The Daily Southern Cross.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4401, 22 September 1871, Page 2

The Daily Southern Cross.

LUCEO, NON UKO. If I have been extinguished, yetlthere rise A thousand beacons from the spark I bore.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1871.

Judging from the Report of the Eegis-trar-General of Land just laid before Parliament, the Land Transfer Act, 1870, promises to be as successful as could be expected of any measure which ncceDsarily requires time to be understood and appreciated by the public, and has to encounter the antagonism of a powerful interested class. The simple and cheap system of registration and transfer provided by this Act is such a radical change on the costly and cumbrous traditionary conveyancing by lawyers, that it 18 not to be wondered at that the legal profession has not looked upon it with a kindly eye. AnJ we can quite understand that many owners of complicated and profuse deeds m the strong boxes of the conveyancing solicitors will not receive the voluntary advice to pass them through the Transfer Office, and for a few shillings obtain an indefeasible title as easily negotiable as a bank-note. Mr. Moorhouse (himself a lawyer) confesses that he would not have been surprised had the profession exhibited greater hostility than it has done. "It is not natural," says the Registrar, " to expect to see 11 lawyers as a body voluntarily ex- " changing the present emoluments of " practice for the comparatively insig- " nificilnt fees derivable under the " Land Transfer Act;" but that they do understan d th c u sefulness of the measure, and the excellent machinery by which it is worked, is evident from the fact that several titles of an imperfect character have' been submitted for registration. These have occasioned much trouble to the department, but the fact that they have been submitted is significant, and a testimony to the valuo of the Act which will no doubt have its effect upon the public mind. Mr. Moorhouse's faith in the success of the Act is strengthened by the information that in none of the Australian colonies where the Torrens Act is in force did the first few months of trial produce so much business as has been the case in New Zealand. During the year ending the 30th June, 1871, 409 applications to bring land under the provisions of the Act were received, covering property valued at £166,331. During the same period 25 transfers, involving money to the extent of .£7,031, were registered ; and 41 mortgages, securing £23,728. Of the whole number of applications five were withdrawn or rejected. All this business was done at a total expense to the applicants of £611, a remarkable contrast to the cost that under the old system would have fallen upon them. The' amount of fees received by the department during the year was £911, which includes £300 from the licenses taken out by landbrokers. The extent of business is not very large, but it must be borne in mind that the department had only been in actual operation about five months, that the public are as yet not fully aware of the advantages of the Act, and that the legal profession is directly interested in keeping busk ness away from the Government offices. The cost of working the Act is of course heavy. It has been found, necessary in the: interest of the public to appoint only experienced lawyers to tho positions of Registrars and Examiners, of Titles,: and! gentlemen of jbhis character cannot be got except at good salaries. ,, But tEe Government 'vV.ry ' widely 'decided to combine .the offices of Registrar under

the Land Transfer Act with those of Eegistrar of Deeds, thereby obtaining for a comparatively slight increase the staff required to work the new Act. Mr. Moorhouse estimates the whole cost of the department at £8,614, for which the public will have ,the services " of twenty-one barristers and solicitors " and eleven professional draftsmen, " wh'le full provision is made for cleri- '•' cal services and incidental expenses. 3 ' It must be expected that the business of the department will not for someconsiderable time defray the whole cost ; but by the association of the Land Transfer and Deeds Eegistration Offices the deficiency is reduced to a small amount. But as the public become better acquainted with the facilities which the Act provides, the receipts of the department will gradually increase, and at no very distant period will defray all the charges. Objection may be taken to the large number of Eegistration Offices in this colony, whilst in South Australia and Victoria a similar Act is worked by one central office; but Mr. Moorhouse points out that, as popular opinion had decided that there were "good and ira- " perative reasons of social convenience u for the existing division of the colony " into districts for deeds registration," it was expedjent that the same division should be adopted for the purposes of land regisi ration. And in the existing circumstances of the population we cannot see how this arrangement could have been avoided. Had persons desirous of bringing their land underthe Act to incur the expense and delay that would certainly be the result of having only one office, the purposes of the Act would have been defeated. There is one subject bearing upon the safe and successful working of the Act, and to which attention is drawn by Mr. Moorhouse, which it is to be hoped the Legislature will promptly deal with — the correction, and completion of the surveys of the colony. When we vemember how slovenly in many cases the surveys have been made in some of the provinces, and the frightful arrear into which they have fallen in others, we can well understand the alarm with which the Eegistrar- General of Land views these sources of danger. Mr. Moorhouse records his belief " that the " most serious damage and difficulty are " almost certain to result should the " Legislature fail to make immediate " provision forcorrectingaijdcompleting " the surveys of the colony." He points out that, great as the cost of such a work must be — .