GENERAL NEWS.
The following is an abstract of the Kegls-trar-Geueral’s report on the vital statistics of the boroughs of Auckland, Thames, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, HokHika, and Invercargill, during the mouth of October, IS7S ;
The deaths of persons not residents of the boroughs, occurring at hospitals, have been excluded iu all cases. The births were 35 less in number than in September, without including Invercargill, now brought into this table for the first time. The deaths were 4 less in number than the deaths in September ; no deaths were registered at Invercargill. Of the deaths, males contributed 50 ; females, 45 : 30 of tho deaths were'of children under 5 years of age, being 31 - 57 per cent, of tho whole number ; 24 of these were of children under 1 year of age. There were 4 deaths of persons over 65 years of age (3 males and 1 female), viz,, 2 males of 63 and 72 years, and 1 female of 73, died at Dunedin, and 1 male of 66 years at Nelson.
Sergeant O’Connor, of the Wellington constabulary, has been promoted to be a first-class sergeant. Tho following is the return of patients in tho Provincial Hospital for tho month of November ;—Admitted —Males, 16 ; females, S. Discharged—Males, 14 ; females, 4. Died— Males, 3. Left in Hospital—Males, 43; females, 15.- Total, 58. Mr. It. J. Duncan bn Wednesday completed negotiations for tho sale of Mr. James Gilligau’s Abbotsford station at Taneru, to Mr. Hadfield, a well known Canterbury contractor. The price was £13,000, and the purchase includes tho estate, 2818 acres of rich land, about 3000 sheep, and a few horses. This is a good evidence of tho favor in which property in this provincial district is held by Southern capitalists. Tho following Civil Service changes are officially notified iu Friday's Qazelte :—Mr. 0. T. Batkin to bo assistant controller and auditor for the colony ; Mr. J. C. Crawford’s resignation of his appointment as resident magistrate and coroner has been accepted; Mr. G. G. Orbell has been appointed record clerk in the Crown Lr ids Department; Mi - . Kobo.. Johnston is ga - . sited secretary to the Marino Department.
The Post has been informed that the laud fund for October was tho largest yet received for any one month since tho foundation of the colony, amounting to £191,000, Of this Canterbury and Southland contributed nearly tho whole. This is due to the fact that _ the squatters are buying their leasehold runs, from fear that tho routs will be largely increased. For November the receipts were, comparatively, small. Up to 30th October tho total amount received on account of laud saloi was £OOO,OOO, being largely in excess of the sum received during any corresponding period m previous years. We regret to state that Mr. Teschemaker, member of tho House of Representatives for the electoral district of Gladstone, died in Weilie "lon on November 21st. Tho deceased gentleman took Ml at tho termination of the fast session having an attack of inflammation of tho bowels, but a week ago it was thought all danger was past, though ho remained weak and low. A day or two since, however, he suffered a relapse, and on Thursday morning his illness terminated iu death. Mr. Teschemakor was a now member at tbo last general election, and during the time hs held a seat in tho House showed himself to be possessed of a good deal of practical common sense. He spoke seldom, but thou to tho point, and always command’d respectful attention from either party. As a pleasant companion and a gonial hearty gentleman he will be greatly missed, more especially in Canterbury, where he was well known. Deceased rvas unmarried.
It is said that Inspector James, not Inspector Brougham,is to succeed Inspector Atchison in the charge of the Wellington police force. Mr. James, we believe, has had a good deal of experience on the West Coast. Inspector Brougham will probably go South. of the Blighting family who were examined on Friday at the inquiry into the cause of a recent fire, only one, the mother, could read aud write ; indeed, the “ boys,” though the eldest is a full grown man, did not appear to be able to do either ; while the little girl (exceptionally bright and intelligent) was unable to write her name. This family comes from Christchurch. Are the compulsory clauses of the Act in force in the City of the Plains ? The Government have ordered the release of Whitlock, who was recently sent to prison for twelve months in default of paying a fine of £IOO imposed upon him in connection with the recent illicit still prosecution at Wanganui, This has been done on the ground that Whitlock was merely a servant to others, and that he knew very little, if anything, about the illicit distillation.
