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New Zealander, Volume XVIII, Issue 1650, 8 February 1862, Page 10

Marine Insurance. —lt is at all times gratifying to chronicle the increased usefulness of an institution calculated to confer benefit upon the public, and as it is especially gratifying to record the progressive strides made by a local institution, the New Zealand Insurance Company, feeling they are now in a position to extend their operations, have taken risks on Wool, Gum, and other Colonial produce, and likewise on passengers’ luggage by the “ Northumberland” to the extent of £6OOO. The rates charged by this Company are the same as if effected in London, whilst the Policy duty amounting to 5 per cent, is saved. We would also remind our mercantile readers that their indents can be insured in London at Company’s Kates by the newly appointed Agents of the New Zealand Insurance Company, Messrs. Bowley & Brisbow, 25 Laurence Pountncy Lane, and all who have the real prosperity of this Colony at heart should instruct their agents to patronize this Colonial institution. Grammar of the New Zealand Language.— By the venerable Archdeacon Maunsell. Second edition. W. C. Wilson, Shortland street, Auckland. - The second edition of this work, which has undergone a thorough revision and correction by its learned author, is now before ns. The volume is published in foolscap Bvo., and neatly bound in cloth. The intimate and long acquaintance of Archdeacon Maunsell with the native race, their manners, customs, feelings, and idiom is a sufficient guarantee of the intrinsic value of the work. Imported Birds.— Notwithstanding that we have a recent Game Protection Act, we greatly fear, unless a universal interest for the preservation of birds can be created, that it will be a very difficult matter for them to increase and multiply. The manner in which they have been run down and vended has already been recorded by our contemporary the Southern Cross. We ourselves have now to state that, a few mornings since, four quails were offered for sale by a Native, on the Wynyard Pier, to a gentlem m connected with this establishment. Unless means can be adopted to insure Native co-opcration, and to prevent Native obstruction, we fear it will be beyond the power of any Acclimatisation Society to benefit the Colony as they desire. The Cicalatiianatos. —We are aware that for some time past an article of this nature was promised us by Messrs. Willis and Morris, and we are glad to see it now announced that the inventors and patentees are ready with a supply. So important an agent in colonial agriculture as a cheap and efficient grub destroying compound needs no assistance on our part to bring it into notice. Success depends alone upon its efficiency. We only recommend a systematic trial of its value under various circumstances of soil, weather, seasons, &c. The Acclimatisation Society which has been lately established in this city has already put itself into communication with the Society in Victoria, with a view to the interchange of specimens of birds, many of our English kinds having been already introduced into that colony. The Government of Victoria has lately employed a Commissioner to ascertain how far their rivers are fitted for the introduction of salmon, and the report has been highly satisfactory. On a previous occasion the attempt to introduce the ova of salmon into Australia had failed, though, from what causes, had been fully explained and the remedies pointed out. It is again intended to renew the attempt, and should it be successfully accomplished, of which there can be little doubt, the difficulty of procuring ova from Australia will be comparatively easy. Still, however, in the case of effecting so truly a national benefit as the introduction of salmon, we think that the means may, when the time arrives, be very reasonably looked for from a vote of the Assembly. Meantime the expenses of the Society must be provided for by public subscription, a support which, we trust, the people of this Province will need very little stirring up to afford. Church Orphan Home Institution. —For some time past the establishment of an institution of this nature has been projected in connection with the Established Church. The Bishop of New Zealand has considerately agreed to appropriate a site for the building in Symonds-street, and a fancy bazaar, will, we ■ believe,- be held in the coarse of a few weeks, in aid of the fUcds Bowery for earplug out the 'tuthflakbeg.

The Institution, which will be under Church superintendence, will be open for the admission of children of all denominations.

