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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 272, 17 November 1874, Page 4

fc—_.»i^M^i^^— —*——________ The natives of Opspe, in tbe district of Opotiki, have completed the erection of a new council-ball, or coort-hoose, or hostelry for strangers. It measures 54ft. 6in. in length, 24ft. in width, from floor to ridge-pole is 12ft. 3in., and the walls in height are 6ft. 6in. It is handsomely carved. It is reckoned tbat daring its construction the native workers engaged consumed food to the ▼aide of £200. Even Royalty is not. exempt from trials within the sacred precincts of the family circle. A Melbourne correspondent -states that H.R.H. the Prince of Wales' two sons are smart little fellows, but regular piokles. These youngsters were recently dining with her Majesty, when Prince George, the second boy, forgot the roles laid down in his pocket guide Jo etiquette, aod commenced to comport himself in a riotous manner. His illustrious relative, the Qneen, ordered him under the table, to remain there until he was good. The royal yonng rebel complied, and was several times asked by her Majesty if he was good, and told that If so he might come ont. With a stubbornness that marks bim as the

dffspring of old George 111., he declined. At last, however, he announced that he would be good, and desired to come out. He was told his penitence was satisfactory, and tbat be might reappear, when, to the astonishment aod amusement of ali, the young pickle emerged ac naked as when he was horn. Three youug men in Auckland were recently charged with having committed eight petty larcenies in two days. They said, in extenuation, that they were strangers in the country, and would promise to leave it by first opportunity. They were each sentenced to twelve months* imprisonment, which surprised them considerably. Tha returns of the Wellington - Masterton railway for the month of October amounted to £458 75. ; of that amount the freight of merchandise produced £65 158. 3d., and parcels £8 6s. Id. The number of passengers was large, being 9508. The Clutha Leader states that there is to be found in the neighborhood of Table Hill a model aettlerV wife. The duties of tbe husband having called him from home throughout the spring season, tbe good lady determined tbat their estate should not remain barren and unfruitful. Accordingly she yoked the bullocks, and has, single handed, ploughed, sown, and harrowed upwards of thirty acres of oats and wheat, besides planting a number of acres of potatoes and other crops. Neither have her household duties been neglected during the period she bas been engaged al the out-door labors.