CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 76, 20 January 1872, Page 4

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

The Caledonian Society of Nelson gave their annual sports on New Year's Day, in Mr. Richardson's paddock, and having furnished a good programme, and tho weather being fine, tho first day of the year was made a really enjoyable holiday. "Without implying any censure on past committees, whether of this society or any other, which have endeavoured to get up a day's sport, we are bound to state, wo nbver before saw tho arrangements so good, and tho sports so successful. A commodious stand had been erected which commanded a full view of the ground, which was a groat boon to the ladies who honoured the sports by their presence, as it enabled them to witness all that took place without fatigue, while sheltered from the strong rays of the sun. The paddock was well filled, and at one time there could not have been less than 2,000 persons present. The sports commenced with Flat Race of 100 yards, for boys under fifteen. First prize, 55.; second prize, 2s. 6d. 1. Adams. 2. Sheat. Six entered, and tho race was well contested. Running High Leap. First prize, £1 j second prize, 10s. 1. C. Rubs. 2. C. Monro. Tossing tiie Caber. Prize 40s. Five competitors entered for this game, which was won by J. Lines. Flat Race of 200 yards. First prize, 305. ; Becond prize, 15s. 1. Fell, C. Y. 2. Best, J. There were seven entries, and so well was the race contested that' it at first resulted in a dead heat. On running off, the race was won easily by Mr. Fell. Hitch and Kick. Prize, 30s. There were four entries for this game, and R. C. Kelling proved the winner. Vaulting "with Pole. First prize, medal and 305. ; second prize, 20s. 1. T. Russ, 9 ft. lin. 2. F.Powell, 9ft. Flat Race of 300 yards. First prise, 305. ; second prize, 20s. 1. Best, Job 2. Ruas, G. C. Norgate, F. Bolton, and F. Coleman also entered. The race was well contested, Norgato making a good third. Dancing Highland Fling. First prize, 205. ; second prize, 10s. 1. Robertson. 2. Chittenden. Running Flat Leap. First prize, 205. ; second prize, 10a. 1. Blundell, E. F., 20ft. B|in. 2. Norgate, C, 20ft. 7in. Three others entered. Wrestling (Cumberland style). First prize, 405. ; second prize, 20a. There were five entries — Stavert, M'Murray, Wengar, Kelling, and Christopher. In the first bout, Stavert threw M'Murray with little difficulty, and Wengar threw Kelling. In the second bout, Stavert threw Wengar, and then was pitted against the odd man Christopher, who gave him some trouble, but whom after a little time he succeeded in throwing. A third bout was, however, necessary between the two latter, iv which Christopher, after some time spent by the players endeavouring to get their grip, threw Stavert. The deciding throw was given easily by the latter. Feats on the Horizontal Bar. First prize, 305. ; second prize, 20s. 1. Brind. 2. Gully, H. Two other competitors entered, whose performances fell far short of Brind's and Gully's, who proved themselves no mean athletes. Mile Champion Race. First prize, medal and 80s. ; second prize, 60s. 1. Tennant, R. C. 2. Rus3. 3. Sayle. Nine competitors entered for this race, eomo of whom were powerful young men from the country, standing above six feet high, while tho only two townsmen who entered wero Tennant and Sayle, the former of whom stood scarcely five feet seven. From the manner in which Tennant ran at the College sports, he was decidedly the favourite with those who had seen him on that occasion, although in the eyes of many he looked probably the least like a winner. The pace from the start wns made very hot by White, Barnett, and Lines, who went off at score, forgetting the old saying, " that there is a deal of running in a mile," and were followed pretty closely by Russ and two others ; while Tennant, Sayle, and a third took it more leisurely, so that after running a quarter of a mile they were a long distance in the rear. Among the three leading runners a struggle was meanwhile maintained for the palm of place, and Whito and Barnett, after running half a mile, gave way to Lines, who was closely followed by Russ. Some of the men now began to think they had ran tar enough, and retired. When three quarters of a mile had been run, Tennant and Sayle, who had hitherto husbanded their strength, began to quicken their pace, and without undue hurry gradually overhauled the whole field except Russ, who had then got the lead. When half way round the last lap, Tennant with a fine spurt went to the front, and won by several yards, while a desperate struggle for second place ensued between Russ aud Sayle, but the latter was unable to pass the Wniinea champion ploughman, who came in second. Time, 5 nuns. 4 sees.

