MONTHLY LOCAL EPITOME.

New Zealander, Volume XVI, Issue 1491, 1 August 1860, Page 6

MONTHLY LOCAL EPITOME.

(on M.VNDia —Mr. Preece writes us:—“ The native chief Job, Hopa Hokiangn, died hero last Sunday. He was on hoard Captain Cook’s vessel, at Mercury Bay. He was then about twelve or fourteen years of age. 1 have not a copy of ‘ Cook’s Voyages’ to refer to, or I could tell his ngc. You will find that nt the time he was on hoard there was a disturbance : some natives were fired on, for some petty theft. Job was on board at Hie time, hut not engaged in the theft. I believe tint it was on Cook’s first voyage that this took place ; if so, Job must be 102 or 104 years of age; if on the second voyage, he must be either 100 or 00 ; if on the last, ho must be 97 or 95, He was always a well behaved man, and has conducted Christian worship for his tribe for more than 20 years. He died in full reliance upon his Saviour.”

11 lie ac u op A«M> Ouihnanci; —From our Raglan correspondent, under date the Oth instant, we learn that an inquiry had been instituted in the case of the supposed gun robbery by the Natives, from the premises of Messrs. Davis and Yates ol Kawhia. The investigation was conducted, on the part of the Crown, by Mr. Annitage of Waikato, before Mr, Harsnni, Resident Magistrate of Raglan, on Thursday the nth instant. After a careful examination of witnesses during a two days’ inquiry, the defendants were found guilty, and the Court inflicted the highest penalty—£soo and £9l 10s. costs.

Maii, IloiniEiiY, —The Kaglan and Kawhia Mail lias been robbed. Mr, K ing reports that ho found a portion of the mail which was dispatched from Auckland on Monday Inst, in a ditch nearly opposite the residence of Mr. Janies Dilwoith. It would rppeai ilnu the letters hail been carried

on, for what purpose it will remain to be seen, and that the newspapers and gazettes, amounting to upwards of a hundred, had been got rid of by throwing them into a deep ditch. At such critical times as the present, it is to be hoped that only Mail carriers well known »o the Government will he employed—men in whom the strictest confidence can he placed. It is of paramount consequence that the Government should have reliance on tho.se to whom they intrust their dispatches. At this moment Maories ought not to be trusted. The loss of a dispatch at such a time might place the rebellious in possession of the most important communications.

Conveyance of Cattle and Horses uy tub Steamer “ Emu ” —When Capt. Kreeft brought this useful little steamer up to Auckland with a view to contracting for the North Shore Ferry, it was the opinion of many persons that she had not sufficient beam or accommodation for the conveyance of cattle and horses. This opinion was deciaedly erroneous as experience has proved. Seven head of cattle have been taken over in her at one time, and with a little alteration she can take a dozen head. Up-country settler-s are also beginning to find out the advantage of the steam ferry for bringing their horses across the harbour, and so saving them a long and tiresome ride round the head of the river.

An interesting lecture, in connection with the Young Men’s Christian Association, was delivered on the Gth instant by tho Kev. J. it. Johnstone on the subject of “ Living with others us conducive to success in life.” Many excellent and appropriate remarks were made in the lecture which was delivered in a singularly easy and humourous style. Courage, decision of character, and perseverance, allied to Christian principles he deemed an infallible receipt for success m life. He would like all young men to act upon the well-known axiom, “Be courteous to all; be intimate with few, and familiar with none.” Very much of their future would depend upon the society in which they mingled, and the character of those admitted into their confidence. Wiih regard to tiie important step of matrimony he would have them to he particularly cautious, and not to let themselves he drifted into the “ holy estate” by the mere incidence of circumstances on an immature acquaintance ; it was a matter which would influence their whole life, and should only he undertaken with a well-eon-firmed respect for each other’s character and tastes. Various classes of individuals were held up for imitation or to he avoided ; amongst the latter those who took an amazing interest in everybody’s business but their own ; and who thought nothing properly done unless done by themselves or on their suggestion. He recommended all who were entering life to cultivate the virtue of attending to their own affairs, and of tendering their opinion only when it was likely to he of some service, lie condemned gambling and droning ns commonly practised, and drew a clear distinction between them and games of skill and innocent recreation. He had no sympathy with those who complained of not knowing what to do with their time ; this was a world of action —there was n noble work to he done in which all who chose might take their part, and flats prepare themselves and others for that eternity whither we are all hasting.

