News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 14, 29 April 1871, Page 12

News of the Week.

Foxton Post Oefice will, after the Ist May next, be appointed a Money Order and Savings Bank Office. Dr Featherston was a passenger by the s.s. Lord Ashley on Sunday from the South. His Excellency the Governor Sir George Bowen and suite arrived by the p.s. Luna on Saturday about noon, after his tour through the Southern Island. The Hon. Mr Gisborne, his Honor Justice Johnston, Dr. Hector, and a number of other gentlemen were on the wharf to receive and welcome His Excellency, who soon after drove off to Government House, accompanied by Mr. Gisborne and Captain Pitt. Royal Assent. —A Gazette issued on Wednesday contains the following list of acts of the General Legislature assented to by Her Mfijesty the Q.ueen : —The New Zealand Post Office Act Amendment Acts (No 142) 1870 ; The Marine Act Amendment Act, 1870 ; The New Zealand and Australian Submarine Act, 1870. The San Francisco Mail. —Mr. John Martin’s Phcebe will be in waiting for the Nevada at Manukau on the 3rd, and will bring the mails for Taranaki, Nelson, and Picton; she will start from here on the 15th to call for and take on the rfiails at the same ports for the return steamer.

Provincial Acts. —His Excellency the Governor has not been advised to exercise his power of disallowance in respect to the following Provincial Acts: —The Patent Slip Act Amendment Act, 1871; The Appropriation Act, 1871; The District Highways Act Amendment Act, 1871, and the Education Act Amendment Act, 1871The Hutt Bible Match. —The match on Wednesday fired at the Hutt between twelve of the Hutt Volunteers and a like number of the town volnnteers resulted in a decided victory for the former, the Hutt team scoring an aggregate of 384, while Wellington is down for Mason of the Artillery made the highest score amongst the Wellington men, being down for 38, while W. Grace on the other side marked 45. The day was fine and favorable for good firing. ■The inhabitants of the Upper Hutt have been shocked and grieved at a fearful accident which happened to a child of one of the oldest and most esteemed residents. On Wednesday morning some of the children of Mr Cruickshank were amusing themselves by lighting fires, when the flames caught the clothes of Emily, one of his daughters, and before her cries could be heard and responded to, she was dreadfully burned. She lingered till about three o’clock, when death put an end to her sufferings. The afflicted parents have the earnest sympathy of every one in the district. Sale. —Many people were attracted to the sale of Dr. Featlierston’s house and property on Monday by Mr Smith, and,, as might have been expected, there was no lack of purchasers, the auctioneer being in his happiest selling mood, and many being eager to secure some slight remembrance of so notable and old a citizen as Dr. Featherston. The minor articles of the household effects seemed on that account to realise better prices than could reasonably havebegn expected, while the more costly items went at very reasonable figures. The house, and the land on which it stands, were bought by Mr P. Laing for £220. Land Sale— Mr J. H. Wallace sold at his Land MartonMondaythefollowing properties: At Ohariu, 400 acres, at 13s per acre, to W. B. Bbodes, Esq ; the leasehold of Barnes’ run for £lls, to W. B. Bhodes, Esq ; 1200 sheep at 3s 3d per head ; 9 head of cattle for £2O ; 5 horses for £3O; farming implements £25. An allotment in Frederick street, with cottage, £3O, to James Sproul. An allotment in Frederick street with a lean-to, £2O, to H. Kells. The other properties were withdrawn at the upset prices. The sale was well attended. Freehold Sales. —In landed property the market may be Baid to he brisk, several important land sales having taken place lately. Buyers on each occasion were in good attendance, and the prices realised generally satisfactory alike to buyers and sellers. On Wednesday Messrs Venn ell Mills & Co made the following sales by auction : —The valuable property known as the Wainuiomata Saw Mill, consisting 20 horse-power steam engine and boiler, breaking down frame, circular saw bench, patent belting and all the requisites for carrying on a large business ; Mr E. W. Mills was the purchaser at £7OO. Part of town acre 741, having a frontage to cross streets, Adelaide Eoad,.of 40 feet by a depth of 82 feet, with improvements sold at 12s 6d a foot. Part of town acre No. 100, Cuba street Te Aro, with a frontage of 39 links by a depth of 207 links, with a capital four-roomed house, a good well of water, and a garden, fully stocked with fruit trees, brought the sum of £72 ; and part of town acre No 677, with frontage to Sussex Square, Adelaide Road, of 49£ by a depth of 134 feet, more or less, was knocked down at 13s a foot. Pait of Town acre No. 223, Bituate in Courtenay Place, having a frontage of 30 feet by a depth of 100 feet, adjoining the residence of Mr B. Archibald, and fenced on three sides, brought 22a 6d a foot. The unexpired term of leasehold land and premises on Lambton Quay, now occupied by Mr Bobert Austin, bootmaker let at 30s per week, nine, years unexpired from 7tli June next, subject to a a ground rental of £36 per annum, was bought by Mr MTntosh for £22 10s. On the day previous Mr Thomas sold 25 acres of freehold in Karori for £145. The Wellington Christy Minstrels gave an entertainment on Tuesday evening in aid of charities, in the Odd Fellows’ Hall,before a numerous audience, every part of the Hall being crowded. The affair was in every respect a decided success, and it Was manifest that great care had been bestowed in the re* hearsale,

The Te Aro. Pa. —We learn that this last relic of the early history of this settlement is in a fair way of being improved beyond recognition. Mr John Martin is negotiating for the purchase of the site as it stands, covering altogether some three or four acres, and that though the bargain is still open, there is every probability it will soon be concluded. In the latter case, Mr Martin is to land the present occupants of the pa —some at Opunake, some at Taranaki, and some at Hawke’s Bay. Information Wanted at the Colonial Secretary’s Office of James Parking, alias John Parkinson. His descriptive return reads thus : —Occupation—clerk to shipbroker, London and Bombay ; personal appearance, dark hair, sffc 9in in height; former residence, London England; aged about 25, and single; sailed from London ; last heard of about two years since near Euatahuna, in the Constabulary. Timber Trade. —The timber trade of Havelock, Maryborough, is assuming large proportions. In six months 56 vessels have left the port with 1,478,850 feet of.sawn timber.-

