News of the Week. [FROM THE DAILY TIMES.]

Otago Witness, Issue 806, 11 May 1867, Page 11

News of the Week. [FROM THE DAILY TIMES.]

Mr Geo. Hepburn in his reply to the requisition to resign his seat in the House of Representatives, declines to comply with the request.

It has been officially announced that the Supplementary Catalogue of the Athenaaum Library, which has been much, needed by members, is now ready.

The Rev. Alfred Brunton announces that the Religious Services Intherto conducted in the Provincial Council Hall, on Sunday evenings, will, in future, be held in Farley's Hall.

Ea-ly on Monday morning a woman, named Thompson, attempted suicide by throwing herself oiF the Jetty into the water. She was rescued by some lightermen, and taken to the Police Station by Sergeant Ryan.

The professional career of Mr Beaumont, of Lyster's Opera Troupe, has been brought to an end by the late lamentable accident which occurred to him. A concert on* grand scale was given, at the new Exhibition Building, for his benefit.

Tbe Land Registry Act, 1860, the operation of which was formerly confined to Dunedin, is now, by proclamation of the Governor, made applicable to the whole Province of Otago. The proclamation takes effect from the Ist of June next.

The Australian aboriginal cricketers arenot, after all, to visit England. It appears that the person who undertook the arrangements has been unable to cany them out, and Mr Hayman is about to return with the blacks to their old homes at Lake Wallace. The Postmaster-General has appointed as Postmasters : John McLaren, at Hue Spur ; William Murray, at Maungatua; Robert Johnson, at Palmerston ; John Milne Shearer, at Waikari ; Adam McKenzie, at Long Valley ; and Thomas Tilley, at Portobello.

The weekly meeting of the Band of Hope Society was hekl last weeiv. There was a large attendance. Mr Smith presided, and a number of addresses upon temperance subjects were delivered. The meeting was enlivened by songs and recitations given by the members.

At a meeting of the Oaniaru Eacecourse Working Committee, onTuesday week, it was decided that a new course — a mile and a half or thereabout— should be laid off by the Surveyor, the same to be ploughed, harrowed, and laid down hi Engli&h grass.

The annual encampment of Victorian Volunteers has terminated. It was the most successful that has ever taken place. On the grand review day 3156 men were under arms, including 311 men of the 14th Regiment. The Governor was in camp three days.

The following is the return of the number of prisoners confined in the Dunedin Gaol during the weekended Saturday, 4fch inst. : — Awaiting trial, 6 ; under remand, 1 ; penal servitude, 18 ; hard labor, 48 males, 18 females ; debtors, 8. Total, 81 males, 14 females. Received during the week : 23 males, 4 females. Discharged : 17 males, 1 female.

The Melbourne Argus notices, as an event of importance, the production of the first original tragedy by a Victorian author. The tragedy, " Francesea Vasari," by Mr John Finnamore, was produced at the Theatre Royal, by a company of amateurs and Miss Cleveland. The work is said to be one of much merit, although likely to be more successful in the hands of professional actors, and after curtailment.

The Neio Zealand Advertiser understands that the Inspectors in Bankruptcy, who have recently met in Wellington to report on the Debtors and Creditors Acts, have recommended several material alterations in the regulations at present in existence.

By order of the Governor, it is directed that hi the gaols throughout the Province, each prisoner shall be provided with a bible and prayer-book, approved by the religious denomination to which the prisoner belongs.

The very heavy rain which fell early on Thursday morning, caused a choking of the drains in the lower part of Rattray street, and a consequent flooding. The water entered the cellar of Messrs Heymanson and Lowe, boot and shoe importers ; and we believe it did considerable damage, and that a claim for compensation from the Corporation has been made. A survey was held yesterday afternoon, on behalf of Messrs Heymanson and Lowe, after notice of the intention to hold it had been given to the authorities.

In the Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuursday, the hearing of the charge preferred against Mr Switzer, was proceeded with. A number of witnesses who were not examined at the inquiry were heard, and the case was adjourned until this morning, when it is likely to be disposed of. Mr Fulton sat in the Supreme Courthouse, and the other police cases were brought before him. Isaac Lawson, under remand on suspicion of horse-stealing, was discharged, as the prosecutor did not appear. Robert Parker, an old man, was sent to gaol for a month, for soliciting alms in the street. The remaining cases were not of importance.

