News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 47, 16 December 1871, Page 12

News of the Week.

Colonel Fielding left Wellington by coach on Thursday for Manawatu. We hear he has made certain offers to the Government to purchase 100,000 acres of land, but we are not at liberty at present to publish the particulars. The offer is, however, of a character that may lead eventually to " business." We are glad to learn that one of the. most important provisions of the Public Works Act of last session—that referring to the supply of water upon the goldfields—is likely to be brought into active operation in a few T days. The recommendations of the goldfields' committee of last session, as to the mode in which the money voted by Parliament (£300,000) . is to be administered, have been generally approved by the Government, and a series of regulations bearing upon the subject will shortly be gazetted. These regulations were drafted chiefly by Messrs Haughton and Harrison, and we understand that the first named gentleman has placed his services at the disposal of the Government for the purpose of initiating the carrying out of the act in Otago. Mr Haughton's large experience and the prominent part he has taken with, regard to the important question of water supply to the goldfields especially qualify him for the post, and the Government must feel itself under no slight obligation to that gentleman. Mr Haughton will be gazetted as a commissioner under the act for Otago, and probably the appointment for the other goldfields will be filled up shortly. It may be added that Mr Haughton's office is entirely an honorary one. The settlers and travellers to and from the West Coast will be glad to hear that the Hon. the Postmaster-General has given instructions to Mr Andrew Young, the proprietor of Cobb's coaches, on the Wauganui line, that from and after the Ist proximo the coaches from Wellington and Wanganui will call at Foxton instead of the mouth of the Manawatu river. The Provincial Government has given notice to Mr Langley, that the Government subsidy granted him as ferryman will cease ; and also that his license as accommodation-house keeper will be cancelled after the Ist proximo. Just before the mail left, Mr Chilman, of Taranaki, who had intended to return, wrote, stating-that just as he was on the eve of departure, unsuccessful in his mission to induce English capitalists to take up the development and manufacture of the iron sand at Taranaki, he received offers of so favorable a nature as to warrant him delaying his return. Mr H. Webb, the contractor for the San Francisco mail service, is at present in Auckland, he having remained there awaiting the arrival of the Hon Juliuß Vogel, who was expected to reach Auckland during the present week. As Mr Vogel will probacy not be able to leave Wellington for a fortnight or three weeks, Mr Webb will most likely proceed hither for the purpose of conferring upon the modification of the contract, as authorised by the Assembly. Mr Vogel will shortly proceed to Melbourne, to seek the cooperation of the Australian colonies, and may probably succeed so far as New South Wales'is concerned. We observe that in the Parliament of New South Wales an animated debate took place recently on the San Francisco service. The Premier of that colony moved the House into committee to consider the propriety of adopting the contract entered into by the Melbourne conference. In the debate that followed several members opposed the resolution, on the ground that New South Wales had got the worst of it at the recent conference. The most important party to the treaty, England, was altogether ignored. It was also urged that a scheme formerly proposed was preferable, by which three lines via Suez, Torres Straits, and San Francisco would be carried out for £IOO,OOO. This plan, it was said, would satisfy the Queensland people, and save the San Francisco steamer going out of its way to land the mails at Moreton Bay. After some considerable discussion, the motion was lost by 24 to 15. It will be

thus seen that so far as New South Wales is concerned, the Australian colonies are not likely to cone to any agreement on the postal question. Iu accordance with the terras of the Muncipal Corporations Act, the election of Mayor will take place at a meeting of the City Council which will be convened for the purpose on Wednesday next. It is confidently expected that the candidature of Mr Dransfield will be unopposed. A special meeting of the City Council will be held on Monday next to consider the terms on which the wharf will bo leased, and the conditions to be observed by the successful tenderer. The question of the erection of the sheds will also be discussed. According to a return laid before the Auckland Provincial Council, the following are the sums expended during the past year upon roads and works in that province:—Koads and works south of Auckland, £2,554 5s 6d; Great South Road, £2,784 7s 6d ; roads and works north of Auckland, £3.294 Is 9J ; Auckland harbor works, £1,677 9s 5d ; miscellaneous, £2,629 4s. We believe we are correct in stating that the visit of his Honor the Superintendent of Nelson has resulted in an agreement between him and the General Government with regard to the security to be given by the Nelson Government for the interest on the cost of the railway from Grcymouth to the Brunner Mine. The General Government have, we understand, imposed certain conditions of traffic, and reserved to themselves a right to exercise a voice in the disposal of the coal mine. It may be expected that this line will be commenced as speedily as possible. Mr Curtis has also received assurance that the Nelson and Foxhill line will be commenced in due course. The "Gazette" of the 12th instant contains the announcement of the appointment of W. S. Moorehouse, Esq., as Secretary of Crown Lands, and Commissioner under the Land Claims Settlement xlcts. The Colonial Secretary has issued a notice requesting that for the future all correspondence connected with the administration of the Immigration and Public Works Acts, 1870 and 1871, in the Middle Island, may be addressed to the office of the Resident Minister for the Middle Island, Christchurch. On Tuesday Messrs Harrison and Curtis, M.H.R.'s, had an interview with the Minister of Public Works for the Middle Island, for the purpose of coming to an understanding as to the expenditure of the £24,000 available out of the Middle Island Railway Fund, for the construction of roads on the Nelson South West Goldfields. An arrangement was agreed to under which a main road to the Bnller Valley on the north, and to the Grey Valley on the south, is to be constructed from the rich reefing district at Murray Creek, with the intention of ultimately carrying it to the ports of Westport and Greymouth. We understand that in structions are to be given for an exploration of the country, so as to secure the most convenient and inexpensive route. As an example of the extreme cost which the ruling price of labor imposes upon the construction of public works, we may mention that within the last few days the lowest tenders accepted for road works in Westland averaged over £!,250 per mile. And this for only a 13ft metalled road, the materials for which is found alongside the road. The "Lyttelton Times" of the 11th instant has a leading article against the proposed meeting of the Assembly at Dunedin next session, in which it says:— While, therefore, we do not deny that an occasional change from Wellington to Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, or Auckland, would be advantageous in so far as it would tend to dispel ignorance and break down the petty provincial feelings which are yet so rampant in someqnartcrs, we cannot ignore the addition which such change would make to our annual expen diture, or forget the evils which it might give rise to in administering the public service generally. On Wednesday afternoon notwithstanding the boisterous weather—a number of ladies, including the Hon Mrs Fitzherbert, Mrs Gisborne, Mrs Buckley, Mrs Captain Edwin, and Miss O'Neil proceeded on board the p.s. Luna for the purpose of presenting Captain Fairchild with a beautiful brooch and locket in recognition of his great kindness and attention to the lady passengers on the Luna, on the voyage to and from Wanganui on the occasion of the opening of the Wanganui Bridge. The presentation was made by the Hon Mrs Fitzherbert, who stated that she had been re quested by her fellow-passengers who went to Wanganui under Captain Fairchild's care on the occasion of the opening of the Wanganui Bridge, to present him with a locket as a small souvenir in recognition of his kindness, and also with a brooch for Mrs Fairchdd, which -the ladies forwarded with their kind regards." Captain Fairchild, in reply, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the great honor the.t had been conferred upon him; and felt sure that Mrs Fairchild

