LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3110, 30 January 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

■ Wairarapa Election. — This election came off on Saturday last. The following is the return of the polling, so far as we know : — Bunny, 192 ; Andrew, 172 ; Pliarazyn, 94. The Botanic .Reserve. — We learn from the report of the Wellington Philosophical Society that the £50 to be devoted to the improvement of the reserve out of the funds of the society, will be spent in completing the collection of indigenous plants gvowing in the reserve by ike addition of those found in other purts of the colony, and also in providing labels for the principal trees and shrubs along the patlis — giving them popular Maori names instead of their scientific) appellations. This will be accepted as a boon by the general body of the, public, and xro commend the directors for their good taste and thouglitfulness in taking this step. It would indeed be a pity not to see the native names of the New Zealand flora perpetuated as long as possible. A Proposed Concert. — We understand that it is in contemplation amongst onr Wesleyan friends to huve a large vocal and instrumental concert at the Odd Fellows' Hall shortly, and on a far grander scale than anything that has been seen in Wellington. The idea will applaud itself to every one, and we have no doubt that if properly carried out it will prove the initiation of a series of such periodical concerts. Meteor. — A correspondent at Pahatanui informs us that he caught a glimpse of a brilliant meteor on Friday evening laßt, about a quarter past nine o'clock. It appeared to be travelling in a westerly direction and to bo rapidly approaching the earth, at the same time emitting a poworful light, apparently of a blue tint. Boat Rack. — Tho race botween the Inkependent and Faughaballagh to decide which boat was entitled to second place in the four oar race in tho Anniversary Regatta, came off on Saturday evening about six o'clock, und was won by the Independent easily. A number of people assembled on the wharf to witness the race. Tho water was rather rough for pulling as a strong breeze was blowing and some were of opinion that it was not safe te pull the race then, as it is well known that the Innependent is nob adapted for rough water. The crew however were anxious to get rid of the suspense. One or two boats went out in case an accident should occur; but their services were not required. The Canterbury Elections. — The " Lyttelton Times" Boys :— The contest for Christchurch west forms a happy contrast with that of the previous day. A considerable -majority of the electors came to tho poll, and consequently tho right man wa3 elected. On Wednesday, the funciod security of Mr Duncan's supporters was so complete as to prevont tho majority from taking the trouble to record their votes. Yesterday the contest was keen

and well fought out. Mr Richardson was elected beoause the public believe in his principles. He was returned as a supporter of the policy of colonisation a» inaugurated by the present Government, thereby affording another proof that the public are in accord with the views we have advocated since the last session of Assembly. We hare no doubt that if Mr Duncan's supporters hnd been a little more sagacious he also would have been elected, and by ft still larger majority. Excursion Tuir. — The Phcebo Btnrts on her excursion tvip to Nelson to-day at noon. Excursionists will find themselves in time for the anniversary eports, which will take place at Nelson on the Ist of February. A Napier Wobk. — At a meeting held at Napior on "Wodnesday a committee wns appointed to carry out a resolution relative to the erection of a bridge across the entrance to the harbor, from the eastern to the western spit, the bridge to be piled with timber or iron. | Preserving New Zealand Fish.— The " Lyttelton Times" says :— On the laet trip of the Beautiful Star from Akaroa to Timaru, Mr J. Gk Hughes, of the former place, took down a quantity of groper or hapuka fish, for the purpose of testing their fitness for preserving by the tinning process. The fish were duly cooked and tinned at the New Zealand Meat Preserving Company's works, Washdyke, Timaru, and the following are the reports upon them : — " New Zealand Meat Preserving Company, Timaru, January 24, 1871, — I do hereby certify that I have preserved New Zealand groper fish for Mr J. Ot. Hughes, of Akaroa. I can speak from many years' experience in the preserving trade, and have no hesitation in stating that it is equal to any English fish when properly treated. — Richard Buist, Preserver for N.Z.M.P. Co." "New Zealand Meat Preserving Company, Timaru, January 24, 1831. — I have this day tasted groper fish preserved for Mr J. Gk Hughes, of Akaroa. From what I see of it I consider it very suitable for preserving, and a great boon to the country. Akaroa owes Mr Hughes a great deal for the interest ho (Mr H.) has taken in this matter.— John Macintosh, Washdyke, Timaru, New Zealand." We hope that Mr Hughes' endeavors may lead to the introduction amongst us of a new in> dustry. Electioneering- in Victoria. — Everyone in the colonies knows that Mr Michie is an exceedingly able man, and a famous politician and lawyer, yet it will be seen by the following that Victorian constituencies look for another qualification -.— " Mr Michie," sayo the " Gippe Land Times," " doubtless is a very able man, and but for the objection of hla being a total Btranger to the district might have proved very acceptable to the electors, but it is clear enough Mr Michie's only object is to obtain a seat — where, is not to him a matter of any importance at all. It is, however, of the highest importance to the • residents of South Gipps Land that they should return a good local man, who not only understands their requirements, but would have a personal interest in seeing them attended to."