescue.—lam, &c, A Dattohtek of Tem perance."

The Engineer Volunteers, headed by the Artillery Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, mustered this morning at Dine o'clock at the firebell, Grey-street, and marched toj the Takapuna, the band playing some lively airs by the way. The members were accom panied by their wives, bairns, and sweet hearts, bent upon spending the holiday at the fair retreat of VauxhalL

The second anniversary of the order of Good Templary, and the parting soiree to Hon. S. D. Hastings,, will be given this evening in the Choral Hall. Tea will be on the table at six o'clock. Musical selections will|be given, and speeches delivered by Hon. S. D. Hastings and other advocates of the cause. -

The householders of Newton held a meeting last evening, in St. David's school room, near the Kyber Pasa, Mr Cherry in the chair. , Thea annual re port was read and adopted. It appears that the total number ,of girls and boys in i attendance at Sfc. David's during the past year averaged 98, while those of the Newton Academy averaged 165 ; the latter being situated in the most populous district of the two. !'". Messrs Ridings, Hobson,. McSkim ming, Warren, and Stevenson were elected to serve as the school committee for the en suing year. , . •

■An excellent iilustratioo of the lying pro pensities 6f the mail Fel'owes who has" been obtaining some notoriety at home by maligning ihe colony might be afforded in a systematic perusal of our " Wanted" columns. Perhaps as fair an illustration as any is afforded to-day in one wanted in which we observe that a married couple are offered 30s a week, with board and lodging for their services. When we consider that all the struggle, and the strikes and the lock out in the Eastern counties of England have been over the demanded increase of the men's wages from eleven shillings to twelve shillings per week, and then from twelve shiliiuga to thirteen shillings, and that without board, there seems a diabolical maliciousness in the attempt of a dis-. appointed returned 1 colonist trying to pre judice a suffering and semi-starving people against our land of plenty.

To the Editor : Sir, —As an old salt I and several more could not but admire the sea manlike manner in which the redoubtable schooner Peerless was handled in getting under weigh to compete with two noted clippers, viz., the schooner Gem and ketch Clematis, and seemed to be theme of all, especially after the owner 3of her refusing the Albatross's offer to leave the paltry prize of £50, and to run the Albatross for £125 to £100. Among many others, as sailors, I think they seem to be rather afraid of the Albatross. After them doing so much blowing, I should imagine if they are so confident in the Peerless they would foregone the £50 to win £125. Many people are greatly dissappointed in the way affairs are managed in the regatta ; and I hope the Ciub will present the Peerless, after her splendid victory of to-day, with a flag, to commemorate her splendid victory over a running bowsprit schooner and a ketch.— I am &c, An Old Skipper."

COFFEK !— Brown, Barrett, and Co.'s Standard Coffaes both delicious and strong. Brown, Barrett, and Co.'s itacelsior Coffee deserves preference to and Coffee on account of purity and distinctness of flavour. Note tho brand. Sold at almost evory grocery es tablishment in town and province.—Advt.

Persons who wish to tske advantage of tho five per cent discount allowed on H. H. Smith's Improved Patent Portable Ovens, Colocial Ovens, House and Ship Stoves, Ac, should do so at once, so as to save disappointment. —(Advt.)

?£jThe only Jeweller that can sell you a good Silver HuQting Geneva Watch, warranted, for £3 103, is F. H. lewi&son, "Watch Maker, Queen-street, Auckland, opposite the Union Batik.—(Advt.) The only .Establishment that sell Dixon and Son's Electroplate, and Bussell and Son's Gold and Silver Lever Watches, is F. H. Lewisson, Jewellar, opposite the Union l?ank. next door to Shortt's Hair Cutting Emporium.—(A.dvt.)

ELLERSLIE SPORTS.

The unpropitious state of the weather be tween ten and eleven o'clock this morning was not favourable to the Ellerslie holiday makers, still a considerable number of per sons availed themselves of the opportunity afforded by the railway of paying a visit to the beautiful gardens and grounds of the sportive scenes. A considerable number of persons were present at Ellerslie Gardens this morning, bufc as the weather continued to bo showery, it was thought desirable to adjourn the projected sports, which was to have taken place to-day, until a more favorite opportunity. .It was at length deteiminad to put them off until St. Patrick's Day, Mr. Giabam promising in the meantime to communicate with the Hibernian Society, and endeavour to arrange with them for the sports on that day, also to make terms with the railway company for special trains for the accommodation of the members and the public. Mr Graham has been at great expense in erecting tem porary buildings on the ground, and great disappointment was felt that the weather was unfavourable. The gardens were in really beautiful order, and the flowers tastefully gay in colour, and in time these gardens will become the most agreeable resort of holiday-makers in the province. The proprietor has given £5, in addition to the takings at the gate which will be devoted to the getting up of a few friendly games and sports among well-known peds present. Should the Hibernian Society accept the pro posed views of Mr Graham, the 17th of March, will be one of the most successful and pleasureable holidays of the year. By the twelve o'clock train, several hundreds alighted at the station, and shortly after the gardens, between the showers, presented quite an animated appearance.

