TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2523, 3 February 1869, Page 2

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Separation.—We have received a letter from Dr Poster, in reply to that by Mr J. Strange Williams, which recently appeared in our columns. We regret that we cannot fine space for it in our present issue. Bishop Jenner.—The Right Rev. Dr Jenner, who has been consecrated Bishop of Dunedin, was a passenger south by the Phcebe, having arrived in the colony by the Ruahine from Panama.

Voluxtkers. The following appointments have been made in the Temuka Company of Volunteers, the commissions to date from Sept. 10,1868: —Richard Knowles Parkerson to be Captain; James Bromage Williams to be Lieuteuant; and John Albert Young to be Ensign. Finn BitiOADE.-The steam fire engine will be taken out for trial this evening, the object being to ascertain whether it is possible to force water through hose over 1000 feet in length with only one outlet. The engine will be placed on the open space near Lane's mill, and the time of parade is halfpast seven o'clock, _ St. John's Cadet Corps.—A concert in aid of the funds of this corps mil take place at the Town Hall this evening. A varied programme of more than average merit is offered. In addition to vocal and instrumental music by some of our best local amateurs, there is a representation of the Hau-hau evening service by six of the cadets. The Misses Taylor will also appear. Lane's Mill Bridge,—The re-construc-

tion of this bridge is complete, and it will again be available for traffic as soon as the new stone foundation to the mill is finished. This will not occupy more than two or three days, and the whole will then be in most substantial order. The bridge is the same size as formerly, but much stronger, with a superior hand-rail, and the valuable addition of a footway for pedestrians on the outside. The narrowness of the main bridge renders this latter an especial boon to persons in the habit of crossing the river at this point. Danger from cart traffic is obviated, and there is ample room for the purpose required.

