(By Telegraph.) AUCKLAND, Dec. 13. H.M.B. Rapid arrived to-day at Russell from Cooktown, Queensland. She leaves for Auckland on Thursday. The Harbour Board has decided that the evidence taken by the board of enquiry with respect to ferry-steamer racing on the 9th ult., shall be forwarded to the Marine Board with a request that they will take judicial action if necessary. Mr J. C. Firth has received a letter from Mr R. J. Creighton, of Honolulu, in reference to the Sau Francisco mail service. Mr Creighton thinks that it would be a mistake to interfere with the service, for should the Oceanic Company get the mail contract for a long time, say seven years, it would build three new steamers for - the line, and for various reasons it would be best for the colony to make a long contract, which would ensure a faster and better service. Mr Creighton argues at some length in favour of a long contract being entered upon, and in favour of payment of subsidies for the service. The letter has been forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce, and a copy has been sent to the Premier. The Financial Reform Association tele graphed to Mr Goldie asking him to enquire what claims Mr Baddeley, R.M., has for his proposed pension. Mr Goldie has replied that he is a member of a special committee deputed to consider the matter.
