The Otago Daily Times. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE OTAGO GUARDIAN. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1879.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5291, 3 February 1879, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE OTAGO GUARDIAN. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1879.

The general complaints about delays in delivery of goods by rail recently found expression in a deputation to the Hon. Mr Macanduew. We believe these complaints are well founded, and that far more rolling-stock is required to overtake the rapidly-increasing work of the main line. If this is so before grain begins to be delivered, what will it be when the country stations get choked with grain in addition to all the other traffic 1 We are not prepared to cast all the blame upon the management, however. There may have been want of foresight in not providing for a large traffic at once; but to a certain extent we are experimenting, and it was hardly to be expected that every possible contingency would be provided against. One of the great difficulties that we in Dunedin have to contend against is steep gradients, which have to be encountered in leaving Dunedin, both north and south. They are probably unavoidable, unless very large expenditure were resorted to, but they are none the less inconvenient. Canterbury is in this respect far more favourably situated, having a long stretch of nearlylevel line. To give an idea of the actual disadvantages attendant upon gradients, we may quote a recent American work, which goes into the whole question in a very elaborate way, and gives numerous tables in illustration of the several points which are involved in the somewhat complicated problem. According to this authority, assuming an engine on a level to be capable of drawing a neb ]oad of 190 tons, the same engine, on a grade of 1 in 50, would only draw3o| tons net; or, to quote another table, the relative number of trains to do the same business would be as 1 to 5.96 ; comparing level with 100 feet to the mile, a grade equal to lin 53 nearly. This will, at least, give some idea of what in theory is the disadvantage of grade 3. Tn practice, to give an illustration, it is a fact that lately three engines were employed to take thirty-three trucks to Oiimaru, and had to leave part of them on the way. On the plains of Canterbury much larger loads are drawn by a single engine, though, probably, one of a somewhat different construction, as our numerous curves render it impossible to use engints of the same effective power. We are by no "means imparting blame to the engineers, because the country near Dunedin is rugged and difficult, while that near Christchurch is level and easy; but it is well that we should recognise the fact that our steep-hills are a barrier which cannot be overcome without great expenditure of power. We must, however, make the best of them, and it behoves the Government to face the difficulties of the case, and not to play with them. It is absolutely certain that traffic must increase, and it is highly probable that it will increase rapidly. The number of trains each way that it is possible to work daily on a single line, in addition to the expresses, before which everything has to give way, is necessarily limited, and it is time that something like an approximate estimate should be made of what the line can be expected to do, lest a year hence, with two or three new branches open, we find ourselves absolutely blocked, and obliged to send traffic away from Dunedin. It may be that double lines are required for parts of the distance, and if so, or if any improvements can be made in the gt-ade, even at a cost of fifty or a hundred thousand pounds, the Government should make provision for such an expenditure next session. At all events, careful inquiry should be made with a special view to prevent Dunediu bein^ unduly weighted in the race which is now becoming keen between Otago and Canterbury. While we are speaking of tho railways, we may also be permitted to point out that it is' absolutely necessary, with a view to correct accounts, that some independent system of audit should be established, so that we may know from time to time what the railways are really costing us. We believe the lino between construction and maintenance is not very clearly drawn, and that it is quite possible for tliiugs to be charged to coustruction that are really maintenance, and vice versa. Of course a working manager will endeavour to bring out as favourable a balance-sheet as possible, and will either let the condition of the line and rolling-stock run down below par, or else charge as much as possible to construction. The final decision as to which head particular items should go under, it appears to us should be left to some competent officer not concerned for either side. We believe steel rails are now being given by the Public Works Department in exchange for old rails (iron) of lighter character. This is partly maintenance and partly re-construction, but no part of it is in reality charged to maintenance. It may be said that it docs not much matter in the end, but we think it does matter, that we should know accurately whether a line is

paying or not paying, and certainly for purposes of comparison all lines should be on the same footing. We have no doubt all this is receiving attention at the hands of the Government.. We deeply deplore the accident to the able Commissioner for tlia Middle Island, which hast, at least temporarily, laid him aside from duty; but the lines must be worked, whoever falls at Ms post. The gross income now derived from the working of all the New Zealand lines is nearly sixty thousand pounds monthly, and before long will be a million annually. The economical management of such a business as this is a task that may well absorb much thought and attention on the part of the Government, who are ultimately responsible for the results.

The adjourned case against Messrs James Green, chairman, and J. M'Kenzie, member of the Waikouaiti County Council, who are charged, upon information of Williamßobinson, with a breach of the Counties Act, 1876, was called on on Saturday, at the Resident Magistrate's Court, Palmerston, before Messrs I. N. Watt and J. W. Murdoch, R.M.s, but the case had to be further adjourned until next Friday.

Mr George Eeid, head teacher of the For. bury School, was, at Saturday's meeting, elected President of the Dunedin Branch of the Otago Educational Institute, for the ensuing year.

