THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER. “Verie sans peur.” WANGAUI, MAY 15, 1862.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 6, Issue 291, 15 May 1862, Page 2

THE WANGANUI CHRONICLE AND RANGITIKEI MESSENGER . “ Verie sans peur.” WANGAUI, MAY 15, 1862.

Ilis Excellency the Governor arrived at Napier on Tuesday the 22d April, and left on 2d May. The rainy weather prevented liis lauding for several days. He had interviews with the principal Native chiefs, which seem to have ended satisfactorily, lfenati .wishes to see how. the new institutions will work, before approving of them. They have been accepted by the Natives in the south of the Province.

His Excellency landed at Wellington, from H.M.S. “Harrier,” on the evening of Monday the stli instant, and held a levee on the Bth. There is nothing of importance mentioned in connection with | visit, except that dames Gaflney and Charles Straker have had their sentences of imprisonment for life commuted to imprisonment for seven years, and that Captain Straker and six other prisoners have been pardoned. His Excellency was to be at; Otaki yesterday, we believe, and will visit the middle island before coming to Wanganui.

The Provincial Council on Friday last agreed to a temporary subsidy at the rate of £ISOO a year being given to a steamer to run between Sydney and Wellington, until the General Government complete its postal arrangements.

It is now perhaps behind time to comment on the speech of His Honor the Superintendent at the opening of the. Council on the 25th ulb. But there is an omission in the Estimates, at which we are somewhat surprised, and to which we cannot help adverting. There is not one penny to be expended on the north side of the Wanganui river. There are at least, two objects irrespective of what more particularly refer to the town for which we should have expected .to see some provision made. The one is the further embankment of the river. Ho ( n; who looks at the breakwater already

const' ucted by the committee, who undertook the task, can call in question the great success that lias attended their The stream has been effectually diverted to the opposite side. The brushwood banks which seemed not unlikely to be washed away by the first freshet, have stood the brunt of the last flood with perfect impunity ; and what is still more gratifying, the bed of the river outside is gradually becoming shallower, and thus shewing that ere long an efficient natural embankment will be formed outside of the present artificial one. But to protect the town thorou.hly, at least two other breakwaters are required higher up, and .£SOO or A'6oo might well have been proposed for this purpose, on the condition that it should be expended only if in 3 or 4 months, the present breakwater shews the same progress towards gaining its object as is obvious just now. Another need is the construction of roads. With the exception of about a mile and a half out by the Victoria Avenue, there is not a yard of made road outside of the town, on the whole of the North side, and that in a district fully settled, and daily becoming more important. The appointment of Dr. Featherstone as purchaser of Native Lands in the Province gives reason for believiug that the Waitotara block will be open for settlement ere long. The main trunk line through it will necessary affect the direction of all the other roads in the block, and its construction ought, for many reasons, to be proceeded with so soon as the native title is extinguished. But first the main line to it should be made, and this is a work which is peculiarly urgent at present. As it leads into territory partly occupied by king natives and the other side of which is the southern boundary of the tribe most inimical to the British of all the tribes in the island, strategic reasons as strong as those which caused the constrution of the road into the lower Waikato, demand the completion of this Government road. The same reasons warrant an application for military aid in its construction. And if ever such an application is likely to be successful, it is when his Excellency is in the neighbourhood. We hope our members are using their influence to obtain a grant towards this object; and the Government their influence to secure military assistance.

The appointment of his Honor the Superintendent as purchaser of Native Lands in this Province, gives the hope that not only will the pending negociations for land (which the late Governor stopped during the Taranaki contest) be satisfactorily brought to a conclusion, but also new territory acquired, and so scope be given for immigration. riiat tlie population of the province should not have greatly increased during the last three years is not to be wondered at, when the deterring effect of the war in this island is considered, and the attractive influence of the gold fields in the south. But with new territory to induce immigration and a prospect of peaceful occupation for those who settle in it, it may be expected that a period of prosperity may follow om late depression. That indeed lias rather been comparative than real. We heard lately a gentleman inveighing against this district as being so “slow,” falling behind the other parts of New Zealand &c. He was asked why then the people here did not leave the place and go to those parts of the country which are apparently so prosperous, and where they would have a share of the general good fortune. “ Oh” said he “ our settlers are all too comfortable.” That'is indeed the truth. Even those who went to the Eldorado of tlie south were not long of returning, and with the exception of a very few indeed they have all returned. There cannot surely be a better test of the real prosperity of any district than that its inhabitants are contented, these inhabitants not having the strong associations binding them to their places of residence which arc connected with their native land, but having been brought hither in a great majority of cases after their tastes and habits were formed. But notwithstanding tlie real prosperity existing* grievously diminished no doubt but not entirely des troved by the unhappy state of affairs for The last two years, it is desirable that this prosperity should be increased and,extended, and this object will be secured most effectually anu permanently by opening up new country for settlement. In this district a large acquisition of territory may be expected ere long. There are the lands about negociations have already begun. Among these is the Waitotara* block, lying at our own doors, towards tlie purchase of which £SOO was paid two years ago by Mr. McLean. There can be no doubt that so soon as the remainder of the purchase-money is forthcoming the land will be formally handed over to the Government, as, although there have been considerable disputes as to allowing this purchase to be completed, tlie distribution among the aboriginal owners of the instalment paid prevents now any possibility of their drawing back. ; This block contains 38,000 acres, includin" 20,000 acres of busli, the remainder being good fern land, admirably adapted every where for pastu age, and in some places for tillage. Negociations have been long on foot respecting the purchase of the Manawatu block, which contain-. 250,000 acres, of which 136,000 are reported by Mr Searancke to be “ of good quality, level and available,” leaving 114,000 acres of bush and rugged and broken country, at present of no account. The purchase of this block lias been delayed by the causes mentioned by Mr. Searancke as affecting the facility of all purchases or. the West Coast, the large sums demanded, and the intricacy of title arising from the claims of the original owners, and their conquerors, these two opposing parties being further broken up into factions according to their siding with

| the maori king and thus being unwilling j to sell, or with the. British Government ' and being willing to sell. Inconsequence “■every step in negociation” says Mr. Searancke “ requires the greatest care and tact. The natives generally are very clever and able men, and by their connection and almost daily communication with the natives of Taranaki, Waikato and Auckland, well versed in the Maori politics of the day.” The chief obstacle to the purchase of this block has been the unreasonable sum demanded by the principal chief connected with it, Te Hiriwanu, who is the chief of the TUmgitane and Ngatimotuahi, and into whose hand, the other tribes interested —the Ngatiraukawa, Ngatitihihi and Ngatiwaratere —placed their part of the territory, to he sold. In October 1858 Mr. Searancke considered the negociation for the purchase was in so forward a state, that he proceeded to Wellington for money with which to pay the first instalment. But on his return in November, he found Te Hiriwanu bent on selling only at so much the acre, and an offer of £5,000 for the block was at once declined. Negociations were broken off for a year, and in November 1859 a sum of £6,000 was offered, but it was “indignantly refused.” In April 1860 a survey of the block was commenced,' and two further attempts were made to bring the unreasonable chief to terms hut without avail. His demands were still “exorbitant.” Here the negociations were broken off, as liis Excellency the Governor was ad. ised to stop all purchases of land, on the ground that the meney thus acquired would be applied to furnishing the natives with guns and ammunition. What may be the disposition of Te Hiriwanu and his friends now, we have no means of ascertaining ; but it is likely that an 'oiler of ready money would-’have a powerful influence in inducing them to transfer their - land to the pa’keha. At one time the Ngatiraukawas were willing to sell all the land lying between the Manawatu and Bangitikei rivers, but as these maories have since become king natives it is probable that such a purchase could not be made at present. Negociations were commenced for other lands lying along the West Coast to *he extent of other 150,000 acres which were also broken off by the Government for the reason just now stated. Thus above 400,000 acres may be said to be purchaseable from tlie Natives between this and Wellington ; and his Honor will most probably soon fall in with other blocks offered for sale.

