The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY. AUGUST 18, 1888.

The report of the Select' Committee, on the Direct Steam Service is a somewhat curious document. Its main recommendation is that no contract should be made before the next session of the General Assembly. This ia accepted by the Government as forbidding thorn fc m enturing into the proposed arrangement with the New Zealand Shipping Company for one year from Ist November next. The report then mat e s two not very intelligible or consistent recommendations. The Government are to do the beat they c»n in the meantime, so. that their arrangements shall be "leaßt burdensome on the public revenue" consistent with efficiency, but nevertheless they are told that " regard should bo p«d to the claim which the New Zealand Shipping Company, by ite enterprise, has on the Colony." How then is this., claim to be substantially recognised without giving the New Zealand Shipping Company a preference? Aud if a preference is given, then how can that be done without being "burdensome on the public revenue" so long aa their rivals are prepared to outbid them iv the terms for immigrants and freight, aa they lately did ? Mr Rollbsxon said the Government would do its best to carry out the suggestions of the Committee in the best way possible, but unless they are in possession of information which has not yet seen the light, they must be snmewha* puzzled what course to pursue. Tne CommiUee further recommend that the Bluff should be optional as a port of arrival and departure, but if there is to be no contraot it ia of course optional now, and will remain so. Evidently the report is a compromise,.and a very clumsy compromise. The suggestion that preference should be given to " un inkable Bhips " doubtless came from Mr Macandrew, and is a, cheap advertisement for Mr Isbisteb. It created a good deal of amusement in the House, as members declined to bolieve that such a thing was possible as an " unsinkable ship." Iv auy case it will take some years, we imagine, to get Mr Ibbistee's plans adopted by Home builders, and we surely cannot wait for a direct service till the first vessel is built on his designs, which, we should think, would make it a very costly thinsr indeed to build a 4000----ton steamer. Them may or may not be something in the roea, but the Houae is making itself ridiculous in endorsing a scheme it can know [little or nothing about. The only practical result of the Committee's recommendations will be that another eight or nine months will ba left for the two competing Companioa to settle their differences, or foe one to cut the other's throat. The Government are expected to bo impartial, aud careful in protecting the revenue, but yet to give a preference to one of tho Companies, and altogether aro placed in a very peculiar position. Had the Committee plainly raco«> mended

that half the freight and passage money was to bo given to ono Company aud half to the othor, it would have been intelligible ; or had they distinctly laid down t> what;extent the Now Zealand Shipping Company wore to bofavourod— whether they were to receive, for oxamplo, higher rates than thrfir rival, or more than half the immigrants mid freight— their report would hiivo boon businoasliku. Au it ia, wo confoss ouisolvea utiablo to niako head or tail of it, aud can only hope that Mr hoLLk.sroN (who waa a member of tho Committee) knows what it means, and has a clearer id«a of what course is open to him than in to bo gathered from the wording of ihia oracular utterance. If wo are to have tho question decided on the mere ground of tho beat interests of the Colony, without any nantiment, every effort will bo mado to koep both linos running till wo can ascortain which wo ought to support—that is to say, in other words, let the fittest survive. Wo wish, for our part that both could live, as in the interests of the frozen-moat trade wo want them both ; but tho probability is that they will eifchor amalgamate, or one will rotiro from tho field after a, few months' trial. That we can escape without iriving a subsidy iv aomo shape we can hardly hope; but as things now stand, it is perhaps as well to wait another year before deciding what subsidy wo should give. Meanwhile the Government will need to play their cards very careffully to avoid censure on one side or tho other ; and wo aro very liable, between two stools, to fail to tho ground.

