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Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2068, 21 December 1869, Page 2

Important to Publicans. —We have been requested to warn licensed publicans that the offices of the Resident Magistrate’s Court will close for the Christmas holidays on the evening of the 24th instant, and that they should secure their certificates for the new licenses before that date. -

Provincial Council. —The Provincial Council was principally occupied this afternoon with a few questions respecting matters of no public importance. The University of Otago Ordinance .A mendmeut Bill and the Moeraki Sales Bill, passed their readings. It is expected the Railway explanations will come on this evening. Almanac.—We are indebted to Messrs Dalgety, Rattray & Co. for a copy of an almanac issued by the Imperial Fire Insurance Company. It is of Imperial size, mounted, and surrounded by a rustic border printed in two colors. The workmanship is evidently that of Melbourne, and though possessing no great artistic merit, a very pretty and pleasing effect is produced by the colors employed. Princess Theatre. — “Eugene Aram” was repeated last evening, to a very indifferent house. The counter attractions will, no doubt, sufficiently account for this. But the piece was well received throughout. The entertainment concluded with the operetta “The Pet of the Public,’ which embodies some bcautitul music, that was excellently rendered by Miss horde. Ihe same pieces are to he offered this evening. Christmas. — A grand oratorio by Mons. Fleury and his piqiils, assisted by amateurs, is announced to be given at the Post-office Hall on Christmas night, for the benefit of the Benevolent Asylum. Miss Forde, who has kindly volunteered her services, will give the soprano solos ; and whilst this fact will render the entertainment additionally attractive, we trust it will also have the effect of drawing a crowded house.

Fire. Yesterday morning a fire broke out at the Kaitangata Hotel and store, lately occupied by Mr Da Costa. There were several p rsons in the _ house, which qs two storeys high, and the lire was first discovered by Mrs Macdonald, who was sleeping near where it is supposed it originated. The flames had got such hold before it was discovered, that, although the neighbors gathered round and gave what help they could, the premises and stock were quickly destroyed. So rapidly did the flames spread, that some of those sleeping in the upper rooms had to jump out of the windows to save their lives. We understand the stock was partly insured. Excursion. —The moonlight excursion to Port Chalmers last evening was an unqualified success. The Golden Age, crowded with passengers, to the number possibly of 300, left town about eight o’clock ; and the Wallace followed shortly afterwards with a large number on hoard. The Port was reached a little after nine o’clock. The shipping presented an imposmg appearance. Nearly every vessel in harbor was illuminated, but the most effective disidays of fireworks were made by the Asterope and J. N. Fleming ; particularly by the former vessel, on board of which were a large number of the Port people and the band of the Port Chalmers Naval Brigade, which played some lively music as the steamers containing the excursionists passed the vessel. After a stay of little more than an hour at Port, the steamers returned to Dunedin ; everyone appearing to be satisfied with the trip. The Naval Brigade will muster for Adjutant’s and Commanding Officers’ Parade to-morrow (Wednesday) evening at seven. After parade, a special general meeting of the Company will be held.