The Auckland Tonic Sol-fa Vocal Society held their first half-yearly meeting: on Thursday, 9th ultimo, in the School-room, Karangahape Road. The majority of the members were present. Mr. Osmund Lewis having been voted to the chair, the Secretary, Mr. T. W. Lewis, read the report of the Committee, by which it appears that the Society is in a flourishing condition. The number of members at present on the roll is 81, and the amount of subscriptions received during the past six months has been £29 12s. 6d., and the expenses for stationery, candles, &c., for the nse of the class during that period were £8 Bs., leaving a balance of cash in hand of £2l 3s. lOd. We are informed by’ the Committee that the Society would have made a more satisfactory’ progress but for the circumstance of the whole of the musicbooks not having yet arrived from England, and also that many of the original members had left for Otago. The books for practice are now, however, supplied in a printed form to the Society free of cost through the liberality and kindness of one or two of its members, so that no impediment to its future success need be apprehended on that account. The report was unani- ! mously adopted, and the following office-bearers for the ensuing half-year were elected: —Mr. Shalders, President ; Mr. Hercpath, Treasurer; Mr. French, Conductor; Mr. T. W. Lewis, Secretary’; and Messrs. Cox, Rhodes, Skinner, Graham, and Didsbury- as the Committee of Management. The cordial thanks of the members were voted by acclamation to Mr. Shalders for his liberality to the Society in granting the free use of the room and for the moral and material aid he has otherwise rendered; and also to Mr. French for his disinterested and valuable assistance in conducting the scientific business of the Society. The members present testified in an unequivocal manner their appreciation of the conductor’s services—not only’ in regard to their ability', but, also for their gratuitous character. The thanks of the members were also voted to the Treasurer, the late Committee, and also to those gentlemen who so kindly and laboriously copied the music for the class. The business of the evening was enlivened by’ a few pieces of music which were the means of displaying the progress that the members, both male and female, had made towards proficiency. The proceedings altogether were of a most pleasing and satisfactory character, and we have no doubt, if the members bo but persevering •in their studies both at home and at class, they cannot fail to become most efficient vocalists. In that case society generally’ will be the gainers and will, we trust, duly appreciate the pleasing benefits which will follow from this harmonious combination of melody. Freeman’s Bav Church. —The erection of a Church in this district is, we believe, under consideration at the present time. The crowded state of St. Matthew’s and St. Paul’s calls loudly for extended accommodation for the members of the Episcopal Church in Auckland ; and the erection of a Church at Freeman’s Bay will do much towards furnishing the required space. St. Matthew’s Church. —We are glad to learn that the Vestry of St. Matthew’s Parish arc determined to build their new Church after the designs of that emminent architect, Mr. Butterfield, of London. Tenders are called for, and we hear that the Vestry are determined to prosecute the work vigorously, so that in twelve or eighteen months we may expect to see a model Church, for its architectural beauty, we believe, is unsurpassed in the colonies. We wish those energetic parishioners success in their undertaking. The Mohawks again.—Parnei.l.— We arc sorry to have to record disgraceful acts practised on our fel-low-citizens, but our attention has been drawn to a mean outrage committed by some vagabond, who tore down in the night the brass plate from the front gate of Mrs. Brassey’s young ladies’ establishment, and having destroyed it left it lying in the road. The fact of the house being only occupied by a lady’, who is borne down at the present time by domestic* affliction, adds to the uumanliness of the outrage. The Great Exhibition. —When the articles sent from Auckland, for exhibition at the forthcoming exposition in Hyde Park, were on view in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, we took occasion to draw the attention of our readers to a very splendid escritoire (then but partly finished) fiom the atelier of Mr. Seufert. That escritoire is now completed, and a very beautiful and elaborate specimen of workmanship it is, embracing an infinite variety of the choicest of our New Zealand woods, arranged in a truly pictorial manner. This escritoire is intended to be presented by the colonists of Auckland to Her Majesty the Queen; and to accomplish so loyal an object a Subscription List has been opened, which already amounts to something like a hundred and sixty pounds, being within a hundred and forty pounds of the valuation. The escritoire will be open for public exhibition, this day and Thursday, in Canada buildings; and as the receipts are to be added to the subscription funds, we have little doubt that our fellow citizens will profit by the opportunity of inspecting a splendid work of art, intended as a grateful souvenir to the Sovereign of this remote colony, and upon whose artistic abilities it is destined to confer the greatest honour.

