TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8385, 21 January 1888, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

' Action Discontinued. — The case of Stening v. KUngenatein, fixed to be heard by a special jury, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, has been discontinued. The attendance of the jury, therefore, will not bp required. Eob Eot Entertainment. —The Eev F. C. B. Pairey repeated, last night, at the Durham Street Wesleyan Chapel, the story of his travels by land and water, with magic-lantern illustrations. There was an appreciative and fairly large audience. Eailwat Excursion. —Yesterday morning the railway excursion to Waimskarirl Gorge was well patronised, about 200 persons going on board the train at Christchurch. This number was considerably augmented at the roadside stations. Serious Accident. —At Springfield on Thursday evening, Mr Eobert Wallace, a well-known contractor, was wrestling with a friend when he slipped, fell, and broke the small bone of his right leg. Medical assistance was at once summoned, and the sufferer is now progressing favourably. A Proposed Eifle Match. —A proposition has been mooted for holding a nfiet< match between the officers of the District, First Canterbury,and Cadet Battalion staffs, and those of the various companies in th& North Canterbury district. The idea is a good one, as markmanship is by no means ( wanting among the officers of our volunteers, and such a match would doubtless tend largely to increase the good feeling prevailing among them. It would not be a bad plan to moke the match an annual “ fixture.” A Eunawat. —Yesterday morning the horses attached to a waggon, conveying Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin’s totalisator from Springfield to Oxford, bolted, and were not stopped until the vehicle upset. The occupants of the waggon were thrown to the ground with considerable violence, but the only serious results were some injuries to the totalisator, and a severe cut on the back of Mr Jordan's head. Both the machine and Mr Jordan were able to | The Centennial Holiday. —As there im a good deal of uncertainty in the publi mind as to whether a general holiday woul be observed on next Thursday, Jan. 26, ii honour of the Centenary of New Soutl Wales, His Worship the Mayor telegraphe< to the Hon the Colonial Secretary, enquir ing whether che Sydney Government hac asked to proclaim a holiday on that day and whether anything had been done ir consequence. Yesterday morning Hu Worship received the following replyJ “Twenty-sixth has been advertised as a holiday in Government offices.” He has accordingly proclaimed a public holiday in Iphristchurch on Thursday next. the Juvenile Oak of Sydenham Lodge, No. 98, took place on Wednesday, when there was a goo i attendance of members, Bro D. Weir, presiding. Correspondence was received and dealt with. The election of officers then took place, and resulted as follows: —A.D., Bro J. E. Betts; V.A., Bro J. Bush; Secretary, Bro E. Hitchinga (re-elected); 1.G., Bro F. Kershaw; 0.G., Bro W. Betts; A.D.B.’s Bros H. Hulbert and W. Avling; V.A.B.’s Bros A. Bush and A. Williams; M.C., Bro A. Watt. The newly-elected officers were installed by the President, Bro Hulbert. It was proposed to present the P.A., Bro E. Granfell, with a diploma. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers. The reading competition was postponed till next Lodge night. There being no other business, the Lodge was closed by the newly-installed A.D. St Joseph’s School. —The annual picnic in connection with the above school took place at Governor’s Bay on Thursday, and was well patronised, not not only by a large number of the members of the Catholic congregation, but also by many from Christchurch, among whom were the Eev Fathers Halbwachs and O’Donnell, who added considerably to the success of the day by their presence. After all were seated in Messrs Agar and Eoberts’ launches and a start made, the Canterbury Literary Society’s band struck up a lively air, which, mingling with the hearty cheers of the lively youngsters, added considerable animation to the scene. Arrived at their destination, Mr Beecher kindly placed his premises at their disposal, where games, swinging, &c., were at once commenced, and continued till evening, while at intervals a plentiful supply of lemonade, tea, buns, sandwiches, and sweets, were at their disposal, to which were given ample justice. The Eev Father Klckham had provided a large and varied supply of valuable prizes, which, with the assistance of Messrs Kiely, Monaghan, O’Brien, Kirby, and Kribbs, he awarded to the most successful competitors.

