NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8070, 13 January 1892, Page 5

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Local Wool Sai.bs.—The third of the series of local wool sales for the season •will be held on Friday next at the hall of the Chamber of Commerce. There is likely to be ft very large entry. Coi»x>zgje BiFXixe. —The ninth annual meeting of the members of the College Biflee will be held at their Orderly Boom en Friday, 22nd inst., after parade. Personal.—Mr J. P. Firth, late of Christ's College, who has been appointed principal of Wellington Hierh school, left by the s.s. Penguin for the North last evening. A large number of friends went down to see him off. Mission Home. —The annual meeting of the City Mission Home was held last night. The report, which appears in a condensed form, disclosed a satisfactory State of affairs, and showed tfce work the Home bad accomplished. New Zs*iiA»» Uhivebsitt.—-Tho annual meeting cf the Convocation of the University of New Zealand was held yester- ! d&j at the Canterbury College Hail. Mr W. D. Milne. 8.A..LL.8., was elected a member of the benate in the stead of the Her, D» Brutje. A number of recommendations to the Senate were made, and the meeting terminated. SuFKKMB Court.—The long vacation of the Supreme Court will come to an end on the 31st iasfc. The first case to be heard-when the sittings are resumed next month will be that of the election petition igainst the ' return of Mr Sandford for Christchnrch. It will be heard before their Honours Mr Justice Denniston and Mr Justice Williams. Hia EXCELLBNCT Tfiß OOVEBNO&'S Depasture.—As will beseen by anotifica-' tion elsewhere, his Worship the Mayor invites the citizens of Chriatchurch to meet him at the City Councili Chambers on Thursday nest, the iust., to consider the question of entertaining his I Excellency;,' the , Governor, before his departure from New Zealand. The meeting -will take place at 4 p.m. ' PBIMITIVB MSTSODIST CONPBEBNCE.— The following delegates to the above Conference arrived by the Southern express on Monday evening:—The Beys. W. eaWcodward from Timaruy W. O, Wood from Goraldine, J. Cooker from Ashburtori, and W. Woollasa from Waimate. A large number of the northern delegates are expected by Thursday's boat from the North,

A Missing Child.—A child named JamesDiekiestrayed away from his parents' residence, HI South belt, about 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon, and. any information ns to his whereabouts will be thank- \ fully received. ' He was dreswd ia a blue Bailer's suit, aad is about three years of

* j£oWai Pass Domain Boa&d. — The annual meeting of the Kowai Pass Domain Board was held on Monday night, in the Road Board office, Springfield. Present— Messrs Rutherford (ChairmanY, Colthart, Benham, - Sbbinson,'; and Williamson. : Accounts for the year passed: fop payment amounted to £26 15s; cent received, iJ2B; balance in the. Bank, .£43 ■Iβ. Certain works to be done oa the grounds were left in the Chairman's hands to deal with. Mr George Rutherford was re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year. ■ This concluded . tife%usineß3; '*'■ - v "'" "' '' "* """ ; ' T«e WBi*rKaTOH;EEeA.TTA ItoaneiriiTT, •—The difficulty which has cropped up in connection with the measurement of certain yachte which their Owners are! anxious to run in the Second Glftße Championship onßegatta Bay at Wellington, is likely to be- settled. Three at four of the smartest boats in the harbour do- not at present measure four tons, but it has been found that they will come up to the minimum tonnage by electing to race with larger.topsails.than are usually carried. This Is a little handicap, but owners are willing to rate, up to four tons rather than hkv.e their boats debarred from competing. Social at S*bingfibm>.—A social in honour of Mr James Simpson, who, ia about to leave the district, was hold at the schoolroom, Springfield, on Monday evening, the 11th inst. As 3fr Simpson is highly esteemed in the Malvern district, where he has for the past eight years faithfully served his employers, the Springfield ' Store* Company, and has gained the goodwill of ail with whom he came .in, contact, there was a large and representative attendance. Mr James Cunningham, on behalf of a number of Bttbecribets, presented Mr Simpson wifeh a handsome gold pencilcase, suitably inscribed, which was accompanied with a morocco leather envelope, containing a gift by & lady admirer. Mr Ciuuxi&gham, is making the presentation, said that it gave him the greatest pleasure to publicly express the feeling of. the residents towards the recipient, and in doing so congratulated him oQ having, by his integrity and good character, gained such an honourable position. The guest, being an inexperienced public speaker, found.some dimculty in expressing his -thanks. Dancing, interspersed with- songs, was indulged in till the small hours of the morning, to the enjoyment of all, and thus terminated one of the pleas&ntest gatherings ever held in the district. Gbbbrdaliß Auxiliary Watbb Supply. —A meeticg of ratepayers in the Greendale district took place at Darfield on Monday. Mr T. H. Anton, Chairman of the Malvern Water-race Committee, occupied the chair. Batepayere representing three-fifths of the rateable property were present, also Mr McMillan, Chairman of the Selwyn County Council, and Mr C. L. Davies, Engineer. The Chauman stated » that the meeting nad "been convened by the Council to consider ~the best means of obtaining an auxiliary trater supply for the Greendale district, and then read a telegram Mr Davies had received from Mr Adams, of Greendale, stating that a meeting had been held at Greendale, at which it was asthey thought ' Qteendale was the proper-phwe to hold the meeting they declined to attend one at Darfield.MrlleMillan thoughtiteipity they had takes this new of the matter, as faecon-

