GENERAL NEWS.

Colonist, Issue 1165, 4 December 1868, Page 7

GENERAL NEWS.

A MAN named Edward Rice committed suicide by hanging himself at Christchurch tho other day. f The Ruamahunga river (saya the Wellington j Independent of October Slat) has added another to its long list of victims. Constable Connors, of Featherston, who had been down the valley on duty, was returning home on horseback, when, on crossing •the ford at Waiheuga, both rider and horse wore drowned.

Enterprise at Rang-itikei.—lt is now proposed (suys the Wanganui Times) to establish a distillery upon a large scale at Rangitikei, and in connection with it a sugar manufactory. Abundance of beet iroot can be grown in the district, and oata and barley as fine as was ever produced in England.

Tiie hon. Mr. Acland, of Mount Peel Station, Canterbury, is erecting a stone church for the u*e of the men employed on the station and Hieir families. The Timaru paper states that Christchurch is in a pitiable plight just now. " Ihe streets are deserted, cash is invisible, and the very weather is vile.'' —How much better off is Timaru, or any other place in this Colony ? Two wherries have just been built at Waipori (Otngo), ond launched upon the iako there. Tho Tuapeka Times remarking on the fact, speculates on the possible establishment of regattas there at a future date.

The Otago escort arrived at Dunedin, on October 20th, with 7692 ounces of gold. Captain Hautet Spillkh, who is well known in Nelson, has been appointed Sub-Inspector in the Armed Constabulary Force. From private letters received from Christchurch, wo are informed that Mr. Stevens, one of the members in the House of Representatives, will succeed the hon. John Hall as Colonial Treasurer and Postmaster General. — West Coast Times, Oct. 26th.

Dk. Mouuii/van has been committed for trial at the next criminal sittings of the Hokitika Circuit Court on a charge of manslaughter, consequent on the verdict of a Coroner's jury, that ho had been guilty of culpable negligence whilst attending on Mrs. Janet M'Auliff in her accouchment.

The Christchurch Star of October 22nd, says:— " It is currently reported that our contemporary, tho Press is about to pass into the hands of a joint stock company (limited). The hon. Mr. John Hall, and the hon. Mr. Stafford, are spoken of as prominent shareholders."

The Lyttelton Times of Wednesday, October 28th, records an uceidenfc which terminated fatally to Mr. Baker, dairyman, an old resident in Lyttelton. It appeai-3 from the statement of Mr. Julian, that ho accompanied the deceased as far as the head of the bay for a ride, and that iv returning ho was a few yards in advance of deceased. When near the hou9o of the custodian of the bathing shed, the deceased's horse came up without its rider. Ho caught tho horse, and on turning round, lie saw deceased lying upon tho ground. He spoke to him, but obtained no answer, and observing that blood was flowing from a wound on his head, Mr. Julian immediately rode into Lyttelfcon for assistance. Dr. Motley was speedily iv attendance, and ordered tho removal of the deceased to his own house. Drs. Donald and Bouse also attended, but the deceased never rallied, and expired a few hours after. The cause of death was ascertained to be a fracture of the base of the skull.

A whiter in the Melbourne Leader, commendng on the Abyssinian expedition, says: —"I wonder if tho British Government will show as much resentment for the death of the poor fellows who fell in that last Maori fight as it did for King Theodore's well-fed captives? If it were cheap at five millions sterling for the British anna to be covered with glory in Abyssinia, what sum would represent the value of a real New Zealand conquest ? I venture the opinion that the taking of Magdala was but child's play as compared with New Zealaud bush fighting. The preparations for Abyssinian victory were like employing an elephant's foot to crush a spider. Suppose they sent out a Napier to New Zealand by way of experiment!"

A Fatal Struggle.—The Lyitelton Times of October 30th says: —" Wo are now in possession of full particulars respecting the shooting of a man at Cruigieburn on Tuesday last. It appears that the deceased's name is John Levill, and that he is an Irishman. He called at the Craigieburn Station about noon, and seeing the head shepherd, asked for employment. He was informed that none could be given, when lie requested to be supplied with, "tucker." The shepherd replied that they were short of meat, but that tho cook would give him some flour. Deceased said that would be of no use to him, and he must have bread and meat. On applying to the cook ho was refused the latter, and told that nothing but flour could be given Tiim. He then went away, but returned in about ten minutes, and told the cook he must give him meat, or, having a dog, he would catch a sheep and kill it for himself. The shepherd, who was near, called to him not to make a row, but to go away quietly. The cook went into tho kitchen and took down a gun, saying ho would shoot him if ho offered to go inside. Deceased at once ran into the kitohen and, seizing the gun, the two struggled together. Whilst doing so, the two barrels went off successively, the first charge lodging in the inside of deceased's thigh, the second in his right side. The latter tora all the skin away, leaving •the lungs exposed, and death took place the same night. Immediately on the occurrence of the unfortunate event, the police were 6ent for, and theicook, 'whose name is Thomas Pepperell, was taken into custody. We understand that the Sergeant of Police and his prisoner arrived in town last night, and that the.body of tho unfortunate man was also brought down at the same time. Popperell has since! been committed on a charge of manslaughter.

