LOCAL AND GENERAL

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 218, 6 November 1888, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Messrs Jackson and Bussell, the South Pacific Petroleum Company’s solicitors at Auckland, telegraphed to Mr F. J, Piesse, the local manage?, yesterday afternoon as follows: "Lease duly signed to-day.” We understand Mr Weaver will now at ones proceed to the works and test the value of •lie * 5l1 t

Yesterday was Guy Fawke’s Day but there was not even a chirp from the youngsters. It is the intention of the Napier Harbor Board to call for tenders shortly for the con-

struction of the second section of the breakwater.

At a meeting of the Colonial Sugar Company at Auckland on Saturday last'a dividend of seven per cent for the half year was declared.

The case Courtney v M Taihuka cla’m for damages through the trespass of a bull will again come on for hearing at the B M Court this morning. Mr John Dixon, who died suddenly at Karaka on Friday, two weeks before his deaih took out a life policy in the Colonial Mutual Society for £5OO. The members of the Mutual Improvement Society last night had before them two papers by lady members —Mies Cherrington on ’Fault-finding,’ and Miss Jones on ‘Flattery.’ Two new members were elected.

A sheep stealing epidemic has broken out in the Northern districts of Canterbury. The latest case reported is that of a settler who has had stolen from him a flock of 700 sheep valued at £4OO. The N.S.W. Government is about to erect an asylum for aged married people. The buildings are So be constructed so that each homo will be distinct. About 30 couples, at present supported by the State, require to be thus provided for. A local Salvation officer was trying to convert a well known Irishman, when the latter asked, “ Now, what are your intentions ? —are they good?”- “Yes,” replied the unsuspecting Salvationist. “ Well, do you know

that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Curtain. A late telegram says :—There is no prospect of the Secretary of the New Zealand Bootmakers’ Union and Garrett Bros, coming to a mutual understanding on trade matters. The firm has replaced their union hands who struck, by other men, and operations at their factory are now in full, swing. That being so, they contend there is nothing to settle.

Mr Booth, Trust Commissioner, granted certificates to the following deeds ,f transfer yesterday :—From Pera te Werl to R Harper, of Kaiti section 225 ; from Wi Matangi to R Harper, of Kaiti section 224 ; from Hore Apinga and another to R Harper, of Kaiti section 209 : fr -m Pera te Weri and others to R Harper, of Kaiti section 210 A deed of conveyance was also granted from paki te Amaru to H Loisel, of Tokomaru block 3. A point of considerable importance to native land purchasers was raised in the Trust Commissioner's Court yesterday. A suggestion was made that the stamp formerly required by the rules to be put upon the declarations by natives was now no longer payable, The old Enquiry was last year elevated to a Court, and declarations to be used in a Court era by the Stamp Act exempted, From the end of March, 1888, up to date about £250 has been expended in stamps. A real M.D. narrowly escaped an attack of lockjaw yesterday. He tried to pronounce the name of a Maori, but dismally failed, after distorting his facial expression in a way that would have done credit to the Donaldson Brothers, and uttering sounds that might have been expected from an amateur ventriloquist. Mr Booth then came to the rescue, and acted the part of tutor. Mr Johnstone (after reasonable interval) 1 What did you say? The .VI.D.: I don’t know—ask Mr Booth. (General collapse.) A Maori woman named Ihipera Wharehinga was charged on remand at the Police Court yesterday with lunacy. Dr Pollen deposed that he had examined Ihipera on Friday last. She was then in a very wild and excited state, and was generally incoherent in her conversation and conduct. He found it impossible to enter into any rational conversation with her, and he believed she was suffering from mania and ought to be placed under proper control. Dr Innes gave similar evidence, and said that the woman was always referring to some delusion about Sir G. Whitmore. Mr Booth ordered the woman to be sent to the Auckland Lunatic Asylum.

John Smith Harris, otherwise known as “The Whiffler,” appears as the defendant in a case in the Magist. ate’s Court on Monday, a complaint having been made by Alex. Wilson, grocer, of Newtown, that the eccentric personage before mentioned had threatened to “ blow him up with dynamite.” Mr Harris appeared in-the Magistrate’s Court this morning, attired as an admiral of remote period, and, after waiting patiently until the conclusion of the business of the Court, he stepped up to his W .r-hip, and politely requested a few mo-ueut’s audience. Mr Robinson eypressed his willingness to hear whatever his visitor might have tosay. “Your Worship,” said the Whiffle-, bowing low, “ I have a case against me in the Court on Monday next. I have carefully read the decisions that you ha e given in this Honoranle Court, and agree that they are just. May I ask you if gou are going to sit on t'»e Bench on Monday ? If not, I would ask when you will sit.” His Worship assured his questioner that in all probability he would hold Court upon the day mentioned. The, Whiffler—" I thank your Worship, and aploogise for intruding in bourt. An English Admiral, Sir, always gives fair play, and that is all I requi-e. Farewell 1” and with a bow and a gentle wave of his hand, he retired. —Wellington Post.