LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVII, Issue 3456, 26 March 1872, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

His Honor Mr Justice Johnston will sit in Bankruptcy this morning to dispose of the case of Te Hapuka, adjourned from Monday, the 18th inst. The interests at stake would seem to be very great judging by the legal talent retained. The Attorney-General, Mr Travers, and Mr Buckley will represent the parties concerned. Singular to say, after all the publicity which has been given to the quarantine regulations, there are some people thoughtless or ignorant enough, to be guilty of infringing them. We are informed that on Saturday last a whaleboat, with some six or seven young men on board, pulled round Soames' Island, and within a few hundred yards of the England. Fortunately under the circumstances there exists little reason to dread any serious results happening from this foolish breach of the quarantine regulations, but it is a breach nevertheless. The names' of the persons in the boat were taken down, and they were to be proceeded against in the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday but for the discovery of a flaw in the proclamation, which goes only so far as to include the island itself within the regulations, and not any portion of j the water surrounding it. This omission j will be supplied in an amended proclama--1 tion to be published in the Gazette. Escape from the penalties will then be ■ difficult. Since the completion of the accommodation which had to be provided on Soame's Island for. the, England's passengers, the contractors have been making rapid headway with the erection of the Provincial Government . Buildings. But special efforts are being put out on the Council Chamber of the new hall, so that the next session of the Provincial Council may be opened in it on the 31st April if possible. No fewer than fire slaters were busy on the roof yesterday, while the greater number of the men employed on the building were engaged about that particular portion of the building. It is understood that the vacancy created in the Provincial Council by the resignation of Mr Halcombe will most probably be filled by Mr Graham, of Eangitikei, formerly the representative for Oamaru in the House of Representatives. A full meeting of the directors of the Public Hall Company was held at Greville's room yesterday afternoon. The company having received from a firm in town an offer of a very eligible site on most advantageous terms, some discussion ensued, which resulted in the determination to adhere to the terms made with the City Council for a site on the reclaimed land. Instructions were given to tho secretary to have the plans for the building drawn up immediately, and to take the necessary steps for the registration of the company. The shares will be allotted at once, and if necessary the shareholders are to be asked to sanction the increase of the value of tho shares to 30s, so as to raise the nominal capital required. The articles of association will be drawn up and submitted lor signature by the end of the prosent week. We understand that Inspector Atcheson has recommended the erection of a police station at Masterton. The Rev M. Meyer, of the German Lutheran congregation at Nelson, preached on Sunday last at the Athenaeum, both in the morning and evening, to large con gregations, considering the number of German residents here. Those present expressed their gratification at both service and attendance and a desire to sec this service continued, if possible, next Sunday, of which due notice will bo given. A useful hint is afforded to oil dwellers beneath the scarp between Warmoll's corner and Woodward Street, in (he fact that the police authorises have deemed i! advisable to remove the luxuriant growth of gorse which had sprung up on the face of the cutting. In the event of a lire on the beach, a good crop of gorse would be found a very dangerous con- , ductor of the flames.

The third contest for Captain Pearce's cup will take place this day week at the Adelaide butts. The winners at the two previous trials of skill were Private D. Gray, of No 1 Company, and Gunner M'Credie, of the Artillery. The present test will therefore be a highly exciting one. Should M'Credie prove fortunate enough to score highest at next Monday's firing the cup becomes his property, as the conditions stipulate that it must be won twice in succession or three times at intervals. The many matches fired during the year, however, have had the effect of bringing out many promising shots, some of whom are likely to run the former champions very close for the honorable distinction of being the possessor of the cup for the ensuing year. The match committee are arranging the programme, which will, as usual, contain a number of miscellaneous prizes sufficient in value to emulate members of tbe various corps whose talents would not be such as to justify them in entering the lists safely as contestants for the great prize of the day. The conditions will be — at 200 yards, standing ; 400, 500, and 600, any position ; seven shots at each ranpe. People are always wise after the event. It is now said by many that a mistake has been made in the plan of erecting the sheds on the wings of the wharf. Although they are admitted to be an improvement upon the old state of things, it is said that a better plan would have been to erect a shed in the centre of each T, with room for vehicles to pass on