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Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1589, 16 January 1866, Page 3

Toktle3.—Lovers of " calipee and calipash." will be glad to hear that a fine specimen of turtle has been picked up at Port Fitzroy, Great barrier. This is supposed to be the first eau-tht in New Zealand water, and its dimensions are twenty-one inches in length, sixteen inches in breadth, and about fourteen inches in diameter, witti fins or flappers eleven inches long. We now have our turtle and onlv want aldermen to do them justice.— Independent, Jan. 6.

Poverty Bay.—The Times says "We have intelligence from this district up to Thursday, the 28th ult. Things at that date were much the same as when last we heard from that place. Some disturbance occurred on Christmas Day between some men of the Colonial Defence Force and a party of 4 friendly' natives. It would appear that on the day in question a number of these men, of both races, were in company together, drinking and bouting, when—as is usual in such cases—, a row' commenced, which very soon became serious, and in which our dusky brethren seemed to come off second best; but, seeing the tide of battle turning against them, they rushed for their arms! However, and fortunately, an officer, with a fevy armed troopers, appeared on the scene at this stage, when our "brave" allies—deeming, as is their wont, that" discretion is the better part of valour" took leg bail for it. The same night and the next day a deal of talking took place on the subject, the natives being particularly bouncible, but it all ended in smoke. On the 26tli (Boxing Day), another ' scene' occurred a little distance inland, where some races were coming off. As on the previous occasion, the combatants were men of the Defence Corps and 'friendly' natives. Here, as in the township, the gallant Maori band were defeated.—again resorted to their arms—and ag tin scampered off upon the appearance of armed men. We are assured that, had the latter not fortunately been close at hand at the time, bloodshed would certainly have followed. We trust it will not fall to our lot to chronicle any more such miserable squabbles. We understand thi»t on the 27th ult., 16 men and 1 sergeant of the Colonial Defence Force, together with 50 f ri-ndly natives, proceeded in the direction of VVairoa; for what purpose was not known."

To Botanists and Oriibrs.—VVe notice in the last issue of the New Zealand Gazette, fh;lt i) r Mueller, Director of the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, is desirous of receiving tpnders for twenty-five New Zealand 1 onga Tree Kerns ( Cyathea dealbata), and for i ventv-flve Kcw Zealand Koran or Mamaku Tree ferns (Cyathea medullaris,), to be delivered in a fresh and healthy state m Melbourne; the stems to be from six to eight feet hifjli; t' 1(? plants to be carefully lifted with their roots, and to be packed, at er the removal of the fronds, in matting, and to be shipped immediately from the forest; cost of freight to Melbourne to be included in the tender The contributions of Dr. Mueller to ftet«o« science, and hi..able «h»«g of everything connected with human pro uression, arc too well known to need comment at our hands, and we trust that gent eman will be successful m obtammg what is nuired in good order and condition. It is rSofUrktha. and other plants are now Bought after By botanists in Australia, as well as many other nartsof the world; and we hope the day is not far distant, when our Societies will be in a position to do good service in this respect—by sending what is required, and receiving in exchange s,)mething suitable to our dime.— Independent Jan. 6.

Dunn's Captors.—The Bathurst Times of Wednesday, the 3rd instant, states that " on Monday, Mr. Superintendent Lydiard, of Bathurst, received information that Dunn had acknowledged his identity. M'llale, who whs wounded in the thigh, was so far recovered as to be able to sit up and write a report. Dunn was suffering severely from his wounds, and Dr. Ramsay was despatched from Dubbo to Coonainble to attend upon him. The police effected Dunn's capture entirely by their own exertions, not having received any information as to his whereabouts. They took him by surprise, but he did not surrender until after a most desperate resistance, and until he .was unable, from his wounds, to continue the contest. Thr Drought.--The Pastoral Times of 29th ultimo saysNo rain, no rain, is still the unwelcome intelligence we receive from all parts of Riverina. The clouds bank up as if preparing to disgorge their treasures ; but with the exception of a casual shower, doing no good whatever, except allaying for a few hours the burning heat, they pass away, leaving bitter disappointment behind. When herbage is plentiful and succulent; when rivers and creeks are hi#h, bends and flats flooded, and warm rainy days alternating with sunshine; when such is the case, the spirits of drovers and owners are high, and to talk of well-sinking, canalling, and damming, is so much waste of time. Now, however, people are only too glad to hear of successful sinking, and of improved machinery for raising and saving water. The present season, however has shown how totally unprepared many squatters are for even one winter passing without rain. To occupycountry with good fattening feed, and just sufficient natural water to make things go right with the average rainfall, has been a very prevalent practice for the last half-dozen years or so. The stations have been well-stocked, and the returns, as long as water lasted, excellent; but now the danger of this practice is evident. The stock kept on to the last in the hopes of rain, have started in poor condition in search of feed, and found that the roads are bare of all but dust. The sequel is shown by fallen timber, the young shoots from which are the last resource, and a trail of rotting carcases surrounded by crows and other scavengers. Properties so managed have in several instances lost their entire increase. The mothers have been too poor to suckle their young, even had they had fresh grass; but with the dried-up herbage it was quite out of the question. The plains are strewed with the bones of calves, foals, and lambs ; and the failing and dried-up water-holes and lagoons, with their margins covered with dead beasts, tell the tale of destruction.