News of the Week

Otago Witness, Issue 1115, 12 April 1873, Page 14

News of the Week

The Ahaura and Grey Rivers are reported so be so low as to be completely impractio able for boating.

A very large number of the beautiful floating marine fish known as the nautilus, or "Portuguese man-o'-war," were blown on shore at VVangarei (Auckland) last week,

The township of Hikutaia, at the Thames, which, before the opening of the block to gold diggers, it was supposed would be a second Grahamstown, has now a population of about six persons. The North Otago Times says :—": — " We are just now experiencing a return of summer weather, warm days, with occasional showers. If this sort of thing lasts long, the fruit trees will be flowering a second time."

There is a project on foot to start & new evening journal in Wellington, to be published by a joint-stock company, with a capital of £2uOo. The promoter of the scheme is Mr Mahoney, fate of the New Zealand Advertiser.

A movement is on foot in Christchurch with the object of starting a company for the manufacture of paper. So far, the projectors have been encouraged to persevere in their efforts.

Upon Sir George Bowen's arrival at Kororareka, he was entertained with a war dance by about 350 Ngapuhi and Rarawa natives. The dance was led off by a quiet lookirg Maori woman dressed in mourning and Wi Katene, M.H.R.

During the quarter ended 31st March last, there were 41 births — 23 males and 18 females — registered in the district of Port Chalmers, and 11 deaths — 7 males and 4 females. Five marriage certificates were issued during the same period.

The New Zealand Church News for April contains a fair summary of general intelligence, and a number of articles of interest to Churchmen. A report is given of the lecture delivered in Dunedin by Bishop Nevill last month on "What we know about Angels."

A correspondent sends us the following extract from a Chicago paper :—": — " The Evangelist is an orthodox magazine published at Dunedin, New Zealand. It manifests an intensely wicked spirit towards Spiritualists, and if its editors had the power they wonld suppress the freedom of speech."

Partridges appear to thrive well in this Province. In a paddock in the Palmerston district no less than three or four coveys, or about forty birds, were recently observed. A correspondent, writing about the partridges, says they manage to escape the hawks much better than was expected.

A meeting of Justices for the revision of the jury list for the district of Dunedin, which includes a radius of 20 miles, was held at the Resident Magistrates' Court on the 4th instant. Those in attendance were Mr I. N. Watt, R.M., and Mr J. Brown, J.P. There were no claims for exemption.

A man named Arthur Edward Hastings, a well known member of the turf, was received into the G-aol on the 4th instant, committed for trial at the ensuing Criminal Sessions by Mr Vincent Pyke, R.M., Lawrence, on two charges of obtaining money by means of valueless cheques at Lawrence.

A correspondent of a Christchurch paper asks :—": — " Why is it that in none of the steamers working between Melbourne and New Zealand is a single bath-room to be found ? Is it by way of a breaking-in for Colonial life, that one has to do that detestable journey without washing, or, Colonially speaking 'in the grease ?' "

Mr John Williamson announces in the Auckland papers his intention to offer himself as a candidate for the Superintendency of Auckland at the approaching election. The Bay of Plenty Times learns upon good authority, that Mr J. S. Macfarlane, of Auckland, intends to come forward as a candidate for the same office.

It is a very common notion that the police are privileged not to mention in Court the names of persons from whom they "have received information ; but in the cross-exa-mination of Sub-Inspector Mallard, at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, this objection was raised by Mr Haggitt, and ove/-rule<£ and a name was mentioned.

The Illustrated New Zealand Herald for this month is a very good number, the illustrations being well executed, and the subjects of an interesting character It contains an excellent representation of the Rangitata Bridge, with a full account of its construction. New Zealand scenery is represented by " The Devil's Boot "—a very remarkable rock 'near Nelson.

A meeting in connection with the Taieri Annual Races is to be held at the Mosgiel Hotel on Thursday next. We understand that the races are likely to prove very successful this year. About £200 will be run for. and a number of Dunedin sporting men are taking an active interest in the races. A full programme will be published in a few days.

We are requested by Messrs Driver, Stewart, and Co., agents for the San Francisco mail steamers, to state that the Nebraska will not return to San Francisco ; consequently there will be no outward mail. No earlier intimation could be given, as Messrs Driver, Stewart, and Co. only received their instructions on the 4th inst., by telegram vid Melbourne.

