Local and General News.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 146, 28 November 1868, Page 3

Local and General News.

Coal has been found in Dunedin, and a distillery is about to be started there. Kod and Hodnsell quote silk-dressed flour £lB per ton ; Hart’s Adelaide, per ton. Private letters, quoted by the TuapeJcaTimes, states that Lord Stanley intends to visit these colonies next summer. A telegram in a Sydney paper says that Bishop pondall is appointed to New Zealand, and Bishop Turner to Grafton. The p.s. Lyttelton is announced to leave Blenwharf for Nelson direct this day (Saturday) at 13 noon. A Good Example. —The Hon. the AttorneyGeneral has joined the Volunteer Artillery Corps at Wellington; and taken the requisite oaths.

A man named Ousley committed suicide in the Nelson Hospital, on Thursday last, while suffering from delirium tremens. Db. Ik vine has been elected a member of the Provincial Council of Nelson in the room of Mr. Pitt, resigned. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church holds its meeting this week xn Willisstreet Church.

We are informed that Mr. A. S. Dreyer purposes shortly resigning his seat in the Provincial Council for the Grey district. — Mud.

The Panama Company have reduced their fares between Southampton and Melbourne. Saloon fares are now £BO and £BS, and second cabin £so.^ Eiohty-nine Chinese were landed at Hoktiika on Friday, Npv. 6th, from the steamer Hangitoto. One party, proceeded to the Hauhau, and the others to the Waimea district.

The Melbourne Meat Preserving Company has commenced operations. Their London agent has recommended the shipment - of 30,000 tons to be disposed of to the French Government.

Abandonment of Wairoa. —The whole of the women and children in this once rising and promising settlement in the province of-Hawke’s Bay have now either removed to Napier or Auckland.

Jones says a person’s character depends a great deal upon his bringing up ; for instance (says he), a man who has been brought up by the police seldom turns out respectable. a

The Bank of New Zealand, at Auckland, reduced the rate of discount from 7,8, and 9 per cent., on 2,3, and 4 months’ currency, to 6,7, and 8 per cent.

Mr. Bunny has been made a Major of Militia. He acted as sub-whip under Mr. Haughton during the late session. “Verily he hath his reward” Sturt had a narrow escape from destruction by fire on her last trip to Wanganui, through S the spontaneous ignition of a lot of oilskin ; aprons. — Post. The Wanganui Evening Herald states that a body of men raised in Auckland to reinforce the Armed Constabulary at Wanganui, had been detained in consequence of the threatening aspect of affairs at Waikato.

Defence Minister. —Colonel Haultain we believe is at Turakina, and will proceed to Auckland by the Sturt. It is stated that his visit to Auckland is owing to rumours of disaffection amongst the natives of that province.— Independent.

The Nelson Colonist advocates suspension of constitution in the North Island, and placing it under the direct rule of a Commissioner appointed by the Queen until the native disturbance be quelled. Westport a Municipality-.—' The town of Westport, one of the most flourishing in the colony, if we are to judge from the revenue returned, is about to petition the Governor for the proclamation of Westport as a municipality.

The Wanganui Chronicle is responsible for a statement that the forces at the Front have no weapon but the rifle. Neither bayonet or knife are supplied, while the savage foe is armed with the tomahawk.

Mr. J. Hamlin, native interpreter, and son of the Rev. Mr. Hamlin, of Panmure, has died suddenly, of disease of the heart His death is greatly regretted in the Auckland Province, where he was well known and highly respected. Bursill of Glen Lee had another parilyticlvttack on Monday last, and although both Dr. Horne and Dr. Renwick did all that medical aid could do under the circumstances, he remained all but quite insensible until yesterday morning, when he expired. His Honor the Superintendent received a telegram yesterday from the Hon. Mr. Stafford, informing him that in the present state of the Colony, the intended visit of His Excellency the Governor to this and other neighboring Provinces is unavoidably postponed. A Letter received the other day from James Nos worthy, formerly of Blenheim, states that be lias IcTTPatea, and succeedrd in getting all his goods safely away to Wanganui. He was obliged to forsake his store, which was his own property. He adds that he does not expect ever to return to that lively place^X' We have received the first number of the ; Otago Sun, said to be edited by Mr. Vogel. It is excellently got up, and contains the elements of great promise. We extract elsewhere a portion of its leading article. We need scarcely add that its principles are opposed to the Stafford Ministry.

