Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 131, 14 May 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

Mr. Locke.—We are pleased to learn that M l *. Locke is rapidly recovering from his late indisposition, and it is thought he will be able to address the electors by the close of the week.

Makaraka.—A meeting of the settlers round about Makaraka will take place to-night at the Makaraka Hall, for the purpose of discussing the representation of the district during this session of Parliament.

Hospital Meeting.—The ordinary monthly meeting of the Gisborne Hospital Committee will be held to-night, when the committee appointed to enquire into the questions of rations of this year as compared with last, will report on the same.

Concert.—A concert will take place on the 3rd of June, in aid of the funds of the Presbyterian Church, full particulars of which Will be notified shortly.

To-night’s Meeting.—Mr. S. M. Wilson’s brake will leave the Albion Club Hotel at 7 sharp to-night for Makaraka Hall.

Electoral Rolls.— The Electoral Rolls have been handed to us to-day as the successful tenderers for printing the same. According to contract time they will be completed three weeks’ hence.

Tobacco.—We have on view at this office a very fine sample of locally grown tobacco, which we recommend to the notice of any one connected with this industry as the growers have a large stock on hand, the product of ten acres sown this season, which is now gathered and drying, and for which they are anxious to find a market.

The Spirit Moves Him.—During Monday night’s proceeding in the Hall some amount of surprise, and much amusement, was occasioned by a tall thin gentleman ascending the platform, and waving his long arms in that peculiar manner in which mesmerists perform when conveying their influence. After looking at the remarkable figure for a moment, the chairman remarked, “ The spirit moves him.” The man smelt strongly of whiskey, and it is surmised that it was Page’s “ spirit ” that was answerable for the action.

Reported Accident.—A report was current in town this morning to the effect that some 30 feet of the well being sunk at the Gas Works, had caved in, endangering the life of the man who happened to be working below the surface at the time. On making inquiry we find that the report greatly exaggerated the real facts. The well, which is down a depth of over 50 feet, has been going through tough clay till within the last few feet, where it became of a softer nature. The lower part of this slipped yesterday afternoon, but without doing any damage. However, to make everything secure, the management have decided to timber the well at once. It is somewhat strange that a good supply of water has not been struck at a less depth than that already reached.

Patutahi.—By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that at the Licensing Meeting on the 7th of next month, Mr. Gallagher will apply for the issue of a publican’s license for a house situate at the above township, to be called “ The Patutahi Hotel,” and from the fact that ten householders living in the vicinity have signed a memorial in favor of the same being granted, we presume they are satisfied that the time has arrived when this thriving district should boast a “ pub” of its own, especially through the winter months when, by the state of the roads or the rising of the river, they are shut out from the outer world.

Canine Sagacity.—We have heard much and read more of many astonishing instances of sagacity being shown by our canine friends, but we doubt if there ever was one more deserving of record than that shown by the animal which joined in the proceedings which took place in Parnell and Boylan’s Hall, on Monday night. Being somewhat dense ourselves we are entirely beholden to a gentleman —whose bump of veracity is so largely developed as to be plainly apparent even to those who are entirely. ignorant of phrenologic science-—for a lucid explanation of matters. The animal above referred to not alone joined most heartily in the demonstrative expressions of dissent or approbation, which were so liberally indulged in, but when repeated cries of “ Barker, Barker,” arose, he ascended the platform with the gravest dignity, and leaping upon the pianoforte in close proximity to the Chairman, took his seat, and, first turning a look of mute appeal towards that gentleman, then defiantly faced the audience. The shouts of laughter which arose from the assembled 700 electors were deafening, and the scene beggars description. The above gentleman insists that the dog responded to the calls of “ Barker.”

Supreme Court.—ln the Supreme Court, Wellington, on May 7, before Mr. Justice Richmond in banco, the case of Tuta Nihoniho v. Ward, was argued. This was a motion for a new trial of an action heard by the Chief Justice at Gisborne without a jury, on the ground that the judgment was against the weight of evidence. On a former occasion a preliminary objection was raised by Mr. Buckley, for the defendant, that only the Court of Appeal could entertain such a motion, and judgment on this point was reserved. His Honor now: The opinion lam giving is only my own opinion, as I have been unable to consult my brother judges. Ido not see anything in the rules to prevent the Supreme Court from granting a new trial on the ground that the trial was held before a judge without a jury. No doubt there is a strong presumption in favor of such a judgment where it is said to be against the weight of evidence, but I see nothing to prevent the Supreme Court in banco from granting a new trial. The argument then proceeded. Mr. Bell for the plaintiff; Mr. Buckley for the defendant. The whole question turned on the evidence given at the trial, and the credibility of the witnesses. Judgment was reserved.

Age Specials.—The Government have received replies to their note inviting the great powers to hold a conference on the Egyptian financial and other affairs. The whole of the powers have agreed to the proposal with the exception of France. Both Turkey and England have pledged themselves not to annex Egypt, but to confine their operations to an expedition for relief of Khartoum in the Autumn.—Owing to the great depression in the shipping trade an agreement is being made by large ship owners to lay up a fourth of their tonnage for four months. A agreement comes into operation on the 20th instant.— The County Franchise Bill, introduced by the Government for the extension of the County Franchise, and for assimilating voting qualifications in England, Scotland, and Wales passed through a committee of the House of Commons, without opposition.—Reports have been received of the appearance of a fly in the Kentish hop gardens.—The annual Academy banquet was held last night. Sir Astley Cooper Key, one of the Lords of the Admiralty, referred in the course of his remarks to the Australian Navy. He spoke in high terms of the torpedo gunboats recently constructed in England, to the order of the Victorian Government. He also eulogised the patriotic spirit which prompted the Victorian Government to offer those vessels to the Imperial Government for use in the Red Sea. He hoped the other Australian colonies would follow the example of Victoria, and assist in forming one united fleet under the British flag.—A deputation has waited upon the Attorney-General to request that the Government would adopt the Torrens Act for facilitating the transfer of property which was originally passed in South Australia. Sir Henry James promised to give the application his consideration.—Mr. Simon Fraser, late of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, and Sir Samuel Wilson are making arrangements for entertaining Sir Henry Loch at a banquet prior to his departure for Victoria on the 24th inst.—Mr. Henniker Heaton, of Sydney, has decided to contest Canterbury at the next election of member for that place for the House of Commons.