News of the week.

Otago Witness, Volume 03, Issue 705, 3 June 1865, Page 11

News of the week.

[prom thk daily times.] A. great advantage must accrue to persons tradiag to Hokitika from its having been made a Warehousing Port for goods under bond. 1 The Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands has given notice that Sections 4, 5, 8, 10, 1 1, Block 2, and Sections 17, 19. 20, Block 3, Kauroo District, will be sold by public auction, on Tuesday, the 13th day of "June next, at 12 o'clock at noon. We are requested, by the Secretary, Mr Hopper, to acknowledge the receipt, through Mrs James Smith, of Ll2 10s, collected by the Messrs Thomson, from their Station employes, on behalf of the Benevolent Asylum. j A New Zealand "Gazette" of the 18th instant, publishes the complete returns of the census of New Zealand, taken in December last. Judging by the condition of the footpaths of the city, the bye-law requiring each householder to sweep that portion contiguous to his premises, is not rigidly enforced. During the wet weather they were exceedingly filthy, and now that a gleam of snnshine has dried the pavements, in many places a coating of dry mud, of considerable thickness, has been left upon them, which a passing shower may soften, and render walking unpleasant, if not unsafe. We understand that information has been rfceived in town, of the return to Cromwell (Kawarau) on Wednesday week, of Mr O'Neill, of the Survey Deptrtment, who was directed by the Government to endeavor to find a practicable track from the bead of the Lnke to the West Coast. It is said that Mr O'Neil has been unsuccessful — that he took the wrong side of some river, and did not follow, or lost a known Maori track. Mr O'Neill had been absent over a month, and fears were entertained as to his safety. On the anniversary of the Queen's birthday an Amateur Concert was given in Queenstown, in aid of the District School. The Masonic Hall was lent by the Order for the purpose, and was well attended by the townspeople and miners in the district. Messrs Brown, Wright, Beetham, Marshall, Milne, Turner, and Rowlett sang several glees, duets, and songs, and were accompanied on the pianoforte by Mrs Beetham. The perfi r.nance went off with eclat, and a vote of thanks was passed to the School Committee for their philanthropic services. , From the additions made to the population of Manuherikia through the return of miners from Hokitika, and the influx of others from different districts, business is brisk in the different townships. The baring of the beaches and terraces through the falling of the river has led to several claims being opened. Notwithstanding the great number of races constructed water is still scarce, the demand being for thrice the quantity that is supplied, and the idea of raising it from the river by steam machinery is entertained. The police seem to have instituted a vigorous crusade against all owners of unregistered dogs. Thirteen persons were on Tuesday summoned before the Resident Magistrate, charged with keeping dogs without causing a description of the same to be registered. In the first case the Magistrate stated that the lowest penalty which he was allowed by the Ordinance to inflict was 40s and costs, which he considered too heavy for such a venial offence. In none of the cases was any penalty enforced, as the majority of the parties had registered their dogs after, and several before they received their summonses. The Magistrate expressed a hope that these proceedings would act as a public warning, because on the next occasion he should certainly inflict the penalty \ prescribed by the Ordinance.

A meeting of the General Eoad Board is appointed to be held in the Government Offices, at noon, on Wednesday, 7th June. Arrangements are in progress for making additions and alterations to the Court House, ! and tenders are invited for the works. Better late than never, in this, as in other cases, is undoubtedly true; and any additional accommodation will be a step in the direction of expediting business. Their Honors the Judges sat in Banco' again on Tuesday. In Frost v. liepiolds, the rule nisi for a new trial or lor a reduction of damages, was discharged with costs. The argument on the rule granted in Mackenzie and Another v. Menzies (Superintendent of Southland), was beard ; it being assumed that the arguments in Eccles v. Taylor had been repeated, and Counsel confining themselves to Hie specialities of the present case. The Court took time to consider its judgment; aud a continued stay of proceedings was ordered. _By a notice issued by the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands it will be seen that applications for