- Tito Kowabu. —An interesting description of Tito Kowaru and the other chiefs of the Ngaruahine hapu, is given by a correspondent of the Southern Cross : —Tito Kowaru is a man about 27 years of age ; about 5 feet 9 inches in height; good-looking for his kind ; smart and brawny. He is not tattooed, • but has ahead of black curly hair, which, when uncovered, falls in a thick bunch over his forehead, which does not add to his otherwise favorable countenance. This man was on the most intimate terms with the officers and men of the regular troops who from time to time occupied the redoubt at Turuturumokai from 1866 to 1867. He with his wife and people were continually in and about the camp1 daily, selling peaches, small pigs, and potatoes to. the troops. The waipero was in continual demand by him and his female relations, and, in default of getting it, the canteen outside the redoubt would be resorted to, where their debauch would end in a good sleep of the who'e confraternity in the fern.1 This Tito Kowaru could speak English pretty well, but the sub-ohiefs Ngaihina (Mr. R. Graham's friend) and Tukino, also visitors from the neighborhood of Pokaikai, were far superior in English, conversation. They all could read and write English, andi often asked for the loan of a newspaper. Ngaihina is a most aristocratic looking fellow when dressed, with a countenance having more of the Italian than the Maori, of tjhese mea were tattooed, \

The Waimea escort arrived afc Uokitika on Nov. 12, with 2000 ounces of gold. Me. Bonak has received an official intimation of the early visit to Weatland County of His Excellency Sir G-eorge Bowen, the Governor of New Zealand.

The Duty of the Electors of Nelson. —The Lyttelton Times says:—" Mr. Stafford ha9apparently resolved to meet the wishes of the electors of Nelsson by resigning his seat for that city ; for, according to the Timaru Herald, he has announced that he is prepared to represent the latter place. It may be presumed that Mr. Stafford considers the tenure of his present seat so uncertain as to render it necessary for him to seek a new constituency. If so, we are glad that he has fixed upon Titnnru. In the present state of public feeling in that towli we may be sure that no one would be returned who was not a strong supporter of the Stafford policy. • On the other hand, it is quite possible that Nelson may return an opponent of the present Gbvernmeut. Should this prove to be the case, the Colony will have reason to thank the electors of Timaru for having conferred a real benefit upon the community. Where partie3 are so equally balanced as at present, every vote is of great importance, and if the electors of Nelson are true to their own interests they will take care to return, a member pledged to oust the Stafford Ministry."

State of the Town of Wangantji.—The Grey River Argus of November 14th says: —" We learn by tho Wallaby, which arrived yesterday, that the town of Wanganui is at present in a most confused state, and alarm everywhere prevails. The streets swarm with settlers who have been driven from their homestead?, and friendly natives who roll about drunk with their rifles and ammunition. The Second Class Militia, cousisting of married men, was to have been called out for active service this week. The men who ought to be at the Front —the two companies of the 18th regiment—remain in barracks in the town, while fcbe Militia aud Volunteers do all the fighting." Naerow Escape.—The West Coast Times of Nov. 13 snys :—"A draymnn had a very narrow escape from fatal consequences yesterday. It appears that he was riding on tho top of some cases with which his cart was loaded, when one of them toppled off, throwing him to the ground, his head fulling right before the wheel. Some men who saw the accident shouted lustily, which had the effect of causing the horse to swerve, otherwise the wheel must have crushed the driver's head ; as it was, the rim of tho wheel passed over his hair, tearing it from the scalp. He, however, recovered himselt iv a few minutes, and left in charge of the dray.