Handel’s Oratorio, “ Israel in Egypt,'' was performed by the Auckland Choral Society on Thursday, .Oth nit—and tins time without interruption from fire or other casualty. The instrumental portion of the orchestra was weakened hy the departure of the band of the Goth for Taranaki and had to consist entirely of stringed instruments. The chorus was very numerous and on the whole well balanced- The massive double choruses were given with great precision and vigour; and the same remark applies to the rendering of the choruses as a whole. Mrs. C'orlett again rendered valuable assistance in the solos for soprano, and the .Misses Hampton acquitted themselves very creditably in the solo and duett pieces in which they took part. The solos and recitatives for male voices were sung by Mr. Reid, Mr. Leech, Mr. Ely, and Mr. Strauch ; and the well known duett, “ The Lord is a Man of War,” was sung by Messrs Strauch and Carleton. Taken as a whole the performance was a very successful one, and shows that the Society is not relaxing in its efforts at continued advancement in the practice and performance of the highest order of musical composition. Captain Ralneavis led, Mr. Electwood presided at the piano, and Mr. J. Drown conducted. The attendance was very large, and the want of hall-stewards was much felt.

Auckland Total Abstinence Society.—The usual monthly meeting of this Society was held In the Odd Fellows’ Hall, on the evening of Tuesday the 7th current. Jn the absence of the President and Vice President the chair was occupied by Mr. Ach. Clark the Secretary. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, and the prevalence of influenza the attendance was rather helow the average. The speakers were Messrs Olphert, Whyte, and Jackson who gave very effective addresses. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Society was maintaining its ground as to the number of its members, and that with tiie view of adding to the membership, and otherwise increasing the influence of the Society, the Committee have determined during the next quarter to pay domiciliary visits to all whose names show on the roll.

Fires.—We have had no less than four escapes from fires during the current week. Providentially they were timeotisly discovered and promptly extinguished, with comparatively little damage done. Of that which occurred on Monday ia Shortland-street, we gave the particulars in our last. The second alarm was given about a quarter past 2 o’clock on Wednesday morning, when our citizens were summoned from their beds by the hasty peals of “ that dreadful bell,” with which, ot late, they have been but too painfully familiar- Never did its clang sound more furiously or more ominously, ami there was an anxious rushing of all parties in the apprehension of another and grievous calamity. It was hard to ted in which way to i irect one’s steps, as there was no guiding blaze. The spot, however, was Wyndhain street, and the lire had broken out in one of the houses of Mr. Peter Grace. But for the prompt and energetic assistance of the Police and Fire Brigade, the fire bid fair to have 'swept that side of Wyndham street as far as Albert street; as it was, it took some hour and a half of fierce fighting before it was fully subdued. From what then occurred, we would again point out the paramount necessity of good bucket gangs in connection with Fire Brigades, us upon this occasion they rendered immense service. The Engines No 1 ami 2 were speedily at their post, No 2 being we believe the first to arrive. Both engines were placed by (wo wells in the rear of the offices of Mr. Thos. Russell, and as soon as the word was given, were ready for action, No. 2 commencing, it and the buckets extinguished the flames. Of the origin and cause of the lire there can be no question. The scandalous manner in which the chimney was built explains the whole affair. This chimney may have been on fire for a fortnight for aught that can he known. It WrfS not pargetted ; and the bricks were laid in bad mortar, so wide apart, that a band could almost be thrust betwen them. As the mortar crumbled away, the soot filled up the spaces, and so communicated with the studding, top plates, weather boarding, and lining of the house. We earnestly hope that Architects, Builders and house proprietors will strenuously insist upon all chiinnies being well and properly pargetted and substantially built, as, wo believe, this chimney has only been built, two or three years. The third fire, which also occurred on Wednesday morning, ami which broke out in Thorne’s Private Hotel, in Prince’s-street, was discovered in the most singular ami providential manner, having become known in consequence of the summons of the bell to the fire in Wyndhamstreet having aroused the inmates. The mantelpiece and walls in tiie back parlour, as we arc informed, were in flames, and the ceiling was scorched. The blaze, however, was instantly arrested, ami without any necessity of calling upon the public for aid. The fourth occurred on Thursday morning, about two o’clock. Its discovery was due to the vigilance of a private watchman, employed by a portion of the citizens. It Mm.d its it it had been

