The Press. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1867.

Press, Volume XII, Issue 1581, 30 November 1867, Page 2

The Press. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1867.

We are glad to hear that arrangements have been made for opening the Museum to the public between stated hours three days a week. We presume it is still fouxtd impracticable to open it every day and all day long, because Dr. Haast and Mr. Holmes must have some time allowed for carrying on the work of the department, and cannot afford to be always liable to be interrupted by the necessity of acting as ' cicerone to some visitor curious after

novelties or athirst for scientific information. However, a good beginning has been made, and we may hope to get a museum proper before long.

We have always felt and remonstrated against the absurdity of expending a considerable sum of money every year on the collection and classification of geological and botanical specimens, objects of natural history, and other contents of a museum, only to lock them up in an out-of-the-way room, in a turret of Government buildings, where nobody can get „ sight-of them or is even aware of their existence. It is not fair either to Dr. Haast or the public. It is especially unfair to the Geologist, because he appears to the | world a large salary with ! nothing particular to show in return for it. Every one in the province knows that the geological department figures for a good round sum in the estimates, but very few people have the smallest idea what there is per contra. True, there are the geological reports on the plains, the rivers, the West Coast district, &c.; brimful of science, no doubt, and bearing unmistakable evidence, even to persons who know nothing about stra a or formations, and could not for their lives tell the difference between grauwacke and gneiss, of their author's assiduity, activity, and observation. But then theyj have at best a very limited circulation. To the unscientific mind they are not what you can call light reading —not the sort of thing which a man takes up to amuse himself with after the worry of business, or which banishes the last new novel from the drawing-room table. No one (unless it be Messrs Holmes and C 0.,) can grow sentimental over trachyte ; or guffaw at the changes of the metamorphic rocks; nor does the mere ordinary reader find a soul-enthralling interest in morainic accumulations or the abyssological disturbances since post-pliocene times. Scientific reports are all very well, but .he British public likes something it can see. The old notion that the use of a geologist is to discover a goldfield is, we believe, generally given up, except among a few men of an extremely conservative turn of mind, —but the public will never be quite satisfied till they have before them some visible and tangible results of the expenditure in his department. But if we had a real museum in Christchurch, where the specimens now huddled up on shelves, or stowed away in packing cases for want of roOm, could be properly displayed, with the maps and drawings taken in the geological survey hung round the walls, then the public would have ocular demonstration of what Dr. Haast and his assistants have done and are doing, and they would get the credit of which they are now unjustly

deprived

The difficulty always has been to provide a suitable building. The requisite sum has been placed upon the estimates, and passed by the Council more than once, but though the money may have been voted, we need not say that in these times museums are luxuries in which no Provincial Secretary can venture to indulge. Still we bid Dr. Haast be of good hope. The time is at hand when the Geologist, if he does not get such a museum as is no doubt his heart's deßire, can at least descend from his uncomfortable elevation to more spacious and accessible apartments. When that reform arrives of which his Honour has given warning, which shall sweep away the Provincial Government, the Provincial Council, and even the Superintendent himself, great will be the desertion of the now so densely crowded Government buildings. Surely then there will be room enough and to spare. What is to become of the Council Chamber when the Council itself is no more is an awful mystery, to which we will not hazard a solution; but how about the refreshment rooms ? Might not space for a museum be found in tbem ? The j building is of stone, so that one desideratum is supplied at once; and,j though we are not very well informed | as to the present interior arrangements, we presume there would be no great difficulty in fitting it for the purposes of a museum. Were the building of more venerable antiquity we might fear that the fleshless bones of the moa would be an insult to the genius loci, but it is all too young to be saturated with, and as it were consecrated by, the convivial memories of bye-gone banquets. We throw out this suggestion for the benefit of those whom it may concern. The museum already comprises many valuable collections, and is constantly being enlarged. It is is well worth inspection, even by those who have no scientific tastes to gratify, and should be lodged in a building where it would be safe against fire, whence it would not have again to be removed, and where the public would have as free access to it as possible. Its present situation, though the accommodation has been considerably enlarged, is certainly still very far from fulfilling these conditions.

Bank Holiday.—To-day, being St. Andrew's Day, will be observed as a holiday at all the Banks.

Boat Acctdext.—Yesterday afternoon, as the captain of the brig Hebe and two of his crew were proceeding on board the vessel in a dingy, the boat capsized from some cause, when s 'mc distance from the shore. Assistance was promptly rendered, and all three men were picked up, having sustained no injury with the exception of a good ducking.

