THE Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 1875.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4166, 25 June 1875, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 1875.

The state of the public mind about the public health may be best described as 01 uncertain aud doubtful. Everyone is pi agreed that it is quite disgraceful that ir everyone else does not do something, a 1 but not one in a hundred has any detinite proposal which he would recom- w mend. It is now something like eight- „ . ° ~ n een months since we warned the Dun- c , edin world that fchey must; expect the v accumulating refuse of the towu to t< breed fever. Ifc was apropos of the c township of Cromwell that we sounded a the first note of alarm, and showed c' that the same causes which had pro- y duced fever and death there would 0 surely cause the same results here, ti Since then the alarm has been repeated p by one and another in differentcc- n deDces, and in public and private the *t opinions of all classes and sections have re-echoed our declaration. Unless we r cleanse Dunedin we shall have fever c making; its ravages felt among us. s Dirty Cromwell came in for nofc a little I abuse and contempt then, but dirty Dun- ° edin has since had bitter cause to regret F that instead of merely despising her ) juvenile friend, she has not profited by 0 the warning and exorcised the fever t fiend. Fiat experimentum, &c. Crom- 1 well was surely evidence enough that a (■ healthy climate did not do away with v all necessity for sanitary precaution, ancl ] that high winds, useful enough in keejiing the city pure and wholesome, were j not sufficiently powerful when houses r began to be packed so closely. The t months have gone by, aud the City J Councillors of Dunedin have wrangled £ fortnightly over trivialities, like gravel i •and lamps ; have devised some sort of ] plan for getting" rid of a quantity of . puMic money by erecting unnecessary i gas works; have thrown away mouo-h 1 of our money on senseless and meaning- \ less cuttings to have rendered Dunedin ' one of the cleanest cities in the world, ' and have done absolutely nothing fi to drain the town, beyond putting in the St. Andrew street drain. Now we have typhoid fever of a < bad form making its ravages among us. Still the Council meets and debates about the Princes street widening, and ; grows animated over the stirring question as to whether this or that sum should be paid, and appeals to the Press, Heaven save the mark, to stir up public opinion upon the subject of drainage. Either these gentlemen must have been in a state of coma, must have awoke like Rip Van \V inkle from a long sleep, or fchey are so engaged in getting hold each of his own share of plunder that they have no eyes or eai-s for the subject of all subjects which is engaging public attention. Every newspaper in the place has for many months been teeming with remarks, objurgations, prophesies, entreaties ; every broadsheet in the city has again and again pointed out that the present City Council contains the ', veriest idlers that ever misrepresented a large city. It has been pointed out that a grand jury would equitably find a true bill for man- ; slaughter against the Council for destroying valuable lives by their ). sloth, and at this late hour the Council . has the sheer impudence to suggest that , the Press should take the matter up. We accept the challenge, and we s would say—" Gentlemen, the public of Dunedin would entreat you to lay aside every other matter, and devote all your energies to the question of draining the City of Dunedin, which ifc holds to be _ incomparably the most important mat- , ter that lies before you. Never mind worrying Mr Han key with schemes for erecting new Gas Works just at present; we can get on a little longer

with bad gas, but we cannot bear, beings. killed;wifch typhoid Jever. . Never mind: * die imOiiey you have throVri"a\vay.",alf York" Place and Queen street, we" would, sooner-^—much sooner—let" bye-gones be - bye-gori§s- than be put away in the Cemetery next summer through typhoid fever. Never mind the compensation of tenants re Princes street" South widening question, we would • much rather the tenants never got a shilling if we may only live to see them lose it—so that we aye not slain through typhoid fever? No subject that youcan think of to wrangle over is at all equal in importance to this one :■ Shall our homes be desolated next year or not. by typhoid fecer? We ate of opinion that you have wasted your time and our money fi-r the last year, and we mean to turn you out of office very soon. Meantime, we would ask you to signalise your last week of office by doing one useful work begotten, not of