INTERCOLONIAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4338, 13 February 1875, Page 6

INTERCOLONIAL NEWS.

NORTH ISLAND. WELLINGTON. The shook of an earthquake was felt at Wanganui on the evening of the 15th January. The vibration lasted for several moments. A sash and door factory is about to be commenced in Masterton. The wants of the district as regards these articles are rapidly increasing. A man was found drowned in the Whareama river on January IGth. At the inquest the jury returned a verdict of “ .Found drowned.” His name is not known.

The horses in two waggon teams ran away on Turakina hill on January 18th. Both drays were heavily laden. One fell down the hill, and killed two horses ; the other fell over the bridge. The shafts had to be taken out to extricate the horses. The drivers narrowly escaped. Several accidents that have occurred on the railway works at the Mungaroa, and the possibility of others happening, has led the workmen to combine with the object of providing an accident fund. A meeting to carry out this object was hold on Saturday, Feb. 6. Employers and employed are of course mutually interested in providing such a fund, and to secure a successful scheme a certain proportion of each man’s earnings will be deducted from each week’s earnings. A recent fire destroyed one man’s tools and all his possessions. It is creditable to his fellow-workmen that they recouped the loss in a very short time. This is a case outside the primary object for which the accident fund is to be created, but it shows the good feeling that exists amongst the men.

A melancholy accident happened in the quiet neighboihood of Porirua on Sunday, Jan. 31st. A gentleman named W. G. Best, but who since his arrival in the province, by the ship Cessy some twelve months ago, has been known as “ Dr. Best,” was indulging in a bathe in Porirua Bay, when he was observed to sink, apparently with cramp. Life was extinct when the body was recovered. An inquest was held at Porirua yesterday afternoon, when the medical evidence adduced proved that the unfortunate man had received sunstroke whilst in the water, and a verdict in accordance with the fact was returned.

An inquest was held on January SOth at the Criterion Hotel, Upper Hurt, on the body of John Evauson, who was killed on the previous day, on the new line of road to Waikanae, by the falling of a tree. The evidence of two witnesses went to show that while they were falling one tree the deceased was falling another twenty yards away. As the tree was about to come down the two men called out to deceased to get out of the way. He did get out of the way of the falling tree, but the tree lodged in another one, and snapped it off half-way down. This second tree hit the deceased and killed him instantly. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

The Wairarapa district is advancing with astonishing rapidity. The rise in the pxice of wool has a great deal to do with this prosperity, no doubt, but the settlers themselves are alive to the fact that the active administration of the Provincial Government has contributed as much as any other cause to the present favorable condition of affairs. A little more than a year ago the settlers of the Lower Valley and the Wharekika Plains were provided with a safe and speedy means of communication with the townships on the main line of road pone great impediment to traffic between Mastodon and the East Coast has just been removed by the opening of Te Ore Ore bridge, and before long the only remaining work on that line, a bridge over the treacherous Taueru, will be completed. Tenders for the work have been sent in, but the Provincial Government were compelled to decline their acceptance on account of the amounts being too high, the saw mills having raised the price of timber in the shortsighted belief that as the work had to be gone on with they could force a price. This difficulty is, however, likely to be got over in a very simple manner. Lately his Honor the Superintendent and the Provincial Secretary visited the site of the bridge, which is in the neighborhood of Mr. Gilligan’s station, and there is every probability that suitable timber in abundance will be obtained on Mr. Gilligan’s property. The steam engine used for the Government stone breaking machine will be placed at the disposal of the contractor, and in this way the contract will be carried out as originally intended. Upper Taueru, Alfredton, Castle Point and Masterton will then have uninterrupted communication over a splendid line of road.

The sweet melody o£ the English skylark, the Wanganui Herald, reports, has lately startled and delighted the inhabitants of Waikanae and Otaki, bringing to the recollection many happy associations. The little songsters which have made their way so far down the coast, must either have belonged to one of the lots lately liberated in Wanganui, or else must have made their way across the strait from Nelson. The residents of both races enjoy greatly the sweet notes of the little strangers. We take the following from the Wairarapa Standard —which, we observe, is now to be published three times a-week ; —“ On Saturday last a considerable number of Maoris met at Papawai. We understand that the object of the gathering was the appointment of twenty-seven of their number to pay a visit to the King, also to provide the necessary expenses for thA journey. It is said that the relations of the Wairarapa Maoris with his dusky majesty are of a quasi-loyal character, and that the result of the interview will be either to strengthen or relax them according to the views which may be expressed by him.”

IK DA.NGER Of DBOWKIKO. Mr. and Mrs. James Prosser, lately of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Wellington, but who have now assumed the proprietary of the Telegraph Hotel,Otaki/hadaverynarroweacape from getting drowned in the Otaki river on Saturday morning last. Accompanied by a Miss Williams and anotherlady, they had almost reached their destination in safety, when the contretemps occurred, which might have proved far more serious than fortunately it turned out. The party were travelling in a close carriage, and had succeeded in getting along without mishap of any kind, until their future home was actually in view. The driver -was a stranger to the coast, and the horses were unused to deep water. The wrong ford was taken, in which since the last flood several deep and treacherous holes have been washed out. Cautiously and timorously the vehicle proceeded, deeper and deeper the water, the current also proving difficult to contend against, the river flowing very rapidly owing to the occurrence of a slight fresh, which also caused the water to be so muddy that bottom could not be seen, and thus the holes could not be avoided. It was soon apparent that the other side would not be reached in safety. , The water was now running into the cab, greatly alarming the occupants, who however sat still, and allowed no indication of the uneasiness which they one and all felt to be visible by movement or exclamation. Eventually the horses, thoroughly terrified at the depth of water, to which they were never previously accustomed, refused to 'move a yard further, notwithstanding the frantic efforts of the driver to induce them to proceed. Perhaps it was as well it was so. The muddy torrent was now rushing through the cab, which threatened every moment to bo earned to sea, or to turn over, which latter alternative occurring, must have drowned, without chance of succour, all its helpless occupants. But Mr. Prosser was equal to the emergency, and under the trying circumstances never lost presence of mind. Managing to get outside the cab, and having previously directed the females to unrobe, lest of the worst coming to the worst, and all being thrown into the water, that they might not be encumbered in their efforts to reach the shore with an unnecessary quantity of clothing, which getting saturated would greatly impede their movements, he then directed the driver, to whoso body he first made fast a rope, so that in the event of the current washing him away, he could make his way baek to the. cab, to get out and release the horses. By this means the horses were un-

