News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 1476, 28 February 1880, Page 18

New s of th e Week.

His Excellency Sir 'Hercules Robinson and Lady Robinson are now in Dunedin, having arrived at Port Ohalmere on Monday morning in the Hinemoa, and oome on to town at once by train. Hie Excellency and lady are the guests of Mr George M'Lean, M.H.R., and will remain in Dunedin until after the races.

Messrs Grant and Foster, the Lincolnshire delegates, met the sub committee of^ the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association appointed in connection with their visit, on Monday, in order to have a talk over their intended movements. They stated that their time here is very limited, aa they wished to be able to get as far South aa Invercargill previous to the departure, of the San Francisco mail, so that they may have as full a view of the country as possible prior to reporting by it They left Dunedin for Henley by the early train on Tuesday morning, going as far as Clinton, and reaching Invercargill on Wednesday. If time allows they will return to Dunedin, visiting the Edendale Station, the New Zealand Agricultural Company's property at Waimea, Clydevale Station, and Greenfield on the way back. Possibly, however, they may be compelled to return to Christchurch direct from Invercargill, as they intend to start for Home by the mail steamer leaving Auckland on March 30th, and they have some parts of the North Island yet to visit.

The following gentlemen were present at the meeting held in the First Church last week to arrange for the reception of Pastor Chiniquy :— Revs. L. Mackie, L. Moore, J. M. Sutherland (Taieri), E. R. M. Sutherland {Kaikorai), J. N. Huwsell, 0. Orump, J. Ward, and Messrs M. W. Green, Short, D. Wright, Wood, A. 0. Begg. Donald Borrie, Dalgleish, John Gillies. J. P- Miller, W. B. Harlow, S. Frazar, Nicolson, Torrance, Macfie, Adams, Lawson, Mollison.Every, Mulligan, andlnglia. From amongst these a sub-committee has been appointed to carry out the nececsary arrangements, consisting of the Revs. L. Mackie, L. Moore, 0. Orump, J. Ward, and Messrs M, W. Green, B. Shorf-, D. Wright, A. 0. Begg Mulligan, and Inglis. The Ksv. L. Mackie is convener, and Mr Inglis secretary. Pastor Chimquv was announced to be in Ofcapopo on Wednesday night, in Palmerston on Thursday, in Waikouaiti on Friday, and will arrive in Dunedia on Saturday, by the iriddw train. The sub committee above named v>vl meet him at the train, and during the after noon an address will be presented to him in the First Church. He will preach in the Firat Church on Sunday morning, in the Garrison Hall on Sunday evening, and lecture on Monday evening in the First Church. We hear it stated that he will, during his stay in Duuedia, be the guest of the Rev. L. Mackie and of the Rev. L. Moore.

In reference to the complaint made in our columns on laßfc week by a " Working Man," to the effect that the mea employed on the Windsor]- Livingßtone line of railway had been paid no money since December Ist, we have made inquiries at the Public Works Office here, and find that two payments have been made since the date mentioned—one on December 24th, the other on February stbf

The five-mile handicap at the Garrison Hall on Saturday night was won by Newman, W. Drummond being disqualified. In the sevenmile walking match between Claxton and O'Connor, for L 25 and the championship of Otago, O'Connor was victorious, winning by about one lap and a-quarter in 56mfn 32sec.

The Hospital returns up to Saturday last showed thatSthere were patients remaining from the previous week, 120 ; admitted during the week, 28 ; discharged, 18 ; total remaining, 130. The following was the state of H.M. Gaol, Dunedin, ior the week ending 21st February, 1880 :— Awaiting trial, 97 males; Penal servitude, 31 males, 3 females; Hard labour, 48 males, 26 females; Imprisonment, 1 female; Imprisonment (default of bail), 48 males; Imprisonment (remand), 1 male, 1 female; total, 225 males, 31 females. Received during the week, 7 males, 2 females ; Discharged, 6 malea, 3 females.

