(Pbb United Press Association.)

Wellington, December 1. The Rotorua arrived with the Australian cricketers at noon after a somewhat rough trip across the Strait against a nor'-wester, and at 230 the game began. Garrett, for the third time, lost the toss; and Motley, the captain of the local Twenty-two, determined to get the best of the wicket and put his men in. A very good pitch had been prepared, aud scarcely a ball bumped all day. Blackham was unable to play, and a substitute fielded for him. Evans and Phillips were both unwell after the voyage, and the Australians generally betrayed signs of lassitude—hardly to be wondered at under the circumstances. To add to their discomfort a stiff northerly gale blew all day. The Wellington men made a much better game of it than was expected, and remained so long at the wickets that the visitors had no time to do any batting. Riley, an old Australian player, got more com mand over the bowling, especially Garrett's, than any other batsman, but he was let off twice, once at point and once in the 6lips when Palmer was not looking. He also had the luck to get five by an overthrow. Riley offered two trophies of sgs each for tlfe highest score and the best bowling on the Wellington side, and the first of these he thus wins himself. Salmon and Lawsou hit freely and scored rapidly while they were in. B. Blacklock also bit with good judgment and showed considerable defence, while at the tail of the innings Collins and M'Girr made eight boundary hits between them. Spofforth's bowling had not much terror for the batsmen, and be seemed to have lost most of his once formidable break. Palmer tried yorkers freely, but could not get them on the wicket. The only straight one he sent down dismissed Heenan, reputed to be the best bat here. His leg breaks were more effective. Garrett, though he only obtained three wickets, puzzled the batsmen more than anyone else. Jones was erratic, not being particular about wides and long hops, but he got a lot of twist on to his fast balls, which was too much for some of the batsmen. The attendance was not large, never at any time amounting to 500 or 600. Messrs Knapp and Wilson umpired. The following are the scores:— Wellington—First Innings. 