hooked, and Mr. Prosser, mounting one of them, carried Mrs. Prosser safely to shore, though the rapidly rising current made this a matter of considerable difficulty. Returning, he conveyed Miss Williams and the other female on subsequent trips to terra firma, and the thoroughly frightened ladies had to make the best of their way to the township, which was nearly a mile distant, on foot. The driver got away on the other horse, and so the whole party reached Otaki safely, the cab being temporarily abandoned to its fate. But, contrary to expectation, the flood subsided rapidly, and the cab remained in its position until two horses were brought from the township and affixed to it, and beyond wetting the contents, no more serious damage was caused by the mishap. To all is due credit, but to the ladies especially, for the admirable coolness, self-control, and presence of mind displayed by them under circumtanccs of an unusually trying nature. The accident was not noticed from the shore, consequently no assistance was at hand. This mishap should prove a caution to strangers travelling up the coast to exercise more circumspection in fording these dangerous rivers, especially when without a guide.

AUCKLAND. The Gas Company have declared a dividend of 15 per cent, per annum. Gibbons and Co., brewers, Onehunga, have failed. Liabilities, £650 ; assets, £l3O. The City of Auckland has cleared for London with a cargo valued at £48,654, including 2155 bales of wool, valued at £41,431. Measles of a malignant type are very prevalent among the northern natives, and numbers are 'dying. News from the North states that good gold has been discovered at Hokianga. No particulars are known. , ■ The schooner Swallow which left Auckland on the 29 th January for the North has not been heard of since. Two heavy spars have been found on the beach at Ahipara, supposed to be part of the wreck of a large ship. The immigrants by the Dilharrie were all landed on Jan. ISthin good health. The voyage was uneventful, but there were nine deaths. It is believed the sentence of death on Newton, the Maori, for the murder of a native girl, will be commuted. Mr. T. B. Gillies has sent in his resignation as member for Auckland City West, All the Inverene’s female servants were engaged within twelve hours after landing. Mr. Leggett, clerk to the Provincial Council, has been committed for trial on a charge of embezzlement. The Magistrate expressed regret, stating that he had known the prisoner personally, and had always considered him an exemplary man. A large waterspout occurred on Rotorua late on Monday, February 1. Its estimated height was 200 feet. The tender of London and Conway, at £1097, for the erection of a church at Tauranga has been accepted. Percy Brett, late Sub-Lieutenant R.N., has been committed for trial for obtaining money under false pretences. The case of Dalziel v. Reid, for £3OOO damages, owing to the failure of the defendant to give a' good title for land at Gisborne bought by the plaintiff, has just terminated in a verdict for £IBOO.

Captain Harrison, of the schooner Dauntless, was convicted on Jan. 18th on three counts for smuggling one hundredweight of tobacco, upon his arrival from Noumea last trip. He was fined £IOO on the first count,' £25 on the second, and £IOO on the third. The latter count was of having made a false entry at the Customs. Information for perjury was laid against a witness in the case, who denied any knowledge of the affair, although it W'as afterwards testified that he helped to remove the tobacco. In consequence of the conviction of the captain, the Customs authorities have seized the vessel, although there is no allegation that the owner was connected with the smuggling. The vessel has since been given up. At the Union Sash and Door Company’s half-yearly meeting a satisfactory report was read, announcing a dividend of 10 per cent. The A.S.P. Company gave £6500 for thes.s. Go-ahead, half to be paid in company's shares The company intends to increase its capital, and extend its operations. The Mariners’ store at Kaipara has been burned. The loss is £3OOO.

The store in the Wairoa, Kaipara district, which was burned, belonged to Brown, Campbell, and Co., who were insured for £3OOO in the New Zealand office.

The inquiry into the circumstances attending the collision between the Wild Duck and the Merlin, schooners, has closed. The Court considered the Merlin blameable, and mulcted that vessel in the costa of the inquiry, estimated at £2O.

A miner named Sullivan had his leg broken, and a narrow escape from sudden death, by the falling in of earth in the Queen of Beauty on January 16 th. The Kuiti natives are all busy harvesting. The crops are turning out well. It ia reported by the Waikato Times that the building of the great railway bridge across that river has at last 1 been commenced. The driving of the piles has been begun, but —says our contemporary —“ though the event will mark a period in the history of the district,” no public celebration has taken place. It is suggested at Auckland that direct steam communication should bo opened up at once between that port and Port Chalmers. The prospects of the Petroleum Oil Company in Poverty Bay appear to grow better from day to day. The shaft is now down eighty feet, in a thickish blue clay, with a good flow of oil and gas. It is reported that Messrs. Holmer Bros, are about to procure from England a new iron steamer suitable for the Thames trade—one capable of performing the journey in about three and a half hours.

There is an instance at Poverty Bay of the longevity of horses in New Zealand, where there is a mare thirty-five years of age. This fine old mare has a foal at foot at the present time, and shows few signs of breaking up. She was originally imported from Sydney by Captain Heed, of Gisborne, who traded her away to the natives of Poverty Bay. After many years the mare again became the property of the Captain, who regards her with no little interest.

