NEWS OF THE DAY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2645, 12 September 1881, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The contractors for the Breakwater were busy to-day filling in a monolith. Four others remain to be filled to complete the current contract.

The people about Rangiora are inlerestthemselvcs in the cultivation of linseed, and the industries depending upon it. Meetings are- being held and papers read by persons possessedof information on the subject. At the- inquest on Saturday on the unfortunate man Collcrick, the Auckland telegraphist, who was run over by the Waikato train, a verdict of accidental death was returned, no blame being attached to any one.

A mysterious affair is reported from Auckland. On Saturday last a human skeleton was dug up at the rear of the Choral Hall, part of the Old Government House grounds. The bones were enclosed in a piece of tin. The police are investigating.

A mysterious robbery took place the other morning from the guard’s van of the north train, when between Shag Point and On mam. The Station-master at the former place put about £2O, takings of the previous day, into one of the official money bags, locked it securely and placed it as usual in the guard’s van. On arrival at Oaraaru.lhc bag and its contents were missing although several similar bagscont ining cash from other stations were found to be a 1! right. How the thief could have gained access to the van and managed to make off with the booty unperceived, arc problems to which the Oamaru police have as yet failed to solve,

“ Hear the other side.’ This is how the late •'‘‘Stonewalling" was looked on in Nelson. Says the “Mad”;—Determined as ever, our members are pettinaciously defending their constituents against the endeavours of an unjil'st and ungrateful Ministry to carry out what almost amounts to their disfranchisement. It is perfectly clear that the stonowallcrs can carry on the work of obstruction with the utmost ease until midnight to-morrow, when they will bo released from their wearisome duties until 2.30 on Monday, when, if. necessary, we ha e no doubt whatever then they wi 1 come up to time again, refreshed by their rest and renewed in their determination to stand tip for the rights of those wliom they represent. Dy twelve o’clock to-morrow night the (1 jvcniinont wi.l haye had an opportunity of testing the powers of endurance and determination of their opponents, and will be able to form an idea of the stuff of wh'ch they arc made.

A rival to cod-livcr oil has (says the “.Medical record”) appeared under the name of “ oolachan oil.” At ordinary temperatures it appears to have a consistence between that of dugong and codliver o : ls, and a taste that is perhaps slightly more agreeable than either. The oolachan fish is about the size of a herring, and is met with on the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver’s Island. It is so full of oil as to be known as the candlefish, for, when dried, it can be used as a torch.

The Wellington co-respondent of the

“ Dunedin .Star ” writes It is impossible to hide the fact of iho bitterness of heart ihat has been engendered in the minds of Northern members by the passing of the Representation Dill. When Mr Moss told the House that the affiir on Friday had completely altered (he cordial relations which existed between the Northern members and the Speaker, he was oply speaking the Northern mind. “Separation” is in the mind of all the Northern men, with one or two exceptions. The situation of affairs has been well represented by a cartoon representing Sir George Grey tugging at a rope in the North, and Mr Macandrew in the South, while the Ministry are cutting in the middle. The following somewhat extraordinary intelligence comes from Tapanui by telegraph:—“ It has transpired that the Otago squatters have formed themselves into a league, with the intention of nominating one of their own calling for each constituency at the next general election ; also to nominate squatting members for county councils, with a view to abolish the sheep tax and ro-lcase the Otago runs; and, in county councils, to reduce rates and taxes generally. Meetings have been held during the past six months, and members have been kept in Wellington all through the present session to watch the Parliamentary proceedings. These matters have been kept secret from the public until now.” According tj tie “ Ofago Daily Times ” the Moa Plat Station is at picsoat (he scene of-unprecedented slaugh'er of bunny. Mr Kilchin at present employq 107 rabbiters in the work of extermination, and no less than 100,()U0 rabbits succumb every month to the tempting bait. The “ TuapekaTimes” is informed that Mr Kitchin has already expended £4OOO in the work of extermination, and his present monthly outlay cannot be set down at a fraction less than £IOOO. The rabbiters are paid 2d a skin, and at this rate,they earn from; 10s : to £3 a week. Some of them cannot earn as much as keep them in tucker, while others make a good wage. An Intercolonial Wool Show’ is be held at Brisbane during the ensuing summer.

, -H. Ooxhead, photographer, has taken those premises lately occupied by the Amcricar,s, in George Street, near Railway Station, and having made extensive alterations, can now take photos instantaneously. -Adriall respectfully solicited. Photographic jaihumsr and views on sale, and can be seen 'iii the window. —[ADVT],