Tilting in the Rjng. Twico round. First prize, medal and 80?. ; second prize, 40s. Third man to save his stake. 1. Lines, Job. 2. Bird, C. 3. Rutherford, J. There were seven entries. The game was well contested, and afforded very good sport. Standing High Leap. First prize, 305. ; second prize, 10s. 1. Blundell, E. F., 4 ft. 9 in. 2. Barnicoat, W., 4 ft. B in. There were two other entries. Dancing Hornpipe. 1. Chittendon, T. Morris, T. Putting the Stone, 22 lbs. First prize, 40s. j second prize, 20s. 1. W. Forrest, 26 ft. 5 in. 2. F. Wootton, 26 ft. 4iin. J. Robertson, R. M'Murray, C. Kelling, and four or five others also competed. Hurdle Hace. Twice round the course. First prize, 405. ; second prize, 20s. 1. Norgate. 2. Burnett, W. Standing Flat Leap. First prize, 20s. j second prize, lCs. 1. Forrest, W., Bft. lOin. 2. Barnicoat, W., Bft. lOin. 3. Burnett, W., Bft. 9in. In jumping off the tie with Forrest, Barnicoat slipped. Three-Legged Race. First prize, 205. ; second prize, 10s. 1. Best and Russ. 2. Avery and Loasby. Eight couples started, and the race afforded a good deal of amusement, but there were not the number of falls expected. Broadsword Exeucise. First prize, 203. j second prize, 10a. There was a difficulty in getting entries for this gomo, and the only pair who stood up were M'Cabe and Guy, who made a few passes, in which the former had the advantage. Best Highland Costume. Prize, 20s. Two little boys, sons of Mr. A. Mackay, appeared in very complete Highland dress, the picturesqueness of which was a pleasing contrast to the ordinary attire of tho surrounding children of their own age. The prize was distributed between the two boys and the piper. The sports being concluded, the band struck up " Auld Lang Syne," followed by " God save the Queen," which was accepted as a signal for dispersion. Nelson Harmonic Society.— Selections from the MessiaJi, wero performed in the Society's practice room, Trafalgar-square, on the evening of the 28th ultimo, to the subscribers and their friends — this was additional to the regular quarterly concert, and would have been given in the Christmas week but for the performance of the Italian Opera Company on the night intended. We understand that a miscellaneous concert will be given by the Society in tho Provincial Hall early in January. Masonic. — On the 27th ultimo, being the day of St. John the Evangelist, the brethren of the Southern Star Lodge met at noon for the installation of a Master, and other officers for the ensuing year. The following were appointed : Joseph Shephard, W.M. ; J. W. Wigzell, S.W. ; A. Hibble, J.W. ; N. Edwards, Treasurer; E. G. Collins, Secretary ; C. L. Maclean, S.D. ; John Holloway, J.D.; W. Lightfoot, 1.G. ; W. Lane, Tyler. Tho brethren dined in the lodge room in the evening, when there was a strong muster. Home Productions. — We were shown a few days ago capital samples of preserved green gooseberries, equal to any bottled fruit imported, with the advantage of being far cheaper. AYe hope Mr. Akersten, whoso productions they were, will receive encouragement, and that he will direct his attention to preserving other fruit, as we are sure a considerable trade in them might be created here. Competitive Firing. — The preliminary competitive firing by the City Rifles came off on the 28th ultimo. Tho target used was 6ffc. x 4ft. We append tho scores : — 200 yards. 300 yards. Total. Barnett, A. ... 13 18 31 Moore, J. A. . . 14 14 28 Guy, D. ... 15 13 28 Smith, J. ... 11 16 27 Watts, L. . . . 9 17 26 Otterson, A. . 14 10 24 Clouston, W. . . 13 9 22 Fiuney, E. ... 10 11 21 The four highest will shoot off against the four highest of the Waiinea Volunteers, and the one who then makes the highest score will represent the province at Christchurch iv the competition for the General Government prizes. Champion Cup por College Sports. — The tie between Warnock and Blundell was jumped off, and won by Warnock. Excursionists prom Melbourne. — The steamer Raugitoto, which arrived from Melbourne on the Ist instant, had a number of gentlemen on board, excursionists from Victoria. The Rangitoto first called at Milford Sound, and the grandeur of its scenery was considered a recompense for the whole cost of the passage. The riew obtained of Mount Cook was not very favourable, but the party landed at both Hokitika and Greymouth, and were greatly impressed with the resources of the latter district. The steamer left for Wellington last evening, and ' favourable weather, and the unvarying courtesy of Captain Mackie, rendered the trip so far a

