SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

„„,„ rn ,^ (This Afternoon, 9.43 HIGn WAIER—- ( Morning, 10.4 SUN SET.—This Eveuing. 7.15 SUN RISE.—To-morrow Morning. 4.46 MOON'S AGE.—Last Quarter, 27th, 0.01. p.m.

ARRIVALS.

DEPARTURES

IMPCRTS. Per Hero: 1 ton gluo.— E. &H. Isaacs

EXPORTS.

PerCitv of Auckland: 113 cases kauri gum, ii bales wool. 7 bales rope, G bales canvas, 1 case curiosities.—H. B. Morton.

During the Christmas holidays the various vessels in harbour have been decorated with evergreens much mote elaborately than usual. Th« "greatest taste was shewn in the designs on the ship City of Auckland and the. s.s. Argyle, ferns, nohutaka.wa. dowers, and fronds of trees, being arranged with great skill. Most of the craft had bunches of evergreens at the mast j heads and yard-arms, and the whole of them flew all the bunting they could raise. In the early morning the wharf presented a gay and lively scene, owing to the numerous water ex cursion parties about. The s.s. City or New York is due from San Francisco to-morrow with, the English and American mails. _ „„. , The s.s. Hero ig to leave for Sydney and Mel bourne to-morrow (Friday) at noon. The s.s. Wanaka is waiting arrival of San Francisco mail steamer, ana will leave to morrow afternoon at 8 o'clock, should the mail arrive* before that time. If not she will be de tained pending its arrival. The s.s. Wellington left for the South on Christmas Day. Passengers : Rev. Mr and Mrs Brookes, Misses March, Garnaut, Mitchelson, Messrs. Cameron, Mouat, Dem.in, Mitchelson (2), Ma.rriner, Dashwooct, Withey, Salmon, Clark (2), Bastard, Thomas, Phiilipds. aud eight The _5.5. Rotorua leaves Sydney to-morrow (Friday), and is due here on Wednesday, 2nd January. She will not proceed South, but remain at Auckland until the Bth, when she will leave for Sydney. The s.s. Ladybird (Union Co.) is due here from Tauranga and the South on Monday morning. The s.s. Taranaki is due at Onehunga from the South on Sunday morning about 6 o'clock.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE, AUCKLAND.

Mails will Close as Under : For Thames, this day, at 5.30 p.m. and to morrow, atsp.m. and 5.30 p.m. For Coromandel, per Durham, to-morrow, at 5 p.m.; and.per Argyle, on Saturday next, at 8 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per Hero, to-morrow, at 11 a.m. X For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 10 a.m. Late letters for Sydney and Melboarne, till 11.20 a.m. For Australian Colonies, per City of New York, immediately after her arrival. For Whitiangi, Tauranga, and Opotiki, per Rowena, to-morrow, at 1 p.m. For Waiwera, Mahurangi, Matakana, Waipu, Marigapai. Wangarei, and Mangapai, per Annie Milbank, on Saturday next, at 10 a.m. For Russell, Kawakawa, Wangaroa, and Mon gonui, per lona, on Monday next, at _ p.m. For Taranaki and Southern Provinces, per Taranaki, on Monday next, at 7 p.m. For Tauranga, Gisborne,' Napier,, and Southern Provinces, per Wanaka, immediately after the arrival of tbe s.s. City of New York from Honolulu. Per s.s. Australia, on Tuesday, Bth January, 1878, as follows:- For- Sandwich Inlands, United States of America, Canada, British Columbia, Central and South America, and British and Foreign West Indies, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, at 3 p.m. For money orders, registered letters, and newspapers, at 1.30 p.m. Late letters, bearing an extra fee of 6d, in addition to the postage, will be received by the mail agent on board the steamer up to the time of sailing. r ~: N.B.—Tuesday next, 25th instant, being a postal holiday, the mails usually desoatched on that day will be closed the previous evening, at 7 o'clock, S. B. BISS. Chief Postmaster.

MARRIAGE.

CRAWFORD—MOORE.—On 27th December, at St. James' Church, by the Rev. W. Evans, James Crawford, Mount Eden, to Margaret Caroline Moore, of Auckland, and late of Belfast, Ireland.

DEATH.

McLEOD.—On December 27, at the residence of G. F. Gimbel, Grey-street, Mr. Niel McLeod. aged 33, late of the Thames, youngest son of Mr. Roderick McLeod, of Golspie, Suther landshire, Scotland.—Thames papers piease copy.

The funeral will leave the above to-morrow, at 4 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1877.

___ _ tfco coiae that lacks assistance, ___* Che -wrong that needs icsistaaco, Fa tbe future in the distance, Aad the gc<:i_ thai w *t». t.Q.

The lengthy race and other reports which have accumulated during the two days' holiday exclude froni our to-night's ssue leading articles, a letter .from " Ac countant" in reply to "Creditor," and other correspondence. We learn by telegram from Wellington that the Port Darwin line, north of Powell's Creek; has been down since the evening of the 24th. , . ' We learn by private telegram from Wel lington that Mr, H. Dilworth, of Remuera, aud Mr Clements of Cambridge, havo been gazetted Justices of thej Peace for the colony.

A wounded sailor arrived from Dargaville by the City of Cork to-day. The man is one of the crew of the barque Speedwell, and it appears that on Monday last he was wrestling with one of his shipmates when he slipped and broke his leg. The limb was set by Dr NaughtOn, and the patient was forwarded to the hospital where he is being attended to by Dr Philson. The value of property in Auckland is in creasing. On Monday last, the property adjoining the Bank of New Zealand, now occupied by Messrs Lonergan and Wren, and having a frontage of 30^ feet by a depth of 100 feet to Queen-street, was sold by Mr John Marshall to Mr Frank Amodeo for the sum 0f»£6,250, or about £250 per foot.

On Monday last, the hon. J. Sheehanand MessrsjW. Swanson, W. L. Rees, M.H.R's, and Mr Eoylan, Chairman of the Harbour Board, were shewn over the new graving dock by Mr Jones, tho'^contractor, and they expressed much satisfaction with the pro gress of the work. His Lordship Bishop Cowie held a service for the ordination of Messrs Phillips and Ha&elden to the deacoaate at St Matthews, on .Sunday morning. He was assisted by Yen. Archdeacon Maunsell, and Revs Has sard, Kinder, and Purchase. The offertory amounted to £10.