Teacxion Engines. Messrs Wood, Shand, and Co., of Christchurch, sent off this week, no less than three of Fowler’s new traction engines to clients in Southern Canterbury. They left Christchurch on Wednesday evening, and were steaming away gaily into Ashburton on Friday morning. They took all the road between Christchurch and the Selwyn, creeks and culverts and all, without any trouble until they reached the Selwyn River. Here, however, they were put on their best mettle, but they boldly essayed the river and forded it, much to the drivers’ astonishment, with no more trouble than they would have experienced over a not very well made road. Their crossing of the Selwyn caused quite a sensation among the little crowd of rustics who saw the performance, and looked on in the belief that a big hiatus was to happen, but who “ gaped and clawed the elbow ” when the iron horses steamed away southwards as though they had done a very simple thing. One of the engines—the biggest—is going to Mr John Grigg’s, specially bought to perform haulage of grain from the Longboach Estate to the railway. A second has become the property of Mr Waymouth Eoberts, of Ashburton, threshing-machine owner, and the third goes to Mr M. Scannell, Temuka. Mr Roberts’ machine, of course, has reached its destination at Ashburton, and has “no more rivers to cross.’’ Mr Grigg’s had to cross the Ashburton Bridge, and before it was allowed to take its 17-ton carcase across, the engineer stipulated that planks should be laid before its wheels to prevent danger to the bridge. Mr Scannell, with a smaller engine, had to follow suit, but the latter gentleman, after crossing the Ashburton, has to make for the Upper Kangitata Bridge, which is under repairs, and it is hoped he will be able to cross; but even if the bridge is not available, his experience at the Selwyn of the engine’s ability as a river-crosser need not daunt him oa the banks of the Upper Baogitata.

Rhodes Convalescent Hone.— The Secretary of the Rhodes Convalescent Home informs ns that the appointment of a Matron for the institution is postponed for sir weeks. Wax mate School.— Mr Vernon, M.A., has been appointed locum fattens in the Warmate District High School as second extra master until applications for the position are to hand. The school re-open# on Monday. Sydenham Working Men’s Cr^<Jß. The performance which was to have been given at the Sydenham Working Men’s Club last evening by the Sydenham band, has been deferred in consequence of a case of serious illness in the immediate neigh* bourhoodof the Club. Value of Hotel Property in Geraldine.—On Wednesday afternoon last, the freehold property situate in Geraldine, known as the Crown Hotel and stables, was submitted to auction by Messrs J. Mundell and Co., and sold to Mr C. Louis* son, of Christchurch, for £970. Waimate Rifles.— The firing for Mr James Smelan’s cup, to be won twice, was concluded on Wednesday morning last, when Lieutenant Capstick was top scorer with 52, Lieutenant Shaw second with 42, and Corporal Grant and Private Harding next on the list with 40 and 86 respectively. Congest Postponed. —The Addington Workshops Band were to have given a concert last night in the Latimer square Rotunda, but in consequence of a request from some residents in the neighbourhood, in whose house there was serious illness, they postponed the concert, to the great disappointment of many who had gathered In expectation of it. Supreme Court. —The civil sittings of the Supreme Court were resumed yesterday, when His Honor and a special jury of four were occupied all day with the trial of an action for £SOO damages, brought by Mrs Merson, formerly of Lyttelton, against Mr Inglis, of Christchurch, for malicious prosecution. The case was not concluded when the Court adjourned till 10.80 a.m. to-day.