private spite and selfishness, but of zeal for the j public interest, and begin some scheme or other for draining Dunedin " We do not want the mutter to " lie | over " or be " held back," to " stand over" or "be referred" anywhere— we want it done. It is already too late" to save the citizens of Dunedin from those ravages of the destroying fiend, typhoid fever, which has carried off so | many this year. Evon if the work is begun without any delay, there must be during nexfc summer a great deal of preven'ible sickness and man} 1-deaths, for which the s- Ifishness and slcth of the Corporation are solely responsible. We can do without light but nofc life, we can manage with narrow streets so long as there is room for a hearse to j pass along them : what we can not do i with is a representative body which re- [ presents their own private needs and nothing else, a body which has used its official position to plunder the purses of its constituents, while giving up their wretched carcases to typhoid Jever. Ho vever our contemporaries may differ about minor matters, and however we may all have different opinions about the best method of dr-iiuing the city, there is but one opinion everywhere, which is this, that the work should be done at once, and that it ought to have been done long ago. We sincerely hope that Messrs Ramsay and Eeeves will understand that the Press has again and again discharged iU duty in sounding tlie alarm and advising the reme-ly. It is childish upon the part of the Council to endeavour to throw the blame for deity upon others. The verdict of the public upon the conduct of the Corporation is this: that several memlers have been so much engaged in scrambling for a share of public money that they have had no time to spend upon a matter like the public health or comfort, to care for whicli they were elected.

We congratulate fche members of the Reserves Committee of the City Council upon their return to a better and happier state of mind as regards the proposed exchange of laud, to provide a site for a new Supreme Court House. The recommendation they brought up on Wednesday night was at once straightforward, and withal perfectly reasonable. They now propose to make the exchangeon the basis of the particular proposal submitted to them—altogether unincumbered with any condition at all about the building by the General Government of a Town Hall, which, as we recently pointed out, would effectually preclude any prospect of their last recommendation being agreed to. The sole condition now made—viz., that the Government should arrange with the Volunteers touching the Drill-shed site—is a c unparatirely very small matter indeed, and one that we suspect will not complicate matters in the least. It was gratifying to us, also, to mark the gem ral disposition on the part of the members of the Council as a whole, to carry into effect the exchange as proposed. The little difference of opinion manifested as to wliich particular plan should be adopted, or whether the final decision should be come to at the last meeting, or at the next of the Council, we regard as natural enough under the circumstances, and likely to tend toward a satisfactory settlement of the question. Having decided " to agree with either one or the oth ?r" of the proposals of the Commissioner, the question of which proposal in particular should be accepted by the Council, may very well, indeed, stand J over for decision till the next meeting of that body. The doubt which seems to have been entertained by several of the Councillors as to whether or not they would be allowed to derive any moneyvalue from the Sup-erne Court site, in the shape of an annual revenue, or whether or nofc, indeed, they might be compelled to devote the whole " for the Durposes of a market and nothing el-e," may, we think, for the time at least, be set at rest. We feel confident that should any restrictions at all be placed upon the action of the Corporation in this matter, as to any one particular part of the reserve, there would still remain a sufficient portion leffc free from such restrictions to make the exchange, as put by Councillor Leary, "a splendid bargain." Whether or not, the expectation of that gentleman of £2000 a year being derived from this source would be realised, we cannot venture to say. But tliis much we will say, that in comparison with any possible amount likely ever to be derived from the Market Reserve site, that likely to accrue to the city from the Court-house site would be almost infinitely greater. We hope now matters are in fair train for a final and satisfactory settlement of the whole question, and we hope shortly to be able to announce that it has been really brought about.

