Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1340, 21 June 1859, Page 3

Local Intelligence.

Eoyal Olympic Theatre.—Last evening, sis hail been previously announced, the celebrated play of" Ingoinar" was presented at this Theatre, Mrs. Foley appearing in the dilficult character of Pa'thcnia, and Mr. Jones in that of Ingoniar. Mrs. Foley's conception of the part was perfect, and the histrionic talent of tins clever actress was fully brought to bear. Mr. Jones, in the uo less diflicult character of Ingomar, played with consummate skill, and shewed that he thoroughly appreciated the intentions of the author, The other characters were ably sustained, aud the piece was well received by the itudience. The amusing farce ot the " Rifle Brigade" concluded, the evening's .entertainment, the inimitable Mrs. Foley, in the character of Mrs. Major Masterton, ably assisted by the company, keeping the audiouce in one continual roar of laughter till its close! Or. Thursdiij evening next the " Fair Maid of VVapping," with the farce of the " Day after the Fair" will be produced. As an interlude, Mr. Junes intends introducing', for the first time hero, his secret system of Wild beast taming a la linr.-y; and from what we hear of the auimal, we fear he will have a dangerous tusk.

The Sicamer Prince Alfred, fromSyduey via Nelson, arrived in this harbour at £ past 1 o'clock on Sunday morning last She sailed from Sydney on the 10th lust,, at 6 p.m.,- and arrived at Nelson on the lflth, at 8 a.m., after a very quick passage of five days 70 hours. Remained at Kelson until the 18th when she sailed for Wellington at 11 a.m. Came through the French Pass, and made the passage from thence.to this port in 14 hours; we understand that the Prince Alfred is the largest vessel that lias ever attempted to run through the French Pass; she is the largest of the Inter-Colonial Royal Mail Company's Steam ship's and is commanded by Captain Bowden, who brought the Wonga Wnnga, from Auckland to this port, and lateof'thebrig Jl/ua, who is well known and highly respected, and has had extensive colonial experience. The Prince Alfred is the largest merchant steamer that has entered this port, anil we are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Ward, her chief ollicer for, the following particulars of this noble ship. The " Pjiinck Alfred" was built at Dunliiirtiin in 1854, by Messrs. Tulloeh & Demjy. She is built of iron, barque rigged, and possesses all the newest and latest improvements, both os regards machinery and fittings. Her length over all is 230 feet, breadth of beam 31 feet, and depth of hold 18 feet. Her register tonnage is 1003 tons; but 300 tons beine allowed for macninery, 703 tons is her actual carrying accommodation. Her promenade poop deck is 77 feet in length, fitted with seats, &c. iThere are three binnacles on the poop, one aft at the wheel,, one forward, and the standard, midway. The tiller is a patent one, and from its construction, greatly facilitates the' man at the wheel in steering the vessel. On one side of the quarter deck a crane is fitted, capable of lifting three tons; on the other, a pump, with a connecting hose, leading to any part of the ship, to be used iv case of fire; but njw in general use for washing decks. Proceeding forward, we come to the bridge, which is connected with the poop by a portable gangway. On the bridge a dial is fixed, communicating with the engine room, a duplicate of which is there placed. As the dial o:i the bridge is moved, a warning bell is struck in the engine room, to call attention to the direction. We consider this a great improvement on the old method of passing the word, as it ensures liotli quickness and correctness. She carries four boats, two of which are large life boats, ■swinging on ('avits amidships, and supported in bnaril, independent Of the tackles. The chief engineer? cabin is under the bridge, and immediately over the engine room. The cook house adjoins the bridge, has a splendid range fitted in it, and there is cocking accommodation for 200 persons. Theie is a large tank attached to the galley, containing. 10 tons of fresh water; and 1000 gallons of fresh water can he condensed in 24 hours. There is deck accommodation for tarrying 24 horses, with portable fittings, which can be erected or removed at an hour's notice. Proceeding to the tup gallant forecastle, which is 39 feet in length, we find every thing airanged in the most complete style, the windlass being of the newest design, and patent stoppers to the anchors. There are four small swivel guns on the forecastle, and two 24 pounders in the waist, besides the small arms in the chest. Underneath one side of the forecastle, the 2nd and 3rd Officers cabin is situated, the seaman's berths further forward. The opposite u.i!>in is occupied by the 2nd and 3rd Engineers, the fireinin occupying a simitar position to the seaman on the opposite side. . We now return and enter the saloon, which is aft and immediately under the P"op. The captain's cabin is on the rik'ht hand sidh of the entrance, and the steward's pantry on the other. The saleon has a splendidappearauce, is abouts6 feetin length, by 6ft. Bin. in height. The cabins and fittings are solid oak, highly polished, with white and gilt mouldings. The seats are coveted-with criiusen velvet, as well as a "large circular lounge round the stern, and a large mirror is fitted in the forward part of the saloon. Three elegant swinging lamps, and swinging trays hang immediately over the table, which is covered with crimson cloth. A piano fnrms a part of the furniture of the saloon. There is cabin aecomodation for forty eight saloon passengers, besides a ladies cabin which can accommodate 12. The cabins are fitted with every convenience, there is a port for each, and the ventilation, above and below, is all that could be desired. Each cabin has a sof.i and drawers, and the curtains are of crimson damask, with yellow trimmings. A scale uf charges is hung up inside, as well as outside tbe saloon. No smoking is allowed on the pooporiiithecahinsorberths,but on the quarter deck only. The second class cabins are below the snloon,and are fitted up with the same regard to the comfort of passengers, as that of the saloon. There is a mail room, at the fore part of the second class cabin, capable of containing 17 tons, and is lined with metal, and fire proof. There is also a bullion room, aft, immediately under the saloou. She is fitted with trunk ,jear eiipiues of 200 nominal horse power, but can, in case of need, be worked to a much higher pressure. They are splendjd engines, and work with such case, that when under-weigh scarcely any motion is felt. Her coal bunkers contain 200 tons, and her consumption averages "20 tons per 24 hours. A considerable saving is derived by the vessel, being fitted with a patent super-heating steinn apparatus. Besides the accommodation on deck, she has spacious accommodation for CO horses in the 'tween decks. There is also steerage room for 40 passengers, being comfortably fitted up with berths, and the other necessary conveniences. Uuder the steerage she can stow 30 tons of coals and 1600 gallons water for stock. Besides the Captain, there are four officers, three engineers, 12 firemen and stokers, and, with seamen and servants, numbers in all 40. The duties of the ship, appear to be performed with the greatest'regularity and discipline and the utmost cleanliness observed in all departments, especially the engine room, which is a model of cleanliness. We consider that she is well worth a visit, and we have no doubt that parties desirous of inspecting her, would receive every courtesy and attention from her officers. Captain Bowden. —We heartily welcome Captain Bowden of the Prince Alfred, and congratulate him on his appointment to the oommaiid of so fine a vessel. We had the pleasure of making his acquaintance on his airival liere from Auckland in charge of the Wonga Wonga, nnd passengers will be fortunate in haviiig a gentleman who combines a thorough seamanship with the most solicitous -attention for their welfare. In Auckland where Captain Bowden has been long known the following testimony has been borne by the Kew Zealandcr of the 28th ulto.—" We learn, with very great satisfaction, that Cnpt Bowden, of the Moa, with the entire concurrence of the owners of that fine brig, has been appointed to the command of the steam ship Prince Alfred. We heartily congratulate Captain Bowden and the Company that has so judiciously secured his service*. A better or an' abler seaman never hailed from the port of Auckland, or a man move universally and deservedly esteemed by passengers of erery class."

