News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 714, 5 August 1865, Page 11

News of the Week.

[from the daily times.]

Mr William Hugh Nurse has been appointed Superintendent's Deputy for the Province of Southland, during the absence of the Superintendent lrom the Province.

Mr Warden Stratford, in his report from, the Dunstan, shortly observes :—": — " The rivers continue steadily to fall, and the beach claims, in maDy places, are being worked with great success."

A very interesting account of blasting and its result, in connection with mining operations on the Tuapeka GoM Field, will be found detailed at some length in another page.

The Colonial Sub-Treasurer has issued a notice ststing that all accounts against the General Government must be left at the Colonial Sub-Treasury, for examination, on or before the 22nd of the month, in order, if found correct, that they may be paid early during the succeeding month.

We understand that arrangements are irt progress between the Southland Government and Messrs Douglass, Alderson and Co. for the construction by the latter of many miles of wooden tramway, from Invercargill along the Dunedin road. The cost is estimated at about LIOOO per mile.

The fears which were entertained as to the safety of Mr M'Leau, Superintendent of ths Province of Hawke'u Bay, seem to have been unfounded. Captain Renner, of the s.s. Lady Bird, states that according to the latest report Mr M'Lean had returned to Napier, unharmed.

There is much need for the Port Chaimers Town Board looking !o the condition and preservation of the walks recently formed in connection with the Recreation Ground. The picturesque pathway most recently made, isfast becoming an elongated quagmire by the cattle of the settlers in the neighborhood being allowed constantly to use it, and in a very short time it will be made of no value to the inhabitants. Some simple slip-panel* or stiles wonld remedy the matter.

The " Dunstan Times " of the 29th inst. reports :—": — " The river continues steadily to fall j iv face, it is now very low. Many parties are setting in to work on the beaches. Many of the large companies engaged in sluicing the banks, in consequence of the fall in the level of the water, are enabled to work with greater advantage. We may confidently anticipate, should no flood unfortunately occur, that the escort returns from the-siistrict during the next few weeks will be considerably increased,'*

Mr Warden Beetham, writing from Wakatip, under date July 22, says :— " The weather during the past week has been very rough, heavy falls of snow on the mountains, and severe frosts. The claims generally at Arthur's Point are now in work, most of which are turning out well. Blondel and. Company's claim at the junction of Moks with the Shotover, is turning out extremely rich ; there is as much as seven feet of washdirt in the claim. The party has had great difficulties to contend with ; it is ground that has Jain for upwards of two years abandoned, it being supposed unworkable on account of the great depth of sinking, and the comparative narrowness of the river in the spot. Tv» tracks throughout the district are now rendered impassable on account of onow »n<i frost."

The flax furore haa not vet entirely died out in Port Chalmers. Several persons are carrying on a series of experiments with different descriptions of chemicals, and, with the assistance of grooved or plain rollers, they have succeeded m producing, with very little -trouble, fully a better fibre than was obtainable by the process shown by Mr Donaldson, the Canterbury experimenter.

The Princess ■ Theatre presented a more finished appearance on Tuesday than on that of Monday; the lighting, which was not then completed, is now finished, and the boxes, in consequence, wore a more cheerful aspect than before. The dress circle was well filled, although not uncomfortably crowded; and the arrargements in every respect being more nearly perfected, no confusion, with respect to seats, occurred. The pieces produced were the same as on Monday, the first piece being the *' Daughter of the Regiment," and the second, the burlesque of the '•Pilgrim of Love." The cast in both cases was the same as the previous evening ; but there was a manifest improvement in the working of the machinery, and no seiious hitches occurred to mar the pleasure with which the entertainment was witnessed, nor to disconcert the corps dramatique Miss Julia Mathews acted the part of Josephine in a piquant winning style that evinced a thorough appreciation of the character. Her singing, too, was admirable, and she was well supported by Mr John Dunn as Sergeant Annibal Scalade, and by Miss Dolly Green as the Marchioness. The remaining characters do not call for any great display of talent, but -what was required of those who represented them was well done. Mrs Ward acted the part of the Duchess, and Mr C. Wilmott that cf Duke Archambant, with the aristocratic ceremoniousness which we are accustomed to associate in idea with the manners of the French Court of the Bourbons, and which contrasted well with the straightforward manliness of Mr J. L. Hall as Guillot ; not should we do justice to Mr Howe if we omitted to notice the clever manner in which he played the part of Pumpernickel. In fine. there was an appropriateness throughout the piece in the scenery, dresses, and furniture of the Btage, which contributed much to its success. In the burlesque there were evident signs of the machinery being rapidly got into working condition. The balloon ascent was "very well managed, and the panoramic view of scenes in Spain had a very good effect. The 3>iece improves on acquaintance, and the manner in which it is put on the stage — the really beautiful scenery, the dresses, and the effects, give it the charm of a romance. Miss J. Mathews, it is needless to say, was very ■effective as Prince Ahmed ; and Miss Marian Dnnn made a very charming Aldegonda. Miss Wiseman wns the very impersonation of a beneficent genius, driving back with her magic wand Evil, as represented by Mr Wilmott. Fairies have seldom much to do in burlesques, beyond looking well, and Miss Wiseman succeeded in this to admiration. Miss Julia Mathews and Miss Marian Dunn sang the music incident to their parts very sweetly, while Mr Dunn, as Ebben Bonabben, Mr R. B. Da'e as the King of Granada, and Mr Howe as the King ot Toledo, contributed to the success of the piece by their spirited representatii ns. The burlesque was brought to a close by a very pleasing tableau vivant, suggestive of fairy land. No description could give an adequate idea of this beautiful artistic scene, with its rolling waves of gold and emerald, its radiant sun, and fairy sprites. It must be seen to be appreciated. Our notice would be very incomplete were we to omit tr> mention a sailor's hornpipe danced between the fi> st and second pieces, with equal grace and ngility. by aveiy little lady (truly described "L;i petite Laura,") "who received a deserved encore." Miss Julia Matthews wrs twice called before the curtain in the course of the evc-ning. and Mi.'-s Marian Dnnn, with Mr Jrhn Dunn, also received a call. Between the acts in the first piece, Mr Donne, who had received an account of the result of the Municipal Elections, announced it from the stage.

