Untitled

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 649, 17 March 1870, Page 2

To-day all the ' Bank's 'in town 'will be closed, it /being Sfc. Patrick's Day. ..,., A meeting of tlie Befifch of Justices to consider the adjourned licensing cases ought to have been held yesterday at the Court-house, but there being no quorum the Resident Magistrate said it remained for him to send on the applications, with the report of the police, to the County Chairman, who would decide upon them. An importation of twenty horses wa3 made by Mr Hamilton, of Cobden, the other day from Wanganui; and are now for sale. We believe the mob are the finest horses that ever were exported from that port. We have to remind Catholics that a high , and solemn mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick's Church, at nin3 o'clock this morning. Services will also be held in the church the same evening, and on Friday and Saturday evenings. :. Boiling down sheep is proceeding briskly iv the Wairarapa (Wellington). The tallow is put into white pine boxes measuring three feet by fifteen inches, seven when filled weighing a ton. Legs of prime mutton sell at from ninepence to one shilling each. A meeting of the "Ballarat Hibernian Society is called for to-night at nine o'clock at Perotti's Commercial Hotel. A purse- containing twenty -five guineas was presented to Father M'Eutagart on Friday last, at Mullaney's Hotel, Stafford, by a number of the rev. gentleman's friends, previously to his departure for home. Mr Morrissey, in presenting the purse, stated the whole amount was collected in Piper's Flat and Stafford Town, the other districts not having been canvassed. We learn from the County Gazette that William Henry James, Esq., Sub-Inspector of Police for the County, has been appointed Ac! ing-Inspector of Police during the absence of tho Inspector'on leave. Mr Brohain has, we are informed, three weeks' leave, and has proceeded to Wellington "on private business. We are requested to announce th it a onemile walking match will take place this afternoon, on the racecourse, between Owen Boden and W. R. Tovey, the former to give the latter one minute start. It is proposed to construct a floating-dock at Auckland, which shall be capable of receiving the largest vessels that frequent the port. The dimensions will be— 2soft in the clear, COft wide over all, with gates 40ft wide. Major Tuke was lately thrown by the horse falling when be was crossing the I retiui river, and whilst recovering himself and getting on his feet, the horse kicked him in the ribs, fracturing two of them near the heart. ' The Grey mouth Annual Race Meeting commences to-day at noon, and there is every prospect of their proving as great a success as in former years, if not more so. The entries are numerous and good, and we may expect to see some fine racing. The course is in good, order, bat it is to be regretted that the extension to it will not be ready in time, so that the old course will have to be used once more. Visitors were crowding into town yesterday from all quarters, and as this will be a general holiday, the attendance on the course is expected to be very large. As to the condition of the horses, it is almost impossible to. speak with confidence, as most of them have only been in training here for a very short time, and some of them must have suffered by their recent voyages ; so we think it would he folly to attempt to name the winners of any of to-day's events. '"■■'■ John Fielding, a seaman belonging to the barque Alphington, was committed for trial at Nelson on Thursday last for stabbing Jas, Hopewell, late a passenger from London by tho Bf»me ship. The two men had been drinking together on the Saturday previous, at the Anchor Inn, when the prisoner, without any apparent , provocation, drew his knife and stabbed Hopewell in his left side. The point of the knife struck against the ribs, or the wound inigkt have been fatal. Hopewell, who was conveyed to the hospital, is how out of danger. The members of the recently organised Amateur Dramatic and Histrionic Club made their debut to the public of Grey mouth, in the Volunteer Hall, last evening, and certeinly they have every cause to congratulate themselves, not only upon the liberal manner in which they were supported by the public, but, what is infinite 1 y better, upon the proficiency displayed by them in their newlyadopted profession. We are glad to find that they have within the Club elements sufficient to make any ordinary play pass off well, and so long as they eschew those extraordinary flights of fancy which usually take possession of most amateurs, when nothing less than "Macbeth" or "Richard the Third "will satisfy their dramatic ambition, they can enable- the public to pass . a very pleasant evening, and, at the same time, make a substantial contribution to the funds of any loqal charity, Ample evideuce of. this wa^

