CURRENT TOPICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10731, 20 February 1897, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

During the session of the Presbyterian General

Assembly at Christchurch this

the . week the Rev. Dr Sidey subeeligioes mitted the report on the recenscs. ligious census. Ifc was found

from the general census tables that in April laat there were 159,952 persons who declared themselves to be Presbyterians. This represented an increase of 18,715 over the number in 1891, and ia working out details it was found that of this increase the Northern Church claimed 12,260, so that the Northern Church nominally has 86,712 and the Southern 73,231. The number of church buildings was given as 301 ; of school buildings used for public worship, 152; and of other dwellings or public buildinga, 45. In these buildings accommodation is provided for 75,881 persons, and ia April 1896 there were 48,751 in actual attendance. The figures are reported to furnish reason for much gratification. The return of the different religious bodies waß :— a . a • ~. Religion. P P? rsons J f g«S gg'S Returned ro^S }j-3 C l^.a-g < & Church of England 23*2 800 76,811 43 U7 Presbyterian ... i5!),9'>2 75,58 l 48>5l Wesleyan 03,37;! 55772 35445 Other Methodists ... 9.904 9,tSGI ii'fjtiG Baptists ... • ... 16.0;(7 8,t«0 5652 bongregationaliats... 6,777 6,700 3475 Lutherans 5,538 1,510 SOO Salvation Army ... 10.5:i2 24,178 15,777 Other Protestants.. 15,890 12,841 5979 Catholics 93.920 52 367 3030 Hebrews 1,549 810 380 Other Sects ... j ... 4,490 — — No Denominatidns 8,535 » 9.265 3,503 No Religion 15.961 — — .703.36J I 334,4^ 209,670" "Caslon's Circular" is a quarterly trade journal published in the interests something of the well-known firm of type in a founders whose name it bears. name. The current number, however, • has some interest for those outside the printing trade, while in a peculiar manner—to which we shall refer lower down it has interest for all. The firm known as H. W. Caslon and Co. is a very old one. There are no Caslons in the firm now. The last of the name died in 1874* at Medmenham-on-Thames, and he was the fifth qf the name since the founder of the house. At the time of his death he had for some time retired, and the reins of management were held by Mr T. W. Smith. A few days before his death the veteran type-founder wrote to Mr Smith expressing his gratification with the results of (his management, and his hope that after many and prosperous years he would be able to resign the "ribbons" to a, "chip of the old block." Mr Smith now announces that he has taken his three sons into partnership, and with pardonable pride reprints the letter of 22 years before. Mr Smith, however, regrets the accident which enrolled him in the vast army of Smiths, and is determined that his sons shall nofc labour under the same disadvantage. He pathetically says: "We have experienced the inconvenience of possessing a name in common with so many—a name so common, in fact, that it has almost ceased to be a distinguishing cognomen at all; and, whilst some have endeavoured to get over the difficulty by spelling it in various ways, we prefer to add to it a distinguishing prefix, which at the same time will identify the bearers of the name with the business so honourabl^and so long carried on by the Caslons." -The three sons now admitted to partnership have therefore, at their father's suggestion, taken the necessary legal steps to change their name from Smith to Caslon-Smith. Let us hope the hyphenation is a harbinger of additional prosperity.

In this week's Otago Witness an anonymous contributor sets forth, under another cover of a conversation held in panacea the year 1916, a method of for ridding New Zealand of rabbits. babbits. Though the writer is'slightly