The Mayor and Cr Green, representing the North-East Valley Borough Council, vißited the Green Island Patent Stone Works on Friday, for the purpose of examining the kerbing and channelling mad 9 there. They reported at the meeting of Council that what they had seen there was superior in appearance to anything in the district, and that the difference in cost between the Green Island kerbing and channelling and what they were laying wass very trifling. It was agreed to ask the borough engineer (Mr Hay) to report upon the suitability of the material before coming to any decision.

A picnic in connection with the Albany street and Union street Schools was held at St. Leonards on Saturday. About a thousand people — including the scholars, their teachers, parents, and friends— left Dunedin at 10.30 a.m. by special train, and returned at 6 o'clock in the evening. Mr Hudson supplied the refreshments, and the day's proceedings were of the customary kind. We must not omit to mention the Industrial Drum and Fife Band, who were in attendance and gave several musical selections. It is intended, we understand, to hold a picnic of the kind annually. Mr Robin, chairman of the Dunedin School Committee, was present on Saturday, and took an aotive part in the day's proceedings. The rain towards the close of the afternoon spoiled the pleasure somewhat, Considering everything, however, and especially seeing that it was the firßt attempt on the part of those who managed the affair, the success was creditable, and no doubt future gatherings will be fondly looked forward to.

At a sitting in Bankruptcy on Monday morning, before Mr Registrar Gordon, Charles King a debtor, was, on the motion of Mr Adams' solicitor, granted an order of discharge ; and in the case of David Baird, a debtor, the deed was declared completely executed, upon the motion of Mr Macgregor, solioitor.

Our Tapanui correspondent writes :—": — " A public meeting held at Swift Creek on the 20th instant, to consider the advisability of taking initiatory steps towards procuring local separation from Tuapeka County, decided to suspend further action in the matter pending fuller information aa to the comparative cost of working a separate county. In the districts converging on Tapanui the feeling is gaining volume that the formation of the proposed new county is the sine qua non to their due development."

Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co. inform us that on Thursday the 19ih at about 12.40 p.m. they put in at the Dunedin Telegraph-office a cable message for London, from there to be repeated to Scotland, to which, on Friday at close upon 1 p.m., they received a reply. The interval waa thus only some 15 minutes over the 24 houra, so that the instance forms an example of very rapid transmission.

In the City Police Court on Monday, Mr Mouat, speaking of Mr Carew, the R*M. at Lawrence, said that there was hardly a magistrate in the Colony against whose judgments there had been so few successful appeals.

The Christchurch Press states that the interprovincial boat-race, which takes place on Friday next in the Estuary, is exciting considerable interest in aquatic circles, as for the first time an Otago crew measures strength with Canterbury on the water of the latter. The weights of the crew of the Otago Rowing Club taking part in the contest with the Canterbury crew are as follow: — G. A. Fenwick (bow), lOafc ; W. S. Roberts (2),103t 6lb; S. Turton (3), Hat 91b j W. G. Aspmall (stroke), list ; A. M'Donald (cox), 53t 9lb. The weights of the Canterbury crew are as follow :-J. O. Jone3 (bow), lOst 61b ; T. Tayler (2), lOat ; J. R. Evans (3), lOst 91b ; L. M. OUivier (stroke), 13-it ; C. Dixon (cox), 6st. The Otago men arrived on Saturday morning, bringing with them a new four oar built by Clasper, and fitted with the < latest improve* ments, including 20 inch sliding - seats, &c. They have taken up their quarters at Sunnier, whera they will practise on the Eatuary.

At the ordinary drill on Monday night of the City Guards Company of Volunteers, prizeß were distributed for regular attendance at drill during the year. After parade the question was put to the Company, of whom there were about 50 on parade, as to how many would be prepared to go to the Easter Review at Cbristchutch, it being explained that the proposed arrangement was the payment of 10a by each man attending, with quarters provided in the immigration barracks. Not one of the Company expressed willingness to attend under this arrangement, so that meantime pfere appears no probability of the Guards being represented at the Review.

A meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Burns Club was held in the Queen's Hotel, Albany street, on the 18th Mr Dixon (lapidary) was invited to the chair, and Mr Golder appointed interim secretary. It was resolved to form the club which will comprise amongst its memders all who aspire to intellectual improvement and moral excellence, whether from the woiks of Burns, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron, Scott, Moore, Swift, LongHlow, Schiller, Goethe, or any other of the poets, or the study of authors in prose or history, or works of any kind that will tend to promote the ends already named. It was resolved to meet during the week for the purpose of appointing officers, &s.