In dealing with the conditions of highe education in Auckland yesterday, we quoted from the University Calendar to show the ! number of undergraduates for each Province. We deaire now to explain that the Calendar only refers to the state of the affiliated institutions before Otago joined ; also, that the standard uuder which the undergraduates were tested was nofc the present high one, bufc the old low basis, upon which they are entitled still to graduate. At the time the Calendar was published, Otago had thirtythree undergraduates. His Honour, Mr Justice Johnston, appears to be determined to enforce the strictest punctuality among the gentlemen of the bar. The midday adjournment at the Banco sitting yesterday was for twenty minutes, and Mr W. D. Stewart, on the Courfc resuming, was three minutes late. His Honour remarked to the effect that he felt quite confident that this want of punctuality was not iesirable for the profession themselves. He believed in the Court rising for an hour in order to allow gentlemen to attend to pressing business, but not the pressing business of taking a substantial meal—it was quite different with a jury, who were not accustomed to sit. At this juncture, a clerk came into court in breathless haste, and announced that Mr Stewart was in the building, and would be in Court in a minute. On Mr Stewart making his appearance, His Honour remarked to him : "I was just about to ask Mr Masassey to reply. lam not accustomed to j this sort of thing." Mr Stewart, who had

Jbeen informed how nearly he had lost his jight of presenting to the Court the case for the defendants, said:—" I have to apologise to your Honour. I was detained looking for some document." His .Honour interjected, -.-'* You could have sent some clerk for. it." Mr Stewart was abont tor speak, but His Honour cut him short'by saying, "Now, go on with your argument,", which he (Mr Stewart) did. Later on, Mr Barton, in addressing the Court, used the expression, "It seems to me," whereupon His Honour pointed out that the use of "It seems to me," "My opinion ii" "I think," and "other expressions of opinion, was improper in counsel addressing the Court. It was most embarassing for counsel to put forward their opinions. They would be good enough to "submit" what they might have"! to say by way of argument—rt was for the ' Court to give opinions. At a subsequent period of his address Mr Barton again used "it seems to me." His Honour said : " You are aiways telling me what seems to you.'' Afterwards His Honour stopped Mr Barton in his address and said, "Well, Mr Elliott, if you are addressing a Court of Law with such a ridiculous argument as that, I can only say it is a very poor compliment to those who sit on the Bench." Mr Birton having resumed his argument, alluded incidentally to His Honour having stopped him "so quickly," and the next argument he had to bring before the Court did not "seem to bim," but was "respectfully submitted." He also said that His Honour had taken him up "so fast;" and, in reply to His Honour's remark as to a " ridiculous argument," added : "I have to convince your Honour if I can, and it is certainly not by insulting the Court that I can endeavour to convince it." His Honour afterwards told Mr Barton that he would be much obliged to him if he would stop telling him what he (the Judge) thought, and what his (the Judge's) opinions were. 'I he counsel who were not concerned in the foregoing exchanges enjoyed the " fun" heartily, quite oblivious of the thought that their turn might come some day. The installation of the R. W. Master and Officers of Lodge St. Andrew, Ko. 432, S.C, took place last evening at the Masonic Hall. The Lodge was opened at half-past 7, and the .following officers were duly installed :— Bro. A. S. Smith, R.W.M.; Bro. E. W. Cochrane, D.M. ; Bro. John Golden, S.W. ; Bro. J. J. Mussong, J. W. ; Bro. P. Beissel, Treasurer; Bro. Geo. Kidd, Secretary ; Bro. John Guthrie, S. D. ; Bro. C. Keast, J.D. ; Bros J. H. JewettandJ. Hutton, stewards ; Bro. A. Gardner, LG. ; Bro. H. W. Meyer tyler. Retiring R, W. Master Bro. W. Caldwell acted as installing officer, and delivered a really eloquent address. Pepu;ations were present from the Celtic Lodge of Dunedin, the Lodge of Otago, and the Otago Kilwin ing. At 9 o'clock the brethren, to the uumber of some forty, and an equal number of ladies, were in attendance at St George's Hall, for the purpose of celebrating the installation by a grand ball. Dancing was kept up until an early hour in the morn, ins:, and what with the