Mr Neil Raid, formerly captain of a coaster, met with an accident on Friday evening a c South Dunedin, which, unfortunately, terminated fatally. About 9 o'clock that evening he left home to look after some cows in a paddcck close at hand, and whilst leaving the paddock a horse kicked him ia the stomach. He lay insensible till 4 o'clock on Saturday morning, when ho managed to crawl homo. He died yesterday morning at about 11 o'clock.

The information respecting Mr Conyera still continues to be of a general and indefinite character, though on the whole favourable. The lateßt telegram received from Gore is as follows: —"5 p.m. No definite change has taken place in Conyers' condition since yesterday—if anything, slightly, improved.—(Signed) N. W. Webby."

A labourer named John Taylor, employed in repairing the Gymnasium at the Octagon, fell from a ladder on Saturday, and fractured his left thigh. He was removed to the Hospital.

Mr I. N. Watt, E.M., presided at tho City Police Court on Saturday, and dismissed two prisoners charged with drunkenness. There was no other business.

The newly-elected Outram School Committee met in the school on FriJay evening. The members are—Messrs "William H. Cox, John O. Hodges, Alex. Chisholm, Peter Grant of Gowrie, Gilbert Buchanan, Jas. Robertson, and Win. Grant of Clareinch. Mr W. H. Cox was elected chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr Hodges re elected secretary and treasurer.

The accident which occurred to Mr Thomas Mead on Friday, at Anderson's Bay, it appear?, was very nearly terminating fatally. The stone which fell on the man was of huge size, and covered the whole of his body. His life was only saved through there being a hollow in it. Some idea may be obtained of its dimensions when we say that it took seven men to lift it. The patient i 3 progressing as favourably as can be expected.

The teachers connected with Knox Church Sabbath-school held their annual picnic at Portobello on Saturday afternoon. The weather clearing up, the patty, numbering 53, started for the Port by the 12.15 p.m. train ; thence they were conveyed by the steamboat Portobello to SeatouD, where they landed. The rest of the teachers, the Ray. Dr Stuart> and a few friendi came up by the 2.30 p.m. train, stepping ashore just as the committee of ladies were Bpreading out a well-furnished repast. Tea being ready, the ladies and gentlemen, now numbering 75, assembled, and the Rev. Dr Stuart invoked a blessing. Ample justice waa done to the tea, cakes, fruit, &c. The company then dispersed, and engaged in various sports. After a while they were compelled by the weather to retire to a barn, which was occupied during the rest of their stay. A hymn was sung, and the party returned to the steamer, which conveyed them to the Port in time for the 8 o'clock train, by which means they reached Dunedin. The picnic was most enjoyable.

The Queen's Theatre was crowded to excels last evening, and Mr Varley, the evangelistic preacher, delivered a very earnest address, which was listened to with much interest. This evening he will conduct a meeting at Knox Church, and at 3 p.m. to-day will hold a Biblereading service in the hall of the First Church. On Saturday next he will speak to an audience of children in the Temperance Hall.

We are pleased to learn that Mr A. R. Falconer, of Port Chalmers, who wis seriously injured by a buggy passing over his neck and head on Wednesday, 22ad ult., is mucli improved, and will soon be able to resume his calling.

At a rheating of the newly-elected School Committee for the Kensington district, held on Friday last, tho following gentlemen were elected to their respective offices, namely :—M r E. W. U'llen, chairman; Mr H. E. Shacklock, treasurer ; Mr J. W. U'Ren, hon. secretary.

A chapter of accidents occurred to tho sailmaker of the ship Timaru on Saturday afternoon. Two dogs were fighting on the wharf, and one, belonging to the Tiinaru, w;is worsted and driven overboard. The sailmaker at once lowered himself over the side by a rope, and endeavoured to secure the dog, when by some means the rope gave way, and the poor fellow struck heavily against the spring, bruising himself severely. His shipmates seeing his plight, at once set to work aud rescued him.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Dunedin Branch, was held at Krull's Hotel on Satuiday, the President-elect, Bro. J. Daviea !n',tho chair. One new member was admitted. No busiue rs of importance was traueacted. Tsvo additional branches have recently been opened in the Colony, aud it is expected another will Bhortly be opened at Invercargill.

The unusually heavy south-west gale of Saturday has deprived the farmers of the Piilmerston district (says our corretp>ndont) of the result of last season's crops, the wind having both cut and threshed nearly the whole of the grain. Numerous farmers will not think of touching their crop*, nothing in the shape of graiu being left to reward their labours. The district has indeed experienced severe damage, from which it will, I am afraid, take some time to recover. Nearly the whole of the fruit in the district is also destroyed, aud apples, pears, plums, &£., can be had in any quantity just for the picking of them up. Tho wind likewise did considerable damage to several buildings in the township.