smouldering for some time on premises (a stable), j between West Queen and Wyndham-streets. Happily there was no necessity to alarm the town, ms, with the assistance of the Police, a few buckets of water, removed every danger. At the general meeting of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, held on Monday week, Mr liirket Foster and Mr. Frederick Smallfield, were 1 elected Associates. —lllustrated News.

Thursday, 28th ult., being the anniversary of her Majesty’s Coronation-day, was honoured with the customary salutes from Fort Britomart and 11. M. S. “ Iris,” which was “ be-flagged" in the most approved and loyal manner.

Floods at the Bay op Islands. —This district has been visited by heavy floods—heavier than have been known in the memory of the oldest native. Considerable damage has been done, but no life lost, excepting among sheep. Mr. Hansen’s family had a narrow escape at the Waitangi; they were rescued by Mr. Irving just before the house was carried away. Masonic Banquet. —The festival of Saint John fulling on Sunday, the Masonic Brethren of Auckland celebrated the event, in the usual manner, on Monday, 25th ult., when a numerous party of the Order, with a goodly sprinkling of: uninitiated guests, assembled at an excellent banquet at the Masonic Hotel. The Worshipful Past Master James Buchanan occupied the chair, being supported ou his right by Mr. Piercy, Master of Lodge “ Ara,” No. .‘548, Mr. Solomon, Master of Lodge “ Waitemata,” No. 990, occupying the vice-chair. The usual loyal and characteristic toasts were duly proposed and honoured ; after which the company resolved itself into a sort of Melodists’ Club, and passed a harmonious and very agreeable evening. Milneu’s Fire-Proof Safes. —The value of these safes was shown to many of our fellowcitizens at the fire on the2f!tb ult. One ol them was opened at Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane’s Store, which had been severely tested in the late lire in Mr. Bracy’s offices. All the hooks, papers, money, notes, &e , were found in a good state ol preservation. The only documents at ail seriously damaged were the parchments ; and these are, most of them, only partially destroyed. It cannot he too strongly urged upon all merchants and others, especially ,-olicitors, that it is absolutely necessary, in order to preserve parchment documents entire, to fix the safes in brick recesses. Tub Immigration agent informs us that there are some good ploughmen and general farm servants, among tiie passengers of the Egmont, in want of employment. There are also two or three active young men desirous of learing country work, who with that object, will he glad to give their labour for hoard and lodging for such a period us may be agreed on. Two or three female servants are still disengaged -Apply at the Immigration office.

W.uiomoi Coal Company. —At the weekly meeting of the Directors ol this Company, held on Wednesday last at the Young Men’s Institution Durham-street, the following Report of Mr. W. Rowe, the newly appointed agent at the mines, was read :

“ The two points of supply and transit have especially egaged my attention since I have been here Upon the first point I have been able to satisfy myself that there will be no difficulty in obtaining a supply both large and continuous. The level at the new workings is now drawn into the hill about 27 fathoms, '.throughout the whole of this level there is a good lirrn seam of coal, averaging in thickness from 3 ft 6 in. to 4 feet. I have directed the men engaged in this part of the mine to cease driving, and they are now engaged in laying down a tramway, and in opening shafts in order that we may obtain coals for the mar.et in the best possible condition. I believe, when these arrangements arc complet'd, there will be no difficulty in obtaining Irom this place from 40 to 50 tons weekly, for a considerable period. There are already at the place about GO tons ready for carting, and 20 tons have lately been sent away. The level near the former workings is now driven about 23 fathoms. This level has already passed through several scams of coal, some of which areof considerable thickness and of good quality. It is now we believe in the bottom seam, and as soon as it is sufficiently extended, we shall be able to raise coal from the place in laVge quantities. The only difficulty that at present exists is ia connexion with the transit, and even this I do not think by any means insuperable. 1 found the road in better condition than 1 expected, and with a few trifling alterations in the bush road leading to the new workings, and a little attention to the other parts as occasion may require, 1 believe we shall be alee to coal through the whole of the winter. There are several suggestions I can make relative to the best spot from which the permanent workings should be carried out, but on this and also on several other subjects, 1 reserve my comments for future communications. I would say, in conclusion, that my impressions of the value of the Company's properly are more and more confirmed, and I beg to assure the Directors that my most strenuous efforts will bo employed to ensure success in connection with the undertaking.— Wm. Rowe.”

