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Otago Daily Times, Issue 4980, 2 February 1878, Page 2

We are requested to remind owners of racehorses that the nominations for the Hurdle, Novel Forburv Steeplechase, and Flying Handicaps, to be run at the ensuing Duuedin Bicea, must be made with the Secretary before 8 o'clock thia evening. The Dunedin Academy will be opened at St. Paul's bchoolroom on Monday, under the direction and control of Mr Nor/ie, late Rector of the High School whose efforts to establish a first-class private Echool will no doubt receive substantial recjgaition The members of the Field Club are requested to meet at the noi ih end of George street, to-day at » 30

We have received Mr J. B. Bradshaw's " Sharebrokers Reporc and Investors' Guide " /or the month of February. Io is carefully compiled, and contains the usual amount of reliable and useful information.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was repeated at the Queen's Theatre last night for the third time. W would again ca 1! the attention of theatregoers to the fact that Mr Lytton Sothern will make his firsi appearance in New Zealand at the Queen's Theatre on Monday night, when he will sustain the character of Lord Dundreary in "Our American Cousii." Under the heading " A Highly-honoured Actor," a Sydney paper gives a long account of a complimentary benefit tendered to Mr Sothern at the Sydney Guildhall, by a number of amateurs. His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, Lady Robinson, and a number of distinguished visitors were present, aud the affair was a great sucecrs.

A Mend who is establishing himself as a »heepbreeder in Western Australia (writes "iE^les" in the Australasian) says tbat the young ladies of that Colony are quite unso. phisticated, that is, some of them. One asked the chief officer of the vessel on her way to Champion Bay what were the stars he had been engaged observing with a glass the previous night. He replied with promptitude "Three Stars." And that young lady was urgent with some one else the following night on deck to point out to her this unfamiliar astronomical luminary.

A lady correspondent writing to Miss Anthony's 'Woman's Eights Paper, published in America, makes a suggestion, of which the following is a slightly expurgated transcript :—«• The great want of woman at present is money—money for their personal wants and money to carry out their plans. I propose they shall earn it ; that thej shall consider it as honourable to work for money as for bread. I insist that the bearing and rearing of children—the most exacting em. ployment, and involving the most serious risks—shall be the best paid work in the world. The meaning of all this is, the wive ß are about to strike for greenbacks. So much for every baby born ; no greenbacks no more population—no more boys .to carry on the great enterprise of the age. The scale of prices for maternal duties to be as follows :— Girl-baby, lOOdols.; boy, 200 dols.; twins, 300dols. j twins, both boys, 4Codols. Terms C.O.D. No credit beyond the first child! Husbands who desire to transmit their names to posterity wi.l' please take notice, and take a new departure."

A case has been submitted for the opinion of counsel (says the Melbourne Arguo) with regard to the legality of the dismissal of the udges of the County Courts, of the police magistrates, and of the coroners. The members of the bar consulted were Mr Serjeant Sleigh, Mr G. Worthington, and Mr H. J. Wrixon. After an elaborate argument, Ser. jeant Sleigh concludes—" It now only remains for me to express my opinion, which I do after the most careful consideration, that the Governor had no lawful power whatever

to interfere with and suspend the administra. tion of justice as he has done by his orders in Council of the 81 h inatant, and that he has thereby assumed and exercised arbitrary power and authority wholly unauthorised by his commission, and in direct violation of law." Mr G. Worthington says—"ln my opinion, therefore, the removal of the abovenamed officers by the Governor-in-Council was illegal." Mr Wrixon says—"ln my opinion the removal of the county court judges, judges of coarts of mines, and insolvency courts, is illegal."

A , aluable consignment of shorthorn bulls was recently shipped from Melbourne, by the s.s. Hero, for New Zealand. The bulls were bred by Mr John Benn, and purchased at the sale held by that gentleman on the 10th ultimo, and are descended from imported stock on both sides of the very best strains of English blood.

