News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 1241, 11 September 1875, Page 14

News of the Week.

His Honour Mr Justice Williams left for Christchurch on Friday morning, and will be away for a week or ten days.

Numerous parties were again unable to obtain admission to the service at the Queen's Theatre last Sunday, the dress circle, pit, and stalls being crammed.

We are led to understand that the proposed arrangements for utilising the Hospital in connection with the University Medical School have fallen through.

A man named Alfred Goodall was locked up last Sunday for stealing £13 in money, and other articles to the value of £15, from a bedroom in the Union Hotel.

After some discussion, the presiding Justices at the Licensing Court on Tuesday decided that they had no power to grant new bottle licenses until the quarterly meeting in June.

During the week ending September 4th six entered and nine left the Sailors' Home, leaving eleven. A donation of 30 Bibles was made last week by the Otago Bible and Tract Society.

Mr Gerrard, naturalist, who resides in London, has forwarded to the Dunedin Museum a case of mammal skins by the ship Knight of Snowdown, in exchange for some moa bones.

The line of telegraph from the Pilot Station, Taiaroa Head, now in course of erection, has been brought as far as Portobello, and two or three weeks more will see its completion.

The Presbyterian congregation of Portobello are about to make an effort to improve the psalmody, under the alole instruction of Mr Lamb, who has kindly placed his services at their disposal.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphed on Wednesday that 350 immigrants arrived, per Carisbrook Castle, for Mr Vesey Stewart's special settlement. They are the finest ship load landed here for years. The vessel is remarkable for comfort and cleanliness.

About thirty members of the Union Football Club mustered at the Northern Recreation Ground on the 2nd inst., and played a scratch match. Messrs Clevedon and Treseder selected the sides. A new member, named Atkinson, proved himself a decided acquisition to the Club by securing several goals.

We have received a letter from an exhibitor at the recent Poultry Show, in which he Btateß that the judges ought to have awarded him a prize, as he had the best duckwingß in the exhibition. We should be inclined to publish the letter, but having a very vivid recollection of the "black-red" case last year, we must decline.

During the week ended September 4fcb, 22 patients were admitted and 27 discharged from the Dunedin Hospital. John Barker, labourer, aged 24, native of England, died from hemorrhage of the bowels. WilH am Boyle, carter, aged 28, native of Ireland, died from fever. The number of patients at present in the Ho3pital is 170, of whom 39 are females.

On Saturday, at the City Police Court-, before Messrs Begg and Brown, J.P.s, Daniel Gillies and "Jane Manuel were fined ss ; and James Maghan, Archibald M'Callum, and James Bouman, 10a, for drunkenness. Mary Davis, charged with vagrancy was allowed an opportunity to leave the town, and a charge against Ellen Dalian, of petty larceny, was dismissed.

The Colony is to have a fresh supoly of bronze coinage, to the amount of £6000, from the London mint. It is to be shipped or has already been shipped, to New Zealand m four equal parcels to Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland. Four- fifths of each parcel are in pennies, the other one-fifth in half-pennies. Farthings were not considered necessary. The half yearly general meeting of the Standard Company was held on Monday afternoon. There being a most favorable balance sheet, everyone appeared to be highly pleased, and congratulations were the order of the day. Mr Sligo gave a quantity of statistics, to show the business done by the Standard, as compared with that of the other Insurance Companies. Full particu lars appear in our report.

The 2nd was observed as a general h/>li. day in Dunedin, due to the opening of the Clutha railway, and accordingly all places of business were closed. The Government issued free passes by the railway, and, consequently, there was a tremendous rush for the first train, which left Dunedin at 10 o'clock. The carriages and guards-van alike were packed, and yet there was not sufficient accommodation for half those who were prepared to go.

A Press Agency telegram states that the ship Carisbrook Castle, with Mr Vesey Stewart and the Kati Kati settlement, had arrived at Auckland. The ship had a fine run of 91 days from Belfast. She has received a clean bill of health.— The Blanche, which arrived at Auckland from the South Sea Islands, reports that the schooner Papua ia supposed to be lost on the voyage from Rarotonga, with Captain Sutherland, the crew, and 14 native passengers.