Pleasant memories of childhood's days were revived on Christmas night by the sing iug of carols and musical accompaniments of the Orpheus carol-singers. The musicians and vocalists started from the upper end of Grey-street at half-past ten o'clock, and after making sundry pauses in the route they reached the wharf at midnight. The company consisted of five musicians and ten singers, and the combined effect of music and voices was extremely melodious and pleasing. The carols' selected were "Angelic Host," "Angels Proclaim," " While Shepherds watched their flocks by night," "The Infant King," " The Prince of Glory," etc. The young minstrels returned by way of Symonds-street and Karangahape Road to Ponsonby, and passed to their few hours rest a little before the break of day.

To-morrow (Friday) evening tbere will be an interesting children's service of song in St. Paul's Cathedral Church, entitled ••The Childhood of Jesus," illustrative of the incidents of His early years, inter spersed with suitable hymns by the younger voices. The entertainment is anticipated with great interest. We notice that the book of words contains a number of new carols, and the oratorio, as it has been termed, will be commenced at 7 o'clock, when it is hoped that parents of scholars as well as members of the congregation will take the opportunity of listening to a most interesting service oi song.

Several thousands of Auckland people visited the North Shore on Christinas Day, the majority being parents and children. The leading attractions of the locality were the strawberries, remarkably fine this year, ot Messrs Alison, including the swings, &c. These gardens were in excellent order, the outer garden blossoming with flowers, and the inner garden blushing with strawberries between green leaves. The arbours were nicely trimmed and tabled, affording a grateful shelter for visitors. In accordance with a desire for a second plum cake enterprise, Mr Charles Burton drew up a second list, consisting of a hundred subscribers, on the principles^ the first draw. The committee were Messrs Philps, Stow, Owen, aud Ashton. The Ist prize, a 25s currant cake, fell to the lot of Mr J. C. Jones ; the 2nd, of 15s, to Mr T. Grainger ; tbe 3rd, to Mr J. Mcnzies, who was equally successful in the first experi ment. The lesser prizes included 12 5s cakes, 27 4s, and 32 Is fancy packets.

A poor man named Thomas Ward was discovered in the water at Onehunga on Monday morning, busily engaged washing his bed and bed clothes, ready for the Christmas holidays. Had he not been seen in time, and assisted out of Ins perilous situation, he would have been drowned. Drs Zinzan and Ross examined Ward, and certified that he was of unsound mind. He was committed to the Whau lunatic asylum. The concert last evening in the Catholic Hall, Onehunga, was largely attended, and the following programme was represented by the children of the schools with very great ability ; Miss Swan's singing being greatly admired -.— " Lucrezia Borgia," "Happy be thy Dreams," Miss Dickey: " Kathleen Aroon," Miss Swan ; " I know a bank" (Shakespeare), Misses Mulkere, Worsp, Honan, (harmonium) M. Leahy ; " The mice in council," " The Signal March," Misses Leahy and Dickey ; "Moonlight, Music, Love, and Flowers," Misses Swan and Dickey ; " Home to our mountains," Misses Worsp, Hand, and M. A. Mulkere ; " Gentle Words," Misses Donovan and Coffey; "The Retreat," Misses Dickey, Leahy, and Williams ; " I'm sister to the Curd," Miss Swan; "The Diamond," Misses Williams, Dickey, (harmonium) M. Leahy; a drama, "The Strayed Falcon," charade, " Applepie Order;" and concluding with "God save the Queen !" A telegram has been received by the hon. the Native Minister from Sir George Grey stating that if the Hinemoa arrive from Wangaroa in time this afternoon, the Premier will come to Auckland this evening, in order to proceed to-morrow, if possible, to the Thames. The probability is, how ever, that Sir George Grey and the Native Minister will not go to the Thames until Monday next. ,

The Native Minister visited the Gaol and Hospital on Tuesday last, and to-day received deputations headed by Mr Barton Ireland and Mr A. K. Taylor with reference to matters connected with the suburban districts.

The United States Minstrels drew a crowded house at the Theatre Royal last evening with a capital programme. Another performance will he given this evening. A son of Mr McGlash was seriously wounded at Piako ou Monday last with shot by Master John McGlash, who fired at a fowl in ignorance that his brother was about a dozen yards away, hidden by the willows.

The barque Bella Mary arrived at Hobart Town last Friday, all well. The Canterbury cricketers are being well taken of, we are glad to see by our local admirers of the noble game. Yesterday the visiting team were tooled out to the races iua drag and four, and free passes were provided for all parts of the couise. Dur ing their stay in town, hy invitation from the Mayor through Mr De Lias, proprietor, each member has been accorded free admission to the theatre. The match begins to-morrow in the Domain. In a brief notice of Messrs 1 _ Hewin and Brothers' Dutch cheese, famous hams and bacon, &c, in our las. issue, "Hewin and Co" was erroneously printed. We hasten to make the' amende honorable.

The s.s. Wanaka, which arrived from the Bay of Islands this morning, is to await the arrival of the English mail.

Accident at Pukekohe.

An accident of a very serious nature oc curred at the Pukekohe Races yesterday. It seems that a horse belonging to Mi- David McGill was finishing a race with several others when it bolted, and ran into the spectators, knocking four men down. Three of the men were taken up insensible, aud bleeding from several wounds about the head and face. Two of the sufferers named Robert McConnel, baker, ofPokeno/ and William Moyes, whose injuries ap peared to be more serious than the others, came into town, tor the purpose of getting their limbs set at the hospital. They were examined by Mr Cooper, the House-Surgeon, who found Mr McConnel's', arm and Mr M'oyes' collar-bone broken. The bones were set,' and the men proceeded home again this morning. McConnel, however, is lively to be back again, as his hurt is a very bad one. We are informed that this is not the first occasion upon "which the horse has bolted amongst a crowd oi persons, aud it is considered that the animal should not he allowed to run at the race meetings.

TELEGRAPHIC.

