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Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 360, 19 June 1877, Page 2

We understand that it is not intended to hold an inquest on the body of Mr. Alex. Scott, whose sudden "death on Sunday night we recorded yesterday. It appears that the deceased had three fits during the evening ; Dr. Garland was sent for, but was absent from home when the messenger arrived. A messenger was then dispatched for i ■ Fleming, but the unfortunate man had expired before the doctor arrived. Dr. Fleming states death resulted from an epiliptic spasm. The Benevolent Asylum and the "Hospital are in want of funds— the latter rather badly. In Timaru and elsewhere popular concerts are being given at stated intervals, which are, as their names would imply, liberally patronised by the people. Whilst these entertainments can be made a source of revenue to those institutions which ever call for our sympathy and assistance, they are in addition a means of recreation of a high order for the people. The amount of variety sometimes infused into those entertainments renders them pleasing to everybody. In this community there are plenty of gentlemen who could give admirable

readings, and of ladies and gentlemen whose vocal ablities have often delighted Oamaru audiences. We would be glad to receive the names of any persons willing to assist at these entertainments. Inspector Pender has been constituted Major under the provisions of the Armed Constabulary Act. We hope that the honor will bring with it an increase of salary, as he is a worthy official. At the adjourned sitting of the Licensing Court this morning, the whole of the members of the Licensing Bench who were present at the quarterly sitting were on the Bench. • The adjourned application of Mr. James Stuart Campbell for a license for the Ngapara Railway Hotel was granted. Renewals were granted to the whole of the license holders of Hampden, no objections having been lodged against any of then. Mr. John Bryan applied for a transfer of the license cf the Hampden Hotel from Mr. Jas. lies to himself. The Bench suggested to the applicant to apply simply for a temporary license, and the application for the permanent transfer would be considered at the next meeting of the Court.

The following is from the Canterbury Press: —" Gisborne, June 14.—The report of Te Kooti coming is now disbelieved. Volunteer corps are to be formed at four places from Gisborne to Ormond. The Government is much censured for not permitting the 400 stand of arms to be placed in the hands of the townspeople and settlers in the district. Several Maoris with their wives have moved near to Gisborne. The Government have not replied to the telegram asking the whereabouts of Te Kooti. The 400 stand of arms are still lying unprotected in the Customs shed, with no guard or watch placed over them. Any six men could carry them away during the night. Te Kooti wants his wife to go to him. She refuses ; hence his desire to come for her. Te Kooti, should he put in an appearance, will be shot down instantly." What ! shoot Te Kooti ? It is really very shocking; and the act would be considered murder, by the Government. He may have assassinated defenceless women and children, but the Government has long since shewn that it has condoned this act. It will probably appear unreasonable to the settlers that they should have to wait until he or his crew shoots some more of the settlers before taking action ; but this is the view the Government takes of the matter. "The Government have not replied to the telegram asking the whereabouts of Te Kooti." Why should they be exj>ccted to do so at the request of anybody and everybody ? It may be some time since they had a communication from him The Hon. Daniel Pollen says " It's all right," and he ought to know. At the usual meeting of the St. Paul's Young Men's Association last night the Rev. Mr. Todd read an able paper on "Habit.'» which was the means of bringing forward a most interesting discussion, wherein all the members of the Association took part. The lecturer commenced his remarks by explaining the nature of habit, and clearly proved that habits were formed by the frequent repetition of the same acts. He gave interesting examples and illustrations of the power of habit upon both mind and body, as seen among men of different professions and occupations, all of which confirmed Shakespeare's maxim, "Use doth breed a habit in a man." Mr. Todd concluded his able lecture by an earnest warning and appeal to resist the beginnings of evil, and impressed upon the Association the influence such a course would have upon their lives, both here and hereafter. A hearty vote of thanks to the President closed the meeting.

A meeting of the Calcined Corkonians was held last evening, when there "was a very good attendance. The programme for the concert in aid of the Oamaru Hospital was arranged, and it was decided that the entertainment should take place on Tuesday evening, the 10th July. Mr. J. Mitchell was elected hon. secretary in the room of Mr. W. P-ht; cross, resigned. We understand that st i. al valuable additions have been made to the company since their last performance, and that the vocal department will be especially strong. The programme arranged is a really excellent one, and contains many novelties. A rehearsal will take place tomorrow evening, in the Masonic Hall, at eight o'clock, when every member is requested to attend, as there is no time to lose in the preparation of the programme. We understand that several instrumentalists have kindly consented to give their assistance, and any others willing to do so are requested to send their names to the secretary without delay. We have no doubt that there are many gentlemen in Oamaru who would gladly give their services in aid of so deserving an object as the Hospital—an institution which should appeal to the sympathies of every one.

The monthly meeting of the Hospital Committee will be held this evening, at eight o'clock, at Mr. Church's office. A general meeting of the members of the Oamaru Artillery Volunteers will be held this evening, after the weekly drill. Messrs. Connell and Clowes will sell, at their stores, Tyne-street, at 2 p.m. to-mor-row, a large and choice collection of trees and shrubs. That political bugbear, the Piako Swamp, together with other large areas of land lying between East Hamilton and the Piako district, is to be sold to an English company. It is contemplated to establish a township on the east bank of the river Horotiu, near Hamilton, in connection with a special settlement, to be formed on these large estates, which, in the aggregate, will make upwards of 5#0,000 acres. This comprises the land that was stated, in answer to enquiries made by the Opposition last session, to consist mainly of swamp. It was well known to some few members of the House that the statement was scarcely correct, but in the fact of an irresistible propensity on the part of members to cling to the strongest party, it was found to be futile to protest. The Government should have offered inducements long since to colonists to locate themselves on this land, instead of parting with it for a song ; and this was the feeling of the Waikato settlers and others who, from time to time, visited the North Island in quest of land. Even admitting that the Government version of the matter was correct, why should not the Government undertake the drainage of these large areas of country, and, adding on the expense of doing so, sell them in lots, of sizes according to the quality of the soil ?