facetious, he is plainly very much in earnest, as indeed all become who engross themselves with questions which have been insoluble. The method put forward is to divide eaoh county into rabbit districts averaging from 3000 to 6000 acres. In each of these districts a rabbiter is to be employed, and the expense of maintaining him is to be borne by a yearly rate levied over all the properties in the district. The stimulus to the rabbiter to do his duty is the promise of a bonus when tbe land is clear, and the deprivation of all interest in the carcases and skins. The stimulus to landowners to ,do their part consists of exemption from the rating clauses if their land is securely wire-netted and free from rabbits, and , districts are offered similar inducements, and have, as individuals have, power to borrow mouey from the Government to erect wire netting. The writer ingeniously submits that each farmer as he has to pay his yearly rate will endeavour to get as much of the rabbiters' time as possible, but will not keep him longer than necessary, because such a course would increase the rates by necessitating the employment of more men elsewhere. A law which would operate in opposite directions at the same moment would be a novelty. Briefly put, the scheme proposes to attack bunny iv detail, and as he is cleared off section after section, wire netting is to be erected to bar his return. It may be possible, but the cost would be enormous. The writer is, however, sanguine of success, and paints a rural millennium as the result. The inspectors' " time is fully taken up with the inspection of atock for disease. We regularly diagnose for tuberculosis with tuberculiu. Without them it would be impossible to keep our flocks free from lice or to check the sheep tax and registration of brands. Besides, there are a number of other important agricultural interests which depend oa their over-sight. The only body of men whom this scheme cashiered were the rabbit agents, whose wages cost the country perhaps £6000 per annum—a mere bagatelle as compared with even the monthly bonus for

The Government Printer has just issued a return prepared in accordance unconsidered with a motion made by Sir tkipi.es. Buchanan on June 17 of last last year. The return in question shows tho amount paid for travelling expenses of Ministers during the year ended March 31, 1896. It might have been compiled iv five minutes, but iv • accordance with the Premier's inganuous declaration thafc it is nofc to his interest to furnish ammunition for the Opposition artillery, ifc only makes its appearance now, when itsj contents beeoms ancient history. We le.-iro from ib thafc during lasfc financial year Ministers eased the public chest of no less thau £1156 19? 8d for travelling expenses. Naturally Mr Seddon "collared" the lion's share. Ho is entitled to it by the height of his position ancl his physical proportions, lt cost £140 10.) 8d to move the Premier from place to placo lasfc year, and, considering that he haa a free railway pass besides, ho evidently travels in a manner worthy of his dignity. Mr M'Kcuzie is a good second with £261* 15s 6d for the yeir. When ho looks afc the return he must be a.sbast at his own moderation. No

doubt when the return for the current year comes out we shall find him more proficient in " charging." During the period under review Mr Ward's movements were exceedingly active. Yet he has charged only £128 4s 9d for travelling expenses, but ifc must be remembered that he went Home on the colony's business and at the colony's expense, a definite sum having been voted for that purpose. Mr Cadman succeeded in spending only £88 0s Id—what could that penny have been for ?—and Mr Carroll £60 lis lid. The recurrence of these od4 pence indicates a painful degree of accuracy in keeping accounts. Messrs Ha 11-Jones. Thompson, Walker, and Montgomery were only Ministerial neophytes, and spent sums ranging from £5 downwards. Familiarity with the process of travelling at the public expense has bo doubt by this time fully initiated them.

We now learn from a return ju3t issued that the

. school reader issued by the fobtiier Government has not taken the belated educational world by storm. returns. The department does not know

how many of the books are in use in the schools, but it is able to state of 10,000 copies printed, of which 5000 were bound, only 19+5 have been issued. The printing and binding cost £355 7s 6d, and the compilation £118 6s Bd. That is to say, upwards of £470 has to all appearances been as completely wasted as if it were thrown into the sea, except thafc ifc has again demonstrated thafc the Government cannot do everything. That which private firms are doing every day successfully, the Government has failed to do. The books in hand will goon have lost whatever value they possess, so thafc no one will buy them. Perhaps the Government, in this difficulty, will make their use compulsory. Another belated return gives details of the alleged increase of £18,428 in the earnings of the railways for lasfc year. The increase is arrived at by charging other departments for work done, the railways in return being charged for work done for them. Thug in 1894-95 the Education department paid the railways £254 ls 2d, but last year the sum paid was £3077 9s 9d. The Police department paid £431 10s lid in 1894-95, and £1841 18s 7d last year, because constables and prisoners must now purchase tickets and must pay for them. The receipts from the Defence department rose from £29117s 8d to £1951 ls sd, and those from the Post and Telegraph department from £2063 to £13,732 19s. In other words, each department treats another as a complete stranger. The method has some recommendations and some faults. Ifc enables an ex*cfc return of earning power lo be made, bufc ifc must lead fco a great deal of needless expense and red tane.