(FOJM OUT. OWN CORRESPONDENT. GRAHAMSTOWN, this day. HOSPITAL DEMONSTRATION. Th( hospital demonstration yesterday realisjd £150. Thtre are races at Taram to-day of local horse!, and one from Taranaki. There is a lar<fe attendance. • Atjhe running matches yesterday Nelson, of Auckland, was nowhere. Lynch, of Coronandel, won one prize, but the Rowes were general victors. MINING. Tin Queen of May has gone to work under hand in stoping under Wilson's management, late of the Waitekauri mine, to pajr off liabilities and retrieve their positbn. Th Albumia will clean up on Friday, and ocpect 2000 ounces for. the month's work. There is a good show in the Whau level. RUSSELL, this day. CAPTURE OP WHALES. Saled —Whangarei. Fair killers (a specie of whale) came into the Jay this morning, and, a whaleboat being mamed from the shore, three were secured. NEWCASTLE, this day. . Haidieap Hurdle Race, 2 miles.—Loafer, Count, and Gladstone started. Tim was scracdied. Great interest was taken. Count refused the first hurdle. Loafer led the first round, and the second round Glad stone .alked, and Loafer had it all his own way, aid won easily. (PRESS AGENCY.] HOKIANGA, this day. Steauer Geelong from Whaugape with raft of 4. kauri logs, consisting of 107,321 ft. Barque Pacific Slope, schooner Queen, and cutler Magic, windbound at the heads. WELLINGTON, this day. THE CATTLE MARKET. Jono-and Hart report for the past week, fat cattb in good supply, .30s per lOOlbs ; milch ows, £7—£o 5s in full milk ; heavy draught horses,' £51 to £60 ; hacks and light harness, £8 10s to £2S. For the usual farm produce full prices were realised. PORT CHALMERS, this day. AMERICAN ARRIVAL. Arrived : A barque, Charlotte A. Little field, 133 days from New York. She brings 1,050 tons of cargo. PORT CHALMERS, this day. DEPARTURE OF SHIP PAREOI _A. Sailed : New Zealand Shipping Company's ship Pareora, for London, with a full cargo of wool, etc.

CABLEGRAMS.

FATAL EXPLOSION IN NEW YORK,

GREAT TURKISH ARMY IN ROU-

MELIA,

[SPECIAL TO PRESS x\GENCY.]

LONDON, December 22.

An explosion in a factory took place in New York, whereby 70 persons were killed and 30 were injured. The Turkish troops in the Quadrilateral in Bulgaria are to be left to depend upon themselves to resist any attack upon the fortresses there.

The army of Sulieman Pasha is remov ing south to Roumelia, where the Porte is assembling an army of 200,000 men. Daily skirmishes take place between the Servians and the Turkish troops. Count Vague has been appointed French Ambassador at London. MONEY MARKET. Consols are three-eighths lower. The market rate of discount is one-half below the Bank rate. The wool market is unchanged. New Zealand hemp is flat. The Queensland, South Australian, Sydney, and Victoria four per cent, loans are all quoted a half per cent, lower. AUSTRALIA N CABLEGRAM. MELBOURNE, December 25. It is rumoured that the memqers of Council and Opposition intend not to draw salaries from the date of rejection of the Appropriation Bill.

COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS.

(Before Messrs. A. K. Taylor (Chairman), C. C. McMillan, and J. Cosgrave, Justices of the Peace.) CHRISTMAS SHOUTS Alexander Stewart, John Leonard, and Jas. Henderson were charged with drunken ness, and fined 5s each. John Chapman pleaded not guilty ; he was not drunk but sleeping. Constable Jeffrey proved that the man was drunk and incapable. Prisoner still reiterated his plea of innocence. The case was adjourned until to-morrow, for further evidence. WILFUL OR ACCIDENTAL. James Jamieson was charged with wil fully and maliciously breaking a pan c of glass, value 2s, in the house of Miss Julia Wilson, on Christmas Day. Ptisoner said he was not guilty of wilfully smashing the window. Miss Wilson was about to state the case, when prisoner said he would plead guilty rather than he exposed. The prisoner, with another young man, went to Miss Wilson's establishment to spend Christmas Eve and have a game of speculation; but Miss Wilson would not permit card-playing in her house. The young man then became wrath, aud put his fist through the window. Fined 20s and costs, with 2s damages, or 14 days' imprisonriient. Rescuing Cattle.—A case against James Jackson charged with rescuing six teen head of cattle seized by J. Christopher, at Three Kings, was adjourned until the 4th instant to^enable defendant to get legal

advice. By-laws.—Allan McGuire was fined 2s Gd for want of light on a hole in Cook street ; John Glvnn, 2s 6d for neglecting cart ch?in ; George McCaslin, 2s 6d for the same offence.

MIRROR OF THE WORLD.

This splendid exhibition was given for the first time in Auckland last evening in the Lome-street Hall, to a small but appreciative audience. The programme for the evening was |entitled " Ramble 3 round the World ; or here, there, and everywhere," and was faithfully carried out. The views, which were exhibited with remarkable clearness, included Vesuvius in eruption, the magni ficent cathedrals of Notre Dame, Milan, St. Mark's (Venice), St Peter's (Rome); the Vatican, with its splendid halls and galleries; France before and after the war, shewing the ruins of some of the^j finest buildings in Europe, which fell a prey either to the merciless cannon of the German invaders ou the ruthless fury of the Communists; London as it is; Switzer land, Mont Blanc, Cleopatra's Needle; the great, Pyramid; St. Petersburgh, the Im perial Palace; Moscow, Constantinople; Jerusalem, with tts historic associations; the Monks of St. Bernard, the interior of the Bernardine chapel, and the famous St. Bernard dogs; American views; views of Melbourne and the principal cities in New Zealand, together with a host oil others, all remarkable for their clearness and faithful i-esemblance to nature. There was also exhibited a num ber of pieces of statuary by the leading European masters, a real snowstorm, &c. The exhibition is, without doubt, one of the finest that has ever visited the colonies, and only requires to be seen to be appreciated.

The Holidays.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB,

SUMMER MEETIiNG.—First Day,

Patron : His Excellency the Marquis of Noqaanljy, K.C.B. President : Mr J. Dilworth. Vice-President : Mr A. Buckland. Stewards : Messrs. W. J. Taylor, D. Hean, A. Buckland, W. McLaughlin, R. J. Taylor, S. Morrin, Captain Walmsley, T. Morrin, J. Russell. Judge : Mr R. Graham. Starter : Mr R. Wynvard. Clerk of Scales : Mr F. Marks. Clerk of Course : Mr T. A. Brown. Handicapper : Mr H. E. Handley. Secretary: Mr W. Percival.