Southern Provinces Almanac for 1862.—We have just received from the publishers a copy of this work, which is, we perceive, in its ninth year ot publication, and which has been most carefully collated and revised. The several Provinces of Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland arc fully represented and a narrative ot the principal events of the past year is affixed to the discription of the first and last. Wo also notice a short but succinct account of the war at Taranaki. Besides the usual information with regard to statistics, tidal variations, customs tariff, directions, &c., we were attracted by the very copious and useful garden calendar which occupies not less than 22 pages, and which for comprehensiveness is all that can be desired. Its author’s experience of 15 years at home and 10 in this colony is a sufficient guarantee for its accuracy ; altogether the work is just such an one ns thoroughly to answer the purpose for which it has been offered to the public. Committal for Murder. —The preliminary investigation into the charge of murder against private Daniel Burke of the 70th, was concluded on the 18th last, when the prisoner was committed to take his trial in the Supreme Court on the charge. The proceedings were somewhat lengthy, but nothing was elicited to throw any light on the cause of the crime. It appeared that on the evening of Monday, December 23rd, the deceased, and privates John Dumbell and Robert Barnes were in Otahuhu together, where they had a great deal of drink. About midnight they set out from Roger’s public house to the Camp, to which they were about halfway when they came upon a man lying by the side of the road. Heslin wanted him to get up to go home to the Camp, but the man said he would not go and sang out for Burke who then came out of a gardenclosetothcm. Some words passed between him and Heslin about some old quarrel (but what the quarrel was did not transpire in Court), blows followed, and after fighting a minute or two they fell into the ditch, where they continued fighting, and when, they came out Burke made off and Heslin called out that he was stabbed. After proceeding some distance, with the assistance ot his companion, he lay down on the road and they sent for surgeons, who examined him and had him conveyed to the hospital, where he died on Sunday, 12th January, the cause of his death being a knife stab in the abdomen about inch in length, and perforating the intestines; he also received a flesh wound in the left side of the chest. When the prisoner was being brought to Auckland, Police Constable Caffery showed the knife found on the prisoner to Corporal B. Chambers, one of the Escort, remarking that it was the knife with which Heslin was stabbed, upon which prisoner paid that if he had had the sharp knife he would have done for him.

Military Assassination.—We learn, with the deepest regret, that Dr. Neill of the 65th, a gentleman very generally esteemed both by the gallant regiment in which he has so long served, and by this community where he is so well known and appreciated, was stabbed by two men—masked and unknown— cu the 29th ult. Dr. Neill is said to be in a precarious condition. Soldiers, it is alleged, are the aggressors ; but, until we have more than bare suspicion to guide us, we should be sorry to cast a stigma upon any number or corps. The evil is daily gaining ground in England, and ought, we think, to be dealt with by Military rather than by Civil Law. Dr. Neill, 65tii Regiment.—We arc sure it will afford satisfaction to the friends of this young officer to learn that though still in a precarious he is not altogether in a perilous condition. Three men are in custody on suspicion of being concerned in this dastardly attack, but Dr. Neill is still unable to appear against them. When assailed, it is stated that Dr. Neill tore the mask from his assailant's face, and with more pluck than prudence exclaimed “ I know you.” “ Do you,” said the assassin, “ then you shall never give evidence against me,” and stabbed the unfortunate gentleman thrice, near the region of the heart. It is to be hoped this case may be dealt with summarily bv Military, not by Civil Law. Street Obstructions, —In a recent issue our contemporary drew attention to the prevalence in ibis city of obstructions in the foot paths of our streets, caused by the deposition of material about to be used in the construction of buildings along side. Such a system no doubt appears to those who have come, from the well ordered towns of the mother country unsightly and inconvenient, and will, we trust to the good sense of our builders, cease to become a matter of reprehension here. The practise of allowing horses to rtand across the footpaths, compelling foot passengers *-s tars oaf- info fh* rt7*dw»y ? j 9 of soundest

