The Otago Daily Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1881.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6874, 27 February 1884, Page 2

The Otago Daily Times. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1881.

The worst of a collision such as that which has taken place between the steamships Adelaide and Wairarapa is the difficulty of securing a full inquiry into its causes. The inquiry held here will no doubt give us the Wainuapa's version of the affair, and if there is one held in Adelaide the other side will be given ; but, except by comparing the evidence on both sides, there will probably be a difficulty in getting at the bottom of tho matter. The evidence given at Port Chalmers last evening practically gives the Wairarapa's version, though we withhold comment upon it until the inquiry is concluded. Meanwhile we may point out that there are passengers in Dimedin—and men of good standiug—who declare that the ships did race, and it would be well that steps should be taken to obtaiu their evidence. Passengers naturally have a reluctance to come forward to give evidence against the commander of the local vessel, but in conversation they make no secret of their opinions, and the worth of those opinions can only be tested by their being brought forward in evidence. Whether an impartial inquiry can bo held under the circumstances in Port Chalmers is doubtful, but we would impress upon the gentlemen who are holdiDg it the fact that the proceedings will be watched in Australia', and the necessity of giving no loophole for its being said there that the impartiality of the inquiry was prejudiced by tho Wairarapa being a lucal vessel. " The absent are always in the wrong," says an old proverb, but it must bo remembered that Captain Lockyek, as well as. Captain Chatfield, has a character to maintain. That one of them was seriously to blame is imdoubted; that both of them are to blama is possible. There is, as a rule, a great deal too much laxity in the conduct of inquiries into marine offences, and we trust that this one will be held for the purpose of getting at the bottom of the affair, and not to exonerate anybody. As the inquiry is still proceeding, there are one or two questions which we would suggest should be put to the captain and officers of the Wairarapa. Ist. Is it true that the Wairarapa waited off Williamstown for the Adelaide to come up, as stated in the Melbourne Age 1 2nd. What foundation is there for the statement in the Melbourne Argus that the Wairarapa " threw the gauntlet to tho Adelaide"? 3rd. Why, if there was no race, did the two vessels steam so closely to one another? 4th. If Captain Chatfield was not racing, and he saw that Captain Lockyer way, why did ho not draw aside so as to let tho Adelaide pass ahead? sth. What made the passengers from the two vessels shout to one another expressions intimating that a race was going on? We know that passengers are apt to imagine that racing is going on when it really is not; but the temptation under the circumstances was undoubtedly great ; and it is most important to the credit of the Union Steam Ship Company that, if Captain Ciiatfield was not to blame, his blamelessness should be made clear, and the blame put on the right shoulders. The character which Captain Chatfield beai's makes us hope that he will come out of the. inquiry well j but tho more stringent that inquiry is, the better will it be for him if he is blameless. The reports which have found their way into the Melbourne Press —which may fairly be assumed to be impartial, since the Adelaide is owned entirely in South Australia—reflect seriously upon the captain of the Wairarapa, and if they are false it is essential that their falsehood should be demonstrated beyond the possibility of doubt. As for the importance of tho collision, which Captain Chatfield probably attempted to minimise, it has nothing

to do wil.li t;ho main i|uestion ai, iaeue : | 1 lift I'nct that, tlioro wiih a r.olliiuon in quito enough.

Wn aro glad to hear that the Premier is coining to Dutiediu to lecture on Federation. The subject is Jittlo imilti'»tood,ancl much misnndei stood, throughout the Colony. It would ba a pity that it should miscarry iv the llciiso for want of a littlo trouble in explaining it. For somo part of tho misunderstanding Major Atkinson lias himself to blame. Tho heroics in which ho has indulged have led many people to think Unit an Australasian Dominion, after the modsl of tho Canadian Dominion, had betn formed by one nod of tho members of the Convention. As a matter of fact, nothing of the sort