Cost Vallev School.—The annual examination of the scholars attending this school took place on Monday, the Ist Feb., by Mr Higgins, chairman of the committee! There were thirty-six children for examination, and the prizes were awarded as follows, viz:—Pirst Class—lst prize, Helen Top Morrison; 2nd do, Lucy Thompson; 3rd do, William Thompson. Second Class—lst prize, Edmund W. Cooper; 2nd do, Joseph Cooper; 3rd do, Annie McKibbin. Third Class—lst prize, John Cook; 2nd do, Ellen Thompson; 3rd do, Annie Cook. Fourth Class—lst prize, James McLachlan; 2nd do, William Dobbs; 3rd do, Julia Biddle. Fifth Class—lst prize, Mary G.Hodgson; 2nd do, Bobert McCulloch; 3rd do, Robert Hodgson. Prizes for regular attendance given by the Master-First prize, David Garland; 2nd do George Early; 3rd do, William Cooper! After the examination the ladies of the district having provided tea, with abundance of cake and tarts, and also a large quantity of fruit, the children were provided with seats in the shade outside the school, and did ample justice to the good things provided. In addressing the parents, Mr Higgins said he hoped that the children would attend regularly during the ensuing year. He was well pleased with the result of the examination he had just concluded, and great praise was due to Mr Dobson, the master, for his exertions in bringing the children forward. The Alliance MAGAZiNE.-The February number of the above has been received. As usual, it contains a good deal of matter referring to the principles advocated by the Alliance. The interesting reprint article "How we examined Tauia-Tavoo," is concluded, and there is the usual review of the past month. Regarding this part of the Magazine, we have already had occasion to speak. We cannot find any word which more completely expresses its tone than bilious. Perhaps, though we doubt it, jaundiced would do. The writer of this review, speaking of the Governor's visit, says-.—"He has come and gone, and left a most favourable impression behind him—having shown himself (as I have heard more than once from members of the Cliristchurch-ocracy) 'a most haffable gentleman.'" Writing of that sort is very easy, to some people quite natural. It is only necessary to say that the writer, in this instance, seems to have contracted a habit which those whom he sneers at, and with whom he appears to be intimate by the way, would be ashamed of. But this reviewer of the month is stupid as well as bilious. Regarding the Maori chiefs who accompanied the Governor, we are told that they " made speeches, sang songs, and wrote letters (or rather their interpreter did for them) to the Editor of the Lyiieltan. Times, rather overstating the surprise and intense admiration they felt at all the wonders they saw in Canterbury." How does the writer know that the Maori Interpreter wrote the letter sent to this journal; above all, how does he know that the surprise and admiration of the Maori chiefs at what they saw was overstated ? We recommend the rriter of the monthly review in the Alliance to cultivate a little charity. It does many things besides covering a multitude of sins. Native Intelligence. - The Hawke's Bay Hemidot Jan. 26 says:-Intelligence reached town yesterday from two different sources, confirmatory of the apprehension expressed in these columns, that the country is far from being in a settled state, and that the relaxation of vigilance ordered by the Government is, to say the least, premature However, let facts speak for themselves. The party under Lieut. Colonel Lambert, when at laul Hape's village, four miles from the Mohakaford, received information from reliable native sources that the remnant of the Hau-haus defeated in 1865 were, under the leadership of Anaru Matete, gathering on the hills at the head oftheWairoa, with the intention of joining Te Kooti, and that an attack on Wairoa or another upon Tuaranga was meditated. The party also learned, in corroboration of this, that, on or about the 18th instant, 30 armed men crossed the Taupo plains. Simultaneously with this, letters arrived from Wairoa stating that on the 21 st or 22nd instant, a party of eleven Hauhaus had been seen at luirangaranga, and that, at the same time clouds of dust were seen in the distance apparently indicating that a large number of persons was passing Kairangaranga is we think, on the Waiau, probably some 15 or 16 miles from Clyde township. The authorities will, we trust, learn caution from this and similar occurrences, and not jump at the conclusion that hostilities are completely over. This may or may not be one of the canards "of which our contemporary in yesterday's issue, so feelingly writes; but we rather think there is more in it than the Government can afford altogether to despise ihe same journal of Jan. 30 adds: It is understood that orders have been sent to the officer commanding at Wairoa to organise a small party of scouts, to reconnoitre the country where the party of eleven Hauhaus wiu alleged to be seen. Nothing further has been heard from tins district. The St Kilda called oil the river on Thursday morning, but could not communicate with the shore, owing to the heavy sea running. The Agnes, cutter, arrived on Wednesday from Poverty •I' Bt^? a - Mr llichm( »"l was to follow in the St Kilda. 'lhe news is unimportant but, such as it is, will be found detailed in our correspondent's letter, -onie women who had arrived at uurcwai pah report that Te Ivooti, with a party of thirty or forty men was midway between Turanga aud Onotiki' waiting for reinforcements, but the informal tion was not considered very reliable, It was said that the Murewai and other friendly natives, prompted by the offer of «u' reward, (some say £IOOO, for the head of Te kooti and ut for each of the Chatham Island prisoners) were about to start for the place indicated, to capture him if possible. Uopatu and his people had gone home. In a few cases shearing was being done by armed men, but a general sense of insecurity prevailed. The St, Kilda, with the Hon. Mr Richmond on board, arrived on Thursday She brings nothing later, beyond that no party has yet been organised to go in search ot the rebel band., Captain Tuke (on his way to Wairoa), Captain Withers, Mr Hamlin and other gentlemen have returned to Napier by this opportunity.

Farewell Dinner.—A number of Mr Charles Bonnington's friends entertained him at dinner at Coker's Hotel, last evening, on the eve of his departure from Chriatchurch. We understand that Mr Bonnington will leave by an early steamer for Auckland, where he intends establishing a musical depot.

School Treat.—The children belonging to the Lyttelton Wesleyan Sunday and day schools had their annual treat yesterday. Accompanied by their parents, teachers, and friends, they left Lyttelton by the 9 a.m. train for Hillsborough. Mr Duncan had kindly placed at their disposal his large paddock, where two triumphal arches were erected, and games were carried on with great spirit; racing, jumping, and cricket forming a portion of them. The party returned by the 6.30 train.

Inquest.—An inquest was held at Bangiora on Monday last, before Dr Dudley, on the body of Maurice Maloney, who died at 3 p.m. on Sunday, 31st ult., from injuries received from being gored by a bull on the 23rd ult. Mr J. J, Robinson was elected foreman of the jury. The evidence of Bridget Maloney and Dr Tripe was taken, and the jury gave a verdict of "Accidental Death;" adding a rider, "that the bull, the property of deceased, was not safe to be at large."

