THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNUDIN, WEDNESDAY, DEC 26.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1604, 20 February 1867, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNUDIN, WEDNESDAY, DEC 26.

Is Mr. Macandrew serious in what he has! been promising at the various meetings he ! haa attended, or ha 3he beeu amusing himatli with the credulity of his hearers ? He came before the pubUc.at.'tbe c°mmencemeat of the election'withl therepatatioa for much practical ability. Be eeema

to hare been. industriously endeavoring to destroy even that illulion. He has evirlced no statesmanlike qualities, and has showo himself deficient even in acquaintance with facU with which he ought to have been familiar. In the place of displacing qualifications for the post to which be aspires, be has ratber eudea* vored to justify the opinions expressed that his ability is very much over-rated. We have taken the trouble to test one of his promisee. He told the electors on the fjoJdfielclg that, if elected, he would have all their gold sent to Sydney to be converted into novereigng. A promise of the kind alone betrayed great ignorance, to any one in the Uast acquainted with the laws which govern the value of gold. There is scarcely a messenger in any one of the banks but what could have told this atpirant to the Superintenelcntßuip, that gold is more valuable in Oiago for purposes of remittance, than for coining: in other words, it pays better to send the gold Home and draw against it, and, therefore, for that purpose, a higher price is to the miners for it than if it were bought to bo turned into sovereigns at the Sydney Mint. Just to Ust one of this wonderfully clever mati'a schemes and prornines, we have had a statement prepared, showing what the result would be of sending gold to Sydney. Taking the current price of golddust as the basis, it seems there would be a \uzs<jf£lG'3Cs 8d on every thousand ounces. < That is to say, if the Government gave the "current price, they would lose on every thousand ounces £IG3 5a 8d; or what is the same, they could not give to the iniuera for their gold to send it to Sidney | so much an they now receive for it as a I medium of exchange. j SfATtMiST allowing return of IOOO.z, gold j du»t bought in Otago, and Bent to tho Mint in Sidney. 1000 ounces gold dust, at 75s Gd £3775 0 0 ! Milting, ai i'l pjr i>z 2 18 (Tne loss on mtlti.'ig oi«y be j averaged at 2i pur cent., - I which wi;l reduce iho weight by fcAcz.) Duty ou 9"50z , at a« (id 121 JI7 8i Freight, at 2d 8 2 c| Ine'iritiice, at t percent S'J 0 0 Dux aad mcidenis 10 0 Total outlay X,'J9-47 1 10 Value of ■ (i75r,z,, at Mint price, 77»10J4 £3795 8 8 Aid - per cent, of profit on gold tiuing tihove standard, 5ay..... 76 0 0 Value of gold, as as-1 -f-iRTo a r sayi-d at ill it ... f XJB72 8 8 Dc-iuct Miiit charges, ,5s 8'! per ctnt £24 2 6 Insurance of Mfc-ri-igns 39 0 O Freight 5 0 0 Pucking, &c M... i 0 O lialf or coaunueiou... 19 10 0 88 12 6 Total returns £3783 ie 2 Total outlay £3947 1 10 Total revenue ... 3783 IC 2 Loss £103 5 8

As usual, at Christmas, the news from Europe ia of a quiet character. The sraditionary engagements of the season lead to repose and enjoyment. In England especially, it is a time of comparative rest from business and politics. To a certain extent, the past Christmas has beta an exception. ' Fenianism continues to cause alarm, and it has been thought necessary to concentrate a larger number of troops in Ireland than have been quartered there for some years past, .while a fleet of active cruisers forma a Naval cordon around its shores, to prevent the introduction of arm 3 and rebels. It appears to be thought in some quarters that the precautions are excessive, taking the real amount of danger into consideration; but the doings in Canada have thewu how gcrious is the damage that a really iuaiguificant enemy can effect, and therefore the British Government have shewn a wise foresight in taking energetic steps to prevent an outbreak where the damage would be materially greater. I

The Ktfiorm agitation continues, ami it is said bin caused so serious a difference in the Cabinet, as to reader some changes necessary. The Government keep their intentions a profound secret, but it is acknowledged on nil bands, tbat nothing less than a very comprehensive measure will give satisfaction. The Daily News characterizes the Bill proposed by Mr Gladatone as an attempt to unite half hearted friends, and to conciliate opponents: and predicts that it was an effort at compromise that will not be repeated, for there is now a fixed determination to have more than was then offered. This is only in accordance with the u.iual run of events, and any Government must be prepared to accede to concessions that have become inevitable.

