INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4264, 19 November 1874, Page 6

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

NORTH ISLAND. WELLINGTON. A br i’ich of the Bank of New Zealand ha? been opened at Masterton under the charge of Mr H J. Nation, lately of Nelson. Eh-e'pairs of Californian quail were lately B-'nt up per coach to Masterton, for Mr. E. Meredith, of Wharoama. Several of the birds niadc their escape at Masterton, and the remainder were forwarded to the station. The Wairarapa Standard reports that Messrs. Partridge and Butters have purchased the Tifaumea station from the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, who is said to be about to make a short visit to England. Palmerston will shortly be in telegraphic communication with the remainder of the colony. . At Wanganui potatoes are now selling at 11s. per cwt. The fruit season is expected to be indifferent, owing to the long prevalence of hhdi winds, and the early crops of vegetables have been all but destroyed in that neighborhood. , . , . , The New.* states that a brewery is about to be established in Masterton. Our contemporary also supplies the following particulars ns to the bridge in course of erection at the •Manawatu Gorge “This bridge is rapidly approaching' completion, and when finished will bo one of the boldest and finest of engineering in the colony. The piers, which are forty 'feet high, are built of rubble and cement, and on rook foundation. The piers are overtopped by wooden trestles “Oft. high, on which rests the roadway, thus making the bride™ QOft. hin-li. The bridge consists ot six small spans of -10 ft. centres ; and a main span of 162 ft. long, supported by a wooden arch and truss, and iron girders. Mr. McNeil, who is well known in the colony as the successful contractor for the Tamaki and Wanganui bridges and other works of importance, is tne contractor Cor this bridge. i The Greytown Rifle Association, wo oosorve, met for prize firing on the 2Sth, 29th, and 30th ult. It will be seen by the subjoined scores that some good shooting has been made m each class; the weather having been exceedingly favorable throughout. In the Ist class, at ranges of 300, 400, and 500 yards, targets o x 6, the first prize was taken by Mr. L. bt. George, with a score of 47, and the second by Mr G. Hollard, with 44 points. Mr. T. Rowe took first prize in the 2nd class, with 44, and Mr. John Hollard second, with 42. Ihe ord class prizes fell to Messrs. W, Hodge auu H. E. Woods, with 43 and 45 respectively. A meeting of members of the Church of England, says the Standard, was held on Thursday last, at the upper room of the Institute, at Greytown, the Rev. A. Knoll in the chair. Mr. W. R. Hastwell was elected as parishioners’ warden, in place of Haines, who has resigned, and Messrs. A arnham, Fabian, and Humphries, were elected as vestrymen. Arrangements were made for reorganising the Sunday School, and it was agreed that a testimonial of some kind should be presented to Mr. Haines, as a slight recognition, by church members, of his services to the local church. The necessity of enlarging St. Luke’s Church was affirmed by the meeting, and the vestry authorised to take steps in the matter. __ . , The Royal Oak Hotel at Wanganui has been disposed of by Mr. Joseph Chadwick for £IOOO to Mr. Anthony Nathan. A fire occurred a few nights ago on the Upper Plain Road, Masterton, in the of a man known as “Bob, the Tinker. The placs was burned to tlie ground, and \ ery fevr of the owner’s goods and chattels were saxed. He himself had a narrow escape, having been dragged from under the burning building by a lodger. ' , , , , Travel on the Wairarapa road has already felt the influence of the comparatively fine weather which has succeeded the floods. The coaches that run over it from the Hutt station are now loaded daily, and there is reason to believe that the business of the summer season will be brisk, both as regards passengers and goods traffic. Mr. Hastwell is preparing to meet the wants of travellers, being about to place new coaches on the line, for which the wheels, framework, &c., have lately been imported, via Melbourne, from the best coachfactory in America. The bodies, however, will he constructed in Wellington. We also learn that Mr. Hastwell has arranged xvith ail-. Cookery, to take over his coach-business, and the service will he extended shortly.

Some interesting items of local news appear in the Wairarapa Standard. We learn from our contemporary that Mr. Williams, or --lasts it on, has purchased five acres of land in Kurupuni, from Mr. Herschherg, of Greytown, at the rate of £3O per acre ; that a branch of the Bank of Australasia is about to be opened at Masterton; that two acres on the Kuvatawhiti-road were sold for half acre in the main street fetched £l5O, and an acre with a cottage on it at the southern extremity of the township realised £150; that the twentry-s*ven cottages for immigrants now in course of erection at Featherston, Greytown, and Masterton are now all in a forward state, and that no difficulty will be experienced in finding tenants for them; that the lambing has been good ; and that Mr. Duncan was elected at Featherston, as successor to the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, of the Board _of Education, but that he was declared ineligible by the returning officer, whose decision has been questioned. The sale ofDaniells’ stock on October 29 was well attended, and high prices were realised. Well-bred cows, £l7 per head ; ordinary and inferior, £8 10s. to £ls ; old, £4 to £7 ; yearling heifers, £3 10s. to £6 10s.; forty yearling bulls averaged £9 10s.; pure cows, from £45 to £77—bought by Mr. Naim, of Napier. . Mr. Canning bought two at £BS and £9O. The bull Knight of the Crescent fetched £ll9 ; Knight of Bath, £IBO ; both were bought by Mr. Naira, of Napier. All the best stock goes there. Ordinary ewes, with lambs, 30s. The thoroughbred horses up to £9O ; they mostly go to Napier. An additional telegraph wire is now in course of erection between Wellington and Masterton, to free the existing wire for the Napier business. Fitzgerald, the Wanganui child _ assaulter, was whipped to some purpose on Friday morning at the Wanganui gaol. A communication received in town during the day stated that the prisoner received three dozen lashes, administered with such dexterity, by a “practised hand,” that he was severely lacerated, and is now confined to his bed. Corporal punishment in this province has not liitherto been remarkable for its severity or success. The flagellator in Fitzgerald s case, however, seems to have made it what it really ought to be—something to bo dreaded. As a deterrent from crime the “ cat” has been found very efficacious in India, where it is largely resorted to, and it will bo so hero if the work is done as thoroughly as it seems to have been in Fitzgerald's case. AUCKLAND. It is understood that all the apprehended difficulty about the closing of the Pialco has passed away. Natives and goods belonging to natives have been taken up, and nothing is now said about stopping the steamer. That the town of Gisborne become of considerable importance is made evident by the fact that a ship will load wool for Home from Poverty Bay this season. The Coromandel Mail of the 22nd inst. says : —We have the painful duty to record the decease of Mr. John O’Neill, father of Mr. Charles O’Neill, M.H.K., which took place on Tuesday evening, at his residence, Kapanga. The deceased gentleman was a very old settler, and was as much respected as he was widely known. Ho was said to have been the oldest ivxng representative of the original O'Neill family. Mr. Clayton, Colonial Architect, is now in Auckland, engaged in inspecting some of the public buildings, with a view to their improvement in several necessary respects. A pearl-shelling expedition was lately organised in Auckland. A ketch was purchased and despatched to the oyster grounds. The first trip resulted in a gross return of £IO7O 7s. Cd. It enabled the manager to pay all the expenses, but as there was no surplus for a dividend the enterprise was abandoned.