given last evening when the hall was laterally crowded to suffocation by.au audienca ready to forgive juvenile faults, and quick to appreciate and applaud talent .or honest efforts. Of the opening prologue we can only say that it closely resembled similar productions we have listened to, but still it was well put together and was well read by Mr Emms. This was followed by the old favorite drama of "Time Tries All," which was put on the stage in a manner we little expected, and honestly acted throughout. We have rarely aaen a company of amateurs so evenly matched, an.J pull; so . well together for a eommoa end, and where the old saying so well applies— " Where all were good, ife would be 'invidious to particularise." lii their parts, Miss Smyth and Mrs George played capitally, especially the former, and Messrs Piesse (Tom Tact), Raphael (Matthew Bates), F, P. Atkinson (Mr Leeson), T. Kenrick (hon. A. G, C. Yawn), King (John), and Hawley (CharlesClinton), may be mentioned with commendation in the order in which we have placed them. It would be both more agreeable to the actors and pleasing to the audience if attention were given to the music and the i stage accessories. The interlude consisted of songs by lady and gentlemen amateurs, which were generally well rendered and lordly applauded. The farce /was "The Steeplechase," which was very well produced indeed, and caused the entertainment to conclude in a most agreeable manner. On the whole, an evening, fraught with pleasing | remembrances, was passed, and we hope soon to meet our dramatic friends again. On the conclusion of the performances, the secretary announced that the preliminary expenses would absorb so much of the proceeds as to leave almost nothing for charitable purposes ; but they intended, on a. future evening, say Easter Monday, to give a performauce for the sole benefit of the Hospital. About a score of individuals who are in the habit of absenting themselves from militia drill, were on Thursday, 10th inst., paraded by Colonel Reader before the Resident Magistrate, at Wellington, who put them through the unpleasant movement of putting hands in pocket and contributing the sum of 10s each towards the support of the state, as well as a further sum of 9s in the shape of costs. The Star Dramatic Company give their opening performance this evening in the Volunteer Hall. The programme will be found elsewhere. Yesterday evening Mr J. Paul had a narrow escape from serious- injury. Coming down from the racecourse his horse bolted at the top of the town, and came down Mawhera Quay at a tearing pace. At Boundary street he jumped the breastwork, several feet high, throwing Mr Paul, who was much cut about the head and hands. The animal continued its course, and knocked down a child, but fortuuately he also was not very seriously injured. At an early hour on Thursday moLUiing, 10th inst., the stables on Messrs Beetham's homestead, at the Taita, Wellington, were discovered to be on fix-e, and it required alj the exertions of the neighbors to prevent the flames extending to the house. The stables were totally destroyed, as well as a quantity of harness, &c. No cause has been assigned for the fire. The Paroa Road Board held their usual fortnightly meeting on Tuesday evening last. Present : Messrs J. O'Connor (in the chair), Leach, Stansell, and Dowling. A considerable number of tenders were sent in for the construction of the road from Marsden to Nemona, and the one of Andrew Matheson was accepted for L 2 18s 6d per chain, and culverts at L 2 5s each. Although there was so many tenders sent in (about 15) there was only some LlO difference betweu the twelve lowest. Mr Beauchamp applied for permission to cut flax on certain road reserves. Consideration was deferred until next meeting, and in the meantime the Engineer and Chairman to" make enquiries, and Mr Beauchamp to have the preference. There being no other business of importance the meeting shortly after adjourned. In the District Court, Hokitika, on Tuesday, John Robinson was indicted for stealing certain moneys jvt Greymouth, the property of Thomas Harrison. • The prisoner, who was defended by Mr Button, pleaded not guilty. After hearing a great deal of evidence, the jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of "not guilty." The public soiree, held in the Volunteer Hall on Tuesday evening, in aid of the Wesleyan Church funds proved a decided success, all who were present passing a most enjoyable social evening. It is quite refreshing to see the members of the various leligious denominations in town mingling on an occasion of this sort, and displaying so much genuine good feeling. About 150 persons sat down to tea, and the tables, which were provided and presided over by the ladies, were loaded with delicacies. After tea a public meeting was - held, E. Masters, Esq., in the chair. Addresses were delivered and readings given by the Revs. Messrs Cannell and White, Messrs Masters, Perkins, Newton, and Ramage, and the proceedings were enlivened by a choir, which rendered a number of anthems very tastefully. The proceeds of the meeting amounted to .£35. At the conclusion a vote of thanks, .for the free use of the hall, ! was given to Mr James Johnston. In reply, he said that so long as the hall was in his possession he would be happy to give it for similar purposes. During the time of the Whangarei races, on the sth inst., intelligence was conveyed to a settler from Otaika, who was enjoying himself there with the day's relaxation, that his wife had deliberately set fire to and burnt his house, some of his outhouses and fencing, and afterwards rushed into the river 1 , near Mr Taylor's residence, with the intention of drowning herself. AMr Lee, from this place,- who was passing at the time, went into the river and drew her out in time to save her life— very much against her. will, asi she was firmly bent on self-destruction. A short time before the melancholy occurrence this poor. v.pman, had tak.cn her thrce.children

