MONTHLY SUMMARY FOE THE MAY ENGLISH MAIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1417, 2 June 1868, Page 5

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOE THE MAY ENGLISH MAIL.

'LOCAL EPITOME. MILITARY A£JD NAVAL. Major General Sir Trevor Chute visited Auckland by the Airedale, and took up his quarters at the new club of which ho ii the first honorary member. Sir Trevor is not one to encourage those petty irritating annoyances which men of lower rank and inferior social station, when raised to supreme command delight to indulge in. We allude to the exclusion of the public from the barracks and from portions of the barrack square—to the putting up of barriers across the barrack gates—the exclusion of the public on Kegatta Day from Point Britomart without written orders, where scores of persons for the last twenty years Lave regularly, and without interruption, repaired to view the regatta. We have always desired to live, and hitherto have succeeded in living, on the best of terms with our military fellow inhabitants of Auckland. That we may long continue to do so is the reason that we have referred to this matter at all. We are glad to observe that the barriers which had been erected across the wicket gates of the Albert Barracks have been removed. T\ r e recently deemed it our duty to remark on the great public inconvenience which had been caused by putting up these useless obstructions. We presume that the public are indebted to General Chute for the removal of these very offensive and unnecessary impediments to access to town through the barracks. Major General Chute inspected the 18th Begiment at the Albert Barracks, on the 13th ult, and put them through a variety of evolutions. His inspection was apparently searching and minute. He was accompanied by Colonel Page, who arrired with him in the Airedale. Colonel Beatson was also on the ground. On Monday, the 25th ultimo, the military in garrison honored her Majesty's birthday by the usual waste of powder and' the conventional manoeuvres. At' twelve o'clock precisely the guns of Fort Britomart fired tho Eoyal salute of twenty-one guns, which was answered by H.M.S. Brisk. The various companies of the 18th Kegiment now in garrison were paraded, under the command of Colonel Elliott and the whole of the garrison, tinder the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Beatson. The usual fen de joio was given by the troops in line, and was finished by the band playing God save tho Queen. The troops were then broken up into open column and marched past the Commandant in slow and quick time, and, after performing various evolutions, were dismissed.

Sergeant Broughton, B. A., the efficient instructor of the Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers, was entertained at dinner at Mr. Lewis James', Victoria-street, by the members of the corps aud a company of friends. The manner in which this gentleman has discharged the onerous duties of instructor has won for him the grateful recognition of every member of the corps, and we understand it is the intention of Colonel Kenny to recommend him to the notice of the General Government as being worthy of substantial reward. Captain Whitbread, lately of the 73rd Begiment, was thrown from his horse recently, at Wanganui. No serious consequences were" anticipated at first, but an apopletie fit subsequently seizing him, caused his death. On. Monday, the 25th ultimo, the ship of war in harbor was gaily decorated with bunting in honor of the anniversary of Her Majesty's birthday. The Union Jack floated over the Provincial Government building and from the flag-staff in Port Britomart. A magnificent Eoyal Standard waved for the first lime over Government House. H.M.S. Brisk, Captain Hope, left harbour on the 31st ult., for home, via Sydney. The following disposition is at present made of the Australian squadron : H.M.S. Challenger, Commodore Lambert, on a cruise amongst the South Sea Islands ; H.M.S. Charybdis, in dock at Sydney, preparatory to proceeding to the West Coast station ;' H.MS. Bosario, in harbour; H.M.S. Virago, Western Australia; H.M.S. Blanche, now due as relief of the Falcon.

The brethren connected withli.M.S.S. Brisk, ■who have been admitted members of the St. Andrew's Lodge, were entertained at dinner by the brethren of the above Lodge, at the Star Hotel, Albert-street, on the 29th ult. Between 50 and 60 of the members were present, and sat down to a splendid dinner served up by Bro. Macready in his well-known style. The Eight Worshipful D.P.S.M. Bro. Bereridge presided, supported by the guests of the evening, the 11.W.M, Bro. Stephenson occupying the vice-chair. A number of toasts were given; that of the evening, " Our Guests," being proposed by the 11.W.D.P.5.M. Bro. Beveridge, and responded to in appropriate terms by Bro3. Bell and Ryder of H'.M.S. Brisk. On the 12th ult., the members of the Total Abstinence Society belonging to Brisk, gave a soiree at the Parnell Hall, in return for one which was given to them some time ago by the teetotallers of Auckland in the Newton Hall. Nearly five hundred sat down to tea. The H all was very tastefully decorated ; in the porch a large banner was suspended, inscribed with an appropriate device, while over the door inside was placed an illuminated view of the Brisk, with the North Head in the distance. The Chaplain of the Brisk was called to the chair, lhe proceedings then commenced by singing a hymn, after which the Rev. Mr. Edger engaged in prayer. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman and various friends.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. The annual muster of the Auckland "Riflo Volunteers for general inspection was held at the drill shed, Princes - street, on the 27th ultimo. About 250 officers and men were present, some of whom, at great personal inconvenience and expense, had com© up from the Thames expressly for the parade. One member of the corps, who was seriously indisposed, and not wishing; to have to pay the fine for non-attendance, had not been on the ground long before he fainted in the ranks, and had to be carried away. The men having been drilled for about two hours in the shed, were then marched to the Barrack square, preceded by their band, and underwent a very minute inspection by the Government Inspector. Colonel Kenny. He then put them through a series of manoeuvres, sucli as skirflHSfling anci marching past in slow and quick time ; tliis was no easy matter, owing to tlie very soft and slippery state of tlie ground from tlie showers that had fallen during'the morning, the rain at last making it necessary, for them to return to the drill shed. On the whole, the Volunteers acquitted themselves with credit. The inspection lasted over throe hours, and the inspector congratulated the companies on their soldierly ap-, pearance. Colonel Kenny addressed the Volunteers at so-.no length in a very practical and sensible speech, and threw out many uselul hints which our "V olunteers will do well to Deiu in mind. H<- earnestly recommended more attention to private drill, and hoped that at the next inspection he would be able to congratulate them on marked improvement. Colonel Kenny referred to the long-stending gT I which we have so frequently drawn attenfaon to from town, and except they had great facility for