Gorj> Seeking- in Taiunaki.—Two parties aro now prospecting the Kaitako ranges, Taranaki. One of the parties has sent some specimens of quartz to Auckland to be examined ; and they are sanguine that gold will be found in the reef. A Gold Prospecting Association has been formed a New Plymouth. A Commissaiuat shed was totally destroyed by fire at Mount Eliot, TaiMnalri, on Nov. 4th. At the inquest no evidence was produced to show how the fire originated. It is suspected to have been -wilfully done by some juveniles. Somnambulist. —The Auckland Evening News of Nov. 16th, says :—" An elderly man named Dodd was walking aloug the edge of the Queen-street wharf this afternoon near the Custom-house Q.uay, when he was seen to fall over into the water. The third'officer of the Lord Ashley, Mr. Furlong, obsd'ving the accident and that the man sank, pulled his coat and boots off, and with great courage jumped into the water after him. Capt. Williams, who was also near at hand, pitched a life buoy over, and by their united efforts, and the assistance of a rope, one of the falls of the Custom-house boat was let down, and thus Dodd was able to lay hold of; he was brought on to the wharf, nothing the worse for his ducking. Dodd, we understand, is a settler at Mahurangi, and is subject to these somewhat inconvenient fit 3of somnambulism. This is the second drowning person that Mi\ Furlong has assisted in saving sinco he has been in harbor, and it speaks well for his courage and humanity."

Tabanaki Steel.—The Taranaki Herald of Nov14th, says: —"We have been informed that Major Atkinson has taken with him to England several specimens—crude andmannfactured—of the Taranaki steel, smelted from the. iron sand by Messrs. P. Atkinson and E. M. Smith. The following is the list of articles which have been sent to England :— 1 Two small gravers, one cold chisel, one bar (about Wbs.), one round bar (roughly forged), several crude specimens as melted, some TTrenui clay, iron sand, and likewise a mixture of tho two prepared for smelting.' We believe that Major Atkinson intends to submit these specimens to several persons of eminence in England, and should such men as Sir William Whit worth take sufficient interest in it, we shall have no fear but that shortly the iron sand which is lying on our beach dormant, will soon be converted into a useful article of commercial value."

Shipment of Gold Direct1 from Auckland to England.—The Auckland Weekly Neivs of Nov. 7th, states: —"None of our local banks have sent home any gold by the Panama mail, though a considerable quantity is reserved for export by the Ballarat. The Bank of New Zealand has between 3000ozs. and 40000z5., which will probably be increased to as much as 5000ozs. or 6000 ozs. by the date of the departure of the Ballarat, Friday next. The Union Bank of Australia has, at present, 6000ozs. also for shipment by the Ballarat; and the Bank of Australasia received 4000ozs. from the Thames on Saturday night, in addition to which there was a considerable quantity proviously lodged. Altogether we are petty safe in estimating that something like 20,0000z5. will be ready for export by the Ballarat."

Accident at Auckland Stockade. —The New Zealand Herald of Nov. 6th, says:—"An accident of a very serious nature occurred late yesterday evening at the Stockade. It appears that about 5 p.m. a man named Hewson, who was in a gang employed in quarrying stone, was in the act of ramming home a charge into a bore, when by some unknown means the powder became ignited, and the result was of course an explosion. Howson was knocked down senseless, and it was at first thought he must have been killed, his face and hands being covered with blood. Dr. Philson was at once sent for, and in a very short time he was on the spot and administering surgical aid. Upon examination it was found that Howson's injuries were not of a fatal character; nevertheless his face and hands have been dreadfully injured, and it is a matter of great surprise that he etcaped with his life." Mr. Stafford and Majob Atkinson. —Major Atkinson, M.H.8., in addressing his constituents at New Plymouth on November sth, said:—"They might have sfen in the Hansard that he had expressed himself strongly on the conduct of the Defence Department, and Mr. Stafford had pitched into him and said he was not fit for anything, which speech, by-the-bye, was considerably toned down in the Hansard, and not nearly so strong as spoken. In fact he had offered him, a few days afterwards, the command at the front. Ho mentioned this because ho exceedingly regretted not being in a position to accept the offer, or he would have accepted it; but domestic circumstances demanded that he should leave this Colony for a time with his family." In reply to a question, Mr. Atkinson said—" The public accounts seemed to be in a mess. There was a sum of £6000 placed in the Bank and forgotten altogether, which a select committee he was on discovered. He did not say that there was any mis-appropriation of money, but only a loose.way of doing business."" The Fijian Weekly News has the following :— "By the cutter Lapwing we are informed that on the 15th August a tidal wave twelve feet high swept inshore at Apia, washing away two bridges over the oreeks in the town, with sevoral trees, and also doing other damage. The day was perfectly fine. The tide at high water rose a little higher than usual, but at low water, without any earthquake shock or previous warning, the tide suddenly rose in one immense wave, overwhelming the town and entering the houses, while for six hours after the sea continued advancing and receding in lesser wave. It was reported that at Tangaloa the house of Mr. Macfarlane was washed away, and that further to the eastward much greater damage was caused, It is worthy of note that the night or early morning tide at Veivo, Fji, roße to an unusual height at the same time, We have not heard, of it baying been observed else."

