ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 171, 20 March 1847, Page 4

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

The state of Ireland, as well as of England and Scotland — indeed the whole continent of Europe, was anything but satisfactory. The Government did not intend to interfere with

the fair trader, but as soon as their supplies failed, they (the Government) would open their stores. Lord Harris, Lieutenant-Governor of Trinidad, has been appointed Governor and Com-mander-in-chief in and over that island. Her Majesty has a bracelet ornamented with four magnificent diamonds formerly the property of female royalty, the death of each of whom has been unhappy. One of them belonged to the princess Charlotte, two to Maria Antoinette, and the fourth to Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. The number of deaths in Great Britain is now about 400,000 annually. A monumental marble tablet in memory of Lady Hamilton is now in progress, to be placed in the chapel of the English consulate at Boulogne. It bears the following inscription : — " In memory of Emma, wife of Sir William Hamilton, and the friend of Lord Nelson, who lies buried in a timber-yard, near the Porte de Boulogne, outside this town."

The Great Western Railway. — The " Monster" Engine. — The Great Western Company's " Great Western" engine has had more than one nickname attached to it. The drivers and stokers call it "the .Russian," from the enormous quantity of tallow and oil which it consumes — being as we are told, as much as 75 per cent, more than any other engine on the line ! The plate-layers have christened it " the Mangle," from its effects on the rails ; and well they may, the engine and tender weighing, we are assured, no less than 54| tons. The " Russian' 1 has been taken into dock for " general" repairs ; and when she will come out, no one ventures to say — we should think not in the course of the present year. These repairs are estimated to cost from 500/. to 900/. ; and yet the engine has not run in the whole 9,000 miles ? These are "great facts," which we suspect the chairman will not dilate upon on the occasion of the next pleasure trip to Bristol. — Cheltenham Examiner.

How to Avoid Wrinkles and Never to Grow Old. — I saw the lady of the house; and, much as I liked master, I don't know but I liked mistress more. Such a dear, kindhearted creature ! and so good-looking ! one of the sort that would never look old or grow ugly, even if she lived to the age of Methuselah. And her fondness for her old man is quite delightful. None of your " my-dear-iug" or " my-loving" nonsense, or anxiety about everything he likes to eat and drink disagreeing with him ; but good, downright, honest, hearty affection, which was beautifully displayed in the happy smile with which she regarded the old fellow, and witnessed how truly he seemed to be enjoying himself. That's what I 'd recommend all wives to do, who wish to preserve their good looks. A woman's beauty depends so much upon expression, that, if that be spoiled, farewell to her charms ; and which nothing tends more to bring about than a countenance soured with imaginary cares, instead of being lighted up with thankfulness for innumerable blessings. That's what makes half the women wither away into wrinkles so early in life, whilst nothing renders their beauty so lasting as that placid look of benevolence, which emanates from a heart full of thankfulness to God, affection for those nearest and dearest to them, and good-will towards all mankind. — Blackuood's Magazine.

The Governor's Dogs. — Malta, 13th Sep. — A singular scene has just occurred here. The residence of the governor, ad interim, required some repairs, he lately took lodgings in the town, leaving a number of dogs in his hotel. During the night these animals made such a noise, that M. Sontag, the French Consul, who resides in the neighbourhood, was compelled to call in the police to remove the dogs. The police refused, and M. Sontag declared that he would write to his government, and procure the expulsion of every Maltese from Algeria. These threats not having induced the police authorities to notice the demand of the Consul, he struck his flag, and took down the arms of France from his residence. He has since refused to sign the passports of several persons who are about to proceed to Algiers. M. Sontag intends to set off for France in a few days.