unsurveyed lands, excepting in the districts of Tunpeka, Waitahuna East, Tahle Hill, and Hill End Districts, received between the 25th day of May and the 7th of June, will he brought before the Waste Land Boird on Wednesday, the Bth of June, when it will be neces«ary for the applicants to attend and pay for such portion of the land as may be granted, or the application will be declared abandoned, and the land will be reopened for application on the 9th June. The late telegram received by way of GaDe, it will be remembered, conveyed the intel.igence of the death of Mr Cobden. The following, relative to his illness, we take from the " Evening Express" of the 27th March:— '• We regret to leirnfrora a contemporary that Mr Cobden is suffering from a severe attack ot bronchial asthma, the same complaint from which he suffered after meeting his constituents at Rochdale in November last. Since that time, although daily improving in health, and requiring, as he recently expressed himself, only a few days of summer weather for his complete restoration, he has been almost entirely confined to the house at Midhursfc until Tuesday last, on which day he left for London, intending to take part in the debate on the vote for the fortifications in Canada. Almost immediately on his arrival in town he found that he had undertaken more than his strength was equal to, "and he experienced a relapse of a very severe character. We are glad to be able to report that, during Saturday and yesterday, a favorable change took place, and it is now thought that, with slrict confinement to a moderate temperature, perfect quiet, and complete abstinence from public or private business, his recovery may not be long delayed. At present, however, he is not permitted to see even his fiiends " We regret to learn that Mr G. P. Clifford, Manager to the Acclimatisation Society, was knocked down and robbed while on his way home on Tuesday night. He had been employed that night at the Philharmonic Society's Concert taking money at the pit entrance, and it is supposed that the robber or robbers thought that he would take home with him the money which he bad taken at the concert, As it happened. Mr Clifford paid over his receipts to Mr West after the concert, and was proceeding home to his house, in the Acclimatisation Reserve, at half-past eleven o'clock, when, after crossing the Water of Leith Bridge, somepersDn whom he could not distinguish for the darkness, said " Good night, Mr Clifford." He replied, and took no notice of the circumstance, but immediately passed in at the gate of the Acclimatisation Society's Grounds. He had not proceeded many yards when he received a stunning blow on the back of the head, and fell insensible. When he recovered consciousness he went back to the Water of Leith Hotel and informed the proprietor of what had happened. His pockets were then searched, when it was found that he had been robbed of his purse containing fourjor five Ll notes and several sovereigns and halfsovereigns. Information was afc once conveyed to thp police, and on a search being made Mr Clifford's purse was found lying empty on the road near the Reserve gate, and his hat and handkerchief lying at the spot where he had been knocked down. The " Home News" announces the death o| a former resident of Melbourne, whose name and history, as far as it related to his career in that city, are well known to many of the old colonists of Victoria, viz , Mr Thomas Twjsden Hodges, who built, and for some time conducted the business of the Uniou Hotel, in Bourke street, and was at one time landlord of the Criterion in Melbourne. The following is the obituary as given in the " Home News" :—": — " We have to announcejthe death of Mr Tiiomas Twysden Hodges, formerly the Liberal M.P. for Rochester. He was the son of a still better known M.P., Mr Thomas Law Hodges, of Hempstead Park, near Cranbrook, Kent (now the property of Mr Gathorne Hardy, M.P, for Leominster), his mother being a daughter of Sir Roger Twysden, of Bradborne Park, in the same county. In 1835, at the general election, he was returned in the Liberal interest for Rochester, the unsuccessful candidate being Lord Charles Wellesley. He did not stand in 1837 or 1841, but in 1847 he was again returned with Mr Ralph Bernal for Rochester. Mr Hodges sat till 1852, and voted for all the Radical measures. He did not contest the city at the general election of 1852. Mr T. T. Hodges emigrated to Australia, and is said to have donu well as a tradesman. Having married first, Mary, daughter of Thomas Chandless, of London, I he married secondly, in 1854, Rosa, daughter of Major Dore, and widow of the celebrated General Sir William Nott, X.C.8."

