Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 114, 24 September 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

'NThe Trout Ova. — About 300 ova have been successfully hatched. Lyttelton Horticultural Society. — A meeting of the provisional committee was held in the Colonists' Hall last night. Dr Rouse occupied the chair. A schedule of proposed rules was read. Amongst other things, it was decided to have members at one guinea, and others at half-a-guinea. The former will be entitled to four transferable tickets at each show, and the latter to two transferable tickets. It was resolved that a public meeting be called for Wednesday next, to elect officers and committee for the ensuing year. KCwsats Hayes Again. — The Southern Cross of Sept. 8, saj r s : — A gentleman who was a passenger >o Wellington on the 18th August, by the Kaikoura from Panama, and subsequently came on to Auckland, informs us that, whilst the Kaikoura was lying at Opara coaling, on the 9th August, a, gentleman came on board to contradict the statement that had been circulated in the papers to the effect that the notorious Captain Hayes had been shot in a duel with his mate. He stated that on the 30th July Captain Hayes was at Tahiti, busily engaged in fitting out the Rona for another cruise to the South Sea Islands. Fire Brigade. — The result of the lecture at the Town Hall by Capt.Wilson, in aid of the Fire Brigade library, has been to place the very satisfactory sum of £14 to the credit of the fund. The manner in which it should be expended was discussed at the last practice parade of the members, but it was eventually decided to keep it in reserve until all donations of books have been received, when the requirements will be better understood. Unanimous votes of thanks were passed to Captain Wilson for his services in delivering the lecture, and to Mr Montgomery for presiding, — the latter to be forwarded by letter. A library committee was formed to arrange the books and draw up a code of rules for regulating their issue, and other measures were adopted, which will result in providing a pleasant and amusing resort, for the members during the evening. A Good Yield. — The Otago Daily Times says : — We are informed by Mr M. W. Hawkins, the manager of the Ida Valley Quartz Mining Company, that yesterday's Escort i brought a cake of gold from the Company's Mine, at Rough Ridge, weighing 114oz. lGdwts., the produce of 203 tons of stone. This, Mr John Cyrus Martin, the Company's Mining Manager, reports is the result of crushing all the stone, good and bad, in the old backs. He further says — " lam happy to inform j r ou that yesterday (22nd instant), I struck the ' Homeward Bound' reef in the new south shaft, at a depth of 23ft from the surface, and 40 ft a-head of former workings. The reef was, last night, 3 ft. wide, and is still increasing — gold all through the solid stone ; in fact, a prospect equal, if not superior, to any previously obtained here. This is the reef supposed by eveiy one here to have run out " The Ministry and the House. — " How lon " says the Nelson Colonist " will the people of New Zealand tolerate ministers who are so weak, and a House which is so slavish and reckless of the public weal ? How long will they submit to misrepresentation, grinding taxation, and the enormous waste that incompetency and mismanagement produce ? Year by year our burdens are in crensing ; year by year Ministers are exhibiting less practical ability; and an overgrown House of Representatives appears to be a thca' re' for too many adventurers who are devo d of political principle, and in whoui [ the hope of substantial reward seems to be la jreat incentiv; to servile action. Otherj, whom the people have trusted for years sacrifice their pledges at the shrine of party or of personal dislike ; and in spite of all this, the people at large are either blind to the fact, or apathetic to its existence, and take no steps to resent the injustice of which they are the victims. How long is this to last ? AiiDt.'crruN and Murder. — The Wairoa correspondent of the Hawke's Bay Herald Lolls a strange story about the Maori Hotoma who recently escaped from" the Chatham Island but was captured by Major Richardson's force: — "Speaking of Hotoma he ' writes there is a ptory about him, upon the strength of which he might be well, I suppose, hearsay evidence won't hang a man. He was a slave in Waikato. He fell in love with a lady and persuaded her to elope ; pro- [ vided himself with a musket, and the pair started. They were followed by the owner and master. Conceiving the question did not admit of peaceful solution, Uototna shot his proprietor, and effected his escape in safety with his fair one. The same correspondent points out that if the position of Wairoa is dangerous, that of Poverty Bay cannot b • one whit better ; the only thing is that owing to the greater extent of open country it is not so easy to approach as Wairoa. Jealousy amongst the friendly natives has gone far to render combined action difficult, if uot impossible. It is however alleged that the escaped prisoners simply want to go home, and don't intend to interfere with any one." I

