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Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 29, 20 April 1878, Page 2

Laxd Dispute.—A number of natives have arrived hero by the Ryno, from the Union Group. The purport of their visit is, wo understand, to interview the British Consul concerning some land dispute which has arisen in that part of the globe. The Barque Wellington, —On Monday morning last the barque Wellington, which was condemned last week, was, together with her cargo, sold by auction. The barque was sold for §IOOO, and was knocked down to Mr. Dixon. Tho coal brought §2 50 cents, per ton, and was knocked down to Mr. Volkoiann. Wo understand that it is contemplated to send the barque to Auckland, aftsr the coal is discharged from her.

Tiik recent Murder at Savaii.— We are glad to .see that the Satnoan Government are beginning to stir themselves in tho matter of the murder recently committed on the plantation of Mr. Cornwall. We are informed that a party h:is been sent down to Savaii to arrest the alleged murderer ami bring him up heie for trial and punishment. It is to be hoped that they will make such an example of this one that will prevent any such outrages in tho future, and show tho world that we have a Government both able and willing to punish criminals.

Easteb Holidays.—Yesterday was Good Friday, and the places of business were closed in consequence. Monday will be Easter Monday, a day generally set aside for sports, picnics, &i\, in most parts of tile world, but in Samoa we presume it will be as dull as most other i holidays in it. We suppose the cause of the effect is the climate.

The Mail Service.—From the Sydney " Echo," of March 13th, we find the following paragraph : —" It is probable that, in consequence of the treaty between America and Samoa, the mail steamers will call at the latter place." Such an arrangement is to be devoutly wished for, for we are at times months without receiving our Sydney and European mails. Our merchants, no doubt, will hail the advent of the mail steamers as a great boon. .One drawback will be in the fact that they are most likely to call at l'agopago, but we have no doubt that when the time arrives some of our enterprising townsmen will be found equal to the occasion.

Thk Wkathkii.—Tho past week has seen tho return of tho usual trade winds in then full vigour, reducing tho temperature tn something bareable. Some very refreshing showers have fallen during the last two or three days, clothing the various grass patches with a lovely green verdure. Japanksk War Vksski..—We notice by the Sydney papers that Fiji is to be honored by a visit from the Japanese war vessel Toukakaba, which is at present visiting the colonies. She is to call there ol> her way homo. She carries 10 guns, anil her crew Quintan 2.'W, nil Japanese,, with the exception of Commander YVillon and Lieutenant James, instructor!, and three English seamen.

NKW GriVKA.—Notwithstanding the precaution taken by the Rev. Air. Lam and Mr. (ioldie, we notice by the colonial paj>ors that a gtmt many of the residents there bnve got tho gold fever very bad. Vessels were laid 'on in most of the ports to leave in tho middle of March. \Ve may expect to hear of any amount of privation from New (!uincn very shortly, as a result of this mad and headstrong rush after til thy lucre, or the making of it