The proposal to drain the lower part of the Manawatu block is very judicious ; it being an undertaking beyond the means of any settler likely to sit down at that place, while that it may be easily accomplished by the Government is evidenced by wh t has already been done by a settler on the bank of the river ‘-Upwards of 100-acres” says Mr. Searancke “are in the occupation of, and cultivated by, a settler Mr. Burr, and are a proof of what may be done by skilful and judicious draining and culture. I feel convinced tliat the engineering difficulties in draining the block are not of an insuperable kind, nor would the expeuce he heavy.” The heaviest expence, we presume, would be the embankment of the river at those places where fl ods break into the adjacent ground and cover it with sand and gravel. Such an occurrence has taken place more than once, and unless its recurrence were prevented by sufficient embankments, the loss to the settlers in the swamps would be occasionally severe. Our readers will be glad to learn that our townsman Mr. Deighton has been appointed Clerk and Interpreter to the chief Laud purchase Commissioner. His intimate acquaintance with the Natives in this district, as well as his other qualifications for the office make this appointment a very satisfactory one.

Some of our readers may remember a letter that appeared lately, signed “ liara Avis,” showing that if immediate measures were not taken to destroy the swarms of insects that prevail during summer to the annoyance of animals and the destruction of vegetables, tillage, and the rearing of stock, mu£.t soon necessarily cease. It occurred to us at the time that it was not necessary to add anything to the well put expressions of alarm of our-corrcspou-deiifc, in the idea that the subject would, as a matter of course, be taken up and dealt with by those parties tinder whose cognisance such a subject most naturally falls. Who are those parties? No doubt the agricultural community. But by what means are they to express their feelings and wants? By those they have themselves established. We expected that some steps would he taken by the Wanganui, Tumid na. and Rangitkei Agricultural Association for their own relief, and that of their fellow agriculturalists, from this very serious annoyance. What has become of this society ? It was established in October last, and, as we understood, the committee then appointed to draw out rules was to call a general meeting long ere this, to submit these rules to the members, and to set the association in motion. What has the committee done; and why has it not done anything in public We believe its members are gentlemen able and willing to do v list is expected from them. Would it not be well that they held a-cons citation on this very important matter, and brought the members of the association together to pi-esent to them the result of their deliberations, and to ask their co-operation in the measures they may propose for the extirpation of the pests which will prevent our cattle from fattening and our grain Irom ripening, if they are allowed to multiply unmolested? It may be premature to hazard a suggestion as to what should be done, but the agricultural society might render the commencement of their career famous in all time coming

by importing into the district tlie biids which will keep down tlie nuisance complained of. Government assistance may be obtained, but Heaven helps those who help themselves.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

Resident Magistrates’ Court. — April 30. Ann Cardis v. Geo. Roberts and John Morgan ; 15s. was claimed as damages for trespass of 3 horses and a foal belonging to defendants, in the complainants’ garden on Sunday, morning, the 27th April. Judgment was given for os. Ruka and Tete v. G. Roberts, G. Brooking, Win, Kells, and Patrick Mooney: 21 Bs. was claimed as damages for trespass of cattle belonging to defendants, which had damaged a wheat stack of complainants. Judgment was given for 12s. May 1. Joeph White and Henry Kennedy v, Jas. Osmond; debt 1/ 19s. 4d. The parties in this case are sawyers, and the debt was incurred for rations supplied to the defendant in March last, payment of which was to have been made in timber, which was now cut, but tlie defendant had refused to deliver it, until paid a claim which liehad on complainants lying over from 1859, of which complainants knew nothing except one item of it, which had been paid. Judgment was given for 1/ 12s. 4d. David Lind v. Tlios. Higgie. This was a claim for 3/ 10s balance of expences incurred by plaintiff in attending as a witness at tlie Supreme Court, Wellington, in December 1861, in the case of McGregor v. Coupe. The complainant having failed to prove that the supoena had been served on him at the instance of defendant; the case was dismissed with costs. E. J. Hoskins v. Wirihana; debt 1/ 4s. Judgment confessed.. Patricio Wilson v. Win. Me Gee; debt 20 1, being for five cattle sold and delivered. The point in dispute was, whether the cattle had been delivered or not. They were brought to the Slaughter yard oil tlie other side of the river and pointed out to the plaintiff there ; but he understood they were brought across the river, while the complainant supposed he had completed delivery. The cattle escaped from the yard. The case was settled by the complainant, agreeing to take back the caatle. May 14.—Patrick Daily, and Humphry Connor, were committed for trial at Wellington for the housebreaking of last week. Narrow Escape. —Our fellow-towns-men Mr. Wm. Davidson, was on Tuesday foi’enoon taking the bricks out of an old well, about 20 feet deep and 2 ft. in diameter, at the back of Mr. Liddel’s premises in Campbell place, and was standing on a ladder about twelve feet below tlie surface, so engaged, wlien suddenly the sides of tlie well above him, fell in, and covered him with clay and sand. His head was about a foot below the surface of the superincumbent mass, and had it not been for the aid of the ladder lie would have been suffocated. Clinging to it to prevent his sinking he got a hand, raised to the surface, and the slight aperture thus made enabled him to breathe until liis fellow-workmen dug away the sand above him. It was then found that liis two legs were closely jammed between the bucket which he had been using and the brick wall, and it was only after vigorous and careful digging for about half an hour that he was liberated and drawn up to the surface. Notwithstanding the severe pressure he was subjected to, he was able to stand, and finally to limp into the house, and we are glad to learn that no serious consequences have ensued. Messrs. Nathan, W. Kells, Bambei, and T. D. Jones, were especially active in rendering assis tance; and Dr. Gibson was on the spot a few minutes after the accident occurred, and remained there until, on Mr. Davidson’s extrication, it was happily found that his valuable services would not lie required.

