News of the Week.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 55, 10 February 1872, Page 12

News of the Week.

His Honor the Superintendent, accompanied by Mr Bunny, the Provincial Secretary, left town on Tuesday on a tour through the Manawatu district. He will inspect the whole of the country on the line of road, but the particular object of his visit is personally to ascertain the condition of the roads in the district lying between Palmerston and the Gorge, so as to be able to lay before the Provincial Council at its next meeting a i reliable statement of the works required in that neighborhood. It is expected that the throwing opeu of such an extent of land as has been advertised for sale by the Government will be the means of replenishing the provincial exchequer, and in view of such a contingency the Superintendent has wisely deemed it advisable to take steps for ascertaining what portions of the interior of the province are most in need of roads and bridges. Mr Bunny's trip is one that will be instructive to the Government and advantageous to the settlers of the Manawatu. The Minister for Public Works, with Mr Carruthers, Engineer-in-Chief, and Mr Henderson, C.E., are expected to arrive by the Wellington from the Notth. During Mr Ormond's visit to Auckland a large amount of work has been got through, the whole of his staff ha*'ing been vigorously engaged in completing the data the various lines to be submitted to M. 'ssrs Brogden for tender under the provisions of the contract authorised by the Assembly. Yesterday noth e was given to Mr Brogden by the Minister of Public Works that the data for the lines —Auckland to Mercer; Wellington to Upper Hutt; Napier to Pakipaki; Invercargill to Mataura ; and Dunedin to Balclutha would be supplied on that day month. Mr Brogden is allowed anotlier month to prepare his tenders, and immediately on their acceptance the work of construction will commence. The Auckland and Kaipara railway has already been handed over to the Government, and is in course of construction. ' It has already been announced that it is the intention of his Excellency the Governor to make an overland trip from Wellington to Auckland next We now hear that in anticipation of the Governor's visit a great meeting between the Governor and the leading Europeans on the one hand and the King and the Waikato natives on the other is being arranged. Henry Bunny, Esq, Provincial Secretary of Wellington, has been appointed to be a trustee of the Wellington Hospital Reserves under the Wellington Hospital Reserves Act, 1865, in the room of the Hon W. Fitzherbert, resigned. The following is the scale of tolls at the ferry near the Gorge at Manawatu ' — For every foot passenger carried over, 6d ; for every horse or head of cattle carried or towed over, including the rider or person in charge, is ; for every sheep, goat, or pig, Id ; for every dray or cart, 2s; for every horse or bullock drawing same, 6d. The town of Wanganui has been proclaimed a borough under the terms of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867. An inquiry is about to be instituted into the manner of conducting the proceedings in connection with the inquest on the body of James Tobin, who was killed by falling from the window of a lean-to at Tuck's Hotel, Masterton, on the 17th of December last. A fresh occurred in the Hutt river on Thursday—a remarkable occurrence, considering "that the day before there was little more than a foot and a-half of water in the bed of the river. This would seem to denote that the seasonable rain we have had on the coast has been heavier in the interior. At a meeting of some of the most influential settlers in the Marton district, summoned for the purpose by Mr A. Milne, M.P.C., it was determined to protest again any expenditure being incurred under the valuation clause of the District Highways Act until subsequent to the nextmeeting of the Council. Theprotestis now being numerously signed in every part of the district. The protest will be forwarded to, the Superintendent by the next mail. Mr M'Cara, the driver of the Wairarapa coach, has been presented by his Excellency the Governor with a handsome whip and £3 as a mark of appreciation of the care exercised by him in driving the vehicle employed during the recent visit of the Governor to the Wairarapa district. The funeral of Mr James Spiers took place on Tuesday afternoon, his remains being interred in the Church of England Cemetery, Karori. There was a large number of persons present, both from the town and the adjoining districts, amongst whom were many of the founders of the colony. His Honor Mr Johnston, and the several officers of the Supreme and Resident Magistrate's Courts were also present. His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington performed the funeral rites. The attendance was in every way worthy

as a testimony of respect to the remains of one who had throughout the history of the province shared the burdens of the day in a manner which obtained for him universal esteem.

The judges of tbe Native Land Court have arrived at Grey town, but the Maoris, in forcej have not yet put in an appearance.

The numerous bush fires which were raging in the Wairarapa district up till Sunday evening have now been nearly all extinguished by the rain which fell during Sunday night. This has afforded a great relief to the minds of many persons whose property was threatened with destruction.

