THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3067, 13 December 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1878.

It all goes on smoothly, to-morrow week we may expect to see the Premier down here taking the first practical step towards the formation of the Thames and Waikato railway. Sir George has been indicated as the gentleman to whom belongs the honor of taming the first sod, and should it be found possible for arrangements to be perfected by that date, the 21st will be celebrated by that orent. The deputation from here hare been well received, both by Sir George Grey, and Mr James Macandrew, Minister for Public Works, Both Ministers are anxious that the money voted for the railway should be expended during the current financial year, and we could not have a more gratifying or satisfactory assurance than that given : that the railway will be commenced from both ends immediately.

. The following telegram, received by the Town Clerk to-day, has been handed to us, for publication: —"Auckland, 12.25 p.m.— f. C. Dean, Esq., Thames.—Deputation, headed by Sir G. Grey, consisting of Messrs Brodie, Brown, fiobt. Graham, Speight and' self have just seen Minister Public Works re railway, who agrees that works will be commenced both ends without unnecessary delay. £30,000 voted to be expended before Parliament meets. Suggestion's have been made to Ministers that first sod may be turned by Sir G; Grey, who will be at Thames to-morrow week.— James Kilgoub."

We would again remind and urge upon -Volunteers the desirability of joining the New Zealand Rifle Association, by paying the yearly subscription to Mr Lawless, the local secretary and treasurer, during the present week. ' The grant in aid by Government will be contingent on the Volunteers going in heartily to give the Association a start. More especially is this the case this year, in starting the Association. We believe if the Association is strongly supported by the Volun* teers, not only tbe Government but some of the influential firms and companies in the colony are likely to. give annual prizes. Several of our lowl citizens who are not Volunteers are becoming subscribers to the Association.

A meeting of thu members of the Harbor Board was held at the office of the Chairman! Mr Wm. Davies, this morning, to decide upon the offer made of the use of the Auckland Harbor Board's dvedge. It was agreed to take the dredge on the terms submi'tcd in the letier fronv Mr Mennie. In accordance with this decision the following telegram wes sent to Mr li, J. Bagnall:—" Conclude arrangements with Auckland Harbor Board re dredge and punts. Make arrangement with Captain and men to work tide.T; also send me word when I shall order tug to cbmefor dredge. We are ti/ing to arrange for tug service." '' '

The annual exaninaiion of the Tararu School took place to-day, and was conducted in the presence of the Committee, by the Rev. S. J. Neil, the sole examiner, in the absence! of Messrs Kilgour anil Lawlor. After carefully tesf:ng the capabilities of the various classes, Mr Neil expressed himself highly pleased with the manner in which the school was conducted, commenting in particular upon the discipline maintained. The prizes to successful pupils will be distributsd on Friday next.

Mb T. Eawdon has donated to the Waiotahi Creek Pshool as prizes a number of very elegint books, including works on history, travel, and some works of fictior, including " Rob'nson Crusoe " with colored iilus*r<<l'ons. The prizes are givei —th'ci fii 1 genel J proficiency, three for geo£-" phy, and three for aritnmetlc, no pupil to receive moi*) than oae prize. lac( good example sej will, it is ( hoped, be followed by some oLher gentleiren who have the welfare of our common schools at heart.

At the Shetland Bazaar Mr K. Morgan is just opening up a large. L^ook of nejr goods suitable fbi* the coming season —for Christmas and New Year gifts. It is Mr Morgan's intention, tbe.bettei'to show.oif the varied assortment of ijiys,* to hard a large Christmas tree gaily decorated, an;d as soon as this is done it will not be prudent for parents to'venture near the Bazaar unless t^eir pockets are well lined; iwith silver, for it is not in. juvenile human nature to resist the templing display Mr Morgan will be able to niake, with Ms present stock. ; |

Mb Robeet Stone is building a large barge for the Bay of Islands Coal Company at his yard in Shortland, and we learn that rery probably a small steamer will soon be commenced for the Thames Produce Company. ;: ;

In the Supreme Court, Wellington, recently, Mr Justice Kichmond said :—"|j hope the time is coming, when the criminal may be heard in his pwn defence. I may now call myself a criminal judge of some experience, for I have presided for something like sixteen years ik criminal courts, and my own opinion is, that such an alteration would tend in favour of the innocent, and against the guilty." The s.s. Hinemoa, with Sii George Grey, iL.C.B., Mr Wm. Mitchell, Private Secretary, Mr E. M. Edgcumbe, and other passengers arrived at the Auckland wharf at about 4 o'clock yesterday. The party were officially received by jj. T.Boylan.J.P., Chairman of the Auckland Harbour 80ard ..;.. and other leadiilg citizens. ;The date of Sir George Grey's visit to the Thames has not,been .settled. He will, probably, first address a public meeting mx Aucklp.nd. Sir George Grey is said to be much improved in health.;

Most of us have.hrd the pleasure of seeing Madame Cora's entertainment, and have also been amused by Mr ValVose's funny folks and their funny talk, but the combination of the two entertainmer ts, whichi rwe f jare to hav,e,,fpr the first time on Tuesday evening next, wiU be a great treat. contemporary speaks of ihV performance in the foHowihg 'flattering terms :-^ VrNo words otpraise could be tcD.high; in which to speak of the performance, which from first to last was truly admirable. The programme consisted of three parts. The first was occupied-with feais of legerdemain, in which Madame Cora is very highly skilled, and which were so dexterously performed, that the audience w? 3 aga;n and again fairly carried Sway with admiration. In this part tin performances of the wee dog "Beauty " elicited hearty applause. In thq second, in which was introduced several mechanical figures, the clever ventriloquism of. ValVose gave rise to much merriment and no little wonderment among the juveniles in the gillery. The 'evening's entertainment concluded with a performance, entitled the ••Couch of the Angels." Previous to the concluding scene, which, to. see alope is worth the price of admissioni the distribution of yatuaole and, useful gifts caused a great deal of fun, and no little satisfaction to those fortunate enough to take prizes. We can most cordially re* commend this entertainment as superexcellent, and we feel sure that none of pur readers will regret taking our advice, to go and see for themselves."