News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 704, 27 May 1865, Page 11

News of the Week.

[prom thb daily times.] Mr S. M. South, solicitor, of Invercargill, who pleaded guilty to an assault upon Mr W. Russell, also a solicitor, was, on Monday week, fined in the penalty of LlO. At the general meeting of the Otago Light Horse, which was held Friday evening at the Provincial Hotel, the election of Captain in the room of Captain J. 11. Harris, resigned, was postponed. Cornet Sydney James was unanimously chosen Lieutenant in place of the late Mr Alexander M'Landress, and Mr James Milner, Cornet, vice Sydney James, promoted. The members of the School Committee of Port Chalmers, since the adverse decision given by Mr Forman. R.M , on the subject oi the assessment, have declined to act, and have intimated this declension of duty to the Superintendent We, "Southland News," have received news from the Matnura of a very encouraging nature. Although Sergeant Baker brought down only 55 ounces of gold, the prospects are improving, and the gold is of a decidedly coarser nature. Without an exception, all employed on this field are doing well. The "Lake Wakatip Mail" says— "The accounts from the Nevis represent a very favorable movement onwards, and next spring the largest rush Otago has seen will probably take place in that direction." Fraser and Co., in the course of last week. took a very fine parcel of geld, -weighing about 270 ounces into the Hogburn, which had been obtained in Third Gully, at (Jlarkea. It was the result of four months' working by four men, during which time they had also cut a race and tail race. The goo-1 supplvi of ! water, through the abundance of rain which has fallen, and improved the modes of working the ground, has given an impetus to mining operations on the Hogburn. Through an accident, the nature of which our correspondent does not inform us, the majority of the claims on the Arrow were compelled to suspend working, as the lower claims were flooded, and those on the upper part of the river likewise suffered in consequence. Several of the miners who have returned from the Grey Kiver were disappointed on their return to the Twelve Mile at finding the claims they had abandoned occupied, and thus that they were under the nec°ssity of either opening fresh ground or ■working for wages. The Queenstown School Committee met on the 2nd May, when the following resolutions were adopted, amongst others of no general importance :—: — " That the boundaries of the educational district of Queenstown be a line commencing at the summit of the S.W. peak of Ben Lomond, and running S. along the western bide of a j creek known as Hobson's Creek, to the border of Lake Wakatip, thence crossing the Lake to the most westerly point of the Peninsula, thence in "a direct line to the Peninsula hill, thence easterly by a line half a mile S. of the Kawarau River, Seeping a parallel course to the same, to a point opposite the Shotover Junction, thenca in a direct line to a point one mile below the s^id. junction, thence : crossing the Kawarau and following a parallel course to the same, to the Shotover River, keeping one mile off to the N. and E. of it, to a point half a mile above the Gorge at Arthur's Point, thence in a direct line to the summit of Ben Lomond, thence in a direct line to the S.W. peak of the same, being the starting point ; and that the above boundaries be forwarded to the Education Board, with a request to Gizc-tte the same and proclaim the district. That Mr Beetham be elected president of the School Committee. That, as the sum voted by the Provincial Council last session for the erection of school buildings has lapsed, the Government be requested to place the sum of LIOOO on the Supplementary Estimates for the erection of School Buihiings for the educational district of Queenstown." A letter was read from the Provincial Treasurer, advising of the payment of the vote of LSOO, on condition of the Committee complying with the terms on which grants in aid were voted. The following extract from Mr Warden Beetham's report, from the Wakatipu district, under date 13th May, will be received with interest: — " During the last few weeks, I have been enabled to report a steady improvement in mining matters. This improvement still holds, and instances of individual success are more frequent. In a late report I mentioned that a party of men at Moke Creek had divided LIOO per man as a week's work ; the same party last week divi led again L7O per man, also the work of a week's labor. There is an enormous extent of ground in this direction untouched. The Moke, however, is fast regaining its old character, and a very large section of the arrivals from Hokitika proceed at onco to that locality. The population of the district is steadily on the increase, and some few miners from the West Coast have returned to their old quarters at the Twelve-mile and Bucklerburn, on the Lake. The Bucklerburn has sufftred less from the exodus to the Weafc Coast than any portion of the district. The population there is, however, now increasing. During a recent visit there, I found everyone doing well. Some of the extended claims will give remunerative work to their holders for the next two or three years. A vast amount of terrace ground there is also untouched. The river claims in the neighborhood of Sutherland Beach are yielding largely, and storekeepers are reaping considerable benefit therefrom, as in many instances they have been compelled to give loDg credit to their holders."

