LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2343, 3 April 1866, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Town Boards— The City Commissioners will meet in the Board loom, Lambton Quay, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, of Friday next for the purposo of considering the tenders submitted for the top-dressing of tho asphalte pavement already laid down in this city, and for the transaction of all other necessary business. Owing to the Easter I holidays a little irregularity has recently taken j place in tho sittings of the Board. ! Johnsonville. — Ifc will bo seen by an advertisement which appears in another portion of to* • day's issue, that a meeting of the subscribers to J the Hawtrey Parsonage, Johnsonville, will take placa at the School House, Johnsonville, at Beven o'clock on Thursday evening next. The object of the meeting is to elect a Treasurer, and for general business. Abphalte Pavements. — The advantage of covering the the footways with asphalte is too well recognised to need comment from us. Besides we have in previous issues enlarged on the subject and pointed out tho desirability of not confining " asphnlte pavements " to Lambton Quay alone. Some persons will doubtless think owing to sundry small lioles which are to be found in the pavement already laid down, that tho composition is not of a durable nature, but this is not the case as the streets of Christchurch prove. True it is that asphalte requires top dressing every now and then, but this is comparatively an easy and inexpensive job. The City Commissionerf now advertise for tenders for the performance of this work, and while doing bo request residents in tho ! city requiring aaphalte laid down in front of their I stores or residences to send in applications to the. ' Board at once. Tns- General AssEMßLY.—Sixty-two gentle,, men have been, up to the present, elected as re. presentatives in tho next Colonial Parliament. In looking over the list wo find the names of a number of as yet untried politicians, in- addition to those of several veterans who have for many sessions figured iv the political arena. The Stafford Government, if they throw taxation overboard are likely to bo strongly backed, though in the event of its leader being foolish enough to make it a "stand or fall" point, he will find many rongrades among his promised friends. The opposition numbering in its ranks the names of Fitzherbert, Fitzgerald, Bichmond, Richardson, Wells, and Curtis is not to be disregarded. Careless Driving. — That many an accident might liave been prevented by careful driving is now a trinson, but in spite of such being the case Jehus still often fail to use the necessary caution. We have seen boys who were supposed to be driving a cart, perched on the shaft dangling their logs and looking anywhere but at the animal they were supposed to guide, and again. we have more than onco met men, who ought to know bettor, sitting in a cart with the reins dangling over the horses back. Fortunately for the safety of the public the police determined to put a atop to such a dangerously lax systain, to summons al 1 J offenders before the offenders before the Besident Magistrate. A person thus brought up on Saturday, was fined 10s. and warned to be more careful for the future. Colonial Beer.— lt will bo seen by an advertisement which appears elsewhere, that Host Osgood of the Empire Hotel, has imported a large supply of "Nelson Beer -which will be retailed over the bar at the rate of sixpence per pint, or three shillings a gallon. Nelson beer is proverbially good, but in our opinion the brews of Mr. Dixon or Mr. Edmeades of the Albion Brewery are not to be despised, and while wishing Mr. Osgood success with his speculation, wo do not wish to see our old friends in the back ground. Beer ' brewed in Wellington is so sound and good, that ifc will compare favorably with that of any other province in tho Colony. It is our intention to pay a visit to the Te Aro and Albion Breweries for tho purpose of obtaining sufficient information on thoir interior economy to -write a short account of " how beer is made in Wellington." Wo do not want to know how ifc tastes, or whether it is wholesome, for on both of those points wo have had sufficient oxperionbe to bo able to judge. TnE Engijbh Pbess on thb Retirement op the Weld Ministry. — A glanoe at the English journals show how generally tho retirement of tho Weld Ministry 18 regretted in the mother country. Nearly all tho loading journals deplore the downfall of his Government, andapoak of Mr. Wold and his colleagues aa men who would have done much to retrieve the all but ruined state of tho country. Some journalists, however, Bay that Mr. Stafford is an abler man, and more far seeing politician than his predecessor, and add, that if he honestly Mowb in the steps of the late Government he will be able to affect as much good as it would have done had it remained in office.

