LATEST FROM THE KAIKOURAS.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 185, 24 July 1869, Page 4

LATEST FROM THE KAIKOURAS.

Ouk facetious friend of the Herald treats us to a story in his last, which we must simply give for what it is worth. He says—- “ Prom private sources we hear that it is only too true, in spite of Mr. Stafford’s contradiction of the report, that the late Government had nearly concluded arrangements with the American Government, for taking the Colony of New Zealand under its protection. We are given to understand that Mr. Eeverdy Johnston was withdrawn from the Court of St. James with a view to replacing Sir George Bowen, whose oratorical efforts must therefore have made a favorable impression on the Washington Government.” Referring to the receipt of the Hansard from the Government printer, the editor, somewhat characteristically, hopes that gentleman’s “ shadow may never be less 1” A humpbacked whale recently captured by Riley’s party, is expected to yield about 8 tuns of oil. Dr. Fletcher has been made a J.P. The s.s. Wellington put in under stress of weather on July 2nd. A seaman belonging to the Spray, then lying in port, died suddenly (on board) after ten minutes sickness. A children’s Fete affords an opportunity for the following outburst, which must conclude our extracts for the present:

“ About 4 o’clock, about fifty children partook of the good things provided for them, and with appetites, which somehow or other, children are generally able to bear upon cake, that edible, so much esteemed by them became rapidly less and less ; and no wonder, for having a strong weakness ourselves for such articles when well made, we can vouch for the correct judgment brought into requisition for its manufacture. If we only knew the lady who made that cake, may be another interesting event would have to be inserted before very long. To the credit of all, both great and small, be it recorded that, none appeared to cry for not being able to eat any more In about three months, we trust to have again the satisfaction of recording another evening well spent, and once more afford our little friends another opportunity of crackling their sides with joyous laughter. For ourselves, we are determined not to be comforted until a veritable “Punch and Judy” are obtained, and shall at once proceed to ascertain the cost. Mothers, let your hearts be glad, your favorites will soon have an opportunity of literally screaming with delight. Truly is Kaikoura progressing; and in striving to provide a little edification for the young idea, other parts of the colony might do worse than follow our example.”

—Truly our friend must be in a dangerous state. i