Mr. Haughton addressed his constituents on Friday last. He felt proud in having had a share in excluding Mr. Fox from office, as he firmly believed that the Ministry composed by him, and the policy he would have been forced to adopt, would have retarded the progress of the colony for years, and probably have led at no remote period to the destruction of representative institutions !

(■"''Lewis’s overland mail to Nelson leaves this day at 11.30 am. We may remark that at the close of the year, this contract will cease, Mr. Smith having obtained the mail from Nelson to Havelock for next year, which, so far as this part of the Province is concerned, will be quite useless. This week Lewis sent a special mail by his man, who performed the return journey in two days and a few hours. The great length of the report of the proceedings in the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday last, and our desire to give as much information relative to the native rebellion as possiqle, precludes our sparing space for leading matter this week. Our Picton contemporary will please accept the same excuse for our present inattention to his impudent charge against us of “ a deliberate falsehood,” in connection with an article in our last headed “ Opinions of the Press. The Late Massacre. —The Welington Post expresses surprise that no public meeting has not been held in that city, “ the centre of civilization and seat of Government,” while in Nelson, where “ untrammelled by Government supervision,” they have held a meeting, and unanimously expressed their sympathy with the Poverty Bay settlers, and their determination to support the Government, wavering and weak as it may be, inwigorous action.

jf A Gazette issued this week proclaims that "the Public Gemetries Act, and the Appropriation Act for the current year, are assented to and in force. Applications for pastoral leases in Pelorus Sound, by Messrs. W. E. Allen, and J. Mulroy; and Messrs. A. Beauchamp, and H. Godsiff. That decisions have been given in favor of John Cowte, J. B. Haughton, and T. E. Parker for pastoral leases in Pelorus Sound. Also notifying the appointment of Sergeant M. B. Adams, at' Havelock, and P. C. Gresham, at Pictpn, as .Registrars of Dogs, jr f Mb. Stafford’s resignation of the seat for the City of Nelson has been received by the Speaker, and the writ will probably be issued in a few days.— Colonist. The Provincialists will have by no means a walk-over at Nelson, as they seem fondly to expect. Mr. Luckie is to be put_fprward as their champion. A gentleman, of ability and position will contest the seat in the interest of the Colonial party, and with every prospect of success,— Advertiser, jf i: '

From a return of the Government Printer to the General Assembly, it appears that the work done in the General Government printing office is estimated at nearly £12,000 per annum. We also learn that the alterations made in Hansard by hon. members previous to the work going to press costs as much as if the type was set up a second time. Accident. —We regret to hear that Mr. E. Stratford met with a severe accident between the Opawa Bridge and the Bush, on Thursday last. It appears that he was springing on to the pole of the bullock-dray, but fell, when the wheel passed over his leg, fracturing it. A story was current yesterday that an old neighbour saw him lying in the road, and refused to assist him. In reference to this matter, we have a letter before us, written in reply to an enquiry as to the correctness of this report, in which the writer denies any knowledge of the matter at all, and asks for particulars.

The seaquake was very severe off Cape Farewell on the night of the 18th October. The brig Deva was running seven knots at the time, and it brought the ship up stationary. According to the captain’s statement, she appeared to be running over some rough rocks, and the shock to the ship was something fearful. Everyone on deck was taken off their feet; every lamp in the ship was put out, glasses shattered to pieces, whilst every timber in the ship appeared to be tearing asunder. The shock lasted about a minute. — 'Dunedin Star.