Several deserters from the Industrial Home , were brought before the Bench at the Police Court yesterday, says the Neio Zealand Herald of the 27th October. Two of them—the ringleader and one who had absconded four times previously—were ordered to bo whipped, and the others were cautioned. The boy who had caused so much trouble to the master and incited the other children to desert was one committed as a criminal to the Home, and the evil influence he has exercised shows the necessity for malting a distinction between children merely neglected and those who have been convicted of offences. It is a matter of regret that circumstances should have necessitated the committal of criminal and neglected children to the one place, to grow up together. Provision should certainly be made for the separation of those two classes. The Waikato settlers have every right to complain in no measured terms of the shabby treatment they have received at the hands of those who have had the direction of Mr. Holloway’s movements, says the Waikato Tones. Ho has been rushed into the district, and rushed out of it again ; ho arrived on Thursday night, and left a little after daylight on Monday morning. Ho lost none of the time at his disposal, in fact, did not reach Ngavuawalua till nearly eleven o’clock on Sunday night. Ho had time to cursorily glance at the inhabited portion of the district only, to use his own language “ The best {ias been reserved till the last.” lie was taken to the north of Auckland, whore the worst specimens of land in the whole province are situated, and of which he could not fail to report unfavorably. The Waikato, Poverty Bay, and the other settlements on the East Coast, all of which would have well repaid a visit, have never boon added to his programme. The departure of three moderately-sized coasting steamers on the 19th, says the Herald, caused some stir and bustle on the wharf inAhe immediate vicinity of where they lay. Ihe shipment of merchandise and the embarkation of passengers with the usual train of friends to sec them off, gave a lively and business-like aspect to the whole affair. It is worthy of note that the coastal trade at the port has of late years steadily increased in proportions. For instance, a few years ago the trade with the Bay of Islands was carried on by the schooner Ivauhoe, which used to make periodical visits. Now the steamer Rowena is found insufficient for the trade, and a larger steamer is required to take her place. Besides tills, several sailing craft are employed in the Bay of Islands coal trade. A small cutter was a few years ago quite sufficient for the Tauranga trade ; the Southern Cross steamer is now well patronised by passengers each weekly trip, and cutters are still running between the ports. The steamer Pretty Jane each fortnightly trip to Gisborne, carries a large cargo iu addition to numerous passengers, while formerly the trade was monopolised by a small schooner. These facts show the steady increase of trade with the settlements on the coast. Snow is reported to have fallen in the Bay of Plenty district on the 13th October. It is stated that this is the first occasion for many years in which snow has been seen in that locality. An animated discussion took place in the English Church Diocesan Synod, on innovations iu the Church service. Several clergymen and laymen strongly condemned the forms introduced by some young clergymen, particularly the singing of the hymn before the communion, the incumbent going on his knees, and the practice of turning towards the east They spoke of these Pligh Church practices driving thousands into the Church of Home, and into Dissent. Three clergymen defended the alterations in the Church forms. A motion was made that the Synod deprecated all alterations in the Church service unless they were carried by five-sixths of the male members of the congregation, at a meeting publicly called to consider the question. The discussion was settled by the withdrawal of all the motions, and the matter has been left in the bands of the Bishop, who has promised to give his attention to an appeal from any congregation. Archdeacon Maimsell said that turning to the East was all the ritualistic practice that he knew of in Auckland. The prospectus of a Co-operative Meat Supply Company has been issued, capital £4OOO.