Wanganui Fruit. —A label with this inscription is to be seen in the window of Messrs. Taylor, Watt, & Co.’s store, and a full-grown •well-ripened orange is lying above it. It is five in dies in. circumference, and is in every respect a very fine specimen of the fruit. It was grown in the garden of the Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Futiki, under a glass shade, but without artificial heat. The tree is about 2 feet in height, and this is the only one of its blossoms which lias this year come to perfection. The plant was brought from Sydney some years ago by Mr. Cummins, who presented it to Mi. Taylor, and it lias now, for the first time, shown what our excellent climate and a little protection from winter’s frost can do. PORYINCIAL COUNCIL. The Council having heard the opening address of tlie Superintendent on Friday, the 25th April, met again on Tuesday, tlie 29th April. The proceedings were of an ordinary character. Several returns were laid on the table by the Provincial Treasurer, which were ordered to be printed, and several notices of motion were given by other members including one by tire Commissioner of Crown Lands for the the consideration of his Honor’s speech next day. The following bills were each read a first- time“A bill to make provision for the preservation ant! protection of Trigonometrical stations and the boundaries and survey marks in the province,” on the motion of the Crown Lands Commissioner ; a bill to provide Tor the management of the general cemetery at Wanganui.” on the motion of itlie Provincial Solicitor ; and “ a bill to make provision lor the payment of a salary to the Auditor and Deputy Auditor,” on the motion of the Provincial Treasurer. A resolution by tlie gProvicnial Treasurer affirm - ing the desirableness of proceeding with

the erection of a custom house and post office on the reclaimed land, LunbtoiH quay, without delay, was, after some discussion, postponed in order to allow of the plans of the proposed buildings being first laid on the table and other information with reference to the subject afforded to the council. Several returns of monies expended on public works in the city of Wellington, and of* monies expended by grants in aid, were, on the motion of Mr. Wallace, agreed to. A faction by the bon. member for a return of applications for os. land was negatived on the ground that the information sought for had already been given in the Government Gazette, and the lion, member persisting in a division the numbers were ayes 2, noes l!j. A motion by the bon. member for an address to the Superintendent requesting him to have a map of the province prepared on a large scale, shewing the runs, the purchased lands of the province, the native reserves, with a variety of other information, was also negatived, the council being of opinion that the motion was impracticable, and that a correct map of the province from actual surveys, such as was required in the terms of the motion, could not be prepared .except at a very much greatei expense rthaii the council was justified in sanctioning.

Wednesday the following select committees were appointed : —a committee to enquire and report on the probable cost of the additional accommodation required for the convenience of tlie members of the general assembly ; a committee on the Highways Acts ; a committee to inquire and report on Messrs. Gladstone’s claims with reference to the Ann Wilson ; a committee to receive any outstanding claims to compensation ; a committee on the existing Fencing Act; and a committee on the petition of Mr. G Stephens. Leave was given on the motion of the crown lands Commissioner, to bring in a bill to erect a, toll bar at Kai Warra and on the motion of Capt. Smith, for a bill for the formation of a Survey board, which were severally read a first time. A lively discussion ensued on Mr. Carter’s motion to transfer a portion of the banking business of the provincial government to the bank of New Zealand which was adopted in a modified form.

On Thursday evening the principal subject of discussion was the reply the Superintendent's address, which was moved in a speech of much ability by the crown lands Commissioner. The reply was supported by Messrs. Stokes, Hunter, Watt, Duncan, Taylor, Wallace, and other members, who took occasion in the course of their observations to refer to the various topics referred m the Address, and was opposad lay Mr. Borlase, whose boast it is to embody in his single person the opposition of the council, and by Mr. Biyce, who took exception to the expressions in the reply and in his In nor’s address in reference to native affairs.

The great variety of topics comprehended in the speech with which your Honor opened the ninth session of the provincial council, and the several different interests that are more or less affec ted thereby, obviously include any reasonable expectation of unanimity on all the details embraced therein.

Taking, however, a general view of the tendency of your administration and policy as they are fully developed to us, we desire to assure your Honor of our entire and cordial concurrence and support. • The reply was as follows : The subject which occupies tlie most prominent position in vour speech, and on which your Honor has given expression so-decided and emphatic opinion, is one which we cannot omit in justice to the interests of the whole province to notice specially in our address, in reply. We believe there is no subject on which our constituents are so united in opinion as in the condemnation of tlie former native policy, and in a desire to co-operate with his Excellency Sir Geo. Grey and his Government in carrying out a policy on native questions, based on entirely different principles.

The expression of these views on our part will afford the best guarantee to your Honor .of our intention to put in practice the wise recommendation contained in the last paragraph in your Honor’s speech.

On the motion of Mr. Wallace leave was given to bring in a bill to establish a municipal corporation for the city of Wellington,, which, after some discussion was read a first time. Mr. Ellen’s motions with reference to the slaughter house act, and the driving cattle through the streets of Wellington led to some discussion and ended in suggestion for the appointment of a committee to consider the subject. Returns of the cost of the erection and repairs of the several bridges and roads in the province were moved for by Mr. Stokes, and a return by Mr. Duncan of the quantity of land in the province, the number of acres purchased from tlie natives, the number sold by the government and the number open for sale. On Friday, leave was given on the motion of the Provincial Treasurer to bring in a loan bill and sinking fund bill which was read a first time. r J he resolution ofithe Provincial Treasurer- “ That in the opinion of this council it is desirable to proceed with the erection of a custom house snd post-office on the re-' claimed land without delay” was agreed to without opposition. Mr. Ebden’s petition was referred to a select committee, and committees were appointed to report oc the condition of the Hutt bridge and breast work and on the state of the ferries on the West Coast. Mr. Stoke’s motion :

That this council offers its cordial thanks to the representatives of this

province for their, exertions in the last suasion o.' Mm Gaiera! Assembly, particularly in reference to the policy pursued by the late General Government as to native affairs—and is of opinion that their efforts have materially contributed towards the establishment of public confidence as evinced in the improvement which has taken id ace in the slate of this is island from the measures pursued by tliejwesent governmeut. This motion produced an animated discussion. The motion was seconded by Mr. Watt, and Messrs. Spinks, Borlase, the Land Commissioner, and Provincial Treasurer took part in the debate. A division took place on the motion of Mr. Borlase, when the numbers were —Ayes 14. Noes 2—Messrs Borlase and Bryce only voting against the resolution, Messrs. Fitzlierbert, Brandon, llhodes, Harrison, Taylor, and Garter, the members for the Province in the General Assembly having left the Council previous to the division.

Mr- Bryce, our new member, said, on this subject that, he could not see bow any member of that House could congratulate the country on its being in a peaceable state, with the fact staring him in the face, that the natives would neither, allow her Majesty’s mails no * 1 r Viajesty’s European subjects to pass oetween Wanganui and New Flymo'utb, and when it was known that a tribe in the very borders of the Province were living on lands of which they had disoo ;s-vs >d the rightful owners who had the misfortune of being fellow country-men. He cordially agreed with wh: t had fallen from Mr. Borlase on this subject. After some other very pertinent remarks, he concluded by observing that he could-not concur in ftat portion of the reply relative to the natives, and because it was not true that his constituents disapproved of the late and approved of the jwesent policy. The Trigonometrical Station Bill, the Auditors’ Salaries Bill, and the Tuff Gate Bill were each read a second time, and an Address .of Condolence to tlie Queen on the death of the Prince Consort was, on the motion ot the Land Commissioner, unanimously adopted by the Council.