Professor Parker's Entertainment.—Professor Parker and Miss Annie Beaumont gave one of their favorite entertainments on Saturday evening at the Odd Fellows' Hall, but we are sorry to say that there was not as good an attendance as we should have wished to see there, owing to the unfavorable state of the weather. Miss Annie Beaumont, who was in splendid voice sang an excellent selection of songs, both comic and sentimental, from her varied repertoire, and was loudly and deservedly encored. Professor Parker had an assault at arms taking the sword against the bayonet, with which he vanquished his adversary. Some other assaultß were also to have taken place, but the competitors did not come forward as they had promised, and therfore disappinted both Professor Parker and the audience. . Mr. Bussell, whoso services as pianist had been secured, fully came up to the expectations of all, singing and playing with his usual grace and talent. The Sir Charles Napier feat of cutting an apple with the sabre on the fair palm of Miss Annie Beaumont concluded the entertainment, and waa loudly applauded. We understand that Mr. Parker and Miss Annie Beaumont intend proceeding to Wanganui by the next opportunity in order to be in time to give one or two entertain monts previous to the departure of the 57th regiment to Auckland, and from there they will return to Wellington. Judging from the spirited manner in -which the inhabitants of that district support all public spectacles we feel assured Mr. Parker and his talented little company will make a successful tour, and we wish him better weather on his return to us. The Chttrch op England School.— The children of the school under the tuition of Mr.* W. H. Holmes, were to have had a treat yesterday evening in the shape of a tea meeting, after which the wonders of a magic lantern were to be exhibited. Owing, however, to the unsettled appearance of the weather the juvenile party was postponed until this evening. The children have, for some time past, being looking forward to their little fete, and we hope the weather this evening will not occasion them another disappointment. Caligbai»hic Mystery. — Among other Christmas tricks yearly introduced into notice is one named the Caligraphic Mystery.- This trick is a very simple one. It consists of a card about the size of a lady's visiting card on which a .number of black lines are visible. These lines appear merely to be the careless drawing of a child, or give one the idea of marks made on paper by a fly previously dipped in ink," but by holding the card in what our American cousins call a " slantindicular" direction the lines form the words of seasonal good wishes or proverbs, or the lines of some well known poet. We received one of the "Mysteries" by the last mail,, and by dinfc of studying the directions, succeeded in discovering in what its mysterious nature consists. Easter Monday. — Yesterday was Easter Monday, and as usual the day was a public holiday to the G-overnment Officials and employees in the several banks and merchant's officos in the city. Unfortunately, many pic-nics and pleasure parties to the country were put off owing to the inclemency of the weather. However, despite this inconvenience, many families heartily enjoyed themselves over their own fire* Bides. t Sale of Transport Horses. — Persons desiring a mount, will, on Tuesday next, have an opportunity of investing in a hack, as one hundred and thirty draught, pack, and saddle horses wilj then be offered for sale at Wanganui. The horses are the property of the Q-overnment, and are being sold, as owing to the removal of the troops from the Wanganui district, they,will no longer bo required. The Deputy-Commissary-General has instructed Messrs. Q-udgeon & Co., to offer them to public competition in the Market Places Wanganui, at 11 o'clock, on Tuesday,, the 11th instant. Hutt Market. — The usual monthly Market will be hold at the Hutt, to-morrow. We notice by advertisements which appear elsewhere, that Mr. J. H. Homer will offer a few head of cattle, and a number of fine fat Bheep to public competition. Mr. J. H. Wallace will also sell a substantially built seven roomed cottage, with half an acre of laud, situated within five minutes' walk of the Hutt Bridge. The houso was lately in the occupation of Dr. Buck, and is at present occupied by Mr. E. Holmes. The Half-Caste Turton. — It will be in the recollection of our readers, that about a month ago, we gave full particulars of a savage and murderous assault made by a half-caste, who waft supposed to be of unsound mind, on his grandmother. The man is said to be a follower of i Hau Hauism, and if not insane, affects to be So. On Saturday morning ho was brought before the Hon. J. Coutts Crawford, R.M.. but the case was remanded to Otaki, where the examination will take place before J. T. Edwards, Esq., R.M., to-day. The Wairarapa Line of Coaches.— We are very glad to announce that at last the Wairarapa district will be more closely connected with this i c ity by bi-weekly communication. Cobb in the Wairarapa has long been talked of, but now, though the great unknown will be absent in the ' flesh, hia well-known telegraphic line of coaches, under the proprietorship of Mr. J. Forrester, will travel up and down the road and cross the lofty ' Rhnutaka. The first coach will leave the Booking Office, adjoining Osgood'a Hotel, at 8 o'clock this morning, and others will run right through to Masterton twice a week. Return coaches will leave Masterton on Wednesdays aud Fridaya, arriving in town on the following days. The New Zbaland Directory.— During the last few dayß, an energetic gentleman has been going the rounds of the city, collecting the names of the residents in each street, for a stupendous work which will be brought out, ere the end of the year, under the title of the " New Zealand Directory." The compilers, of the work deserve much credit as it is their intention to render it a complete reference and directory for all parts of the Colony. Obtaining the necessary information is in itself no easy job, but we hope the succeas that attend the publishers efforts will repay him for all the trouble he will have to take*