would appreciate the handsome present made to her. He was himself taken entirely by surprise by this presentation, especially as such a fearfully stormy day as the present might have deterred anyone from walking down the wharf. He begged to convey his most sincere thanks for the marked honor which had been conferred upon him. At Dunedin, a few days ago, a deputatiau waited upon the Superintendent of Otago with reference to the proposed meeting of the General Assembly. The mayor of Dunedin said they had called upon his Honor, as representatives of the citizens, to urge upon the Provincial Government the great importance to citizens and to the rest of the Province, of every effort being made to induce his Excellency the Governor to take up his residence in Dunedin for a certain portion of the year ; and that the province should not scruple to go to some little expense, if necessary, in the matter. He believed there was a suitable residence for his Excellency in Dunedin, which could be obtained for a not very large sum of money, and it struck the couucil that a few hundred pounds would be far more than repaid by the advantages which would be conferred upon the. city and the province. The Superintendent said he quite agreed with every word that had been said by the Mayor. He believed it was more importantin a political point of view than any other that the General Assembly should hold its next session in Dunedin — both on colonial and provincial grounds. The only question was the accommodation to be furnished for the Governor. Of course, if the Assembly came to Dunedin, he would be certain to visit them, and there could be no doubt that Fern Hill was the place for him. It was at present offered for lease or sale, and for his own part he had no hesitation in saying that he was anxiously desirous to secure it as a residence for the Governor, believing, as he did, that the expense would be recouped a thousandfold to Dunedin and to the province. He had an official letter from the Colonial Secretary, stating that in any case the Governor and Lady Bowen intended to visit Dunedin in the course of the summer, and the Governor himself had intimated to him personally their intention of residing three or four months every year in Dunedin, provided there was a residence. After further conversation the Superintendent stated he would iay before his Executive a proposal to purchase Fern Hill House as a residence for his Excellency. He further stated that he had received a telegram from the Government to the effect that the provision of a residence for his Excellency was the " turning point" of the question. We learn from the "OtagoDaily Times" that recently a dinner was given at the Maori Kaik, Port Chalmers, to the chief, Mr George Grey Taiaroa, M.H.R. Before dinner Mr Taiaroa made an excellent and appropriate speech, iu which he expressed his pleasure at seeing so many Europeans present, and said he hoped to see a greater friendship between the Maoris and pakehas. The chief was supported on his right by Dr Goodsir, who in the course of his remarks said that the Maoris of Otago ought to be proud to have such a man as Mr Taiaroa to represent their interests in the General Assembly, he being the first Maori who had tabled a motion iu the House. The Maoris at the Heads ought also to consider themselves very fortunate in having such an honorable and intelligent man living amongst them. With regard to the dinner, it astonished all the pakehas present. Among the edibles there were goose and turkey, roast and boiled, plumpudding, tarts, &c, &c. Altogether the dinner reflected great credit on old Potiki, who had the management of it, and who was, in fact, the originator of the affair. After dinner the tables were cleared away, and dancing was com menced, and kept up until an early hour in the morning. Everything passed off pleasantly, and all seemed to enjoy themselves amazingly.

The "Fiji Gazette" begins a leader with the rather'startling enquiry, " The next generation in liji, what will it be?" And then proceeds to explain the difficulty standing in the way of the solution of the problem:—-The vast majority of our settlers appear to have no desire or intention to form such matrimonial and family alliances as are esseutial to the respectability of society. With too many, the mortality of society is only a subject to be laughed at. We cannot understand the position they take up. The charms of Fiji women we have faded to appreciate. We could never see them. What qualities do they possess to enchant? Is it their manners? Or is it the mental superiority of these sable beauties that obtains for them a preference amongst white men over white ladies ? Nor do the white admirers of black beauty confine their affections to the aboriginal females of Fiji. As the palates of old used to scour the oceans for a variety offish, so the varying tastes of many of our settlers rake the islands cf the entire Polynesian group for a supply of spouses, varying in color from a London chimney sweep, just emerged from a six-storied chimney,