Thp. " Boomerako," had a passage of 12 j days from this port to Melbourne, and was I advertised to leave again on the 13th. I Thr " Prince Alfbed," would have sailed this evening, for Canterbury and Otago, but waits until to-day, at noon, for the arrival of the Boomerang.

Tub Sufeiuntendemt. —Last Thursday his Honor was to drive the first pile of the \Vanganui Bridge, after which a meeting on the Separation Question was to be held, and in the evening a public dinner was to be given to him. The Superintendent is -expected to return to Wellington to-morrow. The Eleotobal Roix.—Mr. Hart closed his Court for the Country Districts en Saturday. The Constitutionalists have been very successful in the objections they made. Several persons were struck off, besides those objected to, in consequence of the description of their properties not being sufficient for the pnrpose of identification. This remark applies equally to both parties, and ivnfoitunately disfranchised some of whose qualifications there cm be no doubt. Among the Radicals so struck off we notice the name of Mr. Wm. Bowlei.

The Town Eoll was completed yesterday, with the exception of hearing by Judge Johnson of an appeal on the question as to what constitutes, a household qualification. This appeal involves thirteen Radical votes. When this appeal has been decided we will furnish our readers with the results of the objections, which are even more favorable to the Constitutional party than tbe Spectator of Saturday last is compelled to admit them to be. The Courts for the revision of tbe 801 lin the Hutt is not yet concluded. The Wairarapa Roll comes on to-day. Postage on Newspapers.—A General Government Gazelle, issued on the 3rd instant, contains a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that oh and after the Istpf January, 1860, the postage on newspapers to and from Great Britain and the Austialian colonies will be two-pence each way. This additional charge is to be made in order to cover the cost of the traeit of newspapers throu g Egypt.