THE Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1874.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3933, 24 September 1874, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1874.

With somewhat singular unanimity, we notice that every magazine of any mark at home appears to think it necessary to discuss the question of woman's proper position in our social economy. In some one of three aspects the subject turns up with deadly certainty every month. It used to be said that woman's nature was inscrutable, that her affinities, her methods, her sensibilities, were, .past finding out. Writers, often with ill-concealed contempt, were rather in the habit of treating women's questions with a shrug and a sheer, and going on to treat of something real. At least, we have changed all this, if there be a tendency now-a-days for fools to rush in, where of yore wise men did not dare to tread, it is still better that it should be so, than that the social status, rights, and duties of one-half the human race should be deemed unworthy serious consideration. Three titles head the ordinary magazine article — Woman's Rights, Woman's Education, Woman's Duties. It was by the ardent advocates of the first that the whole subject was brought prominently forward. We can all remember when the first appearance of a few strong-minded ladies—some of them in Bloomer costume, some lingering still in petticoats—made one-half the world laugh and the other half indignant. The subject, even in America, where things run in extremes, has long since assumed a totally different sbape. It is true that there are still a few who are ready to go all lengths, but the discussion of Woman's Rights has now for the most part, with even the most ardent advocates, turned upon the questions whether married women should nob be allowed a certain freedom and

individuality of their own in holding property; whether unmarried women discharging the duties of citizenship snould not participate in its rights— such as the franchise; whether certain realms of labour should not be thrown open to them—such as teaching and medicine. We are not now expressing an opinion upon these matters. We rather wish to draw attention to the i'act that the extravagant theories of a quarter of a century ago have now taken the shape of practical and painstaking discussions concerning the various real hardships or supposed grievances to bo removed. In animated and most vigorous language these special matters have received attention here, and at least partial redress. Mr Vogel declared himself not long ago in favour of giving a restricted female suffrage. The identity of a married woman is no longer sunk in that of her husband since the passage of the Married Woman's Property Act some years ago ; and an almost unanimous public opinion asserts that in the profession of teaching, at any rate, a thoroughly educated woman is at least the equal, if not the superior, of a man. But this leads us to the second claim, by no means as yet settled, but in a fair way to be thoroughly understood. Women's Education, Sex in Education, Convent Schools, Mixed Schools, these are all the titles of subjects engaging the attention of some of the best brains in Europe. Those who have read the opinions of Dr Maudesley upon the subject of educating girls will have realised that the question is one not lightly to be dismissed with a few well-worn aphorisms concerning the evil of bringing up women to be < plaj things, elegant and accomplished, but still playthings of men. Whether there be not such a difference in sexes as must ever prevent girls and boys proceeding pari passu in their education ; whether the stimulus of competition, the immense pressure upon the intelligent student's nervous system during his years of education should not prevent our attempting to subject girls io the same training as boys— these are questions which must be answered before we decide, post-haste, that because girls have hitherto been trained onabadsystem and boysonagood one, that therefore the difficulty might be solved by bringing up both sexes boy's fashion. Of course there are other collateral questions that arise. ITo one has yet ventured to propose that girls should play football and cricket like their brothers. Sciolists' in education talk of the training being j the same for both sexes, without a thought that the accomplishment of their proposal maybe not only hard, but impossible. The real point—the crucial matter to be first decided—is what are women's duties. Female education must depend upon it, and the answer to it will really solve the other question-—what are women's rights ? i Mr Mill, than whom no man has done more to stir the question and give it dignity, seems to have had some, idea that men and women were to be helpmeets, not by division of labour, but by each helping the other to do the same thing. Mr. Goldwin Smith's naiVe declaration of change of mind upon the woman's suffrage question, is but one of many symptoms which show us that Mr Mill, by writing his Autobiography, has done much to injure the theories he spent a lifetime in advocating. When people now discuss Woman's Duties, they are rather apt —perhaps too apt—to use Mr Mill as a " horrid example." After all, is not the idea of solving the question of women's duties by answering the same as men's, identical with men's, rather derogatory to women themselves ? The objects in life which men set before themselves as trieir ambition, do not embrace all that is charming or dignified, surely. Considering what many men's lives are, it, is absurd to speak of them for a moment as if an assimilation to them would elevate a woman's career. Perhaps it would be as well to wait a little before hastily deciding the various points we have noted. The current literature of the day is teeming with the contributions of thought of some of the best minds in England upon the whole question. A cursory perusal of this literature will be sufficient to show that there are many serious difficulties which further knowledge of the subject and discussion may dispel. That question is in a fair way to be elucidated, which attracts all minds to its dissection. At the present time one fact alone seems beyond dispute, and that is that the present and past state of things is unsatisfactory. Ko doubt we shall arrive at a conclusion in due course, and it will be time then to act on it.

