LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 704, 27 May 1879, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We have been compelled to hold over a large amount of telegraphic news, which came through too late for publication in this issue.

Our commercial columns of this afternoon furnishes our readers with the Aggregate Balance Sheet of the Bank of New South Wales, to March 31st of the present year. The net profits for the half-year, after deducting rebate on current bills, interest on deposits, providing for bad and doubtful debts, and reducing valuation of bank premises, amount to £97,674 3s. lid. To which is to be added undivided balance from last half-year, £4,577 4s. 5d, ; giving for distribution £102,251 Bs. 4d., which the directors have recommended it to be appropriated as follows : To payment of dividend at the rate of 15 per cent, per annum, £75,000 ; bonus at the rate of 1\ per cent, per annum, £12,500 ; augmentation of the reserve fund, £10,000 ; balance carried to " profit and loss " new account, £4,751 Bs. 4d. Total, £102,251 Bs. 4d. With the above appropriation the reserve fund will amount to £102,251 Bs. 4d.

A fracas occurred at the Willows (Read's) yesterday morning, which might have been attended with more serious consequenee than fortunately came out of it. Mr A. C. Arthur some time back purchased at auction certain lands at the Willows, better known as the race-course. The right of possession was disputed by certain Maories and yesterday they commenced to plough up the land. Mr Arthur having previously warned them,' went on to the ground and attempted to prevent the ploughing going on, when he was attacked by a native with a whip. Mr Arthur received several severe cuts. Then his blood being up Mr Arthur attacked the native and so smashed his face- that the native was laid prostrate. Finally, while he had to come into town for medical assistance, Mr Arthur had to do the same having dislocated his knuckles in punishing the attacking native. Mr. 0. W. Flexman and a friend, While proceeding on horseback to the Waikanae, between 6 and 7 o'clock on Saturday night, just before reaobing the Royal Hotel, came across an obstruction in the Gladstone Road, which they had not observed during the day. The gentleman accompanying Mr. FJexman first came to grief, over an embankment of earth, while proceeding at a canter, and immediately called out that he was down. Directly on this, Mr. Flexman's horse went head over heels precipitating him to the ground. Before getting any idea of the imminent danger he was placed in, the horse rolled twice over him and it was with considerable trouble that tie extricated himself from under the horse. Before doing so however, he was struck by the horse in the face, breaking the nose and inflicting other very serious injuries to the xace and body. Mr Flexman was immediately taken into the Royal Hotel, and -was then shown every attention by Mr R. Wilson, who washed aud dressed the- wounds. We hear that it is Mr Flexmau's intention to proceed against the corporation or contractor. We trust that without any comment ' from us the authorities will at once .cause a. light to be placed during nights at the scene of the disaster, and that for the future in all works on the roads contractors be stringently compelled to observe this rule. The Gisborne Rowing Club intend closing the season to-night with a dinner at the Masonic Hotel. Mr. Page it is well known holds the position of premier caterer, and his ditf has promised a good bill of fare. An enjoyable and harmonious evening may be anticipated, aud we wishall intending partakers a good appetite to enjoy the excellent things that will be provided. Mr. P. McFarlane may congratulate himself upon the success which attended the opening of his new Music Hall last night. The concert was in all respects a great success, the singing and instrumentation being both excellent, as was also the reading. The hall was Well tilled, and when the concert terminated, and the ball opened, there were about fifty persons who kept the dancing up with great spirit until daylight nearly did appear, Mr. Poynter, on behalf of the proprietor, apologised for the rather dim lighting of the hall, and for one or two other little defects, but notwithstanding these, the hall had a very pretty appearance. jThe floor is admirably laid lor dancing, and the side, both front and back, offered conveniences to visitors for retiring and refreshments which were much appreciated. Mr. Maofarlane's string band played the dance music in excellent style. Mr. J. B. Poynter acted as chairman during the evening, aud at the conclusion of the concert, tendered the thanks of the Matawhero School Committee for Mr. McFarlaue's generous assistance, and to those preseut for their attendance. We have to report another fire originating in an unaccountable manner. This time Mr VY. S. Greene is the sufferer, and the facts as narrated to us are briefly as follows : — This morning at about quarter to one Mr Greene was aroused f rum his sleep by his children who no doubt disturbed by the glare were the first to discover that the barn, situated about a quarter of a mile from the dwelling-house, was in flames. When it was first viewed by Mr Greene the building was nearly consumed, nothing but the bare scantling being* discernible, and at this stage of its course, nothing possibly could have been done to preveut its entire destruction. The barn was large aud substantially erected, and coutaiued about 10 or 12 ton of hay besides a lot of farming implements. The barn was insured for £100 and the hay aud implements for £50, aud we are informed that the loss over insurances is estimated at over £50. A Wellington telegram states that on Thursday afternoon a rather serious accident happened to a boy named michael Ockland, aged eleven years. He and some other boys were out playing in Berkett's Bush, and they had with them a tin flask containing powder. Hylaud was carrying the flask in his right hand when suddenly it exploded, and nearly blew his thumb off. As it was, the hand was frig tfully injured. The other boys obtained assistance, and carried Hylaud two or three miles through the biiah to his mother's house, The parade of volunteers on the Queens Birthday was anything but creditable to the local corps. A lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and about 10 privates, were all that appeared to give honor to the occasion. The unfavorable state of the weather, no doubt, was the main cause, but still we regret there was not a better show. We hear that it is contemplated to apply to the Government for the services of a drill instructor. Should they succeed, it will tend greatly to heighten the interest in the volunteer movement in this place. Now that the winter nights have set in, and the use of Mr. McFarlane's hall secured, there will be a greater inducement for the members to attend for the much needful instruction, and we feel confident that if the Government look favorably on their request, recruits will flock to the Company. It -was currently stated (says the Haiukes Bay Herald) that the jury sitting on the inquest on Mrs M'Lennan would i have brought in a verdict of murder against the husband had it not been for one man, a well-known tradesman in Napier, who, after three hours' incarceration, gained his point against the other eleven. Towards the small hours the jury made themselves as comfortable as circumstances would permit. Of course liquor was not allowed, but one juryman produced a pack of cards, and a rubber of whist served to while away the time for some, while others discussed politics or the monetary pressure. The foreman, however, was seen wandering about like a caged lion. One of the most amusing shows in Dunedin (says the Age) is exhibited in the City Hotel Buildings, Princes- street. It is described in the bills as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," and consists of a weaving machine. The machine stands 14 foet high, has 1500 moveable wires working an once ; also, 1090 cards working round a cylindar, passing through a large number of small eves which is srated at 1,000,000. It is without doubt a wonderful motion ; the machine weavhg a bookmark in silk about three inches wide with an excellent picture of the Bank of New Zealand at Christchurch.