has been done. The Federal Council, us at present constituted, can deal with nothing which in any way restricts our liberty. The low matters within its province nro of little importance, and not oven Sir Gkouok Gui:v cmi contend that joint action with regard to thorn is any tiling rl-so but advantageous. We trust that the i'remior will have tho good sense to cease io magnify the occasion, and to address himself ton detailed cxjiosition of its practical merits. It is las failing that he always tries to make political capital out of everything he does, when ho has only got to let a matter 3tand on its merits to reap whatever reward is due. The public is quite capable of finding out for itself than the work of the Convention was epochmaking, and those who did it statesmen above the ordinary, without being told. Nay, more, this kind of " Wow " has been hurtful to its proper appreciation. If Major Atkinson is really in earnest, as we believe him to be, he will be wise to leave this to the chairman of tho meeting or subsequent local speakers, and addnss himself to an explanation of the extent to which the Federation Bill commits the Colony, followed by well - reasoned proof that all the matters to be dealt with by the Federal Council can be better managed by it than by our local Parliament. As we have more than once shown, the decisions of the Convention are quite capable of being defended on their merits, without resiling into ecstasies over their magnitude and importune?. It is rather amusing to find the journals which oppose Federation—and they include organs no influential and so opposed to each oilier as the LyUclton Times and Christchurch Press, tho N. Z. Herald, and the Tiiuaru Herald—tilting at the windmills which the English Press has erected on the subject. With its usual ignorance of Colonial affairs, the English Press has altogether misunderstood mid exaggerated the iruportanca of the Federation Bill. As a starting-point—the commencement of a new period in Australasian history— the event is no doubt important; but as it ufleets our present condition it is of very little importance. The question which Major Atkinson should put to the people of the Colony divides itself into two parts : Do you in the abstract approve of Australasian Federation 1 ]f you do, can you show chat tho step we have taken towards it is in any way injurious to the Colony, or is capable of becoming injurious to it? But since the Premier is going to let the light of his countenance shine upon Otago, we trust he is not going to spend the whole of his eloquence upon Federation and the Western Pacific question. We have a lively remembrance of the manner iv which we were treated to the sweets of political philosophy last recess, when we were yearning for the bread and meat of practical politics. There are several qut-stions which the people of Otago are particularly anxious to talk to the Premier about. Even if they approve of his Federation Bill, we trust that they will not allow the merit which belong* to the Government in that matter to be held sufficient excuse for their faults in all oilier directions. We should be glad to hear the Premier upon Decentralisation as well as upon Federation, and to hear some explanation of the destination of the loan money.

Tun delay in the starting of the horses for tho Dunedin Cup Race seems without doubt to have been occasioned by the wish of the Jockey Club authorities to make a larger percentage out of tho totalisator, and for the convenience of its patrons. How far this delay affected tha result of tho race it is impossible to say, but it is quite possible, if not probable, that it did so. This bare statement of facts conveys the heaviest censure on the authorities of tho Jockey Club. To see fairplay is their paramount duty, and they have subordinated it to the interests of gambling or tho hope of increasing their receipts. For the credit of the sport of raeinsr, as well as of tbe Dunedin Jockey Club, it iii to be hoped that Mr Driver's resignation will not remain a solitary protest. As it is, a painful impression must prevail that gambling, and not racing, is tho chief object of tho Club, and that the interests of legitimate sport are sacrificed to considerations of profit and betting. Wo do not doubt that the gentlemen who authorissd the delay of Thursday acted thoughtlessly, but they have brought discredit upon the Club, and a declaration that this precedent will not bo followed is urgently needed before public confidence can be restored, and if the prestige of the premier race meeting of New Zealand is to be upheld.

Lord Derby is right in refusing to bring the Federation Bill before tho Imperial Parliament until the Colonial Parliaments have confirmed £Ee;decisions of the Convention. To do so would«nave been to ccunt chickens before they were hatched. The Imperial Parliament would look very silly if they passed such a bill aud the Colonial Parliaments refused to ratify the decisions of tho Convention, It is evident that the Imperial authorities are beginning to discover that they put a false issue before the Colonies in making Annexation depend on Federation, aud that the steps towards Federation recommended by the Convention are not so magnificent—we had almost said not so foolish—as thov soem.

