LOCAL MEMORANDA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2529, 8 June 1867, Page 2 (Supplement)

LOCAL MEMORANDA.

I Financial Condition op Hawke's Bat. — The Southern Cross is glad to bo able to slate that the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, Mr Donald McLean, has succeeded in obtaining the temporary accommodation from the Bank of New Zealand whioh his province required. Our contemporary thinks the Provincial Government of Hawke's Bay suffer in this respect, that for the last two or three years the Superintendent saved a sum of £30,000 out of the provincial funds, and rxppnded it in the purchase of native lands, which have been leased or disposed of to great advantage ; but this outlay, combined with tho the other cause already named, has induced the temporary pressure which the Bank very judiciously relieved. In short, tho province of Hawke's Bay stands in a good financial position. There is still untouched an estate worth from £150,000 lo £180,000, together with a net income from leasehold of £2,000 yearly, and a loan of £60,000 which may be negotiated. The Hawke's Bay Provincial Government have offered a reward of £1000 for the discovery of an available goldfield. Admiralty Transport. — Tenders are required for the conveyance to Sydney of two companies of tho 50th Regiment, about 160 men, and proportion of women and children, with rations and baggage, to embark at Auckland or Onchuug:*, about the 15th of Juno. Tenders aro also vcquired for the conveyance of three companies of the 50th Regiment from Tarunaki to Adelaide, consisting of about 9 officers, 250 men, with proportion of women and children, to tfmbavk ub Taranaki about tho 16th of June. On tho disembarktitiun of the 50th Regiment, two companies of the Idth Regiment will embark the same day, one company for Melbourne, and "on'i company for Hobarb Town. Auction Sale. — On the 30th ult, Mr Homer sold by public auction, on tho premises, Silver Stream, Upper Hutt, the steam mill, plant working bullocks, stationary boiler, and all interests connected with The rr.ill itself; and although the day was ml her unpropitious, the attendance was unusually large, and the bidding most spirited. Tho bidding started at £400, and fell into the hands of Mcssi'3 Robinson and Lawrence, the fovmev being one of tho puvtneva of tho old firm, for the sum of £527 3.0s cash. After which, tbout 20.000 feefc of sawn timber was sold, nnrl realized very good prices. All present expressed hemsolves as deeply indebted to David Smith, Esq., for his hospitality to both man and beast. Vlr Homer's sule of catUo, &c, at Ponru Bay, on Tuesday last, was well til landed, cattle averaging 89 per head, but horses wuro still slow in demand. fJie merchandise realised far bettor than town | prices. Fishing Station.— A regular fishing station has been established in Rosalie Bay, an inlet on ho south eastern end of the Great Barrier Island, tt is the intention of the promoter to catch, mioke, and cure fish of all descriptions, and to orward them for sale to all parts of this colony and Australia, for which purpOßS agenta in all ' the towns of the colonies hare been appointed.