A Sydney telegram published in a Victorian newspaper says that the committee appointed in reference to the exploration of New Guinea have not agreed upon a deiiuito plan for submission to public meeting. Some are of opinion that the merchants of Sydney should supplement the efforts of bona fide diggers. Others, again, state that in the case of annexation the pioneers should obtain grants of land from the Government.

The true name of the New Zealand settler who recently presented to his native town of Jedburgh a park of twelve acres for recreative purposes (says the N.Z. Herald) is Mr John Tinline, who has for many years been a successful settler and sheep-farmer in the Province of Marlborougb, and who thu g remembers the dwelling place.of his youth.

The Sydney Evening News says :—" As an instance of the prosperity of some of the Chinese traders in this city, it may be mentioned that several have lately brought down from China their wives and families. In Castlereagh street there is a happy family, and the daughters, two in number, and aged about 16 and 18 years, are a good sample of the Chinese beauty. They are certainly very modest, and of comely appearance, and otherwise indicate good breeding. Their dress does not include the • pull back,' to show the form divine, but is loose and flowing. The hair, which is long and black, and perhaps a little wiry (this aside), ia drawn tightly back from the forehead, tied neatly with ribbon behind, and allowed to fall gracefully over the shoulders. A rose at the side completes the adornment. They ap. pear very shy, even among the white persons of their own sex in the neighbourhood. Their features are very regular, and soft in outline as a painting ; not the least attractive feature are their liquid almond eyes, which have a most kindly expression. In justice to the Chinese, it ought to be stated that those in Castlereagh street who are married to European women have no disreputable homes, no broken-hearted wives, no ragged children. Their homes are clean, with plants and flowers to the very door^ and their children are among the cleanest, the best dressed, and best fed in the neighbourhood."

world. Of course he may deserve the title, but we may be pretty sure that, did the sea not lie between him and the equine cracks of the old and new world, he would have to struggle for it.

being true, we shall doubtless before long hear of First King as the champion of the

Mr "Wilson is prepared to back First King •the winner of the Champion Race, against Springfield, Ten Brocck, or any other horse in the world, over a two or three-mile course, for £5000. The writer of the paragraph ap. pears to be of the opinion that the challenge will not be accepted, and I am inclined to agree with him, for even if an English or American horse owner possessed an animal which was believed by him to be superior to the Australian champion, such owner would hardly care, in the expectation of winning £5000, to subject a horse worth perhaps twice that aim to the serious riskjof a long voyage. In the event of this surmise

A paragraph appears amount the sporting gossip in a recent issue of the Austra lasian says the Melbourne correspondent o the Bendigo Advertiser, to the effect that

The Americans appear to have improved— i£ they think it an improvement—upon the idea that the forfeiture of life is a sufficient punishment, for the blackest crime. In the Sbate of Vermont, Asa Magoon, for wife murder, was sentenced to be hanged in November, 1879, eighteen months of the interim to be passed at hard labour, and six months in solitary confinement. What crime could merit such a punishment a3 this ? The mind almost shrinks from the contemplation of the wretched criminal condemned to await death for two years. Mr Edward S. Baker, special correspondent of ths San Francisco Journal of Commerce, was a passenger by the Zealandia. In reference to his visit, the Journal of Commerce say 3 :—•' Edward S. Baker, our special correspondent, is about to visit the Islands, Australia, and New Zealand in the interests of this journal. He leaves in the Zealandia. He has travelled all over the Pacific Coast, and will report speciaHy on the best methods of extending our commercial relations with Australia, New Zealand, and the Sandwich Islands, at the latter of which he wiU stop for a time on his return. We cordially reccommend him to the attention of all our friends, and any favours extended will be reciprocated." Mr Baker left Auckland by the steamer, but intends to make some stay in New Zealand on his return.

