LOCAL NEWS.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 1, 6 January 1860, Page 2

LOCAL NEWS.

Education Meeting. —A meeting of those interested in the Beaverton School was held at the School-house on Wednesday evening last, to consider what steps should be taken for the temporary support of . the schoolmaster. The feeling was unanimous that, as the Central Board had received a year’s rate, they were bound in equity to pay a year’s salary, a liability admitted by their own estimates. Pending the issue of negotiations which it is hoped will terminate satisfactorily, those present agreed to advance a loan to meet present exigencies, and for a few months retain the services of a master whom all, whether parents or pupils, would regret to part with.

Lecture. —The Rev. T. D. Nicholson gave a lecture in the School-room, on the 28th ultimo. The subject was “ A Tribute to the Memory of Thomas Chalmers.” There was a numerous attendance on the occasion, and the reverend gentleman was listened to with great attention. At the conclusion, Mr. White proposed a vote of thanks, and expressed a wish that Mr. Nicholson would favour them with another lecture when convenient for him.

Fire, —On Wednesday evening, the 21st ultimo, between eight and nine o’clock, the house of Mr. Bryden caught fire, and in about half-an-hour, the dwelling, and all it contained, with the exception of a few blankets, were consumed, the rapidity with which the flames spread frustrating any attempt to save the property in the house. We understand that the accident was caused by fire from the chimney igniting the thatch. t

Fatal Accident. —As two men named Duncan and Edwin (Maories), and the wife of the former, were crossing from one channel to another, in the Pelorus river, on the 24th ultimo, the canoe grounded in shoal water, when Duncan and his Avife got out to shove her into deep Avater. As soon as the canoe floated, Duncan ordered the woman to get into her again, which she did, he still retaining his hold of the canoe, when she suddenly got into the strength of the stream, and he lost his hold and Avas seen no more alive. The other Maori (Edwin) was asleep in the canoe during this time; and Avhen the woman awoke him, and explained Avliat had happened, he immediately jumped into the river, and disappeared like his unfortunate companion. The woman, and some men avlio had been attracted to the spot by her cries, endeavoured to find the unfortunate men, but nothing more Avas seen of them until their bodies were found a few days after.

The new Institute of Picton was opened by a Public Lecture, on the evening of Monday, 19th December. The President of the Institute, T. W. Downes, Esq., Avas in the chair, the lecturer being the Rev. T. D. Nicholson; the subject of lecture was “ A Tribute to the Memory of Thomas Chalmers,” and the attendance on the occasion Avas large. ... A vote of thanks was duly proposed to M& Nicholson, hi ay Picton and all its concerns progress at the same rate, for it Avas only on Tuesday, the 13th December, that his Excellency the Governor laid the foundation stone of the neAV Institute.

We arc requested to state that the Tasmanian Maid will be laid up for cleaningon the 10th to the 12th of this month, consequentlpS'Avill not visit the Wairau during that week.