Waimate High School Board Scholarships.—The following is the result of the Waimate High School scholarship examinations:—Charlotte Bird, 480; Thomas Black, 442; Ernest Andrews, 397; Annie M'Lean, 370; William Nelson, 318. Maggie Miller, Waimate, was third on the list for the South Canterbury Education Board Senior Scholarship, and Charlotte Bird second for the junior scholarship, and Annie M'Lean seventh. Lyttelton Borough Council. —A poll took place at Lyttelton yesterday to elect a Councillor to fill the vacancy caused by the election of Councillor Webb to the position of Mayor. Messrs Bain and Dyer were the only persons nominated. Very little interest was taken in the proceedings, and at about 7 p.m. the Keturnlng-Officer (Mr H. J. V. Bogers), declared the result as follows s—J. Bain, 183; T. Dyer, 118. Mr Bain was therefore elected. Jubilee Memorial Home.— The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Jubilee Memorial Home will take place shortly, the date not having been definitely fixed. It is understood that the E.W. District Grand Master of the Masonie fraternity has been requested by the Charitable Aid Board to perform the ceremony, and that after consultation with the Grand Lodge—the quarterly communication of which was held on Thursday ■night—he has undertaken the duty. Queen’s Cadets.— The drawing of the , art union in connection with the Queen’s Cadets' bazaar took place yesterday afternoon ah the residence of Mr J. T. Matson, ’HffiT' under the superintendence of that gentleman. Captains Ayers and Hart and :Mr L. P. Garnett, Secretary of the Comfcaittee, conducted the drawing, which resulted as follows:—First prize, horse presented by Captain Ayers, No. 3195; second prize, oil painting. No. 354; third prize, oil paMting, No. 1579; fourth prize, model building. No. 1119. The holder of the ticket which gained the first prize is Mrs. Teague. About 1400 tickets for the art union were disposed of. EuaJCHERS* Picnic. A meetssg of butchers was held on Thursday ev«*Ang at ■be Golden Fleece Hotel. There was a ■nil attendance, and Mr F. steel wan voted ■o the chair, and a very strong working ■tannittee was elected, consisting of Messrs W. Marsh, A. S. Bull, J. Thom, T. Gray, H. S. Harris, J. Nankuville, W. Skelton, J, Twose, E. Dyer, B. Clarke, J. E. Tomlinson, S. Greenslade, the two last named Secretary and Treasurer respectively. It was decided to hold the picnic pa Thursday, Feb. 9. The Se retary was instructed to prepare lists for the members of the Committee as early as possible. Messrs Thome, Harris and Marsh were appointed to visit the various grounds under offer, and report at the neact meeting. It was decided to call for tenders for a band. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. Cycling. —The handicap bicycle races ; which are to be held under the auspices of the Christchurch Bicycle Club at Lancaster Park on Thursday next, from a racing and financial point of view, have every prospectof being very successful. The world's champion professional-Fred Wood—and W. Brown, the amateur champion df England, have sent in their entries, aod entries have also been received from the pick of the Colonial riders, including W. D. Bean, the three and ten-mile champion of New Zealand, who is none the worse for the accidents he has met with at the last two bicycle race meetings. All the abovementioned have been in active trainingfor some time, and some very close finishes are confidently looked forward to, and judging from the entries already in (which close to-night) the handicappers will have all their work cut out to give satisfaction, the racing men having improved to Vuch a great extent since the advent of Fred Wood in our midst.

Eiccarton Schools- I —A meetinj; of the Committee was held on Monday; present —• Rev C. Bowen (Chairman), Messrs Hanson, T. Wilson, and A, H. Wilson. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, including a circular from the Board, inviting nominations for seats to be vacant on March 31 next. Eesolved —" That the members of Committee present at this meeting refrain from nominating any member for the Board until the whole list of nominations are before them, when they will exercise their power and vote.” The master’s monthly report was read. The school re-opened on Jan. 3, with a rather small attendance, which has since improved considerably. The teachers were short banded, the pupil teachers being absent at their annual examination. A copy of the absence enquiry form recently brought into use was laid on the table. The master is sanguine that the result will be an increased regularity of attendance. The Chairman read an abstract of the accounts submitted for audit to the Board. The meeting then adjourned. Theatre Royal. Yesterday evening the Carrie Swain company produced the “Tomboy” for the last time, and the play, during its repetition last night, seemed to lose nothing of its vivid originality. Miss Carrie Swain, of course, was the soul of the piece, and her singing, dancing, and acting throughout the play earned her, while on the stage, almost continuous applause. To-night there will be a change of programme, when the company will produce a play specially written for Miss Swain by Bret Harte, whose name alone should be a guarantee for a production of high originality and merit. The play is a medley of several of Bret Harte’s most famous works, and his skill in conjuring up a thrilling tale from the most fragmentary materials should alone prove a great draw for the coming piece. Miss Swain, of course, takes the title r6le, under the name of Mab, and her part should give her ample opportunity of showing her talent in American character parts, her clever singing and sprightly dancing. During the evening she will sing Arditi’s celebrated song, “Beauty Sleep,” and another of her numbers will he a song by that popular American composer, Theodore Thomas, called “ Polly, the Cows are in the Corn.” Altogether the “ Miner’s Daughter ” promises to be every whit as interesting, amusing, and sensational as "The Tomboy.”

