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Southland Times, Issue 694, 10 July 1867, Page 2

; An inquest was held on Monday, at the Provincial Hospital before Dr Deck, Coroner, on the body of Thomas Newall. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased, aged about 15 years, and some other youths were amusing themselves on Saturday last at the gymnasium belonging to what was once called St. Paul's School, Leet-street. (Both building and gymnasium have bean for some time unused and neglected.) While engaged at the game known as " giant strides " the perpendicular shaft of the apparatus gave way at its base and fell on Newall, dislocating his neck and causing almost instant death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence, and added a rider to the effect that some legislation was necessary to enable the authorities to cause the removal of structures endangering public safety, to close wells, &c. We observe that the choral division of the Philharmonic Society is summoned to meet for practice a3 usual to-morrow evening. After the efforts put forth for the production of the recent Concert, a short respite would, no doubt, be acceptable to many of the members ; still, as wo are given to understand that the Committee have decided on giving their third Concert in about six weeks, wo trust that each individual member of the choir will feel called upon to do their best,, that the Society may maintain the prestige it has already achieved. j From our advertising columns it will be perceived that a meeting will be held this evening of parties interested in the formation of a "Volunteer Rifle Corps. It is certainly -discreditable to the people of Invercargill that almost every important town in the colony has its Rifle Companies but this, and it is to be hoped that the meeting will be numerously attended, the business assume a practical character, and the projeot carried, out with a determination: to make it a success, •

For the pit two days serious fears for the safety of the s.s.'Taranaki have been entertained, in consequence of the receipt of a Telegram from Wellington, stating that she had not arrived at that port on the Bth inßt., though then some days overdue. These apprehensions are now happily dissij^ted, as *ill be seen from our other columns, a^^assage of ia later date having arrived, announcing the safe arrival of the steamer . at T^J" destination, though in a somewhat disabled condition, she having broken her shaft, during rough weather in Poverty Bay. , -We perceive that the new butchering establishment of Mr Mackintosh, Tay-streeet , has been opened, and business is in full operation. This establishment is an enterprising undertake ing, and evidence is displayed of a determination t|o conduct it with spirit. i On Saturday morning last, the town was agitated by the alarm of "fire" being shouted by parties in Dee-street. It proved to be a chimney in the Custom House Building. The blaze for a time was great, but prompt measures having been taken by the police and citizens collected, it was speedily extinguished. The fine steamer which has been for some time in course of construction on the Town Board Reserve, opposite the Theatre Eoyal, is bo far completed, that she is ready to be removed to the scene of her future career — the water. The Waihopai (such is the name) is a fine model of a first-class coasting steam-boat, of about 80 tons burden, strongly built, and the machinery that will be put in her when she reaches the water, is stated k> be of the very best construction. An effort was made yesterday to remove the vessel from the stocks to the beach, but owing to the inclemency of the weather, the task proved one of great difficulty. The ship was, however, moved some twenty or thirty feet, when one of the ponderous carriage-wheels gave indications of weakness, and further progress was suspended, but we understand the - ; hitch will not cause much delay, and that, should the weather prove favourable, the vessel will wend its way down Tay Street to-day. Thia is the second vessel which our enterprising, townsman, Mr Puettelkow, has built in the very centre of tho town. It is to be hoped that his enterprise will be rewarded, and that many more vessels, constructed under his supervision, may in the future hail from Invercargill. The " Southern Cross ' gives a long and interesting report of the proceedings of the Council of the Northern Separation and Reform League, at meetings' held in Auckland on the 3rd and 7th ult., and publishes a copy of the congratulatory address presented by the Council to Sir G. Grey, and Ms reply. Among other business, the following • resolution wa3 paised — Dr Merrett moved, " That the people of the Province of Auckland recognise in the action taken by the people of Otago a determination to resist any encroachment by the General Government upoi tho prosent rights of Provincial Governments, and will co-operate with the people of Otago in maintaining intact the present rights and powers of Provincial G-overnments." The motion was seconded by Dr Lee, and agreed to.