TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6520, 19 January 1882, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Subbbhb Ooubt. —His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in Chambers and in Sanaa this morning at the usual hour. Bbapbb and Bindbb Tbial.—A trial of a number of reapers and binders will take place to-day at Mr Boag’s farm, Burnside, Fendaltown, commencing at 9 a.m. Several machines have entered, and a keen contest is looked forward to.

Typhoid Fbvbb. typhoid fever hae broken out at Lobnrn, in a family of recent arrivals by the Helen Scott. One of the Moorhouses —tho family in question—has died, and two others are stated to be suffering from the disease. We have been given to understand that isolation has been resorted to, and that the district school has been closed—for the holidays—about a month earlier than otherwise womd have been the case. The Helen Scott arrived in port in Jan. 6. Sunbysidb Asylum. —We have received a circular from Dr Hacon, setting forth the “ Regulations for visitors to patients” in the Sunnyside Asylum. The visiting days are Monday and Thursday, between 10 a.m. and noon, and between 2 and 4 p.m. There are certain things which visitors may not give to patients, and there are other things which are regarded as desirable, namely, " fruit and : digestible delicacies, paperaand illustrated periodicals, or pictures.” Tobacco may also be given, and there is a recreation fund, to which subscriptions will be thankfully received.

Bipobt op Wool to Ambbioa. The Dunedin Ohamber of Commerce has been in communication with the Government relative to America’s import duty on wool. Replying to the Ohamber, the Hon John Hall says :—“ As to the opinion expressed in the resolution that no ' good will result unless followed by sending a special representative to Washington to press upon Congress New Zealand interests,’ 1 desire to assure the Ohamber that the Government will, after receiving a report from Sir Henry Parkes as to his visit, be ready to consider as to further action that may appear to be necessary in order to secure what they believe will be a great benefit to the commerce of the Colony.”

St Albans Mutual Impbotbmbnt Association. —This body held their annual meeting in their rooms, on Monday evening, the President in the chair. The report read by the Secretary showed a balance from last year of £9 7s 3d; receipts for tho current year, £l9 8s; giving a total of £2B 16s 3d; expenditure, £l4lßs ; leaving a balance to hand over to the. new Treasurer of £1317s 3d. The election of officers resulted as follows : Mr Squires, President; Mr Duggan, Treasurer; Mr Butterfield, Secretary; Mr Ousao, Librarian; Mr Burke, Vice-Presi-dent. Committee—Messrs Christison, Moore, Armishaw, Green, and Barker. Resolutions were passed for the purchase -of books, painting of buildings, and fence, Ac.

Thb Alb-Engiand Match. All the Canterbury team except one, together with the two emergency men, turned up to practice last night. Some very steady play was shown both'on the part of the bowlers and batsmen, the former having if anything a little the best of it. Four good looking wickets have been marked off for the match, and the big roller was at work bn them yesterday. Last night’s rain should put them in capital condition, but without plenty of water it is difficult to say how they will play. Preparations for the accessories to the match in the shape of scorer’s box, booths, &0., are being carried on, and the stand, os well as several rooms in the pavilion, will be available during the game. The names of the batsmen at the wickets will bo posted up each day, so that the spectators will have no difficulty in the way of identifying the players. There' will be practice again at four o’clock this afternoon. The Englishmen will arrive this evening. Everything betokens a successful match, and with fine weather wo have no doubt there will be an exceedingly large attendance. Eaiafoi Farmers’ Club. —The monthly mooting of this club was held at the Chamber, Cookson street, Eaiapoi, on Monday evening last. About twelve members were present, Mr B. Coup presiding. The Chairman stated the meeting had been convened to consider the question of holding the foal, grain, and root show. It had been pointed out that the show of foals last season was hardly a success, compared with previous exhibitions, and the question as to whether the show of these animals should be continued would have to be discussed. If there was no show of foals, the exhibition of grain and roots might be hold at a more advanced period, say the end of April or beginning of May. Some discussion took place, when it was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr Pashby, seconded by Mr J. L. Wilson—“ That the annual foal, gram, and root show, and local industries exhibition be held on Thursday, April 6." It was suggested that for draught mares and foals there should be a general entry received, and the judges should decide and divide them into heavy and light classes, in each of which class first and second prizes would be awarded. The consideration of this amendment will be taken at the next meeting. It was resolved that the next ordinary meeting be on the third Monday in February, if possible, to arrange the details of the show, but if harvest operations prevented, then the Hon Secretary call a special meeting. The meeting then adjourned. 1 •

City Baths.—The total amount of ratos received at the City Council office during Monday and Tuesday, woe £IBB6 18e 2a, towarde which drainage rates contributed the respectable turn of £lllß le.