In an article referring to the recent Ministerial crisis in this Colony, the Melbourne Argus says :—": — " Party warfare and the rancour of political partisanship are carried to extreme lengths in these Colonies, but we do not remember an instance in which malice and vindictiveness have been exhibited so offensively, and at the same time so ludicrously, as they have been manifested by Mr Waterhouse."

A contemporary states that during the hearing of a recent case of selling liquor on a Sunday, preferred against an Auckland publican, Inspector Broham told the Bench that in his opinion " it would be far better if the public-houses were allowed to be open on Sundays ; the police would then be cognisant of what was going on. At present the sale of liquor could not be prevented. " The case in question broke down.

The Tokomairiro paper states that there is every indication that a good variety of game will soon be plentiful in that district. A few days ago Mr Mark Dale, in going his rounds upon his' farm, flushed three coveys of partridges and raised three hares. Eeports also concur in showing that the pheasants in this neighbourhood have increased satisfactorily during the past season, and are spreading over the surrounding districts.

A crowd collected in front of an auction mart in Auckland one afternoon recently. The cause turned out to be that a man was in a vehement manner charging a boy with having stolen his walking-stick. The boy denied having done so, and when the altercation began to lose interest as it grew less abusive, a gentleman stepped forward and handed the missing stick to the accusing party, stating that he had seen him leave it in the office.

Duringthe quarter ended 31st March, there have arrived at this port from the United Kingdom, 302 males, 177 females ; from the Australian Colonies, 167 males, 84 females ; from Hong Kong, 6 males : making a total of 475 males and 261 females. The departures have been — to the United Kingdom, 44 males, 31 females ; the Australian Colonies, 257 males, 81 females ; Hong Kong, 10S males : making a total of 409 males and 112 females. This leaves a balance in favour of the Province of 215 souls.

Dr Hector (says the Wellington Post) is gone to the West Coast, in order to push on the geological survey of the Ngakawhau coal field. It will be remembered that the recent large coal discoveries there were made by Dr Hector's assistants, when engaged in cutting survey lines. A geological examination of the country is being made, preparatory to an engineering survey of the best route for a railway to connect the coal field with Westport. This line has been authorised by Parliament, but it is a work which is not likely to be immediately undertaken.

According to' an Auckland paper, a story is told of certain advice given to Sir George Bowen previous to his departure for Victoria by a gentleman from the Thames. " Whatever you do, Sir George, there are two sections of the community that you must please in order to be popular. In the first place be sure and attend all the race meetings in a four-in-hand with four flunkies in attendance on you, and mind you put your hand deep in your pocket. Secondly, whenever you give your patronage to any entertainment, always attend, and never fail to pay for your ticket."

New Zealand tlax or hemp is being converted to a novel use. At a late meeting of the Dublin Microscopical Society, Professor M'Nab gave some details of his examination of the "vegetable hair" (brought forward by Dr Frazer, at a previous meeting) now much used for the manufacture of "chignons," and forming a beautiful glossy "hair" capable of being dyed any (fashionable) colour; Dr M'Nab, however, had arrived at the conclusion that this was produced from the New Zealand flax, the fibres being used in the rough, the finer portions not being eliminated.

The Southland Times learns "that the lessee of the Auckland Islands is our fellowtownsman, Dr Monckton. The lease is for a period of twenty-one years, at a nominal rent. Conditions, however, are appended to the effect that stores and buildings are to be provided with the view of affording relief, if required, to shipwrecked mariners or others who may find themselves cast on these hitherto desolate shores, for which a subsidy of £200 per annum is granted. The islands are in latitude 50 degrees south, and lie nearly in the track of homeward bound vessels from Melbourne."

The Acclimatisation Society forwarded to Tokomairiro on Wednesday morning, 100 skylarks, which were brought down by Mr Bills from Nelson to the order of the Society. The biids are in excellent condition, and the Society has followed its usual practice of liberating the birds in one lot. Mr G. W. Langley has been requested by the Society

to select a suitable locality in the Tokomairiro district for liberating the larks, and we trust that the settlers in the neighbourhood will do everything in their power to protect these welcome strangers. The birds were taken down under the care of Mr Bills and Mr Deans.