Has Honour Mr Justice Chapman gave judgment yesterday on the motion for the attachment of the Directors of the Guardian Newspaper Company for contempt in commenting upon the case Macassey v. Bell. The motion for attachment was not granted, but the Directors of the Company were condemned to pay costs.. The argument of the rule .nisi for, a new trial, &c, in the case of Macassey v. Bell, was not concluded when the Court rose. The argument will be resumed this morniflg.

The coming transit of Venus in December next will be especially interesting to this Coleny, in which three expeditions are to be located. In another column we give a brief outline of the arrangements attending the American expedition, the chief assistant of which, Mr Bass, arrived in Dunedin by the la3t San Francisco mail.

The Waste Lands Board yesterday decided in Sir Francis Dillon Bell's case, that all apiplications for the block in Shag Valley be refused, and that the land be opened for sale unless it prove auriferous. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere.

The prizes won at the recent Canary and Poultry Show were handed to tke successful competitors at the Bull and Mouth Hotel last evening. The members of the Committee were busily occupied until a late hour. We understand that the receipts this year have fallen far short of the expenditure, and several prize winners presented various amounts to the Association.

la the course of a legal argument in the Supreme Court yesterday, a short discussion took place on the subject of advertising by professional men. His Honour the Judge remarked that it would doubtless be considered libellous to describe a doctor as an "advertising man," seeing that a medico with a penchant for advertising was generally regarded as a quack. To say that a barrister was an advertising man might also be regarded as a libel in Victoria, where barristers and solicitors occupied distinct positions, although such a statement might not be so regarded in this Coiony, where the two branches of the profession were amalgamated. In the early golddigging days of Victoria, however, barristers had recourse to advertising. His Honour remembered one gentleman, a very respcet-

able barrister, who got a sign traced in Chinese characters to the following effect:— "Very good barrister—very. Takes difficult cases in Court." This was stuck up at his doorpost for the benefit of the Celestials. Another advertising barrister who adopted the same expedient was not so fortunate. The name was perfectly rendered, but the interpreter translated the sign "Him no good." His Honour's anecdote was not inappropriate, seeing that the case before the Court at the time was Macassey v. Bell, which may be said to owe its existence to the very uncertain translations of the famous Chinese petition.

We have heard a well-grounded complaint with reference to the state of the footpath at the top of the Kattray street steps. Some time ago the Council promised that this place should be gravelled. It is high time that the work was carried out; for now that we have had some wet weather, the footpath is so muddy that it is almost impassable.

In reply to a question contained in a paragraph in Wednesday's Times, a correspondent, who considers that we have displayed " the gushing innocence of a very Good Templar," tells us how a "John Collins " should be made. He says :—"Take a large tumbler, and put into it a good nobbier of gin or schnapps j add a slice or more of lemon, a lump of ice, and sugar to taste ; into this mixture pour a bottle of soda water, and drink whilst 'hot.' N.B.—A soupcon of Cura\:oa is an improvement. Let any of your readers try this on the first hot day, and they will, I am sure, be ready to admit that a ' John Collins' is by no means a bad long drink."

The full programmesof the Dunedin Jockey Club Races, to be held on the 23rd, 24th, and 25 th of March next, and of the St. Andrew's Day meeting, are published in ouradvertising columns.

The annual meeting of the Dunedin Cricket Club took place last evening. The report and balance-sheet showed the affairs of the Club to be in a most satisfactory state.

Tbe Volunteer Parade fixed for last evening did not take place, in consequence of the inclement weather, notwithstanding which numerous " red-coats " paraded the streets-

The huli of the ketch Glimpse, wrecked at Moeraki during the gale on Tuesday, was insured with the Victorian Company for £400. Tbe cargo of railway iron was insured for £680 with the Standard Company.

