LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2820, 8 April 1869, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Movements of the Prince. — The Duke of Edinburgh, we understand, will bo accompanied in his visit to the South Island by his Excellency the Governor, but not by any member of the Ministry. His Eoyal Highness is expected to roach Dunedin on the 20th instant, and will remnin about ten days in Otago, leaving direct for Auckland about the 30th. The Hon. J. C. Richmond. — We learn that this gentleman was to leave Taranaki by tho first steamer for- Auckland ; his stay there will be confined to a few days, when he will return to Wellington by the East Coast. Meeting- at Takanaki. — A. largo public meeting wns held at Taranaki on Saturday last, at which, the Hon. J. 0. Richmond attended and spoke at great length. A motion of " want of conQdonco " was proposed and negatived by a, largo majority. Geneeal Assembly. — An. unusually largo infusion of new blood is likely to bo apparent in the House of Representatives next session. In addition to Messrs. HuM, George Graham, Cox, Hepburn, and Paterson, whose seats aro already filled up, we believe that Mr Mitchell has resigned his seat for Waikouaiti, that Mr Gallagher is about to resign his seat for Westland North and that Mr Campbell, the member for Oamaru, has left the colony on a visit to England. It was understood that be would resign his seat before he left, but it seems doubtful whether ho did so. j If not, Oamaru will be unrepresented next session. It is said that tho newly elected member for Newton, Mr Creighton, is likely to resign immediately, having accepted a situation in the " fourth estato" in one of tho Southern provinces. The Trickeb Commission. — We hear that tho Commissioners appointed to enquire into the case of the convict Trieker, now undergoing penal servitude for the murder of Mr Eayner, have completed their labors and reported. Wo have not been able to learn tho precise nature of tho conclusion arrived at, but we believe that tho immense mass of evidence taken doos nob throw any new light on tlje affair, and that the result of the commission is to leave tho matter in exactly tho same unsatisfactory condition it was in prior to the investigation. Militia Ofmcees. — We believo that Colonel Reader has requested all tho Militia officers to appear in uniform on the wharf on the occasion of the landing of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. Two Troopers Dbowned. — With reference to this accident we give the following extract from a dispatch from Colonel Gorton, dated Wanganui, April 4 : — The mounted division under SubInspector Richardson arrived here at about 10 a.m. to-day. I ordered them to march direct to tho punt and to allow no men to leave their horses when on the other side of the river. . . In crossing the river, Constable Thomas Jones tried to tako his horse on tha punt when, it was full, although told not to do so by the SergeantMajor. He, however, persisted, and rode towards tho punt, when his horso immediately got out of its depth (the tide being low at the time). Constable Weston jumped in to save Jones, and both were unfortunately drowned. Several others jumped into tho river to try and save these men. . . . . I crossed tho river, and never left tho troop till I saw them off to Turakina Tho troop had not gone a mile before Constable Cobine was thrown from his horso, and tho first report I received was that ho was dead. He is severely hurt, and has been taken to the Hospital. Sunken Vessels Company. — The Australian Sunken Vessels Recovery Company has arrived at a point when tho shareholders indulge in desperate gleo over their mishaps. Erom tho report of the last meeting of the Company taken from our Victorian files, tho thing may bo considered practically defunct. The proceedings of the meeting concluded with a wish on the part of Mr Moss, to the effect that sunken vessels and all appliances connected therewith should in future be allowed to go to a warmer place than that occupied by tho City of Launoesfcon.

