Local and General News.

Marlborough Express, Volume VI, Issue 292, 13 May 1871, Page 5

Local and General News.

The Lyttelton is to leave Nelson for Port Underwood and Blenheim to-morrow, (Sunday).

The Bishop of Nelson and the Rev. Mr Mules will take part in to-morrow’s service, at the Church of the Nativity, Blenheim. The mails for Great Britain, America, Auckland, Nelson, &c., close here at noon on Monday next.

Tauraxga telegrams of Monday last say that the natives at Ohinemuri are still obstinate.

A proclamation declaring the City of Auckland a Borough under the Municipal Corporation Act is published in yesterday’s Gazette. The Hokitika Star asserts on “ the most reliable authority” that the General Asembly will not meet till the end of July.

In a case tried in the Supreme Court in Victoria recently, it was decided that a person suffering from delirium tremens was a lunatic under the Lunacy Statute.

The Wanganui Chronicle is responsible for a rumour that, on the expiration of Sir George Bowen’s term, the Marquis of Normality will be the next Governor of New Zealand.

The officers of the Nevada were entertained at a cold collation on Monday last by the leading citizens of Wellington. The Nevada arriving there in 19 hours from Napier.

The Wizard of the North, Professor Anderson, and his daughters were performing in Lancashire. He states his intention to leave England in the spring, to settle down permanently in New Zealand. A monster petition in favor of the Permissive Bill is now being industriously hawked round the City of Wellington for signature, and men, women, and chidren (the two latter classes ot the community especially) urged to sign it. A youth of nineteen, who recently committed an atrocious murder in the state of Vermont, U. 8., the victim being a man of seventysix, and the object of the crime plunder, has been sentenced to solitary confinement for one year, yw] then to be hanged. The tenders for Messrs , Dodson and Fells’ new store were opened yesterday, and were as follows Nixon and Bright £430, Gorrie, C4lO, and Davies Bros, £393. The latter was accepted. The. premises to be completed in 12 weeks from d etc of signing. / Watkaii Club. —-We learn that the performance at Pieton mi Saturday evening last, was an uikju ililied success. The audience was most respectable, and testified their approbation in the most unqualified manner throughout, while the house was a bumper. School Committees.— Welearn that the Provincial Government have this week notified to the several local School Committees that they are prepared to pay over the sums voted last session in aid of Education, resulting from publican’s licenses. Through an error in a recent issue the name of Sub-Inspector Coll M’ Donnell was made to read “ Sub- Inspector Colonel Dimnel 1 .” We need scarcely say that the gentleman alluded to is not Lieut.-Colonel Thomas M’Douuell. who is the only Colonel M’Connell in New Zealand.— Pont. /We understand that Mr Pritchard, formerly of Nelson, and well known by all the old settlers hereabouts, is about to open a druggist’s establishment here very shortly. That Mr Pritchard is a man of no mean abilities in his profession may be gathered from the fact that he was the original inventor of the now celebrated and widely used sheep remedy, lime and sulphur.

Fire Station. —We notice that the B. Y.F. B. are proceeding with the erection of their bell-tower and look-out station. The engine shed will ultimately be formed beneath it, but as in the absence of any contributions from the general public, there are no available funds for the purpose, its erection will be delayed at present, y # Taranaki Telegrams of the Ist May %ays : —Tawhiaohas written to Titoko Warn, tell-

iug him to kill pakehas. Titoko Warn replied that he would not, as he intended to await the decision of the Government about placing him and his people on their land so that they may remain at peace. The Taranakk'iVew.v did not appear on Saturday, as usual. Tauranga telegrams dated the Ist May says : —Amidst threats from the Han Haus, the Government seem determined to extend the telegraph hence to Kati Kati. Mr Floyd, with his staff, is engaged laying out the line. All the material has arrived. Grace is the name of the clergyman who prompted the natives to extortion, thereby injuring the carrying out of public works.