to the color of a faded penny, or the face and features of a Chinaman. What will the next generation be, then ? We pause to consider. But it is not in their tints, and their features, their face, and their form only, we feel curious. A far more serious consideration lies in their morals. What will be the morality of such an offspring generation ? What can it be ? The early settlers in America never sank to this. Even the best looking red Indian chieftess could not draw their affections from the British maids who, though separated from them by the ocean, they resolved should be their wives. And where is the mother in the colonies who would refuse to the Fiji planter the hand of her daughter"? It is not a scarcity of the white material that makes him buy the black. How many young and accomplished, hearty and handsome, young ladies there are in the colonies who would cheerfully fly to the sunny tropics ! How readily would they come, and as loving wives make home happy. A very curious circumstance (says the " Otago Daily Times"), and one which has afforded a good deal of speculation, happened a few days ago at Green Island. A young calf disappeared from the byre of one of the settlers. Every nook and corner of the bush was examined for it without success. Some boys who were looking over the precipices bordering upon the sea, saw a creature sprawling among the boulders upon the beach, which at first they mistook for a seal; but, seeing that it was aquadruded of some sort, they told the owner of the calf what they had seen. Without in the least expecting it to be the missing calf, he descended the cliffs — there being only one place where a descent can be made—and, to his astonishment, there was the calf safe and sound. After a good deal of trouble it was brought back to the place whence it had strayed. How the animal descended cliffs four or five hundred feet high without being knocked to pieces is a mystery which the settlers are unable to solve, unless by the supposition that it fell over when the tide was in, and swam to a place of safety. The celebrated Cagli Italian Operatic Company is expected to arrive here on Saturday, aud will perform Verdi's opera "II Trovatore" the same evening. The company is a very strong one, and bears a high reputation for excellence in all its parts. Judging from the critiques of the Auckland press the Cagli company is the best that has appeared in New Zealand. The Superintendent of Otago says that the Governor has signified his intention of spending several mouths " every yeat" in Dunedin. Seeing that Sir George Bowen's term of office has nearly expired, his Excellency seems to be discounting the future rather freely. The firing of the remainder of No. 1 battery of the Artillery, announced for yesterday afternoon, did nor. take place, only one member turning up at the appointed hour. The scoring cannot now be resumed till after the next meeting of the company, which will be held early next week. Land Transfer Act, 1870.—1 t may be well to caution our readers that every land purchaser from the Crown after the Ist of February, 1871, becomes thereby under the provisions of the above act, and the transfer or other dealings with such land must be effected by the forms prescribed by the act and not otherwise. These forms can be obtained upon application at any district land registrar's office in the colony. The charge for each form is one shilling. Baker's Hill Gold Mining Company. This company commenced working their claimonTuesday, with a small two stamper machine, driven by water power. The machine is under the management of Mr Lees, late engineer to Mr E. W. Mills. The Morning Star Company are progressing favorably with the erection of their machinery, and expect to be iu full operation in a week or two. The Auckland " Herald" in an article upon the result of the legislation of the late session makes the following comments : —" So far the colony has endorsed the proposal of the Government by an overwhelming majority, both before and after the general election. Nothing could be more unequivocal than the position of the present Ministry. Still, a great deal depends on the continued cordial co operation of the public. For ourselves, we have not approved of everything the Government has said or done, but we consider that the interests of the colony from every point of view demand the faithful prosecution of the great scheme now in hand, and any attempt to throw discredit upon it at this time of day cannot proceed from a sincere desire to promote the peace and welfare of the country at large." Mr Buckland, a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, has taken a very " high falutin" view of the provincial question. In a recent debate upon a motion by Mr Creighton, he is reported to have said "he feared that there was a period of untold misery in store for the colony and the province of Auckland. 1 He believed the decision of the differences

sure to arise, and the injury openly done, must come to physical force, and that in less than three years 1" Bravo, Mr Buckland. We quite agree with you that " physical force" is the remedy for all the evils under which the colony is laboring, and we hope you will assist the Government in employing as much of that desirable element as possible. We hope that before the three years Mr Buckland speaks of "physical force" will have accomplished great things for this colon}' —will have spread a network of railways and roads over New Zealand, subdued forests, and converted desolate wastes into smiling cultivations. In the Auckland Provincial Council Mr Creighton proposed the following resolution : —" That the members of the Provincial Council of the province of Auckland, desire to express their regret at the attempt made in the General Assembly last session to alter the constitution of this council, without consulting its wishes. They hope that in future, shouldan important constitutional change be thought advisable by the General Government, the sense of the country will be taken before it is submitted to the Assembly." A long debate ensued and an amendment was moved by Mr Sheehan, the Gold fields Secretary, to the following effect:—" That this Council feels called upon to express its disapproval of the attempts made during the last session of the Assembly to pass measures calculated to effect a radical alteration of the Constitution without any notice being given to the Governments of the several provinces, or opportunity afforded to the electors of the colony to consider such measures, xind this Council further protests against any alterations affecting the constitution, powers and functions of the Provincial Legislatures being made, unless and until the proposed alterations be submitted to the country, and the whole of the constituencies be allowed to elect a Parliament for the, express purpose of considering such alterations." The debate does not appear to have been concluded before the departure of the last mail. The following letter, addressed to the editor, appears in Silver and Co's circular for September :—" Sir, —Some time ago there appeared in the " Standard" a letter on the corn produce of New Zealand for IS7O, giving the quantity grown, and average yield per acre in each province. The August mail brought statistics of this year's produce, which is so much under that of 1870 that it is necessary to analyse it, and try to discover the cause. In the first place we find that the quantity of wheat grown is less by over 500,000 bushels; of barley, less by 300,000 bushels ; whereas there is an increase of about 470,000 bushels in oats ; so we must presume that this is considered the most paying crop, although the yield per acre hardly exceeds that of the other grains. This will give a decrease on grains growi? of 350,00'J bushels, or the produce of ovei> 16,000 acres at the highest average yield. But where has all this great falling off occurred ? Not in the provinces, where the average is the lowest, but in Hawkes Bay and Marlbro', to the amount of about 12,000 bushels each, and the balance, with the exception of 3 r ooo bushels in the province of Canterbury, which last year gave nearly the highest average, say 31 bushels per acre. In fact, we find in this thriving province a falling off of 658,000 bushels of all grains—the decrease of over 25,000 acres under plough ; whereas in the sister provinces of Otago and Southland there is an actual increase of 325,000 bushels grown ; it, therefore, cannot be that farming does not pay in New Zealand, aud especially in the South Island, where yield is as high, if not higher than in England. The sole cause must be the want of labor, especially in those provinces where this decrease has taken place ; for we see that in one province alone, 25,000 acres which in 1870 yielded 30 bushels to the acre, were in 1871 uncultivated ; and, reckoning only two men to every 100 acres, here is a demand for at least 500 of those good farm laborers who are so often driven into our workhouses in winter for want of work. Is it not, then, our duty, and the duty of the Government, to bring before these men in a clear and an encouraging manner the advantages of emigrating to our colonies, where labor is so much required ; and where any good workman can earn from 25s to 30* a week, and the mechanic from 8s to 12s per day.—l am, &c, An old Colonist. Lymington, September, 1871." Gold. —The p.s. Golden Crown brought up to Auckland from the Thames on the 9th 13 boxes gold, containing 16,0000zs for the Bank of New Zealand. In the Legislative Assembly of South Australia, a Payment of Members' Bill was lately introduced. It proposes a payment of £2 per day for a session of eighty days, and free transit by railway and m iil coaches. According to the local paper there are numerous complaints of the bridge tolls at Wanganui, not only on account of the ambiguous way in which they are expressed, but also because in some instances they are considered excessive, especially in the casß of vehicles repassing

