News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Volume 25, Issue 1004, 25 February 1871, Page 14

News of the Week.

The sittings of the Church of England General Synod were concluded on Saturday.

Efforts are being made to establish a gym* nasiam in Auckland.

The name of Mr George Hateiy is gazetted as having been added to the list of authorised surveyors.

The collections made at St. Paul's Church on Wednesday in aid of the Lawrence Churoh Building Fund amounted to Lll 9s 9d.

The railway to Winton was opened for general goods and passenger traffic on Monday week.

Mr Henry Smythies announces that he is a candidate for the representation of Dunedin in the Provincial Council.

We understand that a requisition 1b in coarse of signature to Mr A. ft. Livingston to represent Bell Ward in the City Council.

The Boiling-Down Company formed in Auckland some months ago have commenced operations at their establishment at Ota* huhu.

It was resolved by the Church of England Synod, last week, that the next triennial meeting of the Synod should be held at Wellington.

Acoording to the Auckland papers it was expected that the construction of the Eai para railway would be commenced on Wedday, the 22nd inst.

Mr Miller, F.SA, . made an offer to the City Counoil of Christchnrch the other day to undertake the drainage of the city, but met with a polite snub.

We understand that the final result of the polling for the JWaikaia election was as follows :— Bradshaw, 264 ; Dean, 144 ; majority for Bradshaw, 120. For some time past' efforts have been made to forma Volunteer corps in the Waitahuna district. Some progress has 1 been made, but from the scattered nature of the population, it has not as yet created much enthusiasm.

According to the Waikouaiti Herald a good number ot electors in that district did not record their votes in the late Superintendency election, owing to its taking place in the middle of harvest.

In reply to a deputation -who waited upon him at Oamaru, asking Mm to deliver .an address, Mr Stafford said he imißfc decline to accede to the request, as he had done both in Dunedin and Invercargill, as he intended to deliver hie first address at Timaru.

Mrs Turner, whose 1 husband was lately killed by. an. accident on the Main North Road, begs gratefully to acknowledge the following subscriptions on her behalf : — Col*

footed by Mrs Thomas Collins, L2B ; Mrs Meyer, L 3 : Mrs CrwrshaW, L 7 111 ; and by MrM'Gregor, L 0 3s6d.

We understand that the whole of the bonds, to the amount of LBOOO issued by the City Corporation, and placed in the Melbourne market through. Messrs Bright Bros, and Co., have been successfully sold at pricei varying from LIOO to Lll2 for each LIOO bond.

An amusing instance of journalistic impudence is given by the' Bruce Standard of Saturday last, which gravely complains that the Bruce Herald has appropriated its English telegrams, while its own columns contain no less than 16 " locals," stolen from the Daily Times without acknowledgment.

Mr A. R. Livingston announces that in compliance with the request of a large number of the ratepayers in Bell Ward, he has consented to offer himself aa ft candidate for the representation of that Ward in the City Counoil. The nomination of candidate* for this election is appointed to take plaoe or) Monday next,

The New Zealand Herald says:— "W« understand that Mr Andtey Coote, the Railway Contractor, has been inspecting the pro* posed lines of railways, and after an inter* view with the Defence Minister, haapro* oeeded to Wellington to confer with Hon. Mr Gisborne, as to certain proposals relative to the oarrying oat of the railway works." An Inyeroargill paper states that a requisition is in course of signature to Mr Dillon Bell, requesting him to allow himself to be put in nomination to represent the Waihopai district in the Provincial Council. From re* marks made by Mr 881 l before leaving Tnver* cargill, it is understood that the requisition will be accepted.

An accident which might hive resulted In a serious conflagration occurred at the Otago Hotel about 12 o'clock on. Sunday evening. Ib appears that one of the servantß had left a candle burning in her bedroom, and while she was absent the light had fallen, netting fire to the curtains. Owing, 'however, to the prompt exertions of Mr Court and his friends the fire was speedily extinguished.