The Argus says :— '« H.M.S.S. Palcon has I at la9t arrived in Hebson's Ray. The Falcon has been some eighteen months on the Australian station, has visited Sydney, Hobart Town, and Adelaide, and has had a busy tim : in New Zealand, but she has not before made an appearance in Victorian waters. St ©is a slcop of war, not of a particularly modern date — the present is her third commission — but neveitheless a smart useful vessel of her class, fast under canvas, and able to steam nine knots per hour, though her engines are only of 100-horse power. She carries an unusually large number of guns for her size, but her armament is not particularly heavy, a 401b Armstrong, pivot-mounted, being the heaviest piece on board. Her battery is principally composed of smooth-bore 32 pounders — the guns the Victoria mounted. While at New Zealand, the Falcon took part in the Tauranga actions, was employed on the east coast, where she shelled Maketu ; and has latterly been engaged on the we3t coast, in conveying from Auckland the stores and troops with which General Cameron is prosecuting the Wanganui campaign. The vessel is now in beautiful order ; and next week, when her coaling will have been completed, she will, through the courtesy of Commander Parker, be open to public inspection. A very novel industry is referred to in the following paragraph from the '" Bendigo Advertiser :" — Through the courtesy of Mr Holdsworth, chemist, of Pall Mall, we hare been favoured with a piece of the wool made from the leaves of the Scotch fir-tree. It is the invention of Leopold Liirirz, who prepares, the wool, and manufactures it into a flannel, which is said to be superior to other flanuels, [as it has a greater action upon th c skin. The oil extracted irom the leaves is also noted for i curing rheumatism, usuralgia, and pains j proceeding from colds The sample of wool is light brown in color, is very soft, and has a fragrant smell. Its peculiar qualities as fUnnel, are said to be great warmth and the absence of all rritation to the skin." The Provincial Auditor of the Province of Nelson has presented his report for 1865 to the Provincial Council, with a comparative statement of the revenue and expenditure of the two preceding years. In 1863 the total revenue from all sources was £74,094 153 2d; for 1864, £35,867 193 Id ; and for ISGS £44,427 16s 01. The falling off on the Provincial income of 1865, compared with 1863, has arisen from the decrease in the proceeds of the sale of land, the amount realised in 1863. being £58,550 4s 7d, and in 1863, £24,111 17s Od. In every other branch of revenue, excepting education, and what are termed as miscellaneous, there is an increase. The expenditure for the same period was — in 1863, £55,003 Is 4d ; 1864, £66/201 6s lid, [and in 1865, £42,721 Is 6J. Only a very moderate house assembled at the Princess Theatre on Thursday to witness Mr and Mrs Dillon in the beautiful comedy of " The Wife's Secret." This is the more surprising, as in every respect the attractions for the evening were sufficient to have induced a better attendance. Mr C. Dillon has seldom appeared to greater advantage than in the character of Sir Walter Amyott, and he was ably supported by Mrs Charles Diiion as Lady Eveline. The scene in which he proposes a. separation on account of her supposed unfaithfulness was finely imagined by them both, and as exquisitely performed. The c was no str.u'ning after effect, but even the most intense passions were toned down so carefully that all appearel the natural workings of the soul. There is little in the remaining characters that requires extraordinary talent to render them interesting, but th.it little was carefully attended to. The efforts of the orchcstr.i should not be passed over without deserved commendation, especially the cornet solo, " Echo dv Mont Blanc," The taste with which every performer played his part combined to produce some of the most pleasing instrumental effects that we have had the privilege of listening to. The cornet a piston, the powers of which it is the object of the composer to display, wps beautifully played ; every passage was carefully brought out, and the soft echoes giving the effect of distance were very effective. The violin, piccolo and piano obligate) were tastefully managed. The comic drama, " Fcund in a basket," or " Doing for the best" was the concluding piece. It is a pleasant little comedy in two acts, and in plot, dialogue, and incident reminds one of the every day portraits of Dickens. Dick Stubbs (Mr* George Fawcett) an honest carpenter, is introduced to us in the first act, in a fire side scene with his wife, Betsy Stubbs (Miss Matthews; Jane Stubbs, his daughter (Miss D. Green), and Emily, a foundling whom they had brought up as their own, though found in a basket. The family are not over rich, nor over polished, but honest, hardworking people who have no ambition beyond marrying their daughter to Bill Hawkins, a bricklayer (Mr Wiltnott), and their adopted child to their son Harry, a sailor (Mr Chandler). During the absence of Jane and her lover to make some humble preparations ior their wedding, a lawyer waits upon Dick, and informs him of his having become entitled to an estate of five thousand a year. This revolutionises the good man, who at once forms plans more in accordance with the altered circumstances of the family ; and the incongruity between the manners which befit a lowly station and the more elevated one into which they are transferred forms a very humorous and graphic picture. Mr Fawcett is exceedingly happy in the performance of the character of Dick Stubba. A more natural and better drawn portrait could not he conceived. There is consistency in it throughout. Miss Cassy Matthews, Miss Dolly Green, and Mr Wilmott played their parts admirably, and the comedy went off well in every reßpect.

