Mataura Ensign GORE : TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1895. NEWS AND NOTES.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 17, Issue 17, 9 April 1895, Page 2

Mataura Ensign GORE : TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1895. NEWS AND NOTES.

Auckland is at present badly affected with the Shop-closing Act introduced by the Minister of L*bor. the muddle op Through some uufortulegislation. fortunate circumstance the conference appointed under the Shop Act selected Saturday as the day for the weekly halfholiday. The shopkeepers speedily discovered that the public did not tall in with the arrangement, and a grievous loss of trade was the result. Like John Gil piii, though bent on pleasure, they could not brook the loss of pence. Various devices have been suggested to overcome the difficulty created by the Act. It has beon hold apparently that the conference, when it has decided the day to be observed at its meeting, cannot meet to amend any blunder which it has made till the next January. It was then proposed to take advantage of a clause in the Act which sets aside the usual halfholiday if a public holiday or half-holiday has been observed during the same week. But it is now given forth that a proclamation of a half-holiday by the Mayor of the town does not constitute a public halfholiday, that it must be proclaimed by the Governor. Certainly no definition is given in the Act of what is a public holiday or half-holiday, and in the absence of law to the contrary, commonsense and general practice might have been held as suffioient warrant for holding such to be a public half-holiday and acting accordingly. The question, we understand, will be submitted for decision in the Supreme Court. Another point in connection with this troublesome Act which the Supreme Court is asked to sottlo is, Whether a shopkeeper's wife can be allowed to give any help in the shop without being ranked a3 a shop-assistant ? We should explain that shops aro exempted from being closed on the halfholiday if they are " bona fide owned and conducted by any person of New Zealand or European extraction whether solely or with the assistance of his or her family below the age of eighteen years who reside on the premises." If the wife is below eighteen years of age the exemption is clear, but the doubt arises when the age is greater. In the meantime, the shopkeepers very generally observed last Wednesday as their holiday, with the view of keeping open on Saturday. They argue with much force that they may as well run the risk of loss by legal persecution as incur certain loss by ruining their trade. Such irritating and mischievous interference with trade as this Act is causing will not popularise our foolish rulers, who seem to imagine they have the whole country supporting them. Labor legislation is the pride of our self-contained Minister, and ho thinks we require a great deal more of it. No doubt if he thinks so the country will receive it, for the majority of those who should represent the country's interest and desire are like that Speaker of the House of Commons who, when asked by Charles I whether Pym, Hampdon and others were present, replied, "I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this plaeo but as the House is pleased to direct me ''—only they would substitute, for the " House "— tho " Minister qf Labor." r We have received tho Inspectors' lloport of tho Southland Board of Education for the year ondjutj 31st the education December, 1&94. We report, published in last issue ; the results for each district school, showing tho number of pupils that passed the examinations in the Standards. Those formed a satisfactory percentage of the total number of pupils. The report comments on different subjects of tho curriculum, and points out that in many cases the teaching of these is unsatisfactory. In regard to reading, the report says : "As a means of general vulture the reading lesson often falls sadly short of tho ideal. la so far as it cousists in -convening printed aigns into sound it is indeed moderately successful, though even in ihis respect there is room for immense improvoniont [ in some schools." Writing fulls under similar condemnation, and arithmetic, while well taught in the majority of schools, evidontly requires improved teaching in others. In mental arithmetic, tho Inspectors report that the results in the first two standards wore very favorable, but in the upper classes

very disappointing. Spelling was on the whole well taught, but in some cases there was great deficiency. These subjects we regard as the most necessary to be efficiently taught in our schools, and | teachers who are careless or unsuccessful | in regard to them should make way for others. We aro pleased to observe that tho " percentage craze " is not the chief point attended to by the Inspectors, and that the teachers are left free to follow their own methods with tho view of educating their pipils and nofc merely cramming them for tho purpose of making a given percentage of marks in the examination. This, ., at least, we infer from tho Inspectors' remarks. The deficiencies in these fundamental subjects it should bo the business of teachers and inspectors at once to remedy, even if every other subject is left aside. Other subjects — a3 geography, history and science— may be I acquired by pupils after they have left school, but if they have not been properly grounded in reading and spelling, in writing and arithmetic, daring their school course, they seldom make up for the defect, and it is noticeable by every one who sees their writing or employs them as apprentices. The present