A few days ago we announced the accidental death of a lad named Dallisou, at Rangitikei. The inquest was held last Saturday, and the evidence went to show that the boy, who was only five years old, was riding on a bullock dray with three other children named Sanson, when the dray capsized, the guard iron caught the little fellow on the chest and killed him on the spot, the other children narrowly escaping the same fate. The father of the children who escaped was in charge of the dray at the time, but no blame attached to him, as the capsizing of the dray was purely accidental. The verdict returned was "Accidentally killed." A married man, long in the employment of Mr Revans, was accidentally drowned on Monday in the Waiohine river. He was crossing it, when there was a slight fresh, on a very poor "screw " of a horse, and it is supposed he stumbled with him. His body has not yet. been found. He has left a wife but no children. He was about 33 years of age, and has a father residing at the Hutfc.

On Wdnesday afternoon a boy eight years of age, the son of Alex. Macdonald, Esq., whilst amusing himself sailing a toy boat at the end of Brown's wharf, slipped off the steps and fell into deep water, and would certainly have been drowned had not Mr Manning, son of Judge Manning, seen the accident and jumped into the water, to the rescue of "the little fellow. The child had been under water several times, and was on the point of drowning when Mr Manning saved him. MiManning deserves praise not only for his ready courage on this occasion but for the careful attention he paid to the boy afterwards.

The young man Hazelden, sentenced to nine months' imprisonment at the criminal sessions held in Wellington, was released on Monday, and immediately arrested on a charge to be heard at Napier. He will be forwarded to that place by the first steamer.

The well-known Thomas White, when brought up at Christchurch to answer the charge of embezzlement on which he was forwarded from Wellington, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment.

The New Zealand Gazette of Monday announces the appointment of 0. K. Dudley Ward, Esq., as District Judge for the District Court of Timaru and Oamaru, the District Court of Tokomairiro and Clutha, and the District Court of Western Ofcago. Also, the appointment of G. W. Harvey, Esq., barrister, as District Judge for the District Court of the County of Westland and the District Court of Westland North; vice C. D. E. Waid, Esq., resigned. Several other formal appointments of a routine character are also notified.

Our Marton correspondent sends us the following:—During the present week there has been an assemblage of about two hundred natives at Marton, chiefly of the Ngatipikiaho, Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa tribes, arranging with the Native Minister for a settlement of the boundaries of their reserves. The inland boundary between the Waitapio and the Oroua river has also been defined. The natives evidently attach much importance to the settlement of these questions, and from the earnest manner in which they carry on their arrangements it may be opined that they regard the present discussions as the very last that are likely to take place on this very vexed and troublesome question. I gather that all important matters relating to reserves are now amicably adjusted, and the peaceable settlement of the district may be rigorously proceded with without further hindrance. Large tracts of fertile land are being offered for sale to the Government, and the disposition manifested by the natives, some of whom have been Jghting against us, is decidedly track and cordial. The delay and opposition arising from tribal jealousies and various other causes tended much to prolong the adjustment of these questions, which are only to be satisfactorily settled by careful enquiry and the exercise of great patience and consideration. The natives expressed their pleasure at the Native Minister's visit, as they said that his presence among them was necessary to change their dark hearts to light ones, and each section drew off well satisfied with the interview they had had. It is a difficult task at all times to effect arrangements connected with land that will meet the expectations of both Europeans and Maoris, especially when the

mismanagement of previous years is taken into consideration. Had Mr M'Lean taken this matter in hand some years ago, no doubt there would have been at the present time some hundreds of settlers located and in comfortable circumstances on the Manawatu block, besides a large expenditure being saved tbe colony. During the whole time of his stay here the Native Minister was attended by Colonel M'Donnell. and received valuable assistance from that gentleman. A friendly match took place on Wednesday at the Tawa Plat range, Porirua, between ten men of the Porirua companies and ten men of the Wellington city companies. The city team left shortly after nine o'clock in the morning, in one of Prosser's waggonettes, and arrived at the butts shortly after eleven, where they were met by Captain Taylor and other members of the Porirua volunteers. The firing party was under Capt. Taylor's command. The day was a very favorable one for rifle practice, but the scores, with one or two exceptions, were not so good as anticipated. It will be seen from the statement given below that Mr Woodman succeeded in heading the Porirua side with the excellent score of 69 out of a possible 84, being six points over an average of centres; and Mr M'Credie, of the W.A.V., took first place in the city team, with 67, neither having missed a shot during the day. The match originated in a challenge from the country volunteers, who left the accepting team to decide upon the conditions of the match, which were —ranges, 400, 500, and 600 yards ; seven shots at each ; any position ; trial shot allowed ; second-class target. The following are the scores :

