LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3169, 10 April 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

The Hon. the Premise left for the West Const this morning. We understand tbafc he intends going overland to Napier by the Manawatu gorge, through the line of road now in progress. Mb Fitzerbebt's Speech: in reply to the requisionists at fcho Athenroum on the 11th March, we reprint to-day. Owing to considerablo interest being evinced just now in tho question of the election of Superintendent, we have had many applications for copies of the paper in which it appeared ; but not being able to meet the wishes of Mr Fitzherbert's friends and mnny of our own subscribers in this matter, we have acceded to the request to republish the lion, gentleman's speech in extenso, and without any alteration

Dramatic. — A meeting of the Wellington Press Dramatic Club was held on Saturday evening, when officers were elected and a committee appointed. A drama was selected for presentation at an early date, the different cliarnctera allotted, and tuo first rehearsal fixed for Saturday evening next.

Kifle Match To-Day. — Wo need hardly remind our volunteers and all thoae interested in the match to be fired to-day (a very large number we are glad to learn) that it will commence at ton sharp. Volunteers are requested to be on the ground at nine. It is pleasant to learn that even our ladies have become interested in the volunteer movement, and have 3hown it in a very substantial way, by throwing in amongst the contribution of miscellaneous articles a very desirable prize in the form of a gold chain valued at four guineas. Post Otfick Trrt.&ttlaiitty. — Wo regret to have to complain of letters and articles intended for insertion in our columns not being promptly put into our box when the mail arrives. Frequently wo hiivo found them there in the morning they ought to have appeared in our columns. The hour at which tho evening country mails arrive give surely sufficient time for the letter boxes to bo filled before 8 o'clock ; but if the present staff of officials cannot do this, tho Government we feel sure, on tho matter being represented to them, will come to tho rescue. Many business and private letters are doubtless thus delayod, and chances of answering them lost. We hope the matter will bo enquired into, and perfect regularity secured.

Mr Joseph Ppdney, whose remains will bo interred this afternoon, is another now missing from the band of immigrants brought by the Aurora on the 22nd January, 1840. Tho deceased, who died after a very protracted illness, was a most industrious man, nr.d generally estoomed by all who knew him. He was foreman of the work of reclaiming tho first piece of land, and was for many years in tho service of the Town Board.

Accident. — Mr Prosper, with lii'b coach and some passengers, became stuck for ii short time in the Hutt River on Saturday. The stoppage was caused by the coach encountering some obstacle beneath the water, which led to the broaking of tho pole whon tho horses strained to get the coach free. By tho help of tho ferry boat tho coach and horseß were brought to the other ei<3e without any other damage having been occasioned.

CaicKET Match To-Day.— The closing match of the season will be played on the Basin Reserve to-day (weather permitting.) The following are the names of the players : — Meesre W. J. Salmon (captain), Ferris, J. Salmon, Orowther, W# Waters, Lowers, Aptill,

Mason, Baker, I. Salmon, Staples, Henderson, M'lntyre, and Buchanan. Messrs Marchant (captain), Evans, M'lntoßh, M'Donald, Bock, Jones, Boulton, S. Waters, Kinniburgh, Howard, Isherwood, Wilkinson, E. Waitfc, and Fisher.

Postponed. — The raffle advertised to come off at Mr Donecker'a this evening. A fresh announcement will be made in a day or two.

Tatjeanga Mail.— lts Continuance.— The Thames " Evening Star " says :— We are glad to hear that tho Government have made arrangements for the continuance of fchie service, which are likely to prove auccoßßfui. The cause of delay has arisen from tho fact that Mr McLean would do nothing until he had obtained the concurrence of every friendly native chief concerned in the matter. By this means he has taken it out of the power of any of them hereafter to stand upon their dignity (?) and refu9e assistance, " becauso action was taken without having consulted them." We believe that the means 'o be adopted for carrying on the service for the future are as follow : — The contract from Katikati to Tauranga will remain in the hands of Mr Warbrick ; that from Katikati to the Thames will be let directly to the natives, with Hopihona at their head. The question thus becoming ono essentially of self-interest, tho friendliea are not likely to let a good thing in the way of money bo lost to them through any action of Te Hiru's. In fact, the native greed will bo Bet against native obstinacy, and is pretty certain to overcome it." A Crash in Church. — Shortly before divine sorvico last night in the St. Andrew's Church, on Lambton Quay, an accident occured which might have been attended with most unpleasant results had it happened but a short time later. It appears that after the church was lit up, the rope suspending the chandelier in tho nave gave way, and the kerosene lamps came down with an alarming crash. The oil ignited, and for a moment tho aspect of things looked dangerous ; but through the prompt exertions of several members of tho police force, who happened to bo at hand, and immediately gave assistance, the flumes were put out, and things once more restored to order.

