LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue XXVI, 28 July 1871, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS

Appeal Court.— Tho Court safc yesterday rooming, and judgments in the following cases were given :— ln Smith v. Moore and Another, Mr Justice Johnston gave tho decision of tho Court as follows— That the judgment of the lower Court be sustained with costs. In Taylor v. Jordan, judgment was given for plaintiff with costs. In Regina v. Charles Harley and Others, tho majority of tho Court were of opinion that the offence of selling arms to the natives is felony, and ordered that the judgments of tho Court below bo confirmed. In Ecgina v. Williams and Others, which cases had been reserved in consequence of a doubt existing as to the legality of the custody from which they had escaped, being at _ tho rime under penal servitude, the Court decided that the convictions for " breach of prison" in tho Court below bo sustained, the custody from which they at tho time oscaped being legal. This concluded the business of tho Court.

Anotrer Mining Cojipany. — A meeting of persons favorable to tho formation of another mining company was held last evening ut Barrett's Hotel— Mr S. Levy in the choir. As a pattern of business procedure, wo may notice that tho following business was got through with very little waste of time :—Resolutions--" That all necessary arrangements must be made with Mr Bukor respecting the eroction of buildings and right of road ; also, that tho arrangements must bo legally made ; also, that all machinery may be removed by the company when they require it."—" That Mr Isaac Plimmer be legal manager of the company." — "That a committee bo appointed to assist Mr I. Plimmer in carrying out the wishes of tho company— the following to form such committee :— Messrs S. Levy, Gell, and Wright."—" That Mr Baker be questioned as to whether he expects the royalty of 2s 6d per ounce on the gross or net proceeds." — " That Messrs Brandon and Quick bo appointed solicitors to the company." Tho meeting was adjourned to Wednesday uext, at half-past 7 o'clock.

Laubton Wabd. — Tlio election of a successor to Mv Plimmer is officially announced lo take place on Monday, 14th August, tlio poll if necessary being taken on the following day. Provincial Council Elkction. — Yet another candidate offers himself for the se.it vacated by Mr Anderson. Mr Seagcr, of the foundry, has announced his intonlion of contesting the seat. From the number of caudidutes whoso names have been announced the contest promises to be a very hot one, and the chances aro thati oven if wo don't have Mills we shall have plenty of irony. DEATn op Anothee Old Colonist. — By various methods, and with unusual rapidity, como tlio calls of Time upon those of our pioneers who have passed the summit of the avch of life. At very short intervals of late have we had to chronicle the coming of the relentless " scythe-bearer," aud again has the inevitable messago arrived, but this time under extremely melancholy circumstances. A telegram received yesterday announces the death, by drowning, of Captain Taylor, of the (inn of Taylor and Watt, Wanganui. Capt. Taylor left Wangauui recently in a vessel bolonging to t!io firm, the Lady Deuison, on a trip to Melbourne, and from the scant information to hand, we learn that while assisting to work the ship was caught in the luff of tho sail, or else was knocked overboard by the boom. Captain Taylor's connection with the colony dates from 1840, when ho and his partner fixed on Wangunui as the scene of thoir colonisiifg operations. Sheer perseverance and strict attention to business had enabled them to acquire sufficient, at least, to smooth the troubled waters of life, and just as Captain Taylor had ceased to form "a busy character in the dull scene," and had stepped into tho shade of retirement after so long a poriod of toil, he has been hurried away by a eimpleaccident, without any forowarningthat he was to to so suddenly to " swift destruction doomed." Tho news of Captain Taylor's death has created great sorrow in Wanganui, and as a mark of respect, our telegram states that all business in the town was suspended on receipt of tho melancholy intelligence. Captain Taylor was a most useful but most unobtrusive citizen, warm-hearted, and frank. He pushed his way through life without making enemies, and his death is lamented by a large circle of friends ; in other words, by all his fellow-settlors who knew him. In Wellington yesterday the painful intelligence caused quite a sonsation among our old settlera, who might have been seen clustering together in knots, talking over the sad themo. We have not heard such a general exprossion of genuine sorrow over the death of any other old colonist for a very long time. We aro sure we are expressing the feeling oi the city when we say that Wellington joins with Wanganui in expressing lieu Borrow at the death of so esteemed a colonist, and her sympathy with tho family in their irreparable loss.