It is understood that on account of the great probable cost- the Government have given up the project of straightening the Hutfc line. An estimate prepared in the Public Works Office shows that it would have cost £20,000 to effect an alteration in some of the worst pieces, including those between Ngahauranga and Pctoni. Another of the Government promises has gone to the winds. Mr. Macandrew m his Public Works Statement announced tho intention of the Government to make the hulk Omega a training-ship in Wellington harbor., Either the promise, with many ethers of the same kind, has been forgotten, or the Treasurer is very impecunious ; at any rate, Mr. W. H. Warren has been instructed to sell the hulk by public auction. As affording an idea of the extent to which cultivation is now carried on upon the large estates of Otago, it might be mentioned that upon four of them, lying pretty close there are this season 4115 acres of grain, via.: —Totara, 1500 acres wheat, 600 do. oats ; Moeraki, 15 acres wheat, 200 do. oats ; Toipo Hill, 150 acres wheat, 400 do. oats, 150 do. barley ; Kauro Hill, 600 acres wheat, 540 do, oats, 60 do. barley. We have been favored with an inspection of the design chosen for the Wellington Cup for the coming race meeting, and have no hesitation in pronouncing the design to be both artistic aud highly ornamental. ‘ A spirited competition took place for the honor of providing this trophy, the cost of which is to be £IOO. Designs were received from Melbourne, Dunedin, and Christchurch, as well as several from Wellington .artists. Under these conditions it is satisfactory to find that Messrs. ICobu and Co. were the successful competitors, as it is more pleasant to have our local talent employed on a Wellington Gup, especially after it has been pitted against distant rivals, aud has been awarded the palm of victory in the contest.
It will be seen by a telegram from Dunedin in our shipping columns that the whole (not part, as previously stated) of Messrs. McMeckau, Blackwood, aud Co.’s Now Zealand fleet, with the exception. of the Claud Hamilton, has been purchased by the Union Company, and that delivery is to be taken of all the vessels at.once. This marks a new era in New Zealand’s commercial enterprise, and it is to be hoped that as the Melbourne trade has passed into the hands of New Zealand residents every endeavor will be made to poularis© the,line. By the judicious and liberal management of this line of steamers the colony will be benefited immensely, for in the summer months visitors will crowd over to New Zealand to escape the hot winds and scorching sun of Australia.
The director .of the geological survey, Dr. Hector, who is one of the Hon. Mr. Sheehan’s party, will if possible work his way through to the Waikato, in order to gather information as to the geology of a comparatively unexplored part of the colony. The Government are desirous of the committee of the Wellington Benevolent Institution taking over the charge of all charitable institutions in the city, but - these gentlemen do not see their way to take over such a heavy responsibility. An extensive limestone cave has been discovered near the White Cliffs, between Westport and Reefton. The explorer describes it as a magnificent sight when illuminated. A creek traverses the cave, yielding good payable gold prospects. There are about one hundred men now at work at the railway extension from Ohaupo to Te Awamutu. No opposition has yet-been offered by tho natives, aud the Railway Commissioner does , not anticipate any resistance. The line is to be finished within 18 months.
The missionary schooner Southern Cross has arrived from the Islands. The captain reports that an improvement is visible in the attitude of the natives towards the missionaries, who are well received almost everywhere. The vessel has been eight months on the voyage. She reports affairs proceeding satisfactorily at the mission stations.
At a meeting of the Professors, Council, and members of the Otago University, held on Nov. 23rd the Chancellor (Hon. H. S. Chapman), on behalf of the New Zealand University, presented the degree of M.A. to Mr. Peter S. Kay and the degeee of B.A. to tho Kev. Mr. Filchett. Addresses were delivered by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.
