News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 750, 14 April 1866, Page 11

News of the Week.

[prom the daily times.]

Port Chalmers, Clyde, and Milton, are declared municipalities ; the several proclamations appea-ing in the last number of the Gazette.

An application has been made to the Government for protection for a gold-pros-pecting claim in the Moeraki district; and such p; otection has been granted. We believe that the site of this supposed discovery of payable ground is in the Horse Ranges, and not far from the Gorge; but particulars are withheld for a short time, to enable the prospector to test the ground, and thus to prevent a useless "rush" into the neighborhood. We are sure that the first reliable information, whether for or against the payable nature of the ground, will be made public. The known existence of gold in the Moeraki district is, however, one of the oldest of the facs connected with gold discoveries in O'ago; and the working of the auriferous sand on what is called the Moeraki beach has often been speculated aboot. There was a rumor yesterday of a discovery near to Dunedin; but if was well founded we failed to ascertain anything respecting it.

The supper in honor of Corporals Christie and Taylor, the first and second prizemen in the Colooial Rifle Match at Wellington, took place on Monday evening, at M'Cubbiu's Otago Hotel. Over 60 sat down to supper, nearly all being Volunteers. The chair was occupied by Captain Batbgafce, and Captains mosh and Atkinson were vice-chairmen. During the evening, Mr Vogel suggested that there should be an Inter-Colonial Match in Utago, with, a prize of LIOOO, and Mr Matheson undertook to bring the suggestion before the Council of the Eifle Association. cc sf P f oCee 8 Were mm ° St P leasantl y BUC -

The Auckland papers received by the Lord Ashley, give details of a heavy flood and and gale, which took place on Friday and Saturday, the 30th and 3lst March. Great loss appears to have been sustained, but we have not room for details in to-day's paper.

The Hokitika papers contain particulars of the sudden death there of Mr Greenfield, architect, who was well known in this Province

The New York Correspondent of the "D«ly Telegraph" says:— •« The President of the United States has been re quested by the Senate to state upon what charts Jrfferson Davis is kept a prison' r. This is snppnsi d to be the preliminary step to a speedy trial of the ex-President of the ex-Con fed* racy. I hear that Mr Johnson still clings to his determinatirn that Davis shall be tried on a charge ot treason, but that all idea of attempting to p-ove him a participator in the assassination plot wiU be given up. Should Davis be found guilty, of which there seems but little reason to doubt, he will, I am assured, be pardoned by the President, bus will be exiled."

Under date March 22nd, application was made to register "The Barracouta Quartz Mining Company," Arrow River, under the provisions of the Mining Companies Limited Liabi'ity Act.

The Provincial Government o<" Auckland bein? unable to continue employing the Waikato immigrants located on their farm sections at Wa>ku and other places in the ne : ghb 'rhood, have resolved to strike them off Government work, nnd to leave them to find employment with the settlers. The " Southern Cross " hears that the men, to the number of between three and four hundred, have resolved to march down to Auckland in a body, to demand employment from the Provincial Government.

A notification appears in the " New Zealmd Gazette," stating that the services of the Port Chalmers Naval Volunteers huve been accepted, and that the date of acceptance is February 28th.

On the subject of the recall of Sir Charles Da-ling, we find the following in the " Hohart Town Mercury" of the 27th instant :— " We gither from a letter received in Hobart Town yesterday, that his Excellency ha 3 been informed by the home authorities that, so soon as he has earned his pension, which, it is added, "will be in about another month, his services will be dispense'! with. Ap<»rt from this, the long stay of Sir Richard Maci'onald in London, aft-r his appointment to Hong Kong, and whilst actually on his way thither, lends countenance to the belief that he is to be Sir Charles D^ning's successor. In any case, Sir Charles Darling's power to work further mischief must be ncarlv at an end."

The teachers and scholars of the Middle District School assembled on Wednesday for the purpose of bid ling farewell to the inte second teacher, Mr J. X. Craig, who is leaving Dun edin for England, and of pressnting a testimonial to him as a mark of their esteem and respect. A number of the parents of the shildren were present. The testimonitl (which consisted of a gold breastpin and a photograph of the scholars and teachers, grouped outside the building), was prf sented by the Revd. D. M. Stuart in a few words of congratulation to Mr Craig, on the success he had achieved in Otago. aud with the hope of his speedy return. Mr Craig is to be succeeded by Mr Fleming.

The only case of interest heard at the Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday was that of Piening v. M'Ph iden, in which the plaintiff (a snilor) c'aimed from the captain of the schooner John Bullock, the sum ot L 9 83 for wage?. The defendant paid L 9 into Court, and resisted the claim for the balance, on the ground that the plaintiff was not entitled to wages for everyday he was actually employed, as he was engaged by the month of thirty days. He called Mr Lnnib, who staled that the Board of Trade Regulations enacted that a sea man's month should consist of 30 days, and judgment was given for plaintiff for a nount paid into Court.

The " Taranaki News " fays :—" Mr Buller, R.M., held a large meeting with the natives at Turakina, on Weinesday, the 2 1st ultimo, tor the discussion of the Manawatu purchase. The whole of the Ngatiapa were present, together wiih most of the leading men from. Wanganui. The korero lasted till evening, but nothing definite was arrived at beyond an unanimous declaration in favour of the sale, and the determination to have no reserves in the disputed block. After some discussion as to price, the principal chief Aperaharaa Tipae, handed the Commissioners a slip of paper, naming the amount agreed upon among themselves, and signed by himself on behalf of the tribe. The price named was a very modest one to comnienee with, viz., L 999.999 9s 9d I Then followed a number of speeches to prove that this was a very fair and reasonable off-r. After this came the second offer, viz , L 90.000; and before the meeting broke up they talked about L 40,000 .. This, we understand, is a fair illustration of the way in which Maoris conduct a bargain. We understand that there will ba a large meeting of the Ngatiraukawa and Rangitane, at Manawatu, next week, at which both Dr Featherston and Mr Buller will be present."

A meeting of the Otago Schoolmasters' Association was held at the Athenaeum, on Saturday. There was a large attendance of the profession, and a great number of letters were read from teachers in different parts of the province, approving of the objects of the Association, and giving suggestions for carrying them out. After the election of officebearers, and other business, the members present adjourned to the Royal Hotel, Walker street, where > collation for them.

