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Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3998, 21 October 1881, Page 2

The Herald cays it lias now become of notoriety that, for some time pas, threatening letters have been in circulation. Dr Philson, tbe esteemed surgeon of the district hospital, has, we are informed,,been one of those who have been threatened that, in tbe event of his not paying a certain large sum as compensation to his mysterious correspondent, iti consideration of his being the cause of wasting a portion of his life he would be punished in some way. The letter was placed in the hands of the police and steps taken to detect the scoundrel, but without success. We are aleo informed that a widow lady named Mra Dobson re ceivocl a message demanding £18 for some imaginary claim. Thia also was placed iv Ibe bauds of the police*

On a beautiful sheltered plateau ist the eastern base of One-tree Hill, Dr Campbell has commenced the experiment of olive cultivation. Some 5000 grafted plants are at present in the nursery, preparatory to being planted out, over an area of about 40 acres. The olive-plants are exclusively of tbe oil producing variety,. They are apparently promising -well, and are budding out, with a few isolated exceptions, the soil and climate being to all appearance suitable to their production and growth. If the experiments: realise the sanguine anticipations entertained, the community will be substantially benefifcted thereby and another avenue opened up for absorbing ]»bor and profitably investing capital.— Herald.

In reply to a, letter from the Wellington Artillery, complaining of Colonel Reader's conduct, the Defence Minister states that the lieutenant commanding the company must have been under a misapprehension, and that Col. Reader intended no reflection on the battery.

" Atjqtjb," in the Australasian, tips Somerset or Sonin us for tho Victorian Derby, to be run on the 29th inst. Nautilus is scratched for the Melbourne Cup.

It ia stated that a parcel of gold discovered at Fiji has been assayed in Melbourne with a satisfactory result.

Majob Atkinson and Mr Rollesfcon. who intended making a visit to the--West Coast, have postponed the trip for the present.

W» are requested to state that printed 3opies of the new Ooromandel electoral roll may now be obtained from the Registrar of Electors at Is 6d. A large eupplementary roll will be printed a few days after the issue of the writ, and those interested should lose no time in ascertaining whether it is necessary to make application to the Registrar for enrolment thereon, as after the issue of the writ no more names can be placed oa the roll.

JUST us wo go to press we hear that tha wativoß have interfered with the workmen

enguged in tfao erection of one of the bridges lor the Couuty Council up the country, but we are unable to say what amount of truth is in it. Ths Alburnia Gold Mining Company having exhausted the wholo of their reserve fund, and not having any uncalled capital to fall back upon, are to hold an extraordinary meeting during the monlh of November for the purpose of ri-forming the company. It is proposed to fjrm a company with a capital of £12,000, in 12,1.00 sh.rus ot £1 each, 8000 of which would bo allotted to thu present shareholders, tue (4000) being reserved. Tne Alburniu Oompniiy havo not been very successful lately ia uu.iirthing much of the precious mineral, buL we hooa 'hey will not require to make immy calls beforo it is again a dividend paying mine.

In the Warden's Court yesterday, after we went to press, iv the.cueo (Jonie.- v. onodgraas and McWilliams, the evidence of D. H. Bayldon, mining surveyor, Win. Covmb, son of plaintiff, and Wui. Hydu were taken ua behalf of the plaintiff. T::e cjiitufl, on either side having addressed the Ci>urt, the Warden summed up the evidence and made an order that the defendants' names bo inserted on the register as owners of one 25th interest in the mine each. The costs, amounting to £1814s, will have to be paid by tbe defendants.

A SOCIAL gathering was held last evening iv the Grahamstown "Weslcyan Schoolroom of the friends of Mr Henry Meachem, who had assembled in order to take a parting leave of that gentleman, who is leaving for Australia. There were about forty ladies'and gentlemen present, and a most enjoyable evening's amusement was indulged in. A sumptuous repast was provided, of which all hcarlily partook. During the evening Mr Charles McLiver presented, on behulf of the young men of the Eible class of the Sunday School, a very beautiful album, in which was inserted the following illuminated address:—"Pre* sented to Mr Henry Meachem on his leaving the Thames for Australia, as a mark of esteem and respect, by the Grahamßtown Wesleyan Sunday School Eible Class. Thames, N.Z., 20th October, 1881." The illumination was the work of Mr Patterson, of Oweu street, and is very el-gant indeed. Mr Meachem, in returning thanks, said :—"Ladies and gentlemen,—l feel highly honored and flattered by your kindness and generosity this evening. I had not anticipated such treatment at your hands, and am therefore'doubly pleased at receiving such. It is very gratifying to see so m&ny pleasant faces assembled here on this occasion. I thank you very heartily for the handsome album which you have presented to me as a token of your friendship. I shall always value it very highly, and it will he a pleasant reminder to me of my companions on the Thames. My regret is that I hijve to leave such pleasant acquaintances behind me ; however, I hope to bafe the pleasure of seeing you all again at some future time. I again thank you for your kindness^ towards me this evening, and can ocly add that I wish you all happiness and prosperity." Before di persing three cheers were given for Mr Meachem, and also; for Messrs Truecott, Short, Kadford and MoLiver, who were mainly instrumental in bringing about such a successful evening's amusement.

Feom Mr Coney we learn that the Government have made arrangements that from and after the Ist of November prox. money orders will be issued to the German States, and on the Ist of Janusvy a system for the exchange of money oi'dere between the United Stat3B end this colony will be established.

At the Academy of Music to-morrow after.noon Professor Waeten will hold a matinee for children, when he will go through his.'most pleasing entertainment specially prepared for the occasion. He will also appear in the evening at the same place, when the usual round of parlour magic, ropery ing feats, Punch and Judy,, performing dogs; wi'l be given. On Tuesday evening the Professor purposes appearing before our friends at Paeroa, and kas engaged the Public Hall for that evening. Further particulars can bo gleaned from the advertisement.

Gh W. Binbbx and Co. will offer by public auction on Monday, the 24th inst, large quantities of raw and refined oils, white lead, and liquid paints.

The Warden notifies that certain licensed holdings are open for occupation, and also that John MeCombie and James Darrow have applied for permission to construct water-vaces at Waihi.

The Hokitika night-watchman came across a young lady'wandering about in a somnainbulis ie state. She was not attired in evening costume. The night-watchman had some difficulty in awakening her.

It is understood that Sir Arthur G-ordon'a hurried departure from JLevuka to Wellington was owing to dispatches he received by a steamer arriving at Levuka from either Brisbane or Cooktown. The New Zealand Government were not aware of any despatches having been forwarded.