By the Maori there were forwarded on Tuesday, by the Acclimatisation Society, about 1200 trout ova, for the local society at Greymouth. Preparations have been made there for their reception, suitable hatching* boxes having been prepared. The young fish in the # eggs can be saeri— a sign that they are in a fit state for transportation. The boxes have been placed in charge of Captain Malcolm, a circumstance which is sufficient to ensure the beßt attention being bestowed upon them.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphed on Saturday evening that the Dunedin whaling barque Splendid was at Davais, South Seas, on July 23rd, when the Peerless, which arrived to-day, left that Island. The Splendid had done very little. —Edward Thomas, lessee of a battery at Coromandel, has been fiaed £400 for a breach of the Quartz Crushing regulations, by failing to enter quartz brought for crushing. The man who brought the quartz, and who is supposed to have stolen it, was fined £200. The Mount Ida Chronicle reports that tail race robberies are still the order of the day *t Naasby, flabbing uppj^ j a c jmjjumn.

is nothing to it. It is too much to expect the small local Police Force, every man of whom no doubt is watched each night, to be able to stop these almost nightly raids. On Wednesday night some thirteen yards of a tail race were washed up. It is not creditable that some special precautions have not long ago been taken to put a stop to what has been pointed out for months. It is ridiculous to suppose that the offenders are Chinamen.

We learn from the Hokitika Star that the fishing trade of Jackson's Bay, although it can hardly yet be termed a special industry, promises to become of considerable importance before long. The shoals of fish which frequent the bay at all seasons are described as most extensive, and include many varieties, foremost of which is the moki, a fish justly celebrated throughout New Zealand for delicious flavour. We understand that it is proposed to form a fishing and curing establishment at the new settlement, not only for the supply of the inhabitants of the district, but for export.

Our Christchurch correspondent writes : — " A highly-sensational novel is in course of preparation, to be published in London, and to be entitled "In both Hemispheres." The scene is to be laid first in England, then ia the Colonies and then in England again. Life in the Province of Otago for a series of years will, I am informed, figure rather conspicuously, including a period of very primitive sheep-farming in the back country, and also a long sojourn upon your goldfields, from the opening of Gabriel's Gully to rather an eventful episode in the existence of one of the main characters."

The firm of Cobb and Co. have added to their laurels in their endeavour to meet the convenience of the travelling public by their new enterprise on the Southern road. To make usefully available the two ends of railways, the one afc Balclutha and the other at Mataura, they have placed upon the road to join the endings, an efficient plant of coaches and horses, and run this new line daily a distance of 55 miles from the two points, in such time that persons leaving Dunedin in the morning, will reach luvercargill at night, the total distance being 140 miles. This undertaking is deserving of record.

A Bribbane paper to hand by the last steamer reports that late accounts from the Palmer lead to the belief that bushranging has set in in that quarter. The stealing of gold and money in connection with the killing of two Chinamen, would point rather to white than black murderers. That crime should exist on our Northern Goldfields is no matter of wonder —looking at the class of people from which many of the co-called diggers have been recruited, especially as regards those from Sydney and Melbourne. The only wonder is that the Police have not had more work to do in this direction.

A scene, in which four men and two women took part, was enacted on Sunday afternoon ou the Upper Kaikorai Road. The four men were all more or less intoxicated, and behaved in a very noisy manner. At the outset two of them stripped off their coats to fight, and fought most savagely, rolling over, and over on the ground into the slush and dirt on the side of the road. A general rough and tumble ensued for about an hour —all the men getting more or less severely handled. We understand that -the Police have obtained the names of the combatants, and will take proper action iv the matter. '"'

A serious affray took place between two Chinamen, named Wang Wing and Ah Chew, last Sunday, in the house of Ah Waw, Stafford street. They "had some words about a ring which was alleged to have been stolen; and Ah Chew, getting exasperated, seized an axe and struck Wang Wing on the head with it, inflicting a nasty gash. Sergeant- Major Bevan, on receiving information, made enquiries, and in less than haif-au-hour arrested accused, who was found hiding himself behind the door of Ah Tong's house, in St Andrew street. Dr. Yates dressed Ah Chew's wound, which he described as a dangerous one.