—[Wo have read Mr. Rowe’s Report with much satisfaction, and we feel sure that the Company will have no cause to regret their selection of him as their resident agent. No man has worked harder or more disinterestedly' than Mr. Rowe in the development of our mineral resources ; and we trust that now he will begin to reap the due reward of his long services in this branch of pioneering in the building up of a new country—Ed.

The Weathiu which during the last week continued wet and boisterous has, since Monday, become more settled and we are uow enjoying a bright clear ssy with a more bracing atmosphere titan we have for years experienced. Yesterday morning ice was to be found on water in sheltered localities in the neighbourhood of the town—in some places a quarter ot an inch thick—and we could not help noticing the delight of the youngsters, many of whom were handling it for the first time. What would they not give for a verittablc snowball, such as are to be met with in Edinburgh University or on the Liverpool Exchange. Young Auckland has now seen both ice and hailstones and cun speak with some authority on the force ot a steady “ uor’ctsler”— or the drenching gush of midwinter wet, but the short crispy .tread on the snowy sideway—eu a frosty mcrinng—and the warm glow of both hands and body after a pelting round of suowballs, or the healthy excitement of the skates are for our lining generation enjoyments yet to come. Snow, and thaw, and skates, and curling, and rinks, arc but generic terms to the young idea here. If Macaulay’s traveller who some day is to make the pilgrimage to view the ruins of St. Pauls from Loudon Bridge, should happen to go from Auckland—arriving there early in the year—he may then also there first be led to contemplate for the first time some of the, to him previously unknown sources, whence his Saxon ancestors drew the manly development ot his race. The Volunteer Rifles.—We have not recently had an opportunity of reporting the progress of these valuable Corps, but if any of our readers will turn out any Tuesday morning they will find in Albert Barracks ample repayment for their trouble. Some of the Companies are, we believe, still incomplete, but the deft manner in which they go through their drill, the readiness and aptitude with which men of Ml ranks have become, as it were, one man—the hearty cooperation pervading all—and the determination which seems to pervade every man to become as perfect as ho possibly can be makes one led that a sure wall of defence is steadily rising up amongst us, not only in ihe liities but also in the Militia—whose drill is not in the least behind and in most cases equal to those of the organised Hitle Corps. As with the Rifles so with the M.Jitia, one spirit seems to provide all, and nothing short of being as perfect as they can be seems their aim. We cannot report more at present than the hare (acts on how far so much of this spirited organisation is due to the officers ot the various companies, and those painstaking iliill sergeants we may have more to say at another time. Where all arc so laudably actuated and creditably trained, it is a matter of no less difficulty than delicacy to say one word more for one than another. The heartiness of the movement is the surest guarantee of its stability.

Kauiu Sr a us. —Notwithstandingt lie high estimation in which these spurs are still held and have always hitherto nmiutaiued for musts in both the Government and private dockyards we must not shut our eyes to the introduction in Flighted ot their newest and most formidable rival, from Oregon. A recent London circular in quoting the position of spars for masts in the London market goes on to state that “many o* those imported from Canada in 18.57 were deemed superior ns Canadian masts, hut nunc cun compare with the new importation from Oregon and Vancouver's Isle. Four cargoes of these magnificent trees (said to he Abies JJuuylusii) have been imported, creating as much wonder in the naturalist as in the trade. In length, 10(J to 130 feet; in diameter, 30 to 3!) inches throughout their length: straight, without knots, with scarcely any sap ; sound, strong and nut weighty .