An important discovery of graphite or blacklead has just been made in the back country of tins province. The Colonial Laboratory has received specimens from boulders found in a creek, and they prove to be the purest and most compact samples yet discovered in the colonies, and quite equal to the best quality of graphite which has made Borrowdale, iu tho old country, so famous. As an article of commerce the graphite is of. great value, but its value is considerably enhanced by the fact that its presence indicates the existence of coal of the older formations in close proximity. For various reasons it is not deemed advisable to be more precise as to the locality of the deposit. The annual meeting of the Wellington Volunteer Artillery Cadets was held on Nov, 21st at the Wellington Fire Brigade stall yb, Captain Best in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The balance-sheet showed, that after an expenditure of £146 there was still a credit balance of £l2. Captain Best was elected treasurer, Sergeant Ludwig secretary, and Bandsman Gamble and Lieutenant Taylor auditors. These gentlemen, with Sergeant Fraser, were appointed a general committee, A sum of £1 Is. was voted out of the funds to Gunner McGoll/who met with an accident at the last drill, whereby his foot was injured. Tho ordinary business being over Sergeant Fraser stepped forward and said he desired, on behalf of the corps, to make a presentation to Mrs. Best in recognition of her uniform thoughtfulness and interest in the corps, and especially of her kindness and hospitality at a. recent picnic. He then handed over to Mrs. Best a massive, handsome gold bracelet, on the inside of which was inscribed the following:—“Presented to Mrs. Captain Best by the Wellington Artillery Cadets.— 21/11/78.” Captain Best, on behalf of Mrs. Best, replied, tharking the corps for tho present, but above all for the kindly manner in which they thought of Mrs. Best. The pro-ceed-ngs then terminated. His Worship the Mayor, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Messrs. Charles O’Neill, J. F. E. Wright, and E. W. Mills, formed a deputation on Wednesday to wait upon the Government and to inquire whether there was any chance of a sum being set aside from the amount voted for gold prospecting to be expended within the Provincial District of Wellington. The deputation requested that a sum of £2OO might be devoted to this end, and a prospecting party be arranged accordingly. His Worship the Mayor read a testimonial in favor of the appointment of Mr. Moore, signed by a number of members of both Houses of Parliament, to tho following effect :—“Believing that New Zealand, abounds with vast mmes°of mineral wealth now lying waste, and only waiting development, and having considered the large and practical experience of tho bearer, Mr. Daniel James Moore, as a prospector and explorer of long standing, intimately acquainted with the geological cpnstruoHou and tho mineral resources of tho colony, to tho study of which he has devoted tho last seventeen years of his lifetime,—wo have great pleasure in recommending his appointment by tho head of the Goldfields Department as a most suitable prospector, Mr. Moore having heretofore rendered very important services in this direction by tho discovery of tho valuable goldfields at Moore’s Gully, Mace Town, the Garrick Ranges, and elsewhere.” The Hon. Mr. Ballanoe stated that in tho absence of Mr. Stout he was not able to give any positive assurance, but ho believed that if private subscriptions were raised towards the furtherance of the object in view tho Government would bo prepared to supplement the sura subscribed with an equivalent amount from the grant for prospecting purposes. Ho would submit the matter to the Attorney-General, and would forward a reply to his Worship the Mayor. Having thanked tho Hon. Colonial Secretary aud; the Hon, Mr, Ballanoe, tho deputation then withdrew,
Fathers O'Malley and McEneroa , arrived in Dunedin from Melbourne on November 12. They intend to establish a Jesuits’ College, Reports from the Thames River show that the attempt to acclimatise California salmon there has proved successful. A Dunedin paper says that it is calculated that £IO,OOO was spent upon sweeps on the Melbourne Cup throughout the colony. A live sea elephant is on exhibition next the Imperial Opera House, and is attracting a good deal of attention from persons interested In these species of marine animals. We draw attention to the high prices realised for merino sheep imported from Australia to Canterbury, as reported in a telegram to the Press Agency. The prices quoted range from 20 up to 290 guineas, though some were sold at lower figures. , The half-yearly meeting of the National Insurance Company was held at Dunedin on Nov. 11th, when a dividend of 10 pur cent., with a bonus of 6 per cent, per share, was declared. £15.000 was carried to the insurance fund, and £5169 to the next half-year. Dr. Macdonald, the rector of the Dunedin High School, was on Nov. 12 introduced to his future colleagues and pupils by the Bev. Dr, Stuart. Dr. Macdonald was received with great enthusiasm. He briefly expressed his thankfulness for his safe arrival, and hoped that his relations with both his colleagues and his pupils would be of the friendliest description, .The following tenders have been received at the Public Works Offloe for the Maruwhenua bridge contract (Awamoko branch extension) of the Waitakl-Invercargill railway :—Accepted ; Allan and Stumbles (Timaru), £2077. Declined : Barclay and Kay (Oamaru), £2117; Charles Abbot (Dunedin), £2522 ; Henderson and Fergus (Dunedin), £2655 ; John Barclay (Oamaru), £2800; John Whittaker (Dunedin), £2885; B 1 dr, Stevens, and Co. (Oamaru), £3113 ; Meikle and Campbell (Dunedin), £3753 ; Given and Watson (Oamaru), £4625. The half-yearly meeting of the Young Men’s Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was held on Nov. 27 in the Manners-street vestry. The committee’s report, which showed the society to bo in a most satisfactory condition, was read and adopted. The following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing session President, Bev. A. Keid ; vice-presi-dents, Bev. W. J. Williams and Mr. A. Goddard ; secretary, Mr. W. J. Helyer ; treasurer, Mr. W. E. Fuller; librarian, Mr. Smith; committee, Messrs. Grant, Tiller, Gell, and W. G. Tustin.
