Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 288, 14 October 1864, Page 4

The lliißETi Pα in the 'North. —-Elsewhere will be found the letter of a Matakana settler, containing the latest intelligence from Omeha. Intelligence which, however satisfactory it may be, as bringing some hopes for the settlers of temporary freedom from outrage, is one of deep humiliation, and cannot but raise in the minds of honest men and Englishmen, a feeling of scorn and contempt for the miserable drivelling which has rendered it necessary that Maori rebels, late our prisoners, should dictate terms to us, and levy contributions in food and clothing as blackmail, as the price of their forbearance from robbing and plundering, and perchance murdering British settlers, living in settled .European districts, with '25 miles of the capital. When Sir George Grey took these Maori prisoners from the safe keeping of the Colonial Government, and placed them on the Kinviiu with no other security for their remaining there but their own parole ; he committed a gross blunder, but when he allowed these men after their escape to entrench themselves on the mainland, in what now turns out to be an impregnable pah, he committed something more than a blunder—he did that which has brought the British name and British arms into disgrace, and has brought the blush of shame into every Englishman's face. Wo are, indeed, draining the dregs of the cup of shame and humiliation which a truckling imbeeility and deference to Exeter Hall vagaries has brought upon this Colony. The late secret expedition of the 'Victoria' aud the embassy of Major Cooper is the crowning point of shame— how great a depth there is in the pit to which we HKij r yet descend Sir George Grey alone knows.

ISiKw Zkaland KxuntiTiox.—A meeting of the committee will be held at Hie oiiiee next to the jYlasonic Motel, to-morrow afternoon, at hull-past two o'clock. IJAXK ok Niiw Zealand. —Tlic half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors of this Dank wi,l be held in the Banking House, Queen-street, on Friday, the 2<Sth instant, to reeeive the report of the directors for the half year ending the :30th instant, also for the election of three directors. Anotiiek Waikato Offickk Missing.—"\Y r e are informed that an Oilieer of the detachment of "Wuikato militia, now stationed at Kaglan. has left his men to shift for themselves, aud has been absent without leave for some days. Is the Police Court yesterday, John Hnmiml, a private attached to the OSth regt., was found guilty of having stolen a saw, the property of .)olm Slovens, a carpenter employed by Mr. Hill in Princes-street. It. appears the prisoner stole the saw after working hours from the shop, and was found oiiering it for sale on the. Queenstreet wharf, when lie was apprehended. His Worship sentenced him to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. JJksidkxt JJakistkxtk's Court.. —His "Worship was engaged for some considerable time in hearing civil cases. Judgment was given in the matter of Stewart v. Ulackmore in favor of the defendant, and in the ease of Turnbullv. Lloyd, an action brought to recover the sum of ;£s<> for damages done to the plaintiff l>y the defendant kicking him on the leg and thereby breaking it: his Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff for the full amount claimed. There were some twenty-four cases heard, which, however, were of no public interest. TiiK JJand of the 50th Kegimcnt will perform this afternoon, in the Albert Uarracks, weather permitting, at half-past three o'clock. The programme will be as follows; —1. Polonesa, "Astelia," Jjerr; 2. Overture, " Yespres Sicilieuns." Verdi; :i. A'alse, '• Violaute," D'Albert; 4. Selection, " Faust," Gouuord ; 5. Quadrille, "Planters," Gassner; G. Galop, "Un 13allo," Verdi. God Save the Queen.

Ax Evening with tuts Poets.—AVe understand that Air. George Iniwcctt has kindly consented to give a reading, consisting of a selection irom the woi'k.s of Charles Dickens and other celebrated authors. AVe believe the reading will take place at St. Matthew's School-room on Tuesday week, and the proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to the funds of the " Orphan Homo." A host amusing fracas occurred yesterday afternoon, at the "" Old ilousp at Home," much to the delight of the city i/miiins, between a pensioner, his wife, and another person, relative to the sale of a dog cart. It appeared that the pensioner, to whom the horse and cart belonged, had entered into treaty for their sale for jf:>s. Live pounds was paid as deposit, the remainder to be given at the purchaser s residence, Freeman's Bay. The vendor had not, however, consulted his "• belter halt"' as to the advisability of the transfer, who immediately got into the vehicle, took possession of the " ribbons," aud dared the purchaser to take possession. A blue-coaled guardian of the peace having turned up on (he scene, the principals agreed to deposit the amount with him if he would install the lieu owner; he. however, declined the proffered honour. The all'air was brought to an uiuiinelv end by the fair one driving oil' up Hobson-street for home, deaf alike to the threats and entreaties of licr spouse, whom she "left lamenting," calling in by the way at the " Prince of Wales," for a "" refresher" to strengthen her in tJie determination to retain ut alt hazards the family equipage. The case had a serious as well as a comic aspect, as the unfortunate purchaser was coolly informed by the husband that he should retain the five pound deposit, as lie was perfectly willing to complete the bargain, but that the buyer must arrange for possession with the "old woman."

