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Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3094, 5 January 1871, Page 2

Theee must be a mistake somewhere •' The extreme provincialists of Otago ar© called on by their organ, the " Otago Daily Times." to oppose the Government policy, because it is fatal to provincialism, and the extreme centralists of Wellington are frantically urged to oppose it because it is friendly to ic. The only candidate, we repeat, that has yet spoken against it the Hon. J. C. Richmond, • and he must, forsooth, be secured for "Wellington. And his most vaunted qualification is his anti-provincialism. But stranger still ! the Constitutional Reform Association have the extraordinary infatuation to imagine that the extreme provincialists of Otago will adopt their ticket. How opinions so discordant can be reconciled they do not attempt to explain. Nor do they explain why the electors at the Hutt should send in a representative who warmly advocates the policy and claims it as his own, and the electors of the city should send in a representative who as warmly opposes it. Some of the " influential gentlemen " of Wellington have a vote for the Hutt. Are they to vote for Fitzherbert, who cannot sufficiently praise the policy, and eagerly cries out, — It is mine, they have stolen it from me — and at the same time vote for Richmond, who cannot sufficiently condemn it, and declares it is absolute rain. Having assisted to save the country by his vote at the Hutt, on the 16th day of January, is an elector to assist in its ruin by his vote at Wellington on the 7th day of February. Is his political creed to resemble a reversible waterproof, and have one side for the country and another for the city ? May he not naturally ask himself the question, " Can I honestly vote for Richmond, who is all against, ■ and at the same time for Fitzherbert, who is all for the Government policy? Am I to help to put in Richmond, who advocates the " sweeping away of provincial institutions," and at the same time try to put in Fitzherbert, who hates the i very sound of the phrase? If lam told that Wellington has lost "its proper position " by the want of unanimity in its members, am I to perpetuate this by voting for two members who will neutralise each others votes ? Am I not assisting to disfranchise the city and the province ? Am I not making our representation in the House of no practical use ? If Bunny, who has most eagerly embraced the Government policy, and for the sake of it " gone over to the enemy," is to get my vote at the Wairarapa, how can I give Richmond my vote in Wellington? These questions are very pertinent, and it becomes every elector to weigh them well. To vote is a privilege, the free and unfettered use of which is now secured by the ballot, and the exercise of that privilege is a grave responsibility. To vote both for and against the same policy is not honest. It is a suicidal act — as foolish as it is wicked. No voter, for instance, who supports Richmond can vote for Featherston ; and if the two were elected Wellington would be far better with no representative at all. The question resolves itself into this — Is Dr. Featherston to represent Wellington in the next Assembly? If he is, then he must be allied with a colleague who will, on Government questions, vote with him. There is not the slightest use in trying to hoodwink the electors any longer by private meetings and public programmes of a so-called Reform Association. The electors now know that it simply amounts to an opposition movement to Dr. Featherston, but that its members have neither the courage nor the candor to say so. They stand now confessed. Their miserable intriguing is now seen through. The curtain is lifted somewhat too hastily we fear from their private rehearsals, and their masquerading operations stand ruthlessly exposed. We have more faith in the good sense of the electors of Wellington than to imagine they can be so easily gulled by "John Plimmer and others." We think they will not for one moment entertain the idea of so far lowering " the proper position of Wellington " by confessing that she contains no citizen fit to represent her, and that the rejected of a small country constituency is good enough for the capital of the colony. Above all, they are not so absolutely far gone as to bolieve that Wellington can gain anything by returning members who will vote one way, while all the other members of the province will vote another. They will insist on the city being represented, not disfranchised. They will 'demand that in the coming session she will not be made ridiculous by returning members opposed to each other. They will not be so ungrateful to Mr Bunny, whose services to the city they have lately been called on to recognise, as to elect a member who, if he is as honest as he is represented, will vote against him. A plain issue is before the electors, on the settlement of which will depend whether Wellington, for the next five years, will be a power or a nullity in the Colonial Parliament.

