LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue XXVI, 26 July 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

0 . Nfav Zealand Railways.— Our readers will bo glad to learn that the arrangements with influential capitalists at home for the construction of our railways are now far advanced, and that several other important matters which have been engaging the attention of Mr Vogol in London also look very promising. Court of Appeal. — The Court of Appeal was formally opened yesterday morning, and immediately adjourned to Thursday next, when the decisions in the cases reserved will bo given. The ciuso of the adjournment, is, wo believe, that their Honors have not had time to consider the cases before them. City Council. — Mr David Anderson is a candidate for the vacant seat in the City Council. R.M. Court. — There were no criminal cases before the Magistrate's Court yesterday, and only three small civil ones of no importance. The Atitenveum:. — This building i 3 now being lit with gas. Yesterday workmen were employed laying down a service pipe from the main to the building. A llalo. — A beautifully defined lunar halo was visible about sis o'clock last evening, the irradiation from the moon bringing out the rim of the circle, which was very much extended, in finely marked lines. Proa'lncial Engineer. — Mr J. D. Buird has been appointed Provincial Engineer at a salary of S-i^O per annum. Mr Baird is to reside in Wellington. Entertainment. — A tea meeting and musical entertainment were- given in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Manners-street, last evening, in aid of the Teachors' £500 Subscription Fund, £350 of which has been paid. The tea was on the table at 6 o'clock punctually, and there was a largo attendance. After ample justice hud been done to the tea, the tables were cloared, and the business of the evening commenced. Mr Moxhnm, as Superintendent of the Sabbath school, occupied the chair, and opened the meeting by an appropriate address. G. E. Elliott, Esq , them read an interesting paper, which wa3 much applauded. Sir Henry Bishop's glee of the " Winds Whistle Cold" was then sung by the choir, with considerable effect. The llov. W. TT. West then addressed the meeting. " Where art Thou bnam of Light," was then woll sung ; and was followed by an address from the Rev. T. Buddie, A clarionet solo, with piano accompaniment, was exquisitely rendered by Mr M'lntosh, and elicited a rapturous encore; being certainly, without invidious comparisons, the musical gem of the evening. Tho glee of "The Fairies" was then given; followed by a roading by Mr S. Waters ; and this was succeeded by the fttvori'e trio of " Ilark, Apollo Strikes tho Lyre." The entertainment was concluded by a vote of thanks to tho chairman, which was heartily responded to. Tub Weather. — From all parts of the colony we have very longthy accounts of the severity of iho weather, and its desfcruefctveiiess to crops, dwelling houses, and all descriptions of property. Although we in "Wellington havo not experienced its full effects, still we are not altogether without very convincing proof that the severity of the gales has not been equalled even in this " windy" part of the world for many years past, as an evidence of which we may note the blosving down of a double chimney stack of a house on tho Tinnkori road one day last week, the bricks coming down with such force as to make a pussago right through into tho room below. The result can bo better imagined than described, the interior of tho room having tho appearance, as described to us, of being literally smothered in soot.- In Otago the crops in high lying districts have beeu destroyed by the lying of the snow, and in Canterbury farmers havo suffered from the iloods, which havo not been so severe since the celebrated flood of 18(5 1, when part of Christchurch itself was under water. As helping to give au idea of whiit the forco of theso storms really was, we give the following account writton by a person in Christchurch of the storm of July 19 : — As my experiences of last night's most peculiar storm are I find confirmod by others, I beg, through your columns, to hy them before the public. Tho day, it will be remembered, was peculiarly warm, and towards ovening the wind got up, and heavy clouds wore hanging about tho horizon, irom which emanated a series of very vivid flashes of lightning. Botweon ten and eleven o'clock, I heard distinctly v low rumbling sound, evidently having its origin underground. It appeared to travel from the south-west towards tho direction of town, and before reaching the actual locality in which I wa9 placed, veered olfin the direction of tho Porb hills, and I could, hear it dying away in the distance. About this time tho lightning became more vivid, and was succeeded by heavy peals of thunder, together with ruin. The rumbling

