THE DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12466, 24 September 1902, Page 4

THE DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

; It is gratifying to know that the Dunj edin Competitions Society lias received i such promises of support in connection | with its] first animal contests as practi- | cally assure their success. Although the entries for the various events that are comprised in the programme do not close uutil the 30th inst., a sufficient number have already been received by the secretaries to afford a reasonable guarantee that there will be good competition! for most of the prizes that are being offered. The Society may, therefore, loolc forward to the contests with a good deal of confidence that its efforts will be amply I rewarded. From the point of view of j the public, the objects of the Society can only be regarded as of an entirely laudable character. Anything that aims • at the development and encouragement | of literary and musical talent is to be commended. Many persons who are j most liberally endowed with vocal gifts i may quite conceivably shirk the ordeal of submitting themselves to a public competition, and it cannot therefore be I hoped that any series of tests «uch as the Dunedin Competitions Society proposes to institute will brijig to light all the latent ability, which the community may possess. "Full many a flower is born to blush unseen," and' it always will be so; and it is not an. altogether extravagant fancy that pictures an Amy Castles or a Jeau Gferardy in the rough —unpolished, untrained, untaught—in some one or other of the humble homes of Otago, whose obscurity is perhaps

I due quite as much to a natural aversion to and dread of that ..publicity through which lies the pathway tct success and ! fame as it is ascribahle to financial considerations and the hopelessness of-pro-viding for the long period of tuition and the constant study which are exacted from every aspirant for the laurel leaf. The personal factor can never be entirely ignored. But the experience elsewhere has been that competitions similar in character to those which are t-o bo inaugurated a few weeks hence in Dunedin. have unquestionably boon the prieans. of " discovering" in unsuspected quarters musical and elocutionary talents of a distinctly high order. Even though no such result as, (this may be achieved in Dunedin, the contests can hardly fail to prove beneficial from the stimulus to improvement which they will impart to the competitors, and from the encouragement of a sound taste aad a correct style in music and literature which may be expected to he 'their outcome. At- Ballarat the competitions have come to be j regarded as almost national in their im- ; portance, and the prizes which are there distributed to the successful competitors , are- so liberal that it is not at all surprising that entries are attracted from practically the whole of the Commonwealth. Here in Dunedin it has been found necessary to commence on a modest scale. If, however, the enterprise proves as successful as it is hoped it will, the scope of the competitions will develop, and fresh features of interest •will each year be added. Tbe programme for the first competitions lias not escaped criticism, but the Society has shown k very reasonable disposition to confer with competent authorities outside its own ranks upon points that have excited comment, and if its critics will not forget that fcli© initial programme in what is a new phase of local activity is necessarily somewhat of an experiment, and if they will make due allowance for that fact, •we do not doubt that any difficulties which may- have arisen from the choice that has been made of test selections will be satisfactorily smoothed oyer before the date of the contests.

In the House of Representatives yesterday the report of the Transports Commission was laid on the table. The Land for Settlements Act Amendment Bill having been introduced, the Public Works Estimates were proceeded with, and occupied attention all the afternoon and evening.

A Pross Association telegram states that •Owing to the expiry of the agreement with Switzerland to accept Now Zealand letters prepaid at Id per half ounce, all letters for Switzerland posted after the 30th inst. must bo prepaid at the rate of 2£d per each half ounce.

The goods train, from Ida, "Valley to Dunodin which is timed to arrive at its destination at 9.55 p.m. was subjected to some delay last evening owing to the engine breaking down about four miles and a-half from Wimgatui. . Another engine was despatched from Diinedin a a soon as possible to bring the disabled train in, but beyond the delay to the goods tram the traffic did not suffer in any way.

The discussion of a pgper on hydatid 'disease led to some scathing remarks on Dunedin'e water supply at the Otago Institute last evening. Mr G. M. Thomson said 'that he had in liis presidential address last year stated that the supply should be, and could be, filtered. Dunedin had two sources of supply. The one was a horrible supply. Houses drained into it before it reached the reservoir, and the residents of •the north end received at unfiltered. The other supply came from Silveistream in an open, race eoine 25 miles long, and no doubt animals occasionally got into it. " Rabbits get into it I know," ho added; " get into it, I mean, and stay in it." Mr Thomson also suggested that the Education department should take steps to disseminate information as to the danger of drinking water from roadside creeks, etc. This common practice among olii'ldren must un? doubtedly be a source of dissemination of the diseaso above-mentioned.

