The town is crowded with people of all descriptions trying to tnake merry; miners in hundreds have left their claims to spend the Ch.» istmas here, and their ground has been protected for the week. The bars are doing a thriving business to-day. Some are closed, others are open; for the Goldfields' Act says nothing about the necessity of closing, except on Sundays.
Few passengers are arriving now, the weather having put a stop to re gular communication. The Egmont is outside, and the Bruce succeeded in getting out to her and back again without accident, notwithstanding the surf and wind.
During the week the inquiry into the wreck of the s. s. Maid of the Yarra was held before the JResident Magis trate, the evidence went to exculpate the Captain and the crew, but no report has been published. Jan. 1, 1866.
