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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4600, 17 December 1875, Page 2

In yesterday’s issue we stated, on the .strength of a telegram received in town, that the Hutt racecourse was in parts two feet under water. We were misinformed. The simple fact was that, owing to a high tide and fresh in the river, the water had come into one of the booths. The course was in capital order yesterday, and spectators suffered no inconvenience. A meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Jockey Club was held last night, Mr. G. Hunter, M.H.R., in the chair, at which all preliminaries for to-day’s races were arranged. There should be a good days’ sport, inasmuch as the handicaps have been evidently most fair, as is shown by the number of acceptors, and the weather being propitious will favor a large attendance of spectators. A practical comment on the present condition of the San Francisco mail service was afforded yesterday. People were in such a state of doubt as to whether the Cyphrenes would ultimately connect with any boat, or get her mails to England in any manner, that only a few letters and newspapers were despatched by her, and even these were sent by Government under a protest, lest the despatch of a mail should prevent their recovering the penalties the contractors have incurred. A novel contest, or rather series of contests, has been arranged between members of the Civil Service in the Treasury and Audit Departments. First, there is to be a rowing match, followed by a cricket match and a shooting match. The rowing mjtch comes off on Saturday afternoon, the start taking place at Thorndon baths at two o’clock, and the course being from the baths to the wharf. Whaleboats will be used, the Treasury crew using the Star Club’s Tikokowara, and Audit Rowing Club’s Cure. The Treasury crew is— Blundell (stroke), Eyton, Taylor, Sheppard, Wright (bow), Gandy (coxswain). Notwithstanding the miserable weather on Wednesday night, about forty of the electors of the Wellington Country District assembled in the old schoolhouse, Karori, to hear the views of Mr. Brandon, as a candidate for their suffrages [at the forthcoming election. C. C. Graham, Esq., having been moved into the chair, Mr. Brandon proceeded to explain his reason for his course of action during the past session of Parliament, his explanations being evidently deemed satisfactory, judging by the applause which greeted them ; and then proceeded to state his opinions as to the most advisable course to be pursued in the present position of affairs, which were received in a similar manner. Sundry questions having been asked and replied to, Mr. Reading, after explaining to the meeting that the statement in the newspaper report of Mr. Wallace’s meeting, to the effect that he had received a vote of confidence, was incorrect, moved a resolution as follows :—“That the thanks of the electors are due to Mr. Brandon for his past services, and that this meeting pledges itself to support his candidature at the forthcoming election.” This having been seconded by Mr. S. Lancaster, was carried amidst general applause, it being' evident that the meeting was unanimous in favor of the candidate. The meeting then separated, after the ■usual vote of thanks to the chairman. There is now on view at the establishment of Messrs. Rowlands and Co., jewellers, Willis-street, a very handsome silver cup. It is the first prize in the One Mile Handicap Flat Race, to take place on the Ist day of January next, at the annual gathering of the Wellington Caledonian Society. The members of Court Sir George Grey, AO.F., No. 3118, held their opening dinner in the new lodge-room, Lambton-quay,. last night. Mr. Pearce, M.H.R., occupied the chair, and had on his right and left hands respectively, Messrs. Murdock and Rose, builders of the hall, and Dr. Harding, physician to the court, and District Chief Ranger Hutchins. Chief Ranger Morral and SubChief Ranger Howark occupied the vice-chairs, Mr. Smith, secretary; Mr. Lindsay, treasurer, with Past District Chief Ranger Hammond, and other officers of the lodge, were also present. The members of the court, to the number of nearly 100, sat down to dinner at 8 o’clock, and passed subsequently a most pleasant evening. Mr. Charles Wheatleigh, whose performance of Conn in “The Shaughraun” has made him probably as popular an actor as has ever appeared in Wellington, takes a benefit to-night, when Boucicault’a first and best drama, “ The Colleen Bawn,” will be produced, with Mr. Wheatleigh as Myles NaCoppaleen. In these circumstances, a performance of Myles such as does not often form a feature of the Wellington stage may be expected. Mr. Gillon addressed a meeting' of the Wellington Country Districts electors at the Makara Junction schoolhouse, last night. Mr. P. Monaghan occupied the chair. Mr. Gillon having given his political views at some little length, and answered several questions, Mr. J. D; Fraser moved, Mr. W. Longhurst seconded, and it was unanimously carried, “ That this meeting has full confidence in Mr. Gillon, and-pledges itself to support him at the coming election." Last evening an enjoyable entertainment was given by the Artillery Band, in the shape of a vocal and instrumental concert, and some nigger business. There was a very good attendance, and all present seemed to be thoroughly pleased at the performance, nor was it otherwise than correct to bo pleased under the circumstances. The singing all through was above mediocrity, and in some few instances was especially good. The dancing—well it was amusing, and after all that is what these entertainments are for. If the gentlemen who danced entered, into a contest tor the championship and some silver belt with a wonderful history, possibly they would come off “second best,” and it is said with no desire to injure the reputation of the dancers of last evening ; but of this we are satisfied, that no silver-belt man, or “any oder man,” as Bones would put it, could have amused his audience more completely. The performances of the band were loudly applauded, and deservedly so, for practise and perseverance has worked the band to a very high pitch of proficiency, and Mr. Cetnino must be congratulated on his success as a loader. ■ The last rehearsal of the Choral Society previous to the performance of the oratorio next week, was held yesterday evening. There was a -very full attendance of both vocalists and instrumentalists, and the rehearsal gave promise of a capital performance. ;