We understand that the Water Works Company are now paying dividends to the 31at December last, having arranged the differences with the Government. This is the most speedy settlement which has yet been made with the Government, and we are given to understand that in future pay* ment of the eight per cent, dividend will I>e made by the Company regularly and pone* tually.

The Rev. Basil K. Taylor, Episcopalian minister, Wanganui, attended at the Gaol on Saturday afternoon aad Sunday morning, ard performed Divine service in the Maori language to the Maori prisoners. The chief, Taurua, on behalf of his fellow-prisoners, returned thanks to the rev. gentleman for his kindness in attending at the Gaol so frequently during his short stay in Dunedin »t the Synod.

Baby farmers may take a lesson from the Hokitika gaol, -where a contract has just been accepted for the supply of rations to the inmates. According to thia contract children under two jears of age will be fed at a cost of 2|d per day, or 1* 7J4 per week. Unfortunates sentenced to solitary confine* ment luxuriate in a daily expenditure ot one farthing more than these " helpless innooents."

Special services were held at St. Paul's Church on Sunday, the attendance being so numerous on each occasion that many of the congregation could not obtain seats. The Bishop of Nelson preached ia the morning, and at 3 o'clock a confirmation was held by the Primate, there being forty candidates present. Archdeacon Williams preached in the evening. ' The colleotions tor the day amounted to L 33, which will be distributed ' amongst the poor of St. Paul's parish.

Bef erring to a telegram from Clyde which .*4>pears elsewhere, we find, upon that there is no foundation for the rumour which prevailed in that districton Wednesday to the effect that land upon the run of Messrs M'Laren, Greig, and Co, had been thrown open. The report originated no doubt from the oirenmstance that the lessees of the run in question have recently applied for the 640 acres which they are entitled to claim under the Hundreds Regulation Aot, Amendment Act, 1870.

A public meeting of the Dunedin Abstain* era' Union was held ia 'the' Congregational Hall on Wednesday, the President, Mr J. W. Jago, in the chair. Mr B. Short, of Sydney, spoke at length on various topics concerning the temperance movement. His address, which combined earnestness with humour, was well received. On the motion of the Rev. D. M. Stuart, seconded by Mr A. Ronnie, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Short ' was carried by acclamation. The Society now numbers 75 members, 18 of whom joined at the close of the meeting' last evening. I On Thursday evening, the 16th inst, Captain |Baldwin, Deputy. Sub-Commissioner of the Government Annuities and Life Insurance Department, delivered a lecture, on "Life Assurance," in the School-house, Hampden, Mr P. P. Stoddart was in the chair. Tho lecturer explained the history and principles of Insurance, then pointed out and strongly advo* cated the claims of the Government scheme. The audience appeared considerably interested in the subject;, and at the close of the leoturo ■ a vote of thanks was accorded to Captain Baldwin, which was suitably acknowledged. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting terminated.

Jfejhave, received' from Messrs Barton. Bros., Princes street, copies of photographs taken by them of the five Bishops at present in Dunedin, attending the Church of England Synod. The portraits, which are cabi* net size, are really exoeUent specimens of the photographic art, the artist having succeeded fa obtaining not only a good likeness but a natural and pleasing expression. Considerable taste has also been displayed in the pose of the various sitters. Those who are deflirons of obtaining good likenesses of the heads of the Church of England in New Zealand, should dot fail to inspeot these portraits.

We understand that there is every prospect of a woollen factory being established at Mosgiel, East Taien, before many months have elapsed. Preparations for the erection of the building are already being made, and the machinery is also on its way from Sootland, a portion having been shipped by the Agnes Muir, and the remainder by the Heienslee. , A practical manager and workmen, such as weavers, &c, will also be brought out from Scotland. It is intended to produoe blankets, tweeds, and other woollen fabrics at the factory, and it is to be hoped that the enterprise will meet with the Buccesß it deserves.

In connection with the Vogel-Neilson contract for the new San Francisco service, it is worthy of notice that all the San Francisco papers speak of the subsidy to be given by New Zealand as L 60,000, i c., the subsidy under Line No. 2. The adoption of either of the other two alternative lines by New Zealand seems to be regarded as out of the question. At the same time the line is spoken of as the " Australian steamship service." It is also to be remarked that, according to the Bulletin, the Bill now before the United States Senate is for "a line between San Francisco and ports in Australia."

