To-da? Her Majesty Queen. Victoria attained her 73rd birthday, and as is customary with, loyal subjects of the Empre3s-Qneen in all parts of the world, the occasion will be duly celebrated by public holidays and fetes of every description. At the Thames, a close holiday is being observed so far as the trades people are concerned, but operations in the mines are proceeding as usual. The heavy rain which fell yesterday and throughout last night until this morning, naturally prevented many who had arranged picnics from carrying them out. The only attraction was the foot ball match at Parawai between the old Wan dorers Club (Thames) and Ponsonby (Anck land). The visitors arrived here early this morning by the s.s. Chelmsford, and were conveyed to Parawai this afternoon in brakes. The match, which commences at 2.30 o'clock, has excitod a good deal of interest, and the general opinion appears to be that the contest will be keen and exciting. The ground is in a sloppy condition owing to the heavy rains.
Owing to the inclemency of the weather last evening the meeting in the Gospel Tent was not so well attended, but notwithstanding there were a good number present. The Tent was put to a good test and was perfectly dry. An interesting address was given by Mr Edwards from Bcclesiasties, 4th chap., 12th verse, and the preacher handled his "subject skilfully. It is anticipated that if the weather is ;fine this evening there will be a packed meeting, and it will be necessary to be very early to obtain a good seat.