carelessness in the teaching of writing has long prevailed throughout our schools generally, and we aro glad that the Inspectors are resolved to make this a special subject of attention. The fact that the lower standard pupils have shown more proficiency in mental arithmetic than those in the upper classes shows manifest neglect on the part of the teachers. There is no reason why any ordinary pupil should not be able at once to calculate without the aid of pencil or paper any oE the simple questions which arise every day — as, for instance, the price of a number of articles at 6d, Is 6d or 2s 6d, or tho amount of discount or interest on a given number of pounds at 2tV, 5 or 10 per cent. As to errors in the spelling of ordinary word?, or the want of fluent and intelligent reading of a simple book or newspaper, these show gross deficiency in the teaching of the school which sach pupils have attended. We trust that the Inspectors may be able in their next report to state that these faults have been remedied, and that our school system, on which some L<too,ooo is expended annually, can secure the training of the pupils in a thoroughly effiaient way in these fundamental and necessary branches. It has no doubt occurred to many to ask, How is it that so much difference of opinion has been expressed now the by leading politicians on money qoks. opposito sides of the House regarding the state of the Government, finance in special departments ? Varying opinions have been given forth by those who claimed to be experts in finance as to the existence of a surplus or a deficit in the year's transactions. The uninitiated would suppose it to he a simple matter to determine by looking at the official accounts, but on making tho attempt he would dissover that there aro more things in heaven and earth than were dreamed of in his philosophy. A member of the present Parliament, of extended experience, in reply lo a remark made in his presence that probably not more than half-a-dozen members of the Houso understood the public accounts, said, " There is not one. Even tho Ministers must simply depend on the statements furnished them by the chief accountants of their Departments." Under these circumstances wo cannot profess to have unravelled the intricacies of tho complicated accounts printed for tho information, or mystification, of the members of Parliament. One would be tempted to say of this Blue Book what a philosopher said oE his philosophy— " There was only one man who understood it, and he didn't." Notwithstanding, we may set forth some of tho items (subject, no doubt, to corrections most probably in the way of addition) that show how some of the vast sums raised from the pockets of tho long-suffering people are expended. For pensions and allowances, including compensation for loss of office, L<L4,4d6 ; for the Legislative Department, L40,086 ; for executive and electoral, L51.021 ; for printing and stationery, L24.21G ; hospitals, L87.060; for charitable aid, L70.616 ; lunatic asylums, L46,G24 ; public instruction, L418.610; gaols, L27,581. The total expenditure for the year amounted to L4,170,616, of which nearly two millions was paid away in interest. That item is a matter which cannot now bo avoided. The money borrowed has been spent, and of course the interest must bo paid. There are other items, howover, within the control of the country, which it should be the endeavor of those who pay tbe money — and that includes the whole population — to reduce to more reasonable limits. The direct expenditure for making laws for the government of the country and superintending in a general way the execution of them amounts to over L120,000 yearly. That amount is made up by the figures we have given for legislative, executive, and electoral purposes, and printing and stationery— to which must be added LSCOO for the Governor and his establishment. Leaving out the last item— which is probably the most reasonable of the whole — it must appear to every candid mind a most extravagant and absurd expenditure of L115,000 for the regulation of tbe general affairs of a population only about equal to the population of Glasgow. The chief work done for this amount is the manufacture of laws, usually about 100 in number yearly. A large part of these, as is well known, are passed one year and appealed or amended a year or two afterwards. The members of the Lower | House, who are paid L2O a month during i the whole of the year and aro supposed to assist in Jaw-making, are for the most part — that k, to the number of about fifty of them— mere dummies, who give their rotes as ordered by tho Minister, who presents the bill ready-made. On our hospitals there is sponfc tho sum of L87»0G0, We fc&yo little hesitation in stating that a much smaller amount would serve for all that is required. The inspector's report shows that some of the hospitals now maintained might easily be dispensed wi'b, and in the others we believe much greater economy might be used without diminishing the practical benefit of the patients. There is urgent necessity for Iho reduction of tup vast expenditure which the country has to pay. Instead of any effort in this direction on the part of 1 Government, there has been of late large increase in the number of Civil servants employod- Unfortuuately, tho prospect of any improvement boing effected is very remote. Tho much-boastod principle of aolf-reliance and non-borrowing with which tho present Government beguiled the country has been cast to the winds, and instead a reckless, piunging policy has been initiated, the cfi'ect of which will bo to iucroaso taxation and lessen the credit of tho colony.

