The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1874.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1861, 19 December 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1874.

A leading- article, What Everybody Says, report of Parawai School examination, and repoirtsof several matters of local interest are unavoidably left out of our present issue by a pressure of advertisements and telegrams. We hope to be in a position to obviate this shortly, by enlarging «'ur sheet; until which time we must occasionally claim the indulgence of of our readers and advertisers. Early next; year we intend coming out in enlarged ' form—as big, indeed, as any evening paper in. the colony, a venture ■which will, we trust, be equally advantageous to ourselves and our advertising and reading friends.

The members of the Thames Scottish Volunteers^ paraded last sight in their drill shed. There was a good attendance of the men who were (in undress) put through some company movements. " . '

WiS are glad to see that Captain Brassey'e request for a gun boat,'and new field pieces for the Navais was approved of by Sir Donald McLean yesterday. . This corps is at a great inconvenience for the same, and it is a great pity to see such a fine body of smart fellows go badly equiped. We understand that the officers and men are to be in white uniform by New Year, andj.no doubt, they will receive the benefit thereof, as the weather gets hot; it is now close on two years ago that we observed the corps in white duck, and will be glad to see the men in their cool uniforms again, which "will, no doubt, assist t© keep their courage cool.

We notice by telegram from Auckland that an addition to the attractions at present'in Auckland has been brought by the Wonga Wonga iv tbe person of Miss Christian who is spoken of as the most popular contralto who has visited the-Colomes. Madame Ababeixa Goddabd, who appears to have excited immense enthusiasm in Auckland, has decided to .visit the Thames, and on Tuesday next will give a grand concert in the Academy of Music. There is not the slightest doubt that the Hall will be crowded in every part, especially the reserved seats, for the prices of admißßion are extremely low compared with those charged down South. Madame God dard will perform on her concert iron grand pianoforte, manufactured by Messrs. Broadwood for the Vienna Exhibition ; and it will be seen from the advertise^ xnent that the great pianist brings with her an excellent company. All the assisting artietes also, with one exception, will make tfceirappearance here for the first time. The plan of the reserved seats will be opened on Monday morning at Mr Burra's.

Thb following additional handicaps were fixed to-daw by tbe stewards of the JThames ~~ Annual Races for a horse, entries for which were received by post dated 16th instant: Owen Magee's eh horse Golden Crown: — Flying Handicap, lOst; Jhaines Plate, lOst 71brl»diefrflr»e,l28tllb..

The usunl weekly practice of tlio Shortland Fire Brigade was held last night, at which there wns a sjilendid muator. His Worship the Mayor, with Messrs Jones ard Pierce, representing the Nevr Zealand and Royal Insurance Companies, were preeant. There was a general water practice with two hydrants—three jets of water. After practice the Mayor addressed the biigade and expressed the pleasure of. himself and Messrs Jones and Pierce at (he fine appearance of the body of men, rind the satisfaction they felt at the efficiency and promptness displayed- in performing their duties. Superdt. Bull thanked the Mayer for his good opinion, and said the Shorfclund Brigade was always ready to do its best in caßo of fire, and would alwayi respond promptly to the call of the fire bell. .After cheers for the Mayor and Tiiitors the brigade were invited by the visitors to drink healths at Host Gf-arrett's.