Gov_B.rMK__ Brm dings-—Borne slight alterations are being made in the gardens between the river and tlie Government buildings. Many of the blue gums have been cut down, and the heavy- border of willows by which the Council Chamber was almost hidden from ; sight has been considerably thinned The work is not yet finished, but when the debris is cleared away a great improvement will, no doubt, be seen; as the small piece of groand near the river ia capable of being very nicely laid out.

Stbbbt Mir/sfc.—On several occasions during the present week the streetß of Christchurch have been enlivened by the pleasing strain* of a 'brass band. The number of instruments "is" not large, but the variety of selections is extensive and attractive. The performers keep very good time, and never fail to draw around them a large crowd of admiring auditors. This afternoon the band will visit the cricket ground in Hagley Park, where two matches are "to he played between teams representing the D.CC.C. and Albion clubs.

Lakckny.—At the Resident Magistrates Court, at Kaiapoi, yesterday, John Bumside was brought up on remand from Wednesday last, on a charge of larceny to the value of Ss It appears he had been seen taking a towel and sponge from the Leithfield stables, and when arrested, in one of the coaches, the articles were found in his possession. On Wednesday he was remanded to be examined as to his sanity ; and, on being brought up, though it was ascertained he was not insane, the Bench decided on dismissing the case, as they thought he appeared to be an absent sort of a man, ,

Theatbe Royal.—Sheridan Knowles's play of the "Hunchback" was reproduced at the theatre last evening. The performance was under the patronage of his Honour the Superintendent, who was present, the house being a very good one. The company at present playing at the theatre have produced the piece on other occasions,' and we have already noticed it. The piece last evening was admirably played Miss Bowring,. as Julia, has been spoken of in the highest terms of praise whenever she has played the part in the colonies, and the manner in which it was taken last evening fully justify the encomiums. A more admirable piece of acting we h .ye seldom seen in Christchurch. Mr Steele played Master Walter well, and- Miss Shepparde, as Helen, was also very successful. To-night " East Lynne" will be performed.

Leg__.—ln Chambers yesterday the following business was disposed of before his Honour Mr Justice Gresson : — Me E. J. Pardew, a debtor. : Mr Cottrell applied for the usual order of sequestration and vesting His Honour asked if there were any assets Mr Cottrell stated that they had all been swept away under a bill of sale. The Judge said that he would make an order for a first hearing, and grant protection. No sequestrator was appointed, as there were no assets. Re D. Grant, a debtor. —On the application of Mr Joynt the usual order of sequestration and vesting was made, Mr Walker, trustee. — Re H. Tankard, a debtor. —Mr Wynn Williams obtained a similar order. Re L H. Bobbins, a debtor. —Mr W. Williams obtained a similar order. Re Ot. C. Saxton, a debtor. — This was an application made by Mr Joynt on behalf of one of the members of the late firm of Messrs Jones, McGlashan and Co., for compulsory sequestration. His Honour made the order. The assets were stated to be considerable, and Mr Walker was appointed trustee. Re G. Scrivener, a debtor.—Mr Macfarlan obtained an order for sequestration and vesting in this case. Mr Walker trustee. Johnstone v. Higgings. —Leave was granted to enter up judgment.

Cawtbebitry Mr/SBTTM. — Arrangements have at last been made by which sufficient accommodation has been provided to allow Dr. Haast to display part, at least, of the very valuable collection which he has been several years getting together. Space has been obtained by some slight alterations in the upstairs rooms of the north-eastern side of the Government buildings, and here numerous skeletons of the great moa bird have been set up with capital effect—the larger ones serving to give the spectator some idea of the enormous size and strength of this gigantic bird. The museum is now to be open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from eleven o'clock in the morning until three in the afternoon. It would be almost impossible to enumerate even half, of the speciments which have been collected by the industry of Dr. Haast from all parts of the world ; and we can only recommend the publio to. avail themselves of a privilege which has long been denied them simply from the want of a suitable place in which they could be inspected. The opening of the museum will probably have the efiect of bringing in many contributions from those who take an interest in these matters, and who, now that they know that there is such an institution, will be more likely to forward their small collections to this public establishment than to keep them mouldering in their own houses.

No. 6 Company.—This company fired for the fourth series of prizes given by the comp/iny yesterday morning, at four a.m., at Hillsborough. The morning was very cold, which may possibly account for some of the bad shooting. Tbe first event was—No. 4 competition—ranges 400 and 500 yards; three shots at each; handicap as, in previous matches ; any position. First prize, £3 and a pewter ; 2nd prize, £2 and a pewter; third prize, £1 and a pewter; fourth prize, 10s and a pewter. The following are the scores made :—

Messrs Rule, Morton, Brass, Frew, Paton, Cunningham, and Jackson, were handicapped to give the other competitors 2 points each. It will be sten, therefore, that Armstrong was the winner of the first prize, Gulliver, of the second, and Rule and Jackson of the third and fourth. The next match was the Consolation Match, open to all members who have not won a prize at any of the competitions ; no handicap ; any position ; 300 yards; three shots. First prize, £2; second prize, £1. The following are the scores :—

It will be seen that Brass and Strange tied, but on firing off Brass was the viotor.