——— J- - ■— Bowling. —The return match between the Christchurch and Canterbury Bowling Clubs will take place on the green tn* latter on Saturday, Jan. 28. Canterbury CuEsf —At a Committee meeting Leld last night a letter was read from £ue Auckland Chess Association, accepting the challenge of the Canterbury Chess Club to a match to be played as soon as convenient to the Telegraph Department. Amuri Sheep Fair. —Mr Duncan Rutherford having acquired a suitable piece of land from the Culverden Estate, on behalf of the Amnri Sheep Farmers* Association, intends proceeding at w'v with the erection of saleyarda to date 50,000 sheep, and hopes to have the yards ready for the annual fair at the end of March. Kaiapoi Sailing Club.— At the monthly meeting last night, Mr R. Moore in tlu chair, it was decided to give a cup, rains £2 2s, for handicap competition. Seven new members were nominated. Notice of motion to alter role Ho. 27, to allow of non-members forming put of the crew of a boat (otherwise than as captain or steersman) was given, and the meeting adjoorned. Cube Boating Club.— The following are the events for which foi* Club has entered crews at the Christchurch TLngmtta: —Champion Fours, Senior Pairs 7 Senior Double Sculls, Junior Doable Sculls, Junior Fours, Maiden Pairs, and Maiden Doable Sculls. The Champion representative crew will consist of B. Day (bow), J. J. Higgins (2). C- H. Wright (3), and A. Winterbourne (stroke). Cathedral School.— We are requested to draw attention to the advertisement, which will be found in another column, respecting this school. The Chapter hat resolved, as soon as a permanent appointment of a precentor or minor canon has been made, to place him in charge of foe boarding arrangements, together with the general superintendence of the school. For the present, the best temporary provision has been made that seemed possible under the circumstances. The boarders will be under the charge of the headmaster, Mr G. H. Merton, who will reside in the house, and the school will be carried on for the present under the direct superintendence of the Dean, who 'will take op again for a time his old work at Christ’s College Grammar School, and teach the Divinity and classics of the fourth, or highest, form. We are requested to state that prospectuses will be forwarded to the parents and others in the coarse of a few days. The Australian Centenary —An adjourned meeting of Australians desiring to celebrate the centenary was held yesterday afternoon at the City Council Chambers. There was a good attendance. Mr H. R. Webb presided, and stated that the Hem J; T. Peacock had consented to preside on the occasion, and deliver an appropriate address. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs George King, A. Longhrey, M.H.R., and J. Embling; also, from Mr J. T. Matson, who had engagement, and wrote suggesting a programme for the day. After of the locality for the picnic and a number of details, the matter was referred to sfSnibCommittee, consisting of Messrs £L R. Webb, W. D. Meates,F. H. J. T. Matson to decide upon a spot, engage a band, and make other necessity arrangements. All Australians whiv wish to part in the centenary pioafe are requested to forward their names, to the Committee by Monday. Presbyterian Church, Kaiapoi. —The annual meeting of the congregation of St Paul’s, Kaiapoi, was held on Wednesday evening, the 9bT J. M'Qregor in the chair. Reports wore "received from the session and the Managing Committee. The Chairman referred to the work done daring the past year, especially in connection with the Sunday-school, and the services rendered by the choir. The attendance for the p&Ut year had been good, with a prospect of improvement. The balance-sheet snowed —General income, £292, which, with a sum of £2OO borrowed on mortgage, totalled £492. The total expenditure was £515. The managers elected were Messrs E. Wilson, G. Templeton, W. W. Walls, D. Heney, J. A. Murray, T. H. Caverhill, and J. M'Pherson. A Temperance Committee was elected as follows, to arrange the formation of a Congregational Society: -Misses E. Heney, A. Baker, M. Page, and Messrs F. and C. Young, Miller, and Clarke. The meeting terminated with the Benediction. Tha First Battalion Canterbury Bills Volunteers Kill parade at tha Drillshad grounds on Friday evening. “Pall m" at 7.33 p.m. The annual general meeting of the Christ's College Bides Kill be held in the orderly-room at 8 p.m. on Jan. 25. The following have been selected to fire fertile Kaiapoi Rifles against the College Biflae at Kaiapoi on Saturday next, commencing at 2 p.m. i— CoLSargt. Blackweil. Sergts. J. bunpson Johnstone, Templeton, Clarke, Corporals Pearce. W. Simpson, Wright, Privates Wilby and Bate; emergencies— Ban oaman W. Wright, Privates Higgins sod Barden.

