Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4398, 17 December 1875, Page 4

A pen-and-ink sketch, commemorating the death of Commodore Goodenough, and styled " The Goodenough Memorial," has been executed by Mr. J. M. Meek, and is now about to be lithographed. The design is very appropriate, while the penmanship is exquisite. The memorial is surmounted by a portrait of the deceased Commodore in a medalion, surrounded by a garter, from which are suspended the Union Jack and British ensign. The garter contains the following inscription:—"Sic itur ad Astrce. Spestutissima Cadis." (Such is the way to immortality. Our safest hope is in heaven.) Another inscription is, beneath, " Fidus Achates." (A faithful friend.) Then follows a description of the manner in which Commodore Goodenough met with his death at the hands of the natives of Santa Cruz Island. Beneath this, enclosed in a shield, are the Commodore's dying words to his men, delivered on the quarter-deck of H.M.S. Pearl, where, at his own request, he was carried shortly before he breathed his last. At the bottom the following inscription is enclosed in a belt and scroll-work :— " Dulce et Decorum est Propatria Mori." (It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country.) The memorial is certainly well executed and most tastefully designed, reflecting great credit on the artist. Copies of the same will shortly be offered to the public.

A case of a rather peculiar nature came before the Bench at the Police Court yesterday. A man named Powley, a cab-driver, was charged with leaving his vehicle unattended in Queen-street, thus committing a breach of one of the City By-laws. Mr. Laishley, who appeared for the accused, admitted the charge on his behalf, but drew the attention of the Court to the facts which had led to the infringement of the by-law in question. From this account it appeared the defendant had driven his conveyance to the edge of the kerbstone in Victoria-street East, just opposite the Greyhound Hotel, for the purpose of obtaining his fare from a man who had gone into the hotel. He was only absent from his vehicle for two minutes. He knew that by leaving the cab unattended he was not acting rightly, yet, on the other hand, thero stood the chance of his fare being lost altogether. Mr. Broham stated that on the man returning to the cab a constable asked him why he had left it with no one in charge. The man replied in an insulting manner, telling the guardian of the peace to mind his own business. Had he used but common civility there wonld have been little trouble about the matter, and the case would not have been brought before the Court. A nominal penalty of Is and costs was imposed.

In referring to the examination of candidates for provincial scholarships, we inadvertently confused the names of the two Newton district schools. The correct report is as follows :—Newton No. 1 (St. David's), 0; : Newton No. 2 (Newton Academy), 3 pupils.

A magnificent specimen of thehapuka, the representative of the cod tribe in the Southern Seas, was exhibited yesterday at the shop of Mr. McLean, the fishmonger at the wharf.' ■ It weighed 45 lbs., and was for sale either whole.or. in sections.

'Our Te Arai correspondent writes, contending that he'was justified in his strictures on Captain Rattray's lecture. We think, however, that the point as to which was right ia not of sufficient importance to justify continuance of the «ontr©Ter»y.