On July 27 Mr Baukon, tho member for Cavwahiiin, asked the Government, by question after notice, whether it was intended during tho present session to vest the Sandhills at tho Ocean Beach in a board, and whether powers are pro posed to be given to such board for tho construction of batns, similar to the powers asked for the Borough Council of Oaveraham in a bill recently submitted to Ministers, but to the introduction of which they declined to consent. The honourable gentleman stated that during the session of 1882, at tho instanco of tho Caversham Council, who were desirous to do what they could to meet tho urgent demand of the inhabitants of Dunedin aud suburbs for public baths, he had sukod tho Minister of Mariua to permit tho borough lo enclose a. small space at the St. Clair end of tho beach, which fronts the boundary of trie borough. Major Atkinson, after looking into the matter, (old him that ho considered the request a reasonable one, but that it could not be met without special legislation, aud suggested that a local bill should bo prepared during the recess. This was accordingly done, aud all due formalities complied with ; but when the House met this session, and he formally applied to tho Government for their consent, which was necessary before a bill of such a character could bo introduced, he was informed by the Minister of Linds that it was intended to vest the whole of the Sandhills in one body under the Public Domains Act, and that the object of tho bill might be given effect to by tho board ao created. Mr Koileston, however, added that if the Caversham Council could get the formal consent of the Councils of Dunedin, St. Kilda, and South Dunedin to the bill, he would agree to its introduction. Application for that consent, Mr BARUONsmd, had been made, " with the result that the auoient table of the dog in tho inangnr received an addi tional illustration, and he understood that the members representing those bodies had r«ceived formal instructions to oppose the bill." As the Caversham Borough Cmra cil, ho continued, was enjirely diaiu terested in the matter, and would not like auy delay in providing batha for public convenience and safety, they were willing to consent to the Councils of Dunediu, South Dunedin, and St. Kilda obtaining the powers they theiuselveß asked' for, if those Councils would guaranteo to erect the baths should there be any probability of dolay in th« operations of tho proposed board. The Minister of Lands', in reply, stated that the alteration Bu>;ges!ed would so materially alter the bill that ifc would practically be a now one, and could not, therefore, be introduced until next session. He would repeat, ho said, tho answer which, had already bi»mi given—namely,

having the administration of tho Ocean Beach and any baths connected therewith. No new legislation -was for this purpose required, since the board wouid be appointed under " Tha Public Domains Act 1881.'' Action would be taken without unnecessary delay. "The Government had only bsen waiting until there was that reconciliation of ideas that was necessary to bring about a harmonious result in respect of the management of these Sandhills, and it was intended to appoint such a representative board aa would, the Government hoped, satisfy the requirements of the case." The Board, he concluded, would have powers for the construction of baths, and ho proposed in the Land Bill to take powers for the several bodies who were interested " to contribute towards the result that the honourable gentleman desired, in respect to the institution of public baths in connection with gardens and recreation-grounds in common' for the whole district." Mr Barron was not altogether satisfied with the statement of the Minister, who, he affirmed, had really missed " tho particular point he wished to bring out." These baths were urgently required now, and he did not wish to lose the opportunity of the present session to obtain the legislation which would be necessary in the event of the Government not appointing a board which would immediataly construct tho batha. It is evident that unless the board is at ouco constituted, nothing can be done towards providing bathing accommodation for the ensuing summer. Nor are we able to close our eyes to the possibility, evidently apprehended by Mr Barron, that the board, whea constituted, may not be iv auy hurry in regard to tho construction of public baths on the Beach.