LOOAL AND G^2fmUZ,\'2^otiA . \ ■•-.•;; PdMtW^ Thb Enscwro^-^Tfie'^tß for, the election! iri for the citj.of JWrfHnJston, the Hutt, aiid Wellington Country have been issued by the Return* ing Officer. The nominations and polling are arranged as follows :— For the pity—- Nomination;: on the 3rd February, at the B.M. Oonrt, and tho F poll, if necessary, to he taken on the 7th ; the ;; / polling places to be at the B.M. Court and the . Market Place of Messrs Bethune and Hunter. For the Hutfc — Nomination on the 12th January, . at the Mechanics' Institute, Lower Hutt, and ■ the poll, if necessary, on the 16 fch ; the polling places to be— jMechanioa' Institute, Lower Hat^ ■■ stockade, Upper Hutt ; schoolhouse, WainoTP omataj and sohoplhouse, Taita. Wellington Country— Nomination at the sohoolhouse, Kaiwarra, on the 13th instant, at noon, and the poll, if necessary, on the 17th ; polling places — Schoolhouse, Kaiwarra warra; sohoolhouae, Karori, premises of J. F. E. Wright, Esq., Goathursfc Farm, Ohiro; premises of Dr Henry Taylor, Johnsonville ; premises of Mr Thomas Floyd Porirua ; premises of Mr London, known as the Barrack, Pahautanui ; premises of Mr Peter Trotter, Makara. The Hon. Mb Biohmond.— We observe that this hon. gentleman has changed his mind since he explained to our informant at Nelson that he would not stand for Wellington. Probably the requisition had not then reached him. Oar informant;, a well-known colonist, now in the city, is indeed a reliable authority, but the hon. Mr Richmond has, it would seem, changed his mind. Re may do so again, Thb Repbesentation op PObibita. — For some time there has been considerable discussion as to whether there would or should be any opposition to Mr Brandon at the approaohing election. Some settlers do not approve of Mr Brandon's political views ; others would like opposition for che sake of a contest. Many would like a more stirring and energetics representative. All, how* ever, have considerable personal regard for Mr Brandon, and there being no political organization, and little political excitement in the district, the seat is pretty certain to be, retained by that gentleman. Pobibita Distbiox.— The Bey. Mr Camming took the customary services of the Eev. John Moir on Sunday last, preaching at the Ferry, Horokiwi, and Pahautanui. At Pahautanui he - expressed the pleasure he felt in listening to the singing of the Pahautanui ohoir, which he de" scribed as very sweet and pleasant. Under the management of Messrs W. Tappin aßd W. A. Carter, the Pahautanui ohoir has made consider* able progress, and for a small country district is very effective. To the EleotobS. — An advertisement in another column announces that Messrs Taylor and Borlase will meet their constituents at the Odd Fellows' Hall on Tuesday next. B. M. Covet. — The only oriminal case that came before his Worship the Besident Magistrate yesterday, was a charge against Edward M'Boberts, a seaman on hoard the Wallabi, for being drunk and breaking glass at the Melbourne Bestaurant. He was fined 10a, and ordered to pay all expenses ; or in default to go to gaol for seven days. Burned to Death.— A single man, named Denis M'Manus, a gum digger, was burned to death in his whare near Biverhead, Auckland. He went to sleep, jt is supposed, leaving a lighted candle burning, and the next morning his charred remains were found. Dujneb and Bah at Wanganttc. — Mr M'Neil, the contractor for the Wanganui bridge, gave his workmen and friends a grand dinner at Wan* ganui on New Year's Day. They returned the compliment by giving a select ball. Both, we are told, were the best things of the kind that have come off in Wanganui. We understand that only four more cylinders remain to be put down. Rifle Match. — In a match fired at the Adelaide Butts on Monday last) between nine of No, 1 Company W.R.T., and nine of the Karori volunteers, the Wellington men made some excellent scoring. The ranges were 400, 500, and 600 yards, seven shots at each range, and any position. The total scores were—No. 1, 420 j Karori, 848. Of No. 1 D. Gray scored 62, Gillon 61, Batham 54, and 50 each for St. George and Webb; Of the Karori men Spiers scored 62, and Lancaster 50. No. 1 Company being victorious in this match has turned the tables, as in the last matoll between the same companies, of eight on each side, and fired on Boxing Day, the Karori com* pany won by 18 points. Mb Psteb Laingl— The numerous friends of this old colonist will be glad to hear that he is progressing towards recovery, though slowly, from a sudden attack of illness that he met with on Monday last, and that prostrated him for the time. Panobama. — It will be seen by an advertise* ment in another column that the citizens of Wei* lington will have an