Although many persons have been greatly inconvenienced, to say the least, by the injury sustained by the English and American mails through the wreck of the Airedale, and their submersion in the water, it seems probable that the matter will be allowedtopasßbyalmost without remark. Complaints are freely made in pi i vate conversation, however, that so little care is taken to preserve the mails from injury in the case of suoh a mishap occurring. It is urged that they should at least be placed in water-proof bags or boxes, if a water-tight compartment is too muoh to expect. Perhaps, however, when Mr Webb's much talked of steamers take up the service, this much needed precaution may be taken.

George O'Brien, stone cutter, who was on the 17th inst. committed for trial at Oamaru by Mr Parker, R.M., on a charge of stealing from John White, at Papakaio, one ten pound note, two five pound notes, and two one pound notes, was received into BLM. Gaol on Tuesday evening. The following prisoner was received into the gaol on Wednesday evening, escorted by Constable Shearer — Jane Wilson,- of Cromwell, sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour, in default of a fine of I 50, for selling spirituous liquors at Cromwell, on the 13th January ult., she not being licensed so Co do. The convioting Magistrate was MrPyke, B.M. There are at present five prisoners awaiting trial at the ensuing criminal sessions of the Supreme Court.

Irish emigrants to America have long been honourably distinguished for the manner in whioh they save up and send money to their friends at home. Irish men and women in New Zealand, we learn from the Freeman, a new paper published at Greymouth, are equally deserving of praise in this respect. " During the year 1870," Bays the journal we have named, " the large sum of L 43.000 was remitted to various parts of Ireland by Irish oolonists, the whole of suoh remittances being in small amounts. Three fourths of the senders were women, and the money so sent was chiefly to assist and support aged parents, and to pay for the passage money, in part or in whole, to bring out brothers and sisters, and even more distant relations." *

Our Biverton correspondent writes, under' date February 18th, as follows :— " The weather (previously so fine) during the past week has been cold and stormy. On Wednesdayand Thursday we had some very heavy squalls, accompanied with lightning, thunder, and hail, such as too often occur at this season of the year. The weather has again moderated, and yesterday (Friday) was fine. I have not yet heard how far the storms extended, but fear that wherever the hail reached much injury would be done to the standing corn. — The new Post Office and Telegraph Station is advancing rapidly. The posts are laid on the line, and we hope soon to be in telegraphic communication with the rest of the colony."

With regard to Australian preserved meat, an English paper says :—": — " One of the importers of Australian cooked meat Bays that since the Ist of January he has received 38,000 cases containing 3,070,865 lbs. of oooked tinned meat, and has not 200 cases on hand. Other importers have had equal success.'* AParislettersays:— "MrPowellis, I believe, a contractor in London. I donetknow him, but yesterday. I dined with a friend who produced from a tin some Australian mutton, which he had bought of Mr Powell before the commencement of the siege. Better I never tasted, and out of gratitude I give the worthy Powell the benefit of a gratis advertisement. If we only had a stock of his meat here, we could defy the Prussians. As it is, I am very much afraid that in a very few weeks William will date hii telejpww to Auguit* koaj fto Tu&rief ."

At the meeting of the SohoorCommlttee "for Dunedin," held last week, it was'reablvedl en account of the great increase of pupils! and the limited extent of sohool accommodation, especially at the Middle District School, that no more scholars be received at the latter school, where there are upwards of 500 on the roll; The subject of the necessity for an additional school is to be brought before the Educational Board immediately. Mr Man* ning was appointed an assistant teacher. There were eight applicants for the situation, the emoluments of which were only LIOO per annum. — a striking example of the reduced remuneration at which indoor employment can now be obtained in Dunedin compared with the rate a few years ago.