£l OO,OOO at least Mr. Moorhouse estimates — it is less to be dreaded than the risk which the colony would run from an extensive operation of the land transfer system and its accompanying assurance of title, whilst the principal element of safety, '— a reliable survey of the land to which a title is guaranteed — is wanting. This ia indeed a very serious matter, and, although possibly Mr. Moorhouse may have rather overstrained the danger, it is one that the Legislature cannot afford to disregard. The Eegistrar also very very properly dx*aws the attention of the Government to the very considerable arrears in the issue of Crown grants as a circumstance which materially retards the operation of the Act. This has been a standing complaint for years, and that it should be is a reproach to the Crown Lands Office. The process of preparing and issuing a Crown grant is so simple that hardly auy appreciable deky need occur between the purchase of the land and the receipt of the grant; but it appears to have been the fashion to keep the Crown grants back for months, and in some instances over a year. The remonstrance of Mr. Moorhouse will, it is to be hoped, lead to amendment in this respect. On the whole the public have reason to be satisfied with the results that have attended the initiation of the Land Transfer Act, and Mr. Moorhouse may be congratulated upon the success of his industrious efforts to bring it into satisfactory operation. "We hope with him that the business of the current financial year will increase as he confidently expects it will, and that the difficulties and obstacles he has pointed out will be removed.

The various Highway Boards in the Waikato district have adopted a very sensible way of redressing their grievances ; and the memorial published by us in another column is a document deserving of attentive consideration. As will be seen, the chairmen of eleven Highway Boards in the Waikato have held a meeting at Ohaupo, and have addressed a united memorial to the House of Representatives with reference to the subsidising of Highway Boards. The memorial is temperately worded, and presents a case that we do not doubt will receive attentive consideration. With reference to the first prayer of the petition, that relating to the increase of the grunt for Highway Boards, our Waikato friends will be glad to learn that the Government have already anticipated their wishes, and that Parliament will be invited to consider the propriety of doubling the amount granted last year ; and there cannot be a doubt that the chief reason that has weighed with the Government and will weigh with the Legislature is exactly the simple, but sufficient argument contained iv the memorial, that " the expenditure " of money in road-making through the *' medium of the district Boards is the " most economical way of laying it out." But the second portion of the memorial is that which especially deserves attention. The time has come when, the country districts must receive a larger amount of consideration if settlement is really to advance— an obligation which will be felt, we believe, both by fhe Government and the Legislature. We are far from saying that' our suburban and more populous- districts Jiave , all the roads and bridges which, they require, or that there would not be room for the immediate and profitable expenditure of a much, larger amount than is ; likely, to fall to their share for 'some yeara to , come. But, considering the stage 'to which - means of communication, and ggaejralf improvements have advanced in our suburban, and

populous districts, it is unquestionably to the advantage of the province that the contemplated great increase of subsidy should be mainly for the benefit of the country districts. The want of roads is the very cause that prevents j the increase of ratepayers and of revenue in. a district ; and it is in the highest degree necessary that the method of distribution of the grant should be wholly changed. The principle adopted last year was seemingly an equitable one. Keferred to the various Provincial Governments, the subject was again referred in this province to a committee, by which the allocation of the subsidy was made proportionate to the rates locally raised. Such a principle as this is simply ruinous to the country districts, and contrary to all our ideas of proper colonisation. Where our wealthy suburban districts counted the subsidy by hundreds of pounds, large but sparsely - populated country districts counted theirs by tens. The result of the last distribution has been such that we trust the Government will not again entrust such an important matter to the Provincial Government, or at least that such a principle will be fixed that such an impolitic act cannot be repeated. "We wish the utmost prosperity to the Memorial of the Waikato Chairmen of Highway Boards. The cause they advocate is the cause not aloue of the 'country districts, but of the pro- 1 vince and of the colony, and we believe ,its temperate and reasonable prayer will be heai'd" with attention and with good effect in Parliament.

