EVENTS OF THE MONTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 899, 1 October 1866, Page 6

EVENTS OF THE MONTH.

Tks events to be recorded are of purely local interest. The usual quarterly Circuit Court (Supreme Court), has held its sittings. The calendar was made up for the most part of larcenies and minor offences. There was one case of murder—a soldier shooting a comrade, —in which the prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death.

We had to record a fire of great magnitude by tho last mail. We have to record another fire, of which the area of destruction is scarcely less.

As evidence of the prosperity of tho country, we may mention, that reports from all quarters —from clerical synod, local boards—declare that, taking the Province as a whole, there never was greater promise. A very large area of land is being brought under cultivation. Limestone has been found and burnt at Papakura with a successful result. A new Church is being erected at Mahurangi.

Tho Diocesan. Synod of the Church of England has held its sitting. It deliberations have resulted in some measures of great usefulness. In the first p'.ace it is probable that something will be done for home missions, by a general public meeting to be held in Auckland. But in a secular point of view the Synod has done real good by dispelling those ideas of prevalent distress which it seems to be the object of professional philanthropists to propagate. Distress there is, but the advocates for it? help by proving too much have done much to discredit it. We have the highest names for declaring that the distress is not much greater in this year 1866 than it was in 186 i, when the province was ia tho highest state of prosperity. There is unquestionably a large amount of distress. precipitated by accessions of floating population, by exceptional changes and other circumstances, but this is all. There is, of course, a certain amount of distress that must fall as a permanent charge UDon tho Government, namely, that for the sick, the infirm, the blind, aud lunatics.

Colonel Haul tain has replied to resolutions forwarded him by his constituents, requesting him to resign. Of course he will not stoop to be a delegate. He talks about " some" of his constituents in the same sort of way that a man abuses or insults those whom he has injured. The new Commodore, Captain llochfort M'Guire, has arrived. The first impression is highly favourable to him. We would fain hope the impression is mutual. One thing is certain that he comes to these shores with a hearty welcome, while his predecessor departs with very general regret. During the month business has been steady. There is no dowu progress, if there is not the usual go-ahead. Money is what is called "tight," but uood paptr is negociated on easy terms. We are happy to say that churc'.ies are going up in every direction Scarcely a week passes that does not furuish a new chapel or church This, together with the unflagging industry of the colonists, is of good augury. The Pegasus, from London, has arrived in harbour. She brings 43 passengers, all well, and a large cargo.

On Sunday last, the 23rd instant, an accident occurred at the Thames by which one Murdoch McJiay, a trader in kauri gum lost his life It appeared that the cutter Jolly Miller was anchored at Papakawhau, on the Whare-kawau. On Sunday, the 23rd, the captain and his mate went on shore to obtain some water, and get the assistance of a Maori to dive for the rudder. After getting ashore a gale sprung up. They were unable to sjet on board for 20 hours. The weather being so bad, the Captain made arrangements with a .Maori named "Wiremu Waitangi to go on board and take off the passengers, Murdoch. McKay and Drake. The Maori went off in the dingy to the cutter witli nothing on but a shirt. The cutter lay about 30 yards from the shore. On reaching the cutter the deceased McKay got into the dingy and the Maori commenced rowing towards the shore, when a heavy sea struck the cutter, the cutter struck the dingy, pitching botli McK.ny and the Maori into the sea. McKay sunk immediately, but the Maori after tremendous exertions succeeded in reaching the shore. The dingy was thrown up on the beach on the 26th, and McKay was washed ashore about 3 p m. the same day, considerably decomposed, in fact in such a state that the Captain thought it advisable to bury the body at once, 'lhe deceased was a man much respected both in Auckland and the Thames district, where he was trading in kauri gum. It will be remembered that he was robbed a short time ago of a considerable sum of money.

In another column will be found the half' yearly report of the Auckland Insurance Company, read at the meeting of the 20th instant, The balance sheet, considering the number of fires that have occurred recently in Auckland, was most satisfactory. Mr. S. Hague Smith was re-elected a director, and Messrs. J. L. Tole and C. Arthur were re-elected auditors.

It .again becomes our painful duty to record another fatal accideut in tlio Manukau, by •which a man named James Carroll, a discharged soldier from the 18th Rcyal Irish, lost his life. It appears that the deceased had come to Auckland by the Stormbird a few days since on some business connected with land, and was about to return to Wanganui by the same vessel. On Thursday evening last deceased, who had been drinking, went on board the vesi-el, where he only remained a short time. He then went on shore, and by some means he fell into the water. The tide being out at the time, he was with some difficulty rescued. In place of going on board after his escape, it appears he went and changed his clothes, and about 9 p m. lie came down on the wharf with a man whom he had employed to carry a box. From what we . can learn he was then in a state of intoxication. The man who had brought the box used every endeavour to get him ott the wharf, but finding it impossible to do so, he left him about 9-30 p.m° The deceased man tried to get on board the steamer Prince Alfred, but the man on watch would not allow him. About 10 p.m. the men on board the I'rinee Alfred heard a cry, and the dpp.eased wns seen in the water close alongside the steamer. Ropes were thrown to him and a life buoy, but lie seems to have been unable to catcli hold of either. A boat wns at once manned. Capt. Farquhar, of the Prince Alfred, went in search of deceased, but saw nothing of him. The tide was flowing very strong at the time, and the body, no doubt, was carried a long way up the harbour. The deceased was a married man, and we underhis wif<3 is at Wanganui. The body has not yet been recovered.

