LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2589, 26 October 1867, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

) I Thr Nkw Stamp Act.— Bankers, Merchants 1 Lawyers, and the public generally arc perhaps not alive to the important fact;, fclmfc the St.imj: Duties Amendment Act, passed during the lute - I Session, comes into operation on Friday next, ! November Ist. Ah several changes have been - made in the former Act, we publish to-day an i ! abstract of the new Bill with the Schedules ati ! tnched. I- | Town JBoatid.— The Town Board Confrnis- > i sioners met yesterday afternoon, and elected L i Captain Sharp as a Commissioner for Te Aro ' i Ward in the room of Mr Hunter, who ha 3 re- ' j signed. Amongst other business transacted was ' tho consideration of a motion of Mr Aickin's ' resolving on the construction of a footpath along ' the eastern side of Lambton Quay. Tho motion was opposed on the ground that the construction ' of such a foofpath would bo a mere waste of money until the road was made the full width . marked on the map ; and that a portion of the ? land on which it would have to bo formed waa still in the possession of Mr Tonks ;~ and it was [ finally shelved for a time by the addition of the ; i words "us soon as practicable." Tho Commis- ! aionci'3 will meat next Thursday to hear appeals , ' against the rate for 186G-7. i ; { Baxkkui'TCv Sittings. — The Supreme Court 1 ; sat in it.* insolvency jurisdiction yesterday xnorn- ' j ing, and disposed of the f.;w eases on tho list. The ! i consideration of tho ease of MrE. Smith was, on the 1 i application of the bankrupt's solicitor, postponed ' | till the next sitting of the Court, in order that a | trustee might be obtained ; trustees were ap- ' pointed to administer the estates of J. Wilson I Chisl'ohn, G-. F. Baker, and Thos. Herbert Smith, '. the order, in the latter case, being made an order . i nisi. The Court, on rising, adjourned till the ! 14th December. s Volunteer Autillf.iiy. — The "Wellington 'j Volunteer Artillery Company held a meeting ou Thursday evening, at which they appointed tho '.following non-commissioned officers .— Batlery Sergeant- Major, J. Jordan ; senior Sergeant, W. 11. Holmes; second Sergeant, T. W. Piloher ; third Sergeant, Henry Blundell, jun. ; first Corporal, H. A. Byrne ; second Corporal, J. R. Ree3 ; third Corporal, H. Lyon ; first Bombadier, J. Casey ; socond Bombadier, Or. MacCabe ; third ! Bombadier, C. T. Chapman. No. 1 Volunteers. — Tho adjourned meeting of persons desirous of forming themselves into a volunteer corps, to be called the No 1 Wellington Volunteer Rifle Corps, was held at Barrett's Hotel on Thursday" evening, tho Hon. J. C. Crawford, R.M., in the chair. Tho Provisional Committee reported that thoy had made a formal tender of the services of 44 persons to the Government, who had accepted the offi.«r. It was then resolved , that the members present should be sworn in, and the chairman thereupon administered tho oath of allegiance to 38 gentlemen. The names j of M'csers Kenny and Allen were then added to j the Provisional Co nmifctce, and that body was authorised to draw up a draft code of rules for submission to a general meeting ; to mako inquiries as to cost of uniform, and arrangements for receiving the names of new members until next general meeting. It was unanimously i resolved to offer the command of "the corps to i Captain Mcßarnott, late of H.M. 9th Regiment, and it was slated that there was reason to believe that, gentloman would be willing to accept the captaincy. A yoto of thauks having boon given to tho chairman, tho meeting adjourned till Monday next, at tho samo hour and place. Musical Entertainment. — Mr Russell's musical entertainment "Tho Harp of Erin," in tho Si!hool-hou?c, Karori, on Wednesday evening last, was a decided success, tho room being well filled by an audionce composed not only of residents in the district, but also visitors from North and South Muktim and tho town. Tho various Irish melodies were admirably sung, and the applause which followed each fully showed the enjoy uient of the audience. In response, to a general encore, the echosong "Kulty O'Lynch" was given a second timo "Kate of Kildare" and " King Alfred in tho Danish Camp," were woll rendered, and had it not been for the fear of taxing tho Irindnoss of Mr Russell too much, it was ovidont the audience would havo asked for a repetition of several other pieces. In addition to tho programme of the evening, and at the special request of some ladies present, Mr