The Rev. A. R. Fitchett, B. A., the newlyappointed incumbent of All Saints' Church, commenced his ministrations yesterday. In the courie of the morning sermon, which was based oti the petition of Paul to the Thessalonians, " Brethren, pray for ut," the rev. gentleman said that sympathy waa the very key and passport to the region in which clergymen laboured, and unless sympathy and affection existed between a minister and his flock, the Eervice of God would almost necessatily be performed in a frigid and perfunctory manner. The multifarious and onerous offices of a pastor wero lightened by the sympathy of every individual parishioner, aud probably few apprehonded the difficulty of preaching to au unsympathetic audiecce. Many people took up this attitude in church towards the clergyman :If you are brilliant enough to arrest my attention, you shall have it; if not, I will get into the cosiest corner of my pew and go to sleep. This was not a fair attitude, and no ministration could be successful with such a congregation. He would appeal specially on his own behalf for the prayers and sympathy of those present. There were special circumstances wLich he need not mention, only he should prefer this request, and he hoped that the relationship between himself and his charge would be of an affectionate and harmonious nature. Yen. Archdeacon Edwards assisted in the service. In the evening the rev. gentleman preached from Rom. i 14, " I am debtor both to the Greeks

and to tho barbarians," and enlarged forcibly on the uolf-sacrificing character of Paul, as illustrative of the very lesson of Christian ethics, which was a forgetfulness of self and an earnest effort for the welfare of others. He referred to the importance and the unselfishness of Sunday-school work. The offertories, which were in behalf of the Sunday-school, amounted to LlB 18s 7d. Though the weather was unfavourable, the congregations were large both morning and evening. The Psalms were chanted by the choir, and the musical parts of the service was excellently rendered, especially in the evening. The organist, Mr Morrish, is evidently paying much attention to hiß choir.

The Churchman says:—The Bishop has written to the Archdeacon to say that he intends to leave England for Otago next month. Ha will come either by the San Francisco or Suez route, and may be'expected in Dunedin in April. He has collected about L3OO towards the endowment of a theological tutorship. Twostudentsof St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, Eagland, will arrive in Otago in the couraa of the present year, to work in this diocese. One, a married man, and ordained, was to leave last December; the other, single, and not yet ordained, next June. —Mr Knowles has left this district for Christchurch. His successor at Gladstone, Mr Dewe, will enter upon his duties next month.—A movement is on foot to have a clergyman at Cromwell.—Mr Jones, curate of Queens town, will leave this week for Feilding. The large arrears of stipend due to him have been paid off.—With respect to the appointment of the Rev. A. R. Fitohett to All Saints, it remarks:—As a good deal of misapprehension prevails on the subject of Mr Fitchett's appointment to this cure, it is as well to state that the Bishop of Dunedin's Commissary has throughout been guided by the Primate's advice.

As we published in our columns come corre- I spondcnce relating to Rev. Mr Fitchett's ap. pointment, we extract from the Churchman the following, addressed by that gentleman to Archdeacon Edwards, by way of reply : " My Dear Archdeacon,—l gather from the correspondence columns of the Churchman, and from a sentence in the leading article of last month, that my statement to the Trinity Wesleyan Congregation, in announcing my resignation, is thought to be inconsistent with the fact that I havo since sought orders in the Church of England, since I affirmed my purpose to maintain unchanged the principles which had characterised my teachings as a We&leyan minister. 1 don't eire to write to the Churchmau, but perhap3 there may be some propriety in my explaining to you that, as Wesleyan doc trinal standards are ia substance identical with those of the Church of England, I imagim d myself to be saying nothing that could wear the least look of inconsistency with my declared intention to quit one communion for another. Everybody kno^s that Wesley was

a Church of Eogland clergyman to the day ol

his death. In his Journal ho writes: ' A serious clergyman desired to know in what points we differed from the Church of England. I answered, to the best of my knowledge, in none, The doctrines we preach ore the doctrines of the Church of England, indeed the fundamental doctrines of the Church, clearly laid down both in her prayers, articles, and homilies.' It is well known that no alteration whatever has been made in the doctrinal standards of Wesleyanism since the death of its founder. Wesley and his follower 9 diverged from the Church of England not in

doctrine, but in ecclesiastical polity, and in

that particular I now diverge from him and them. If lam a~ked what ecclesiastical polity I adopt in abandoning Wesley's, I take it that the fact of my recent ordination in the Church of England is a sufficient reply.—l am, &0., A. R. Fitchett."

A frre entertainment was given in tho Temperance Hall on Saturday evening, and attracted a large audience. The Lightning Calculator, whose power of reckoning is sotnathing stupendous, and Voltaire, a ventriloquist, gave tho performance, which will be repeated this evening.!

It is scarcely necessary to remind the theatregoing public that Mr George Rignold will appear this evening in the title part of Shakespeare's grand historical play of " Henry V," He will be supported by an unusually powerful caste, and the scenery, which arrived from Christchurch on Saturday, is of & most gorgeous character. The season promises to be a brilliant one.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was represented for the last time on Saturday evening, when there was a crowded house. There was also an after, noon performance, which attracted about 1200 children. On Sunday evening the company gave a jubilee concert, in the presence of a very large audience.

General orders re firing for tho Government district pnzej are published in our advorii-ing column;.

A special meeting of the Committee of the Otago District 11.U.1.0.0.F. will be held at the Odd-fellows,' Hall, George Btreet, this eveuing, and after the opening cercinjuiea will ba adjourned to Cm-oil's Hotel.