Majority for Porirua, 42. Refreshments were liberally provided for the visitors, who expressed themselves well satisfied with their reception, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The Eev William Stewart, Presbyterian Minister, with his family, arrived on Friday in the Celseno. Mr Stewart is from Edinburgh, and has come out to the colony to fulfil the duties of minister to the Presbyterian portion of the inhabitants of the Rangitikei district. The rev gentleman received a hearty welcome on the arrival of the ship in the harbor, and afterwards spent the principal portion of the day in visiting the leading members of the citj congregation, accompanied by tbe Rev Mr Paterson. These frequent additions to the ministry speak eloquently of the energetic action of the Synod, and more particularly of the zeal of those immediately concerned in upholding the religious status of people so far removed from the centres of population. During 1 thevoyageMr Stewartwasmuch esteemed, and at its conclusion the following testii monial was presented to him : —" To tbe Rev William Stewart. We, the undersigned passengers on board the ship; Celasno do hereby testify our high esteem j and most heartfelt thanks to you for your ' extreme kindness to us all, and for the great benefit we have derived from your ministrations, and from our association with you as a fellow-passenger. We sincerely wish you, in the strange land which you are about to adopt as your home, health, happiness, and prosperity in fulfilling the duties which you have undertaken for our Saviour." The testimonial was signed by every person on board the ship without exception. It will be remembered that a considerable portion of the labors of the Joint Committee on Colonial Industries was devoted to the subject of paper making. The inquiries tended in the direction of a combination of this manufacture with the preparation of the phormium fibre and the many grasses of New Zealand, which the information elicited proved to be suitable to the formation of pulp. The General Government have now given practical effect to the recommendation of thecommitteethatabonus 0f£2500 should be offered for the first 100 tons of printing paper produced by machinery. A notification in the Gazette of Monday states that the reward will be paid on the fufilment of the following conditions : —The paper to be manufactured in New Zealand by machinery permanently established and working in the colony; the

required quantity to be completed before the 30th June, 1873; and the weight of each ream of printing paper to be not less than 301bs. The reward will be paid on the certificateof an officer to beappointed by the Government that the above conditions have been complied with. It should be borne in mind that this reward will be paid in addition to any bonus offered by Provincial Governments.

The meeting called to devise means for the raising of a fund to assist in recouping the settlers of Carterton the losses sustained by them in consequence of the recent bush fire was held at four o'clock on Tuesday in the City Council offices. The attendance was very meagre, the only persons present being his Worship the Mayor, the Ven Archdeacon Stock, Messrs L. Levy, E. W. Mills, W. H. Levin, C. B. Borlase, J. Rainie. After waiting some time in the hope of a fuller attendance, the Mayor said he had been induced to call the meeting in consequence of receiving a letter from the Rev Mr Knell, of the Wairarapa, which was to the following effect : —" Sir,— Could you and the City Council do anything for the relief of the sufferers by the late fire at Carterton. The people are very poor and are utterly unable to bear their loss without assistance. Several families have suffered very severely ; altogether nine persons have been greatly injured. The Superintendent has promised to give £2OO, pi'ovided an equal amount be raised by the farmers. If you and your Council would do something towards raising this amount you would confer a great benefit." As far as the City Council were concerned he might say at once they could assist no further than the majority of the citizens could. The best thing that could be done would be that some gentleman should be appointed to act as Treasurer. Already several gentlemen had promised to subscribe to the fund. Mr Pearce, who had apologised forhisabsenee,had offered toput down his name for £5 ss, and Mr Bunny, Mr Levin, and Mr Waterhouse had also offered to contribute £5 ss. He thought Mr Knell had rather over-estimated the amount required to cover the loss, as Mr Waterhouse was of opinion that £3OO would cover the property burned. Under these circumstances if they were to raise £IOO that would be sufficient. Mr Levy had expressed himself willing to act as treasurer, and if necessary a working committee might be appointed.—Mr Boilase thought the best plan would be to appoint some person to whom the subscriptions should be made payable, and, if an advertisement were inserted announcing that, nothing more could be done.—Mr Mills suggested that as Messrs Pharazyn and Levy had been appointed to collect for the Benevolent Society it would be as well that they should undertake the whole duty of collecting. The matter should be set afoot at once, and if those gentlemen were authorised to act on behalf of the meeting no delay would take place.—The Mayor announced that Mr Bunny had authorised him to state that the Provincial Government would be willing to advance at once any sum equivalent to the subscriptions raised, provided the amount did not exceed £2OO. As the matter was urgent the sooner the subscriptions were started the better.— Mr Borlase, while not wishing to throw cold water on the proposal, wished to know whether any steps would be taken to see that the money was properly expended.—Mr Levy stated that the Rev Mr Knell, Mr Renall, and Mr Ames had been appointed by the Provincial Government to take charge of the money, and would see that it was expended judiciously. The money would not go into the pockets of the sufferers, but would be spent in putting up the houses and endeavoring to supply furniture. The meeting then concluded. An advertisement elsewhere draws attention to the subscription list. Inspector Atcheson has forwarded to Wanganui a warrant for the arrest of Daniel M'Cay, a witness at the recent inquest instituted for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of the death of Francis Daddy. The medical evidence taken before the Coronor, Mr Borlase, disclosed the circumstance that Daddy had received a very severe blow on the left temple, and that there was no other cause by which to explain his death than the presence of an extensive clot of blood compressed upon the portion of the brain in the immediate vicinity of the wound. The witness M'Cay distinctly stated to the jury that he had inflicted the blow under thefollowing circumstances. Daddy lived with M'Cay, a farmer, and had been drinking heavily, and when M'Cay was going to town one day, Daddy, who was " mad drunk," insisted that he should bring home more drink. M'Cay said he would not do so, and Daddy, being armed with a large knife, threatened to cut the harness on the horse, and was proceeding to do so when M'Cay struck him on the head with the ! butt of his whip. Two days after Daddy died, clearly from the effects of the blow inflicted by M'Cay, but the jury, admitting the death to have been caused by the blow on the temple,

