We are glad to see that the work of sheetpiling—which, through want of a better name, we are compelled to call " protective work" — at the end of Revell btreet, has com-

inenced, n pile-driving engine having been erected and a gang of hands employed in working it, under the supervision of a Government overseer. The expense of this work will form another little item to be pinned to the debit side of- the Provincial account, under the head of Public works ; and although we do not object to it,and moreover think thattheGovernment could do no less than make secure a work which was badly planned at first, still we cannot help regretting thac so much money should have been expended on that which has turned out a useless and unsightly job. Wo say useless, meaning so far as any practical application can bo made of it, for " wharf" it is not, neither enn ve»Bels discharge there, and such was the ingenuity employed in its construction that the bank is absolutely made more inaccesable than it was when in its natural condition, and, we may add, at a cost which, when this finishing touch is completed, will foil but little short of a sum that would have covered the expense of extending Gibson's Quay wJiarf the same distance. We bear in mind the old adage of the folly of "crying over spilt milk/ but as the same time cannot help bitterly regretting that such a lamentable want of foresight should have been displayed. At a recent meeting of the Stewards of the Hokitika Races, a Cour»c Committee, consisting of Messrs Dyson, Reeves, and Edwards, was appointed to inspect the preparations making by Mr Mackenzie on Mr Ciapeott's grazing farm, under the direction of the Clerk of the Course, Mr F. D. Hamilton. Yesterday these gentlemen, accompanied by a large muster of our local sportsman, specially visited the ground, and we are glad to learn that they unanimously report their surprise and d\ light at the amount of work done, as well as at the beauty of the selected site. The forthcoming Races will undoubtedly prove, as Uncle Sam says, "a great fact." Mr J. Strange Williams has finally declined to join Mr Stewart in the formation of a new Ministry. Tho House met at noon yesterday, when Mr Stewart announced that Duncan had joined jiim, and probably Messrs Berwick and Maude. For the present, ministers return to office. Mr Stewart said his policy would be

large retrenchment. An adjournment was proposed till next Friday, when Mr Leslie Thompson proposed an adjournment till Tuesday only, as lie intended to propose a motion of "no confidence." Mr fatowart asked, "no confidence in whom?" no new ministry being yet lurmed. Great fun occasioned. Another amendment, to adjourn till after Christmas, was negatived by 22 to 11. The understanding now is that Messrs Stewart and Duncan are sure of re-election, but the opposition may postpone the polling day till the following week. Opposition to re-elec-tion is very likely, there being a strong feeling on the part of some of Mr Jolhe's friends. The ministry will command a working majority, but there is no doubt there is " wur to the knife" intended, even to the extent of a dissolution, involving a fresh election of Superintendent. The" consent oi" the Governor is, however, required for this, and from the precedent afforded by former cases, it is not likely to be granted. Westland affairs are suffering miserably. A bitter feeliug exists again&t them, in consequence of the effect of their votes in Che two divisions, though it is only confined to the rabid party. From the subjoined paragraph which we extract from the "Sydney Herald" it appears that the mysterious bunyip- -the terror ol the Australian aborigines— is not yet extinct, as^ our contemporary states that " ihe 'bunyip' i B reported to have been been in the Murrurabidgee, near Cavan's Crossing Place, by Messrs 11. Davis and M'Jennett. Mr Davis, who was tho first to see it, describes it as being much larger than a young calf, with a great bushy head, thick lips, and ears

longer than any bloodhound ; its body was round and smoo h, und about eighteen inches broad. It first made its appearance above water at a distance of not more than forty yai'ds from where they had made- their ounp for tho night previous, and swam to the opposite bank, getting out on a saml bank in the midst of weeds and young oak trees, which only prevented tho awe-struck spectators from crossing the river and making an attempt to effect his cap'ure."

On Thursday the 20th inst., there will bo held a public examination , of tho children attending the Hokitika School in the Fire Brigade Hull, Revell street, Mr Malcolm having engaged it for that purpose, the occommodation in the school-room being too limited. Mr Bonar, chairman of the Municipal Council, has kindly consented to preside. The examination will begin at 11 o'clock a.m., and at the conclusion there will bo prizes given to tho successful competitors, which have been provided through the interest of a few friends. The parents of the children and others interested in the success of tho school are invited to atttod.

We hear from private sources that tho fruit season promises t be most abundant in Eastern Canterbury this year, and already there is such a plenteous supply of the earlier kinds, that growers have some difficulty in finding a market. We can assure our Christchurch friends there is one in Hokitika, were tho two ends of tho province within easier distance of each o.iier.

