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Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 351, 5 March 1861, Page 2

The Camsher and Terry's Tfti^E.-—This weapon nlly now be seen at the Government Offices, samples having been lately received by the Pr6vincial Government, accompanied with testimonials of its superiority from competent judges^ besides most favorable notices from thej London Press. This rifle is breach-loading, and-is said to be capable^?being fired; ten times in a minute; and in a trial at Southsea common, before MajorGeneral Sir James York Scarlett, discharged eighteen hundred rounds without cleaning being found necessary, and only missing fire twice during the practice. - The superiority over the old pieces is said to be three pounds less in weight and five shots to one; in time of firing, cleaning being unnecessary under about two thousand rounds. The War Department, according to the United Service Gazette, being satisfied of its excellence, has ordered a considerable number for the use of cavalry. The merits of this rifle are compared with that of tho^Enfield, and said to be far superior ,• the liability to "lead through the improper construction of the "grooves" of the latter being spoken of as notorious. We can ourselves add nothing of course to the above criticism as to the actual test, but for the absence of recoil or "kicking "of the pieces we can answer, while the appearance has in no degree been sacrificed to the novelty of construction, there being -nothing awkward or unsightly about it. The extreme simplicity of the construction, and facility afforded for loading—no ramrod, or biting the cartridge being necessary, is at a glance perceptible, rendering it almost desirable weapon for cavalry in its curtailed proportions, a handsome sample of which kind, with silver plated barrel "and mountings, i g amongst the collection; the range of these, as well as those for sporting purposes is from 600 to 900 yards, while the full size regulation piece is marked at 1100 yards. The peculiarity of make, although simple, is not easily conveyed by description ; we may, however, say that the barrel is placed on the stock instead of into it, as ordinarily, and the breach end is furnished with a sliding piston worked by a lever, the latter shutting into the right side of the barrel. Upon pulling up the lever and drawing the piston partly' from the breach a loading chamber is discovered, in which \ the cartridge is placed; the piston is then pushed in again and the lever covers the aperture or chamber; the piston by this action carries the cartridge forward until under the nipple: the piece is then ready for use. Upon being discharged the the powder is ignited in the middle, and the lower end of the cartridge, being a greased wad, remains in the barrel; at the next load tbis is pushed forward by the bullet, and is thus intended to act as a means of constantly lubricating the piece : the -simplicity of the arrangement, however, must be seen to be properly understood. Whether this arm will really supersede its predecessors, or whether the antagonism of prejudice against it hinted at as the only objection that can be made will be too strong to be overcome, remains to be seen; the construction, however, is well worthy the study of those who take an interest in such matters at the present time of studious research for the most perfect weapon of destruction.

To Voters.—We call attention to an advertisement in this issue, showing where the papers may be obtained for the purpose of being' properly entered on the electoral roll. This being the allotted month, we earnestly point but the "necessity for attending to registration without any delay.

Collingwood.—On Saturday we heard of a melancholy occurrence that took place on Friday morning at about four o'clock, at Golden Gully, by which the house of Mr. James Crooks was consumed, and Mr. Crooks himself burnt to death. The body presented a sad spectacle, the head having been entirely consumed, as well as "the' lower extremities. The remains are in such a sad condition as scarcely to permit of identification. Mr. James Mackay, the Resident Magistrate, was absent at the time on official business, the Sergeant Major of Police was also away in Motueka; it *-was, therefore, thought advisable to send Mr. Blackett, J.P., and Mr. J. Sharp; Magistrates' Clerk, in the pilot boat, to make enquiries concerning the lamentable event., We therefore will not bias the opinions of our readers previous to more certain information, though it is currently reported.that circumstances of a doubtful nature will be brought out during the investigation.—The Devil's Hill party have at length been enabled to reap the reward of their perseverance, and have taken out 11 ozs. of gold per day for the two days we have last heard from them. Should the weather continue favorable, it is expected that their long delayed hopes will be compensated* to some extent. *