The Riverton correspondent of the Southland Times, writing on the 28th, says:— v A report is current here that the cutter Alarm, from Bluff, is wrecked at Chalky Inlet, West Ooasr. She left the Bluff on a pawawa shell expedition, and was running into Chalky Inlet astern of another Stewart's Island cutter, after dark. The leading boat saw the reef ahead, taoked, and cleared it. The Alarm i 8 supposed not to have been so fortunate, and to have struck on the reef, as she has not been seen Bince. Roderick's ketch Rambler leaves here as soon as the wind permits, for Preservation Inlet, and will likely learn further particulars.'

The Oamaru Mail states that Mr J. H. Pope, who is at present in the North Island, haa received the appointment of Inspector of Native Schools in bo^ib Island*,

The City Council have decided upon retrenchment in the matter of day labour, &c, to the amount of over £2500 annually. Thia is without touching the salaries of heads of departments in any way, these being considered quite low enough in most, if not in ail instances! The " unemployed " labour is also to be stopped, and this has hitherto meant an expense at the rate annually of over LSOOO. Being a speoialty, however, it cannot fairly be reckoned as a permanent saving. The Gas and Water Departments have not been touched, but in all probability, judging by the feeling expressed in the Council on Tuesday, they will be looked into whilst the humour for retrenchment is iv existence.

The superiority of the Greymouth coal over the Newcastle for gas-making purposes has received a striking proof at the Dunedin Gasworks. Mr Genever, the gas engineer, haa been enabled to report that for the 28 days ending February 18th, Greymouth coal being used, the consumption was 60 tons less than during the corresponding period of last year, ■ when Newcastle coal was used ; while the quantity of gas manufactured waa 165,000 cubic feet more. Besides this, the gas from the Grey coal is of two-candle greater illuminating power than that from Newcastle. Members of the City Council, like Cr Gore, who so strongly urged a proper trial being given the Grey coal, are naturally jubilant at this result.

The new Town Hall buildings, with furnishings, are to be insured for L 20.000, and tenders are to be invited from the various insurance companies willing to take the risk. Cr Fish wished the tendering limited to local offices, but the Council refused to agree to this, preferring to adhere to the doctrine of free trade in insurance as in other things.

It may be of some interest to the travelling public to learn that the Commissioner of Rail* ways jEor the Middle Island is making anexa. mination of railway employees to discover to what extent they are affected with, colourblindness. So far, his experiments have proved that about two per cent, of the men are so affected.

The street fountains, which have so long stood at odd corners, monuments of inutility, are to be awakened into life and activity. They are to be altered so that in future water shall flow from them continually, and the cost thereof is to be but L 25. Thirsty souls will bless the Corporation, and strangers will no longer mis* take the fountains for horseposts.

We have received from the Trustees of the Kaitangata Relief Fund their statement of receipts and expenditure, frem which it appears that of the total amount of the fund, L 15.315 1 the sum of L 655 lls 2d is to credit on current account, L 1.4,000 is on deposit, LlO2 was received as interest on deposit account, and L 558 from sundry investments ; LUOO was paid to the Executive Committee, and L 14,200 r«« mains to the credit of the fund.

Mr W. H. Outten, jun., has gone to Christ--' church to represent Dunedin at the forthcoming bicycle contest which is to be held there on Saturday. This is a new description of sport, and is becoming muoh affected by a fewof our athletic yoang]men. Mr Cutten lately won the gold medal presented by Mr Job Wain to the Dunedin Bicycle Club.