Lobu Bkacoxsfield knew what ho was about when ho declared it to be the first duty of tho British Government to keep an eye upon Russia. History repeats itself. When the principal parties to the Treaty of Paris had their hands full with the Franco-German War, Prince Gortschakoff took tho opportunity to send Russian ships into tho Black Sea, and snapped his fingers at Lord Granville's remonstrances. Since then Russia has made uso of every little war in which England has been engaged to gain ground in Central Asia, Thus, simultaneously with our troubles in tho Soudan, Merv has been occupied and annexed, and tho north-west portion of Afghanistan is threatened.

It is not without some little amusement that wa notice that the public have at last come round to our opinion on two main points in connection with the dummy cases. As early as last October we pointed out that the Minister of Lands had no right to throw the inquiry upon the Land Board, and that they were neither the proper persons to conduct the inquiry, nor fitted to do so. Again, some six weeks ago we urged that a now Land Board should bo appointed, if tho new trial was not to be a mere farce. We do not join in the outcry against Messrs Maitland, Green, and Clark, because wo believe they did their duty according to their lights. But that those lights were likely to bo will-o'-the-wisps has long been evidont to everyone who has watched these casee,

TiIEUE is not much doubt but that Mr Holies, tou knew perfectly well that prejudices and prepossessions must come into play directly the casf.s were referred to a local tribunal. .His >dea probably amounted to this: " There is pome stupid dummy outcry in Otago : the less trunblo we have about it the better; let them fight it out amongst themselves, and they cannot possibly blame us, whatever may be tho result." This is tho true Ministerial idea of local self-government. -If Mr Kolloeton had not been lukewarm throughout the affair the cases

would havo been inquired into by a 'loyal Commission, wlioan memlmrfi were unconnected with Otngo.

That Mr iSlnut linn maJo Higho cases a ste])ping-Kt:onn to political popularity, and that Mr (.irfißii will probably luao hi» «eat for Wuikouaili in conacquouco of ilia voto, aro notorious mutters, anil, in our opinion, matter-H very inut:li to ba regretted. Jnslicu sliould not bu iidniiniutored for political purpoaeu, nor fihouid UlO oxerciae of judicial functions interforo with political inorits. An ontiroly faleo ianne lias btton placed before tiie public in considetiiiff tlicfio cusca m a, contest between rich and poor —tho aquattnra mid the people. Tlia question in ono of right or wrong. Messrs Borlhivick and Ilertslet either made a fnlso declaration or they did not. Mr Orbell has oitlior boon guilty of a grave broach of the law or ho leas not. If dumnryixm is being practised it must'ho et.-tmped out; out decisions as to tho relative value of evidenoo, and questions affecting tho honour and honesty of men, should be considered apart from all political eonsideia. Lions, and solely on their merits.

Sporting news, local reports, and a bitter to the nditor appour 011 our tonrlh p:i,','o.

Another disastrous dynamite explosion in London is reported by cable this morning, it occurred lit the Victoria station terminus of tho London, Chatham, and Dover railway, where a quantity of the explosive had baouleft in a cloakroom as luggage. Seven persons wore injured, and much damage done to tho station buildings, &c. by the explosion.

The advance of tho British force now at Souakim against the Arab rebels has been delayed for somo tiino. A good deal of alarm has been created by the attitude assumed by tho Khedive's troops at Souakim. They have become mutinous, and threaten to join tho Mahdi.

It is stated that her Majesty Quoon Victoria will visit Germany in April.

His Excellency the Governor and family intend going to Auckland towards the end of next month.

Major Atkinson intends visiting Dunedin during the month of March for the purpose of addressing the electors on public affairs—probably on Federation, Annexation, and financial matters.

Sir Julian Vogol will leave England for this Colony by tho Tongariro.

Mr Milnsr-Gibson, who sat in Parliament for a munljcr of years for Manchester, and afterwards for Ashton-uuder-Lyno, is dead. He held the position of President of the Board of Trade, with a scat in tho Cabinet, from 1850 till the dissolution of tho KusaeU Ministry iv ISO'G. In ISC I Mr Miluor-Gibson was presented with a testimonial iv recognition of his efforts for the repeal of tho " taxes on knowledge "—namely, newspaper postage, advertisement duty, and the excise on paper.

