SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4870, 26 September 1877, Page 2

SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

THE DUNEDIN" HIGH SCHOOLS

The. Education Board has got.into difficulties over the management of the Boys' and Girls' High Schools, at Dunedin. Some correspondence took place between the Board's Acting Secretary and Mr W. Norrie, Rector of the Boys' High School, concerning the leave of absence given to one of the teachers to proceed North wifch the Dunedin Football team. The con.sequence was that .Mr Norrie sent in his resignation, which was accepted. Mrs 'Burn, Lady Principal of the..Girls..High- School, had sent in her resignation, but certain arrangements were made by the Board, and : she was induced to retain her position. - /This led to an outcry which found -expression in print, and Mrs Burn therefore again forwarded her resigna-' tion. The example was followed by; -nearly all thei lady teachers -of the Girls' School, and Mr Pope, who had; been re-appointed Commercial Master— this being the position he held prior to his comparatively recent departure to an appointment in Ballarat. A petition, signed by about 200 of the most' influential citizens of Dunedin, asking for a Commission of Inquiry for the High Schools, was forwarded to the Government. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting gentlemen to act as! .the High School Commission. The telegram to the Chairman: of the Education v ßoard announcing the members of the Commission is as follows ;— " Messrs . Henry John Tancred, William Fraser, "and Walter H. Pearson have been appointed by His Excellency,' Commissioners to inquire, into the circumstances connected with the proposed alterations ■at Dunedin High Schools. Will you be "good enough to give them every facility for inquiry.—C. C. Bowen." :

STEAM POE, THE CLUTHA,

. ■ Nothing daunted by the great trouble which. : has attended the running of & steamer on. the Clutha River, severalgentlemen havo determined to embark in; fa similar enterprise, and have given au order to Messrs Davidson and Co. forthe construction of a suitable vessel.; ( She is to be 110 ft in length, 18ffc beam. .and 4ffc 6in in depth of hold. The bottom plates wiil consist of iron 5-16 in and .j-nv in [ thickness, with framing 2^in. • There will be four compartments, separated from one another with watertight bulkheads, the engines being right 'aft, arid the boiler, which willbe/constructed on the locomotive principle, will be placed immediately abaft of amidships. Two high-pressure engines will be provided, loin in diameter, with a stroke of 3ft and aboufc 50 horse-power. They will acfc immediately on a stern-wheel 12ffc in diameter, and are expected to propel the vessel at the rate of 10 miles per hour. As lightness of draught is an absolute necessity, it has been specified that the vessel shall have a carrying capacity of 30 tons of cargo, with three tons of coal iri the bunkers, on a draught of 2ffc Gin. Of course she would carry nearly double that amount of cargo, bufc then the draught of water would be proportionately increased; The points on the river at which the steamer is more immediately intended to call are Clydevale, Tuapeka Mouth, Greenfield, and Balclutha. A siding will be constructed at the latter place, close to the river, to facilitate the discharging and loading of cargo, sheep, &c. The end of the year, it is thought, will see her out of the hands of the contractors, as the engines and hull have been commenced.

THE HOT SPRINGS,

At a recent meeting of the Otago Institute, Dr Hocken delivered a lecture on "The Hot Springs of New Zealand." Mr R, Gillies was in the chair, and there was a large attendance. The lecturer commenced by giving a graphic description of the routes which led to the springs, and then gave a detailed account of their leading features, and of the most striking characteristics of the districts in which they are situated. He said that the waters possessed great medicinal properties, and thought that in well-selected cases they would be found tb'. be veryserviceable for the cure of rheumatic and skin diseases. In the short discussion which took place afc the conclusion of the lecture, it was stated that nothing could induce the Maoris to*'part with the land in thafc region. The lecture was illustrated by maps, and by four pictures, lent by Mr Hoyte.

AN UNFORTUNATE MAN".

If chance is to be admitted as a factor in the argument, G. O. Walstead, a respectably dressed and well-spoken young man who appeared at the Port Chalmers Police Court a few daj'3 ago on the charge of vagrancy, has some reason to declaim at the fickleness of Dame Fortune. Finding himself without.the means of procuring food and shelter he went to the Police Office, gave hiriiself into custody, and wa3 locked up, and provided for other ways until admitted to an interview with

the Magistrate. His statement was' straightforward and pitiable. For months past he had been the victim of misfortune, his troubles commencing at Christchurch with a kick from a liorse, the effects of which laid hitn up for five weeks. Scarcely was ho clear of that trouble when he lost the thumb of his left hand by a gun accident, and for weeks was incapacitated from labour thereby. After that he could obtain no employment, and as a last resource determined to make for Otago, where, at Blueskin, he had a well-to-do brother. Having no funds to speak of, he walked the entire distance, and failing to obtain help from his brother ho came on to Porfc Chalmers, where lie expected to find a person who owed him a considerable sum of money. But disappointment again awaited him, for on arriving at the Port he ascertained that his debtor had left tho. place weeks ago. By this time he was absolutely destitute, and rather than risk--his life in exposure to the bitterly inclement weather he applied to the Police for shelter—gavo himself in charge, in facfc, for having no visible means of support— and so found comfortable quarters till brought before Mr Mansford. Tiie Magistrate commiserated with the poor fellow in his trouble, and commended the Police for their action in the matter ; but as for the defendant,' he would have to be discharged, as there was really no case against him.

RAILWAY PROGRESS.

The time for receiving tenders for the Clinton contract (formation and permanent way) of the Waitaki-Invercargill Railway recently closed. The length of line for which tenders were called is 16| miles, and the time for completion of contract twelve mouths. This contract adjoins the portion of railway reserved by the Government for the "unemployed;" and connects at' the southern end with the Invercargill portion already finished. As the work consists almost entirely of fencing, earthwork, and,laying the permanent way,, it should give employment to at least 400 men." In the interests of Otago, we trust the Government will see that the work is pushed on vigorously. Tlie engineers mighfc be instructed to report periodically upon the number of hands employed, and insist upon good progress being made. There is a penalty for he non-completion of the contract within ho specified time of £100 per week ; but, as a matter of tact, such penalties are never imposed. The amount of the contract will-, be from £43,000 to £45,000. At any rate, we trust we have, for twelve months at least,- heard the lasfc of the unemployed outcry. It. may be mentioned in this connection that, from careful enquiry, we have come to the conclusion that the distress existing in Dunedin this winter was and is-much less than last winter. There has been much more employment this season, and a great deal of the distress this season is siich as will be found at the very best of times in the' most prosperous communities.

