THE STANDARD. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 1873.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 20, 22 January 1873, Page 2

THE STANDARD.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 1873.

“ We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We shall defer to no man justice or right.”

A very melancholy and painful occurrence has just taken place in our midst, which has cast a gloom over our festivities, and resulted in the death of a very promising young man named Thomas Hart, one of the Constabulary stationed at Ormond. The deceased, it appears, was with others of the Force, engaged grass cutting on Mr. Poynter's farm at. W aerenga-a-hika, and occupied a tent some distance from the house and close by the wdolshcd. About 1 o’clock on Monday morning the deceased rose from his bed and proceeding outside took a pannikin to obtain a draught of water. Finding a cask conveniently placed under the eaves of the woolshed he slaked his thirst (as he thought with pure water but really) with a strong solution of blue-stone and arsenic, which was kept in use for sheep foot-rdt &c. A deep draught half emptied the pannikin, the drastic effect of which caused the poor fellow to utter the most hideous yells, which roused his companions in tho tent, who immediately came to his assistance; but before any one could get to the premises for assistance he was dead. An inquest was held by the Coroner Dr. Nesbitt yesterday the particulars of which are not yet to hand. From, what we learn no positive blame is attached to Mr. Poynter, although the jury considered it their proper duty to add a rider to their verdict, purporting their disapprobation of the general carelessness exhibited in the indiscriminate use of poisons. The weight of evidence went to show that the deceased and all who were engaged on the farm had been warned of the presence of the poison, but whether of this particular cask we a M e not aware. Pending the receipt of the depositions we refrain from expressing an opinion as to the culpability or otherwise of those who had charge of these poisons; but we do certainly hope that after this ghastly and awful warning, such measures will be taken by those who trade in these dangerous specifics, as will preserve the lives of those who, like the deceased, may become innocent victims. Dr. Nesbitt estimates that the deceased must have swallowed over one hundred grains of arsenic, which sufficiently accounts for his speedy death. Race Course. —The Stewards are taking every active precaution to insure the comfort •f their patrons at the forthcoming meet. Last Saturday the gates were let by public auction at Dalziell’s Hotel to Mr. R. D. Mackey for the sum of £3O 10s. The booths Nos. 1 and 2 were knocked down to Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Holloway for the sums of £l5 10s. and £l2 respectively. Parliamentary Papers.—We hare to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of sundry Parliamentary papers from the Government printer at Wellington. Waipaoa Ferry.—lna Provincial Government Gazette to hand by the Rangatira, we observe that Oliver Croldsmith has been appointed keeper of the Waipaoa Ferry. Postage on Newspapers. — Attention is drawn to an alteration in the law relating to the postage on newspapers. The reduced rate came into force on the Ist of January. Papers posted for a destination within the colony of New Zealand require only a half-penny stamp; no alteration is made for postages outside the colony. The English obituary announces the death of the Viscountess Beaconsfield, the beloved wife of one of England’s Ex-Premiers, Mr. Disraeli. Fresh lenders are called for re-forming the Mill bush road. No suitable tender having been received. Tenders are also required for building a landing jetty at Gwberes.

Sunday School Treat. —The Sunday School Scholars, under the Superintendency of Mrs. Brooke Taylor, were regaled at the residence of that lady on Monday the 15th January. The day was beautifully tine, and a large assemblage of pupils answered to the call of invitation at 1 o’clock. Nearly all the parents came and did not leave until the departure of the children. All thoroughly enjoyed themselves with sports of all kinds till tea time. At 5 o’clock the children were summoned to tea in a large room prepared for the occasion in Mr. Taylor’s house. Before sitting down, prizes were distributed aud each class sung a hymn. At the conclusion of the last hymn, Miss Louisa Forbes stepped forward and presented Mrs. Taylor with a very handsome set of Custers with the accompanying letter* After tea the children returned to their sports until the junior members of the party were tired out, when all returned to their homes evidently well pleased with the happy day they had spent. Prizes :— Ist prize Ist class Annie Adams. 2nd do, do., Louisa Forbes. Ist prize 2nd class Jenny Hall. 2nd do., do., Louisa Cuff. Mrs. Lysnar also kindly gave an extra prize in the Ist class to Annie Langford, Lucy Taylor as Junior teacher also received a prize. •Dear Mrs. Taylor, We beg your acceptance of the accompanying trifle as a token of our respect for you and your daughters’ kind exertions in the Gisborne Sunday School and remain gratefully yours on behalf of the scholars. Louisa Forbes. Polly King. - Annie Langford. Mrs. Taylor, was so taken by surprise, and so overconie with feelings of gratitude aud delight, that it was some minutes before she could say anything 1 o express her thanks ; and hopes to*show is truly grateful by redoubling her exertions in behalf of the Sunday School.— (Communicated.) The following Tenders were accepted by the Road Board on Saturday: —M. Boland, Muhunga bridge; £B5, M. Donald, clearing road at Ormond 6s. per chain. Applications for the appointment of Secretary to the Road Board are iuvited in this morning’s issue. A rumour is afloat that Mr. Hall’s intended resignation of the office of Colonial Secretary-is preliminary to his acceptance of that, of AgentGeneral, in lieu of Dr. Featherston.