The Post, in commenting on the speeches of members on the Abolition debate, says : "Perhaps the most eloquent and logical speech was that delivered by Mr Stout, from the ultra-Provincial platform. The House has rarely ever listened to an abler speech, and the applause which greeted the member for Caverßham on all sides was loud and well deserved. Mr Stout not only showed himself able to deliver an admirable set speech, but he proved himself well able to hold his own in debate by the way he, in a few words of explanation, on three several occasions, confounded and absolutely shut up the Colonial Treasurer when attempting to reply to him." r °

The New Zealand Times of the 26th ult., observes :— The Abolition debate on Tuesday was interesting in at least one respect, because it brought to his legs Mr Macandrew, Superintendent of Otago, who is known to be one of the most prominent leaders of the provincial party in the House. Indeed, he has come to be regarded by some as the " father of provincial institutions," although that honour moro properly belongs to Sir George Grey. But he is a man of such mark in the colony, that his speech on the Abolition Bill was looked forward to with interest by both sides of the House, and we may say that it did not belie the expectations formed of it.

Our Clyde correspondent writes s— " The Clyde coal pit caved in ab a part near the river. Fortunately no one was hurt. One man and a boy were down below at the time, but luckdy escaped, though the water rose very rapidly. At one time it was nearly up to their necks. Mr Holt, who was on the top at the time, at once lowered the rope and hauled them out of the shaft. Hastie^ M'Naliy, and Co. are appealing in the Wai Keri water case against the Wardens' decision. It is said that Cromwell ia hard pushed to get a oase for their new court. We might lend them this one, juat to save them the expense of a pair of gloves for the Judge if a case should not spring up in the meantime." ' ° c The increasing popularity of the Dunedin Canary and Poultry Association was eyidencedonSaturday, whenthevisitors were far more numerous than those of the previous day. Daring the evening the fife and drum band again enlivened the proceedings. The art wupn~by which thirty prizes, V al H ei tf j

?w 5t > Jshojit the slightest -confusion, and very satisfactorily. Many exhibits changed hands, and amongst those claimed at the prices mentioned in the catalogue, were Mr "Park's yellow Barbs. In the prize list, Mrs Hooper was inadvertently mentioned as the prizetaker for white Polands instead of Mr Hooper. The amount taken at the doors 'on Saturday was £50.

The London correspondent of the Press writes :— " The great annual Volunteer picme at Wimbledon is now commencing Several corps are already encamped, but the real business of the meeting begins next week. The proceedings will be stimulated by the presence of the American rifle team, who, having been victorious over the Irish are to try conclusions with a United Kingdom eight on the 17th inst. at Wimbledon, j-nere were great rejoicings in New York'bn the receipt of the telegram announcing the victory over the Irish; but if on the 17th Slllt \^ ltlaWs are 'whopped' 'there will be no holding Jonathan. Whether our guests obtain a. victory or not, of one thing imghsh cheers at the conclusion of the encampment. We have noticed a very fine piece of glasa Brothers Dining Rooms. The words " LunP'tw 6 Writt ? Q on a g ol d tossed ground The two capitals having been made Th the other lett^, has opportunity of introducing a most beautiful and very elaborate piece of scroll work. Not only dees embossing make' the decorations chaste and elegant, but it also gives the paint a good hold on the glass, so that, although this process is a little more expensivem the first instance than the ordinary method of painting on glass, yet it is far cheaper m the end, as paint on embossed glass will stand ten times longer than on the plain surface. The above piece of work is in a, very handsome cedar frame, made by Messrs North and Scoullar, from a design by

We are informed that at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon a man named Edward Carev reported to Constable Grant, stationed at Blueskm, that the body of a man. whose name the Constable believes to be Charles Daly, was found in the bush about half a mile above Carey's house, and about three chains off the Main North road. It was found impossible to move the body without first having a coffin to put it in, it being very much decomposed. From all appearances, the deceased was about 60 years old, and it is believed he was an old soldier and a pensioner of the 81st Regiment of Foot The Constable thinks that the body must have lain quite two months, and the poor fellow came to his death through exposure and want of proper nourishment. There were no indications to show that Daly met bis death by foul play. It is supposed that he was on the tramp, and having camped died from sheer want and exhaustion.