Intbsoolonial WhAthsb Xxohanob.— Tho following has been received t—" Tuesday <. A slight depression exists south-east of .Cepe Bvrda, where there is a moderate south-west wind blowing. Tho barometer is rising in the east of Australia and Tasmania, with a southeast wind. Barometer i—Borda, 29.8; Portland and Sydney, 80.0 j Hobart, 299,"

Thiatbm Botal.—There was another large audience at the Theatre Boyallast night, when " Struck Oil" was repeated. The excellent acting of the star* came in for the usual amount of enthusiastic applause. Mr and Mrs Williamson have now established themselves as popular favourites, in the same manner as they nave everywhere that they have appeared. " Struck Oil ” will be repeated to-night. Tun Exhibition.— Messrs Joabert and Twopeny have withdrawn their application for Oramner Square on account of tho legal difficulties. A telegram was lent by the Mayor to the Hon John Hall to request the use of Hagley Park. A reply was received to tbe effeot that the Government would do all in their power to grant the reqnest, if legal, and if the Domain * Board were willing. He alio promised to consult the Crown Law Officers on the matter. Mb Robson.—At the Oddfellow*’ Hall last night Mr Robson gave another of hi* high-class entertainments. His recitations included Do Quincy’s "Vision of Infinite Space," a scene from "The Merchant of Venice,” "Cousin Peter,” "The Raven," "For a’ that,” "The Bashful Man,” and “ The Curfew must not toll to-night.” Hie musical numbers were " Come per me Sereno,” a soprano solo, which was enthusiastically applauded, and “ O Mio Fernandoa clarionet solo. M. Lorens contributed to the programme Liszt’* " Prelude and Hungarian Air,” variations on Mendelssohn’s " Breathe not of Farting” (encored), “The Brook,” and* “March Militaire” of his own. Mr Robson will appear for the last time this evening. Oantkbbttby Tbadibhbb’b Athlbiio Oiitfß. —A meeting of the members of the recently formed Trades Athletic Club was held last evening at the Wellington Hotel, to adopt by-laws and receive report of deputation appointed to wait on the leading citizen*. Mr Haddrill was voted to the chair. Several new members were admitted. A letter was read from bis Worship the Mayor, accepting the title of Patron, and enclosing a cheque for £2 2s as a donation to the dab ; another letter was received from Mr Wynn Williams, aceeptingthe office as one of the Vice-Presi-dents. The Secretary stated that Messrs H. Thomson and John Holmes hod also been requested to act os Vice-Presidents, but no replies had yet been received from those gentlemen. A number of gentlemen bad alio been asked to become honorary members. The rules drawn up by the sub-Oommittee were read and adopted, with the exception of one relating to the number of members to form a Committee. This question was postponed to next meeting, and the proceedings terminated. . Banks' Peninsula Fabmxbb’ Club.—At the meeting of this Club held on Saturday lost, at the Head of the Bay, the following resolutions were carried" That it is desirable to re-establish the Banks'Peninsula Agricultural and Pastoral Show, and that a Committee, consisting of Messrs M'Donald, Barnett, Duxbury, Oheokley, Shadbolt, Currj, B. Hunt,. Goodwin, Callaghan, Chappell, Coop, Field, Vogan, Kingston, Libeau, Brooks, M'Kay, Glynan, W. Moore, Barker, M. M. Jones, J. Hunt, J. Moore, T. Hay, Piper, Badaa, Birdling, M'Gregor, and Jacobsen be appointed for the purpose of drawing up a report on the subject, to be presented to the members of the Clnb at a meeting to be held on March 4.” " That a Committee, consisting of Messrs Oheokley, M'Donald, Chappell, David, and the mover, be appointed for the purpose of seeing that the produce of the Peninsula is properly represented at tho forthcoming International Exhibition in Ohriutohuroli.” A. large amount of discussion ensued on the moving of each resolution, both being unanimously adopted. Tbainino Ship.— Mr 0. W. Turner, following up the suggestion made at the recent meeting of the Charitable Aid Board with reference to a training ship for the boys at the Orphanage, has, in a moat liberal manner, promised to give the brig Derwent as she now lies in Lyttelton Harbour, for the joint benefit of the boys at the Orphanage and the Lyttelton Naval Brigade. The Derwent is a vessel of 221 tons register, built at Workington in 1834, of British oak, and copperfastened throughout. She was re-coppered and thoroughly done up a few years ago by her owner, and is now in a thoroughly sound and staunch condition. The vessel, as she now lies, has only her lower masts, bowsprit anchors and chains, so that top-masts, yards, sails, &0., together with standing and running gear, will have to be provided to fit her out. After the very liberal manner in which Mr Turner has acted in the matter, it is to be hoped that some of the other wealthy citizens amongst us will come forward and follow his good example by assisting to fit the vessel out. There is no doubt that the vessel judiciously managed will be productive of an immense amount of good; and it is to be hoped that, with the assistance of those who can and are able to take an interest in such matters, the vessel will speedily be put into commission.

