Untitled

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1141, 5 April 1870, Page 3

Appointment.— We observe from a

Gazette, published on the Ist inst., that Frederick Francis Ormond, Esq., of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, has been put on the Commission of the Peace, and has been further appointed Resident Magistrate for the district ofWairoa. The Home Commissioners. — We notice in the shipping report of the European Mail that Dr. Featherston, Mr. Bell, Mrs. and Miss Bell are reported to have arrived safely at Marseilles on the 22nd January, per P. and O. Co.'s ship Pera. Postal.— -A most acceptable reduction in the rates of postage was gazetted on the Ist inst., a proclamation being issued ordaining the following new postal arrangements from Ist April: — Scale of progression .of charge for postage on Letters posted in New Zealand for delivery within the Colony, or in Great Britain, or any British Colony or Possession: — Not exceeding half an ounce, one rate; exceeding half an ounce, but not exceeding one" ounce, two rates ; exceeding one ounce, but not exceeding one ounce and a hall, three rates ; and so on for every additional half ounce, or fraction of half an ounce, one rate. The postage on letters addressed to the Colonies of Victoria, New South Wales,. South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, will in future be, not exceeding £ ounce, 3d ; not exceeding 1 ounce, 6d ; not exceeding 1^ ounce, 9d ; and so on, increasing 3d for every additional halfounce or fraction of half an ounce. TheCaeandini Troupe lately arrived in Wellington, and, finding the ground already occupied,. turned their thoughts to Napier, and made inquiries, the result of which does not seem, to have been favorable, as they have, not come. We hope, however, soon to welcome in our midst those decided public favorites. Captain Curling, R.M.- — The charge against this officer has, we believe, been investigated by three justices appointed for that, purpose, who have reported the result to Wellington. There is little doubt that the irregularity complained of has been proved, which is much to be regretted, not merely on account of the high estimation in which Capt. Curling is held as an old colonist and an upright magistrate, but because another year's service would have entitled him to. a pension under the Civil Service Act.- : 'A ; memorial to the Government is being, very numerously signed, setting forth that,,,'," in" the discharge of his duties, his (Cgpiu Curling's) conduct! has been characterised by an ability, impartiality, and independence that, have deservedly obtained for him the sincere respect of the community of Napier ;" and praying that, in the decision arrived at, the Government will take the premises into favourable consideration. Messrs. Rqutledge, Kennedy & Co will sell, to-morrow, at Mr. Reynolds' sale yards, Havelpck, sheep, cattle, horses, posts, potatoes, &c. Fire at Petane. — The Government store.at.Petane, close to Mr. Villers' house, was totally destroyed by fire between 7 and 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Some 30 bags biscuit, 12 bags oats, and a few other articles were in store, and were destroyed. The cause is unknown. Spit; Ferrt:— Mr. John Hawkins has taken this : ferry from the Government, having offered a bonus of £20 per annum for the same. The English Mail for this province arrived on Sunday by the s.s. Wellington. The Thames Tblegbaph.— The telegraph which is intended to connect Auckland and the Thames is rapidly spreading its magic wires:across the country and in a few weeks will make its appearance at the Piako, side of the frith of the Thames itself. In a few days it is intended to commence the erection of two large turrets on the Piako side, and two on the swamp land opposite, near Shortland, to carrj:4be wires across, the channel of the Thames. ,?%£. The turrets are to be Binetyaeet at the base, so that they will serve %hg;ppirno3e of excellent land marks, or bea:coaß,for vessels passing underneath.