Onr' accounts from Dunstan relate that snow has fallen heavily on the ranges, and ia consequence travelling was much impeded. The return Escort had to be left at the Upper Taieri Hill, in charge of the Sub-Inspector of the Escort, and only reached Clyde on Saturday niorning. In consequence of the dim «;ulty of travelling in wheeled carriages, ■pack-horses will have to be used in the Escort eervice. The Molyneux continues to fall slowly, but unless hard frosts occur, from the ■quantity of snow on the rai.ges, it is not likely to fall very much lower. The third anniversary dinner of the Loyal Dunedin Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., was held on Monday at the Royal George Hotel, George street, in the large hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. There were seventy gentlemen present. N.G. Palmer ■occupied the chair; the vice-chair was filled "by V.G. Gresswell, and the Grand Master's chair by G.M. Hodges. The representatives of other Lodges were— N.G. Burt and P.G. Bellamy, of the Hand and Heart Lodge, and ~B.G. Jones of the Albion Lodge. The Fire Brigade was represented by Captain Hughes, lieutenant Robinson and other members. After a very excellent earner had been done ample justice to, the Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts, which were enthusiastically responded to. "The Manchester Unity" was then proposed by the Vice-Chairman, and responds-d to by Brother Geddes. G.M. Rodgers then proposed the toast, "The District Officers of Otago." Prov. G.M. H. Bastings replied, and in doing so took the opportunity of stating that the brethren in Great Britain numbered 350,000, and in other parts of the world where the English language was spoken, 19,000. In Gieat Britain there were row 38^000 lodges, and 500 districts, while during last year 3 0,000 members had been initiated in the various lodges. During the past year the Ordtr Bpent in Great Biitain L 245.000 in sick funds, L 59,000 in the interment of deceased brethren, and contiibuted X6OOO to the relief of the general distress throughout the country. In the Otago district there were now 650 members, and eight lodges, each having an aggregate capital of between LI4OO and LISOO. Beside?, there ■was a District Relief Fund for relieving distress among the members of the Order. As Grand Master he concluded by congratulating the Order upon its flourishing condition in Otagc. The E. Secretary then proposed, "The Loyal Hand and Heart. Albion, and other Lodges in New Zealand," which was responded to by N.G. Burt, and 2J.G. Jones. P.G. Bellamy proposed, " The Widows and Orphans' InstiiuHon." P.C.S. Charles Grey responded, and was happy to say that this fund was in a satisfactory condition. It had been established for eighteen months, and there was now a balance in hand of Ll4O. Not a single call had been made on the fund since ita establishment, and although the Committee which presided over this fund were now in a positi m to relieve distress, he trusted that it would be long before they wore callul upon to do so. Thetoaßt, "Absent Brothers" was pioposed by Brother Spedding. " Kindred Societies" tv&s given by P.G. John Grey, and responded to by Brother Woodlands. The toast " The Army, Navy and Volunteers," was proposed by Brother E. Bastings, and responded to by N". G. Burt. A number of other toasts followed, among which were " The Provincial Council," proposed by Brother Halliwell, and responded to by Pro. G. M., H. Bastings, M. P. C. ; the " Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade," by Pro. C. S. C. Grey, uud responded to by Captain Hughes ; the " Town and Trade of Dunedin," by N. G. Jones, and responded to P. G. John Grey ; "The Xadies," "The Press," &c. A very pleasant evening was spent, and the company separated at a late hour. A correspondent at Cav-rsham writes that being awake early on Saturday morning, he felt a " quick but slight shaking" of his bed ; that he was satisfied that the motion wits caused hs^an earthquake ; and that there followed ''another shock much more severe, causing a quick vibration of the bed, and -shaking the (stone) house, causing a jingling of doors and dishes." He also noticed that there was no noise, and not the least wind at the time. The shock was distinctly felt at Port Chalmers by more than one person. Mr Murray, shipping-master, described on Saturday /morning that, at about half-past four a.m.; he felt his dwelling-house distinctly vibrate, and the vibration was of such a peculiar character that it at once occurred to Mm that it must have been caused by an earthquake. The shock was not severe, but quite distinct from any commotion which might be caused by high wind or a passing object outside. From various other quarters "we have received confirmatory accounts of the vibratory movement of the, earth which occurred on Saturday morning. The " Southland News" of the 27th inst., states: — "A rumour has prevailed in town that whilst the Strungler was ashore at Stewart's Island, a considerable portion of her cargo was plundered by wreckers. We give the report as we have heard it, and do not •vouch for its accuracy ; but if it be true, it is another proof of the necessity for the Government at once taking steps for the establishment of a police force amongst what appears to be a lawless community. One or two policemen stationed on the island might also be appointed revenue officers, and thus, as well as protection being afforded to life and property, smuggling, which we understand exists to a considerable extent, would in a great measure be prevented. The system of noninterference at present pursued by the Government with regard to Stewart's Island appears to be founded on "penny -wise and poundfoolish" principles, and the sooner it is done away with the better."