these splendid trees combine all the qualities required in masts, and have already attracted the attention ol our own and foreign Governments. The principal ana largest masts of this Oregon wood have been valued at £l2 per load; topmasts and mainyards, *8 1 Os. to £lO 10s. per load ; bowsprits and small spars m proportion. Canadian masts will we fear be less valued than heretofore. The Kanric masts of New Zealand are still in high esteem for the navy and first-class ships, though they are as costly to import aa the Oregon masts, and are not of the same enormous dimensions.” If our Kauri masts must yield the palm it is but the stronger man yielding to the strongest; nor need they feel it any discredit to sta id next to these forest giants of the north. Whence else do our home shipbuilders draw the masts so high in esteem for the navy and first class ships but from the Kauric forests of Kaipara and Hokianga. United States Consulate. —The vacany occasioned by the death of Mr. West has been filled up by the appointment of George Henry Leavenworth, Esq., whose name we observed among the passengers per “ Lord Ashley.” Tne approval of Mr Leavenworth s appointment by Her Majesty was notified in the Gazette of 20th inst., and wc understand he proceeds at once to the Hay of Islands to enter upon the duties i of his office— the discharge of which in Mr. Leavenworth’s hands we feel assured cannot fail in being productive of the happiest results in promoting the mutual interests of our colonists and of that large and increasing fleet of whalers which annually make New Zealand the head quarters of their rendezvous in the South Pacific.

Fire.— On Monday evening, the premises recently taken bv Mr. Yountr. butcher, in Shortland Crescent, adjoining Mr. A. Clark’s, narrowly escaped destruction by lire. The experience of the late fire was here brought to bear with good effect: the door was kept closed against all intruders ; and a few buckets of water and wet blankets properly applied hud the effect of putting a stop to a destructive lire. The UeBRESESTATIOK OF the Suburbs in the General Assembly is again an open question,— Mr. Hargreaves having resigned his seat on privrte grounds. Dr. Campbell is in the field as a candidate for the vacant scat. Auckland Mechanics’ Institute. —lt will be seen from an announcement in our advertising columns that a lecture on Cardinal Wolsey, will be delivered on Tuesday evening next in the Mechanics* Hall. This hauglity ecclesiastic lived in in the reign ofHcaiy the Eighth, a period in which principles hail begun imperceptibly to operate, that eventually produced most important changes in the destinies of Europe. To which changes, the consummate vanity, arrogant assumption, and the tyrannous exercise of almost unlimited power on the part of Wolsey in no small degree contributed. There can be no doubt that the lecturer, llev. J. F. Mandeno, will do the subject ample justice. It is io be hoped that the attendance will be such as to show an appreciation of these praiseworthy efforts to diffuse useful knowledge.

PHOTOGRAPHY IN AUCKLAND. It would be idle to expatiate on the value of an art by whose means the passing scenes of the moment are illustrated and made permanent in a pleasing shape, and at a trifling cost. As an exponent of this art, Mr Crombie has for several years been a popular favourite in our city. Pew events of any interest has lie failed to delineate, and, in almost every instance, his success has been complete. We have now before us four of Ids latest productions, two of them martial, the other two pacific subjects. Taking them in the order in which (we believe) they appeared, the “Bombarding of the Warea Pa,” is the first that attracts our notice. The sketch is a pleasing one; H.M. ship Niger, steaming along the coast, and hurling her shells upon the distant pa, which is saucily returning its “ ineffectual lire,” is the prominent feature in the foreground, The ship, however, is incorrectly drawn, her funnel being placed abaft, instead of a considerable distance before the mainmast. This, of course, is the error of the sketch, not of the photographer. In the back ground, we have a very pictorial presentation of the Taranaki coast, of which the snow capped and gracefully towering Mount Egmont constitutes the most striking figure.