Dunedin telegrams of May 2nd say : A horrible tragedy occurred at Caversham yesterday. A woman named M’Phee, 35 years of age, wife of a publican, was ravished by Kane, her husband’s partner. This preyed on her mind, and this morning she cut her child’s throat with a butcher’s knife, almost severing the head, and then attempted suicide. She deid this morning. Kane has been arrested.

List of letters received in Marlborough during January, and remaining unclaimed on the 30th April, 1871 : — Blenheim —Crawford James, Cross, G., Clark W. J., Duglas Alexander, Finnie —, Firby —, Guest Mrs, Hornby Geo., Lewis A., Marsh Win., Moran D., O’Connor Patrick, Simpson George, Smith Robert, Toms Thomas, (2), Thomas James. Picton—-Donnel-ton T., Davis W. H., Gale Samuel, Hogenson Charles, Price, J. Ryon M. -Havelock —Nil.— Kalkoura —Nil.—J. Hvgge Chief Postmaster, Blenheim, May 11, 1371.

A telegram appeared iu the West Coast Mimas announcing that “ the diggers have all returned from New Caledonia, and report the ground as unpayable.” The fact of Messrs Glenn Bros, having taken the lo off the berth, after advertising for New Caledonia, and other owners having followed the same course, is confirmatory of the intellgence to hand, that New Caledonia ranks as one of the latest gold discovery duffers.

The Argus understands that by the last mail a communication was forwarded to the Imperial authorities from the Victorian Government, suggesting that, in case there should be oven a possibility of any American filibustering expedition visiting the Australian shores, a warsteamer should be directed to cruise in the neighborhood of King George’s Sound for the protection of the mail steamers. As there is some curiosity to know the exact amount of the indemnity payable by France to Prussia, it may not be uninteresting to state that a milliard is a thousand millions. The value in British money of a franc being 10d, and the indemnity being live thousand million francs, anyone may easily see that the amount of the indemnity in British money is £208,333,333 Gs Sd.

Nelson Volunteers. —A recent Gazette notifies that the Governor has accepted the resignations of Mesrs A. Pitt and J. Sharp, as Captains in the Nelson City Artillery Volunteers and the Nelson City No. 1 Hide Volunteers. A further notice of the same date, states that both these companies are disbanded at their own request, and that the commission of Mr J. Percy, as lieutenant in the last named company has lapsed.

•'IMr Bin 1 , the champion pedestrian, now in Canterbury, lias accepted a bet of £2OO to £SO that he does not rim 30 miles in three consecutive hours. This is a feat nothing approaching to which has over been witnessed on this side of the line, and, to say the least, betrays confidence by Bird in his powers of endurance that ensures an exhibition of pedestrianism worthy some sacrifice to witness. The conditions stipulate that the race shall be run on or before the sth August ; twelve hours’ notice of the day to be given by Bird, and that it is to lie run within twenty miles of Christchurch. Captain William Percival, formerly paymaster East Coast Militia, has been committed for trial on a charge of perjury, brought against him by Mr T. S. Stewart, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, at Auckland. The Bank had debited Percival’s account with a sum of £lO 10s, the amount of a cheque alleged to have been drawn by him in favor of T. Bussell and duly paid. He brought an action against the Bank to recover this amount, swearing that he had never drawn such a cheque. The cheque was afterwards found, and the Bank then prosecuted for perjury.

Thu Bordeaux correspondent of the Daily yews says : “ It is an unfortunate circumstance for General Trochu that his waning popularity coincides with r.ho break-down of his countrymen, the Bretons in General Chauzy’s army. Our correspondent had seen a confidential telegram from General Chan/.y, complaining in bitter terms of their conduct. .Just as they were going into action, 15,0()i) <>f them ‘ blubbered and roared for priests to confess thorn.” Compliance with their request caused considerable delay, and even then they ran away.