Reception Donras.— A meeting of the Re- \ ception Committee was held yesterday afternoon at the Town Board Eoom, and was well attended. J. Dransfield, Esq., in the chair. This is the last meeting to be held by the Committee previous to the arrival of the Prince, as all the arrangements have, been determined upon. The procession committee brought up a report which was agreed to, and the matter lefb entirely in the hands of the committee. A resolution requesting the Committee to communicate with the Colonial Secretary, suggesting that he should proclaim the day of the Prince's landing a general holiday. Several bonfires are to be lighted: one on Picnic-hill, Tinakori Eoad ; one on the Terrace behind Mr Barraud's j one at Goathurst farm ; • one on Mount Victoria ; and one on Soames' Island. In order to ensure a simultaneous illumination, a rocket will be sent up from Mount Victoria at 9.30 p.tn,. as a signal for the bonfires. Arrangements have also been made to have a pyrotechnic display on the reclaimed land, the Government having kindly placed the material at the disposal of the Committee, as well as some kauri gum. Several members of the clergy of various denominations having expressed a wish to join in the procession, we observe that tho Committee have assigned a place for this important representative body in tho revised programme which we publish this morning, and to which we beg to draw particular attention for the guidance of bodies joining the procession. Reception Preparations. — What with a general influx of visitors, including a troop of red-shirted cavalry, nob to mention hordes of Maoris as ragged as Lazarus, whom no one would accuse of lifting linen from every hedge, the town has had a most animated appearance for the last five days. Flag-poles and transparencies meet the eye everywhere, and one can but marvel at the foliage of bunting which may spring into bloom at a moment's notice. On the first Ton the south side of the Queen's Wharf, a landing stairs has been fixed for the landing of His Eoyal Highness. Several tall poles surmount the land-ing-place, and from thence the way is lined with poles a few paces distant to the end of the wharf, where are placed two tier of seats for the fair denizens of .Wellington, who may obtain a seat and a peep at His Eoyal Highness for the small modicum of half-a-crown ; nor is this the only mark of consideration for the ladies ; for a large staging has been erected with a Biniilar view in front of the Supreme Court. The Beach and Grey street may be literally said to be under bare poles, for almost every business place of any importance has pole 3 raised on its roof. Frames for transparencies are also a prominent feature, many of them already displayed to view, all of which we shall take a future opportunity of noticing. Altogether the arrangements are very good, and, by the help of flags, foliage, and lights, we expect both the day and the night of His Eoyal Highness's arrival will present a right joyous app earance. We understand that every precaution has been takea in case of fire occurring at the Government Buildings on the night of the ball to be given during the visit of Pis Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Captain Moss, of the Central Volunteer Fire Brigado, who has charge of the General Government engine and hydrants, offered to place a watch of twelve men round the buildings on that night, which has been accepted by the Hon. E. W. Stafford. Pbize Essays. — There must be a large mine of undeveloped literary and political ability in this colony if we may judge from tho fact thafc the offer by the Government, on the recommendation of the House of Eepresentatives, of three prizes of £50, £30, and £20 respectively for the three best essays on the means of promoting the permanent settlement of tho Goldfields has induced some forty individuals to compete. The judges who have the pleasant task of picking out the three best of those forty essays are Messrs J. C. Crawford, W. B. D. Mantell, and A. Domett. The absence of the latter gentleman has interfered with the adjudication being made yet, but as he is expected from the South to-day, he and his colleagues will, no doubt, at once address themselves to an examination of the respective essaye. If they can make an award satisfactory to themselves or to any one else except the fortunate winner of the £50, we shall be much surprised. It will bo interesting to see how the different essay ists have dealt with the premises laid down in the latter part of the theme, and which* affirm some very original ideas in political economy. Easter. — A most extraordinary ecclesiastical mistake appears to have been made in the Southern hemisphere regarding Good Friday and Easter Day this year, by which these days were held a week before their proper time, thus throwing the whole calendar for the year wrong. According to the rule of the Eomi sh and English Churches, founded, we believe, on the Jewish rule for regulating the Passover, Easter Day (on which all the other moveable feasts depend) is the first Sunday after the full moon which happens upon or next after the 21st day of March, and if the full moon happens on a Sunday, Easter Sunday is the Sunday after. This is the rule given in the book of Common Prayer, and in the table of the moveable feasts for the present century, Easter Day 1869 is put down for tho 28th March, the full moon occurring on the 27th. In this hemisphere, however, the full moon does not occur until several hours later, or on the morning of the 28th. Last Sunday and not the Sunday before (which was really Palm Sunday) was Easter Day, and last Friday and not the Friday before was Good "Friday. The mistake arose from tho date given in the calendar being accepted without its accuracy as regards us being tested by calculation. It will probably be centuries before such a thing occurs again, but the mistake having been made it is difficult to see how it is to be rectified so as to make Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, and Trinity Sunday fall on the proper dates. Greytown Cavalry.— The Greytown cavalry paraded on the reclaimed land yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. They were put through several evolutions by Capt Boys and showed great efficiency. As the Duke of Edinburgh has not yet arrived, and as those men have come a long distance at their own expense to welcome him , it does seem hard that the Government should not afford them some pecuniary aid. We believe the matter has been brought under the notice of Colonel Haultain, and we do trust that the Cavalry will be liberally dealt with. Should hi Eoyal Highness not arrive to-day the Cavalry with leave for Greytown to-night. This will be a great pity, as their presence would do much to render the reception a success.

