THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2829, 9 March 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Ressurexi. SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1878.

With reference to the remarks which appeared in yesterday's issue regarding the unsatisfactory njajl .arrangements between the Thames and Waitekauri, we hare been informed that no complaints hare been received at the.Post Office about them. We. would suggest that those who hare been subjected to inconTenience, and are' interested in this matter, .unite in some representation to the Postal on the subject. They might, for instance, with a very good grace ask- that a 'daily service between Paeroa and Waitekauri be substituted for the - present daily service between Paeroa and Maekaytown, which is still carried on, although Maekaytown is nearly deserted. As to the time occupied in getting an answer to a communication from Waitekauri, the longest time that should elapse if correspondents' used diligence is six days. That would arise if a letter were posted here on a Saturday, as it would not be sent away until Monday, and an answer could be received on Thursday. However, it is quite possible that an improvement on the present arrangements would be granted if the Chief Postmaster of the district were memorialised.

The Bank of New Zealand shipped for the head officeVAuckland, to-day, by the Botosiahana, seven boxes containing 6894 ounces 18dwts gold.

Wx have been requested by Mr Rl J. Moore to state that he is not the writer of the. letter appearing in this morning's gaper under the heading "Vanity of lericals," and signed by " A First-class Teacher."

Thb Her. Charles Bice, of the Milane* sian Mission, will preach at S. George's' Church to morrow'twice, at morning and evening. . . . • To-dat an attempt was made to test the now nine inch mains with the fire engine belonging to the Shortland brigade, A section of leather hose was used at first to conTey the engine to the pipes, but that burst.. Mr Laurie, Turncock to the Domestic "Water Supply, then prepared an iron pipe, /which worked very well, and tested the pipes up to a pressure of 150 pounds. '

Thb Herald believes that the fire harbors referred to bj the Government as those to be visited by Sir John Coode are Taranaki, Napier, Timaru, Lyttelton and the Bluff. Now, if the Thames Harbor* Board do not want our harbor to be over* looked they had better communicate at once: with Sir George Grey.

Wx notice by advertisement in another column that it is the indention of the members of the J hames Cricketers' Amateur Dramatic Club, assisted by other friends, to give a performance for the benefit of one of the most prominent members of the Club—Mr T. A. Bell. The piece chosen wToni J Taylor's wellknown and popular drama of the " Ticket*, of Leave Man.*' Mr Bell has been associated with the Cricketers' Dramatic Club from its commencement, and has always been foremost in all entertainme jits, both musical as well as .dramatic, which hare tended to benefit; various local charities, or to augment the funds of deserving but impecunious institutions. We wish Mr Bell a bumper house.

Mb Shbbhah has informed a deputation of Auckland Licensed Victuallers that the Gorernment were preparing a Licensing Bill, which makes the licensing fee ufaiform in all parts of the colony, and that the, probability: was that the lowest amount now chargtd would be the fee .fixed. He also promised to send to the Victuallers Association early copies of the bill when it had left the printer s bands. . The Auckland, Star's special.wires from Melbourne that the Victorian Compromise is broken, and war to the knife is proclaimed between the two Houses of Parliament. The . Assembly entirely ignores the Council. ;

A' cbickt match was to be played at Parawai to-day between'sides chosen by Mr J. B Steedman and Mr J. L. Whitford. '

It is stated that probably; the Hon. J. Bheehan will risit the Thames next week, in connection with the Ohinemuri land purchases,, the completion of which IS to be undertaken at once,. Mr Preece assisting Mr Maokay. A portion of the arbitration award to Mr Maokay has been paid, and a number of the documents bearing on his land purchases hare already been banded over.

Air attempt was made to bring the brig Jane alongside the Goods Wharf to-day, to. load timber from the Bhortland Saw Mill, but it failed. There was only nine feet of water, and the brig was drawing 10 feet 6 inches. She will now hare to be lightered. At the ratei the harbor is filling up the trade of the port will soon be stopped altogether, unless prompt measures be taken to keep the channel and approaches to the wharf clear. '"

Thb work of draining various swamps in the Watkato appears (says the Herald) to be oarrwi on with great < vigor, and there are probably 600 or 709 men employed by different associations, companies, and private individuals, in the work of cutting drains alone. The largest work is of course that of the Piako Company, whilst Messrs Walker and Parker probably rank next The estate of Messrs Cox and Williamson, which was Stated by a travelling correspotident of ours to be 70,000 acres, does not exceed 18,500 acres, and already from £10,000 to £12,000 has been expended in cutting drains through it. The block of land in this estate, referred td as belonging to Mr MdNiccol, was brought under cultivation by Mr Cox, and belongs to his

estate, and shows what Waikato lands can be madn to produce when properly cultivated. Messrs McLean and Co. have some 50 or 60 double-furrow ploughs at work, -whilst the smaller settlers are rapidly bringing their lands into cultiva lion. But there is a large area of good, land still hold by absentees and non-im-provers'for speculative purposes, which sadly retards the progress of tho country. On the whole, however, notwithstanding the low price of stock and the bad season, the entire Waikato district appears to be in a very prosperous condition.

A cobbespondbnt in Waikato writes to the Herald .—"Already, I hear, th* natives are on tho move from different parts to bo present at the forthcoming native meeting between the King, Sir George Grey, and the Native Minister; and intelligence was received on Thursday afternoon .from the Chief. flargreares and the late William' Thompson's cousin, who are at present in Auckland, informing a friend here that the Kative Minister would leave for the Waiketo on Monday, and would go from Hamilton with Hargreaves to nis settlement at Matamatai where some matters connected with lands in which Mr James fiunoiinsta and other Waikato settlers are interested are to be discussed, and will, no doubt, be satisfactorily arranged." \, : . r; ■:>'- Havi you seen' the " Cottage"' Washing Machine?" A marfel of ,cheapness, with wringer and mangle included, price only £2 10s. Inspection and trial invited. Sold by. J. G»ia», Pollen streefc>flcwing Madinfs, X 4; Harnjomtiaisy^ lfts.^-LAivT.]- X-

F«IMTD, to get a good Watch, Gold: or Silrer, Geneva, Bnglisti or American, go to Wiucra, ShortUnd,- for there you will have th«;t*rgest stock to select from; also, fif you Were thinking of purchasing a Brooch, or pair of Eariogs, Gold' Guard, or Bing—for there you dan see the'mesi varied and beat selected stock oh itha, Tbauies.' Watches, Clocks, and Jewejlery irepaired at Auckland prices, and guaranteed^ Established 1867 i— Advt.