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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 942, 11 May 1881, Page 2

The s.s. Rosina is advertised to leave this morning at 9 o’clock for the East Coast. We learn that, Capt. Logan of the s.s. Hero, will shortly proceed to England, to bring out the Union Company’s new steamer, the -vlanipori. mon'Jn fi ! yor Ois borne notifies in this bee m alterations have erv >" nV) V' e BpC, ’ ,<ieaHon for bolne ”* Waeron ga-‘-‘-hikato Gis»111 take ever the '[ff nc 11, as he has many friends in the district. ' The usual monthly meeting of Directors of the bouthern Cross Petroleum Company, was i'Hd at the Company’s offices, Nasmith’s Buildings on Monday evening . but nothing beyond yiro /oriae business was transacted. Intelligence from head quarters is daily looked for, and, it is understood, it will be of a satisfact ury character.

On Monday evening, at the corner of GladRe wi l ad* ’"’i V°V- Btr « et -a Native named R< wi had his leg broken. It is 8!l id that the t’aeture was caused by a Maori named ? p ka . havlll g kicked Rewi during a struggle. Dr. 1 oilen was promptlj in attendance Mthset the broken limb, after which the AAas removed io the Hospital. Mrs. Margaret Buchanan— widow of our late lamented friend Mr. Alex. Buchanan of the Ormond Hotel —returns her heartfelt thanks to all and sundry for the kindness shown her, in their attentions to her husband at the time of the accident, which resulted in his death. We are sure Mrs. Buchanan has the sincere sympathy of every person in the Bay, who had the pleasure of her husband’s acquaintance. It was ruled, yesterday, at the R.M.’s Court that it a confession of judgment were made’ at any time up to half-past four o’clock on the day prior to that appointed for the healing of any case, neither lawyers nor witnesses could claim tees or expenses. Tnis is rather an uncomfortable decision for plaintiffs who have to subpiena witnesses residing in the country, and then have to pay ah expenses out of their own pockets.

An immense amount of time is taken up daily at the R.M.’s Court by counsel arguing as to the costs and fees to be allowed. Mr. Price has laid down certain rules which he does not invariably act upon, and so, day after dav gentlemen of the long robe get up'and argue against these rules, which, however, are not like tne laws of the Medes and Persians. Really it is tune a stop sh old be put to this trilliu*. with the time of toe Cou.t, and in fact, with that of all ivho have business to attend to. From a recent Gazette we observe that the gross postal revenue for the financial vear ending 31st March last was 1150,315 8s the first quarter of 1881 showing ’an increase of 6/9/ 19s lOd over the corresponding quarter of 1880. lhe telegraph returns for the year are not given ; bid for the last quarter it appears that while Gorernment telegrams have increased in value 6619 10s 3d. °ot.i er telegrams have decreased in number bv 2,311, with a corresponding decrease in revenue of 6508 Is 'Oil.

A varied entertainment will be given on an early date in aid of tiie funds of Holy Trinity Church, full particulars of which will be published in due course*. There will be a departure from the usual prosaic programmes. There will be some real fun, consisting of a “ wax work ” show, (with Mr J. Bniike as showman) of living eharacteis, including Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, and others, interspersed with instrumental and vocal music. The parts, ami scenic effects are in active preparation, and an enjoyable evening’s amusement may be expectedj A large amount of fun was occasioned at. the R.M.’s Court, yesterday, by a witness in a civil ease who couid not possibly be re strained from “ wanting to explain.” It mattered not how plain and straight a question was put, the witness would commence, “ I want to explain to your W’orsliip.” The old saying of a “ tongue running on wheels ” was amply verified, and the attempts of His Worship and the learned counsel failed altogether to stem the torrent of explanations which flowed irresistibly, much to the amusement of the audience. From a private letter we learn that Air. Theodore Piesse, who it will be remembered spent a few days in this . district some nine months back, will probably again visit New Zealand before proceeding homeward—via America. He intends if possible again spending a few days with his relative here. It is gratifying to find that this Colony is attracting so much attention ; and it is to be hoped that Air. Piesse will be able to report so favorably of our climate, and soil, that steps may be taken to establish flowi’r farming for perfumery purposes, in our neighbourhood—an industry which is successfully carried on, and most profitably, in several parts of Europe.

A question of great importance arose today at the R. M. Court—that of the power of witnesses in civil cases to refuse giving evidence unless their expenses were prepaid or guaranteed. Mr Price stated it«*as not compulsory that a witness should give testimony. Mr Turton said that as a barrister-at-law, he would, as amicus curie, point, out that it had been ruled that no witnesses within the Court, or precincts of the Court, could refuse. Mr. Price, however, maintained his stand, and reiterated his opinion that a wit - ness need not be sworn unless he was satisfied his expenses would be paid. M’e are gratified to learn that the local histrionic talent of the district has been augmented by the advent of two gentlemen, who have distinguished themselves as amateurs in other parts. We hear that they have east in their lot with the J Battery Variety Troupe. The series of entertainments, the first of which may be shortly looked for, will therefore possess a a new attraction, and be strength, cned by the acquisition of fresh talent, while ’ the old established favorites, among’ whom may be mentioned Messrs. G. C. Huddleston F. J. Piesse and Win. Ratcliffe will still continue to enable the public to pass an enjoyable evening occasionally.