A rara. avis in the shape of a brown-and-white weka with a pink bill and dark chrome yellow legs is reproduced in this week's Witness froro a sketch by the discoverer. It was caught on the Tittaru River, West Coast, by Miss E. H. That great English aquatic festival the Henley regatta is the subject of a page of excellent reproductions from photos 'taken by Mir George Moodie, of Dunedin, who is at prescint on a visit to the Old Conn-try. " Study of a Farmer" is the title of an original sketch by Mr J. Macdonald, who aJso provides a cartoon in. connection with the coming election; and among other illustrations in th,i3 issue may be mentioned an excelicmt picture of Nithvale, the residence of Mr Robert Glendining; snapshots in tho Botanic Gardens; a dainty turn-out at the Oamaru Coronation celebrations; the old North Dunedin Police Station and old and new Knox Church Manse; a. group of the lady golfers at the recent tournament; the Invorcargill Battalion Band and their new instruments; a number of Ayrshire cattle recently purchased for Sydney; road traction in Canterbury; filling in the foreshore at Polichet Bay; an odd Bank of Otago note; Moeraki Maoris in royal oolours; a pastoral scene at Seacliff; a study in heads.and tails; a prolifio pair; St. Patrick's Basilica and Presbytery at Oamaru; pig-fish spearing {it Dunedin wharf; groups; and other interesting pictures, ' ,

Dr Torrey'a mission in Ohrisichuroh caused considerable controversy concerning the subject iof eternal punishment. This week's Outlook contains the full text of Dr Torrey's answers to questions given at the Christohurch business men's meetings, together with details of the- Sarginson controversy. Another feature of the issue is % number of impressions of -the TorreyAlexander mission from the pens of leading Christohurch ministers, and their various views make interesting 1 reading-. The latest figures of the Bifok-in-schools plebiscite in Southland show 6295 Yes votes, 1133 No, and 4-27 refusals to vote, but tho returns as yet axe by no means complete.

The only case before the City Police Court, yesterday was a charge againet Samuel Ahem far having, on September 10, placed building material in 'London street without having a-sufficient light attached at night. He was fined Is without costs by Mr M. Fraer, J.P.

An operation performed on a European woman itn the Johannesburg Civil Hospital for tumour disclosed a remarkable state of things. In the diseased tissue the doctors discovered over 1200 pins, 15 packing-case, nails, a trouaer button, and a scaripin. The woman has since died. These facts are authenticated by the secretary of the hospital.

Major Roolces, who during the Maori war of i 1565 distinguished himself greatly, and was mentioned in dia&patphes, especially for courage, aibility, and zeal displayed on Karaka Heights, has mow on evil times in Auckland. He has ( only an old-age pension to support himself on, although he is so infirm as to require the permanent attention of a ntae. He has been lately befriended by Dr Bakcwoll, who is now.petitioning Parliament on the major's behalf. Tito petition mentions " that Major Rookes (now in his eighty-fourth year) has never received any grant or pension for Ms special services, or anything beyond the ordinary pay and allowance of his rank and a vote of thanks from tho Legislative Council and from the House of Representatives.'

On Friday evening last Trooper R. M 'Tagga rt, of the NintK" Contingent, recently returned from South Africa, was entertained at a social at Highcliff. Notwithstanding the severity of the weather the hall was welil filled. Tho trooper was presented with a watoh-ohain and pendant, a pipe, and a walking-stick as a slight token of respect and in recognition of his services to the Empire, the company singing lustily the chorus of "Soldiers of the Queen." Tea and cake were then handed rouad, several songs were given by members of the ooinpany, and dancing was kept up for several hours.

St. Paul's Schoolroom was tastefully decorated last night, when a presentation of a Cathedral Psalter and a Gladstone bag was made to Miss M. Rehberg by Archdeacon Robinson on behalf of the superintendent (Mr Lowry) and teachers of the Sunday school. The Anjhdeaoon eloquently referred to Miss Rehberg's services to St. Paul's School and to her' appointment as organist of the Anglican Church at Anderson's Bay. Responding to a call, Mr Wathen acknowledged the assistance givon by Miss Rehberg in starting a Sunday morning school here. So-ngs were tastefully sting by Mrs Robinson and Mr Downing, and tifter supper the programme closed with the siuging of " Aiiild laaig syne" and the National Anthem. The Rev. H. Jones and Mr G. R. West acted as accompanists.

