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New Zealand Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 4748, 3 February 1877, Page 2

Dr. Pollen returned to Hamilton on Thursday night, having been at Cambridge, where ho had au interview with the members of the Ngatiraukawa tribe with reference to the Taupo road. The Government, we understand, are anxious to proceed with the negotiation for a large tract of the Ngatiraukawa land inaugurated by Messrs. Morrin, Brissenden, and others, whoso right the Government bought out. The land in question extends to about 250,000 acres. It will be seen by our telegrams that a meeting of the Kingites is being held to discuss the proposals made by the Native Minister. We learn that the Waikato settlers in general are well pleased with the attitude taken up by Dr. Pollen in his interviews with the natives. Dr. Pollen will probably return to town during the course of to-day.

Thero is now on view at the publishing office of the Herald a block of concrete roughly made from Mnhuraogi lime. It is well known that the lime deposit in the Mahurangi district is what is called hydraulic lime, that is, lime having the quality of not only settling under water, but remaining insoluble under either salt or fresh water. The fblock now on exhibition has been put to a very severe test, having been in the Mahuraugi River under water for the last twenty years, and was sent up to Auckland by Mr. Nathaniel Wilsou, of Mahurangi, a lime-burner there. In the note by Mr. Wilson which accompanied the concrete block, he says :—" Some time ago I had a visit from the Harbour Master (Captain Burgess), who told me that I would have to remove the debris consisting of stone and earth, which [ had put out to form a wharf at my lime works. In carrying out his instructions, I came across a bed of concrete, of which this specimen is a portion. Mr. J. Southgate was the first person who burnt lime here, and in shipping it some of the lime by accident fell into the sea, and there remaiued until I found it. The block I now send you is the result of that accident. Had it been a regularly formed concrete, and properly rammed into position, it would have been much, harder, but when it has become so solid under such unfavourable circumstances it is a proof that for most uses it would answer all the practical purposes of the more costly Portland cement." Those who require lime for building purposes or for making concrete blocks for wet foundations might do well to give this lime a trial. "When properly prepared and ground in a mortar mill, the resulting concrete would be much more compact than the one now on exhibition. *

The dividend in the Colonial Bank is G per cent,, not 5 per cent., as'erroneously stated in the telegram in our yesterday's paper. The report of the directors, read at the halfyearly meeting on Wednesday last, states :— Tho net profit for the half-year, after deducting all salaries and expenses of management, rent and other charges, and after making full provision for bad and doubtful debts, and interest accrued on deposits, amounts to £10,204 lCs 5d ; to which add : balance of profit and loss account carried over from 30th June last, £3,051 3s ; making a total available for division of £13,915 19s sd. The directors recommend that it shall be appropriated as follows :—To increase the reserve fund (which will then be £10,000), £1,735; to payment of a dividend at the rate of 0 per cent, per annum, on the paidup capital of the bank, on 31st December, £9,774 7s 2d; the balance of £2,403 12s-3d to be carried forward to profit and lose new account for the current half-year.' The business of the bank continues to increase and improve at head office and branches. In September last a branch was opened at Lawrence, where tho progress already made quite meets the expectations of the directors.

A pretty drama, entitled " The Rose of Sligo," was produced last evening at the Theatre lloyal, for the benefit of Miss Kena. It bears Mr. Boucicault's imprimatur, and,, therefore, requires no desoription. Miss Bena, as Noreen, gavo a very pleasant, graceful, and exuberant impersonation of the typical Irish girl. This evening Mr. Joseph K. Emmett commences his new season with Fritz, in ."Our Cousin German." This performance is described by the highest critical authorities as unique of its kind, and most excellent in effect. Indeed, if it be only half as good as it gets such eulogy for being, it is one of remarkable as well as of exceptional merit. Tho piece will be produced with special scenery and musical accompaniments.

