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Wanganui Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1094, 16 February 1871, Page 2

Picnic—Yesterday the children attending ■ the Presbyterian Church Sunday School held tlieir annual picnic in a paddock belonging to Mr Edmonds, adjoining the Race Course, and the gathering, we are happy to say, was a complete success in every respect. The weather was all that could be desired, an.l the excellent arranements made for the entertainment and comfort of the children reflected, the highest credit on the teachers. There was a large muster on this occasion, upwards of 200 children being on the ground, as well as a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen belonging to the congregation, who joined freely in the sports and anrasements of the day, and seemed bent on making their juvenile friends as happy as possible. The day's proceedings were brought to a close by an immense al fresco tea party, when, an abundant supply of the good things of this life was served round to old and young, and after three hearty cheers for their teachers and their worthy Superintendent, Mr Bamber, the large assemblage separated, " happy to meet, sorry to part, and happy to meet again." We must not omit to mention that on this occasion the children were driven to and from the ground by our friend Mr Shephard, four-in-hand, who with his usual courtesy, volunteered this act of kindness, one for which, as well as many others, he is entitled to the thanks of the community.

Wanganui and Rangitikei L. & B. Society, No. 2.—A meeting of the Provisional Directors of.the new District Society was held last night in the Phoenix Hotel, Mr George Beaven in the chair, for the purpose of arranging preliminary business. After some discussion it was decided to change the name to the Wanganui and Rangitikei Land, and Building Society, No. 2. This resolution was come to in order to establish as close a connexion as possible, while keeping both societies distinct, with the original Society of that name. After mature consideration, the provisional directors have decided that the terminable system is the only sound one for a place the size of Wanganui. The principle is simply that all members shall be on a footing of equality, borrowers and non-borrowers, so far as profits are concerned ; and that when profits and subscriptions make up the amount of the share, the Society terminates. The success and stability of the Wanganui and Rangitikei L. and B. Society is the best guarantee, in the opinion of the directors, that the terminable system is sound in principle and capable of the most gcod to the members. The Secretary, Mr Ashforth, has already obtained names of shareholders representing 800 shares, and it is believed that 400 more can be easily obtained when the Society is ready to commence operations. A Sub-Committee was appointed last night to prepare the rules, which will be submitted to a general meeting on Wednesday next, the 22nd inst., and after their adoption will be forwarded to Mr Hart to be certified.

The Auckland Loapers.—The "unemployed" of Auckland have been raising a pretty dust lately, and at first it was thought there was some distress. It turns out that the so-called unemployed are chiefly composed of vagabonds and loafers, who can get employment at moderate wages, but would rather satisfy their natures by clamour and receiving charitable aid. The President of the Society was exposed by the Superintendent, and shown to have been dismissed from the post of lio-ht-house-keeper a few weeks' back for conduct wliich bore the appearance of fraud. Tbe best part of the business is, the " unemployed" propose building a hall. Where would the "unemployed" get the money ?

- Coolness under Fire.—ln describing M. Thiers' visit to Paris, ifc is stated that when he got to Sevres he.came under fire. He went on his way and now and then a bullett whizzed by to vary-the roarhig rush of the shells and the crack of their explosions, and got out to the rendezvous, where the signals were at last seen and'understood.

Consoling.— There is no longer any room for doubt that a large number of white people have heen brutally murdered by Chinese at Pekin. Language tails us in the attempt to express our righteous indignation. There is comfort m the knowledge that a far greater number of Chinese have been brutally murdered in this city during the last twenty years. — San Francisco News Letter.

R. M. Court.—The cases at the R. M. Court lately have not taken much time to adjudicate upon, judgments generally going by default or the cases withdrawn by consent of both parties. One case this morning, G. F. Allen v Te Oti Takarangi, claim £3 3s, was struck out, the costs being remitted.

Thb New Zealand Mail.—This a weekly paper which has iust been issued by the office of the Independent It contains the week's news, compiled from the Independent, together with an original tale, and is in a convenient form for those who cannot afford the expense of a daily paper. The New Zealand Mail must command a large circulation in the country districts.

New Weapon.—The German infantry have been armed with a new weapon, designed for mountainous and guerilla warfare, which supersedes the lijrht field artillery. It is a small portable fieldpiece, weighing about thirty-five pounds, and was tested in the war of 1866. It can be carried by two men, and ten shots a minute can be fired with it. Its range is at least 2,000 paces. Several thousands have been distributed to the army. Militia Parade.—The No. J Company, under the command of Captain Jones and Ensign Willcox, paraded this mormngon the Maiket Square. The attendance was satisfactory, about thirty members shewing up. The company was marched to the Militia Office where they were all sworn in. Major Turner read the clauses of the Amended Militia Act, bearing more particularly on the fines and penalties incurred by non-at-tendance at parades, clearly shewing to the men that a wilful absence was no trifling offence. The next parade was fixed for the lst March, at 5.30 p m on the Market Place. In reply to some questions from the men, they were told that Is 6d would be paid to them for each parade. The No. 2 Company parades to-night at 6 p m. on the Market Square, under the command of Capt. Powell. We believe also that the absentees of the No. 1 Company will be given another chance of attending and. saving the fine.

Conversazione.—We have been requested to call attention to the postponemant of the proposed conversazione from March 6th to the 9th. Several tickets had been sent out before the alteration was decided upon, and with a view of correcting those, this notice has been given.

The Stort of a Bugle.—When the Wanganui Cavalry were first called into existence, and that was at a critical time in the history of this district, Major Noake provided it with a bugle, and the " clarion sounds" of this instrument were often heard amid the din of orders, the ping of bullets, and confusion of action. Considering its history—its close connection with the corps, and the meritorious services it performed,' it had naturally become endeared to the corps, and no doubt a kind of fetish superstition was attached to it. Well, to make the story short, authority and red tape has stepped in to sever the connexion which had been formed between the bugle and its corps. The bugle, it appears, origiginally belonged to the Government, and the authorities have Bent in an order for it to be returned "to store," as they cannot see what the Corps wants with a bugle. It is not supposed that it is necessary 3 to familiarize men with commands given on the bugle, and what bears a relation to the corps similar to colors must be restored to original owners. This order comes at a time when the authorities have broken faith with the Wanganui Cavalry, by refusing to pay them two years' capitation allowance to which they are legally entitled. If the Volunteer movement thrives with such a spirit _ at head-quarters, the colonists are Chinamen.

Sericulture.—Anyone contemplating making an attempt at sericulture, may obtain a few hints by paying a visit to the Acclimatisation Gardens, where in a small building erected for the purpose, they can see the hatching and feeding process of the worms carried on. The eggs sent from Japan are rapidly being hatched, and some of the silkworms, which appeared about the middle of last month, have already attained a considerable size. The difficulty experienced at present is, as we understand, chiefly in the scarcity of mulberry leaves, and of course, for some years this circumstance will prove a great drawback to progress. We hope that all our settlers will make a point of planting out and propagating mulberry trees, so that in the course of a few years there may be an ample supply of this necessary of silkworm life.—iV. Z. Herald. '