ball practico it could not be otherwise than that their more favored opponents of other Provinces would carry off the annual prizes. We hope something will be done before long to place our Volunteers in a fair position as regards this matter. . ■ • j f On the 27th ult., the non-commissioned officers of the Rifle Volunteers gave their first ball in the Drill Shed. There were about 70 couple present, and altogether the affair was a decided success. The arrangements were all thoroughlv carried out by the Stewards, — Sergt.-Major IJaslam, Sergt. Hughes, fcergt. Hankin, Sergt. I:cotter, A.R.V., and Bombardier Hughes of the Naval Artillery The ball was under the patronage ot the ■officers of the corps, and among those present we noticed Major Tighe, Mnjor ea P".y> V.C., Captains Howell, Mitchell, Guilding, Lieutenant Featon, Knsigns Mahon, Somerville, and in fact the whole of the officers of the corps. The rooms were prettily and tastefully decorated with flags of all descriptions, and great credit is due to the Stewards for the manner in which they performed this part of the arrangements. Evergreens were interspersed among the flags, and produced a pleasing effect. The supper was laid out on tables on the raised dais at the upper end of the dancing room, and everything requisite was to be had there in abundance. The music was of a superior description and gave universal satisfaction, while the programme was well arranged, and kept the dancers at work to an early hour. The detachment of the Armed Constabulary at Harapipi are being employed, putting up a stockade from the blockhouse, and in building sentry boxes for the use of the men who have to mount guard during the night. Major Von Tempsky still commands the district. The members of the Auckland Artillery paraded at the drill shed, at eleven o'clock, on the 27th ultimo, under the command of Lieutenant Featon, for the purpose of being inspected by Colonel Kenny. They were put through the usual evolutions connected with gun drill, such as limbering and unlimbering, loading, firing, wheeling guns to the right or left, or placing them in echelon, all of which manoruvres were conducted with promptitude and precision. At the conclusion of the inspection Colonel Kenny complimented the men on the progress they had made in their drill, and on the precision with which they performed the manoeuvres through which they were put. The monthly inspection of the Auckland Naval Artillery and jN'aval Volunteers was held on the loth ult., in the drill shed, near the Albert Barracks. There -was a good muster, and the result of the inspection was highly satisfactory. NATIVE INTELLIGENCE. A private letter from Hokianga, dated the 11th ult., referring to the recent murder at that place, by a half-caste, says : —" This place is iu a great ferment ot excitement about the man who was shot. I am afraid it will not end without loss of more lives. Mohi Tawhai, from Waima, is determined to get possession of the murderer and hand him over to the authorities, while on the other hand his friends are resolved not to give him up." H.M.s.s. Brisk, Capt. Hope, sailed for Sydney on the 31st ult., taking Mr. Mackay and a party of Native Chiefs on board, to land them at ;the Bay of Islands. Mr. Mackay intends to mediate between the belligerent tribes, and takes the Native Chiefs ■with him to assist ■him in his endeavours to mako peace. We hear from a person just returned from Matakolie, that two natives armed with guns •were in pursuit of the half-caste who raurdered "the native at Hokianga. The natives are determined if they catch him to shoot him. They are on his track. We understand that a large gathering of the natives is to take place at Ohinemuri on Monday next, for the purpose of discussing the desirability of establishing an aukati. The chiefs Te Hira and Taroia are to be present. The chief Moses is expected to oppose the aukati. The expedition which left Opotiki on the ■29th of April returned on the 10th ultimo. They had met with no rebels, though, having to cross innumerable creeks and suffer many hardships, not the least being scarcity of provisions, they were obliged to partly live on horse-flesh. Many of the men on their return were immediately struck off pay. A movement is on foot to secure regular ministerial services in the district, which it is to be hoped will be successful. The news from Kennedy's Bay had reached Opotiki and had created a great deal of excitement, and many have made up their minds to leave for the new rush. We have been informed that the General Government officials contemplate another raid on the East Coast. If our information be correct, we may expect soon to hear of fresh disturbance in the Bay of Plenty. It ■would appear that a war party is about to start for the interior of the CTriwera country, the destination being a considerable distance behind Opotiki. If the expedition start, as planned, it will come into collision with men who have not hitherto been embroiled with us, and who desire to live at peace and apart from the Europeans. A large feast was given by Tareha at the Wai-o-hina pa (Hawke's Bay), recently, the object being as usual to settle questions of a political character. His Honor the Superintendent, his Honor Mi 1 . Justice Johnston, the Rev. J. Hall, and a goodly number of ladies were among the visitors. Natives attended from Wanganui, Taupo, Wairoa, &c., the great subject of discussion'being the title of friendly natives to portions of confiscated land in this Province. The question is now in a fair ■way of being settled. Another object of the meeting was to enable the new native member, Tareha, to ascertain the wishes of his constituents with regard to his action in the Assembly. A well-rigged flag-staff, from which floated a score of flags, gave a gay appearance to the scene, and a large native house, weatherboarded and shingled without, end adorned with ornamental native mat-work, carving, and painting, was much admired. Another of those frequently-recurring accidents from the furious riding of drunken Maoris ( occurred recently, near Napier (Hawke s Bay), by which a valuable horse was killed, and tlie lives of two persons at least placed in great jeopardy. It appears 4hat Mr. Thomas, ofH.M.'s Customs, was riding towards town, and was met bv a gang of Maoris, headed by Tareha, the newly-elected member of the House of Representatives, furiously riding. It was at once evident that escape from a collision with them was impossible ; Tareha and Mr. Thomas came into violent contact, and were both thrown from their horses with considerable force. The horse of the latter gentleman was killed, and he himself rendered insensible for four or five hours. Tareha did not escape without suffering some disfigurement from wounds. The Native Lands Court at Turanga, appears to have caused great dissatisfaction amongst the natives,astherewasno business of any kind done, owing to most of the claims being within the -confiscated boundary. A large runanga was held here, at which all the natives from Waikawa to Hicks' Bay tttended, for the purpose of discussing the land question. Captain Biggs, having anived the same day, was present at tho ■meeting. The natives unanimously resolved that none of the land, Hauhau Or otherwise, "between the two above-named places should be 'confiscated, declaring that the Hauhau portion of land ought to be retained by them, for .services rendered during the war.. It is to be 'resetted that the Government did not take - immediate steps at the. conclusion of the war, for the confiscation of the land, as it has given the natives ample time to mature schemes for retaining all the land, which they would not •otherwise have thought of.