The " Lake Wakatip Mail " says, " The Queenstown School Committee he'd a meeting last night and sat until a late hour. The question of levying n rate was discussed, and after examining into the state of the finances, and finding that the voluntary system pressed veiy heavily upon the " willing horses," the committee decided upon recommending the ißsuing of a rate."

The " Southland Times," of the 26th inst., contains the following account of a fire in Leith street : — " We were beginning to natter ourselves that the era of fires in Invercargill had been brought to a close. After more than a month's immunity from disaster of this kind, such a desirable state of things appeared likely to continue. Last evening, however, the fire bell once more rarjg out its warning note, and a bright light at the northern part of the town showed clearly enough the scene of the conflagration. Numbers of townsmen were speedily on the spot, and among them the red uniform of the Fire Brigade was conspicuous. TJnder Captain Eeese they had mustered in considerable force with the engine, but the fire when discovered had obtained too great a mastery to allow of its being Berviceably employed. As the building — a four-roomed cottage— was quite detached there was no necessity for exertion on the part of those assembled, who were compelled, however reluctantly, to watch the process of destruction which it was impossible to check. The fire commenced at about a quarter past six, and in a little over twenty minutes the house was destroyed. Mr Peters had, we believe, purchased the house about ten months i-ince. It was insured in the New Zealarjl Company's Office for L 100."

The City Commissioners held their last meetingjon Monday, in their offices, Princes street. The Chief Commissioner, Mr Forman, presided, and Messrs Grey and Chalmer were present. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary, authorising the expenditure of L 63 5s 7d, out of theL3s,ooo loan, as an extra on Crawshaw and Mitchell's contract in South and High Wards. The letter was received. The Inspector of Nuisances repor'ed that several complaints had been made to him about a wooden cros«ing which had been laid across the footpath in Stuart street by Mr Geddes under the written authority of the City Engineer. The matter was referred to the Engineer. A number of claims were read from ratepayers to have their names placed on the electoial roll. It was resolved that the Commissioners had no power to place these names on the roll for the present election, but they would come before the Municipal Corporation for consideration. This having concluded the business, the Chief Commissioner moved, "That the City Commissionrrs, upon retiring from office, have great pleasure in acknowledging the attentive services of their clerk, Mr Lazar, and of all the other officers of the Commissioners." Mr Grey seconded the morion, which was carried, and the Commissioners adjourned.

A correspondent at Hampden informs us that Mr Dick addressed the electors at the School-house at that place, on the evening of Friday, the 28th instaDt. Mr Cray was called to the chair, and introduced the candidate by a few prefatory remarks. Mr Dick was very well received, and after answering a number of questions put to him to the satisfaction of the meeting, a resolution was passed, affirming that, ii the opinion of the meeting, he is " eminently qualified " to fill the office of Superintendent. The resolution was carried by acclamation ; and at the close of the meeting a committee was formed for the purpose of securing Mr Dick's election. On Saturday Mr Dick was to address the electors at Waikouaiti, and he will now go Soiitb, meetings at which he is to speak being announced for the E'lat Taieri, this evening, and for the Clutha Ferry, to-morrow. Mr M'Glashan is going over the gronnd which has just been traversed by Mr Dick, and is to be at Oamaru, this evening, and at Waikouaiti, to-morrow.

Remarking on the safety of the Bonita and her crew, reported at one time to have been seized by the Hau-hmiß, the Nev Zealand " Herald" says: — " The Bonitn, schooner, that was not captured, and her crow wh.s were not murdered by the Pai Marires at Kawhia, arrived in the Manukau, all well, on Saturday morninpr. Both master and crew were somewhat astonished, and not a little indignant when they heard of the mischievous canard with respect to the fate of the vessel and crew published, and persistently adh< red to by an Auckland paper. Great uneasiness had been experienced by their relations and friends, till the receipt of Mrs Charleton's letter from Kawhia, announcing that the vessel was only detained there by a foul wind, which, indeed, proves to have been the sole causy or her protracted delay at Kawhia.''

