Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 144, 28 October 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

Provincial Consort.. — Mr J. Birch, in answer to an influential requisition, has consented to offer himself as a candidate for the seat vacated by Mr Wylde. The Superintendent. — We are glad to hear that his Honor the Superintendent is progressing favourably towards recovery. He will probably return by the Rangitoto. Boat Race. — The match between the C.'<.C.'s Nameless and A.R.C.'s Ariol, noticed in Monday's issue, as to be rowed on the Avon on the 7th proximo, is not likely to take place. Volunteer Inspection. — The monthly inspection of the Christchurch corps will take place this evening at tbe Drill Shed by Lieut.-' 01. Packe. In anticipation of the proposed encampment, more extended movemen s will be gone through than on ordinary occasions, and each man will be served with twenty rounds of blank cartridge. y*vMAF of Canterbury. — The public will be glad to notice that the Chamber of Commerce are so far interesting themselves in the province as to advertise a magnificent Government survey map, "handsomely mounted, shewing the pastoral ** runs, and coloured to show the Road Board districts, &c. It appears, also, that the Chamber of Commerce undertake to mount maps. y( Fkeemasonry. — By the last Panama mail has arrived the patent from the Grandmaster of England, the Earl of Zetland, constituting and appointing William Donald, Esq., Resident Magistrate, of Lj_kfcelton, District Grand Master of Canterbury. I We are informed that the ceremony of iiretallation will take place on or about the 16th December, the anniversary of the settlement. Alteration or the Market Day. — The opponents of this movement are preparing a memorial to the directors of the banks carrying on business in Christchurch, re- - -^.^ociinar — them to keep their respective establishments 6pen~-mrtil -three o'clock on Saturday afternoon. They point out the advantages which would thereby accrue to all classes, and urge the greater suitability of any other day in the week for a halfholiday. — It is exceedingly gratifying to find that the Chamber of Commerce has extended its operations beyond the dry regions of statistics into the pleasant field of acclimatization. Their first effort has been in the direction of frogs, a consignment of which has arrived in a lively condi-. tion by the Alhambra. From frogs the chamber has jumped to bees, and an importation of Ligurian bees is said to be on the way. These bees are much larger than the common bee, and have a propensity for making honey not only every day, but during a portion of the night too. The labours of the Chamber of Commerce must be highly appreciated by the Acclimatization Society. The Railway Reserves" — We are glad to notice that the merchants who have leased the Railway Reserves for building purposes are commencing operations upon them. Mr J. Bailey is engaged in the erection of a commodious store, and intends putting up another of still larger dimensions. The foundations are to be of stone to about 3 feet 6 inches above the ground, and the remaining portions of galvanised iron. Messrs Wood Brothers will follow shortly with two other stores of a similar description. When these are finished, together with that of Messrs Miles and Co., on a piece of freehold adjoining, the vicinity of the goods department at the* Railway Station will assume quite a business air ; and the want of storage, which has been so long experienced, will be materially alleviated. . Fatal Acoident. —We are sorry to record an accident which terminated fatally, to Mr Baker, dairyman, an old resident at Lyttelton. It appears from the statement of Mr Julian, that yesterday morning he accompanied the deceased as far as the head of the bay for a ride, and that in returning he was a few yards in advance of deceased. When near the house of the custodian of the bathing shed, the deceased's horse came up without its rider. He caught the horse, and on turning round, he saw deceased lying upon the 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 Lyttelton for assistance. Dr Motley was speedily in attendance, and ordered the removal of the deceased to his own house. Drs Donald and Rouse also attended, but the deceased never rallied, and expired at nine o'clock last night. The cause of death was ascertained to be a fracture of the base of the skull. An inquest was held this afternoon, before W. J. S. Coward, Esq., coroner, at the Albion Hotel. A verdict of " Accideutal death" was returned.

