TOWN NEWS.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume II, Issue 62, 7 March 1868, Page 3

TOWN NEWS.

(from oub own cobeespondext.) Thnrsday Evening, March 5.

The Kennard wharf case has been the topic of the week. The Provincial Government have had a party making borings in the different parts of the wharf extension to ascertain the nature of the clay. The general opinion ot those who have examined the samples from the different borings is that they present a fair average. Several engineers have also been employed hy the Government to examine and give evidence upon tbe wharf. They have ;o all appearance been very busy measuring and examing the whole structure during the week. The case came on to-day for hearing in the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Johnston. Mr Travers opening speech on behalf of Kennard Bros., the plaintiffs, was very elaborate. Tliefirst claim made wasfor£B,ooo, balance due on contract. To this claim the Government reply, li You have not completed your contract in a good and ' workmanlike

manner according to plans, specifications, conditions and agreements The second claim is for £20,000 damages for extra work caused to the contractors by misrepresentations made to them by agents, engineers, plan, &c. The answer to this is “ There have been no misrepresentations, you have suffered no damages.” The case will occupy some days. The general opinion of practical men is that the iron jetty is a mistake from the well-known fact that iron quickly rots away in the waters of Port Kick. Iren is also not so strong as such wood as is available here, I allude to Sydney iron bark piles and plankings, nor is it so durable, neitner would iron bark cost half or a quarter so much as iron. Query ; How many miles of Road would the balance have made through the Province. The purjury cases against Rogers Brown and Morton are adjourned until the 11th Inst. The judge has granted a special jury in the cases of Brown and Morton. It was a strange sight on Tuesday morning last to see the original plaintiff, defendant and principal witness as fellow prisoners in the dock pleading their innocence in the two words “ Not Guilty.” However according to the remarks made by the judge in his charge to the grand jury one or more of the prisoners will in all probability suffer for wrong doing.

The government are using praiseworthy endeavours in at once repairing the damage done to roads by the late floods.

An accident occurred to the coach near Ngahauranga. It was caused by coming into colisiou with a heavy cart in charge of two men who had been indulging too freely in drink and would not see their way out of tbe middle of the road. Mr. Fred of the whip tried to pass them but inneffectually and the coach and passengers were upset. Mr. Smith ofTaratahi, a witness in a Supreme Court case, had two ribs broken. The Revd, Mr. Muir and Mr. Auctioneer Wallace put their heads together which resulted in hurting the Revd. gentleman’s shoulder and the auctioneer’s head All in the Coach excuse Fred from any blame.

The reception committee are very active just now. They have asked the various friendly societies to form a procession on the arrival of the Duke and they have promised to do so in full regalia. They have also put forward their programme .of sports, games and amusement.

There was a meeting of the Railway Committee on Tuesday last widen resulted in the appointment of two gentlemen to canvas for and collect subscriptions. It is expected that the survey will be fairly commenced next week.