LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3123, 14 February 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

♦ „, The Swedish Immigrants.— The Government p.s. Luna left yesterday afternoon for Manawatu with those of the Swedish immigrauta who aro to be located ou a piece of land in the Rangitikei-Manawatu district. The Luna on her return will, we aro informod, visit the principal lighthouses in Cook's Strait —Mana, Farewell, and Cape Campbell ; after which she will return to Wellington. On Friday next the Luna will leave Wellington for southern porta to pick up the Middle Island volunteer representatives, going as far as the Bluff, calling on her return at Port Chalmers and Lyttelton, and is expected to leave thia for Manukau via Picton, Nelson, Wanganui, and Taranaki on the 26th instant. The colonial rifle contest is to commence in Auckland on the 6th of March. The Maori Election. — Entire possession of the Resident Magistrates' Court waa yesterday givon up for tho purpose of the election of the Western Maori District. As is usual when there is any business of importance to Maoris to be transacted, the immediato vicinity of fcbe building was closely invested during the greater part of the day by a crowd of Maori women and children. The result of tbe polling was — Wi Parata 81 Mete Kingi 1 Kemp ... ... ... 0 It would appear from this that local prejudice is even greater amongst the Maoris than amongst our own settlers. Those who profess fco know something of fche Maori constituencies say that Kemp will command a majority in the Wanganui district. The Amateurs. — The Volunteer Amateurs will make a second appearance at the Hall to-morrow evening, with the same atrentgh of company as on tho former occasion, ac Misa Herborto tho Miss Williams' and other lady amateurs will again appear. Tho caste, however, is new. Tho pieces are the two act comedy " the Jacobite," and tho taking comedy " Woodcock's Little Game." The Artillery Band by tho kind permission of Captain Pearce will lend their valuable assistance. Sensational Rumors. — Our evening contemporary, with his usual deftness in catching rumors, gave us last night the following laconic haul, just fresh from the Oliinemuri — it is, of course, unnecessary to be parfciculor as to the exact source :—" There is a rumor prevalent in Ohinemuri thafc fche King intends to declare war in March next." We have already complimented our neighbor on his dexterity in this kind of fishing ; and feel that with a little cultivation ho might elevate ifc fco a high place among tho arts more ingenious than reputable. Unfortunately for the lovers of sensational rumors, " familiarity breeds contempt," even with tho mosfc cunningly devised inventions, and the cry of " wolf" passes unheeded. Tho rumors referred to in tho following extract from the Hamilton correspondent's letter of fche " New Zealand Herafd," are so fresh, fchafc comment is superfluous : — " The usual amount of sensational reports have come from Alexandra. The last to hand was that shots had boen fired at some Europeans, vi bich proved to be as truthful aa many previous ones. The fact ia, some natives were out pigeon-ahooting, and this gave ri.e ta the report. Can't fcho Governmenfcgive the officereommandingdiscretionary power to deal with some of the.c reporters of false news ? " We suggest a more effectual and economic plan by which to abate the nuisance. Employ them on the " Evening Post." Thia would calm the chronic hysteria in the North, allay the irritation in fche South, and however they might excel in their old line, and in their new billet, no harm would be done, as the reply would still bo — " Ob, it's only fche Post." The Anniversary Services of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School at Webb street, have just been held, and we are glad to learn, have passed off successfully. Ou 3ubbath last fcwo sermons by the Rev. W. J. Dean wore preached to a good congregationa, and last evening a tea meeting waa convened, prosidod over by Mr Dean. During the evening a number of recitations were delivered. These, interspersed with suitable pieces of music sung by the children, afforded a pleasant evening's entertainment. From the report read, we learn fchat fche school ia in a pro.peroua state ; after paying all expenaeß, a balance ia in the trea9urer'B hands. The meeting broke up about half-past nine o'clock, all appearing to have much enjoyed fchemaelvea. Volunteering. — Ihe Cadets muatered for drill on the Reclaimed Land yesterday evening in good strength. In consequence of the performance at tho Hall to-morrow night, the No. 1 Company W. R. V. will not have their usual parade. Wairarapa Races.— lt will be seen by an advertiaemenfc in another column that our Wairarapa friends intend to have a good meet thia season. A Hindrance to Colonial Export. — Ifc ia estimated that South Australia haa breadstuffs for export to the extent of a million sterling, which ahe wiahes to send to England, and cannot find shipa for that purpose. Girth Galls — A correspondent of, the " Australasian" supplies the following aa a remedy for girth, Baddle, and collar galls : — " White lead paint, with sufficient olive oil to make it the consistence of syrup. Paint the wound over with this mixture." Pop-Corn. — A Melbourne paper saya : — A new article of food — or new, at least, so far as the Australian colonies are concerned — has just been introduced to the inhabitants of this city, in the shape of a preparation from maize called " pop-corn." By some peculiar eemismoking process each grain of this corn ia made to assume something the form of the manna of commerce, while ifc retains