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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2843, 26 March 1878, Page 2

The competition between the banks is going on hot and strong. Yesterday a party of the Crown Princess tributers, who have hitherto taken their gold to the New South Wales, obtained an offer of lOd per ounce more from the Bank of New Zealand. This makes a difference of over £4, as there were 300 ounces of gold.

We have received from Mr Jefferson a copy of the~ Australasian Sketcher of March 16th, and the number well sustains the name of that journal. Amongst the illustrations are — Lynch Law in Samoa; Lake Tyers, Gippsland; the Late Pope, Pius the Ninth; Sketches at the Australian Juvenile Exhibition, JBallarat; and other interesting pictures.

Our sporting readers would do well to take notice of Mr J. S. Hart's Advertisement published in another column, in which he sets forth the many inducements he has lately imported for the slaughter of the feathered fowl of this district. Mr Hart is well known here as a thoroughly practical gunsmith, and we have every reason. to believe that any orders with which he may be entrusted will be executed satisfactorily.

The monthly meeting of the members of the Lodge Sir Walter Scott will take place tl *serening at the usual tUne and place. '

The benefits of advertising have often been extolled and admitted, but occasionally most unusual instances of its efficacy transpire. 'One happoned last Saturday. A dog belonging to the proprietor of tins establishment, of the Newfoundland breed, strayed and was missing for two days. This was an unheard of circumstance before, so it was determined to invite Fluke'ebi to return to his disconsolate friends. The advertisement was written and " set," but about an hour before the paper appeared the truant returned. The inference is obvious.

Me Benjamin Gbekntvood announces through our columns the arrival of two cargoes of potatoes, hay, &c, from the Tamaki, and the expected arrival ?i the course of a few days of a largo quantity more. Mr Greenwood is evidently of opinion that there will be a many mouths to fill for some time to come on the Thames.

There will be a performance at the Theatre Royal this evening by the Cricketers' Amateur Dramatic Club and others. The piece selected for the occasion is the well known drama "The Ticket of Leave Map," and the object is to give a complimentary benefit to Mr T. A. Sell, who has on many previous occasions distinguished himself as an actor of considerable ability, besides which his services as a musician and s'nger have frequently been placed at the disposal of the. public for charitable or benevolent purposes. The performance was originally fixed for Thursday last, but was postponed in deference to" the wishes of those who arranged the banquet and ball in honor of the Governor's viait. It is to be hoped that the postponement will not miliate agninst the success of the performance or the interests of the beneficiare.

The following letter has been received from the Customs Department:— " Customs Department (Merine Tranch), Wellington, 20lh March, 1878.—Sir,— Referring fo your telegram of the 4th inst., I have the honor to inform you that the Defence Department has instructed the officer in charge to hand ovar the Powder Magazine at the Thames to your board on Ist of April next.—l have &c, H. S. McKeHiAB, for Secretary of Customs.—The Chairman Thames Harbor Board."