PROVINCIAL AND GENERAL

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 169, 4 May 1871, Page 3

PROVINCIAL AND GENERAL

It may not be generally known that a very superior kind of building stone exists in unlimited quantity along the banks of the Kawarau River, between Kawarau Gorge and the Roaring Meg (Kirtleburn). It belongs to the class of rocks known to geologists as mica-sc'iisf, which is so abundant in this part of the country. In colour it is a beautiful green, intersected by thin veins of white quartz ; is easily wrought, and is said to be susceptible of a high polish. This material was largely used in building the piers and abutments of the Cromwell Bridge ; and for strength and durability be ; ieved to be unsurpassed. — " Cromwell Argus."

The " Wellington Independent " of the 17th instant says : — " On Friday last, the steamer Duke of Edinburgh, while on a trip from Auckland to Whangarei, and when between Bream Tail and Whangarei Head, experienced a violent storm, accompanied by thunder and lightning. About nine o'clock in the evening, during the heaviest of the storm, a large ball of fire descended in dangerous proximity to tlie vessel. From Captain Farquhar's description of the phenomenon, it must have been without doubt, one of the most extraordinary of the kind ever witnessed. He says that the ' report caused by the atmospheric disturbance and the concussion, were such as to shake the vessel from stem to stern in the most violent manner ; and that as soon as he recovered from the shock he saw a large ball of fire, about the size and shape of a hogshead, descending from the clouds in a perpendicular line. It appeared so close to the ship that he at first feared it would fall on board, but it dropped into the water about 50 feet from the steamer. Captain Parquhar states that at the time of the explosion he experienced a most extraordinary sensation, being totally unable to speak for some seconds. He also states that the ball of fire emitted a strong smell of sulphur. Chang, the giant, (says the Ballarat "Evening Mail,") administered a polite but well-timed rebuke to a gentleman who " interviewed " him one day this week at the Victoria Hotel. The visitor in question commenced his remarks, with the worst possiblo taste, in broken English, introducing occasionally the word " savee." Chang, with conscious dignity and true politeness, interrupted his visitor with the following remarks : — " Pardon me, sir, if you have no objection we will carry on the conversation in English, or, if you prefer it, in either Grermau or French. I speak either language moderately well." The visitor put on his hat and walked oft* taken down several pegs by tho polite giant,