could not satisfy themselves as to how it was inflicted, and returned a verdict accordingly. The matter was referred to the General Government, who placed the case in the hands of Inspector Atcheson, who has caused a warrant to issue, charging M'Cay with murder. The Inspector proceeds at once to Wanganui for the purpose of superintending the proceedings. Wading through a sea of muslin is about the nearest simile by which to characterize the efforts of those who attempted to find a way through the ladies forming the attacking party at the Odd Fellows' Hall last Friday evening. Attenders had been forewarned by placards on the walls, in the shop windows, and on the outside of innumerable vehicles that '* a charge" was to be made at the Bazaar, and few of those who braved the ordeal could resist the withering shafts hurled with increasing impetuosity from the unruly member employed on the side of the weaker vessels. The entrance at outer gate was effected without any difficulty, the presentation of one of the smallest coins of the realm being a Shibboleth which nobody dared dispute, but within every inch of the ground was contested by a host arrayed in all the battlement of leatherwork, pincushions, fancy stools, ottomans, and—pretty faces; literally a light brigade united in a common bond for the furtherance of barter. The display at the stalls was decidedly bizarre in its elements, and for variety in color well resembled an Eastern arcade. The articles exposed for sale graduated in all the stages from the mittens of an infant to the more advanced period of smoking caps and slippers, and in the superintendence of the sale of such articles were engaged the most persuasive of mesdames. The fun of frequent raffles exercised a most potent effect in wheedling the cash from those who went designedly to restrict themselves to limits already exceeded, while in other portions of the hall were displayed a number of photographs and paintings, which attracted the attention of the studious ones. The hall was pretty well attended during the afternoon, but during the even ing it was crammed to an extent that rendered the atmosphere stifling. The stalls were attended by Mesdames Johnston, Moore, Quick, Gisborne, Hadfield, Norris, Johnston, and Grace; the flying column being composed of Misses Barraud, Hickson, Blundell, Marchant, Snow, Batkin, Halse, Bishop, Dorsett, Hoggard, and many other ladies. The attendance on Saturday was much more numerous than on the previous day, and by the creation of greater scope for the persuasive powers of the ladies, nearly the whole of the articles for disposal were got rid of. In the evening the scene, viewed from the gallery, was particularly amusing. On the previous day the success of the sales, and the obtaining of names for the raffles, were entirely due to the energies of the ladies, but on Saturday evening each lady had pressed into tbe service a representative of the other sex, who carried about the article for sale or raffle, while his fair partner button-holed some visitor, whose escape under these circumstances was impossible. Round and round went the crowd, the fresh arrivals at the door forcing before them those who had been already lightened of their cash. The struggle of the opposing currents —those going in and those coming out —added to the efforts of the ladies who intentionally impeded the progress of both, gave the whole the appearance of a writhing mass, more resembling an Egyptian pitcher of tamed vipers, each trying to force its way above the other, but there was this important difference the forms were too graceful, the circumstances too pleasant, and the general scene too happy to perm t the comparison to be applicable in all respects. Up to eleven o'clock in the evening people endeavored to gain admission, but the doorkeepers had to bar ingress in the hope of clearing the room, which, however, was not effected till very close to midnight. We omitted to remark on Saturday that Mr Warren makes the most successful auctioneer or cheap John of any who have assisted at the bazaars hitherto held. Several other gentlemen did noble duty in the cause, but their services were not so effective as Mr Warren's. Although the pecuniary result cannot yet be made known, we feel safe in congratulating the ladies who have been foremost in getting up the bazaar on their achievement. The bands are also deserving of some considerable praise, the Artillery band for the first evening's performance, and a private and very excellent string band for the.'second. The pecuniary result will be made known in our next issue.

