Country News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 230, 5 February 1876, Page 17

Country News.

W. M. Smith, of Turakina, and Robert London, of Feilding, have been gazetted postmasters. Lieutenant-Colonel Faddy, immortalised by the Auckland Evening Star, is now in Napier, where he walks about smoking a long clay pipe, and wearing his uniform cap with its peak over his poll. We notice from our exchanges that good headway is being made with harvesting operations in the Rangitikei district, and reaping machines and the old-fashioned sickle have been busy in various directions. The crops are generally looking well, and give promise of a highly satisfactory yield. The "Southland papers notice samples of ornamental white porcelain, manufactured by Mr. Bedson from clay found in Milton, Tokomairiro. The quality of the pottery is apparently very good, and the designs highly elegant. The samples furnished to us consist of a lady's cross, two brooches, and a pair of earrings. The moulding of the flowers in relief on the ornaments has been executed with great skill. The local paper is pleased to notice that one of the German settlers who left Rangitikei some ten or twelve years ago for Victoria has come to the conclusion that, after all, there is no place like New Zealand. Not only is he accompanied by his family, but he has been delegated by about a dozen Germans to look for a suitable piece of land on which they can settle. Doubtless, every advantage would be offered to him if he represents his case in the proper quarter. As a branch of our colonial industry, the Mosgiel Avoollen manufactory of Otago is, we remark with pleasure, extending its business to a considerable extent; the goods turned out at that establishment are meeting with general approval, and the demand is in consequence steadily increasing. There can be no doubt about the superiority of the Mosgiel tweed over nmch of the imported article, because it has undergone the test of experience. Mr. Cope, a gentleman who recently opposed Messrs. Manders and Bradshaw for the Wakatip in the general election, is (says the Taapcka Times) not held in very high favor by some of his would-be constituents, if we may accept the following as trustworthy. In addressing a few of his partisans in the main street of Arrowtown an evening or two after the election, his remarks are thus characterised by a correspondent of the Arrow Observer : —" The bacchanalian bawdiness of his utterances reminded one strongly of a Billingsgate pothouse training, intensified by colonial unrestraint, and coming from a would-be M.H.R., made his presumption all the more conspicuous. Under these circumstances, it is gratifying that the electors have properly humiliated this pretender to public favors." "I always thought," says the Christchurch correspondent of the North Canterbury Times, "the mystic letters J.P. attached to a person's name constituted being a gentleman within the legal definition of the term, let his trade or occupation be what it might. Some ■weeks ago the assizes were on, and several merchants who had been summoned on the Grand Jury were endeavoring to escape doing attendance for some reason or other, which each in turn was trying to bring favorably before his Honor. At last the Judge's patience, of which he only possesses a fair modicum, began to give way, and, ' Gentlemen of the Grand Jury,' quoth he, ' I would beg to impress upon you how important it is that mercantile men should be placed on the Jury, as well as gentlemen !' A mercantile man is evidently not a gentleman by Act of Parliament." • Everybody knows (says the Otago Guardian of January 28th) that potatoes are largely used in the manufacture of bread, but we never yet heard of rotten ones being employed for that purpose, although it would seem from the remarks of the Inspector of Nuisances in the Police Court yesterday, that such an objectionable contingency was not at all improbable. It appears he summoned a baker for having a nuisance on his premises, and said nuisance consisted mainly in a quantity of rotten potatoes being exposed in the yard, and which emitted a stench most offensive to the neighborhood. Some manure was likewise lying about ; but as regarded the potatoes, some one about the premises, it appears, said that a portion of them was to be tised up in the bread—a remark which, if true, could not have been very tasteful to the defendant's customers, if they were aware that it had been practically adopted. The defendant admittecl that the " spuds " were rotten, but stated that they had only been left as a sample—(rather lively),—and when their condition was discovered, they were taken away "shortly after" the Inspector's visit. The Bench made no inquiry about the bread part of the question, it being rather a squeamish subject, perhaps, but inflicted a penalty for the nuisance, which it appeared had been a cause of complaint in the neighborhood. As a specimen of perseverance in acquiring a knowledge of our English language, and of a persevering spirit, the Taranaki Budget publishes the following, which was handed in yesterday by a gentleman who had taken the trouble to translate it :—" PANTOMINE. At faundation of it imprudently, I have got in the bush, I cannot Walkin an the Teghtrrope, but I will give pleasure comical Pantomine, (the unreasonable Clown as violin playing.) as shall grant amidst next Month, of more person in Odd Fellows' Hall. C : F: L: W: Thorup. Teghtrope dance." The true meaning was concluded to be as follows : " Owing to an accident in the bush, I cannot walk on the tightrope, but I intend to give a performance of a Comic Pantomime—' the unreasonable clown as violinist' —during the course of next month, which will afford much laughter to many people." The party alluded to is one of the recent arrivals, a Dane,