Mb. Or. James of the Royal hole), iiienneim, nas been lamed for life by coming into collision with a waggon when riding,'and by brenking his kneecap. Me. Crachoet Wilson, M.H.R., has been appointed by her Mnjesty, Companion of the Order of the Star of India, for distinguished services rondered during the Indian mutiny. The New Mejibeb for Lyttei/ton.—Mr. J. T. Peacock has been returned member of the House of Representatives for Lyttelton. The seat was rendered vacant by the death of Mr. M'Farlane during the last session.

A Caution to Miscnreyou3 Youngsters.—A young man, the son of the Eev. Mr. M'G-owau, Hutt, Was brought up at the Wellington Police Court, on. November sth, charged with having wilfully brokou some of tho iusulators on the telegraph posts at the Hutt. The case wa3 very clearly proved, and the defendant was committed to take his trial ou tho charge. Bail was accepted. Recruiting for the Armed Constabulary for?e now engaged at the Front has been carried on in town during the la3t few days, and over a dozen recruits have been enrolled by Mr. Andrews, Collector of Customs. We believe about twenty havo also been obtained in Hokifcika, and these additions to the force will be hurried on by tho Wallaby to Wanganui direct.— Grey River Argus, Nov. 14.

Tub police of Hokitika have commenced a raid against the houses of ill-fame in some of the principal streets. The consequence has been that the occupants of several have removed to localities where, at least, the public decency will be less offended.

The Volcano Tongakiro in Action. —Wo (Tarana7ci Herald) have been informed by several who have made it a point of ascertaining the fart, that. Tongariro, in the middle of the Northern Island, is now° burning, and that the fluinea aro distinctly visible.

During- his tour in this Colony, the Rev. Father Hickey is said to have collected £1450 for tlio establishment of a Catholic University in Ireland. In California, he collected £2500, and in Victoria £1700 for the snme object. We learn that the Wairarapa Lake Hotel, near Featherston, "Wellington Province, wns totally destroyed by fire on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. We understand that the owner, Mr. Douglass, was nob insured. The cause of the fire is, as yet, unknown.

According to the latest accounts, between 400 and 500 young trout, bad been hatched by the Canterbury Acclimitizntion Society. The Mayor of Lytfelton (Mr. W. Wilson) ,_ has been presented by the Borough Councillors with a silver cradle, to commemorate the birth of twins during Mr. Wilson's mayoralty. v Boy Drowned at llokitika.—On Wednesday, 21sfc October, a little boy, aped two and a half years, the son of Mr. Molloy, of the International Hotel, G-oldsborough, was missing from his home, find on search being made the child's body was found in a waterhole near the Police Camp.

Mas. Robert Finlat, the wife of Mr. Eonerfc Finlay, Mayor of Alexandra, Otago, is to be presented with a miniature silver cradle, in commemoration of her having presented her lord with twins in the third year of his Mayoralty. A YOCNO- man named P. Goodo met his death by drowning in the Wnnganui river, on the 4fch Nov. He was employed at the lime in getting some cattle across the river a little way above the upper ferr^ and in driving them into the water hia horse gob beyond its depth, and Mr. Goode was thrown aud sank almost immediately

On Hie 16th October, the property oF tho Molyneux Gold Dredging Company at Mount Benger, Otago, was Bold to satisfy a judgment-debt, imd realised only £40. The property waa worth £1000, and ifc ia said that had proper notice of the sale been given ifc would have realised a very large amount.

Fiee at Wellington.—The Evening Post of October 31st, says :—" A fire broke out about three o'clock this morning, by which a five-roomed house, in Ingcstre-streefc, the property of Mr. M'llwairi was entirely destroyed. The house had been unoccupied for some time, but was let, and had just been re-pa-pered, &c. Last night, Mr. M'llwain was assisted by a carpenter named Furness in fixing some skirting; no fire wns lit upon the premises. The causa of the conflagration is, therefore, unknown. Mr. M'llwain lms three houses adjoining each other. That next to the one destroyed has been considerably damaged, and -narrowly escaped destruction. We understand that the house which was burnt is insured in the Liverpool and London Insurance Company for £200."

■ The Late Fike in Wellington.—At the inquest touching the origin of the fire in Ingestre-streefc, Wellington, tho jury returned the following verdict: —" Destroyed by fire on the morning of the 31st October, but how, or in what nmuner the fire originated there is no evidence to show."