Parish Meeting.— A meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's was hold last evening at the schoolroom, about twenty members being present. Tlio Rev W. H. Ewald was in the chair. After the transaction of some formal business, W. M. Bannatync, Esq. the treasurer, road the report and balance sheet, in the course of which ho paid a high tributo to the schoolmaster (Mr Mowbray). The report stated the average attendance at the school to be between 80 and 90, and went on to state that unless the receipts from ordinary sources wore augmented by subscriptions from the congregation, many of the requirements of the school would have to fall short. At present tho school fund was quite inadequate (o pay expenses, and although tho schoolmaster did all in his power to keep up the receipts, still they could not be made to meet expenditure, and ho hoped that whoa an appeal was made to the parishioners they would respond liberally. The appointment of officers was then proceeded with. Mr Barraud proposed and Mr Smith seconded, that Mr Powles be the pnrishoners' churchwarden during tho ensuing year. The motion was carried unanimously. In thaukiug the meeting Mr Powles said ho had no objection to accept the office but he could not promise to hold it for tlio whole term. However, he would do his best for the pariah and would continue to act as long as his arrangements would permit. The vostrymen appointed for the year were Messrs Anderson, Bannatyne, Moore, Levin, Blundell, Smith, Cook, Barraud, Allan, and M'lntyro. Mr Powlca proposed that Messrs Lambert and Ilolmes be appointed auditors for tlio year. — Carried. Mr Burraud proposed Messrs Baunatyno, Buchanan, Stowe, Pharazyn, Tuckey, and Marr, as the school committee for tho year, the incumbent to bo chairman ex qfficio. This being conclusion of tho meeting, Mr Barraud said ho felt that the parishioners could not permit that opportunity to pass without marking their feeling for their pastor, who was about to leave the parish. Ho thought it would bo hardly necessary to move a resolution on the subject, nor would ho put his feelings into any official form. Ho wished to state that the parishioners desired to return their Bincere thanks 6o him for his kiudly ministration during the time he had been among them, and to express thoir good wishes for his future welfare and happiness. Mr Bannatyno would support the remarks of Mr Barraud most cordially ; ho acknowledged the services of tho Rev. Mr Ewald with groat pleasure and much thankfulness. Mr Moore said