Mr Arthur Sketchley opened a series of readings in the Rattray street Odd-Fellows' Hall on Monday night. The_ subjects chosen for Mr Sketchley's introduction to the Dunedin public were "The Tophama at Torquay," " Mra Brown at Ramagate," and " Mrs Brown at the Play." Considering the unpropitious state of the weather the attendance was fair. We must confess that " Mrs Brown " in print is apt to become a trifle thesome, just as she most probably would be in the flesh ; but in the perßOtt of Mr Sketohley, the author of her being, she is one of the most delightful and pleasure giving characters. Certainly, for the time Mr Sketohley keeps os in her company, there is not the slightest disposition to tire of her gossiping, mixed and irrelevant aa a great deal of it may be. The lectarer's manner is charming. He rattlea away in a remarkably free and easy style, bringing out all the peints of the jokes without the semblance of an effort, and doing the fullest justice to " Mrs Brown's " colloquial vernacular. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nighta Mr Sketchley met good houses, and Friday night was announced as an extra night under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor.

Our Cromwell correspondent writes : — " The recent visit of the Hon. Mr Rolleston with Mr M'Kerrow afforded an opportunity to the AtheriEeum Committee to represent to the Government the unsatisfactory financial situa* tion of that body through the vacillating policy of successive Governments in first promising, and even gazetting, an endowment for the Athenaeum, and after unsuccessful efforts to get a title, proposing to now present the block of ground after t it has been made worthless by the graat flood. It appeared that the revenue derivable from the endowment from the date of its first presentation to the time of the flood would have placed the Committee in a Bound financial position, but for want of a title the revenue could not be collected. It is to be hoped that wise counsels [will prevail, and that steps will be taken to redress an undeniable grievance. Other matters of local interest were submitted to the Minister by the Mayor, and replies of a hopeful character were given in each instance."

The Arethusa Dramatic Company opened at the Princess Theatre on Saturday, to a well filled downstairs hou&e. The piece chosen for presentation was the drama of " The Two Orphans." On Monday and Tuesday " Pygmalion and Galatea" was produced, and on Wednesday " The Two Orphans," while for Thursday a big bill in the shape of the "Blue Ribbon of the Turf," under the patronage of his Bxcellenoy the Governor, was announced.

The Fernhill Coal Company's claim in con« nection with the Silveratream Waterworks formed the subject of a report brought before the City Council on Tuesday by the Water Supply Committee. The Company are to be offered a sum ia settlement of the claim, in the event of the non-acceptance of which the matter will go before three assessors in accord, dauce with the provisions of the Public Works Act. The Judge of the Supreme Court is one assessor, Mr R. A. Lawaon is annotated by the Corporation, and Mr Francis Falton by the Company. The sum to be offered by the Corporation as a settlement of the claim is not to be made public in the meantime,

That a reduction in the rate of fares by the cabs does not necessarily mean a losa of revenue to the proprietors is exemplified by the fact that the two cab-ownera who reduced tho rate of fare to Caversham to 3d, took more money last month than during any similar period they have been on the route.

An influentially-attended meeting waß held on Monday afternoon at MeHßrs Reid and Duncans' office, to arrange the {formation " of the Roslyn Tramway Company. A large number dftMMywrofflte taken up, nofc only by uphill reeidento, but by othwa not diwctfy J*.

£ g Men'B Olub on Wednesday. There^ uj attendance of membew. The subject

Two new hotels are now in course, of erection in Rattray street, below the railway station. One is almost opposite the station— a_ little nearer the wharf, and this is to be occupied by Mr Philp, of the Shamrock Hotel. The other is for Mr Joseph Reany, and iß|«ituated below the building erected some time ago by Meßsrs Gregg and Co.

A case was brought at Wedne»day'a Police Oouit against a settler on the Peninsula for allowing his cattle to wander on a district r»ad. Mr Stout appeared for the defence, and succeeded in getting a dismissal on the ground that the Town and Country Police Ordinance, tinder which the case was brought, required it to be proved that the alleged offender was 11 wilfully guilty." The informant, Mr Guildford, clerk of the local Board, said he would bring a fresh action. Afterwards some cases brought from Ravensbourne were dismissed upon the Bame ground. The only way.in which conviction can apparently be obtained under the Ordinance ia when a person is seen to turn out his stock upon the road.