, Passing Notes, by " Civis," are upon our fourth page. TJie objection among our representatives to Wellington as the seat of Government wouJd seem to bo increasing. Yesterday Mr Bathgate brought forward a proposal in the House for the establishment of a new legislative capital for the Colony. His suggestion was that altogether a new city should be established. It should be chosen in some spot close to the main line of railway in this Island, and should be within perhaps 20 miles of one of the larger towns. There he would have Government erect Parliamentary buildings aud locate their headquarters, and he would have the new city beautified by properly lnid-ont parks and so forth. This motion found a good deal of support from South Island members, though the Government strongly opposod it; and Mr Bathgate had the satisfaction of seeing 29 votes recorded for it, against only 33 in opposition to it. Our Wellington correspondent elates that Government intend bringing down a bill in a few days to provide for the reform of the Uppor House. It will not be pressed through this session, however. The report of the Committee on Dummyism, which appears in another column, is very trenchant, and declares that dummyism in the Silver Peaks and Strath-Taieri cases was fully proved. It recommends forfeiture of the licenses and of all payments in the former case, and that the licenses should not issue in the latter. It suggests certain amendments of the law, and the appointment of a Royal Commission to pursue in quiries into other cases which the Committee had uot tim c to investigate. Mr Pyko (the chairman) is to movo the adoption of the report by tlie House on Tuesday. The steamer Huuroto, which left Port Chalmers yesterday afternoon for Lyttelton and Sydney, took 128 draught horses and 10 cows. She will make the number of horses up to 200 at Lyttelton. A prospectus of a new company under the name of tho Otago Meat-freezing and Produce ' Company (Limited), appears in our advertising columns. The promoters are highly respect- I I able, and although wb had no knowledge of i lh«ir intentions iv thoee respects when we 1 wroto, several ttugijestions in our article ot vbb. i tarday are in nueMdauee with Lhu proposals of 1 tlio prospectus, For esainple, it is intended to | i

purchase moat and dairy uuce, m well as to ni ship tin owners' occouuud also to provide h storage accommodation butter, nub, &.C, a Power has also been takei the memorandum a, of association to erect wo. in suitable looali- * ties for t!io niauiifacture butter and choose l< The operivtiona of the Opany will therefore, h have a wide basin, and < hopo it will ineot c with tho support it desop from tha farming interest. ' Tho commotion that a prevailed during the past fow weeks icerning municipal affairs at West Harbouias now culminated in a most startling and iwiordinary fashion. It haa transpired that Miuwton, tho borough clerk, who was dischargajy the Council consequent upon a charge bight by him against tho Mayor, lias, provio to vacatiug olh'ce, burnt a quantity of the lkn and othor municipal rocgrds which weren his custody. Up to the present no invostijion has taken placo, and the precise amount mil-chief done is not known, any morn thim 'the motive for bucli a rash and apparently reasoning act. On Thursday aftornoon theiattor first became known to one or two pions, but it was not spoken of with any cerlity until yeflterday. Tho clerk appears to he handed the key of tho aafe to Mr Hendom, a resident in tho borough, at the same to confessing* to him and others what had boodmie. Mr Heudersou yesterday oveniug w still in possession of the key, which he was; course prepared to hand over to the Oouil as soon as it was decided what steps shid bo takon. Iv the absence of the Mayor, lyever, the councillors appeared rather at a lo'how to proceed j but it is probable that a uieiug of some kind will be held to-day tc( invtigate matter*. The fact of such an act king been committed would naturally suggesiho idea that defalcations existed, but uothij is at present known in confirmation of thisieory. Tho cash-book and burgess rolls are liiwn to be amongst the records destroyed, A meeting of payevof harbour dues was held iv the Harbourßoard Office at noon yoeterday for the pur^o of electing a representative on the Boa) vice Mr A. J. Burns resigned. .Five gentlaen were present, but as no one was found (lling to be nominated tho meeting lapsed. • . The Public WorkijDopartment Ifavo aocoptod the tender c, Mr F. Siodeborg, of Dunedin, for tho contraction of the masonry for the overbridge to j) erected ovor the now goods-station. The sjiount of the tender is £10,631. The contraj includes the necessary