The «• Gazette" notifies that the resigna- ' tion of Horace Bastings, Esq., as a Commissioner for the City ofDunetlin, has been accepted ; and that Edward Chalmer, Esq.; has been Appointed to fill the vacant seat in ' the Commission. Notice is given by the Chief Postmaster that the Money Order Office at Waitahuna will be closed after the first June next, orders received after that date being payable at Tuapeka. The argument in Eccles v. Taylor (Superintendent of Southland) was concluded during Thursday's sitting in Banco. Their Honors took time to consider judgment. The Theatre Royal was poorly attended on Thursday. The scientific experiments in the first part of the entertainment passed off well; but the Professor was not so successful as upon former occasions in his experiments in elecfcro-biologv. lie attributed this to the limited number of persons who volunteered to be operated upon — only four of whom were found to be in any degree susceptible of the influence — and these Professor Bus^ell admitted to be the toughest lot of subjects he had found upon his stage for a long timenone of them having previously been under his influence. But even upon these subjects severa. experiments were successfully performed. The same programme will be repeated this evening. The following is an abstract of the return of the sale of Town Lands in the Province Otago, for the month of April, 1865, as published in the " Gazette" : — Hampden, I section, 1 purchaser, 1 rood, amount Ll6 average price per acre, L 64; Hawlcsbury, 2 sections, 2 purchasers, 2 roods, L 25, per acrt LSO ; Palmerston, 7 sections, 1 purchaser, 1 acre 3 roods, LB7 10s, per acre LSO; Outram, 1 section, 1 purchaser, I rood, Ll2 10s, per acre LSO. Total, 11 sections, 4 purchasers, 2 acres 3 roods, Ll4-1. The abstract of the return of sale of Rural Lands during the same month i 9 as follows ; — Hundred of Oamaru, 6 sections, 5 purchasers, 3890 acres, L 3890, average acreage per purchaser, 778 acres ; Awamoko, 5 sections, 2 purchasers, 1750 acres, L 1750, average per purchaser, 875 acres ; Otepopo, 13 sections, 5 purchasers, 3001 acres 1 rood 4 perches, L3OOI ss, average per purchaser, 600 acres 1 rood ; Moeraki, 2 sections, 1 purchaser, 195 acres 2 roods 30 perches, L 195 12s 6-.1, average per purchaser, 195 acres 2 roods 39 perches ; Soutli Tokomairiro, 2 sections, 2 purchasers. 134 acres 3 roods 14 perches, L 134 17s 6d, average per purchaser, 67 acres 1 rood 27 perches ; North Tokomairiro, 1 section, L purchaser, 65 acres, L 65 ; Pomahaka, 1 section, 1 purchaser, 36 acres 2 rood 30 perches, L 36 12s 6d ; Popotunoa, 1 section, 1 purchaser, 100 acres, LIOO ; Tuapeka, 5 sections, 3 purchasers, 78 acres, L 77 12s 61 (poles less than 20 not charged), average per purchaser, 26 acres. Pastoral Districrs, 4 sections, 3 purchasers, 180 acres, LIBO, average per purchaser, 60 acres. Total — 30 sections, 24 purchasers, 9431 acres 2 roods 7 perches, L 9431, average price throughout, Ll per acre. A meeting of the members of the late Town Board took place on Thursday in the old Town Board offices, Princes street, for the purpose of considering the correspondence received from Ills Excellency the Governor, and the transaction of ordinary business. The members present were Messrs Turner, Chairman; T. Redmayne, John Lovell, George Smith, and John Barnes. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the members proceeded to read and consider the latest correspondence from Wellington upon the subject of the Town Board Dissolution Ordinance. Mr John Lovell moved, and Mr George Smith seconded — " That inasmuch as the correspondence stated that although the memorial from the Board to his Excellency, requesting him to use the Royal Prerogative, and disallow the Bill entid d 'The Dunedin Town Bo.ird Ordinance, 1565," had arrived and should have the fullest consideration, but that the Ordinance itself to which the memorial alluded, had not been received up to the 13th instant, it is quite apparent to us that some obvious motive has been taken to keep the Ordinance back, and advantages of position taken which merit our disapproval." — Carried. It was moved by Mr T. Redmayne, and seconded by Mr J. Burner:— " That it I having come to the knowledge of the Town Board, that the City Commission have it in contemplation to allow