sidered Darfield the most-central place,

and that those living at the upper end of «•> the dietrict would object to attend a ■'\ meeting at Greendale. Mr James Qtvagh 1 proposed, end Mr Geo. Holmes fecoaoed f the following resolution, -which was earned unanimously y— a That this meetxnsr thinks toe scheme for getting a supply of water from the Malvera -water-race through Mr ' Deans' land is best calculated to water the whole district, and that the Council be requested, to carry out the work as coon as practicable/ , *The-proceedings then terminated. Hyalop's Teas are direct from growers to consumers, and consequently best • Values to the public.

TKixtii' Mayor of Bangiora, was eworn in yeaterday morning as » Justice o| the Peace durinst his term af office. : -Avdcnro;-i-On' Pridajr evening Mr W: Broadley caught a tuh weighing in Stewart c Gully. Thb Maqdala kßTL,xiu. — The Bey. Father Ginaty begs to th&ak, through the columns of the Paass, ■«• M.D." for the sum of jGI for the funds of the ilount Magdala Asylum. Thjs eovxßNOß's Sax.».-—The sale of his Exeellenoy ■ the Governor , * horses, carriages, harness and wines took place yesterday, aad on the whole fairly good prices were realised. Ttie sale will be continued to-day.

Masonic Grand Lodob. — An error occurred in connection with the date of the meeting of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand at Oamara. It was stated that it was to be held on the 18th met., whereas it should have been that it takes place on the 15th. D&AiKAOB Boakd.—An ordinary meeting of the Drainage Board was held yesterday afternoon, when, among other business, Mr John Deans was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Bivsb Boabd. — The meeting of the South iWaimakarlri Biver Board, which waa to have been held yesterday, lapsed for want of a quorum. The only two members present were Messrs Glanville and Peryman. Matls to Sttwabt Island.—An Invercargill telegram says that the Bluff Harbour Board have accepted the offer of the Post-office to carry mails to.Stewart Island once a week for .£2OO a year. Their steamer, which is large and powerful, will of course carry passengers and cargo, and it is expected that the number of tourists and visitors to the island will show a marked increase.