The next is the “Storming of the Waircka Pa,” from a sketch by Mr. Hcaphy, the incidents of which, we arc informed, “are authenticated by an eye-wit-ness.” This is a chivalrous subject spiritedly treated, one which will bear to be looked at again and again, some new feature in that dashing fight revealing itself upon closer inspection. We congratulate both sketcher ami photographer upon the manner in which this bijou has been produced. It is a worthy memorial of one redeeming feature in our otherwise luckless and inglorious war. Kohimarama, the site of the Melanesian Missionary Establishment, and the spot whereat the Congress of Native Chiefs has b-cii in session during the hist three weeks, is the next “presentment.'’ It gives a faithful portraiture of a beautiful natural landscape, and is well worthy of being thus recorded as the scene of a great pacific gathering destined, we trust, to exercise a lasting and a beneficial influence upon the hitherto stormy impulses of the Native New Zealander. “ The Maori Home,” is the fourth and last of the series : it is a graphic and pleasant view of the uplands of Kohimarama, in which earth, sky and water are delightfully eo-mingled—the sea reposing in lake-likc calm, and the marked outline of the Tamaki Heads thrusting forward their bold prominences, as if in guardian protection of the slumbering bays. The picture is well worth the purchase money, were it only for the natural and admirable portraits of two of our well-known and respected Auckland citizens who occupy its foreground. We cannot close this notice of Mr. Crombie's performances, without adverting to a remarkably good general view of Auckland, embracing part of the harbour and “ intake,” which is published in the London Illustrated News of the 19 th May. This Is also one of Mr. Crombie's productions, forwarded by the Superintendent of Auckland to Messrs. Ridgway for publication, but through some inadvertence on the part of the News, the name of the artist has been omitted. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. As there have been several changes in the constitution of hoi hj Houses, we here give a list of the names oi the gentlemen who now occupy scats in either branch of the Legislature:— Legislative Council. Hon. George Alfred Arney, Auckland „ Thomas Houghton Bartley, Auckland „ Charles John Robert Blakiston, Christchurch „ James Courts Crawford, Wellington „ George Cutlield, Taranaki „ John Curling, Napier „ Sir Samuel Osborne Gibbes, Bart., Wangurei „ John Anderson Gillillan, Auckland ~ John Hyde Harris, Dunedin „ John Johnston, Wellington „ William Henry Kenny, Onehttnga „ James Mcnzics, Otago ~ Matthew Richmond, Nelson „ Henry William I‘etre, Wellington „ John Charles Watts Russell, Canterbury „ John Salmon, Auckland „ William Swaiuson, Auckland „ Henry John Tattered, Christchurch „ Frederick Whitaker, Auckland

House of Representatives. Bell, Francis Dillon, the County of Wallace Brandon, A. do Bathe, Wellington Country District Brown, Charles Hunter, Christchurch Country Carleton, Hugh, Bay of Islands Carter, Charles Rooking, Wairarapa Clark, Archibald, City of Auckland Clifford, the Hon. Sir Charles, City of Wellington Cookson, Isaac Thomas, Christchu ch Country Curtis, Herbert Evelyn, Motueka and Massacre Bay Daily, William Crush, City of Auckland Domett, Allied, Town of Nelson Farmer, James, Marsden Feathers ton Isaac Earl, City of Wellington Fitzgerald, Thomas Henry, County of Hawke Fitzlierbe.it, William, Hutt District Forsuith, Thomas Spencer, City of Auckland Fox, William, Wanganui and Rangitlkei Gillies, Thos. Banuatyue, Dunedin Country District Graham, Robert, Southern Division Hargreaves, Joseph, Suburbs of Auckland Haultaiu, Theodore Minet, Southern Division Heale, Theopliiltis, Suburbs of Auckland Henderson, Thomas, Northern Division Jollic, Edward, County of Cheviot helling, John Fedor Augustus, Waimoa District King, Thomas, Grey and Bell District Leo, Walter, Northern Division Mac, ml row, James, Town of Dunedin Monro, David, V\ niraca District Moorhouse, William Seftou, Akaroa District Renal), Alfred, Hutt District Rhodes, William Barnard, City of Wellington Richmond, C. Wm., lown ot New Plymouth Richmond, James Crowe, Omata District Sewell, Henry, Town of Christchurch Stafford, Edward William, Town of Nelson Symonds, John J., Pensioner Settlements. Auckland Taylor, John P„ Dunedin Country District W urd, Crosbie, Town of Lyttelton M old, Frederick AJoysius, Wuhan District Williamson, John, Pensioner BcitTemehtk, Auckland