LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue XXII, 21 November 1867, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Telegraphic. — Telegraphic communication with tho South was resumed at hulf-past throi o'clock yesterday afternoon and tho English telegrams, which were presented for transmission at tho Bluff on Tuesday, were at once sent on, and will be found printed elsowhore. Tho Taranaki, with tho English mail, left Dunedin yesterday.

Caledonian Gathkiunok — A public meeting will be held at the Athenamm this ovoning for the purpose of making further arrangements for a Caledonian Gathering in the early part of next year. The chair is to bo taken at 8 o'clock. As will be aeon elsewhere, the Anniversary Committee have decided to make an offer to amalgamate with the Caledonian Gathering Committoo, in order that the two fetes may take place together during the visit of Prince Alfred. Such a course seem? advisable for many reasons, not the least of which is that tho joint committee will have a fair eluim upon tho General Government for n portion of tho £5000 voted by the General Assembly for the reception of his Koyal Highness.

Artillery Band. — A band of twelve musicians has been organisod by No 1 Battery Wellington Volunteer Artillery Corps, and placed under the control of Mr Currie, The members of the band will be distinguished by a suitable uniform, which Mr Poulsou has contracted to make at £i a piece.

The Duke of Edinburgh. — In the province of Southland, there seems to bo a determination to secure i\ visit from the Duke of Edinburgh. At a recent moetiag, a resolution was adopted to tho eiFeet that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to telegraph to his Excellency the G-o---vernor, asking if he would, adviso Prince Alfred to visit the province

Tiie Postjiasteb-Q-eneral. — The Hon. J. Hall has gone tollokitika to ino.ko cortain arrangements necessitated by the flaw in the Westland. County Aefc, to which we have before alluded.

Sly-GtROG Selling. — Mr "William Potts, a storekeeper at tho Hntt, will bo called upon to appear at tho Resident Magistrate's Court to-day to answer an information laid against him by the police for sly grog-selling.

Debating- Society. — Tho Debating Society met ut tho Athonnuim last night, but in consequence of a thin attendance, and the absence of the Chairman, tho Rev J. Hall, adjourned, after transacting somo formal business, until Wednesday nest. Captain Benson. — Captain Benson, Genoral Manager of tho P.N.Z. & A.'R.M. Company, has changed his place of abode from Boulcott street to tho house lately built for him at tho Thorndon ond of Wellington Terrace. ,

School District. — A memorial, numerously signed by housoholders of tho town, was Bont to his Houor the Superintendent yesterday, praying him to proclaim the city of Wellington a school district under tho Education Act.

New Zealand Presbyterian Church. — The Wellington Presbytery met last night in the Willis street church, tit 7 o'clock, when an introductory sermon was preached by tho Rev Mr Gumming, Moderator, from 4 Colossians, 12 verse. After Divine sorvico the minutes of pre. vious meetings were read and sustained ; the Presbytery was then adjourned till 11 o'clook to-day, -vhen it will again assemble in the Willis street church. Tho following ministers are in town : — The Eevs Mr Cumming (Moderator), Elnialie, McGtowas, Moir, Allsworth, Wood, M'Michael, and Hall.