We the other day received a leg of mutton from Mr G. F. Reid, aa a speoimen of a trial lot of mutton from 5000 sheep bred by Mr MKellar, preserved at Messrs Herbert and Co.'s establishment, Tapanui, by a process the particulars of which have not been confided to ue. The leg had leen lying in Mr W. C. Young's store for a year, and we found, on boiling a portion of the meat, that it was perfectly fresh and tender, retaining the original animal juices in abundance. There was, however, a peouliar flavour about it whioh might not suit ail palates ; but whether this could be got rid of in cooking we oannot say, as no directions were given us on the point. In all other reapeots, the preserving process had been entirely successful. Grilling the meat gave & similar result to boiling.

A lecture was delivered on Wednesday by Rev. George Sutherland, in the First Church, on the " Influence of Literature." Mr R. A. Lawson occupied the chair. The lecturer sketched the various forms of literature, in oluding theology, science, poetry, newspapers, novels, speeches, &c. He referred to the orators of ancient and modern times, and the effect of their speeches ; to the power wielded by traot societies, newspapers, and able reviews ; to the attractivecharaoterand effect of novels, the great value of histories, and the chief excellencies of some of our modern historians. The poets, and their peculiarities, the writings of the early Fathers, Kef ormere, and subsequent theologians, were also noticed. The lecture closed with a reference to infidel literature. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, and also to the chairman. The lecure wan given at the request of the Young Men's Christian Association. There was a fair attendance.

The pupils and teachers of the Middle District School assembled the other afternoon, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Miss Jane Stuart, who has been appointed to the position of Mistress of the Mornington School. Wo understand that this young lady, who has been engaged in the Middle School as an assistant teacher for a considerable period, has particularly distinguished herself as a thorough disciplinarian, and has in every respect proved herself a most buc> cessful teacher. Mr H alii well, the head master, on behalf of the pupils and assistant teachers, presented Miss Stuart with a very handsome pair of gold earrings as a parting token of esteem, and Mr G. C. Manning, who has been appointed to succeed Miss Stuart, briefly replied on her behalf. It was gratifying to notice the very cordial feeling that evidently exists between the pupils and teachers of the sohooL

We have again to draw the attention of those persons who, having the necessary qualification, have neglected to send in their claim to be placed on the electoral roll of the district in which their property is situated, to the advisability of at once rectifying the omission, as the month of March next is the latest period during which registration can be effected. We are also given to understand that several names have been, aud many more are liable to be, struck off the rolls by the revising officer, on account of their qualification being either incorrectly or insufficiently stated. To those we would say, send in a fresh claim, and see that it contains not only the name of the district, but also the number of the block and section, so that the property may be easily identified by the registration officer. The method ef registration is exceedingly simple, and costs nothing, so that those who, having the necessary qualification, are unable to vote at elections in consequence of their names not being on the rolls, have none but themselves to blame,

A meetr'ng of the Otago Institute took place on Tuesday evening. The Vice-Presi-dent. Mr J. S. Webb, was in the chair, and there was a fair attendance. Mr J. T. Thomson read a paper on a method of utilising the currents of rivers for the purposes of gold-sluicing, town supplies, and mill power. He exhibited a model of his proposed method, explaining the principle upon which it worked. "Notes on Captain Hutton's paper on 'Sinking Funds,'" as published in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, were read by Mr Webb and Mr Wilding. They pointed out that Captain Hutton had made an error in his calculations, and also dissented from his conclusions. " Notes on the Botany of Otago," by Mr Buchanan, were laid on the table. by the chairman. There were shown a piece of schist with veins of quartz running through it, brought from Tuapeka, and two large lumps of antimony ore, estimated to contain over 70 per cent of metal. It was stated that if antimony was found to be of any commercial value, the Thames would easily compete with Otago. Dr Hammond, Mr Graff, and Mr James Wilson were elected members, It was announced that the next ordinary meeting of the Institute would faltf plice cm thQ second. Tqeiday in. Mvah,