"A Man's a Man for a' that" was the title of a lecture delivered by the Rev. J. Upton Davis last evening in the Congregational Church. The Rev. Dr. Roseby occupied the chair, and about 50 persons were present. The lecturer interspersed his remarks with some most amusing anecdotes and excellent poetry. The lecture was a clever and attractive one, and at its close the rev. gentleman was accorded a heaity vote of thanks.

Mr Patterson, of Pelichet Bay, yesterday put the finishing touches to a very handsome four-oared racing skiff, built to the order of the Dunedin Excelsior crew of boys. The skiff is moulded in admirable lines and is built of cedar, with Oregon pine gun. wale. Both ends are covered in. She is expected to prove the fastest craft of her kind belonging to the aquatic section of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers community. We are pleased to observe that some little attention is being directed to the coming Regatta season, and hope that early preparations for a properly-organised and liberal lyendowed regatta will be made.

Tenders are invited by the Provincial Government for the erection of two bridges over the Teviot and Clutha at Roxburgh. They will be of timber, is single spans of 83ft. and 174 ft. respectively, the arch of each being on the laminated principle. The abutments will be of stone.

The fine three-masted schooner Mera, which has recently arrived from England, to the order of a small Oamaru company, has met with severe injuries at Auckland. . She was lying alongside the wharf yesterday, on the weather side, while a heavy, gale was blowing, aud it is possible that she will sink where she is moored. She cost £4000, and is insured for £3000—£1500 with the National, and £1500 with the New Zealand Co.

The annual installation of the Officers of the Kilwinning (Otago)- Royal Arch Chapter No. 116, S.C., took place last evening, in the Masonic HalL The following brethren were installed in their respective chairs :—Companion S. T. Kerr, M.E..Z. ; Companion Stables, Ex. H.; Companion Court, Ex. J.; Companion J. L. Ferguson, S.E.; Companion T. Moodie, S.N. ; Companion R. Greenfield, Ist So. ; Companion G. Greenfield, R.W. Mk. M. • Companion Dr Bakewell, S.W. ; Companion J. M. Brown, J.W.; Companion G. Smith, P.Z. Janitor. The ceremony of installation was conducted in a very impressive and efficient manner by Companion Caldwell, P.G. Superintendent of New Zealand, who was ably assisted by Companion J. H. Sanders, P.Z. There were also present Ex-Companion Jas. Mills, P.Z., S.C., and Principals Eldridge and Stout, of the Otago Royal Arch Chapter, E.C. After the ceremony of installation the brethren adjourned to Dunning's, and partook of supper. This is the first time Mr Dunning has catered for a Masonic body, and the repast was considered an excellent one.

The following new works have been" received by the mail for Wise's Library :—

"Clytie," by Joseph Hatton; "Rough Hewn," by Mrs Day ; " Young Brown," by the author of "The Member for Paris;'' "Emilia's Inheritance," by E. J. Worboise; "My Mother and I," by the Author of "John Halifax;" "Uncle John," by G. J. Whyte Melvili; "Waldfried," by Berthold Auerbach ; "Journeys in North China," by the Rev. A. Williamson ; "The last of the Jerninghames," by A. E. N. Berwickie, &c, &c.

The first of a series of religious revival meetings at Tokomairiro was held on Monday night in the Presbyterian Church, when tbe Rev. Mr Gillies, of West Taieri, the Rev. MrChisholm, and several other members of the Church, took part in the proceedings. It is hoped that the meetings will be productive of much good.

Mr T. A. Mansford presided at the R.M. Court yesterday, and disposed of the business, which was not; very heavy, before one o'clock. . . .

The Southland batch of immigrants by the Tweed and Parsee are highly spoken of by the local newspapers.

The proposed extension of the wharfage accommodation at the Bluff is pronounced by the Southland News to be wholly inadequate to the requirements of the port.

We learn that the weather has been very stormy for the past week in the Tokomairiro District, and that the severe frosts have done considerable damage to the fruit trees.

We understand that rapid progress is being made on the railway works between Tokomairiro and Waihola. It is expected the iron horse will be steaming along the plain in a

few weeks,

An inquest was held at Milton on Tuesday on the body of a young man known as •'George." It appeared that he left Dunedin about a week ago for the purpose of recruiting his health, as he was then suffering from a severe cold. A waggoner who was an acquaintance of his took him up country as far as Tapanui, and then they started back for Dunedin. "George" got worst; and worse, and when near the Tokomairiro Junction toll gate he died in the waggon. Information, was at once given to the Police, and the body removed to tlie Milton Hotel.