The Southern Cross says :— lf there in one tax, if we may call it such, that we should like to see dispensed with, it is that of the postage upon newspapers. Nor need our readers smile when they find us saying so, for a moment's reflection will serve to show that it is they, and not we, who pay this charge. It is not upon the proprietor, but upon the country subscriber to the newspaper, that this charge falls. Did the charge fall directly upon the paper, there .would be less reason for complaint. The party then taxed might, at least, gain some advantage from the payment, just as the publican enjoys monopoly from the imposition of a license tax, in that the cost of it discourages competition. It is, however, the people who take the paper who pay the postage,' the additional charge for postage stamps being added to the price of the paper in quarterly subscriptions. It must therefore be conceded that the advocacy on the part of the Press of the removal of this charge is not entirely a selfish one*

There is a matter in connection With the abolition of Provincialism which has not yet been taken notice of, says the New Zealattd - -Times, but which would not be the least agreeable concomitant of the passing away of an effete system. Each' large town in this Colony (we have in teality no city claiming a right to be capital from its size) is destU tute of a free public library and reading, room. Each Provincial Council -has appended to it a library, in , two instances, at least, of rather rare excellence. ,The Provincial Council libraries of Auckland and Wellington are more than respectable j they . are made up from the best class of literature. Those of Canterbury and Ofcago are, in the former case respectable, arid in the latter, though below mediocrity, still sufficient for certain purposes. Now, we believe that one of the most useful secondary effects of aboli« tion would be to render the libraries we have named available to the public free, and thus place within their reach such a boon, (comparatively speaking) as is afforded by the Melbourne Public Library.

Advantage has already been taken of the opening of the Clufcha line by the Acclimatisation Society to further one of its objects m the country districts. On Monday Mr Deans proceeded southward by the morning train, having under his charge thirty-six fine trout, varying from half a pound to three pounds weight. The fish were con. fined in a couple of casks, and upon reaching their destination— Lovell's Creek-about' 10 o clock, they were found to be all lively. Upon arriving at the railway station, which is some two or three hundred yards from the stream, they were at once removed, and were ma short time distributed in lots in various parts of the creek. Mr Deans receiyed hearty assistance from Mr Alexander JNelaon, and others of the settlers in the dis. trict, who expressed their warm approval of the method which the Society has taken to stock Lovell's Creek with trout. Mr Deans desires us to say that he is greatly indebted to the Railway officials for the prompt manner in which they aided him to convey his delicate charge successfully to their des. tinatioa.

Our Volunteers are very indignant at the apparently unfair treatment they have re. eeived from the authorities in Wellington. It appears that the Eafield rifles were called in about two month* ago, and the Governr nw»fe armourer baa i&jag ttegujdsrf

since July on the plea of examining them. However, Snider rifles have been distributed to volunteers in the North Island. Though considerable correspondence has taken place, the only answer that can be obtained is that the armourer is still examining the rifles for Ot&so. Oar company matches should take place qfcone a month hence, and the Volunteers have nothing wherewith to practise. Unless the Sniders are speedily forwarded to this Province, to enable our marksmen to take advantage of the present beautiful weather and the remaining period for practice, Otago will be placed at a manifest disadvantage at the annual Interprovincial competilion. The matter has been brought under the notice of a well-known marksman who represents Danedin in the General Assembly. We trust the General Government will see that our Volunteers are fairly dealt with.

The Shag Valley Herald reports that an accident, which might have been attended with fatal results, occurred to Mr 001. M'Donsld, an old resident of Kilmog, on Wednesday last. It appears that Mr M*Donald and a neighbour, Mr H. Richardson, were engaged forking straw on to a roof to form a covering for some bags of grain, and that one of the forks which had been I ticking in the roof, during the time they were otherwise employed, got loosened either by the wind or something else, and fell off, striking, in it^ descent, Mr M 'Donald on the chest in an oblique direction, and one of the prongs passed through his waistcoat, and penetrating his breast, inflicting a dangerous wound. A messenger was immediately dispatched to Waikoaaiti, and Dr Brown was telegraphed for. With commendable promptitude he at once proceeded to Kilmog, and, after dressing the wound, applied such remedies to afford the suffering man relief as his skill suggested. We are glad to learn that, under Dr Brown's care, Mr M' Donald is progressing as favourably as can be expected from the dangerous nature of the injury.