(PEE. PIGEON EXPRESS.) This day, 3 p.m. The following races were got up on the ground :— Handicap Foot Bace— First prize, 20s; second, 10s. Qucrter of a mile. Donovan, I ; Sewell, 2 ; McMillan, 3. Three Legged Race, stakes 10s and ss, wiuner £I—Donovan1 —Donovan first, Fagan second. Whisker and McMillan also ran.

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS' FESTIVAL.

ST. JAMES'S SCHOOL TEACHERS'

PICNIC

The teachers in connection with St. James' Presbyterian Church had their annua\ pic nic to-day at St. George's Bay. There was a large muster and despite the passing showers they contrived to pasß a very enjoyable day. WESLEYAN SABBATH-SCHOOL. ■"

The Wesleyen Sabbath-school Union, con sisting of four schools, namely, Pitt-street, 250 children and 30 teachers, Mr R. Arthur, superintendent ; Union-street, 60 children and 6 teachers, Messrs. Welsman and Buddie, superintendents; Graf ton Road, 120 children and 15 teachers, Mr. McMaster, superintendent ; Parnell, 70 children and 7 teachers, about 700 in all, were early this morning, notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, making preparations for their great and eagerly-lookedrfor annual gala day. At about nine o'clock hundreds of little, people with bounding foetsteps and happy hearts—which, to all appear ance to-day, nothing could sadden—were wending their way to the various rendez vous, from, which" place they inarched headed by their teachers, to the Railway Station, wh«e a special train was in waiting to convey them, to the beautiful Remuera grounds, so kindly placed at their disposal by an old friend, James Dijworth Esq. For many ysars past these particular schooler have always held their festival on New Year's Day, bnt was providentially changed, as it happened to be a day of pouring rain. The place is by far the best in or around Auckland, being densely shaded, and bo secluded that not a single intruder appeared the whole of the day ; this last quality is to those in charge of the schools, not the. least. The utmost preparation that could be made was made j and up to the time we left the scene, it was a most enjoyable treat, which perhaps is as well that it only comes once a year. The majority of the ministers com posing the Conference were there, and threw in their powers'to amuse and enjoy the chil dren. The games were those of a sensible character, and not the " kiBS-in-the-ring," etc., we sometimes see at such gatherings. The children sang sweetly some of their tunes. The luncheon was perhaps as well patronised as anything on the field,; and was served out in good order. A great many of the friends and parents of the children were on the ground, and the whole was one complete mass of pleasure. A special lunch was served for the ministers and teachers after the .children had par taken. Slight showers of rain during the course of the day intercepted some of the movements, but was quickly over, and as soon forgotten. The children left by train at half-past six. CHURCH OF ENGLAND SABBATH SCHOOLS. The usual place in our Domain where the schools gather, was crowded at an early hour this morning. The following schools were there :-St. Matthew's 400 children and 20 teachera, Mr Nolan iuperinteßdeat; St.

Paul's ■ 160 children and teachers, Mr Ham mond superintendent; St. Peter's (One huriga), 400 children and teachers; St. Mary's (Parnell), 175 children and teachers, Mr R. C. Dyer superintendent. A special tram landed them at the Domain a little before 10 o'clock, and they, all in a procession, marched to the camping ground. The children and teachers were in their merriest, happiest, ' mood. The sports were commenced almost instantly the children arrived. The teachers and scholars were co amalgamated, and each in full stretch for enjoyment, that a stranger would think they were all scholars. An almost extravagant supply of good things were there, and it is needless to say how the little ones heartily partook. It was astonish ing to see how the reverend gentlemen, Messrs Nelson, Hassard, and others, were bent in gividg full scope to make the day what it was intended a perfect holiday. There were games arranged, so that the very least child could enjoy, andthe older ones met with sources of pleesure suited to their years. It was a perfect sight to see the whole mass of children, move and act at the command of their superintendent and teachers. There was not a single mishap, everyone being the guardian of the other to some extent. The occasional raindrops interfered in no way with them; the shelter was everything that could be wished.