Once again we feel impelled to point a moral frem the fate of the ' Tauranga.' It was thought that that most melancholy catastrophe would at least for many years have had the effect of putting an end to the reckless habit that caused the almost instantaneous foundering of the favourite little steamer with all her living cargo. Not fourteen months have passed away, and yet there is at the present hour as utter indifference to harbour laws and human life as there was when the ' Enterprise' and ' Tauranga went down together in mid-ocean. What can be done to remedy this,? The Customs authorities are powerless, though they honestly use eveiy means within their reach to bring the law to bear upon offenders. Ketches and cutters and coasting craft of every degree sail from the wharf with their lights trimmed and their lamps burning, and enter harbour again in the same condition of perfect conformity to law. But no sooner have they rounded North Fead, and have passed beyond the limits where watchers are frequently posted to trap the law-breakers, than down go the lights, and for the paltry saving of a few pennies' worth of oil these little craft like floating rocks proceed darkly on their voyaging, bearing death and destruction to whatever may chance to cross their path. But two nights ago two cutters had the narrowest escape from coming in collisiou in the darkness with one of our coasting steamers, and owe their safety to the extra watches and extra precautions on board the steamer necessitated by the known carelessness of these coasting craft. Constant complaints, we are informed, are being received at the Customs respecting the almost total abandonment of sidelights or any light by these little coasters when at sea, and even in the Gulf. The Customs authorities can do no more ; and unless the masters of steamers make it a point of duty to overhaul the offending craft, and aid in prosecuting the OAvner, the present perilous state of things must continue. The Customs officers are anxious to get a case which can be prosecuted" to the end, and we call on the masters of steamers and others to aid them in their purpose. A few convictious and substantial penalties may have a salutary effect. If such a remedy is not applied, we can only wait for the foundering of another vessel, possibly with riiore numerous passengers and in sadder circumstances than even those of the unfortunate ' Tauranga.'

The monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday in the office of the Chamber. There was but a small atten. dance of members, and the matters brought forward for discussion were few. Instructions were given to a committee to draw up a memorial for presentation to the General Assembly, showing "the great loss commercially Auckland sustained from not being in telegraphic communication with the rest of the colouy ; and the memorial will be forwarded to the Hon. Mr. Vogel for presentation to the Assembly. fc.The Supreme Court sat until eight o'clock last night in the case of the hal r -caste Rogers, charged with stealing a small quantity of wearing apparel at Tenuku. The evidence for the prosecution entirely failed, and the prisoner was discharged. Mr. Beckham gave judgment at the Police Court yesterday in.th&^oase of G-. Thorne, jun., who was on the 14th instant charged at the Police Court with " allowing offensive matter to remain on M 3 premises, abutting on the public thoroughfare, so as to .become a nuisance." Mr. Beckham said: "After hearing arguments of the learned counsel for both sides, I confess I had some doubt as to whether the charge came within the meaning of the 53rd sub -section. There are only 22 sections; yet one section has no less than 55 sub-sections. The 18th section gives power to apprehend offenders, and yet another section requires four days' notice to be given. The question is, does this offence come under sub-section 53 of section 5 ? After mature consideration, I consider it does. CJearly the store doea abut upon a public thoroughfare, and the matter had beyond ' question become a nuisance. The Court, therefore, has no alternative but to find defendant guilty. It appears, moreorer, that the material has not been removed. If it had, the fine would have been a nominal one. However, as defendant undertakes to remove it at once, and this action seems really to have been taken merely to test the question as to the right of a person to store such goods in a crowded locality, 1 the defendant will pay a fine of sa. and costs." »We learn that an information was laid yesterday by Mr. H. Brett, of the Jbvening Star, against Mr. Neville charging him with assault. Mr. Hesketh has been engaged for the prosecution, and the case will be heard at the Police Court on Saturday next. It ib to be hoped that the Resident Magistrate will find it convenient to attend, in order that- the xjaae >may be fully investigated, and fearlessly aad impartially dealt with. '' His Wwship th 6 Mayor "KwrissuecT invitationsi for\ a banquet, to^e'fitld on Wed- V nesd*y next *fc llie St. MuhgoVCUft/ Qae«n- ' street,