A man has been apprehended, says the Southern Cross, for a heartless robbery of £l4. He has lately been boarding, with his wife, at his mother-in-law’s house, in the neighbourhood of Princes-street. Whilst staying there, he learnt that a little store of hard-earned money was deposited in a certain drawer. This he extracted, and deserting his wife, shipped as a seaman on board the brig Derwent, which sailed for Newcastle. As soon as the loss of the money was discovered, a warrant for his apprehension was granted and placed in the hands of Detective Jeffery, who, “from information received,” followed the Derwent in the police-boat. He found her becalmed in Kangitoto Channel, proceeded on board, arrested his man, recovered £l3 of the stolen money, and brought his prisoner back to Auckland.

The Wesleyan Conference made the following alterations in the stations : —Kaiapoi— Rev. Mr. Beck; Timaru—Rev. Mr. Oliver ; Lawrence and Roxburgh—Rev. Mr. Carr. Relative to the hymn book, it was decided to take no steps pending the decision of the Home Church. It was resolved to recommend the General Conference to alter the rule prohibiting ministers from remaining longer than three years in tho same, circuit, also that the next Conference should beheld in Wellington on tho 13th January, 1876. A very flattering testimonial was presented to Lieutenant-Colonel Lyon on January 27th, at the Hamilton Hotel, previous to his departure from the Waikato, by the principal settlers there. On /Thursday afternoon, at the Constabulary Barracks, Hanlilton, the same gentleman was presented by the SergeantMajor, on behalf of tho men, -with a very handsome watch, chain, and locket. The following inscription was engraved on the case of the watch :—“ Presented by the non-commissioned officers and constables of the Armed Oonstabu-. lary in the Waikato district to LieutenantColonel Lyon, on his departure from the command.”

The average of the Auckland wheat crop is estimated at seven bushels per acre above an ordinary crop. Alexander McKenzie recently sold out the Mercury Bay Hotel, and was proceeding aboard the schooner Kate McGregor. It was a fine night and the skiff a light one, when he overbalanced himself, fell into the water, and was drowned. The body has not been recovered.

HAWKE’S BAY. The City Council of Napier has elected Mr. .Robert Stuart as Mayor.

Mr. Miller has negotiated the sale of Glenrose ’ Farm, Havelock, homestead and forty acres for £1250.

Henry late of Auckland, was brought before the Resident Magistrate at Napier on a charge of obtaining goods under false pretences in that city, and was remanded to that place. In the District Court on Jan. 16th, G. Gear was brought up for selling arms to natives. He was committed by the R.M. at Gisborne as outside the jurisdiction of the Court, and the Crown Prosecutor presented no bill of indictment, and was not present. The Judge said there was great neglect somewhere. The prisoner is still in custody, and nothing is done. William Miles and Alexander Cameron hare been committed for trial at the next Supreme Court sittings for stealing a piece of greenstone, valued at £l5O, the property of J. Gotty, of Palmerston. The prisoners stole the stone from a cart at the Spit, and buried it in the sand on the beach. The Inspector of Police obtained a slight clue, and followed it up very cleverly. An extravagant price is not asked for votes in the borough of Napier, if this may be taken as a sample of the free and independent : Eive electors offered to plump on Eriday.for one candidate for the small bribe of a drink apiece. The weather was hot and dry, but even the heat of the. atmosphere, says a local journal, scarcely accounts for the demoralisation of these voters.

The sheep imported by Mr, Melville Smith, which arrived by the Jung Frau the other day, were shorn recently at the stores of Messrs. Routledge, Kennedy, and Co. The rams averaged 171bs. per fleece, and the ewes 91bs. The ewes evidently had only about five months’ growth of wool on them. The sheep were not in high condition, and the wool was devoid of yoke. Sections of laud at Woodville, in the Seventymile Bush, have fetched good prices. Some of the best .sections brought from £3OO to £4OO per acre. Most of the purchasers were local men, but Mr. Wilson, from Wellington, purchased several sections for West Coast clients. The rural sections on Taupo-road were all sold at the upset price of 10s. per acre. Mr. Macclougall purchased 1958 acres of rural sections in Pohui Bush. Nos. 105 and 106 were sold to S. Firth at the upset price of 40s. per acre. Ten sections of Awatotara, near Tareha Bridge, were bought by Mr. Ben Smith at the upset price of 20s. per acre.

A very serious accident occurred on Thursday to one of the recent arrivals by the ship Clarence, who was employed on the railway works at Paki-Paki. He was-engaged quarrying, and while in the act of stooping, an earthslip took pace which completely buried him. His fellow laborers immediately set to work to extricate him, and sucoeededed in doing so before he was smothered, but the unfortunate man, who is from the Shetland Islands, was found to have sustained severe injuries, the chief of which are dislocation of the hip and fracture of the thigh bone, just above the knee.

A proclamation in the N.Z. Gazette, of the 7th instant, abolishes the Court of Record presided over by Mr. District Judge Weston, and extends the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate’s Court to £IOO. Considering that there has been very little work to be done in the District Court, and that it could be very easily divided, as we presume it will be, between the Supreme and Resident Magistrate’s Courts, the country may be congratulated on the saving of expense which will result from the alteration. The retiring Judge, it is understood, will be provided for in a similar capacity on the West Coast, where his undoubted knowledge, and practical experience as a lawyer, will have a' wider scope than was possible here. Had Mr. Weston had more to do here, he would, we feel sure, have thoroughly vim.ycated the fitness of his appointment. What work there has been for him to do, he has done to the satisfaction of the public, and when he leaves Napier he will carry with him the good wishes of a large circle-of private friends.” A Cattle Show was held at Hastings on Eeb. 3rd, when the following prizes were awarded: — Shorthorns best bull, 4yrs. and upwards, Ist, Major Carlyon; 2nd, J. Bennett. Beat 2yr. old bull Tanner. Beat yearling—lst, A. McHardy ; 2nd, L. Adam. Best bull calf, under 12 months—lst, A. Mcllardy ; 2nd, W. and G. Heslop. Best cow—lst, J. Heslop ; 2nd, A. McHardy. Champion bull—Prince Leonard, lyr. old, A. McHardy. Best 3yr. old heifer—--Ist, T.Tanner and G. Heslop. Best 2yr. old heifer—lst, J. D. Canning; 2nd, A. McHardy. Best yearling heifer—lst, J. Heslop, jun.; 2nd, C. J. Nairn. Best heifer calf, under 12 months, Ist, A. McHardy; 2nd, W. and G. Heslop. Best milch cow—lst, Knight Bros.; 2nd, J. Heslop. Best pair fat bullocks—lst, J. N. Williams ; 2nd. A.'McHardy. Extra stock—No competition. Knight Bros, took Ist prize for ashleaf kidney potatoes ; and for fluke kidney do. G. Merritt,. Ist. For Hobarton potatoes, agricultural implements, &c., J. McLeod ; waggons, J. Wells ; set horse-shoes, Redstone and Doney, &c., Kinross Miller; mower and reaper combined, Kinross; 1 cahoun seedsower, do. 1 American lawn-mower, best cow Mr. Canning’s Wairaea 2nd. At the sale which followed the bidding was not spirited. Several lots were withdrawn. Mr. Fantham’s (of Canterbury) three bull calves, “Royal Count," “Neptune,” and “Lord Gwynne,” sold for £IOO, £65, and £BS respectively.