! formerly clown to several of the leading circuses in Europe, and who unfortunately severely injured his leg whilst at work in the bush. There is no doubt but that his performaace will receive the encouragement and support he deserves by his energy and pluck. "* The following is from the Greg River Argus between the Provincial Secretary of Nelson and the Provincial Engineer of that province, the latter gentleman has resigned or has been superseded. It is stated that the cause of the misunderstanding was the undue interference of Mr. O'Conor with the department supposed to be under the control of the engineer, and as Miller, F.S.A., has never yet been known to "knuckle under" when the matter in dispute involved a tampering with his prerogatives, it is more than likely that there is good foundation for the rumor." The New Zealand Insurance Company has already earned for itself a high reputation throughout the colony for prompt and liberal settlement of claims, and its directors seem determined that it shall rank equally high in this respect among the Home insurance offices. The Otago Dally Times states that advices received by last mail report that Messrs. Ross and Glendining's London office received, as early as November 11, from Messrs. Bowley and Bristow, the company's London agents, ; a cheque for £10,710, being the amount [ of their policy on goods per Strathmore. [ Within the last two years the same firm has received from the New Zealand Insurance Company about £20,000 in all in payment of marine losses, including a large amount for j total loss per Surat, which was settled in the same prompt and liberal manner, the company in both instances waiving its right to the full time allowed for settlement—representing a [ considerable sum for interest upon such large amounts. It is gratifying to learn from the report of this company, just published, that [ notwithstanding the exceptionally heavy losses it has recently sustained, the directors ! have been able to declare a handsome dividend [ to the shareholders. WELLINGTON HIGHWAY BOARD. [ A meeting oft the Wellington Highway Board was held at the Hutt yesterday. Pre- , sent—Messrs. T. Mason (chairman), Taylor, ; Monaghan, Sevancke, Sinclair, Smith, and ; Speedy. The Inspector and Treasurer were , also in attendance. - The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. FINANCE. , Payment of the amounts mentioned in the following abstract was authorised : No. 1 Ward.—James Barnes, £25, construction of roads. No. 2.—J. Wilmshurst, £8 6s. Sd., repairs. No. 3.—William Howell, £3, repairs ; Florence, £1 10s., repairs ; Woodman and . Jones, £2 os. 6d., repairs ; Henry Lynch, £4, construction. No. 4.—W. Gosling, £lO 18s., two months' salary ; J. Sinclair, £5 los. 3d., repairs. No. 5.—R. Prouse, £lO, repairs ; Robert Hunter, £2 16, repairs. No. 6.—Robert Hunter, £2 165., repairs. Contingencies.—Lyon and Blair, £2 9s. 6d. An account was presented from a person in , the ward of which Mr. Speedy is warden, for . clearing rubbish off the road. The work was absolutely necessary to be done, but before performing it the party had not communicated with any one in authority; therefore the '. Board, while quite willing to pay the amount, , resolved that the party be informed the Board would not accept this transaction as a prececedent, if an account were presented in future 5 without the work having been previously . authorised. . SOUTH KARORI. Mr. Monaghan presented a claim for work j, done in South Karori. He explained that he r had drawn up specifications to be carried out > by the successful tenderer for keeping the road I in this part of the district, but by mistake inL eluded bridges in it. The person whose tenL der had been accepted now declined to sign the specifications, and applied for payment for the work already done. He (Mr. Monaghan) , had not intended to include the bridges, and [ therefore he thought they ought to be now , specially excluded, and perhaps the tenderer would then go on with the work. \ The Inspector mentioned that some of the bridges, if anything happened to them, would cost £3O or £4O to repair, and as the tender was only of the amount of some £3B, it would i be absurd to call upon a man to do this. It was resolved to leave the matter in the \ hands of Messrs. Monaghan and Ashton to . manage ; but they were instructed that if the tenderer did not keep to his tender after the excision of the objectionable specification, his £5 deposit should be forfeited. A QUESTION OF LAW. Mr. Cruickshank attended, and asked the Board if it had the power to demand of him ; satisfaction of a judgment obtained against the owner of property in the old Mungaroa district. About £3O had accumulated in the way of un- • paid rates, and about four years ago the Mungaroa Board sued the occupier of the property, and obtained a judgment against him. The judgment had not been satisfied when the Wellington Board took over the assets and liabilities of the Mungaroa Board, nor since ; and he now wished to know whether he would be liable to be called upon to satisfy the judgment if he purchased the land, as he proposed to do. The Chairman thought he would be liable, but was not sure. Mr. Cx-uikschank said he would see his lawyer on the subject. The Board decided to obtain the opinion of its solicitor as welL stokes' valley. Residents in this locality asked for an extension of the present formation. They set forth the dreadful state in which the road was in. The Inspector said no doubt the road was in a very bad state, but there were no funds in hand wherewith to do it. . |

The Board ordered the matter to stand over. A like request in respect of White's line was similarly treated. wades' town. A resident asked the Board to take into con; sideration the state of the road near Black Bridge. He said he and others had to go round many miles, and were put to much inconvenience. He had paid rates for a considerable time, and within the past two years had paid as much as £6O ; therefore, he hoped the Board would do something, if possible. The Chairman said roads were constructed out of grants received from the Provincial and General Governments, and nothing could be done until some money was received from this source. However, he might say that, in consequence of heavy expenditure a year or two ago in this district, the Board had become indebted to the Provincial Government some £240. If they counted upon repayment he was afraid the district could not be touched for some time. No doubt it was a very hard case, and if it could be managed, the matter should be attended to. Mr. Taylor referred to the serious loss occasioned to the district by the want of this piece of road, and said he had almost hoped from the way in which Mr. Bunny, the Provincial Secretary, had spoken when the debt was contacted, that it would not be asked for again. Mr. Bunny had said if the money was spent in that way the Government would not charge it to the Board. The Chairman remarked that Mr. Bunny had scarcely said so much as that. He had left himself a loophole to get out of. What he said was in effect this : Let the matter rest, and probably nothing more will be heard about it. THE GOVERNMENT GRANTS. A conversation ensued about the grants. The Inspector said he had been told by Mr. Bunny that he intended to see Major Atkinson, the Colonial Treasurer, and endeavor to get him to advance the money to pay the Boards with; and if he succeeded, the money would be paid over all at once, and not in instalments. Mr. Bunny