The following is the classification of the trades of the immigrants per the ship Oxford, which left London on November 27, 187G : — Farm labourers, 56 ; gardeners, 3; general labourers, IS ; land steward, 1 ; ploughmen, 5 ; butchers, 2 ; carpenters, 7 j coachbuilder, 1 ; blacksmiths, 3; engineer, 1; bricklayers, 2; shoemakers, 2; teacher, 1 ; warehouseman, 1. Single women: Charwoman, 1; cooks, 2; dairymaid, 1 ; dressmaker, 1; general servants, 23; housekeeper, 1 ; kitehenmaid, I ; nurses, 3. The nationalities of tho immigrants are :—English, 103 ; Scotch, 19; Irish, 110; Welsh, 2; Channel Islanders, 2; Germans, 3 : total, 239.

We may inform the unemployed that the City Council are prepared to give work to any who require it iu the form of handbroken road metal, for which 4s 2d per cubic yard will be paid. Particulars may be ascertained ou application at tho office of the Town Clerk, Queen-streefc.

The committee of the Thames Mechanics Institute determined to give Mr. Severn, their Vice-president, an ovation previonsMo- hw departure from the Thames. About 100 adults responded to the invitation, and parr took of tea and other refreshment at the Academy of Music, on Thursday evening. After the tables were cleared, Captain Fraser occupied the chair, as President ot the" Mechanics' Institute, and in a few words called upon Mr. W. Rowe, who responded in a short speech of felicitous language, expressing regret at Mr. Severn's going away, testifying to his zeal and ability at all times to assist not only tko Mechanics' Institute, but to impart that knowledge he possessed on all scientific matters to every one seeking his advice." Mr. Severn was entitled to the highest praise they could bestow upon nun. The community had, through him, "bee* informed" and educated on matters.scientinc which had not.fallen, to the lot of many other places, and he was leaving the Thames with a knowledge that he hai endeavoured to do his duty, and that he would depart from it-leaving it better than he found it. Mr. Severn need have no fear of success in whatever part of the world he might go to. His Worship the Mayor followed by tendering to Mr. Severn the thanks of the Mechanics' Institute, and that of the public, for his many acts of kindness. His Worship testified to Mr. Severn's high attainments, and concluded by a humorous allusion to a " fire annihilator " experiment, to tha hilarity of the meeting. The chairman then presented to Mr. Severn a complimentary address. His "Worship said the committee bad also requested him to present a souvenir (consisting of a very elegant gold rio" set with three rubies) to Mrs. Severn. Mr? Severn acknowledged the presentation on behalf of his wife and himself, and stated that for the last 22 years he had been engaged in scientific pursuits; the last six of which had been spent in Grahamstown, where he had accumulated • the best scientific.instruments that any gentleman procured out of England. He was glad his efforts to support the Mechanics' Institute had been appreciated; though the public had kindly patronised that institution and he thought they should. It was his intention to travel through every town in New Zealand, lecturing on. scientific subjects, with a view to bring about a taste for scientific investigation, and then proceed to England: but he should always look back to Grahamstown as the place where he had spent six years of his life most pleasantly. He certified to the uniform courtesy he had received from every portion of the community. Captain Richards also certified to his long acquaintance with, and high appreciation of Mr. Severn. The speeches were interspersed by singing and music.

It has been, found necessary, on all well conducted railways, and of course all our New Zealand lines must be included in that category, to make provision for the forgetfulness o£ travellers. People will leave articles in carriages. On getting to the end of. their journey, everybody makes a rush to get out of the carriages, aud not unfrequently they forget little parcels, umbrellas, sticks, and parasols, which they have stowed away in the carriages. It is gratifying to be- able to infer, from the articles left, that the gentler sex are as guilty of forgetfulness in this respect as the stronger and stupider sex. However, the railway authorities provide for the weakness of human nature. Immediately on the arrival of a train, the porter goes through the carriages and fetches all the lorgotton parcels, aud lodges them in an office, be claimed by their owners. No other person is allowed to touch them. They are kept for three months, aud then by law they are sold by auction. We are not aware whether the proceeds arf. handed over to the Consolidation Fund, or are applied to the payment of interest and sinking fund on the railways. The articles could not be classified otherwise than as miscellaneoiis, for a gold ring was found not very long ago, at the Auckland station, and parcels of the strangest description are sometimes forgotten. One part of the railway machinery ought to be known. Duplicate tickets, admittina of being torn in two parts, each printed with the same number, are sold at Is. per dozen. Any person coming to town and making purchases, has merely to get the parcels sent down to the station, each having a ticket fastened on to it. These parcels are given up on production of the duplicate. A number of these tickets are bought by merchants for the convenience of their customers.

