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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4262, 17 November 1874, Page 2

Sir James Fergusson took his final departure from "Wellington yesterday evening. Punctually at five o'clock His Excellency left Government House, accompanied by his Chaplain, Aide-de-Camp, and Private Secretary. He was met at the Public Works offices by all the leading gentlemen of the city, who accompanied him to his gig, which was lying at Brown's wharf. His Worship the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, thanked His Excellency for the interest he had evinced towards the city during his residence in it, and regretted that His Excellency's stay was so short. The Governor thanked the Mayor for the kindness he had experienced from the citizens, which he would ever remember. As His Excellency's gig left the jetty three hearty cheers were given. The Governor proceeds to Auckland in his yacht Blanche, from whence he will embark for Sydney. Lady Eergusson and family proceed to England by the ship Halcione. It is officially announced that the Superintendent of Auckland has abandoned his intention of proceeding to, England with the view of promoting emigration to the Auckland province. This is the wisest resolve he has undertaken for a long time past. The Hon. Dr. Pollen and Major Campbell, Clerk of Parliament, accompanied His Excellency the Governor in his yacht yesterday. Dr. Pollen will be absent some weeks in Auckland. A most determined attempt at suicide was made last evening. A member of the Armed Constabulary Force entered the shop of Mr. Levin, hairdresser, at about a quarter past seven, and solicited a warm bath. The man is a regular customer to the shop, and nothing unusual was noticeable in his manner. The bath was prepared, and the man entered the bath-room and locked the door—a practice not uncommon. In a short time another customer requested a bath, which was given him, the room being next to that occupied by the Armed Constabulary man. He had hardly undressed when he heard suppressed groans in the adjacent room. He, thinking the occupant was in a fit, called the proprietor of the shop, who broke open the door. The surprise lie experienced cannot bo described. The unfortunate man was lying in the bath half full with water, which presented the appearance of blood. Upon extricating him, his left arm was found to be severely cut above the %vrist; and, to make his end doubly sure, he had partaken of chloroform, an empty phial being found in the room. Dr. Harding was sent for, and arrived promptly. 'He pronounced the case to be serious ; but, witli care, the man would no doubt survive. He was removed to the Provincial Hospital. Considerable interest was evinced at the Pier Hotel last evening, when the drawing for horses in the £SOO sweepstake took place. The following- were the lucky gentlemen, and the namei of the horses which they drew : No. Drawer. Name of Horse. 35. C. McKirdy .. .. Ch. Ally by Towton. 53. R. Collin« •■ :. .. A r oltairo. 07. J. McDowell .; .. Hercules. 103. John Maginity .. .. Elfln King. 110. Taylor and Dalgleish .. Gny Fawkes. 144. "Charlie" .. .. Ch. Ally by Traducer. 190. D. Bell Remnant. 2«4. W. Downes .. .. Itangi. 200. C. J. S Wainui._ 273. Wiggins Manakai. 314. B. Wilson .. .. Ngaro. 321. G. Evans Maid of the Mountain. 355. Bothawloy .. ... Titoki. 864. .Tames Baino .. .. Glcnary. 402. John Grace .. .. Toi. The following tenders were received at the Public Works Office,. Wellington, for the Oroua Bridge contract'"of the Wanganui and Manawatu railway :—Accepted : James Bull, Bulls, Declined : It. S. Lowe, Wanganui, £ISBO ; H. McNeil, Wanganui, £4830 ; S. Brown, Wellington, £4598; Caiman and Richardson, Wanganui, £5237. Also the undermentioned tenders for sleepers, for Wellington and Masterton railway :—Accepted : William Straehan, Wellington, 12,000 at 2s. Gd. ; E. Morgan and J. Robinson, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 2s. 9Jd. Declined : William Sykes, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 2s. Hid. ; J. Cruickshank, Upper Hutt, 27,000 at 3s. 6d. ; William Booth, Taratahi, 20,000 at 3s. lOd. ; Smith and Revans, Woodside, 5000 at 4s. and 5000 at 3s. 3d. ; D. Haggerty, Carterton, informal. We have pleasure in calling attention to an extensive sale of land, by Messrs. Bethune and Hunter, at their rooms, Custom House-quay, on the 22nd and 23rd Becember next. The land to be offered comprises 15,000 acres of town, suburban, and country sections in the Manchester Block, Manawatu District. The town sections for sale include most of the unoccupied allotments in the township of Feilding, the population of which is now considerable. Facilities of access are nowhere better, a line of tramway leading from Foxton tc Palmerston —whicli is only twelvo miles from Fielding—having been in working order for some time. The laud is not to bo excelled for small farming, being level, rich, well watered, and, in some places, covered with valuable timber. The main line of railway from Wellington to Wanganui traverses portions of the estate ; and railway communication with tli9 port of Foxton may be anticipated within a year, considerable progress having already been mado on portions of the line between Feilding and Palmerston. The title is infallible, being either Crown grant or Land Transfer certificate.

