THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3O, 189O.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8792, 30 April 1890, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1890.

The movement for purchasing, by subscription, Mr E. A. Waterlow's "Sunny Hours" from tbe Exhibition as the starting point for a Public Art Gallery is ona that is worthy of all support. It bas been generally felt to be a pity that the Exhibition should pass away without some visible and permanent artistic result. But the difficulty has faced all promoters of schemes for the establishment of an art gallery that most of our more liberal citizens have had heavy calls upon them lately, which rendered the time inopportune for any large financial effort. Even the present small proposal will not be easily realised unless it can be shown that it will really form a starting point for the establishment of a gallery, and have some practical result. It is greatly in its favour that the picture which it is proposed to purchase is well known and popular with the public as well as with the cognoscenti; and to the sternly practical it may be worth mentioning that it is by a rising artist, whose appointment as a lioyal Academician 3ince the Exhibition has been opened has already increased its value. Tliere is probably no picture in the gallery which promises better for a speculation with a view to future reselling, though it is difficult to imagine a time when tho Otago Art Gallery standard will become so high as to cause any demand for its resale. It may be taken for granted that if L3OO is to be spent upon starting an art gallery, it could not be better spent than in buying this picture, which we all know and like. But the objection may fairly be raised that as one swallow does not make a summer, so one picture does not make a public gallery. This may be met in two ways. In the first place the Art Society have already in a room in the Town Hall a very creditable collection of colonial works of art, the worst fault of which is that nine citizens out of ten have not heard of them ; and a very bad fault this is, we venture to tell the Art Society's Committee. The addition of this picture (which would, of course, not belong to the Art Society) would make a collection at least worth seeing, or, shall we say, worth talking about—for that is the first step towards inducing the public to take advantage of the gallery. Intending subscribers had better go and look for themselves at the pictures now in the Town Hall, and judge whether the addition of- " Sunny Hours " would not make a sufficiently respectable starting point for a public gallery to attract some visitors, and induce future purchases, bequests, and gifts. Por one of the strongest arguments on behalf of Mr Bathgate's project is that once a start is made, further subscriptions will from time to time be raised, and bequests and gifts made, when there is a recognised institution to give them to. No Otagan can visit Auckland without feeling a pang of envy on going over that splendid public library and art gallery which gives a metropolitan tone to the whole city. Certainly he ought not to leave Auckland without making up his mind that Dunedin must possess a similar institution before many years are over. Unfortunately at present the times are hardly suitable for our smaller purses to help much, and truth to tell the few really rich men in New Zealand are not for the most part very liberally inclined towards public purposes. The feeling that a man who lias made his money out of the community owes it a liberal return is not nearly as much acted upon as in Australia, and we hope our wealthy men will turn over in their minds the very sensible hint Lord Onslow gave them upon the duty and honour of establishing public institutions. But to return to the point: in tbe absence of any probability of large donations to a Public Art Gallery, we would suggest that a really good beginning could be made if, in addition to the purchase of "Sunny Hours," an appeal were made to the many colonists who have more or less excellent piivate collections of pictures to give one good work towards starting a Public Art Gallery. Of course, we recognise that there would be a clanger of many offerings of the type of some of the pictures in t!ie Auckland gallery, which, however generously intended, are very inferior as works of art. But a strong committee ought to be able to resist indiscreet generosity, and if the

matter were taken in hand with any vigour wo bcliovo that at least 20 or 30 very acceptablo pictures could bo obtained within tho present month. And lot it bo borne in mind that an institution of this kind grows like a snowball. The bettor tho start the more works it is likely to gather. If the gentlomon who are to assemble in the Town Hall this afternoon can only manage to really interest tho citizens and give the Art Gallery such a start as will givo us all a pride in it, they will perform a most important work. "Wo hope indeed that the clay is not far distant when, under a reorganised system of local government, Dunedin will have its Public Library and Art Gallery, and Permanent Orchestra, and Workmen's College, all uuder one roof. But the important point is to make a start, and "feel our way" to all theso good things. £300 is a large sum to raise at such a time as this unless a fow largo contributors have already been secured, but if all the talk about pictures that has been heard during tho last six months is at all genuine it should bo raised.