Mr Warden Beetham reports as follows from QueenstowD, under date March 31st :— " The pist month has been characterised by increased activity in mining operations in every porrtdn of the two districts under my charge. During the three years I have been resident here aa Warden, I have not seen clearer indications of permanent prosperity than those which now pre.'eit themselves on every side. On the one hand, mining operations are assuming a magnitude and importance which the expenditure of a large amomt of capital, and the introduction of powerful machinery, alone can give, and which must eventually result in the production of a largely increased export of gold. On the other hand, the vast agricultural resources of the field are develon'ng themselves in every diieotion to an extent hitherto unthought of. Following, as it were, naturally in the wake of the permanency of Xhi mining and business population, a verr large area of some of the finest agricultural land I have yet seen in New Zealand is being taken up under the new Leasing Regulations; and the result of the erection of Messrs Hallenslien and Robertson's new flour mill will be that a cot-siderahle breadth of wheat land will be sown during the autumn. The capability of the soil and climate of the Lake district to produce and ripen wheat may be considered as fairly proved, as a large quantity of very fine wheat hag been successfully cut and housed — fully ripened during the last season, which has not be? n by any means a favorable one for thaf purpose. During the hst few days the veatler appiars inclined to break up for the winter; and the utmost exertion is being u«ed by those companies who are engaged in transporting their machinery to the reefs, to accomplish theirwork before the severity of the winter set? in. The improved state of the road to Skippers will now be of great beneiit to them. Estimated population— llsl, of <vhom 5-25 are miners. Current rate of provisions. — Flour, L3B to L 42 per ton ; potatoes, L 6 to L 7 per ton; oats, 63 6J to 8s 61 p-r bushel; oatmeal, 6d per lb; tea, 2s 9d to 3s 3d per lb; sugar. C^d to 8d per lb; coffee, Is 8d to 2s ptr lb; ham, 2s 8d per lb; bacon. 23 2dperlb; cheese, 2s 6d per ib; meat, 8d to lOd per lb; bread, per loaf, 2s 6d. Wages:— Farm, servants, &c, 1-2 per week, with rations; roadmen, 103 per flay, without rations; miners' wigres L 4 to L 5 per week; female servant?, L 35 to LSO per annum."

From Nokomai, Mr Warden Wood reports for the month ending March 31st, as follows : — " The mining population has decreas d, several men having left for the Riverton digjrings. The average of gold sold during the month has, however, been greater than the previous two months. The Victoria claim has been bottomed, a.nd they are now driving for the gutter. The lame claims up the creek continue to p*y gord wages, say L 5 to L 7 per man. Darby and party have opened fresh ground near the Mataura, which promises well. Kite of wages, noiniml — creek workings, L 4 to L 4 10s, terrace workings, L 3 to L 4 ; wo d cutters ami laborer?, L2to L 3 per week, without rations. Prices current— Flour, 40s per 100 lbs ; bread, 2s p2r 4 lb loaf ; meat, 9d to Is per lb ; sugar, 8d per lb ; tea, 3s ; butter, 2s 61 ; fresh butter, 3s ; candles, 2s ; oats, 13j per bushel ; firewood, 4ft lengths, 45s per cord ; tobacco, 8s to lOs per lb. Estimated population, 525, comprising— l7o miners, 130 women and children, aDd 225 others '' Mr David O'Donmghue, M.R 0.% of Port Ch timers, has been appointed Health Officer for the Port of Otago, viceDr Niven. Serge »nt John Cassells, Constable Patrick Finnegan, and Constable J>hn D. Fyfe, have been appointed inspectors of slaughter-yards, »nd of ca tie intended for slaughter, in the Mount Ida district. We extract the following from the monthly report of Mr Warden Lawrence Simpson, under date March 31st: — " Mining on the river r>arjks has been carried on uninterruptedly during the month, and the river level now admits of the bottom being worked in many places. The frosts have set in, and every thing seems to augur well for a successful winter to the river miner. A number of whepls are being erected for the deeper ground on the river. On the Beng<r Cr<?ek, X tto and Co. resumed work in the beginning of the month, and the other parties on that creek still persevere in attempting to bottom, but have been greatly retarded by the want ot a supply of timber, which as a rule is very irregular in being supplied ; indeed, the demand at this season of the year for timber is always far beyond the supply. During th? month there have been several applications for head races ; one of the most considerable is to be constructed to M'Cann's Beach, being the secmd large race to that place. On the Pomahaka some 50 miners stilt continue to work, and in most cases make wages. The works this season are generally a good deal further down the creek than they were last. The most extensive claim there is that of M'llwain.Currieand Co, who have been rather unsuccessful, the bottom having only been reached for the first time this season, some three weeks ago ; but now they are in fair working order, and hope to make up for lost time, even this season, which 5s quickly drawing to a close for those diggings. On Campbells a few companies continue to work round about Adelaide Point ; and this week I received applications from a company just formed, who purpose working ground there on a large scale next spring. In this dstrict during the month the amount of gold pur- ' chased has been from 550 to 600 ounces. Estimated population 305, of whom 300 are 1 engaged in mining. Rates of provisions — ' Flour 323 per cwt, oats 6i per bushel, butter 33perlb, eggs 3< per doz, mutton 6d to 7d ; per lb, beef 8d per lb, potatoes 53 per cwt, tea 3i per lb. Rate of wages— Miners, L 3 128 6d, : and there now begins to be a demand."

We are informed that Mrs Kinder ha» Fecnred a situation, in an hotel &t Hokitika, as barmaid, at a salary of LI 5 a-week.

We find it stated in the Wellington papers that the pa Idle-steamer Favorite has been, sold by Nfes^rs Taylor and Watt, of WangMiui, to an Otago firm ; and that she is to leave Wanganui on the 16th inst. for Port Chalmers, to be employed as a tug-boat. For the i itert>sts of the port, we shall be glad to see the Favorite back at her post here. Wo stated some weeks ago that Capt. Dyason, her original managing owner, had gone to Wanganui with a view of making the re-purchase; but we are not aware whether an arrangement as to a subsidy for her employment as a tug has been completed.

After the business of the Port Chalmers Town Board was finished, on Wednesday last, the members of the Board held a consultation with Captain Thomson, Harbor Master, upon the subject of the proposed improvements upon the Jetty. It appears that at a recent meeting, the Board had initiate! a memorial to his Honor the Superintendent, which was afterwards numerously signed by the inhabitants of the Port, praying bis Honor to causa the LIOOO vote of last session of the Provincial Council to be exp?nded in extending rather thnn widening and strengthening the present Jetty. The Government, finding that the prayer of the memorial was opposed to the opinion of tho Harbor Master, requested the parties to confer upon the subject and rit ort the results. Captain Thomson, having fully explained the reasons which led him to recommend the strengthening, &3., of the present Jetty rather than its extension, the members of the Board agreed that such a course wruld best meet the present requirements of the Port, and resolved, on behalf of those signing the memorial, to request his Honor to allow the same to be withdrawn.

The money order system has been much extended in England. The "New Zealand Gazette." of April 3rd, contains a list of seventeen offices in London and suburbs, and seventeen additional in the country, besides five in Scotland opened within the quarter.

The rpgular monthly meeting of the Otago Kilvunning Lodge, No. 417, will beheld tonight at 7.30.

On Wednesday afternoon, a washing-up of Messrs Kirby, Mills, Lancaster, and Robertson's chim on the Blue Spur, Tuapeka, was completed, and resulted in a yield of 407 ozs for six months' work. The avrage number of men employed on the claim during this tinw has been six. I;i addition to tha above yieM, 84 czs have been obtained from the boxes.

The "New Zealand Government Gizette" of Thursday, the sth instant, contains a proclamation appointing the 28th of May for the meeting ot Parliament. It is understood that this is merely a formal announcement, and thit a further prorogation will take place to late in June.

At the Mayor's Court on Monday, before W. MasoD, Esq , Mayor, James Sullivan, for drunkenand disorderly conduct, was fined 10s; and Joseph Chesborough, for a similar offence, was fined 20s. A fine of 403 was inflicted on John Smith, for furiously driving in Princes street; and Jane Smithson, on a charge of making use of obscene language, was also fined 40s.