A new dramatic season was inaugurated at the Queen's Theatre on Monday. The first portion of the entertainment — the play of " Masks and Faces " — we were unable to witness, and cannot therefore speak of the dramatic abilities of those members of the Company whose faces are not yet familiar to Dunedin audiences. The concluding play, " The Man in Possession," gave Mr J. P. Hydes an opportunity, which did not escape him, of luring the audience into an apparently very genial state of mind, judging by the laughter and applause which were frequently heard. In doing this, Mr Hydes was ably seconded by Mr South.

The Arrowtown correspondent of theDunstan Times states that Chinese labour has come considerably into fashion of late. " European workmen are scarcely to be had for love or money ; and to find a man wanting work is almost as difficult as to find a good claim. In building the" stonework for the Presbyterian Church, Chinese labour was profitably employed ; and now our Improvement Committee have broken the ice, and John Chinaman may be seen repairing the streets. These Celestial workmen are really very efficient, and I question much whether Europeans would do more. The wages paid to the children of the Flowery Land is five shillings per day."

Mr Stanley, in his new book (says the New Zealand Herald) speaks of the great commodiousness of " the Otago pack-saddle" in traversing difficult country. Although the name indicates the origin of the design, yet Mr James Wiseman, a saddler in Auckland, was the first to execute a large order of these saddles for the military in New Zealand. They were subsequently used in the Abyssinian campaign, and have become one of the regulations in the War Office. Various improvements have been made, suggested by further experience. They are most convenient for mountain travel or exploring purposes.

A meeting of the Mornington Total Abstinence Society and Band of Hope was held in the Mornington Schoolhouse on Monday. Mr Hardy presided. There was an average attendance, and a few songs, readings, and recitations helped to enliven the meeting before the serious business of the evening commenced. The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year then took place with the following result : — President, Mr Hardy ; Vice-Presi-dent, Mr D. Nicol, sen. ; Treasurer, Mr J. Freeman ; Secretary, Mr W. H. Matheson ; Librarian, Mr J. L. Nicol ; Sub- Librarian, Mr N. Douglas, jun. ; Committee : Messrs Wilson, Morris, Condry, Douglas, Pringle, and Barr.

An Invercargill paper gives the following account of an accident already reported by telegraph :—": — " We regret to announce another accident — it is feared of a fatal nature — which occurred on Sunday, the 29th ult. Two lads, sons of Mr T. Trumble and Mr K. M'lvor, were boating on the Oreti, when the boat appears to have come in contact with a snag, and capsized. The lad M'lvor succeeded in clinging to the snag, and was ultimately rescued by Mr George Trumble, who arrived on the scene half an hour after. Nothing, however, could be seen of the younger Trumble (William), but it is understood that M'lvor says he went down stream, and as he could swim a little, some hope was entertained that he might have reached the bank."

A curious circumstance occurred during the passage of the s.s. Alhambra from Melbourne. On Wednesday, the 2nd inst. , when the steamer was about 120 miles from the West Cape, considerable surprise was occasioned to the passengers on deck by a bird coming on board, almost at their feet, where it was secured. It proved to be a pukeko, or swamp hen, and it seemed to be completely exhausted. It was conjectured that the bird had been blown to sea from New Zealand, though that seems hardly possible, when its very limited flying powers, and the distance of the steamer from land when it came on board, are considered. That it really did come on board in the manner stated, however, we are able to affirm on the authority of an eye-witness.

The Waikato Times laments the existence of professional drunkards, who, under the garb of " medical men," with diplomas to " kill or cure, lay themselves out^to minister to the wants of country districts, and are a disgrace to the fraternity." It says: — "We are of opinion that Parliament, at its very next sitting, should pass an Act by which it shall be possible to clip the wings of evil birds who habitually bring disgrace upon every member of their profession, and who have sunk beneath the level above which a man's selfrespect to some extent influences his actions. Power must be vested in somebody to suspend the certificates of medical men for gross misconduct. As the law at present stands, a doctor, on whom the lives of many men may depend at any moment, can drink, or otherwise render himself unfit for his mission, and there are no means of punishing him."