he could not allow the opportunity to pass without expressing his feelings in the matter. He desired to express his gratification at- the zealous interest the rev. gentleman had taken in the welfare of the parish, particularly in school affairs and in benevolent matters. He earnestly hoped the change would conduce to Mr Ewald's happiness and welfare, and that his health, which he understood was one cause of Mr Ewald's removal, would be benefit ted. It was well known, and the fact was appreciatod, that Mr Ewald's duties had been very onerous and had been performed at a groat sacrifice to health. Ho felt sure that he was justified in saying that the whole of the parishioners would always desire to hear of hiß welfare. In reply, Mr Ewald said he hardly knew how to reply to the kind expressions of the meeting, and he felt more had been said of him than he deserved. The parishioners were already in possession of his sentiments, and he was extremely grateful for the kindly feeling given expression to by the meeting. He was thankful, indeed, to leavo New Zea land with such assurances as had been given expression to that evening. Nothing could have given him greater pleasuro, and he would often look back to the time when Mr Bannatyne and Mr Moore spoke so kindly of his ministrations. He would look back to that evening as one of his most ploasant roeollections, and he thanked God that he had been successful in gaining the approbation of the parishioners. Some other business peculiar to the working of church matters was then entered upon, and at its conclusion the meeting broke up Barlow's Troupe. — People who know anything of Barlow and his satellites, and those who know nothing of theso funny people, will have the opportunity of hoaring them this evening. The name of Bent is connected with the troupe, but in the minor capacity of Secretary ; this speaks powerfully for the effulgence of the greater lights, still, we hope to have opportunities of seeing a repetition of the " Bushranger," " Old Times, Rocks," or something else in outrageously funny business. A. prodigy in violinism is announced in the appearance of Feuillard, truly the greatest violinist Wellington hasseen. 8." Eudi3, Deceased. — We call tho attention of our readers to (.he advertisement referring to this osi ate. Meat-Pkesekyino.— The " Argus" of the 15th reports :— Some tins of meat preserved by the New Zealand Meat- preserving Company wero opened for inspection on board the ss. Rungitoto, at tho Australian Wharf, yesterday. They had been brought over from the company's works at Timaru, Canterbury, by Captain Mackio, for tho purpose of getting an introduction to tho Melbourne public. Throe tins were tried,viz., one containing boiled beef, another sheeps' tongues, and a third kidney soup. The time that had elapsed since the curing was stated to bo two years. The whole of tho samples wore perfectly sound. The quality of iho kidney soup was excellent, and calculated, if made known, to cause soup of this sort to sell well in Australia as well as in the old countries, to which preserved meats are, for the most part, shipped. The tongues likewise wero very palatable. Tho beef did not pass muster so satisfactorily, having suffered, as is generally the case with cooked boef, from over cooking. It was wanting in juiciness, and somewhat coarse in appearance, but doubtless it would have looked considerably better if it had not |bccn cooked a secoud time, like tho tongues and soup, for tho purpose of yesterday's trial. It appears that tho New Zealand Company devotes itself chiefly to preserving mutton, for cattlo aro scarce in Now Zealand, while sheep aro plenful. It has curing works at Woodlands in Southland, and at Knkanui in Otago, as well as at Timaru ; and, as wo aro informed, exports largely to Europe by nearly every ship that sails from tho southern ports of New Zealand. The process employed by them is iho Aberdeen, and, in the hands of the New Zealand Company, it appears to work effectively, with tho exception, of course, which has been pointed out. Postal. — We learn from our Melbourne files that, by the last Suez mai\ a communication was forwarded by tho Government to tho Agent- General, asking him to obtain further information relative to the Capo mail route, aud also to ascertain whether the Imperial Government would be inclined to grant any subsidy in support of a postal service by such a lino of steamers. Tho Chief Secretary has received a telegram from the Governor of South Australia, notifying that at the end of two years that colony will cease to contribute to the P. and O. Company's service. It is therefore considered not improbable that at the expiration of that period the whole burdon of that lino w"ll Ml on Victoria. The Government of that colony has received propositions for two eervices via San Francisco, one from tho colony of New Zealand and tho other from a private firm

Waited.— A recent Victorian Police G-a---zefcte contains notices concerning throe oases of murder. The first is regarding a case of infanticide at Sandhurst*, the particulars of which we havo previously given. The second is as follows :— "The remains of a child were found in a ivaterhole at Mount Kowaw, on tho 2nd inst., and at an inquest held on tho following day an open verdict was returned. From the evidence adduced it is believed tho body was placed in the waterhole between one and two years ago. The child was fully matured, and the bones exhibit no marks of violence, but whether stillborn or not tho evidence fails to show. Fro.n ill djeompjsed alalc of tlio remains the sex cannot be ascertained." Tho other case is thus given : —

" Patrick Hurtignn is charged, on warrant, with the wilful murder of Jamo3 Stevenson, at Warronheip, Bulliirafc. His description is given, and it is stated that he was recently employed by tho Bungarco Council in roadranking. He wont to Melbourne last week for New Zealand, likely to Anslow and Samson, tailoi'6, Duuodin ; or may seek employment on tho Beechworth railway line. When last sren ho had a swelling on the nose. On tlio 30th May last deceased was admitted into the Ballarat Hospital, suffering from a fracture of the skull (supposed by accident), and died on the 2ith ultimo. It has now been ascertained that, deceased was murderously assaulted, on the 28th May last, with a heavy rail, by Hartigan, who remained abjut tho neighborhood until after the death of Stevenson. Hartigan is aware that he is wanted."