The evidence in the ca*e of Ehrenfried v. Gough (the former a brewer at the Thames, and the latter a maltster in England) has been forwarded by the commission to the English High Court of Justice (Exchequer Division), over which the Lord Chief Baron presides. The evidence was accompanied by exhibits for the better information of the Court as to the nature of the damage which the plaintiff alleges he has sustained. The claim for damage is laid at £500. It will be recollected that Mr. Ehrenfried ordered from the defendants a large quantity of "pale" malt, but received "brown," and the consequence was that the beer manufactured from this ingredient was of a dark colour, and of inferior quality. It is to test •this part of -'the'case that exhibits of the manufactured article have bsen sent to the judge of the High Court of Justice, in the form of.two bott'es of beer from each side of the litigation.

Although some time has now elaped since the provincial form of governmet was superseded, and the officers of the province discharged, the fact does not seem to te universally known in the country districts. For many years Mr. Allright was in charge of the Public- Works department, of the Province of Auckland, and although his services have been dispensed with now for some tune, many letters still reach him from persons in varioas parts of the province, complaining oE the want of roads, pointing out where repairs to bridges are required, &c, as if he were still a servant of the Government. We understand that Mr. Allright holds no Government appointment at present, either in connection with th"s Public Works or any other department.

The opportunity of an enjoyable trip to Waikato during the race days next week is offered by the railway and river boats. Single fares for the double journey, both on the rail and on the river, are arranged for ; and, in addition to the races, there are the attractions of a pigeon-match on the second race day (Thursday), and a ball in the evening, to which it is said three hundred invitations have been issued. The journey is an attractive one, the season of the year pleasant for travelling, and those who desire to see the progress of the Waikato should take advantage of the chance now offered.

It will be in the recollection of our readers that the annual meeting of the Parnell Common School lapsed in consequence oE non-attendance of either committee or ratepayers, only two o£ the - latter being present. We understand it is the intention of the committee and ratepayers to petition the Board of Education to appoint fi\ r o commisioners to carry on the school for the ensuing year.

. Mr. Robert Tait, for some years postmaster at Coromandel, and at present attached to the Chief Post-office, will leave in charge of the next outgoing San Francisco mail, advertised to leave Auckland about the 12th inst. Mr. Tiiit was mail agent in ISG9, and as he has not been in good health latterly, the change may do him good.

The Wanrjarei Comet proposes that a steam launch should be procured to maintain communication between Wangarei and the bays of the harbour, Wangarei Heads, and the steamer Argyle.

Notice is given that a bonus of £1500 will bo paid for the production of the first fifty tons of grey or wrapping paper ; and that a further bonus of £1000 will be paid for the production of the first fifty tons of printing paper on certain terms

Captain Brassey has resigned the captaincy of the Thames .Naval Brigade, which he has held for four years. He has been a most excellent officer.

The Thames Advertiser states that a large hotel is about to be erected at the Piako by a Mr. Wood, for the convenience of travellers.

The Choral Society will commence their new season on Tuesday evening with "Athalie," by Mendelssohn, which, ia in course of rehearsal.

The Parliament of Tasmaniahas passed a resolution offering a subsidy of £1,000 a year to a ateam line willing to carry a monthly mail between that colony and New Zealand.

Mr. H. S. Williams and Air. W. Hillhavo been returned for the Mangapai Eidinjj Wangarei County.