ALL SAINT'S SUNDAY SCHOOL. The above school, of over 50 children aad teachers left thia morning by buss and other conveyances, to the beautiful grounds of Rev. Mr Bees's at at Home Bay. This day was promised to them of long date, and the children's hearts beat with a little disap pointment, as the morning showed signs of bad weather. But they determined to co, and the success of the festival was beyond their calculations. It would be a poor treat to the children if tha swing's, football and cricketing implements were left behind. The teachers did nobly for the little ones, and deserve the praise of the parents and others for the untiring zeal for the good of the chfldren. Of course the children did not require anytning to sharpen their apetite. This was in full vigour, as was shewn, as basket and hamper of hot-roils and current bun 3 and sand witches dis appeared from view. The whole was a real social gathering long to he remembered.

CHORAL HALL.

BBV. CHARLES CLARK'S IEOrtTBE. The fourth and last of the series of lectures announced by this eminent lecturer was given laat evening in the Choral H all, which was literally thronged by an audience repre senting in large numbers every class of the community. The subject of the lecture, and the promise of what had never before been heard in Auckland—a selection of Christmas carols musically rendered—appealed to the sympathies not of Englishmen only but of every Christian nationality and denomina tion ; and the unqualified appreciation of Mr Clark as a lecturer, which has won for that gentleman a success almost unprecedented in this city, combined to draw a crowded house on the occasion of his last public appearance in Auckland. The lecturer treated of " Christmas in old England, its customs and its carols," the latter being suitably illus trated, at intervals during the evening, by an efficient choir, consisting of Miss Christian, Mrs Smythe, Mr Skinner, and one ortwo ama teurs. Mr Clark explained the origin and early history of the festival of " Christ Mass," and in well-chosen language that could offend not even the moat bigoted, he claimed for its ecclesiastical observance the grateful participation of all Christians of whatever country or age. The traditions and customs of Christmas-tide were related and explained with a clearness and accuracy, denoting con siderable ability and careful research. Inter spersing his remarks with anecdotes of a most amusing character and sparkling witticisms, he treated of the mistleto and evergreens, the festive cheer, the wassail bowl, the carol singing, the yule log, the boar's head, " be decked with bay and rosemary," and all the accompaniments of the merry season in the old home. In this manner his lecture was particularly instructive to the youug and to those who have never spent a Christmas in mid-winter, with all the exhiliarating in fluences of sharp frost, cold, and blazing log tires, roasted chesnuts, and spiced beer; while to those who have lived in o!d Eng land the familiar associations of many past Christmasses were presented in a vivid reality. " Then each homestead deck'fc with holly, Bay and ivy loaves were seen, Winter's brow of melancholy Cheering with a cbaplet green. Then kind looks, with pleasure beaming, - Blazing hearth, and festive fare ; Hearts with social feeling teeming, Welcome joy and banish care. While with early salutations Loud the parish bells were rang ; And in tones of congratulation* Many a village carol rang. But perhaps the most felicitous remarks of the lecturer were those which he made upon the social aspect of Christmas ; and the beautiful song, so tenderly sung by Miss Christian, " Come round the hearth," added peculiar emphasis to this branch of ' the subjects. Of the musical part of the programme, we have only to say that con sidering his short time allowed for prepara tion, the Carols were very fairly rendered. The " Cradle song of the Blessed Virgin" (music by Baraby) was in our opinion the best. This and several others were taken from an excellent book of Carols, familiar to many homes in Auckland, edited by the Rev. H. R. Brambry and Dr. Stayer. The 'Boar's Head' Carol was no doubt more familiar to the audience, and we believe there were some present who recollect having this Carol song on many Christmas nights by the present Archibishop of York (Dr. Thomson) with all the procession and paraphernalia (as described by Mr. Clark) in the hall of Queen's cottage', Oxford. Altogether the lecture was a very great treat; and the enthusiastic applause which was bestowed as the lecturer left the plat form, testified to the thorough and hearty appreciation on the part of the audience.

' Sigma.

CRICKET—INTER-PROVINCIAL.

[BY TELEGBAPH]

(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER)

OTAGO V2JMSUB CANTERBURY.