Arrangements have been ma<ie by an Art Union for disposing of the heautif til silver and gold articles exhibited at the New Zealand Exhibition, the drawing for the prizes 4^ which will take place at the Provincial Hotel, on the Ist July next. From the conspicuous position in which they -were placed in the Exhibition building, most persons will recollect the artistic design and excellent workmanship displayed in the manufacture of these splendid goods ; but they can be again seen and examined at the shop of Mr J. Hyman, silversmith. Princes street, where for the present they remain on view. The only business before the Resident Magistrate's Ceurt, on Saturday, was an adjourned case— J. Kedslie v. William Barr — a charge of unlawfully detaining one cow, of the value of £15. The plaintiff stated that some short time ago he was up country, and when he returned he missed one of his cows, and saw it in the possession of the defendant, who said he was keeping it for Mr Johnston, of the Melbourne Hotel. He had never sold the cow or parted with it for any services rendered. In cross-examination, the plaintiff said he had made a deed of settlement of all his property upon his wife, but reserving for himself a life interest in it. Elizabeth Kedslie, wife of the defendant, said that while her husband was away from home, an execution was put into the house. She purchased some goods from Mr Johnston, and offered to sell him three cows at Lls each. Johnston said he would come and look at the cows. He came to the house next day, but could not wait until the cows were brought in from the hill. He requested the cows to be sent to his stables, which they were next day, and they were driven there and delivered by one of the trustees under the deed cf settlement. Johnston promised to come up to the plaintiffs i house next day and pay for the cows, but he only sent a man to request an order giving Mm permission to sell the cows. This she refused to do because Johnston had not paid for them, and she sent a man next morning to bring back the cows, but they were away, and she had not since seen either the cows or the money. Mr Macgregor asked that the case should be dismissed, on the ground that the plaintiff was suing to recover property which was vested in tiustees. The action ought to have been brought in their name. The Magistrate said it appeared from the evidence that the property was voluntarily parted with and delivered to Johnston by an authorised person. It there was any claim now it was for the money owing by Johnston as the price of the cows which he had purchased. The property not being unlawfully detained he would dismiss the case, but without costs, as it appeared to be a very hard case for the plaintiff. Mr Warden Stratterd reports on the 27 th ult : — " The Nil Desperandum Company at Quartz Reef Point have nearly completed tlieir principal dam, and will probably be enabled to work Jheir river claim in about a fortnight. The dredging machines at Hartley's beach and at Alexandra are being worked with success. They are moored in about 3 fathoms, and rendered stationary by a dolphin striker, and swinging booms. I hear that they have lately washed up as uiuch as 4 to 5 oz a day, but the amount of hired labor reqaired to work the machinery considerably diminishes the profits." The following is Mr Warden Charles Broad's report from Hamilton, Taieri, of the 27th May : — "The very severe weather experienced during the commencement of the week, put a stop to any work being done ; the races broke away in various places, and the task of repairing them is being rapidly proceeded with. The supply of water since the Irost disappeared has given an impetus to mining matters at Mount Ida, and although from the weather we have had I do not anticipate a large Escort this time, yet I have no doubt the succeeding one will be fully up to the average." Mr Warden Beetham, writing from Wakatipu under date May 20th, says: — " We have experienced the worst weather I have seen since I have been in the district, not any very he.ivy rain, but an almost constant drizzle, with sleet and snow. The mountains have now put on winter clothing for the next few months, and everything connected with the weather is cold and dismal." Mr Warden Hickson, in his official report from Upper Manuherikia, of May 27th, says :— " The weather has been severe with heavy falls of snow, in consequence of which the miners have been unable to work their claims to advantage. Numan and party's race is now completed to the Woolshed, which, with the assistance of Dods and Co.'s race, will plentifully supply the miners of that locality with water. At German Hill and Blacks the miners are, as a rule, doing well, and when the water race of Prospectors at the former place is finished, it will provide the means to a good many to work claims to advantage, which are now of very little value* The population remains steady, and I am of opinion that it will continue so if not largely increase, as the well-known auriferous capabilities of this large district become more generally known." The calendar of prisoners for trial at the Supreme Court is in all respects a serious one. There are 23 prisoners, included in 20 cases, but there are also 23 distinct charges, owing to some of the prisoners being charged with more than one offence. The following is an analysis of the calendar :— Wilful murder, 3 ; cutting and wounding, 2 (one with intent to kill, and the other to do grievous bodily harm) ; burglary, 2 ; housebreaking, I ; forgery, 1 ; perjury, 1 ; embezzlement, 1 ; setting fire to premises, 1 ; horse stealing, 1 ; stealing money, &c, 5 ; obtaining money by false pretenceß, 2 ; concealment of the birth of a child, 1.