The commeneement of the Wanganui Harbor improvement works was undertaken on November 11th, A large party on two steamers proceeded to the spot marked out by the engineer, and in a formal manner, Thomas Bomber, chairman of the Harbor Board, cast in tho first block o! stone. Speeches of a complimentary and laudatory character were made. John Bryce, the member for Wanganui, and the Hon, John Ballance, the member for Baugitikei, responded to the toast of the Assembly. All the speakers expressed great faith in the success of the works and in the future of the port and district of Wanganui, It is most satisfactory, says the Cromwell Argus, to record the continued prosperity of the justly celebrated Cromwell Co/s mine, more especially after the very heavy expenditure the shareholders have recently incurred to place the workings in the best and most permanent order. The stone now being raised is of the most encouraging description, and yields well throughout. We believe that a cake of over 300 oz. was brought down to Cromwell on Saturday, being the outcome of about 200 tons of stone. This is very gratifying, and is rendered more so from the fact that the future promises even better results. It is stated (says the Oamaru Mail) that the manager of the Mount Bangitoto Silver Mine is just now taking out some splendid ore, some of which he describes as “ pure ore,” free from all rock, and fit for smelting as it is taken from the mine. He states also that the vein is fast improving as it is entered upon towards the eastward, or heart of the mountain. This vein is in the lower workings of all, and the prospects of the mine are considered excellent. It is hoped that a crushing will be ready for shipment before Christmas, when all expenses will be materially curtailed until the results of the smelting are known. The Canterbury Times says:—“We learn from a reliable source that a patent is being secured for a new reaper and binder of Christchurch manufacture, which will, it is said, be a vast improvement upon all machines of the kind hitherto introduced to the public, inasmuch as it will not only be a match for the very best reapers yet Imported, but will in addition possess the much needed improvement of binding with the straw as it reaps. It is well known that wire as a material for binding is dangerously objectionable. The reaper in question, we are pleased to say, is the invention of a Canterbury man, and is being brought out under the auspices of Mr. Wilson, of Christchurch. A boy named Mountain, son of Mr. F. Mountain of the New Zealander Hotel, picked up a corked bottle on November 24th on the beach. On breaking the bottle the following extraordinary document was found inside of it :—“ H.M. screw corvette Firefly, Captain Harmer Jones, wrecked Nov. 2, 1878, on the Auckland Isles. All lives saved except three A.B.’s and second engineer. (Signed) H. Jones, Commander ; H. Lester, First Lieutenant. Send relief at once. Provisions all exhausted. Living on raw penguins. The Lord help ui.” The document was given into the hands of the police, who referred the matter to Captain Johnston, officer in charge of the Marine Department, It is generally believed that the’ whole thing is a hoax.
Mr. W. Colston, writing from Barnawartba to tho Australasian, says :—“ In answer to your correspondent about the heaviest bullock, living or dead, in the colony, in your issue of the 21st ult., I will give you the size of the largest I have living. It was purchased by Mr. Murdoch McLean for £l2O, in Wellington, New Zealand. It turned the scale at 39481 b, or 35cwt Iqr ; height, 6ft lin ; length, lift 9in ; girth, 9ft 10ia ; belly, 10ft Ilia ; hocks, 2ft Vjia ; arm, 3ft; yoke, 7ft Sin ; age, eight years. An inquest was held at Napier on Nov. 12th on the body of John Bowbottoro, a member of the Artillery Volunteer Band, who was killed on the railway, lb appeared from evidence that when tho train was quite close to the Napier station deceased, who was standing on the platform of one of the carriages, made an attempt to wa ! k out of the train, under the impression tbat the train was actually at the station. On discovering his mistake he grasped at the stanchion of the carriage platform, but was swung under the train and knocked on the chest and back and flung aside. Death was all but instantaneous. The deceased merely moved his head once, and died before any one reached him, though many jumped out immediately, A verdict of accidental death was returned.
