Local and General News.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 141, 24 October 1868, Page 3

Local and General News.

His Honor the Superintendent arrived here yesterday. The Assembly was prorogned on Tuesday last by the Governor in person.

It is reported that meerschaum has been discovered near Wollongong in New South Wales. The clipper ship Electra arrived at Wellington from London, on Thursday last. The Leichardt from Wellington, arrived at Gravesend on August 19th ; and the Melita left Gravesend for Wellington on August 23rd. The Hawkes Bay and Marlborough Rivers Act was passed with slight amendments by the Legislative Council. The Petty Sessions Act is to be brought into operation at Havelock, it is also again declared a port of entry. His Excellency the Governor has disbanded the No. 5 division of the armed Constabulary for mutinous conduct in the held. * Reduction in Flour. —Messrs. Rod and Hounsell have reduced the price of flour to £2O per ton. ; This is a reduction of £'l. STEAMER Nelson.— This vessel which belonged to Messrs. Nath. Edwards and Co., of Nelson, been wrecked at West Wanganui.— Pont. Justice Ward, having recovered from his indisposition, took hia seat at the Appeal Court tins week. The judgment in Caton v. Fearon was confirmed. A suit o££so has been voted by the Provincial Council of Taranaki to encourage the growth of nops in that province. The Herald believes the climate is well suited for the growth of the plant. The assessment of stock depasturing in Otago for the year 1868-9 has been concluded, and the revenue to be collected is estimated at £51,708 19s od. The total quantity of stock is as follows —cows and nurses, id,893 ; sheep, 1,671,521. We learn that the little steamer Osprey is making considerable progress, and that Her null is possibly launched ere tuis time. As the other portions of tne work have been proceeded witn contemporaneously, it is expected tnat she will be completed by the contract time—the 12th of November.

In a recent article, the Daily Times, on the subject of non-imprisonment for debts under £lO, says that the - non-imprisonment of a debtor under £lO “is simply a premium upon one of the eMnmonest forms of dishonesty.”

Earthquakes. —Numerous shocks of earthquakes have been felt this week. On Monday morning, about 10 minutes past 12, one occurred lasting about a minute, being a continued shaking from the N.W., which after some 40 seconds changed to the N. ; about 15 smaller shocks occurred at intervals till 4 a.m. On Tuesday one occurred about 1 a.m., and three other slighter ones to 5 a. m.

Fire. — A great fire has occurred at Boorhampore in India, which destroyed 4,000 houses, and various other valuable property, to the amount of 20 lacs of rupees [£185,400,] 700 lives were lost in the blazing ruins, and the most heartrending scenes occurred. A merchant who had succeeded in saving 40,000 rupees [£3,700] ventured back into his burning premises to save more when the roof fell in upon him, and he was burnt to death.

The Wairoa correspondent of the Hawke's Bay Herald says that, within the boundaries of Wairoa, there are some 2000 disaffected natives and from 250 to 300 scattered Europeans. The' Armed Constabulary having been removed from the district, the settlers are left to look after themselves. They have sixty rifles among them, and when the enemy landed on their coast, three days’ rummaging produced only two kegs of gunpowder. The Mangonui and Hokianga Murders;— The Southern Cross, of Sept. 29th, says “An official letter was yesterday received by the authorities, stating that his Excellency the Governor had been pleased to commute the sentence of death passed, at the late sittings of Supreme Court, on the Maori Hemi te Kara, for the murder of C. W. S. Smith, at Mangonui, in 1867, and on the half-caste, Tawake, for the murder of Nuku, at Hokianga, in the early part of the present year, to one of penal servitude for life.”

Petty Sessions. —The following notice to Justices of the Peace appears in the Gazette of Saturday last:—“Colonial Secretary’s Office, Wellington, Oct. sth.—Justices of the Peace resident] within each district now constituted, or hereafter to be constituted, under ‘ The Petty Sessions Act, 1865,’ are referred to the 7th section of that Act, and .requested to agree among themselves as to the most convenient time and place within their district for the meeting required under the Act, in order that the Government may, upon being informed thereof, issue the necessary proclamations.” We take the following from the Colonist of Friday last :—The p.s. Charles Edward arrived here on Wednesday night. She was bound from Wanganui to the Buller, but had to put into Nelson through stress of weather and being short of water, with 37 head cattle, 1 horse, 300 sheep, and 27 passengers for Westport. She left the Manukau on the morning of the Gth, and was detained inside the Wanganui Heads five days through bad weather, which not improving, she made for Port Hardy, and after a short stay came on here.. She left for Westport yesterday.”

