Local and General.

Southland Times, Issue 909, 2 March 1868, Page 1

Local and General.

! The barque Novelty has brought to d.ucklanci a shipment of insectiverous birds for the local Acclimatisation Society. It appears tha f , notwithstanding the care bestowed upon them, both in the provision of a suitable hou?e and food, together with uninterrupted attention during the voyage, a large portion have not outlived the severe weather occasionally encountered. The Society are, however, fortunate in receiving 161 birds of various kinds. The greatest mortality was amongst the robins, which died in numbers during the cold stormy weather. O,"lt of tet} hares put on board, one lived until nearly the termination of the journey, when the severe gale of the 2nd and 3rd instant proved fatal to it. It was found dead during the I continuance of the gale. The collection, landed ! in safety, comprises : — nine pheasants, six gold- • finches, 50 chaffinches, four woodlarks, three { house-sparrows, 30 green linnets, five rock-

starlings, a ' number of starlings, grey linnets, hedge-sparrows, thrushes, blackbirds, skylarks I yellowhammers, partridges, &c. Amongst the passengers per the s.s. Otago, from Dunedin, which arrived at the Bluff on Sunday last, was Mr H. S. Earl, a preacher concerning whose remarkable talents several highly eulogistic paragraphs, from Dunedin papers, have recently appeared in our columns. If Mr Earl possesses even a tithe of the oratorical powers ascribed to him, the premises in which lie is to preach (Henderson and Uonar's old store) will doubtless prove far too small for the audiences tliat will crowd to hear him. For a considerable time past, the dearth, of amusement has been somewhat conspicuous. Notwithstanding that Invercargill possesses a very handsome and well appointed; Theatre, with, but few exceptions the house has been closed for nearly two years, for want of public support. We learn, however, that a change is likely shortly to take place. Mr Jones, the spirited proprietor of the Southland Club, enters into possession of the Theatre as lessee on the 2nd of March, and has already shown signs of a determination to spare no pains or expense in placing before the public amusement of an attractive character. Under the management of Mr Jones, Mr and Mrs Robert Heir will appear before an Invercargill audience, and will be followed by other talent of a high order. It is to be hoped that Mr Jones will receive the cordial support of the citizens, in his endeavor to supply genuine amusement, during the coming winter months. Itis reported by the "Wellington Independent" that an attempt was recently made by the Government to remove Suilivan, the Maungatapu murderer, from Nelson to some other settlement. He was brought down quietly in ordinary costume to the Otago, on her last trip from Nelson to this port, by a constable in plain clothes, but as the affair became kiiown, the captain refused to take him, and the prisoner had to be handcuffed and put on shore. A very valuable addition to the flocks of the province has just been made by John Morison, Esq., of Dipton Station, by the importation, from Vermont, U.S., of a small flock of very superior rams of the pure merino breed. The animals were driven through the town yesterday, and, considering their voyage, they looked remarkably well. Our flockowners seem determined to spare no expense or pains in perfecting the quality of their fleeces, so far as attention to blood is concerned, and it wants but equal attention and care in the preparation of the wool for the market, to place Southland brands at the head of wool sales quotations. It must be satisfactory to the consumer to observe that the butchers have decided to give him the benefit of the decline in the price of mutton. They advertise this morning a reduction of one penny per lb. on the indespensible chop. On the 25th ult by private letter we learned of tke sudden death of an old and highly esteemed fellow townsman — Mr C. A. Ross. In the earlier days of the gold fever here Mr Ross came over from Victoria, and enjoyed for some time an ample share of the success which then seemed to attend on every one in busines. The general depression which speedily followed, however, did not spare him any more than others, and ultimately he had to abandon the battle of life in ! this locality, and seek fresh fields for his energies. With this object in view he recently went North, and had just made a commencement in Wanganui when the accident occurred, which caused his death. On the Bih inst., he and several assistants were engaged riding in some stock, when he got thrown from his horse, receiving injuries from which he never rallied, and very shortly expired. We feel sure the sympathy of his friends, and of the community generally, will be substantially expressed towards his widow and family, whom his untimely fate has left in most needful circumstances. The Dunedin "Evening Star," of the 19th inst says : — " Extreme satisfaction has been given in England by the oflicial notification that the long-penling arrangements for the consolidation of the New Zealand Provincial Loans have been at length completed. It was followed by an immediate, improvement in all the securities of that colony ; and the Stock Exchange lost no time in signifying its approval of this tar.iy act of expediency and justice by ordering the New Zealand Government Bonds, 1896, and the province of Auckland Bonds, first and second issues, to be officially quoted. Upwards of 4,000 acres of land was sold in the Hokanui district on Friday, the 28th inst. The purchaser was Mr John Taylor. It is a fact of some interest to note that Erupp, of Easen, has orders on haad for guns to the aggregate number of 2200, and the total value of £600,000. Krupp has now turned out altogether 3500 steel guns, of the value of £1,050,000.

