AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XIII, Issue 541, 9 January 1868, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

The s.s. Star of the South, from Auckland, arrived at 11 o’clock last evening, bringing dates to the 6th inst. We see that the gold-fields continue to maintain their character for richness and quality of yield, and are a centre of attraction to the surplus population of the city. Arrangements are being made for starting a newspaper at the Thames. The Provincial Council was to meet on Wednesday, Bth inst,, —the Herald hopes “ for the despatch of business.” The first of the New Year was again commemorated in Auckland after the usual manner, —horse racing ou the Ellerslie race course. We give below the names of the different events and of the winning and second horses: — FIRST DAY. Maiden Plato ... Mignonette, 1; Brunette, 2 Jockey Club Plate (Handicap) ... Moss Kose, 1 ; The Miller. 2 Ellerslie Plate ... Orlando, 1 ; Marchioness, 3 Innkeepers’ Purse (Handicap) ... Numa, 1; Old Bird, 2 Pony liace ... Caractacus, 1; Waihine, 2 SECOND DAY. Maiden Produce ... Brunette. 1; Mignonnette, 2 Town Plate ... Glengarry (walkover) Garrison Plato ... Orlando, 1; Warwick, 2 Grand stand Stakes (Handicap) ... Moss Bose, 1; The Miller, 2 Consolation Handicap ... Old Bird,; King Dan, 2 Hack Bace ... Mountain Maid, 1; Fisherman, 2 This last event (says the report in the Southern Cross) concluded the advertised sports, and brought to a termination the Auckland Annual Race Meeting of 1868, which, it must be| said, have fallen very far short of for-1 mer years.

Sir G. Grey had gone to his private residence at the Kawau. His successor probably arrived in Wellington by the Rakaia on the Gth inst,, but will not assume office until after the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh,—his reception and entertainment falling to the lot of Sir George Grey, who holds office until H R.H. shall have left these shores. Sir G. Bowen is to receive bis commission by the May mail, which will give ample time to carry out the original intention of the Governor in relation to the Prince’s visit.