The Hon. Sir J. Abbott, Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, arrived in Dunedin from the north last evening.

Rear-admiral Bridge returned lasfc evening from a brief trip to the Lakes district. He proceeded to Port Chalmers lasfc evening, and leaves for the north this morning in H.M.S. Wallaroo. The officers and men of that vessel have made themselves so popular during their stay that it is hoped they may return at an early date with the admiral.

In the Supreme Court yesterday it was arranged that the case of the Trustees, Ertate, and Agency N Company (Limited) v. Green should be taken on Tuesday morning next, and that the case of Walsh v. Stentiford should follow it oh the same day. Mr Hosking asked that the cases of the Bank of New Zealand and others v. Walter Gnthrie and Company (Limited) and others, and of the same plaintiffs againsfc the three companies allied with the defendant company mentioned should be adjourned infco Chambers. Io reply to Mr Justice Williams, Mr Sim said there would be argument in the cases, and Mr Hosking added that Mr Woodhouse had been instructed by the liquidator of Walter Guthrie and Company (Limited) to represent the unsecured creditors, and thafc there was no question of fact involved. Ths cases were all adjourned into Chambers, "^nd fixed for Friday next. In the case of Smart v. Reynolds a special jury of four was ordered, and a day for the trial is to be arranged hereafter. The divorce suit of Nikel v. Nikel was settled for the 10th prox.

An Engineering Electrical Exhibition is to be held in Sydney-during June to August bf this year. The executive invite apprentices and improvers to exhibit models and drawings entirely their own handiwork, for which prizes or certificates of merit will be awarded. The time for making application for space is limited, as the lst March hag been decided upon. Forms may be obtained from Mr H. M. Davey, and poaßibly from local engineering works.

A question of importance to the commercial world was argued in the Supreme Coart yeaterday in connection with the liquidation of the J. G. Ward Farmers' Association. The association had received consignments of sheepdipping powder 'from the firm of William Cooper and Nephews, the powder being held on the footing that as sales were made by the association to clients the goods so sold were purchased by the association from the manufacturers. The question at issue is as to the relationship which existed between William Cooper and Nephews and the Ward Association. The former seek to establish that there was a judiciary relationship between the parties, whereas the liquidator of the association takes np the position that the association were merely buyers. Mr Justice Williams reserved his decision on the point.

The death is reported of Colonel Robert Ballard Gardner, of H.M. Royal Marine Artillery. This distinguished officer commanded the Royal Marines in New Zealand during the war in 1863*64, including the assault on tho Gate Pa, and was mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was also preseut in the action of Te Ranga— promoted brevetmajor and medal for New Zealand. He retired on full pay 6th January, 1875. He was the son of the late Colonel Jas. Gardner, of H.M. 53rd Regiment, and brother of Mr James Gardner, of Birchwood.

About a year ago the Rev. W. Coleneo offered to give £1500 and a free site for a museum in Napier, provided the townspeople subscribed a sum sufficient to place the museum on a proper footing. The proposal does not appear to have been regarded with much favour, and at a meeting of the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Society the generous donor allowed his vexation to be apparent. He said that as only £163 had been promised, his books and money would now go to his native town of Penzance, in Cornwall. "Of the 20 names handed in to the secretary as willing to contribute towards this project, there was not one wealthy man, not * one respectable nor one old settler, amongst them. In order to do something still for this museum he had seen Mr R. D. D. M'Lean, who had informed him there was about £700 or £800 in the hands of the Scotoh Committee, who held this money in trust until the establishment of some statue or memorial to» Sir Donald. This money, Mr M'Lean assured him, could be available for the purposes of the museum, and further, Mr M'Lean gave him to understand that he would increase the sum to £1000." Mr Colenso then referred to the management of the Philosophical Society, and said he would resign at once. The members acknowledged the services of tho rev. gentleman, and regretted the apathy shown by the public. Eventually it was understood Mr Colenso would reconsider the matter of resigning from the society.

