FROM THE “ STAR ” SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18926, 23 November 1929, Page 21 (Supplement)

FROM THE “ STAR ” SIXTY YEARS AGO.

ADVERTISEMENTS AND NEWS OF NOV 23, 1869. A Maori Prophecy.—The Wairarapa Maoris prophesv that the coming summer will be very dry and hot and that the rivers in the district, which are already very low, will be altogether dried up. #4 Erection of Bridge.—His Worship intimated the possibility of overtures being made to the Council at an early date, for the erection of a bridge across the river, in continuation of Cashel Street. Several residents in the vicinity had expressed their desire forsucli a work to be carried out; so that the open land between the river and the drill shed might be brought into use. It was also thought that the council should adopt some new style for the structure, as compared with the bridges akSdy erected, in the city, and it wordd be as well for the councillors, m riie meantime, to give the subject some consideration. The New Zealand Flag.—The following is from a Wellington contemporary; Itie Blue Ensign, with the letters NZ in one corner, has been since 1867, adonted as the New Zealand flag, and discussion has been raised by the Serial authorities as to the right of colonial vessels to fly it. By proclamanf the “Gazette" the temporary badge counting of the. letters N Z is discontinued, and it is appointed that the seal or badge in future to be W , OTn d aS in d the nC s^c°e £ ofthTcton^i & d nment h of S ?Ne V w Zealand shall be the Southern Cross, as represented in the Blue Ensign, by four five-pointed red stars in the fly, with white borders to correspond to the colouring of the Tack- in the Jack by four five-pointed white stars on the red ground of the

St George’s Cross; and in the Pendant by four stars near the staff, similar to those in the Ensign. The Maori Prisoners at Dunedin.— The whole of the Maori prisoners, with the exception of two who are ill, are now at work. Thirty-eight are at work at the High School forming a recreation ground, thirty are engaged in stone-breaking at the Botanical Gardens, and the remaining three are employed in cutting firewood. The conduct of the whole seventy-one is said to be extremely good, and is highly commended by their overseers. The chief Taurua renders every assistance to Mr Caldwell, the Governor. He states that the whole of the tribe will conduct themselves during their confinement in such a manner that, when the time arrives for petitioning Excellency the Governor to grant them their release, the gaol authorities will be able to report favourably of their conduct and industry. The chief further states that the prisoners prefer Dunedin Gaol to the hulk at Wellington, as they all like work better than idleness on the hulk.