LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2604, 30 November 1867, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Q-overnor. — His Excellency Sir G-eorgo Grey, accompanied by the Hon. J. C. Richmond, ombarted on board the p.s. Sturfc nfc noon yesterday, and shortly after that hour the vessel left the Queen's Wharf amidst the cheers of a numerous assemblage of spectators, amongst whom were a number of notabilities. The vessels in the harbor paid the usual mark of respect as tho steamer passed them. His Excellency's destination is Kawau ; but we believe he will call at Opotoki and

Tauranga on his way up.

Mr Fitziierbert. — The Hon. MrFitzherbert, as has been before announced, will leave for Engand by the next Pawama steamer. It was proposed amongst his friends a few days sines, to give him a dinner before his departure, as a mark of respect ; but owing to some misunderstanding, and the matter threatening to take a political turn, the project lias, we believe, been abandoned. It is generally understood that the hon. Major Richardson is to perform the duties of Colonial Treasurer during Mr Fitzherbert's absence.

Reception Commission. — His Excellency the Governor, by a proclamation dated the 27th November, ha 3 appointed the following gentlemen to act as a commission for making the necessary arrangements for the reception of his '.Royal Highness tho Duke of Edinburgh, any three of them being empowered to act together : — Hons. E. W. Stafford, Colonel Haultain, J. Hall, J. C. Richmond, Major Richardson, J. H. Harris, T. H. Bartley, J. Johnston, Colonel Peacocke, Sir David Monro, His Honor Mr Justice Johnston, His Honor I. E. Featherston, His Honor J. Williamson ; Messrs Carleton, Ludlam, and Fitz-G-erald. We are informed that Mr Felix Wakefidd has been selected to act as Secretary to tho Commission. Supreme Court. — The Supremo Court will bo formally opened at 10 o'clock on Monday morn- ' ing, but, in consequenco of tho absence of His Honor Mr Justice Johnston from the province, the criminal sittings will be adjourned till the 9th pros. The names of the following prisoners are at present on the calendar : — Robert Shannon, robbery from the person (true bill found oa the 2nd September) ; Robert and Edmund Austin, indecent assault ; W. H. Herring, forgery ; Eria Mawae and others, felony ; James Phillips, larceny, two charges ; John Sennox, rape ; Wiremu Pakaka, obtaining money on false pretences. New Zealand Society.— A general meoting of the members of the. New Zealand Society will bo held at 2 o'clock this afternoon, in the Diocesan room, adjoining the Bishop of Wellington's residence, Mulgravo street, for tho purpose of adopting tho rules as revised by the Council, and electing a Q-overnor in order to comply with tho provisions of the c * New Zealand Institute Act," which requires that such election shall take place in tho month of November. Wo hear that J. C. Crawford Esq., R.M., is likely to bo placed in the office. Willis Street Presbyterian |Churcii.— A meeting of the congregation of tho Willis street Presbyterian Church, convened by the Welllington Presbytery for the purpose of electing a committee of management, took place on Thursday evening last, tho Rev. Mr Allsworth presiding in tho übsenco of the Roy. J. Hall. Tho gentlemen chosen to act as a committeo wero Messrs Taylor, Turnbull, M'Lean, Eraser, Gray, McKonzio, Chappoll, and Ronner. A resolution was passed, affirming the desirability of erecting a Bchoolhouse behind the church ; and a committee of fifteen appointed to enquire into tho best moans of effecting this object. It was also decided that tho re-union of the congregation should be celebrated by a tea-meeting in the Odd Fellows' Hall, the proceeds to go towards the erection of the Sabbath School.

Willis Street Sunday School. — A meeting of the Sunday School teachers was held in the Willis 6treefc church on Thursday evening, tho 28th November, Mr F. Frasor in the chair, whon Mr F. Fraser was appointed superintendent, Mr T. MeKenzio, secretary and treasurer, and Mr H. I/ron, librarian, to the school. It was thon rosolved that tho hour of meeting for tho school should be 10 o'clock. A balanco sheet, as read by tho socretary, shewed that £1 Os 3sd had boen collected in tho school while it was held at tho Athcnooum. Tho meeting then adjourned until Thursday evening, at 7 o'clock.