Mr W. Nelson, of Nelson brothers, acting in conjunction with the Tyser Com piny, will send Home by the steamer Hawke's Bay, from the Bluff, 100 specially selected livo sheep. Green fodder will be placed in one of the cool chambere as feed for them. The Chiietchurch Prohibition League resolved, on the motion of the Rev, .F, W. lsitt — "That the attention of the Government be drawn to the fact that the Mayor of Milton and two Balclutha Justices of the Peace have confessed in open Court that they incited others to commit breaches of the Licensing Act, and that they be requested to remove the nam.es of thoHe men from the list of Justices of the Peace." Tho Ofcago society having writton to the Southland Acclimatisation Society suggest' lag that the Aparima should be netted this winter at spawning time to see if any ealmon woro to be meb with and anreoing to share tho expense, it was resolved that tho offer bo accepted, and tho curator was autlaorieed to mate the necessary arrangements with Mr Deans and to obtain trout ova at tho same tima for the uso of both societies. The opening match of. the Clinton Football Club was held on Wednesday last, when all the memberß turned out in fancy dress, accompanied by the Clinton Brass Band, The Chairman of the Town Board (Mr W. J. . Cooghlan), who is also president of tho club, headed the procession, and kicked off. Sides were chosen by the President and Captain, and resulted in the President's side winning by 15 pointa to 12, There wore between three and four hundred people present, aad the whole affair waß a great success. A dance in the evening terminated the proceedings. In reference to the case I. W. Raymond v Ilur/h McLean, which was Imam before the Wyndnam Court Ja^t Tuesfa/, we find that our short report was not quite correct. We said that the cose was adjourned " by consent" till 30:h April inst. The position was this : Mr Macalister, who appeared for Mr McLean, intimated that he was applying to the Supreme Court to have the case removed there for trial, and asked an adjournment pending the result of tho application, This was opposed by Mr Hall, who appeared for Mr Raymond, and after argument the adjournment was granted, to allow the application to be made to the Judge, Tho quarterly communion service in connection with Gore Presbyterian Church waa held on Sunday morning last. The congregation was very large, and there was a great number of communicants. The Eev. J. A. Asher preached an impressive sermon. In the evening the annual Harvest Thanks • giving service took place. Mr Asher took his text from Revelations xx, 12, his theme boing •• tho harvest of souls," and prsnehed a very eloquent discourse, which riveted tho attention of a crowded congregation. Tho collections at both services wore in aid' of the Building Fund. The Melbourne ' Age,' referring 1 to the necessity for increasing tho colony'^ oxport trade in new linos of agricultural products, says that many other producing countries besides Australia ara bidding in tho markets of the world, and that the increasing competition will tend to reduce prices and to increase supplies. It strongly advocates the necessity for creating and opening up new markets by establishing now local centres in England for distribution and obtaining direct steamer communication with these centres, and also fair freight rates. Later on, under such favorable conditions, Aus - tralia may hopo to capture markets on the Continent, The cablo has been very freely used to give particulars of a disgraceful London society scandal. It appears that Oscar Wilde, the famous eccentric exponent of " culture," ha9 been keeping very immoral company, and his relations with Lord Douglap, son of tho Marquis of Queensborry, were such as to call for strong remonstrance on the part of the Marquis. Wilde preferred a charge of libel, but a verdict of " not guilty " waa returned, the jury considering the charges made were of public benefit. Wilde withdrew from the case, left the Court, and got together a 1-irpe sum of money, but counsel for the Marquis of Queensberry sent the public prosecutor a statement of the witntsies aud notes on the evidence in order to prevent a miscarriage of justice, and Wilde was arreßted at night. The annual Harvest Thankagivirg services in connection with^Gore Wesleyan Church were held on Sunday last — morning, afternoon, and evening, the Kev. Mr Tinsley conducting all the services. The weather was none too favorable, nevertheless tbe