LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2630, 1 February 1868, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Reception op the Duke of Edinbubgh. — The Committee appointed at the public meeting hold in the Odd Fellow's Hall some time ago to make preparations for the reception of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh are summoned to meet at the Athenaeum at 2 o'clock this afternoon. The correspondence published in our lust shows that the committee have actually done nothing towards the object for which they were appointed, and also clears up any doubt that may have existed with respect to the functions of the committee clashing with those of the Royal Reception Commission. We are therefore glad to see the committee exhibiting some signs of life ; and as they have power to makosuch additions to their number as they may think fit, they may possibly take into consideration the advisability of associating with themselves such persons as may tend to place the committee on a broader basis than it now stands upon.

iVew Zealand Society. — The first annual general meeting of tin's Society was held in the Colonial Museum yesterday evening. In the absence of the President, his Lordship the Bishop of Wellington took the chair. The Secretary having read hid report, a short discussion arose a? to the legality of the election of Governor, which took place lately. As it seemed to be the general opinion that the Society had exceeded its powers in electing a Governor before its affiliation with the New Zealand Institute, Mr J. 0. Crawford announced his resignation, in order to |olve all difficulty. The general business being concluded — Mr Crawford read a paper advocating the use of concrete as a building material. Several papers by Mr Skay were read, upon the following subjects : — Amount of Bilver in gold from Makara ; analysis of the fixed constituents of rain water collected from a galvanised roof; on Bupposed coal from the Auckland Islands ; on extract of towai bark, furnished by Mr Grayling, of Taranaki ; on water from the Wangaehu river, Onetapu desert, Auckland, furnished for inspection by Mr Gilbert Mair; on phosphateoflime for manure, sent by Mr Ryburn, of Auckland, for analysis; on coal from Preservation Inlet, forwarded for examination by Mr Eceles, of Dunedin ; aofces on the proposed substitution of sodium by cyanide of potassium in cer'ain amalgamating processes, for the extraction of gold ftom metallic sulphates, Ac; solubility of the alkaloids generully in certain hydrocarbons, &o ; proposed improvement in the mechanical separation of liquids from each other in certain analyses for alkaloids. Mr Huntley read a paper on some of the colopterous insects which injure fruit and other trees. Mr Crawford read two papers whioh had been transmitted by Dr Hector, viz : a report by Mr Buchanan upon the geology of tho Mutaura district ; and a report by Captain Hutton on the geology of tho Great Barrier Island. One or two other papers whioh had been sent could not be read owing to the lateness of tho hour.

Town Boaed. — A special meeting of the Town Board will be held to-day at one o'clock to pass accounts and consider what it shall do, as a body representing the town, on the arrival of H. B. H. the Duke of Edinburgh.

Half- Holiday.— An order has recently been issued granting Clerks in the Civil Sorviee who may belong to Volunteer Corps a half-holiday per week for ball praotico until the Colonial Prizes have been fired for.

No. 1 Voluntbbbs. — The quarterly meeting of this Company will be at Barrett's Hotel on Monday evening, at 8 o'clock. We hear that aome ladies are working colors for the corps.

N.Z.S.N. Company. — A general meeting of the shareholders of this Company will be hold at the Wellington Athenroum on Monday afternoon next, at 3 o'clock, to eloot an auditor for the current year, and to appoint a date for the next general meeting of the Company.

Tub Next Panama Steamee.— By an advertisement in unothor column, it will bo seen that the Panama steamer Kaikoura will leave on the 7th inst. (in consequence of its being a short month), instead of on the Bth, as usual.

Town Boapd MEEMNG.-^At the meeting of the Board of Works yesterday afternoon, the fol-' lowing business was done:— Mr Brandon ob* tamed the consent of the Board to ah assignment of the lease of certain allotments from Mr Hewitt to the Trustees of the Grammar School/ and permission to erect the necessary buildings thereon ; Mr Brandon also called attention to the state of the two acres behind the General Assembly Buildings, where the slip from Hill street has taken place, and the matter was referred to the Surveyor ; Mr Miller waited on the Board and stated that £20 had been subscribed towards making a street from Bintoul Btreet to Adelaide Road, and requested the Board to call for tenders^ but the Bum not being nearly sufficient, the matter was deferred ; Mr Howard wished to know if the gully in Tasinan street could be filled up, and the matter was referred to the Surveyor; a grant of £06 13s 4d was made to the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade ; the tender of A. Harris and Sons, of 14s a hundred for timber, bsing the lowest was accepted ; the levelling of Brougham street was ordered to be carried out ; it was re. solved that a Btreet should not be made to conneot Tasman street and the Adelaide road, and it was ordered that Lambton t£uay, from Messrs. Joseph's store to Kumutoto street should be widened, and that the Terrace should be metalled from the bridge to Mount street ; before separating, Mr Borlase wished the Board to consider what it should do on the arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh ; and the Board then adjourned till one o'clock this day.

