news of the Day.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 147, 7 December 1867, Page 2

news of the Day.

Seveee Gale.— A gale of wind, accompanied by heavy rain, set in on Thursday morning, and continued until last evening. The wind blew from S.E. to N., and at times the rain came down in fearful torrents. The rivere were full, but are not so heavily flooded as we have seen them. The Taranaki, with the English mails, left the harbour yesterday, about three o'clock, but brought up at anchor in the roadstead. Tho Airedale, also bound to Wellington with gold for transmission by way of Panama, did not venture to leave the wharf. Nathan Teoupe.— Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, little Marion Nathan had a capital house for her benefit, which took place on Thursday evening. The programme was highly attractive. The entertainment commenced with tho thorough Irish farce of 0' Callaghan on his Last Legs, which introduced Small in one of the best of his characters. This was followed by the highly successful little sketch of the Colonial Servant, in which the two children played admirably together, and the concluding piece was the Irish Tutor, in' which Marion Nathan again appeared to great advantage. A novelty of the evening that caused a good deal of mirth, was little Marion Nathan singing Small's own song of the "Unfortunate Man," in which the get up was complete, and her imitation of her teacher perfect. In the encore Small himself appeared as a second unfortunate man, freeh from the Auckland diggings. This talented company have resolved to give a benefit to the Nelson Fire Brigade, on Monday evening next, to assist in defraying the cost of the erection of the new fire-engino house and tho fire-bell, when a tremendous bill is promised. We hope our fellow-citizeua will zealously come forward

and show their appreciation of tho laudable efforts made by the Nathan Troupe, and assist them in a cause which redounds so much to our own interests &a a community. The Fiee-Bell. — A trial was made last evening of the new fire-bell, which has been erected adjoining the new engine-house behind the Institute. Notice had been given of tho intended trial, bo that no alarm was created by its pealing, which was heard all over the town. After it had ceased ringing, the old bell was tried, but although remarkably alike in tone, the original bell has the loudest and deepest sound. Carandini Concerts. — A telegram was received from Christchurch, on Wednesday last, which stated that Madame Carandini and her two daughters, accompanied by Mr. Sherwin, would give the first of their delightful musical entertainments in Nelson, on Tuesday evening next. Tho music-Wing portion of our community will gladly welcome Madame Carandini and her charming daughter, whose fame has long preceded them in their arrival. It is a long time uinco we had so rich a musical treat in Nelson as is now promised us. The Late Floods at the Grey. — The Grey River Argus, of the 19th ultimo, says :— " From Mr. Warden Lightband we learn that although the late flood has inflicted Berious losses upon the inhabitants up the river, and will materially retard the prosperity of some portions of the district, the prospects of all the diggings are very assuring and satisfactory. Tho increase of population, which has been noticeable for some considerable time, continues ; a large number i>ot only of old hands, but of strangers, having within the past week made their way up. This fncfc serves to greatly encourage those whose interests are more permanently identified with the district, and although many have suffered very heavily through the flood, none are inclined to leave or lose their faith in the advantages of remaining. The large stocks of goods destroyed by the water are being xeplaced, and the damage done to water-races and claims is being repaired iv tho most cheerful apirit. We are informed that over fifty men paosed up the river on Sunday, and that the new arrivals speak confidently of a considerable influx of population hitherwards during the summer." • Duke of Edinburgh's Reception Commission. — His Excellency the Governor, by a proclamation dated the 27th November, has appointed tho following gentlemen to act as a commission for making the necessary arrangements for the reception of his Royal Highness tho Duke of Edinburgh, any three of them being empowered to aft together: — The Hons. E. W. Stafford, Colonel Haultain, J. Hall, J. C. Richmond, Major Richardson, J. H. Harris, T. H. Bartley, J. Johnston, Colonel Peacocke, Sir David Monro, his Honour Mr. Justice Johnston, his Honour I. E. Featherßton, his Honour, J. Williamson, Messrs. Carlcton, Ludlam, and FitzGerald. Mr. Felix Wakefield has been selected to act as Secretary to the Commission. New Zealand Steam Navigation Company.