themselves one guinea each member, per sitting, out of the city rates; the Town Board being the legitimate representatives of the ratepayers, protest against such an appropriation, and call upon the ratepayers to take cognisance of the same." — Carried. The Edinburgh "Scotsman " has the following piece of informatijn :—": — " la the newlydiscovered, territory of North-Western Australia the baobab tree grows to an enormous size. The diameter of one in the Camden Harbor region was nearly fifty feet, and by the number of zones in some of the branches, was estimated to be 8000 years old." On Thursday, a number of the officers and men of the Dunedin Fire Brigade, anxious to testify their esteem for Mr Hobbs, their late captain, who was about to sail by the Airedale for Auckland, accompanied that gentleman on board the steamer. They intended to return from the Port by the Peninsula, but from some misunderstanding that boat left some minutes earlier than had been depended upon, and there being no other public conveyance, the members of the Brigade had no alternative left them but to walk up to town. It was fortunate that no fire occurred in Dunedin during the involuntary absence of the Brigade. We believe that some complaints are made against the captain of the Peninsula for starting before the time he 1 had stipulated.

Notice is given by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, that a Sitting of the Court for despatch of Criminal nnd Civil Business, •will be held at the Court House, Dunedin, on Thursday, the Ist June. A supplementary note informs witnesses in the case of Regina T. Jarvey for murder, that their attendence ■will not be required until Monday, the 12th June. The (fforts of the Drapers' Early Closing Association in endeavoring to Sf cure the con-sei-t of the heads of establishments to close their places of business at six o'clock p.m. during the winter months, have, we are glad to learn, been very extensively successful, only one hou.'e holding out against the movement. We cordially endorse the appeal put forth by the Association to the ladies of Dunedin, and to working men, to destroy the inducement to late trade hours by adhering to the practice of early shopping. The nomination of candidates for the lepresentation of the Geld Fields iv the House of Eepresentativc-s took place at the Court Hous>e, Tuapeka, on Monday, the 22nd inst. There "were about thirty persons present. Three candidates were proposed— Messrs Campbell, Haughton, and Bradshnw ; and, on a show of hands being taken, there appeared 18 in favor of Mr Campbell ; 2 for Mr Haughton ; and 4 for Mr Bradshaw. A poll was demanded in behalf of Mr Bavghton, which was appointed to be taken on Monday next at the following polling places, viz. : — The Court Houses at Clyde, Lawrence, Queenstown, Waitalmna, Waipori, Mount Benger, Arrow, Alexandra. Hamilton, Mount Ida, Maori Point. Ilindon, Cromwell, and the camps at Dunstan Creek, Uokomai, Cardrona, Nevis, Hyde, ar.d Blackstone Hill. __ In the Cardrona Valley the population is limited, there not being more than 60 miners engaged, but they were all doing well and making above average wages. The nature of the ground renders machinery ior draining and driving necessary toils being successfully •worked, and the extent of auriferous country offers remunerative employment to those who are prepared to undertake the preliminary operations. On the 10th instant, Mr Manders met the electors of the Gold Fields at the Commercial Hall, Queenstown. The meeting was numerously attended, and after tlie election of Mr ■Guthrie as chairman, the candidate expressed his views on the leading topics of the day. He approved of the local self government, resulting from the control of the gold fields "being rested in the Provincial Council. Hitherto the gold fields generally, and Wakatip Dstrict especially, had been shamefully and unjustly treated by being placed under the control of a delegated authoi ity vested in the Superintendent and an irresponsible Gold Kelds Secretary. This would be altered by a new election, and their representative would have influence in the Provincial Council. He considered want of representation to be a great evil, and the increase propose- d applied only to three towns, Tuapeka, Clyde, and Queenstown. But these places could send no