Conceet. — A very pleasant cancert was given last evening in the Odd Fellows' Hall under theauspices of Mr Russell, by the Simonsens and themusical company, the elite of Wellington filling the reserved seats. The programme, which was of the usual mixed kind, inoluded some gems of art, which were rendered with taste, execution, and beauty such as Wellington seldom has the pleasure of enjoying. These alone our limited space will permit us to notice to-day. They were three solos on the violin by Mons. Martin Simongen, who may unhesitatingly be, prononced the first violinist that we have heard in the colony. This is no slight praise, and theaudience last night bore out our opinion by loudly calling for encores, which were kindly responded to, a new and amusing arrangement of «• John Brown," and " The Last Rose of Summer,'* being admirably given. Madame Simonsen's singing was also oharming, far surpassing any we have before heard here. The echo song, "Alas! Those Charms," from Maritana, the"Shadow Dance," and the "Laughing Soag," from Un Jour de Bonlteur, were beautiful, and drew forth repeated encores. They were gems* and alone would well repay an evening with, this talented company.

Musical. — M. and Madame Simonsen are to perform at the Masonic Hall, Hutt, to-night-Our Butt friends have always been great patrons of musio; and we can promise them such a musical treat to-night as they have never yet had in New Zealand. The Simonsens will again make their appearance in the Odd Fellows' Hall on Monday evening, when some new and brilliant selections will be performed. The principal feature of the entertainment will be the execution of the whole of the second act of "Per Freischutz," by Madame Simonson, seconded by Miss Rebecca. Jones. The former lady will also sing a cavatina from Ernani. M. Simonsen promises to give the celebrated Carnival of Venice ; and the evening's performance will be wound up by Arditi's grand concert waltz, " L'Estaai," in which both Madame and M. Simomen wiil take part.

Runaway Hoese.— As Mr Read, the carrier* was driving his van down Willis street, yesterday morning, the horse was started by a gentleman on horseback near Barrett's Hotel, and, the driver losing all control over it, it set off at a mad gallop and Mr Read was almost immediately pitched out, but fortunately was not seriously injuredIn its progress along the beach the horse made a great Clutter, knocking down some verandahposts, and wounding itself deeply by running against the shaft of a cart. When about halfway up the beach the horse managed to detach itself from the vehicle, and Boon after dropped covered with blood and expired.

Sale ax the late New Zealand Timbb. Office. — A sale by auction of the lease of the building lately occupied as the New Zealand Times office, of the furniture, paper, and other effects exclusive of the plant and printing material, and of other properties took place on. Thursday afternoon on the premises. The sale was to commence at two o'clock, and before that hour Mr Venn ell, the auctioneer was present, but some delay arose in consequence of objections being raised against the sale, during which a considerable amount of chaff was indulged in. Mr Brandon, on behalf of Mr J. Martin, the lessor, who has a lien on the stock-in-trade, protested against the sale of the furniture and effects ; Mr Allan was then called in on behalf of the truete© of the estate, and, as he produoed authorities to show that the furniture and effects were not encumbered, Mr Vonnoll, after a great deal of animated, but amicable conversation, proceeded to sell. The property which was first put up wa» the leaae of the office with the improvements at a rental of £250 a year with nearly seven years to run ; possession to be given on Monday next, and plant to be removed ; this was knocked dovna to Mr E. W. Mills, who was the only . bidder, for £50. The 32 feet frontage in Brook street was sold to Mr W. B. Rhodes for 29a a foot, and town acre 147, and the property in Hawkestone street were withdrawn. The office furniture and effects that were sold realised also a considerable Bum,

Wanganixi.— Cobb's coach arrived from Waa» ganui yesterday evening, but brings no news of importance. A smart shock' of earthquake was felt at Wanganui about 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning Mr Curran, brewer, who was run over by some Maories on Saturday night, has died from the injuries ho then sustained. A splendid lot of Prussian carp has arrived from Sydney by the Lady Denison.