While people are talking of a railway to ludia direct, to accomplish the passage from London to Calcutta in five days, the Viceroy of Egypt, says the "Malta Times," has actually commenced one of the most gigantic undertakings ever attempted in his territory—that of connecting Upper and Lower Egypt by rail. At the terminal point of all ancient and modern conquest, where the mighty Persian and Roman invaders found the desert an

impassable barrier, the Khedive, assisted by an array of English engineers and navives will, unless stopped by the jealously of the Sultan, drive an iron road and a team of iron horses, not only to the fines of Nubia, but into the heart of Africa, opening up new fields for commerce, and perhaps bringing home Livingstone first class. Twenty of the engineers for the above undertaking passed through Malta recently on their way, and will be followed by the remainder of the staff in a short time. When it is considered that the line, commencing at the Second Cataract, is to be 600 miles long, some idea may be formed of the amount of labor required to complete the work. A very wholesome notice has been issued in Auckland by Major Gordon to the whole of the officers under whose direction and orders the members of the Cadet Corps have been placed. The order is to the effecttbat any accidents occurring in firing, through a breach of the rules promulgated, officers will be held responsible for the consequences. The " Taranaki Herald" has been informed that the the Civil Commissioner has at last been authorised by the Government to offer terms to Titokowaru. We cannot Btate definitely the exact nature of the instructions. One condition is that his people-are to give up their arms, and forfeit their lands, but they will be allowed a block to settle on. These conditions Tito ought to be glad to accept ; they are lenient, but we know of no middle course between this and commencing a disastrous war. Peace is intelligible and so is fighting, but a semi-state of existence—neither peace nor war—is as intelligible as it is unsatisfactory to the settler. When the terras were made known to Titokowaru he did not reply, but wished to have a meeting of Maoris and Europeans to talk matters over. To this the Civil Commissioner would not assent, stating that it | was for the Government to decide matters of this nature, and not meetings of natives and Europeans. From another source we hear that Tito observed, subsequently, that he would give up old and voung men, but not his guns. The "Herald" has been wrongly informed, the offer came first from Titokowaru's people, and they offered to give up their arms ; The "Thames Advertiser states that the erection of the telegraph is proceeding most satisfactorily, and without interruption, at the Tauranga end of the line. The construction has been completed to seventeen miles on this side of Tauranga, and we believe that in a day or two a station will be opened there and messages sent to the south. At the Thames end the line is also being rapidly extended, and we should think that in a week or two it wi 1 have reached to Hikutaia, near to which place it turns off to cross the peninsula. Another fatal accident, a case of drowning, occurred in the Waikato River lately. A man named James Campbell, a bushman, whilst proceeding from Ngaruawahia to Firewood Creek, at 7 p.m., in a canoe, had not gone above one hundred yards before he slipped and fell overboard, and was not again seen. Thei police and others dragged the river for the body for several hours, but it could not be found. A mate of deceased was drowned a short time back at about the same spot, and bv a similar accident. With regard to the proposals tor supplying water to the Thames goldfields a correspondent of a southern paper says ; After his return from Bay of Islands, Mr Ormond visited the Thames and examined minutely the countrv which it is proposed to irrigate by one or two schemes for supplying water to our goldfields. lne scheme which finds most favor is that known as the high level. It could be carried out for £150,000, and may be sufficiently understood by bearing in mind that the whole of the present Thames diggings are nearly surrounded by two rivers, which have been connected so as to form a species of elliptic semicircle. Within this semicircle, and abutting on it, is a range of hills which follow the two rivers with tolerable fidelty. The various claims chiefly lie beneath the range ; said range being about 500 feet above sea level. We now see that the high level scheme merely proposes to raise the water from the rivers to the summit of the adjoining range of hills, from which it would of course quickly flow to the mines beneath. It is positively certain that the high level scheme, if carried out, would pay extremely well. The alternative plan is called the level scheme. To effect its purpose would cost at least £30,000, and after all it could only furnish water to very few claims. Berkley, Sept. 1869.—Gentlemen, I feel it a duty I owe to you to express my gratitude for 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 perscnbed, but without deriving any benefit at nil. After taking two bottles of your valuable pills I was quite restored to my usual state of health. Please give this publicity for the benefit, of those who mav thus be afflicted."—l am, Sir, yours truly, Henry Amc-pass.—To the proprietors of Norton's Camomile Pills.