The great assemblage' of people who mustered on the Ellerslie race-course yesterday were fortunate in the enjoyment of beautiful weather, with a light breeze sufficient to cool the atmosphere and render out-door amusement tolerable. The arrangements throughout were of the most satisfactory character, the stewards and officials having worked most assiduously to bring the affair to a successful conclusion. Thanks to the energy of Mr Percival, the whole of the arrangements, worked with perfect smoothness, and gave general satis faction. The proceedings throughout were marked by perfect good temper ; aud not a single protest was entered, though there were about 3,000 people on the ground. During the greater part of the day there was no disorder, no serious accidents, and comparatively little drunkenness. Mr Inspector Thomson, with Sergeant-Major Mason, detectives Jeffrey and Grace,, and an efficient body of constn/blee, .ore ou tLo ground ; but' such was the excellent be haviour of the crowd, and the skilful dis position made by Inspector Thomson, that the services of the police were rarely called into requisition. The grand stand was well filled during the day by the fair sex, who made the usual inno cent speculations, and appeared to be much interested in the various events. Distri buted about the grounds were the usual games of chance, speculation, and skill, which were extensively patronised. Ample refreshments for the thirsty—and ' the weather made their number legion—were provided at the various booths, the grand stand bars being capitally supplied by Mi- Edwards, of the Waitemata, who also_ pro vided an excellent spread in the Pavillion Booth outside. The other places of refresh ment were the Star, Mr Brophy ; Queen's Head, Mr J. McCormick; Globe, Mr A. Barr; and a well-supplied stall presided over by Mr J. Neale, of the Market. Amongst the distinguished visitors ou the grand stand were the hon. the Native Minister, Mr Moorhouse, M.H.R., Mr Whitaker, M.H.R., and many other influential visitors and citizens. For the first time for twenty years Mr W. J. Marks was absent from the races, having gone on a visit to Canterbury, but his place was efficiently filled by Mr F. Marks, as clerk of the scales. We were glad also to see on the course Captain Handley, the popular handicapper of the Club, who had managed to get out for the first time, after a protracted and painful illness, to render his valuable aid in the labours of the day. The many friends of Capt. Handley will be very glad to learn that though still weak, and dependent upon crutches, he is rapidly regaining his old vigour. The first event of the day was the Railway Plate, which brought out a field of five; The Pope, Rosalie, and Jessamine having been scratched. The following started : Chanticleer, Isaac Walton, Per fume, Ishmaelite, and Queen Mab. Four started for the AucklaudCup Handi cap, viz.; Lara, Elsa, Venus Transit, aud The Baron; Hippocampus, Gillie Callurn, and Ratcatcher having been struck out. The Handicap Hurdle Race brought out a fine field of seven, only Greyhound not shewing at the start; and the starters^ for the Maiden Plate were Chanticleer, Gillie Calluni, Rally, Queen Mab, Jessamine.and Rosalie ;. Sliaughrauu, Ratcatcher, and Tbe Baron being scratched. Elsa ran respectably though reported lame, running a great deal better than many of the sound ones. In the Cup handicap she was right in the race up to the turn for home. Lara started with the lead and was never headed thioughout .he race, and he won with apparently at least lOlbs in hand. The victory of Lara gives him a 71b penalty iv the Wellington Cup, in which he is handicapped at the very light weight of 7st 2. Yesterday be carried 7st 7 so that his weight in the Wellington Cup will be only 7st 9, which promises well for his taking a good place. Lara belongs to Mr "P. Bolton of Marlbro'. Hippocampus was scratched in the Cup handicap, for the sake of saving him for the Dunedin Cup, and he has there fore became a hotter favourite for that event than he was prior to yesterday. Yesterday he advanced from S to 1 to 6 to 1, The scratching of Hippocampus caused some comment, but our readers were cautioned as to the probability of this result by our sporting contributor "Hotspur" on Saturday last. Venus Transit disappointed everybody. She appeared to be hard held for the first portion of the race, and many other backers she would come up with a rush at the finish, but she was as dead as a stone half a mile from the finish, and was not persevered with. Isaac Walton was sent out in splendid condition, and appears to be just now in his prime. It will take a good horse to beat him over a mile course. In the Railway Plate, he came away through his field when called uponlike a thorough race-horse, and won with ease. Queen Mab, who ran second for the Railway Plate and the Maiden, acquitted herself Very creditably.- Perfume's training for long races has evidently affected her speed. She looked, however, in splendid condition and pleased her backers for the coming steeple-chase. Chanticleer failed to realise the expectations of his friends,' and Was evidently overdone. Whitefoot, in the Hurdle Race, proved himself to be a capital horse. He made all the running, and when Tom Finn, who negociates his fences remarkably well, aud who had been lying behind, challenged him in the straight lie still had a bit left, and managed to hold his own, winning comfortably. Whitefoot is the property of Mr Horsfall, of Gisoorne, who also scored a win with Rosalie iv the Maiden Plate. It is satisfactory to see horses fsom other districts coming to the front at Auckland meetings. We should not be surprised, to see the contest between Whitefoot and Tom Finn again fought out in the Steeplechase. Butcher Boy had an airing in the Hurdle Race, but his journey will be the Steeplechase on the 2nd, for which he is much fancied. The Don was turned out in capital fettle, but unfortunately baulked when holding a commanding lead in the Hurdle Race, and thus lost his chance. Tui, considering the company he was in, did remarkably well. Luna ran well for a mile and a half, but failed to stay home. Rosalie, who won the Maiden, is a very neat filly, though on a small -scale. She is out of that sterling mare Flying Doe. In the Maiden Plate she comptetely fulfilled our expectations, and had no difficulty in placing this race to her owner's credit. The condition in which this filly and Whitefoot were brought out reflected great credit on Jack Thorpe. Amongst other noteworthy facts it may be mentioned that whereas the attendance on the course was good, there appeared to be some lack of enthusiasm amongst the spectators. The time in the hurdle race is considered to" be the best for the distance ever made in New Zealand. We may also take some credit to ourselves that the tips of our sporting contributor _ Hotsnur," for railway plate, hurdle race, and maiden were correct, and that Lara, who won the Cup, was given as the second string for that event. The first event of the day was the