constant source of enjoyment. The pleasant feelings these gentlemen will carry back to Victoria is likely to bear fruit, and send increased numbers on the same route. Mount Rochport Coal Field. — Dr. Hector left town on the 2nd instant, accompanied by Mr. T. Maekey, to pay a visit to the Mount Rochforfc coal-field,* for the purpose of determining at which part it could be best -worked, with a view to connecting it with Westport by a railway. Dr. Hector proceeded overland, aud will make a cursory examination of the country as lie proceeds. Unfortunately, the numerous urgent demands on Dr. Hector's time, will not allow him opportunity to thoroughly examine the country. To do justice to the Buller Valley and.its tributaries would alone occupy several weeks, and ifc ia a great pity this attention cannot be bestowed on so promising a country. Lecture by Me. Alfred Saunders. — This gentleman, who was formerly Superintendent of the province, but who for the last five years has been absent from the colony, returned by the San Francisco mail steamer, and arrived here on on the 10th instant. Mr. Saunders proceeds immediately to Canterbury, but having been asked to give a lecture before he left Nelson for the benefit of Ihe Nelson Institure, he kindly consented, and the lecture wad advertised for on the instant, in the Provincial Hall. The subject of the lecture was Mr. Saunders' u impressions of what he had seen since he left New Zealand. Having been absent from England twentyfive years, many changes had taken place, and Mr. Saundere, in a very pleasing manner, spoke of the impression the green fields, the great wealth, and the daily life of Eugland had made on him after so long an absence. The lecturer also spoke of the visits he made to Ireland and Scotland, and the character of tho people of each country. He next gave an interesting account of his voyage to New York, and his journey to San Francisco, with his opinions of America and its people. While willing to give the Americans credit for their good qualities, Mr. Saunders was not blind to their many faults, and especially to to the faults of tho Government, which he represented to be about as corrupt as a Government could be. The lecturer preferred New Zealand to America as a place to live in. He laughed at its protective laws, which impoverished the country for the gain of individuals, and we learnt from the whole tenor of his discourse that travel and observation had not been lost on Mr. Saunders's naturally shrewd mind. The lecture was exceedingly well received, and at its close a vote of thanks to the lecturer was moved by his Honour the Superintendent, and seconded by Mr. Stafford, with Borne complimentary remarks. Stone prom: the Inangahua. — In the Provincial Secretary's Office, samples wero to be seen from the principal reefs at the Inangahua. From, a cursory inspection of them, we shouFd be led to say there are reefs of equal promise much nearer Nelson; but appearances are deceptive, and crushing affords the only test of value of stone. Stoke Fabmebs 1 Club. — This club held its monthly meeting on the evening of the Bth instant, when Mr. Rout read a paper on bailey growing in the Waimeas. He learnt from the farmers of the district that the brewers of Nelson did not encourage the growth of barley, as they preferred using sugar in the manufacture of their beer. He advocated a system of rotation cropping for the district, which would benefit the land, and to increased crops. The meeting was of opinion, that at the present rates of labour and prices of provisions, barley growing would not pay. If brewers would only give 3s. 3d. a bushel when the supply was small, remunerative prices would scarcely be obtained when there was more in the market, and 4s. Gd. a bushel was considered a minimum price at which barley could be grown. Richmond Cemetery. — The trustees of the Richmond cemetery have recently entered intfc a contract (now near completion) ior the erection on the ground in their charge, of a small building to be used as a chapel. This is the first occasion in the province that the powers of the 9th clause of the " Public Cemeteries Act, 1859," which authorizes trustees " to erect a chapel or other building for the performance of funeral service," have been exercised. This lons- needed accommodation for mourners has only been delayed from want of funds, which after many years of careful accumulation at last suffice for the erection of this Bmall, einiple, inexpensive, but suitable