News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 1003, 18 February 1871, Page 14

News of the Week.

A woman named De Carles, at Waifcahuna, has been fined L2O and coats, for sly grog selling.

Mr John Nugent Wood, J.P., has been appointed a Resident Magistrate for the Diatrict of Southland.

We understand that the collection made on Sunday at St. Paul's Church in aid of the Melanesian Mission amounted to over LSO.

Mr D. Hutcheson is a candidate for the representation of the Oamaru Country District in the Provincial Council.

The Southern Trunk Railway Guaranteed Interest Ordinance Amendment Ordinance, 1870, has been disallowed.

The local paper states that Mr Millar and staff have commenced operations at Oamara for th« survey of the main trunk railway to connect Dunedin and Chrietchurch.

The following gentlemen have been appointed Justices ot the Peace for the colony : —Mr A- W. Morris, Dunedin ; Mr &. Findlay, Alexandra; and Mr W. H. Roberts, Tapanni.

There are as yet only two prisoners awaiting trial at the ensuing criminal seasions of the Supreme Court, viz., one for housebreaking at Blueskin, and one for highway robbery on the Port Chalmers road.

A m*n named Thomas Keenan has lately been brought to the Hospital from Oamaru, in which or near which town he had tbe lower part of his leg broken whilst jumping off a coach. He is getting on favourably.

Mr George M'Lean, in compliance with the terms ef a numerously signed reqnisition, has consented to offer himself as a candidate for tbe representation of the Blueskin district ia the Provincial Council.

Mr W. A. Tolmie, in compliance with the terms of a numerously signed requisition, has consented to offer himself asa candidate for the representation of the Otago Peninsula in the Provincial Council.

-By an order in Council made on the Ist instant, and published in tbe Gazette, His Excellency the Governor reserves , as sites for public buildings 1 , or other purposes of the General Government, sections 5 and 7, block V., Jamestown, Martin's Bay.

The Rev. D. M. Stuart requests us to acknowledge the receipt, through the Rev. Charles Stuart Ross, of Alexandra, of L 5, being the offering of Mr Donald M'Leod, of Blacks, towards aeouring a minister for the goldfields.

The appeals against the City assessment for the 1 current year were heard at the Reßi* dent Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. There ■were thirty-one ■ appeals ; in. twenty-seven the rate 'was confirmed, and ia four it was reduoed.

' : Thi> fcnnuid Congregation*! Soiree of Rnox Church took placeonTaeaday evening, wdwas

[numerously attended. The report of the I Session and Deacons' Court wad adopted. I Addresses were subsequently delivered by several ministers and other gentlemen. The Rev, Mr Taylor, Episcopal clergyman, Wanganui, attended at the Gaol on Sunday morniDg, and performed Divine service to the Maori prisoners in their own language. Be also visited the siok Maori prisoners in the Hospital,

By an Order in Council dated the 2nd inst..the rules and regulations which have hitherto been in force over the Southland GoldfMds are cancelled, and the fields placed under the s*me rules and regulations as the Otago Goldfields.

A third child, a girl, *nd sister to the other two obildren in the Hospital suffcriuq from scarlet fever, waslately admitted there, having been attacked by the sanv fever. Tb.fi other two children were not doiog well, though it was hoped they would speedily reoover.

The polling in connection with the return of a Maori member for the Southern Distriot in the House of Representatives, took place at the Supreme Court on Monday, Mr I. N. Watt officiating as Returning Officer. The result of the polling was as follows : — Katene, 0 ; Green, 0 ; Taiaroa, 41.

We observe that a lecture on Wanderings ia India" is to be delivered on Monday evening by the Bishop of Auckland. From the known ability of the lecturer, who was formerly Chaplain to Lord Clyde's army at the relief ot Luoknow, we may expect an interesting and instructive lecture.

Shipping is urgently needed at the Bluff Tbe railway terminus ia at present orammed full of wool bales, some five or six hundred bt ing piled up in and around the platform ; while a large quantity of the season's clip is stored in town, waiting an opportunity for transmission.

A man named Joseph Webb, whilst working at a mou ding machine in the steam factory of Messrs Bennett; and Wedderapoon, had the part of his right hand above the forefinger so much injured that after ne had been taken to the Hospital the finger had to be taken off. On Tuesday, as Dr Ferguson, of Tokomairiro, was driving a buggy along Prinoes street south, the king-bolt of the vehicle came out, and the horse went off with the fore-carriage, the doctor falling to the ground on his face, but still holding on to the reins. Happily, he escaped with a few scratches,

A late number of the Fiji Times states that the United States Government intend taking Drompt action about the protection of tho Fiji Group, and will very shortly have a man- 01- war stationed at Levuka, and institute a Court, to which people of all nationalities may appeal.

