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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4925, 5 January 1877, Page 2

It is notified that his Excellency the Governor has been pleased to dispense with the services of the undermentioned officers of the Armed Constabulary Force, from the 15th January, 1877, on reduction of the force, viz. —lnspector H. F. Turner, Ist class Sub-In-spector \V. Clare, Ist class Sub-Inspector S. A. B. Capel, Ist class Sub-Inspector A. S. B. Forster, Ist class Sub-Inspector F. C. Smith, 2nd class Sub-Inspector A. H, Mac Lean, 2nd class Sub-Inspector T. Hackett, 2nd class Sub-Inspector C. D. Bennett, 2nd class SubInspector P. F. Carlyon, 2nd class Sub-In-spector C. J. Naden, 2nd class Sub-Inspector H. F. Way, 2nd class Sub-Inspector H. P. Bluett.

Some alterations to the machinery of the Patent Slip at Evans Bay, which have been in progress during the past few weeks, were sufficiently completed on Monday last to enable the ship Jessie Readman to be taken up. A good test was thus applied to the new work, as the ship is a vessel of nearly 1000 tons burthen, and had en board when taken up 300 tons ballast and 3000 bales pressed wool, or a total weight of 1400 or 1500 tons. The alterations as carried out involved a large casting of about three tons weight, together with a large amount of wrought-iron shafting and other work, the whole of which has been carried out at Mr. E. W. Mills' foundry, under the instruction of the officers of the Patent Slip Company, and have greatly increased the strength and efficacy of the machinery. The ship Avalanche, 1204 tons, will be taken up to-day, and it is expected that the Slip will be fully occupied for some time to come.

A civil case of a singular character was heard at the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Captain Holt and Mr. Wallace. One Italian fisherman was suing another Italian fisherman for an alleged debt. This was all that could possibly be gathered of the case, for it was totally impossible to understand either of the parties to the action. They both gesticulated wildly, and made absurd efforts to express themselves in English.. The Bench adopted the wisest course under the circumstances, by dismissing the case on the ground that it arose out of some quarrel, the fishermen having been partners. The plaintiff was very angry, and hopped about the Court a good deal until Mr. Baker demanded his attention for settlement of Court fees.

" Bradshaw" for January is to hand. The publication has acquired such a popularity that little need be said of its merits. The information given this month is fuller and more complete than in any previous number. We notice an improvement in the map which forms so useful a part of the book. The various sailing routes to and from New Zealand coastal ports and the leading Australian ports, together with distances, are delineated. Everything is being done to make " Bradshaw" worthy of support, and we are sure that Messrs. Dalgleish and Reid's enterprise will have its reward. Mrs. Bates' benefit was highly successful in point of attendance, and the performance went off very well indeed, commencing with a farce, " The Rough Diamond," in which Mrs. Bates played the part of Margery with effect, dressing and acting the part in a manner which excited genuine admiration. The fairy extravaganza entitled "Robin Hood" followed. This piece was put on the stage in a style which reflected credit on the management, and the various performers were well up in their parts. Mrs. Bates played the parts of the Earl of Huntingdon and Robin Hoodspiritedly, and on her first appearance in the former character, early in tho piece, met with' a very flattering reception. The caste was an unusually heavy one, and we cannot therefore particularise individual performances, but may mention some of the leading players. Mrs. Stoneham in particular was very amusing, whilst Miss Stoneham and Miss Morgan did very well in parts which were rather weak. Mr. Sam Howard appeared in the character of an uninteresting female, whose weakness was an affection for strong waters. Mr. Metcalf impersonated a character with a very long name and of loose morals. Messrs. Hesford, Sweeney, and Inglis also had prominent parts.

Tho Gazette contains a notification of a sale on the deferred payment sysfcsm of land in Sandon, Manawatu. The time of payment extends to five years from date 6f application, and the purchaser must, during the first two y«ars, build a house of the value of at least £lO, and clear, crop, or lay down in grass onetenth part of the land. We have been requested to call attention to the fact that tenders for the purchase of the Wairarapa Carrying Company's depot, Lamb-ton-quay, close to-day.

We are glad to hear that telegrams yesterday reported Sir Donald McLean to be better. The Athenseum library has received a valuable addition of books,, chiefly novels, which are now ready for issue. Mr. E. J. Von Dadelzeen has been _ appointed Superintendent Collector of Agricultural Statistics;for, the Wellington provincial district.

The Inspector of Sheep for the Rangitikei district has cancelled the clean certificate of Mr. G. Y. Lethbridge, of Turakina, for a separate flock of sheep (ewes), numbering 1800, from December*B. The lease of the well-known Barrett's Hotel has been disposed of to Mr. Light, late host of the Panama Hotel. The figure is said to be £IBOO. The Panama, we understand, has fallen into the hands of Mr. Nicholls, junr. The working committee appointed in connection with the Anniversary Regatta will meet this evening at the Pier Hotel. As there is a large amount of business to be transacted, it is particularly requested that members of the committee will be punctual in attending. Yesterday's Gazette contains —Proclamation of certain hundreds in Otago, withdrawal of land from Westland goldfields, appointment of various Mayors elect as Justices of the Peace, notice of making of regulations in respect of trout-fishing in Nelson rivers, appointment of superintendent collectors of agricultural statistics, &c. '".",'■•