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.) . This day;

The match commenced shortly after noon yesterday. The Otago captain having won the toss, elected to take, the field. Ollivier and Neilion at the wickets to face the bowl ing of Downes and Glen. The weather is favourable ; no Bun, with S.W. wind rather fresh. Downes at first bowled well, though rather much to leg, bowling six succeaiive maidens ; Ollivier then made a single. Our chance in slips were not taken. First wicket Neilson fell for two. Corfe and Fowler getting together, made it lively time for the field, hitting in all directions, and as much as they pleased. At the adjournment for lunch the score stood 62, with only the loss of one wicket. After lunch three changes- of. bowling took place, but with no effect until Olliver cut Paramour into slips, where he was held by Lambert, 2, 52, 129, Ollivier's score including five fours and three threes. Corfe gave Chance 77, but otherwise played a faultless innings, his 88 including three fives, four fours, and five threes. Baker was run out after scoring 33 by really good play. Lee bowled by Paramour (first clean ball of the day) for 25. Stevens, who filled the vacancy, was bowled by Paramour. The first ball at which Otago's hopes revived, for E. Fowler, who followed, knocked together 40 by unprecedented^ fast hitting. His 40 was got in less than half an

hour. He was caught in slip, when stump were drawn ; Fowler, not out, .with 11 and Sweete with s.'Otago placed witha good deal of ill luck, though at times her fielding was very indifferent. Several catches should have been taken, and extras stand at the un usually large number of 30, of whichl2h.ere wides. Wickets fell thus- 3, 88, 174, 4, 6% 217, 525, 250, 6, 0, 25, 7, 40, 280.

THE REGATTA.