excavation, and tho instruction of the abutments and central pie of ashlar masonry, the retaining-walls for brjge approaches of rubble masonry, and tho blots for intermediate piers of concrete. . As has iready been described in our columns, tho e&ern abutment is to bn erected to the line olCurnberland street, and will be approached from Jetty and Police streets along Vogelstrwst, which is to be raised to suit. The lestern abutment is to be erected to front 08 new Btreet at the harbour side of tin station, and will also be approached from b»th sides. In all caseß tho gradient of approaches will not be steeper than 1 in 21. From foundationlevel of roadway the ibutments will be 21ft high, tho width at botbm and top being 14ft and 4ft respectively. The top will be about lCft above tho level of the street. The retain-ing-walls will bo of alnost similar dimensions at the highest point, duiiniahing in height and width with the fall <f the approaches. A stone staircase is to hi provided in each abutment for the couveuieice of font passengers. Tho abutments, piers, md concrete blocks for intermediate piers (wheh will be of iron) are to be completed withinseven months, and the retainingwalls within 14 months of the date of acceptance of tenler. Tenders for the superstructure, which is to be of ironwork manufactured in the Oolony, are to be in on September 4, and as that contract provides that the iron is to be !anded in New Zealand within six months from the date of acceptance of tender, it in probable tbo erection of the superstructure will commenco immediately on the completion of the first portion of the masonry contract. Mr Grinton, one of Messrs Crossley Bros,' engineers, informs us that he discovered tho cause of the loud explosions complained of in connection with the gas-engine at the Parliamentary Buildings to have been improper fitting, and before leaving Wellington he remedied the defects, so that the heavy ex plosions were completely done away with. The mains, however, in the vicinity are only of 4-in. diameter, arid are totally inadequate for supplying gas for illumination and for the engine as well. It'ia proposed to lay special 111 UUt Ult 11 CQli^Ull>3lJUit!UV)*£*XTV>~v>uiUU wli>'" Vl'' l>Ut)H same size, has worked most smoothly, without any of the explosions complained of. This was fitted up by Mr Grinton. The Rev. J. S. Smalley, of Christchurch, has

taken temporary charge of the Wesleyan con gregation at Cargill road, in place of Mi Gibson, who recently resigned. Mr Smallej at the last Conference obtained a year's rest and has been for the past few months rusti eating among tho lakes of Otago. He wa; staying at tha Bluff; with the view of an earl) visit to Melbourne or England, but at thf urgont request of Dunedin friends has con sented, with entire disinterestedness; toforegc his holiday rather than leave this promising church without a pastor. Mv Smalley hat been 15 years in the Wesleyan ministry, his first appointment being tho city of Edinburgh, from which, on account of weak health, he removed in 1870 to this Colony. The ability of the rev. gentleman is well known, and ho will bo a valuable addition to the ministry in our city and suburbs. A warder in the Dunedin Gaol . named Binnie, and a prisoner named Williams, were considerably crushed and injured by a falling tree at the Portobello road works yesterday afternoon. Binnie was cut about the chin and bruised on-the left shoulder and side, while the prisoner sustained even more serious injuries, his left arm being apparently broken. Both men were taken to the Hospital, and their injuries treated by Dr Batchelor. A number of gentlemen interested iv field sports are getting up a petition for presentation to tho City Council, asking them to reserve certain portions of the Town Belt for such sports as cricket, football, and tennis. The movement is likely to meet with a large amount of support, and already the petition has been signed by the presidents of 25 clubs representing the various outdoor sports followed in Dunedin. For ill-treating a horse by striking it with a hammer at the Abbotsford railway-station one day last week a man named Archibald Dickson was brought up at the Police Court yesterday morning, and fined 20s and coats. The Bench told him that he had rendered himself liable to a fine of £20, or, if the case had been an aggravated one, to imprisonment for a term of six months without the option of a fine. At a special inoeting of the members of tha Albion Crickot Club, held, in the Annaudale Arms Hotel la3t "evening, it was resolved to reduce tho annual subscription from one guinea to 10s 6d, with au entrance fee of ss; and it was decided to hold the anuual