GENERAL NEWS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 164, 30 March 1871, Page 7

GENERAL NEWS.

At Ravenna, Ohio, the other day, a remarkable marriage ceremony wan performed. The bridegroom's name was Walter Pierce, and in a paper drawn up he agreed to accord to the woman equal " rights, socially, religiously and politically." with himself. In return, the lady said, " I take Walter Pierce, whom I now hold by the hand, and whom I intelligent')', religiously, and spiritually love, to be my companion through life; and I agree not to usurp over or transcend Mm in any particular." Then they both said, "By this voluntary aud premeditated act, in your presence, we declare ourselves religiously, "philosophically, and scientifically, married." And then the Mayor declared them married.

An official telegram from Mr. G. S. Cooper, Under-Secretary for Defence, to Major Atkinson, gives the following 'as the final result of the colonial prizefiring it Auckland. The first six are Otago men :—: — 1. Wales (Champion) - 363 2. Taylor - - - 356 3. GoldiQ ... 355 4. Wilson - 355 5. Reid ... 354 6. Christie - - - 353 The " Canterbury Times " says :—: — " A shirt, breeches, and leggings, made from New Zealand flax, may now be inspected at the office of Mr. Deßourbcl, Cathedral square. They are from the London outfitter referred to at the last meeting of the Flax Association, and have been forwarded to Mr. Deßourbel by Mr. Owen Jonos, of Auckland, who recently brought them out from England. In eve' y sense of the word they are worthy the attention of all wellwishers of local industry. The shirt is as soft and pliable as silk, though perhaps a little course in texture. The price in England is, we believe, Bs. 6d. each, but, judging from appearances, they ai*e well worth the money. The breeches and leggings are much coarser

than the shirt, and are dyed a reddish brown, but appear exceedingly strong and durable.

" Rather an amusing anecdote " states the " G-eelong Express," is related of one of the candidates for a local constituency, who, whilst addressing the electors at a public meeting, in speaking of education, exclaimed, ' and now we come to a subject of tha greatest hinterest and himportance, namely, the ITeducation question,' when he was interuptedby an elector interjecting, 'Yes, and it's you as shows the want of it.' " In the Wellington Assembly, last session, an equally pretentious member might have been heard talking glibly of the " 'Undreds Haet," and of the Superintendent of Otago having promised to " move the spears " iv opposition to it.

The gentleman returned to represent the Middle Island Maories in the House of Representatives rejoices in the soubriquet of "Bloody Jack."