from the town, with a few small things, when they are liable to a second toll. Communication with the YVaiba--iupa.—The time tables have been so arranged that on and after the 18th iost., Hastwell's coaches to the Wairarapa will run throe times a week, leaving Welling, ton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and returning from Masterton every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is an arrangement which will in all probability meet with appreciation in the form of increased returns, as it is_ undoubtedly an increase in the convenience afforded to the inhabitants of the Wairarapa and intermediate districts. Makton-Rangitikei Eaces. —As if to compensate for the languid and half hearted way in which turf matters are treated in the neighborhood of Wellington, the inhabitants of the thriving little townships of Marton and Rangitikei have taken the steps necessary for the annual race meetingof tliedistrict with an energy which is truly characteristic of the genuine old English sportsman. This spirit has so much increased the popularity of the race meeting that the matter has now been talren in hand by the residents of the two districts named,"and the arrangements for the meeting of this year have been entered into and carried out with a zest which can be very appropriately be likened to a racing pace. Last year the races were exclusively Marton races, and were held in the vicinity of that township. They were then very successfully carried out, -and attracted a good deal of attention, but this year the two townships have agreed to combine, and, instead of having a race meeting at each place, to hold one general one to be run on a course equidistant be tween the two places. By this means greater unanimity will prevail, and the amount of the stakes will be increased. A great impetus has been given to a genuine turf spirit within the last year or two, and it is expected that this year's races will bo carried out in even a more successful manner than last year's Marton races. Tins will go far towards establishing the Marton-Rangitikei race meeting as second to none in the province. Should the programme be sufficiently inviting to induce any of our Wellington friends to take up horses, they may depend upon receiving every attention and fair play. Marton and Eangitikei have both favorable reputations for these qualities which they are not likely to forfeit on this occasion. Resignation.—His Excellency the Governor has accepted the resignation of the commission held by Ensign M. J. Logan, New Zealand Militia. Land Transfer Fees. —A General Government Gazette issued on Saturday contains a list of the new fees chargeable under this act. A large number of trans fers under the act are notified in the present issue of the Gazette. Reduction of Fares. —The N.Z.S.S. Company will issue return tickets at single fares for ail parts of the colony, from and after the 15ih of the present month, which will be available till the 29th of February. Commissioner of Armed Constabulary.—The appointment of LieutenantColonel William Moule to be Commissioner of Armed Constabulary, and to conduct the correspondence of the Defence Department, has been gazetted'. Trustees in Bankruptcy.—The Accountant in Bankruptcy has issued a notification calling the attention of trus tees in Bankruptcy to Clause 226 of the Bankruptcy Act of 1867, which we print for general information :-Each trustee shall within fourteen days of the thirtyfirst December in each year, or on the first lawful day after the expiry of the said fourteen days, deliver free of charge to the Registrar of the Supreme Court or Clerk of t he District Court, as the case may be, a return in the form of Schedule B hereunto aunexed, of every estate in which he is trustee, and the Registrar or Clerk shall within fourteen days thereafter transmit in the form of the said schedule to the Accountant a return of all estates brought under the operation of this act in the district of which he is a registrar or clerk, as the case may be, and the accountant shall cause the returns so made to be regularly bound up and preserved according to alphabetical order of districts in a volume to be kept at all times in his office, with an index thereto.framed by him, which volume shall be patent to all concerned, and any trustee who shall fail to make such return shall be removable from his office, at the instance of one any creditor, or of the Accountant,-or subject to such order as the court which awarded such adjudication or the Supreme Court may think suitable. [Berkley, Sept. 18G9— Gentlemen, I feel it a duty I owe to you to express my gratitude fur the great benefit I have derived by taking ' Norton's Camomile Pills.' I applied to your agents, Mr Bell Berkley, for the above named Pills, for wind in the stomach, for which I suffered excruciating pain for a length of time, having tried every remedy persenbed, bur, without deriving any benefit at all. After taking two bott'.es of your valuable pills I was quite"restored to my usual state of health. Please give this publicity for the benefit of those Mho may thus bo afflicted."—l am, Sir, yours truly, Henry Allpass.—To the proprietors of £\OBTON's CA3«I0MII.B Pills.