With regard to the recent meeting of workmen at Auckland for the purpose of protesting against the nine hours' movement, the Auckland correspondent of the " Daily Times" says :—lt was certainly a genuine meeting of decent looking working people. About 100 of these were present, and say 20 spectators. To my great surprise, a chairman was elected, whose countenance, demeanor, and language showed unmistakeable signs of incipient insanity. For a long time past I have seen this individual lounging about Auckland at all hours, and remarked that he is ever foremost in agitation, though he seems to do very little work. He did most of the talking, spouting unintelligible theories in senseless language. I believe he is an Irishman, named O'Halloran, and his ravings would just suit a lunatic asylum. He was very abusive on Mr Brogden, who, by all accounts, is a most humane and considerate employer. After the chairman, the meeting was addressed by a gentleman who dispenses water-cresses. He spoke much better than the chairman, and possesses a rude eloquence which, though rather wandering, sometimes hits hard. Glancing not very obliquely at Mr Brogden, he asked —" When God sent Adam to work in the garden of Eden, did he send with him a nigger driver?" The question afforded no little amusement. Many people living here sympathise with the eight hours' movement—l do myself—but we not think it right to denounce Mr Brogden as a merciless tyrant. Everybody I meet hopes that the great public works initiated will rapidly progress. My Brogden seems determined that the colony shall have no just reason to complain of him, and the navvies he has sent for will soon demonstrate that a colony loses nothing by infusion of new blood. Mr Colenso writes to the Napier papers denying the existence of small-pox amongst the natives, and stating that the disorder from which they are suffering is only the Maori form of that complaint, for the relief of which the Dnke of Argyle is so traditionally blessed in Scotland. We take the following from the " Wanganui Chronicle" as a reply to those fireeaters who insist upon the Government precipitating another native difficulty by capturing Titokowaru off-hand : —To attempt the capture of Titoko, as things stand at present, simply means to renew fighting, and that would be once more to depopulate the country and give it up to fire and sword. The settlers can hardly think that such a consummation is one to , be wished for, and yet we tell them frankly that all the idle talk which goes on, if it has any meaning (and people should not speak without seriously considering what they mean on such a subject) amount to that—to a renewal of outbreak —to the entire cessation of all progress. We are sure they cannot seriously contemplate such a result; no people have so strong an interest in maintaining peace; and therefore they should cease gasconade, and go in for quietly making the best of their settlement— stocking, improving, strengthening their influence. The game is all on their side, and it is worth the candle. " We have no wish to see war rekindled," writes the "Nelson Examiner" (echoing the sort of chronic outcry which goes on beyond Patea), and if not, we feel very much inclined to ask our contemporary, for whose opinions we generally entertain much respect, what is Ft you do wish ? Let us know what you would propose. Living on the spot, we see nothing for it but either to let Titoko alone, in the meantime, or go in for fighting him. We wonder that there can be more than one opinion as to which alternative we should chooseIn Melbourne, according to the" Leader," there has been an incalculable loss of money in the stoppage of numerous industrial occupations through want of water. The Melbourne Meat Preserving Company are understood to have lost heavily ; brewing operations have come to a standstill, and large brews of beer have been spoiled in process of manufacture. Men have been temporarily thrown out of employment for want of the principal agent used in their business; the hospital doctors have been obliged to let patients writhe in agony for lack of water to alleviate their sufferings; men of ordinarly sober habits engaged at arduous physical labor have flocked to the nearest beershops to assuage their thirst at a sacrifice of health and money ; and more than all, there has pervaded the public mind a horrible fear lest some portion of the city might accidently take fire, and Melbourne, like Chicago, be committed to destruction, with no means at hand for arresting the devastating scourge. The Auckland papers notice as a satisfactory sign of the altered state of the natives at Opotiki and the Bay of Plenty, that a schooner owned by Mr Kelly, M.G.A.,for the East Coast district, had arrived with a full cargo of whale oil and maize, the produce of native labor. This fact is mentioned, says the "Herald," because it illustrates the altered habits of the Maoris in the Bay of Plenty district. Some years ago, as our readers are aware, the natives there wholly abandoned industrial pursuits, and gave themselves up