Russell kindly favored the company with several English pieeos, the most amusing of which was " Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp," which was much enjoyed by the younger portion of the company. At the close, Mr Reading, on behalf of the School Committee, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Russell for his kind and valuable services, which was carried by acclamation. Tho proceeds of tho lecture, £8 12s, will enable tho Committee to free tho school from debt. Lectuke. — Tho Rev. John Hall gavo his promised lecture on " Napoleon," at the Temperance Hall, on Thursday evening. Tho hall was densely crowded, and a largo number of persons could not gain admittance for want of accommodation. Tho reverend gentleman ably criticised Baxter's "Napoleon, the Destinod Monarch of the World," and " Coming Wonders," pointing out the numerous and dangerous fallacies pervad- , ing those works, and ho was listened to with much interest. During tho course of his lecture, ho remarked ho should much like to give a . leeturo on " Morraonism," and as, to judge i from the loud marks of applause with which ■ the observation avob greeted, such a lecture l would afl'ord equal pleasure to his friends, we I trust the reverend gentleman will indulge himsoll * iv that gratification. Next Thursday evening, > the promoters of the penny readings intend to 1 conclude the season by giving an evening's reading on a somewhat more ambitious scale than has yet been attempted, and have engaged tho Odd 3 Fellows' Hall for tho occasion. Jonas Woodward, - Esq., will take the chair. The Rev J. Muir. \ Messrs Do Castro, Hastings, Eliotfc, and Marriott l will read and recite selections from tho works ol f Dr Chamriug, Macauley, Cowper, Douglas Jerrokl 3 Shakespeare, Tennyson, and Dickons ; and Mi • C. Russell will give " a musical half-hour." i TnE Alleged PEHJunY Cask.— Mr F. O'Reillj 0 and his son-in-law, Mr Eddio, havo been com' t mitted for trial for perjury by the Wanganu; Magistrates. The charge arises out of the late . case of Ross v O'Reilly. The trial will talc* 3 place at the ensuing sittings of the Suprem< 1 Court. Mr O'Roilly, on being asked if he 1 hat ;, any statement to make, replied :— " I havo saic nothing but the truth. "

Inquest. — An inquest was held afc the Victoria Hotel yesterday afternoon, by Dr Boor, coroner, and a jury, of which Mr F. 11. Brady was foreman, s upon tlio body o( John Clarendon Raymond, the ) infant son of Mr W. Raymond, of Willis street. c Tho mother of tlio child gave evidence to tho effect that she put him to bed in a basket cot, at , 6 o'clock fcho previous morning. He seemed in , good health, with the exception of a slight cold. At 10 o'clock she gave him some medioine, and, shortly after, with the aid of her husband, sha took the cot up stairs, and placed it by her bed- [ side. At a quarter-past two o'clock she gave > the child its feeding-bottle, after which he wont Lo sleep again. The next morning, about half- , past seven o'clock, the child was lying in the cot , apparently dead, but tlio body was quite -warm. , His hands were clenchad together, but tho features , were not distorted, nor were the limbs rigid. t The child had never had a convulsion. Mr Rayf inond gave evidence similar in substance DrJas. L Kilgour deposed that ha saw tho child about 8 , o'clock that morning, in its mother's arms, quite s dead. The body wa3 still warm, and life might , have been extinct for about an hour. The witness » then described the appearance of tho body. There were no marks of violence or struggling upon ifc, } and the larynx was quite free from obstruction. The child probably died from convulsions. Had any weight been on its face, or had the child turned on its face in the cot, there would have been signs of struggling. Tho jury returned a verdict of " Died from natural causes." i Education. — Wo sec that the Misses Bull> i formerly of the Elm Grove, Oullenswood, Dublin, have opened a seminary in Cuba- street. Theeft [ ladies appear to have been very successful ia training the minds of tho children under their . charge whilo conducting tho Elm Grove semU , nary. Tlio Daily Express (Dublin) speaks in high terms of a morning concert given by their pupils, and says the attendance was numerous and respectable, the selections appropriate and attractive, and the singing generally revy superior, evidencing the excellent training afforded to the pupils. It states further that tho examination previous to tho summer vacation was likewise held on the occasion and proved