The Natives in the North Island are preparing already for the reception of our new Governor. The Raglan correspondent of the Southern Cross writes: — "A numerouslysigned petition has been sent by the leading native chiefs of this district to the Hon. Donald M'Lean, requesting that Raglan be the place selected for the native meoting to welcome the new Governor, Sir James 3?er£Ußson, They urge that Raglan is more cen-

trally situated, and that a larger number will attend there than at Ngaruawahia, or elsewhere. A great numbsr of Haubaus have promised to attend the meeting if held at Raglan ; and no doubt advantage should be taken of their presence to disseminate our views among their brethren at Kawhia. Should the natives receive a favourable reply from Mr M'Lean, there will, moat probably, be a gathering of not less than 2000 natives to welcome Sir James Fergußson to our shores."

The interpreters of the drama in Wellington are apparently well supported by the public of that city. Their efforts also, and particularly those of the leading members, are favourably recognised. Of the representation of "Gamille," on the 3rd inst., the Independent remarks : — "A more critical examination of Miss Colville's impersonation of the heroine discovered new beauties in her conception and pourtrayal of the character, which stamp Miss Colville as an actress of the first order of talent in the dramatic art. The power which she exercised over the feelings of the audience were frequently testified to by the rapturous applause showered upon the actress at the conclusion of each scene, and taken together with Mr Steele's acting in the piece, it is questionable if the public of Wellington have been treated to such an, excellent theatrical performance before. "

At a meeting of the Waipori Miners' Association Committee, held on the sth inst., it was resolved that a public meeting be held on the evening of Saturday, 19th April, at the Oddfellows' Hall, Waipori, to consider the advisability of the General Government taking charge of the goldfields of the Province, as well as the appointment of a Minister of Mines. It was also resolved that the practicability of constructing a storm channel at the Lower Gorge, to facilitate the working of the Waipori Flat, be taken into consideration at the same meeting. Complaint was made by several members of Committee of the amount of unnecessary expense and loss of time the miners and residents of the district are put to in consequence of the very irregular visits of the Warden to Waipori. It was decided that if the failure ol the Warden to appear on the appointed days continued, the Committee would lay the matter before the proper authorities.

The New Zealand Herald states that the following letter has been addressed to Major Gordon by the Hon. Julius Vogel — "Auckland, 20th March, 1873. Dear Major Gordon — I wish to give something to the value of 20 guineas to be shot for by the Volunteers of the Thames and Auckland districts in Auckland. I think it better to leave the winner to choose what he would like to have purchased for the money, but I should prefer he would select something substantial, such as a cup, a watch, or a ring, or a gun or a rifle — something, in short, to remind him of his triumph. I leave to you, after consulting the Volunteers, to fix the terms, distances, &c, of the match. Mr Macfarlane has been good enough to say that the Auckland Steam Packet Company will carry the competitors from the Thames free. — Yours, &c, Julius Voueo. P.S. — I leave you to fix a day which will be agreeable alike to the Auckland and Thames Volunteers." The above is a very pretty compliment paid to oiir Volunteers. The contest will no doubt be a very exciting one, and will be looked forward to with considerable interest.

The "Wellington Post, in an article commenting upon the manner in which the business of the Telegraph Departments transacted, says : — "A singular incident occurred on the 26th February, on the evening of which Mr Stafford made his speech at Timaru. A telegram, giving such particulars about the Ministerial crisis as were then known, was left at the Wellington office at 3.30 p.m., for transmission to Timaru, and, if promptly forwarded, would have been published in that evening's issue of the Timaru and Gladstone Gazette, and might possibly have influenced Mr Stafford in his remarks. This message was not delivered until nine o'clock at night, so that Mr Stafford had no opportunity of perusing it before addressing the electors, while, strange to say, an ordinary message, which was left at the Telegraph Office at Wellington a short time after the Press message, was delivered at Timaru about five o'clock, although, by the rules of the department, the Press message should have had precedence. The circumstance jnay be capable of a simple explanation, but it certainly needs it."

The following telegram from the Hon. Mr Vogel to the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce has been kindly placed at our disposal : — "I have arranged with Mr Bishop, agent for Messrs M'Meckan, Blackwood, and Co., that the Rangitoto shall leave Wellington on Saturday evening or Sunday morning next ; Lyttelton, on Monday ; Port Chalmers, on Wednesday; and Bluff, not later than eleven on Thursday morning, the 17th. Mr Bishop is confident that if these dates are observed, the Rangitoto will reacli Melbourne in time for the mail steamer, (which leaves on the 23rd), and he has agreed to forfeit £100, being onethird of the subsidy, if she fails to do so. If the Rangitoto does not arrive on the New Zealand coast as expected, the Alhambra is, subject to the Captain's consent, to be kept here until Saturday. In that case, the Otago and Canterbury mails will be brought by the Luna, which, for that purpose, will wait at Port Chalmers until Thursday, and leave Lyttelton on Friday. This will give time for the arrival of the Rangitoto. If she fails to come in time, the Alhambra will, subject to the Captain's consent, be detained here as Stated." r