The duties of a Returning Officer in some of the country districts nre no sineoure in these days of elections. Mr C. Rous Marten, the Returning Officer for the Wallace and Waikaia diatrio s, has had to ride neariy 1000 miles in three weeks in connection with his duties. ia that capacity.

" Observer," writing to us, the other day, says : — "The sun is now densely covered with spots. The centre group is visible to tbe naked eye when protected by a piece of smoked glass. If a piece of smoked glass be secured to the eye-piece of an ordinary telescope the little trouble of fixing will be rewarded."

The following paragraph, from the Southland News, will tie found interesting :—": — " The question has been raised of late whether the possession of a miner's right entitles the holder to vote at the Superintendency elec tion On I obing up the Acts bearing on the subject, we find tha.t it does not — that, in ftct, only those persons whose names are on the electoral roll may vote."

Mr Reid addressed a meeting of about 40 electors at Anderson's Bay yesterday at noon. This was a fair attendance consider ing the unsuitable hour. Mr Adam Begg occupied the chair. After Mr Reid had made a lengthy addresß, several questions were put to him, and answered satisfactorily. On the motion of Mr John A. Ritchie, seconded by Mr Adam Nicol, a vote of confidence in Mr Reid was carried.

From a country paper we learn that a child belonging to a family named Butt, resident in the Waikivi Bush, met its death by accident the lat er end of laat ■ week. It Beems that by some means or other the child's clothes caught fire, and while efforts were being made to extinguish the' Hurning, a vesael of boiling water was upßet on the child, and scalded it bo severely that it died shortly afterwards.

Mr Macandrew's reception at tho Teviot, according to our Roxburgh correspondent's telegram, dooa not appear to have been of tbe most cordial description. We learn from another correspondent that an arch y hung with black drapery, and bearing in large letters the word " Traitor," waa ereoted in his honour. From a third Bounce. we learn that after his meeting, Mr Macandrew wan hanged in effigy.

The meteorological observations taken at Ounedin during the month of January gave these, among other results : — Barometer — mes.n pressure for month, 29 956 in. ; range, 0 652. Thermometer— approximate mean temperature, 59.4 degrees "'ah. ; maximum temperature (on 23th), 85 degrees ; minimum temperature (on 12«b) 43 degrees. - Total rainfall ia 10 days, 1.772 in ; greatest rainfall in one day (on 12th), 0. 702 in. •Mr Matiandreif'"woSstoh&vemet with a warm:re<jontioh^«t(;iii»wi9nce Ar/1 Monday. 1 night. He told tbe electors that he" knew

ke. had oome iuto the Lani-of ,; the.Pl?iHf». tines, aitd therefore could no^ exmct much; and declared that ho would he nttperinten*' deutuexfe Monday, even if he did not get a Dingle vote at Lawrence. Out correspondent states that the amendment (already published) was carried by nearly 200 fco 9 ; and these figures »re ooaftrmod by those given by the Bruce-Herald;' " !1 "^ ■ t - " < ' It appears tiia^b the assent given hy the', Sttper'Sitendent to the Otago Reipresentatibn Or'dinence (No. 2), IS7O, was a nullity, but an' Aat passed ia the last session of the, General Ajeeembly enables the Governor to signify his pleasure on the Bill as though W such aasenb had beon given ; aad Hiti Excellency has given a formal assent to the Ordinance, nnd also to the following bills : — Port Chalmers Keserv^s Management Ordinance, 1870 ; Inveroargill Park Reserves Management and Leaving Ordinance. 1870; Racecourse Reserves Leasing Ordinance, < 1870.

The road engine was on Monday las* moved/ under steam to the Battray street . Jetty, where it is now being taken to pieces,, previous to being transported to Canterbury. Mr Gillies haa, we understand, closed with an offer made by. the Government of that Province, being induced to do bo owing to the narrowness of the roads here, and tbe want of encouragement offered to the employment of the engine. The Government of Canterbury appear to take an interest in the engine, asd on the level plains of that Province it will, no doubt, be usefully em* ployed,