Mr Warden Croker, in his monthly report from Gabriels, undT date March 31st, says: — " R^ugh gold, impregnated with quartz, has recently been found at the foot of Afunroe'a Gully, on the western side of the Tuapeka rive\ This gold strongly indicates the proximity of a quartz reef. Gold of a similar description has been found on the flats and spurs higher up the river. I have little doubt but that eventually a riuh gold field will be worked over this portion of this district. Estimated population one thousand five hundred; of this number about five hundred are miners, of these twenty are Chinese. Prices current (labor and supplies):— Flour 41 per lb, sugar 6d to Bd, tea 3s, oatmeal 6d, currants Bd, butter 2s 6d to 3s, tobacco 6s to B=>, soap BJ, candles Is 63, salt 6d, cheese Is 61, coffee 2s, potatoes 6i per cwt, bacon Is 2d to Is 6d per lb, ham Is 6d, oats 5s ptr bushel. Men engaged at sluicing claims 12s p?r day, or L 3 10s to L 3 123 per week; female servants LSO per annum."

By proclamations in yesterday's " Provincial Government Gazette," alterations are made in the boundaries of the Tuapeka Gold Field. The following area is included :—: — " All that area situate in the S.E. District of tho Province of Otago, containing by admeasurement 3200 acres, more or less, bounded from a line connecting Trig. Stations Cand X, Table Hill District, by the E boundary of the existing Tuapeka Gold Field to a line connecting Trig. Stations E. and F. in the siid Table Hill District, thence in a S.E. direction to Trig. Station 3D., thence in a S. direction to Trig. Station D., and thence in a S. W. direction over Trig. Station C, all in Table Hill District, to and across the E. branch of the Tokoamiriro River to the boundary of the Tuapeka Gold Field afore- * said.' The following is withdrawn :— " Ail that area situate in the S.E. District of the Province of Otago, containing by admeasurement 14,400 acres, more or less, bounded from the E branch of the Tokomairiro River in a W. direction by the main South Road to Lovel's Creek, thence in a N. direction by Lovtll's Creek, and a direct, line proceeding N. by E. nntil it intersects a line connecting Trig. Stations Z. and V., Hillend District, thence in an E. direction by a line proceeding over Trig. Station V. to Trig. Station W. Tokomniriro District, thence to Trig. Station L., Tokomairiro District, and over Trig. Station X.. Table Hill District, to the E. braDch of the Tokomairiro River, aud thence in a S. direction by the Tokomairiro River to the Main South Road, the starting point."

The monthly return — furnished by the Chief Postmaster— of Money Orders issued «nd paid ia the Province, during the month «f March, shows that 403 orders, for LI 757 Us were issued, and 303, for L 1529 17s 8d -paid. The totals since the introduction of the system, on the Ist September, 1862, are— — Issued, 18,906 orders, for L 91,345 18s 6d ; -jaid, 7360 orders, for L 35.470 6s 2d. The proportion of the month's busisess transacted at the Dunedin office, was tho issue of 243 orders, for T.IOBB 18s 9rl, and the payment of 239, for Ll 1 99 83 Bd. Oamaru stands second in the list, the orders issued there being 32, for lilO7 13s sd,and those paid, 13, for LB4 6s 6d. Tuapeka, Clyde, an.l Port Chalmers rtnge next in order. Since September, 1862, 1i60,196 14s lOd has been received at ttvh v Dunedin office, and 12,502 orders issued for it* while L 27.746 63 3d has been pai i on 5539 orders.

At the Mayor's Court on Tuesday, before W Mason, Esq , Mayor. G. Johnston, W. Lyons, Mary White, and James Neale, were each fined 10a for drunkenness. Charles Figs charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty, by attempting to re?cue s prisoner, was sent to gaol for 48 hours, without the alternative of a fine. William Towers was charged with neglecting to keep a light outside his licensed premises, and fined 40s; and A. Lyons, 11. Williamson, and C. M. Ware, for similar offences, were each £ned 20s. Catherine Cowan, A. Lawrence and G. Hannigan, were each mulcted in a like penalty for neglecting to keep clean the chimneys of their respective premises. For allowing cattle to depasture on the public, roads, D. Gardner was fined 40s ; Robert Jackson, 30s ; and D. Lewi?, J. Aloys, and James Smith, 20s each.

The "Tuapiki Eecorder," among other items of mining intelligence, states tint "At; Mills andKirby's claim washing-up was comxnenced the beginning of the present week, and so far as it has yet progressed they have had every reason for being satibfied with the prospect. On the afternoon of Wednesday la3r, out of a di'ch not more tban 20 feet in length, cut in fie rock at the head of the tailrace, they took up over 200 ounces coarse auggetty gold. The stuff was merely shovelled | out of the ditch, into the tin dish, so that j tviien the crevices came to be scraped and 1 awept, at the very lowest eilenlation a half I more gold will be recovered. The total extent j •of tail race is set down at 400 yard*, including ! 100 feet of paved ditch and 12 sluice boxes. ! With the excep'ion of the stuff in the lower boxes, none of it has been disturbed since the \ late run commenced, sixteen weeks ago. Five men have carried on the work, and the lower boxes yield on an average 10 ounces per week. List week Fenton and partr, on the Munroe's side of the spur, washed up four months' run, which realised close upon 200 ounces. They are presently preparing for further blasting operations. Tha China--men whose arrival in this district "was notified some time pg" 1 , have left the ground at first taken up by them, and get in to work along the Wetherstorfs Flat 1 and up Gabriel's Gully. In the gully they are working in three different parries. Two of these are located upon the ground opposite Walsh's Point, ami the third a little below the junction of the road leading up the ranges t» the top of tha Blue Spur. The party on Wethers on's Flat is woiking nearly opposite Slaughterhouse Gully, and from all that can le learned they seem to be doing pretty well. Sioce their n"i«t arrival in tho place, their numbers have bjtn augmented by something like 30 or 40 more — the mr-jo-ity having come down from the B ackscone 11 11 1 diggins3, of viiich they give a very poor account. Up to the ptesent time they havo conducted them*elves very well, and certainly the housing accommodation they have provided for theni.siilves, both in p.tint of comfort and cleanliness, will bear comparison with that of the JEjajority of Eutopean diggers."

By the last mail from England, wa received a very excellent niip of Ntw Zealand, published by Stinford and Co., London. Ie supplies a vr.uit long felt, and is on such a scale &3 renders it useful, being twenty five miles to an inch. The size of the map is 42 inches by 24. The boundares of the Provinces are all distinctly marked, and the gold discoveries on the West Coast, as far as known at the time of publication, are laid down. The tnap is published under the direction of the Con.lmitr.ee of General Literature and Education appointed by the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and the Nutionul Society, and the price is such as to bring it within reach as a school map.

Tha weekly meeting of the City Conneil was held on Wednesday evening, all the members fcriag present. Mr, Turner moved the adoption of the recommendations of the Committee of tie whole, as to the appointment of officers, as reported to the Council laßt week. This was met by an amendment for the consideration ■oCeach recamrac ndation separately; and the amendment was Carried by the casting vote of the Mayor. On the motion that Mr. H. P. Morse be appointed Town Clerk, Mr. Chalmer moved to substitute the name of Mr John Lazar, the present Clerk. There was again an equality of votes; and the Mayor gave his catting vote with the "Noes," on thegiound that by so domg he gave effect to "what woulct undoubtedly have been the decision at the last meeting, had the question of the appointment been then submitted to the Council. There waa no further discus--sioa on the report, and the following appointments were made, as recommended by the Committee : — Town Clerk, H. P. Morse ; accountant, J. ' lleith ; cashier, J, W. Massey; messenger, F. J. Arlidge; town aarveyor, S. H. Miranis. The consideratioa t>£ a motion to pay to Mr l^azar, on his re- 1 tirpmpur, the sum of L2OO, was postponed «atil the next; meeting.