Hbavt Fjubkcbs.—Mγ Thomas Corson, writing to the Otago Daily Times from Otekaike station, states:—" Mr McKellar, manager of this station, shore on December 14th, with the Wolseley machines, 342 meriao rams, the average weight of fleeces being 231b. The wool chwser kept back, for inspection if necessary, twenty fleeces, which weighed 40ib without bellies and skirting, which amounted to about 35 per cent. o£ the fleeces.'* % SuMNBR Excursion.—A good number availed themselves of the opportunity to spend a couple of hours at thtt seaside, five cars being well loaded. The Addington Workshops Sand accompanied the excursion, and on its arrival at Stunner played a programme on the beach in excellent style, the, success of the evening being "The Village Blacksmith," the rendering of which, elicited loud applause from the numerous onlookers. :

Abtistic.—There is now ou view at the etudioof Messrs H. W.Meersand Co.some very well executed photographs of. the Burnham School and of the inmates. The views of the interior of the school include some of the dormitories of the boys and girls, the recreation room, and the boje' and girls' dining room. Tiiea there are pictures of the band and of Mr Palethorpe's house. All are capitally taken, and give a good idea.of the institution. The picture of the inmates gives excellent likenesees of all, the children being seated on a bank.

Booklet. —We have received from Messrs A. Cowan and Sons, the well known paper makers, a little booklet conveying New Year's greetings. It gives the orthodox story of the intention of printing, by John Gutenberg, , - and this is followed 'by a new version, in verse, as to how the discovery actually came about!, which is very amusingly toid and aptly illustrated. ■ HoBsaEDUcATiNa. —'Professor Lichtrwark gave two exhibitions yesterday before members of his- class. The first at 2.30 p.m. on a tkree-year-old filly, and the second at 8 p.m. on a three-year-old gelding; Both animals were from* Capt. Fisher's run, and they were operated upon to the entire satisfaction of those who were present. The Professor not only picked up the'feet of the former one at a time, but, taking her round the hocks, lifted her hind legs off the ground and then crawled between her legs, and had her perfectly quiet in less than an hour. Tonight,' at 8 o'clock, he gives another exhibition before ids class. AcciDßN* to A Lad*. — The Akaroa JSfaii reports that a serious accident befel Mrs Bristow.wife Of the CouatyEngineer, oa the 4th inst. Iα company with some other ladies and Mr Bristow, she was returning from Lβ Bone, and got safely up the hill till past the road leading to Panama Valley. At this phwe the road slants to the edge, and was. at the time slippery with, the rain. The horse of one of the ladies that was ahead tripped, but recovered ifeelf; bat Mrs Bciafcow's.; fell right; "down, rolling over on its rider, binding that she was tpo badly Wrfc to be able to proceejd, Mrs Briafcow was taken,to a neighbouring cottage, and Di;. Fisher was speedily in attendance, and did all he could to relieve her. The horse, had rolled on her hips, and it took some time to get him up, so it can be imagined the injury was no slight one. On .Thursday Mrs Bristow had sufficiently recovered to be brought home, this beinp accomplished by a mattress being arranged on an American waggon; ehe is recovering as fast as can be expected. A Nsw Lakb. —The Southland Daily Time* aaya-—" Mr w * "?♦ H. Hall, who returned from one of Mβ periodical excurftions in the Lake Tβ Anau district the other day.made a notable 'find , in the shape of a new lake. He was accompanied by the.- well-known Cqlae Bay native; , Thomas Te Au, and when they were travelling from the South lArm of Tβ Anau they a sheet of water, ({vbpufc five mile*' long, and two broad at its widest psoct. The lake, which lies about eight miles from the<head of the South Arm, was mapped off for Mr Adams, Chief Surveyor of Otogo, aad will no, doubt find a place in the records o£ tb,e department. Mr QuintonMcKinnon, who has done a,gre,|it. deal of exploring ia that district, had never heard of the lake, 1 which is surrounded by iiigh aad- precipitous mountains covered with forest to an elevation of three tlioasand feet." :

A Hatri. or MkcKKßEiu—An extraordinary haul of mackerel fish was made (says the Dunedm Star) by three bello fishermen on Thursday last, \ Their net was put down in the ordinary manner near Portobello, and on being drawn in it was found that an enormous number of fish, bad been captured—sufficient to fill Shree .. boat*—which, ware weighed down almost to the water's edge.' The fish were subsequently sold to Messrs Bros., manure" manufacturers, of Pf>rt Chalmecs, where, on being weighed, they turned the scales at 5| tons. jUlowing 84doz ef the fiah to the ton, there were Close on 6000 fish in the haul. On Wednesday last the men caught 120doz of the game fieh, which* they offered for sale at the Stuart street landing at the rate of Is pet dozen, but only Bdos were disposed of, the remainder-being sold to be. converted intp manure.

