AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 492, 15 September 1882, Page 11

AUCKLAND.

(Prom our own correspondent.) The pf-ople of the Colony— especially the sporting world— will be s->ir.y to learn of the death of William Walters. This gentleman is so well known by all in the Australasian Colonies as a sporting man and a racehorse breeder, that little needs to be said in order fo ensure his identification as a colonist of seme foitv-two yea's' standing. Mr. waiters was looked upon as an old identity. Who has not heard of "^! nt J Ariel "•' Who has not heaid of" his owner ? The death of William Walters has greatly widened a large breach already made in racing circles by the recent demise of John Smith. John Smith, whose mare Maid of Honour has made a brilliant name for herself, died only within a fortnight of Walters. His stud, which consists of Maid of Honour, Tim Whiffler, Lady Xantippe, and others, is now in the market. Mining matters are and have been a little exciting in consequence of a rise in stock. Queen of Beauty's ran from 225. to 455. in two or three days, and the prices of most of the Te Aroha mining companies' shares keep rising. The market has been very dull of late, but now the old expression is again worn and 'Change is crowded daily. It is truly surprising to note the enthusiasm displayed in mining matters during the last week. There is a rumour afloat that Sir G. Grey is to be the future Governor of the Colony. The news runs that Mr. Gladstone has been communicated with, and an answer has been received stating that there is no objection to the appointment. Will the people of the Colony approve ? A destructive fire took place at about midnight on the 3rd inst. at Newton, when property to the estimated value of £4000 was destroyed. The fire took place in a block of buildings lately erected by Mr. Walker, butcher, situated at the corner of Newton road and Howe street, and just opposite the old residence of Dr. Purchas. The glare was very extensive, and could be seen a great distance off. Three two-storeyed shops were totally consumed, whilst two others and some outhouses were partially damaged. The total insurances amount to £2600, the Royal and Colonial participating in the loss. Nothing as yet has been found out as to the origin of the fire, but it is believed that incendiarism is the cause. Mr. Marriott, in whose portion of the block the fire commenced, asserts that a defective chimney was the cause, whilst others are too eager to offer various opinions in the matter. The arrival of the Intercolonial Football Team has made a slight stir, and all look forward to the resu't of Saturday's match. The betting is level, if anything, in favour of the local men. Great dissatisfaction has been given by the choice of our footballers, and much wrangling on the subject is the result. Even the papers have taken up the question, and sounded a warning note of alarm. The Burdett-Howe company is playing to fair audiences, and advertising pictures, in illustration of the pieces to be performed, are adorning every available inch of space on the " boards." The Ciicus and Waxworks still linger on.— But of the waxworks a few words : It seems that Barlow, the capturer of WiDiata the murderer, has b en up into the Waikato. It has been reported that he was deliberately shot at by the Native friends of Winiata. Long accounts of the case have been given by the local contemporaries, and after much ado, rumour and speculation as to the genuineness or otherwise of the reports given, this conclusion has been come to:— A hoax has been attempted, and Barlow has made out as having taken place, that which would, if true, tend to increase his notoriety. Barlow is under an engagement, at £1 per week, to Kohler, of the waxworks, and has gone to the Thames to appear as the heio of the late capture. What next I—but1 — but this is the nineteenth centuiy. The death of Mr. Antonio Martin, of this city, will be learnt with regret by old Aucklanders. The deceased was an old identity, of retiring habits, and was vrry wealthy. He was a zealous Catholic, and a never failing assistance to any worthy object. He was best known by the Catholic community. He leaves a large family, all of whom are well provided for. Father Luck. 0.5.8 , the brother of our already appointed bishop, has taken the place of the well-known Reverend Father Adalbert, 0.5.8., during the absence of the latter. A considerable sum has been collected towards the construction of a crypt for the remains of the late Lord Abbot Atcock. Members of every denomination contributed. _ . Dally.