The Botanical Gardens are becoming a very favorite place of resort, especially on fine Sunday afternoons; though when the roads are dry is not the time of the keenest nppr.-'ciation j of the pleasure of a stroll in the Gardens. | That time is when mud prevails in the city, and one has to get through the yet qiwgrniry Albany street as may best be possible; for then, the gravelled walks in what will at some time bo the ornamental part of the Gardens, afford the opportunity for a really pleasant s'roll, and the little nook of wood that is reached by crossing the bridge i* all the fresher and cooler, perhaps, because every spray is glistening wiih moistuiv, and the sound of the Wafer of Leith is loudly musical, not brawling. At present, the Gardens are at their woist. The you? g oaks planted in commemoration of the rea> linge of the Prince of Wfile.°, are leafless, or the remaining leaves are hi own and shrivelled. There is plenty of greenth in the planted borders; the plots of mignionette have not beer ctnte ripper 1 «ut of bloom, and the blue gums are rich in their deep color, and are getting substantial in size and form ; but the gay colors of flowers are wanting to complete the effect. No doubt Mr Begg, the curator, will be able to do something as soon as the proper time arrives, to add to the charms of the Gardens, as Spring advances ; bu*" we fear that the want of funds will prevent much being done in the way of lorming new beds for plants and shrubs in the space yet cov< red by turf. We do not expect to see a commencement just yet, in laying out and planting the hill on the other side ot the Water of Leith. Want of funds will again stay the hands of the curator ; but this should be made the most attractive part of the place ; and when the Gardens are notoriously a place ot general resort, perhaps the members of the Provincial Council will became aware of the fact that voting a moderate sum each session, so as to ensuie steady progress in improving the Gardens, would be a thing accordant with the wishes of the citizens, and a very proper application of money. We believe that the Recreation Ground "will be planted with blue gums in a very short time ; a belt of ground havißg already been prepared with that object.

Mr Warden Hickson writing from Upper Manuherikia, on the 29th July, says •.—". — " A heavy fall of snow occurred here on Tuesday last, which has in a great measure put a stop to mining operations at Dunstan Creek and other high-lying portions of the district. At Blacks, and Thomsons, &c, the miners are doing well, the climate in those places being more genial and less surject to frost and snow. Shares in water-race «nd other companies seem to be eagerly sought after in this district by private capitalists, and in consequence are rising in price."

The " Lyttelton Times" has tbe following with reference to the poor fellow who lately died in hospital alter an operation occasioned by a gun accident at the Rakaia : — " Some inaccurate accounts of the death of this poor man having obtained circulation, we proceed, at the ri«k of the repetition of some accounts previously narrated, to give as com ft an account as possible of the occurrenc ■. derived from a person who was prespnt at the time. On Saturday, July 14, Mr Park's surwyinu party were camped ten miles fiorn the foot of the pass on the south side of the north branch of the Rnkaia Sunday mominc prove-! fine. On that morning come clucks flow over the camp, and one of the men took a loaded ard capped gun in his hand to watch the birds coming back. While so doing, bis fo^t caught in a tmt-rope, and he fell forward. The gun struck against the ground, and went off, the charge entering the leg of the deceased between the knee and the thigh ; so close was he to the gun that his trousers were burnt round the wound. A portion of the shot came out on the inside of the leg. A man, named Trice, took charge of the sufferer, by i Mr Brown's directions, and he was carried in a hammock swung on a pole to Major Scott's station, a distance of five mile. Thp man who was the accidental cause of the affair, at his own request accompanied him, and remained as long as he was allowed. Trounce lost no strength on the journey. He was conveyed to Christchurch in a cot slung in a spring vehicle, kindly lent by Major Scott, below Lake Coleridge, across which he was ferried ia a boat. Trounce leaves a wife but no children."

The third anniversary of the formation of the Court Pride of Dunedin, of tbe Ancient Order of Foresters, was celebrated on Wednesday evening by a soiree and ball in the Oddfellows' Hall, George street, The Hall was gaily decorated with evergreens and the banners of the Order, and was well filled by a large and brilliant company. The district officers present were— D.S.C.R. Woodlands, and D. Sec. W. G. Geddes; and the officers of the Ledge present were— C. R. Nimon (in the chair), S.C.R. Smith, J.W. J. Hunter, and J.B. J. Rodgers ; Kindred Lodges were represented by P.G. J. Grey and G.M. Palmer ? of the Loyal Dunedin Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F , and several members from the Lodges of the A.1.0.0.F. After tea, the loyal usual toasts were given from the chair, and were duly responded to. The Chairman gave the toa-t, " The Ancient Order of Foresters," coupled with the names of. the district officers, which was responded to by D.S.C.R. Woodlands. Brother Speckling proposed the toast "Other Kindred Societies." P.G. J. Grey, Loyal Dunedin Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., returned thanks on behalf of kindred societies, and congratulated the Court on the large and (ray company which had assembled to celebrate their third anniversary, and he trust', d that they would continue to prosper as they had done He believed that they already numbnred 500 members in the District of Otago, which spokp volumes for the institution. He tru^te I that when they met again next year, they would have the same prosperous report to make. After a song had been suns, Mr Grey proposed the toast " Tl-e Court Pride of" Dunedin." The Chairman said it was his duty to respond to the toast, but he would ask the Secretary to do so in his stead, ns he knew most about the affairs of the Court. Secretary Geddes said he thought it would not be arni^s, while responding to the toast, to state the progress which the society had made since its foundation. Tnree years ago they opened with half-a-dozen members, and now they numbered over two hundred. They had relieved mmy brothers in sickness, but only one death had occurred out of their number, and that was :i case in which a brother was drowned at Hokitika. The brethren there raised a subscription which paid all the funeral expenses and left a balance ot L 5 12% which was handed over to the widow, together with L2O for funeral allowance from that Court. Their financial position was as follows. They had a sum of L4OO out at interest, a current account in the Batik of Ll5O, and property to the value of L6O, making a total of L6OO. Jt would be seen that the Court was in a very flourishing condition. After stating the advantages to be derived from becoming a member of the Order, and leading some statistics as to the strength of the Order throughout the world, —he concluded by thanking the visitors present on behalf of the Court, for their patronage, and trusted that they would spend a pleasant evening. Several songs were then sung, and after & vote Qf thanks had been given to the Chairman, the tables were removed, aud the ball commenced. Dancing was kept up to an early hour this morning, when the company separated, after having spent a very pleasant and sociableeverring.