flags, bannertttes, and evergreens, which decorated the hall, the gay dresses of the ladies, and the regalia of the brethren, the scent was most enlivening. Refreshments were supplied in first-rate style by Mr Donaldson, of the Glasgow Pie-house, and most excellenl music was provided by Mr Kelly's Band :— Mr Kelly, violin ; Mrs Clutsam, piano ; °Mi Parker, double bass ; and Mr Oliver, cornet, At the meeting of the Ayrshire Assoeia tion held in the Provincial Hotel last evening, about twenty gentlemen were present The Committee's report, suggesting that i social gathering be held iv the Temperanci Hall on the 23rd July, was unanimously adopted. Some favourite Scottish songi were afterwards well rendered. The sittings in Banco now being heh tal"e place in the Library of the Supremi Court, a room which is far more comfortabh than the draughty court-room. In the language of a well-known character in mari time fiction, "It might be hinted" in th '■politest " of manners that a number of ex posed packing cases are not the the most ap propriate of ornaments for the judicia B.mch. Our country friends who have not recent 1 inspected the Turkish Baths will, doubtless be pleased, when they again visit them, t find many decided improvements. The firs heating room has been provided with a hand some miniature fountain, which is greatl appreciated by the patrons of the Baths One gentlemau who has been a regular (Turfc ish) bather for over twenty years testifie with unfeigned satisfaction that the who! arrangements, coupled with the attention h has received here, equal, if they do not sui pass, all he had previously experiencec Several cases where persons suffering froi rheumatism and dropsy have derived consic erable benefit from these baths lately can under our notice. Two South Australia gentlemen have given the management testimonial declaring that our Turkish bath compare very favourably with kindred estal lishnients in Australia. The Committee of the Royal Horticultur, Society held a special meeting in the Occ dental Hotel on Wednesday evening, whe the following members were present :- Messrs R. Hay (in the chair), R. Macka; A. Begg, A. Grant, Lawrence, Ogilvie, Hi lop, West, Matthews, and Pledger. Tl minutes of the last annual meeting were coi firmed. Mr Walter Rush was elected member of the Committee vice Mr Kirl patrick, who could not accept office. It wt resolved that two Shows be held this seasoi the first to take place on the 15th Decembe 1575. and the other on the 17th Marcl 1576. A sub committee was appointed f prepare and revise the schedules, and repo thereon. The members' annual subscriptie were fixed at 10s fid, and Mr Seward was a pointed collector. A football match, between 15 High Schc Boys and 11 of th c Union Football Club, to be played on the Caledonian Ground i morrow afternoon. The game is to be play according to Association Rules, those, vi: adopted by the D. F. C. As the sides a well matched, some good play may be antii , pated. The High School team will be chos I frcm the following :- Allan, A; Brodric Brooke, Cook, Crawshaw, Dick, Finch, Jones, G. Mackenzie, F. Mackenzie, M '"Let, Morris, Park, Reid, Shaud, Stilling, G. 1 Thomson (captain), Wilson, and Wheeh The following represent the Union Club : A. Barber (captain), Barrett, Chapms Grant, Israel, F. Little, Monteith, M'Kinni Stuart, Tresseder, and Weston ; with Be M'Gruer, Stout, Mondy, and Johnstone emergency men. Play to commence at 2. punctually. Yesterday was a field day at the Pol Court, aud the great unwashed mustei even stronger than usual, the object of int est evidently being Catherina Amelia Ch; lotta Wingate, who was charged with bei the wife of two husbands. Prisoner ma tamed the greatest sang froid througho The evidence was very conclusive, and wh committed for trial accused admitted tl she had committed bigamy. The Westport Times reports that a markably narrow escape from a dread death happened during the gale on Sunc morning. A dweller in a tent on the W mangaroa raiLway works had turned in sleep, not as usual, in his own bunk, but that of his mate, who was absent. A t fell on the ttnt, tearing the vacant bunk ; blanket to pieces and leaving the occup of the ether unharmed. It is singular : that the unfortunate John Reid, who ■<

