ARRIVED.

December 1, steamer Charles Edward, 125, Whitwell, from West Coast. — steamer Wauaka, 27C, Holmes, from Picton, Wellington, and South. Passengers : Mesdames Frankland and 2 children, Leighton, Eevs. Leighton, Ponder, Dr. Grabharn, Messrs Haybittle, Watts, Frankland. Miller, Durrand, Fender, Washbonrne, and Gibbs. SAILED. November 30, steamer Wallace, 86, Bruce, for Wanganui. Passengers : Mis-ts Wells, Washbourne, Messrs Addington, Arkwright, and Walker. — cutter Maid of Italy, 15, Clarke, for Riwaka. — schooner May. 21, Tinney, for Havelcck. — cutter Dart, 16, Williams, for Westport. — cutter Midge, 15, Euro, for Waitapu. December 1, steamer Lad}' Barkly, 30, Walker, for Motueka.

The Kennedy arrived at Wanganui last night, nod leaves there for Greymouth tonight. Tbe Wallace sailed for Wanganui last night, and is expected to return hero tomorrow. The Charles Edward arrived from ihe West Coast this morning, and leaves at 3 p.m. tomorrow for the same ports. The Murray leaves Westporfc this aflernoon, will arrive here to-morrow morning, and proceed to Wellington via Pelorus Sound on Sunday evening. The Iris hauled to the Albion Wharf this nfternooD, and will discharge the remainder of her cargo there. The Grafton leaves Wellington at JO o'clock to-night, will arrive here to-morrow morning, and sail by the same tide at 1 p.m. for Westport snd Greymouth. The Auchor Line Company will, until February 28th, issue return tickets to any port at wbich their steamers call at a reduction of 30 per cent off the two single fatoi=, available for return until March 31. The Waitaki leases Port Chalmers to-day, Lyttelton to-morrow, and Wellington nt noon on Monday. She will arrive here on Tuesday morning, and sail at 2 p,m. for Piclon, Wellington, and South. Tbe Wanaka left Port Chalmers at 2 p.m. on Monday, called at Akaroa and Lyttelton, and arrived at Wellington at 7 p.m. on Wednesday ; sailed at noon yesterday, and reached Pictou at 5 p.m. ; moved on again at midnight, and arrived here at 930 a.m. today. She sails at 1 p.m. to-morrow for Wellington, Taranaki, and Manukau, taking the San Francisco mail. The Otago Daily Times, of the 25th inst , contains the following paragraph :— " We are authorised to state that the New d Shipping Company's arrangements are now completed for establishing a steam service quite irrespective of ,the tenders called for by the Government, which are on such conditions as are not likely to result in a service which will be advantageous to the colony from a passenger point of Tiew. The first steamer of the New Zealand Shipping Company's line will proceed to Wellington and Lyttelton, and load at the latter port in March ; after that the directors of the company will be open to make satisfactory arrangements for loading steamers of tbe line at Port Chalmers, and oi her places as trade may warrant. The steamers are all to be fitted with the most approved refrigerating machinery. The vessels are not likely to exceed a draft of 22ft to 23ffc loaded, and it is to be hoped the Harbor Board will do their utmost forthwith to secure the entry of such vessels at or near high water. The passenger accommodation of the boats, wbich are beiug builfc- for the company by Messrs Elder, of the Clyde, will be of tbe most superior description, and the vessels will be fitted with all modern appliances. The sea-going speed will be 12 knots. With such boats a45 to 50 days' service, with easy running, will be assured. Whether the proposals of the Government are taken up or not, therefore, the colony is certain to see a direct service established next year — one that we are assured will not be of a local nature, but applicable to the whole colony as trade requirenienls may demand." The British King, the first chartered vessel of the new service, will bring out passengers and cargo for Port Chalmers, and, indeed, all New Zealand ports ; but the question of her attempting to enter Otago Heads depends altogether upon the progress made there in the meantime in deepening (he bar.. Under present circumstances the chance seems very remote.