[ Colonel Whitmobe was expected to reach New Plymouth yesterday (7th April). The Campaign in Tabanaki. — By information received on the sth, we learn that the Ngatimaniapoto are in force (400 or 600) at Mokau, intending to occupy Pakearuke, or oppose its occupation by our men. Colonel Whitmore on receipt of thisintelligonce,abandonedhis intended advance on Ngahere and moved his main body behind the mountain towards Waitara. -The Ngatimaniapoto are short of food ; their cultivations are supposed to be on the Upper Mokau. The volunteers — European and Native — are eager to meet the enemy. Old natives think this a very great ancestral take, and want to revenge Pukerangiora. Most of the natives are well digposed. The report that the Ngatimaniapoto are acting under orders from the King isnotconfirmed and is not thought to be true. 'Canterbury and Westland. — Mr E. 0. J. Stevens,M.H.K.,and Mr "W.H. Harrison, M.H.E., the arbitrators in the matter of the adjustment of the debt between Canterbury and Westland, have for some time past been engaged in taking evidence on the subject in both Canterbury and Westland. A considerable mass of evidence has been accumulated, but the arbitrators, while agreeing that territorial value, and not population, should be the basis of adjustment, differ greatly as to the debts incurred by Canterbury which may fairly be brought to account against Westland. Being unable themselves to arrive at a satisfactory decision on the points at issue, they have adjourned to this city, and arrived here by the Lord Ashley on Tuesday, for the purpose of referring the matter in dispute to the decision of the umpire, Mr J. E. FitzG-erald. The Bribery Case (Victoria). — The Select Committee, which have been Bitting on this case for some time in the Parliament Buildings, Melbourne, has not yet brought its investigations to a close. The last " Argus" contains no less than a twelve column report of the proceedings for one day (the 23rd). H.M.S. Blanche's Accidental Fund. — It is the intention of the crew of the Blanche to give a minstrel performance at an early date at the Odd Fellow's Hall, when we have no doubt they will be well patronised by the Wellington public, as the entertainment is for a charitable object. Due notice of the performance will be given by bills and advertisement. . " .> ; Oyster Saloox. — We have been required to call attention to an advertisement in'^otheucolumn, announcing that Mr Morris has opened . an oyster saloon, next door to the Empire Hotel. For some time past there has been no place in town where this wholesome and nutritious shellfish could be obtained, and the opening of this jaloon will therefore supply a want much felt. A Prolific G-bain. — A late " Argus" has the following : — " A bundle of wheat containing fifty- . eight stems and as many ears, the pi-oduce, it was said, of a single grain, has been shown at Daylesford, the stems were 4ift, and the ears s£in. The specimen was grown by Mr Robert Rowe, of Comoora, who has nearly a quarter of an acre of the same kind of wheat it seems almost incredible that so many stems should spring from one root, but there was no deception in the mattex*." Legislation in Queensland. — In Queensland the members of the Legislature appear to be rather indifferent to the exercise of the honors which have been imposed on them. On the day when Parliament was called together there was no quorum. On tho next day a meeting was not expected, because many . who were present on the first day had returned to their homes. It was hoped, but apparently without much feeling of certainty, that a house might be made on the third day. An Obstinate Juryjian. — The "Argus". of the 24th says : — " The jury in Ah Coy's case, after being locked up for nienty-seveu and a half hours, have at length been discharged. Last evening they sent a petition to his Honor, the purport of which did not transpire, and on being brought into court, the foreman stated that he and two other jurors were suffering from serious illness, and that few of them would be able to keep their health much longer under the lengthened confinement. His Honor made some remarks upon the great inconvenience of juries disagreeing, and ultimatly said that, under the circumstances he would not detain them any longer. Eleven of the jury were agreed upon a verdict, and the sufferings they underwent are entirely owing to the obstinacy of the twelfth man. N There is a probability of Ah Coy being tried again during the present