In the Resident Magistrate's Court, Port Chalmers, before T. A. Mansford, Esq., on Tuesday, Thomas and William Gearey, two youths, were charged with having wilfully and maliciously set fire to a house at Portobello, on the 2Sth ulto. They were defended by Mr Howorth, and Sergeant Mallard conducted the prosecution. Irom the evidence of James North, it appeared that the two prisoners charged were sons of the late William Gearey, and that the property belonged to him. On the day named, about 11 o'clock, while sitting in his own residence, he observed smoke rising from the roof of the cottage in question, which had been for five days unoccupied, and he immediately went thither, and with the assistance of some neighbors, succeeded putting out the fire before the place was wholly burnt. His reason for supposing that an attempt had been made to set the house on fire was, that when within about sixty yards of it he saw some rope on fire lying near the chimney. The woodwork near the rope was not charred. The prisoners were seen by the witness and his son to ride by at the time the place was on fire, but they never stopped. This statement was confirmed by Bessy Freeman, a Maori woman. A witness, named Gill, said the coir rope had been lying where it was seen about twelve months. Coir rope was often used as a slow match, and would smoulder for a long time. He observed no blaze. Sergeant Mallard arrested the two prisoners while fishing. One of them acknowledged to have noticed the coir rope burning as he passed, but did not think it worth stopping to extinguish it. Mr Howorth, for the defence, urged there was not a particle of evidence tending to criminate the accused ; and that previously to any proceedings being taken, the Coroner should have enquired into the matter. The prisoners were discharged.

The monthly meeting of the Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade was held on Monday evening, at the Engine House, Rattray st. Captain A. C. Rees presided, and there was a good attendance of members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Leave of absence for two months was granted to C. Belnian, and for six weeks to D. Asher. The treasurer's report, which was read and adopted, showed a balance to the credit of the Brigade Fund of L2O 5s lOd; and Members' Fund, L 44 9s lOd. Sundry accounts were passed for payment. A letter was received from the Secretary of the Northern Insurance Company, enclosing LI Is, in return for five tickets of admission to the Fete in aid of the Sick and Accident Fund. Letters were also read from the Brigade at Queeastown, acknowledging with thanks the receipt of a quantity of hose, &c ; and from Clyde, asking for copies of the rules, and information as to the working of the Brigade. The Officers' report stated that at the request of the Mayor of Port Chalmers, similar information had been given to residents of that place interested in the formation of a Fire Brigade. " Old England," a pictorial work, had been purchased out of the Library Fund. Captain Rees stated that he had visited Mr Gilchrist — a member who, at the late fire, caught cold, which resulted in fever — and found that he was recovering. A week's sick pay and medical expenses were granted to Mr Wilson, another member confined to bed through illness induced by exertions at the fire. Messrs Newey and Taggart were elected working members of the Brigade. It was resolved that firemen not in uniform at fires should wear a distinguishing badge, the design for which will be brought up at the next meeting. It was also resolved that a system of regulations should be adopted to avoid imposition by men employed at fires, Those engaged in working the engines will, for the future, receive a ticket for every hour so employed, and the driver of each water cart will receive a similar check for each load. After some business of a formal nature, the meeting terminated. There will be a "practice" on Wednesday evening next, at which a good muster is requested.

Melbourne papers mention that Mr Menzies, Latrobe street, is about to build a newfamily hotel at the corner of Bourke ami William streets, which will be the largest ia the colony, and the finest in Melbourne. Ifc will have a frontage of 132 ft to Bourke street and 96ft to William street. The amount of the accepted tender for its erection is LI 0,000.

The following are Gazetted as the names of the Receivers of Gold Revenue in the Province of Otago, appointed by the Governor : —John R. Borton, of Lawrence ;E. EL Carew, of Hamilton ; B. R. Baird, of Mount Ida ; A. D. Harvey, of St. Bathans ; R. E. Field, of 'Clyde : J. C. Thomson, of Alexandra ; H. Stratford, of Cromwell ; J. INT. Worthington, of Queenstown ; F. G. Dugard, of Maori Point. The Bruce Herald gives the following copy of a petition, which it is anticipated will be numerously signed.—" To His Honor tire Superintendent, and the Honorable the Provincial Council of Otago. The petition o£ the undersigned residents in the districts of" Tokomairiro, Clutha, and Waitahuna, respectfully sheweth — That whereas a deputation waited upon the lats Superintendent to lay before him the injury and injustice which would be done to the district, if leases were granted of Runs 35, 36, and 39. That His Honor promised not to grant a reneAval of these leases, and asked for a statement in writing of the arguments advanced by the Deputation, acopy of which is annexed hereto. That notwithstanding, these leases have been granted, which will be very detrimental to the. prosperity and progress of these districts, and injurious to the public interests generally. That before further complications arise, and any claims for compensation be involved, your Honor and your Honorable House will be graciously pleased to proclaim these Rtumt into Hundreds, and your petitioners, as in. duty bound, will ever pray."