The Governor. — The New Zealand Advertiser, of Oct. 26th, states: — His Excellency Sir G. Bowen will go to Wanganui about the 9th November. The Hon. J. C. Richmond and the Hon. Col. Haultain will accompany him. Shortly after his return to Wellington His Excellency will leave for Nelson and other places in the Middle Island, making a tour of five or six weeks. Owing to the s:ate of Lady Bowen's health, she is reluctantly compelled to refrain from accompanying His Excellency in his Southern tour, and will go to Auckland about the same time as the Governor proceeds to the youth. His Excellency will not accompany Lady Bowen to Auckland. Heathcote Volunteers. — No 8 Company paraded on Saturday night, near the Railway Station at the Valley, and after being inspected, by Major Rookes were marched, headed by their band, to a paddock near Capt. Holmes' house. They were here put through ".a variety of movements, and fired several rounds of blank cartridge. On the termination of their drill, Captain Holmes addressed the Company, informing them that in all probability this would be the last time Major Rookes would drill them, feeling assured they would all regret it, as he himself did. He then called for three cheers for the gallant Major, which was responded to in a manner that did credit to the lungs of the > ompanv, the ban 1 playing " For he's a jolly good fellow." Major Rookes briefly returned tlianks for their kindness, and trusted the Company would ever retain their good name as thorough! volunteers. The band, under the abl .• tuition of Mr McKenna, V.C. (of Waikato fame), are rapidly improving, and no doubt will shortly take their placo as one of the best bands in the province. Professor Faraday. — His discoveries are unrivalled in their importance und variety, aud the example of his life and character beyond all estimation. The piety of his mind, nnd his personal modesty should exalt his memory as much as the thought of his vast intellectual resources, and the skill and patience with which he brought them to bear upon the physical problems offered to him for solution. He was the greatest of experimental philosophers, and looking to those of his researches which have borne immediate fruit, he may be justly classed with the foremost benefactors of mankind; for the advantages arising from the practical application of electrical science, cai hardly be deemed inferior io those derived from the use of the printing press, or of the steam engine. But it was in this, view that Faraday himself most preferred to be regarded. In Ihe true nobility and far reaching sweep ot his genius, truth was the constant cynosure of his voyage across the phenomenal ocean — towards and by that light he always steered his course. If utility followed in the wake of pure discovery, so much the better ; buutility was not to be the first object of tlu adventure. His whole private life was an illustration of this. Title and wealth were at his command ; and if be had chosen io carry his knowledge and reputation to the markets where gold, to get more gold, buys brains, no limit can be assigned to the riches that would have been within bis grasp. But be chose the better part. ; he died as he had lived ; plain Michael Faraday ; and kept himself pure and unspott- d from the world. Avon Road Board. — An ordinary meeting was held at the Board office, on Monday morning. Present : Messrs Lame, Abbot, Joyce, and Norman. In the absence of Ur Peacock, Mr Abbot was voted to the chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The clerk reported the credit balance at the bank to be i'l 6B 6s lid. The Surveyor reported that the improvements to t. Albans road had been completed during the week, and that the men are now employed clearing out a drain on Preston's road, and putting in two culverts on Harris' road. He also stated that he had communicated with Mr Rhodes respecting the Horseshoe Lake drain, and received a reply to the effect that he had no intention of expending more money on ifc at present, and requesting that when the whole of the £300 had been laid out, the Board would forward him a certificate to that effect. The report was deemed satisfactory. The clerk was directed to acknowledge Mr Rhodes' letter, arid comply with the terms of it when practicable. The following tenders for metalling the Sawyers' Arms road were opened and considered : — Bridgley and Long, 4s 6d per yard, Lewis and Philpot, 4s sd, B. Monk, 4s 3d, J. Widdington, 5 s 2d, T. Claridge, 4s 6d, T. F. Partridge, 5s 2^d, Tacon and Banks, 4s lljd, John Foster, 4s lid. The tender of B. Monk was accepted. On considering tbe expenditure of the balance of the Horseshoe Lake drainage grant, the Surveyor was ordered to have the drain deepened at once, the expense not to exceed 14s per chain. A petition was read from persons residing on Daniels' Accommodation road, asking for that thoroughfare to be formed. Ifc was resolved that the resolution passed by by the Board on the llth of May last — that the petitioners should first pay one third of the cost — should be adhered to, and the clerk was directed to reply to that effect. A letter was read from the Christchurch Borough Council, requesting the Board to obtain information as to the views of the farmers resident in the district, respecting the proposed alteration of the market day. The clerk was requested to collect the information as correctly and expeditiously as possible. A letter was also read from the honorary secretary of the Acclimatization Society, soliciting a contribution towards the importation of insectivorous birds. The clerk was instructed to acknowledge its receipt, and express the regret of the Board at their inability to apply any portion of their funds to that purpose. The surveyor was directed to have all gorse impeding traffic on the North road removed. The clerk was instructed to collect the statistics of growing crops, required by the Government, during the ensuing month. Accounts amounting to -El 19 15s 4d were ordered to be paid.

