MISCELLANEOUS.

Grey River Argus, Issue 153, 5 January 1867, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS.

( Bay of Islands Coal-fields. — The New Zealand Herald thus reports the -first signs of activity in the direction of developing tliesa coal- lie! Us, almost since . their discovery some four or five years ago : — ■'' We observe tiiat his Honor the Superintendent has annoimead by advertisement the intention: of the Provincial Government to lease the Bay of Islands coal-fields. ! The term is to be twenty-one years, comprising in each lease ■ 1,280 acres. The proposed leases contain clauses in the usual form introducing mining leases, securing- the regular, proper, and efficient mining and working of the mines; Tenders are to state amount of. rent or royalty, or- both, which those tendering are willing to give. Tenders are to be forwarded on or before the Ist of March next." '- - Another Disruption in the Defence Force. — The following is taken from the Wanrjanui Time, of the 11th instant;: — "On Friday last, several horses belonging to the W.Y.C. arrived here from Manawapon, and, upon inquiry, we find that some twelve or fifteen of the men have been placed in confinement, one or two non-commissioned officers put under arrest; and thus their horses being sent to Wanganui is accounted for. From what we can learn, it appears that a trooper who had served in Captain Leatham's troop, now disbanded, was taken on by Captain Beare, and at once promoted by him to the responsible position of Troop Sergeant-Major in the W. Y. C. Tliis was looked upon by the non-commissioned officers and men as a direct insult, and an intolerable act of injustice ; so much so, that they refused to obey the orders of or serve iinder the newly appointed Ser-geant-Major. . These are substantially the facts of the case, in so far as we can ascertain them, but wo await particulars before commenting on them. Although insubordination cannot be tolerated, and is aggravated when resorted to in the face of the enemy, yet the acts of the commander who goads his men to resistance should be strictly inquired into. We wait to be better informed upon. the" facts of the casoi" .