Twenti-eighth Ankiveksaey.'-— A meeting was held at the Empire Hotel on Tuesday even- ; ing, for the purpose of tilting further steps for celebrating the Twenty-eighth Anniversary of the foundation of the colony in a suitable manner. At tho request of those present, Captain Benaon, 8.N.R., took the chair. After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed, Captain Benson expressed his thanks for the honor which had been conferred upon him in being elected President, but us he would leave Wellington for Australia by the Mntaura, and would not return till the 6th January, he was afraid his absence might interfere with the performance of his duties. At the same time, he should be very happy to afford every assistance in his power, and ho and his employes would give a cup of the value of ten guineas to be sailed for at tho regatta by at least two boats. He preferred that it should be sailed for in preference to being competed for by rowing boats, as he considered sailing boats the best adapted for use in this harbor, He would be happy to lend the ; committee any plant, &c, that lie could. It would be advisable to offer as large a prize as possible, so as to make it worth striving for. Mr "Wallace did not think the fact of the last speaker's temporary absence would prevent him holding the office of President (hear, hear) ; but, before any farther steps wore taken, he thought the list of tho committee ehould, be immediately advertised, in order that the public might be made acquainted with the names of tho i members. With regard to the question of amalgamation with the Caledonian Committee, it was evident that if sports took place on the Ist and 22nd of the same month, one or other must give way, and it certainly should not be the inniversaryfutfi. With regard to postponing the sports until the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh, he thought such a course would be very advisable ; and if it were done, it was possible the Government might assist this committee. Ho would move that the names of the Anniversary Committee bo advertised. Mr T. MeKenzie thought it would bo as well if a sub-committee were appointed to confer with the Caledonian Gathering Committee, in order to see if an amicable arrangement could not be come to between both, that the two fetes should be held together, and also that die joint gathering be postponed until the arrival of the Prince. He heard that the Government would be prepared to assist them if this was done ; md it had also been suggested that if the steam companies would lower their fares for tho occasion so as to enable persons from other provinces to visit Wellington, greate eclate migli tbegiven to tho affair. Mr Buchanan, speaking to Mr Wallaco'B motion, wus afraid that advertising would run iway with a great deal of money, and could nob support Mr Wallace's proposition. He approved jf Mr McKenzie's suggestion. Mr Wallace did not think the Anniversary Committee should ask the Caledonian Committee to amalgamate 5 such a proposal should come from the latter, as the Caledonian Gathering was but a recent institution, while it was an old custom to celebrate the anniversary of the colony, and moreover, a matter in which every one was interested. It was very necessary that the names of the Committee should be advertised, in order that the public might know that an influential Committee had been formed. Mr T. McKenzie did not think there would be any antagonism between the two committees ; as if they amalgamated, the Anniversary Ooai mittee could look after tho aquafcio sports, and the Caledonian Committeo after tho rural He believed the whole matter might bo arranged by a little friendly conversation. Captain Benson considered each committee could, if the two were combined, look after its own sports, and rnigbt work harmoniously together. Mr i Wallace seemed to wish the public to be reminded that the anniversary of the colony was approaching, and that a committee had been appointed to take measures for celebrating it. He saw no harm in advertising the names of the Committee ; it was simply a question of expense. MrMcKonzie's suggestion was a very good one. Mr' Buchanan romarked that aa the names of tho Committee had already been published in the newspapers, it was scarcely worth going .to the expense of advertising them. After some further discussion, it was resolved that tho names of the Committee should bo advertised once in eaoh newspaper. Mr McKenzie then moved, " That a Sub-Committoo, consisting of Captain Johnson Messrs Buchanan, Moss, Wallace, and McKenzio be appointed to confer with the Caledomau Sports Committee with a view of effecting an amalgamation, and postponing the joint' colobration until the arrival of His Eoyal Highness tho Duke of Edinburgh. Mr Logan seconded the motion, which was carried nem. con. Mr Buchanan then moved "That a Sub-Committee, consisting of Captains Johnson, Holliday, Sharp, Mowlein, Mclntyre, Moss, Buchanan, Logan, Kent, and Ainca, be appointed to draw up a programme of tho races for tho approval of tho general Committee." Mr Moss seconded the motion, and it was also cirried unanimously. After some conversation upon other topics, tho Sub-Committeo were ordered to bring up thoir report on Tuesday evening next, to which evening tho meeting adjourned, after passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his liberal donation and his services in the chair. The Sub-Committeo appointed to draw up a programme will moot at Osgood's on. Friday evening next.

MAitLBOROUGH Magistbate. — The complaint of Blenheim at tho dismissal of its Resident Magistrate, Dr Muller, still continues to be loudly uttered. It seems that the Picton Magistrate, Captain Mollish, who, wo believe, is some connection of Mr Stafford's only visits Blenheim once a week, and the people do not think tins enough. Mr Stafford, however, is inexorable, and has turnod a doaf ear to tho petition of the people for Dr Midler's retention. Thoso who know the secret history of the session, can boo that in Mr Stafford's recent action he is serving out the Marlborough Superintendent.

Resident Magistrate's Court.— The B.enoh of the Resident Magistrate's Court was occupied yestorday by R. J.Duncan, and W. M.Bannatyne, Eaqs:> J.Pa. A woman charged with assaulting her husband, was remanded ; and an halituS of the dock, named Robert Burns, was fined 5s and costs, for his old offence of drunkenness.

