Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 234, 13 September 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

Maiuuosetts.—Mr. Barry O’Neil, advance agent for Webb’s Marrionetts arrived on Thursday. The company will follow and open about next Friday. Fire.—A native constable who arrived in town to-day from the Coast reports that a fire took place at Ahipoura on Wednesday night last, the cause of which is unknown, though Sir. Booth will proceed there about Wednesday next to hold an inquiry. Institute.—The debate on alcohol previously announced came off last evening. Next Friday evening Mr. W. F. Crawford’s lecture on Scientific Photography will be g ven. This lecture will be illustrated with magic lantern views and a variety of experiments. The whole process of photography i will be explained.

Court.—James Beatty, gaoler, was brought up this morning charged with a breach of the Borough By-law 5, section 2, by allowing his chimney to catch fire, to which he pleaded guilty, stating at the same time that it had been cleaned within two months of the occurrence of the fire. His Worship said he would dismiss the case after reading the bye-law.

Fishing Excursion.-—On Thursday night last the s.s. Rosina left here for the Ariel Reef on a fishing excursion with five gentlemen on board, and remained there a whole day, returning again during last night. Some forty odd fish of considerable size and weight were caught. More would in all probability have been hooked but for the appearance of a huge shark, which to a certain extent marred the success of the trip, the monster constantly keeping in the wake of the boat, and consequently drove the smaller fish away. It followed them right into the Bay, and made repeated attempts to devour the buoy, which attempts, we need hardly say, were unsuccessful. It measured something like twentytwo feet in length. Inspection.—About thirty-five members of the J Battery, inclusive of the Band and officers, rolled up to be inspected by Major Shepherd, at six o’clock this morning. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the company was put through the various mameuvres, Ac., inside the shed. The Major complimented the corps for being so efficient in its drill, and advised the members to get practice tubes in order that they could still continue their firing practice during the winter months, pointing out that some of the most notable marksmen learned to aim by that proscss. Great credit is due to Sergt. Pavitt who put his squad through the big gun drill splendidly. Lieut. U’Ren was the only officer absent. Major Shepherd will probably leave by the Te Anau on Monday.