NEW ZEALAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3655, 29 December 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

AUCKLAND, Dec. 29. New Church. Bfc Stephen's, a new Presbyterian church, has beeu opened at Ponsonby. Free Concert. The free performance of the Messiah at the Choral Hall yesterday, by the Choral Society, was crowded. Stabbing. Thomas GUGUan, a coloured man, has been committed for trial for stabbing Fied Vernenere, at Veith's Boarding-house. NAPIER, Deo. 29. Damage to the Crops. The recent rains havo dono much damage to tho crops in this district. Mr J. N. Williims, of Hastings, lias 90 acres of wheat under crop, and ho hoped to reap a good harvest ; but owing to the rust which has appeared, he intends, as soon as the fine weather sets in, to burn the whole crop. / Tho Natives last week stopped the survey Jof tho road through to Tahoraito, threatening lltho surveyors, who desisted. The land was I Crown granted to the Natives, but a certain I per centage was retained for roads. 2ho bumptious Natives wero not even amongst the owners. Mr Hallett, accompanied by Mr I Masters, tho Maori Interpreter, will proceod I(o Tahoraite, to reiuine the survey of tho IrorHs. If tho Natives again interfere with llho survey, they will bo arrested, aB Mossrs Iflallctt and Mastors will bo accompanied by Vwo or threo constables. Race Meeting. Tho Annual Havolock Eaco Mooting took place on Saturday, and, despite tie weather, it was very successful. The rain poured in torrents all the morning, and, in consequonce of this, the visitors from town, either by road or rail, were comparatively few. In fho afternoon, however, the day cleared, and the assemblage on tho course increasod. The following aro the events : — Handicap Hubdlh Bacb. Mr Douglass' Kaokaoroa, aged, )Ojt 71b (Munn) 1 Mr C. C. Murray's Powroro, flyrs, lOst 71b ..v (Ewart) 2 HavkTjOOK Handicap; 60 bov8; one' mile. Mr IlinU'o NovorMUs, aged, Ba t 31b (Nativo) 1 Ma Keimtu Kacepo's (jtuapai aged, lOst 21b ... 2 Mr C. C. Murray'a Tomata, agod, Bst 71b (Efrart) 3 Maidrk Plate. Mr W. Douglass' Camella, 3yrs, 7st 71b (Native) 1 Mr IhaU's Tohera, 4;rn, 9st (NnUre) 2 Mr £. Tanner's Arab Child, 3yrs. 7»t 121b ... 3 RAILWAT fTAKRS. Mr Ihaia's Never Mist, aged, 9st lib (Nativo) 1 Mr W. Douglass' Cmnolia, 3;rn, 7st 131b (Nativo) 2 Mr Hr It. Powdrell'« Ileno, 6ttb, 9tt lib (Jeffen) S CONI.OIATIOK HANDIOAr. Mr E. Tanuor'H Uiuemoa, CttSlb 1 Mr C. C. Murray's < amttoa, tat 71b 2 Mr VV. Bobuison's ParAirhenaa, o>t 31b 3 WELLINGTON, Dec. 29. Death. Mr R. S. Oheosman, tho well-known solicitor, died yesterday at the age of 77. The Totalisator. Application has boon made to the stewards of the Jockey Club to allow the totalieator ta be used at the next raco meeting. / TIMABTJ, Dko. 20. / The Riots at Timaru. / A apociai meeting of tho Orange Lodgo has fljeen convened for to-night. A procession is 'proposod to be held on New Year's Day, when preparations will bo made to finely resist any interference. Tho conduct of tho Inspector of police in not. ordering tho arrest of I lie offenders is gonorally condemned. Tho clergyman at the Calholio Church animadverted severely yesterday upon iho conduct of the rioters, and asked oil who would promise not to take part in similar proceedings on Now Year's Day to hold up thoir hands. It 18 said that only three hands were held up. Difficult Operation. Dr. Macintyro performod tho .operation of removing a nail from the fore-paw of a largo full grown lion at tho Menagorio this morning. The nail had boon growing into Iho foot, rendoring tho bruto lamo. £10 had been offered for its extraction at Sydney,

but Dr. Macintyre's fee consists of thenaiL which he will preserve as a trophy. Only his Wife ! A man namod Ealford has been committed* for trial for assaulting hij wife. DUNEDIN, Dbo. 29. The Clergy on the Riots. Bishop Moran last evening from the altar asked Catholics not t> notice what might be eaid or done against them by any society in the country. He inculcated patience and forbearance* and to keep clear of all contests arianf out of religion. They need not fear for their holy religion, and it was unworthy of them to tninglojn stroet brawls. Tho Rev Dr Rosoby also referred to the Tiuiaru riot, and expressed his opinion that (he mere wearing of the regalia Bhould not have resulted in Bueh an affray, but he indicated lug disapprobation of any desire to sanction anything calculated to insult religions, or the feelings of any section of the community.