INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 655, 20 March 1879, Page 2

INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

The following extraordinary story is from the Bay of Plenty Times of a late date :— Constable M. Marsh, of Whakatane, arrived at Opotiki lately, having in charge a European boy named William Floyd, who has been living with the Maories during the past three years. He is apparently about 10 years of age, and seems quick and intelligent. According to the account given by the natives, he was sold to them at Napier by his mother for 2s. Gd. and a kit of kumaras, and has since been living quite contentedly amongst them. He states that his father arid mother are still living at Napier, aiid that his father is employed as a carter there.

During the recent sitting of the Assessment Court at Christchurch, says the Lyttcltoai Times, a ratepayer considered his property too heavily valued. After some discussion, the valuator agreed to "comedown a peg," and meet the objector half-way. This did not satisfy the latter, but finding the valuator obdurate, he made a virtue of necessity, and consented to the amended valuation. But before leaving the Court he looked Mn Leach straight in the face, and then turning to the judge, remarked, " Your Worship, if I 'scrag' Mr. Leach at some time or other, will you deal leniently with me 1" Then, without awaiting a reply, the dissatisfied ratepayer stalked majestically out of the room.

Admirers of the triumphs of mechanical ingenuity in Akaroa were recently startled by the intelligence that a gentleman from Christchurch had brought with him a marvellous invention in the locomotive art, which the proprietor described as a unicycle. The peculiarity of the machine was described to be that, although possessing only one wheel, it could be utilised as a means of conveyance with even greater facility than the well-known bicycle. One after another the curious in such matters followed the proprietor of this wonderful piece of mechanism to the back-yard of a certain hostelry in the town. Here the machine reposed, carefully shielded from possible injury by a large tarpaulin. The covering being carefully removed, there was displayed to view — a wheelbarrow ! Ta» bleau. Adjournment to the bar, and look out for fresh victims.

The natives of the "bonnie land o' cakes," saya the Lyttelton Times, are generally thought to be extremely fond of oatmeal^ either in the shape of " stirabout," "porridge," or " burgoo ;" but we have it upon the authority of a Scotchman and Presbyterian minister that oatmeal is looked upon by him, at least, as " shabby stuff " At the Presbyterian Assembly, during the discussion of an overture from the Wellington Presbytery, relative to the granting £50 a year towards the salary of a minister for the Feilding district, Mr. Paterson pointed out that the £100 a year granted to the minister was not sufficient to keep him. One of the rev. gentlemen present expressed an opinion that £100 was enough. "Oh, yes," replied the Rev. Mr. Paterson," he might live upon oatmeal arid such shabby fare." Thore was a general smile, and the Assembly proceeded with the discussion.