Wool Pressing. —Visitors to the Queen’s wharf'have now a new object to attract their attention. The ship England is now getting wool pressed by the aid of steam. The old familiar hydraulic press is still in use, but instead of the customary gang of hands required for “ wool jamming,” a neat little steam engine and a couple of hands perform the necessary work in the most expeditious manner and with very little bustle or effort. The saving of time and labor is something considerable. The engine, we believe, was brought out by the England, and has been fitted up by Mr Seager. Appointments. The following appointments are officially announced : —Charles Durbridge, Esq, to be Begistration Officer for the electoral districts of Onehunga, Eden, and Franklin ; Henry Bowman Sealy, Esq, to be Commissioner of Crown Lands for the province of Hawke’s Bay; Matthew Price, Esq, J.P., to be Besident Magistrate for the districts of Greymouth and Hokitika, and to exercise extended jurisdiction to £100; Michael Keogh, Esq, to be Deputy-Sheriff for the district of the County of Westland ; Hanson Turton, Esq, to be Deputy-Commissioner of Stamp Duties for the province of Hawke’s Bay; John Grubb, Esq., to be Sub-Commis-sioner of Government Annuities for the province of Canterbury.

Stock —Wednesday some exceedingly choice and well bred rams wore.sent off to the Waijcarapa to the Otaria station of Mr John Martin. These rams will no doubt prove an acquisition to the district in improving the breed. The Phcebe, on her next trip here, will bring up for the same station the celebrated prize bull “ Comet,” a magnificent specimen of the bovine breed, and purchased for 300 guineas in Canterbury. Acclimatisation Society. —The adjourned committee meeting of this Society was held at the Colonial Museum on Monday afternoon— Mr. Bannatyne in the chair. Buies were agreed to and ordered to be printed. His Excellency, who attended the meeting, expressed his gratification at the formation of the Society, and consented to act as Patron. He presented a live kiwi, and stated his willingness to allow Lowry Bay to be used by the Society for any purpose connected with their operations. Dr. Hector communicated to the Society that the Board of Governors of the Botanical Gardens had resolved that they would favorably entertain any proposal from the Society for the occupation of part of the Gardens. Mr Travers announced that fiftyfour persons had already become members. The meeting for the election of office-bearers was fixed for Monday next, the Ist May, at four o’clock, at the Maori House, Colonial Museum.

Practical Joking. —A very serious illustration of what may sometimes arise from the stupid practice of “ practical joking” was witnessed at Kaiwarra the other evening, when a few young sparks, with more animal spirits than discretion seized hold of a comrade volunteer from behind, and run him along the road for some distance. He took their pleasantry in good part for a short time until it became too much of a joke; being powerless in the hands of their tormentors, his angry remonstrances were only laughed at. As might be expected, the victim found himself in rather a savage mood when released by his persecutors, who ran away laughing. On running after them to inflict chastisement, he struck the first person he came to, who proved, unfortunately, to be a personal friend, whom he was unable to distinguish in the dark. The case came oh for hearing in the Police Court on Wednesday, but owing to the indisposition of the injured man, was postponed for eight days, and the unintentional aggressor lies in gaol in the meantime. Dull Times. —When everyone is crying out “ dull times,” it is somewhat refreshing to learn that Mr John Martin not only paid the purchase money for the Ahuriri on Wednesday, but made an offer of £16,000 for the two steamers Wellington and Taranaki. We understand his offer was not accepted j and we are entitled to infer, that those who refused the offer know that the value of their ship property was greater than the offer made. The transaction must necessarily be a purely business one, and not a fit subject for public comment, but we can only entertain the hope that the result of all the negotiations will be to ensure greater convenience to the travelling public of New Zealand.

Novel Business Cards.—We (“ Adelaide Observer”) have received from a well-known country surveyor and land broker, who is now establishing himself in Adelaide, his business card, containing in the centre a well-ex« ecuted vignette photograph of himself. The idea is a good one, and we hope, for the sake of our very able photographic artists, that the plan piay be generally adopted,

Pahautanui Penny Readings —On Wednesday evening last, a new feature appeared in the favorite Pahautanui entertainment, in the shape of a local string and instrumental band organized by Mr Frederick Bradey, The performances of the band drew a large audience and will doubtless make this season’s entertainments more successful than .those of any previous one. Besides some spirited readings, Mr Robert Taylor gained considerable applause by a song in character. Mr J. Jones also sang a humorous song extremely well and Mr Frederick Bradey rendered with much effect that beautiful air “ Her bright smile haunts me still.” Why nofc ofch f country districts follow the laudable example which’is set them in the Pauhautanui Penny Reading entertainments ? An ITnfobtunate. —Some time ago a case was reported in this paper of an old Maori •who was brought up in Wellington for living in a strange way in a cavern on the Hutt road, but was released on the understanding that he was about to join his native friends. The same old man is, we believe, still in the neighborhood, having pitched his camp near a little stream known as Duck Creek, Pahautanui. Here he sits solitary day by day, before a small handful of dried sticks which constitute his fire. At night he creeps into an adjoining shed, occasionally making a pilgrimage to the nearest house to beg food. Old, sick, poor, and helpless, and entirely deserted by his own kindred and race, the life of this unfortunate may be better imagined than described. It would create an uncomfortable feeling if some morning the poor old fellow were found stretched out stiff and cold ; and as such an incident is not at all improbable, we trust that thus directing attention to the fact may be the means of inducing either the police or some charitably disposed person to do something towards removing this solitary old pauper to more comfortable quarters.