Debating Society, — There will be no meeting of the Debating Society until the first Wednesday in April. Supeemb Coubx.— A, notification kas been issued to the effect that William M. Nelson, Esq., Attorney orel Solicitor on the Rolls in Ireland, and formerly IJnder-ShoriJF of the; County Down ia Ireland, having duly passed his examination, has been generally admitted to practice in tb,e Supreme Court of New Zealand, M^a'bfttrißJter and solicitor thereof. ';; V l .

Enquiet tjndee the Wrecks' Act.— An enquiry was held yesterday at the Resident Magistrate's Court respecting the loss of the Bsmeralda off Opara, and was adjourned till today to enable Mr Phnrazyn to bring forward evidence on behalf of Captain Kerr.

Hutt-Manawatit Small Fabm Association. —A meeting of the members of the above Asso oiation took place on Wednesday evening last, January 29th, at the Mechanics' Institute, Hutt •when the rules were finally adopted, and the following gentlemen elected as a Committee : — Alfred Ludlam, Esq., Commissioner, Thomas Mason, Esq., Treasurer ; Messrs lagan, Milne, Burt, McDowall, Sanson, H. Ellerm, G-eo. Farmer, MoKenzie, Phillips, Rush ; Geo. Hedges, Secretary. It was also unanimously agreed that the first payment of £3 per share should be paid on tko first Friday in February, 1868.

Cbicketing. — A meeting of gentlemen interested in cricket, which was very fairly attended, took place on Thursday evening at Osgood's. Mr Buchanan was called to tho chair and a number of rules of a club to bo called the United Wellington Cricket Club were considered and agreed to ; after which the club was formed and a club meeting was held. His Honor the Superintendent was elected President ; C. B. Borlaee, Esq, and Major Campbell vice-Presidents ; J. W. Jordan, Honorary Secretary ; J. W. Tagg, Hon Treasurer j and Messrs W. Bromley, T. Buchanan, CX Crawford, Harris, J. W. A. Marchant, F. Or. Mooro, and S. Waters a committee of management. The annual subscription is 10s 6d, exclusive of 5s entrance fee for paying members, and 21s for honorary members. The Club starts with 40 members. The first practice will take place to-day at 3 p.m., on the new cricket ground (Basin Reserve).

Me Wallace's Auction Sale. — We hare been requested to direct attention to Mr Wallace's sale of household furniture and effects at Mr Duncan's house, Boulcott street, which takes place on Monday next, at two o'clock sharp.

liOTAii Natives. — By an order in Council, dated the Bth inst, certain pieces of land in the town of Newcastle, in the Mangata•whiri reserve, and in the parish of Te Papa are reserved from the lands taken under the New Zealand Settlements Acts, &c, for the purpose of being granted as rewards to the following loyal natives : — Wiremu te Wheoro, Hori Kingi te Anaua, Haimona te Aooterangi, Kawana Puipai, Noa te Rauhihi, Wiremu Barton, Meto Kingi. To Baihi, Hamiora Ta, Te Eetimana te Ao, Tomika te Mutu, and Te Kiika te Mea.

Naturalization. — Letters of naturalization have been issued to Hermann Cohn, of Christchurcl), merchant.

Expoex op Gold. — The quantity of gold exported from New Zealand during the year 1867 •was 686,7530z, and the value £2,700,275. In 1866, 735,3760z, of the value of £2,841,768 were exported. During the period between Ist April, 1857, and the 31st December, 1867, 3,746,2140z, of the value of £14,540,573 were exported from the colony.

