PICKINGS AND GLEANINGS.

Oamaru Mail, 13 March 1877, Page 3

PICKINGS AND GLEANINGS.

THE TAILED MEN" OF THE PACIFIC. The Hun Francisco Newsletter of January 27 has a picture entitled " The Missing Link" to illustrate the narrative of the Rev. George Brown, respecting the race of men with tads alleged to exist in New Guinea. The Rev. Mr. Brown's reported discovery has been detailed in the leading English newspapers, and the matter discussed full}'. The Newsletter's artist's evolution, from his internal consciousness, of the missing link, is a truly gigantic «IF >rt of the American imagination. We have an engraving of it—description fails, and the picture must be S2cti to be appreciated. Isot only does the Nevslcilcr publish the only correct photograph of t:ie miss'ng link and the missing link's paternal and maternal parents, but it has also got up evidence in the shape of an ailidavit of a Spanish mariner corroborating Mr. Brown's wonderful narration. N'JW TUEATRG IX MELEOIT.XE. As illustrating the increasing value of jr.perly in Melbourne, it may be mentioned "that a private gentleman lately purchased a block of land in Bourkesfreet, bavin-.' a frontage of not move than ■10f(. or oOjft., for the fancy price of L"o,o00. It is stated that a large theatre, on the American plan, is to be built on the site. Another important sale of pro-pjt-iv in CVlins-strect took place more rec.nUv. whin the Criterion Hotel, and the land at the back through to Flindeis-lane, w.«s bought by the Union Bank for UJtf.OOO." hi nJither case were buildings iake'n into consideration, as may be iraihered from the fact that the existing siruclures are to be pulled down. In E.»?t Melbourne. Joliinoiit, and other f is'.douable suburbs, as much as L4O per foot has been lately asked for building allotments. TUB " LYKLL ARGCS." The editor of the Lydl Artjns is evidently pining for fresh fields and pastures new." Iu one column of his paper he hints that the District Road Board is about to destroy all the Scotch thistles in the district, and in another he writes thus:—'• Leading article.—There is None this week, for reasons Best known to ourselves. There are, it would appear, two distinct parties in the Lycll, and when they shake hands and go to work in earnest to improve the place, we do the same ; in the meantime we are «'pen for Engagement. As well try to please a Woman as two parties of Village Politicians. We have always done our duty Fearlessly. We have only one end :n view, viz., to do good io ih«»se around us. If we cannot do that, then we shall Gravely and Calmly say Good Bye."