LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2376, 16 June 1866, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Manawattt Block. — -Another native letter appears in tho Canterbury Press, but it contains nothing new or of any consequence. It is simply a reproduction of old misrepresentations , contradicted weeks ago. | The Panama Service. — The following notice i npears in tho -Sydney Empire of May 29fch : — i " Mails for England, &c, via Panama,— General Post Office, Sydney, 28th May, 1866.— The Royal Mail steamship Kaikoura will be dispatched to Panama via Wellington, with mails for England, tho Continent of Europe, and intermediate placea, at 3 p.m. on Friday, the 15th Juno next. . Mail* will close at noon on the same day. Direct mail* will be made up for the following places .—New Zealand, Panama, Lima, Yulparasio, San Francisco, Honolulu, British Columbia, Jamaica, Barbadoes, Demerava, St. Thomas, New Orleanß New York, Quebec, Halifax, and thp United Kingdom." ' •■'. ' Sir Gkorge Arney. — The resignation by Sir George Arney of his seat in the Legislative Council is officially notified. Financial Notice. — The following notice appears in the Gazette:— "ln order that the financial accounts of the year ending on the 90th of June next, may comprehend and include all transactions relating to that period, it is requested that persons having claims on the Government will send iv their accounts to the Sub -Treasury of tho Province before the 30th instant. Collectors of revenue . are required to pay in their collections promptly,* and officers holding advances under improst must forthwith render their accounts and refund any balance? in their hands. — E. W. Stafford." , Postage. — The following are now the postage rates from New Zealand to Ceylon :-r-For letterß not exceoding £ oz., sixpence ; for letters not ex- „ ceeding 1 6z., one shilling, and one shilling for every additional ounce or fractional part of an ounce. Hutx Volunteers. — Tho following* appointments are gazetted : — Lioutenant Thomas Mills to be Cuptain. Date of commission, 9th May, 1866. Ensign William Fit zherbert to be Lieutenant. Date of Commission, 9th May, 1866. George Farmer to be Ensign. Date of Commissiou, 9th May, 1866. The s.s. Clatjd Hamilton. — Dr. Knight and J. Woodwurd, Esq., returned from Auckland in tho s.s. Claud Hamilton yesterday morning. * Thrakina Volunteers. — The following appointments ara gazetted : — John Hunt Hurst to be Captain. Dr.te of commission, Ist June, 1866. Robert John Knox to be Lieutenant. Date of commission, Ist June, 1866. Grey To"Wn Volttnteer3. — His Excellency the Governor ha 3 been pleased to accept the resignation of the Commission held by Captain J. E. J. Boys, Greytown Rifle Volunteers. Bishop Monrad. — The ex-Prime Minister of Den murk, Bishop Monrad, returned from Nelson in the s.s. Lady Bird on Thursday. Tnn Crew ov the Triton. — Tho \rafortunato crew of the brigantine Triton, which was wrecked in Palliser Bay on the night- of Sunday last, . arrived in town on Wednesday evening. The poor fellows left the scone of the wreck on Monday, and proceeded to the lighthouse, hoping to be able to get a boat to bring them to town. A signal was hoisted for one but nono oame, and -theyjthen, foot-sore and weary, proceede&on'their way round by Lowrcy Bay and tho Hutt. 'When about half way between the latter place and the toll v bar they were overtaken by the 'bus, and Mr. Peter Laing who wa3 returning to town in it, immediately stopped mid paid their. fares. When the 'bus arrived his kindness did not stop. He supplied them with sufficient means to obtain beds and suppers, and promised to give them any other assist anco in his power. • On Thursday morning a subscription list was sent round and a few pounds collected for the poor fellows who. have lost everything thoy possessed by the loss of the ship. Thoirs is indeed a very pitiable « case, and we feel woll assured the good people of Wellington with their accustomed liberality will come forward to help them. Now that tke shipping to this port has so largely increased, surely it would bo well to take some steps towards the fenndation of a " Sailors' Home," where seai men out of work and cast-a-ways such as these poor men of the Triton could be boarded and lodged until there is a prospect of them again getting afloat. We do not mean that they should be regarded as paupers, but that when, they " obtain employment they should pay a reasonable sum for their maintenance from, the advauce usually given by masters of ships when shipping a crew.