Despotism in New Zealand. — We reprint some sensible comments made by the Otago tiaily i Times, on the order lately issued by the General G-overnmont, forbidding officials under their control to give information to tho publio or the press relative to their several departments : — " Secrecy, that engine of despotic powers, is now enjoined upon every employe of the General Government, upon pain of dismissal from the Service. It has always been difficult to arrive ab tho couvso intended to be takon by Ministers even of Representative Governments ; for what passes at Bxecu tive meetings is very properly forbidden to bo disclosed ; matters of detail are discussed, and , modes of operation considered, the objects of which would be defeated by publioity. But there J are questions of general interest on which the public lmve a right to expect to be informed. The merit of the representative form of Government is that it invites the co-dperation of tho people governod. Although they speak in the Legislature through their Representatives, they are expected to form an intelligent judgment upon all measures proposed by the Government, and they have the right, under prescribed conditions, to meet anddiscussthem,toopposeorcondemn, to resolve and to petition, concerning them. When, therefore, a Representative Government cloaks its intentions in secrecy ; forbids its officers to give information on any subject connected with public affairs, excepting by the express permission of the political Head of the Department, under pain of dismissal ; takes sudden action upon frivolous or insufficient grounds; and subverts institutions under, which a community has prospered, interests have grown up, and which have become in some sort identified with the business arrangements and social habits of the people ; there is good reason for supposing that it nourishes designs that will not bear the light; that aro arbitrary and, perhaps, unconstitutional ; and that are known to be distateful to those who aro required to submit to them. All this has been done by the Colonial Government. They have assumed the control of the gold fields, and the right to expend the revenue derived from them. They have prohibited the Civil servants from giving any information on public affairs ; it is believed that they design to introduce measures into the General Assembly that, must altogether supersede established institutions ; and the speeches of two of the leading men in tho colony, uttered in presence of the Governor, unmistakeably point to a determination to take the whole of the Customs revenue for general purposes." Visit of the Napier. Superintendent to Wellington. — Tho Herald of the 11th inst remarks : — The new Council has met, re-elected Mr M'Lean as Superintendent, and adjourned till Monday, tho 24th of June. His Honor the Superintendent has gone to Wellington — thence, if necessary, to proceed to Auckland — with the view either of negociating the loan, or of obtain- ■ ing such temporary aid as will enable the province to tide over its difficulties. Wo trust ho may be successful. The prevalent depression has withdrawn money from circulation and stopped for tho timo being sales of land ; but the province J is not in an unsound condition, and only requires j assistance to be able to weather the storm. We ] trust that Mr M'Lean will be successful in the efforts, he is makiwg, and thus" add another to the list of valuable services he has tendered tho province. Roads" in Otago. — The Evening Star says that in November last yenr, there were 124 miles of metalled roads in the Otago province, and 632£ miles of roads unmettlcd. There were 11 turnpikes, and the revenue derived from those turnpikes for tho year ending January last wasj £10,437. The estimated cost of maintaining the the metalled roads, per mile annually, varied from £50 to 1 £511, the latter enormous sum being required for keeping up three miles of the main road through" Dunedin. Tho approximate cost of maintaining unmotalled roads annually per mile varied from £5 to £73. Major. Smith's Appointment. — In a leading article on this vexata qucestio, tho Wairarapa Mercury thus advises the Waivarapa Volunteers : — " Unquestionably the Government were. wrong in making the appointment ; unquestionably the officers were right in sending in their resignations ; but what course are the men to pursue ? We confess wo are unable to give a reply to tho question. We feel that they ought to support their oflicei'3 in the course they have adopted, and we do not want to see the district in the defenceless state it was formerly in. We know that our ' volunteers, armed, disciplined, and ably commanded, have been instrumental, if not in suppressing rebellion, at all events of putting a stop to Maori bounce, abuse, and domination, and of giving that sense of security to tho settlers, so essential to the happiness of their wives and children and to the material progress of the district. Knowing this, and knowing too, that the possession of arms gives socuvity to freedom, as well to freemen, we could almost urge that they would not give that support to tho action taken by their officers as would be implied by their resignation in a body, but rather wait to see what , action will bo taken by Parliament in the matter, A policy of self-reliance is not now a matter of choice, but of necessity ; and as tho colony