Colonel M'Donnell. — It appears that this officer has been permitted to withdraw his resignation, and has received three montha' leave of absence on domestic reasons. Col. M'Donnell was a passenger from Wanganui in the p s. Sturt. -emi-Official. — Under the above head, the Wellington Independent contains the following: — Mr Fitzherbert has not been suooesful iv hiß attempt to exchange Provincial debentures bearing a hi«h rato of interest, for colonial b >nds. Of the former .£500,000 were offered, and only £145,000 worth were applied fur on the terms propose I. He his consequently been obliged to extend the period of application for colonial bonds in exchange for provincial debentures, and this will prolong his stay in London longer than be anticipated. No 'intelligence has been received by the Government by this mail relative to the removal of the 18th Royal Irish from New Zealand. Banking in New Zealand. — The Banker's Magazine lias an article on this subject from which we extract the following: — "The branch banks of the colony have from tht-ir own resources been able to transact large operations in gold, and to stimulate pas'or.d and agricultural pursuits. They have not been without losse*, sometimes indeed heavy and disastrous, but the long experience in the other colonies and gre it ability of manage maut have carried them tuccas^fully through all the trying epoch of New Zealaud, by enabling them to establish a business, which with highly remunerative rate?, justifies cer tain risks which are almost inevitable to the position they occupy. There has been a great decline in sheep farming, not only from ihe fall in wool, but the superabundant supply of animals for the markets of the colony, which have especially affected some of the largest customers of banks ; besides which it bas been no easy task at all times satisfactorily to conduct financial affairs amidst local wars, a greatly varying expenditure on the part of Governments, and an import market frequently disturbed by gluts, by a migratory population, and by values subject to enormous fluctuations. Although banking haa been generally prosperous, certain counteracting features show that the course of busiuess has not. always been smooth or successful. Mr. Disraeli in the House. — The fate of a great State institution is under discussion. The seals of office, the highest prizes of English ambition, depend upon the division. The whole of the Assembly is in a state of tumultuous excitement. Every nerve is at its highest tension. The very atmosphere is electrical. Where is VI r Disraeli ? There, on that magical bench, which General Peel proposes to send to the British Museum with an inscription anything but complimentary to either of our great political parties. He is surrounded by his colleagues, Mr Hardy, Lord Stanley, Sir John Pakington, and Sir Stafford Northcote. Mr Lowe is on his legs. He is assailing the right hon. gentleman in his russet Saxon, and in those clear ringing tones of his, the very tones of scorn and hatred. Every sarcasm is barbed. How the Opposition cheer I Mr Hardy is flushed and restless. Lord Stanley knits his brows closer. Sir John Pakington smiles now and then from sheer gaity of heart; but even his smile is tinged with a little bitterness. Sir Stafford Northcote slyiffies about in his seat. One man, and one man alone, is calm and self-possessed. To Mr Disraeli all these barbed epigrams are only figures of speech, all that invective only an ornament of debate. Silent, impassive, with his arms folded across his chest, his eyes fixed on the ground, Mr Disraeli is tlie personification of scorn and contempt. You will trace no feeling in that dark, brooding countenance. It is as statuesque as the face of the Sphinx. Mr Dsraeli possesses the mysterious art which distinguished Napoleon Bonaparte — the ar of concealing his emotions and thoughts as perfectly as a Red Indian under torture. You can read his face no more than you read a mask. It is expressionless. Hour after hour the debate goes on, speaker follows speaker. Bright rises; and Mr Disraeli turns his eyeglass to the clock, which is a mere mechanical act, perhaps only an excuse to take a look at the orator. Gladstone follows. The House is at its highest pitch of excitement. How will the division go ? What can Disraeli say ? There he is at the table. He stands like a stag at bay; Like a Douglas before