OUR LOCAL BUDGET.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1458, 6 December 1861, Page 3

OUR LOCAL BUDGET.

_ The Suspected Jkwklleut Robbeuy. — Three likenesses of the mail Butcher, in jail on a charge of a breach of the Anna Act, 18C0, and suspected of being concerned in a jewellery robbery in England, was forwarded to Mr. Commissioner Maiue, in the last mail, with such particulars as our indefatigable commissioner of police, Mr. Naughton, could elicit tending to assist the English police in their inquiries regaidmg the identity of the accused. We hope the entire innocence of the piisoncr or his guilt may be clearly established. — " Southern Cross, ' Nov. 8

Auckland Djspensvuv. — Tho usu.il quarterly mooting of the institution was held on the 9th instant, at the residence of the medical officei, his honor the Superintendent in the chair. Fiom the leport of the medical officer it appeared that tho benefits of the dispensary are still much appieciated by the suffering poor — the number of patients admitted during the quarter having been 97. The medical officer had paid 505 visits at the homes of those unible to attend at the dispensary, and the number of prescriptions compounded wm 595. — "Southern Cross," Nov. 16.

Onkhdnga. — Independent Ohapel. — The first an niversary sermons in connexion with this place of worship, were preached labt Svmday : in the morning, by the Rev. J. F. Mandeno, iv the evening by Mr. P. H. Cornford. The attendance, on both occasions, was large, and the collections liberal The anuiversaiy tea meeting will be held on Wednesday (to-monow) ovening', under the presidency of the Eev. R. Laishley Several ministers and gentlemen will addiess the meeting. — " Southern Cross," November 19.

Otahuho Pjiesß\tkhian Cuurch. — The annual soiree of this piosperous congregation was held on Friday evening last. The attendance was veiy Uige and respectable, including a goodly nuuibei of friends from Auckland, and fiom "the cauip, Otahuhu. The decorations, and nil the arrangements reflected the highest credit on all concerned; and altogether the Attt.tctious fully equalled those of former similar ieunions in tliis place The Rev John Macky, the esteemed pastor of the congiegation, presided The speakers were, Colonel Sir J. E Alexander, 14thregt ; Kevds. Groold, Episcopalian ; Crump, Wesieymi , Laishley, Independent ; Noriie, Brown, and Mason, Pushy-tei-ian ; Mr. Rattray, of Auckland, and Messrs Adam, Grant, and Ryburn, members of the congregation. The addresses were all very interesting and instructive, and v.eie listened to with delighted attention. During the evening the members of the Sacred Music Class, led by Mr. Thomson, precentor, sang some tunes and anthems in a cieditaWe manner. Thanks weie given by acclamation to the ladies who so kindly furnished and pre•ided at the tea-tables, and through whose liberality the entiie proceeds of the soiree, amounting to a handsome sum, will be applied towards the erection of the school master's dwelling-house ; a work in wliieh the congregation is at present engaged. — Ibid

Bat of Isiands — The following addict was pic sented to his Excellency, on the occasion of his late visit to that settlement on the 6th instant ; — To Ms Excellency Sir George Grey, R.C.B , Governor of New Zealand, dc. May it please your Excellency, — We the undersigned, gettlers and inhabitants of Russell and its neighbouihood, deshe to ex pi ess to your Excellency the sincere gratification we feel .at your re-appointment to the government of New Zealand, and to offer our welcome on this your Excellency's first ■visit. We feel that your Excellency has come amongst us at a time most critical, and iv some lespectb lesetnbling what it was upon your first appointment ; and, remembering how the colony was extricated from its then perilous state by the Divine blessing upon the mild and beneficient policy pvirsued by your Excellency, we trust that the like blessing and guidance rofty be vouchsafed to you now, and that success may attend your Excellency's endeavours to remove the present difficulties, and to restore peace and confidence between the two races inhabiting this colony We beg to assure your Excellency of our hearty cooperation, as far as we are able to give it, and to offer our best wishes for your success and happiness — 63 Signatures. — Ibid

Alpacas — It is very probable tliat a number of alpacas mil arnve heie during the following month Mr. Williams, late British Consul in Bolivia, lias received permission fiom the government of that republic to purchase and expoit a flock of these valuable animals —a privilege only granted as yet, vre understand, in two cases to private individuals— and they may be shortly erpected to ainve. Wo me informed that leave was granted to s>lup as many as fifteen bundled head, but of course the first shipment cannot comprise so large a flock — " Southern Cross," November 22.