Sib Bobbkt Stout in Austbaltax Eybs.—Commeating on Sir Bobert Scouf s reoent address to the Dunedin people, the

Australasian

him as " a very

uncertain, person," «ho " may be likened unto a vessel in port with an anchor out that does aot touch bottom, so it depends on wind and tide what part of the harbour you will find him in on a given date." His scheme for a one-house Legislature, with an. elective Governor, endowed with a legislative veto, is' sharply criticised. It is declared that one Governor aad one .House give New Zealand either a> Balmaceda and a Junto, or a *• State Government" such as obtains in Pennsylvania or Kentucky, where politics have sunk so low that when Governor fails to veto one-t&ird of the Bills he is suspected to be as corrupt as the Legislature. In New Zealand, at present, there may be party legislation and party administration, but as yet there has been no corruption. The system recommended by Sir Robert Stout would supply whatsis minings And the article concludes with the poor compliment to Sir Bqberfc of terming bixa a " not altogether uninteresting" politician, and declaring it a pity that he " cannot let out & few zaore lengths of cable and come to anchor."

Poixt pat the kettle on and well have som« "Arab" Tea, ifs so delicious and retm&ing this fcot weather.—lADvt.l For chffiee Greenhouse, Window, and Table Piaats, at Maira and Sci»% Flotists, JMa&a, |N>ad» CiufiafcdiujfCa.— {AjbttJ :