The following were the lowest tenders (referred to the Works Committee for acceptance) received by the City Council on Tuesday for the vai works" specified :-Constructms brick sewer in George street, Ancell and Miller, L 98 5; relaying channel at Howe street, J. -Mills, Ll7 7s 7d; lease of weighbridge at Stuart street, J. Riddock, Lido.

The Marine Department has informed the Harbour Board that the Government cannot Bee ita way to place Cape Saunders Lighthouse Jor to place a light on Shag Point, lhe Board made both theseirequests at the instance of the Harbourmaster a month or two ago. We understand that Mr Thomas Butt, of the firm of Messrs A. and T.Burt, will bring an action against the Grant 's Brae sprop netors claiming damages to the extent of LIOOO, His grounds of action are of < course the same as those ia the oase Mackenzie v. Smith.

A soiree was held in the schoolhouse at St. Leonards on the 25th. There were aboub 100 persons present. Addresses were delivered by SoSmm Salmond, Mr p. Wright, and Mr Stewart Frazer. The gathering was in every way successful. It is the intention of the railway authorities to accede to the request of the Port Chalmers imedeputationiats in the matter of putting on a train at 3.45 p.m. for the convenience of ichoolchildren. They have also acceded to the reaueßt that all trains to the Port shall stop at all stations for which there are passengers. Pastor CWniquy is expected to arrive in Dunedin by the midday train on Saturday, and S be met on the platform by the Reception Committee. The Beaumont School Committee have decided to vote for Messrs Clark, Fergus, and Morrison as members of the Education Board. The Roslyn Church Committee of the Episcopalian body haß at length accepted a tender for building a chuich on the site near Bishops, court some time ago purchased for the purpose -*, very central position for residents m the Roslyn and neighbouring townships and ffiorai dtetrict. Mr Wilkinson, of Nevada, fa the successful tenderer ; Mr H. F. Hardy the architect. The building is to be of wood of very tasteful design, and will be capable of holding about 300 personß. The conclusion of the cricket eeswon seems likely to be enlivened by a " big fixture," as the Otago Crioket Association has been challenged by the Canterbury "Wanderers "team, who offer to pay a visit to Dunedin at Easter, to and play a n™t ca on Saturday and Monday, 27th and 29th March.

In the District Court at Milton on Thursday, before Judge Harvey and a jury of four, the case of Andrew M'Laren v. the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited) wes beard. The claim was for L 144 9j lid, money alleged to have been wrongfully detained by the Bank. Mr Haggitt and Mr Kettle appeared for plaintiff • Mr James Smith and Mr D. Reid for the defendants. The facts of the case were to the following tffect :-In 1869 M'Laren openei an account with the Bank, and in January ,lß76, he had a debit balance of about L6OO. At this date the account was closed and a new account opened, which has always since been ia funds. The old account ran on until May, 1879 when, with accrued interest, M Laren owed the Bank upon it L 720 9s lid Ihe Bank being then anxious to have this indebtedness wiped out, an agreement was entered Into for its liquidation. M'Laren conveyed certain properties to the Bank, paid ru amount in cash, and gave bills extending over nine months for a further amount. This agreement was put in writing', and being faithfully carried out by M'Laren, entitled him to a clean receipt on the oli account. M'Laren shortly afterwards agreed with the Bank to discount approved bills, and bills deposited were duly discounted in accordance with this agreement. About the end of November last, however, after some of his paper had been dishonoured, M'Laren discovered that the Bank had systematically deducted a sum equal to 20 per cent, from the net proceeds of all the bills discounted for him, and had carried these amounts to the credit of tbe old account. The Bank alleged that this was done in pursuauce of an express agreement, which, however, was not in writing, and the existence of which M'Laren denied. The Jury, without leaving the box, found a verdict for tho plaintiff for the full amount claimed. The case created a great deal of interest in Milton, and the banking fraternity were particularly well represented in Court.