An extraordinary disappearance of a passenger was reported to the railway authorities at Dunedin on Monday, November 11th. As the special train from Christchurch was approaching Rakaia on Saturday night au alarm was raised that a man had fallen off one of the carriages. Two passengers who were standing on the opposite platform witnessed his disappearance. Theyatonco gavethe alarm,and lost no time in communicating with the guard; but before the train could be stopped a distance of fully throe miles had been travelled over. As another train was duo at Ashburton shortly after the arrival there of the‘special, it was impossible for the latter to go back any distance, but fully a dozen people went back to the spot where the man fell, and could discern no trace of him. One of the gentlemen who was on the platform opposite to the man who fell off says that it was bright moonlight at the time. He saw himfall on to a heap of stones, and he appeared to lie there doubled up. Wo are told that no hat or other article was found. As there was a horse very near the place some passengers conjecture that the man jumped off intentionally. Superintendent Atchison on November 27th received a telegram from Teatherston reporting that on the previous evening the body of a man who had apparently been drowned some weeks had been found in the bed of the Tauherenikau River. The body was too much decomposed to enable any proper description to be given of the deceased. In one of his pockets, however, was found a certificate of discharge from the barque Malay. The entry on the discharge is as follows: —“ Name, James Burns; age, 19 ; discharged, Wellington, 7th ult.; character, very good j place of birth, Dumfries. (Signed) K. Croli.” It is suggested that the deceased may bo a young man who, as reported in our columns at the time, behaved in a somewhat singular manner at Terawitipoint, on the 2nd instant. It may be remembered that a young sailor'who said he belonged to the barque Malay, but refused to give bis name, and who appeared somewhat strange in his manner, called at Mr. McManaman’s and asked for the Wukara-road. After ho loft a boat belonging to Mr. MoManamau was found to bo missing, and later on it was discovered on tho boacb, with a hole in the bottom and half full of water. After that nothing was seen of tho young follow.
The Morning Herald says : A nugget weighing 3oz. 7dwts. was picked up at Waitahuna Gully last week. Eewlto Te Kurae, a notable chief of this district, died on November lath. Ho was a Good Templar, and a very loyal native. The natives had a large tangi over the deceased. We hear that a new boat, named the Hula, has been successfully launched by Messrs. Youmans and Co. Tbs steamer has been built for Messrs. Seager, of this city, and is intended for the coastal trade near Wellington.
An exchange says : “ Trout are very plentiful in the Shag Elvers intersecting Burnside and Eiverbank Farms. Mr. Fullerton, of Pleasant Valley, has taken fish from 41b to 111 b. in weight, while larger ones have been observed iu some of the many pools of the river.”
In regard to the now gold discovery in Wangapeka the Colonist says :—” This news is of the highest importance to us all, and adds another reason of the strongest nature for demanding that our railway be extended immediately. Never before did tte prospects of Nelson seem so promising as they do now.” A new weekly religious journal is about to be established in this colony. Its name is to ha the “New Zealand Reporter,” and the prospectus states the new journal will be conducted on liberal principles, and will know no sect iu religion or any party in politics. It is to bo published in Auckland. The Christchurch district meeting has recommended the enlargement and weekly issue of the New Zealand Wesleyan. Friday’s - Wairarapa Daily says -The new engine of the Masterton Fire Brigade, long expected, arrived suddenly l ist evening, and was taken up Main-street in procession, to the surprise andjgratifieation of the burgesses, with all the honor of a torchlight procession, and with an accompaniment from the Masterton brass hand. Opposite the Club Hotel, Mr. E. G, Williams, the Mayor, broke a bottle of champagne over it and christened it “ The Extinguisher,” delivering an appropriate address, which was loudly cheered. The following tenders for the Ohaupo contract, as revised, Kaipara-Puniu _ Railway, bave been received at the Public Works Office, Wellington :—Accepted : D. Fallon (Auckland), £29,572. Declined :J. Sheehan, jun. (Auckland), £26,574; Taylor and Danahar (Auckland), £29,777 ; William Rowe (Wanganui), 30,443 ; Ross and Dunbar (Auckland), £32,900 ; R. MoGonagle (No v Plymouth), £37,065. The annual wayzgoose in connection with the Government Printing Office took place on November 9th. The men to the number of 75, and the hoys 34, left town for the Lower Hutt by train at 9.30 a.m. On arrival there, sports were held iu a paddock kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Riddiford. The boys returned to town at 5 o’clock, the men staying behind for the dinner, which was held at Fraser’s Hotel. The chair was occupied by Mr. Didsbury, Government Printer, and after spending a very pleasant evening the company returned to Wellington about midnight. Wo learn from the Tuapeka Times that the opening of the Weatherstone Cement Company’s battery took place on the 6th November. That paper says : —All eyes are now turned to this company's doings, as upon the success of their crushing will in a great measure depend the future'prospecting of the cement, Should it turn out well, as there is every indication that it will, several other batteries will doubtless be erected in a very short space of time. We heartily wish the company that success which they are thoroughly deserving of through their energy and enterprise, and we hope at the end of a month they will be able to exhibit a cake of amalgam sufficient to cover working expenses and pay a handsome dividend.