Cavalry Appointments.— The Government have just receivod from Sydney a stock of appointments for tho Armed Constabulary and the Mounted Volunteer Corps. They appear to bo of rather rough material, which in the casaof the Armed Constabulary, at any rate, will certainly be found to have been unwiße economy. ;

Illuminations.— Mr B. Levy, of Larabton Quay, has invented a new mode of illuminating buildings, which will, no doubt, bo found very useful on the occasion of the Duke of Edinburgh's visit. The exact mode in which tho designs are constructed is at present kept secret, but we can bear witness to its effectiveness, having witnessed a specimen last night, the subject being the royal arms. The design was perfectly clear and distinct, and sufficiently brilliant; while the inventor states that the risk of fire, which is alwayß incurred by the use of transparencies, is entirely avoided by his method— a matter of much importance in a town composed of wood buildings. Mr B. Levy intends to illuminate the front of j his fancy good? repository on Saturday night, so that every one will have an opportunity of judging for himself of the character of his invention. Copper Tokens.— Tho fourteenth and fifteenth sections of the Coinage Offences Act, which came into operation on the Ist instant, appear to impose upon all persons uttering or receiving copper tokens a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or of penal servitude not exceeding seven years in duration. The clauses are not very clearly worded, and copper tokens may perchance not corao within their provisions, but it will be found much the safest plan net to accept any of the numerous tokens now current for coin of the realm.

Opening op a New Bridge.— Tho Rhodes District Board of Wardens opened the new bridge over tho Kaiwarra-warra river on Wednesday, the 13th instant, by a sort of rural fSte. Ample refreshments were provided for all comers at tho private expense of the Board, and a number of ladies and gentlemen from town and tho surrounding neighborhood were present on the occasion. The bridge, which was a great work for so small a district to attempt, was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens, and is of the following dimensions : — Length, 65ft ; width, 14ft ; height above übubl high water mark, 31ft. The traffic is protected by a strong fence on each side of the bridge, running its entire length. The bridge is composed of logs 2ffc in diameter, laid on solid piers, of great thickness ; tho flooring coneiats of logs from 12 to 18in in diameter, and covered with three feet of soil and twelve inches of hard metal. The bridge was christened hj Miss J. E. Woodward (one of the daughters of tho Chairman), by a bottle of champagne, the Rhodes District Bridge, in contradistinction to the Kaiwarra-warra Bridge by Iho Waterloo Hotel. A vote of thankß to the ladieß for decorating the bridge, was proposed by Mr White, the Secretary to the Kaiwarra-warra Board, and carried by acclamation, and after a short speech from the Chairman of the Rhodes District Board (Mr Samuel Woodward), the company separated, all present agreeing that great credit waa due to the contractor for the manner in which he had performed tho work, as •well as to Messrs S. Woodward and J. Hooper, ■who had superintended it from its commencement to itß completion. The whole of this large work has been completed in two months.

Testimonial to Db Akebs. — Dr Akers, on the occasion of his marriage on Tuesday last, gave a sumptuous dinner to the patients undev his charge in the hospital. After dinner, Patrick Connell, the oldest patient, who has been in tho hospital for several years, returned thanks on behalf of himself and his fellow-patients, to the Doctor, for his entertainment, and spoke in high terms of Dr Akers' unvarying assiduity and kindness towards the patients under his care. In conclusion, he proposed that the following testimO' nial, signed by. himself and twenty-seven other inmates of the Hoßpital, should be published in the Independent, which was unanimously agreed t 0 . — » We, the undersigned, patients now lying in this Hospital, beg to convey our sincere thanks to Dr Akers for his uniform kindness and urbanity shown to us on all occasions whilst visiting us in our respective Wards, and beg to express our sincere wisk for his future happiness peace, and prosperity in his inarriage-stute, as well as in his professional career."

" DiBGtfSTiNGU/r Rich." — Mr Ebden, a wellknown Victorian colonist, recently deceased, used to describe himsolf as " disgustingly rich." He has made very liberal provision, by will, foe the various members of his family. To Mrs Ebden, heleavea £20,000; to hia only son, now fourteen years of age, £60,000, to be paid to him when he comes of age ; and £25,000 to each of his two daughters.