to war. Gradually, however, they have returned once more to the cultivation of the. soil and fishing. Through Mr Kelly they have purchased several drays, ploughs and harrows, and sets of harness, and the greater part of the money which they receive for the oil and maize on board the Opotiki will be spent in procuring additions to their farming plant. They are anxious to purchase a combined reaping, mowing, and threshing machine, if it can be bought cheap. For the last two or three years a native hapuat Kaha Point, about"3o miles south of Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, have successfully followed whaling, and the oil has been brought to Auckland and sold. The present season is the best. Four boats were employed, and the total oil saved was about 20 tuns. Their example is becoming generally followed, and ten new whaleboats are being built for the natives along the coast between Opotiki and Te Kaha. Three or four new whaling stations will be occupied next season. The whales appear to be more numerous along our coast than formerly, and substantial results are anticipated. Between Opotiki and the East Cape the produce of maize for this season will be about 15,000 bushels. About 9000 bushels have already passed through Mr Kelly's hands, and he has over 3000 bushels to dispose of. Bush fires have been very destructive all over Canterbury province. The other day a grass fire started near Eyreton, and rapidly spread over the neighborhood. ; i Captain Bow's house and Mr Butter's: barn were destroyed with a great quantity of crops. On Banks' Peninsula during the past fortnight ihe settlers have had a very anxious and dangerous time of it. The damage caused by the various fires has been distressingly great, and those who have not actually suffered loss have lived in great discomfort, and in constant fear of a visitation from the devouring element. During many nights last week the Little Biver saw mills had to be carefully watched, and great precau-J tions used to prevent their destruction. The body of fire approached at one time within a few hundred yards, and the vast number of sparks carried by the wind were fraught with the greatest danger to timber erections. From this cause_ the whares near the mill were several times alight, but happily the men employed on the spot were enabled by great exertions to prevent the fire getting serious hold. On Tuesday week all the gullies about Akaroa were full of smoke from the_ grass fires, and at night many of the'adjacent hills were enveloped in flames. The tracks were damaged, bridges burnt, and portions of burnt trees deposited across the carriage way to such an extent that his Honor the Superintendent during his tour had to employ men to clear a passage. The saw mill at Little Akaloa, belonging to Messrs Fraser and Brown, was burnt down on Tuesday week, and a considerable quantity of stacked timber was also destroyed. "Happily the engine was afterwards found not to have been seriously injured. It is impossible to estimate the number of acres of bush destroyed here and at Little Biver, but it must amount to some hundreds. After the rain on Thursday last, most of the grass fires died out, and "the bush fires decreased considerably. The latter are still, however, smouldering. A touching appeal to cattle-stealers is thus noticed by a New South Wales paper : _« Mr John Hughes, juu, states that between Oberon and the Abercombie, in the Bathurst district, there is no protection but the rifle, and apostrophises the local freebooter :—' Gentlemen, —You took as many sheep from me as suited you during four years, and you stole them when you liked, and what you liked ; you shot a thoroughbred quiet bull, though I believed you did not know it was mine ; you killed my bullocks for their hides ; you took my three quiet cows from the run; and for all this you never had a line of complaint from me. Don't lay it on heavier through the inconsid. rateness of a penny-a-liner in stating some of my lossps.' " With regard to the motives of the crimes of which Haley the suspected incendiary is charged, the Auckland " Herald'' says :—lt is said that Haley has some animosity against Mr Russell, inasmuch as after the fire at the insurance buildings Mr Russell, as one of the directors of the Insurance Company, opposed MrHaley'sbeing again allowed to occupy the premises. Of course the destruc tion of the Music Hail could only injure Mr Bussell by touching his pocket as a shareholder. When confronted with that gentleman yesterday, Haley said. " Why should you have so much gold? Why should it not be divided ?" He has also given vent to other communistic ideas," and has indeed been behaving in an extraordinary manner. With regard to the firearms, they have been in his possession for some time according to the statement of Mr Jones of the Royal office, in which office his furniture was insured. When the Exchange reading-rooms were destroyed the insurance money was paid to Haley, and it is said that since that time he has been very recklessly investing in Caledonians, which he is known to