Tim Customs revenue returns for March show an increase on tho corresponding quarter of last year to the amount of £31,000, which is the first indication we have had far some time past of increased activity in the import market. It may be partly due to the increased demand caused by travellers to the Exhibition, but can hardly be wholly so. The chief item of increase is not quite a satisfactory one—viz., £19,000 on spirits,— but sugar and tea show increases of £GSOO in nearly equal proportions* and art valorem goods of £10,000; whilo thero is a decrease on " other duties not specified " of £-1300, and ot £1000 on goods by weight. The primage duty is very slightly under that collected for the corresponding quarter, which would indicate that there was no increase in the total of imports, though there were larger clearances under the abovenamed heads. Dunedin stands high in the list for the year ending 31st March, the amount of our contribution to the revenue being £387,51-1 against £1,500,030 for the whole colony, or more than one-fourth; while Oamaru and Invercargill contributed between them other £50,000. This provincial district is therefore holding its own against other parts of the colony. Auckland comes next with £31(5,403, Lyttelton with £2G1,G75. and for Timaru £17,859, and Wellington with £273,855, and for Wanganui £17,116. Dunodin has of course benefited more than other places—indeed at tho expense, to some extent, of other places—by the Exhibition demand, and we can hardly hope to occupy so good a place next quarter. There can be little doubt that througii the Customs and Rail\va3'S the Treasury has benefited to a much larger extent than the amount of the grant generously but wisely given to the Exhibition fund. There is

'good ground for hope that, .apart altogether from the exceptional cause ta which we have referred, the revenue wiil keep up fairly well throughout the year, but thero are no signs of a rapid increase. The gold returns for the quarter are on the whole satisfactory, taking into account the exceptional scarcity of water both in Otago aud on the West Coast. The total export amounts to £231,502, against £239,877 for the same quarter of last year. Of this the West Coast contributes £89,5G9, and Otago and Southland £87,484; Auckland comes next with £37,53;!, and Marlborough with £14,953. The dredging and hydraulic schemes now in process of development have not yet had time to., tell largely on the returns, as, with fow exceptions, the machinery is not at work on tho claims, and a certain number of miners have beon withdrawn from their regular pursuits to initiate these new modes of working. Before tho year is out, however, a number of claims will be in full work, and from the prospects obtained and the success of one or two companies which have already got to work, we may anticipate a large increase in production. It is, however, evident that more capital will be required than is at present available to start many enterprises just as promising as those which have been already floated, and it will be a matter for serious consideration how this capital can be best obtained. Both in Otago and on the West Coast tliere is room for a large number of dredges, and for hydraulic operations on a large scale with good prospects of success, but it must take time to float these successfully, and no donbt the public will prefer to see several of these schemes now before them in successful operation before putting their hands further iuto their pockets.

The Takapuna, with tho southern portion of the Sau Francisco mails, will arrive at Wellington this morning, aud leave again for Lyttelton at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The mail will therefore reach Duuedin on Thursday evening by the express. A Gazette was issued yesterday afternoon calling Parliament together for the despatch of business at 2 o'clock on Thursday, 19th June. At to-night's meeting of the City Council the Reserves Committee will recommend that the couucil vote a sum of, say, £150 for the purposes of providing an inner fence, trenching, and planting at the Queen's Triangle. A deputation from the Dunedin and Suburban Reserves Conservation Society have promised the committee that the society would provide some suitable trees for planting, and the Exhibition Commissioners have been asked to donate the turf and soil in the exhibition gardens.