member to the Assembly. He did not consider the gold export duty a sound tax, but hardly knew how it could be done away with ; out he saw no objection to a special tax on "wool, which he thought would be fair and equitable. On the whole he thought favorably of the land resolutions passed by the Council ; and with regard to the pastoral tenants he thought leases or a deferred system of payments might be introduced under certain stipulations, into those resolutions. It should be prepared to advocate such a course if returned to the Assembly. lie was to some extent prepared to support Mr Weld's policy The war had been bady conducted, and a large force had been employed to do work that could have been accomplished by a militia force in less time and at less expense. With regard to the introduction of Chinese, let them come as the people of other nations come. The British dominions should afford free access and egress to all, but he hoped not only the Province but the Colony would be saved from the taint of a Chinese-Asiatic population. He did not think the present tariff equitable or just, and he was favorable to a revision of it. He was opposed to the Separation of the North from the South Island. Nothing could be gained by it, but much might be lost. He would, in some poin'.s, increase the powers of Provincial Councils, as it was local self-government. After answering several questions, the meeting with only two hands held up against it, carried a motion recommending Mr Manders as a fit and proper person to reprepresent the district in the House of Representatives. A closely contested rifle match between Lieutenant StaveJy with nine members of the Dunedin division of the Naval Brigade, and Lieutenant Robertson with a like number of the Port Chalmers division, took place on Friday last, at the butts of the latter, situate in Sawyer's Bay. The ranges were 200, 300, and 400 yards, five shots at each. The firing of both sides was close throughout, and resulted in the Port Chalmers side winning by only 4 points. The highest score at the three ranges was made by Petty Officer j Fisher, ot the Dunedin side, and the highest at a single range was made by Lieutenant Robertson of Port Chalmers, who scored 18 points and hits at 400 yards. This being the first match with Dunedin, a considerable amount of interest was manifested by the residents, a number of whom wers present at the ranges throughout the firing. At the conclusion of the match, both sides returned to the Port and sat down to dinner provided lay Mr Findlay, of the George Hotel. After the table was cleared, the usual toasts en such an occasion were proposed and responded to, when the Dunedin side took their departure, all having spent a pleasant day. A Teturn match will come off at the Dunedin range at an early date.

Wednesday being the anniversary oi the Queen's birthday was kept as a general holiday, the Government offices, and nearly every place of business "being closed. The weather was fine, although very cold ; but the sodden state of the streets and roads — the latter in many parts still covered with slushy snow — prevented anything like trips into the country; but a good many visitors were conveyed by the Golden Age and Peninsula to Port Chalmers for the purpose of witnessing the regatta there. The Volunteers were to have maidied to the Recreation Ground; but the 50 or 60, including the High School cadet corps, who assembled at the Custom House, marched thence to the Rattray street Jetty. There the Rifie-s fired three rounds, and the Artillery, with their 12-pounder Armstrong, gave a royal salute— or rather a salute of 19 guns — some accident with one of the cartridges preventing the completion of the 21 discharges. The firing was followed by three cheers lor the Queen. Major Cargill was in command. A large number of persons assembled on the jetty during the firing. At its conclusion, Major Cargill intimated that a presentation was about to be made to Captain Ross of the Artillery Regiment. Surgeon Plardy of the D. V. A. stepped forward and addressed Capt. Ross, stating that he had been requested by the members of the company to thank their captain for the nnrerrittmg attention which he bad paid to his duties as an officer, and to the interests of the company since its organisation. They took this opportunity