building. The Richmond cemetery, lying retired from the main road, is but little visited except on funeral occasions. It iq however prettily planted, well laid out, and kept with an amount of care not always directed in this part of the world to the preservation of the receptacles of the dead. The Creditable condition of the cemetery is in a great measure due to Mr. Thompson, one of the trustees, on whom the chief trouble of management hits always fallen. The little chapel has been put up by Mr. Saywell, of Richmond, at a cost of £70. Upper Wakepield. — The third anniversary of the opening of the Wesleyan Chapel was celebratedon the 10 th hist., bya tea meeting, followed by a public meeting presided over by Edward Baigent, Esq., M.P.C. Addresses wero delivered by the Rev. W. Cannell, Messrs. Rose, Mears, and Andrews. Tho vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed and seconded by Messrs. Newell, Phillips, and Wratt, closed the proceedings. Lowee Wakepield. — The Wahnea South Literary Institute held its anniversary fete on New Year's Pay, and the afternoon was given up chiefly to athletic sports, which went off exceedingly well. The Hurdle .Race, of 200 yards, for youths under eighteen years, was won by S. Fowlev, W. Batt second. Hurdle Race, 300 yards : I. Baigenfc, 1 ; J. Arnold, 2. Running I High Jump : J. Baigent (4ft. 10in.), 1 j 11. Fowler, 2. Running High Jump, for youths under [ eighteen : W. Bird, 1 ; S. Fowler, 2. Vaulting with Pole : I. Bnigent (9ft. 3 in.), 1 ; H. Fowler and J. Arnold, tie. There wero other sports, and a tea party, and when the time arrived for breaking up, all testified to tho pleasant holiday they had enjoyed.

Valley Spobts.— Doughboy Flat, on the Four River Plain, was the scene of great festivities on Boxing Day, md the catering of Mr* Rebh, for the Upper Bailer residents, drew about him a Urge number of the holiday-makers of the district. The great attraction, as a matter of course, was horse-racing, snd the chief event of the day was won by Mr. Kecrns's Sultan. Footracing, cricket, football, and other sports filled up the intervals of the afternoon. A theatrical entertainment, in a neat little canvas theatre, prepared by Mr. Handyeid<, was a novel and pleasing variety in the amusenents, and tho farce of tho Dead Shot wus played in a spirited manner to a highly delighted audence. Sale of Liquors on a Race Course. — At the Rangitikei Races recently, Mr. Fox prohibited the sale of liquor on the course, but other magistrates were iouiid who gave jublicans the customary permission to sell liquors on the course. It is said the Premier inteals to contest the legality of the proceeding by hying informations against the publicans for i breach of the Licensing Act. New Zealand Insurance Company.— The half-yearly meeting of the jfew Zealand Insurance Company has been hell. ' A dividend of ten per cent, was declared. The company's losses during the half-year are estimated at £21,425, including Rangoon, £1,230 ; Underlay, £1,595 j Ahuriri, £1,0/8. Washing-up at the Lye^l.—- The Westport Times says : — " Antonio Zola, one of tho prospectors of tJie LyeSi ysaf, imved in Westport a short time ago with a handsome parcel of gold, tho result of Bix weeks' crushing. No exact record has been kept of the quantity of stone put through the batteries, but at a liberal estimate it would not exceed twenty tons weekly. The present difficulty in obtainiig quartz is expected to diminish, wh*n the yfeld of gold will exhibit a corresponding increase. The gold woighed when melted 2960z. 14cwt." Strike of Carpenters at Wellington. — The carpenters at Wellington demand a half day's holiday on Saturday?, and are oa Btrike in consequence of the masters not aoquiescing in their wishes. Wellington Patent Slip.— The Post, of the 6th inst., says : — " We are gkd to announce that tho work of erecting tho Patent Slip, at Evans' Bay, was actually commenced yesterday, and that it will now be proceeded with as fast us possible. Men have been engaged, tendei^a are invited for work, and at length talking, meetings, and deliberations, will give way to cction." Sale of Lease of Wharf and Bonded Store at Wellington. — This sale took place on the Bth instant, and attracted a good deal of interest. The lease was for three years, and was started at £250, or £100 more than tho properties realised last year. The bids advanced rapidly by £50 till £3,000 was reached, Messrs. L. Levy, J. Martin, J. Drausfield, J. Smith, W. V. Jackson, O'Shea, Captain Stafford, and an agent for Captain Williams being among the bidders. Beyond £3,000 it advanced by £10, most of the bidders gradually dropping out till Messrs. Levy and Dransfield, and Mr. Irvino (a perfect stranger), had it all to themselves. £3,990 was Mr. Dransfield's last bid, which Mr. Levy capped by £4,000, when the contest flagged, and alter " onco, twice, and thrice," tho properties were knocked down to Mr. Irvine for £4,010. When it transpired that Messrs. Jackson and Graham •were the real purchasers, these gentlemen received the congratulations of their many friends present. Commencement of the Railway from the Waitaea.