The Treasurer of the Queen's Cadets has the pleasure of acknowledging the reoeint of the follow mg subscriptions per the fund of Hr Banduiastet Bowles, Tin. Mr W. F. Warner, £2 Is 7fi sMr C. Anayas, 103: Mr F. Helps, 10s; Mr W. Salvage, 10s 5 Mr J, O. Sheppard, 10s; Mr C. Loaissoa, 10s: Mr T. A. W. Parsons Cs; total £4 IBs 7d. The opening of premises, 220, Colombo street (late Bell snd Sharland) is announced to take plaoa on Saturday next, Jan. 21. by Hudson and Company. The public are invited to wulk through and inspect their large and varied stoat, which, for want of convenience, has been hitherto unknown.

A Bio PtrsCEABE.—As showing the confidence in the stability of the commercial prospects of the Colony, we are informed on reliable authority that Messrs Sargood, Son, and * wen have concluded the purchase on most advantageous terms of the entire stock, amounting to between £IO.OOO snd £50,(00, of the well-known Wellington firm of Messrs Haroonrtand Co., who, we unde< stand, art withdrawing from business in New Zealand. We areiurther informed that Messrs harsood. Btn and Bwen are taking immediate poseessiou, and are now making arrangements to give their nnmar ous clients throughout New Zea'and the full benefits of the advantage e accruing from tbe purchase. We wish our worthy townsmen the success that they deserve for their plucky venture, especially at a time when everyone seams to be timid snd afraid of tbe future. —N Z, Herald.

Lono Hours on the Railway.—' The practice of exacting unreasonably long hours of work from railway servants is, as has often been pointed out, objectionable (says 8t James’s Gasette) not only on account of its humanity, but also because of the in* creased risk of accident to which it gives rise. Some strong observations on this point well worth attention are made in a report just issued by Major Marindin to the Board of Trade ou an accident which took place on Oct. 25 at Chevington Station, on the North-Eastern Railway. The so-called accident was a collision between two trains. No one was actually killed, but fonr persons were more or less injured, and much damage was done to the goods and permanent way. Among other causes of the disaster Major Marindin mentions the exceedingly long hours of work of some of those in fault. The driver of one of the trains had been at work for no less than 31 hours out of 384 consecutive, and other men had been as long, if not longer, on duty. Mr Balfour and the Slander Charge. —An English pap r reports that in the Irish Court of Exchequer, on Nov. 23, judgment was given on the moticn made on behalf of the Right Hon Arthur J. Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, to have the action brought against him by Margaret Dillon, a Galway midwife, stayed on the ground that it was frivolous and vexations. The action was brought to recover damages on the ground that the defendant made use of language in reference to her in oo'j of his speeches which was slanderous, an d that he afterwards printed and ptifrlished the statement complained of. 1 In Hansard and various newspapers. Thef ,'h ief Baron Palles, in delivering judgra/mt, said there was no evidence that the 'Herds were spoken elsewhere than in the I“>use of Commons, and for words spoken there the defendant was protected by pri vilege. With reference to the amendment' applied for by the plaintiff adding to tb 9 writ a cause of action grounded on the publication of the speech in Eansard,-{ Opart declined to allow the amendtner t, biii ving it to be sought with an in dir ,ct object in the interests of persons nc,t before tbe Court, and for the purport, of appealing from the House of Common is to a jury as to the relevancy of a state ment made by a member of the House is a debate there. The decision of the Cjjy xt was that ike writ and statement shared be taken off the die. and that the atiff should pay the £ost« ofihe aoteor,.