TARANAKI. The Appropriation Bill ~shows over £30,000 voted for the year. Horera, a native chief, son of the late Nickouma, is dead. Mr. Jack, engineer for the Steel Works, has arrived to erect the blast furnace. The Government nominees for the Harbor Board have all been elected.

The estimates have been passed. The Harbor Bill, and also the Fencing Bill, have been passed. The fire-brick lining of the blast furnace at the Steel Works has been commenced. The furnace will be ready in throe months.

All the immigrants by the Avalanche have gone off well; wages at the rate of 6s. to Bs. per day. All the single girls found situations at once, and more are wanted. A penny evening paper was started on January 16th by Mr. James Kenworthy, late of Wellington. Its appearance suddenly has taken everybody by surprise, especially as it has been started by a perfect stranger to the place. The Avalanche arrived off port at half-past three o’clock on January 22. She has 230 passengers, seventy of whom are for Wellington. There was no sickness on board, and tho passengers have arrived all well. Sho has discharged her passengers, and leaves for Wellington to-day. Mr. Emmerton has started a daily line of coaches between Waitara and New Plymouth. Mr. Emmerton, from his obliging disposition, was a great favorite with the passengers whilst driving on the lino between Patea and New Plymouth ; and now that ho has opened a line of his own we should imagine ho will be well patronised. An accident has occurred to one of the survey party at the Moa block, near New Plymouth. While several men wore felling a tree on the 10th instant, an axo of one of the party slipped from his hand, and penetrated tho light foot of Mr. E. C. Hughes, cutting it very severely. He had to be carried on a stretcher for four miles through tho dense bush out to the clearing; he was then put on horseback, and arrived in town about eight o’clock tho same night, very much fatigued and cramped. ' •

Mr. Kelly, Provincial Secretary, made his financial statement on Jan. 15th. It was well received by the members. After contrasting the present state of the affairs of the province with its position six years ago, when the revenue was small and the public works at a standstill, he proceeded to state the causes of . its improvement and present prosperity. He said its prosperity had been brought about, first, by Mr. McLean reconciling the natives to our rule and customs, and the bold exposition of colonial policy of immigration and public works by Mr. Vogel. The revenue for the year 1875 he estimated at £29,144, of which £16,000 would be land revenue, the remainder coming from other sources. The Government proposed to appropriate £15,000 for public works. It was proposed to build new Government offices and a lunatic asylum, and to increase the salaries of the officers. The General Government had advanced £20,000, which was to be used in settling immigrants •on the land. The mountain road is to be pushed on as speedily as possibly, and he hoped before a month to have it opened for horsemen. The provincial immigration agency in England was to be handed over to the General Government. An allowance of £2OO was to be made to the widow of the late Sergeant Dunn, who, when the provincial funds were low, more than once refused an increase of his salary. A su"m of £SOO was to be placed on the estimates for educational purposes in New Plymouth district, and £2OO in Patea ; but Mr. Kelly said the question required consideration whether it was not better to abolish the rate, and supplement the funds of the Board in another way. He concluded by saying that with peace with the natives, and the construction of a harbor, a large sale of land was in prospect. The introduction of immigrants would bring about a full development of the great resources of the province. The-speech was listened to with the greatest attention, and at its conclusion, the members showed their approval of it by applause.

MIDDLE ISLAND. OTAGO, There is a great want of every description of labor here. Of 40,000 shares in the Albion Brewery Company, only 1500 remain unapplied for. The Blander case, Malaghan v. Wenkheim, in which £3OOO damages was claimed, resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff, one farthing. There has been a great falling off in the yield of gold in Otago. The escort for 1873 brought down 145,0240z5, against 114,2140z5, for 1874.

. By the Suez mail were despatched from here 2771 letters imd 5205 papers, and via San Francisco 3886 letters and 5400 newspapers. William Smith, employed on the railway works neat Mossgiel, was killed on January 14th by a fall of earth. The deceased was one of the ballasting gang. A fire occurred in Straohau’s brewery on Jan. 14th, caused by the spontaneous combustion of some new black malt. The bottling department and stables were totally destroyed. The amount of insurance is not known. The chairman of the Southland railway ‘immigration committee has sent a cable telegram to Mr. Vogel, reminding him of his promise to send ships with immigrants every six weeks to Bluff harbor.

The following telegram has been received from the manager of the Lucknow Gold ,Mining Company, Bendigo Gully ; —“ Struck reef in eastern, main drive on Saturday. Quartz six inches thick at present. Washed the prospect, and the stone was found thickly impregnated with gold.” A discovery, which promises to be one of very great importance, has just been made on the lands of the Kaitaugata Coal Company, at a spot known as Capstick’s Creek. In sinking for the purpose of testing the strata for the proposed branch line to ICaitangata a seam of coal was struck, which has since been ascertained to be not less than twenty-one feet thick.

