Interprovincial Items.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1539, 6 January 1874, Page 70

Interprovincial Items.

Death of old Settlers. The Wanganui Chronicle records the death, on the sth December, of Mrs Rees, relict of the late Dr. Joseph Rees, at the age of GO years. A later issue records the death on the 13th December, of Mr Alexander Williamson, of Wanganui, at the age of 73 ; and of Mrs Morgan, another old settler, on the 15th December, aged 67. Mr Masters, an old Wairarapa, settler, intimately connected with the early history of that district, recently passed away at an advanced age. We learn from the local paper that his funeral which took place on the 24th December, was numerously and respectably attended. Shocking Occurrence in Nelson. A fanner named Charles Lewis, of Takaka, Nelson, has been committed for trial for manslaughter under the following circumstancesOn the 24th December, about dark, Lewis was standing on top of a cartload of hay, a man named Michael Campion standing below, assisting in the work. Some dispnte arose between them, when Lewis either dropped or threw down his fork, the prongs of which entered Campion’s bowels, causing death in about two hours. It is said that before his death the deceased exonerated Lewis from any intention to injure him. Great sympathy is said to be felt for Lewis; but we read nothing about any sympathy being felt for the unfortunate widow and two orphans of the deceased. Effects of the Tariff. An article in the Press on last quarter’s Customs revenue concludes as follows “ After making every allowance, it seems evident that the marked increase in revenue during the last quarter is to be attributed to the operation of the new duties ; and we can come to no conclusion but that the change in the tariff even in the modified form ultimately agreed to has imposed additional taxation on the count ry to the amount of fully £100,000.” A Paltry Threat. M r Stanton, one of the candidates for h e Westland Superinteudency, concluded a letter to the Register, respecting the Hokitika Press, in the following words I shall soon convince all who arc in doubt that I am in earnest, and will do ray best to get returned. If the Hokitika papers do not change their course I will (when returned) send all the printing contracts to Greymouth.”