During Saturday afternoon a very rapid fall of the barometer, accompanied by an increase of temperature amounting to nearly twenty degrees, took place at Cambridge; this was followed by an almost equally rapid rise of the barometer during the night, and by Sunday morning both pressure and temperature had recovered their original pesition. Notwithstanding this marked movement, no unusual change has been reported from any of the adjacent places, and fine weather, light winds, with steady barometers, seem to have been the prevailing conditions of the weather over both islands since Friday last. Yesterday morning the somewhat unusual phenomenon of mock suns was observed at Hokitika. In Wellington the day was beautifully fine and clear, but the heat was somewhat oppressive; shortly after sunset the sky became somewhat cloudy, and a very wide halo round the moon was observed about 9 p.m., which was remarkably well defined at a later horn 1 . A narrow escape from fire occurred yesterday evening. About six o'clock a case, which was lying alongside Messrs. Sloan's, tailors, was observed to be on fire. It was found to be filled with shavings and paper clippings, used in packing, the flame from which was considerable. Several willing passers by promptly extinguished the fire, which was doubtless caused by some children who were observed playing in the vicinity previous to the discovery. The spring show in connection with the Wellington Horticultural Society will be held in the Odd Fellows' Hall on Thursday next. The vernal exhibition is undoubtedly the be3t of the series, roses and pelargoniums being seen in their best bloom—a feature missing in the summer and autumn shows. Competition for the President's prizes, which are to be awarded at this show, will, no doubt, be very keen, and the array of coniferoe and pelargoniums is expected to eclipse all former exhibitions of these favorites. Messrs. Ludlam and Mason are expected to excel themselves in rhododendrons and roses, a speciality for which these gentlemen are noted. Exhibitors for competition will enter on Wednesday, and it is particularly requested that exhibits will not arrive later than ten on the morning of the show. Other amusements, no doubt, prevented a good attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening. The company played "Lady Audley's Secret" and "Ixion" in a manner which desei'ved better patronage. " Cigarette" is announced for this evening, under the patronage of His Honor the Superintendent, and will doubtless draw a crowded house. At the Resident Magistrate's. Court yesterday morning six drunkards were dealt with in the customary manner. The charge against Henry McLaughlin was, by permission of His Worship, withdrawn. Frank Mountain, of the Taita, was fined 40s. and costs, for assaulting and using threatening language towards M. O'Neill. One small debt case concluded the business. The Wellington Battery of Artillery fired at the butts, Polhill Gulley, yesterday morning for choice of district representatives to compete at the colonial prize firing. Gunner Batkin, Corporal Diamond, and Gunner Mason were the highest scorers, making 88, 83, and 81 respectively. Gunner Grace made a good fourth, with a score of 76. The Veterans will fire this morning. We are informed that the Wellington Acclimatisation Society have again turned out twenty pair of sky larks, fifty brace quail, and five brace pheasants. We trust that parties observing strange birds in their vicinity will be careful not to molest them. The birds liberated this season have been introduced at a much less cost than those to some of the other provinces, tho average price being about 12s. per pair. The Strathnaver case is to be heard on Monday next, arrangements to that effect having been made with His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston, who expressed every desire to expedite the proceedings and thus lessen the expense of this already costly suit. The case will be heard in the Provincial Hall, which was kindly placed at the disposal of Hiß Honor by the Superinintendent, the Supreme Court being occupied