Our Dunedin Letter.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1028, 6 April 1894, Page 5

Our Dunedin Letter.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The fine weather which prevailed during Easter was a great boon to the bowlers who attended the tournament, and some very interesting games were played. I noticed several bowlers from Kaitangata taking part in the contest, but they did not figure as winners although playing very well. We had a very cold cnap of winter weather last week. On Thursday it rained steadily all day, on Friday night the rain and wind which prevailed was something to remember, and Saturday was a very unpleasant day for out-door amusements. The resignation of Mr Davidson as assistant at Knox Church has caused a good deal of discussion in Presbyterian circles. He leaves for Home in about a fortnight, and a meeting of his friends was called for this week in order to make him a suitable prosentatation before going, but at his request such arrangement has been departed from. The motion by Mr Macgregor before the Education Board to establish a central school in Dunedin for seventh standard pupils does not meet with much favour so far. The Daily Times strongly condemns it, and considers it an attempt to create a free high school, and the North Otago Times says such an establishment would be totally unfair to country districts as making provision only for Dunedin children, and expresses surprise and regret that country committees should have given so much support to the three Dunedin candidates at the recent Education Board election so as to have secured their return. A case before the Police Court last week, when a seaman named Claussen was charged with desertion from an American vessel, the Edward G. Mayberry, showed a very peculiar state of affairs in regard to the management of the ship, the second mate being, according to the evidence, a perfect demon, ill-using the men in a shameful way, The captain seemed to take the matter very coolly, and said it would be a new doctrine to get officers to suit sailors. The man was sent to gaol for two days, when the ship would be ready for sailing. The justices had evidently no .other recourse. This is evidently a case in which our social agitators should take action, as it might afford practical benefit. The various churches in and about the city and its ehvirons have been holding harvest festivals, and the decorations and seryiegg

have been very appropriate for the occasion. The usual Weslyan changes in location of ministers are now taking place, and we are losing Mr Oliver Pinfold and others. In Anglican circles things are on the move, A very compact and suitable church named " Holy innocents " was opened in Leith Valley last week. It is- near the Bishop's residence and is looked after by one of the students of Selwyn College, who are all doing good work in different localities. The Bey. Mr Cotes, who has had charge of the Mornington district for some time, and whose ministrations have been greatly appreciated, leaves this week to take charge of the Queenstown parish. He was the recipient of a suitable presentation last week. The Victoria tepid saltwater baths were duly opened by the Mayor on Saturday, but the day was very unsuitable for the occasion. However, a fair number of the public put in an appearance, and some interesting swimming matches eventuated. The hotelkeepers are beginning to put their places in order preparatory to the annual meeting of the licensing committee. There should be no difficulty in reducing some 17 hotels in Dunedin without much harm to anyone in particular, and with advantage to the general community.