By tlio arrival of the Three Brothers on the J 4th ult., we have intelligence from Opotiki and Whakatane. Every available man was ordered out on the _ 9tli ultimo, 'to join in an expedition . which left the camp during the afternoon. It appears that for several days previous a large body of Hauhaus had been seen lurking about between Opotiki and Whakatane, and the officer commanding at Opotiki communicated with the force at Whakatane, directing every man to turn out on the above date. On Sunday afternoon the expedition which left Whakatane fell in with a body of Hauhaus, and a sharp fight ensued, during which several were killed and wounded. Some workmen recently engaged in the formation of a footpath along Grey - street, near the native burial ground (Shortland Town), found a valuable greenstone mere recently. The property was claimed by the chief Taipari, as a relic of his ancestors which had been buried with the remains, and the finder having been rewarded, the mere was lianded over to Taipari. Recently, a party of natives living at Opoie, near Tauranga, wero engaged at a game of cards, during which a dispute arose, and ended in a fierce contest between two natives, who fought with sticks and stones for a considerable time, one of the men, a son of Moananui, chief of Katikati, eventually striking Hamiora a fatal blow on the forehead -with a stone. Several other natives were also engaged in the quarrel, and were more or less hurt. The body of Samuel was conveyed to Motalioa Island for interment, but the native chief there, Kuhu Te Mate, very properly declined to allow the body to be buvied until ho had communicated with the Resident Magistrate, Mr. Clarke. The result was, as we have stated above. An inquest was subsequently held, and the following strange verdict arrived at: —" That deceased died from natural causes, accelerated by a blow received from a stone." The native meeting lately held at Tokongamulu, had for its great object making more stringent rules respecting the aukatis. Another object is to. put an end to the liorso-stealing at present going on amongst the Maoris themselves. We learn that the natives at Tokongamutu are busily engaged at the present time in sewing wheat, and preparing the land for other crops. The natives in the Patea district have taken to a predatory system of warfare, and prefer robbing and liarrassing the military settlers to openly fighting them. ECCLESIASTICAL. Mr. H. S. Earl, M.A. (late from tlio United States), who lias been recently preaching in the Brunswick Hall to crowded audiences, left for Sydney in the Prince Alfred. St. George's Church, Shortland (Episcopalian), was opened for Divine services on the 24th ult. The Ven. Archdeacon Lloyd, of Auckland, officiated, and there were crowded congregations morning and evening. The collections amounted to £13 15s. If all subscriptions promised be promptly paid the Church will start out of debt. The Presbyterian Church burial ground-will be at once put into proper order. The scrub, <fcc., will be cleared and remored, the walks laid out, and other improvements made. All this would have been done long ago, but for the fact that the Crown grant for the land has been all this time delayed. This has been a serious inconvenience. However, a Crown grant will now be given to the Trustees, Messrs. H. Gilfillnn, Thomas Macky, William Rattray, and Janes Smart.

A new Presbyterian Church and school was Church and school was formally opened in Pukekohe West on tho 17th ult., when Divine service was performed by tho Rev. Mr. Norrie. A collection was made at the end of the service, which amounted to £2 12s. lgd. On the 11th ult., the annual meeting of the Auckland Auxiliary of Weslevan Foreign Missions (under the direction of tho Australian Missionary Society) was held in the new Wesley an Church, Pitt-street. His Honor the Superintendent occupied the chair. There was a large number of ministers of various denominations present, who addressed the meeting; but the congregation was by no means as numerous as we have seen on previous anniversary meetings of this Society. The first annual meeting of the Wesleyan Sunday School Union, was held on the 13th ult. the Rev. J. Buller in the chair. The meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Hobbs and Wallis, and Messrs. J. L. Wilson, Atkin, Welsman, R. Arthur, T. Buller, and Hemus. On the 18th ult. a very successful concert was given in the Brunswick Hall in aid of the funds of tho mortuary chapel in Symonds-street, dedicated to St. Francis of A number of the Roman Catholic clergy were present; also two native chiefs. The band of the 18th Begiment contributed their valuable services on the occasion. On the 2Gth ultimo, a concert and juvenile evening party was held in the Catholic Hall by the school children of St. Joseph's Convent. The programme was lengthy and well selected, and was carried out with very great credit to the children, many of whom are very young. The performances cn the lnrp and piano were excellent, and showed the amount of attention which has been given to the musical education of the pupils. The children appeared to enjoy themselves very much indeed, and separated quite delighted with their evening's entertainment. The concert and soiree was under the direction of the Rev. Father Paul, assisted by the Rev. Father Fynes, from Panmure. The fourth annual' meeting of the subscribers to the Hebrew Institute took place on the 24th ultimo, at Mr. C. Davis's offices, Queen-street; Mr. P. A. Phillips, President, in the chair. The President and Head Master's report, together with the Treasurer's balance sheet, showing a balance of £34 16s to the credit of the fund, were duly received and adopted. Mr. C. Davis and E. Isaacs were clected members of Committee in the place of two retiring by rotation. Mr. E. Isaacs was elected President, Mr. D. Nathan, Treasurer, and Mr. H. Joseph, Hon. Secretary. A unanimous vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr. Elkin, Head Master, the assisting honorary teachers, Miss Isaacs, Miss Elkin, Mr. A. Nathan, Mr. H. Keesing, Mr. H. Joseph, Hon. Secretary, and the retiring President, terminated the proceedings.

