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New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2610, 10 March 1866, Page 2

A military ball, very numerously attended, took place on Wednesday evening, in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, and passed off with great success. The ball had been very chastely and tasefully dc-

The following notice was potted upon the door of the Supreme Co.irt on Wednesday : "The civil business of the March session of the Supreme Court of New Zealand will be taken on Tuesday, the first day of May, it 10 o'clock in the forenoon. —L, O'Brien, Registrar. Supreme Court-office, Auckland, March 1. 1866."

An inquejt on the body of Jarats Maher, whose death was caused by falling from a loft in the stables attached to Mr. Casey's premises, was held at the Horse and Groom Hotel, on Wednesday evening. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, in accordance with the evidence.

Amongst the list of passengers by the ' Airedale,' we notice the name of Thos. Russell, Ksq., who, we understand, intends proceeding overland to England, and may be expected to return in about six or seven months. We trust that this trip will recruit Mr. Russell's health, which for some time past has been none of the best.

A cattle fair was held on Tuesday at the Wade township, which was vcrv largely attended by the neighbouring settlers, and a considerable amount of stock changed hands. The steamer ' Waitemat.i was specially chartered by Major Stoney, the landlord of the hotel in the township, and left Auckland for the Wade river at 6 a m. on Tuesday, returning early yesterday morning. Several persons from Auckland availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting the district. On the 17th inst., the Wade races will take placeSeveral gentlemen met on Wednesday evening, at the Belfast Hotel, to consider the advisability of forming a Volunteer Engineer Corps. The Secretary, Mr. Skeet, stated he had already 36 signatures. He could muster upwards of 50; but owing to the erratic nature of the profession, he was unable to get more names. A corps of this kind would undoubtedly be very beneficial, there being amongst the members not only professional gentlemen, but thoroughly good bushmen and interpreters, as well as guides.

The annual soiree in connection with the St. James's Presbyterian Church is announced to take place in the church, on Tuesday, the 27th instant. Last evening the ninth annual meeting of the Ladies' Benovelent Society took place at the Young Men's Christian Association Building, Wellestey-street. Dr. Bennett in the chair. This association which has existed for nine years, has done incalculable good to many a poor distressed family, and those who can assist it in any way are deserving of the best thanks of the public.

A meeting of the Committee of the Auckland Total Abstinence Society will be held on Monday evening next, at half-past seven o'clock, in the School Room, Edwardes street.

THE MURDER OF MR. VOLKFER. Yesterday the preliminary examination of the natives charged with the murder of tli': R j v. Mr. Volkner, took place before Mr. Beckham, 11.M., at the Stockade, Mount Eden. In the absence of Mr. Brookfleld, Mr. Keetly prosecuted, assisted by Mr. 11. T. Clark, of Tauranga. Mr. James Cirnell defended the prisoners, and Messrs. Hamlin and Hector interpreted the evidence. The witnesses examined were the Rev. Mr. Grace, Mr. Joseph Jennings, a Portuguese storekeeper, residing at Opotiki at the time of the tragedy, and Te Wepiha.

Owing to the absence of the other witnesses the further hearing of the case was adjourned until to-day.