Fibe at The Rutland Stockade—The “ Wanganui Chronicle” of the 18th says that a man by name Charles Whetherall, only just arrived from Napier, has given himself up as the incendiary who set fire to the Rutland Stockade. He said he had no particular reason for setting the building on fire. Kitchen Refuse.—A correspondent writes thus on the above subject:—“ A great nuisance arises in most towns from soapsuds, greens water, and debris from houses and kitchens, until it can be carried away. But I would ask, suppose you get a man to fii’st dig up 10 feet square of the surface of the ground in the rear of your premises (and every shop has got that much) say a spade in depth, and pour all your suds, greens water, &c, &e, on the top of that broken surface, where will be the nuisance if that same surface be turned up every morning, or even once a week ? You will answer, who will do that ? I will answer—The health of the town demands a By-law to compel its being done, and it should be the duty of the Inspector of Nuisances to take his rounds regularly to every house once a week, so regularly that he will be expected a certain hour at a certain place or get the sack. Any person doubting the efficacy of the above plan has only to try it to be convinced; but lie must bear in mind that the surface of the •patch must be frequently broken to be thoroughly absorbent. Of course if one likes to change the patch every six months by making the first a garden, and vice versa, so much the better.”

Scandinavian Immigrants. —The following is from the “ Hobart Town Mercury” of a recent date : —Of the German immigrants who arrived here by the Figaro, about four months ago, there are still twenty-six who are inmates of the Immigration Depot, Liverpool street. Of this number, nine are adults and the remaining seventeen children under the age of twelve years. The Immigration Board lately determined to require that a small payment should be made far the maintenance of those still remaining in the Depot, and the adults and parents of the children have accordingly, since the Ist instant, been paying for the rations supplied. The children are sent to the Central School, and are making fair progress in acquiring English. A large proportion of the immigrants have obtained employment on the East Coast, especially at Swanport, and their masters express themselves as well pleased with the manner in which they conduct themselves. One of the immigrants, named C. C. Paterson, is about to start a rope manufactory, and will commence work next week. In this he is to be encouraged by the Government, who some time ago bought a quantity of flax, which is to be converted into ropes. The requisite machinery has been constructed under the personal supervision of Mr Paterson. Paterson will be required to teach his trade to the boys who are now under sentence at the Cascades Training School. , An Unusual Kind on Theft. —A late Argus” says that a thief concealed himself in the Public Library on Friday night, and after the place had been shut up set about dispoiling the cases of ancient coins, and other valuable curiosities which he imagined might be sold for a considerable sum. When he had taken a silver-mounted' dagger, a silver censer, another dagger, and 136 coins (the money value of the whole being calculated to be between £3O and £4O), he got through a window joined an accomplice, and proceeded down Swaastop street, carrying the stolen property. The silver-mounted dagger and censor, were necessarily exposed to view, and caught the eye of Detective O’Callaghan, who was walking up the street. The officer knew the theif’s character and seized him, whereupon the accomplice ran away, and escaped. The coins, as well as the other articles were ail found on the prisoner, who is a young man from the United States, giving the name of Bedbura, and in a short time after the arrest the theft was reported to the deetetives by one of the library officials. Redburn was on Saturday remanded till Thursday by the City Bench.

The Wellington Gas Company lit up for the first time on Saturday evening, but without making any very brilliant contrast, and what difference was observed in the illuminating powers of gas and kerosene was decidedly in favor of the latter. The gas was no doubt good enough, but unfortunately it was mixed with too much air—at least that seemed to be the general impression. It appears that the mains were not sufficiently exhausted of air, hence the pale and tremlous light alongside of the stronger and steadier light of the kerosene ; and this was made the more apparent from the fact that the nearer to the Gas Company’s Works the stronger was the light of the gas jets, while towards the Government Buildings the flame was very feeble indeed. This was more noticeable soon after lighting up ; but the light gradually increased in brilliancy throughout the evening. Sunday night a great improvement was noticed, though it evidently had not yet reached its strength. The premises of this journal were lit with ga3, and the light seemed to meet the general approval of the compositors. Moeller’s Empire Hotel was lit in every room by gas on Saturday night; and no one seemed to regret the absence of the multitude of kerosene lamps, which occupied formerly such conspicuous places in every corner of the hotel. Mr Tolley had the job of putting up the fittings ; indeed there seems to be abundance of work of this description for all the in the town.

Chobal Society.—A rehearsal was held on Thursday night, the “ May Queen” being still in rehearsal, although almost perfect. A number of the Orpheus glees were also gone through, and it is expected the Society will be in a position to give a concert in a few weeks. The Permissive Question at Wanganui. —A public meeting was held at Wanganui the other night to discuss the Permissive principle, and the Hon. Mr Fox, at the request of the promoters, attended, and delivered some of his views on the subject. The result of the meeting was that the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to make arrangements for presenting a petition in favor of the Permissive Bill:—The Revs. Messrs Elmslie and Powell, Messrs Bryce, Hutchison, Cunnaball, Neil, Allen, Harding, Bezar, Hurley, F. Williamson, West, Burnett, and Dr Samuel. Gas.—The Australian Gaslight Company advertise the meter price of gas in Sydney at 8s per thousand feet, without charge being made for the service pipes or the use of the meters.

The Nelson Examinee, the oldest newspaper in the colony has appeared in its new form as a weekly, though we are informed that the first number is not to be accepted as a sample of the character it is hoped to give the journal. It will be in demy folio, each page containing four columns, and every number will have a minimum of twelve pages.

Better Times for New Zealand.—The “ Lyttelton Times takes a very hopeful view, which we trust we may see realised, of the effect that the return of peace in Europe will have upon this colony. Says our contempor- 1 ary:—“Every branch of private business will soon feel the effects of the cessation of the war in the renewal of confluence, and the consequent revival of industry. The general improvement of trade throughout the continent cannot fail before long to stimulate the demand for, and to raise the price of, all staple commodities. At last, after repeated disappointments, it would seem that there is a fair prospect of an improvement in the price of wool. The first outbreak of the war stopped the tendeney then manifested towards arise, which, when the usual channels of trade are restored, maybe expected to take place. The prospects of flax —our next great staple—are becoming more assuring. After the great disappointment caused by the severe reaction which followed a temporary fictitious rise in the price in London, flax is steadily reaching a point at which a moderate profit is left to the producer. Without venturing to predict the course of the market, it is certain that there is a very large margin between the price quoted for the best flax and Manilla, while every fresh report agrees in declaring that rope 'made from one is as good as that made from the other.”

