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Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5069, 14 April 1885, Page 2

At a meeting of th« Wanganui City Bines, held last night, the company unanimously resolved to offer themselves to Government to serve in any part of the colony if called upon.

Isaac Coates, of Hamilton, is the successful tenderer for the Puniu railway, the amount of his tender being £29,000.

The County Chairman (Mr A. Brodie) leaven the Thameß this afternoon per p.s. Enterprise, for the purpose of interviewing Ministers in Auckland in regard to local requirements. :

The candidates undergoing examination under the Civil Service regulations, who presented themselves yesterday were—Misses M.Blakely, A. J. Limb, A. 0. Phillips, and E. Savage. The examination is being conducted in the Customs office, under the supervision of Mr E. F. Tizard, and mil be com* pleted on Friday. -

Messes Olimo and Bawden are now 'engaged at the Herald battery in removing the water-wheel constructed by them some time ago, and intend replacing it with one of improved design, which it is expected will effeot a saving of from one-third to one-half a sluice head of water. Thess wheels appear to be coming into great favor on the field, and we understand that Mr Bawden has received several requests for estimate! of their cost.

Owing doubtless to the rainfall yesterday— though slight, as it seemed—all the batteries on the field have been allowed the water necessary for indulging in full work at once.

The local option election for the combined districts of Hastings and Totara took place yesterday. The returns from Tairua are not yet to hand, but at Ibis end of the district ten rotes were polled. The Returning Officer not having yet opened the ballot box, is unable to give us the result for and against. Mr E. WHpllis presided at this end ef the district, and Constable Joyce at Tairua. The following presents have been sent to the Orphanage:—Thames Gas Company, a ton of coke ; Mrs Marshall, and Mr S. Cbalton, 1 case- apples each ; Auckland Scripture Gift Association, three volumes; and Baptist Sunday School, a parcel of papers. ♦ The Committee has decided to accept the kind offers of Captain Dalton, of the p.s. Te Aroba, to give the inmates a trip to the Puke, and of Messrs Phillips, Baker, and Barnett to carry the children to and from the steamer. Bishop Eedwood left, Wellington by the steamer Ruapehu last evening for England, en route for Europe. His sudden departure is somewhat of a surprise, and the nature of his voyage is not disclosed. The Rev. Father MoNamara has been appointed to the oharge of the diocese during the bishop's absence. It is possible that the division of dioceses in New Zealand may have something to do with his departure. This morning Mr J. McGowan, on behalf of ths Railway Committee, telegraphed to Mr W. Fraser, M.H.R,, that the public was anxiously enquiring when tenders would be called for railway extension towards Te Aroba. Our member, on receipt, interviewed | the Minister, and Mr Richardson replied to the effect that specifications for the work are being prepared in Wellington, and he suggested that the Railway Committee, as a deputation, should interview him in Auckland on the subjeot. This, it may be conjectured, is with a view to his obtaining further information on the subject of the lino. The new master of the Waiotahi School, Mr J. B. Heriot, has assumed command, and Mies Caldwell from Auckland has taken the place—as assistant teacher—vacated through | indisposition by Miss Hamilton. As will be seen by advertisement, the Boiree in connection with the Grahamstown Wesleyan Church is to be held this evening. The occasion will also take the form of a welcome soiree to the Rev. Edward Best, the newlyappointed minister. The services conducted by Mr Best on Bunday quite confirmed the reports that had proceeded him, and showed him to be possessed of special ability as a preacher and speaker. Se eral of the local ministers and others are expected to Bpeak, and special pieces will be rendered by the choir.

The blind goddesi and a rotary of Bacchus came into contact in the Police Court this morning. Peace said, " You're up for a drunk.'' Bacchus' follower owned up. "You know it's veryr wrong," broke in Peace. B.F. didn't deny tbe fact, bo Peace scored one in a conviction, and another in magnanimity, by lecturing the B,F. and discharging him.

The usual meeting of the Mutual Improvement Society was held last evening. A propoeil had lieen made to suspend operations of the Society for a time owing to (he paucity in the' attendance of members, but after an animated discussion last evening it was decid d to continue the regular meetings. The President laet evening read a paper on Amusements aud next meeting Ming Hazelden will contribute one on " Heroines."

We are in receipt of the Febnury number of The English News Letter, published bj Gordon and Gotoh in London. The issue before us is replete with interestiog information of interest to all colonists.

Ik the case at the Auckland criminal sessions against Robert Prendergast for wifo murder at Pokeno, the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommend tion to mercy, on the ground of previous insanity. The prisoner said nothing in defenos save tbat he was sorry he did not kill the man—meaning Buchanan, of whom he was jealous.

J. Aixojf, a jockey, who while riding Alaska on the Takapuna racecourse last week in training got thrown, has died from concussion of. the brain. At the inquest, a verdict of "Accidental death " was returned.