Ox Thursday, S. L. Muller, Esq., R. M. hold a sitting at Picton. Carl Lau was charged with an assault upon a lad named Godfrey. It appears that a number of the Picton lads have instituted a nuisance of throwing stones upon the roofs of houses, and similar games. One of the houses on which they practised this species of amusement was the plaintiff’s residence. Running out, he captured the lad in question, and boxed his ears, which resulted in the present case. Fined 1 s and costs for taking the law in his own hands. Arthur J. Hoskins was sued by Mr Wolford to recover the sum of 7s 6d paid by him for freight. Judgment for plaintiff’ with costs.

Local Industry.—The Evening News mentions the establishment of a rather novel industry in Auckland—witchcraft no less—and asserts that it is becoming highly profitable. The “industry” has been established in a court leading from one of the principal streets, by an energetic female, who invokes the Fates and binds them firmly to the interests of her suitors for the small charge of half-a-crown for each miserable dupe. Our contemporary says that a continuous stream of victims flow towards the den, and that many who thus throw that money to the devil which ought to be applied to the relief of the destitute, are wives and daughters of men, in the upper circles. A most determined case of suicide occurred in White’s Nelson Ale House on Monday sth. A young man, named William Bidmead, after having dinner, went upstairs t;> one of the bedrooms, and deliberately hung himself with a comforter to the bed post. When discovered, about twenty minutes after he went upstairs, he was quite dead. His feet and knees were on the ground, and he had caused strangulation by leaning his body forward. The deceased.has a number of relations living in Wellington, and was until lately employed as a steward on board the s.s. Taranaki. He was about 24 years of age No cause has been discovered which could have incited him to self-destruction, and he was quite sober when last seen alive.— Post.

Flax Sales. —Mr J. M. Hutcheson has kindly handed us the following return sales of Messrs Powick and Go’s flax, despatched by the Star of the South and sold in London. Best quality £27 ss, second do, £25 15s, third do, £24, fourth do, £2O 10s. There was in the lot 3 bales “ half-rotten ’1 which fetched £4 ss. These may again be considered very satisfactory prices. While writing, let us remind the flax trade of our request, where not already complied with, to send us small samples of their production, which we are in a position to place under the notice of the most eminent mercantile firm in Wellington, for comparison. We are the more anxious to do this since we have seen the very inferior sample of Riky’s patent prepared flax, which is so much thought of in Wellington, where a company is being formed to work it. Riky’s sample is still on view at our office. .

A new fire-bell has been hung by the Corporation of Dunedin. It weighs (! cwt, and cost

The accounts of the Governor’s visi f to Timaru, include some queer items. After ihe customary charges for luncheon, including “ extra wines for his Excellency’s table,” we notice that the Triumphal Arch cost £ll 3s, The gunpowder used to fire a salute, cost no less than £5. The charge for “ engrossing address ” was two guineas. It appears also that the good people of Timaru hired a carpet for his Excellency to walk upon ; this item cost £2, Total cost £lOl 6s Gd. We should imagine he was rather dear at the price.— Mercury.

New Presbyterian Church, Atv at ere A | —This Church was opened for public worship on , I Sabbath, the 7ch inst. The Rev. Win. ShirrifFs, j | AM., minister of the district, preached in the' > forenoon, and the Rev. John Bannatyne, oft \ Picfcon, in tho afternoon. Considering the* scattered nature of the population, the attend-1 ance on both occasions was most encouraging, t The Church is built on the second of the three $ terraces rising from the bed of the Awatere,* river. The site may be said to have been the) choice of the late George Mcßae, Esq., of* i Blanch, whose remains are interred in close' ’ proximity to the newly-erected building.

A question of much interest to auctioneers was decided at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Dunedin, a few days ago. Mr Do Carle hid sold some books belonging to Mr E. ff Ward at auction, and a quantity, to the value of £3 3s6d, was bought by Mr Stamper, who, however, only tendered 10s Gd i i payment, alleging that he had a contra-account equal to the balance against Mr Ward. The auctioneers refused to accept less than the full amount of the purchase money, alleging 'that he knew nothing of any accounts be-

tween Mr Ward and Mr Stamper, and bad received no instruction from bis principal on the subject. Ultimately an action was brought by Mr Carle to recover the £3 3s Gd ; and Mr CatomorCj for the defendant, argued that his client had a right to use the same pleas against the agent as would be valid against the principal. The Magistrate (Mr Strode) upheld this view, and nonsuited the plaintiff.