Native Lands. — By an Order in Council, the Governor orders that the following duties, in addition to those made payable by the 55th section of "The Native Lands Act, 1865," ehall be paid upon each first sale or other disposal, except by mortgage, of any hereditaments or Native land, for defraying the expense of examining, connecting, and recording surveys under the said Act. On Native land included in one certificate of title ■which shall not exceed 100 acres in area, at the rate of sixpence per acre. Exceeding 100 acres and not exceeding 500 acres, on the first 100 acres — £2 10s. On all exceeding 100 acres — threepence per acre. Exceeding 500 acres and not exceeding 2000, on the first 500 acres — £7 10s. On all exceeding 500 acres— twopence per acre. Exceeding 2000 acres and not exceeding 10,000 acres, on the first 2000 acres -£20. Oh all exceeding 2000 acres — three halfpence per acre. Exceeding 10,000 acres, on the first 10,000 acres— £7o. On all exceeding 10,000 acres— one penny per acre.

. Resident Magisteate. — Robert Parris, Esq., has been appointed a Resident Magistrate for the district of New Plymouth, as the same is defined by a proclamation dated the 29th November, 1867.

Okown Solicitoe. — Henry John Perham, Esq, ofWanganui has been appointed a Crown Solicitor for the Wellington Judicial District.

Trigonometrical Survey. — A notice which appears in Thursday's Gazette states that a trigonometrical survey will be immediately executed over tht district extending from the sea coast of the Bay of Plenty to and around Lake Taupo, and over such districts in that vicinity as the native owners may desire to have surveyed, with a view to establishing their titles before the Native Lands Court.

Mbdioali Boabd. — Mr Leonard Stowe has been gazetted Secretary and Registrar to the Medical Board.

MABSACBB IN THB SOUTH SEAB.— Captain Delaney and the crew of the Marion Renny, Bave one, who had fortunately remained on the island of San Christoval, have been murdered by the natives of Rubiana. The vessel has since been purchased from the natives by the mate of the Chance and brought to Sydney.

Emotion.— The nomination of candidates for the honor of representing Westportin the Nelson Provincial Council took place on Saturday last, when five gentlemen, Messrß Graham, Crate, Goodwin, and Smith were duly proposed aad seconded. Upon a show of hands being taken, Mr Graham was found to have had the greatest number of handß held up for him. A poll wad demanded.

The Late Fiee at Brighton. — Upwards of £230 was collected at Brighton within twentyfour hours for tho relief of the sufferers by the late fire there.

Webleyan. — A Wesleyan Church will shortly be erected at Weatport.

Emigration to Abyssinia. — The Weslport Times guys that several of the people of West port are making preparations for emigrating to Abys-

sinia.

New Opera.— Foreign pnperß mention "II Pozza d'Amore', as the title of an opera in preparation by II Mffi6tro Albimi, ••the author of several musical works much admired in Ituly."

Education in Turkby.— The Sultan's journey to 'civilised parts lias already had a result. A Bebool will be shortly opmed at Constantinople thf united instruction of 300 Christian and 300 for Mussulman children.

.Absconding "with £80,000.— The Fall Mall Gazette's Liverpool correspondent, elates (hut 1 lie principal of a firm of solicitors in Liverpool is reported to have absconded with about £80,000, obieflv trust xnonejs.

Fatal Accidents in the Collingwood Distbiot. — A correspondent sends the Colonist the following information of three fatal accidents, which have recently taken place in this district A Maori who went out on horseback from the Aorere pa never returned alive, but his horse came back shortly afterwards with one of the arms of the unfortunate man hanging to a piece of ropo attached to the animal's neck. Search was made, and the . native was found lying dead on the road side, the arm having been literally dragged from tho body, apparently by the struggles of the animal. Another native, in attempting to cross the Aorere river, whioh was in a state of flood, was carried off his feet and drowned. The third case is that of a Maori who, perhaps through being deprived of sight in one of his eyes, mistook a bottle of eyewash which his wife was using for opthalniia for wine, and incautiously drank the contents, which caused his death shortly afterwards.

Emigbants' Ideas.— The Daily News tells an amusing story as illustrative of the correot opinions which intending emigrants entertain concerning colonial customs : — " A girl called at Miss Rye's office on Tuesday for information about the colonies. Seeing she had many misgivings about life in Australia, Miss Rye asked what she considered the special drawback to living in Victoria, to which question she received the ensuing answer : 'Oh (with a long sigh) I do hear out there they does perch upon the trees.' " Masonic. — On the evening of the 21st the Thistle Lodge of Westport, Scotch Constitution, was opened at the Court-house, when thirty-eight of the initiated were present. The occasion was celebrated by a banquet. Telegraph Communication.— The Grey River Argus of the 21st says : — " The line for the telegraph wires from Greyraouth to Westport has been cut for a distance of about twelve miles, which brings the route up to a point where very little cutting is required for about twenty miles. The surveyor expects that the line will be bo far laid out that the suspension of tho wires may be commenced in about a month. It is expected that the telegraphiccommunication with Brighton, Charleston, and Westport will be established some time in March."

