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Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 301, 28 December 1870, Page 2

Owing doubtless to the holidays setting in there were a very largo number of gold parcels lodged in the various banks on Saturday evening, aud it speaks well for the healthy state of the field that such a large quantity of gold is produced. On reference to our mining notes we find that at the Bank of New Zealand alone no fewer than fifty-seven parcels, amounting in the aggregate to upwards of 3,000 ozs. have been melted and assayed. The other banks also had a large number of deposits on the same day. The most encouraging feature of the case is that these parcels were returns from claims all over the field, and there was scarcely a specimen crushing amongst them. — Thames Advertiser.

Tlilj Thames Advertiser of yesterday says : — " Anyone feeling curiosity respecting that wonderful region where the Duke of Edinburgh has lately been travelling, has now an opportunity of seeing specimens of incrustations from the Hot Springs at the shop of Mr. Sandes, chemist, Owen-street. New Zealand colonists have not yet sufficiently appreciated their Lake country, unequalled probably in the world for beauty and for wonderful scenes. Branches of trees, pieces of rope and other articles exposed to the water emerging from the springs quickly become incrusted with the substances in suspension, and present a most beautiful and interesting appearance." Mr. Upton's window has to-day been a point of great attraction, and an ever-chang in.g throng has crowded at it all the day, earnestly examining Mr. Wrigg's surprising effort of penmanship, presented us a labor of love to the All Saints' Church bazaar. The power of imitation could not further go, and the trick played on the birds by the celebrated painter might very readily be repeat ;d on the passers by, from the astonishing re semblance in this pen-and-ink sketch t> the pile of articles represented. The newspapers, cards, scrip, scale, opened letter, are all thoroughly deceptive. But tho imitation of the Bank of New Zealand noto itself is

enough to show that the operator could do a stroke at forging, if his principles lay in that direction. Really the work is a surprising effort, and will doubtless be the gem of the bazaar. The case of Offord v. Williams and Yon Stunner occupied the attention of the Supreme Court to-day, when witnesses were caUed for the defence, and were still under examination when our reporter left. The p.s. Duke of Edinburgh will leave the wharf for Grahamstown this day (Wednesday) at 5 o'clock in the evening. A series of swimming and diving matches will take place at the Breakwater Baths, on Saturday next. A soiree and ball will be given at the Whau Hall this evening. The Whau Minstrels are to appear. Mdlle. Nilsson's first concert in the United States, given on a recent occasion, proved a great success. The receipt, amounted to 4800 dois., which, at the present price of gold, is equivalent to about £900. Mdlle. Nilsson's strong constitution ha 3 suffered no harm from her rough passage, and there is every reason to anticipate for her a brilliant American campaign. This lady is to receive the sum of £25,000 for six months' singing in America. I H.M.S. ship Galatea will be open to the 1 public on Thursday next. In consequence of the holidays the usual monthly meeting of St. Andrew's Masonic T oclge is postponed until to-morrow (Thursday)- ... The Choral Society will give a performance on Friday evening next, the first part to consist of Gounod's " B Mass," the second part of miscellaneous selections. A soiree will be held in the Panmurc Hall I this evening.