During tbe last week or two the Bhopwindow of Mr Isaacs, chemist, of Princes street, has been placarded with cartoons and printed comments on the election for the Sn» perm tendency. Yesterday, copies pf the resolution passed at the Licensed Victuallers meeting on Tuesday, accompanied by some rather pungent remarks thereupon, were posted up, and, it is supposed, led to a mob of 30 or 40 persons assembling outside the premises about half-past seven o'clock in the evening, and tearing down the placards, while a few others entered the 'shop and used violent threats towards Mr Isaacs. Rowdyism of this sort ought not to go unpunished. The annual inspection of the South District Rifles by Colonel Harington, took place ia a paddock at the Kaikorai, on Tuesday week. There were present— l oaptain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and SO rank and file. Lieut. Shand put the company through the manual and platoon exercise. The company then marched, counter-marched, performed other movements, and skirmished under the direction of Captain Cantrell. Colonel Harington expressed himself as satisfied with ' the manner in which the company had gone through the various movements, and thought that they had improved sinca his last annual inspection. The second competition for the challenge cup. presented by Mr Henry Driver to the Waikari Bangers, and five prizes subaori 1 ed far by the Company, took placft on Saturday last. The conditions a r e : — The cup to be shot for four times a year, to be won five times before becoming the property of the winner ; 400, 500, and 600 yards ; seren shots at each range ; any position. The following are the names of the winners :—^ 400 500 6dOTl. Lieut. L. Marshall 22 23 21-66 Vo>. Wm. Lacey 23 20 19—62 Vol. G. Miller ~~. 21 20 19-60 CorpL Mackenzie 23 17 18—58 Voi A. Fraser 23 16 15—54 A social meeting in connection with the Presbyterian Church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr Kirklaud, took place at Kaitangataon the 31st ult. ■ Upward* of 160 peraottB s*t down to tea on the grass outside the church. After doing justice to the excellent tea provided by the ladies, an adjournment was made into the church, when' addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs ' Kirkland, Chisholm (Tokotnairiro), Johnston (Port Chalmers), and Arnot (B&lclotha),. as well as by Mr Bafcttie. The Rev. Mr Johnston, then, proposed a vote of thanks toitho ladies for the good things provided by. them, , and it was parried by acclamation. The proceeds of the soiree will be devoted to the painting of the church at Kaitasgata. A return of the transactions ol the Prpvincial Treasury during the quarter., ending on the 3lsfc December last, is published in last week's Provincial Government Gazette. It shows the revenue during the period" in question to have been 11 34' 939 13s lid, and : tfte -expenditure L 96,867 15s 2d, the roir--plus of revenue over expen liture tb.ua being L3B 071 18a 9d. This is owing to the an. ' nual stock assessment, amounting to-L59,64Q^ 4s 9d, having been paid daring -the. quarts^.!--The amount obtained from the a»le* ot Qj'ow.n,, Lands was L 11.156 ,17s 9d. .„ Not the Jeaafe. instructive item is that of " Provincial Council," under the head of expenditure— Llss7" ss, The "Miscellaneous" expenditure' amounts to L 10,270 5s BJ, of wnioh L 'L267 12a Sdis 1 for salaries. " * > ' -■ Our attention has been drawn to a requisi- ttiou addressed to Mr W. S. Mobrhouse, RegiatarajvGeneral of Land, and signed * by nearly all the principal merchants and proprietors of land in Dunedin, bringing under ' his notice the pressing necessity' which exists for the immediate appointment of. land brokers here pursuant to the provisions of the Land Transfer Act, 1870. The requisi: tioD ists state their opinion that if the practice under the Act is confined fro solicitors, a large portion of the public will never avail themselves' of its advantages, and ; that vit» enactment will, prove, jaf iitfcle, rif ( ,any; ■ realj; serviqer tQ.propr»j»jpfi ofja^lj ;^ Withij9g»«i . to the appointment of land broker*, the re*

quißitionists recommend that the RegistrarGeneral.should appoint Mr C. H. Street -and .Mr J . A. Conneil to that office, as, in their opinion, those gentlemen are properly fitted to perform its duties.

' A special meeting of the members of the Otago Licensed Victuallers' AsKociation was held on Tuesday evening at the Fire Brigade HalL and was well attended. After along discussion, the following motion vas carried, almost unanimously: — "That, in the opinion of th'S meeting, it is desirable that the members of the Association support Mr James Macandrew ,as Superintendent." Subsequently, Mr Walter tendered his resignation aB President of the ABSOci»tion, on the ground that invidious distinctions ought not ■ to be made, or special support' given by the Association' to either candidate for the Superintendency, but that every effort should be made to return members to (he Provincial Council favourable to the views of the Association. ; The Wairoa correspondent of the Southern Cross' 1 contributes the following startling 1 paragraph :— *' A meteor of extraordinary size and brilliancy, with a t»il several yards > long, and like one continuous sheet of flame, appeared in the heavens towards the mouth of the Wairoa in the north, and swept along ia a southerly direction, lighting up the ■whole firmament as if it were day. It fell in. the paddock of Mr J. S. Wilaon, on the banks of the w airoa, at about 9 o'clock p.m. on the 27th January. Search was made in the paddock, on the following morning, hut wi-hout finding anything. Suck an uncommon appearance startled the fowl, especial y the pheasants, which kept up a great commotion for some time afterwards. An old soldier. s->id it looked better than the finest rocket he had ever seen in his life."