sittings." Fast Viotokia— -Messrs Stevenson and Elliott, coach-makers, of Lonsdale and King streets, are just about to introduce to the upper circles of Victorian life a description of vehicle never before seen in the colony. It is that time honored aristocratic institution, the " four-in-hand drag," of which they have manufactured a fine specimen in the shape of a vehicle the facsimile of that which most of our readers will remember as occupying a prominent place in Friths picture of the " Derby Day." It is of the latest English pattern and improvements, and in lightness of build, beauty of ornament, and perfection of finish, can certainly vie with any imported carnage. It will hold inside and out eighteen persons," and is fitted with powerful break. We are informed that that this drag is to make its appearance at the next races and will be driven about Melbourne to-day. — " Argus," Illegal Practices. — The Lyltelton Times of the 24th says : — During the sittings in Chamber yesterday, his Honor remarked that some one waa acting illegally in presenting papers iv bankruptcy cases, as he observed them to be nearly all in the same handwriting where bankrupts were not represented by counsel. He thought the legal profession should take some steps for their own protection. A Novel Hunt. — A novel hunt was got up at the river Forth (says the " Cornwall Chronicle). Mr Jones gave an unbroken mule commonly called a " Jerusalem pony," to be ruu for on horseback, whoever could catch Mm to become the owner — the mule to have 200 yards start. At 3 o'clock on Saturday tho mule was led to the Forth. Heads, and a capital start effected ; over a dozen riders in full jockey costume went after him ; and after three hours' hard run through the bush, over fences &c, the mule was caught by Mr John Williams, of Hamilton. Several of the hunters got awkward spills ; but, saving a few contusions, and one horse getting staked, no accident occurred* Large Oyster. — One of these bivalves was was lately taken iv a net by some fishermen on St. Kilda Beach. The shell is fin. by 6in. and is certainly an extraordinary specimen. .Celestial Fishermen. — That usually indus< j trious and generally useful class of the community, th# Chinese fishermen, appears to ply a lively trade on Sundays, a day not set apart for rest and worship in the revelations of Confucius. Yesterday morning, at St. Kilda, from sunrise to the breakfast hour, two drag-nets wore cept constantly at work to the delight of the boys and the beholders, and several good hauls offish were secured. The variety was great — flounders, flathead, and eels, salmon u (colonial), butter fish, shark, polypi and jelly fiah, and every kind of saltwater fish was brought out of the water and carefully basketed. John tried to push a sale or two with the bystanders, whom the oppressive sultriness of the 'morning had brought down • to the bathing ship in larger numbers than ordinary ; but, generally speaking, his quotations were „ a little in advance of buyers' views.

Strangk Accident. — The " Ballarat Star" mentions that " an extraordinary accident happened to Mr John Good all on Saturday, when writing in his office, Mining Exchange. Some of the office boys were playing in tho hall and broke a window, and a large piece of glass fell on Mr Goodall's right hand, cutting it across. Some sinews and a large vein were cut, and the blood squirted out all over the table, while one finger dropped down, and was quite powerless. Mr Gtoodall had the wound dressed, and it is feared that he will not recover the use of the linger most severely injured. The serious nature of the accident to a business man caused much sympathy for Mr Goodall." The Coloniatj Tit ape. — The trade between the Clyde and the vdrious ports in the Australian colonies and New Zealand has, after a period of steady declension, again revived, though it is still far "below what it was so recently as 1864, when the number of vessels that left the Clyde for our Australasian dependencies was 42, and the amount of tonnage 30,000 tons. From this point the trade gradually fell off till in 1867 it only showed 18 vessels and 14,560 tons. In 1868, however, there was a, marked increase, the number of sailings having been 27, with a tonnage of 20,250 tons. The decrease has been principally in the 'New Zealand trade, though Melbourne has also contributed its share. Three new screw steamers and five new sailing vessels sailed for Melbourne in 1868, and ten new sailing Bhips for Sydney.