Canterbury Coursing Obub.— The annual meeting of the Canterbury Coursing Club was held at The Shades at 8 p.m. last evening. There was a fairly numerous attendance of members, and the chair was occupied by Mr E. E. Deacon. The Secretary, Mr W. G. Walker, gave a statement of accounts which showed that the total revenue of the Club for the past year was £538 19s Sd. Total expenditure, including £lO liabilities, £503 6s, leaving a balance to the credit of the Club of £25 13s 3d. To this must be added the sum of £SO nett profit on the Dog Show which had been a financial success. This brought the total balance to the credit of the Club to £75 odd. Mr Walker advocated making the Dog Show an annual affair seeing that there was little doubt of such an undertaking being a source of profit to the Club. The meeting then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year when the following were chosen: —President: Mr W. H. Wynn-Williams ; Vice-Presidents: Messrs G. G. Stead, W. Minohin, H. J. Mathias, D. M'Millan, John Holmes, and Drs Prins and Frankish. Committee : Messrs Judge, Porter, Deacon, Walker, Ohartoris and Walters, with the six gentlemen who did not retire by rotation. Several new members were proposed for membership, and the meeting adjourned to Fob. 1 at the same time and place.

Oxford Presbyterian Church. The opening services in connection with the new Church were held on Sunday last. The Bev Mr Cairns, of Sydenham, preached in the morning and evening to large congregations. Collections were made at the close of each service, in aid of the building fund, the result being very satisfactory. On Tuesday a tea meeting and entertainment was held in aid of the same fund, in the Oddfellows’ Hall, West Oxford, which were largely attended. The Bev Mr M'Oallum occupied the chair, and made a few remarks in connection with the opening of the church, and stated that the church was virtually being opened free of debt, as there was only the sum of £23 duo on the contract, and subscriptions sufficient to cover this sum had been promised. The sum of £2O more, however, would be required to piy for some extras. He referred to the energetic efforts of Miss M. A. Dodds, who so materially assisted in getting up the funds for the building. During the evening, addresses were delivered by the Bevs Mr M'Gregor, of Kaiapoi, Bev Mr Dawson, of Bangiora, Bev Mr Wilkinson, of Oxford, Bev Mr Cairns, of Sydenham, and Mr Meredith, of the Oust, interspersed with several vocal and instrumental selections by Mr and Miss Searell, Miss Monk, and Miss M. Plankett. A vote of thanks was accorded to those who had provided the tea and aided in the evening’s entertainment, and to those who had assisted in getting up the funds for the new church, the benediction terminating the proceeding*.

Dbaibagb Boabd.— Th# elections lor the now Drainage Board being now completed, th* Board will matt on Friday afternoon at half* pait on* o’oloek. Pbibbitmiah Church,— The new Fret* byterian Church, at Ashbourne, on the Ferry road, ia now on the point of completion. The furniture and fitting* are now being placed in the building. Sitting accommodation ha* been provided for 260 per*on*. The church will be opened for Divine lervice on Sunday next.