killed by a tree falling on his hut at Larry's a a short time since, was found in the act of a getting into his bed, he being crushed by .d the falliug timber, but the bed: remaining t untouched. i'l' s The Post declares that no better proof of E the utterly disorganised condition of the ? Government of this Colony could possibly be I adduced than that furnished by the special i telegram from London which we published r last night : —" Sir Julius Vogel's substitution s of promissory notes for a free system of cmi- & gration is causing great dissatisfation." This telegram is the .first aud sole announcement made to the people of the Colony of the com- c plete reversal of the immigration policy. ( We will even go farther, aud say we have 1 reason to believe that the news was as much s a surprise to the members of the Govern- t ment here as to the general public. It is 1 evident from the facts given, that Sir Julius \ ; \ogel must hive made the change some 1 weeks ago, a sufficient period having elapsed ] for it to become widely known, aud for a < deputation to have urged a reversal of the f decision. Yet the Colony which Sir Julius i Vogel represents has been left to learn the ' facts from a Press telegram, aud his col- i leagues to get their information from the < same source. How long will the Colony i submit itself to this sort of irresponsible \ government by a single individual in Lon- ] don? and how long will the other members • of the Government consent to be snubbed ; and treated with open contempt by their absent colleague and chief 1 The Marlborough Express says : —" We learn that Mr Stevenson, mail contractor between Picton and Blenheim, has received notice to discontinue carding the mails, which indicates an early completion of the line. The opening was fixed for 10th June, but owing to the late rains having done a little damage at several points—notably at the water openings between Grove Town and the Opawa—ths opening has been postponed for three weeks further. Mr Rotherham. the traffic manager, -has arrived in Picton, in readiness, aud the stations are being pushed forward as fast as possible. We understand that the long-looked-for tenders for the extension of a line to Blenheim will be called for in the course of the next three weeks, consequently we may yet hope to have the pleasure of riding from Blenheim to Picton within the next twelve months." The London correspondent of the Melbourne Argus says:—"DrKenealy, ex-Q.G, and actually M.P., was committed to prison for cruelty to his illegitimate daughter, and had his term of punishment shortened through the beuevolent interference of Lord Chief Justice Cockburn, over whom he now pours vials of his vulvar wrath. Why so many people who were acquainted with this fact have had the delicacy to conceal it, notwithstanding this fellow's audacious conduct, for so many months, is a problem that Dr Kenealy himself would, of all men, be the most puzzled to answer. But, as it seems to me. the time has now come when no quarter should be given to him." Report has it, says the Geelong Advertiser that a well-known, highly respectable, anel somewhat prominent citizen of the golden metropolis of the Western district has recently experienced an adventure perplexing to himself, but infinitely amusing to his numerous friends. A few weeks ago, a quantity of merchandise, which he had imported, having arrived in the colony, he proceeded to Melbourne for the purpose of making the necessary arrangements, in order to get it forwarded per rail to Gwelong and Ballarat. On his arrival, the offices with which he had to do business were closed, anel, meeting with some friends who were on the eve of departing for New Zealand, he proceeded to beguile away some of his leisure hours in tbeir company. Time passed, as it ' always does in social circles, pleasantly ' enough. The genial friends were reluctant to part, again and again they shook hands, but the conversation was as often re- ' newed, and finilly they found themselves very comfortably quartered in a very comfortable compartment on board of the steamer bound for Hokitika. Never was company more enjoyable, never did time f pass more swiftly ; even the shrill steam . whistle failed to disturb their serenity, and 0 the steamer moved on her course, and absot lutfly passed through the Heads before the spell-bouud landsmen awoke from their defiY lightful reverie. The amazement and annoyi- ance of the imported, when, instead of re- > turning to his Ballarat acquaintances, he s found himself "afloat on the ocean wave," c and involuntarily booked for a trip to New c Zealand, maj' be imagined. Days passed, "- and his Victorian acquaintances began to !