Mrs William Johnson, of Adelaide street, Maryborough (says the Wide Bay News of January sth), has a grievance. She had a hand-maiden, a native of the Emerald Isle, and her name was Bridget. Now she has that hand-maiden no more. Last Sunday evening a man of affectionate disposition ntered the shop of Mrs Johnson, and espied

Bridget, and hia tender emotion was aroused. One stray glance at the bewitching'damsel was enough. Her marvellous beauty had started into strange activity the matrimonial instincts of the visitor. He returned the next morniDg. The paroxysms of love had de6ed sleep during the interval. Might he " keep company " with the young lady ? He might. His delirious ecstacy carried him further. Might he marry her forthwith ? He might. And married that day, after an acquaintance of something under twenty-four hours, they were, and the next morning he carried off his adored mistress by coach to hia farm, near . His explanation to Mrs Johnson for his hasty conduct hardly satisfies that lady. "You see, mum," he apologetically explained, "I once before married a young lady from your service, and she proved a good 'un. But she died. And I only hope that Bridget will [prove to bo as good a sort as she was." And what could Mrs Johnson say, except that it's a free country ? The Geelong Advertiser remarks that a rather singular occurrence took place during divine service of the Chuxoh of England" Birregurra, on a recent Sunday. When the Libany was read the congregation repeated the responses in a very devout manner for a length of time, but when the prayer was offered up for the Governor there was no response—the worshippers were dumb. The clergyman, after waiting for a considerable time, made the rep onses himself. The Taranaki Herald has the following :— "During the recent stormy weather, a flash of lightning struck the telegraph office, at Opunake, nearly setting the place on fire. The telegraphist (Mr Keely) says at about 10 o'clock the lightning struck one of his double angle poles, completely splitting it in two> and then ran into his office, melting every wue there; also the leading in wire, and fused the lightning-guard together. The oSice was set on fire, but the flames were quickly put out. The report, we learn, was like that of a cannon. 'In fact,' writes Mr Keeiy, ' it vas the heaviest flash of lightning 1 have ever seen. I have seen heavy lightning on the overland line, but can safely say tnis was the strongest that I have ever seen.' If Mr Kce'iy had been in his office at the time there is no doubt he would rot have come out a Jive."

The Churchman understands " that the Rev. R. L. Stanford has forwarded to the Bishop his resignation of the cure of All Saints', to take effect] from the 30th of September,"

A new daily penny newspaper, to be called the Westland Advertiser, will be published at Hokitika on the 2nd of March, by Mr W Riley.

The following items of news are from the New Zealand Churchman :—The Bishop has, we understand, purchased the Milton PotteryWorks, with the benevolent intention of giving employment to men who, by the stoppage oE the works, have been placed in a painful position, and also with a view to encouraging Borne of his old parishioners in the Potteric3 to come out and take up the manufacture, if, after full inquiry, it is found practicable.—lt is understood that the Bishop, while at Home, will endeavour to raise a loan of £10,000 to purchase land, which will? eventually become a source of income to the diocese.—The Rev. L. Moor c will shortly leave Port Chalmers, and proposes to reside in Dunedin.

A new act-drop has been painted by Mr Thoma3 Nicholson, scenic artist at the Queen's Theatre. The subject is the " City of Edinburgh from Calton Hill," in the form of a picture on a wall. The painting is excellent, both in colour and perspective, giving to the whole a completeness of finish seldom to be seen in the usu^l run of drop scenes. Viewed from any pat-t of the house the painting exhibits the pleasing taste of its producer, and will form a handsome set-off to the stage. The " drop "will bo shown for the first time on Monday night in "Our American Cousin."

Mr Henry, of this city, who at one time held the position of assistant electrician to Professor Tait, of Edinburgh, has just manu factured three telephones, one of which he submitted to a test last night. Resistance coils were used, and up to a distance of 150 miles the telephone worked successfully. If he can obtain the use of a room from tke Athenseum Committee Henry intends to submit the telephone to a public trial on Monday night.