The Council resume 1 on Tuesday, the 6V: inst*

Mr. Tfarri son presented a petition from the inhabitants of the Muferawa district, relative to the No. 2 line of read, Wanganui, and praying for a government grant in aid towards the finishing of the road. The petition was rend and ordered to be ereived. The camnifee on &ddi fn 1 buildings recommended that AhOO be placed on tlie estimates for alterations on tbe House of llepre-umtatives and Legishiive Council Chauffers. The Aiulitors’ Salaries Till was discussed and tbe several clauses agreed to. Exe pMon wa- taken bv Air. Borlase to the amount of tli* Auditors, salary J2 bC . Al' Harrison : 8 t < he appointed to it. The KtffWarm '/’..ligate Bill was di - eussed and the several clauses j'nssed, 7Te 'o’! is on 4 wheeled wagfom without springs 25.; with springs Is. fid.: when drawn by two horses, every additional Icr-e 3d.; on saddle horses 6d : horses no" in harness and' cattle 3d.: and on shdep and other small eat tie Id. }>er head.

('ll Wednesday. Till iiist. Mr. Carter moved for leave to bring in « bill to reannortion the representatives of t.lie prov hire in (lie /Vovineial ttonneil. The bah of In’s proposal was that a- representativ.should be oivei) to every Bv? electors, in wbieli ease three ndditf-innl members would be elected, two of tbenr f>r the Wiiirarapa, while Weil'initon would bp reduced from 12 to 8. 7’lie bill was read a frst time.

Mr. Carter moved for tlHte appointment of a select committee- to amend and’ consolidate the various Scab Acts. lie thought all the provincial laws contained in various Acts should be consolidated, instancing the Highways’ Acts, the Thistle Acts, the Education Acts, &c.A. committee was appointed, consisting of Captain Smith, Messrs. Barton, Buck, Rhodes, Watt, Wright, and’ Carter.

The Council did not meet on Thursday.

On Friday a long debate took place regarding the granting of a subsidy of £l-500 to.a steamer to run between Sydney and Wellinpto’-, ; n connection with He 1 son or Canterbury. j - ” OTAGO. In Otago the escort brought down 5,026 ‘•ozs. ou tlie 21th April. Large, numbers are leaving for Melbourne, A public meeting was to be called to 'agitate‘sepation from this Island. The Provincial Government lias agreed to convey the New, Zealand -mails to Melbourne for three'-, months, the vessel leaving Otago on the'-.l7th May, June, and July. This will give time for making proper arrangements for, this service. Tins Executive Crisis. —The Executive were, on Tuesday evening, defeated on what was virtually a motion of want of confidence. , In consequence of this vote they tendered tlieir resignation, and the next morning his Honor sent for Mr. Dick as being the leader of the’ opposition. That gentleman accordingly proceeded to form a Ministry, and was shortly able to announce that he had been successful. The following is the list of the new Executive:—

Mr. Tlios. Dick, Treasurer and Secretary; Air. MoGlashan, Provincial Solicitor ; Messrs. Paterson, Reynolds, and Kilgour, members of the Executive, without office.— If ilness, April 26. The Goi.d Fields.— The Deep Sinking Association have abandoned driving, and have now commenced to tunnel into the side of the hill. . On driving to the bottom of the dip of the reef they found that instead of finding a gutter, the pro-.

mising drift .through which they hud passed on the. si ope had entirely disappeared: indeed, the broken uj) and distorted character of the strata on which lies the gold, bearing drift almost forbids the idea that “gutters,” such as those found on Ballarat, Victoria,' will ever be discovered, at.least-in-this district. Tim work .of tunnelliug is being prosecuted with vigour, and promises to be successful in laying ojien new and payable grgund. Certainly this is by far the best way to discover what is in the ground, for not only can the work be performed at a less expense, but drives can be ]>ut in from the main tunnel in any direction, should anything like a bed of gold be discovered.' The weather lias undergone a change, and for the last two days' we have had driving showers of rain and the usual acomjianiment of an indefinite quantity of an indefinite quantity of mud of the most greasy description. The yield of gold for the week is in consequence not likely to be made up to former results. THE RUSH TO THE TUAPEKA FIVER. Tuapoka, April 17th. . . This rush still continues, but there is: no great excitement about it. Occasional parties of two and three may be seen passing the Junction in this direction.' carrying their tents and tools, evidently “laid on” by some fortunate acquaintance or friend. I hear of numerous instances of parties making first-rate wages, but of few very large yields. One party who went there on Tuesday last bottomed a/ shaft on Thursday, awl took between three and four ounces'off the bottom. He. expects, the remainder of his clahir to turn out equally well. The sinking is not over twelve feet, but'is- weft- One or two of the spurs leading'into l the flat through which the Taupeka; rims,, are being worked, and with very fair results. Here the sinking is dry, and about twenty feet deep. Sb> far a.s- can; be ascertained, this ground appears toffiemlitbembararter known amongst miners as“tuckerground," still, with a more extended rush, it is very probable some first-rate ground will be opened. There are a considerable collection of tents about three miles below the Junction "of Gabriel’s and Wether,stone’s, and a little township has been formed on the ridge of a magnificent fiat still" un triiid.

In Mnnroe’s Gully, some parties are doing remarkably well. I heard of one instance of a single miner who had iu his possession over 1(50 ozs. taken from ground at the head of the gully. .He offered the gold for sale to a storekeeper in Gabriel’s, but as the man was at the time in a state of intoxication, this was declined, whereupon lie asked the storekeeper to take care of it for him, which was done. I hear of other instances of rare success, but cannot Jearn sufficient of the particulars to lay before your leaders. Considerable bustle and activity prevails in this gully, and there are several races being cut, to sluice ground too poor to be' worked by tub and cradle.

Fro n Wetherstone’s there is little of interest to report. The puddling machines at work are paying good wages, but no very large yields have been obtained. There is already about eight of these at work, and a similar number are in the course of erection. ■ This system of washing the auriferous earth appears to be coming into favour on Wetherstone’s. REPORTED RUSH TO THE TUAPEKA JUNCTION. On Monday evening we were favoured with a view of a private letter received by a gentleman in Dunedin, who has a store at Wetherstone’s, fi’om bis managing agent there, The writer stated that, the mining population were leaving Wetherstone’s “by hundreds” for a new rush at the Junction of the Tuapeka River,, distant about six miles from Witlierstone’s; mauy stores also werebt ing removed thither, and the Banks; were sending agencies. The writer had! visited the spot, and had formed so favorable an opinion respecting it, that he considered it advisable to lose no necessary time in placing a store there, indeed, the object of the letter was to obtain instrno tions, and we may add that his principal! is so well established with his report that he lias decided on establishing a goodstore there without delay. The letter being on private business we are, of com se. unable, to quote it entire, but we h; ve been permitted to copy the following passage:—“The Taupeka is, I -assure you, a fine looking pl ace for a gohl field, with plenty of wood close at hand, and that is the plaice where the diggers will settle for the winter.” We have no information from our own correspondent on the matter. -

Waitahuna, April 17, 1862. It is interesting to learn from those who are now leaving this and the Taupeka Gold Field, what are there motives in so doing. From one you will ascertain that he left Victoria in a hurry, that he has a house and wife and family there, and that if things are not any better when lie gets back again, he will sell off and return with them to Otago in . lie spring. Another will tell you that lie has made a “ bit o’gold,” and that he means to “knock some of it down in Melbourne,” but that he will also return in the spring, and bring plenty more w.tli him There are of course the usual number of discontented miners who vote tie country an adjective- “ duffer,” and are anxious to return to a place where t ev can get, without trouble, plenty of w 00..,, to burp, so that they can warm and dr , themselves. Inquire again as to. their varied, success, and if they are at all commiifiv&ative on this head, which is seldom,, you will find that by far the largest portion ol‘ them have’made wages, i.e., £6 a week, while n any have been lucky enough to get £5 )0 or £6OO a man. Not so bad this for f jut months’ work !

