LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 113, 7 April 1870, Page 5

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

From our Scotch exchanges we learn that the Rev. G. Morris, lata of Tauranga, died at Cupar Fife four days after his arrival there, and only a fortnight after he reached London. Mr. Morris was only in New Zealand a few !^7nths, and was getting a considerable number of friends around him at Tauranga, when il" health induced him to return to his native home.

The Postmaster informs us that from and after this date the postage on letters for all Australian Colonies (except Western Australia) will be as follows :— Not exceeding half nn ounce, 3d ; not exceeding an ounce, 6d ; not exceeding one and a-half ounces, 9d ; and so on increasing, 3d for every half ounce. Alteration also made on the progression of rates of postage on letters for the colony of New Zealand, United Kingdom, British Colonies and possessions, which will in future be as follows : Not exceeding half an ounce, one rate ; not exceeding one ounce, two rates ; not exceeding one and a-half ounces, three rates ; and so on for every additional half ounce or fraction of half ounce, one rate additional. Postage rates for the United Kingdom remains as before, with the exception as to the progression.

The " Cromwell Argus " writes as follows : • " About a month since, while on a visit to the reefs at Bendigo, Mr. Warden Pyke picked a piece of stone, weighing about six pounds, from a heap which had been raised from one of the claims on the Bendigo line of reef, and having pbtained permission to appropriate it, he did so, and subsequently forwarded it to Dr. Hector for analysis. We were favoured by Mr. Pyke jvitb a copy of the telegram received by him in reply to the letter accompanying the stone :— 'Wellington, Bth Maicb. — Specimen received. Mica schist, traversed by oblique veins of quartz. Contains of gold 30 to 35 ozs. per ton. — Hector, Geologist.' We understand that there is plenty of the same description of stone raised from the claim whence the piece we have mentioned was taken."

A "WEIGh-bbidge is greatly wanted in Lawrence. It matters not what the kind of merchandise may be, as soon as it passes a few hundredweight, there is nothing but guesswork to guide with regard to the weighi A correspondent some twelve months ago pointed put the advisability of th,e Council taking this matter into consideration. There can be no doubt that such a machine would, in a few months, repay the necessary outlay, and be a source of revenue to the town.

We observe that Mr. Peter Robertson has been still further improving his farm by the erection, in. stone, of substantial stables, piggeries, and sheds. Too much praise cannot be awaided to Mr. Robertson for the enterprising spirit which be has brought to bear upon the wilds of Tuapeka. His farm is now not only the best in the district, but may be pointed to with piide as a good model for all our Tuapeka fanners.

" Charley Mathews " is alieady at home in Melbourne. The other evening, between the first and second acts of the Opera "Lucretia Borgia" at the Theatre Royal, the "Argus" says: — "A cry was raised of "Mathews, Mathews," which acted like a spark on gunpowder, for the whole house exploded in cheers , as it rose to greet its familiar friend, the great comedian, who, with. ■ Mtb. Charles Mathews, was seated in the front of the dress circle. Mr. Mathews rose and bowed his thanks, seemingly much gratified at such an unexpected yelcome.'J

Miss Dolly Green, accompanied by Mons. Fleury aud Mr. Milburn, gave her monologue entertainment in the Lawrence Athenseuin on Friday evening last. The attendance was not so good as might have been expected, owing to Mr. Thatcher and his company being in Lawrence. In several of herimpersonations,MissGreen could not be excelled ; and we exceedingly regret her entertainment clashed with Mr. Thatcher's, as otherwise she would have had a bumper house.

Thatcher has been in our midst for a week and has afforded a fund of amusement to Law - rence and its residents. We have each in our turn been reckoned up, and had oui little weaken esses and eccentricities exhibitedbef ore our eyes' in many cases with remarkable truthfulness. Some of us winced under the lash, while others adopted the proper mode .and laughed heartily at the absurdities of their own doings. During these entertainments, Mr. Thatcher made some very successful hits. Recent events in the township gave fine scope for local matter j and it is admitted by all that the caricaturist made a good use of them. These concerts have been the most successful given in Tuapeka for many a day. Small's delination of Irish oharacter is one of the finest treats of the description that could be witnessed at home or abroad, while the sentimental songs of Daniels were rendered with a pathos and correctness which biought down rounds of applause. They have had crowded houses every night during their stay ; and we may congratulate our up-country friends on having such a splendid treat awaiting them.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr. Capstick will hold a sale of stock and farming implements at Mr. Hislop's farm, Tokomairiro. The far-famed Clydesdale entire, Maiquis is to be disposed of; also the entire Major. We understand there is likely to be a good sale.

On paying a visit to Waipori the other day, we were agreeably surprised to see our old friend Thos. Reynolds in possession of his hotel again ; from his long residence in Waipori in former years, lie gained the respect and esteem of all who knew him ; and we have no doubt now that he has returned to his old quarters, he will get his share of public patronage. The bed rooms are all newly furnished, and cannot be surpassed for cleanliness and comfort. We were also glad to see the Provincial Hotel again open ; it is now un.ler the management of Mr. James Robertson ; the stabling department being under the supervision of Mr. James Vial.

