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Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 18 July 1872, Page 3

The writer of "Notes and Queries," in the "Wangauui Herald," tells the following :-By the way a good story comes from Sydney illustrative of the easy way in which some magnates can cast oft the " cares of statu" and "mingle with the festive and the gay." A distinguished New Zealand plenipotentiary, travelling at liis'caso in \ustralia, and beguiling the tediousness of dry postal negotiations anil telegraphic "specs " with such'harmless fortunes as book-making and unlimited 100, visited Sydney some time ago during the autumn ra e mooting. This gentleman had recently been accusto ned t) all the dignified elegance of splendid carriages and footmen, gilded palace cars, sumptuous dinners, and ovations. But he was not spoilt by his good, fortune; luxury had not made him aristocratic—oh no, not for "Vo I On festive occasions ho could condescend to mingle with the common herd, and to display that iutciise sympathy with the feelings and objceis of the eiowd which is so eminently characteristic of great minds. This was strikingly displayed during his visit to Sydney. Disdaining the elegant equipages placed at his disposal by admiring friends, he calmly took his seat on the top of "the Raiulwick'bus, and from that dignified and elevated pedestal smilingly surveyed the pedestrian crowd. In the same exalted position were several speculative cusses in habiliments of chequered pattern and variety of hue; and with that rare tact, possessed by few, the Hoeial plenipotentiary proceeded at once to suit himself to his company. By a few graceful remarks he succeeded in breaking the ice. Anon he produced from his vest pocket a half-crown, balancing the same on the tip of his foreiinger, spun it in, the air with all the graceful ease acquired by an early education in that difficult art, and frankly offered to "go anyone half a bull." The effect was instantaneous. His companions accepted the challenge, and during the journey the outside passengers oagerly engaged in the delightful speculation of'"heads and tails ;'' but the dexterity of the stranger was marvellous. He appeared to possess all the arts of a practised prestidigitateur. Half-crowns disappeared into his breeches pocket in a manner that was " cruite frightful to see." Yet while looks of amazement sat on the countenances of his companions, the stranger pocketed the silver, and sat with " a smile that 'was childlike and bland." Gradually his opponents grew.convinced of the hopelessness of the game against an expert. Amazement gave way to admiration, and mysterious whispers as to the stranger's name and calling. One young gentleman with a peculiar cast in his 1 eye, whispered " Haselmayer." Another mildly suggested " Old Nick ;" but a knowing curd, with a decidedly horsey appearance, triumphantly shouted u To ." The census taken has discovered in Michigan a young lady named Luna Aurora Borealis. To Drunkards—Tho pawnbrokers is not the proper place to take the pledge. Want of DiseiruNß.—At an. early bour the next morning tbe camp rose like one man. Tbe time occupied in striking a tent is generally about three minutes. Thus, through the foresight of the major qommnndiug, we had plenty of leisure to perform the operation—in point of fact, to reduce it to figures, four hours' time for not four minutes' work. It was a cold morning, but the gallant chief was on his horse. The everlasting "officers' call" was sounded. '' Now, gentlemen," said the maj or, '' you know how to strike tents. Let each man be at his place, gentlemen, and when the 'Q' sounds on the bugle, down with the tents together, gentlemen; thank you, gentlemen." We hurried off to our respective companies, and superintended the preparations for striking. "Now, gentlemen,'' cried the major from his horse,- "let every man be in his place ; officers of companies, tee to your men ! What's the adjutant about there ? Captain Hinkman look to your tent, sir! It's the duty of every officer to see after his tent—mind that, sir. Now, where's the bugler ? Whereas the bugler ? Confound that bugler! Bugler! Now, officers of companies, look after your men.. Mind, Captain Hinkmin every officer is responsible for the striking of his own tent. Now, bugler—sound 1" The bugle sounded, and every tent fell to the ground but one. " Good heavens !" shouted the major, foaming with rage. " Whose tent is that ? I know it's an officer's ; I tell you it's an officer's -I know it is !" He was perfectly right—the tent was his own !— "Autumn Manoeuvring," in London Society.

The Hill End «' Observer" states :—-Information has been given by a gentleman in that town, on whose word we can rely, that he is acquainted with a man here who knows where Arthur Orton is, and can produce bim in' a fortnight. Mr. Edward Boss and Captain Fenton, who rank amongst the best sbots in England, recently fired against each other. The conditions were : 50 shots at 200 yards and 50 at 600 yards, to be shot in two days —25 shots on each. Mr. Ross won the match with a score which has never been equalled. At 200 yards, out of 25 shots, he made 24 bull's-eyes and 1 centre; at 600 yards, 23 bnlls'-eyes and 2 centres, thus making 197 out of a possible 200.