LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 2216, 8 June 1865, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Mutiny. — Captain Featlierstonhaugh, of the ship Chapman, which arrived on the morning of Tuesday , has been suffering under the infliction of a mutinous crew, seven of whom will be brought up before the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, charged with embezzling cargo in addition to the above serious offence. From what we can learn, it appears that only a few days ere the arrival of the Chapman, the chief officer reported to Captain Feathorstonhaugh that the most of the watch were drunk, further stating it as his impression Unit they had become so by breaking into the cargo. Acting on this information, the captain sent his first officer into the hold to see if such were really the case. The mate went and reported that access had been obtained to the hold through a scuttle in the forecastle, and that some cases of liquor, particularly mentioning a brandy case, had been broken open and their contents stolen. This information was given on the Ist of this month, only two or three days previous to the arrival of the vessel, and it was impossible then to calculate the amount of the depredations. That night, as the vessel was supposed to be near the land. Captain Fcatherstonhaugli was anxious to have a sharp look out kept on the forecastle, and for that purpose went forward himself about midnight to see that all was as it should be. On mounting the lop-gallant forecastle he found nobody, and instantly called out to know whose turn of duty ifc was. A man named Gratacro, running out of the forecastle, replied that it was his. After enquiring his reasons for leaving his post and going below, to which no satisfactory reply was given, Captain Featlierstonhaugh ordered tho man aft, upon which lie made use of some insulting language, and rushed back into the forecastlo. Tho captain followed to drag him out, and then the alleged mutiny took place. No sooner had ho laid hands on tho refractory G-atacre, than Morton and Lawson, aided by some other of the crew, whom he was unable to recognize, rushed at him and knocking him down released their mate. Seeing that his assailants were the worse for liquor, and not knowing to what lengths they might proceed, Captain Featlierstonhaugh fired two shots from his revolver among the mutineers for the pnrpose of intimidating them. This had the desired effect, and he was enabled in the confusion that ensued to regain his feefc, and secure the ringleaders. No one was hit, but the cowards who had attacked one man, finding liim determined, and knowing him to be backed by rigln^ fell back and allowed him to effect the purpose for which he had entered tlie forecastlo. Tina instance, flagrant as it is, is not the only ono in which the crew of the Chapman showed their mutinous spirit. Thoy, at least part of them, had previously attacked the second mate of the ship> when in the execution of his duty as officer of the watch, he had given them some necessary order. This order they distinctly refused to obey, and increased their crime by knocking down and beating the giver of it. Captain Featlierstonhaugh and his officers are worthy of all praise for the bold manner in which they enforced discipline amongst such a disorderly crow, and it is to bo hoped that though, mutiny on the high seas is not now, where no loss of life has occurred, punishable by death, yet that these mutineers will be taught a lesson that they will not soon forget. Sppeeme Court.— The Criminal Sittings of tho Supreme Court were brought to a conclusion at 5 o'clock oh Tuesday evening, when his Honor thanked and dismissed the Petit Jury. The civil sittings of the Court will be held to-day, when the Court opens as usual at 10 o'clock. We understand his Honor the Judge has somewhat recovered, and is not suffering bo severely as on Monday.