The Resident Magistrate’s Court Act Amendment Act, passed last session, is now in force. It gives the magistrate before whom the case is heard the power of re-hearing the case at the instance of the creditor who has obtained judgment in the regular course ; and wherever it can be proved that a person against whom judgment has been originally given is in a position to pay the amount due, and will not, or that he has incurred the debt in a fraudulent manner, and under circumstances that must show that he would never pay it, the magistrate shall have power to imprison him. The Advertiser of Monday last, (23rd) says that Tito Kowaru is now on the Rangitikei side of Wanganui, (having outflanked Whitmore and his troops, who are on the north-westerly side of Wanganui.) The rebels crossed the river higher up at Kai Waihi, and it is expected that he will be joined by the Rangitikei Hauhaus. He is supposed to be coming down the Turakina river. The messenger meets the refusal of the Government to receive his statement by firmly reiterating it, and says that intense excitement prevailed at Rangitikei, and women and families were hastening off to Wanganui. Great alarm felt in Wellington yesterday, though subsiding a little to-day.

,XA meeting of the Spring Creek Volunteers was held on Saturday evening last, at the school, when the officers were elected :—Sergt. F. G. Gane ; corporal. Jus. Gaue. Committee, Messrs. Win. Soper, T. Gifford, and C. Dodson, with the officers. Arrangements were into for a series of matches to come off on Boxing-Day, at the Spring Creek target. Mr. Wm. Soper headed the subscription list for prizes with a fat sheep, and other promises were made by the various farmers in the district, all of whom agreed to contribute. It was further settled that drill should take place every Saturday evening, Captain Bythell having agreed to attend for the purpose. -S'

Mutual Improvement Society— The adjourned debate, as to the advisability of introducing the Permissive Bill into the Colonies was held on Wednesday evening last. Mr. Johnson opposed it, on the ground that it would interfere with the liberty of the subject. Mr. Rush replied ; and Mr. Augustus regretted that Mr. Rush’s friends had left him in the lurch to fight the battle single-handed. Mr. Rae occupied the chair, and added a few remarks, when the question was put, and the result was 5 for, and 24 against This decision was afterwards protested against, on the ground that three who had voted against confessed they did so for fun, or other unsatisfactory reasons. It is announced that the public entertainment, including the trial of Bardell v. Pickwick, is to come off on December 15.

Rumours of a probable rising of the nativesin this Province has been rife this week. Our informant, who is a most credible person, tells us that some of the natives talk of arising in March next. Others say that presently Peatherston will come, and as he decrees, will be the result The alleged cause is the well-known claim that most of the land on the plain has never been paid for, to them, who are the lawful owners of it. They say the natives got paid at Kaiapoi, and theirs is an analogous case. It is a well-known fact that the Hauhaus have many earnest sympathisers among the Wairau natives. While we cannot vouch for these rumours, and not wishing unnecessarily to alarm any, it will not be amiss if our friends who live at the outskirts, and especially in outlying districts, got their arms ready, lest they might be wanted.

Discovery of Auriferous Quartz. —Messrs. Nixon and party have reported progress this week, and the information is favorable. It appears that they tried several places in the neighborhood of Wairau Valley with varying promise. Crossing the summit of what is known as the Fishes’Pin, along the quartz reef spur, and fol lowing the dividing ranges for about two miles in a northerly direction, they struck down a leading spur towards the Forks, which place is not more than two miles distant. At this place they found a quartz reef 3 ft. 6 in. thick cropping out for 90 feet along the surface. Not having the requisite tools, they knocked off some chips with an axe, wherein they found gold visible to the naked eye. Nixon thereupon returned to town on Tuesday last, and waited upon his Honor the Superintendent, who, in the absence of any Warden being appointed, has giyen interim protection for an extended or prospectmg claim; and on Tuesday he r eturned supplied with blasting materials or tools, together with a fortnight’s provisions, in order to give it a thorough trial. We may state that, upon the specimens being shown to experienced persons, they were so favorably regarded that several expressed a desire to buy shares in the claim, but the party refused to dispose of more than one at present. It may be added that the ground crosses the left-hand branch of the Porks—the supposed source of the Wakamarina gold, and well known to have been exceedingly rich,