Mr. Ulrich, in the concluding part of his preliminary report to the Superintendent on the Otago goldfields, says : —“ As a general result of my inspection, I' may anticipate my full report, in stating that I found the auriferous capabilities of the province of a far higher order than I was led to expect from current reports. The drift deposits seem to me practically inexhaustible, whilst as regards the auriferous quartz reefs opened they are, with few exceptions, as well-defined and promising as any in Victoria, and it requires only improvement in gold-saving appliances to show their real value, and intelligent and energetic prospecting to greatly increase the number.” A sad accident occurred at the Waitake River on January 17th. Jennie Anderson, magicienne, and troupe were crossing to the. Canterbury side. The male members of the party walked across the bridge, but an express containing Jennie Anderson and all the properties attempted to ford above the bridge, pilotted by a ferryman. The vehicle got into deep water and capsized. The driver was washed to a pile of the bridge and rescued. Miss Anderson (Mrs. Morton) was twice grasped while floating, but her clothing gave way, and she was drowned. An inquest was held to-day. Everything belonging to the troupe was lost in the river, and a box containing money, &o. The express horse was drowned, also two performing dogs belonging to the troupe. The general feeling here is, that crossing the river except in a ferry boat or by the bridge should be at once prohibited.

INTERESTING DISCOVERY. Mr. Thomas Daniel, M.P.C., furnishes to the Southland News the following interesting account of a discovery of Maori tools and weapons :—About three years ago the Maoris here, under Pitau, one of their old chiefs and warriors, were digging a very large matai or black pine stump out of his garden. It was about 3ft. through, and when alive would be about 50ft. in the stem, and say 200 years old. When they got the stump out, in working at the tap root, they turned up a lot of charcoal, and with it some old stone axes. This led to a further search, which resulted in the unearthing of thirty-two finished stone implements of all kinds,-and about fifty others in a rough state, some half-finished and others nearly so, together with several stone hammers used in their manufacture. Theue were several small stone chisels, and a sort of gimlet or drill about a foot long, and the thickness of a finger—used with a bow for boring, and also several pieces of flint (jasper). I asked Pitau and some of the oldest Maoris how they supposed the weapons, &c,, came where they were found. Their idea was that they had. belonged to a mechanic or, axemaker, and—in expectation of a raid, of which the natives lived in' constant dread—they were planted in a hole in the ground ; that a fire was lighted over them for their better concealment ’; and that, the owner having been Idlle'd, they remained until found as stated, the tree' having grown over them in the meantime. Pitau, who is a big powerful man, over 6ft. high, states that some of the tools—an adze in particular, were 25in. in length and thick in proportion—are much heavier than the Maoris now living could use. Ho thinks “ there were giants in those days "—on expression probably derived from the Biblical teaching of the Native minister —Solomon. Pitau dismissed the theory that the implements had been placed under the tree while growing, with the remark “Did you not see the hole must have been a large one, with the tree in the centre and the roots spreading all over.?” I therefore conceive that; these implements are the oldest on record as having been found in New Zealand. Pitau said the race that used them had not then met with the greenstone—that it was discovered by the present rice, who found it easier to fashion and better to keop its edge when sharpened than the stone previously used. X have some of the stone adzes (handled) by mo yet. (I may mention that I got handles made for about twenty by an old Maori.) Of these I intend to give four to the Otago Museum, and two, with one of the hammers, to your Invercargill institution, placing them in the meantime in the keeping of Mr. McKenzie at his private museum. Tins will complete the distribution of the collection, as I some time ago gave Captain Chapman, of the Dido steam frigate, half-a-dozen of the largest adzes (handled), the drill or gimblet,

and a most beautiful transparent greenstone adze, receiving from him a promise to place some of them in the British Museum. Some again I gave to Mr. Macandrew, who came with him, and to other gentlemen. _ This account of the manner in which the implements were found has not been published thus far, and may interest those of_ your readers who have given any consideration to the question of the antiquity of the Maori race.

CANTERBURY. The Chile cleared on Jan. 14th at the Customs' for London, with 2,394 packages of cargo, valued at £38,112 18s, 9d.

Harvest operations are in full swing, and the weather is very favorable. , Special reports from all the districts show that the average yield will be larger than for many years past. Oats will preponderate. A conference of ministers and other representatives of the Independent Churches is now being held here, to consider the formation of a union for the better promotion of congregation and missionary work.

The efforts of the Canterbury Astronomical Society to purchase part of the instruments used by the Transit of Venus party arA not likely to be successful. It is reported that all the instruments have been shipped for England.

Mr. Cook, Fellow St. John’s College, Cambridge, and fourth Wrangler, is appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy to the Canterbury College, and is on his way to this province.

A man named Timothy Tahey attempted to commit suicide in the river Avon on Jan. 31st, when Robert Smith, a wheelwright, jumped in, dived twice, and succeeded in bringing Tahey ashore. Tahey was insensible, but soon recovered.

During 1874 twenty-four vessels, containing upwards of 9000 immigrants, arrived in this province, against twelve vessels, with 2163, in 1873.

The Canterbury Woollen, Spinning, and Weaving Company expect' to commence operations about the end of the mouth. The plant comprises ten looms, with a full complement of other machines for supplying them with material, and finishing off the goods. The company will begin with the manufacture of blankets.

