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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4282, 10 December 1874, Page 2

It has been intimated to the Government, we understand, that His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby desires to land in Wellington with as little ceremony as possible. The Mayor and Corporation,—and with them there will be several of the members of the General Government, —will be in readiness to meet His Excellency on the wharf, where an address of welcome will be presented, and His Excellency will then drive to Government House. Although the wind changed into the south late on Tuesday afternoon the barometer made but little upward movement ; during the night it continued to fall, and by Wednesday generally stood from one to two tenths lower than on the previous day. The weather continued gloomy and overcast at all points, excepting Napier and Blenheim, where the sky was less cloudy; at Gastlepoint, and along the east coast of the Middle Island, the winds were light from the eastward ; but from Hokitika northward they were from the west. It will be seen from the letter of our special reporter, giving an account of the Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral, Agricultural, and Horticultural Association’s Exhibition, held at Tauherenikau on Tuesday, that Mr. George Hunter, of this city, succeeded in carrying off seven first prizes and five second prizes, and that, in addition, he received three cards stating that the stock he exhibited were highly commended. Mr. Hunter lias every reason to be satisfied with this success, but it is only fair to consider that his sheep were shown at some disadvantage, as want of food and confinement in waggons on their transit to the showground were not likely lo improve their appearance or condition. It will not be forgotten that at the show held at Masterton in the year 1871 Mr. Hunter took the first prize for the best long-woolled ram exhibited, and the first prize for the best five long-woolled rams. At the show held at Featherston in the year 1872 Mr. Hunter competed and was successful, taking the first prize for the best long-woolled ram, the first prize for the best long-woolled ewe, and the first prize for the five best ewe hoggefcts of the same breed. Mr, Hunter was not able to send stock to the show at Wairarapa last year, as ho preferred exhibiting at the Christchurch show held in the month of November. He sent there fifty-seven sheep of various classes, and gained six prizes ; a medal also was awarded to him in consequence of his being the first exhibitor of stock from the North Island. Going back to an almost prehistoric date—the year 1862—we remember that Mr. Hunter forwarded various samples of wool to London, which were exhibited at the International Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, South Kensington, and a' medal'was awarded to him there. In 1866, also, Mr, Hunter sent ten fleeces of wool to the Now Zealand Exhibition, held at Dunedin, and a medal was awarded to him for Ilia valuable services in promoting the growth of long wool in New Zealand. Mr. Hunter may well claim credit, therefore, for having done not a little in a practical way to advance the best interests of the colony. At the Resident Magistrates Court yesterday, Mary Bourke, charged with lunacy, was remanded for a week. There was no other business of public interest. 1

We are glad to learn that Captain Williams, on his late visit to Australia, added another to the rapidly-growing fleet of the port of AVellingtou. The new vessel is the Neptune, a brig—a sister-ship to the Robin Hood—and like her, was built herself at Shoreham. The brig is now expected daily from Newcastle, in command of her owner, who, it will bo remembered, also sailed the Robin Hood down on her first trip. The Robin Hood has proved to be a lucky purchase, being a most useful and handy ship ; and if the Neptune only proves to be as good, she will bo a great acquisition to the port. It has been resolved at a meeting of the Foresters of the city, that their annual fete shall be held on Saturday, the 2Cth instant. The place is the Basin Reserve. The Foresters have determined wisely, and their fete, wo have no doubt, will be well attended. They have engaged an excellent baud, and they offer a variety of very liberal prizes. The great open handicap race, at 200, 300, and 440 yards, will occasion much interest ; and there will be many who will go to see the two-mile walking match, for a prize of £5 for the winner, and £2 for the second. The full prize list will be published shortly, and entries and handicaps will be made at the Now Zealander Hotel on a date to be named hereafter. Mr. E. Tolly, who has managed the fete very successfully for the last three years, has again been placed in the management of the sports, and, no doubt, will carry them through successfully, and to the benefit of the accident fund of the Foresters. We are glad to understand that arrangements have been made under which tho Theatre Royal will be opened by Messx-s. Bates and Howard on the 19th instant, with a most efficient company, nearly all of whom will he new to tho Wellington boards. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have established so good a reputation, not only in America, Now South Wales, and Victoria, but also wherever they have appeared in New Zealand, that their names alone should bo a guarantee at once of the dramatic power as well as of the professional respectability of the company. They will play a high class of drama, with some of the newest comic pieces and farces—new altogether in this colony—which cannot but insure their success.