congregations were fair. In the morning the preachsr took his text from Psalm xxxvi, 7 and 8, the words of which he said were "u song of harvest horns." In the afternoon hia remarks were specially aidreescd to the young people, although a good many adults were nlao present. la the evening the text wag from Exodus xvi, 4 and John vi, 32. The choir sang special anthemi— in the moruiog " How Beautiful upon the Mountains," and in the evening " Now Lift our Joyful Song " — very effectively, The decorating of the church was in good taste, particularly so in respect of the communioa table, which was loaded with grain and a variety oE fruit, relieved with flowers. A harvest social will be held in the church this evening, for admission to which t> small charge will be made. A rush has set in on Greenfield Estate, Tuapeka district, The terms on which Mr Smith has allowed the men on hia ground are, the ' Tuapeka Timo3 ' thinks, very reasonable. Ho aßks that those who engage in prospecting the ground should make a deposit of L* and a further deposit of LlO after they have pegged-off and registered a claim on the ground. If tho ground turns out to be payable, as it is expected to do, the stipulation mentioned will not prove a hindrance to any man worth his salt from getting his shar? of whatever is going. In both cases, after certain conditions, such as the filling in of holes, etc., have been complied with^ the money deposited will be returned. It will, therefore, bo aeon that Mr Smith's purpose is merely to make a reasonable provision to proteot his own interests, which is precisely what any other man in his position would do. We are further given to understand that Mr Smith will demand a royalty of 1Q per cent, on all the gold obtained. It is thought probable, if the results of tho prospecting continue favorable, that tho Government may purchase the land from Mr Smith and declare it a goldfield. Some of tho prospectors who have been interviewed think that at least a couple of hundred men could make a fair living for a considerable time on tho ground. The Hon, J. Q. Ward continues to receive much prominence in the cubic messages from London. He has urged Lord Rlpon to recognise New Zealand's cluirus to administer fcj.jm.oa, and his been informed that the treaty with Germany and tha United States precluded a change at present ; and he also suggested that England should subsidise the Vancouver and Ban Jfrancjaco services, which together would supply a fortnightly n^ail, and pressed the cj*ims of the Pacific cable to a subsidy. Mr W"rd delivered' an informal address to the C'olouial party in Iho House of Common? ; in which he advocated preferential trade rates throughout the empire, Imperial postage, and a Pacific cable, providing the laejfc -named is left to private enterprise. The Qamaru bondholders saw Mr Ward, and urged that the Government should consolidate all the bonds, and guurantee ty per cent, interest instead of the present rate. Mr Ward replied that a guarantee was impossible, but offered to facilitate consolidation and allow tho Gc- ; vernment debt to rank with tho other crodi- i tors at tho reduced interest, Ho urged the ' holders to submit a 6ouud scheme. The ' shareholders of th6 Bank of New Zealand ' aeifced Mr Ward for an assurance that no 1 fresh calls would be wade. Mr Ward re- < fused lo give* a pledge on the subject, but > expressed a atroug'o^inion that nd further « call was necessary or JJkely. Shareholders ' expressed gratification at tho frankness with i which they were met. Mr Ward retina at « the end of M&y. \

1 The London correspondent of tho 'Diily Times ' eajs there is a growing disposition to recruit the House of Lords partly from the K nk>i of the most eminent Colonial statesmen, byioonfarrinii life peerages on a chosen few of these. Here is a pleasant possibility in store for some distinguished New Zealaud statesman. Thus our Wailnia corre'spoudont : — Ever since the oponing of the shooting season, the Waikaia sportmen have been dealing death to the wild feathered fowl of aquatic habits. Many a duck has fluttered its winga to the bre< za for the last time, and its old haunts will know it no more. Mr Michael Moffitt, as usual, seems to have had most success and runup the biggest score. Several othtrs met with varying success, The bankruptcy returns for Western Otasjo District show that 35 petitions were lodged, 20 immodiate discharges granted, assets per abatements wore L7,135 ; liabilities 1*13,673 ; amount aaaets reaped, L2.417; amount of debts proved, L17.621 j amount paid in dividends, LI, 161. From which it would appear that debtors generally have a very hazy idea as to their real position when they place themselves under Mr Rou.'j prct action. The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society havo decided to extend tho date of holding their annual winter show until the sth, Gfch, and 7th Juno. Lotters were received pointing out that the dates fixed were unsuitable for a large number of the country people. It waa also decided to present modata to tho largest prizs-takors in grain, eeod, and roots, and also for the beat collection of farm and dairy produce exhibited from any country ( The annual meeting of the Mataura Chess and Draughts Club took place on Friday evening last. There was a fair attendance of mumbers. Several, la lies intimated theii wish to join tho Club if they would be admitted. Xbe members present considered that ladiea were fully entitled to join by the present rules, and welcomed tho proposed addition. The balance-sheet, which showed a small debit balance, was adopted, 'ihe meeting was adjourned t'll Monday evening. Practice in both draughts and chess was proceeded with during the evening. A rather unusual application came before the Taieri County Council at its meeting last week, when Messrs Salmon aud Sons, proprietors of the Burnsido slaughteryards, requested the council to appoint an iuspector to examine the meat at the elaughteryards, bofore and after killing, and to maintain a regular system of inspection. The applicants also stated that, as under the Act, the county could not pharge tho proprietors of slaughteryards more than L4O for inspection purposes, and as that amount would be insufficient for the purpose, they wore willing to pay the salary of the inspector could the council see its way to make tho appointment. Tho Council hold tho matter over. The 'News ' says that Mr James Gordon, managing director of a company formed at Gisborne to lease and slock the Campbell Islands, is presently in Invercargill. Tuu object of big visit is to mnke arrangements for the transport thither of the first batch of sheep. It all goes well ho expects to have them landed within five or six weeks from date. Campbell Island is said to be one of the most eligible in point of convenience of landing of any of those recently let on pastoral lease, while the soil and pasturage are of superior quality. Iho successful results of small Bowiogs of cultivated, or, as they are oddly called, " artificial " grasses, made or late years by Captain Fairchild, afford the beat of evidence on this point, and no doubt weighed with Mr Gordon when making his selection. TJa area of the islands has been roughly estimated at 28,000 acres, but on survey they will probably be fount! to contain a few thousands more. Mr C. E. Kawson, S.M. delivered judgment in tho caso of William Bachelor v. tho National Mortgage and Agency Co. at Invercargill on Friday. Ho reviewed the evidence which bad boon given, referred to its contradicting and unsatisfactory naturoj and concluded as follows : — " It seems clear to mo from the evidence, however, and particularly from that of tho purchaser (Mr S. K. Carswell) that Mr Hawke, manager for the defendant company, never employed the plaintiff to sell tbe property, that the plaintiff did not introduce the buyer and tho seller resulting in a sale, and that it was through Mr Sheffield, the previous tenant of tho property, that tho parties were introduced and the sale effected." Mr Brodrick i elected to take a nonsuit, which was accordingly entered up, with L2 4 j costs against the plaintiff, "Farmer l^ writes from Waikaka Valloy to the ' Daily Times ' in reply to Mr Thomas Ca!cntt'a laudatory letter re the Merrivale purchase : "Mr Calcutt cracks up the Government for buying 10,000 acres of the Merrivale eatate for the sum of L2 10s per acre. Another bad bargain — worse than the Pomahaka,— from the fact thab Mr Ellis bought it for LI per acre and spent all his fortune on it. Mr Calcutt Bays there are a lot of ditches and drains running through it. Unfortunately for Mr Ellis the subsoil wns his ruin, as it is retentive, cold, oasily effected by atmospheric changes, rendering it very uucertain in growing coreaU to maturity, also making it very un« healthy for the rearing of stock, especially sheop and wool. Any person who knows the estate would not credit tho construction Mr Calcutt