meetings on the second Monday in September of eacli year, seven members to form a quorum. Tho advisability of holding a concert was discussed, but no defmito action was taken. One case is set down for hearing at tho District Court next week. It is J. T. Wright v. William Allen, claim £146 11s 7d. No littlu amusement was created at the Kosident Magistrate's Court yesterday by a defendant whau oxplaining his reasons for refusing to purchase a coat which had beon made to order. In the first place he stated it was "too tight," and he wanted it " big enough to work in "; then it had not beon made long enough in the bade. In answer to the question by his Worship why he wanted it longer, tho witness convulsed the Bench, bar, and audience with laughter by innocently' stating that it would not cover a hole in the nether garments, supposing such a "contingency" did arise. After evidencehad been taken, and the coat several times tried on, the Bench adjourned the case for an expert to be called to examine the articles of dress as to their fit. The coat and veat were again donned by the defendant, who persisted in slating that the former was a misfit. The export considered otherwise, and explained that theouly fault the clothes had was beijiEr '<■ shade too large, llis Worship e;a,ve judgment for plaintiff, remarking that the de- : fenriant had been in the habit of wearing so | laTga a coat that when he got one to fit him he j could not appreciate it. An interesting discovery has boen made by a , birdcatchor named Sutherland, in Milford | Sound. While pursuing his daily avocations ( he came upon a bjiein of water; which, so far as ; is at present known, has never been noticed i before. The water ia of considerable depth, and thera is ample room for a- ship io swing

Nt anchor. On proceeding to the upper sido, ho came upon n fresh-water lake of considerable size,, which wus divided from the basin by a, narrow bar. Sutherland has forwarded ft written description of his discovery to Wellington, and Mr M'Kay read a paper upon it befoio the PhilotjophUial Society there the other evening. Xho Firo Brigade and Salvage Corps were put to some trouble last evening by some michiovously-inoliued person ringing a falao alarm of fire from tho indicator at the, top of Stafford street. Mr \V. H. Carey was yesterday nominated as a candidate for election to the vacancy in the Mornington Borough Council caused by the resignation o£ Cr Dickiaou. As there waa no opposition, Mr Carey waa declared duly electod as a councillor for Pirst Ward. Mr <T. B. Callan delivered a very entertaining lecturo on " Shakespeare and hia Works" in tho Odd-Fellows' Hall, Rnttray street, last evening. Tho lecture was in aid of St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Most ltev. Dr Moran (Roman Catholic bishop) presided. Thoro waa a numerous and most attentive audience. The subject waa dealt with in a vory popular man' ncr, and numerous passages were read very elfeetivoly. At tho close of tho lecturo a vote of thanks to Mr Callan was proposed by Mr J. G. H. Grant, seconded by Mr Fagan, and carried unanimously. The Chairman, in putting the proposition to the assembly, said that he had no doubt it would be carried with enthusiasm, and that he was glad of the opportunity ol bearing testimony, in common with those whe had spoken, to the ability of tho lecture thoj had just heard. A service of song, entitled " Little Dot," v/tu given in tho Mornington Presbyterian Churcr. last evening, in aid of the church fund. The narrative gave opportunities for the introduction of a sufficiency of music. A choir, undei the direction of Mr T. Stewart, contributed the vocal selections, testifying by their singing tc the care which their conductor must have giver at the rehearsals in order to ensure success, The Key. 11. E. Michio supplied tho connec tive readings, and Mr H. Titchondr presided at the harmonium. Tho annual ball of the IJuuedin Naval Brigade was hold last evening in the Garrison Hall, and was" a most unqualified success, almost eclipsing former affairs of the saint character given by tho sauio corps. Over 25( couplea were preseut, and dancing was kept uj with spirit till an early hour this morning, The hall wan very tastefully decorated witli flags and evergreens. At the entrance were two 241b howitzers, with the necessary Btores, shot, &c, which had a very pleasing effect, The catering gave every satisfaction, the caterer being Mr Binnie, of George street, The band, 14 strong, under the conductorthif of Mr T. Payton, contributed largely to the success of the affair. Among those present we noticed Lieut.