a host of foes. He runs his eye over the House, perhaps takes a glance at fche galleries as the House cheers. There is an expression of pride in the slight play of his eye. Mr Disraeli knows his power. " I am the Leader of the Tory party;" that, perhaps, is the interpretation of his smile. As the echo of the cheering dies away Mr Disraeli casts his eyes upon the table, and in quiet, composed tones begins his reply. There is no passion, no impatience about him. He is strong, and conscious of his strength. His self possession is like that of Lord Monmouth. Neither an earthquake nor a Reform Bill can upset it. He states in exact terms the precise nature of the motion before the House, reviews the arguments of the right hon. gentleman the member for South Lancashire or Calne, hits them off in a few terse and telling sentences, and then turns to the personal parts of their speeches. This is where he makes liis play. Mr Disraeli has no match in the arts of satire and invective, and he knows ifc. Raising his voice and shifting his position, he turns with a gentleness that has a touch of superb artifice in it to the person he is speaking of, now to Mr Gladstone, now to Mr Bright, then to Mr Lowe; and his arrows are instantly flying in all directions. The tone of voice and the manner are exquisite. Every stroke tells. Every arrow goes straight to its mark. Keen as a Damascene sword, speaking in tones of withering sarcasm, using picturesque and striking phrases, rarely rising into what is called eloquence, yet easy and fluent, he is the Paladin of debate; and woe to the man who crosses his path 1

Quartz Crushixg Company. — Major Heaphy, V.C., M.G.A., has initiated a scheme of this character. The capital is to be £2000, to be raised by 200 shares of £10 The operations of the company are to be at tha Thames. It is said that a number of gentlemen in Wellington have taken shares in the proposed company. Submarine Cable. — Intimation has been received at Hobart Town, of the arrival in London of Captain Gilmore, the agent for Tasmania in tbe matter of the submarine cable across Bass's Straits. Captain Gilmore has taken steps to expedite the cable, and hopes that it will be ready for shipment towards the end of January, or the beginning of February next. Should this be the case the cable will be ready for use in April. Narrow Escape. — This morning a little boy aged 15 months, named James, the adopted child of Mr Collier, Dampier's Bay, had a narrow escape from drowning. It appears that the child was only missed a few minutes, arid when Mrs Collier sought it, she found it had fallen into a hole in the water gully. The child was insensible when taken up. Restoratives were resorted to, we are glad to say with effect. Dr J. T. Rouse was quickly in attendance, but his services, fortunately were not required. Again. — Schiifer, the German traveller, came to Ne« Zealand, it would appear, for some purpose. While in the Upper Thames di-ur-ict he became ena ■ oured of a youthful Maori damsel — a charming " Lizzy"— with ..whom he entered into the holy bonds of matrimony. After pursuing a course of which in any civilised community would ba characterised by the significant word '• loafing," \lrs Bchii f er appears to brfve become jealous, and (die was taisen away from her " lord and mas' er" by her friends. Ultimately a jury was enripanneled to investigate the matter, when judgment -Was given against Schiifer for the recovery or certain p-ttry articles. The whole affair appears to have been very amusing, but very disgraceful so far as the conduct of the" celebrated German traveller is concerned. The result wai that Schiifer was bundled off on "bis travels-by the first pnortunity, and it was lucky he escaped so well. < - Lecture. — Last night Dr Haast delivered the first of a series of lectures on geology at the Literary Institute, tc a numerous audience. Mr T. Nottldge occupied the chair. Dr Haast, in his opening remarks, expressed the ploasure he felt in complying with the request to repeat last year's course of lecture?., and said they would be six in number. The last one he intended, if possible, to deliver in the Museum, so that all the requisites for illustrating his remarks would be at hand. He also intended, after the fifth of the series, to make an excursion to Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island with those who desired to