Raileoads. —The following is an extract from a letter from Dunedin : —“ A portion of the Melbourne and Beechworth railway, measuring about 50 miles, has been contracted for at the price of £315,000, this is a trifle under £5500 per mile. It is narrow gauge, and a single line. In 1858 railways in Victoria averaged over £30,000 per mile ; but there is no work in Europe superior, and every thing at that time was high priced ; yet at this time these railroads pay live per cent, interest on capital, and have long paid more than five per cent. Eive years earlier a short road made and macadamised from Melbourne to Toorak, about 2f miles, cost no less than £II,OOO, but labour v/as then 20s a day, and much more for skilled men, and they forked as they pleased. Wooden railways can be made for £ISOO per mile; they will do for cross roads. Let us once get 100 miles of railway in each island at a cost of £SOOO per mile, or one million only, and the rest will follow rapidly. Branch roads will grow spontaneously almost, as soon as short distances of the main lines are completed. Very few people estimate the rapid progress of colonies after the first difficulties of settlement are over. It took 200 years for Canada to do the work of 25 years here — thanks to gold. I was amused a few days ago by a despatch of General Cameron’s —besides stating that 500 soldiers could not pass along a road kept, or rather threatened by 200 Maoris, and that the soldiers could not follow ( them into the bush, he ventured the prediction that a certain part of the road, between Wanganui and Patea could hot be opened in less than twenty years: a Cobb’s coach now runs once a week. It would be amusing to collect absurd ’predictions of men in authority falsified by events."

Wanganui Auctioneers.—The following is from the “ Chronicle.” What does it mean ? —“ How to keep your money in your pockets. —Auctioneers, pay my license between you, and do the Government out of £240. It will then cost each auctioneer about £6 7s 6d, the work will be done, and no questions asked. — Joseph Chadwick.”

Marton Licensing Court.—At the sitting of this Court on the 18th, Mr Polgrecn’s license was refused, in consequence of certain alleged iu the way of conducting his business.

But will they Pay?—A Turakina land owner advertises as follows in tire “ Wanganui Chronicle : —“ The subscriber hereby gives notice that any horse or catte found on his land after this date will be charged at Is a day.” Land Transfer Act. The Dunedin “ Evening Star” says :—We were witness at a most interesting sale this day, when the title consisted of a certificate under the Land Transfer Act. The auctioneer, in mounting the rostrum, said :—Gentlemen, —There are no conditions of sale. The title consists of a certificate of title under the “ Land Transfer Actwhich means an indefeasible title guaranteed by the Crown. There are no expenses far conveyance, the purchaser has only to go to the Land Transfer Office, and get a certificate of title on presenting the transfer signed by the vendor. We were sorry that the witty and talented auctioneer indulged iu the following joke at the expense of the Profession. Ater the estate had reached the munificent sum of a thousand guineas, Mr Power .said : —“ Gentleman, —Consider their are no legal expenses. The lawyers are entirely wiped out. The purchaser can have a transfer at the cost of 10s.” We know not whether the handsome some £l®6s, which the property brought, was owing to the fact that there were no’ legal expenses to pay for the transfer, or that the most beautiful site in the province commanded that Bum we are unable to determine. We must, however, congratulate our spirited townsman, Mr W. J. M. Larnach, on acquiring one of the finest sites for a town residence in the Southern Hemisphere. The area, we understand, to be 11 acres 2 roods. .

Acclimatisation.—The Otago .“Times” says :—At the adjourned meeting of the Council of the Acclimatisation Society, the chairman reported ■ that six red deer and twelve brace of partridges had been sent to Oamaru, and sixteen brace of partridge to the Clutha, and that the remaining chaffinches had been liberated at the grounds. The blackbirds and thrushes had been flighted, and would be shortly ready liberation. One cock silver pheasant had been received from Captain Black, of the Prospector; two pairs of those birds had been shipped by the Whirlwind for Dunedin, at Hong Kong, but three had died on the passage. Letters were received from the Hon. Sec. of the Canterbury Society in reply to a letter from the Otago Society applying for English pheasants, and intimating that the Canterbury Society had decided to forward six brace as a present ; from Mr W. Pillans, Clutha, stating that the partridges had been liberated at Inch Clutha, and that they appeared strong on the wing, also that notices have been posted up in the district, intimating that those birds have been turned out, and warning persons against molesting them; from Mr William Derritt, Oamaru, asking that some thrushes may be send to that district. Applications were also made for Californian seeds. A - Disreputable Jockey.—The “ Colac Observer,” in a report of the local races, writes —“ In the steeplechase a disgraceful scene occurred. Fox had every prospect of securing the prize, but coming home, Surprise pushed ahead, and when passing the winning post, the the rider of Fox, named Graut, struck twice at Archer who rode Surprise with his whip, one blow smashing Archer’s nose. It was a most cowardly action, and it is hoped Grant will be disqualified from ever riding on the course again. He attempted to justify his action by stating that Archer crossed him ; but if so, which is exceedingly doubtful, his remedy lay in a protest. Archer was greeted with a round of cheers from the crowd on his winning, while all manner of anathemas were hurled at Grant, and Lynch law would have been brought into requisition had not the police protected him.

Walking the Hospitals.-— The medical practitioners of Geelong, we are informed, appear anxious to have official permission to attend at the hospital when operations are performed, and one of their number made formal application to that effect. The committee received a report from the honorary and resident surgeons on the application, which they adopted, and from henceforth medical men may be present, if they think fit, on such occasions.

Replanting Coen. —An intelligent and reliable neighbor of ours- (says the St. Louis Journal of Agriculture”) who has been for many years making experiments in corn, has discovered an importance and value in replanting corn which is quite novel and worthy of publication. We have always thought that replanting corn was of little consequence, but this gentleman says that it is of so much consequence, he replants whether it is needed or not —or rather he plants, two or three weeks after the corn is planted, a hill about every .fifteenth row each way. If the weather becomes dry during the filling time, the silk and tassel both become dry and dead. In this condition, if it should become seasonable, the silk revives and renews its growth, but the tassel does not recover. Then, for want of pollen, the new silk is unable to fill the office for which it was designed. The pollen from the replanted corn is then ready to supply the silk, and the filling is completed. He says nearly all the abortive ears so common in all corn crops are caused by want of pollen, and that he has known ears to double their size by their second filling.