The "Weekly News," of the 31sfc ultimo, says: — "The cutter Whitby, Doughty, master arrived from Opotiki this morning. The news is anything but pacific. Captam Doughty reports Opotiki as being surrounded by a large number of natives (Hau-haus), who have declared their intention of attacking the place, on receiving reinforcements. Major St. John has ordered every available man to be placed on pay to be in readiness for any emergency. Picquets are out day and night scouring the bush, and they frej quently find evidence of the rebels being in the i neighborhood. About 200 natives were seen on I the beach, and a party of militiamen were Bent out to attack them, when they very prudently made off. Probably, as the majority of the king natives are now willing to be at peace, this local disturbance at Opotiki may cease." The ""West Coast Times" has the following : — " It is rumored that the Government contemplate some important changes in the location of the Judges of the Supreme Court. It is said that all the judges will reside permanently at Wellington, which will thus become the Westminster of New Zealand, and from thence they will go on circuits to the otlier parts of the oolitny." A Sydney telegram, dated the 11th inst., which appears in the " Melbourne Evening Star" of that date, says.—" Great excitement and considerable alarm have been created by the discovery that a Fenian society has for some time been organised in Sydney, and that it has been acting in concer* with the agitators at home. The authorities are thoroughly on the alert, and arrests are speedily looked for." Subscription lists for the memorial to the late ( rosbie Ward are filling up fast at Christchurch and Lyttelton. It is proposed to erect a memorial window in Trinity Church, Lyttelton. The following letter and enclosure are published in the Otago "Provincial G-overnment Gazette." On the cultivation of flax : — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 6th February, 1868. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter dated the 30th December last, from Mr John Moore, of Ballarat, in the Colonj of Victoria, stating terms on which he would be able to manufacture New Zealand Flax. Mr Moore has been informed that no sum has been appropriated by the Colonial Legislature as a premium for the successful manufacture of New Zealand Flax, but that I' would send a copy of his letter to each of the Superintendents, in order that they might, if they should think it desirable, communicate directly with him on the subject. I have the honor to be, Sir, Tour most obedient servant, E. W. Stafford. His Honor the Superintendent, Otago. Ballarat, December 30th, 1867. Sny^I send you a copy for the manufacture of the New Zealawi Flax. I have manufactured it in Europe, also in this colony. I got it made into linen at home, which made very good linen, and white, and for strength nothing could exceed it. A man can do one ton per week. The first expence' would be one nundred pounds, which would put up everything fitting for twelve or fourteen men to work at — each man would do one ton per wee fc — by enlarging the manufactory you could employ as many men as you like. I want a premium of five hundred pounds ; also, if there is a company formed I want two shares, one for my son and one for myself. I will undertake the management of the factory. I would rather manufacture it in Melbourne, I think I could do it cheaper than in New Zealand. I won't ask all the money until I give ample satisfaction. Direct in care of Mr Dimsey. Common School, White Flat, Ballarat, Colony Victoria. , Your obedient servant, (Signed) John Moore. The Committee appointed at the public meetng on Friday (says the "Daily Times," 19th,) relative to the relief of sufferers by the flood, held its first meeting yesterday afternoon, in the City Council Chamber, new Post Office. — There were present the Eev E. Qt. Edwards, the Rev Mr Cox, Messrs J. Bathjate, L. O. Beal, G-. Cook, H. Driver, J. Fulton, J. Gillies, R. Gillies, J. \lacassey, R. JB. Martin, J. Rattraj, G-. Turnbull, J. Yogel, and J. S. Webb, secretary.— Mr Martin was called to tha chair. — Mr Webb stated' that the Eev D. M. Stuart had written explaining that an engagement made several days ago would prevent his being present at the meeting. After a general conversation, Mr Macassey proposed a I motion, which was subsequently several times modified, and then stood thus : — ' That the Secretary be instructed to invite from tho Vf ayors of country towns, the Clergy, and the Magistracy, in districts affected by the recent floods — and especially from any Local Committees which may be formed to co-operate with this Committee — information in regard to all cases of diatress, for which public relief is invited by the sufferers ; and that gentleman so addressed be requested to act as members of this Committee." — Mr J. G-illies seconded the motion. — Mr Turnbull proposed the following as an amendment : — " That an advertisement be inserted in the Provincial newspapers, inviting applications from on behalf of the sufferers by the late floods, such applications to be accompanied by a full statement of the particulars of each case, and references, to enable the Committee to ascertain how far they are entitled to relief." — Mr GK Cook seconded the amendment, which was adopted by 6 to 4 — Mr TurnbuU's proposal being now a substantive motion, Mr Yogel moved as an amendment, to strike out the first portira. of it, and to substitute, " That a circular letter be sent to such persons as the Secretary may deem most fitting, residing in the districts affected by the late floods, asking them to invits applications," &c. — After a long conversation, this amendment was negatived and Mr TurnbuU's proposal was adopted. — On the motion of Mr Macassey, seconded by Mr Rattray , it was resolved, " That a subscription list be opened, for the purpoae of providing a fund for the payment of preliminary expenses." — In the course" of the meeting, it was stated that the Government had at its disposal a fund, out of which the pressing wants of any of the recently shipwreckep seanien could be met.