Oxehuxga. — Independent CnvpEL. — The anm. versary services were held at the Chapel, Onehunga, on Wednesday evening Tlio attendance was good, a large number being present from Auckland. The Rev. Mr. Laishley presided at the meeting after tea, ■when Mr Rout read a report of the year's piofjress, winch made favourable mention of the Sabbath Schools. The day schools were al&o well attended The Rev. T. Hamer addressed the meeting on " Congregational Independency ; " Rev Mi. Brown, Piesbytenan, spoke on "Clinstian Uuion." Rev Mr Crump, Wesleyan, followel on " Cmuch Piogiession," and Rev Mr. Mandeno, Independent, addressed the young. The Rev. Mr. Thornton, Baptist, delivered what might betaken as, a faiewell address, seeing that he is on the eve of departure for China. The utmost harmony pievailed thioughont the meetius. — Ibid

Rifle Hxxd Concert. — The third amateur concert of the season was given by the above band on Tuesday evening. The volunteers -were ably assisted by the band of the 65th regiment, and several ama ieurs, Ladies and gentlemen. We are unable in gui piesent issue to give anything like a lengthy critique of the cvening'b performance, but we may safely say that it was a success and surpassed the previous conceits given by the same gentleman. The greatest credit is due to Mr. Beale for the piogre&s which his pupils have made under his tuition during the last few months As baud-master of the volunteers he has had of course great difficulties to contend with, but he seems to have been equal to them, and though of course there is still room foi improvement in the Band, it is wonderful in how* short a time he has b,r.oi[ght then] to their present state of efficiency. The overtures performed weie those of Tanoredi and Guy Manuenng Of the two theiatter was rendeied certainly most effectively and was thoioughly ap predated In some of the other pieces trie brass instruments were too loud for the size of the hall, but the execution was exceedingly good. The instruments have rather too mncn of the metallic clang, except in the open air, as might be proved by a comparison between the concert of Tuesday and the open air performance of the same band on Wednesday at the cattle show, when the same instruments sounded incomparably softer and more mellow. Of the singing we have not much to say, save that the lady amateurs were m good voice, and sang with their usual taste and precision. They were most ably supported by the gentlemen in the quartett "Blow gentle Gales," which pleased lisas muck as any part of the vocal performance. Miss Beale presided at the piano, and both as accompany - isfc and solo performer surprised us by her mastery of the instrument. Her toother, Mr. Beale, junior, has much improved as a violinist, and played several passages on the violin with wonderful effect — Ibid.

Waiboa Church. — Opening.— The opening of this church will take place as soon as the Bishop of New Zealand returns fiom Taranakt, whither he went last month. — "Southern Cross," November 26.

Value of Building .Allotments at Newton. — On Tuesday last Mr. Stannua Jones sold at his auction mart nine allotments on the Karangahape-road, Newton, containing 3r. 32p , for £620 2s 6d. A large portion of this land wa& broken or it would have realised considerably moie. An allotment in Paruell, 40 feet by 100 feet, with a cottage thereon, cold for £220 The uncultivated f a^rois or seqtions at Tititfangi fetched— one) £4 2s. od., and the second, £3 3s per acre. A small lot in the Hunua block fetched 475. 6d. per acre. An allotment in Beresfordstreet, 33 feet by 60 feet, bold for 15s. 6d. per foot. The sale realised £1,266 its. 6d —Ibid. The Swans, Ducks, and Geese, recently imported per ' Black Eagle,' have been placed in Dr. Fischer'i bands by the Government. That gentleman has located them on the lake, North Shore, close to his own property. We hope that these birds wtyl remain unmolested, as they have been «ent here by her Majesty. In a few years no doubt they will have very much increased. — Ibid.