C&KJKiS' "Ctcff.--3fembers ! will practice in Park on Thursday nexc at 1.30 pan. Cantehbubt - Jocsbt CsJCß. —The ordinary monthly meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club, postponed from last week owing to the Christmas holidays, was held on Monday afternoon, bat no Easiness of any public importance was transacted. Thsatrb BoTJl*..—ln consequeaoe of an accident to the machinery of the steamer in which the Amy Vaugbaa Company were passengers from Napier, the opening night of the season has been postponed ftom to-day till Tnuraday night, when the burlesque of " Little Moate Christo" wiU be played, ia addition to a Christmas pantomime. ■ Acknowlbdgscent, — The Hon.. Lady Superintendent of St. Mary's Home -returns her best thanks to Mesdames Wilson, Knowlee, Oldham, and Suddinga for gifts of furniture; and to Mrs Western tot vegetables. She takes this opportunity of stating that any articles of furniture, except bedsteads, will be most thankfully received, and that the gift of ft clock for the institution would be particularly appreciated. Gabbibi/8 Gullt. —ADuuedin telegram saya that Sir Walter Bailer, who , has been visiting the mines at Lawrence, is well satisfied with the prospects of the Gabriel's Gully Company. Carina: the year 34700z, value £13,300, has been won from the mine, and besides paying the stipulated 8 per cent. on. preference shares, this will enable the Directors to reduce the debt J and declare a small dividend. The manager ! calculates it will take twenty-five years to j exhaust the ground now being;washed. CaaiBTiANiTT isr New /kaiand.— New Zealand is held, tip as a "shocking example" in spiritual matters by the Bey. ; H. Vere White, of All Saints', Eeotory, Waterford, who laboured for about six i years in the colony. Christianity, he fears, is at a low ebb among the many, and he cites the New Zealand Church News aa confirming his belief. He deplores the pitiful poverty of the country clergy, and hopes some wealthy churchman will assist. i tnose who are working in such great dis* I coaragement. Finally, Mr White con- ! eludes his rejoinder to another corresponi dene in. the following terms:—c" There is not a Diocese in the colony that is not in sore need of help; there are hundreds of districts practically neglected by the Church from lack of means to pay clergy; and there are j thousands of,, children growing up and] attending State schools who are as ignorant of the main facts of Christianity as if they Were born and living in mid-China. To "use the words in the article in th« Church News i— 'The balk of; the children of school age are moving in an environment which does not comprehend the Chjxrch nor jt<3 clergy nor religion.' If this be true, and I fatly believe it is, is it not better to remind Churchmen at Home of the needs of their fellows in New Zealand apd other colonies similarly situated, rather than to let them fancy that their aid and sympathy are riot required/* TmwAiD iSottooi..—A meeting* of the Tinwald School Committee was held oa the 6th inst. Present—-Messrs Hickman (Chairman), J. A. Clothier, M. Kedmayne, IV S. Shearer, and W. Br Smith. The Inspector's.report on the examination of "the school was read. The Committee expressed pleasure at the highly satisfactory nature of the report, and passed a special vote of thanks to the teaching Staff. -The report showed the percentage of.:.passes to be 66.92 j percentage of failures, 7.15; percentage [on elase subjects, 60; additional marks, 74. Staff— Mr. G. Cuiverhoaee, master:; • assistants, Mr J. F. Lewis and Miss L. Bishop. The Inspector that the result of the examination of the. school was'highly satisfactory, and that all..the teachers appeared to have worked with enthusiasm, with a' corresponding earnestness on the part of the pupils. The pass subjects were thoroughly mastered, reading was excellent, and the Inspectors were also impressed with the accurate answering given during the progress of the oral examinations in science and history, showing a good knowledge of the subjects aad a careful training o£ the pupils in the art of expressing their ideas. : • • Hinds School.—The following passed their respective Standard* at the examination on December 30th:—Standard Til. rr-Ada . Norish. Standard V. — Bosei MeKeage, H. Porter, F. Porter. Standard. IY.—Einily Prattley. Standard lII.— Louisa Porter, E. Meyaell, Kate Shaffar, G.; Aikenhead, Willie Bellamy, Albert Smith. Standard ll.—Chris McPadgen, Annie Hickey, Mary Hickey, May Aiken-head,-Eose Tarbottom, <3teorgiria McKay, Mary Shaffar, S. J. Hayman, Fred Shaffar, Bobert Bellamy, Albert Anuett. Eobert Meynell, John Cqnnbr, Sfcandard I.—■ Stella* Aikeahead, Florence McFadgen> Angus Johaaria Breen, Emma Meynell, Elizabeth Harris, James Morris, Bobert Morrie, Sam Bellamy, John Hidkey, Bobert Shaffar, Fred Graves." Thd Committee expended JBl2 in prizes, toys, fruit, &c., and yesterday school children, parents and friends* in all about 150, went to the lagoon situated between' the Coldstrdata Estate and the beach, for the annual picnic. Amongst the vehicles conveying the party was Mr ChisnaU's four-in-hand, driven by that gentleman. ; Masonic.—The installation oE Bro. F. H. Davie as the Worshipful blaster of the St. Augustine Lodge, No. 4, N.Z.C., took place last night at the Masonic Hall, Manchester -street, when there was a large attendance of the brethren of the Lodge, together with a number of Tisitors. The ceteinony was moat irispredively performed by the M.W.G.M. Bro. H. Thomson, assisted by the Grand Lodge officers, the following of whom were present :♦—V. Wor. Bro. Albert K*yei'Gr.T.; Wo*. Bro. J. L. FenertyV I*.B.G;P.j V. Wor.'Bro. the Bey. Wni. Bonsildson, G.S.; Wor. Bro. CP. Hulbert, B.G.P. j W or. Bro. John Thompson, B.G.P. The oboir of the Lodge, under Bro. E. Trist Searell, the organist, helped to make the ceremony more attractive by the admirable manner in which the musical part was given. The following were the installed and invested, the latter portion of the ceremony being performed by the Grand Secretary, Bro. the Eev. W. Konaldson:—W.M., Bro. P. H. Davie; 1.P.M., W. Bro. EU I. Hobden i S.W., Bro. A. Millar,- J.W., Bro. W. J. Hawleyi Secretary, Bro. A. Gundersen ; Treasurer, F. J. Smith j Chaphun, W. Bro. the Eev. W. Bonaldeon; S.D., Bro. W, Broadharst j J.D., Bro. A. M. Mclntyre j Organist, Bro. B.T. Searell; 1.G., Bro. Maitland Gard'nerj 8.C., Bro. L. A. Slater; Tyler, Bro. A. Gee. At the coaelusion of the ceremony the brethren adjourned to the refectory, where a very pleasant couple uf hours were spent. The usual loyal and Masonio toasts were given aad duly honoured,, including those of the Sister Constitutions of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Sincerk Flattest.—Mimicry is the truest form of flattery, and yet the Eden George Company, Limited, Lave been imitated by aU photographers. Even the the style of their signature is now copied by ail Christchurcn photographers. In 1837, Edeu George Company, limited, presented to the Cicy Council a framed group of its Councillors. Since then several photographers have dona likewise, and the public should inspect these groups hanging side by side, when it will be seen that the one prepared by the Eden George Company, Limited, although having stood the test of five years, is intirdtely superior to the others of recent date.

