LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVII, Issue 3125, 16 February 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

— * Thk Loss of the ss. Airedale. — Every one who knows Captain Kennedy will deeply regret to learn fcbe loss of the Airedale while on her way from Auckland with the English muils yesterday ; the fullest obtainable particulars of which appear in our telegraphic columns this morning. There ore few indeed in New Zealand who have been in the colony anytime who have not como to look on Captain Kennedy as one of our most careful and cautious commanders. Serious as the accident iB, particularly inopportune for Captain Kennedy as this trip was to be his last before entering on the duties ©f his recent appointment, it was still we feel sure one of those perils of the sea which no human care or foresight can always prevent. It is a costly illustration of the familiar figure used ■to typify the uncertainties of life, " The pitcher that goes often to the well at last gets broken." It matters very little now in offering our condolence to Captain Konnedyo n this disastrous stroke of bad luck, what was the proximate cause, as we have the most perfect reliunce, nob only in his professional ability, but on his proverbial caution that could not have been the result of carelesness on his part. No doubt an inquiry will be held, and with the decision of the Board all doubts will beset at rest. It is evident, from the telegram, that no apprehension of danger existed, as the vessel had her topsails get, and was going under a full head of steam; and the assumption that the compasses were out of order will probably be found to have been the primary oause. That and a thick fog would be sufßcieut explanation in accounting for the awkward misadventuje. To a commander who has been constantly sailing all round the coasts of New Zealand for upwards of twenty years, and who hus so often escaped all the dangers and difficulties with which captains have to contend with in places, most dangerous on our coaßt, until Captain Kennedy's name had come to be looked upon as a gunrantee of safety. This accident seems like a bitter mockery. "We can only say that we sincerely feel for Captain Kennedy over this mishap. The Volunteer Amateurs made their second appearance last night, and to a very fair house, though scarcely so full ns the one which greeted them on their last appearance. The first piece was Planches favorite comedy, entitled " The Jacobite." In it Miss Herberte played the small part of the " Widow," bj desire, we believe, in order to avoid difficulty in the caste. She showed by her playing how good a small part can be made. Miss Williams waa an excellent " Pat.ty, " and the Lady Amateur played " Lady Homerford " well, although evidently a little nervous. "John Duck" was admirable, "Sir Richard" villanous, as he ought to be ; and " Mujor Murray," a handsome conspirator, more dangerous to ladies' hearts than to the House of Hanover, we should imagine. The main burden of the piece rests with " John Duck," in d few low comedians would have sustained ib better. "Woodcock's Little Game" was played with great spirit, and afforded intenao amusement to the audience. Miss Herborte and Miss Williams contributed greatly to the humor of the little farce. The Artillery Band proved a valuable acquisition towards the entertainment of the evening. The Hon J. C. Richmond was a passenger by the Taranaki last night. City Council — The usual meeting of the City Council will take place on Friday, at 3 30 p.m. Benevolent. — At a meeting of the Wellington Benevolent Society, held on Tuesday, £2 2s from a friend were paid in, and several cases of distress relieved. Another Old Settlee Gone. — Charles Hunt, who arrived in the colony by the Adelaide Baker, in 1810, died at the Hutt the day bofore yesterday, aged 83. Deceased had resided at tho Hutt ever since bis arrival, and wa? much respected by all who were acquainted with him. He leaves a large circle of friends, especially among the Wesleyan persuasion, of of which he wus a local preacher for many years, and had tho reputation of having done a great deal of good. Land on Defehred Payments. — Referring to a meeting of the unemployed reported elsewhere, we understand that a.l they contend for has already been done. A requisition has been already signed by upwards of 300 of our citizens. ' The purport of it is to request Messrs Pearce and Hunter, the city members, to put themselves in communication with. His Honor the Superintendent aud the General Government, and use their best endeavors to obtain land on deferred payments in tho Manawatu Block for small farmers. We also understand that the Superintendent, if bona fide settlers opply> will set apart a portion of land for their