The Special Reporter of the "Tuapeka Eecorder," dating from Waipori, states— "Mining matters up the river have been very brisk during the last week, and full time was put in, in the most of the claims. Down the river, a decided improvement was also mentioned. One six-acre claim opposite the township had lately been taken up, and at the present time, various applications for up wards of sixty acres had been received. Wages men are talked of as being very scarce, and from 100 to 120 could find ready employment at £3 10s per week. A reply to the memorial forwarded some time ago to Government, in reference to the Nuggetty Gully road, had been received, Stating that a small sum was sanctioned to be expended, which it was hoped would be of good effect. The copper ore was being actively wrought and preparations for lorming a Joint Stock Company were stated to be on the tapis. The road across the ranges is reported to be in a, very bad state."

The following Hokitika items are from the "Lyttelton Times" of the 28th alt. :— "We learn that Mr Shearman, the Commissioner of Police for the Province, r has arrived on the West Coast, and that, his reports being favorable, steps will be at once taken for organising n cold escort, to be in readiness should the Government dererrnine on establishing one. The Customs duties at Hnkitikal'or the month of July, up to the 23rd in St., amounted to 1.3200 <>n imported goods, in addition to the export duty on pnl.l. which leached L 2378 representing 19,0-24 »"»fi"i. The total export of gold f-o-ii I lie W.-st Coast during this year up to the 23rd of July had been 73,000 ounces, and 1500 ounces more were exported in 1864, the whole being valued at npwards of L2BB 000. Mr Sa'o, with Mr Rochfort and Mr Patten (sub-collector) paid a visit from Hokitika to the Grey, returning on the 22nd. They estimated the population which had gathered on the new ground »t 3000 ; these are all collected on thp north side of the Arnold, m the Nelson Province. Mr Rochfort wns hiying out a town on the Canterbury side of the Grey, and all sections kid off by him had been Uken up. Stores were being erected, and there was eveiy probability of a good size 1 town being established there. The Nelson Government had sent no Warden nor any Police to the Grey. Some specimens of the gold have reached us ; it is all heavy in character ; one piece measures one inch in length and one-ei<rhth of an inch in thickness. The steamer Lyttelton hns been laid on for regular traffic between Nelson, Hokitikn, and the Grey. Four vessels— the lona, Firing Squirrel, Jane Ann, and the City of Nelson, left Hokitika for the Grey, with full cargoes of supplies. The Jane Ann would, after discharging at the Grey, go thence to Melbourne, and return direct to the Grey. Messrs Lloyd, Taggart and Co.'s new bonding ware house at Hokitika was on the point of being finished ; this will make the third bonded store built there."

I Mr Warden Robinson, writing from the Danstan, under date July 29th, says :—": — " The river continues to fall, and some of the beach claims, which annually yield enough in a few days to keep their owners for months, are now ajiain becoming workable. There are some claims which have been in the same hands since the first of the rush to the river, and which are still regarded as valuable properties. The <c island" at the Clyde Ferry is now* by the subsidence of the river, left so as to be scarcely an island in the proper sense of the term, for one might almost walk on to it dry shod. I mention this island as being a mark well known to all who are acquainted with this district. At Butcher's Point, when I was there on Monday, there was a good deal of activity, the low state of the river inducing the claimholders to make every exertion to secure the treasure while it was within their reach. Thn best washdirt there lies below even the present level of the water, and is only to be got at by sinking paddocks, which require pumping day and night to keep them from being swamped. An ingenious miner named Colm.in has invent.! a contrivance for the saving of labor in pumping. It consists of a wheel, something like the screw of a steamer. There are four flukes to it, and rhese are set at an angle of about 45 degrees to the direction of the current. The wheel is fixed in a frame, consisting or! two long heavy poles, connected by cross pieces. The poles u-e made fast to a fixed stand on the bank, in such a way that the end where; the wheel is placed projects a considerable distance over the water. This end can be raised or depressed at pleasure, and the wheel consequently can be made to accommodate itself to the rise and fall of the river. The current turns the wheel, and the power is communicated to the pumping apparatus on shore by a driving b'Ut."