equally satisfactory and creditable. Customs Uevexue. — Tho Customs' Reyomm collected at this port during the last two daya amounted to £500 3s 3d . Tub Carandini Concerts. — Madame Caran« dini announces that she will give two more of 'her delightful concerts on Thursday and Friday next; Departures. — Tho Hon. Jas. C. Richmond and Sir David Mouro were passengers, on Thursday, by tho s.s. Rangitoto. Mr Macandrew. — A telegram from Dunodia states that Mr Macandrew addressed his constituents at the Clutha, on Tuesday evening. A vote of confidence was passed by tho meeting. Melbourne. — Telegrams from Dunedin atate. that the Omeo has brought "intelligence from Melbourne to the effect that the dead-lock between the two branches of the Victorian Legis.lature is not yet afc an end, as the Council has, for tho second time, rejected the Appropriation Act containing the Lady Darling vote. The Ag& confirms the announcement made by the Herahl t that Sir George Fergusson Bowen has been nominated Governor of New Zealand. Mb Walter Buller. — We are very much gratified to learn that Mr Walter Buller is to assume the duties of Resident Magistrate at Wanganui, on tho Ist of January next. Mr Buller will clearly be the right man in the right- place. On this subjoct tho Chronicle remarks : — " Wo considered this appointment a good one when ifc was first mooted, and we have seen no reason, to change that opinion since. Mr Buller is a gentleman of unblemished character, of ability and culture, and possesses besides the requisite ambition to incite him to the disehargo of his duty with diligence and impartiality." The Times adds: — " We bolicve this appointment will give gonoral satisfaction to tho people of this towa and district. It would bo difficult to get a raant % for the salary, 30 well fitted to fill tlie appointment." Wo cordially ondorao the remarks of ou* contemporaries, which are alike just and well timed. Penny Reading. — The penny reading at John--Bonvillo on Wednesday evening last wa§ a groat suoces3, the school room being crowded in every pari, thus showing how fully the inhabitants of that district appreciate the efforts that are .being made for their amusement and instruction, Mr J. Burno commenced the proceedings by reading a humorous- piece entitled "Tlio Missing Garment," which ho gave in excellent style ; after--1 which Mr Prior read a Yankee story called "Ga 1 a-Hcad." He was followed by Mr M. Read, who 1 gave in his usual happy manner " The Talo He 1 told tho Marines," and Dr Taylor then read with, much humor and effect " Look at the Clock, 1 * from the Ingoldsby Legends. This concluded the ■ first part of the entertainment. After an interral 1 of ten minutes, tho readings -were again ro-« 1 sumed by W. R. E. Brown, Esq., who oreated much amusement by tho humorous manner in which ho gave " Darby Doyle's Trip to Quebec. 1 ' ■ Mr Greer followed with " A scene at a Polioa ; Court," and Mr G-. M. Clarke then gave " The Twins," from Artemus Ward, in a very happy style. Mr M. Read concluded with "Mr Pick- ' wick's romantic ndventuro with a middle aged 1 lady in yellow curl papers," at which the audience. 1 laughed most heartily. 1 Tub Thicker Case. — The settlers of Kaiigi- : tikei propose having a public meeting on ihist case, and especially to express their sentiment* \ on tho report of the Select Committee. The Troops. — It is rumored (says the Wan--1 gauui Herald) that when tho 18;h R.I. leiivo ' here, 400 colonial troops will be located in Wan- - ganui, which Colonel McDonnell will mako his head-quarters. The York Stoekadowill probably ' be disposed of by public auction, and the Rutland • Stockade will remain a kind of in memoriam to > brin« to tlio reflection of t.he'townspeople tha vicissitudes through which tho town has passed. I It may ba preserved for the sumo reason thafe I caused the " woodman to spare the tree." Al» though open to the chargo of vandalism, wo would > suggest that it be turned into pounds, shillings, r and pence, and tho land on which it stands, converted to some profitable use. Phizk Hosgujt.— The Wanganui Chronicla f B . vy3 ._« Mr Morgan sold his prize wether hogget ' to a butcher in Wanganui, who killed it late fc* i the same day, when after being thoroughly dressed: c and divested of its head and legs, it was publioly, put in the scales and found to weigh 821bs. Xh© hogget was only fourteen months old, of thft 0 Hampshire Down breed." * Merchant Shipping Laws.— The Home GtoJ vernment are considering tho advisability ot amending the merchant shipping laws.

