Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1976, 29 October 1863, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

The Late Mr H. W. Botermund.- The funeral of the late Mr Rottermund took place on Saturday, when a large number of tbe citizens followed his remains to the grave. The procession started from the Victoria hotel shortly after twelve o'clock, passed along Cuba street, up Manners-street, and along the beach till it reached St Paul's Church, where the body was for a short time laid, while a portion of the burial service was read. The bearers then moved solemnly towards the burial place, od reaching which, the Bey A. Stock, resumed the service, and soon amidst the heartfelt emotion of many of the mourners the body was placed in its grave. During the afternoon the whole of the shops on the Hue of route were closed, io testimony of the deep respect in which the deceased was held.

The Late Mk Thomas Wakelin. — In our obituary notices of last issue was recorded the decease of Mr Thomas Wakelin, for many years a settler iv the Wairarapa, and brother of Mr Richard Wakelin of Wellington. The deceased bad taken an active part in orginating the Volunteer movement in the Wairarapi, and was a member of one of the companies recently raised there. His remains were followed to the grave by the largest number of mourners at any funeral that ever took place in the district. Fifty of his brother Volunteer* were present and fired a volley over his grave. Mr Wardell 8.M., Adjutant Willis, and tbe Volunteer officers, from Carterton and Feather* ston also attended to pay tbe last sad tribute of respect to one who had passed away from amongst them. The late Mr Wakelin has left a widow and family to mourn his loss ; to whom as well as to his other relatives here, we offer our sincere sympathy.

C. It. Carter, Esq. — We regret to bear that when Mr Carter left for the Assembly the other day he purposed visiting England by the overland mail from Auckland, and that it will probably be a couple of years before he returns. As a deservedly respected and enterprising colonist we regret that his business arrange* ments necessitated his going to England just now, when we can ill afford to lose any one, and more especially from the nunibeis ef those whose influence is appreciably felt. We wish him a pleasant sojourn in the old country and shall be glad to welcome him back a> early as possible. We believe that such of his pro* fessional engagements as were in course of completion have been handed over to Mr Jaoka.

Thk N.Z.S.N. Company. Since the halfyearly general meeting, held on the 20th and 22 ud iust., the Directors of this Compaaj have been very busy preparing for the extension, of its operations. We are informed that ou Tuesday they concluded the purchase from Mr Dransfield of his two coal hulks, Daniel Webster and Rosebud, with the coals on board the former. They have had several interviews with two gentlemen, representatives of a steam com« pany in course of formation at Otago, who are up here, and they are very anxious that their interests should be amalgamated with those of the N.Z.S.N. Company. R. J. Duncan, Esq., one of the Managers of the Company, leaves here to-day by the Lady Bird for Auckland for the purpose of aidiug Capt. Rhodes in extending the Company's operations there and iv disposing of shares. It is also intended, we are informed, to send the fine three-masted schooner Manakau, as soon as she has discharged her cargo, to Newcastle for another cargo of coals. As the Manakau will be alongside the Queen's Wharf this afternoon, we would recommend the Shareholders of the Company and the public to inspect this fine vessel ; and we are sure- they will be of opinion that it would be a pity to dis* mantle her and use her fur a coal bulk. We hope shortly to be able to announce that all the New Zealand Provinces have combined in establishing a New Zealand Steam Company in the true meaning of the word, capable of accomplishing their own intercolonial, inter pro* viucial, and coasting trade, and whenever the time comes, of also, taking up the long desired Panama route, and of extending commerce and traffic throughout the innumerable islands of the Pacific. We feel confident that such a Company will be as successful as the New Zealand Bank or Insurance Companies.

