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Wanganui Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1111, 8 March 1871, Page 2

Colonial Distilling.—Charles Ritchie Howden of the New Zealand Distillery, Dunedin, and William Joseph Cawkwell, of the Crown Distillery, Auckland, have been duly licensed to distil Spirits, under the provisions of the Distillation Act, 18G8. Colonial Museum.—We notice in a Government Gazette of the 22nd that tenders are invited for the erection of additions to the Colonial Museum in Wellington. Tiik S. S. Pioneer.—lt will be noticed by an advertisement that the little screwsteamer Pioneer is to be run up the river at stated times, and one trip every Sunday. Mr Ilenson deserves encouragement for his enterprise. This steamer will be found to have supplied a real want, and the convenience of getting to town which she will afford those living in proximity to the river, will be so far appreciated as to reward the venture in a remunerative manner.

Christchurch Artillery.—The Lyttelton Times has the following ; A general meeting of members of this battery was held in the Orderly Room, at the Drill Shed, after parade on Tuesday night ; Captain Bird presided, and there was a very large attendance. A handsome gold watch from the establishment of Messrs Perston and Co., High Street was presented to Sergt. Major Kerr, as a token of esteem from members of the battery, and in part recognition of the able sendees rendered by him in artillery instruction. The chain weighs one ounce and three quarters, and is of the ornamental curb pattern. Sergt.-Major Kenacknowledged the present in terms of gratification and expressive of continued interest in the battery. The protest against Gunner Barnes receiving the Bealey Cup on the ground that no officer was present when he won it for the second time, was mooted, and discussed at length. It was ultimately resolved that the cup be competed for again at an early date. The selection of two corporals for the battery was considered, and Meusrs Gulliver, Stringer, Piper, Roberts, T. King, and J. Turner were nominated. All candidates will have to pass an examination, and the two mo3t efficient will be appointed.

Wheat Growing in Watkato.—ln a paper read before the New Zealand Agricultural Society at Otahuhu, MrGoodfellow said the Waikato was not adapted for wheat-growing. Mr Bridgeman, who resides between Cambridge and Hamilton has left at our publishing office a fine specimen of wheat, grown on his land which yielded 40 bushels to the acre. The wheat was examined by some excellent judges yesterday, and pronounced to be fully equal to Adelaide wheat, and worth from 6s 6d per bushel. CJnfortu- 1 nately for the producer, it does not pay! to send the wheat into town ; but were the railway completed to Waikato, a stimulus would be given to wheat-grow-ing, and large quantities would be sent in.— ' Cross.' Rangitikei Eaces.—These races are advertised to be run on the 17th of the present month, so there is but little time for horses to be finished in their training. The Rangitikei Races az-e improving year by year in the number and character of the horses, and we understand that the fothcoming event will witness no deterioration. We understand that there will be about £100 in all to be nm for, and we feel sure, from the names of the stewards and other officers, a good day's sport is guaranteed. The course has been carefully selected and has a small hummock in the centre from which the horses can be seen^ from the start to the finish. The Marton Band will probably be in attendance to enliven the proceedings, and should the weather prove favorable, we anticipate a most delightful day's sport. The Produce Stakes and the Rangitikei Plate will be the two principal events, the entries for which will take place at the Rangitikei Hotel on Monday, the 13th hist., at 7 p.m.

Land Transfer Act.—The solicitors of Dunedin have followed the example of their professionalbrethren in Christchnrch and have intimated by advertisement in the local papers that " they are prepared to undertake all the duties contemplated by the measure, in "order to facilitate'to the utmost of their power its being carried into operation." Since the Land Transfer Act has been in operation, no less than £25,000 worth of property have been transferred under its provision until the month of February.

Mb Stafford's Spkkch.—Mr Stafford addressed his constituents on the 3rd inst., at Timaru. After making two or three complimentary references, lie said lie preferred the narrow to the broad guage railway. He believed, however, the first tluiw to be done was to bridge every river from Nelson to the Bluff. The existing state of the Colony was far from good. Since 18GG it had been steadily retrograding at £2000 a-year. Previous to that time the Military expenditure had kept the colony up. Mr Vogel had over estimated the revenue by £90,000 a-year. He wished he could say that our expenditure had fallen off. There was no indication of retrenchment, and perhaps the Government were right, as there was nothing so unpopular. But whether popular or not, some Government would have to economise or this magnificent "country would come to the Insolvent Court. With regard to the Native question, the attitude of the King pai^ was threatening. Every year, however, diminished the chance of difficulties. He feared we relied too much on friendly natives, and that the arms that were issued to them soon passed into the hands of those opposed to us. The San Francisco Mail Service was unwise in every respect. Why should the American steamers be made to do the coastal work of this colony ? And he was sorry that a positive affront to Australia had been offered in this matter. He would support the veiy cheapest line via America, but would not do away altogether with the Suez route. He thought Mr Vogel should not proceed beyond Washington, as it would be impossible to make a more favorable impression than Dr Featherston had done. Dr Featherston was a political opponent of his, but he could not help saving that if we were to have an AgentGeneral his appointment was the very best that could be made. He wanted an educational system like that prevailing in Nelson and Otago. On the question of immigration, the immigrants must be settled on the land. In two of the Provinces three-fourths of the land had been alienated, and yet it remained a wilderness. His suggestion was to have special settlements, giving an allotment to each person in the township, and ten acres of rural land, with a largo inalienable commonage near each settlement. lie would even go so far as a compulsory taxing of land in those large tracts which had passed from the Crown, and in many cases he believed the proprietors would be glad

to sell it back at the original cost. Of the railway scheme they must make short lines from the settled districts to the outlets— the ports. He did not want to see a line running from one town to another along the sea board to compete with steamers, for steamers would always carry bulky goods at a cheaper rate. He could not promise to introduce a Permissive Bill. A unanimous vote of confidence was passed to Mr Stafford.