Saltwater Creek Bbidgb. — This bridge is rapidly approaching completion, the piledriving is finished, and the greater part of the sleepers laid. The contractor is now engaged in aheet-piling the approaches, and under favourable circumstances, will have the bridge available for traffic on or before Saturday week. Waimate. — A public meeting was held at Waimate on Tuesday evening, 15th inst., to consider the advisability of petitioning his Honor the Superintendent for a portion of the waste land near the township for a commonage. — Mr David Brown in the chair. After the subject had been fully discussed by several gentlemen, it was finally resolved that a petition, signed by the inhabitants, should be forwarded to Ids Honor the Superintendent. Woodexd Volunteers. — A general meeting of the Woodend Company C.R.V., took place on Tuesday evening at Ward's Hotel, Captain Hinge in the chair. The principal business before the meeting was the election of a lieutenant to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Lezard. Mr Pavitt, of Woodend was unanimously chosen for the office. The Woodend Company intend mustering very strongly at the general parade of the Northern Battalion C.R.V., which takes place on Tuesday next, the 29th instant, at Rangiora. XiHorkiblb if True. — A Wellington telegram dated 1 p.m., Sept. 22, in our Timaru contemporary states : — " Accounts from Patea speak of the great disorganization of the forces, the greater part of whom in the recent engagement were panic-stricken and never fired a shot. A man named Don came into Wailii quite emaciated after being five days out. Whilst hiding in the bush after the recent engagement at Ngutu-o-te-Manu he heard the Maoris dragging two men towards the pah, one of whom said c Why do you not kill me at once, you wretches.' Soon afterwards he heard great yelling and shouting, mingled with horrible' screams. He believes that the two men were roasted alive. " Philosophical Society. — A special meeting of this society was held at the Literary Institute at 7.20 last evening. Dr Julius Haast presided ; and the other members present were the Rev J. Wilson, the Rev C. Fraser, Drs Turnbull, Coward, Powell, Messrs Nottidge, S.Bealey, Dobson, Fereday, and Carruthers. The Rev C. Fraser said that the rules required that the election of officers should take place by ballot. A list had been proposed, and would presently be submitted to the meeting. Mr Nottidge said it would not be necessary to proceed by ballot if there was no opposition to the names proposed. It was decided that the meeting should proceed with the election of officers for the ensuing twelve months. The Rev C. Fraser proposed that Dr Haast be elected president of the society. The resolution was unanimously agreed to. Dr Haast, in returning thanks, said he would have liked to see some one else appointed president, and he had told his friends to propose some other person, but they stated it was their wish that he should he elected. He had made up his mind to remain in Christchurch, and if the members of the society would kindly assist him, he believed that little Canterbury would not be behind the other provinces of New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) The Rev (\ Fraser said that he had written down the names of Dr Turnbull and Mr Edward Dobson as vice-presidents, but it was required that they should be proposed separately. He would, therefore, propose Mr Dobson as one of the vice-presidents of the society. l he motion was carried unanimously. Dr Turubull's election as the other vice-president was also unanimously agreed to. The chairman expressed a hope that Dr Turnbull would favour the Society with a paper on some subject at an early date. Dr Turnbull replied that lie would be happy to do so when called upon. Dr Coward proposed the election of the following gentlemen as members of the Council : — The Rev. J. Wilson, Messrs Jollie, Tancred, Davie, Nottidge, and Packe. The Rev. C. Fraser seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Dr Powell proposed the election of the Rev. C. Fraser as Secretary, remarking that the Society could not have a better officer. The Rev. J. Wilson