opportunity of witnessing dioramic representations of the most striking scenes on the San Francisco mail route. Such an exhibition cannot fail to be attractive. Anhiybbsaby. — A public meeting in connection with the celebration of the 31st anniversary of the province is advertised to be held this even* ing at the Pier Hotel at half-past 8 o'clock. We hope to see a good attendance. City Council. — A meeting of the members of the City Counoil will be held at their offices on Friday afternoon at half-past 8 o'clock. Benevolent Sooietx. — At a meeting of the Wellington Benevolent Society held yesterday the following sums were paid in a follows : — Paid in by Arohdeacon Stook— Annual ; Mr Logan, £1 -, Messrs Yennell and- Mills, £1 Is ; Mr Moeller, £1 Is ; Mr M'Dowall. £1 Is ; Mr Gib*. son £2 23} Captain Johnston, 10s 6d j Mr Mills, £1 Is j Mr Laing's box, 5s 6d j Mr Seed, £1 Is j Mr W. Kebbell, £1 lsj Mr Coohrane, 10s. Quarterlies: Mr Bamford, 2s 6d ; Mr ß. Hunter, ss; Mrs Farmer, ss; Mr Haokworth, 6s.j Mr Cutbash, 5s j Mr Meek, 5s j Mr Freeman, ss; , Mr Sloan/53 ; Mr Willeston, ss. Total, £12 16s ..; 9d. One case of distress was relieved. Ceicket.— A meeting of the committee of the Wellington Cricket Club was held at Moeller's Empire Hotel, last night to arrange among other business, for a match with the Empire and Star Clubs. However, it seems this match cannot be arranged for neift Saturday, as proposed. We ;• \ hope, however, soon to witness this matoh,whicM we believe, would be almost the most interesting match of the season, and one at which both old : and young crioketers would like to be present, as ;: being a friendly wintest between the men who represent the province, aB orioketers to«day, and those of the future. ' „ \ j.', : -^.v'-'" ; v :^Mt . EBBATUIL---InVo!wlliMfciM^ name of IVfr I^vy anwnj^t the Caledonian Sporti inatead of thaUf Mr Laurif .

Infobmation Wanted.— About six or seven months ago we published the following paragraph :—" A letter has been received by the R.M. of Wanganui, from Manawatu, that a white man (name unknown) went out pig-hunting vith a native, Timiuho, on the 15th. The nativo returned three days afterwards without his companion, whom, he said he had left in tho bush exhausted. Thirty natives went immediately in search of. the missing man, but were unablo to discover any traces of him. Ie is supposed that he died from exhaustion, and that the remains have since been eaten by pigs, as the bush (Oroua) abounds withrthem.'' The paragraph was reprinted in the " Glasgow Herald," whore it met the 'eye of\Tohn Maxwell, 27 William street, Cowoadden, who has written to us in sore distress of mind, as he has reason to fear that the missing roan' may be his son (also John Maxwell), and is anxious for further information. Should any of our readers be in a position to furnish any additional particulars, we shall bo most happy to orward thorn to Mr Maxwell. Inquest. — An inquest was held on Tuesday lasfcon the body of W. Barnes, at North Makara. The following verdict was returned : — " Death was caused by an over dose of opium, administered to hinx by bis wife, for the sole purpose of rolieving'him of excessive pain, Bhe. being- ignorant of the iprobaWe effect of such a dose upon him. It is the opinion of this jury that some stringent measures should be taken by the Government to restrict the indiscriminate sale of drugs, the action of'- which is of a dangerously active or violent character." Titokwabtt.— The "Taranaki News" says :— The statement made in some of the papers that Titokowaru has returned to the neighborhood of the Ngaire is quite without foundation at present ; but itis not at all unlikely that he will come out to settle at Borne.point near the coast this season, unless prevented from doing so. A' Road Steameb;— lt is proposed to place a road steamer on the road between Wakatip, and Kingston in Otngo. . Fibe.— Yesterday morning, shortly after four o'clook, a fire broke out in Mr Williams' store, Tinakori road, and we regret to Bay, both tho premises and stock were totally consumed. The first alarm was given by Mr George Dixon, who resides next door but one to where the fire occurred. His attention was aroused by/hearing a oraokling noise, as if some persons were in his garden destroying his trees j and on rushipgout he observed Mr Williams' store to be^in flames. He immediately gave the alarm, and the neighbor^ at once turned out to render" what assistance they could. By great exertion the furniiu^e^was saved, but the store was one mrfsjj of flame, and it was found impossible to save, any thing it contained. Captain Croucher was moßt conspicuous' in his exertions to save the property ; and it; wa 8 principally through his judgment and advice in removing a stable and sundry empty cases, that the two adjoining buildings were saved from destruction. Tho firebell was rung, and two engines were quickly on the ground, but the fire had made such "progress that nothing else was left to do but to play upon tho burning ruins. They did good service, however, in playing upon the adjoining house, which, although scorohed, has not been destroyed. We understand that Mr Williams has only recently purchased the property, which is insured for £256, but the stock, valued at' £400, is not insured. Fortunately, as is generally the case with fires in Wellington, there was no wind at the time. Caledonian Society.