cannot afford to pay a hired force to preserve its interna tmnquility, parliament, we may feel quite sure will not be willing to lose the services of our volunteers, but will rather be disposed to dispense with those of a Ministry, who, by their unwise, short-sighted, and inconsiderate conduct, have , driven the settlers. of one part of the Middle Island to the verge of rebellion, and placod tho peace and security of those of the Iforfch Island in the greatest jeopardy." Provincial Prize Firing-. — Tho following are the six highest scores made by the Feathcrston Volunteer Company : — T. Benton, 42 j T, Goodman, 35 ; J. Cundy, 33 : John Cundy, 31 ; E .Vennell, 30. Taubangi. — The lion, tho Superintendent of Auckland, Mr John Williamson, was expected to visit Tauranga by the first vessel. — Messrs'- Fraser " and Co. recently held a largo salo of the Imperial Government huts, commissariat stores, &c. The prices realised were good. Thus proving that ■ there is plenty of money in To Papa j the terms being cash. Madame Tournear's Tight Rope Ascent.—Madame Tournear made her tight rope ascent from the back of the Commercial Hotel to tho i top of Osgood's Empire Hotel in Willis street on Saturday evening, by torchlight. She crossed the rope twice in the most assured manner. A large crowd had assembled to witness the performance, who heartily cheered the daring artiste' —May 28. The TitoiES. — We, SoutJiern Cross, aro indebted to the master of the schooner Caroline, from the Thames, for the following account :— Tho Maoris, at the time of his leaving, were in a Tery unsettled state, having given the settlers notice to leave. The settlers keep watch night and day, and, although no open war has beon declared, there is not' that same feeling of security which existed previous to their receiving thta notice. / Raglan. — A correspondent of the Southern Cross writes : — We are having tho largest meeting of the Maoris that has taken place for the lust ten years in this district. The reason # given for so many assembling is to have a tangi over the remains of the celebrated chief William Naylor ; but. the principnl one is the lato eventß at Kawhia, which may assume an importance not apparently anticipated by the Government. I say apparently, for the stops at present taken to restrain the rebels, and keep the peace, arenil , although there is alroady a largo bill incurred, both from Europeans and Maoris, for compensation at Kawhia. j I understand Mrs Charleton's house had a narrow j escape of being burned Aomx on Saturday last by . the rebelf ■ '

1 Fire.-— A fire took place on Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, by which a large shed at tho Patent Slipbelonging to Kennard Brothers was destroyed. About four o'clock three persons, Mr C. Howard, Mr Q-eorge Elliott,' and Mr John Redman,, were out walking at Evans' Bay accompanied by threo ladies. When near, the shed, Mr C. Howard observed what appeared to be a slight smoke issuing therefrom, and remarked about it to the others. No particular suspicion; however, was excited, but half an hour afterwards tho emokc suddenly increased in volume, and flumes appeared in the top part of tho shed on the weather side. The party instaotly ran forward, and the front door being open, Mr Howard entered the shed, which he noticed was burning only at tho roof. The contents of the shed were tools, machinery, &c, much of which was too heavy for removal. • As it was impossible to save tho shed, every effort was made to remove tho lighter portion of its contents, and a good many articles were thus saved. The fire soon enveloped tho whole building, which in the course of an hour was completely destroyed. Fort.unntely the efforts of those present, in removing tallow casks, &c, from tho vicinity of the burning mass, prevented the other buildings catching. The extent of tho injury done to the machinery lias not yet been positively ascertained, but we have reason to believe that tho ultimate los 3 will be considerable. Mr Howard informs us that as ho had his "go-to-meeting" suit of clothes on, and as he had burning rafters, red lead, and tallow plentifully bestrewed thereon in his efforts to save property, tho aforesaid clothing was completely spoiled. He thinks therefore that, in equity, if not in law, lio has a claim against Mr Howard Konnard for a new fit out, which claim he trusts that gentleman will not repudiate. — May 21. Hutt Harmonic Society. — This society gave its second concert at the Mechanics' Institute, Lower Hutt, on Wednesday evening the 22nd u't, The attendance was numerous, and the seats, and even every inch of standing room in the hall being occupied, many visitors from, the neighborhood and Wellington having been kindly invited. The programme, which was arranged with great taste, was divided iuto two parts, sacred and secular. The concert opened with the Gloria, from Mozart's twelfth mass, by the .band, which was well executed. This was followed by the anthem, "In Jewry is G-od known," by the choir, after which, solo*, an anthem, a duett, " Hear my prayer, O God," and another anthem was given, the latter closing the first part of tho programme. These belong to a high class of music, which we are glad to see the society cultivating. The second part commenced with the overture of the " Heart of Midlothian" by the band, which we could not but think might have been