occurrence, and it would be well if in such cases the police interfered to prevent the repetition of this scandalous nuisance. Fire. —The other day, but for the timely assistance of persons living close by, Mr. Heron’s new Ivuse in Wellesley-street, might have been destroyed, through the carelessness of a woman in throwing a quantity of ashes, in which were several live coals, upon a heap of shavings in the rear of the building. As it was, a carpenter’s bench and part of the paling were burned before the fire was put out. Wairoa. — A soiree was held on the 14th ultimo, in the Presbyterian church, which was very complete in its arrangements, and most successful in its results. The attendance was very large and respectable, including nearly all the residents at Wairoa, and also a number of friends from Papakura, Otahuhu, and Auckland. After tea, liberally provided by the ladies of the district, the Rev. T. Norric, as chairman, congratulated the meeting on the signs of physical, moral, and ecclesiastical progress that were abundantly supplied by the district. The secretary then read a report of the congregation for the past year, which showed that the financial affairs were in a very encouraging state. Excellent and most suitable addresses were then delivered by the Rev. J. Macky, Otahuhu ; the Rev. Mr. Mason and Mr. Rattray, Auckland ; and Messrs. Henderson, Mathcson, Scott, and Bremner, of Wairoa. The proceedings of the meeting were agreeably diversified and much enlivened, by the singing of several anthems with good effect, by a few members of the local music class, assisted by friends from a distance, and all under the able guidance of Mr. Thomson, whose painstaking care and success as an instructor were clearly evident. The proceeds of the soiree, amounting to upwards of £ls, will be applied to the fund for liquidating the debt on the manse of the united congregation, of which the Wairoa church forms an important part. On the whole, this neighbourhood with its numerous comfortable homesteads re-claimed from the dense bush and swamp, with its rapidly improving roads, with its two churches, day and sabbath schools, library, and mutual improvement society, and many other advantages, afford an encouraging example of what, by the industry and perseverance of a few good settlers, the roughest and most inaccessible of our districts may soon become. — (From a correspondent .)

Fire at Pakatvaka, Bay of Isdands. —On the night of Wednesday, the 15th ult., at 8 p.m., the stores of John W. Williams, Esq., at Pakawaka, were destroyed by fire, and property to the amount of upwards of .£SOO was burnt. The dwelling house immediately adjoining was providentially saved, being at one time it was in extreme jeopardy, and indeed actually on fire. A great quantity of shavings were lying about the house, additions being made to it, and thus the fire communicated to the adjoining building. At the time of the accident, Mr. Williams was on his passage from Auckland, by the “ Sea Breeze,” and whilst here he dreamt his house was destroyed by fire, he took the precaution the day before bo left town to insure his dwelling house and furniture in the New Zealand Insurance Company. The store, however, being an old building, he did not think it worth insuring, and he consequently loses both its worth and its valuable contents. The fire is supposed to have originated from rats gnawing at lucifers, a few loose boxes of which were Iving about the store.