Pur Not Youb. Trust in Peinces.— The Age t whose mission it appears to bo to " do " the radical portion of the business with respect to the Duke of Edinburgh, tells a curious story about Mrs Hicks: — "It will be remembered that we published the particulars of the case of Mrs Hicks, the Hyde Park cake-seller, who was unceremoniously ejected from the cottage she held by royal favor, in order that the contractor for the sale of cakes in the Ghvat Exhibition should not be interfered with ; and who, tired out with ineffectual efforts to obtain a hearing of her case, procured funds wherewith to emigrate to Victoria, by the sale of a little brochure by Charles Dickens — " The Cake-seller's Story." We told how tlie bidly-used woman clung to the belief that if she could get her case fairly luid before the Queen, she would have justice done to her. The arrival of the Duke of Edinburgh was hailed as a fuvorablo opportunity. Sho accordingly addressed to him a registered letter, requesting his aid in petting her claim investigated. In doing so, she showed a bravo and independent spirit, ropudiating the idea that she wished anything in the shape of charity. The reply, penned by that " polite letter-writer," the Duke's Mentor, Mr Eliot C. Yorke, can only be looked upon as adding insult to injury, and the brave old lady, having learnt in the mosf, unmistakable way, the truth of the scripture, " Put nob your faith in princes," will no doubt continue to occupy her hut on Snapper Point beach without making any more efforts to obtain justice. Mr Yorke's letter is worthy of perusal for several reasons : — ' Toorak, 3rd January, 18H8. — Madam, — I nm directed to inform you that the calls upon the bounty of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh are so great and numerous, that H.U.H. is unable to comply wilh your request. — Your most obedient servant, Eliot C. Yoeke, Equerry-in- Waiting. To Mrs Ann Hicks, Old Hut, Beach, Schnapper Point, Mornington.' " American Demands upon the Fijis. — The B.M. Herald, of Ihe 4rh, states :•—" The American demands made on Fiji are far from being so likely to bo settled ; the last visit of the Tuscarora ship of war. Captain Stanley, has, however, left Thackambau with an ultimatum that unless by the Ist May, the 80,000 dollars now so long outstanding, be paid, the American flag would be hoisted on the group. And we believe Thackambau is nothing loth to encourage the foreigner, as it puts a stop to the aggression of any neighboring chiefs, especially King George, of Tonga. To this gentleman Captain Stanley explained his mind pretty freely, and left him with the understanding that any movement on his part to hostilize Fiji before the American demand was satisfied, would be visited by him in a sharp and decisive manner. There is no doubt the Americans would step outside the four corners of the Constitution Act to get hold of a group of islands forming so important a link in the Polynesian chnin, and when the leading chiefs would quietly yield their claims." Oil Spuing. — Mr R. H. Coe, C.E., says in a letter to the Qrey River Argus, written from the Sandhills, is that an oil spring, about which I am not at liberty to say much at present, has also been discovered some miles from this place. I showed the man who pointed it out to me, a specimen of petroleum shnle I happened to have with me, and recommended him to bore in an inexpensive manner, which I instructed him in. If not proved valuable as a light, it may bo highly so as a lucubrator for the numerous machines now erected in Charleston.

Fatal Accident at Mohikinui.— The Westport Ledger of Jan. 17 says :■— " A sad accident occurred at the second township on Tuesday lust, to a sen of William Clutterbuck, aq;od eighteen months, who was found by the mother drowned in a water hole behind the premises. He Btrayed out of the house by the book door, and was only out of sight of the mother for about five minutes Life wa3 perceptible for about an hour afterwards, and every restoration was applied without avail. [ have no doubl , had a skilful person been in attendance, his life might have been saved."