had also said that twenty-two chains of the Belmont contract would be proceeded with at once. In answer to questions, The Chairman said he hoped the Board would get a grant of 13s. 4cl. from the General Government, as well as the grant from the Provincial Government, but he was rather afraid they would not get the two. Several members said it would be rather unjust if the General Government refused the grant because they had to assist the Provincial Government. THE RxVTES. The Collector reported that the rates were coming in satisfactorily. hunter's gate. It was stated that the gate of which complaint had been made last meeting had not been removed yet. The person aggrieved had not spoken to Mr. Hunter on the subject. Mr. Monaghan said the gate was a great inconvenience, but he believed that if Mr. Hunter were spoken to on the subject, he would be most willing to remove it. He promised to see Mr. Hunter. The Board then rose. OUR BANGITIKEI-MANAWATU LETTER. (prom our own correspondent.) Marton, January 29. Since my last communication little or nothing of a sensational character has occurred to relieve our normal quiet. The splendid weather we have lately been enjoying has been utilised to the utmost in pushing forward harvesting operations, and the reaping machine, the sickle, and the scythe have been busy at work all around from early morn to dewy eve. Indeed, our farmers have had a pretty busy time of it for the last six weeks or two months. The shearing was a protracted one, and not over until the grass was ready for the mower. This was late owing to the cold wet spring, and was scarcely finished when the corn was ready for harvesting. It is pleasing to find the farmers availing themselves of such labor-saving implements as the reaping machine, for which the land hereabouts, being so level, is admirably adapted. On the day when my last letter was posted intelligence was brought into Marton of a melancholy case of drowning in the Turakina river, about ten miles up from the township. The deceased, whose name was Stephen Feathers ton, was bathing along with some of the neighboring settlers, when he "was swept into the current, and being unable to swim, was drowned, notwithstanding his companions made strenuous exertions to save him. The deceased was the son of a well-to-do farmer in Ontario, Canada; and having heard so much of New Zealand, emigrated hither, and had only been in the colony some six weeks when he met his untimely end. Apart from the sad occurrence itself, it is pleasing to note that the varied advantages our colony possesses are becoming recognised in such remote regions as Canada. It strikes me that in a few years we shall see no small addition to our numbers from the Dominion, where the exceedingly long winters tell very much against the farmer. The climate of New Zealand is unquestionably better suited to the constitution and habits of our countrymen than that of Canada. Cricketing seems to be all the rage just at present all over the colony, and iD this respect the Rangitikei and Manawatu district forms no exception. Though we cannot boast of such crack teams as the Canterbury or Otago elevens, still we have a few good players. A match between the Marton and Wanganui clubs came off last Saturday on the ground of the latter. The weather was simply execrable, and the ground consequently in anything but a desirable condition; in fact, the whole surrounding circumstances militated most powerfully against eclat being achieved by either side. The playing, as might be expected, was not up to the mark, but our local team managed to secure a victory. To-day a match is being played at Feilding between the local

club and that of Palmerston. On Saturday next the Marton team engage in friendly contest with the Rangitikei Club at Bull's, and on the 26th proximo the return match with Wanganui comes off on the ground of the Marton C.C. The works in our High-street, alluded to in my last, came to an abrupt standstill last week, owing to Mr. Nathan, the contractor, throwing up the contract. The plans were altered, and fresh tenders called for. These were considered at a meeting of the Local Board held to-day, when Mr. Nathan was again the successful tenderer. As the event proved, his jibbing on his former contract was a shrewd and prudent move, for he will uow receive exactly the same amount for £350 worth less of work. " Once bit, twice shy," is an old and trite saying, of the truth of which we see almost daily exemplifications ; and so_ our Local Board, gaining wisdom by experience, have determined to bind the contractor over, with bond legally executed, for the due completion of the contract. I hear that Mr. Nathan intends conducting operations on a rather extensive scale, and that we shall have an opportunity of judging of the merits, or otherwise, of some American inventions in the way of labor-saving apparatus. There would seem to be a hitch somewhere, in connection with the drainage works at Bull's, for as yet no commencement has been, made, although the tender was accepted nearly a month ago. We shall probably learn all about it at the next meeting of the board, on i Monday week. The health of the township is very much improved compared with what it was last summer. So far there has been only one case of typhoid fever, and up to Tuesday last the patient was progressing favorably. Major Mcßarnet has been confined to the house for some time, and at one period his state was such as to cause anxiety to his friends. The latest reports are more favorable, and of quite a hopeful nature. Reference was made in my last to the threatened scarcity of water. Fortunately for us, the rain which fell on Saturday was just sufficient to replenish our tanks, which were becoming bluishly low, and will soon be so again. The Tutaenui has ceased running for some time, and the volume in the mill-dam is slowly but steadily diminishing. Another month of fine weather, and there will be a pretty hubbub about a water supply to Marton. We were led to believe something in this direction would be done by the Government, but notwithstanding all the nice things told us on the eve of the election, nothing has_ as yet been done. We begin to see through it now. Good progress is being made with the road to Feilding from Awahuri. Owing to the opposition of one proprietor, who by the way acquired his land after the road had been surveyed and laid out, a slight detour of about twenty chains has had to be made through the bush. This will necessitate the construction of two additional bridges, and the outlay of some £2OO, in addition to the former estimate. Notwithstanding this impediment, there is every