The plebiscite of ratepayers taken yesterday upon the baths borrowing scheme resulted in tlio proposal being emphatically negatived. The numbers were: Ayes, 174 ; noc-8, 319—out of a roll the total strength of which is 2800.

A meoting of Volunteer officers was held in tho Garrison Hall last evening to consider an invitation received from Major Snmpter to hold an encampment in the Oamaru district at Kaster. Tho meeting resolved to inform Major Sumpter that if an encampment were held boo Volunteers from this district would take part

Tho Public Works Department has accepted tho tender of Jesse Coates (£3077 l'Js) for laying Si miles rails and permanent way on the Horsley Downs section of tho liurunuiWaitaki railway.

Mr Joseph Mackay, tho insurance agent, against whom tho Government Insurance Department is preferring a charge of embezzlement, was brought up at tho City Police Court yesterday, and remanded to appear at Geraldino on Thursday next. The accused was previously remanded to that place from Timaru but it seems that he has since been rearre&teu by the police here, who state that they had reason to believe he did not intend to fulfil the conditions of his bail bond. Mr Stout, who appears for the accused, expressed himself in strong terms of surprise at the action of the Department.

Tho valuo of landed property in St. Kilda appears to have gone down considerably during the last few years, if we are to judge by the statements made at the Assessment Court held yeatorday. Witnesses stated that laud had depreciated in value to the extent of SO per cent, during the last two or three years, and ono well-known land speculator declared that iatid in aiinost all parts of the city and suburbwas utterly unsaleable. Whatevor land was put up was bought in by mortgagees at less than tho amount advanced on mortgage ; anil he wound up his despondent speech by declaring that the whole country was mortgaged for more than its valuo. His eloquence was not without effect, a3 the Magistrate made substantial reductions in the amounts at which he was assessed. Very largos-eductions were made in the assessment of the Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway Company on account of that portion of their line running through the borough. The total rateable value of their property was put down at £1200, but the Magistrate reduced it to £140, The clerk of the borough caused some amusement by candidly confessing that' ho never adopted any particular basis for rating tho Company's property, but had always put it down at the same amount because the Company bad never before objected.

The Official Assignee yosterday afternoon informed the creditors claiming in the estate of R. Guthrie and Co. that according to a legal opinion obtained there appeared to be a prospect before them of five distinct lawsuits. One of the creditore, Mr Bastings, said he objected to tho creditors being put to the expense of settling law points for the benefit of genorations yet unborn, and at his suggestion a resolution was passed loaving it to Mr Ashcroft and Mr G. L. Donniston to endeavour to comu to an equitable compromise with the parties whose claims aro disputed.

The religious-instruction classes organised last year by the' Ministers' Conference in Dunedin have not yet been abandoned, bufc from the information contained in an article else, where it will be seen that they are not in a flourishing condition. It is generally admilted by those engaged in the work that the project has so far proved a failure, and there is a strong feeling in favour of abandoning the present arrangement. A meeting is to be held shortly to discusß the whole question, and in tho meantime circulars have been sent out to the various teachers asking for full information respecting the attendance, &c. at their classes. We give in our article all tha information at present obtainable.

A very sad accident occurred last evening, resulting in serious injury to a young son of Mr James Wilson, brower. Mr Wilson was in a buggy, accompanied by his eldest son, James (who was driving), and a young son, a little over five years of age; and whilo passing Mr Mathews' coach factory in King streot, the harness slipped oft' the collar. The horse took fright, and brought the wheels in contact with the kerbstone. The shock threw Mr Wilson and his youngest son out of the buggy. Mr Wilson escaped with slight injuries, but tho bystanders say tho unfortunate child's head struck a lamppost. He was picked up insensible by Mr Mathow.i, and at once carried to Dr Batchelor's houso. The doctor found a sevoro wound on the back of the head, and tho skull seriously fractured. After the little fellow's injuries were attended to, he was removed to his father's house.