Wanganiji Land. Bpilding, and Investment Society. — The nnnunl general meeting of this society was held in the Odd Fellows' Hull, Wangauui', on Thursday. Tho retiring directors viz : —Messrs T. B. Taylor, T. W. Gudgeon, E. Broughton, W. Kirk, E. Howe, T. McDonogh, and J. Scott, were all re-elected. The report and balance sheet were then rend and adopted. The balance sheet showed a net profit for the past year of £468 13 d Id, being £158 3a 7d mors than that of the preceding year. The Directors have declared a dividend of 89 9d per share, being equal to 13 per cent per annum on the amount paid up. They are able to invest all the money at their disposal, but the average premiums have fallen from £2 Is 9d a share, the average of tho previous veir to £1 10s lOd, the average of that now closed. The highest premium obtained during the year was £2 12s 6d, and the lowest £1 Is.

Stoiim Signals. — A great compliment has just I been paid to the talents of the late Admiral Fitzroy. Captain <Je Rostaing, of the French Navy, who is the head of the meteorological service at. the Ministere do la Marine, hns made an examination of the predictions as to the went her on the north and west coast of France during the winters of 1865, 1866, and he finds that the London prophecies as to weather in the Channel and in the ocean came right 89 times out of 100. The French Admiralty prides itself very much on having adopted the system inaugurated, and, indeed, invented by tho lato lamented Admirul Fitzroy. Literary.— Mr Kinglnke has two more volumes of his " Invasion of the Crimea" in the press. Ihish Ciiubch Commission.— An Irish Church Commission baa been appointed, composed of Karl Stanhope, the !<arl of Month, Viscount do Vesoi, Sir Joseph Napier, Colonel Robert Alexander Shalto Adair, Mr John Thomas Ball, Doctor of Laws, the Queen's Advocate in Ireland; Mr Evelyn Philip bhirley, Mr Georgo Chve, and Mr Edward Howes.

Bishop Sblwyn on the Maobis. — The Bishop of New Zealand, addressing a meeting in support of the Society for tho Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, held in Belfast, spoke very favourably of the natives. It was thn force of j circumstances, he said, whioh drove them to rebel. They were as hospitable a people as the Irish. He could assure the audience that no murderous spirit, no rancour, was in their hearts. They were full of a desire to be united to the English nation*. They had come to him and given him land, described in their own words thus : — " We give this as a site for the college for the two races, to be brought up together as one people in the fear of G-od and in love of Christ, and in obedience to tho Queen."

Fibk AT Westpobt. — On Sunday the Westport Times reports that about four o'clock, the inhabitants of Freeman street were alarmed by the Btnell of fire, and almost immediately afterwards flames were seen to issue from Mrs Quartly's Ship Hotel. A number of the neighbors, headed by Mr Melville, proceeded to the spot, and rendered all the assistance in their power, and the fire was soon put out, but not till the kitchen where the fire originated was conBurned. The firo was caused by the calico of the kitchen becoming ignited in consequence of the heat emitted by the chimney.

Seiztteb op a Still. — A still was very recently discovered in full working order in a cave among the rocks, a little way on the road between Westport and Charleston, together with about four casks of liquor ready for working. The casks were at once broken, and the remainder of the plant conveyed to town. There were no people on the premises at the time of the discovery, and the offenders are still at liberty.

The Caledonian Lead. — The Westport Times states that everything in this district wears an aspect of business and stability that augurs well for its future success. Two large streets hare been formed, and the whole of the sections have been taken up, while public houses and stores are going up in all directions. On New Ballarat the building of the huts and preparing timber for blocking out is the order of the day. There is a goodly sprinkling of the fair sex. and the township present quite a busy appearance — there being about 600 persons up on tho leads. On the Middle or Cornish Terrace, a new rush took place on Friday. Russell and party, after seven months race-cutting hare struck on splendid go.'d, which will pay them for all their trouble and outlay Hughes and party's cluim on the terrace is also paying very well— the washdirt yielding from £20 to £25 per week per man. The German Terrace is also looking well, and there are a great many people prospecting on both sides of the terrace. Mr Dewdney is busily engaged in erecting a substantial butcher's shop on the lead, whiuh show.* thafc he as one of the Caledonian Rush, must be satisfied with its permanency.