improved by a little more practice. Choruses, solos, trios, duetts, selections from Verdi's Attila then followed, all well executed, when the fact of tho performers being is remembered. The choruses were capitally performed, though a little wanting in time, in consequence of insufficiently strict drilling. A piano solo, " Barcarolle de Oberon," by a lady, was decidedly the piece of tho evening. It was beautifully executed, displaying great delicacy of touch, and taste. The piece, a fantasia by Farvarole, was thoroughly appreciated by the audience, who called vociferously for an encore, which was kindly responded to by a lively air. A trio, " Hilda Valse," on the piano, clarionetand flute, was also among the pieoes worth noticing. The National Anthem, at about eleven o'clock, drew to a close one of tho best amateur concerts we have heard in Wellington. One thing which struck us during the performance was the large proportion of really good voices in the choir — Bomo of them were % really beautiful, and all considerably beyond mediocrity. In conclusion, it will not- be out of place to state that tho piano used on this occasion, and which was much admired for its rich and full tone, was hired from Mr E. Gk Smith, of Lambton Quay, and the Society has since purchased it from that gentleman for tho sura of seventy guineas. Band op Hope. — At the meeting held on tho evening of the 24th ult, to commemorate the third anniversary of this Society, the following x'eport was read : — " The footfalls of another year call us again to youv presence. It is ever with a sense of tho high import of tho work in which we are enguged that we approach the task of looking back upon the labors of the past year. The Committee have reason to believe that the labors of the past year hare beon blessed, and that (she object for which they have been put forth, viz., tfie instruction of the young in the principles of Total Abstinence, have been attained. The past year has been fraught with an event of great interest in the history of the temperance cause in this city, viz., the purchase of this hall, small it is trno, but we trust it is but the forerunner of what is yet to come. The attendance of the children throughout the year has been very good, the number of names now on the books is 220, while the average attondauco has been about 130. The meetings of the Society were held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom up to September last, when they were removed to this hall where they have since been hold. The Society meets every Thursday evening at half- past six o'clock, is opened with singing and prayer, and is occupied with recitations from the members and addresses to tho children from friends of Temperance. During the year no less than 2500 verses of poetry have been creditably recited by the children, for which prizes have been awarded them to the amount of £2 15s. In July last the Committee seat to England and obtained a number of pledgo cards, melody books, medals, &c, to the amount of £5 for the Society. On tho 15th instant the members of the Society wore entertained with a tea, at which upwards of 200 children were present. A^er tho tea a public meeting was held when several members recited pieces in such a creditable manner that the Committee decided that prizes should be awarded them this ovening. The Committee feel thankful to Almighty G-od for so far prospering them in their glorious cause, and trust they will bo supported by the prayors and sympathies of the friends of temperance that still greater prosperity may attend them in the year upon which they have just entered, and that they may be made tho instruments in God'a hands of doing much good to tho children of this city. Tho following are the Office-bearers and Committee for the ensuing year, viz : President, Mr Fraser ; Treasurer, Mr Lowe ; Secretury, James G-odber; Committee, Messrs McCleland, Bead, Prince, Isaacs, Sinclair, Fitchett, Jenners, Roberts, Anderson, Haines, and Ewcns. James Godber, Secretary." To xthe report was appended a balance sheet, which showed that tho Society's expenditure for the past year exceeded its income by £1 13s Bd. The report, on the motion of Mr M- Read, seconded by Mr Haines, was adopted. Prizes of books wore, during the evening, given to tho Miss Bannisters, Miss Hellyer, and Miss Read, as rewards for the excellence of their recitations. Several grown up people signed the pledge. A General Government Gazette, published on Saturday, contains the following notifications : — j Tho appoinment of J. C. Bethune, Ksq., to bo ■ District Registrar 'of. Land in Canterbury; an I order that receivers of revonue and Rub-treasurers shall pay in tho balances in their hands to tho bank by tho 29th Juno, so that the financial accounts for the year may be completed aa early and as fully as possible ; all poisons having claims against the G-ovornment are requested to send them in as soon as possible, for the samo purpose. The 1 local rank of Lient.-Colonel, conferred on Major Edward Gorton, is converted into a substantive rank in the Now Zealand Militia, from the 19th July, 1865. A notice, issued by the Board of : Trade, with referenco to |ho prevention of soa I scurvy, is published. The, Gazette also contains statements of the assets and liabilities of tho different banks carrying on business in the Colony for the quarter ending in March.