Mr Balfour's plans for a stone gravingdock at Port Chalniers, were submitted to the Dock Trustees, at their meeting yesterday afternoon. A report showing on Tuespassed at the meeting is published elsewhere ; the result being that a deputation is to wait upon the Provincial Treasurer to-day, with respect to an advance of funds. Mr Balfour's plan is for a dock 32Sft. long, 41fti wide on the floor, and 6Sft. wide at the surface level ; the entrance being 50ft. in width, at the gates, and the depth of water on the sill, at low tide, being 13ft. The rise of the tide varies, we believe, from 4ft. Gin. to near 6ft., so that the depth of water for docking purposes, will be from 17ft. 6'in. to 19ft. The central line of the clock will be 354 ft. 6in. to the north-we&t of the jetty, and parallel with it ; and its shore end will be less than 100 ft. from high-water mark. The dock is to be constructed in reclaimed land, the extent of which is proposed to be at least three acres and a-half ; and the facing of the dock is to be of blue-stone, which, of most excellent quality, is procurable from a quarry about 50ft. above waterlevel, and almost over the portion of the bayproposed to be reclaimed. The plans provide for two pumping engines, so that the temporary breaking down of one would not be of consequence ; and the plans also provide for the discharge of the pumped water at a. point 12in. beneath low-water level, and so that it will act as a scour to the line of entrance to the flock. The borings have shown, that the bottom is an excellent one for dock purposes — exceptionally good, in fact. The cost of the whole work, as roughly estimated by Mr Balfour, is Lsb',ooo; it being added that that amount woukl probably prove to be somewhat considerably in excess of the contract price.

The Aitstrctla*lc')i says : "To the gratifying fact that salmon had positively returned from the sea to the Derwent, Aye have now to add that they have returned in large numbers. Salmon 'leaps' are now so common. that the Tasmanian papers have ceased to notice, specially, communications from eyewitnesses of such apjaetising spectacles. Throughout the length and breadth of Tasmania a feeling of intense jubilation prevails over what is undoubtedly by far away the greatest acclimatizing feat ever attempted.'* The Launcextoii Examine? exclaims: — "Let every suitable river in the island now have a supply of oxa ; and let not the rare and ungrudging liberality of Victoria, be forgotten. She assisted with money and men to carry out the ' salmon experiment,* now a realised fact after many failures, and should be the first to share in the advantages which the presence of the king of fishes in Australian waters undoubtedly confers. And what is to be done to 2\lr J. A. Youll, Edward Wilson, and others who freely expended their money and devoted their time; to achieve success ? The care, the patience, the anxiety, the toil Mr Ramsbottom imposed on himself are beyond all praise. Ifc is impossible to overrate the value of the introduction of the salmon." The Robart Town Mercury is equally enthrsiastic : — " Xow seems to be the time then for making' some suitable acknowledgement to the gentlemen to whose indefatigable exertions-, untiring zeal, and scientific skill we owe the discovery of the packing of salmon ova in ice, by which this experiment has been brought to so successful an issue. Of course nobody here want aany thanks. ' Our noble selves' are the last persons in the world to be thought of ra. a case of this kind. We do not forget the labors of others, those of Mr Edward Wilson among the rest, in the earlier parts of tbia experiment. That gentleman, and manyothers, did their utmost to promote its sno* cess, and are entitled to our best thanks.' 1

Letters patent have leen issued by the Governor in favor of Mr Michael Murray, rope manufacturer, Papakura Bridge, Auckland, for "an invention or improvement in machinery in the preparation for use of the fibre of the phorminni tenax, and of other fibrous substances, by means of hackles."

At the Meeting of the General Road Board, on Thursday week, the East Taieri Board gave notice of the intention to levy a rate in that district. Mr Shand objected, on the f round that sufficient public notice had not een given, in the terms of the Ordinance ; and the matter was remitted to the Provincial Solicitor, who has since given this opinion :- "As these irregularities have been committed, I should advase the whole thing being done over again, in accordance with the terms of the " Otago Roads Ordinance, 1865," as the rate, not being " authorised by the Ordinance," could not be recovered under the 39th section.

