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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 664, 31 March 1879, Page 2

An enormous lathe is being constructed at the Royal Gun Factories for turning a 160-ton gun, ah order fotf the manufacture of which has been expected consequent on the success of the 80-ton gun. The foundatson-beda of the new lathe are m three pieces, the heads-stock weighing 40 tons, and the poppet-head about 12 tons. - A 1000---ton crane — the largest of its kind m the world — designated the ' ' Revolving Traveller," is also being constructed m the Royal Arsenal, and will be available for manipulating and and shipping the heaviest trdnance which may be manufactured for a century hence.

The fashion of " reversing " hi the valse is all the rage just now at dances, and bids fair to deprive the "mazy valse" of much of that elegance and and smoothness which the poet • has described as "the poetry of motion." Those who are proficient m this somewhat difficult accomplishment, and, worse still, those who are npt, career about a ball-room m all directions, twisting and twirling evidently very much to their own satisfaction, but greatly to the inconvenience and annoyance of the uninitiated. — London " Truth."

While on. a voyage recently from San Francisco to Liverpool, the ship Kate Kelloch encountered a storm which so alarmed the captain, Mr Bicker, that he retired to his cabin and passed the time there m prayer, leaving the watching to be done by those who remained on deck. Captain Bicker returned 'on deck after the gale, which had done serious damage on his ship. According to the European Mail an inquiry into his conduct during the storm has just been held at Liverpool, the Boardof Trade accusing him of negligence m giving up the charge of his ship. On behalf of the captain it was urged that m all probability it was to his prayers that the escape of his ship was due. Mr Rothery, before whom the inquiry was held, said the Court considered Captain Richer totally unfit for . the duties of a master ; but as there was no proof that his negligence contributed to the ship's injuries they could not deal with his certificate.