puts on the value of anything else. One pound per acre would be sufficient for any person to givo for it at present, as it is a long distance from any market," A concert was held in Waikaia on Friday evening in Bell's Hall, in aid of tho funds of tho local Cricket Club. Mr Colin Robertson was in the chair, and after making some remarks by way of exordium, he called upon Misses Taylor and Moffitt for the overture. During the evening several vocalißts from other places took part, among the visitors being Mrs H. S. Valentine, Miss Dunno and Mr P. J.Dunne (Riversdale), Mr R. L. Christie (Otama), Mr Gibson (Gore), and Messrs Northcote and Melton (Dunadin). Mrs Milno, Misses MacGregor, Taylor and Moffifct were the only local performsrs. The above names speak for themselves, and wiil readily enable all who are at all conversant with them to gauge that the concert was one of the boet hold in Waikaia for some time. The Commjtfcoo ara to be congratulated upon tho discrimination thoy used in obtaining the serviceß of those they managed to secure. There was a vory fair attendance, over LI 2 being the takings. lixpenßes in connection ran away with two-tbirds of this amount, Tho ball which took plaoa afterwards was also a decided success. Mi? R. L. Christie (Otama) supplied the music (violin) and Mr W. Christie was M.O. Proceedings broke up at an early hour next morning. The Government has adopteJ a comprehonsivo schema which it is believed will aheorb the whole of the deserviug unemployed of the colony. The schotno, which will inyolvo considerable expenditure, is to be put into operation forthwith, It is prop Mod to proceed with important road-works between Auckland and Tatanaki, including the Urafcford'road, on tho adopted syotein of partial time, allotting men sec'ioas for the'settlement of their families in tho vicinity. Other extensive rpad. works are to be inaugurated bety/eon Wellington and Napier and in tho South Island, and tho improvement and roading of Crown lands is to. ho gone on with on this principle wherever suitable blocks are available, preference being given to married men who will settle at once with their fumiliea upon tho sections which are allotted them, and which they will improve. The timber on the various blocks is to bo utilised by iho erection of Governmeut sawmills and the cutting of paving blocks for tbe Homo and Australian markets, in view of the improved demand now existing j the mills and works generally being conducted is far as possible on the cooperative system, i'his scheme ia understood to be the outcome ?f a visit this 'Minister fqr Labor paid to similar settlements and wqrks in the neighcuring colonies last year,

' The annual meeting of the Mataura Footi ball Club, called for Saturday evooine ; lapsed ; no quorum. ( The bicycling crazo is , the fashionaole exercise at Mataura just now • bat onoo the roads are a bit cue np, iho 1 1 Bugby gams will have its usual strong following at the town by the falls. At a meeting of the Gore Cycling Club, held last evening, raotton3 were carried in the > .lircction of ascertaining particulars as to the i cost of laying down a track suitable for cycling ; and the members present pledged themselves to support any entertainment that might be got up to furthortoo object, At tbe rising of , the Assessment Court on Saturday, Mr W. G. Fox, the County valuer, thanked the Judge, Mr R. S. Hawkins, for the courtesy extended to him in what was no doubt an unpleasant business, Mr Hawkins said that Mr Fox had given him material assistance in arriving at the values, and was pleased to bear his testimony that there had been no friction or usple^antneai even with the objectorst One objector at the Gore Assessment Court on Friday said he took up his property some years ago, and at that time he worked it in the full assurance of " faith " in their good times ; latterly be had been working in the [ *• hope " of better times; but unlees timoa : improved thoy would have to* live on ,' " charity." Many farmers in objecting to their valuations did not mention in their objections 1 the amount at which they wera assessed, and this causod considerable delay. Others a ,'* in eent notice to the Court and not to tie ABseßßor and vice versa. In the majority of ' cases compromises were arrived at, bub until we havo tbe complete liet wo hold over tho i Dames of objectors and tbe reductions ■ granted. \ Tug • Southland' Times' states that Mr ■ McKay (Government geologist) and his ■ assistant (Mr Linck) have received instruc- ' tions to proceed to Fiord county for the ! purpose of making a thorough geological 1 exploration of the district. It is understood they will go over the country to the head of 1 Chalky Inlet, tbenea making their way • through the nflw luke system to the west 1 arm of Manapouri, by way of the valley of the Seaforth and tipey rivers, Had any judicial luminary popped his head into the jury-room of the Wellington , Supreme Conct on Thursday morning, where , the Coronet's Court was sitting, he would 1 possibly havo been inexpressibly shocked to , find Coroner, jury, and witnesses enveloped i in clouds of tobacco- smoke. The explanation is that sundry high-smelling exhibits i so fouled the atmosphere — one man re- : marked he,could have " cut it with a knife " ! — that the soothing weed was resorted to by . general consent as a disinfectant. — • Post.' DuriDg the recent froßt at Home a wild i polecat was discovered with its feet frozen > to the top of a lockgate in Cambridgeshire, It had evidently paused to watch its in. tended prey, and the delay proved fatal, its 1 feet being firmly cemented to its perch. Two bojs iu different parts of England were found tothered by their tongues to ths iron \ rail of a tence. They had touched it with their tongue-tips to see what it felt like, and fcho intense frost promptly seizsd and held them tight. They were only released at tha i coat of much pain, and a waste of hot water. ! On Friday evening the large arc lamp which bad swung for some time on tho firebell tower was removed a few yards further up the street, and is now suspended from a tail post nearly in front of the Courthouse, In its new position the lamp gives forth its light to much better advantage, and now , illuminates Medway 6treet from the Domain to the traffic bridge, while in Main street it i casts its. searching glance as far as the bend i nezr Jacobstown one way, and down ib.9 centre of the street as far as the other arc lamp by the Post Office in the oih3r direc tion. ! 'ba change in site is in every w^y desirable. A meeting of the East Gore Domain Board was held last evening, and attended by Messrs E. McGHbbon (chair), B. Dunlop, A. Brown, 1 and A. Martin. The balance-sheet duly audited was returned from the Auditor General. The Secretary reported that the credit balance of the Board amounted to 1 L42. It was resolved that the Chairman, Secretary, and Mr Martin be a committee to 1 report on the repairs and improvements ro--1 quired to fences, also what amount of tree--1 planting should be carried out this year. It J was decided to advertise the lease for one year : of about 27 acres of tho Domain, with the right to take oil ona crop aud lay out same in grass. The Assessment Court for the Mataura and Hokonui ridings of the Southland County was held at the Gore Courthouse on r Friday and Saturday before! Mr R, 8. 1 Hawkins. Tho Court sat on Friday from 10 i a.m. to 6 p.m., and was crowded with i objectors, there being altogether about 250 ■ objections lodged. In view of the low prices i for grain, wool, and sheep it is surprising i there were not moro objections made, and ; references were made to various properties in Otago which have depreoiutod in value- to an almost incredible amount. Apropsrty in tho Taieri on which L40, 000 hava been expended cannot now realise; LIO.OOO, , and does not pay working expensos, whilst another valuable property on tho Oiulha rirer in the ,Tuapeka district, formerly valued at pounds per acre, was recently sold at 5s 9d par acre. And bo tho wail of depression goes on. We understand tint the entries for the various events at the forthcoming Hibernian Sports are even more numerous than for laßt year's. The handicaps will appear in our Friday's issue. From our advertising columns it will be seen that some important additions have been made by the committee to their already excellent programme. Our local footballers will have an opportunity of " showing their agility " at the drop and place-kicking. Trophies will be given for these events, Mr G. Penney having generously offered one, while the committee supply the other. In order to giv<j our wrestling " big guns " an opportunity of displaying their prowess the committea hava decided upon having a champion wrestling match, pnzs to be a handsome gold medal. Here is a chanoe for our friend Scott, fresh from his victories in the North, tn hive a tussle with his old opponent, tbe doughty Bill tiobing,