. .LtE^K'oKOiOGHOAL.— The results of the observa* tions taken, at the Meteorological Observatory in this city iduving the year 1866 Have "been published, j During that year tliere were 131 days on which vaiii fell, the total fall being 41.13 inches, distributed over the several months as follows : — January, 3.57 ; February, 3.10 ; March, 4.33 ; April, 3.01 ; May, .70 ; June, 1.83 ; July, 2.82 ; August, 3. 84 ; September, 4.29; October, 4,.23 ; November, 2.65 ; December, 6.76. The greatest daily fall was 2 inches, "which took place in February. The mean dew point throughout the months was — January, 50.2 ; Fobruary, 52.6 ; March, 46.fi; April, 46.3; May, 41.7; June*, 37.4 ; July 35.2 ; August, 38.4 ; September, 38.9 ; October, <1T.»; November, 48.2 ; December, 48.3. The mean humidity (saturation being 100) — January, 64.5 ; February, 66;5 ; March, 62.5 ; April, 76.5; May, 71.0: Juno, 66.0 ; July, 62.5; August, 63.5; September, 61.0; October,- 70.5; November, 66.0; Deoeniber, 64.5. Tho mean standing of the barometer (32° and sea level) during the respective months was — January, 29.800 ; February, 29.906 ; March, 30.031 ; April, 29.916 ; May, 30.11 ; June, 29.961 ; July, 29.994 ; August,' 29.9os; September, 29.767; October, 29.915 ; November, 29.865 ; December, 29.857. Its range in January was, 1.066 ; Februai'y, 1.178 ; March, .816 (it is printed in tho tables 816. but this is obviously a mistake) ; April, 1.160 ; May, .814; June, 1.318; July, 1.124; August, 1.006 ; September. .838; October, 1.036; November, .608 ; December, .758. highest temperature of the sun's rays as marked by the black bulb thermometer was in August, when 106 degrees wore reached ; the lowest being in December, when the thermometer sank 52 degrees. The mean temperature in the sun's rays during the respective months was — January, 83 ° ; February, 83 °5 ; March, 95 °3 ; April, 74 °7 ; May, 66 ° ; June, 62 ° 2 ; July, 60 ° ; August, 81 ° 1 ; September, 81 ° 2 ; October, 76 ° ; November, 72 °2 ; December, 65 °6. The mean temperature in the shade was — January, 62 °1 ; February, 64 °1 ; March, 60 °5 ; April, 57 °4 ; May, 52° 9; June, 50° 6: July, 48° 1; August, 50° 5; September, 52° 7; October, 55 °7 ; November, 60 ° 1 ; December, 62 ° 3. The lowest temperature reached in the shade was 32 ° . in Juno. Tho mean daily range of the ; thermometer in the shade — January, 14 ° 2 ? February, 13 °1 ; March, 13 ° 8 ; April, 13 °9; I May, 13° 2; June, 14° 8; July, 12° 7; August. 13 ° ; September, 12 ° 9 j October 12 ° 5; November,ls° 5; Decembor,l4 0 9. During 149 days in tho year tho wind blew from the &. ; 45 days from tho N.E. ; 7 days from the E. ; 10 days from the S.E. ; 74 days from the S. ; 18 days from tho S.W. ; 1 day from the W. ; 22 days from the N.W. ; and 39 days were calm. These observations were all taken at 10 a.m. The wind blew with the greatest force in February and i April, when the cup . anemometer registered a force of 54° miles a day. Our Auckland friends will be sorry to learn that no observations appear to have been taken of the frequency and duration ] of the earthquakes that afflicted tho city of Wei- j lington in the year 1866. . j Taita Readings. — The proceedings of Thursday evening, tho 9th ultimo, were commenced by Mr Mantoll, who read the story " A Man Overboard," contributed by Gfeorgo M Fenn to the " Evening Star." Mr Mason then read an article from Chambers'a Journal, entitled "An Evening with the Electric Telegraph." After this, the Christy Minstrels' " Toll the Bell" was sung. Mr Hedges then gave "The Discontented Pendulum," and the " Dead Lighthouse Keeper," from the ] selections made by Carpenter in his " Penny I Eeadinga," the former of which, being familiar, was welcomed as an old friend by the children — the latter compelling attention to it's tale of horror. Thou followed some curiosities of poefcry selected by Mr Mantel!, among which was ** A Great Fit," from Orpheus C Kerr Papers, •" Annie Lislo" was then sung, which, to judge by the manifestations of the audience, was well received. Mr Mason then read