Lyoeusi Theatre. — The complimentary benefit given to Mrs W. H. Foley, by the gentlemen avnuteurs of Wellington took place at the above theatre on Tuesday evening last, and passed off with considerable eclat- Notwithstanding 1 the drawback? of au inclement night, and the damping influence of showers of southeast rain repeated at intervals during the day, there was a very good house, which must have been as gratifying to the fair beneficiare as it was pleasing to th« gentlemen who tendered the compliment. Tht first piece selected was " Delicate Ground," in which Mr A. Clerk as Citizen Sangfroid, woimuch applause for his clever acting. He re presented to the life the "staid, intelligent, useful member of society," while the cooines.wiih which he went through several, to saj the least, suspicious scenes, was very good Mr W. Johnson's Alphonse de Grandier was. in some parts, well played, but at other times it seemed to lack the vivacity of the " harebrained, frivolous character" which Pauline represents him to possess. The impersonation was also marred, in a great measure, by the performer walking about the stage too much ; this was the more noticeable at the conclusion of the piece where he is intended by the author to be listening to what Sangfroid is talking about. Although the Citizen sees Alphonse when he first comes to the door, and declares sotto voce " that, being inclined to listen, he shall bear of something to his advantage," it is not supposed that he (Alphonse) is cognizant of being detected, therefore it seemed a peculiar mode of eaves-dropping, to be pacing .about the .room within a few feet of the gentleman wh# is repeating words he seems so anxious to overhear. The Pauline of Mrs Folej was, as usual, excellent, and' drew down frequent bursts of applause. The next piece was the '-Three Cuckoos," or "Ticklish Times" as it is more frequently called, in which Mr Robertson as Perkin Postlethwaite, 11 the son of Peter," was as droll as he well nigh could be. The fun of this gentleman is not in the least strained, but as genuine as the laughter it creates ; his appearance alone is calculated to exoite the risible faculties of the most staid— the peculiarly comical expression of his face, the roguish twinkle of his eye, and bis excellent make-up all tended to his success, which was uuequivocal. The ira persona tion would have done credit to a practised actor, and shewed evident signs throughout of careful study, and a just appreciation of the meaning of Hamlet's advice to the players where he says, " suit the action to the word— the word to the action." Lieut. Furneaux was exceedingly good as Captain Dudley, and looked " every inch a. captain" (ivithout the whiskers.) Lieut. Willis (Colonel Crankey) was a true type of a soldier of the old school, but was a little too confidential in his conversation with those on the stage. Mrs Faley as Dolly was everything that could be desired — the beau-ideal ofservant ntaidisra, who was as jealous of her "Perkin" when she fancied him faithless, as most girls would be under like circumstances, and was as easily consoled as we are led to believe ladies generally are when a marriageable bachelor presents himself, especially when the said bachelor wears a red coat and carries a long sword. The small part of Alice was carefully played by Miss Williams. The curtain then rose upon the last piece, and discovered Mr Cox (Mr .Robertson) who was in the act of titivating himself up preparatory to his proceeding to bis daily labor as a hatter, and after summoning Mrs Bouncer (Lieut. Furoeaux) whom he designates as a. full-grown woman, and informing her that he does not believe the disappearance of his wood, coals, and lucifers is to be attributed to " the cat," and requesting her to procure him a ha'porth of milk and allow the cream to accumulate, he leaves Mrs Bouncer to meditate on the indirect charges he has laid agaiust her. In his descent he encounters Mr Box (Mr Clerk) a printer, who has just returned from work. These two gentlemen, occupy the same room in Mrs Bouncer's establishment, unknown to each other, and it requires all the management of that individual to keep them from" clashing." Despite all her care they do meet and some fan ensues which results in an explanation, a recognition of a long lost brother, an embrace, the swearing of eternal friendship, and Box and Cox retire. It would be difficult to select the best rendered character in this piece, they were all so well played, and the interest of the plot never being allowed to flag a moment, it left nothing to be censured, but all to be praised

Majob Gorton's LECTunE.-An excellent lecture on tbe use of the rifle was delivered by Major Gorton on Friday evening last, in the Assembly Rooms, Barrett's Hotel, The room was well filled with militiamen and voluntee.s. The gallant Major by the aid of diagrams illustrated the effect of elevation and nonelevation, and explained fully all the qualifications necessary to make a good marksman. We understand that Major Gorton has kiudly consented to give a second lecture on the same subject, when we have no doubt there will be a good number present.

Court of Appeal. — The sitting of the Court were resumed on Tuesday morning, when all tbe Judges were present. Judgment was delivered in ibe case of Teschmaker v. M'Lean and Another in a very elaborate manner by His Honor tbe Chief Justice. It is much too long for publication in extenso. The decision arrived at was in favor of tbe defendants." MiBrandon on behalf of the plaintiff moved, and obtained leave to appeal to the Privy Council. Tbe case of Woodward v. Austin was resumed, and Mr Brandon, on behalf of the Government, concluded his address to the Court, and was followed on tbe same side by Mr It. Hart. The Court sat again yesterday morning, when Mr Izard for the defendant commenced his address, but tbe sitting was shortly afterwards adjourned until this morning (Thursday) at 11 o'clock.

Oub Soldi ebs Abroad. — The New Zea~ lander says:— ln a regiment stationed at the Cape of Good Hope, there appears to be just that kind of spirit which binds man to man, \nd places officer and private upon a footing that all the regulations of the seirice, ligidly carried out, would fail to aeomplish. The regiment we allude to is the 10th or North Lincolnshire Foot, which among other sources of amusement and edification, boasts a printing press and all the paraphernalia of an office, and actually publishes for private circulation a journal entitled the North Lincolnshire Sphinx, which is edited and furnished with contributions by the officers and men of the corps. We have before us a copy of the journal, which is turned out of hand in a very creditable manner, and its contents embrace a variety of subjects, gossipy, critical, and humorous, of a character calculated to maintain the interests of both officers and men in its publication. We take it as a sign of progress that such a work is apparently so hopefully carried out, as a proof that our soldiers appreciate the pleasure appertaining to the intellectual sphere, and we heartily wish God speed to the lOlh regimental Press.