Bank EetußNS. — The following figures give the exact state of the three banks doing business within the colony of New Zealand during the quarter ended September 30, 1861, as taken from Saturday's Gazette. Union bank. Total average liabilities, £8.53,212 155.; average assets, £901,165. This shows an apparent balance over liabilities of £4/1,9,52 ss. for tne quarter. There weie deposits amounting to £699,831 14s Cd during the quarter, and tne discounts were to the extent of £550,040 17s. sd. The specie amounted to £176,487 Bs. 9d., and bullion to £6,331 7s. 2d. Oriental bank.— Total average liabilities, £102,681 ss. 3d ; total average assets, 6s. 3d. The balance to the credit of the flfcank on the quarter was thus £68,013 Is. The cleposits during' the quarter were £70,569 13s. 4d.; an,d the discounts, 479,845 3s. 9d. The specio

jimduuted to £37,321 4s. 5d ; and the bullion to £1,352 16s. 4d. .Bank of New South Wales.— Total average liabilities, £16G,95G Bs. lid. ; total average assets, £236,389 9s. 3d. The balance to the credit of the bank appears to have been ,-€09,433 os. 4cl, The deposits amounted to £131, 953s sd , and the discounts to £75|182 16s. Hd. The specie amounted to £104,583 4s. 3d., and the bullion to £17,538. The Uniou bank had in circulation during the quarter notes to the amount of £119,520 6s , and bills covering £33,8G0 14s. Gd The Oriental bank had notes Covering £28,042 Bs. 3d. afloat, and bills for £1,563 105.6 d. in circulation. Tho bank of New South Wales had in circulation: notes, £13,707 Gs. 7d.; bills, £43 9:*. These rotmns give tho last quiu tor's transactions of the Oriental bauk, and tho fitst quaifcer's deahng3 of the bank of New South Wales in the colony. — Ibid.

Wairoa. Episcopalian Church. — The opening soirCe in connexion with this" clmvcli, advertised to take pl.ice ou the 18th lnstaufc, came off with gieat success upwards of one hnudrod persona being present It was very gratifying to observe so many persons of other denominations taking such a lively interest in the proceedings. That circumstance speaks well foy the spirited inhabitants of this tlniving and lapidly linpioving district, which but a few yeais since was a denso bush, without si«ns of cultivation. Now theic arc two places of woiship, one of wluchis used as a school, and assisted by the pioviucial government grant. Well built homesteads ath.ict tlve eye m every opening of bush eleaung, sin rounded by good well-stocked gardens, orchaids, and luxuriant pastures, the latter contributing in no small degree to the supply of the Auckland market with butter and cheete, the good quality of which is geneially noticeable The tea Was admirably got up and anans;ed under the supeiintendenre of Miss Thoip awl Sirs. Ooutts. The Rev. Y. Lush having been called to the chair, opened the proceedings by player The company then proceeded to partake of the excellent and ample fare provided. After tea the E cv, Y. Lush delivered a feeling and appiopuate addiess, iwguig upon the meeting the desn ability of fuondly co-operation in extending to each other the benefits of places of worship and schools Mr. E King, the secretary, read a statement of the accounts which shewed the total cost of the building to have been £09 15s. 2J,d , subscriptions leceived, £72 195., leaving only a debt of ;£2G lGs 2Jd owing on the building. Appiopuate and interesting addiesses weie delivered by Messrs. Wells, W. H Thorp, J. Henderson, and E King, The meeting was agreeably enlivened during the evening by some excellent singing, rendered with good effect by Messrs. Thompson, Jacksou, Hamblm, Wells, and others. Severalkdiespresent also contiibuted much to the melody by theii singing. Mr Bremner deliveied an amusing addiess ou what he -was pleased to term " the generalship of the fair sex " The meeting, which separated about half-past 10 o'clock, was of the most pleasing descnption. The beneficial results arising fiom such meetings cannot be too highly appieciated. They tend to relieve the mind fiom the auxiety and difficulties which have to be borne by the early settleis in a new district, creating also a friendship amongst neighbours who would otherwise live compaiative strangers. It is contemplated to hold two or three soirees m the course of the next two or three months amongst the members of the Episcopalian and Pi osbytenan eongiegations of the sunoundiug distiicts. It would be well if a few more friends from Auckland would countenance these souees by their presence. They would not only be recruiting their health, but also have the pleasure of viewing the i.apid nnpiovements wlucU are going ou, and giving the settleis encouragement m their effoits to lay the foundations of institutions which tend so much to advance the welfare and prosperity of the province and the hai>pine.->s of its inhabitants The sise of Wairoa church is nearly forty feet, measuring from the end of the chancel to the outside of the poich , extreme width sixteen feet ; and is capablo of accommodating about eighty persons. It was elected by Win Cochraue, of the Wairoa, who is deseiving of the highest ciedit for the substantial and wellfinished manner in which he has completed it. The site and snrrouuding land of two acres was the gift of Joshua Thorp, Esq , and is situated ou beautiful rising ground withm a very short distance of the Wairoa river landing place, aud commands a magnificent view of the gulf of the Thames and the lofty ranges abutting ou the banks — (Commimiatted )—) — Ibid.