Mr. Tom Robertson's comedy, entitled " School," was performed last evening with great success. Miss Carry George as Naomi Tiehe, Miss Jenny Nye as Bella, Mr. Collier as Lord- Beaufoy, Mr. Lawrence as oit • J °y n tz, Mrs. Charles Searle a3 Mrs. bntcliffe, and Mr. Charles Searle as Beau .barintosh. We have so often noticed the excellence of the performance of this pretty comedy at the Prince of Wales Theatre, that there is nothing to add, except that Miss Oarry George presents a very charming impersonation of Naomi Tighe, the school girl .^ e P er io<L" A graceful, easy, and effective representation of Bella was afforded by Miss Jennie Nye. All the other parts found thoroughly efficient representatives in the several members of the company. Mr. Sam l J oole takes his benefit this evening The piece selected is " All that Glitters is not Gold." This actor has undoubted claims upon the patrons of the theatre. Bis humour, though occasionally rather exuberant, is inexhaustible, and his resources as as well as his experience, are singularly prolific of fuu and merriment. Be has contributed greatly to obtain and to maintain the successes of several theatrical seasons. Upwards of seventy candidates for the Provincial Scholarships and certificates of competency have presented themselves this year. The examinations are being conducted by Mr. O'Sullivan, the Inspector of Schools, and have now lasted two days. They will probably end this afternoon. There are two series o£ examinations in connection with these scholarships, of which there are ten of £30 a-year each with a free education at the Auckland College and Grammar School. The first series is for three scholarships or as many of that number as may be vacant in one year. They are called the " open" scholarships, and are competed for by pupils of certain ages from any school in the province. The examination is more severe than that for the scholarships—called " provincial"—which are open only to pupils from the 'common schools of the province. To encourage others to come up for examination, pupils from any school and of both sexes are admitted to the "provincial" series, and if successful, certificates of competency are awarded to them. Only two pupils were sent up this year for the open scholarships from the school of the Rev. Peter Mason, in Hobson-street. The youths, Thomas Hamilton and Michael Kilduff, charged with stealing flowers from the graves in the Presbyterian Cemetery, were again brought up at the Police Court yesterday morning. His Worship, in addressing the lads, said he could not understand why not only children, but grown-up people also should exhibit such a predilection for wantonly plucking and destroying flowers, and breaking plants and twigs of trees, no matter whether growing in. public gardens, domains, or unenclosed places ; even the quiet resting-place of the dead, surrounded as it was by so many sad and solemn associations, was not held sacred from the intrusion of these persons. On the Continent such a practice would never be dreamt of. The lowest street arabs of the French and German cities never touched the flowers or shrubs growing in the public gardens. Their example in this matter, he thought, was worthy the attention of the British nation in every part of the globe. His Worship ordered the lads to be discharged, and in doing so trusted that they would not again allow themselves to be placed in such a disgraceful position. The distribution of prizes to the scholars of the schools of the Sisters of Mercy, Wynd-ham-street, took place yesterday. A list of the prizes awarded appears in another column. With regard to these schools, it may be mentioned that they are divided into three sections—First, St. Aloyseus School, containing 130 infant scholars, of both sexes; next is the School o£ St. Joseph's, having 55 girls on the roll; and lastly, the select school, St. Francis de Sale 3, which is attended by 50 young ladies. Although presided over by Sisters of Charity, the education given is entirely of a secular nature, and parents of other denominations are in the habit of sending their daughters to the school of St. Francis de Sales, having full confidence that religion will not be introduced in the lessons. The schools are well managed, and great satisfaction is expressed at the care and attention bestowed on the children.

The bazaar in aid of the Whau Church, manse fuud was well attended and patronised yesterday. .No efforts were spared to push trade, and the result was more satisfactory than on the preceding day. Although manyarticles have been sold, there is scarcely any perceptible difference injthe stalls, which are still loaded with all kinds of fancy articles. Some of the most valuable of the goods are still undisposed of. The receipts yesterday amounted to £05 17s lid, and is made up of the following items -.—By Mrs. Deacon's stall," £6 14s; Mrs. Buchanan's, £29 Is 3d ; Mrs. Hepburn's, £4 ISs 3d; Mrs. Lamb's, £13 9s; refreshments, £7 Is sd. The receipts the preceding day .were £39 13s 3d, so that so far the sum of £105 lis 2d. has been raised by the bazaar. It is hoped this amount will at least be doubled before the bazaar is finally closed. This evening a promenade concert will be held in connection with the bazaar. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell will siug during the evening, and this will doubtless prove an additional attraction.