Wesleyan Church. —The Annual Meeting of this Church has just concluded its sittings in Wellington.. The following ministerial appointments to the circuits of the district for the year 1869-70 were recommended to the conference, viz;—Wellington, Wm. Kirk, C. W. Wrigg (Hutt) ; Greytown, E. L. Vickers; Wanganui, John Crump, G. Stannard, supemumary ; Rangitikei, J. H. Simmouds ; Nelson, W. Morley, W. Lee {Richmond); Motueka, one from England ; Marlborough, Stone (Blenheim) ; Westport, vacant; Napier,'“vacanf. N.B.—-John S. Rishworth to receive an appointment in the Southern District.

Latest from Wanganui. —Mr. Braithwaite. livery-stable keeper, from Wafiganm, arrived in town yesterday afternoon at 3 p.m., having ridden the distance in 13 hours. He was the bearer of despatches to the Government, the contents of which have not been made public. However, he reports having met Kemp, the friendly chief, at Puraki, who informed him that Titoko Waru had crossed Wanganui river 10 miles above the town ; on arriving at Turakina, he found the same report current there. The Government, strange to say, have received no report from the messenger confirmatory of this intelligence. It is rumored that Colonel Gorton has been superseded in his command by Major Noakes, much to the satisfaction of the people of Wanganui, and received an appointment as Military Storekeeper in Wellington. The people of Wanganui are taking every precaution against surprise. An armed patrol, 200 strong, nightly parade the streets, and the utmost vigilance is observed.— Post, Nov, 23rd.

/The Osprey. — A email iron paddle steamer, measuring 46 feet by 10 feet, has just been removed from the yard of Mr. 0. Seager, on to the beach opposite for the purpose of being fitted with her engines and boiler previous to being launched, which will take place next week. The removal of the vessel was began early this morning, and lasted nearly all day ; and was carried on by means of a chain and windlass, the vessel moving on rollers. She has been built here for C. Redwood, Esq., of Blenheim, and is, we believe, intended for a tug for the Wairau river. There is nothing that affords us more pleasure than to chronicle news of this kind, and we only wish we could be supplied with more of a similar character. It is the establishment of local industries, and not the extent of our import trade, by which the true progress and prosperity of the colony can be guaged. — Independent. Mr. Redwood, with a party of friends, are leaving in the Falcon this afternoon, for the purpose of fetching the Osprey over to Blenheim. They expect to return about Wednesday next.i^ We are glad to find that the Government are at last about to take efficient steps towards placing our warlike stores in safety, as we hear on good authority that the Militia and Volunteers will henceforth be required to furnish respectively a guard for the magazine and armoury, which, since the departure of the two companies of the 18th for Wanganui, have been left utterly unprotected. Setting aside the fact that the Wairarapa natives could eaily elude the Volunteers and Militia, and by crossing the Rimutaka, at unfrequented parts of the range, unite with the Hutt Maoris for the purpose of a descent on the town, it is equally competent for Titoko Waru’ia men to approach us by the upper Rangitikei without being observed on their march, and it behoves ua> to'take all precautions. And, while on this subject, we may observe that there are various Armstrong guns, and a considerable quantity of small arms and ammunition in Canterbury and Otago—to a great extent useless there—which we could find good use for here.— Post. Judge Lynch at Tapu. —On Sunday morning last Mr. Robinson, who is residing on the flat, found that three fowls had been stolen from his premises on the previous night, and another had been killed and left. The missing fowls were traced on the day following, and were found in the possession of a wages man in the Marquis of Hastings claim. His mates at once ordered him to clear out, giving him two or three hours for such purpose ; at the expiration of this time, and as Mr. Robinson declined to prosecute him in the ordinary way, his mates, and other miners, acting on the authority of his Honor Judge Lynch, pulled his tent down over him, bound him, and fastened his swag on his back. They then brought him down to the township; the judge’s own band, which accompanied the procession, made a very good attempt at playing the rogue’s march on their primitive instruments, tin cans, billies full of stones, &c. Being brought into the township, he was handed over to the judge’s own barber, who shaved him in the most masterly style, after which he was released from custody with the advice to clear out of Tapu as quick as possible. Not appreciating the leniency shown him, he hung about, trying to put a bold face on the matter, which led to his receiving some further rough treatment. It is believed ne left the next morning. The man is said to have been the recipient of Government bounty at Mount Eden stockade, and seemed to show no disinclination to another term of residence in his old quarters. —Auckland Herald.