A Permanent Debt.—President Johnson, in his recent message says:—We now pride ourselves upon having given freedom to four millions of the coloured race, it will then be our shame that forty millions of people, by their own toleration of usurpation and profligacy, have suffered themselves to become enslaved, and merely exchanged slave-owners for new task masters, in the shape of bondholders and tax-gatherers, Besides, permanent debts pertain to monarchical governments, and, tending to monopolies, perpetuities, and class legislation, are totally irreconcilable with free institutions. Introduced into our republican system, they would gradually but surely sap its foundations, eventually subvert our government fabric, and erect upon its ruins a money aristocracy. It is our sacred duty to transmit unimpaired to our posterity the blessings of liberty which were bequeathed to us by the founder's of the Republic, and by our example teach those who are to follow us carefully to avoid the dangers which threaten a free and independent people. The Duke op Edinburgh,—The Government organ at Wellington, says :-From what we can learn, the reception of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is not likely to be a very elaborate affair in the City of Wellington, and his stay here will not extend over two or three days at the outside, while at other places, where superior preparations are to be made, it is understood that the Prince will remain for alonger period. We hear on good authority that, although His Royal Highness will make Wellington the port of arrival in this Colony, His Excellency the Governor intends that the real reception shall be given at Auckland, and this fact will account to a certain extent for the short stay intended to be made in the " Empire City." A procession and a ride to the Hutt in a fourhorse vehicle-together with a public ball, if the inhabitants feel inclined to get it up—appears to comprise the programme so far as laid down, but notwithstanding the depression we labour under, we trust that a respectable attempt will be made on the advent of the first member of the Royal Family in this city without any recognition whatever beyond that which is under most ordinary circumstances extended to a private gentleman on a visit to the capital of the colony, by those j who are in a position to be liberal. A DiFHCDLTT.-The Wanganui Evening Herald contains the following:—lt will be remembered that a little boy was captured at the commencement of the attack upon Te Ruaruru.in a whare, which constituted the advanced post of the enemy. The boy was brought to Wanganui, and lodged with the natives at Putiki. The Rev B. Taylor considered that it was necessary for him to undergo the ceremony of baptism (of course all staunch churchmen think the same) before he could be brought up in the Christian faith, like the other natives of Putiki; and accordingly preparations were made with all becoming haste, and in keeping with the importance given to the event by such an extraordinary course of circumstances, lo perform the sacrament. Tuesday was the day was fixed, and at the appointed hour the god-fathers-Wm. Fox, Esq,, M.H.R., Aperahamo Puke, and Wikitoria Tumua—were in attendance. The boy was baptised, and received the name of William Fox, after one of his god-fathers, Now.there is a very great legal question arising out of this matter. The little Foxite was sprinkled at the time of his capture by Father Roland, lest, as this worthy clergyman informed us, he should be killed, and die a Hau-hau. By such an act he was admitted into the body of the Church of Rome, and will, canonically, remain in it until, by his own consent, he leaves it. Considering the dangers that heroic and enterprising man braved, he should surely be allowed lo retain, within his own church, the little convert he had made. We would suggest that, apart from the denominational question, he be called " William Fox Roland;» and this would be a gracious concession, and a generous tribute to a pastor of that church, into the bjsom of which he was first received.

