Christmas Day was observed on board M.S. Afedeste in true British Navy style. Ascustomary, the crew were perinite ted full liberty to do as they pleased on the lower deck, and in the course of a few hours the entire area was transformed in appearance as if the enchanter's wand had been called in requisition, The appliances of " grim-visaged war" were almost hidden by the profuse displays of bunting, evergreens, and flowers; the numerous messes being divided from each other by screens of fisgs of all colours, others being festooned from the beams overhead, or hung in graceful folds adown the wooden walls of the ship. The messes, too, vied with each other in the preparation and serving of the Christmas dinner and, while the more substantial roast. beef and orthodox plum pudding were provided in abundance, the choicer del: were not overlooked, thes" again being supple mented by.a profusion of fruits and kuicknackeries. The festivities were kept up unabatedly, music and song prevailing, and at night, when the entire scene was illuminated, the effect of the display of colour was extremely brilliant i was visited during the day by parties of ladies and gentlemen, who were much interested in the novel and enjoyable scene it presented.
A Christmas Ten and entertainment was given by the Temperance Society and their friends, for the benefit of sailors chiefly, at the Temperance Hall on Saturday night. The affair was great success, Over 150 men came to the tentables, and about twice as many to the entertainment: which followed, We give a report of the proceedings elsewhere.
The North-China Insurance Company, period 1872-74, give notice that a dividend of is. 300 per share, the equivalent of the paid-up capital, will be payable on and after the Sth proximo. The Chinese Coast Company announce a dividend for the half-year ended this day, at the rate of ten per. cent per annum, payable on and after the 8th proximo, Yesterday, at the Supreme Court, before R. A. Mowat, Esq. as Registrar, and Messrs, A.J. Little and M. Coryell, as merchant assessors, the hearing of the suit, "The brig St. Francois v. the Cawdor Custle," to ascertain the amount of The M. M, atr. Anadyr, bringing the mail of 7th November, arrived on the 26th mat., and the P. & 0, str. Golconda, with the mail of 13th Nov., on the 28th.
'A homeward mail leaves to-morrow, by the P, & O. str. Thibet.
The following Reuter's telegrams have been received during the week The Senate have passed the Bill for the redemption of Greoubacks.
Shanghai.
Rainy weather on Thursday last wound up witha small snowstorm at night. After midnight the Settlement compounds and roofs were covered with snow, but the muddy streets refused a resting-place to the Christmas visitor. "The weather since has been extremely variable, frost and ice alternating with rain and mud.
Christmas-day passed off very quietly in damage caused by the collision of the latter vessel with the former, while lying moored at the Shanghai and Hongkew Wharf, was resumed. Mr. Robinson again appeared for Captain Simon and the owners of the brig; and Mr. Wainewright for the owners and agents of the steamer. The entire day was occupied in the hearing of evidence as to the value of the brig and the stores on board at the time of the accident,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.