— An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders in tho above-named company was held in Wellington on tho 26th ultimo, to receive the report of the Directors, and the balance-sheet, for the half-year ended August 31. The change that took place in the directory some months ago, and the economy practised by the new body, enabled the Chairman to make a much more favourable statement than was presented to the shareholders at the last meeting. It is thus noticed in the Independent : — " Tho balancesheet for the six months ending in February last, showed a loss of £6,625 Oe. 4d. The present one, for the six months ending in August, also shows a loss of £2,063 95., but deducting from this £887 2s. lid., lost by the Queen, and £188 11s. 7d. on tho Lady Bird laid up, the actual loss on the working account is £989 14s. 6d. Over the period embraced by this balance-sheet, the present Directory, who went into office in July, had little practical control. Plans of retrenchment in the management and conduct of a public company cannot be carried out at once, nor can reductions be made in a day. A new system requires time for its initiation, and employes cannot bo discharged without tho proper notice being given. It will therefore be seen that many savings effected 'could not appear in the present balance-sheet, but will figure in the next for the six months commencing in September. This much, however, is clear, that, up to tho end of August, the amount of loss was, very much less than had been sustained during the previous half-year, while the system of economy decided upon only came into complete operation in the begining of September. A period of nearly three months has elapsed since, during which wo have reason to believe that the returns have materially increased while the expenditure has diminished. This gives some reason to hope that the next balance sheetymay 6how a further improvement — indeed, it is not impossible, apart from accidents, that the returns may equal the expenditure for the Bix months. With depressed trade and diminished subsidies, ifc would bo much even to carry on the company without loss. If this could be dono for the present, there is no reason to doubt that the time would soon come when the patience and fortitude of the shareholders would be rewarded by the complete financial success of this important colonial undertaking. Meantime, it is well that the worst of the existing position should be realized, and we therefore cordially approve of the system adopted by the directors of taking credit in the assets only for the approximate market value of the steamers, and not for their full cost. The amount thus Btruuk off the assets is considerable, and when there is added to it the loss on working account, the report estimates the total as equivalent to a loss of £3 a share." Steam Communication between Auckland and Sydney. — The principal mercantile firms in Auckland have addressed a memorial to the Governor, complaining of tho contemplated withdrawal of the subsidy for the Auckland and Sydney mail steamer, and praying that it may be continued till the House of Representatives shall again have an opportunity of considering the question. The petitioners say, " The mercantile relationship that has so long existed between Auckland and Sydney is entirely dependent for success on regular, speedy, and direct communication between tho two ports. Theae relationships have been the growth of years, and anything that would interfere with the continuance of this will operate prejudicially to the interests of both places. Besides, tho sale of the confiscated and provincial lands will depend greatly on the influx of immigrants from Australia, and on these accounts your petitioners venture to suggest that the Colonial Government continue the present subsidy till the Legislature of the colony shall have had an opportunity of reconsidering tho whole postal arrangements now in operation. To the petitioners it appears to be a most ungracious act on the part of the House of Representatives to strike off from the public estimates tho small subsidy granted to the only direct boat from the Australian colonies to the northern parts of the colony, while tho other parts Of tho COlony liave more e'team services than the;r really require." Gold at Mercury Bay.— The late Auckland papera- report that alluvial deposits of gold have been found on tho ranges i» Mercury Bay. The Weather in Auckland.— We learn from tho Auckland papers that, on the 16th of November, an extraordinary storm of rain and hail was experienced in the neighbourhood of Mount Eden. After rain had fallen heavily for some time, it was succeeded by a shower of hail and particles of ice, which covered tho ground three or four inches deep, while in some hollow places the hail was at least two feet deep. This shower inflicted great damage on the fruit trees. The Cross, on tho 2nd inßtant, speaks of the weather thus :—": — " The weather continues very oold and boisterous. This is not local, but extend?, according to recent exchanges, throughout the colony. On November 28, we experienced a succession of hail showers, with high westerly wind. Indeed, it looked more like a day in England at the ond of November, than a day in the advanced opringtiine in Northern New Zealand. The growing crops, especially of grass, have suffered, and unless finer weather soon sets in, there will be heavy losses in hay. Fruit trees, in exposed situations, have been completely stripped ; and wo anticipate a comparatire icarcity of all kinds of fruit this season."