just enough of its original flavor and criapness to render it pleasant to the taste. The pop-corn may be eaten either raw or made into custard, puddings, wifch eggs and milk, in the same way as rice, tapioca, or sago. It has long been extensively used in the United States, and ifc ie there considered to be one of the best preventatives of aea-sicknesa. The colonial manufacturers of the article are Messrs Blake, Marsh k Co. Danger oe Patent Medicines. — An inqueafc of more than ordinary interest took place yesterday at Devil's River, Victoria, on the body of a groom, named Lawrence Bourke, aged 27. The medical testimony waa to fche effect that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, aggravated by the use of chlorodyne, and that delirium tremens, from which he bad also suffered, was caused by the samo drug. From other evidence it appeared fchafc the deceased had been in the habit of taking large dosea of chlorodyne. In summing up, fche Coroner deecribed ohlorodyne as "a deadly drug, which paralysed fche brain, and liko the use ol opium, after being commenced, waa increased until madness waa produced." He believed many casea of delirium attributed to ordinary intoxicating beveragea arose from the use of chlorodyne. Earth Closets. — The " Scientific American" says: — "Several forma of earth closets have been exbibitod afc tho fair of tho American Institute, one of which is remarkably simple, and costs from six to ten dollars. An earthcloset commode is an article indispensable to every household, and in the country there ought to be a low compelling everybody to use thia system of disinfection. The amount of disease and suffering engendered by the traditional outhouse and open privy in the country cannot be estimated. It ia the vory nursery of fevers, pestilence, cholera, and malaria. Modern science has shown that there is nothing so dangerous as decomposing faecal matter, and the same science haa taught us that dry earth and loam are tho beab disinfectants that could be employed. We are sure that nothing but ignorance stands in tho way of the universal adoption of tho earth-closet system, and we have not failed to contribute our part towards the dissemination of correct knowledge on the subject." Foot Rot in Sheep. — A correspondent writes a contemporary as follows : — Sir, — Did it ever occur to your many readers who aro losers from foot rot, that the cutting of the tails of their lambs haa something do with

it ? I confess that the idea startled me, for I am a firm believer that Providence attached a good bushy tail to tho sheep with a good motive. A German writer upon sheep, Gorlitz, states distinctly that foot rot is unknown amongst sheep until their fails are cut; and he gives a reason — viz., that tho sheep, while lying down, protects its feet with its tail, and thus saves them from exposure. Prize Stock. — "Thornton's Circular" for October comprises the names of the prize short horns at the principal shows in England, aud the results of the leading sales. Tho chief feature is tho great number bought for export — nearly one hundred having been sent out during tho throe months, to Australia, America, and New Zealand. A New Cure. — A London journal contains tho following : — Her Majesty sent two telographic messages from Windsor Castle, on November 30th, inquiring in the kindest manner after the health of Sir Frederick Murchison, who has replied that ho is* deeply grateful for this act of sympathy on the part of the Queon, and has stated that, whilst already ho has made some good progress, he is persuaded that this kind act of her Majesty will go far towards the completion of his recovery. Silk in Sydney.— The "Sydney Mail" ! says:— Silk is looking up. We seem really likely to launch the industry successfully. A great many people are turning attention to it, and planting and feeding. To afford present stimulus to it a valuable consignment of cards of seeds and paraphernalia of silk culture, and j spinners of silk, and information valued at £250, aa arrived a3 a gift from the Japanese Government as a gift to the Acclimatisation Society, through Mr Harry Parkes. It was conveyed free of costs by tbe P. and O. Company, and will bo displayed in the rooms of the Agricultural Society, with some colonial specimens of silk culture brought together by the prizes which aro about to be offered. To show the proportions to which the trade in eggs has attained, we may mention that the Delhi, one of the largest of the P. aud 0. Company's steamers, has been engaged to convey eggs from Japan to Europe. The supply of seed being too great for the immediate wants of this colony, Dr Bennett decided upon at once sending cards to Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and New Zealand, wliich has been done. Tears hence this paragraph will be turned up and quoted with no small interest. It will be looked upon as ono of the starting points. New Bishop of Orange River.