St. Minx's Catiiedbai/. — Wo are informed that, in consequence of the intorior fittings of the building nob being yot finished, tho solemn opening of St Mary's Cathedral, "Wellington, Tvill take place on Christmas Day, instead of on the Bth of December, tho Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as was first intended. Tho first communion of the children, and the administration of the sacrament of confirmation by his Lordship the Catholio Bishop of Wellington, will be postponed to that came groat festival.

Suicide. — A melancholy occurrence happened at tho Hospital about three o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr Samuel Clarke, lato Manager of tho Australian Steam Navigation Company and for three years Manager of tho Intercolonial Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, who had entered the Hospital as a patient tho previous evening, informed his attendant that he was about to dio t and asked that a minister of religion might be sent for. The attendant, suspecting no harm, as his patient appeared perfectly sensible and had eaten a hearty dinner a short time before, wont outside tho door in order to tell a messenger to go for the clergyman, leaving Mr Clarke in the room with a man, who was engaged in painting" Ho was absent hardly more than a minute, but on returning, found Mr Clarke in his bedroom, which adjoins the first-named room, with the blade of a small penknife plunged into his throat, while with the fingers of his disengaged hand ho was endeavoring to extend tho wound he had inflicted upon himself. The attendant at onco soized tho unfortunate man's throab with his hands, pushed him up on the bed, and called for assistance ; but 80 deep a gash had been indicted that medical skill was useless. Mr Clarke expired about a quarter of an hour afterperforming the fatal deed. He only arrived from Sydney about three weeks ago, but was wellknown here. The deceased was thirty-six yeai*3 of age, and nuich respected. An inquest upon thebody will be opened at 11 o'clock this morning.

Choral Society. — The lovers of music in this cifcy will be glad to learn that there is a prospect of" the Choral Society being again put into working order. A few of the members, instigated by sorneof the former subscribers to whom the lapse of tho Sooiefcy is a constant source of regret, have lately been engaged in canvassing the town toascertain the wishes of the public in tho matter, and have received cordial promises of support. It is to bo hoped that the singing members will show, by a numerous gathering at tho mooting which is to be held on Tuesday night in the school room in Sydney street, that no apathy exists on their part ; and we strongly urge all amateurs who are not members, to accept the invitation given them, and forthwith strengthen the ranks of a Society which has for its objects the diffusion of musical taste and tho improvement of congregational singing.

Temperance Bazaar. — As the Temperance Bazaar will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday week, it is very desirable that all contributions should be forwarded to the Bazaar Committee with as little delay as possible j and we have been l'equested to state that the last of the meetings held by the Indies forming tho Committee, for the purpose of receiring contributions, will take place next Wednesday afternoon, in the Temperance Hall, Herbert street.

Masonic. — Tho now masonic Hall in Boulcotb street was used by the brethren for tho first time on Tuesday evening, when the Waterloo Lodge met on emergency. The Pacific Lodge likewise held an emergency meeting in the hall on Thursday evening. It has been resolved, we believe, that the formal opening of the hall shall bo postponed tmtill St John's Day, and ifc is in contemplation to commemorate the event in conjunction with tho Festival of St John tho Evangelist, by a banquet.

Tawa Flat. — Though tho weather was rough on Tuesday evening, the penny readings held in the schoolroom were well attended. Mr Grordon continued his readings from " Uncle Toni'a Cabin." Mr Payton gave a selection from Pickwick, and Mr Jones created much amusomont with "Tho Legend of BoMo Hill." James Taylor, Esq, M.P.C, who was in the chair, announced that the Roy J. Muir, of Wellington, would on the noxfc penny reading night, deliver a lecture.

