Australian Items.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 799, 27 June 1870, Page 3

Australian Items.

From a Melbourne paper of a recent date we note the following affecting incident :—" The closing chapter in the life of Mr Gregory Nicholas, of Fitzroy—an old colonist, who had accumulated considerable property, but who was not much known beyond the circle of his friends —is possessed of more than passing interest. His aged partner in life was to be buried yesterday, but the funeral was postponed in consequence of his own death, which took place within a few hours of t >e time for removing the remains of his wife to the cemetery ; and to-day the aged couple, who upwards of fifty years ago pledged their vows, will together be conveyed to their last resting place." The following instance of filial duty is not often surpassed:—A poor woman named Griffiths was admitted into the Ararat Hospital the other day. Some time afterwards her little daughter, fourteen years of ase, called at the institution with a supply of underclothing for her mother, with which she had walked barefoot a distance of twenty-five miles. Having seen her mother and delivered the parcel, the little girl set off on her long return journey, after having partaken of some refreshment with which the nurse supplied her.— Ararat Advertiser.

A mad pig in Melbourne Road, on a recent Sunday evening, at half-past six o'clock, just as the streets were crowded with church-goers, naturally produced great excitement. The animal was of immense size, and rushed open-mouthed at great speed after two or three persons, at the same time giving vent to hideous shrieks. Ee burst open gates, and seizing one lady threw her down, inflicting some nasty wounds on her arm* Several boys were severely bitten, and one man was knocked down by the animal and had his clothes nearly all torn off. The pig cleared the street in a very short space of time, men, women, and children taking refuge in gardens and on fences. Several persons armed themselves with sticks and stones, but did not dare to face the insane porker. At last Sergeant I arner arrived, armed with a loaded rifle, and shot the pig. It weighed about 2 cwt.