More evidence has been obtained on the subject of the return of the salmon to their native Tasmanian streams. The Mercury of the 19th instant reports that on two days previously Mr Alderman Crisp and a small party of gentlemen were fishing at the mouth of the Jordan, near the Old Beach, when they observed a fine salmon, weighing about 71b or 81b., disporting itself close in shore. At first they doubted the character of the fish, hut were enabled to obtain a second and full view of it, when they were fully satisfied as to its identity.

The first fruits of Mr P. Hayes's new kerosene manufactory at Footscray, although not yet placed upon the market, have heen realised in the shape of so many gallons of kerosene, nearly white and watery in color, clear as amber, burning well, creating no smoke, except when the lamp is turned up to an absurd height, and with an illuminating power asserted to be ten per cent, more than, that of the best American coal oils. The Melbourne Argus says that there appears to be nothing to wish for in the way of its improvement, and that Mr Hayes may well be congratulated upon his success. The oil dealers of Melbourne are anxious for the new kerosene, which it is understood can — duty or no duty — successfully compete with the imported oils. The only fault seems to be that the works are too small to supply more than a fraction of the quantity consumed in this country, and it is contemplated to form a company, to buy up the existing manufactory and its patent processes and double their size.

There have been frequent robberies lately on the West Coast, hut none of them of a very serious character, except a robbery from a storekeeper at the Big Paddock, near Hokitika. This storekeeper, who is also a gold buyer for the Ba,nk of New Zealand, states, that on a recent night, during his absence from the store, an entry was effected by cutting through the calico of which his place was built, and about L 350 abstracted. The money it appears was placed in the drawer of the gold scales, so that all the

robbers had to do after entering was to help themselves at once to the cash.

On Saturday evening, a party of gentlemen who were driving up from Port Chalmers in a pair-horse buggy, had a narrow escape from very serious injury. The occupants of the buggy were Messrs Mudie, Julius, Hepburn, and J. Mills. Mr Mills was driving. It was an excessively dark night, and the\r were without lights. Some of the party, about a mile on the Dunedin side of the Junction Hotel, got out of the vehicle to walk, and to remove a cart which stood by the road-side — one o{ the numerous impediments by which the road is at present made dangerous. Before they had resumed their seats, the horses got off the road, which it was impossible to distinguish, and, with the buggy, were precipitated right through a strong fence, and down a steep declivity for a distance of thirty or forty feet, until they came in contact with a tree, which effectually prevented their further descent. The buggy was considerably smashed, but, by wonderful good luck, the horses escaped uninjured, and the occupants of the vehicle were also unhurt, although it is seldom that an equal risk has been run in any out of the many accidents which have happened on the same road.

A meeting of the cowfeeders in and about Dunedin, was held on Wedndsday, at M'Cubbin's Hotel. Mr Robertson in the chair. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called to consider whether it was advisable or not to raise the price of milk for the winter months. The dairymen wished t\e public to know that the co3t of feed had been raised, and that they were suffering greatly from losses in calving, &c, and it was for these reasons that the advanced price was considered necessary. On the motion of Mr Marsell, seconded by Mr Aitkenhead, it was unanimously resolved, "That the price of milk be raised from the Ist of June next, from sixpence to eightpence per quart, and that cowfeeders not present, or not represented at this meeting, be requested to maintain the advanced price during the ensuing winter months. " It was also resolved *' That the signatures of those agreeing to the resolution should be obtained, and a meeting held in a fortnight, when the res\ilt will he reported."

The Election of a Member in place of Mr Bryce, who resigned his seat in the General Assembly for Wanganui district, took place on Saturday week. The candidates were Messrs Harrison and Hutchison, the former having before represented the district, and the latter being the editor af the Chronicle. MiHarrison was elected by a majorty of thirtyeight over his ox>ponont.

At Paramatta, New South Wales, lately, JohnNagle, being convicted before the Bench of a petty assault, rushed on the police magistrate and snapped a loaded pistol at him. The cap missed fire, or the magistrate's death was certain. A policeman who arrested the perpetrator of the offence was severely wounded.