A matter which cropped up in the Supreme Court yesterday in the somewhat uaiuforming guise of " a motion for directions as to the service of sn originating summons " is really of interest to the community at large. The effect of a receut decision of Mr Justice Denniston was briefly that, in the case of a testator bequeathing to any one object or objects the whole of the real and personal estate of which he may die possessed, if he has any life policy moneys the latter would go to the nerfc of kin, despite the general bequest, the judge holding that policy moneys must bo specially dealt with under the will. It is said that this judgment is not generally endorsed by the profession in Dunedin, and the opinion was expreased in Chambers yesterday thafc the law societies should arrange to secure an argument of the question before the Court of Appeal, and with thafc object iv view ifc is proposed to remove to the Pull Court a local case in which the point decided by Mr Justice Deanistou has arisen.

We understand the Shaw, Sivill, and Albion Company reduced their rates or freight on wool by both steamer and nailers throughout the colony, simultaneously with the New Zealand Shipping Company. The ShaW, Savill, and Albion Co. also now notify that they have reduced rateß of freight for general cargo by steamer to sailer rates.

A wedding of a most remarkable character was celebrated on the 22ud December at Providence, Rhode Island. The bride was Mrs Eleanor Linter, who is one ofthe wealthiest women in the State, and is, moreover, known to be decidedly eccentric, and the bridegroom was the sixth to fill that position. Four of the previous husbands were present in the capacity of ushers or supporters of the groom, and the fifth would have, attended the ceremony had he not been unavoidably prevented by a severe illness. To show that he had not forgotten the event, and thafc he bore the kindliest feelings towards the principils, he sent them a valuable wedding gift. The lady entered upon her initial essay iv matrimony 10 years ago, and divorce proceedings shortly afterward^ liberated her from her first husband. Four succeeding ventures were made, divorce bein°resorted to on each occasion. A curious feature of the whole affair is that all the " husbands " have remained ou good terms with the lady and are very friendly to each ofcher. None of the first five have remr.rried.

A Wellington telegram states A. H. Cutler, of Dunedin, passed the senior civil' service examination with distinction. The following also passed: - C. E. J. Dowland, C. J M'Kenzie, J. F. Mouat, B. V. ReiUy W W* Samson, W. G. Tait, A. J. Will. '

Mr A. Brandon-Cremer has organised a comedy company, which will produce at the City Hall on Cup night .Sydney Grundy's threeact farcical comedy " The Gntta-Percha Girl " The following are some of the memfa ets 0 f t {, e company :-Messr« Alf. Burton, A. Morris, E Barret-Foster, and A. Brandon-Cremer, Misses Edith Leech, Annie Wyniard, Cora M'Lean and D. Francis. Popular prices will be charged.

TO-MORROW'S CHURCH SERVICES ■ Knox Church.—Rev. John Mackenzie M A evenhT 68" ucklaud)' wi]l Preach morning a^d _ North Dunedin Presbyterian Church —AIT,™ Be^^nul^' 1^ *"**?&. SS St. Andrew's Church.—Rev. R. Waddell morning and evening. »»uuen, .St. Paul's Cathedral.-Holy communion S a.m . matins 11 a.m. (preacher, Rev. Archdeacon Robinson) evensong 6.30 (Re^ Canon Rkhards) St. Matthew's Church.-Holy communion S a.m., choral communion and sermon 11. evensong 6.00. Preacher, Rev. W. Curzon-Sia-gers Disciples of Christ, Oddfellows' Hali, Stuart street-Mr Mazeßgarb, morning and evening Subjects: "A Responsive Soul" and "No Condemnation.

