THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1865.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22808, 18 February 1936, Page 6

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1865.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO.

It is many months since so little news of interest arrived from England ae that brought by the last mail. Politics, appear to have been entirely put aside for a time, and the attention of all parties absorbed by the ordinary domestic enjoyments of Christmas. This quietude argues well for the prosperity of England. Where there is nothing to apprehend, there is little excitement, and the stream of life runs smoothly and evenly. It is only when difficulties are looming, and troubles putting forth their shadows, that the public mind is excited, and startling events are anticipated. The absence of these foreshadowings therefore is a favorable sign. The commercial crisis appears to have passed away, and the quotations of prices of the English funds indicate that public credit was sound. . . .

There appears to be a lull in European affairs. Rumour seems to intimate that Austria and Prussia are not altogether agreed as to the settlement of the affair of the Duchies, but nothing decisive has been arrived at.

The French papers are urging a general disarmament of the great powers of Europe, a course to which the Emperor is no doubt impelled by the continued deficiency of the revenue compared with the expenditure. Whether the suggestion will be listened to with favor or not is yet problematical. It would unquestionably be a great relief to the heavily taxed millions of Europe, and tend to the development of commerce and industry, if such an arrangement could be carried into effect. . . .

Judging by the silence of the English papers on the affairs of New Zealand at the time of the departure of the mail, they did not appear to occupy any prominent place in the public mind of. England. The news dissipating the idea of an early termination of hostilities had arrived, and it will be seen by our correspondent's letter that it was anticipated one of the first subjects to which Parliament would give its attention on its meeting in the early part of this month would be the Maori war. Itis understood, however, that the British Government have determined to carry hostilities ■ to a successful termination should the Maoris continue to resist; at the same time it is said they are resolved to iinhold Sir George Grey's policy against* the pressure exerted by the Colonial Government.

The New South Wales papers continue to be full of reports of the murderous exploits of Ben Hall and his gang, and other notorious bushrangers.

There was a crowded and brilliant house at the Princess Theatre last evening, when the complimentary benefit offered to Mr Lyeter brought the performances of the Opera Comp'any to a close in Dunedin. ...

. A meeting of the Otago Rifle Association took place last night at the Otago Hotel. Mr Albert Devoir was called to the chair. Mr W. H. Henningham, honorary secretary, read the report, and detailed the reasons why the Association had for nearly two years lain dormant. The principal reason was that notwithstanding the strenuous endeavours of several members it was found to be impossible to obtain a suitable rifle range.

. . . It was unanimously resolved — "That it is desirable to re-organise the Otago Rifle Association, and to procure the enrolling of new members, and it is hereby resolved that all those members who have already paid a subscription shall be entitled to cards of membership from this date," . . .