DEATH OF.-A PIONEER SETTLER,

On the 15th inst:, was conveyed to his last resting place, in the Southern Cemetery. Our late respected townsman—Mr James Brown, engraver and artist—-as 'amiable and genial a man as the Province of Otago owned among its pioneer settlers —one whose, modesty has prevented his being better known.to the new generation than he deserved to be, but whose clever delineations of the "old identities"— their ways and times^-will be regarded by posterity as of . historical value. Mr Browri, during the early period of his life in the old country, was a pattern designer, sharing in all the alternate hopes arid* disappointments incident to that' branch of art;, as these are so happily delineated in the well-known story of '' Alfred Hagartfs Household." His health failed him ; and mainly with a view to its restoration, he emigrated thither at the very formation period of thesettlement—so far back as 1850. He: found no scope, of course, for the practice of his "profession in. so" primitive a spot as that with which he had linked his fortunes. Nor did he desire it. He betook himself to other avocations, but could not m can while, resist obey iug the strong impulses of his genius. He died beloved by all who knew him—a man of. distinct idiosyncracies, of nimple habits, warm' affections, earnest sympathies, unobtrusive arid self-depreciatory. Mr Brown was an office-bearer in the First Church, resigning only . lately, because of failing health.

MASONIC.

The annual "meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Otago and Southland was held; in the Masonic Hall bn the 29di ultimo, when/the following officers were appointed by the R. W.D.G.M.:—Senior Warden; Bro. W. Asher- Junior Warden, Bro. S. Fordyce ; Chaplain, Bro. G. P. Peake ;• Registrar, Bro. H. Eldridge. •Bro. E. Nathan, the Treasurer, was reelected by the Lodge; Secretary, Bro. Sydney James ; Senior Deacon,. Bro. R. Williams.; Junior Deacon, Bro. R. Greenfield ; Superintendent of Works, Bro. David Ross; Director of Ceremonies, Bro. .(Godfrey Jacobs; Sword Bearer' Bro. G...5. George; Organist, Bro. G. H. Marsden ;. Pursuivant, Bro. C. 0. Kettle; Stewards/ Bros. J. W. Cumming, J. A.' I D. Adams, Roland"' Jeffries, G. I W. Geddes, and C. Hudson. "The following- were; elected members of the Board of General Purposes:'—Bros. J byce U'Ren,'Nathan, Peake, Eldridge, Burton, and James,' tho District Grand Master, Deputy,, and- Wardens-bemi^ei officio members. . The Board of Benevolence—Bros. Eldridge, Burton, Asher, and Fordyce, the Secretary and the Treasurer being ex officio members.

CRICKET,

The annual general.'. meeting! of the Carisbrook Cricket Club was held 'at Carisbrook on the Bth inst., when there was a good assemblage of the Club. The Grounds Committee reported that the use of the Caledonian Society's grounds had been secured for the ensuing season, and that the sum of £30 had been expended since last season in levelling and •turSn" the Club's ground at Montecillo. Rules for the Club ; having been 'drawn: up by a committee, were read and adopted. The following office-bearers were elected for the coming season -.—Presidents, James Fulton, Esq., and J. P. Maitland, Esq.; Captain, Mr F. Fulton ; Secretary and Treasurer. Mr R: A. Rolland ; and a Committee consisting of Messrs Dixon," A: Cargill, Rose, S. Turton, and H. M'Neill. A number of riew members were also elected. The advisability of holding sports in connection with the ■ Club was brought before the meeting, when it was resolved that they should be held as early iri the season as possible, and that the management be left in the hand? of the Committee.

Ihe annual meeting of the Standard Cricket Club was held at the Douglas Hotel, on the 12fch inst., Mr Beal, jun., in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The balance sheet showed the club to be in a flourishing condition. Office-bearers for the ensuing season were elected as follows :—Captain, Mr 1. O. Beal, jun., ; CommitteeMessrs Beal, Shand, Hume, Mallard, and Israel; Eon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr H. W. Monkman (re-elected). A few new members were duly elected. The annual meeting of . the Albion Cricket Club was b.eld at the Prince Alfred Hotel, King street, on the 13th mst., Mr Cohen in the chair. The report of the treasurer-showed that from ordinary resources during the past season £15 10s-had been received, while the proceeds of two concerts had been the means of increasing the revenue to £66. The total expenditure had been £47, so that the Club begins the new season with a credit balance 0f£19." Some very strong comment was made on the action of the City Council in the matter of the noi them reserve. It had been promised that something should be done towards improving

the ground before the season commenced, but nothing had been done, while the Club had been refused permission to expend it 3 own funds in improving the ground. Ifc was argued that if the Club were put in possession of a tolerable ground the Club's ranks will receive a large addition of players. After discussion, ifc was decided that a deputation should wait on the Mayor to urge upon him the necessity of some steps being taken to put a portion of the ground into a playable condition. The election of office-bearers was next proceeded with, and resulted as follows.^—President, Mr M. Cohen ; Vice-President, Mr B. Goudie ; Treasurer, Mr T. Hutchinson ; Secretary, Mr H. Grater ; CommitteeMessrs Shelton, W. Hutchinson, Tattersall, and H. Miller ; Match Committee — Messrs Shelton, Simpkin, and £T. Mil er ; Auditors, Messrs Simpkin and Fraser,

A meeting of the newly-formed Kaikorai Cricket Club was held on Friday evening. After enrolling two new members, the following gentlemen were elected members of Committee :—A. Fraser, J. Fraser, W. Styles, J. Broadley, and J. Jackson, jun., Mr John Matheson was elected Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, and the question of electing a President, "VicePresident, and Captain was held over till next meeting.

COMMITTALS

John Walter Grierson appeared at the Police Court on the 4fch (September, on remand, to answer to the charge of embezzlement made against him, and which were partly heard on Friday, when the case for the prosecution closed. Mr Denniston, counsel for the defence, did not address the Court, and the accused was committed to take his trial at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court. He was then farther charged with having, on the 18th October, 1876, embezzled £12 12s, and on the 2Gfch February, 1877, £19 18s, the property of John and James Marshall. "Evidence similar to thafc in the firsfc case was taken, and the accused was committed for trial, bail being allowed, himself in one surety of £500, and two sureties of £250 each.