Although there is a strong dnsh of the rowdy clement in this community we have seldom to notice any resistance to tho police when in tho execution of their duty. Last night, however, an exception to this rule occurred, as Sergeant Beatty was pulled down in Revell street and violently assaulted by several scoundrels. It appear* that, acting on information received, ho proceeded to North Revell street for the purpose of arresting a man named "Jimmy M'Kinuon," who was charged with having stolen a 'brooch. The sergeant was in plain clothes, but made known who ho was, and his intentions, upon which "Jimmy" threw himself upon the ground, and, catching tlie sergeant round the legs, threw him also. A crowd of course assembled, and a few blackguards attempted a rescue and violently assaulted the sergeant by kicking .him about the head. Matters were assuming a rather serious aspect, as the mob seemed inclined to a merciless use of its power, when, fortunately, Detective Sergeant Dyer arrived upon the scene, and held the crowd at bay whilst his comrade recovered himself, whon both mcv tti&:le a dash, recaptured " Jimmy," and arrested another party upon the chargo of grave assault. Both men were conveyed to the lock up, and will be brougnt before the Resident Magistrate to-day.

The five bar gate leap, with a strange horse, id to bo re-at empted at the Prince of Wales Theatre to-night, by Mr F. D. Hamilton, who has ag.ii'i wagered that he will succeed in accomplishing this risky imitation of the farfamod Marquis of Waterford feat. To prove that the horse which is to be ridden makes his m liden appearance on the boards, the aninml is to he taken through the Theatre and led up a temporary bridge placed over the orchestra in presence of the public, after the drama of Susan Hopley has been played. To ald to the attractions of the evening, Pablo Fanqvie, the colonial Blondin, will go through his daring evolutions on the tight rope. The Christchurch conveyance left at the usual hour yesterday morning ; the only passengers were Messrs Monahan and Robertson.

Lovers of theatricals are provided with a grand bill of fare by the proprietor of the Prineo of Wnlcs Opera House, us a most varied and pleasurable entertainment will bo placed upon the boards this evening. The -performances comprise the celebrated domestic drama of Susan Hopley, a feat of horsenmiisliip by Mr F. D. Hamilton, and the wondrous acrobatic feats of tho world-renowned Pablo Fanque. Such liberal catering on the part of Mr Bartlett will, we trust, be rewarded by an overllowing house.

We would remind the public that the Saving's Dank will be opened this evening between the hours of five and eight o'clock, for the transaction of business. Mr Bonar, the manager, is, we regret to say, still suffering from the effects of his late attack of low fever, f.om which, however, he is so much recovered that hopes are entertained he will bo able to resume his usual duties in the course of a day or two.

Via Sydney the following telegraphic items are to hand : — A horrible outrage was committed on a boy only two years old, at Wangaratta, by a harvest man named Kelly, who is in custody. The boy is not expected to live. Pilot Nicholson was killed by falling down the companion of the steamer Alhatnbra, when going down the Bay. The Tasmanian Cabinet resigned on the 23rd ult. Sir Kiohard Dry was sent for, and his Ministry was to be sworn in on the 21th.

Mr Goyder, Surveyor-General of South Australia, is prepa c I with a scheme for the extension of light railways to a distance of 500 miles from Adelaide*

Late Tasmanian papers state that a party of miners well furnished with supplies, have set out for Circular Head, to prospect the rivers Hellyers and Arthur for gold.

A fine nugget of gold, weighing about forty ounces, and valued at Ll4O, has lately been found by a man near Mia Mia Flat, Victoria.

An oxide of lead, giving si\ly-eighfc per cent., lias been found in considerable quantities at the Currawung Copper Mine, Victoria.

It is expected that tho Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrowitz, of Russia, will shortly pay a visit to the colonies. Ho is to leave Russia after the marriage of his brother to the Princess Ddgniar of Denmark.

It is not often we hear of a man's life being preserved by a twirl of his walking stick, remarks the " Ararat Advertiser," but such a circumstance occurred to a gentleman residing in this district during one of the hot days whuh visited us a little more than a week ago Tho gent'emon alluded to was returning from inspecting a piece of ground which he has under crop, and while walking through a patch of long griss was switching his cane about pretty strongly (a habit which is liabitu il with him)', when he felt his foot pressing on a soft substance, and at the same instant his cane came sharply in contact with an obstruction that wa3 not presented by grass or timber. Looking down, he found himselt in a very perilous position; he was standing on the tail portion of a snake, and upper part of the body was lying on the ground disabled and broken by the chance blow. The reptile, which proved to be five feet long, was soon despatched. No doubt, the snake was firresterl in springing on our informant, by the lucky stroke of his walking stick.

Tho "Sydney Morning Herald" reports that — "Two prisoners, named John Southgate and Lawrence Ciunmings, escaped through the main sewer of Berrima gaol, on the niorning of the 27th ult. It appears that they had to pass through about one hundred and twenty yards of the sewer which leads to the river, and is stopped at the mouth. They made a breach in the sewer about twenty yards from the river, at a spot whore the topcovering was very light. The police have been out since tho convicts were misled, but as yet no trace of them lvive been discovered."

Summer Beveeage. — To make a cool Bummer beverage, take one pint of whisky, stir in a spoonful of whisky, then add ona piut of whisky, and beat well with a spoon. Take one gallon of water, and let a servant carry it away beyond your reach, then put two spoonfuls of water in^ tumbler ; immediately throw it out, and nil with whisky. Flavor witli whisky to suit your taste. Whon it is to be kept long in warm climates, add sufficient Bpirita to prevent souring.