The Upper Clutha district,. Otago, has been proclaimed a goldfield. The Otago papers say that the neighborhood of Lake Wanaka, Upper Clutlm, and Lindis, doubtless contain goldfields yet to be developed. A dredging machine i 3 now engaged making trials of the Clutha, near Albertown, and there is every reason to believe that the enterprise will prove a success. The agricultural capabilities of the land comprised within the proclamation are of a very superior order, sufficient to provide food and employ* ment for a considerable population.

Startling- details connected with the escape from the Chatham Islands crop up from time to time. One oi the most exciting is reported by a correspondent of the Haivke's Bay Herald. He says:— " During the late Hauhau panic, on old whaler who had resided on this island for many yeai%3 was, to hia unutterable disgust, metamorphosed into a soldier pro tern, and as such, was one night posted as a sentry on an enclosed tract of land overlooking tho western side of Waitangi Harbor. Pacing to and fro in the "dim religious light," he heard a strange and mysterious rustling amongst the adjacent busnes, and perceived, or fancied ho perceived, the indistinct; outline of a figure advancing towards him. We will veniure to say iiis heart began to throb and beat like his old Bhip in a gale of wind; nevertheless', ha called out boldly and in a stentoriau voice, 'Who goes there?' To this interrogatory, however, he received no reply, and still the mysterious figure continued its advance; whereupon, with musket presented, and finger in deadly proximity with the trigger, he was about to let lly, when a most euphonious /Baa' saluted his ears. 'By ,the holy poker,' said he, ' that pass-word ha 3 saved your mutton this time 5 pass on, old woolly head.'" Moee Illicit Distillation.—At the Wanganui Police Court on the 27th October, Charles Vincent, S. F. Vincent, and Edward Huut, were charged on the information of the Collector of Customs, the first with having an unlicensed still upon his premises, and the two latter with being unlawfully on the premises where the distillation was being carried on. Mr. Perham appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Eoberts for the prisoners.. AlLthe prisoners pleaded guilty. After deliberation with the other magistrates Walter Buller, R.M. said that the sentence of tho Court was that S. F. Vincent be fined £50 or iv default six months imprisonment without hard labor. Edward Hunt, £50 or iv default Bix months imprisonment with hard labor. And Charles Vincent, £100 or six months imprisonment with hard labor. The Wanganui Times of October 29th, states: — " The still captured is, we believe, the 57th seized in the Colony within the last two years. If that number of stills have been seized how many may we suppose are still in active operation ? There must certainly be some hundreds of illicit stills at work throughout the Colony, as may be seen by the great falling off in the quantity of spirits imported. Three years ago we took various ways of warning tho G-overnment against the suicidal policy of raising the duty on spirits from 103. to 12s. a gallon, and clearly proved that by so doing they would encourage smuggling and illicit distillation to such an extent as to demoralise a certain portion of the population, and instead of increasing would eventually diminish the amount of revenue derived from that branch of the excise. We then proved from standard authorities what every tyro in the Bcience of political eoonomy must know, that ' illicit distillation and smuggling are wholly the result of vicious commercial and finanoial legislation,' They are the fruits either of prohibition! of importation, or of oppressively hj{s dutW»."

Mr. J. iliM.'-iX, native interpreter, aild son of the Rev. Mr. H.-iinlin.. of Fanrnure, has died suddenly, of disease "f tho. h'.v'n'f. His death is greatly regretted in the Auc-Uana Province, where he was well known and highly respected.

T.'(H Gourlay family, well known both in Great Britain and Australia for their delineation of Scottish character, have arrived at Hokitika fro n Sydney, and purpose making a theatrical tour throughout the Colour.

Pr,KUT?o-Pneumonia is very prevalent just now amo:)g the cattle in ■ Canterbury. It is said, however, that it is not of a very virulent nature, and if taken in hand early, can he easily cured by veterinary treatment.

Mr. Bunny h:is been mado a Major of Militia. He acted as sab-whip under Mr. Haughton during the late session.— Marlborough Express.

Neav Resident Magistrate.—William Smith Atkinson, Esq., J.P., has been appointed a Resident Magistrates for the Resident Magistrates' District of Wiiiro.i, rice Samuel Deighton, Esq.

Cases of pm-wiing from citing the tutu have been frequent in the Tu<ipcka district, Otago, lately, and catilo of considerable value hive been lewt from this caiifc. — Daily Times, November 10.

Fatal Accidents in Otago Province.—The Daiii/ Times, of November 16, snys:—"A miner of tlio mmi' of Clinkseale, a native of Berwick, lias boon killed at Welherstones, by a fall of envth. At Wutahuua, a man known as ' Phil the painter,' was drowned in a hole containing four feet of water, while in a state of intoxication."

