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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4454, 29 June 1875, Page 2

A correspondent kindly sends U 9 the following re the progress of our railway works ;- " The first tunnel ou the Mungaroa section is situated and begins at 21 miles: 3 chains, and is 132 yards in length. There are eight chains of approach cuttings now completed up to face of tunnel, which is being fairly started, and from the energy evinced by all interested in the prosecution of the work, doubtless every effort will be made to complete the work as speedily as possible. The various cuttings and embankments between the above mileage and Upper Hutt station are of late being pushed on with considerable energy, and despite the copious rains we have had uncomfortably to endure, yet work goe3 on almost unceasingly. Higher up the Mungaroa section works are being pushed on as well, but owing to the present miserably inclement condition of the weather .anything like appreciable progress is out of the question. Numerous small cottages are fast springing into existence around this locality, and a few of the knowing ones have already secured desirable lots for the erection of large stores, so that there need not be any great surprise to see a smiling and thriving township here shortly." We have been requested to notify for general information that the bonded warehouses in Wellington will be closed on Wednesday next, 30th inst., for the purpose of stock taking. Yesterday morning a report was received at the police-station to the effect that a man was supposed to be lost in tho bush, some twenty miles from Masterton, but up to last evening no intelligence had been received as to tho basis of the rumor.

At tho Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday morning I'rank Murray was charged with being one of tho men who, on Saturday night last, attempted to rob Mr. H. Ashton. Prisoner maintained a stolid indifference whilo the ovidonco was being taken, declining to cross-oxamino, and at tho conclusion of the case for tho prosecution niorely repeated tho remark ho had mado to tho arresting constablo to tho effect that ho had merely asked Mr. Ashton for a, match, without any intontion of robbing him. Ho was then committed for trial.

We have been requested to intimate that during the winter months the Marchioness of Normanby will be "at home" to receive visitors on Saturday afternoons. . • This evening the members of the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club appear for the first time, and perform the drama "All that Glitters is not Gold," and "Binks the Bagman." His Excellency the Governor, and the Marchioness of Normanby, are to be present, and doubtless there will be a very large attendance. A fair audience assembled last night at the Odd Fellows' Hall, when Dr. Carr gave his last seance. - After a short lecture upon "Pride," and several individuals had submitted their heads for inspections, some very amusing illustrations of the power of mesmerism were given. The Doctor proceeds to Auckland, and intends opening for a few nights on his return South. Mr. Whittington, agent for the Fakir of Oolu, arrived by the Phcebe yesterday, and speedily made his presence known by means of various illustrations of the wonders performed by the Fakir, displayed in the different shop windows. Of the entertainment, of which Mr. Whittington comes as advance agent, it may be said that it has been an immense success in Melbourne and in the Southern provincial towns of this colony. An advertisement referring to it will be found elsewhere. It has in Mr. Whittington, too, the advantages of an agent who evidently knows his business. The puff polite is given by the Bruce Herald to Judge Ward. During the progress of the trial of the case Regina v. Anglin it became necessary in the interests of justice to order a female witness out of court, and as there is no proper room for the accommodation of witnesses, it was thought that she would have to wait outside in the open air. Justice Ward referred to the want of a proper room in the courthouse, and "with that gentlemanly and delicate attention to the comfort of the gentle sex for which he is so justly celebrated" told the witness she might take refuge in the room set apart for judges and magistrates. Yesterday morning Augustus Yelverton, who has almost attained a colonial as well as a provincial notoriety, was brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court (speaking approximately) for the nine hundred and ninetyninth time, charged with drunkenness. On this occasion, however, Augustus had made himself more than usually prominent, for having heard that a Mr. Kavanagh was to hold forth. in the Odd Fellows' Hall with a view of Romanising such Protestants as would attend, Mr. Yelverton determined to be present to endeavor to neutralise the baneful effects of the heretical discourse by a dissertation on the merits of his religion. It was necessary to nerve himself for such a task, therefore some publican, equally zealous for the faith, made no scruple of supplying the stimulant required, and Mr. Yelverton was nerved accordingly. However, when Mr. Kavanagh commenced his address it was found he was thoroughly orthodox, he did not preach the real presence, justification by works, or any other objectionable doctrine," and Augustus was disappointed not a little ; but being nothing if not critical, he turned Ms attention to the preacher's arguments and method of induction. He fain would have had Mr. Kavanagh more original in his ideas,and less ancient narratives brought in to "point a moral;" therefore he kept up a running fire of adverse criticism. Neither could he understand why Mr. Kavanagh should ask questions and himself answer them, consequently he undertook to perform the latter part of the work. At last Mr. Yelverton became so intrusive that evidence of the existence of " muscular Christianity " began to be visible, and it is possible that Augustus would have soon felt the power of this had not an officious constable appeared and treated him in a manner in which many an earnest disciple in early days had been treated. The illused man is to have a month in gaol, but during that month he may inwardly digest as much of the sermon as he was privileged to comment on.

A duel is reported by the Gippsland Mercury, as follows:—Two aboriginal natives, Jimmy Scott and Bobby Clark, quarrelled as to who should gain possession of a fascinating black gin. Both men had received encouragement from object of their affections, and after some high words had passed, they decided to try conclusions. The convincing ground was near the Hill Top, and the weapons were boomerangs. A tough fight, which lasted about half an hour, resulted in Jimmy Scott " throwing up the sponge," after having received, several injuries to the head and left arm. Bobby Clark received but slight punishment. The Australasian of the 12th inst. says : When Mr. Samuel Gardiner purchased Lurline, his first intention was to put her to Maribyrnong, but failing to secure this horse at 2000 guineas, he looked about hiin for another sire whose blood would be likely to nick with that of the Maori mare, and at the instigation of the gentleman who trains Lurline he selected The Peer, who since his Btay in Victoria has been buried in oblivion. Acting upon this advice, Mr. Gardiner has purchased The Peer, and Lurline will visit him in. November. The Peer was not a game one when John Scott had him, for he was tried to be better than Toxopholite, and the Two Thousand was considered a certainty for him, but when it came to a public trial The Peer showed temper and would not try. As a sire, however, in New Zealand he proved very successful, Manuka and Peeress being highclass animals, the former especially. It %vill • be seen by our advertisement columns that Messrs Warburton and Goodman have just received a very large supply of new music.