both sides; and if the sides of the sheds consisted of sliding paneta it would have been a still greater improvement. The greatest dissatisfaction is manifested by the owners and captains of the small craft*which run about the coast for wool ; and Plimmer's wharf is spoken of as a landing place better suited for their purpose. We are requested by Dr Bulmer to acknowledge the receipt of a donation of cabbages from Mr John Martin, a bag of vegetables and old clothing from Mrs Bulmer, and a dozen tins of jams from Mr A. P. Stewart, for the use of the infected camp, and for which the inmates are extremely grateful. The anniversary of the Sydney street Primitive Methodist Sabbath School was celebrated on Sunday last, when appropriate sermons in aid of its funds were preached morning and evening by the pastor of the church, the Rev W. J. Dean. At each service the attendance was large and the collections good. In the afternoon a special service was held when the children of the congregation sang a number of suitable hymns, and selections of prose and poetry were given. At the tea meeting held last evening the members of the congregation met in such number as to necessitate a relay of the tables, which were provided with a plenteous supply of enticing comestibles by tho ladies, to whose labors the entire merit of success in this department is duo. In return for this entertainment the pastor and many gentlemen of the congregation contributed in a no less genial manner in the carrying out of the programme at the public meeting which followed. Mr Carson read tho report of the Sabbath School teachers, which showed the number of teachers to be — males, 10; females, 9 ; and the number of scholars — males, 72 ; females, 81 ; giving a total of 153 children attending the school, with an average attendance of 50 in the morning and 100 in the afternoon. Mr Somers, in a short, vigorous, and most effective speech, pointed out that the good done by Sabbath schools had been incalculable, as they had been the means of supplying the most faithful preachers and the brightest ornaments of the Christian church. Several addresses followed, and at their conclusion the chairman announced that as next Friday was Good Friday the usual Wednesday evening service would not be held, as it was the intention to hold an open air service on Friday afternoon at the ground formerly used as a rifle target at the top of Sydney street. In the event of the weather being unfavorable the service will be held in the church, where special services will beheld in the evening at seven o'clock. Mr Johnson, Superintendent of the Sunday School, proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies and to all who had assisted in imparting so much pleasure and success to the anniversary proceedings. Mr G. Carson seconded the vote, which was unanimously passed. The recitations by the children of the school displayed much care and intelligence in their delivery. One of these, " The Little Sermon," we make no apology for selecting for special eulogy, as the culture displayed by. ; the youthful intellect, nnd the consequent force added to the tutored inflection of voice, made the efforts of this little serraoniser most successful. Miss Birch, with the harmonium, led the singing throughout the evening, which was rendered with considerable cultivation and taste. From the good house which welcomed Professor Haselmayer last night it is evident that he has not yet quite satisfied the curiosity of a great many. As there are still a few more tricks in his wizard's budget new to Wellingtonians, it is to be presumed that the Professor will draw a few more good houses before he takes his departure for the South. From the report of the evidence taken at the inquest held on the 25th, to inquire into the fire at the Tauherenikau Hotel, in the Wairarapa Mercury, we learn that Inspector Acheson appeared on behalf of the Police Department, and also to watch the case on account cf the Liverpool and London Insurance Corapnny. But as far as can be gathered from reading the evidence no very definite opinion can be formed as to whether the fire originated by accident or otherwise. Tho Mercury concludes the report as follows : — The jury, after an hour'sconsultation, returned tho following, which they actually called n "verdict :" — " That the Tauherenikau Hotel was burnt down on the Uth March, and that the fire originated from the inside of the storeroom of the said house." Shareholders in the Morning Star Gold Mining Company are reminded that the adjourned meeting of the company for the passing of the accounts will take place on Thursday evening next, at Barrett's Hotel. " The dreadful dust" was in everybody's mouth and eyes yesterday morning, and it swept along the bench in huge clouds. We understand that the water carts have been knocked off on account of some pecuniary hitch. Agreed as all are that the dust should be put down, the sume agreeable unanimity has not been displayed in putting down the dust looked for on pay-day. The natural consequence has followed, and the city is once moro doomed to suffer tho old familiar plague. We cau scarce expect anything else as long as the nuisance is met in such a half-and-half way as has been tho case hitherto. This thing is an eye-aore to tho wholo town and a positive affliction to the shopkeepers along Lnmbton Quay, yet every attempt at remedying it has as yet failed lamentably ; and wo presume tho pest will remain in the ascendant until such time as our Corporation, take the