An Intebestino Ceremony. — A correspondent , of a Buller pupor writes from Charleston : — What may be considered a new era in cement crushing was inaugurated on Thursday afternoon, with the christening of tha " Band of Hope" machine, situate on the brow of the Black Lead Terrace, overlooking the valley of the Nile. The battery of six stampers is driven by a small Bteam engine, with a cylinder not much larger than a good sized Wellington boot, yet of 4 horse-power ; and if we except the battery worked for a short time by Mr Wees' engine, is the first instance in this district of the application of Bteam power to such a purpose. Having been duly christened by Mrs Pierro, the engine — a. compact affair, built to order by Ivey and Co., of Balkrat — was set agoing, and for a first essay appeared to do very well, though it was soon seen that .an improvement might be made by altering the relative sizes of the driving pullies. An adjournment then took place to a convenientspot where there was a table spread with refreshments, and Mr Bain proposed success to the Band of Hope and the shareholders, Angus Davidson, and party, which was of course enthuriasticully drunk. Among other toasts which followed was " the Ladies," to which for a long time the chairman (Mr Jones) could get no one to make a response. The scene was graced by a large sprinkling of the fair sex, whose many charms failed for some time to inspire any of the young men to come forward as their champions. On such occasions one cannot help feeling regret at the custom which excuses ladies fron> speaking, and thinking that the usage would oftimes be more honored in the breach than observance •

Bell's Life in Victoria. — Bell's Life in Victoria has been purchased by the proprietors of the Australasian.

Eabl Russell's Education Resolutions.— The following were tho resolutions on the subject of National Education which were moved by Earl Russell in the House of Lords, and, as telegrams inform us, negatived by the " previous question" being moved and agreed to : — " 1. That in the opinion of this House the education of the working classes in England and Wales ought to be extended and improved ; every child has a right to the blessings of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right. In the opinion of this House the diffusion of knowledge ought not to be hindered by religious differences ; nor should tho early employment of the young in labor be allowed to deprive them of education. 2. That it is the opinion of this House that Parliament and Government should aid in the education of the middle classes by providing for the better administration of charitable endowments. 3. That it is the opinion of this House that the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge may be made more useful to the nation by the removal ot restrictions, and by the appointment of. a commission to consider of the better distribution of their large revenues for purposes of instruction in connexion with tho said universities. 4. That the appointment of a minister of education by the Crown, with a seat in the Cabinet, would, in the opinion of this House, bo conducive to the public benefit."

TUX MABCIIIONES3 OF QtTEESTSBEEnT AND the Condemned Fenians. — While Lartiin, Q-ould, and Allen were lying under a sentence of death in Manchester gaol, thej received the following letter from the Marchioness of Queensberry, accompanied by a cheque for £100:—" My dear friends — It may be that these few lines may ruin inter some consolation to you on your approaching departure from this world. I send you by the hands of a faithful messenger some help for your wife, or wives, and children in their approaching irreparable loss, and with the assurance that as long as I lire they shall be cared for to the utmost of my power. Mr M'Donnell, the bearer ol this for me, will bring their address and the address of the priest who attends you. It will also be a comfort for your precious souls to know that we remember you here at the altar of God, where the daily remembrance of that allglorious sacrifice on Calvary for you all is not neglected. We have daily muss for you here, md if it be 80 that it pleuses the good God to permit you thus to be called to Himself on Saturday morning, the preciouß body and blood of our Lord and Saviour, and our Friend, will be presented for you before God at eight o'clock on that duy, that blood so precious which cleanses from all sin. Muy your laßt words and thoughts be Jesus. Rest, on Him who is faithful und willing, and all-powerful to save ; rest on Him and on His sacrifice on that cross for you, instead oi' you, and hear Him cay, 'Today thou shalt be with me in Purudise.' Yet will . we remember your souls constantly at the ullar of God, after your departure, a 9 well as those whom you leave in life. Fan-well, and may Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, save us all, and giro you His last blessing upon earth, and an eternal continuance of it in Heaven. Caholine Queensbkuuy, Ventnor, Isle of Wight." The convicts expressed the warmest gratitude to the marchioness lot her coupling It tier and the accompanying gift.

Veky Good.— Cham has a moßt apropos caricature in Charivari. A severe looking sclioolinubter with t-pectai-leß on Itis nose, upbraid* v buy, whose cjcb are wandering from hia book, and says to him. " JEspece de canere, when ure you going to Biudy your Roman history?" The boy answers, " I am wuitiug for it to be finished."