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Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 448, 17 June 1871, Page 2

An Unfobtunatb Speculation.—One of the most remarkable instances connected with ;ihe failure of the firm of Overend & Gurney was recently restated with much fulness at the Manchester Police Court. The case, in its present form, arises out of the bankruptcy of a gentleman named Howard, who is now nearly eighty years of age. More than half a -century ago Mr. Howard began business as a cotton-spinner, at Hyde, Cheshire. In the course, of forty years he had accumulated a fortune exceeding a quarter of a million ster-. ling, when, by the prospect of adding £25,000 to his estate hi one month, he wag tempted to enter into speculations connected with the purchase of steamers for the projected Q-alway line of packets to New York. Mr. J. Orrel Lever, once M.P. for Q-alway, led Mr. Howard to take this step, end the result was the loss of all his property and an amount of indebted*, ness besides, which compelled him to seek the protection of the Bankruptcy Court. A very startling communication, has been made to us (Medical Brest mnd Circular) by a gentleman occupying a most important post in this country, of the existence of a most deadly poison, by the inhalation of which,' simply through the medium of a letter sent by post in the ordinary way, the reader will suddenly drop down dead with all the appearance of asphyxia. The position and acquirements of our informant should place hia evidence beyond suspicion; nevertheless, before giving entire credence to such a startling report, we are anxious to obtain confirmatory evidence from any of our readers in whose minds suspicions of foul play have arrisen, when investigating cases of sudden death, anfi what such symptoms were. Certainly the following clipping from a Canadian paper relative to the recent death of a person of note, looks very ugly : He received an anonymous letter, and while reading it he fell down insensible, and shortly after expired. It is said the letter contained some poisonous substance."

We understand there is a foot-race to come off in the Albert Barracks on Monday next, at a quarter-past twelve o'clock, for £5 a-side, the competitors being Mr. E. O'Hare and Mr. J. Rhodei. Distance: 100 yards j Rhodw haring *T» jardi start.