Weather-glasses. —Did you ever keep a barometer ? and, if so, could you make head or tail of it ? A man gammoned me into buying one about a year ago, and it’s been the trouble of my life ever since. If it isn’t going to rain, that lying barometer says it is ; if it isn’t going to change, my barometer marks “change” as sure as a gun ; and if it’s going to be wet, the impostor makes out that “very dry” is the ticket. Some time ago I took it to a doctor in the barometer line, to know if the blessed thing’s bowels were out of order ; but he swore it was as hearty as it could be, and only wanted to be let alone. So I let it alone, and it goes on lying worse than ever. Whatever you do, if you’d lead a quiet life, don’t make yourself miserable by buying a barometer. Trust to your corns ; or, if you haven’t got any, grow one or two, and you won’t ask for a weather-

glass outside your boots.-—Australian Exchange,

The Wairau Gold-Fields. — A certificate of registration was taken out on Wednes day at the Warden’s Court, Havelock, by Messrs Walsh, Williams, Murphy, MTver M'Leod,

ami Warner, for an area of 600 ft by 300 ft.

vided such area be found on Crown Land

This reef is one discovered some months ago in the Onamalutu, near to Hock Ferry, and known as “Walthe’s Reef.” We learn that a pros-

pect was washed out by Mr O’Mahoney on Wed- | nesday, which showed the reef to be very good, ; and payable. It is said to be about 3ft broad, and bearing N. and - S. The reporter of the yews says : —There was a new reef discovered near Sutherland's last week, supposed to be a Continuation of Pipe’s Reef ; it is four feet broad ; i no gold is visible in the stone ; the bearing is north and south, and the underlay west ; the prospector is Mr Nicholson. There is not much to report at the Onamalutu. On the alluvial Greenlaw and party are still blocking out. Hill and party are putting down a shaft further on ; they are now down about fifty feet. At Cantwell Gully, McGuire’s party are getting a little, and a few miners are returning to the old gullies to put in the winter.

The nineteenth report of the Directors of the Bank of New Zealand, to the half-yearly general meeting of the Proprietors, held at the Banking House, Auckland, on the 26th April last, says :—The operations of the past half-year enable the Directors again to meet the shareholders with a favorable report. The net profit at 31st March, including £30,000 premium on the new issue of shares, after making due provision for every bad or doubtful dependency, and for appropriations in reduction of bank premises and furniture accounts, amounts to £74,543 10s 3d ; to which has to be added— Balance of undivided profit at 30fch September, 1870, £7,745 lls 7d. Giving a balance, available for division, of £82,389 Is 10d. The following appropriation of which is now recommended :—To addition to reserve fund £30,000 ; Payment of dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum .£‘30,000 ; Bonus of 5s per share, equal to 5 per cent, per annum ; balance ca ried to profit and loss new account £‘7,389 la lOd. The dividend and bonus is now payable.

A rather singular case was heard at the Resident Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, before His Worship the Mayor, and C. Empson, Esq., J.P. The action was to recover the cost of a Crown Grant. S. L. Muller, Esq., R.M., appeared as plaintiff, and Mr A. Monro was defendant, while J. B. Wemyss, Esq., Crown Land Commissioner, attended as witness- The defence was, that as defendant had become bankrupt, the property was vested in Mr Pollock of Nelson, the Official Asignee'. After evidence had been taken, and defendant heard, the bench appeared to have some difficulty in deciding, until plaintiff stated. that the Crown Lands Commissioner had just informed him that if Mr Pollock did pay the fees, he should not feel justified in handing over the grant to anyone but the grantee, the defendant. Whereupon the Bench gave judgment in favor of the plaintiff. It had a singular appearance to see the'worthy Doctor ■pleading in the Court ini -which , we ave accustomed to see him so regularly .occupying the bepoh.g There were several other ckses against grantees, but they were settled cut of Court,