But these political questions, important as they are, have been for the moment thrown into the shade by calamities, sudden, dreadful, and involving a serioua loss of life. It 13 somewhat singular that in three coal mines, in different parts of the country, explosions of fire damp should have taken place within three days of each other. The loss of life has been upwards of 400 men, besides an immense amount of property; and what renders the disasters more distressing, is the almost certainty that they have been caused by the incautioueneaa or cupidity of come of those who perished. Notwith-, standing lioth Sir Humphrey Davy j and George: Stephepeon Bhowed liow explosions might almost with certainty be prevented, there- is-4- class amongst the miners who have so little repaid for their <

own lives, and «o little eeuee of what la d ue to their fellow workmen and employers, that even in the most dangerous pita they are constantly running the ri«k of takiog the wire gauz; from tbetrlaoips. The details of the tffjits made to save the suf,-. f.Tcre cr recover their remains, record instances of cairn courage and devotion equal to anything heard of on the fluid of bittlc. Mz Dymond, one of the partt.crg, " withu out the aU^htc^t hope oi eeeintf daylight " again, led the forlorn hope to the bottom "of. the pit," and rclayu of men followed the noble example. Ihose heroes faced death in one of it» leiat inviting forms— their only reward the slender hope of saving some. The Cnurt and people have alike endeavored to mitigate the sorrows of those who are bereft of friends and protectors, Her Mijesty am] tb-> Iloyal I'.imily being liberal sub;crib-,rs. European relations can scarcely be considered satitfactory. ''There is a general arming and re-organisation of military establishments that is looked upon with apprehension. It h easily comprehensible that the Prussian success in the war with Austria has pressed upon all neighbouring; peoples the necessity for placing themselves on a milit«ry equality with »o formidable a rival; but the French Press consider that the real danger lies in the struggle, secret or open, between the old authorities and the modern ; ideal, and considers that Europe is passing ! through a "difficult and dangerons crisis." i The danger is not considered immediate, j and may pass away. The example get by Louis Napoleon in withdrawing his troop 3 from Homo, after seventeen years of occupation, nnd the evident desire of France to preserve peace, will not, however, be with- | out tffect. I From America we* have little news beyond that received by the Panama mail- { The difference between the President and the Congress continues, and the dominant party nukes every effort to fetter acd to hamper him in his proposed measures. The ! changes contemplated involve infractions of the Constitution, and it is hard to say to what the attempts will lead.

It is not worth while devoting much space to Mr Macandrew'a defence. It is sufficient to say that it was based on untruth, and was in itself lull of falsehood. The thousand pounds for the Clutha field, wna not obtained on a private nn-deri-tandinpf, it wna treacherously obtained on a false pretence. It was not paid back, and even Mr. Macandrcw | himself has not the hardihood to repeat Lis former " Cock and bull" story alout Thompson. In like way concerning the Raynor transaction : it beard no analogy whatever to the case Mr. Macandrcw quotes. It was purely and simply obtaining Government money by drawing on the Home agent?, without the shaJow of right to Co so. Mr. Macandrew had no more claim to draw that bill as Superiutcn'Jent than had any man in the Province—only, if any one eke had signed it, it would have beea a forgery. As it was, Mr. Micandrew used bis position to enable him to obtain money "belonging to the Province. It is usclcs?, however, insulting our readers' common sense by further allusions (o Mr Macandrew'a offence* and defences. No sane man who has read them can doubt his guilt, and those who vote for him will do 80 fully aware that he has entirely failed to clear bis character.

The Duutdin pollint;-places for tie Superintejidcotal Election to-d»y are—T)ie Provincial Government BuiUing*, and the Schoolhouse, Great King-t,tei:ct. In the vicinity of thu city, thcro are the fo'.!owinj? polling-piucc-B:—The echool housc-s at Civershatn, Green Island, Morninyton, and Nonh-east Valley; tho CiU't-houaa and the Schoalhouse, Port Ch'ilmers ; tin achrol-houses at Auduraon'a Btj, Nv>rth Harbor, Portobello, urtd Waikari. Any elector can vote at thebojth which is most convenient for him.

His Excellency the Governor yesterday received an address IromttioMn»oni'.:b-)dy. This eveniug, Hi* Exeslleiicy will be present at a lecture, '' On the Law of Development— Spiritual and Physical," to be delivered l>y Mr Justice Richmond, in Knox Church, in aid of the Library Fun-1 of the Yoaoj Eton's Society of that Church.

The annual meeting of the Hnral Deanery Board will be held in St. Georgu's Hal), tomorrow evening. There will be Morning PniyiiMat 11 o'clock, and the Communion will be ndoiin'etertd afterwards.

Mr Cuuni ogham will meet the electors of the W iiikari District in the School Room, II»1 fwuy Bush, to-roorrow evening ; and at the Drill Shed on Momiav evening.

The rehearsal in preparation for the concert of the Philharmonic Society will take place this evening.

The general annual meeting of tbsDnneJin Water Works Company will be add to-mor-row, in Farley'* brick buildings, Princes street.' ' ■

■ To-day, to-morrow, on I*ri<lay, ami Sunday the Golden Ago will convi-y passengers to H,M.P. Brisk ; leaving Dunedin at 2 and returning at 4 p.m.