THE apprehensions concerning the weather were rendered graver than ever early tms morninJ when the ram came aown m Zlentt and it blew heavily from the west ward causing the anxious early risers to make many ominous prophecies that the RegattaTolld be postponed .Soon after six, however, the clouds broke, the ram held off, and the sky assumed a more serene aspect leaving a nice fresh west wind, just suSt to enable all sail to be spread in thL ßacompariS'the programme of the pre sent anniversary with those of former years one cannot be struck with the almost total disappearance of the Maori element. Only a few years ago the Maori canoe race was one ofthe principal features of the day These ton* fantastically shaped craft, with antique devices carved all over their prows and sterna, and their dusky crews excited to war pitch by their rivalry with each other, and ever and anon breaking out in'o unearthly screeehings, were well calculated to impress the memory and stir the imagination. But the progress of the white man in the land has been attended with .its unfading fatahty to the native race, and not only in the Keoatta, but in the daily life of the colony things are fast assuming the quiet garb of civilization. , . la intermediate years we have seen, not indeed many war canoes, but cutters, fishing boats, and yachts, entered for the various oontesta by Maoris. The proportion of these has lessened year by year, till in the present programme two or. three small craft are all that represent the Native contingent " This is one feature that stakes us Another and a' more cheering one is the vast improvement which Auckland has made in marine architecture. We no longer see the race botween a dozen clumsy cargo boats made the chief event. Indeed we see how uo ptize given for cargo-boats at all. This might indeed be altered. But in the place of these we see a class of sc ooners, cutters, and yachts that anyoneporb, even in the old country, need not be ashamed to own. The institution of an annual regatta is undoubtedly one great cause of this manifest improvement. The prizes are now so substantial tbat they of themselves offer an inducement to merchants and others to order a superior class of vessels With others, and we feel proud to think that these form the greater number, the honors of owing or having built the champion vessel of the year operates more strongly than the mere monetary consideration. rl he consequence is that a rivalry is created, which exercises a directly improving influence upon the character of our vessels. We have kept our readers so fully posted up day by day in the various moves and counter-moves on theboard that there is little left; to' say at the last moment. At 8 o'clock, a gun was fired from the War «rick for a signal to denote that the Regatta was to take place. Soon after this the various large vessels in harbour blossomed out into a perfect blaze of bunting. .Flags of all nations and all descriptions floated from the truck to the deck of the Luna, Glenlora, Dilharree and Edith, lying at the wharf. The little steamer Southern Cross also improved on her usually dingy appear ance, and flew her signals with the rest. The brig Drover made a well-intentioned effort to come out smart. But the Warwick aa in duty bound from her honorable position, turned out ia the brightest colours. She was completely covered from stem to stern with fluttering pennants. . The ship : was not moored in her proper position, being too high up the harbour, and too near the wharf, and there were some murmurs in consequence, but, as it turned out, there was plenty of room for the starting vessels to range themselves in line. At SLo'clock the Peerless, the Clematis, and the Gem came up to the starting post, aud took up their positions, the Peerless being close in by the wharf. But even' now the rumour, to wit, that Mr Harris had made an offer to send the Albatross and lay £125 to £100 on the event, if Mr, Niccol would forego his claim to the £50 for the pro gramme race, was current. We think it likely that this offer would have been accepted had it been made sooner but it was too late. Indeed we believe we are light in saying that Mr JSiccol did not hear of the offer till too late. As the time for starting the first race approached, the weather began to look very black, to windward and the gathering clouds began to shed very uncomfortable drops, which gradually became thicker. The wind also rapidly increased in force, and it was very generally remarked that if there was too lit tie'wind last year, there would be plenty this. By half-past nine it was blowing pretty stiff, and white horses were riding over the harbour in gal lant style, causing the smaller craft to stow their gaff-topsails and put a, reef in their -mainsails. Towards noon the wind had in creased to a very heavy blow, and .was evid ently working round more to the westward. Showers and squalls came down at intervals, making it anything: but pleasant to the lookers-on. The Albatross got under weigh about noon to meet the Peerless, in order to take a"feeler at her in the run home. The steamer Scotchman made hourly trips from the wharf to the flagship, and as she took off pretty good loads from nine o'clock, the Warwick soon began to present a lively appearance. "The Hobson band, under Bandmaster McComish, were on board early, and soon their strains were heard floating above the busy scene. The following programme was gone through: — March, "Our National Defenders;" overture, " Tancredi," Rossini ; quadrilles, " Les Echo," Musard; polka mazurka, "Souve nior Vienna," Strauss j march, " I'll Speak of Thee ;" selections, " Norma," Bellini; galop, "Canary," Quinn j waltzes/ " Mouse trap," Montgomery ; schottische, " Roguelsh Eyes, Enemeline ; march, "Don't forget me, DarJing, Cox; polka mazurka, "Toy girl^" McComish ; selections, " Maritana," Wal lace ; waltzes, "Fair Star," D'Albert; saloD "Midnight," Coote. TV Owing to the roughness of the water it was decided not to start the gig races until to morrow. Ferst Back, 9.30 a.m.—Trading Vessels (brigantiiies schooners, and ketches), 25 tons register and up wards. First prize, £50, vrith a sweepstake of £5 each added; second prize, £10. Course: From aouth Bide of Flagship, through Rangitoto Channel, round Tiritiri, oußide of Shag Rock, and back through Bangitoto Channel, coming in on south side of Flagship. Owing to the fact being pretty generally known that this was simply a walk over the Peerless very little interest was felt in it. When the gun fired there was no hurry on board any of the three to get away, The Peerleea, with the station next the.wharf, went away with the lead—the Clematis and Gem following at a respectful distance. Both the latter vessels returned about noon, leav the Peerless to go round the course. >-' ' I Peerless, 78 tons, Lewis .. .. ... i Clematis, 67 tons, Moller\ .. ,; — . " n Geni, 29 tons, Watts .. .. .. ..'."••■ Second Each,: 10 a.m.—Sailing Boats or Yachts! under 6 tons. , First prize, £10; second prize £5 ; third prize, £2. Coxirse: From south side of I Flagship round chequered buoy in Bangitoto I Channel, thence round boat off Stokes' Point i twice-round, coming in on south side of Flag ship. * i The starters for this race presented a very presented a very pretty sight as they picked up to the starting point. At the signal the Challenge with cumber one berth—next to the flagship—was very smart in setting her mainsail jib and: staysail. Before the rest began to move she waa w«U under weigh I