JoHNSONVILIiE Penny READINGS. — Tho readings took place as usual on Wednesday evening last, and despifco a heavy rain there was a large attendance. Doubtless the cause of attraction on such a night was the appearance of Mr J. H. Marriott. This gentleman gave the good people of Johnson ville, a fortnight back, a very interesting entertainment, viz., "An Hour with Tom Moore," when the room was crowded, and in fact several had to stand outside and look through tho window, The audience were theu so highly pleased and entertained that Mr Marriott was persuaded to give another reading, which he did on Wednesday evening. It was entitled "An Hour with Shakespeare," and it need scarcely be said that the several readings were- given in a masterly style, for every one who has heard this gentleman well knows how capable ho i 8 to do justice to the works of the great poet. All prosent wore unanimous in their praise and appreciation of Mr Marriott's entertainment. In tho course of the evening Dr Knox introduced the head of a sword-fish, and in a very amusing and intelligent manner explained tho structure of this rcmarkablo fish. Dr Taylor read " Tho origin of Koast Pig," from Charles Lamb's work, Mr Prior the " History of Betty Broom," and Mr Gh M. Clarke " The Charge of the Light Brigade." Tho evening's amusements were brought to a close by Mr Clarke singing " The Loves of Reuben Wright and Phcebo Browne," and Mr Marriott singing his old favorite " King Henry of Navarre." A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Marriott and Dr Kuox. On Wednesday next Dr Knox gives a lecture on the " Horse," with illustrations, and on Friday (tin extra night) the Roy A. Stock will deliver his popular lecture on the " Electric Telegraph" with illustrations.

Wool Sale. — Mr B. Owen disposed of somo wool by public auction on Tuesday. There was a large attendance of buyers and quick competition. A few bales of greasy sold for 8d por lb ; and 38 lbs of good washed were knocked dowu at iUd.

Customs Revenue — Tho Customs Revenue collected at this port during the last two days amounted to £387 Us-

City Band. — We have been requested to state that the City Band will perform on the Reclaimed Lund this evening, commencing at 6 o'clock.

Incendiarism at CnitiSTOHtmcH.— A malicious attempt was made by some miscreant on Saturday last, to burn the private residence of Mr Gf- . Gould, situated near the Springfield Road, Christ. church, by putting combustible matter into the gutter of the roof and setting firo to it. The discovery of this circumstance has led to the belief that tho late fires at the College and at Sb Luke's schoolroom, were the work of incendiaries ; and the General Government has offered a free pardon to any accomplice who will give evidence to con« Tict the principal offender.