Mining matters continue in the same dull state. There are occasional small rushes to new patches of ground, which generally turn oat well, hut are of limited extent. One of these rushes has taken. place to a high range opposite the Dart Hotel, where gold has been struck near the surface, thus confirming the opinion SO frequently expressed by me that you might with equal chance of obtaining the precious metal sink on the tops of the highest ranges, as in the bottom of the deepest gullies. The party working the bed ot the river continue to do remarkably well. The gold is very fine and scaly, but very generally distributed through the gravel composing the old bed. One of this party had his tent cut open on Wednesday morning, and a parcel of gold weighing 10 ozs. taken from it. Information was at once given to the police, and as the suspected thief is known, it is t * be hoped that he will not long elude their vigilance. The lignite is coming into very general use for fuel, but the smell emitted in burning is by no means agreeable. There is fortunately an amflii* supply of it, and at a low rate.

We have had beautiful weather lately, ■—clear bright days, with a bracing cold wind.— Times Correspondent.

THE GOLD FIELDS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

There is no doubt any longer that a new gold field of surpassing fertility, and very easily worked, has been opened in British Columbia. This immense territory, stretching northward from Vancouver’s Island over six or seven degrees of latitude, and bounded here, if bounded at all, only by other portions, hitherto unoccupied, of British North America, has scarcely received the attention it deserves. Most inviting accounts of its climate and agricultural resources has reached us from time to time, yet the stream of colonisation has never set strongly in that direction. The valleys between Fraser River and the Rocky Mountains, and especially that district scarcely to be identified on the map, but described under the name of Cariboo, promise to draw the surplus roving population from California more rapidly than Otago lias diverted that from Australia. The auriferous properties of this region were not recognised till late in 1860, and the months over which this account ranges are those between May and September in 1861, inclusive. Ground was first broken in Antler Creek, and we are told that there some of the new hands “ took out gold to the value of 200 dels, a day each, while new claims were daily opened with a like prospect of success.” A later passage in the same letter contains a succinct explanation of the mode o r working these “ claims.” “ A mining claim is a (parallelogram) piece of ground 100 fed wide, running from bank to bank of a creek. The depth is indefinite, varying of course, with the width of the creek. Each miner is entitled to one of these ( claims/ and there may be several miners associated together to work a * claim.’ In case of such an associat on amounting .to five miners the company would be entitled to 500 feet of ground in width, and running from bank to bank. The amounts realised by individuals within this limited area are marvellous, especially when we take into account the rudeness of the means adopted for separating the gold from the auriferous gravel or mud in which it is imbedded. We select at random a few instances of good luck. In the month of May, “ a Mr. Smith earned (worth £lB5 0a) in one day.”) TVs seems to have been witV a “rocker,” which i 3 admitted to be a clumsy instrument for extracting gold. As the men constructed “flumes,” the average results were much higher than before, varying, from 100/ to 500/ a-day for a company of from three to six men, though the success of the fortunate Mr. Smith was not often surpassed even in the autumn, richer veins had been struck. In June we hear of “ one rocker washing out 500 ounces of a forenoon, and three men washing out 100 ounces from a flume in a week.” In July, “31 ounces were cleaned out in one day in a 3iole only 2 feet under the surface.” “ Some claims began to jiay as high as 1000 dots, a day,” ' Facts of this kind recur again and again. 1700 dols. worth was “ dug out of two crevices in the rock less than three feet under the surface.” and 900 dols. worth was obtained “ in one panfull of dirt.” There was no fallii-g off in the produce during August and September, indeed, some of tlia most enviable strokes of luck were made in the latter month. The returns from William’s Creek are quoted as the largest of all. There “ three claim-owners earned 60,000 tiois.; nine earned 90,000 dels.; four, 48,000 dols., four more, 24,000 dols.; three, If, 000 dols.; and four men in one day’s work took out 25 lbs. weight, valued at 5000 dols.”

The pecularity of the soil which yields these golden harvests appears to be the small amount of preparation which it requires. The surface is sometimes gravel, sometimes alternate layers of blue clay, earth, and gravel; but in every case the metal seems to lie near the surface, and to be found in solid masses. “ The gold was, all coarse gold, granulated, gravelly stuff, mixed with pellets and pebbles of pure me*al of considerable size.” Its average value was found to be somewhat over 17f dols. per ounce, but the highest quality, from Itiv’9 Creek proved to be worth very nearly 19 dols. per ounce. Very little skill is required in collecting it, and “ men who had never mined before—tradesman, mechanics, and labourers, new to the worlo-did jusf as well as the old .practised miner.” For this reason unskilled labour commanded a price hardly, credible in this country, £2 a-day being quoted as nothing uncommon, and more than J£jtk) . -having been offered for one

month’s labour. After this we can well understand that “ claims” producing no more than M a-day were “ passed over wth contempt.’’ Two things, however, must be borne in mind by those who may be tempted by these reports to try their fortune at Cariboo. The one is, that the “ efflorescence” of the snrface is fast being exhausted, and that although equally solid treasures are believed to lie beneath, it is not to be expected that they can be reached and converted into money by equally expeditious processes. The other is, that the price of necessaries almost keeps pace with the miners’ gains. Eight shillings for a meal, two shilling• a •pound for beef, the same sum for a glass of liquor, and so forth, would soon reduce the most exorbitant daily earnings to a very m dost figure.— ‘ Times' of Feb. 7.

SCAB A a C T. This Act of the Provincial Council, No. 20 of Session I. being out of print, it may be useful to Sheep Farmers to have a copy of it, and we therefore give it] in full for their information. AN ACT to repeal an Ordinance of the Legislative Council of New Munster, Session l, Ao. 4, and to malm other Provisions to Prevent the extension of the Disease called the Scab and the Catarrh among SHE DP. [ Assented to Feby. 16, 1854.]

WHEREAS, an Ordinance was passed by the Lieutenant-Governor and Council of the Province of New Munster, Session 1., No. 4, entitled —“ An Ordinance to prevent the extension of the infectious disease called the Scab, as well as the disease called the Influenza or Catarrh in Sheep or Lambs.” And, whereas, it is expedient that the above recited Ordinance should be repealed, and that further provision should be made in that behalf within the Province of Wellington: Be it therefore enacted by the Superintendent of the said Province, with the advice and consent of the Provin-

cial Council thereof, as follows:

1. From and after the passing of this act tTie above recited ordinance, so far as it relates to the Province of Wellington, shall be, and the same is, hereby repealed. 2. If any person shall, by himself, his agent, or servant, drive, depasture, or suffer to stray, any sheep or lambs infected with either of the diseases called “ Scab ” or “ Catarrh,” Or which shall within thirty days previously, have undergone any dressing for the cure of the disease called “ Scab,” across or upon any land not being the property of, or being rented by such person, and not being land of which he shall have the right of pasturage, or-upon or along any public way, he shall be subject to a penalty of not less than twenty-five pounds, nor more than one hundred pounds: Provided, however, that so much of this clause as refers to the suffering to stray of infected sheep or lambs shall not come into operation until after the first day of April, 1854.