The medical evidence given at the inquest showed that the deceased had been suffering

from bronchitis, and ihat the immediate cause of death was congestion of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

"Cameo," a writer in the Weekly News, in commencing a story, says that "everybody knows everything about Hero swimming over the Hellespont to court his Leander." Until now we were always under the impression that it was Leander who did the swimming and courting part of the business, and that Hero was the young lady.

Major Itopata, the celebrated friendly Maori chief, who accompanied Sir Donald M'Lean on his recent visit to Australia, thus writes in the Waka Maori of his visit to the zoological collection at Melbourne : — "I vffmt to see the reptiles and beasts of which we have heard accounts—the lion, the bear, and the snake. I could not consider them with attention, from the dread with which they inspired me. I trust such things may not be brought to this country; let them remain where they are. I strongly deprecate their introduction here." We scarcely think the Major has anything to fear on this score—at any rate from our Acclimatisation Societies.

With reference to the visit of a Victorian cricketing team to New Zealand, we are informed that a well-known resident of Dune, din has undertaken to bring a team here himself, and to supply the necessary funds. We understand thatthree gentlemen have already taken the matter up, and that one of the number is at present in Melbourne endeavouring to make arrangements. Should h j fail to bring the matter to a successful issue the plucky offer above referred to will, no doubt, be taken advantage of.

The shearers of the Oamaru and Waitaki Districts have held a meeting and determined that the price to be charged for shearing shall be £1 per 100, with rations, and that an extra allowance shall be made for stud and paddock sheep.

A correspondent of the Nelson Colonist recommends the Government to assist in the planting of the larcb, as a tree which will materially improve the soil and add largely to the wealth of the country.

We learn (says the Dunstan Times) that the Waikaia Station in Swiczers district has : changed hands, the adjoining runholder, Mr Thomas C. Low, of Hyde Home Station, being the purchaser, the particulars being as follows, viz.:—2o,ooo sheep in the wool, 100 head of cattle, and all horses and plant, together with 30,000 acres of leasehold, and: 92 acres of freehold, and substantial improvements, for £19,500 sterling. There are nine years of the lease to run, and the country is of very superior character.

Writing on the subject of fish acclimatisation, the Dunstan Times says:—"As our neighbours at the Wakatip are exerting to stock the waters of their district with fish, it occurs to us that, as trout ova almost on the point of hatching may be obtained from the Otago Acclimatisation Society merely for the trouble of asking, the people of Clyde and Cremwell might not do better than set themselves to a similar task. Lakes Wanaka aud Hawea, and the clear mountain streams of the Upper Clutha, Lindis, Nevis, Bannockburn, and the Fraser River, want badly stocking with edible members of the finny tribe, and there can be no doubt but that, if once introduced, they would thrive amazingly."

The Timaru Herald, in describing an Auckland mob, says :—"lt is a very sentimental mob, always getting into a state of passionate excitement over matters which do not affect it practically at all. It reads newspapers and listens to orators. Its idols are rag, bone, and bottle merchants, gentlemen who have ' been in trouble on the other side,' and anybody who bawls very loud, and looks very dirty. It does not object to wealth so long as it has been earned by the 'sweat of the brow,' and its possessors have taken no steps to remove the proofs. Many of its favourites are very rich, but they never wash the filth off their lucre of them, selves. These are the people who used to throw stones and mud at Sir George Grey in the streets."

At a Masonic Lodge held sometime since in Bombay, India (says the Freemason), there were present nine native brethren, three of whom were followers of Zoroaster, two of Confucius, and four of Mahomet, assembled together around oae common altar, and engaged in the worship of one common God. What an illustration of the universality and unseetarian character of Free, masonry.

A correspondent of the Daily Telegraph visited Bazaine while in captivity. He seems to have been much struck with Madame Bazaine, whom he describes as a " Mexican, with dark hair, instrouß eyes, dark eye lashes, and eye brows beautifully curved, a mouth indicating unusual resolution, and a radiant, lovely face."

The programme of the previous evening was repeated by the Smith Combination Troupe at the Princess Theatre last evening. The entertainment passed off with its usual success. An attractive bill is announced for this evening. Mr Val Vose, at his benefit on Friday evening, will give away a largesize portrait of himself to the first 100 persons in the dress circle, and a number of books containing anecdotes of celebrated ventriloquists, &c, to persons in the stalls and pit.