Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1693, 21 January 1862, Page 3

Local Intelligence.

The Conversazione. — The Conversazione at the Odd Fellows' Hull on Friday, was very successful both in attractiveness of display and attendance. The new feature of an afternoon opening for the younger brunches of our families was fully appreciated, very many parents availing themselves of the opportunity it afforded of giving the young folk a treat, without subjecting them to the next-day-penalties consequent on late hours. In the evening the Hall was thronged, so much so that there was little opportunity for an examination of the many articles of interest, rarity, and beauty which had been most indefatigably collected together; but the large number of our towns folk enjoyed themselves thoroughly nevertheless; and if pleasant company, excellent mrsic, and a spacious and well lighted room form material elements in enjoyment, it is no wonder that the Conversaeione proved so thoroughly enjoyable. We do not attempt to particularise the objects exhibited, we would only remark that the willingness with which all classes, both civil and military, evince to contribute delicate and valuable articles, speaks well for their individual interest in the education and amuse tnent of the community, and also for the care which the visitors take to prevent injury. The Amateur band, the Harmonic Society's grand piano, and Mr. Jones' tine toned organ enlivened the evening by their frequent performances, and Mr. Laing's tables contributed

largely towards the prevention of fatigue -by their welcome refreshment. Altogether the Conversazione was most successful, and we are happy to say that the net amount realised towards the funds of the Mechanics Institute is £10 ; an acceptable contribution in this time of its need.

Seeing a young lad, probably 12 years old taking a very great interest in some of the articles exhibited, and being desirous of testing how fir these exhibitions really promote the instruction of youth, we took him into the refr'.'shuient room on condition that he would, on the next (lay, write out for us. a description of what he saw. As others may be equally interested with ourselves in the result— of the condition, not of the consumption of pastry (which shewed us how easily a man may be made to pay dear for his whistle)— we append the paper received, verbatim, correcting only some mistakes in spelling —

A DESCRIPTION OF A VISIT TO THE WELLINGTON

oonvebsazione, January 17, 1862. When I entered the Hall I saw what I thought a good selection of curiosities. There were stuffed birds and insects of every description. There were some sterescopes, I looked through one of them and saw some very pretty views. There was also a microscope through which I saw a dot,revealed ii.to the Royal Family, and I s-aw a beetles foot through it. There wcf? Maori carvings, clubs, mei'ies, aud a musical instrument made of * lot of smoothed pieces of wood (each smaller than the other) A string is put through each of them at both cuds, the natives take hold of the top piece of wood (which is the smallest) and draw a stick down, sometimes half of the way, and sometimes all the way down the.sticks, and thus play tunes. There were pieces of the electric telegraph between England and America, attti other places. There was a picture on the wall of a rnoa the size of life, there were pictures of otber large birds whose names I forget now. There was an electrifying machine and I was electrified and several other boys. There was an organ, a pianu and -the Wellington band playiug. There was a nice refreshment room with all things nicely laid out, with tarts, pies, ginger beer, lemonade, and lolleys. I had some tarts and some lemonade. There were views of all Wellington beach, and all the public places. The Anniveesary.— We are no weather prophets, but there is every indication of the morrow being true holiday weather. The particulars of the harbour sports will be found in our advertising columns, as will also an invitation to those who choose to join the children's gathering in Karori Road. Wilkinson's and Mansell's will no doubt attract numerous visitors, and a day's healthful pleasure is open to all who prefer a stroll or pic-nic in Evan's and Lyall's Bays, along the Hutt Road, or in the neighbourhood of Makara, Johusonville, Tawa Flat, or Porirua Bay. Return of Mr. St. Hill.— The Wild Duck arrived yesterday, from London after a quick passage. By her we are glad to welcome back Mr. Henry St. Hill, we trust in good health and spirits. We presume that ere long he will reoccupy the Magistrate's Bench, and it must be a source of some gratification for him to know that his doing so will afford satisfaction to all classes— it having occurred in his case, as in that of many others, that his urbanity and desire to accommodate the public has been fully appreciated during his absence to a degree which it was uot before. We are sure we only give expression to the feelings of all classes in giving a hearty welcome to Mr. and Mrs. St. Hill.

Majob Cooxe. — By a late arrival we are glad to see an old acquaintance, Biigade Major Coote, once mote. The M;ijor who was then attached to the Staff here, returned to England three years since thoroughly impressed with the advantages of New Zealand as a place of tesi deuce. An eligible opportunity for settling having offered at Canterbury, the Major, we regret to say, intends availing himself of it. Personally knowing the very great interest Major Coote has taken in the well being of New Zealand, and especially of Wellington, we truly wish both himself and lady a prosperous career in their adopted home.

Sale op Houses. — On Monday last, Messrs. Smith <Sc Co., sold by public auction, at Mr. Rotermiind's paddocks, Te Aro, a draft of about 30 horses, tbe property of the Hon. W. Fox. There was a very good attendance, the bidding spirited, and. the prices realised, on the whole, were considered satisfactory. Lot 14, Mrs. Seacole fetched the highest price, viz £31, the lowest, £13, the average being £22 per head. Bull Dogs. — One day last week two very fine bull dogs belonging to Mr. Gibbon Wake field were destroyed by shooting. It appears they were fighting with another dog in the street when William, Mr. Wakefield's man servant, succeeded in getting them off only after a very great deal of trouble. Aftei being most severely bitten in the hand and face. One of the dogs afterwurds flew at and fasWried on him, and it was with some difficulty tharffMie released himself. Both dogs were thgjtffore \ery properly taken to a distance and shot. They were of very pure breed and reckoned remarkably fine animals, and have always been regarded as exceedingly good tempered. Under the c rcuimiance?, however, Mr. Wakefield acted wisely in directing them to be shot.