— The Taranahi Herald, of the 6th instant, says : — " We are glad to learn that orders have been received by Mr. Octavius Carrington, engineer in charge of Public Works in this province, to commeuco the survey of the railway from Waitara to New Plymouth at once, with a view to tenders being called for the work, that it may be executed as soon as possible." Scarcity of Water in Auckland.— There is great scarcity of good water in Auckland, and it has been proposed to expend £250 for the purpose of ascertaining by boring whether a supply of water could be obtained for the use of the city and shippers, on tho artesian principle. The Provincial Council sent a deputation to the Superintendent to enlist his Honour's assistance in getting the General Government to provide funds for giving tho city a supply of water out of the colonial loan. Mr. Gillies told tho deputation they might spare themselves the trouble, as no part of tho loan could be available for such an object. Takanaki Iron Sand.— The Evening Post says: — "Iheuses to which the Turanaki sand can be put, other than the production of steel of tho finest quality that can be manufactured in the world, we hardly think arc yet known. Mr. Smith, who has hitherto taken so deep an interest in tho development of this colonial produce, bus most successfully turned it to other account in tho manufacture of what is known as emery paper for polishing and burnishing metals. We had an opportunity of seeing the imported article, and that roughly manufactured, tried on a rusty piece of metal. The New Zealand production proved immensely superior in every respect, and as the same piece of metal, though on different sides, was operated on, there can bo no doubt as to the fairness of tho trial. Both polished tho surface, though less time was needed with the Taranaki paper, but this was not the only respect in. which it excelled. The colonial "paper lelfc a true polish, without tho slightest visible ecrateh ; that imported caused a aeries of scratches, though it removed the rust. Ono was a burnisher, the other only a scraper, leaving the metal disfigured. Theprocess of preparation of the colonial paper, or rather cloth is most simple, and we should think, judging from what we saw, that no one will in future import material that can be prepared at half the price and of a vastly superior quality, in the colony itself. The best cloth for it to be laid on is said to be that spun from flax, and thereby another outlet for native industry is afforded."

TErAi^AND Conviction of Keeeopa. — Kereopa'a trial commenced at Napier on the 21st ultimo, the Attorney-General conducted the prosecution. In charging the Grand Jury his Honour, Mr. Justice Johnson, said that abundant evidence appeared in the depositions to prove the prisoner guilty as an accessory before the fact, a position which in the present state of the law was the same as that of a principal in tho crime. The first witness examined was Captain Levy, who said he saw Kereopa and others escorting Mr. Volkner to the place of execution. He then saw a number of Maoris mount a willow tree with a rope and pulley. Kereopa directed them where to fix these, and then he saw Mr. Volkner hanging, and the Maoris hoisted him up and down. Kereopa asked Levy, "Am I tho same as I was then ?" Levy replied, " I could readily identify you, though in some points you are altered." Two other witnesses were examiued, and their evidence was strongly against the prisoner. On the following morning the trial was resumed, and lasted all day. At 7. 15 his Honour begau to euin up. He said there was no doubt about theco7'pus delicti, or the fact of the murder. The only question was whether Kereopa was responsible for it, and Captain Levy's evidence alone seemed sufficient to bring the guilt home to tho prisoner. The jury retired at 8.30 p.m., and after ten minutes' consideration, returned a verdict of guilty of murder. His Honour passed sentence of death with the usual comments. Kereopa was executed on the sth instant. Tie&d o? Gcliv at ins Thames. — The yie\<\ of gold at the Thames forlthe month of December, was 18,000 ounces from 8,528 tons of stone. Important Scheme of Colonization.