THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3404, 19 November 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1878.

A I'ARAGBAPH appears in our contemporary this morning, professing to give the amounts paid to the two papers by the Government for printing and advertising during the past 15 months, crediting the Star with having receivedl £459 18s, and the Advertiser £173 19s 3d. We are surprised that our contemporary should have published such figures, apparently in good faith, as he should know perfectly well that there is not a particle of truth iv them. We consider that the sneering allusion of our contemporary to our political opinions, and then giving that as the cause ot the difference in the amounts, is entirely beneath notice. The reference to their " independence " is ra'her good, coming from a journal with such variable political opinions as the virtuous and illused Advertiser.

An entertainment, given by the teachers and senior scholars of the WaioKaraka and Waiotahi Schools, took place in the Academy of Music last evening before a crowded audience, including members of the School Committee, many ladies and gentlemen who take an interest iv educatioQalinatters, and parents of tbe a^lAa j k^^f*TC4WAirPkittinj^ir«|id£Q^

aud explained that his doinp so was by request of tho Ohuirinun of tho Waiolahi School Committee, who thought, that as tho idea originated with the teachers, its carrying out would bo best left to them. It had been thought that Riving an entertainment was a perferable means of raising the money for prizes to a house td house collection. He only hoped they would bo able to provide both treat a>ul prizes from the proceeds. Me asked the indulgence of the audience for the young performers, many of whom faced the public for the first time. "The Violet" was then sung by the pupils of the WaioKaraka School, who wore ranged on the stnge, and presented mid exceedingly nice appearance, all being neatly nnd tastefully dressed, and the girU carrying boquels. Where all did their best, it would be hardly fair to single out any for special praise, but we must say a word for Margaret Johnston's song, " Mother let the Angels in," which was encored; Katie McGregor's " ETer of Thee," aud the "A.8.C." duet by M. A. and H. Cv turnings. "List the Merry Bells" was given by tho Waio-Karaka children, and "The Mountain Maid's Invitation" by those of the Waiotahi. A reading, " Mrs Brown at Margate,' by Mr Phillips made tho audience laugh immoderately and Mr Grny's " Lord Pundrrary" was excellent and most mirth-provoking." Recitations were also given by Sarah Griffiths; Nicholas IVarc<\ Archie Morgan-Morris, am) W. H. Adams. We must not omit to mention Miss Anna Horgan's spirited rendering of. "Only a Tear." During the evening Miss Minnie Clark, wl'O is about leaving the WaioKaraka School was presented with a handsome gold locket and chain by Mr Phillips on behnlf of the teachers and scholars. He spoke in warm terms of the hearty and valuable assistance Miss Clark had rendered him when taking charge of the new school, and of the affection and esteem she had gained from all the numerous pupils who bad been under her care during her six years' term of office in the old Thames School. Miss Clark, who was cordially cheered by. the'children, briefly expressed her high appreciation of this mark of the good will of her fellow teachers and pupils. Tho National Anthem, the Terse part, very well sung by Misses Hamilton and Williams, brought a rery snecescful evening to a close. The Misses Mcllhone played two piano duets capitally, and a third by Miss M. Mcllhone aud Miss E. Brodie was specially good.

We notice that Mr Marshall has disposed of his tailoring business to his late manager Mr Claxtou, and that gentleman intends in future to carry it on on his own account. From the satisfaction given as manager we may expect a successful career as proprietor.

A 83IABT shock of earthquake was felt shortly after noon on Mouday at Christchurch, but no damage was done. Tha shock was the sharpest experienced there for some years.

One of Isaac Gwynue's grooms at Hamilton, known as John White, while turning loose some horses from the stable on Monday got a kick from one, fracturing his skull, and it is feared it will end fatally.

•At the sale of shorthorns on Saturday at the Agricultural Show Grounds, Christchurch, the total sum realised was 5157 guineas. The highest price obtained for Mr Robert McDougall's bull, sent from Victoria, 260 guineas. The shorthorn cow Duchess, of Bridgewuter, was withdrawn at 650 guineas.

Fbom enquiries m«de at the Hospital Jo day, we learn that the man Moses Ensor, injured in the Alburnia, is getting on as well as can be expected under the circumstances.

The "Hon. Mr "Whitakeiy P.G.M.-of the North Island, has consented to lay the foundation stone of the new courts of justice at Wellington with Masonic honors on St. Andrew's Day, Monday, December Ist. An immense assemblage of Masons is expected.

In replying to a question in the House last night concerning the proposed new County of Kanicri, the Premier declared " that the Government were against the dismemberment of Counties." We hold similar views to Mr Hall in this respect. In the face of the present large expenses of local self-governing bodies, and the probability that in the course of a year or two fresh burdens will have.to be provided for out of their very limited exchequers, we think that a rigid policy of amalgamation, where possible, should be adopted, thereby greatly decreasing the cost of management. In the case of the Thames County itself, we think that a beneficial effect would result from its amalgamation with one or two adjoining Counties, whose several expenses added would be almost sufficient to govern a province under thq old regime.