follow the subject closely, and there explain on the spot the practical features of volcanic regions. Quail Island is a most beautiful and instructive example of such phases of the science, and would tend , more to promote a clear understanding on tbe subject than many addresses devoid of natural illustration. He should also desire to devote a few hours after the second lecture, which will treat of the classification of mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, in the Museum, where all the necessary specimens will be at hand. -The lecturer then opened the subject by defiuing the science, and pointing out the necessity of the Geologist being conversant with chemistry, natural history, and the other physical sciences. He then gave a clear and succinct description of the formation of the earth, the sun, and the planets, illustrated by diagrams and maps suspended around the platform, and specimens of various kinds displayed upon the table. He was listened to very attentively tliroughout, and frequently applauded. In concluding he remarked that the subject was so varied in nature, that he had only been able to touch imperfectly upon some of the most principal points, but he had no doubt that if they followed him closely through the course, they would certainly derive some knowledge of the conditions, past and present, of the globe, which could not fail but be useful to them. The chairman closed the proceedings in a few words expressive of the thanks due to Dr Haast, and pointing out that although the first lecture was necessarily somewhat difficult to understand clearly, each succeeding one would became more comprehensive and interesting. tvr Zealand Wood — The following information contained in the Southern Croai of thi 18th inst., if true, is of great importance to the colony : — Our attention has been called several times of late to the great difference between the New Zealand wood and the Tasmanian wood used in the construction of the Queen Street Wharf ; and, after a i examination, we find that our own native woods are far superior in every resjiect to those imported from Hobart Town, and wliich were largely used in tbe destruction of the wharf. At the present time the upper planking, which bears the whole brunt of the traffic, is so cut in many places that it has b:-en found necessary to take lar c numbers of the boards up and replace them with new ones. In every case those which have been removed, through being so thoroughly worn out as to be not only useless but in many cases unsafe for traffi ■, are those iinr orted from Hobart Town at considerable expense. At the time the planking was laid down opinions were divided regarding the strength and durability of New Zt-aland and Tasmanian woods and about an equal quantiy of each was used. Now nearly the whole of that imported (at double the expense of kauri) is ao far worn out that it will have to be removed, while our native wood, the kauri, of which the other half is formed, is as good as ever, the boards being still bard, smooth and apparently as durable as they were the first day they were put down. The imported planks at their side contrast most unfavourably with them, being black, ia many places .. :,7,.u.^irrLi^^Mim7^M^Si^M

rotten, and *o cut up that tbey present a rougb and ragged appearance. In many instances they are a mere mass of splinters. The piles too used in the construction of the wharf comprir-e wood both from this country and from Tasmania. These latter will not bear the slightest comparison with those of native growth. There are piles of totara that have been down from three to seven years without being affected either by the sun or the salt water. On the other hand, tho»e consisting of the imported wood from Tasmania are, in many — indeed in most — instances, rotted to the core; in other cases perhaps the amount of solid wood in them is not so thick as a man's finger. Indeed, so thoroughly worn out are they that numbers of them have heen strengthened to prevent their falling to pieces. They are also most susceptible to the attacks of the worms, which seem to have an especial delight in boring them so full of boles that in many cases the interior is one mass of rot. These facts speak very strongly for themselves, and the New Zealand woods have triumphantly proved their right to be used in all local works, in preference to wood from any other country.