The new Lyttelton Borough School, costing about £7OOO, has been formally opened by Mr. J. Inglis, Chairman of the Board of Education. During his speech he said that in 1863 the attendance in all the schools numbered 1651, at a cost of £6700, or over £4 Is. per head. In 1871, when the amended Ordinance passed, the attendance at all the schools numbered 5652, at a cost of £10,719, or nearly £1 18s. per head ; and in 1874 the number of attendants was estimated at 12,668, at a cost of £19,773, or nearly £1 12s. a head. These estimates included fees and Government grants for maintenance. NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Shipping Company was held on January 27th. The following is the directors’ report : —The directors, in presenting to the shareholders their first balance-sheet, embracing the operations from the foundation of the company, in November, 1872, express their regret that these have resulted in a net loss of £14,360 3s. lid., which amount includes all expenses attendant on the formation of the company, of special representatives to London, and all charges at head offices to 31st December, and at branches to 30th December, and in London to 30th September, 1871. Shareholders will recognise that the policy of lowering freights from London to the colony, and from the colony to London, to unremunerative rates, which was adopted by firms engaged in the New Zealand shipping trade, when this company commenced to run its line, fully accounts for the loss entailed on the company. The directors are glad to be able to inform the shareholders that such policy now has been abandoned, and that the three fines are all carrying cargo on uniform scales of freightage at rates which, while recognised as fair and reasonable by shippers, are remunerative to the company, and all losses caused by the previous policy have already been brought, to account. The directors feel they can with confidence advise shareholders to look forward to a successful and dividend-paying future for the company. Satisfactory arrangements have been concluded for the management of the company’s business in London. An influential and able Board of Advice has been constituted, and an efficient manager appointed. The financial arrangements made by the directors will render it unnecessary to make any further calls on capital account during next six months, and the Board are sanguine that none will require to be made during the current year, but circumstances may arise which will make it needful to call up not exceeding 50s. a share between July and December. The fleet of the company is in an efficient state, and the ships are ably commanded. The directors, however, regret that the absence of profits at this period precludes them writing off any amount for depreciation, as contemplated by the articles of association.' The meeting was largely and Influentially attended. Mr. Reeves, the chairman, made a statement showing that the company was in a more hopeful position than it had ever been. It was the intention of the directors to add four or five new vessels to their fleet of ships. The adoption of the reports and accounts was moved by the chairman, and seconded by Mr. Prosser, of Dunedin, and carried. The retiring directors were re-elected. The utmost unanimity characterised the whole proceedings. At a meeting of directors, held after the annual meeting, Mr, Coster was elected chairman, and Mr. MurrayAynsley, of Miles and Co., deputy-chairman.

THE FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT., On the afternoon of Jan. 20 a sad accident, resulting in the loss of three lives, occurred on the Sumner bar. A party consisting of Messrs. Joseph Day and Alfred Day, old residents at Sumner; George Terry, storekeeper at Sumner; Charles Morton, son of Mr. J. W. Morton, hotel-keeper, Sumner ; Hector Vaughan and Atkinson, who were residing at one of the local hotels, had been fishing outside the bar, and were returning when the accident occurred. It would seem that while on the top of a wave the rudder became temporarily useless and the boat swung round almost broadside on, when a heavy roller struck and capsized her. Terry, though considered the best swimmer in the party, went down without a word, but the others managed to scramble on to the keel of the boat. Alfred Day struck out for the shore as soon as he had taken his bearings, and Joseph Day and Morton having first taken the,precaution to undress, followed in his woke. Vaughan and Atkinson remained on the boat, and one of them sang out as the others were leaving, “‘For God’s sake do not leave us here.” Owing to the heavy rollers and ebb tide the position of the boat was, however, too dangerous a one to occupy long, and as the accident occurred throe quarter's of a mile from shore, it was evident that each one had enough to do to save himself. The three swimmers succeeded after hard work in reaching shore in safety, though it is very doubtful indeed whether Morton, who is not .quite fourteen years of age, would have done so if Joseph Day had not occasionally supported him. _ Morton showed remarkable presence of mind and courage for one so young ; but it was a near touch°with him once while in the rollers, and he was compelled to call on Joseph Day, who praiseworthily kept by his side all the way, for assistance. Nothing was heard, or seen of Vaughan and Atkinson after the three swimmers started for shore, and it is presumed that they were washed off the boat by the breakers on the bar, and drowned. During the evening the boat Was recovered, but up to a late hour nothing had been seen of the bodies of the unfortunate men. Singular to relate, a dog that was in the boat when it capsized was found to be alive in the boat when it was recovered. Terry, who was a married man, leaves a wife and one child. Vaughan was a pattern maker, and had been working for Mr. John Anderson, Christchurch, but, feeling unwell, had obtained a week’s holiday, which he was spending at .Sumner. He was also married, but had no children.

NELSON. On January 17th a cargo boat, which had conveyed machinery for the Halcyon claim up Mohikinui river, on return trip capsized. -Five men were drowned. Their names are Peter Seaton, William Miller, Williain Hall, Benjamin Kundell, and Niehol George. The sixth man, named Carseu, escaped. The ship Michael Angelo has arrived in eighty-three days from the Downs, with 292 immigrants. Pine weather was experienced all the way. There is no disease on board. One adult and five infants died during the passage. Captain Buckie was found dead in his cabin on Monday last, from heart disease. A seaman named William Henry fell overboard during the passage and was drowned. February Ist, being the anniversary of the province, was kept as a close holiday. At the Friendly Society’s Pete the sports were very good. The Mile Race was won by Moran, of Wellington, in 4 minutes 48 seconds. Coppiu, of Wellington, won all the short races. At a meeting of the City Council on February 3rd all the members but two resigned, in consequence of a resolution passed by a meeting of ratepayers that the Council had lost their respect and confidence. Everything is at sixes and sevens. The Corporation has an overdraft of £I7OO at the bank, which dishonored their cheques yesterday. THE PARA PARA IRON MINE. On Saturday evening last, the s.s. Otago left the port with a large number of Melbourne excursionists (as well as a few Nelsonians) to call off Parapara, thus to enable her passengers to inspect the vast iron and other mineral deposits of that district. After a smart run to Golden Bay (rounding Separation Point in under three hours) the steamer came to anchor at daylight, and about five o’clock on Sunday morning many of her. passengers had disembarked, and were on their way to the property of the Parapara Iron Company. The landingplace was close to Mr. Brace’s farm, which extends along the shore, the land being apparently good pasture land till you reach the hills, which, although at present appearing entirely valueless, are destined, we are confident, before long to prove “ a mine of wealth.” The company’s land, which consists of six hundred acres leasehold, and one hundred and five acres of freehold, was somewhat difficult of access from our landing-place, but at a trifling expense a tramway may be laid down from their land to a creek, in which at high tide the ore could be shipped away in lighters, and we might here add that Golden Bay is in itself a good harbor, being nearly land-locked. Less than half-a-mile from shore we noticed in one place at low spring tide six fathoms of water, the bottom being a hard sand; and it would undoubtedly be found a more convenient harbor than many in New Zealand. As some proof of this we may add the Otago lay within about a quarter of a mile from shore in five fathoms of water.