A case of considerable local interest came before Mr. Fenton yesterday,' as commissioner to take evidence m the case of Combes and Daldy v. Bentley, to be forwarded to the Supreme y Court of Fiji. The facts of the case may be briefly stated. Captam Thomas JBateman was formerly an Auckland settler,, and held a Government office as collector ol Customs at Hokianga, Rus3ell, and other Northern ports. He was married to Miss Bartley, daughter of the late Speaker of the Legislative Council, and therefore brother-in-law of Mr. Stafford. He died about the 28th September, 1874, leaving the whole of his property to an adopted child. The defendant in the present action i 3 one of the executors under his. will. The claim of Messrs. Combes and Daldy is for £376 5s 3d, balance cf an account. It appeared that about the year 1866 the late Captain Bateman went to Fiii and settled there. The evidence taken yesterday will be forwarded in due course to the Court at Fiji. The details are reported in another column.

' At the shop of Messrs. Fisher and Co. was yesterday exposed a large stag, which was shot on the island of Motatapu yesterday morning, by Mr.Momn, at a distance of 135 yards. Mr. Morrm went downi to the island on Thursday night, and killed early yesterday mornuig. -Uie Seer are very wild, and the breaking of a twig is sufficient to send them out of reach fort day. The animal weighs over 2cwt., and, from the indications given by its spreading antlers, is about four years of age. ; Xt is one of the progeny of a buck and two does imported by Mr. fi. Graham, some ten or twelve years ago. There are now about iuu deer on the island.

Yesterday a beautiful set of gold sleevelinks and etude set with carbuncles were presented to Mr. Ratcliffe, of the yacht Lavinia, by the Committee of Management of the Eegatta. The set consisted of really beautiful articles, and were bought oE Mr. These articles will, no doubt, be more prized by Mr. Ratcliffe than the prize of which he was sure when he went out of the race to save human life when the Bismarck went down on Regatta day.

The sailing race between Messrs. Hunt s boat, The Brothers, and Mr. Allison's Strawberry, Trill come off it one o'clock to-day. The course is from off the Wharf, round the buoy off Devonport Wharf, and back round the barque Martha, and over the course again. The stakes have been increased to the sum of £10 per boat, Mr. Gallagher, of the Thames Hotel, being stake-holder. Mr. Hill was chosen referee.

The amount of good done by the chickens among the fruit trees can (says the Scientific Farmer) hardly be estimated. We completely conquered the cancer worms in an orchard of 100 trees iu two years' time by colonising a flock of 50 chickens or so in the midst of the lot, not to mention the ceaseless missionary work undertaken by the biddies ic the surrounding gardens and fields. We always preserve all the birds too, not begrudging them a few cherries and berries. Aud now the busy allies build close to the house, and amply reward us for an occasional kindness shown them.

At 'a convention of American Fish Commissioners, in the Maryland State Building, in the Centennial grounds, Professor Baird stated that 8,000,000 young shad and 5.000,000 young salmon were distributed in the United States during 1875, aad 600,000 eggs sent abroad.

The Wangarei Comet says the late sheep fair at Kami) shows that there were no buyers for the surplus stock of the district, and that the wool-growers must keep fewer aud better stock than at present.

The Weekly News of to-day contains a full account of the Cricket Match between the AllEngland Uleven and Twenty-two of Auckland, a full report of the Regatta, aud all the news of the week. •

It will be seen by our advertising columns that Mr. Douglas Russell, oE Edinburgh, will preach in the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening at eight o'clock. The doors will be opened at half-past seven to enable the non-church-going public to obtain seats in preference to churchgoers. "We are requested to state that Mr. Uussell will be glad of the co-operation of the special service choir. JReforence to our advertising columns will show that the Crown Hotel, Grey-street, has changed hands, having come into the occupancy of Mr. E. Hadrill. Mr. Hadrill is well known in Auckland for several years past, and under his management this well-known house will doubtless regain its former popularity.

A call of 3d is made in the United Kingdom Gold Mining Company.