Benevolent Socieey. — The usual weekly meeting of the Benevolent Society was held at the Town Board room on Tuesday last, when there ■were present the Hon. J. C. Crawford, R.M., (in the chair), Rev P. H. Maxwell, Eev J". "Waters, Captain Benson, Messrs Woodward, Powles, Lewis, and L. Levy. Several cases of distress Trere relieved; and the following subscriptions announced : — Mr P. Donnecker, £1 la ; Eev J. Watera, £2 2s.

PnoPEETY Sale. — The property belonging to Mr James Hooper, consisting of thirty-five acres, all laid down in English grass, and adjoining tho properties of W. B. Rhodes, Eeq,and MrsKnowles, ■was exposed for salo by Mr Edward Owen, of Owen, Smart & jCo, on Tuesday. There is a four roomed cottage on the land, and one of the paddocks is stocked -with fruit trees. The attendance at the sale was limited, and the bidding did not go above £11 10s an acre, equal to £402 10a for tho whole property, at which price it was withdrawn.

Me Boddington. — Wo (Marlhorough Express) regret to hear that we are about to lose Mr Boddington, the present manager of tho branch bank of New Zealand at Blenheim, who is about returning to Wellington. His urbanity and gentlemanly conduct, with his strict attention to business matters during his short stay, have combined' to open many friendships, which will not end -with hia present appointment. His successor is Mr Kissling, formerly of Auckland, and at present manager of tho branch Bunk at Qreymouth.

Eemotal of Troops. — The steamers Eangatira and Ahuriri both left Wanganui on Saturdaj ■with portions of tho 18th E.I. The former, for Taranaki, had two companies on board, under the command of Captain Nobletfc, Lieut. Thacker Lieut. Manners, and Ensign Pringle. The latter, for Napier, had also two companies, under tho command of Captain Wray, Lieut. J. B. Jackson, and Ensigns Milner and Swindly. Thoro only remain now two companies in Wunganui, along with tho band and head-quarters, and these would probably sail for Auckland yesterday or to-day.

Embezzlement by a Govebnment Offioek. — Robert James Curtis, a clerk and warehouse.keeper in H. M. Customs at Napier, has been committed for trial for embezzling the sum of £438 4s lGd, received by him in his official capacity.