Political Predictions.— " Our contemporary the Otago Daily Twines thus discourses of affairs political :— Orer the results of the session Otago has one consolation, and that it is, that it cam? off much better than Canterbury. This once proud Province, which looked down so on its neighbors, and was accustomed to so haughtily vaunt its ■superiorly; has boon literally dismasted. Tho West Coast on one side, and Gladstone and Timaru on the other, cut olf from it, Canterbury remains but a wreck of its former solf. The hull Btill is sound, and there is little doubt that nest session it will bo refitted. Even if the Government desire, to remain in office, which is not altogether certain, seeing that notoriously, on many subjects, there is a want of an entire unanimity of opinion amongst its member?, there is no chance of its succeeding in doing so. Mr Fox will bo out by the end of the year, and he has heralded his return by the declaration that he is more provineially disposed than ever. Dr Foatherston, it is understood, will, if necessary, •take office next, year ; and Mr Whitaker or Mr Eusaell will be in the Assembly pepared to coalesce •with their old colleague. Tho Whitakor-Fox government havo an old score to settle with their successors. They arc never likely to forget that these, when Mr Whitaker and Mr Fox were out of tho Assembly and Mr Fox only remained, charged them with reckless extravagance nnd reckless iucompelency. Altogether, we are asserting what is notoriously the generally received opinion amongst public men, that the Government will only retain otlico till next session, nnd the Canterbury question will then come on afresh. The Waimka. — The Waimea correspondent of the West Coast Times, writing on the Ot'u inst., aays : — " At Lamplough the rush which set in on Thursday, the 3rd inst., is not of consequence at present, as but one party havo sunk down to the cement, which they reached at a depth of about eeventy-six feet, and washed about two grains to a dish. The claim is situate about 150 yards north of where gold is at present found, and in a direct line with the lead. The holders arc driving in the hopo of striking payable washdirt, nnd a. good many parlies are 'shepherding' until they can learn something definite as to the value of ■the ground. At Quinn's Terrace success si ill attends the labor of clnimholdcrs. In some of the ground much trouble is caused by a superabundance of water percolating through a lnyer of gravel, and in many instances where a party is not strong enougii to work on night-shifts, half tho day is taken up in baling. Duckworth and party, six in number, havo been troubled in. this way, but arc overcoming the difficulty by eroding a whim, at which they have been busily employed fonsfchree weeks. It is to be worked with one horse, "and will prevent tho water from gaining ground with ease. Great hopes are entertained that the run of gold found at Quinn's Terrace will be traced to within a short distance from the Arahura river, as shafts sunk on the top of the high terrace to the westward of Quinn's diggings ara bottomed at a depth of 120 feet on payable washdirt. At Red Jack's Gully some very coarse gold is obtained. A nugget, weighing 2oz lodwfc, was found there latoly, and many pieces of fair size have latoly found their way into the hands of the gold-buyers. Moa Boxes. — Mr J. Creig, of Opawa Eiver, has informed a local paper that ho is continually finding bones of the moa, on what appears at one fciuxe to have been the. bank of a creek on hi* farm. Tns Totara.