Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1872.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 19, Issue 1438, 25 September 1872, Page 2

Hawke's Bay Times. Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1872.

We have frequently directed attention to the injustice and inconvenience suffered by the residents at the Port from the fact that but one mail per day js sent between that office and the town, thus placing the inhabitants in precisely the same position as those who 30 or 40 miles from the town. We hoped that, when new tenders for mail services were called for, some attention would be given to the matter, and that with the cabs so constantly running at Jeast two mails per day would be provided for; bat we find that no such alteiation appears to be contemplated. We hope that it is not yet too late to j-emedy the evil for the coming year. People living on the Spit who wish to get letters from the town after the hour of 11 in the morning must perforce niaj*e a journey to the town office ; and if it be desired to send letters to those country districts the mail for which closes in town at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, such must either be posted on the jSpit the previous day, or conveyed all the way to the town office on the mail day. Two mails per day each way between the town and the Port would at kmt> remedy these evils.

The extract which we give in another place respecting the conversion of atmospheric air into a combustible and illuminating gas, is of great importance if it should prove to be true, in view of the present deamess and threatened scarcity of coal. We fear, however, that there is some mistake in the matter, and that it is not atmospheric air but hydrogen gas that is intended, and if so it is not a new covery. This gas, although combustible, has scarcely any illuminating power, but it has long been known that if passed through any hydro carbon oil—turpentine, for instance—it undergoes a chemical change, and acquires illuminating properties. We are aware that some months ago a process was patented by which water is decomposed, and the gas produced rendered by the above means available for illuminating purposes, and we believe that it has already come extensively into use.

Mr Colenso's seat in the Provincial OounGii having become vacant consequent on Ids acceptance of the office of Inspector of Schools, a writ has been issued for the return of a member to till the vacancy. Mr Oolenso is, of course, eligible for re-election, It will be seen by advertisement in this evening's Times that the nomination of candidates is fixed for the 12th October; the poll (if necessary) to be taken on the 17 th October.

The clipper barque Ballarat, now Iving in Ahuriri roads, will be the first wool ship of the season hence for Lon don. She is announced to sail from this port about the middle of December.

The party of Scandinavians, about one hundred in all, who left Napier on Friday morning, in charge of Mr A. F. Halcombe, will by this time have reached their several destinations in the 70-mile Bush. The weather has been very favorable for their journey. The party arrived at Waipukurau about 3 p.m. on Saturday, and rested there on Sunday, resuming their journey early next morning. During their stay they were very comfortably quartered in a large new stable belonging 'to Mr H. R. Russell. That unique edifice, the Waipukurau stockade, appeared to excite much interest and speculation among the foi eigners, In a very short time —as soon as accommodation has been provided—the wives and families of the men will be sent to their new homes. The nearest Scandinavian settlement, we believe, will be about sixteen miles from Waipukurau.

A Press Association telegram in today's Herald bays that " the Financial Statement has been postponed till Friday, owing to the inability of the Government to have the tables printed earlier. The Public Works Statement will be delivered next week. The Estimates will be proceeded with in the meantime."