The following items, which appeared in an evening contemporary on Nov. 26, may, we presume, bo regarded as official communications : —“ It will be in the recollection of our readers that when the question of a direct steam service was under debate iu the House the Hon. Mr. Macandrew said he anticipated further news on the subject by the incoming mail. That information has now been received. The estimate of the Home agents is that a subsidy of £60,000 per annum will be required for a monthly direct service between England and New Zealand.—The Government, we are glad to learn, have instructed an agent to-day to negotiate for the purchase from the natives of land for the erection of lighthouses at Kapiti and Stephens Island. This will be welcome news to mariners and merchant shippers.” The turning of the first sod of the South Bakaia and Ashburton railway took place at Bakaia on November 19th. A special train arrived from Christchurch bringing a large number of visitors, and a number of settlers were also present from the Ashburton and surrounding districts. The Christchurch party were met on the platform by the school children, carrying banners and evergreens. The Ashburton band was also present. After the ceremony of turning the'sod had been performed by Mr. George Hart, the chairman of directors, the party adjourned to an excellent luncheon, at which speeches of the usual character were made. This will be the first private railway constructed under the Act; its length is to be 22 miles, the contract £5500 (sic), and the work is to be finished in ten months. A frightful fatal accident occurred at Timaru on November 15th. The roof blew off a house near Ormsby’s flour-mill, taking a chimney with it. Through its fall the latter caused instantaneous death to an infant seven months old, and Mrs. Drew died about ten minutes after. Drew is a most respectable man, and la head miller at the mill in question. Great sympathy is felt at his sudden bereavement. The inquest on the bodies of Mrs. Drew aud infant was held before Mr, B, Bcetbam, the coroner. The verdict was accidental death. Tho jury added a rider strongly animadverting on the construction of buildings similar to tho one wherein the accident occurred, and requested- the coroner to forward to the proper quarter a demand that the erection of buildings be properly supervised in the future. It came out in the evidence that tho roof was not connected in any way with the walls of the building. The Titanic Steel Company vainly endeavored to get the House of Representatives during the late session to recognise their alleged right to five thousand acres of land at Taranaki; but the directors have resolved not to cry pcccavi. The company, it may be remembered, was to subscribe a certain amount of capital and to spend a certain sum in plant, to entitle it to the land at ss. per acre. More than the amountspecified was spent,but the Law Officers of the Crown advise that the stipulated capital was not raised, the disputed point being whether paid-up shares given for a patent are to be regarded as capital raised. The land was therefore never conveyed to the company, nor the £1250 paid for it refunded. Mr. V. Anderson, the chairman, and Mr. T. K. Macdonald, the secretary, were examined before the Waste Lauds Committee this year, aud the question gone into at length, the result being that the committee found that the necessary capital had not been subscribed by some £2500 ; but thought the equities of the case would be met by the £1250 being refunded to the company. The directors, however, think differently, and as-the time for raising capital Is not limited under the articles of association, propose to call up tho required capital at once, Tho land is estimated to be of the value of £3 per aero now, and it is said that by calling up £2760 an indefeasible right to a property worth £15,000 is secured. A three-roomed cottage in Ingcstre-streefc was destroyed by fire at half-past three o’clock on the morning of Nov. 20. Tho occupier of the house was a person named Brighticg, who with difficulty escaped from being burnt. He lost a quantity of clothes and furniture, and estimates his loss at somewhat about £4O. Both the brigades were quickly on tho spot, and very soon put the flames in check. The house was owned by Mr. J. McElwaine. Mr.Brightiug was a single man residing with his widowed mother. There was also a younger brother and two sisters living iu tho house. Before Brighting went to bed he extinguished all tho lights. Mrs. Brighting was aroused by being nearly choked, and quickly got up, and found the house on fire. Tho cottage was insured for £l5O in tho Colonial Insurance office. The household effects were not insured. Tho husband of Mrs. Brighting only died a twelvemonth ago in Christchurch, just after he had received intelligence tbat he was heir to a fortune of £BO,OOO in the shape of property, including a coal-mine, tho previous owner of which was dead. Ho was about leaving for England, when ho was drowned, and tho widow and family shortly after removed to Wellington. Having left all business matters to her husband, and not being fully acquainted with tho circumstances that linked her husband with such good fortune, tho widow was at a loss how to act; but one or two friends interested themselves on behalf of tho family, and they believe from information received that Mrs. Brighting should at once proceed to England and claim what of right belongs to the survivors of the deceased. Since her arrival hero Mrs. Brighting has been working hard to fatso moans to take her to England, and all her savings have now been lost. It is, however, very probable that she may yet take a passage In tho ship Bakaia,
Father Hennebery has erected a monster marquee in Auckland capable of holding 40 '0 pimple.' Ho has began a crusade against intemperance. The rainfall in Wellington during October was 6'BBo inches, as compared with 4 -547 jn. in the same month of the previous year._ The number of days of rain, however, were identically the same in each case. The fourth and final competition for the Artillery Cadet silver cup was fired for on November 23, and won by Lieutenant Taylor, with the excellent shooting of 56 out of a possible 60.