— The Bishopric of the Orange River Free State, in Africa (observes an English journal), vacant by the Retirement of the Right Reverend Dr Edward T wells, has been conferred upon the Rev Allan Beecher Wobb, M.A., rector of Avon Dassett, noar Leamingfon. It is understood that in consequence of some difficulties arising out of tho Jerusalem Bishoprics Act, Mr Webb will not be consecrated by the Bishop of London afc Sfc. Paul's Cathedral with (he Bishop of Seii-ra Leone and Mauritius, but by the Bishop of Moray and Ross, Primus of tho Episcopal Church of Scotland, in Inverness Cathedrul. The Electrical Bullet-seeker. —On tho 30th of September Staff-Surgeon Dr Kemperdick, experimented in Berlin with a now chirurgical instrument, the electrical bullet-seeker, constructed from an English model by a surgical instrument maker of Prussia. Ifc consists of a probe formed of two thin and very flexible metal rods, which terminate below in a knob. Each of these rods ia covered with silk thread from top fco bottom, so that they aro completely isolated from each ofcher •„ besides this, they are wrapped up together in an outer layer of the same material, and varnished. The whole thus presents the appearance of a bougie, with a metal knob at one end. The instrument ia now brought into connection with an electric chime ; and when the knob, which forms the two poleß of the apparatus, comes in contact with a metallic body, the isolation of the two rods ceases to exist, the electric circle ia completed, the apparatu. comes into action, and the hammer strikes the bell unceasingly. Afc the first trial Dr Kemperdick succeeded in finding a ball lodged in fche bone of fche foot which had boen vainly sought for during cix weeks, thus taking the first step towards the radical cure of the patient. An Accomplished Gentleman. — A gentleman named John Marr was a few days ago committed for trial at the Albury (N.S.W.) Police Courfc, for stealing a pair of trouaera. An amuaing letter of which the following i 8 a copy, waa found on the prisoner when his pocketa wero turned out by the police : — " To all concerned. — the undermentionedindividual has travelled 1000 milea in search of work. He haa lived (i.e. existed) by odd jobß on fche road aince the Bth July. He ia nob a drunk ard, bufc gives hia money away foolishly. He is strictly honest when trusted. He can perform the following descriptions of work : — He is a baker, pastrycook, and a first class cook. 2nd. He is a tailor, who can cut or make any garment from a gaiter to a riding habit. He can also do upholstery work, such as carpets, curtains, chair and sofa stuffing, ko. 3rd. do farm work (i.e. milking, reaping, mowing, handthraahing, ko. 4. He ia a scholar, and can teach English grammer, mathematics, algebra, mensuration, navigation, &c, and haa a good knowledge of Latin, French and Italian. sth. Ho ia capable of doing carpenter'B work, so as to deceive his employer as to whether he is a carpenter by trade. He ia a goneral handy man, and ia willing to work if he can find it to do. A poet — at least, he thinks bo — and subject to a poet's misfortunes. In the colony since '53, chiefly at Gipps Land. P.S. — Sample of handwriting inferior — written while half drunk. Will the people of N.S.W. allow fcho bearer to starve, or steal for the want of employment? Signed — John Mare, native of Edinburgh." Erecting a Wire Fence. — Set your posts eight feefc apart, as for common fences. Bore holes through the posts, six, eighfc, and twelve inches apart, the lower wire being one foofc from the ground, fche two wires above six inches apart, another eight inches above, and one twelve inches above that. Tho end posts should be large and firmly aefc. Ond end of each wire ia to be pufc through the hole in the post at one end, wound round the post once, and twisted to fasten. Then the wire is passed through each post to the other ond post, where ifc is wound twico or thrice arjund a horizontal capstan, consisting of a round block of hard wood throe inches in diameter, through each end of which is inserted a short lever with which to turn it. This capstan is laid against the end post under the wire, which is wound two or three times aboub ifc to get a purchase. One man takes hold of the wire and another the lever of the capstan, and the entire line ia thus tightened until perfectly taufc. Pino or cedar half-inch plugs, previously cut to a proper size and soaked in oil, are fchen driven in the holes beside and abovo each wire on eaah side of each post, thus dividing the atrain among the posts and protecting the wires from water. After fchese plugs are driven, fche wire is taken from fche capstan, and wound about and fastened to the ond post. 'So made, a wire fence proves effective against stock, and will lasfc twenty years without repair. Tho posts Bhould be of the usual sizo for ordinary fences. An Improvisator^. — One of the most extraordinary communications we have ever seen was latoly received by the committee of tho local Mechanics' Institute. The writer, who signs himself "Edward Counael," and deacribee himself as a " Spanish and Italian Improvisatore," Btatea fchat ho ia open to engagement for Binging solos of his ovrn composition, of which ho aay a there are upwarda of 20,000 in existence. The letter bristlea with Spaniah quotations, to which, in mosfc instances, the writer kindly appends translations. He statea that he haa sent many of tho arrietas to the Fronoh Court afc Paris, but with what success ia not mentioned ; his name being known also, he believes, to the principal musical circles in America, and in tho Australiaa. He sings only Bonga of his own composition, and not tho.-o of any other maestro l This versatile genius will also be happy to play " Hamlofc, '

to give " dramatic readinga, or concerts." He ia, he aays, the author of " several hundred maxima," " auggeationa for a new musical instrument," " deaigna in the fine ar.B," and " varioua data," of which he will give information by letter. In conclusion he hopes the committee will excuse the peculiar style which ho has adopted, " ta boing more plain," and sends that body the assurance of bis utmost respect "in all fnifch and regard." The letter bears the number 2999, and ia written in a peculiar hand. We feur thia dißtinguißhed maestro, will scarcely find BCope for his talents in Sfcawell — " Pleasant Creek News."