THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3743, 23 December 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1880.

In another column will be found a re- t port of the various distributions of prizes that took place to-day on the Thames. The attendance at each of the schools where the ceremony event- , uated demonstrated the interest taken by parents in the education of their youngsters. Not only have'they shown 1 by their attendance that they think education a subject of vital importance to the community, but they have also been exceedingly . liberal in providing prizes for those scholars who have been well-behaved*, and who have assiduously pursued their studies during the past twelve monies. This year several new features in the breaking-up entertainments were conspicuous. The most important of these innovations is that introduced by Mr Phillips, of the Kauaeranga Boys' School, who has endeavoured to help the boys in developing a taste for work requiring inventive genius. Those who were present at the different ■" breaking-up" entertainments could not but be agreeably surprised at the efforts that have been made both by teachers and parents to provide suitable inducement to encourage their young charges in that greatest of pursuits—the pursuit of knowledge. . ,

The Irish party in the House of Commons have come to the determination to pursue the same policy of obstruction as marked their Parliamentary proceedings during the last year. The (Gfovernment have decided, however, to frame rules and regulations by which the verbose obstructionists will be at once stopped} from rendering them, selves ridiculous alike to the House and thepnblic. The House is determined to show the country that its business cannot be retarded through the whims of a few mad-headed enthusiasts like' Charles S. Parnell and party.

Caii. at. Lawless' and hear all particular* about his sweeps on the Auckland Oup and Thames Races. Sweeps now on.

Mb Babmw hus gone in for a brand new portable rifle saloon on the American p'rin* ciple, which will figure as one of the attractions at the Parawai race meeting.

The Government hare issued a circular letter to tbe Superintendents and Inspectors of Police, requesting them to do all io their power to put down illegal traffic in drink on Sunday.

Thebe still continues to be a fair attendance at the Sightascope exhibition in Brown street, and as, during the holiday season, the spirited proprietors, Messrs Enko and May, intend being extra liberal in the distribution of gifts, persons wishing to obtain them should certainly pay them a visit either this or to-morrow evening.

Messes Far Beos, photographers, paid a visit last week to Te Aroha, and took a number of views of the mountain and the surrounding country. In a few days we may expect to see tbe result of their labors.

Mb Stephenson is prepared to treat with purchasers for the sale of allotments in the township of Kuakaka. The township is well laid out in a commanding position on the 'river, and cannot fail being a centre of populntion at no very distant date. The opportunity to purchase on easy terms may not always be offered, so speculators or business men should at once communicate with Mr Stepheneop.

The children of the.Tararu School are being entertained to-day in the Tararu Gardens by a picnic The necessary funds for the cakes and lollies have been subscribed by the residents, and the teachers and friends are assisting in making a pleasant time of it for the young people.

Fbom an advertisement in another column it will be seen that a Christmas Carol Concert will take place on the evening of Cnristmas Day for tha purpose of augmenting the Festival Fund of tbe Grahamßtown Wesieyen Sunda, School. The performers we under* stand nearly all hail from Cornwall, and have been very assiduous at rehearsals, and as the admission fee has been fixed at the low sum of Is, persons patronising the concert should certainly have full value for their money.

Fob the summer weather, Mr Green, hatter, of Owen-street, announces that he has a large stock of helmets, straw, and Panama hats. Intending purchasers cannot do better than visit bis establishment.

. We would like to see the members of the Fire Brigade give another display in Grahamstown somewhat like that given during the visit of the Waikato Cavalry. We are sure the hint will be enough, and we might add that New Year's night would be a suitable time. The Brigade has, we believe, every appliance, and there is no question of their experfcneßS in handling the hose. We trust a display will be given.

Thb men of the Old Men's Befuge have some very nice scrap-books, well filled with pictures from the Graphic, Illustrated London News, and other journals, which they have sent to the children of the Orphanage. The books were sent to (he ladies of the Committee with a note from ttie Old' Men's Befuge seating that the books were as Christ* mas boxes for the children, some suitable for boys and other* - for ~ litMe-girle. The consideration tfiowti Hy^the o'dnaen is moat comroendaW*,' «M~«fows a kindly feeling on their p^^sop*o l ,inm»lef,of -tbg Orpb»nag« Th> nntal impection'^f the Hauraki Engin«eri v"wM held .li»^|^fvening by Major Murray. ' The Company was put through the uaaal' teartial exercises, and a close examination of the arms and accoutrements was made. The. Company 1 acquitted themselves well, and were compliraeated on their efficiency.

These is a great assortment of new clothing opened this week for Christmas trade at 8. Hetherington's Drapery Warehouse, Poll* n street, suitable for all classes of the community, which were ahipped direct from the factory. Clothing for tall, slender men, and clothing for short, stout men, at S. Hetherington's, Pollen street.-—[Advt.]

The usual shipments of Superior Clothing Millinery, Fancy Goods, &c, bought specially for Xmas and New Year are now received at J. Mabshaxi's, Albert street and Pollen etreet.—[Advt.]

Sevebal volumes of music, handsomely bound for presentations just imported per Fernglen, also musical albums, and a large quantity of musical instruments (not W) at low prices, suitable for school prizes, &c., also, drums fifes, Ac, for boys bands. J. G-Bia a, Pollen street. —I_Adtx.]