CIUCKET.-Tlie Otago Daily Times of Jan 2o says ;-0n Saturday afternoon a match between eight of the Eleven wlio lire to represent Otago this year in the Inter-provincial contest, with two substitutes, and the next Eighteen of the Dunedin Club with Heudley, was played at the usual time and place. We have only space to notice the leading features of the game. The Eleven were the first to take the field, and although they were successful in disposing of the Eighteen for uuder 90 runs, yet the fielding was not what it should have been. Glasgow and Kettle at long leg and cover point, and Macdonnell at mid-wicket, were very good, but the rest were indifferent in their respective places. The long stopping was very loose, as shown by the large number of byes. The bowling, however, was steady, although not as good as we expected to see. Macdonnell's slows, with their dangerous "break," were effective, but they were tried rather too late in the game. On the part of the Eighteen, Hendley played a good innings for 15, and Brewer was fortunate in making 31, the innings finally closing for a total of 86 runs. The Weven were first represented by Glasgow and Creagh, but the latter soon gave place to Macdonnell, and then some very pretty play and smart running took place. The former was only just run out after playing a careful innings for 16. Collinson took his place, and soon ran up the score by some effective and brilliant play, when Macdonnell was caught in the slips. Turton followed him, aud now the held was kept busily occupied, when, unfortunately, Collinson was bo»led off his pad, and in the next over Turton retired, in consequence of hitting a ball on to his wicket. With the exception of J, 0. Fulton's 10, not out, the remaining portion of the innings does not call for particular notice Collmson decidedly played the innings of the day. His defence was strong, and his hitting splendid, and his handsome score of 36 was undoubtedly well deserved. Hendlev and Macfarlan for the Eighteen bowled capitally. The former was bowling a splendid length and was only hit by the one or two to whom he is accustomed to bowl daily. The fielding of the Eighteen was on the whole good, Allen at point deserving particular attention. Pantlin in the slips, and Mann at the wickets, were also gaud. On ihe whole we have every reason to be sutisHe 1 willi the appearance of the Utago team. The battiug is better than it has ever been before; the buttling is of good length and steady, and if Downes was only playing, might be put down as first-rate; but the fielding is deficient.

An Inter-Ocbamc Canal.-A company has been lately formed in New York for the construction of a ship cimal across the Isthmus of Darien.to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As the sum thought to be sufficient for Us construction, 100,0011,0(10 d"ls., has been pledged by v he Mew York capitalists, the Secretary of State has announced that the " Executive Government of the United States his adopted the enterprise;" has "provided for a full, satisfactory, and final Bunrby, preparatory to the

construction of the canal," and is now negotiating with the Republic of Colombia for its consent to the undertaking. While these negotiations are not yet complete, their result can be foretold from a decree of the Colombian Congress, made in 1867, fixing the basis of the concession of the privilege of making a canal across the isthmus. The main conditions are that the duration of the privilege shall be forninety-nineyears, reckoning from the day on which the canal shall be opened to public service, in whole or in part; that fourteen years from the date of the concession shall be allowed for the completion of the work; that the canal shall have breadth and depth enough for vessels of the heaviest tonnage now in use, the Great Eastern alone excepted; and that the ports at each end of the canal shall be free and open to the commerce of all nations. No duties are to be collected by the Government of Colombia for the transit of vessels or goodsj passports will only be required during war. The canal and its ports to be always neutral; and the passage of war vessels on hostile errands is forbidden. The grantees of the right to construct the canal may fix their tariff of charges, provided it shall not exceed 75c per ton for empty vessels, 2 dols a ton for cargo, 10 dols for each passenger, and a half of 1 per cent on precious metals. In return there is to be paid to Colombia 6 per cent of the clear profits every year for the first twenty-five years, and 8 per cent during each year of the remaining 74, provided this percentage shall never be less than 600,000 dols annually. An arrangement is to be made with England, Prussia, Holland, France, and the United States, to guarantee the neutrality of the canal. The route is not yet selected, and will depend on further surveys. The isthmus varies from 47 \ to 114 miles in width.