of expressing the esteem in which they held him, and nsked him to accept the gold watch -which they now presented to him, as a slight recognition of his services. Captain Ross returned thanks for the honor which had been done him. Major Cargill called for three cheers for Captain Ross, which were given in a very hearty manner. The watch is a very handsome one, and bears the following insciip tion :—": — " Presented to Captain C. G. Ross, of the Dunedin Volunteer Artillery, by the members of that regiment, in recognition of his valuable services. May 24, 1864." The various Volunteer corps were then marched back to the front of the Custom House, and drawn up in line, previous to dismissal. Major Cargill formed them into three sides of a square, calling the officers to the front. He stated that he had just learned that another presentation was to come off. Captain Bathgate then stepped forward, and said he considered the institution of Volunteers one of the most important in any country, and it was none the less so in this golden Province of Otago, where as a rule he had found it difficult to get anybody to do anything for nothing, as for the smallest service " bucksheesh" was demanded ; therefore, the greatest credit was due to the gentlemen present, who, at the sacrifice of personal convenience at least, were willing to devote their time and energies to the support of the movement ; and he was happy to find so many whose good example to their fellowcitizens was not the least service they rendered to their country. It was with pleasure he witnessed the esteem in which the Commanding Officer of the Artillery was held by the members of the regiment, and he was also delighted to find that the members of No. 2 Company (Scottish) desired him to take the present opportunity of testifying the regard they had for Mr Kirkaldy, their lieutenant. That gentleman had been uaintermitting in forwarding drill, and, both at six in the morning and late at night, had always been ready if a squad was in attendance. He had been most constant, aud had performed Ins arduous duties with the utmost zeal ; and the Company were indebted to him for their present proficiency. The members were, therefore, desirous of giving him a substantial proof of their appreciation of his services, and requested him to present Lieutenant Ivirkaldy with the handsome gold watch of which he now begged his acceptance, and hoped that it might be worn hj him as a token of their esteem and regard. Lieutenant Kirkaldy briefly replied, thanking the members of the Company for this expression of their kindness. Major Cargill then expressed his entire concurrence with the eulogiums which had been passed on Lieutenant Kirkaldy, whose exertions entitled him to be regarded as a pattern to all the other officers. He then asked the Volunteers to give three hearty cheers for that gentleman, which wa3 enthusiastically responded to. The watch, which is of a very rich pattern, bears the following inscription :—": — " Presented to Lieutenant William C. Kirkaldy, No. 2 Company (Scottish) D.V.R., by the members, as a mark of respect, and an acknowledgment of his unremitting zeal and attentiou to their interests." The two presentation watches were supplied by Mr J. Hyman, of Piincesstreet, and Mr G. Young, of Rattray street. During the day the shipping in port was gaily dressed with bunting, and flegs were displayed on various business establishments in town. At the Besident Magistrate's Court at Waikouaiti on the 11th instant, a man named Russell was brought up on remand, charged with setting fire to a stack of posts and rails, the property of James Henderson of Hawkesbury Bush. The senior Sergeant of police stated he was unable to obtain additional evidence against the prisoner, and the Magistrate discharged him, remarking, "that the offence with which he stood charged was a most serious one, but he had come to the conclusion that from the evidence before him he was not warranted in sending the case to a higher court. It, however, presented one suspicious feature— the finding of a portion of a letter close by the fire, which the prisoner had acknowledged as having belonged to him. There was just the possibility that he had not left it there, and the fact of his not denying the letter ■vras a circumstance in Ms f a-vor."