— The Ross Guardian of the 12th gives tho following report of matters at the Totara : — When things come to their worst they must mend, saitl\ tho proverb. We believe that liere mining matters have come to their worst and will soon mend. Just now Jones' Flat appears to be deserted, scarcely a whim, and not a steam ongino is at work. During this week two more parties havo been stopped by water, McKonzie's and Hill's j wo believe the Bee Hive liave also stopped. Tho Scandinavian it is known to have stopped for alterations, and tho Morning Star Company havo taken tho opportunity oi' making some slight improvements ; but before this sheet appears wo expect both companies will be again pumping, and two other engines in a few weeks. We also hopo from the vigorous action taken by tho Tail Race Committee, and the eupport already promised by the townfolk, that that necessary drainage work will soon be put in hand, and the flat resume its former busy appearance. Eaoe foe the Telegraph. — Tho Melbourne Herald has received some particulars of tho last •exciting race for the telegraph wiros at Sydney on tho arrival of the Panama August mail. It appears fhat Greville and do's boat by somo means got entangled by the stoamer's- side at ■starting, and the Argus boat thus obtained an advantage of about six lengths, which, however, "was reduced to two lengths before they lvachoti 4;ho shore, although the Argus boat was pulled by five pairs of sculls ar,d Grrevillo's by only four. Tho two horsemen then commenced the land race* the Argus Jiorse having a slight advance in ■tho start. Tho odds, however, were Btill considered to be in favor of G-reville's horse, which was the better animal of the two. In the galiop up the town tho Argus horse fell, leaving Q-re-ville'a courier in sole possession of the field. Tim aider of iho Argus horse was not much hurt. Fishing. — There should bo pleasant sport for anglers at Waikouaiti. Tho Herald says : — ""The Waikouaiti River (so we are informed) abounds with that delicate and delicious eating 2sh, the mullet." Ex-Governob Eyre.— Mr J. S. Mill and Mr P. A. Taylor, on tho part of tho Jamaica Com--mittee, have directed Messrs Shaen and Roscoe to lay before tho Attorney-General tho case of Mr Byre, and to suggest that as they have not succeeded in bringing that gentleman to punishment the principal law officers of the Crown ought now to take some steps " to prevent an absolute failure of justice." Sir John Rolt replies: — "Tho case of Governor Eyro has already received my careful consideration, and I havo not thought it right to file a criminal information in tho Court of Queen's Bench against him. . I have now perused the statement forwarded by you, entitled ' List ol Illegal Acts, &c.,' and do not find anything that induces me to alter the conclusion at which I had previously arrived. With tho chargo of tho Lord Chief Justice to tho jury in tho caso of "the <Juecn v Nelson," also forwarded by you, I was of course, previously familiar." In the House 0! Lords on August 15th, the Earl of Shrewsbury brought under the notice of the House the case oi Mr Eyre, mid asked if, after the abortive attempt made to prosecute Mr. Eyro,. the Government would now undertake to defeiicf that gentlcmar against any further prosecution. He culogisec the conduct of Governor Eyro during the Jamaict insurrection, and contended that it was by hi; wisdom and discretion that the insurrection wu! suppressed, and the sacrifice of much life and pro porty prevented. He regretted the courso th( Government had taken in superseding Mr Eyre aud said that as ho had not served tho neaessarj length of time, ho was not entitled to a pension -and was totally unprovided for. The Duke 0 Buckingham said that no one disputed the ability with which Governor Eyro had served tho couutn in tho various positions which ho had occupied and tho complaint now made was not against tin course of the Government but against the cours< which private individuals had taken against M Eyro aiuco his return from Jamaica. Tho Go Ternment had felt that if there was any founda tion for the charges against Mr Eyro, it wa bettor that thoy should be tested by v trial in tli ordinary course of law than there should be an interference on the part of tho Government. H defended that decision, and thought the sain ■course should still be pursued in regard to an further legal proceodiug3 that wore threatene( When all the proceedings againat Mr Eyre wci brought to a termination, it might possibly be tli <laty of the Government to take into considoratio the conduct of that gentleman. Ho did not foi justified in entering minutely into tho merits < the case, soeing that proceedings woro still peuci ing in the legal tribunals.