George Proudfoot, charged with committing a rape upon a domestic servant in his employment, is to tako his trial at the ensuing criminal sessions of the Supreme Court. The hearing of the case occupied several days. ; Bail was allowed, accused being bound over in the sum of £1000 to appear at next sessions, and Messrs David Proudfoot' and James Mackay became bondsmen to the extent of £500 each.

A.charge against Robert Rossbotham of forging a bill for £690 was, after hearing the subject of an application to have it withdrawn, with the consent of the prosecution. Accused, it was alleged, considered he had a right to deal with the bill in the manner in which he did. The matter arose out ef a partnership dispute. It was stated that the bill was made on the 28th August and that the partnership did not expire till the 2nd September; The Magistrate would not grant the application for a withdrawal, but, after considering the case on its merits, dismissed the iniormation.

RELIGIOUS,

An ordination service was held at Sfc. Paul's Church on the 9fch inst., when Mr G. Wilks was admitted to the order of deacon.. Mr Wilks lately occupied the head mastership of a school in Essex. He is advertised to conduct the Church of England services at Roslyn. The Right Rev. Bishop Nevill, in the course of his sermon, suggested the establishment, of studentships at the Theological College at Bishopscourt, and the appointment of deacons at the several churches in Dunedin for three years' terms.

From the Churchman we learn that "The Hon. Robert Campbell, of Otekaike, reports to the Bishop that he has been very successful in securing promises of subscriptions towards the stipend of a cbrgymanfor the Waitaki Valley. We trust.we may be forgiven for publishing, as a hint to others,: the following sentence from Mr Campbell's letter :—' I am pre-: pared to give £500 towards the building of a church at Duntroori, and also to givo the necessary land and building stone.' The same gentleman has pledged himself to £100 per annum towards the stipend above alluded to."

A very neat little church is about to be erected for the Presbyterian congregation at Waiareka, near Oamaru. The district is an agricultural one, and the population is not large, so that the accommodation provided, although apparently small—lßo seats—is ample for the present. The building is to" be constructed entirely of the stone for which the district is famous, and the style adopted is that known as the Old English. It will be 40ft. long by 25ft. wide, and 30ft. high. The porch at one angle of the building is to be surmounted by a spire 60ffc. high, covered with slate from the Otepopo quarries, which are some seven or eight miles distant from the site of the church, which is on the Elderslie. .Estate, and has been generously given by Mr John Beid, Mill. A. Lawson is the architect.

At a meeting of Catholics held at Lawrence lately, resolutions were passed condemning the Education Bill. It was also resolved:—"That this meeting demand from their representatives—Messrs Bastings and Brown—their most strenuous opposition to 'the/Education Bill proposed this session, and as the Catholic schools are in every respect as efficient as. thosejoL .the._G.overnra3nfij -they "demand the right to be at least placed on the same footing as their neighbours. Furthermore, that in order to show equal justice to all, the Government should be persuaded to grant payment by results, and so secure a wholesome spirit of rivalry between the different teachers and pupils; that such a provision would do more towards aducation, and would be less expensive than any other system." It was carried with hearty acclamation—; " That this meeting pass a vpte of thanks to those.of other denominations who differ from us but sympathise with our cause." ' . , . '

A general meeting of the newly-formed Churchmen's Club in connection with the Church of England was held iri their rooms at the Athenaeum on the 13 th inst. The Right Rev. Bishop Nevill presided, and about 15 members were present. The following office-bearers were elected:-— President, Bishop Nevill ; Vice-Presi-dents, Rev. R. L. Stanford, Mr J. L. Butterworth, and Mr H. F. Hardy ; Treasurer, Mr J. Holmes ; Secretary, Mr S. S. Curtis; Committee, Rev. T. L. Stanley, Messrs J. Blyth, L. O. Beal, jun., A. Naish, and J. Davi3. Aboufc G5 members have been enrolled. The Committee was authorised to properly furnish the rooms and to prepare rules. Members of the Albany street Baptist Chapel and their friends, to the number of 350, assembled at the Albany streefc Oddfellows' Hall on the 12th inst. to bid farewell to Mr Thomas Dick, who, with his wife and daughter, was about to leave for Fthe home country. " A tea provided by the ladies of the congregation having been discussed, Mr Murdoch took the chair, being supported by Mr Dick and several other gentlemen. Addresse3 were delivered by Mr D. Wright on " Church work," Mr Inne3 on " Individual effort," the Rev. Mr Ward an address to young Christians, and Mr J. G. : Fraser on " Christian unity." Deep regret was expressed 'that circumstances should have arisen necessitating Mr Dick's departure from amongst them, but the desire was generally. expressed ' that his mission would be successful, and that he would speedily return to Dunedin. Mr Dick, in reply, said he did not know before that he had so many kind and loving friends. He was going away for a time, and was thankful that he carried with him their good wishes and prayers.. He hoped soon to come back again, for Dunedin was his home, he having lived there for the past 20 years." An excellent choir

sang very pleasingly, and with good effect, several hymns during the evening. Mr and Mrs Dick joined the San Francisco mail steamer at Auckland.

There was a large attendance at the annual meeting of the Hebrew congregation, which was held on Sunday morning the 2nd inst., in Synagogue Chambers, Mr M. Joel occupying the chair. The Treasurer (Mr Geo. Harris) submitted his report, which showed the congregation to be in a healthy financial position, notwithstanding that there has been a loss of fourteen mombers during the year, an extraordinary expenditure of close upon £200, and a falling off in seat rents and offerings ol about £115. Several alterations of bye-laws were agreed to, and a discussion ensued upon the proposition that steps should be taken to form a " Beth Din" for New Zealand. The Rev. Mr Lichtenstein, who was present, dwelt forcibly upon the necessity of a ence of ministers, to roport upon the education bf the children and to consider matters relating to Judaism. Ultimately the matter wa3 referred to the Committee for consideration. The election of officebearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr M. Joel (re-elected without opposition) ; Treasurer, Mr Geo. Harris (also re-elected without opposition); Committee : Messrs N. D. Herman, Newman, H. Nashelski, S. Isaacs, A. Solomon, S. Jacobs, G. Jacobs, and E. Nathan.