Tho adjourned charge of fraudulent bank ruptcy against George Hyatt was resumed at the City Police Court yGsterday, and Mr Fitchett intimating that he would reserve his defence, tha accused was committed for trial. Moderate bail was allowed.

Footballers throughout tho Colony will hear with regret of lha death at Sydnoy, on the 9th insfc., from typhoid fever, of Mr E. J. Eaper, 8.A., who captained the New South Wales football team through New Zealand' last winter.

The Gore recreation-ground haa been brought under "The Public Domains Act 1881," and the following gontlemeu appointed to constitute the Domain Board : —Messrs M. B. Bree, F. S. Canning, J. Beattie, J. Nioolisou, and W. Henderson.

The Hooper's Inlet School Committee have voted for Messrs Elder, Bcgg, and Shaud, and Broad Bay for Messrs Elder, Shand, and Mucgregor, as members of the Education Board.

It i.-i expected that tho organ for new Knox Church will arrive in Dunedin in May next. Tho ordur for it was tfiven to Messrs Lewis and Co. (of London) in July last, and tho instrument should now bo ready for shipment.

An appeal from tho decision of tho Registrar of tho Supreme Court in tho easo of Danie Scott, who was recently adjudicated a bankrupt, was argued before his Honor Mr Justice Williams in Chambers yesterday. Mr W. DStewart appealed in support of tho appeal

find Mr Macdonald against it. After a Homowhat long argument, his Honor decided that the deputy-registrar had power to administer an oath, that the bailiff had power to appoint a delegate to execute the warrant, but that the llegintrar decided 01 raucously in refusing to admit evidence. Tho appeal was granted, and the rohoii-ring fixed for I'riduy next.

The Tasnumian cricketers, who arrived from (iluiiituhureh last night, are now upon their homeward journey. They proceed to Jnvereargill to day. They have had a very enjoyable trip, and will carry away with them plouKml; memories of 2\V,y Zualnnd, though tlu.y may ba a fit to regret their bad luck in thu mutter of weather. During their two visits to Dunodin tho ineiiibers of tho team made many friends, and last night they were entertained at tho Southern Club in company with the members of the Otago team who did battle against them. A remarkably pleasant evening was ."pent. Tho principal members of tho Smoke Glub Orchestra were amongst tho company, and enlivened proceedings by some capital music. Th« health of tho Tasmaniacricketers was proposed and drunk with much enthusiasm, and tho toast was suitably acknowledged.

The Wairarapa arrived at Tort Chalmers yesterday. Very contradictory statements are made concerning tho collision, some of the passengoi'9 assarting that thors was unquestionably a race between' the two steamers ; whilst, others assert the opposite, and 171 this are supported by the captain and officers. An inquiry into the matter has begun at Port Chalmers before the Collector of Customs and Captain Thomson. After a number of witnesses had been examined it was adjourned, in order to procure the evidence of Captain Cameron, the Union Company's superintendent.

The first meeting of the Ocean Beach Domain Board was held yesterday, and formal business transacted. Mr Mnitland was elected chairman, and it was resolved that steps Bhould bo taken to preserve the sandhills, and that the Government should bo applied to for a, giant to meet the preliminary expenses of the Board.

During 18S3 the sum of £31,010 17s lOd was lodged by depositors in tho Dunedin Savings Bank, and £35,541 Is withdrawn. The Bank received as interest on loans £11S7 ]S.s Bd.

A meeting of ratepayers was held last night at South Dunedin to hear the address of Mr Tluop, ono of tho candidates for tho position of councillor for South Ward in tho placo of Mr G. T. Clarke. Mr Appleby, ex-councillor, was voted to tho chair. Mr Throp, prior to making a few remarks on the subjects of borough drainage, gas, and the expenditure of the pro. posed loan, said that he came up for election at tho request of several ratepayers simply to oppose the other candidates, who were merely tools in the hands of a party, and who would only add to tho riumbsr of dummies already existing in the Council, as was obvious by the proceedings of the Council on the preceding evening, when the meeting had had to be adjourned thrmiKh the tactics of tho leadorof the Opposition, and the business of tho borough brought to a standstill. A motion was carried that Mr Throp was the most fit and pioper person to represent tha ward.