— On Monday last, the directors of this society dined together at the New Zealander Hotel. Dinner was on the table at eight o'clook, and was served in Host M'lntosh's best style. G. Crawford, Ssq, occupied the chair, and Major M'Barnet the vice- chair. After ample justice had been done to the good things of this life, the exertion of the day having no doubt whetted the appetite, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and heartily responded to. The health of the President was proposed by Mr Gilligan, in an appropriate speech, and was drank with three times three, and one cheer more. Mr Crawford thanked the directors for the enthusiastic manner in which they had been pleased to drink his health, and said that it would always afford him pleasure to advance the interests of the aociety. The health of the Vice-President, Major M'Barnet, was then given,. and warmly responded to. The gallant Major, in acknowledging the compliment paid to him, pointed out in how many ways the society might extend its usefulness; and amongst others he alluded to the desirability of establishing an agricultural society, and the formation of a Highland brignde. The suggestions were warmly applauded, and we trust they will soon take a practical shape. Other toasts were given and heartily responded to, and the meeting separated about half-past eleven o'clock, everything having passed off in the most agreeable manner possible. The committee distributed the prizes at the New Zealander Hotelon Tuesday evening. Penny Readings. — Our Karori friends, it will be seen by an advertisement elsewhere, are determined that so entertaining and instructive an institution as penny readings shall .be kept going. The readings for this year will be comme'need at the school-bouse by MrFitzGerald, who will read several selections from popular authors. The "Otago Daily Times."— ln an editorial, on the subject of the letter of the Colonial Treasurer, imputing to the " Daily Times" tho charge, of suppressing a portion of his second speech, and imperfect'reporting which that journal refused to insert, tke " Oamaru Herald" says : — : This is a charge which, if, unfounded, was easy of refutation, and in the interests of the public, as well as for the credit of journalism, a distinct and positive denial, if such can be given should not be withheld for a single hour. We are reluctant to believe that the charges made are well founded, still we cannot disguise the fact that telegrams, correspondents' letters, and other matter published in the "Daily Times," reflect but " one idea" — niggle-naggle opposition to the . Government ; this appears to be the pivot of our contemporary's creed. Mr Vogei is obnoxious, no .doubt, to the editor, but is that a just cause ■why he should be misrepresented, and tho Government with which he is associated incessantly pecked at ? To our mind Mr Yogel has refuted this charge (that of tampering with the tolegrams), and yet our contemporary has not the manliness to withdraw the allegation or support the truth of the assertions, as it pledged itself to do in a court of law. In thus commenting upon the policy of the "Daily Times" wo do bo upon journalistic and not political ground's. If the editor of that paper has recklessly and imprudently made charges whioh he cannot substantiate and wilfully suppressed or misrepresented the explanation given upon this and other subjects, he merits the censure of all journalists and the public geperally. We hope our content