with about fcix lengths lead" of the m who started favorite on the gtreagth^f?-?" ■ last years victoiy. Past the North nj^S I the Challenge was still leading etaS?? I pressed by the Bismarck. None ofliH B vessels set their gaffe. The windbeingHkl on their quarter they went along ttllwl^s* excellent pace. Rounding the cbeqnJMsM[ buoy the Mystery led, followed 1 JL9 the Bismarck. - These two now, v^^l right away from the others. ■ TnT V rounded the Stokes' Point buoy about hit SI a mi]e ahead, and even this lead wag [^ H creased subsequently. Passing the Noi+v'- * H Shore the second time, the Mystery fed iT m 50 yards. Off the Pier the BienaardM I I in a reef in her mainsail. BbtrT boats ■ H afterwards reefed close down, the wind* «f this time being very strong and gusty J£< p rain. This race finished as under :—. ™ f-j Mystery, &M tons, Martin, lh. 30m... if Bismarck, 5 tons, Eckenburg, lh. 35m. " •• I -'• IS Alpha, 5 tons, Trevarthen, 111. 49m. 30sec.*' ""2 ' 11 Challenge, 3 tons, Odium, lh. 50m. 30sec. ■'• 8 " gf Colombo, 5 tons, Targett .. ~ * # •• 4 H Phenomenon, 2 tons, Keesing ~ " •• 0-' ®A Jessie, 4 tons, |31der .. .. ~ /' •• 0 ! Ps Victoiy, 3 tons, J. O'Neill .. .. " ••0 ;■ :'■ | Scud, 3 tons, Oliver .. .... "' •• 0 |g Quiver, 4^ tons, J. Pollock .. ~ ' " .••,(>>: « Thibdßace, 10.30 a.m.—Trading Cutters 2s* B register and upwards. First prize jeas'.Tjf®* m prize, £10; third prize, £5. Course: Fron?**^ ■ M side of Flagship round boat off Brown'g t«i *" F* thence round boat between Rangitoto ana t?*l H tin, tlience round boat off Brown's Island, th' round boat on* Stokes' Point, coming h.^"^ side of Flagship. ""*«» The three entered came to tin. ! port—the Start having No. 1 ' s :iT* tion, the Magic 2, and the SovereS 1 of the Seas close in under the jibboom of tS^ Dilharee, 3 When the gun fired the Shu* crew were by far the smartest in getting* work. She got away well ahead oTTtfcP Magic, the Sovereign being slower than iih» wont. The betting was even against tS Start ; 6 to 4 against the Sovereign of tht Seas, and 2 to 1 against the Magic Tk ? Start and the Magic both had their gaflW » sails set within three minutes of getSas under weigh, but for some reason the Sovereign did not follow their example till Ions: after. The vessels proceeded down the S harbour with a spanking breeze in the fol lowing order :—Start leading; Magic, 2nd- Sovereign 3rd. This order was maintained * down the harbour to the North Head, when*? the vessels were lost to vie.' The Magic irf-£ Start at that time were almost together, and ' the Sovereign about half-a minute behind After rounding the Head the beating bW4£ and the t-tart lest her leading position, tW li Sovereign of the Seas gradually working t* H windward. - The Start had now taken inher 1 gafFtopaail, and the Magic alone kept herY E aloft. Past the reef the order was : the 1 Sovereign first; Start and Magic close to- * R gether.~ Off the Lake the three were «tai p well together, all three topmasts struck, the n Sovereign, if anything, having still the bert Start, 27 tons, Diaz g I -Magic, 29 tons, Lombard .. ~ •., „ o m Sovereign of the Sea, 30 tons, Peterson ;,. ■ ;| q Fifth Eace. 11.30 a.m.—Trading Vessels (any ru). 3 under 25 tone register. First prize, j620 ; Mead 8 prize, £10; thirdpiize, £5. Course:Jr<miHmaiSj 1 side of Flagship round-buoy off Drunken Bn - 1 tlience round boat ofl' Stokes' Point, thence Tmu& 8 chequered buoy in Eangitoto Channel, thew^ij I round boat off Stokes' Point, coming in nn ninth" side of Flagship. AH the vessels entered for this race ctne up, and orting to their number, some diffi culty was experieaced in placing them. It consequence of this the Phantom and Bella fouled just before the start, and when the gun was fired the others got away, leaving them to clear themselves as best as they could. The Avon was also between the two - vessels and the wharf, and was thus pre vented from making a fair start. The Fonr Sisteis got away first, although the Ktterina I Borradale, which was placed a short diitanca -•- I behind, was first under full weigh and drew I up alongside the Four Sisters, and they went 1 down the harbour together.' The Undine had | a position to the windward of the flagship I and got speedily under way. Her former I success made her a strong favourite. Tie Australia, a post entry, got away with a good start, and the Heather Bell followed the Undine to the windward of the flagship. • The other cutters in. the race dropped into place at intervals, extending overjiboiit ten minutes, all except the Bella, which ha<i.her ; topmast carried away in clearing fion the Phantom, started, and off the North Shore, j the cutters presented a pretty sight," snehu is seen in no other ports of New Zealand. .