Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1876, 2 June 1863, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

The Panama Route. — We notice that Mr E. Hamilton, Representative A»ent of New South Wales', and Mr Crosbie Ward liavo been in communication with Mr Gladstone, the chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to the Panama Route. With a view to place Mr Gladstone in a position to understand the Colonial view of the matter, both these gentlemen have forwarded to him statements showing the grounds on which the two colonies claim the establishment of a monthly postal service by that Route. These statements have been referred by Mr Gladstone to the Post Office Department, in order that he may obtain all necessary information prior to conferring with a deputation of the friends of the scheme. We have received copies of these statements, but the Supreme Court Bittings oblige us to postpone ' further reference to them. The Patent Slip. — We are happy to learn that several sites have been found suitable for a patent slip besides Evans' Bay. That aite would be veiy suitable for steamers but there are nautical reasons which make it undesirable for sailing vessels. The second best scite is on the Ngahauranga beach near where the Mary Merrill is lying, and a third site is between Pipitea and Kai Warra Warra. Wharfinger. — We understand the appoinment of Wharfinger to the New Wharf has been offered to Mr Spinks. We believe the appointment will be regarded as a very judicious one. Scpbeme Comm— The length to which the sitttings extended yesterday has obliged us to curtail our report of the cases tried. We will publish the report in full in our next issue. Death of Mb. Cowman.— This gentleman d ied at the Colonial Hospital on Saturday morning, from the effects, ot the severe injuries he reo entjy received. His funeral takes place to-day.

' OLYiMpio Theatre. — The English Opera Company are passengers by the Storm Bird, and will positively appear at the Olympic this evening, when we anticipate a bumper house. t An Eonounteb with Shields— On Saturday afternoon, 30th May, two men were despatched after Shields, who was known to be.- in the neighbourhood of Ohariu. After some enquiries it was found that he had taken shelter in the house of Mr Fawcetton Saturday night. The police proceeded to the house of Mr Facwett early on Monday morning, between seven and eight o'clock, when on their approach to the house the door opened, and Shields made his appearance and fired at once upon the constable. Harris at once cleared the fence, while the two other constables fired at him. The constables gave chase, when Harris who was within fiften yards of Shields fired at him, Shieldß exclaiming, with his hand to his left leg, "By God that's a d d good 3hot," turned round and exclai mod "Now it's my turn next," and at the same time fired striking Harris in several places about the ftwe and head with small shot, with which it appears his piece was loaded. Harris attempted to return the shot, but owing to his revolver missing fire, the prisoner succeeded in making his retreat into the bush. The police are still on Ilia track. A bridle and a pair of spurs stolen from Lieut. Furneaux were recovered.