Railway Plate, of 50 soys. Weight for age ; distance, three-quarters of a mile. Mr W. Walters' br h Isaac Walton, 5 yrs., 9st. 31b. (French) 1 Mr A. Buckland's hlf f Queen Mab, 3 yrs., 7st. 61b. (D. Taylor) 2

Mr Owen C. McGee's b f Perfume, aged, Bst. 121b. (Hodgson) ; 3 MrW. Percival'a Chanticleer 0 Mr Robert Wyuyard's eh g The Pope ...' 0 Mr Caulton's ch'c Ishmaelite 0 Mr Horsfalls bf Rosalie ... 0 Mr A. Spencer's b f Jessamine ... ... 0 Betting : —Even ; Isaac Walton, 3 to 1 Queen Mab and Perfume ; and sto 1 the others. Chanticleer led at the start, Queen Mab second, and Isaac third, but at the hill Isaac Walton went up and raced Queen Mab for first place, Chanticleer falling behind ; at" the turn Isaac Walton had the race all his own way, winning easily by five lengths, Queen Mab second, and Perfume a bad third. Time : 1 mm. .21 sacs. The Auckland Cup (Handicap) of 260 soys., with a sweepstakes of 10 soys. each added; second horse to receive 20 soys.. and third horse to save his stakes. Distance, 2J miles. Weights to he declared by Friday,, Kith No vember, Acceptances, with 3 soys., to bo. made to the Secretary by 8 p.m. on Friday, November 30. Extreme ponalty, 7 lbs. Mr E. Bolton's b h Lara, syrs, 7st 71bs. (J. Campbell) ... 1 Mr Chadwick'a gr m El3a, syrs, 7st 41bs. (Hudson) ... .".. ... 2 Mr W. Walters' eh m Venus Transit, 3 years, 6st. 131b. (Mulgrew) 3 - Betting—even, Venus Transit and Lara; 2 to 1, Elsa ; 10 to 1, The Baron. Lara is a commanding-looking horse with good quarters and legs, a rather plainish head, and a lumbersoma neck, four white feet, and a blazed face. Elsa, appeared in the saddling paddock with a bandage on the near fore leg, betokening a suspicious sinew, but in other respects looked better than most people had expected. She was somewhat above he' .elf in- condition, and. rather dull in her coat. While being saddled she was very apathetic. Venus Transit was in excellent quality, and looked every inch the lady of the paddock. She is small. There were no indications of any thing being wrong with the hock, although a rumour had got afloat that she was not all there. The Baron looked too small against the others. At the start the horses got well away, Elsa leading, with Lara second, and The Baron third. Passing the stand for the first time Lara took the lead, Venus Transit at thesame time passing The Baron. Turning nto the back stretch the horses were run ning in couples, Elsa and Lara leading, with The Baron and Venus about three lengths behind. On entering the cutting Lara was leading by about a length with Elsa second, The "Baron, three lengths behind, third, and Venus Transit about the same distance behind The Baron fourth. Venus continued to lose ground until turn ing into the straight, where she was nearly 50 yards behind the leader, the lot going in Indian file. Passing the stand the second time Lara was leading Elsa by tw ro length and going well within himself. Past the stand Venus Transit attempted to go by The Baron on the inside, but the colt's jockey would not allow it, and she had to fall off and pass on the outside. At the back stretch it was evident that Venus and The Baron were both hopelessly out of the race, being fifty yards behind the leading pair. At the cutting Lara still led Elsa by length. The Baron now fell away, and on emerging from the cutting was fully fifty yards behind Venus Transit. Lara increased his lead of Elsa on rounding into the straight, but at the commencement ot the straight the horse's jockey began riding, but Lara won by two lengths hard held, Elsa second, and Venus 'Transit 20 lengths off, a bad third. The, Baron was distanced. The winner was repeatedly cheered on entering the saddling paddock. Time, 4 mins. 27 sees. Handicap Hvrdle Race of 50 soys., with a sweepstake of 2 soys. each for acceptors ; the amount accruing from sweepstakes to go to second horse. Dis tance, 5£ miles, over 9 flights of hurdles. Mr S. Horafall's b g Whitefoot, aged, list

Olbs (Thorpe) 1 Mr Bolton's Tom Finn, Syrs, lOst lOlbs (Mclvor) 2 Betting : sto 1 Whitefoot; 5 to 1 Tom Finn ;3 to 1 Luna ; 4 to 1 The Don ; sto 1 Tom Finn ; S and 10 to 1 Shaughraun and Butcher Boy. The Don took the first hurdle, followed by Luna, Whitefoot, and Tui, Shaugh raun being last over. The Don baulked. At the next, Whitefoot negtoiated the first hurdle, followed by Tui, Luna, 1 orn Finn, ■ aud Butcher "Boy, all getting over comfortably but the Don. Whitefoot, Luna, and Tui went over the , hill together, and at the next hurdle the trio with Tom Finn went oyer together; Butcher Boy and Shaughraun in the rear. Coming to "the last hurdle but one, Tom Finn went up to Whitefoot, and all four got over. On entering the straight, Whitefoot still led, with Tom Finn second and Luua third, and the horses went -..over in this order, but in the run for the post_ Tui se cured third place, the horses finishing in the following order : —Whitefoot an easy win ner, Tom Finn second, Tui third, Luna fourth, and Shaughraun nowhere. Time :'5 mm. Maiden Plate, SO soys., sweepstakes of 4 soys. each ; sweepstakes go to second horse. Weight for age. Distance, 1J mile. For all horses that have never won an advertised prire (2-year-old races excepted) exceeding 25 soys. at the time oi entry. Mr S. Horsf all's b f Rosalie (Carring ton) ' 1 Mr A. Buckland's blk f Queen Mab (J- Mulgrew) |j ... 2 Mr S. C. Caulton's bh Gillie CaUum (Thorpe) . 3 Mr Percival's ns eh g Chanticleer ... 0 Mr J. P. Lennard's eh f Rally 0 Mr Spencer's b f Jessamine ... ... 0 Betting.—6 to 4, Queen Mab; 2 to 1, Rosalie ; 5 and 6 to 1 the others. There was a false start, Chanticleer bolt ing off and running a couple of distances before his jockey could pull him up. This caused considerable delay, and the race did not actually start until §nearly half-past four. .When the start was effected, Chanticleer and Rally got away together, followed by Queen Mab, Gillie Galium, Rosalie, with Jessamiiie in the rear. On passing the stand, Queen Mab came to the fore, and the lot went by in the following order _:—Queen Mab, Rally, Chanticleer, Rosalie, Gillie Callnm, and Jessamine. After passing the stand, Rosalie went up to third place, Chanticleer whipping, and Jessa mine headed the Gillie, who fell away to the hindmost. Going up the hill Queen Mab and Rosalie were together, and went neck and neck over the hill, Jessamine third and Gillie Galium fourth. Rosalie, how ever, won, Queen Mab second, Gillie third, aud Jessamine fourth. The fifth,and sixth horses finished in a dead heat. Time, 2 mm., 27 sees. The winner was loudly cheered on coming into the saddling paddock. HURRY-SCURRY Of 10 soys. Entrance,, 1 soy., catch weights. Distance once round. Winner to be sold for 25 soys. immediately after the race ; any surplus to go to the funds. Post entry. Mr Thornton's La Belle, 1 Mr McGee's Temperance... ... .:. 2 Mr Corny's Larry ... 3 Mr Smith's Shaneen, Mr Wilson's Hurri cane, Mr Taylor's Fawn.. This finished the event of the day. The sports of the day were entirely successful, aud reflected great credit on the Secretary, the Stewards, and •others who were untiring in their efforts, and most courteous in their bearing. On our own part Aye have to acknowledge our endebteduess to those gentlemen for the courteous way in which all required information was afforded. At the cl©3e of the races there was a great rush for the trains, which were crowded. It speaks much for the excellent arrangements made by Mr McDonald, ,the manager, and his subordinates, that despite the crowded state of the trains, and the eagerness of the crowd to secure places, not a single accident occurred throughout the day. They received much valuable aid

