GENERAL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 900, 14 December 1871, Page 2

GENERAL NEWS.

The " Daily Southern Cross" shows weighty reasons against peripatetic Parliaments, and remarks : —Although not ostensibly emanating from the Provincial party, such a result as that witnessed in the House of Representatives shows unmistakably the ascendency which private and local interests can command when pitted against the broader general interest of the whole colony. Much as the conduct of public affairs might be benefited by a permaneant change, it seems beyond question that the expense and confusion resulting would far more than counterbalance any possible good derivable from such a singular arrangement as a wandering Legislature. Sergeant-Major Bezar informs the " AVanganui Herald" that he discovered on the 18th, at the back of the Eutland Stockade, the skull and bones of a human being. From the formation of the skull (the teeth of which are in excellent preservation) Sergeant-Major Bezar conjectures that the remains are those of a Maori; probably one of those concerned in the affair of 1547.

A very severe gale raged recently at Wanganui, and, says the local paper, has been most devastating in its effects. TKo unit spray cirried by the wind has ruined almost all the vegetation in the district exposed to its action. Many promising gardens and orchards, the pride of many a cottage home, present a' maddening aspect, choice plants and shrubs being shrivelled up and killed by the spray. The last gale of the kind in March last did much towards destroying the fruit crop, and this storm has completed the work. We have n it heard of any grievous damage in the town. Mr &. Walker's tobacconist's shop, at the corner of the Avenue and the Quay, felt the full force of the gale. The shutters on one side were torn down, about 5 a.m. on Sunday, and the iron bar securing them bent like the letter S. Every window in the town in the direction of the gale was coated with a thin crust of salt.

The smart schooner Sarah and Mary, after a round voyage hence to New Zealand, and from there to Newcastle and back to Melbourne, which she has accomplished, all detentions included, in 32 days, returned.to port yesterday. —" Melbourne Argus." "We (" Melbourne Argus") have been shown the designs which have been adopted for the arms and flag of the Kingdom of Fiji, copies of which have been sent to Mr Berliner. The flag is half white, half blue, and in its centre it bears a crown above a crimson shield, with a dove and olive branch. Below is the motto, " Bereveka na kalou ka doka na tui," which is interpreted, " Honor and glory to the king.'