Two very sudden deaths have taken place at the Dunediu Hospital. On Friday afternoon a woman named Elizabeth. Kay was taken to the Hospital by her husband, who si^:d that she had been confined a month ago, but had never recovered, and that she had not been attended by any medic >1 man. She died within one hour of her admission to the Hospital) and it is probable that a post mortem examination of the body will be made to-day. On Saturday afternoon, a man named Daniel F. Murphy was di inking in the Scmdinavian Hotel with a few friends. Shortly afterwards he returned to bis lodging at the Caledonian Boarding House, where he b< came suddenly ill. He was attended by t«o medical" men, but yesterday he Avas removed to the Hospital, where he died shortly after admission. One of the men who was drinking with the deceased at the hotel has also been seriously ill. Mr T. M. Hocken, coroner, held an inquest on Monday afternoon, at the Hibernian Hotel, Octagon, on the body of Isabella K»y, who died in the Hospital on Friday afternoon last, in less than an hour after her admission. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased was the wife of Thomas Kay, a laborer, residing in Russell street. On the 2nd instant she was confined, being attended only by a midwife. In a few days she was able to get up, and she did some washing; but soon after she was taken ill and had again to lie in bed. The husband stated that he did not call in a medical man, only because he was not able to pay the fees; but after some delay he got; medicine for her from the Hospital, and subsequently applied for her admission, It also appeared that Kay was very badly off, but that he bought arrow-root, sago and milk for the deceased, who also had beet' tea; and a neighbor said that there was always more of this sort of food than the deceased was in clin n d to take. The diet was recommended by Dr Yates. The deceased constantly complained of weakness, but never of pai.i. Dr | Yates stated that the woman was dying when she was brought to the Hospifal. He described the appearances which presented themselves on his making a post mortem examination of the body ; and he t^aid he attributed death to gastro-enteritis and enlargement aud softening of the liver. The Coroner said he thought the case did not call for blame upon any person. It whs to be regretted that the husband of the deceased did not seek for medical advice, whether he could pay or not, or apply for aid from the Benevolent Institution ; but the diseased state described by Dr Yates was often unattended with pain, so that, as was stated to be the fact in this case, the attendants aad friends of the ! sufferer were deceived as to her real condition. The jury returned a verdict that the death of the deceased resulted from natural causes. No inquest was held on the body of Daniel F. Murphy, whose sudden death we mentioned on Monday ; as a medical man who s,iw the deceased was satisfied that the cause was apoplexy. We have received a letter on the subject from Mr T. Hudson, of tiie Scandinavian Hotel. We can only say that in publishing the paragraph which appeared on Monday, we had not the most remote idea of " defaming " Mr Hudson or his house ; that we simply stated what had been communicated to us on reliable authority ; and that the paragraph could not bear the interpretation which Mr Hudson puts upon it. The District Coroner, Mr T. M. Hocken, held an inquiry on Tv- sday afternoon, at the Auld Scotland Hotel, Stuart streit, touching the death of Frederick Augustus Allen, who was killed on Monday last in the Planet Saw Mills, Cumberland street. The following: evidence was taken : — Samuel Clayton : I am lessee of the Planet Saw and Pkning Mill-, and live at the Waverley Hotel. I have known the deceased, Frederick Augustus Allen, for several months past, while he was foreman at the New Zealand Ironworks. He used to get occasionally piece work lrom me to take home with him ; and on Saturday last he came and said he had nothing to eat, and asked a job to cut a quantity of laths I had. I gave him the job; and he continued cutting the laths from Saturday up to the time of his death. Yesterday afternoon, about half past one o'clock, I heard a peculiar noise at his saw, which shows that a piece of wood is either " binding," or is caused by a peculiarly hard piece of wood. I looked towards the deceased and saw the wood fly back and strike him. He immediately fell. I ran over to him at once, and found him lying on the ground with a portion of his brains protruding from his temple. He was quite insensible, and died in about five minutes after he was struck. I sent for medical aid at once, but it was of no avail. It frequently happens that pieces of wood fly back in a similar manner from the saw, but they very seldom cause fatal accidents. There are no means of preventing these accidents, other than carefulness ou the part of the man sawing. Deceased told methat he was accustomed to machinery, and to this kind of work. Bo}s frequently saw laths for me at the mills, with perfect safety to themselves. (The piece of wood which caused the death of the deceased was produced.)— John George Barras : I ■work at the Planet Saw Mills, and yesterday was helping the deceased to cut the laths. I was pulling the wood out at the opposite side of the platform from the deceased, When one of the pieces of wood -was nearly through it began to jump up and down on the bench, the saw caught it and pulled it on to the top, out of my hands. The moment after it flew off the saw, and the deceased fell down. I thought he had " dodged" down to avoid it ; but as he did not rise, I went round to the head of the bench, and sa-w him lying on his back, with his head broken in. Mr Clayton came round immediately. Ido not think the accident could have been prevented.— Robert Wilson : lam an iron-moulder, living in