probability of our having an excellent road to the corporation township before the end of the summer. The township of Halcombe, though still in embryo, is rapidly coming into favor ; and sanguine expectations are entertained with regard to it as a field for commercial enterprise, by the storekeepers in this district, several of whom intend opening branch establishments there. From the fact of a large population being about to be settled there, and the various public works which will be going on in, through, and around it, there seems every probability of these expectations being realised. There is an extensive area of rich open land not far from the township, and this is rapidly taken up, 1400 acres having been sold in one lot to a party of Germans, consisting of seven families. Messrs. Bartholomew and Manson's sawmill there is now in full working order. The plant is very complete, including a planing, tonguing, and grooving machine. The engine is of 18 horse-power, and the mill can turn out 30,000 ft. of timber a week. Timber there will be very cheap—little more than half what we have to pay for it here. From what I can learn, the price will not exceed 10s, or 10s. 6d. the hundred feet. Intelligence was received in Marton this afternoon, that a man belonging to Mr._ Flyger's survey party had been found dead in his bunk on Thursday evening. From inquiries made, I have ascertained that the man was left alone by himself in the camp on Monday afternoon, and on some one going there on the Thursday afternoon, the poor fellow's corpse was discovered lying in the bunk, with one arm extended. The camp is several miles from Halcombe, and five-and-twenty from Feilding. Information was sent to the policeman at the latter place, and preparations were being made when my informant left, for holding an inquest on the spot. The name of the deceased did not transpire, and from the advanced stage of decomposition the body was in, it is conjectured that death must have taken place on the Monday night or early on Tuesday. A feeling of sadness steals over one at the thought of the poor fellow dying there, all alone, miles away from any white man. Though we have had no rain sufficient to affect the rivers, the Rangitikei last week gave evidence that the downpour which has caused so much damage in the neighboring province, extended some distance on this side of the dividing range, for oa Thursday and Friday he river was rolling down its turbid waters from bank to bank. The west coast of the Northern Island bids fair, at no remote period, to share, if not eclipse, the renown of its namesake of the Middle Island, and to revive the glory of New Zealand as a gold-producing country. It was only a week or two ago that we were startled by the announcement that 581bs. of quartz, alleged by an old Thames miner to have been foiind by him in the Taranaki province, gave the astonishing yield of 60 ounces. Nearly oneeleventh ! or, more approximately, at the rate of one ton of gold to .eleven and a half tons of quartz. No wonder that the gold fever has broken out in New Plymouth

with exceptional virulence. Now, we have another reported gold discovery aear our own doors. It is said that gold has been discovered between Foxton and the Ohau river, and that so reliable were the accounts consisidered, that one of Foxton's ci (Levant merchants started off with tents and tools, etc., to the scene of the find. I should be travelling out of my province if I were to discuss the possibility of gold being found in the places indicated ; but with gold at either end of the dividing range in each island —to say nothing of the piece fished up with the cable—your own correspondent believes that there is no sufficient reason" for denying its existence in the intervening portions. The unenviable notoriety which the people in and around Palmerston have achieved as being " good drinking men"—or perhaps more correctly, "good drinkers," as the latter phrase will not exclude the women—has had one legitimate result at least. Two large breweries are at present in course of erection for two of the Wanganui brewers, each of whom is expecting to do a roaring trade. The Right Rev. the Bishop of Wellington visited Palmerston last week, and on Friday night presided at a meeting of the pai'ishioners held in the Anglican Church. At this meeting Mr. Palmerson was appointed minister's churchwarden, and Mr. Snelson parishioners' churchwarden. A vestry was also elected, consisting of Messrs. Waldegrave, Snelson, Burton, Greig, Goodisson, JDalrymple, and Pownall, to hold office until the expiration of the present year. The first vestry meeting was fixed for Monday next. HORRIBLE MURDER AT EPSOM, AUCKLAND. (From the New Zealand Herald, Jan. 28.) A most cold-blooded and premeditated murder was committed early yesterday by a Maori known by the name of Harry, at Mr. Cleghorn's farm, Epsom. The victim of this diabolical act is a young man named Edward Packer, who was employed on the farm, and the murderer lived at Onehunga, with Mr. Higgs, butcher. At about half-past 4 o'clock in the morning, Mr. Cleghorn's servant girl, Mary Ann Sutton, saw the Maori (Harry), cross the yard and go into the outhouse, where Edwin (the deceased slept. She heard deceased say, " Hallo, Harry, where are you off to ?" After this she did not hear anything. Within a quarter of an hour from this time she had dressed herself, and she then went across the yard and knocked at the door of the deceased's room and called his name, but got no answer. The door was partly open, and she just looked in the room, but did not observe anything. She did not look on the bed, and could not say whether he was there or not. She then returned to her duties in the house, and did not suspect that anything wrong had occurred. Shortly after this Mr. Cleghorn, junior, and Master Stoddard left the house with the intention of shooting rabbits. They followed the dog they had with them for the purpose of hunting rabbits, and the animal led through the yard and pointed to something near a lot of posts which had been stacked at the back of the shed. Mr. Cleghorn, on going cautiously to examine the place, as he expected to find a rabit there, to his horror saw a human foot protruding beyond the timber, where he found, partly concealed, the body of a man. He at once returned to the house, and reported what he had seen. The body was soon identified as that of Edwin Packer, who had recently -had a quarrel with and had been threatened by the Maori. The position in which the body was found clearly showed that the concealment of it had been hastily made. It is more than probable that at the time the servant rapped on the