The man Conn who, it will be recollected, was charged with the larceny of two goats from Mount Smart, appeared at the Police Court yesterday morning for the third time. The case had been remanded from Monday in order to allow the prisoner an opportunity of calling witnesses for the defence. Theevidence given yesterday flatly contradicted that given by the girl O'Donnell, who said, she had sold three " small" goatß to the prisoner. One witness named Baker, a stationmaster at Epsom, stated that he had seen the prisoner and a girl in charge of two large goats (one of which he identified in Court) at Penrose, about three weeks previously. Several other witnesses also said they had met the prisoner on the same date, and were unanimous in 6tating that the goats he had then in his charge were large ones. His Worship, after hearing all the evidence, discharged the prisoner. The half-yearly meeting of No. SI Branch Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit So- . ciety was held in St. Patrick's Hall, Hobsonstreet, on Wednesday evening last. There was a very large attendance of members, and the following officers were elected :—President, W. F. Clifton ; vice-president, Thos. H. White; secretary, Michael Connolly; treasurer, James Flynn; warden, F. J. Hickey; guardian, Patrick Flannigan ; sickvisitors, Thomas Connolly and J. Dampier ; auditors, J. A. Tole and E. F. Kelly. The newly-elected officers being in attendance, were duly installed. A vote of thanks was given to the retiring officers, and the meeting adjourned. A cricket match will be played tomorrow, at the North Shore, between the local club and the West Lad. The players from town will require to go over by the 1.30 boat, and will be the following:—Messrs. J. C. Macky, C. I Gleeson, Mumford, T. Macky, R. Mason, A. Heather, Castelli, C. Taylor, McLean, Cook, Western • and Messrs. Thorne, Watgrhonse, Swanson, Bees, Brassey, Saunders* Oralvy, Wliewell, Wells, Burgess, and Cochrane will represent the North Shore. At eight o'clock this evening the entries for the following races must be made to the secretary, at the Exchange Hotel, to be run ou January Ist and 3rd, 1576 :—Provincial Maiden Produce and Railway Plate, Hurdle Kace, Maiden Plate, Selling Kace, Publicans' Plate, and acceptances for Derby and Steeplechase. Nomination of mares to Produce Stakes, IS7S, must also describe the produce, now yearlings, for Mare Produce Stakes, 187 S. For the latter race there is no entry fee. The Bay of Plenty Times, of the llthj publishes a leading article in which it is stated, as a rumour which has reached, the- : editor, that Mr. Rees endeavoured to " rush" ' a report through the committee of the Provincial Council on native land purchases. The Times states that the report was highly Adverse to the Government,

Gxi Tsct-ay last Mr. Cox, a candidate for Waikato West, addressed a meeting at Ohaupo. Rather a enrious affair occurred at the conclusion, which is thus reported:— Mr. Roche: Would you vote against secret committees of the House ?—Mr. -Cox : X was not aware that committees of -such a' character existed. Mr. Roche: Oh.! yes, they do! lam told that they sit -with locked doors when the -question of reducing expenditure comes on. The head of the department under discussion is sent for; and then something like • this occurs :—Chairman of Secret Committee : " Mr. Brown is, I see, your chief clerk, at a sailary of £350. Are his services absolutely necessary?"— Head of Department: " Oh, no, not at all so. We could easily do without him." Chairman of Secret Committee: "At whose recommendation was he appointed ?"—Head of Department: "At that of Mr. Vogel." Committee omnes: " On, then, we must p»ss him over !" (The head of the department is asked the same question of the second clerk, Mr. Jones. His services, too, could be dispensed with, but then it turns out on enquiry that he was appointed by Sir Donald McLean, or some strong supporter of the Ministry—and so his dismissal cannot be made.) This goes on, said Mr. Roche, till it comes to the last clerk at £100 a-year, when the head of the department being asked if he can be spared, replies, " By no means ; that man docs all the work of the office." Mr. Cox, amidst much laughter, said he doubted very much the authenticity of the anecdote just related to them, but if such a state of things did exist, the Government that countenanced it was unworthy the name of a Government, or any honest man's support. He would like to know on whose authority this story was told. Mr. Roche at first declined to give up his author, "but upon being pressed by the meeting, declared that it was Sir. William Swanson, of Auckland, M.H.R. for Newton. Mr. Cox thought that if Mr. Swanson had known such a state of things to exist he would have been the first to have denounced it on the floor of the House. If such a thing could be, he (Mr. Cox) would be one of the first men to go in for its exposure. A vote of thankß was unanimously accorded to Mr. Cox, and afterwards to the Chairman, Mr. Jermyn, and before the meeting separated three cheers for Sir George Grey, as an expression of thanks for the manner in which he had brouglit to light the abuses of the land purchase department of the Native Office were called for by Mr. Roche, and heartily responded to.