sound came again and again, and the last time appeared to come completely beneath me, and all the window frames in the house shook audibly — perhaps shuddered will express my meaning better — but the course of this sound I could trace as before, and it again appeared to turn and to dio away in the direction of the Heathcote valley. Tho rattling of tho windows lasted for about eleven seconds. Some I time after this I experienced a decided shock of earthquake, lasting about three seconds, and I only regret omitting to note the exact time. I believe, however, it was about 1 p.m. I can add that watches and other articles hanging about the wall were set in motion. My inability to afford more minute information can be explained by the fact that I was very busily engaged during the whole time that these disturbances occurred, and therefore could not give tho phenomena my undivided attention. v St Petek's. — The catering of the churchwardens of St. Peter's drew together a crowded auditory at the schoolroom last evening. Evident pains had been taken by the choir to render tho musical part of the entertainment j as successful as possible, and some of our best ! readers, -who, by the Tray, had been called upon to do double duty on account of thero being two entertainments down for the same evening, assisted to make this one of tho most enjoyable of family parlies. Mr Elliot gave a very effective reading, from a piece we are not acquainted with, in which ho introduced an amount of touching and well marked pathos that deservedly won tho applause of the audience. Of quite another order was tho reading of Mr Waller, who gave "Bob Sawyer's Party." A combination of admirable features, composed of an unusually clear articulation, a great power of change from the shrill virago tones of the landlady to the sombre and reflective utterances in which Mr Pickwick's hon hoinmie finds expression, went a great way towards exciting and sustaining the risibility of his listeners. But when we wore introduced to tho necklace quaudary the reader eclipsed himself by his rendering of tho carefully suppressed drollery of such a serious "situatiou." Thero was a slight fault — common to readings — it was a little too long. The irresistibly funny version of the comical story of " Alonzo the Brave" was dono in a finished Btyle by a gentleman who we should like to hear sing something of a higher order on the next occasion ; not that this medley was not well given, because, as we have already said, the trifle was excruciatingly funny ; but although we had little opportuj uity of judging, wo think the gentleman had I a voice equal to bettor things. The singing of the ladies was not first-rate, the old enemy, nervousness, playing too prominent a part. Tho fino duet, '"' What are the Wild Waves Saying," a gem of Glover's that will lost for tver, had evidently not received the preparation such a piece deserved, but wo are aware we are already trenching on delicate ground, and, as wo wish to avoid the charge df being considerod hypercritical, we will append the disclaimer that our remarks are made in good will ; but we would wish oni amateurs to bear in mind the motto that " What is worth doing is worth doing well." Archdeacon Stock assisted greatly in maintaining tho success of the entertainment by the employment of his usual tact in carrying out the programme without the occurrence of any hitch. The Rev. James Pateeson.— This rev. gentleman, wo leavn from a correspondent who is on a visit to the West Coast, is most actively engaged in his ministerial duties. On Saturday lust he arrived at Turakina from Wanganui, and was to preach there on Sunday, and in- ' troduce the Rev. Mr Ross. In the aftornoqn he was to preach at tho Bonny Glen, and in the evening at Marton. On Monday evening the rtv. gentleman was to deliver a lecture nt Marton ; on Tuesday evening at Lower Rangitikei ; aud on Wednesday evening at Manawatu ; returning to Wellington on Thursday or Friday. Tho previous week luul aleo been a buiy one with the rev. gentleman in lecturing at "rnrngmrni and attending meetings. They have had dreadfully wet and stormy weather on tho West Coast., raining incessantly ; half the country seeming flooded, and some of tho roads being almost impassable. The Turakina and Wanganui road, however, is greatly better than this time last year, showing tho advantage of a toll and local management. Tho Wanganui Bridge is now open for foot passengers : it is a groat convenience, and will be a still greater when open for horses and carriage traffic. It is a noble structure. A Call.— A cull has been made by the members of the Congregational Church in ! Dunodin to tho Rev T. Roseby, of Sydney, who was lately on a visit to that city. The call was pi-esented to Mr Roseby before his return to Sydney, and a definite reply is not expected from him until about a week after his arrival thoro. Discovert oy Human Remains at Akaroa. — On Saturday, June 15, news was brought to Akaroa of the discovery of a skeleton on tho French Farm valley. Tho remains were found by Mr George Brough, of Wainui, who was out cattle-hunting ivith some of his brothors. They were making a short cut home, and in doing so had to climb a very precipitous place. On reaching about half-way up the precipice, Georgo Brough caught eight of a skull in a crevice of the rock ; ho turned to ono side, examined, and collected that and other bones