Telegraphy.—The “ European Mail” says that on Thursday, February 16, at 9.8 p.m., a London establishment received a message which had been sent, via Teheran, from Kurl’Bchee, India, on Friday morning at 12'43 a.m. The message was therefor? received via London the day before it was sent from India. The time actually occupied by the message in transmission was fifty minutes; the sun would require four hours and twenty-six minutes to do the same distance, and as the message was sent so soon after midnight the extraordinary effect is produced of its arriving the previous evening. None but the Brave, &c. —Rumor has it (remarks the “ Geelong Advertiser”) that in accordance with the old saying that “None but the Brave deserve the Fair,” the gallant commander of the Cerberus, whose clever management of the unwieldy monster which he has succeeded in navigating on her perilous voyage to our harbor, is now in everybody’s mouth, is shortly to receive the due reward of his gallantry and skill in the shape of the hand of one of the daughters of a leading and wealthy member of the Victorian Government. The leading and wealthy member of the Ministry referred to is, we believe, the Hon. the Treasurer.

Marsupial Albinoes. —On Thursday last (says the “ Wagga Wagga Express” of the sth instant), as Mr Barnett and a party of miners were out hunting in the neighborhood of the Little Wonder reef the dogs put up a kangaroo ot a pure white color. A long and exciting chase ensued, the animal proving a regular flyer, but the dogs at last ran it down, and its capture alive was then easily effected. Its coat was singularly soft and furry, and in every part of the purest white, not a single dark or colored hair being visible on any part of the body. As is the case with white rabbits, its eyes were of a bright pink color. The creature was purchased by Mr Clai’ke, of the Commercial Hotel, but sulked and fretted in the buggy as it was being conveyed to town, and on Sunday night died. The body was at once handed over to a professional taxidermist, by whom the skin has been preserved, and in a few days will be stuffed for the gratification of the curious in natural history. Close to the place where this animal was captured a kangaroo still more singularly colored—black and white—has been frequently seen by the miners, but though several attempts to capture it have been made, it lias always succeeded iu baffling pursuit.

Caution. —Persons desirous of purchasing greenstone are cautioned by. the “ Lyttelton Times” that green glass has been offered, and in one or two instances purchased as greenstone, the imitation being very good.

More Numerous than Creditable.—A man has been arrested in Auckland who is distinguished by the following list of cognomens : —James Hewson Moore, alias James Hewson, alias George George Gibson, alias George Edward Ringland, alias M'Allister, alias “ Ginger Mooi’e.” Shocking—A strange affair took place on February 18, at Stallingborough, in Licolnshire. A woman named Leedbam waß engaged in placing the dinner on the table for her husband, a step-son named George, aged 41, and her son, aged seven. George began to eat some pudding from a dish, and upon his step-mother requesting him to have a plate, he suddenly stabbed her just below the breastbone. The wound was mortal, and the poor woman expired in a few minutes. Her murderer in the meantime rushed out of the house, and threw himself into a pond, and after a desperate struggle with a man who tried to save him, broae loose, and succeeded in drowning himself. The unfortunate man was suffering from the effects of an accident, which produced an uncontrollable irritability of temper. His victim had always behaved in the kindest manner to her step-son. Paper Material.—"We observe from the “Home News” that at-the London office of the “Argus” in Cornhill is a specimen of pulp made from the stems and leaves of maize, grown on the banks of the Hunter River. The sample has been submitted to several eminent paper-makers, who are unanimous in their expressions of approval of its usefulness and value. No large parcel has yet arrived tor sale, but if it can be produced and shipped at a price similar to .that obtainable for papermaking materials of a similar character, the demand for it in England would be practically unlimited.

Bush Ink. —A description of bush ink has been discovered by Mr L. J. Sinclair,. Auckland, and is thus referred to in a letter by him to the “ Southern Cross—“ I send you a bottle of ink, made from the expressed juice of the karamu, a shrub of the coprosma family, and one that I think, from its frequency in the bush, must be widely spread in this province. The ink (I am writing with it) is of a pretty lilac color, and I wish you would take the trouble to show it to the Auckland booksellers, and ascertain their opinion as to its probable permanency. The plant grows from the sealevel to nearly 2000 feet, and will be plentiful in every district where there is scrub and bush. One of the plants I have seen has a reddish-colored berry, but, in making this ink I have only used the dark.colored berries. I think it should also.be shown to the Auckland dyers, as it might make a very useful Vegetable dye.” A Sorrowful Ending. —An Adelaide paper thus recordst he death of one of the Wielands : —There will be general regret at hearing that Wieland, one of the clowns in Mr Burton’s travelling circus, who was well known in Adelaide, committed suicide at Castlemaine, after having quarrelled with the proprietor of the circus and been discharged.

New Foem of Prize. —In Victoria lately, at an Agricultural Show, lots of guano were, so as to encourage its use on farms for crops chat require manuring, awarded to Buccessfii; competitors, instead of money prizes, or to supplement sueh.

