Our Dunedin Letter.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1003, 13 October 1893, Page 6

Our Dunedin Letter.

TFHOJf OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] As mentioned in my last communication the business people of George Street are somewhat mixed over the half-holiday observance since the Shop Hours Bill was so curtly treated by the Council. On Thursday lasfc a good many shops were closed afc 1 o'clock, and at 6 o'clock on Friday night and open all day up till 10 o'clock at night on Saturday. A number still adhered to the old arrangements and closed on Saturday afternoon, and several business people kept open every day. and had two late nights. There is now getting to be a feeling that there will be no general observance of a half-holiday as far as George Street is concerned, but employers will make provisions for giving the employes a half-day away during the week. .The event of last week, by way of .. amusements, was. fche Aquatic Carnival in connection with the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club held in the Garrison Hall frbm Tuesday until Saturday evening, and by which the pool was "scooped" to the extent of fully LSOO. The scene on s ihe opening night was an eye opener. The large hall waa crowded to excess, and hundreds were unable tp gairiYadmissioh and had to return home after wafting but-

side for fully two hours. The great attraction was the dancing by a number of young people, who, under the _: tutiori of Mrs Hamann, contributed a number of terpsichorean items in a highly creditable manner. The stalls were handsomely arranged and contained fancy and useful articles in great profusion, and a number of side shows helped to amuse the people and till the treasury. There was a good deal of " hand-shak-ing " going on in our streets on Monday. This was caused by the return of our M.H.R's., and theyjvere afc once oh the " war path" among Their constituents., I saw Messrs Fish, Pinkerfcon, Allen, etc., and I must say they: all look very well after the long session ; in fact they seem to have plenty of fight in them for the coming campaign. Selwyn College, so far, has shown capital work for the year it has been in existence.* Five candidates presented themselves for examination by the Board of Theological Studies of the Church of England, arid the ' Bishop of Nelson has intimated thafc four secured first-class honours and one second-class. Among the former.-was Mr 0. A. Fraer, who was for some time at Balclutha, and his friends .will be pleased to hear that he has passed his second grade with, credit. Saturday was a beautiful day for outdoor sports, and bowling and cricket was very much in evidence. The Kai tuna bowling and lawn tennis' grounds, which are delightfully situated at the junction of Maclaggan street and Maori road, presented quite an animated appearance on its formal opening. Thte president, Mr R; Ml Clark, gave, a, short address to those assembled, arid 40,. players were soon engaged with the "jack," and the two tennis courts were constantly occupied by, players of both sexes, who played some capital sets. The grounds were gaily decorated with flags, and Mrs Clark dispensed tea and refreshments to all on the ground, and the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by a large number of people. The Roslyn Bowling Club also commenced v operations, but I was unable to be present as I stayed too long at Kaituna. The cricketers were all out in full force on their respective grounds, and lovers of the bat and ball had a good time of it. Evidently there will be some interesting matches played during the season, all the different members being very enthusiastic about the successful commencement of affairs. Our political atmosphere is getting somewhat disturbed, arid the barometer points to " stormy." Sir Robert Stout has definitely decided for Wellington, where there is going to be very sultry work. In Dunedin the candidates mentioned so far are Messrs Fish, Pinkerton, Earnshaw, Hutchison, Gourley, and Dawson. I should think the first three will prove the successful trio. For Chalmers Messrs E. G. Allen, J. A. Millar, and C. S. Reeves, will be the candidates, and the contest should be a good one. For Caversham Messrs W. Barron and A. Morrison are in the field, and I ara of opinion that, the first-named will be first past the post on election day. For Waikouaiti Messrs Bruce, Green, and Haynes are mentioned as likely candidates. For Taieri Messrs J. C. Buckland and Carncross will fight the battle.