on the " Recollections of a Police Officer," from Chambers's Journal, which was listened to with great attention and interest throughout. Tho evening's amusement was concluded by Mr Mantell, who gavo a reading from "Pickwick." On the following Thursday, the readings were opened by Mr Mason, who read a story of Napoleon's boyhood, for the especial benefit of the younger members of tho audience. Then followed that thrilling story of Fenn's (contributed to All the Year Round), " Twenty-five Dark pours," by Mr Mantell. Mr Hedges then read the " Maid of Savagossa," and an Irish legend, from the selections in Carpenter's " Penny Beddings." " Some one to Love," was then sung ; after which Mr Mr Payton gave " Zara's Earrings," and a selection, from Artemus Ward, describing the courtship and marriage of the Author and Betsy Jane. As cau be easily imagined, the audience were intensely amused by the drollery and hiimor of tho piece | and when the reader came to Betsy's reply to the poetical allusions and protestations of the "showman," "I won't listen to your noncenfcs no longer. Jes say rite strate out what you're drivin' at. If you mean getting hitched, I'm in !" the delight of thejuniors was unbounded. Mr Mason then read the interview between the Pope and Napoleon, showing, as it does, so wonderfully, the great conqueror's true character, and displaying in strong relief the feeling and sentiments of > his heart. •' Monsieur Tonson" was then given by j Mr Hodges, and the proceedings were concluded by Mr Mantell's roading from Pickrfick, evoking, as it never fails to do, the hearty appreciation of. all. Monster Pig. — We were courteously shewn a pig a short time ago by Mr Richard Barber, which is certainly the largest we have seen in New Zealand. It is a black barrow pig, very docile, and well-bred. Tho following are his dimensions . — girth, 7ft 4in ; round collar, sft Bin ; length, Bft Bin ; height, 3ft Bin ; probable weight, about 8001bs, Wo understand that this animal will be exhibited next week, in conjunction with two prizo bullocks, at Messrs J. & H. Bavbor's, Willis street, and we would advise all those who take an interest in tho rearing of stock, to pay a visit, as wo feel convinced they will be highly I gratified. Threshing- Machine. — A steam threshing machine has lately been introduced into the Wairarapa by Mr John Harding. Ifc embraces Shuttleworth's latest improvements with a portable engine of 6 h.p. The whole of the complicated machinery works with, beautiful precision, threshing, winnowing, and depositing the corn in in bags at 400 bushels per diem. It cost upwards of £360. Mr Harding deserves great praise for his spirited speculation, and it is hoped will be well supported by Wairarapa settlers. Ifc is intended next year to add a portable flour mill, so that threshing, winnowing and grinding, may bo performed at the settlers homesteads simultaneously if required. Murder of Mb Smith. — We take the following from the Southern Cross : — ln our summary on May 2, wo stated that Mr Commissioner Naughton had despatched Detective, Crick to Mongonui, to prosecute inquiries relative to the murder of Mr Charles William Sydney Smith, ' and with tho view of discovering the .perpetrator of tho dreadful crime. A letter was received on ' May 4, by tho Commissioner of Police, from Mr White, ltesidont Magistrate of Mongonui, in which he states that nothing -whatever lias been ascertained relative to the murder of Mr Smith, beyond what ho had previously stated in his letter to his Honor the Superintendent. A communication has also been received from Detective Crick, who states that the clothes of the European in custody aro sprinkled with what appears to be human blood, and have been sent to Auckland for scientific examination. There is some suspicion attached to a young native who is very ill at Kaitaia. A reward of £100 has been offered for tho apprehensioii of the jnu*d.erer« ' \-