The " Southland Times," of the - 9th, referring to the weather, says— "'-It would appear that winter had set in; the last three days have been stormy, with almoßt incessant rain and occasional showers of hail, sleet, and snow."

I The " Sydney Morning Herald" says :—: — " When Dunn was confined in Darlinghurst Gaol he found there John M'Cormack, who had received two sentences, amounting in all to ten or eleven years' imprisonment, for robbery, and shorting and wounding a Chinaman, near Wombat. At one time M'Cormsck was a companion of Dunn, and the condemned man, shortly before his execution, made a statement to show. that M'Cormack was not in his company at Murrumburrah at j the time the robbery was committed, and knew nothing whatever of its contemplation or perpetration. Certain persons were men - tioned as having been present ou the evening when the robbery took place, and "who could prove that M'Cormack was not there. The Hon. the Chief Secretary caused a letter to be written to the magistrate nearest to the place where the crime was committed, requesting him t) obtaia the depositions of such of the persons mentionei as could be reached. These depositions were received by Mr Parke3 at the close of last week. He then got from the sheriff a report in reference to Dunn's frarm of mind when he made the confession, and o'her information relating to the conduct of M'Cormack during the term of his imprisonment. He found that he had been exceedingly well conducted— that he had been attentive in the prison school, where he had learnt to read well and write a good hand. Mr Parkes then forwarded the whole of the papers to his Excellency the Governor, and yesterday morning received M'Cormack's pardon. He then went to the gaol, informed the unfortunate young man that he was free, and gave him a sum of money to convey him to his home. M'Cormack had never before come under the Jash of the law, and in this case he seems to have sufiered a grievous wrong."

" A miraculous escape from death," says the Cb Talbot L> ader," " has occurred to a shoemaker whosa name we have not heard, who fell down an old shaft, ninety feet deep, near the old prospectors' claim on the Majorca Lead. The 'unfortunate man was missing from Thursday up to Saturday night, and the affair having been reported to the police, they and several others began to search the various shafts near to his dwelling, situa'ed on the old lead, when he was discovered by a miner who was passing the shaft into which the unlucky shoemaker had fallen two days previous. Assistance was procured, and the 'n an brought to the surface, and afterwards conveyed to the camp, where he was attend by Dr Southee. Although suffering severely, hopes are entertained of his recovery. A candle would not burn in the shaft through the prevalence of foul air. It is, theref Dre, wonderful how ih? man lived so long in it."

The ''Tarari.-.k! News " gives the following report of the speech of Mr Charles Brown, the proposer of Major Richardson as the representative of New Plymouth in the General Assembly :— " It had been said that we ought not to go out of the province to seek representatives, but he thought that on some occasion? it might really bo advisable to do so, and this was one. We were suffering nnier so many grievances that a member not imme iiatel/ connected with the province would be more likely to command tho ear of tiie House. Major Eichardson was a gentle mnn of kno«-n integrity, ability, and disinterestedness, and like mo3t men who had bten officers in her Misj-'sty's service-, he possessed a lorge share o' loyalty, which would, perhaps, be useful in keeping down tho?e feelings oi irritation which were apt to arise in our mimls from the invceerlings of the mother country. He ( Major Richardson) h.id always proved himself a straightforward friend to Taranaki ; that is, he hai always felt with us in what we had justly considered to be our rights. We did not want more than our due ; but wished equal justice with other provinces, whether they were large or small."

The correspendent of the " Southern Cross," in a letter under date March 26th from Camp Te Papa, says, *' His Excellency Sir George Grey landed at 10 a.m, under a guard of honor. Colonel Hamilton, commanding officer of this district, -was in atten danco to receive him, along with Colonels Lyons and Harrington, and 'His Honor the Superintendent, Mr Whitaker. The Governor at once proceeded to Colonel Hamilton's quarters, and precisely at 11 am. met the natives, about 400 in number, in the paddock adjoining Archdeacon Burns's residence. I shall not attempt to give you the particulars of what then took place, contenting myself at present until I have more time to correct my manuscript, is all in Maori until the next mail. Suffice it, however, in me to say that his Excellency, in conjunction with hU Honor th* Superintendent, after about three and- a half hours' succeeded in obtaining 50,000 acres of land, being one-fourth ot ; the Tauranga block. This in itself is very satisfactory, particularly so after all the bounce which the natives have shown, and were inclined to show at the meeting. The Governor, however, after he had been worked up to the highest pitch, plainly told them that, if they did not quietly and peaceably assent, he would seize the whole of Tauranga. The colony is indebted to his Excellency aud his Honor the Superintendent for thisachievement, which will place this interesting nnd promising district open for settlement- I cannot write you another line until the next • mail, as the steam is up, and I know that you will be anxious to receive e\'en the news of the assent- of the natives to this 50,000-acre block. Tauranga , ia now open for settlement.

In reference to the great trial just concluded in Victoria, the " Argus" of the 31st ult Isays1 says :■-" The trial -at bar of. Bruce and Others v. The Q-iec-n was finished, so fur as concerns the jury, on Thursday evening, at about ten y>.ui , ihe thir.y-eixhth day of the trial. The jury found a verdu-t in favor of the petitioners on all the great issues of the case. They found that most of the work charged for had ho n ordered by tho age rt'.s of the Crown, and had been done by the petitioners. The prices given were, however, generally those named as fair by the Crown witnesses, rather than those claimed by the petitioner. Tha verdict was for the petitioners ; damages on all the twenty-nine items of claim put together, L166,0000d<1, with interest at nine per c?nt. from the Ist July last, making L177,0000dd in a'!. On the cross claim of the Crown for injury to the plant lent to the petitioners, there was a verdict for the Crown; damages, LIOOO. O.i the cross cluini of the Crown for penalties for delay, by non-comple-tion of the line on the contract day, the jury assessed the amount of those penalties at L120,d00. A special finding was added, that the whole of the delay in completion of the line was due to hindrances caused by the agents of the Crown. A formal verdict was entered for 40a, subj°ct to be moulded as the court shall, on the law and facts, and on the contract between the parties, determine to be proper. The questions still to be determined by the Court affect the validity of the claim of the Crown for the penalties under the special finding of the jury as to whose acts caused those penalties to be incurred, and as to a large proportion of the items of damages given by the verdict to the petitioner". The Court intimated (hat there was not the least probability that these questions could be argued and determined this term."

The " A rgus," of 31st March, states that— l" A curious thing occurred at the City Court yesterday, when a men named Henry Hartford was before the court on seveial charges of forgery and uttering. The prisoner having been committed for trial on one charge, a witness named Mrs Norman, wife of a storekeeper at Carlion, was called to prove the presentation to her by the prisoner of a forged cheque. On being put into the box and sworn, she, without waiting to have her attention directed to the prisoner, at once swore to a man — a mere onlooker — who happened to be standing singly against the wall opposite the witness-box. The prisoner being pointed out to her, she said that she could not recognise him, and adhered to her former identification. As it was useless to attempt to prrceed further with this case, it was dismissed. The charges against the prisoner Hartford relate to the uttering of several cheques forged in the namss of Air J. Co well and Mr J. Qiirk."