-colonel Stavely, Major Wales, Captains Andrew, Stronach, Gardiner, Reeves, and Sutherland, .Lieutenants M'Gregor and M'Donald, and Captain Murphy, of the Fire Brigade. There were also a number of Volun' teers of various corps present. • A concert was given in the Kaikorai Good Templars' Hall last evening in connection with the local Horticultural Society. The programme, though rather long, gave evident satisfaction to the audience, who applauded the comic songs to the echo and treated the other selections and the recitations with approbation. Of tho lady performers, tfce Misseß Henderson were undeniably tho most successful, and of tho gentloineu who took part in the entertainment it would be somewhat difficult to say who were most appreciated. The concert concluded with a negro sketch entitled " Grandmother's Ghost," tho representatives of the characters evoking much laughter by their amusing acting. After the entertainment dancing was commenced, and continued by a good number of couples for some hours. Messrs Williamson and Davis supplied tho music; the latter also officiated at tho piano at the concert. Many persons were astonished aboutjo c'clock last evening to see a horse being driven about somo of the quieter streets of the city with two kerosene tins tied to its tail. This.was an animal which had been operated upon by Professor Sample It belonged to Messrs Mollison and Co., wharf carters, and had what was thought incurable habits of biting and kicking whenever touched anywhere behind the girth; indeed, it was said its hind legs had never been groomed. Being an aged.horso, with the habits ingrown, the professor had a tough job to get it to allow itself to be handled; and those who attended the class firmly believed, A-«iteHUia.T»:<n*-m whfeh_it behaved wjien first t about two hours' ihteUigedt treatment, however, the animal had the harness put on it was handled in every part, and eventually was driven through the streets as described, without 8 the semblance of a kick.

There was a fairly good house at the Princess p Theatre yesterday evening to witness the repef titiou of "Hamlet," with Miss Crawford in , the title-rWe. The audience, as before, showed - every appreciation of the actress' efforts, and 3 repeatedly called her before the curtain. For ' this evening is announced a melodrama J "Pluck"—but whether it is Mr Augustus . Harris' latest work, produced not long ago at , Drury Lana Theatre, is not stated. This piece r is at present being played very successfully in » Melbourne. i Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell draught horses today. » M.ssra Jas. A. Park and Co. will Bell shruba, &c ij today aics-irs Jl'Landresa, Hepburn, and-Co. will soil furuituie iv the Oriental Hotel on Monday Mr John Stono will give a reading at the Lyceum on Bundai evening. Messrs B. Tonks and Co., of Auckland, will offer the Costloy properties for sale on Wednesday, 10th October. Messrs Wilson, Tamo, and Co. will fell Centre Hilf Estate at Invercargill < n Wednesday, 22n<l met. Messrs Maclean and Co. will sell draught horses today. . . Mr Cifford Christie will sell draught houses at Balclutha on Friday, 24th inst. Tho annual fancy-dress ball of the Dunedln Tlinkinjr Club will be held in the Harrison Hall on Thur-day, the 30th Inso. The arrangements will bo under *lnioat tno »amo management a* last season's, ao that a very enjoyable evening may be looked for. The programme will be oponcd by the Ciubgivins a rinking exhibition, and 'rduary dancing will close the proceedings Ticke.s, which can be obtained from any member of' the Club's CoT.mittee, are going off very freely. -Th« Auckland feotballen will be invited to attend, as the guests of the Otagn Kußby Football Union Kaitangata, August 14, 1883.—Mr Dbrjibr. Dear Sir, -Aaadu y to my fellow-creatures, and also justice to yourself, allow mo to add my testimony to the many you have already received of t'>e efficauy of your valuable medicine. For the la t four years I i.aye djoii a great culTerer from sciatica. 1 had t< ied three doctoro, but still seemed to grow worse. At last I was Induced by some kind friends to place mj Belt under your eire, and with what results you already know. Tho puins have entirely left me. Thank God, I am returning to my home strong and well as ever I was in my lie.—l am, dear Sir, yours truly, Mrs RAU>n At,LAX.-'AnVT] A. DORHvpsiih has mud; pleasure in announdner that he has agai'i commenced slaughtering the celebrated Soadmvn cattle. They are equal to anything fch.it can be procured in the Colonies.' N.B. Special attention is requested to the fact that h'vlng no contract at present, better attention cm be given to private customers, and that for cash none can Bell cheaper. A new arrangement in vogue for cheap joints —[Advt ]