WANGANUI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1782, 23 October 1862, Page 3

WANGANUI.

The following items of intelligence are extracted from the Chronicle of the tGth. Tue Late Mr. Blyth. — An inquest was held on Friday last on the remains of the deceased, and a verdict was returned of accidental death. It is supposed that the horse must have stumbled or shied, -and that the fall on his head had been the cause of Mr, Blyth's death. He had been able to move his limbs after the fall, as he was found lying at full length on his back, with one leg crossed over the other, and an arm stretched across his brow. Tho respect felt for the deceased gentleman was evidenced by the very large attendance at his funeral on Monday, his long residence and amiable character having endeared him to all his numerous acquaintance. Mr. Blyth was, we believe, a native of CuparFife. He spent part of his early years in Glasgow, where he narrowly escaped death in helping to savo property in a large fire. Thence he went to South America. Arrived in the Rio de la Plata, the vessel in which he was a passenger was taken by pirates; and Mr. Blyth was quietly awaiting his death, when an expedition, sent with muffled oars from a British man-of-war in the river, whose captain had been apprised of the position of his countryman by a gentleman who had observed from the shore suspicious signs, arrived and took possession of her, restoring the passenger to freedom, and allowing him to proceed to Monte Video He then crossed the continent to Valparaiso, and on his way met with somo rather unpleasant adventure?. Civil wars were then, as usual, raging on the pampas of the Plata, anil at one stage of his journey, he was in imminent danger of being summarily hanged asaspy. But for the timely arrival of a Spaniard who had lived in the same iun with him at Monte Video, and who certified to his being a true mail, another day would not have dawned for him. Then he was taken prisoner and kept for some weeks by the Buenos Ayreans , during which he was nearly killed by want of wholesome food. In passing over the Andes, ho became totally blind for a few days with thereflection of the sun on the snow ; and then was nearly staived, the provisions of his party having heen exhausted, His companion in this journey frequently afterwards referred to the ludicrous appearance of Mr. Blyth one day when haviug come to a solitary hut before which a sheep newly killed was hung up, he pounced on the carcase, tore away part of the raw flesh, and satisfied his hunger, the blood flowing down his beard, in a rather uncivilised stylo. Leaving Valparaiso after a ahort stay, they went to Lima, where they engaged in mechanical pursuits ; and after some time he returned to his native land; but shortly after went out to the United States through which he travelled. Not being satisfied, however, with the social or political condition of the country, ho again returned home ; and then canie out to Wellington about twenty years ago. He remained in business in Wellington till he came about three years since to this district to reside on his property. He represented this district for several years in the Provincial Council : and was a warm supporter of Mr. Featherston's policy. During his residence in Wellington he did great good to Wanganui by recommending it to newly arrived immigrants. The Presbyterian Church there was much indebted to him for his wise counsel and liberal assistance; and he held the offioe of elder both in it, and in the," Presbyterian Church here after his removal. Although his general health was good, he seemed latterly to bo looking forward to death as an event which might soon happen to him : and had recently alluded to the subject several times to members of his family. This presentiment has been fulfilled, and he has joined "the great assembly of the just and good." The Natives, — The King's runanga has sont to the various Protestant tribes, recommending them to become Roman Catholics, in order that as great a distinction may be made between the British Queeu aud the Maori King. Tho Taupo natives are going over in large numbers to the Romish church. The Waikato and Wanganui Protestants remain stedfast Raoes. — The Produce entries close this evening I at 9 o'olock, at the Commercial.