Breach of Promise of Marriage Case at. Auckland. —The Southern Cross of October sth, states :—“ An action for breach of promise of marriage was commenced in the Supreme Court on Friday last against Air. W. A. Hunt, well known as one of the shareholders in the famous Hunt’s Claim. The plaintiff in the action is Miss Knox, and damages are laid at £5,000. The action, which was commenced on Friday, just before Chief Justice Sir G. A. Amoy left for the South, will come on for hearing at next Civil Sessions of the Supreme Court. Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Hesketh will appear for the plaintiff. Mr. Hunt was served with the writ on Saturday night, just as he had landed from the Thames steamer, by Air. Blaydes, bailiff.” Alr. W. L. Wrey.— The following paragraph appeared in the Colonist of Friday last. It refers to the work which we reviewed some time ago, since which period we understand no communication has reached the Government respecting the progress of Air. Wrey’s “ negociatious.” It is certainly high time a finish was put to this business by realising the security given by him for the advance of .£IOOO. Our contemporary sa y S Mr. W. Long Wrey, the well-known Nelson settler who went to London to get a railway for Marlborough, which is still ‘ waiting for the train,’ and likely to do'so, has published another volume on New Zealand. We have not been favored with a copy of this book, which is thus noticed in Morgan's British Trade'Journal: —‘ New Zealand in 1867 considered as a Field for Investment of Capital. By W. Long W rey, — London; Bates, Hendy, and Co. ‘ This little work gives much useful information the physical features and resources of the three islands; and to all who are interested; in;our Colonies, and to those purposing to emigrate to New Zealand, it is recommended for perusal, as it will be found a most serviceable guide.’ ” Lighthouse for Tory Channel; —In the Report of the Marine Board, just, issued,'Mr.' Balfour says :—“ I have already, on more.than one occasion, recommended the erection of a small, light at the entrance to Tory Channel, and "beg again to call attention to this important work. Mail steamers from. Wellington, .to Picton are frequently so timed as to arrive off the channel after dark, and'when it is at all hazy it is exceedingly difficult to make out the entrance. This, combined with the exceedingly rapid-tidal currents which prevail, renders this, part’ of the navigation truly dangerous ; indeed, but for the thorough local knowledge, caution, and skilly of the commanders of these steamers, serious accidents might qre this have occurred, and_au<ih nicy any day take place not withstanding every precaution. Should the Government not be disposed at present to go to the expense;of erecting a light on the South Head; a small leading light could be erected about a mile inside, ia-sueh a situation as would probably make it available for guiding vessels through all the dangers, at a cost not exceeding £-250 to £3OO ; and as it would be very near the homestead of a resident settler, an economical arrangement could probably be made for its regular exhibition. I should, however, greatly prefer to pu up a light on the .South Head, at a cost of from £3OOO to £4OOO, as it would in that situation not only aid the navigation of Tory Channel, but' also be of great service to passing shipping.”

The Times begins an article with the phrase -- “ the asinine meekness,” in reference to the false security indulged by the citizens in reference to the possibility of a Are breaking out in a city destitute of an organised fire brigade. We agree with all who think the chief supporters of a fire brigade should bo the Fire Insurance Companies. ■’Some silly person has this week defaced the bridges in Blenheim, by writing an inscription thereon, with, it is said, printers’ink. We cannot but reprobate the meanness displayed by such folly. If the scribbler has any grievance, it would be more manly if he would openly take an opportunity of seeking an explanation as to the matters with which he does not coincide. Amusing Official Exactness. —The Indian papers publish what they call an amusing instance of official exactness. A native member of the Uncovenanted Service penned the following lines to his official superior : —“ Honored sir, I humbly beg you will excuse my not attendance office this date, cause I got a boil as per margin.” In the margin of the letter a sketch of the boil was drawn, and the writer went on further to say, “ the breadth of paper being short, I have planned the boil small, but it is dubble the size.”

By the arrival of a person in town this week from Port Underwood, we learn that the schooner Shepherdess has had a narrow escape from entire loss in crossing the Straits. It appears that vessel was engaged to bring over 17 rams from Wellington—the balance remaining of 20 imported by Messrs. Clifford and Weld per Omeo from Melbourne—valued at £2O each, together with a new surf boat, value £7O, intended for loading wool from their station. On arriving at Flaxbourne the surf was too rough to land, and accordingly the vessel made for Port Underwood for safety on Sunday night last.. The violence of the weather was such, however, that it was found necessary to cut the boat adrift, and ultimately all the sheep were lost. A marketable specimen of English flax, with a bottle of oil prepared from the seed, has been sent to the Lyttelton Times by Mr. Early, of Moeraki Downs. The flax was grown on the Downs, and Mr. Early states that from 400 to 500 bushels of seed have been sown this year. The seed is said to be worth from 7s. to 8s per bushel in Melbourne The Times speak very highly of a prepared specimen of New Zealand flax, sent by a correspondent signing himself “ Free Trade.” It is soft and silky to the touch, and not a particle of gum can be detected. “ Free Trade ” hopes to be able shortly to prepare the flax in large quantities for export.

The Labour Market in Nelson. —The Provincial Government of Nelson has reduced the wages of labourers employed in its service “from twelve to ten shillings per week.” They complain of this measure of economy as a hardship, especially as they have to pay eighteen pence for the 41b-ioaf. The Provincial Government is retrenching in all directions. “No work of any description, however trifling, is to be undertaken before plans and specifications have been sent up to the Superintendent.” The Westport Times, in illustration of this unpalatable ukase, mentions that a closet for the gaol, which was very much needed, was about to be erected, but the works were stopped in compliance with the official notification. —Otago Witness.