Wholes vtE Licenses. — The followiug appeal in the Piowicial Gazette as hating had wholesale license:, granted to them : — Richaicl O'Sulhvan, Painell ; Walter Chailes Brockenbuiy, Auckland, Alficil Sti eet, Otahulm ; James Oldham, Auckland — \ Southern Cioss," November 30

"Provincial Council — The follow mg is the constitution of the Provincial Council . — City of Auckland, "West— "W. C Daldy, E. Kins;, D. Lynch, ,T O'Neill, J. Geoige. City of Auckland, Eist -W. ' Rattray, E. J. Skyrme, M. Oieagh Pamell— J. Ckeeseraan, J \V Havrop Newton — H Caileton, W. Rowe. Onehunga— W. Fowilitch, 1?. M P. Biookfield Pensioner Settlements — R. AY Wynn, J. Foley, K. McGee. Ftankhn — A. Mai tin, J. Wallace, J. Farmei, &. Grnchy Eaglan— W. Buckland, J May, X Stewart Northern Division — J) Sheehan, Geo S Giaham, A O'Neill, A. Melvin, J Cadman. Bay of IsUnds— J Busby, T Bateinan. Maisden — R Eoss, D. McKenzie, R. Skeen. Moneonui— J. Ball.

Hefting of the Provincial CouNCir, — By proclamation m the Pi oi mcial Gazette issued on Saturday, we find the meeting 1 of the Piovincial Council has been fixed for the 6th January next. — "Southern Cio&s," December 3.

"New Zeajand Gazette." — A. Gazette was issued on Friday. The general assembly is further proiogued till the sth February next.

Obituary. — We have this day to record the death of T H. Ely, late of H.M. Customs, Auckland, in which service he has been during upwaids-of ten yeais. The deceased gentleman had been suffering for borne months previously to his decease, which took place on Friday last Mi Ely was a lieutenant in the Auckland Rifle Volunteers, and was amongst the most active promoters of the volunteer movement when it was first originated here. At the funeral on Sunday theie was an attendance of members of the coips under Colonel Balneavis, and of officers of the militia. The Royal company to wl}ich deceased, belonged was under arms, and filed a salute at the cloie of the service. His Lordship Bishop Selwyn read the burial sei vice. — Ibid.

Waipa. —Robberies by Natives — An esteemed correspondent, -writing to us on the 25th ultimo, states— "There aie few settlers heie, including the missionaries, who have not been robbed mo) c 01 less by the natives, since the war began. On Satuiday _ morning, the lGfch instant, Mr Samuel Morgan's canoe was robbed, near Whata-whata, on the Waipa river. On this occasion a box of mmc was broken open, and about 20s. value taken therefiom. Other persons who had goods in the canoe suffeied more severely. Tins is the third tune that I have been robbed. I will send you more detailed paiticulars of these felonious acts by the natives on a futuie occasion; meantime I cannot help contracting the treatment the offenders receive here with the mode of dealing with them at Fiji (see SourHKiw Cross, Nov. 12th), where a chief received foui dozen lashes for attempting to rob a European. If all the offending natives in this dristnet were to be flogged, the executioner would have a busy time." — [Really it is high time the piopeity of Eiuopean settlers was preserved from native cupidity, or, if that be impossible, the offenders should be pum&hed as if they were British subjects. — Eu ]— Ibid.