Appointments.— The Hon. James Prendergast and Georgo Cook, Esq., barristers, have been appointed Conveyancing Counsel to examine titles under " The Land Registry Act, I860," Regulation No.. 41. Thomas Brunner, Esq., Chief Surveyor, Nelson, in the Province of Nel- _ son ; and Joseph Ward, Esq., of Brookby, Wairau, have been appointed Commissioners to ascertain and report on the boundaries between the Province of Nelson and the Province of Marlborough, with a view to having such boundaries defined. Walter. Hyppolyte Pilliet, Esq., has been appointed Returning Officer for the election of members of the Provincial Council of the Province of Marlborough for tho District of Pelorous. The Volunteer Fire Brigade. — A special meeting of members of the Fire Brigade was held on Wednesday evening in a room adjoining the Odd Fellows' Hall. Tho object of tho meeting was to concert as to the best method of celebrating the first anniversary of the Brigade. Some were in favor of a dinner, some strongly advocated a ball and supper, but at length it was definitely determined that the discussion should stand over until after the annual general meeting which is announced to be held on Monday next. The Scotch Church. — We notice that Mr. Petherick and his workmen have erected a workshop by the site set apart for the Scotch Church, and that the work of laying tho foundation of the church has been commenced. Military News. — Our Auckland contemporaries, anxious to have a peg to hang a grievance on, have, for the last month, been bewailing the probable departure of Major-General Chuio and Staff for Wellington. He was always going to leave " next week," and on the 9th inst., the Cross announced him as off tlie next day in the Claud Hamilton. That vessel arrived in harbor yesterday, but no Gener al was on board. We may say however for the information of our readers, that he is coming in the s.s. Ahuriri. The Mount Cook Barracks will also be once more inhabited, for a portion of either the 14th or 18th Regts. will be located there. "The Panza Company." — Tho following sensible suggestion is made by a correspondent of the New Zealand Herald, relative to the "Panama, New Zealand and Australian Royal Mail Company" :— " Sir, might I suggest to the mercantile community the great convenience of abbreviating the name of the above company by calling it the PANZA Go. It would soon become as familiar and be found as useful as the abbreviation P. & O. Co., now univeasally adopted. — I am, &c, Ruahine." Civil Service Examination.— The New Zealand Herald says: — "During the course of the present month the employes in H.M. Customs will undergo, we hear, a literary examination, and it is said that Mr. Gisborne and Mr. Seed will be sent up from Wellington to conduct tho affair. The subjects on which the examination will be held are not yet authoritatively made known, but it is supposed that they will be of a very comprehensive nature, including a thorough knowledge of geography, three modern languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, and mechanics. We are not aware whether the system of holding such examinations is to bo cai-ried out in the case of officers holding appointments in other departments." Tho Herald, must have mado a very ludicrous blander, or the Government apparently expect fcliafc tlie Custom House officers "are Admirable Crichtons. We think Mr. Gisborno and Mr. Seed would be puzzled to pass an examination of a character, so " comprehensive" as to include a " thorough knowledge of geography, three modern languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, and mechanics." In England tho examination of Custom-house officers includes spelling, grammar, writing from dictation, arithmetic, including decimal fractions, geography, English history, and writing- an article on a specified subject. In the case of several candidates competing for one appointment, the examination includes one of the foliowing subjects, viz. : — Latin, French, or any modern language. These were the rules observed by the Civil Servico Commissioners in Great Britain up to a recent period, and wo have not heard of any alteration having beoii made in them. Miss Neville. — Miss Emma Neville, whose performances in Wellington drew such crowded houses, was fined at the Police Court. | Sydney, on 19th May, for assaulting Mr. Hellyer, jun. The New Commodore tor Australia.— The Holart Toion Mercury 6ays: — "We learn from private letters that Captain Rochford M'Guire, commander of H.M.S. Challenger, has has been appointed Commodore for the Australian station, vice Commodore Sir William S. Wiseman, Bart., C.B. Tlie Challenger is a fine ship of 400-horse power, and carries much heavier j metal than tho Curacoa." ' The Canterbury Land Fund. — " We learn," flays the Lytlelton Times, " that after the first of Siext month the land revenue of the province is directed by the General Government to be paid by the Receiver of Land Revenue in tho first instance to tho Sub-Treasurer, in place of tho Provincial Treasurer. Apart from . the apprehension which will naturally bo entertained concerning the object of this change, we may say that it is directly contrary to law. The Land Revenue Appropriation Act of 1858 directs the land revenue of each province to bo paid over by the Receiver, after making certain fixed reductions, to tho Treasury of the Province. To pay it to tho Sub-Treasurer of the General Government would therefore bo illegal and ought not to be permitted." The Panama Sebvioe.— ln common with our contemporary, the Nelson Colonist, we lecently expressed some doubt as to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Campany, having a vessel ready to meet tho Kaikoura at Aspinwall. Tin's fear, we are glad to learn, is unfounded. The services of the Royal Mail Company are bi-monthly right through to Southampton ; so that no detention whatever, may be anticipated. Tho steamers leave Southampton on tho 2nd and 17th of each month, and Colon on tho 7fch and 23rd, arriving at Southampton on tho 29th and 14th of each month.