Every now and then complaints are made . by citizens that their several districts are i altogether left without police protection. If ' a constable were occasionally to wander about the various streets in the suburbs, much of danger to property , from fire or peculation would be prevented. As it is, it is rarely that a constable is seen very far from the lower portion of Queen-street. A few nights ago a gentleman residing in Ohapel-street complained that on several instances fellows had been discovered prowling about his premises at night, and when caught made a very lan?e excuse. But there being no constable in the street they could not give the suspected persons in charge. St. Paul's School is said to be a favourite resort of the loafing fraternity, and it is stated that matches and other tokens of visitors over night are frequently found in the morning. Drunkards also often make the school grounds their quarters at night. This should be seen to. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders in the Bank of New Zealand is announced to be held at the Banking-house, Queen-street, at noon, on the 30th October. The report of the directors for the half-year ending the 80th September will be received, and two directors will be appointed in the place of those retiring. The Volunteer Staff Band, recently formed under such favourable auspices, was guilty of an attempt at extortion yesterday which is likely to result its dismemberment. The band had been requested to play at the performance given last night by Mr. Hoskins and Miss Colville, in aid of the Orphan Home and Ladies' Benevolent Society. In answer to this request, the following reply was forwarded to Llewbcncvn.t A. 12. -laaaos, .toil, secretary :—": — " Sir,— ln accordance with your instructions to me, ordering the Staff Corps Band to attend the performance at tne Theatre Royal this evening, 1 beg to state that I warned the band for that duty, and they decline to play unless they are remunerated for their time and trouble. — I have, &c, Jno. Curry, Bandmaster." In consequence of this, Captain Dargaville, who was chiefly instrumental in causing the formation of the band, determined to withdraw hia support; and, as the public subscribed liberally on the assumption that the band would be an advantage to the city, he deemed it right to release from their promises those who have not yet paid their subscriptions, and money paid already will, so far as possible, be returned. In order that the enteitainment might not lack the assistance of the band, an offer to remunerate performers at a fair rate was proffered, but refused, a demand of a most extravagant character being made by the band. We think the course followed by Captain Dargaville in this instance a most commendable one. The subscriptions were given upon the understanding that the band when formed would really be a city band, and would willingly give its services on any special occasion. No more suitable opportunity could have been afforded the members for showing their appreciation of the efforts made to assist them than was offered last evening, and, if the band is composed of such a class of men as will take advantage of a charitable performance to extort money, the sooner the city is rid of it the better. A memorandum on the validity of Provincial ordinances has been submitted to Parliament by the Attorney-General. He takes exception to eleven ordinances of the province of Auckland ; six of Taranaki ; twelve of Wellington ; nine of Nelson ; nine of Marlborough ; no less than twenty-nine of Canterbury ; and twelve of Otago and Southland. The following were the Auckland Acts objected to : —City Board Act, 1863 ; City Board Amendment Act, ISG3 ; City Board Amendment Act No. 2, 18G5 ; Highways Acts, 1862 and 18G7 ; Thistle Act, 1858 ; Impounding Act, 1867 ; Sheep Act, 1863 ; Diversion of Roads Act, 1863 ; Auckland Municipal Police Act, 1862 ; Rural Police Act, 1866 ; Distress Act, 1866 ; Turnpike Act, 1866 ; and the Turnpike Amendment Act, 1866. On the 22nd of this month (to-day) the planet Venus will be|m inferior conjunction, or between the earth and the sun, or nearly so. If the orbits of Venus and the Earth were in the same plane there would be a transit, but, bein^ inclined about three and a half degrees, this is avoided except when Venus happens to be crossing the plane of the Earth's orbit (called the nodes) at the time of infeiior conjunction. Such a coincidence is of very rare occurrence, taking place at unequal but regularly reenrring intervals of 8, 122, 8, 105, 8, 122 years in succession. These phenomena are of very great importance, affording, as they do, the best and most exact means of ascertaining the sun's distance and parallax. The British Government has already voted £10,000 towards the observation of the transit in 1874. The entertainment to be given to-night in theSymonds-street Music Hall