But to return to the mine, if we can call one vast bed “ a mine.” The iron deposit seems to lie principally in one gully and runs down to the flat land bordering on an inlet from the sea, but apparently the richer and larger quantity of ore is on the higher ground. Here the iron may be seen cropping out of the hills in the shape of huge rocks, some of them nearly as large as the old “ Fifeshire " at the entrance of this port. It has been stated that all the ore was lying on the surface, but no' one who saw the ground could venture such an assertion ; though, even were such the case, the supply would last for generations. It is really impossible to have an idea of the quantity without seeing for oneself. A feature in this hematite that strikes one at first glance is the peculiar shape and curiously worn surface of these rocks ; some of them have large hollow spaces, whilst others seem a compact mass of almost pure iron, in fact, a file will burnish some as though it were steel. Captain McLean, of the s.s. Otago, here found a rich specimen in the 'shape of a goblet, and whilst the visitors (some sixty) were expressing their astonishment and satisfaction at the display around them “ success to the Parapara” was drank by all hands from the iron goblet that itself had yielded. It is intended to erect smelting furnaces at the coal-mine near Collingwood, and the plans for these are nearly complete ; the ore will then be taken to the smelting works in barges, tenders for the construction of the latter being now out. It is estimated that a blast furnace fifty-five feet high will yield one hundred and fifty tons of iron per week. After thus viewing the Parapara, we again embarked about eleven o'clock, when the Lady Barkly came alongside and took those who intended returning to Nelson on to Collingwood, whilst the Otago presently went on her way to Melbourne. Arrived at Collingwood, the point of interest was the coal-mine, which is situate a considerable way up a very steep hill. A drive has been put into the face of the hill for six hundred feet; the reward being a splendid seam of most excellent coal, some few hundred tons of which have been got out of the mine. The work now progressing is the tramway leading from the mine to the site of the intended smelting furnaces. There was a tramway laid down before, but it has become considerably damaged, and the attention of Mr. Anderson, the manager of the Parapara Company, is now directed to putting the same in repair and in rebuilding some of the bridges on which it ran. Another party of the excui'siouists followed a track from Parapara to Lightband’s Gully, where mining for gold is in full swing. The Northumberland Company have nearly completed the erection of their machinery ; a fine thirty feet waterwheel is in its place, and the first crushing will take place in a few weeks. There are other claims in this district which appear to be in a very flourishing condition. We sincerely hope that in a short time this neglected district will take a higher stand amongst the mining districts of this colony, and in the attainment of Collingwood’s success we think the late excursion will lend its assistance.

MARLBOROUGH. The immigrants by the Carnatic have all left the depot, having obtained engagements. All the single girls were engaged immediately. The immigrants by this vessel were of a very good class ; intelligent, and well-conducted, and appreciative of the efforts made for their benefit.

borne time ago the Government promised that the Bui Pass should be explored, with a view of ascertaining the practicability of carrying a bridle track and the telegraph line by a shorter and inland route between Plaxbourne and Kaikoura. The desirability of the latter object being to avoid the effect of the damp salt air on the -wires. In accordance with this arrangement, says the Express of the 13th inst., Mr. Lemon recently despatched • one of the most efficient officer's of the department, Mr. S. Macallister, to explore the country. The result we believe will be that between Plaxbourne and Hapuka the line will be removed inland at one or two points. We believe he found that a good line was practicable between Plaxbourne aud the Clarence by crossing the Kekerangu and Woodbank runs for a distance of twenty miles, crossing the Clarence near the proposed site for a new bridge, about two miles up that river; beyond it there is three miles of bush on the Limestone Creek, between Kairuru and the main range, thence down a loading spur to the sea coast, and coming out at a point about five'miles south of the Clarence, and north of Look-on Point, By this route a good road will be obtained, which will also save a considerable distance. So far as the Bui is concerned wo understand that the cost would render it quite impracticable, as it would require about sixteen miles of bush and sidings to be cut, and would not shorten the distance appreciably. After two days spent in that locality Mr. Macallister was obliged to abandon the exploration.

WESTLAND. The first batch of settlers for the new settlement at Jackson Bay left on Jan. 17th by the steamer Waipara, talcing material for dwellings and provisions. At the inquiry on the late fire, before the coroner and a jury, several witnesses gave testimony to having seen the lightning strike the fire-bell tower. The jury returned a verdict that the building was fired by lightning.