An interesting description of Titoko Warn and other chiefs of the Ngaruhine hapu, is given by a correspondent of the Southern Cross. : —Titoko Warn is a man about 27 years of age ; about five u feet nine inches in heighth ; good looking for hia kind ; smart and brawny. He ia not tattooed, but has a head of black curly hair, which, when uncovered, falls in a thick bunch over his forehead, which does not add to his otherwise favorable countenance. This man was on the most intimate terms with the officers and men of the regular troops who from time to time occupied the redoubt at Turoturomokai from 1866 to 1867. He with his wife and people were continually in and about the camp daily, selling peaches, small pigs, and potatoes to the troops. The waipero was continually in demand by him and his female relations, and, in default of getting it, the canteen outside the redoubt would be resorted to, where their debauche would end in a good sleep of the whole confraternity in the fern. This Titoko Warn could speak English pretty well, but the sub-chiefs Ngaihina (Mr. it' Graham’s friend) and Tukino, also visitors from the neighbourhood of Pokaikai, were far superior in English, and often asked for the loan of a newspaper. Ngahina is a most aristocratic looking fellow when dressed, with a countenance haying more of the Italian than the Maori. Neither, Of, these men were tattooed.

New Resident Magistrate, Smith 'Atkinson, Esq., J.P., has been appiuted a, Resident Magistrate for the Resident Magistrates’ .District of Wairoa, vice SamuelDeiglrfcou, Esq. j Thb Christchurch Star says It ia< currently j reported that our contemporary; Press, is j about to pass into the hands of a joiut-stock coni-. pany (limited); The Hon. John Hall, and the j Hon. Mr Stafford are spoken of as prominent -shareholders. ’ -- ’ ,

A paragraph in the Sydney Morning Herald contains very gratifyiugintelligence of Dr. Livingston. It ssys that news by the steamer Octavia reports Dr. Livingston well, within one week from Zanzibar, when the vessel left on the' 3rd September. o ;

The New Zealand Herald of the 13th instant says that it is rumoured in Napier and Wellington that His Excellency Sir George Bowen has has Written to the Cbmmander-in-ChLef in the Sister colonies for the immediate dispatch of a portion of H.M.l4th Regiment to this colony to aid in quelling the rebellion. ' "MR. Schafer, the German traveller, attempted suicide On Monday afternoon last, in Auckland, by jumping off the wharf. Attention was called to him, and he was rescued. He was to be brought before the Resident Magistrate next day. Want of cash, and his unfortunate disagreement With his Maori spouse are said to have led him to attempt to take his life.

Recruiting for the Armed Constabulary force now. engaged at the front has been carried on in town during the last few days, and over a dozen recruits have been enrolled by Mr. Andrews, Collector of Customs. We believe about twenty have also been obtained in Hokitika, and these additions to the force will be hurried on. by the to Wanganui direct.-- Qrey River Argus. \; The following cases were set down for hearing before his Honor Judge Richmond and a special iuryion Wednesday last : —Apted v. Kennersley, damages for assault;' £I,OOO claimed. Stewart v. Pike, question of accounting respecting a sheep transaction. Watt (Wanganui) ». j Max, damages for refusing acceptance of consignment of cattle. The Hon. John Hall.- This gentleman, who fis how in Wellington, has been invited by his Canterbury constituents to give an account of his stewardship. In reply he said he would do so oh his return to Canterbury, which will take plaice on: the return of Messrs. Stafford and Haultain from Wanganui. Frogs for New Zealand.— “A novel export will leave Hobart Town for New Zealand by the Bella Mary,” says the Hobart Town Evening Mail, “ namely, 11;000 frogs forwarded from up the country, to be acclimatised in the neighbouring colony, where, it appears, they are wanted, there being neither frogs nor toads in that colony.”

