LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume I, Issue 16, 17 October 1861, Page 3

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

The Coming Elections. —We understand that Mr. Triphook will enter the field as a candidate at the forthcoming elections for Lbe Provincial Council.

The past white, either as regards the weather or commercial depression, has been the worst we remember. Cold and boisterous winds, often attended with rain, have for the most part prevailed, whilst from 1 lie bad state of the roads communication inland has been difficult and unpleasant. Previously to Tuesday night, however, a chan ■c for the better with respect to the weather had taken place, and we were much pleased to sec that our indefatigable sheep farmers took advantage of this improvement by forwardin ■ wool to Port. After the late dull and drcaiv season it was indeed cheering to sec some indication of a more hustling state of thin *s. The first arrival of wool occurred on Thursday last—we believe the clip of Mr. Rich, and on Tuesday we had another arrival, the clip of Mr. Lowry. Commerce is even now almost at a stand-still, which has been irffiienced in some degree by the very unsatisfactory position we are placed in by the neighbouring Maories. Since Tuesday ni Tit the rain has fallen almost without intermission. Lectehe.— A lecture, on “ The influence of art over human happiness,” was oiveu in the Council Chamber by His Honor Mr. Justice Johnson; on Wednesday, the 9th inst. The lecture, which was interspersed with readings from the British classics was listened to with great attention by a large and respectable audience. The proceeds of the admission money, after paying expenses are to he devoted towards the purchase of a bell for the new English Church, and we hear that £ll dear have been realised for this purpose.

boat accident. —-Again we have to chronicle an accident of a filial character. On Wednesday evening the 2nd inst. as the fer-ry-boat to Stewart’s gully was leaving the Spit, the ferryman, Michael Welsh, lost bis life under the following circumstances. He,

in company with some others had been drinking, and iix pushing off from the shore he fell overboard. The boat contained Sergeants Robinson and Delahy, at the- rime, but as there was only one oar now in the boat, and astrong ebb tide, it was impossible to make any search for their lost companion. Indeed the boat was only prevented from going out to sea by fortunately possessing an anchor, by means of which the bout was brought up after rounding the point of the Spit. One of 1 lie Sergeants now leaped out, and reached the shore, and immediately informed Mr. Jeffares of the accident, who at once, with others, proceeded in a boat to search for the unfortunate man. After examining the neighborhood of the Rangatira bank, in which direction the ebb tide sets, the boat returned after a dilligent but unsuccessful search. Deceased was for the most part a steady man and gave general satisfaction as ferryman.

bank of new Zealand. — By our advertising columns it will be seen that the share list of this Bank will close on the 21st iust. Our readers will do well to remember that at this date all shares will be forfeited on winch the first call of 17s. 6d. has not been paid. We are informed that it is purposed to establish a branch in Napier in the course of a few months.

Coroner's Inquest. —An inquest on the bodies of two of the soldiers drowned by the upsetting of a boat was held yesterday week, at the Victoria Hotel, Onepoto, before T. Hatchings, Esq., coroner. The body of Richard Finn was found lying on the right bank of the river, and that of Michael Eourke floating, by Lance Sergeant John Turns and a party of men, on the morning of Ibe inquest. The jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of “ Accidentally drowned.”