Agricultural and Horticultural Show.—The first show of the Wairarapa \ and East, Coast Pastoral, Agricultural, and Horticultural Association will be held at Masterton, on the grounds of the Association, on Thursday, the 28th of the present month. Prizes will be offered for sheep, cattle, horses, and pigs, and as this is one of the most important districts of the province, we anticipate a most sue cessful exhibition. The Late Me Kempthorne.—A want of fuller information led the Independent into the error of stating that the immediate cause of this gentle man's death was an aggravated attack of asthma. He had suffered severely from this malady in years past, but had so far resumed a healthy state of existence as to enable him very recently to pass a medical examination, under certain disabilities, for an insurance on his life. The disease which terminated his existence was one which could not possibly be discovered by a medical man except by the adoption of a method of examination to which it is not usual to resort in cases of examination for insurance purposes, and is known to medical men as Uraemia, or poisoning of the blood by urea, which originates, we believe, in an affection of the kidneys. The rapid action of the disease was such that immediately after the evening meal on Saturday Mr Kempthorne went off into a comatose condition such as would be pro duced by a dose of opium, from which he did not rally. We hear that the deceased gentleman had only paid the first premium of £2O on a policy of £SOO effected with the Mutual Assurance Society, which amount will be paid over to his wife and children. The advantages of life assurance may he gleaned from this circumstance. The Eecent Assault. - The man M'Carthy, having arrived at the conclu sion that any further attempt to elude the vigilance of the law's myrmidons would useless, was on his way to the police station onMonday to surrender himself when he was arrested in Willis street. The hearing of the charge was taken at a late period of the day. The prosecutrix gave her account of the prisoner's conduct with a good deal of perspicuity and in a spirit, expressive of a loathing for the prisoner which dispelled any opinion which may have rested in the minds of those in Court as to the possibility of his first advances towards her having been received with any degree of favor." In the performance o( his duty to his client Mr Allan endeavored to shake the testimony of the witness Pilmer, but the evidence advanced by that gentleman stood as fast as a rock, and Mr Allan, quickly perceiving this, like a judicious counsellor, pursued the crossexamination no further, contenting himself with the argument that the evidence only sustained the minor charge of common assault. From the evidence adduced, however, we arc inclined to agree with his Worship that there was quite sufficient to sustain a committal for the more serious offence. The prompt punishment of such persons is the only means of rendering safe the homes and the wives and children of respectable men whose duties call them away to different parts of the country for any length of time. It is high time the social atmosphere of the city was purified by the removal of the pestilent malaria which the roaming at large in the com munity of persons so dead to all moral feeling as this M'Carthy must create, and we cannot see that there was any course open to the Resident Magistrate, consistent with his duty to society, than the one which we think he rightly adopted. The Railways.—A few weeks ago a paragraph appeared in these columns to theeffect that thecontractfor the construction of the Wellington and Masterton Railway had been signed, and that operations would be commenced in a few weeks. It is only fair to state that we have since ascertained that this statement was made under a misapprehension ; and we think it right to make the correction. The fact is that up to the present moment no contract whatever has been actually agreed on between the Government and Messrs Brogden, but is very probable that in a day or two the negociations now proceeding will have been satisfactorily concluded. According to the information at present at our disposal the only line actually ready for contract is the Picton and Blenheim line, the survey of which hasjustbeeu completed by Messrs Carruthers, Bell, and Henderson, at the instance of the General Government. But should the Government be able to conelude terms with Messrs Brogden, the various lines authorised by Parliament will be rapidly pushed forward. The Picton and Blenheim Railway. —Amongst the passengers by the Phoebe on Tuesday were Messrs Henderson and Bell, the engineers acting under the instruction of the Government for the survey of the Picton and Blenheim railway. The whole of the surveys have been completed, and the necessary quantities taken for forming estimates of the cost of the work. We understand that this line will be the first which the Government will submit to the Messrs Brogden for construction, it being the only one for which the surveys and estimates have been completed. It is.

thought that the limit of cost imposed by the legislature is not sufficient to complete the construction of a line of really firstclass character, but by making some portions not of so permanent a character as would have been the case had greater latitude been allowed in the amount to be expended, the engineers expect to be able to bring the estimate within the amount fixed upon. It has been found that the excavations are very extensive for the first two miles from Picton, and there is also some very heavy work to be done in carrying the line through a very large swamp which interposes itself in the direction of the line, the water of which is, in many places, fully thirteen feet deep. There will also be required a heavy embankment for the protection of the line from the floods which so often occur in that part of the country. Emigration to New Zealand.—By the Pheebe arrived Colonel FielJing, a gentleman who is on a mission to the colonies in connection with the Society for the promotion of emigration from England under the patronage of the Duke of Manchester. The object of Colonel Fielding's visit to New Zealand is to ascertain what opportunities the Government of the colony would be willing to afford for the carrying out of the views of the society. We understand that he was under the impression that the General Government would be prepared to make grants of land for emigrants introduced to the country, and has expressed great disappointment and surprise at finding that, in consequence of the delegation of the control of the waste lands to the Provincial Governments, land cannot be obtained except at a price which it is feared will defeat the intentions of the society, so far at all events as this colony is concerned.