3. Nothing herein contained shall porevent separate informations being laid by every occupier of land upon which such infected sheep or lambs as aforesaid shall have been driven, depastured, or suffered to stray, or by every occupier of land through which, or adjacent to which, any public way shall lie, upon or along which way any such infected sheep or lambs shall have been driven, depastured, or suffered to stray: Provided always, that if the fine incurred by any number of separate offences under this act, during one and the same removal of a flock, shall exceed the sum of two hundred poundssuch accumulated fines shall not be levied to any greater amount. 4. That if any person, himself, or by means of any one under his control, shall turn out, keep, or depasture any sheep or lambs infected with either of the said diseases on any land intersected or crossed by any public road, and shall so affix a notice of the existence of s.uch inflexion in aoroe conspicuous place at each end of such public road where it intersects such land* or renew or replace such notice aa often as need be during the time of the existence of such infection, he shall be liable to a penalty of not less than two pounds. 5. From and after the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, all sheep and lambs above the age of six months,within the province of Wellington, p.hall be branded on the wool thereof with the brand of the owner; and every owner of any such sheep or lambs not being so branded shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds, and if the said sheep or la mbs not being so branded shall exceed four hundred in number, such owner shall be liable to a further penalty of not less than threepence nor more than sixpence for every such sheep or lamb not being branded as aforesaid. 6. Every owner of any such sheep or lamb shall cause a correct copy or impression of his brand to be registered in an office, and within such time as shall be appointed by the Superincendent for that purpose. And any owner neglecting so to register such brand as aforesaid, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds. 7. It shall be lawful foi the Superintendent to appoint some fit person to be registrar of brands, and, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, to make rules and regulations for the management of such registration office, and to fix a scale of fees which shall be payable to such registrar, and all such rules, regulations, and tables of fees, shall be published in the Government Gazette, and shall thereupon be binding upon all per-

sons, and shall have the force of law. 8. After any person shall have so registered a . brand, it shall not be lawful for any other person to brand any sheep or lambs with a brand bearing the same mark; and any person offending against the provisions of this clause shall be liable to a penalty of not less than five pounds. 9. If *ny person shall brand any sheep or lambs, or shall deface or efface any brand upon any sheep or lambs without the authority of the owner thereof,: lie shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding ten pounds. 10. The mavk’or impression of any registered brand upon any sheep or lambs shall be prim* facie evidence of the ownership of such sheep or lambs by the person in whose name such brand shall be registered in the office of the registrar of brands. 11. From and after’"the first day" of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, every owner of any such sheep or lambs infected with the disease called the “ Scab,” shall be fined upon the report of the inspector sixpence for every such infected sheep or lamb. Provided that no person who shall have been convicted under this clause shall be liable to any further penalty under thoj*same on account of such disease in the same sheep or lambs, uutil the expiration of six months after the date of such?^conviction as aforesaid.

12. Any justice of the peace having reasonable grounds, from information stated on oath before him, to suspect any sheep or lambs within the Province of Wellington, or on board any ship, boat, or vessel, in any harbour of the said Province, to be infected with either of the said diseases, may, by a warrant in the form specified iu tne schedule to this act, order the inspection of such suspected sheep or lambs by the inspector, aided by any one or more competent person or persons named in such warrant. And such inspectors shall, immediately after such inspection, report the result thereof, in writing, to the justice issuing the said warrant, and shall declare to the.truth of the said report upon oath before him: and it shall be lawful for such justice thereupon to order each of such assistant inspectors to be remunerated at the rate of not more than ten shillings by the day during the time in which he or they shall have been reasonably employed in such inspection : and m case such sheep or lambs shall prove to be infected, such remuneration shall be paid by the owner of the same; but if they prove to be uninfected, the remuneration as aforesaid shall be paid by the informant. 13. Every owner of any sheep or lambs who shall refuse to allow such inspection to be made under such warrant as aforesaid, or shall obstruct, or shall refuse or neglect to afford all reasonable facilities to such inspectors as aforesaid shall be subject to a fine of not less than twenty pounds. 14. Nothing in this act shall be construed to limit or deprive any person suffering loss or damage from the driving, depasturing, or suffering to stray of any such infected sheep or lambs as aforesaid, of any action or remedy which hejmay have at law, or otherwise, for obtaining redress or compensation for such loss or damage, from the person liable thereto. 15. The owner of any sheep or lamb infected with the disease called “Catarrh” at the time of its death who shall fail to consume the carcase by fire, or to bury it at least three feet under the ground, within twelve hours after death, he shall be liable to a penalty of not less than five pounds, nor more than twenty pounds. 16. If any person, by himself, his servant, or agent, shall cast, or cause to be cast, the carcase of any sheep or lamb infected with “Catarrh,” at the time of its death, into any stream or pond, or other water, he shall be liable to a penalty of not less than five pounds, nor more than twenty pounds. 17 If any person shall slaughter, or shall have in his possession for the purpose of slaughtering, any sheep or lamb infected with either of the said diseases, or shall expose tor sale the carcase, or any part thereof, of any sheep or lamb so infected, he shall be liable for each such offence to a fine of not less than twenty shillings, nor more than five pounds, onelialf of such fine to be paid to the informer. And such infected carcase, or parts thereof, shall be thereupon destroyed in such maimer as any justice of "th£ peace may direct: Provided that the butchers of "Wellington may kill, during the next three months, all such scabby sheep as they may now have, which the inspector may declare to be wholesome food, but that after- such period such permission shall cease and determine. 18. Any master, owner, or supercargo of any ship, boat, or other vessel, who shall permit any sheep or lambs to be landed therefrom before they shall have been inspected by an inspector of sheep, duly authorised under the provisions of this act, and before he shall have received a certificate to that effect, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than twenty pounds, nor more than one hundred, pounds. 19. If any person shall himself, or bv means of any agent or servant, land or cause to be landed from any ship, boat, on other vessel, except as hereinafter provided, any sheep or lambs infected with either of the said diseases, he shall be liable to a penalty of one hundred pounds: and if such sheep or lambs so landed shall exceed twenty in number, he shall be liable to a further penalty of five pounds for every such sheep or lamb in excess of the number aforesaid.