In the late election for the representation of the district of Eden in the Provincial Council of Auckland the numbers were : —May, 150 ; Bees, 82 ; majority for May, 68. A man named Dyer was executed at 8 o’clock on Oct. 30th. He made the following confession to Bishop Cowie an hour before ho was executed :—“On the 9th July, when excited by drink, but not in a state of intoxication, but of exasperation by statements made by Eliza Battersea, he poured kerosene oil over her with the intention of frightening her into the confession of certain matters. He had no thought of causing her death. That he sot fire to Eliza Battersea’s hair supposing he could put it out again before serious harm was done, and that to screen him the woman did say before her death that she had accidentally upset the kerosene feeder upon her clothes.” The inhabitants of Onehunga have presented Mr. O'Eorke with a valuable service of plate, in acknowledgment of his disinterested action in retiring from the Ministry. In responding, Mr. O'Borke said the step was not taken hurriedly, or on the impetus of the moment, but after mature consideration. The prospectors who have recently been in the Ohrnemuri country report having discovered payable reefs. The annual meeting of the members of the Tauranga Mechanic’s Institute was a crowded one. It was resolved by nearly four to one that the reading-room should in future be open on Sunday afternoon. The proposition met with much factious but ineffectual opposition. HAWKE’S BAY. The new Court-house at Napier, says the Daily Telegraph of the 23rd Oct., will be finished in two or three days, and though the building in its external architectural design is certainly not an ornament to the town, internally it is commodious, and will be a very groat boon to every one interested in the administration of justice. The Court-house is the first building in the province that is finished inside throughout with lath and plaster. The progress which Napier is making with respect to new buildings, either for residence or business, is very considerable, and were the supply of timber equal to tho demand, there would be still more done in that direction. We see new, buildings springing up in all directions, and at tho same time hear of the difficulty people find in procuring house accommodation. The Hick’s Bay hakara, says the Poverty Bay Standard, terminated on the 6th instant —tho proceedings from the commencement bein" happily characterised by order and decorum., Tho Hon. the Native Minister, Sir Donald McLean, was unable to attend, owing, it is presumed, to unforseen circumstances. The latter days of tho feast were principally devoted to the discussion of matters of local interest, including the desirability of disposing of the scabby sheep in the district to the Government, tho propriety of obtaining additional police protection, and the amicable settlement of land disputes. The speechifying, upon the whole, is said to have .been somewhat inferior to what might have been expected on such an occasion ; but tho good feeling that prevailed made up any defect in this respect. Major Eopata made tho best speech, and was repeatedly applauded during its delivery. Tho Major is evidently well liked, being a leading man amongst the natives, and unquestionably solicitous of promoting their welfare in every possible way. In reference to the telegraph lino to Poverty Bay, we hear that tho chief Ihaka Whauga, of Wairoa, has been exerting his influence actively, and with success, iu setting at rest tho difficulties raised by tho Hapuka natives. The posts are being drawn to their places along the line, so as to facilitate tho progress of tho work. There seems to bo little other reason to apprehend any more difficulties in tho matter, unless they arise through tho dilatoriness of tho. Public Works Department. Tho lease for twonty-ono years of the Omaha native school reserve was sold at £760 per annum, to K. D. Manoy, Esq.

The Poverty Bay Herald is responsible for the following ’.—Some few months since wo chronicled the murder of an old man named Pohipi, by two natives of the same hapu, merely on the suspicion that he was a disciple of the black art. Another case of murder on the same grounds, though infinitely move farfetched in detail, occurred a few days since at Te Kaha, a place on the coast some forty miles from Opotiki. It appears that Morgan paid a visit to this place, amongst others on the coast, and shortly after his departure a young girl died. The natives at once gave Morgan the credit of having caused her death by witchcraft, but as by tins time he was beyond their reach, it was considered that everything would be satisfactorily arranged by killing the nearest relative of Morgan who happened to bo* at hand. This was accordingly carried into effect ; one of Morgan’s grandson’s, a young fellow named Patara, was selected as the victim, and shot in the place of Morgan. Those murders, for there is no other name ior them, occur periodically. The Maoris appear to think that it is all right, and Govern-' incut take no notice, but we consider they are strongly suggestive of the advisaoility ot stationing police in such lawless neighborhoods.

The Hawke's Bay Herald writes that although the railway has only been opened for the short distance of twelve miles, nearly all the settlors on the plains have made arrangements to use it for the transportation of their.wool to town,' and yesterday (20th ult.) thirty-two bales arrived. The charge; for carriage of goods are much less than by the road, bub wool is fixed at a higher rate than anything* else. Ordinary merchandise is carried at Idio rate of 3s. per ton, but firewood, grain, iron, &c., arc taken at the reduced rate of something less than 2s. per ton. There is also a terminal charge for receipt and delivery of all goods of os. per ton. It will thus be seen that ordinary goods can bo convoyed from Hastings to Napier-—twelve miles—at os. per' ton (3s. freight, .and 3s, terminal charges). Prom Napier to Vvaipawa, forty miles, 13s. per ton (10s. freight, and 3s. terminal charges). Timber will be n mveyed between Hastings and Napier at tlu rate of lid. per 100 feet. Wool pays nearly twice as much as timber, the charge for its conveyance from Hastings to Napier being Is. 7d. per bale, but tms is far less than it would cost it conveyed by road. We presume the authorities have charged wool highly because the woolowncrs are rich, and can afford to pay well for the accommodation. We are glad to sec that the railway is being made use of in this way by the settlers on the plains, and the further the line is opened, the more useful and reproductive will it become. The Native Lauds Court has concluded its sitting at Poverty Bay. The cases were not of any great importance, but the next sitting, which will be in March next, will be a very important one. t>o,ooo acres of the Motu Block were passed, and 40,000 adjourned. The Motu Block is a largo bush-clad block of land between Poverty Bay and Opotiki, lately leased for a long term by the Government from the natives. The part which has passed the Court, is that portion nearest to Opotiki. The Tologa Bay township, 500 acres, also passed the Court.