The opening match of the season of tha Dunedin Football Club came off on Saturday. The day was fine ; a number of players were on the ground ; and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. The ball was kicked off by Johnson's— the captain's— side, and although the struggle was vigorous, no goal was got at half time. The captains agreed, as this was the first day, to alJow an interval for the thirsty souls to refresh the inner man ; and the goals being then changed, the play was renewed. In a short time the first goal of the season was secured by Ferguson for Mr Thomson's side. Goals were again changed; but when time was called no other advantage had been gained by either side. Some of the new rae'mbers will prove valuable additions to the Club ; and as it seems to flourish, some country matches might be arranged, and we may look forward to the not improbable contingency of an annual Interprovincial Football Match. The rules have, we understand, been completely revised this year, and it would be as well if the members made themselves thoroughly acquainted with them— much time being lost last year in needless disputes.

The products of a native industry in Victoria, namely, the preparation of furs and skins of rabbits, cats, kangaroos, opossums, wallabies, emus, and even rats, are attracting general attention. The efforts in this line of the firm of Messrs < 'ohn and Co., of Melbourne, have received the especial notice of the Press there. The skins are transformed into rugs, mats, boas, muffs, collarets, and trimmings, which are really very beautiful, and the Melbourne Daily Telegraph, in referring to the industry, mentions that "the fur clothing is for the most part shipped to New Zealand, and finds ready sale there." Messrs Benjamin Bros., one of whom is the Dnnedin representative of Messrs Cohn and Co., have taken premises in Bank's Buildings, opposite the Bank of Otago, for the exhibition and sale of these particular goods, and they may also be purchased from drapers, ironmongers, furniture dealers, and others, in Dunedin. As showing the success attending the efforts of the above-mentioned firm, we may state that when the industry was first launched last year only about twenty persons were employed, bnt that at the present time there are over 100.

The trial of ex-sergeant Ryan for the attempted murder of Detective Farrell, terminated—as many had foretold from the commencement — in the disagreement and ultimate discharge of the jury. The jurors were locked up at 11 o'clock on Wednesday night ; but imprisonment and starvation failed to produce the desired result. At a quarter to ten o'clock on Thursday morning the jury were as far off agreement as ever, and they were consequently sent about their business. Rumour has it that a roajoritj*- of two-thirds were in favour of returning a verdict of guilty. John Gleeson was tried on Thursday for manslaughter at iNaseby, and a verdict of Not Guilty was returned. Arthur Edward Hastings was found Guilty of having obtained money under false pretences by means of a valueless cheque, and he pleaded Guilty to a second charge of attempting to obtain money by the same means. For the first offence he received a sentence of nine months' imprisonment with hard labour ; and for the second he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment without hard labour. Maurice O'Connell, who was indicted for having stolen a gold watch and chain from the Rev. Mr Baird, at Hampden, was found Not Guilty.

An inquest was held at the Inch Clutha Hotel, Inch Clutha, on the Ist inst., on the body of Robert Stuart, a labourer, aged 60. Deceased, who was a labourer employed on the Clutha end of the Railway, was well known in the district. He was at the Inch Clutha Hotel on the 23rd ult., and put aoross the Molyneux in a boat about S p.m. That was the ]ast time he was seen alive. He reached the other side. The night was very dark. Deceased was under the influence of liquor at the time, but was considered able to take care of himself. No more being heard of him, on the 27 th inst. Sergeant Finnigan and a search party in a boat examined along the edge of the river, and found about 70 yards from where he had crossed distinct marks where some one had tumbled over the bank and into the river. Deceased was the only person missing, and this left no doubt on their minds at the time that he had there fallen into the river. The body was recovered on the morning of the Ist, and about three miles down the river. It bore no marks of violence. The verdict was "Found drowned — by what means there is no evidence to show." Deceased has a brother named Gillies living at Akatore.

