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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3195, 16 May 1879, Page 2

We learn from Mr Stewart, the District Railway Engineer, who is at present on tho Thames, that the plans for the Kauaeranga bridge have gone to Wellington, and instructions may be expected any day authorising him to call for tenders for the erection of the same —that is, if the' the local authorities are prepared to state that they hare acquired the land for the line, and the Government are agreeable; to the amount of' compensation agreed' upon with the owners. We are sorry to say that, notwithstanding the public; interests, at stake, 1 many persons are asking such large amounts, not only for what they consider the value, of the land required from them, but in several instances for compensation for the injury done by the construction of.the line of,railway. While such a course is pursued, there is little prospect of any further contracts being let; and, in fact, there is evevy reason- to anticipate that the; result may be a permanent stoppage of the works.. In a few days:a report will be prepared by Col. Fraser of the result of "bis negotiations, when it will be known who are the obstructionists, and public opinion wi'l be brought to bear upon the subject. . .

It is rumoured that Sir Hercules Robinson intends having a stud of racehorses, and that he will select either Christchurch or Auckland for his stables. ;

It is probable that the Borough will at once ' proceed with the erection of the' Children's Home, -on the land giten by Mr Murdoch for that purpose. - ,

Me John Gudgeon, of the Telegraph Department^ was presented by His Worship the Mayor last evening with a beautifully finished gold ring as a mark of the, esteem and respect entertained for him ,by his friends upon, the Thames. The^'presentation was made, owing id Mr Gudgeon being, ordered by;< his department to proceed to Wellington. The Mayor* in making the. presentation, spoke of the good qualities of Mr Gudgeon, and expressed regret at his departure. Mr Cameron, Mr Gellibn, Mr Cloonan, Mr Allom, and a number of other gentlemen also spoke of the pleasant,, ; sociable manners of their friend, and wished him! prosperity in his new sphere of duty.; After Mr Gudgeon's health was proposed from" the Chair, several other toast's were given, interspersed with songs, which helped to pass a very pleasantl evening; Mr Gudgeon left; by the;sterner this afternoon. . ..... ;

Some little sensation, was caused at the Court to-day during the hearing of the case Hale v. Hiscoek, by it coming out that an illicit still had been in operation in the Tairiia district. His) Worship caused Mr Kenny to be summoned, and requested him to listen to the evidence, when he might hear something that would interest him. It is not improbable that a case will be made out of it.

We notice that Mr Horatio iPhillips, of the :K.auaeranga Boys' School,: will hold classes for extra subjects, including Latin, French, mathematics, and bookkeeping, which will commence on Monday, the 19th instant, at 4 p-m. English subjects three days a week at 7.30 p.m. ■

It is probable that an effort will be made to have Monday the 26th proclaimed by the Government a holiday instead of the 24fch ult., the Queen's Birthday, which falls on a Saturday, a very inconvenient day for business people. \ /

The new arms and accoutrements for the Hauraki Engineers have arrived, and are being distributed as rapidly as possible. The carbines are quite new, and bear the date 1878. They are smaller than those issued to the Naval Brigade. The bayonets are also: something of the same pattern as the Navals, minus the serrated back. The company* expect their new uniforms here shortly, when the appearance of this crack corps will be greatly enhanced. r f ;

We are informed that Mr Byers will, toimorrow night, give another, performance at the Academy of Music, assisted by local amateur talent, on . which occasion the piece de resistance will be "Ingomar the Barbarian,'' accompanied by a pantomime ballet, and to conclude with "His Last Legs. 1' A notice will appear to-morrow. ... '

Mb John Bright, of Parawai, advertises that he has some choice shrubs, plants, and flowers for sale—especially a variety of the thorn suitable for garden fences, which is free from the insect that destroys the ordinary white thorn.