Mr E. H. Carew, officer in charge at the Nevis, writing thence on the 6th May, says: — " The township that existed at the Gorge has been removed, and reconstructed upon a terrace adjoining the -new workings at the Nevis Flat. Business is said to be good, and the confidence repose-d in the permanence of the ruth is shown in the superior class of building that is being erected. A considerable stock of goods is being packed over for winter reqnireim nts, as a piccaution against the possible e^cnt of being snowed i». Nearly all the miners ?re comfortably domiciled in huts, and altogether the gold field presents a more promising and peimanent aspect than I have before known it to assume.'' It is announce! in the " New Zealand Gazette" of the 11th, that Mr D. B. M'Connel has been appointed Rtg'strar of Dce'ls and Registrar of the Supreme Court at Invercargill. The "Waikouaiti Ilerald," of the 17th, says :—": — " A ense arisinsout ot a protest made by the rider of Mr Recs' horse Buccaneer against that of Pohon, in the late Hnrale Race at Brooklands Farm, will be brought before the Resident Magistrate, on Friday next, the 19th inst. The claim for the stakes has been Teduced to L2O to bring it within the jurisdiction of the Court. On Hie met its of the cas?, of course, we must for the present offer no remarks." There was a gocd house at tha Princess Theatre on the Queen's birth-night — the boxes beingtvell filled and the pit crammed. The well-known play of "'The Comcan Brothers' was the principal piece of the evening. The sensation scenes, on which the interest of the drama depends, were very well put on the stage, although we are unable to extend the same praise to the ordinary stage appointments, some of which were exceedingly defective and inappropriate. Scenes that are supposed to be enacted in the apartments of palaces and wealthy mansions require a somewhat different setting to those that belong to more humble life. The management of the Princess's are generally deserving of all praise for the skill with which they use necessarily limited resources, and it, wuuld be a matter of regret if anything like carelessness in this matter began to obtain. In the two characters of Fabian and Louis Franchi, Mr Chas. Dillon acquitted himself with his usual happy effect when he holds a part belorging to his own role ; and Mrs Dillon's Madame Lesparre was marked by the graceful dignity and force ot expression that belong tc the part. Mr George Fawcett played the character of Da Chateau Renaud with the necessary amount of assurance and abandon. Nor must we omit a word of deserved praise to Mr Chandler, who acted Montignon remarkably well. In the after piece " Found in a basket," it i 3 impossible to speak too highly of the acting ot iliss Dolly Green and Miss Cassy Matthews. It is a peculiarity of the last named lady that her costume is invariably in excellent keeping with the part she plays, and she lookeJ and acted last evening the well-to-do tradesman's wife to the life. Mr George Fawcett and f,Lr Wil mot also performed their parts admirably, and the piece went off with great success. Tonight the " Wife's Secret" and " Found in a Basket"' will be repeated. At Hamilton, on Saturday, rain and snow began to fall alternately, until the cold increasing, the latter fell in such quantity that before sunset it lay on the ground to the thickness of nearly a foot. On the following day, Sunday, rain fell, the wind increased in violence until it blew a perfect hurricane, and much damage was done to the Court House and other buildings enclosed in canvas. The United Company hid four flume boxes carried away, and some damage was clone to the Rise and Shine Co.'s works. Owing to repeated interruptions through atmospheric disturbance, and fro n the geffeet I of rain upon the loose soil, none of the companies have washsl up iheir paddocks, and consequently the amount ot gold by the next Escort may naturally be expected to be light. After a succession of Sax'ny's days, " Queen's weather" prevailed on Wednesday the sky being clear and the sun genial. The Royal Birthday, however, closed, mins and winds again set in, and at an early hour next morning the New Zealand winter was thoroughly in the ascendant. We extract the following items of mining intelligence from the " Danstan Times :—: — " The news from the Nevis is ot a most satisfactory character. The lead still continues to be traced down the flat, and what is more satisfactory, the yield of gold improves. Two more ta^l-races have been cut. While employed in cutting one of the races, the length of which is about a quarter of a mile, the workmen discovered payable gold in no less than five places. The population is on the increase, and now numbers about 350. The Molyneux during Tuesday night and Wednesday morning last rose between four and five feet, causing many of the owners of beach and sluicing claims to suspend operations. On Thursday, a steady fall commenced, which lias since continued. We have received from a gentleman a description of a monster cradle, which has lately come into use on some of the south- western gold fields of Victoria. It is said to be cap able of saving gold of extraordinary fineness, and by using it, a man can make from threo to four pounds per week from tailings that have been cradled and re-cradled by the Chinese. This is just the sort of thing required on the banks of the Molyneux, and we believe would answer admirably where water is not obtainable for sluicing purposes. The cradle is twelve feet in length by five in width, and supplies itself with water. Two men can with ease pass through twenty loads per diem.