-1'j: i>'(•!•: ok "Wales Tkeatkk.—" Titk "Will A.N!) Tin; "Way."—The stylo in which the above drama has been produced relleets the greatest credit on all concerned. The management, the painter, the mechanist, and the company have all contributed their quota towards a success the most genuine and most deserved of any that has been made during tlie season. The piece itself is an exceedingly good one, quite outside of its sensational character, possessing salient points of attraction that must, without doubt, pny Messrs. JJni'iy and Daniels handsomely for its production. The scenery is positively beautiful, and unquestionably stamps Mr. C* IViassey as one, at least, ol' the best scenic artists in the colonies; tiie Churchyard scene i.s absolutely perfect, and the storm of applause with which it was greeted, testified in a gratifying manner the public appreciation of Mr. Massev's skilful pencilling. The part of Martin the Groom. • Old -fidelity, , was sustained by i\jr. Harry in a most artistic manner, and may safely be stated to be the best rendered anions his many successful interpretations. Mr. jjaniels, as "honest Joe L'eans, won tlie sympathies of lu.s audience by his impersonation of I ho character, and relieved Hit- heavier portion of the play by his racy humour. Miss Fanny Young, the people's favorite, equally at home and equally acceptable in tragedy, comedy, larce, or burlesque, added another leaf to her wreath of laurels, and frequently called forth tho lieartj- plaudits of thu

audience- Mr. Clifford, as Meeran—Sir. West, in the difficult part of Will Sidler—and Mr. O'Brien, as The Khan—were alike deserving of praise. And Miss M. Griffiths presented the onerous and up-hill part of Zara with a fidelity and earnestness that did her infinite credit. Miss Corcoran played the part of the heroine very prettily. The piece was an unmistakable success, and will, without doubt, bring grist to the managerial mill. The entertainment eluded with a dance by Misses Griffiths and Corcoran. , A Phovinciat. Government Gazette was published yesterday, and contains public riotifi: cations appointing G. P. Pierce,. Esq., a Com: missioner of the .Hoard of Education, vice h. B. Dubson resigned; and the nomination ot Messrs." Goodfcllow, P- W. Howard?H. INicholls, John "Wallace, and Joseph West, as Highway Trustees for the district of East Tamaki. Also, the appointment of Mr. Daniel Simpson as Highway Trustee for the Papakura Valley, vice Mr. H. Stuntou, resigned. There is also the notification of the appointment of the following gentlemen as Highway Trustees for the Mahurangi district, namely, Messrs. 31. Angove, E. <N. JJodd, It. C. Dyer, 11. Hornsby, and J. H. Hudson. It will be seen that lots jN'os. 27, 30, 77, 84, 88, 148, IS2, 250, *2of;, 3SS, in the township of Graham, have been reserved as sites for places of public worship, and lepresentatives of the several religious bodies recognized as having j OlUciatiug Ministers within the provisions of the Marriage Act, ure invited to send in written applications before the 24th of November next, Mr. James King has, we see, been appointed Sub-Inspector of thistles, and Sub-Inspector off sheep, in the liay of Islands District. Theatke Eoyal.—Last night was the first night of the English Opera Company at this theatre. The piece produced was the wellknown drama of " Hob IJoy." Much care had evidently been bestowed upon the getting up. The cast was a very good one. Mr. G. Fawcett excelled himself as the iSaillie ; Mr. T. Fawcett,as Eob Hoy, went through his part with his usual eclat; Miss J uno, as Helen Macgreeor, we have never seen excelled in the colonies; the part of Francis Osbaldiston, by Miss Iloyal, was very ably sustained ; and last, though not least, the character of The Dougal, by Mr. Dunn, was sustained in. as creditable a manner as ttc were led to expect it would be by an actor of his wellknown ability. Miss Dumi was very good in her impersonation of Diana. The whole concluded with the farce of " The Toodles." There was a very full house aud a very select com-

