WELLINGTON.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 347, 15 February 1861, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

(From the Spectator.)

Fatal Accident.—On Saturday the 26th, about one o'clock, James Thomas Cauty fell overboard from the ketch Brothers lying at anchor, and though boats immediately put off to his assistance the unfortunate man had sunk to rise no more before the Wonga Wonga's boat (the first on the spot) came up. There were no grapnel irons to be procured, and a drag had to be improvised, made of a pump handle, wool hooks, and fish hooks. Considerable delay occurred, as a boat had to be despatched for the hooks ; no time was lost but it was full half an hour beifore the body was recovered, when it was taken to the Nag's Head, and the usual restoratives tried for nearly two hours without success. An inquest was held on the body before Matk Kebble, Esq*» Coroner for the district, on Monday* whsn the jury reta[rn.e<J a

verdict of " Accidental drowning " accompanied by a presentment to'the Coroner stating that in their opinion had proper grapnels been procurable at: any of the wharves contiguous, the, deceased's life might have been saved The unfortunate man has left a widow and six small children to lament his loss, and we fear, in this case, totally unprovided for, as the deceased had only been employed for a few days as master-of the ketch. {From the Wellington Independent.) ....■■ H.M.S. Fawn.—On Tuesday afternoon Jan. 29 the crew of the Fawn were exercised in gunnery, and on Wednesday morning she proceeded to sea on a practice cruise. . ; '. ; The Wellington Rifle Corps.—On. Wednesday, January 23, the whole of this Corps delivered up their arms and ammu 7 nition and were disbanded. The period for which they were sworn in (a year) does not expire for a few months, but it was deemed advisable to disband the corps, now that the troops have taken up their quarters permanently. Opportunity was immediately afterwards given for such as were desirous to ' re-form Company,' to do so, and about half of the original corps took the oath for another year and received new arms and ammunition. The arm is the short rifle recently received from Auckland, and appears a much more handy weapon than the long one. The Rifle Volunteers Uniform.— This uniform which arrived in the Wild Duck has been distributed, and though not yet worn on parade, has been sufficiently seen on the beach to be much admired. The uniform is a kind of silver greyy edged with black braid and a piping of red. It is in all respects the uniform recommended by the War Office as the cheapest, least distinguishable at a distance, and most convenient, and is spoken of by those who have worn it as very comfortable. The case containing the caps have been unfortunately shut out of the Wild Duck and will not arrive for several weeks. Serious Accident.—On 19th Jan. as Mr. W. Bromley was returning from Goathurst Farm, in a gig, the horse bolted, and the wheel coming in contact with a stump, Mr. Bromley was thrown out and fell upon his head. He was picked up in an insensible state, and conveyed to his residence, Ingestre-street, when Dr. Williams was quickly in attendance, and we are glad to hear that he is rapidly recovering from the effects of the accident. A similar accident occurred to Mr. Wright on Saturday last, but we are glad to say, unattended with serious consequences. Land on Deferred Payment Society. —We understand that upwards of £900 was lent on mortgage by this society last week, principally to its country shareholders. At the last monthly meeting, the receipts were upwards of £600. i