NAPIER.

Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 460, 25 May 1861, Page 3

NAPIER.

Discovery of a mere Pounamu. — About the 25th ult., a man named John Wesley, who has been engaged as a contractor for government works in Gough Island, picked up a valuable stone of this description, which had apparently been washed to the surface by the action of the very high tides which prevailed at the time — the water making a breach in two different parts of the island. It quickly became known amongst the natives that this discovery had been made ; and the stone was recognised as a tribal heir-loom to which the following history is attached. — It had been in the tribe of which Tareha is now chief for many generations. About 40 years ago, so far as the natives can judge of time, their settlement was attacked by Waikatos. The stone in quesion then belonged to Rawiri, a man of note, since dead j but was in the keeping of an old woman belonging to the tribe, who hid it in the ground so that it might not be found by the attacking natives. This woman died without discovering the place where it was secreted, and, from that time till the period when the island was sold to the Europeans, the tribe was constantly but ineffectually searching for it. Had it not been thus lost, it would, according to the account of Tareha and another native named Hona, have come into their possession. — It will therefore be imagined that the discovery of this long lost stone created some sensation among the natives. Hona offered the finder £9 10s. for it ; but he asked £i 0 ; and the native promised to get the money — asking Me Roberts, with whom he treated, to retain it till he should return. Tareha then brought an action against Wesley in the Resident Magistrate's Court for the recovery of the stone, which came on for hearing on Friday, the 12th ult. The case, after the evidence of Tareha had been taken, was adjourned till Tuesday the 16th, by which time the court required that defendant should produce the stone in court. This he refused to do, saying that " he believed the magistrate only wished to get possession of it in order to deliver possession of it to the natives;" and he was thereupon commited for contempt till Tuesday. We believe, however, ►hat through intercession of his solicitor, Mr Allen, he was liberated the same evening. On the case again coming on, the statement of defendant having been taken, and his solicitor heard on his behalf, the court decided " that the green stone in question is the property of the two claimants, but without prejudice to any conjoint or tribal right of other natives. Defendant, however, notwithstanding the judgment of the court, retained possession of the disputed property, and ultimately, we are informed, parted with it for £25.— Hawke's Bay Herald, April 20,

International Exhibition in 1862. The following is taken from the Gazette :—: — Downing-street, Ist February, 1861. Sir, — I transmit to you a copy of a letter from the promoters and proposed trustees of the Exhibi* tion of Works of Industry and Art of all Nations to be holden in London in the year 1862. You will see that these gentlemen are desirous to learn from what Colonies articles will be sent for exhibition, and also to be put in communication with such persons, or bodies, in each Colony, as are likely to command the confidence of those who may become exhibitors. It is, I am sure, unnecessary for me to urge upon you the adoption of any means in your power for furthering the important object in view, and I shall be glad to learn that the Colony under your government is prepared to become a contributor to this undertaking. The general conditions of the Exhibition will be made known to you as soon as they are completed. I have, &c, Newcastle. Governor Gore Browne, C.B.