The Queen's Health.—The Governor received on Tuesday by the English mail, a letter from the Duke of Edinburgh, who says, "Before concluding, I must tell you what I am sure you will bo glad to hear, that although the queen has been very iU\ her health is now very much better." The loyal people of New Zealand will be glad to hear this, and also that H.R.H always writes with a very pleasant recol lection of his visits to New Zealand, and desires his remembrances to several gentlemen here. Golden Crown Mining Company.— Some information has been given in by the Directors of the Golden Crown Gold Mining Company which should stimulate the proprietors of the company, and encourage the public of this district generally. A sample of stone taken from the company's claim was sub mitted for test by Mr E. Dixon, and the result was as follows :—From 31bs of stuff, £ of a grain, being an average of loz 7dwts Bgrs per ton. Another sample, forwarded by J. C. Crawford, Esq., to Mr Skey, Government Analyist, yielded at the rate of loz 2dwts 18grs per ton. Two other samples forwarded for analysis to Mr Skey by Mr Levy, the manager of the Golden Crown Company, yielded respectively : loz 19dwts and loz ldwt 18grs per ton. A Maori Funeral. —A funeral of a kind remarkable for its variety, even in this place where Maoris most do congregate, took place on Tuesday afternoon at five o'clock. The procession was rather a iong one, and the person to whose remains the attenders were paying this form of reverence was Mohi Ngaponga, Chief of the Ngatiruanui, the Te Aro natives. The departed chief was no less a person than one who had been dignified by the title Moses, and must, during some portion of his lifetime, have done something to render himself worthy of the high honor conferred, for those who followed the corpse were highly respectable, in addition to presenting an appearance more than usually mournful, a feeling induced by the lugubrious expression of the countenances of the followers, none of whom wore anything in rank below shining belltoppers, and superfine black. In the neighborhood of the spot selected for interment of the remains was a crowd of Maoris, from all districts within a reasonable distar.o3 of town, chief amongst whom were Wi Tako, a relative of the departed, and other notable men. The coffin having been lowered into the grave, the Rev. Mr Buddie, Wesleyan Minister, read the service in Maori. The feelings engendered by the solemn form evidenced itself, to one new to such scenes, in a manner remarkable for the contrast supplied, some of those present sobbing bitterly during the whole service, and at its conclusion, while others gave way to a lively display of hilarity when the reading was finished. A new blanket, in colors. equalling Joseph's garment, we should think, was thrown into the grave, and in it were enclosed habiliments of Moses. When the service was concluded, four lusty young fellows stepped out from among those present, and filling in the dirt with a vigor and skill that displayed considerable familiarity in the handling of the spade, soon hid from the gaze of the spectators the frail timbers that enclosed all that was mortal of Mohi Ngaponga. The deceased chief had been sick for about eight days*

Promotions and Appointments.—His Excellency the Governor has made the undermentioned promotions and appointments, viz. :—ln the Royal Company, Rangitikei Rifle Volunteers, James Slight to be Ensign—date of commission, 20th June, 1871. In the Wairoa (Patea) Rifle Volunteers, Lieutenant John Wilcox Kenah to be Captain—date of commission, 19th September, 1871; Ensign Walter Allen Grant Winchcombe to be Lieutenant —date of commission, 19th September, 1871; George Stephen Bridge to be Ensign—date of commission, 13th September, 1871. The Late Fishing Excursion.—The fishing party, about whose safety some fears were entertained, appear to have been very profitably employed. The boat anchored under Sinclair Head, and it was blowing so strong from the N.W. that they were unable to lift her anchor. In the space of five hours the party caught upwards of thirty-eight dozen of fish, including four hapukas, weighing from GOlbs to 801bs each ; and if the gale had on so soon, necessitating their anchoring in shore, they could have filled the boat with them. These fish, from their ponderous size and strength, cause considerable excitement when they are hooked. The hook is a very large one, with wire attached between the hook and line. The best bait is fish, and the angler generally puts a whole paikerekero, or rock cod, as a bait. The fish is smashed up, and tied on the hook with string. The hapuka takes the bait readily, and when caught requires some skill to land him in the boat. Having brought him to the top of the water, a second person is ready with a hooked stick, which he places in his gills, and both fishermen then pull him steadily into the boat. A third person is required to stand by, and strike the fish- on the head, between the eyes. Three blows are generally sufficient to kill him. If this were not done, he would take charge of the boat, and in all probability smash a hole in it with his tail. The capture of this fish causes considerable amusement, and when caught, is worth all the trouble gone to in his capture. The flesh is delicious eating, can be readily cured, and is highly prized by the Maoris.

Property at Hoeitika.—The " Wes-t Coast Times" maintains that property has not depreciated so much in Hokitika as has been supposed. Whitebait Manure.—The gardeners on the banks of the Hokitika river, especially the Chinamen, are netting the whitebait in large numbers, and using tbem as manure for their land. Russia and China.—The " Times" of a recent date says:—Tchichatchoff, a boat belonging to the Russian Steam Navigation and Odessa Railway Company, has just returned to Odessa from her first voyage to China, bringing a cargo of 2600 tons of tea for the Moscow merchants. In order to celebrate this event, on Sunday last, the 8-20lh instant, a grand dinner was given to the principal merchants of the town and officers of the society by Vice-Admiral Tchichatchoff, the director of the company, on board the steamer now lying in port. The first toast was given to His Majesty the Emperor, and was heartily responded to by all the company. Toasts were then given to the Admiral of the Russian Navy, to the Navy, the Governor General of Odessa, the Captain, and the Russian Tcheloviek, or the Russian man. The Admiral referred to the marked success which had attended the efforts of the company during the last few years, and the importance ho attached to the Suez Canal as an easy route for them to India and China. He also humorously referred to the inveterate habit of tea-driuking among the Russian people, and the obligation which devolved upon th* r n to supply the demand arising out of this practice in a manner as direct and cheap as possible. The company were very enthusiastic at the success of their undertaking, and believe they have some reason to expect important trade in connection with the newly-established line.