We extract the following from Mr Warden Diaries Broad's official report from Taieri, H*milto'\of 29th July,— " A pretty heavy fall of snow took place en Tuesday and Wednesday, making: the road between here and Hyde' in a very bad condition. M'Crae's Plat appears about the same. Several parties who left for the Grey have been replaced by others from Mount Ida. In some of the claims, I heard of as much as 20ft of wash dirt. Wood is now supplied from W aikouaiti sit £7 the bullock-team load, and provisions, stores, &c, are much cheaper than at any of the other places in the district At Hamilton and Mount Ida, workings have "been suspended for want of water in the races, caused by the severe frosts. A party of ten have taijen up an extended claim of two acres, at the junction of the Sutton with the Taieri, and are cutting in a large race for the purpose of working it

The "Lyttelton Times" of the 31sfc ult. has the following notice of the arrest of the captain of the William Miskin, on what appears to have been a baseless charge :—": — " Captain Hepburn, of the s.s. Wm. Miskin. was apprehended by Sergeant Sugrue, of Lyttelton, on the morning of the 29:h, on a warrant from Hokitika, for the abduction of a young woman named Mary Ann Buggy, stated, on the information of the mother, to be undtr fourteen years of age. Bail was accepted, self in Ll5O, and two sureties in L 75 tach, for Captain Hepburn's appearance before Mr Sale, at Hokitika, on or before the 28th August next. Siuce the above took place, our reporter has ascertained, from some of the passengers^ by the Wm. Miskin, that this charge against Captain Hepburn is entirely without foundation; that the Captain was ignorant that the girl was on board the vessel till arriving at Nelson, and then she was delivered over to her father at that port. DuriDg the passage to Nelson from Hokitika, she was uader the care of a Mrs Shaw, a passenger, and that the charge against the Captain has been got up by some person cr persons for the purpose of annoyance."

The manufacture of biscuit by machinery has been added to the industries of Port Chalmers. A very complete machine, intended for a bakery establishment in Dunedin, which is now closed, was lately received from London by tne Jessie Gilbert, a» d i«« now being prepared for work by Mr T. Taylor, George street

The Judges of the Otago and Southland Judicial District have nppoinred Thursday, the 21st September next, for examining candidates Jor admission as banisters and soli citors.

The caution and forbearance of residents in the Taitri DUtricfc are brought for half a dozen birds which have been at liberty in that district only for about a week. The birds are four Australian magpies and two Australian '• laughing jacka.st.es ;" and they ■were liberated there a few days ago by the "Secretary to the Otago Acclimatisation "Society. This is a piece of practical work that will prove most ust-ful to the settlers in the district, it' the birds are not destioyed by accident, or by design of sg&me 4< Cockney sportsman," for it is not to" be suppose 1 that any real sportsman would shoot birds thus provided, seeing that the magpies devour all kinds of grubs and insects, and tlie "jackasses," are particular!} fond of grubs and mice. The grounds of the Society, at the Water of Leith, were visited by over 600 persons on Sunday week, and by between 300 and 400 last Sunday. The grounds comprise about eleven aores of the most pleasant part of the Town Belt, and already they have been fenced, cleared sufficiently to bs picturesque as well as pleasant for walking, and have been planted round with blue gums. Soms birdi and animals have been collected, and thc-re is existing accommodation for many more. A visit; to the ground? will veiy probably stimulate many to pay their subscriptions or to become subscribers. This will be a certain means or securing greater means of pleasure for and usefulness to the residents; nnd Mr Clifford, the secretary, will, we know, be glad to show and to explain what has been done, as well as to receive subscriptions.

A correspondent of the " Tuapeka Recorder," writing from Waitihuna, reports :—: — "The steady pursuit of mining operations in this district, leaves little remarkable to be said. A goodly number of claims duly registered, prepared, furnished, &«., are worked as well as the we ither and other circumstances ■will permit; and the returns, though not extravagant, are steady and regular. The unsettled weither, which for several weeks has been experienced, has more or less interrupted the work of the miner. Although in the midst of winter, yet occasio ,-il very fine diys have happened, and the season so far, though •wet, has been mild. Water for sluicing purposes is plentiful in the main gully, and if there is one drawback, it is the want of a better system of removing the heavy strip■ping. Wheelbarrows are well in some cases, but are slow and heavy during wet weather. I have much pleasure in noticing the introduction of an improvement in that respect. A party of miners who have taken tip a claim on the river fide, near the old coal shed, have now in use, what is termed ' dobbins,' a threewheeled cart or truck, which can be drawn from either end — thereby avoiding the necessity of turning. It is certainly an example that might be followed to advantage by many claim-holders. I understand that the enterprising party have some two years' profitable work before them. The introduction of such appliance", with their necessary outlay, indicates confidence in the resources of the district. For some time past, the workings on the river fiat have been much interrupted by a succession of floods, causing a great deal of damage, which at the present time is not all repaired. The want of water, or reservoirs to retain it, prevents any increase in working claims at Paddy's Point, a locality that will remain in static quo until more capital and cooperation appears in the district."

