Our Dunedin Letter.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIII, Issue 1182, 5 March 1897, Page 3

Our Dunedin Letter.

[Feoji Our Own Cokbespondent.]

The new trustees of the Benevolent Institution evidently moan to carry out their duties as economically as possible, At their last meeting the chairman (Mr A. Solomon) said their financial position had improved to such an extent that they were enabled to pay oft their bank overdraft. It was also mentioned that the clothing expenditure for inmates was a heavy item, and thafc donations of left off wearing apparel would be thankfully received. Mr Ben Tillett has been having rather a good time of it since his arrival in Dunedin, tho labor party showing hiir lound. he was taken to the Taieri on Wednesday, and shown all its resources ; he stayed and had tea with one of our leading Liberals, Mr Lee Smith, at Green Island, and he left for the south on Friday en route to the lake*, etc. He expects to be able to return by the Aotea, when she is ready to go back.

Mr Hugh Gourlay was re elected chairman of the Harbor Buard for the fourth time at the meeting on Wednes day, all the members speaking in euologistic terras of the way in which he had performed the very arduous duties apertaining to the office.

Dunedin was very busy last week with the Jockey Club races, Lawn Tennis tournament, trotting races, etc. The heavy rain on Wednesday somewhat interfered with the arrangements of the tennis people but they got over it. The cup day also was marred in the attendance at Forbury, and as a consequence the gate money suffered, but notwithstanding this the sum of L 6597 was put through the totalisator, which was only two hundred less than last year. The win of Lord Kosslyn in the cup gave general satisfaction and the Hon. G. M'Lean was heartily congratulated.

As a protest against cup day futila tions, the annual Christian convention which has been held an a similar day for seven years took place on Wednes day in the Hanover Street Baptist Church when there was a gathering of diflerent denominations from Dunedin, suburbs and outlying districts. The Revs D. O'Donnell, W, Salter, D. Borria, and Tennant were the speakers and great interest was taken in the proceedings which were much appreciated by all present.

Our Hibernian friends are to have a demonstration on the Caledonian ground on St Patrick's Day 17th March. A very good programme of varied events will be provided for different competitors and there will be several novel items included in the 1 bill of fare,' consisting of a boat race on the green and other amusing afiairs.