as the Court of Appeal. The Pahautanui Rifle Volunteers fired for choice of district representatives at the Tawa Flat Range on Saturday last. The firing was superintended by Lieutenant Thompson, Kaiwarra Rifle Volunteers. The following scores were made :—Sergeant Jones, 89 ; Member W. Edwards, 88 ; Member John Jones, 86 ; Member R. Woodman, 86 ; Member E. Earp, 8-1; Member F. Greer, 79 ; Sergeant G. Carter, 79 ; Corporal Jones, 77 ; Member J. Gardner, 70 ; Member T. Jones, 68 ; Member S. Jones, 65 ; Member G. Jones, 63 ; Corporal Taylor, 54 ; Member H. Morris, 4i. Two runaway horses, which had rel«ased themselves from a cab in Manners-street, yesterday, played sad havoc with the contents of a bakers' cart which happened to be standing in their way. The animals came up with a great rush from the direction of the gasworks, and being baulked in their course by some persons who tried to stop them, one of the horses caught the end of the cart and turned it round with such force that the door swung open and the contents were strewn upon the street. The bread was little the worse for. the fall, though the concussion knocked the runaway off his legs and damaged him slightly. By a private letter to hand from Rockhanrpton (Queensland), under date 15th October, we learn that "our diggings at the Palmer River are turning out very rich. From 20,000 to 30,0000 z. aro coming down weekly through the banks, besides a large quantity by private hands." " Carriage from port (about 100 miles) is £175 per ton; consequently rations there are at famine prices." The writer also states that the season has been most favorable, and that stock, both mutton and beef, could not be in better condition.

How is this for high ? The Coromandel Mail thus begins a leader on Mr. Reea'a absurd pamphlet : —" There is, perhaps, no part of her Britannic Majesty's dominions where custom i has ploughed such deep ruts into tho brains of men, causing the channels and currents of thought to be so circumscribed and defined, if not to say limited, as in this in many respects the fairest land the sun e'er shone upon ; and it is perhaps equally true that no other place is to be stamped with old identity Idylism—the cherishing of little forms or images—as this same fair country." Some one has been playing a practical joke upon our friend, Mr. McGlaahan, as would appear from the following paragraph in the Auckland Herald : —" We are requested by Mr. McGlashan, M.H.R. for Kosslyu district in Otago, and who is now on a visit in Auckland, to contradict a very absurd statement which was published on Saturday, to the effect that he was commissioned by the General Government to negotiate some laud dealings which, it was said, are 'of too delicate a nature to be entrusted to tho wires.' There ia not a particle of truth in tho statement. Mr. and Mrs. McGlashan are simply here on a pleasure trip through some portions of the North Island, and are on no other business either public or private." The Southern Cross this morning, commenting on the Auckland Provincial Executive, thus castigates the Provincial Treasurer—- " Last and least there is Mr. G. M. Heed, the Provincial Treasurer. Perhaps tlte greatest mistake this tjentlemau ever made was his entrance into political life. A more complete discovery of the nakedness of the land was never before made than that which followed that unwise step of tho treasurer. lie was appointed to office, not because he was fitted for it, but in the hope that office would " muzzle " him. The Superintendent so far gained hia object, but at the expense of duty, and at the sacrifice of capacity. Petulant in administi'ative action, helpless in debate, an utter failure as treasurer, as his comical financial mistakes last session proved, he was also a grievous blunderer, in his conception of measures, as witness his boasted Education Bill, every clause of which was wiped out by a sneering and unbelieving Council. Yet this is the man to whom is left the Treasury of the province." Tho California Minstrels Troupe left in the Otago yesterday. They intend performing in the West Coast towns.