The freehold property, together with house and furniture of the late Mr. Eastman will be sold by public auction on the ground at Havelock, on Thursday next. < The Oddfellows at the Blue Spur purpose celebrating their third anniversary by a ball and supper on Qood Friday, the loth inst. ; a large turn out of the fair sex is anticipated.

The opening of the new Wesleyan Church, Blue Spur, takes place on Sunday next, when the Key. W. Keall and Mr. Marten (Waikouaiti) will preach the dedicatory sermons. On Tues evening a tea and public meeting will bo held in the new building. Addresses will be delivered by the Eevs. J. Menzies, W. Kcall, and Messrs. Marten, Gilbert, and others.

The English mail will close here via Suez on Friday, the Bth inst., at 8 p.m., and via San Francisco on Monday, 25th, at 8 p.m.

The following item of local news has been sent to the " Oamaru Times." As a choice specimen of ortbiography and composition, we give the letter c< verbatim et literatim :" — " To the Editor Sir you will Oblige Greatly by inserting this in your columns a serious Accidend Ocured on the Oamaru beach on tuesday the 29 to Mr. A Patterson wilst Mounting a, young horse he Got seaverly throne from him and kicked on the Leg wich sent him Limping Mr. Patterson must have the heart of a Lion to have backed him again & his man must have been hurt badly by the horse to Mr. Patterson Mounted the vishous animal which threw him ag-ain which made him Groan ag-gain We hope nothing has been hurt seriously.- A Bystander."

A gentleman, residing in Oamaru, upon whose statement we can rely with the most thorough confidence, informs us that on the evening of Sunday, the 27th lilt., at about 6 o'clock, he observed in the western horizon a mirage of more than ordinary beauty. Pictured on the heavens, vividly as by a painter's brush, was a beautiful landscape. In the background were wooded hills, skirting an expanse of country through which two rivers wound their way, like lines of silver-, to a large lake, having in its centre an island, also covered with timber, near to which several vessels lay at anchor; Our informant was not the only person who saw this interesting phenomenon, several other members of his household having gazed upon it with admiration ; one of whom stated that the aerial photograph presented to his eye reminded him strongly of a locality in the North Island. This magic scenery is desaribed to us as resembling that of a part of Loch Lomond, near Eowerdennen.— " Oamaru Times."

FBOSr the " Echo " we learn that " another newspaper is to- be started in Oamaru, and we believe it is to be called the 'Herald.' The 'Times' has, for a long time, exhibited signs of decay, and th.c jrecent announcement that it was in the market, has not tended to raise it in the estimation of the inhabitants of the distiict. It was a good sterling paper when it was first projected, but there can be no doubt thatfsince it has been conducted by a ' Company (Limited.)' its influence has become greatly weakened. The same fate may bo jaedicted for all journals which are not conduoted by an independent proprietary. They may prosper, in the absence of a genuine opposition, for a time, but the end is invariably the s&me, viz, disunion, discord, and ultimately ruin. As regards the new journal, it is understood that it it ' will be published, not bi-weekly, like the other paper, but weekly, and that it will be twice the size of its opponent."

A FOOT race for £200 is to be run on the southern Recreation Ground, Dunedin, on the 23rd inst,, between W. H. Mooney and Boag.

The "Wakatip Mail" is informed that the miners at 25-Mile, Lake, are all doing well, and not a man making less than good wages -viz., £4 to £5 per week. Some good ground has also been struck above the Falls.

What about the bridge over Gabriels? A long time has. elapsed since the tenders were called for. We are not aware who was the successful tenderer, but suiely it is time enough that the work showed some signs of commencement. The plank connecting the bridge with the bank of the creek is all but broken, and we would not wonder to hear of accidents happening to some of the school children in crossing it. We learn from the postmaster that a large increase in the number of telegrams has already taken place at the Lawrence and Dunedin offices. We have no doubt the same holds good all over the colony.

We are glad to learn that Messrs. Counell and illbodie have commenced to survey the 10,000 acres on M 'Lean's run, which w.ere recommended by the Hundreds Committee to complete the 15,000 acre Beaumont Hundred. The land is on both sides of the main road, and consists of the best agricultural soil in the run We believe that should the Hundreds Regulations Act as amended by the Provincial Council be adopted by the Assembly, the Beaumont Hundred will be at once declared open for purchase.

Much has been said and written about a flour mill at Evans Flat. Ifc is upwards of IS months since the project was set on foot by Mr. Lawson of Tokoinairi.ro, and from the stir made in the mutter at that time, we expected to see the mill busily at work before this time. But what is the fact? "Why it is no nearer completion than it was a year ago, and no signs whatever of any steps being taken to carry on the work. We know of several settlers in the district who had sown wheat ou the strength of Mr. Lawson's promises. Sowing time is again close at hand, and if there is any probability of a mill being erected, inducement would be offered to farmers in the distiict to lay down a large area in wheat. If Mr. Lawson really purposes carrying out his project, it is high time he gave the settlers some knowledge of his intpntion. By his promise he has only kept another man out of the field, as there are several ready to embark in a speculation which is considered one of the most profitable going.