Terrible Encounter with a Boar. — We . take the following from the Hawke's Bay Times of tho 4th inst. :— " A correspondent at Waipawa, under date 25th May, sends us the following ■ account of a terrible encounter with a boar, which . we trust will serve as a warning to all who may, j —whether compelled by necessity or for pleasure, j —happen to be travelling in the bush. Our cor- j respondent says :— ' A Mr. William Loughton, a shepherd in the employ of A. Chapman, Esq., . was one day lately going round the boundary, . when his attention was attracted by the fierce i barking of his dogs in an adjoining scrub. J Naturally enough, he went in the direction from ; whence the noise came, to sec the cause of the j barking. What was his surprise to see his dogs engaged with a very large wild boav. Loughton immediately cocked his rifle and fired ; the boar dropped ; and he (Loughton) thinking that ho had Riled the brute, went up to him, when, to his consternation, the wounded animal made a rush at him. A terrible encounter ensued — men (for there was another person, 'yclept " Titterus," with Loughton) boar and dogs, all rolling on the ground together. The contest was, however, but of short duration. Tittcrua, who also bolongs to Mr. Chapman's station, and iB an universal favorite, was frightfully mutilated, and I regret to add, very little hope is entertained of his recovery. Loughton, fortunately, escapod with but slight injuries. The courage ho exhibited in this affair was most praiseworthy, and deserves consideration. Further particulars I &m unable to give, but trust enough has been said to prove to everyone the great danger of travelling in the bush in New Zealand. In conclusion, I may state that I cannot vouch for the truth of the above, but send it to you just as I got it from an eyewitness." Death and Funeral of Mr. Wji. Robinson. The Marlborough Press of the 9th inst. says :— "We have to roport the deatli of Mr. W. Robinson, who expired at his residence, Rose Tree Cottage, Lower Wairau, on the 27th ult., after a lingering and painful illness. On the 30th, the funeral took place. At 2 o'clock, the cortege arrived at the Omaka Bridge. Upwards of 70 horsemen, besides carriages, attended his remains to the final resting-place. His Honor the Superintendent, in his carriage, and Messrs. Budge, Sinclair, Elliott, and James in theirs, joined the procession at various points on the road. The distance from the dwelling of tho deceased to the burial-ground is about seven miles." Death of Mr. Walker.— Mr. Frederick Walker, long connected with tho Provincial Council and Government of Otago, died at Dunedin, on the 10th inst. Earthquake. — A smart shock of an earthquake was felt at Mudgce (New South Wales) and its vicinity on the 14th May. Dinner to Natives in Napieh.— On Tuesday evening last, a dinner was given by tho inhabitants of Napier to Kopu and his party, as an aekowledgment of tho signal services they have rendered to the province and colony by cutting down the Hau Hau poles from the several pas, between Wairoa and Napier, and otherwise protecting the peace of the settlement. The dinner was laid in tho Provincial Council Chamber, every part of which was filled by the native guests, including Kopu, Karaitana, and all the principal chiefs of the district. His Honor tho Superintendent presided, and several gentlemen assisted him in carving for the guests. Large joints of roast beef, and equally lai'ge plum-puddings, formed the staple of the entertainment, relieved by lighter viands in the shape of preserved lobster, jam tarts, &c, to all of which ample justice was done, and while every thing was conducted with perfect decorum ; all present seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. After dinner a number of speeches were made, that by Kopu being considered particularly good. A full report of these may bo expected in tho next papers from Hawke's Bay. Te Ua.