Messrs. Jackson and Graham, wharf lessees, who have already contributed liberally to the race fund, have generously conssnted to remit all wharf charges upon horses arriving to take part in the forthcoming races. The same remission will be made upon the departure of the horses.

The Okiyo Daily Times, November 13, ssys : —" Our East Taieri correspondent states that the farmers have been busily engaged during the late dry weather in putting in the crops. The root crops hare been put in in a good many places, and a few farmers have commenced the sowing of mangolds and early turnips. Some of the potatoes that were planted early are well through. On the whole the crops look well for this time of year. The grass is still backward. The lambing is now almost over, but the percentage will not be up to that of last year. Shearing has been commenced at several places on the plains." The Argus thus explains what the "Victorian Government proposes to do with the unsubscribed balance of the public works loan : "The course which the Government has decided to take with regard to the disposal of the balance of the public works loan of 1872, is perhaps the best that was open to it under the circumstances. It will be remembered that the sum the Government was authorised to raise amounted to £1,500,000, secured in the shape of inscribed stock. Tenders were invited for £500,000 in the early part of 1873, the minimum having been secretly fixed at 100. Offers for £118,156 were received, principally at from 95 to 90. The subscriptions at par only amounted to £13,100, all of which were, of course, allowed. Since then the public subscriptions have increased to about £300,000, while some £600,000, representing various trust funds, &c, which the Treasurer was authorised by the Act creating the stock to invest in this loan, has been so applied. It will be seen, then, that the sum of £600,000 still remains to be disposed of. Of this last-mentioned amount £IOO,OOO, advanced according to law out of the general revenue, has been already expended, and an additional £300,000 will be required before the end of the year. Instead of lowering the minimum of the stock, Mr. Service proposes to take power to issue £500,000 in the shape of debentures, placing them on the colonial market from time to time as opportunity serves, reserving the remaining £IOO,OOO of stock to serve as an investment at par for trustees and others who require absolute immunity from risk of any sort, and are willing to pay for the luxury. In order to meet current requirements pending the sale of the debentures, power is taken in the amending Act to increase the advance from the Consolidated Revenue from £IOO,OOO to £300,000."

The Dunedin law courts have earned an unenviable notoriety for the intemperance of speech indulged in by " gentlemen learned in the law," who assist in the administration of justice —for a consideration. The following from the Otayo Guardian, Nov. 13th, is a sample of what almost daily transpires in the temples of justice of the Southern capital:—"Yesterday was a field-day at the Police Court, at all events among the sly-grog sellers, who came to very decided grief, being fined in every instance in the penalty of £2O. Mr. Sub-Inspector Mallard had as much as he could do to hold his own among the lawyers, and the observations that were made from time to time were exceedingly warm. Mr. E. Cook characterised the mode in which evidence was allowed to be given in these cases as " scandalous and disgraceful," and had to be called to order by the Bench. Frequently throughout the hearing of the case in which he was interested, Mr. Cook gave free expression to his opinion of the way in which such cases were got up, and was very hard upon Mr. Mallard, who bore the attacks with becoming meekness. But it was not until Mr. Harris came into the field that the warmth increased to positive heat, as, for instance, the following:— Mr. Harris: And the Bench must remember that these witnesses have been tutored to do this dirty work.—Mr. Mallard : If that observation is meant for me, or for the police, it is scandalous.—The Bench : I don't call it dirty work. —Mr. Harris : I do.—The Bench : I don't think so.—Mr. Harris : Other magistrates have condemned such evidence, and have held that those informers who incite persons to commit such crimes are as bad as those who do them.—The Bench : For the sake of good government, the police must employ such detectives. I hope you were not serious in your inuendo that the police suborn or tutor witnesses what to say.—Mr. Harris : I did not say so.—The Bench : But you inferred as much.