porary will be able* to purge himself from the charges made against him, for until this is done silence -will be accepted aa evidence of guilt. The credit of the Press is involved in this demand. Kaiwabba School Distbiot.— At the annual general meeting of the ratepayers of this distriot, held in the school-room, Kaiwarra, on Friday evening, the 30fch ult., after hearing the report of the auditors for tho post year, which was unani. mously adopted, and hearing the schoolmasters' reports read, which was much approved, the meeting proceeded to consider the appointment of a committee for the ensuing year, when it was proposed by Mr 0. W. Schultze and seconded by Mr Nally :— " That, in consequence of the power of making the rate for the Kaiwarra school having been, taken out of the hands of the ratepayers, no committee be appointed, but that a meeting be held on the third Monday after the prorogation of the Provincial Council." An amendment was proposed by Mr Holmes and seconded by Mr Harris— "That a committee bo appointed." After some speechifying pro and con, the amendment was carried almost unanimously — the proposer and seconder of the original motion only being against the amendment, and for stopping the progress of eduoation in the district, or, in other words, closing the school. The object of the mover of this proposition to thwart the working of the Provincial Education Act Amendment Act, 1869, having beeu thus summarily disposed of, the other routine business of naming the committee, appointing oollectorand treasurer, proceeded as a matter of course, and the mooting broke up apparently well pleased that the utility ©f the present school was not to be interfered with, and its advantages not to be lost to the district. Confirmation. — His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington held his first confirmation on Sunday, the first day of the new year in the native church, Otaki. Nineteen persons, young and old, received tho sacred rite at his handj. It is pleasing to notice that he has thus bestowed upon his late congregation the - first benefits of his episcopal office. There was a very large and attentive congregation present* at both morning and evening services, and about 70 communicants, including those newjy confirmed, partook together of the Holy Communion. The Bishop preached at both services in the Maori language, and his evening service especially, from' Col., second ohapter and sixth and seventh verses, was eloquent, impressive," and'stirring. We trust he may.be spared to begin I many another year in tn is way. The Aub6ba Attstealis. — In an article on the late eruption of Tongariro, which appears in " Nature" for October LBth, Dr. Hector remarks a notable circumstance that on tho sth April last, when. electrical disturbanoeß were co marked in Europe, and brilliant displays of Aurora Borealis were generally observed, the corresponding phenomena of Aurora Anstralis were extremely well marked in the southern hemisphere, and attended also by electrical disturbances of unusual oharacter. It may interest our readers to learn that the brilliant auroral display on the evening of the 24fch October, which was mistaken by many for the reflection in the sky of the great fire at Lyttelton, which occurred on the same date, was also coincident with one of the grandest auroras whioh has ever been observed in England, and the following extract from " Nature" of October 27th relates that it was also mistaken for a conflagration : — " Magnificent displays of Aurora Borealis have been witnessed in London on two nights of the present week — Monday, the 24th and Tuesday, the 25th October. It will be interesting to hear from distant subsex'ibers the extent of the area over which the phenomenon was visible. Apropos of one of these displays, a correspondent of the 'Pall Mall Gazette' thus states the view taken of it by the inhabitants of a little village through which he passed. They were all standing outside their houses gazing at the heavens.- ' There is France for you,' said one of them to me as I approached him. I requested an explanation, and found that not only he bub all his neighours attributed the blood red light in the sky to the burning of Paris. ' Gad, how it blazes,' I heard a man remark. ' They're a gettin' ifc hunder now,' said another, and co on through all the village. At a garden gate of nearly the last house I observed a respectable-looking man with a telescope with which he was rolling the sky. 'It is rum,' he said to me, ' and very sublime ; but the asses, I can't make 'era believe it is only the Southern Cross.' I rather think he was the schoolmaster of the parish." New Luncheon Boom. — Business men and others whose avocations confine them to the city during "mid-day, no longer have as a standing grievance that first-class luncheon rooms are npt to be had. Host Moeller, acting apparently under the impression that the Empire City, having an Empire Hotel, Bhould also - have an Empire luncheon room, has accordingly announced that on Monday next ho will open the lower dining room of the hotel aB a luncheon room, and has placed the superintendence of the cuisine in hands of the well-known cJiefMr Charles Thomas. Tho bill of fare will be suoh v as the house has been famous for. We anticipate, from the position and character of the house, and its management, that such a magnificent room