A novel export will leave Hobart Town for New Zealand by the Bella Mary, says the Hobart Town Evening Mail, namely, 11,000 frogs forwarded from up iho country, to be acclimatised in tho neighboring Colony, where it appears they are wanted, there being nniiher frogs nor toads in the country. — Otago Argus, Nov. 14.

Tun rabbit nuisance seeni3 about to excite attention in New Zealand n3 wall as in Victoria. Coinpl.'iint* tire male by the farmers in the New River (Southland) district that great damage has resulted to their crops from ths depredations of these animals, whole fiulds being sometimes destroyed in tho course of a night.

New Zealand flax is about to receive a fair trial as to its capabilities for rope making. A rope-walk is nbout to be established at Wattle Flat, near Castlemaine, Victoria, in which the phormiuni tenax will be the sole material employed.

New Daily Newspaper.—ln Dunediu has been started a new daily journal, The New Zealand Sun, which, to judge from the first number, exhibits considerable prospects of success, provided its advertising columns will grow and increase. Its literary columns show writing both vigorous and sound, and its general news and " get up" speak of an experienced staff.

We (New Zealand Advertiser, Nov. 23rd) are informed that an agent for the Pacific Mail Company arrived here by the Mataura and went on to Sydney. We understand that he is going there to see Captain Vine Hall, and Captain Blanc, Directors of the P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Company, for the purpose of negotiating a purchase of the Panama line. We simply give the statement as it was conveyed to us.

New and Rich Diggings in the Buller District. —The Westport Times of November sth, says :—" Very good reports come in from the new diir-jinss discovered*to tho northward of Deadman's Cre-..-k."~ Quite an excitement on the subject prevails in the tmvnships of Caledonian, and Gilo?', and a goo 1 niiinv men are knocking round the neighborhood of the new ground situated under Haters Tiviive within two miles of the Waimangoroa river. It is estimated from tho prospects obtained by the prospector?, AT'Gowan mid party, that tho diggings will pay about, £15 to £20 per man per week."

Westport District Court Sittings commenced on Nov. 17th, when the following criminal cases w«re disposed of: — Jolin Hooper was ch-irgnd with Lirceny as.a bailee A wutcli had been entrusted to him by 2.f.i\ G. «T. Eooke to deliver to Mr. Win. Harrison, Gile3 Terr-see, but instead of so doing, he sold the •watch. The Jury found the prisoner guilty, and he ■was sentenced to 9 mouths' imprisonment with hard labor. James Mahone was I'our.d not guilty on n charge of stealing gold from hi 3 mates. Michael Cutlen whs found guilty of assaulting, seriously, Henry ChrUtenson, an I was seat to prison for 9 month?, with hard labor.

Tite Wairarapa Mercury relates ths oocurr.mce of an accident of a serious nature to Mr. Thomas Keys, a man in the employ of Major Bunny, Fcrnside. It seems that on November 16, Keys was riding a horse from Mr. Powle's, Tnuherenikau, the horse stumbled, and after blundering some fifteen or twenty yards, fell with his rider underneath. He managed, howover, with some difficulty to extricate himself, as his arm was broken above the elbow joint. Dr. Smith wit* promptly in attendance, and set the broken limb. ■\\V i-;v glad to hear that Keys is doing well. The Ihwj v.-.i; tho property of Major Bunny, and has flik'!" lnvu shot, a3 it had its shoulder brokon by the Ml.

Tite Olago Witness, of November 11, states : — "The other day, a fatal accident oueuvrod last week in connection with the works of the Port Chalmers graving dock. In one of the excavations, a laborer named James Muir, a native of Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, was engaged in clearing away a leg or spur, under a block of earth which had been undermined, when another laborer who was watching at the top •warned him to beware, as the mass of earth was beginning to move. Muir, pick in hand, endeavored to get clear, but was jammed down by the earth, tlie full crushing the upper portion of bis chest. Drs. Urquhnrt and O'Donaghue wero shortly after in attendance, and pronounced lifo to be extinct. The upper portion of the chest on the right side was broken, and, to all appearance, tho right lung also was ruptured."

Judge Johnston Differs from a Jury.—ln the report of the proceedings at the Suprevne Court at Hawke's Bar, the following appears in the Smoke's Bay Herald: —" James M'Namee was charge:! with tin assault committed upon one Mary Ann Brown. Tlio principal witness did not appear, and her recognizances where ordered to be estreated. Mrs. Down gave evidence to the effect that she was in the house at the time ; that M'Namee came after dark and applied for admittance ; that this was refused ; that, he then broko open the door and entered ; and thnt, when inside, he put his hand on Mr 3. Brown's shoulder and presented a bayonet at her. The Judge summed up—saving the evidence was clear as to the assault. The Jury returned a verdict of ' Not Guilty.' Tho Judge expressed unbounded astonishment, saying he never heard such a verdict in his life; ho then ordered the discharge of the prisoner."