Trinity Wesleyan Church.—Rev. H E Bell house, mprmug and evening. Subjects:' "An Giving" eB aD • Indil™ Account Cargill Road Wesleyan Church.-Preacher JPSajfL a t nd e. nl??. »«■ R- Taylor. Subjects I Help of the hpint in Prayer "and "Faitn. the Guarantee of Success " Mosgiel Church.-Morn! mg and evening, Mr D. Swan. Roslyn Wesleyan Church.—Rev. D. O'Donnell'fe mission commences. '"

wil e-str^ Mis#on,.GarrisonHall.-Morning, Rev Wy.Heady. Evemug, at 6.30, Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H R., will preach on "Applied Christianity." Tabernacle King street-Mr Chas. Watt will preach at b.30 on " The Good Fight," when his remarks will be specially intended to interest young men. •"mucbi*

As will be seen by advertisement in another column, the Wellington Rowing Club are this E + V Vl"ga sP^ndid lot of prizes in connection with their grand art union, to be drawn eariy in March. The prizes number over 50-the first being a piano valued at £63. the second a ladies' Humber bicycle, &c. Tickets are only Is each Pron'bition meeting will be held in the Gamson Hall at 8.15 p.m. to-morrow, when the Rev. I. W. Isitt will preside. The Rev. Mr Wallace (of Canada) will-speak on " The Outlook of Prohibition in Canada" ; and the Rev. Mr Monro (of Christchurch) will also speak. In connection with the Burns Club concert on Wednesday evening it was Miss Grace Mayhew who gave the recitation " Robert Burns, a Centenary Rhyme, and not ,Miss Neanie, as stated in our report. «

Messrs James Samson and Co. will sell household furniture, lathe, &c. to-day. On Friday next they will sell property and dwelling at Outram, and on Friday, sth March, a dairy farm at Purakanui. ■

In connection withthe Roslyn Wesleyan Church, the Rev. D. O'Donnell will hold mission services to-morrow.

The winning numbers in connection with the Australian Natives' Association's art union appear in our advertising columns. On account of the annual picnic of the employees, Messrs John Murdoch and Co's premises will be closed to-day. The classes for theoretical plumbing and carpentiy in connection with the Technical Classes Association are now meeting on Monday and Friday evenings. The examination of the London City and Guilds Institute will be held early in May. J Brigadier Hoskin and other officers will conduct special services at the Salvation Army Barracks to-morrow evening. The proprietor of the steamer on Lake Te Anau notifies that the steamer is now doing very well. The seventh annual Christian convention will be held in the Hanover street Baptist Church on Wednesday, 24th inst. The examination for the Gray Russell scholarshin will be held on Wednesday, 7th April The valuation lists for the boroughs of Mornwgton and South Dunedin are now open for inspection.

The City Corporation invite tenders for the supply of coal to the gasworks. Messrs Gemmell, Tuckeit, and Co. will sell, at Melbourne, on Wednesday, March 3, the steamer Albert.

Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. will sell on lTiday next the Warrington, yearlings. These include five fillies, one colt, and one gelding, all by St. Olair, the dams being Lady Gertrude, Lady I'lorence, Indolence, Legerdemain, Dione, Mistral, and Firefly. His Worship the Mayor requests that Wednesday next, Gup Day, be observed as a holiday. Common jurors summoned for Monday next are discharged from attendance. John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 47 Princes street. The oldest established house in town Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment Hatches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Spwtacles to suit all sights.—Advt. Tha Sale of the Season.—The general verdict is. after looking through all the sale bargains in town, that Carter and Co. offer the best barga!?!i - eir soods being fresll and uew and nseful and their prices, in many cases, lass than makers' prices. Come early and see fdr yourselves. ■ Advt.

-EIOOO worth of special lines at enormous di*c,on°t for cash of men's, youths', and boys' clothing now sellinjr at MorxisoN and Co.'s, 195 and 197 George street.—Advt. It is often a puzzle tc buyers of boots and shoes to know where the best value can be obtained Call and examine Simon Bros", large stock, and tlie prices will decide the hard fact—we can't be excelled.—Advt.

G. and 1. Young's reduced price list for repairs : Watches thoroughly examined and cleaned Os; best mainsprings* fitted, 5s ; all other repairs at equally low rates. Only competent workmen employed, and all work under the immediate supervision of Mr T. G. Young, a practical watchmaker.—Advt. • ,

Messrs A. and J. M'Farlane beg to call attention to i.eir advertisement over the leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the best attention.—Advt.

The Continental Boot Depot, Princes street (opposite the Post Office), have a remarkably fine show of dress boots and shoes.—Advt