Fever has lately been raging fearfully in the island of Mauritius. The following is an extract from a letter received in Adelaide from a member of the Board of Health :—: — " Here we are in a state of demoralisation owing to the epidemic, which continues to spread, and to make an awful number of victims of all classes. The general mortality equals seven times that of ordinary time 3 ; and in ordinary times, as you are aware, our mortality is double that of Adelaide. Quinine, the only remedy for the reigning fever, sells at 5d per grain, or twice the price of pure gold. "

On Sunday afternoon, aMr Wm. Tredor, who resides in Elm How. was sitting on the brow of the hill on the vacant piece of ground in Rattray street, facing the back of the High School, when he saw the end of a box partially concealed in the earth. Upon examination, it was found to contain the body of a female child, which was wrapped up in a pillowcase and covered with, clean straw. Dr Alexander states that, in his opinion, the child had never breathed, and had been horn about five or six days ago.

It is significant of the increasing attention given to floriculture in Dunedin that Mr G. Matthews, gardener and seedsman, has received from London, by the Taiuana, a case of Rhododendrons. The assortment includes about seventy varieties of this beautiful flowering shrub, most of them hardy sorts ; and the introduction of them into the Province will prove a valuable addition to the beauty of its gardens.

On Saturday evening, whilo the Golden Age was on her way up from Port Chalmers, an accident occurred which might easily have proved fatal to the victim of it. A man — who is said to be a sailor, was standing on one of the fore sponsons; and when the steamer was between the islands and Burkes brewery, he lost his balance. Had he also lost his presence of mind, he must have been struck by the paddle-wheel, almost at the same instant as he touched the water. But, finding that he must go overboard, he gave as much of a spring forward as he could, and instantly, and as soon as he had risen to the surface of the water, he swam strongly off, and so escaped contact with the wheel and the siiction of the vessel. Being "at home" in the water, he then floated quietly for a while; and when he was picked up by the boat that was launched from the steamer, he'seemed nothing the worse for his ducking, and his five or six minutes' swim.

The contract by which Mr Andrew M'Kinnon is to build the vessel for the dredging apparatus was signed on Saturday, and the work will be commenced within a fortnight, by which time it is expected that the timber and other necessary material will have been procured. The terms of the contract have already been stated. The vessel is to be built on the reclaimed ground at Port Chalmers, between the bonded store and Messrs Warden and Eastern's iron works ; and all the work under the contract, which includes the construction of the vessel, and the fitting up of the machinery, will be carried out under the sv^erintendeuce of Captain Thomas Robertson.

On Tuesday, His Honor Mr Justice Chapman sat in the Supreme Court for the hearing of petitions under the Debtors and Creditors Acfc. There were, on the list, eight cases for third hearing, four for second hearing, and one for first hearing. The following is the list of insolvents, and the order of the Court in each case : — Third Hearings — George Cockerell : Third hearing adjourned until 24th June. Allan Henderson : There was no appearance of the insolvent, and protection was withdrawn. J. A. Smith : Finn,! order postponed for six months. Samuel Taylor and William Ryan : The final order was postponed for the same period, in each case. James Bergin : Final order adjourned until 24th of June ; the insolvent to communicate with the Inspector of Bankruptcy as to his assets in the meantime. Charles P^owley : Final order of discharge granted. John Blandford : Final order adjourned for six mouths. Second Hearings — Duncan Cameron : The hearing was adjourned until 24th of June, and an order given to amend the schedule, by inserting bills which had been produced at the meeting of creditors. A vesting order was also granted in favor of a trustee, and the insolvent was ordered to appear for re- examination on June 24th. Ann Johnstone, W. H. Foley, and Francis Maguire: In each of these cases, a vesting order m favor of the Inspector was granted, and the hearing was adjourned until June 24th. First Hearing : — Thomas Robins Fryer : A meeting of creditors at the Inspector's office was appointed for the llth inst, and the hearing adjourned until 24th June. — In the case of Wiliiam Cullen Whitehead, Mr Kenyon made application for a final order. The order, he said, had been postponed for three months, and that period would expire in six days from the sitting of the Court. His Honor promised to issue the order in Chambers. — At the conclusion of the cases, His Honor said he was very happy to find so little business before the Court. At the last sitting of the Court, there had only been three new insolvents, and on this occai s on there was only one.