Tn Bad Dr**.—The Duke of Marlborough used to have * wife, and wat charged with treating h« cruelly. As he ia about to marry an necessary to explain that the autedin slightlyMmwifeseara for a practice Joke she played on Sha jarta bad egg in h\« cup at kreakfast. What the poor egg didn’t finding itself in the cup of the bad duke V. B not on record Jxznrr Lmn-Jenny voice was exceedingly delicate, and vt sometimes hsrpwiod that when the audience bouteroui& insisted on an encore *he prvma dotma felt unable to accede to their demand. An incident of this kind once occurred during a performance of Somnambnla ” (says a German paper). the conclusion of the opera the dira was rociferously recalled and asked the brilliant final rondo. At length w* advanced to the footlights, and made following curious little minutes—-lemonade.” The audio* took In the meaning of the words .JL their seats. The curtain was left and in a few minutes appeared and was greeted wW frantim atSanse. The orchestra struck «PJj l ,? . SKniiment. and the went thresh the difflcolt piece. In the Imperial box sat the fatho* of the Emperor, the Archduke Charles. Bef«e leaving the SSe he said to Pokoffy, the manager, " Give my compliments to PraGlein Lmd. •Tlia folks are quite unreasonable. Tell ‘ her.<jn my name, thad I felt sorry for her, jS jhmtoed with to hear her sing the p&poe over aga»-” v Eemsobering the strictness of J# the Press in Japan, it is tjbat two of the leading journals i Shimbun and the Jiji BUmpo) ' to the effect that China ww*»nrigh t of suzerainty over Corea Status abnegation when it K Corea sin--sSw^mce F aa4«V'e both of opinion that cSS3oSd not \he allowed to reassert SrSwerainty. Britain, they both -SJeiabaolawr up \China because she is toSSS cU'aas an ally against jSsta, Russia is look\ ng toJapan as an SyT and the Jiji thuiks.that if Corea Si converted into Province with the connivance pf England, Russia will not stand tamely tyf> and there is no predicting what Wemendons complications may ensue,” .lapan might be compelled to throw in her 1 vt actively with one side or the with great loss and suffering to herself. fore. ought to continue to favouV toe “aependenoe of Corea. What we do* A ot know yet, however .(adds an exchaoy”®). >e whether Corea can preserve her incfs\' , ® ntt * evftk . gad, if Japan does not want to jkv, ’ n ® x Corea herself, and this last feeling may pe at the bottom of the arguments of n. 1 ® native Press, it would surely be better fft* her to have China as her next door neighbour than to have Russia.

