GENERAL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 866, 26 September 1871, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

Messrs O'Neill and Brown, who were appointed by the Committee selected by the House of Representatives to consider the Wellington water works scheme have given in their report on the gold mining claims at Baker's Hill. They admit the presence of gold-bearing stone in large quantities in that locality, and are of opinion that, if worked with proper machinery, the claims would prove payable to a very satisfactory degree. Last week a man named Pentecost, who had engaged to run ten miles within an hour, at Christchurch, accomplished his task with ten seconds to spare.

Nelson never saw such a body of Celestials as passed through there on Saturday last in the Taranaki, on their way from Auckland to Otago. The Johua Bates, with a freight of 250 Chinese, hound to Otago, put into Auckland leaky, on the Ist instant, and they were all transhipped to the Taranaki, and by her conveyed from the Manukau to their intended destination.

The " Wairaiapa Mercury" gives fuller particulars of the death of Mr G. Elliott Lockhart, who was found by Mr M'Lean, the overseer of the Matakikuna station, about 300 yards from the old ford of the river. Erom the information we have received, it appears that the deceased, who was an officer of her Majesty's Navy on halfpay, and very well connected, left Castle Point in the Glimpse on 20th August, and went to Elat Point where he landed and rode to Castle Point. He then proceeded, on Tuesday, on his way on foot to the Mataikuna station, carrying with him a few articles for Mr M'Lean. He was seen on the following day by some Maoris, who were looking for their horses, and on Eriday he was found dead, lying on his back, with his satchel as a pillow. Two cheques of £2 and £1 respectively, with 12s were found on him. R. Maunsell, Esq., J.P., went on Saturday, to hold an inquest upon the body, the result of which we have not yet learnt. The weather was very bad on the coast at the time, snowing and raining alternately, and there is but little doubt that he died from sheer exhaustion.

Bishop Moran's lecture on Edu ation recently given at Wellington excited considerable interest. He addressed a letter to the " Independent" rebutting a statement that the Catholic church desired to maintain ignorance amongst its followers.

A recent Wanganui paper states, that there are no fewer than thirty-one bankruptcy cases set down for hearing at the ensuing sitting. Some of them, however, are adjourned cases. The total amount expended for educational purposes throughout the Colony, in the year 1870, was £37,622 16s 6d. Towards this amount the various provinces contributed (we omit shillings and pence), as follows :: — Otago, £17,914.: Nelson, £7423; Canterbury, £7351; Auckland, £1525; Hawkes Bay, £976; County of Westland, £955; Wellington, £763; Southland, 34-5; Taranaki, £253; Marlborough, £52. EOAD AGITATION. The " Star " gives the following account of a meeting held at Greymouth on Monday evening the 18th inst:— A meeting of the business people in town was convened last evening by a few gentlemen for the purpose of devising some means whereby communication obtained by road from Ahaura to Reefton. In accordance a large number of gentleman met at eight o'clock at Gilmer's Hotel. Mr M. Kennedy occupied the chair and the Question was fully discussed by those present. Various opinions were expressed as to the advisability of communicating with the Nelson Government, or taking steps, to have the

matter laid before the General Government with the view of obtaining a main road over the Saddle. After some discussion it was resolved that a Committee be appointed with directions to telegraph to the member for the Grey Valley urging the necessity for the formation of a road from this side to Reefton, and requesting that gentleman to put himself in communica r tion with the Superintendent of Nelson with the view of ascertaining whether and when the amount voted by the Nelson Provincial Council last Session for this purpose is likely to be expended and otherwise gaining any information on the subject. Messrs Kennedy, Girdwood, and Reid were appointed a committee with this object and the meeting adjourned to Wednesday evening at eight o'clock at the same place. This forenoon the committee telegraphed to Mr Harrison to learn his views after consulting with Mr Curtis, but no reply had been received up to five o'clock. The meeting tomorrow evening will be put in possession of such information as the committee may be able to gain before that time.