The Battle of Cor exhagex.— OnMonday, the 2nd April, 1801, was fought the famous battle of ' Copenhagen. It is customary for such officers who were present upon the occasion to celebrate the day by a dinner held in the Senior United Service Club, Pall Mall, London. In 1863, only twenty veterans sat down to dinner, and ere long there will only be a very few representatives of] the fighting men of the beginning of the century, and they will, doubtless, prefer slippers and a quiet fireside to the amenities of a commemoration dinner. The Month of April.— We have now entered upon the third month of our New Zealand autumn, and may now look forward 'to rainy weather and its attendant disagreeables. With the fine summer weather we have lately enjoyed will depart all the pride of tho gardens. The bright flowers of tbe past few weeks will now die, and no more of their kind will be seen until their young relotions spring up after stormy winter has come and gone. Gardens will not hays to rest on their last year's laurels as their work in transplanting and so on is cut out for them, and the proof of their exertions will be the next year's show. Latest News feom the South. — The s.s. Queen arrived here yesterday from Lyttelton and Dunedm bringing files of papers to the 31st inst., for copies of which we are indebted to the courtsey of the purser. The chief items of intelligence will be found amongst the head of " Local and General News." A Doubtful Case.— The Hokitika correspondent of tho Lyitelton Times says:— "Mr. Prince, of the firm of Prince & Lyons, recently trading at Greymouth, was a few days since remanded on bail to Hokitika, by the Bosident Magistrate of Christchurch, on a charge of obtaining goods under false pretences, from the firm of Burke and Company, of this place. Prince was arrested in Christchurch, as you are aware, on a warrant issued by the bench at Hokitika. On the day he should have appeared here (Saturday, 24th March), his name was called in Court, and he not answering, another warrant was issued. During the day, the Kangitoto anchored in the roadstead, and Prince, who was a passenger by her, was arrested, but subsequently bailed. This morning' ho was charged before the Resident Magistrate, and after a hearing, which occupied about two hours, was discharged. It is said that an action will be brought by defendant in the Supreme Court against the prosecutor. If such is the case I would not give much for his chance of damages." The PEHSrECTiVE Puzzle.— By the last mail from England, wo received a newly introduced drawing room amusement named the " Perspective Puzzle." It consists of two colored cards of exactly the same size, which by placing in different positions alternately appear larger or smaller than they really are. The cards can easily be cut out and colored by any person, and the trick is one that would cause great amusement to juveniles on Winter evenings. Ths Wbeck of the London. — The following is from the Otago Daily Times :— " All details respecting the awful catastrophe of the 11th January are fraught with melancholy interest, and there is nothing better calculated to soften the grief of those who had relatives or friends on board the ill-fated London, than the calm courage j with which an inevitable death was met. Most of the English papers notice the quiet resignation with which the assembled passengers met Captain Martin's announcement that ' they must prepare for immediate and inevitable death.' Well does the Illustrated London News remark : — ' Never should such a story be allowed to fade out of our sea-history. It is most sad, yet who ] can read it without a mingling of pride with sorrow ? And we may bo honorably proud of the brave men and women who looked that terrible death in the face, and met it, we are told, with an incredible composure.' Of this there are many confirmations ; and we have been permitted to give publicity to an extract from a letter from a young son of Mr. Justice Chapman. He says : — * I can only add a few words which have not appeared in the papers. Mr. Wilson, a survivor, told me that my mother took a light out of his hands and told him to work if ho wero wanted, and she was cheering the men to the last. John King, who steered the boat, told me that just I before he went away either my mother or Kitty gave lu'm a railway wrapper to keep him warm. Harry was seen at the pumps till they wero ' abandoned, and Watty was seen some time before fcke end, . > . . and so they all went to God like brave Christians. Fatal Fight. — We clip the following from the West Coast Times : — " A fight, which, unfortunately resulted in tho death of one of the principals, occurred at Eoss Town, on the morning