LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 5, Issue 236, 23 May 1861, Page 3

LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

May 14th, 1861. the Wanganui Chronicle of 21st March last, I gave a brief and hasty description of a particular insect, whose name I was desirous to obtain. I find I gave the insect only four legs instead of six. I have been favoured with a communication from a gentleman in Wellington (to whom I had sent some specimens), which may be interesting to some of your readers, should you think proper to publish it. He says,— <- “ All the authorities I have agree in speaking of this insect as a Mantis, or allied thereto. H. Milne Eduard writes, after speaking of the Mantis religiosa and Phyllia foliata, —‘ D’autres, designes sous le nom de Phasmes out le corps filifoVrrie et semblable a u’n baton. Plusieurs manquent-d’ailes ; ils se nourrissent de vegetaux;-et on remarque que, en general, ils ont la meme couleur que les plantes sur lesquelles ils vivent.’ Another author says (also under the head of Mantis), -—•* There are also some other; species which' are wingless, and therefore called Walkingstic'ks. They are found in colder latitudes, while the winged kinds inhabit the warmer parts of the earth.’ “Kirby and Spencfe mention one from Brazil. 8 inches long. ‘ These insects live on the trees, on the leaves of which they feed by night; they are very unsocial in their habits, being rarely found more than two in company. During the day they are found lying close under the surface of the leaves of plants, with their fore legs stretched out before, parallel with their antennae, as if to protect them from danger.’ > “ Why .this insect, which has no wings at all—at all events in its perfect state—should be classed with the Orthoptera, I cannot understand, especially as its‘habits are so different.froni; the Mantis, which I think, feeds on other .insects, whereas the Walkingstick feeds on leaves. I intend to dissect the specimens you sent me, and. shall mount a few portions for the. microscope.” Mat. Val.

WELLINGTON. (From our own Correspondent.)

May -20th, 1861.

Your M.P.s arrived yesterday morning,-per Wonga Wonga, to attend their Parliamentary duties. His Honor opens the Council this day at 3 o’clock. . I don’t expect weshall have.a long Queen’s Speech, as the Doctor intends proroguing in a week ; only -the most pressing matters will be brought forward. It is supposed that Mr. W. W. Taylor will be the Speaker; Mr. H. S.- Harrison; chairman of there are two candidates for the office of Clerk of the Council, Mr; Best, Porir.ua road, and Mr. Benjamin Smith; the former stands the best chance, being first in the field. Mr. Russell is quite right in stating that no official information Iliad been received at Wellington from the Directors of the iOripntul Bank to withdraw all their New Zealand branches; it still is, nevertheless, a positive, fact; I have it from the most unimpeachable authority, otherwise I should not liQve asserted it, 3The Union Bank have also received information; not only this, but Mr, Murray, late Manager of the 0. B. C. here, was satisfied it was correct before he left for Sydney. The Bqnlj of New South' Wales have arranged to open their branches on the Ist June. Some of our acute Rowdie friends have discovered a grand mare’s nest, in the shape of disfranchising; your worthy member, Mr. /garrison, for both houses. It seems the get prohibits certain Government officers from holding seats, in the Councils when there are emoluments attached, _ and the Sheriff is one enumerated. - Although Mr. 11. did act as -Sheriff, he never received a farthing of salary or fees ; he has taken the best advice, and has determined to run the risk and be at hip post to-day. X believe myself it will all end in smoke.

The youth Donald, who was thrown from his horse with such violence, I am glad to say is out: of danger, and is so far recovered as to he able to be removed ; the poor lad was over a fortnight perfectly insensible. The Storm Bird came in last night from Napier. r I learn that the natives are kicking up a dust about the leasing of their, lands, and throwing obstructions to bullock teams grazing on the roads; the settlers, however, do not anticipate any collision on the native, question, although they are great adherents of the King movement., ~7’hpy have made arrangements with the Government to. get a Bank bill passed for them when the General Assembly meets. The staff of the Wellington branch and plant are expected by the mail, steamer. Mr. C. W. Scliultze'it is thought will be the new Deputy /Superintendent during his Honor’s absence. The hull of the Oliver Laing has been at last aokl to Mr. Bowler for <£ss, so that we shall soo,n get rid of this nuisance and eyesore ; the wonder is, how the merchants at the head oi the hay submitted to, it so long. The Storm Bird, with the Members, sails for Auckland on the 28th; the General Government are to pay the Company £250 for' their conveyance. _ I have not yet been able to ascertain what line of policy the' Featherston. party intend to adopt at y/uckland, but will probably fish something out by next wepk. The sitting of the Supreme Court is postponed-/for a forty night, in consequence of Mr. Justice Johnstone’s absence. at Auqkland. Some of our members had a meeting, with the Chamber of Commerce the other ( day, at which the question of anew Tariff Was discussed ; np, new light was thrown on the subject. I