TheDunc'rlin Volunteer Fire Brigade h?ld its usua l monthly ny eting,on Monday evening, a the Engine Hou-e, Rittray street, — Captain Rees in the chair. The minutes of preu'ous meeting were rea<l and confirme 1. The officers' report was then read. It stated that the grant of the City Council had not yet be 1 " 11 received, bat was shortly expected It had been dtlnved until the delivery into the hands of the Couivil of the plant. &c , of the Brigade. Messrs Pren'le-g'nt, Konyon and Maddock were instructed to dia v up the deed of conveyance, and they advised that it would be illegal, as the Brigade ou'y held the property in trust for the subscribers. The fete «t Vauxhall was a complete success, nearly L3 1 ) being aided to the Sick an i Accident Fund. A new code of regulations for the Library was enacted, and adiiitkn.il newspapcis ordered to be provid d for the reading-room. Mr Whitttt and Mr Copeland were ekced members. Lid/ D.ai was created a life member, and a resolution was Cirried that her ticket of membership bengrossed on vellum. The passing a number of accounts concluded the meeting.

The Ball at the Benevolen. PsHtute was not very numerously attended on Frilay evening, probably owing to the unpleas mtness of the weather ; but there was quite a sufficient number tluro to make it enjoyable, and dancing was kept up with great spirit uotil 3 o'clock this morning. The room was beautifully dec, rated with frrns and flaweis, and at one end the motto of rhe Society, "In pros perity remember the poor," was worked out in leaves and scarlet geraniums. The effect wes very gcod. Mr Grey provided iin excellent supper, and everything passed off exceedingly well.

The " Southern Cross " thus alludes to the successful operations ogainst the Hau-haus on the East Coast :— " Colonel Lyons, the skilful commander of the colonial forces stationed on the East Coast, returned, to town yesterday in the Colonial Government p.s. Sturr, after an absence of: some months on active service. We hear with some satisfaction that the Colonel has been successful in routing the natives along the East Coast, and that, a'ter making a decided stand against rebel intrusions, he ha* been triumphant, and left the place with 'perfect confidence in, the future prevalence of peace in the neighbourhood. After several skirmishing excursions, in which the natives were generally surprised and punished, Colonel Lyons and the force under hia command hava succeed) d in driving them entirely out of the neighborhood, after making their stay more uncomfortable day by day. The war on the East Goast may therefore be considered virtually at an end. The latest news was that information of the capture of Kcroopa was expected almost daily. Since writing the above we have been informed that Colonel Lyons returns to-rJay to Opotiki by tbe Sturt. At the time of his leaving Opotiki the rebel natives were dispersing, but the rebel chief Kereopa was to be delivered up to the authorities."

The "Grey River Argus,' on the' receipt af intelligence of a rush totheiLittle Grey, despatched a special correspondent to ascertain the truth of the repots receded. His first letter, under date April Ist, appears i» thnS; pwr, and appears fa intimate that ro extraordinary prospers ln-1 f>'e*en f rd shenv selves. Hi? says:--'* I lnv seen this «rte»annn some <1 Zen of <! sftnr* fr >m the n p of (he «-rtddle. ami from M u>ii Gaily, com • down for jr^ote Ail agiw trrit rh< re was nothingnew when they lef; t'., ru 3 c->:priUy at midday. But they still wo ul i :i'lvia.}'no one to turn back until they see for themselves, as rushes are common up there, und- the parties in the adjoining g illy know nothing of the affiir until it is rushed. And als©,. that in every gully gold- is found in piyablo quantities, if the provisions were any thing like moderate ; but the high price of "tucker," and the average enrnings make the wages smal after paying the stjrekeeper. There i no doubt but this will bean extensive rush of people, as they are here now in hundreds ; all the way from the Twelve-Mile is a hurrie j crowd of digsers, well accoutred for the road, every one doing his be*t to outstrip hi»neighbor. The Warden of the Twelve-Mile with a policeman is in the crowd along with me ; hearing of the very exciting newß, he deemed it advisable to proceed tothe spot for the purpose no doubt of reporting ou its progress. I only hope for the good of all that we will meet with the iilati tidings that they are getting gold in quantities to pny them for their enterprise, a* the men who have the pluck to go among these ranges are highly deserving of all they can carry. But this I tnnst say, a more splendid track of country I never treaded on this or any part of the colony, I would givo a fuller acconnt only my tine is short here, as I want to get to the r oot of the saddle to-morrow night, as perhaps no other opportunity might come in my way for somo days to come. But I will do my best to give you a full report at my earliest opportunity; but my present information is from those of the peoplo from the head of the Little Grey; but still tho parties are going with me in the morning, as they have done well in the place. I wculd certainly advise no one to rush up here, unle c s he is prepared to stop and try the ground, as, from all the information I have gleaned, the ground is rather of a patchy nature; but thos 1 who get one of them can generally make £ ' rise* pretty soon. I have seen some fine bags of gold here from some that have not been long here. They all agree that living is high ; but the beautiful weather, and a splendid climate, make them all frel quite at home. There is one great benefit on the road— you have stores at every five or seven miles, well: stocked with everything you may require, asfar as I have gone. I fully hope next time to give you a more encouraging ard lengthy leport ; but still \t wouli be premature for any one. to rush h? re until fuller particulars come to hand to yon."

In returning thanks for his health at the Dinner given to the Riflj Prizemen at Wellington, llr S 'afford made the following significant announcement :—": — " He could not help feeling pleased, also, al the allusion that had been made to his pre-ent position,- but ho felt a shudd-r at the allusion to his previous tenure of office for five years. He honed his Mend did not expect him to retain office for five ) r car3 to come — tl->at was something too much to expect in the present state of the oountr}'. The amount of drudgery and toil in ths work to be done did not certainly make it a cheerful prospect to contemplatehiving to undertake it for such a period."

The Resident Mijnstr.it'-; gave judgment on Wedncs iay in the cast o' t he Commercial Bank of New ZeaJard v. A. lliUTtUer, a claim of LIOO, the amount alleged to be due by defendant on an acceptance which had been placed in the hands of the Bank to collect, and taken up by it. at maturity in error. He said that the hill had, by the action of the Bank, been extinguished, and could not 1)3 re- issued, and therefore the plaintiff could not sue upon it, although tho defendant might be liable if sued in another form ; judgmeir, therefore, to be given for defendant. In the case of Hawker v. Thomnson, in which the plaintiff claimed £20 damages c used by an assault committed upon him by the defendant, judgment was given for £12 10s, with costs. Two other cases arising out of the assault wer© adjudged in favor of Hawker ; £3 and costs being awarded in each casa.

The London correspondent of the " Argus' writes :—": — " Nothing could well be more ridiculous than the recent conduct of the New Zealand Government. It well enough known in London that, in addition to other Provincial debentures, there are upwards of L 300,000 of the Southland Province held here, and which are utterly worthless ; and yet, while rates of interest, rauging from nine to twelve per cent, are being, ppid on the beet bonds in Europe, the IjJew. Zealand Government comes coolly forward and offers to pay six per cent., provided the baiijjs which have made advaHces upon them will consent to hold them for two years longer. This sapient project is like adding insult to injury, and certainly will not improve tho already damaged reputation of that Government in the estimation of the moneyed classes ia England. Meanwhile, all Kew Zealand securities are an incubus on the maiket ; and until all the Provincial bonds are withdrawn, there is no chance whatever that things will improve."

