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Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 176, 16 December 1876, Page 2

The Auckland Star is informed by .an elderly lady of genuine Irish descent that there need not be such surprise as exists respecting the alleged men of Kalili with their 20 inch tails. The lady declares that in old Ireland there lived, some 16 years ago, a real old Irish 'gentleman, who used to hunt and drive his carriage, and had a tail at least 21 inches long. She does not see the reason why so much fuss is made about New Britain and New Ireland, when Old Ireland could show such sights as long-tailed men. She used to see, every day of her life, this Mr Barker, of Kilkoulli, drive past her door. His saddle had a hole through' the back, - through which the tail went. He was an able and skilful rider, and could stick on bis horse in a manner which astonished Ids friends. A barge costing £2,300 Iras been specially constructed for the conveyance of the 81ton gun from Woolwich to Shoeburyness. The crane by which it is hoisted cost £BOOO. The gun itself has absorbed £IO,OOO, and the gunpowder for proof experiments £2,000. The first firing at Shoeburyness was successfulThe public landing at Sydney on the 9th ult, of Edward Trickett, the champion sculler, and Mr Punch, took place in the evening. There was a torchlight procession and grand demonstration of the citizens to welcome them home. Such crowds of people were never seen in Sydney streets before. It is estimated that twenty-five thousand persons were assembled at the Circular Quay, and a still greater number in the neighborhood of Punch’s Hotel. The cheering was most enthusiastic. . The champion addressed the multitude from the balcony of Punch’s Hotel, and expressed in modest but manly terms his sense of the honor the people of Sydney had conferred upon him.

A PAIR OF G AITERS. A young lady (says the Western Independent, Bathurst) last week went into - a shop, and thus unburdened herself:— ; “ It is my desire to obtain a pair of circular elastic appendages, capable of being contracted or expanded by means of oscillating burnished steel appliances.; that sparkle like particles of gold leaf set with Cape Slay diamonds, and which are iitilised lor retaining proper position of the habilintciit of the lower extremities; which innate delicacy forbids me to mention.” The vendor of calicoes was. nonplussed, but not wishing to appear ignorant, said that he was “ just out.” After her departure, he ruminated in silence for a few seconds; when a new light broke upon his distracted brain,and he burst forth With; “ By thunder 1 Til bet that woman wanted a pair of garters.”