PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1851, 8 December 1874, Page 2

PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY.

Auckland, This day. The Citizens'. Ball in honor of the Governor last night was attended by two hundred ladies and gentlemen, and was of a very enjoyable character. In replying to the toast of his health, the Marquia of Normanby said that the English form of Government was the best system of republic. He entertained no fear of a difficulty arising between the Colonies and Great Britain. He would take the first opportunity for travelling the Colony from end to end. Sir George Arney made an excellent speech on the past. Referring to ex-Governor Grey, he said Governor Browne was succeeded by a man indeed of loftier genius—a man wiio had devoted a larger portion of life th&n perhaps any other gentleman to Government training, and, as far as in him lay, conciliating the Native race to the Government and the Crown of England. Sir George saidHe still lives amongst us. No man probably met with more opposition in the course of his career. No one had to deal with subjects which called for greater debate and wider expression, of public opinion; and yet I am quite sure that when we think of him now living still amongst us, taking delight in the beautiful island which charms him to cultivate •—manifesting a strong interest in the affairs of the Colony which, he loves so well—we look back with pride upon the name of Sir George Grey. The Governor proceeds South from the Manukau on Thursday morning.

Wellington, This day. The Jockey Club paid over last night i about £1000; the following persons were principal prize-takers: —Mr J. Watts, £295 9s; Mr O'Brien, £213 ss; Mr Walker, £114; Mr Tancred, £71 ss—the remainder being small sums under £50. Weather has been overcast all the morning, and a drizzling rain is now faUing, which looks threatening for the success of to-morrow's observation. The weather records at the telegraph station show overcast and gloomy weather at most of the stations in the colony. Sain fell last night,.and the sky looked , bad this morning, but is now clearing, and the barometer has a slightly upward tendency: thus good hopes are entertained of fine for observing the transit of Venus to-morrow. In addition to the English party at Burnham, a large number of local amateurs have made arrangements for observing the transit. A narrow escape from fire, under singular circumstances, occurred at Warne's Hotel yesterday. The rays of the sun shining through the bedroom window were focalised by a glass water bottle on to a towel with such effect as caused ignition, and the table was just commencing to burn when the fire was discovered. New Plymouth, This day. All the immigrants who arrived here lalely are being taken up at iair average wages. r DtrNBDiN, This day. The observation of Venus will be made at the Meteorological Station, Dunedio, by Messrs. Pope, Eoss and Skey. There is thick drizzling rain now, likely to last. The first glassware furnace in the colony was fixed by the Superintendent at White's Milton Pottery Works yesterday. - Qtjebnstown, Monday, 8 p.m. The weather looks threatening, heavy banks of clouds having been visible all day. Fears are entertained for the success of the transit of observation. There isgreat anxiety here. Si-