Public Works, Nelson.— The “ Colonist” of the 21st reports: —We are glad to learn that the mission of His. Honor the Superintendent to Wellington has been successful ■with respect to certain public works in this Province. The Ministry, we hear is prepared to support in Parliament the scheme for the railway from the Brum Tier to the coal mine to the port; Mr Blackett and Dr. Hector being appointed to decide on which side of the Grey river the line shall be formed. This will, we presume, necessarily open the question of annexation of the Greymouth district up to the Teremakau, a measure which, we believe, must be speedily be carried through. Ministers have also resolved to support the railway from Nelson to Fox Hill, which last year the Upper House rendered abortive. They will further, we believe, advocate a loan for establishing gas-works in Nelson ; and also for an extension of the waterworks for the cite . The necessary loans for these two latter schemes will be secured on the rates, so that the other parts of the Province will incur no liability for these loans. There are satisfactory facts, and we hope will prove to be the commencement of a new and prosperous era, for the province and the city. Bertrand. —It is stated by the “ Cumberland Times” that this criminal, whose name is so intimately identified with one of the most •atrocious crimes recorded in the annals of the colony, has exhibited symptoms of permanent insanity. He has been incarcerated in the Parramatta gaol since his sentence, and has for some time been a prey to a morbid melancholy which has finally culminated in madness. We understand that during his retention in gaol ho has conducted himself in the most reserved and quiet manner. This fact may possibly account for the loss of his reason. The War and its Cost.— The following are given as the actual French and German war debts up to the present time:—North German Confederation: Prussian loan, 271 million thalers ; Bavarian loan, 56,020.000 thalers; Baden loan, 4,575,000 florins ; Wurtemberg loan, 9,000,000 florins ; altogether, 327,020,000 thalers and 13,575,000 florins, or about 1250 million francs, which is equal to £50,000,000. France : 750 million of francs before the war; 250 millions the other day ; altogether, one milliard of francs, or forty million pounds. Total of both countries, say £90,000,000. The official 1 returns show the total French losses in January to have been 350,000 men and 800 guns. The loss of men is distributed as follows Of Gen. Chamy’s army, 24,000 ; of Gen. Royl’s forces, 12,000 ; of the army of Gen. Faidherd, 11,000 ; and of the army under General Bourbaki, 30,000. Eighty thousand men are set down as having crossed into Switzerland, and the loss in Paris is estimated at 150,000. The total German losses in the month of January amount to ten thousand men. Australian Wine.— The “ Food Journal’ for February has an article on “Australian Wines,” by Mr Phillips Bevan, F.R.G.S., in which he states “I am quite sure that, if the Australian growers in general would bestow more care in their selection of the soil, mode of cultivation, cellarage, and proper keeping, they have the materials for a commerce in wine in this country which Ut will take time only to de /elop.” A Line of Steamers will commence running this year between the Baltic and New York. The new company was incorporated in the early part of the past year under the name of the Stettin American Steamship Navigation Company, with a capital of 650,000 thalers, with power to increase it to 1,000,000. The company contemplate the establishment of a regular steamship line between the ports of Stettin and New York. Strange Occurrence.— An “ Argus” telegram from Sydney on the 14th says :—A melancholy occurrence took place last night. A young lad, about 12 years of age, nephew of the Mayor of Sydney, was amusing himself with firearms, and accidentally shot the daughter of Dr Jenkins. _Tbe boy, frightened at what he had done, immediately made for the bush, and has not since been seen, though every effort is being made to discover him. West Coast Times. —A Groymouth paper suggests to the Nelson authorities the advisability of supplying a differont description of coal to the p.s. Luna than that sent down to market, otherwise the Grey coal may obtain an unenviable character which it does not deserve. The coal now being sold to the public is very inferior, being largely intermixed with shale and other rubbish. A Hard Fate. —We take the following paragraph from Woodhall and Clafin’s “ Weekly” of the 7th instant, published in New York: —“Jenny Lind’s husband has at length run through the splendid fortune with which she retired from the lyric stage, and she is compelled to teach music for a living. The ill-matched pair have separated by mutual consent, and the spendthrift must now shift for himself.

A One-Legged Danceb. —Donato (says the Melbourne “ Argus”), the one-legged dancer, who created a sensation in London a few years ago, has arrived in Melbourne, and was to appear on Easter Monday.—Mrs. George Darrell’s performances at the Sydney Prince of Wales Opera House have been sufficiently successful to induce the management to renew her engagements. A Hint to Butchers. —The Nelson evening paper says : —ln our advertising columns to-day will be seen an advertisement of a novel kind, at least for Nelson, in the shape of a sale on Saturday next, by Mr. Mabin, of fresh beef in small family joints by auction. The advertisement states the beef will bo prime and tender, and from one of the best stockrearing farmers in the province; and we are informed that the owners have adopted this course of disposing of their fat cattle in preference to Belling to butchers, and intend having frequept galps should shey find them encouraged.

The Earl of Pembroke leaves Sydney by the next mail for England.

Scarlatina. —The “Herald” admits the painful faet that this fever has made its appearance in the Waikouaiti district, though not in cither of the Hawkesburys, in a malignant form, and that several deaths have already occurred through it. In one family—that of Mr Sutherland—three children have suv.k under it, and in another, a wife, sister, child have fallen victims to its virulence. In Palmerston four deaths occurred in one family during last week, and there arc some who are down with the fever. A New Dodge. —A Melbourne paper gives the following latest trick amongst the lightfingered gentry :—When a lady feels any one tread upon the train of her dress she should look sharply to her pocket, in order to guard against a new “ dodge” on- the part of the pickpockets. By treading on the dress the pickpocket stretches the garment in such a way that the exact locality of the pocket will very likely be disclosed, and the weaver, as soon as she feels the check, yields backwards in order to prevent the “ gathers” giving way so that the thief may pop his hand into the pocket with less danger of being detected than if the lady had stood upright. A man named George Mates put this trick into practice at the Hobson’s Bay Railway Station,. Flinders street, on Friday but the lady whom he robbed saw who it was that stood upon her train, and having occasion a moment afterwards to use her purse, which she then missed, she put the two incidents together, and pointing out the man, had him arrested by Constable Sherwood. Mates had the stolen purse upon him, and was on Saturday sent to gaol for three months by the City Bench. Parish Business.— When the following extract from the Melbourne “Age” is.read, Mr Fitzberbert’s speech and bis reference to “ parish business” will be recalled :—After several months’ cessation the deputation nuisance is again on the increase. Not a week passes but some few members of a borough council, road district, or shire, take a holiday, and, with a trip to Melbourne, amuse themselves by exploring the interior of the different Government oMces, and boring Ministers with trifling requests that might as easily have been dealt with by means of a sheet of foolscap and a twopenny stamp. The whole system ef deputations is a rotten one, and the sooner the nuisance is abolished the better. Ministers do not want to be perpetually annoyed by representatives from every Little Pedlington in the colony respecting every £SO required for the construction of a road. Let such routine matters be transacted by the town clerk communicating with the head of the department through the post offiee. If a question of real importance should arise which cannot well be explained in a communication, then let an appointment be made with the Minister, but not otherwise. One of the members of the present Ministry is resolutely setting bis face against deputations dropping in promiscuously, and it is*to be hoped that his colleagues will iollow his example, and the system of interviewing will Boon bs abolished. A Crystal Palace for New York.—A Crystal Palace is to be built in New York at a cost of a million and a quarter sterling, covering nearly 23 acres. The palace will be situated the centre of the island, and only one block removed from Central Park, with several railways adjoining. The sources of incomerent, entrance fees of exhibitors, and admission fees from visitors —are calculated to produce 9,124,000 dollars. The upper story of this huge building will be an art gallery, lighted from above. Its length will be 3,760 feet, its width 150 feet. Above this story there will be one given free to artists as studios, and a library will be included on this floor. At each corner of the building there will be an observatory. One dollar per square foot will be charged for exhibition space, and a half-a-dollar will probably be the cost of admission. Ostrich Rearing in South Africa. - Considerable attention has been devoted fin some years to the subject of “ ostrich-farming.” On these so-called farms numbers of ostriches are kept solely for the growth of feathers for commercial purposes ; the enclosures in which the birds are confined vary in size from fifteen to twenty acres, encircled by low stone walls, over which the ostriches never attempt to leap. A novel plan has lately been successfully adopted near Graham’s Town for hatching the eggs of these valuable birds artificially, by means of an incubator ; the eggs are kept up to a temperature of from 100 to 195 degrees of Fahrenheit’s thermometer by the aid of an oil lamp, at a cost of a trifle more than Id for the twenty-four hours ; the time required for hatching being about 49 days. . The value of tli6 ostrich feather varies considerably in accordance with color and quality; the long white feathers, plucked from the wings, are esteemed the finest, and are worth on the average from £32 to £4O per pound, whicn usually comprises about eighty feathers. Next in value follow the long black and grey feathers, and lastly the-small ones, which fetch only about 40s a pound. Feathers obtained from the wild birds are roekoned however to be more valuable than those plucked from the farmed birds.

