LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 2854, 17 September 1875, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Native Lands. — A large block of land on the west side of the Wai to tar a River has been purchased, from the original native owners on behali of the Government, the survey of which is to be commenced on the 20th inst.. It is confidently expected that another large block situated between the Waitotara and Whenuakura rivers will also shortly be acquired. Tubakina Bbidge.— lt is probable that tenders will be called for effecting the necessary repairs to this structure in a few days, the plans having been already prepared. Many will exclaim — not before they were required ; in which we concur, as we understand that the bridge at the further end rests upon a very insufficient and treacherous support. Traffic will not be suspended for over two or three days, as the framing of the timber work will all be effected on the ground, so as to expedite the work as much as possible. Communication, with Nelson.— Trade is increasing so rapidly between Wanganui and Nelson, that further means of accommodation for shippers is found necessary, and we see by advertisement that the | steamer Lyttelton will shortly bo placed on j the route between the two ports. The date | of her departure on her first trip across will i probably be about Saturday. Mr Beauchamp has been appointed agent. Pedestrians Bewabe. — Where are the , Corporation employees? There are holes j innumerable complained of as existing in ; the footpaths, into some of which luckless i travellers have disappeared, consigning to nameless places those responsible for this state of things. Seriously, there is neglect apparent in the condition of some of the i footpaths, which is referred to in anything but a flattering style of comment thereupon. Independent Order of Ekchabites. — To-night at the Odd Fellows' Hall will be celebrated the first anniversary of Persever ance" Tent, No. 16, which is a ramificarion of this Order. The tea mtc-iing wilt ue witfirst portion of the programme, after which an address will be delivered, and then the votaries of Terpsichore can indulge in their predilections for this species of amusement for the rest of the evening. On the whole a very enjoyable, demonstration, will probably take place. , Satisfactoet Adjustment. — The Wangaehu Hail way compensation case is, we are informed, to be made the subject of arbitration as. between the. Government and •the Natives. It will be remembered that some time ago Te Wunu and other Natives put a stop to the progress of the public works on the Wangaeliu Eeserve, pulled down the railway fence, and threatened further mischief. Through the exertions of Mr Booth, &.M., the matter was temporarily arranged and the works were allowed to proceed. The Ngatiapa, through their solicitor, Dr. Buller, have now agreed to refer the whole of the matters in dispute to arbitrators ; and they, have nominated Mr Pinnimore to act for them. Mr E,. W. Woon, R..M., has been nominated on be- . half of the Government. It is gratifying to find the Natives thus amenable to our civilized mode of settling differences; and it is rather curious that they should have selected an Englishman as an arbitrator in j preference to one of t l ieir own "chief s. '■

Sale.— Mr Chadwick will offer to-day a varied assortment of crockery, glassware, and drapery. Railway Extension.— Tenders for the construction of another section of the rail- > way from Waitara to Inglewood will be called for shortly. Richaed Pestell. — This individual is inquired for by the Post Office authorities. He resided until lately in Turakina ; perhaps he may be there still. Waitotaba Road.— The pigs are playing sad havoc with a portion ot" this road near the Pakaraka gully, and have very riearly succeeded in undermining altogether an embankment, the surface of which already shows signs of collapsing. Repairs will soon be needed. Death. — The man Forsyth, to whose wanderings when lost in the bush nearNukumaru we latelj alluded, has, we are informed, succumbed to a severe attack of dropsy, which was induced by the exposure and sufferings then endured .by him, and died yesterday. Repair.— The lid over the tank at the rear of the Court House has been temporarily repaired. It is a pity such could not have been done without those to whose charge the neglect lias been laid, and we believe correctly so, displaying puerile and unseemly chagrin because reminded by the Press of their shortcomings. Buildings. — Ancient edifices, relics of the olden times, are rapidly disappearing in Wanganui, aud in their places are springing up creditable structures, with more ornamental exteriors. On vacant spaces, too, are being erected spacious premises, and the appearance of the streets in many places is undergoing a rapid and most perceptible change. Dubie v. Kemp. — We understand that this case, which has been before the Supreme Court for some months, will be settled by arbitration, under an order of reference from the Court. Mr Hodge is acting as counsel for the plaintiff, and Dr. Buller for the defendant. Hahmonic Society. — This Society has lately received a valuable addition to the number of its working members in the membership of an accomplished violoncelloplayer, a late arrival from England, whose performances are said to display great taste and excution. We are pleased to hear that the lately organised association is progressing vigorously and harmoniously, Tuesday week, the 28th instant, having been the date appointed for their first con- | cert, which will come off at the Freemason's Hall.