Clerical Intelligence.— We learn from the Natal Witness of November 9th and 20th, 1867, that an address of sympathy to tho Bishop of Natal by the members of the Church of England in tho city of Maritzburg, was presented to the Bishop by the Hon. Major Erskine, Colonial Secretary, at the conclusion of the Sunday morning service, in the presence of a very crowded congregation. The address is as follows : — " To our beloved Pastor, the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Natal. With a view to acquit ourselves of a duty, and in some small measure to strengthen your lordship's hands in the battle in which you havo so nobly engaged, and so worthily borne yourself, tho undersigned members of your own cathedral congregation, are desirous of expressing to you on this, the first anniversary of your return among them, their deep sense of the services you have rendered to themselves, and to the greatcause of religious freedom. Before entering into this contest, we have no doubt you counted the cost, and foresaw, to some extent, the amount of odium, insult, and acorn, which would bo attempted to be cast upon you, in common with almost every early champion of tho cross, the truth, on the sacred rights of humanity. This clamour has been chiefly raised and sustained by men who profess to be heralds of a peaceful faith # By them you havo been stigmatized as an heretic, slandered as an infidel, denounced from the pulpit, debarred from your own churches by personal violence, and made the object of a somewhat ridiculous and impotent excommunication. The dignity and Christian forbearance with which you havo met these calumnies and this violence, challenges tho admiration of many of those opposed to you, and have bound your friends to you by still closer ties. We may now, however, congratulate you upon the triumphant progress of tho cause which we have all at heart — on tho increasing congregations — tho earnest devotion and reverent attention of your listeners, and tho calm resolve to 6tand by you in tho struggle, at whatever cost. Without alluding to your published ■works, which are yet before the world unanswered — masterpieces of industrious research and truthseeking criticism — we thank you for your weekly addresses, so rich and luminous with learning, so logical, touching, and instructive ; whoso chief aim, setting aside creeds, formularies, and dogmas, is to proclaim good-will among all mankind, and to teach a faithful reliance upon our Great Father. To all of us these sermons have come fraught with glad tidings ; but to some amongst us they hare been the source of the deepest comfort and consolation. Tried by adversity, and borne down in our worldly affairs — as many of us have lately been — we have from thorn gathered now hope and fresh strength to sustain and guide us in our troubles and difficulties. We thank you for your advocacy of our diseuthralment from priestly dominion — of the right and duty of private judgment — of the freedom of thought and worship — of the obligation of boldly searching for the truth, and boldly proclaiming it — of the voico of the laity in church governance — of the grand testimonies of science to God's truth and love— of tho hopeful progression of the human race, and of the cheerful tolerance of other phases of faith and forms of worship. Wo thank you for representing to us, and to the world, so faithfully and so ably the protestant principles of Our church, and nation. We thank you that you have destroyed in this fair land so many idols of man's creation, which had been set up for tho blind adoration of the credulous and unreasoning, and havo proclaimed in their room a deeper and wider faith in tho Divine teaching of our blessed Lord and Master, a recognition of the brotherhood of man, without reference to creed, caste, or color, and over all, and above all, the merciful loving fatherhood of the living God." A " Church of England Defence Association" has also beeu established in tho colony of Natal " tho object of which is to resist any attempt at separation from that church, to protest against any rules for church government other than thoso in accordance with the church in tho mother country," and " to repudiate as an act of secession tho object of the bishop of Capetown, when he proposes to create a church in South Africa." A committee has also been formed in England to raise funds in aid of this "association." Amongst tho list of subscribers names may be noticed tho Rajah Sir James Brooke, X.C.8. ; Sir Charles Lyell, Barfc., F.R.S ; Sir John Lubbock, Bart., F.R.S. ; The Very Rev. Arthur P. Stanley, D.D., F.R.S., Dean of Westminster; Rev. F. W. Farrar, M.A., F.R.S. ; Rev. Benj. Jowctt, Regius Professor of Greek, Oxford ; Professor Mai Miiller ; Oreo. J. Allman, Esq., M.D., F.R.S, British Museum ; Rev Wm. Houghton ; Rev. Thos. Kirkman, M.A., F.R.S. ; Rev. R. Williams, D.D. ; James Yates, Esq., Eev. W. S. Symonds ; Sir W. V. Guise, Bart., F.A.S. j and Jas. "Fitzjames Stephen, Esq.

A Setehe Schoolmaster.— Mr Morley, a Bcboolniiister in Blenheim, has been fined Is and costs, for severely flogging a little boy, five years old, named Homo. The little fellow had been fighting with a schoolmate, and -was brought up before the master, to whom ho denied having struck his antagonist. Morloy thereupon flogged him with a supple-jack, producing, according to the medical evidence, " a largo contusion on one side of the child's hips, and on the other seven bruises, each tipped with blood at the end." The schoolmaster admitted that the punishment was too severe, but stated ho was not aware at the time, of the amount of chaptiscment he had given. It appears to us that Mr Hellish, the Resident Magistrate who adjudicated upon the case might very fittingly have sharpened the perception of Mr Morley by the infliction of n heavy fine. A man who can so severely flog a little child as to leave its flesh a mass of bruises tipped with blood, " without knowing at the time the amount of chastisement he had given," is surely not a fit person to have young and helpless creatures placed at his mercy.

Deaths by Drowning. — Two or three cases of the death of children by drowning have lately occurred at Canterbury. On Saturday last, about 1 p.m., a little boy named Lawrence Nathan, whoso parents reside near Eiccarton Bush, fell into the stream -which runs near the place, and was drowned. The poor child was only three years old, and what makes the occurrence the more distressing is, that ho was the only child of his parents. On Monday, two little girls, aged respectively three years and a half, the daughters of Mr Stoneyer, owner of the Kaipoi flour mill, while following their father at some distance, in attempting, it is supposed, to get over a plank placed across a mill race, fell into the -water, and were drowned.