The concert for the benefit of “Old. Billy Smith,” came off on Wednesday last, when the attendance was very fair. We feel considerable difficulty in giving any adequate idea of the performance itself. The first portion consisted chiefly of songs by Messrs M‘El wain, Hears, Carter, and H. Jeffreys, which gave very general satisfaction, although not supported by any musical accompaniment. Mr. Hears appeared in character, and sang Grimaldi’s own song, “ Hot Codlins,” in inimitable style, amid roars of laughter. A local song, “Notes on events in Blenheim,” by Hr. W. Shepheard, was not a successful performance, owing as it appeared to some want of unanimity with the accompaniest. Being encored it was followed by a second of a similar character, which went off more smoothly, and the hits Were well received by the audience. After a brief interval, the Antipodean Minstrels gave an Ethiopean melange interspersed with broad cuts at nearly everybody, and certain events which have lately created some stir in our usually quiet town, were treated in a new and original manner. In the course of a song known as the “Nigger’s Ball,” Mr. “Bones” produced a ladder, which he ascended and thence delivered a harangue upon “men and things.” This was, he informed us as he stood on one of the uppermost “rungs,” the celebrated “social ladder;” the dialogue was sparkling with fun and hard hits at some of our local celebrities. Mr. “Parchment” announced a series of lectures to be given shortly—when the parties named should have recovered from the effects of the late earthquake. The ■ subjects were to be as follows : —l. On the Geological Survey of the Breach ; 2 On the nature of wind and gaseous matter, with illustrations of blowing; 3. On Governmental humbugs, political shams, and diplomatic dodges; 4. On ancient and modern music, with illustrations on the Jewsharp ; 5. On modern warfare, with an account of the progress of the Cadet Corps ; 6. On perfumery, and how to dispose of a perfumed nosegay; 7- On the Colonial Bankruptcy Act, with ah essay on the easiest method of getting rid 'of s your creditors by paying a trifle in the pound '; 8. On the Town Board, and the different colors of the dying dolphin ; 9. On Public Executions, and the bad moral effects of suspending effigies on Sundays; 10. On the grand advantages of Balls to the young, with a treatise on the best method of maintaining your social position through physical training; 11. On the national music of Scotland, with illustrations on the bagpipes. Many of the sayings were extremely witty, but decidedly personal; but, as the-whole performance was, if we mistake not, for the most part “letting off the steam” of public opinion, we may suppose that the subjects will, with perhaps a little exception, cease with this notice, and the public, having had a good laugh at the absurdities shewn, resume its ordinary course again. The third part, entitled “The Barber’s Shop,” was a simple farce— the principal point in which was the personation of a celebrated character. As we have already intimated, libel ran riot throughout the whole proceedings, but was received with roars of laughter by all present, the victims included. The performance lasted till after 11 o’clock, and its length may be reckoned as one of the shortcomings on the occasion.

• Novel Lottery.—A Kingston lady recentlyentertained a desire to enter the blissful state of matrimony, but wishing at the same-time to render such an event a profitable speculation, she was by no means disposed to sell herself cheaply. Seeing that art dhious were much in favour with the public, she determined to dispose of herself by lottery, and with this end in view immediately issued fifty tickets of £lO each, shewing by such a proceeding her aptitude, for business, as well as her contempt for the romantic ideas which usually influence the female mind. Notwithstanding this, the men of Kingston have evinced the greatest reluctance to purchase tickets. —Hobart Town Mercury. Accident. —On Monday last an accident oc- | curved at the open waterflow on the south side I of the Opawa Bridge. Mr. John Botham was swimming his—horse and dray over this place (which was somewhat swollen) leading it with a rope from the footbridge, something at the bottom caught the dray-wheel, which caused the horse to swerve round, and drew the rope from his \ hand forcibly. Immediately the water carried the team away down to the Opawa, where it caught upon the bank. Mr. Parker hurried down for Mr. Avery’s boat, but ere he returned, the horse struggled until it got loose, and was swept away down the river. So far as we have heard, i neither horse or dray have been seen since, and i are most likely carried off to sea. ~' The Earthquake in Nelson. —A very severe earthquake occurred here at fourteen minutes past midnight, which lasted about 45 seconds, and which was accompanied with loud subterraneous rumbling. The shook appeared to be partly vertical and partly horizontal. Several chimneys were knocked down, and others damaged. It appeared to come from north-west to south-east. It was felt in the country districts keenly, and the live stock at the farmers’ homesteads exhibi ed symptoms of alarm. Numerous smaller shocks succeeded, and continued throughout the night. They came from the same direction. Some were like a vertical stroke upwards. Tide somewhat irregular. No such shock felt since 1855. The chimneys of the Government buildings were much shaken, and partly turned round. — lndependent.