WooDiND Domain Board,— The following gentlemen have been appointed, by proola* mation, members of (bis Board Messrs E. J. Bateman, F. Harrell, A. Catchpole, B. S. Turner, and J. Judeon. The reserve, a part of 8.9.94, ha* an area of 6acre« 23 per ones. The first meeting of (he Board will be held on Monday, Feb. 18. Twa Kaiatoi Ootbaos.— There was great excitement yesterday in and around the Kaiapoi Courthouse daring the hearing of the charge of rape against William Hart. After a large amount of evidence had been taken, most of which is of necessity unfit for publication, prisoner was committed to trial at the next sitting! of the Supreme Court. Particulars of (he case will be found in another oolnmn. ■» Thb Nbw Australian Elbtbs.— The composition of the next Australian Eleven appears to have been finally settled, aad a correspondent, writing ae “ one with authority "to the Dunedin Star, jivee it ae follow* s—Boonor, Blackhans, Boyle, Edwards, Giffen, Horan, Evans, Hassle, Murdoch. M'Donnell, M'Shane, Palmer, and Spoffartb, It will be seen that A. Bannermau’e name doe* not appear in the list. Kaiapoi Stobts Committbb.—A meeting of th* Committee was held on Monday, when there were present five member*, Mr Caleb Smith in the chair. The Secretary reported that there were still several amounts to come in, and a great many subscriptions were (till unpaid. It woe decided to authorise the Secretary to collect all oatetanding subscriptions, pay all accounts, and prepare a balancesheet to enbmit to a meeting, to be called.for the purpose. Thb Eholish Obiokitibb.— The Englishmen played a one day’s match at Tunara yesterday, defeating the local Twenty-two by six wickets. The Timarn players made a fair show, several of them getting into double figures and the total reaching 111. The visitors scored 119 for the loss of 4 wickets, and the game was stopped three-quarters of an hoar before the time fixed through the crowd encroaching on the ground, or otherwise their total wonla have been much larger. Sbbioioultubk.— Mr Federli has made arrangements to go to Akaroa to-day In order to furnish persons residing there who take an interest in sericionltnre with a supply of silkworms, and also to give the recipients instructions in rearing the worms. He will take with him a supply of worms, of the second hatching, known to Italian silk growers as bivoltini. Several residents of Akaroa have made preparations for following the pursuit of sericionltnre, and Mr Federli entertain* good hopes of the enocese of his mission.

Thb Bboistbatiok Act.— At the Ashburton Beeident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, at the instance of Ur Joseph Ivese, one of the defeated candidates for Wakanni, two persona were summoned to show cans* why their names should not be etrnok off the Wakanni roll, they being under tbs age of 21 yean. The fint case heard woe that.o£ Bobert Shannon, labourer. South Bokoia. Mr Joseph Ivess conducted the case himself, bat the defendant did not appear. Mr Tress produced a letter from Shannon admitting hie minority, aad the lad’s name was struck .off the roll. William Jackson Baling, was the other name Mr Ivess objected to. Mr Jackson did not appear, and his name woe also struck of the roll. In both coses expenses were allowed to Mr Ivese, in the fint case 9s Bd, and in the second 9s. The time-table on the Addington branch ot the Canterbury Tramway Company will be altered on and after to-morrow. Copies of the time-table may be obtained on application to the guards or the office.

The ad jonned meeting of persons interested in the Heatbcote Begatta will be held this evening at the Commercial Hotel.' The alteration of the boundaries of the school districts of Hinds and Lismore will be found elsewhere. '

A meeting of the shareholders in Hnmphrey’s Gully Water-race and Gold Mining Company (Limited), Hokitika, will be held at the Company’s offices, Hokitika, on Wednesday, Feb. I. The first ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Ward and Co. will be held at Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s offices on Feb. 7. The annual holiday celebration at the Lyttelton Orphanage will take, place to-morrow. A very handsome Christmas tree will form one of the chief attractions, and the Master will he pleased to see any old boys or girls on the ocoasion. We have received copies of “ The Form and Garden,” a Philadelphian journal, for which Mr E. F. Cogan is the New Zealand agent. This new venture is Intended as a family magazine, and its papers of instruction or description are therefore chattily written. General literary subjects also find a place in its columns. The contributions appear for the most part to be the work of people of experience in the several departments. The opening session is connection with the Wesleyan Conference will be held in the Durham street church this evening. Several addresses will be delivered, and vooal selections rendered by the ohoir.