MISCELLANEOUS,

The City Council recently resolved to endeavour to keep the Fever Hospital on the Town Belt Reserve for a longer period than that agreed to by the gentlemen who took action in the Supreme Court for the removal of the Hospital. Tlie Sanitary Committee was instructed to negotiate with the General Hospital Committee to take the Fever Hospital over as soon as possible.

The Rattray street sewer i 3 to be extended along the line of High street to the Harbour at an estimated cost of £5200.

Mr C. S. Reeves recently received a complimentary vote of thanks for the satisfactory manner in which ho had represented the Council at a. General Conference in Wellington. The examination of pupil teachers and candidates for pupil teachers was commenced in the chief centres in the Provincial district of Otago on the llth insfc. In Dunedin the examinations were conducted by Mr Petrie at the Normal School, and extended over three days. Eighty pupils, of whom 52 were females^ presented themselves for examination.

A meeting of the Otago Institute was held on the llth insfc. —Bishop .Nevill in the chair. Mr R. Gillies read an interesting paper entitled "Old Identity Tales aboufc (•'ome Old Identities."

The Town Hall Committee recently recommended tbe Council to have the nrize design for the new Town Hall modified, so that the required office accommodation may be provided for the sum (£7000). voted by the Couricil. The report, which provides for the appointment of Mr R. A. Lawson as supervising architect, was adopted. ■ : •■ ''

Messrs Kempthorne," Prosser, and Co. forwarded a letter of thanks, enclosing a cheque for fifteen guineas, to the" Dunedin Fire Brigade, as an acknowledgment of the .prompt action of the Brigade in extinguishing the fire which broke out on that firm's premises a few nights ago. We understand that Messrs S. G. Smith and Co..- of the City Company, have again tho honour of supplying their customers with the first lamb of the season. The lambs were bred by Mr Robert Law, of East Taieri, and weigh about 361b each.

On Tuesday, the 28th ult., prior to his departure for Christchurch, Mr W. D. Meares was presented by the officers of the Victoria Insurance Company with an elegant easel album, bound in silver, and containing-the portraits of the gentlemen associated with that office. Mr Brindley, in a short speech, requested MrMeares's acceptance of the gift, as a token of the friendly feelings which had existed in the office under his management, and wished him success and happiness in his new sphere. The Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute Library, which was cloned in consequence of the additions made to the building, has been re-opened. The library-room ha 3 now a commodious and airy appearance, arid contains 11,000 volumes, all of which have been classified and re-ticketed.

At a recent meeting of the "Director's df the Ayrshire Association, held in the Douglas Hotel, the President (Mr W. Caldwell), ori behalf ofythe Director's of the Association, presented the Hon. Secretary (Mr Maclean) with a handsome timepiece as a mark of their esteem and appreciatioir.of his services as Hon. Secretary of the Association since it was instituted. He complimented Mr Maclean on the manner in which he had attended to his duties, and on the high opinion which the office-bearers and the members of fche Association ..entertained of. him. Mr Maclean made a suitable reply. Sub-Lieut. Jacobs, the Acting-Adjutant for August, in his report; to Major.Stavoly regrets the meagreness of the attendance afc the parades of the North Dunedin, South - District, and Dunedin Artillery Corps. He repeats' the suggestion •-■/soJ of ten made, : thje^X!aclota--ofeotr!a"'re-cei.ve.Tiew. arms. """ To the' Normal School Cadets he "must award the palm, as being composed of the best drilled Cadets in Dunedin "

We recently published Mr W. N. Blair's report on-the", best-means to prevent the flooding of the Taieri Plain. Mr Blair is in favour of forming regulating reservoirs on -the-upper plains, slightly raising the banks of the Taieri River, and straightening and enlarging the river in its course from Outram to Greytown. He estimates that the Taieri Plain may be saved from floods by an expenditure of £30.000. The only legislative action required' this session of Parliament seems to be that the Taieri Board of Conservators may obtain power to acquire or -occupy so much of the Crown lands as are required for the proposed works

At a Chamber of Commerce meeting a communication was received from the Auckland Chamber respecting bankruptcy and fraudulent debtors. They were of opinion that to arrest-fraudulent debtors by wire was a dangerous power to place in the hands of creditors, unless qualified by compelling the detaining creditors to give such bonds as the Judgo may deem advisable. They also thought that under the present Act the powers given to creditors under sectiori 29, Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, are very limited and not sufficient for the purposes of justice. Although a debtor may be known to be insolvent, the creditors have no power to petition the Court, thathe may be adjudicated a bankrupt unless he has been served with a writ, and has allowed exe-. cution to be levied on his property. Accompanying the letter was a lon'o- one froni Messrs Hesketh and Richmond, solicitors, Auckland.

A complimentary ball was given by tha No.l City Guards to Major. Wales and Lieutenant Douglas on their retirement from the corps at the Headquarters Drill Shed on the 7th inst. About 50 couples were present, and the music was supplied by Messrs Anderson, Sykes, Lamb, and Stratton. Shortly after midnight Captain G. Wilson presented two handsomely illuminated and framed addresses to Major Wales and Lieutenant Douglas, who had been associated with the Guards for the last 15 years, and contributed to the Company's success in drill and shooting. Both recipients regretted their severance from the Guards, though Major Wales pointed out that he Tonld now have charge of four companies instead of, one. Referring to the present crisis in' Europe, Major Wales expressed the hope that Great Britain would retain her neutrality. However, he was confident

that if_ our Volunteers were called upon for active service they would readily respond, and No. 1 would not be in tho background. He would preserve the testimonial wifch great care, and hand it down to those who came after him as a pleasing memento of his connection with the City Guards. Both testimonials were signed by Captain Wilson and Lieutenants J. Macgregor and S. Kohn on behalf of the Guards.

The vital statistics for the month ending 31s fc August are as follow:—Births, 126 ; marriages, 36; deaths, 49. '•'•:.•.' We understand that Gufchrie and Larnach's Woodware Factory Company was registered on the 31st ult.