wall of the outhouse for the purpose of rousing deceased, the murderer was disposing of the body on the other side of the building, and alarmed lest the woman should enter the apartment and discover that its inmate was missing, he had speedily decamped, abandoning the intention of burying the body in the grave he had made for it. The deceased was found lying on his face under the shade of a large hydranjea bush, with his feet doubled over his back, in order that he might be compressed into as small a compass as possible. On the top of the body a number of ten-feet posts were placed, which effectually kept it in the doubled up manner described above. The police were sent for immediately. Constable Green arrived shortly afterwards from Onehunga, and with the assistance of Mr. John Kelly, carried the body and laid it out in the room where the murder had been committed. The head and neck of the deceased were horribly mutilated. He had evidently been murdered in his bed, probably just as he was rising to get out of bed, and directly after he was heard by the servant to speak in a friendly tone of voice to the Maori. Packer had raised himself up on his elbow, while he uttered the words "Holloa, Harry, where are you off to ?" Then, while scarcely awake, he was struck with the bill-hook, cutting him from the left temple across the forehead, over the eye, and cutting into the nose. He made no attempt to save his head by putting up his nands; and in the position of starting up on his elbow, it would not be easy for him to do so. The first blow must have extinguished life completely. This blow could not have been struck while the deceased was lying, as it extends too far back on the head. It must have caused death at once, for the brain is completely laid open. The blow simply cut the head in two. The murderer then evidently struck several hurried blows. First, he made a horrid gash in the cheek. The deceased must then have rolled over, for the other blows are on the side and back of the neck. The murderer made three cuts in the neck which almost severed the head from the body. After this, the murderer gathered the sack which the deceased had used as a pillow, and also his coat and overcoat, and wrapped them around the head and neck, and thus very little blood appeared in the room. He then lifted the body, with the sack |arcund the head, and carried it to

the place where it was found. A more sickening spectacle than was presented by the body, hacked as it had been by the fiendish barbarity of the murderer, cannot well be imagined. The wounds had been inflicted with a billhook which had been taken from Mr. Cleghorn's premises, and when found near the body it was stained with fresh blood, and had portions of brain adhering to it. FURTHER DISCOVERIES. As soon as information of the murder was received in town, Detectives Jeffrey and Grace left with all speed for Mr. Cleghorn's farm. Having seen the body, and made several inquiries, they began to search for traces of the murderer. Detective Jeffrey tracked footsteps from the shed down the paddock, and there found that an attempt had been made to dio - a grave under a willow tree. But the ground here had proved too hard. There were pieces of old zinc and bottles just below the surface of the ground, and it was easy to see that the attempt had soon been given up. On further search being made, Detective Jeffrey found that a grave had been dug in the midst of the furze, which grows very thickly about that neighborhood. This was about ten yards from the place where the first attempt had been made, and was on the side of the road, in a place quite concealed from ordinary observation. The grave was about 4ft. in length, and 2ft. 6in. deep, but was made wide so as to admit the body in a bent position. A spade, also the property of Mr. Cleghorn, was found by the grave. It .was evident from these preparations that the murder was premeditated. The grave must have been dug before the young man was murdered, as sufficient time was not allowed for it to be done afterwards before the alarm was raised, the murder having been discovered. The most probable theory of the murder is, that these preparations having been made, the murderer then went to deceased's room and killed him in his bed, that he was carrying the body away for the purpose of burying it, when he heard the servant knock at deceased's room, and that he then hastily concealed the body in the manner described, and made his escape down the paddock. He, however, took with him the deceased's coat, in which he had kept his pocket-book, containing his money. The coat, a waterproof overcoat, and a sock were found in the furze near the grave by Constable Jackson. They were all more or less saturated with blood, in which particles of brain were mixed. The murderer must have taken the pocket-book and money, which were missing, but he left a letter and some papers in the coat. One motive for the murder was probably the desire to obtain the money which he knew the deceased had, as well as to gratify the malicious and vindictive feelings which had been roused by the deceased having accused him of stealing some of his money. Sub-Inspector Pardy and Constables Jackson and Gillies arrived at Mr. Cleghorn's farm shortly after 12 o'clock, and instituted a strict search over the premises, and ascertained most of the facts above-mentioned. THE MURDERED MAN. The young man Edwin Packer only arrived in the colony about six months ago, and had come to Auckland by way of the South, where he had visited nearly every city of importance. While staging at Mr. Cleghorn's place he was greatly liked by everyone for his unassuming manner and gentlemanly deportment. He was an accomplished musician, and used frequently to delight the family during the evening by his execution of numerous selections of music on the pianoforte. He was also conversant with three or four European languages—in short, he had received a superior education, and no doubt he would speedily have made his way in any community. Mr. Cleghorn learnt from him that his father was the owner of a farm of 1000 acres in Devonshire, and that he received remittances from his parent. On leaving home he had gone to Melbourne, where two of his brothers were living in good circumstances. After the murder was committed, some memoranda were found in his pockets, containing some writing which from its tenor appeared to be the rough draft of a letter which he intended sending his friends at home. Among other he mentioned the fact of his being placed in a rather humble condition ; that he had only £3O to his credit ; that he felt sick of everything ; and, being 12,000 or 13,000 miles