Melancholy Death. — The following particulars respecting a melancholy occurrence which took vluce at, Oamaru on Sunday last, while a i heavy S.E. gale was blowing, havo been furnished to the Otacjo Daily Times : — On Sunday afternoon the Caroline was lying at anchor, off Oamaru. She was behaving splendidly although great rollers were sweeping over her, and continually burying her out of sight. About two o'clock the rain I ceased, and there was a glimpse of sunshine ; the result being that a good many persona were attract od to the jetty, or its neighborhood, in order to watch the sea, and the way in which the Carolino was behaving in it. Amongst those who went clown was Mr McLeod and a young man, named Maekay, one of his brothers-in-law. The two went out on the jetty, to very nearly its elbowportion—or at least to the end of tho railing, which is not continued along the elbow, as a fence of any kind there would be in the way of vessels loading and unloading. While standing on tho inner side of the jetty, at the point mentioned, and close to the railing, a In ropy sea struck the jetty, and broke over it sufficiently to wash away Mr' MeLeod. The accident was seen, and there was no lack of attempts to assist the unfortunato man. But there wa9 nothing at hand, not even a rope, nearer than tho shore end of tho jetty. Uv Young and Mr F. Russell, of Dunedin, were standing near the jetty, and they ran on to it as soon as they noticed the alarm of thoso there. When Mr Young got to the end of the jetty, he saw Mr MeLeod clinging to one of tho piles, at a point about eight feet below the platform. Mr Young ran for a rope, noosed it as ho ran bark, and tried to throw tho ropo over Mr MnLeod. But this Was a most difficult task. When the noose touched the water it was instantly swept away ; avevy sea buried Mr McLood, and kept him under water fifteen or twenty seconds ; and a largo Inverness cape which Mr MeLeod wore prevented the rope getting into position when it fell on him. Against the pile next that to which Mr MeLeod was clinging, and at a distance of ten foot from him, there was a fixed iron ladder. All the efforts made to direct Mr McLeod's attention to the ladder failed. Whether, as is probable, his head struck against tho jotty as ho was washed off, backwards — or ho was rendered all but unconscious by tho continual buryings from the waves — ho seemed incapable of anything but clinging to the pile. At last ho seized one of the several ropes which were lowered to him, and he quitted his hold of the post. But, almost at the same instant, a sea rolled home, and it whirled him round the pile, so that tho rope formed a double lap on it, and the poor follow seemed entangled in the coils of the rope. But ho got freed from the coils ; ho again caught a rope ; an attempt was made to pull him up, but the rope slipped from his hand, and two seas rolling in in quick succession, they ended tho struggle. The ctsrpseof Mr MeLeod could be seen, face upwards, floating rapidly outward with tho retreating wave. The body had not been recovered before night set in.

Canterbury Debentures. — The Lyttelton Times says ; — " Advices by the present mail inform us that Mr Ward has negociated one hundred and fifty thousand pounds worth of Canterbury debentures. Of theso, fifty thousand form the last parcel of the railway debentures. These were sold first and realised 93. The second sale included debentures to the value of one hundred thousand pounds, which fetched the comparatively high price of 94 If Mr Ward could have known that the Provincial Loans were certain to be guaranteed, he would probably have held his hand, and not sold moro than fifty thousand pounds worth of tho last loan. That amount, as well as tho railway debentures, ho was, wo believe, under orders to sell outright. But it was very natural, knowing the uncertainties attached to all legislation in Now Zealand as well as ho does, and remembering the opportunities that have been lefe slip, and knowing also the pressing pecuniary wants of the province, that ho should seize the opportunity of selling a sufficient quantity to cover current liabilities. We think the public will endorse his act, though it may involve the problematical loss of two or three thousand pounds."

The " Social Evil." — A public meeting, convened by the Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch, for tho discussion of remedial measures for the " social evil," was held at Christchurch on Nov. 21, when a committee consisting of the Dean of Christchurch, the Rev Canon Wilson, J. OB. Hoare, C. Fraser, Messrs Reeves, Bowen, Harman. Hawkes, Gordon, Nottidge, March, Gould, and Turnbull, were appointed to inquire into tho means already in existence for repressing the evil, and to consider whether good would bo likely to result from the establishment of a permanent committee or society, whoso object it should be to tako practical steps for repressing vice in particular cases by putting in force existing laws. The committee were also instructed to enquire into the best means of obtaining more stringent legislative enactments for tho repression of the evil.

