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Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 842, 2 June 1885, Page 2

It is now announced that Russia has accepted the proposals of theßritish Government, and that peace is therefore assured. A special meeting of Borough Council should have been held on Friday evening in accordance with the Act for the purpose of adopting the new By-laws, but it did not take place on account of a sufficient number of members to form a quorum not putting in an appearance. We notice from the local paper that Mr Walter Scott, who served his cadetship in the Cromwell telegraph office, has been removed from Clinton to Christchurch. The Chronicle. says -.—Mr Scott has been well liked during his stay in our midst, and was ever obliging on all occasions; but hia shift being considered a promotion, we congratulate him, although very sorry to part with such an efficient and desirable officer. Postal tenders accepted in the Otago district are gazetted. Among these are the following of local interest: —J. Lawrence, Cromwell and Bannockburn, Baunockburn and Nevis, £92; W. Lennie, Pembroke and Cardrona, weekly, £39 ; E. C. Hedditch, Pembroke and Makarora, weekly, £BO ; H. Craig and Co., Otago Goldrields services from Lawrence to Queenstown and Hawea Flat, and Palmerston to Clyde and Hyde, £3,400. An exchange says that on Wednesday, the 6th of May, the Adelaide Volunteers were in camp for the purpose of having a sham fight with some other corps of the South Australian force, and an attack was expected to be made that night. Providentially the attack was not made, or there would have been a frightful loss of life, for to the Volunteers in camp there had been served out 14,000 ball cartridges, which by a mistake of some staff officer had beeu substituted for blank ammunition. "Ada Mantua" evidently intends to keep her long-worn prestige as the most genuine consultationist in existence, as she has again forwarded us names and addressses of her principal winners and names of her committee, and on perusal of these we find them most satisfactory, as they were all gentlemen of good commercial standing and well-known reliability, the Press also being well represented. The first prize, £2SB, nett, goes to an old resident of Greymoutn in the saddlery business; the second of £144, nett, to an employe" at a wellknown hotel, Duuedin ; the third of £96, nett, to the Poundkeeper, Clyde, Otago. The special of an Auckland paper states that the Minister for Justice proposes to deal with the Justices of the Peace by a Bill during the ensuing session. The new measure will make it obligatory on Justices to perform services for which an honorary distinction is conferred upon them. The principle upon which legislation will turn is this : That the Commission of the Peace will require those who possess it to perform the duties connected with it. The neglect or omission to perform these duties will enable the Governor to cancel the commission at any time, and to weed the list of Justices whenever necessary.

A daring jewel robbery was perpetrated on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning at Jennes 5 jewellry shop, Wellington. The robbers effected an entrance at the back of the building by cutting out a panel of the door, and then turned the key. They carried a locally-manufactured lantern, which had been arranged so as to be darkened. They took 26 gold watches, 40 silver watches, 20 solid gold alberts, 15 English alberts, 20 ladies' gold alberts, 40 to 50 gold necklets, 24 silver necklets, 12 ladies' silver alberts, 6 dozen silver rings, 12 gold brooches and earrings, including 5 diamond sets (valued from £3O to £35), and 12 gold and diamond scarf pins. The total loss is estimated at between £ISOO and £2OOO.

The railway contracts now in progress in Otago amount in all to nearly £200,000. The Daily Times gives the following list of works now in progress on the Otago Central line:— Nenthorn contract, for the formation of nine miles of railway, to be completed by the 3rd of May, 1886. Deep Stream : Contract for the formation of 4 miles, 22 chains, to be finished by the 22nd August, 1886. Hindon contract: For completing the formation on " unemployed section," extending a distance of 13 miles, the work to be finished by the 3rd of March, 1886. On the Hindon section Messrs C. and W. Gore have contracts for five tunnels, to be completed by the 15th May, 1886 ; and a number of minor works on the Otago Central are being done by petty conti acts and by day labor. In addition to these formation contracts other works are in progress. Messrs Sparrow and Co., of Duuedin, have a contract for the superstructure of the Wingatui viaduct, to be finished by the 29th of September next year ; and we understand the tenders for the abutments and piers for the viaduct will soon be invited. Ihe Wingatui permanent-way contract, of 6 miles 65 chains, which was let to Mr J. Whittaker, is also in progress, and is to be finished by the 6th of March next.

