THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2965, 16 August 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1878.

We regret sincerely to have to announce that Thames is about to lose one of its most respected citizens : we allude to the contemplated departure of Mr J7 E. Macdonald for Napier, which has been talked of in private circles for some time as probable, but which we are now in a position to state has been resolved upon after mature consideration. We are quite sure that Mr Macdonald's leaving will be much regretted. As a citizen he has been prominent in every good work. Twice elected as Mayor— he performed the duties of that office in a manner that reflected credit upon himself and the councillors working with him. We do not say he was perfect as a Mayor, but when he found he had made a mistake he was willing to acknowledge it, which more than made amends for any errors of judgment! In his professional capacity Mr Macdonald has been identified with the district from its birth, and he has won many a hard fought battle in our Courts. With the volunteers aud the fire brigade Mr Macdonald has long been connected, and his worth has been recognised if not

fully appreciated by members of those forces. We understand tbat as soon as it was positively known that Mr Maftdonald had mado up his mind to leave, a requisition to tho Warden was drawn up asking him to convene a meeting to devise means for an expression of good will to Mr Macdonald on his departure. We shall hear more of it in a few days, but we are quite sure that there will be amongst our citizens a cordial unanimity in any movement for showing to Mr Macdonald the regret felt at his departure, the high place he holds in public esteem, and to wish him success in the place to whicli he is going.

The Wbakatane .Native Volunteer Company lately formed here was inspected last evening at the Volunteer Hall Shortland by Major Murray. There was a large muster on the occasion. The company is being drilled by the disirict Instructor Sergeant Grant, and although only enrolled about a fortnight the men exhibited remarkable precision last night in their elementary drill. Taking the company altogether they are a fine body of men, few of them standing less than six feet. At the conclusion of the inspection the outer sections were wheeled up, and Major Murray complimented officers and men on their drilling, and their strict attention and steadiness in the ranks. E. W. Puckey, Esq. was present, and kindly acted as interpreter. After parade the men were - measured for their new uniforms.

At the Lands Court to-day the case which has occupied the Court during the greater part of the week wa9 still being heard, and it is not expected to be finished before to-morrow. The sitting of the Court has been extended, the Cambridge Court being postponed in consequence. The Court will probably sit for a month longer here.