The Deborah Bay Tunnel may be said to be completed, a3 the last brick in the lining was put in at about 2 o'clock on the 31st ult. This enables tho contractors to win the bonus (£2000) which the Government promised them if the tunnel was secured before lst September. The contractors have well earned it ; the work was prosecuted energetically and zealously, ancl the piercing and securing of the tunnel were carried out under trying and exceptional difficulties. '

A public elementary tonic sol fa singing class for ladies and gentlemen is now hold in the hall of the Congregational Church, Moray Place, every Tuesday evenings. The teacher is Mr G. P. Austing.

We have received from the Acting Government Printer, Sydney, the report of the Commissioner of hailways (Mr John Rae, A.M.) on the construction and working of the railways of New South Wales during 1876/

The tender of Messrs Proudfoot and M'Kay, in the sum of £37,000, has been accepted for the construction of the Clinton section of the Clutha" and Invercargill railway.

At a special meeting of the St. Kilda Council, Mr James James was appointed clerk.

Another action at law has resulted from the sale- of the Crown Hotel, in Rattray street. At the District Court, William Barnett, auctioneer, claimed £175 as commission on the sale of the hotel, the late proprietor (James Campbell) beim* the defendant. The liotel was purchased by Mr Patrick Keligher for £6300. The Jury awarded the plaintiff the full amount claimed, and Mr Denniston gave notice of appeal.

The City Council decided to offer Mr Sperrey the sum of £750 in full of all demands which he may have on the Corporation in consequence of the injuries which he sustained a few months ago through falling oyer a cutting, forthe protection, of'which the Corporationwas responsible.. We understand that the matter has been actually settled by both parties agreeing to the amount above stated, and that the Mayor has been instructed to hand Mr. Sperrey a cheque for that sum.

The opening of the new Working Men' 3 Club building seems to have stimulated a great many tb enroll themselves as members, and it is gratifying to know the -interest amongst those outside who take an active part in promoting the welfare of such praiseworthy institutions. The Committee have had the gratification of acknowledging the receipt of a letter from Mr W. C. Roberts, enclosing a guinea for honorary membership, and a donation of five guineas towards the formation of their new library. Between August 17th and September 14th there were 35 nominations, equal to 33 statute adults, made through the Dunedin Immigration Office for free passages to the Colony.

There was a largely attended meeting of the various Friendly Societies on Wednesday night, at the European Hotel, to further consider the establishment of. a medical dispensary. .After debate it was resolved to print statistical information of the^ working of Friendly Societies' dispensaries in the other Colonies^

In regard to the recent unemployed agitation, the following few facts will no doubt : prove interesting :—242 applications were made at the Public Works Office for employment, but of this number- 9rily 172 applied, for railway tickets. 133 presented themselves at the works at Balclutha, and were taken on by the inspector. There, were. 104 at work at the close of last month, but after these were paid only 52, of whom some were new chums, resumeldwork. We are informed that those who kept steadily at their work averaged not less than 6s a day. Steps are being taken for the purpose of having letter-boxes placed in the ■guards' vaus of the Clutha trains, a3 has been done on the Port Chalmers line.

The Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade, I before turning out to their monthly practice on the 12th instant, presented Mr" James M'Kewen with a. handsome and substantial silver-mounted, driving whip, with an inscription engraved — "Presented to James M'Kewen, junr., by the D. V. F. 8., for smart attendance with horses upon the alarm of fire. Septeriiber 12th, 1877." Captain Sinclair eulogised; the recipient for his activity and aid in being 19 times first or second out of 48' alarms of fire during the last two years.: Young M'Kewen, in thanking the Bri--'gade, said he. wouldin future, whilst foi-' lowing his occupation, endeavour always to be first with^hjs_horse3_^aLUio-'Ecgmc-ißFoUße'wlien v an alarm,was given. ■ / We have beon informed by one of the directors that that the Standard Insurance; Company have decided to issue their unallotted shures (50,000). Considerable surprise was expressed by the City Council oh finding that the Princes street reserve question had been re-opened. Mr Macandrew, M.H.R., telegraphed that, upon Taiaroa's petition, the Native Affairs Committee had decided; to re-open the question. The Mayor and the Town Clerk were instructed.to endea-; your to get Mr Haggitt to represent the: Council before the Native Affairs Committee. ■■■'■'■'

The question of encouraging malepupil teachera in preference to females was discussed by the Dunedin School Committee. Of 20 pupil teachers in the District Schools only two are males, and yet Mr Fish expressed an opinion to the effect that one male teacher was equal, as regards teaching powers, to two females. On tho motion of Mr Robin, the Committee resolved that special efforts should be made to encourage male pupil teachers, and, on Mr Ramsay's suggestion, that the Education Board should be requested to favourably consider tho insufficiency of their present remuneration.

' The regular meeting of tho St. Paul's Young Men's Association was held in the schoolhouse on the 14th inst, when Mr A. Neish read a paper on "Talent." The Rev. T. L. Stanley presided. The vexatious, and apparently unnecessary, delay in opening the new Middle District School recently evoked some complaints from members of the Dunedin School Committee. Of course the principal part of the blame was attached to the Education Board. However, the school will be ready for occupation on the 24th inst., and it will probably be opened on the Ist Octobert next.

The first funeral attended with military honours which has taken place in Tokomairiro took place on the 7th inst., when the remains of Staff-Sergeant Thomson, of' the 2nd Battalion Otago Volunteers, were accompanied to their last resting place in the Church of England Cemetery by the Bruce Rifles and the Milton Brass Band. Staff-Sergeants Stevens, Paxton,' and Harrison, from Dunedin, also took part in the procession. The Railway Brass? Band made its first appearance before a Dunedin audience on the 7th inst., and although scarcely three months in existence, the members can be complimented upon the progress they have made in so short a time. In addition to an overture to e;ich part of the programme, two quartettes were played, and very creditably too. The vocal portion of the entertainment was not very

satisfactory, owing principally to the absentee of two gentlemen who promised their services, but failed to put in an appearance. The quartette "Banish, O Maiden," and a trio " The Wreath," were by far the best efforts in this direction, although a comic song in character "The Railway Porter," mef with much approbation. Mi- Crowhurst ably presided at the piano. At the conclusion of the concert, the room wa3 cleared, and dancing kept up until a late hour. '

The proceedings of the Dunedin Eesident Magistrate's Court recently were enlivened by a small passage at arms between Mr Denniston and the plaintiff in the case of Scanian v. Thomas. In reply to Mr Denniston's first question, Mr Scanian replied in a very indistinct tone, and the learned counsel thereupon requested him to speak as courteously as he had been doing to his own counsel, Mr Mouat. " Mr Scanian then said' to Mr Denniston:—"You are in the habit of speakir-g in such a bounceable way !" Mr Denniston. angrily : replied that he had asked a simple question in a perfectly courteous manner, and the witness had answered as if he were talking to his letter-book. Hero Mr Mouat interposed, and said it was Mr Denniston's usual practice in cross- examination to get a witness into a bad temper. Order was soon restored. However, a witness in another case shortly afterwards startled the Courfc by characterising Mr Denniston's personal appearance, and exclaiming, " You will frighten me if you get on the table !" The demeanour of this witness was altered by an appeal to the Courfc.