Intelligence reached town early on Wednesday morning of the lossof the steamer Airedale off the mouth of tbe river W&itara. This steamer was one of the tirst, if not the first, vessel brought out to the colony by the Intercolonial Royal Mail Company (subsequently converted into the Panama and New Zealand Royal Mail Company), after the formation of that Company, and has been regularly trading on this coast ever since. Captain Kennedy, her commander, ia wall known as a skilful seaman and courteous gentleman. The place where the Airedale was wrecked lies some eight or ten miles north of New Plymouth, and i« aa exceed ingly dangerous spot for a vessel to be oaught in during mi ty weather or the prevalence of a south- west;, gale j indeed, the whole eoa&t thereabouts is feared by mariners. The Airedale is not the first vessel that has been wrecked at the Waitara, although the shipping list of the port of New Plymouth has never been an extensive one. It is very gratifying to know that both the English mails, which were on board the Airedale, and the passenger 8, were saved.

Instructions have been issued to the Police officers throughout the province to collect the ballot-papers for the election of a Superintendent, with all possible haste, after the day of polling, as they are made returnable in Dunedin within three days after it. Under ordinary circumstances, it would be absolutely impossible to send the paper to Dunedin from all corners of tha province within three days, and consequently the officials are required to apare no expense in making the necessary arrangements*. Relays of men and horses are accordingly being provided, the men being under instructions to ride at posthaste, while the ferrymen are enjoined to keep awake at their posts, in order that the horsemen may be ferried over with all possible speed. We do not understand the necessity for this extraordinary display of energy, seeing that the papers might have been made returnable in tea days as easily as in three. Some members of the Council will probably think it worth while, during next session, to call for a return showing the expense to which the province haß toen put by this

arrangement.

A code of regulations, made by the Governor in .Council, under " The Government Officers' Guarantee Act. 1870," has just been published. All officers permanently employed in the Civil Departments of the New- Zealand Government, with certain exceptions, after twelve months' tenure of office, must henceforth be guaranteed, by a system of mutual assurance, the amount to which each officer is to be assured varying in proportion to his salary, according to the following scale : on salaries of from L 75 to LIOO. L 30 0; LiOO to Ll5O, L4OO ; Ll5O to L2OO, L6OO ; L2OO

to L 250, LSOO ; L 250 to L3OO. LIOOO ; L3OO

to L 350, LI2OO j L 350 toL4OO, LI4OO ; L4OO .to L450,<L1600 ; L 450 toLSOO, L 1800; LSOO

:to -L 550,' L 200 0; L 550 to L6OO, L 220 0; : ;L6OO and upwards, L 2500; A Board to coas iduct the business arising from the> introduc- , tion of, the system has been appointed, .consisting of Mesßra G. L. Cooper. Under ' Secretary ; J. Woodward, Assistant Treasurer; C. T. Batkin, Paymaster- General ; Or. E. Eliot, Secretary-General, Post-office ; and W. Seed, Secretary, Customs Depart-

Oiir! correspondent at Macraes writes:— Mr Reid addressed a meeting at Maoraes ; on ' Saturday, 14th inst. There was a very •m*ll attendance. Mr Reid spoke for about

15 minutes, and his speech consisted entirely of uncalled-for replies to the various items in . Mr Macandrew'a programme. , But though the, audience were cold, as is the nature of * . Macraes, audience, a few questions wete asked * find the meeting seemed satisfied with ; Mr Rej|d. After a pause, the vote declaring Mr, Reid "a fill and proper person" was - earned nem. con, \ M the nma plaoe on

addressed an audience double ' that of Mr Reid. He was eagerly qusßtiorißd, and there evidently were dissentients at the meeting. A vote of confidence wns put aud lost, and although Mr Macand»ew suggested a vote of thanks, none was proposed. On both occasions Mr M. W, Stack presided. Probably, ere this reaches you, Mr Douglas, who is a candidate for the Waihemo in the Provincial Council, will have addressed the electors He is announced so to do. It will be a close fight between him aud Mackenzie. Mr Armstrong, of JSTaseby, intends to contest the Mount Ida seat in the Provincial Council.

Mr Donald Reid addressed the electors of Hyde ou the sih instant at the Royal M» il Hotel, Hyde. Mr James Ramsay occupied the chairl Mr Reid addressed the meeting At some length, and at the close of his speech answered a great many questions on subjects of general interest. The following resolution was proposed by Mr M. A. Collins, and seconded by Mr H. M'Aulay— "That this meeting having heard the views expressed by Mr Reid, beg to pass a vote of confidence in him, and pledges itself to support; him at the forthcoming election of Superintendent." Mr. M. S. Daffy proposed, and Mr Quinlan seconded, the following queer amendment — '• That this meeting thanks Mr Re;d for his address, and pledges itself not to piss any vote to support him at the fortbooming election, until they hear the views of the other oandidate, as we intend to vote for measures not men." On the amendment being put to the meeting, there were four hacda held up for it whereas on the original mo ion beiog put, a forest of h%nd» ware uplifted, and consequently it was c rried by »n overwhelming majority. Mr Reid briefly returned th*nks, and ttie meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, procosed by Mr Reid, and carried by acclamation.