Thb Intebpbovinctal Cbicket M\tch. — A general meeting of the cricketers of this province was held last, evening ut tho Clarendon hotel, at half-past seven oVI >ek, for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements for pl.iying tne annual mutch between Otago anil this province. Mr Stevens took the chair, and after some discussion as to who should be entitled to vote at the meeting, the foltowing resolution was pa?se<i : — "That notwithstanding the wording of the ' advertisement calling this meeting, to the effect that only members who have paid their subscriptions to a cricket club shall take pari in the proceedings, any gentleman present may do so." The next resolution was as follows :—" That a committee of ni.ie persons be chosen by ballot to make the necessary arrangements for playing the interprovincial match in Otago this season The meeting then proceed to ballot for nine persons to form the committee, and the fallowing were chosen, namely :—Messrs. Stevens, F. Ollivier, T-.mer, Dickenson, Bennett, Mainwaring, Morrah, L. C. Williams, and Bailey. It was then agreed that the committee be requested to appoint, from their own number, a sub-committee to select the team to represent Canterbury in the match against Otago. It was then moved—" That the sub-comraittee appointed to select the eleven are recommended to select not less than thirteen players who shall undertake to practice together regularly at the times fixed by the committee, and every player so chosen i 9 expected to be prepared to play in the Otago match if he is finally included in the eleven." This resolution was carried unanimously, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman, terminated the proceedings of the general meeting. A committee meeting was immediately held, and Mr Stevens appo nted chairman. After some discussion it was agreed that the committee should meet again on Monday afternoon, at five o'clock, and that they should then proceed to name the men whom they wished to play in the match.

Kaiapoi Md-nicipai. Cot/ncil —On Thursday last the polling for members to Sll the vacant seats took place. The polling was managed in the Council chamber by the chairman, the clerk, and the assessors, commencing at ten a.m. and closing at four p.m. During the day, which was somewhat disagreeable from the wind and cold, tho voting appeared to get along very slowly, and very little "coaching" up took place, except for Messrs Hall, Dobbs, Ellis, and Hebden. Excepting this there was really no excitement, and the proceedings were exceedingly tame. At the closo of the poll the chairman announced the following results—Hall, 57 ; Dobbs, 48 ; Hebden, 28 ; Oram, 27 ; Birch, 22 ; Buddie, 22; Ellis, 16 ; Wearing! 13 ; Newnham, 11 ; Day, 5. The first-named four were then declared duly elected, and after some cheering the assembly adjourned to a clump of willows, where the successful candidates addressed their constituents. Mr Hall first mounted the rostrum. He thanked the electors jbr the manner in which they had returned him. He had not taken a leading part in the Council while he had been a member, but had acted as he thought best, and as he thought most likely to conduce to the interests of the ratepayers. A great deal had been said about the clerk's salary, which was thought to be too high. On this he intended to give no pledge that he would vote against or in favour of a reduction. At a salary of» £100 the present clerk he thought could well perform the work, and if he complained of long hours, they could be lessened in proportion. He had intended bringing forward a motion to reduco the present salary to the marketable value of the office, which he believed was about £100, and it was with this view he had suggested the employing of a foreman of works, bo that the clerk would only be required to take an account from the foreman of what works had been done, keep the books, and write the minutes of their meetings. Mr Dobbs could refer to his past actions, and he hoped he should still maintain the confidence of the ratepayers. —Mr Hebden thanked the electors for the honour conferred upon him, which had been unexpected, and he hoped to fulfil the trust imposed to the best advantage. He was happy to see the ratepayers taking more interest in these elections than formerly. He considered the clerk's salary was too high, and though any unpleasantness might exist between him and any member of the Council, he was glad to be elected to have an opportunity'to prove that he intended to live in a sphere above petty annoyances.—Mr Oram said he had not solicited their interest in his favour, but he should endeavour to discharge his duty to the utmosc of his ability.— Mr Lock thanked the ratepayers, as a defeated candidate, for the number they had polled in his favour.—The proceedings then terminated. About seventy persons polled during the day. The following is the Auditors' report:—-" We, the undersigned, appointed to audit the accounts of the Municipal Council for the year 1867, do hereby certify that we have found all the accounts perfectly correct, and we wish to bear testimony to the satisfactory manner in which the books have been kept.— William Nobmak, John Matthews, auditors."