from Inspector Thomson and th_ ___" who, exerted themselves to keep bagg Impey's band played in front of the _w ;» stand during the day a number of bSffi selections with great taste and skill

THE DEVONPORT RACES.

President: Captain Filder " "'■ Judge: J.Glenny,Esq: r' Starter: George Quick, feq Clerk oi Course :R. McKav ff»„ Clerk of Scales and Handicapper- M'pvL. >_ ~ ■■ Stewards: ,i!Tost>Esq Messrs. Quick, Duder, Alison, O'Neill p__ \ Shakespeare, and Frost. *. , ,°_ These races were not so largely att^w _. yesterday as on the last occasion owi_? d doubt to the number of counter attract__° on land and water. The course SS posed, the sun poured down his rav^S intense heat upon the spectators We il that the people of Devonport, who .? generally sportsmen, intend to plant fw locality with trees, and at the next race. __ provide temporary shelter for the kd. Good order prevailed. The following Z~ a the results of the races :— . & <ue Maiden Plate—Weiaht for age, 1J milea J. idays' r g Tjsurper, aged, 9st Gibs . A. Alison's Tom •■ '* mP." Duder's b ff Rotomahana, syrs, 9st lib _ I This race was closely contested. Ladies' Purse (Handieapl, 1 mii e . R. Duder's b m Kate, ascd, 9st olbs Shakespeare's bjj Darouot, 6yrs, 9st "■> Devoxpou'»> Handicap, Smiles. " It. Duder's hk g Dick, aged, list 61bs , Alison's b g Tom, aged, 9st .. ,_ "* i Handicap Hurdle Rj_ce, 2 miles, oyer twelv fl flights hut-cues. nveive T. Heath's b g Caractacus, aged, list Shakespeare's b-g Fiz, aged, llsteibs " _ Tkotting Match, 2 miles, Break and*Pi_i 10 stone up. ""> Quick's g m Lady of the Lake, scratch t j.i; o <._,'_. _r ■« duohiuuy, scratch .. ' S Pony Race, for ponies 14 hands andniirt.. . top weight 9st 71 Ds; dibs allowedl_£K mch under 14 hands. ,:,!F' Alison's g g Comet, 6yrs ... . Scott's bg .Napinapi, 6yrs . " " k Victoria Handicap, li miles. oijen to In horses the property of settlers between . Devonport, Lucas' Creek, Rangitonnnni and Wade Bridge. Post entries. ponui ' Duder's bm Kate, aged.. .. 1 T. Heath's b g Caractacus, aged _! "■ % Shakespeare's Fiz ~t .. .' "j> Tilt in the Ring. Frost's Tom.. .. .. '.-..'. ' 1 Duder's Nancy [[ " g 12 rings over. Consolation Race. Duder's Rotomahana 1 Alison's Yatterina .. .. }] "2 \ Unfortunately in this race a dog out in the way, and threw the mare and the rider Mr A. Allison, whose collarbone was broken ' by the fall. FORESTERS' ANNUAL FETE. The anniversary of the Court City of Auckland, A.0.F., was celebrated yester day, by a procession, athletic sports, and a soiree and ball in the evening. The members of Court Zealandia, with the Zealandia's Pride, Juvenile Court, met at the Youn°- Men's Christian Association Rooms, at 9 a.m., and marched to the Cook-street Hall, where the members of Court City of Auck land had assembled. The procession was then formed in the following order •— Hibernian Brass Band, officers with spears and axes, past district officers, district officers, banner of Court City of Auckland, officers and members of the Court, officers aud members of Zealandia's Pride, Juvenile Court, officers and members of Court Zea landia, representatatives from Court Pride of Onehunga, Robin Hood, and other Courts in various parts of the province, and members . ! of kindred societies. The procession, numbering about 200 boys and 300 adults, presented a very imposing appearance with the handsome banners, pretty neck ribbons of members, and the splendid regalia of the officers. The Robin Hood dress, worn by Bro. M. Keesing, of Onehunga, excited ' general admiration. The line of march adopted by the procession was down Queen street, up Shortlaud-Street, Prince3-street, along Waterloo Quadrant and down Alten Road, through Parnell to the Park Road entrance to the Domain. Large numbers of persons thronged the, _ streets through which the procession passed. On arrival at the Domain, the members dispersed in search of various amusements, but the greater number retired under the shade of - the trees, and waited for the commencement of THE SPORTS, which took place at 12 o'clock. At this time the Domain was filled with pleasure seekers, and tbere could hot have been fewer than 2,000 persons present. A large marquee was erected on the ground, and. here refreshments of all kinds were ob tained. The entries for the various events were numerous, and the races were all well contested." Messrs W. Priestley and Thos. Holland actea as judges, Mr F. Christmas officiated as haudicapper, and Mr W. God win performed the duties of starter very satisfactorily.. 200 YARDS HANDICAP.-lst prize. Fores ter's Sash; 2nd prize, Framed Emblem. Cutler, 3 yards ... ... ... .1 Tucker, 5 yards. 2 • There were six starters, and a very good race resulted as above. JUVENILE FORESTERS' RACE (for Bojs over 12 years), 200 Yards Handicap.—lst prize, 155.; 2nd prize, 7*. 6d.; 3rd urize, os. About half-a-dozen boys, .ran, and; the race terminated—Jones, 5 yards, 1; Cox, 6 yards, 2. FORESTERS' CUP, 300 Yards . Handicap, open to Members of any recognised Kindred Society.—lst prize, Silver Cup; 2nd prize. Gold King. Six started for this event, and a large amount of interest was evinced as to the result, Phillips ■ being slightly the favourite. Considerable difficult} was. experienced in getting a fair start, but eventually the men got well away together, Tucker leading liy about 5 yards. In passing the brow of the hill, Phillips went to the front, and maintained his lead until the finish. .Hughes and Bridgeford fell, after traversing three-fourths of the uis tance. The race resulted : Phillips, A.0.F., 5 yards ..." ... I Tucker, A.0.F., 10 yards- 2 McArthur was well up for third place. JUVENILE FORESTERS' RACE (for Boys under 12 years), 100 Yards.—lst prize, Handsome* Wheelbarrow; 2nd prize, 3s. Seven boys entered, and the race resulted; R. Danks, 1 ; Hickson, 2. . _ 150 YARDS HANDICAP.—Ist prize, £110s;; 2nd prize, £1. Entries, Is. Cutler, scratch. 1 ; Phillips, 2. Only four men ran : Phillips, Cutler, Katterns, and Ward. After several false starts, the men got away and kept well together for some distance. Cutler,.-.however, proved too much for them^ and took the lead while going up the hill. He won a splendid race by about 3 yards. The cpntest was the closest of the day. Running High Jump (for boys over 12 years).—lst prize. Handsome book, value 16s : 2nd prize, ss. Seven boys entered, and some excellent jumping $took place, that of Hughes, the smallest competitor, being especially good. At the last, he , jumped! a coi siderable distance above his own height, and we think might fairly have been awarded the first prize. The event resulted Cox, 4 feet 9 inches Ist; Hughes, 4 feet, 8J inches 2nd. A large number ot other races for boys, and girls (children of Foresters) were arranged on the ground. The prizes consisted of pretty toys, &c., which were evidently appreciated by the winners. During the afternoon, Sergeant Jackson, \ot Parnell. greatly assisted the Committee in keeping the course clear; and preserving order. The precession was reformed shortly after four o'clock, and returned to town, the Baud playing a ; number of selections of music. SOIREE AND BALL. ; Tbecommittee, Messrs Piggott, Priestley, Auger, Dempsey, McKebwn, Hoopor, Wright, Sheppard, Tucker, G. aud F. Christmas, Double, Johnson, and Patterson, arranged for a capital tea in the Choral Hall on the return of procession fro_a the • Domain, provided by Messrs Johnston and McKeowu. After tea the entertainment commenced, Chief Ranger Priestley ia tbo chair. The following ' representatives ot kindred societies offered congratulatory remarks: Mr T. H. White, H.A.C.B.b ; ; Mr Overton, Fountain of Friendship, 1.0.0. F. ; Mr McConnell, Parnell Lodge, 1.0.0. F. j Bro. A. Campbell, Court Pnd&