The Jewish portion of tho community at Wellington, have determined to erect a synagogue ; the handsome sum of nearly £700 has already been promised fcr the purpose.

POLITICAL. Mr. Robert Graham has resigned his seat l'or the electoral district of Franklyn in. the House of Representatives. The election of his successor" will virtually rest with the miners of the Thames District, and wo trust that they will at once set about the selection from amongst themselves of a representative who will be both able and willing to fully represent them in their very important and peculiar interests in the Assembly. Messrs. W. T. Buckland and W. C. Brackenbury are at present the only announced candidates for the vacancy. It is rumoured that a vacancy in the representation of the West Ward, in the Provincial Council, will very soon occur by the resignation of Mr. J• O'Neill, owing to his duties m connection with the Gaol Committee obliging him to be absent from Auckland fora lengthened period. The only candidate that, ia yet spoken of for the 1 anticipated vacancy, is Mr. G. Staines, of Wellesleystreet. Mr. J. A. Gilfillan has also tendered his resignation for the same Ward. Mr. Lawlor so long- and so favourably known in the Maori district of Coromandel, is about to leave the service of the Government,

through the Government dispensing with tho services of a Besident Magistrate in the district. Mr. Lawlor is an old and tried servant of the public. He takes with him the goodwill of the Maori people, amongst whom he was stationed. His position was a difficult ono. Even better men could have been better spared. The trial of the Fenian prisoners has taken place at Hokitika before Judge Richmond. The Attorney-General conductedtheprosecution, with, whom were Messrs. Harvey and Button. The prisoners were defended by "Mr. Ireland, Q.C. who came over from Melbourne to do so), and Messrs. South, Rees, and Guinness. The prisoners were found " Guilty," but recommended to mercy, save Larkins and Manning. Clarke, Barrett, Melody, Harron, and Hannon, were fined £20, or to be "imprisoned for a month. Manning and larkins were fined £20. All the fines were_ paid. On the charge of seditious libel Larkins and Manning were sentenced to one month's imprisonment. The decisions of the judge have given universal satisfaction. Mr. Ireland was entertained by the Hokitika bar at dinner previous to his departure for Melbourne. The judge paid him a high compliment by saying that none of the defences of tho Fenians in England approached his in ability. The Colonial Government p.s. Sturt left Auckland on the 12th ult., for the purpose of bringing up Sir George Grey from the Kawau, prior to his departure for England. The Sturt remained until eleven o'clock next day, but Sir Georgo having decided to prolong his stay in New Zealand, she came on to Auckland without him.

The Hon. Colonel Haultain, Defence Minister, arrived from Wellington by the steamer Sturt on the 29th ult. Monday, the 25th ultimo, being the anniversary of the Queen's birth-day, his Excellency Sir George F. Bowen, and Lady Bowen, accompanied by Mr. Lempriere, private secretary, and Major Heaphy, V.C., visited several of our public institutions. At 3 o'clock, p.m., the Governor and party were received by his Honor the Superintendent and Provincial Secretary at the Provincial Offices, and shown into the Auckland museum, where Captain Hutton, the 'Uorary curator, was in attendance. His Excellency and Lady Bowen examined the various objects of interest in the museum, and proceeded to the Provincial Library. At the Council Chambers his Excellency and party were received by his Honor the Superintendent, the Speaker of the Provincial Council, G. M. O'ltorke, Esq., M.G.A.; the Provincial Secretary, and the Librarian. The Governor visited the library, and spent some time in examining the books and records. The Council Chamber was likewise visited. His Excellency and Lady Bowen, accompanied as before, next visited the Provincial Hospital, and went over the buildings, paying the closest attention, even to matters of detail. Lady Bowen, with feminine tact and grace, talked with the sufferers, and contributed not a little to their happiness by licr apparent sympathy and expressions of compassion. Tho Governor wrote a short note in the visitors' book, in which he stated his satisfaction with what he saw. Dr. Philson, Provincial Surgeon, was present at the hospital to receive his Excellency and Lady Bowen. His Excellency Sir George F. Bowen's photograph has been taken by Mr. Bartlett, of Queen-street, and a larger number of copies have already been called for than the photographist has as yet been able to supply. We need not say that the likeness is an excellent one, as it is in Mr. Bartlett's best style, but in this case the artist has had no ordinary difficulty to contend with, bis Excellency's face, wo understand, being an unusually difficult one to take. It is no ordinary compliment that is paid to Mr. Bartlett's skill when it is said that of all tho likenesses of Sir Georgo Bowen, taken in the colonies, this ono is the best.