will, no doubt, attract a numerous audience. The programme appears to have been judiciously arranged, and has, at least, one merit, in not being too long. After a choice selection of music comes a novelty in the shape of a Shakespearian reading, with the different characters sustained by amateurs. The laughable operette " Box and Cox" (music by Arthur Sullivan) will conclude the entertainment, which promises to be well worth the shilling charged for admission. Mr. Charles O'Neill the other evening in the House of Representatives related an anecdote which is too good to be lost. It is as follows :— A missionary was remonstrating with a Maori on having four wives. The Maori replied, "You read your Bible ; good, i Solomon was the wisest man. j Solomon had 300 wives. Ka pai Solomon." We have been furnished by tho Secretary and Inspector to the Central Board of Education with a document, showing the routine of work carried on in the Papakura school under the management of Mr. Henry Worthington. This school was one of the best managed in the province, and the respected teacher is now leaving Papakura, having been appointed to the charge of the district school at the North Shore. The paper will remain at our office for afew'days, where those desirous of seeing it will have an opportunity of doing so. The arrangement of studies is an admirable one, and deserves the attention of teachers. Our Whangarei correspondent says : — "On Tuesday evening a very serious accideut occurred in our neighbourhood. A horse of Mr. Meredith's having got bogged, Captain Wooley went to assist in extricating him ; but unfortunately, as they were getting him up, the shears fell over on Mr. Wooley, dislocating his thigh, and inflicting internal injuries in the region of the chest. Dr. Sissons came and set the leg, but it required the united strength of two men with a double pulley to get the joint into its place. Mr. Wooley, I am happy to state, is now getting better." To the Editor : Sir,— Every lover of justice must feel grateful to you for your kind defence of " Polly Plum," I have known that lady for many years' has always borne a deservedly high character, and is most respected and liked where she is best knowD. She has imbibed the new views respecting women, and so have many of the most intelligent and excellent women in England. They have not been abused as Mrs. Colclough has been, and it is very little to the credit of the Auckland people that a respectable lady should be so much annoyed, only because she has become a convert to the new views held by so many worthy people. The whole of Mrs. Colclough's past history has been such that we may be sure she would not favour anything at variance with kindness and common sense. I have only once 'heard her lecture, and on that occasion I was pleased, but not surprised, to find that all that was advanced was strictly in accordance with morality and Christianity. By giving this a place in your columns you will oblige an old friend of " Polly Plum's. "—I am, &c, MOTHEB. The anniversary sermons in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School in Unionstreet are advertised to be given on Sunday next, On Tuesday evening the annual tea j" meeting* will be given in the school-room at half -past Bix o'clock, "when addresses -vrill be I delivered by the Her. Messrs. Rigg and Lewis, and «ther friends. '

The assessment list of the Parnell Highway District is now ready, and has been placed in the shop of Mr. Robinson, chemist, for inspection by the ratepayers. ' Objections, if any, ilill be heard against the assessment on the 3rd October, in the Wesleyauschool-room, Parnell. The Key. Mr. Edger is to preach in the Choral Hall on Sunday mornmg, "On Christ Suffering for Man ;" and in the evening in the City Hall, on "After Thoughts on the Siege of Paris, and Policy of Nations." Statement of the Provincial Lunatic Aeylura for the week ending the 16th September, 1871 :— Regained last statement, 110 ; admitted since, 1 ; discharged since, 2 ; died since, 0: remaining at present, 109 (75 males, 34 females). Distribution of cases : Epileptic mania, 9 ; idiocy, 4 ; imbecillitas, 14 ; mania, 47 ; melancholia, 16 ; dementia, 17; monomania, 2. Several numbers of the Illustrated News, contributed by W. F. Lodge, Esq., are thankfully acknowledged. Mr. T. Wright, the practical phrenologist, may be consulted daily at the Young Men's Christian Association .Rooms, and on Thursday and Saturday evenings. He also intimates that he will lecture in "The General Principles of Phrenology" on Monday evening, and that 'at the close he will make several examinations of heads while blindfolded. This will show that he does not form his estimate of character from the expression of the countenance. By advertisement elsewhere, Mr. H. Brett announces that he was not personally con. suited regarding the insertion of an advertisement in yesterday's morning papers, notifying that Mr. Neville Septimus Walker's tooth was to be placed