A. Traveller.—The " Melbourne Argus," in noticing the arrival of Mr Christian Frederick Schafer, the German traveller who was recently presented to the Duke of Edinburgh, says : —Mr Schafer is of dwarfish stature, from the effects of an accidental injury to the spine received- in youth ; but in spite of this physical drawback he has, during the last fifteen years, travelled oyer a great, part of the surface of the world, and mostly as a pedestrian. He has in this manner passed through every country in Europe, through Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and across the width of North America from the Atlantic to the Pacific, on foot, and alone. He has in the course of his wanderings compiled a large mass of observations on the customs and character of the various populations "through which he has passed ; and, moreover, carries with him a book of credentials, in which his passports are attached, and in which he has an assemblage of autographs of potentates, ambassadors, generals, governors, consuls, mayors, and mandarins, which, when his tour is completed, will be a unique and most interesting collection. He proposes to make a complete tour of these colonies, and to pass through Eastern Asia (India and China), finishing his long ramblings by a bol I journey on foot through Russian Tartary back to his home.

Statistics of Sutcide.*—The "Pall Mall Gazette " says that the death registers show few, if any, items more remarkable for the constant ratio of their occurrence than the regularity with whioh suicide counts its Victims. In this country, year after year, more than 1300 men and women, driven to desperation by their own folly, or by some overwhelming misfortune, seek refuge from trouble in death : some of these—it is not recorded how many— belong, of course, to the class of irresponsible beings whose deficient mental organizition incapacitates them from being safe custodians of their own lives. The statistics of suicide in England, according to the Registrar-General's returns, show that the annual proportion to every million of the population has ranged in the eight years from 1858 to 1865 successively thus; —66, 64,70, 68,65, 66, 64, 67. With two exceptions, therefore, the last state of things is worse than the first. No account is kept of the attempts which are frustrated, so that there is nothing beyond surmise to give any clue to the probable movement of the tendency to suicide among us It is, however, certain that t.ie figures: we have quoted above do not fully represent the extent of the crime, inasmuch as some—no one can possibly know how many—of the deaths by drowning and other means must be set down by self-destruction. The extraordinary regularity with which the same means are employed for the same end is

not the least curious feature in these statistics. Hanging has always been tbe mode most commonly adopted, and 28 out of the ratio of 67 per million suicides of 1865 fall under this head, the proportion having remained almost constant in successive years. Cutting or stabbing and drowning, accounting for an almost equal proportion (12 and 11 out of the 67 per million), come next in the order

of frequency; then follow poisoning (7) and cMinshot wounds (3), the residue (6) not. being specially described. Th-* ratio of suicides by means of firearms was 3 per million in each one of tlie eight years, and tlie other show little or no variation. l)r Young, in his " Night Thoughts," speaks of " Britain, infamous for suicide ; and. judging from a recent comparison in a French statistical journal, we still maintain a very unsatisfactory position as regards some other Kuropean States. Tne ratio of suicides per million of the respective populations in 1861 was HO in France, 6-t in England, 45 in B_gium, 30 in Italy, an-1 15 in Spain. This must of course "be taken mm grano, as, notwithstanding the efforts of statistical congresses, international comparisons are still surrounded with great uncertainty.

Names. 400 Yards. "o 500 Yards. "5 I "*-*_: I—Lieut. Wolfe ... Srg -M. Morton Col.-Srgt. Rule Sergeant Brass Corporal Frew Corporal Paton Private Jackson Private Digby Prirate Gulliver Private Strange Private King... Priv. Schneider Pr. W. Hargood Priv. J. Hargood Priv. Armstrong Private Cooper Pr. Cunningham 2 4 3 2 2 4 3 3 3 0 3 3 3 4 3 2 40 2 4 3 3 3 3 0 3 4 2 2 4 4 0b 3 4 4 4 4 0 0 2 3 2 3 2 0 0 2 2 3 2 9 1 8 i 9 6 10 6 9 9 7 8 I 4 111 8 5 7 2 7 0 0 2 3 0 3 0 3 3 2 K 3 b 2 2 0 00 B 4 2 | 3 0 O 3 4 0 B 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 I 0 0 0 4 b 3 I 2 6 6 5 4 0 6 3 7 2 6 0 0 0 8 0 7 in 14 15 j 11 14 6 15 I 12 14 10 10 11 8 5 15 2 14

Names. 300 Yards. Total. Lieutenant Wolfe Sergeant Brass Private W. Hargood ... Private J. Hargood Private King Private Strange Private Digby Corporal Paton Private Cooper Private Schneider 2 0 * 3 3 2 0 4 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 3 0 * 2 2 0 0 2 3 0 4 0 8 4 6 0 8 4 5 4