Acclimatization in Auckland.— By the ship Water Nymph, recently arrived from London, the Auckland" Acclimatization Society received an interesting shij^mciit of miscellaneous birds. About 600 birds were put on board, and kept in cages constructed in a sheltered part of the vessel near tho after-cabin. About one-third of those shipped, how- j ever, died during the first fortnight of the voyage, :ind a considerable number during the latter part of the journey. With the great care exercised in their management, the following were alive and healthy on the arrival of the vessel, viz., 41 sparrows, 11 starlings, 8 partridges, 5 greenfinches, aud 3 larks. Strange Justice. — The following is from the Wellington Independent, of the 28th ultimo.— " Whenever a row in which both natives and Europeans are concerned, becomes a subject of legal inquiry, the native escapes scot free while tho European is Binartly punished. Why this is the case we don't in the least understand, unless there is some idea entertai?jed by Resident Magistrates that ' the noble savage ' is above the law. We quote tho following case from the Wcmganui Chronicle, as a practical illustration of our assertion : — ' A case came before the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, arising out of a disturbance which took place at Campbelltown, on the second day of the Wangauui races (7th November last). Hori Hira, a native of Putiki, charged John Condron with assaulting him on that evening at the Red Lion Hotel with a billhook, inflicting a dangerous wound on the hand. Two other natives, Rewi and Rahana, gave evidence in support of the charge, by swearing that they were there all tho time and saw Hira attacked, but saw no windows broken. The defendant in his evidence said he saw a lot of natives smashing the windows of tho Red Lion, among the number Kemp arid other distinguished chiefs and sub-chiefs. Whatover may have been the discrepancy on the subject of the windows — there was no doubt they were broken at the very time of the assault. As exculpatory evidence, three witnesses, two of them connected with the hotel, deposed to having seen the defendant pulled off his horse by the natives against whom he defended himself with a riding whip, but none of them saw a bill-hook in the fray, although there was one in the hotel. The Bench fined Condron 40s. and 21s. 6d. costs. Will the Bench inform us why a man should be fined 40s. for thrashing natives with a riding whip who at tho time are pulling him off his horse ?' " The Wairarapa Tramway. — " Means have been taken," say the Wellington Independent, " to ascertain the amount of traffic between Wellington and Masterton, and a gentleman who has devoted a week to the task of watching tho road, has furnished us with the following figures. For the week ending 24th November there went from Wellington past Ngauranga — vehicles, 439 ; passengers, 885 ; goods, 139 tons ; horsemen, 210; cattle, 3 ; pigs, 6 ; pedestrians, 275. During the same period there passed Ngauranga into Wellington — vehicles, 458 ; passengers, 905 ; goods, 419 tons ; horsemen, 239 j cattle, 377 ; sheep, 410 ; pedestrians, 275. Total traffic both ways— vehicles, 897; passengers, 1,790; goods, 559 tons ; horsemen, 449 ; cattle, 380 ; sheep, 410 ; pigH, 6 ; pedestrians, 550. This supplies a strong argument in favour of the tramway." Military Strength of Germany. — The Cologne Gazette estimates the present military strength of Germany, under the command of Prussia, at 1,101,241 men, and 28,000 officers. All the labour which this body of men is capable of performing, is lost to the country, and in addition to the burden which their maintenance throws \ipon the industrious classes, there is the cost of maintaining nearly 220,000 horses, and all the armaments which such an army requires. Harvesting Operations in New South Wales. Reaping has been pretty generally entered upon throughout the Hunter district, but we regret to learn that the results must, on the wholo, be considered unsatisfactory. In Bolwarra, we hear that almost the entire crop has been cut down for hay, the rust having so far extended its ravages as to preclude any yield of grain. We a^e not in possession of any information from Dagworth, the country round Lochinvar, Brook's Flat, &c, but