A somewhat amusing discussion took place at the Arthur street District School meeting last Monday. Sir R. Stout gavo his opinion of the clause of the Education Act referring to the Appointment of teachers, stating that it was framed to enable boards of education to provide for the promotion of teachers. This was challenged by Mr William Hutchison, who said no such argument was used by Mr Bowen, or when the bill went through committee, as he had voted on every clause in it. Sir Robert retorted that Mr Hutchison was not in Parliament in 1877 when the bill was passed, and Mr Hutchison was just as positive that he was a member at that time, and that Sir Robert Stout was not. These flat contradictions created much amusement, as both gentlemen were absolutely certain. A reference to the official record, however, shows that Mr Hutchison was uot a member of Parliament when the Education Act was passed, so that his recollection must be of some one of the amending bills which have been discussed in committee but have not passed their final stages. Mrs Thomas Calcutt and her niece, Miss L. Carr, met with an accident on Saturday. While driving from Goodwood House tha wheel of their buggy came into contact with a gate post. The horse commenced to plunge and upset the buggy, both ladies being thrown .out. Mrs Calcutt was a good deal shaken and upset, but Miss Carr CBeaped without any injury. The horse galloped away with the buggy until he dropped dead, the vehicle having been by that time almost completely destroyed.

There was a short sitting of the Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, only two cases coming on for adjudication. In Johnson and Robertson v. J. Vincent, a claim of £918s Sd for goods supplied, judgment was given for tho plaintiffs, for whom Mr Gallaway appeared; and in S. Slesinger v. F. W. Good, a claim for £7 9s, judgment was given for the plaintiff, for whom Mr Thornton appeared. Messrs T. Calcutt and R. Chisholm were the presiding justices.

Only o'.ie case of drunkenness was dealt v/ith at the City Police Court yesterday morning, the accused;-a first offender—being convicted and discharged. Mr B. Chisholm, J.P., occupied the bench. Miss Saunders, head mistress of tbe Ashburton High School, was among those who successfully passed the examination for the B.A. degree at the recent university ."xamination. Miss Saunders did not kirep term, and for thiß reason apparently her name did not appear in the published list of successful candidates.

At the nomination uf candidates for election to the Portobello R-iad Bo.rd on Monday, thu followiug gentleuioii were duly elected:—N.E. Harbour subdivision, Mr O. G. Kussell ; Brnad Buy, Mesars G. Anderson and It. M'Taggart; Portobello, Mr W. Dickson.

A largely attended meeting of residents was held in Jackmau's Hall, Riwensbourne, last night to consider tho proposed alterations in the railway time table. Mr William Barclay (mayor) occupied tho chair. Mucli dissatisfaction was expressed, not only ut tho amendments it ii intended to make, but also at the constant changes lhat are made iv tho running of the trains. Mr R. M'Culloch then moved, and Mr T. Ross seconded—" Tbat this meeting considers that tho proposed alterations in the running of the evening trains aro prejudicial to the interests of tho Railway Commissioners; that through tho changes au injustice is being done to propertyholders, as well us occasioning iiiconveuieuce to the travelling public ; aud that a deputation bo appointed to wait on the traliic manager ou Wednesday for tho purpose of requesting that the trains be contiuued as at present, or that, if tho proposed alterations must bu carried out, an j additioual traiu be pub ou at 8 p.m." This was carried unanimously.

! Lovers of music will be pleased to notice that the Lieilertnfcl i.s about to rc.ume work. The committee have decided to increase the number of the working members, and to make every oifort to bring tbo society up to its former high s'audard. We understand a sufficient number of capable musicians have already giveu iv th -ir names to ensure the society entering upou its fourth season with every prospect ol a buccessful career. Richard Henry Britton, who was on hw way to New Zealaud to visit a brother, committed suicide afc Hobart last week in a most determined manner. He was arrested ou the Doric on a charge of embezzling money whilo employed as storekeeper by the War depaitmcut, having retired after 30yearb'service. While waiting to be scut back Britton filled a nail can with water, tied his foot together, and deliberately put his head uuder water uutil he waa drowned. He was au old soldier, aud amoug his effects wero two medals for service iv tho Crimea, one of which bore the inscription " Corporal Henry Britton, lst Dragoon Guards." He also had clasps for Balaclava, [nkerinan, and Sebastopol.

