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Southland Times, Issue 691, 3 July 1867, Page 2

We regret to have to announce the death of Dp James Martin, of Riverfcon. The deceased, an old colonist, was long and favorably known, both as a skilful medical practitioner and a kindhearted gentleman. His loss will be regretted by a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances. It will be seen from our other columns that the Philharmonic Society give 3 a concert tomorrow night. The programme seems to be a very admirably arranged one, and of sufficient length to afford a good night's enjoyment. Most of the pieces will be new to an Invercargill audience, and probably many of them are new to the Society, still we believe they will be exceedingly well rendered, as the members have been practising with great assiduity for the past two or three weeks. The Philharmonic Society is one of our local institutions which deserves unqualified encouragement, and we trust to see the public, by their presence in the theatre to-morrow evening, manifesting that interest in its success which it merits. Our usually quiet streets exhibited considerable bustle about 10 o'clock last night, consequent on the trial of the new Fire Bell, and the turning out of the Brigade for active practice. The bell is certainly a great improvement on the old one. Its warning was heard, clear and distinct, some considerable distance out of town. The men turned out with their usual alacrity, and in a few minutes came rattling down, with all appliances, to Dee-street, where the engine played for some time. The new hose reel, a truly elegant looking little carriage, seemed to attract the greatest share of attention from the crowd assembled. The practice, we should say, showed the Brigade to be in a thoro n ghly efficient state, able to render prompt and effectual aid in time of need, and should, doubtless, be kept constantly in that condition, though we trust it may be long ere their willing services be actually required. The story of a " haunted house" in Tasmania is thus told by a correspondent of the Cornwall Chronicle-." — It is not often we hear of ghosts and haunted houses in Tasmania ; for it is a popular belief that ghosts are confined to the other side of the world ; but no doubt in the course of time we shall inherit all the evils belonging to the parent country. They have already had a case of hydrophobia in Hobart Town ; and I have now to report that a veritable ghost has been domiciled for the last month in the immediate vicinity of Campbell Town- He, she, or it (the ghost), makes its presence known by a loud knocking at the front door. The knocks are quite distinct, and exactly the same as if some one were knocking for admittance. The police and numerous volunteers have watched the, place, and although they could plainly see the door, the knocking takes place without any visible agency. Numerous devices have been tried to discover the cause,, but without success. There have been men stationed on the inside. of the door, and immediately the knocking was heard they have rushed out, but nothing was to be seen. The door has been covered with a thick cloth, but it makes no differeuce —the knocking is juat the same. The noise is heard at intervals ftCtfQ abouij (j p,m, up tQ 10 ft.ro."