Mr Brannigan.—Our readers (says the Independent) will be gratified to learn that a private telegram has reached Wellington from Auckland, stating that Mr Brannigan is " calm, composed, and rapidly recovering." We trust this cheering intelligence may be but a prelude to the announcement of a thorough restoration ; and only regret that it had not come to hand in sufficient time to be embodied in our summary of news for the Australian colonies and Europe.

Palmer v. Field—This is a case of false imprisonment, and is set down for hearing at the sittings of the Supreme Court which will open on the 9th inst. It will be remembered that the plaintiff was imprisoned at the instance of Field for alleged stealing of timber from high water mark, or under it. The Resident Magistrate at once dismissed the charge, and Mr Field was soon after served with a writ, damages £1000.

Co-operative Bread Company.—lt has been suggested that a co-operative bakery should be started in order that broad might be brought down to a reasonable price. We think this would have the effect of lowering the price of bread and ensuring support, for people would then patronage the bakery in which they had an interest. The bakers are now having their hey-day, but it will not last. They are stepping beyond the bounds of prudence. Common sense might tell them that the people will not continue to pay 5d for what can be had in Wellington for 3d. Rifle Association.—The shoe ting for the prizes of the Associition came off today. The winners will be published in to-morrow's issue. Forward, Wanganui !—We learn that steps are about to be taken to form a Meat Preserving Co. in Wanganui. This is just what is wanted, and we hope the matter will be energetically carried through. We shall probably be in a position to furnish our readers with full particulars in a few days. The latest advices from home speak of an unlimited demand for preserved meat in tins. Wanganui Cavalry Parade. The Wanganui Cavalry will parade twice on Friday. The first parade will be held at 2 o'clock, and the second at i o'clock. The object of having the two parades on the same day is to bring up arrears of parades; and the hours having been fixed close together, so that the men may be put to as little inconvenience as possible in stabling their horses.

Finn Bhigade.—According to advertisement, the members of the Fire Brigade met last evening at their room St. Hill street, for the purpose of being sworn in under the Volunteer Act. It being considered necessary to have an engineer for the Brigade, Mr J. Mills was appointed to the office. The selection met with the unanimous approval of the Brigade. Major Turner being in attendance, before swearing in the members, explained at great length the position they were in, their duties as regards parading, and other matters of importance. Twenty-one members then took the oath, and signed their names on the roll of the Brigade. A vote of thanks to Major Turner was then passed, and he left the meeting. The Brigade then proceeded with the remainder of the business of the evening. It was proposed and carried unanimously that Mr James Lett be Secretary of the Brigade. A question was then brought before the meeting as to the plant of the It was moved that Messrs Lett and Beauchamp be requested to act as canvassers. The Captain intimated that the next practice night would be on the last Thursday in this month.

Conversazione.—The promoters of this affair are using every effort to make the evening pass off with eclat. There can be no possible doubt that the ladies who have undertaken to load the tables with all the good things usually found at soirees will carry out their part of the programme witli completeness and in abundance, but the musical portion of the evening's amusement requires some thought to make up a programme which will please a mixed audience. The selections as follow will be found to have been carefully made, and from what we have heard of the performers, a really excellent musical treat may be expected : — PnOGIIAMME. Solo—Piano, " What are the Wild Waves Saying." Duet—"Moravian Nun's Hymn." Solo—Song, " Alice! Where art Thou ?" Chorus—Pastoral, " Le Shepherds." Duet—"The Wind and the Harp." Solo—Song, " Af ton Water." Solo — Cornet, Selections — "Lucretia Borgia." Solo—Song, " The Forsaken." Duet—" There's a Sweet Wild Rose." Solo—Song, (By a gentlemen). Duet—Piano, "The Canaries." Duet—Song, " Home to our Mountains." Solo—Song, " Where are the Friends." Chorus—Glee, "The Paries." Solo—Flute, " Fox and Grapes." . Solo—Song, " When the Swallows."

Rifle Shooting. —Ithasbeenrumoured that the members of the Fire Brigade have been so imbued with military ardour conseqwent on their swearing in to serve the Queen that it is not unlikely that a challenge will emanate from them to fire eight men of any corps or troop in the District. We trust the rumour has foundation, as we believe the Brigade will make it hot for their opponents. Fountain.—Mr Leslie has constructed a beautiful fountain, which he has kindly lent to the Horticultural Society, and will be playing in the Odd Fellows' Hall this evening.