DUNEDIN.

Bruce Herald, Volume III, Issue 61, 8 June 1865, Page 9

DUNEDIN.

( From our own Correspondent.) Sit'- Monday Evening, hursday evening last the arrival of the B.s. Queen at Lyttelton wjas telegraphed, brW. ing from Wellington the first announcement of the probable loss of the s.s. City of Dunedin with all on board. The news was of so sertoua a nature that we hoped it might prove unfounded, and that the somewhat uncertain grounds upon which it was founded might otherwise be,' ere long; satisfactorily accounted for. The ."Times" of the following morning took no notice of the rumor, but the fuller narrative of facts received by the Queen on Friday, confirmed by the arrival of the William Miskin last night, leaves, unfortunately but little doubt of the truth of the report and its fearful consequences to so many families residing in this city. I need scarcely say that it has formed the all-engrossing topic of con versation ever since the electric wire brought the solemn message ; and now that the Miskin has arrived direct frem Hokitika the only ray of hope clung to, is set aside f or ever as the City had not arrived at H o kitika direct from Wellington. I therefore f ea r that the few articles already picked up, aad proven to have belonged to the ill-fated steamer, may be all that will ever again be seen of her. However, I understand the s.s. Geelong was likely to proceed from Lyttelton t o the probable scene of the disaster, the Seal Rocks only a few milea from Wellington Heads. Speaking of steamers, we were not a little surprised on Saturday morning last, to observe a three-funnelled stranger steaming up the Bay, and taking.up her quarters at the Stuartstreet jetty. It proved to be the p.s. New Zealand, lately one of the blockade runners on the American coast. . While so employed, two Federal ships of war bearing down upon her, and the captain thinking discretiou the greater part of valor, ordered all hands to desert the vessel, and so she fell an easy prey to the Northern Government, who sold her by auction at Boston, where she was purchased by the agents of Messrs Taylor and Co., of Canterbury. Ariiviug in Melbourne, she was loaded lor Hokitika, but in crossing- the bar outwards she received a strain, which has caused her to come round to Port Chalmers for repairs; and I hear it is not unlikely but she will take the place of the City of Dunediu. Meanwhile, the Stuart-street jetty is graced by a one-paddle (p.s. Tuapeka), and a three-funnelled steamer, a sight never before witnessed in our porl. The popular amusements of the week have been somewhat 'varied. The concert given by the Philharmonic Society having been a decided success must replenish considerably the coffers of the Society, and' encourage future efforts. The solos given by the old favorite, Mrs Mumford, ware specially applauded, and reminded me of pleasant evenings spent in tlie Theatre Royal — since which her appearance has becomingly attained a b more staid and womanly character The attendance at Professor Bushell.'"s entertainment for the last few nights wa large and appreciative, especially on the last occasion. f'when he performed satisfactorily the ropetying feat. He h^s since left for a Provincial tour, commencing at the Dunstan ; and probably, I should think, he will also visit tLe T^puka and Tokomairiro in his round. / c com P arat i ve ly small attendance at the V^gj^icess Theatre— especially on the evenings oi the entertainments — despite the attractions offered, proves that Dunedin cannot support two places of amusement, however varied they may be. The reduction in the price of the Pit to one shilling has, generally speakin », filled that part of the house, but otherwise the attendance has net been such as the engagement of such, actors as Miss Aitken and Mr and Mrs Dillon ought to bring together During this week we have had a round of Shakesperian plays, which, I am sorry to find, are considered heavy by the majority of Dunedin playgoers, although the parts were well supported by th,e truthful representations of the above-name<| artistes, assisted by Mr Geo. Fawcett and the permanent members of the company. " Tiifion of Athens" is announced as in preparation, and I trust in my next to have to report d more favorable reception to the plays of Shakespeare, which no doubt are more instructive and beneficial in their influence than the run of modern plays. lam glad to observe that a nif>ht seldom or never passes but a known face from the Tokomairiro, Clatba, or Tuapeka districts, is to be seen enjoying the entertainments during their temporary stay in town; The Criminal Session of the Supreme Court commenced on Thursday last. As the Judge, stated, the Calendar is the heaviest that has ever come before him in this Province, these being four cases »f murder, viz. :^-that of the Moeraki native^ for which (for the first time in Otago) a native jury has been empanelled, the murder at the Mataura diggings, the' murder of German " Charley,": in Dunedin, and Capt. Jarvey's case, which is to be brought on this day week ; but Dr. Macadam has not yet arrived, and in the event of his non-arrival I hear the case is likely to be postponed. No true bill has been found by the Grand Jury against Fox, for the Post Office robbery ,• he has "therefore 'to-day been >• -discbargedV and Riordan's case has been before his Honor all day i Jsbje i'resultiof ~ the triari ? baye no]t yet heard, but will communicate in time for your* first issue. £ : s > i

In these times of every-day bankrup^X au " nouncements, rumors have been rife an^ . ye found their way even to the outlying d lstnctß of the Province, regarding more than one personage holding high position in Otago society. I have been unable to find cause; for. these rumors, which ought to be discouraged when not supported' by fact, as producing a very bad effect upon society generally. " Punch" is now fairly established in Otago, and promises well, the second number having appeared on Saturday last; still I* doubt ofiJ;S finding material sufficient of a nature to come under the lashing pen of the prototype of Fleet street ; however, I hope I may be wrong in my surmise, as the ' Canterbury "Punch" has now been in existence for about three months, and surely we ought not to be behind our neighbor. I was pleased to receive the first practical proof, individually, on Saturday last, of the value of the Electric Telegraph, in a business pbint of view ; A resident in Invercargill required some goods and sent a message to forward them by the Titania of that day, and within twenty-four hours he would receive his supplies, the goods being placed on board the steamer withirl one hour of his giving the message. 1' m The " Times" ®f this morning advertises | the awards ofSmep|t made by the N. Z. Exhibition Commissioners. While the medals are few, the awards are many, and no doubt country exhibitors will scan the list with interest, it not anxiety