away from home, regarded himself as quite a prodigal son. The poor young fellow had consulted Mr. Cleghorn with respect to his future prospects, and in obedience to a suggestion from that gentleman, he was to have left this week for Wanganui, where he had hopes of being able to successfully push his fortunes. The Maori becoming acquainted with this resolution, and knowing that the police were making inquiries respecting him, feared that the young man would leave on his voyage before he would be enabled to carry out his threats. During his stay on the farm, Packer, by his frank and affable demeanor and obliging disposition, rapidly made friends of all with whom he came in contact, and when the news of his murder was bruited abroad yesterday morning, the expressions of condolence and sorrow for his fate, and of horror and disgust at the brutal and cold-blooded manner in which the murderer had done his work, instigated as he was by such paltry motives, was general. On the Wednesday the parties never met, so far as is known. Harry had remained at Onehunga, while Packer was at Mr. Cleghorn's farm. Packer retired to bed in the outhouse, where the murder was committed, about ten o'clock. That he was there in the morning is certain, and it seems providential that the servant girl should have heard the exclamations Packer made when roused from his sleep by the entrance of his murderer. THE MURDERER. The Maori was known by the name of Harry Wynyard, and had been employed by Mr. Cleghorn at irregular intervals during

' four or five years. His disposition was reputed to be vindictive, and several instances of this trait of his character were related to us. On one occasion a lad having offended I him he had threatened to stick a pitchfork he ' held in his hand into him. The young man, Packer, came to reside on the farm about four months ago, and of course became acquainted, amongst others, with Wynyard. From a diary found in Packer's coat pocket, it was apparent that he had been in the habit of conversing with Harry, for he had carefully noted down the Maori equivalents for short phrases, such as " Good evening," " Good morning," "man," "woman," "child," which he had obtained from him, The Maori's ideas of meum and tuum were known to be of a rather loose and indefinite nature, for he had several times appeared before the Bench at our local police court on charges of larceny of a more or less serious nature, and at one time received a sentence of imprisonment for stealing a saddle from Mr. Collins, of Onehunga. His cupidity was undoubtedly excited by the money which the deceased had in his possession, but it was not until last week that he appears to have made any attempt to obtain a portion of it. On Tuesday Packer missed a part of the money, and having reason to suspect Harry, he accused him of having taken it. High words ensued, and the Maori was heard to tell deceased that he had not done with him yet. Packer at once gave information of his loss to Constable Greene, of Onehunga, who immediately proceeded to Cleghorn's place to make the necessary inquiries before apprehending Harry. The amount of money stolen was £1 10s., and the evidence was very strong against the Maori. On Packer inquiring from him where he received a sovereign, which he had paid at the Royal Oak Hotel, he offered the young man £1 if he would allow the matter to be hushed up. This his victim declined to do, and the Maori made use of several threats, of which, however, not much notice was taken at the time. That Packer intended to take his departure for the South was evident to the Maori, and, in fact, it seems that he thought he was going away the next day. Harry had been living with a butcher named Higgs, at Onehunga, and on the day the constable made the inquiries he had gone home as usual, and after partaking of tea visited Mr. E. D. Davies' entertainment, where he was seen and recognised by several individuals, to one of whom he remarked " that the performance was kapai." He had then proceeded home, and retired to bed with his clothes on. He was a temperate man, and though in the habit of taking an occasional glass, did not indulge to excess. On this particular evening, however, he was perfectly sober. He had evidently risen early in the morning for the purpose of wreaking his vengeance upon his unfortunate victim, for when seen by the servant he was entering Packer's apartment. THE MURDERER'S ANTECEDENTS. Among his own countrymen the Maori received the sobriquet of " Pakeha Harry," in consequence of his having resided for a very long time among Europeans and being able to speak English fluently. It is not yet precisely known from what part of the country he originally came, some saying that he belongs to Kaipara, while the natives at Orakei state that he was a member of one of the Taranaki tribes. He had been all through the Maori war, connected with the military, and had visited Melbourne, besides other places on the Australian continent. He had also been employed for a long time on board the Luna in the capacity of a seaman, and during his stay in that vessel visited almost every port in the colony. DESCRIPTION OP HIS PERSON. Though a Maori he is light-colored, and might easily pass as a half-caste. His face is round, and the features very regularly formed —indeed, he is described as being very handsome. His age is about thirty years, and his stature sft. Sin. He had a slight beard and moustache, and when last seen, he was dressed in a black cloth sac-coat with black wideawake hat, and dirty white duck trousers. His figure is well proportioned and athletic, and to a European he would prove a formidable antagonist to cope with. He has one mole on the left cheek, and two on the left side of his neck. His right arm was tattooed with two names—"Winata" and "Katarina," and on the left arm the word "Hara" was also written. From his long residence amongst Europeans, he is able to speak English fluently, and is also well acquainted with English habits. Besides the names we have already mentioned, he was called Turua, and by the name Harry was familiar to the settlers of Onehunga, Epsom, and the neighborhood, as one who was always ready to undertake any odd jobs which might be offered him. THE SEARCH. At an early hour intelligence of the murder had spread considerably, and a number of settlers set out fully armed to search for the murderer, who was personally known to them. Mr. R. McDonald Wynyard, Mr. T. A. Brown, Mr. Gwynne, and others, scoured the country on horseback. It was thought likely that the murderer was hiding in the gorse near the farm, and every place where a man could be concealed was ferretted by men who would have made short work with the murderer, had he come within gun-shot and not offered to surrender quietly, which was not at all expected, as his desperate and determined character was well-known to many of the searchers. The search was continued long, but without any result beyond that of deciding that he must have broken cover. In the meantime Detectives Jeffrey and Grace had come to the conclusion that the murderer must have started north for the Kaipara, and they had set off to pursue him. Shortly after this information was brought to Sub-Inspector Pardy that the Maori Harry had been seen by a lad named "Vercoe, riding at full speed on a bay horse past Henderson's mill, at half-past six o'clock in the morning. The description given by the boy exactly corresponded with that of the murderer. This gave ground for