Thb Qotrbnobbhif of Nkw Zealand.— An idea appears to have been prevalent in Sydney that the Governor of New South Wales was to bo our new Governor, for an Argus telegram from Sydney says:—“ It is understood that there is no foundation for the report recently circulated that Lord Augustus Loftus will succeed Sir Arthur Gordon as Governor of New Zealand." Investments in English Funds.— Just a year has elapsed since the Post-office enabled depositors to make through its Savings Banks investments in the Foods. It is satisfactory to be told that no less a sum than £832,000 has been invested in this manner. Of that amount only £64,000 has been sold, to that the fear of jobbing Stock, which was fint urged as an objection to the scheme, need not be seriously entertained.

Nabhow Hscapb.—One Taggart, a carpenter, had a wonderful escape from a violent death recently. The driver of a special train from Napier to Waipukurau, on nearing Napier on his return journey, and looking over the aide of the engine, saw a man lying close to the metals, and heard him groaning. The train was stopped, and the guard went back to where the man had been observed, and found Taggart lyinghetween the lines of metals. He was not able to give a very good account of what had happened, but complained of having received a shook of some kind, and said he felt vary sore about the chest. From the way his coat was torn, and the rust marks upon it, from friction upon the metals, it was evident he must have been lying partly on the track, and that the “ cow-catcher ” had caught him and thrust him out of further harm’s way. Taggart was helped to walk, but with the exception of a soreness of the body, he did not appear to have suffered any particular internal injury.* Buttbb and Chkbsk.—We taka the following from the N.Z.L. & M. A. Company’s Circular dated November 18 last:—The transport of Australasian butter and cheese as part of mixed cargoes having hitherto been attendant with loss by reason of heating on passage, it has been rightly considered that the introduction of freezing and cool chambers on board steamers and sailing vessels carrying such cargoes may overcome this difficulty. With regard to the former article of produce there seems no reason why it should not be subjected to a freezing process as severe as that hitherto found to be requisite in the case of meat. Batter may, therefore, if necessary, bo fitly sent in the same frozen chamber, care being taken that before shipment it is in thoroughly good condition and quite sweet. It may be packed in casks containing 1121bs, or in firkins containing 561bs, or in tins containing 281bs each, the variety of package being suggested so as to meet various consumptive requirements. It appears to be matter for practical investigation by the producer, however, whether the chemical properties inherent in cheese will admit of its being successfully dealt with in the same way. Were it possible to convey cheese from the Colonies to this market at a temperature a little over freezing point, if of good quality at time of shipment, it would doubtless reach this country in condition fit for sale, but it is open to question whether continuous exposure to a temperature of from 6 to 7 degrees under freezing point might not sensibly detract from its satisfactory disposal. Under these circumstance*, if pro-