Mr War len Simpson, in his official report from Mount Benger, of the 22nd. July, remarks :— " This week a very marked improvement in business has taken place ; a much larger quantity of gold has heen offered for sale; indeed, the principal buyer here, in the abspnea of a bank, was not in a position to purchase all that was offered him. Some of the deep ground on the river banks turned out remarkably well this week ; one claim gave as high as 240z to the paddock, which, as it was the first, took about four weeks to get out. Future paddocks will only take half that lime, and ar*> expected to yield quite as much. All the claims along the Teviot Flat gave good wag<-s this week — that is, an average of L 4 a week a man ; some, of course, gave as high as LlO a man. On the west side the river, near Cargill and Anderson's upper station, some very rough gold for the river portion of this district is being obtained, at a considerable distance back on the flat. A few weeks ago a piece of what miners call reef gold was found, weighing I7d\vt, and in some of the claims dwt pieces are not uncommou At the river's edge the reef is very high, comparatively speaking, and seems to dip as it goes into the flat, which, together with the rouuh nature of the gold, goes to confirm, what has been for some time believed, that there is a lead in that flat, distinct from any gold cast up by the river. The river is now within a foot and a half of last winter's lowest level."

On Wednesday morning, about 4 o'clock, fire was discovered to have broken out ia a dwelling house in Great King street north, occupied by Mr Long v or (h. The alarm was given, and a number of the neighbors turned out with their buckets and extinguished the flames before much damage was done. The house and furniture were insured in the Otago Insurance oifice for £200, but the damage done is estimated at slightly over £20.

A correspondent informs us that a young girl made an attempt at suicide, by throwing herself into the Waipori River. Fortunately she was seen by Mr Bergen, lately one of the police force at Tuapeka, who, without hesitation, jumped into tho river and saved her from drowning. We are told this is not the only instance in which Mr B r^en has risked his Tfe to save that of others, arid that he has had a medal presented to him by the Humane Society for his conduct on similar occasions.

Anniversary services will be held at the Hanover street Baptist Chapel on Sunday next, when sermons will be preached by the Rev. Messrs Stuart, Parsons arid Connebee. A tea meeting is also announced to be held on the following Tuesday evening.

We take the following from the "Lyttelton Times:" — "It may be in. the recollection of our readers, that »t the last meeting of the G'intal Synod in Christchurc'i, Mr FitzGeraUl brought forward some resolutions, having in view the union between tin various branches o f the Christian Church, which were unanimously earned. From the "Guardian" of March 29, we learn that a step has been taken ia that direction in America, at least as far as the reconciliation of the Eisternand Western Churches is concerne I. The Bishop o" New York received a letter, nddressed to him by a priest of the Greek Chu-ch, who is stationed in that city, under the auspices of the Russian Embassy, requesting to be permitted to solemnize Divine worship according to the rites of the Greek Church, in the Church of the Holy Trinity, belonging to the American Episcopil Church. Bishop Potter addressed a courteous reply, granting the required permission, and stating to Ftither Agapius, the Greek priest in question, the satisfaction which he frit in witnessing and, as far as lay in his pow^r, assisting in any plan for the union of the Oriental an<i Occidental Churches. Accordingly, on 2nd March, the Liturgy of the Greek Church was performed, partly in the Sclavonian lan£nag<?, and partly in English, in Trinity Church. This is the oldest and richest church in New York, and is used as a cathedral, there being none in the city, and was founded and endowed b} T Queen Anne. The ceremony is described as being a very imposing one, and the church was crowded with the Episcopalian inhnbitmts of New York, seats being r< served for t!ie members of the Greek Communion. The Nicene Creed was chanted in English, the singing of the phrases — '• Whc proceedeth from the Father," showing how easily, at least, the two great | branches of the Catholic Church could be reconciled on the old foundations laid by the General Councils. With the exception of one el'tuse, the whole Nicene Creed can be thus used in the same tongue, in the same words, ani with the same sentiments, ia the two churches."

We clip the folio-wing from the " Lyttelton Times": — " The Collector of Customs at Lvtlelton visited the We«t Coast in May last, for the purpose of organising his department in that lo :ality. "We have been favored with the perusal of his report, furnishet to the authorities at Wellington. On arriving at Hokitika, with Mr Patten, the newly-ap-pointed coll°ctor, Mr Hamilton found that the Customs busiuuss had been transacted by Mr Limming for some time, under very unfavorable circumstances. That gentleman ' had carried on his duties anywhere about the street, where best he could, at all Ivurs of the day, and during many of the night,' and had done this with satisfaction to the merchants of the place. In about seven weeks he had col- ! ieeted nearly LBOOO, of which L 3300 was duty i on gold, and L 4700 on imported articles Finding that business was increasing very fast, Mr Hamilton lost no time in erecting a custom house, and, when he left, Mr Patten was in possession of a substantial threeroomed office, considered adequate for the requirements of the present year. A small | bonding warehouse was licensed, and arrangements entered into for opening two larger ones in the course of six weeks from the middle of June. The " Arms Licensing Act" and the " Steam Navigation Act" were at once brought into operation ; and the collection of the gold export duty was placed on a better footing. Mr Hamilton suggests that ths department should be provided with an experenced first landing waiter and two lockers ; he also considers that Mfatai Bay, at the foot of Mount Cook, is likely to be the only other landing port on the west coast of this Province, in addition to Hokitika, and that the lormer will be the favourite port for the discharge of large steamers from Melbourne. r As the Provincial Government will probably lay out a township there in a few months, the collector suggests that it should be made a port of ectry. Mr Hamilton gives the yield of gold daring the first five months of the present year as 52,4000z. The estimate of the Customs duties for the year 1865-66 is — Import duties for a population of say. 11,000, at L 4 a-head, L 44,00 0; gold export duty, L 25,000 ; probable revenue at Matai, if established, on a population of 5000, at L 4 each, for six months, Ll0,000 ; gold expert, Lsooo— making a total of L 85,000. These figures, it will be observed, are only conjectural, and, from present appearances, seem likely to be largely exceeded."