Tuesday next (says Saturday's Daily Times) is pay-day on the Hiadon seotion of tbe railway works, aud the " unemployed" will then have to leave in a batch, if not on that very day, at any rate before the end of the week. No agreements or contracts had been entered into wliich would keep any of the men beyond this time, thoße engaged on piecework having cutting to do simply at so much per yard. As showing the hastiness of tbe fctep which has now been decided ©n, it may be mentioned that only within the past week or two a quantity of timber ha? been Bent up for the purpose oE building a school to serve the children of married men employed on tbe works. The school wan to be builb entirely at tho cost of the Government. A large quantity of tools and plant in also on the works, ami some hundredw of pounds,' worth of powdtr in stock. If all ihu hm to be brought back to Dunedin, a very considerable ixpense will be involved, tho country beiug so rough.

A man named William Kennedy was convicted of stealing two shirts from the Benevolent Institution, at the City Police Courb on Wednesday, and sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. Mr R. Qainn, the superintendent of the Institution, intimated that many complaints had been made to him by the inmates regarding the theft of their Bhirts.

The dredging of the " big ditch " is expected to be so far finished— that is, that the sandbank at present being operated upon will bo got through — in three months as to allow vessels drawing 12 feet to come up to our city wharves. A flattering promise of the truth of this result is to be found in the fact that tbe dredge is at present working on much lighter material than ha 3 been the case for some time. During the past fortnight as much spoil has been taken out as in any month previously while work has been going on upon the sandbank referred to.

Mr R. B. MartiD, fche deputy land tax commisnioner, sued 20 persons for unpaid taxes at the Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. AU the claims were settled with one exception. Another batch of summonses are to be issued shortly.

A deputation from tbe men employ ed_ on piecework at Hindon waited on the Minister for Public Works on Wednesday, to represent to him that the sudden cessation of work on small contracts would inflict great hardship on a number of men who had been employed on tbj6 Hindon section of line. Many of the married men had built houses on the supposition that work would be constant, and they would be put to great inconvenience, and in fact absolute suffering, if suddenly deprived of the means of supporting their families. Between 200 and 300 men in all, we understand, have been employed, and these could not at once get work elsewhere, especially now that the harvest is nearly over. Mr Oliver listened patiently to the deputation, and after consultirigjjwith Mr Blair, he consented to_ allow the men who at present have contracts in hand to go on till they have finished the work originally marked out. Employment will be continued to married men resident on the works.

Statements having been repeatedly made that the Ngapara line ought to have been extended through Jessup's Gully towarde Livingstone instead of making the Livingstons branch from near Windsor, a flying survey has been made with the following results. The line to get through Jessup's Gully would have had to rise at a grade of 1 in 50 for two and a;quarter miles, then on the same grade pass through a tunnel a mile and a quarter. loDg; the line would then have to fall on a sharp descending grade for about two miles to crcs* the Awamoko Flat. The cost of the tunnel alone would be a bar to proceeding with such a work, as it would be the second largest tunnel in New Zealand. Our own impression ia that tbe Livingstone line ought not to have been made at all ; but if it was to be made, the present route appears to be the only available one,

It is announced by advertisement published in another column that the Commissioner of Railways has 1 given authority for the doorsof passenger carriages on the Port Chalmers line to be left unlocked on one side. j A serious accident occurred at Port Chalmers on Wednesday morning, by which a young man named Michael Tighe, who was engaged in pulling down an old chimney at tho George Hotel, fell from a scaffold about 14 feet in height jon to a heap of rubble, striking Mb head heavily and breaking one of his nu^er*. He was immediately attended by Dr Drysdale, who, upon examination, decided to bleed him. Later in the day the doctor again visited tbe poor fellow, and decided to have him removed to the Hospital, and so critical was his condi tion that Dr Drysdale deemed it necessary to accompany him to that institution. It is feared the poor fellow haß sustained concussion of the brain.

Caversham is desirous of participating in the benefits of the Silverstream water suprly.

We learn (says the Southland Times) that 3everal good samples of alabaster have been found recently in the limestone quarries above Winton. One of these was sent down a few days ago by Mr M'Donald, of the lime- works. Mr Pirie, chemist, of Winton, who has bad the lump pounded into powder,' pronounces it a very clean good sample, very similar to tho niece sent from the came locality to the Parh Exhibition, and which was valued at about LBO per ton. As yet the mineral has bean found only in isolated pieces. Alabaster U known scientifically as a form of sulphate of lime, and also ot carbonate of lime.