—Mr. Harris : Your Worship may kuow the English language better than I do, but I doubt it.—The Bench : And allow me to say that such expressions of opinion, unless proved, should not be made.—Mr. Han-is : I am not in the witness-box.—Mr. Mallard : Then you have no right to make such remarks. —Mr. Harris : I don't believe the public will for a moment support the action of the police in this matter.—The Bench : I have to request that no further remarks be made by counsel unless they are to he proved by evidence. —Mr. Harris : I will prove my remarks, and I again repeat what I said about the police and the conduct of these cases.—Mr. Mallard : And I deny it, and state that I have done nothing unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, or derogatory to the position I hold ; and the remarks of Mr. Harris I look upon as most ungentlemanly.—Mr. Harris : If you say that outside the court, I will make you repent it.—The Bench : Although Mr. Mallard may know what his witnesses are going to say, I see nothing wrong in that, and there is no ground for your accusation. Go on with the case.— The case was then proceeded with." We take the following from the last number of the Otayo Daily Times to hand : —A narrow escape from a lingering death happened yesterday in the case of a half-caste named Michael Peacock, one of the Maori Kaik community. Having business at Waikouaiti, he started to go there at ten o'clock in the morning in a whaleboat, and notwithstanding the objections raised by his friends, persisted in making the journey alone. Upon leaving the Kaik he set sail and gained the open water outside the Heads safely enough. Still, as his friends were apprehensive for his safety, a look-out upon him was kept at Taiaroa's place, where a number of men were shearing. The boat made very good progress until about eleven o'clock, when she was observed to capsize, the accident being also noticed from the Look-out Station at the Heads. Boats were at once manned and started in search, and an hour or so afterwards were met by tha tug Geelong, which was returning to port after having towed out the barque Woodville. George Robinson was in charge of one, and the other had the usual pilot crew on board. They explained their mission to Captain Sinclair, and requested his co-opora-tion in the search, which we neod hardly say was readily accorded, and so, with both boats in tow, and Robinson on the look-out at the masthead, the Geelong turned seawards, and steamed for Jones Head, that being in the direction where the capsize occurred. Mile after mile of water was crossed, and yet no sign of the boat, until at last, when the steamer was some seven or eight miles from land, Robinson sighted her on the steamer's port bow, with Peacock standing upright on her bottom. A shout of gladness followed, and very soon the Geelong ranged alongside, and the man's rescue was accomplished. He must bo gifted with no mean powers of endurance, for, although he had been fully three hours iu the water and on the boat, he seemed but little the worse for it. He was taken on board the Geelong,_ and having received some comforting administration inwardly, was passed down into the stoke hole to be thoroughly dried. Meantime, the capsized boat was righted and cleared of water, and then taking the three boats in tow the Geelong headed for the shore, and in due time reached the Kaik and lauded the party. Peacock stated that the boat was leaking, and having to bale her out he, whilst doing so, left the shoet of the sail fast. Suddenly a squall struck her, and before he could clear the Bheet the boat "turned turtle" with him. He managed to right her, and then hoisted a " breaker " at the masthead as a signal of distress but ere he could bale her out she capsized again. Again he righted her, again she turned over ; and this process was repeated six timeß, and then, perceiving that to right and bale the boat was beyond his power, Pea-

cock philosophically resigned himself to the force of circumstances, and, as the next best thing to do, stood upon the boat's bottom, and balancing himself to her movements, maintained his position, and so converted himself into an animated signal of distress. Very pleased waß he when his rescue was assured. To use Captain Sinclair's words, " The man's face beamed with smiles." His narrow escape from a dreadful death is to be attributed to the watchful care of his mates and those at the pilot station, and to the ready assistance rendered by the tug Geelong ; for but for the look-out kept upon him he might have drifted away to sea and perished miserably.