We have learned that the steam-tug Southland has been disposed of to the Provincial Government of Canterbury for L 12,000, thus definitely setting at rest the question which has occupied the minds of so many among us as to her employment. We are sorry that it should have been necessary to dispose of her, and thus to lose the advantages to the Province which her employment in our own trade might have brought to us. We cannot, however, see that we have to blame ourselves in this matter, greatly as we may deplore the cause which has necessitated her disposal. — * Southland News."

Mr Charles Smale, a settler in the Tomahawk District, died suddenly on Thursday. He had | walked from his residence to the Schoolhouse, j at Anderson's Bay, for the purpose of attending a public meeting there, which had been announced for some days as one which Mr Dick would address, and which it was advertised would also be addressed by Mr E. M'Glashan, the other candidate for the Superintendency. Both those gentlemen had arrived. Mr Dick was insida the building, while Mr M'Glashan was outside with some electors, and was in the act i>f entering, with a view to the proceedings being commenced. Mr Smale had beesi for some minutes sitting on a bench on the turther side of the schoolroom. He had introduced himself to Mr Dick and had spoken about the meeting, when he suddenly tell forward, slipping off the bench, and his head falling upon the knees of an acquaintance who sat near. Mr Smale was at once laid upou the floor, his neckerchief loosenol, and his forehead and his lips bathed with water. He moaned and gasped slightly, and then became still. None ot the deceased's friends present had. ever h-ard of his being subject to fits ; and as there was no sign of his rallying, Mr GreenfisldJ'in. randovn the hill to where acab h ad been lef t,aud drove off to town for a surgeon. Almost immediately, however, ami within five minutes of the attach, those who were surrounding Mr Soialo declared ih it lie had expired. As the only apparent chance of saving life, his coat was removal, and an attempt was made to bleed him in the right arm, a panknife being used. Only a tew drops of blood came ; and it was speedily evident that Mr Smale was dead. Mr Greenfield returned with Mr Hardy, surgeon, who stated his belief that the cause of death was serous apoplexy. The deceased wa* a married man, and he has left a wife an i family, all grown up, we believe, with one exception. He was an old settler in the dis:nct, and he was much respected. Of course, tlie proposed meeting wa9 not held.

On Thursday a brilliant aurora lit the southern portion of the heavens. The coruscations were of a bright yellow color, and although the moon shone with fall splendor, her light was not sufficiently pjwerful to overpower the scintillations, which sometimes appeared to shoot as from a cloud, sit others from a lake of burnished gold. The aurora lasted some hours.

The " Southland Times," of the 2nl inst, says : — '• We have learned on reliable authority tluc a pirty of fourteen men left Riverton on Monday last, with th j intention of prospecting in the vicinity ot the Para Pura Kino Creek. Another parry, with the Maori ' Solomon,' who lately ma le known his discovery of gold in that locality hwt summer, were prepariug for a start this day (Wednesday). Four of the prospectors who left Riverton on the 17 th ultimo leturned on Fiiday last, stating the ground was so wet that they could not bottom anywhere, and that they obtained only a small quantity of fine gold by sluicing. Whatever may be their opinion, they appear determined to give the place a fair trial, three of their number having expressed their intention of trying again. Those among them who have had mining experience speak highly of the country as presenting unmistakeable auriferous indications, and they are confident in the belief that a payable gold field will be found there. It is reported that one or the first party brought into town on Monday about four pennyweights of gold obtained in three hours on Saturday last. It is to be hoped that we shall soon have to record instances of decided success on the part of the adventurers. Meantime we have no desire to ian anj excitement that mny be felt on the subject, but simply to put our readers in possession of the information we have obtained."

In the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, Joseph Shackel was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labor, for having on the 24th of June last obtained a cheque for L 5 from Alexander Gilmore, by means of false pretences. — The remanded charge against John Riley, settler, at Otakia, of having stolen a heifer, was withdrawn, as the owner of the animal could not be found. The same defendant was charged with illegally slaughtering a heifer, without having a license to do so. The case was not proved, and was accordingly dismissed. A number of persons were fined in small amounts for offences against the Town and Country Police Ordinance.

The Acting-Superintendent has appointed James Mills, gunsmith, Dunedin; and Sergeant James Nimon, Police Depot, Dunedin; Sergeant Samuel Moore, West Taieri; Sergeant Redmond Walker, Clyde ; Sergeant William Cobden, Molyneux Ferry ; Sergeant Francis Bullen, Mataura ; Sergeant John M'lver, Dunstan Creek ; Sergeant Louis Julius Weidner, Tokomairiro ; Sergeant Andrew Thompson, Tuapeka ; Sergeant Lin Ward Smyth, Waitahuna ; Sergeant James Burns, Waikouaiti ; Sergeant Robert Bullen, Oamaru ; Sergeant Richard Cogan, Queenstown ; Sergeant Thomas Neill, Maori Point, members of the Police Force, to be Inspectors of Weights and Measures, under the " Bread Ordinance, 1863," within the Province of Otago.