The inward San Francisco mail was landed here at half-past 2 o’clock on the morning of November 22nd, a day in advance of the contract time. It consisted of 3912 letters, 825 book packets, and 10,150 newspapers from Europe ; and 265 letters, 112 book packets, and 710 newspapers from America, tVe understand, says onr Waikato contemporary, that Mrs. Ralph, of Taupiri, has been offered, and refused, the sura of £20,000 for the property upon which the coal mine is situated, and' from which she is drawing a revenue of one shilling per ton royalty,on every ton of coal.
On November 17th St. Paul’sOhoir presented two of its members, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas, who are about leaving Wellington for Feilding, with a prayer-book and a hymn-book respectively, as a token of esteem and as the earnest of good wishes felt for Mr. and Mrs, Nicholas’ future prosperity. o’l’he s.s. Hero, which sailed from Auckland on November 16th for Sydney and Melbourne, was the bearer of six boxes of gold, containing 6190nz5., of tho value of £25,688 125., shipped by the Bank of New Zealand. We have been shown some very fine specimens of quartz from Jacksons Head. The specimens were brought over by Captain McGee in the s.s. Wellington. Tho gold is very plainly visible in the stone, which is exceedingly rich. The Waikato Times says that it is satisfactory to loam that the Thames-Waikato railway will be at once proceeded with, and that the sale of land in the immediate vicinity will, it is expected, recoup the colony the cost of its construction. Wo have no doubt that the Government has not over estimated the returns when it calculates to repay the whole cost of the line from the sals of allotments iu the proposed township of Omahn, and in the sale of small farms, the largest of which, wo are informed, will be 320 acres on the To Aroha block.
A distressing accident occurred in Auckland last week. A little boy was stealing fruit, when a baker passed and called out “ Policeman !” hearing which the boy became flurried, and loosing hold of the bough, dropped down on to a fence. The little fellow’s stomach was simply ripped open. A most delicate aud difficult operation had to bo performed, which none but a highly skilled surgeon could hope to accomplish. Dr. Goldabro’, however, succeeded, without the aid of chloroform, in I replacing the disturbed parts, and sewing up the wound. The Star says the boy’s father occupies a responsible position on the railway, , The Tuapcka Times of the 13fch says : “The Wetherstones Cement Gold Mining Company fired a very successful blast of 4 cwt. of powder in their claim on Friday, It had the desired effect of breaking up a large quantity of ground. Since the opening of the battery on Wednesday the machine has been working every day, but arrangements have now been made to keep it going night and day. At present everything is being put through,aud in the course of a few days the men will have a good face to work at, instead of being cramped for room as they are at present. The plates present umnistakeable signs of. a good yield, and the expectations of the shareholders are very buoyant. The machine has worked splendidly ever since the water was turned on, and the side deliveries, which are an improvement on tho spur batteries, are suiting their purpose admirably.”' Respecting a copper discovery at Aniseed Valley, Nelson, Mr, Hackett, late of the Geological Survey Department, and who came out from Great Britain as mining director of the Dun Mountain Company, writes as follows : —“ The native copper discovery in Anisce • Valley is a most important one. There is arc D u ..'stratum of serpentine impregnated with minute specks of native copper. In some place* the rock is solid aud hard, and in others it is jointed with curved fissures, but all showing the metal when freshly broken. It is the most important mining discovery ever made in New Zealand. I need not tell you that stone yielding 5 per cent, is as valuable, even at the present low price of copper, as quartz yielding 1 oz. of gold to the ton. By way of calculation, suy 5 per cent, or 1 cwt. of copper to the ton, is worth say 755., which is more than the average value of 1 oz. of gold. The wrestling match for £IOO a side between Thomas, the champion of Victoria, and Dagg, of Otago, took place on the Caledonian Grounds, Dunedin, on Thursday, November 28th, in the presence of about one thousand people. Dagg is taller and about a stone heavier than the Victorian, and had many backers ; but the betting was in favor of Thomas. Both men were loudly cheered when they made their appearance in the ring. As soon as they closed for the first round it was apparent that Dagg was over-matched, and that though he was heavier he did not possess either the muscular power or the skill of the Victorian champion. The contest was a very hollow affair, as Thomas threw Dagg three times in succession without much difficulty, and as he thus scored the best three out of five, he was declared the winner. He wrestles Tyson, the champion of Otago, on December 18, but it is supposed tbat he will beat him easily. The story about prisoners at the Dunedin gaol in olden days being allowed to go to the races, and being warned that unless they