Leith street. I have known the deceased for about ten months. He was thirty-two yearsof age, and was a native of Bilston, in Staffordshire. He was a married man, and had two children. By trade he was a cabinetmaker, but had been out of employment for a few weeks Ido not think he was accustomed to the use of the circular saw, whichrequires some practice to use it safely. — The jury returned a verdict that the deceased met li,is death by accHcnr, and that no blame attiiched to any person. On th- Queen's Birthday an OiilEtfllows'' ilall, tind-*r the d^i-rmUion of the "Loyal Sons of Perseverance L i 'ge, M.U.," was opened at Rivi-noii. la the evening there was a ball at whir'h about Sfty couple were present. The brethren appeared in full' costume, and about 11 o'clock a silver trewel was presented to Mrs Theophilus Daniels, with a leanest that she would forward it to Mrs J. P. Taylor, the wife of the Superintendent, in commemoration of that lady having laid the foundation stone of the building, on Thursday, the 22nd S 'ptember, of last year. The trowel bore an appropriate inscription. After some other business of a routine char icter had been transacted, dancing was resumed and kept up with spirit until the approach of morning. The annual meeting of members of the Port Chalmers Athenaeum was held in their hali on Tuesday evtnrng, when Mr Brownhill, for the Committee, jueseuted a report of the proceedings of the pas. rear, a new committee was elected, and various resolutions were agreed upon as to the future management of the Institute. The report stated that from a variety of causes, although the Institute was inaugurated a year ago by an address from M-ijor Richardson, there was considerable delay in getting the appliances into working order. A large amount of correspondence ami personal negotiation had to be done in procuring the site for erecting the hall, and during the interval expedients of a temporary nature were adopted to keep up the design of the Institute. Ultimately, by the unwearied exertions of Mr Macandrew, M.P.C., and by the liberality of the Provincial Government by a grant of L3OO, the site, hall, and fittings were procured, and LIOO had been received and was now available for the purchase of the nucleus of a library, to which some donations had already been made by several public- spirited gentlemen. The supply of newspapers and periodicals, at first irregular, was now provided by the monthly receipt of a special parcel from London, and , the selection of literature was believed to be as good as could be reasonably expected. Undor all the circumstances the committee regretted that, after the first enthusiasm, the inhabitants had not exhibited the interest in the institution which they might have done, and it was hoped that for the future there would be attained a steady progressivo measure of success, and that the Institute, though only small and partially developed at present, would ultimately become of greater prominence and utility. The statement of accounts showed a balance of L 133 cash in hand, about L3O of which would be required for the supply of liteiature received from London, andtheLlOO had to be exclusively devoted to the purchase of a library. The sum realised during the year, exclusive of public funds, had been L 55 133 in the shape of subscriptions, and L 4 6s collicred at the inaugural address, only 53 out of the 80 members having paid their subscriptions for this year's membership, the pri- . vihge of which would not terminate until November Ad officers of the Institute for next year, Mr Mansford was elected President, Mr Brownhill, Vice-president, Dr Nevin, Secretary, and Mr A. Ritchie, Treasurer, and nine other gentlemen were selected as a committee. Several suggestions as to the future management of the Institute were made, and ultimately embodied in a recommendation to the new committee. Among other items, it was recommended that some steps should be taken to lease a portion of the Athenaeum section, to appoint a person as custodian of the hall, to get up a series of lectures and concerts, and to expend appropriately, the LIOO granted for a library. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr Joyce. The " Southland News," of the 27th, thus records the nairow escape of two gentlemen from drowning :—": — " We have to report tha provi ientia.l escape from drowning of our townsmen, Mr John Mitchell and his brother, on their return from Riverton, yesterday morning. The two gentlemen, who were in a light buggy, finding it impossible to cross the Waimaituok liiver at the lower ford, turned back, for the purpose of crossiug by the upper, and entered at the usual crossing place. Owing to the recent heavy rains, the river was much swollen, and the current unusually strong, and no sooner were they in the stream, than the horse, buggy, and the two gentlemen were carried away by its force. Providentially they were able to eftect a landing on a small island in the middle of the river, iroin which they were rescued by the exertions of Mr P. Linn atid the members of the brass band, who had previously crossed, and were attracted by the loud cries for help By the aid of a flax rope, and the vigorons efforts of all the party, some of whom were breast high in the water, happily Messrs Mitchell were brought safe to shore ; the horse and buggy were also safely landed." Mr Warden Aylmer, writing from the Upper Shotover, on the 20th of May, says: — "The river was flooded for a few days, thereby preventing the miners from working. I regret to have to report the death of a miner named Jeremiah Lynch, who was killed by the falling of earth down a shaft, at the bottom ot which he was working. The Aylmer Race Company have taken 80 ounces this last washing up."