the hope that the detectives were on the right scent, and that being so, those who knew them, felt confident that they would pursue their man to the death. The boy's report of having seen the Maori was sent to Inspector Broham, who telegraphed to Helensville for proper measures to be taken to assist in his capture. A few minutes only had elapsed when a very different and less favorable report was brought. Mr. John Kelly returned to the farm and stated that the Maori had been seen by a. child and a man going towards Orakei early in the morning. It was feared that he would take this course as most likely to prove safe, and to allow him to escape to the King's country and join the Kinejites. The question was how to overtake or intercept him. Most of the constables were stationed at different places to where it now seemed likely they would be required. The detectives had gone north ; Constable Green was reconnoitering intheKaraka district, and Mounted Constable Bullen in. Waitekauri district, while other constables were riding about in different directions, in the hope of bringing the offender to justice. Sub-Inspector Pardy decided to start for Orakei, and several gentlemen at once offered to accompany and assist him. Mr. Cleghorn caught two horses. Sub-Inspector Pardy mounted one and Constable Jackson the other. Mr. Brown accompanied on horseback, and Mr. Wynyard and several others went in a spring trap. A piece of dry bread was the only food that there was time to seize, and then the party started for Orakei. Enquiries made along the road confirmed the report that the murderer had chosen that as his route, but nothing definite was ascertained. Mr. Gwynne, who had been in the saddle from an early hour in the morning, and had been riding hard nearly all the time, here joined the search party. He had been hard at work all the time, but had obtained no trace or sight of the Maori. He was, however, of opinion that the murderer was in the district, and that he had taken refuge in Sellar's Bush. Mr. Pardy and Constable Jackson visited the natives at their settlement, and found them very reticent. But they succeeded in gaining 3ome information. The master of a cutter lying near the bridge stated that he had seen the Maori Harry, whom he knew, cross the bridge. A woman also said that she had seen him in the morning. A boy told some of the party that he had seen the pakehaMaori Harry go into the bush ; but contradicted this afterwards, and said it was the pakeha Harry he had seen—a white man living with the Maoris. The chief Paul was not at the settlement, so that his assistance, which would in all probability have been readily given, could not be obtained. The mounted men rode over and about the country, and those who went in the vehicle watched the bush. One of the party, when attempting to search a dense part of the bush, heard a rustling noise just behind him, which brought him to the " rightabout " sharply, and his fingers to the trigger, but it was only a pheasant that had been disturbed and was changing its quarters. Mr. Wynyard, who was indefatigable in the search, traversed the bush in almost every direction. At last he came upon the track of a naked foot, and followed it carefully for some time, until it led him to the swamp, where he found a man cutting flax—of course, not the one he wanted. There was little hope of finding the murderer by searching the bush, for it was so dense that six inches of it would conceal a man from observation. The only hope was that he would break covei', and this he did not do whilst the search party were there. The bush will be watched closely, and if he is in it he will soon be starved out, and, we trust, taken without further loss of life. The residents in the neighborhood of Sellars' Bush were informed of the character of the man, who is suspected to be pretty near # them, and not unlikely to pay some a visit, and there can be no doubt but they will keep a sharp look out until satisfied of his capture. Everyone seemed ready to assist the police in the execution of their duty, and many were prepared to do so at any inconvenience or risk to themselves, and proved the will by the deed. THE POLICE. No men could have been more deserving of assistance than the police were. They were firm and untiring in the performance of their duty. Sub-Inspector Pardy was as cool, as thoughtful, and as active as ever. He displayed plenty of energy and earnestness, but no bluster or confusion. Detectives Jeffrey and Grace are well-known officers, zealous and intelligent, and just the men to prove "a, terror to evildoers." Constable Jackson displayed great ability in the search. He discovered several important matters, worked steadily and systematically, and in pursuit was active and determined. The other members of the force also deserve praise for their discipline, intelligence, and activity, and reflect credit upon Mr. Broham, who has organised and maintained a police staff of no ordinary ability—men who respect their officers and do their duty. One of the men was told by SubInspector Pardy that he would probably have to stay up all night, and his prompt answer was, " Sure, sir, I don't think of a night's sleep on an occasion like this." This is characteristic of the men, and it would be safe to assert that there is not one of " Broham's bludgeon men" who would not sacrifice his sleep and risk his life to do his duty to his officers and the public. With such officers and men as constitute the police force, there is a very good chance of the murderer being speedily brought to justice. LATEST PARTICULARS OF THE SEARCH. Friday, 3 a.m. From further inquiries, the opinion is confirmed that the murderer Harry is concealed in Sellar's Bush, and a close watch has been kept during the night. At about midnight Sub-Inspector Pardy returned to town. The Water Police had left for Kohimarama last

