INTERCOLONIAL EXTRACTS.

Southland Times, Issue 1165, 15 November 1869, Page 3

INTERCOLONIAL EXTRACTS.

The last remnant of the old Exhibition Building (says the Melbourne Herald of the 3rd inst.) namely, that erected as a carriage annexe, and afterwards used as a National Gymnasium, was pulled down yesterday, in order to make room for the operations of the contractor, who is about to build the new Victorian Mint. A disturbance of a very painful nature, writes the Ballarat Star of the Ist inst., occurred last evening previous to the meeting of the Ballarat East Council, in which Councillor Thompson and Mr E. Charles worth, town clerk of Ballarat East, were the principal actors. At the meeting of the finance committee, previous to the sitting of the council, Councillor Thompson pointed out some omission in the duties of the town clerk, and as Mr Chariesworth had applied or spoken of applying for ex ra assistance to enable him to carry out the rather heavy duties of town clerk, he answered the remark by one to the effect that he had got quite enough to do. Councillor Thompson spoke to him asserting hia right to point out what should be done, and to that Mr Chariesworth made a reply that he was an ass. This led rapidly to more heated words, and before any person present knew what was following, the disputants wera "at it " with their fists. Interference separated them, and it was then found that Cr. Thompson's mouth was bleeding. The council met in committee, and on coining into the chamber, the mayor intimated to Mr Chariesworth that he had been suspended till after the sitting. Mr Chariesworth on hearing so, went down stairs and sent up his resignation shortly afterwards of the offices of town clerk and borough treasurer. Cr. James had a last kick at the outwardgoing officer in a few remarks which he made in seconding the motion that the resignation be received, a motion which was moved by Cr. Eastwood ; and the mayor in giving his concurrence to that view, expressed himself as extremely sorry for what had taken place, as Mr Chariesworth had been a most efficient and painstaking officer. The resignation was received. The following amusing story is told by the Gipps Land Times : — " A somewhat amusing incident occurred the other day at a house on the outskirts of the town. The milkmaid had been wont to fill a jug early in the morning, and leave it at the door of the house for the inmates, who are not remarkable for early rising. For several mornings in succession the jug was found at the door minus the milk, but at the same time ' having certain indications of having at one time been the depository of the nutritious fluid,' as our long-winded friends would say. A thought struck the lady of the house — the thief must be some saucy grimalkin. She would outwit the cat by using a jug with a long narrow neck. A ju» with a long narrow neck was placed outside to receive the milk and filled in due course by the maid. Pussy paid her accustomed early visit, and found an obstacle, but she would not be " done." Down she thrust her head past the narrow neck and drank a great portion of the milk — as much as she could reach. Then she wanted to get her head back. This was more than a rub." It was a hitch. Puss tried all she knew to get rid of her " mug, " but it was " no go." She ran about the garden with this elegant head dress, and made a white track, by spilling the milk sue could not drink. The lady of the house travelled the milky way and found her cat in a pitiable fix. The jug had to be broken to relieve the animal of the mask. The official investigation into the cause of the wreck of the ship Victoria Tower has resulted in the following decision :— " The official court of enquiry, after deliberating on the evidence taken in the case of the loss of the Victoria Tower, is of opinion th&t the loss of the ship is ' attributable to the default of Captain

Kerr, he not having,, .under .the _circumstances of the ease, and the state of the weather, sooner hauled the ship to the S. B. on the starboard tack, and, further, for not having giot an occasional cast of the lead to verify his position. The Court, taking into consideration the long service and good character of Captain Kerr, desire to pass a lenient sentence, and hereby suspend his certificate for a period of six calendar mouths from this date." The Sporting Life has the following news respecting English pedestrians for Australia : — " We are authorised to state that arrangements have been made by Mr Shoosmith for Bird, of Sheffield, Hewitt, of Millwall, and the renowned champion walker, Q-eorge Topley, to visit Australia, to try conclusions with the most celebrated pedestrians of the colonies. Bird and Hewitt are amongst the most famous runners at both long and short distances, and Topley's fame is unchallenged either here or across the Atlantic. In order to ensure the men preserving their best form during their stay in Australia, Mr Shoosmith has engaged the services of George Leger, who has acted as trainer for both Bird and Hewitt for the last three years ; so we have therefore little fear of supremacy in this branch of sport being wrested from the old country." The above men were to sail from England in either the Lincolnshire or the Thomas Stephens on or about the 20th September. The Geelong Advertiser of the 2nd inst. says : — Niue or ten teams arrived in Geelong yesterday morning from the wreck oi the Victoria Tower, conveying a Jarge quantity of whiskey and other spirits, tobacco, etc. It is stated that the purchasers of the wreck have now cleared sufficient to pay them for their outlay, that a large quantity of valuable merchandise will still be secured, and that they have still hopes of floating the vessel. As they lighten her she gradually rises in the water.