have bought at £l6O and sold at £3O. These things are advanced by persons who believe Haley not to be of sound mind. A groom named Robert Green, in the employ of Sansom and Co., Leithfield, near Christchurch, died the other day through having, whilst under the influence of drink, swallowed some poison in mistake for soda water. In consequence of the saw mills being largely engaged iu Cutting heavy timber for railway purposes, ordinary building timber is difficult to procure in Canterbury. . The"Lyttelton Times' mentions that on Thursday last the thermometer registered 120 in the sun, whilst the wind, which was from N.W., was of a most stifling character. Mr E. W. Millett of Christchurch has been severely kicked by one of his horses whilst he was passing through the stable. All his front teeth were knocked out and his jaw injured. . The manufacture of earthenware drain pipes has been commenced on a considerable scale in Christchurch. The man Cyrus Haley, arrested in Auckland on a charge of setting fire to Mr Thomas Russell's haystack, has also been charged with setting fire to the new music hall. The drought has caused several of the artesian wells in Christchurch to cease running, and has diminished the flow of the rest. < A sad occurrence is reported in th Canterbury papers. A few days ago a daughter of Mr George Bedford, farmer, Courtenay, aged four years, came to her death in a very sad way. From what is to hand, it would appear that Mr Bedford was harvesting, and two or three of his children took him some tobacco. Whilst he was at work they came across a bottle of whiskey in one of the sheaves, and they commenced to drink it —the deceased at the same time eating some of the tobacco. When the matter was noted every effort was made to relieve the unfortunate child, but without avail, and she died the same day. The Auckland " Herald" of the 30th, describing a recent runaway, says another case of "bolting" occurred on Saturday, by the Nebraska. This time the brace of lovers consisted of a clerk in the office of the Thames- Gold Mining Company and one of those fair seducers whose loveliness helps to sweeten the fiery draughts which they administer to their daily admirers. The somewhat bu)ky Hebe must have administered a series of love potions to Mr R. S. Macdonald, who, like a second George Barnwell, "collared" five hundred notes belonging to his employers, and left the Thames Company or its manager bewailing his loss, for the company of his tall enslaver, and a cosy berth on board the Nebraska. The temporary absence of the company's manager on business enabled the gay youth to make his arrangements, whilst an excuse of " not feeling very well," afforded our barmaid time to reach the ark of safety and bliss.

By the ship Charlotte Gladstone, which arrived at Lyttelton on Friday, the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society received the following birds brought out in good condition by Mr Bills :—B4 partridges, 43 thrushes, 95 blackbirds, 60 goldfinches, 50 redpoles, 4 quails, 4 rooks, 5 jackdaws, 31 starlings, 19 hedge-sparrows; and from the Zoological Society, London, 5 water fowl. Some of the birds were landed yesterday and the remainder will be sent to the gardens to-day. The following character is given to the Minister of Public Works by an Auckland correspondent: —" As I have not the honor of being personally intimate with the Hon Mr Ormond, and am not conscious of being a political partizan of that gentleman, there is no reason why I should not state that for energy and determination to make the public works policy a great success he probably has no superior. Up early, and late to bed, most careful not to ' idly profane the precious time,' ever cheerful, and inspiriting all who serve beneath him, he seems to impress everybody with whom he comes in contact with the notion that here at least is a willing slave to a lofty ideal of the responsibility incurred by those who accept elevated public positions."

MABAVILLA COCOA.—No breakfast table is complete without this delicious beverage.—The " Globe" says :—" Various importers and manufacturers have attempted to attain a reputation for their prepared Cocoas, but we doubt whether any thorough success has been achieved until Messrs Taylor Brothers discovered the extraordinary qualities of ' Maravilla' Cocoa. Adapting their perfect system of preparation to this finest of all species of the Theobroma, they have produced an article which superseded every other Cocoa in the market. Entire solubility, a delicate aroma, and a rare concentration of the purest elements of nutrition, distinguish the Maravilla Cocoa above all others. For homoeopaths aud invalids we could not recommend a more agreeable or valuable beverage." Sold in pjekets only by all Grocers, of whom also may be had Taylor Brothers' Original Homoeopathic Cocoa and Soluble Chocolate. Steam Mills—Brick Lane, London. Export Chicory Mills, Bruges, Belgium, ■

POKIEUA. -1.00 500 600 Total Wooodman ... 25 24 20 69 Greer, S. ... 25 23 13 Bould, T. ... 24 19 16 59 Barrow, J. ... 23 21 15 59 Jones ... ... 19 16 17 52 Gordon ... 22 19 11 52 Greer, Lieut. ... 21 16 11 48 Jones, W. ... 25 12 11 48 Jones, J, ... 10 17 13 Kl Gardner ... 14 11 12 37 208 178 139 525 WELLINGTON. M'Oredio ... 23 22 22 67 liaise ... ... 23 21 20 64 Zolirab ...22 15 17 54 O'Connor ... 20 18 12 50 Mason ... 15 25 7 47 M' ravish ... 22 30 12 44 Bowater ... 19 14 10 43 Crowe ... 19 17 7 43 Brogan ... 18 13 5 36 Holmes ... 18 9 8 35 199 164 120 483