AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3433, 23 December 1879, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

Last night.

The total rainf&ll for the past week was 3675 inches, exceeding the arerage

Quantity for the entire months of December during the past fifteen years.

A sale of rural lands took place today at the Crown Lands Office, but the bidding was indifferent.

For the athletic sports at EUerslie on Boxing Day, there are seTenty-four entries for all events; a larger number than lirs ever been made in Auckland before. The Morning Gallops. The course this morning being in good order, all the horses for the first time did fast work. The Cup horses arc all going the distance. Thorp first put in an appearance with his team. Whitefoot went a good throe mile gallop ; he is improving fast. Lalla Rookh also did good work. Laertes and Yatapa stripped and went the Cup course, the former having the best of it. Matthews had Ariel, Merlin, Edward Jatnea, Daisy, and Omega out. After walking some time, Ariel and Merlin stripped, and went about two miles and a half at a good pace. Agent went a good gallop, and appears fit. Mr Smith had Xantinpe, Maid of Honor, and Tim Whiffler out. Xantippo and Tim Whifflsr went a steady gallop of a mile ; Maid of Honor only did gentle exercise. Bay gave Maritana a gallop of a mile nndahalf; she is looking fit and well. Sinking Fund and Lonehand went a strong gallop of two miles and a half. Templeton did a good steady spin, moving uncommonly well. Vallance sent Pinfire and Lara round the Cup course at a good pace. Lady Elizabeth did a capital gallop over the Cup course. Lady Gertrude also did a good gallop.