Mr H. Clapcott, lecturer for the Government insurance, gave a lecture in the Athenaeum Hall on Thursday evening last before a fairly large audience. After being introduced by Mr MacKellar, who acted as chairman, the speaker in a very able manner made plain t.he benefits accruing from joining provident institutions, as he termed all well-based insurance companies, and he was listened to with marked interest throughout. Mr Clapcott does not confine his lecture entirely to insurance, but gives good advice in the matter of will-making, commenting outhft numerous troubles and annoyances caused through this beiug neglected ; he also explained the capacity in which the Public Trustee acts as executor, and pointed out at some length the advantages gained through wills being carried out by means of this agency. Mr Clapcott, after 'admitting that his lecture was a little bit "dry," proceeded to cause a little fun in giving a description of the many excuses given him for a person not insuring, some of which were no doubt highly amusing. The lecture having occupied the evening up to 10.30., the readings by Mr Clapcott were necessarily curtailed, but the two given by him were sufficient proof of his elocutionary powers, the reading being full of spirit, so much that the listener could imagine he was an eye-witness of the scene depicted. Mr Clapcott offered a piece of advice in his concluding remarks which is worthy of mention. He said they had all being listening to a "dry" subject, and as a natural course would proceed to "wet" it after the lecture. He would advise them when doing so not to say "here's luck," because there was no luck in it, nor, " here's fortune;," because there was nothing but misfortune in it; but to say "here goes a day's premium for t'400." Mr Clapcott informed the audience that the canvassing agent, Mr Newman, would be in Cromwell during the ensuing week, and hoped that many would take out a policy seeing the many advantages to be gained. After a vote of thanks to the chair the audience dispersed highly pleased with the pleasant evening speut, ana the information gleaned.

Mr Clapcott, the popular lecturer on Government Life Assurance, will speak in the Bannockburn Atlienasum Hall on Thursday evening. For synopsis of lecture, see advertisement elsewhere.

Mr Robeit Graham, formerly Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, and a colonist since 1842, died on Tuesday last of pleurisy and bronchitis. He had been ailing a fortnight.

Among the measures to be introduced during the session b}' Government are a Conservation of Forests Bill, and a Bill to consolidate the Trustees Acts. Also a measure dealing with the fisheries question.

An exchange says that it has been decided by the Government not to sell any more totara bush. This is the first really practical step towards forest conservation in Now Zealand that has been taken.

A seizure of gambling implements was made last week by the police in a tobacconist's shop in Wellington, and proceedings will be taken under the Gaming and Lotteries Act. The articles seized were, it is said, used on the principle of a totalisator, and the investm mts were on two Cliristchnrch events.

We are informed that at the " liob Roy " Company's drawing on the Dime liu Birthday race-meeting the first prize went t > a carpenter ill Dunediu, the second t) a lady near Lawrence, and the third t> a gentleman at Clyde. The. two largest cash awards went to Alexandra and Mosgiel, respectively ; and the two smaller award., to Roxburgh and Clyde.

Colonel Haultain lias been appointed to represent thi< Colony in Sydney upon the return of the N. S. Wales contingent from the Soudan, neither Mr Stout, nor any of the Ministry, being able to respond to the invitation owing to the near approach of th? session. The contingent is expected to return to Sydney on or about 12th inst,, when a grand parade of all the forces will he held.

Tc will be seen from report of proceedings of County Council last week that Mr J. S. Dickie has received the permanent appointment of clerk to that body. We congratulate the Council on the wisdom of its ch dee, for during Mr Dickie's long connection with the County he has fulfilled his duties with care, correctness, and promptitude, and has at all times been courteous and obliging.

We are in receipt of the May number of "OnceaMonth." Thishighly creditablepublication contains a biographical sketch of the lion. Mr Dalley, Attorney-general and acting Colonial Secretary of New South Wales. There is also the usual complement of light and instructive literature, and a continuation of the serial stories. The number before us shows no abatement of its bid for popularity.

The Post understands that the .question of Civil Service reform is not to be brought under the consideration of Parliament iu shape of a Bill during the approaching session. The Government will rely on the reductions they have made in various directions, and on the further reductions which proposed changes in the system may render impossible, without attempting to alter the system under which the Civil Service now exists.

The question of allowiug girls to attend the medical classes of the Otago University was mentioned at a meeting of the Council last week ; and though no distinct resolution was moved, the suggestion of the Chancellor that it should be stated that all the medical classes were open to both sexes was adopted without dissent. All the members of the Council who spoke on the subject were apparently in favor of allowing girls to study medicine if they desired to do so.

Colonel Whitmore has concluded a contract on behalf of the Government with Captain Whitney for the manufacture at Auckland of half a-million rounds of Muntz-metal Snider ball ammunition. The price is but a slight advance on the imported article. Captain Whitney has men in his employ acquainted With the manufacture of cartridges, and it is understood that the powder is to be obtained from the Catlin's River mills.

A complete list of nominations for the Cromwell Derby, to be run December next, is published in this issue. After going to press last week the secretary received two nominations the post-mark on which showed they had been made in due time. The entries number 12, out of which it is probable a good field will face the starter should the youngsters go on well. Nominations for the Queenstown Derby closed on Thursday with nine subs. Of these, three are by Dead Heat, two by Rangatira, two by Messingham, and one each by Bucephalus and Defamer.

We noted last week that the Rev. Father Kehoe had been presented with a pleasing token of respect from his fellow-townsmen in Riverton prior to his departure for Auckland to benefit his health. We notice from a later issue of the local paper that the rev. gentleman subsequently received from his parishioners a purse of sovereigns and a handsome testimonial setting forth the high opinion of those who had come under his ministration, which had been of a markedly practical nature.