Before the Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday morning, a person named William Stantiford, residing in the neighborhood of Canongate street, was cha-ged by the Inspector of Nuisances with cruelly illtreating a goat. It appeared from the evi"^nce that the defendant fired two shots at it *"■ . "'1 failing to kill it, tried to despatch a >goat, h^_ •► severa i blows on the head with L \>y staking I- Even then he failed to a spade and an axe. _ d ifc to the Po]{ce -kill it, and tie then convey • Station on a barrow, where it won v,»._, with a knife. The defence set up wag, that no cruelty was intended, that the animal had become a nuisance by frequently breaking into defendant's garden and destroying his plants, and that he was empowered by the "Pigs and Poultry Nuisance Ordinance," in which goats are specially mentioned, to destroy the animal. The Magistrate held that the first act of the defendant showed that no cruelty was intended, thsit he meant to despatch it by a shot. He dismissed the charge. The same defendant was then charged with having unlawfully discharged firearms within the City of Dunedin without permission of the local authority. It appeared from the clause of the Ordinance, under which the defendant 'pleaded that he acted, that he was entitled to " destroy" the animal so trespassing, but no power was given to " shoot" it. He was fined 10s and costs. In reference to the weather at Hokitika tie "TV st Coast Times" says : — " The deluge continued to a degree that was positively disheartening till yesterday, and it is a woader how anyone can screw up courage enough to remain in tne district. A complete stop is of course put to all mining operations, the men only being able to work between the squalls, and the inevitable result is that a large number have left the district by the last two or three steamers. Messrs Taggurr and Co.'s office was perfectly besieged on Monday for tickets. The Omeo takes 80, the Lady Darling 62, and it is certainly to be explained that should a cessation of rain not take place shortly, these outward bound men will assuredly be only the precursors of a larger stream, regularly washed out of Hokitika. The men are all of the same opinion — that there is gold enough in the place, but the rain is an insuperable obstacle to their obtaining it." The saloon passengers by the Lady Darling, from Hokitika to this port, have presented Captain Johnston, of that steamer, with a gold albert chain with gold pencil case and seal and key attached, as an expression of their appreciation of his kindness and atte - tion to them on the voyage. Accompanying the present was a letter, signed by the subscribers, thanking Captain Johnston for his gentlemanly treatment, and intimating the confidence with which his attention to his duties inspirtd them while on board the vessel. A fatal accident occurred on Monday at the Planet Saw Mills, Cumberland street, by ■which a rn&n named Frederick Augustus Allen lost his life. It appears that the men in the mills w'-re at their work as usual, about half -past one o'clock, aud the deceased was employed cutting laths by a circular saw. A boy was stationed at the opposite side of the platform, and it was his duty, as the deceased directed the laths against the saw, to seize the ends of the piece of wood being cut, and draw them towards him. A large quantity of laths had been sawn in this manner, and one of the pieces was within three inches of being cut through, when, it is supposed that the deceased, instead of keeping Ms hand on the side of it, until entirely divided, trusted to the boy pulling it onward, and stooped to pick up another piece of wood. From some cause the boy was unable to hold the wood td the saw, and in a moment it was lifted on to the upper edge of it and dashed in the face of the deceased, who was in the act of raising himself with a fresh piece of wood in his hand. He was seen to fall, and several of the workmen ran to his assistance, but were horrified to find that he had been struck on the left temple, the skull smashed, and the brains protruding. He was carefully raised and medical assistance sent for, but the unfortunate man died in five minutes after he had received the blow. Dr Crawford arrived in a few minutes after the accident, but his eftorts were unavailing. The body was conveyed to the Auld Scotland Hotel, to await an inquest by the Coroner. The " West Co-ist Times," speaking of Hokitika, says, " The river is gradually but surely encroaching on the roadway in the upper part of Quay street, to an extent that daily becomes more threatening, so that shortly we expect to see the houses themselves on the brink, unless something is donishortly to prevent this constant washing away of the earth. The course of driving in piles, pursued at the lower end of the quay, must be continued for some distance past Revel street, if the upper end of the quay is to be kept above water. This ought to be done at once ; but, on the principle of what is everybody's business, is nobody's business, "we suppose the residents will allow the encroachment to continue till it becomes useless to try to stop it." We have received a communication giving quotations of the selling prices of shares in various claims in the Tuapeka District. The claims on Blue Spur are progressing favorabiy, and the values generally obtained are: —Clayton and Co, 6 shares, L8?O per share, without water; Speirs and Co, 4 shares, LSOO per share, do do; M'Kenzie and Co, 7 shares, L6OO per share, with water; Strong and Co, 8 shares, L 650 per share, do do; Hales and Co, 2 shares, LISOO per share, do do ; Hughes and Co, 6 shares, LBEO per share, do do; Kirby and Co, 4 shares, L6OO per share, without water; Riches, 1 share, L2OOO, do do. Sales have been effected at the above quotations