Gymnastics. —We see by the “ Otago Times” that the total cost of the building and fittings for the High School gymnasium is £250. The dimensions are 40 feet high by 25 feet wide, with the ceiling beams 15 feet from the floor. There are 80 members on the roll, and should the gymnasium meet with sufficient support it is intended to lengthen the building by 15 feet. The Lyttelton “Times” understands that a carpenter has been requested to prepare estimates of the expense necessary to fit up the hall opposite the Literary Institute as a gymnasium, smd that a publio meeting, to consider the whole matter, will be oalled either in the latter part of the present/ week or beginning of fcbe next/.

Water Supply.— The Sydney City Council have decided to spend £BO,OOO on increasing the water reservoir at Lachlan Swamp. The Home of the Drama. —Mr Walter Montgoraei’y has written a long letter to the “ Era” in praise of the colonies, being a reply to an article that appeared in the columns of that paper headed “Arrived in Australia,” and beai’ing on the experience of Charles Mathews in Victoria. Mr Montgomery concludes his communication by the observation — “ Australia is the only home for the legitimate drama, and I say this after a large American and English experience ” Flattering to Victoria— The “Age remarks The free traders of Sydney and the free traders of Melbourne are diametrically opposite in their statements respecting the trade of Victoria with the other colonies— New Zealand especially. A deputation waited upon Sir Jas. Martin on Friday last, respecting the desirability of the Sydney Government subsidising a line of steamers via Brisbane, New Caledonia, Fiji, Honolulu, and the Sandwich Islands, to California. As a plea for the subsidy being granted the following statement was made by Mr Metcalfe : “ The Island trade was nearly all that was left to us, the energy of the Victorian traders having secured the New Zealand trade, and the trade to Queensland had greatly Men off.” It is not long since that the South Australian people were angry because we had wrested the border trade from them. The New South Wales traders are incensed because we have made the Riverina trade ours ; and now comes the confession from our mercantile rivals that despite their favorable geographical relations with New Zealand, we have secured that trade also, and deprive them of a market. Such an acknowledgment as this renders nugatory all the jeremiads that can be poured forth by croaker and prophets of ill. Relics of Explorers. —A Melbourne “Argus” by the Gothenburg says:.—“Our telegraphic intelligence contains some interesting particulars received by way of Brisbane, of discoveries made by the searching parties led by Sub-Inspector Gilmore, which seem ,to make it probable that some relics of the illfated Leichardt expedition have at length been found. It will be recollected that upwards of two months ago Mr Gilmore, who had before been on the same mission, was despatched with some police to investigate the truth of a rumor that there was a white man living with a tribe of natives somewhere near Cooper’s Creek. Mr Gilmore now returns and reports that on getting to the creek he proceeded, conducted by some of the blacks, to a plaoe named Wantata, where the blacks had heard that white men had been. There three skeletons were found, together with some pieces of moleskin and waterproof cloths. Enough seems to have been gleaned from the blacks to make it appear that the men whose remains were discovered were Europeans, who had come to that place twenty years ago, and to raise a strong probability that further inquiries based upon the information now gained, may after this lengflapse of time, yet avail to clear up the mystery which has hung over the gallant explorer’s fate. Whale-oil soap, or carbolic soap, applied in suds to the legs and sides of cows will rid them of those great annoyances, the flies. In low and moist pastures the loss on milk is often very great from flics during the summer. British Columbia.— The “Victorian Standard” gives the following return of articles of domestic produce or manufactures exported from the colony in 1867, 1868, 1869, and 18 70 —“ In 1867 the colonial produce, &c., exported, amounted to 238,577 dollars—the foreign produce, &c M to 134,925 dollars; in 1868, colonial, 640,912 dollars foreign. 107,987 dollars ; in 1869, colouial, 651,568 dollars— foreign. 67,635 dollars; in 1870, colonial, 448,027 dollars—foreign, 63,820 dollars The countries to which exported are— United Kingdom, Australian colonies, South American States, China, France, Java, Mexico, Russian possessions, Tahiti, Hawaiian Islands, United States and the Fijis. Articles of domestic produce exported; Ale bricks, castings cranberries (in four years, 25,000 dollars), coals (490,000 dollars, leather, lime, livestock, lumber (650,000 dollars), miscellaneous, potatoes, stone, tallow wool, 17,000 dollars). Principal articles of foreign manufacture exported: Dry goods (in the four years 73 000 dollars), iron, &c. (42,000 dollars) miscellaneous articles (88,000 dollars), spirits (39,000 dollars), sugar (32,000 dollars), ale and porter (.19.000 dollars), cigars, furniture, groceries, quicksilver (in 1867), tobacco, wines.”