The Oamarrr Times, under the head ins; of " Counting thoir chickens, &c., ;> comments thus on a telegram lately published in this journal : — " In a very tastefully worded telegram, signed ' Millar, F.f s . A.,' which appe&re in the Daily Times, Mr Macandrew's meeting here is spoken of as 'a great success, ' and the ' assembled multitude' are reported as having dispersed « ith cheers for Macandrew, the people's tried friend, and a grunt from Donald's pig f<>r Reid." Now, the fact w-.s that nothing was said about "the people's triad friend," cheers being giv^n for Mr Macandrew and also for Mr Reid. Hud a show of hands as to Mr Macandrew's candidature been taken, we opine that as many would have been held up against him hb tor him ; for though it is possible Mr JVlaoandrew may poll a majority here, yet the other candidate ia sure of a respectable number of votes. Who miy f<e the porker supposed to have "grunted " at the meeting we are unable to aay, but we would advise Mr Macandrew'a supporters to work bard if they mean to save their bacon. The Daily Times well observes that the jumlant telegram referred to " speaks for itself."

Oar Biverfcon correspondent writes on February 11 : — "Wehaveenjoyedabeautiful period ot fine weather this season. The last tw© weeks have been showery, with an occasional burster or two ; bat rain was muoii wanted for the graßS lands. Tha dry weaher will douot'6Bß affect the cereals on the r\dgeu, bat the lands on the river bed will give a crop beyond the usual average, if the season proves favournblo for gathering it in. The s. a. Storm B rd came in here on the 4th iust., bringing a quantity of gooda and several passengers. She lefb again on Monday morning, wrh a fair cargo. She ia well adapted for the trade of this port. The T*iroa, 8.8., arrived in the early part of the week, bringing timber, &c, lor the telegraph station, which ia progressing rapidly under the hands ot Messrs Guna and Beer. Our imports are steadily increasing from year to year, and the Customs receipts during the past season have very nearly reached the maximum of 1566. Trade is steady, and other evidences «re not wanting of returning prosperity for the district. Orepuki will be busy next week, Wednesday, 15th, being the po ling day for the district of Wallac, of which it forms a part. They are much in want of a water supply oit that goldfield.

It may be worth while to mention a clause of iha new Byelaw, which provides that— Any owner or driver of any hay cart or other vehicle who, whilst suoh hay carb or other vnhiele ia passing through or along any street in the city unloaded, negiecca to have tha projecting fc^mo detached from the body of the cart in such a manner as not tvj be an obstruction to tho public, nor dangerous to life or limb, shall he liable to a penalty not exceeding L 5. Tho provisions of this clause can be complied with by having a frame which, on the hay ■ being taken off oan he folded over, so as not to project over the sides, no objection being taken to its projecting over tbe back or front of the cart. The inside part of the frame could, to a width not exceeding the width of the oart, bo made rigid. Projecting flips oan be attached to each side of the rigid part of the frame, care being taken to put the hinges on tho top. When the cart is loaded, tho flaps with the pressure upon them will of course be immoveable, and when the hay has beon taken off, they can be folded over, on to the stiff part of the frame. It is now nearly a month ago since persons were first summoned nuder this bye-law, and yet the plea of ignorauoe is still raised, a plea which the Bench does not accept., Mr Maoandrew met the settlers of the Blueekjn (jUtriot on Satgrday eTenlog, ia

the Waitati Hotel. There was a good attendance. Mr James Green was voted to the chair. Mr Wacandrew a<ldres«ed the meeting as a candidate for the Superintendency, and afterwards replied to a number of questions on political subjects. Mr M. Ferrier moved, and Mr Pullar seconded, a resolution that Mr Macandrew is the fittest candidate to fill the office of Superintendent, and to hecome the representative of Port Chalmers in the General Assembly. To this, Mr M'Gregor moved as an amendment, which wao seconded by Mr W. Park, that Mr Donald Reid is the fittest candidate for the Superintendency. A great disturbance arose, amidst which the amendment was put and lost, and the original moiion carried. — On Monday evening, Mr Jago, one of the candidates for the representation of Port Chalmers in the General Assembly, addressed a well-attended meeting in the Waitati Hotel. Mr James Green occupied the chair. A motion by Mr Quayle, seconded by Mr Canning, giving the thanks of the meeting to Mr Jago, and pledging it to support him, was carried by a large majority , only five hands being held, up for an amendment merely thanking Mr Jago for his address.