dueer* in the Coloniee cannot fairly te«t u, re*ult of the article being placedunder freezing proce** before (hipment, a* regard* appearance and teste, or cannot ensure tbt. while on passage the cheeie, though no , •hipped a* ordinary cargo and therefor! liable to be eweated, can be (towed in a CO( T bat not freezing chamber, it will be prudent that experimental ehipmente thonld be mad! on a very limited *cale only, in the fro zcn chamber* fitted up for the conveyance of meat. When shipped, the cheece ought to fc e a* uniform in make and flavour as postibin weighing, each, from 66 to 601bs, and packed a* the American Cheddar Cheese *ent here for *ale are peeked, one in a box, *or rounded by a little sawdust. Moodt AND Sauk IT. —Let us hare it clearly explained whether Messrs Moody and Sankey are to receive, a* the Bcolnman tiJ} £7OO per month daring theirpreaching and tinging tour in England, when l«t they were over here, I went one evening to hear them. Moody struck me as no better preacher than many of those who hold forth from a tub on Sunday afternoon*, and Sankey played and •one hymn* to the tunes of negro minstrelsy neither better nor worse than an itinerant negro minstrel. However, they amuse many and possibly edify some. If, however, it be true that their new tour is a financial •peculation, and that they are receiving salaries such as few operatic singers obtain it is to be hoped that the pair of humbugs will not a second time achieve the question, able notoriety that they enjoyed during their previous visit to ot.— (Truth.) Irish Agricultural Statistics —The Begistnr-Oeaerar* annual abstract of Irish agricultural statistics hoe been issued. The total extent under crops in 1881 was 5,191,361 acres, being an increase over the previous year of 110,277 acre*. The increases were roughly, 86,000 acres in Leinster, 26,000 in ICaneter, 86,000 in Ulster, and 11000 in Connaught. In 1680 the extent returned under grass was 10,259,103 acres. There ie a decrease this year of 167,420 acres. There is on increase of 21,700 acres in the extent of land under tillage; on increase of 6801 acres of wheat, of 10,437 acres of oats; and then ie a decrease of 7868 acres of barley, leaving a net increase of 10,400 under cereals. The acreage under potatoes has increased by 33,643 acres. There is a decrease of 7460 acres under turnips, and 7858 acres under eabboge, so that the net increase is 21,000. Flax shows a decrease of 10,455 acres. , The return of live stock shows an increase of 32,962 in cattle, and of 237,772 m pigs, and a decrease of 303,880 in sheep.— P, M. GatetU. A DUBIOUS WnriM.—The mil’ness of oar present winter season, which for weeks poet has made England toko rank with Madeira and Cannes, has been somewhat nullified by the fury of the recent gales. Two fresh disturbances have reached our shores within twenty-four boon, and already there are fresh and more terrible tales of the mischief done. The ocean steamships, those of the Canard and Qaion lines, were nearly a day behind time on the voyage from Liverpool to Qaeenetown; we hear of the Cape and Australian mail steamer? detained in Plymouth harbour; the captain of another Cape steamer wires a momentous telegram from Madeira, with news of paddle-boxes swept away, a chief oficer killed, and other casualties caused by terrific weather in the Bay of Biscay. News of disasters nearer home are cropping up rapidly on every side. A turret-ship ashore atßoguor; men-of-war sent out from Portsmouth and Sheerness to give succour to castaways and half-wrecked vessels; a newlybranched steamer despatched from the Tyne in tow, breaks away from the tugboat and becomes derelict with no crew on board bat six runners, and no masts, rigging, or other means of navigating her. At the various seaports frightful accidents are reported — the whole of a pierhead swept away at Tentnor; great breaches made in the sea walls at Hastings; half the new harbour works at Folkstone destroyed. Yet the temperature keeps high, the winds abate, and the suit shines out to quicken vegetation at though there was nothing inoong'uons in the blossoms aad ripe strawberries which have really been seen, although the month is December and not May. —Some Newt, A Fatal Elbctbic Shock.— A strange and terrible accident occurred recently at thr generating rooms of the Brush Electric light Company in Ganson street, New York. Two young men, named George Leonard Smith and Henry Kimball, in company with another young man and two girls, stepped into the station and stood looking at the machinery in motion. Smith was very inquisitive and wanted to experiment. She manager, Mr G. Ohaffe, allowed him to try a harmless experiment, which consisted in taking hold of one of the brushes attached to the commutator, in which the electricity is held until carried away over the wires, and then, taking hold of the hands of his companions, a gentle current of electricity was passed through their bodies. Smith wanted to take hold of two of the brushes, but Mr Ohaffe grabbed his arm and held him back, telling him it was sure death to touch them. The party shortly afterwards left, Mr Ohaffe telling them to get out. Subsequently Smith suddenly came into the building, seemingly under the influence of liquor. He leaned over the railing which keeps outsiders at a distance from the machinery, and, before a warning word could be ■aid, he had grabbed the first and third brushes. Mr Ohaffe saw what he was about to do and made a jump for him. His hand stuck fast to the brushes, and giving the engineer the word to stop the engine, ha took hold of Smith and endeavoured to pull him from his hold. This he was unable to do, bat as soon as the engine stopped Smith raised himself to his feet, and, throwing np his arms, gave a loud gasp and expired instantly. The thing was done so quickly that those who witnessed it could scarcely believe their eyes. Smith’s face had a pale bluish tint, and was drawn out of shape. His hands were badly burned, and on several of the fingers the flesh was burned to the bone. Of the unfortunate man but little could be learned, save that ha was formerly a scooper at the Wheoler elevator, but had been handling lumber in various yards on the island. Mr Ohaffe says the generator is one ef tremendous power, and would kill fifty thousand men as easily as one. —Buffalo Courier.

