Slade, father of the child, was to the effect thab he waa cleaning oub a drain on his farm on Monday last, and took with him the deceased child and another four years old. The children wandered on to a bridge composed of sticks, and the youngest child fell off ib into aboub two foet of water. The other child had not sense enough to draw the J father's attention to tho mishap, and when found it was dead. Dr. Dalxiol also gavo evidence. Tbe jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and no blame was at tached to any person. The Gisborne " Standard " having ceased publication, Mr B. T. Jones, the able editor of thab journal, has left for Australia. Referring to a valedictory gathering, tho Gisborne '-Herald" says:—"The Phono graphic Society's little room was tho scene of a very pleasant social .gathering last evening, tho meeting being a valedictory to Mr H. T. Jones, who leaves Gisborne by to-morrow's steamer, probably tor Australia. The President (Mr E. Wilkinson) presented Mr Jones with , a neatly engrossed testimonial accompanied by a handsome souvenir and memento of the Society's esteem. The testimonial contained a resolution expressive of the Society's re gret ab losing one of ibs most competent members (one of the founders of the So ciety), and wishing him health and pros perity wherever he mighb cast his lob ; also speaking highly of his ability and hopefully of hia future success. The President, Secretary, and others spoke, and conveyed their personal feelings and wishes regarding Mr Jones, whom they valued as a friend. Mr Jones in reply thanked them all hoartily for their kindness, and said tbe traditions of the Society were such as to encourage any member to set out for a wider field ; each of tho.»o members who had left had senb bank good report? of his successand each acknow ledged the benefit the Society had been to him. He (bhe speaker) felt keenly the I parting from many friends throughout tho districb, and especially did he regret his severance from the Association. 