ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 16, 6 September 1851, Page 3

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

Married Soldieus. — By a circular from the War-Office, dated February 15th, the Queen has been pleasetiUto command that the allowance of married soldiers who are permitted to find their own lodgings shall be increased from one penny to twopence each. Mr. Macready has retired from the stage. On the Ist March a grand dinner was given to him in the Hall of Commerce, London. There were about GOO persons present, including some of the most celebrated names of the day. i The late Duke -of Newcastle almost disinherited his son and successor, Earl Lincoln, by leaving the whole of his property, which was unentailed, to Lord Charles Pelham Clinton, next brdther to the present Duke, who offended his father by supporting Sir Robert Peel on the corn laws. The income of this great dukedom is nov, r reduced to £2000 ayear. Mi\ Bailey, R.A., has been selected to execute the bronze statue to be erected in honour of the late Sir llobert Peel at Bury, his native town. It will stand in an open space of ground in front of the market-place. The sum subscribed for this purpose amounts to £2,500. A steam-engine, weighing only three-quar-ters of an ounce, is being exhibited in full motion at the Great Exhibition, and has been made by an ingenious workman in Saddleworth. At the ro3 - al theatre at Madrid, when the Queen of Spain was present, a girl, who was one of the chorus singers, threw herself at her Majesty's feet as she was entering her private box, and implored her clemency for a carabineer, who had been condemned to death for breaches of discipline. The Queen granted the pardon required. Sir Stratford Caning has given to the inhabitants of Pera one of the most splendid balls that have ever been given in the Levant : upwards of 1600 invitations were issued, and most of the grandees of Constantinople had a unique opportunity of assisting at this scene. Free Church. — We are glad to learn 4hat the Rev. Mr. Anderson, late of the Free Church, Innerkip, is now on his way to this colony, to be settled at Strathalbyn. A prompt and most satisfactory response has thus been given to the call of the people at Strathalbyn, as forwarded and supported by Mr. Gardner of the Free Church in this colony. — M Adelaide Times, June 7, •>/'..