A Dunedin correspondent of the Lake TTakaiip ATail has tho following with reference to Mr. J. Hyde Harris, formerly District Judge of Otago, then Superintendent, and lately So-licitor-General of tlio colony, and Mayor of Dunedin: —The filing, by so distinguished a man as Mr. Harris, Solicitor-General, of a deed of arrangement, quite took people by surprise. The office of Mayor is vacant, but I have been unable to obtain, even from the best informed quarters, how his position as Solici-tor-General of the colony is affected. But one thing is certain —his other positions will not be affected by it. Mrs. Harris possesses large landed estates and property, and, it is stated, recently received a largo sum of money (£5000) as a slight recompense for kind services rendered by Mr. Harris. It is under these circumstances that people wondered at the filing under tho Bankruptcy Act of this deed of arrangement.

We understand that the arbitrators appointed to enquire into the merits of Mr. James Busby's land claims —lands alleged by Mr. Busby to have been purchased from the natives in ISB9, and at other times —have awarded him some ten thousand acres of land at the Bay, and land scrip to the value of between £30,000 and £40,000, the land to be chosen from the provincial waste lands of this province. Wo understand that, acting on this award, Mr. Busby applied for land for Parnell, open for selection, but was politely informed that all provincial lands have been withdrawn from sale or selection. Mr. Busby is about to take proceedings against the Provincial Government, for tho purposo of compelling them to throw open the Provincial Lands recently reserved by notification in the Provincial Gazette from sale and selection. His Honor, we believe, has retained the services of the first counscl in Auckland on behalf of tho Province.

The Superintendent has sent a communication to the City Board informing that body that if the debt owing to the Provincial Government is not speedily met, His Honor will have no alternative but to enforce his claim by levying a special rate for the amount in arrears.

FIRES. There have been a large number of fires throughout the colony latelj*. The lloyal Hotel, Taranaki, has been burnt down—a young man named Peter Hillan perished in the building. Six houses have been destroyed at Napier. At Wellington eight houses have been burnt down, involving the various Insurance Companies to the extent of nearly £14,000. The Southern Cross have compromised the action for libel, —with which they had been threatened by Mr. Alex. Fleming, for their account of the Grey-street fire, —by payment of £50. ACCIDENTS. In our issue of the Bth ult., we stated that a boat had been pickcd up off Taylor's Island by the cutter Catherine, whilst on her passage from the Thames for this port, and that there were strong reasons to fear that the boat had been capsized during the heavy weather on the previous morning, and that lives had been lost. "We regret to say that such proved to be the case, and that one of our most respected tradesmen, Mr. John Graham, has met with a most untimely death by drowning. From the particulars which have come to our knowledge, it would appear that Mr. Graham left the Queen-street Wharf about seven o'clock, and subsequently made his boat fast at the Wyn yard Pier. A waterman named George Strong was on the pier at the time, and Mr- Graham asked him if he could find a boy .to take charge of his boat for a short time. Mr. Strong's boy was immediately sent down, and remained with the boat until half-past ten o'clock, when Mr. Graham returned, and left the pier for Moto Ihi, Taylor's Island. The boy watched the boat for some time, and when about 200 yards

from the pier the sails were set, and the boat was observed to proceed down the harbour. The boy then retired to his home, but on the following morning the boat in which Mr. Graham had left the pier was found alongside. It is supposed that the wind fell light,, and Mr. Graham decided to remain until the following morning. At about half-past seven -o'clock a.m. he was seen by Mr. Conley, a waterman, to walk down the wharf and get into his boat. Soon after leaving the wharf, Mr. Graham set both sails and made the halyards fast. The wind at the time was blowing fresh from N.N.W., and it was observed from the shore that the boat had a-3 much sail on as she could carry. Mrs. Graham, who was residing at Moto Ihi, saw the boat capsize when about 3 miles from the Island, but she was not aware that Mr. Graham was in the boat at the time of the mishap. Every effort has been made to recover the body, but hitherto without success. A Coroner's inquest was held on the 13th ultimo, on the body of Elizabeth Bond, who was found dead in her bed the preceding day. After hearing the evidence of the neighbours, and the medical testimony of Dr. Day, who made a post mortem examination of the body, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from congestion of the brain, but how produced there was no evidence to show. As tho s.s. Tauranga was on her passage from Shortland on the 9th uit., a dead body was seen floating in the water, off Tararua Point. Captain Sellars immediately stopped the vessel and picked up the body, and placing it in the boat, brought it on to Auckland. When the steamer arrived at the wharf, the police authorities wero acquainted of the circumstance and the body was removed to the dead house. The unfortunate man, whose name is Thomas Hayes, (or better known as Long Tom) was about 30 years of age, and arrived in Auckland about 15 months ago. He was employed as barman for sometime at the London Hotel, Queen-street, but for some time past has been working in a claim at Tapu Creek. He was seen in Shortland on the previous Thursday night, and it is supposed that he was returning to Tapu by the beach during that night, and was drowned while crossing one of tlie creeks and carried out to sea. An inquest was subsequently held, : and a verdict of " Found drowned, without ' marks of violence."

