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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 8, Issue 399, 2 August 1866, Page 3

The month of February, 1866, was marked in the Astronomical Calendar as the month which had no full moon. January had two full moons, and March had two, but February had none. Of course this peculiar conjuncture of periods that makes the full moon show her face but a few hours before the month comes in, and again a few hours after the month goes out, it is a rare thing in nature ; but how rare do you suppose ? It has never occurred before in your lifetime, or ours; not since the time of Washington, not since the discovery of America, no! nor since the Christian era; not since the fall of Adam, nor since the creation of the world, unless that be placed back some myriads of years; and it will not occur again, according to the computation of astronomers, for two millions and a half of years.—Sunday Times, Ist April. A Ng-ahttawahia. correspondent of the Southern Cross writes.—“ Unfortunately, the Maoris have a predilection for ardent spirits, and when under the influence of ivaipiro have a manner of expressing themselves more forcible than pleasing. An instance of insubordination took place here last week, in the case of a Ihaka to Iti, who came into camp with a gang of followers. They were gumdiggers, and when asked by the interpreter for the royalty money of 6d per cwt duo upon all gum obtained in the confiscated lands, Ihaka most abusively, and with threatening language, asserted his right with outstretched arm, and said, * there now, the soldiers are gone, and we care nothing for pakeha Maoris! ’ meaning the Government officials. Both military and native police were called oat to act; and eventually, after much trouble, Ihaka and his followers were ejected from the camp. I may remark that he served a period on board the prison hulk Marion, and was one of the Eawau bolters. The incident is of some importance as ■bowing the temper of the natives.”

The Inter-Colonial Exhibition. —According to the Melbourne Herald, the Inter-colonial Exhibition promises well. The experience and earnestness of the members of the Commission, under the able guidance of the chairman. Sir Edmund Barry, are producing the good fruit that might be fairly expected as their natural result. Favorable replies are received from all quarters, accompanied with applications for space from intending exhibitors. And there can bo little doubt that the building which is being erected to serve the purpose of the Exhibition will be well filled with the samples of the industry and skill of the Australian colonists in agriculture, manufactures, the arts, and handicrafts, as well as with specimens of raw material of great economic value and social importance. In the report submitted to the Commissioners at their meetin g on Monday last, it was announced that the space already applied for by intending exhibitors extended to upwards of 22,000 superficial feet, including floor, table, and wall accommodation. The number of applicants was 152. But this was exclusive of any applications from public bodies. The products for the display of which these applications have been made are comprised in the following classes, namely—mineral, animal, agricultural, and vegetable, manufactures and useful arts, ornamental art, and machineiy. This is a goodly beginning. The number above given forms about one-fourth of what is expected to be the total of the exhibitors. But, of course, upon this point nothing very definite can bo said at present; and we only refer to it as indicating the alacrity with which the community in this and the adjoining colonies has responded to the proposal to open an Exhibition hare in Melbourne. As the first of a series of In-ter-colonial Industrial Shows to be held at the chief cities of the different members of the Australian group in succession, the project migh naturally be expected to command pretty general assent But the zeal and empressement evinced in all quarters are something more than might have been looked for. This, we repeat, is doubtless owing to the superior constitution of the Royal Commission into whose hands the matter has been entrusted. In the recent division on the Marriage with Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill it appears that there was a majority of twenty English members in support of the bill, which was defeated fay the votes of the Irish and Scotch members. .About 400 members expressed their opinion, including pairs. The last effusion of the renowned A. Ward we have not yet seen in print. It is said that A. W. being at one of the New York churches recently, edified the audience by his unexpected reply to the preacher’s text, which was as follows; “ How are the mighty fallen !” After a short pause, Artemus looked up inquiringly, and said meekly, “ I give it up’.’ We know a place where he would have been given up himself—to policemen. Sporting Intelligence. —First Sportsman; Do much at Chertsey Steeplechase, Jim ?—Second ditto: Didn’t go—don’t like the course. Too much water. The beggars down there are deal too fond o’ singin* out “ Duck ’im ” if they catches a feller’s ’and in any other feller’s pocket.