pany. TiiE Natives are, it seems, re-appear Lug on tlicir old battle - grounds. We learn irom Drury (as will be seen elsewhere) that scouts Lave been seen near the place where the Faheys were butchered; and from gentleman in the "Waikato we have also a private letter, the contents ut' which we think it impolitic to publish, but which point to the probability of a determined struggle on the part of the rebels to repossess themselves ot' the Waikato at no distant date. Wholesale Duck Stealing.—The police received information yesterday afternoon, that a quantity of ducks had been stolen from the yards of various inhabitants of the city, amongst whom, from Mr. Sheehan, " Governor Browne " Hotel, Mr. Avery, plasterer, Hobson-street, Dr. iiennet, lvcgistrar of 13irths and Marriages, and Mr. Smith, the " Old House at Home" Hotel. The authorities having learnt that four bo}-s had been selling ducks during the day to several eating houses in the city, Sergeant Scott was entrusted with the case, and following his clue, he contrived to obtain nearly- twenty ducks. Four boys have been apprehended on suspicion, one named Thomas Olynn, and another, Bernard Donovan alias Banks, who has only just come out of prison, having been sentenced at the last sittings of the Supreme Court, to 14 days" imprisonment lor obtaining copper bolts under jivlse pretences, the other two are unknovt;n to the police. The accused will be brought before the .Resident Magistrate this morning. A JYL.vx was reported to the police yesterday as having been found in a helpless condition amongst the fern, near Mr. Hay burn's, at the Whan. Constable Harnett was at once despatched, and, having found out his whereabouts, Drought away the unfortunate fellow, who was evidently sintering from an attack of delirium tremens, it appears he had been attended by Dr. Aikin, having, during his wanderings', stabbed himself in six diiierent places near the region of the heart. The man, who is at present unknown, said he had inflicted the wounds himself. He was conveyed to the Colonial Hospital; where his injuries were properly attended to. JN'oiiTH Suoke.— By the end of the present year there is no doubt a steamer will ply between the several points of the .North. Shore and Auckland. In anticipation of this we are glad to hear that a Committee lias been formed to raise funds for repair uud extension of the wharf at the Flagstatf. To enable a steamboat of the requisite size to land her passengers anil, cargo at all times of the tide, the present pier must be lengthened about 75 feet. The cost of this, it is understood, will be about £150, onehalf of which will be contributed by the Provincial Government, on condition that the balance is raised by the settlers and owners of land in the neighbourhood.

Imkst-Class Alihtia.—There will bo a parade this afternoon at half-past three o'clock, in the Albert Jjarracks, tor the men of .IN o. o Company, in order to attend the funeral oi" Private Charles Sehafer, late of that company. All other noncommissioned oiiieers. and men of tile battalion are, we see, invited to attend. JiitUATUM.—In our report of the debate which took place in the x'rovincial Council on V\ eduesday, respecting the appointment and salary of Mr. \\ eaver, Mr. Kuwc is made to say that he " thought the expenditure for the engineering and architectural stall' was excessive. According to his computation they were expending somewhere about £1,700. This computation was, of course, only proximate.'' The sum mentioned should have been £7,000 or ;CS,OOO. The (jKeat J3iluai<l> Touuxamext.—Lovers of the noble game of billiards will iind interest in the following, which we take from the Xytlitty MiinniKj Jlvniid, of the -ith instant. : —Mr. John ilobevlt, the celebrated billiard player, la.-t evening engaged in a mutch at lliu bchool oi Arts, the hail of which was admirably fitted up so as to aiford each spectator a fair view of tillable. The attendance numbered between three hundred and lour hundred persons, the reserved seats being nearly filled. The match was played upon a table manufactured of colonial blackwood by Alessrs. Aicock and Co., of Melbourne. Mr. lagan, who, we believe, has for nearly twelve mouths been a resident in this colony — and who, as a match-player, i.s scarcely excelled in the city—-was the antagonist of Mr. Koberls on this occasion, and received 500 points out of 1000. .From the commencement of the play, .Roberts, although apparently not playing to his own satisfaction, gamed last Oil ills opponent, notwithstanding that Pagan was playing well and steadily. "When Koberts readied ]02 lvigan scored 65. liefore Koberts reached his second hundred, however, Fagau placed his score in a better position, and elicited considerable applause by making ten consecutive losing hazards off the red from the baulk line, by soft wishes into the left corner pocket. When Koberts had made 200 his opponent's score stood t>os. it was not until .Roberts got into his fifth hundred that he succeeded in scoring anything considerable Ironi his favourite spot stroke, lie then in a brake oi >SS made fifteen red winning Innards from spot, and when the interval lor lvtivsir.nent arrived, Roberts was oOit (with a brake) to Fatran's 71!). Kobcrts subsequently gained rapidly upnn his opponent, with ijivaks <.■■' twenty, thirty,, and foriv. so that when fagan mas bOM, Kulicrts had reached i>33. and when ".Roberts had gained 800, his antagonist- was 0i.1.v iifty-three ahead. Ere Jj'agan added to h:S