New Theatre. — We would remind our reader that a meeting of gentlemen interested in th< erection of a theatre in this city, will be held a eight o'clock this evening, at Osgoocl's Empin Hotel, -when Messrs Dunn and Towers, the lessee! of the Odd Fellows' Hall, will be prepared. li submit plans, specifications, &c., &c, for tin building of a more convenient house of entertain menfc. Probably large numbers will attend, as sc many persons in this city are desirous of foster ing the legitimate drama, and for that purpose have initiated this movement. A large and roomy theatre might be erected for a moderate amount, and would be both an additional improvement to the city and a convenience to the playgoing public and those who cater for their amusement. The Fiery Star. — The schooner Rifleman, which arrived in this harbor on Tuesday, from the Chatham Islands, reports that nothing has been seen or heard at those islands of the seventyeight passengers and the crew of the ill-fated Fiery Star, who, according to Mr Sargant's report, left that vessel on the 20th of April in four boats, with the intention of making for these islands, they being the nearest port from the latitude and longitude in which they left the burning ship. The Had" Halt Fanatics. — We understand that in consequence of the intelligence recently received relative to the proceedings of the If an Haus at Manawatu, Wi Tako and Matcne te Whiwhi have gone up the Coast to concert with the loyal Otaki Natives what course should be. taken. The Fkont. — Our Wanganui correspondent Tvrites : — " It is quite correct that communications are to be opened between Waiongoro and Col. Warre at Te Nainu — I expect that, the Governor and General are goaded to do it, by the chaiT against them in the press." Bank of Australasia. — Mr Card well, the Manager of the above bank in Of ago. arrived in tins city a few days ago, and at once purchased two sections of the reclaimed land for £2000. The sections now purchased adjoin those previously taken for a site for the Bank of Otago. We understand, plans and specifications for the erection of the building will be ready in the course of next month. It is needless for us to dilate on the advantages certain to accrue from the opening of such an old established bank in our midst. Wellington Fire Brigade. — At a meeting held in the Athenteum, at 8 o'clock, on Monday evening last, for the election of officers of the Brigade for the ensuing twelve months. Mr Lewis Moss was unanimously chosen captain* Mr Boardman as Lieutenant, the Rev A. Stock as treasurer, and Mr E. Moss as secretary. We congratulate the members of the Brigade on tlieii* choice as to the exertions of the above, named gentlemen, the corps is materially indebted for its present rules, regulations, and excellent organisation. Theatee Royal. — On Monday evening, the " Maid and the Magpie " were produced for the first time, and admirably performed throughout. Miss Maggie Griffiths as Pippo, Ninette's fosterbrother, was vociferously cheered, and the applause she received was second only to that accorded to the pretty Ninette (Miss Marian Dunn) whose reading of the character was excellent. Altogether the " Maid and the Magpie " is a grand burlesque, wlueh was not the less worthy of praise from the manner in which all the characters were sustained. The heroine Ninette (Miss Marian Dunn) was in excellent voice, and her song " Good-bye Sweetheart, Good-l)3'c," received a well deserved encore. Messrs Dunn Towers, and Howe, acted in their usually good style, and the burlesque was a most complete success. On Tuesday evening the weather was such as would excuse any pleas urc seekers from visiting the Theatre and being present at John Dunn's benefit, but we arc glad to say that despite every inconvenience large numbers attended and were highly pleased. The performance consisted of Mark Lemon's famous piece " Honesty the best policy," and by particular request the favorite burlesque of "Cinderella," in which the beneficiary is always such a favorite as the Baron Balderdash, and as might have been expected was excellent. The house was full, and our old favorite Mr Dunn was called before the curtain, delivered an address thanking the audience for their attendance despite the inclemency of the weather, and wittily retorted some chaff from an individual who enquired " what, he was going to say." Last night the " Maid and the Magpie" replaced " Cinderella," ami the second representation was as favorably received as on Monday night. This evening the Theatre is closed, as usually is the case [on Thursdays, in order that the Choral Society may have their weekly rehearsal ; but, on Friday, the play-going public will have an opportunity of witnessing the treat renewed. We understand Miss Maggie Griffiths, that universal favorite, will hold her benefit at no very distant date, and we doubt not when s he does, she will meet with the same reception accorded to the beneficiaries who have already appeared before a Wellington public. N.Z. Exhibition Essays. — We learn from a private source that the Essays on New Zealand which were written for the Otago Exhibition, arc now in the press and will shortly be ready for publication in a connected form. As these Essays have been contributed by persons specially conversant with the subjects of which they severally treat, we may assume that the volume will be more complete and exhaustive than any previous work on New Zealand. The essayists were selected by the Royal Commissioners for their respective departments, and the general superintendence of the work has been entrusted to Dr Hector. Three Essays are furnished from this Province, viz. : — "The Geology of the North Island," by the Hon. Coutts Crawford ; " The Ornithology of New Zealand," by Walter Buller, Esq., R.AL ; and " The Zoology of the Southern Seas" by the Rev R. Taylor. The Geology of the Middle Island will be treated of in Two Essays — one by Dr Hector the Provincial Geologist of Otago, the other by Dr Haast, Provincial Geologist of Canterbury. Dr Shortland, late Native Secretary, has furnished a treatise on "The Native B ace," and Mr Hackett, late Director of the Dun Mountain Copper Company, a paper on " The Mines and Quarries of New Zealand." Mr Colcnso of Hawke's Bay has contributed an Essay on the Botany of the North Island, while Dr Monro and Mr Travcrs have respectively treated of the Local Flora of Nelson and Canterbury. Several other Essays connected with the history and colonization of the county will complete the series, and they will together form a valuable book of reference for all who are interested in New Zealand.