TARANAKI. A branch of the Bank of New South Wales is about to bo established at Carlyle. A summons has been issued by the Harbor authorities of the Waitara River against Messrs. Brogden and Son’s representative in New Zealand, for allowing the wreck of the paddle-steamer Paterson to obstruct the navigation of that river. During the discussion upon the selection of school-books at the Patea Education Board at Patea, Mr. T. Middlemas is reported to have read a passage from the Irish National series as follows :—Second reading book, twentieth page, How the world was made—“ On that day also He made the earth to bring forth grass and seed, and trees of all lands. On the fourth he made the sun.” * * * Mr. Muddlemas said that “for the sake of truth such books as that should not bo permitted to be read in the schools. How could the grass grow before the sun was made ? ” The death of an old settler-, Mr. Robert Gollop, at the age of eighty-seven, is announced. Extra facilities have lately been provided at New Plymouth for the landing of goods imported by sea. Messrs. Boswell and Co. have added a steam engine to their plant, by which tire boats, on reaching the shore, are drawn up high and dry, so that the carts can easily back to them and load and unload much quicker than formerly. The steam-winch of the wrecked steamer Paterson is doing the work. Mr. Parris has made arrangements with the natives for the purchase of four hundred thousand acres of land, consisting of five blocks. The land stretches from Waitotara to that already acquired at the back of the mountain. It is spoken of as being splendid soil. The surveyors are now engaged in surveying tire boundaries. MIDDLE ISLAND. OTAGO. It will bo remembered, says the Time. s, that a month or two ago, a letter was received by the General Government from the Drench Government, intimating that permission had been granted to Captain Jacquomart, of the Tire, to accept the silver service presented to him by the Provincial Government of Otago as a mark of the appreciation by the people of the province of the services rendered by him on the occasion of the wreck of the ship Surat. Until his arrival here lately, Captain Jaoquemart did not know that this permission had been granted. The presentation has been forwarded to Prance, we believe, so that some time will elapse before Captain Jaoquemart will receive it. Decidedly the most interesting case of the present civil, sittings of the Supreme Court was commenced yesterday, says the Guardian of the 27th nit. It was an action brought by Mr. George Dodson, of the Empire Hotel, and late of the Refreshment Rooms, Port Chalmers railway station, against James Macandrow, Esq., Superintendent, to recover the sum of £IOOO damages, for tort and breach of contract. The case arose out of the expulsion of Mr. Dodson from the refreshment room at Port Chalmers in January last, under circumstances that must he fresh in the recollection of our readers. Mr. Maoassey and Mr. Stewart appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendant was represented by a very strong bar, viz., Messrs. Smith, Haggitt, and Stout. The learned counsel for the plaintiff, in opening his case to the jury, did not fail to take advantage of this by giving it as his opinion that the defendant’s case must bo indeed a weak one.when such an array of legal talent was required on its behalf. “In the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom,” said Mr. Maoassey, “ but for all this I think that when you have heard the case you will give such substantial damages as will stop blundering Governments and circumlocutory offices from committing such vagaries in future.” [The case ended in a verdict for the plaintiff, with £2OO damages.] An accident of rather serious nature occurred on the 21th inst, to a miner named Pope, while working in the Otago Company’s claim, Blue Spur. It appears that a largo block of cement struck the unfortunate man, instantly breaking one of his legs, and four ribs. The last Suez mail brought from the liquidators of the Bank of Otago in London another pound per share to be paid to the shareholders, which now makes £8 10s. returned to shareholders out of £lO paid-up. Looking at tho market valuo of the Bank of Otago shares in tho years 1867 and ’OB, at very little over £4, shareholders ought to bo well satisfied at the result of tho liquidation. Tho inhabitants of Green Island are complaining of tho delay in the construction of the branch lino to tho coal pits, A few chains of the lino were formed some months ago, but since then nothing has boon done. . Nearly all the agricultural laborers and shepherds by tho Invercargill wore hired at the immigration barracks on tho 19th inst. Tho rates of wages wore—Farm servants, £45 to £52 per annum, and shepherds at from £52 to £55. Tho demand is good, and it is expected that tho whole of the qmssongora will, if tho weather continues fine, bo engaged in tho course of a fow days.

The Moadowbank Estate, East Taieri, the property of Mr. G. M. Bell, has been sold by Messrs. Driver, Stewart, and Co. The estate, which consists of about 400 acres, was sold at prices ranging from £ls to £2O per acre. A plover of the kind known as the Australian thick-kneed plover, says the Times , was shot beyond the Junction two or three da3 r s ago. Such a bird has not been seen in the colony before, and this one has either escaped from some vessel at Port Chalmers or has been a chance visitant to this place, Messrs. Cargills and McLean are now connecting their wqol and com warehouse in Friucos-stro&t South with the Dunedin and Clutha Railway lino by means of a short branch lino extending along the southern side of their store to the street, As this line is of the same gauge as the Port Chalmers and Clutha lines, it will enable the firm to receive or despatch goods to or from their store, in a very labor-saving and effective manner. Cobb and Co.’s afternoon coach to Milton (writes the Tokomairiro correspondent of the ./Mill/ Times) mot with an accident on Wedno day orening. When near the Waihola tollgate tile horses shied at a wet place on the road, caused by waggoners watering their horses, ami swerved olf the road, upsetting the coach. There wore five or six passengers, all of whom escaped uninjured. One of the driver’s logs, getting jammed under the coach, was sadly bruised, and the flesh a great deal torn. Immediately that the accident was heard of, Mi*. Crawley, agent for Cobb and Co., in Dunodin, started off with a fresh coach and brought up the passengers and Duff. Medical assistance was at once sent for for the driver. New banking premises for the Bank of New Zealand are about to bo erected at Clutha Ferry. Alternative tenders are being called for in wood or concrete, and the building is to be proceeded with with all convenient speed. That must have boon a very interesting gathering at East Taieri last week whoa the family of Mrs. John Allan, sen., met under that lady’s roof. The family, comprising children, granohildren, and one groat grandchild, to the number of seventy-two in all, sat down to dinner, and in the evening were met by their friends. Oho or two rather daring, although not very extensive, robberies from dwelling-houses which have occurred recently, show unmistakoably, remarks the Southland iVeies, that the “golden ago ” is passing away, and that it will no longer Ire judicious to go to bed leaving the street door unlocked. It is satisfactory to be able to add that the marauders —they might fool offended if we were to say burglars—are not likely to escape the consequences of their “ rosy little gams.” “ Beach-combing,” common enough on the West Coast and in Auckland, is not ranch in favor in this province. The golden sands of the Coast have, however, attracted a number of gold-miners of late. Between the Mataura and the Molyuoux there are now, <as we are informed, about 100 miners, all of whom seem to bo tolerably wc-11 satisfied with their earnings. Many of them have settled down very comfortably, building cosy huts for themselves and families. An accident attended with rather serious results lately happened to Dr. Stewart, of the Lawrence Hospital. The doctor, with Mr. Abel, Clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court, had been to Waitahuna, and on their return to Lawrence the shaft of the buggy broke short off. This frightened the horse, which became unmanageable and bolted, eventually capsizing the vehicle over a steep bank. The doctor’s ankle was much hurt, and the buggy was smashed. Mr. Abel jumped out when the horse bolted, and escaped without injury. Concrete, as a building material, is becoming quite the rage. We arc informed, says the Times, that two fine private houses, to cost about £IOOO each, and to bo built of concrete, are shortly to be erected in Dunedin, and that a private residence also of concrete, for one of our city merchants, is to be erected during the summer at a cost of upwards of £3OOO. This building will have upwards of twenty rooms. Mr. Hardy, who is the architect for the foregoing, has also in hand plans for the gas works buildings at Mossgiel, which are to be built of concrete, and has just completed, a house of the same material for Mr. Smail, of Mossgiel. The house is proof against wind, rain, damp, and rats. Wo also learn that stone-breaking machines are being fitted up, and others are being imported, to supply metal for concrete. As to the cost of build'iug in this way, we find that professional men differ. We may say, however, that wo know of good throe-roomed cottages being put up in this material for slightly over £9O each.