Yesterday, at'the Port [Chalmers Resident Magistrate's Court, Wi2Ka-n Grant, an inebriate, was fined ss, with the usual alternative in default of payment. Mary Holder was charged with using obscene language to William King on the 24th ult. The complainant stated that on the occasion complained of tbe defendant was "bea3tly drunk," and used epithets unfit for repetition. A witness named Soutb^ate gave similar evidence, and the Mali's'rate remarked he only regretted the Industrial School was so full that he could not send the defendant's children there ; could that have been done he would have sentenced her to a lengthened term o£ imprisonment in order to make her a better woman. He ordered her to pay a fine of 203 and costs, or in default seven days' i-nprisonment. A counter charge brought by Mary Holder against Bridget King was then gone into, and after hearing the evidence, His Worship dismissed it, remarking that he knew Mrs King to be a decent and respectable person.

A correspondent writes :—" I have no doubt many of the old identities in Otago will be glad to hear of John Hayhurst Hop°e, formerly of H. M. Customs, and once known among cricketers Jhere as ' Dunedin's Hope.' By a letter received last mail from his sister in England, I learn that when he left hera about 10 years ago, he took up an eatancia of about a square league in extent inEntre Rios, S.A., and has the most of it still. The climats i 3 delightful and the country good, he likea the life, and with an English companion, would enjoy it thoroughly ; but he has no English neighboursand the Spaniards do not appear to have much idea of honour or honeaty. He has tried wheat growing, but has not succeeded very well, and his main business is with cattle. Most of his land is now fenced in. He will bo very glad to hear from some of his old friends in New Zealand. His address is 'Corroo, Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios, South America.' "

support.

The February number of the New Zealand Churchman, the organ of the Church of Eaglmd in this Diocese, is issued under the management and editorship of Mr Jame d Ashcrof b, the journal having recently changed hands. With the change, it is satisfactory to note that there is a decided improvement in its appearance. Its local columns are specially interesting, and the selection of articles throughout its pages betrays a thorough knowledge of the requirements of its readers. The journal is evidently going to be conducted with vigour and ability, and we trust it will meet with largely extended

The annual meeting of the subscribers to the Tuapeka Goldfieids Hospital w aj he.d iv the Towa Hall on Tuesday ereir -~. The chair was occupied by Mr E. H. Carew, R. M., President. The usual statement and r. port were read and reeeivtd, and after votes of thanks to the resident- surgeon, Dr Stewart; the wardsnun, Mr Corrisou, aud retiring 'Jotnusittee, 31 subscribers were nominated for the new Committee. The result of the ballot was as follows :—Garew, 25 ; Hayes, 20 ; Kin?, 19 : Harrop, 17 ; Williams, 17 ; Williamson, 17 • IV.nton, 1C ; Dr Withers, 15 ; Koughan, 14; Al'Kinlay, 13; F. Nichol, 12; W. D. Morrison, 12. Also the following country members :—Cox aad Buchanan, Waipori, 21 aiid IS; Beightoo and Mackay, Teviot, 20 and 12 ; making up the total number to 19. The infusion of new blood on the Committ-ee will no doubt hi the the means of drawing in much larger subscriptions than were received last year.

Mr W. Elder, of Port Chalmers, has received, by the ship County of Peebles, four pairs of almond tumbler pigeons. The birds are very handsome, and when they recover the effects of their long sea voyage will, no doubt, gain considerably iv appearance. They were brel by one of the first fanciers in England, and come from a very auperior strain.

Intending exhibitors at the Australian Juvenile Industrial Exhibition are requested to send their exhibits to the office of Mr Sydney James, the local secretary, on or before Saturday*, the 9th inst.

A question was raised at the meeting of the newly-elected Dunedin School Committee last evening with reference to the action that should be taken towards securing an increase of the salaries of the teachers under the superintendence of the Committee, it was a^eed by all the members that the subject was one calling for immediate treatment. Mr Fish suggested that the Committee should deal specially with the matter, and arrange if possible for a proper classification in the matter of salaries. One difficulty in the way, however, is that in the meantime the Committee have no information as to how they will ba situatsd under the new state of affairs as regards funds at their disposal ; and a committee consisting of Messrs Bell and Ramsay was appointed to consult with the secretary of the Education Board with the view of discovering whether anything definite can ba ascertained about money matters.

