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Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2099, 25 September 1875, Page 2

The Caledonian have sold to the Bank of New Zealand stone valued at 12 ounces of gold, for the purpose of transmission to the Philadelphian Exhibition.

Mr John McKee, who died from injuries received in the Manukau mine, was connected with the Presbyterian Church, and it will be seen from our advertising columns that in consequence of the sad accident the Eov. James "Hill will preach to-morrow evening on the subject of " Human Life."

We draw attention to the announcement that Monday next is the last day for competitors to send in compositions for the prizes which will be awarded on Tuesday evening next at the Spelling Bee. We have not heard yet whether or no many pieces have been forwarded, but we hope a good number will be forthcoming. No one as we have before remarked need be ashamed of attempting to flirt with the muse through fear that his or her name will •be made public, as the names of the unsuccessful competitors will be kept secret, not only from the general public, but even from the judge whoever he may be who is called upon to decide. ' Any subject may be taken on which to ryhme, the only stipulations being that the verses must not exceed twenty five lines (as much shorter as the writer thinks fit) of original matter, and be sent into St George's Parsonage not later than Monday evening next. Few know what they can do until they try, and there may be some poet or poetess among us whose muse, at present lying dormant, may rise by this small beginning at St George's Spelling Bee to fame and renown. Who knows ? Stranger things have happened in the world's history, and " great events from trivial causes spring."

The following items of local interest formed part of the proceedings of the Board of Education on Thursday last:— Waiotahi. —A protest from Mr Rowe against the proposed changes in the Thames SchooL was received, and the Board informed that gentleman that they had already sanctioned the changes when his protest arrived.—Waiotahi. —The appointments approved of: Miss Muir to Shellback School, and Miss Pyne to the Waiotahi Creek School; the salaries to be subject to the Inspector's report. — Parawai. —The recommendation of an increase of Miss Bennett's salary was deferred until the Inspector's report.— Kawaeranga.—The resolution of the committee, relative to the teacher's salary, had been forwarded for the opinion of the Board. The consideration of it was deferred until a future meeting.

A Pbovincial Government Gazette of this day's date has reached us. It is notified therein that Dr Alexander Fox and William Davies have been appointed fence viewers for the Parawai District. Several notifications under the Highways Act appear.

Ik Victoria the following shafts had been sunk to depths of over 1000 ft at the end of the quarter: —The Magdala, 1630 ft; the Newington, 1556; the South Scotchman's, 1262 ft; the Prince Patrick, 1178 ft; the Crown Cross United, 1045 ft, at Pleasant Greek ; and the New North Clunes, at Clunes, 1020 ft. There were also 16 other shafts in the colony which had been sunk to depths varying from 800 ft to 1000 ft. In the claim of the New North Cluues Company auriferous quarta was obtained at the depth of 1005 ft.

An Adelaide gentleman, says iEgles, was some time ago engaged in some surveying work on or about the run of a wealthy squatter, formerly of South Australia, but now of Melbourne. Being one day at the home station, the visitor was asked what he thought of the piano. Running his hands over the keys, he said, " There is a broken string." Then, taking out the fret, he added, " There are several broken/ " What's to be done ?" asked Mac Fleece. " Oh, I can send you up some strings from Adelaide; " and he then proceeded to make a closer examinafion, and to note in his pocket-book which required replacing. MacPleece looked on for a few minutes, and then interfered. "Look here, Mr , don't you bother measuring them strings. Iv'e got plenty of money—a few yards of wire's neither here nor there—just you send us up a coil of it.'"

It is some time since we were called upon to record anything in the way of "selling off" or " immense reductions " in the clothing department. But we are now reminded that Messrs J. Cosgrave and Co., are calling a sale of drapery and clothing at their establishments in Owen and Albertstreets. The stocks in these establishments embrace £20,000 worth of goods. Cheap drapery and winter clothing will now be the order of the day.—Adyt.

Just Opened, from the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, England, a choice assortment of Garden Seeds. On sale by F. A. Pui-leine.—Advt.