An address from tne officers and men of the SVaikatp Steam Transport Service was presented to Captain Cadell, at the City Club, Auckland^ on Monday, March. 26th, expressive of their esteem and appreciat on of the service* rendered by him duricg the war ia the Wai* kato country .

The adjourned half-yearly meeting of the Otago Rifle Association was held on the 5 th inst., ut the Otago Hotel. The following members were present : — Messrs Matheson (in the ■chair), ' M'Farland, Smith, Fish, M'Laren, -Orbfcll, Tressiler, Hislop, Davies and Hannah. The minutrs of last meeting were r^ad and confirmed. The S icretary r< a 1 the following report:—" In lat ing b-fore the members of the AssocU tion this their second report.the Council have again to congratulate them on the complete success of tha late meeting. This, in a great measure, no doubt, was duo to the completeness of the programme, as well a 9 to the fact that the Council appointed a Sub-Com-<aaittee (cotisistinp of members of the Council) to collect subscriptions, who were very successful, and the large amount of money distributed in priz°p, nearly Ll2O, shows this to be the case. Besides this sum of money, there was also the gold medal of the Association, thd ' D lily Times' cup, and the < Even•ingStar' priza, mikngii all, a t)tal value of Ll5O. The Cmneil think thvt it is necessary to mention that tho ' Daily Times ' prize is an annual on°. Th.3 Secretary lias not yet recived a reply from the Secretary of the National Rifli Association, England, asking for a mcda 1 , although more than sufficient tim* has elapsed. The Council take thia opportunity of according a vote of thanks to the Artillery Regiment, and Naval Brigade, ■for the use of their targets and fhgs, which saved the Association a cons:doi:ihle Bum. and greatly te.ided to the expedition with which the matches wire got through. The entries for the m itches proved to be as numerous as antici;ated, and fie whole of the prizes were won by members of the Association, who were also volunteers. The balance now in hand, as will be seen by the Treasurer's report, is a very srnill one, owing to the Council being unable to obtain the subscriptions from many of those whose names appeared on the pubhsiud list. Had these amounts been obt-tinei, the Association would row have a balance of L3O. The Council will in future make provision, that in the event of a competitor winning several first prizes, he will not be allowed to take more th in one; as at the last meeting, with one exception, one gentleman won all the first prizes. The Council would suggest that during future meetings, an Assistant Secretary (not a competitor) should be appointed to assist in making up the returns, &c\, a* it is impossible that the Secretary^ can start a match, arrange marking, scoring, answer -questions, and then shoot on an equality with other competitors. The Council wonld. here express their obligations to the Honorary Secretary, to whose indefalig.ible exertions and punctual attendance on all occasions, the -success of this meeting: is miteri.illy due. The Comctl have much pleasure in according to Mrs Richmond tbuir best thanks for her courtesy in attending and presenting t!.e prizes to the succ ssful competitors. The Council would sutrgest, for the consideration of members of the Association, the expediency of enlis'ing the interest of the Ladies, as being a powerful aid in farthering the objects of the Association, and rendering the next competition even more successful than the present. The priz'swera presented on the South Dunedin Cricket Ground, on -Saturday, the third day of Februa-y last; thin en in? the most sue ceisful Rifle M>eiing h'ld in Otfi<*o " The following members of tho Association were then elected to the various offices vacant: — President, W. Mason, E^q., Mayor; VicePresident, Major Cirgiil; Secretary, Vlr H!slop; Treasurer, Mr M'Farland ; Members of •Council, Messrs Fish, Hannah, Maihcsou' Stavdy, Jamieson, Dcvore, Davies, Farjeon; Captains Atkinson, Borton, and Cinirel 1 . Mr Fish moved, and Mr Davies seconded, a roe of thanks to the Secretary and Treasurer of last year (Mess -s Divore and M'FarlanJ), which was unanimously carried, and the proceedings terminated.

By the Return of the Immigration and Emigration at Dunedin for the quarter ending March 31st, it ap ;eacs that 18j2 parsons have •arrived daring that period, and that 1349 have left the province— thus shewing a gain of population am -unting to 503. An analysis of the return shews that of the arrivals, 144 males, 116 females, 23 boys, and 22 girls were from the Un'tei Kingdom ; 244 males, 93 females, 31 boys, 23 twirls, from the Australian Colonies ; and from other port* of New Zealand, 971 males, 138 females, 24 boys, and 23 girl?. There were no arrivals from Foreign statps. Of the emigrants, 336 males, 75 females, 29 boys, and 29 girls have left for the Austra'hn Colonies; 492 malts, 154 females, 56 boys, and 34 girls, for ot ler ports in New Z?alm I ; 37 mal»f , 15 females, 12 boys, an 1 9 git Is, for the United Kingdom ; and 9 in lies, 5 females, 1 boy, and I girl, for 'Foreign states.

The half-vcsrlr meeting of the Committee ■•of the M.TJ.1.0 of O Idfellows was held on Wednesdiyevening,at the Oddfellows' Hall, George street— B other J. M, Bc-llamy in the chair. The dele j-ites from the various Lodges in the district were pr< sent. The auditors' report and balance sheet were submitted, and after being slightly amended, were adopted. Ie -showed that the number of good members (that is members entitled to benefits) upon the books o* the various Lodgts was, in December last, 533; and the totd revenue of the Order in the Province amounted to L 4694. It was resolved — "Tnat, in future, the District Committee Meetings be held quarterly, instead of half-yearly as hitherto; and that the next meeting be held on the second Wednesday in July nest." An appli cation was received from residents at Waitahuna, requesting that a Lodge be opened in that place, in connection with the Otago District; and it was resolved that the request be acceded to. After some routine business, the meeting adjourned to Brother 3. Grey's, where a supper was .provided. ,

The following is from the "Argus:" — " Some specimens of freestone, quarried at Oamaru, seventy-eight miles from Dunedin, New Zealand, were brought over by the ss. Albion on her last trip, and are now lying at fie offices of the Otago Steamship Company, 16 Elizabeth street, for inspection. The stonp is of the same kind as that of which the Post Office at Dunedin is being built. It is of an excellent colour, very similar in appearance to Bath. ston rt , but s"mcwbat softer, and coarser in the grain. It app oved of for use in Melbourne, it appears, from the facilities of shipment, that it could be brought here at a cheap rate.' 5

There is no doubt that minpral oil ha 9 been found in Taranaki. A small bottle of it has been sent to us. It is thick, of a reddish brown color, and disagreeable odour. A piece of paper steeped in it burns for a considerable ti lie. vith. a strong, smoky flame. Properly purified, it will doubtless prove an excellent oil. It is hoped that it will be obtained in large quantities, and there seems every prospect tint such will be the c\ae. The depth at which it is struck as yet is very shallow; an 1 when a greater one is obtained, the supply must increisß Besides the fact that at times it covers fie whole furface of the water within the Sugar Loaves, proves that there must be a 1 ir^e q i mtity of it. It is difficult, indeed, to exaggerate the v*4ue of the disrovery — supposing it fulfills its promise. We subjoin a description of the sinking, wiii-in we have received from Taranaki :—": — " I have sent yon by this imil a small bottle of our p^tro'eum. The shaft has now been sunk sixty feet; at about fifty feet in depth, the same shingle and d irk clinker rook described in a farmer letter, were met wi:h, after which a very hard tr-ichytic rock, with large crystals of o'isiiian. After sinking a foot or two in this hird rock, it became somewhat softer, and the ground Boimdtdvery hollow, so the sha't has. been lub.d to the top, down whi;h the boring m ichinory is to be used. At present, there is forty feet of water in the shaft. It is curious to watnh the co'istmt ebullition of gas; some Ihomonis of cubic feet must be given off in the hour, whilst a bneket full of water drawn from the surface, after standing awhile, will yield same six or ei^ht inches of an oil similar to the sample sent. I would call yonr attention to the fact that the oil came on the striking of the hard, and what I sappose to be ancient, trachjte. Everyone is in hopes that success may attend the venture."