"Cifey Council OScea, Christchurch December 23rd, 189L-C. H. Manning, Esq., Photographer, Colombo street.—Sir, —X have the honour, by direction of the Council, to thank you for yoar feandsome present of the artistic group o£ portraits of the Mayor and Council, and to express its high appreciation of the same aa a work of arc, and the state of proficiency that the photographic art has attained, as evidenced by this work from your studio. —I have the honour So be, Sir, your obedient servant, F. T. Haskins, Towa SsAXiKsa am» Psasea » Basse* as» efcaraderised by fekeir tetttlmUaeae a&fll originality* Sfcadio, SlB High street. The beat medicine in existence is Coxs> aanb and Sox's Eaealypfce Extract for colds, coughs, consumption, bronchitis, gravel ana kidney complaints, liver complaints and fevers of at! kinds. So that you are sot imposed upoo. by wood turps, see that each bottle bears the Tree of Lire and oar signature, Coletnase and Sons, Cootamundra, N.S. WalesTwithoufe this it is s fraud. For gout, riiaumatlsHa, sciatica, try our special Eucalypta Q&, »» botUe U M. AwardM medals Md diplemas, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbqttfney Ssefctioßalleoaipeajorß, Soi3eves7wi>««»

ITTEtckt €oHBTABt«.—Aa Aaekiaaa telegram ea#* that — Early jestetday morning Constable Grsy, of the poUce force, rewtted a 1»S aaraed Taylor from drowning . The boy, who had landed at the Queen street; wharf team tha etaaauer lon*, ttia.ied his way in the darkness, aad fall into the harbor. Hβ would haw perished had not the constable jumped is and supported him aatil further help ■came. The UmsKP«>Tßi> i» DwsmoiK. — A deputation of the unemployed waited oa the Mayor of Danedin yesterday moraing. It was represented that apwards of a hundred aaea are in argea% need of employment, some having been idle for two months and some not having had employ, meat einoe they were discharged from Government work at Catlia's river. Abdbkss os PaoKißrnow.—Last evening Mr Sydney Black, of London, delivered an address ia tbe Theatre Boyal oa "Prohibition/ There waa ft very large attendance, and the chair was occupied by the Eev. L. M. laitt. The lecturer referred to the amount spent annoally upon drink in Great Britain, and spoke of some of the reeultaof intempetaace among the working elassee. He tfaea proceeded to give five reasons why he waa a p«>hibitioniet.- The lecture w*3 delivered with a good deal of force and earnestness, and was attentively listened to. DAEWBLD.-*Theordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on the 9th last. Present —Messrs Mullias, Eeid, G-illaaders, McPhedr&n, Mullhollaad, and Whall (Chairman). The master's monthly report showed an average of 55.7, and an average for quarter of 58,42. The Committee decided not #to vote or to nominate anyone for the vacancies on the Board at present. The muter applied for a water race for garden and schoolgrounds. The Chairmaa was instructed to approach the Board oa. the matter. It was agreed to close the school for harvest holidays for one month 1 rom January 22nd. ' ... .