Tbiax of Bussiak Officials.—On Dec--13, the Argus published a cable message from its London correspondent, stating that “ the three Bossian officials who were placed on their trial for having been partly instrumental in causing the death of the Czar, Alexander 11., in March last, by neglecting to take the precautions necessary to prevent his assassination, have been found guilty, and sentenced to three years' exile.” A telegram in the London Olobe of November 12, from a St Petersburg correspondent, gives the following information respecting the status oi the officials and the charges brought against them:—“lhave received a copy of the indictment against Major-General Mrowinski/ chief specialist to the Prefect of St Petersburg; Paul Tegleff, late chief of the first section of the Papsky Arrondissement j and Bazil Fourssoff, chief of the secret section at the Prefecture of St Petersburg. The indictment, which is curiously free from technicalities, such as bristle in our English legal documents, charges against Mrowinski that he, haring been instructed by Tegleff to inspect the tenement hired by the peasant Kobozeff for the ostensible purpose of selling cheese, and having been informed that the object of the inspection was the discovery of a mine intended for the assassination of the Czar, did not use all the means in his power to discover this mine, which was actually there. Tegleff is charged that although having suspicions of Kobozeff, and having received orders to watch with the utmost vigilance the cellars of the streets in his arrondissement through which the Emperor was in the habit of passing, he nevertheless failed to take any effective measures for the prevention of Kobozeff*s nefarious designs. A similar accusation is made against Fourssoff, and it » further charged against him that ‘ this mine not having been discovered at the time, and farther measures to prevent the crime of the l-18th March, 1881, of whiehhis late Majesty the Emperor Alexander 11, was the victim, not having been taken, this lamentable event appears to have been indirectly caused

thrawih the negligence of. tha moosed.’ Tuelfrff ud Fouresoff an alio charged with tJnos after the crime, allowed Koboseff gad hi* wife to etoape. All three deny their and Samoa.—With regard to at Tonga, the oomroondoat of the In,,- Timet writes:—" Our Premier left in fui icbooner Myrtle for Hew Zealand an JJ: Dt 17. It ia not kn Uto when or whether he will return. He has eueceeded Z hrioeine these island* into a condition hordering on anarchy, and it it expected and t.. ra A from day to day, that the discontent the principal chiefs and their followers will them to a declaration of open defiance * the existing Government. The first oat* ward sign of dissatisfaction waa evinced about three months ago, when an application * made to Her Majesty’s deputy-corn-jaissioner at this town by a large body of men, headed by a number of chiefs, Moidy related to King George, requesting they might he allowed to become British objects. Since that time the Native* in nnou* part* of the island have declared that they only waited to see the result of the application to, if successful, follow the nm e course. The ringleaders of the above movement were charged with treason, and being officers in the Tonmn army, were tried by a court-martial, and every means adopted to make the accused sue for mercy and acknowledge the error of their way*. Intimidation and cajolery were alike nnaucoeisful. The men defied the Government, and persisted in declaring their wish to be* come British subjects i but their rank being ■o high and their connection* so powerful, it would have been dangerous to attempt to curr out any of the threat* of shooting and banishment used, and so the Government were compelled to ignominiously drop pro* aecution* which ought never to have been commenced." The Fiji Argue writes «By the arrival of the schooner Hiufou we hate later news from Samoa, from which wo le&rn that matters are generally very quiet in the Navigator Island, and Malietoa’a rule i, unopposed by the whole Tsimua and Faipolo party, the Gemma Government having announced through their Consul their intention to lend their assistance to the Sing in the event of any attempt to resume hostilities. In consequence of the great fall in the price of copra, which ia the principal staple of the group, business ia dull, money scarce, and everything in a very depressed state."