On Saturday afternoon last, as SergeantMajor Stevens, Volunteer Drill Instructor, was returning from th" Kii'xorai Rifli Butts, in an express waggon driven by Mr Morton, storekeeprr, Richmond Hill, th / hors •, while paesina; the latter place, sudienly took fright, causing the vehicle to upset and its occupants to be violently thrown out. Dr Crawford was soon on the spot, and by his advice the Serjeant- Major was conveyed to the hospital, where he was found to be suffering from concussion of the hr an, and thai a rib was fractured, and one shoulder £iV-">cated and both the fore firms broken. Drs Hunter and Crawford visited him yesterday, and up to last evening he was progressing favorably. Mr Morton was severely cut and bruised ; aud a l.t'le buy who was wit'i him received an int3fnal injury which is likvlv to prove dangerous The two Utter sufferers were taken to their o-vn homes.

A Committee, appointed a?; OWi'a to take a'ep^ f(K cutting a bush track to the lake, resigned, after pi esonting the following report, under date 21st Mirch: — "The Committee big to report that eince the last public meet in? they have called for tenders for cutting the track, and have reserved two of the tenders till in a position to accept one of them; since then the Commissioner, Mr G. S. Sale, has sent down a surveyor, who has turaished v* with the f Mowing report upon the best road or line of country to take the track through, lie ssy», the only one, and the track he is now blazir.g, is from Canoe Point up the north side of the Okarita river to the lake; the d'stance he estimates at ten miles, with very few difficul ie<s; the worst part of the road is from Oano? P ant, extending about three miles. _ The Committee have also to report that the public have been canvassed, and the following amounts actually paid, amounting to LSB 13s 61, and the Committee consider that the sura of L2OO will be nece-sary to be raised by the public in order to carry out the works." A fresh Committee was appointed.

On Tucslay, at the Rasidc-nt Magistrate's Court, a boy named Edward Fiuch was charged with stealing a quantity of gingerbeer bottUs, value ss, the property of Messrs Youngman and Co. It appeared that the premises of the prosecutors had been irequently robbed, as many as thirty gross of bottles having been stolen within the last month. The prisoner (who was caught in tha act) admitted the offence ; and the Magistrate sent him to prison for a month, and ordered him to be once privately whipped. Henrietta M'Alister charged L)uis Falconer with having assaulted her ; but ;he Magistrate eliciting from the complainant that she was the aggressor, dismissed the cas?. G. J. B. Dalgliesh, previously remanded on a charge of obtaining mon j y under false pretences, and admitted to bail, was called on his recognisances, but did not appe«r. The Magistrate ordered his recognisances to be estreated, and a warrant to be issued for his apprehension.

The monthly meeting of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday afternoon, when (amongst other business of minor importance) it. was decided that another special meeting of the Chamber should be called for Thursday, the 19th inst., to dispose of the various subjects awaiting discussion, and to decide finally upon the course to be taken in regard to the Tariff.

A preliminary meeting of gantlemen desir ous of forming a rowing club was held on Tuesday evening, at Bennett's Octagon Hotel. It was resolved that a club, to be called " The Dunedin Amateur Rowing Club," should be formed ; anl the meeting was then adjourned until the following evening, at th? same place, for the discussion of the ruU's. &o. We understand that from the names already given in a successful starting of the club is almost assured.

We extract ths following from the lt Okarit<v Times" of the 27th March : -" It is with no small regret, not to say actual a 'arm, tint we note the excessive influx of p »[»'ilat.on to this place. On Wednesday, betuven two and three hundred hnded from tha Bnica and the Lioness, and others are com'ng on crowded with living freight. In our first issue we distinctly state 1, that till new ground was opened up there was actually a superabundant number of p-rsons here, and yet, in the face of that, a perfect torrent of nopulition is coming npon us. During the last twi days men in troops have been stanling HK and evanif new ground is discovered difvclly, there are more than enough to take it uj. We do therefore hope that in publishing sms of the richer finds miners a" a dLs^a-icj nuy not run away with the idea that suc'i a--e the rule, as they are exceptional. Should the Like track or other tracks bs made, there will sjon hi ample employment for numbers m>re, but this is not the case at presenr. There is an enormous area of unopened au r ifijrous groun % but it is at present inaccessib'e, an 1 the place is not ripe for such a rush a* is setting, or rather has set in. We hive mala these rtmarks in order to ahs >lye ourselves from the charge of u:i luly c Coring our prospects or misrepr sentiug matters as they are, with a view to draw people here. We have given far warning ;it in spite of it people will c me, they mu3t blame themselves, and not us, for any diaippointment or ill consequences that may follow. Provisions are a* famine prices, there are no public works going o i, where as a last resource work cou'd be oht.ined. At the same time, as soon as ever any fresh opportunities occur, wd shall too gU tly m ike them known, and, if there is profiu-jlo employment for them, heartily welcome as many thousand* as choose to make Okariia the ir home. It is clearly our interest to attract population, but it is neither the interest n >r the duty of a newspaper to misstate facts, when the wellbeing of hundreds, or perhap< thousands, is in jeopardy, through their headlong rash ness."

From A'esandra, the correspondent of the "Dunstan Times" reports: — '• Mining matters in this district are rapidly imp-oving. The Molyneux keeps steadily goiusr down — svery bank claim is now in full wo.k, and in number' of instancsß bsich c! urns are being looked sharply after. Frenchman's Bdich h again a sceae of busy labor. 0 eratnns in the large sluicing claims are h»'ing p-osecutel vigorously, and on a far uviro extensive scale than hitherto. The Frnohm in's party are busily engaged stri_> >inj ground preparatory to paddjekm^ out the washdirt. At Butchei's and Poverty Points things are lively in the extreme. The only want is that of labor to work the claims, which, howevo-, is extremely scarce. The same may be sud tl! the whole of the Dunstan district, wages me i being ex-

tremely difficult to procure. The Rose, Thistle and Shamrock ll<io; Company are about to increase their capiti! so as to complete their race to Tucker Hi !1. Tno parties that have rented water from this company for working the terraces bordering the Manuherikia river are doing renmkably well, and several applicitions have been lodged for extended area claims. On Mmi Uy lust the new bridge across the Mauuherikia at Honsburgh's crossing-place, was opiut-d for traffis by a public demonstration. The cjremony of christening tho bridge was pc-rform-;d by Mrs J. C, Thomson, who, after breaking the u^u-il bottle of champagne, declare 1 the bridge open for traffic, naming it *' Simms's Bridge," in honor of Mr Thomas Simms, through whose exertions its existence is due."