COVSHT GABDSK OpEKA tJX AtTSTBAttA; —The Melbourne correspondent of the Otago Daily Times Writes:— Mr , Mxlegrove writes from England to the Press his proposals to bring , us out Sir Augustus Harris* Covent Garden operai. The expetise would be enormous. He wants a guarantee of j^2 jUOO (from subscribers) fot the Melbourne season of eight weeks, and a similar one in Sydney, which it ia doubtful if he will get these hard timea. Pitt's Dtik» S?jbech.—'Lord Xtasebery, in. his "Life of Pitt,' , repeats the stoty which Lord Beacbnsfield said he heard from an old House of Commoa's waiter respecting Pittfe. last words. The traditional speech was " Oh, my country! how I" leave (or my country I" According to the waiter,,aad as he was set to fulfil tiie dying man's request he ought he bnght to know, Pitt's last words were, "I think. X coul4 ea* ooe of Bellamy's meat pies." - . Fbmght on Fswit ik VicTOEU,--The Victorian Bail way Commissioner* are encouraging the purchase of fruit direct from the country grower by a reduction of freight on small parcels, so that ,the oity buyer may order direct from the grower. Applying the new system of charging, 28lb, 561b or IISUb of fruit will now be earned by the. railway a from Butherglea to Melbourne for la, instead'of Sβ 6d as formerly. Bendigo, another place famous for fruit producing, is 101 miles from Melbourne. The minimum for that distance was 3s, but now any case of frait not exceeding lscwt will be carried the same distance for Is. m: c .... : ; - ■

A SuBMABiNE Volcano. — The San Francisco . Chronicle of November 26th says.—" The? American barque Hespet arrived yesterday morning from Kobe, witn a> graphic account of an experience with a submarine volcano, hot' sea water, aad aulphuroua gases. Captain Sodergren 3tatee that about . 6.45 > a.m. •on October 28th, while! lying at anchor ia Kobe, the barque la sudden shock that caused the- masts to strain, aad creak. Some of the standing dgging snapped like a piece of twine, and all hands were thrown ; from - thei* feet.' The vessel pitched heavily,-and caused one of the orosatreea to break from its fastenings and fall on deck. The water became still an hour later* and the barque put to sea. Early on the morning of October 30th, when about seventy-five miles off the Japan coast, the barqua was almost thrown oa her beam ends' by the sudden eruption of a submarine volcano. The water became so hot that whea a Sea was-shipped on deck the crew took to the rigging. The hea* became s6 intense that the pitch in the deck Was melted and the seams opened. 'Great'blasts of hot air, with a strong sulphurous smell/ said the captain yesterday, '' wonM 'r'l come up from the breaking surface of the ocean and almoati suffocate .U3 1 for the moment. Thett th§ membrane of the nostrils became irritated, causing vk *all to have a fife 'of sneezing. This phenomenon lasted for several hoiirs.; I have had all I want of the Japan eide for, some time to come/. . ' . . A Scdoot of CoapiiEATivjE LirsaA.TUfifi.—Mr Charton Collins has followed up his " Dlustrations o£ Tennyson ** lay. a volume, which Messrs Macmillan have just published, on "The Study ot Eagiish Literature." Mr Collins is bent upon securing the 'reoognition of Engliah Literature at the unirersities, and the' form which that recognition should tafee.is tae establishment, not of a Philological School of Middle Saxon, &c, bufc of a School of Comparative Literature. Ie his "Illustrations of-Tennyson" Mr Collina showed ho T w the accurate study of our great living poet was impossible apasfc from the study of Greek and Latia moaeis. In his new book he argues this point directly and enters into the whole sebjaofe at large. ~ y ■.. .-■ , '.■...■ •:■: -,