'I.HE I\LINING STipft, THURSDAY/DECEMBER 27, 1877.



mo AGRICULTURISTS & OTHERS . -"' W. J. HURST jc CO. have on sa-le tbe under mentioned Fertilizers, all of which have been proved to produce satisfactory results in this district. Experience teaches that large and profitable returns can be relied on by a judicious and liberal use of them. The flattering Testi monials from leading Farmer?, justify ... J. Hurst & Co. in strongly commending them to every Agriculturist:— MALDEN ISLAND GUANO PERUVIAN GUANO MEXICAN do- BEL_L _• rsONEFLOUR iand*-inch BONEDUST ETLLYARD'S No. 1 do. NITRATE OF SODA • SULPHATE OF AMMONIA MURIATE OF POTASH SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME. SALT, SULPHATE OF LIME, jgjln addition to the above, \V. J. H. & Co. are prepared to supply special Chemical Manures for stimulating weak Corn Crops, and renovat ing Clover-sick Pastures, as well as the Potato and Mangold mixture that last season attracted so much favourable notice. prices, and other pr; vriculars will o . supplied on application at the Stores. W. J. HURST & CO., 301 QUKEN-S TRE ET. CLOVER SEED, FOR SPRING SOWING JUBT L.AXDED, EX COLUJIBTJS— Si casks hew Clovers, consisting of Red Clover White Clover Cow Gras Also on hand. Alsyhe. Timothy, Lucerne, Rape Rats-tail, Rye grass, Cocksfoot", &c, at lowest market rates. W. J. HURST & CO. 101, QUEEN-ST REE T. 500 sacks Sydney Maize (superior sample) ggSOOO ~ Oats ;_.__ First-clas3 Tartars for Seed, also *T" SCO sacks of 1875 crop bard feed, surpassing 'wr' any ot last, season's growth gg 12G0 sacks Canterbury Potatoes, and some early varieties for seed purposes Flour, Bran, Sharps, Chaff, Oilcake. Coal, &c, &c. Particular attention is called to 6CO sacks Prime Barley at is per bushel o 501b.-5 tons Anderson's Fresh Oatmeal, a £21 per ton. W. J. HURST & CO.. 101, QUEEN-STREET. AUCKLAND. pi: H E A P "OT A T S! CHEAP HATS ! ! CHEAP CLOTHING-! ! A Quantity of Men's and B^y's Drab AND Buck Felt Hats will be offered at ' S3- GREAT REDUCTION TO CLEAR.' . Also, a Parcel of CLOTHING, comprising Men's and Boy's Tweed Suits, Trousers and Vests, &c. These Goods are slightly soiled, and will be sold REALLY CHEAP. W. RATTRAY. CLOTHIER AND OUTFITTER, IB" E W rr EAL AN D TT GUS- E, Auckland. -_? €^ _^ £_• —Aneat and pretty Cottage 3_. rwf $ 9$ of 5 rooms, with large freehold allotment, pleasantly situated on the Great North Road. Price, including Venetian blinds, curtains, pob-s, .book-case. &c. (all new), £275. — S. Vaile,'House and Land Agent, Shortland tseet. NEVER Have the Public had such a Choice of BED STEADS offered them as at the present time Besides our already well assorted Stock of Iron Bedsteads, and -those of our own manu facture in Kauri. Rimu, Cedar, and Mottled Kauri, we ask them to bear in MIND that we have Just Opened Up, ex •' Otaki,' TWO HUNDRED IRON BEDSTEADS of the most modern style, comprising French. , Half Tester, Children's, and Stumps, also Cots, at Prices to suit all classes. Having, purchased for Cash from THE Best Manufacturers, we can SELL A GOOD BEDSTEAD at a Very Low Price. BEDDING, of every description, kept in Stock. HOUSES FURNISHED THROUGHOUT at a Short Notice. Our system is to make a large ret crn ; to insure this We Sell tor Ready OASH at a Small Profit, and DELIVER GOODS FREE to any part of the Town and Suburbs. U2F Give your Furnishing Order to Hollowly, G&vliok & Cranwell, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, AND CLOTHIERS, City Hall Arcade, QUEEN & LORNE-STREETS AUCKLAND. . CARFETS, HEARTHRUGS, LINOLEUM* FLOORCLOTH. T. & 11. COOKE Beg to inform their friends and the public that they have imported a large assortment of the above, lohich will render their FURNISHING ESTABLISHMENT one of the most complete and ■ extensive in Auckland, having purchased these Goods of the Manufacturers direct, for cash, they are enabled to offer them at VERY LOW PRICES. New Patterns in Carpets and Linoleum. &<f~ SHOW It O OM S : 67, Queen-street. Steam Cabinet 2'actory Victoria-street. TTNION INSURANCE COMPANY, i AUCKLAND BRANCH. HouseshfSiecitv __ for Detached . Dwelling Country from 13s. l2s. upwards. In the t^H. STEVENSON, JManager. i



