LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 51, 23 December 1867, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Accident. —On Monday last, when one of Mr Bannisters drays was passing over the second bridge between here and Masterton the bridge gave way. Luckily neither the dray nor its contents were injured, or some of our Masterton friends would have come short for their “Christmas Cheer” as .the dray was loaded with good things of -all kinds for the season. On .examining the place were the accident happened we noticed that the fires above Kempton’s Bridge have partly burned away the wooden supports to the road. It is desirable that this should be looked to early or we may expect further accidents. “Prevention is better than cure." Roast Beef.—We understand that the settlers of the Wairarapa have supplied several of the beeves and sheep which ate to be disylayed to the pride of the butchers at their Christmas show of meat at Wellington. Wellington News. —The only Wellington news of any importance or interest to this district is that furnished by our special reporter which will be found elsewhere.

Correction. —We have been requested to contradict an error which we made a short time since in saying that the prize ewe lately shot for and won by Mr Wardeli at Tauherenikau mas bred by Mr Ludlam of the Hutt. The prize was bred by Mr W. D. Williams of the Tauherenikau from one of his own choice stock.

New Store.— We would call attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column, by which it will be seen that Mr Allen Carmont has opened a General Store, in Grey town. The store is the house known as the Post Office, lately in the occupation of Mr S. Moles.

Races and Sports. —We .notice by advertisements elsewhere that arrangements have been made to enable the Wairarapa people to enjoy their Christmas Holidays. On Monday, the 23rd instant races will be run on .the Hurunuiorangi Course, but as all entries are to be made on .the ground we cannot say what are to be the pet horses. On Boxing day Mr Fuller of the “Rising Sun” offers great inducements to the athletic youth of the “ Waidrup " to visit him and compete for the tempting prizes offered for skill in excelling in all muscular feats. Mr Puller’s well known talent in catering for the public, relieves any anxiety or doubt as to the days proceedings being properly prepared for and efficiently carried out.

The Colonial Prize Firing.—Tne General Government “Gazette” lately published is exclusively devoted to giving lists of the prizes to be competed for during the long expected visit of the “Royal Sailor Boy”, and to detailing the conditions and rules of firing. Several new prizes are added, among which we may notice a running prize, to be fired off the shoulder, at a distance of about 120 yards, with any muzzle loader issued by the Government. The conditions, as printed in the “Gazette,” are as follows:—“(l.)Time, five minutes—to commence at first shot. (2.) Competitors to come loaded, but not capped to the firing point.” [We presume this rule applies to the rifles and not to the competitors.] “ (3.) At the woid ‘Commence,’ to cap and fire. (4.) After every two shots the competitors to carry his rifle, ammunition, rod, and everything he makes use of in firing; round a post fifty yards off, loading when he likes, but not capping until he arrives at the firing point. (5.) Competitors not to receive assistance from any person in loading and firing.” We have no doubt that many competitors, from all corps, will go in for these running prizes. The first prize will be a medal and £ls; the second prize £lO, There will also be a prize for Terry andGalishers' breach-loading carbine for whtch we have no doubt the Cavalry and Artillery will compete. Prizes consisting of a medal and £lO will be given to the best shot of the Cadets, and £5 to the second best. There are many important alterations and additions in theories but then we have npt space here to notice. Those interested ‘in the firing will do well to peruse “Gazette,” No. 66.

Moeoa Hoad Board.—Mr Lucas has been appointed collector for the Moroa Road Board Appeals against the assessment will be heard on December 30th.