There has been an extension of building operations on the site of the late fire. The foundations for a shop, &c. for Mr G. R" West have been excavated ; and the site has been cleared for the handsome premises which Messrs Herbert, Haynes and Co. have resolved to have built. The contractor, in each case, is Mr E. Horsman. The building for Mr John Logan, of brick with Oamaru' stone dressings, is now beginning to show well. Messrs J. W. Jago and Co. timber merchants, have fully resumed business on their old site.

The Bruce Herald states that the following petition is in course of signature : — "To John Cargill, Esq., Sir—We, the undersigned electors of Tokomairiro, in the county of Brace, very much regret your non-compliance with the late requisition, asking you to resign your seat as our representative in the General Assembly, under the plea that there was not a sufficient number of signatures attached thereto. We trust the number of signatures on the present requisition will remove your excuse, and enable your constituents to choose one in whom they have greater confidence, to represent them in the General Assembly."

A meeting of the City Council held on Wednesday. The business was important. The report of the Finance Committee was brought up ; and letters, from the Bank of Otago, stating that the Corporation account would only be kept open for liquidation ; from the Provincial Secretary, stating that the Government would introduce a Bill for guaranteeing the debentures ; and from the Provincial Treasurer, having reference to the request of the Council for a sum to be placed on the Estimates for the use of the city, having been read, the whole Wire considered together. The members of the Finance Committee gave explanations, with regard to the resolutions passed on the motion of Mr Turner, at the last meeting. The Mayor called the attention of the Council to the sanitary state of the city, and to the danger that would arise from allowing soil and refuse to accumulate in the water channels. It was resolved that two daymen should be employed to clear the channels, and to look after the condition of the streets. A committee was appointed to revise the bye laws, and a letter from the City Surveyor, denying certain charges made against him by Mr Barnes was referred to the Works Committee, to make enquiry into the matter.

In the Port Chalmers Town Council on Tuesday evening, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Matheson, seconded by MiMiller, to apply to the Government for L3O for the completion of the weigh bridge. Letters were read from the Provincial "Secretary, asking for a copy of tie Bye-laws for ratification ; from Messrs Styles and Stubbs requesting a progress payment ; from A. Leak, Secretary to the Fire Brigade, suggesting that application should be made to the Government for a guai - antee of S jjer cent, on Lti,ooo for water supply to the port, It was agreed to recommend the Government to comply with Messrs Styles and Stumble's request ; and it was resolved to convene a public meeting to consider thu question of Water Supply. The Clerk was instructed to transmit a Statement of Revenue and Expenditure. A eom?nittee was appointed to report on the cost of erecting and maintaining three lamps for twelve months. A motion was adopted asking the Government to grant L 25 more on the George street contract, and LI OOO for the extension of the Jetty ; and that throe sections in Block V. , North Harbour and Blueskin, be a reserve for Municipal purposes.

The third annual meeting of the numbers of the Otago Building Society was held on Monday, at the Oddfellows' Hall, George street; Mr E. Howlison in the chair. There were a large number of the members present. The statement of accounts for the year ending March 11th was read. It showed that the amount of siibscriptions received was LI 783, the interest on which amounted to L'29l 2s. The advance made to members was L 241 Cs; and LIOSB 13s 6d had been paid on shares withdrawn. L 235 8s Gd had been forfeited on withdrawals ; and the balance to be divided amounted to LGOO 16s 9d. In submitting the financial statement, the Committee reported that the rate of profits realised since the commencement of the Society was Avithin a fraction of twenty per cent, per annum on the gross amount of subscriptions with compound interest. The report also referred to the present low rate of premium on advances during the past year. In 18(55, this item amounted to LI SOS fls ; in ISGG, to L 415 9s, and this year to L 37 as. This being one of the chief sources of profit to the Society, the profits per share were, for that reason, necessarily lower than the Committee could wish ; but the fact of the premium being so low, was more a matter for congratulation than otherwise. The report also recommended several suggestions for the carrying on the business of the Society with still greater economy, ivhich where adopted. A discussion arose upon a complaint brought by one of the members. The matter had been referred to a Committee to enquire into, and their report was received and declared to be satisfactory. Messrs G. Millar and J. Wallace were elected members of the Committee. Mr Glasgow was appointed Auditor, and Mr R. Howlison was unanimously re-elected President.

An inquest was held at Riverton on the 26th ult., before Mr D. S. Lawlor, R.M., on the body of Purcell M'Lean Oldham. The evidence of witnesses who saw the deceased gentleman sink while bathing in the Jacob's IJiver was taken, and the jury returned a verdict of " Accidentally drowned."