— The Wanganui Times says:— - " During the stay of the s.s. Storm Bird at Wanganui, Te Fa expressed a wish to visit Walter Buller, Esq., R.M., and whilst in tho office of that gentleman, wrote letters to several of the tribes in those districts, advising them to abandon the Hau-hau superstition. He left by the Storm Bird for Taranaki on Saturday last and now tho question arises, what course will he adopted when set at liberty ? It will bo quite competont for him to depatch letters throughout tho length and breadth of the island informing the tribes that all ho had written whilst in custody was written under coercion. This arch impostor would be les3 dangerous if sent to the Chatham Islands than he will have the power to be if let loose in Taranaki." Sale of a Sheep Rjn in Otago. — The Daily Times states that Mr. Matthew Holmes has purchased the Wanaka Lake runs, in the Province of Otago, containing 17,000 acres, with 28,500 sheep, 800 cattle, 60 horse 3, with freehold preemptive rights, extensive and valuable improvements, implements, and plant complete, for £50,500. , Gold, Jewels, and Precious Stones. — Under this attractive heading tho Auckland ' Nevjs of the 26th of May has the following : — ' "We have lying at our office, the result of a few weeks prospecting in tho Waikato district, by Mr. Georgo Cole of Papakura, a piece of rich gold-bearing qnartz, a quarter of an ounce in weight, two cornelians, and a very beautiful ! specimen of agato, and another of jasper. There is also a piece of alum, taken from a bed some twenty-five feet in depth. The alum, the cor- j nelians, the jasper, and the agato wore found in the neighborhood of the Mangatu ranges, and can, Mr, Colo states, bo procured in large quantities. Ab regards tho gold, ho declines at pref sent to otato where ho found it, moro than that it ' comes from towards tho Thames. Mr. Buckland i has, wo understand, made Mr. Cole a very handt some offer to reveal tho spot where it was found. 1 Mr. Cole goes on a visit to the same place for the purpose of further prosecuting his former re- ' searches, and will take with him a native well 7 acquainted with the conutry." i Wanganui Grammar School.— Mr. West, i late of Now Market, Auckland, has been api pointed teacher of tho Wanganui Grammar School. Tho salary is £300 per annum.

, Departure of Sir George Arnet. — An Auckland paper says : — " Amongst the ppsengcrs'. . for England, Via Sydney, by the Prince Alfred, on June I, we notice the namo of our esteemed ! and respected Chief Justice Sir Georgo Arney. | Sir George's hoalth has been for a long time deli- ; cate, and wo heartily trust the sea voyage and a ! visit to Europe may restore him to tho colony in ! the enjoyment of robust health, long to preside J in the Supreme Court, as he has hitherto done, ! commanding the respect of the pnblic." ' North Break Diggings.— A correspondent of tho Q-rey River Argus of Muy 31, thus speaks jof the North Beach Diggings at the Grey :— j i " Every day tho diggings arc extending, and vast areas of ground are being opened up lower down. ;On the celebrated ' Darkios' Torrao J ' tlie claims are still paying admirably, and on tho ' Darkies' claim tho ground has proved exceedingly rich. On most of the claims in the neighborhood they are getting from one to threo ounces of gold per day per man, which fact is sufficient to speak of itself. Some of the successful diggers on the terrace have latoly boon giving away their old ' tailings,' and I believe that recently the benefieiaires, a party of four, in an instance of this kind, managed to get a pound weight of amalgam a man tho first day they commenced working. Thoro is great complaint about the want of water all along tho beach. t Choice Madeira. — At tho sale in Melbourne of Sir Charles Darling's property there was rather a keen competition for the wines, samples of Madeira realising 112s. per dozon. Lighthouse at Tahiti:.— Tho French Government havo commence:! erecting a lighthouse at Tahiti, to facilitate the arrangements of the Panama Mail Company.