matter into their serious consideration, and face it by tbe aid of a contribution made compulsory upon the whole town, or by some modification of that principle. We have to call attention to an alteration in the time for receiving tenders for cartage, &c, for the General Government. The advertised time w as Friday next at noon ; but as that date will bo Good Friday, the time has been altered to Saturday 30th insfc. The members of No. 1 Company, the Highland Corps, and some members of the Veterans turned out for the monthly inspection last evening on the reclaimed land. Very little manoeuvring was gone through, and at the conclusion of the parade Col. Reader informed the companies that it would be necessary to send in the arms and accoutrements of volunteers. The colonel also informed the companies that any rifles and accoutrements not accounted for would have to be paid out of the capitation allowance. The companies then broke off, the Highland Brigade adjoining to Barrett's Hotel for the transaction of company business. The local print in tbe Wairarapa says that the carriers of that district are about to enter into a combination to establish a uniform scale of charges so as to do away with competition. The next thing for them to do will be to keep their compact with each other, so that they may reap the full benefit of so good an idea. We notice that we are to have a new theatrical company — the Steele and Howard Dramatic Company — perform at the end of the month. The Wanganui papers speak in high terms of this company, and think that the support extended to them there does not say much for the discrimination of the public. The Hutt Bridge was opened for traffic yesterday without any ceremony. Some little stir was occasioned on account of demanding toll from the school children who live on this side of the river on attempting to cross the bridge on their way j to school. It will be 6een from our telegraphic report from Napier that notwithstanding | the very fair firing of the Wellington Volunteers on Saturday, the Napier men have beaten them by 81 points, their highest score being 70, with a lowest of 47. " iEgles," in his weekly budget says, " in writing of the interchange of pulpits between ministers of the Churches of England and Scotland, I ought to have said that over 150 leading laymen of the Scottish and English churches (not 150 clergymen) had given in their adhesion to the system. The feeling of most ministers of religion is, however, in favor of the movement, the progress of which will not be easily arrested." A romance of the goldfields came to light the other day, in the case Morwood v. Watson. The evidence showed that four years ago a twelfth part in the Golden Fleece claim was sold for £2 10s, and now the value of the share is given at £10,000. Of the many smells for which Wellington has been noted, there is one in the ascendant now which has never been catalogued. Painting seems to be the order of the day throughout the town, as squads of men are to be seen in various parts of the town painting and renovating the outsides of hotels, churches, and private residences. A notorious and sometimes dangerous class in the Australian colonies are those who roam the country apparently in search of work, but praying at the same time that they may not get it. Six representatives of the class, named severally | Henry Mathews, Alexander Dean, Alfred | Binks, William M'Cntchen, Geo. Miller, and John Rae, were frustrated in an attempt at burglary a few days ago in Otago, and safely lodged in gaol. These men dropped into the township at a suspiciously opportune moment, when nearly all the inhabitants were at the Tokomairiro races, and took up their abode in a hut on tho outskirts of the town. Constable Dunn, for some reason, sniffed mischief, and, under cover of darkness, crept to the hut and overheard the conversation. This warranted him in getting assistance, with which he managed to secure the wholo six inside the hut. Some of them " foxed" drunkenness, but two or three assumed an attitude that showed the constable had acted with [ wisdom in obtaining assistance and sur- | prising them in the hut. Mr Maitland, R.M., complimented the vigilance of the constable. Borough honors do not seem at a premium at Wanganui at present. A local print says that Mr John Bett has sent in Uia resignation as a member of the Borough Council, and that the last meeting of the body would be held with only four members — the Mayor, Councillors Duthie, Nathan, and West. The Veteran Volunteer Corps turned out in full strength yesterday for tire purpose of having their likeness taken. The company fell in on the reclaimed land at' two o'clock, and soon after marched over to the store of Messrs Jacob Joseph and Co, beneath which they fell in in echelon form, until Messrs Batt and Richards took a sun picture of the group. The Wanganui Chronicle states that thpre is a mania just now amongst the natives to part with their land, and considers that tho Government should avail themselves of the opportunity to buy as much of it as they can. There is no knowing (says the Chronicle) how soon the natives, capricious as children, may change their minds. Several large tracts of country, additional to those already under negotiation, are under offer, in eluding the block through which Mr Field or Mr Booth's proposed road to Tuupo goes over. The Maoris who have been recently paid for their land