"We inspected a few days ago a very creditable piece of workmanship by the Messrs. Ireland brothers, of Durham-street, in the shape of forty feet length of hose made according to contract with the City Uoard. The material i 3of the best picked coiv-hide copper rivetted and fastened. The couplings were made by Messrs. Frazer and Tinne, of Mechanic's Bay. What is most noticeable about this excellent specimen of local workmanship, is that it can be made at a price fully as cheap as that for which it can be produced in England.

On Thursday last, as one of the watermen named Henry Hawkes was proceeding over to the North Shore, he picked up, off O'Neill's Point, the ferry-boat Ino, drifting about bottom up, with three men clinging to the bottom, and he at once towed it and the unfortunates ashore near the western point. It appears that the boat was too heavily laden, and carrying too muck sail at the time, was capsized in a sudden puff of wind. Hawkes managed to pick up the oars, floating timber, cargo, &c., all of which was conveyed ashore. He deserves great credit for the prompt assistance rendered, otherwise the consequences might have been joaterially different.

It becomes our painfuld uty to chronicle another fatal accident which took place in the Huia Bay of the Manakau, on Monday last, by which a man named Daniel Thompson lost his life. The deceased was in tho employ of Mr. f. H. Home, and was employed in falling and floating timber for the mills of Messrs. Gibbons and Co., at the Huia. In consequence of the late heavy weather several logs broke from their moorings, and were drifting about the bay. •>n Monday morning Mr. Horne sent some of his men to saw those logs; the deceased was one of fciie men employed at this work, and waile standing on a log and endeavoring to make it fast he, by some means, lost his balance and fell into the water. The accident was observed by two men named Brown and Fisher, who at once put off to his assistance in a boat, but deceased being unable to swim had sunk to rise no more before they could render him nny assistance. Mr. Horne at once turned out all his men to search for the bodv, which was recovered after a search ot about four hours. The deceased bore an excollent character, and has been much respected by his employers. . A company of the 50th Eegiment marched from the Albert Barracks on Wednesday morning last through town, headed by their splendid 'band, and shortly afterwards embarked on board the barque Alice Cameron, for Brisbane. The following officers accompany tho detachment: Capt. Creagh (in command), Lieut. KoHeston, Knsign Hunt, and Assistant-surgeon M'i)hane A detachment of the l'lth regiment has also embarked for Australia. H.M.S.S. Brisk left on Wednesday last for Sydney, via Norfolk Island, for the purposo of being docked, overhauled, &c. As she passed H.M.S-S. Curagoa and H.M.S.S. Eclipse, the several crews manned the yards and rigging, and loud and hearty farewell cheers and "good-byes" werp oxfUanpod. The band of tho Curagoa also joined with " Auld Lang Svne," " Home, Sweet Home," &c. The C'uracoa aud Eclipse leavo for England. The Venerable Archdeacon Lloyd has lately been on a visit to the iVlaliurangi district lor the purpose of co-operating with the settlers in makin< r arrangements for the erection of an Episcopalian Church, a considerable sum harinn- been already subscribed for that purpose. ° During his stay Mr. Lloyd held a service in the Public Hall, at Mahurangi, when there was a very crowded congregation, 1:40 persons being present. Tho rev. gentleman preached an excellent discourse, taking as his text the the latter portion of the 4th verse of tho viii chapter of St. Mark. We have heard with great pleasure that a testimonial has been presented to Mr. Brewer, Sub-Collector of H.M. Customs, Onehunga, by the captains of the various steamers trading to this port and Onehunga. Mr. Brewer has rendered great service to the various steam companies, and it is nothing but right that such services should bo suitably recognised.

On Tuesday evening lait a hre was discovered in the dwelling house occupied by Mr. Neilson, butcher, "Onehunga, but was fortunately extinguished before much damage was done. The part occupied by Mr. Neilson was not insured, but' Mr. Johnson oadden, who occupies a part of the same house, had his stock insured for £■100.

A Coroner's inquest was held on Thursday, the 27th instant, before Dr.Philson, coroner, touching the death of Joseph Blackburn, who was supposed to have been accidentally drowned on Saturday night, the 27th instant. The jury found a verdict of " Found drowned ; but iiow, or by what means, there is no evidence to showat the same time they expressed their strong opinion of foul play being used, and several seemed dissatisfied with the evidence adduced The strangest thing of all is that the boat was seen on Sunday morning made fast to the top rail, and lying alongside the wharf all right, thus shewing clearly that the man must have landed and fallen overboard afterwards.

