Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 55, 1 February 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

Rev. J. Hill.—The rev. gentleman, assisted by the Bev. McAra, gave his final address in Parnell and Boylan’s Hall last night. It was numerouly attended, and listened to with marked and earnest attention.

The Comet.—The comet was to be seen last night in the west, with its faint tail pointing northerly, about 10 o’clock.

Cricket. —A match will be played to-mor-row, in which the contest will rest between Te Hapara v. the district,

Bowing • match.—The rowing-match between the two representatives of the North Shore Club (Auckland), Messrs, Wells and O’Connor, and two of the Gisborne Club, the two Messrs, Pavitts, for two fine silver cups, valued at £lO, will come off on Saturdaynext, at 1 o’clock. The course will be from Mr, Harris’ house to the wharf. Mr, T. J. Dixon will act as judge, and Mr. Ratcliffe as starter, H, J. Finn Medal.—The final competition for this medal will take place on Friday the 16th inst. Inspector ov Hospitals.—The Inspector of Hospitalswill arrive per Wairarapa to-day, to inspect and report upon our institution.

New Zealand and Samoa,— Mr. John Lundon. has received from Samoa a copy of a petition to the Queen, which has been drawn up, asking that Her Majesty would allow the islands to be joined to New Zealand. The petition refers to the fact that the people of Samoa had been taught to worship Hod by missionaries from England, and prays Her Majesty ” to cast the shadow of your mighty Empire over us,” The petition goes on to state that they desire to advance in civilization, in religion, as part of the Government of New Zealand, They had asked the New Zealand Government to allow a deputation to visit them and formally to cede Samoa to their Government. They had sought this on account of the aggressive acts of other nationalities. They pray the Queen to take the islands of Samoa, and to add them to her Empire—by incorporation with New Zealand. This petition was drawn up at first by direction of Malietoa (the nominal King) and other chiefs, but since then Malietoa had been influenced against it chiefly by the representations of two Americans, who greatly disliked the idea of Samoa becoming British. The most powerful chiefs are still, however, in favor of annexation, and there is little doubt that if the New Zealand Government sent down a steamer to bring up a deputation, the Samoans would be found to be almost unanimous. By the latest news, it would seem that the Imperial Government are not disinclined to allow Sir George Grey’s Bill of last session to become law, and if so it would seem that a union with Samoa might be easily brought about. —N. Z. Herald, Jan. 23rd.

Rain at Last.—The Sydney Mail of Jan. 19 rejoices thus; —“ On Thursday morning there were three welcome words heard in Sydney— 4 Rain at last,’ Willingly were the white gossamer coats thrown aside; gladly were the macintoshes donned. Smiles wreathed almost every countenance. The rain was falling lightly, but in that determined fashion which augured its continuance for some time. Then came telegrams. Monaro, long parched, was being refreshened ; Bega’s bush fires were being quenched ; and thousands of citizens hoped that the West would be equally favored. At the time of writing it cannot be determined whether the mercy is a small or a great one. It is, however, a merciful gift.” Serious Drought.—A telegram from Cooma to a Sydney paper gives the following deplorable feature“ The drought here is getting very serious; several springs that were previously considered never-failing have dried up. Creeks leading to the Snowy River only run after sundown, but not in the day, The Bredbo and Umaralla Rivers are not running. Many selections will have to be abandoned, and some runs also shortly, for want of water. This is the worst season experienced here for over forty years, and will be a serious loss not only to stockowners, but to business people. The weather to-day is hot, and there is no sign of rain. The thermometer registered to-day 87’ in the shade.”

About to Abdicate.—“ It is reported that the King of Portugal intends to abdicate at any early date. Perhaps the cares of State, added to the constant worry of trying to keep in mind his Christian names, has led to his determination to retire. In the repose of domestic life he will be able to forget public affairs and to devote his whole attention to the study of that which his godfathers and godmothers gave to him at his baptism— Louise, Phillipe, Marie, Ferdinand, Pierre, D’Alcantra, Antoine, Michel, Raphael, Gabriel, Gonzague, Xavier, Frangoise, D’Assisse, Jean, Jules, Augusta, Volfando de Braganza, Bourbon. The whole of the above was born in 1838, being the second son of his parents. He succeeded to the throne in 1861, on the death of his brother, King Pedro, He married the youngest daughter of Victor Emmanuel, the late King of Italy, and has two sons, Carlos and Alfonsa,”

Most Precious Relic,—“ Martin Luther’s hand Bible, preserved as a most precious relic in the Berlin Markish Museum, gains additional interest in connection with the anniversary of the great reformer. It came originally from Wittenberg, from the library of the Theological Professor, Lommatzsch, who sold it in 1865 to Sanitary Councillor Lutae, of Koethen, for 8,000 marks and a life rent, Of the latter, the Markish Provincial Museum acquired the Bible by purchase on 27th January, 1877. The Bible is the large Basle Latin edition of 1500 cum. plena apparatu, and annotated throughout by Dr. Luther, who made use of it in his preparatory study for its translation. His characteristic coarse handwriting covers every page of the text, and the commentaries as well as the inside of the parchment covers. The title page contains the Biblical quotation—‘ If Thy word, oh Lord, do not comfort me, I should perish in misery. 1542, Mart. Luther, D.’”