The only occupants of the cells in the watchhonse, last night, were two individuals, who, feeling the influence of the ■weather, had imbibed rather too freely, and were either unable or unwilling to wend their way homewards. Another person who had taken a sudden fancy to a gold ring, and who could not disabuse his mind of the idea that it would look better on his finger . than on.that of its owner, found free lodgings in High-street for having appropriated the little article to his own use. The District Court sat yesterday. The only cases set down were Murphy v. O'Neill (partrheard) and Fargie v. Barnettand Levy, Claim of JEIOO for extra work. In the first case His Honor expressed a wish to hear the argument of counsel upon certain legal points arising out of the case, which was adjourned to Tuesday next. The second case, Fargie v. Barnett and Levy, was adjourned by eonsent tonext Court-day. . The following appointment is notified by the last mail: —"Admiral Sir Thomas Symonds,'K. C. 8., will succeed Admiral the Hon. Sir Henry Keppell, G.C. 8., as com-mander-in-chief at Devonport in November next, on the expiration of Sir Henry Keppell's-time there. Sir Thomas Symonds' last command was as commander-in-chief of the Channel squadron." [Admiral Sir Thomas Symonds is a son of Sir W. Symonds, late surveyor of the navy, and brother of Captain Symonds, of Onehunga.] The Waikato Times of yesterday has the following respecting the late meeting: — Tawhiao's .meeting at Hikurangi concluded yesterday. The only business was the introduction of the new religion. Tawhiao is the sole leader .in the movement. He declared that God must have come with their ancestors'from Hawaiki, in their canoes, with those who came on the crest of the waves, and those -who crossed over according to their traditions on the leaves of the trees. God did not come to them from abroad with the missionaries. lie had always been with them. They had seen the evil of their ways, and he now called upon them to be steadfast, to have faith and believe, to put off all their evil ways. Prayers mora . and nitrht, and ofttimes during the day was practised during the meeting and learning the prayers and hymns he has composed. Drink js to be entirely abolished. Some rum introduced by some of the natives waa seized by him and publicly destroyed, he saying for the .future none was to be allowed there. By many of the natives this movement of Tawhiao's is anxiously watched to see if he himself will be stedfast. Hikurangi is about 14 miles from here, situate on a high hill commanding a fine view of the Waikato settlements. There are only as yet some dozen houses finished. Its site hns nothing -to recommend it but its accessibility to Kawhia and the inland settlements, the country being very broken. He has chosen a number of his people to visit the various .settlements to introduce the religion amongst them, men and women who are turned Tareaos. Mariyjiew laws have been made ; thieving is in future to be heavily .punished, .while for adultery, which has caused so many troubles amongst them, and lately a murder at Otiwa, there is to be no redress. There was .little done the last .three days .of the meeting on account of the rain, and on Saturday the visitors were not to be restrained, the heavy fresh in the valley of the Waipa, which was plainly discernable, hurrying them off to their homes to see what ■damage their property had sustained. This has been considerable, a great number of rihem now -being homeless, autl all their .crops destroyed.