The opening of the ' ' Antidote," Dunedin division of the Sons of Temperance, took plaoe on Wednesday evening, the Sth inst., in the hall beneath the Congregational Church. A large number of gentlemen availed themselves of the opportunity of becoming members. The mooting was opened at 7-30 by those who were willing to join as members with some preparatory business, which was continued till about 8 o'clock, when there arrived from Port Cnalmera a number of members of tha Order — B.ms and daughters of temperance — m all about thirty ladies aud gentlemen, to participate in the ceremony, which was then conducted by Bro. Asher, D G.W P., >.esisted by officers of the Port Chalmers division. The ceremony being ended, and the brethren duly admitted into the fellowship of the order, the following were elected aad installed as officers of the Division:— Bro. F. Graham, W. P. ; Bro Rose, W.A : Bro. R, N. Adams, H S. ; Bro. Peters, A R.S. ; Bro. Cainie, P.S. ; Bro. M'Bride, Treasurer ; Bro. Renaie, Chap ; Bro. Dods, Con ; Bro. Wileon, AC. j Bro Sinclair, 1.5. ; Bro. Scott, O.S. The new officers being duly invested, assumed the control of the meeting, which tht-n retired to Mr Murray's Room* for refreshments. After the company had done justice to the liberal supply of good things, speech making of a congratulatory and encouraging nature was indulged in, and the friends separated after a most pleasantly spens evening.

In noticing the arrival of the Swedish and Norwegian ioimig-ants by the Celaeno at Wellington a few days since, the Independent says: — ''Oi the whole everyone seemed to be satisfied with the look of our Teutonic friends, who from their appearance are not likely to cause any apprehension amongst the working class of the town. Taey of course have a very foroign look, and do nob look too intelligent ; but as they are all healthy, and possess a good physical development, they will no doubt prove very acceptable settlers in some country distrbt." Ihe Evening Post says : — " We may conolnde that we have now received the first fruits of the Vogel policy, in the shape of the batch of Swedish immigrants who arrived yesterday. True, they have rather anticipated in their arrival the money which was to provide means of etop'oyment for them but what of that ? The Government, as it is said has undertaken to find th«m, at the Colony's expense, house-room and food until tbey are placed in employment, and it is further seated thai, if ?my or ad of them are dissatisfied with New Zealand, after a short triai, they will be sour, back to Sweden, at tbe expense ot the tax-payers of this colony. The advertistim^ut, which appeared ia the Independent a short time ago, shows how the Government intends to provide for them, viz., by putting them at low wages in th« place of mechanics, who are now employed."

The following paragraph is takea frem the Oamaru Times :— An answer to a question pnfc to a oaudidate upon a recent occasion, helps to illustrate a carious and somewhat! equivocal phase in the administration of Provincial revenue. The answer is by Mr Murcott, and, aa reported ia our iosue of February 3rd, is as follows :— " He did not know why Mr Leegatt had not been paid the mouey voted for him, and thought it was leading the people aatray by voting money for cerfciiu purposes, and then not paying the same." Actuated by a spirit of curiosity, we have made enquiry, aud find that upon two occasions a sum of LSO was voted by the Council, for payment of Keachouster'a salary at Moeraki, and placed upon the Appropriation Ordinance of each session, and that thn Government on each occasion declined to pay the money. We are unable to say upon what grounds the objection to pay was based, we presume the votes did not pass the Council withoutdue enquiry being made into their necessity. Were ie not for tho oblique light thrown upon the subject by Mr Murcott's answer, it iaprobable the aff iir wouldhave continued to remain in darkness. As it is, we trust that the member for the district, whoever ho may be, will make it his business to enquire into the matter, and that we shall be spared the scandal of what, no far as we have means of jadging at present, appears to be a repudiation of an admitted liability. We understand this is the only money voted for the payment of the Beaohmaste/s salary at Moeraki eince 1866.

Tha case of Driwr v. Diok, which had been so mob talked about dnricg tbe w«k

wag brought before Mr Tnlton,' at 'tKe" fieri* dent Magistrate's Court, on Friday. Tha.defeudnnt;,. a printer, van charged with bjbvibg printed and published a libel concerning the plaintiff. At the beginning of the week, placards purporting to contain a copy i of a lettar from the complainant to Mr John Treweek, were posted in different parts of the city, hearing the i "print of Messrs Mills, Dick, and Co. On Friday, Mr Barton, who appeared with Mr Bathgate for the d> fendant, applied for a remand *on the gronnd that he had not had' time to subpoena witnesses, and aiso to finable binvto secure the attendance of Mr John Treweek, who is supposed to he poisessed of the origin >I 'etier. Mr Birton also stared that Mrs Oroker, who hvi seen the letter, and knew the complainant's handwritiu?, was present. Her evidence, ho-wftver, was not taken. Mr James Smith, who appeared with Mr Macassey for the complainant, opposed the application for a remand, urging that' r it would be unfair to compel the complainant to remain one day unnecessarily under the imputation cast upon him by tbe publication of the libel. The Magistral admitted that by adjourning the case the complsiriant would sustain a hardship, but as the sum* mons whs only served three days ago/the defendant had sc» r oely had sufficient time to prepare his defence, and therefore' he would agree to postpone the case for a week.