•TkTATIONAL FIRE AND MARIN JN INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Oat.tvl .'. £1,000,000, RESERVE £50,000. Re-Insurance Fund.... £20,000. Insurances effected against Firs and Marine Loss of Every Description .or Property, at Lowest Current Rates. Prompt andLibrual Settlement of Claims. HENRY K. WILLIAMS, Manager, Auckland Branch. f\N' THIS 'DAYMAN D DURING THE WEEK, we will sh o w PIE„? ES 10,000 PI_? 2S FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS AND £5T PRINTS. "v£a REDUCED TO HALF PRICE IN ORDER TO CLEAR. J. COSGRAVE & CO., QUEEN-STREET. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AT THE CITT HALL FURNITURE ARCADE. PRESENTS, for Wives and Daughters PRESENTS, for Sons aud Husbands PRESENTS, Quaint and Curious PRESENTS, Useful PRESENTS, Ornamental PRESENTS, Scientific PRESENTS, Beatific PRESENTS, for all Pockets PRESENTS, for all Prices. HOLLOW AY, GARLICK, & CRANWELL, Gity Hall Arcade. _... THE undersigned are now brin iug forward a Large Parcel of GENE AL DRAPERY, HABERDASHERY, &c, bought at considerably less than usual prices, to which they invite the attention of all requiring Good Value For Money. Corsets in great, variety of quality and style, white and coloured, from 2/6 per pan- Linen and Lace Goods, Cutis, Collars, and Sets, in variety Ladies' Underclothme Umbrellas and Parachutes, Silk, Zanella, Alpacca, &c. Lot of Flowers at very low price, quite fresh Straw Hats, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. A Splendid Stock of Muslin, Lace, and Lenoe Curtains, Counterpanes, Quilts, Damask Table Cloths, Sheeting, Felt Squares Carpets. Floorcloth, China Matting, Ticks, &c. Large-size Huckaback Towels at /& each New Fancy Dress Materials. Japanese Silks, Coloured Lustres, Black Lustres. Embossed, Striped, and Check Muslins, Prints, &c. Brown Holland, from /CA per yard Union, Fancy Jean, and Oxford Shirtings, very cheap , - _~ . t. A Line of Superior Quality Silk Mixed Fancy Shirting, at. -2-B,usual price 3'G per yard White and Grey Calico. Good Grey from /3 per yard Also. very large assortment of Gents' Shirts, White Longcloth, Union and All-wool Crimean, Fancy Silk Mixed Scotch Twill, Fancy Jean, Oxford, &c. Strong Tweed for Boys wear A Job Line of Stout Mosgiel at below Factorr prices' Braces, Belt?, Ties. Scarfs, Collars, Cotton ard Merino Hosiery, Undershirts, &c. Leghorn, Tuscan, Straw, and Drill Hats, for Boys aud Men, &c, &c, &c. in he _3 allowed on all Cash Purchases of 20s. and upwards. RUSEBROOK & BRTDGMAN, Junction Dra_pep_y Warehouse, Upper Queen-street. auckland. |~TNION INSURANCE .OOMPAN V NEW ZEALAND. CAPITAL £2,000,000. AUCKLAND BRANCH: QUEEN-S T R E E T, ' Next the Colonial Bank. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Insurances granted on Dwelling - houses, Stores, Shops, Buildings in which trade is carried on. Merchandise, and Goods of every description. MARINE DEPARTMENT. Hulls of Ships or Steamers. Merchandise of all kinds. Specie and Wool to United Kingdom, at owest Current Rates. R. H. STEVENSON Mahager. Look out for shams in the shape of poisonous imitations of the People's favourite health beverage, Udolpho Wolfe's Schiedam Aro matic Schnapps. These detestable swindles often bear counterfeit labels or names closely approximating to that of the true article. A close scrutiny should be brought to bear upon preparations purporting to be thereat Schnanns.