The IlawkeU Bay 27<raW is-somewhat disturbed in consequence of the -decision of the Court of Appesl, in the case of Karaitiana v. Sutton. It says:—"Although the case of Karaitiana v. Sutton has been decided by the Court of Appeal we believe that there is no doubt it will yet be brought before the Privy Council. The case must, therefore, be regarded as still pending, and, consequently, as not open to newspaper comment. We believe there are several other properties in the province, some of them properties of great value, which are more or less similarly situated, as regards title, to the Mangatereterc block." The same paper discusses the g:-' ' ''t. in a leading article, as follows :— C 1 \y.. i in a previous issue that the interpiw ; ■"> which has been put by the Court of Ap^^al—no doubt the correct one in so far as such a confused and contradictory piece of legislation can be said to have any correct meaning—would affect a considerable number of other properties in this province besides Mr. Sutton's. This, however, is the least part of the evil that bids fair to result from it. If the sequel to the decision should be, that natives who have sold their lands and received their purchase money, perfectly well understanding what they were doing, should find that the European law enables them to repudiate the sale and get their land back again from the purchaser, it is manifest .that the European law itself will appear to them in the light of ... an institution which gives its countenance to fraud. Their ideas of the difference between right and wrong already, much confused, will be still further warped and distorted. The mission of an English race brought into contact with an aboriginal one is to civilise and enlighten it. It has been too frequently found, however, to be practically the case that the result of the contest baa been not enlightenment, but demoralisation, and it is much to be feared that the result of the judgment above referred to will operate in this unfortunate direction. For this reason, as well as others, it comes to be a question whether the matter is not .one which it would be desirable to deal with by means of retrospective legislation. The principle of retrospective legislation is already admitted in regard to questions connected with the title to native lands,"

Communication by cable across Cook's Strait is now interrupted, and it would appear that some time must elapse before it can be restored. The news from the South Island and from Australia, which we publish to-day, was conveyed from Lyttelton to Wellington by -the Cyphrenea, and from thence" transmitted by wire. ; There are several important items of hews.

Steps have laeeu taken to raise portions of the pavements which subsided and formed awkward chasms during the late heavy rains. The yvork is "now being carried on at the western side of Queen-street.

The Bay of Plenty Times gives a report of the speech of Wi Maihi (Marsh), who is a candidate for the East Coast district:— Mr. Marsh, on coming forward, was received most enthusiastically. He then spoke as follow :—" Gentlemen, —I am glad to see you who have come to this meeting by the blessing of God. In IS4S, I was a j member of the Proviucial Council of Auckland, wheu Sir George Grey was Governor. I am still in the service of the Government. I am desirous of speaking on the general affairs of this coast. lam chief of the Arawa, and am the person who have looked after their business affairs during the governorship of seven Governors; Ist Governor, Hob"on; 2nd, Shortland; 3rd, Fitzroy; 4th, Sir George Grey; sth, Wynyard; 6th, Browno; 7th, Sir George Grey. These seven have all seen my works from here to Napier. It was I who caused all these inland roads to be made ; £3000 were given me for my roads. I have £150 a-year for past services. The reason I now desire to be a member for the East Coast is because, as you know Mr. Kelly, who both Europeans and natives have voted to Parliament, has accomplished no good work. Perhaps some Europeans have seen his good works ; for my part I have not. I would like to take Kelly's place; he is no good. (Applause.) lam just as good as a European, my sense is just as good. (Cheers.) Take notice of me, I am chief among my tribe. Some tribes have gone over to the.Kingites, but my tribe has always supported the Queen and Government. (Hear, hear.) I will do plenty for both races. I have got no money, but good senso will take me to Parliament. Europeans can be bonght over -with money and drink. (Cheers and groans.) I would like Kelly and Morris by my side to see no bribery. I would ask the Queen for 3000 people to occupy and cultivate our lands. I want to go to England. I would like to cultivate all the lauds, and keep the money in the place ; there would then be plenty of work and money for all classes. (Applause.) I want to borrow £40,000 for roads in this district. I want a road made from here to the Thames, and along the coast. I would like to see the railways all over the country. I shall be much disgusted if a Poverty Bay man gets in to represent the East Coast, as then we will not be properly represented. You all vote forme. (A Voice : 'You bet.') Return me and get justice ; don't split the votes. You elect me, and all will go well. You are my tribe. (Laughter.) I would like the halfcastes to be better represented than they are at present, and will see the Government on this subject. The Pakchas won't keep their Maori children. The speaker here read a requisition asking him to stand — (A Voice : 'Amen'). Mr. Rhodes asked the candidate if he was in favour of Separation ? Mr. Marsh : ' When I go to Parliament I will then decide.' Mr. Wakeham asked, ' Whether Mr. Marsh would join the Ministry if asked?' Mr. Marsh replied, 'Yes.' Mr. Rhodes asked, ' Whether. Mr. Marsh would support Sir George Grey ?' Mr. Marsh replied : ' i T es, in some things. ' His doings were good in past times, but he is a ' new •chum 1 to me now."' A cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Marsh was passed.