The Teamway Schemes. —The ordinary traffic of London is to be supplemented by a comple network of tramways. The schemes, twenty-one in number, embrace 376 main lines loops, branches, and extensions. The total’mileage of new tramways proposed for the metropolis is about 250 miles, in addition to the lines already at work, and about 100 miles already authorised, but not yet constructed or opened. The proposed extensions on the south of the Thames are inconsiderable in extent; but on the north side it may be said with truth that there is no thoroughfare, north, south, east, or west, that the nromoters do not propose to appropriate. One bill or rather the plans, embraces about 45 miles; another above 40 miles ; and one company, the London Street, s&hcdules about 60 miles of streets and roads. The plans ot two sets of promoters, the Common Eoad Conveyance Companv and the Southall, Ealing, and Shepherd’s Bush Tramway, the one of 1 9A miles the other at seven miles, were not lodeed at’the Private / Bill Office. Whether the promoters will receive a dispensation from standing orders remains to be seen. The fact that so many tramways are in contemplation is highly suggestive, and many of our colonies may see fit to imitate tha mother country in this moda of locomotion.

Scarlet Fever.— Professor Huxley, in his late address at Liverpool as President of the British Association, says that in the years 1863,1864, and in 1865, 90,000 persons were killed in England and Wales by scarlet fever. These figures point to a much higher mortality for scarlet fever than has ever been recorded for cholera.

A Weighing Machine has been introduced at Wanganui by Mr Aumodt, who is erecting it opposite his wood yard, the Town Board having given the necessary permission.

Cattle Maiming. —The Coromandel correspondent of the “ Cross” writes: —“ I have just heard that a serious fracas took place a few days ago between two settlers living beyond Tiki, on the road to Te Konui. One of them is said to ha,ve cut the throat of a cow belonging to the other. An altercation took place between them in consequence, and one of them used a billhook, and cut. his adversary severely in the side. The matter will very probably form the subject of magisterial investigation.”

The New Mail Service. —The San Francisco “Bulletin” commenting upon the new mail service, says : —Great credit is due in this connection to the New Zealand Post-master-General —a gentleman of energy, foresight, and liberality, without whose hearty action in this matter the Australasian route might have been lost to American enterprise. The preliminary contract made by him with the representatives of \Y®bb Holladay, some time ago, was predicated upon the assumption, that the United States would grant a subsidy, New Zealand—a colony with population and wealth far Jess than those of Californiahaving already guaranteed 300,000 dollars por annum. To clinch the matter he came on to San Francisco, and then proceeded to New York, where he has closed a final contract without reference to the discreditable refusal of Congress to respond to the action of his colony. Fortunately for the commercial interests of the United States, and particularly of the Pacific States, Messrs Webb and Holladay are courageous capitalists, and have dared to begin the service without assistance from their°Governraent, trusting, we presume, to ■favorable consideration hereafter. If, as Mr Nimmo says, the merchants of New York, with all their wealth and enterprise, are unable to maintain a single line of steamers to Europe, it is gratifying to know that the same remark is not true with reference to the Eastern world across the Pacific. With a fine line running to China and Japan, and another to Australia and Hew Zealand via the Sandwich Islands, American enterprise will be fairly represented on one ocean, it it has been abandoned or driven from the other.' We felicitate our cousins and friends in New Zealand upon the result so largely due to their sagacious liberality, and hope the relations to be established with them will remain of the most cordial kind, and prove mutually profitable and pleasant. They may rest assured that, although Congress has temporarily failed to reciprocate their handsome action, this delay is regretted and condemned by our people.”

The Sydney Labor Market.—The “Southern Cross” says:—We learn from a gentleman who has recently arrived from Sydney that trade is exceedingly dull in that city. He says the streets are daily thronged with large numbers of workmen unable to get employment. This statement scarcely accords with the representations made to the working men of Auckland some time ago regarding their prospects of success were they to migrate to New South Wales. Our informant is a gentleman thoroughly well acquainted with the state of the labor market both in Sydney and Auckland, and he contrasts most favorably the amount of activity, generally exhibited here with the only too-manifest stagnation in all departments ,of trade in the colony of New South Wales.

The Result of Protection in the United States. —The public debt of the United States on the Ist September, 1865, was 2,757,689,571 dollars. On the 3rd Jan. of the present year this enormous debt had been reduced by 408,025,251 dollars, or, in round numbers, by eighty-six millions sterling. The “New York Herald” congratulates the working population of the States, more particularly, on this result. It says, “ Yes, the people have paid from the earnings of their industry, in the short period of ten years (referring to the general prosperity of the working classes for that period), a sum more than double the amount of the present interestbearing debt—a sum far larger than that raised from the nation during the previous eighty years and upwards of its Did ever anation show such extraordinary resources before ? ' Was there ever known more marvellous elasticity in the financial capabilities of a country.” This prosperity is attributed' to the encouragement afforded by the Government in its protection of native industries.

What English Convicts Cost the State. —“Note the enormous expense these 458 habitual criminals cost the country. Their commitments amounted to 2,874. I have tried to come at a reasonable estimate of the expense of each trial; taking into account police apprehensions, transference to seats of local prisen, official fees for precognosmg, reporting and attendance on trials, time of judges°and juries, and other officials valued, expenses of witnesses, escorts to convict prisons; all being calculated. The cost of each trial could not be less than £3O, .which being multiplied by the number of trials, 2,874 — £86,220. To this must be added the prison keep, considerably above £2O per annum, sav for an average of five years, and we have—£2o for five years—£loox4sß, £48,800; expenses before and after trial, £86,220. Total, £132,020. What a stupendous expenditure is that for prisons and criminals, and with what a poor and miserable result:.”“r-PBygbology of Criminals, by Bruoo Thompson, p.