The New Zealand Gazette. —On the 20th nit, a Gazette was issued which, contains, among other matter, an order in council making regulations for aboriginal natives to serve on juries, also appointing the districts of Tokamaru, Waiapu, and Lower Waikato under the Native Circuit Courts and Native Districts Regulation Acts. An order in council has likewise been published abolishing all existing regulations with regard to volunteer companies in the several militia districts, and substituting a series of new regulations under which the old companies or others may be re-formed. Also a letter rom the Colonial Secretary’s Office referring to the intention of the Government to propose to the House of Representatives to make provision for the widows of officers, non-commissioned officers and privates who may be killed on service. The copy also of a letter expressive of His Excellency’s appreciation of the services of the Rifle Volunteers, rendered to the colony in a time of difficulty, has been forwarded to their Lieut.-Colonel. The appointment also appears of Dr. Philson as coroner for the general district of Auckland, which is defined as being within a radius of twenty miles from the Government House at Auckland, exclusive of the provincial hospital, the lunatic asylum, and the Auckland gaol and stockade and their precincts, over which district, to be called the gaol and hospital district, Mr. Richard Matthews, surgeon, has been appointed coroner. The Gazette contains a variety of other matter, but of no immediate general interest. Sekies of Casualties. —Coroner’s Inquests;.On Wednesday last, at Howick, on view of the- body of David Clifford, aged 56 years, who, on the previous Monday, committed suicide by shooting himself through the head with his rifle, loaded with ball. Deceased was a shoemaker and had been drinking since Christmas. Partly through prolonged drinking, and partly through embarrassed circumstances, his mind became greatly depressed, and he seemed to have resolved to get rid of his troubles and his life together. He placed the muzzle of the piece below his chin and pushed the trigger with his toe. A third part of the skull was blown away, and much of the brain. The ball lodged in the partition of the adjoining cottage. Death was instantaneous. The verdict was not unanimous, two of the jury attributing the fa’al deed to temporary insanity, and eleven to the abuse of strong drink.—Also on Friday, in Auckland, on view of the body of James Walsh, aged 61 years, who was mortally injured on the head by falling from his own cart on the Otahuhu road, on Wednesday evening last, between five and six o’clock Deceased lived in Panmure, and was returning thither from Auckland when he was met by a carter, who noticed him to be in a sleepy state as he sat on the dray head with his feet on the shafts. He hailed him in passing, and was answered by deceased. A few moments afterwards, deceased’s horse set off at a gallop, and the unfortunate man was taken up insensible and in a dying state. He was removed to the Provincial Hospital, where he died a few minutes after his arrival. Verdict—killed by accident.—Yesterday forenoon, a person seemingly between fifty and fifty-five years of age fell down dead in the neighbourhood of Bird Grove, Epsom road. The body was conveyed to the “ Prince Albert Inn,” to await a coroner’s inquest.—January 18. Coroner's Inquests.— On 18th ult., at the Prince Albert Inn, Epsom, on view of the body of Thomas Kelly, who dropped down dead the day before on the Epsom Road. Deceased was of very intemperate habits, and had been drinking since the Races. A post mortem examination by Mr. Matthews, Surgeon, revealed ruptured vessel in the brain and clot on its surface. The heart also was greatly dilated, the lungs were full of tubercles, the liver presented the “ gin character,” and the stomach was utterly disorganized. A more complete wreck of humanity was never seen. Verdict: —“ Died of apoplexy, the result of intemperance.” On the 21st, at the Camp, at Otahuhu, on the case of the late John Heslin, 14th Regiment, who died on the 12th instant, of a wound in the abdomen, inflicted by Daniel Burke, 70th Regiment, who was committed to take his trial by the Resident Magistrate on Friday last for wilful murder. The inquest jury returned a similar verdict against Burke. Death by Drowning.— An inquest was held at Cabbage Bay Saw Mills on the 11th ultimo, before the Coroner, James Preece, Esq., of Coromandel, on the body of Antonio Francis Ogrury, a native of France. In attempting to cross the creek on the logs, where the depth of water is at least 15 feet, the unfortunate man missed his footing and was swept by the force of the tide, which was running out at the time under some logs with which that part of the creek was full. Eveiy exertion was made to save him, but the body could not be found until two hours after. It was then taken out quite dead. Verdict—Accidentally drowned.

Bodv Found. —The following report has been received by the Commissioner of Police from the Officer stationed at Howick, under date January 16th:— '• I report for your information that three men are missing, and are supposed to be drowned. They went out fishing in a small dingy on Sunday afternoon, and have not been heard of since. Parties have been to search for them, but can get no tidings of the men ; but they have found a cap supposed to belong to one of the missing men, and the dingy was found at Waiheki, turned upside down, and some fishing lines were found tied to it. Two of the missing men lived at Maraiti; one belonged to Howick. Their names are Joseph Freeland. Charles Garraghty and William Moore.” —Yesterday we were informed that the body of one of the men, William Moore had been found and identified at Barry’s Island, near Howick; there is but too good reason to believe that Moore was drowned and that the other two unfortunate men have met with the same iate.”

The Eight o’clock Gun. —Whilst the Pelorus was in harbour, the inhabitants of this city, and for two and three miles round it, were enabled to keep correct time in consequence of the firing of the eight o’clock evening gun. Since that vessel’s departure we have missed our usual time-check, and the result now is, that it is a matter ot difficulty to find two clocks in the town agreeing with one another. The continuance of this practice by the naval authorities would be most acceptable to the people of Auckland, and one for which their best acknowledgments would be due. Sx. Paul’s School. —We are informed that Mr. J. Diddaras, of St. Paul’s School, has succeeded in obtaining a first-class certificate at the late Government Ohuainmion of Teachwl,