out of her house to Mr Taylor's, and left them with that gentleman's housekeeper, .so that it seemed to have been quite a premeditated act. Of course the house and all its contents were entirely consumed, which is a great loss to a very industrious settler, who has worked very hard to attajn his position . This poor woman seems quite bereft of her reason. Her husband was leaving by the Meteor on the, sth inst., to place her in the Auckland Lunatic Asylum. His loss is estimated ati nearly L 300 .' : ■ • * " ■■■:■ A jrelmiinary meeting of gentlemen desirous of forming a Literary Society was held at Mr Leach's Hotel, Paroa, on Mon?' day evening last, when Messrs Elmer, Hurst, Leach and Matheson were appointed a committee to draw up rules to lay before a general meeting, to take place on Thurs r day, the 24th inst. A provisional committee of management was also appointed, comprising several gentlemen of known ability and influence, and there is little doubt from the manner in ;which the matter is taken in hand fchat it will be a decided success. A fire took place in Cashel street, Chris.tchurch, the other day. The damage done is as follows : — Patterson's Restaurant— Total loss, partly insured. Mr Saudstch}, . watch-. . maker and jeweller — Total loss ; irisured.for a sm.aU amount; effects removed. Mr Brass's brick building gutted; goods'remoyed. Insurances about L 4900, of which L26QO is with the London and Liverpool. Mr Pratt, Dunstable House^rShow-room roof damaged ; goods removed and damaged by water. The show-room was insured, LIQOO being with the. Victoria. A meeting was held on Tuesday evening, when the preliminaries of a proposed pedestrian match were arranged between tho friends of William Wright, of Greymouth, and Patrick Twohill, now working at Corouiandbl. Should they come off as arranged, the matches w ill be for L.15,0, and the events and distances the same as in the late match between Hewitt and Harris at Melbourne. From an Auckland paper we learn that the electors of Mongonui have sent a requisition to his Honor the Superintendent asking that gentleman to come forward as their representative in the General Assembly in the place of Mr Ball, who has resigned, in consequence of his intended visit to England. There is, however, hot the slightest probability that any .opposition will be offered to the election of Mr Gillies. ; King Thakombau, of Fiji, has sent by Mr Drew,, in the Jeannie Duncan, recently arrived at Wellington, as a present to the Governor of New Zealand, two rolls of the native cloth made from the bark of the mulberry tree, known in the island as " tappa." They are of the choicest patterns and manufacture, and were prepared for two of the young chiefs to wear on the expected visit of the Duke of Edinburgh last year. Some fine roots of the " piper methisticum," of which the "yogona," or native grog of Viti, and "kava" of the other islands are made, accompany "the "tappa." A large turtle was also . sent, but unfortunately died a few days before % the arrival of the vessel. Mr Greenfield, the Provincial Sscretary of the Nelson province, is expected to arrive at Greymouth during the latter part of this week. It is Mr Greenfield's intention to visit the Up-River Diggings, in company with the Warden, in which case the inhabitants of the different mining centres should take advantage of this opportunity to bring their numerous requirements under the attention of a uibmber of the Executive. In the Warden's Court, Ahaura, yesterday, a case of some importance to the proprietors of private tracks was partly decided. S. M. Mackley summoned Jas. M'Laughlin to show cause why his protection for a track from Noble's to Napoleon should not be cancelled, on the ground that he had not com, plied with the, conditions of his grant. The case occupied the attention of the Court forseveral hours, and at the conclusion the "Warden said he would reserve his decision until he had gone over the track. Another important mining case was partly heard yesterday. Iv October last year a miner named Alexander Carri left his claim at Moonlight and proceeded to Greymouth to look for letters. While there he was arrested and charged with being of unsound mind. He was forwarded to Hokitika; he returned to Moonlight on 7th March, and found, as he alleges, his. claim worked out, his race jumped, his hut in possession of other parties, and his property all taken away. He is sueing the party who is in possession of his claim for £200 damages. The case occupied the attention of the Court all day. The Neva Zealand Gazette of the 7th inst., contains a delegation to the County Chairman of the Governor's powers under "TheGoldfields Act, 1866," and " The Goldfields Act Amendment Act, 1869," except the powers conferred by sections tweftty-two, forty, forty-eight, sixty, ninety-six, and one hundred and 9even of "The Goldfields Act, 1866." The ne\v delegation was rendered, necessary, as the former one to the County Chairman, in February, 1869, excepted the powers conferred by section eleven, which has reference to making rules and regulations for the working of the Gold Fields. , The Wellington Post says :— Mr Commissioner Branigan, who arrived from the North a day or two ago, is apparently about to wipe off the reproach of inaction which has been cast upon him. . Preparations are now being made to send off about 70 of the new constabulary from Mount Cook Barracks to the Front, wherever that hazy region may at present lie. The men paraded yesterday morning, without arms, and* whatever may be said about the system, it cannot be denied that the demilitarized, looked welL They are all young, strong, healthy fellows, tolerably equal in height and size, knd certainly very clean and neat. The uniform is the old blue serge tunic qpd troupers, with buff leather leggings and forage cap. The inarch of the last batch from Pate.ne to To Haroto, in elastic-side boots, and in which so many gave in, has apparently not been forgotten, for this lot is well shod. Looking at them, one could hardly help regretting that, instead of being soldiers, as they ought, they were only policemen after a\l.