The establishment of a permanent Australasian Museum in London, in which each Colony could be represented, as Queensland was represented in the Exhibition of 1872, is advocated by the Lyttelton Times. Our contemporary adds :— " The Agent-General, or in the case of a Colony that is not represented in London by a high official of this description, some old colonist of standing and position, would be the trustees of such a Museum, which should be under the care of a highly qualified Director, with a staff of competent assistants. The first cost would, of course, be considerable, but if Western Australia, South Australlia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, New Zealand, and Tasmania were each to contribute— say, in proportion to population or the previous year's revenue, the individual sums would not be large. Once established in a suitable building, the annual cost of maintenance to each Colony, calcu-

lated on the same basis, would be a mere trifle, and there can be no doubt that the advantages derived by all would be incalculable. The exhibits, the practical information which intending emigrants desire to obtain, could be added to from time to time, so as to keep pace with the progress of the Colonies, and the Museum would be, as it were, a standing advertisement of the very best description."

During the sittings of the Supreme Court yesterday (says the Press of Tuesday last), a salutary lesson was read by His Honour to a couple of witnesses who had been wiling away the time until they were wanted in Court by a too free indulgence in liquid Btifflnlants. On the presentation by the Grand Jury of the last batch of true bills, the foreman (Mr Blackiston) complained to His Honour that a witness named John Alexander Coburn, in one of the cases — Regina v. Alfred Robert Sturge— whom the jury wished to examine, was not forthcoming, and that another named William Clarke Earl presented himself before the Grand Jury in a state of intoxication, refused to give his evidence properly, and finally usurped one of the jurors' chairs, from which it was necessary to invoke the assistance of a constable to eject him. His Honour directed that the delinquent should be brought before him, when, on making his appearance, in answer to a question from His Honour he denied that he had been drinking. The fact, however, was too apparent for denial, and His Honour imposed a fine of £5 for gross contempt of Court, and the money not being forthcoming the bibulous witness was removed to undergo the alternative of fortyeight hours' imprisonment. The other witness Coburn will, when, he turns up, have to show cause why a similar penalty should not be enforced in his case.

The Bruce Herald says :—": — " Although ths open season commenced on the Ist of April, we have nob heard of any great sport having been obtained amongst the native game in this neighbourhood. We understand, however, that some very good bags have been seen red. At the end of the week, when some sportsmen (?) were about, a fine old gander, belonging to a gentleman in the immediate neighbourhood, suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and all search to find him dead or alive has proved unavailing. Rifl mate came home the other day in a maimed state, and bore marks of shot in the head and various parts of the body. On Saturday last, we are informed, two keen sportsmen belonging to the township had been out all day along the river banks in search of game, but finding nothing they left for home in disgust. On passing through Mr George Elder Brown's property, their flog suddenly gave the usual indications of being in the immediate neighbourhood of game. Walking up stealthily, a fine bird was observed amongst the native grass, and to make sure of their mark our sportsmen (?) gave the bird no time to take wing, but dropped it as it stood. Both sportsmen and dog rushed forward and picked vp — a fine fat rooster ! The owner — the Chinese gardener — speedily discovered the tate of his favourite fowl, and it is said our qua-v sportsmen will have to pay pretty amartly for their questionable mistake."

Tbe Thames Advertiser gives the following account of the defection and capture of an amalgam stealer : — "For some time past Captain Richards, manager of the Caledonian mine, has had suspicions that amalgam was being systematically stolen from the Company's battery, but all efforts to confirm his belief by the detection of tb.3 robbers were unavailing. He acquainted Mr Sub-inspec tor Bullen with his suspicions, and one morning recently, about three o'clock, Constable Grace was concealed in the machine-house. He was regularly built into a small space over the battery office, from which he could obtain a good view of all that occurred in the machine - house. Here he had to remain for twelve hours, amidst smoke and dust arising from the engine and boilers. Shortly before three o'clock in the afternoon, or just before the change of shifts, he observed a man named Richard Sullivan alias James M'lntosh, \srhose duty it was to take the silver and amalgam out of the berdans, and place it in tvn enamelled pan in readiness for the amalgamator, take a piece of rag out of his breast, and squeeze portions of the silver through it. This he noticed several times. Jinally, Sullivan left the main building and ■went into the old battery building, which is on a lower level. Constable Grace then tursfc out of his position, pounced on his man, and arrested him."