The second half-yearly meeting of the National Insurance Company shows the total receipts of the past half-year as £29,100 Ss. 2d., and expenses £13,518 18s. 6d., leaving a surplus of £15,611 9s. Bd., after deducting £7538 19s. Bd. for losses for the half-year, this leaves a balance for the year on the profit and loss account of £23,036 Ss. Gd. ; of which the directors recommend that £15,000 be set apart for the formation of a reserve fund, and that a dividend of 10 per cent, be declared, and the balance to be carried forward to the next half-year. The dividend will bo payable on the 17tb November. A meeting of settlers of Outram was held at the drill-shod, Outram, on Oct. 27th, for the purpose of considering the best steps for having a branch lino of railway made connecting Outram with the Duuodin-Balclutha main line. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Executive o i Tuesday next, urging the necessity of making that branch railway out of the £60,000 granted by the Assembly. At a meeting of clergymen on October 27th the question of Sunday funerals was considered. Eight of the city ministers will decline, except in cases of emergency, to officiate at Sunday funerals.

The first report of the Mosgiel Woollen Factory gives a net profit for the cloven months ending 6th October, of £3611 7-s. sd. The following appropriation is recommended : —lO per cent, dividend, £228-1 15s. lOd ; balance, £1326 lls. 7d., to be carried to the reserve fund, replacement of machinery, &o. At the Supremo Court, in Dobson v. Macandrew, a claim of £IOOO for wrongful ejectment from the Port Chalmers refreshmentroom, the jury, at 11 p.m., returned a verdict for £2OO. The defendant obtained leave to apply for a new trial on nonsuit points, which were disallowed at the close of the plaintiffs case. The total subscription to the Sailors’ Homo Fund is £750. At the meeting of the City Council,' on Oot. 29, the report of the City Surveyor was read, on the work required to be done to permanently complete the whole streets of the city. It was shown that on the moat economical plan the cost would be £156,830. In banco, His Honor Judge Chapman has given an important decision in re G-. M. Bell and Wentworth, who in Juno lodged applicacatious with the Southland Land Board for land at 20s. per acre, the day before the proclamation increasing the price of laud to £3 per acre was gazetted. The Judgo holds that they are entitled to the land, but leave to appeal against tbo judgment has been granted. If the decision is uphold it means a loss of £20,000 to the province. At a meeting of the Harbor Board on Nov. 3rd a letter was read from the Government, stating that they would bo prepared to hand over everything connected with the Harbor Department to the Board to-morrow. The Chief Harbor-master, being the only office! - , was placed entirely under the control of the Board, The financial committee recommended that the Board’s account should be kept in tbo Colonial Bank, On the subject of the debentures, it was ordered that mortgage forms should bo prepared for £50,000 next day, the loan to bo for a term of thirty years from the Ist of January next, interest-and principal to bo payable at Dunedin, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, or London. The first issue :will bo for £20,000. The resolutions to give effect to the committee’s recommendations were adopted. Mr. J. L. Gillies has been appointed treasurer. It is stated that the Harbor Board has already £60,000 in hand. At the last meeting of the Prosbytoi'y of Melbourne, the lluv. Lindsay Maelde cordially accepted a call to the First Church of Dunedin. The returns of the Otago railways for the month of October wore £4l-il 13s, Bd,

The U.S.A.S. Swatara arrived from the Chatham Islands on October 30, having located the party for the observation of the transit of Venus there. She reports the received longitude of the islands as very correct. The trip back occupied sixty hours. She reports that the Magellan Cloud left Waitangi for Auckland on the 24th September. We have heard (says the Tuapcka Times) of sheep coming by their death iu many xx-ays, but the most singular of any happened a few days ago on Sutherland and Poison’s run. One of the shepherds was driving a largo flock qji the ranges, and when they came to a ludden descent they fell on the top of each other, and got piled up iu a mass at the foot. When they were separated upwards of 200 were found to be dead, having been completely smothered. The miners at the Chain Hills, who were receiving ten shillings per day, have struck work, requiring twelve shillings. George Amos, locomotive engineer, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court with causing an accident on the Clutha railway at Hillside, on the 27th of October, by negligently leaving four empty trucks on it at a time when a passenger train was due. The case occupied the whole day and was then dismissed, Mr. Bathgate holding that the fault did not lie with him, but with,the station-master iu allowing a ballast-train to start while another train was due. Tiie Magistrate also said that signals should have been made, but none were used. An inquest was held on Nov. 7th on the body of a boy nine years of age, the son of a settler at Waikaioa named Grant. The hoy died on Thursday, ancf as it had been stated that the boy's death had been accelerated by the teacher of the district school knocking his head against that of another schoolboy, some public interest was felt in the result of the i inquiry. The jury, after heaving the evidence, returned a verdict of # death from natural causes, and the teacher has been completely exonerated.