The usual weekly practice of tile Dunedin Choral Society was hold last evening, at which there was a g-ojsd attendance, both of the chorus and orchestra. The work the society is now rehearsing is " The Creation," which will be given about the fourth week in Ootohcr. The soprano SOIO3 on this occasion will 'be taken by Mies Amy Murphy, who, it will be remembered, took them eo successfully when "The Creation" was performed—viz., in July, 1899. The tenor solos will be taken by Madam von Look, and the bass solos by Mr William Taylor, of Invercargill, who has on previous occasions sung for the society in a most creditable manner. The last time this work was ren.de.red by the society was in conjunction with Madame Trebelli and Mr John ProusS, in August, 1899, when, it will be remembered, the attendance was a record one. t Full particulars of the Torrey-Alexander mission in the Garrison Hall <u*d, First Church for to-day and to-morrow will be found in our advertising ooluinns. The Now Zealand University examinations this year will commence on Tuesday, Deoember 9, and full particulars respecting the same are given by advertisement which appears elsewhere in this issue.

Messrs James Samson, and Co. will sell at their rooms to-morrow household furniture, etc.

Messrs Dalgety and Co. will hold a clearing sale of farm, stock, and implements at Palmerston to-morrow.

Messrs Park, Reynolds, and Co. will sell at the premises, Clyde street, to-cTay household furniture On Friday they will offer at their rooms another iot of furniture.

Messrs Donald Reid and Co. will sell at the horse parade, Tahuna Park, on Thursday, 2nd two stallions, North Star and Ivanhoe. The annual meoting of the Otago Anglers' Association is to be hold to-morrow evening in the Victoria Hall.

For the convenience of the competitors, the Dunedin Competitions Society has arranged for the receiving of entries for its competitions by Messrs C. Begg and Co., the Dresden Pianoforte London Organ and Piano Company, Whacombe and Tombs, Joseph Bra.ithwa.ite, the Otago Bible Depot, and It. J. Stark and Co.'

Herr R. C. Zimmcrmann's annual concert is to be held in the Garrison Hall on Wednesday next. All claims against the estate of the late W. M. Shore must be 'rendered to Mr -a. Johnston C., Brown, Queen's Rooms, Dunedin, on or before tho 7th prox.

Mrs Helen Temple Brigham will deliver an inspirational lecture m the Psychological Hall, Moray place, thjs evening

Nominations »f candidates for tho vacancy in tho Maori * ill Borough Council, caused by the death of the late Mr JI. M'Cormack, will bp received by the returning officer (Mr Ciuiries Grater)'up till October 7.

• The Provident Industrial Life Insurance Company's dividend is payable on the Ist October hext.

Messrs Kirkcaldy smd Co. are inviting applications for agents of their companies in unrepresented districts. The Provident Industrial Life office requires active representatives to canvass new "industrial" and "house purchase" investment policies. This company was established 13 years ago, and has, according to the report, just completed a successful year. The Live Stock General Insurance Company insures nil classes of stock, on shore and while in transit to all parts of the world. The

" Yorkshire" is . an old-established British office, apt! issues " ordinary lifo" policies, also transacts " fire" business of every description. Messrs lurkcnldy and Co. are general managers for- Now Zealand, and htve vacancies for fire agents in Dunedin and in some of the suburbs. It is usually diJßcult to dee'de on suitable articles for wedding and birthday gifts. G. and T. Young announce that they have the latest novelties in jewellery and silverware, etc., and invite inspection by'those in search of above.—Advt. '

Conquest's Cough Cordial is still the most reliable cough' remedy in the market. One bottle will often effect a complete cure. All chemists' and storekeepers'; Is 6d per bottle.— Advt.

Mr Hendy, hairdresser, invites ladies to inspect new hair ornaments and side combs; just opened; from.6d pair; choice selection.— 4dvt.

" Ben Hur: A Tale of The Christ," is given away with 6lb Book Gift Tf.a ; " Adam Bade," by George Eliot, or any of Roe's works are given away with 61b Book Gift Tea; "The UJirivalled Atlas " —a splendid Atlas, containing 40 maps and index to 22,000 names—or a 5s copy of Shakespeare given away with 10lb' Book Gift Tea,, Ask your grocer for Catalogue of-600 Books.—Advt.

Conquest's Cough Cordial is a Standerd Cough Medicine, skilfully compounded and the robst reliable remedy in the market. Sold by all chemists and storekeepers; Is Gd per bottle.—Advt.

Who is Pbteb Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker aud Jevysllee opposite Coffee Palace, Moray plaoa, : Charges strictly nipdprjite.—Advt ,