Three publicans were fined by a Home bench of magistrates recently for selling spirits excessively diluted. On behalf of one of thorn it was contended that " the weaker the rum was the better it would be for the public ;" but this line of defence found no favour with the Bench, the Chairman remarking that that might be the argument of Sir Wilfrid Lawson, but it had no effect there.

The following (says a Christohurch dispatch dated the 20th) are the successful candidates for junior University scholarships in the order named': — Jo3eph Christ's College, Christchurch; Louis Cohen, private tuition, Christchurch; Janet Grossman, Girla' High School, Chrißtchurch ; Henry Bache Harvey, Wellington College ; Peter Alexander Lindsay, High School, Duuedin ; Henry Watson, Christ's College, Christchurch ; Henry Tliimas liuchas, Christ's College, Cbristchurch ; Robe rs Francis Irvine, West Christchurch School; Henry Cross, private tuition ; William Hughes Field, Wellington College. The last two were equal. It will be seen that six out of the ten hail from Christchurch. The highest number of marks gained was 2689, and the lowest 1676.

The Dunstan Times learna, on very good authority, "that it is intended to form a Bpecial township settlement on the Poolburn, for the convenience of the workmen to be employed ia the construction of that portion of the Strath-Taitriline of railway. But when that part of the lino will be under construction no bint is as yet given. Accorduag to our Mount Ida contemporary, there is connidei^ able opposition to the further construction of the line on the part of the Dunedin Chamber ef Commerce. It would be well perhaps for the up-country districts to Bee if thera U any foundation for such au assumption, and if s n , to set to work to break down the opposition."

Tenders are invited by the trustees for the purchase of the mining property known as Withers' Rough Ridge Quartz-reefs. Particulars will be found in our advertising columns. The result of the drawing for Cameron's consultation on the Dunedin Cup is published elsewhere. A consultation of £5000 on the Christchurch Great Autumn Handicap is announced. It will probably close on March Oth, and another on the bame event will follow. The Ttiieri County Council are calling 1 for tenders for a number of surfacing contracts. The Taieri County Council aro calling for tenders for various works.

The L. P. W. Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.P., Port Chalmers, are calling for applications for the post of lodge surgeon.

Mr A. Cameron's £5000 consultation on the Christchurch Great Autumn Handicap is announced. 2400 acres of land in the Kurow district and 6200 acres in theWairepa district are now open for selection at 20s per acre. Application must be made on March 23rd, next. An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in tho Homeward-Bound Gold-mining Company is called for Wednesday, 10th March. Ovor 1000 acres are open for agricultural leasing in the Table Hill district. Applications are to be mado to the Warden at Lawrence, on Friday, sth March. On Thursday, 11th March, Mr D. Stronach, at tho Royal Exchange Hotel, will offer by auction the Retreat Station, Hokonui, Southland. The Mataikuna Station, Wairarapa East, Wellington, is to be offered by auction on Wednesday, 24th March. Messrs J. H. Bethuno and Co. are the auctioneers.

Mr G. P. Martin will offer for'sale at Wallacetown, on March Ist, the Oatlands stud flock of Lincoln sheep. The sale of the Middle Park Stud Company's thoroughbred colts, fillies, and brood mares will take place at the Company's Stud Farm, Riccarton, near Christchurch, on April Ist. The auctioneers are Messrs It. Wilkin and Co. The names and pedigrees of the horses to be offered will be found in our advertising columns. A notice in reference to the closing of a road-line in the Seaside Road District will be found elsewhere.

The result of Mr Dodson's consultation on the Dunedin Cup will be found elsewhero, as will also the particulars of a number of " consultations " on the forthcoming Christchurch Great Autumn Handicap. An extraordinary meeting of shareholders in the Main Lode Mining Company (Limited) will be held in the offices of the Company, princes street, on March 18th, at 3 p.m. The South Canterbury Education Board aro inviting applications for the posts of infant mistress of the Teinuka School, and third mistress of the Tiinaru School.

Shareholders in the North Tipporary Gold-mining Company (Limited) are informed that a call of threepence per share will be payable on March 10th.