• Mb Httbsthousk.-— Mr. Charles' HurathoustJ has forwarded us a letter addressed to the editor of the Nelson Examiner, in -which he rebukes that ; gentleman for some irreverent remarks he made in a lading article several months ago, about Mr . ; Huratbouse and other old -colonists how resident in England. Mr Hursthouse overwhelms hia, adversary by reciting his various achievements itt thd cause of New Zealand colonisation, which, it appears, have been attended with anything .but benefit, to Mr Hursthouse's pocket, and Pt°os?, v been performed as a labor of love. It is indeed . ; : hard to sacrifice one's self for the public good, and then to have one's motives and actions preted. The only consolation wo canjpfferMr Hursthouse is, that noble-minded men i« all ages of the world have. been misunderstood in use manner. , ;'•'■■■.: -, Amatbub Conoebt at Gbeotowit.^-A corres- :. . pondent informs us that an amateur, concert jra* given in the Greytown Schoolroom on the 27ta May, Avhich passed off moat successfully. The concert was got up with the double object of raising , funds for building an Episcopal Church at Greytown, and of giving the Wairarapa public an opportunity of hearing some of the best choral ami pianoforte rousio extant, and if an audience of seventy people were ever unanimous it was on this occasion. The room was lined with soarlefc; , oloth and brilliantly lighted, and at the close of |tbe concert the thanks of 'the audience vere..^. heartily accorded. the nineteen ladies and gentle* ;^ men who overcame the difficulties of bad weather,- _, distance, and the short time allowed for practice— ' three weeks,— and succeeded in giving a concert which would bear comparison with anything of the kind the province can boast of. The ticket* were sold at five shillings each, and were eagerly . sought for even at that price ; and as many persons were prevented by the excessive web weather from attending, it is probable that another opportunity may be afforded of enjoying jk superior ; musical treat. . ' A - <. EXTBAOBINABY PbESEBVATION OP Li! B.— The iNelson Examiner relates that a most; extraordinary case of preservation of life occurred last Friday week at Motueka. A half-caste named Charlie had been engaged in digging a well, and, on reaching a depth of eighteen feet considered he had accomplished his task. ;THe last bucketful of; stuff had been sent up,'. and Charlie was only. awaiting the return of the bucket to leave the well, when the sides suddenly gave way, and the poor fellow was buried as he stood at the bottom. Some natives who witnessed the occurrence concluded thefate of the man was sealed, and mad* > no efforts to release him ; but on intelligence of „ the accident spreading amongst the settlers, numerous persons hastened to the spot, and figorous efforts were at once made to rescue the man, ; although the hope of finding him alive was very faint. After working for nearly two tours, the groans of the buried man were heard by those who were engaged iri clearing out the earth, and this tended still further to stimulate their exertions to release him. At the expiration of something more than three hours, the man was reached andjbund to be olive. On being, removed, he fainted, but, under the care of Dr WHson, who ; was in attendance, he soon recovered his: senses. It was then found, that, although severely bruised, . the man had received no serious injury, and he » now, we' are glad to be able to say, nearly recovered. The man owed, his miraculous preset.'-.-vation to the nature of the soil, which is something of a sandy loan* mixed with large bouldejr stones. On the sides of the wall falling in, theae stones getting jammed one against^ another, ' assisted in bearing the great superincumbent weight, while they were also in nark supported by the man in the upright position in which he stood* When able to give an account of his entombment, Charley stated that he found little, breathing for some time, as the bottom of the well was not com-pactly-filled with the fallen rubbish, and this afforded him sufficient air to breathe. As thow engaged above approached him, the dry soil kept . falling and filled up the interstices in the ground, and thereby lessened the air on which his life de* pended. - • * Waste Land Boabd. — A meeting of the Waste Land Board took place at the Crown Lands Office on the 28th May. There were present Messrs Fitzherbert (chairman), Ludlam,- and ; Hiekson. Some correspondence, with the Provincial Solicitor was read, and it was resolved that, in '. accordance with his opinion, the Awhea block should be declared open for sale as non-agricul-tural land in blocks of the size set forth in- the, • schedule to the minutes of the meeting of the 4th > ; March. Mr Hunter attended on behalf of Mr .