Mr Maoandrew, as candidate for re-elec-tion to the c.ffice of Superintendent,- ad(irussed a crowded meeting of the eleotorß at Waikonaiti, last Friday evening, in James's Hall. ■ Mr MalSocu was voted to the chair. Mr Macaudrew'n speech -was much of a sameness with others which ho has delivered in various parts of the province, briefly referring to the e9dmg political topics of tlied.ay, bub studiously avoiding the particulars, of any subject by which he might gen himself into difnoulties. A few questions were asked and answered in somewhat testy humour, but it was very remarkable that so few questions were asked, and that no effort was m?de', by rhe eleotors to oak explanations on many subjeotH on which, no doubt, Mr Macandrew could have given much information. Each of the electors seemed to think that af he was not their maa, they had no right to do 30. Towardu the olosb of the meeting Mr M.-icandrew, having calculated protty,, ao. ourately the temperament of his audience, proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, remarking at the same time that although heretofore tha oandidate had beea in the habit of taking a show of hands for and against him — now, aa there was no open voting, he did not consider jshat consistent with bal ot voting. One gentleman, however, persisted in proposing a vote ot thanks to Mr Macandrew for his address, and als» that he was a fit and proper persws for the office of Superintenden of this pro' viuce, buc the only response was hissing aad hooting, aud leaving the hall as quickly aa possible.

The annual examination of the Balelatb* District School w»b held on Thursday week. The Rev. A. B. A mot and several members of the School Committee assisted the teacher (Mr Todd) in conducting the examination. After a searching examination of the children in the various subjects of study for trie past yea r , the Chairman of Commit" cc, in expressing the pleteuro h« felt at witnessing the attainments of the children, announced the prize list as follows :— Bible Class: John M'NVill and Jessie Ross (equal). Music : 1, Robert dv son ; 2, Lucy Townaend. Advanced Render : section 1, Lucy Townseud ; section 2, Jessie Ross. Progressive Lessons: 1, Peter M Neii ; 2, Arthur Finn j 3, Maggie Lindsay. Sixth Book : 1, J Sharp ; 2, J. Brown ; 3, Sarah Albert. Fifth Book :i, Betsy \Jarr. Fourth Book : 1, Gsorjre Stewart; 2. George Carr. Geography: J. Hudson. Grammar : John M'Neil. Writing : John Hudson and Jessie Ross (equal). The following pupils w«re also awarded prizes for regular attendance : — John M'Noil, Jessie Koas, Peter M'Neil, Mageie Lindsay, Johnston Brown, Sarah Albert, Betsey C*rr, and George Oarr. A'ter the announcement of the prize list, the Rev. A. B. Arnot complimented the children upon the very creditable appearance they had made, and expressed the hope that they would still continue to progress. Mr Augus Ross, r&preseating the School Committed, expressed his. hi>;h satisfaction with the result of tha examination, and in the course of his remarks stated that he had never seen more' accuracy displayed ia spelling in any school ;he had visited. After the announcement of a month's holiday, the children were dismissed, highly elated with the day's proceedings. Mv Dillon Bell, in his late speeoh at Invercargill, is reported in the Southland News to have spoken as follows :: — v Iz wa3 almost at melancholy thought that this colony, teaming with natural wealth, should contain throughout its bounds a population of only a qua-ter of a million — leßa than the oiy of Birmingham. All they had to do was to bestir themselves •> the feeling in England was most favourable towards thorn. Large, shipown-rs were ready to transport emigrants, and people of the highest rank io> society were eager to assist the migration, itthe Government of the colony woald only show good groands for uelieviog that thepeople would be settled on the land. Onegreat objeot the Commissioners hail in view when going to England was to restore ther public credit of New Zealand, by explainingto capitalists its really sound position. In this they had been so far successful that the oonndenoe of city men in its resources an& future had been renewed, and there would, consequently, be no difficulty whatever m nwiog tbewpiW tbot might oo legitimately

and prudently applied for public works and immigration. With reference to the former, the Commissioners took care to obtain the opinions and advice of the highest engineering authorities, and certain offers bad been made which would in doe course Qome before the Assembly. They had, he wou'd repeat, the fullest assurance from capitalists and companies that the necessary fnnds would be forthcoming whenever required. The great point would be for the Government to go into the various under, takings in a cautions and discerning spirit, not rueh'ng hastily or taking in hand too many things at once."