use, so that it can be occupied at once. Funeral. — The remains of the late Mr E. H. Davis, brought from Greymouth on Tuesday by the Alhambra, were interred yesterday. The funeral was large, being attended I bytnost of tho members of the Civil Service, besides a number of other gentlemen. Inquest. — The sudden death we mentioned in our last as having occurred in tho Wainuiomata Valley, was that of a child named Herbert Morley Prouse, about 2 years of age. It I appeared tbat some interest waa created among the neighbors from the manner of death, the child having passed off while asleep. Dv Grace, after making a postmortem examination pronounced the cause of death to bo inflammation of the bowls. An inquest waß held on the body before Dr Wil/brd. TnE Gaebison Band will perform on tho Reeiuinied Land this evening at 6 o'clock, weather permitting. The following is the programme: — 1. March, "L. Ascension," L. Beeher. 2. Overture, " Nebucodonosor." 3. Waltz, "Die Werber," Lanner. 4. Seh-ction, " Eliser do Amore," Donizetti. 5. Quadrille, "Riehe en Coour," Couturier. 6. Galop, " Rosalien," Kuhner. " God Save the Queen." We believe it is in contemplation to muke arrangements by which the Band may perform two hours earlier, so as to make tho most of the evenings, which are noticeably drawing in. School Children's Fete.— Tho Annual Fete of tho Wesleyan Sabbath School was held on Tuesday last in Mr Tutchem' grounds, near Mount Victoria. The weather was particularly pleasant, and a number of friends availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded. At 12 o'clock crowds of tho youngsters were to bo seen wending their way to the school in Manners street, aud about 1 p.m. they were marched to the scene of their engngoinenc. The conmiitl.ee had been indefatigable in their desire to make everything pass off agreeably, and we must say they succeeded admirably. Messrs Boagloholo and Janu3, with several others, had worked hard the day before in placing swings upon tho field, and otherwise enhancing the children's pleasure. Both teachers and scholars, ns well as visitors, scorned to be thoroughly satisfied with their day's outing. At 5 p.m. the scholars were regaled with tea and cake to tho full j about 350

were thus provided. This being disposed of, the visitors first, and afterwards the teacher.", sat down in the tent which had been erected. The school committee desire thus publicly to acknowledge the great kindness shown by Mr and Mrs Simon Tutchen, and also by Mrs Tutchen Benior. After tea some hymns were Bung,and then the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Thomas Buddie, "who, with the Rev. Mr Isitt and Mrs Buddie, was present during the entertainment. At the request of the "good people of the hill," tho teachers and elder scholurs remained and sung several appropriate pieces to them, and about 8.30 they began to travel homeward, having had a thorough day's enjoyment, without any accidont, that we have heard o(, to mar thenpleasure. We understand that the usual anniversary services will take place on the sth, and the tea will bo held on the 7th March. Something Neat in Telegbams.— The following appeared in the " Evening Post" lust night, :—" Lawrence.— lsth February, 1.5 p.m. — Assembly Election.— J. C. Brown, late member for Bruce, who is strongly opposed to the financial policy, was returned by an overwhelming mnjority for the Tuapeku district. The numbers are as follows : — Brown, 348; Cut ten, 82." This is almost, perfect in its way. Ifc implies that the Government have sustained a heavy loss by the result. We are sorry to be compelled to spoil tho pleasing illusion, but the truth mustout. Of all the quasioppositionists of Otago, unquestionably the most influential and dangerous whs Mr Cutton. His denunciations of the Government scheme would almost have satisfied the Hon. J. 0. Richmond ! Alike, from his family connections and his high talents, Mr Cutten would have had a commanding influence in the Assembly, and any one acquainted with the provincial politics of Otago, or who remembers the exhibition made by Mr Brown in the House last year, must Binilo at the attempt to imply that his return " by an overwhelming mnjority" is a heavy blow and sad discouragement to the present Government. Pbesbytery op Oantebboby. — The Presbytery of Canterbury met within the vestry of St. John's Church, Lyttelton, on Wednesday last the Bth inst., the Key. Charles Eraser, moderutor, presiding. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The moderator introduced the Rev. J. F. Douglaß, who had been appointed to St. Paul's Church, Christchurch, and it was resolved that his name be added to the sederunt. The Presbytery then proceeded to the special business of the meeting which was tho induction of the Rev W. S. M'Gowan to the pastorul charge of St. John's Church, and for this purpose adjourned to the church. Divine service was then conducted by the moderator, who took for his text Ist Peter, Ist and 4th. At the conclusion of the service, ho put the usual questions to Mr M'Gowan, and then offered up the induction prayer, solemnly installing Mr M'Gowan in the pastorate of St. John's Church and congregation. The members of Presbytery then gave to Mr M Gowan the right hand of fellowship in token of recognition and welcome as one of their number. Mr Fraser then addressed tho newly inducted minister on the duties of the pastoral office; after which Mr Douglas addressed the congregation. After further devotional services, the congregation was dismissed, when tho members of the church had an opportunity as they retired of welcoming their minister, who was stationed ar the door along with some other members of the Presbytery. The Presbytery then retired to the vestry, when a deputation appeared from St. Paul's Church, Christchurch, consisting of Messrs John Anderson, Gavin, Paton, Henderson, sen., Henderson, junr., and Watt, praying that the Presbytery would take immediate steps for the induction of Mr Douglas as their minister. After some discussion, the Presbytery resolved to proceed to the induction of Mr Douglas on Wednesday, the 22nd instant. The Presbytery accordingly adjourned, to meet at that date in Si Paul's Church, Christchurch, at 7 o'clock in tho evening. The Auckland Unemployed.— ln a recent hustings speech at Auckland, Mr Gillies was questioned as to the outcry raised in that city us to the scarcity of work, and the resolutions passed calling upon tho Vicloriuii Government to send vessels to carry to that colony the unemployed of Auckland. The following question was proposed, amidst laughter, to Mr Gillies :—" Will you oppose J the wholesale bringing out of immigrants, as the place is already overstocked with labor, and use your influence to lay on a ship to enable those in a state of destitution to leave the colony?" The reply of Mr Gillies is terse J and pointed : "I do not think we have a ship in the harbor small enough. There are few who would like to take advantage of it if one wore laid on. There may bo a few men that j it would really be an advantage to the revenue to geb rid of, but the great mass of the working people know well that this is better for them than any other place they have ever been in." The " Herald," in commenting upon it nays : "Mr Gillies has put the picture in itf true light. The outcry recently made on behalf of the workmen has no sympathy from or with the class. Tho working man, properly so called, has little to complain of in Now Zealand, cortainly not in this province." Oyster Culture, — A Southland paper says — Encouraging accounts have come to hand from the oyster fisheries at Port William and Paterson's inlet. In the vicinity of the firstnamed place over three hundred yards of artificial beds have been laid this season, on which something like three thousand dozen have been planted. Tho fish have already commenced to brood, which is considered early for ! the season of the year. Further extensions are to be made to tho artificial culture, and if they turn out as successful as they promise, the artificial training alone will be equal to a very large domafld. The mud or natural oyster is also looking well for the ensuing season, which opens on the Ist of April. TnE Fairlie System. — Mr J. R. Fairlio argued at the British Association that a threefeet gauge line could carry, and had been proved to carry, two and a half times as many tone of traffic as were now, for instance, carried over the four feet s|inch gauge of tho North Western Railway, and this without an additional shilling for haulage. Every inch added to the width of a gauge beyond what was absolutely necessary for the traffic would necessarily add to the cost of construction increase the proportion of dead weight, increase tho cost of working, and in consequence increase the tariffs to the public : thus by just so much reducing tho width of the line, railways could be miule cheaply, and at the same timo thoroughly efficient. There was no country too poor to have railways sufficient for its requirements, and they furnished the cheapest possible mode of transport. Handkerchief Flirtations in Canada. — Every diiy wo see young Indies flirting their cambrics to young men who are in the street. Wo have also been satisfied that these " flirtings" mean something, and in an exchange we find the following solution to the mystery, and publish it, (hat those living in ignorance may be thoroughly bookod-up, and able to read the signs thus given; — Drawing ncro33 the lips— desirous of getting acquainted ; drawing across