Dramatic Performance. — In consequence of the success of the Histrionic Society, assisted by Messrs O'Brien and Webstar, on a previous occasion, they have determined on giving another performance this evening at the Olympic Theatre, when, in addition to the sensation Drama of "Kobert Macaire," the popular farce of the " Artful Dodge" will be presented. Some songs by Mr Marriott, and dancing by members of the club, is also included in the programme. We hope there will be a full bouse.

Wesleyan Missionary Meetiog. — The Annual Wesleyan Missionary Meeting was held on Monday evening last at the Wesleyan Chapel, when despite the weather being unfavorable there was a considerable attendance. The chair was occupied by C. Turner, Esq., of Canterbury, and addresses were delivered by the Reverends J. Crump, J. Smith, J. Woodward. J. Moir, J. Buller, and J. Aldred. A very satisfactory report for the past year was read by the Rev J. Crump, the Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, followed by ihe singing of the doxology, terminated the proceedings. The amount collected at the sermons on Sunday, and at the meeting, amounted to £23 9s sd.

Hawke's Bay.— The Herald of the 17th inst says :— The members fur this province let ye Napier today— Major Whitmore and Mr Russell, uf the Legislative Council ; Messrs Ormond and Colenso of fhe House of Representatives. With ordinory weather they will reach Auckland in good time on the 19th— the opening day of the Assembly. Among the southern members on their way to the North by one or other of the steamers now in port, are two of the most distinguished in the House-Mr Fitzgerald of Canterbury, and Dr Featherston of Wellington.

Cricket. —The S. M. Herald of the 9th has the following telegram from Melbourne—" An agreement has been' completed for « visit of the All England Eleven to New Zealand, the sura being £3500, and all expenses guaranteed"

Queensland.— Great anxiety is felt for the safety of his Excellency Sir George Bowen and party, who left Brisbane on the 2'id inst, for Execution Bay in the river steamer Premier, and have not been heard of atjour latest dates. Very stormy weather had prevail ed since they left.

Volunteers for New Zealand. — The Illustrated London News of 15th August, has the following: — An order has been received at Colchester Camp, permitting soldiers to volunteer into any of the regiments stationed in New Zealand, viz., the 2nd battalion 14th, the 2nd battalion 18th, the 40 th, 57th, aud 70th regiments. All the men who volunteer, and are found fit for active service will receive the bounty of £l. A number of men from the different depots at Colchester have come forward for service in the colony."

Temperance Gathering.— -One day last week, we were present at a little semi-public social gathering of people interested in the temperauce cause, which deserves at least a passing notice. Mr W. Truetnao, who has for several years been a temperance advocate, and taken an active part in promoting social entertainments of thai kind, recently erected a temperance hall and boarding house adjoining his premises, in Abel Smith-street. His house has for a long time been a place of resort for members of the Military Temperance society, and many an evening of innocent festivity has been spent there. Gradually those little meetings have become larger, and the premises being insufficient for their accommodation, the old boot tinker's shop had a large addition built to it in the rear, and became transformed iuto a temperance hall, sufficiently large to afford comfortable accommodation for 150 people. The opening night was the occasion of a little festivity, and 130 people assembled to regale themselves with tea, buns, music and temperance oratory. It was a pleasant sight. Teetotallers have always good appetites, and the consumption of the edibles abundantly provided was something astonishing', while the repeated brews of the "cup that cheers, but not inebriates" were quaffed with as much gusto as if they had been Trueman's XXX. After the board had been cleared, several addresses on social and temperance subjects were delivered, a little music from a brass band enlivened the proceedings, and a few songs were sung. Altogether the evening was spent innocently and pleasantly, and the guests broke up heartily pleased with their entertainment. We understand that Mr Trueman intends holding periodical meetingsof a similar kind, when lectures, readings, and amateur concerts will be given. A boarding house in connection with the ball has also been established. Means like these do much to advance the cause of temperance, and albeit we like " our cakes and ale," yet we have pleasure in witnessing an humble effort to provide the community with innocent and inexpensive amusement.

The Troops fob New ZEALAND.--The Home Netvs says.--" It has been decided by the Government notto carry out their original intention of employing a force of Sikhs in New Zealand. The reasons for this change have nothing to do with the remarks made in the House of Commons upon the constitutional question supposed to be involved in the employment of Indian troops out of India. It arises from financial considerations alone, it beiug found that, as a matter of direct economy as well as financial symmetry, it is desirable to have the whole force in New Zealand composed of Europeans. Upon consideration, therefore, the Government have determined, and we think wisely, to substitute European for Sikh soldiers in New Zealand. It was originally intended to send General Cameron 3000 additional troops, and this number will be adhered to. The Indian establishment will be left for the moment short of a regiment by the diversion of the 50th to New Zealand, but this will not cause practical inconvenience, and it is not intended to send out the 55th, the corps now standing first on the roll for foreign service. When these arrangements are completed, General Cameron will have under his command the Ist battalion 12th 2nd battalion 14th, 2nd battalion 18th, 50th, 57th, 65th, 70th, and two battalions from India making 10 in all, or a force of about 7000 bayonets.