Co-operation ik Victoria. — Our friends of the Manners street Co-operation Society will bo glad to learn that at the usual quar terly meeting of tho Williamstown Cooperative Company (Limited), held on the 11th July, tho balance-sheet for the three months ending Juno 10 was read and adopfcod. Under tho heading " Manufacturing account," the expenditure was £475 7s lOd, inclusive of £68 2s 9kl stock on hand at tho commencement of the quarter. Tho credit side showed— sales of goods. £437 Is lid, and stock on hand, Juno 10, £60 Os 9d ; the profits of the company for tho last throe months being £21 hh lOd. The liabilities of the company consist of borrowed money, bank overdraft, and debts duo by tho company, the whole amounting to £834. 18s 7£d. Tho assets are as follow :— Plant, £112 osß^d ; land, £75 9s lOd j promises, 6519 10s ; debts owing to company and other items, £190 Is 8d j total, £897 2a 2£d ; the balance to credit of profit and loss being £62 3s 7d. Tue Weatheb on tiie West Coast.— Tho " West Coast Times" says that tho continued boisterous shite of tlio weather baa been tho means of causing considerable damago to property of different descriptions, amongst which we may notice that the topmast of tho flagßtuff at tho signal station was carried awr.y during Tuesday night, and it was found to have broken off at the cap. Tho tidal balls, and a portion of the ironwork, wore found yesterday morning lying iu the river among the piles. These being secured, tho difficult task of lowering down the broken spar was at once proceeded with, and accomplished without any mishap. We understand that a now topmast is now being made, and vail be ready to be put in its place in a day or two. The only wonder in that,; the whole structure

was not carried away by the heavy fresh and wind together, as it seems to be in a most shaky condition, and needs considerable repairing. The heavy fresh hns caused considerable damage on the opposite side of the river, known as Wadeson's Island, the current having washed away a long slip of the island, and there is evory probability, by the appearance of the weather last night, that n great deal more damage will be done, but for those who havo to suffer by ifc, it is to be hoped that it may not be so. The Graving Dock.— The "Dunedin Star" says that tho engineers of the Dock Trust took possession of the engine-house of the new Graving Dock yesterday, and were forcibly ejected by the contractors, but as our information is from a private source, wo do not positively affirm that such was tho case. GOTBRN3IHNT LIFE ASSUGANCR AND ANNUITIES. — Captain Baldwin, tho lecturer appointed by the General Government under the Life Assurance and Annuities Act, has arrived in tho province of Canterbury, and intends to give a series of lectures in tho chief centres of population. Hitherto, ho has confined himself to Otago and Southland, whore he has been very successful in extending the business of tho department. He proceeds, in the first place, to Timaru and the southern portion of the province, but will shortly invite the people of Uhristchurch and neighborhood to attend a public meeting.

The Hokitika Road. — This road, which our evening contemporary spoke of in such contemptible terms a short time ago, is thus spoken of by the Canterbury " Press" : — Tho information which we published regarding the damage done to the West Coast road is of considerable interest to a large section of tho community. That road has been for somo time past the principal outlet for our surplus stock of cattle and shcop, and should it, be long closed to traffic, a serious loss will result to our farmers and squatters. This will be apparent when wo state that not less than 8000 head of cattle and 30,000 sheep are annually sent out of this province to the West Const market, the whole of which passes over this road. The old track via the Hurunui is certainly still available, but the loss by this route is so great that our dealers who even now suffer from tho competition, would be completely driven out of tho field by the Wanganui shippers. We trust, therefore, that should the contractor be unable to make good the damage done on this road, tho General Government will see their wav to take immediate action in the matter.

Funekal of Mr Manson Sinclair. — The Nelson " Evening Mail" says that at two o'clock on Tuesday aftornoon the members of the Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Voluntcors and Fire Brigade, together with a large number of friends of tho deceased, assembled at his father's house, whence they accompanied tho body to Christ Church, whore the first portion of tho service was read by tho Eev. G. H. Johnsfcone. The pi-ooe3sion then reformed, and proceeded to tho cemetery. The Inangaiiita.— - From both public and private sources of information, wo (" Nelson Mail") learn that tho reefs in this district are likely to turn out exceedingly rich, and, that residents in the locality have the utmost confidence in their eventually proving of great value, is shown by the fact that high prices are being paid for sections in Reefton. The " West port Times" reports the sale of one portion of land with a frontage of 21 foot for £40, and of another of 25 feet for £30. Those, however, says our contemporary, are far from being tho highest prices asked, the best allotments being valued at from £100 to £150. In addi tion to those signs of prosperity wo observe that two broweries are to be started at Reefton.