©tago AND the Prince's Visit. — A deputation recently waited upon the Superintendent ofOtago to submit to him certain resolutions adopted by a public meeting, urging that his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh should be invited to visit Otago. After, tho resolutions had been pre-ented, the Superintendent said that the matter had had the attention of the Government for some time (past. He "was quite alive to the importance of bringing his Royal Highness to Otago, if possible ; and he was very glad indeed to see that tho same feeling existed out of doors. He was not exactly prepared, at that moment, to say what si^eps the Government would take j but, generally, he could assure the deputation that the matter would not be lost sight of. The Mayor said if the Prince came to Dunedin for three or four days, a good deal of money would, consequently, be circulated. The Superintendent: "We may as well not say anything of the pounds-sliillings-and-pence consideration, at present." The Mayor: "As times are, just now, that consideration should not bo loft sight of." Tho Superintendent : " There will be no difference on this point. Itcannotbesupposed the Prince will have seen New Zealand, unless ho comes here." Mr Do Carle : "To come to New Zealand and not to come hero, would be much tho same as to go to Victoria and not to visit Melbourne." The Superintendent: "I will repeat, the Government has not lost sight of the importance of the matter, or of the grounds upon which we can ask the Prince to visit us ; and I hope that, between us, wo shall be able to induce his Royal Highness to come to Otixgo." The deputation thanked his Honor, and retired.

The Convict Sulmvan. — A private letter from Nelson states that it is not truo that Sullivan was sent away in the Avery, but that ho is not let out to work, as there are so many diggers about, and somo of them might be inclined to givo him a tap on the head.

Otago. — Tho Goldfields Department in Otago has now been again completely taken ovor by tho Local Government ; and tho G-oldfields business isnow again being transacted within the Provincial G-overnment Buildings.

A Reckless Shot. — We commend this paragraph to the attention of tho Artillery Corps : — " A singular accident," says a Melbourne contemporary, " fortunately, however, unattended with loss of life or limb, occurred at St Kilda the other day, and subjected some of the inhabitants of that quiet and aristocratic suburb to the temporary horrors of a cannonade. Some soldiers woro employed on the beach in cleaning a 32 pounder, and in order to remove some obstruction in the muzzle of the weapon, a small charge of powder and four balls woro inserted in it. Tho gun was then fired, the artilerymen, however, having forgotten first to point tho gun towards the sea, and having under-estimated tho force of the charge of powder made use of, all the four balls wont crashing among the houses, carrying away a garden fence hero, a verandah there, and, after almost frightening half-a-dozen innocent persons to death, depositing themselves without committing any more serious destruction, in various localities, one of which was an iron boiler, close to which a laundry maid waa busily engaged in a hard day's wash."

The Laws of New Zealand.— ln his address .to the Grand Jury on opening the Criminal Sittings at Nolson last week his lion. Mr Justice Richmond remarked :— " Of course I should not be able to-day, neither do 1 propose to attempt to give a review of tho voluminous additions and alterations that tho Statute Book of New Zealand has undergone during the last seession ; I shrill merely refer to the more prominent points which affect tho adminstration of justice,— the alterations which have been mado in tho criminal law. Lust session of tho assembly was characterised by a scries of enactments which materially altered the criminal law of the colony, by the adoption of the statutes of tho Mother Country, conso« li laling the law relative to the large classes of crimes and offences to which the now acts refer. I consider this as a most important step in the progress of our legislation, and I view it as an earnest of the full work of the codification of our laws, which I trust will end in making tho law of England as consistent and intelligiblo in its details, sis it already is just and noblo in its fundamental principles. The first act to which I will allude ip, that relating to the coinage which is not of much importance in this Colony. The next consolidates under one law tho wholo of the laws relating to the crime of larceny ; another has reference to the crime of forgery ; tho next is a very important act, and relates to offences against the person, enacting among other things that certain offences formerly inferring capital punishment were not now capital. Anothor act is tho law having reference to malicious injury to property, and is also important as are all these laws which refer to crimp. Although looking to these acts, and the space they occupy in the year's legislation, one would be inclined at iivst to suppose that there had been a great increase made in our laws, yet such is not tho case. These acts really diminish tho amount of our statute law, by consolidating into two or three acts the principal offences known to our criminal jurisprudence, and a reference to the schedule in tho new acts will show that a long series of English acts have been consigned to oblivion ; being repealed to make room for the one or two acts which are now in force in their place. This greatly simplifies the law of the country, and abolishes in a great measure that difficult labyrinth of statute law, through which only lawyers could possibly find their way."