Discovery of Auriferous Quartz near Blenheim:. — ThcMarlboroiiff7iH.vpressofNov.2B,states:— " Mussrs. Nixon and party have reported progress tliis week, and the information is favorable. It appears flint they tried several place 3in the neighborhood of Wairau Valley with varying promise. Crossing the summit of what is known as the Fish's Fin, along the quartz reef spur, and following the dividing range 3 for about two miles in a northerly direction, tlioy struck down a leading spur towards the Forks, which place is not more thun two miles distant. At thin place they found a quartz reef 3 ft. 6 in. thick cropping out for 90 feot along the surface. Not having the requisite tools, they knocked off some chips with an axe, wherein they found gold visible to the nnkpd eye. Nixon thereupon returned to town on Tuesday last, und waited upon his Honor the Superintendent, who, in the absence of any Warden being appointed, hns given interim protection for an extended or prospecting claim ; and on Tuesday he returned supplied with blasting materials or tools, together with a fortnight's provisions, in order to give i(. a thorough trial. We may stnte that ijpon the specimens being shown to experienced persona, they T/rro so favorably regarded that several expressed a • "■■sire to buy shares iv the claim, but the party refused to disposo of more than one n£ present. It may bo ndded that the ground crosses the left-hand branch of the Forks—the supposed source of the Wiikumarijifi cold, sad well known to have bee# exceedingly rich."

Tiifi Oiago escort arrived at Dunedin on November 3rd, with 6271 ounces of gold. The Waimea monthly escort arrived at Hokitiku> on October 23rd, with 5000 ounces of gold. Henry Steinmitz was charged at Dunedin, tlie other day, with selling a loaf of bread to a customer which was seven ounces short in weight. Steinuiitz was fined £6 nnl costs. Laeok Export of Gold from Westland. — The s.s. Auckland left Greytnouth for Sydney, on November 2nd, with the following quantities of gold : — ' 'Greymouth 7000 ounces Hokitika 13,000 „ Total 20,000 „ The ship Timabu, from London, arrived at Port Chnltners on November 15. She brought 81 passengers. There were no deaths nor sickness of an infectious character on the passage, and the population was increased by two births, viz : On the 24th September, when Mrs. Wilson was safely delivered of a daughter; and on the 6th November, when Mrs. Barrett also gave birth to a daughter. The ship William Davie arrived from Glasgow at Port Chalmers on November 2nd, with 210 immigrants. Her captain was presented with a testimonial and a gold watch and chain by the passengers. The Wairarapa Mercury Office, Greytown, together with the plant of that journal, was totally destroyed by fire between three and four o'clock on the morning of the 19th November. The property was insured in the New Zealand Company's office for the sum of £300. William Chestkbman died very suddenly while in a fit, on November 14, at Greymouth. An inquest was held on the body, and a verdict returned that deceased died from natural causes. It is stated that the General Government is about to hike step 3 immediately to connect Wanganui by telegraph with the existing lines throughout the j Colony. Mr. J. R. Rces, telegraphic inspector, is j now instructed to mark oif the line, and tenders for its erection will shortly be advertised for. Tun Otago Argus says that a gentleman in Cliristchurch is about to take out a patent for a great economy in the consumption of fuel on steam vessels. His experiments have been tested in Belgium, and lie possesses valuable testimonials on the subject, but refuses to make known his secret. He engages to keep up the requisite steam-power with a saving of 13owt. to the ton. A child, five years old, son of Mr. Craig, of the firm of Craig and Gillies, cabinet-makers, Dunedin, was killed by the kick of a horse. Several horses were grazing in a paddock at the top of Maclagganstreef, and the deceased went close to one and threw stones at it, when the horse kicked him in the pit of the stomach, killing him almost instantaneously. The ship Light Brigade, now loading at Lyttelton for London, will take the lnrgest shipment of Now Zealaud flax yet sent from the Colony. The Halswell Flax Company have already shipped 100 bales, and during the present month 150 more will follow, making a total of 50 tons. The flax has been very caivfully manufactured and put up, and is said to be in excellent condition. An experimental shipment of half a ton male last year by the ship Beautiful Star having proved highly successful great hopes are expressed regarding the present venture. The Otago Witness of Nov. 7th states : —"A most melancholy and fatal accident occurred at Deep Stream on Monday last. Mrs. Codling, the wife of the proprietor of the Dee]) Stream hotel, and a lady much respected in the district, wa3 driving some fowls towards the houso, when she slipped into the river. Every attempt was made to rescue her, but in vain, and when the body was recovered life was extinct. Wksleyan Methodist Ciiurch. — The annual meeting of the ministers of the newly formed Middle District of New Zealand was held in the Wesleyan Church, Manners-street, Wellington, on November 9th and following days. The following ministerial appointments to the circuits of the district for the year 1869-70 were recommended to the Conference, viz. : —Wellington : William Kirk. C. W. (Hutt. Greytown: E. L. Vickers (now at Richmond). Wanganui: John Crump (now at Nelson) and G. Stannard, supernumary. Rangitikoi: J. H. Simmonds, of Nelson. Nelson: W. Morlcy and W. Leo (Mr. Lee to reside at Richmond). Motuc'ka, one from England. Marlborough: Samuel Stone (to reside at Blenheim). Westport: Vacant. Napier : Vacant. Rev. J. S. Rishworth to receive an appointment in the Southern District. Shocking Accident to a Boy.—Patrick Hecnan, aged 14 years, was killed at'Hokitika on October 28th. The manner in which deceased met with his death is thus described by one of the witnesses :— " Joseph Stanley deposed : I saw the deceased on the wharf yesterday afternoon. Some men were drawing a log by a horso along the wharf, and when it stopped deceased went and sat on the log with his head resting on. his hands and his elbow on hi 3 knees. Some meu were leaning on the log at the same time. The driver was standing near the boy, and the driver went to the horse's head, and without telling anybody started the horse. The boy then fell forward on his side and rolled, and the wheel went right over him. The men were leaning on the log tit the time it commenced to move. They were not assisting to roll the log, but were resting on it. One of the men very nearly fell; he touched the boy on the shoulder, and sang out to the driver, " Oh, mj God! —Wo !" The driver stopped the horse at once, but the log was then on deceased's body, aud continued to roll after the horse had stopped. The boy never moved or spoke. I never heard the driver give any notice previously. I never hoard him speak. As the driver started the horse he was standing where he could see the boy, and he had hold of the horse's head." 'Hi* jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death," bul added a rider to the effect that the men working at the back of the log were greatly to blame for allowing the boy to sit there, and not warning him of his danger.