Recently a serious accident befel a settler at Rangiawahia; while in the act of falling a tree in the bush, a heavy bough broke an adjoining tree from a height of about 30 feet, which struck Aldershot on the head, thereby inflicting a large gash, and crushing him to the ground. Dr. Waddington was soon in attendance, under whose skill the patient is slowly recovering, after four days' insensibility. On the morning of the 16th ult., while a daughter of Mr. S. G. Collins, of Williamsstreet, was nursing her younger sister—a child of about 14 months old—by the fireside, a pot of hot coffee which had just been prepared for the breakfast, by some means got \ipset, t 1 ; contents falling over the child, who was <rill in her night clothes, scalding her so severely that, on undressing her, the skin came off with the clothes, leaving most of the face, neck, and arms raw. Dr. Hooper and Mr. Williams, ofllobsonstreet, were immediately sent for, who, on arriving, dressed the wounds, and attended constantly during the day, but the poor child gradually sank under the severe injuries which she had received, and expired about 9 o'clock, p.m., after many hours of fearful suffering. We regret to record the death by drowning'of Mr. Thomas Cadman, Manager of the Karaka Sawmill. This young gentleman was well-known in Auckland for his amiable qualities and gentlemanly manners. We are sorry to learn that the wife of Mr. Joseph, auctioneer, Queen - street, died suddenly on the morning of the 26th ult. It will be recollected that the late Mrs. Joseph was safely delivered of twins on the Ist, and to all appearance was progressing favourably until and till witbin some fivetninutes of her death. The tent-owners on the Karaka were alarmed about half-past 10 p.m. on the 27tli ultimo, by cries for help emanating from one of those fruitful sources of fatal accidents which prevadG the district. It appears, a miner named Walter Thorn was passing homeward, and was about ten yards off the regular track, near the Karaka Creek, when he suddenly found himself in one of the water-holes, and sank over-head without finding bottom. The moon had gone down at the time, and but for his presence of mind and ability to keep himself afloat until his calls were heard, there is little doubt that another fatal accident would have been added to the list already arising from the same cause. Some parties from a neighbouring tent, hearing the alarm, ran to the spot with a rope, by means of which Tliom was enabled to gain terra firma. He was found to bo suffering from a severe bruise on the head caused by the fall, and was taken to a tent where he was kindly treated until able to continue his journey. Whelan, of the Hokitika gaol, while dressing to go on duty, recently, was observed suddenly to fall on the ground, and for a few moments discharged a quantity of foam from the mouth. Dr. Dermott was immediately sent for, but in five minutes Whelan was a corpse. Pie had served witli great distinction in India under Lord Gough, for which he obtained honours. He had received severe wounds on more than one occasion, The medical evidence at the inquest showed that death arose from disease of the heart. At about 8 a.m. on the 14th ult., the body of a man was found floating in the harbour on the western side of tho Queen-street Wharf, by a person named Jno.Williams, who was sailing up the harbour at the time. Williams immediately towed the dead body to the watermen's stairs, where it was soon recognised. The unfortunate youngman was recently employed by the Customs' authorities as*shipmaster. He was a native of Rotomah, ono of the Fijis, and'was about 18 years of age. His name is John Ncwa, and his duties were to look after the cutter Ringleader, a vessel seized by the Government a few months since for smuggling. ewa was first missed on Friday morning last, when the dingy in which he used to convey himself on board, was found by some boys near the wood wharf. The schooner Kauri had left the harbour a week previous for the South Sea Islands, and it was thought that he had stowed himself away on board. An inquest was subsequently held, and a verdict returned of " Found drowned, without marks of violence."

OFFENCES. On Saturday afternoon, the 9th ult., a most brutal assault was made upon the life of Warder Dunn by three men awaiting trial before the Supreme Court for garotting and robbery. The names of the desperadoes are Bryant, Kcrsting, and Goldsmith. On the warder, while engaged in locking up, looking into one of these cells, these men rushed out, garotted him, and locked the rest of the prisoners in to prevent - their rendering aid. A prisoner (acting as a billet hand) passing in the yard below, heard the scuffle, and ran_ up to the warder's assistance, when with the aid of other officers the prisoners were overpowered. It was subsequently ascertained that they had robbed the warder of £2 Bs. and a gold ring. They had abstracted the axe from the cookhouse, and hidden it in their cell, and also made their blankets into ropes for the purpose of effecting their escape. Had the warder's cries for assistance been unheard, there was nothing to have prevented their success, and the liberation of the whole of the prisoners awaiting trial. On the following Monday Mr. Commissioner N"aughton, and Mr. Brookfield, Crown Prosecutor, ■ had a consultation as to the propriety of bringing these three desperadoes, Goldsmith, Kersting, and Biyant to a summary trial