Verdict by Lottery. —John Richards, who was .convicted of manslaughter at the . late Cardiff AbbitoHj and sentenced to seven years’ penal servitude, has received a free pardon. A memorial had been sent to the Home Secretary by the attorney for the defence, asking him to set the Verdict of the jury aside, in consequence of the verdict having been arrived at by something like lottery, &c.

, Desertions.— Five persona have been brought before the Magistrates at Auckland, who pleaded guilty.-to the charge of deserting from the 18th Eegiment. They were handed to the military authorities for punishment. —A young man, named Edward M'Artney, a first class militiaman, was -also; charged before the commanding officer, at-Wanganui, with running away from the escort when warned for duty, and refusing to proceed to ; the Wereroa pa. Having suffered 3-days imprisonment already, he was let off with 96 hours additional.

: From the Napier papers we learn that steps' are heihg taken for the early commencement of the 1 construction -of the . line of telegraph from.' Napier northwards, tenders being invited for the supply j of 500 : telegraph poles, to be. delivered between the' bridge near Villera’.and Mohaka church ford.. ’ The line so far will follow the present dray road as far as Mangakppikopiko, thence Coursing the leading ridge on the fight slope o£the : Esk valley tb the point above Kaiwaka side cutting,^thence following again the present road to Mohaka. —Pp'fk . , ■ 1

A Nice Country.— A novehmode of “ raising the wind ” is thus, related by the Panama Star, of the 21st ult.“ On Saturday; some , dozen native gentlemen were invited to the Qovernment i House on important business, which they fbund-■ on getting there was for the purpose of borrowing,from them the sum of 6000dols.y on refusing to lend which they were, locked up for the nigbt. After turning the matter over! in their they all, except two, concluded .to comply with the request of the President, and on,giving their notes for the amount they were set at liberty.”; Important to Volunteers.— The following circular.has been issued from the Defence Office to the : officers commanding the various- Volim-' teer .:Gorps :-r-“ Colonial Defence Office, Wei-' lington, 21st November, 1868.—Sir,—In'- the present, .unsettled state of the Northern Island, by the Government that, in dis v tricta where the Militia have been called out for service, means should be adopted to render, the various .Volunteer, Companies - more, efficient; and,, in order to assist in accomplishing , so desitr; ablman object, l am directed to suggest to officers cpmpuuidiug that persons who have, at any time- ,: withdrawn thpur names from. the roll; of Volun- ; ; ,twpb : .‘6ic. Jfbb ’may have been struck off the same,, for,breach of discipline or other causes, .should notbe re : elooted. m the event of. their,making application to that effect.... The- Government are fufly awar® *h« power of election rest solely vfith; the members of a company themselves, and'thatthe of individuals cannot bei interfered, wxthby'authbrity.bnt they leave the. matter in. pf the Volunteers themselves, with fair confidence in their.public spirit, and.-pst- - n^yn:. 1 ’ Tam fufther instrnctedto request that ; nffleiafa commanding will report,, through the, prober s bhapJieljtall members of Volunteer pjtma who imay! be; more than two- inspectmak or jthreej ordinary ptfades, in .order that, steps: may be,' taken,,to: Kyq .persons struck: off . the strength of . the’; corps and their names inserted in:the: Militia roM—I have the Honor to be, Sir, ypnp most: obedient servant, Ch. E. Ha coil ton, Acting Undersecretary.”