A deputation from the Blneskin Road Bn-\rd, consisting of Mr Green. M.P.C., and Mr Wright, accompanied by Mr M'Permid, M"P.C, by whom they were introduced, waited upon His Honour the Superintendent la9t week, and presented a petition, requesting that a sufficient amount might be placed on the Estimates for the completion of the main road from Port Chalmers to Blueskin. It appeared that £3200 had been voted for the work. £2487 had been expended, and £713 had lapsed ; that the road commenced at Port Chalmers, and terminated, at a distance of three or four miles from Port ; that the road at present could only be ÜBed by those living along that part formed, so that the money expended to make it a main road was up to the present unproductive. It was now asked that a sufficient •mount be placed on the Estimates for the completion of the road from end to end. If the sum of £712 that had lapsed could be got, the road could be opened from end to end, and made available for light traific, but jt WOUW t»be dopble that pum to mak.e jt

available for the ordinary traffic of a main road. The road, if it were opened through, would shorten the distance between the north and interior of the Province and the Port by at least six miles. His Honour replied that he was thoroughly alive to the importance of constructing the road, and the necessity that existed for the expenditure of the money asked, and that he would bring the matter under the notice of the Executive.

During the week (says the Independent of the 31st ult.) a Jeremy Diddler has enacted in Wellington a chapter in his history, of which the ending was as ignominious as the beginning was exalted. He introduced himself to several guileless people as a person of rank and royal connections, and managed to gull an unsophisticated licensed victualler and others. He so ingratiated himself with the Boniface referred to that he obtained the use of a buggy and horses for several days ; and the man of nobblers was tbe first to rudely break the spell cast by our hero's sham, nobility, when he thought it was high time to " put money in his purse," and dire was his wrath when he found that neither purse nor scrip was to be had. The Paterson was about to sail, and the Diddler was anxious to sail with her, but in a soft moment he allowed himself to be beguiled on shore by the duped publican, who, with a genial smile, grasped his hand and told him to come on shore, as he was so charmed with his candour and gentility that he would give him a receipt in full for any trifling consideration that stood between them. Delighted with the offer, he came on shore and received the " receipt," the signature being the imprint of Boniface's knuckles in the os frontis of the would -be levanter. This exposure led to the " nobleman " losing his passage ; but he even after this managed to squeeze some modicum of success out of his misfortune ; for, in his tribulation, it is said he at once betook himself to a lady friend, and upon informing her that he had just experienced the misfortune of being beaten and robbed of all his money and luggage by two navvies, he operated on her sympathies to the extent of a few pounds. If it were not that the world afforded so many willing dupes, the occupation of the diddlers would be gone.

The Argus of the 14th ult. gives the following report of a case in which Mr Hoyt, formerly of Dunedin, was defendant :—: — "Mr Hoyt, at whose instance the Prince of Wales Theatre was built, was sued in the Supreme Court yesterday by Mr G. R. Johnson, architect, for £450, balance of commission due to him. His claim was £1300, of which £850 has been paid to him, the balance being the amount he claims. Mr Cornwall, the contractor, who was called to support the plaintiff's case, said that for the greater part of his claim Mr Hoyt paid him by bills, which were renewed several times and dishonoured ; but afc last the London Chartered Bank, who had helped Mr Hoyt throughout the transactions, paid him part of the money, and he took the remainder in shares in the new company formed to purchase the theatre. He alleged that Hoyt had represented that he had one-third interest in the freehold, and two-thirds in a 20 years' leasehold ; but it turned out there was no freehold, and only two-thirds of au interest in a six years' lease. There was an offer to give £250 ; but Mr Hoyt withdrew from it, because he said he had discovered something in the accounts. He contended that Mr Johnson had heen overpaid ; that he charged for preparing plans that were not adopted, whereas the custom was not to charge for them where others from the same architect were accepted. He also alleged that Mr Johnston had deceived him as to the cost of the theatre, inasmuch as he had told him that the expense would be £7000 or £8000, whereas it turned out to be over £14,000 ; but the explanation given of this was that Mr Hoyt would not adhere to Mr Johnson's plans, but insisted on having alterations made as the work progressed. The jury gave a verdict for plaintiff, damages £112 8s 6d."

