1856.

January 1.—Population: males, 1562; females, 1290; total, 2852.

January 13.—"Zingari" arrived from Port Victoria with Governor Browne, Lady, and Suite.

January 19.—Public dejeuner to His Excellency. Provincial Council met.

January 23.—Ship "Dunedin" arrived from London; 84 days from Port to Port.

January 25.—Burns's festival celebrated.

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February 1.—Ship "Isabella Hercus" arrived from London.

February 26.—Ship "Southern Cross" arrived from London; brig "Gil Bias," from Melbourne, sailed up to Dunedin.

March 22.—Constitutional Association formed.

March 25.—Eighth Anniversary celebrated. Horse races.

March 29.—Report of Auditors on public accounts.

April 18.—Tokomairiro Ploughing Match.

August 15.—Ship "Sir Edward Paget" arrived from London.

August 26.—Ship "Melpomené" arrived from London.

October 2.—Ship "Strathmore" arrived from London.

October 13.—Squatters' Association formed.

December 2.—Provincial Council met.

December 26.—First number of Colonist issued.