Maori Relic— Tho Ngaruawahia correspondent of an Auckland journal, writing on the 3rd November, says : — Last month it was my unpleasant duty to call attention to he wanton destruction of the late Maori King's palace from parties, who had not a proper conception of meutn and tuum, pilfering the timber of which ibis built for the construction of pigsties, Btttbles, &c. ; and this week I have to record the overthrow of the flagstaff, but this was occasioned by the severe storm lust Friday week. Some time since the guys, which in a great measure supported it, wore destroyed by the weather, and at every high wind ifc was observed to vibrate, and measures were suggested by several for its purservation; however it was neglected, and during the storm It snapped off about three feet from the ground. It may not be known to your readers generally that tho flagstaff was raised with much ceremony about the time the Maori^King movement first originated, aud our present Superintendent and many other of our celebrities were present, and added' additional importance to the ceremony. Our worthy magistrate, W. Searancke, JEsq, having been informed by some Maories that relics of the various tribes of inestimable value (in their own eyes), as also the late King's mere were buried at the foot of the flagstaff on that occasion, caused the remnant of the staff to be dug out, and was rewarded by finding at its foot a magtrifieient greeenstone, weighing ] no less than 921b., which ho immediately took possession of, with the intention of writing to the Ministers at Wellington, to obtain their instruc- | tions as to how he should dispose of it. As there were at the time, several stranger at tho Delta Hotel desirous of seeing so great a curiosity, he sent it to the landlord, by whom it was left on view in one of the public rooms, where it had not remained more than two days, when some malicious person or persons contrived to break it into I three pieces, and retire without being been dis- I covered. This wanton mischief hns rendered what was really a very interesting, if nofc unique, Maori relic, comparatively worthless. It may bo worth mention that the peice of greenstone found under the flagstaff at Ngaruawahia (mentioned by our correspondent) was an ancient and revered relic of the Te Wherowhero family. It was put under the flagstaff at its erection to give niana, or authority to the flag. The breaking of the greenstone, which of course, must have been done intentionally, is much to be regretted ; the best course probably would have been to have sent it to the Auckland museum, or to Matutaera, whose property it is. The Death of Mr Fyffe.— Tho following : fuller details than those already given by us concerning tho death of this gentleman are taken from the Marlhrough Express -. — A sad oeeurence took place here on the 2nd inst. George Fyffe, Esq., who has been in delicate health, as well as occasionally suffering from aberration of mind, for some time past, suddenly came to his death under the following circumstances. His health being worse than usual, and his mind affected during tho whole of tho dny, when shortly after nine o'clock in the evening he was heard by his J cook — George Allan — to leave the house, taking j a direction towards the wharf, which is about 50 yards distant. Allan almost immediately afterwards followed him, although he could see nothing of him, it being dark at tho time, but heard a cry that sounded like " help." Ho searched about the wharf, and afterwards fetched James Lynch, who resides near. Lynch then took a boat and went off to the schooner Ruby, which was moored a short distance from tho wharf, and brought back with him George Can*, a sailor, who was on. board at the time, to assist in the search, when, oncoming near the wharf, they saw by the light of a lantern which they had in tho boat, the body of the unfortunate gentleman floating upright in the water in the midst of some kelp. On taking it into the boat they tried means to l'esuscitato it, but life was extinct. There was a contused wound accross the nose and eyes ae if from a blow or fall against something hard. It is surmised that whilst wandering on the wharf he through some cause fell off, and in falling, his head struck against one of the iron stays at tho wharf, which caused tho wound and killed him. An inquest was held before H. A. Ingles, Esq., J.P., on the 4th insfc., when a verdict of "Accidental death by falling of the wharf at Kaikoura, while in an unsound state-of mind," was returned by the jury The deceased gentleman was much respected, and his death is deeply regretted by all in the neigh- . borhood. His body was interred on the 18lh instant.

Hokitika. — The number of applicants to take up Town Lands in Hokitika at 30s and 30s per foot up to and including November 2nd, 1867, was 111. On November 4-th — 220.— Total, 331.

The Chinese Murder. — Le Ah Cheong was brought before the Resident Magistrate at Clyde, on the 13th instant, charged on suspicion of being the murderer of Ah Hang, at the Kawarau Gorge ; and was remanded to Cromwell.

The Thames Country. — The following description of tho scenery up the Thames river, which was recently visited by the Superintendent of Auckland, is given by the correspondent of the Herald: — It is difficult to describe — doing jnstice to their beauty and fertility — the many characteristics of the Thames proper, and the land which iies on either bank. From the goldfield range to Araho, whose summit over-tops the legion of mouwtain peaks which enclose what is culled the " Valley of tho Thames," extend those volcanic " spurs" which so attract the gazo of the " prospector" for gold. This mountain range is circuitous, and may be from sixty to seventy miles in length. It describes, as nearly as possible, a half-circle, so that the diametrical line might measure from forty to forty«five miles. The whole of tho land within this half-circle is alluvial, and of the fattest and most productive in New Zealand. This is on tho left bank of the river. The land on the right is equally rich, and extends nearly to the Piako. Tho Thames proper is a serpentine river, from whose bends flow up the lands a large number of tidal creeks, several of which are navigable by moderate-sized vessels for a considerable distance. Some idea of the depth of these creeks may be had from the circumstance that the Gemini, when at anchor in tho Ohinemuri Creek, lay in two fathoms of water, which was so pellucid and calm that a shell thrown into it was visible until it reached the bottom. I was informed that a vessel of the Bame draught of water might proceed several miles further up tho Ohinemuri Creek : but " tho sail" (if I might say so) up the Thames is something to remember. Once above Hikutaia Creek the river deepens, and the water becomes clear. At this point the river is perhaps from 200 to 250 yards wide ; the banks on either side are bordered with tall flax ; above these rise tall cabbage-trees of many branches, and in full flower, which emit a heavy but agreeable odour. There was not an inch of ground which could bo observed from the platform of the steamer that was not covered with the most luxuriant indigenouß vegetation. As tho rivor narrows it becomes deeper. Sucli was the scenery the whole way up to Ohinemuri. Mr Rowe pronounced the river easier of navigation than the Waikato ; but his well-known preference for tho country about the latter river assorted itself.