There is no doubt that an earthquake occurred early on Saturday morning j the concunence of testimony puts the fact beyond question ; but we have not heard of any one who was able very particularly to note the circumstances attending it. One of our in fovmants states that he was awake at the time ; that his bed oscillated or vibrated at least half a dozen times ; that feeling instantly satisfied that the cause was an earthquake, he got up, struck a light aod looked at his watch ; and that the time was twenty minutes after four o'clock. We have 1 it stated that any noise accuniptie^S; earthquake ; ; the informant to whom we have referred, states thai noticed what seemed to him the strange stillness, even for so early an hour of the morning. Mr A. G. M'Gregor, writing from Watson's Royal Hotel, Walker-street, states that the shock occurred about five o'clock ; and he adds, " I at once ascribed it to an explosion of some kind, the motion being exactly similar to, though not so great, as that I experienced last year, on the morning of the disastrous explosion of gunpowder at Erith, near Gravesend, from whicli I was distant about 12 miles." We shall be glad to receive any information tending to show the extent of country over which this earthquake was felt. Mr E. A. Labatt, the purser of the steamship Hero, has received a very handsome testimonial, from the mail agents who have had charge of the mails between Dunedin and Melbourne, during the period within which thft present contract has been current. Tne Chief Postmaster has added hia name to it, confirming the wellearned panegyric, by stating that in every ease he had received reports speaking favorably of the arrangements that had been made by Mr Labatt for expediting the business, and contributing to the comfort of the Post Office officials. The " West Coast Times," of the 20fch inst.' says : — " The continuous downpour of the past week has been, as might be expected, most injurious and depressing to business and mining pursuits, so that the next consignment of gold from here will in all probability be considerably below the average. It must have been an impossibility for the miners to work now for some days, and we wait with some anxiety a report of the effects of the rain on the workings in the interior. Fortunately the rivers and creeks here do not partake of the character of mountain torrents, like they do in Otago, where a few hours' tain is sufficient to flood every man out of his claim ; but nevertheless the loss consequent upon compulsory idleness must be pretty considerable. With the exception of the Five-mile, which has the advantage of water communication, it is impossible to learn any intelligence of the diggings, for the roads are utterly impassable — a Slough of Despond that the sturdiest digger pilgrim declines to flounder through. How much longer it intends to raiu is a matter of earnest speculation ; but from the evident signs it is as likely to continue for six months as six hours. Old settlers on the coast say this is always a broken month, and winter does not set in till the middle of June, when the weather is delightful. Let us hops it will be."^ The Right Reverend the Bishop of New Zealand preached at St Paul's Church on Sunday forenoon, to a crowded congregation. The morning service was read by the Rev. E. G. Edwards ; the Bishop of New Zealand reading the Communion Service, except the Epistle, which was read byJ the Bishop of Christchurch. The Primate took his text, St. John, chap. 6, verse 68 ; and his sermon was a model of simple, fervid earnestness. The Bishop, we believe, addressed the Sunday School Children, in St. George's Hall, during the afternoon, and preached again at St. Paul's in the evening. We give the following on the authority of tli2 •' Marlborough Press :" — " Most of our readers will remember that, about five months back, Mr Blundell, teller in the Picton branch of the Eank of New Zealand, was accidentally shot in the neck from the incautious discharge of a revolver by Mr Parkins jn. The wound was probed for the bullet by two medical gentlemen, but could not be found. They finally pronounced that the bullet, after wounding the neck, must have deflected from its course, and had probably passe-i out of the office window, which was open at the time, and had been lost. Mr Blundell insisted that he could feel the bullet in his gullet, and was assured that it arose from imagination. However, the gentleman himself could not be convinced, nor did his health, after the wound healed up, remain as before. A few days ago, while suffering from a severe cold, Mr Blundeli was seized with a violent fit of coughing, when, in one oi the paroxysms he felt a momentary choking sensation, and I the next instant the deflected ball 'which had probably passed out of tht window,' fell on the floor. Mr Blundell, we are happy to say, is fast recovering his former excellent health." Although our Northern files contain little news of any special importance from the seat of war, or in regard to politicil affairs, fthere are several items of more tian ordinary, some of painful, interest. The story of the destruction by fire of the Black Ball liner "Fiery Star," of the supposed loss of the seventy-eight people who abandoned her, of the adventures of the eighteen iren left behind who endured for three weeks th; horrors of a burning ship, and of their almojt miraculous rescue, is told with graphic End romantic interest in the brief daily chroiicles of the log-book. The trial of D. M. Mlrdoch, before the Supreme Court at Nelson f>r embezzlement of bank notes at PictoD, reailted, it will be seen, in the acquittal of the prisoner.

The " Lake Wakatip Mail," of the 27th of May, says :—": — " This morning, at about a 9l™# - ! past four o'clock, an earthquake of a very severe kind occurred in Queenstown. Its direction seemed to be from south to north, and the undulations which followed continued an unusual length of time. What rendered it the more remarkable wns that the wind was blowing slightly and none of the usual premonitory signs were observed."