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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XIII, Issue 569, 16 April 1868, Page 2

Rain*. — A beautifully gentle fall of rain commenced during the night of Tuesday last, ami promises to continue for some time. This, though late in the season, is by no mcaus less acceptable as a desirable change from the long continued drought of which we had to complain, and which has had a most disastrous effect on the whole agricultural and pastoral interest in this Province. Wo trust that the present change will prove of corresponding benefit.

Tnr- Toll-Gate. —We understand that the toll-gate being now completed, the Toll-Gate Act comes into operation on and after this day.

Encounter between* a Latghiitg Jackass and a Snake.— The snake-killing propensities of the jackass arc well-kuown. In this respect (says the lilawarra Express) colonists hare every reason to look on them with friendly eyes. But little is understood of the unpleasant fixes into which these denizens of the woods occasionally find themselves while carrying on their operations. A few mornings ago a resident near (he Reserve had his attention drawn to a more than usual commotion amongst the feathered tribe. Something extraordinary was going on, either in the shape of a free fight with the members of their community, or great preparations were being nude for a grand corroboree. Drawing a little nearer the cause was evident. A snake was on the ground, ami in some inconceivable manner had got one of the jackasses within his fold. The snake circled the jackass's body several times, and the latter was giving out warning notes for assistance. About a dozen of his companions were around, doing nil in their power to relieve poor Jack, but as snake and bird turned fcopsy Purvey this was no easy matter. When the looker-on drew near there was no dimunition in the exertions used—whenever an opportunity presented itself the snake got a poke from his

numerous assailants —in fact, it seemed to bo understood with the jacks assembled that he was a friend. A blow from an axe severed the snake’s head from his body and liberated the bird. When at liberty, poor jack hopped off for a fow’yards, shak= ing his head and feathers, not quite certain he was in possession of all the pieces of his body, while the “ medicine men ” of his brotherhood quickly went to his assistance. ~ The snake was of the diamond species, and measured slightly Upwards of six feet.