The Railway Bill introduced by the Victorian Government last session is not expected to have any further result for the present than that the necessary surveys will be made and information gained on which, a't some future time, some action may be based. The question of guage is still unsettled, and all that the act at present does is to affirm in an abstract manner the desirability of constructing certain lines. Where the digestive powers are so weak as to cause imperfect Assimilation, and in many cases laying the foundation for Counsumption find Wasting, the use of Savory & Moores's Pancreatic Emulsion and Pancreatine, already so highly approved by the Medical faculty, will be found among the mos-t potent remedial agents ; they effect the digestion of God Liver Oil and prevent nausea, while they efficiently supp'y the place o the oil when the stomach rejects it. These facts are attested by the published records of medical men, extracts from which accompany each bottle, price from2sto2ls. Savory & Moore, 143, New Bond Street, London, and all Chemists. Note—Savory & Moore's name and trade mark on each bottle* April 22 1871, 525?.

Colonial Wines.—A novel procession, says the " Times" of the 4th, attracted considerable attention in High street yesterday. About noon, eight town carriers' waggons, laden with hogsheads labelled " Adelaide wines," were observed slowly moving northward, and conjecture was rife for a considerable time before anything like the true origin of the demonstration was hit upon. It ultimately became known, however, that Mr A. H. Preston, agent for the Adelaide wines, in Christchurch, had selected this means for publicly announcing his removal from premises at Barret's Hotel to a shop in Colombo street, opposite to the Bank of New Zealand. Mr Preston, it will be remembered, was the first bona fide agent for the wines in Christchurch, and has been doing a constantly increasing business, thus rendering a more central position and more extensive space necessary, hence his removal yesterday. Since his arrival —in March, 1870—VIr Preston has imported about 200 hhds of wine, many of which contained from GO to 70 gallons each. The Chatham Islands. —We are indebted to a correspondent, recently arrived, for the following :—The health of the islands is very good. The Maoris and Morioris are planting large quantities of potatoes, as several colonial and American whalers are expected this season instead of going to Pitt's Island. Provisions, &c, are cheaper than at Pitt's Island. The Mangoutu Inn changed hands at £4OO. Mr Briscoe, lately from England, was the purchaser. Sheepshearing has commenced. The winter has been verv wild and stormy, with heavier rain than has been known for years. ISTo whalers have visited the islands since March last. The Magellan Cloud arrived from Auckland on October 1, after a rapid run of four days. The newly appointed Hesident Magistrate gives every satisfaction, and has won the respect and esteem of every one on the island. Poor Relief.—During the first nine months of the year 1592 adults and 2643 children in Auckland received poor relief. Of these more than half—viz, 832 adults and 1342 children —were Roman Catholics. The number of rations issued during the period in question was 54,451Open Aie Music —A band of music now performs every Saturday in the Government Domain at Christchurch. Christchurch Museum. —Considerable additions are being made to the Provincial Museum at Christchurch, at a cost of £1825. This is exclusive of the cost of the foundations, the laying of which is performed by prison labor. The Canterbury Northern Eailway. The Government have found it necessary to take what is known as No. 3 contract into their own hands. It ought to have been finished on June- 14, according to agreement, and the opening of the line has been thus delayed at least seven or eight weeks. International Eifle Match.—The International Eifle Match fired in Melbourne was won by England—score, 550 ; Irish team, 514 ; Scotch team, 501. Ten men in each team, seven shots each. Statistics. —In the Christchurch district during the month of November there were 86 births, 44 being males and 42 females ; there were 8 deaths, 4 being males and 4 females. Twenty marriages were celebrated. During the corresponding month of 1870 there were 92 births, 22 deaths, and 34 marriages. The Coming Eclipse.—lt may perhaps be interesting to our readers to know a few facts regarding this event. We summarise the following particulars from " Nature." The central line of the eclipse will first meet the earth's surface on the Arabian sea, and entering on the western coast of India will pass right across one of the most important parts of Hindustan in a S.E. direction. In this part of the Peninsular the sun will be about 20 deg. above the horizon when totally obscured. The duration of totality will be two minutes and a quarter, and the breadth of the shadow about seventy miles. On leaving the eastern coast of the Madras Presidency, the line will pass over the northern part of Ceylon, the S.E. point of Sumatra, touch the S.W. coast of Java, Batavia lying sixty miles N.E. of the central line. In the Admiralty Gulf, on the N.W. coast of Australia, the eclipsed sun will only be 10 degrees past the meridian, and not far from the zenith ; in consequence of which the totality will last 4min 18secs. Lastly, passing through the most barren and uninhabited portion of Australia, crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria and the York Peninsula, the shadow will ultimately leave the earth's surface in the Pacific Ocean. Already arrangements have been made for taking observations in India, Ceylon, and Australia, when, should the weather prove favorable, great results are expected. "We trust," says " Nature," " that these efforts to procure fresh observations will meet with the largest measure of success, for certainly the question of the sun's corona is the scientific question of the day. Once settle what is the real nature of the sun's surroundings, and the path of work is open for more distant stars."