A correspondent in another column draws attention to what are apparently a number of errors of calculation made by the scrutineers iD the return of the votes given at the recent election of the Dunedin School Committoe. According to the ballot papers Professors Macgregor and Mr A. R. Livingston polled an equal jnumber of votea, although when the result of the ballot was announced at the meeting Professor Macgregor was atated to have received a larger number of votes than Mr Livingston. The Act provides that in the event of a tie the Chairman shall have a casting vote, and, presumably, that? he shall use it in order to decide which of the two candidates shall bo

elected. As it now appears that there was a tie between the two gentlemen we have named, although unknown to the Chairman, it becomes a question as to how this knotty point shall be settled.

Mr Charles William Purnell, of Dunedin, was admitted and enrolled as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, on the 29th ultimo, by hisVHonor Mr Justice Williams.

The cricket match between the Australian Eleven and the Hawkea Bay Twenty-two was commenced yesterday. The Hawkes Bay team scored 49 in their first innings, and when time was called the Australians had made 53 runs with the loss of fivo wickets.

We publish elsewhere some interesting returns with reference to the Dunedin Gaol and Hospital.

In the supplement published with this day's paper will be found our special correspondent's account of the meeting of Sir George Grey and the native King Tawhiao The interview was of a most interesting nature, and great results are expected.

In our issue of the 29th ultimo there appeared a letter, signed F. W. Mackenzie, in reference to the proposed line of railway from Waipahi to Tapanui. Since the publication of that letter we have made further enquiries as to the exact nature of the country through which the line will pass, and we confess to a feeling of intense astonishment at the tactics displayed by our correspondent, who, depending doubtless, on our partial want of information, has, in our opinion, endeavoured to mislead us as to the facts of the case. The result of our inquiries goes a considerable way to prove that Mr F. W. Mackenzie is the gentleman who for months past has fought strenuously against those who were advocating the construction of the Waipahi-Tapanui line, and who, through the Press and in public, advocated the construction of a line from Taylor's Creek to Kelso. Had he been successful in obtaining the Taylor's Creek route, all traffic would of necessity have been diverted to Invercargili, and yet our friend Mr Mackenzie appears now as the promoter of a line which will divert traffic to Dunedin. And why this change ? The Government decided in favour of the Wai-pahi-Tapamii route, and the Taylor's Creek route was therefore a failure. But in Mr Mackenzie's opinion the line must be taken to Kelso somehow, therefore he advocates the Tapanui route, provided this beloved Kelso is reached. And what and where is Kelso ? It is a surveyed Government township on the banks of the Pomahaka, subject to periodical floods, and beyond the fact of its being surveyed, has but an imaginary existence" Only one house stands within the bounds of this famous township. To add to the farce of raising it to such an important position as a railway terminus, we may mention that it is distant only about two miles from Tapanui, so that settlers near and beyond Kelso, would be only benefited by that distance were the line extended to this embryo township. Tapanui, therefore, in our correspondent's i opinion, is to be passed at a distance of one mile from the railway in order that the line may be carried two miles farther on to a place as yat in existence in name only. There must be some cause for our correspondent's views. Is it that he possesses some three thousand acres of land close to Kelso ? We do not say that this is so—but we are all human. It lsjhard at times to rise above personal considerations, and if in his very natural anxiety to increase the value of his three thousand acres, Mr Mackenzie assumes the character of the "settlers' friend," we suppose he is no worse than some other owners of land, who, not satisfied with their "unearned increment," seek to add to their wealth at the expense of the people. Our correspondent's , assertion that the people "are cut off from Tapanui town by the nature of the country, so that unless this small extension had been consented to, they would have been forced to seek an outlet towards Gore," is simply nonsense. The nature of the country is not such as Mr Mackenzie represents, and Gore is fully thirty miles from Kelso. From what we can learn our correspondent has laboured zealously for his particular hobby, and ha 3 been so frequently checkmated that we strongly advise him to throw up the sponge with a good grace. There can be little question, we should lmagino, that the proper route has been determined upon, and that it will benefit a far larger number of settlers than the line advocated by Mr Mackenzie is beyond all doubt.