20. Any person who by himself, his agent, or servant, shall land or cause to be landed, auy sheep or lambs infected

with the disease called “ Scab,” upon land declared or proclaimed by the Government of the Province of Wellington as the Quarantine Ground, or so near thereto as may be possible, shall not be subject to a penalty. 21. The Quarantine Ground shall, for the time during which such sheep or lambs shall be depastured thereupon, as before provided, be taken and deemed to be, for the purposes of this act, in tne lawful occupation of the owner of such sheep, or lambs : Provided always that sucK sheep or lambs shall be subjecUto a weekly charge of threepence each, payable by the week: such sheep or lambs to be removed when declared free from Scab by the inspector, or to be subject to a further charge of 2d. by the week. Should payment be in arrears for four weeks, the sheep or lambs to be deemed to be abandoned, and may be sold or disposed of as may appear most likely to contribute to the public interest. 22. It shall be lawful for the Superintendent to appoint an inspector and subinspectors of sheep, and from time to time to remove the same, and to appoint others in tlieir stead. And such inspector and sub-inspectors so appointedjjshall have at all times the powers hereinbefore given to certain persons acting under the warrant of any one or more justices of the peace in the inspection of all sheep and lambs suspected to be infected with either of the said diseases: and it shall be lawful for the Superintendent to make such regulations as he may think fit for the guidance of all such inspector and subinspectors in the execution of their duty, and for the carrying of this act into effect: Provided always, that no such regulations shall have any force until after they shall have been published in the Government Gazette. The inspector to report within fourteen days after the commencement of each Session as to the working of this act, and as to the general state of the Scab in this Province.

23. Every sheep and lamb running in any flock, or being on board auy ship, boat, or other vessel, in which there shall be one sheep or la.nb infected with the disease called.“ Scab,” shall be deemed to be infected within the meaning of this act. .

24. That all newly imported sheep shall be properly dressed before they shall be removed a greater distance than twenty miles from the port at which they shall have been landed: and any person driving any such sheep beyond such distance, before they shall have been properly dressed, shall forfeit and pay for every sheep so driven, a sum not less than one shilling: Provided that this clause shall not extend to any sheep which shall have been landed for a period of two months previous to being so drh en. 25, All fines and penalties imposed under the authority of this act shall be recoverable in a summary way.

26. And whereas certain flocks are now being moved from one district to another, and the bringing clause 2 of this act into immediate operation in respect to such flocks would inflict excessive loss on the owners of such flocks. Be it enacted, That such flocks as may, previous to the passing of this act, have been actually in progress from one district or station to another, shall not for a period of two months next from the passing hereof be deemed to come within the operation of the second clause of this act; unless upon enquiry before two justices of the peace, at the suit of any persons who may consider themselves injured by the passage of such flocks overland in tlieir occupation, the owners of such flocks, should by such justifies be adjudged not to have used due diligence and precaution with regard to exposing other sheep to infection,, jand the utmost reasonable expenditure in moving such flocks. And the owners of such flocks shall for such two. months, and unless as aforesaid, be subject to the operation of the hereinbefore in part recited Ordinance of the Legislative Council of New Munster, Session 1., No. 4.

27. In the interpretation of this act, the wox-ds “Owner of any sheep or lambs” shall be taken to include, the person haying the control or management of s,u,ch sheep or lambs.

Charles Clifford, Speaker.

Passed the Pi'ovincial Council, on the third day of Feb., in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hunj dred and fifty-four. H. S. Harrison, Clerk of Council

To Kee? Butter Sweet. —A. correspondent of the American Agriculturist gives the following directions for preserving butter in good condition for any length of time. In the months when butter is plenty, work it thoroughly two or three times, and add to the iusit working one grain of saltpetre and a teaspoonful of pulverised loaf sugar to each pound of butter. Pack it tightly in stone jars, to within two inches of the top, and fill tne remaining space with strong brine. Cover the jars tightly, and bury them in the cellar bottom, wjiere the butter will keep unhurt a long time. Cabbage Blight. —A prevention of the cabbage blight, if not a complete remedy, may be found in the application of sulphur. The recipe, as stated in th e Yeoman, is as follows the early Enfield market, .and /Shepherd’s large early cabbage, and cauliflower seed for twelve hours, in sulphur, dissolved in a little water, when it will be ready for sowing, Shade the tender plants from the fierce rays of the sun, and occasionally apply water and liquid manure from guano, or pigeons’ dung i perhaps fowls dung would do as well. Should the aphis, or cabbage blight, subsequently appear, it would be worth while, as an experiment, to see wi at would be the effect of a watering with sulphur water, strengthened with a mild

liquid manure as above. A dish of cabbage impregnated with sulphur- would not be a bad thing, especially in the spring. Different Meanings. —A clergyman, while composing a sermon, made use of the words “ ostentatious man ”, Throwing,down his pen, he wished to satisfy himself, ere he proceeded, as to whether a great portion of his congregation might comprehend the meaning of these words, and lie adopted tlm following method of proof:—Ringing the bell, his footman appeared, and he was thus addressed by his master, ’“What do you conceive to be implied by an ostentatious man ?” “ Ail ostentatious man, Sir,” said Thomas, “ why, Sir, I should say a perfect gentleman.” “ Very good,” observed the vicar, “ send Ellis ftlie coachmau) here.” “ Ellis,” said the vicar, “what do you imagine an ostentatious man to be ?” “An ostentatious man, Sir,” replied Ellis, “ why, I should say an ostentations man means what we calls (saving your presence) a very jolly fellow.” It is hardly necessary to add that the vicar substituted a less ambiguous word.

A large portion of land at Maui, in the Sandwich Islands, has been prepared for the growing of cotton. The King of those islands and Prince Kamehameha are both deeply interested in the speedy introduction and rapid development of the cotton culture iu their dominions;

A Potatoe Digger.— The following description of a new potatoe digger is from a late Californian paper“ The working machine will be twelve feet in length. In form it is similar to a truck wagon, has a seat in front for the driver, within reach of whom is a crank by which he can readily raise or lower the plough at pleasure, according to the nature of the surface or soil. The plough, which is scoop-shaped, introduces the earth and potatoes to an elevating wheel, furnished with a series of perforated buckets, the inner rim of the wheel being also perforated for sifting the lirt. From the wheel the residue is conducted 'o a shaking sieve and thence into a sacking apparatus at the back part of the machine, below which is a platform on which a naan cau stand and sack. In the sacking apparatus are two valves so adjusted that they can be opened or shut by the sucker at pleasure, and above it is a rack for empty sacks within his reach. The machine can ' fill two sacks at the saine time, aud enable the sacker to sew them up and throw them off, while the succeeding sacks are filling. It is claimed that this machine will dig and sack fiom 1500 to 2000 'bushels of potatoes, and from 3000 to 4000 bushels of onions, without cutting or bruising.”