k By «r General Government Gazette, published on the 18th inst, we observe that the following gentlemen have been appointed the Counoii of "The University of Netf Zealand" :— Sir George Alfred Arney, Chief Justice, Auckland; the Bight Bey. Dr Croke, Roman Catholic Bishop. Auckland ; Hugh Carleton, Esq., Auokland ; the Hon. Robert Stokes, M.L.C. , Wellington j the Hon. Morgan Stanislaus Grace, M.D., M.L.C., Wellington ; the Hon. William Pitzherbert, Wellington ; the Rev. Thomas Buddie, Wellington ; James Hector, Esq. M D..F.R.5., Wellington; His Honour Oswald Curtis, Nelson ; the Hon. Edward William Stafford, Nelson; the Right Rev. Henry John Chitty Harper, Bishop of Christchurch, Canterbury ; Henry John Tancred, Esq, Canterbury; the Hon. John Barton Arundel Acland, M.L.0., Canterbury ; His Honour William Rolleston, Canterbury ; His Honour Henry Samuel Chapman, Judge, Otago ; His Honour James Macandrew, Otago ; the Hon. Captain Thomas Fraser, M. L.C., Otago ; the Hon. Henry John Miller, M.L.C., Otago ; the Hon. Robert Campbell, M.L.C., Otago ,• the Rev. William Johnston, Ofcago.

The following particulars regarding Mr Branigan's illness are given by the Southern Cross s — "Ever energetic and zealous in the discharge of duties of an uncommonly oner* ous character, constantly moving about the oountry inspecting the various poets and keeping up a condition of vigilance and efficiency, and exposed to all weathers, taxing his mental and. physical capacities beyond human power, it is not surprising that at length he fell a victim to his zeal in the public service. So devoted was he to his duties, that he denied himself the necessary amount of sleep and food ; and, despite what has been aaid by some ill-natured people, he was much esteemed aud respected by the officers and men of the force. About a fortnight ago, Mr Bianigan rode out to Onehunga to meet a detaohment of recruits coming into Auckland, and unfortunately on the road, he sustained a sunstroke, from which he has since suffered most acutely. It was soon apparent to Mr Branigan's meat intimate friends and acquaintances that his reason was shaken, but not until the past day or two was it suspected that his mind was completely overthrown. The kindest efforts were made to re'ieve him from the worry and turmoil of official work, in the hope that he would be restored, but in vain ; and yesterday it was found necessary to place him under the obarge of Dr Aicken."

The General Government steamer Luna sailed for the North at 0 45 p.m. Wednesday, with the Southland and Otago Representative Volunteers, from the Port Chalmers jetty. Previous to her departure, the Otago f?ifle Association prizes, won by Captain Wales, Lieut. Goldie, Colour- Sergeant Douglas, Sergeant Taylor, Gunner Wilson, and Volunteer Christie, were presented to them on the bridge by Mrs Charles Beid, the mother of three of the representatives, at the request of Mr Charles Smith, Clerk to the Provincial Council. A number of ladies and gentlemen were present. Previous to the presentation, Mr Smith made a short address, trusting that the honour of Otago would be brought back by the representatives in the forthcoming Colonial nutchss . Mrs Reid then presented the p 1 izes, with a few appropriate remarks to each winner. The volunteer then gave three hearty cheers for Mrs Reid and the ladies, which were responded to by Mr Smith returning thanks on their behalf. As the Luna was leaving, the crowd assembled on the jetty gave three cheers for the succeas of the representatives, which were responded to. On her proceeding down the ha bour the several vessels at anchor hoisted their buntiag, and salutes were fired. Several of the friends of those on board proceeded with them to the Heads, and returned in the pilot boat. Mvjor and Adjutant Atkinson accompanied the representative volunteers to the Heads, but did not proceed with them as expected to Auckland. He returned to the Port in the pilot boat, with other visitors.