■s Auction Sales. — Mr Robertson reports an es c tensive sale of a general store at Ohvytown, Wa: t | rarapa, on Thumlay last, the Ist inst., which re c alized a most satisfactory price. A mob of cattl 3 were disposed, of by Mr Robertson on the sum< j occasion, and at goad prices. On Saturday, Mi c Robertson's usual weekly auction sale was hold ii - his stock and sales yards, Willis street. Thcr ) was a good attendance of buyers, and uiucl - spirited bidding. Good useful hacks and carriage 3 horses were knocked down at from £15 10s f< I £22. Really useful light harness horses wore h • demand, while for inferior hacks there was nc sale. England's New Zealand War. — By the last mail, we have received a pamphlet on the nbovi subject, published by an intelligent ex-colonist named Mr Charles llursthouse. Air llursthousc comes forward as the able advocate of the colonists, and writes with a terseness and vigour which commends his letter to the public. The following extract is a good example of his style : — " Bear in mind that when aSTow Zealand became a British colony in 1810 it was a primeval wilderness, a fertile 'wilderness it' you will, but still a wilderness. Even now, a large portion of it is as little smoothed by art and civilisation as Britain was when Ctcsar chased the Avoad-staincd warriors i along the shores of Kent. I; x such a country, in an emigration field in such rude state, the' few thousand squatters and graziers, farmers and traders, mechanics and labourers, professional men, capitalists, estate-creators and speculators, who made \ip the body called the Now Zealand colonists, and who constitute the little pioneering population of the country, have their hands full of work. They have to wrest fields from forests, to plant the germs of towns and villages, to lay the foundations of social institutions, to ply a hundred industries necessary to enable them to advance their footing in the wild land and make portions of its deserts blossom .' ; kc the rose. These, the toils and duties of Anglo-Saxon emigrants who go forth to subdue the waste have nowhere been more energetically undertaken, nowhere more manfully performed, than by the colonists in New Zealand. To have asked, to have expected, to have allowed, such a handful of willing workers to have charged themselves, in addition to their own legitimate labors, with the gigantic task and burden of civilisation and bit-ting-iu to law and order a nation of savages like the New Zealanders, would surely have been as inconsiderate, as exacting, as to have placed the work of the man of forty before the child of four." Strange Freak at Lyttelton. — The Lyltelton Times of the 27th ult. gives the following account of an absurd lark played by Messrs Tom Jerry & Co it says : — Some persons for the sake of having a lark, about ten o'clock, on Wednesday evening, got into the drill shed, in the Marketplace, Lyttelton, and hauled out the Armstrong gun, loaded her with the usual charge of powder and shot, and fired her off, to the great alarm of the inhabitants; at the same time shattering the whole of the glass in the windows on the southwest front of the shed. The shot struck the barque Catherine on the port side, destroying the bulwarks and stanchions and running rigging. The man who had charge of the deck watch had a narrow escape of his life. The authorities will have the n flair investigated at the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Tuesday next ; therefore for the present, we refrain from mentioning the names of the persons implicated. Racing. — The following is (he latest betting for the Derby. Sporting mattei*s are now in every one's mind, and this season will produce, as its predecessors have done, ruin and misery to many a family. 5 to 1 against Breadalbane, taken. Bto 1 „ Liddington, offered. 20tol „ The Duke, taken freely. 20 to 1 „ Archimedes, offered. 25 to 1 „ Oppressor, taken. 30 to 1 „ Zambesi, taken. 33 to 1 „ ChaUanootfo, offered. GG to 1 „ Andax, offered.