together. He then went over to Akaroa, and gave notice to the police. On Sunday morning, Sergeant Ramsey and Constablo Flannngan, accompanied by Messr3 R. Townsend, C. W. Bridg-?, and John Pearce, proceeded to tho French Farm, where they were joined by the Brongh brothers and others, who guided thorn to tho spot where they had found tho remains. The place is described as being the bluff faco of a lateral spur, nearly perpendicular for about two hundred foot. Half way up this bluff, in 11 small crevice of tho cliir, the bones were found. There is ono side lead to the crevice, a lead requiring a steady foot and a cool head to tread with safety. The parly remained about two hours hunting for any property that might give a clue upon which any opinion might be founded to lead to the identity of the remains. Fourteen years ago (.his month, and within a few days of this day, Mr Joseph Dickon, one of the Canterbury pilgrims, and n. settlor in Akaroa, was lost in fcho bush at the back of his property in French Fsirm, and though many of the inhabitants of Akaroa hunted and explored tho bush for days and weeks near and around the spot, no traco was ewr discovered of tho missing gentleman uncl all hopes were given up. This discovery, with tho many circumstances attached to it, point to the probability that tho remains are those of thut unfortunate gentleman. The bones have been oxamined by two medical men, and we understand that their opinion is that they belong to a European male, tolorably advanced in years, and with hair of a very light-brown color. The Magpie. — The acclimatisation of that useful bild, tho Australian magpie, at last scorns lo bo in a fair way of successful accomplishment by the plan of liberating a number together, in localities where fchoy have been previously confined in large aviaries, and have been accustomed to be fed at regular hours and at a corlain call. When liberated the birds are found to return nightly to their old quartor3, liko a brood of fowls. Tho orodit .of utilising this simple and effectual means of localising the birds on a large soale is due to Mr J. Oakdon, of Christchtirch, 'who is said to spoak in high terms of the grub-destroying qualities of his magpies. The Scott Centenary. — As there seems to bo no move made in Wellington to take part in tho celebration of tho centenary of Sir Walter Scott, wo reprint whatever wo can obtain for the benefit of those who feel any interest in tho matter as to the doings of our neighbors in other parts of the colony. Tho apathy evinced in this matter seems to be quite of a piece with tho slowness of our leading citizens in all other topics. Wo find from our exchanges from all parts of the colony, and indeed fro off all parts of the world, that efforts are being made to make tho occasion a national tribute to the poets memory. At Dunedin a meeting of the committee appointed to make arrangements for the celebra-

tion of the centenary met at the Athenaum on July 19, the attendance being very large. Mr George Brodie was elected chairman, and the sub- committee appointed at the last meeting presented fcbeir report. They suggested that the centenary of Sir Walter Scott be celebrated by a dinner restricted to gentlemen j but that should it be deemed desirable that a further demonstration be made by either a ball or conversazione, the sub-committee would suggest another committee be named for that. purpose. At Lyttelton there will be a similar demonstration, but it is to be combined with the celebration of the marriage of her Royal Highness the Princess Louise with the Marquis of Lome, The Wangaehtt Fiee. — The "Wanganui Herald" remarks : — There ha 9 seldom been a case heard in Wanganui that has created more excitement in the public mind, or that involves greater consequences to the public than the one heard this morning in Court. The accused may be innocent or guilty 5 but at present it would be premature and unjust to form any opinion on tho evidence adduced by the prosecution. There has been no motive yet shown for the crime ; and, however atrong the evidence might be in other respects, it is incomplete until that is done. Induction at Turakina. —The " Wanganui Chroniclo" of the 20th reports that tho Presbytery of Wellington met yesterday ut Turukina, for the induction of the Rev Mr Ross, late of the Wairarapa, to the pastoral charge ef the congregation of tho district. The usual services on such solemn occasions were held. The Rev Mr Elmelie preached and presided, the Rev Mr Paterson gave the chaj?ge_ a to the newly-inducted minister, and the Rev Mr (Humming addressed the people on their duties and responsibilities in connection with the preaching of the G-ospel and the preacher. At the close, Mr Ross was warmly welcomed by the members of his congregation. Wanganui.