— An arrangement has been made between Colonel Fielding, on the part o£ the " Colonial Aid Emigration Society" of London, and the Colonial Government, for the purchase of 120,000 acres of land, to be selected principally at Manawatu, the company engaging to settle upon it 2,000 statute adults within the next four years. The society named has for its chairman the Duke of Manchester, and includes among its directors Mr. Torrens, M.P., Mr. Fowler, M.P., the Earl of Denbigh, the Marquis of Downshire, and many other influential names. Colonel Fielding, who was in Wellington, made himself acquainted with the district from which he purposes to select the land. He returned to Euglaud by way of America a few weeks ago. The importance of this arj rangement is very great, and we congratulate the Government of Wellington on the prospect it ! affords. Mayoealty Elections.— The 21st ultimo was the day on which the election of Mayors under the Municipal Corporations Act took placo throughout tho colony. At Wellington, Mr. Dransfield was re-elected ; at Cliristchurch, Mr. Sawtell was elected; at Greymouth, Mr. E. Weekes, re-elected ; at Hokitika, it is a question whether the late Mayor, Mr. J. B. Clark, was re-elected or not ; at JBlenheim, Mr. G. Henderson was elected. Cock-a-doodle-do. — His Honour the Superintendent of Marlborougb, A. P. Seymour, Esq., in addressing the electors of the Wairau district on the 18th ultimo, said " there are wilder ideas expressed than that Nelson should be re-annexed to Marlborougb. If Nelson was shorn of her gold-fields— and it is not improbable that the gold-bearing districts of the West Coast may be all united into one great county— Marlborough would then be more populous than Nelson." The Express of the 23rd ult., says : — " It is said that another Nelson gentleman, the Hon. T. Renwick, is likely to take up his abode amongst us, being in treaty for Netherfield. We shall welcome him and any other accession from Nelson especially, and it is possible that Mr. Seymour's hypothesis of tho annexation of Nelson to Marlborough is nearer realization thau many people think." Anotiieb Nugget from the I/yell. — A nugget weighing 2' oz. has been obtained by Pascoe and party at Irishman's Creek, Lyell. Auckland Supreme Cotjet.— This costly but very wretched building is a nuisance alike in wet and dry weather. When it rains, the interior is deluged ; and when water is scarce, the inmates are poisoned. We take the following from a late number of the Cross .— " The hot weather and presence of large numbers of people in the Supreme Court building, have developed a wovse nuisance than any of which complaint has yet been made. It appears there bus not been a drop of water in the building for many weeks. The stench from the water-closets in the basement of the structure is abominable. Sitting a few hours produces nausea and sickness. Something must be done immediately to cleanse this -worse than Augean nuisance, or the consequences will be serious." Price of Gas in Dunedin.— The price of gas in Dunedin was to be reduced to 12s. 6d. per 1,000 feet, on and after the Ist instant. Proposed Flax Manufactory in Auckland. — The Southern Cross says that during a debate in the Provincial Council relative to the contemplated Industrial Exhibition, at Auckland, a statement was made by an honorable member that cannot fail to be received with deep and general interest. It was stated that an English company is in process of formation, having for its object the preparation of phormium and its manufacture into the various fabrics of which it is capable. It appears that the enterprise — which is already so far advanced that the requisite machinery is in course of construction — will bo sustained by a subscribed capital of £50,000, and will have the seat of industry on the Wairoa, within this province. It was even stated that a portion of the machinery is at present being made in Auckland. Cricket. — Inteupkovincial Match, Canteebuey v. Otago. — The Canterbury cricketors who recently paid a visit to Dunedin, to play their annual match, were highly successful. In their first innings they made a score of 161, while Otago in both innings only made a tie. Canterbury in its second innings had only therefore to core one tJ win.