• feel somewhat uneasy at his non-appearance a amongst them, till at length it -began to be 1 whispered fchat intelligence had by some c means been conveyed respecting his involunn tary trip. "All's well {that ends well," and a it remains to be stated briefly that a face s resembling that of the missing importer Wis )- observed the other evening on the Geelong platform, and that a name, corresponding il with his, figures among the list of passengers i- by the Otago, which sailed from New Zean jand on the 3rd inst., and arrived here on - Tuesday last. " The circumstances attending the sudden 3" death of Capt. Clinch, of the Southern Cross, le are thus described by the Sydney Morning l" Herald, of June 9sh : —"The steamer had a left the Grafton wharf, under the command L" of the deceased gentleman, at 4 p.m. yester--18 day afternoon. Capt. Clinch complained of *> ailment from heart disease during the day, r> but had recovered somewhat towards the l> afternoon, and took leave from his friends iv 0 apparently his usual health and spirits. He rt gave the order for the steamer to go ahead ; ,n the order was obeyed, and when she was ?" about 50 yards from the wharf, he suddenly swerved, and fell on the bridge. Every at--01 tention was at once afforded him, and mediis cal assistance was sent for, but on the arrival o- of a doctor, life was pronounced to be exid tiuct. Capt. Munro, of the A.S.N. Company, i who was in proximity, seeing some confusion re on board the Southern Cross, came alongside, •i- boarded her, and took charge, and subse--3n quently brought her to anchor off the gas k, works. The cause of death was, doubtless, P. disease of the heart, from which the deceased ,n, gentleman had been suffering for some time." "■• The Argus reports : —A sculling match for ir- £25 a side was rowed on the Lower Yarra on Saturday, the 12th, between Nathan and n > Allen. Though not expressed in the agree,n' ment, it was understood that the match "> would be rowed in clinkers. Allen was much as fancied by his friends, but on Friday even- *" ing the steady manner in which Nathar was backed made the supporters of the ice former suspect something. It was then dised covered that Nathan had been practising or 2r- the Lower Yarra in a racing outrigger, ir if- which he intended to row the race. At th< ng last moment it was determined that Aller in- should row in a racing outrigger, though hi it. had not been in such a boat for severa en years. The match excited a great dea iat interest among the members of the ring with whom Allen was a strong favourite re- He would have been very heavily ful backed; but it was thought that his inex ay perience in an outrigger was again* ai- him. The race came off about half-past ', to o'clock on Saturtlay afternoon, a tug steame in being hired to accompany the boats durinj tee the race. An excellent start was effected md Allen, who was on the toorth side, havinj mt smooth water, as the wind was blowin; ilso fairly across the river. For a short distanc vas the boats kept together, then Nathan game

a slight advantage. After they had' gone about a quarter of a mile Allen begaO to draw away from his' antagonist, and frotn , this out the race was neter in doubt. Nathan"; : showed distress by the ihoe he had gone ai mile; Some difficulty., was' found in terminating the race, as the person who Was to mark the winning-post did not appear, and instead of going a mile and half, the men rowed two miles before they were told to stop. When they ceased rowing, Alios was going strong fully 20 lengths in font of Nathan. The Hobart Town Mercury of the 6'h June reports:—"The barque Southern Cross, that sails ti-day for Lyttelton, has I been fitted out for the reception of a valuable j shipment of stock, consisting of fifteen heavy draught mares, and three entires selected by Mr Thomas "Dowling, of Canterbury, New Zealand, from the best breeders in the Co lony. The animals are intended by Mr Dowling f<u-the improvement of his stock. One of the entires is an Arab, descended from the renowned Hadji Baba, who -will still be remembered by all breeders here. This animal is very handsome and tractable, and if landed safety will prove a great acquisition to our sister Colony. The draught mares are a credit to anj' country, and prove that Tasmania has some of tne right stamp left. If breeders would give attention to the production of such animals there would be a market for any number in the neighbouring Colonies, and Tasmania is specially adapted for breeding purposes. The stallions, two fine specimens of the draught breed, were bred by Mr Robert Archer, of Longford, and purer bred animals could not be had in England, as the pedigree