Two applications for patents by persons in Dunedin appear in the Gazetto. Colin Mackay has deposited tho specification of an invention called Mackay's spiked wire, for fencing ; and Thomas Cossons of an invention for quarrying or cutting Oatnaru stone.

Tho Balclutha North and Balclutha South Licensing districts have been amalgamated. Mr John Roouey has boon appointed licensing clerk at Balclutha, and Mr Oiven Mackin at Queenstown.

By tho Wairarapa from Melbourne there arrived on Monday evening at tho Bluff (sayß the Southland Times) the Hon. Mr Kerferd, Attorney-general, and tho Hon. Mr Gillies, Minister of Railways in the Victorian Ministry. Both gentlemen came up to Invercargill by train, and found quarters at the Prince of Wales Hotel." They were waited upon in the course of the evening by several Invercargill gentlemen, including two Government officials,

and paid a visit to the Athenaeum, with which they were highly pleased. The appearance of the town seemed to strike the visitors most Thoy were to start for tho lakes this morning, favourably, and with some surprise, though the opportunity for examining it was not tho best, accompanied by Mr Dartnall, district engi-. neor; and the party will return shortly to Invercargill. Thereafter Messrs Kerford and Gillies will proceed northwards.

Concerning a proposed invasion of Germany by General Booth's Salvation Army, the Berlin correspondent of The Timos states that thoy will most assuredly be laughed out of the country, and iv all probability laid by tho heels. Ho adds: " General Booth could not possibly have selected a more unfavourable field of operations than Germany. The Germaus, on the whole, being pretty much devoid of individuality themselves, are too intolerant of eccentricity of conduct in others to endure unusual behaviour of any kind off the stage. In countries like England and America, the military nature of General Booth's evangelical system has no doubt had a certain charm for minds to whom rank and degree aro always imposing and alluring things. But tho Germans are too intimately acquainted with tha grim and grinding realities of army life to entertain the slightest weakness fur its sham and sentimental aspects; and General Booth might as well carry coals to Newcastle or owls to Athens as try to convert the souls of German men by the rolling of drums and a show of texteinbroidered banners."

The Scotsman of January 3 contains tho following paragraph:—" Yesterday a strong force of water bailiffs and fishermen, as well as anglers interested, netted the whole extent of the Duke of Roxburghe's Floors water, to obtain a supply of salmon ova for distribution in rivers in New Zealand. Every desirable appliance was at hand, and all means were used; but the experiment was a failure. Numbers of salmon of both sexes were landod, but they proved of little uso for the purposes for which they were intended. The salmon disease is now rampant in the rivers iv the neighbourhood of Kelso."

Wo are informed (says the Lytteltou Times) that recent deliveries of this season's wheat are arriving in bad condition. There can be no doubt that tho grain has been threshed too soon after baiug cut, and it would be well for farmers to allow ample time to elapse before threshing their wheat, as unless it i 3 quite dry and hard it will not be fit to stand the voyage to England.

The daughter of a selector at Yearong Creek, near Wagga (N.S.W.), was badly burned on Sunday afternoon, February 17, through the back room of the house catching fire. While her clothes were burning, she made eight journeys to the croak to fetch water, and ultimately she succeeded in subduing the lire. Tho girl then swooned away, and it is feared sho will lose her life.

Tho fatal fire at Deniliquin, Victoria, on February 1-f, occurred about 1 a.m., and resulted in the burning to death of four persons, serious injury to a fifth, and the partial destruction of the Commercial Hotel, a twostorey building. The unfortunate victims were Mrs Kearney, the lessee of the hotel, and Mr Richard Marum and his wife and child, who were all sleeping in the house at tho time! Mrs Elliot, daughter of Mrs Kearney, jumped out of her bedroom from the second storey, injuring herself so seriously that doubts were entertained as to her recovery, she having received concussion of the brain. Mra Kearney was found in a sitting position, burned to death, in a corner of her bedroom. Shortly afterwards a frightful eight presented itself. Mr R. Marum and his wife were found dead, clasped in one another's arms, with their child between them. The bodies on being removed presentod a horrible appearance, as they wore much burnt and mutilated. At the inquest the evidence showed nothing as to tha origin of tho fire, except that Mrs Kearney and Marum wore intoxicated at the time the hotel was closed for the night.