on tho West Coast are " knocking down" their money in a fine style. The Chronicle says : — Tho ladies have been going in heavy for riding habits, tall hats, &c, and have been thronging tho photographers for photos of themselves. Their money is fast finding its way into our storekeeper's hands. Yesterday over forty guineas was paid for a buggy and turn-out complete, and £30 for a dog-cart — the former purchased by a lady. A very desultory kind of discussion took place at a meeting of the Wauganui Municipal Council on Wednesday lust, upon the subject of the proposals made by the Superintendent regarding the Wanganui Bridge, Hospital, &c. There were only three councillors present beside the Mayor, and nothing definite was arrived. Mr Watt recommended the council to purchase the bridge, but ho could not give his consent to pay anything for the Government wharf. The hospital, he said, had also been offered to the council, the Provincial Government "agreeing to put it into a good state of repair, and then hand it over to the town, to bo supported by it. Ho did not see why they should free the province of tho hospital, as it was not to be supposed that the town was going to allow itself to be burlhened with an unproductive institution like the hospital. Another proposal of the Superintendent was, that the town

be required to maintain its own poor, without having recourse to the Provincial Government. This offer he likewise declined. The three other councillors expressed opinions against the purchase of the bridge, and after some talk about calling a meeting of ratepayers to consider the question the council rose without apparently coming to any decision whatever. The electors of Marton and Eangilikei (says the Wanganui Herald of the 23rd) are already looking about them for a candidate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Halcombe. This morning it was intended to form a deputation to wait upon Captain Jordan, to ask him to allow himself to be placed in nomination. Connected with this movement are Mr Pennington J. Richardson, as representing Rangitikei ; Mr S. Coleman> Marton ; and Mr George Y. Lethbridge, Turakina. There can be no doubt that Captain Jordan is perhaps more fully conversant with the wants of the district than any other gentlemen likely to come forward. Should he accede to the requisition there is every probability of his being returned unopposed. There ia a charming incongruity of ideas in the association of blue blankets and acoustics. Yet the Wanganui Chronicle has the following announcement :-— " The Court House has been hung with blue blankets, with a view of improving its acoustic properties. The blankets are far from being ornamental, and, we fear, are barely useful, as they not appear to make the slightest difference in the way required. Mr Booth and Eepa, says the Wanganui Herald of the 23rd, are negotiating for the purchase of two blocks of~land in the Manawatu district, containing 40,000 acres and 20,000 acres respectively. Kepa is understood to be one of the owners. A man of the name of Grant, who had been working until lately, at Major Marshall's, came into the township at Marton about a week back (says the Wanganui Herald of the 23rd), and commenced drinking heavily. The effects soon became apparent, the man being attacked with a fit of delirium tremens. In this state the unfortunate fellow left the town and went into the bush. Not returning that day or the next, search was made, but with no result. He was seen by a lad on the third day, at a distance, almost uaked, running und shouting violently. On Thursday, the constable enlisting the help of several volunteers, started for a more thorough and complete search. After some hours the poor fellow was found lying in some scrub, apparently dying. He was brought into town and received careful attention, which had the effect of saving his life. A Melbourne paper thus refers to a period of Victoria's history as illustrated by wool growing : — Ten years ago the ram that brought £112 on Monday would not have realised more than as many shillings, except for fancy purposes. There is a reason for the change, of course, and it is not very far to seek. Ten years ago there were only the natural grasses of the country for our sheep to consume, and the big-limbed, heavy-woolled Lincoln would have starved on the runs where the lighter and quicker travelling Merino picked up a comfortable living. There is a demand for the Lincoln dow, not only because his fleece is heavy and his carcase large and prime for the butcher, for that was always the case, but because cultivation and improvements are rendering it possible and profitable to keep the breed. The days of three acres to the sheep, we may presume, are coming to an end in Victoria. Two counties in England at present grow more wool than the whole of Victoria, the Lincoln coming from one of them. The Wanganui Chrouicle approves of the selection of Mr Watt as a member of the Provincial Executive. It says-' — Mr Watt'a position pointed him out as the fittest person for the Superintendent to select. At a late meeting of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce the question of the fraudulent packing of tallow was again discussed, and the secretary was instructed to write to the principal salesmen in Melbourne and Geelong asking them to aid the chamber in suppressing the frauds complained of by refusing to sell tallow which they may have reason to suspect has been manipulated.