We make the following extracts from a private letter from Wellington :—": — " Of course you have heard all about Branigan. He is actually as mad as a hatter, and eun-stroke has little to do with it. it is said that he exhibited symptoms of insanity long ago, and more recently has had his head shaved. My opinion is that he has been driven out of his senses bj sheer anxiety of mind, He found long ago that he had undertaken a task beyond his powers, mental or physical ; that he could not combine the military and civilian elements in his force as the Ministry wished ; and could not work harmoniously with M'Lean. In fact, in peace time he found himself 'between the devil and the deep sea,' and when a prospeot of war was added to his other troubles— a war in which he knew he would be oalled upon to take a prominent part, while unable to respond to the call— it upaet him altogether. He may recover, bus of course 1 should imagine the Government, audacious as they are, would never dare to put a madman at the head of the colonial forces. A few nights before Branigan was lodged in the Asylum, ho was at Captain Fab-child's house, tolerably rational, when Lieutenant Woods happening to come in, he broke out into a paroxysm, and was with difficulty restrained from doing some outrageous mischief. Several small indications of what was coming have been observed for weeks past, though little heeded at the time. Branigan's star has set, lam afraid, for ever. . . The Swedes went to their location at Maaawatu yesterday. They ara to have I*2<2, rations, tool*, Ac, on t&> defgnred pay- ]

i ment principle. They are a poor}' cllrty. squalid, miserable lot — not one good-looking man orwomanamongthem. They are all sm.au people, and one or two of the men are almost dwarfs, lftheyare a fair specimen of theimmi* grantsfromthenorth of Europe, Iforonedon'6 think muoh of them. I should imagine that they are not over oleanly in their habits, and the style and material of their dress are re* markably similar to what I have seen on the lowest type of Irish immigrants landing- at New York."

We notice from the Southland News of the 15th that the New Zealand Meat Preserving Company at Longbcsh have been under the necessity of instituting criminal proceedings against their tinsmiths. These men had been brought from home under an agreement for a year, which had expired, and it was renewed at the wages of L 3 per week. The men desired more, bat worked until some outsiders were brought in to learn, when they struck and lelt their work. They were tried in luvercargill, and received a month's imprisonment with har.i labour, We learn that since the occurrence the Company have brought in numbers of unskilled labourers who are quickly becoming experts, and will soon become as valuable as the skilled men brought from home. We understand that tinsmith's work is of the simplest character, only requiring dexterity and care ; and we trust that all such attempts as we have recorded to force employers of labour to give way to their employes will be frustrated, as long aa a fair rate of wages is paid. Combinations .such as we have alluded to, if successful, are certain to have a detrimental effect upon the cs f ablishment of many new industries which are now likely to rise in our midst. The New Zealand Meat-preserving Company are aotively engaged at Longbush, Southland, Kakanui, and Titnaru, at each of which places they have a skilled foreman ; and we notice from advertisement that they are open to apprentice young men, not over 21, for one year, to learn the tinsmith business, at all their establishments, which will, no doubt, be responded to by many who may be ambitious of earning good wages.

Considerable amusement was afforded to an unusually large crowd of spectators, at the Mayor's Court, on Saturday, in the owe of laaao v. Macgregor. The oomplainant, a chemist, summoned the defendant, a hotelkeeper, for threatening, amongst other things,' to pound his head into particles as small as the pi Is he sold. The cause of offence, we need hardly say, was the posting on complainant's shop window of a small poster, containing a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, and pledging the mem* bers whose signatures were attached — the defendant's being amongst them — to aupporfc Mr Macandrew during the contest for the Superinteniency. Some of the wit. nesses for the defence said the affair was looked upon merely as a joke, but com* plainant was so apprehensive of danger that for several hours afterwards he would not venture to leave hid shop to get a nobbier unless accompanied by a police* mm. The defendant was fined 5s and costs. When the case was called, the Mayor stated that as he had espoused the cause of one of the candidates, he had deemed it advisable to ask another Magistrate to adjudicate upon the case, and Mr I. N. Watt had consented to act in his place. The Mayor then left the Bench, and Mr Watt took hiaseat. We afterwards received a letter from Mr Macgregor, the defendant, en* closing the sum of L 3 subscribed by "a large number of gentlemen" to defray his legal expenses. Mr Macgregor desired to thank those gentlemen for the disinterested feeling which they had manifested, and requested us to hand the amount to the Secre* tary of the Benevolent Institution,