going further that at EUalong and Congewoi the crops turned out remarkably well, and in one instance, at Wollombi, a farmer reports that his present harvest is far in excess of anything before reaped ; other accounts, more general, say that at Wollombi the rust has proved very destructive. At Glenmore, near Branxton, tho yield has been very fair, the rust, though provalent, has spared the grain, and farmers there express satisfaction at the result of their labours. Mr. George M'Donald has reaped an especially fine crop of golden drop. At the Paterson and Gresford the rust has done considerable mischief; but some fields have totally escaped, the yield there is also exceeding that of previous years. The cry everywhere is for rain — the dry weather affects tho growing lucerne crops prejudicially, retarding their growth ; and the potato crop will be a failure unless a change takes place. The crop of new maize will also be very protracted in its advance to maturity, as in most instances the ground will have to be sown afresh — the young plants having been literally burned out of the ground. — Maitland, Mercury. Agricultural Produce in Victoria. — "Twelve-and-sixpence a ton for potatoes ! One-and-sixpenco a bushel for oats ! Such," says a late Victorian paper, " were the prices offered during the past week for these articles. And with the continued land selections, we think there is but little chance, for some years to come, of anything like a remunerative price for these staple products of our farmers, who must certainly look as well to other sources for future profits. Many of them combine sheep-farming with agricultural pursuits, and find it profitable to do so ; and the production of bacon has increased vastly during tho past two years in some districts. Flax, and other crops should also be included in their rotations to make farming pay, for while hundreds of thousands of acres have been added to our cultivated lands, our population almost remains stationary. It is easy under such circumstances to account for the depressed state of the markets." — Grey River Argus. Sand Flies and their Antidote. — According to the Ararat Advertiser, sand flies, or midges, have so multiplied this season in the Wimmera district, more especially adjacent to the Grampians, that animal life can scarcely exist. Horses and cattle are driven all over the district, and very probably miles beyond it, and are actually running themselves into poverty. Grass-fed horses near the mountains can only be kept up to workable condition by very slightly rubbing them over with a sponge, or flannel, that has been dipped in kerosene, which is an infallible remedy, and when used with caution (that is, about two tablespoonfuls over the coat of a horse) may be applied effectually without any bad results. One dressing will protect them for fully a week ; but should it be used lavishly, so as to penetrate the skin, it will denude it of its coating. Without Prejudice. — Dr. Sherry, of New York, in a letter to tho Philadelphia Reporter concerning the present American movementfor female physicians, writes that some twenty ladies presented themselves at a surgical clinic aud lecture in one of tho New York hospitals. The surgeon announced that the subject would be hernia ; and not wishing to shock the delicacy of the fair auditors, he suggested the propriety of their withdrawal. Several hundred young men were present, and he thought it unfitting that tho young ladies Bhould remain. They did not retire, but occupied the nearest seat, while eighteen male patients were exhibited, necessarily in a state of nudity. At another hospital, lithotomy was to be porformed on a man. Eight members of " tho little band of true-hearted women just entering the medical profession" appeared to witness it. The surgeon, from motives of delicacy, asked them to retire, and he sat down to await the result. But they moved not. He thereupon announced that, if they did not withdraw, the operation would be postponed, or done privately. Then they left. It is impossible that any gentleman should make such a statement positively, and in a public medical journal, without being well assured of the facts ; but we are still so far behindhand in England as to receive it with horror, if not with incredulity.