A gentlemen residing in Port Chalmers relates to us an instance of canine sagacity. He was going home the other night, when a violent gust of wind took his h&t off. He made vain search for it, and had to go home without it. On reaching his house, he told his dog he had lost his hat, (which was, no doubt, sufficiently apparent to the sagacious animal), and asked him to go and find it. The dog left the house, and, after an absence of several hours, brought in the hat, with a hole in the top which he had bitten through in his desperate attempts to bring it home against a head-wind.

We extract the following from Mr Warden Stratford's report of the 22nd inst :— "The miners at the Bannockburn and Smith's Gully are doing well. Messrs Bruce andt Blue of Pipeclay Gully have applied for aa extended claim of three acres, and when they have completed their race will be enabled to give employment to a large number of men.'*

Mr Warden Lowthcr Broad reports fromv the Arrow, on the 22nd instant : — " The Criterion Quartz Company have struck the reef in their new shaft, and intend at once ordering new machinery. The quartz appears to be equally as good as that obtained in the old shaft. Two more applications fop leases have been made — one on either side of the above Company. The names of the new associations are the Plutus and Jupiter. It is also in contemplation to form a company to work the flat below the township ; it is thought that this may be done profitably, if & lt>nse of the ground can be obtained. The river parties have procured their new pumping gear from Melbourne, and are once more afc work. The prospects of the district altogether are brightening, and the miners ia good spirits."

We are informed that the road to Brighton has just been opened all the way, thanks ta a timely Government grant, in aid of funds raised in the neighborhood. As there was literally no passage through before to this district, an i to those beyond it, except by a most difficult and circuitous route through private land, which was daily expected to be blocked up ; the opening of the impassable part of the road may p r ove of consilerable utility to this part of the Province. It is much, our correspondent adds, to be desired, that the district between Brighton and Akatore would bestir itself a Ut'le, and complete the Branch Trunk Road to the shipping place at the mouth of the Taien, at which a punt either has been, or is about immediately tobe placed, money haviog been voted for that purpose last session.

We clip the following from the mining intelligence, from Croiuwell, of the " Dunstan Times:" — " The river is falling fast, and numerous parties are setting in along the banks of the Kiwarau. Mr Grant's new dredge is expected to commence operations to-day. The dredging spoons and other apparatus have arrived from Dunedin, and everything appears complete, so that we anticipate that it will turn out a successfnl speculation. A mepting of the Nevis and Cromwell Road Committee was held the other evening, when Mr Hinds, the Secretary,, reported that the subscription list amounted to over L2OO. A resolution was then proposed that a memorial be sent to the Government intimating: that a competent engineer and surveyor has been over the ground, and the estimated enst will he about L 550; also informing them of the amount subscribed by the inhabitants of Cromwell and vicinity, and praying for an amount to be placed at their disposal for the conipl°tion of the road. The memorial was then drawn up and forwarded. Business is improving. There is a report current that a party of sawyers are at work ia a sully running uito Lake Wanaka, and are doing well. The gold is reported to be coarse and uuggety." During the hearing of the civil case, Heymanson v. Harding, ia the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Wednesday last, Mr Harvey, who appearpd for the plaintiff, objected to Mr Dem^sey appearing for the defendant, who was out of the Province, without a wiitten authority ; and in support of his argument, he stated that Mr Strode had previously sustained a similar objection Mr Forrnan said he was bound to respect the decision of Mr Strode, as he was only acting temporarily for him ; but if the objection were insisted upon, he would refuse to allowany professional gentleman to appear in that Court without a written authority from his client. The objection was insisted upon, and the Magistrate adjourned the case for a month, in order to give Mr Dpmpsey time to obtain a written authority from his client. In. answer to Mr Ward, the Magistrate stated that he was determined iv future, that all professional gentlemen appearing ia that Court should produce written authorities from their clients.

The Hokitika correspondent of the Canterbury "Press," writing on the 22nd ult., says : — "The Lndy Darling is outside, together with a small fleet of other vessels ; and unless the Wallaby, the only steamer now ia port, can be induced to go ont, we have no means of communicating with her or them ; and the weather is so calm, that there is but a very slight chance for a sailing craft getting in or out. When will the people on your sidewake up and send us a steamer suited to our necessities?" Ths same correspondent adds :—": — " Our harbor and pilot regulations for the guidance of vessels entering this port, are at the present in a most unsatisfactory condition, and until more energy is displayed by those in authority, are likely to remain so. It is true a tug has been advertised for, and some feeble efforts made lor piloting vessels in ; but it is only within the last week or two that it has been considered neces-ary to oiginise a boat's crewfor the purpose of rendering help to vessels requiring it. SoWl as the class of vessels trading to this coast must necessarily be from the shallow waters into which they have to* go, still their numbers and aggregate tonnage will give them a claim to the consideration of the province ; and no time should be lost in putting in the chief position an officer of tried standing and merit at aa adequate salary.'*" We may adi that private accounts received ia Dunedin state that harbor matters at Hokitika are but very indifferently managed, and that such an occurrence as the loss of the Titania is likely to lead to a greatly needed improvement.