[ Sutherland, and the correspondence relative to that latter gentleman's application for 1900 aores of land made on the 31efc March, -1866, was read. The chief District Surveyor was examined-* abeufc the quality, &c. of theland applied for, and he stated that it consisted for the most part of rough black, birch hills, but a portion, say a quarter, of the whole was table fern land. The Board therefore decided that the block in question was non-agri- . cultural land. An application of Mr H. Sinclair for 1000 acres of non-agricultural land at Wainui-o-raata was considered. After hearing the evidence of the chief District Surveyor on the' subject, the Board decided that the block in question consisted of non-agricultural land. Thi'ckee's Case. — The statement relative to a fresh accusation against the prisoner Tricker, made by our contemporary the Advertiser, is in soine measure incorrect. We learned a few day* ago that the prisonar Riley recently implicated in the plot to escape, had asserted that Triokerhad been concerned some years ago in a murder at Ballarat. As efforts are being made to bring Tricker's case once more under the <attention of the Blinistry and the Attorney-General, we we're careful not to givo prominence to this rumour without making further enquiry. On, Saturday we ascertained that Riley's statement only amounted to this, that a murder had beon committed at Ballarat on a particular date, and that Tricker resided in a tent situated little moire than a hundred yards from the scene of the deed. So far as we cun learn, Riley has not a shadow of other reason to connect Tricker with the affair* Tricker on his side, positively denies that he wag in Ballarat at all, but that at the time in question he resided on the Bendigo diggings Moreover, he states that a man named Pauline, at nresent we believe in Rangitikei, can" confirm this statement. We think Riley's statement is a mere invention, probably concocted in a spirit of, revenge against a man whose evidence in th^; recent investigation, secured his (Riley's) punishment. The statement made by our contemporary that Tricker's case will be brought before the Assembly is, to say the least, premature.' The • Rev Mr Stock and the editor 'of this journal have • beon in frequent communication with Tricker'* ; Rangitikei friends during the past year, and oi ■ . some additional evidence has been procured tending to strengthen the probabilites of the prisoner's - ■ ■ innocence, it is contemplated to bring the ease • once more \inder the review, of the Ministry. J>» ; Feutherston hns consented to use his influence to , accomplish this, and it is to be hoped that. someI thing definite will result from the efforts being made. Under these circumstances it is not contemplated at present to make an appeal to th» ;;• Assembly. , - ,: j The Auckland Executive.— The Souther* f ., Cvoss says ': — The new Superintendent, Mr John:- .c Williamson, has made several appointments, 'to , ! his Executive since he came into 'office. We hwMD ' already noticed* the appointment ;of Mr J.- ;4< ;''■ GilfiHan as Provincial Seoretarj; Mr : William!; 5 v Rowe has .been gazetted to the Executive, ■ : .&a.&g J the lmtive chief Paul has virtually been noraif^ s nated to a seat. The office, of {Wjasteiiands Qon|^ missioner has been filled by the= a^pointane^it ir« ij. Colonel Peacocke.' We hav'e-tasojb^^fbr^fgf*? that Mr Digrian and t)^ yoUena^^i^nimpi^ seats in the ' Executive* &■■?-." %.&.£ , -v-i: 'f~ • : ifC§&