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Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3843, 23 April 1881, Page 2

To-DAT being, devoted to the memory of St. George, the patron saint of merrie England, the banks were closed, but otherwise there was no indication of a holiday.

We have reason to believe that negotiations are in progress between the directors of the Auckland and North Shore Ferry Company and those of the Thames River Navigation Company for the withdrawal of the Te ■ Aroha from the up-river trade, there manifestly not being at present sufficient, trade for the profitable employment of two such steamers as the Te Aroha and Patiki. Should an understanding between the two companies be arrived at, we believe that Mr R. Onfon, the indefatigable-agent for the North Shore Ferry Company at the Thames, a gentleman thoroughly conversant with the requirements of the river trade, will be appointed agent for the Patiki. .

We are exceedingly sorry to hear that one or two of our principal miues, employing a large number of men, are. reducing wages considerably. The Moanatairi in future pay 7s per diem and the Kuranui 6s 6d. The msn are growling considerably at this "Paddy's rise." A CONGEST and drama in aid of the building fund Of the Faeroa Catholic Church will take place at the public hall, Paeroa, on Wednesday, the 27th ihst. The anniversary services in connection with the Tararu Wesleyan Sunday School will be held to-morrow. Sermons will be preached at Tararu in the morning, and at Grahamstown in the evening by the Rev J. T. Pinfold and Mr Harris. The Rev Mr Adamson will fill the pulpit at the Presbyterian Church to-morrow morning, and the Rev Mr Davies in the evening.

Bushmen are enthusiastic supporters of the turf, and the amount of money annually spent by the denizens of our forests in sweeps is something surprising. One party of bush contractors at Tairua expended £70 in tickets in Abbott's last consultation, their total winnings being £100. One man took £4/0, another £29 and others smaller amounts, *