A return showing the number of sheep iD the Province of Ofcago for the year ended 30th September last, is published in Wednesday's Gazette. In forwarding this return to the Provincial Treasurer, Mr Logic, the Chief Inspector of Sheep, reports: — "The accompanying list shows a total of 3,309,287 sheep, above six months old. 2,423,221 are returned as depasturing upon runs ; 798,898 on freehold ; 36.01S on hundreds ; and 51,150 on goltlfields. All the sheep in the Province, with the exception of those depastured on one station iv the Waitahuna district, have been free from disease for the last two years, and as there were some fears entertained regarding their condition afc the time when the return was first prepared, I deemed it advisable to hold over its publication until from personal inspection I had satis Red myself thatthey were either free from disease or otherwise. lattendedwhilethesheep were being washed and shorn in January, and was unable to detect the slightest appearance of disease. I again carefully examined them in the month of March last, being nine months after the final dressing, and never saw the flock looking better. I am happy to say that, owing to the prompt action taken by the proprietor of the station when the disease was first discovered, in the month of June (last winter), in checking it before it spread through the flock, there being only some 30 or 40 touched out of about 35,000, I am now in a position t • report that the whole of the sheep in the Province are free from disease. With a view to prevent the re-mtroductjoii 9 [ digea§e from without,

I would strongly recommend that dips be erected at the Bluff or Invercargill, Port Chalmers, and somewhere near Oamaru, and that all sheep not being intended for the butcher be dipped under proper supervision before they are allowed to travel into the interior."

An unusually large number of Chinamen were in town on Saturday morning last, and the activity and excitement prevailing made it apparent that some important Celestial business was to be transacted. About halfpast two o'clock in the afternoon, an express wagon, laden with a fine roast pig. a pair of fowls, and various delicacies of mysterious appearance, stood in front of the warehouse or Chinese Immigration Depdt, occupied by Sun War On, in Princes street. Shortly afterwards, two omnibusses and four cabs drew up in front of the same building, and the sons of the Flowery Land were packed into them with great economy of time and space. The procession, headed by the roast pig and poultry, then moved off in the direction of the Southern Cemetery. Arrived there, the crowd of Chinese — accompanied by their admiring cabmen, a few larrikins and sightseers — proceeded to the graves of a number of their countrymen, who died in the Dunedin hospital some time ago, shortly after arriving here in a pest-ship. A heap of paper was ignited, and a few lighted wax candles and bunches of grass stuck into the ground at the foot of a grave. A walk round about the graves, something that sounded like a prayer, and then a general laugh terminated the ceremonial. Biscuits and preserved fruits were liberally distributed to the spectators present, and bottles and glasses produced. The bottles contained a liquid resembling whisky in appearance, and pronounced by several to be " very good." However, that was a question of taste — the smell sufficed for most of the bystanders. The roast porker, which had been spread out on the grass, was then speedily removed to the express waggon, a few crackers were fired outside the cemetery gate, and a rapid return to town was effected.

The Melbourne Argus publishes the following extract from a letter written by a gentleman at Mauritius, relative to the prospects of Fiji as a sugar-growing country: — "Mauritius, January 25, 1873. — You say in your letter that Mr would be willing to buy my land in Fiji. lam not in a hurry to sell those lands, but if he would make me a good offer, I will consider what I shall do. Before long, the Fijis are sure to make more sugar than the Mauritius, and their proximity to the Australian Colonies will cause ttie Mauritius sugar great prejudice in the market. Already the Mauritius planters are afraid of such results, and they talk of sending their sons to Fiji to grow sugar. Such a thing would have been already done if England or the Australian Colonies had annexed Fiji ; and as soon as this is done 'Viti Levu,' which the planters here talk of as their place of predilection, will swarm with Mauritius youths and Mauritius money. Then my land will be worth £30 to £40 an acre. Good sugar land here in the Mauritius is very often sold at £100 an acre, and I flatter mpself that the land which I picked in Fiji is the very best land for sugar-growing. Indeed, I assure you that if to-morrow the news reaches us that Fiji has been annexed to the Australian Colonies, planters here are sure to buy my land at something like £30 an acre. Write to me, or rather tell Mr , to write to me about what he offers for my land. Tell him that if he intends growing sugar, my land is the very best; if he intends, ojn the contrary, to grow cotton there, then it is useless to buy it. for I do not believe that it would at all do for cotton- growing. By the bye, the Polynesia Company has to exchange my land warrant for a conveyance of the said lands. I will write to to get it for me ; ask him to see about it."