Prom intelligence received by the Commissioner of Police, from a settler at the Great Barrier, we learn that a man, by name Thomas Strallon, lost his life by falling down a cliff. The particulars of the case are as follow :—The unfortunate man was out bullock hunting, along witli some other persons, and they had succeeded in killing a bull and were carrying the meat to the edge of a cliff which faces the sea, in order to convey it home in a boat. They had managed to get the beef down the cliff and into the boat, when the deceased said he would try and get down the cliff and go home in the boat, and so save the walk home. His companion endeavoured to dissuade him but in vain, and in his attempt to get down some loose stones gave way with him, and he was precipitated to the bottom, a distance of 90 or 100 fe«t One of the men in the boat succeeded in reuching him, but found him quite dead, his head beiDg fearfully lacerated. The deceased was about 3-1 years of age, and was employed in cutting firewood for Mr. Saggers, of Freeman's Bay. He was much respected for his quiet and unassuming manners. On receipt of the above intelligence the Commissioner of Police at once communicated with Mr. Allom, J.P., who happened to be in town, and requested him to hold an enquiry into the matter on his return to the Barrier.

A Coroner's inquest was held at the Provincial Hospital, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the 12th instant, before Dr. Goldsbro', Coronor, and a jury of twelve, on the body of the unfortunate woman Catherine Cavanngh, who died in the Hospital at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, from the effects of severe injuries on the head and face. The jury returned an open verdict, and considering the nature and extent of the evidence adduced, we do not see that they could have arrived at any other. If any additional facts come to light, calculated to invest the circumstances attending the death of the deceased with suspicion of foul play, it will be for the police to develope (hem.

A coroner's inquest was held at the Newmarket hotel, at 2.m. on Monday, the 17th instant, before T. AT. Philson, Esq. (Coroner), and a jury of twelve, on the body of Robert Potts, market gardener, who committed suicide on Sunday afternoon, in his own house near the turnpike on the Remuera Road. As will be senn from the report of the inquest, which appears elsewhere, no stronger reusuu can l)e assigned for the commission of this deliberate act of self destruction other than a disordered state of mind arising out of intemperance. The room in which this desperate act was committed is a small apartment about ten feet square, situate in the back part of the house, the height from the floor to the rafter to which the fatal rope was attached being little more than nine feet. The rope used was a portion of a common half-inch clothes line. The neck of the deceased man was not dislocated, and the features are neither livid nor distorted, the only indications of a violent death being the deep indenture and excoriation of the neck, caused by the compression of the cord. The jury returned a verdict offclo de se.

From Opotiki we learn that the Horn an Catholic Chapel there was burnt to the ground on Wednesday night week last. It was supposed to have been done wilfully in consequence of some of the inhabitants insisting upon giving a theatrical entertainment in the chapel the following evening.

An instructive little work bearing the title " The Age of New Zealand," has been published by Mr. Chapman, Queen-street. It is the work oi the K-cv. Mr. JCaylor, A1.A..F.G.5., a very old and highly esteemed colonist. There is, perhaps, no country in the world in which the study of geological science can be prosecuted with greater interest and profit than New Zealand. The subject is one of a very comprehensive character, but, it is treated of here with great conciseness and completeness. The author is evidently a close thinker and reasoner, and the deductions are very lucid, The style is perspicuous and attractive.

Amongst the passengers that arrived by the ship Pegasus on the 20th inst., from London, we welcome back Capt. JDacre, an old and esteemed colonist amongst us, after an absence of over eighteen months from this colony. The name of a Mr. Allan O'Neill will also be found among tho passengers by this ship. The concert held in the Brunswick Hall, on Tuesday evening last, on behalf of fc>t. Stephen s Orphan Home, was a great success, the gross proceeds being £96 Is. 6d , which, after deductin"- £22 lis. for expenses, left a balance in aid of"the funds of the above institution of £73 10s. 6d. We understand thai; it is the intention of the gentlemen and ladies who gave their services on this occasion to get up a similar concert, the proceeds of which will be handed over to the Benevolent Society.

The usual meeting of the Wellington-street Literary took place on tho 2/th inst., when readings and recitations were given by various members, The following is the programme •'Thanotopsis," (Bryant) Mr. H. Cornford; " The Giaour" (selection) Mr. Kastwood; " The Battle of the Free"; Mr. G. Carson; " Vat you Please Mr. Henderson; " The Lay of the l.ast Maori," Mr. G. M. Main; "Tho Black Job" (Hood) Mr. Bullock. The business for next meeting (11th prox.J is a paper by Mr. H. Corul'ord, " The Crusades and their results, after which the annual report will be read and the officers for the ensuing year elected.