returned early they would be locked out, is generally voted as apochrypbal, but faith must bo regained in it after the tollowing, the accuracy of which is vouched for by the Hawera correspondent of tho Patca Mail :—“ A practical proof has just been given of the insecure state of our lock-up. Tho prisoner Hunningham, who was committed for trial for horse stealing, made his escape a few nights since by wrenching off the lock with his hands, and has so far completely baffled all attempts at his recapture. It has been a common boast with prisoners that they could leave the lock-up at any time, and obtain a drink at the hotel and return to their quarters without their absence ever being discovered. A meeting of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce was held on November 13tb. Among the subjects discussed was the question of the best site for tho railway station. The committee decided that they would not take any separate action in the matter, but would urge the subject upon the consideration of tho Chamber at tho next general quarterly meeting on December 11, It was also determined to form a deputation to wait upon the Government to suggest, in the first place, that a steam-tug should bo procured for the use of tho harbor ; secondly, that inasmuch as the Corporation had undertaken to provide a site for the erection of a sailors* home upon tho Thorndon reclamation if it was handed over to them, as tho land had been retained by tho Government they be requested to reserve a site for this purpose. A difficulty had arisen in some quarters between the Customs’ authorities and tho merchants of this city about passing certain entries according to the invoices as received from England. In many instances an allowance of discount upon the value was made for cash payments. This discount is either not entered upon the invoice at all, or if entered Is in a different handwriting, and often lacks the signature of tho firm. Tho deputation was anxious that the Customs’ authorities should receive instructions to permit the disputed entries to pass in tho usual form as received from England. In tho Waikato tho other day (writes the “ Inteligent Vagrant ” in the Bruce Herald) some one in authority on the railway there sent a train along a line, and it not being certain whether another train would not meet it at full speed, said, “ If you see the other train coming you can come back.” The result was a collision, and a discussion lately in a railway carriage between Milton and Dunedin as to the curious things sometimes done on railways. I remember two queer lines. One was that between Grahamstown and Tararu, at tho Thames goldfleldft. The engines used to got out of repair every half mile or so, and tho stoker used to put it right by cutting little pegs of wood with a clasp-knife and sticking them in in places. Another was that which used to run between tho coal mines at tho Bay of Islands and the Kawakawa Creek, One very hot day a captain of a schooner and myself (tho only passengers, aud they on tho engine) were travelling by it. Having remarked that a constitutional thirst of mine was aggravated by the hot weather, the engineer said, “ I’ll pull up presently, and we can go to a pub a few hundred yards off tho line.” Which ho did iu very deed ; and he, tho stoker, tho captain, and myself left tho engine and coal train I (tho engine fizzing away quite happily), whilst wo not only went to a hotel five hundred yards off, but played two rubbers of euchre with consequent liquors. People will hardly believe | perhaps that a man was once killed on that 1 Uac,
The death is announced in Auckland of Mother Mary Cecilia, Superioress of the Sisters of Mercy, She founded a convent thirty years ago. The Minister of Justice has addressed a let* ter to Mr. Drausfield, as Mayor, in roply to the resolution passed at tho meeting re O’Connor, held in July last, stating that the Government are not aware of any reason why the verdict of the jury should be set aside. The survey of the Strath Taieri line of railway has now extended to fifteen miles from the junction with the main south line at Wingatui, and it is now ascertained that no great difficulty will be experienced in the work of construction.
A largely attended meeting has been held in the Provincial Council Chamber, Christchurch, of persons interested in the formation of a Canterbury Temperance League, to consist jointly of abstainers and non-abstainers. A large number of clergymen and others interested in the cause of temperance attended, and the society has been formed and a committee of management nominated. The management will be largely in the hands of ministers and congregations.
Boroughs, Census population, March, 1 S7cf. Tolal Births. Total Deaths. Auckland 13,755 53 22 l‘G0 Thames 5.424 22 0*37 Wellington 15,053 07 17 o-oo Nelson .. 0,004 24 3 0-45 Christchurch .. 13,425 50 14 101 Dunedin 70 31 1*33 f-Iokltika 3,202 C G l‘S7 Invercargill .. 3,7Ci 25 Total.. S37 05
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5521, 6 December 1878, Page 2
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7,246GENERAL NEWS. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5521, 6 December 1878, Page 2
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