Volunteer Encampment.—The necessary permission having been obtained from the Hon the Defence Minister, an encampment of the Canterbury Volunteers will be held on the 31st of December, and the three following: days. A site has been selected near Mr Ford's homestead, some three miles from the Selwyn Railway Station, and in many respects it is much better adapted to the purpose than the beach at Sumner. The Volunteers will go into camp on the afternoon of Saturday, and will return to town by an early train on the following Wednesday, in time for business. Sir John Burgoyne.—" The Moltke of England" he was so called by Napoleon lll.—Sir John Burgoyne died on the 6th insfc. His remains were buried in the Tower of London, of which he was the Constable. He had reached a venerable age. having been born in 1782, and merely to recapitulate his services would require a column of our space. Not only was he ever conspicuous among brave men for bravery, but he was also a man of thought, and military readers are aware that it is to him that we owe the fact that we have something like fortifications against a foreign enemy. His amiability of character was remarkable, and he preserved in his great age the power of interesting himself in the pleasures of those whom he loved, and of taking part in their amusements. His sense of humor was very marked, and when the grave aspect of a question had been discussed, he was ready with' a mirthful suggestion of another aspect, which it would bear. The office of Constable of the Tower, it may be mentioned, is one of honor only, not of emolument, but the title is a proud one, and he was justly proud of it. His funeral was such as became a soldier, and his resting place was chosen by himself. In his life he won the good opinion of all sorts of men, and in his death the good and the brave honored him. Lady Avonmore. —The " New York Herald" says Mrs Yelverton, or, as she calls herself, Lady Avonmore, arrived there from San Francisco on the North German barque Vesta on the Ist of Sept. She will favor the New York public with a few lectures. Antonetti.—His Eminence Cardinal Antonelli lies dangerously ill in Eome. We are informed by cable telegram that the " gravest apprehensions" as to his recovery were entertained last night. The Cardinal is an eminent man in every sense of the word, and his loss, should he be carried off by death, will be a truly serious one to the Pope.—" New York Herald." The Japanese in America.—" A notable feature of College Commencements this year, says the " New York Tribune," is the frequency with which Japanese faces appear. The Government of Japan has sent several hundred young men to this country to be educated, and in a few years they will carry back with them all that our colleges can give in the way of scholastic culture, as well as such germs of Christian civilisation as may effect more for the ultimate advancement of Japan than a century of ordinary missionary work. According to universal testimony, these young men are apt, thoughtful, attentive, well-behaved, and eager to learn. Year by year the number of those coming hither appears likely to increase, and the result may be that in 1900 Japan herself will have become the Athens of the East."

The Tichborne Case.—A singular incident (says the "Geelong Advertiser") occurred during the examination of the Tichborne claimant, which certainly tells in his favor. It is stated by a Victorian gentleman—the Hon T. H. Fellows, we believe, who was present at the trial — that when the artist who executed so good a caricature of the illustration in the "Graphic" newspaper was in court, he was asked if he could see any other persons in court bearing any resemblance to the claimant. He looked round the court and traced a resemblance in six or seven persons, we are not exactly certain how many. With none of these persons was he acquainted, but on enquiry it was found they all belonged to the Tichborne family. Proclaimed Districts.—The following district in the province of Taranaki has been declared to be a Proclaimed District within the meaning and for the purposes of the Public Houses Act, 1868:-"On the south by the river Waingongoro from its mouth toits source, thence by a straight line running due east to the eastern boundary of the said province; on the east by the eastern boundary of the said province; on the north by the northern boundary of the said province; and on the west by the sea ; except so much of the said district as is comprised within the undermentioned blocks, viz, Omata block, Fitzroy block, Grey block, Hua and Waiwakaiho block, Bell block, and the Tarurutangi blcck." The object of this is that the colonial forces being employed in suppressing rebellion and other disturbances in the part of the colony described, it is not now lawful for any person, whether holding a license under any act or ordinance

regulating the sale of beer or spirits, or not, to sell or supply any liquor of any kind without the permission of such person as the Governor shall from time to time appoint. Destitution.—Under the heading of "Destitution in the Country," the "Sydney Morning Herald" reprints the following from "Manning Eiver (N.S.W.) News" :—" One day this week the follow ing letter was placed in our hands. It was written by a very decent man, who took it into his head to go free selecting four or five years ago : —' Eiver, November 6, 1871.—Mr , Sir,—l am very sorry to inform you that you will have to take my farm on your own hands, for I have lost my working bullocks. They are all dead, and I have not one shilling in the world. I have not had one pound of flour in the house for the last fortnight, and seven little ones crying out for bread, and none to give them ; nothing but cornmeal. I have been trying for some work this last month, and cannot get any. I am going to New England with two of my boys to see if I can get work there.— Yours respectfully, .' " Wanganui Farmers.—The " Otago Times" tells us that the Wanganui farmers and stockowners are in a state bordering on despair, on account of tho low prices of produce. The Newcastle Strike.—The strike at Newcastle, to which allusion was made last month, has been brought to a sudden and satisfactory conclusion. From the Ist of January next nine hours will be the required and accepted day's work in the north of England, and there appears every probability of the same principle and practice prevailing all over the kingdom. There have been numerous strikes lately, and in every case, save in that of the shipbuilders on the Clyde, the re- ; quests of tb.emenhave been complied with. , Women, however, continue to be allowed to work as long as their legal lords and masters desire them. Possibly their emancipation from extra labor wil come bye-ana-bye. i Telegraph Eeturns.—Last Saturday's I Government Gazette gives a use- j ful and instructive table furnishing a comparison of the number of telegrams forwarded, the revenue received, and the value of the General Government telegrams transmitted, for the quarters ended September, 1870 and 1871. In the quarter for 1870, there were forwarded along the I wires 65,127 telegrams, and in that for I 1871 95,780, giving an increase in favor i of the quarter of the present year of 30,653 telegrams sent, or a money increase of £1943 15s. The Government have also used the wires during the same period to an increased extent, which shows a return in favor of the department to the amount of £696 9s. We are gratified to observe at the end of the table the announcement that this increase in the receipts of the department is the result of the introduction of the shilling tariff. Mr Barton and Mr Stafford.—ln the Dunedin " Daily Times" of Dec. 4 MrG. B. Barton pitches severely into Mr Stafford for his report upon the Telegraph Committee. Mr Stafford was foolish enough to write a letter to Mr Barton early in the year, expressing sympathy, &c, and this letter Mr Barton now publishes. The Opposition leader must realise " Preserve me from my friends." Mr Stafford's quasi partisans, the two Wellington agents of Mr Barton, have also found for him the distinguishing appellative " The Traitor," the result of the late inquiry not being quite to their liking.