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New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4399, 18 December 1875, Page 2

A gentleman who arrived from the Waikato last evening, fully corroborates the accounts we have previously published of the Waikato floods. He says that the damage done to crops on the side of the Waikato river may safely be estimated at £50,000. The crops that have beon destroyed consiet of potatoes, maize, hay, oats, and wheat. One settler has lost forty acres of hay by the overflowing of the Waipa. Beyond Ngaruawahia there is scarcely a bridge left, and the loss in this respect is eaid to be estimated by the Government Engineer at £120,000. On some of the small islands near the hanks of the river, were aa many as 20 head of cattle, and every veetage of food had been eaten off by them. It is said that only trifling damage has been caused by the flood to the line beyond Mercer. The river at JNgaruawahia has fallen 10 feet yesterday since Tuesday last. At Churchill it had fallen 18 inches, and at Mercer 1 inch. The railway line from Mercer to the Maungatawhiri Bridge is still covered with about 18 inches water. Altogether, the floods have proved a very serious inconvenience, and an almost ruinoue lose to many of the Waikato settlers.

Further search was made for the unfortunate man, Mr. George Levitt, yesterday, but nothing was found. It ie very strange that not even the oars can be discovered. It is posible that he may have drifted to the creek running up to Whau, and getting entangled amongst the nurnorous mangroyes growing there (whicharo juat covered with water at high tide), capeized, in which case his body would, of course, sink to the bottom, and be kept there by the roots of the trees.

The Auckland College and Grammar School prizes were distributed yesterday afternoon by his . Honor Sir G-eorge Grey. After the prizes had been awarded Sir George Grey delivered an excellent address to the scholars. The speech, which is reported in another column, will be extensively read, and its merits duly appreciated. The main points were, that education of the intellect and of the feelings were not only necessary but indispensable to useful school training. Most clearly was the importance of the government of the feelings by the exercise of the reasoning faculties eet forth, as by this means alone would a habit of acting ; aright, under difficult and trying circumstances, be acquired. Sir George remarked that ■ men seldom acted from reason, but from impulse or feeling, and the truth of this tlicy would see the more clearly 33 they grew up in life. He dwelt simply and forcibly upon the importance of the united education of reason and feeling, of the advantages arising therefrom, and of the worse than worthless character of the education in which this dual training was not observed. In concluding, he spoke encouragingly to the boys, and promised them his friendship and assistance if they would endeavour to rise and to benefit their country and their fellowmen. As education is, or should be, the work of a life time, the lessons inculcated by Sir George Grey in his short address will admit of a very extensive application—far beyond the limits of the school-room. As we have said before, the address will interpret itself, and it is therefore only necessary to direct attention to it as being especially worthy of perusal.

A young man named Courtney, lately arrived from England by one of the immigrant Bhips, made his debut at the Police Court yesterday morning, on a charge of stealing a gold ring. It appeared that the accused had received an offer of employment in the Waikato, but haying no means with which to pay his way thither, he was somewhat at a loss how to act. The youth, however, had never been known to shirk difficulties, and being somewhat of an inventive turn, thought the best thing he could do would be to appropriate his landlord's ring and pawn it, which he accordingly with great coolness did, leaving to fortune the chance of his being placed in a position to redeem it, if the entire transaction had not faded out of his mind before that indefinite period of time had elapsed. The Court, howerer, took a graver view of the young gentleman's attempt to surmount a difficulty, and ordered him to be sent to Mount Eden for one month, where no doubt, while experimenting upon blocks of scoria with a sledge hammer, he will find time to ponder over his future course of conduct, which, we trust, will be different from that which has led to his enforced seclusion within the bounds of the noble pile of buildings situated at Mount Eden.

The Whau Manse Fund will be very materially aided by the proceeds of the bazaar which is being held in the City Hall. Another day of generous labour, in persecuting the innocents, was given by the ladies who presided at the several stalls and their active assistants yesterday. A very fair amount of success lias attended their efforts. Tho various sums raised yesterday afi the bazaar were as follow :— Mrs. Buchanan, £26185; Mrs. Lamb, £9 ss3d; Mrs. Deacon, £5 10s; Mrs. Hepburn, £5 7s 9d ; Mrs. Somerville, refreshments, £5 Is ; taken at the doors, £6 16s 6d : total, £58 18s 6d. During the evening a concert was given. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Keid, Mr. Hull, and another gentleman amateur assisted. As was expected, the company were favoured with some excellent vocal music. The Hobson band was present, and added to the general enjoyment by their performances. Today the bazaar will be opened for the last time, so that those desirous of enjoying themselves and contributing to a good object will be favoured with a good opportunity for doing so.

The performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre last evening was for the benefit of Mr. Sam Poole. The pieces selected were, "All that Glitters is not Gold," in which Mr. Sam Poole sustained the part of Toby Twinkle, and he succeeded in keeping the house in roars of laughter, and "'The Jolly Young Waterman." On Monday evening Mr. Charles Searlc, an actor of merit, will take his benefit. The performances will be under the patronage of Sir George Grey and the Mayor of Auckland. The pieces selected are, " London Assurance" and " Poor Pillicoddy." The first piece is the first great work of Mr. Boucicault, and was said at the time of its production to be little inferior to the " School for Scandal." The piece will be extremely well cast. We think that Miss Carry George willgiv«an admirable portrait of Lady Gay Spanker, and Mias Jennie Nye will be graceful and charming as Grace Harlsaway. Mr. and Mrs. Se.trlc are skilful adapters and playwrights as well as actors, so that they have a double claim upon tho playgoing public. Knowing the resources of the, present company, the performance is likely to be excellent in every respect.

The marriage of Captain Anderson (of the schooner Clyde) to Miss Harding, which took place yesterday, was celebrated in the evening by a number of friends, who assembled, at Captain Anderson's invitation, at the Oddfellows' Hall, Cook-street, and partook of the worthy Captain's hospitality. Dancing was kept up until nearly daylight, under the auspices of Mr. Cole, M. C. During au interval supper was supplied, Mr. W. Drew acting as caterer. The health of the bride and bridegroom was drrnk in flowing glasses, and a very enjoyable evening was passed.

Mr. E. D. Daviea (who is announced as the Premier Ventriloquist) and company will appear in the City Hall on Christmaseve. The entertainment promised by the company has been very well spoken of by the Press generally, and the testimonials which Mr. Davies is in possession of are of a very high class. Doubtless the entertainment will draw a crowded house. The company were to appear on Monday next, but circumstances have transpired which render this impracticable, and on Christmaseve the company will appear for the first time in Auckland.

Mount Eden Rifle-range was yesterday morning the scene o£ the tiring for the presentation cup by tho "Nixon Light Horse" Cavalry Volunteers. The distances were 150, 200, and 300 yards, with fivo shots at each range. The match was very closely contested, the cup being finally won by Sergeant Scotter (farrier), with an excellent score of 53 points. There was a good attendance of members. His Worship tho Mayor requests that communications may be in writing and, with any official letters addressed to him, left at the office of the Town Clerk. He will be in attendance at his office, Canada Buildings, between the hours of two and three on Mondays and Thursdays, for any persons desirous of seeing him.

Our Alexandra correspondent, wlio haß lately been attending the meeting in the King country, writes that on Monday morning last, Tawhiao, Re.yi, and Manuhiri were at Te Kopua, on their way from Hikurangi to Waitomo. Thoy are now at their homes at the last-mentioned place. An ordination service will be held at eleven o'clock on to-morrow (Sunday), at St. Mary's Church, Parnell, when the Rev. T. Baker, o£ Wairoa, in the Kaipara district, will be admitted to Priest's Orderß by the Eight Rev. Bishop Cowie. > The splendid mail steamer Colima will this morning be thrown open to public inspection prior to taking her departure for Sydney. The North Shore ferry-boat will carry passengers to and from the Bteamship. The names of the gentlemen who have been selected to shoot in the Interprovineial Shooting Match, and the full particulars connected with it, will be found in the letter of our sporting contributor. In the Native Lands Court at Shortland, judgment was given in the Pakirarahi case, the principal grantees being Riwai, Nikorima, Te Moantnui, and "\V. H. Taipari. ,

Our Thames correspondent gives the following account of the proceedings at the termination of the election for the mayoralty of Thames. When the poll closed, and the numbers were announced, Mr. Macdonald was descried hoisted on men's shoulders, and placed on the roof of a small house next to the polling-booth, -whence after the excitement had expended itself in cheers, Mr. Macdonald addressed the meeting. He said he had prepared a speech, but it was for a different issue, but as he had intended to thank his opponents for the very fair manner in which the contest had been carried on, he hoped that his rival candidate, if he spoke, -would be able to take up the same thread. He thanked them most heartily for placing him at the head of the poll. A result not altogether unexpected, inasmuch as on a personal I visitation he had received the direct assurance from 300 voters that they intended to vote for him, and excepting some six who had already pledged their support to his opponent, he had not been denied once. [The cheering here broke out again.] Mr. MacdonpJd continued: With regard to the money business, he would state that some friend without his knowledge had stated as per printed placard that £150 goea to the hospital if Macdonald was elected. He, however, would sustain that statement, and the £150 salary as Mayor should go to that object. He felt proud, for he stood before them not as the representative of any class, and had without any organisation solicited their suffrages, and until he had spoken at the late public meeting, he had no idea of any assistance in the matter. Since then, however, several had come forward and had worked with him, with what result they could now see. He regarded the decision as something more than a political triumph ; he esteemed it as a public testimonial to himself from the people among whom he lived, and had been well known for several years. Renewed cheers, amid which Mr. Macdonald retired from his elevation, and descended to the shoulders of his valiant supporters, who bore him off in triumph.