Riches or the Inangaiiua. — Tlie Grey River Argils, in a late issue, says :—": — " Nover was there a district bo favoured as the Inangahua, with its distinct lines or belts of quartz reefs running north and South, over an extent of country that would employ all the mining population of New Zealand. Every creek is more or less auriferous, coal is abundant, agricultural land surrounds the belt, and if our memory serves us right, the existence has been foretold of the great agent mercury, in its richest form." A Stranded Whale.— A whale, fifty-four feet in length, was cast ashore opposite Montezuma, Hokitika, on the 28th ultimo. Mr. Bastings, of the Montezuma Hotel, secured it as his prize. A Well- Watered Country.— The Wanganui Chronicle says there are no fewer than one hundred and forty-two rivers, streams,and streamlets between Wanganui and New Plymouth, many of them insignificant threads in summer but even the smallest of them sure to swell into a brawling brook after a heavy rain. They are a capital feature of the country, but rather expensive in a road-making point of view. Chops in TnE South.— The Oamaru Times, of the 29th ultimo, Bays :—": — " From all parts of the district we learn that the recent drought has had a prejudicial effect upon the crops. A great quantity of wheat, particularly in the Cave Valley and Papakaio districts, has been injured, the tops of the ears in many instances being completely withered and shrivelled up." The Citors is Sorrrjii/AITD, — An inYCVCHTgiI) paper writes : — "From every quarter in the neighbourhood, where the situation is at all exposed, we have received intelligence of the disastrous effects of the late gale upon gardens and crops generally. The withering and blighting effect of the wind has left its murk on vegetation, turning the luxuriant growth of Friday night into a blackened, scorched • looking, shrivelled -up stump, and entirely blasting the expectations of many who indulged in the hope of having this season an abundant crop of fruit and vegetables." The Chops in Waikato'.— Waikato appears to participate in the drought which seems to extend over nearly the whole of the colony. Thecrop3 there are suffering greatly, and threaten to be a complete failure The Kuiti natives are getting short of food. There* has been a regular stampede to the river, old Manuhiri amongst them, seeking for food, such as eels and freshwater mussels. A special session of the Diocesan Synod was openod at Christchurch on January 10. The business was to consider matters relating to the Cathedral, towards the erection of which subscriptions to the amount of £1,800 had been promised without canvas. The Primate, in his address, said he would be glad if the revised leelionary became authorized by the New Zealand Churcli. Ho was not satisfied, however, that it could acquire force as a regulation of the General Synod, under Clause 21 of the Constitution, as had been suggested by the Nelson Synod. He thought it would have to be formally authorized by an Act of the G-eneral Synod. He adverted to the great loss the Church had sustained by the death of Bishop Patteson, and expressed a desire that the Synod should follow the example of the Auckland Synod, and consider tho establishment of a Bishop Patteson Memorial Fund, in order to show reverence for tho Melanesian martyr. The gold received by escort at Dunedin, during the year 1871, amounted to 171,814- ounces. The Grey Valley paper upbraids the committee of the races, for that district, with making them a failure. It says the committee wanted "local" races, and "local" races (?) they had with a vengeance. Mr. Ferguson, the owner of Redan and Economy, took £240 out of a total of £2SO set down for prizes. The bazaar lately held in the Grey in aid of the funds of the English Church it is expected lias returned over £550 ; the total debt on tho building. In taking down the hopper at the Cassius claim (Ross) the other day, to replace it by anew one, sixtoen ounces of gold were found in the joints of the planks — a very nice Christmas box. More good news from the Inangahun reefs, says the Grey Star. Another reef has been discovered by a party of Irishmen, to the eouthwesb of Smith's lines of reef. The men, who had been prospecting for some time, made a dis-' covery sufficient to warrant them in applying for a lease, and this they did on Friday. A visitor to the reefs, who left Reefton on Saturday, informs us that the quartz corresponds with that found in Kelly's reef, and the gold is freely distributed throughout the stone. During the year 1871, 241,528 ounces of New Zealand gold were exported from Melbourne to England. The Chinese miners working about fire miles down the Tuapeka Creek pursue their usual avocations every Sunday. They have refused to desist from work although repeatedly requested to do so by parties whose religious sensibilities are outraged by such Sabbath desecration. Perhaps a visit from the police might induce these obstinate Celestials to pay some respect to the religious observances of the country they are permitted to reside in. — Tuapeka Times. The manufacture of Tomato Sauce is being carried on largely in Auckland. Te Kooli's "force" is stated by tho Maketu correspondent of the Neio Zealand Herald, to consist of his two wives, a boy, and a dog. Farmers' Clubs in Canterbury appear to be of some practical use. The Courtenay and Ellesinere Clubs in one year, according to the Lyttelton Times, on a rough calculation, increased the price of grain in Christchurch upwards of 6d. per bushel. The Wanganui Chronicle mentions as an instance of the depreciation of property, that a property at Turakina was recently sold for £170 by a mortgagee who had advanced £300 upon it some time ago. The Provincial Government of Canterbury have passed a resolution, bringing the Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Act, 1871, into operation.