seconded the motion. The Chairman bore testimony to the valuable services rendered to the Society by Mr Fraser. Since he was kind enough to undertake the Secretaryship, the Society had gone ahead. This was a very strong reason why he should be elected. The motion was carried unanimously. The Rev. J. Wilson proposed the election of Dr Coward as Treasurer. Mr S. Bealey seconded the motion. Mr Nottitljjo said he did not think that there would be any opposition to the election of Secretary and Treasurer on the part of those members who were absent, but in order to avoid any difficulty, he would suggest that both should be willing to submit themselves for re-election, when the Society would be incorporated with the New Zealand Institute — that was, if any objection should be raised to their appointment that evening. The Secretary and Dr Coward said they would be quite ready to act as Mr Nottidge sugges cd. The motion for the appointment of Treasurer was then passed. Mr Nottidge inquired when the society's room would be in readiness. The chairman repiied that it was ready at the present time, and possession would be given when applied for. The meeting then proceeded to consider what arrangements should be made for the annual dinner. On the motion of Dr Coward, seconded by Dr Powell, Dr Turnbull, Mr Carruthers, and Mr Nottidge were appointed as a committee to carry out the necessary arrangements. Mr Nottidge made inquiry as to how many friends members could invite, and whether the society would invite persons ex officio. The chairman said that each member could invite a friend ; invitations would be issued to the Deputy-Superintendent, &c. The price of the dinner per head was fixed at a guinea. It will come off on Wednesday next, the 30th inst.

Acclimatization. — The usual monthly meeting of the council of this society will be held at the Literary Institute at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Friday). Lecture. — A lecture iv connection with the Lyttelton Sunday School, will be delivered in the Colonists' Hall to-morrow evening by the Rev A. Reid. Subject : Genesis and Geology. Kaiapoi Total Abstinence Society. — The annual tea meeting of this society will take place this evening, at 6 o'clock, in the Hall of the Kaiapoi Institute. Several promoters of the cause of temperance will be in attendance and deliver addresses. New Supreme Co cut House. — Mr Lean has completed his plans for the new Court House, and we have beeu favoured with an inspection of them iv detail. They have been prepared with a careful consideration for the requirements of judicial proceedings, and appear to offer every convenience and comfort to be desired. The building is treated in the gothic style, and approaches a square, with the central hall in elevation rising rfbove the roofs of the subsidiary buildings around it, which contain the jurors' and witnesses' rooms, prison, &c, and are of two stories. The whole as seen from the Victoria bridge, will present, as a prominent feature, a tower containing a public staircase with the Chester street front seen in the perspective, and the Court entrance facing the Market Place with the gable of the Court rising above it. The whole structure is designed with a careful avoidance of elaborate ornamentation, and has a massiveness in good keeping with the xise , it is intended for, and reflecting considerable credit on the taste of the architect. The walls are of rubble work, and the window openings are ample, and without tracery, but characterized by a treatment sufficiently distinctive to identify them with the style adopted. Mr Lean has relied for effect on the depth of the openings, and such variety as may be obtained by the simplest means. In this he will not be disappointed, and when completed, the Court House will form a valuable and attractive addition to our public buildings. Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association. — A meeting of the council of this association was held on Tuesday last, at the Pier Hotel, Kaiapoi. Present : Mr M. Dixon, President ; Messrs Hilliard and Bowron, Vice Presidents; Messrs J. Keetley, T. Pashby, J. E. Brown, H. J. Wood, J. Macfarlane, W. M. Maskell, and Dr Dudley. After some discussion the minutes, of the annual meeting were read and confirmed, during which Mr Maskell was understood to say that those to the north of the Ashley, in consequence of the show not being held this year at the Saltwater Creek, would be compelled to withdraw their support from the association. Mr Brown and the Chairman explained the reasons why it was impossible to hold the show at the Salt water Creek this year, and the subject dropped. It was next