Bishop HosnousE. — Tho Ecclesiastical Intelligence which appears in the Times of the 13th August, states that tho vicarage of Doulting, Somersetshire, with the chapelrics of Enst and West Cranmore and Downhead annexed, value £640 per annum, hnß been presented to the Right Rev M. Hobhouso, D.D., lato Bishop of Nelson, New Zealand.

Wan&anui Acclimatisation Society. — A meeting of the Committee of tho Wanganui Acclimatisation Society wns held at the Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday lust, when tho following resolution was unanimously adopted : — "That a general meeting of the metnbors of thoWanganui Acclimatisation Society be convened for the first Tuesday in January, 1868, for the election of a committee and officers, and for tho transaction of other business ; and that the hon. Secretary be requested to prepare a report in accordance with tho draft now submitted by him and approved by the committee for the information of such general meeting."

Maintenance of Debtous. — On and after the Ist December next, the amount of money to be paid by detaining creditors towards I Vie maintenance of debtors in custody, will be 12s a week instead of 5s as at present. Tho new act is silent as to whether this will apply to debtors taken to prison before that date.

Financial Reform. — The Provincial Executivo of Canterbury have taken a bold step in Uto way of financial reform, by having resolved to give notice to the whole body of Government officials that their engagements will terminate on the 31st March wext. The Lyttdion Times speaks with approval of this stop, and snys : " now that the way has been po far cleared, the Provincial Council will be able when it meets, as we earnestly hope ifc will do, early in January, to devise measures suited to carry on the public business with economy and efficiency. We have little doubt bufc that, with the intimate knowledge which the members of the G-overnment possess of what is required, they will be prepared to lay before tho Council a very complete and satisfactory scheme adapted to tho requirements of the province and the wishes of the people."

Major Choker. — The Otago Daily Times says : — Wo understand Mr Stafford has reinstated Major Croker, at tlie instance, it is believed, of the Governor, who received a personal remonstrance from that officer. Major .Richardson nlso, ifc is said, used his influence in the same direction. Eabthqiukk. — The Otepopo correspondent of the Oamaru Times, says : — " About 4 o' clock on Sabbath afternoon, our attention was arrested by the occurrence of an earthquake. Tho shock was not violent, if such can be said of eartquakes, yet sufficiently distinct to bo felt and heard throughout the district. From the silence regarding it in your iasuo of yesterday, I am led to infer that it wa9 not felt in tho Oamaru district." Piieasants. — During the late shooting season, as many as 3000 brace of pheasants have been killed and accounted for in tho province of Auckland.

Sir George Bowen. — The Brisbane Courier of the 21st ult., contains tho following roferenco to the transfer of Sir George Bowen to Now Zealand : — " Sir George Bowen's new commission and instructions as Governor of New Zealand hrive yet to pas3 the great seal and go through other formalities in England, and cannot reach him before December. His Excellency will remain in Queensland till the arrivul of these documents, and will then proceed immediately to New Zealand. Wo understand that the Duke of Buckingham is tho first Secretary of State for the Colonies under whom ho has served, with whom Sir George Bowen had no personal friendship or acquaintance, and this high appointment has been conferred on him entirely on public grounds, and as a recognition of his public conduct as the first Governor of Queensland.

Natives from: Wairoa. — Recently a large number of natives arrived at Napier by canoe from Wairoa, forming an escort to the eldest daughter of Kopu, who camo to Ahuriri to be married to tho eldest son of Harawera. They camped for the first night on the Meanee Spit, and proceeded next morning to Taveha's pa.

Sale of Stations.— ln a notice of transactions in the Stock and Station markets, the Timaru Herald says : — " Messrs Royse, Mudie, and Miller report the sale of Mr Hugh Fraser's Ben Ohou run, Mackenzie Country, 60,000 acres, with improvements, for £7500, to Messrs Ostler and Duwson ; the sbeep to bo taken at a fair schedule price. Messrs Wright, Robertson, and Co, of Timaru, have sold tho station of Messrs Teschemaker Brothers, Mackenzie Country, to Messrs Smith and Wallace. Tho run comprises 60,000 acres, with 10,000 sheep, 30 head of cattle, bullocks, and dray, with improvements, for £15,250. Possession to bo given after shearing."

