THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1205, 2 January 1875, Page 11

THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

At the dinner given at Queenstown to the members of the American Scientific Party, an amusing speech v. as repoued by the Lake Wakatip Mail, as follows :—: —

Mr H. Fink (in a very humorous speech, , which elicited much laughter) said that a very pleasing task had fallen to his lot -it was to propose the health of "The Ladies" — but he felt unable to do jubtice to such a noble subject. He was a bashful man ; but, casting that fault aside, he felt himself to be, like the generality of mankind — an admirer of the fair sex. He regretted the absence of the ladies, for our distinguished visitors had come thousands of miles to see not one Venus, but many. — (Laughter.) He felt proud of the honour done Queenstown by the guests of the evening, but he must confess he considered them very ungallant — in fact, very rude - for the disgraceful way they treated Venus. He (Mr Fine) did not know Venus, but "from information received," as the policeman says, he believed her to be a charming creature, uudernge, and with a very large dowry. He was informed that during his absence in Invercargill lately, she honoured this locality with a visit. Professor Peters comes here to attend her levee — stares at her through a very large telescope — perhaps winked for all he knew — while his gallant friend Lieutenant Bass remained a short distance off, ready for the combat if Mr Mara should attempt to interfere with the Professor's "little game." He believid the learned Professor was in lov*- with Venus, aud there were several circumstances which led to that conclusion. Rut, gentlemen (continued the speaker), wLa - . has bt come of Venus ? Theie is the clearest evidence to show she visited the Observatory over which so proudly hangs the stars and stripes — as if to seek its protection — not condescending to smile on our Union Jack. She was seen to enter there, but not one of thousands of observers 3aw her coming out. She remained there, for there was evidence to show that another of the Professor's abettors, Mr Phillipi, took over 200 portraits of her. It is our duty to inquire into these little matters, and see if the learned Professor, wjth his aiders and abettors, has not infringed the laws of this our adopted country; for the law is that no one shall take or carry away a young lady under age, whether she be willing or not, without the consent of her parents or guardians is first had and obtained. Gentlemen, I am anxious to be retained for the prosecution ; the Professor does not require any assistance, for he has no defence. (The speaker then reverted to our local Venuses ; the hits were received with rounds of applause. He concluded the most humorous speech of the evening by asking all to drink to "The Ladies.")

Accounts of some rich finds (says the Lake Wakatip Mail) have reached us from several parts of the district. They are mainly the results of washings up. The escort returns {or January should be very good.