A fire occurred in George street at a quarter past one on the 2nd, entirely destroying the shops of Mr Adams, a tailor, and Cbing Shing, furniture manufacturer. Mr Leach, clog manufacturer, had a narrow escape, but his premises were only partially damaged. The insurances, so far as can be ascertained at present, are : — Chiug Shing, on stock, £100 t office, unknown. Leach, £100 in the Norwich Union. Ching Shing estimates his actual loss at £200 more than he is insured for j bnt Mr Adams's loss we are unable to give, as he resides at Gaversham, and was not in town when his premises were destroyed. There seems to bo very little doubt but that the fire originated in Mr Adams's shop, but from what cause it is impossible to state. The three shops were the property of Mr Wilson, late of the Oeago Foundry. The Fire Brigade were on the spot in a remarkably short time, and worked, as they always do, in splendid style. Proof of this is supplied by the tact that the houses, which were ot wood, to leeward of the fire were saved. Had not the Brigade been very prompt in their action, the whole hlook must have gone.

Owing to the absence of gates at the Jetty street railway crossing, an accident occurred on Monday which, by the merest chance, was not attended with fatal results. Itappearsthat when the 8.45 a.m. train waa coming from Cavertham, a carter, who Aid not hear the warning whistle, drove his dray right on to the track, and the horse being scared at the approaching engine would not cross the line. The engine,* notwithstanding all the driver could do to prevent a collision, ran into the dray and dashed the horse against one of the g*te posts, which fortunately gave way, and chus.prevented the animal being crushed to death. The driver of the cart was also jerked out on the jetty, but beyond a severe shaking, was not seriously hurt, for he waa ■oon on his feet and looking after his hone. The animal, though badly bruised, did sot seem, much the worse for the mishap. Perhaps this narrow escape from a ■erious accident will be the means of drawing the attention of the authorities to the necessity of having gates erected at this crossing, And a man stationed to close them on the approach of trains. Surely, if gates are found necessary at the Stuart street Jetty, they, most be required at the Jetty street croidng.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs D. Bom,, Wilson, and Green, representing settlera ;in the Portobello and Broad Bay district, waited en His Honour the DeputySuperintendent on Tuesday, to arge him to have the Beach Road extended as early as possible, so that residents might derive socie advantage from it during the coming summer. It was specially asked that the road be made from near Bacon's to the Broad Bay Jetty, or at least to the Harbour Cone Road. They wished to have the benefit of the road this summer, and urged the immediate expenditure of the whole of the sum voted by the Provincial Council for the road. His Honour promised to bring the matter before the Executive and the Engineer. It was incidentally mentioned that now that a telegraph wire to the Heads was being put np, advantage could be taken of it to have a telegraph station at Portobello, and that the telegraphist could also take charge of a post office. A post and telegraph office would be much appreciated. It was remarked that the settlers were much disappointed at having mails only twice a week, seeing that the ateamer ran twice, a week, and that there was daily coach communication ; however, it was stated, a memorial was being eot up on the matter.

The regular monthly meeting of the Portobello Road Board was held on the 4th mat., at the Board room, Harbour Cone. An objection by Mr Rodgers to the opening of the road applied for by Mr Smith, waa heard, and, Mter being fully considered, was deemed of sufficient weight to prevent the opening of the road. Application was made by Mr Scott f«r the formation of a part of a road, to give him access to the main road at Harboor Cone, and Mr Clearwater wrote for a like object at Broad Bay. This latter having been previously promised, both roads were xewlvedontotheextentof available funds, *** * fc « *£ •SSly" ly * dd * te M Possible. The endeaTonrof theßoardtopreventthecattlenuisance on the roads of the district not being sa successful as is desirable, it was resolved to dupense with the services of the Ranger, and to empower the Clerk to summon all parties pu information by a ratepayer, whose cattl

shall be found straying on the publio roads After passing several accounts for payment, tenders for the formation of part of Beach Road, Hooper's Inlet, were opened, and that of Alex. Glark, for £17, was accepted. Four tenders for Seal Point Eoad were received, and that of William Shedden, for £229, being the lowest, was accepted. The Clerk presented the valuation roll, which was accepted, and notice given of the intention of the Board to levy a rate of one shilling in the pound at the next meeting. The calling for tenders for the Sandy Mount road closed the business.

