WELLINGTON.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 410, 27 September 1861, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

{From the Wellington.lndependent.)

New Zealand Bank.—To show the great confidence that the Commercial public of Wellington have evinced in this great colonial undertaking, we have only to mention that out of the 5000 shares apportioned to this place, the whole have been taken up, with the exception of 400 shares, and that three fourths of the first instalment are already paid. It may be as well to intimate to subscribers, that unless tha first payment of £1 per share be paid within two days, the 2s. 6d. deposit will become forfeited. It is most desirable, that subscribers should at once pay up, in order that advices may be forwarded to Auckland by the Airedale, intimating that the list is filled, and the money for the first instalment paid, which will greatly facilitate the opening of the Wellington branch. Instructions have already been received from Auckland to procure suitable premises; and it is expected that the bank will commence operations here within four months. The whole of the shares allotted for Sydney were eagerly sought after, and taken up at once; and we understand that orders have been sent to Auckland to purchase more.

Pheasants cor the Wairarapa.—We understand that several male and female pheasants have arrived by the last, trip of the Airedale, from Auckland, for Mr. C: R. Carter, who intends to turn them out on his estate in the Wairarapa, and as they are, if not destroyed, pretty certain to increase and spread throughout the whole of the above district, we trust the settlers of that place will do their utmost to protect them from injury. A biil to protect certain imported animals and birds was introduced by Mr. Stafford during the last days of. the recent session of the General Assembly, and passed into law, The bill imposes penalties varying from £2 to i£2o and from £4 to £40, on persons found destroying certain animals, such as deer, hares, &c, and birds such as quails, thrushes, blackbirds, pheasants, &c, anytime between now and the year 1871. We believe that though plentiful about Auckland, pheasants there are difficult to take alive; and Mr. Carter is indebted for those sent down to this province for him, to Mr. Butler, M.H.R. for Mongonui.

Fire.—On Sunday Bth inst. between twelve and one o'clock in the afternoon, the fire alarm was rung from the Thorndon bell, when it was found that the house of Mr. St. Hill in Hawkestone-street was in considerable danger. Fortunately the fire was discovered instantly on its breaking out, and the Government engine being close at hand was brought quickly on the spot by Inspector Atchison, and plentifully supplied with water from the stream in Mr. St.. Hill's grounds. The fire was soon extinguished, the damage being confined to the kitchen. The house is not insured. The fire originated from the soot in the kitchen flue, which is an iron one, becoming ignited causing the flue to become red hot. The wooden casing thereupon caught, and if the accident had happened in the night the whole premises would most probably have been destroyed. Iron flues should always have an outer casing of the same material; they are then safe, but otherwise they are most dangerous. Overland Mail from Napier.-—This morning we received the first letters and papers per the overland mail from Napier. The mail was eight days on the road. Tne establishment of this mail will be a great boon to the settlers along the route, as they will now have an opportunity of receiving and despatching their letters with punctuality.

Fire.—On Sunday 16th inst. the stables at the rear of Mr. Charles Luxford's residence, Dixon-street, Te Aro. were burnt to the ground. The fire was first observed about three o'clock. The watchman gave the alarm, and the neighbors turned out immediately, and succeeded in confining the fire to the building in which it originated. The military were quickly at the scene of the disaster, and under the able superintendence of Major..Dwyer, rendered effectual assistance. Being situated in a crowded neighborhood, and the wind blowing strongly from the N.W., much destruction of property would have taken place, if it had not been for the timely assistance rendered.

Exploring Party.—A (}o\d Exploring party, consisting of Messrs. Lucae, Kempton Challis and another started from Grey town on Saturday morning for the Snowy Ranges, between the Wairarapa and the West Coast. They took with them a pack horse, and food for a fortnight. We wish them every success.

The Wellington Mutual Improvement Society.—A society under this designation has been formed, and meets weekly in a room over the office of the Building Society, adjoining the Odd Fellows* Hall. The meeting nights are every Tuesday, and we are glad to observe, that they are generally well attendecf. We trust that the promoters of this Society will-meet with that success which the laudable object they have in view so well merits.