Wheat- Growing Countries. —-A late number of the New York Tribune contains an article on wheat culture, from which it seems America is hot the greatest wheat producing country, both France and Britain exceeding it in average yield. The last year’s erop in the United States is assumed to be 180,000,000 bushels, but the average is probably only. 120,000,000; and as the American system of agriculture is exhausting the best lauds a diminution of the yield is anticipated. The average yield of other countries in bushels is stated as follows France, 191,422,248; Britain, 1445,300, 00.0; Two Sicilies, 64,000,000; Canada, 60,470,130; Spain, 49,914,000 ; Austria, 27,735,568; Sardinia, 19,975,000; Russia, export only, 18,921,776; Belgium, 13,350,000; Portugal, 5,500,000; Turkey, export only, 4,629,000; Holland, 3,000, 000; Sweden and Norway, 1,200,000. Here is an annual production of more than 606,000',000 bushels. If the crops of America are included, the total may be safely assumed to be 900,00.0,000, as the unascertained product of Russia and Turkey must be very large. No better evidence of the primary value of the wheat plant to the human family could be given than such an exhibition as this. Cambridge University Votuntekrs. —The Prince of Wales’s Cub.— The contest for possession of this coveted prize virtually commenced hist week amongst the members of the Cambridge University Rifle Corps, with a view to the selection of six gentlemen as final competitors. The trial contest went on at intervals until it resulted in the following gentlemen being chosen, they haying made the highest scores at the following ranges v-^-200,3.00, 500, and 600 yards; five shots at each range, with long Enfield rifles. Standing position was observed at 200 and 300 yards, after that the competitors shot from any position they might fancy. Mr. Ross (Trinity), champion of Scotland and ex-cbampion of England ; Mr. Peterkin (Emmanuel), Mr. Stratton ( Trinity), Mr. Gurdou (Trinity), Mr. Mars-, den (John’s), and Mr. Guinuesa (John.s) having proved themselves the six best shots in the trial matches, met upon the ground on Monday morning for the final contest; and, u 3 may be supposed, a large assemblage was collected, including the majority of the heads of houses, professors, and other dignitaries of the university, with a number of distinguished visitors attracted to the town l»y invitations to the Trinity ball. The Prince of Wales entered the ground about two o'clock, and remained tor a considerable time, llis royal highness was attended by the Hon. General Bruce and Captain Grey. The scores at the close were declared to be as utuler:—

There were 10 shots at each distance, with Enfield rifles, audit was just upou dusk before Mr. Ross was declared the winner, and the assemblage dispersed amid enthusiastic cheers for the Prince, Mr, lioss and Mr. Peterkin. The cap, the award of Mr. Ross’s prowess, now adorns that gentleman’s rooms. —Bells Life.

Explosive Paraffine.— Mr. W. Herapath, of Bristol, makes the public acquainted with an easy method of proving whether the -oil is dangerous or not. Lettwo or drops of it be allowed to fall upon a plate saucer, 'and apply to them a-lighted mutch ; if the flame spreads over the surface of the drops-the oil should on no account be used, as it will under any circumstances prove explosive. The genuine-paraffine or petroline will not burn unless upon a wick. —Medical Times.

Popping the Question.— l Lord Justice Clerk Braxfield was a man of few words and strong business habits.. In courting his second wife, his procedure was entirely illustrative of the peculiarities of his character. Calling for the lady, he said to her, without pieliminary remarks, “ Lizzy, I am looking out for a wife, and / thought you just the person that would suit me. Let me have your answer, off or on, the morn, and nae niair aboot it.” 2’he lady next day replied iu the affirmative. Perhaps he repented his precipitancy, for when a butler gave warning on account of Mrs. Bruxfield’s scolding propensities, the judge replied, “ Lord, mon, ye've little to complain o’; ye may be thankfu’ye’re no married to her.” The late Professor D— —was, prior to his appointment to his chair, rector of an academy iu Forfarshire. He was particularly reserved in his intercourse with the fair sex; but, in prospect of obtaining a professorship, he ventured to make proposals to a lady. They were walking together, and the important question was put without preliminary sentiment or note of warning. Of course the lady replied by a gentle “ No !” The subject was immediately dropped • but th« parties soon met again. “Do you remember,” at length said the lady, “a question whieh yon put to me when we last met?” The Professor said that he remembered. “ And do you remember my answer, Mr. D ?” “ O yes,” said the Professor. “ Well, Mr. D- proceeded the lady, “ I have been lad, on consideration, to change my mind.” “ And so have I,” dryly responded the,,Professor. * Her maintainedhis batchelorhood to the close—Dr. Rogers’ Illustrations;of (Scottish Character.

No “Blowing up” an Irishman.—ln blowing up the magaziue, in the old fortress of Sadat Khan, at Zuckndw, the following curious circumstance is thus stated (in Macmillan’s Magazine) .to have occurred “ One house, escaped, and also one Irishman. The officer, to whom the task of filing the train was entrusted, thought; that he was the last to leaTe the fort, but had said to one of the men, “ W&it for me,” and forgot to tell him where he was going. The poor man thought he was to wait during the explosion, aud, in the true spirit of military discipline and obedience actually did so, crouching in a corner of the square; and happily returned - safe and sound, to give his companions a grotesque description of “ the way in which it raiueu beam®, stones, bullocks and horses for a quarter, of an hour ;” for many of those luckless animals had been, unavoidably left behind.”

Japan.— The great hope of political ecoiiomiets in looking towards this country was that the cottons and woollens of England would find purchasers among the thirty or forty millions of its people; but it is a hope not at all likely to be soon fulfilled. For what has Japan to give in exchange? She cannot furnish these'two important commodities' which China does—raw silk and themselYes more than sufficient : to balance the imports of our manufactured, goods. She has no abundant supply of the precious metals, apparently not even enough to supply tlic eurreucy of the country ; and the produce of her soil can only be very little, over and above her own consumption. Besides the Japanese have their owu cottons, and linens, cheap and abundant, And their thick wadded cottons are used in the place of woollen, garments.—Tilley’s Japan, -

MARKETS,

Wanganui, May 15, —Wheat 6s barley ss, oats ss, maize 6s per bushel, flour (at; Netlye mill) £l7, (in town) £lB per 2000 lbs, potatoes £3 per ton, brand—4 lb. loaf Is, butter Is 3d per lb, eggs 2s 6d per doz.

Holloway's Pills. —Depression of spirits. —A* jUtuinn advances, the speedy and aged especially , uller from the imperfect and languid state of 'he circulation. Which even in the strong sometimes produces an unaccountable despondency, Holloway’s Pills effectually dispel the gloom, by which nature foreshadows a warning of some serious malady. These wonderful Pills act so certainly, safely and rapidly on the digestive organs, that all depressing emotions generally yield, the vital energy returns, and the frequent: cause of fever and. otter ailments, disappears. Holloway’s Pills never oau. do any harm. To. the delicate, sedentary, ailing and aged they are most strongly recommended, as they contain no injurious ingredient, and, therefore may be taken, iyith impunity for; any* period. - -84

CALENDAR. ~ f Last Quarter May 21| 3.17 a.m Mo °n | New Moon May 29 3,5 a.ui

Agents for the “ Wanganui Chronicle” Turakina —-Messrs. "Franklin and Hurst Rangitikei — Mr. Thos. Scott. Wellington —W. Lyon, Esq. Auckland■ —Messrs. Williamson and Wilson Nelson —Messrs. C. & J. Elliott, Sew Plymouth— F. U. Glediull, Esq London— Messrs. Smith, Elder & Co

SB K SO tn TJ , 4 >-> ►4 < O o © o K o Ross o CM .... 17 o eo 21 o »C5 12 o BO 9 H 59 Peterkiti .... 22 15 7 7 51 Stratton .... 16 12 11 8 47 Gordon ... .... 12 11 6 5 34 Marsden .... 15 7 3 3 28 Guinness .... 14 11 6 7 38

May. S. rises. S. sets. High water at Head 15 7 12 4 46 11 13 11 37 1'6 7 13 4 45 32 0 12 24 17 7 14 4 44 12 47 1 11 18 7 14 4 43 1 35 1 59 19 7 15 4 42 2 20 2 44 20 7 10 4 42 3 6 3 30 21 7 17 4 41 3. 54 4 18 22 7 18 4 40 4 42 5 6.