• The Euphemia, a cutter built byMJ^^raH Lamb on the Kaipara, was among those not '. j well forward at the start, but which »oo» , j took up a good position in the run ronnd.1 :s | The start was a very bad one, hat owing to y j the length of the course this was not such a - serious matter 8s it would otherwise have ,: j been. The buoy off Drunken Bay wu rounded by the leading boats as follows:—: Heather Bell, 12.30 ; Undine, I.23o*s#■ The Petrel Tounded third, and the Kathenm Borradale fourth, at intervals of a few minutes. In the lead back to the s Stoke* .-, Point buoy, the Undine gradually crem^B on the leader, and caught her at the North Head, where both she and the Heather Bell set their gaff-topsails. Bounding A*™'.; chequered buoy, the Undine bad a long ?**Pp i V4J and it was fortunate she had, for at thii^ juncture her jib-sheet went, and in »mome»^| the sail was flapping in the winJt^^fflH damage was soon repaired, and she retuaed: her course. The race was finished- Undine, 22 tons, Miller, 3h. 3m \ Petrel, 18 tons, Cole, 3h. 10m... ' Heather Bell, 24 tons, Clark, 3h. llm. SOseo. •- 3 Katerina Borradale, 19 tons, Peace, 3h. 13m. .. t "Wave, 20 tons, McDermott .. .. •• •■ ? Four Sisters, 17X tons, M. Kyan .... •■ •«;■; Bella, 16 tons, Bassett ... .. . ■■ ••• Euphemia, 15 tons, Lang .. .... •• * Bertha, 15 tons, Lennon .. .. •■ •• * i Phantom, 23 tons, Carlow .. • •• " » ■' Staffa, 11 tons, Campbell .. .. _••••. Avon, 18 tons, Anderson ~, .. •• •• ■ Sixth Race, 12 noon.—Sailing Boats or Yachte,*'"** and upwards. First prize, cup, value £*>, *sa £10 added; second prize, £10; third prize, **■ Course: Same as 3rd race. In consequence of the carrying away of tt» mark buoy, between Kangitoto and Tinun, , it became necessary to alter the courMi for, this race, and it was decided therefore that the course should be down to the Brown J* land buoy, round the Eangitoto ChlMls* buoy, and back to the Stokes' Point Jp^ and so to the flagship. AH the yachtocgww up. Just before the atari one of ;W Fleetwing's crew cut his hand *#J severely, and had to be brought «s«^^ The Contrabandiere had lost her anchor^|g had to be started under weigh. Th« Spray** went about and started under fall W*^H thus getting advantage in the start, M» taking the lead which she maintained on *M run down. The Daphne, Fleetwing,l»M Good Templar followed. The S? 01**^!™ was to windward lost w»y ■ ."-in "'''JJf^^^H i: her jib. The Contrabandiere and ' Tw&wKL got the worst of the start. In the run the harbour the Secret seemed to be ma*^ up lost way, but went over to the es* r*jS The Meetwing took second place and B»n«* over to the windward. The Fleetwing|ffl|H her gaff shortly after starting, an •Jfjjpffif which was followed by the Daphne W\M none of the others. In the order mengon^|,j they continued down to the, North-'^!i||||j when the Spray began io haul right °^et^?S the windward. Off the north endofK*ng»| toto, the order was—Secret, 1 ; Daphne,** j Spray, 3 ; Good Templar, 4; Fleetwing, » f j Contrabandiere, 6; Thames, 7. wing, after opening the Channel, *[*?*|| over to.the wind very much. Ihe S«<*S| was also very tender. The Daphne onJ?? other hand was very stiff. In the rlfJ|jlfK| j the Drunken buoy to the chequered; buoy *"*. " Secret increased her lead, and it war ge»f" rally remarked that the Daphne se«me ~.Ijr bury her head very much in the .Beaifj^L™ being ascribed to the gaff-topsail; WM« most people thought had better have l*«| j stowed. «The cnequered buoy was \rolpfW by the Secret at 1.38, and the Daphn*^^;, 1.39.4 Q. r pm. The Spray rounded aboß*j' ,-' minutes later, but immediately afterWjJBBHI seemed togiveupthe race.andshapedforMßS1 i The cause of this was not generally^ ;-JjSH