will prove a favorite mid-day resort for business men. Caledonian Society. — It will be seen by advertisement that all accounts against this society must be sent in before to-morrow at noon. We are requested by Mr Dunoan to direct public attention to his sale by auction this day, at 2 o'clock, on the premises, of a valuable freehold property on the Terrace, the property of Captain Fox, late of the Colonial Government service, who, wo understand, is about visiting England.' For particulars of the land and house we refer to the advertisement in another column. Letteb fbom B.ewi to the Abawas. — We (" Thames Advertiser,") have received from Mr J. A. Wilson, recently arrived from Tauranga, the following letter from Rewi Maniapoto to the chiefs of the Arawa tribe, stating the reason for the murder of Mr Todd :— Te Kuiti, December 3, 1870. To Tuki Te Pere, to Pete, and to Rewi, i.e."toa\) Whakaue tribe. Friends, receive our greetings in accordance with our (previous) affectionate assurance. (Referring to recent interviews of the Arawas with tho King at Tokan* gamutu). Friends, a European has been slain by Tipene and Witiora. He was killed at Pirongia. The cause was the surveying of that mountain. This is written that you may see that the root of this European-killing is land. From Manga. Patbiotio. — Under the Verandah tells tho following story: — I have heard a good story about a certain French merchant resident in Melbourne: — One of the officers of the Belliqueuse had some notes of the Bank of France, worth altogether about £30, which ho was desirous to convert into sovereigns. Accompanied by a mercantile compatriot he went to one of the banks and asked to be accommodated. The manager consented, provided the merchant, who i ■ ■

... i ■ •■, ) was a customer, would guarentee the notes. "Yes, 3 sir, I shall with pleasure," was the reply ; " and ) I shall hand down to my children that in the hour of France's danger 1 wa9 asked to guarantee [ the notes of the riohest bank in the world, which , cix months ago had one-third more bullion in its • possession than the Bank of England itself, and ten > times as muoh specie as is in the whole of Australia. For all that, Bank of Franco notes are not at a premium just at present. Tbade with Hawaii. — The "Hawaiian Gazette" of November 25 says— " We have heard that a line of packets is to be put on between this port and New Zealand and Sydney, sailing regularly every four weeks. This is, of course for the carrying of our sugars. We have good reason for believing that' over half of our sugar orop will go in that direction the coming year. The steam line to Australia has opened up to us a new and large market for our produce, which will benefit this country in every possible way, although it will draw a large portion of our business of San Francisco, as the shipping of our produce calls for return cargoes ; hence we may look for a large portion of our supplies to come from the Australian colonies." Sheaeing itndee Difficulties. — Some of tho woolgrowers of Southern Rieerina, reports the "Pastoral Times," "have had extraordinary difficulties to contend against in shearing their sheep. Many of them have been shearing all over their runs, wherever they could get a dry spot and shelter. At Oalimo, on the Edward, 26 miles Jjelow Deniliquin, shearing operations just ! finished^ partook largely of the nautical business — they had to gather their sheep through seas of water, using boats for the purpose. The poor sheep had to swim and wade in some cases for miles to the shearing localities." • Stbange Mibage.— A striking but not uncommon display of mirage in the Gulf of St. Vincent is thus described by the " South Australian Register."— The mirage in the gulf duriDg Saturday and Sunday was also very interesting. On tho approach of vessels they assuraeed most singular shapes, occasionally bordering on tho ludicrous. The Kangaroo steamer from the westward sometimes appeared uncommonly like a mooring buoy, and suddenly changed to a thin streak on the horizon, which in another transformation looked like a small boats with two hands rowing. Further south, the aspect about Glenelgwas very interesting, as occasionally the whole township, with jetty and lighthouse, hotel and churches, could be distinctly seen, and then in a few moments a marvellous change of the atmosphere caused the coastline to absorb the houses. The freaks of the mirage oloud were changing, and to be in a favorable position for observation it was necessary to sail along the coast, where the beautifnl scenes were more like romance than reality. A Monument to Defoe.