The stables auil cowshed of Mr R. Cupples, Otautau, were destroyed by fire, together with their contents, including chalf, oaten hay, barley, sheepskins, and chaffcutter. The National Insurance Compauy had a risk oE £100 on the stable and contents, but Mr Cupples' loss will amount to about £100. Four large stacks of oats, owned by Mr George Aitken, Wendon, and uninsured, were destroyed by lire on Saturday. Some 90 saoks of grain, owned by Mr Kiogdon, were destroyed by lire, near Gore, on Saturday. The grain was covered by a tarpaulin, and as no trace of this could be f.juud it is surmised that it was stolen and the straw around the grain set on fire to bide the theft.

At Christchurch on Saturday a husband of 18 years wis ordered to fiud a surety of £50 that he would pay 15s a week towards the support of his wife, aged 17, and their one child.

Tasmania has decided to hold an industrial exhibition at Launceston, opening in November next. The buildiugs, according to present arrangements, will cover about an acre of ground, Applications for space close on lst July.

The opening lecture of tho session of St. Andrew's Church Young Meu's Society was delivered in the hall of the church last evening by Mr A. Wilson, M.A., tbe subject being " Ballad Literature " There was a good attendance, and Mr J. B. Park occupied the chair. The earlier portion of the lecture was devoted to a defence of ballads as examples of literature, Mr Wilson declaring tbat mauy of those direct and simple things which wero the work of direct and simple miuds, existing iv a direct and simple society, would compete in interest with the more complex kinds of poetry that modern poets pro. duced. He then traced tho origin of ballad literature, and fiually dealt iv au able and

analytical way with the field of ballad poetry, especially iust dicing tbe most prolific causes— such ns war, love, and superstition—in the production of ballads. ' The lecturer, who was frequently applauded, illustrated the various headings of his address by quotations from typical ballads. A vote of thanks to Mr Wilsou, proposed by Mr E. K. Wilkinson, was carried by acclamation.

A concert and ball was held at Sawyers' Bay on Friday evening last to commemorate the opening of a public hall which has recently been erected in the township. The building, which ia of wood, is an exceedingly neat one, aud will accommodate fully 250 persons. There is an excellent stage and a convenient ante-room-The acoustic properties of tho hall are all that could bo desired, and those present ou Friday were'greatly pleased at seeing so excellent a building. The attendance was a very large one, and Mr Cleghorn was called upon to preside. Tho programme was both varied and excellent ; the opening glee, "Mea of Harlech," being well rendered by the Sawyers' Bay Choral Society. Among the vocalists who contributed to the success of the evening were the Misaes Thomson, Wignall, Patou, Davidson, and Kelly, Mesars Cleghorn, Wignall, M'Peak, and Stephens. Miss Duke played a piano solo; Mr T. M'Connell was heard to advantage iv his cornet solo; and Mr Ross was loudly applauded for his masterly violin playing. Several of the vocalists were encored for their efforts, and a very enjoyable evening wa3 tho result.

There are on view at Blr M'Gregor Wright's premises two water coloura by Mrs C. C. Reid. The first is a copy from a photograph of Raphael's celebrated picture "La Belle Jardiniere," the Madonna being represented seated with tbo Infant Jesus, while St. John is in a kneeling posture holding a cross. The second is a portrait from a photograph of Dr Grimes, R.C. Bishop of Christchurch. Both are faithful copies, and the drawing in each is particularly well executed.

The Shakespearian season which Mr G. C. Miln has inaugurated at tho Princess Theatre promises to be a most profitable one, if the largeness of last night's audience and the cordiality of the reception of " Richard III" upon the second production of that play may be taken as any criterion. Mr Miln's exposition of the character of the hump-backed king evoked frequent manifestations of approval, and the support that was accorded to the tragedian by Miss Douglas, Messrs Montgomery and Douglas, with some of the other performers, was also recognised as being of a satisfactory nature. The play ran most smoothly from beginning to end. A matter, apart altogether from the stage management, to which it is desirable that some attention should be paid, with a view of preventing a recurrence of the cause of complaint, is the fact that considerable annoyance was caused to occupants of tho dress circle last evening by the boisterous behaviour of some members of the company in one of the dressing rooms adjoining the auditorium, the pleasure of many patrons being on this account completely marred during several of the earlier scenes. For this evening, one of the most popular of Shakespeare's plays, " The Merchant of Venice," is announced.