It is said that the present drought in New South Wales is the severest that has been experienced for thirty years The following is an estimate of the losses sustained by New South Wales by the drought of last year, as given by Mr Abbot, the Minister of Mines for that colony:—Comparing the figures at the beginning of 1885 with those at the beginning of 1884, a decrease was shown ot 10,000 horses, 232,000 cattle, and 5,800,000 sheep. Comparing these with the probable increases at the rate of ordinary seasons, and adding the effect upon the wool clip, the Minister estimates that the colony was poorer by £4,500,000 sterling than it would have been but for the drought.

By request, we publish in another column minutes of proceedings hi connection with the formation of a Rifle Association for Lake Volunteer District, notes of the meeting having been courteously supplied by Sergt.Major Scully, who has been appointed secretary and treasurer to the Association. The movement seems to have met with considerable acceptance in the northern division of the District, and no doubt the roll of members will be largely augmented from this locality, both from Volunteer and civilian ranks. Tickets of membership can be obtained on application to the secretary, who will also cheerfully supply any information required.

Mr Macandrew addressed his constituents at Port Chalmers on Friday evening and received a unanimous vote of confidence. He deplored the centralism which existed, and believed no form of local government could be satisfactory under that system. He did not believe the Government would call out the Militia without the sanction of Parliament. It was not his intention at the end of the present session to seek re-election, owing to the hours at which Parliament sat. If it conducted its business during the day he might alter his determination. As a means of removing the depression he advocated a State Laud Bank, which could be worked in connection with the Land Transfer Department. An entertainment in aid of the funds of the Baunockburn Sunday School was given on Tuesday evening last in the local Athenajum Hall. The first part of the programme consisted of instrumental selections by Mrs Clarke, Miss Chalmers, aud Mr D. U. M'Gregor, interspersed with part singing by the scholars, some recitations and a few songs, prominent among which was Mr Pyke's late production, " The Old Flag." Heretical though it may appear, we were not highly impressed by this item, although Mr M'Nee sang it tastefully. To our mind the words deserve far better music. The second portion of the programme comprised a Service of Song entitled " Christie's Old Organ," a light and musical production admirably suited to the occasion, which was very fairly rendered. Mr Clarke gave the connective leadings in a style which left nothing to be desired, every word being distinctly audible throughout the building. Mrs Clarke accompanied throughout with great taste. The audience, though not so numerous as the merits of the entertainment deserved, was evidently gratified with the performance, and on the motion of Mr A. M'Gregor carried the customary vote of thank* by acclamation.

For report of County Council proceedings last week we are indebted to our Clyde contemporary.

The total number ofsheepinthe Colony in May, 1884, was 13,978,520, against 13,306,329 the previous year.

The aquatic testimonials recently collected and presented at Sydney amounted to—Beach, £1,800; Hanlan, £555 ; Messenger, £4lO ; and Laycock, £47.

The Defence Department, in refusing the services of the Naseby Rifles, intimates that it has no available arms at its disposal other than will be sufficient to supply the necessities of the costal towns most open to attack.

Mr Mouat, the solicitor of the petitioners who asked for the recent Waitahuna West dummyism enquiry, has requested the Land Board to forward to the Minister of Lauds the evidence taken, and suggests that looking at the resolution passed, the Board should recommend the Minister to secure a fuller and more comprehensive enquiry.

The final agricultural statistics of South Australia for the past season have been issued by the Government. They show that the total yield of wheat has been 1,480,000 average being 7.32 bushels per acre. Nine thousand two hundred bushels have been already exported from the Colony, and the quantity available is 50,000 tons, of which half is for shipping.

It is not probable that an attempt will be made at present to actually drill the firstclass Militia, but the men liable to serve will be called out, enrolled in companies, and the companies officered. The company rolls will then be kept up regularly, so that the force, or any part of it, will be ready for being drilled at anytime such a step may appear desirable.

The Commissioner of Police at Sydney has received a report from Muttaburra River relative to the murder of Mr Walter Bunning, manager of the Dare River station, on the 2nd May, by Walter Gordon, employed in the woolshed on the station. On three occasions Gordon complained of illness, and though Mr Bunning gave him medicine he asked to be sent to Muttaburra. This Mr Bunning refused, and on the morning of the murder Gordon was seen going to the office window, where the deceased was sitting writing. The murderer entered the room, and placed a revolver at Mr Bunning's back and fired, the bullet passing through his body into a table. There were three men in" the office at the time, and they seized Gordon. When the pistol was taken from him he said, " the dog would not take me to Muttaburra." When he was arrested he was suffering from low fever, and had the evening before the murder threatened to shoot Mr Bunning. The feeling amongst bushmen in the district is that Gordon was delirious with fever, and did not know what he was doing. The police, however, insist that he was not delirious at the time he committed the deed, and though ill knew perfectly well what he was about. He has been remanded, and is watched day and night.