LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 7, Issue 377, 14 January 1864, Page 3

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

It may be interesting to some of our readers to be informed of the amount of rain which has fallen in the town of Wanganui during the several months of the past year. . From the following table, which has been supplied by Mr. H. I. Jones of this place, it appears that the total quantity has been 43.36 inches, which is about double the annual fall in London. -It will be seen that the number of days on which rain fell was 152, and the two wettest months were July and November, when it rained on no less than 19 days in each month.

43.36 152 The Rain Guage was placed on the ground, and is of the same description as that used by the British Meteorological Society. . Iron Sand. Our respected townsman, T. B. Taylor, Esq., some time ago sent a sample of iron sand from Ohurton’s creek to the harbour master at Newcastle, New South Wales, requesting him to place it in good hands for examination. As will be seen from the following letter, the sand is not likely to prove valuable ; but we think the public are indebted to Mr. Taylor for showing on this occasion his usual anxiety to develope the natural resources of the place. Newcastle, 17th December, 1863.

My dear Sir,—l must just throw myself on your mercy by at once pleading guilty to a very gross neglect in not replying to your letter dated 14th March, 1863, which I duly [received from Capt. Brown of the Spray, also two bottles of iron sand, which, with your letter, I showed to the Editor of the Newcastle Telegraph, who published it with his remarks on the sand ; I am under the impression that some copies .were sent to you. The samples of sand were handed over to Mr Keene, our Government Mineralogist, who happened to be in Newcastle when the Spray was here ; .he. went.with'me'to the Sprayund inspected the ballast, taking samples from the bulk in different parts. Mr. Keene is a gentleman of great ability in his profession, and likely to give a correct opinion. Soon after getting these samples lie was ordered to the northern part of this country on professional duty, where he remained nearly six months. I only saw him about a month ago, when he stated to me his opinion that the sand would not be a paying speculation, as there is gi-eat difficulty and loss while the sand is undergoing the blast; but he is to try it by another process, when I will be informed of the result, which, if favourable, I wiil have much pleasure in communicating to you. I remain, youi’s most sincerely, David F. Allen. T. B. Taylor, Esq.

Bazaar. —lt will be observed from our advertising columns, that a Bazaar in connection with the Presbyterian church is to be held in Messi’s. Taylor and Watt’s new store next week. We understand that the object of the Bazaar, is to obtain funds to liquidate a small balance of debt remaining on the church, and no doubt the friends of the church will easily accomplish this object. But we believe the attraction for the general public will be very considerable, as the assortment of useful ancl ornamental articles is very varied, tasteful, and excellent ; and moreover-—rather a novel circumstance in the history of these fancy fairs—the prices are said to be marvellously low \ so much so that some of the committee anticipate that the public will ask them to get up another on the same principle as soon ,as possible. In accordance'with an order from the Superintendent, the sura of 3d per ton is now charged on all vessels “ entering and leaving” this port for pilotage over the .bar, and an extra 3d per ton, on such as require it, for pilotage between the heads and the town. Some doubt has. arisen as to whether the first of these charges is payable both ways, and the question has been referred to his Honor for; decision.

At the Town Board meeting on Mouday evening, the collector was ordered for the future not to call moi*e than twice for any person’s rate. If any rate is nut

paid on the second application, he is to desire it to be paid at the Board’s office at a certain time, failing which he is to issue a summons at once.

— - ■— Rain-fall. Days on which Rain fell. January ... ... 0.59 ... 3 February... ... 2.02 ... 6 March ... 1.30 .... 7 April ... 3.50 ... 11 May ... 4.38 13 June ... 5.66 14 July ... 5.07 ... 19 August ... ... 3.68 15 September ..! 3.80 13 October ... ... 5.17 17 November ... 5.30 19 December ... 2.69 15