Boat Accident at Port Chalmers.—During the gale on Friday, says the Otaqo Daily Times, a boat accident took place in the harbor, which nearly proved fatal to two men, named Sanderson Shields and John Cowio. It appears that they had loaded their boat with wood at Black Jack's Point, intending to proceed with their cai'go to Dtmcdin, but owing to the threatening, aspect of the weather, they gave up the idea, and anchored for the night. About daylight, when the gale was at its height, the boat dragged its anchor and drove on to the rocks at the red buoy. The two men clung to the boat for a long time, but feeling benumbed with the cold, they endeavored to reach the shore by swimming. In this they appear to have succeeded as they were found some time after by Mr. DeLaoy lying on tho beach insensible. Mr. DcLacy look them to his house, and after some time succeeded in restoring animation, and they are now said to be doing well, The boat subsequently drifted ashore with her bottom stove in.— West Coast Times, November 2nd.

Arrival of the Panama Steamer Matauea, at Wellington.—The s.s. Mataura arrived at Wellington at 9 a.m. on Saturday last. She left Panama on the 21st October, arrived at Opara on the Bth November, and left on the 10th. On the 24th October, Wiiliaui Johnson, a fireman, fell from tne railing into the sea, and was not missed until it was too late to save him. When leaving Opara, J. Smith, a seaman, fell overboard from the forecastle, and every effort made to save him proved unavailing. On the 10th November the Mataura's engines were stopped for twenty-four hours. The following is the list of passengers :—For Wellington —The Hon. G-. M. Waterhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Cowper, and Mr. J. Harding. For Nelson —Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Creasy, Mrs. Weitzel, and Mrs. E. J. Finney and child. For Hokitika—Mr. and Mrs. De Quadri, Misi M. Hollywood, Mr. Bernard, and Mr. Goldngly. For Auckland —Captain C. N. Eivett, Ma. G-. W. Williams, and Mr. Convoy. For Otago — Mrs. Jackson, Mr. and Mr. Cuthbert, and Mr. JJforgan. For Melbonrno—Mr. and Mrs. Peart, Mr. and Mrs. Ward, Miss E. O'Shannassy, Captain F. A. Baker Messrg. J. G- Kenyon, J. Howell, Hogg, Nye, Thomas, Austin. For Sydney—Mr. Whitton and family, Mr. Austin and children, Mr. and Mrs. Slatter, Miss A. Blythe, Mr. Henry "(2), Jlr, M, H. Peppercorn, and Mr. Marshall.