1874.

January 1.—Caledonian Society Twelfth Annual Gathering.

January 2.—Southern Mercury, first number published.

January 5.—Banquet to the Premier, Hon. Julius Vogel; about 300 present.

January 8.—M.P.C. Clutha: Henderson, 92; (Thomson, 88.)

January 12.—Complimentary ball to Captain Jacquemart and officers of the F.R. war steamer "Vire" for their services to passengers of "Surat."

January 13.—Presentation by Provincial Government to Captain Jacquemart. Amount collected for relief of "Surat" passengers £770 10s.

January 14.—Annual Meeting of Presbyterian Synod.

January 22.—Moari Meeting at Kaik to open meeting-house.

January 26.—Burns' 114th anniversary celebration.

January 30.—Captain of "Surat" sentenced to imprisonment.

February 2.—Submarine boat "Platypus" tried.

February 14.—Woodland section of Southland railway opened.

February 24.—A. C. Strode, Esq., retired from Magisterial Bench. Judge Bathgate took his seat on the Bench.

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March 6.—M.P.C. Dunedin: Reeves, 588; (Cargill, 428; Isaac, 56; Chapman, 50.)

March 11.—Royal Agricultural Society's Show.

March 23.—Twenty-fifth anniversary of Province. Dunedin Jockey Club Races at Forbury.

March 26.—First sod of Dunedin-Moeraki Railway cut by Superintendent.

April 23.—M.H.R.—Dunedin: Wales, 629; (Barton, 541; Grant,. 39.)

April 28.—Public Meeting as to deepening Otago Harbor.

April 29.—Thirty-third Session of Provincial Council opened.

May 1.—Colonial Bank of New Zealand projected.

May 2.—"Ocean Wave" and "Emulous" wrecked at Oamaru.

May 25.—Queen's Birthday. Four men drowned in Harbour. Races at Forbury.

June 4.—Dunedin Waterworks purchased by Corporation.

June 10.—Fire in Stafford-street. G. F. Reid's and Mosgiel warehouses.

June 23.—First degree of Otago University Council conferred on A. H. Williamson.

June 26.—First sod of the Crepuki Railway turned by Superintendent.

June 29.—Otago Regatta at Port Chalmers.

June 30.—Presentation to Captain Wain, D.V.F.B., by City Council.

July 1.—Southern trunk railway opened for traffic to Green Island.

July 3.—Waiareka Branch Railway work started.

July 4.—Fire in Princes-street, Hay, draper.

July 6.—First meeting of Otago Harbour Board.

July 9.—Clutha Leader newspaper issued.

July 11.—Green Island Ploughing Match.

July 17.—Taieri Derby Ploughing Match. Mayoral election Dunedin: Ramsay, 1100; (Walter, 1072.) Port Chalmers: M'Kinnon, 125; (Innes, 103). Palmerston: Arkle. Oamaru:. Shrimski, (Sumpter.) Naseby: Busch. Milton: Goodall. Balclutha:. Grigor.

August 14.—Temperance Hall, Moray-place, opened.

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August 19.—First steam engine constructed in Invercargill, Mr Hay.

August 20.—Hillside Patent Brick Factory started.

August 23.—Great fire, Guthrie and Larnach's timber yard.

August 28.—S. steamer Bruce arrived from Glasgow.

September 1.—Salmon trout caught at Dunedin Heads.

September 10.—Union Bank of Australia new building opened.

September 12.—Canary and Poultry Show.

September 30.—Second Annual Session of Anglican Synod.

October 1.—Colonial Bank opened for business.

October 11.—H.M.S. Blanche arrived at Port Chalmers. Sixth anniversary of Volunteer Fire Brigade.

October 15.—Milton Pottery Works started.

October 29.—U.S.A. S. "Swatara" arrived with Venus Transit Expedition.

November 7.—First meeting Otago Typographical Association French war steamer "Vire" arrived.

November 9.—Prince of Wales' Birthday. United Friendly Societies' Fete, St. Leonards.

November 30.—Jockey Club Spring Race Meeting at Forbury.

December 7.—Trout Fishing legalised.

December 9.—Transit of Venus. Rev. L. Mackie inducted to First Church.

December 23.—Albion Brewing Company projected. Launch of new screw steamer "Shag," Kincaid and M'Queen. Launch of new screw steamer "Egmont," R. S. Sparrow and Co.

December 24.—Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway. First sod turned by Superintendent.

December 28.—Turkish Baths opened.

December 30.—Thirteenth Show Taieri Agricultural Society.

December 31.—Waterworks transferred to Corporation, cost £120,000. First Social Gathering Caithness and Sutherland Association.