— On the afternoon of the 16th September the monument over the last resting place of the author of "Robinson Crusoe" was formally uncoverd in,the presence of over one thousand people. It forms an obelisk of Sicilian marble in the Cleopatra's needle form. The base is semi-cruciform, four feet by eight, and the whole is oarved out of two blocks. The total height is seventeen feet, and the cost £207. Upon the front of the plinth is inscribed " Danie Defoe, born 1561, died 1731, author of Robinson Crusoe." This monument is the result of an appeal in the "Christian World" newspaper to the boys and girls of England for funds to place a suitable memorial upon the grave of Daniel Defoe. It represents the united contributions of over 1700 persons. Flax. — Speaking of the flax market^ the " Otago Daily Times," of a late date, says :— Our readers are aware that a large shipment of flax will shortly be sent from this port (Port Chalmers) to Boston, the barque Ousuri having been chartered for the purpose. We believe that about 200 tons will be sent, the flax having been carefully selected in the provinoes. It may be reasonably anticipated that a direct trade with America in this artiole will be established, and if so that the "flax problem" will be speedily solved. Pbeseeted Meat. — An Australian exchange sayß :— Two parcels of preserved meat from the establishment of Messrs Berkleman and Lambert cf B*)ckhampton, Northern Queensland, underwent examination and tasting at the stores of Meesrs Hastings, Cuningham, and Co., Collins street. The meat has been cured by the process employed by Messrs Staiger and Manning, and their Queensland firm, having works on the Bremer Biver, near Brisbane. It is Manning's process improved. Tho exact' nature of the materials employed is eaid to be known only by Messrs Staiger and Manning. The meat is steeped in a solution .for some hours, and then put in kegs or casks, unaccompanied by any packing material. The samples tasted yesterday, were taken from owt. and half-cwt. kegs. It had been cured throe months ago, and the two kegs had stood for the last month in Messrs Hastings, Cuningham, and Ob's stores. The meat was in unexceptional order — fresh, devoid of all unplea* ' santness of smell, or indeed, smell of any kind, and attractive in appearance. This was after twenty or twenty-four hours exposure in the open air. When it came to be cooked and tasted, however, it did not keep up its good character. Portions of boef and mutton were grilled, stewed, and boiled. Tho peices boiled were over boiled f and could not be fairly tested. But the fried and stewed meat had lost the ordinary flavor of meat and acquired instead a peculiar flavor from the chemicals employed ; not strong enough to bo disagreeable •as the meat was taken, but plainly perceptible upon the* tongue after it had been swallowed, and leaving a trace behind it for some t time — say for an hour or two. If it be a sine > qua non to the successful curing of fresh meat that it shall not be endowed with no peouliar i flavor, however slight, then this sample cannot ■ be regarded so successfully cured. Something « has yet to be added to the process to make it what it should be, supposing the parcel tried • yesterday have been properly treated by the i ourers. Acoording to what was stated during . the trial, Messrs Berkleman and Lambert are able , to place fresh meat, cured by this proooss, in the London market at 3d per lb, on account of the , cheapness of fat stdck in their distriot. They do not, it seems, employ a solution of 'one uniform f strength bat regulate the strength according to the time that < the meat is required to keep its , freshaesss. • ' Anotheb Wild White Man,— The followi ing is 1 the last version that comes to us from > Australia of some newly found Buokley. The t Warego correspondent ot the "Pastoral Times," > says : — " A report whioh caused a sensation k ' reaohed the Bullaroo a short time ago; ' Some of I blacks from, the westward, who visit this river i occasionally, reported to Mr Sub-Inspeotor > Gilmour that a white man had recently been>een

with some blacks about 150 miles west of Cooper's Creek. They described him as an old man, quite decrepit, and that when the blacks he was with removed their camp he had to be carried, being doubled up, and quite unabie to walk. He is also said to have been a long time with the tribe. Mr Gilmour, with apart of the native police under his command, went out to the locality described on hearing the report. He is now expected back. There is nothing known of any person being missing from this side, and the place spoken of being so far from the ooast, the natural hope ib that it may be a survivor from Leiohardt's party, j Notwithstanding the many false reportß, and the disappointments we have already experienced, the mystery which involves the fate of that gallant explorer may yet be oleared up."