Hr. T. Hardy Johnston, C.E. (writes the Kakanui correspondent of the North Otayo Times) is at present here, making the necessary survey for the long contemplated harbor works. The proposal to establish a Servants’ Home in Dunedin has been favorably received. A committee of ladies have drawn up the necessary rules. A site has been given at the corner of Dees and Jones-street, by Mrs. E. Cargill, at a nominal rent. An additional clerk has been added to the staff of the Dunedin Town Council, at a salary of £3OO per annum. The case of Oalder and Bell v. Brogden and Sons, being an action to recover £IB6O ss. lid. for materials supplied and work done on the Clutha Dine of Hallway, occupied the attention of the Supreme Court for three days. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs for £650 12s. over and above the amount paid into Court, £786 IGs. sd. Several nonsuit points were raised. The case was the last in the civil sittings of the Court. Mr. Val. Yose, the well-known ventriloquist, gave an entertainment a few nights ago to the inmates of the Dunedin Dunatic Asylum. A hundred and twenty of the patients were present, and were highly entertained. Mr. Yal. Vose deserves great credit for his kindness. Hr. David R. Hay, tailor and clothier, of Princes-street, Dunedin, who had to stop payment in 1870, when considerable commercial depression prevailed, paid to his creditors a few days ago £950, being the balance required to make up the sum of 20s. in the £. The Lake Wahatip Mail lias the following : —“ Wo reported a few days ago that we had been informed a number of immigrants were expected at the Queenstown depot; but, up to the present, there is no sign of them. Except the excuse—“none at liberty”—Government can make no apology. A married couple have been appointed to take charge of the barracks, and the demand for laborers is great. We think the Town Council and our members should communicate with the authorities on the subject.” Judge Gray, on his trip up this time, says the Lake Wahatip Mai\ was unfortunate enough to lose a roll of notes containing £2B. The loss was not discovei’ed until after Clyde had been reached, and the manner of loss is also unknown. It is to be hoped the finder will have some qualms of conscience, and return the lost treasure. CANTERBURY. At Christchurch, the Resident Magistrate has given a decision in a rather novel case. An auctioneer had valued some stock at Southbridge at something over £ISOO, and charged five per cent for the valuation. From one of the two parties to the affair he received two and a half per cent., but the other refused to pay his half, and the claim was for the latter’s share. One and a quarter per cent, had been offered, but refused. After a considerable amount of evidence had been elicited, the Magistrate said that he would give judgment for five per cent, for the first thousand, and two and a half per cent afterwards, costs being allowed, and expenses of three professional witnesses, this, as he stated, being the custom in England. A lithographed map of Christchurch and its environs has been published. The plan of the city proper is very minute, and the sites of public buildings are accurately laid down. It was reported yesterday, says the Press of the 29th October, that the men employed at work at the balla.t pits on the Oxford railway, had struck for an advance of wages from Bs. 6d. to 10s, a day. The contractor for opening Dake Ellesmere has at last accomplished his task, which, owing to the unfavorable weather of late, has been one of more than ordinary magnitude. Six or seven times has he succeeded in opening a course, which has each time been blocked up by the heavy surf occasioned by the south-west gales. The water from the lake has at present taken complete possession, and runs out into the sea, defying the strength of the surfs and presents one of the grandest sights to be seen in this part of the province. There is now a reasonable prospect of the ere'etion of the Cathedral being carried on with vigor. The Select Committee (says the Lyttelton Times) have reported to the Synod. The committee find that Church property to the value of some £12,000 or £15,000 is now unlet and ■unproductive. They recommend that a portion of this property should be sold to the amount of £IO,OOO, which should be devoted to Church purposes—£sooo towards the completion of the Cathedral, and £SOOO for the erection of churches and parsonages in country districts. The Synod will consider the report, and, if a healthier state of things is to be brought about, and an active interest roused in the public in church matters, the Synod will adopt the report and act upon it. The education rate in. tho district of East Christchurch this year is tcnpenco in the pound. The last of the plant for the Dyttelton gasworks lias arrived in that port by tho ship Eudymiou. A number of young salmon were placed in a floating cage in the river Avon on November 2rd. In about a fortnight they will bo taken down the river, and moored at the junction of the salt and fresh water. The Acclimatisation Society is trying this experiment as_ it is afraid to turn the salmon loose yet, with the view of obtaining spawn from them for artificial hatching. - * Two gentlemen from Rochdale have arrived in Canterbury by tho ship Endymion, for the purpose of erecting a complete plant for the Canterbury Spinning and Fibre Company. Tho machinery forms part of the cargo of the Endymion. The Timaru Agricultural and lateral Association’s Show was a brilliant Nearly two thousand people were present. There was a magnificent display of horses. Tho sheep and pigs were very good. The cattle were few but excellent. The Canterbury and Otago Association won the £SO cup for merinos, the £2O cup for Deices fcers, and the gold medal for the best merino ram, Menlovc of Oaniaru won the £2O ctip for horses, and the gold medal for draught mares. Teschcmaker’s Talisman by Traducer, won the gold medal for thoroughbreds ; and Crarnont’s Marquis of Dome the ten guinea cup for tho best entire. Tailored won tho cattle cup ; Holland obtained gold medal for wheat. It was the best show over held here. Tho horses wore superior to those shown at tho Christchurch show.