The tVaikato Times has further accounts of accidents and narrow escapes by the floods. It says :—" Intelligence was received yesterday of the death by drowning of a Maori, whose name is unknown, in the Puniu river, beyond Kihikihi. It appears that he was about to cross the river on horseback with a 50 lbs. bag of flour, and to keep the flour dry transferred the load from the horse's back to his own. Shortly after entering the swollen stream the horse became restive, reared up and threw the native, who with the flour on his back had no chance of eseape. Mr. James Mandeno and his brother had, it seems, a narrow eseape from drowning on Saturday, endeavouring to cross a part of the country flooded by the river below the Mangapiko bridge. The saddle of one turned completely round, and he was washed from his horse down the stream, but managed to swim to shore. Mr. James Mandeno also was washed away, aud he too succeeded in effecting a landing. The horses found footing 011 a piece of higher ground, where the water was up to their backs ; here they remained all Saturday night, being too much frightened to attempt swimming to dry land. They were got off early on Sunday morning.

In the introductory address of Lord Aberdare to the Social Science Congress, the following occurs: —"The Englishman is said to be the liardest worker in the world; it cannot, I fear, be truly said of him that he is, of all men, the best qualified or most given to make a profitable use of wealth and leisure. He must be doing something, and there is always the danger .that if he is not occupied with work, he will occasionally devote himself to those pursuits which Dr. Watt tells us are found by Satan for idle hands. The same pious writer recommends to little children the imitation of the busy bee ; but there is evidence that even that anost industrious and respectable of insects, when relieved from the necessity of laying in its winter stores, can lose its good habits, and become dangerous to society. ' The most curious instance (says Sydney Smith in his 'Lectures on Moral Philosophy') 'of a change of instinct is mentioned by Darwin. The bees carried over ±o Barbadoes and the Western Isles ceased to lay up any honey after the first year, as they found it not useful to them. They found the weather so fine and materials for making honey so plentiful, that they quitted their frave, prudent, and mercantile character, ecame exceedingly profligate anddebauched, ate up their capital, resolved to work no more, and amused themselves by flying about the sugar-houses and stinging the blacks."

Tho late floods seem to have been very severe in the Bay of Plenty. The Jiay of Plenty Times says :—" Distressing reports are hourly coming in of floods in the Tarawera, Rangitaiki, Orini, and Whakatane rivers. The cultivations of many of the natives are entirely submerged, and a year of destitution is staring them in the face, as it is now too late to put in fresh crops, and even if they had the will the seed cannot be got. We have no doubt, however, that the Government, when their state is fairly represented and investigated, will assist the natives in their time of need." The heaviest rainfall mu6t have oosurred on the plains around Lake Taupo.

The seventh entertainment of the Wesleyan Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association will take place in Pitt-street schoolroom this evening. The programme, which is excellent, will be found in our advertising columns.