Tb«» following letter has been handed to US by Mr Driver for publication :— [Copy.] "Dunedin, 11th February, 1871. 'ToHenty Driver, Esq. — Sir — I have to ezpresß my unqualified regret that 1 should have boen the means of unintentionally injuring your character by the publication of the libellous placards which have been recently circulated in this city, and which have purported to disclose a copy of a letter addressed by you to Mr John Treweek. I have further to say that the placards referred to were published by me under the instructions of Mr Alexander M'Leod. given to my oolleotor, Mr Booth, at Mr Donald Reid's Central Committee Boom. In conclusion, I pedge myself to render yon every assistance in bringing the real offender or offenders to justice. — I am, Sir, your obedient servant (Signed), John Dick. Signed in the presence of Thomas Dick, J.P." The fol towing has been handed to us by Mr Beid's Committee for publication :— "I, John Dick, of Dtmedin, in the province of Otago and colony of New Zealand, printer, do solemnly and Micerely rieolare — 1. That I did not receive from the Chairman or any member of Mr Itouatd Heid's Committee any authority or •motion for the printing or publishing of the alleged letter of Mr Driver and Mr Tweweek. 2. That to the best of my information and belief none of the members of the said Committee knew of its publication, or that I intended to print or publish it. And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of an Aofc of the General Assembly of New Zealand, entitled 'The Justices of the Peace Act, 1866.'— John Dick.—Deolared and Bufsoribtd at Dunedin aforesaid, this eleventh day of February, 1871, before me, H. S. Fish, jun., a Justice of the Peace ior the Colony of New Zealand."

We have received the following telegram, which speakß for itself :—": — " Oamaru, February 10th. — An election meeting with regard to the Saperintendeney was held yesterday evening in the Volunteer Drill- shed. Bib Worship the Mayor (J->mes Udall, Esq.) was in the chair. The meeting was a great success so far as Mr Maoandrew's candidature for re-election to the Soperintendeocy is concerned. His speech lasted for two hours, ably dispelling the erroneous opinions which have been industriously circulated ty a veaomous Opposition throughout the province. Amongst other mat era, he displayed and read to the meeting the Treweek letter in red, together with the antidote to the poison— » telegram from Mr Henry Driver — us follows :: — * James Macandrew : Sir — A placard has been posted about the town, purporting to be a letter from myself to Tteweek, in which your name i 8 freely used It is a deliberate lie and forgery from beginning to end. I never wrote such a letter, and am bringing those concerned to justice. The parties will have to answer a criminal information on Friday first. If lam not mistaken, the proceedings will disclose a Best of conspirators, all of whom I will prosecute to the utmost extent of the law. As far as you are concerned, I can only say that if I had been villain enough to write such a letter, I should have been a base liar . You can make what use of this you think proper. (Signed) Hen/y Driver.' A subsequent cross-examination took place upon all sorts of matters— public works, immigration, the land laws, Otago Hundreds Act, Oamaru dock, &c— lasting till long after 10 o'clock, when the meeting affirmed its opinion by a cordial vote of thanks, passed almost unanimously, the only dissentients being Messrs Shnmski and Co., the auctioneers. The assembled multitnde then dispersed with cheera for Mac andrew, the people's tried friend, and a axma& from Donald's pig for Reid. — Millar, F.8.A."

Mr Maeandrew addressed a meeting of the electors of Hyde en Tuesday, the 7th inst. ; but, owing to the inconvenient hour for which the meeting was called, there was but a small attendance. Mr John Laverty was in the chair. Mr Macandrew spoke at some length on the Financial Scheme, sad touched on several other points of interest. At the close of bis address. Mr Qainlan proposed a vote of thanks to him for his address, and the meeting ■concluded with the usual compliment to the chairman.— Mr Maoandtew also addressed the electors at. Hampden on Thursday laat, at I p.m., an hour inconvenient to many of the settlers, who are now busy with the harvest. The attewdanoe wao consequently limited to *boufc 40 persons. Mr P. IT. Stoddact oooapied the chair, Mr Macandrew spoke at considerable length oa the chief topics of political interest, and «lao answered a number of questions. Among the answers given by him to the latter, he *ftid tbat he had not sent a message to the Oonnoil, recommending an increase of salary to the Superintendent;. It was true taat the Estimates went down in a mess <£c from him and that they included an increase of salary to the Superintendent, bat it was the usual custom to send down the Estimate! m a acute*. Hji worst' enemies could sot |«Sfc to # WW&W? ***** W^ '?'

gard to commonages, he said that the first thing to be done was to get the Grown grant out of the hands of the Government : tmt before commonage could be got the land laws must; be amended. He had been a party to the Otago Hundreds Regulation Act Amendment Aot, 1870, but had nothing to do with the Aot 18t>9. It was in the interests of justice and equity that he voted for the 3s 6d compensation olause. Under the Otago Settlements Act, 1869, power was given te grant land <o settle- s free, and land for such a purpose was available at Stewart's Island, and between Catlin's River and Waikawa. At the olose of the proceediags a vote of thanks was given to Mr Macandrew for his address.