GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 299, 23 October 1873, Page 6

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.

1 His Honor the Superintendent has availed himself of the vote of LSOO by the Assembly for the import of sa'raon ova. and has i-i-structed the Provincial a°ent, Mr Auld, that a shipment roust be made by one of Messrs Patrick Henderson and Co.'<s vessels direot from Glasgow. Mr Frank Buckland has expressed his willingness to under-, take the supervision of the shipment, so that, with ordinary care, it may be expected to succeed. There are unsuspected difficulties connected with the instinct of salmon to return te the rive's in which they were hatched, which have yet tp be resolved, and to our imperfect information on that subject may in some degree be attributed the doubtful success of the Tasmanian import. The arrangements of the Provincial Government in this instance may throw light on the suriject. The Weatland Register of a recent date says :—": — " Late last night aMw Tomkins, who resides at the Big Paddock, had arrived in Hokitika as far as Stafford street, opposite Murphy's s ore, where a most uncommon event occurred. 1 his visit of Mrs Tomkins, who was accompanied by Mr Tomkins, was for the purpose of obtaining medical aid on an impending interesting occasion ; but Mrs Tomkius had either miscalculated, or from some cause or other she was destined to get the litcle affair over in the public street, and without the ordinary solicitous attendance of nurse and doctor. The patient— not, we are happy to say, tho worse from the extraordinary circumstances in which she was placed— was, with her infant daughter, conveyed to Mr Spence's house, where DrMaunsell sanctioned the event by his postnatal attendance, and pronounced mother and child as both doing well. There was a rather .lively discussion on Volunteers in the House of Representatives on September 19. The ball was opened by Mr iSheehan, who declared that the Colony did n )t get anything like a fair return for the money the Volunteer force cost ; that the system was rotten to the core, and did not c .*en produce good rifle shots ; in fact, it was a waste of pnb'ic moaey. The Volunteers, continued the member f>r Rodney, only turned out on some public occasions, but so far as discipline and military efficiency were concerned, they were not worth so much as the paper upon which their names were written. This strong denunciation broight up the Defence Minister, who stated that while sensible of certain defects in the force, he was satisfied that in many parts of the coun ry we had aft fine a body of men in the Volunteer force as could bo found in any part of Great Britain — they were not only good Volunteers, but had actually performed in past times very great service to the country. 'I he Colony could not afford to dispense with the service, but he. admitted *that stricter examination of the officers generally was required, and greater efficiency iv the force, with a reduction in the expense wanted. To these points Government would give its attention ; if it could see that there were any officers whose services could be dispensed with without detriment to the. movement, such a reduction would be made Colonel Kenny, who followed Mr M'Lean, said the Government should next session b ing down a Bill to meet the whole question, both in regard to expense and the organisation of the Volunteer and Militia forces. He suggested the appointment of an experienced Inspector, as without thorough inspection no efficiency could be obtaineJ. Mr Steward said he was in favor of the Prussian system, where every man was obliged to be trained to the use of arms. If the suggestions of the Sub-Committee on Defence were carried out faithfully and honestly, the Volunteer force might be made something of which the Colony ought to feel proud. To know what the Superintendent of Auckland had to say on the subject we must wait till the next number of Hansard reaches us. The Bruce Herald learns, upon good authority, that the Rev. J. H. M'Naughton, of Anderßoc's Bay, will be the Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod for 1874. A " Btar" in the Bhooting line (if we may be allowed the expression) has arisen at Poverty Bay. from the Standard we learn that on Saturday. 20th inst., a Poverty Bay Volunteer, Mr Tuelwall, at a rifle practice, scored 77 points out of a possible 80, comprising 17 bull's-eyes and 3 centres. The first ranges were 150, 200, and 300 yards, at which the full possible score of 60 points was attained. The Jast range is not given, but whatever it was, 2 bull's-eyes and 3 centres were made. We quite agree with our Poverty Bay contemporary in thinking that it is safe in saying the feat above noted has never before been accomplished in New Zealand. "If it has," says the Standard, "we shall be glad to hear of it." " Sensational " telegraphing appears to suit the tastes of the Auckland people, if the pages of the local Star can be accepted as a criterion. While Parliament sat, that paper was almost flooded with the nfessages of its \ "own," from whose effusions we make the following extracts as indicating their general tenor : — With reference to the late caucus, it is said, under the head of " Telegraphic Intelligence "—"" — " Behold the little mouse hath been born, and the labors of the political' mountain have ceased." Then as to a Bill called "The Auckland Improvement Bill,"' it ia said—" Most disreputable lobbying k used against the BUI, -apparently from pure vindictiveness." In the Legislative Council the Lords are. said "to be in a murdereus mood, and glare savagely on the innocents." Referring to the fate of the Loans Bill, we are told that some of the more mercurial supporters of the Ministry "mouth revolution and spit wildfire. " Then, later in the day, that " there is a great ferment' am mg members, and lihey are buzzing about like bees." Agaig^'«Y.eßterda'y, #i tfu'ee' oy fwj^wr

