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Otago Daily Times, Issue 11962, 8 February 1901, Page 5

It is not surprising that hearty goodwill was manifested by the English peoplo towards the German Emperor on iiis departure for bis own country. Seldom, if ever, has William. II shown to such excellent advantage, at all events in. Britisn eyes, as during this last , dark iortniglro. No sooner had he heard of the Queen's illness than he set sail for Engiuud, reminding those about him ihai he was the eldest grandson, and tnafc his mother, the eldest child, was prevented by dangerous illness from hastening to her mother s bedside. The primary humanities and domesticities never fail to find a, ready response in the Heart of the German race, and (accortiing to the cable) the Emperor's people agreed that the course he adopted was "natural and fitting and right, iuMsmuch as the filial duty is one of tradition in palace and cottage." As wo have observed more than once lately, it is never safe to place much reliance on popular reports regarding royal character:, still, it must be admitted that filial sentiment was not, in years gone by, among William IPs chief claims to renown. Be this as it may, he has foorne himself right well as a man and a brother during this trying time, — losing not a whit of his Imperial dignity, and. winning the affectionate respect of a sorrowing people. His conduct has been worthy the son of Frederick the Noble and the grandson of Victoria the Good. The cables have given us many hints of his kindly helpfulness unci self-forgetful care for others. He it was who comforted the King in. his first hour of grief,.and for this and his other services the Empire, is grateful to him. He richly deserved the " tremendous reception" which" the people of London gave \im.

down for hearing at the sittings which commence next week, is a claim, for £200 for damages alleged to have been sustained by the plaintiff being thrown oft the tram above the Asylum ground several weeks ago.

A sewer, to carry the abattoir drainage into the ocean near the mouth of the Kaikorai Stream is to be constructed shortly by the Dunedin City Council at a cost of £5387.

The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the subject of federation will commence its sittings in Dunedin at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. Those desirous of giving evidence are invited to communicate with the secretary to the commission.

The occurrence of a jubilee in the existence of a colonial newspaper is such a rarity as to moke it an event ot more than passing interest. The Otago Witness attains-that interesting epoch in its career to-day, the first number of our contemporary having appeared on February 8, . 1851. It is the first woekly paper in the colony to reach its fiftieth birthday; for though the Lyttelton Times, which attained its jubilee a month ago, was a weekly at the start, it was subsequently changed to a daily. The Witness this week, of course, enters into a history of its past career, and our contemporary's illustrated sheet is largely taken up with portraits of members of its stnff past and present, contributors ancient and modern, tho offices of the fifties, otc. An interesting group ie that containing the 11 original proprietors, including Mr Cutten, tho first editor, to whom the other 10 presented the paper after it had been running for a couple of years. Many interesting details are given of the manner in which the paper was conducted in the days of the old identities —up to the time when the goldfields excitement commenced, when Mr Cutten took unto himself a partner in the person of Mr Julius Vogel (subsequently Sir Julius). Mr Yogel's entry info tho arena quickly resulted in the establishment of the Daily Times, of which he was the first editor, and Mr B. L. Farjeon, the novelist, first manager. The history of the papers is traced down to their purchase by Messrs Reed and Fenwick, tho subsequent formation of the second company, arid tlicnce on to the present day. Interesting features of the pictorial pages, in addition to the first proprietors, aro portraits of Messrs Vogel and Farjeon, of Messrs Reed and Fenwick in 1878, many notable fignres among the old contributors, the different managers and editors of tho paper, a page of lady contributors, the directors of the present day, etc. An interesting feature of the issue is a fac-eimile of the first number of the Witness, a small sheet of four pages, which is worth preservation. ■Aβ a record of an historical epoch this week's Witness is of great interest, and copies will no doubt be treasured in the homes of all old identities and also by collectors of records of anything connected with the early days of the colony.

The weekly meeting of tho Benevolent Institution Trustees was held yesterday afternoon, and was attended by Messrs' Hayne3 (chairman), Wilson, Treseder, Gourley, Burnett. The accounts passed for payment amounted to £408 6s 6d. The monthly outdoor relief book showed that the cases for last month numbered 313, and comprised 106 men, 235 women, and s"fO children, the cost of maintenance per week being £96 3s. For January of last year the eases were 312 in number, and included 112 men, 233 women, and 569 children, the cost per week for that month being £98 13s. The Chairman mentioned that, in consequence of the death of Mr William Swan, there was a vacancy on the trust. Seeing that Mr Swan had served for many years as a representative of the City Council, he (tho Chairman) thought that if any other member of the council would accept tho position the trustees should appoint him. Mr James Goro was willing to accept' the position. On the motion of Mr Gourley, seconded by Mr Treseder, Mr Gore was apponited to fill the position. Mr Gove was also elected to a position on the Finance Committee, and Mr Treseder was appointed treasurer. The applications for relief numbered 32.