of St. Patrick's Day. From the report of tho sergeant in charge there, wo gather that on the evening of the 16th inst. a ball was held at the Emerald Isle Hotel, which was attended by a considerable number of miners. As usual upon such occasions, the liquor circulated freely, although the utmost good humor prevailed ; but between 5 and 6 o'clock the next morning a dispute arose between two men named respectively David Thomas and John Haggerty, which onded in a stand-up fight outside the house. Three rounds only were fought when Thomas fell, and *fc tho same time a general melee took place amongst the assemblage, noarly all of whom were drunk. In the confusion of such a scone the unfortunate man lying on the ground was unheeded, and we hear must have been trampled on ; and when tho crowd dispersed ho was still left there, apparently quite forgotten by those who, but a few minutes previously, were backing him in his -encounter with Haggerty. Forgotten, however, lie was until 8 o'clock, when some passers-by noticed him, and, like good Samaritans, raised the poor fellow and carried him to the Provincial Hotel, as he expressed a desire to be conveyed there. A medical man was at once called in, who, on examination, found his spine to bo so severely injured as to cause paralysis of the limbs and Sower part of tho body. Every attention was paid, and no efforts left untried to relieve him, but without avail ; for, after lingering until mid-day, total paralysis supervened, and death was the result." White Crane.— Mr. Barker, the Government gardener at Lyttelton, recently shot a bird of this species near the river. The specimen, which £s<juite a young bird, is, of pure white plumage, and measures nearly three feet from tip to tip of ftlie wings. These birds were at one time very «omtnon in Canterbury, being seen in largo -flights, but are now completely rare. The one skot by Mr. Barker i 8 being stuffed for the MußOum.

Sticking-tjt.— " On Tuesday morning " says ' the Jlokitika correspondent of the Lyttelton Times, " Greorge Cameron, who earrios tho mail between Hokitika and Okarita, was stuck-up and robbed by two armed men. They cut open tho mail bags and rifled the contents. Cameron had some £20 on him which the bushrangers did not find. They have not been apprehended, and, as ; the newspaper' say, 'the matter is shrouded in ! mystery.' There is no mining news of importance." • New Zealand Scenery. — The Daily Times informs us that Mr. N. Chevalier, who, in December, started from Dunedin on an art tour, arrived in Otago by the South Australian. He describes himself as being delighted with the scenery round about tho Otagan lakes, and has already some seventy sketches in his portfolio. Among other places, he visited the Taieri, Molyneaux, and the Waimea Plains, and explored Lake Wakatip as far as Earnscleuch. Mr. Chevalier has some beautiful sketches of the Te Anau and the Manawaipori Lakes. Mr. Chevalier proceeded in the Airedalo to Christchurch, and, upon his return to Otago, intends to complete his tour of the lakes, and to explore the Wanaka as far as the season will permit. Fjcood in Okarita. — "Yesterday morning," says the OJcarila Times, "it may bo said, there was a famine in Okarita, for meat was unattainable ; even good hams or salt meat was almost so ; fish, of which there is usually so good a supply, was not to be had, and altogether things looked very blue indeed. A greater proof of tho necessity for caterers providing a continuous supply of the necessaries of life could not be given. In order that those at a distance may form an estimate of the cost of living, we submit a few of the retail prices. What is called the 41b loaf is 2s ; meat, beof, or mutton, Is 9d per 1b (when attainable) ; tea, sugar, and other necessaries are at an advance of about 20 per cent on Hokifcika prices. The cause of a deficient supply of meat may bo traced to the sudden influx of population, with which tho butchers have not kept up their meat supply. The prices charged are ridiculous too, for, unlike Hokitika, where animals can find no food for twenty miles, there is abundant feed within a short distance, enough "indeed not only to keep, but to fatten stock in abundance. By importing in excess of the immediate wants of the people, tho surplus sheep or cattle would be improving instead of falling off in weight, and the quality of the meat would be increased in a great degree." Taranaki Anniversary. — Saturday, the 31st March, was the anniversary of the foundation of the Province of New Plymouth. This littlo Province, which was founded in 1841, has had more difficulties to contend with than any other in the Colony. For the last six years the outlying districts have been harrassed by tho robol j Maoris, and from the date of the firing of the first shot at Waitara until tho present time, the horrors of an abominable little skirmishing warfare have retarded the prosperity and onward progress of one of tho most desirable settlements in the Colony. The G-rey Diggings.— Some of the claims on tho North Beach (north of the Gro'y) are yielding enormous quantities of gold ; one of them is said to be averaging £1000 per week. There are only four men in the party. The recent fine weather has made water very scarce for mining purposes, especially on tho terraces. Miners on all the diggings are complaining of this drawback. Many of the races are dry, and others cannot run more than half their usual quantity.