decided to offer the same prizes for cattle as heretofore. . Mr Brawn stated that Mr Busa had kindly offered a paddock for the show. It was resolved that the secretary cause advertisements to be inserted in the Lyttdlou Times and Press stating that full particulars of classes, &c, would be inserted in both those papers ou the 10th of October. The Council determined to adopt last year's schedule of prizes, and that the show should take place shortly after the Chrixtchurch show. A committee was appointed to make arrangements. On the motion of Mr Brown, it was resolved, " That this Council regrets that, owing to the Ashley and Saltwater Creek being unbridged, they are precluded from holding their annual exhibition at Saltwater Creek." Fathkr Holland. — Those who have nofc yet heard of Father Rowland, will be charmed to make his acquaintance. Here is v sketch of him in the field, given by a soldier of the Protestant faith : — "On that grey and rainy morning, when the ' snoring waters' of the VViungongora, were muttering of floods and fury to come, when our 'three hundred' muitured silently in column on the parade ground, one man made his appearance, who at once drew all eyes upon him with silent womler. His garb was most peculiar, scanty but long skirtsuhroudeu" his nether garments, an old waterproof sheet hung loosely over his shoulders. Weapons he had none, *>ut there was a warlike cock in the position of his bro«d-brimmcd old felt, and a seJf-coivfl-dence in the aukufe in which he lcanid on his wnl^ing-atick, that said: here stands a man without fear. Who is it ? Look underneath ti.e flap of t'Mat clerical hat, ami the frank, good liumour*)d,brare c;>untenaticeof ' Father Rowland ' will meet you. There he waß, Uglify arrayed for a mnrch of which no one could say what the ending would be. With a good hunoured smile lie answered my question as to whar, on earth brought him there, with, that on holding evening service he had t >hl his flock that lie would accompany t' em on the morrow, and there he was ! ' ruly there stood ' a gonfi shepherd.' Througli the rapid rirer, waist- ieep, along ihe weary forest track, across ominous-looking clearing's wkero at any moment a voiley from an ambush would hove swept our ranks, Father Kowlaiul nnrelied cheerfully and • manfully, ever ready with a kind wonl, a playful sentence to any man who passed him. And wh'.-n at lust in the clearings of TeNgutu o-le-Mtum the storm of bullets burst upon us, he did not wait in the rear for men being brought to him, but ran with the rest |of us forward into thu enemy's t osition. ! So soon us any man droppeJ, lie was by his aide ; he did not »sk are you Catholic or Protestant, but, kneeling, prayed for his ' last words.' Thrice noble conduct, in a century of utilitarian tendencies. What Catholic on that expedition could have felt fear when he saw Father Rowland by his side, smiling at death, a living personification, a fulfilment of many a text preached; what Catholic could have but felt proui to be a Catholic on th.it d;iy, on Father Rowland's^ account!"

Telegraphic Extension. — We understand that a surveying vessel has been despatched from Malta, by direction of the Government, for the purpose of Bounding the direct route between Malta and Alexandria, preparatory to the submersion of the cable now being manufactured for the Anglo-Mediterranean Telegraph Company hy the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company at their works at Greenwich. The Narva, with the Cuba cable, has arrived at Key West, and it i» '<Uy expected that the news of the wire tafia : been successfully laid will be received in En ntnd. A cable of about 1 1 miles in length is being made for the We of Man Company for the purpose of restoring the communication between Whitehaven and the island. The cable will be composed of some of the old Hague cables purchased from the Electric and International Telegraph Company. These are served with hemp and strengthened with galvanized iron wires of No. 3 gauge. The core of the proposed cable had been sunk in the North Sea for several years. It wae then picked up and laid across the Irish Channel to Howih, and was then again brought up from the depths of the sea. Its future u<es we hare indicated. It is contemplated to lay a cable between Peterhead, in Zetland, and Norway. The length of the cable will be About 30 miles. The submarine line between Lowestoft and Zandvoort waa recently interrupted. The Klectric and International Telegraph Company's repairing ship Monarch, was immediately despatched to repair the damages sustained, and, owing to the continuance of fine weather, communication was -almost immediately restored.