benches were brought to the Council, and laid in the passage, probably silly bravado.'* Then that •• there is greit luctoring towards the Legislative Council by all the Government myrmidons." Also, that 'the Independent is placing the Government bu'ly valorousy, and the erstwhile plucky little j Post has fallen from it< high estate, and is playing a miserable echo. In the latett number to hand (thit of the 23rd), we are told that " vl r Yogel had the indecency," &C, "Mr Pitzherberk gave Mr Yogel a scathing for the indecency of the attempt j" ( "Mr Yogel brazened it out ;" "Mr Fox (on . I the third reading of the Licensing Bi'l) :. clapped his hands and laughed immoderately." Then, in allusion to a wtrm colloquy between Messrs Yogel, Rolleaton, and cheelian (said to have been overheard in the r<iporti.rs' gallery), this remarkable telegraphic correspondent says — "I could not help reflecting that though people say Chr s.iau friendship ami Masonic Irit-n.lship are enduring, these cannot surpass the friendship fdimed in gambling hells." Again, in allusion io the I inober Floatage Bilt " God help the million }, when so much is done to' float a few miserable logs." Mr Stieehan's name, in these wouderful te'egrams, crops up in every direction, as if he were really the Daniel O'Connell he likes to compare himself to. We have received from the RegistrarGenoral a series of statistical table* for the year 1872, in antjcipitiou of the amount; of statistics Exclusive of aborigines tne^ p >pulation is Bet down at 279,560, of whom 162,404 are male and 117, 156 female. This estimate shews a nett increase of 12,574 «nr 1871, or 5,973 males and 6,601 females. The increase by i nmi orition0 rition was 6,775 males and 3,950 tema'es, together 10,725. The increase by births was very nearly a like amount, viz., 5,510 males and 5,285 females ; total, 10,795. But from this gross increase of 21,529 must be deducted the loss by emigration, which was 4,417 males and 1,335 females, equal to 5,752 ; and by deaths 1,895 males and 1,299 females -together 3,194. The decrease was therefore equal to 8,976, which deducted from 21,520, leaves a balance of addition to our numbers of 12,574 as stated. The population* of the different Provinces can hardly be even approximately ascertained, as no record is kept, nor is one possible, of removals from one part of the Colony to another. Of the immigrants, Auckland received 2,527, of whom 1,468 were men, 671 women, 218 boys, and 170 girls. Daring the year 1,776 left Auckland for other countries, viz , 1, 165 men, 376 women, 130 boys, and 105 girls, leaving a balance in favor of immigration of 751. Wellington was more fortunate, the- difference in favor of settlement being 1,271. To Hawke's Bay 870 were added; to JSelson, 8 ; to Canterbury, 1,123; to Otago, including Southland, 1,731. The only territorial division that showed an absolute decrease is the County of Westland, fr- m which 1,2 U sailed from Australia, and only 659 arrived, showing a decrease of 572. Amongst the tables is one giving approximate returns of immigration and emigration for twenty years. It seems to have been a very irregular affur : pretty steady up to 1860, but very fitful after that time, in 18/0 the excess of irntntgration over emigration was 6,064 ; in 1861 it reached 16,222. Gold digging had be;jun to attract, and the influx next year rose to 29,991 ; in 1863 it reached 35,120, and fell in 1864 to 8,527, rising again in 1665 to 12,309. from which it increased in 18156 to 7,599, and in 1867 to 4,859. The lowest point was reached in 1868, when only 860 were added to our numbers. This was really the lowest point of depression, and the intimate connection between depression of trade and stoppage of immigration is worthy of especial obsei vation. We believe we are correct in stating that Mr J. Adam, of Tokomairiro, has beeu appointed emigration agent for the Proviuce. A great number of applications was received. An old theatrical acquaintance, Mr J. J. Bartlett, is now on his way from New York to Melbourne. He is in co npany with Mr J. M. Ward, an Irish comedian (with talents fully equal to the late Billy O'Neill), and . Miss Winnetta Montague, the widow of tbe late Walter Montgomery. Of this lady's abilities Mr B-irtlett speaks in the highest terms, as being a charming reader, a beautiful singe**, and podses^ed of a wardrobe for extent, richness, and quality unsurpassed even in America. Mr A. V. Allanby, solicitor, died in the Dunstan hospital on Tuesday, the 14th inst. Messrs W. M. Hodgkins and A. H. Jack have been elected to represent the parishes of Tokomairiro and Waihola, at the Episcopalian Diocesan Synod, which meets next month. * His Hoaor the Superintendent received intimation to-day, from the Under-Secretary for Immigration, that the Agent-General telegraphs that' the ship Surat sailed for Port Chalmers in September with 407 immigrants. — Star, 17th inst. It is understood that Mr ' James Adam, of Tokomairiro, has been definitely appointed Emigration Agent for the Province. Tbe Bruce Herald states that his engagement is for two years, and that he will proceed Home without delay. The long-standing dispute, between Cottar and the miners at Cardrona has at length been settled by the latter paying the sum of L3OO for ten acres of the agricultural leasehold held by the former. The Afgus hopes that no more agricultural leases in that district will require to be bought out at the value of L3O aa acre. As an evidence of the prosperity of trade in the Tokomairiro district, the Herald mentions that a call last week for tenders for additions to a echoolhonse found no response from any of the local builders. Several