score, TJbbcrts again -worked into position for Iris spot stroke and scored twenty-one -winning hazards, thereby thus passing Pagan when his s.'oro was 853. I'agan still played steadily, however, hopelessly, but Koberts with another onslaught with his spot stroke reached 000, leaving iii's opponent at 8(50. The only break afterwards of any importance was the forty-five by Kobcrts, mostly made up of cannons and losing hazards. Roberts scored his 1000 when Fagan's stood at winning bv 127 points. The match lasted flircehmii's anil fifteen minutes, allowing for the interval of t"venfy-five minutes. ."His ninth Viiulred Roberts scored in nine minutes. In 'iic course of the match he made fourteen breaks, i-nn"ing from 21 to SB. one break 63. exclusively from spot strokes. Fagan's highest breaks were 2S and 3:J. but he frequently reached fiuirteen or more. The shots, other than his «ple»did winning hazards, which gained for Koherts the most applause, were his long side strokes from baulk to the top pockets, together with sonic line jennies. It is understood that }|r Full ford, plays JJoberts this evening, receiving ''"O points. ]!,i]'ii!Kr»Y ok ANOTiiKit "M\u. «Y Bex Hall. ..-■We take the following extract from a New .>,.iiih "Wales local paper, as it appears in the SrJiiri,- M->r;/ini/ Jfcnild of the oth instant:— Information reached town, on Tuesday morning. that thi' clown mail of the 25th (.September) had been stuck up about three miles below the .lu> r io:iu r toll-bar, by Ben Hall and the old man. On further inquiries we were put in possession of the following facts : —' On the morning in iiuestion. as a Mr. Louies of Browning was pro"toiHiiir !•> •!unions, and when within about three mill's i't' the toll-bar, he was stopped by Ben Hall, .-md conducted a little distance off the v:ul. v,hen he was eased oi' what cash he pos--.v-i-ied. Shortly after William .Kggleton. jun., of Tumiit, returning from Goulbourn, was re-I'lie.-Icd to kee]) Mr. Lomcs conijiaiiy. and as i-\<\\ w::s unnecessary in that locality. Hall object e.l to giving him the trouble of carrying it; lie al>o lock a ring and two new vests winch Iv'i'leton had purchased in Goulburn. and after puVtini: on oue of the garments inquired how he 1,)..1ccd in a flash waistcoat. Another man in the employ of -Mr. Sheelian was also added to the cirele.'and about tour o'clock in the afternoon the mail came bv, when the driver was stopped .■■ml .he bacs taken possession of. No time was lost by Hall in opening the letters, and those which contained money were thrust into his ■»et-ke'>- From one letter he abstracted four V-"> ii.'ies. and about i"2O in notes from others. besides :i large number of half notes and cheques. This done he eased one of the drivers of a gold albert, rim:, and .CI note, but from the old driver they took nothing, he having nothing lo h<c. Durins the day Hall entertained his pri->i->niTs with a variety of conversation, eliciting iiifnrmation about tho escorts, how they wove "i;.ndeiL &<•.. and remarked it would take four or live good men to stick them up. Allusion was ;i!>o made to other sticking* up, and the eurrent topics of the day Hall seemed familiar •with. The old man. who is described as surly. >aid but little. Having finished.the business for the day. Hall and hisA-onipanion took a look at the ii'U-scs. but finding them tired or knocked up. tiii'v preferred keeping those they had previouslv ridden, that of Hall's resembling in every respect Mr. O'Mara's Forester. Sheelian's mail horses were considered to be too clumsy, .-viiil quite unfit for him to ride. Finding their victims' saddles better than their own, they exchanged, then took their departure over a hill, and permitted the travellers to proceed. Mr. Louies put his horse into a smart canter, hut when he came in sight of the toll-bar. Hall emerged from the bush, and told him not to gallop H' fast, or he should be compelled to relieve him of bis horse. Goiug to the toll-bar house. Jlall asked the keeper's wife if she had anything in cat. and being answered that all she had was hall'a leaf of bread, he declined to take it. savin-; he would get a feed at the next house. He then demanded their money, and from them he took i'l ; after which, he rode ofl' over the hill. It so happened that the escort had that evening arrived at Jugiong, and. hearing of Hall's proximity, the troopers started to scour the bush. UitM'on returned unsuccessful.—the darkness of the night being intense. After emptying the jackets of his victims. Hall invariably returned 'he silver, remarking that, as the times were so had. he should shortly have to inconvenience himself with silver or anything else he could

Provincial Council.—Tlio business of the Council yesterday comprised the presentation of* a number of petitions, a motion by Mr. Foley for a return of the money expended on tlie (ireat South Road; one by Mr. Cheeseman, for copies of correspondence between tlie Provincial Law Oilicer and the Supcriiiioiident. which Mr. TVynn resisted on the ground of its being entirely private; and one by Mr. Carleton for copies of correspondence on the subject of a rate of £250 for a road at Hokianga : and then there nas a great skirmish on the adjourned question relative to the salaries and appointments of various olJicers by the Superintendent since last session of the Council, which ended in the adoption of the list of the committee named in the motion to enquire into the matter. In tlie course of the debate, the propriety of the appointment of nearly every provincial oflicer since the last session, -.v;is sharply questioned, and there are signs of a fierce light over many of them before the committee.