An alarming thunderstorm passed over the town at ten o’clock a.m. on January 14. The storm culminated in a quick succession of fearful flashes of lightning and loud thunder. One flash of lightning resembling a huge rocket, or popular idea of a thunderbolt, was seen to strike the Bell Tower and Fire Brigade Hall, and in a few seconds the buildings were in flames. Pew people were in the street, and a perfect deluge of rain fell at the time. No alarm of fire by the bell could be given, as the bell was suddenly engnlphed in flames. Both engines were got out, but the woodwork of one was on fire. A. new, engine, to be called “The Surprise,” was to be christened at nine o’clock, but owing to the weather the ceremony was postponed. The lightning first struck the summit of the tow.er and the steel bell, running along the iron wire reaching from the'tower to the engine-room. The Savings’ Bank, a small building, was saved with a struggle. The Union Bank, Town Hall, and surrounding buildings were uninjured. No person was injured. Fox, watchman of the tower, had left before the storm was at its worst. No insurance. The Brigade were the only losers. ALARMING THUNDERSTORM AND EIRE. The use of a new fire-engine, well named “ The Surprise,” was inaugurated on Jan. 14 in Hokitika, in a manner altogether unexpected and extraordinary. It was appointed that, at nine o’clock, Sirs. James Mulligan was to christen the engine in front of the Town Hall, that the Mayor was to formally present it to the brigade, that there should be a torchlight procession, headed by the Volunteer and Brigade bands, and that there should be refreshments at the Empire Hotel, with the Superintendent and others dignifying the proceedings with their presence. But the “ best laid schemes of men,” &c, At eight o clock there was every appearance of an impending thunderstorm, and by the hour appointed for the commencement of these proceedings the ram was falling so heavily that out-door demonstrations were out of the question, and an adjournment of all details was made until this evening. . At ten o’clock the storm culminated m a quick succession of fearful flashes of lightning and loud thunder-claps, and in one instance the lightning and the thunder were so simultaneous that it was evident the storm was bursting directly over the town. It proved to be 80, and it brought disaster with it. The members of the Fire Brigade had not long left for their homes when a flash of lightning, described as resembling a huge rocket or the popular idea of a thunder-bolt, was seen to strike the bell-tower and Fire Brigade Hall,and in a few seconds the buildings were in flames' There were but few people in the streets, there; being a perfect deluge of rain at the tune, vt 'id all the lower streets being temporarily flooded, but the peculiar glare of light from the fire, so different from the bright blue lightning, soon attracted attention, and a crowd assembled to get thoroughly wet, and to observe one of the most dangerous-looking fires that have occurred here, the situation being in close proximity to the Town Hall and some of the best buildings in the town. No alarm by the fire-bell could be given, for the structure in which it was suspended was itself the scene of the fire, and it did not occur to anyone to sound any of the church bells, supposing that could have been done. Those first on the spot were successful in getting out from the Brigade buildings both the new and the old engines, and some of the other apparatus, and the first work to which the new engine was applied was to extinguish the flames in the burning building in which it had but recently stood. Although it appeared as if there -was water everywhere, there was not much in the well in front of the Town Hall, but with such supply as was procurable members of the Brigade and others worked well, and at least prevented the fire from extending to the contiguous buildings, the nearest of which were the Town Hall and the Union Bank. Their exertions were fortunately aided_ by the wind blowing from seaward, and directing sparks and flames over, the open space occupied by incombustible iron pipes intended for the Waimea water-race. The building most endangered was the small structure occupied as a Savings Bank, and to the saying of it, or its contents, the first work was directed. This was accomplished, the properties and papers being speedily removed, though some of the latter were to be seen flying about the streets, and the iron safe was also got out with a struggle. While this work ‘was being ’proceeded with, the Fire Brigade Hall came down with a crash, but fortunately few were sufficiently near to be endangered, and then the spectators stood until the bell-tower followed, and the big steel bell fell to the ground. The substantial character of the apparently slight structure was shown by the fact of its continuing to bum for a long time, and weighty as is the alarm bell, it strangely enough remained hanging until the whole superstructure was consumed. Even before it fell, the “crow’s nest” or watchhouse toppled over and caine down among the iron pipes, with the flagstaff which had been first struck by the lightning, and had been withered into a cinder by the fluid. During this time, the Brigade and their assistants kept working the engine on the tower and the embers of the other building ; but, precaution had to be taken not to touch the bell, which was at red-heat, and it is supposed that when it fell, it did so on some burning timbers, and is consequently uninjured. All the time the rain fell in torrents, and everyone present was thoroughly drenched ; but the rain was otherwise useful in its way, and the wind continued to blow from the westward, and in the direction which contributed most to the safety of other parts of the town. By 11 o’clock, the’" fire was completely under command; but in the interval, ene of the most useful buildings in the town was consumed, and with it much of the material belonging to the Brigade. In fact, it was cnly by prompt and energetic action that the engines and some hose-reels were saved. Alarmed by the crash, or by observing the lightning flash, Mr. Somerville, Mr. Charles Martin, Mr. Mee, and Mr. T. Gale, ran early to the buildings, and exerted themselves successfully in getting the engines into the street; but even by that time the gable of the building was a mass of flame, and the wood of the new engine itself was on fire..

The exact value of the loss inflicted by this peculiar accident is not at present ascertainable, but, of course, the destruction ‘of the buildings themselves is a considerable public loss, and the only circumstance for congratulation is that their comparatively isolated position prevented the fire from spreading aud doing damage that might have been much more serious.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the storm was somewhat allayed, but, take it all in all, the night was one of the wildest that has been experienced in Hokitika, and it is fortunate that, neither as the results of the fire, nor of the lightning, have we to record any loss of life. It was at first feared that the watchman mi"ht have been in the watch-tower,- but other duties of the evening fortunately prevented his being there at the particular moment, and the results have been confined to the destruction of property. , .. ~. With regard to the manner m which the fire occurred, it is supposed that, when the lightning struck the summit of the tower, or the bell, it ran along an iron wire ■which reaches from the'tower to the engine-room, for the purpose of communicating signals as to the situation of fires, and that the waste and kerosene were ignited. It was well_ that the occurrence did not happen a short time earlier in the evening, when the Brigade Hall was occupied hy the band and a number of ladies and gentlemen, whose escape woulo have been difficult if at all possible. It is intimated that the christening of the engine and other ceremonies will take place this evening, but this was a resoXitiou previous to the destruction of the buildiigs, until the torches, new helmets, and mitorms of the Brigade, and it is not improbablethat to-day it may be considered “ The Surprise" has already had, like the scion of the House lot Napoleon, its “ baptism of fire.” "