A shocking occurrence is reported from Newcastle (N.S.W.), Devereux, a schoolmaster in a Catholic School, having been found doad in the schoolroom. One of his eyes was missing, and part of the flesh on his face had been eat™ away, it ia supposed by rats. The medical evidence showed that the deceased had been dead 24 hours, the causo of his death being ovideutly heart disease. The deceased leaves a wifo and family.

Commenting upon tho Lsnd Board's decision on duimuyism the North Otogo Times says :— "A judgment more calculated to give rise to anger or even to nasty suspicions; a judgment more out of acord with tho evidence hits rarely, if over before, been recorded in this country. Wo don't know that any amendment of tho land Jaw or any reform of the L-ind Board could bo accomplished that would bs certain to entirely guard against such eccentricities or lapses (if the brain as ate exhibited by Messrs Maitlaud, CJrocn, and Clark in this decision But their irrational behaviour is almost certain to lead to a demand for reform in the Board's constitution. Ono chance at least presents itself. The Dunodin people are considerably

divided in opinion as to whoan statue thoy should next erect in their city. On that matter they can surely show no further doubt. The statue kliouM forthwith bo erected to comnieruoiato the unparalleled mental obliquity of Mcasra Maitland, Green, and Clark as exhibited in their decision in tho Silver Peaic duirmiyiiitn cases."

A. man who may be said to have played a part in history, it the importance of events is to bs judged by that of their conscrjiKiices, died recently in a village near Paris. The party nlludod to is ths mason Badinxuct, who enabled I'rinco Louis Napoleon to cscapo from priaon at Hum in 18 Mi by lending him his working clothes.

It wits with tha aid of this disguise that tho Piinco, dressed in a blouse, canvas trousers, and cap, with ashort pipe in bis mouth, a plank oa liis shoulder, and splashes of mortar scattered over his person, passed out of the prison gates and took refuge in England. Badinguet was himself imprisoned whan tho escape of tho future Emperor was discovered. On the foundation of tho Empire he received a pension of £18 a year, a Bum which would not stand for much out of .France, but which, at that time, before tho enormous riso in prices which changed all tin; conditions of daily life in that capital, would tieem a splendid windfall to one in his position. The name of the mason was applied to tho Emperor by his enemies, and he U never spoken of, among the " advancod" Republicans of the Belleville type, by any other name.

A fault could not havo been moro frankly avowed and more peuiteutially atoned for (says tho Australasian) than was the disorderly act committed by Mr Wisdom, member of the A'ew South Wales Assembly, in the altercation between him and Mr Buchanan. Mr Wisdom's apology was full and unreserved, and no one could doubt the sincerity of the contrition expressed in such remorseful tones by the bon. member. "Whatever resolution," said Mr Wisdom, " tha Houso may come to, it cannot cause me more pain and humiliation, and I would not wish my worst enemy to suffer what I have suffered during the past four days." .Ha was earnest in disavowing any unfriendly feeling towards Mr Buchanan, and in declaring that he did not believe that that member entertained any unfriendly feelings towards him. In the face, of so full an acknowledgment of error, there was no other course for the House to take than to accept the hon. member's J apology—a course which was made the more easy by a few timely and appropriate words from Mr Buchanan. The incident was an unpleasant one, but it was satisfactory to see it end in a way not likely to aiford an encouraging precedent to any member with a disposition towards violence or disorder.