Tit*- Sitting Machines. — There has recently been built in Chicago (says the press News ) a type-setting machine, which, when perfect, promises to be a great success. It is the invention of a Frenchman, who, for the past two years, has been ■patiently experimenting with it. It is claimed that it will set 12,000 ems per hour. An effort is being made to organise a Stock Company to place it on the market. Then, again, according to the Democrat of Madison, Wisconsin, a Mr Conradson, of that city, has invented a type-setting and distributing machine, not much larger than a type-writer, which, it is claimed, can do the work of ten men. The distributing part is Complete, and requires no attendance at all. It runs by motive, power, a little harder,, perhaps, than a, sewing machine, and will distribute with unerring certainty faster than a hundrei 1 men could re-set. It only needs to hav e galleys of " dead ” type fed into it, and 'ft will put every letter into its proper bo r, right side up with care. The netting pa rt —which is a part of the same machine, ar td not much bigger than a teacup—is bat little more complicated. It is anneorad to a keyboard, like that of a type-writer. The whol^.machine is considerably less than an >-WfcpJhary sewing machine, and not nearly uXtiitis a perfect machine, and surprise most persons that a thing so simple should not have been made long ago. Longevity os Great Men.— M. Ferdinand de Lesseps (says the European Matil) celebrated the anniversary of his birth (layon Nov. 19, and entered upon his 8 3r« year. He can look around him and but very few men of anything like eq*aieminence who are as old as he. The oCrEmperor is 90; Dr Dbllintger Moltke and Bancroft the hist oris* mre earii 87; Kossuth is 85; and .professor Owen is 83; but it is not easy ti extend the list. Yet it is astonishing to note trie large number of living great men who ha're passed the ordinary limit of ftuman Jifte. Of sovereigns, the Pope is 77, and Kb ig William of the Netherlands >'o well on in his 71st year. Of statesman, Mr Gladstone will be 79 next mouth, Mr Bright ia 76, Prince Bismarck. Is 72, M. Jules Qx£rv is 74, M. Leon lV»y and M. leroysr are each 71, Lord 'Selbourne is 73* Sir Aloook is 78, Lor i Sherbrooke is 76, ( and Lord Granville & 73. Of generals, MaoMaX'on is 79, T/ehcsuf is 78. and and Cialdjrtti are each 76. Of poets LorS Tennysdi is 78. Mr Browning ib7s and Ih-OHver Wendell Holmes is 78, Of musicians, y, Verdi is 73. Of engineers Lord Armstrong is 77, and Sir John HawksKaw is 7#- Of painters, Meissonier is 72 - and ffcojily, of showmen, Barnum is 77. Per.baM however, M. Chevreul, who is fairly ejartod upon his 102nd year, onght not fa e Admitted. In any case, the catalog!** *s far* from being a complete ono , it is sufficiently remarkable. We have mev'tioned the names of 32 perstm the average-.nge of each being over 78. it? may be doubted whether in the hisftky of the world 32 r x'nen of as considerate celebrity and of A? great average of life have ever Before been alive one time. Resignation of President Grbvt— The message from President Qrevy, which x W aa read in the Chamber of Deputies at tiie opening of the sitting on Dec. 2 is as follows s— ** So long as I had only to contend with the difficulties accumulated of late in my path, the attacks of the Press, the abstention of men whom the voice of the Republic called to my side, and the increasing impossibility of forming a Ministry, I straggled on and remained where my duty bade me, but at the moment when pnMio opinion, better informed, marked a change which gave me the hope of forming a Government, the Senate and Chamber of Deputies have voted a double resolution, which, .under the form of an adjournment to a fixed hour in order to await the message that had been promised them, is tantamount to a summons to the President of the Republic to resign his post. It would be my duty and my right to resist, bat under the circumstances in which we are placed a conflict between the executive power and Parliament might entail consequences which restrain me. Wisdom and patriotism command me to yield. I leave to those who assume it the responsibility for such a precedent, and for the events which may ensue. I relinquish then without regret, but not without sadness, the dignity to which I have twice been raised without soliciting it, and in exercising which I feel conscious of having done my duty. This I call France to witness. France will say -that for nine years my Government has secured tor the country peace, order, and liberty; that it has made France respected throughout all the world; that it has worked unremittingly to raise her; and that in the midst of an armed Europe it leaves her in a condition to defend her honour and her rights. It has moreover, been able at home to keep the Republic to the wise coarse marked oat by the interests and wishes of the country. France will any that in return for this I have been removed from the post in which her confidence placed me. In leaving life I form but one wish. It is than the Republic may not be struck by the ilows aimed at myself, and that it may iasae triumphantly from the dangers which it to made to incur. I place on the human of the Chamber my resignation of tha functione d Fte»dent-of the French Eepoblic.”