TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 6, 9 February 1867, Page 3

TOWN NEWS OF THE WEEK.

[from our own correspondent.'] Wellington, February 7, 18()7. Since my last intelligence has been received of an outbreak at Tauranga, ahd the killing of three men, viz., Sergeant Major Emus and two privates belonging to the Waikato Militia, by the rebel natives. The full particulars of the encounter will be found in the Wellington and Auckland papers, and although they are somewhat meagre and unsatisfactory wifh respect to details they are still interesting. It does not appear to me to have been an affair of very great magnitude, and there is no reason to believe that many natives are implicated in the affair, but the torch having’ been once more applied there is no knowing where or when the flame of rebellion may be extinguished. We must hope for the best, but from what we read in the Auckland journals, if it can be relied upon—an effort of some magnitude will now be made at Tauranga by the rebels. Fortunately, the gallant Chute and Colonel Haultain are both on the spot, and it is well to know that they mean to use every endeavour to trample out whatever embers there may exist of this unfortunate rebellion.

lii the way of strictly local news I have hut little to relate. His Excellency the Governor still remains in the Canterbury Province, and everywhere he has visited he has been received with every possible demonstration of welcome He leaves next week, for Otago, where everything has been done to ensure him a most cordial reception and then returns to Welliugton. The Hon. E. W. Stafford returned from the South on Wednesday, and the Attorney General came up by the same opportunity. The HonJ. Hall and Mr. Crosbie Ward have gone to Melbourne for the purpose of representing New Zealand at the postal conference about to be held there. Every colonist must regret to learn that Mr. Ward has resigned his seat in the Assembly in consequence of continued ill health.

Captain McDonnell, who was recently wounded at Wanganui, lias come down to Wellington. All who admire gallant fellows will be glad to learn that he is rapidly recoverinn from his wound. A new “ rush ” is said to have broken out at the Haast River, with the most brilliant prospects. The particulars to hand are very meagre. The Kaikoura left yesterday with the mails for Panama. She took nearly fifty passengers, amongst whom was Sir Charles Clifford.

The Ship Eleclra left to day for London with a cargo valued at £47,505 and a large number of passengers. Tire usual monthly Hutt market was held yesterday. Cattle, fit for killing, brought £8 15s. Mixed stock, £5 10s to 7s lOd. Wethers, 12s 9d to 15s 9d. Horses were in fair demand. Some sheep sent for sale from Mr. Gillies’ station were protested against under a bill of sale by Mr. J. Martin, but sold by Mr. J, 11. Horner notwithstanding. An action at at law will probably be the result.

An accident of a rather serious character occurred on Saturday last, and Mr and Mrs Dodd’s of Wairarapa, had a very narrow escape. Mr, Cbavannes, of the “ New Zealand ” Hotel, and some of bis children, together with Mr and Mrs

Dodds were driving- in from tin; Mutt in a carriage when one of the rains broke and the horses bolted. All the occupants of the vehicle, except Mi-ami Mrs Dodds, jumped out, and were more m- less injured. The parties who remained in the carriage were unscathed.

Mr. Carter, a contractor, of this city, has obtained the contract, for the telegraphic extension from Masterton to Castle Point. The price has not transpired, but it must, be under jj4o per mile as I know of some as low as that. It is now known for a fact that the next session of the General Assembly will be held at Wellington. The date is not fixed.

There was a. performance this evening at the Odd Fellows' Flail, which was very largely and most fashionably attended. The man who can succeed in making people laugh these dull rimes is not only a genius but. a public benefactor, and this Mr. Morris—who figured on the occasion—succeeded in doing’to the gratification of himself and the delight of all who witnessed his extremolv uniipie performance. The subject he selected to illustrate by lecture, dance and song was the “ charactcrstic.s of the French.'’ The lecture was so, so the singing was passable, hut the dancing was inimitable. 1 have seen some hunprod persons since the performance closed, and the universal expression is “ I never laughed so much in all my life.” If your Wairarapa people are troubled with the “blues” invite Mr. Nor.fis to repeat, his lecture at Gveytown. The natural simplicity and generosity of his character are so strongly marked that I have no doubt lie will respond to the invitation. He is a humorist in the true sense ot the word, tor as Svilimy Smith, or somebody else, says, the richest humoris! must for tiie time make himself appear ridiculous. His audience, though they loudly applauded him evidently failed to see the matter in this light and 1 fear assumed a characteristic to in* natural which might have been art in iis highest development, like MacreadyV acting, which was so natural that it looked not like acting hut reality. You must certainly invite Mr. Norris to pav you a visit.