The Rev. Mr. EL McCrae, American missionary from India and Japan, will preach in the Baptist Chapel, Wellesley-street, in the morning, and at the Ponsonby School-room in the evening.

• The prizes awarded to the scholars of the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, .will be distributed by Bishop Cowie this afternoon.

A notice to the electors of Waitemata, from Mr. W. J. Hurst, in which he promisee to go to the poll, is published in another column.' Mr. Reader Wood will address the electors of Parnell at eight o'clock on Thursday evening next. j An address from Mr. J. S. Macfarlane to the electors of. Waitemata in our advertising columns. . : 'j Mr; Allright; rProvincial-Engineer, ..is. at present in Waikato seeing where damage has been caused by the late floods. Schedule No. 2 to the Public Building Act i* advertised in another column.

SUPPOSED' DROWNING AT COX'S CREEK. No riore tidings have as yet been heard of the Unfortunate man, Mr. George Levitt, supposed to have been drowned near Cox's Creek. He sailed from England (where he was lemployed by Messra. Huntley and Palmjer, the celebrated biscuit manufacturers, at Reading,) in the Alumbagh, which arrived in our waters about five months ago.. On his arrival here.he was employed by Mr. lamb, at Riverhead. When he had worked there a short time he again came to Auckland, and purchased about an acre and a-half of ground on Cbx's Creek, near Ponsonby, from which he intended earning a livelihood by gardening. I As, however, some time would have to elapse before this could be the case, he was employed by Mr. JPield to till some ground of his, also situated on Cos's Creek ; but subsequently he was employed by Mr. Mason in hi 3 gardens at Ponsonby. On Saturday last he purchased a flat-bottomed boatand a pair of oars, which, it appears, were almost useless, being very old and so rotten that it was certain they would break if the current proved at all strong. On Sunday inorning he told his wife he was going for a little pull about the creek. He accordingly started at nine o'clock, having on only a pair of trousers, flannel shirt, and a straw hat; he also carried a watch, and a little money. At noon he was seen a considerable way out in the stream, but was not particularly watched, as he intended only going out for a short time. As he did not return when expected, fears were entertained for his safety, but all search was hopeless. On Monday a searchparty went out to see if anything could be seen of him, but nothing at all was found. The tide proved so strong that it was with great difficulty the boat could bo kept straight; and if such was the case on Sunday his fate is almost certain. The sharks, too, were so numerous that, on the long reef that runs out from the creek, they were obliged to pelt them to keep them off, which would lead us to suppose that, had the boat capsized, he must have been eaten by the sharks directly, more especially as he could not swim. Every day since boats have been in search all day, but nothing at all can be found. The Water Police were informed of the occurrence on Tuesday night, and on Wednesday and Thursday diligent search was made, but no traces were discovered save that of a dingy, corresponding exactly to that owned by Mr. Levitt, had been seen floating about. A certain person (whose name we have not yet ascertained) reports that on Sunday night, as he was coming across from Biverhead he saw a man in boat drifting about anywhere, but did not take any notice of him. We feel quite inclined to suspend judgment until this person has an opportunity of explaining his conduct; but if the case is as reported, then we feel assured he will be severely censured by the public. The least the above-mentioned man could have done was to have ascertained the unfortunate man's position, and if he had a boat that could stand the strong currents that are known to exist in that locality, he should have taken the punt in tow. It is also reported that Mr. Levitt was seen from the shore to lie down in the bottom of the boat, and that, from the rough water it was in, it appeared as if it would capsize every momont. This might have been the case, as he knew nothing at all about boating. It is very strange that not even the oars can be found, although the shore and the reefs have been most minutely inspected. Great credit is due to those gentlemen who have given so much of their time to search for the unfortunate man, among whom we may mention Mr. Mason who, besides going out himself, also sends his men to search. Mr. Levitt, who was about 30 years of age, leaves a wife and one child.