A sudden and unprovoked assault was committed at the gate of St. Andrew's Cathedral, in Sydnoy, on February 18, upon tho Rev. Edwin J. Sturdee, cmute of the cathedral, his assailant being a labourer named Patrick Boylon, a big, strong follow of about 28. He placed himself in front of the cathedral, and as Mr Sturdee was leaving the deanery, at about half-past 0 o'clock, ha advanced within the gate as if to meet tho curato, and then without saying a word stabbed him in the thigh with a long-bladed pocket - knife that iva3 held ready in his hand. It was found that the knih had penetrated the flesh about an eighth of an inch from the main artery, and if tho wound had been upon the artory it muat have proved fatal. JJoylen mado no attempt to escape, but walked up and down tho pavement in front of tho cathedral for about half an hour, during which tho inmates of the deanery were afraid to go out for assistance. At length information was given to the police, and tho offendor was arrested. His right hand still hold tha open knife with which he had attacked the curate, lie appeared to have besn recently under the influence of drink, and it is supposed that the assault was committed during a fit of madness caused by drink. Mr Stnrdee knows nothing whatever of the man.

The Argus of February IS says:—" A diabolical attempt was made on Friday night to causa a railway accident near Ess6ndon station. The acting-traffic manager on Saturday inorniug sent in the following report on the matter to the Railway Commissioners :—' Last night, about 20 minutes past S o'clock, the officials at tho Essendon station found that a number of facing-points north of the station, connecting the main North-Eastern single lino with tho suburban double lines, bad been tampered with by some person or persons unknown, evidently with the. view of causing accident to a train or trains. The lovor handle win placed over and firmly blocked with a piece of wood, and large pieces of road metal wero placed between the flange and the rail at every guide. 11'

A soiree in aid of St. Andrew's Anglican Church was held in Jackman's Hall, Ravensbourne, last evening, and was largely attended. About 100 persons sat down to a substantial tea, tho caterer being Mr R. N. Steveus, and the tables wore presided over by Mcsdames Jennings, Smith, Hoffman, Hough, Johnson, Bolton, aud Blisses Minn. During the ovening a number of vocal selections were given by Misses Gibson and Marx and Mr Pizey, and a couple of pianoforte solos by Miss Gibson were well executed. The Rev. A. R. Fitchett, M.A., delivered a short but interesting speech on "Tha origin of tho Anglican Church," which was listened to with interest by those present. A farce, entitled "Something Like an Appetite," created a great deal of amusement, the characters beiug well sustained by Messrs Pizey, Treseder, Gillies, H. R, Roach, Maclaughlin, and F. G. Roach. A hearty vote of thanks to those who had kindly tendered their services brought a very enjoyable gatheriug to a close. The- season of Professor Anderson, the Wizard of the North, begins at the Lyceum Hall on Saturday evening. " The Woman of the People :I drew another full house at tho Queen's Theatre yesterday evening, aud the interest of the audience waß kept thoroughly concentrated upon the stage from first to last. The piece is peculiarly stroug in construction, and Miss Porneioy is afforded an opportunity of displaying great dramatic intensity, especially in the scene before the foundling hospital. Tha pretty mechanical effect here introduced provoked great applause, as did also tho subsequent denunciation by Marie of her drunken husband* and their final parting. The play is novel in tone, as well as powerful, and possesses all the elements of popularity. It will probably hold the boards for some timo.

Messrs James Farason and C). will sell furnituro, &:. at their ronins on Thursday. Messrs Wright, Sfcphcnson, and Co. will hold a laiyo sale at shee» and draught horses at Elderslie, Oimatu, on March 7. A uueting' will bo h»lr] at Ravenabourno this eveni'K to consider bo.-miuh fininca. He It Maclean will hold a wool sale on M'rodiv. ,_ HoasrsUvtitiiisfe, Leary, and Co. will sell furnituro in Grout Kirn; street toc'ay ; aud ia Queen street on Tlmrsdiy, March a. The Ko-ier patent farming-mill will be exhibited at work to-rMy. Messrs Conr.e'.l and Moodle will Bell properties at 0 .vako aud at North-East Vallry on Tuesday, March Messrs M'Landrcss, Hepburn, and Co. will sell books on Saturday. Notico of Removal.—Wantod known, that A. Dornwell has removed from High, street to Prince i street (near corner Stafford and Mans.< streets), where his customers in the South of Dunedin and the public can secure the primest Meat at thu usual low prices. Under the old management. - [ADVr.J I