Tho ordinary meeting of the University Council, held yesterday, was attended by Professor Shand (in the chair), Professor Sale; Dr Hoeken, Messrs T. K. Sidey, H, Clark, and D. "White. The registrar (Mr A. Hamilton) was granted leave of absence to join tho scientifio trawling expedition in tho Doto. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Sidey, to adopt the recommendations of the Law Committee as to alterations in the order of subjects for the LL.B. degree examinations, which it is considered will be of benefit to those studying law. It was further decided that these recommendations bo forwarded'to the Senate of the University of New Zealand for their consideration. The rest of the business was of a formal character. -

A special meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council, held on Wednesday evening, was attended by -Cable, Mackay, Shanks, Weir, Wilson, Simpson. In the absence of the mayor, Cr Weir was voted to the chair. The business was to make, on February 6, a special annual recurring rate for a period of W/years of 2d in the pound upon the rateable value of the borough for the purpose of repaying the loan of £2500, and the intoreat thereon, to be borrowed under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act for a period of 4-1 years, at 3i per cent, interest, to improve and extend the waterworks and water supply of the borough; such rate to be payaide in two equal sums on April 14 and October 14 in each year. A resolution to the above effect was carried.

• Tho effect of the strike of lightermen at London upon colonial trade is more real, and more direct than many persons may be disposed to imagine. Some correspondence from a London firm which has been placed at our disposal by a colonial importer shows conclusively how harassing tho strike is even at this part of the world. Seven cases of goods were to have been shipped to tiie importer by the steamer Oroya. Two were shut out and were transferred for shipment, with fivo other cases, by the China. But of the total of 10 cases from this firm which were stnt for shipment to the importer by the China five were shut out. " Our entire shipment is subjected alike," the exporters write, " and the real cause can be attributed to the prolonged strike of lightermen of the London docks, who, having tho sympathy and monetary assistance of kindred societies of other countries, are rendered doubly.obstinate in their demands, thus disjointing all export and import business." The state of the docks is represented as being that of a plethoric muddle, in consequence of which it is impossible to expeditionary handle goods or to locate them satisfactorily for shipment, and many rcwels aro sailing with minimum cargoes. The importer's five eases which woro shut out from the China were then transferred to the Cuzco, but advice of a week later showed that four of them had been again shut out and transferred to the Arcadia. And in all pnrt-3 of the world importers horn London are raftering from inconvenience similar to that created by tho experience of the Duncdin importer.

The dust-tin nuisance was mentioned at the City Council meeting.last night. Cr Gore said ho hoped steps would be taken at once to prevent the placing of tins on the footpath and the roadway, and stated that in Wellington the dustman has to miike hid way into the backyard for the tins. Cr Park thought tho city was too extensive for one contractor to look after—it should be divided and the work given to two men. Both suggestions, it was understood, were sent on to the Works Committee for their consideration.

At the close of Wednesday night's mission meeting held by Mr Oatts in the- Alhnmbra Theatre there was a most enthusiastic gathering of men in connection with the proposed formation of a Y.M.C.A. in Duncdin. A great many signified their willingness to give lielp in some aggressive work for young men in the city. In the course of the next'fortnight a public meeting will be called to form an association and to formulate' some plan of work. To-night Mr and Mrs Oattswill speak at the Y.W.C.A. social in tho Alhambra Theatre.

■ Someone in Auckland has blundered badly over the Calliope Dock works. The dock (says the New Zealand Herald, in an article on the faults of tho Harbour Board) has been named' a white elephant. It was thought that we could pull that tangle pretty straight by gettinr? the Imperial authorities to com-

pleta the facilities by aiding in the erection of the neceßsary machinery. But the recent meetings of the board have shown that a stupendous mistake has been made. The eslimato of the Harbour Board was that the foundations for the sheer-legs could be laid for something over £14,000. That sum the Admiralty agreed to. But now, when the work has to be done (the sheer-legs being on their way), it is found that the foundations cannot be put in for less than £63,000. How the board is to face the Admiralty on the subject we do not know. The whole project of furnishing the dock with adequate machinery may be hung up.

Large audiences have been the rule during the week at the Princess Theatre, where Dix's Gaiety Company are responsible /or a bright and attractive entertainment. The same programme will be repeated this evening. Tomorrow (Saturday) night the usual weekly change will be given, when, in addition to the new sketches, songs, and dances of the first part, there will be presented at 9 o'clock the nautical, amusing burlesque entitled "Little Bpbinson Crusoe," for which new costumes and scenery have been prepared.

Tho Waxworks exhibition in tho Arcade was again largely attended yesterday, and a considerable amount of interest was evinced in tho figures by the visitors. The exhibition' will be open to-day and until further notice

Miss Nance O'Neil, the American actress, who, with a strong company, is touring the colony under engagement to Mr J. C. Williamson, will open in Dunedin übout the 18th inst. Miss Nanoe O'Neil is an American actress who jumped into a. leading position at a bound, and her representation here of a round of leading parts is suro to excite much interest.

Carter's Great Sole commences To-day. Tremendous Bargains in all kinds of Drapery and Clothing at Dunedin and Invcrcargili. Call early at Carter's Great Sale.—Atlvt. G. and T. Young, jewellers, Princes street, having enlarged their premises are thi;? year making a specially laige display of goods suitable for Christmas and New Year presents. They guarantee excellent quality and good value.—Advt.

Who is Peter Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee Palace, Moray place, Dunedin. Charges strictly moderate.—Ad vt. Messrs James Samson and Co. will sell household furniture, etc., at their rooms to-morrow afternoon.

The Education Board announce that the gymnastic classes for pupil teachers will be resumed at the Union street School to-morrow.

Tenders are invited for the purchase of a property at Roxburgh East, below the Roxburgh bridge. Mr Michael M'Carthy announces that he has 236 acres of freehold land at Miller's Flat for privf.te sale. Particulars referring to the farm competition and tho field turnip competitions under the auspices of the Otago A. and P. Association, appear ;a another column.