We are requested to state that the Assembly Ball is postponed to Friday week, the 2nd' June, on account of the hall being engaged this week. Tickets will be issued on Wednesday, the 31st inst, and Thursday, the Ist June, between the hours of half- past one and three o'clock, at St. George's Hall. The Hero, after being detained in Melbrmrno in consequence of the urn-arrival of • the English mail, took hur departure on the 15th iiut, arriving at Port, Phillip Heads and KiichorinL', theS.S.W. galo and heavy sea and' no m.ikiiig it itnpoisiol-; io put to sea. On Tuesday, the I6t!i, v.vither slightly moderating, got under *wh ai ! steamed through in company wit'u ll.il. t:iip Falcon ; heavy sea running. From the beginning of the' passage the Hero has had to encounter a series of heavy gales of S.S.W. winds, which on Saturd-y, the 20th, at I a.m., incr.-ased with terrific fury, the sea. running mountains high, and the vessel taking much water on deck ; at S a.m. a fearful sea broke on board, vrashing tna starboard lifeboat out of, and breaking the iron davits short off, throwing it into the belly of the main-staysail, tearing it to pieces, smashing in th<? skylight, and dragging the port liieboat out of the gripes— fae whole of which were lost. At 830 a.m. a still more unfortunate sea broke on board— the 3econd officer end carpenter being engaged securing the skylight, both were washed overboard. The helm was immediately pat down, the main-topsail thrown to the mast, and three men sent aloft to see if anything could be sten of the unfortunates. Happily, the keen eye of one of the firemen detected a living being floating on a plank, two points on the lee how. The engines were immediately reversed, the saih kspt aback, and by a masterly manoeuvre, the ship was brought down to the floating body of the carpenter, who was speedily rescued in a most exhausted state from the jaw 9of death. The carpenter reported the spcond mate as being alive about twenty minutes after they were carried overboard. The saloon passengers luve presented Captain Logan with a very flattering testimonial, in appreciation of his coolnes3 under such trying circumstances. The providoreship of the Hero is this voyage under the able management of Mr T. Mason, late of the City ofHobart. Sir E. A. labatt, to whom we are, as usual, indebted for attention in affording information, is purser ; and Mr Fred, Bickneli is the mail agent in charge. The Board of Management of the Wakatip District Hospital met at the Institution, on Saturday, the 6th instant, when the Finance Committee reported for the month ending April 30, as fallows: — "Tour Committee have to report that upon payment of accounts due to the e-nrl of April, the actual balance in favor of the Institution ac the Bank of New Zealand will be LllOSslOl, a result they' consider most sati-^neto^y, and for which they have greatly to thank their Medical Officer, Dr Douglas. The Government have not, as promised in their letter to the President, paid the LoOO during the month ; the attention of the General Government is therefore called to (he matter. The receipts for Ap il amount to L 53 14s 61, against an expenditure of L 156 19s iod. The expenses of the month include, however, the supply of an extra quantity ot drugs, and the laying in of a stock of pro- ! visions beyond the month's requirements. The amount due by the Government on the pro rata contributions is, on the amount collected from the public, L 1303 6s. The present Clerk's (Mr Manders) duties terminate this day. A mernher is required to be added to the Committee in the room of Mr Koberts, who has been elected Hon. Treasurer. Your Commitlee earnestly draw attention to the fact that no Local Committee has been tormed, and that it is necessary to take immediate measures towards obtaining subscriptions and public support." After some discussion as to the necessity of quarterly returns, it was resolved, '• That the returns, as required by the Provincial Treasurer's letter, be made up and forwarded at once, and the returns verified." The rest of the business transacted was of no public importance, with the exception of the following resolution, which was adopted: — "That letters be written by the clerk to the various district members of the Committee, requesting that they will at once form local committees for the collection of funds." From Hamilton we learn that, owing to the effects of frost and rain, two somewhat extensive landslips occurred last week, one of whi^h did some damage to the race of the Rise and Shine Company. The interruption to the supply of water was only temporary, as the injury was repaired next day. Some new schemes "are in contemplation for increasing tlie supply of water\ one of which is of a costly character, by the United Company, who propose to bring into Fullertons the water of the Shag, Pigroot, and Sowburn Creeks. Already about 12 miles of the work is done, although, from, the nature of the country, blasting has to be resorted to. The entire length of the race will be thirty miles. The members of the Artillery Volunteer Corps had their first firing practice with the 12-pounder Armstrong on Saturday afternoon. The gale, accompanied as it was with heavy rain and a low temperature, was not allowed to prevent the practice as originally fixed ; and in a paddock near the Caversham Road, not far from the residence of Mr E. B. Cargill, 15 rounds were fired, the firing party being changed for each five rounds. Captain Ross was in command ; and the gun was, we hear, excellently well handled. The annual general meeting of the members of the Acclimatisation Society took place on Tuesday. The annual report of the Council was read and adopted, and office-bearers elected for the ensuing year. It was resolved to reduce the members' annual subscription from L 2 2s to Ll, in order, as much as possible, to popularise the Society*