Clerks and Servants. — As the question with regard to the right of servants and clerks, to recover out of the estates of insolvent masters has been much discussed since the stoppage of the New Zealand Times, we publish the 2l6th clause of the new Bankruptcy Act, which will come into operation on the Ist December next : — " Whore at the time of the filing of the petition for adjudication, the bankrupt was indebted to any servant or clerk for wages or salary, the trustee on proof thereof, shall pay eo much as is due, not exceeding three months wages or salary and not exceeding fifty pounds, to such servant or clerk, out of the bankrupt's estate, and such servant or clerk may prove for any sum exceeding that amount."

New Zealand Fkock — Mr Reeves, manager of tho Kapanga claim at Coronmn'del, has addressed the following letter to the editor of the Auckland Herald : — ' Dear Sir, — 1 forward you a specimen of the New Zealand frog, caught ah the head of Driving Creek on Saturday last. I am aware that many persons suppose the Coromandel frog to be as much a myth as the Australian bunyip, or fcho sea serpent, and I was inclining to that opinion myself, for this is the first specimen of the animal I have seen during a residenco of three years at Coromandel. Perhaps some Auckland naturalist can explain why a creature in general so prolific, should be so scarce in a country apparently so well adapted for it. — I am, &c, J. Reevks. Coromandel, October 31, 1867."

Rev Mr Booth, — The following paragraph refers to a clergyman in Victoria who was punished for wilfully breaking a little dog's leg in church : — The Kev Mr Booth and family, says the Ovens Advertiser, arrived in Wangaratta on Monday last. As the sentence passed on the reverend gentleman by tho Ecclesiastical Court — six months' suspension from tho duties and emoluments of oilice — has now almost expired, we suppose it is his intention to again commence his ministrations in Wangaratta. Whether tho members of tho Church of England will be as willing to accept of Mr Booth a» their spiritual guide as lie is to bestow his services, is another question.

Mulakcholy Death op a Young Woman. — Last week a girl named Amelia Seymour, 15 or 16 years of age, meb her death by drowning in tho Wairoa river, in the Nelson province, under somewhat singular circumstances. It appears that the poor girl had been overtasking her powers in household duties (which through unhappy circumstances of family illness and boreavement almost entirely devolved upon her young hands to perform), and was reduced to a weakly stafcoof health. An attack of measles set in, and being in the delirious state which often accompanies this disease, she quitted the house and cast herself into the river. The body was found.

Mining News, — There are a few items of mining news to bo gleaned from later files of West Coast papers. AMr Williamson, who has been at Morton's Bay, states that fifteen persons at work there are getting more or less gold, £2 per day being about the averago returns per man; but tho extent of available country is extremely ciroumscribod, being hemmed in by tho high mountains, which there approach very close to the beach. During one of his prospecting rambles Mr W. crossed the narrow belt of timberod land that fringes tho coast line, and penetrated the mountains by following the lower and easier traversed spurs. This was in the County of Westland, within a few miles of the Otago boundary, and he declares that indications of mineral wealth were everywhere apparent, those of copper especially bo, and that he discovered a lode of that metal about eighteen inches thick, out of which ho procured and brought away aevoral specimens.

Atjcwci-and Wool Sam. — The first wool sale of tho Bcason took place at Auckland on tho Bth inst., when 25 lots were disposed of by Mr Buckland. We quote a few of the lots and prices. Lot 3, 2 bags, ML, washed, locks, 2|d, Mr Fleming; lot 4, 2 bags, MQ-, washed, skin and fleece, lOd, Mr J. S. Macfarlano ; lot 4a, 2 bags, fleece, merino, 9d, Captain Ashby ; lot 9a, 2 bugs washed half-bred, 14£d, Mr D, Nathan ; lot 10a, 2 balos, JS, washed long-wool, 12id, Mr D. Kathan ; lob 12, 2 bales, A (in heart), washed long- wool, 14d, Mr D. Nathan ; lot 14, 1 bale, HC, washed half-bred, 13d, Mr Irelaiid,