. The drama of t?ta " la<Jy of Lyons," and the farce of the/ Model Huikuid,^ were snecejsfulfy repeated at the Princess Theatre la*t evening. To-night, the performance will commence with -" Ah'co Grey, or the Moral Branrl," an! will conclude with the farce of "Tv;ice Killed."

The new commodious Presbytcri<m Church atßluesMn was opened ou Sunday by the Rev. Dr Barns, and the Rev. W. Johnston, A.M. of Pott Chalmers, who preached very, appropriate' sermGn* 'to crowded congregation!". At the goiree on Monday, under the chuirioanabtp of Mr Johnston, suitable addresws ''''S&lirai*M '' by* 'th(e r:-llevs. J. Cliriatie, D/itf^tfetf tuid 'T;S. Foreaitb, Mr Morria and M* M'Diarmid. . The Build;

ing Committee reported that tlie subscription* promised and paH, with the openmgr colleclioD and the proceed* of tlie soiree left them with only a balance of about LGO against the cliurih. Jt wns also tutai that considerable af*i»tar.cp had teen receive 1 from friends ou-siJe the district, through tic agency of their minister and missionary, Ble'sra Johnatun aud Mum's. Mr Dods, * mc-rab-r of the Cvrntnittcp, fpakc of the'gnat services Mr Morris had Riven in connection with the building. The Indies of the con grig* ti on provided tmteml comforts in the shape of a most Hbt-r.il supply of excellent tea and cake. After votes of thanks to tho chairman,' speakers, the choir, the lsdic». and builder*, aud building committee, and the benediction, this mo»t pleasant gathering dispersed about 10 o'clock.

At & recent meeting of the German Relief Fund Committee, it uas resolve! ti forward ill* flr>,C instalment of LIOO to the President »t the National Invalid Stiftunjt, Berlin, for <!iitributioa amongst the sufferer* in the late German War; Unit sum was accordingly fontMrdid by the mail yesterday.

A correspondent nt Qu:<;nstown informs a* that a public mcetlag wns called at Powell's Hotel, to meet Mr KoKr.'ey, an advocate for Mr Mteandrcw1* return. Mr Coske was called to the chair. The meoliog was a noiuy one. It »•«« proposed by Mr Burns, and aecondul by Mr Larimer, that Mr Maeandrew was unworthy the supp jrt of the doctors of the Lako District. The rtsolutim was carried ncarJy unanimously, only three hands being held up in favor of Mr Micinclrew. The meeting was enthusiastic in favor o£ hit Dick's return;

la the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. Peter Fergus, Alexander Fox, J 4 .hn Reid and John Mitchell, for allowing cattle to depasture within tlio town li-nits, were eacr> fined 5s and cost*. U. M'George, for driving a, dray without havioj? tho owner's name pointed on it, waa fined 2* G<J and cos's. JamcD Iltiddic was summoned by Inspector Nimon, for having obstructed the fo jtpath in Cumberland-street ; but us the evidence went to show that tho defendant had not wilfully oltcii'lcd, no penalty was inflicted. In the case Mwlh r. Bc>l:>, a claim of L 3 15s, tho value of five empty hogsheads, jud^-nons was givon by consent for the plaintiff, tho amount to be reduced to 1« if tho hogthca'lfl were returned to the plaintiff before the 3rd of March next.

We have had the pleasure of examining some very wJI executed pictures, in water colors, by Mr Frank VmrU-y, representing scenes in the neighborhood of Dunedin. Two of fr.ein ore taken from the bash in VuuxbuU Gardens and tho neighbor hood. Tho rich growth of fcrni, underwood, and herbage, with their characteristic coloring, arc well brought out, and the subjects are treated very skilfully. Tho oilier two are views taken en tho Ocein Bua«h. From iv v;ry nature, scenery of this description is most difficult to give (fleet to in a painting. There is generally mouotony in the lints that render the piciure less striking; but Mr Vurley has tucc-jeiied in mxkiu? them attractive, though they are scarcely equal a* iirtutic tll'orts to the others.

The " Southland Times," of the 15th inst., *ny» " We rf'urv-t to le.irn that Ciptuin Finhfr. of the Wild Wave, met with n. sfrious aeci denfc while engaged in tuptrintending the landirig of the horses—part of the* cargo of his veswl from Ilobart Town—at the Mokomolto Jt-tty. The last horao but me to be landed was in the sling.', when it kicked out, striking Cupf. Fisher on tho left siile, breaking t*o of hi* ribj. He iromt-Hintely came up to town in a boat fur medical attendance, and is now gotticgou fevcrnbly. The surgeon gave it as his opinion that if the hor«e had been shod, Hie rcuult o£ the kick would have b^en futuL"