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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4499, 21 August 1875, Page 2

A shock of earthquake, lasting some seconds, wot felt at Oastlepoint at 6.30 a.m. yesterday. The Hutt meeting takes place to-night. Sir George Grey has, at the last moment, consented to attend. Thero is no doubt many of the old settlers will be only too glad to give him a hearty welcomo. It will be seen from an advertisement in another column that a special train will leave at seven o'clock this evening, and return from the Hutt at 11.30 p.m. . . Yesterday afternoon the remains of Mr. John Liverton, of the Taita, were interred in the Taita cemetery. The funeral was one of the largest that has taken place at the Hutt. The Eev. Mr. Fancourt read the funeral service, Mr. Liverton was one of the earliest settlers in the Hutt, having resided in the district for upwards of thirty years, and was much respected for his many good qualities.

A gentleman, proprietor of a horse, created some excitement in Willis-street yesterday. The horse was of such excessive leanness as to provoke as much laughter as did Mr. Squeers's pupil. The laughter was not creditable to the humanity of the bystanders, but unfortunately in these cases people are apt to forget the sad in the ludicrous. At the corner of Willis aud Manners-street the horse went down on his knees, and after a few faint efforts rolled over on his side and lay there. The proprietor took off the saddle and bridle, and contemplated subsequent proceedings as if they formed no business of his. A number of people got about the horse and lifted him into that position from which, with a struggle, animals of his kind are, after a fall, generally able to get on their legs again. But this poor horse only breathed in a labored way, made no effort, and on being released, sank prostrate again. Then planks were put under the horse, and he was lifted to his feet, only to fall prostrate when the planks were removed. Then a veterinary surgeon was sent for, who said that all that was the matter with the horso was that it had apparently not been in the neighborhood of food for many weeks. Then the proprietor, without uttering a word of contradiction, walked off with the saddle aud bridle, and seemed oblivious to uncomplimentary remarks which floated freely on the air. We believe that there is some difficulty in ascertaining at law at what point the systematic witholding of food from an animal reaches cruelty, but surely some law can touch a gentleman who encumbers a busy thoroughfare with the body of an emaciated horse. The paper to be read by Mr. Carruthers at the Provincial Council Hall to-night will, no doubt, be highly interesting. During the past summer Mr. Curruthers spent a week or two in the Hot Spring country, and the paper he intends {reading, will it is understood embody a new theory in reference to that most interesting district. It will be illustrated by diagrams, and these, together witli the clearness with which Mr. Carruthers usually expresses his opinions on professional matters, will ensure for persons of ordinary capacity as well as for savans an intelligently enjoyable evening. Mr. Douglas took a benefit at the Theatre Royal last night, Mr. Tom Taylor's play, "The Serf," being placed on the stage for the occasion. We were pleased to observe that there was a very good attendance, because Mr. Douglas is deservedly a great favorite with the public, and that his talents should be recognised by substantial patronage on the night of his" benefit was the lesst that could have been expected. The performance was in all respects a success, and a marked compliment was paid to Mr. Briggs, who received a call for some new scenery specially painted by him. It may also be mentioned that the band of the City Rifles gave their efficient services, and contributed largely to the success of the entertainment. At Mr. Wallace's saleroom, Hunter-street, there is a large display of alabaster and marble works of art of a very choice description—classical vases, statuettes, and a great variety of beautiful articles to adorn the residences of our colonists. They are now on view, and will be sold on Monday as per catalogue.