Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1507, 22 March 1861, Page 5

Local Intelligence.

as advertised. A van will leave Mr. Mcintosh's at nine o'clock in the morning.

Another Attempt at Escape from the Wellington Gaol. — On Wednesday, the 20th March, when the turnkeys took tbe tea in for the prisoners, they discovered that one of them, named Weston, alias Shields, was missing. They reported the circumstance to the warden, who immediately directed a strict search to be nude in tbe vicinity of the gaol. This, however, proved fruitless ; notwithstanding the most vigilant search. The warden feeling convinced that the prisoner must have concealed himself somewhere inside of the gaol, it occurred to him that ho had secreted himself in tbe well. Ou looking at the well, however, the cover of which is fastened with a padlock, it appeared as usual ; but still having doubts, he unscrewed the staple, and on opening the lid discovered the prisoner standing at the bottom. The warden called to Shields to come up, but he made uo answer, and a watch was thereupon set over him, until he came up of his own accord. The well is 43 feet deep, but nearly dry atthe present time. The prisoner must have had an accomplice who replaced the staple in its original position, after he had gone down the well. The warden then left to inform tbe authorities of what had occuned. Soon after he had gone, Shields came up to the top of the well ; pulled away some of the bricks from the upper tier, and commenced knocking up the boards that covered it. The prisoner was ulti mately secured, and put in the cell he formerly occupied. On the return of the warden, he visited tbe prisoner, accompanied by his son and two turnkeys. It was discovered that Shield's irons were off, and op being atked what had become of them, he said "I've eat them." He was then ordered to dress, preparatory to being removed to another cell in a different part of the gaol. Prisoner demanded to know whether he was going back to his own cell again ; and the warden refusing to answer the question, prisoner refused to leave the cell. The warden then ordered the turnkey to bring him out; but as he was unable to do so by himself, the warden went to his assistance. He had no sooner laid his hand on the prisoner, than he turned round and gave hini a severe blow in the eye. A scuffle ensued. The other turnkey who was standing at tbe door with a revolver, witnessing the assault, laid his revolver down on tbe table in the corridor, and went to their as sistance. They at length succeeded in getting the prisoner out of the cell, and he observing the revolver lying on the table, snatched it, up, and it was with the utmost difficulty taken from him. He then seized tbe warden by the hair of the head with one hand, and grasped him by the neck with the other, attempting to bite 'him on the shoulder at the same time. On their way to the cell, on passing through a pair of iron gates, he dashed the warden's head against tbem several times. He was finally overpowered aud handcuffed. On the following morning tbe warden ordered the.well to be emptied, aud at the bottom succeeded in finding the leg irons worn by the prisoner on the previous evening, and also a knife which had been used by the prisoner at his work during the day. That part of the irons fittiugiound the leg of the prisoner, were found to be cut through by a file, and then tied together by a piece of wax-end. After the prisoner had descended the well, he must have cut the wax-end with the knife. He had then lowered tbem to the bottom of the well by a piece of twine, which was fonnd attached, to prevent the irons from making a noise when they fell in the water.

Accident. — Yesterday afternoon, a child named Amelia Boyd, daughter of Mr. J. Boyd, Wellington Terrace, was playing with other children, aud had the misfortune to break both of the bones of the fore-arm. Dr. Williams was immediately sent for, the childs arm set, and she is now doing well. Eleotro Biology.— Capt. Wilson, according to announcement, gave a series of experiments, descriptive and explanatory of this interesting science, at the Odd Fellows' Hall, on Wednesday evening last. There was a large attendance,— the experiments were all successful—and Captain Wilson's clear and lucid explanations, must haie convinced the veriest sceptic, that tbere was something in the science ; and that it was capable of being used fur the benefit of the human family. Lyceum Theatre. — Miss Etta and Mr. J. H. Williams take a benefit at this Theatre on Monday next, and we have no doubt, from being general favorites with the public, that they will have a bumper house on the occasion. The Pieces selected for representation are the Historical drama of the " Charcoal Burner," which had a great run in London, and is highly spoken of by the press; and a farce entitled " Spirit Rapping ;" with an interlude of singing, dancing, &c.

Mechanics' Institute.— We have been requested to direct attention to an advertisement iv another part of to-day's paper, convening a meeting of members of the above Institution in their Hall, this evening, the 22nd lust., at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of receiving a report from the subscription Committee. Cattle, Porirua — Mr. J. H.Wallace's sale of Stock will take place on Wednesday the 28th mt, at Mr. jenkin's public stock yard, Porirua,