A preliminary meeting for the purpose of organising the Annual Reg'it'a to take place at Port Chalmers on the 24 ch of May, was held in Dodson's Provincial iioel, on Mon*day evening, when the following gentlemen were elected as a committee of managemeut :— Capt. Wm. Thomson, T. A. Mansford, Esq., R.M., Csptaius M Kinnon, Clark, Robertson, Liddle, Malcolm, Louden, Morris, and Matheson ; Messrs T. Tayler, sen., Rolfe, and J. B. Robertson, with pjwer to add to their number. It was also proposed and carried that Capt. Dickie, Me-s s E. B. Cargill, Dempsey, Mudie, Lloyd, Street, Reynold?, J Mills, Copeland, and Fislnr, with power, &c, be requested to act as a Dunedin committee to co-operate with the Port Chalmers committee in carrying out the objects of the Regatta. A sailing committee of six gentlemen was afterwards lornied, and instructed to ascertain the measurement of all vessels (vehich measurement shall be deemed correct) before the publication of the entries on the racing card, such measurement to be in accordance with the Royal Thames Yacht Club Rules. The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers : Captain W. Thomson, Commodore ; Captain Ro'.k rtson, Judge ; Captain Morris, Umpire ; Captain Louden, Starter ; Captain Baia, Clerk of the Course ; Mr Dodson, Treasurer ; and Mr John Taylor, Hon. Sec. It was then resolved that subscription lists be at once set mi foot, and four gentlemen were elected as collectors for Port Chalmers. The meeting then adjourned until Monday, the' 16th inst.

The Education Board held a meeting on Monday ; and a good deal of business, of interest to different districts, was transacted, as will be found from the report elsewhere.

The strike of the cirriers continues ; and the memorial to the Superintendent, resolved nponat the meeting held on the 3rd inst., has not yet been presented. Several merchants interested in the up-country trade waited upon his Honor yesterday, however, and stated that it was proposed to present the memorial. It will be rememb -red that the carriers complain of "the oppressive rite of one shillinglevied on waggon horses at the toll-bars."

ThePrirc:ss Theatre was crowded to excesson Wednesday evening, the performance being for the benc fit of the Caledonian Society. Most of the members of the Society were present. The first piece was the Scotch drama of " GiMeroy." Lidy Don, as Lilias Lngm, w&s an effective representative of a " Scotch hssie." The principal character in the drama was that of Jock Muir, which was excellently sustained by Mr O'Brien ; and Mr Wiimott, as Dincan M' ravish, elicited the laughter of ths aulience. Mr Herberte waa very amusi'ig as Sergeant Musquetoon, his dr'inkjn seme being particularly good. Mr Howe, as Walter Logan, would have given full effect tT the character had he been able to speak Scotch ; as it was, it was a fair English representation or: a Scotch maa. Mf Roberts, as Gilderoy, and Miss Cissy Matthaws as Mrs MTivish, were very good. The drama was followed by a competition iut dancing for a goll medal presented by Lady Dm. Tnere were lour ompe'.itors, Mr J", Bain, who dan.;ei tha Hi^hlaad Fling ; M> FT'iigh, a Hornpipe; MrJT. Murray, the Highland Fling ml Swuri Umcj; and Me Meldrnra,. the Sword Dance. Mr Hash's Hornpipa wasloudly encored, and he substitu'ed fie Irish, jig. Mr J. Murray's Fling wa3 also eichftsiasticaliy received, and ha fallowed it by th» Sword Dance, i-i which 113 however failed, bj' touching the swords. Lady Don Ihen came forward and stated that the j-id^es (MessrsBeverMga and M/Leod) had decided th? winner to ba Mr M- Mrum, and she accordingly pinned the raalil to his breast, rem irking that ehe considered his dance very beautiful. Lady Don then demandei from th-d ail iienca three cheers for " Auld Reekie," an-i for the Queen, after which the competitors danced a reel, which was, through som? minaderstanding wi h tho orchestra, abruptly brought to a conclusion, amidst sigus of disapprobation We see from ou? advertising columns that Mr. Murray has entered a protest agiinst the decision of th& judges. The burhsque " Orpheus and Eurjdiee" concluded the entertainment.

The " Southland Times" of. the 9th instant, says — " We understand that the railway engineer who had agreed to retain offias pending the investigation of the Commissioner to be appointed Ins resigned, in consequence 0-2 its having hepn intimate 1 to him that he wa« subject to disnvssal on a rmuth's notice, previous to the mv. Btigation alluded to. We understand that he had, some time since, intimated to the Government his intention o£ retiring after ths Cotmiissiouer had re?ported."

Petroleum has been discovered in quantity in South Australia, an I the " South Australian Register " gives tli« fall )wing account of soiie specimens: — "We wore sh>wa on Saturday, Mirch 10, by Mr Vautin, two cakas of pstroleum obtained from the site of the recunt discovery of that miner il at the Coorong (!re -k, in the south eastern district, where it is found in very l.irjd quantities. It burin retdily, with considerable brilliancy, anl emits but little smoke. Soma of the specimens b-ought to Adelaide are of very considerable 8iz j , and here the imprint of leave*, &c. It is believe ! t!r»l the iiquitf petroleum exuios from the ground at & certdn seison every year, and then spreadingover the ground in the vicinity, becomes hvdened to the degree we have indicatedWe believe tint claims havo be^n taken aoht the country forming the site of the discovery, and that immediate steps will ba take'i to develop id by obtaining access to tho spring."

The ;i Daily Telegraph," io noticing the death of Frederic i Bremer, gives the f blowing brief biographical notice :— " Miss B emer was born at Aura, neir Abo, in Finland, about thu ye*r 1802. Her father was a merchant at tint place, but on Finland bein^r caded three years 1 iter te Russia, he removed with his family to Sweden, and usually spent the winter in the cinital. Great care wasr taken with Frederica's education, and wheik she was old enough she bec^oie a teacher is private lamilies. How long her time ani talents wete engaged in this iaborious metier we know not ; bus in the year 1842, theEaglish literary world was agreeably surprised by the publication of 'The Neighbours,' a picture of domestic life in Sweden, which strongly lecom— mended itself by its quaiutness and originality.^ Encouraged by the fivorabie reception accorded to this novel, Mrs Mary Howitt, it* translator, introduced to the English reading" public 'The Home,' 'The Diary,' 'The H. Family,' ' The President's Daughter,' anct several other tales, which were unusually well received. Miss Bremcr's reputation haot by this tim.- b-come European, most of herworks having been translated iuto German, French, and Italian, as well as EnglishLatterly Miss Bremer travelled a good deaf, and visited Germany, France, England^ America, Italy, and the East. Her Transatlantic cxp 'riences she gave to the world under the title of ' Homes of the New vVorld,* which was published in 18 53. In 1856 she wrote 'Horthn.' a romance, and in iB6O 'Two Years in Swiiziiland and Italy.' From Italy she went in 1861 to the Holy Laud, returningtheace by way of Greece."

The last of the Southland Elections took place on Friday, when Mr Alexander M'NeiL waa returutd without opposition, to represent the Electoral District of Wallace in the Housaof Representatives.

*.