LOCAL AND GENERAL.
On making enquiries at the Hospital this afternoon, we were pleased to learn that tlie two sufferers by the Waiareka explosion — Colin Campbell and Timothy Kenedy—were progressing most satisfactorily. The poor fellow John Orr, the stoker, who was in such a critical position last evening, is a shade better to-day. The difference is scarcely perccptible, still, there is just sufficient to warrant us in stating that his condition has improved. It is thought now that with care ful nursing he will ultimately recover. The Oamaru Artillery, No. 1 Company, .uid the Citizen Cadets, paraded at the Drill shed this morning. After au inspection by Major .Steward, a feu de joie was fired at noon in honour of the Queen's Birthday, the !>and in attendance playing the National Anthem, and three hearty cheers were given for her Majesty. The Rev. Mr. Backhouse delivered an ex cellent lecture last night evening, in St. Paul's Church, on " Livingstone and the Bible in Africa," in aid of the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The lie v. Mr. A. P>. Todd introduced the lecturer, and stated brielly the objects for which the lec ture was given. Mr. Backhouse then entered freely into the various details connected with the life of the great African explorer. His discourse was not of the usual dry character generally expected on these occasions, but abounded in exciting incidents and sparkling anecdotes. He cleverly traced out the early history of Livingstone, giving an account of his varied trials and sufferings iu his mission ary v. ork. All through the audience listened most attentively to the lecture. At the close a collection was made, which amounted to CI 1 4s. fid.