Messrs D. Reid and Co. will sell on 19th May free-

hold properties at Hichmond and I'rimrose Hills. Messrs James Samson aud Co. will sell on Friday on the premises, Priuces street, the stock and furniture of a phofcographor. Tiio Perpetual Trustees, Estate and Agency Company will sell on the lOth May a farm at Greeu Island and sections in the township of St. Andrews Extension.

The aunual licensing meeting for the Dunediu district will be held on the 4th Juno.

, Mr Johu Everest will sell cattle, sheep, &c, at Palmerston, on Tuesday next. 1 Messrs Gracie, Maolean,.and Co, will sell on the 9th May, at Springfield, Temuka, sheep, liorses, and implements ; and on the 10th, at Timaru, freehold 1 and leasehold land, comprising the Springfield estate and the Lilybank estate. Meßsrs James A. Park and Co. will sell at the exhibition ou Thursday showcases, mountings, stands, &o.; and on Friday, at rooms, tliey will hold a sale of oil and water colour paintings. Passengers for London by tbe Doric leave by the Waihora tpj-day. Yesterday afternoon Mr R. W. Godfrey, who for the past 10 years has been in the employ of the firm oE Messrs K. Wilson and Co., Bond street, was at the bands of his employers and fellow employes made Hui recipient'of a very handsome wedding present. Mr J. 11. Loudon, iv a fow well-ehoson remarks for the future happiness and prosperity of the newly married couple, made the presentation, whicb was suitably acknowledged by the recipient. Tho Monthly Review for April, published at. Wellington, contains a continuation oi tho articles on TJuit.d ftaly; notes on onr volunteer force, by MrW. H. Quick -.'article No. 6 on Our Defences, by Mr Hardily ; ttie first portions of articles ou tho South Sua Islands and a Lon.) Lind, by J'a.jr.r Gudgeon and Mr Stemdale respectively ; article's on a National Circulating Library, by Mr Rutland ; tlic Ascent of Monnt Earnslaw, by Mr Morpeth ; on brave Winiala Palforn, by Lieutenant-colopiel M'Donnell; on tbo Altruistic State, by-Mr liallanr.e, _re. Stone's A I! O Gpiido for May is to hand. Tbis prompt imlili.at.i.pii when alf .rations arc mad.: in the timetable should be appreciatol. In order to have good spring flowers the bulbs ' should be planted at once. The largest collect ion ' obtainable at Gkorhh Matthews', Moray place.— p [Aipvt.] ,

Fish and Oystjius! ! !—Tlic undersigned arc prepared to supply Stewart Islaud oysters in any quantity at ten shillings per sack at the Bluff.—Urwin and Co., Bluff Harbour.—[Advt.l

18. R. Smith, sharebroker, A.M.P. Building. [Vlcphone TO).—[Anvr.] The "Purity" Cigarettes have takon highest iward at Exhibition.~[Adv_,]

We advise visitors to be photographed by lMen George, ns ills are tho bout photos in Dunedin,— [A.UVT.]

IlAiiur'B Tiucoi'imiious i'or the Kadi.—The oldest and Uio best. Imparts vigour, g'oan, luxuriance mid beauty to tiio lltiir, and Id recommended ns being a sovereign remedy for ail aliments of the hair or scalp, ii Puiilio Caution. — Ginokii An.it — Univereity Laboratory, Dunedin, l_th August 1885.—1 hereby certify tliat I lnive analysed Thomson and Co. s Gingor Ale, and Had tiio snmo to be of excellent quality, comparing very favourably with the best iniported brands of similar beverages ; the ingredients aro pure Jamaica dinger, finest Oano Sugar, Carbonic Acid, and flavouring of various fruits. AU the ingredients nro of n very pure quality, and are Bkiifiilly blended, with the result of producing a very wholesome nnd refi-cshiug bevernge, containing nob n trnco of alcohol.-1 nm, He, (.igued) James O. Iir.ACK, Professor of Cheinisty and Colonial Aunlyst. All our goods nro Inbo'.led " Wliite Cross lirand."— Thomson & Co., Crawford stieet.—[Advt.]