The general holiday indulged in by the good people of Danedin on the 2nd, in celebration of that auspicious event, the opening of the railway to Balclutha, was not imitated at Port Chalmers. Business \A all kinds proceeded as usual, but one shop— -that of Mr Mackley, butcher — closing, and for hah* the day only. We should have liked to have seen a hearty fore-gathering of the people of both towns upon such an occasion as that of the virtual unlocking of one of the finest districts of the Province. It was one upon which all should have shaken hands, and displayed reciprocity of feeling and exchanged sincere congratulations. There is no gainsaying the benefit Port Chalmers must derive from its connection by railway with the fertile country dotted with townships through which the line passes. Trade mu»t be promoted by it, and then the limits of pleasure-seeking have been widely extended. A trip to Balclutha in fine weather will be a rare treat, and how ready will the inland folks be to pay a visit to the thriving Port, to view its grand shipping and charming Bcenery. One section of the Port Chalmers folk will remember yesterday. We allude to the " little people" of the Grammar School, who, by the thoughtful kindness of the visiting Committee. Messrs Joyce and J. Mills, were treated to a partial holiday. The Committee proceeded to the school in the forenoon, and the announcement made through the rector, Mr M'Kay, was received with rounds of cheers by the youngsters.

_ Another disastrous fire occurred in the city on Saturday night. At a quarter past eleven, Mr Hutton, of the Caledonian Hotel, Walker street, observed smoke issuing from the roof of the Phoenix Bond, Hope street. From the glare through the southern window, the neat of the fire was found to be in a portion of the premises occupied by Messrs Andrew and Esther, importers of drapery goods. Constable Wylie and some civilians endeavoured to force an entry, but did not succeed, and shortly after the alarm was given afc the Bell Tower, the Eire Brigade, with hook and ladder and reel, arrived on the scene. By prompt action, water from rear and front, directed through windows, was soon pouring on the fire, which was raging fiercely, and by this means its further spread was soon stopped. Although it had extended to that part of the premises occupied by Messrs Henderson Law and Co., a large proportion of their stock escaped uninjured.- , Mr Law estimates his loss roughly at £7000, and is fully insured, and as yet has not been able to furnish particulars of insurance. Messrs Andrew and Esther estimate the value of stock destroyed belonging to them at £2000. of which £1500 is covered by insurance— £7so in the Royal, and £750 in the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insurance Company, Mr Esther, and a boy in the firm's employ, named John Dunn, left the warehouse together at 9.30 p.m., when there was nothing to excite suspicion. An inquiry will probably be held into the cause of the fire, and police have accordingly been stationed on the premises.

Good Templarism is advancing at Port Chalmers. This was remarkably evidenced by the enthusiasm displayed at the late anniversary soiree of the All Nations Lodge, and again by the very numerous attendance and the character of the proceedings at a meeting of the Lodge held at the usual place —the Masonic Hall— on Monday evening. The soiree appears to have stirred up fresh interest in the Society's favour at the ©noe "dronthy" Port Between 120 and 130 members attended the meeting, and the Lodge having been opened with the usual ceremonial, 19 new members— viz., 5 sisters and 14 brothers — were admitted. Several important matters in connection with routine business were transacted, and then a special vote of thanks to Mr H. Driver for his kindness in allowing the Lodge to use the large goods store for the holding of the late soiree was unanimously 'passed, and the Secretary instructed to convey the same to Mr, Driver. Thanks were also voted to the sisters and other ladies who presided at the tables, and to the Committee of Management. A letter from the Grand Lodge, relative to the election of representatives to attend the next Grand Lodge meeting ; and reports upon the bye-laws, were ordered to stand orer until the next meeting, when it was notified that the Degree of Fidelity would be conferred upon members eligible to receive it. The meeting would be held on the 14th inßt. Notice of motion' was given of the advisability of the formation of a Degree Temple in connection with the Lodge, and proposition for the enrolment of 18 new members, were received. With that the-bssiness terminated. '* Two Mongolians appeared in the Police Court on Monday, occupying the positions of prosecutor and prisoner. The culprit, a sickly-looking fellow, was charged with stealing a gold ring, and also with unlawfully wounding with an axe, to which, with an air of tranquillity, he answered, Not Guilty. Informant assumed an air of gravity thonghout the proceedinga, except once, when his temper got raffled, and had thus far succeeded in keeping the Court in ignorance of his knowledge. He was questioned through an interpreter, and, while admitting he had been in New Zealand and New South Wales altogether nine years, he affected to be unacquainted with the English language, by shaking his head doubtfully, and making such like expressions as "Me no eavey." When asked to take the oath, he denied having any religion; but, on finding he was obliged to go through the form, he smiled complacently and said he worshipped an idolatrous God. He would blow out a match, and if he told a lie, the Emperor of China would cut off his head. The laughter of the spectators having been suppressed, the case went on quietly, until a well-dressed Chinaman got wto the witnew-box, and,