Messrs Isaac Green, P. C. Neill, H. Campbell, and J. ff. Lambert, who were appointed a Committee at the meeting held inthe North-East Valley Schoolhouse to wait on Mr Proudfoot and ascertain from him on what term's he would construct a tramway in tho district, recently met that gentleman. The conditions are that the tramway shall be constructed up the centre of the^present road from the Water of Leith Bridge to Brown's Hotel, North-East Valley. The cars, of which 12 are to run each way per day, are to be moved by steam or horse-power at the option of the promoter. The passenger fare will be sixpence each way, goods ls 9d per ton. The tramwsy is to be properly equipped with the latest and most improved tram cars, and is to be finished within 21 months." . The term of concession required will be: 14 years, with the option o- renewal at the end of that term. The result of the deputation will be communicated to the Waikouaiti County Council.

The sth insfc. was the day appointed for receiviug applications at the various Land Offices in the Province for deferred payment sections in the Otama and - Chatton districts. The Dunedin office was crowded during the day, and no less than 310 applications were received, and the deposits aggregated £426010s 6d. The applicants appeared to be of an industrious class of men, and such as are likely to make good settlers. It is estimated that in all probability about 12,000 applications have been made for these sections, which comprise an area of 20,000 acres.

_.. At a meeting of the Otago Art Society, it was resolved to hold the Society's next annual exhibition during the New holidays. It was also agreed to offer a medal of the value of £5 5s for the best painting from nature, in either oil or water colours, executed by any student attending the School of Art.

The volunteers at Outram celebrated their anniversary by a ball, in the local Drill Shed, which was profusely decorated with ever-greens. About 30 couples were present.

The weekly meeting of the Caversham Mutual Improvement Society was held in the Schoolhouse on the 14th inst. The attendance was rather limited, owing to the stormy weather.: Mr Rutherford occupied the chair, and commenced the business of the evening—"Sharp Practice." Considering: that it was a first attempt, the performance of the' various members was very creditable.

The third annual general: meeting of the Waikouaiti and Blueskin Entire Horse Company wa3 held in the Royal Hotel, Waikouaiti, on the 7th inst., when the balance-sheet, and Directors' report were laid before the shareholders. The balance-sheet (showing a.credit balance of £265 6s sd) and the. Directors' report were unanimously adopted. Complimentary remarks were made upon the.rextremely. satisfactory position of the Company,due to the Directors'... careful management, and for the third time the same office-bearers were unanimously reelected.

A meeting of the Tokomairiro Farmers' Club was held on Tuesday evening, when the date for holding the annual Show was altered to th 9 Bfch November.

Mr Samson (Mayor of Green Island) and Mr Andrew Dunlop (Mayor of Avenel) have been appointed Justices of the Peace, under" the.Otago. Municipal Corporations Empowering Act, 18C5; / The Governor, under date 29th August, 1877j has been pleased to make the following appointments :—ln the East Taieri Rifle Volunteers,.. Robert Donnelly, to be Lieutenant — date bf commission, 21st February, 1577- -lv. the City Guards Cadets, John Wilsdn, to be Captain—. -«ato-o£-cQminissio_n, ;29fch August, JS7£>. If an appointment;. made" "ori the 29th August, 1876, cannot be Gazetted sooner than the 29th August, 1877—exactly a twelvemouth—it would, ueem that the Hon. Dr Pollen's department wants a little life infused into it.

Under date August 28th, the Governor has appointed Mr Joseph Giles "to be Under-Secretary for Crown Lands, Goldfields, and Immigration. The appointment takes effect on and from the 15th February, 1877. ""' '

Captain M'Kinnon, who is afc present engaged with a staff of men in removing the snags from the Clutha River, is making rapid progress with the work, a large number of snags having already been got out. It is expected that in the course of a few weeks he ; will have a good channel cleared for the navigation of the river by a steamer. We hear that there is every probability, of a suitable steamer being placed on the river in time for this season's Wool.

; The tender of Mr Peter" Day, of Mosgiel, for the erection of the Waikouaiti Railway Bridge, has been accepted. The amount is £4298 ss.

Deputy-Registrars' of Births, Deaths, and Marriages have" been gazetted—Mr Rowland Francis Lacon afc Alexandra, and Mr John Le Marchant Carey -at Oamaru.

A fine hair seal was caught some days back while disporting himself in the Harbour, off the Port Ohalmers Railway Pier. Observing the quarry, C. Jacobson, the master of the lighter Charlotte, and his mate, started in pursuit in the dingy, and after an exciting chase, during which the seal several times turned on his pursuers open-mouthed, they succeeded in harpooning him off Rocky Point. For nearly half-an-hour the seal towed the boat about the Harbour, and then becoming exhausted, was hauled on board. The seal was- full- grown and aged, and measured about 9ft. in length.

A meeting of the Port Chalmers shareholders of the Commercial Building Society was held at the Provincial.Hotel, at the Port, on the 2Sth ultimo, when Messrs lilliot and Watson,: two of the Dunedin Directors, submitted the annual .report and balance sheet. They both addressed the meeting, and explained tho business of the past twelve months, which was ori all hands declared to be highly satisfactory. Messrs J. Drysdale and Kettle were then re-elected local directors. Cordial votes of thanks were accorded the Dunedin and Port Directors, the Secretary, and the local Director, Mr W. Elder, and the meeting terminated with a/vote of thanks to Mr John Mill, the Chairman.