The steamship Great Britain has again armed at Melbourne, and, but for » mishap to lier steampower, she would have anticipated the ; mail steamer, with December news. The " Aigns" of the 12th inst. reports : — The Geelong has won,but the race would have been with the /amour Liverpool clipper but for a mishap to her steampower. ■ Yesterday, shortly before two o'clock, the G-eelong was telegraphed from Cape Otway, and as she passed she signalled that the Great Britain was astern, under canvas only, though almost becalmed, her shaft having broken on the fifty-fourth day out from Liverpool, when she was close in with the Australian coast. Little more than an hour afterwards the old ship was seen from the lighthouse at a long distance off, standing to the south. At sunset, however, she had got about six miles to the eastward of the Cape, under all flail, with a light breeze. She then appeared to be under easy steam, so that her shaft must hare been temporarily repaired. . Captain Gray signqlled for tugs as he passed the Cape, and the Geelong caw the BesoUite and Titian going down the buy to render what aid they couLl. The Great Britain will thus reach Hobson's Bay some time to-day, after a magnificent passage (notwithstanding her misfortune) of fifty-eight days from port to port. The "Daily Times" states that Mr Auld, the Home agent of the Province, in a letter which was received by the Mail last evening, states that the ship Celestial Queen had been finally chosen to bring out the Salmon Ova. She was to sail on the 15th January, and she may be expected to arrive here early in April. The Viola sailed from Glasgow, for Port Chalmers, on the 3rd December, amongst her passengers being equal to 64J adult assisted emigrants. The England, which sailed from London on the sth December, hat amongst her passengers, equal to . 10£ adult assisted emigrants. Signor Vertelli accomplished his daring "ascension" at the jetty on Thursday evening with perfect ease and safety. The rope, 600 feet long, was stretched between two of the projecting quays, and didn't look a very enticing place for » promenade- About 3.00 people assembled to witness the performance, which ended in M. Vertelli and Mr Wotton (his coadjutor) .throwing a double somersault into the water— rather a cooling finale. The sum of £3 15s — one-fourth of the proceeds — has been handed over to Mrs Smith. ■ Some recent accounts from Queensland have induced numbers of diggers to leave the West Coast: The " Grey Kiver Argus" of the 13th inst. reports : — " Eighty-seven men left for that place jpat-avriaj iv» »Vig Toffi-nff ,a-nA TntlTiy TTiniw are talking of going, For their information we may state that we have seen a letter from the Queensland diggings giving a most deplorable account of the prospects of the men there. At the latest accounts there were about 8000 men on the diggings, while only 250 were on gold ; but even these could make no use of their good luck, for there was no water to be had in the vicinity ; and the writer of the letter, while he wishes'he had never left the West Coast, expresses bis belief that in the course of a month the population now gathered together on the Queensland diggings would be once more scattered over the face of the earth. The "Pastoral Times" states that a machine for the purpose of sheep shearing by steam is being constructed in Melbourne, and that it shears skins beautifully, but wants some further improvements before being generally applied to the living animal. Those who have seen- it have no doubt but that the gentleman who is working out the idea will bring it to a successful issue. It cuts quite close, and cannot injure the skin of the sheep, makes no second cut in the wool, and will do as much work as three men. Our Bluff reporter, writing on 22nd inst. says : — During the last forty-eight hours, we had very fair samples of the two extremes of weather here,' the morning oi the 20th was very warm and mild, with a slight breeze from the eastward ; the weather-wise were remarking that it was too good to last long and that something else was coming. The shipmasters at the port had been expecting a blow for a couple of days, and had taken the precaution of making their moorings doubly secure, aud bnced the yards taut up. About twelve noon on the 2 .'th, a gale sprung up from the westward, carrying sand in clouds, and overwhelming everything with it, the wind was immediately foil owed by rain, which continued well into the afternoon, when it partly cleared up, the gale etill blowing during the night, accompanied with thunder and lightning, and a very heavy hail storm fell in the morning ; during yesterday, wind, rain, and hail came down with great violence, which has continued till this morning, and at the present moment there are no signs of it abating. The beach at Oamaru, says the local paper, is now a scene of great activity, numbers of men and drays being at work in collecting and removing the immense quantity of wool ex the unfortunate Star, now lying upon the shore. There are also a number of men and boys busily engaged in picking out the seaweed, &c, from the wool. The purchasers of the wool have also fitted up most complete washing apparatus at the site of the late bridge. There is a large boiler erected, built into substantial masonry, for supplying hot water to the vats in which the wool is steeped in a solution of potash and soap. Numbers of boxes are placed in the stream, with perforated sides, and; gratings at each end, and the wool taken from fie vats is placed in these and thoroughly rinsed ; it is then carried up to the Esplanade, tnd spread oat on sheets of sailcloth to dry. In addition to the large quantity being cleansed as described, the contents of some 800 bales have been spread out upon a paddock at Mr J. Allen's, to dry. Every pains seems to have been taken to put the wool in marketable condition, and we hope that the gentlemen who have undertaken the risk and trouble will realjiiP satisfactory pecuniary results. ff\