Featheeston and Mastbeton Spoets.— We refer our readers to advertisements elsewhere by which it will be seen that ample arrangements have been made in both the places for New Years Day sports. Featheeston Boad Boaed.—This Board met at Featherston on Wednesday last, when Messrs Gillies and Dukes tender was accepted for Donald’s line, at the rate of £2 10s per chain. The unsuccessful teudefers were Mr Turner £2 11s 9d and Mr Fiest at £3 7a. Hokitika Maekets.—The “Westport Times,” of December 2nd, quotes the following :—Butter has come to hand freely; v reduction has been the consequence; this with prospective arrivals has made it difficult to place over Is Id to Is 2d, Transactions as low as Is have been named; these 1 prices arc for good to prime, second-class quite unsaleable. J. Jones (late Messrs. M’Glashan and C 0.,) reports:—Fat cattle and sheep—During the earlier part of the month the market was anything hut supplied to meet demands, consequently the . prices realised for cattle and sheep were much improved, and satisfactory to the shipper, as the following sales will show—ls6 sheep, ex Leonidas from Melbourne, averaged 42s 4deacb, aU landed alive; 300 sheep, ecr Valiant from Melbourne; 36s 8d each I also sold forty-four head of cattle from Melbourne, for Buss, Baker and" CA, Sit an average of £26 17s 6d;eaeh and one lot of small pigs driven over from Ghristdrarch, it an average of 34s each. The latter part of this month has been much better supplied with cattle, several lots having arrived from Christchurch overland, which have • reduced the prices, and left the market easier for purchasers The following is about the ruling prices now in Hokitika:—Beef, £3 6s. to £3 10s.; sheep, 44 to SOlbs, 25s to 30s,

The Castle Point Hoad.— We are happy to inform our readers that the portion of road between the Tauheru .and the Kahuminga is nearly completed ; it is at present open cto foot passengers ; shortening the. , distance by three miles. Only .one bridge more is required to admit of equestrian traffic. Great credit is due to J. I), Baird, Esq., District Engmeer, for the skill displayed in laying off the road, and to the contractor, Mr E. O’Malley, for the workmanlike manner in whichjhe is completing it.

The Waeheama Oil Springs. —Our correspondent informs us that .a large amount so gas is continually emanating from this spring, discovered by Mr Saxby, Messrs Cameron Brother’s overseer. We are of opinion that were a small company formed to sink a well to procure the oil it would prove remunerative to the company, and develope the resources, of the Province.

’Castle Point. —James, Delaney, in the'employ of T. Guthrie, Esq., was taken dangerously ill and was not expected to live. His employer, with his usual kindness promptly dispatched a messenger to Masterton for medical assistance. Dr Hildebrand immediately proceeded to Castle Point, and under his skilful treatment the patient is .in a fair way of recovery.

Casualties. —As Capt. Guthrie, -with a detachment of the Castle Point Cavalry Volunteers, was proceeding to Warhama for drill, Private Frank Gifford was thrown violently from his horse ond severely contused,; luckily he has sustained no serious injuries. The Telegraph. —We are happy to observe that Mr Carter has nearly completed his contract. The telegraph poles are all fixed between Masterton and Castle Point, and the wires are stretched from Castle Point to the head of the Eaungapakeha valley, Extended Jurisdiction. —We are gratified to fleam that Mr Wardell, R.M., willin future exercise the extended jurisdiction at Mastertion as at Featherston, and it is to he hoped that Greytown will obtain the same privilege, it need only be asked to be obtained. Carterton, progressing os it is in prosperity and population should also be placed in the same position, for to parties who have .cases to be brought before the Court, it causes great inconvenience, expense and trouble, --to have to travel such distances, to have justice awarded to them. Let us hope that this state of affairs will soon be ended. As for unpaid magistrates to perform the now multifarious duties connected with tMs large and important district, as Mated at in the General Assembly Iby Mr Stafford, it would never give satisfaction ; it would cause trouble, vexation, and annoyance. The unpaid magistrates have also their own private affairs to attend to, and although they would he willing to act in cases where no legal knowledge would be required—yet in questions involving large interests, the public would never be satisfied, and itheir' decisions would consequently cause may appeal, involving the settlers in heavy .expenses. Carterton Road Board. —A special meeting of this Board took place on Saturday last, at wMch Mr G. E, Carter attended, who kindly promised the Board £6O towards defraying the expenses of the Road. We need not add that this .was received with thanks.