At a meeting in the Superintendent’s office, on Oct. 26th, an influential committee was appointed to collect subscriptions and frame regulations for the establishment of a'feniale refuge on a more extended and permanent basis than the present one. The Lyttelton time-ball machinery has arrived. Major Pahper paid Lyttelton a visit on November 3rd, to ascertain the chronometer time given by the instruments on board the Trench ship Vire. He held direct communication by telegraph with the observation party at Burnham, and comparisons were instituted. The barque Natal Queen, from Hobarton, says th e Lyttelton Times , brought two thoroughbred horses, but owing to the fact tiiat a certificate was not procured at the place of shipment that the horses were free from disease, they could not be landed here. NELSON. Certain facts have recently transpired at the Lyell, says the Inanyahua herald , tending to show that a system of robbery has been going on at Carroll and Cairns’ machine, and it is supposed by some one employed at the battery. Parcels of amalgamated gold have been disposed of which may or may not represent the entire proceeds of the theft, but looking at the comparatively small returns (about two and aliair’oimccs to the_ ton) from the last Break o’Day crushing, it is reasonably concluded that a considerable quantity of gold has been abstracted. Suspicion attaches to a certain person, but the thief will probably escape conviction, owing to want of direct proof. Referring to Judge Harvey’s offer to interchange hares for specimens, of quartz from this district, we have pleasure in extracting the following from the Grey River Aryus of the 27th ult. ;—“lt must be interesting to the residents of the Grey Valley and "those of the Reefton district to learn that Judge Harvey, during his recent visit to Melbourne, has made arrangements for the supply of twenty brace" of hares, to be liberated op. Totara Plat, Fern Flat, Devery’s Terrace, and other localities suitable, upon a quid pro quo being afforded by the managers of the reefing companies, by the gift of samples of stone from the various reefs of the luaugahua district. "We should think that this offer will be liberally responded to, for, apart from the mere exchange of compliments, the bargain is one likely to be interesting, and as regards the reefing companies a specially profitable one. Judge Harvey assures us that the people of Victoria are jnore than dubious regarding the richness of the Inangahua reefs ; but probably the contribution of samples from the various claims would help to remove this, and lead to the attention of Victorian capitalists being called to a profitable field of investment. John Dougherty, a cattle-dealer, well known, in the Grey Valley and on the luaugahua, was on the 23rd October committed for trial at Nelson for stealing sheep from a Mr. John Kerr. Several waggons reached Reefton from Greymonth on the 26th ult. The difficulty attending the passage of the Saddle was overcome by unloading and sledging the goods over the bad pieces of the road. Mr. E. 0. Kelling, Clerk to the Resident Magistrate and Distinct Court at Reefton, has arrived at Nelson, and will take the place of Mr. George Hodgson, as Clerk to the Superintendent and Executive. The latter gentleman declined to go to the West Coast, and has left the Government sendee altogether. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, John Kelly, Edward Forau, and Francisco Lai, seamen on board the Craig Ewan, were charged with wilfully disobeying lawful commands. The offence having been proved, they were each sentenced to twelve weeks’ imprisonment. Another sailor, named Marinie Mocassini, for using threatening language towards the captain, was bound over in his own recognisance of £2O and two sureties of £lO each, to keep the peace for six mouths. Now that the Nelson Loan Act has passed into law, we may hope, remarks the Colonist, that the works for which the province was authorised to borrow the money will be begun without any unnecessary waste of time. The amount of the loan is £30,000, and of this £27,000 will be devoted to the construction of a dry dock and a new wharf, and the remaining £3OOO ,to the completion of the new lunatic asylum. One of the new arrivals by the ship Chile, a boy aged about seventeen years, - says the Colonist, met with a very serious ‘ accident on the 27th ult. About ten o’clock on the evening in question, he was lying in a state of intoxication on the tramway, in front of the Colonist office, when one of the projecting parts of the ’bus caught his leg, inflicting a very severe wound. Dr. Ootterell was immediately sent for, and he on arriving had the sufferer conveyed to his surgery, where he attended to the wound. The youth was afterwards removed to the hospital, where he now lies. It is stated that he will lose the limb.

A hope is expressed by the Colonist that before many months are over the Nelson and Pox Hill Railway Trill be in working order. -The second session of the ninth synod of the diocese of Nelson has been held. It was presided over by the Bishop of Nelson. A movement is on foot to influence the Provincial Government for the immediate completion of the road connecting Westport with the Inangahua district. A meeting has been held, and strong resolutions passed, and further action is pending in the interest of the port. During the last quarter, one hundred and thirty-two members were initiated in the Loyal Nelson Lodge of Good Templars. MARLBOROUGH. A building society is about to be commenced at Picton. The result of His Honor the Superintendent’s exploration of the Bui Bui Pass, says the Express , has been communicated to the following effect. It had been arranged that the attempt should be made in company with Mr. Lemon to discover whether a practicable bridle track could be made which would answer the purposes of the telegraph as well. The lastnamed gentleman having been taken ill, Mr. Seymour went alone, and after examination found that the gradients were too steep in several places for general traffic, but that a telegraph line could bo taken through it. We believe that the Government contemplate ascertaining what, if any, improvements may bo made calculated to improve the present coast line for general traffic. The projected line for telegraph purposes is easily obtainable over the Kokerangu and Woodbank runs, and across the Clarence to the Bui Bui; where the Bui enters the Clarence, is an impracticable ‘gorge, but by taking a small valley a little higher up the Clarence, the line can be carried over a saddle into the upper portion of the Bui, and thence over a succession of low saddles to the head of the southern Bni stream, running into the Hapuka, whence the line would continue through the ICaikoura settlement. This would necessitate the new bridge over the Clarence being placed about the site of the present crossing. Lime-burning is being prosecuted vigorously in the neighborhood of Rictou. A smart shock of earthquake was felt in Blenheim on the 22nd Oct. It seemed to proceed from south to north.

A road through the district of Opawa, and a bridge over that river, arc to be constructed as soon as possible. We learn that a considerable number of sections situate on tho south-west side of the town of Blenheim have recently been purchased by Mr. John Ewart from A. P. Stuart and Co., of Wellington, The llev. G. S. Harper, of Blenheim, is endeavoring to raise funds for the erection of a Wesleyan chapel near the far-famed Massacre Hill. There is a scattered population in the district who are ready to do their share towards it, but they require outside assistance as well. “It is possible,” says Mr. Harper, “ that some for whom Massacre Hill has a mournful interest maybe glad of the-oppor-tunity of assisting in this good work.” The Chile will be the first wool ship for the season to load at Port Underwood. The Chile is now discharging' in Nelson, and although there has not been much wool down yet, there will be, no doubt, good loading for. her by the middle of November, when she is expected to be at tho port.

