Karanama Te Kapukau, an aged and in fluential chief, who was questioned by his Honor as to this evil yesterday, spoke feelingly and sadly of the increase of drunkenness among the Maoris at Otaki — his children, he called them — and his word is entitled to weight. He has done the pakeha good service, and has for some time been on a mission to Waikato re specting what he termed Purukutu's affair, and has often been instrumental in inducing Maoris to submit to the law, but he must find it a hard matter to in still in the minds of his countrymen respect for laws that permit the Natives to be ruined in body and in goods by men licensed by Government to sell spirits, men, as it must appear to them, specially chosen for some imaginary good qualities to have the special and valuable privilege of dealing in wines, spirits, &c. Wairi Kinokino, who pleaded guilty to a charge of horse-stealing, without doubt stole the animal to obtain drink. His own words were, "We divided the money, and spent it in grog."

The immigrants for the Feilding settle ment who arrived by the Duke of Edin burgh were despatched to their destinar tion last evening: by the Manawatu". Those for Hokitika left in the Claud Hamilton. The committee of the City Council ap pointed to inquire as to the conduct and duties of the officers, haa not yet done anything. Meetings have been called, but sufficient members did not attend to enable business to be gone into. The registrar's return of the number of births in the Wellington district during the month of December shows a largely increased per centage over those of any previous month in the year, the number being 61 — 20 males and 41 females. The I deaths during the same period reached 21 — 12 males and 9 females. The number of marriage certificates issued was 22. The meeting of the United Cricket Club, held last evening, was well at tended, and after some discussion, a pro posal to disband and start a new club was carried unanimously. Sixteen members at once signified their intention of join ing. The officers for the new club will be elected next Monday evening at their meeting-room, Cuba street. The Queen's Variety Troupe commence a short season at the Theatre Royal to night. 