— The " Chronicle" of the 21st reports : — This afternoon afc eight minutes to 2 o'clock a slight but prolonged vibration was experienced in this neighborhood. The same paper reports: — Wintry, wet, muggy, windy weather continues. To-day tho Wanganui is in high flood, streaming from bank to bank, and having dislodged a number of piles at the Bridge, happily not required any longer. Caution should be exorcised in crossing the Turakina Bridge, more especially with loaded carts and drays. A Volunteer, and Militia Ball came off on tho 18th in the Odd Fellows' Hall, Wanganui. Tbe hall was very prettily decorated for tho occasion, and the music was all that could be desired. There vtere up* wards of 130 ladies and gentlemen in the room, and the dancing was kept up lill an early hour. The Permissive Bill. —We observe that the Presbytery of Wellington have unanimously adopted a petition to the Assembly in favor of a Permissive Bill. Foxton. — A correspondent of the " Wanganui Chronicle" writes : — The tramroad between Palmerston and Foxton will be finished before next, summer, which will enable us to do an extensive timber trade. Totara, matai, and red pine can be supplied for years in large quantities. The advantage of steam communication will also, I trust, encourage a trade between this port and Wanganui, whioh would greatly benefit both places. Ido not consider the entrance to this river equal to the Wanganni. It is not bo easy of ingress or egress, nor is there so much water on the bar, and consequently it is not safe for such large vessels to enter as those that visit Wanganui from the other colouies. For this reason we cannot expect to rival Wanganui in her particular trade, but may be able to work with her and receive mutual benefit. A New Goldfield on the West Coast.— Some excitement has been caused in Westport by a report brought by some cattle dealers to tho effect that valuable gold discoveries had been made in the river Mangles, tribituary of ~ih.«» E;:ILi>E, JNo Icg3 thgg_BJxteen oun ces of coarse gold was Baid~to have been otitain^cTFfoSr %T"" single dishful of dirt taken from the river bed. A Cheap Railway. — A railway, forty mile 9 in length,, is being constructed in Namaqualand, Capo Colony, at an average coat of £1250 per mile. Convict labor ia partly employed. Ma YoGEL AND HIS CALEDONIAN SHARES. — The " Evening Star," of Auckland, publishes a note from a gentleman in that city, who says:—" l have seen in some opposition papers in Wellington, a statement that the Hon. Julius Yogel had forfeited his interest in tho Caledonian claim for non-payment of calls. I have seen the books of the Company, and have seen tho receipt for Mr Yogel's dividends on fourteen shares, £1680 to this date, and more to follow. If he sells out now he can clear £3509 or more on his interests." New South. Wales Revenue.— The CusI toms revenue of New South Wale 3 for tho last five months shows an increase of £21,000 on the snme period during last year, Salmon. — Mr Hall intends to introduce salmon ova into New South Wales from California, by the return trip of the City of Adelaide. What New Zealan ) Pats to Adelaide. — According to statistics given in an Adelaide paper of May 27, New Zealand has imported this season from South Australia as follows : —Flour, 275 tons, valued at £2350 ; wheat, 53,096 bushels, valued at £12,7(31 ,• totil value, £15,111. The above figures relate to a period up to April 15fch. Thompson's R^ad Steamer. — A trial took place at; Auckland on Tuesday last of the Thompson's road steamer. The engine went up Giwfton Road, along the Kyber Pass Road, down Symonds-stroet, and Alton Road, and 00 back to the foundry. The trial was very satisfactory, the steamer attaining a speed of about four miles an honr ; but the otigineer is of opinion that when it has been fairly tried, and has got into thorough working order, it will go at. the rate of six milas an hour. Settlement in Nokth Australia. — The Adelaide Government have tiken up the ship Bengal for tho Northern Territory for £750. Another vessel will shortly be despatched. Plans and estimates for a railway 200 miles north of Port Augusta, as prepared by tho survoyor-gcnoral; are now in the hands of tho Government, but no action has been decided with regard to them. Eeeeehensisle Ignoeasce ax " "Wise's Corner." — In Dunedin last week, a man namod Haynes was driving from the direction of Princess-street north, and about to turn the corner of Rattray-street. A woman who had just crossed from " Wise's corner," when about half-way into the middle of the street, on seeing tho horso and vehicle approaching, stood hesitating, apparently half stupefied. If Mr Haynes had kept the horso in the same course in which ho had been going, and at tho same rate the ordinary one, at which corners arc turned here, ho must have driven over her. But he pulled ono of tho reins, turning tho horse short round, and bringing the vehicle against tho kerb stone and lamp 'post, capsized it, breaking one of the shafts. He was thrown out, and got slightly hurt on the left leg, but not so much ns to prevent him from walking. Considerable presenco of niind and courage wa3 displayed in the act, bnt if tho/proposed bye-law that street corners be &p^^ proached aud turned at a walking pace had"-**, boon in force, thoro might have boon no occasion for the exercise of these qualities. Tiie " Odd Fellow."— The first number of a new monthly, entitled the " Oddfellow," has been published in Launceston.

luide