On Wednesday last, says the Marlborough Express of the 21th iust., a deputation waited upon His Honor the Superintendent, consisting of Messrs. Joseph Redwood, Joseph "Ward, Captain Baillie, H. Dodson, and S. Bowler. Mr. Redwood presented a petition signed by 163 persons, praying the Government to erect a bridge at the present ferry site, instead of the composite bridge on the railway. The deputation pointed out that there would be an expenditure amounting to about £2OOO in the purchase of land, and other charges incidental to the work, and that a toll-keeper would have to be maintained, while a bridge over the ferry would only cost £3OOO to £4OOO. His Honor said, in reply, that he could not see how he could take any course other than that laid down in the last two sessions, the Council having twice voted the money for the composite bridge. Further than that, he could not see where the money was to come from to build a bridge at the ferry; and it would require them to husband ■ their resources for at least three years at the rate of the recent vote, even if they had the money to spare after providing for numerous other requirements. During that time the public would be suffering ; while, u the other hand, there would be a bridge for use at once, and which would save a considerable distance in travelling. He thought it would be better to go on with the present railway bridge, even although it should be seen desirable hereafter to erect one at or about the site of the present ferry for local traffic. There seemed to be a misunderstanding on the part of the deputation that the Province was contributing some portion of the cost of the railway bridge, but this was a mistaken view, as the entire bridge was being constructed out of colonial funds under the vote for railway construction. A large sum of money has been subscribed at Picton to be given as prizes for the various events to he contested on theday of the regatta, and the celebration of the anniversary .promises to be a great success. Several new boats are expected to be entered for the pulling and sailing races, and as the owners of each are confident of winning, a good deal of excitement will he felt until the events are decided. In the evening a hall will take place in connection with the regatta. The whole of the immigrants who were lately sent to Picton have found engagements, and the barracks are again empty. WESTLAND. _ It is stated on good authority that Mr. Oanavan, the member for Okarito, intends to retire immediately.from the Provincial Council. Tire first barges -which have arrived at Greymouth loaded with coal, the product of the Greymouth Coal Company’s mine, reached the whar-f on the 27th ult. It is understood the company is not yet in a position to bring down a regular supply, owing to the unfinished condition of the winding machinery. The new provincial seal has arrived from Melbourne, and we have been favored with one of its impressions. The design is a very , simple one, but at the same time exceedin'. -T appropriate. It consists of a fern tree, wfsn five fronds, under which two kiwis are in the act of feeding. Around the upper edge are the words “Province of Westland,’’ and at the lower the Latin quotation “Et mea■ tncssis erit." Some excitement was occasioned in Hokitika yesterday, says the T Vest Coast Times of the 29th ultimo, on it being stated that a welcome little stranger in the shape of a nugget, weighing 350z5., had been unearthed within a few miles of Hokitika. The rumor proved to be perfectly correct, for Mr. Ralph Levy sold it to the Union Bank. It is shoulder of mutton shape, perfectly pure and free from quartz or other foreign matter, and has a hole through ■what we may term the shank portion of it. One side of it is discolored, as though it had been exposed to the air, or been covered by moss, or other vegetable substance, that w r ould stain it. It was got near Greek’s Gully, and only between two and three feet from the surface. The fortunate finders were Pennington and party. Messrs. D. McLean and Co., Greymouth, have disposed of their business to Messrs. D. Girdwood and Co. Considerable interest is being taken in Hokitika in a new patent nozzle-sluicing apparatus which a well-known mining resident of the West Coast, Mr. P. Connisky, has just brought over from America, where he sa-w it in operation. The Hohoua Water-race Company are about to give it a practical trial, and the result will be looked forward to with much interest, as likely to solve an interesting and important problem. The survey of the Haast Pass, which was arranged between the Superintendents of Canterbury, Otago, and Westland, has been left to the Superintendent of Otago to carry out. According to Mr. Collyer’s account of a survey party having already reached the ranges, and returned, leaving their instruments there, it would seem that the work has already been taken in baud, hut had to be temporarily abandoned until the weather became more settled. The party is under the charge of Mr. MacKellar, whose name is well known in connection with the Otago Survey Department. The contract for No. 6 section of the Waimoa Water Race, the West Coast Times of the 4th* iust. reports, was settled by the Government on the previous day, and the tender of Mr. Wm, Smith, of Katiieri, for the whole of the work, has been accepted at £19,462 13s. Tin's includes the laying of the pipes for the -whole distance of the Race, two miles fifty-seven chains in length, also the construction of earthwork, tunnels, culverts, fluming, piping, and the other works specified, together with the furnishing of labor, plant, and materials, the materials being those supplied by the Government. The contractor is bound to comjrleto the work within twelve months from to-day. The Reyistcr ceased to -exist on the sth instant. In its issue of that day the editor takes farewell of his patrons, observing “ It is with no ordinary regret that we have in this issue to hid adieu to our readers. For many months, we cannot say years, we have had daily communication with hundreds, but at last we have had to succumb to circumstances, and resign the position that we had hoped to attain, through causes that must be apparent. There is not hi Hokitika, ot present, room for a second morning paper, and the attempt that we have made in this direction cannot, therefore, be considered altogether unsuccessful.” A township is about to be surveyed in the south of the province for a special settlement. We (Times) learn that at the close of the financial year the Borough Council will have a balance in the Bank to their credit, as well as £SOO to receive from the local Government, as share of lauds sold within the municipality. A criminal prosecution which was recently instituted in Hokitika by a Customs’ officer had rather a different termination than the prosecutor bargained for, or perhaps expected, Mr. G. C. Dimming, the Customs LandingSurveyor at Hokitika, charged a man named David Davidson with the indictable offence of obstructing him in the execution of his duty as a Custom-house officer. The obstruction mainly consisted in Davidson threatening to smash Limming’s “brandy nose,” and as that feature of that officer’s very ruddy countenance is particularly fiery and the threat was deeply felt. Mr. Dimming seized Dai arson, and, after striking him, attempted tin n him out of the Customs’ shed. Davidson struggled and a scuffle ensued, ihe upshot of the matter was that the magistrate dismissed the case against Davidson _ and fined < the Custom-house officer five shillings for striking Davidson. , .. ~ At a meeting of the directors of the Oreymouth Coal Company hold on the ISth inst., it was agreed that an offer from Mr. Wolhv.n for making 000,000 fire and common bricks should be accepted. A largo quantify of the above will -be required for the company's coke ovens and lining the main pit shaft, and the remainder will be placed in the market. * Negotiations have so far been concluded between the General Government and Mr. Kungerford for the purchase of the Hungerford bridge, at the upper crossing of the Arahura. The price has not yet been fixed, but both have agreed to leave the matter the arbitration of Mr. Giosow, the District Engineer. The necessary documents ha\ e been, prepared and signed.