Sad effect of Penny Readings. — The following story from a contemporary shows what may come of an over-devotion to penny readings : — "As a gentleman was returning homeward about the witching timo of night on Saturday last, he was somewhat startled on beholding on the road beforo him a human figure, frantically making desperate passes with what appeared to be a sword, accompanied with violent imprecacations of 'Die, villain! 1 &c. Thinking that tho individual making such a singular exhibition must either bo suffering from delirium tremens or was an escaped lunatic, ho prudently ensconced himself out of the way, and anxiously abided tho result. After a desperate combat with no end of imaginary foes, whom he seemed to have despatched to his entire satisfaction, the strange specimen of humanity advanced to tho middle of tho road and spako: 'Beneath the canopy of heaven, tho Bilent stars my only witnesses, havo I achieved a mighty triumph ;' and then taking off his hat, with a bow which was the acrao of grace and elegance, ho commenced : ' Ladies and gentlemen, — Tho very enthusiastic ieception I havo received quite overcomes mo — .' A horse-laugh from tho ' gentleman in waiting,' on whose perception the truth had dawned at last, stayed his eloquence, and the ambitious amateur (in his own estimation an embryo Kean at least) mado a hurried exit, anything but flattered that he had not ' wasted his sweetness on the desert air.' "

Kerosene. — Hitherto, says the Melbourne Argus, wo have been dependent on New York and Boston for our supplies of kerosene — an articlo that has now becomo indispensable in tho economy of our house, especially in country districts where gas is not obtainable. Wo observe from tho Panama Star, however, that Peru is found to produce petroleum in abundance, and that kerosine made from it is likely to find its way to the Australian markets. The works are near the old town Tumbez, and are carried on by a company apparently composed chiefly of Americans. Their operations had not long been commoncod,but in July last they were prepared to ship an entire cargo to Melbourno by a Teasel which was then daily expected to arrive from an Australian port. While on this subject wo may ask what has becomo of tho local manufactures oi this oil from tho New South Wales shale ? We know that the works at Foo!«3ray could not produce tho oil at a rate to compete in price with the American article, but what are tho Sydney people doing at their rectifying works ?

Worth her Wkichit in Gold. — A correspondent of the Bristol Times and Mirror says : — " I have been estimating the money valuo of the performances of the famed maro Achievement during her wondorful career, from her first appearances as a two-year-old at Newmarket to her last victory at Doncaster. Out of 20 races she has run during that period she has won 15 and in stakes alone sho has netted for her spirited owner Colonel Pearson, a sum of £28,000, literally her weight in sovereings, as the following calculation, will prove. Assuming the price of gold at £3 17s 6d per ounce, there would be on every cwt. as nearly as possible 7000 sovereigns— l don't make a very close calculation, as.it is not necessary —four cwts would make up 28,000, and taking tho maro as being about this weight, as sho is slight and slim, you will sco that she has really been worth her weight in coined gold, irrespective altogether of the sums Colonel Pearson may have netted by bets, &c."

SiiBRP-SnEABiNa bt Wind. — A Wisconsin (American) paper is responsible for the following paragraph : — " A man in Wisconsin has n, patent sheep-shearing machine, which operates just like a reaper or a mower, and moves a swath of wool an inch and a half wide. The motion is got bymeans of a little wind-engine in the handle, which is to he driven by a force-pump or bellows forcing wind into it by a flexible tube."