buildings now in course of erection in Mikon have been delayed through want of hands to carry out the work. We hear that a compromise has b?en effected between the Masonic Hall Company, tbe purchaser of tbe property, and tbe agent for the mortgagees, by which further proceedings will be avoided. We are not at liberty to state the terms on which it was made, but have good reason to believe that the Masons will retain possession of the upper part of the building until the end of the year, and receive some six or seven hundred pounds in harl cash, tbe law costs being paid by the " other 1 nde. v^—Btar. • b Mr John Reid, formerly of Dunedin, having given up farming at Hakateretnea, the inhabitants of that district have presented him with a handsome silver cup and coffee set as a token of the esteem ia which they hold him. • Sydney has started a new weekly literary paper entitled "The Critic." Its object is " to show that New South- Wales possesses men of quite sufficient ability to found a literature for their native or adopted conntry ; and, with this aim in, view, it will lose no opportunity of engaging tbe services of able writers, no matter what may be their antecedents or present mode of life." The city of Auckland must be an extremely i pleasant sort of place to live in, if we may judge from the following observations of its leading and only independent paper, the Star:-— "If ever scandal flourished in any place rankly and luxuriantly, it does in Auckland. No one is safe from its poisonous breath, and the more lofty the position the more virulently is it assailed. If only half of what is whispered in the knots of gossipers under verandahs, or at hotel bars, be true, this city w pursed, with about tbe wont

collection of inhabitants thai b»s fallen to the lot of any city since the creation* of the world." . Referring to the recent fire at Hokitika, the Grey River Argus says :— " The prompt, payment made l»y the Victoria Insurance Company of the LSOO nolicy on the Bank 1 of, yew Zealand. Hokitika, is noticeable, arf pointing to tha retdy settlement of claims,' against the Company. The fire occurred on Saturday morning last, and on Monday morn-; ing the amount was paid over to the Bank' by Mr Scott, the Hokitika agent of the Vic-* toria Company." Some time ago some of our readers (saysl the Auckland Star) may recollect that in attempting to carry out the sentence of .death; npon a man who was condemned for murder - in Fiji, the' executioner, who was drunk, bun-^ g'ed at his business, and when the drop fell' the cord di<l not tighten in the proper manner. The wretched man endeavored to, loosen his hanis, and at )a*t succeeded in getting them free, and partially raised himself by their means, at the same time calling* oat to the she: iff to shoot him and pat hiraout of bis misery. Tae official thus appealed to could not endure the miserable spectacle,.,, and' ordered the man to he cut down. TM»; , was done, and it was found that he had austained very slight iu jury. Thinking probably that his punishment had been sufficient, the authorities gave him a free pardon. Tnq, man, it is said, cleared out, fro n, the F»jis, and came on, to Auckland,, where he laj beej£) residing for some time. He has since gone to f*ew Caledonia. ' ". ' a There are the various orders of Oddfellows,) i Ancient Foresters, Free Gardeners, - Keoha«r. bites, and Good Templars, with which all our readers may be presumed to be moro.tv;} less familiar, but the " Order of Husbandry" is something new. Of this new order we take the following fr>m an Amtrican iour»K nal :— "At last we heat something definite* of the plan and purposes ef the mysterious^ 'Order of Husbandry ' that has so suddenly become a power in the West. It is a secret, - co-operative, industrial, beneficial, and literary institution, with various rites borrowed from the secret societies. Apparently it has nothing to do with politics. Men and women are alike admitted. The members of the first degree are designated respectively as Laborer and Maid ; in the second degree as Cultivator and Shepherdess ; in the third degree as Harvester and Gleaner ; and in the fourth degree as Husbandman and Matron. ' The membership of the organisation at this time is es«imated at 450,000, and if it does go into politics it will certainly be a powerful influence." The Ross Guardian learns on most reliable authority that Mr John White intends offering himself as a candidate for the Superintendency of the Province of Westland. Ten months ago the City Coutvul wanted a sexton for the Southern Cemetery, and 150 persons applied for the situation. Tl, e sexton having resigned, fresh application^ were invited yesterday, but only five persons applied for it. The fact speaks for itself. Somebody has been taking a rise out of the , Sydney Council of Education. It is said that, prior to the last examination of pupil teachers, some ingenious individual managed to secure a copy or copie3 of the printed question papers, and the natural result was that most Qf the candi lates passed brilliant examinations. In some cases it seems that the result was thought too geod to be true, for inquiries were made, and after a little gentle pressing "somebody told," and the murder was out. Of course the promising . candidates for scholastic iame who took a short cut to reach it have lost their labor. The cricketers of the Waikato are not in a happy mood, if we are to jud^e of their temper from the following advertisement^, which , appeared in the Waikato Times lately :— •' The United Cambridge Scrubbers will play the Cambridge Cricket Club a match any day ■• within three months, at Cambridge or elsewhere ; prize to be the privilege of ' blow- , ; ing' ; said prize being at present in the h*nda of the sweet captain, of the C.C. Club.— A. Whbelwkight, Captain Q.C.S.