shows the best imported blood on each side. It, is to be hoped that the animals wiil arrive at their destination without any casualty." The Echo says, " for some time past our evening contemporary has teemed with telegrams from its Wellington correspondent respecting E. J. Wakefield. While we cannot defend the latter we must reprehend the miserable petty malevolence of the ' doubledyed scoundrel' who adopts this method of attacking an enemy at a safe distance. It may not be generally known that Teddy Wakefield once on a time kicked the veracious correspondent out of a private room into which he had intruded, apparently with the object of extracting the contents of some private papers." "An Araericr.n baloonist, by name Mr Donaldson, has iuformed the Society 1 d'Aerostatation of Paris," the Pall Mall ' Gazette says, " that witliin three or four - months he intends crossing the Atlantic, I from the United States to Europe, in a ' baloon measuring 70,000 cubic metres. Mr 1 Donaldson is convinced that there exists a i constant current of air iv the upper strata of ■ the terrestrial atmosphere, setting at that season from west to east. He is undeterred by previous failures, and has proi vided himself with cans of Liebig's meat * extract, life-belts, blue lights, and rockets, carrier pigeons, bottles to contain floating messages, astronomical instruments, and ( fligs, by means of which he can signal to I vessels near which he may pass. He will i probably travel alone, for the sake of light- . ness ; and the ballast in the baloon ear will r principally consist of 'fire-pots' of Mr 3 Donaldson's own invention, which are said i to be tin cylinders containing a chemical . substance which becomes inflammable in- . s tantaneously upon contact with water, and f emits a brilliant and long lasting flame. As r Mr Donaldson is borne rapidly along easty ward, he will drop these fire-pots into the , sea every 10 minutes, so at night the whole t horizon, he expects, will be illuminated, and x he will leave a fiery track behind him on the c Atlantic. Mr Donaldson hopes to be in the c air ' not longer than a week.' He is said tc t anticipate that his course may * occasionally j be somewhat circuitous,' and that ever t « there may be occasional stoppages,' bul ' the goal will indubitably be reached, and .. Europe will receive with open arms th« L . aerial messenger from the far west.' It is ti a be hoped so." i The Age states that Mr G. B. AUetfi s English Opera Company has been engagec c for Calcutta. The contempi itsd visit of the n Prince of Wales is causing theatrical specula il tors and managers to turn their attention t )- India, and there is some probability of M c Lewis engaging a dramatic company, and o 5- the Carandinis paying a visit to the East dux r- ing the next cool season. 5- The Miltonian diorama of " Paradise Lost c was again exhibited at the Queen's Theatr last evening, when those present testifier w their appreciation of the various scenes b *» frequent applause. To night a oomplitnei] - 0 tary benefit will be tendered to Mr H. Easl !e wood, the well-known manager ; and as th ,c favourite Irish comedian (Mr John Morar ie and several ofcher professionals have kindl x" volunteered their services, he may fair! Ld anticipate a crowded house. Eich perso •c on entering is requested to obtain a gil w ticket. ,g " The Marble Heart" was repeated afc th tg Princess Theatre last night to a numerou rs downstairs audience. Mrs Bates is see a- almost at her best in the part of Mdlle m Marco, in which she has many opportuaitie of displaying her undoubted dramatic fcalen* In the scene with Kaphael, where she seek fco justify her heartless treatment of hei ' lover, she was effective in the highest degree l ° snd was deservedly applauded. Mr Bate represented Raphael Duchalet, and althougi it cannot be denied that he was successful ii some points, yet an unmistakeable tendenc; to rant, combined with hoarseness, detracted considerably from the merit of his perform ance. Mr H. Stoneham, as Ferdinan " Vblage, appeared to great advantage ; ani , _ his very able rendering of the parfc—which i ' by no means an unimportant one—prove him to be a valuable acquisition to the prt sent company. The remaining parts wer ■*" creditably filled ; * and on account of th 'i- merits of the piece itself, and the manner c al its performance, we should be glad to see i r . repeated. Mrs Bates's benefit is announce for this evening. m The monthly meeting of the Permanen c, Building Society of Otago. will be held thi c . evening.