Mr. Johnson asked the Provincial Secre tary what steps have been taken for estab lishing steam communication between Poverty Bay and Auckland ? Mr. Sheehan said that an offer had recently been made to run a fortnightly service between Poverty Bay and Napief, at the rate of £l,OOO per annum. The General Government had submitted that offer to the Superintendent, who had approved of it, and he believed that in a short time a service of two trips a month would be established be tween Auckland, Poverty Bay, and Napier, by first-class steamers, well adapted for the trade.
COLONIAL ITEMS.
(jtVOitL THB ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, December 25. The Choral Society performed the “ Messiah” in magnificent style. There wow 150 performers. The hall was crowded. December 26. Races, per Pigeon Express.—Trial Stakes : Batter, 1; Golden Crown, 2; Nero, 3. Four Railway Plate.—Calumny, 1; Sultan 2. •'Only two started.