A concert in aid of the funds of the

Guiding Star lodge, 1.0. G.T., wag recently held in the Drill Shed, Water of Leith. Bro. Cameron, G.W.S., presided, and there was a numerous audience. Songs and glees were given by Messrs Greig, T. Hare, Carroll, Rogers, Seymour, Warren, and Mis 3 Essie Lack. Miss Lack' presided at the piano, and a very pleasant evening was spent. At the Temperance Hall a complimentary benefit was given to Mr Joseph Scott (who has been long connected with the mechanist's department of the .Queen's Theatre) to enable him to proceed to a warmer climate for the benefit of his health, he being unable to work at his profession through asthma. 'The Manufacturers' Ball was held in the Temperance Hall on the 31st ult., and passed off very successfully. About 60 couples were present. The second annual ball under the auspices of tlie Foundry Apprentices of Dunedin was held in the Temperance Hall on the 13th iinst. The hall was tastefully decorated, and about7o couples were present. Some excellent music was discoursed by Mr Leech's band. A '

Over 1000 rabbits a day are now being killed at Wantwood, Mataura, alone (the estate of Mr P. K. M'Caughan), ,of which number about 1000 a week are being forwarded to Dunedin for sale. ° The weather is now becoming too hot to enable the trade to be continued to advantage, and, in consequence, the last supplies of the season will be sent this week.

A special meeting of the Duriedin Chamber of Commerce was recently held, forthe purpose of considering the telegram received:from Mr Pyke, .in which it was stated that the Hon. Mr M'Lean was using his utmost endeavours to prevent the adoption by the House of the Strathtaieri line. After discussion, it was resolved that the Otago members,.including those who are members- of..tho Government, be asked to use their utmost efforts to secure the construction of the line above referred to.

The monthly meeting of the Eclectic Association was held in the Hall of the Working Men's Club on the 20fch inst. Mr Benson was in the chair. The chief business of the evening was the reading of a paper entitled "Modern Civilisation" by MrLitolf.

The Finance Committee of the Harbour Board recently recommended that Mr Simpson's salary be reduced to £600, but that he be allowed private; practice. Mr Simpson hus expressed his concurrence in the recommendation, arid it was adopted by the: Board. -gP-Appp i! ''y

Excellent progress is being made in constructing the Princes street sewer by Mr H. Speai-3, the contractor under the Corporation. The depth of the sewer from the Octagon to the Criterion Hotel is 20ft. '', so that the vexatious Athenaeum xlrain may.flow into the main sewer; which is connected with the > St. Andrew street sewer. Near the Criterion Hotel, the sewer is about 10ft. deep, and-it will be continued to the Rattray street sewer. At a meeting of the Grand Lcd^e 1.Q.0.F., held on the 20th inst., the following officers were appointed :—-Bro James M'Gaw, G.M.; Bro. R.T. Wheeler D.G.M.; Bro. John Boyd, G.W.; Bro! Alexander, G. Treas ; Bro. T. P. Wilson, G. Sec. A subject fraught with great iiriportaricey to the Order, and, indeed, to friendly societies at large, was discussed. It related to thenewrateof contribution which at present is not upon a very satisfactory footing. The Standing Committee have .recommended a sliding scale of charges instead of a uniform rate, which has hitherto prevailed, and it will be for the Grand Lodge to determine what change, if any, shall be made.

At a recent meeting of the Harbour Board, a recommendation was made that a new engine Bhould be obtained from Home, at the cost of £800.' Mr John Mill expressed .himself strongly in favour pf it being made in Dunedin instead, arid, after a short discussion, onthe motiou of Mr.Walter, the Board decided to give local manufacturers.the first chance, so, in the event of their.being able to undertake the work, the engine will be procured here. ' '■ '." '-

It i^ expected that the line from Waipahi to Clinton, a distance of 10-miles, will be ready for opening about the beginning of November, by. which time it is also expected that the Clutha Bridge will be finished, and the" trains running into Balclutha township. The line will then be completed from Dunedin to Tnvercargill, ;with the exception of the Balclutha and Clinton section, which is 22 miles in length.

The establishment of culinary classes in the South Australian Hall was recently hailed with considerable satisfaction. While about 70 ladies have attended the afternooireburse^ Miss Fidler informs us that she has been greatly disappointed in the attendance at the evening classes, which were expected to have attracted a large number of. those known as-".the working classes.". The present seaioh will close on Saturday, the; 29th inst. That/the art of good cookirig cannot be over-estimated is readily;;admitted,: and therefore we; regret that. Miss Fidler's.instruction and experience have not been more liberally patronised." We understand that Miss Fidler will re-open these classes, in. Dunedin next winter, though she may proceed to Christchurch. and Wellington.. ~ / ./.'/"/.. ."

From the Hon. Secretary in Dunedin of the Edinburgh . Art Union we learn that the following persons in New Zealand have drawn, at the annual-meeting of the Association in July, the prizes after their names :—J. B. Craig, Christchurch, statuette in Parian ; M. J. S. Mackenzie; Naseby, "On Guard," painting; D. Kingland, • Invercargill, "Port Errol," painting; rW. Harding, Napier, statuette ;■■ N.; Johnson, Invercargill, "Lingering Hope," painting; J. Mill, PortChalmers, statuette.

It is intended to hold a conversazione on October 12th,.for the purpose of,celebrating in a formal manner the re-open^ ing of the Dunedin Athenssum arid Mechanics' Institute.' '/We understand that the affair is likely to prove very successful. /