without the aid of an interpreter, made some disagreeable statements concerning Wang Wang, the informant. Wang Wang, who had so far maintained a benignant suavity, on hearing this, jumped from his seat, hit eyes flashing fire, and in excellent AngloSaxon denounced the soft impeachment as " A lie— a (adjective) lie !" Bench and onlookers alike were convulsed, and, on discovering that he had let the oat out of the bag. John slunk back into his seat.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphed last week that the case of suicide from the steamer Hawea, between Manukau and New Plymouth, is a very melancholy one. Davies, the man who jumped overboard, was a photographer, and came to Auckland, with his wife and children, six months ago, from Nelson and Wellington, where the father carries on a photographic business. He was not successful. Sometimes the family were Without a shilling in the house, partly owing to unfavourable weather for business and keen competition. He became much depressed, and showed some symptoms of insanity here, taking rather the form of a religious mania. He suddenly resolved to L'o to Wellington to see bis father. He informed his wife of his intention to go in the Hawea a few hours before the vessel leaving. He took the two eldest children j the three young ones — from eighteen months to five years — remaining in the houße with the mother, almost wholly unpiovided for. He had no money to pay his passage, but understood a friend of his was an officer on board who would help him. It was found afterwards this friend is on another steamer. The first intimation the wife received of his melancholy end was a Press telegram in the Auckland papers announcing his jumping overboard. Davies was once well to do, and was naturally of a melancholy and excitable constitution. — Some sensation was caused by the announcement that a detective was despatched by the Hero to arrest Constable Axam, lately of the Auckland Police force. Tnis is the man who made himself so notorious by striking a man with a baton, and subsequently was charged with beating his infant. This led to his leaving the force, and he proceeded in the brig Moa to Newcastle. It now transpires he had forged the endorsement to two promissory notes, and committed other offences of a similar character. He managed very cleverly. It is expected that the Hero will arrive before the Moa.

A general meeting of the residents of St. Kilda and Musselburgh, to consider the Municipal question, took place at the Forbury Sohoolhouse last Monday. Aboub 70 persons were present, and Mr D. Baxter was voted to the chair. The following motion was proposed by Mr Eager, and seconded by Mr Halligan :— " That St. Kilda and Musselburgh be formed into a Municipality, and tbat a Committee be formed for the purpose of obtaining signatures," &c. The Chairman refused to allow the residents of Forbury to address the meeting, which was very disorderly, and Bavoured largely of a personal character. The various speakers contended that if St. Kilda and., Musselburgh joined the proposed South IJunedin Municipality, they would neither be properly represented, nor get their fair share of the expenditure ; also, that the prospective increase of population warranted the formation of another Municipality. The questions of lighting and drainage were freely discussed. Mr Thos. Foster moved the following amendment — "That every effort be made to come to. terms with the Committee of the whole Flat before separation is carried out as propose 1." Though the amendment was seconded, the Chairman refused to put it to the meeting. The motion was declared carried unanimously, about 14 voting in its favour. The usual compliment to the Chairman terminated the first part of the proceedings. Mr John Barrowman was then appointed Chairman. Mr Maloney commented upon the absurdity of having two municipalities, where ono Mayor, Council, and Town Clerk would be sufficient, Mr Hodgi s proposed, and Mr Glass seconded— "That this meeting having heard a proposal made by some of the residents of St. Kilda and Musselburgh to the effect that a separate municipality be applied for for those townships, disapproves of suoh action, as the progress of the Flat depends upon the whole of the townships being united in one municipality." The motion was carried unanimously by 33 votes. The orderly conduct of this meeting afforded a striking contrast to the former. The assemblage dispersed shortly before 10 o'clock.