The Commercial Hotel, wo understand, is about to bo again conducted by its former well-known proprietor, Mr Miller, who wo hoar, will in a few days supersede Mr H. Bradford, the present landlord. Obtaining Cattle on False Pretences. — We understand that Mr Langston, was about to open tho Gymnasium, as a butcher's shop, was arrested on Saturday at the suit of Mr Joseph Masters, for obtaining cattle on false pretences. The case is to be heard on Tuesday, and we hear that Mr Gordon Allan is likely to be retained for the defence.

Odd Fellows' Hall — We sea by an advertisement elsewhere that Mr and Mrs Hilton havo invoked the aid of a galaxy of talent towards thoir " grand fashionable dramatic, vocal and instrumental concert" on Wednesday next. There will certainly bo no lack of performers, for wo notice that besides tho amateurs of H.M.B. Virago, and several gentlemen amateurs of the city, Mr and Miss Williams will ulso play their part. Tho Artiliery Band will also lend their asoistance. We anticipate an extraordinary night

Soiree. — We see by an advertisement elsewhere that our Homan Catholic friends hnvo prepared a very promising entertainment for this evening in connection with tho Catholic young Men's Society. In addition to tho musical voices of several gifted ladies and gentlemen who have kindly consented to lend their aid, the Artillery Band, under the leadership of Mr Mai'shull, will also contribute their valuable services j while a delightful treat to juveniles is promised in the shape of something new and extraordinary in ma^ic-lantom illusions. We understand that the magic lantern is one of tbo finest in tho colonies.

Returned Diggers.— A Thames paper understands " that a number of diggers who left tho Thames during tho recent rush to Queensland, returned per s.s. Hero, and expressed their disgust at tho chape they have had in search of a will-o-the-whisp auriferous region. Ono of the unhappy rovers sold ten scrip in the Caledonian just before his departure for £10, and other mining interests at equally ridiculous figures, whereby he reckons his loss at some £3000, besides loss of time and expenses of travelling, which in Australian districts is an important consideration. In company with others of tho returned miners he now expresses his belief that taking it altogether, there is no bettor place than New Zealand, and it will be long ere he is again induced to travel on such a fool's errand."

Amateur Performance.— Tho porformance this evening in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Asylum, by tho Virago Amateurs, bids fair to bo a greut success, a large number of tickets being alrpady disposed of. The drama of " Tho Dreaui at Sea" — although almost too heavy for non-profossionals — being a nautical piece, will perhaps como more natural to these " sons of tho ocean" than to " land lubbers." New scenes have been painted expressly for this production by Mr Gordon, one of which, " Pendeen Vau," a cavern scono on the Cornish coas f , reflects credit upon the artist. A string band havo kindly volunteered their services to perform tho music incidental to the drama, and tho mechanical effects are also perfect Miss Williams performs tho rola of tho heroine, and her previous offorts upon the stage aro a guarantee of the part entrusted to her being properly rendered. After tho drama there will be a terpsichorean and musii'al intcrludo, tho entertaiument concluding with the farce of " Mrs White." Tho Artillery Band will also bo present, and perform selections of music during the evening. Tho Virago Amateurs deserve the thanks of tho community for their efforts in the cause of charity, and a bumper house, we aro certain, will welcome them upon tho rise of the curtain.

Police. — A solitary case of drunkenness was the only criminal charge dealt with by his Worship on Saturday.