tho eyes— l am sorry; dropping — W o will bo friends ; twirling in both hands— indifference ; drawing through the hands— l bate you ; letting ifc rest on the right cheek— yes ; letting it rest on the loft cheek— no • twirling in left hand — I wish to get rid of you ; twirling in right hand— l love another ; folding it— l wish to speak with you ; over the shoulder— follow me ; opposite corners in both hands— wait for mo ; drawing across the forehead— you have changed ; placing it tho right ear— l have a message for you ; letting it remain on the eyes— you are cruel ; winding it round the forefinger— l am engaged; winding it round tho third finger— l am inarriocL—" Toronto Globe." Si'Aiutows. — A correspondent writes aa follows to ii contemporary : — The Acclimatisation Society ask, ''Are sparrows an advantage? 1 ( House or caving sparrow, fo called by us as they build thoir nests under tho cares of a

house.) From experience I can inform the gentlemen of that society that they are nob, but on the contrary. My native place being on agricultural district, I know their nature well; have killed a great many and opened many of their crops, which contained seventyfive per cent, and often wholly, corn, excepting in the fruit season, in which they are very destructive, more especially to cherries; In fact I have known farmers to give threepence per dozen for them on being killed, or presented in any quantity, I should say the most advantageous bird to introduce would be the hedge sparrow, which, I believe lives solely on grubs and insects, and is apfc to build in a g-irden quick fence. The eggs are of a skyblue color ; the swift and swallow feed upon the knafc and other winged insects. I think the last would be of great service out here," A New Zealand Grinding Stone.— An Auckland paper says that it is not generally known that lying near Mie Waipa river, we have an exceedingly fine hard grit kind of sundstone, very suitable for the manufacture of grindstones, scythe stones, &c. The same paper suggests that the Government should take steps for the establishment of the industry. Albums. — iEgles writes in the "Leader," " One can squeeze a little philosophy even out of so unpromising a subject as a photographic album. Is there anything now more universal than the portrait picture-book ? From the splendid double- drawing room people to the genteel back-parlor folks, everybody possesses these mechanical substitutes for artistic portraiture. Photography, because it is cheap and rapid, has all but extinguished portraitpainting, whether in oil or in water-color, in cliulk or on ivory. How Reynolds or Lawrence, Lely or Kaufmann, would stare at the modern gallery of family pictures in one volume portable. I live in expectation of seeing the chamber scene in Hamlet done, with that melancholy young man and his mother turning over the leaves of the Court photograph book. Of course there are albums and albums, some fragrant in Russia and ponderous with gold clasps, and others of the eighteen-penny weuk-bftcked sort, affected as 1 an article of merchandise by miscellaneous haberdashers. The one album has one merit, if it be a merit — it furnishes convereationless people with something to say at morning visits. Inquiry as to who this is, and explanation as to how " that delightful Scatter brain sent me his dear wicked«looking carte," tide over a good ten minutes, and that is something. A photographic) album is an illustration of the theory of development. As Mrs M. Fungus rises in the social scale, how the old-fashioned friends drop out like autumn leaves, making way for a vernal growth of swelldom, The country cousins in the awkwardly made gowns are ruthlessly swept away out of sight, and the vacant gaps filled by the counterfeit presentment of those dashing Miss Bovies from the Western District, with the golden (gold-powdered) hair and the audacious paniers. The agricultural rugged-featured uncles in the store-clothes, so awkward to bo asked about, are relegated to the traditional skeleton closet. There are no pictures more dangerous to destroy. For those unpresentable people sometimes have money, and if they do come to town for a week, they are restored for that period to the atmosphere of the drawing room, precipitately buried under the sofa cushions, however, when the new liveries of Madame Crerae de la Creine flash in the afternoon sunlight on the gravelled avenue. Bees in Otaqo.— Bee-keeping is becoming general among the Wakatip settlers. Bees are said to " thrive amazingly " in the district. The G-badation op*|Ro?At Salaries. — The Emperor of Russia gets £5000 salary a day ; the Sultun, £3600 ; the Kin? of Prussia, £1640 ; Victor Emmanuel, £1168 ; Queen Victoria, £1250 ; Leopold of Belgium, £368 ; and President Grant, £16.