THS! «V**fi»& &*AK, FJEtfDA*, JAftttAKY S9, l»W



" npHE NATIONAL BANK. V or NEW (ZEALAND), Limited. CAPITAL .. ... ... £2,000,000 .7. , ... £1,000,000 RATES OP INTEREST ON DEPOSIT On Deposits fixed for 30 days', 5 % $ annum * On Deposits fixed lor 3 months', 5 J % $ annum On Deposits fixed for 6 months', 6 % $ annum DAVID HEAN, i -. ' Manager. Auckland, 17tligCecsmber, 1874. ,; ft IT V ' H ~~A L l 7 HAT 3, CLOTHING, :■: .-:i PRINTS, ; ' . DRE3SE3. QATSPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, . : CBINA MATTING. MILLINERY, TTSTDKHCLOTHIITO, V BABY LINEN. AT COST PRICE, , To effect a Clearance for extensive alteration oi promises. ■ ' KHOLLOWAY & GARLICS, CITY HAIL. TTJNCT iON'DRAPERY WAREHOUSE ( TIPPER QUJSEN-STREffiT. RU~BBROOK & BRIDGMAN (Latjb R, Hobes), . \ f Have always on hand, a Large Stnek fto select from in every department. ,-\ ■ NEW" FANCY DRESS GOOD 3, in great variety Grenadines, Muslins, Prints, Ac. ' BLACK SILKS FXJBKTSHING GOODS of every description •- Blankets, Quilts, Sheetings Muslin Car tains, White and Brown Turkish Towels, -~ Huckaback and Honeycomb Towels, &c. ; Tweeds, Serges Brown Linen Drill, Striped Linen Drill, Gambroon, Corduroy, Moleskin, Ac. STEA,¥ HATS AT .REDUCED PRI C S - Boy's, Youth's, aid Men's Clothing ./WWta Shirts, Crimean Shirts, Belts, Braces, ■ Tle«r, Collars, *c. IJBOSIERY OF EVER* DESCRIPTION, ,-.' In great variety, s ; ... (.; •,.;.:■■■■■.' PC,. ,; &C., ;. &C. RUSHBKOOK & BRIDGMAN, - (lATBR. HOBBS,) w RouiiM |a> j> Retail Drapxbs, Clothxtiui . JUNCTION DBAPERY WAREHOUSE, (Opposite the Annr and Navy Hotel,) TV STEPHEN SO N. & CO.'S XJ ■ ' ■'• • v ■' ■■■■■■■ ■ ■.- I ; CELEBRATED COFFEES, ; '*■ 'JIHI BITIO N BRAND, j ■" EAGLE BRAND, CROWN B.RAND, . i An to be procured at all respectable Grocers * and Storekeepers throughout the . Province of Auckland. . D. STEPHENSON & CO., w:t n d h am st re b t, ATJOKLAND. A GENTS FOR THE "STAR.' The Stab'can be obtained from the following' Agents at any time after 5 o'clock p.m. :— ilJinwooD-i-Mr Brown, Dedwood Store ■ \ Poksonby.Boad—MrMcKlnstry, Ponsonby Store i Kaeakqahape Road—Mr Y. Warren, Sydenham 5, Store ; Mr Nicholas, Grocery Store rTiwMAKKET—Mr Withef ord', Ironmongery Store Kyber Pass—Mr Bums, Grocery atore; Mr Taylor, ; : Grocery Store ' OireaTJis^A—Mr Gilman, Chemist; Mr Watta, Stora !.:^.keeper ■:. ■,:- .■. .;... •. ..-:. - . .-.-■' OiAHimtr—Mr J. Hall, Post-office PabkeiiL—Miss Ryan, Grocery s tore; Mr B. Brown, , Grocery Store ;Mr Augur, Grocery Store iJTpßTH-BHORK—Mr O. Mays, Grocerr Store ; Mr Duder, Grocery Store ; Mr Bass, Grocery Store i:~- "Win.i.iNaTOK-STBEKX—Mr Todd, Grocery Store ; M HJggins, Wellington Hotel, "



T CO SGEA V E & O O. Beg to inform the inhabitants of Auckland that they have.ißritered their ' ' WHOLESALE PREMISES • IN HIGHSTKEET, Litely occupied by Cruickshank and Co. They will therefore holla Sale of the ENTIRE KiTAIL SIOOK of DRAPERY AND CLOTHING is QUEKN T-3TKEEr, ON SATURDAY, THE 30th JANUARY. In order to effect a speedy clearance, the whole of the Goods will be sold at COST PRICE. There will be no Good's ottered during the Sale