before the Justices of the Peace in the ordinary cours.e or to leave the matter in. abeyance for the present and prefer an indictment against them at the Supreme Court without any preliminary investigations, 'when, it appeared to them to be the best method to follow the latter course. Sufficient depositions have already been taken to warrant the Crown Prosecutor in preferring an indictment for garrotting the Warder, and also for an attempt to break prison in addition to the crimes already laid to their charge and for which they are already awaiting their trial at the Stockade. _ * 7 A most daring and extensive robbery has recently been committed at the Thames, m j a house or a claim in the Long Drive, Tookey s Flat. The occupants left the house all secure, j in order to go down to the township, and on. ] their return, after a few hours' absence, found that a forcible entry through the window had been effected, and the following property had been taken away, viz.: —Two £20 notes _ on the Bank of New Zealand, three £5 ditto, fire £1 ditto, an order on the Bank of New Zealand for £100, a receipt for £6 for surveying the All Nations claim, a silver pencil case, and one or two small articles, the property of Alfred Newdrick. A pocket-book containing three £5 notes, and two orders on the Bank of New Zealand, Auckland, for £100 each: a cheque for £87 145., a receipt for £300 on the Bank of New Zealand, Shortland ; and another, for £150, on the same Bank, at Auckland; and a receipt for £20, signed by a private party, part the property of Mr. Newdrick, and part belonging to Mr. Snowdon, are also missing. There was other property in the house, but it luckily escaped detection. We understand that there is not the slightest suspicion attached to any one as yet, but the police will doubtless do their best to bring the ma tter to light. By the steamship Mataura,_ the police authorities at "Wellington received a telegram which had been transmitted from Melbourne to Sydney, stating that a clerk j named George Spencer Compton, in the employ of the Australasian Insurance Company, had absconded after embezzling certain moneys belonging to the Company, and that a warrant was out for his apprehension. The police very soon ascertained that a person answering to the description of the prisoner, and bearing the same name, had arrived here by the Claud Hamilton, and had since taken a passage on board the Leichhardt, about to sail for London. Inspector Atcheson went on board the vessel and arrested Mr. Compton, who was safely conveyed to the lock-up. He was brought before Mr. Crawford, and remanded for eight _ days, in order to give time for the production of further evidence respecting his alleged delinquencies. By the arrival of the Jeanie Duncan from the Fiji Islands, we learn that Captain Hayes, of the Black Diamond, notoriety, has been murdered at the Fiji Islands by his mate. Our last advices from Korotonga stated that Mr. Coffin, formerly here in the schooner Neva, had shipped in the Bona with Captain Hayes, but it is possible he may have left before reaching the Fijis and another person shipped in his place. It is stated that the captain and mate had a quarrel on board, and that they went on shore to fight a duel. As soon as the Captain stepped out of his boat the mate drew a revolver and shot him dead. The mate then went on board and weighed anchor. LEGAL. jjWe are happy to welcome back to New Zealand so highly esteemed and respected a public man as Chief Justice Sir George A. Arney. Sir George has arrived in Wellington by the lluahine, and will probably arrive by the next boat. We are glad to learn that Kir George Arney's health has been much benefitted by his visit to Europe. Mr. John .Richmond, from the office of Mr. Gillies, and Mr. Oliver M. Quintall, from the office of Mr. Outhwaite, have satisfactorily passed their examination before Judge Moore, to be admitted legal practitioners of the Supreme Court of New Zealand.

Mr. Hudson J. Williamson, who was educated at Nelson College, where ho distinguished himself, has passed the preliminary examination requisite for being called to the bar, and with credit to himself, being highly complimented by Mr. Justice Bfoore. Mr. Williamson was prepared for this examination by Dr. Xidd, of the Collegiate School in this city. THE THAMES GOLD-FIELDS. Mr. Christie has sold a quarter share in Hunt's claim for £2,200, Mr. Hunt himself being the purchaser. We have been reliably informed that on the 21st ultimo, after the sale was made, quite one thousand ounces of gold were taken out of this claim in the space of a couple of hours. The place where it was taken from was a patch where the leader was most extraordinarily rich, the gold in some pieces of the stone forming veins of three quarters of an inch in thickness. During the past week upwards 0f1,600 ounces of gold liare been brought up by the steamers Tauranga and Midge from the Thames. The Bank of New Zealand received 860 ounces, 660 being from the Kurunui, 160 from the Long Drive, and 4.0 in small parcels, and about 100 ounces from the All Nations claim. The Bank of Australasia has received between 700 and SOO ounces from the Middle Star, Tookey's, and various other claims. The Earl of Pembroke, who is at present on a yachting excursion through the provinces, paid a visit to Shortland (Thames gold-field), on the ISth ultimo, in the chartered schooner Albatross. The Albatross, Captain Braund, anchored off Tararu Point during the morning, and the young Earl landed soon afterwards in order to visit the Sho cover and Kurunui Company's claim, together with the machinery in the neighbourhood. A handsome building has been erected at Shortland for the Union Bank of Australia. There is ample accommodation afforded for the usual departments; also for gold-buying and smelting. The Bank of New South Wales is about to erect banking premises at Shortland. A thirty-roomed house is about to be erected at Shortland (Thames), which indicates not only the prosperity of the place, but tho want of extended- house accommodation. The various iron foundries in Auckland are unusually brisk, owing to the demand for the erection of quartz-crushing machinery at the Thames gold-fields. SBThe amateurs of Otahuhu celebrated the Queen's Birthday by holding a concert and ball in aid of the Diggers' Hospital at the Thames. After the concert the hall was cleared, and dancing was kept up until an early hour. The quantity of gold exported from the Province of Auckland during the quarter ended March 31st, was £8,405 ozs., value, 26,<176 ; of which 6050 ozs. was exported to Great Britain, and 2355 ozs. to New South South Wales. Three tenders were received for the construction of the wharf at Kaueranga, ou the 22ad ultimo, by the Provincial Government, and we believe the lowest tender, that of Mr. Cadman, has been accepted; so that the people of Shortland will soon have the necessary accommodation for their shipping.

KENNEDY'S BAY GOLD-FIELD. An alluvial gold-field lias been discovered at Kennedy's Bay, samples of the gold Lave been sent to town of various qualities, valued from £2 10s to £3 10s an ounce; it lias a very waterworn appearance, and closely resembles tliat of the Rocky river. In fact the neighbourhood closely resembles the Kocky river in its configuration. Mr. McLeod and party and some natives j were awarded additional ground bj Mr. Commissioner Mackay, as being the discoverers of

'the.field. In the creeks and hank workings there was room for 500 men* and there must be qmifce that number now ; on the. ground; Becently. two rich reefs were discovered, one; by 2hog.. Long and! party, and another by,; a? mate of Murphy's, at present working a good claim at the Thames. The alluvial workings are not more than six feet deep, and will give from £3 to £4. a-iyeek per man; a largo number of the sawyers and bushmen from the Tarious saw mills in the neighbourhood have gone to. try their luck at the new gold-field. Two townships are being surveyed ; there is good anchorage in the Bay, and during spring tides a steamer can pro« cced up the creek. The sample of alluvial gold brought from Kennedy's Bay, has been tested and proved to be far. superior in quality to the usual run of the Thames gold. It of 20 carat fineness.