The annual meeting of the Dunedin Golf Club 'was'held- at Wain's Hotel on the 2lst inst. Mr D. Baxter, Captain of the Club, was in the chair. The Secretary, Mr J. B. Park, read the balance sheet, which showed the Club was in a very satisfactory condition: The election of officers was then proceeded with and resulted as- "follows :—Captain; Mr W. D. Murison; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Peattie. General Committee; Messrs D. Baxter, Geo, Todd, sen., and P. Adair; Handicappers, Messrs W. D Murison, Geo. Todd,.sen., and D. Baxter. The Bruntsfield riieda'l will be competed for onthe1 first Saturday in October, and the competition for the Club's medal will be on St. Andrew's Day. "The half-yearly, meeting of the Working Men's Club was held the Club Room on the 21st inst., the President (Mr M'ln-. tosh) being in the chair. The Secretary read, the balance sheet, which showed the receipts for the half-year ended September ilth to be £1194 12s 2d; balance from last audit, £121 I4s ; total, £1316 8s 2d. Expenditure, £1212 12s, leaving a credit balance of £103 16s 2d. The assets ariiounted to ££716 14s 7d, and the liabilities £6 5s 3d. • The balloting for Treasurer and five members of Committee was then proceeded with. The President was re-elected without opposition, a requisition having; been presented to him asking him to stand, and assuring him that he would not be opposed. The public.of Dunedin—or that portion of the public that have been in" the liabit of. using the conveyances placed at their disposal, have had good cause to complain of the inefficiency of those vehicles. Colds, rheumatism, ophthalmia; and various other complaints have been ascribed to riding in the streefc waggonettes. To put an end to these

complaints Mr William Mason, cab proprietor, conceived a plan for a cab which, in conjunction with Messrs Sinclair and Morton, cbachbuildefs, was put into execution, and yesterday we viewed the vehicle. The body is somewhat similar to the present waggonettes, but in place of the dirty-looking leather hood and uncomfortable curtains between which the wind rushed iri upon the passengers, there is a handsome glass : pannelled top, coming sufficiently forward to protect the driver and those on the outside seat. A partition of glass in the centre separates the driver from the inside passengers, for whose convenience, there rP are roomy cushioned seats and, sliding glass windows, which will be found very useful on a hot summer's day, . The : body of the vehicle is painted blue and purple lake, picked out with red and chrome ; the urider-carriage boing chrome, picked out with blue andfirie-linedwith jed: The general appearance'is very fine ; and when the cab commences running—we believe in a day or two—it will be quite an ornament to the streets.

A Milton tradesman (ilr M'Donald) intends to exhibit at' the forthcoming Tokomairiro Farmers' Club annual Show^ among other articles of his own manufacture,i a sewing-machine ■-. and a steam engine. - y y- •-..■-...;

A. capital entertainment was recently given at the Foresters', Hall, Port *Chakmers, in aid of the funds of the Railway Brass Band. From this it may be inferred that the band itself was one of ihe chief attractions, which, indeed, was the case, whilst, the judicious blending; of vocal arid instrumental music rendered the entertainment doubly attractive. A. very good programme of the preliminary concert had been prepared, and waslaithfully and skilfully executed. It opened with lhe stirring Railway' March, by'the full,band, and included songs by ladies^"**,and gentlemen, of whom Mr De Mails wr" contributed, two humorous effusions, and Messrs Rogers and Sinclair good solos.; The. "Bonnie.flills of Scotland," with variations, set to a: quintette of first and second cornet j tenor horn, baritone, and euphonium, was really well executed by Messrs Atkinson, the two Grahams, RobinsonV afid Bailey, arid received/a^it' deserved, vociferous applause. A decided feature _of ihe evening's entertainment was a nigger stump oration, delivered ty Mr May. The concert over, ths hall was cleared _ for aancirig, with the Railway! Band discoursing = first-class music.—-Ter-psichore's vetaries, of whom there were not a few, offered-sincereyhomage at he^ shrine, until the night was well nigh spent.' --. 'T*g [ ', .■•::.TTg.w '-' The Naval Brigade recently gave* a promenade concert and ball at the Texiiperance Hall. The various songs were very well rendered, arid a.double sailor's. hornpipe was^:'given' in first-class*: style by Messrs Anderson and Swan. The Brigade may well be congratulated.on the success of both the concert andVbalL About JOO couples .were present, . arid .dancing" was kept rip till an early hour inithe morning. ' An excellent concert,, inj aid of^the Greytown School Fund, was held in L the Greytown Athenaeum Hall on the 21st inst. Mr James Allans Chairman ofthe School Committee, occupied the chair, and. there was a crowded audience,i about 150 ; persons" btiing present. ' Several members; Pqig the/Duriedin' Glee;f^CUib kindly, gave their services. ,Mis 3; Browne presided at the pianoforte.. Of the various glees, "The Dream" was perhaps "the best rendered. The ladies who ehhk* "The Fairy Tempter,'! "Who's that tap^ pirig at the Garden Gate," and "Juanita," were enthusiastically applauded,'but "the trio, " The Laughing"Chorus," evoked the greatest enthusiasm, and was encored. The songs "Man the Lifeboat "and " The Bloom/is op. thefßye "iwerewellfendered by gentlemen ariiateurs. Several members of Mr W. W. Browne's evening * class gave a scerie' from "The Rivals," and that racy .dialogue "The Quarrel," was cleverly recited by a small boy andvgirl. Other scholars also contributed specimens of their elocutionary skill, which were received- with unmistakeable marks|of approval. The Chairman stated/that when Mr Browne opened the Greytown School in May last there wero only IT pupils.. The number now on the rollvis 78, and the average attendance during the past mouth 3tvas 64. ' The 'Odmmittjee urged the. parents to increase the "average attendance to; 70 by sending their children regularly, so that \ thes /district may have the .advantage of ;."■' having the declared a main school. Repairs to ithe schoolroom had cost £50, andtherewas;a debt of; about £25,; which would/be materially, reduced by the proceeds Of the concert. The- National; Anthem having been ..sung' as ' a -solo,'- quartette,y„and chorus, the hall was cleared "for dEncing^ which was, spiritedly kept up i till daylight: did appear." * v!" -

An Organ recital was given at St. /Paul's Church ori the'2oth inst; wheh'Mr A*. J. Towsey'performed a number ofselections from- Haydn, Beethoven, MendelssoM^ and other great /masters;" The sang several selectioriscreditably. TheißeV. B. -;;L;* ' Stanford • conducted:- the; service.The offertory,1 in aid of the Chour'Fund, amounted to £7 163 4d. .

A social" gathering of the Hoslyn parishioners, of the Church of England Jwas recently held in the-RoslyriHall, t which was tastefully decorated. : The principal object of-the raeetiug -was,to welcomeithe Rev." -Mr Wilksj who was recehtly'brdained in St. Paul's Church.: The^-Right Bey. Bishop Nevill presidedj arid abont 150 persons were present.// .y.; yr.Y

A concert took place; at Milton on Tuesday, evening, in aid of St. John's' Church, Milton. The concert was financially » success—the sum of £30 being realised/