on exhibition at the Star office. ' The Melbourne Leader of September 9 'says: — "Negotiations are now on foot by which it is possible Webbs large AngloAmerican steamers may make Hobson's Bay their terminus. Mr. Stewart comes accredited to this Government to make terms for a direct service. His proposition, so far as it has at present been made public, is to bring Webbs boats direct to this port, a branch service being given to New Zealand. Mr. Stewart has made favourable terms, _ it is reported, for the conveyance of Australian wool by railway from San Francisco to the eastern American States, and, as an earnest of what may be done for this interest in America, one agent, it is said, has arrived prepared to purchase four million dollars worth of this season's wool for shipment. Evidendy well aware of the exertions being made to drive them from these waters, the P. and 0. Company have put two of the fastest vessels of their fleet on this line to replace the 'Geelong' and ' Avoca ;' and it even said they will be prepared, if necessary, compete with Webb for the Australian subsidies for a service via San Francisco. Many circumstances have contributed, certainly, to induce this rivalry in the ocean carrying trade ; but the present development of affairs has been greatly assisted by the liberal recognition of the Duffy Government of the several schemes placed before them for improving our communication with Europe and America." An extraordinary meeting of the shareholders in the Poverty Tribute Company will beheld at Grahamstown on the 10th October, at half-past seven o'clock, for the purpose of passing rules and electing directors. The assessment list in the JRangiaohia Highway District for the current year has been prepared, and can now be seen by the ratepayers at the Post office, Te Awamutu. Appeals will be heard on the 7th October, in the Volunteer Hall, at 5 o'clock. To the Editor : Sir, — In the Cross of yesterday appeared a letter signed by "No Slave." Had he signed "No Brains" he would have been much nearer the mark, for there can be not the slightest doubt to any member of the Catholic Church that his remarks refer to a petition signed by them ou Sunday last of their own perfect free will, and not, as "No Slave" says, by the order of their priests, high, as well as low ; for any one who knows the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland must know that there is not a single individual, either in Auckland or elsewhere, that loves freedom better than he does ; and not only loves it himself, but always, when he requests anything from his people, urges them not to be influenced by anything but their own free will. It were better, Mr. Editor, that "JNo Slave " thought before he wrote, and when he writes let him write truth. — lam, &c., Justitia. We are rtquosted to state that the Resident Magistrate's Couit will nob sit to day. All causes on this day's list aie adjourned to the 29th instant. Return of sick treated iv the Provincial Hospital, dining the week ending September 16th, 1871 : — Remained last return, 78 ; admitted since, 9 ) discharged, 5 ; died, 2 ; remaining, SO (males 68, females 12). Arrangement of cases : Fever (convalescent), 1 ; scrofula, 3 ; cancer, 3 j syphilis, 2; phthisis puluaonalis, 11 ; dropsy, 2 ; rheumatism, 6 ; lunacy, 1 ; epilepsy, 3 ; paralysis, 6 ; chorea, 2 ; amaurosis, 1 ; ophthalmia, 2 ; pleurisy and pneumonia, 3 ; bronchitis, 6 ; aneurism, 1 ; heart disease, 2 ; albuminuria, 2 ; fistula, 1 ; stricture, 1 ; abscess and ulcer, 5; wounds and contusions, 4 ; fractures, 2 ; necrosis, 1 ; cutaneous, 3 ; debility, 6. Two men died — one on the 13th instant of paralysis, and the other on the 14th of effuaion of tho brain. Thanks are returned to Mrs. Alexander for a parcel of old linen. A curious case has just been tried in London with reference to the MSS. of intending coutributois to newspapers and magazines. The editor of the Echo tore up some "copy," and was applied to by the writer either for the return of the MS. or payment for it. The Commissioner who tried the case gave it in fay ur of the editor, which perhaps may serve as a wholesome m arning to the thousands of stupid people who persist in deluging editors with, their respective views. Everyone thinks hini3elf capable of redi essing a grievance, and insists upon being heard, which renders an editor's task not always a pleasant one. — London Correspondence. I The Earl of Aylesford ha 3 made frequent appearances before the Police Court for flinging flour at people when returning from races, and otherwise bringing his order into contempt. To the Editor : Sir,— l should be obliged if you can inform me in what way ladies resident in Auckland can become members of the University of New Zealand, or avail themselves of its advantages. — Yours, &c, Alma Mater.— [We would recommend our correspondent, as the best means of obtaining detailed information, to write direct to the Chancellor of the University at Dunedin. — Ed.]