NOTES AND NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 19, 26 March 1866, Page 3

NOTES AND NEWS.

We regret to hear that a most serious accident occurred at the Hutt on Wednesday last. From what we have been enabled to learn, it appears that Mr. James Brown, of the Criterion Hotel, Upper Hutt, was driving a trap along the road towards the racecourse when the animal " bolted," aud the vehicle and its contents were thrown upon Mr. Brown. AVhen discovered the man was in a most deplorable state, and we regret to learn that grave doubts are expressed by his medical advisers as to the probability of his recovery. The body and limbs have been much crushed and injured by the full, and the upset of the trap. — N.Z. Advertiser, March 23. A correspondent from Eosstown gives us Ctlokitika Chronicle) the following particulars of a novel footrace : — "A rather novel and interesting event, and one that promises to afford talk for some time to come, occurred yesterday. It appears that for some time past a great deal of rivalry has existed between Miss Newton, barmaid of Jones' Provincial Hotel, and Miss Quinlan, of llyan's Royal Hotel. Mr. Jones, who is decidedly a sporting character, in order to bring matters to a climax, backed Miss Newton for £5 to run against the other, for 50 yards, 3 heats. The wager was promptly accepted by Miss Quinlia, and evening saw both ladies on the ground, and eager for the action. Miss Quinlan won the toss for places, and at a signal from the starter, off they set in fine style. The first heat was a dead one ; so with the second and third. However, as neither of the fair competitors seemed to be much distressed, and nothing loth to again make essay, it was agreed that they should run the same distance a foruth time. In this heat Miss Newton was overmatched, and after pluckily trying to keep pace with her opponent, had at last to succumb, Miss Quinlan winning by a yard. I have heard that a great deal of money has changed hands on the occasion, any amount of betting being the result of so novel a contest."

Innocent Creature. — An old lady wonders that, when the thread of the Atlantic cable was broken, the Great Eastern didn't give a tack or two, and so repair it. Her wonder is all the greater, as she was assured they had a very good needle on board.

Steam Sawing and Planing Manufactory.— There is now a branch of industry in full working order on Te Aro Flat, which is well worthy a passing notice. It is a steam sawing and planing manufactory which has been established in the vicinity of Courteney Place by Messrs. Greenfield & Stewart, and the machinery may be seen every day in full working order. From a casual inspection ofthe establishment, we cannot but congratulate the enterprising proprietors on the manner in which their operations are conducted, and the rapidity with which rough timber is turned out fit for use in almost any way that may be required for building or other purposes. A twelve horse steam engine works the machine, and from the latter upwards of 3,000 feet of timber is turned out each day, having by _ the process undergone planing, tonguing, and grooving, and being then in a state for immediate use. The quantity mentioned, should necessity arise, can be largely increased, and almost any demand for timber prepared for the joiner can be supplied at the shortest notice. Not only is the planing, tonguing, and grooving done by machinery, but all sorts of bending is executed in the most finished manner, and with great despatch. To persons who take an interest in the progress of this province, and who are naturally desirous of seeing our own wood used wherever possible, a visit to Messrs. Greenfield & Stewart's establishment must prove especially gratifying, Already a large and daily business is done, and we have no doubt, that as the benefits to be derived from patronising Messrs. Greenfield & Stewart's establishment, a most liberal support will be accorded to their undertaking.— N. Z. Advertiser, March 23. Gulp of Carpentaria. — We perceive, by our Sydney files, that settlement is progressing with great rapidity in this district. The Policeman, schooner, now trades regularly ; and it is expected that another boat will soon be laid on ; a town is springing up on the banks of the Albert Eiver, and several wholesale houses are already located there. New Zealand Flax.— The sum of £400 has been subscribed at Auckland, for the purpose of testing the value of a process for dressing fiax, patented by Messrs. Purchas & Ninnis. A mill has been secured on the Waikato, and repaired, and Mr. James Steadman retained as manager. The enterprise promises to be successful.

Cultivation of European Flax.— Considerable attention is now being attracted to the subject of cultivating European flax in New Zealand. Mr.. Butler, a gentleman thoroughly conversant with the subject, estimates that an aese of land so cultivated would give a net profit of £%i ls. The Herald's Vera Cruz correspondent sends intelligence of a Republican success of. an important character. Toluca, the ancient capital of Mexico, a city of 12,000 inhabitants, was captured by the Juarists under Munez. Marshal Bazaine, with ajl the Imperial troops at his command, had started from the. city of Mexico to attempt to retake possession. There is a rumor, apparently well founded, that a couple of valuable silver mines have fallen into the hands of the Juarists.

Lord Cockburn, the proprietor of Bonaly, was sitting on the hill side with a shepherd, and observing the siieep reposing in the coldest situation, he remarked to him, "I think ifl were a sheep I would lie on the other side of the hill." "Ah, my lord," said the shepherd, "but if ye had been a $h_e? ye would hac h;id mair sense."

The Lost Treasures. — 70 years ago, according to Lloyd's TRegister, a vessel was wrecked in a certain bay in Cornwall, on board of which, it is stated, were no less than 27,000,000 dollars. Making due allowance for exaggeration, there is, we believe, no doubt that a large amount of treasure was lost ou this occasion; and the story is to some extent authenticated by the periodical appearance of some of the dollars, washed ashore after severe storms. Such a prize, in this age of speculation, was pretty sure to be angled for, aud, accordingly, it is proposed to form a company, bearing the name of the " Dollar Eecovery Company," to fish for the hidden treasure. — Alhenaum.

Departure ov Troops from Auckland. — The Percy and Ballarat took their final departure yesterday, with their living freights. The Percy got under way at an early hour, and although the wind was somewhat adverse, made a good reach to seaward before noon. The Ballarat, with the head-quarters of the 68th, was towed out of harbor about 6 o'clock last evening, by the paddle-steamer Waitemata. The band of the regiment on board this vessel struck up the usual parting airs as she slowly passed towards the Heads. On passing the only man-of-war in harbor, H.M.S. Eclipse, the ensign was dipped, and three hearty cheers exchanged between the men of the army and navy. The Ballarat also fired her guns as she approached her Majesty's ship. Both vessels may be expected to reach Plymouth about the middle or latter end of June, and we wish them a pleasant passage. — Southern Cross, March 16.

An amusing incident occurred at an inquest held lately, on the body of a male infant, in the Maryborough district. During the examination the mother being asked — " is this an illigitimate child," promptly replied, " no, it is a white mans." — Advertiser.