night, and kept guard to prevent escape bywater. Early this morning a posse o£ police left for Orakei to relieve those who have had such a long spell of duty. The probability is that the native is at Orakei, but this is by no means a certainty. If he has gone north, there can be little doubt he will be taken, but it is possible he may have gone by way of the Wairoa towards Waikato. If this is the case, he will have some open country to cross, and may fall into one of the many traps laid for him. AN ILLUSTRIOUS ARRIVAL. (From the Auckland Star.) Many of our readers have, no doubt, observed, since the arrival of the ship Carnatic, an eccentric-looking military man, about oO years of age, in the full uniform of a colonel of artillery, with top boots and spurs, and all the etceteras complete, though rather_the worse for wear, accompanied by two oddlydressed children, walking about Queen-street and the wharf, and taking stock of the aspect of the place and the inhabitants in such a manner as to confirm the belief warranted by his singular attire that he was a new chum. This singular individual is Lieut.-Colonel Faddy, a saloon passenger by the Carnatic. He is in the curious position of being heir to a fortune of £IB.OOO a year, and yet beingso poor that this morning he went without his breakfast till twelve o'clock because he had no money to pay for it. Having learnt that the gallant Colonel was an old Indian veteran, and had gone through some notable adventures, one of our staff interviewed him to-day, and the gallant old gentleman, in no wise loath, communicated the following particulars of his career : —He is the eldest son of General Faddy, a well-known landed proprietor in Devonshire, possessed of great wealth, which, to use the Colonel's words, •' he knows how to keep, for he don't let me see much of it." Peter Faddy entered the army at an early age, and was not long before he saw plenty of service in the two Kaffir wars. He was attached to the Royal Artillery, 14th Brigade, and was more than once wounded in these campaigns. After the Kaffir war he was appointed to the command of the Ist Brigade at Woolwich. At the outbreak of the Indian mutiny he received orders to proceed to India to command the Royal Artillery of the Madras Presidency. During the mutiny he was all through the campaign in Central India, where he commanded a division. Out of £4OOO prize money, he had only received about £BOO up to 1872. The Colonel then called on the prize agents in old Jewry, London, and told Sir Alexander Spearman that, if his claim was not settled that evening, he would "wallop their insides out." At this fearful threat an order was at once given for about £2OOO of the money. While this money was in the hands of the agents, the Colonel was in the greatest poverty," and his children were in the workhouse. But to go back to the Indian mutiny. The most celebrated exploit among the many which he related to our representative was the slaying of Lopal Sing in single combat under very extraordinary circumstances, which recal forcibly the fight between Sir Kenneth and Saladin related in the Talisman. In relating this adventure, we will endeavor to adhere to the language of the Colonel:—" Well, sir, it was one fine day in 1859 ; we were in head-quarters at Kutee, in Bundelcund : d—d hot it was, I can tell you. In the afternoon an officer named Campbell arrived in a frightful state of excitement, and reported that the rebels had massacred two of his fellow officers. They had cut off their heads and made him carry them, telling him they were going to serve him the same. Sir Colin Campbell jumped up, and with a great oath swore to revenge their deaths. He ordered me, as being one of the bravest of his officers, to take a band of sixty-one men, selected from different native corps, and immediately go in pursuit. Well, sir, we marched 109 miles in sixty-nine hours, waded three rivers, and at last came up with the enemy, who were 1500 strong, and encamped. Fortunately they had no artillery. Immediately determined to attack them, and telling our men to shout like ha I well, as loudly as they could, we set on them. Confound their black carcases ! They killed twenty-one out of sixty-one before we got to them. Lopal Sing, who was in command of them, came straight at me, and directly the fight between us began the two bodies separated and looked on. He was a fine fellow, and came at me with consummate confidence. We fought on horseback for about a quarter of an hour, when a blow I received unhorsed me. The noble savage took no advantage of my fall, but with the greatest courtesy dismounted himself, led his horse to a servant, and advanced to meet me on foot. We then went at it again and our swords flew about to some tune for half an hour. At last he got a cut at my head, and though my cavalry cap saved me I received a nasty wound above the temple. Roused by the pain to fresh efforts, I now sent home almost with my last strength a well-directed thrust at his breast. This did the business, for the blade went right through him, and we fell all of a heap together. We Avere both taken up for dead, but though I was badly hurt, my wounds were not mortal. Next day forty of the rebel chiefs came in and surrendered, but they would give up their swords to no one but me." Such is the Colonel's account, and we may add that, in proof of his assertions, he produces the sword of Lopal Sing, which he retained as a trophy, and also an inscription on his own sword, giving the main features of the adventure. We may add that Colonel Faddy has been very unfortunate in his private relations. He has been married twice, and his last wife ran away with his groom and £3OOO of his money. He has seen great hardships since his return from India. When asked what he did on his return, the Colonel replied, " Drove four-in-hand and got into debt." It is said that for months he used to lie at night under a barrow in Covent Garden market. His father's neglect is attributable, he says, to a second marriage. But

we must state in justice to the relations of the Colonel that he spends everything as fast as he gets it. Some remarkable instances of this occurred just before the voyage. He declares that one of his sons is to be a colonel of the 93rd Highlanders, and the other to be captain of a fine frigate. The Colonel's adventures would fill a volume, but we have no space for more One fact more. He wears an imitation order of the "Star of India." He acknowledges that the original is "up the spout." The Colonel is going to Napier this afternoon, where he says he is to receive the appointment of Inspector of Constabulary.