Mademoiselle lima de Murska's grand season o£ concerts in Auckland is announced in outadvertising columns. They are to take place at the Choral Hall, and will be limited to six alternate nights, commencing on Tuesday, the 4th of January. A subscription list will be opened at Mr. Upton's stationery warehouse on Wednesday next, when subscribers will have the privilege of securing their seats for the whole season in advance of the general public. The season tickets are fixed at the very moderate price of twenty-five shillings, a price vrhich is certain to ensure a large number of subscribers. Mademoiselle de Murska is due here by the Hero on the 31st instant. Wβ understand that arrangements have been completed for her appearance in all the principal towns in New Zealand, and that her reception everywhere promises to be one of the greatest musical events ever witnessed in the colonies. We trust the subscription list about to be opened will shew what Auckland can do when such artistes as lima de Murska come amongst us, and we shall be much surprised if the Choral Hall is not crowded on each night of her appearance.

The following resolution has been passed by the Waiotahi School Committee : —"The Committee desire to place on record the deep regret they feel at the unexpected death of Mr. Michael O'Haire, that gentlemen having been a member of the committee from the first introduction of the secular system of education on the Thames, and, at all times, taken a prominent part and active interest in the schools connected with the Waiotahi Board. The committee feel, that in the decease of Mr. O'Haire, they have lost a worthy colleague and a zealous worker in every object tending to the improvement of the rising generation." The Wesleyan Sunday-school, Shortland, celebrated their anniversary on Tuesday, the 14th instant, by a tea-meeting,— the Rev. J. Crump presiding. A most interesting meeting took place. There were addresses by several gentlemen, singing, and reading of reports, by which it appeared that the number on thejschool-roll amounted to 305, while the average attendance was 2GO. The finances of the school were shewn to be in a favourable condition. The match, Carlton C. C. v. Auckland C. C. (postponded from last Saturday), will be played in the Domain this day. Wickets pitched at 2 p.m. sharp. The following are the names of the players :—Carlton : Yates, Buttle, Rent, Mears, La wry (J.), La wry (T.), Caldwell, Bodle, Dufaur, Earle, Ewen. Auckland : Braitliwaite, Connell, Cotton, Garland, Blunden, Felling, Philson (W.), Phil-urn (T.), Kice, White, Kussell.

The principles of Good Templary seem to be extending very much in the Waikato district. A new lodge was opened on Tuesday last at Hamilton West, and named " Onward to Victory." Twenty-four members enrolled themselves. There are now two lodges in Hamilton West, and one in Hamilton East, and every probability of another being speedily established at Alexandra. Two persons for drunkenness, one for vagrancy, and one for larceny, received the various degress of punishment attaching to their several offenccs at the Police Court yesterday. A charge of threatening language, brought against a brutal-looking man named Mulvaney, was adjourned until this morning, the prosecutrix having failed to make hor appearance. The young lady pupils of Mrs. Gorrie's school, in Pitt-street, were yesterday treated to a picnic in the Domain. A very pleasant day was spent in that delightful retreat, the party returning to town at an early hour in the evening.

The Thames Advertiser, in acknowledging receipt of the New Zealand Insurance Company'scard andbook almanacs, says:—"They have been printed at the Herald office, and are very creditable to the establishment. ladeed, the illuminated work now performed by Air. W. C. Wilsou compares very favourably with that issued by many of the leading English houses." The Thames Evening Star makes the following remark:—"Both these publications are turned out from the establishment of Mr. W. C. Wilson, on which they reflect credit, as the handsome illuminated card docs upon Mr. Alfred Hutchinson, the designer and delineator. The design of this card is this year entirely different from any that have preceded it."

Divine service will be held in the following places of worship to-morrow (Sunday), as under: —Pitt-street Wesleyan Church : Rev. W. J. Williams, morning; Rev. A. Reid, evening; Grafton Road Wesleyan Church: Rev. A. Reid, morning; Rev. W. J. Williams, evening ; Parnell Wesleyan Church : Rev. J. Whewell, morning ; Mr. Wrigley, evening. Lorne-street Hall: Rev. S. Edger; morning, "Is it possible to love one's, neighbour as ourself—and how?" evening "Christian politicians — the hope of our young country." Newton Hall: Service at 11 a.m. and 6. 30 p.m. Congregational Church, Beresford-street: Rev. Warlow Davies, M.A., morning and evening. The Rev. R. H. McCrae, an American Missionary from India and Japan, will preach in the Wellesley-street Baptist church, tomorrow morning, and at Ponscmby Church in the evening. The Rev. P. H. Cornford will preach at Mount Eden in the and Wellesley-street in the evening. In our advertising columns will be found the entries for the annual Cale&onian games at Ellerslie, to be celebrated at EllersKe oh the 27th December (Boxing DayJ. A call 6d is made in the Waitekauri Gold Mining Company, payable on the 12th of January. A call of Is is made in the Queen of the May Gold Mining Company, payable on the 13th of January. Shareholders of the Old Whau Gold Mining Company are reminded of the second call, due on the Bth instant. The Medical Hall at Newton is advertised for sale. The Colima will leave for Sydney this afternoon.