GOLD AT THE WADE. The question as to whether the stone brought from the Wade really contains gold has been finally set at' rest. A. large quantity of stone has been experimented upon by Mr. Smith, the assayer of the New Zealand Bank, and in three separate parcels triad, gold was. found in what would bo paying quantities, had we machinery equal to saving such fine gold as it is. The gold, however, is purer than any yet found in the Province, being, we are informed, of over 22. carat quality. It is, however, very fine, so fine that it would require the nicest machinery to save it. The stone in which it is found is a kind of sandstone, and the probability is that deeper down in the stone the gold will be found not only in larger quantity, but coarser. Of the existence of gold there can be no doubt, and there is always the possibility that heavier gold may be found in the vicinity. There are already between thirty or forty men prospecting ia the vicinity of Perdon & Jacobs' reef. A party of four men have also found gold about two miles from this reef. There is now every probability that we shall soon have a payable gold-field'at the Wade. Messrs. Perdon and Jacobs have found specks of gold in the casement of their reef, and intend to send a few hundred weight of stuff up to Auckland for tho purpose of having it properly tested. They hare also ordered a Berdan machine. The stone which was tested at the New Zealand Bank, and which yielded one grain of gold to the lb. weight, was taken there by Mr. A. P. Jacobs, a highly respectable and old established" settler at the Wade. The stone was, we believe, taken from off his land, and it is to be found there and in the neighbourhood in.thousands of tons. Mr. Jacob's land lies some eight miles back from the Wade landing place, close under the Flat Mountain. The spot has, for years back, been reputed to be gold-bearing, and we shall not be at all surprised if it indeed turns out that a gold-field be discovered in that vicinity, and if such be the case, there is every probability, from the character of the ground, that alluvial gold as well as quartz reefs will be found. Some of the creeks running near the base of the mountain appear to have cut their channels through beds of cement very similar to that gone through in the hill sinkings in Victoria. We understand that Mr. Shepherd has forwarded to Auckland a small specimen of quartz, with gold visible in it, though not particularly rich. The quartz was picked up on the surface of the soil close by Te Arai Point. Prospecting has been carried on for some time at the Wairoa (Eaipara), by settlers residing in the neighbourhood, and well defined quartz reefs believed to be auriferous have been discovered. The prospecting is being vigorously pursued and may lead to important results ; indeed, from what we hear, we believe that a gold-field second only to the Thames in richness and extent will be opened at no distant date in the Eaipara district. Unfortunately the bulk of the land said to be auriferous is in the hands of tho natives, though Rome portion is, we believe, waste land of the province, as yet unpurchased.

ACCLIMATISATION. Sir George Bowen lias become a life member of the Acclimatization Society. He lias presented £10 to the funds of this useful institution. A portion of the salmon ova has arrived in good condition, at Otago, per Celestial Queen. Of the live fish shipped, the gudgeon, tench, and carp, either died or were lost during the passage. Eleven boxes of salmon ova, with some tons of ice, were forwarded from Otago, on the sth ult., per steamer Auckland, for the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, under charge of Sergeant Quin, of the Police Force. The Sergeant has been an Inspector of Salmon Fisheries in Ireland, and therefore competent. We have since learned that the attempt to acclimatise the salmon in Canterbury has failed. The ova had lost all vitality.

MISCELLANEOUS. On the 30th. ult., Mr. "Paton brought into town a fine sample of gold from his farm at Papatoitoi. The gold was discovered by a man. while digging a drain. Gold has been discovered at E!awakawa (East Cape). Mr. Collier, a settler at that place, has in his possession some very good specimens of quartz, thickly studded with gold, which were got in two different streams in that neighbourhood. He is confident that gold in payable quantities will be found if properly worked. A musical soiree and tea meeting was held on the 12th ultimo, in the Volunteer Drill Shed, near the Albert Barracks, in aid of the funds of the Orphan Home. There was ft very numerous attendance, and the affair was one of the most brilliant and satisfactory of the season. The occasion had a peculiar interest for those active to do good. There could not have been less tlian five hundred visitors present. The trays ere supplied by the ladies of the several city and suburban parishes. We underatand that the Bay of Islands Coal Company have purchased about three miles of rails, imported for the Auckland and Drury Kailwny, from the Provincial Government. The rails will be put on board the barque Jillesraere, and conveyed to their destination. "We may therefore look forward to the rapid development lof the Bay of Islands coal mines. This is at least a profitable use of a portion of the railway plant, which, has so long lain as dead stock at .Newmarket. We gladly welcome back Captain Eough to Auckland, who held eiglit-ana-twenty years ago the office of harbour-master in this port. He has retired from the office of Collector of Customs at Kelson, where he has been extremely popular. ;On the event of his leaving, an address, together with, a purse of sovereigns, was presented to Captain Eough by the mercantile public of Nelson. Amongst the list of passengers by the Panama boat we observe the names of two ol«l Auckland colonists, the liev. Mr. Smales, and Mr. T. H. Hall. The Right Hon. the Earl of Pembroke left Auckland on the 25th ult., in the yacht Alba' tross for Sydney via the Eawau and MongonuiThe Eev. Mr. Hamer delivered on the 28th ult., a lecture on "Astronomy," in the Public Hall, Parnell. It was illustrated by illuminated diagiams, which themselves were veiy beautiful "objects. These were produced by a large magnifying lens, which formed an illuminated disc of some four feet diameter, across which well executed transparent slides were drawn. The different ' phases of the planetary system were shown in a way which gave the auditory a very vivid impression of their appcarance when seen through a powerful telescope. Although Mr. Hamer did not assume to tell his audience anything new of this vast field of scientific research, he told them all that is known in a manner that was lucid# concise, and pleasing.