Local Intelleligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1973, 22 October 1863, Page 2

Local Intelleligence.

Death op Mil H. W. Rotermund. — Many of our readers will peruse with feelings of deep regret, the obituary notice announcing the decease of Mr H. W. ltotermund, who expired at his residence, the Victoria Hotel, last night at 10 o'clock. The deceased was a very old settler in Wellington, so far as we can tax our memory he has been amongst us for nearly 18 years During his life here he earned the esteem, and in many cases the warm friendship of the members of a wide circle, who now deeply lament his loss. A useful citizen, a public spirited man, and a generous friend, his place will not readily be filled up, and regret at his untimely demise will mingle with sympathy for those nearly related to him whom he has left behind. The West Coast Natives. — With reference to the intelligence contained in our last relative to Wi Hapi having gone from Otaki to the King's village, the following letter has been placed at our disposal: — " Otaki, October 10, 1863. "To the Superintendent. " Friend, -Salutations to you. I write to inform you, that I intend leaving with ten coinpauions for Ngaruawahia, on the 19th inst. If jou go to Auckland (have a desire (o go to Auckland) go, as I am also going, if there are any bad men there, (at Wellington) send him to Auckland, to where the fighting is. Leave this place quiet. WiTako, Heremia, and myself have agieed upon, that this place should remain quiet. When you arrive in Auckland, write a letter to me to be addre.ssed to Ngaruawahia. You must print this letter, that our European and Maori friends may see it. " Enough, " From your friend, from " Wikemcj Hapi Wiiiti." Harbour Light. — Next Monday, the harbour light erected on the outer T of' the public wharf will be lit for the first time, and in future continue to Imrn from sunset to sunrise. Lecture on the Riflb.— M yor Gorton has kindly consented to deliver v lectuie on the " Use of the Rifle, 'at the Assembly Rooms,- ' Barrett's Hotel, to-morrow (Friday) ereniug. ' As the subject is one of great inteiest (at the ! present time more particularly so), we hope - there will be a full muster of all interested. l The Court of Appeal. — The busiuess of , the Court of Appeal was resumed yesterday , morning at 1 1 o'clock, when his Honor the Chief Justice, and their Honors Mr Justice Johnston ( and Mr Justice Gresson were present. The j hearing of the appeal in the case of Regina v. j Tauwhauake, an aboriginal native, was proceed- j ed with. It was v case reserved by his Honor Mr Justice Johnston on the trial of the prisoner for forgery at the last Criminal Sittings of the J Supreme Court in Wellington, in which fauwhauake was found guilty of uttering a forged cheque, but the jury found that the cheque was of such a character, and so illegible, that it ought not to have deceived any v tradesman of ordinary observation. Mr Bran- s Jon argued in support of the conviction, and at y .he conclusion of the hearing the Chief Justice I utimaled that the Court would take lime to ii sonsider its decision. p

The Ri:v. Hatchard Cowaud. — This gentleman, an advertised Professor of English Elocution, gave a Miscellaneous Reading at the Athenaeum, on Tues lay evening last, to a rather small but very select audience, the remarkable feature of which beinuf that not one uf the faiv sex was visible. No programmes being issued, various speculations were entered into by the audience as to the nature of the entertainment thoy had braved the elements to come and hear; the arrival of the learned doctor on the platform, however, set all speculation at rest for he announced that he would, with their kind permissbn, reinl " a Tale of Lxmdon Life," which, by the bye, excited as much interest in the minds of those assembled as the report of the labors of a Tiuibuctoo missionary would have done. The audience did not seem to exactly ealch the meaning; of the author, and consequently became rather clamorous to know " what it was all about" a query which the reader promptly answered by assuring them, what he had already told them at the outset, that it was " a Tale of London Life." This seemed satisfactory to all and the rev. gentleman continued, buthad not proceeded far when another " fog" appeared to surround the audience, which the lecturer failing to dispel, the " tnle" had U> be abandoned before it was half completed, At this juncture the reader became rather indignant at a request made to him by one of the audience that he would favor them with "Any Oder Man" which he had heaid (to use his own expression) the doctor could do" to rights." Mr Coward wondered that any gentleman should make such a request in a room like the one in which they were assembled, and hoped it would not be repeated as, much as he wished to amuse them, lie would have to decline. After going through the " May Queen," " The Bridgeof Sighs," a comic piece, which he designated a Nursery Rhyme ! and two or three others of questionable taste, the learned doctor concluded a reading the sole charm of which being its brevity. A little dissatisfaction was expressed, but during the " barney," the doctor evacuated the platform and quietly left the room. Royal Olympic Theatre. — Mr O'Brien, a professional gentleman who has lately arrived here, took a benefit at the above Theatre on Monday evening, and notwithstanding the noninviting condition of the weather for pleasure seekers, we were pleased to see the house crammed to the very ceiling. The Drama of "Robert Macair" was well and effectively placed upon the stage, the dare devil dash of " Robert Macair" was admirably sustained by Mr O'Brien. He was most ably aided and assisted by several amateurs, who performed their roles with considerable tact, Mr Wilson's rendering of producing voars of laughter. At the termination of the Drama, Mr O'Brien, by the universal call of the house, appeared before the curtain and duly acknowledged the kindness of his patrons. The song of '• Bonny Kate," by Mr Roberts, was deservedly encored. The dance by Mr Smith was, as usual, re-demauded. The new national song ■' The Ironsides" by Mr Marriott, was received by a tumult of applause. In complying with the encore he substituted the battle song of " Henry of Navarre" with such energy as narrowly to escape are-demand. J To this succeeded a sceue from Othello, most ably managed by Messrs Webster and O'Brien. | The entertainment concluded with the ever popular farce of " Silvester Daggerwood, the lion's share of which devolved upon Mr O'Brien, who, notwithstanding the tax upon his exertions during the earlier part of the eveaing, most unflaggingly sustained the several impersonations until the termination.