The Bishop ov Dunedin.—The Leicester Journal reports a Berraon by the Bishop of Dunedin on the occasion of "an inaugural service" in connection with the English Church Union, at St Margaret's Leicester, The bishop, comparing the Evangelical and Catholic movements in the Church, gave expression to some very advanced doctrines indeed. He said that to the clergy who headed the Evangelical movement belonged the honour of having revived in the English Church a true and deep yearning after their Saviour and God. " But," he added, " the views of those who took part in the Evangelical movement with regard to the truth were partial, sometimes even distorted. The Church's claims, for instance, were almost entirely lost sight of. The Sacraments and Sacramental ordinances, public offices of the Church, and, indeed, all outward forms of religion were depreciated. The Evangelical movement taught men to seek for Christ. The Catholic movement teaches them where to find Christ—teaches them to find Him in the Blessed Sacrament of His own body. No longer do we speak as if the presence of Christ was a mere figure of speech, a matter depending on the warmth of our feelings, or the strength of our convictions. We have got beyond that. We have been taught, by the Church our mother, whose voice we have learned to respect, what the Incarnation really is, and how that wondrous mystery is brought near to us day after day through the media of the sacraments. We know, as they know who went before us, how that Christ suffered for us, and that on this great atonement long ago wrought all our hopes of Heaven depend. But we have learnt, by God's mercy, what they missed, or at any rate imperfectly grasped-viz, how that great atonement is made available for our salvation. We know in whose blood we were washed in Holy Baptism, we know whose pierced hands were laid on us at confirmation, and who offered Himself for us and gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. We know that it is our dear Lord's own personal presence, that it is His own work in His Church, with which he has promised to be to the end of the world, that is producing such wondrous effects round us. All the signs of life that have been of late so manifestly exhibited we have learnt to attribute to that Presence; all our hopes for the future we know are and must be founded on the continuance of that Presence. Marriage in High LiFE.-Under the above title the Wanganui Evening Herald of Jan. 27 has the following :-Yesterday was a day for Putiki long to be remembered in the annals of her history. The noble and valiant son of Governor Hunia was wedded to the fair and virtuous daughter of Captain Kepa lather Basil, of Putiki, performed the interesting ceremony, and never did the reverend father seem more weighed down with responsibility than when he gave " the children his blessing." Jericho, in "The Mau made of Money," could not have underwent a greater transformation when he commenced to pull bank notes from his heart than the rev gentleman when he thought of how serious a thing a blessing is. Dare we make so sudden a transition as to speak of what the happy couple wore upon the occasion ? " There is harm in nothing," says the stoie-and the ladies would like to know. The bridegroom, in the morning, had on the costume of a gentleman of the early part of the century, but after breakfast it was changed for the handsome uniform of the kupapa cavalry-blue serge shirt, tipped with red cuffs and collar, cord pants, and boots. The bride wore a train of white silk, trimmed with red and blue fringe, which looked exceedingly picturesque; a petticoat of rich poult desoie, studded with white roses resting on turbans of willow. The roses were emblematical of purity, and the willow of the uncertainty of liie in a time of war. Head-dress; bands of scarlet and velvet' with a goose feather at side. The bridesmaids, of whom there were three, were dressed in the same " ground " as the bride ornamented with a variety of colours which space will not permit us to particularise. The parents of the bride were never more joyful exhibiting their satisfaction in very fantastic and very pleasant performances, which we adm red greatly. The bride, after breakfast took her seat at the piano, and put the company into roars of laughter by playing with fire ana spirit, "I'm coming to bring you Peggy," after which she made the party very mournful by giving the" Lament of Tasso» The wedding cake deserves notice. It was made specially for the occasion-a bassorelievo of a pa surrounded by palisades, out of which rose a Norman castle, with a maimai on the top of each turret, thus showing the blending of the two races; and in front

of the castle two Maori women performing a kunni-kunni. As the festivity was going on an incident occurred which caused a great flutter among the bridesmaids. A native called Kuna-kuna rushed in among the company, aud coining into violent collision with the table, upset nearly every glass, and spilt the liquor over (he ladies' dresses. The purport, we are informed, of Kuna-kuna's speech was that Colonel Whitmore had sent in an order that the cavalry were to go out in half aahour. The Rev Father-who was very angry at so much loss, for it might have been given to the poor—said "Tailioa," and in an instant there was a storm of taihoas, which reminded one of a House of Commons' cheer, which is formed from a multitude of "hear, hears." The glasses having been re-plemshed-some from brandy, some from wme, a few from beer, and one from lemon-ade-the hilarity became as great as ever Ihe minister gave the first toast, which was drank with bumpers, each one saying, "Kauai te wide; tenakoe katoa," meaning, we are informed," Well dune Hie bride; good morning all." All went "merry as a marriage bell, until the benediction came; and a pilgrim before the shrine of his patron saint did not bend his head with more becoming reverence than was done by the whole of the company on this occasion. A very reverend looking old Maori said Amen in good Knglish and the happy couple and the guests adjourned to the grounds outside, and were- all strolling about or standing in little grcups when we looked at our watch, and thought it was time to return aud " correct proofs."